Bowland Benefice Pews News - 15 February 2026 Sunday next before Lent - Collect Almighty Father, whose Son was revealed in majesty before he suffered death upon the cross: give us grace to perceive his glory, that we may be strengthened to suffer with him and be changed into his likeness, from glory to glory; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. This week in the Benefice Sunday 15 February 10.30am Benefice Holy Communion in White Ladies Aston Wednesday 18 February Ash Wednesday 7.00pm Holy Communion with Imposition of ashes in Upton Snodsbury Sunday 22 February 1 st Sunday of Lent 9.30am Holy Communion in White Ladies Aston 10.30am 2.00pm Hymns and a Prayer and Baptism of Arthur-Scott in Upton Snodsbury 11.00am Holy Communion in Peopleton A Prayer for Ash Wednesday Holy God, our lives are laid open before you: rescue us from the chaos of sin and through the death of your Son bring us healing and make us whole in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Lent begins on Wednesday with Holy Communion in Upton Snodsbury but first comes Shrove Tuesday - traditionally celebrated by feasting on pancakes to use up rich ingredients like eggs, butter, and sugar before the 40-day fast of Lent. The observation of Lent has changed greatly over the years and whether you intend to give up things you like; to fast; to spend time reading the Bible or meditating you will be made very welcome in Upton Snodsbury to mark the beginning of Lent on Wednesday evening and at the Pilgrim Lent Course which begins on Wednesday 25 February from 2.30pm to 3.30pm in The Parish Room, White Ladies Aston. Each session will begin with coffee/tea and cake. For more information or to sign up for it, please contact Claire 07921 101320. This Saturday is of course St Valentine’ Day - It may be an opportunity to declare your love and affection for someone special and to lavish cards and gifts on them; but also it is really good in these dark days of winter to say thank you. To remember and celebrate all those unique and incredible people we have known and loved; those who have meant something special and have been a big part of our lives as we journey on along this incredible path of life. St Valentine does get a mention in the Church of England Lectionary on 14 February, along with Cyril and Methodius Missionaries to the Slavs, 869 and 885. His entry reads Valentine, Martyr at Rome c269. He is a ‘Lesser Saint’ and little is known about him. His life and times are shrouded in the mists of centuries. The most popular myth is that he was a Christian Priest in Rome in the time of Emperor Claudius 11, in the third century AD. The Emperor decided that soldiers should not marry as it made them bad soldiers. (I suppose he thought that the presence of a woman would take a soldier’s mind off the job in hand!). So marriage in the military was banned! Valentine, being a courageous priest with principles, broke the law and continued to conduct marriage services for soldiers. He was discovered and thrown into prison. The story goes that there he fell in love with his jailer’s daughter. He was sentenced to death and executed on 14 February around 269. His last act was to write to his belovéd – a love letter signed from your Valentine. Prayers for St Valentine’s Day Eternal God, we offer our thanks that through our earthly lives you speak of your eternal life. We rejoice in the wonder of creation, the gift of human life and the many blessings that our relationships bring. Renew in us the fruits of your Holy Spirit; that love, joy and peace may abound in our homes, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. God of wonder and of joy: grace comes from you, and you alone are the source of life and love. Without you, we cannot please you; without your love, our deeds are worth nothing. Send your Holy Spirit, and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of love, that we may worship you now with thankful hearts and serve you always with willing minds; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.