The Parish Church of St James, services and contacts
Looking over the horizon of Holy Week to the central celebration of the Christian year at Easter, it is the time above all to reflect on what God has achieved - or, if you prefer, what he has shown to us - in the amazing events of Holy Week and Easter. Although we look back to specific events rooted in the history of the world, yet the cross and the risen life are eternal truths which are discernible throughout history. Look at the prophets, the psalms, the history of the people of Israel and you will see the cross, not in terms of a prediction of what would happen, but in the selfgiving ways of God and of his servants.
Again, the new life we see in the risen Lord reflects the life created perfect at the beginning of time and now created anew. What we celebrate at Easter above all is that no matter how much we as humankind wreck the world and our own lives, God is able to deal with it. In the profoundest sense he redeems us: that is, he buys us back for himself from the sin into which we have given ourselves. The cost of that transaction is the life of Christ himself, and there is no cost to us save that of accepting the gift on offer. Our worship and service is the thank-offering we give to the God who gives us so much. It is a small token but an essential one.
Mark Warrick
5th April: Palm Sunday
10am Isaiah 50: 4-9a; Mark 14: 32 - 15: 39
12th April: Easter Day
10am Acts 10: 34-43; John 20: 1-18
(Family Eucharist with Baptism)
6pm Ezekiel 47: 1-12; John 2: 13-22
19th April: 2nd of Easter
10am Acts 5: 27-32 John 20: 19-31
26th April: 3rd of Easter
10am Acts 9: 1-20 John 21: 1-19
3rd May: 4th of Easter
10am Acts 9: 36-43 John 10: 22-30
Anyone who is unable to come to Church on Easter Day because of illness or frailty and would like to receive Holy Communion at home is encouraged to contact The Vicar or Sonia Marshall so that arrangements can be made.
Climbers and Scramblers continued the theme of God caring for his people by learning about Jonah and the big fish (I expect you saw our balloon papier mache models!) and how God's people were given food and drink in the wilderness. To remind ourselves how wonderful water must have tasted to the Israelites when they were desperate for some we made a delicious drink. We squeezed fresh oranges, mixed in sherbet and fizzy lemon and added food colouring - wonderful!
Mothering Sunday was an important day for us. We were very pleased to be asked to help Fr. Mark with his sermon on all the different jobs mothers do. It was a proud day, too, for those who received their badges:
Well done, everyone!
We are always pleased to welcome new members who are under 7 (including Mum or Dad if you like!).
Please phone Alison on 345890 for more details.
This year the Annual Parochial Meeting will be held immediately following the Sung Eucharist on Sunday 26th April. It will be preceded by the Election of Churchwardens.
This is an Important meeting for the life of our Church and it would be appreciated if as many members of the congregation can attend.
Spring Cleaning of the Church will take place this year from March 29th - April 3rd.
Please contact Liz Spratley or sign the notice board in Church if you can spare some time during that week to help with the cleaning.
Thank you also, to all those who regularly give their time during the year to clean the Church. Their efforts are much appreciated.
Liz Spratley
This is only an extract from some of our magazine. Residents of Deeping St James can subscribe to the printed version.
Back issues are available on line as follows:
November 1997;
December 1997;
January 1998;
February 1998;
March 1998.
The Parish Church of St James, services and contacts