Our 2026 Memory Verse
Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name,
he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12 NIV
The memory verse for 2026 reminds us that the Lord wants people to believe in him that they may truly become his children. For that to happen, everyone must play their part.
Vision Day Feedback
As promised we are letting people know that the PCC has agreed to having posts for 3 banners to go at the front of Church (Uphill Road South), the rear of Church facing the park and in the Church Hall grounds to advertise events. Quotes are being sought for two new noticeboards at the front and back of Church and a new one to go outside the Church Hall. The noticeboards need permission so will take a while.
It has been agreed that we should try a café style church on the 5th Sunday of the month (but not when it falls on Easter Sunday, Pentecost or after Christmas).
From now on the chairs in Church will be set out with each row being curved to create a more inclusive feel.
Prayers meetings should be twice a month on 2nd & 4th Sundays, when (subject to festivals) there is no communion.
Welcome team to be created with rota.
At Mark’s discretion and direction, we will share the Peace from time to time at communion services.
Draft PCC Minutes will be available at the back of church (but will exclude confidential items).
Christian Basics and Discipleship courses will be run as and when there is a need.
NOTE: At this stage, the PCC has only had time to adopt some of the quick and easy suggestions from the Vision Day. The BIG stuff will be considered at an extra PCC meeting on Monday 9th March so please pray for wisdom for PCC members as they discern God’s leading with these exciting opportunities.
St Barnabas Update
The appointment of a full-time Pioneer Minister at St Barnabas is dependent upon securing grant funding for the next five years to cover the employment costs. Having been advised by the Diocese to contact Benefact Trust, an email has been sent to them asking for guidance on how to prepare a robust grant application which will meet their criteria. Further emails will be sent to other grant making bodies.
Please pray for wisdom and God’s favour as we work with St Paul’s to obtain the funds needed to employ the Pioneer Minister.
“Father, help everyone in our Magnificat Parishes look towards 2026 with the vision of you in their hearts and a renewed passion to share the love of Christ with all they meet. Renew hearts, minds, bodies and souls.”
A thank you from our Treasurer
Annabel sent out thank you letters to some people when she did a Gift Aid claim, and to other regular givers a little while after that. However, she’s aware that there is money coming in (for example through collections) which she hasn’t said thank you for. If you haven’t had a letter, please do accept her thanks for all your gifts. Everything makes such a difference, and the church simply couldn’t function without people’s generosity.
Prayer Meeting Sunday 8th & 22nd February after the service
The PCC has agreed to move the prayer meeting to the two Sundays when it is not Holy Communion and to have two per month rather than one. As before people are welcome to leave before the end if there is a time constraint. They will definitely finish by 12 p.m.
Prayer for Peace in Ukraine and Israel Gaza/Palestine
St Nicholas’ Church will be open for prayer for peace between 9:30 and 10:00 on Mondays 26th January and 2nd and 9th of February.
If in doubt because of the weather phone Joy (625545).
Holocaust Assembly – Tuesday 27th January
Please pray for Mark taking an assembly at Windwhistle to mark Holocaust Memorial Day. It is a tough, but vital subject.
Funeral of Michael Ashton – St Nicholas Wednesday 28th January, 12:30 p.m.
Please pray for the family, those who are attending and for Mark’s ministry that they may know the Lord is there for them.
Lunch Club – Monday 2nd February at 12.45 in St Barnabas
New folks welcome. Please contact Pauline on 01934 415401.
Will regulars also please contact Pauline if they are unable to come this month.
Please pray for those who attend and those who cook and serve but most importantly, that the Lord will make himself known.
Wednesday 4th February 4th: Messy Church
Theme "The Lost Sheep."
Please pray for the craft leaders, Martin the story-teller and especially the Children, Parents and Carers.
We do need more helpers especially for the food.
Thursday 12th February: Coffee n Cake AFTERNOON at 2.30 pm in St Nicholas’ Church
An afternoon event with Guest Speaker Rao Khan taking about Scam Awareness.
On Saturday 21st February at 7pm at St Peter’s Church, Milton, Simon Guillebaud will be speaking about his faith which took him to minister and witness in Burundi during 20 years of conflict. The meeting has been organised by Locking Deanery and is open to all.
