This Christian Aid Week, your support could help mothers in Nairobi, Kenya, facing the devastating reality of urban poverty and the daily struggle to feed their children Most parents wake every single day knowing that they must go and earn money, otherwise their children won’t eat that evening. Fridah knows this reality well. But she's determined to protect her grandchildren from hunger. Through our partner, Beacon of Hope, she’s received tools, seeds and training to grow fresh vegetables in a small city space – food she can cook for her family or sell to earn income. Pick up your gift envelope in church on Sunday 3rd May and return on Sunday 17th May
Karens’ mother has just been diagnosed with terminal cancer and just 3 months life expectancy, which has come very suddenly. Karen says ‘Whilst she was in hospital I took in a knitted angel to watch over her. The nurses and patients loved it so much. I took 12 in and they were soon snapped up. After talking with the nurses they asked if we could do more for them to give patients along with the hearts that they do still give to the patients’ If you think you can knit one (or two) please see the pattern attached. Please get in touch with Karen who will collect them. This is very much helping Karen cope at this difficult time; your prayers are appreciated. kwilx1957@hotmail.com 07540 797058
It is FREE! Booking for the free Hog Roast lunch and children's activities is required. Click the link below to find out moreThe BIG DAY OUT in Blackpool | The Diocese of BlackburnClick this link to hear Bishop Philip outline this great day out for everyone Bishop Philip invites you to our Centenary Big Day Out in Blackpool!
As I reflected on this I thought of Peter. He must have felt very low indeed when he denied Jesus three times (cf. Luke 22: 54-end). But now, here we are after the resurrection. Jesus is alive and he appears to his disciples. One of these appearances was a wonderful encounter with Peter. (John 21: 15-17). Peter is given a second chance. We are like Peter. Which of us haven’t at some time wished we could have a time over again, that we could undo some thoughtless or angry word, some rash commitment or unwise judgement, or some careless mistake? If only we could have a second chance, an opportunity to put right the past!If anyone longed for that it must surely have been Peter, for he must have felt helplessly and hopelessly burdened by past mistakes. The memory of denial of Jesus – not once, not twice, but three times – must have haunted him without respite. What wouldn’t he have given to undo those moments? Only he couldn’t……or… could he?For suddenly here was Jesus asking, not once, not twice, but three times ‘Do you love me?’. It took a while for the message to sink in, his initial reaction one of pique, but finally the truth dawned – for each time he’d denied him, Jesus was offering the opportunity to make amends, to put the past behind him and start afresh. Peter did just this and became ‘the rock on which He built His Church’We cannot put the clock back as such and we have to live with the consequences of our mistakes, but with God, the opportunity is always there to move forward from what has been…to what shall be. We only need to acknowledge our faults and be truly sorry, for resurrection to begin once again…here…and now.If God can use a triple-denier of Christ (Peter), what is stopping you? Turn to Christ this Easter. This Sunday need not be a ‘Low Sunday’!
