Dear Friends
Hopefully this is our last week before we can go back to Christ Church.
Do try to attend the Big Question sessions in the coming week.
We are currently juggling quite a few things around so do remember to check in to our facebook page or the website regularly for updates.
A little word
As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he got up and followed him. And as he sat at dinner in the house, many tax-collectors and sinners came and were sitting with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax-collectors and sinners?’ But when he heard this, he said, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.’ Matthew 9.9-13
The call of St Matthew, it was his day this week, is quite instructive. Essentially no-one was off limits for Jesus. Drug addicts, sex workers, homeless, migrants, asylum-seekers, and tax-collectors all are invited to come and eat and see. As we work through our call and vision as a church it is helpful background.
Things to pray for
- Give thanks for the knowledge that Jesus invites everyone, even me & you.
- For our new government, as they tackle multiple areas of urgent attention.
- For all who seek freedom from overbearing and oppressive regimes.
Services
Holy Communion on Sunday at 10am, meeting at Abbeyfield House with CoGs group.
This week’s readings are: Luke 16.19-31
Refreshments to follow.
We are planning to be back in Christ Church for Sunday 2 Oct but it is not signed-off yet. We will confirm asap. It is usable but clearly not pristine! We will have to live with a few compromises until the permanent restoration phase is done next year.
Sunday at 6pm.
No reflective services in September
10am on Thursday
Holy Communion will continue at Pitsmoor Methodist Church (corner of Christ Church Road and Burngreave Rd) followed by coffee. Lunch Club has restarted, roll up from 11.30 if you haven’t come earlier.
Autumn Confirmation
There is a Deanery Confirmation service pencilled in for 6 November for us to host. If you are interested in finding out more please let Pip or Sara know asap.
Big questions and 5-Marks follow-up
We are following up on our thinking over the last few months with a couple of meetings in September.
The first session will focus around our Church life and how we are interacting (or not) with the Five Marks. Are there areas we need to address? Is something missing altogether? Have we got a balanced approach? Do we need to change or start something new?
The second session will focus on our worshipping life. What is good? What not so? Have we got times and days, right? Do we have enough variety? What will people come to?
There are two opportunities for each session, but you only need to come once. Venues will be confirmed but note the times and dates in your diary now.
Session 1 (5 Marks)
Thurs 22/9 at 7.30pm at Abbeyfield House (Rear Rm)
or
Sat 24/9 at 10am at Abbeyfield House (Main Rm)
Session 2 (Worship)
Sunday 25/9 at 4pm at the Vicarage
or
Thurs 29/9 at 7.30pm at Abbeyfield House (Main Rm)
CCP Churchyard Autumn Clear-up
Autumn leaves, the smell of rich earth, laughter, and hot drinks! You are warmly invited to such on Friday 7th or Saturday 8th of October Starting at 10.00, finishing 12.00.
Please sign up for the day you can come and ‘bag’ any of the jobs on the to-do list. The list will be on display in Church, or I can email it to you if you prefer. If you can’t make the days, you are welcome to bag a job, and do it whenever you can – thanks!
Also, please bring your own tools – including gloves and any large pots – it would be great to dig up our saplings and pass them onto tree planting initiatives.
Church family news
David Middleton died peacefully surrounded by his family. Please remember Josie in your prayers. His funeral is planned for 2pm on Tuesday 4 October in Christ Church.
A message from Deacon Dave
You are all invited to celebrate my free bus pass on Saturday 24th September at St. Cuthberts Church, Barnsley Road, Sheffield. 6pm to 10.30. Please bring finger food to share, drinks, dancing shoes and musical instruments. There will be a DJ and an open mic.
Keeping up
The church building (including the Welcome Centre) is closed and must not be accessed without permission. There are now people working on site which is encouraging.
We will confirm asap exactly when we can use it but are still aiming for Sunday 2 October.
Reminders of contact details:
Maureen is off sick for the rest of the month, please pray for her.
Pip (for everything else!). vicar@pitsmoor.church, 07799944436.
Earlier news
Previous editions of this news update are on the website if you can’t find it in your in-box.