Dear friends,The clocks have gone back, the days shorter, and it'll feeling a bit chilly. We've entered that season of remembering when we give thanks for the lives of those who have gone before us, and for those have given their lives in service for the country. Do come along as we come together as communities to remember.We're also inching ever closer to Advent! We're very much looking forward to the Dean of Ripon the very Rev'd John Dobson coming to start Advent for us at our Benefice Holy Communion in Cleasby Church at 10.30am on Sunday 29th November, and then in the evening at Croft Church we'll welcome Polam School as they sing Advent carols. The Advent Benefice Study group will begin on Tuesday 24th November at 2pm for an hour for 5 weeks in Barton Village Hall on the ground floor. Everyone is welcome, it's light touch, friendly and you can dip in and out. There is, as ever, plenty going on across the Benefice. Please keep an eye out on Facebook, Instagram and on here. Please don't forget, I'm never too busy for a cup of tea or coffee and a chat. I'd love to meet up. BlessingsGillian gillian.lunn@leeds.anglican.org 07592016476
We've had amazing weather this summer, and now our plants and gardens are receiving their much wished for rain. I hope that you've managed to have a bit of space and been able to enjoy the weather, recharge batteries, and rest up ready for Autumn and all that it brings.We're entering Harvest Festival season, so keep an eye open for all the different services across the school. If you don't normally come to church, harvest is a great time to come...you'll undoubtedly recognise the hymns, and it's relaxed.For those starting at, going back to, or changing schools, our prayers. For those entering a new season of life...our prayers.Please don't hesitate to get in touch with me...07592016476 gillian.lunn@leeds.anglican.org...it would be great to chat over a coffee or a tea, perhaps say a prayer, or just get to know each other better.BlessingsGillian
July has arrived, we're having wonderful weather, and the schools are about to break up for the summer holidays. For some, July and August are slower months, for others it's a time spent travelling about or looking after children or grandparents, parents. Many of our churches are open and are spaces to sit and enjoy some cool air, why not take advantage of them.Keep an eye on our social media pages, A Church Near You, and know you're more than welcome at any of our services and social events.And please don't forget to get in touch if you'd like a chat or prayer over a cup of tea and coffee.With blessingsGillian gillian.lunn@leeds.anglican.org 07592016476
How can it possibly be June? We've only just had Christmas and Easter! I don't know about you, but time is flying! We had a busy month across the Benefice what with Confirmations, MU service, Afternoon Tea, coffee mornings, pastoral lunch, study group, and so much more. And that's before we even think about the regular Sunday services! And our schools have been busy too in Barton, Middleton Tyas and Croft. We continue to pray for students sitting GCSE and A Level exams, and for parents, grandparents and carers as they prepare for the summer holidays. Coming up we have Leyburn Band coming to Middleton Tyas Church, Chris Lloyd coming to Croft Church to talk about Alice and Wonderland, Manfield's Summer Fete and so much more. Keep an eye on Facebook for 'The Benefice of East Dere Street' and on our ACNY pages. Our world is busy, our lives are busy, but it's always good to try and take even just a few moments each day to hand things to God, and to remember his goodness. I say it every month, but I mean it. If you'd like a cup of tea or coffee and a chat and/prayer, I'm more than happy to meet up. Don't hesitate to get in touch with me. gillian.lunn@leeds.anglican.org 07592016476BlessingsGillian x
May is a beautiful time of year...the sun is shining, the countryside around us is stunning. And yet the world news we read and hear is far from beautiful. It's tricky as we can feel helpless. But we can pray, and hold up the situations to God. We are people of hope and people of prayer.We are very fortunate to have several confirmation candidates this year, both adult and young people, from across the Benefice and beyond and so we very much look forward to coming together very appropriately on Pentecost Sunday (24th May) with Bishop John Pritchard at Middleton Tyas Church at 10.30am for their confirmation service. And then on Trinity Sunday (31st) we come together at Barton Church at 10.30am for our communion service.Everyone is very welcome.We have plenty of other activities and events coming up...keep an eye on A Church Near You and our Benefice of East Dere Street Facebook and Instagram pages. And please don't hesitate to get in touch if you'd like a chat and a cup of tea - I'm always around. gillian.lunn@leeds.anglican.org 07592016476BlessingsGillian
As ever, time flies and at the time of writing we're in the middle of Holy Week journeying to the foot of the cross, and then waiting in hope and expectation for the joy of the resurrection on Easter Day.As a group of churches, it's good to come together and journey together. It's also good to be able to enjoy bits of Holy Week in each of the individual churches.Easter doesn't finish on Easter Day or Easter Monday. We are Easter people, people who believe in hope, in the transforming power of our Lord who died, but who also rose for us. We would love to welcome you to any of our services at any time in the year, not just Easter. But if you're at all curious...pop along to the Easter Day service at Croft church at 10.30am. It'll be friendly, accessible, suitable for all ages, and there might even be chocolate!And if you can't come then, know you are very welcome at any service.And as ever, if you would like a chat, or prayer over a cup of tea or coffee, please don't hesitate to get in touch with me via gillian.lunn@leeds.anglican.org or on 07592016476.With blessings and loveGillian