Dates for your diary 2nd The Presentation of the Lord 10.30am Holy Communion at St. John’s. 6th Thursday 10.30am Holy Communion at St. John’s. 9th Fifth Sunday after Epiphany 10.30am Holy Communion at St. John’s. 4pm Evensong. 13th Thursday 10.30am Holy Communion at St. John’s. 16th Sixth Sunday after Epiphany 10.30am Holy Communion at St. John’s. 20th Thursday 10.30am Holy Communion at St. John’s. 23rd Sunday before Lent 10.30am Holy Communion at St. John’s. 26th Ash Wednesday 10.30am Holy Communion at St. John’s.

Richard Gillings 01479 831365

Jenny Jones 01540 673532 Alison Hart 01479 841614

Tony Sparham 01479 481151 Ian Sykes 01479 870394

February 2020 It makes you think ….. Lately, it seems there is suffering or crisis of some kind wherever we turn. We hear of wars, political unrest, natural disasters and the climate crisis. We see division and hate across political and ethnic borders in the UK, and tensions in the Middle East seem to be growing all the time. Lamenting, or grief, is not an end in itself, but a step towards hope. Many of the Psalms are prayers of lament … here is a modern psalm of lament, written by a Christian in the Middle East. Maybe Lent is an opportunity for us to bring our lament to God for this broken world. O Christ, you know how it feels to be led into the wilderness. You who have known hunger and thirst, Remember now the dry and desert places of our world. In the wilderness of political strife, Do a new thing, O Lord. Among the disenfranchised and the disregarded, Extend your invitation to belong with you, O King. Where churches are being closed down, Make a way for your people, dear Christ. For Christians facing clashes with Muslim neighbours, Cause waters of friendship to flow, dear Jesus.

May those who face instability and loss of homes, Find in you their safe and secure abode, O King. Amid many goodbyes, connections made and then lost, Be a cup of water to the grieving, our Spring of Life.

United in longing, our hearts cry out to you, That artesian wells of your Spirit might open up And that waters of Life would flood These parched places. Make a way in the wilderness! Give drink to your people!

We have waited so long for your Life to come. Do a new thing, O Lord. (from the Church Mission Society magazine)

********** Words of wisdom? …. A suggested prayer for all preachers: Lord, fill my mouth with worthwhile stuff and nudge me when I’ve said enough. Some minds are like concrete, thoroughly mixed up and permanently set. J. John Are you 45 and getting nowhere? Why not consider the Christian ministry? (Advert in United Reform Church) ‘Vicar,’ beamed the old lady appreciatively, ‘we didn’t know what sin was until you came to this parish.’

9th February 4pm Evensong

Please come and bring your friends.

26th February Ash Wednesday 10.30am St John's

12 noon (and shared lunch) and 7pm St Columba's No service at St. John’s on Thursday 27th.

AGM Minutes

A copy of the Minutes is now at the back of the church. Here are some of the Church Officers who were elected.

Lay Representative: Deborah Munday. Alternative Lay Representative: Angus Munday.

People’s Warden: Jan Goodall. Priest’s Warden: Sarah Mackay (appointed by Richard Gillings)

Officer for the Protection of Vulnerable Groups: Angus Munday. Data Protection Officer: Jennifer Jones.

Vestry members: Janet Benson, Andrew Buxton, Kathryn Gillings, Jan Goodall, Sarah Mackay, Deborah and Angus Munday.

External examiner: Richard Green.