Bowland Benefice Pews News 15 March 2026 Mothering Sunday Collect God of compassion, whose Son Jesus Christ, the child of Mary, shared the life of a home in Nazareth, and on the cross drew the whole human family to himself: strengthen us in our daily living that in joy and in sorrow we may know the power of your presence to bind together and to heal; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. This week in the Benefice Sunday 15 March 10.30am Mothering Sunday Service in Upton Snodsbury 11.00am Benefice Holy Communion for Mothering Sunday in Peopleton 4.00pm Joyful Mothering Sunday Service in Broughton Hackett Wednesday 18 March 2.30pm Lent Group meets in The Parish Room, White Ladies Aston Sunday 22 March Passion Sunday 9.30am Holy Communion in White Ladies Aston 10.30am Songs of Praise in Upton Snodsbury 11.00am 1.00pm Holy Communion in Peopleton and Baptism of Olivia Balsdon in Peopleton As is traditional, small posies of spring flowers will be given out at the services in the Bowland Benefice this Mothering Sunday. We remember with gratitude, joy and love those who have cared for us, supported us and guided us over the years. A Prayer for Mothering Sunday Loving God, on Mothering Sunday we thank you for mothers – for all they mean or have meant; for the love they have shown and the care they have given. We thank you for their qualities of patience, kindness, concern and understanding. We thank you for the part they play in our lives. We thank you for this day of saying ‘thank you’ - for this opportunity to say what we so often mean to say but so rarely do. For mothers and motherhood, for fathers, children and families. We bring you this day our grateful praise. Amen. As we view the continuing situation in the Middle East, with all the loss of life and destruction of family homes and misery, here is a meditation and prayer which gives us all food for thought. Two peoples, one land, Three faiths, one root, One earth, one mother, One sky, one beginning, one future, One destiny, one broken heart, One God. We pray to You: Grant us a vision of unity. May we see the many in the one And the one in the many. May you, Life of All the Worlds, Source of All Amazing Differences Help us to see clearly. Guide us gently and firmly toward each other, toward peace. (Rabbi Sheila Weinberg) To continue the simple and short meditations about prayer for Lent - here are the next two. Seventh of ten thoughts during Lent about ‘praying’ Grass between your toes, wind in your hair, rain on your skin…..……reconnect with nature and be refreshed and renewed. A walk in the park with grandchildren or time spent tending the garden or just sitting in an armchair admiring a house plant. Whatever you do, slow down, and look with ‘new’ eyes at the wonder of creation all around. Eighth of ten thoughts during Lent about ‘praying’ From The Beach Boys to Bach, music sets the spirit free to soar. Music can make us right with the world. Rhythm assures us that there is order, melodies that there is joy. When life gets too much, let the music speak to you. Allow its creativity and melody to hold you – in terror or joy, frustration or delight.