There are to be no church services at St. Mark's from now until August 27th, but there's no need to go without spiritual guidance. All the new web-based technology (such as media players and mp3s) has led to a number of churches putting their sermons on the internet. The best examples are given below (including some sermons by John Ortberg).
Please note, all the church sites listed below are based in the US.
'MPPC Family' Sermons
'Peach Trees' Sermons
'South East Christian' Sermons
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Encounters on the Edge - the rural church today
For those interested in the problems of contemporary rural mission, the Church Army recently produced a very helpful edition of 'Encounters on the Edge' that includes a summary of the situation facing the rural church (by George Lings). Issue number 27 (click here for further details) includes some very helpful reflections on patterns of services in rural multi-parish benefices.
He refers to the lessons we can learn from the Methodist Church who reduced the number of services offered in their smaller rural chapels in the hope that people would travel to a nearby chapel where regular worship was considered sustainable. He notes: "The policy became to close small local chapels and ask people to come together to form critical mass or joinable churches. Conversations I had with Methodist leaders tell me one third of the people simply stopped going anywhere, one third stayed local but transferred (usually to the Anglicans) and only one third complied."
Turning to the practice in the Church of England, he writes: "Many services became no longer weekly but monthly, creating a context which demanded esoteric knowledge to find them, discouraged that favoured Anglican bird of passage, the casual attender, and created patterns of irregular attendance as an unwelcome norm in spirituality."
He also adds that "it is better to provide simple but sustainable weekly lay-led services of the word, with Eucharist less frequently, than to operate with the priest as a whirling dervish Eucharistic machine, flying around the benefice, parachuting in for the magic words, splitting the integrity of word and sacrament and unable to build pastoral contacts."
Some thought-provoking remarks there and something, perhaps, for browsers from other rural parishes to pursue further. The suggestion of 'lay-led services' is particularly fascinating and apposite in these days of priest shortages.
Here at the small church of St Mark's in Flecknoe, faced with just such a shortage, we have already taken the difficult decision to 'close' in terms of regular services and only offer the four major services of Easter Sunday, Harvest Festival, the annual Carol Service and, of course, Christmas Day itself. It does mean that the 'casual attender' referred to above is going to be discouraged. But in a tiny rural community like ours, even the casual attender is practically extinct. And in the age of the car, worshippers are not worried by the idea of travelling a few extra miles to larger and more lively churches. It is our hope, naturally, that they will continue to worship in the absence of regular services here at St Mark's and not leave the Church altogether ...
He refers to the lessons we can learn from the Methodist Church who reduced the number of services offered in their smaller rural chapels in the hope that people would travel to a nearby chapel where regular worship was considered sustainable. He notes: "The policy became to close small local chapels and ask people to come together to form critical mass or joinable churches. Conversations I had with Methodist leaders tell me one third of the people simply stopped going anywhere, one third stayed local but transferred (usually to the Anglicans) and only one third complied."
Turning to the practice in the Church of England, he writes: "Many services became no longer weekly but monthly, creating a context which demanded esoteric knowledge to find them, discouraged that favoured Anglican bird of passage, the casual attender, and created patterns of irregular attendance as an unwelcome norm in spirituality."
He also adds that "it is better to provide simple but sustainable weekly lay-led services of the word, with Eucharist less frequently, than to operate with the priest as a whirling dervish Eucharistic machine, flying around the benefice, parachuting in for the magic words, splitting the integrity of word and sacrament and unable to build pastoral contacts."
Some thought-provoking remarks there and something, perhaps, for browsers from other rural parishes to pursue further. The suggestion of 'lay-led services' is particularly fascinating and apposite in these days of priest shortages.
Here at the small church of St Mark's in Flecknoe, faced with just such a shortage, we have already taken the difficult decision to 'close' in terms of regular services and only offer the four major services of Easter Sunday, Harvest Festival, the annual Carol Service and, of course, Christmas Day itself. It does mean that the 'casual attender' referred to above is going to be discouraged. But in a tiny rural community like ours, even the casual attender is practically extinct. And in the age of the car, worshippers are not worried by the idea of travelling a few extra miles to larger and more lively churches. It is our hope, naturally, that they will continue to worship in the absence of regular services here at St Mark's and not leave the Church altogether ...
