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A letter from our Vicar

Dear friends,

HAPPY NEW YEAR

I would like to wish you all a happy New Year and wish you God’s blessings for the

forth coming year. This time of the year is traditionally a time of looking back and

looking forward to the future.

It is a strange experience thumbing through an old diary. It is like looking into a

window of time that once represented the future but now concerns the past.

Engagements, appointments, anniversaries that you once anticipated are now either

memories or long since forgotten: twelve months of your life that together complete

another chapter of your continuing journey.

The same is true of our journey together as a church. So, what were some of the

events that happened last year?

Revd. Caroline successfully completed her curacy and is now the incumbent of two

churches in Halifax. Revd. Sue was ordained and serving her curacy with us. Carol O

was licensed as ALM for worship. Maggie’s Music Makers have grown from strength

to strength to strength. Thanks to Carol P we have an active presence in social media.

We have a very supportive congregation and we have experienced many of God’s

blessings.

Last year was our year of mission, focusing the five marks of mission. We have

explored several ideas for mission including Sunday afternoon time for families with

young children. Many sermons this past year have been mission based and looked at

how we can be missional not just in church, but in our everyday life. We had also had

several speakers including Tear Fund, Children’s Society, Church Army and James

Emerson.

Our parish retreat explored the five marks of mission and included two outdoor

worship session – Taizé type service and Holy Communion around the pond.

It has been good to see new people attending some of our services.

These have been just a few of the many positive things that have happened in church

and the community.

So, what about the coming year? 2019 is our year of celebrating creation. In terms of

the 5 marks of mission, it is ‘to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and

sustain and renew the life of earth.’

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There will be a variety of events throughout the year to support this theme. We have

set up an eco-team who will work on how we can be an eco-friendly church.

During Lent we will be focusing on the environment; our sermons and Lent course

will be based around the environment with some eco challenges that we may want

to take up as our part of our Lent discipline.

There will be some eco events during the period of ‘thy kingdom come’ and we will

have an eco-week in September which will culminate in Harvest Festival. There will

be some special eco services including world environment day and a pet service.

What is the plot that brings the chapters of our lives together – both as individuals and as a church? It is the faithfulness of God. Throughout all of life’s ups and downs, on thing never changes – God’s unfailing love. In the words of the hymn writer Thomas Chisholm:

‘Great is thy faithfulness, O God my father, There is no shadow of turning with thee; Thou changest not, thy compassions they fail not. As thou hast been thou forever wilt be.

Great is thy faithfulness. That is the confidence with which we say farewell to one year and prepare to step out into another. No one knows what it will bring – laughter or tears, health or sickness, triumph or disappointment. What we do know is that, whatever it brings, whatever we face, God will be with us in it, to the end of time and beyond. Every blessing for the New Year, Deborah

FROM THE PARISH REGISTERS

FUNERALS

We commend to God’s loving care: -

Irene Carney, whose funeral took place on 30th November 2018 at Blackley Crematorium.

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BAPTISMS

We welcome into our church family:

James Junior HANCOCK who was baptised on 9th December 2018 at St. Margaret’s

Church. His parents are Aaron HANCOCK and Demi WHEELER.

Cory Harry HOLNESS who was baptised on 16th December 2018 at St. Margaret’s

Church. His parents are Lloyd HOLNESS and Abbie McCABE.

CALENDAR FOR DECEMBER 2018

Morning Prayer will be said in the Chancel Monday-Friday at 8.30am: On Tuesday and Friday the Peregrini Service will be used. Parish Office is every Thursday, 7.00-8.00pm at the vicarage. Sunday 30th Dec The First Sunday of Christmas

8.00am Holy Communion (St. M’s) 9.45am Sung Eucharist (St. M’s) 11.15am Holy Communion (St. G’s) Wed 2nd Jan 10.00am Holy Communion followed by coffee Sat 5th Jan 7.30pm Celebration of the Night of the Kings at the vicarage

Sunday 6th Jan The Epiphany 8.00am Holy Communion (St. M’s) 9.45am Sung Eucharist (St. M’s)

11.15am Holy Communion (St. G’s) Wed 9th Jan 10.00am Holy Communion followed by coffee 7.30pm Deanery mental health meeting at the vicarage

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Sunday 13th Jan The Baptism of Christ the Second Sunday of Epiphany (PMP Clergy Swap) Laying on of hands

