Thank you The flowers this week have been given by Milly Rollinson in loving memory of her parents Hilda and Raymond. Also by Audrey Young in memory of her parents on their Wedding Anniversary. We are always pleased when people make donations towards flowers perhaps to celebrate a special occasion such as an anniversary or in memory of a loved one. Please contact Miss Marion Prior 303254 or add your name to the rota in the Foyer.

The Reverend Dr. Sam Cappleman Assistant Rural Dean of Bedford

107 Dover Crescent, Bedford MK41 Tel: 266952 nsm@stmarkschurch.com

The Reverend Canon Charles Royden The Vicarage, Calder Rise. MK41 7UY

309175 Mobile 07973 113861 vicar@stmarkschurch.com

Reader: Mrs Wendy Waters

Pastoral Support Team Co-Ordinator 342613 reader@stmarkschurch.com

St. Mark’s Church Centre www.stmarkschurch.com

Open Monday - Friday 9am - 5.00pm Tel/fax: 342613 office@stmarkschurch.com Centre Manager: Miss Wendy Rider 342613 Leadership Team: Mr Edward Parry Treasurer: Mr Ian Farthing 210892 treasurer@stmarkschurch.com Gift Aid Administrator: Mr Jim Williams 360605 Churchyard Administrator: Mrs Avril Williams 342613 garden@stmarkschurch.com Music Copyright CCL1501 Charity No 1164416

St Mark’s Contact Information

Church Services

7 April - Fifth Sunday of Lent 8.30am Holy Communion in the Chapel 9.30am Morning Family Worship Preacher - Mrs Wendy Waters - Reader Leadership - Mrs Laura Farthing Intercessions - Young People Organist - Mr Clive Simmonds Lectionary Readings Isaiah 43:16-21 Phil 3:4b-14 John 12:1-8

14 April - Palm Sunday

8.30am Holy Communion in the Chapel 9.30am Morning Worship Preacher - The Revd Canon Charles Royden Leadership - Mrs Wendy Waters Intercessions - Mrs Margaret Appleton Organist - Mr Clive Simmonds Lectionary Readings Isaiah 50:4-9a Phil 2:5-11 Luke 22:14-23:56 Midweek Services Wednesday Holy Communion 10.00am in the Chapel Holy Communion at 10.00am at Sir William Harpur House first Monday of every month.

St Mark’s Church

Parish News

Fifth Sunday of Lent

A Prayer for Sunday Grant to us, O Lord, fullness of faith, firmness of hope and fervency of love. For the sake of the gospel may we sit loosely to our wealth and daily embrace you in the poor of the world. As we rejoice in your generosity so may we give ourselves in the service of others; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Please inform us if you know of anyone who is ill, bereaved, housebound, requires a visit, home

communion or counselling services. Please also ask us if you would like a home visit for any reason.

Monday 7.30am-6.00pm Pre-school Mon-Fri St Mark’s Manager Mrs. Helen Harpin 312634 (See website) for more details www.thisispreschool.com) 10.00am Bakers Barn Art Group. Mrs M. Berry 211955 10.00am U3A Play reading Rod Fewings 07718390188 9.45am - 10.45am &11.00am-12noon Pilates Liz Mason 07816522200 2-4pm U3A Meditation & Wellbeing Rod Fewings 07718390188 2-3.15pm U3A Recorder Group Rod Fewings 07718390188 6.00pm Brownies Mrs C Mathew 826190 7.30pm Sugarcraft Guild (1st week in month) Heather Buckley 824503 7.00-8.00pm Laughter Club on 2nd week each month Cheryl Green 07729187399 7-9pm Rangers. Nikki Lake 07584028653 Indoor Games. Rod Fewings 07718390188 7-8.5pm Happy Body Project Julie Holl 07808739651

