Norton St Philip Church | Hemington Church | Laverton Church | Farleigh Hungerford Church | Rode Church

Welcome to our worship this Sunday.

According to John’s gospel, Jesus public ministry begins at the Wedding of Cana with the phrase ‘On the third day..’ there couldn’t be a clearer hint that this topsy-turvy gospel has the ending at the beginning and that everything is to be seen through the ultimate sign of the resurrection of God transforming everything. ‘On the third day..the wine gave out’, so clearly this was some wedding party, but the challenge to us is to honestly look at what is running out, is tired and broken in our society and in our lives. Time to submit ourselves to ‘do whatever he tells us’ and drink of the new wine of Christ.

Church Weekend Away

April 27^th- 29^th.

Click here for details and for booking forms for Hardington Vale trip to the bluebell woods of Devon. The Sheldon Centre has just finished its final phase of redeveloping the accommodation. Now all the rooms are spacious and en suite. If you have not been before it is the most beautiful setting (including a bluebell wood) for a stimulating and inspiring weekend away. Anyone can come to the church weekend away, so please talk to Nigel or one of the planning team: Sally Pickett, Tim Fussell, Tony Day for more information. We are delighted that John and Christine Samways are leading our reflections. John is preaching at the March 3^rd Sunday.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to last Sundays 3^rd Sunday Special by being present. It’s great to have a full church and lots of people contributing to the worship. If you have not been to one, please come soon, we need everyone to join in. Special thanks to Phillie and her team from the World Community team who ran a cake stall. They made around £50 to add to the Christmas collection.

Questions for discussion from last Sunday

1. Think of different areas of authority in our lives a. Globally b. Nationally c. Locally

2. Are there ways in which democracy should be challenged? If so how?

Should the individual have the final say? Are binding referenda a good thing?

Should opinion polls have an authority which affect government policy?

3. If we accept the Bible's claim of God's authority over everything (see Psalm 24) how should we live our lives under that authority?

4. How difficult is it to accept the self sacrificial authority demonstrated by Christ?

How should it work out amongst us and how can we be more effective in

demonstrating it in our communities?

5. How far does the Christian faith affect your day to day decisions?

6. Should the church be far more political and present an effective challenge to the government of the day? And if so how?

Praying for the Parish

This month we are starting a cycle of praying around the parish. Each week there will be an area of parish life, either geographical or by group for us to include in our prayers. You might not know anything about the people who live in that neighbourhood, so just pray generally God’s blessing on them. But I bet most of the time you will be prompted to think of someone or something specific to lift before God. So be alert and responsive to the spirit and pray in whatever way you can.

One week you and your neighbourhood will be included. It would be lovely to hear back from anyone with what difference it made to have the prayers of the parish for the week. Please let Sharman in the parish office know. ( Call in on Monday or Wednesday mornings, ring 01373 834488, or email admin@hardingtonvale.org.uk)

Pray this week for the families and business on Rode Hill, in Rode. This week the bridge over the River Frome is closed during the working day. It might mean a quieter day with less traffic but also inconvenience and for businesses possible lost trade. Continue to pray for the recently bereaved families of Lionel Savery, Fred Smith and Michael Borer. Also Jean Atwell, who is now out of intensive care and is recovering in the BRI

There will be prayers at Norton St Philip First School at 8:15 am on Tuesday 24th January. This is a special time when prayers are said for the well being of all connected with the school and if you would like to join them you would be most welcome.

Celebrating Marriages

Last weekend saw two couples, Nick and Glenys Brown, Fred and Heather Du Plessis celebrating 40 years of marriage . They marked their ruby wedding anniversary on Sunday after the service at Norton St Philip with friends and well-wishers. On the Saturday two people set out on that journey with their wedding at Rode. Pray for Christopher Russell from Rode and Blake Shirlaw from Australia as they start their married life together.

Pray too for Adam Nunn and Samantha Johnson, whose banns are called today for the third time as they look forward to their wedding on Saturday 28th January at Farleigh Hungerford.

Christian Aid Envelopes Delivery

In May we try to deliver collecting envelopes to every house in the Parish. If you can help with this in Norton please contact Paul Shepherd.