Trust an unknown future to a known God
Our 2024 Memory Verse
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:6-8, NIV
Don’t forget – St Nicholas’ Spring Clean tomorrow Saturday 23rd March
9.30 -12.30. We need as many people as possible, please. Lynn will provide pastries and coffee.
Road Closures this Sunday 24th March
Some of us may be affected by road closures on Sunday morning because of the Weston Super Half. Uphill Way, part of Bridgwater Road and Beach Road are among the roads involved.
Cynthia Brown
The funeral arrangements are still being finalised. Please pray for family members.
Praying for Peace
St Nicholas’ Church will be open 9:30 – 10:00 for prayer for peace in Ukraine and between Israel and Palestine/Gaza on Monday 25th March (but not 1st and 8th April), weather permitting. If in doubt phone Joy (625545).
From the CMJ Prayerline - please continue praying:
1. For Beit Bracha as it continues to host families of soldiers, as well as Church groups from both Arab Christian and Messianic congregations.
2. For our Digital Discipleship Initiative in Arabic that is praying, encouraging and ministering to dozens of Arabic speakers throughout Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza.
3. For our Tour With Purpose initiative that will be bringing people from around the world to help meet needs on the ground.
4. For those in our community who have family members still serving in the military.
5. For our efforts to distribute food in Bethlehem. The Christian community there largely sustains itself from tourism. In these difficult times when there are no groups in the country, we estimate that over 75% of them have no income whatsoever.
6. For the Mercy Fund as it continues to actively assist schools and educational frameworks that are working with children of displaced families in southern Israel
In these critical times, please pray:
1. That peace and quiet will be maintained during the month of Ramadan.
2. For God's will to be carried out in the ongoing negotiations in Doha.
3. For the remaining hostages in captivity in Gaza.
4. For unity and boldness in the Gospel throughout the Body of Messiah in the region.
5. That as political strife once again arises within Israel, its leaders would be filled with wisdom.
6. For the growing long term and insidious ramifications of the conflict, especially where emotional and mental trauma are concerned.
Love
Please find attached this poem by Angela James based on John 3, 16.
Holy Week Communion at Wells Cathedral
Bishop Michael is inviting the Diocese to this service at the Cathedral on Tuesday 26th March at 10am. He says, "It will be good to come together as Easter people and give thanks for the life, death and resurrection of Jesus; to engage afresh with the message of Good News and hope that lies at the heart of our faith, and to pledge ourselves to our shared task of mission and evangelism." With reference to the item about Cathedral passes, you don't have to pay to attend services but you will need to book beforehand by clicking on this link:
Wells Cathedral Parish Pass
The Cathedral has announced changes to its admission guidelines with free passes for parishioners in the Diocese of Bath and Wells and a new entry charge for tourists. You can apply for a free pass, provided you are on our Electoral Roll, by completing the application form, which needs to be countersigned by Mark as Incumbent or Jim or Lynn as Churchwardens. The form should be handed in at the Cathedral Welcome Desk to obtain your pass.
A copy of the application form is attached. If you have difficulty printing it please tell Mike Perrin by replying to this email.
Maundy Thursday – Passover – 28th March
In St Nicholas’ Church starting at 6:30 p.m. This will include a meal.
Please tell Caroline if you are coming.
This is a fun event and ideal to invite friends and family to. The nature of it is such that it cannot be done on zoom.
Although we have done this before, it fits in with what the Lord has given Mark for Easter.
Monday 8th April - Lunch Break at 12.45 in St Barnabas
New folks welcome. Please contact Val Perrin on 01934 622305.
Will regulars also please contact Val 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.
Friday 19th April - Quiz Night and Fish & Chips in St Nicholas’ Church.
Starts at 6:30. Teams of up to 6.
£10 including fish and chips. Bring your own drinks.
Please see Caroline to book and pay.
Other Dates for your Diary
Sunday 21st April APCM in St Nicholas’ Church after the service
Wednesday 24th April – Coffee and Cake Evening – 7:30pm in St Nicholas’ Church
Saturday 18th May - Village Table Top Sale and Jigsaw challenge in St Nicholas’ Church. Tea and cake will be available.