Tuesday

9.15am-11.15. Chat & Make A term time group for Mums and toddlers 0– 5. For more details ring Church Office 342613 or Janine 01234 297481 9.30am -12.30 & 4-9pm Slimming World 9.30, 11.30, 3.30, 5.30, 7.30. Lorrie Pearson 340473 1.15pm U3A Cinema Group. Rod Fewings 07718390188 1.30pm U3A Choir. Contact Rod Fewings 07718390188 2.00pm U3A Book Group 1 (3rd Week in month) Contact Rod Fewings 07718390188 2.00pm U3A Book Group 2 (2nd Week in month) Contact Rod Fewings 077183901882 2.00pm U3A Photography Group 3 (1st Week in month) Contact Rod Fewings 07718390188 2.30pm Knit & Natter Group (Fortnightly) Wool and knitting needles provided. Mrs Maureen Watling 262225 2.00-3.30pm Tuesday Afternoon Housegroup. Fortnightly Social and Bible Study Mrs Jean Bank 355698 6-7pm Supple Strength Yoga Amanda Alcock 07769747393 7.30-9pm Faith Community Church Audua Ogilvie 01234 308644 8.00pm Hearts in Beds Committee (4th week in month) Mrs N Aspey 309816 8.20-9.20pm Restoration Pilates Johanna Debnam 07753418170

Wednesday

10.00-2pm Open House For those with learning disabilities, friends, family, carers etc 342613 10.00am U3A Gardening Group 3 Rod Fewings 07718390188 10.00am Holy Communion. St.Mark’s Chapel. 10am U3A Card Making. Rod Fewings 07718390188 10-4pm Sewing Group 4th week of the month Contact Sue Sewell 07979797747 1.15 Social Bridge Club. Mr Barnes 261811 2 4pm. U3A Craft 1st week in the month Contact Rod Fewings 07718390188 3.45– 5.30pm Messy Church Bible based story, crafts, singing and a meal. 3.45-5.30pm for children of primary school age and their carers. Meeting dates 20/3,24/4,15/5,19/6,18/9,16/10,20/11 &1/12. Wendy Waters 401834

6.00pm Brownies Mrs. C Warden 219731 7.00pm Bunyan Bridge Peter Cullum 07545508185 8.00pm Tudor Reeds Folk Dance Club (1st,3rd and 5th Wednesday of the month. Except August). Everyone welcome. All dances called. Call Rosemary 405594 or Graham 406359 for more details. £2 including refreshments. Next meeting Wednesday April 17 8.00pm Bedford Wine and Social Club (1st week in the month) Jill Cooper 357960

Thursday

9.45am Chat and Play. A term time group for Mums & toddlers 0-5. Church office or Janine 297481 12pm Storybox. Welcomes the under 5’s and their carers to join them between 12 noon and 1pm for a sandwich lunch followed by a Bible based story and singing. Contact Jaana Swaaby 3422613. 2-4pm. U3A Indoor Games. Rod Fewings 07718390188 2.30 - 4.30pm Bedford Art Society Jean Patterson 307210 2.30pm - 4.30pm Putnoe Art Group (PAG) Contact Bob Wardale 406094 Mob:07914451198 5.15-6.45pm Weightwatchers Clare Church 07768481499 6-7pm Supple Strength Yoga Amanda Alcock 07769747393 7-9pm Bedford Community Gospel Choir Weekly meeting . Contact 07554148540 7.00pm U3A Singing for Fun (1st & 3rd week in month) Rod Fewings 07718390188 7.00pm Bedford Embroiderers’ Guild (3rd week in month). Carol Plant 01832710504 7.30pm Magpies. Meet on 2nd & 4 Thursday Call Rosemary 405594 for more details. Next meeting Thursday 11 April Easter Themed Social Please bring an egg cup. 8.00pm Bedford Writers Circle. (1st week in month). John Broadhouse 01525 404014