8.00am Holy Communion (St. M’s) 9.45am Sung Eucharist (St. M’s) 11.15am Holy Communion (St. G’s) 3.00pm Peregrini Commitment service at St. Andrew’s, Hillock Mon 14th Jan 7.00pm Peregrini in Church Wed 16th Jan 10.00am Holy Communion followed by coffee Thurs 17th Jan Social circle meal at Stand Golf Club _____________________________________________________________________ Sunday 20th Jan The Third Sunday of Epiphany

8.00am Holy Communion (St. M’s) 9.45am Sung Eucharist (St. M’s) 11.15am Holy Communion (St. G’s) 1.00pm Baptism Tues 22nd Jan 7.15pm for 8.45 Deanery Synod – Revd. Jeremy Law, chaplain at Prestwich Hospital talking about mental health. Wed 23rd Jan 10.00am Holy Communion followed by coffee 11.20am Ministry Meeting 4.00pm Messy Church 7.00pm Holy Communion 7.30pm PCC meeting

Sunday 27th Jan The Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

8.00am Holy Communion (St. M’s) 9.45am Sung Eucharist (St. M’s) 11.15am Holy Communion (St. G’s) 3.45pm Service of wholeness and well being Wed 30rd Jan 10.00am Holy Communion followed by coffee

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ST.GEORGE’S CHURCH, SIMISTER

December 2019 at St. George’s

You are invited to:-

Whist Drive-7.30pm start

Saturday 12th January Everybody welcome why not try!!!! All proceeds go to the church

Teapot Time-1:00pm to 3:00pm

The next meeting will be Monday 7th January 21st January 4th February All are welcome to join us for a cuppa and a chat. For information please ring Barbara Lashwood 773 6244

Craft Group is meeting as arranged and then will have a break. **Look for details when the group will restart in April 2019.** I would like to thank the craft group for all their support for the church and never-ending enthusiasm. Enjoy the break. PRAYER BLANKETS WELL DONE LADIES!!!!!! Thank you to all the ladies for providing wool and knitting the blanket squares. What a success, if you know of anyone who would like a blanket please take one and write down the name on the sheet. Messy Church 4:00-5:30pm

Wednesdays 23rd January 20th February

Please join us and enjoy the fun, lots of things to make and light refreshment is served, cups of tea or coffee for the adults.

Altar Flowers In Memory of January 6th Congregation 13th Mrs. Woodcock John C. Woodcock 20th Mrs. Kirby Vera Holt and Roy King 27th Mrs Woodcock John Peter Woodcock February 3rd Vacant

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If you wish to put flowers in church or have any problems do not hesitate, please contact: Barbara Ashurst 07922655013 or Joan Knott 0161 773 6879

Cleaning rota for week ending: 12th January 2019

As many people as possible to take down decorations and clean

26th January Lois

11th February Margaret

Streetwise Collection

Thank you to everybody for all the help and donations during the Christmas period.

We raised £65, the money paid for a large hamper for our Streetwise group Bury

(young teenagers) plus the cost of Messy Church Christmas party.

I would like to thank Deborah, Sue, Christine and Tom for the magnificent services

during Advent remembering Christingle with St. Margret’s year six, Messy Church,

the Carol Service and a special Christmas Day Service. The flowers and decorations

were beautiful thank you to Barbara and Carol.

Happy and Peaceful New Year to everybody Joan Knott

St. Margaret’s Church REREDOS FLOWERS JANUARY 2019

6th Church flowers 13th Gillian McConville 20th Joan Evans 27th Zandra Lewis

Sheila Johnson 773 1406

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THANK YOU FROM THE FLOWER ARRANGERS

Thank you to all those who gave donations towards the cost of the Christmas Flowers. Without your kind donations we would not be able to provide such beautiful arrangements. Also many thanks to all the flower arrangers who have given their time to provide the lovely displays throughout the year.

A huge thank you to Carol Porter and Maggie’s Music makers for all their hard work this past year. It has been wonderful to see them growing in strength and leading us in our worship. It's been refreshing to hear new hymns which we would have really struggled with without the help of Carol and her team. We have had some memorable moments with the Junior Church and the music makers at opposite ends of the Church, singing two different parts, truly uplifting. The children although small in numbers have been inspirational, it is lovely to hear them sing, they have brought a tear to many an eye. Thank you all so much and we look forward to hearing more in 2019. Joan Evans

We are going for our New Year meal to Stand golf club on Thursday 17th Jan at 7.30pm. If you are interested, please sign our name on the sheet at the back of Church. Anyone from St George's please give me a ring. The cost will be approx. £22.00. More details to follow.

