On Saturday 22nd March, we marked Earth Hour together as a community. Sat around a campfire, we had an hour of storytelling, reflection, and conversation about caring for God’s creation. We shared thoughts on how we are trying to live more sustainably, the challenges we face, and the changes we hope to make, both individually and as a church.Earth Hour is a global initiative led by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), encouraging people worldwide to switch off non-essential lights and electronics for an hour as a symbolic gesture of commitment to the planet. It serves as a reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and environmental degradation.James, our Parish Environmental Contact said: “Being the first time we’ve done this, I was thrilled with such a great turnout. It’s wonderful to spend time with people who share a commitment and concern for the climate crisis and to pray together for change. I’m also grateful the rain held off which meant we could spend the hour outdoors!”Fran had put together an hour which allowed for storytelling, singing, toasting marshmallows, reflection, an eco themed quiz and moments to sit and listen to the quiet and stillness of the night. The evening sparked meaningful discussions on how our church can take further steps to care for creation and reach out to the wider community. As we continue this journey, Earth Hour has reminded us that even small actions, taken together, can make a big difference.
Following approval from the Bishop of Birmingham and subject to the usual formalities, St Hilda’s Church is delighted to announce the appointment of Diane Reeves as Assistant Curate. Diane will take up the post following her ordination to the diaconate in October later this year.A lifelong member of the Church of England, Diane is currently a Licensed Lay Minister (Reader) at St Peter’s Church in Harborne. She preaches, conducts funerals, and leads two children's groups and a women's theology group. Even before completing her Reader training, Diane felt called to ordination, and she is now studying at St Mellitus College in the East Midlands.Diane said: “I'm really excited about coming to St Hilda's as an Assistant Curate. I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone and learning as much as I can.”Diane brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She previously worked in NHS management for 17 years within the Sandwell and Birmingham area, having originally trained and practised as a GP. She also spent time working for the Diocese of Worcester, managing projects focused on mission and community engagement.Rev Jenni said: “I am very excited to welcome Diane and look forward to working with her. Diane brings so many great gifts and will be such a blessing to our community. We will encourage and support Diane as a minister among us and pray she will flourish in ministry. I have been praying for a curate for a long time, and this news comes with much thanksgiving!”Diane lives in Harborne and is a single parent to four grown-up children. She also has a granddaughter, two dogs, and three rabbits. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with local family members, travelling to visit family in Europe, swimming, spending time at the gym, and walking her dogs.We ask for prayers for Diane as she completes her training and prepares for her ordination. We look forward to warmly welcoming her to St Hilda’s and supporting her in her new ministry.
Bishop Michael has written to all churches in the diocese with instructions to return to the common cup. Any churches wishing to continue with presidential intinction must apply for special dispensation, which is not guaranteed to be granted. At PCC on 13th March it was decided we would follow Bishop Michael’s request and return to the common cup on Sunday 20th April (Easter Sunday).Communicants may choose to receive only the bread if they don’t want to share from the common cup. Bishop Micharl says, ‘The Church of England normally administers Holy Communion in both kinds (consecrated bread and wine), as per Article 30, ‘Of both kinds’. However it is lawful for communicants to receive bread or wine alone. It remains Anglican teaching that the grace of the sacrament is received in its fullness even if communion is administered in one kind only.’Please be aware nobody will be permitted to intinct their own wafer as this considered unhygienic. Do speak to Jenni if you have any questions about this.
A Rocha suggest that we take time to reconnect with God and creation during Lent. Delve deeper into the Bible to see how we are not apart from creation but a part of it. There are lots of excellent resources to support you, including <b>The Whole Easter Story: Why the cross is good news for all creation</b> at <a href="https://www.arocha.org.uk/the-whole-easter-story">arocha.org.uk/the-whole-easter-story</a>. This new resource for Lent 2025 invites us to explore the broader impact of the Easter story for all of creation through Bible readings, reflections, and stories from A Rocha’s global conservation efforts. <br>
