<h3>Thy Kingdom Come (TKC) is a global ecumenical prayer movement that invites Christians around the world to pray from Ascension to Pentecost for more people to come to know Jesus.</h3><h4>Since it began in May 2016, God has grown TKC from a dream of possibility into a movement which unites more than a million Christians in prayer, in nearly 90% of countries worldwide, across 85 different denominations and traditions- so that friends and family, neighbours and colleagues might come to faith in Jesus Christ.</h4><h4>Every person, household and church are encouraged to pray during the 11 days in their own way.</h4><h4>It is our hope & prayer, that those who have not yet heard the Good News of Jesus Christ and His love for the world, will hear it for themselves and respond and follow Him.</h4><h4>Specifically, we again invite each and every Christian across the globe to pray that God’s Spirit might work in the lives of 5 people who have not responded with their ‘Yes’ to God’s call.</h4><h4>Whether you have joined in ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ before or not, we invite you to take part & join in.</h4>
A View from the Pews May 2026Royal Blue for Mary: Traditionally the month of May has been dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus, and over centuries this month has marked the start of pilgrimage season. Rev Julia will honour this long-standing tradition by donning her walking boots and setting off once again on a Walk of Blessings. The general aim of the walk is to connect with all the communities and pray a blessing over the people, animals and plants she encounters. This year, the third of her ministry with us, she has chosen the theme “To be pilgrim”. Do you remember that hymn? A pilgrimage needs a destination - and what better destination for a third walk than the church dedicated to the Holy Trinity in Widdrington? As every year, this will be an opportunity to raise funds – this year shared equally between Anglican Alliance and community projects in Widdrington and Widdrington Station. Vicar: Rev Julia Lacey, revjlacey@gmail.com, 07769 988527Parish Safeguarding Officers:Cresswell: Anne Baxter, arabella3337@gmail.com, 07544 119575 Widdrington: Fiona Anderson, fiona16anderson@gmail.com, 07414 541862 Ulgham: Carole Snelling, carolesnelling@btinternet.com, 07769 574432Reflection:Pentecost, celebrated in the freshness of May, invites us to reflect on the mystery of beginnings. The Church, born from the pierced side of Christ on the Cross (cf. John 19:34), finds her visible “birthday” not in sorrow, but in the transforming joy of the Holy Spirit’s descent upon Mary and the Apostles (cf. Acts 2:1–4). What was hidden in sacrifice is made manifest in mission.In that upper room, fear gave way to courage, and uncertainty was transformed into proclamation. As Jesus had promised, “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” (Acts 1:8), and this promise is fulfilled at Pentecost. The same Spirit who hovered over the waters at creation (cf. Genesis 1:2) now breathes new life into the Church, sending her forth into the world. Pentecost reminds us that the Church is not merely an institution of human making, but a living body animated by divine love (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:12–13).As we mark this feast, we are invited to remember that the story of Pentecost is not confined to the past. The Spirit continues to descend, to renew, and to send. As St. Paul reminds us, “God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit” (Romans 5:5). Each of us, in our own way, shares in this ongoing birth-called to carry the flame of faith into our homes, our communities, and the wider world.May this season awaken in us a deeper openness to the Spirit, that we too may be made new and become instruments of Christ’s presence today (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:17).By Paula DarkinA time to love.St. Michael!s church stood on the green,bidding a welcome to all comers. Many a service had Felicity seen,congregation boosted in the summers. The church's silhouette stood bold against a constant in the village of Sheepfold witness to birth, marriage and decease.Felicity knew the place, outside and in, seen many of the clergy come and go. For fifty years had carried her sin, here and back, and to and fro. Was there forgiveness for everyone? The priest said yes, but did he know? She prayed to the Father, and the Son, repenting for the thrill of him, her beau.The clock in the tower was wrong.Rain, wind and wear had confused time.Geoffrey whistled as he walked along,tall and handsome, in his prime. A clock maker and mender of skill. Good references from his master.Felicity and Geoffrey ,of their own free will, courted each other and disaster.In the clock tower they shared their dreams, making promises, giving proof.In a moment of distraction, it seems, Geoffrey lost his footing on the roof.The clock kept perfect time for years. Geoffrey had completed repairs that day. Felicity paid for her joy with tears.God giveth. And God taketh away.Author: Loraine RutherfordEllington and Cresswell Tiddler groupEllington & Cresswell Tiddler Group continues to thrive in its new location at Ellington Primary School. This is primarily due to the dedication of its volunteers, the support shown to it by the carers and parents of the children who attend the sessions, as well as the continued support of Ellington Primary School staff.Sessions continue to be held each Tuesday morning between 10.00 – 11.30 a.m. during school term time, despite many parents and carers wishing it would continue during school holidays. Nevertheless, support for the Group is strong and attendances tend to range from 10 to 16, which is ample given the size of the room in which the session is held.Of particular importance is the fact that the Group is now financially stable thanks to the generosity of Kevin Hodgson (Ellington Primary School Headteacher) who allows the Group to operate in its Studio Room on a rent-free basis. This allows the Group to provide an important child development setup for the local community at a relatively low cost.Given that the Group functions as a non-profit organisation, any profits generated from session fees are reinvested into the Group, whether that be for the purchase of new play equipment, kitchen equipment or for small gifts given to the children during special events such as Easter, Christmas etc.Importantly, the Group still supports two charities, namely Children In Need and Meningitis NOW. Funds accrued for these charities is forth- coming from two special events held by the Group each year. These are Pudsey Bear and the Toddle Waddle. Both events are long standing and have jointly generated thousands of pounds over the course of many years.The Group functions as a communal group, whereupon early years children and their parents/carers can congregate in a warm environment and play/converse with each other. It also allows children to play, do crafts and learn from each other. It also allows parents and carers to consider using Ellington Primary School as a future educational facility for their children.