Friday 10am -12.00 U3A Photography (4th week in month) Contact Rod Fewings 07718390188 10.45am - 12 U3A Poetry & Literature Contact Rod Fewings 07718390188 2.00-4.00 pm U3A Whist (2nd week in month) Contact Rod Fewings 07718390188 7.45 - 10.45pm Bedford Astrology Club. (2nd week in month )Carol Brown 01438 233385 6.30 –7.30pm Pakua Martial Arts John Waugh 07802755914 7-9pm Mindfulness Meditation Bhante Samitha 07983466105

Saturday

9.00am Faith Community Church (1st week in month) Audua Ogilvie 01234 308644 10.00am-1pm Theatretrain Dancing acting, singing. Kate Howard 01234 782414 10am-1pm Sugarcraft Guild Cygnets (2nd week in month) Margaret Baldry 07919404906

Sunday

9.30 - 10.30 Church and Sunday School at St Mark’s with crèche for under 3’s 10 - 5.30pm Bedford Stamp Fayre at St. Mark’s. P Harris 01623 621143 1st week Dec/Feb/Apr/Jun/Aug/

Regular Weekly Activities - St Mark’s Church

Lent 5 Opening Sentence Isaiah 53:5 He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. Collect Prayer Most merciful God, who by the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ delivered and saved the world: grant that by faith in him who suffered on the cross we may triumph in the power of his victory; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. CW Old Testament Reading Isaiah Chapter 43:16-21 Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, who brings out chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick: Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. The wild animals will honour me, the jackals and the ostriches; for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise (This is the word of the Lord -- Thanks be to God)

Epistle Reading Philippians Chapter 3v4b-14 If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on towards the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. (This is the word of the Lord -- Thanks be to God)

Gospel Reading John Chapter 12:1-8 Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, ‘Why was this perfume

‘Anointing His Feet′ by Wayne Forte.

not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?’ (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, ‘Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.’ (This is the word of the Lord -- Thanks be to God) Post Communion Prayer Lord Jesus Christ, you have taught us that what we do for the least of our brothers and sisters we do also for you: give us the will to be the servant of others as you were the servant of all, and gave up your life and died for us, but are alive and reign, now and for ever. Hymns 1.For the beauty of the earth 2.All I once held dear (Knowing you) - 3.Praise to the holiest in the height 4.When I survey the wondrous Cross 5.Forth in thy name I go Commentary I imagine most of us have probably been at a gathering, perhaps a party, where one person stood out from the rest, maybe they had drunk more than most and behaved in a surprising way which raised eyebrows and provoked muttering amongst the other guests. Or perhaps we have seen it in a film, or play, such as ‘The Duchess’ screened on TV last Christmas. The Duchess in this case was the 18th-century Duchess of Devonshire, who was infamous in her day for attracting attention for what was then considered outrageous behaviour. Mary, one of the central characters in today’s Gospel reading (John 12: 1- 8), is described as behaving in a way that would have been scandalous in that society, and probably would still be today. For a woman to let down her hair in public, and act in an intimate way by anointing a man’s feet and wiping them with her hair, even though he was a dear friend, would have been outrageous. As we heard, it did not just raise eyebrows, but also an indignant response by Judas who protested that Mary had wasted the very precious pure nard perfume. So precious, that in today’s currency it could be worth the equivalent of about £15,000, the amount a labourer might earn if paid the ‘living wage’. It is thought that Mary’s pot of very expensive ‘nard’ would either have been her inheritance, or her dowry, the gift she would give to her husband if she got married. A pot of perfume then that had more than just financial value. Mary was giving all she could to Jesus, whom she loved dearly. Judas was not just cross about what he considered to be a waste but that, if sold, the perfume would have provided valuable funds to give to the poor. John, the Gospel writer, begins to create the character of Judas as slightly suspect in his motives, pretending that he was concerned about the poor whilst secreting some of the ‘common pot’ away for his own purposes. Later, of course, it is Judas who ultimately commits the most outrageous act by betraying Jesus for 30 pieces of silver (John 18: 2- 5). Jesus’ reaction to Judas’ protest, in verses 7 and 8, is rather obscure. In verse 7 Jesus links Mary’s actions with the practise of anointing a dead body before burial, thus drawing attention to his own imminent death. He concludes by saying ‘You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me’. By this Jesus seems to be saying ‘my time is now, you will have plenty of opportunity in the future to help the poor’. Which one commentary suggests ‘could only have been made by a person who was unique without sounding arrogant’. An interesting aspect of this familiar event is the portrayal by John of Mary, not as Mary ‘a sinner’ as in Luke 7: 37 – 50, but as one member of the family from Bethany who were his close friends, the sister of Lazarus and Martha. Not by all accounts one prone to exhibitionist behaviour, but the one who sat at Jesus’ feet listening, hanging on to his every word (Luke 10:39). The Gospels of Matthew and Mark also give accounts of a similar occasion, Matt 26: 6 – 13 and Mark 14: 3 – 9. Matthew and Mark’s accounts both place it in Bethany but in the home of Simon the Leper and without identifying who ‘the woman who came’ was. This woman only ‘poured the ointment on his head’, no mention of feet. Luke, however, places it in ‘the city in a Pharisee’s house’, where the sinful woman weeps as she washes and dries Jesus’ feet with her hair. It’s interesting that perhaps the occasion that most sticks in our minds is Luke’s where the woman ‘is sinful’. If this is the case, then perhaps we might benefit by spending some time thinking why this might be. Is it because of what Matthew (26:13) and Mark (14:9) record Jesus as saying: ‘Truly I tell you, wherever this good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her.’

