A WORD FROM ... Paul Kerry

Dear Friends,

It was such a joy to share such an amazing verse with us all recently. It was from Isaiah 43v1, where God assures the hearts of his people with the words: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine”.

The words came just after Liverpool had won the Champions League. The name of their club etched into the trophy, the names of their players sung from the terraces, the name of their manager inscribed in football’s hall of fame.

I suspect our names have never received such honour or dignity. Maybe for some of us, our names have been given the opposite treatment before. But the wonderful truth of Isaiah 43 is that our names are sung in heaven. God himself calls out our names with the joy and delight of someone calling a child to run into their arms.

The reason Liverpool’s name was so hallowed recently was because of their success, triumph and achievement. But the wonderful news of the gospel is that our names aren’t on God’s lips because of any merit, religious act or work of ours, but because of the free love of God, and the merit of his son Jesus alone.

This month, no matter what we have or haven’t done, no matter how low others might have treated our name, would we find comfort in the staggering thought that God calls us by name. And, would we respond.

Yours In Christ,

Paul

CHURCH BELLS UPDATE

On Friday 3rd May, we had a group of visiting bell ringers in the early evening. One of them, Colin Turner, is the world record holder in bell ringing. He has rung the most peals, 7,571 (5,000 changes, usually 3 hours non-stop ringing)! The closest to him is Alan Regin, with 5,947.

The church was swamped with bell ringers from all over Cumbria on the afternoon of 11th May as St Bridget’s hosted the annual striking competitions – to see which team can produce the most even ringing.

We also rang the bells for two weddings this month. Both wonderful occasions.

PCC UPDATE

PCC UPDATE

We are deeply humbled by and thankful for the faithful service the PCC offers month by month. Following this year’s APCM, we are delighted to welcome Carol Perry and Susan Plummer onto the PCC for the first time, alongside the current members: Paul Kerry (CHAIR), Jim Barwise (VICE CHAIR), Barbara Southwell (SECRETARY), Pauline Morphew, Richard Wilkinson, Dorothy Bragg, Anne Denwood, Mandy Wright, and Dennis Billington. We also want to say a particular thank you to Glad Morris, who has served with wisdom and deep prayerfulness during her time with us on the PCC.

LENT DONATIONS

Thank you to everyone who put money in the collection box for RELEASE INTERNATIONAL (www.releaseinternational.org.); an important organisation for their work amongst Christians who are persecuted for their faith. We will have the box in church for another couple of weeks if you still want to make a donation.

A WORD FROM … Paul Kerry

Dear Friends,

“Does the school still come in to the church?” This is a question many of us often hear from people in the parish who remember days of special services, parade events and other visits. Our church still has a special place in the hearts of our communities; not least the other centres of those communities - the schools. 

Developed alongside the new headteacher at Parton and others, we are trialling a new initiative called “School Sunday”, which will take place on a second Sunday in the month. The idea is that children, families and staff from one of our schools will come and share what they’ve been learning in the way of a Christian value, and a song. 

This will happen during the slot normally designed for children in the service and will be followed by the children heading up to Sunday School as normal. Sunday School on School Sunday is a bit of a mouthful but also has a nice ring to it! 

As mentioned in church, this will initially be led every other month by the church school in our parish St. Bridget’s Parton, but will provide opportunities for the other schools in our parish to be involved too, if they would like. 

Regardless of what the uptake is, this is another step our church can make to extend the welcome of Jesus to our community in a way that is accessible to, enjoyable for, and creatively involving them. Would you join me as we enter May in praying for a successful and welcoming first “School Sunday.” 

Yours in Christ,

Paul