Church Lane Rowsley
(01629) 814462

Letter from the Vicar

Dear Friends

A very Happy New Year to you and I pray that it will be a good one for you and those you love.

Tempted as we are to make a few resolutions (usually around eating and drinking less and taking more exercise - all good of course), they can become a source for feeling early in the New Year guilty that yet again I failed!

Could I suggest though three resolutions for 2023 that are not linked to pounding streets or treadmills. The first is to be kind to yourself. There is so much more emphasis and spotlight on mental health and well-being than ever before, in response to the recognition of what stress, anxiety and self-doubt can do to us. Looking after our selves should not be a lower priority in the great scheme of things, but part of developing resilience, a sense of worth, and to know that we are loved, valued and matter. It might be doing something you enjoy more- going for a walk, a bath, time to read your favourite book, catching up with a friend.

Secondly, to resist desolation. We know there are things going on in the world that worry us and fears and make us sometimes want to crawl under a duvet and not come out. Even in the worst of times we need to look for the shafts of light and specks of hope. Even when it is hard to put into words our thoughts and feelings, there is somebody near who is ready to reach out with a word of encouragement- it may even be you.

In the midst of desolation, God reaches out in love to console, comfort and show us a path that leads us out of the darkness.

Thirdly, to believe in freedom- the freedom to trust, to question, to make decisions that are not about keeping a status quo, to know the freedom to love, be compassionate, generous and recognise where truth and justice renew, heal and bring freedom. Whatever the year holds, may it be one of growth, confidence, positivity, love and self-belief, blessed by God's love for us all and working for the very best within our lives, our community and the world in which we live and interact.

God bless your 2023.

Canon Tony 

Bakewell Rd, Rowsley, DE4 2EB
(01629) 733233
grouseclaretpub.co.uk/

Large roadside pub now named after a fishing fly. Food-orientated, including early morning opening to serve breakfast for the adjoining campsite.

Bakewell Rd, Rowsley, DE4 2EB
(01629) 733518
thepeacockatrowsley.com

Upmarket privately owned small luxury hotel was originally a manor house in the late 1600s and is once again part of the Haddon Estate .This upmarket chic hotel has been awarded three AA rosettes. prides its self with fine dining and normal...