Last updated 22nd July 2009
© 2009 St Chads Skerton
© 2011 St Chads Skerton
Last updated 13th February 2012
Nicholas’ February 2012 notes.
We – Sarah our editor and I – have been trying to think about how we can best answer the needs of the parish through our magazine and other means of communication, and we hope that you will help us by completing the questionnaire which is printed later in this edition of the magazine. The more responses we receive, the better!
Over the last year we have tried to include articles in particular which reflect some of the views of our young people; some of the insights and expertise of people who work alongside us; and some resources to help focus our spiritual awareness – and we hope that these have been used and valued.
One of the things which we hope to nurture is a responsiveness to the creativity which exists among us all here at St Chad’s. Many of us, maybe, write poems or prayers, or do artwork of different kinds, or tapestry and needlework, or photography or music – and during Eastertide this year we hope that it will be possible to arrange a small exhibition of some of our creativity – itself a reflection of the creativity of God which was one of the main focuses of my Sermons on the Creed in the autumn.
Last year you will remember that it was during Lent that we received some extremely beautiful and thoughtful written contributions about the meaning and value for us of God’s Sabbath Rest: these were created as part of our Lent study group – and they were an very eloquent testimony to the depth and maturity of the spiritual life which exists here.
Over the last year we have tried to include articles in particular which reflect some of the views of our young people; some of the insights and expertise of people who work alongside us; and some resources to help focus our spiritual awareness – and we hope that these have been used and valued.
One of the things which we hope to nurture is a responsiveness to the creativity which exists among us all here at St Chad’s. Many of us, maybe, write poems or prayers, or do artwork of different kinds, or tapestry and needlework, or photography or music – and during Eastertide this year we hope that it will be possible to arrange a small exhibition of some of our creativity – itself a reflection of the creativity of God which was one of the main focuses of my Sermons on the Creed in the autumn.
Last year you will remember that it was during Lent that we received some extremely beautiful and thoughtful written contributions about the meaning and value for us of God’s Sabbath Rest: these were created as part of our Lent study group – and they were an very eloquent testimony to the depth and maturity of the spiritual life which exists here.
This year, Lent begins on 22nd February – and the bishop has asked that as many churches as possible can be open on that Ash Wednesday all day with acts of devotion and reflection marking each hour from morning to night. Here at St Chad’s we intend to use this as an opportunity to have an informal quiet day with a few minutes of focus every hour, on the hour, into which people can slip in and out according to what suits them. As part of this, of course, we shall celebrate the eucharist at both 10am and 7pm with the imposition of ashes which are a sign of our recognition that we come from the dust, and will return to the dust. But the dust – or the earth – is not a dead place: it is where seeds take root and germinate; very profoundly it is where the renewal of life begins. The whole of Lent is a season for the renewal of life – and it is for that reason that this month we include the famous canticle by
St Francis of Assisi about the fruition of God’s goodness within the whole creation, not only around us, but also within and through us. These words are well known through the hymn, All Creatures of our God and King – and here they are in a translation a little bit closer to what Francis himself wrote 800 years ago. They are a testimony that sometimes the
very ancient things are among the very best!
Even more ancient, of course, are the Psalms – and we include one of those as well as a focus for our prayers and reflections as we get ready for a celebration of Lent and Easter in which we shall give thanks for the creativity of God within us, to whom be all praise and goodness and glory and thanksgiving, now and always.
St Francis of Assisi about the fruition of God’s goodness within the whole creation, not only around us, but also within and through us. These words are well known through the hymn, All Creatures of our God and King – and here they are in a translation a little bit closer to what Francis himself wrote 800 years ago. They are a testimony that sometimes the
very ancient things are among the very best!
Even more ancient, of course, are the Psalms – and we include one of those as well as a focus for our prayers and reflections as we get ready for a celebration of Lent and Easter in which we shall give thanks for the creativity of God within us, to whom be all praise and goodness and glory and thanksgiving, now and always.
Amen.
I am always glad to know if there is anyone who could do with a visit: it can be difficult to
keep track of who is present and who is missing week by week – and no-one should assume
that I necessarily know if someone’s sick! Or lonely! I am very grateful to those who do
keep me informed.
keep track of who is present and who is missing week by week – and no-
keep me informed.
Nicholas
THANK YOU!
We are extremely grateful to everyone who has supported special appeals over the Christmas Season – for the Children’s Society at Christingle; for the local homeless during our Christmas services; for the purchase of new hymn books ; for the repair of the organ ; and for the contribution of tea-lights which we shall use in the prayer corner
during the coming year.
Thank you!
This is the more appreciated because of the pressures which are on everyone’s finances at the moment.
We pass on thanks from Debbie Peatman who has appreciated very much indeed cards and
messages of kindness from members of St Chad’s during her recent illness.
Things are getting back to normal now.
We are extremely grateful to everyone who has supported special appeals over the Christmas Season – for the Children’s Society at Christingle; for the local homeless during our Christmas services; for the purchase of new hymn books ; for the repair of the organ ; and for the contribution of tea-
Thank you!
This is the more appreciated because of the pressures which are on everyone’s finances at the moment.
We pass on thanks from Debbie Peatman who has appreciated very much indeed cards and
messages of kindness from members of St Chad’s during her recent illness.
Things are getting back to normal now.