|
|
|
|
Firstly, let me say Happy New Year to all those who are returning to school or college or heading off to new schools. Secondly, welcome back to all those who have been on their holidays over the summer, I truly hope that you have had a wonderful break.
|
This time season is all about gathering as we head towards the autumn and the harvest celebration next month. As we gather together once more and find our place back within the church family, we also have the opportunity in this season to reflect on our place in the wider world. Over the course of the month we will be considering issues relating to the care of creation and climate justice. As we pray together, worship together, and learn together, you will see these themes crop up (no pun intended!). My hope is that, as we reflect on together, we might renew our calling to be caretakers of creation.
|
Why not check out our Eco board in church for a bit of extra inspiration or try out one of the eco tips on our weekly newssheet? Or why not send us a photo of your latest eco project or a tip of your own to share with us all.
|
Whether you are growing, harvesting, saving, reducing, reusing, recycling, or campaigning, may we do it all for the glory of God.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Junior church
Due to some staffing changes we now have a new pattern for Junior Church during term time.
|
- 1st Sunday of the Month – No Junior Church this week. The children’s table is available for parents and carers to use with their children but there will be no supervised activities (we ask that parents / carers supervise their children on these Sundays)
- 2nd Sunday of the Month – Junior Church
- 3rd Sunday of the Month – Junior Church
- 4th Sunday of the Month – No Junior Church. Supervised activities are available at the children’s table.
|
During school holidays there will be no Junior Church but the children’s table will be available for parents and carers to use with their children.
|
|
|
|
|
Youth work
|
Unfortunately, we have had to delay the start of the youth club due to not having enough volunteer helpers for the group. We are now looking at sharing the youth club with other churches in the area so that we can effectively staff the group. The added benefit is that our young people will get to meet other Christian young people in the area which will help to support them in their faith.
|
The hope is that we will have the group up and running before Christmas, depending on the availability of volunteers. If you would like to volunteer as a leader or helper, please speak to Jess.
|
|
Please note that all roles working with children and young people are subject to safer recruitment processes and a DBS check.
|
|
|
|
|
St Peters Playtime
|
St Peter’s Playtime starts again on Thursday 7th September from 1pm – 3pm. Don’t forget to let those with little ones know about us!
|
|
|
|
|
Heritage Open Day
|
We’re open for the National Church Heritage Day on 16th September from 10am -2pm. This is an opportunity to show off our beautiful church to those who are particularly interested in our history and a chance to connect with our community. If you can help to welcome our guests on the day and perhaps show them around, let Jess know.
|
|
|
|
|
Home Groups
Are you part of a home group? If not, would you like to join a home group?
|
We have four thriving home groups within our church. They are a great way of sharing fellowship together as well as being a great way for us to grow together in faith. If you would like to join a home group, please speak to one of our home group leaders for more information.
|
- Andy Rhodes – Monthly on Sunday Afternoons
- Wendy Harper – Fortnightly on Tuesday Afternoons
- Ann and Philip Walls – Weekly on Thursday Afternoons
- Alison Sowden – Fortnightly on Tuesday Evenings
|
There is also a Zoom group hosted by St Saviour’s church on a Monday evening. Speak to Jess if you would like more details of this group.
|
|
|
|
|
Harvest Service
|
Our harvest services will be on 1st October this year at 9am and 10:30am. At each of the services we will be collecting offerings of non-perishable food to give thanks for all that we have been given. After our services we will be sharing all that we have collected amongst local food banks.
|
|
|
|
|
Job vacancies
Are you looking for a new opportunity? The Diocese of Leeds have a few vacancies at the moment. Click on the links below for more details.
|
|
|
|
Getting in touch
Jess Davis (priest-in-charge)
Email: vicar@stpetersbirstall.co.uk
Phone / Text / WhatsApp – 07949226508
(when Jess is on annual leave, the wardens are the first point of contact)
|
|
|
|
And finally
|
We hope you enjoyed this newsletter. If you have suggestions for things we can put in it please do get in touch.
|
|
Thanks for reading. God bless you all.
|
St Peter's Church, Birstall
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
