Dear Friends
Services in the Benefice at the weekend:
Saturday 7th September
6:00 pm Holy Communion at St Mary’s Easton Neston
Sunday 8th September
9:15 am Holy Communion at St Lawrence's, Towcester
9:15 am Holy Communion at St Michael’s, Bradden
10:15 am Benefice Sunday Worship via Zoom
11:15 am Family Worship at St Bartholomew’s Greens Norton
Dear all,
The new term begins! Not just for those who attend the schools in our communities but also groups and activities quite often start again after the summer break. Our tots groups started again this week and our Confirmation Course had its first session. There was plenty of discussion and wide ranging and deep questions asked. I certainly enjoyed the evening and I hope that others did as well ! Pastoral ministry, such as Care Home services, Home Communions and visits, and meetings about baptisms and weddings, of course continued, over the summer.
We look forward to gatherings to celebrate the harvest and then in November our Narnia themed events.
The Renew wellbeing café is expanding its opening hours and will soon be opening on four days each week. An evening has been organised, on Tuesday 24th September between 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm at the Saracens Head, for people interested in finding out more about the excellent work of the renew169 Wellbeing Cafe or finding our about volunteering opportunities. More information is in the flyer below.
With every blessing
Greg
Associate Priest
For more than ten years the Town Council along with the St Lawrence PCC have been working on plans to repair the Mill Stream and boundary walls. During that time there has been a vast number of conversations, correspondence and meetings between: the DAC (Diocese Advisory Committee), architects, archaeologists, contractors, history society, the PCC, Town Council, etc, etc. This week, I am really pleased to say, the Chancellor (who has judicial oversight for legal matters) has granted the faculty for the work to commence. This is intended to begin on Monday 9th September and will last for about 12 weeks. There will be various areas where security fencing will be put up in the churchyard and we ask visitor to the churchyard please adhere to any restrictions of access and closed path signs.
Worship for this coming week
8th September 2024
Fifteenth Sunday after Trinity
Lectionary Readings: (these links will take you to Bible Gateway from the NRSV:
Isaiah 35: 4 - 7aJames 2: 1 - 10 (11 - 13) 14 - 17Mark 7: 24 - 37
This week's reflection by John Booth entitled "The value of leftovers"
In Church Worship:
Details for services are in the Services for This Month.
This can be picked up in church.
Zoom Services:
The meetings rooms are opened about 15mins before the service is due to start. All the liturgy for the service will be displayed on the screen.
- Sunday 10:15 am Benefice Sunday Worship
- Monday to Saturday 9.00 am Morning Prayer (except on the first Tuesday of each month)
Forthcoming Events
Pimms, Prosecco & Puddings Picnic
Please note that this event will run whatever the weather.
If it is raining then the event will be moved into church.
Ride and Stride 14th September 2024
St Lawrence's Towcester is planning to be open 10:00 am to 12:00 noon and 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm on the 14th September.
Between 12:00 noon and 3:00 pm participants will be welcomed in the Chantry House due to a wedding in the church).
I am now just short of people to welcome participants between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm though I can’t guarantee any volunteer will have any visitors to sign in!
It is not a problem if there isn’t anyone.
I am planning on doing three short walks between local churches and would be happy to have a companion, or two, or three, to accompany me as my husband Richard will be driving his 1947 Triumph Roadster round churches slightly further afield.
I do not expect these people to find sponsors though they could if they wished.
The walks are as follows, (may be some variation):-
Leaving Towcester by car at 9.30 am, 2 mile walk to two churches.
Passing through Towcester by car just before 11:00 am, three mile walk visiting two churches. Back in Towcester by 1.15 pm.
Leaving Towcester by car at 1.45 pm, 3 ½ mile walk visiting three churches. Back in Towcester by 4:00 pm.
I will also be visiting the three central churches in Towcester with my husband.
If you are interested in more information, please contact me, Val Hartley 01327 362049 or val.e.hartley@btinternet.com
If anyone would like to sponsor me (us), there is a sponsor form in the Chantry House or contact me direct.
Other churches in the benefice are also taking part:-
- St Michael's, Bradden will be open, unmanned from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
- St Mary's, Easton Neston will be open and manned from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm then a register will be available outside. For more information, please contact Beverley James,beverleyvjames@hotmail.com
- St Bartholomew's, Greens Norton will be open and manned from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. For more information, please contact Roberta Wooldridge Smith secretarygn.tovebenefice@
gmail.com
There is information about NHCT and Ride and Stride on the NHCT website www.nhct.org.uk
Towcester Foodbank
Towcester Foodbank are looking for one trustee to join their board and specifically need someone with strong planning and organising skills. They also welcome skills in other areas such as fundraising and marketing. If you or anyone you know would be interested in this role please contact info@towcester.
Benefice Office Opening Times
9.30 am to 1:00 pm Monday to Friday
01327 350459
Don't forget to look at the weekly news which contains details of services for this and next weekend, as well as daily bible readings, prayer requests and notices for forthcoming events.
Copies are available in churches for collecting especially for those who do not have emails.
For details of how to make a donation to your local parish church, please click here.