The beginning of the Gospel of Luke from the Codex Petropolitanus, 9th century
3rd Sunday before Lent
Bible Readings: Jeremiah 17.5-10;
Psalm 1;
1 Corinthians 15.12-20;
Luke 6.17-26
“Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
Blessed are you who hunger now,
for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who weep now,
for you will laugh.
Blessed are you when people hate you,
when they exclude you and insult you
and reject your name as evil,
because of the Son of Man.
Weekly newsletter/blog and website
Please send all information for the Sunday newsletter/blog by Wednesday evening to Josie at penleeclusternewsletter@gmail.com. For anything else specifically website-related, please contact Chris at communications@penleecluster.org.uk. If you would like to write a reflection for the newsletter, please contact Josie for details of upcoming Sunday readings.
CLUSTER INFORMATION & EVENTS
Celtic Morning Prayer
Each weekday morning on zoom at 8am. The zoom meeting ID is 815 4586 0947. If you would like to attend, please email Keno at admin@penleecluster.org.uk (or call on 01736 331633) for the passcode, which you will need as well as the meeting ID given here.
Julian Prayer Group
The Julian Meeting will be on zoom this Sunday 16th, at 6pm. Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84734636130?pwd=NkMrMDNjTGpzbnorZEUrYVRJUTBkQT09
Prayer Requests
If you are concerned about someone and would like their name included in the Prayer Request Group’s weekly prayer list, please do email Mel at mlevesconte@hotmail.co.uk by 7pm on Tuesday evenings. Thank you.
NightChurch Update
NightChurch continues to provide a warm and welcoming space every Wednesday evening from 6pm to 8pm and on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays from 7pm to 11pm. This vibrant, multi generational community is built on fellowship, love and inclusivity, where everyone is heard and valued. There are many ways to support this wonderful outreach, through prayer for our volunteers and visitors, by coming along to get involved, and by letting others know. All are welcome!
As we look ahead to spring and the promise of lighter evenings, and after chatting with our visitors, we are excited to start some new activities. We will be gardening at St Mary’s reflecting on themes of nurture, growth, transformation and hope. If you would like to take part we would love you to join us. To help get us started, we are also in need of donations for spring bulbs and compost. If you can contribute, please let us know. Thank you for your continued support in making Night Church a place of connection. ‘Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.’ – NightChurch Team
Service for Josephine Lawrey
St. Mary’s Church – Saturday 1st March
There will be a celebration of the life of Josephine Lawrey who many of you will know was a faithful member of St Mary’s church for many years before illness prevented her from attending regularly. The service will be on Saturday 1st March at 12 noon at St. Mary’s Church and will be followed by a reception. You are all most welcome to join in this celebration.
World Day of Prayer service
St. Mary’s Church – Friday 7th March
Each year a service is written by a group from a different country; this year it was composed by the ladies of the Cook Islands. The same service is enjoyed across the globe, and we are delighted to be able to welcome all to join us at St. Mary’s Church on Friday 7th March at 10.30am. It is, as ever, a lovely way to discover more about people’s lives and to have the opportunity to thank God for His provision for us. The scripture chosen for this year is, ‘I made you wonderful! ‘ (Psalm 139, v.14). Do come and join us and be part of this extraordinary generous movement. – Mandy
Calling a Wounded Planet Home
Lent Course at St. Mary’s Church
Calling a Wounded Planet Home is a Lent course offered for the Cluster to be held in St Mary’s Church. It is based on Green Christian’s Lent offering which asks ‘What kind of people might we need to be to face the challenges of climate change?’ Here is a space to go deeper together, and a space of contemplation that can resource meaningful action. Covering topics of Love, Truth, Wisdom, Justice and Hope, this course uses Taize worship, prayer, Bible texts and silence to inform reflection and discussion on creation care and the climate crisis, with the potential for positive and grounded outcomes for both community and church. There will be no videos and laptops, with the emphasis being on a simple format of active listening, sharing and encouragement.
Sessions will be from 2.00pm – 3.00pm on Wednesdays 12th, 19th & 26th March and 2nd & 9th April in the Celtic Chapel. All welcome. Any questions to George at georgedow@greenchristian.org.uk.
OTHER INFORMATION & EVENTS
Epiphany House Quiet Day
Friday 21st February
The Franciscan Notes with Rev Olive Stevens and Margaret Miles
Epiphany House quiet days are an opportunity for prayer, reflection, and silence, fostering deeper connection with God. Quiet days cost £30.00 and include refreshments and a light lunch. Our February quiet day, from 10.00am – 4.00pm, is titled “The Franciscan Notes”. For over 800 years, St. Francis of Assisi has been celebrated for his love of nature and animals, but his life offers much more to explore. This session led by Olive and Margaret of the Third Order Franciscans, will delve into the humility, love, and joy that defined St. Francis, inviting participants to reflect on how these virtues connect to their own spiritual journeys. Through stories and writings, attendees will gain fresh perspectives on how St. Francis’s timeless wisdom can inspire and transform lives today.
Book your space online HERE
Or email bookings@epiphanyhouse.co.uk, or ring 01872 857953.
Together for the Church of England
Developing a church that celebrates diversity and inclusion
Devon & Cornwall Regional Conference
Friday 28th February
All are welcome to an evening conversation on zoom,
from 7.00pm – 9.00pm.
To join, please use these zoom details:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81884537726?pwd=IOQl56gptdg03oRjBsuGndOlfNcAqY.1
Meeting ID: 818 8453 7726
Passcode: 604142
For more information, please contact your local
Cornwall rep, Andrew Yates at yates252@btinternet.com
Hymn Along at High Street Methodist Church
Saturday 1st March
Come along to Hymn Along at High Street Methodist Church, from 11.00am – 12.00pm. ‘Make a joyful noise unto the Lord’ (Psalm 98 v4). For more information, please email Mandy Pearce elaineamandapearce@gmail.com. *This event is dementia friendly.
Consultation on the nomination of the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury
From the Church of England website: ‘The process to nominate the next Archbishop of Canterbury is underway, and we want to hear from you. Whether you are based in England or anywhere in the Anglican Communion, your views matter. This consultation invites you to share your thoughts on what qualities, values, and vision the future Archbishop should embody. This public consultation runs alongside consultation with key stakeholders from in and around the Church. Your feedback will play a vital role in shaping the decision-making process as we seek God’s guidance for the next Archbishop of Canterbury.’ For ways to submit your views and for more information, please see here: https://www.churchofengland.org/about/governance/archbishops/canterbury-crown-nominations-commission/consultation-nomination-106th-archbishop-canterbury
No, we’re not banning ‘gluten-free’ bread or ‘non-alcoholic’ wine
The Church of England recently put out the following statement: ‘Contrary to recent reports following a question asked by a General Synod member, the Church of England is not banning ‘gluten-free’ wafers nor ‘non-alcoholic’ wine at Communion. Church of England churches across the country routinely offer ‘gluten-free’ bread or ‘non-alcoholic’ wine at Holy Communion. Many professional ecclesiastical suppliers have long provided wine or bread which may contain tiny traces of alcohol or gluten which can legitimately be considered non-alcoholic or gluten free. Coeliac UK has a list of approved products:
https://www.coeliac.org.uk/frequently-asked-questions/can-i-eat-communion-wafers
We hope this helps clarify and avoid further confusion!’
Debt Advice
The Salvation Army offers debt advice services to people in this area. They are free, confidential and impartial. Please dial 01752 643955 to speak to a Debt Advisor from 10.00am until 4.00pm Monday to Friday or email cornwalldas@salvationarmy.org.uk.
