Update on Sunday Worship

Sunday 20th July 

Fifth Sunday after Trinity

Sunday
9:15 am  Family Communion at St Lawrence, Towcester
10:15 am  Benefice Sunday Worship via Zoom
11:15 am  Holy Communion 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. 

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Dear friends,

We are coming to the end of another school year—how quickly they seem to fly by! Some break up today (Friday), others next Tuesday, so it is unsurprising that this week has been filled with lots of events involving children of all ages.

On Monday, Sarah and I were invited, along with many other local representatives and dignitaries, to the official opening of Marie Weller School. Although the school opened in 2021 with 15 children, it is only now that they have received final sign off from the builders and the site is formally theirs. Young string players from Marie Weller, supported by students from Sponne, performed alongside the choir from Nicholas Hawksmoor. As we toured the school, it was lovely to hear children in many of the classrooms calling out our names and saying hello.

Also on Monday, together with Revd Stuart, Father James and Beth (Baptist Youth and Families Pastor), I helped with the final session of this year's cakes in the sixth form (years 12 and 13). We have really developed a good rapport with the staff and students through our weekly alternating cake sessions. We have started using talking cards to ask topical questions—some of this week’s included: What three words would you use to describe yourself? If you had a superpower, what would it be and why? If we all spoke the same language, would the world be a better place? The students shared some really passionate responses, especially around themes of diversity, inclusivity and identity.

On Tuesday, several members of the clergy visited the Hawksmoor Trust Art Exhibition, held at Chantry House. It featured artwork from all four Trust schools and was an incredible display. There was also a musical performance by some students—originally planned for outdoors, but moved to the Jenkinson Room due to the weather.

Tuesday evening saw Towcester Primary's Musical Event. Although COVID was five years ago, it had a lasting impact on music participation, so it was brilliant to see so many pupils of all ages performing, both in groups and as soloists. The enthusiasm from the teacher and the commitment from the pupils was truly amazing.

Wednesday morning saw the first of our leavers' services, this one for Towcester Primary School. Each teacher shared words of encouragement with their class, and Revd Nigel spoke on Jeremiah 29 verse 11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” He reminded the year 6 pupils that they are held by God, who loves them and delights in the people they are becoming, and that they are always welcome to come to church and share how they are getting on.

Also on Wednesday morning, Sarah led the final Tots Own session of the year. With several children moving on to primary school, there was of course, the traditional bring and share snack time. At lunchtime, I helped Beth with the years 7 and 8 lunchtime club at Sponne. This initiative is so appreciated that from September we will be expanding it to two sessions a week, with the second session specifically for years 9 and 10.

On Thursday morning it was Greens Norton Primary School’s turn for their leavers' service, led by Revd Greg at which teachers shared their thoughts and hopes for their classes and Rev’d Greg spoke about time, as gift, the emotions we have looking back and forward, and thanking God for the gift of time, based on verses from Ecclesiastes 3. Also on Thursday morning, Sarah led the final Little Sprouts session of the year. Again, several children, whom we have known since they were babies, are moving on to primary school. We gathered in the Vicarage Garden for another bring and share snack time. The chickens were especially impressed with the leftovers! On Thursday evening, Revd Greg and I led the final session of our seven week Young People’s Group, also led by Jane Jakes and Sarah. Over the weeks, we have explored what being a Christian means and why communion is so important. It has been a delight to journey with the seven young people, all of whom are committed to coming to church regularly. They have asked for the group to continue monthly from September.

None of this would be possible without the support of a team of volunteers who give their time and talents each week to support these amazing areas of our ministry.

When I first came to the benefice, I often heard the question: “When are we going to see them at a Sunday church service?” To which I would regularly reply: “When are they going to see you at their church service?” I would love to see them in church on Sundays, and some do come, but in our around the clock culture, church does not just happen on Sundays. The church is a present and active part of our community every day. As a benefice, we face many challenges, but this week let us celebrate the amazing work being done with children and young people across our community.  Below are some photos from this week that I hope you will enjoy. 

With my prayers

Revd Paula Challen 
Rector

Photos from this week

Forthcoming Events

Worship for this coming week