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Easter Lilies
Easter is almost upon us but there's still time if you would like to make a donation towards our Easter lilies in memory of a loved one. Donations for flowers to Sarah Jolley at Underwood Cottage, Flecknoe by Wednesday 12th April, please.
Prayer requests can be left in the secure postbox in the church porch.
And don't forget, our Easter Day service is a service of Holy Communion at 10.30pm Sunday 16th April. Everyone especially welcome for this, our last official service until the Harvest Festival in September, although a United Service for all churches in the benefice is to be held at St. Mark's on August 27th, 10.30am.
Prayer requests can be left in the secure postbox in the church porch.
And don't forget, our Easter Day service is a service of Holy Communion at 10.30pm Sunday 16th April. Everyone especially welcome for this, our last official service until the Harvest Festival in September, although a United Service for all churches in the benefice is to be held at St. Mark's on August 27th, 10.30am.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
New Christian Aid logo and catalogue!
Christian Aid has just redesigned their logo and are launching various new fund-raising ventures in light of that change, including a catalogue packed full of handy everyday goods such as T-shirts, mugs, worship materials and a selection of books.
If you'd like to raise money for Christian Aid and own some of those goods yourself, click here to be redirected to the exact Christian Aid website page where you can download the new catalogue or order it to arrive through the post. You can also go on to explore their fascinating website with many useful resources for Christians and more ideas on charitable fund-raising ...
If you'd like to raise money for Christian Aid and own some of those goods yourself, click here to be redirected to the exact Christian Aid website page where you can download the new catalogue or order it to arrive through the post. You can also go on to explore their fascinating website with many useful resources for Christians and more ideas on charitable fund-raising ...
Monday, March 20, 2006
A Prayer for Mothering Sunday
Following on from the last post here, there is actually another Holy Communion service before Christmas ... on Easter Sunday, in fact, when you're all very welcome to join us at St. Mark's for our last service of the present schedule, at 10.30am. After that, the church will not be holding another Sunday service until the Harvest Festival celebration in September.
But before Easter Day, we have Mothering Sunday fast approaching! Which means breakfast in bed for mothers and carers everywhere, and a chance to show them how much you appreciate their untiring work.
Here is a longer version of a short prayer from the Mother's Union, specially adapted to be used on Mothering Sunday:
Dear God
We thank you for mothers.
We thank you for all those who care for us
in quiet, often unrecognised ways;
we thank you for all those who care for others
in patience and love.
We are sorry for those times when we have failed
to care for others
and pray that you will teach us
to care as you do
and that you will hold all mothers
and carers
in the light of your presence
and guide them to you.
Amen.
This prayer was produced by the Mother's Union. Used with kind permission.
But before Easter Day, we have Mothering Sunday fast approaching! Which means breakfast in bed for mothers and carers everywhere, and a chance to show them how much you appreciate their untiring work.
Here is a longer version of a short prayer from the Mother's Union, specially adapted to be used on Mothering Sunday:
Dear God
We thank you for mothers.
We thank you for all those who care for us
in quiet, often unrecognised ways;
we thank you for all those who care for others
in patience and love.
We are sorry for those times when we have failed
to care for others
and pray that you will teach us
to care as you do
and that you will hold all mothers
and carers
in the light of your presence
and guide them to you.
Amen.
This prayer was produced by the Mother's Union. Used with kind permission.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Holy Communion 9am Sunday 19th March
St. Timothy, celebrated here in one of the beautiful stained glass windows at St. Mark's Church, Flecknoe
As many of you in the Leam Valley benefice will know, our little church in Flecknoe has decided to drop to four services a year, since the diocese will only fund a part-time priest for our benefice - two days a week to cover five parishes - and the small but loyal congregation here at St. Mark's, Flecknoe, cannot continue to pay a full Parish Share under those conditions.
So the time is now fast approaching when our usual schedule of services will stop, which is the Easter Day service. After Easter - apart from weddings, funerals and baptisms as required - there will not be another service at St. Mark's until the Harvest Festival. That will be followed by a Family Carol Service in December and a Christmas Day Holy Communion Service, with nothing after that until Easter 2007.
In light of that, we are extending a particularly warm welcome to all those in the surrounding area to join us for our last few services.
This Sunday, March 19th, will be a 9am Service of Holy Communion and you are all very welcome to join us.
