Weekly news for 28.1.24

Dear Friends,

It would be lovely if you could join us this Sunday morning as we thank Maureen for her 14 yrs as Parish Administrator and wish her a happy retirement

A little word 

 “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” This saying is true, and it can be trusted. I was the worst sinner of all! 1 Tim 1.15 (CEV)

Today was the day we remember the conversion of St Paul. On the Damascus Road he met Jesus and his life was never the same again. He did a 180 degree turnaround; poacher turned gamekeeper. He never forgot where he had come from, and didn’t try to hide it. His life was a living testament to the healing and transforming power of God.

Our lives and attitudes need to bear witness to that. Nothing and no-one is beyond the reach of God’s saving power.

Things to pray for

  • Give thanks that God still transforms lives today.
  • For Maureen as she retires.
  • For families grieving the loss of loved ones, particularly in tragic circumstances.

Sunday services 

9.15am Sunday Gathering

10.30am Holy Communion

Epiphany 4

Readings: Deut 18.15-20 & Mark 1.21-28

Cogs children’s group meets.

Refreshments to follow.

7pm Reflective

this week is a meditation.

AAW next week

Christingle making during all age on 4 Feb. The reading helps us think about Jesus being the light of the world and how we too can be lights. What better way to help think about this than by making our own Christingles! Come along and make a Christingle and celebrate all that we have to offer in being lights for the world. 

Lent Course 2024 

It only seems like yesterday when we had our Christmas services, however Lent is only just around the corner. This year we are going to be running a lent course on Wednesday evenings at 7:30pm in The Welcome Centre,  starting on Wednesday 14 February with an Ash Wednesday service. The course is called ‘Watch and Pray’ and is inspired by Selina Stone’s book ‘Tarry Awhile’. Justin Welby writes, “Watch and Pray challenges us to seek God in both familiar and unfamiliar places: in darkness and in quiet; in movement and migration; in the healing and transforming work of the Spirit; in the weeping of Holy Week and in the joy of Easter morning.” There are daily reflection booklets for everyone, which you are welcome to take away to use throughout lent; they will contribute to our discussion times on the Wednesday. These are free, however, a suggested donation of £2 would be appreciated from those who can afford it.  You can also access the reflections via email sign-up or an app on your phone.

What’s on?

Wednesday 10am – Stay and Play – in the Welcome Centre.

Wednesday 7.30pm – After 8’s at 225 Nottingham Street

Thursday 10am – Holy Communion in the Welcome Centre followed by coffee and Lunch Club.

Thursday 6.30pm – International Meal in the Welcome Centre.

Friday 1pm – Craft and Chat -in the Welcome Centre