Dear Friends
A few changes and updates are happening soon when we hit Lent.
Do remember to check in to our facebook page or the website regularly for updates.
A little word
be at peace with each other. Mark 9.50
I reflected on those words this morning. They were in the gospel reading set for Holy Communion. As I had my breakfast this morning the radio told of how the rumours of war in Ukraine had turned to reality. Jesus is primarily talking to the disciples about how they must get on and not be overly suspicious of others. He comes as the Prince of Peace and calls peacemakers blessed. If we follow him, peace-making and unity should be in our DNA. The call to live in peace comes often in the New Testament (Rom 12.18, Cor 13.11, 1 Thes 5.13, Heb 12.14).
It is a challenge in our personal lives and relationships, but we cannot ignore it when it comes to nations and how we seek international justice. I don’t know quite how it can be applied on the world stage, not least because you cannot force peace on someone. But we must never stop calling for it, modelling it, and praying for it.
Things to pray for
- Give thanks for the joy of living in a country free from war.
- for the people of Ukraine and all who are working for peace
- farmers across the world at the mercy of price fluctuating markets
Services
In-Church worship Sunday at 10am. Holy Communion with CoGs group for children.
Hold on.
Face coverings please and be especially conscious of how some people will still want to be cautious.
Sorry, no live-stream this week.
This week’s readings are: Hebrews 10.19-25
7.30pm on Wednesday
Holy Communion and Ashing at the start of Lent
10am on Thursday
Holy Communion in Church
What is our purpose? – last week, have you participated?
For this month we are asking some big questions. Why are we here? And for whom? What are we all about? What does love look like here?
Our Sunday talks will hopefully get our minds thinking along these lines. There is also a sheet with the following five questions.
- What is ‘Church’ for? Why are we here?
- Who is ‘Church’ for? For whom are we here?
- What might that look like in our setting?
- What is different about this now than say 5yrs ago?
- How can we engage others in this conversation?
Take a sheet and respond. You might well value doing it with someone to spark thoughts off each other. Pop it in the box when you are done.
Masks & refreshments
From Sunday 6 March we will be serving refreshments at the end of the service. Masks will no longer be required but some will still feel more comfortable wearing one. It’s your choice.
Live Lent
During Lent we will be encouraging you to join us in a daily reading, reflection, and prayer around the theme of justice. There is a little booklet for everyone with all the material you need. Please pick one up. We want everyone to join in. If you want to cover the cost, they are £1.50 each but that is entirely voluntary.
You can download it as an app for your iOS or android smartphone. Search ‘livelent’ in your app store.
Ash Wednesday Service, 2 March at 7.30pm.
On Sunday evenings (starting 6/3) there will be a reflective space to introduce the weekly theme. We will gather from 6.30pm for a cuppa and start promptly at 7pm for 30-45mins.
Fairtrade fortnight
Why not try swapping a product for a Fairtrade version? Look for the logo and give farmers a fair price and a future.
Earlier news
Previous editions of this news update are on the website if you can’t find it in your in-box.