Dear Friends,

Spring is springing as we walk through Lent, and lots of happy farmers are ploughing and harrowing in the unexpected dry spell. Maybe for once Chaucer got it right, and there’s a drought in March which the April showers will remedy!

Whan that April with his shores soote

The drought of March hath pierced to the roote

The 14th Century poet goes on to explain that the spring awakening makes us all long to go on pilgrimages – and thereafter follows the Canterbury Tales. As the days get longer and warmer, our pilgrimage takes us closer to Easter, closer to the heart of the Gospel. The Thought this week considers the recently published Happiness survey and how the Good News of Jesus Christ and living His way, loving God and our neighbour, is the key to enduring happiness, even when things are tough.

It’s Mothering Sunday this weekend, and we give thanks for our mothers and all those who are like mothers in our lives. If you have pre-school or primary aged children or grandchildren why not give All Saints Appleton Roebuck a go on Mothering Sunday? There will be an adventure trail before the service, a dramatic retelling of the story of baby Moses, and a photo booth to make memories afterwards. The perfect prelude to a lovely Mothers’ Day lunch!

There’s still room at the Alive in Christ Lent Course at Bolton Percy Parish Room on Wednesday afternoon if you want to come! Contact St Giles office on 01904 708813, or just turn up and you will be welcomed.

Rachel