Hello everyone,

It might be cold outside, but spring is springing – the snowdrops in the Vicarage garden and all over Calverley woods announce it.

I spent a little time staring at these this week, which is Mental Health week.
I was reading somewhere of how good it is for our mental health to stare at things bigger than we are, especially trees, to regain a sense of awe and wonder, and also to contemplate small and beautiful things. These snowdrops, tiny early harbingers of growth, are lovely and frivolously so.

I was reminded of the section in Exodus I’m up to in my Bible in a Year journey where we meet Bezalel and Oholiab (chapters 31 onwards), on whom the Spirit of the Lord rests that they might make beautiful things – the Ark, the Tent, and Tabernacle, the vestments and so on. It should be no surprise that the same God who delights in creation, who is still delighting and creating in trees and snowdrops, takes special joy in craftsmanship.

This week, look around for the beauty in the large and small things of life, revel in whatever you see, and wonder at the God who makes us beautifully too, for no reason other than it delights them.

You, dearest brothers and sisters, are fearfully and wonderfully made.

God Bless,
Rob

Sunday 12th February
Tomorrow is Racial Justice Sunday. We hope you will join us as we observe it in thought and prayer in both our services at 9:15 & 11am.
Alongside this, John Corbin will be preaching on Matthew and the theme of worry. The children will be going out for some fun activities and as usual, coffee and biscuits are served between the service.
Please remember to BYOM (Bring Your Own Mug)!
We hope to see you tomorrow morning!

Lay Eucharistic Ministry Training
The new date for this training is Sunday 26th March, 1-3pm in church.
If you were signed up for the original date you should have received an email from Sally. Please respond and advise if you will be attending the new date.

T.A.G (Tuesday Afternoon Group)
The next TAG meet-up will be on Tuesday 14th February, 11am-2pm, in The Barn.

Renew1830 - with Bishop Arun
Every few months there is an evening service at St. Peter’s, Morley called 'Renew1830'. There is extended worship, teaching from a guest preacher, and some prayer ministry. The next one is next Sunday 19th February at 18.30pm.
The guest preacher is Bishop Arun. If you would like to go and need a lift, please contact [email protected].

What’s the Story About Easter?
Our next occasion for inviting children from both our local primary schools into church will be a Monday and Tuesday towards the end of term to tell them the Easter story. However, to give the children the best possible experience, we would like to enlist some more volunteers for our 'What’s the Story? team.
Do you enjoy telling dramatic stories and helping children with crafts?-
Then this is for you! If you would like to find out more or join the team, please contact Brenda Pickard ([email protected])

Pancake Day! – Tuesday 21st February
Pop along to The Barn anytime between 6:30–8:00pm for our ‘Great Pancake Party’! We’ll provide the pancakes, and the lemon & sugar to go on top.
If you fancy any other toppings bring them along!
Open to all ages this event is free. Come and join the flipping fun!

Ash Wednesday – Wednesday 22nd February
Our traditional Ash Wednesday Service will start at 7pm in church.
Join us as we begin Lent by being marked with ash in the sign of the cross.
All are welcome.

Lent Course - Rhythm of Life
Beginning in The Barn on Tuesday 28th February, 7-8:30pm, and running for 5 weeks, this Lent course will offer an opportunity for us to re-align and keep Christ at the centre of our daily lives. Through practical commitments, opportunities for mutual support, and recommended resources.

“As Christians, we believe Jesus should be at the heart of our rhythms of life, whatever our circumstances. This will have a far-reaching impact on our own wellbeing and the good of others – on our loving, living and learning.
I would like to invite you to join the diocesan ‘Rhythm of Life’ venture.
This will involve individual commitments, accessing resources and mutual support. Some key areas will be given special attention: praying, encouraging, sharing, reflecting, celebrating, resting, and creating.”
- The Rt Revd Nick Baines, Bishop of Leeds

If you would like to join the course group, please contact [email protected]

Prayers
We have begun including individuals in our intercessions on Sunday morning.
The first bookmark is available in church and includes a list of those prayer needs. If you would like to be prayed for, you can write your request on a tag and hang it on the prayer tree, email Sally or Rob, or just have a word with us on Sunday mornings.

Small Groups
Church comes in many different shapes & sizes, and as well as Sunday worship, there's a number of Small Groups that meet regularly on weekdays.
These Groups enable members of Calverley Parish to spend time exploring faith deeper and truly connecting with others. Our desire is for as many people as possible to be part of a Small Group. If you have any questions or would like to join or start a Small Group, please contact Victoria via [email protected]. More information about our Small Groups, including FAQs are available on our website here.

Barn Babies – Parent & Toddler Group
Meets in The Barn on Thursdays, 9:30-11:15am and is for Babies & Toddlers (birth up to their third birthday) and their parents. If you would like to book a place or need more information, please contact [email protected]

The Barn
Is now available to hire again for parties and events!
Prices start from £25 per hour for the hall and £35 if the kitchen is required too. For more information, please email [email protected]

Please send any items for our weekly Family News to
[email protected]