Joan Evans 773 9683

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The Snowman and The Nutcracker

A live screening of The Snowman accompanied by Bolton

Symphony Orchestra, followed by excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s

Nutcracker – perfect to warm a cold January evening!

Saturday 26 January 2019 at the Victoria Hall, Bolton. £12

WELCOME BACK TO MESSY CHURCH

Our next Messy Church is on Wednesday 23rd

January 2019 4.00-5.30pm at the Lady Wilton

Hall. Please join us for fun, food and fellowship.

The dates for the coming term are:-

• Wednesday 20th February 2019

• Wednesday 20th March 2019

• Wednesday 24th April 2019

Thank you.

A big thank you to all who organised and helped with the Christmas activities and

services, both at St. Margaret’s, Prestwich and St. George’s, Simister. A lot of hard

work went into preparing for the services, decorating both churches, the beautiful

flower arrangements and in leading the services. Thank you also to Maggie’s Music

Makers and to Tom and Carol for the music in church over the Christmas period.

Rev Deborah

Gardens of Remembrance.

On Thursday January 24th the gardening party will be completing their monthly check

of the Gardens of Remembrance contents. If you have any Christmas floral

decorations you would like to keep, please could you collect them before that date.

Thank-you.

Irene Kellet

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Dates for your Diary

Peregrini Prayer: Commitment Service: A chance to commit (or recommit) yourself to living by a rhythm of grace a life of prayer and mission this year. Theme:- Peregrini: Teresa’s rooster. Come and find out more, and find out if this is for you. Sunday 13th January 2019 at 3:00pm St Andrew's Church, Ribble Drive, Whitefield, Manchester. M45 8LA Monthly Meetings: January 14th 7.00pm St. Margaret’s Church February 11th 7.00pm Vicarage

No meetings during Lent

Wholeness & Wellbeing Service: St. Margaret’s Church beginning with 15 mins meditation at 3.45pm January 27th February 24th March 24th April 28th

THE PEREGRINI PRAYER

God of grace and glory; give us the mind, the heart

and the strength to live for you. Walk with us and work through us that we may be faithful in prayer,

grow in holiness and draw many to you. As we walk in the power of the Spirit, transform us into the likeness of Christ, to the

glory of your name. Amen

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Your Green Resolutions

It’s that time of year again, when we promise ourselves we will exercise more, lose

those few extra pounds we put on over Christmas and get ourselves organised. So

while we vow to turn over a new leaf, let’s spare a thought for our poor, abused

planet as well. Here are some ideas for New Year’s Resolutions that will make your

world a better place, but are easy enough to keep throughout the year.

• Switch off! Turn off lights when you leave the room, don’t leave your TV or

laptop on standby – think through where you can save some precious

electricity.

• Remember to take a bag with you all the time to avoid having to buy plastic

carrier bags.

• Eat less meat. How about having a meat free day a week? Your body will thank

you for it, too, especially if you avoid replacing meat with cheese. Too easy?

Shift away from meat and towards vegan – it doesn’t have to be a total

commitment to benefit you and the planet.

• Don’t take the car short distances unless you have a lot to carry, or the

weather is bad.

• No more bottled water! Carry your own refillable bottle. Buy a filter if you

prefer not to drink tap water.

• Become more informed and support global campaigns. Tear Fund, Friends of

the Earth or Greenpeace, for example. There are lots to choose from.

Change starts by taking the first few steps. We made a good start in 2018. Resolve

that 2019 will be an even greener year and encourage your family and friends to join

you.

Rev Sue

Dear Church Family

Thank you for my cards, plant, flowers and donations, to Bury Hospice, in lieu of

presents. I was able to donate £155.

God Bless,

Jean Mundy

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Navidad Nuestra: Los Reyes Magos Ariel Ramirez (1921-2010) As mentioned last month, “Navidad Nuestra” is a 6-movement work that takes us from the Annunciation through the Pilgrimage, the Nativity, the Shepherds and the Three Kings to the Flight to Egypt. I had my first look at it in the summer of 2018, and rehearsals began in earnest that autumn ready for the Manchester Chorale’s Christmas concert. On the twelfth day of Christmas my True Love sent to me…gold, frankincense and myrrh, delivered by an unspecified number of “wise” men who had travelled a long and arduous journey from the east, guided only by an unusually bright star in the sky.