As many of you in the Leam Valley benefice will know, our little church in Flecknoe has decided to drop to four services a year, since the diocese will only fund a part-time priest for our benefice - two days a week to cover five parishes - and the small but loyal congregation here at St. Mark's, Flecknoe, cannot continue to pay a full Parish Share under those conditions.
So the time is now fast approaching when our usual schedule of services will stop, which is the Easter Day service. After Easter - apart from weddings, funerals and baptisms as required - there will not be another service at St. Mark's until the Harvest Festival. That will be followed by a Family Carol Service in December and a Christmas Day Holy Communion Service, with nothing after that until Easter 2007.
In light of that, we are extending a particularly warm welcome to all those in the surrounding area to join us for our last few services.
This Sunday, March 19th, will be a 9am Service of Holy Communion and you are all very welcome to join us.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Christian Aid's East Africa emergency appeal
The UN estimate that 11 million people across eastern Africa are in desperate need of food and water. There are reports of people dying of thirst. Christian Aid - amongst other charities - is responding but need your help to avert a region-wide catastrophe.
Christian Aid is working with partners in Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda and Tanzania but more help is urgently needed. If you are in a position to make a donation, please do give generously.
Christian Aid estimates that:
• £20 / €30 will provide water for a family for two months
• £50 / €75 will help provide food for families as well as fodder for their livestock
• £100 / €150 will pay for a tanker to deliver 10,000 litres of water
You can find Christian Aid online - and hopefully make a donation - by clicking here.
Christian Aid is working with partners in Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda and Tanzania but more help is urgently needed. If you are in a position to make a donation, please do give generously.
Christian Aid estimates that:
• £20 / €30 will provide water for a family for two months
• £50 / €75 will help provide food for families as well as fodder for their livestock
• £100 / €150 will pay for a tanker to deliver 10,000 litres of water
You can find Christian Aid online - and hopefully make a donation - by clicking here.
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Soup Kitchen for the Homeless in Rugby
We've just heard about the Hope4 Homeless Project, an excellent new venture being undertaken by Rugby Churches Together, providing food and support for the homeless in our local area.
As part of this project, the ecumenical group opened a 'soup kitchen' in the foyer of St Andrews Church on the 20th February. The kitchen will now be open every Monday, Wednesday and Friday evening from 6 – 8.30pm, when they will serve hot food and drink to the homeless people of Rugby.
We found this interesting information on the brand-new website for Rugby Quakers, one of our local church groups which is involved in the homeless project. You can find out more about the project by going to this webpage which is part of the Rugby Churches website.
As part of this project, the ecumenical group opened a 'soup kitchen' in the foyer of St Andrews Church on the 20th February. The kitchen will now be open every Monday, Wednesday and Friday evening from 6 – 8.30pm, when they will serve hot food and drink to the homeless people of Rugby.
We found this interesting information on the brand-new website for Rugby Quakers, one of our local church groups which is involved in the homeless project. You can find out more about the project by going to this webpage which is part of the Rugby Churches website.
Monday, February 13, 2006
Bishops Colin and John come to Rugby
Bishops' 'Vision and Values' Evening
Please note, for anyone hoping to attend the Bishops' 'Vision and Values' evening in Rugby Deanery on Sunday 19 March, the event is not to be held at St Mark's Church, Bilton, as previously advertised, but at St George's (just off the Hillmorton Road in Rugby).
The Bishops' visit to Rugby Deanery is open to all members of the church who might wish to listen to Colin and John, the Bishops respectively of Coventry and Warwick, as they focus 'on the nature of the God revealed in Jesus Christ and the kind of church that we are called to be', inviting the whole Coventry diocese to 'rediscover the priority of prayer and worship'.
If you do wish to attend, the evening will run from 6.00 to 9.00 pm. The Bishops' visit would be of particular interest to anyone in Rugby Deanery who is closely involved with the church, such as Readers and members of local PCCs or other church groups, as well as churchwardens and clergy.
Please note, for anyone hoping to attend the Bishops' 'Vision and Values' evening in Rugby Deanery on Sunday 19 March, the event is not to be held at St Mark's Church, Bilton, as previously advertised, but at St George's (just off the Hillmorton Road in Rugby).
