Dear Church Friends,
How are you this week? January has almost finished and we will soon move into the shortest month of the year. Surely Spring can’t be too far away! We had a rare visitor in our garden on Monday. A sparrow hawk was positioned on the roof of next door’s garage eyeing up a little bird in the relatively bare shrubbery in our garden. When the little bird moved so did the sparrow hawk, trying to head it off. Fortunately, the small bird must have been aware of the danger as it changed its route and remained safely hidden behind the shrubs which were too thick for a bird of prey to penetrate. The hawk landed in the apple tree and sat there for a few minutes before deciding to give up and fly away. Problem averted for the little bird. Life in the natural world is becoming more apparent. Whilst playing golf on Wednesday, John heard the sound of woodpeckers drilling. Many more birds have resumed singing and the garden bird feeders are well used. Once again Winterwatch has shown us the continuing variety and ways in which nature copes during the winter months. We may not venture out as much as at other times of the year, but whenever we do, we can find the restorative properties and peace of the natural world. We thank God for all that we see in nature.
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 30th January at 10.45am will be led by Rev Jim Williams
Bible Readings: Luke 12: 16 – 21 Page 871 and Matthew 19: verse 21 Page 824
Our Worship on Sunday 6th February at 10.45am will be led by Rev Terry Hudson and will include communion.
Our Worship on Sunday 13th February at 10.45am will be led by Margaret Russell
Church Meeting on Sunday 30th Jan.
The church meeting will be held immediately after worship and coffee will be served in the Hall following the meeting.
An Invitation from Linda Lunn
The Parkinson’s Society are meeting in the Dawson Hall on Tuesday 1st February at 2 pm. There will be a piano accordionist and if any of the congregation would like to attend, you would be very welcome – £2 at the door inc refreshments.
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.
Some lines published in a church magazine many years ago.
Good morning, God, and thank you for the glory of the sun,
And thank you for the health I have to get my duty done.
I shall pursue my daily art, without complaint or fear
And spend my every effort to be friendly and sincere.
I know there have been many days that I have whiled away,
But this is one that I will try to make Your special day.
Encouraging Thoughts from Marion Cleworth
I’ll cherish the here and now, not worry way ahead,
But delight in each new moment of this day instead.
I won’t scan the far horizon searching for the rain,
But enjoy the present sunny skies, then I will surely gain
Strength from being happy, joy from being glad,
To cheer me like a sunbeam if I feel down or sad.
I’ll leave to God the future, trust Him all the way,
And thank Him for each precious hour He’s given me this day!
Let us pray
Dear Lord,
We pray for the family of Penny Riley as they gather to say goodbye to her at her funeral next Friday. Pour out Your mercy, grace and powerful love upon all who grieve and give them Your comfort. We pray for those in our congregation who are unwell at home or in hospital and those waiting the results of tests. Reassure them of Your love and presence, knowing that You are always with them. As we move into personal choice about wearing face coverings, we remember those who have been seriously affected by Coronavirus, especially those with long Covid. We pray that You will comfort them and sustain them through their recuperation. Thank you for Your love and grace. Be our rock today. 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
