Candlemas, 31st January 2021
‘My eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.’ Luke 2.30-32.
This Sunday we remember the ritual presentation of the baby Jesus to God in the Temple at Jerusalem.
The Gospel of Luke says that Jesus was met by Anna and Simeon. Simeon held Jesus and called him a Light to the World.
The festival is called Candlemas because this was the day that all the Church's candles for the year were traditionally blessed. This ancient festival occurs half way between the winter solstice (shortest day) and the spring equinox, so the earth is on the turn. We can all pray for light breaking into our world, especially as we reached the grim milestone of 100,000 covid deaths in the UK this week. Our prayers for light and hope are never more needed. We have an extra online Sunday service this week at 6pm – the Big Sing! A time to joyfully and reflectively turn ourselves to the light of Christ.
Bring a candle with you to both our Sunday Zoom services, which we will light together during our worship.
The PCC has decided that we will continue to worship only online throughout February. We do hope that we will able to resume in person services during March if the lockdown eases. Many thanks to you all for bearing with these changes.
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Collect Lord Jesus Christ, light of the nations and glory of Israel: make your home among us, and present us pure and holy to your heavenly Father, your God, and our God.
Readings Malachi 3.1-5 |
The Big Sing!
Join us on Zoom for a special Good Shepherd singing service to bring some light into our world, this Sunday 31st January, 6pm. You can also watch on You Tube and Facebook. Why not invite a friend to join us? Bring a candle with you to the Zoom service. The link is under Services this Week.
Children
Daisy is providing Sunday school by post. Children can expect to receive especially prepared activities through the front door ready for the service of Candlemas this week. If you’d like to see what the children are doing, a copy is attached to this email.
Tea and Fellowship at 4pm helps us stay in touch during these winter months. Thank you to Judy Short for hosting these gatherings – just what we need during lockdown! Make yourself a cuppa and join on this Zoom link.
Join Tea and Fellowship - CLICK HERE
Meeting ID: 876 6771 6499
Passcode: 843226
Christian Aid Conference
If you would like to know more about the work of Christian Aid you can attend the ‘Virtual Supporters’ Conference’ which will be held between 22nd and 26th February 2021.
The Supporters’ Conference will be a great time to find out more about Christian Aid Week – a campaign that will focus on the climate crisis in Kenya. There will be lots of different sessions focussing on a wide-variety of subjects such as fundraising, theology, campaigning, prayer and being a part of a wider movement for change.
This link will tell you more about it:
http://caid.org.uk/supporterconference2021
Church Quiz Night
We’re delighted to be offering a church online quiz night! Thanks to Martin Devereux for masterminding this event. You will be put into a team on arrival. Here’s the Zoom link.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89165527188?pwd=RnhtaDJtalI5WEhTR0lWcXpPK2tRZz09
Meeting ID: 891 6552 7188
Passcode: 688048
And finally…
Lent groups will be happening this year, but we will have to meet on Zoom rather than in each other’s homes. We’re currently exploring what material works best for us. I do hope you’ll be able to join a Lent group as we journey towards the cross.
My hours as Associate Vicar are half time and my working days are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and also Sunday mornings. Please do get in contact if you need any prayer or support. Blessings and prayers for you this week. Revd Jane Email: bartlett.jane@ntlworld.com. Tel: 079355 38085.
Services this Week
Sunday, 31st January
10am – Holy Communion on Zoom with Revd Jane and Revd Steve.
We ask you to join 15 minutes before the service if you’re
new to Zoom. You’ll need a laptop, desktop, tablet or
smartphone with built in camera and to be connected to
the internet. You don’t have to buy any new software or
register for Zoom services. You click on this link and then
follow the prompt. This is the same link each week.
Meeting ID: 839 0035 2820
Password: 057057
There is a second option to join by dialling in on a
telephone, either landline or mobile. You won’t have video
connection, but you will be able to hear the service and
speak. You dial 0203 4815240 and follow the prompts. The
meeting ID and password are as above.
Alternatively from 3pm you can watch parts of the service
later on Facebook or our You Tube page.
Our You Tube page CLICK HERE
Our church Facebook page CLICK HERE
6pm - The Big Sing for Candlemas on Zoom
Join The Big sing by CLICKING HERE
Meeting ID: 824 9902 0230
Passcode: 568206
Tuesday, 2nd February
9.30am - Informal Holy Communion
on Zoom with Revd Jane.
Meeting ID: 843 7389 6633
Passcode: 901329
Thursday 4th February 7pm –
Celtic Evening Prayer on Zoom
Meeting ID: 835 3982 3953
Password: 589147
Friday 5th February
8am – Meditation with Morning
Prayer on Zoom
(No password is needed for this one) Click here LINK
Evening Prayer
This is said at 5.30pm from St Marys via Zoom on Monday and Wednesday, at 5.30pm. If
you want to attend contact Canon Ann for the
link. Email: annwaizeneker@gmail.com
To donate to the Church of the Good Shepherd online CLICK HERE Thank you!
Notices for the newsletter should be emailed to Revd Jane by Wednesday at 12noon
If you are reading this newsletter on a paper copy and would like to receive it each week through email please contact: cogsenews@gmail.com
Church website: www.goodshepherdshorehambeach.org.uk