Sunday 9th June - Rectory Garden Party
Sunday 14th July - Afternoon Tea in St Nicholas’ Church 4-6pm
Sunday 22nd September - Scarecrow Festival and Harvest Lunch
Friday 11th October - Quiz Night and Fish & Chips
Saturday 23rd November - 1-4pm Church 'Bake off competition'
Saturday 7th December – Worlewind Band Christmas Concert at 7:30pm
December Christmas Tree Festival – Thursday 12th (set up); Friday 13th and Saturday 14th (display)
Services
Sunday 24th March – Holy Communion in St Nicholas 10 a.m. live and by zoom
Palm Sunday
Psalm 118:1-2 & 19-29 Matthew 21:1-11
Snickers in the Church Hall
Wednesday 27th March Holy Communion in St Barnabas live and by zoom
Luke 24:1-12
Maundy Thursday – Passover – please see the notice above
Good Friday
Service at St Nicholas at 10 a.m.
Zoom ID 874 2266 1072 Passcode 599972
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87422661072?pwd=cmFFWm16bFZaaTZoTU9UTnJMa21DUT09
This is followed by a walk finishing at St Andrew’s Bournville.
Please see attached document for timings.
Easter Sunday – The Lamb Who Was Slain!
Sunday 31st March Holy Communion in St Nicholas at 10 a.m. live and by zoom
Revelation 5 Matthew 21:1-11
Wednesday 3rd April in St Barnabas live and by zoom
Songs of Praise – please give song choices to Nina
Sunday 7th April – Morning Worship in St Nicholas live and by zoom
Second Sunday of Easter
1 Peter 1:3-9 John 20:19-31
Snickers in the Church Hall
Prayer Meeting in St Nicholas 6 p.m.
Wednesday 10th April Holy Communion in St Barnabas live and by zoom
Disagreement between Paul & Barnabas Acts 15:36-41
Sunday 14th April – Holy Communion in St Nicholas live and by zoom
Third Sunday of Easter
1 Peter 1:17-23 Luke 24:13-35q
Snickers in the Church Hall
The next Parish Update will be produced on Friday 12th April.
Please pray for:
Elizabeth Anderson
Jim and Ann Butt
Rene Eaton
Malcolm and Edna Hunter
Angela James
Ada Keeley
Paul and Barbara Lewis - Continue to pray for a full recovery for Paul.
Jim and Annabel Loring - pray for God’s ongoing protection on Jim and Annabel.
The Madeleys
For quality time together over Easter and for Mark’s GP to be able to work why he is so tired all of the time.
Stella Middleton
Gwen Purnell
Mac and Pam Reid
Peter and Val Tullett
Ted Warren
Ted is now receiving palliative care at the Bramley Unit at St Monica's in Sandford. He is feeling very tired and it may only be a short period before he attains the eternal rest that he has anticipated for many years. Ted is very appreciative of our prayers and support and thinks of us often. Please pray also for his family at this difficult time. If you would like to visit Ted, please would you contact Joy Realff to fix a time as the family have asked that he only receives one group of visitors each day.
Pray for the PCC meeting taking place on the morning of Monday 25th March.
Spring Harvest - Please pray for the members of our church who will be attending Spring Harvest at Butlins in Minehead for bible teaching, worship and inspiration between 8th and 12th April.
St Barnabas Part-Time Lay Pioneer Minister
There is enthusiastic and prayerful support in the Locking Deanery Mission and Pastoral Group for the post that we want to see created for St Barnabas. Mark is taking the lead for this initiative. Keep praying that there will be good progress.
Heather Johnstone
The Clarkes
Pedro Santos for his ongoing survival in Tel Aviv Jaffa and for his ministry to people seeking shelter from missile attacks.
“V” in the Republic of China Taiwan
Please continue praying for Alison Giblett, Anya and Pastor Valery (who work with CMS in Ukraine).
Contact Details
Mark’s contact details are mark@mibtravel.co.uk and 01934 620156.
Our Church Wardens
Jim: 01934 644623 or jim@annabelloring.plus.com
Lynn: 01934 813763 or lynnmarypack@gmail.com
The Pastoral Team
Pauline Farley 415401
Edna Hunter 270938
Angela James 07792 133403
Barbara Lewis 07773 087439 (mobile preferred to landline 633655)
Joy Realff 625545
Parish Office
Duncan is normally in the Parish Office at the following times:
Mondays and Wednesdays 09:00am - 2:00pm
If you need to contact him please telephone (01934 641863) or use email - stnickswithstbs@hotmail.co.uk
Please note that there have been problems recently with the Office telephone. It is in the process of being repaired.
Instagram, Twitter and Facebook
Our churches now have an Instagram account, which Rachel has set up and is running. The address is st.nicholas.with.st.barnabas (no capitals)
Our Facebook page can be accessed through this link: https://www.facebook.com/StNicksandStBs/