Update on Sunday Worship

Sunday 27th September

The Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity

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Sunday
  9:15 am  Holy Communion at St Lawrence, Towcester
10:15 am  Benefice Sunday Worship via Zoom
11:15 am  Holy Communion (BCP) at St Bartholomew's, Greens Norton 
  6:00 pm  Harvest Service at St Augustine's, Caldecote


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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 September

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Dear all,

One news item that caught my eye in the last week was that ‘Andy Burnham has declared it “unacceptable” that he is barred from advising the King on appointments to the Church of England because he is Catholic, pledging to change the “antiquated and archaic” law’. This is about the appointment of, for instance, bishops. There’s a great Yes Prime Minister episode with the humorous line ‘long time no See’, and Jim Hacker saying that he had never appointed a bishop before, and needing to be reminded that he was just making a recommendation to the Sovereign
.
Various thoughts went through my mind on reading this news. It could be argued that what is antiquated and unacceptable is that politicians are involved in any way at all in church appointments. But in reality, it is basically a formality. The person has been selected by the Crown Nominations Commission, offered the role and accepted. So the Prime Minister is only passing a name upwards. In the past a Prime Minister could choose between two names, and I believe ask for more names.  Margaret Thatcher, for example, famously pushed back against candidates who did not align with her political or religious views. How curious it is that parliamentary time is being given to what is essentially a formality.

It does, though, make one think about what we consider makes a good bishop. Some would say that modern bishops have become more like CEOs and managers. I’m sure a range of qualities could be suggested.

I’ve been to just one consecration of a bishop. It was of the former Curate Training Officer of our diocese, Guli Francis Dehqani, who is currently the Bishop of Chelmsford. Some words addressed to those being ordained bishop by the archbishop include,

‘Bishops are called to serve and care for the flock of Christ. Mindful of the Good Shepherd, who laid down his life for his sheep, they are to love and pray for those committed to their charge, knowing their people and being known by them. As principal ministers of word and sacrament, stewards of the mysteries of God, they are to preside at the Lord’s table and to lead the offering of prayer and praise. They are to feed God’s pilgrim people, and so build up the Body of Christ.’

I don’t envy anyone who is called to fulfil this calling. The church faces so many issues and there are always voices ready to criticise. It’s good that we pray for our bishops often.

With every blessing,

Greg

And just to note that we are about to enter the season of Harvest Festivals in our churches and schools. We usually collect for the foodbank. So if you are wishing bring and make a donation, the Foodbank here in Towcester have let us know that they really need the following items:

They seem to have plenty of baked beans and pasta!

And a note from Mary Blanchard. Mary's has let us know that "I am going to David Bell's funeral on 6th October at the crematorium and I have 3 places available in my car if some are needing a lift  - please do speak with me if you would like to attend and have a lift "

Message from Towcester Foodbank 

As we approach Harvest Festival, we thought it might be helpful to give you a list of items we particularly need, just in case your church might be thinking of doing a collection.  
We rely on these Harvest Collections to boost our stock for the Christmas rush, so any donations will be much appreciated.

Could you spare a little time?

I’m on the lookout for a few lovely people with a little time and energy to spare.

There are two areas where some extra hands would make a huge difference:

Sponne Wellbeing Club 
Tuesday and/or Thursday lunchtimes, 1.30 pm to 2.10 pm. This is all about getting to know our secondary school pupils, building and sustaining relationships, and helping us provide a calm, welcoming place where young people can eat lunch, chat, make friends and simply be.

Open the Book
Join our friendly team taking Bible stories into our local primary schools. It involves simple drama and storytelling (no acting experience required!), helping children encounter Bible stories in a lively and memorable way. It’s great fun and only involves occasional sessions.

Both roles require a DBS check and safeguarding training, but Bev or I will help you through all of that, and there’s no cost involved – other than a little of your time.

If either of these makes you think, “Actually, I could do that…”, please do get in touch with me. Even occasional help would be very gratefully received!