"Prayer is simply a two-way conversation between you and God" (Billy Graham)Mothers' Union have had a busy few weeks with lots of interesting gatherings and shared information about the work of Mothers' Union.Our World Day of Prayer service , which this year was prepared by the Christian women of the Cook Islands, was hosted by St. Bernadette's Church in Westbury, where we were made very welcome and presented with a posy of flowers as we arrived. A lovely display at the front of the church, depicting life in the Cook Islands was the setting for the readings, prayers and stories which formed part of the service. A generous Tea and Cake social time concluded our visit. Some of our members attended the Lady Day service at the Cathedral in Salisbury on March 29th. We were invited to share the Mothering Sunday Service on Sunday March 30th. with Revd. Helen, by readings about the work of Mothers Union around the world with prayers and reflections. After the service a retiring collection was taken to help the work of the Salisbury/Sudan Medical Mission, with particular interest in the work to support the care given to new mothers to ensure safe delivery and to combat the very high death rate of both mothers and babies. Thank you to everyone who contributed, allowing Holy Trinity Church to send a generous donation. Jocelyn as a trustee, was able to attend the visit of Kathleen Snow, our new World- Wide President to Salisbury (a separate report covers this visit.) Our April meeting at Jocelyn's home , welcomed Rosie to talk about her visit to Malta and witnessing the procession representing the Crucifixion . Assisted by Keith, she showed us pictures about this very moving representation which takes place each year on the outskirts of Valetta. Afterward members reminisced about their own experiences of Easter traditions as children or ones which they had witnessed abroad on their travels. Plans for our annual outing, this year to Tewkesbury Abbey were outlined. Jenny led the prayers and Keith was thanked for his help and Jocelyn thanked for her hospitality. Our May Meeting, at the home of Maureen Torry , 10 Greenacres, on May 1st at 10am, will welcome Carrie Walsh, a diocesan trustee to talk about her life work."Come follow me" Jesus said, and "I will send you out to fish for people" At once they left their nets and followed Him. Mark 1: 17-18.Enid Holbrow
You are are invited to pray during Ascensiontide starting on Ascension Day which is on 29 May through to Pentecost on 8th June. We are invited to pray specifically for any friends, family members, people in our communities etc to come to know the Lord. There are booklets to go with this: a Prayer Journal and also a booklet with reflections every day on the Lord’s Prayer which have been written by the Archbishop of York.I have sent away for a few copies of each which are free but I’ve paid for the postage which works out at £2 each. I have these available and can show people and can order some more if any people would like them. They are also available to download from the website. https://www.thykingdomcome.global/new-2025Since we are looking to grow our churches and want to invite new people along, this seems like a good idea to use these resources and invite people to pray during this time and see what happens. I will have the booklets available to view in our churches over the next couple of weeks. They came quite quickly, so happy to take orders in advance. Please contact me.We will hold a special service of Holy Communion for Ascension Day on 29 May at 11.00 am at Holy Trinity, DM. All welcome.We pray for the coming of the Holy Spirit on all our hearts and lives: that we may recognise the Spirit in our midst, inspiring us and enabling us to be witnesses in the places in which we are set.Rebecca
St Philip and St James Church ChapmansladeBishop Andrew is our local area Bishop. He is a poet and musician with a keen love for our natural environment and posts regularly on YouTube talking about Place, Faith, Identity and Landscape from different local landmarks. The event is by donation. Funds will go towards the planned new kitchenette for St Philip and St James' Church in Chapmanslade.Drinks available before concert and intervalTo help the organisers plan, please contact candcchurches@gmail.com or 07455 349 161 to let them know you wish to attend.
