Benefice
Newsletter
28 May 2020
Every year around this time in Spring the Sunday service's church notices used to remind us to "Wear something red for Pentecost". Then on Whitsunday we indeed embraced the dress code for the day in the form of red neck ties, hair clips, shirts, dresses... And socks. The most dedicated had red socks.
Why break the tradition now? Let's carry on with it, and do wear something red this Sunday to remind us of that flame of Pentecost that once came down and won't stop burning, even if nobody can see it.
Agnes
This Sunday we celebrate the feast of Pentecost – often seen as the birthday of the early church. It marks the day when the disciples received the gift of the Holy Spirit, the comforter, the enabler that Jesus had promised. Last weekend I celebrated with my daughter as she reached the milestone of her 18th birthday. I always approach birthdays with mixed emotions, despairing at how quickly time passes while thanking God for the many memories. The day itself reminded me that birthdays are also full of hope, hope for the future and whatever it may hold. So, we prepare to celebrate the ‘birthday’ of the church this weekend – may we to be filled with hope. Hope for what is to come – life may not resume as it was but the presence of the Holy Spirit reassures us, strengthens us to deal with whatever we face. May our Pentecost this year be a day for thanksgiving for what has been and be filled with hope for all that is to come.
Would you like to be involved in our online Prayer and Praise worship? We are looking for volunteers of any age to read the collect or the lessons, or to say the intercessions. If you are ready to participate, please tell Rev Paula or Agnes (contact details at the bottom of this message).
Rev Paula, Cheryl Goddard, and I have started meeting live on Zoom at 8.30am on Tuesdays and Thursdays to say Morning Prayer together. We would be delighted for others to join us. For those without the technology, it is possible to listen to the service on a telephone. We are also looking into the possibility of meeting via Zoom to say Evening Prayer together – day and time not yet decided. If you are interested in either of these opportunities and would like further information, please phone me on 01933 226730.
Rev Christine
Bob Allen and myself would like to say a big Thank you to all of you who made a donation to the Foodbank. I was able to hand over not only food items, but also £190 in cash donations on behalf of both churches. Your generosity is greatly appreciated and Bob and myself are happy to continue to collect any further donations until such time as the churches reopen . Giftaid is available and forms will be available soon.
Thank you all again and stay safe.
Ian
Cereal; sugar; milk (UHT or powdered); fruit juice or squash; instant coffee; jam; marmite;
tinned meals: vegetarian, fish, soup or potatoes, puddings, fruit, custard;
instant packet meals: mash, dessert, jelly, rice, pasta-n-sauce;
baby nappies; pet food; toilet rolls; shower gel; shaving cream; deodorant; washing up liquid; washing powder; tin openers, strong carrier bags.
Those who suffer in body, mind or spirit.
The housebound: Ruth S, Doreen A, Margaret O, Diana B, Pat W.
The Anglican Church of Melanesia: The Most Revd Leonard Dawea, Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Melanesia and Bishop of Temotu; the Porvoo Churches – Hereford, The Lusitanian Church Portugal, The Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church Abroad.
If you would like to add a name to our prayer list, please first obtain the consent of the person you wish us to pray for. Then tell Rev Paula or Agnes at the Benefice Office whom to pray for and the reason why. A name remains on the list for three weeks.
We remember those who have died recently, among them Geoff Mandeville. We pray for all who mourn this week.
Geoff was a parishioner of All Hallows. We don't yet know the date and time of his funeral, but once we are told we will publish it in the newsletter. Please note the number of funeral mourners is restricted, however you can still remember him by lighting a candle and spend some time in quiet prayer when his funeral is taking place.
Ian (phone 01933 274222) can help collect your shopping,
and he and Bob A. (01933 383316) collect Foodbank donations.
Northamptonshire Coronavirus Support Line for getting food, prescriptions and other services – call 0300 126 1000 / option 5.
Our own Prayer and Praise services online
List of churches with online services
Free worship phone line – call 0800 804 8044
For good mental health
For worship at home
For households with children: Faith at Home
Further resources from Peterborough Diocese