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Parish Newsletter Feb 07
"New year - new dreams"
It's difficult to believe that as you read this we will already be almost a month into 2007. I wonder what you are expecting the year ahead to bring? Or perhaps an easier question, what would you like it to bring? It would be lovely to wave a magic wand and solve all our problems-"New year, new you" : That's the promise of countless articles and programmes.. If we could just change one thing then maybe a whole new way of being would begin. We can become healthier, fitter, wealthier, happier- it all seems so easy really. But as the years go by most of us become more realistic, making small but significant changes when we need to, but basically becoming more mature, and with maturity comes self-acceptance and responsibility for our lives. That's true in the church as well. The Christian faith also asks us to grow up and change, develop wisdom and take responsibility. For many of us church provides a welcome haven from the problems of our lives. We can let go and allow God and his people to take care of our needs. But that is only half of the picture. St. Paul encouraged the early followers of Jesus to leave behind baby milk and move on to solid food-which means learning to think for ourselves, make choices and decision, take responsibility for our spiritual lives and our churches just as we do in the rest of our lives. Maturity for us as a church community means facing up to real issues - and one of the issues we have to face this year is the financial challenge of maintaining and developing our lovely buildings.. These places have seen much joy and much sorrow over the years- and have offered much support through the care of the people who make up the living church. Sustaining both the physical welcome of these special places and the warm lively worship that so many appreciate is a challenge that we have to face. There are many ways in which the churches- as buildings and as people - are sources of life in our villages. There are children's activities, family services, plans to develop the building.
There is so much that could happen. So as the year gets underway and the cycle of church life begins again, my prayer is that as individuals, as church and as community we will be able to grow in faith, run the race together with joy and see once again that God is at work in our midst. For beyond all the everyday difficulties lies the truth of our faith-a faith that sustains us, a hope that keeps the light shining in the darkness and a love that we have celebrated at Christmas. This love is for all humankind; this love knows no limits, this love will continue to inspire us and encourage us in our own personal lives and in our life together-for this is the love of God, known to us in Jesus. It's good news-news of freedom, joy and wholeness. Let's proclaim it-and let's rise up to meet the opportunities that lie ahead. A Happy New Year to you and all your friends and family. Sandra
We have been delighted to have Kate Stacey on placement with us from Cuddesdon - something that will continue until June. Both Kate and her husband Graham are training for ordained ministry, and it has been good to meet their three children as well. Please continue to welcome and support Kate in any way you can, and pray for her and her family as they continue their training
Services for February
January 28th 11.00am Cluster Service-Berinsfield
February 4th 8.00am Holy Communion - Berinsfield 9.30 Children's service - DSL 11.00 am Family Service - Berinsfield 6.00pm Evening Prayer-Toot BCP Evensong - Led by Brian Newey
February 11th 9.30am Holy Communion - DSL 11.00am Holy Communion-Marsh 6.00pm Holy Communion - Berinsfield
February 18th 9.30 am Holy Communion - DSL 8.30/9.15 Holy Communion and "One4all" - Marsh 11.00am Holy Communion - Berinsfield
February 21st Ash Wednesday 9.30am Communion with ashes - Berinsfield 8pm Communion with ashes - Warborough
February 25th 9.15am Holy Communion -Toot 1st in Lent 11.00am Holy Communion - Berinsfield 4.00pm Holy Communion - DSL
Sidesduty Marsh Toot February 4th (6pm) Graham Hobbins February 11th Richard Barnett (11am) February 18th Erik Anggard (9.15) February 25th (9.15) Ron Hewitt
Flowers Marsh Toot Feb.4&11 June Hackney Marcia Trinder Veronica Sandilands Feb.18 Olive Garfoot Nina Wells Vanessa Bowler No Flowers in Lent
Dates for your Diary Thursday February 8th 8am Prayer at St. Peter's
March Services
2nd March WWDP at 7.00pm at Dorchester Abbey
4th March 8am Holy Communion - Berinsfield 9.30 Children's Service - DSL 11am Family Service - Berinsfield 6pm Holy Communion - Toot
11th March 9.30 Holy Communion - DSL 11am Holy Communion - Marsh 6pm Holy Communion - Berinsfield
18th March 8.30 Holy Communion - Marsh 9.15 ‘One4all' - Marsh 11am Holy Communion - Berinsfield
25th March 9.30 Cluster Communion Service
1st April 8am Holy Communion - Berinsfield Palm Sunday 9.30 Children's Service - DSL 11am Family Service - Berinsfield 6pm Palm Sunday procession and service from Marsh to Toot - details to follow.
Sidesduty Marsh Toot 4th March (6pm) J&H Maskell 11th March John Mason (11am) 18th March Olive Garfoot (9.15)
No flowers in Lent
Items for March Newsletter to: Sonia Hewitt (tel & fax 343398, e-mail: ronsonhewitt@btinternet.com), or Nicola Barclay-Watt (343224, e-mail: barclaywatt@btinternet.com) or Sherry Rix, e-mail: sherry@travelafricamag.com by 16th February at the latest please.
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