The Bishops' visit to Rugby Deanery is open to all members of the church who might wish to listen to Colin and John, the Bishops respectively of Coventry and Warwick, as they focus 'on the nature of the God revealed in Jesus Christ and the kind of church that we are called to be', inviting the whole Coventry diocese to 'rediscover the priority of prayer and worship'.
If you do wish to attend, the evening will run from 6.00 to 9.00 pm. The Bishops' visit would be of particular interest to anyone in Rugby Deanery who is closely involved with the church, such as Readers and members of local PCCs or other church groups, as well as churchwardens and clergy.
Church Post Box for St. Mark's
Our Church Post Box Has Arrived!
This is our new secure post box, located for maximum accessibility in the church porch at St. Mark’s. The box is for posting prayer requests, comments and any other business you might like to bring to the attention of the PCC.
This is an idea many other churches have used successfully in a similar way, and one the PCC has been wanting to implement for some time, so it’s a pleasure to finally see our new post box in situ at St. Mark’s Church. We hope everyone will feel free to use it and let us have their prayer requests and suggestions.
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Family Service tomorrow at 10.30am
Don't forget, there's a Family Service at St. Mark's, Flecknoe, tomorrow - Sunday 5th February - at 10.30am. Everyone is very welcome to attend, especially families. There is a games table for younger children at the rear of the church, with puzzles, games and colouring provided by the church.
It was good to see so many people at our United Benefice Service at St. Mark's last Sunday morning - hopefully we will see more new faces tomorrow!
It was good to see so many people at our United Benefice Service at St. Mark's last Sunday morning - hopefully we will see more new faces tomorrow!
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
More new churches than Starbucks stores!
We heard recently that new research - due to be released at the upcoming Mission 21 conference on church planting - will reveal that more new churches are opening in the UK than the popular Starbucks coffee stores. These new research figures clearly undermine the often-cited view that the church is a dying institution with no relevance to modern society.
While 481 UK Starbucks branches have opened since 1998, more than 500 churches started up during the same period. This figure is based on only 18 of the more than 400 denominations in the UK, so many more churches may actually have opened.
"This is exciting news for the UK church!" the new Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, has said, commenting on the implications of this research. "It seems that everywhere I look today there is a new Starbucks full of people. It is great to think that the same thing is happening with churches. Jesus has so much more to offer to people's lives than just a caffeine buzz!"
While 481 UK Starbucks branches have opened since 1998, more than 500 churches started up during the same period. This figure is based on only 18 of the more than 400 denominations in the UK, so many more churches may actually have opened.
"This is exciting news for the UK church!" the new Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, has said, commenting on the implications of this research. "It seems that everywhere I look today there is a new Starbucks full of people. It is great to think that the same thing is happening with churches. Jesus has so much more to offer to people's lives than just a caffeine buzz!"
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Dates for your Diary Spring 2006
There was a meeting of the Parochial Church Council in Flecknoe last night and it was decided that services at St. Mark’s should remain as they are for the moment - Family Service on the 1st Sunday and Holy Communion on the 3rd Sunday of every month. There will be further discussion on the future of the benefice at a meeting next month organised by the Archdeacon.
Other matters under discussion included our annual Spring Teas event - to be held this year on Sunday June 11th between 3 and 5pm - and a weekday Bring & Buy Coffee Morning in late March, details to be confirmed soon.
Andrew Grant would also like to remind people across the benefice that the ecumenical Lent group meetings will be starting again in late February, discussing various topics inspired by the current series of short programmes on Radio 4 entitled Who Killed Christianity?’ Meetings are likely to start at 7.30pm, with dates for your diary as follows:
28th February: The Almshouses, Leamington Hastings
7th March: Methodist Chapel, Broadwell
13th March: Methodist Chapel, Grandborough
21st March: Hillcrest House, Flecknoe
27th March: Willoughby Vicarage
Finally, just a reminder that our next service at St. Mark’s Flecknoe will be held on Sunday February 5th at 10.30am. That will a Family Service and everyone is most welcome to join us.
If you do come along to see us, or drop in to visit the church over the next few weeks, you’ll find a new Church of England publication on display at St. Mark’s, the Fresh Expressions newsletter, which is all about new contemporary ways of ‘being church’ and worshipping in the modern world.
