First Ursula and then James had COVID this fortnight, and so I have been living in a little bubble to try and avoid them – which got lonely sometimes. There isn’t the same sense of being a part of something bigger any more and it’s easier to feel a bit discouraged and low when something happens that isn’t brilliant, nor is it easy to share the good stuff – you can’t just get a hug  - you’d get a hug and a bug!

One of the many lovely things about being a curate is other curates. Or more specifically, the willingness and ability of my fellow newbie clergy folk to share the joys and excitement of ministry in different places – WhatsApp and Facebook and get togethers all become ways we find ourselves finding out what God is up to all over Yorkshire – and even (whisper it) in Lancashire. This is so encouraging for so many reasons.

It's encouraging as it reminds me that God is at work all over the place, not just in Calverley. So when I see pictures my friend wearing a wetsuit for an immersive baptism in Harrogate, we not only share the laughter as she worked out the practicalities or the fear of drowning a wireless mic, but the joy of a service happening right in the town centre, as the only safe place for the pool was in the glass porch, meaning shoppers and tourists joined the congregation!

It’s encouraging as it reminds me of the breadth and depth and width of God’s love that’s so much bigger than any wranglings over controversial issues in the church when a very dear friend sends me her sermon on sexuality as she was nervous about preaching on a tricky topic. She knows our views are different, but whilst we don’t agree, we absolutely love one another and we absolutely love Jesus together and I can see her grace, wisdom, and depth of feeling and she sees mine. It’s hopeful knowing we can disagree well.

It's encouraging as we can console one another when we (inevitably) mess up, or feel daunted or a bit lost in our new roles. We discover we are not alone, and that sometimes, the problems are the same everywhere. At other times, we can offer practical help. Mostly, we can just pray for one another or send virtual hugs or daft jokes. It is a blessing and a privilege to put my head above the parapet and glimpse a different, wider view of the Church and I am so grateful for all it brings me.

I wonder what wider views you might look out for? Is there more to something you are part of and care about that would enrich your experience and give you the joy and support of being part of something that’s bigger than you normally perceive it?

Lizzie

Sunday 29th October
Don’t forget British Summer Time ends tomorrow with clocks put back 1 hour at 2am tomorrow! As it’s a 5th Sunday, our service will be a joint 'All-in @ 10'.
We continue with the Exodus theme, this week discovering ‘Water from the Rock’. As it’s the beginning of the school holidays, the children are staying in.
Tea, coffee, & biscuits are available after the service. Do join us!

Keeping Warm in Church
Do you feel a bit chilly in church? We can help!
Bring a hot water bottle (or borrow one from our small collection) and we will fill it for you to cuddle and keep cozy! If you have spare hot water bottles and would like them to be useful rather than tucked in a drawer, please feel free to donate them! Thank you!

Christmas 2023 Services
Our leaflet showing services over the Christmas period are now available in church. Please take a few and pass on to family and friends!

Friday Coffee Shop
Please note that Friday Coffee Shop will now be closing at 11:30am, it will continue to open at 9am. Coffee Shop is now also taking a break for the autumn holidays - it will be back open on Friday 10th November, 9-11:30am.

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.

A Mind Of Their Own - An Event For Dads & Mums
Anxiety levels and struggles with mental health are on the rise in children and young people. A Mind of Their Own is an event packed with practical and preventative tools for you to use at home, helping you to better understand what’s going on in your child’s head. The event will explore the science of the mind, and why children act and react the way they do. Expand your understanding of the unique pressures & opportunities facing young people today, so you can help your child develop an emotional resiliency that lasts.
Venue: Life Centre, Wapping Road, BD3 0EQ
Tuesday 21st November, 7:30-10pm
Tickets are £11, or £8 each for Groups of 3+.
Book Online now at: careforthefamily.org.uk
If you have any questions please contact [email protected]
Watch The Event Trailer Online here.
This Event is run by a Charity - 'Care for the Family', as part of a national tour.

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).

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.