Update on Sunday Worship

Sunday 15th February
   
The Sunday before Lent

Sunday 15th February
 9:15 am  Family Communion  St Lawrence Towcester
10:15 am  Benefice Sunday Worship via Zoom
11:15 am  Holy Communion  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 February

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Dear friends,

I wonder if, like me, you have found yourself drawn, even briefly, into the drama of the Winter Olympics in Cortina. I have not watched as much as I might have liked, but I have followed the headlines: the celebrations, the near misses, the heartbreaks. There is something compelling about watching athletes perform at the very edge of human capacity. One cannot help but admire the discipline and dedication that shape a body and mind for a single moment.

One story that caught my attention was that of Lindsey Vonn. Alpine skiing at that level is not simply about strength; it requires courage and extraordinary mental resilience. To launch oneself down a mountain at speed demands the ability to override fear. Her fall, and the rehabilitation now ahead of her, is a reminder that physical preparation may strengthen the body, but it is inner resolve that often carries someone into places of real risk and consequence.

Perhaps that is where the Olympic metaphor becomes most helpful. Training, perseverance and resilience are not only sporting virtues. Elite sport exposes something that is also true in everyday life: there can be a cost to wholehearted commitment. When we care deeply about a conviction, a calling, or a matter of justice, we sometimes stretch ourselves beyond comfort. We step forward publicly. We persevere. At times that may be misunderstood. Yet courage, at its best, flows not from ego but from conviction.

The prophet Micah offers a steady compass: “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Justice without humility can become harsh; humility without courage can become passive. Discipleship holds those together.

Last Sunday we saw that kind of intentional commitment in a different setting as we gathered for Baptism, Confirmation and Reception into the Church of England, led by Ed Condry. These were not fleeting emotional moments but thoughtful public declarations, outward signs of an inward decision to follow Christ within the life of the Church. Please continue to pray for Louise, Jim, Adam, Daniel and Michael as they grow in faith and service.

Ash Wednesday now draws us into Lent. Lent invites us into a different kind of discipline. Not driven by performance, but deep within the soul. A season to examine our motives, to refine our habits, and to grow closer to Christ. Faith is not sustained by a single intense moment, but by steady formation over time.

On 22 March we will offer The Crucifixion by John Stainer, something I have long hoped to bring to St Lawrence. First performed in 1887, this Passion oratorio weaves together scripture, choral anthems, congregational hymns and the voices of two soloists, the Evangelist and Jesus. It is intended not as a concert but as an act of worship, drawing us into the story of Christ’s suffering and love. A scratch choir will rehearse on 14 March and again on 22 March. A small number of music copies are available for those who would like to take part.

Please also let us know if you are coming to the next Made for More on Saturday 28 February, 10am to 12noon.

As we move into Lent, may we have courage to act justly, tenderness to love mercy, and grace to walk humbly with our God

With my prayers,

Revd Paula Challen 
Rector Tove Benefice 

DBS Surgery

For those who have recently been asked to do a DBS, Bev, will be at The Chantry House on Thursday February 5th from 09:30-11:00am, to help those who are having problems accessing the service and to manually inspect documents. To book an appointment please ring 07749110645 or email safeguarding.tovebenefice@gmail.com
Bev James
 

Baptism & Confirmation Service with Bishop Ed Condry

     

Forthcoming Events