Ash Wednesday on 18 February marked the start of Lent. On this day, we recognise our own failures and shortcomings in loving God and our neighbour. Ash Wednesday reminds us that true worship begins with humility which leads to God’s mercy As we follow the Way of Christ, God calls us to share in worship. In Matthew 18:20, Jesus said “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” Worship is at the very heart of Christian life. It is the rhythm – not just exercised once a week, but always – in which we learn again who God is, and where we find ourselves renewed in hope. Reading and Gospel Our Old Testament reading this week is taken from Exodus 3: 1-12 and can be followed on page 53 in our pew bibles. Moses, whilst tending his father-in-law’s flock of sheep, sees that a bush is ablaze and responds by turning aside to look more closely at why the bush has not been totally consumed. When the Lord sees that Moses has responded, he calls to Moses by name out of the bush. He then asks Moses to bring the Israelites out of Egypt. In the Gospel reading from John 10: 1-10, Jesus uses a figure of speech to describe himself as the gate to the sheepfold. He too calls out to his sheep by name and “the sheep will follow him because they know his voice”. Each of his followers is known individually by Christ and whoever follows Jesus will have abundant life. The reading from John starts on page 110 of the New Testament in our pew bibles. This Lent, our sermon series will be called 'Following His Lead', based on the book of Exodus.As we seek to follow Jesus in every part of our lives, we can do so because we trust Him. God is entirely trustworthy – He knows what is best for us and He is only ever working for our good.Notices Sunday 22 February 9.30amMorning Communion and show of appreciation for Sean Wheeler’s work in BishamWednesday 25 February 3.30pm – 5.00pm at Cliveden Manor Care Home, Little Marlow Rd, Marlow. Every Wednesday from 25 Feb – 1 AprilDraw Near: Life-Giving Habits for Lent – Bible Readings, Discussion, Prayer and MusicSaturday 28 February 10.00am till 4.30pm at Bourne End Community Centre“A walk through the Old Testament”. For tickets and more info: https://marlowanglican.churchsuite.com/events/pk19sahuSunday 1 March 8.00amEarly Morning Communion (Book of Common Prayer)Sunday 1 March 9.30amMorning Communion ServiceSunday 8 March 9.30amMorning Communion ServiceTuesday 10 March 10.00amBisham Church Friends Coffee Morning and History Talk – The Hoby family comes to BishamSunday 15 March 9.30amMorning Communion ServiceThursday 26 March 2026 7.30pm at Marlow Rugby ClubBBO Big Band– fund raising concert for All Saints’ BishamThank you for reading this week’s, Pew News.With love. Mark and Carol
Sunday 15 February: 1st Sunday before LentOur service will be led by Revd Carol CooperThe Church of England's theme for Lent this year is Draw Near: Life-giving habits for Lent. These are habits and patterns which help us grow day by day as disciples of Christ - worshipping together, praying, exploring the bible, sharing communion, offering service and sharing the good news with others."Draw Near is all about teaching us how we can cultivate the habits and practices that will draw us nearer to God. And we will find that, in doing so, God will draw nearer to us too."Archbishops Sarah Mullally and Stephen CottrellAsh Wednesday on 18 February marks the start of Lent when there will be a special evening service at All Saints' Bisham.Reading and GospelOur Old Testament reading this week is taken from Joshua 24: 14-24 and can be followed on page 230 in our pew bibles.The tribes of Israel renew their covenant when Joshua asks them if they will "revere the Lord and serve him in sincerity and faithfulness." They are asked to make a choice and then show whole-hearted commitment to follow God.In the Gospel reading from John 6: 60-69, Jesus too offers his disciples a choice when he asks them "Do you also wish to go away?"His teachings are often difficult and challenging and he already knows that some of his followers still do not fully believe in him. Only those who are drawn by the Father, like Simon Peter, will come to Jesus. This reading can be found on page 106 of the New Testament in our pew bibles. NoticesSunday 15 February 9.30amMorning CommunionWednesday 18 February 7.30pm at All Saints' BishamAsh Wednesday – a quiet service to pause, reflect and to consider what we may want to let go or change.Thursday 19 February 11.30am at All Saints' MarlowFuneral service for Anne Morse – livestream link below - followed by a wake at The Compleat Anglerhttps://youtube.com/live/z8bGF-BLS1E?feature=shareN.B. If