So John’s account appears to be independent of the other three, with similarities in the others leading to debate as to if there were two, or three, different occasions when women, sinners or not, used expensive perfume so extravagantly to anoint Jesus . The important common factor is that the women valued Jesus above all that the costly perfume was worth. Paul, in his letter to the Philippians (3: 4b- 14), describes the difference in what he valued after he came to know Christ, compared to the seven values he held so dear before his road to Damascus Conversion. These were: circumcision; born and bred an Israelite; from the tribe of Benjamin; being a true Hebrew Jew; devout Pharisee; his zeal in persecuting Christians; Faultless in the external demands of Mosaic law. Once he knew Christ his values were turned upside down, the things he previously held in high regard now became ‘rubbish, meaningless to him. Now all that mattered was looking forward, striving for ‘the the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God’ (13:14). As we draw close to remembering the Passion of Christ we might just gain from reviewing what is worth most to us; what value to we put on our relationship with Jesus; what could we put aside in order to know Christ in a deeper more meaningful way? ‘How generous are we prepared to be towards furthering the mission of Jesus in the place we find ourselves today’? And what value do we put on his willingness to die on the Cross for each and every one of us? Wendy Waters Meditation Judas: What a terrible waste! So lacking in taste, lavishing perfume- their families heirloom. An outrageous display we have witnessed today! What a scandalous waste to act in such haste; squander ointment so rare and, with unbound hair, wipe it over his feet. It’s not fitting to meet. A definite waste – the truth must be faced – when it might have been sold for thousand’s we’re told, to give food to the poor who’d have profited more. Jesus; Leave her alone, for the love she has shown. Can you not see how precious to me is her beautiful deed that answers my need? Now’s the time and place to lavish such grace, a gift beyond price, her heart’s sacrifice. For the poor I will save no embalmed for the grave. Where the gospel is spread brining life to the dead, this story they’ll savour of her gracious favour, for giving is wasted when God’s mercy is tasted. Roots March/April 2016 Prayers for Sunday and the week ahead Generous Lord, deliver us from all envious thoughts, and when we are tempted by the desire for wealth, let us see your face; for your abundance is enough to clothe our lack; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Common Worship Lord Jesus, with Mary we adore you and bring our gifts; with Mary we worship you and give thanks; with Mary we sense the urgency of our calling, and offer our best to you and your world, now and always. Roots March 2016 Generous God, give to us generous hearts and minds, so that we will be generous towards others; generous to those who have no place to live; generous to those who have no work; generous to those who need our time; who need a listening ear and a loving response. Amen

