Two and a half years ago I was deeply unhappy. I had been a member of a church since childhood but for the two previous years I had not wanted to go to church. Then some dear friends brought me to St. Wilfrid's, Calverley. I found a group of people who worshipped God with reverence and loved one another just as Jesus, our Saviour, asked us to do. I have been coming each Sunday ever since.

You probably know me as the old lady who greets you at the church door some weeks or does intercessions at the eleven o'clock service. Maybe you have seen me feeding the sheep that chomp through the old graveyard grass. I belong to two different Small Groups. At one, we discuss topics our members have thought of that interest Christians searching for discernment in their walk with God. At the other, we try to come up with answers to Rob's Go Deeper questions. I am often out of my depth - even though I was baptised as a tiny baby, confirmed at thirteen, and gave my life to Jesus of my own free will at twenty-three.

I had just had my first baby son and realised I needed help to do my best for my baby, even though I was married to the kindest and most loving man. We wanted our baby baptised but our local vicar said no. We weren't regular members of his flock! My life from that memorable day has consisted of daily Bible readings, with relevant and helpful commentaries to help my understanding of God's word. Regular church-going and some influential vicars, who really cared about their church members, have helped me along the way. I have also helped run Sunday schools, taught in primary schools, majoring in music and RE, along with the rest of the curriculum. I have read the Bible in church, given communion in church and in homes, and I'm now part of the prayer group and the group that visits St Luke's Nursing Home. No matter what I am allowed to do, it can never compare with what our Lord did for us all two thousand years ago. Most of all, I do what Jesus did - I Pray.

Prayer for me is just talking to our Father God, bringing to him all the people I know who are in desperate need of knowing his love for each and everyone. Jesus sorts out my ramblings through the power of his Holy Spirit and I know God hears my prayers. Sometimes the answer is yes, sometimes it is no. Sometimes I have to wait to see how God will handle the requests I bring to him. I don't pray for myself, except through the Lord's Prayer, done daily before I go to sleep. I know God and he knows my shortcomings. Yet every day I try to serve him and every day, he takes care of me.

I have had a wonderful life, with devoted parents and a loving family. Christian schoolteachers, Brownie leaders, and church people have all guided me. I have ridden horses and done ballet and ice-skating, and played many musical instruments! I have travelled widely, meeting God's people throughout the world. I have looked after many different breeds of dogs, and even run a nature reserve!

The biggest influence in my life has been my Father in Heaven.
Why not find out more about him by committing yourself to a Sunday service at St. Wilfrid's every week? Everyone is welcome here.

Shirley Carson

Sunday 8th October
Come and join us for Harvest this Sunday with just one service for all at 10am.
We're asking you to bring food or cash donations for the Bradford North Food Bank. Our donations help replenish the food bank supplies that have run low over the summer months. It also highlights the value of giving and shows how even the smallest of gifts can have great significance in people’s lives.
Bring one item or a few - it all helps!
Suggested Harvest 2023 Donation Shopping List:
• Long Life UHT Milk
• Long-life UHT Fruit Juice
• Instant Mash
• Tinned Fish
• Tinned Fruit
• Tinned Rice Pudding
• Tinned Spaghetti
• Crackers & Spreads preserves
• Snacks-Crips/Crackers
• Chocolate Bars
• Sponge Puddings
• Shampoo
• Deodorant
• Adult Toothbrushes & Toothpaste
• Toilet Paper
• Men’s Razors & Shaving Foam
• Washing up liquid
• Laundry Tabs/Pods

Parking on Sunday Mornings
Please note parking directly outside church grounds on a Sunday is reserved for those with limited mobility. The cones outside church should not be moved as these keep the dropped kerb clear for access. If the dropped kerb is not accessible it can prevent people attending church. If you are able, please park in the school playground. Thank you.

Generosity forms
Last week was the beginning of Generosity Week, and we were handed a form in to church to help us think about how we could contribute to the ministry of St. Wilfrid’s, in time and service, in prayer, and financially. We’ll be bringing those forms to the altar this week, along with our foodbank items. Of course, there’s never a deadline for generosity - so you can still pick a form up in church and hand it in whenever you are next with us, or speak to Rob or Lizzie. Please click here to download and print your own form, if you didn't receive one last week.

Flowers for Harvest
Thank you to all the ladies that came and helped make the church look beautiful for the Harvest season, your help and support is appreciated!
Thanks also to those who donated flowers and produce - Patrick & the allotments, Mary & Betty, and the wider community who let me snip at their Hydrangea bushes!
- Kim & Sally

Bodies to Medical Science
After conversations coming from our 'What Are We Thankful' moment, several people wanted to know more about how to donate their bodies to medical research after their deaths, to help train future medics. For more information about this, please Call Sarah Wilson at Leeds University on 0113 343 4297 who can send you a booklet and talk you through the process.

Lost Property in Church
A Black men’s coat has been left in church - possibly after a wedding rehearsal. If it’s yours, please let us know.

Remembrance Sunday 2023
Our Annual Remembrance Sunday Service will take place on 12th November.
Join us at 10:30am in church as we give thanks and ensure the sacrifices of those who served are never forgotten. At this special service we welcome local members of the Royal British Legion, young people from our uniformed organisations, and the local councillors. No booking required.

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, and we receive no outside funding.
You can make a donation or sign up to regular giving, including Gift Aid, via our Parish Giving page online here.
Thank You for your support.