Ash Wednesday | Lent Course | Bubble Church | Eco Church and more... |
|
|
Dear Friend, Please see below some news and updates from St Bartholomew's Church. This week is the start of Lent. The word Lent comes from the lengthening of the days at this time of year. The lighter evenings and the signs of snowdrops and crocuses are a wonderful sign of growth and life. For us though, Lent is an opportunity to grow spiritually. Mindful of Jesus' time of temptation in the desert, we are all encouraged in Lent to embrace a time of fasting, prayer, and acts of service, each allowing us to 'go without', whether it's our money, our time, or our chocolate biscuits. Perhaps you will give up a favourite treat, or even give up meat for Lent. Maybe you will increase your giving to charity or to the Food Bank or People's Kitchen. Maybe you will start a Lent Course or go to church during the week, not just Sundays. It all takes time, energy, and some element personal sacrifice. But whatever you 'go without' this Lent, I hope that is it a welcome opportunity, rather than an endurance, and that you may see yourself grow in holiness and in deeper love for God and neighbour. Fr Ben Heavenly Father, your Son battled with the powers of darkness, and grew closer to you in the desert: help us to use these days to grow in wisdom and prayer that we may witness to your saving love in Jesus Christ our Lord. (alternative collect for the first Sunday in Lent) |
|
|
Services this week: Ash Wednesday Sunday (The First Sunday of Lent) 8am Eucharist 9am Bubble Church 10am Sung Eucharist
|
|
|
Bubble Church returns this Sunday! After the launch of our Bubble Church last month, Bubble Church returns this Sunday at 9am. Bubble Church is a Sunday church service especially for babies, toddlers, and young families that's accessible and fun. You turn up 10 mins before it starts for a croissant and a coffee, then you'll be guided to a 'bubble', and you and your little ones will share in 30 mins of song, story, puppets, and prayer. You're always welcome just to turn up, but if you can RSVP it helps us to prepare! |
|
|
Grounds Day Thanks Huge thanks to those who came along for the clear-up day in the grounds. We were fuelled by bacon and sausage sandwiches, and managed to clear up a lot of leaves. Keeping our grounds tidy is a never-ending task, so stay tuned for future grounds days! Your support is greatly appreciated. |
|
|
Candlemas Photos Ian was on hand to take some photos of our celebration of Candlemas - the pivot between Christmas and Easter. |
|
|
Lent Course starts next week The Lent Course begins next week. There is a morning session or an evening session, depending on what works best for you, held in the church. Each session will last around an hour each week, for five weeks. The first sessions are: Wednesday 21st February, 11am. Thursday 22nd February, 8pm.
|
|
|
About the Lent course Exploring God's Mercy is a short course for small groups that focuses on five classic images of the Christian gospel which are woven through scripture and the Christian tradition: Lost and finding the way; Trapped and set free; Sick in soul and healed; In turmoil and being at peace; Barren and becoming fruitful. The book costs £7.99 from Church House Publishing. (or probably cheaper on Amazon). It's recommended to have the book, but if you don't, you can still take part, just turn up! | | |
|
|
New Evening Service We have a healthy congregation on a Wednesday morning for the Eucharist, but many who work would benefit from the opportunity for reflection and peace in the evenings. From Thursday 15th February, there will be a weekly Eucharist (Holy Communion) service each Thursday evening at 7:30pm. The service will be simple and quiet, lasting no more than half an hour. |
|
|
First Communions If your child is aged 7-13 and regularly attends worship at St Bart's they might want to be admitted to Holy Communion (allows to have the bread and wine before they are confirmed). This Easter we will have two short sessions of preparation for children to receive communion. If you would like to know more, please speak to Fr Ben, or email the office (by replying to this email). |
|
|
Easter Cards Frances Atkinson has produced a series of Easter cards, the sales of which will support church funds. These beautiful little cards are not prints; each one is a unique watercolour painting! A real bargain. Please see Frances, or enquire in church! |
|
|
Hopeful Lent’ – a series of reflections with Evening Prayer for Lent Take a pause to Join Bishop Helen-Ann for a series of reflections with Evening Prayer this Lent, with the theme, ‘Hopeful Lent’. 29th February – St Andrew’s Corbridge 7th March – St Aidan’s, Morpeth 21st March – St Bartholomew’s, Longbenton Tea and coffee will be provided from 6.40pm, followed by Evening Prayer with a reflection from Bishop Helen-Ann, ending no later than 7.45pm. There is no need to book a place, you are very welcome to come. |
|
|
Eco Church Responding to climate change is an essential part of our responsibility to safeguard God’s creation. There is so much more that our church can be doing to make our community and our world more sustainable. If you are passionate about green issues, and would like to become part of a small group to hope make a difference in our church, let us know by replying to this email, or speaking to Fr Ben. Read about Caring for God's Creation from the Diocese of Newcastle. |
|
|
New Office Opening Hours A reminder of the new Office Hours. Tuesday 9am-12pm Wednesday 9am-12pm Thursday 9am-12pm Friday 9am-12pm
The phone number is 01912662015, and the email address is office@stbartholomews.org.uk. There is an answerphone for out-of-hours contact. |
|
|
Soup and Sandwich Lunch The Mothers' Union will be hosting a Soup and Sandwich Lunch on Sunday 25th February at 12pm in the Church Hall. Sign up at the back of church or email Alyson. This event is open to all! |
|
|
Junior Church and Crèche Contacts We are updating our contact and permission information for our Children and Young People. If your child attends the Junior Church or Crèche, please complete a form, available from Louise, or below. |
|
|
Evergreens Care Centre Service Fr Mark has been leading a monthly service of prayer and hymns in the Evergreens Care Centre (Station Rd, Forest Hall, Newcastle upon Tyne NE12 9BQ). If you would like to come along, the next service is on Sunday 25th at 2:30pm. Speak to Fr Mark if you have any queries. |
|
|
Link is our Diocesan magazine. It contains news and stories from the Diocese, as well as regular feature articles from our bishops and cathedral. It is designed to give churchgoers and non-churchgoers an insight into life in our parishes and church schools. |
|
|
Sharing the life of the Church If you are part of a group or club that meets at the church, and you want to share your news, or photos or events, get in touch! |
|
|
Social Media We post regularly on Facebook and Instagram. Follow us there to see what we're up to! |
|
|
|
|
