Update on Sunday Worship

Sunday 12th July

The Sixth Sunday After Trinity

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Sunday
  9:15am  Holy Communion at St Lawrence, Towcester
  9:15am  Holy Communion at St Michael's Bradden
10:15am  Benefice Sunday Worship via Zoom 
11:15am  Pet Service 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. 

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

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Dear Friends,

As I sit down to write this week's reflection, I find myself smiling at just how much has happened over the last few days. Sometimes we can become so busy that we forget to stop and recognise what God is doing in and through the life of the church. This week has certainly been one of those weeks.

After months of planning, grant application forms, permissions and prayer, our new heating and lighting system at St Lawrence has finally been completed. It has been a significant project involving many people behind the scenes, and I want to thank everyone who has played their part. It is far more than a building improvement. It is an investment in the future of our worship, our community, and the thousands of people who come through our doors each year. We pray it will enable the church to be an even more welcoming place for generations to come.

This week has also been our first Recognise2026 week. This is part of a wider Church of England initiative encouraging churches across the country to recognise, celebrate and give thanks for the many ways God is at work through ordinary people in everyday ministry. Throughout the week we have been celebrating via social media the extraordinary ministry that happens every day across our benefice. From our work in schools, to toddler groups, Lunch Club, cakes at Sponne, discipleship, volunteers, worship and prayer, it has been a reminder that being the Church is about far more than what happens on a Sunday morning. If you have seen the posts, perhaps take a moment to thank God for those who quietly serve week by week, often without recognition.

On Tuesday, Revd Nigel and I had the privilege of attending the Christians in Parliament Prayer Breakfast at Westminster. Having attended before, I was already familiar with the format of the morning, which is powerful and inspiring. The speaker, Clare Williams-Sarprong, spoke movingly about hope, drawing on the story of Bartimaeus. In his desperation, Bartimaeus cries out to Jesus, and when Jesus responds, he asks a simple yet profound question: “What do you want me to do for you?” It is a question that invites honesty, courage, and hope.

We were reminded that hope is not passive. It is not simply wishing things were different, but trusting that God hears our cries and calls us to be part of the answer. Our hope is not grounded in the idea that we only have one life and must make the most of it for ourselves, but in the deeper truth that what we do now has a legacy that reaches far beyond this life. Each of us, in our own way, can make a difference, knowing that through Christ death has been defeated, hope is fulfilled and set apart, and there is life beyond this life. If you would like to watch the talk, you can find it here.

This Sunday we look forward to our Pet Service at St Bartholomew's, Greens Norton at 11:15am. We look forward to welcoming pupils from Year 1 and Year 6 who we are hoping will bring their rock pets! Whether your companion has fur, feathers, scales or paws, do come and join us. Last month say a joyful gathering in Towcester as we give thanks for the animals that bring so much companionship and remind us of God's wonderful creation.  If you can't bring a pet perhaps bring a photo or a cuddly toy instead. 

Finally, a huge thank you to everyone who has booked for ABBA in the Aisles at Easton Neston. Tickets have now completely sold out. We are delighted by the response and look forward to welcoming everyone for what promises to be a wonderful evening.

As I reflect on all of these things, I find myself returning to the words of St Paul: "Give thanks in all circumstances." (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Giving thanks does not mean pretending everything is perfect. Life brings its challenges for every one of us, but when we deliberately pause to recognise God's faithfulness, we begin to notice his fingerprints in places we might otherwise overlook.

So this week, perhaps take a moment to ask yourself: Where have I seen God at work this week? You may be surprised by just how much there is to give thanks for.

With my prayers

Revd Paula Challen 
 

Worship for this coming week