Fourth Sunday of Lent / Mothering Sunday 19th March 2023 Also Fifth Sunday of Lent / Passion Sunday 26th March 2023 Hello Everyone, Here’s a 2-week bumper edition! I’ve been at a zoom session introducing the Coronation Service this morning and wonder whether there is any interest in live streaming the service in church on the morning Saturday 6th May? We do now have the technology to offer this - at least in theory! Also, souvenir booklets of prayers for the Coronation of the King will be available soon – I’ve ordered 50 copies as I know they are selling fast so look out for them in church. (Donations of £1.10 appreciated) On Pentecost Sunday (11am 28th May) the service at the Cathedral includes Confirmation. If you are interested in being confirmed please let me know asap so we can start the preparation sessions. You will also need to be available for the rehearsal at the Cathedral on Sunday 14th May at 5.15pm. The sessions will be open to anyone who wants to find out more about the Christian faith. * This Sunday is Mothering Sunday and we will have an ‘All-age’ service of Holy Communion at 9.30am as well as a quiet said service of Holy Communion at 11.30am. Barry is busy making primula pots as gifts for Mothers. We’ve also got Wild Church in the churchyard this Sunday at 4pm * 26th March is Passion Sunday (and the clocks go forward that morning.) Our Area Dean, the Revd Phelim O’Hare will be the preacher at the 9.30am service. * Palm Cross Making Barbara Finch is again making Palm Crosses and would love people to join her in doing this from 2.30pm – c4.30pm (or for as long as you are able) on Monday 27th March in one of the public rooms at Ash Grove, next to Northfield Baptist Church * there will be a meeting open to all at 7pm Wednesday 29th March in the Pastoral Centre to discuss the arrangements when we go into Vacancy following my retirement. We are trying to identify all that needs to be covered and invite ‘the baptised people of God’ to pray and participate in all the opportunities on offer going forward. Holy Week looks like this * Palm Sunday (2nd April) 9.30am service including distribution of Palm Crosses. It is also Revd Theresa’s last Sunday so at the end of the service there will be a presentation followed by tea/coffee and cakes in the Pastoral Centre. Also 8.30am Sunday School Service and 4pm Wild Church * Mon, Tue, Wed Compline 8.30pm by phone * Maundy Thursday 7.30pm Maundy Liturgy and Holy Communion with (optional) vigil till 9.30pm * Good Friday – 10am Hot Cross Bun Service - 12noon – 3pm The Three Hours to include Dramatic Passion Reading - see below - 7pm Stations of the Cross outside * Holy Saturday – setting up church in morning No Services * Easter Sunday (9th April) - 9.30am Sunday Holy Communion (all-age) - 11.30am Said HC (No Sunday School Service or Wild Church Easter Sunday) ALSO Dramatic Passion Reading – We are hoping to read the dramatized Passion from St. Matthew’s Gospel during the Three Hours on Good Friday (7th April). To do this we need 8 people who will commit to being there on Good Friday afternoon and to coming to rehearsals on Good Friday morning at 9.30 and the afternoon of Palm Sunday (2nd April) at 2.30. If you are prepared to commit to this, please write your details on the sheet at the back of Church by 26th March. Janice Wones. Following more discussion at the recent PCC meeting we confirmed our decision (with one abstention) to re-introduce the “Common Cup” on Easter Sunday as accords with canon law and Anglican theology. It was in May last year that this was first permitted as the pandemic risks decreased. Most CofE churches have now re-introduced this and have stopped offering ‘simultaneous administration’ of the bread and the wine which is what we have been doing. When we start to offer wine from the chalice everyone who receives HC will be offered the bread and then there will be the choice of either receiving wine by drinking from the chalice or simply returning to your seat. The CofE is clear that Christ is fully present in both bread and wine so everyone will receive the fullness of Christ whether in bread and wine or bread alone. Suspending the common cup was a wise decision during the pandemic but it is generally accepted that by using a silver chalice and relatively strong communion wine, the risks of transmitting illnesses is low. However, we do ask that we care for one another so if you have a cold sore please do not receive the wine and if you are feeling unwell please remain at home. After the service today and on 26th March there will be a short training session for those who administer Holy Communion (and those considering their invitation to take up this ministry) Fair Trade Easter Eggs can be ordered through church – sign up sheet at back of church Milk choc eggs are £4.50 Dark choc eggs are £5.50 Fun Pack including 6 milk choc midi eggs and Easter story activities. £5 More information https://meaningfulchocolate.co.uk/collections/real-easter-egg Meanwhile the Lent Group continues on Tuesdays at 7.30 -8.30pm in the Pastoral Centre (upstairs hall).  Each session is ‘stand-alone.’ It is based on the book "Eavesdropping - learning to pray from those who talked to Jesus" by Henry Martin but you don’t need your own copy. If you could let Marianna know in advance that would be helpful. e-mail marina.melville@btinternet.com or tel 07967011387 We are looking forward to the Safeguarding Workshop on Saturday 18th March which runs from 10am – 1pm and will include lunch – the chips have been ordered! Please arrive at the Pastoral Centre between 9.50 – 10am. You can do the course on-line at home. Please e-mail Revd Theresa if you would like details Thank you to the Holy Dusters Team for cleaning the church on Tuesday. We can spot the difference Saturday 25th March is the Feast of the Annunciation – only 9 months till Christmas! The Mothers’ Union is organising a service of Holy Communion in church at 11.30am followed by soup in the Pastoral Centre. Sadly, we have had to close off some areas of the church until we can do the next stage of repairs to the ceiling. We received the architect’s report a few days ago and feel that it is prudent to close off the few areas which are particularly risky. We immediately got the report off to the Diocesan Advisory Committee for permission to do the repairs and hope to schedule around summer weddings without having to close the church. Also from Janice Wones: KNITTERS – Would you like to do a Lenten project? Would you like to knit one or two pairs of matching hearts? I will collect them as you finish them, or at Easter if you prefer. I will then pass them on to the NHS to be included in memory boxes or given to people affected by dementia. I will leave a few patterns at the back of church. I will get more copied if and when those are taken. Janice adds…. I have just bought a big bag of stuffing. If you have not got any stuffing for your pairs of knitted hearts, bring them (preferably  knitted and partially sewn up) to church or the pastoral centre on Sunday and you can have some of mine. 100 Club - The third prize draw of the year for March took place Tuesday 14 Mar at the coffee morning gathering in The Black Horse. The winners were Anne Stock £20 number 36, Chris Michael £15 number 89, John Orchard £10 number 11. Congratulations to them. For more information about the 100 Club click the link below. https://www.dropbox.com/sh/six83upf790owh2/AACqy5Qb7lgAH6vG3c3UnrSLa?dl=0  Art Installations in St Francis Church, Thursday 16th to Sunday 26th March St Francis Church, Bournville is hosting the Gethsemane Garments and Bald Statements art installations which are kindly on loan from the Westhill Endowment.  Each installation explores the journeys we may travel through our emotional responses to personal loss, the world, and the hope of the future.  Open for browsing and light refreshments * Sat 18th & 25th March 10am – 12noon * Thursday 23 March 10.30 – 12.30pm * And a led reflection on Thursday 23rd March 7pm It was great to be at St David’s on Tuesday for the induction and collation of Fr Paul Cho as Vicar. We pray for him at the start of this new ministry – and especially that he and family will be able to move into the Vicarage soon. Fr David and Anne Pycock managed to attend despite their removal van having been loaded that day and, hopefully, now unloaded in Sherfield on Loddo, near Basingstoke. David will be licensed to the benefice of Stratfied with Saye with Hartley Wespall and Stratfield Turgis and Bramley on 27 March. Elaine Clements is planning to attend the service. Thinking ahead * On the day of Revd Theresa’s licensing at St Bartholomew’s (23rd April) there will NOT be a 9.30am service at St Laurence but there will be short, said Holy Communion service at 4pm. Please pray for Theresa and her family at this time of change. * * We’re having a Christian Aid Plant stall on Sunday 11th June (we had planned to have it in May but it wasn’t working out!) Please do sow a few extra seeds and start taking cuttings ready for the sale. Around the Deanery The most recent Deanery Newsletter is available here https://bit.ly/KMNSFeb23 and there is a paper copy in the Church Porch Community News Online Armchair Yoga Session. This is a free class open to anyone who can access zoom who is over 75 in Birmingham. The start date is Thursday 23rd March 13:30. You can sign up through the following link: apply to activity groups (reengage.org.uk)   Eco Tip: Many supermarkets will now recycle carrier bags, crisp and biscuit wrappers and food puches - anything which springs back when you crumple it; but make sure they are clean. Finally, congratulations to Sam Brownsword (member of Larry’s and communicant) who is the U16 2022/23 CHAMPION in the West Midlands Cyclo Cross League. Find out more https://www.facebook.com/100057642722080/posts/625411926056893/ Blessings, Canon Janet For your prayers: Stuart Andrew: receiving chemo treatment for throat cancer Brenda Ambridge: now home from hospital following her fall Pete Coyne: still stable Richard Barber and family Angela Hayes:   (Mother of Tim Hayes): gradually getting better   Those who have died: Maurice Withey: funeral was in church on Thursday 16th March Michael Russell: funeral in church 1.30pm on Wednesday 29th March Dorothy Green: funeral in church 11.45am on Friday 31st March and all are very welcome to join the family at the Old Rose and Crown Hotel, Rose Hill, Lickey, Rednal, Birmingham, B45 8RT afterwards. Please