Thought for Thursday with Benefice NewsServices for Sunday 21st April The Third Sunday of Easter 09.00 BCP Holy Communion St Peter’s Maxey 10.30 Family Communion St Stephen’s Etton 18.00 Celtic Evensong St Andrew’s Northborough Th4Th for April 18th 2024 Well, we talk about 4 seasons in one day, well Monday certainly proved the saying right. We had thunder, hail, sleet, a mini tornado and lovely bright sunshine. What a variety, and what a great British talking point. I’m sure we all know the saying “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes.“ Whatever the weather throws at us, provided we are properly prepared, we can deal with it if we are adequately equipped. (I’d agree with that except when it’s particularly hot ((personally, I don’t do heat)) there’s only so much you can do before you long for somewhere cool (especially at night). However, the general premise is a good one, provided you have the right kit you can deal with most weather conditions. Having all the right gear won’t change the weather or mean that your days will always be temperate and pleasant, but it does mean when the weather is not so good you are equipped to carry on regardless. For those with a faith, it’s a bit like having the right clothing, it doesn’t mean life will always be sunny and you will be immune to bad things happening or hard times. (You sometimes hear, “she was such a good Christian, why did that happen to her”) (the answer may be; why not!). However, with a belief and a caring faithful community to surround and support life and all its vagaries can be faced and battled through, and even death, the ultimate challenge need not be such a scary proposition if you have the right layers in your wardrobe. To Christians, Christ is the ultimate layering system, cool in summer when all is well, but as much warmth as you need and fully wind and waterproof against the fiercest storms and chills of life. (For example, Galatians 3v 26 , Colossians3:12-14) Reader MarkFOR OUR PRAYERS For Pupils, teachers and all school staff at Arthur Mellows School, especially those facing exams this term. For the deanery youth project and our benefice bible course planning. For all those who are sick in mind, body or soul, especially Mike, Ann, Peter For those who we love but see no longer, especially Freda Neaverson, Linda Lilley, and George Warby. For our upcoming concerts and all the planning work For the hope of sharing the good news with more people APCMs (Annual Parish Church Meetings) Sunday 21st April 11:30 St Stephen’s, EttonDIARY DATES And looking further ahead : This Saturday April 20th : St Pega’s 100 Club The 100 CLUB was launched at the Easter Fayre. Look out for our stand promoting the 100 Club in the Ruddy Duck Car Park on 20th April from 12 noon to 2pm. Also come along for coffee and cake in the church on Saturday 20th April from 2.30pm to 4pm to sign up. Saturday May 11th at 7.30pm in St Pega’s Church, Peakirk Spring is in the Air - an evening of popular music with THE SIX Saturday May 18th in St Peter’s Church, Maxey Dancing in the Aisles with Uppingham Soul and Jazz Band Friday June 7th at 7.30pm in St Andrew’s Church Northborough Frumenty in Concert - folk music and more..... Songs, Stories and Shenanigans. All tickets are available on the Benefice Website. NOTICES Church emails will be moving to Iknow church soon. Please make sure we have your details. Benefice office open every Friday 9:30 -11:00. All are welcome to pop in for /tea and a chat. NEWSROUNDUP There are many images depicting the Resurrection. Th4Th will feature just some of these in mailings in the weeks after Easter, some modern, some more traditional. From Mike Conner I completed the 31miles in March challenge on the 12th of March having run on just 8 days and taking 4 rest days. With my background it should have been easy but it wasn't. The toughest day (not the longest run) was the 5-mile race no six in the Frostbite series. The mud was ankle deep on the good parts of the course and I only made it due to support from fellow Werrington Joggers, particularly Tim. At the moment my fund-raising stands at £335 with some promises still to come. Thanks to all who supported me. We send our Congratulations to Mike for carrying out this challenge in very difficult circumstances and send him all good wishes as he builds up his strength after his treatment. Messy Church is looking for kitchen roll tubes for its next Messy Church in May. Please can you help? If so, please get in touch with Jane (9bridgescommunications@gmail.com) I will collect! Blessings Jane