Update on Sunday Worship

Sunday 4th May 

Third Sunday of Easter

Saturday
6:00 pm Holy Communion with APCM at St Mary’s, Easton Neston

Sunday
9:15 am Family Worship with Year 1 at St Lawrence, Towcester 
10:15 am Benefice Sunday Worship via Zoom
11:15 am Holy Communion with APCM at St Bartholomew’s, Greens Norton

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

Looking ahead to events and services that are happening please do look at the Monthly Calendar May. Copies are available in churches for collecting especially for those who do not have emails. 

Dear all,

Last Saturday, what a diverse gathering, hundreds of thousands of people in Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis. A man whose reach spanned the world and a great range of people. A document placed in his coffin before he was buried, refers to him as a ‘simple and much-loved pastor’ and paid tribute to his courage, his love of the poor and his “dialogue with Muslims and representatives of other religions”.

This week I have led Assembles / Collective worship in 3 schools. My theme was the Easter season, with the resurrection appearances, leading up to Ascension. Last year I focussed on Thomas, who we heard about last Sunday, and how it is good to have a questioning faith. This week I was telling the children about the resurrected Jesus meeting the disciples on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. And following Jesus’ guidance, a bumper catch of fish was followed by a cooked breakfast.  Peter had denied Jesus before the crucifixion, so now Jesus asks Peter, do you love me? Lord, you know that I love you, replies Peter. ‘Feed my sheep’ Jesus says.

Francis was the 266^th Pope, a role that tradition says was first filled by Peter. The world has seen Francis give of himself, following the example of the Good Shepherd, despite his frailty. The document in his coffin describes him as “the beloved Shepherd of the Church”. May Francis’ ministry continue to be an example to the churches.

I attended the Annual Residents' Meeting and Village Showcase in Greens Norton last Monday. Cheeses and wine were provided – a good and convivial start was had. It was excellent to read and hear about all that happens in the village. A lot does, as I wrote about in my current article in the Greens Norton News. I was struck though, and it’s a common situation, by the number of village organisations that need volunteers. Why people are not volunteering is perhaps the theme of a further reflection.

The church is no different. We cannot operate without volunteers and people do give of their time, talents and financial resources most generously. Yet we are small in number and there are roles to fill, as PCC members and as Church Wardens. We give most hearty thanks to Ann for 6 years of sterling, quiet and dedicated service.

The Annual Meeting at Greens Norton is within the 11.15 am service on Sunday 4^th May. We would be pleased to see and hear you.

Revd Paula writes some words on Towcester PCC.  "We have two members stepping down at the end of their terms and are currently in the process of putting together 3 faculty applications for work identified as part of the Benefice Plan.  We therefore looking for people who can help with grant applications and are willing to support and review the faculty application process including background research.  With our Electoral Roll can have 9 members (excluding ex-officio members) and 3 deanery synod representatives.  As we approach this APCM we have two PCC members stepping down and therefore up to 5 vacancies to be filled.  Once again I ask you to prayerfully consider how you might support your church."   

With every Blessing
Greg

Annual Parochial Church Meetings (APCM)

The Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) is a key event in the life of our church, offering an opportunity for everyone in the parish to reflect on the past year and look ahead together. It’s when we review the church’s finances, hear updates on ministry and mission, and elect churchwardens and PCC members who help guide the future of our church community. Your voice matters, and attending the APCM is a simple but powerful way to be involved and support the life and growth of the church. We encourage everyone to come along and take part.

The Benefice Annual report is now available.  In order to cut down on paper copies it is available electronically here.  A small number of paper copies are available in each church.  The report brings together reports for the whole Benefice and therefore you may wish to read them all or you may wish to read just the sections relevant to your parish.  The Contents page will help you find the relevent reports.  In addition to your parish reports, can I encourage you also to read my Rectors Report and the Children and Families Leader Report and associated accounts.

If you are unable to attend the APCM please can you send your apologies to PCC secretary.

APCMs will take take place during the service on the following dates:

Saturday  3rd May 6:00 pm  St Mary's Easton Neston
Sunday  4th May 11:15 am  St Bartholomew's Greens Norton
Sunday  11th May 9:15 am  St Lawrence Towcester
Sunday  11th May 9:15 am  St Michael's Bradden

Forthcoming Events

Worship for this coming week