I’ve been talking to kids at school about mental health and wellbeing this week as part of my governing role, and it’s been a privilege to see them grasping the breadth of it. They know that it’s ok to not be ok, that there are times when a mentally healthy person is sad or worried. It seems fitting this week.

We speak a lot about Joy at church, but I never want to confuse Joy with happiness. I have been deeply grateful over the years for churches and Christian communities where I could honestly feel the weight of whatever was upon me, bring my sadness, or depression (not the same thing!), or worry or stress, my mourning, and still be in God’s presence and among God’s people.  

This Sunday there will be little happiness to be had as we gather for Remembrance Sunday. It will not be fun. But it will be good, and important. It will be part of a healing journey for many. It will connect us with our story as a nation, historically and as we face a war-riven world today. We will stand with each other in solidarity and pray for peace. In that, there will be Joy. Peace. Comfort. A foundation of strength for the days and weeks and years to come.

We're privileged to be able to gather and pray for peace in a relatively peaceful corner of creation, and yet stare unflinchingly at the world.
Even in dark days, let us cherish peace, let us pray for peace, and let us work for peace in our own acts of love and forgiveness. Let us cling to hope in Christ, who has and will made all things new.

Yours in Christ,

Rob

Remembrance
This morning, the Calverley & Rodley Branch of The Royal British Legion will be holding a service of Remembrance at Calverley Cenotaph. Please meet at 10:45am for a short service led by John Corbin.
Then, tomorrow morning we hold our annual Remembrance 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 2023 Services
New leaflets showing services over the Christmas period are now available in church. Please take a few and pass on to family and friends!
If you can help out at any of our Christmas services with readings, prayers, chalice etc, please contact [email protected]

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!

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.

Choral Evensong for Advent
On Sunday 3rd December at 6:30pm we will hold a Service of Choral Evensong for Advent, with beautiful advent hymns & refreshments of mulled wine and mince pies available afterwards. Information about singing in the choir for this service is below, but do come along and invite any friends or family who might appreciate the reflective and anticipatory atmosphere of a Traditional Advent Church service.

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 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]

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.