Los Reyes Magos The Three Wise Men

Llegaron ya, los reyes y eran tres Melchor, Gaspar y el negro Baltasar Arrope y miel le llevarán Y un poncho blanco de alpaca real.

Three kings there are come riding from afar: Melchior, Caspar and black Balthasar. They bring a poncho white and warm, They bring Him honey and cakes Christmas morn.

Changos y chinitas duérmanse Que ya Melchor, Gaspar y Baltasar Todos los regalos dejarán Para jugar mañana al despertar.

See how sweetly baby Jesus sleeps, Before Melchior, Caspar and Balthasar See the weary kings who travelled far Bringing their gifts and following the star.

El Niño Dios muy bien lo agradeció Comió la miel y el poncho lo abrigó Y fue después que los miró Y a medianoche el sol relumbró.

Good cakes they bring and honey besides, Then Jesus wakes and laughter lights His eyes. The infant wakes and then He smiles, And when He smiles, see the sun light the skies.

This piece is written for four voice parts (soprano, alto, tenor and bass), accompanied by guitar, harpsichord, jingle bells and bongo drums – but any collection of south American instruments will do! It is a lively piece, with exuberant dance rhythms. The choir had difficulty standing still whilst performing it!

Reading the translation during rehearsal made me aware that our treasured Christmas stories and traditions are a western construct – and that other nationalities have versions that make more sense for their own cultures. For example, in the 2018 Manchester Chorale Christmas Concert we also sang the

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Canadian Huron carol, which tells of tribal warriors bring beaver pelts for the new baby.

So what did the Wise Men actually bring? We cannot be certain. All we have in our New testaments are translations of translations of transcriptions of stories handed down by word of mouth over centuries.

You can listen to Los Reyes Magos here: https://goo.gl/4sKJ5E

Carol P

THE LEPROSY MISSION.

A big thank-you to all those who saved their postage stamps for me this Christmas –

tide. Could I please ask you to continue saving them throughout the year as the

Mission raises a large amount of money at regular stamp sales. British and foreign

stamps are welcome.

Could I also ask all individual collectors to return their phials or boxes to me as soon

as possible so that I can send our annual total to The Leprosy Mission.

Irene Kellett

This is a story about four people: Everybody, Somebody. Anybody and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everybody was asked to do it. Everybody was sure Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybody's job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it. Nobody realised Everybody wouldn't do it. In the end Everybody blamed Somebody when actually Nobody asked Anybody. Submitted by Sheila Johnson

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JeaniusBags

Bespoke handcrafted bags made

to order to suit your requirements

Proceeds from all

January sales will be

donated to the

Lindsay Leg Club

Foundation

https://www.legclub.org/

ST MARGARET’S SOCIAL MEDIA STREAMS

Follow us on Twitter

@StMaggieP

If you have a Twitter account then just login and

search for @StMaggieP Please follow us and retweet our stuff!

Like us on Facebook

Next time you’re busy Facebooking, please take a

moment to find and ‘Like’ our public page (St

Margaret Prestwich)

Download our FREE Church App

From the App Store

From Google Play

For full information about our parish visit our website:

https://stmargaretsprestwich.wordpress.com/

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If you know of anyone in the Church Family who will be celebrating a special Birthday (80, 90+) or Wedding Anniversary (50, 60 years) in the coming months please inform Zandra Lewis.

Thank you

SARAH CLAVERING: DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

M. 07947 198896 E. sarahclav@outlook.com

sarahclaveringdrivingschool

Bible Book Puzzle

This is a most remarkable puzzle. It was found by a gentleman in the seat pocket of an aeroplane, on a flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu, keeping him occupied for hours. He enjoyed it so much he passed it on to some friends. One friend, John Rivers, studied it while playing his banjo. Elaine Taylor, a columnist friend, was so intrigued by it she mentioned it in her weekly newspaper column. Another friend judges the job of solving this puzzle so involving that she brews a cup of tea to help her nerves. There will be some names that are really easy to spot. That's a fad. Some people, however, will soon find themselves in a jam, especially since the book names are not necessarily capitalised. Truthfully, from answers we get, we are forced to admit it usually takes a minister or a scholar to see them at the worst. Research has shown that something in our genes is responsible for the difficulty we have in seeing the books in this paragraph. During a recent fund raising event which featured this puzzle, the Alpha Delta Phi lemonade stall set a new record. The local paper, The

