The Feast of Candlemas is 2 February and we're celebrating it this Sunday, 31 January. Lots of thoughtful, creative contributions this week as we celebrate the moment when Jesus, as a 40 day old baby, is declared to be the awaited Messiah.

What does that mean for us today? Very important? Or not at all?

See what you think when you've absorbed this week's online readings and reflections.

~ Welcome from our Rector, Rev Iaen Skidmore
~ Readings by parish members Waveney Jenkins, Chris Hutt, Jane Morris, David Hepburn
    and Sylvia Shimmin; joined by Suellen and Alex Daniel of Living Hope North
~ Reflections are offered by Lay Reader Peter Shimmin.

Music
♫Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy - by Jan Struther - music Slane
Part of the Collegium Regale Network

♫Nunc Dimittis : Evening Canticles in G
from the John Rutter album ‘Stanford and Howells Remembered’

♫All my hope on God is founded
Herbert Howells, John Rutter, Wayne Marshall, The Cambridge Singers

Seashore photo by Mother Lucy Sullivan, curate-in-charge of a parish in Chichester Diocese. Lucy spent two years with us in this diocese ~ in Peel and in Laxey ~ leading up to her ordination training.

May this be a blessing to you, to all Christians, and to all whom you love, whether here on earth, or above.

NB - End of Isle of Man lockdown on 1st February!
Sunday 7th February at 10.30am ~ Parish of the Northern Plain looks forward to a United Commmunion Service in Kirk Andreas, God willing. At this service Judith Ley, active member of St Stephen’s, will be licensed as a Liturgical Assistant and Bishop Peter will be leading the service.