Our Lenten journey continues. Lent is a time for self-examination, penitence, self-denial, study, alms-giving, all in preparation for Easter. It lasts for forty days and forty nights reminding us of Jesus' time spent in the wilderness, being tested by Satan.

The Fourth Sunday of Lent (Laetare or Refreshment Sunday) was allowed as a day of relief from the rigour of Lent, and is the background to the modern observance of Mothering Sunday. This easing of the Lenten fasting for Laetare Sunday was marked by its use of Rose coloured vestments.

If through poor health or infirmity you are unable to attend a service in Church, you are warmly invited to join in with our Rector, The Revd Mark Woodrow, in an act of Spiritual Communion from your own home, as he celebrates Holy Communion from the Vicarage.

The readings for today are Exodus 2:1-10, Colossians 3:12-17, and Luke 2:33-35.

The hymns for today are, Tell out, my soul, and, For Mary, Mother of our Lord.

A service booklet to accompany this weeks service is available. Please email [email protected] for a copy.

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Special Mothering Sunday Event

Sunday 30th March 2025

3.00pm until 4.00pm

St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Clare

In recognition, and in memory, of all mothers, we are going to be planting some beautiful summer bulbs around the church. We would love you to join us. Everybody is very welcome.

Do come and plant a bulb for your own mother, yourself, or someone else who may appreciate this thoughtful gesture. We will provide the bulbs – there is no charge.

If you are unable to attend, but would like a bulb planted for someone special, please ask Revd Mark (01787 277515).

We look forward to seeing you.

Come and join us in Clare Parish Church for Coffee, Cake and Chat!

Fair trade Coffee, Delicious Cakes, and a change to meet up with friends old and new.

No Charge - but Donations Welcome.

Children's activities also available.

Join us for our regular service of Holy Communion.

Join us for a simple service of Evening Prayer.

Join us for our special Children's Easter Celebration in Hundon Church.

There will be activities, crafts, the Easter Story, singing, Easter Egg Hunt, and refreshments.

Open for pre-school and primary school age children.

Children please bring a grown up!

There is no charge for this event.

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Join us for our special Maundy Thursday service where we are reminded of the importance of humble Christian service expressed through Christ’s washing of his disciple’s feet, the institution of the Eucharist, and the perfection of Christ’s obedience through the agony of Gethsemane.

Join us for our special Good Friday’s service where our focus turns to the Cross. There is no celebration of the Eucharist, and churches are traditionally stripped of all decoration.

There can be no adequate way of recalling the death of the Son of God, other than silence and desolation.

Join Revd Mark in Poslingford Church, as he leads a short and reflective service of Compline (Night Prayer) to mark the end of Good Friday.

(Do wrap up warm!)

From earliest times Christians have gathered through the night of Easter to recall the story of God’s saving work, from creation through to the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. This service is meant to be a real experience of new life, a passing from darkness to light which offers hope to all the faithful.

The Easter Vigil marks the end of the emptiness of Holy Saturday, and leads into the celebration of Christ’s resurrection. The singing of the Exsultet, the ancient hymn of triumph and rejoicing, links the night of our Christian redemption to the Passover night of Israel’s redemption out of Egypt. Christian baptism is a participation in the death and resurrection of Christ. The Easter Vigil is a fitting time for all those who are already Christians to repeat with renewed commitment the promises of their own baptism. The Easter Gospel is proclaimed with all the joy and splendour that the church can find.

The Easter Eucharist follows immediately on from the Vigil. All the resources of the church – music, flowers, bells, colours – are used to celebrate Christ’s resurrection. The ‘Alleluia’, which has been silent throughout Lent, returns!

Join us for our Easter Morning Communion Service

Everyone welcome!

A series of Coffee-time concerts for all to enjoy the beauty of Clare Parish Church whilst listening to some wonderful live music.

Morning Prayer with hymns and address

Join us for our Annual Church Meeting, including the Election of Church Wardens.

The APCM will follow on from our 11am Service (so approx. 12 Noon)

Copies of the annual report will be available in Church.

Our children are precious to all who love and care for them and are precious to God as well.

We all want the very best for them, and so too does God.

So a Baptism, which we celebrate today, is just the beginning of a wonderful lifelong journey of faith ... and so much more.