Those of you who know me may have heard my hurdle theory of life that dominated and hindered my life as a teenager and a young adult. I saw life as a series of hurdles - whether it was an exam coming up or a difficult situation to face or a chore to be worked through. My life was on hold in terms of being able to be free and embrace the moment and enjoy life. I could not be released to enjoy life until I overcame the hurdle immediately in front of me. The problem was, as soon as I got over one hurdle the next one sprang up straight away, looming before me. Therefore, I could never be free, I could never enjoy life. Life became a burden and overwhelming (this took me to some dark places which are stories for another time).

Then came the words of Isaiah 40:30-31:

“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young people stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint”.

The key words that spoke to me was the imagery of soaring on wings like eagles and I wanted to say yes to soaring on those wings. All I could see ahead was hurdles but being lifted up on eagles wings and looking down on the hurdles I could see the hurdles with different eyes. As you fly higher and look down the hurdles look increasingly insignificant in the bigger picture that emerges and I could see the beauty surrounding the hurdles. Flying high on eagles wings also allows you to breathe in the clear fresh air, breathing in the Holy Spirit. God never promises to take away the hurdles in our lives and there have been plenty of them in my own life and there will be more to come - there was as a teenager and still now as an adult fast approaching middle age (still in denial that I am middle aged! Not embracing that one yet!). However, I hold on to His promise that He will be there with me to face the hurdles that life throws at us. And if I have the courage to allow Him to lift me onto Wings of Eagles I can see the hurdles from a different perspective - He will give me the strength to get over the hurdle and His eyes on the situation.

So my prayer for you all this next week is that whatever hurdles you face, looming ahead of you, that you will not be overwhelmed but instead call out to Him and catch a lift on those Wings of Eagles and soar with Him. And breathe...

Naomi Simkins

Sunday 19th November
This morning, our services are back to their usual times of 9:15am and 11am.
As we continue our Exodus series, we wonder about following the crowd, peer pressures, and what golden calves we might find ourselves facing...

Sunday 19th Evening Worship - 6:30pm
Go Deeper Live: Sunday School for Grown Ups!
This week we start a variation of our evening worship and discipleship service, Sunday School For Grown Ups! This will be a chance to pray and worship in song together, but with the Bible study section being more interactive, a time of wrestling with questions together. This term we’re going back to the 10 commandments - having only really looked at one earlier in the series we’ll be getting into the other 9. Bring a mug and a Bible!

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.

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!

St. Wilfrid’s Singers
Rehearsals continue for the next 2 engagements for our 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 Wednesday 22nd and 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
Margaret Roundhill would appreciate help getting all the donations we make to the foodbank. It isn’t far to Eccleshill, and the more help, the fewer visits everyone makes! Let’s get our food on the move!
Please contact [email protected] if you can help!
Donations requested for the Foodbank Christmas parcels are:
• Tinned Ham
• Tinned Halal Meat
• Christmas Cake/Slab
• Christmas Pudding
• Box Chocolates/Bar
• Children’s Selection Boxes
• Chocolate Biscuits/Variety Packs
• Crisps/Savoury Snacks
• Custard
• Hot Chocolate

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.