Our beautiful historic church building has a meaning and purpose, which has survived for centuries, through all the challenges that each generation has faced. We are delighted to start opening our church every day providing a beacon of hope during the most difficult of economic times.Exciting News!We are planning to open our church daily to visitors! Whether you seek a quiet moment of prayer, a place for reflection, or simply wish to admire the beauty of our sacred space, you are warmly welcome.More details will follow soon, but we look forward to offering a place of peace and community every day.Stay tuned for updates!
ESK PARISHES LENT TALKS 2025 The Lent Talks this year will be given by Rt Rev Peter Ramsden. They will be held in the Esk Lounge, Longtown Memorial Community Centre. From 2 pm to 3.30 pm. Theme: ‘This is the Word of the Lord.’ Wednesday March 12th: What is the Bible? Wednesday March 19th: The Making of the Bible Wednesday March 26th: Use and abuse of the Bible: the beginning and end Wednesday April 2nd: Use and abuse of the Bible: power and politics Wednesday April 9th: ‘A Lantern to my feet and a Light upon my path’ Bishop Peter writes: ‘The Bible is not only one of the most familiar of books but also one of the most enigmatic. It is the world’s best seller and has shaped history. It was written over thousands of years by many different authors, and y et speaks to us personally today. All we know of Jesus comes from the Bible. Come and explore the world of the Bible this Lent!’ Peter Ramsden (BSc., MA) has been a priest in Newcastle Diocese and subsequently for ten years, priest in Aipo Diocese in the Western Highlands of Papua New Guinea. From 2007 until 2014 he was Bishop of Port Moresby, Papua, New Guinea. ALL ARE WELCOME: OPEN TO FRIENDS OF ALL DENOMINATIONS OR OF NONE!
Nicholforest Church Electoral Roll and Why Should You Join? The church electoral roll is basically a list of people who are members of the church and want to help shape its future. If you’re on the roll, it means you get to have a say in how the church is run. You can: · Vote at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM)—a yearly meeting where big decisions about the church are made. · Help choose church leaders. · Even stand for election yourself to help run the church, like joining the Parochial Church Council (PCC), which helps make decisions about the parish. Who Can Join the Roll? You can join if you: · Have been baptised (this just means you’ve been officially welcomed into the Christian faith). · Are at least 16 years old or will be turning 16 this year. You also need to meet one of these conditions: You live in the area covered by the church (called the parish) and are happy to be known as a member of this church, as part of the Church of England. If you don’t live in the parish, you need to have attended worship at the church regularly (at least once a month) for the last six months and are happy to be known as a member of this church, as part of the Church of England. You have previously belonged to another Christian church that believes in the Trinity (that’s the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) and, having attended worship regularly for six months or more, you are happy to be known as a member of this church, as part of the Church of England. The roll is only for “lay people”, which just means it’s for regular church members, not clergy (like curates, vicars, associate ministers or retired priests). How Do You Join? It’s super important to know that your name won’t be added automatically, even if you live in the parish or come to church every week. To join, you need to fill in and sign an application form. Don’t worry—it’s simple! You can fill in the attached application form and email it to our church warden (below) or get in touch with us directly for an application form. You can join the roll at any time of the year, except for the short period just before the APCM. Once your name is on the roll, it will stay there unless you ask to be removed. However, every six years, we have to start a brand-new roll from scratch, which means everyone has to reapply. This is happening in 2025, so make sure to fill out the form if you want to stay on the roll or join for the first time. Why Should You Bother? Being on the roll shows that you care about the future of your parish church. It’s your way of saying, “I’m part of this church, and I want to have a say in how it’s run.” It also means you’re helping shape decisions not just in your local church, but in the wider Church of England too. If you’re passionate about the future of the church, joining the roll is an easy but important way to get involved.Please email completed application to: busylizzie50@googlemail.com
February Reflections: Light, Love, and Lent As we step into February, we find ourselves in a month that carries deep meaning in the Christian journey. It is a time of transition, moving from the light of Epiphany into the solemn preparation of Lent. This month invites us to reflect on themes of light, love, and renewal. Candlemas – February 2 The Feast of Candlemas, also known as the Presentation of Christ in the Temple, marks the official close of the Christmas season. In Luke 2:22–40, we read of Mary and Joseph presenting Jesus in the Temple, where he is recognised as the ‘light to lighten the Gentiles.’ This is a moment of revelation and hope, reminding us that Christ is the true light of the world. Many churches traditionally bless candles on this day, symbolising Christ’s guiding presence in our lives. Love and Service – St. Valentine’s Day February 14 is often associated with romantic love, but its origins lie in the story of St. Valentine, a Christian martyr. His example reminds us of the sacrificial nature of love—love that is patient, kind, and self-giving. This Valentine’s Day, may we consider ways to share Christ’s love with those around us, especially the lonely, the grieving, and those in need. Looking Towards Lent This year, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, March 5th. The season of Lent is a time for self-examination, prayer, and repentance, as we prepare our hearts for Easter. It is a season of slowing down, listening to God, and seeking spiritual renewal. Perhaps this February, we might consider ways to engage with Lent meaningfully: through prayer, fasting, acts of kindness, or engaging more deeply with Scripture. Community and Worship As a church family, February is a wonderful opportunity to come together. Whether it is gathering for Candlemas, sharing in fellowship on Sundays, or preparing for Lent through prayer and reflection, we encourage one another in faith. Let us hold fast to the words of Isaiah 60:1: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” May this month be a time of light, love, and renewal for each of us. Blessings, [Nicholforest Church]
