Sunday 5 April: Easter Sunday Both the 6.00am Sunrise Service and our “all age” Easter Communion Service at 9.30am will be led by Revd Carol Cooper Resurrection and Hope In her Easter letter, The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, reflects on the resurrection as the foundation of Christian hope, offering believers 'deep, unshakeable confidence' in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Drawing on the images of the cross and the empty tomb, she emphasises that suffering and death do not have the final word. Christians are encouraged to live as 'people of resurrection', bearing witness to hope, unity, and new life in a wounded world. Easter proclaims that even in the darkest places, God is at work bringing life. Reading and Gospel Our first reading this week is from Acts 10: 34-43 on page 138 the New Testament in our pew bibles. Peter proclaims God’s impartiality and emphasises that the Gospel is for everyone. Whilst Jesus was put to death on the cross, God raised him on the third day, and his appearance was witnessed by his chosen followers - who even ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. Everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. The reading from Matthew begins when Mary Magdalene and the other Mary go to visit the tomb. The Angel of the Lord tells them that he is not there for he has been raised as he promised - but they will see him again in Galilee. On the way there, Jesus himself meets them and instructs them to tell his disciples to go to Galilee where they will see him for themselves. The Gospel reading from Matthew 28 1-10 is on page 35 of the New Testament in our pew bibles. Notices 1. All Saints’ Bisham Electoral Roll During the period 15th March to 12th April the annual review of the church electoral roll will take place. A copy of the current roll is on display in the church porch. If your name is already on the roll you do not need to do anything - unless your contact details have changed in the last year. If you wish to be added to the roll an application form can be found at the back of the church. All completed forms can be left in the box found at the back of the church. Any completed forms received after the 12th April 2026 will not be added to the roll until after the AGM on 10th May 2026. 2. Lighthouse – bringing churches and communities together around children Lighthouse began in Great Missenden and Prestwod in 1987. There are now 16 Lighthouses including clubs in Marlow and High Wycombe. Their aim is for children to discover God’s amazing love for us all by helping them to explore the Bible and give them opportunities for them to accept Jesus as their Saviour and friend. They are always looking for willing volunteers and have reached out to ask if anyone would be interested in joining a dedicated prayer group working quietly in the background to support Lighthouse through prayer and unity. If you would be interested in finding out more please speak to Sean or Carol. https://www.lighthousecentral.org/ 3. Project Shine …. Take on the Challenging 26! Looking for a fun way to support Project Shine, our new community space and church building in Marlow Bottom? Take on the Challenging 26—do 26 of something that suits you! Walk 26 miles, bake 26 cakes, read 26 books, swim 26 lengths, or create your own challenge. Not taking part? You can still make a difference by sponsoring a participant, cheering them on, sharing their efforts, or praying for them. Details of the events to sponsor are here: https://bit.ly/Lan-26. Services and Events Sunday 5 April 6.00am at All Saints’ Bisham Sunrise Service in the Churchyard Join us for our traditional Easter Sunday Sunrise Service, held at dawn to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and to begin Easter Day with reflection, worship, and gratitude. We will gather outdoors at 6am as the day begins to break, sharing Bible readings that recall Mary’s visit to the empty tomb and the hope brought by the risen Christ. As we watch the sun rise, we are reminded of new life and the triumph of light over darkness. After this time together outside, we will move into the church to continue the service and share in Holy Communion. Sunday 5 April 9.30am at All Saints’ Bisham All Age Easter Communion Service This Easter Communion service is for the whole church family — people of every age, gathering to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. The service is designed to be accessible and engaging for everyone, with a shorter, interactive talk and opportunities for children and adults alike to take part. At the same time, we will keep the familiar shape of our worship, with prayers, readings, hymns, and the sharing of Holy Communion as we celebrate the good news of Easter together. Sunday 12 April 9.30am at All Saints’ Bisham Morning Communion Service Saturday 18 April 1.00pm – 4.00pm at All Saints’ Bisham Churchyard Tidy Up – all helpers welcome for no matter how long … please bring your own gardening tools Sunday 19 April 9.30am at All Saints’ Bisham Morning Communion Service Sunday 26 April 9.30am at All Saints’ Bisham Morning Communion Service Thursday 30 April 10.00am – 12.00pm Bisham Church Friends Coffee Morning and History Talk – The Vansittarts buy the Bisham Estate Thank you for reading this week’s, Pew News. With love. Mark and Carol