Well worth reading, the Fresh Expressions newsletter contains lively articles on ‘cell churches’ (the growing trend for home prayer and worship groups), ‘skateboarding and spirituality’ (Legacy XS is a new purpose-built indoor skate park at a Christian youth centre) and ‘i-church’ (an Anglican Internet Community based on Benedictine principles).
To find out more about these fresh new ways of ‘being church’, you can visit the Fresh Expressions website by clicking here.
Other matters under discussion included our annual Spring Teas event - to be held this year on Sunday June 11th between 3 and 5pm - and a weekday Bring & Buy Coffee Morning in late March, details to be confirmed soon.
Andrew Grant would also like to remind people across the benefice that the ecumenical Lent group meetings will be starting again in late February, discussing various topics inspired by the current series of short programmes on Radio 4 entitled Who Killed Christianity?’ Meetings are likely to start at 7.30pm, with dates for your diary as follows:
28th February: The Almshouses, Leamington Hastings
7th March: Methodist Chapel, Broadwell
13th March: Methodist Chapel, Grandborough
21st March: Hillcrest House, Flecknoe
27th March: Willoughby Vicarage
Finally, just a reminder that our next service at St. Mark’s Flecknoe will be held on Sunday February 5th at 10.30am. That will a Family Service and everyone is most welcome to join us.
If you do come along to see us, or drop in to visit the church over the next few weeks, you’ll find a new Church of England publication on display at St. Mark’s, the Fresh Expressions newsletter, which is all about new contemporary ways of ‘being church’ and worshipping in the modern world.
Well worth reading, the Fresh Expressions newsletter contains lively articles on ‘cell churches’ (the growing trend for home prayer and worship groups), ‘skateboarding and spirituality’ (Legacy XS is a new purpose-built indoor skate park at a Christian youth centre) and ‘i-church’ (an Anglican Internet Community based on Benedictine principles).
To find out more about these fresh new ways of ‘being church’, you can visit the Fresh Expressions website by clicking here.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Holy Communion 9am this Sunday
Our first Holy Communion of the New Year will be held this Sunday 15th January at St. Mark's Church, Flecknoe, at the usual time of 9am. We would be delighted to see you there.
2006 could be an exciting year for St. Mark's, with the possibility of far-reaching changes in the traditional structure of our benefice and some new faces presiding over our Sunday services. We should hear soon from the Rev'd Elizabeth Dyke at Dunchurch who has agreed to enter into discussion with Flecknoe PCC about the future of St. Mark's now that we are to lose Rev'd Bill Griffiths as well as our retired vicar Rev'd Beth Smith.
We hope you will join with us in praying for guidance at this time of inevitable change, for both congregation and clergy, and also for renewed patience and spiritual confidence as we come to terms with these changes and fit them into our everyday lives as Christians.
2006 could be an exciting year for St. Mark's, with the possibility of far-reaching changes in the traditional structure of our benefice and some new faces presiding over our Sunday services. We should hear soon from the Rev'd Elizabeth Dyke at Dunchurch who has agreed to enter into discussion with Flecknoe PCC about the future of St. Mark's now that we are to lose Rev'd Bill Griffiths as well as our retired vicar Rev'd Beth Smith.
We hope you will join with us in praying for guidance at this time of inevitable change, for both congregation and clergy, and also for renewed patience and spiritual confidence as we come to terms with these changes and fit them into our everyday lives as Christians.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
'Good News' at Christmas!
The following is part of a longer article posted on the Church of England website this week:
‘'More than four out of ten adults will attend church this Christmas – up by a third in the past four years.
Christmas worshippers are on the increase with more than 43 per cent of Britain’s adult population expected to attend church over the festival, according to a survey by opinion pollster ORB. The figure has been steadily rising since the turn of the millennium from the 33 per cent found by ORB in 2001, to 39 per cent in 2003 and now 43 per cent in 2005.
ORB surveyed 1019 adults aged 18 and over by a random telephone poll between November 4 and 6, 2005.’'
St. Mark's, Flecknoe: Holy Communion on Christmas Day, 10.30am.
‘'More than four out of ten adults will attend church this Christmas – up by a third in the past four years.
