The Rev Jim Cartlidge was formally welcomed into the Rural Daneside Churches at a special service at St. Peter’s, Swettenham on 7th July. The Bishop of Chester, the Rt. Rev. Mark Tanner led the service in a packed church with representatives of our four parishes coming together with many visitors from the Rev Jim’s former Benefice in Stone, Staffs.Bishop Mark suggested Jim approaches his time with us with a little bit of mischief alongside his deep faith, and encouraged him always to remember ‘Anyone, any time, anything, anywhere’ in his approach to his ministry. Wardens from the four parishes within Rural Daneside gave their own welcome, along with representatives from the wider church community, including Marton C of E school. The Rev Jim was later able to mix with people from his new parishes at a buffet at Swettenham Club with refreshments by Daisy Bank Catering.
If you have any names that you would like to be placed on the weekly pew sheet's prayer list, please would you email rural.daneside@gmail.com or leave a message on the vicarage answerphone on 01260 224447. It would be helpful if you could let us know which church you are with.It would also be very helpful if you could let us know when the name can be taken off the list. Thank you.
Why do we sing in church? Sunday 9th June is the 2nd Sunday after Trinity, it also happens to be ‘Music Sunday’ and it is taking place in churches all over the country. It is organised by the Royal School of Church Music.Think back to the last birthday party you went to. Did you sing “Happy Birthday?” My guess is that your answer would be “yes”. Singing occurs naturally – at a concert, with families and friends at a funeral, a wedding, a baptism, and of course at our church services.Why do we sing in church could be a question you may have asked yourself. Generally speaking, singing in a congregational setting has been a widely accepted practice amongst various denominations, age groups, and even cultures. So why is that? Why do we sing? Here could be five reasons why we sing in church.1. There are hundreds of references to singing in the Bible. Jesus himself sang songs of praise after the last supper. So, if we are to replicate the character of Christ, I am sure that singing should always be part of our services.2. The earliest Christians put their community beliefs in songs, which is why the composition of hymns or sacred songs developed and have been sung throughout history.3. As you may know, hymns and other Christian songs are full of rich, theological text. The act of singing uses both parts of the brain; therefore, it can educate us and teach us about the gospel of Jesus.4. Singing in church connects us emotionally. Songs of celebration have the power to lead us to dance. Songs of lament have the power to lead us to tears. Music has a way of piercing into the deep parts of our soul, that assists in our expression and response to God and to the church.5. The gospel alone unites believers to one another. However, music is a tool that allows us to do so. As we gather on the Sabbath, we join as one body, and praise God with one voice.We recognise that God gives each of us different gifts. But at the end of the day, we are all called, wanted, and expected to sing.So, join us at Christ Church, Eaton on 9th June 9.45am for a service with some wonderful singing! Happy days!John
Dear Friends, This month we, as a nation, mark an extraordinary milestone. For 70 years Queen Elizabeth has served our nation as monarch. She has done so with great grace and with personal reserve, and I shall be celebrating enthusiastically. There will be many things said about her character, and all that she has lived through, during this season of celebration. I should like to say one thing about her: that her reign has been about us. Perhaps it is the nature of our constitutional monarchy, or perhaps it is her Christian faith and her understanding of the nature of service most likely it is both. However it has come about, her lack of political agenda makes her able to represent all of us in a way no elected president ever could do. We do not know her opinions on many matters, or her thoughts on how these nations should be run. We know of her love of horses, but not her views on fiscal policy or on devolution. It is precisely her willingness to serve a people, not an agenda, that has made her the finest and most respected of democratic heads of state, the wide world over. Certainly there is privilege as well as responsibility that goes with royal status, and it may seem unjust that this comes as a birthright, but I cannot think of a better way to represent us all. To elect or select a champion may be to select the very best of us (though I’m not at all sure that this is what our elections unfailingly do!). But, to have one family represent us means that monarchy is not about merit. Her Majesty represents all of us, born into whatever places and families we find ourselves in.We are born to be a nation together, regardless of our talents or opinions. And for seventy years, without fear or favour, The Queen has stood as our champion, through wars and troubles, through prosperity and disputes. Without judgement or agenda she has been there for us, the extraordinary embodiment of our ordinary lives. So let us say it loud and long, today and tomorrow: God save our gracious Queen, Long live our noble Queen, God save the Queen! Yours as ever, Ian
