Hello all,

Who are you?
I wonder how you would answer that question, on the rare occasion you are asked. (I know, we’re British, we don’t ask such pointed questions!)
It came up this week during our Living In Love & Faith course, as we asked each other in our small group who we were.

Our answers seemed to centre for the most part on work, on relationships, and on passions. We are, it seems, gardeners, wives, dads, runners, knitters, vicars, teachers, cleaners... Words that speak of our purpose, of where we find joy, and of how we are connected to each other, which are interlinked.
Purpose and connection bring joy, working together on a shared project forges connection, etc.

Some answers are different. Some of us are widowed, for instance, an identity none choose. Personally, I often speak about having ADHD. It gets a mention in my Twitter bio, for instance, the micro-blurb about who I am in that public global forum (find me @RevRobDenton if you like – bio below, questions always welcome on Twitter or [email protected]).

I think I speak of my ADHD (Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder, but I just call it the Wiggles) for many reasons, but I don’t think I had ever listed them until this week. It’s because it’s still a large feature of my identity, having only recently started processing it (I was diagnosed three years ago).
It’s because it has been an area I have struggled to get to grips with and now feel some pride about. It's to make it easy to connect with a community that is otherwise invisible (we don’t have badges!). It's because I try to be a public advocate and take part in dismantling the shame that still attaches to the various neurodiverse tribes (shout out to my weird kindred!).
And it's so I can be a friend on the way who is easy to find, so that I can help others still in the midst of their struggle.

I think many of us have aspects of our identity that come from the grittier bits of life, from struggle and difference. You’ll see in my bio below that, for me, these struggles come after other parts of life that I choose to cherish.
And everything comes after Jesus. I am known by him, loved by him, saved, cherished, and constantly being upgraded by him.
If there are gritty bits of your identity, I hope you find comfort in him.
And I hope you find that St. Wilfrid’s is a place we can bring all of ourselves.
Warts and all, so to speak, for Jesus loves the warty!

God Bless,
Rob

Come find me @RevRobDenton:
Jesus-follower. Joy seeker. Curious. Seriously silly.
Mastering my own attention. Trying to be Awkward Brave & Kind.
Vicar of Calverley. ❤️ ? ? he/him

Time & Talent Commitment Day
Tomorrow is our opportunity to pledge our Time & Talents.
Bring your completed form back to the services!
You can download a copy of the form here.

"Renew1830" – St. Peter's, Morley – Tomorrow 6:30pm
"The earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea" - Habakkuk 2.14
A group from St. Wilfrid’s will be going along to St. Peter's in Morley tomorrow evening for their "Renew1830" service. It’s a chance to gather for an extending time of worship & prayer ministry as well as hearing from guest preacher, Ian Parkinson, who will inspire and equip us to go out in the power of the Holy Spirit. If you would like to join us and need a lift, please contact [email protected].

Living in Love & Faith (Week 3) - Tuesday 22nd March, 7-9pm
The course continues on Tuesday in Church and it's a chance to explore how questions about identity, sexuality, relationships, and marriage fit within the bigger picture of the good news of Jesus Christ?
This is a safe place to explore questions with each other.
After this week, the remaining dates for the course are 19th & 26th April.
Feel free to come along, bring a mug for tea or coffee!

Parochial Church Council (PCC)
Would you like to be on the PCC? Our PCC is responsible for the financial affairs of the church parish and the maintenance of its assets, such as churches and church halls. It also assists the clergy in the management of church affairs in the parish and promoting the mission of the church.
New members are required! If you think this is something you are called to, please contact [email protected] for more information.

Messy Church - Save the date!
Our next Messy Church will be Saturday 2nd April in Church 3-4:30pm.
Join us and enjoy crafts & activities on the theme of Palm Sunday & Easter.
To book your table, please contact the [email protected]