Sunday 29 March: Palm Sunday Our Sunday service will be led by Revd Carol Cooper Our Palm Sunday service marks the beginning of Holy Week, the final week of Lent leading to Easter. This is a time when Christians around the world remember Jesus’ final journey to the cross. Overall, Palm Sunday serves as a joyful yet reflective entry into Holy Week to prepare us for the solemn observances of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. Reading and Gospel Our Old Testament reading this week is Psalm 118 1-2, 19-29 and starts on page 594 in our pew bibles. The Psalm begins and ends with a message of thanksgiving which acknowledges God’s steadfast and enduring love. However, the references to the festal procession with branches, the gates of righteousness and the words of verse 26 “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord” all help to connect us with Palm Sunday. The Gospel reading from Matthew 21 1-11 is on page 24 of the New Testament in our pew bibles. Matthew describes Jesus’ triumphal - yet at the same time humble - entry into Jerusalem on a donkey. Branches from the trees are laid on the road and the crowds are shouting Hosanna – a cry for salvation. Notices 1. All Saints’ Bisham Electoral Roll During the period 15th March to 12th April the annual review of the church electoral roll will take place. A copy of the current roll is on display in the church porch. If your name is already on the roll you do not need to do anything - unless your contact details have changed in the last year. If you wish to be added to the roll an application form can be found at the back of the church. All completed forms can be left in the box found at the back of the church. Any completed forms received after the 12th April 2026 will not be added to the roll until after the AGM on 10th May 2026. 2. Help please Events and services held in church are very successful and enjoyed by many. They do, however, generate the necessity for more cleaning. This puts a burden on the willing (ageing) few who currently fulfil this task. We are in great need of volunteers to lend a hand. For those of you who live in the area, and kindly support our activities, might you consider helping? Three more pairs of cleaners would result in everyone putting aside 2 hours approximately every 8 to 10 weeks. Your contribution would be extremely helpful, so do please get in touch with Carol or Mark. 3. Project Shine …. Take on the Challenging 26! Looking for a fun way to support Project Shine, our new community space and church building in Marlow Bottom? Take on the Challenging 26—do 26 of something that suits you! Walk 26 miles, bake 26 cakes, read 26 books, swim 26 lengths, or create your own challenge. Not taking part? You can still make a difference by sponsoring a participant, cheering them on, sharing their efforts, or praying for them. Details of the events to sponsor are here: https://bit.ly/Lan-26. Our very own Graham Cooper is going to do 26 minutes on an exercise bike in one go! We all have our own challenges and this is going to be one for Graham. Do sponsor him to help energise him for his ride! https://www.goodhub.com/go/grahamsbikeathon Services and Events Sunday 29 March 2026 9.30am Palm Sunday - Morning Communion Service Thursday 2 April 18.15pm till 20.30pm at St John the Baptist, Little Marlow Maundy Thursday – Seder Meal It will be a relaxed and enjoyable evening where we’ll share good food, learn a little about the Jewish Passover tradition, and reflect on how Jesus gathered with his disciples at the Last Supper before the first communion. Experience the story behind Maundy Thursday, ask questions, and spend time together as a church family, and everyone is warmly invited to come along. Please use the link below to book your place (it’s free, although a donation of £5 -£10 would be welcome),and let us know of any dietary requirements you may have. https://marlowanglican.churchsuite.com/events/rpfj1vpt Sunday 5 April 6.00am at All Saints’ Bisham (not 6.30am as shown in Bisham Together!) Sunrise Service in the Churchyard Join us for our traditional Easter Sunday Sunrise Service, held at dawn to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and to begin Easter Day with reflection, worship, and gratitude. We will gather outdoors at 6am as the day begins to break, sharing Bible readings that recall Mary’s visit to the empty tomb and the hope brought by the risen Christ. As we watch the sun rise, we are reminded of new life and the triumph of light over darkness. After this time together outside, we will move into the church to continue the service and share in Holy Communion. Sunday 5 April 9.30am at All Saints’ Bisham All Age Easter Communion Service This Easter Communion service is for the whole church family — people of every age, gathering to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. The service is designed to be accessible and engaging for everyone, with a shorter, interactive talk and opportunities for children and adults alike to take part. At the same time, we will keep the familiar shape of our worship, with prayers, readings, hymns, and the sharing of Holy Communion as we celebrate the good news of Easter together. Sunday 12 April 9.30am at All Saints’ Bisham Morning Communion Service Sunday 19 April 9.30am at All Saints’ Bisham Morning Communion Service Sunday 19 April 9.30am at All Saints’ Bisham Morning Communion Service Thursday 30 April 10.00am – 12.00pm Bisham Church Friends Coffee Morning and History Talk – The Vansittarts buy the Bisham Estate Thank you for reading this week’s, Pew News. With love. Mark and Carol
