St. Paul's Church, Chippenham

THE STATE OF THE WORLD  -  we are all very aware of the current economic situation (which has an effect of some sort on virtually everyone – but in a variety of different ways) and I don’t think I can add much to what has been said – except that it reminds me to put my trust in God and not in the state of my finances!  (I know that seems an obvious thing to write – but it is harder to live!  I constantly need to remind myself that it is In God We Trust!)  I heard this prayer on a  Wednesday service and thought I’d share it with you as I found it very helpful – it helped put things into their proper perspective for me.

We pray for all who are choked by their riches,
for people possessed by their possessions,
for all who are afraid to give and afraid to share,
for all who have amassed wealth but are poor in spirit,
for all who are suffering through the greed and avarice of others,
and we pray for all who are fearful in the current economic situation.
Amen

PSALM 42  -  reading this wonderful Psalm recently with a couple of people threw new light on the meaning of what the writer intended.  I have always liked (but not really understood) this Psalm.  But as we 3 discussed it so things became so much clearer.  The suggestion was that the writer is suffering from depression  (maybe because of his financial state!)  and is needing to deeply draw from the wells of God’s presence.  ‘Deep calls to deep’ (v7) conveys the sense of the writer trying to connect with the depth of God’s love – despite all that is going on around him.  And he is panting for streams of God’s living water – the desire to be fully refreshed by God – and the need to let God fully satisfy him.  I’d happily talk with you about this Psalm – it really inspired me!

GROUP SERVICE  -  is on Sunday 5 April at 6.30pm at St Nicholas Hardenhuish.  All welcome!

HOLY WEEK  -  the week leading up to Easter (12 April this year) is a time to use in preparation for the marking of Jesus’ death and celebration of his resurrection.  We will hold various events to help us make this journey.  Why not come along and be with us this year?

24 HOUR PRAYER  -  will take place from 10am on Tuesday 7 April to 10am on Wednesday 8 April in the Ascension Chapel at St Paul’s.  We will cover the whole time and have people praying for the world, our communities & churches and ourselves.  It is a lovely opportunity for you to come and spend an hour in prayer.  Please come and try this out!  Time spend with God is NEVER wasted!

MAUNDY THURSDAY  -  there are communion services on this day as follows (in a variety of styles and settings but with the same core message!) which are open for you to join.

• 10.30am – Bristol Cathedral
• 11.00am – Clift House
• 2.15pm – Women’s Union (in St Paul’s hall)
• 7.00pm – Kington St Michael

GOOD FRIDAY  -  our worship consists of these events

• 10.00am – March of Witness  (Central Methodist)
• noon – An Hour At The Cross  (Langley Burrell)
• 1.00pm – An Hour At The Cross  (Kington St Michael)
• 2.00pm – All Age Service  (St Paul’s)
• 7.00pm – An Hour At The Cross  (Hardenhuish)

CONCERT @ KSM  -  and on Saturday night (11 April at 7.30pm) there will be a lovely concert of Easter music led by Paul Bambrough helping to mark the season.  Tickets available (see notice sheet for details).

OPEN TO GOD -   will be in St Paul’s hall at 7pm on Sunday 19 April.  Come along!

ANNUAL CHURCH MEETINGS  -  by the time this is printed in the CLARION both Langley Burrell and Kington St Michael will have held their annual church meetings.  But there are still two to come in April – please come along if you are a member of either church.

• Sunday 29 March 11.15am Langley Burrell
• Monday 30 March 7.30pm Kington St Michael
• Mon 20 April, 7.30pm – St. Paul’s with Langley Burrell
• Wed 22 April, 7.15pm – Hardenhuish

ST PAUL’S GENDER BALANCE  -  sitting at a recent PCC meeting (11 men and one lady) and thinking about who leads our worship and music (ie. nearly all men) and then who leads our work with children and youth (ie. nearly all women) I have realised we have a lack of balance and are in danger in stereotyping who does what in church.  I am concerned about this but am unsure what solution there is at the moment.  Any ideas?  Please help think about what needs to be done!

ARCHDEACON’S VISITATION  -  a gentle reminder to all church wardens (both last years and those newly elected) that you (along with the clergy) are summoned (!) to appear before the Archdeacon at his Visitation on Wednesday 13 May at 7.00pm at Lacock church.  I hope we will all be able to go a large group together.  (If this date is not possible for you there are alternatives – see the notice at the back of each church.)  This is a rather outdated practice of the CofE – but it does mean that our church leaders are formally appointed an behalf of the diocese!

CONFIRMATION  -  we look likely to have about 10 candidates for Confirmation which will take place on Wednesday 6 May at 7.30pm at Box with both Bishop John Neale and Bishop Paul Kizito of Mukono.  It will be great to have our Ugandan link Bishop with us on that evening and should be a wonderful illustration that we are confirmed into God’s worldwide church.  Please do come along and support all those taking this step of faith!

THEMES & READINGS  -  will be as follows at the morning services during April

• April 5 – Palm Sunday – Zechariah 9:9-13, Mark 11:1-11
• April 12 – Easter Day – Acts 10:34-43, Mark 16:1-8
• April 19 – Jesus is Alive! – Psalm 133:1-3, John 20:19-29
• April 26 – Meeting Jesus! – Psalm 1:1-6, Luke 24:13-35

MIDWEEK BIBLE READINGS  -  at our midweek services of Holy Communion (10am on Wednesdays at St Paul’s – and 10am Thursdays at Kington St Michael) we are continuing a series called PASSOVER & DELIVERANCE and later walking on THE ROAD TO EMMAUS.

• April 1 & 2 – The Red Sea – Exodus 14:13-31, Luke 22:39-46
• April 8 – Israelites’ song – Exodus 15:1-21, Luke 22:63-71
  (note: there is no 10am service at KSM on Maundy Thursday)
• April 15 & 16 – Two walking – Isaiah 42:5-8, Luke 24:13-24
• April 22 & 23 – One talking – Isaiah 43:1-7, Luke 24:25-27
• April 29 & 30 – Two hurrying – Isaiah 63:7-9, Luke 24:28-35

PRAYER FOR THE MONTH  –  is from FAIRTRADE fortnight and is a reminder of the Christian’s commitment to justice and helping to build a better world for all.

In a world of inequality
Lord, help us bring your justice
In a world of hostility
Lord, help us bring your peace
In a world of confusion
Lord, help us bring your truth
In a world of unforgiveness
Lord, help us bring your grace
In a world of need
Lord, help us share your provision
In a world of greed
Lord, help us to be generous
Through Jesus Christ our Lord
Amen

Simon Tyndall