I love Holy Week at church. It’s still relatively new to me, despite having been a Christian more than half my life. When I was a teacher, I usually made the most of the easter holidays – it was always a chance to get away or to visit friends and family. I was often in church, but rarely my own. Walking gently through the various Easter services was something I only really encountered once I was training to be a vicar, and it surprised and delighted me from the start. Palm Sunday sets the scene, either a celebration or a reading of the passion story, but always without the resurrection, a sense of what is to come. Then there’s often a service using stations of the cross, an encounter with the Last Supper on maundy Thursday, something dark and sacred on Good Friday, all before the glorious tomb-bursting joy of Easter Sunday.

As with many things in life, Holy Week works best when it’s not rushed.
When we try to put ourselves in the shoes of those who walked it first, never knowing what would come next. Thinking ahead to how it works out robs it of the necessary pain and empathy.

I look forward to seeing you on Sunday, at either 6am, or 10am (I’ll be the one holding a coffee!). Until then, walk slowly with God, see what he has to say to you along the way.

Every blessing,
Rob

Sunday 9th April - Easter Sunday
We look forward to our Easter celebration services tomorrow morning.
For the early birds, we meet in the churchyard at 6am for our Sunrise Thanksgiving Service where we’ll wait for the sunrise at 6:21am.
We’ll finish by taking the dawn light into church to light our Easter candle.
Afterwards, enjoy a bacon sandwich and hot drink!
Then at 10am, celebrate at our All-In Worship Service. The choir will be singing, there’s an egg hunt for the children, and we’ll finish by sharing cake and fizz together! Come to one service or come to both, whether you come every week, on the odd occasion, or you’ve never been before, we’d love to see you and welcome you!

Children in Church
We’ve recently had over 150 children passing through church in the last month or so. Visiting from Parkside, Church School, and the local community, they've attended ashing, Messy Church and What’s The Story. It’s such an important ministry and much of it has been down to the hard work of Brenda Pickard & her team of volunteers. We are very thankful for them along with the time and dedication put in to making the events a success.

The Barn
It’s good to see The Barn bookings increasing. If you would like to hire it for a party or event, prices start from £25 per hour for the hall only and £35 if the kitchen is required. For more information, please contact [email protected]

APCM
The date of our APCM is now Tuesday 2nd May.
Please arrive in church by 6:50pm for a prompt start at 7pm.

Nominations
Nominations are now open for election to the P.C.C.
We also have a vacancy for a Deanery Synod representative, which can be from among those elected to or already on PCC.
Nomination forms for both are available from the green folder at the back of church. Please return nominations to Sally.
Note: *The nominee must consent to serve.*

Church Electoral Roll
If you would like to be added to our Church Electoral Roll, please complete an application form. Forms are available from the green folder at the back of church. Once completed, please return to Sally.

Calverley Millennium Walk – Saturday 13th May
Join in ‘Beating the Bounds’ - a traditional 8 mile walk around the boundaries of Calverley undertaken by the villagers to reinforce the traditional extents of the village. Starting & finishing at The Calverley Arms, it's a scenic route, hilly in places, passing through livestock fields and can be muddy.
For more information, please contact David Williams.

Bradford North Food Bank
The food items currently needed are:
UHT Milk
UHT Fruit Juice
Coffee
Tinned Fruit
Tinned Vegetables
Biscuits
Instant Mash Potato
Shampoo
Toilet Roll
Deodorant
Dog/Cat Food

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.