Thi

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Chronicle, surveyed over 200 readers who reported that this puzzle was one of the most difficult they had ever seen. As Daniel Humana humbly put it, "The books are all right here, in plain view, yet hidden from sight. Those able to find all of them will hear great lamentations from those who have to be shown. One revelation that may help is that books like Timothy and Samuel may occur without their numbers. Also keep in mind that punctuation and spaces in the middle are normal. A chipper attitude will help you compete really well against those who claim to know the answers. Remember, there is no need for a mad exodus. There really are 30 books of the Bible lurking somewhere in this paragraph just waiting to be found. ENJOY THE CHALLENGE!! – answers next month! Submitted by Sheila Johnson

Many people at St. Margaret's will have been sorry to hear of the sad death of Graeme WILLSON; the artist who played such an important part in the re-ordering of the church after the fire. He was a renowned artist with paintings in York Minster and many churches in London and we are privileged to have so much of his work in our church. Fr. Martin has sent this extract from Graeme's book where he writes about his work at St. Margaret's

Page 64 (St. Margaret's Prestwich)

"In 1986 I was invited by the Rev. Martin Ashworth and his architect Gordon Thorne to become involved in the restoration of St. Margaret's Prestwich. What had formally been a somewhat dark and cluttered interior became transformed, by Gordon's sensitivity and experience and Martin's guiding vision. My part in the scheme of things was to provide a hanging rood of the Crucifixion, together with designs for a new alter table. The idea of a visual leitmotif presented itself as essential for linking together these and the works to follow - the Madonna and Child and Aumbry Door of 1994 ; and the design of of the font cover in 1997/98. Thus, the implicit cross is embedded within a 'Vesicles pisces' shape, which in turn is based upon the Gothic profile of the East window. Once again , the central image of the crucified Christ involves a balance between the historical specifity of the event and it's timeless implications.

It has been an extraordinary experience to have worked at a place like St. Margaret's over a period of a decade, and with the kind of sympathetic patronage that can only bring out the best in any artist."

Anne Ward

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OUR DAILY BREAD January 2019

2019 - Year of Creation

Gracious God share with us your heart for creation. That we may cherish all life,

working together to heal the damage we have done. Knowing that in all our

struggles you are beside us, to inspire, strengthen and transform us. Amen

Psalm for this week is 52

Tuesday 1st: New year’s come and new year’s go, Pieces of time all in a row. As we live our life, each second and minute, we know we’re privileged to have you in it. Our appreciation never ends. For our greatest blessings: our family and friends. Happy New Year! By Joanna Fuchs Wednesday 2nd: There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. Ecclesiastes 3:1. God gives us the seasons of our lives. Lord God, You lead me through the seasons, and whether I’m laughing or crying I know You are with me. May I reach out to someone with Your love today. Amen Thursday 3rd: I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in Me will never be thirsty. John 6:35 Friday 4th: O Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder consider all the works thy hand hath made, I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder, thy power throughout the universe displayed. My Saviour God, how great thou art! Saturday 5th: Here I am to worship, here I am to bow down, here I am to say that you’re my God, and you’re altogether lovely, altogether worthy, altogether wonderful to me.

Psalm for this week is 53 Sunday 6th: Epiphany

Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over

you. Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Isaiah 60

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Monday 7th: Lord, we invite you into our midst. Bless all who are praying with us today in every corner of the world. Amen Tuesday 8th: In the bleak midwinter Frosty wind made moan, Earth stood hard as iron, Water like a stone; Snow had fallen, snow on snow, Snow on snow, In the bleak midwinter, Long ago. Wednesday 9th: "Don't knock the weather: nine-tenths of the people couldn't start a conversation if it didn't change once in a while."- Kin Hubbard Thursday 10th: It is God who can make each day a blessing, because every lasting joy finds its source in Him. My people will receive a double portion …. And everlasting joy will be theirs. Isaiah 61:7. Friday 11th: Worry has the capability of ruining a perfectly good day! Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Matt 6:25 Saturday 12th: "The cold was our pride; the snow was our beauty. It fell and fell, lacing day and night together in a milky haze, making everything quieter as it fell, so that winter seemed to partake of religion in a way no other season did, hushed, solemn." - Patricia Hampl

