Bowland Benefice - Pews News 20 September 2026 -16 th Sunday after Trinity Lord of creation, whose glory is around and within us: open our eyes to your wonders, that we may serve you with reverence and know your peace at our lives’ end, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. This week in the Benefice Sunday 20 September 10.30am Benefice Holy Communion in Upton Snodsbury Wednesday 23 September 7.00pm WLA Singers rehearsal in The Parish Room Sunday 27 September Trinity 17 9.30am Holy Communion in White Ladies Aston 10.30am Hymns and a Prayer in Upton Snodsbury 11.00am Late Breakfast Café Church We welcome back Revd Alma to take the Benefice Service in Upton Snodsbury this morning. A reminder that the White Ladies Singing Group continues to meet every Wednesday evening for one hour - 7.00pm to 8,00pm in The Parish Room. New singers are always welcome and soon rehearsals will start for Christmas items and events. A Thank You from Revd Claire Thank you to everyone who sponsored me so generously for my night walk in Birmingham. Son Alex walked with me and we chatted the whole way round - and suddenly it was over! We completed it in 2 hours 7 minutes and between us we raised £1552.50 including gift aid. The whole sum is going to Cancer Research UK.  – Thank you all so much! A prayer for September We see signs of summer's passing in golden leaves, shortening days, misty mornings, autumn glow. We sense its passing in rain that dampens, winds that chill, Harvest's bounty placed on show. Creator God, who brings forth both green shoot and hoar frost, sunrise and sunset, we bring our thanks for seeds that have grown, harvests gathered, storehouses filled, mouths fed. And, as your good earth rests through winter's cold embrace, we look forward to its re-awakening when kissed by Spring's first touch. Amen. Another Thank You! Last Saturday Helen Bennett rode her trusty bike in the annual Ride and Stride event, raising money for the Churches Conservation Trust and local churches. Helen writes……. Many thanks to everyone who sponsored me for the Bike Ride on Saturday. Despite a strong wind(!!!!) I managed to cycle around 16 churches and raised £800. The refreshments on offer in the churches were gratefully received. An update on Benefice Harvest Festivals 4 October at 10.30am - St Kenelm’s, Upton Snodsbury with auction of harvest gifts in the Village Hall. Donations of food items for the auction will be appreciated. The auction follows the service and all money collected from the auction, plus any from the church collection and donations from the Soup and Sandwich lunch which will take place immediately after the auction in the Village Hall, will be donated to Farmers Overseas Action Group. F.O.A.G. is an independent charity which aids social and economic development in Ugandan rural communities. and 4.00pm in St Leonard’s, Broughton Hackett. Following the Harvest Family Service there will be refreshments on an apple theme. Any fruit and vegetables collected will be donated to Pershore Community Cupboard with dry goods split between them, Pershore Food Bank and Maggs Day Centre. 11 October at 10.30am – in St John the Baptist, White Ladies Aston. All produce donated and money collected will go to the Maggs, Day Centre in Worcester. Maggs is a Worcestershire-based charity supporting people experiencing homelessness with practical help, housing support and long-term pathways for a settled life. 18 October at 11.00am – in St Nicholas, Peopleton. The Harvest Festival service will be followed by a Harvest lunch in Peopleton Village Hall 12.30 for I.00pm. Everyone is welcome. Tickets for the delicious two course lunch will be on sale at the beginning of October.     All donations for the harvest collection will be much appreciated and will be taken to Maggs Day Centre after the service.       An Invitation On Sunday 18 October at 3.00pm in Worcester Cathedral everyone is invited to a very special diocesan service to celebrate, give thanks and look with hope to the future of our ministry with children, young people and families across the Diocese of Worcester. More information to follow…….