What's On 
'At this time of year, we are all called to listen and respond to God's calling of each one of us in humility and repentance, so that Christ's death and resurrection at the end of Lent can bring the renewal, response and reconciliation that we so long for.'                                                       Archbishops Justin and John  

 

NEW! AN OPPORTUNITY TO WORSHIP AT HOME 

                                   Click on https://youtu.be/RCPraoqk3sI  

         THIS WEEK'S NEWS SHEET IS AT 29th March 2020 The Fifth Sunday of Lent

 

 

Lent

 

WELCOME

 We extend a warm welcome to you from the Churches of the Canalside Benefice, which includes Staverton, Hilperton and Hilperton Marsh, Whaddon and Semington.  As those who have discovered the joy of following Jesus, we seek to serve our villages in any way we can.  If you have any questions about anything on this site, do get in touch. 

THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

          PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL ACTS OF PUBLIC WORSHIP AND                  OTHER EVENTS HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED AT THIS TIME 

 

At this time of worldwide and national crisis, we are holding everyone in prayer. Morning Prayer is being said by our clergy everyday and Rev John will be leading a service at home on Sundays on behalf of everyone in the Benefice. We hope to broadcast this service on this website so watch this space!

Click on Coronavirus Pandemic response for information about support we can offer you during the outbreak. Online resources for prayer and worship for personal use can be found at Resources for adults to use at home and Resources for families to use at home. These pages will be updated regularly. If you need to talk to someone or need practical support, do ring Rev John Rees on 01225 764365 or Rev Joy Albone on 07931 638524.

 

                                 Mothering Sunday

 Rev John celebrating Holy Communion on Mothering Sunday in St Michael's Hilperton

 

Click on  https://www.youtube.com (...) to hear a message from the Bishop of Ramsbury.

                                                    POEM 

This poem, written by an American Catholic, speaks of the hope the author has that good will come out of this frightening and difficult time.  The core message of the Christian faith is that, through Jesus, good triumphs over evil and that God cares for us and can give us peace at difficult times.

 "When this is over, may we never again take for granted

A handshake with a stranger

Full shelves at the store

Conversations with neighbours

A crowded theatre

Friday night out

The taste of communion

A routine checkup

The school rush each morning

Coffee with a friend

The stadium roaring

Each deep breath

A boring Tuesday

Life itself.

 

When this ends

may we find

that we have become

more like the people

we wanted to be

we were called to be

we hoped to be

and may we stay

that way — better

for each other

because of the worst."

 

 Laura Kelly Fanucci

 

 

                                         SAFEGUARDING 

The Churches of the Canalside Benefice take their responsibilities surrounding the safeguarding of children, young people and adults who may be at risk very seriously, and works in partnership with the Diocese of Salisbury to ensure that we work in accordance with best practice at all times.  

Click on Safeguarding  to read our policies and details of whom to contact.

 

Revd John Rees, Rector.