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Worship
A full pattern of worship has been maintained throughout the year with two services every Sunday plus additional one for all feasts and festivals. Attendance has been maintained, with excellent attendance at both Christmas Eve services and that on Christmas morning.
All Morning services are now 10am. That on the first Sunday of the month bring together all the parishes on the Upper Nar Group for Holy Communion.
Towards the end of the year a shorter service designed for younger people was introduced on third Sundays. This needs more family support and it's continuation is to be reviewed after a trial period. The Boys choir has fluctuated in numbers, but currently has several promising members.

Finances and Fund Raising
Income has modestly exceeded general expenditure for the year, enabling an additional payment towards the Parish Share. Although we have been unable to pay this in full for several years, we continue to contribute all we can, with the target of returning to full payment.
As always, we depend on a combination of regular giving, under the Gift Aid scheme wherever possible, and special fundraising events. These have contributed a substantial amount this year.

The Church Building
No major restoration works are in hand at present, enabling us to carry out the more minor running repairs always needed on a 500 year old building. Several improvements have been made to the furnishings, including new pew cushions and a new wine red carpet to the central aisle. Carpet has been removed from the sanctuary, thus restoring the dignity of the earlier stone and wood floors. Consideration was given during the year to a new lighting system, but this is beyond our means at present.

The Churchyard
The extension to the Churchyard came just in time, a number of burials already having taken place in the new section. We remain grateful to the Parish Council and County Services for their effective maintenance of the Churchyard.

The Ministry and Benefice Reorganisation
The major consideration at present is the imminent retirement of the Revd. Boston. This, together with the retirement of Revd. Cole, has led to a reorganisation of the benefices in this part of Norfolk. There is to be a further reduction in the number of priests in the Deanery. Litcham and the Upper Nar Group of Parishes will be joined by other surrounding parishes, increasing the existing seven up to as many as eleven. This will put greater demands upon new incumbents now to be recruited. The Wardens and the Church Council of all the parishes likely to be affected are currently discussing with the Diocese how all this may best be arranged. Whatever happens we are very glad that Jonathan Boston is to remain in the village where he has established so many connections and made so many friends.

It may safely be assumed the the very well supported and long running publication of "Church and Village" is likely to further extend its scope and circulation.

Richard Vogt, Church Warden

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