Christmas worshippers are on the increase with more than 43 per cent of Britain’s adult population expected to attend church over the festival, according to a survey by opinion pollster ORB. The figure has been steadily rising since the turn of the millennium from the 33 per cent found by ORB in 2001, to 39 per cent in 2003 and now 43 per cent in 2005.
ORB surveyed 1019 adults aged 18 and over by a random telephone poll between November 4 and 6, 2005.’'
St. Mark's, Flecknoe: Holy Communion on Christmas Day, 10.30am.
Monday, December 19, 2005
Carol Service 2005 photographs
Once again, our lively annual Carol Service at St. Mark's Church, Flecknoe, proved to be a successful and enjoyable event for everyone. In excess of fifty people made the trip out to St. Mark's, in spite of chilly weather, with many families bringing small children to join in the singing and take home a specially prepared 'Christingle' - a tastily decorated orange, with a central candle representing Jesus as the light of the world. Our grateful thanks, as usual, to those tireless workers who gave up their time to prepare the church so beautifully and to make Christingles for the children.
For those who particularly enjoy singing, don't forget there will be Carol Singing round the village on Tuesday 20th. We will be meeting at Hillcrest House at 6pm. Wrap up warmly!
The children were in fine voice this year for their traditional solo ... after a slightly bumpy start!
'Away in a manger
No crib for a bed
The little Lord Jesus
Laid down his sweet head'
'Jesus Christ - The Light of the World'
The PCC would like to thank everybody who came to St. Mark's Carol Service; we hope to see you again soon! Just as a final reminder, there will be a Holy Communion service on Christmas Day at 10.30 in the morning. Do please join us for that as well, you are all very welcome. In the New Year, services will start again on Sunday 15th January with Holy Communion at 9am.
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Carol Service with Christingles: Tonight at 6pm
Please do join us for carols and mince pies at tonight's Carol Service, 6pm, St Mark's Church, Flecknoe. We look forward to seeing as many villagers there as possible!
Also, don't forget, our special Christmas Day Holy Communion Service is at 10.30am next Sunday.
Merry Christmas!
Also, don't forget, our special Christmas Day Holy Communion Service is at 10.30am next Sunday.
Merry Christmas!
Thursday, December 08, 2005
"Merry Christmas" from St. Mark's PCC
The PCC of St. Mark's Church, Flecknoe, would like to wish everyone a merry, peaceful Christmas, and a very Happy New Year!
Following Rev'd Beth Smith's retirement as vicar last Christmas, 2005 has been a year of change for our little church, and indeed for the whole Leam Valley Benefice. Now Rev'd Bill Griffiths has announced that he too will be leaving the benefice within the next six months, and difficult circumstances mean that we have not yet been able to enter into proper discussions about re-drawing the benefice boundaries and joining with Dunchurch.
In spite of all this, services will be continuing as normal at St. Mark's for the foreseeable future, with a Family Service on the first Sunday of the month and Holy Communion on the third Sunday. However, those of you planning to celebrate New Year in the traditional manner will be relieved to know there will be no service on Sunday 1st January!
Following our Christmas Day service at 10.30am, services will begin again on Sunday January 15th with Holy Communion at St. Marks -- everyone welcome, as always!
The beautiful organ at St. Mark's Church, Flecknoe
Following Rev'd Beth Smith's retirement as vicar last Christmas, 2005 has been a year of change for our little church, and indeed for the whole Leam Valley Benefice. Now Rev'd Bill Griffiths has announced that he too will be leaving the benefice within the next six months, and difficult circumstances mean that we have not yet been able to enter into proper discussions about re-drawing the benefice boundaries and joining with Dunchurch.
In spite of all this, services will be continuing as normal at St. Mark's for the foreseeable future, with a Family Service on the first Sunday of the month and Holy Communion on the third Sunday. However, those of you planning to celebrate New Year in the traditional manner will be relieved to know there will be no service on Sunday 1st January!
Following our Christmas Day service at 10.30am, services will begin again on Sunday January 15th with Holy Communion at St. Marks -- everyone welcome, as always!
The beautiful organ at St. Mark's Church, Flecknoe
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Dates for your Diary
Family Service
Our monthly Family Service will be held this Sunday, December 4th, at St. Mark’s. The service begins at 10.30am with Reverend Bill Griffiths. Everyone is welcome to join us, families in particular! There is a play table at the rear of the church for smaller children, with games and colouring provided.
