Here comes the sun!

Dear friends,

A little optimistic, perhaps, but nevertheless true. The passing of the vernal equinox means that from now on the northern part of planet earth will be tilting more and more into the sun’s rays. Things will get brighter, and warmer! There are certainly bright things to rejoice in across the Team ministry right now, irrespective of whether the sun is actually out or not, the foremost of these being the appointment last week of the Revd David Benskin as the next Team Vicar for Woodcote. David is currently the curate in the Icknield benefice at Watlington, with a background in youth and children’s ministry. He is married to Alice, and they have three girls, aged 2,5 and 7. Watch this space for details of a licensing service – it is hoped that David and his family will be able to move “down the road” sometime towards the summer. So, let us rejoice at this good news, for everyone at St Leonard’s, Woodcote, and all our Team churches.

Worship Services for Sunday  26th March

9.30am Holy Communion at St John’s, Stoke Row with Revd Romey Poston

11am Holy Communion at St Peter and Paul, Checkendon with Revd Kevin Davies

Midweek zoom service: Wednesday Evensong at 5.00pm  410 935 129

Congratulations

There is more brightness to celebrate, this time in Whitchurch, as the Revd James Leach was awarded his doctorate last Friday. The Revd Doctor James celebrated the award with his family at the end of almost five years of study and research. As well as being the part time house for duty priest for Whitchurch and Whitchurch Hill, James is also now involved in the ministerial teaching programmes run by the Oxford Diocese out of Church House. Do join me in offering James our warmest congratulations.

Please don’t forget to book your place at The Maundy Thursday Team Service at St Mary’s Ipsden (6th April, 7.30pm) We are going to be sharing in an Agape Meal, in a way that looks back to the life of the early church, and the Jewish passover. Email Revd John Blair at revjwblair@gmail.com to book your place at the table.

Then on Good Friday, (7th April, 10.30am)  Checkendon Church are holding an All Age Service in Checkendon School Hall. Music, craft, colouring, video, hot cross buns. Join in, or watch with a coffee, the choice is yours. This session is specially suitable for children, but adults are equally likely to enjoy it as we explore the message of Easter in a child-friendly way.

May the Lord make his face to shine upon you all, with peace, love, joy, and may there be a little brightness in your heart today.

Your Rector, Canon Kevin.

PS Here’s some sunshine; can you spot all the stars?