Rector’s Update 17/02/25

It feels like it has been a long winter with almost continual grey skies but the days are slowly getting longer and already it’s time for the school half term holiday – spring must surely be round the corner.

We were reminded of the promise of spring at St Denys’ Church on 8th February when we held Snowdrop Saturday. Despite miserable weather, over 80 people came long to see the wonderful display of flowers and enjoy the welcome refreshments served in the church. Then on 9th February, St Peter’s hosted an Afternoon Tea aimed at welcoming local residents from the village. It was a lovely afternoon, and a good number joined us for a splendid tea. Thank you to all who supported these events and especially those who worked hard to make them happen.

As you know we have been trying to recruit a new Team Vicar to join the staff of the Benefice. We have just placed a fresh advertisement and want to back this up with prayer. To that end we will be having two special Prayer Meetings on Saturdays 22nd February and 22nd March from 9am to 10am at St Peter’s Church. Fresh coffee and Croissants will be served and we’d love it if you could come. If possible please let Lyn Bliss (lyn@2bsd.org.uk) know if you hope to be there so she can order enough pastries!

Also on Saturday 22nd February there is a Schools’ Prayer Meeting at The Vicarage at 11am where we will pray for Bucklebury and Bradfield Schools – all welcome.

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday (5th March) with a service for everyone in the Benefice at St Denys’ Church at 7.30pm.

On subsequent Wednesdays in Lent at 7.30pm, we are holding a Lent Course called Tenants of The King which will help us to consider what the Bible has to say to us about the environment and to offer the opportunity to consider how we can respond as Christians. Please let me know if you intend to come so that we can order participants workbooks.

Finally, the church office phone is still not working but we hope it will be repaired this week. In the meantime we have a designated mobile number if you need to call 07709 055663.

Have a good week

Steve