January can seem a long month, and so it's lovely as we head into February to be seeing the snowdrops popping up and the signs of daffodils to come. Spring is finally on its way!We packed a fair amount into January, and February looks like it will hold lots too! It's good that every day the days are getting a little longer and nights a little shorter. We are beginning to think about that next season of Lent and Easter. Easter falls on the 5th April, and so working backwards from that, Ash Wednesday is on 18th February. There will be a Holy Communion service with Ashing at Eryholme at 10.30am and a Service of the Word with Ashing at 7pm an Barton Church. After that our Lent group begins...Over 5 weeks we'll look at 'Women of Holy Week' by Paula Gooder with amazing illustrations by Ally Barrett. This will be informal, accessible and friendly, so if you've never been to a Lent Group, if you don't come to church, this will be fine!All at Barton Village Memorial Hall so easy access.Tuesday 24th February 2pm-3.30pmTuesday 3rd March 2pm-3.30pmTuesday 10th March 2pm-3.30pmTuesday 17th March 2pm-3.30pmTuesday 24th March 2pm-3.30pmFinally, particularly in this season when it's chilly and damp (to say the least!) t's important to take some time to be able to reflect or spend time enjoying the wonders of Spring as it pops up. Every year it's a joy to see the flowers and see the birds. Why not take some time to notice them and be still and give thanks. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me if you would like prayer or a chat over a cup of tea and a visit. My email is gillian.lunn@leeds.anglican.org and my mobile is 07592016476.
As we head into the new calendar year, it's good to reflect on all that the past year has brought. For some of us 2025 will have been a joyful year, for some of us 2025 will have been a testing and perhaps painful year.At the start of the year, it's important to look back at all that has happened, to pray for God's forgiveness for the things that we may have misjudged, but also to thank God for his faithfulness and the many blessings we have received from him, and ask for his guidance as we move forward through the new year. My prayer is one of thankfulness to God for this Benefice of East Dere Street and for the many wonderful people and churches in the communities which we serve. I pray too, that as we begin the new year we may know God's love, hope, joy, grace and peace and that we can continue to grow in love and service of both God and our communities.Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me if you would like prayer or a chat over a cup of tea and a visit. My email is gillian.lunn@leeds.anglican.org and my mobile is 07592016476.A prayer as we start the New Year...God of all our days, as we step into this new year, be our light in the darkness and our guide on the way.Forgive what is past, bless what will be, and walk with us in every moment to come.In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Dear friends,How can it possibly be Advent!!? And yet it is! That season of hopeful expectation and waiting. That season too of trying to pack a million things into a few days, preparing perhaps for visitors, or to be a visitor. Or perhaps it's a time where it's hard to get swept up into the busyness and where you'd rather sit infront of a warm fire with a good book. And then before we know it, it'll be Christmas and then the New Year!!We have plenty going on across the Benefice - something we hope for everyone, including Christingle, Carols round a tree, Advent music and so much more. Do please look at the Section 'Christmas Events 2025 and Road Closure' for everything that's going on.I hope that amidst the busyness of the season you can find time just to 'be'. For this Advent season, as we wait in expectation to celebrate the birth of the baby who changed the world, I pray that we will all know his peace, calm, hope and love. Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you would like a chat over a cup of tea. I'm always happy to pop round. In the meantime, may I wish you a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year when they come.BlessingsGillian
It is wonderful to finally be able to say hello, as Rector to this Benefice of East Dere Street. We had the most uplifting and joyful licensing service on Wednesday 17th September at Manfield Church, joined by the communities and congregations across the Benefice, as well as friends from Richmond, Leyburn and Bellerby, and local community representatives. A huge thank you to everyone who made it happen. I am now enjoying spending time with people across the Benefice, and in our primary schools. If you see me out and about please say hello and introduce yourself. If you fancy a chat over a cup of tea let me know, if you would like prayer, please let me know.My contact details are gillian.lunn@leeds.anglican.org 07592016476With many blessings,Rev'd Gillian
