Dear friends

In times of threat and upheaval Christians and Jews have both turned to the Psalms of David for comfort and hope. As the world powers eye each other and rattle swords, David’s prayers have a resonance for our time. “My eyes are turned towards you, O God, my Lord; in you I seek refuge; do not leave me defenseless. Keep me from the trap that they have laid for me, and from the snares of evil men.” Ps 141:8-9.  “Give heed to my cry, for I am brought very low. Save me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me.” Ps 142:6. “Save me O Lord, from my enemies; I have fled to you for refuge. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Let your good spirit lead me on a level path.” Ps 143:9-10.  “Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle; my rock and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield in whom I take refuge,” Psalm 144:1-2.

To dwell, however, on the machinations of wicked men, whether at home or abroad, is to invite despair. We’ve had two years training to learn how to deal with miserable situations; keep the faith, and rejoice at every opportunity, no matter how small. A long tailed tit, small and grey, has taken to visiting our windows, and peeping in. Sometimes he taps the glass, inviting our attention back to the level path of Psalm 143. “Good morning, Lionel,” I say, having christened him alliteratively.

Worship Services for Sunday 20th February

9.30am Informal Worship at St John’s Stoke Row with Mr Brian Turner

11am Family worship at Checkendon Church with Revd Kevin Davies. With the music group, and coffee.

6.30pm-7pm. Church at Home. An online evening service with Revd Kevin.  Zoom numbers 636 645 195 and passcode 000162. Music, prayers, and a word from Mark’s gospel.

Other service options for elsewhere in the Team can be found on the Langtree Team Ministry Churches website. Services for Feb 27th are 9.30am at Stoke Row, 11am at Checkendon; but there wont be an online Church at Home in the evening.

Get ready for the Lent Journey

“Forty Words” is our ten minute daily online reflection for Lent 2022. We begin on Thursday March 3rd, until Wednesday April 13th. A word from Scripture, a reflection, music and prayer between 8.30-8.40pm every day. You can join the pilgrimage using zoom numbers 842 3891 2144 and 123165. Do make a note of them in your diary. Everyone is welcome, wherever you are Come every day, or drop in when you can.

There’s also an opportunity to join together in person for the start of Lent at our Ash Wednesday (March 2nd)  service at 7.30pm at St John’s Whitchurch Hill.

Its half term next week, so there won’t be one of these from me until St David’s Day (1st March). Have your daffodil to hand! Thank you all, again, for your support for our churches.

Every blessing

Canon Kevin Davies