Update on Sunday Worship

Sunday 22nd February
   
The First Sunday of Lent

Sunday 22nd February
9:15am  Holy Communion  St Lawrence Towcester
10:15 am  Benefice Sunday Worship via Zoom
11:15 am  Holy Communion  St Bartholomew’s Greens Norton 

Subscribe to our weekly Newsletter here.

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 February

Copies are available in churches for collecting especially for those who do not have emails. 

Dear friends,

I have discovered during my curacy that certain words can empty a room faster than a fire alarm.

“Volunteers needed.”
“PCC meeting.”
And possibly the most alarming of all… “Evangelism.”

The moment that word is mentioned, something happens. Eyes drop. People suddenly become very interested in their shoelaces. Some develop an urgent need to check the kettle or just pop to the loo.

For many of us, evangelism sounds like pressure. Like being put on the spot. Like having to know more than we do.

But what if we’ve misunderstood it?

What if it isn’t about having all the answers, but about being a blessing?

After all, we have no problem telling others about the things we love, holidays, restaurants, films. “It was the best meal we ever had!” We enjoy sharing good news. We enjoy being a blessing to others. So why do we struggle to speak about the one thing we couldn’t live without?

Earlier this year, many of us gathered for our first Made for More morning. We explored what might be next for us as a church, new possibilities such as Anna Chaplaincy and Open the Book, and other ways of serving our community. It was encouraging, practical and hopeful.

Now we’re taking the next step.

On 28th February, our second Made for More day will gently explore that dreaded “E” word, but in a very different way.

This time, we’re going to rename it.

Instead of evangelism, let’s call it blessing.

Because that is something we are all called to do, in our homes, workplaces, friendships and everyday conversations. Sharing something of our own story, naturally and honestly, can be one of the greatest blessings we offer.

Most meaningful conversations don’t begin with speeches. They begin with listening. With someone saying, “You won’t believe the week I’ve had…” and someone else willing to stay present.

The question isn’t, “Can I explain everything about faith?”
It’s simply, “Can I be a blessing in this moment?”

To help us explore this, Becky, the Bishop’s Missioner, will be joining us with the Coffee Ark, a rather wonderful portable coffee shop in a Land Rover, serving coffee and cake and helping us discover that faith-sharing can be warm, human and surprisingly natural.

There will be stories. There will be encouragement. There may even be a slightly unusual demonstration involving a taxi… but you’ll have to come along to find out about that.

You won’t be asked to stand on a soapbox. You won’t be handed a script. You won’t be tested on your Bible knowledge.

Instead, we’ll discover how ordinary conversations can become places of kindness, hope and quiet blessing.

If you have ever thought, “I’m not the evangelistic type,” then this day is especially for you.

Come and discover that you don’t need to be an expert. You simply need to be yourself, and that is more than enough.

I hope to see you 10am – 12, Saturday, the 28^th of February at Chantry House. Please let the office know if you intend to come so we can cater for everyone attending.

Blessings

Revd Nigel

Half Term Fun

We had two fantastic, fun-filled half-term sessions with families from Sprouts, Tots and beyond, gathering together at St Bartholomew's Church and St Lawrence Church. The rooms were buzzing with energy as everyone enjoyed some tasty home-baked treats and snacks, got stuck into some bright and cheerful spring crafts, and caught up with friends old and new. It was especially lovely to see some of our older children back again, joining in the fun now that they’re at school. We finished each session with plenty of laughter and excitement as the children took part in pancake races, with chocolate prizes waiting at the finish line — a perfect ending to two joyful mornings together!  Our regular sessions return next week, and we’d love to welcome you along. All parents and carers with preschool children are invited to join us at 9:00am in Greens Norton and 9:30am in Towcester for more fun, friendship and faith.

Forthcoming Events