We have now said farewell to Epiphany and are entering into our ‘Sundays before Lent’, which means that spring must be around the corner! The snowdrops I have been attempting for years to establish in my garden are finally colonising (what joy!) and tell me that my dormant garden is re-awakening – even some crocuses and hellebores are making their presence known. This time of year in nature is so full of potential. New life, new hope, and warmer and brighter times ahead (particularly, we hope, in the church building!). Please note the various forthcoming events flagged up in the Bulletin: there is definitely a great deal going on with our church and across the Team Ministry, so why not pick an event or volunteering opportunity you might not normally try, and give it a go! Just a few reminders from previous weeks: we are still looking for a new Secretary to the Church Council; Barbara and Heike would value any more offers of help with the forthcoming Services of Prayer for Healing and Wholeness (scheduled for 21st March, 27 June, 12 September, 28 November - all Fridays and all beginning at 11.00am). You could contact Barbara or Heike directly or reply to this email and I will forward your interest to them. All good wishes for the coming week, Lynne
If you are coming along to the Film Evening on Friday 24th, please note that we will be doing our very best to heat the room up suitably, using various free-standing heaters well in advance. I will also bring some hot water bottles, and blankets are available. We shall be serving hot drinks (and cake) so I am hoping that, with all these measures, everyone will feel comfortable and able to enjoin a brilliant film (‘One Life’). However, do make sure you come warmly dressed, nonetheless. Please arrive for 6.30. All good wishes, Lynne
Just a few alerts: please note that February’s Foodie Friday will not be on the first Friday of February as would be usual (7th Feb) but is on 14th instead – a special Valentine’s meal. Full details are given in the newsletter. Please book in advance by phoning the church office or speaking directly to Ali at the Angel at my Table café (Thursday-Saturday) However, instead of Foodie Friday on 7th you can come along to our second film evening: ‘Marvellous’ (the first film evening is on Friday 24th Jan. – ‘One Life’). Again, details are given in the newsletter but remember to let me know if you are intending to come along (there is a sign-up sheet on the noticeboard in the Welcome Area or you can contact me directly). We need to set out enough chairs and bake enough cakes! Warning: I have taken the bold step of not always putting articles in columns this month – and thereby will undoubtedly manage to annoy more of you than usual. It seems to depend on what device you read your Bulletin/Newsletter whether you prefer articles to be in columns or to go across the width of the page. I anticipate feedback (not all of it positive!). Enjoy the sunshine and beautiful clear skies! All good wishes, Lynne
Please find attached the Bulletin for the coming week. It’s an exciting time for us at St Mike’s as work on our long-awaited and rigorously planned new lighting system will begin on Monday 13th January. This will have major implications for access to the Worship Area (nave) and Flower Vestry on weekdays. Please read the accompanying document carefully as it covers all you need to know regarding how we will be affected: weekday parking constraints, café opening, midweek services, etc. If there are unanswered questions, please ask one of our Wardens (Rachel or Matt) to clarify. The work will last approximately 8 weeks. We do ask for your forbearance – it will be worth it in the end! If you come along to the Friday morning Contemplative Prayer session, please note that this will take place on Saturday mornings for the duration, as it is highly unlikely that there will be silence on Friday mornings in church and quiet contemplation to a backcloth of hammering and drilling won’t be easy! Apologies to those who can’t come on Saturdays, but this seems the best option. It would be great if as many as possible could assist in moving items out of the Worship Area after Sunday morning’s service. Please note that Choral Evensong on Sunday at 6.30pm includes Bishop Sam formally welcoming Revd Vivien Gisby as an Associate Minister at St Michael’s. Bishop Sam will also be preaching. And finally – the date for the third film evening (Sing-along-a-Mama Mia – by popular demand last year (don’t blame me!)) - has now been fixed: 28th Feb. All film dates are advertised in the Bulletin itself. Please sign up if you are coming along to any or all of them. All good wishes, Lynne
