This coming Candlemas, on Sunday the 1st of February, will be celebrated as a Benefice Service this year as we welcome our Bishop, Bishop Stephen, to North Lafford. Candlemas is a time of welcome. It is another name for the feast of the Presentation of the Lord. Forty days after Jesus’ birth, Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the temple for the traditional rites of purification and dedication. It is the final Epiphany revelation as the two other characters in the story, Simeon and Anna, meet Jesus and his parents and declare to all present, especially Anna, that she has met the Messiah. Simeon declares his praise to God in the very famous song known as the Nunc Dimitis (Luke 2.29-32). The story is bittersweet, the welcome by Simeon and Anna must have gladdened their hearts, but at the same time it would have caused some anxiety at Simeon’s prophesy of a sword piercing Mary’s heart. She would hold on to those words as she did with those of the shepherds as her son grows and became wise.

This is also a time of reflection for us too as we think about where we are in our own stories of discipleship. In only a few short weeks we will enter the season of Lent, a time of personal reflection and an opportunity to join in with the Lent exploration, which this year will be a reflection on the Holy Spirit in our lives (more details to follow). Wherever we might be in our faith journeys, the Holy Spirit is very much there to encourage us as we seek to pray, learn, serve and worship together as church community in parish and Benefice. I pray that you are able to take some time to sit and just be with Jesus and his teachings. No matter how old we might be our Lord Jesus will always open up something new in our lives together with him.
With every blessing.
Reverend Al.

On Saturday 3rd January St Andrew’s Church, Cranwell held their first coffee morning of the year where attendance showed many parishioners welcomed the opportunity for a gentle catch up and chat with friends and neighbours over a drink and cake after a hectic couple of weeks. There was a small table selling handmade cards.
The Coffee morning in February will be on Saturday 7th February when we welcome back the lady selling her Scentsy products. There will also be a stall fundraising by a local young lady, a member of the 1st Cranwell Scout Troop. She has been selected to attend the World Scout Jamboree in Poland in 2027 and has to raise a substantial amount in order to be able to attend.
Epiphany
January saw the Kings start their journey home and the stable was packed away for another year at the end of Epiphany at St Andrew's Church in Cranwell.

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If you have ever wondered which Bible Passages you could be reading throughout the week check out our 'Your Bible Is Not Just For Sunday' a weekly recommendation this week we are looking closer at Joy within scripture To find out what readings are recommended check out the attachment and be inspired by God's word.

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Light and Love in Jesus
Bible Stories, Worship and Music,
Themed Craft, Play and Activities
Toddler area - Communal Meal

Please come along. To sign up please email us at
[email protected]

Join us for worship, praise and fellowship each Sunday
8th February - Holy Communion
15th February - Morning Praise
22nd February - Morning Praise - Lent

Sunday@3 – 18th of January 2026

Being a follower of Jesus is very much part of Our Story as Christians. At Sunday@3 this time round we explored what being a follower of Jesus meant to us individually and collectively. There were some truly wonderful insights from those who came to worship. From nervousness about telling others, being gentle when doing so the wonder of invitation to Come and See and the power of personal and collective prayer. . We had an activity which involved magnets, a maze and putting it all together to follow Jesus. Miya was the champion colouring person this time around, with Bruce a close second! Thank you to everyone who came along, and we hope that you might join with us for February’s offering, the 15th at 3pm at All Saints. You are always welcome.

Benefice Community – All Sorts Back on the 12th January 2026

The Benefice all age outreach offering continues on Mondays at 2pm in the Winchelsea Centre Ruskington. The space is designed as a time for fellowship, activities, and conversation for people of all ages. Please come along and enjoy time with friends and perhaps make some new ones. You are always welcome.

Come and join us for our Ash Wednesday Service. The start to our Lenten Season.

ALL SAINTS LENT LUNCHES
Lent Lunches are simple fare, soup (a few different recipes), Bread with some cheese and tea or coffee where we meet in fellowship

The Lunches will be held in the Winchelsea Centre between 12.30pm and 1.30pm
Tuesday 24th February
Tuesday 3rd March
Tuesday 10th March
Tuesday 17th March
Tuesday 24th March
Why not come along and join us. You are always welcome.
You can sign up on the sheet at the back of church or email
[email protected]
Donations are welcome but not obligatory
Any excess funds will be donated to the Alzheimer’s Society

Come and join us for our Coffee Morning, lots of home made cakes and savouries to enjoy, Charity stalls and raffle prizes to be won. Warm welcome and great hospitality.