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Beloved friends in Christ, May arrives with a sense of widening light. Easter is still with us, not as a single day now behind us, but as a continuing reality the Church still lives into. The season stretches out gently, inviting us to notice what is growing, what is being renewed, and where grace is quietly at work in ordinary life. Across St John’s and The Holy Innocents, there is much to share this month. There are also many events taking place, so do take a look at the church diary to see what is coming up and join us where you can. The parish blog continues to be a space of reflection and shared life. Denise offers a beautiful article on flowers in rituals and ceremonies, tracing how life big moments are marked with flowers. Ruth reflects on her Easter away, attentive to the ways faith travels us beyond familiar places. Wood writes with affection in a piece titled Gripped by the Bells, capturing his joy of the bell tower. There is also a poem on bluebells, alongside a photograph from Caroline, holding the quiet beauty of the churchyard in this season. Reverend David offers a thoughtful reflection for May; showing the Christian story as something far larger than any single moment, reminding us that the cross, resurrection, Ascension, Pentecost, and Trinity are all part of one unfolding mystery of God’s love. He invites us to see faith not as one fixed chapter, but as a living story in which God continues to create, redeem, and sustain all things. You can also find the latest Bell Tower news on the blog, along with photographs from April. These include Bridget’s well-known wild swim, now part of the parish story of energy and humour as much as dedication. Juliet’s Wonderful Wednesday crafting group continues through May, offering a relaxed space for creativity, conversation, and shared time. There is also an invitation to her Art and Spirituality retreat day, a chance to step aside from the pace of life and attend more closely to prayer, making, and reflection. We also share news from Juliet regarding her ordination, and offer our congratulations and prayers as she prepares for this significant step in ministry. Later in the month, we turn to the great feasts of the Church’s year. On 14 May we celebrate Ascension Day, remembering Christ who is taken into the presence of the Father, not removed from the world but filling all things with his risen life, you can read the article here. On 24 May we keep Pentecost, the gift of the Holy Spirit, who breathes life and courage into the Church and draws us into unity and mission. On 31 May we celebrate Trinity Sunday, giving thanks for the mystery of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, a communion of love at the heart of all things. On that same day we also keep the Visit of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth, a moment of shared joy and recognition as God’s promises unfold. Looking ahead, there are also parish and wider Church of England commemorations across the month, including Philip and James the Apostles (1 May) and Julian of Norwich (8 May), whose writings continue to speak of God’s enduring love. All sermons continue to be published on the blog, offering space to revisit, reflect, or engage with the life of worship throughout the week. And you may also enjoy a summer music playlist, curated to lift the spirit and travel with the sunlit days ahead. A prayer for St John’s this May: Risen Christ, walk with us through the days ahead. In our work and rest, in conversation and silence, make us attentive to your presence. Hold our community in unity and grace, and lead us in the hope of your living light. Amen. As we move through this season, there is much to give thanks for, and much still unfolding among us. Whether in worship, in quiet reflection, or in the simple rhythms of parish life, we continue to be shaped by the story of Christ among us. You are also warmly invited to comment on blog posts and share your reflections. It is a space shaped by many voices, and your thoughts are always welcome. With every good wish for the month ahead. 
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 Beloved friends in Christ,
March unfolds in the intensity and promise of Lent. We remember those whose lives inspire faith. On the first we celebrate David, Bishop and patron of Wales. On the seventeenth, Patrick, Bishop and missionary. The nineteenth brings Joseph of Nazareth, guardian of Jesus. On the twenty-fifth we mark the Annunciation, when Mary welcomed God’s call. And on the twenty-ninth we enter Holy Week with Palm Sunday, marking the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and the path that leads to the cross. Each day invites us to notice Christ boldly present in our lives and in our communities. The Lent course continues on Sundays, 7:00 to 8:30 pm, and everyone is warmly welcome. It is a space to share reflection, and to deepen your journey with Christ. Keep an eye on the blog for the Holy Week lineup, including an Easter Sunday fire, a vivid symbol of resurrection and hope. Life at St John’s and The Holy Innocents continues with energy and generosity. The bell tower news highlights the dedication and joy of all who keep this ministry alive. Juliet’s next Art and Spirituality Day Retreat (18th March) offers a moment to pause and be nourished creatively and spiritually. On Friday 20th March, the Lent Lunch provides a simple but meaningful opportunity to share fellowship, conversation, and warmth in this bold season. The parish blog continues to offer rich reflection. Denise writes about the passion flower and its connection to missionaries in South America, a meditation especially resonant in Lent. And for a lighter moment, one of our wonderful churchwardens has suggested we might all like a story from a popular writer which a few of the St Johns congregation are enjoying. We have a full flush of Morning Prayer at St John’s throughout March, please do join us Monday’s and Friday’s at 9am. A prayer for March: O God of patient love and steadfast courage, in these bold days of Lent help us to walk closely with Christ. Let us notice your presence in prayer, in reflection, in fellowship, and in the rhythms of our lives. May our hearts be open, our faith strengthened, and our eyes ready to see the promise of Easter in every day. Amen. Whether this is your first Lent or one of many, whether you come alone or with friends, we hope you find space to reflect, to pray, and to be renewed. Here there is room for curiosity, for courage, for questions, and for belonging. We dearly hope you will join us in our services this October We are proudly an Inclusive Church, please do get in touch if we can be facilitate you accessing services at St John’s or if you would like to chat before attending.
Everything is at St John’s,Sharow, HG45BJ, unless otherwise stated. “*HI” indicates the location at The Holy Innocents, Copt Hewick, HG45BY
We dearly hope you will join us in our services this September. We are proudly an Inclusive Church, please do get in touch if we can be facilitate you accessing services at St John’s or if you would like to chat before attending.
Everything is at St John’s,Sharow, HG45BJ, unless otherwise stated. “*HI” indicates the location at The Holy Innocents, Copt Hewick, HG45BY Our churches are continuously adapting to need. If a schedule is altered, there will be a note on our Facebook Page. We will also endeavour to alter the website diary (however this is not always possible). Facebook Updates September
NOTES : Choir - Is now to be updated by the Choir WhatsApp group when it is running. Email Juliet to get involved ! to edit. We dearly hope you will join us in our services this August. We are proudly an Inclusive Church, please do get in touch if we can be facilitate you accessing services at St John’s or if you would like to chat before attending.
Everything is at St John’s,Sharow, HG45BJ, unless otherwise stated. “*HI” indicates the location at The Holy Innocents, Copt Hewick, HG45BY Our churches are continuously adapting to need. If a schedule is altered, there will be a note on our Facebook Page. We will also endeavour to alter the website diary (however this is not always possible). Facebook Updates
NOTES : Summer Holiday Club - mornings of Mon-Fri 11th-15th August - children under 5 to be accompanied. To volunteer or to book your child in please contact Juliet. Choir - Is now to be updated by the Choir WhatsApp group when it is running. Email Juliet to get involved |
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