Passiontide begins on the 5th Sunday of Lent and continues for two weeks until Holy Saturday. It is a solemn, reflective period intended as preparation for Holy Week and Easter with a focus upon the suffering and death of Jesus. Reading and Gospel Our Old Testament reading this week – The Blood of the Covenant - is taken from Exodus 24: 3-11 and starts on page 75 in our pew bibles. Moses communicates God’s words and laws to the people who in turn formally accept them, saying “All the words that the Lord has spoken we will do” The Gospel reading from John 2: 1-11 - The Wedding at Cana - is on page 99 of the New Testament in our pew bibles. This passage recounts when Jesus turns water into wine at a public wedding feast – although most of the guests remain unaware of what has happened. “Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.” We walk in obedience to God’s ways – following his lead - because we trust him. We trust that His way is the best, believing in him even when we cannot fully understand. Notices 1. All Saints’ Bisham Electoral Roll During the period 15th March to 12th April the annual review of the church electoral roll will take place. A copy of the current roll is on display in the church porch. If your name is already on the roll you do not need to do anything - unless your contact details have changed in the last year. If you wish to be added to the roll an application form can be found at the back of the church. All completed forms can be left in the box found at the back of the church. Any completed forms received after the 12th April 2026 will not be added to the roll until after the AGM on 10th May 2026. 2. Help please The Church Cleaning Team does a fabulous job looking after our church. But we do urgently need at least two more people to join the team. If you think you can help, then please get in touch with Carol or Mark. 3. Project Shine …. Take on the Challenging 26! Looking for a fun way to support Project Shine, our new community space and church building in Marlow Bottom? Take on the Challenging 26—do 26 of something that suits you! Walk 26 miles, bake 26 cakes, read 26 books, swim 26 lengths, or create your own challenge. Not taking part? You can still make a difference by sponsoring a participant, cheering them on, sharing their efforts, or praying for them. Details of the events to sponsor are here: https://bit.ly/Lan-26. Every action helps bring Project Shine closer to reality. Here is the webs address for the project: What is Project Shine? | 4U For more info or to speak to someone about this Project do give Rev Graham a call 01628 440106 Join in or support—every contribution counts! Services and Events Sunday 22 March 9.30am Morning Communion Service Thursday 26 March 2026 20.15pm at Marlow Rugby Club, SL7 1QU BBO Big Band: 17 piece swing band plus 2 all-star vocalists – fund raising concert for Bisham Church Friends. Tickets on the door. Sunday 29 March 2026 9.30am Palm Sunday Morning Communion Service Thursday 2 April 18.15pm till 20.30pm at St John the Baptist, Little Marlow Maundy Thursday – Seder Meal It will be a relaxed and enjoyable evening where we’ll share good food, learn a little about the Jewish Passover tradition, and reflect on how Jesus gathered with his disciples at the Last Supper before the first communion. Experience the story behind Maundy Thursday, ask questions, and spend time together as a church family, and everyone is warmly invited to come along. Please use the link below to book your place (it’s free, although a donation of £5 -£10 would be welcome),and let us know of any dietary requirements you may have. https://marlowanglican.churchsuite.com/events/rpfj1vpt Sunday 5 April 6.00am at All Saints’ Bisham (not 6.30am as shown in Bisham Together!) Sunrise Service in the Churchyard Join us for our traditional Easter Sunday Sunrise Service, held at dawn to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and to begin Easter Day with reflection, worship, and gratitude. We will gather outdoors at 6am as the day begins to break, sharing Bible readings that recall Mary’s visit to the empty tomb and the hope brought by the risen Christ. As we watch the sun rise, we are reminded of new life and the triumph of light over darkness. After this time together outside, we will move into the church to continue the service and share in Holy Communion. Sunday 5 April 9.30am at All Saints’ Bisham All Age Easter Communion Service This Easter Communion service is for the whole church family — people of every age, gathering to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. The service is designed to be accessible and engaging for everyone, with a shorter, interactive talk and opportunities for children and adults alike to take part. At the same time, we will keep the familiar shape of our worship, with prayers, readings, hymns, and the sharing of Holy Communion as we celebrate the good news of Easter together. Thursday 30 April 10.00am – 12.00pm Bisham Church Friends Coffee Morning and History Talk – The Vansittarts buy the Bisham Estate Thank you for reading this week’s, Pew News. With love. Mark and Carol
