The Lord is my ShepherdBy Liz Richardson (Community Matters - October) Harvest takes place throughout the year. We plant the seed and tend it but it is God who makes it grow. Seeds of the gospel are planted at Messy Church for instance, where people of all ages meet informally and with various activities, crafts and songs based around a Christian message, concluding with a meal provides an enjoyable time for all. Recently Messy Church visited a farm where we were able to touch lambs in the field- very exciting. The shepherd told us many interesting facts, including comparing his job of caring for his sheep, to our Lord Jesus who loves and cares for each one of us. The Bible reference being Psalm 23 which will be familiar to many.The Lord is my shepherd:I have everything I need.He lets me rest in green meadowsHe leads me beside peaceful streams.He renews my strengthHe guides me along right paths,bringing honour to his name.Even when I walkThrough the dark valley of death,I will not be afraid,For you are close beside me.Your rod and your staffProtect and comfort meYou prepare a feast for meIn the presence of my enemies.You welcome me as a guest,Anointing my head with oil.My cup overflows with blessings.Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue meAll the days of my life,And I will live in the house of the Lord for ever This Psalm was written by David out of his own experience because he had spent his early years caring for sheep. Sheep are completely dependent on the shepherd for provision, guidance and protection. The New Testament calls Jesus the good shepherd { John 10-11], the great shepherd { Hebrew 13-20], and the head shepherd [ 1 Peter 5-4 }, As the Lord is the good shepherd so we are his sheep ---- not frightened, passive animals , but obedient followers, wise enough to follow one who will lead us in right places and in right ways, This Psalm does not focus on the animal like qualities of sheep but on the discipleship qualities of those who follow.
The United Benefice of Curry Rivel, Fivehead and SwellWelcome to our Benefice. Here are the planned services for August and September 2024.If you would like to receive the latest Benefice news, information, prayers, recent talks and other helpful material, then, to be added to the Benefice email list, please contact the Curate Revd. Mark McKnight at markmcknight5@gmail.comor our Associate Minister Revd. Scott Patterson at scottr.patterson@btinternet.comPlanned services for October & November 2024:Sunday 6th October:10.00am - All Age HARVEST Family and Friends Service + refreshments Fivehead11.15am - said Communion Service (CW) Fivehead6.00pm – Evening Prayer (CW) Curry RivelSunday 13th October:9.30am – BCP HARVEST Communion Service Swell11.00am - Parish Communion Service Curry RivalSunday 20th October:9.30am – A Service of Morning Worship Fivehead10.30am - All Age Family and Friends Service + refreshments Curry Rival11.45am - said Communion Service (CW) Curry RivalSunday 27th October:9.30am - Parish Communion Service (CW) + refreshments Fivehead11.00am - A service of Morning Worship - Curry Rival6.00pm - Pray Book Evensong (BCP)Planned services for NovemberSunday 3rd November10.00am - All Age Family and Friends Service + refreshments Fivehead11.15am - said Communion Service (CW) Fivehead6.00pm – Evening Prayer (CW) Curry RivelSunday 10th November9.30am – BCP Prayer Book Communion REMEMBRANCE Service Swell10.30am - Joint REMEMBRANCE Service St Martin's & Baptist Church Fivehead10.30am - REMEMBRANCE Service (CW) Curry RivalSunday 17th November:9.30am – A Service of Morning Worship Fivehead10.30am - All Age Family and Friends Service + refreshments Curry Rivel11.45pm - said Communion Service (CW) Curry RivelSunday 24th November:9.30am – Parish Communion (CW) + refreshments Fivehead11.00am – A Service of Morning Worship Curry Rivel6.00pm – Prayer Book Evensong (BCP) Swell
