Dear friends,

As I write this letter, I am considering how fortunate I am to have been able to go away on holiday recently with my family and enjoy quality time with them. What a joy it is to be able to relax, to put aside any worries or stress and just enjoy being together, sharing leisurely meals and generally having a good time. As I sat watching my grandchildren playing, swimming in the pool, I felt that life couldn’t get much better. And what is a holiday without something good to read? The book I was reading was ‘Velvet Elvis’ by Rob Bell.

Now, you may or may not know that I am a long-time fan of Elvis, so you could be forgiven for thinking that this was my reason for choosing that book.
However, I am also a fan of the Christian writer, Rob Bell, and I was intrigued to learn what he might say about Elvis.

However, as I began to read, I found no further mention of Elvis after the introduction. But I found that I was certainly intrigued by some of the comments made by Rob Bell about the nature of Heaven. The point which most struck me was that maybe our role as Christians is to bring heaven to earth now, living in such a way that we show what life in heaven will be like.

So, when it was time to pack up and come home, there was regret at leaving behind all the fun to return to ‘real’ life, to school, work and other commitments. But there was also an eagerness, a looking ahead to explore this idea.

So as you go through each day, may you find glimpses of heaven to cheer and encourage you.

Blessings,
Brenda Pickard

Sunday has moved!
We have now started our trial period, so until 24th July, we'll be meeting at 9:30am for our Traditional Holy Communion Service, and 5pm in the afternoon for our Family Worship Service, including Sunday school most weeks.
Coffee is after the 9:30am service, and before the 5pm service.
If you have any comments on how the services are going at the new times, please let us know by contacting the [email protected].

Children & Communion Course
This course is for anyone aged 7 or over who would like to take communion, exploring the basic of the church’s faith. We'll be running this at 3:30pm on the 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] for more information.

Start Course & Confirmation Course
The dates for the course are Tuesday 4th, 11th, & 18th October and 1st, 8th, 15th, & 22nd November. Culminating in a special confirmation service on Sunday 27th November at 10am with the Bishop of Kirkstall in attendance.
If this is something you’d be interested in, please speak to Rev. Rob, or email [email protected] for more information.

Chalice Duties
We're looking for volunteers to help with chalice duties at Sunday Communion Services. Full training will be given. This is a great opportunity to share in this important ministry. If you feel called to do this, please contact the [email protected] for more information.

Parish Giving Scheme
Those of you who were in church last week will know that we have now launched our Parish Giving Scheme (PGS) as part of our Joyful Giving programme at church, a scheme that the diocese funds to allow us to collect regular giving in a better way. We have written a letter to every member of the church family we could find details for. We will also send a letter as a dedicated Newsy Email next week – do look out for it if you didn’t get one already! More information on the church finances and the new Parish Giving Scheme are mentioned in last week’s sermon which is available to watch online here.

Alpacas
It’s with sadness I inform you that Pablo, one of our alpaca’s, died last week due to an underlying health condition. As alpacas are sociable creatures and do not do well on their own (often declining within days), for his own wellbeing, the church arranged for Jeffrey to go back to the alpaca farm in Tong. This is where he originated from and not too far away so can still be visited. We pray for Jeffrey and that he settles into his new home.
Vicar Rob, myself, and the Churchwardens, would like to put on record their thanks and appreciation for the dedication from all the volunteers who helped feed and care for the boys over these last two years.
John Corbin

Royal British Legion
On 15th March 2022, the Calverley & Rodley Branch of the RBL celebrated its 100th Anniversary! This year our Chairman and Secretary will be retiring, leaving two vacancies to be filled. The RBL is a worthwhile charity supporting our Armed Forces and their families with a Service of Remembrance each year to remember the fallen. If you're interested in getting involved and supporting your local branch or require any further information, please contact Peter Illingworth on 0113 257 2035 or 07857 133 072.