Third Sunday of Epiphany
22nd January 2023
‘The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.’ Isaiah 9. 2. Image by Revd Jess, see Bible Art below for commentary.
The rest of the world has already left Christmas behind, but within the church that joyful season of celebration continues through the successive Sundays of Epiphany. The festive cycle ends when we reach Candlemas next Sunday. We hope you can join us as the celebration of the incarnation continues.
This is also the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The theme this year is unity amidst injustice.
A Special Prayer for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Dear Lord, We long for real unity in the midst of injustice. We remember the life of Stephen Lawrence. We commemorate the 30th anniversary of his death. Comfort his family and all those who knew and loved him. We thank you for those in your church who advocate for racial justice.
We pray you will strengthen their resolve.
May their work change attitudes. Will you raise up a new generation of allies. May institutions be completely transformed,
So the last will be the first,
The least will receive the most,
The lost may find a place to belong.
Move us from an attitude of tolerance,
To a disposition of embrace. May we stand against racial injustice. Stand with those who are marginalised. Stand as one church for all you stood for. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Collect
God of all mercy,
your Son proclaimed good news to the poor,
release to the captives,
and freedom to the oppressed:
anoint us with your Holy Spirit
and set all your people free
to praise you in Christ our Lord.
Readings
1 Kings 17.8-16, Psalm 36.5-10,1 Corinthians 1.18-31, John 2.1-11
Rest in Peace
It is with sadness that we let you know that Jackie Martin died last week, a long-time member of the church. Her funeral will be the afternoon of Thursday 2nd February (time to be confirmed) at the Good Shepherd. Our prayers go to her husband Chris and all their family. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.
Funeral
A service of thanksgiving for the life of Barbara Rogers will be held at the Good Shepherd Wednesday 8th February at 12noon. All welcome. If you would like to go to the Harbour Club afterwards for refreshments, please let the family know (for catering purposes) – text 07952 958186.
Altar Flowers The flowers this week are sponsored by Jenny Stride in memory of her loving mother Mary White.
New arrangements for Communion
The numbers of people coming forward for Communion has grown, so the ministry team has decided that this year we will return to two stations at the altar offering bread and wine. Please come forward and go to either side of the altar to receive. It is sufficient to receive bread alone if you prefer not to take the cup.
The Fellowship Lunch this month will be on 22nd Jan at Joy’s, 3, Kings Walk. New people are welcome. Please ask if you would like to find out more about it. Existing members please note that the 22nd is the 4th Sunday in Jan (because we usually meet on the 3rd Sunday in the month). Joy Daintree.
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) 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.
Half-term fun for children Please spread the word if you know of any families who might be interested.
Healing Prayer One of our prayer ministry team is available after most service in the side chapel for individual healing prayer (not the first Sunday of the month).
Taizé for Healing, Sunday 5th February, 6pm.
Free Debt Counselling Christians Against Poverty offers a new free debt counselling service running from the Shoreham Baptist Church. This is face to face, confidential and non-judgemental. In the first instance contact Denise Edwards on 07706140822 or drop in to a coffee morning on Wednesdays 10am-12 noon for an informal chat.
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. We need donations of chocolate, Prosecco, toiletries in order to put together some indulgent raffle prizes. Offers of help and support in any way are always welcome. Speak to Jill Charlish.
And finally…Thanks to Nix and our lovely volunteers who helped with the first Beach Social Café this week. Why not come to the Tuesday morning service and stay on for a cuppa and chat afterwards.
I work half-time and the days I am usually available are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday (morning).
Revd Jane
Services this Week Sunday 22nd January
8am – Holy Communion with Revd Jane
10am – Parish Communion with Revd Andrew
Tuesday 24th January
9.30am – Holy Communion with Revd Peter
Wednesday 25th January
6pm – Celtic Evening Prayer on Zoom
CLICK HERE
Meeting ID: 868 1252 3106
Passcode: 960274
Friday 27th January
8am – Meditation with Morning Prayer at St Mary de Haura
Saturday 28th January
8am – Morning Meditation In 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.