LG Catch Up: Ash Wednesday
Dear All
We have just finished celebrating Christmas and now find ourselves preparing for Easter. We start the path to the Crucifixion with Ash Wednesday next Wednesday the 14th February. This is the official start of Lent and from this date our church will remain bear for the period leading up to Easter. Flowers will be removed, the curtain behind the Altar will be drawn and all ornamentation will be removed . Our Altar colour will be changed to Pupil and remain so until Easter. Traditionally the palm crosses from last Easter would be burnt and the ashes used to make the sign of the cross on the foreheads of the congregation on this important day. It’s not compulsory so don’t be put off coming! We are holding an Ash Wednesday Communion service at 7pm on the 14th . This will be a shortened service lasting around 40 minutes. Please do come and join us. I will again put up the lanterns to guide you to St John’s.
LAST SUNDAY AND SUNDAY CLUB.
We enjoyed a lovely Service last Sunday with the Sunday Club children . It is a real joy to have the children with us and our thanks again go to Helen, Vicky and Sally for all they have done and are doing to make this important part of our church life so successful. Thanks to Tom’s Dad, Chris for leading us and to Diana Kennedy who played the organ for us. Like Nigel, Diana does not charge for her services and treats this as her contribution. How lucky are.
ALL AGE SERVICE 4PM.
This coming Sunday we have the All Age Service for all at 4pm. In my last catch Up I did mention that Tom is looking to tweek this service and would welcome suggestions and requests. We thought it would be a good idea to use this coming service to discuss ideas and requests. So do please help us and come to the service on Sunday. I know that over the last few years many of you have enjoyed the relaxed nature of the service and we definitely want to retain that aspect.
STONEWORK REPAIRS.
I also mentioned last time , that we are going to replace the two damaged stones at the Lychgate and in the main door arch. I am pleased to tell you that having now received Diocesan approval, I have instructed our Stone Masons to carry out the work as soon as possible.
SNOW DROP TRAIL. STUBBINGS.
The Snowdrop Trail is on Saturday 17th February and at St James the Less Stubbings. This year we are opening from (am through to 4 pm , serving, Coffees, until 10.30 Sandwiches from 11 am to 1.30 and then afternoon Cream Tea from 2pm.
OUR VALUED VOLUNTEERS .
Jenny and I just want to mention those who make up a wonderful band of helpers , without who, we would not be able to provide you with such a warm and welcoming church.
Our Band of helpers making coffee each week, oh and providing the biscuits. Sylvia, Pat, Joleen Rowena and Mike, Jean and Ann and Mark and Lisa who sometimes look after the All Age service refreshments.
Rowena Upcott who has taken on most of the cleaning duties....she finds the peace and music so relaxing!
Our Readers who Read the Lesson, Intercessors preparing the prayers for services and sides people who are there to welcome you.
To Nigel who plays for us .
To Sandra who now looks after the dressing of the Altar and provides so much help and support to me.
To the many supporters who willingly respond to my various requests for financial help.
To Keith Robinson who steps in to open and close the church when I am away.
As you can see, we do have a loyal band of helpers but could do with others to join them. If you think you too could support us with an hour or two every so often or would like to Read a Lesson or join Sandra, Myself, Liz and others as Sides People, let me know. Every job is a request not an obligation so there is no commitment .You would only have to take on a role if you were free that day.
Finally, Looking around the churchyard today I see signs of Spring as many of the snow drops are popping their heads above ground.
That’s it for now,
God Bless.
Richard.