FEBRUARY NEWS
Musical Chairs
For the time being we are holding Church services in the Hall. The central heating in Church is out of action, pending installation of replacement pipes. Although this will be done as soon as possible, it's far too cold for comfort. The Hall services are cosy and very welcoming and we hope you will enjoy them. Please note that the service at 10am on Sunday 5th February will be in Middleforth School, details below.
Messy Church
Messy Church is on Saturday 4th of February. Meeting in the Hall from 10 until noon, we'll have fun and games, crafts and worship. Parents and grandparents can enjoy a cuppa too.
Education Sunday
Please note that our 10am Church Parade and Family Service on 5th February will be held at Middleforth School for Education Sunday. If you don't normally come to the 10am service, why not come on this occasion? It is Education Sunday and we are celebrating our strong links and joint ministry and mission through the school. Children from the school will be taking part so it will be a little different! Come and join in the celebration! It is also appropriate that we are in effect going back to our roots, worshipping in Middleforth School where our St Leonard's Church journey began 150 years ago. After the service, coffee will be served and you will have the opportunity to take a guided tour and meet some of the staff, children and parents.
Lent
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of our journey through Lent. This year it falls on the 22nd February. There will be celebrations of the Eucharist at 10am and 7pm, both offering imposition of ashes. This is an outward and visible symbol marking our asking for forgiveness and turning to God. During Lent there will be times offered for Spiritual Accompaniment - see the list at the back of Church for dates and times. There will be a prayer group on Wednesdays at 11.30am and on Mondays at 7pm there will be a celebration of the Eucharist with Lectio Divina. This is a particular way of reading and engaging with the Bible passage, allowing it to settle in your mind, seeing what thoughts surface. Whilst there may be an invitation to share those thoughts and insights, you will not be embarrassed into saying anything. On Wednesdays there will be a bible study group meeting at 7pm. You will be made welcome at any or all of these. We hope that there is something for you to participate in and help you make a holy journey through this time of preparation. There are materials for private reading and study available on the table at the back of Church if you would prefer the more solitary approach. Please ask for any help you need.
Penwortham Youth Music Festival - apply now!
St Leonard's is hosting the popular annual Youth Music Festival this month. In this Guild Year, 2012, the festival has a new twist - hosting the Qualifying Rounds of the 'Young Singers of the Guild'. The age groups are 10-14 and 15-21. Applicants must live within an 11 mile radius of Preston Town Hall and in the PR Postcode area. The rounds will take place at St. Leonard's Church on Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th February 2012 (Daytime) with the final being held at the Guild Hall, Preston on Saturday 28th April. This event is also the final of the Young Choirs of the Guild. Instrumentalists also get their opportunity to perform at Festival dates later in February and in early March and can now download a copy of the syllabus and application form from the PYMF website here Penwortham Youth Music Festival
Servers Sought
We are keen to recruit new Servers for our Sunday services. The Servers assist the Clergy in an unobtrusive and reverent way, preparing and clearing the altar and sanctuary before and after services. A Server will also assist in the preparation of the bread and wine during the service and wash the celebrant's hands. Other duties include bearing the cross and candles. The duties are organized on a rota basis. Young or old, if you are confirmed and are prepared to serve in this way, then please speak to Father Nick or Rev. Sharon or the Church wardens.
The Church Choir
Adults and children are invited to join our church choir. The choir meets for a practice every Thursday in church from 6.30pm to 7.45pm The choir performs in Church every Sunday at 10am and for Choral Evensong at 6pm on the first Sunday of the month. They also sing at special services. If you enjoy singing and would like to join the choir, please speak to our choirmaster David Cookson. Newcomers don't need to be able to read music but must have a sense of humour. Perhaps you play a musical instrument or know someone who does? Are there any people with musical talents hiding in the congregation? Could we form a Music Group to participate in the occasional service? Please speak to Philip Walsh or the Vicar if you are interested.
Unity Prayers
If you're free at noon on the first Wednesday of the month, you might like to join us for informal Penwortham Churches Together Prayers. Here are the details for the coming months: 1 February-United Reformed Church, Liverpool Rd, 7 March-St Mary's, 4 April-King's Church (at the Community Centre), 2 May-St Mary Magdalen's, 6 June-Kingsfold Methodist Church, 4 July-St Leonard's.
Spiritual Accompaniment...sounds very grand!
We all come to times in our faith and life when we need a little help with our sense of direction. Spiritual accompaniment is walking alongside someone at those times. It is not counselling but more someone listening carefully to where you are at that time, and in particular where you are with your faith and your spiritual journey. Usually it is a time set apart on a one to one basis to pray, talk, listen and consider. Father Nick and Reverend Sharon are setting times when you could come individually for a chat. A list of available times and dates will be put in church. All you need to do is put a cross against the slot so that we know to block out theat appointment and then ring whoever it is that you wish to see to arrange a venue. No one else will know about the appointment from the list and all the conversations are undertaken in confidence. Daytime and evening slots are available. And don't forget that one of the ministry team stays in church at the end of each Sunday morning service if you want a quiet word or prayers.
February MU Events
The MU will be holding its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 7th February at 2.30pm, commencing with a short service for Wave of Prayer Week. During this we will be remembering our link Dioceses of the Free State of Southern Africa, Ibadan North and Nsukka in Nigeria, Sekondi, Ghana and Shyogwe, Rwanda. We also pray for our own leaders in the Diocese of Blackburn. All are welcome. The programme sheets for the next few months' speakers are also now available. Please take a copy from the Notice Board in the Church porch.
St Leonard's Church...our first 150 years
The foundation stone at the front of church was laid in 1969, and if you're a little older you may remember the 'tin church' at the foot of Marshall's Brow that opened in 1901...but our Congregation goes back even further than that. Churchwarden Philip Walsh has researched and compiled a special booklet, complete with old photos, that celebrates our 150 years of history - not just the buildings but the people too. You can take a look at it here 150th History Booklet. We are planning a 150th Anniversary Celebration Weekend after Easter. Look out for details.
Our 2012 Charities
Every year the PCC nominates six charities to receive a donation from church funds. The six selected for 2012 are: Hope Africa, the Anthony Nolan Trust, Supported Housing and Dementia Care for elderly retired clergy, Street Pastors, Derian House Children's Hospice and Gift 92.
Quiet Word
Since Autumn we have a new initiative where a member of the ministry team, clergy or reader, will remain at the front of Church after the Service. If you want someone to talk to, pray with you, leave a confidential message to be passed on, ask for prayers for someone etc, they are there for you. We are aware that sometimes in the crush of the Porch it's difficult to talk properly so this initiative is to try and address that. Obviously you are welcome to talk to a particular person if you wish, and please note our contact details are available on the contact us page of this website. Nothing is too small or unimportant to talk through, so please do have a quiet word if you wish.
Inspire -The Parish Mag
St Leonard's parish magazine,INSPIRE, 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 50p a month! The magazine also has opportunities for local businesses to advertise and enquiries are welcome. WE CURRENTLY HAVE SOME FREE ADVERTISING SPACE SO PLEASE ENQUIRE on 01772 748701!