Our Church is Open Daily – All Are Welcome We are delighted to share that our church is now open every day for visitors and members of the community. Whether you are seeking a quiet moment of reflection, interested in the rich history of this ancient and prayerful place, or simply curious to step inside, you are warmly invited to come in. Explore the peaceful atmosphere, admire the historic architecture, and take time to sit in stillness or prayer. Tea and coffee making facilities are available should you wish to linger a little longer. Brochures and leaflets about the church and its history can be found inside, along with a beautiful book detailing the story of our church through the ages – available for purchase. For those researching their family history, a special book (belonging to the church) listing memorials and gravestone inscriptions in the churchyard is also available. This may be a helpful and meaningful resource for you discovering links to the past. "My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples." – Isaiah 56:7 Come as you are, and feel at home.
A Note of Gratitude Today, at the end of our Palm Sunday service, we took this chance to express our heartfelt thanks to Carol Nairn who is retiring from her role as Church Secretary and Fiona Wilkinson who is standing down from the PCC due to health and other commitments. Carol’s years of faithful service and steadfast dedication have been a true blessing to our church family. To show our appreciation, we presented her with a special gift as a token of our gratitude. Through her time in this role, Carol has been a steady and reliable presence; someone who worked behind the scenes with a deep love for this church. Her faithful stewardship has helped Nicholforest Church flourish in countless ways. Fiona was presented with flowers as a thankyou for her work on the PCC and for all that she has done for our church. Also at the end of the service, our Church Warden Liz ... Elizabeth Beattie was presented with flowers as a gesture of our appreciation for her dedication to the church. In the face of personal health challenges, Liz has continued to serve our church with unwavering commitment, quiet strength, and steadfast faith. Her presence, even in difficult times, has been an inspiration and a testament to the spirit of true service. These flowers were given in recognition of all she has given—and continues to give—to our church family.
Holy Week: Walking the Way of the Cross Lent culminates in Holy Week, where we journey with Jesus through His final days, from the joy of Palm Sunday to the sorrow of Good Friday and the silence of Holy Saturday. Palm Sunday: "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!" (Matthew 21:9) – Jesus enters Jerusalem in triumph, yet the cross looms ahead. Reflect on the fleeting nature of human praise and the steadfastness of God's love. Maundy Thursday: "A new commandment I give you: Love one another." (John 13:34) – The Last Supper teaches us humility and self-giving love. Good Friday: "It is finished." (John 19:30) – Christ's sacrifice is the ultimate act of love. Pause in gratitude. Holy Saturday: A day of waiting and silence. Hope is not lost, for Easter is coming. Reflection Question: How has this Lenten journey shaped me? What lessons will I carry beyond Easter? Final Reflection: Stepping into the Resurrection Lent is not an end—it is a beginning. As we move into the joy of Easter, let us carry forward the renewal we have experienced. What new habits, prayers, or insights will you continue? Closing Prayer: Lord, through these 40 days, You have walked with me in the wilderness, called me to repentance, shown me mercy, and led me into light. As I step into the joy of Easter, help me to live with renewed faith, love, and trust in You. Amen. May this guide be a source of encouragement and depth in your Lenten journey. Blessings to you as you walk toward the hope of Easter!
Here’s our 30-day Bible study plan for the book of Numbers. We will be looking at these verses through April. This plan highlights key passages, themes, and reflections to help deepen our understanding of Israel’s journey through the wilderness and how it applies to our faith journey today. Week 1: Preparation & Order (Numbers 1–6) Focus: God's organization and holiness in leading His people. Day 1 – Numbers 1:1-54 | The Census: God knows and calls His people. Day 2 – Numbers 2:1-34 | Order in the Camp: God desires structure and community. Day 3 – Numbers 3:1-51 | The Levites: A call to serve. Day 4 – Numbers 4:1-49 | Duties of the Priests: Stewardship in worship. Day 5 – Numbers 5:1-31 | Purity and Restitution: Living in holiness. Day 6 – Numbers 6:1-27 | The Nazarite Vow: Devotion and blessing. Day 7 – Reflection: What is God calling you to organise in your life? Week 2: Journeying & Complaints (Numbers 7–14) Focus: Trusting God in uncertain times. 8. Day 8 – Numbers 9:1-23 | The Cloud and Fire: God’s presence guides us. 9. Day 9 – Numbers 10:1-36 | Moving Forward: Obedience in transition. 10. Day 10 – Numbers 11:1-35 | Complaints and Provision: Gratitude vs. grumbling. 11. Day 11 – Numbers 12:1-16 | Miriam and Aaron’s Jealousy: God defends His servants. 12. Day 12 – Numbers 13:1-33 | The Spies’ Report: Fear vs. faith. 13. Day 13 – Numbers 14:1-45 | Israel Rebels: Consequences of unbelief. 14. Day 14 – Reflection: Are there areas where you doubt God’s guidance? Week 3: Lessons in Leadership & Trust (Numbers 15–21) Focus: Learning from past mistakes. 15. Day 15 – Numbers 16:1-50 | Korah’s Rebellion: Respecting God’s authority. 16. Day 16 – Numbers 17:1-13 | Aaron’s Staff Blossoms: God confirms His chosen. 17. Day 17 – Numbers 18:1-32 | Responsibilities of Leadership: Stewardship and faithfulness. 18. Day 18 – Numbers 19:1-22 | The Red Heifer: Cleansing and purity. 19. Day 19 – Numbers 20:1-13 | Moses Strikes the Rock: The cost of disobedience. 20. Day 20 – Numbers 21:4-9 | The Bronze Serpent: Healing through faith. 21. Day 21 – Reflection: What is one leadership lesson you can apply to your life? Week 4: Preparation for the Promised Land (Numbers 22–36) Focus: God’s faithfulness to His promises. 22. Day 22 – Numbers 22:1-41 | Balaam & the Donkey: Listening to God. 23. Day 23 – Numbers 23:1-30 | Balaam’s Blessings: No curse can stand against God’s people. 24. Day 24 – Numbers 25:1-18 | Israel’s Sin with Moab: Staying faithful to God. 25. Day 25 – Numbers 27:1-23 | Joshua Chosen as Leader: Trusting God’s plan. 26. Day 26 – Numbers 31:1-54 | Victory in Battle: Spiritual warfare and obedience. 27. Day 27 – Numbers 33:1-56 | Reviewing the Journey: Remembering God’s faithfulness. 28. Day 28 – Numbers 34:1-29 | Boundaries of the Promised Land: God prepares a place. 29. Day 29 – Numbers 36:1-13 | Inheritance and Justice: God’s care for His people. 30. Day 30 – Reflection: How has this study deepened your faith?
