As we approach the 100th anniversary of the end of WW1, there will be no doubt, a great deal of examination of the causes and consequences of that war. One catchphrase often associated with WW1 is "the war to end war" or "the war to end all wars". 

It started out as an optimistic phrase, but as the war wore on, its use tended to become more cynical. Following the Armistice in November 1918, the peace conference in Paris the following year was supposed to ensure that WW1 really was the "war to end all wars". Instead, after it was all over, Field Marshall Archibald Wavell bitterly remarked, "after the 'war to end of war', they seem to have been pretty successful.... at making the 'peace to end all peace'." And history has borne that out. 

One book I saw claims that out of about 3,400 years of recorded history, there has been peace for only 268 years, about 8%. Why is it that no matter how many wars we fight, there always seems to be another one either already going on or about to start? 

Thomas Merton answers this way, "We are not at peace with others because we are not at peace with ourselves, and we are not at peace with ourselves because we are not at peace with God." The Book of James in the Bible puts it like this, "What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?" 

We cannot expect nations to be at peace with each other when their citizens are at war with themselves. In psychological terms, this is a result of projection, where we externalise our own conflicts. So, to end wars, we must first achieve peace within ourselves. 

How do we calm this inner conflict? Jesus said, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace." And the Apostle Paul wrote both, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ," and "The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spririt (eg the Holy Spirit of God) is life and peace." 

May we all know the love of God that brings peace with Him and within ourselves, whatever our circumstances. 

God bless 

Richard 

A new oak door has been installed in the outer entrance to the main porch, and new glass doors with an engraving have replaced the inner porch timber door. This creates a much needed draught lobby, as well as introducing a fine piece of 21st century art to our beautiful building. 

All Saints’ new heating system is installed, and the Church is now beautifully warm for our Services in the cooler months! Come and see for yourself and enjoy being warm at All Saints'. 

 

All Saints’ regularly supports the MK Food Bank, the Tearfund, and Crisis at Christmas. 

 

All Saints’ has an enthusiastic small choir, who lead the singing at Sunday Services. Choir members enjoy joining the Royal School of Church Music for some of their ‘Come and Sing’ events. The Choir is supported by the Village Embertones at Weddings and special Services. For further details please contact Hilary Proud via the Rector. 

 

There is an active band of bell ringers, who ring All Saints’ 6 bells before Services, and also practice on a Tuesday night 7.45 – 9.00pm. New recruits are very welcome. Please see the Bell Ringers’ page on this website, or contact Sheila Watts 07703 279165 for more information. 

 

The Children’s Church meets in the Institute on the 2nd Sunday each month at 11.00am under the leadership of Maddi Forrester and Judith Taylor. See the photographs for some of their activities, and please contact Maddi Forrester, 01234 714903, for more details. 

 

The Homegroup meets on alternate Monday evenings to discuss various aspects of the Christian message. The group includes people from other parishes, and new members are always welcome. Please contact Judith Taylor on 01234 240690 to find out more. 

 

All Saints’ is supported by the Friends’ group (FOAS), who are a registered charity. They work with the Parochial Church Council to preserve and protect the fabric of the Church and Churchyard and to raise funds to assist with improvements to make the building suitable for use by the community for a wide variety of activities. Please see the FOAS page on this website. 

 

It is believed that the building was constructed between 1340-1410. It is in the ‘Decorated Gothic’ style. Work began on the Chancel, with its magnificent east window and progressed through to the building of the tower. During this period, England was at war with France and the Black Death killed thousands of the population resulting in a shortage of skilled masons. This led to wages and prices soaring, which explains why the decoration becomes plainer on the west side of the Church. 

Unusually we have a portrait in brass of Reverend John Morden, who was the priest when the Church was completed. His brass records that he gave two bells, one of which had the inscription ‘In Multis Annis Resonet Campana Joannis’ (John’s bell shall sound for many a year). 

An interesting ‘rumour’, for which there is some corroborative evidence is that the remains of Sir Everard Digby, hung, drawn and quartered for his part in the Gunpowder Plot, lies buried in the Chancel. 

By the mid 19th Century, the Church was in danger of falling down. Very extensive restoration work was undertaken by the Reverend Campbell Hulton - many of his relations and descendants gave generously to the scheme and are commemorated in the mural tablets and windows which are such a dominant feature of the Church interior. Restoration and improvements continue to this day, with the recent addition of cloakroom and kitchen, as we strive to bring the building into the 21st Century. 

 

 

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