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.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK - From Daniel – 20th February 2026Running the Race on Ice: Faith, Courage, and the Road to the FinishEvery four years, the world turns its eyes to the spectacle of the Winter Olympics. We watch athletes step onto the ice and snow after years of unseen early morning discipline, aching muscles, and quiet sacrifices. Whether it’s the speed of the skater, the focus of the skier, or the steady nerve of the bobsleigh team, each event tells a deeper story of perseverance, hope, heartbreak, and courage. As I watch the Winter Olympics currently taking place in Italy, I am reminded that behind every medal stands a journey. Some athletes stood on the podium with tears of joy. Others finished far from the medals, yet with equal dignity. In both victory and defeat, we can glimpse something profoundly Christian.Working Hard for What Is UnseenOlympians train for years for a race that may last less than a minute. Their preparation often goes unnoticed by the crowds. This echoes the words of St Paul: “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it.” (1 Corinthians 9:24)Paul is not encouraging rivalry in faith, but commitment. The Christian life, like Olympic training, requires discipline, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, and steadfast love. These are habits that are formed in the hidden places of our lives. We may not stand in a stadium, but each of us is called to faithfulness in our own lane, be it parenting, serving, studying, caring, working, or praying. Much of it feels ordinary, yet in God’s eyes, no faithful effort is wasted.Winning with HumilityWhen an athlete wins gold, we celebrate an excellence that is rewarded. Yet the finest champions often show humility by acknowledging coaches, teammates, family, even competitors. They know their victory is not theirs alone. Scripture reminds us: “Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above.” (James 1:17)When success comes, whether in career, ministry, family, or personal growth, we must not receive it as proof of our superiority, but as gift from God. Our Christian response to success should be gratitude, giving praise to the One who made it so.Losing with GracePerhaps the most powerful Olympic moments are not the victories, but the falls - the skater who rises after a crash to finish the routine, the skier who misses a medal by a fraction of a second yet smiles through tears. In those moments, we see resilience. The writer of Hebrews encourages us: “Let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:1–2)Not every effort brings visible success. Prayers sometimes seem unanswered, good work may go unnoticed, we may fail, stumble, or come last. Yet we know we are not running for applause, we run looking to Christ for our help, our joy, and our salvationCourage on the IceWinter sports demand courage. To launch down an icy track at high speed or leap into the air on skis requires trust, trust in preparation, in training, in something beyond fear. Faith also requires courage. To forgive when wounded, to hope when discouraged, to stand for justice, and to love when it costs us something. God repeatedly tells His people:“Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)Our courage does not come from self-confidence alone, but from the assurance of God’s presence.Finishing the RaceFor many athletes, simply reaching the Olympics is the fulfilment of a lifelong dream. Finishing the race, regardless of placement, is itself a victory. At the end of his life, St Paul wrote: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)The Christian life is not about being the fastest or most decorated. It is about finishing faithfully, it is about remaining rooted in Christ through joy and sorrow, gain and loss. So, as we reflect on the spirit of the Winter Olympics, may we remember that our lives, too, are a kind of race. There will be training seasons and waiting seasons. There will be victories and disappointments. There will be moments when we feel strong and moments when we fall. But we are not alone on the ice. Christ runs beside us, the communion of saints cheers us on, and the prize set before us is not a medal that fades but the eternal embrace of God.Daniel Khan, Licenced Lay Minister
Being Lights for ChristOur ABC Churches Lent Course is all about discipleship and based on Matthew 5:14-16. There will be the opportunity to discuss with others and explore what God is calling you to be as a follower. Suitable for new Christians and those more mature in the faith we will meet at 10:30am for coffee and a 11am start in St Giles Church and Centre on Wednesdays 25th February, 4th March, 11th March and 18th March 2026. The sessions will last about an hour.
New Ainsty Deanery Lent Courses 2026There are a wide variety of Lent courses happening around the Deanery this year happening at a variety of different times. Have a look at the list below and see what you would like to attend. They have been listed according to the days of the week. See attached page.