Sanctuary

Dear friends,

If like me you are wondering about what it might mean to offer to sponsor a Ukrainian refugee under the newly announced Government scheme, do have a look at the website www.sanctuaryfoundation.org.uk  . There is also a helpful video interview there. The important things to note are that, at the moment, “stuff” is not needed; money is and will be needed; and that each refugee or family will need a group of supporters/befrienders/helpers in addition to their accommodation. It is a team effort involving a number of different skill sets. Not everybody will be in a place to be able to offer accommodation, this is understood, but other things will be needed too; help with bureaucracy, schooling, language, banking, and just simple friendship. If you are able to offer accommodation via the Government portal, please let me know, so that the church community can support you. If you can offer help in any other way, whether practical, or financial, please also let me know.

If our community can host just one person, or family, we will have helped save the world – which is theirs as much as it is ours.

Worship Services for Sunday 20th March

9.30am Informal Worship at St John’s Stoke Row with Revd Angela Linton

11am Family Baptism Service at Checkendon Church with Revd Kevin Davies. With the music group, a short sermon and coffee.

Other service options for elsewhere in the Team can be found on the Langtree Team Ministry Churches website. There’s no Sunday evening online service during Lent, as our daily reflections have begun:

The online Lent Journey: 8.30-8.40pm daily on zoom: 842 3891 2144 and 123165

“Forty Words” is our ten minute daily online reflection for Lent 2022, hosted by Revd Kevin and Revd John. 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.

Mothering Sunday 27th March

Do join us for special services at both St Johns and Checkendon. The love of a mother is one of the fundamental constants of the universe that God has made; stronger than death, more eternal than the kingdoms of men. Our celebration of it is therefore an act of defiance. We stand against the violence and greed that seeks only to control, to corrupt and destroy. Come and stand with us, and give thanks to God for your mother, her compassion and her care.

May the Lord bless you and touch your heart. He will guide you.

Your Rector, Revd Kevin Davies.

PS: These nippy little Tulips are called “The First” for a reason! They’ll open up in the sun to show off a heart of gold. Once again God’s good creation cheers and encourages us all towards the light.