I’m generally pretty happy to be me these days, but if I had to be a little more like someone else, I’d maybe be a little more like Zach Williams.
That’s him above, he’s a singer. We’ve sung some of his songs on Sundays – No longer Slaves, Fear Is a Liar, and Chain Breaker. Many had powerful videos filmed in prison. Do look him up – I’ve been uplifted and encouraged listening to his songs this week, and I’m very grateful to the friend who passed on the recommendation.

Why do I want to be more like Zach? Mostly it’s beard envy, and I do wish I could sing, not just for the benefit of those who stand near me in church!

One of his songs is ‘A Little Less Like Me,’ and it is such a beautiful prayer I thought I’d share a bit of it:

Yeah, there's no denying I have changed,
'Cause I've been saved from who I used to be.
But even at my best, I must confess,
I still need help to see the way You see.

Somebody with a hurt that I could have helped,
Somebody with a hand that I could have held.
When I just can't see past myself,
Lord, help me be.

A little more like mercy, a little more like grace.
A little more like kindness, goodness, love, and faith.
A little more like patience, a little more like peace.
A little more like Jesus, a little less like me.

While I’d happily be little more like Zach, my real prayer is to be a little more like Jesus. And to be fair, I bet he had a better beard than me too!

With every blessing,
Rob

Restored Webinars – Who’s coming?
Richard’s sermon last week has got us thinking about how we can be better equipped to be a source of hope and help for those caught in Domestic Violence. Restored run a project called 'Beacons of Hope', training churches to do just this. Some of us will be going on a webinar to find out more about it on 22nd June at 12pm for an hour. If you’d like to come, simply sign up online here, and please let Revd. Rob know. You're also welcome to purchase a paper or electronic copy of the booklet Richard spoke about on their website here.

Compassion
Next Sunday 26th, Bethan from Compassion will be visiting us to preach, and also giving us the opportunity to sponsor children. Sponsoring children is a great way to have a personal and tangible impact. The Denton Family sponsor a child in Rwanda, and we find the communication keeps us aware of issues in that country and helps enlarge our world view beyond our immediate bubble.
Plus, it’s great to know we are making a difference to a particular little girl.
If you can’t make it to church next week for more information or, to sponsor a child, please visit compassionuk.org

Lent Course - Rhythm of Life
The course is an opportunity to re-align and keep Christ at the centre of our daily lives, through practical commitments, opportunities for mutual support, and recommended resources. The last 3 weeks have been great, but it’s not too late to join in! Meet us next Tuesday evening in The Barn, 7-8:30PM.

Church Mission Society Partner
Azaria Spencer did a great job in telling us about her mission work for CMS in Guatemala. If you missed it or would like to find out more, her talk from last Sunday can be watched online here. Or read her personal blog posts here.

Prayers
The prayer bookmark for March is now available in Church and includes a list of 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 in Church, or email Sally or Rob, or just have a word with us on Sunday mornings.

Communion Table in Church
Susan Jubb will be standing down from communion table set-up duties.
Ideally, we would like to start a rota for this weekly task with people from each service. It is not a difficult job and training will be given.
Please let Rob or Sally know if you can help.
We thank Susan for her unwavering service to the church - as well as prepping the communion table she also volunteers in many other ways around church.

Communion At Home
When Jesus first modelled the spiritual tradition of communion, de did it in someone’s home. If you are unable to get to church and would like to receive Holy Communion in your home, we have a team that can offer it.
In the first instance, please contact [email protected]

Food Bank – Help!
Help wanted! I spoke this week with our friends at Bradford North Foodbank, another of our giving partners. They desperately need biscuits, crisps and snacks, as well as carrier bags. They are feeding 56% more people than this time last year, which makes me increasingly sad at the state we're in that the foodbank is necessary, and yet also increasingly thankful that they are there to help. If you, like me, are lucky enough to be able to choose to give up snacks this lent, then maybe think about donating them instead to the foodbank.
There's a donation point at the back of Church, and also in Sainsbury's and Lidl (and probably other places too!).

APCM
Due to the Coronation of The King, the date of our Annual Parochial Church Meeting has changed to Tuesday 2nd May. Please arrive in church by 6:50pm for a prompt start at 7pm, thanks!

Upcoming Easter Dates
Saturday 1st April - Messy Church Easter! - 2pm
Sunday 2nd April - Palm Sunday - 9:15am & 11am
Wednesday 5th April - Messy Easter Prayer - 12–2pm
Thursday 6th April - Maundy Thursday Supper - 6pm
Friday 7th April - Good Friday at the Cross - 2pm
Sunday 9th April - Easter Sunrise Service - 6am (for 6:21am)
Sunday 9th April - Easter Sunday Service - 10am

Easter Choir
Following on from the success of the Christmas Choir, we're forming an Easter Choir to sing at the joint morning service on Easter Day! Rehearsals will start on Thursday 16th March, in church, 6-7pm. Further rehearsal dates to follow.
Let’s raise the roof on this very special day!
Please contact [email protected] with any questions.

Easter Eggs
Real Easter Eggs are available in church to purchase for £5.
These are the only Fairtrade eggs to include a copy of the Easter story in the box. Buy one for family, friends, or donate one to the food bank.

Chrism Eucharist
The Chrism Eucharist is a special occasion at which the Diocesan Bishop presides and leads clergy in the renewal of their ordination vows, and at which the Bishop will invite the lay people present to re-affirm their commitment to Christian discipleship. This year it's being held at Wakefield Cathedral on Maundy Thursday (6th April) at 11am. If anyone would like to come with Rob, please let him know.

Please send any items to be included in our weekly Family Newsletter to [email protected]

The work and ministry of Calverley Parish Church is supported by the generous giving of the church community, we receive no outside funding.
You can make a donation or sign up to regular monthly giving, including Gift Aid, at our Parish Giving page online here.
Thank You for your support.