Off to a New Year, New Start, in the Benefice!

This is the full report sent to this weeks Chronicle which will be published in the Villages Column next Friday:

We are back after a 3 week break over the Christmas period but what a busy few weeks we had in the Benefice even though we do not have a Rector at this time. All the usual Christmas services took place in all three parishes but the main service, the Midnight Eucharist at St Mary’s, was led by Bishop Richard, the Bishop of Bedford. It was a well attended and was a lovely service. Thanks to Bishop Richard for stepping in to run the service this year.

Last Sunday our first regular service of 2020 was the Friends and Family service led by Rdr Simon Gutteridge, in the absence of Wendy, our usual leader who was unwell. We wish Wendy a speedy recovery. The theme for this first service of the year was “Kings and Gifts” and Rdr Simon took us through the story of the Three Kings, sometimes known as the Three Wise Men, and how they arrive at Jesus’ birthplace bearing gifts and the meaning of the gifts of Gold, Frankinsense and Myrrh. These items have remained important in Christianity ever since. It was a lovely service and got our church calendar off to a good start. Next week we have retired Priest the Rev Judi Clarke, leading our monthly Choral Holy Communion Service.

Our First Steps toddler and baby group will be meeting on Friday after their Christmas break, in the church hall at the usual time of 9.30am. Further details about the group from Sandy on 01767 260430. Morning Prayer services will be held next week, at Sutton Church on Thursday, and on Tuesday and Friday at St Mary’s, all services at 9am. These services maybe cancelled at short notice if no leader is available. Every Friday afternoon at 2.45pm, a service is held at Sutton Church for all those in the Benefice who want to end the week with quiet prayer and communion with others. All are welcome.

To book a family event service, a wedding, baptism etc. please contact the church office on 01767 261202, please leave a message stating the reason for your enquiry, if necessary, and you will be contacted to discuss your requirements. E-mail: benefice.com@gmail.com To book the Church Hall for an event, please contact Sandy on 01767 260430

All other church activities, and any changes, can be found on our website: www.pottonparishchurch.org.uk and on our Facebook page with the very latest updated information

Services at St Mary’s Church, unless shown otherwise, for Sunday January 12th: 9am Benefice Holy Communion (Said) 9am Matins at Sutton Church 10.30am Choral Holy Communion 3pm Evensong at Cockayne Hatley Church

Potton Parish Lunch

On Friday, January 31st at 12.45pm, in St Mary’s Hall, the St John’s Hospice Moggerhanger, Potton Support Group, sponsored by St Mary’s Church, are holding their monthly Parish Lunch. This month we will present the Hospice with the proceeds of the lunches held in 2019. We have table vacancies if anyone would like to join us. No need to book!