The Archbishop of Canterbury has called us to pray between Ascension Day and Pentecost. www.thykingdomcome.global This year we will be doing something a bit different and going on a ‘Prayer walk’. This will involve simply walking around our community and stopping at significant places to pray e.g at the school, the GP surgery, the … [Read more...]
Forty days from Easter, only 214 Days to Christmas!
It was lovely to see so many people celebrating Easter with us. The good news is that we can continue to celebrate - Easter isn’t yet finished – it continues on for another 40 days when it will be just 214 days to Christmas!! Forty Days after Easter is Ascension Day (Thursday 25th May), the day we remember that Jesus, following his post … [Read more...]
Happy Easter!
Easter is the time of year when Christians celebrate both the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The final week before the Easter weekend is called Holy Week and starts on Palm Sunday when we remember that Jesus finally arrived in Jerusalem on a donkey. Here are a few suggestions for how you might celebrate and journey through Holy week … [Read more...]
Looking Back and Forward for Mothering Sunday
I love this time of year as suddenly the world seems to be waking up, stretching and looking forward to the warmer weather. Even the rectory garden is coming alive with snowdrops and aconites and the hope of a few early daffodils. But this is also a time when Christians begin to look forward to a new season. It doesn’t seem long since Christmas, … [Read more...]
A challenge from the Rector for 2017!
It was lovely to see all our Christmas celebrations so well supported – from Father Christmas, to family events and Crib Services, to Community Carols, to Carol Services and through to our Christmas Day Celebrations. A huge thank you to everyone who came and to everyone who worked so hard to make them a success – flower arrangers, bell ringers, … [Read more...]
When Christmas is over….
As I write this during the first week of January there is still evidence of Christmas all around me – all waiting to be put away until next year. And that got me thinking - I wonder if we are tempted to put Jesus away along with the tree, the decorations and the left over Christmas cards? There’s a beautiful prayer that I often use at … [Read more...]
The Chocolate Nativity
There are many ways to tell the Christmas story and I thought you might enjoy this one. Of course the story of Jesus birth is very familiar and has little to do with reindeer pulling sleighs and flakes of snow. 2000 years ago, Mary heard a wispa from the angel Gabriel that she was to be the mother of God's son. But how could this be? Having a … [Read more...]
Appointment of new Archdeacon of Cheltenham
Bishop Rachel has today announced the appointment of the new Archdeacon of Cheltenham, the Revd Canon Phil Andrew. Phil will come to us from Surrey, where he is currently the Vicar of Reigate Parish Church. He is married to Sue who is a GP and they have three adult sons, Tom, Dan and Josh. Phil will start his role in March 2017 and is looking … [Read more...]