Ss. Simon & Jude Church, Cockshutt
The mellow days of Winter continue. After a brief cold snap, it is a little milder. The Snowdrops, after lifting of our spirits earlier in the year, are coming to an end, whilst the golden Daffodils are ready to bloom; a definite sign of warmer days ahead! Take a walk in the Churchyard and you will observe a good many busy birds foraging around for nesting material.
Here at Ss. Simon & Jude, January ended with our service for the Principal Feast of Candlemas (which falls on the 2nd of February). The Service was led by The Reverend Karen Davies (retired). The Old Testament reading took us back to 1 Samuel, where the Lord calls Samuel, “Samuel! Samuel!” and the latter’s immortal response, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 10). Her sermon was based on (Luke 2, 22-40), where the holy child is presented to Simeon and Anna in the Temple. Among the hymns, we sang was the thoughtful “Here I am Lord”. It was a beautiful service.
Our first Messy Church of the year was held on 21st January and we are really pleased to have Fr. Gareth on board! Despite the terrible storm, we met as usual and felt snug and safe inside our old Church. Our next Messy Church was held on 18th February, where we began “Walking through Lent”.
On the 11th February, with the vestments now changed to Green (Ordinary Time) our Service was led by Fr. Gareth Ingham with Canon Alan Fell (retired) who preached on the Transfiguration of our Lord (Mark 9: 2-9) and the clumsiness of Peter, who like us, struggled with the momentous happening before his eyes.
Ash Wednesday fell on 14th February and marked the beginning of Lent. The Church vestments have now been changed to Purple and all flowers removed. We hosted the Ashing with the Imposition of Ashes and Holy Communion Service for the Benefice, during which our foreheads were marked with ash crosses, a symbol of our own mortality and sin. A moving Service, it was led by The Reverend John Darch (retired) who also led the Sunday Service on 25th February.
Despite the cold weather, there continues to be a steady trickle of visitors to the Church, who leave many thoughtful and appreciated comments.
All credit (no pun intended!) to Mike Gareh our Treasurer, who ensures that we are able to pay for the heating bills; on Sunday mornings (and other activities) the Church is always a warm and comfortable place to be. Thanks also to Fay who quietly comes in and cleans our Church.
Please remember, everyone is invited to all our Services; all are welcome to visit at the Church at any time (during daylight hours!)
With our very best wishes,
Cathy and John
Feature image: Narcissus_flowers, WikiCommons, PD.