The church building at St James’ is much loved. This is perhaps most obvious when we welcome people: at Christmas, to baptise, to get married and to say goodbye to loved ones. Anglican Parish Churches are sometimes described as ‘memory palaces’ for a community, and one of the obligations for an Anglican Parish Community is to maintain the building as a keeper of those memories and as a witness to the presence of God.In recent years many have commented on the need to repair the internal decoration of the church and on the inadequacy of the sound system. As time passes, these items move from being ‘nice to have’ to ‘essential maintenance’, and during 2019 the PCC committed to attend to them. A budget of £40k for this work was established and a plea for pledges issued to those on the Electoral Roll of the Parish early in 2020 received a very generous response. Redecoration work has started and will be completed during the summer.
Thy Kingdom Come is a prayer initiative for the time between Ascension and Pentecost, which in 2020 falls between 21 and 31 May. In this time all are invited to discover new habits and ways of praying, that those whom you know might come to know the love of God in Jesus Christ.Why not take a prayer walk in the churchyard (click on the link below to see the promotional video). And/ or why not view Prayer During the Day on our YouTube channel each day from 12 noon and join in at home. Get the link to YouTube here.And there are plenty of resources available for you to try with your families here.May God bless you richly in this time.
The Ten Commandments and Jesus' summary of the law were at one time near the very centre of our culture and civilisation. They were learned by heart and often rehearsed in public worship. They were inscribed in public places and often displayed in the home. For centuries they were at the centre of what Christians learned about their faith. Yet today they are little understood, let alone followed.This module of the Pilgrim Course affirms that the Christian life is about far more than keeping external rules. The Christian life is about forming Christian character and virtue over the whole of our lives.During Lent 2019 members of the St James' community explored the Beatitudes and we're looking forward to continuing our discipleship journey together.
