ESK PARISHES LENT TALKS 2025 The Lent Talks this year will be given by Rt Rev Peter Ramsden. They will be held in the Esk Lounge, Longtown Memorial Community Centre. From 2 pm to 3.30 pm. Theme: ‘This is the Word of the Lord.’ Wednesday March 12th: What is the Bible? Wednesday March 19th: The Making of the Bible Wednesday March 26th: Use and abuse of the Bible: the beginning and end Wednesday April 2nd: Use and abuse of the Bible: power and politics Wednesday April 9th: ‘A Lantern to my feet and a Light upon my path’ Bishop Peter writes: ‘The Bible is not only one of the most familiar of books but also one of the most enigmatic. It is the world’s best seller and has shaped history. It was written over thousands of years by many different authors, and y et speaks to us personally today. All we know of Jesus comes from the Bible. Come and explore the world of the Bible this Lent!’ Peter Ramsden (BSc., MA) has been a priest in Newcastle Diocese and subsequently for ten years, priest in Aipo Diocese in the Western Highlands of Papua New Guinea. From 2007 until 2014 he was Bishop of Port Moresby, Papua, New Guinea. ALL ARE WELCOME: OPEN TO FRIENDS OF ALL DENOMINATIONS OR OF NONE!
Nicholforest Church Electoral Roll and Why Should You Join? The church electoral roll is basically a list of people who are members of the church and want to help shape its future. If you’re on the roll, it means you get to have a say in how the church is run. You can: · Vote at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM)—a yearly meeting where big decisions about the church are made. · Help choose church leaders. · Even stand for election yourself to help run the church, like joining the Parochial Church Council (PCC), which helps make decisions about the parish. Who Can Join the Roll? You can join if you: · Have been baptised (this just means you’ve been officially welcomed into the Christian faith). · Are at least 16 years old or will be turning 16 this year. You also need to meet one of these conditions: You live in the area covered by the church (called the parish) and are happy to be known as a member of this church, as part of the Church of England. If you don’t live in the parish, you need to have attended worship at the church regularly (at least once a month) for the last six months and are happy to be known as a member of this church, as part of the Church of England. You have previously belonged to another Christian church that believes in the Trinity (that’s the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) and, having attended worship regularly for six months or more, you are happy to be known as a member of this church, as part of the Church of England. The roll is only for “lay people”, which just means it’s for regular church members, not clergy (like curates, vicars, associate ministers or retired priests). How Do You Join? It’s super important to know that your name won’t be added automatically, even if you live in the parish or come to church every week. To join, you need to fill in and sign an application form. Don’t worry—it’s simple! You can fill in the attached application form and email it to our church warden (below) or get in touch with us directly for an application form. You can join the roll at any time of the year, except for the short period just before the APCM. Once your name is on the roll, it will stay there unless you ask to be removed. However, every six years, we have to start a brand-new roll from scratch, which means everyone has to reapply. This is happening in 2025, so make sure to fill out the form if you want to stay on the roll or join for the first time. Why Should You Bother? Being on the roll shows that you care about the future of your parish church. It’s your way of saying, “I’m part of this church, and I want to have a say in how it’s run.” It also means you’re helping shape decisions not just in your local church, but in the wider Church of England too. If you’re passionate about the future of the church, joining the roll is an easy but important way to get involved.Please email completed application to: busylizzie50@googlemail.com
February Reflections: Light, Love, and Lent As we step into February, we find ourselves in a month that carries deep meaning in the Christian journey. It is a time of transition, moving from the light of Epiphany into the solemn preparation of Lent. This month invites us to reflect on themes of light, love, and renewal. Candlemas – February 2 The Feast of Candlemas, also known as the Presentation of Christ in the Temple, marks the official close of the Christmas season. In Luke 2:22–40, we read of Mary and Joseph presenting Jesus in the Temple, where he is recognised as the ‘light to lighten the Gentiles.’ This is a moment of revelation and hope, reminding us that Christ is the true light of the world. Many churches traditionally bless candles on this day, symbolising Christ’s guiding presence in our lives. Love and Service – St. Valentine’s Day February 14 is often associated with romantic love, but its origins lie in the story of St. Valentine, a Christian martyr. His example reminds us of the sacrificial nature of love—love that is patient, kind, and self-giving. This Valentine’s Day, may we consider ways to share Christ’s love with those around us, especially the lonely, the grieving, and those in need. Looking Towards Lent This year, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, March 5th. The season of Lent is a time for self-examination, prayer, and repentance, as we prepare our hearts for Easter. It is a season of slowing down, listening to God, and seeking spiritual renewal. Perhaps this February, we might consider ways to engage with Lent meaningfully: through prayer, fasting, acts of kindness, or engaging more deeply with Scripture. Community and Worship As a church family, February is a wonderful opportunity to come together. Whether it is gathering for Candlemas, sharing in fellowship on Sundays, or preparing for Lent through prayer and reflection, we encourage one another in faith. Let us hold fast to the words of Isaiah 60:1: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” May this month be a time of light, love, and renewal for each of us. Blessings, [Nicholforest Church]
This month, continuing my New Year’s resolution to look at a bible passage each day, I will, for February, be posting notes on Exodus on our Facebook Page The Book of Exodus is the second book of the Bible and one of the foundational texts of both the Old Testament and the Torah. Its name, "Exodus," comes from the Greek word Exodos, meaning "departure" or "going out," which highlights the central theme of this book—the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt. Key Themes in Exodus: Deliverance: Exodus recounts God’s intervention in history to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. Covenant: The book establishes the covenant between God and the Israelites at Mount Sinai, where they receive the Ten Commandments. God’s Presence: Through the burning bush, the plagues, the pillar of cloud and fire, and the Tabernacle, God’s presence is revealed in powerful and personal ways. Law and Worship: The giving of the Law and instructions for constructing the Tabernacle underscore how the Israelites are to live and worship as God’s chosen people. Structure Oppression in Egypt (Chapters 1–6): The Israelites suffer under Egyptian slavery. Moses is called by God to lead their deliverance. God’s Deliverance (Chapters 7–15): The ten plagues, the Passover, and the dramatic crossing of the Red Sea showcase God’s power over Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt. Wilderness Journey (Chapters 16–18): The Israelites begin their journey to the Promised Land, experiencing God’s provision with manna and water. Covenant at Sinai (Chapters 19–24): God gives the Ten Commandments and establishes a covenant with His people. Instructions for the Tabernacle (Chapters 25–31, 35–40): God provides detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, a dwelling place for His presence. Rebellion and Renewal (Chapters 32–34): The Israelites rebel by worshiping a golden calf, but Moses intercedes, and the covenant is renewed. Importance Exodus is central to understanding God’s relationship with His people. It illustrates themes of redemption, obedience, and faithfulness. The story of liberation and covenant shapes the identity of Israel and provides a framework for understanding the nature of God’s saving work throughout the Bible. If you're studying or reflecting on this book, consider how its themes of freedom and divine guidance resonate in your life or spiritual journey. I will be suggesting further reflections through February on our Facebook Page.Photograph: Moses Jusepe de Ribera (public domain)