you park at The Compleat Angler then please register your car at reception or you may be fined.Thursday 19 February 2.00pm at All Saints' BishamFuneral service for Brian KisbeeFriday 20 February 11.00am at All Saints' BishamFuneral service for Derek OliverSunday 22 February 9.30amMorning Communion and show of appreciation for Sean Wheeler's work in BishamWednesday 25 February 3.30pm – 5.00pm at Cliveden Manor Care Home, Little Marlow Rd, Marlow. Every Wednesday from 25 Feb – 1 AprilDraw Near: Life-Giving Habits for Lent – Bible Readings, Discussion, Prayer and MusicSaturday 28 February 10.00am till 4.30pm at Bourne End Community Centre"A walk through the Old Testament". For tickets and more info: https://marlowanglican.churchsuite.com/events/pk19sahuSunday 1 March 8.00amEarly Morning Communion (Book of Common Prayer)Sunday 1 March 9.30amMorning Communion ServiceTuesday 10 March 10.00amBisham Church Friends Coffee Morning and History Talk – The Hoby family comes to BishamThursday 26 March 2026 7.30pm at Marlow Rugby ClubBBO Big Band– fund raising concert for All Saints' BishamThank you for reading this week's, Pew News.With love.Mark and Carol
Sunday 8 February: 2nd Sunday before Lent Our service will be led by Revd Mieke Gaynor Lent is an important part of the Christian calendar. It is a time when Christians prepare for the celebration of Easter by reflecting on their behaviour over the last year and finding ways to live a life based on the teaching of Jesus. People do this in different ways: some people fast, eat frugally, give up treats, or give to charity. Ash Wednesday on 18 February marks the start of Lent when there will be a special evening service at All Saints’ Bisham. Reading and Gospel Our Old Testament reading this week is taken from 1 Kings 17: 8-16. and can be followed on page 347 in our pew bibles. Both Elijah and the widow of Zarephath follow the word of the Lord as instructed and their obedience and faith are recognised. The Gospel reading is from John 6: 1-15 and can be followed on page 104 of the New Testament in our pew bibles. Jesus takes the five loaves and two fishes, gives thanks, then distributes sufficient food to feed the five thousand. “When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, “This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.” John 6: verse 14 Both passages encourage us to trust in God even when the situation before us may seem hopeless. Faith in God will deliver the spiritual nourishment we need. Notices Sunday 8 February 9.30am: Morning Communion Service Tuesday 10 February 10.00am: Bisham Church Friends History Talk and Coffee MorningSunday 15 February 9.30am Morning Communion Service Wednesday 18 February 7.30pm at All Saints’ Bisham : Ash Wednesday – a quiet service to pause, reflect and to consider what we may want to let go or change. Thursday 19 February 11.30am at All Saints’ Marlow: Funeral service for Anne Morse followed by the wake at The Compleat Angler Friday 20 February 11.00am at All Saints’ Bisham: Funeral service for Derek Oliver Sunday 22 February 9.30am: Morning Communion and show of appreciation for Sean Wheeler’s work in Bisham Wednesday 25 February 3.30pm – 5.00pm at Cliveden Manor Care Home, Little Marlow Rd, Marlow. Every Wednesday from 25 Feb – 1 April: Draw Near: Life-Giving Habits for Lent – Bible Readings, Discussion, Prayer and Music Saturday 28 February 10.00am till 4.30pm at Bourne End Community Centre “A walk through the Old Testament”. For tickets and more info: https://marlowanglican.churchsuite.com/events/pk19sahu Sunday 1 March 8.00am: Early Communion (Book of Common Prayer) Sunday 1 March 9.30am: Morning Communion Service Thursday 26 March 2026 8.15pm: BBO Big Band at Marlow Rugby Club – fund raising concert for All Saints’ Bisham. Please show your support. Thank you for reading this week’s, Pew News. With love. Mark and Carol
Despite appearances (you will need to read the newsletter!), Sheila is busy prepping for her first History Coffee Morning of the year ... but she may need a hand.Epiphany is over - but Lent is only just around the corner. Our new Lent Bible Course can help you to reflect on developing some simple habits to help us grow as disciples of Christ day by day.And if you are looking to get involved in a new project, then we need help to start exploring future heating options for the church. We are also keen to try and offer refreshments more often on a Sunday after church. If you think you can help, then please get in touch with Carol.Time to open up the newsletter and find out more about the wonderful things happening in and around Bisham.
