WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH
SUNDAY 5th FEBRUARY 2017
THE FOURTH SUNDAY BEFORE LENT
This Week at St Mary’s
Tuesday 7th February
7.45pm Bell Ringing Practice
Friday 10th February
7pm Choir Practice
Sunday 12th February
8am Holy Communion
10am Parish Eucharist
THIS WEEKS BIBLE READINGS
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Mark 6: 53-end
Mark 7:1-13
Mark 7: 14-23
Mark 7: 24-30
Mark 7: 31-end
Mark 8: 1-10
Website: www.stmarys-balcombe.org
FAMILY SERVICE READING SIMEON AND ANNA
When Jesus was one week old, Mary and Joseph held the
usual ceremony to promise their son to God and officially
name Him. They also made a trip from Bethlehem to
Jerusalem. It was traditional for Jewish families to take
their first son to the temple there to give thanks to God and
make a sacrifice of two doves or pigeons.
In Jerusalem, there lived an old man whose name was
Simeon. He was a holy man and had always tried his best
to live a good life. God had promised Simeon a reward for
his lifetime of faithful service. He promised that he would
not die without seeing the Messiah who was to save the
world. For years Simeon longed for this wonderful day to
come.
On the morning when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus into
the temple, Simeon was already there. God’s Holy Spirit
had spoken to him earlier, telling him that the day had
finally arrived. Simeon hurried to the temple straight
away. As soon as the old man caught sight of the tiny baby,
he immediately knew who He was.
“Thanks, be to God,” he cried, taking the little bundle in his
arms. “Now I can die in peace because I have seen the
saviour who will bring glory to Israel and spread the Word
of God to everyone on Earth.” Mary and Joseph were
amazed. “your little child is a sign from God,” Simeon
continued, “but many people won’t believe what He says
and will turn against Him.” Simeon looked at Mary with
great pity in his eyes. “Because of this, great sorrow will
one day pierce your heart like a sword.”
Just then an old woman who visited the temple every day
came shuffling over. Her name was Anna and she was a
prophetess.
“Can I see my saviour she asked. By now, people had
begun to crowd around to see what was going on. As Mary
and Joseph showed Jesus to Anna, she started telling
everyone how the baby came from God and was the hope of
the world.
When Mary and Joseph finally left the temple that day,
they couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed by the amazing
events that were happening.
FOR YOUR PRAYERS, THIS WEEK
All those who live in
All those on our intercessions board.
All those who are sick, especially:
The departed especially: our own departed loved ones
And those whose anniversaries occur during the week:
YEAR OF THE BIBLE
Deanery Day 11 February at the Ascension Church Haywards
Heath. Please see flyer at back of church for full details. These
days are always interesting and worth attending.
th
FAMILY SUPPORT WORK – THANK YOU
There is always a need for non-perishable food items. Please bring along
and place in the box by the fundraising notice board near the vestry.
PARISH GIVING
If you would like to start a regular giving scheme to St Mary’s, please ask
Rosy (01444 811746 or [email protected]) about either joining the
blue envelope weekly giving scheme or the PGS direct debit scheme. Many
thanks for your support.
FUNDRAISING AND OTHER EVENTS
3rd-5th March 2017 - Music and Art Weekend
Throughout the weekend there will be a display of artwork by local artists and
children from Balcombe open for viewing over the three days.
Friday 3rd – 7pm – A Balcombe Feast of Music including organ, piano and
cello pieces, soloist singing performances, the Victory Players, St Mary’s
Choir, the children of Balcombe and communal singing from the well-known
musicals.
Saturday 4th – 9.30am-3.00pm – Singing Day with Leslie Olive (preregistration required – flyers and forms available from Pennie or at Church)
concluding with an informal concert – Bach’s St Matthew Passion with soloist
Jeffrey Lloyd-Roberts. All welcome to this including tea and cake from 3pm.
Stay on to enjoy the art work.
Sunday 5th – 3pm – Jeffrey Lloyd-Roberts in Conversation with Janet
Canetty-Clarke. Find out more about the life, travels and work of this
remarkable Balcombe resident. Followed by a quiet reflective thanksgiving
service for art and music at 5pm – do plan to stay.
PARISH OUTINGS
Pennie will be organizing the last of her Parish outings! On 6th May we are
going to Hampton Court and on 11th August to Buckingham Palace &
Clarence House – forms are available from Pennie Burton or at the back of
the church - numbers are limited. Bookings will be accepted with payment.
Please note cheques will not be presented until end of March at the earliest.
LENT COURSE 2017
This year we will be following the York Course
RECEIVING CHRIST in five different ways.
1. As children of God
2. In the stranger and the needy
3. In Holy Communion
4. Through prayer and fellowship
5. Christ in you, the hope of glory
We meet on Thursdays for 5 weeks during lent starting on Thursday 9th
March at St Mary’s Church, 7.45pm. Course booklets will be available
shortly. For further information speak to Rosemary Corder.
Tel: 01444 400373 or email: [email protected]