Dear Friends,
I hope you have had a good week so far. Here are some things which are happening this week.
A little word
‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life’ John 3:16 (NIV)
This is one of the most famous bits of scripture. A popular verse which many of us may have as a fridge magnet or book mark! I was drawn to the first bit of the verse, ‘For God so loved the world’. It is very easy to think of all the aspects of the world we want to change. We continue to wrestle with questions about why there is so much pain and suffering. Our news headlines are flooded with evil atrocities where we can feel helpless and hopeless. This verse reminds us that despite all of these tensions we have a God who loves his creation deeply. We see in the person of Jesus, a God who is loving, just and sacrificial. A God who restores our hope when we feel helpless and hopeless. That even amidst some of the most painful situations, the reality of his kingdom and the promise of eternal life is for everyone.
Things to pray for
- For those throughout the world who feel helpless or hopeless. May their hope be restored and may they experience the reality of God’s love for them.
- For our PCC as they meet on Monday.
- Give thanks for all those who are motherly figures in our lives.
Sunday services
9.15am Sunday Gathering
10.30am Holy Communion
Mothering Sunday.
Readings: John 3:14-21 & Ephesians 2:1-10.
CoGs: is meeting this week in the Welcome Centre.
Refreshments to follow after the service.
7pm Reflective
this week is a meditation week.
Mothering Sunday
This Sunday is Mothering Sunday! It is a chance to celebrate all those who are mothers, or like mothers, in our lives and thank God for the love and support they provide. During the service their will be an opportunity, for the those who wish, to receive some flowers as a special thankyou for all that you do.
Lent Course 2024
Lent course continues on Tuesdays at 2pm in St Peters and Wednesday evenings at 7:30pm in The Welcome Centre. The course we are following is called ‘Watch and Pray’. you can pick up a daily reflection booklet if you haven’t already got one from the back of church. You can also access the reflections via email sign-up or an app on your phone. The reflections are based of the book by Selina Stone, ‘Tarry Awhile’.
Cursillo Retreat
Cursillo is ‘A movement of the Church providing a method by which Christians are empowered to grow through prayer, study and action and enabled to share God’s love with everyone.’ The Cursillo weekend is held at Wilson Carlile Centre and are led by a team of lay people and clergy, who have all experienced a Cursillo weekend themselves. During the weekend participants (known as Cursillistas) will live, worship and learn together. Talks will be given by the leaders on some of the main areas of Christian life and faith. Also throughout the weekend there are group workshops, times of prayer and quiet reflection. The next weekend will be 10th – 12th May and bookings are now open. A few people from Christ Church have been on a weekend before and I am sure would be happy to talk about their experience. Will Gowers is going to be one of the Spiritual Directors on the weekend and has been a participant a few years ago as well. For more information or to get a booking form speak to Will or Yvonne.
Coming Events
What’s on?
Monday 7:30pm – PCC meeting in the Welcome Centre
Tuesday 1pm – Lent group at St Peters, Elsmere
Tuesday 7:30pm – Youth Club
Wednesday 10am – Stay and Play in the Welcome Centre
Wednesday 7.30pm – Lent group in the Welcome Centre
Thursday 10am – Holy Communion in the Welcome Centre followed by coffee and Lunch Club.
Friday 1pm – Craft and Chat -in the Welcome Centre.