Hi Everyone!

I’m occasionally accused by those who love me of needing to live in ‘boxes’, of keeping things neatly separated so they don’t overlap too much.
I think they are right – it’s a function many in my neurodiverse tribe share.*
I find I can handle one thing at a time much more easily, although I confess to enjoying a little chaos now and again! I have been reminded a couple of times this week that God does not live in such separate lanes. Life here is gloriously intermingled, and God seems at home in all the lanes of life, even when they cross.
We left church after a funeral to be joined by a class from the school trooping through the churchyard to go to their swimming lesson, and an interment of ashes on Wednesday was accompanied by the gentle background noise of playtime – the quiet prayers softly intertwining with the distant shouting and laughter of children as a beloved pair were laid to rest. God was surely equally at home in all of it, and we cherished the reminder of the rhythms of life.

You will also have noticed that vision season is now upon is – a period in which we’ll be praying and thinking together about who we are called to be and what we are called to do here in Calverley. As well as our Vision Day on 5th February with +Chris, our sermons for the next few weeks will be focused on what it means to be church, both in general and here in Calverley.
To that end – keep an eye out for a separate email with some homework!

My prayer is that we all notice God’s presence in the different parts of our weeks, the sacred and mundane, for in fact there is no such divide.
Seek the glimmers of God’s goodness, for they abound, whether we are dreaming grand dreams for the future, or simply abiding in the day.

God Bless,
Rev’d Rob

*Neurodiversity – the term to recognise the range of ways human brains are wired, not just so-called ‘normal.’ It includes those of us with ADHD, Autism, and so on.

Back to it! - A reminder of what’s happening in church each week:

• Tuesdays at 1:30pm (1st, 3rd, & 5th of each month)
  Tuesday Afternoon Group (T.A.G.)
  Faith-filled fun and fellowship led by Sue Ward.
  
  
• Wednesdays at 12:00pm in Church
  “An Hour of Quiet”
  Holy Communion & Contemplative Prayer led by Rob.
  
  
• Thursdays at 9:30am (term time)
  Barn Babies
  A group for parents/carers & their children under the age of 3.
  For info, please contact [email protected]
  
  
• Fridays at 9:00am in Church
  Coffee Shop - Drop in for a cuppa & a chat. 

Vision Day – Saturday 5th February, 10am – 4pm
Plans are underway for our Vision Day, and we’re pleased that Bishop Chris Edmondson has agreed to lead the session. We hope to see as many of you there as possible as we explore and seek to refine our calling as the Parish Church in Calverley. Save the date and look out for further information soon.

Emma, Mary, Jess, & Edna
Can anybody help feed the sheep during the week?
Time is not too important as long as they get fed once a day.
It tends to take about half an hour, and they require fresh hay and dry food putting in the trough at the bottom of the churchyard. Training will be given.
Please contact [email protected]

Bradford North Trussell Trust Foodbank
The local foodbank is grateful for our ongoing support.
If you would like to donate, goods can be left at the back of church.
They currently are very well stocked with tins and packets but there is an ongoing need for long life milk either liquid or powder and long-life juice (not squash). Thank you!

COVID-19 Update
We are still being cautious regarding COVID-19:
• Please remember do not attend church if you feel unwell. 
• Face masks should be worn in church by all over the age of 11 years, unless exempt for medical reasons. 
• We encourage the use of hand sanitiser which is available at key points in church. 
• Please refrain from shaking hands during The Peace.
Thank you for your cooperation.