Dear friends,
As we continue in this season of lent, I hope you are feeling able to continue to draw close to God whether that is through giving something up or taking something up. Today we are hosting the World Day of Prayer at St Martin’s. It is an opportunity for Christians to join together in prayer from all the various local churches and to hold a service that will being held all around the world. It is a chance to remind ourselves that what we have in common in our faith is more significant than what we do differently in style and format of our worship. It is also a powerful way to join with thousands of others as we pray for the biggest things we can imagine. Global prayer for global issues. This year the service has been written by three women in Palestine. It was written before the current conflict broke out but has a powerful message as it calls us to seek to be people of peace. Part of our calling as Christians is to seek peace and try to be peacemakers both in the places we go and the conversations we have. If you weren’t able to join us for the service I recommend looking at some of the material at worlddayofprayer.net to use in your own prayers or with your families. There is material for all ages and it could be a way in to talk with your children about the wars we are witnessing. Closer to home our city has been extremely disturbed by the horrendous number of under-18’s who have lost their lives in the past month. Whilst in many ways we feel helpless to make a difference, wondering how our young people will move forward, we must remember that our communities are made up of thousands of individual relationships and we each have many interactions everyday where we can find ways to o er support, love and encouragement to those who are more directly involved.
Our Warm Space Café is coming towards its final week, Thursday 21st March, but there is still 3 opportunities to come and join in with the community that is flourishing there. Whoever you are and whatever your situation is in life, you are welcome to come and be part of that community where we are seeing people connecting, finding hope to face the next challenge and accessing practical advice. I have been amazed to see how much people value that space and the PCC will be discussing what comes next to enable more of our community to gather and connect in the future. Do speak to me if you have any ideas, requests or want to get involved in facilitating a church café in the future.
This Sunday we are excited to welcome Rev’d Tim Godden and Rev’d Adam Beaumont to take our 8:30 and 10:30 Holy Communion services. I know they are looking forward to joining us as we encounter yet another opportunity to feel connected to the church more broadly. All are welcome and you are invited, come with your children or come by yourself. Sunday Spirit is on and tea, coffee and biscuits are always available – there is something for everyone.
Grace & Peace
Rev’d Phil