Dear Friends,
Here is the news for the coming week and the details for the start of Lent. The service is in the Welcome Centre.
A little word
they cast their crowns before the throne, singing, ‘You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.’ Revelation 4.10-11 (NRSV)
Wesley picks up the Casting Crowns image in the final verse of Love Divine. This is where it comes from. It is a vision of heaven with fantastical creatures and dramatic imagery. It is the 24 elders who cast their crowns. Who are they? They represent the Church, and some suggest 12 for the Patriarchs (OT) and 12 for the apostles (NT). Whoever they are, the point is that those who hold the most honoured positions all bow to Jesus the creator of everything. It is a reminder to us all, ordinary people, Presidents and Kings, that everything we do should be about bringing honour to Jesus and all that he has made.
Things to pray for
- Give thanks for everything and everyone made by God’s will.
- For a smooth end to our building work and as we prepare to get going in Church again.
- For those struggling with ill health and coping with bereavement.
Sunday services in the Welcome Centre
9.15am Sunday Gathering
10.30am Holy Communion
2 before Lent
Reading: Luke 8.22-25
CoGs , our children’s provision runs this week.
Refreshments after the service.
7pm Reflective Service
This week we’re going to spend some time dwelling on hope and light.
This Week’s Headlines
Church update
Thanks to everyone who enabled the Baptism in Church to happen last week. You will have seen there is still quite a bit of finishing off to do but hopefully this is our last Sunday in the Welcome Centre.
Date for the diary – Bishop Pete will be joining us on 13 April (Palm Sunday) when we can formally recognise our fresh start!
Café Church on 2 March
Our next Café Church is next week. As we get ready for Lent there will be pancakes! Spread the word.
Lent
Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent. We meet on Wednesday 5 March at 7.30pm for a reflective space with the opportunity for arking with Ashes as a sign of penitence.
Lent Course – this year we are going to watch episodes of The Chosen which is a dramatisation of the Gospel story. There will be opportunity to reflect on what we have seen. There are two choices: Sunday evenings 6-7.30pm in the Welcome Centre with hot drinks and cake or Tuesday Lunchtimes 12.30pm at St Peter’s with soup and a roll.
What’s on? – all in the Welcome Centre
Wednesday 9.30-11am – Stay and Play
Thursday 10am – Holy Communion followed by refreshments and Lunch Club.