Hello everyone,

For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Harriet and have been coming to Calverley Parish Church since before I was born. As an avid church-goer for the last 22 years, I have always felt called to Calverley despite only living in the village for the first 2 years of my life. The church and its community has always been my second home and only seems fitting that I write one of these for you all!

Last Monday it was my birthday and turning 22 (apologies for making anyone feel old!) for me has been a time for reflection and prayer as I enter the next chapter of my life. Over the last year I've learnt a lot with many things changing unexpectedly and being in a completely different place then where I expected. I recently graduated from Durham University with a degree in Sociology which is essentially the study of society and the groups within it, analysing how different factors effect individuals’ lives - similarly to the work we're doing with Inclusive Church. My time there was filled with uncertainty due to COVID restrictions in 2020/21, a hospital trip and diagnosis of endometriosis in 2022 and endless strikes and marking boycotts throughout. Therefore, whilst I loved my time at university and do intend to complete a Masters and a PhD, after the turmoil over the last year, I felt called to come home and rest in the comfort of the Lord and family. At first, I found this difficult as it wasn’t what I had planned or expected myself to be doing. Initially, I found the sudden change mentally challenging and difficult to grasp but through the art of prayer I accepted my situation and what God believed was best for me.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight”
(Proverbs 3:5-6)

One thing which has helped me through some of the darkest times has been this beautiful poem. Carol (my Nan who used to go to St. Wilfrid's) always had it displayed and would recite it often to provide comfort when it was most needed:

Footprints in the Sand
One night I dreamed a dream.
As I was walking along the beach with my Lord.
Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand,
One belonging to me and one to my Lord.
After the last scene of my life flashed before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that at many times along the path of my life,
especially at the very lowest and saddest times,
there was only one set of footprints.
This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it.
"Lord, you said once I decided to follow you,
You'd walk with me all the way.
But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life,
there was only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me."
He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you
Never, ever, during your trials and testings.
When you saw only one set of footprints,
It was then that I carried you."

Therefore, I pray that despite the turmoil in our lives and the chaos around us that we be steadfast and comforted through the words of scripture and the Lord. That regardless of where you are in your lives at the moment that you find peace in the storm and walk the path with Christ trusting in Him and the vision for your life.

“Jesus replied, ‘you do not realise what I am doing, but later you will understand.’”
(John, 13:7)

Harriet Pollard

Sunday 22nd October
Tomorrow morning we welcome you to join us at either our 9:15 or 11AM services. We’re on week 5 of our Exodus series, looking at the message based around the Bread from Heaven scripture. The children will be going out for Sunday school and as usual, refreshments are served between the services.

Beer Festival Leftovers!
We have some drinks leftover from the Beer Festival which will be available to take away tomorrow morning for a donation. Donations can be made by card or cash.

Generosity Forms
It’s not too late to fill in one of our Generosity Forms - you’ll find them at the back of church or here online to print at home. How can you contribute to the ministry of St Wilfrid’s, in time and service, in prayer, and financially?
Of course, there’s never a deadline for generosity. Hand it in whenever you are next with us, or chat to Rob or Lizzie. Thank you!

Remembrance
On Saturday 11th November the Calverley & Rodley Branch of The Royal British Legion will be holding a service of Remembrance at Calverley Park Cenotaph. Please meet at 10:45am for a short service led by John Corbin. All welcome.
Then on 12th November we hold our annual Remembrance Sunday Service in church, beginning at 10:30am. We will 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 local councillors. No booking required.

Christmas Tombola
Susan & David Jubb are holding a Christmas tombola in church on Saturday 18th November to raise money for church funds. They're still looking for donations of prizes. All prize donations should be Christmas related, so Christmas foods like puddings, biscuits, cakes and chocolate, toiletry/beauty sets, maybe Christmas socks and gloves - you get the idea! We ask that shelf-life dates are long and items are in new condition. There will be a box for donations in church on Sunday. On the day, tickets will be £1 and everyone wins a prize! Any leftover food prizes will be donated to the local foodbank.

St. Wilfrid’s Singers
Rehearsals are starting soon for the next 2 engagements for the St Wilfrid’s singers – Choral Evensong on Advent Sunday 3rd December @ 6:30pm and the Traditional Carol Service on Christmas Eve. All are welcome, whether you have sung with us before, or not! Psalm 100 tells us to "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing." So, let’s do it! Hopefully, a musical noise!
Rehearsals will be in church, 6pm-7pm on Thursday 2nd, Wednesday 8th, Thursday 16th, Wednesday 22nd, and Wednesday 29th November with December dates to follow. You are not expected to be able to attend all of these. Any questions feel free to contact [email protected]

Join Our Team!
We're looking for a new Parish Administrator.
Help us to make our vision a reality – Love God, Love Calverley, Grow Together.
We're looking for a skilled administrator to support our Clergy and Parish.
This is a part-time position of 12 hours a week with flexibility, paid at over the Real Living Wage. The Parish Administrator Job Description is available to view online here. To apply for this position, please email [email protected] for an application form.
Closing date for applications is 31st October 2023 (12pm).

Church Mission Society - A message from Azaria
I would like to thank you all for your prayers and support.
I am really enjoying my work with SOMOS and their mentors.
It has been great to get to know more of our mentors and see how we can continue to support them as they work with children and young people in Children's homes. We will have our first group meetings this month and I'm excited for us all to connect, share, and grow together. In the vulnerable community where I serve too, we have started a monthly activity with the mum's and it has been a great time to be with them and get to know them better as we share, read the Bible, and pray together. The team I work with are so great and I am really enjoying working with them and learning a lot.
David and I are getting married in just over a month and some of my family will be here from the beginning of November too! We are very excited and really looking forward to starting our lives as a married couple.
David's CMS selection process is underway and moving forwards well - he will have his selection panel soon. We're starting to make plans for our next time in the UK now too, which should be early next year for David's training and our marriage blessing. So there is a lot happening and we can see God's hand and blessing over everything which is such an encouragement.
Pray Points:
• Join me in giving thanks for my work with SOMOS and the team I work with.
• Pray for the mentors and the children and young people in the homes.
• Please also pray for the vulnerable community and the mum's activity.
• Praise God for the wedding preparations and plans and David's CMS selection process.
• Please pray for financial provision for our wedding and trip to the UK next year including our marriage blessing.
• Also pray for our wedding day, 12th November, that God will bless us and that we can all enjoy our special day.
Thank you,
Azaria Spencer

Bradford North Foodbank
The Foodbank Have Asked For Donations Of The Following Non-food Items:
• Deodorants
• Shampoo/Shower Gel
• Soap
• Nappies - Size 4, 5, 6
• Toothbrushes
• Toothpaste
• Washing Powder/Pods/Tablets

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.