Bible Study
Bible Study continues on Tuesday December 6th at Willoughby Vicarage (off a lane near the village pond). The meeting starts at 7.30pm and finishes at 9pm. We are reading from the Book of Genesis; newcomers to the group are always welcome! If you would like further information, you can contact our curate Bill Griffiths on 01788 890309.
Coventry LGCM Carol Service
Also, beyond our local benefice, the annual round of carol services begins this weekend with Coventry LGCM holding their Carol Service on Sunday 4th December at 8pm at Earlsdon Methodist Church. New members and supporters welcome.
Coventry Doom Painting and the coming of Advent
In the heart of Coventry itself, the Festival of Doom and Light has just come to a spectacular end at Holy Trinity Church where - in a series of seminars, choral events and candlelit services - they have been celebrating their medieval Doom Painting along with the coming of Advent.
But there’s no need to worry if you missed the Doom Painting events. Situated right in the city centre, near the Cathedral, Holy Trinity Church is open every day for shoppers to drop in for a few moments of quiet prayer and reflection, view the beautifully restored Doom Painting and perhaps visit the gift shop!
Our monthly Family Service will be held this Sunday, December 4th, at St. Mark’s. The service begins at 10.30am with Reverend Bill Griffiths. Everyone is welcome to join us, families in particular! There is a play table at the rear of the church for smaller children, with games and colouring provided.
Bible Study
Bible Study continues on Tuesday December 6th at Willoughby Vicarage (off a lane near the village pond). The meeting starts at 7.30pm and finishes at 9pm. We are reading from the Book of Genesis; newcomers to the group are always welcome! If you would like further information, you can contact our curate Bill Griffiths on 01788 890309.
Coventry LGCM Carol Service
Also, beyond our local benefice, the annual round of carol services begins this weekend with Coventry LGCM holding their Carol Service on Sunday 4th December at 8pm at Earlsdon Methodist Church. New members and supporters welcome.
Coventry Doom Painting and the coming of Advent
In the heart of Coventry itself, the Festival of Doom and Light has just come to a spectacular end at Holy Trinity Church where - in a series of seminars, choral events and candlelit services - they have been celebrating their medieval Doom Painting along with the coming of Advent.
But there’s no need to worry if you missed the Doom Painting events. Situated right in the city centre, near the Cathedral, Holy Trinity Church is open every day for shoppers to drop in for a few moments of quiet prayer and reflection, view the beautifully restored Doom Painting and perhaps visit the gift shop!
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Christmas in the parish
The season of advent has arrived, the run-up to Christmas, and our minds are beginning to turn towards the traditional giving and receiving of gifts. For the next few weeks, people will be shopping for presents, writing Christmas cards, and sending out invitations to friends and relatives to celebrate Christmas with them. It's a busy time, a commercial time, and it can be hard for us, caught up in the bustle and fun of Christmas preparations, to remember exactly what we are celebrating and why. But for Christians, this is also a time when our thoughts turn to the birth of our Saviour and what his coming has meant for us all. Here's a short prayer, an 'arrow' prayer, for those moments when the stress of preparing for Christmas makes us temporarily lose sight of its true significance:
Lord, when our lives seem so hectic that we have barely a moment to ourselves, grant us the peace of your presence and the knowledge that you are among us now, here in the world, a living God. In the name of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
And here's a lovely shot of the village pond in Willoughby, one of our neighbouring parishes here in Warwickshire, taken a few days ago during the spell of icy weather. Perhaps it will be a white Christmas this year! Don't forget, our Carol Service in Flecknoe takes place on Sunday 18th December at 6pm in St. Mark's Church, with Carol Singing on Tuesday 20th December, meeting at Hillcrest House at 6pm.
Lord, when our lives seem so hectic that we have barely a moment to ourselves, grant us the peace of your presence and the knowledge that you are among us now, here in the world, a living God. In the name of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
And here's a lovely shot of the village pond in Willoughby, one of our neighbouring parishes here in Warwickshire, taken a few days ago during the spell of icy weather. Perhaps it will be a white Christmas this year! Don't forget, our Carol Service in Flecknoe takes place on Sunday 18th December at 6pm in St. Mark's Church, with Carol Singing on Tuesday 20th December, meeting at Hillcrest House at 6pm.
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