St Mark’s Church Membership Forms Membership forms are available after the service this morning, from the Church Office and also downloadable from our church website www.stmarkschurch.com If you haven't already done so, could you please complete a Church Membership form as soon as possible in order that we have up to date membership details available in time for the Annual Congregational Meeting. Please note the form does not ask and we do not want to know any denominational background information, all are welcome ! Please speak to Avril Williams or one of the Ministers if you require any further information. Thank You Next Footprints walk, Sunday 7 April, 2.30pm start. This is a 3 mile walk around the village of Sutton, near Potton (a short cut is available reducing the walk by half a mile). A mixture of good paths and pavements, but parts could be muddy; there are no stiles. There may be bluebells and we hope to be able to have a look inside the parish church. Meet opposite the John O’ Gaunt Inn in the village. Parking is on the street (unless you have lunch at the pub!), so car sharing is desirable. Details from Liz & Mike Little, Tel 347966 Afternoon Tea We are planning to hold an Afternoon Tea on Saturday 18 May, which is at the end of Christian Aid Week this year. There will be more information for you soon after our next Pastoral Group meeting in early April.

Easter Holidays Story Box Restarts on April 25. Chat and Play Restarts on April 25. Chat and Make Restarts on April 30

Lent - Preparing for Easter

The Lent Course evenings are bible study based and each evening we will have coffee available from 7.30pm, study beginning at 8.00pm and we have wine, cheese and fellowship from 9.00pm.

Holy Week Services

Monday 15 April in the Chapel 9.00am Morning Prayer 7.30pm Compline

Tuesday 16 April in the Chapel 9.00am Morning Prayer 7.30pm Compline

Wednesday 17 April in the Chapel 9.00am Morning Prayer 10.00am

Holy Communion 7.30pm Compline Maundy Thursday 18 April Holy Communion at 7.30pm

Good Friday 9.30am Station of the Cross Followed by Hot Cross Buns

Easter Sunday 6.00am Sunrise Holy Communion

Followed by bacon rolls 9.30am Easter Communion

Church Mission 14 & 15 September - Please get the date in your diary. Last year we all appreciated the mission with Adrian and Bridget Plass and for 2019 we are planning for an equally inspiring mission with our guest speakers Phil and Di Stone, who are the leaders of the Scargill Community. The weekend will follow the same successful format with a Saturday afternoon family barbeque followed by a talk then cheese and wine. On Sunday after church we will have another presentation and then a church family lunch. We are booking this up early to help make sure you can secure the dates in your diaries and free tickets will be available soon. Enable this church to do your will Make it vulnerable that it may speak with calm humility; Make it outward looking that it may care deeply Make it a community of peacemakers and bridge builders In the midst of turbulence let the church make space for the hearing of your still small voice.

