Hello Everyone,
I pray this finds you well and enjoying the lengthening days.

Something we try to do over dinner here at the Vicarage is to ask each other what we’re thankful for today (when we remember!). It’s something we’re starting to do at Church services too. It’s not necessarily always something profound or deeply theological, but I do know that regular practice of gratitude has shown to be good for all of us in surprising ways. So I thought I’d share a few things I have been grateful for this week:

• A colleague who found time to sit and chat about my vicaring life and work for over an hour – how lovely to be seen and heard, prayed for, and helped.
• Band practice – I might only be a rudimentary drummer, but a bit of practice and some people to play with have been a joy!
• The snowdrops on the front lawn. I am thankful for whoever planted them (Mrs. D will soon tell me!).
• The privilege of walking-through the interment of ashes for a family.
- I never take for granted being included in such a profound moment.
• A surprising and delightful addition to our Midday Communion on Wednesday – never let us think God is done with improving our plans!
• Vision Day – how lovely to join together with so many who are excited to see where we’re going (see below).

I wonder what you’re grateful for this week?
Where have you seen glimmers of God’s goodness?
And if you’re joining us on Sunday, you can tell me then!

Every Blessing,
Rob

Vision Day
Last Saturday we had our Vision Day, part of the exciting Vision series we’re in the midst of here in Calverley. t was a great day with nearly 50 people gathering to talk, think, and pray what we might be called to be and do over the next few years. All are welcome to join us in that journey – last Sunday's sermon gave a summary of what went on and gave a couple of ideas on how you could join the process, we’d love to hear from any and all of you!
(Please click here to watch online.)

Messy Church – Tomorrow! 3-4:30pm
We still have some space available for Messy Church on Saturday.
If you’d like to join the fun, please contact the [email protected] to book a table for your family.

Looking Ahead to Lent
We have lots of events lined up for the coming seasons, get your diary out and save the below dates!

Pancake Day – Tuesday 1st March
Pop along to The Barn anytime between 6:30–9pm for a ‘Flipping Great Pancake Party’! We’ll provide the pancakes, the lemons, &sugar to go on top.
If you fancy any other toppings, bring them along!
This event is open to all ages and is free. Come and join the flipping fun!

Ash Wednesday - 2nd March
Our traditional Ash Wednesday Service will start at 7pm in church.
Please join us as we begin Lent by being marked in Ash with the sign of the cross. All welcome.

Lent – Sunday 6th March
Our first Sunday in Lent will look a little bit different...
Join us at 10am in church for a very special joint service reflecting on Lent, and continuing to look at the vision for Calverley Parish Church, and what ‘Time & Talent’ we are called to explore at church.

Living in Love & Faith - Tuesday 8th March 7-9pm
This course will explore what it means to live in love and faith together as a Church. And how do questions about identity, sexuality, relationships, and marriage fit within the bigger picture of the good news of Jesus Christ?
Small groups will be invited to do the course, and we will also be running it in the Church on Tuesday evenings.
This is a safe place to explore questions with each other.
To book a place please contact [email protected]

Mothering Sunday – 27th March
Join us in church on Mothering Sunday when we will celebrate and reflect on the special people in our lives and their mothering qualities.