Update on Sunday Worship

Sunday 8th February
   
The Second Sunday before Lent

Sunday 8th February
 9:15 am  Holy Communion St Lawrence, Towcester
 9:15 am  Holy Communion St Michael’s, Bradden
10:15 am  Benefice Sunday Worship via Zoom
11:15 am  Family Worship St Bartholomew’s, Greens Norton
3:00 pm  Confirmation Service with Bishop Ed Condry  St Lawrence, Towcester

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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 February

Copies are available in churches for collecting especially for those who do not have emails. 

Dear friends,

As we move through the closing weeks of winter, there is a sense of quiet turning. The snowdrops are out in the churchyard at St Bartholomew’s, Greens Norton — small signs that something new is already stirring beneath the surface. In Sunday’s gospel, Jesus speaks words that many of us need to hear again: “Do not worry about your life… look at the birds of the air… consider the lilies of the field.” It is a call not to denial, but to trust — to notice where God is already at work and to learn to live from that place.

That sense of attentiveness and openness runs through much of what is happening across our churches at the moment.

Our Tuesday Bible Studies are now well underway, and it has been good to gather again around scripture and shared conversation. This week we reach session three, focusing on what it means to be Baptised with the Spirit. Those planning to come are asked, if possible, to read Acts 2 ahead of the session. All are very welcome, whether you have been following the series from the start or are joining for the first time.

Thank you to everyone who supported Snowdrops at Greens Norton, which raised £370 for St Bartholomew's Church Funds. It was a lovely occasion, warmly received by the community, and a reminder of how simple hospitality can open space for connection and generosity.

 This coming Sunday at 3pm, we look forward to our Confirmation Service at St Lawrence church.  Bishop Ed Condry will be with us, and we ask for your prayers for those being baptised, confirmed and admitted into the Church of England as they take this significant step in their journeys of faith. In a world that often tells us to secure everything for ourselves, this service speaks of another way — of trust, belonging, and saying yes to God’s invitation. All are very welcome to attend, and the service will be followed by refreshments and an opportunity to share in the celebration together. 

As we look ahead, Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, offering a gentle but honest way to enter the season. There will be services on Ash Wednesday at 10:15am at St Lawrence, Towcester and 7:30pm at St Bartholomew's Greens Norton, both including the imposition of ashes. This ancient practice helps us face our fragility without fear and to place our lives again in God’s care. During Lent, as has been a custom in recent year we will add a Wednesday 12 noon Communion Services at St Bartholomew’s and will be followed by a soup lunch. Please do join us if you are able.

Further ahead, we are pleased to be welcoming Revd Becky Dyball, Bishop’s Missioner and founder of Coffee Ark, for our second Made for More… morning on Saturday 28th February, 10am-12noon, at the Chantry House. Many will remember that our January gathering was packed, with a real sense of energy and shared purpose in the room, and while we know that some who came then are not able to join us this time, there will be space for others to come along and we would love to widen the invitation. Please do let the office or one of the clergy know if you are planning to attend, so that we can make sure we cater well for everyone. The morning will build on our shared focus on prayer and faith lived out day by day, helping us reflect on how faith grows through ordinary relationships and everyday moments, and Becky has recently shared her own story on the Heroes Among Us podcast, which you may like to listen to ahead of the event. 

Finally, we are sorry to hear of the death of Peter Curtis, who attended our Friday Coffee Mornings, was a regular at the Renew Café, and was well known within the Sponne community. Peter’s funeral will take place on Thursday 12th at 11am at St Lawrence Church.  A reminder also that the Thanksgiving Service for Peter Allen will be held on Monday 9th at 2pm at St Lawrence Church.

With my prayers,

Revd Paula Challen 
Rector Tove Benefice 

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
 

DBS Surgery

For those who have recently been asked to do a DBS, Bev, will be at The Chantry House on Thursday February 5th from 09:30-11:00am, to help those who are having problems accessing the service and to manually inspect documents. To book an appointment please ring 07749110645 or email safeguarding.tovebenefice@gmail.com
Bev James
 

Do you have a spare room, and think you would benefit from some extra company / income? 

Liudmyla came to the UK from Ukraine almost 4 years ago, and due to a change in her hosts circumstances is looking for a new temporary host. Liudmyla, 67, is well known to us, being related to our Ukrainian friends and aid volunteers here in Towcester, Oleh and Uliana. During her time here, Liudmyla has gained good basic English, and is very active volunteering at the Renew cafe and with our Little Sprouts group. Under the current UK Govt scheme, £350pm is paid for being a host. Please let me know Steve Challen 07593700754 if you would be interested in meeting Liudmyla and potentially offering her a temporary home whilst she is unable to return to her own home.
 

Forthcoming Events