Bowland Benefice
Pews News 7 January 2024

The Epiphany
Collect
Creator of the heavens,
who led the Magi by a star
to worship the Christ-child:
guide and sustain us,
that we may find our journey’s end
in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

This Week in the Benefice

Sunday
7 January
The Epiphany 10.30am Family Service in Upton Snodsbury
11.00am Holy Communion in Peopleton
6.00pm Evensong in White Ladies Aston
Friday
12 January
7.30pm Film Night in The Parish Room, White Ladies Aston
Sunday
14 January
Epiphany 2 10.30am Holy Communion in Upton Snodsbury
10.30am Family Service in White Ladies Aston
4.00pm All Age family Service in Broughton Hackett

We welcome Revd Alma Organ (together with husband Robin) to Peopleton this morning. Alma
will lead the service of Holy Communion.

The Dig (nominated for Outstanding British Film 2021) will be shown in The Parish Room, White Ladies Aston on Friday 12 January. To reserve your seat and guarantee an ice cream, please book with Margaret – 01905 345371; [email protected]

Please make a note in your diary to support St Leonard’s, Broughton Hackett next Sunday, 14 January by attending their short and all-age friendly Family Service.
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany
For those who seek a Saviour
we lead them to the Stable
To the One who was born
To bring freedom
Forgiveness
Liberty.
For those who seek Assurance
we lead them to the Light
To the One who opens eyes
to understanding
God's Word
Truth.
For those who seek Forgiveness
we lead them to a Grace
beyond comprehension
To wholeness
Healing
Peace.

A ‘simple’ six point plan for 2024 living – courtesy of
The Revd Dave Tomlinson who describes himself as a
bad Christian, slightly better vicar, struggling writer, improving husband, model epicure, awesome dreamer.
Point 1. Don’t try to change the world – be true to yourself……….if you are true to yourself, you will change the world because the world around you will change.
Point 2. Commit to compassion……every single act of compassion is a flap of a butterfly’s wings. You may not see the final outcome but keep flapping!
Point 3. Join with others in seeking to promote justice and peace in the world……without human partners God has no ears and eyes, no arms or legs. God is reliant on human co-operation in making the world a better place.
Point 4. Attend to the present moment……..do what you can now instead of wishing you had done more in the past, or trying to plan for the future.
Point 5. Overcome evil with good…….every single act of love, peace or forgiveness in the face of evil constitutes a beating of wings that will create waves and reverberations however invisible or anonymous they may be.
Point 6. Look for Christ in the world………there are many Christ-like figures in the world. None of these eclipse the unique revelation of God in Jesus, but they remind us that God constantly shows up in the most surprising places through the most unexpected people.

Urgent Need!
Please remember the local Food Banks.
Stocks are low after the Christmas period.
They are in constant need of the staples of life – UHT milk, tinned goods, dried goods such as pasta, coffee, tea, packet soups, cleaning materials and toiletries.
Please help families in need.