Please remember to pray for God’s blessing on our mission

A Picture Paints a Thousand Words Rubens, Peter Paul (Pietro Pauolo). 1577-1640

Feast in the House of Simon the Pharisee In the New Testament there are two very different accounts of the anointing of Jesus. In the lectionary passage today from John it is by Mary sister of Martha and Lazarus and it is one of the most sensual passages in the New Testament. In Luke’s account the woman is recorded as being sinful and folks are shocked that Jesus allows her to touch him. This episode which Reubens has painted is the scene which takes place in the home of Simon the Pharisee. Simon invited Jesus but failed to show him the usual marks of hospitality offered to visitors - a greeting kiss, water to wash his feet, or oil for his head. Mary in contrast is shown on the floor bathing Christ’s feet with her tears, kissing and wiping them with her hair and pouring on them ointment. (Gospel According to Luke 7:36-38). The woman’s appearance is indicative of the occupation of which she is clearly accused, her dress pulled low to expose her shoulder. The jar of ointment is on the floor to be used to pour on Jesus feet which she caresses with her hands, wipes with her hair and kisses. Jesus is clearly not complaining, such loving attention has not been shown to him previously and his open hand is a clear indication that he is advocating on behalf of the woman. Jesus and the woman appear serene and in clear opposition to those on the left of the painting the Pharisees, on whose faces we can see clear disagreement and bewilderment. The depth of their disgust and anger will lead them to call for this death. This juxtaposition between the two totally opposed positions is emphasised by the structure of the painting. Contrast the left of the painting occupied by Simon the Pharisee with the movement and busyness of the servants, note the ‘bitty’ form of the characters, faces, arms, trays, birds. Then look to the right with Jesus hand and leg flowing down towards the woman in a relaxed pose. We are told that Jesus tells the woman "Your sins are forgiven. Your faith has saved you, go in peace." To the Pharisees he said: "Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much." Rubens conceives the painting as a dramatic conflict between the Pharisees and Christ. The Pharisees' world of material values and religious dogmatism is opposed to the Christian world of sublime ideas and noble acts, a world of sympathy, charity and goodness, which we are called to embrace.

Rest In Peace

On the Sunday following a funeral service we remember in church those who have died.

We light a candle to symbolise the light of Christ which eternally shines and

brings hope. If you would like a person remembered in our service when the candle is

lit, perhaps on an anniversary or birthday, please inform the ministers, or telephone the

church office.

May Nairn Mary Wyatt Denney

May the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace

and rise in glory . Amen.

Supporting St Mark’s Church How can you show your support for the work and mission of St Mark’s Church 1. Set up a regular donation (with Gift Aid) 2. Make a one-off donation or gift of the church 3. Leave a gift in your will 4. Offer some time as a volunteer

Forthcoming Funerals

The funeral of Mildred Sophina Liburd will take

place at 11.30am on Thursday 18 April

All funerals at Bedford Crematorium can be found @ www.bedford.gov.uk/obituaries

Parish News is available online at www.stmarkschurch.com You can also sign up online to receive each edition by email

Dates for your Diary St Mark’s Church AGM - 28 April 2019 11.00am

Woodland Burial Trustees Open Day 8 June St Mark’s Messy Church 24 April

Thank you for all the kind donations which have already been made to the Garden of Remembrance. We expect work to start soon.

Spring Cleaning Your Wardrobe ? Please do bring clothes shoes, curtains, handbags, belts, sheets and towels to our clothing bank. This is a really good source of

We have had a lot of folks join us for Lent Course this year. If you have enjoyed this then you might like to come along to our midweek Bible Study. Join us for a chat, laughter a drink and a biscuit? Tuesday fortnightly 2.00 to 3.30 Find out more about the Bible 26 March 9 April (James - Faith that Works) New Session starts 23 April. St Marks Church Centre Wren Rooms - upstairs. You can just turn up! Jean Bank 35698 Worship Rota from May We will shortly be working on the new rota for the next quarter. The rota is drawn up from a list of names and you are warmly invited to add your name onto the list if you would like to be included in leading prayers, bible reading etc. The list is in the foyer this morning and will be available this week and next.

Mayoral Hustings You are invited to Mayoral Election Hustings which will be held on Wednesday 10 April at 7.00pm at G011 (Ground Floor) Gateway Building, University of Bedfordshire, Polhill Avenue. The candidates will answer questions on the local environment, air quality and climate change. Craft Stall's Easter Novelties Thanks to Rosemary who has been busy knitting these are on sale from today - everything £1 Lent Course Thank you to everybody who has supported our Lent Course this year is has been an amazing turnout and we have enjoyed going deeper into New Testament studies and fellowship together. Special thanks to Ian and Laura Farthing for arranging refreshments each week. Annual Congregation Meeting Everybody is welcome to attend this special meeting as we receive reports, look back on the past year and look forward to the year ahead. The meeting will last for about half an hour after the Sunday Service and everybody is welcome.