Bowland Benefice Pews News for 16 and 23 August 2026 Over the next few weeks the Services of Holy Communion will be in White Ladies Aston, Peopleton and Broughton Hackett. Opportunities to meet friends from other congregations and to enjoy the uniqueness of all our benefice churches. This week in the Benefice Sunday 16 August Trinity 11 10.30am Benefice Holy Communion in White Ladies Aston Wednesday 19 August 10.30am Funeral Service for Angela James at the Vale Crematorium RIP Saturday 22 August Lunch from 1.00pm Horse Poop Lottery and Lunch in Cowsden Sunday 23 August Trinity 12 11.00am Benefice Holy Communion in Peopleton Sunday 30 August Trinity 13 10.30am Benefice Holy Communion in Broughton Hackett On Saturday 22 August, for St Kenelm’s, a Horse Poop Lottery and Ploughman’s Lunch will be held in or around the Conservatory at Cowsden Hall. The lottery will cost £2 a go, with a £50 prize for the winner. A ploughman’s lunch will be served from 1.00pm and will cost £10.00. Liquid refreshment will be available and, of course, a raffle will take place. For information, please contact Helen (01905 381490) or Janet (01905 381379) Everyone very welcome!! O God, make the door of this Church wide enough to receive all who need human love and fellowship, and narrow enough to shut out all envy, pride, and strife. Make its threshold smooth enough to be no stumbling block to children, nor to straying feet, but rugged and strong enough to turn back the tempter's power. God - make the door of this church the gateway to your eternal kingdom. Amen. We think of those young people receiving A Level and GCSE results over the next week or so. May we rejoice in their successes and achievements, support them in any disappointments and help them in decisions about their futures. On Friday 4 September Revd Claire is doing a 10k Night Walk around the centre of Birmingham with her son Alex to support Cancer Research UK.  Like most families, hers has been affected by cancer and research continues to be vital. Claire would be grateful for your sponsorship – there will be a sponsor form in church at each service or use this link. https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/claires- giving-page-14095060 On Saturday 5 September, St Leonard’s will hold a coffee morning and Mini Fete in the church – an opportunity to get-together and raising some vital funds for St Leonard’s. On Saturday 12 September the annual Ride and Stride event takes place. Funds raised are split equally between the Historic Churches Trust for its valuable work and a nominated local church. Helen Bennett will ride for St Kenelm’s and would be grateful for your sponsorship! With the phenomenon of the eclipse of the sun still very much in our minds, we meditate on the majesty and wonder of the natural world. It is awesome. The garden is rich with diversity With plants of a hundred families In the space between the trees With all the colours and fragrances. Basil, mint and lavender, Great Mystery keep my remembrance pure, Raspberry, Apple, Rose, Great Mystery fill my heart with love, Dill, anise, tansy, Holy winds blow in me. Rhododendron, zinnia, May my prayer be beautiful May my remembrance O Great Mystery Be as incense to you In the sacred grove of eternity As I smell and remember The ancient forests of earth. (Chinook Psalter) God of love, we praise you for the magnificence of creation. We marvel at both its grandeur and the intricacies of its smallest microscopic life forms. As we reflect on the creation, help us to take in its true significance. This is your work in which you have invested deeply of yourself. It is the costly outpouring of your creativity. So, we ask you to instil in us a proper reverence for all that you have made - a genuine respect for all environments and all creatures.  Lord, we are in awe of the formidable power of nature, but, in these times, may we also come to comprehend its complex fragility. Amen.