After the long. cold and wet months of winter, we could all do with a little colour and light. So it was a delight to see the spring bulbs – planted last year after donations were received from congregation members in memory of loved ones – pushing up their heads and bursting into flower and fragrance. We had planted the usual suspects: daffodils and tulips; but we also had a good show of chionodoxa, grape hyacinths and snowdrops. The bulbs planted in the previous year also made a repeat appearance, and the yellows, pinks and whites brought a much-needed cheer to this area. Passers-by comment frequently on the pleasure they get from this garden – which is exactly what we had hoped for!We are now advertising our Garden Club via a banner on the church railings: this is part of our ongoing ministry to improve the mental and physical well-being of our community. We meet on the second Saturday of each month (with a pause for the depths of winter). This year, we are introducing a new venture: when wet Saturdays make work in the gardens impossible, we will meet in church to do garden-related crafts and activities. We also hope to offer tea, coffee and biscuits to our green-fingered participants. If you’re looking for something to get you out in the fresh air, meeting people and feeling good about yourself, why not join us at 10am each second Saturday?
Easter is a time of both deepest sorrow and greatest joy. We had our experience of both in great measure this Holy Week. On Maundy Thursday, we gathered for an evening Holy Communion at which we shared hot cross buns and juice: to recall the sweetness of Jesus' life and ministry, and his fellowship with his closest companions. Afterwards, we stripped the altar, removing all cloths and ornamentation in preparation for the stark sorrow of the crucifixion. We met again on Good Friday morning for an emotional service reflecting on the sorrow, the agony and the sacrifice of our Lord. On Sunday, the mood changed: sadness became joy and we celebrated Christ's resurrection, with Easter bonnets filled with symbols of new life, an Easter egg hunt and a Holy Communion in which we received the elements with particular gratitude, rejoicing in all that the Lord has done for us. Great fun - and beneath it, our grateful thanks for all that God has done for us, and the gifts he has freely given.
On Sunday 18 December, we held our annual Christingle Service, which raises funds to support the work of the Children’s Society.Christingle is a lovely, interactive service: every member of the congregation builds a Christingle - an orange to represent the world, with four cocktail sticks to represent the four corners of the world; on to these sticks are placed sweets to represent God’s provision. A red ribbon is tied round the orange to symbolise Jesus’ sacrifice of himself for our salvation; finally, a candle is placed at the centre to recognise that Jesus is the light of the world, our great hope for all creation.It was a wonderful service, full of joy and camaraderie; and we know that the money that was given will help children in desperate need: so a real ‘win-win’ situation.May your Christmas too be filled with joy and light; and may we all find time to remember the Christ Child who is the very heart of the season.
We are looking for someone of faith, available and keen to work with our existing worship band. We need a person who is familiar with both modern worship songs and traditional hymns, and who can give a good lead in services to a congregation who love to sing.If this sounds like YOU, please contact us via vicar@sbtwavertree.org.uk or leave a message on the church phone (0151 733 4313) and we’ll get back to you.