It will be an inspirational talk – please put it in your diaries.
Services
Sunday 25th January 2026
10:00 a.m. – All Together Service live and by zoom from St Nicholas
Theme: Fruits of The Spirit
Wednesday 28th January 2026
10:30 a.m. Morning Prayer live and by zoom from St Barnabas
Epiphany 4 1 Peter 1:3-12
Sunday 1st February 2026
10:00 a.m. Holy Communion live and by zoom from St Nicholas
Fourth Sunday of Epiphany
1 Kings 17:8-16 John 2:1-11
Wednesday 4th February 2026
10:30 a.m. Holy Communion live and by zoom from St Barnabas
Epiphany 3 Revelation 4
Sunday 8th February 2026
10:00 a.m. – Morning Worship live and by zoom from St Nicholas
Second Sunday before Lent
Genesis 1:1-2:3 Matthew 6:25-34
Prayer Meeting after the service
The next Parish Update will be produced on Friday 6th February.
Please pray:
Joan Glover – please continue to pray for Joan after the loss of Peter.
Joan Bailey – Joy says: “Joan had lost her voice, but managed to keep chatting. She was feeling sad as one of her friends wasn't well. She sends her love to everyone.”
Ann Butt - Praise the Lord Ann's procedure to drain her stomach went smoothly and she was feeling a bit better soon afterwards. Do continue to pray for Ann.
Rene Eaton
Malcolm and Edna Hunter
Edna writes: “Thank you all so much for your prayers. It means so much knowing people are praying as I just know prayer works, not always the results we want but what is best for us.
Malcolm was taken to WGH after having three falls in four days and was very poorly. After 48 hours we were told he had extremely high infection counts, he did have chest infection but the main one they could identify the cause. They discharged him as they said they wanted him safe at home away from any bugs and he was on strong antibiotics. He is still very frail but attends the day centre but not as many days, but praise the Lord I am ever grateful he is still with us.
I attended St Michael’s hospital last Friday for a meeting with the consultant surgeon. It was positive and I will put on the waiting list for the operation for an ear implant. They have a long waiting list so it might be up to six months. I am thankful to be on the list and grateful again for all your prayer.”
Angela James
Ada Keeley - Ada is at home and making progress since coming out of hospital. She is very bright and cheerful. Ada thanks everyone for their prayers; please continue praying.
Louise Howarth
Audrey Howell
Lily Insley
Paul and Barbara Lewis
The Madeleys
Stella Middleton
Lynn Pack
Peggy Penhaligan – Paul says: “Having a triple fracture in her right ankle and after a successful operation, Peggy’s stay in hospital continues into 3rd week due to some unrelated medical issues. Early next week her cast will be replaced by a weight bearing variety. Please pray that this is successful and that the other issues are resolved and that Peggy will subsequently be discharged.”
Gwen Purnell
Mac Reid
Jo Scott
Peter and Val Tullett - Please pray for healing for Val's right eye which is cloudy and very troublesome.
Val is delighted as Peter seems to have settled at last in his care home.
Joy White
Gill and David Willis - Gill is feeling better now following her TIA. Although she still has 2 weeks to go before she can drive again, she give thanks they have been managing well. Please pray for good health for Gill as she looks after David with Parkinsons.
Friday 6th February: please pray for The Venerable Dr Fiona Gibson, Archdeacon of Ludlow, who will be consecrated as the next Bishop of Taunton at a service in Southwark Cathedral, London.
Prayers for Mission
Pedro Santos as he proclaims the Gospel from Beit Immanuel in Tel Aviv Jaffa
The Clarkes
Heather Johnstone - Please pray for Heather as she settles back at Rehema. Pray also that the country is more peaceful again. Pray also that Heather had a good Farewell/Return Party which she was looking forward to. (Farewell because when coming on leave, she had to leave in a hurry, due to the troubles in Tanzania.)
CMS mission partners Alison Giblett, Anya and Pastor Valery in Kiev – Please continue to pray for a fresh daily anointing of the Holy Spirit, to enable them to help deal with the great needs of the tired and battered people of Ukraine.