Update on Sunday Worship

Sunday 25th January
   
The Conversion of Paul

Sunday 25th January 9:15am Holy Communion at St Lawrence, Towcester
10:15 am  Benefice Sunday Worship via Zoom 
11:15 am  Holy Communion (BCP) at St Bartholomew's, Greens Norton
11:15 am  Holy Communion at St Augustine's, Caldecote 

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Our weekly news contains details of services for this and next weekend, as well as daily bible readings, prayer requests and notices for forthcoming events. 

Looking ahead to events and services that are happening please do look at the monthly calendar for January

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Dear friends,

So many people turned up on Saturday that, as you will see from the photographs, we quite literally ran out of space in Sponne Hall. This was hugely encouraging, offering a clear sign of a growing, engaged community eager to gather and reflect together on what it means to follow Christ as his Church.

Saturday’s Made for More gathering reminded us that church is not simply something we attend, but something we are, the Body of Christ, shaped by God and sent into the world. There was a keen sense of people being inspired and encouraged to explore how we might reach beyond our walls with the good news of God’s kingdom, in the everyday life of our churches and communities.

We were reminded that each of us has a part to play in God’s work. From visible leadership to quiet faithfulness behind the scenes, every gift matters. None is greater than another; all are held together by our shared calling to serve, to love, and to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ.

We also want to say this clearly and gently: being part of the Church is not about being “good enough”, confident enough, experienced enough, or having everything worked out. Many of us arrive with questions, uncertainties, or in seasons where time, energy, health, or confidence are limited. Others carry the weight of past experiences, or simply feel unsure whether they quite belong.

Please know this: you are not a problem to be fixed, and you are not on the edges of God’s purposes. Simply being here, praying, listening, encouraging, questioning, or walking alongside others already matters deeply. The Body of Christ needs every part, just as it is, and God’s call always begins with grace, not ability.

Over recent months it has been encouraging to see new people joining our congregations across the benefice, bringing fresh energy, insight, new perspectives, and commitment. We are deeply thankful for the many ways people already serve, often quietly and faithfully, through worship, music, pastoral care, childrens and youth ministry, hospitality, outreach, administration, and practical support in our churches and communities.

As part of our shared life together, there are always different opportunities to offer time and gifts. Some are well established and ongoing, others are formal roles that require longer term commitment, and some are short term opportunities where additional help would make a real difference. None of these stand alone; all are part of the same shared calling to love and serve.

At the moment, we are particularly aware of a number of areas where support is needed, with some roles requiring more immediate attention:
Roles that have recently become vacant or need additional support: 

• Towcester Electoral Roll Officer;
• flower arranger;
• help with counting (banking)

Longer term vacancies that are important to the life and governance of our churches:

• Greens Norton Churchwardens;
• PCC members across the benefice

Ongoing ministries, where people serve in different ways and at different levels, including servers, choir members, pianist / organist, childrens and youth ministry teams, Bible study groups, Renew Café, Foodbank support, small maintenance work, churchyard working groups, and other forms of pastoral and practical help

Time limited opportunities, such as help with Experience Easter over three weeks in March, where extra hands and willing hearts would be very welcome
 

If any of these resonate with you, or if you would simply like to explore what serving might look like for you at this stage of life, please speak to one of the clergy or churchwardens. There is no expectation or pressure, only an open invitation to conversation and discernment, as together we seek to respond to what God is doing among us.

If you were unable to join us last Saturday, please do not worry. There will be another Made for More morning on Saturday 28 February, 10.00am to 12.00 noon, with different speakers, offering a further opportunity to reflect and explore how God may be calling each of us, individually and collectively, to share in his work.

As we continue this journey together, we do so prayerfully. We pray for the Holy Spirit to be at work in our churches and communities, moving among us and beyond us. We pray for those who do not yet know the love of God, for those whose lives feel complicated or fragile, and for the many challenges of the world we live in. Trusting that God is already at work, we seek the grace to be open, faithful, and ready to respond as he leads.
 

With my prayers

Revd Paula
Rector 

     

2^nd Towcester (St. Lawrence) Brownies

2^nd Towcester (St. Lawrence) Browniesare are looking for an extra pair of hands to help out at our weekly meetings. The only requirement would be to do some basic Safeguarding Awareness Training as well as a DBS Check.  We are a Pack of 24 girls ranging from 7-10 years who meet on a Tuesday from 5:50-7:20pm at Towcester Primary School.  We do a range of activities based around a programme designed by Girlguiding UK, to find out more have a look at this website: Girlguiding | Help all girls know they can do anything | Girlguiding 
If you are interested please speak to Julie Godwin or contact her on: julie.godwin@btinternet.com or 07714-437044

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