let Rowena know if you would like to attend including afterwards any dietary requirements. We continue to consider and pray together for the Vacancy in See process,  Gracious and Loving God, in Christ you make all things new. As we pray for the call of our new bishop, we thank you that the whole earth, its people and places, are equally precious to you. By your Spirit, clothe us with power from on high, and hold our hopes and fears in your love. Grant us the needful gifts of grace to shine with Christ’s light throughout our communities, and to work with you to grow your church and transform your world. In the name of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, Amen SERVICES AND MEETINGS COMING UP Saturdays 10am – 11.30am Church Open 10am – 1pm Safeguarding Training (19th March) 11.30am Holy Communion for the Annunciation (25th March) 2.30 – 4.30pm Oversight Area Meeting (25th March) Church Pastoral Centre Church Pastoral Centre Sundays  NO Sunday School Service on 19th March as Family Service at 9.30am in church 8.30am 26th March onwards (until Easter Sunday) Sunday School Service Please remember to book https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/170206735929 bookings close at 2pm the previous day. 9.30am Holy Communion with hymns This will be a Family Service with Church Parade In church by zoom and zoom-phone https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84533030134 Meeting ID: 845 3303 0134 11.30 Said Holy Communion (19th March) Church 4pm Wild Church (19th March & 2nd April) Churchyard Mondays 9.30am Stay and Play 11am Short Service (20th March) Pastoral Centre At Chatham Place 5pm Evening Prayer by zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89992167638 Meeting ID 89992167638 Tuesdays 8am St L. Schools’ Staff Eucharist (21st March) 5pm Evening Prayer by zoom Church 7.30pm Lent Group Pastoral Centre Wednesdays 10am Holy Communion 1.30pm Funeral of Michael Russell (29th March) In church and by Conference Call 0117 463 6922 Code 1139# In church 5.15 - 6pm Bible Study on coming Sunday’s readings by zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89992167638 Meeting ID 89992167638 8.30pm Compline Use above phone number Thursdays 2-3pm Handbells Church 3.15pm Larry’s (after school club 11+) Pastoral Centre Fridays 11.45am Funeral of Dorothy Green (31st March) 7.30 – 9pm Bell Ringing Practice Church Also - You can Phone a Service 24 hours a day! freephone 0800 804 8044 for Daily Hope offers music, prayers and reflections as well as full worship services from the Church of England. And to hear one of the St Laurence Ministers preaching: 0121 270 4690 These are changed after the services on Sundays and Wednesdays (usually by early evening) Peter Chapman is now making Sunday and Wednesday sermons available as Podcasts: via: Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/show/16wZUENutAJSTu5a4nPDde Apple at  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sermons-from-st-laurence-church-northfield/id1603832487 and on other Podcast players the generic address is https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1915174.rss ALSO there is now a player for the sermon podcasts at the foot of the 'Worship' page on the Church web site which allows the sermons to be played directly from that page. CONTACT DETAILS PARISH OFFICE Lorraine Freeman (Parish Administrator) The Office is open weekdays (except Wed) 9am – 12noon enquiries@saintlaurence.info 0121 475 1518 RECTOR Canon Janet Chapman On leave: Tues – Friday 21-24 March janet.rectory@gmail.com 0121 477 3111 ASSISTANT CURATE Revd Theresa Morton Day off: Friday theresa.curate@gmail.com 07557472096 READER Janice Wones Day off: Friday janice.wones@talktalk.net 0121 459 7417 ALSO Northfield Community Partnership (NCP) Hub 0121 411 2157 email info@northfieldcommunity.org or just drop in at the NCP Hub, 693 Bristol Road South, Northfield, B31 2JT Church Website: www.stlaurencenorthfield.org Twitter: @stlaurenceb31 Rector: @janetchapman5 Facebook www.facebook.com/StLaurenceChurchNorthfield YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/stlaurencenorthfield Safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility. If you need to contact someone regarding a church safeguarding concern (adults or children), please call our Parish Safeguarding Co-ordinator, Rowena Nicholls, on 07724 170448. If you have an urgent concern for the safety of yourself or someone else, call 999. Sadly, some people have been abused by someone from a church. “Safe Spaces” is a free, independent support service providing a confidential personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused by someone from a church or as a result of their relationship with the Church of England, the Catholic Church in England and Wales, or the Church in Wales. Although funded by the churches it is run by the independent charity, Victim Support. If you have been affected, however long ago, they can provide you with support. You do not have need to have told the police or the church authorities. Your information will not be shared without your consent unless you or someone else is in danger. Telephone 0300 303 1056 for more information. St Laurence Church Northfield is Registered Charity 1132975