Dear Church Friends,
Who spotted last week’s deliberate (I wish) mistake? The notices should have said it was week 50, not 49. We have nearly gone full circle for the second time. Please could I have some feedback on whether you would like me to continue the notices in the current format after week 52, or whether I should return to the previous style of notices.
2022 is the URC’s Jubilee Year; it will be 50 years old. 50 years of faith, hope and love. A booklet called ‘Celebrate Together’ has been produced for distribution to congregations. There should be one for each family, so please take one when you are next in church.
I should like to welcome David Windle who will commence as our organist and choir director from tomorrow. We look forward to getting to know him and being able to benefit from his wealth of experience of playing the organ over many years.
Some words of encouragement from Brian H Gent
Should today be the tomorrow that concerned you yesterday,
Of all the days that really count, that one should be today.
So think not on the morrow for it has yet to come,
And that imposter, yesterday, is over and is done.
So, if the present troubles you and you have lost your way,
Entrust it to the will of God, and simply kneel and pray.
For one thing that is certain, no matter time nor tide,
There are no circumstances He will ever leave your side.
Our Worship on Sunday 13th March at 10.45am will be led by Stuart Gay
Bible Reading: Psalm 46 Page 471
Our Worship on Sunday 20th March at 10.45am will be led by Andrew Barratt
Our Worship on Sunday 27th March at 10.45am will be led by Rev Janet Calderley
Even though all rules on the wearing of face coverings have been removed, please feel able to continue to wear one if it makes you feel more at ease.
Rev Jim has started the Bible Study Sessions at Marton at 3pm and Bispham at 7pm. Each Thursday until 24th March.
They will reflect on the Global Pandemic in the context of Jesus’ journey to the cross
Rev Janet Calderley’s 6 week course entitled ‘Living on the Breadline’ which focuses on poverty, injustice and discrimination began last week at St. Anne’s URC and will continue on Monday evenings at 7.30pm until 11th April. Each session will last an hour.
Although Churches Together in Ansdell and Fairhaven has not held any activities since the start of the pandemic, Rev Paul Bye at St Paul’s has informed me that St Paul’s will hold two events at which anyone from the local churches who wish to attend would be made most welcome.
NB. This week on Wednesday 16th March at 11.30am, there will be an organ recital at St Paul’s followed by soup. Everyone welcome.
On Good Friday, 15th April at 10am, Rev Paul Bye will lead a 15-20 minute service outside the Fundraising Shop on Woodlands Road.
Leprosy Mission Appeal There are envelopes on the back table for any further donations to the Leprosy Mission. The final date for returning envelopes is Sunday 20th March.
Fairtrade Easter Eggs
Fairtrade Easter Eggs are available from Janet S and once again the church will be donating Easter Eggs to various local children’s charities through sales and donations. The price of an individual milk egg is £4.50 and the dark egg £5.50. Please let Janet know your requirements.
A Table Top Sale with a Bottle Stall will be held at the end of the week on Saturday 19th March 2022 from 10.00am to 1.00pm.
There will be a table top sale in the church hall on Saturday 19th March with proceeds going to the Church. We are looking for donations of bric a brac of anything saleable, as well as bottles for the bottle stall and cakes for the cake stall. Please bring your contributions to coffee morning on Thursday. Volunteers are also required to run the event, so if you are able to help either on the Saturday morning or with any advance preparations, please could you let Jan H know. Refreshments will also be available. Thank you for any donations, they will be most welcome.
There will be a Daffodil Afternoon Tea on Saturday 2nd April from 2pm – 4 pm. Tickets will be on sale shortly.
The Church AGM will be held on Wednesday 30th March at 7pm
Let us pray
We pray for those fighting against or escaping from the attack on Ukraine. We pray for a peaceful resolution before more lives are lost. Comfort those in fear of their lives or those of loved ones left behind. Give them strength to carry on in their quest to retain what is their country. We pray for peace. We remember those in our church family who have their own struggles and are going through difficult times. Be with them always. Sustain them with Your love and give them hope.
In Your name. Amen
Please join me in the Grace.
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
