Each year, we take this opportunity to celebrate both the Church as the mothering outreach of God to his people, and the women of our congregation who - whether actual mothers or not - have nurtured and cared for our church family.We are very aware that this day is not pleasurable for everyone, especially for those whose experience of family has not echoed the love God shows to us, and for those who have experienced loss of child or mother. This was reflected in our prayers, as we asked the Lord to bless all our women.Gift bags, containing spring flowers, a card, a bookmark and flower seeds, were distributed by the children, taking care to make sure that every lady got one. They also held a small bag of sweets, with a card attached inviting the eaters to pray a 'skittles prayer' according to the colour of the sweet they chose. It was a real day of celebration: and we will be looking forward to celebrating our men later in the year!
The prospective new larger Parish in this deanery, comprised of St. Michael in the City, St. Margaret of Antioch, St. Bride's, St. Bridget and St. Thomas, St. Bede with St. Clement and Christ Church Linnet Lane, have established a new expression of church which takes place on the second Sunday of each month. Currently called Forest Church - though this name is under review - its intention is to reach people who best experience the spiritual side of themselves through a connection with nature. The service has taken place in many of the larger parish's bases, making use of their gardens; the January service involved a walk round Sefton Park, culminating in the singing of 'We Three Kings of orient Are' to the surprise of other walkers!Our March service had the theme of 'sowing'. Poems, readings and prayers led the group to reflect on their connection to the seasons, and the relevance of the turning of the seasons when considering our own lives. Using the Parable of the Mustard Seed, we engaged with the theme of hope that is found in God's cycle of death and rebirth in nature.Activities generally include some crafts. On this occasion, we made holders for wool, to be hung in trees and allowing birds to line their nests warmly. We also made colourful origami birds to place around the garden, and sowed mustard seeds on damp paper - an activity we probably remember from our school days! A popular element was the engagement with our senses, as we considered what we could see, hear, smell and touch in the awakening garden - responses ranged from 'damp earth' to 'bursting buds on trees'. The next Forest Church will be on Sunday 12th April, and is intended to be at our own church - though this is yet to be confirmed. Why not join us as we continue to celebrate the wonder of God's creation?
Last August, Liz Roberts, associate priest at the church, reached seventy and, in line with the practices of the Church of England, ended her period of service. However, Liz has since been granted two years' further service and was duly re-licensed on Sunday 22nd February. Archdeacon Miranda Threlfall-Holmes performed the licensing, then preached and presided at communion. Liz said later, "It is such a privilege to be allowed to continue to serve God and this wonderful group of people at this church. I look forward to collaborating with new Priest in Charge (Revd Phil Nott) as we seek God's will for our church at this time."
