This morning my phone reminded me that exactly one year ago we said ‘Yes’ — Yes, to being the 49th Vicar of Calverley, Yes to moving to this community, Yes to the next exciting adventure with God. What a year it has been! In many ways it still feels new, I have so much still to learn. In other ways, we all feel so very at home already.

This reminded me of the challenge issued by The Specials*: "Enjoy Yourself, It’s Later Than You Think", a quote lost in the midst of time, possibly Roman or Chinese in origin, often written on sundials. A reminder to make the most of your one, short, precious life.

While I believe there is more to life than chasing enjoyment, you’ll know that I regularly bang on about joy; in the pulpit, online, in these emails.
I believe that joy comes in part when we find our calling, when we live with purpose; a satisfaction which does not depend on happiness, and which endures even in hard seasons. I also believe we find that purpose in God, in following Jesus, in being shaped and formed by him in love to better love others. It won’t surprise you to hear that, as a Vicar, I think church is still one of the best places to do that. It has certainly been my experience this year here at St. Wilfrid’s, Calverley. That calling looks different for all of us; some have very specific ideas of what to do, others might not, and all of us are called to live with love and faith. If you’re still exploring that calling, still growing into or looking for that joy, still looking to make the most of time as it passes, come and join us – we’re looking and growing too!

(*Other versions are available. Do look online, it’s a belter.)

Vicar’s Report
This week I have been extremely grateful for our APCM, which was held in church last Sunday afternoon. I’m so grateful for the large, skilled, and generous team which keep our church working. The full report of the APCM is available at the back of church, including the financial breakdown, and my Vicar’s Report will be coming out in a separate, dedicated email tomorrow morning.

Messy Church May Cancelled
Sadly, due to lack of interest, we have taken the decision to cancel Messy Church tomorrow afternoon. We shall hope to see you all on Saturday 11th June at 3pm for Messy Pentecost instead. To book a table for your family, please contact the [email protected].

Sunday is moving!
For a trial period between 5th June - 24th July, we will be meeting at 9:30am for our Traditional Holy Communion Service, and 5pm in the afternoon for our Family Service, including Sunday school most weeks.

Jubilee, With Bells On!
You may have noticed that this June sees Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, head of our church, celebrate her platinum Jubilee (that’s 70 years!).
Here at St. Wilfrid’s we’ll be having a short service of thanksgiving at 1pm on Friday 3rd June, enjoying some of HRH’s favourite hymns on our top-notch organ (from our top-notch organist!), followed by heritage tours of the building, a picnic in the church grounds, and featuring the Calverley Ringers treating us to A Quarter Peal of Grandsire Doubles at 3pm.

Children & Communion Course
This Communion course is for anyone aged 7 or over who would like to take communion, exploring the basic of the church’s faith. We will be running this at 3:30pm on 12th & 19th June in Church (just before the 5pm evening service). Anyone interested (or more likely, your parents!) should speak to Rev Rob or email [email protected].

An Hour of Quiet
Why not join us for a quiet catch-up with God? Our beautiful contemplative midday communion service has resumed, now on Mondays in church at 12pm.
We run in term time, and not on bank holidays – of which there are many at the moment!

Time & Talents
We're still processing all the T&T forms. If you didn’t fill one in it’s not too late! Forms available at the back of church. Please return to Sally (or email [email protected]) once complete.

Ask Me Anything
Get those questions ready! The next A.M.A. in church will be in July.
What have you always wanted to know about faith, the church, or the Bible?
Questions can be left in the basket at the back of church, or email [email protected].