Psalm for this week is 54 Sunday 13th: God before me, God behind me, God below me, God be to my right, God be to my left. May God be all around me. Amen Monday 14th: "If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant." - Anne Bradstreet Tuesday 15th: When the Holy Spirit controls our lives He will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control -Galatians 5:22,23

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Wednesday 16th: Life is all about loving God and loving others- it really is as simple as that. Thursday 17th: Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. For all eternity, God’s love endures forever. Friday 18th: - Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Justice, Only Justice, You Shall Pursue - You shall appoint judges and officials throughout your tribes, in all your towns that the Lord your God is giving you, and they shall render just decisions for the people. You must not distort justice; you must not show partiality; and you must not accept bribes, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and subverts the cause of those who are in the right. Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue, so that you may live and occupy the land that the Lord your God is giving you. Deuteronomy 16: 18-20 Saturday 19th: Make your life like a garden full of daises; Bright and happy to be basking in the Lord’s care.

Psalm for this week is 55

Sunday 20th: Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105 Monday 21st: Moods have a way of swinging just when you need them to hold still- and there’s one word for that: PRAY. Tuesday 22nd: I will meditate about Your glory, splendour, majesty and miracles. Psalm 145:5 Wednesday 23rd: Be happy. Grow in Christ. Live in harmony and peace. 2 Corinthians 13:11 Thursday 24th: "Every gardener knows that under the cloak of winter lies a miracle ... a seed waiting to sprout, a bulb opening to the light, a bud straining to unfurl. And the anticipation nurtures our dream." - Barbara Winkler Friday 25th: Conversion of Paul

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Almighty God, who caused the light of the gospel to shine throughout the world through the preaching of your servant Saint Paul: grant that we who celebrate his wonderful conversion may follow him in bearing witness to your truth; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Saturday 26th: Timothy & Titus On the day following the Conversion of St Paul, the Church remembers his two companions, 'partners and fellow-workers in God's service'. Timothy, we are told, had a Jewish mother and a Greek father, whilst Titus was wholly Greek. It was because of Titus that Paul stood out against compulsory circumcision but, to avoid suspicion from other Jews, Timothy was circumcised. They are honoured in the Church for their devotion and faithfulness to the gospel.

Psalm for this week is 56 Sunday 27th: God, be merciful to us and bless us, show us the light of your countenance and come to us. Let your ways be known upon earth, your saving health among all nations. Let the peoples praise you. Psalm 67 Monday 28th: Thomas Aquinas God of truth, whose Wisdom set her table and invited us to eat the bread and drink the wine of the kingdom: help us to lay aside all foolishness and to live and walk in the way of insight, that we may come with your servant Thomas Aquinas to the eternal feast of heaven. Tuesday 29th: We will receive from Him whatever we ask because we obey Him and do the things that please Him. 1 John 3:22 Wednesday 30th: King Charles – King of kings and Lord of lords, whose faithful servant Charles prayed for those who persecuted him and died in the living hope of your eternal kingdom: grant us by your grace so to follow his example that we may love and bless our enemies, through the intercession of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Thursday 31st:

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me....

I once was lost but now am found,

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Was blind, but now, I see. (See John 9: 25) Lord I thank you today for your amazing grace

Blessing: You are the peace of all things calm; You are the place to hide from harm. You are the light that shines in the dark; You are the heart’s eternal spark. You are the door that’s open wide; You are the guest who waits inside. You are the stranger at the door; You are the calling of the poor. You are my Lord and with me still; You are my love, keep me from ill. You are the light, the truth, the way; You are my Saviour this very day. Amen

'A SWARM OF BEES WORTH HAVING' B patient, B prayerful, B modest, B mild; B wise a Solomon, B meek as a child; B studious, B thoughtful, B loving, B kind; B sure to make matter subservient to mind. B cautious, B prudent, B trustful, B true; B courteous to all men, B friendly with few: B temperate in argument, pleasure and wine, B careful of conduct, of money, of time. B cheerful, B grateful, B hopeful, B firm; B peaceful, benevolent and willing to learn; B courageous, B gentle, B liberal, B just; B aspiring, B humble (because thou art dust!). B righteous, circumspect, sound in the Faith; B active, devoted, cool and faithful till death; B honest, B holy, transparent and pure, B dependent, B CHRIST-LIKE, and you'll B secure. Submitted by Mavis Collinge