On Ash Wednesday, at the beginning of Lent, we recognised our own failures and shortcomings in loving God and our neighbour. We also started our journey to develop daily habits and practices which will draw us near to God. In our Reading and Gospel this week, we hear the Ten Commandments and Jesus teaches that the greatest commandments are to love God with all your being and to love your neighbour as yourself. Understanding and following the words that Jesus is telling us help bring us closer to the kingdom of God. Reading and Gospel Our Old Testament reading this week sets out The Ten Commandments. It is taken from Exodus 20: 1-17 and starts on page 70 in our pew bibles. The Israelites have been liberated from slavery in Egypt and have journeyed through the wilderness. They arrive at Mount Sinai, where God establishes a covenant with them, providing laws that will govern their relationship with Him and with one another. The Gospel reading from Mark 12: 28-34 is on page 52 of the New Testament in our pew bibles. Jesus is engaged in discussions with religious leaders in the temple in Jerusalem during the final week of His earthly ministry. A scribe, an expert in Jewish law, approaches Jesus to ask which commandment is the most important. Notices Marlow Bridge is closed to all traffic on Saturday 14 March. The bridge signage and Bucks Highways website does not say it will be closed on Sunday 15 March – but please do not shoot the messenger if you find yourself having to turn around! All Saints’ Bisham Electoral Roll During the period 15th March to 12th April the annual review of the church electoral roll will take place. A copy of the current roll is on display in the church porch. If your name is already on the roll you do not need to do anything - unless your contact details have changed in the last year. If you wish to be added to the roll an application form can be found at the back of the church. All completed forms can be left in the box found at the back of the church. Any completed forms received after the 12th April 2026 will not be added to the roll until after the AGM on 10th May 2026. Services and EventsSaturday 14 March 7.00pm at All Saints’ Church, Marlow THE ST MATTHEW PASSION: The Chiltern Camerata and Consort are performing the St Matthew Passion by J.S. Bach. The musicians include Marlow residents Hugh Robson, Ruth Naylor, Carol Gibberd and Jeremy and Geraldine Rowe. Tickets £16 (£4 for Under 18s) from chiltern-camerata.org.uk or on the door. This is a wonderful opportunity to support local live music whilst experiencing the spirituality of the Lenten Gospel through Bach’s exquisite music. Sunday 15 March 9.30am Morning Communion Service Sunday 22 March 9.30am Morning Communion Service Thursday 26 March 2026 20.15pm at Marlow Rugby Club, SL7 1QU BBO Big Band: 17 piece swing band plus 2 all-star vocalists – fund raising concert for Bisham Church Friends. Tickets on the door. Sunday 29 March 2026 9.30am Palm Sunday Morning Communion Service Thursday 2 April 18.15pm till 20.30pm at St John the Baptist, Little Marlow Maundy Thursday – Seder Meal It will be a relaxed and enjoyable evening where we’ll share good food, learn a little about the Jewish Passover tradition, and reflect on how Jesus gathered with his disciples at the Last Supper before the first communion. Experience the story behind Maundy Thursday, ask questions, and spend time together as a church family, and everyone is warmly invited to come along. Please use the link below to book your place (it’s free, although a donation of £5 -£10 would be welcome),and let us know of any dietary requirements you may have. https://marlowanglican.churchsuite.com/events/rpfj1vpt Sunday 5 April 6.00am at All Saints’ Bisham (not 6.30am as shown in Bisham Together!) Sunrise Service in the Churchyard Join us for our traditional Easter Sunday Sunrise Service, held at dawn to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and to begin Easter Day with reflection, worship, and gratitude. We will gather outdoors at 6am as the day begins to break, sharing Bible readings that recall Mary’s visit to the empty tomb and the hope brought by the risen Christ. As we watch the sun rise, we are reminded of new life and the triumph of light over darkness. After this time together outside, we will move into the church to continue the service and share in Holy Communion. Sunday 5 April 9.30am at All Saints’ Bisham All Age Easter Communion Service This Easter Communion service is for the whole church family — people of every age, gathering to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. The service is designed to be accessible and engaging for everyone, with a shorter, interactive talk and opportunities for children and adults alike to take part. At the same time, we will keep the familiar shape of our worship, with prayers, readings, hymns, and the sharing of Holy Communion as we celebrate the good news of Easter together. Thursday 30 April 10.00am – 12.00pm Bisham Church Friends Coffee Morning and History Talk – The Vansittarts buy the Bisham Estate Help please The Church Cleaning Team does a fabulous job looking after our church. But we do urgently need at least two more people to join the team. If you think you can help, then please get in touch with Carol or Mark. And a gentle reminder …. Any green waste from the Churchyard needs to go on the compost heap not in our bins. Only non-compostable materials such as ribbon can be put in the black bin. Thank you for reading this week’s, Pew News. With love. Mark and Carol
