Thanks to all who took the time to count the wonderful world of nature at St James churchyard recently. The jackdaws currently nesting in the tower were on everyone’s list.As well as people from the villages taking part in the count, there was a lovely recording sheet from a ‘Visitor passing through’ who,as well as listing what he/she spotted , made the comment ‘Lovely peaceful walk round your churchyard-thank you’Many thanks to all who took part. Remember you can always enjoy our lovely peaceful churchyard at St James.See some photos of the churchyard.
If you’re interested in nature and fancy spotting some wildlife, please come along to the churchyard at St James Church, Acton Trussell ST17 0RJ to take part in a nature count from Saturday 7th to Sunday 15th June. Everyone is invited to visit the churchyard at a time to suit you and to spend some time discovering and delighting in the rich wildlife there, recording what you find and the combined results will be added to the National Biodiversity Network’s database of wildlife in the UK.There will be count sheets and pencils in the church porch to make a note of what you find at the time of your visit plus some information about popular species. There will also be FREE Nature Sheets and Mini Colour Pencil Packs for Children while stocks last.Also for children there is a magnetic nature board in the porch, see if you can spot the creature you are unlikely to find in the churchyard!Please can you complete the visitors list so we see how many nature lovers come to visit.Please leave your completed count sheets in the polyfolder in the church porch.This initiative is promoted by the conservation charities Caring for God’s Acre, A Rocha UK and the Church of England. The Caring for God’s Acre website (caringforgodsacre.org.uk) gives lots of useful information about what you might want to look for and count. You don’t have to be an expert and children are especially welcome.You don’t need to know the exact name of the plant or insect although you could look it up- you could count trees, wildflowers, birds, bees, butterflies, ladybirds, buttercups etc. Listen to the noisy birds nesting in the tower just - can you guess what they are? See the conservation meadow at the rear of the churchyard so the longer grass may have some interesting things to count.Please join the Count on Nature at St James and remember Be Safe, Be Sensitive to your surroundings, close the church gate and above all ENJOY.
hope you are well and enjoying the start of summer. Here is a message from Rev Delphine and an activity you might like to try at home in the time leading up to Pentecost which falls on Sunday 8th June.Message from Rev DelphineYou probably know the story of Pentecost – the day God sent the Holy Spirit to the disciples, to give them the power to teach others about Jesus. The day that is known as the birth of our church.You may remember the sound of the mighty rushing wind and the tongues of fire that came and rested on the heads of Jesus followers, and the power felt by each person, a power that enabled them to speak in different languages that they didn’t know, so that they could tell the people about Jesus.The good news is that God’s gift of the Holy Spirit wasn’t just for those people 2,000 years ago, it is our gift today. We can’t see the Holy Spirit, but we can hear it as it speaks to our hearts, we can see it moving in our life, and we can feel the power of its presence as it guides us through each day.Eleanor’s Flame Spinners will help remind us of this wonderful gift from God, as they twirl in the breeze.Prayer Dear Father, thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to be our teacher and guide. Help us listen and obey as it teaches us how to tell others about Jesus. AmenActivity to do at home- Flame 🔥 SpinnersTo make a simple spinner you’ll need 5 strips of card, preferably red, orange and yellow (all strips 3cm wide- the centre strip 20cm long, the next 2 strips 23cm long and the outside strips 26cm long- hope you’re good at measuring!)Put the strips together, shortest in the middle, then the next 2 longest on either side and finally the 2 longest on the outside. Line up the ends at the top and staple together (with some help) and do the same at the bottom and you end up with a lantern shape.Make a hole at the top (above the staple) then tie a piece of string or brightly coloured ribbon through the hole. Hang up outside and watch it spin and move as the wind goes through it. If you are adventurous you can make a display of spinners, as in the picture- enjoy!Best wishesEleanor, Delphine and the Messy Church Team
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