Bowland Benefice Pews News
11 May 2025

Collect for 4th Sunday of Easter
Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ
is the resurrection and the life:
raise us, who trust in him,

from the death of sin to the life of righteousness,
that we may seek those things which are above,

where he reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
This week in the Benefice
Sunday
11 May
Christian Aid
Week begins

10.30am

Holy Communion
in Upton
Snodsbury

10.30am

Family Service in
White Ladies
Aston

Monday
12 May

12noon
to
2.00pm

Meet & Eat in the
Parish Room,
White Ladies
Aston - £5.00

Friday
16 May

7.30pm

Matchstick Men
& Matchstick
Cats & Dogs. A
talk on L S Lowry
in The Parish
Room - £5.00

Saturday
17 May

2.00pm
to
5.00pm

Talks, Tours and
Teas. A history
afternoon in
Churchill

Sunday
18 May
Easter 5

11.00am

Benefice Holy
Communion in
Peopleton
We welcome Revd Alison Maddocks to Upton
Snodsbury this morning to lead the Service of Holy
Communion. Alison is Worcester Diocese’ Dean of
Smaller Churches and in fact she is the only person in

the country to hold this role.

Alison retires at the end of this month and we wish
her a happy, healthy and long retirement!
If you are interested in lunch on Monday in The Parish
Room, or the illustrated talk on Lowry on Friday
evening, please do contact Margaret for more
information or to book. – 01905 345371 or
[email protected]
Saturday 17 May. A very interesting and exciting
afternoon is planned in Churchill when a local Time
Team will tell the story of the church, the court and
the landscape. Why not come along and enjoy a
fascinating journey back in history accompanied by
tea and delicious home-made cakes. A free event, just
turn up at the church between 2.00pm and 5.00pm.
More information from Margaret.

Christian Aid Week - A sobering message from the
CEO of Christian Aid Patrick Watt: “The human
suffering caused by the climate crisis reflects political
choices. There is nothing natural about the growing
severity and frequency of droughts, floods and
storms. Disasters are being supercharged by decisions
to keep burning fossil fuels, and to allow emissions to
rise. And they’re being made worse by the consistent
failure to deliver on financial commitments to the
poorest and most climate-vulnerable countries. In
2025 we need to see governments leading, and taking
action to accelerate the green transition, reduce
emissions, and fund their promises”.
In Peopleton the familiar little red and white
envelopes will appear through letter boxes – and they
will be available in Upton Snodsbury too – they can be
returned to The Crown Inn, The Pantry in Peopleton
or St Nicholas Church, at a service.
You can also donate on-line through the web site.
Diary dates for later this month!
In Upton Snodsbury - Flower Festival over the Bank
Holiday Weekend. In St Kenelm’s on Saturday 31 May
from 10.30am to 4.00pm and on Sunday 1 June from
2.00pm to 4.00pm. The theme is From My Garden.
Refreshments and crafts will be available. Entry £2.00.
In Peopleton - The Big Breakfast on Saturday 31 May
from 9.30am to 11.30am on the lawn of the Rectory.
Tim and Claire look forward to welcoming you to
breakfast! The ‘full English’ will cost £12 (under 10
years olds £4) Also available breakfast rolls and
unlimited tea & coffee. Booking advised. Tickets can
be obtained from Kim (01905 840911); Shirley (01905
841991); Carole (01905 840879); Sue (01905 840037)
The film Conclave with its current popularity and
relevance has certainly increased people’s interest in
the process of electing a new Pope in Rome! The
betting books are open and the odds are changing
daily as the black smoke appears over the Vatican – all

very gripping and exciting!

However in these troubled times the importance of
electing a new leader for the worldwide Church
cannot be overstated. In our own country a new
Archbishop of Canterbury is to be chosen and even
more locally in our diocese the process to find a new
Bishop of Worcester is underway. Please hold the
Conclave in Rome, and our own Anglican Communion
nationally and locally in your thoughts and prayers.
Lord, be with those men and women who have the
responsibility of choosing new church leaders in these
difficult times. Give them discernment and the insight
to come to the right decisions and the courage to
carry them through for the good of your Christian
Church across the world. In the name of Jesus Christ,

our Saviour. Amen.