Bowland Benefice
Pews News
4 February 2024
2nd Sunday before Lent
Collect
Almighty God,
you have created the heavens and the earth
and made us in your own image:
teach us to discern your hand in all your works
and your likeness in all your children;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns supreme over all things,
now and for ever. Amen.

This Week in the Benefice
Saturday
3 February

12.30pm Prayer Pilgrimage with Justin Welby at Pershore Abbey
Sunday
4 February
10.30am Family Service in Upton Snodsbury
11.00am Holy Communion in Peopleton
6.00pm Evensong in White Ladies Aston
Sunday
11 February
10.30am Holy Communion in Upton Snodsbury

4.00pm All Age Family Service in Broughton Hackett

Funeral of Alan Brodrick
The funeral of Alan Brodrick will be held at 11.30am in St John the Baptist Church, White Ladies Aston on Monday 12 February.
All those who knew Alan are very welcome to this service to mourn his loss and celebrate his life in the church that he served so faithfully for so long.

Funeral of David Balgarnie
will be held at 11.00am in St Nicholas Church, Peopleton on 14 February. All are welcome.

The Light of God surrounds me,
The Love of God enfolds me,
The Power of God protects me,
The Presence of God watches over me,
Wherever I am – GOD IS.

Ash Wednesday 14 February
The Season of Lent begins next week with Ash Wednesday on 14 February.
As we know Lent is traditionally a period of fasting, moderation and self-denial – a penitential season to prepare for Christ’s ultimate sacrifice for us all on Good Friday.
Have you ever wondered from where the word Lent derives?
It is apparently from the old Anglo-Saxon Word Lencten meaning Spring.

The start of Lent in the Benefice will be marked by a Communion Service with Imposition of Ashes at 7.00pm in Peopleton.
A time to take stock, perhaps to resolve to spend more time with Jesus in thought, prayer and meditation.
One way to spend time with God, would be to take part in the Lent Course – The Joy of the Gospel – which Revd Claire will be running, beginning on Tuesday 20 February in the Rectory. So far only one person has expressed an interest in attending the course, so please, if you are planning to take part, thinking about it or have a question, contact Claire. She will be very glad to hear from you.
07921 101320 or [email protected]

A prayer and meditation based on words from the Old Testament…..
Ever since I was a child, you loved me.
You called me; but the more you called me,
the more I turned away from you.
Yet you were the one who taught me to walk.
You took me up in your arms, but I did not acknowledge that you took care of me.
You drew me to you with affection and love.
You picked me up and held me to your cheek.
You bent down to me and fed me.
Yet I insisted on turning away from you.
And now I cry out: do not give me up!
Do not abandon me! For you are God and I pray you the Holy One, will always be with me. Amen.
(based on Hosea 11: 1-9)