Second Sunday before Lent
12th February 2023
Image by Revd Jess, see Bible Art below for commentary. Genesis 1.1 ‘The earth was a formless void.’
We move during this short season of Ordinary Time closer towards Lent. Details are included below as to how you can join a Lent group this year. Groups are being run across the benefice and the course has been written by Revd Andrew. We are also planning a Lent art workshop on Saturday 4th March, 2pm to 5pm. More information below. We hope you can join us.
Collect
Almighty God,
give us reverence for all creation
and respect for every person,
that we may mirror your likeness
in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Readings
Genesis 1.1 - 2.3, Psalm 136 or
Psalm 136.1-9,23-26,
Romans 8.18-25, Matthew 6.25-34
Do you enjoy singing? Would you like to be part of the church choir but don't want the commitment of rehearsing every Thursday night? Then maybe you will be interested in this idea - a second choir at COGS. We could call it the 'Occasional Singers'. I think you'll agree that the regular church choir gives a strong lead at church services. However, when we want to do a 'special item' for Easter or Christmas, or some other special occasion, we often find that we need more singers to cover the parts. That is where the Occasional Choir would come in! We could meet one morning in the church to learn special items for festival services. This Easter Sunday we will be singing 'Glorious Risen Christ'. Do come and join us! We would only have to meet for about 6 weeks before an event and then we could disband until the next time. If you are interested there is a sign-up sheet at the back of the church. I will need your email addresses and mobile phone number and indicate which mornings would suit you best. Fiona
Bob’s Card Sale On Sunday 12th February in the church hall after the 10am Sunday Service. Any previous used cards would be much appreciated, please hand to Bob or leave in church porch. Thank you. (All proceeds to the Church of the Good Shepherd.)
Lent Course Our Lent course this year is being run jointly across the benefice. It has been written by Revd Andrew and is called The Love You Had at First. It has a focus on love, both divine and human, and contains reflections on scripture, art and music.
There will be four groups running that are open to both churches, and our hope is that there will be mixing of people from COGS and St Marys at each group. It’s an opportunity to build our fellowship.
Monday 2pm – COGS – led by Judy Short and Glen Edey
Monday 7pm – St Mary’s Vicarage – led by Revd Andrew
Tues 2pm – COGS – led by Revd Steve
Weds 3pm – Parish Centre – led by Revd Jane and Jenny Stride
Full details about dates, times and how to sign up are available at the back of church after the services. The course booklets are also available (suggested donation £2). You might follow the course on your own if you are not able to join a group. We hope you will be able to participate and deepen your Lenten journey.
Children & Families Role, COGS Following a dedicated and fruitful ministry by Daisy who is moving on to new adventures, the Church of the Good Shepherd will be looking to recruit a new Children and Families Worker to begin in early 2023. This part-time (3 hours a week or more for the right person) role would suit someone who enjoys nurturing faith amongst children and young people and would benefit from some extra income. Please spread the word widely and contact Revd Andrew if you are interested: vicar@stmarydehaura.org.uk.
World Day of Prayer 2023 This will be taking place in the Good Shepherd, Friday 3rd March, 2pm. All invited and welcome to the service, which will be followed by light refreshments. This year’s theme:” I have heard about your faith”. Prepared by Christian women of TAIWAN. For further information wwdp.org.uk. Or if you are willing to help in any way (with refreshments or with the service) especially as we are hosting the service this year your help would be most appreciated! Please speak to Elizabeth after church or tel. 01903 531366.
Half-term fun for children Please spread the word if you know of any families who might be interested. Booking closes on Sunday 12th February.
The next Fellowship Lunch will be on Sunday 19th February at 3, Kings Walk.
Amazingly it is still only £5 for a 2-course lunch followed by table games and chat, getting to know other church members better. Please put your name on the list this Sunday or next at the latest. Joy Daintree tel: .01273 462584
Valentine’s Fundraiser Saturday 11th February, 12noon to 3pm. Our first fundraising event of 2023.
Cream teas, (coffee and Prosecco available!) crafts, cards, tombola, and raffle. We welcome back Cheryl who will entertain us with some beautiful songs during the afternoon.
Lent Art Workshop with Revd Jane and local arts educator Claire Lemmon, who runs classes at the Circular Space in Shoreham. We learn about the fourth century desert fathers and mothers and choose one of their wisdom sayings as inspiration for an art project that can be displayed in church during Lent. All materials provided. All skill levels welcome.
Turkey-Syria Earthquake There will be a collection in church next Sunday (19th) for this appeal.
Ash Wednesday We are offering two services in the benefice – 7.30pm at St Mary de Haura, and 10am at the Good Shepherd. You are welcome at either service.
And finally…
Palm crosses are needed to make the ash for Ash Wednesday. If you have any from last year you can contribute, please leave them in the basket at the back of church. Thank you.
I work half-time and the days I am usually available are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday (morning). Blessings, Revd Jane
Services this Week Sunday 12th February
8am – Holy Communion with Revd Jane
10am – Parish Communion with Revd Jane
Tuesday 14th February
9.30am – Holy Communion with Revd Peter
Wednesday 15th February
6pm – Celtic Evening Prayer on Zoom
CLICK HERE
Meeting ID: 868 1252 3106
Passcode: 960274
Friday 17th February
8am – Meditation with Morning Prayer at St Mary de Haura
Saturday 18th February
8am – Morning Meditation At the Good Shepherd and also on Zoom. Meeting ID: 166073397 (no password needed) Click here LINK
Contacts
Revd Jane Bartlett Email: bartlett.jane@ntlworld.com Tel: 079355 38085.
Revd Andrew Bennison Email: revandrewbennison@gmail.com Tel: 01273 454914
Church wardens Kay Haffenden, Angela Tritton and deputy warden Penny Humphrey email: office@cogschurchwardens.co.uk
Safeguarding Officer Emma Purser 07786651886
Children’s Ministry Daisy Durrant email: cogssundayschool10@gmail.com
Parish centre and hall bookings Tel: 01273 440202
Prayer chain (for emergency prayer) Liz Beeston 01273 454685
Notices for next week should be sent to Revd Jane by Wednesday 12noon. bartlett.jane@ntlworld.com
Church website: www.goodshepherdshorehambeach.org.uk
To donate to the Church of the Good Shepherd online CLICK HERE Thank you. If you are reading this newsletter on a paper copy and would like to receive it each week through email please contact: cogsenews@gmail.com
Evening Prayer is said Tuesday to Saturday, 5.30pm at St Mary de Haura. On Monday it is 5.30pm on Zoom. If you want to attend the Zoom service on Monday contact Revd Steve for the link. Email: shorehamcurate@gmail.com Morning Prayer is said Monday to Wednesday, 8.30am at St Mary de Haura.