Dear Church Friends,
Hello everyone. Well, we’ve said goodbye to January and hopefully the worst of the winter storms, and welcomed the shortest month of the year. In February, the sun’s trajectory is steeper with the difference between sunrise and sunset increasing by almost 4 minutes per day. In the next two weeks we will gain almost 50 minutes and no doubt the natural world will be also be welcoming the additional light and start awakening from the winter sleep. The flower buds on the hellebores will soon open, the bulbs are pushing their way through the firm soil, increasing numbers of birds are singing throughout the day and we can look forward to the advent of Spring. When walking past the flower beds in the church gardens on Friday, I noticed a small clump of dainty, white snowdrops in flower, along with a few of the crocus bulbs, which were planted in the grass to form a memorial cross several years ago. Many of the daffodils are in bud and it won’t be long before we see some cheery, yellow flowers greeting us once more. No doubt the snowdrops in the grounds of Lytham Hall will soon be looking magnificent and worthy of a visit.
This time last year we heard of the passing of Captain Sir Tom Moore. An inspirational man who raised the hearts of the nation during the first year of Covid with his marvellous attitude. He also raised an incredible amount of money for NHS Charites. His phrase “Tomorrow will be a good day”, kept us optimistic about the future. Little did we know it would be another year before life would return nearer to “normal”. We thank God for the vaccines which have enabled this to happen and look forward to a future when Covid is not something to be feared and get on with living life to the full.
Since compiling this newsletter I have heard that Rosemary Rushton has passed away. She used to attend this church until ill health prevented her from coming. Please remember her family in your prayers.
Even though the wearing of face coverings is no longer mandatory and is a matter of personal choice, we would encourage you to continue to wear a face covering when in the church.
Our Worship on Sunday 6th February at 10.45am will be led by Rev Terry Hudson and will include communion. To make it easier for the stewards to serve you, would you please sit in alternate pews.
Bible Readings: Luke 2: 22 – 40 Page 857 and Malachi 3: 1 – 4 Page 802
Our Worship on Sunday 13th February at 10.45am will be led by Margaret Russell
Our Worship on Sunday 20th February at 10.45am will be led by Richard Golding
Rev Jim Williams will be holding Lent Bible Study Sessions in 3 locations:
Kirkham at 1pm; Marton at 3pm and Bispham at 7pm
Each Thursday from 17th February to 24th March.
They will reflect on the Global Pandemic in the context of Jesus’ journey to the cross.
(1) Healing Presence – Simon’s House, Mark 14; 3-9
(2) Provision – the upper room, Mark 14: 17-25
(3) Isolation – the garden of Gethsemane, Mark 14:32-42
(4) Living with tension – the courtyard, Mark15; 6-15
(5) Anguish – the cross, Mark15: 33-39
(6) Hope – the tomb, Mark 15:42-47.
Any questions ask Jim 07484221809
Anybody can attend any of the sessions.
Good News Bibles At present these are stored in the parlour. Most of these are now surplus to requirements, so if anyone would like one, please ask me.
No doubt you will have heard of the famous lines from “Desiderata” which begin: “ Go placidly amid the noise and haste and remember what peace there is in silence.” Further on there is a passage which says: “Do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.” How many times have you worried about things which might never happen or troubles which may never come your way? I know that in the middle of the night I sometimes worry about the “what ifs.” But this is counter-productive and exhausting. I hope that in future I will think of these lines and be comforted.
Kathleen Gillum sums it up when she wrote:
Take five minutes here and there within a busy day,
Make a special quiet time to meditate and pray.
When we let go and turn to God the spirit is refreshed,
We find that we are comforted, calmed, and soothed and blessed.
Let us pray
Dear Lord,
We remember all the blessings there are in our lives and thank you for them. When we are anxious, You provide comfort. When we face problems, You provide encouragement. When we need a helping hand, Your presence is near, guiding us through the difficult days. Thank You for Your constant love and compassion. You will never let us down. You are our rock and our salvation. In Your name, Amen
Please join me in saying the Grace together.
May the Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Love of God and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and evermore. Amen
God Bless you all
Ruth
