Emmanuel 'God is with us'
The Evening Prayer Services during Advent have followed a theme from a small book entitled 'God with us, Your Christmas Journey' which has a a welcoming introduction by Archbishop Justin Welby. The journey begins in week one with 'LIstening' followed by 'Watching, Waiting and Welcoming. In silence we learn to listen, if we take time to observe the world around us we see the signs of God's presence in the wonders of nature. At the end of our sevice last week we took time to observe the most wonderful sunset which gradually spread its orange glow across the sky. As we wait to celebrate the birth of Jesus may we take time to remember and pray for those in all parts of our world, who may for whatever reason, be struggling and in need of help and support.
We pray that we may all receive God's gifts of peace,hope and love.
The final service will be at 3.30pm Tuesday 21st December when we explore 'Welcoming'
Sunday 21st November 2021
As the liturgical year of the Church draws to a close, Rev'd Keith Teasdale was welcomed back to preside over a Eucharist service at All Hallows,Henshaw. Keith spoke about the significance of this Sunday, the last before Advent, in terms of the Christian and secular meanings. It is also known as'Stir Up' Sunday when families traditionally gather together to prepare and stir up the Christmas Pudding..
The service conlcuded with a reading from John Betjeman's poem Advent 1955.
To celebrate the season of Advent, Evening Prayer services with readings will be held on Tuesday 30th November, Tuesday 7,14,and 21st December beginning at 3.30pm at All Hallows' Church.
Sunday 14th November 2021
A Parish Eucharist service led by Rev'd Michael Jackson was held at All Hallows' Church, Henshaw. This was followed by a service of Remembrance at the War Memorial in Bardon Mill. In addition to the poppies displayed at the War Memorial posies of poppies made by the ladies of the WI were placed on alternate pews in the Church. Mrs Pauline Storey prepared the floral arrangements of poppies for the altar of the Church.
To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die
Hallowed Ground by Thomas Campbell
Eventually our long awaited return to Shepherds Dene on Armistice Day and a beautiful autumn day.
A day of prayer and reflection was led by Rev'd Gill Alexander and Rev'd Michael Sadgrove
The peaceful surroundings of Shepherds Dene gave us the opportunity to quietly remember all those who have lost their lives in conflicts, past and present, to reflect on the events of the last two years amid our changing planet, to gain inspiration from one another and hope for the future.
CREATOR GOD
The world you have made is wonderful
We are sorry for our exploitation of the earth
We are fearful of the consequences of what we have done
Lord have mercy on our planet
Give us the courage to speak
The strength to make sacrifices
And the will to change
In your love for what you have made
Heal and restore our land.
AMEN ( Inspiring Prayer)
The PCC when considering how to make our Churches more eco-friendly made a decision to plant and seed an area of the new cemetery at Beltingham to create a wildflower meadow.We hope this will provide an area for a diversity of wildlife.
A number of volunteers met on Friday of last week to begin the sowing and planting guided by LIbby Scott who has devoted a considerable amount of time to ensuring this project got underway.
We look forward to spring and pray that we will see the fruits of our labours.
Many thanks to LIbby and all the volunteers.