Update on Sunday Worship

Sunday 16th August

The Eleventh Sunday After Trinity

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Saturday
2:00 pm  Baptism at St Lawrence, Towcester

Sunday
9:15 am  Holy Communion at St Lawrence, Towcester
10:15 am  Benefice Sunday Worship via Zoom 
11:15 am  Family Communion at St Bartholomew's, Greens Norton


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Looking ahead to events and services that are happening please do look at the monthly calendar for August

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Dear all,

This country has been part of Christian Europe for centuries. Until quite recently Christianity has been our default religion. That is now changing. We used to have Christian names. Now we just have first or given names. Some rejoice in claiming they are not Christians and describe themselves as having no religion. Others may have a veneer of Christianity but nothing much to back it up. Until a crisis arises many people do not give their faith much thought but when there is a monumental tragedy then things change. Suddenly people gravitate to the parish church. There is a deep down shadow of Christianity that springs into action. Candles are lit, vigils are held, people of all ages sit quietly in their church either in a group or on their own. They are in the place that gives life meaning. Suddenly they need that framework.

But there are many settling among us who are very definitely part of a different culture and religion. This may be the second or third generation since their forebears arrived. By this time they too may be affected by the habits of Christianity. They may socialize with us at Christmas and their children may go to church schools. Such contact may well affect how they express their own faith.

As never before the position of faith in our country is constantly changing. Increasingly we have more than one identity. We have to struggle with the difficulties of living in more than one world at the same time with contrasting traditions.

So this is the time to ask ourselves whether that matters.  All religions share a common central belief namely, in the Judeo-Christian understanding, that you should not do to others what you would not wish them to do to you. Does it matter how each religion goes on to interpret that ?

You only have to look at how their religion affects people’s attitudes and actions to see that it does. People of some faiths are happy to co-exist in harmony with other faiths, enriching each other. But there are those who belong to faiths that are not happy to co-exit. They see it as their duty to convert nonbelievers by force if necessary.

For decades we have been happy to ignore the changes taking place and live securely in our little bubble surrounded by people like us. Those of other faiths have done the same, living among those they feel comfortable with.  Often there is no problem with that. But then we come up against having to interpret the words of Jesus, Love one another as I have loved you. And that sets us on the road to Calvary. And that may not be part of the understanding of what makes a good life that other people have.

So we have to ask and work out afresh our answer to the question we had thought had been answered a thousand years ago.
What is there that is special about Christianity ? 

With every Blessing,

Greg

Ride, Stride and Drive

Saturday 12th September 2026

This is the new name for the Northamptonshire Historic Churches Trust sponsored event taking place on Saturday 12^th September with churches in Northamptonshire taking part along with many more all over the country.  Participants plan a route to walk, cycle, horse ride or drive a car, on their own or in a group, visiting churches, many of which are open with people to welcome them and nearly all with basic free refreshments.  It was agreed at the recent AGM that participants should be allowed to drive between churches.  It is hoped that more older and less mobile supporters can take part and that many churches, especially those on busy roads or rather out of the way, will receive more visitors and more people will take delight in Northamptonshire’s beautiful churches.

St Lawrence Towcester is planning to be open between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm on the 12^th September and we are looking to set up a rota of people willing to spend an hour or two in the church to welcome any visitors.  Welcomers can be sponsored but it is not essential.  We are also hoping to have participants raising sponsorship by cycling, walking or driving (50% of the basic amount excluding Gift Aid is returned to the church of your choice).
I am planning to do four separate walks between some of the local and not so local churches and I already have someone who is going to walk with me.  We are happy if anyone else would like to join us for all or part of the day. I would also welcome sponsorship and will be putting a sponsor form in the Chantry Office.
Anyone interested in finding out more, please contact Val Hartley on 07511 636883 or val.e.hartley@btinternet.com
 
Other churches in the benefice are also taking part:-
St Michael, Bradden will be open, unmanned from10:00 am to 6:00 pm
St Mary, Easton Neston will be open with welcomers from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
St Bartholomew, Greens Norton will be open with welcomers from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, with refreshments.
 
There is information about NHCT and Ride, Stride and Drive on the NHCT website www.nhct.org.uk also showing photos of 2025 participants and their stories.

Worship for this coming week