Monday 6th February 2024

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and     we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.    1 Corinthians 12:12-14 

On Sunday we enjoyed two vibrant services.  Dinos Horattides preached at 9am on Colossians 1 about our unity in Jesus, and our All Age Worship at 10.30am I spoke about the importance of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12) and encouraged everyone to step into what God is calling them to, as we journey through the coming months. 

Tonight (Tuesday) is our monthly Prayer Gathering at 8pm.  This is a vital time to come together to pray for the life and ministry of our church – come if you can. 

On Sunday we conducted interviews for a Youth Pastor.  I am delighted to tell you that subject to the usual checks Stephen Turner, our Worship Pastor has been appointed to this additional role.  Stephen will work full time and undertake both roles on a part time basis.  This is a similar arrangement to Caroline Newbold who has been our acting Youth Pastor as well as service leading and preaching. We are currently working out the practical details but hope that Stephen will be able to start work soon. 

As well as next week being half term for many, it is also the start of Lent and we will mark that on Ash Wednesday (14th February) with services of Holy Communion at 10am and 8pm.  At both services there will be a liturgy of repentance with the opportunity to be marked on your forehead with ash. 

In the season of Lent one way of making a particular effort to draw closer to God is by using a Lent book - there are a selection to borrow on our church book trolley, why not take a look this Sunday?

Have a good week.

Steve