MARCH NEWS
Messy Church
Come and join us on Saturday March 6th when we meet from 10 am to noon in the Church Hall for a fun morning of crafts, activities and worship. Everyone is welcome, and helpers are always greeted with open arms. Last month we went exploring and visited countries discovered by famous explorers. Among the favourite activities this month were making fruit kebabs and fruit smoothies. The chocolate fountain was also understandably popular!
Young People
Although Messy Church is very popular with our younger children, we would be really interested in hearing more about what the 11-18 year olds in our Parish want from their Church. What kind of activities and opportunities would help YOU grow and learn and have fun? What is lacking in this area for you and your friends! If you have any thoughts, we invite you to share them with us. You can always email us. See the contacts page for the email addresses you need.
2010 Confirmation
This year's Confirmation Service will be held at St Leonard's Church, Walton-le-Dale towards the end of April. Anyone interested in exploring confirmation, or who would like a refresher course, please contact vicar@stleonardspenwortham.org Expressing an interest does not commit you to anything! Young people should be in year 6 but there is no upper age limit!
Penwortham Youth Music Festival
This year's festival begins on 27th February at St Leonard's and runs until Friday 5th March. As in previous years there will be non-competitive and competititve classes for all standards of instrumentalists and solo and group singers. The event gives an opportunity for young people to perform and be adjudicated in an informal atmosphere which encourages further progress. Check out the website for more information Penwortham Youth Music Festival
Mothering Sunday
Mothering Sunday this year falls on the 14th of March. Please come along and celebrate at our 10 am service, where flowers, donated by the Mothers' Union will be offered for all to take and give to their mother, or someone who is like a mother to them.
The Mothers' Union
Evening meetings begin again this month, with the first on Monday 15th at 7.30pm. All women in the Parish are invited to come along and hear John Atkinson, SNHS Dip, describing the technique of Reflexology. The Mothers' Union is also knitting squares to form blankets for charity. Each square to be in double knitting wool, 35 stitches by 30 rows on 4mm or 8 imprerial needles. If you would like to knit squares or donate wool, please leave in the box on the table in the church porch. There is also a box there for donations of toiletries for the Women's Refuge. Again, all donations gratefully received.
Prayer Fellowship
St Leonard's has an active Prayer Fellowship, consisting of smaller groups who meet regularly and informally to pray. Each month there are new ideas to pray for. If you would be interested in joining a prayer group, or if you have something you would like others to pray for, then get in touch either in person or via Vicar
Finance
Thanks to all who continue to support our fundraising efforts. The textile recycling this time raised £250. During the cold weather we have been selling fresh homemade soup after the services. Proceeds are to go to the lighting fund and so far £75 has been raised. We are constantly on the lookout for new fundraising ventures and welcome any ideas. Church finance continues to give cause for concern, with expenditure exceeding income every month.
Fairtrade Fortnight
Fairtrade Fortnight began at the end of February and runs into the first full week of March. This year, the campaign is urging people to swap their ususal stuff for Fairtrade stuff. Items such as bananas, tea, coffee, even socks can all be bought Fairtrade so why not try to make a stand for fairness as you shop? It is the small gestures that mount up and put pressure on business and governments to be fairer.
Intershare -The Parish Mag needs a new Editor
St Leonard's parish magazine, now called INTERSHARE, continues to provide us with news from the parish and the diocese, updates on the activities of parish groups and events and lots of food for thought and prayer ideas. All for the bargain price of 40p a month! The magazine also has opportunities for local businesses to advertise and enquiries are welcome. The current editor will be standing down in the Spring and enquiries are very warmly welcomed from all parishioners to take on this interesting job. WE ALSO HAVE SOME FREE ADVERTISING SPACE SO PLEASE ENQUIRE!