Services this Week

Time	Where	Service
14th March - MOTHERING SUNDAY
8.00am	Leigh Woods	Holy Communion (1662)
10.30am	Leigh Woods	Mothering Sunday Family Service

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PARISH AWAY DAY:
The Parish Away Day - Through the Looking Glass!
Latest: A working group has been set up by the PCC to explore ways that all the feedback and ideas from the Parish Away Day can be used beneficially in the parish.
We'll be reporting back to you through the Link magazine and this website.
In the meantime, several people have requested the Suggestions List on Spiritual Growth. This has been posted through the Belief page under the Spirituality topic.

Email Parish Webmaster

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Message for March, 2010 'A Letter from Ros'

Dear Friends,

In his monthly mailings (placed on the Diocesan Website ) Bishop Mike says this “Let me take this opportunity to say that I am praying that we all may grow in maturity of faith and commitment to Christ this Lent.”

Lent is a time of prayer. It is a time to remember our faults, be penitent, to commit to spiritual growth and to pray for the mission of God in the world.

Its 40 days mirror the time that Jesus spent in the wilderness after His baptism and its place leading up to Easter prepares us to remember the death and the resurrection of Christ.

For some, this may be fasting, for others, being self disciplined (giving up something we enjoy, kicking a bad habit) and for many, it will involve recommitment to, and prayer for, the mission of God in the world. Each one of us are called to grow in our faith journey, to use the gifts we are given and to find our purpose in life.

To paraphrase:

It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long ago Christ had his eye on us…part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. (Ephesians 1:11,12 taken from The Message) In Christ’s name, may you be blessed this Lent.

With best wishes,

Ros

Email Ros

Email Decia

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Up and Coming Events
Do take a look at the following both local and diocesan events. Further details of parish events can be found in "The Link" or email Wo Hill

Events
Tuesdays in Lent, starting 23rd February, Oldlands, Bannerleigh Rd, Leigh Woods. Time TBA (approx 10.30 - 12.00)
March 2,9,16,23 from 10-12 noon.
LENT COURSE BETTER Together - a course on relationships in five parts. Following the success of previous years, this York course features The Abbot of Ampleforth, John Bell, Nicky Gumbel and Jane Williams. The morning starts with coffee and chat. Then there's a short talk followed by an opportunity to explore some of the questions raised. Sessions are entitled: Family Relationships Relationships within the Church Relating to Strangers Broken Relationships Our Relationship with God This is open to everyone If you'd like a preview: York Courses If you would like to come but are unable to make day time meetings, please contact Rev Ros Wilson 0117 330 1610; Email Ros
Wednesday, 10th March - 12.30 Lunch
LENT LUNCH (your one opportunity to come) St Mary's Vestry Come enjoy the one and only Lent Lunch 2010. Meet up with old friends and new. Contribution to local charity (TBA) Queries (or offers of help) Contact: Gill Ogden: 0117 973 0596
Monday 15th March, 2-4pm
TEA TIME SPECIAL - Are you free on a Monday afternoon? At: St Mary's Vestry, Leigh Woods Come for a chat, a cup of tea and a piece of cake and invite your friends. Inclusive price: £1.50 to cover expenses MANY GO WITHOUT TTS is open to everybody. Contacts: Gill Ogden: 0117 973 0596 - Ros Wilson 0117 330 1610
Tuesday, 16th March, Greystones, Manor Lane, Abbots Leigh 10.00am to 11.00am
PRAYERS FOR THE PARISH This group meets once a month to pray for forthcoming events in our Parish, and for vital world news. Any personal prayers are said in complete confidentiality. We welcome requests for prayers. Everyone warmly welcome to drop in for a morning or join the group. Qs & Qs Tel: 01275 372406.
20TH MARCH 2010
HOLY TRINITY FUNDRAISING - CHARITY AUCTION – As part of the fundraising efforts for Holy Trinity Abbots Leigh, we plan to hold a fundraising auction & supper in March at Clifton College Sports pavilion. We hope to auction all sorts of items For example: days or weeks in holiday cottages, boats or barges; balloon flights or other activities; objets d’art; services – help with computers, wills, gardening days, dinner parties We hope you’ll come, but at this stage we are putting together the catalogue. If there is anything you feel able to contribute, whether in the list or something you think people would enjoy, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Amanda Webb on Amanda@jwclinic.com or 01275 372277 or either of the churchwardens. The appeal still has a long way to go - your help would be much appreciated - and you might enjoy it. Heather Wraith, Simon Holmes, churchwardens
Monday, 12th April, From 7.30pm
APCM - (The Annual Meeting of the United Parish The Vestry at St Mary's All welcome (if you wish to vote or stand for one of the councils, please ensure you are on the church Electoral Roll - ask one of the church wardens for assistance)
One for you?
The Children's Society Boxes Find out more about The Children's Society here Very many thanks to all you kind people who have filled your boxes this past year. A total of £580.18 was raised. This is a very worthwhile cause in these troubled times. The boxes are emptied every March so why not have one and pop in any spare change you have - it will make a difference to a child's life! Please contact me - Barbara Burt on 01275 374504 or e mail burtjfb@aol.com
Every Wednesday
WEDNESDAY EVENING MEN'S BIBLE GROUP Meets regularly at 21 Parklands Rd, Bower Ashton at 8.00pm. New members very welcome.
Notice
WELCOME PACK If you are new to the parish or know of people moving in, do contact with details Lesley Nash for Leigh Woods (0117 973 4168) and Wo Hill for Abbots Leigh (01275 372104) to receive a Welcome Pack.
What Better than "The Secrets of Happiness" this Christmas?
‘The 8 Secrets of Happiness’ Whether or not the reader is interested in spirituality, this book engages with issues they will care about, such as where to find joy, coping with stress and how to spend their time. But even as readers discover how to apply the secrets of happiness to their daily lives, they will be challenged to consider the spiritual issues related to each principle. Churches have already begun placing bulk orders of ‘The 8 Secrets of Happiness’ to use with their mums and toddlers groups. This approachable new book will help meet the need for connecting with the people not yet ready for Alpha. ‘The 8 Secrets of Happiness’, written by author and speaker Dr Martin Robinson and writer and broadcaster Paul Griffiths, is published by Lion Hudson. Reviews and additional information are available at www.the8secretsofhappiness.org.uk Further info: Contact Paul Griffiths on 01594 529 752 or e mail paul@dromtegga.freeserve.co.uk
Throughout the year
Courses and retreats for all Right on our doorstep is one of the UK's most dynamic centres of Christian Spirituality. The Roman Catholic Sisters welcome all who wish to attend courses, regardless of their faith. Do go to their site to review their huge range of courses and retreats right up until March 2009. www.emmaushouse.org.uk 1 day to 4 day courses Venue: Emmaus House, Clifton