THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK - From Vicar Geoff – 6th March 2026 - Following Jesus more closely, day by dayI have been interested to read of thinking in the area of “whole life discipleship”. When we make a commitment to follow Jesus it is not just about going to church on a Sunday, or going to church in itself, it is far more encompassing. Following Jesus impacts our whole life. It is not something that we switch on for a couple of hours a week or when we feel like it, nor is it limited to church activities. It involves our whole being, our daily life and our relationships with others. That is because God is interested in every aspect of our lives. It is very much about us becoming more like Jesus.Following Jesus is far more than just going to church. Followers of Jesus are disciples and disciples are learners. Disciples are not mega holy people, who spend all their time on their knees praying. Being a disciple is about following Jesus in daily life and living out the Christian faith on a daily, hourly and by the minute basis, in all areas of life - work, school, community and of course church.When we look at the life of Jesus as recorded in the bible, we see him doing many ordinary, everyday things, using illustrations from everyday life of the time – eating with others, farming, fishing , marrying and mourning. Jesus wants to be involved in all these aspects of our lives and more. On the sideline of a football match where our children are playing, at the supermarket, on the bus and even down the local pub (I know you would expect me to stick that one in there!). These are all aspects of life, and life is what God is interested in.As we move forward together we will be increasingly exploring how we can better express our faith through our discipleship. If it all seems a bit new to you, don’t worry. While discipleship is not new (Jesus lived it out with his 12) it is something which has been widely talked about in the life of our village churches, and it is something which we can all benefit from and should make every effort to pursue.GeoffPray for …Living out our faith across our villages as we explore discipleship together – our ABC strapline is ‘Following Jesus Together’Our village churches growing together as we become one Mission and Ministry UnitBecoming more like JesusGive thanks for …Our Children, Youth and Families Worker, AmyAll who are involved with our Messy Church, Little Apples and Little Fish playgroupsAlex, our administrator as we work at streamlining and improving our communications and processesWe pray for all who live and work in the following streets in our communities:In Copmanthorpe - Horseman Drive, Horseman Close, Horseman CourtIn Bolton Percy & Colton - Church View CottagesIn Askham Bryan - Askham Bryan CollegeIn Acaster Malbis - Intake Lane, Cowper Lane, Tyn GarthIn Appleton Roebuck - Ainsty GarthIn the name of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Holiday Club "Mini Chef to Master Chef" will take place in Holy Week 30th March to 1st April 2026 09:30-12:30See attached Poster
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK - From Vicar Geoff – 27th February 2026Lifelong LearnersSome of our readers may be aware that we are currently running an Alpha Course in the ABC Churches. Those who are attending seem to value the journey our group is on, discovering more about the Christian Faith. It got me thinking that although we might have gone to church all our lives – I have although it wasn’t until I turned 19 that I had a revelation of what Jesus had done for me on the cross and I began my walk and relationship with Him – we never know enough that we can stop learning. I have been a guest and a leader on more Alpha courses than I can count on my fingers and toes, yet there is always something new that I learn and come away from the course continuing to reflect. The same applies to Lent courses and bible study groups I have attended.Yet I sometimes wonder how many of us actually continue to explore the Christian Faith other than by attending regular services. God’s Kingdom is huge and there is so much to explore. As we journey through life there is always more to learn about the Christian Faith and our relationship with Jesus, which is why I believe following Jesus involves being a lifelong learner. We can grow in our relationship through reading, studying, fellowshipping with others, engaging in activities such as study groups and even participating in Alpha, because no one is too long in the tooth that we can’t grow more.It is very easy to attend a church, sit in a pew and then go home again, but that is not what Jesus ever intended for His church. The church is a living, breathing community of people passionate about knowing Jesus more deeply. Each one is at a different point but each one moves forward into a deeper relationship with Jesus. But it does require active participation by each individual and involvement in the full life of the church community as well as personal learning through prayer and reading, especially the bible.As a challenge, why not take the next opportunity available to you to join with other followers of Jesus to study the bible and pray together?GeoffPray for …Relationships across the ABC and AAA villages and churches as we move closer in partnership.Preparations for celebrating Easter in our Villages and especially for the Easter Praise taking place on Easter Day and for John Bell our guest speakerThose who feeling the pain of bereavementGive thanks for …Those preparing for confirmation by the Bishop of SelbyAll who joined the Alpha away day on 28th FebruaryOpportunities to share the Gospel with friends, work colleagues and neighboursWe pray for all who live and work in the following streets in our communities:In Copmanthorpe - Church Street, Stakers Orchard, Horseman Lane, Horseman Avenue.In Bolton Percy & Colton - Glebe CloseIn Askham Bryan - Askham Bryan CollegeIn Acaster Malbis - Brocket View, Airfield Lane, Beech Avenue - Mount PleasantIn Appleton Roebuck - Main Street (from Chestnut House to West End Farm)In the name of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
