A service to mark the anniversary of the Victorian poet, Elizabeth Barrett Browning who was born at Coxhoe Hall and was baptised at St Helen's, Kellloe (one of the parishes which makes up our benefice as it exists today). The service will be followed by a buffet.

All are very welcome.

A Prayer Inspired by Elizabeth Barrett Browning's Poem 'How Do I Love Thee?':

How shall I love you, when you are out of sight?
Your love for me, in all its depth and breadth and height,
is beyond my soul’s reach.
And yet, by sun and candlelight I long for you.
I long for you freely, purely.
I long for you with the passion of old griefs,
and childhood’s faith.

Lord I long for you with the breath,
smiles, tears of all my life.
Change now my longing,
so I might love you
through my neighbour’s every quiet need;
so I might love you as I strive for right.

Let me love you
as I put to use my passions
to find in strangers – neighbours;
and in my neighbours – friends;
and with my friends
to love you better while I live.

Maranatha. Come Lord Jesus.

Amen.

(The Reverend Dr Andrew Lunn - Former Chair of the Manchester and Stockport Methodist District)