Update on Sunday Worship

Sunday 1st June 

Seventh Sunday of Easter

Sunday
9:15 am  Family Worship with Year 4 at St Lawrence, Towcester 
10:15 am  Benefice Sunday Worship via Zoom
11:15 am  Holy Communion at St Bartholomew’s, Greens Norton
2:30 pm  Baptism at 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.  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 June. Copies are available in churches for collecting especially for those who do not have emails. 

Dear all,

Yesterday (29th May) was Ascension Day - forty days after Easter Day – and marks the end of the resurrection appearances of Jesus. It is a feast that can often be overlooked. In Peterborough we marked the day with a deanery service. In my last group we met on a high point in the local deer park – owned by the local baronet and patron – with chairs and blankets and an altar set up by the Church Wardens for the Ascension Day service.

Jesus’ final departure is recorded by Luke at the end of his gospel and again at the beginning of Acts. Jesus' return to God the Father is the completion of his mission on earth but also marked the beginning of a new age. The Ascension is a beginning and an ending. For Luke Jesus has to go before the Holy Spirit comes. His going means the coming of the Spirit.

The Holy Spirit descended on Jesus at his baptism. He received power and authority from the Father to begin his public ministry. In a similar way the disciples will receive the Holy Spirit, sent by Jesus, to empower them to minister to others and exercise a new authority. The coming of the Holy Spirit is the beginning of the Church.

The same Spirit empowers Christians today. This is one reason why Pentecost is so important – the feast that is fifty days after Easter and marks the close of the season. Without the Spirit we would be relying on our own resources. These can never be enough. We can only be the Church and minister to people today in the power of the Spirit. And each of us, with our different gifts, has a part to play.

Jesus came from heaven at Christmas, returned to the Father at the Ascension, and sent the Spirit at Pentecost.

Within this mailing there are flyers for various events. Rev’d Paula would like to draw our attention to The Founder’s Day service on 1^st July and the Greens Norton Fete, the Towcester Primary School Fete and the St Lawrence Fete, all in June. 
 
With every blessing

Greg

 Renew Cafe Fundraiser

As you know a number of people from across our benefice support this Churches Together in Towcester project.  Laura Patterson who was until recently the chair person for Renew is planning to complete a 100 mile walk along the South Downs Way to raise funds for the continuing work of the cafe.  She has set herself a target of £1000 so If you would like to make a donation to this amazing cause please click here. 

Renew is now open 4 days a week, to support people in our town and local villages with low mood, anxiety, isolation, grief and depression. They rely solely on donations so need to raise funds to continue offering our vital service including crafting activities, refreshments and lunches.

Forthcoming Events

Worship for this coming week