Pew Sheet

St Dunstan’s Church, Monks Risborough
& St. Peter’s Chapel, Owlswick
Part of the Risborough Team Ministry
www.stdunstanschurch.com

Vicar – The Revd James Tomkins
01844 275944 (day off Tuesday)
jamestomkins@btinternet.com
The Rectory, Mill Lane, Monks Risborough, HP27 9JE

Sunday 30th January 2011
Feast of Candlemas

If we’re lucky we were read the Bible when we were young, and received God’s word with childlike curiosity. But, over time, familiarity dulls our understanding, so today we want to revive that spirit of inquisitiveness and hear God’s word as though for the first time.

Welcome to St Dunstan’s Church

If you are new to Monks Risborough or just visiting please introduce yourself to the Welcomers at the door who will be happy to tell you more about the church and its events.

The Junior Church (10 o’clock Club) meet in the Church Hall before coming into Church for the Communion.

Coffee and tea are served in the Church Hall immediately after the 10.00am service - all are welcome.

Today

10.00 am Parish Eucharist – Addington setting
The Revd Denise Critchell
Hymns
Introit 486
Psalm 24
Offertory 658
Communion 80,157,945
Recessional 419

Readings
First Reading Malachi 3.1-5
A prophecy that God’s messenger will come suddenly to his Temple, as a purifying force, until the people become righteous. Then God will make swift judgement against those who do not fear him.

Second Reading Hebrews 2.14-end
How Jesus had to become human in order to atone for human sinfulness. He was able to help us – his brothers and sisters – because he shared flesh and blood, and suffered as one of God’s children

Gospel Luke 2.22-40
When Jesus’ parents take him to the Temple according to the custom, they are spotted by Simeon, a holy man who recognises Jesus as the Messiah.

3.00 pm Choral Evensong (Owlswick)
Hymns: 37, Psalm 132:1-7, 98, 253
Readings: Genesis 28.10-22, Philemon 1-16

Prayer for the week
O God, teach us the hidden wisdom of the Gospel, so that we may hunger and thirst for holiness, work tirelessly for peace,and be counted among those
who seek first the blessedness of your kingdom. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.


Your prayers are asked this week for:
 just and wise government in Tunisia and Egypt following the recent disturbances there
 the churches of our nation for a desire for unity and a common purpose
 local trades people – builders, plumbers, electricians and also for council workers.
 Residents of Thorns Lane and Thorns Close (Monks Risborough), Ilmer and the surrounding area.

Please remember the charities that St Dunstan's supports, in particular this week:
Risborough Cares Charity, assisting those in the locality who have mental health, learning or physical disabilities or who are elderly.

Notices

Emma Knight’s Talk on Zambia
Did you miss Emma Knight’s excellent talk in September about her wonderful trip to Zambia last summer? Well, Emma has kindly agreed to give her illustrated talk again: at 3pm Today in the Chapter House. Emma (from St. Mary’s Princes Risborough) spent a month in Zambia, as part of a World challenge trip. All are very welcome. If you would like to come, please call Michael Hoey on 275192.

Deanery vacancies
There are currently vacancies for the positions of Deanery Treasurer and Deanery Quinquennial Secretary. If anyone is interested in finding out more about these roles (which can be combined), please speak with James.

Risborough Area Forum (RAF)
This is an open forum which meets through which representatives of all groups and societies in the around Princes Risborough exchange ideas and information quarterly at the Community Centre. RAF aims not only to improve communication between members but also to co-ordinate and disseminate non confidential information, promote joint working and partnership approaches and recommend ways to enhance and promote the area. If you are interested in representing the parish (Whiteleaf is already represented) please let James know.

Message from The Right Revd John Pritchard,Bishop of Oxford.
"I'm delighted to be able to tell you that we have announced the appointment of the new Bishop of Reading. He is the Rt. Revd Andrew Proud who is currently Area Bishop of Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa. Bishop Andrew will be installed as Bishop of Reading on Saturday 16 April. Please remember him and Janice, his wife, in your prayers over the next few weeks as they make the move back to the UK."

Annual Church Meetings
These will take place on Friday March 18th at 8 pm. As well as reviewing and reporting on parish life there are a number of elections that take place. This year with the retirement of Steve Adams we are looking for a new churchwarden to work with Rosemary Woodward-Court who will continue as the other churchwarden. There are also two vacancies on the PCC, as well as two places on the Deanery Synod that acts as a link between the parishes and the Diocese. If you would like to be considered for any of these positions or would like to know more please let James know.

Silent Prayer Meeting
Monday January 31st at 8 pm in the church hall
We need silence to help us to get a proper perspective on our lives; to hear the still, small voice of God, and to refresh our inner being. All are welcome to these meetings of any faith or none. Each meeting lasts about 45 minutes to an hour. The meeting starts with some simple relaxation exercises, a short passage from the Bible to reflect upon in the half hour of silence, followed by a time of sharing of our experiences if people wish.

‘Living in Hope’
The final session of this course will be held on Thursday February 3rd (The Willows, Mill Lane) starting at 8 pm and finishing at 9.30 pm. James

New Home needed
New IKEA chair bed (not assembled) with extras such as covers. Donation to Church funds: Telephone 345246

St Dunstan’s Fellowship
Thursday 10th February St. Dunstan's Fellowship at 8pm in Church Hall - A talk on Archaeology by Paul Green - All welcome
Tuesday 15th February St. Dunstan's Fellowship Walk meeting in the Lay-by in Monks Risborough at 9.15am - All welcome.

Electoral Roll:
The annual review will take place from 15th February 2011. If you wish to have your name ADDED or REMOVED, please complete an application form, available from me or in the church porch, and return to me no later than 1st March. Roger Timms (01844 344966)

The next couple of weeks

Morning Prayer takes place on Monday (except Bank Holidays), Wednesday and Thursdays at St. Dunstan’s at 8.45 am

Today Feast of Candlemas
10.00 am Parish Eucharist (Team exchange with the Rev Denise Critchell)
6.00 pm Choral Evensong

Mon Jan 31st 8.00 pm Silent Prayer Meeting (in the church hall – see notices)

Thurs Feb 3rd 9.30 am Healing and Holy Communion
2.00 pm Monks Monkeys
8.00 pm Living in hope (see notices)

Sun Feb 6th 5th Sunday before Lent
8.00 am Holy Communion (BCP)
10.00 am All Age Family Eucharist
6.00 pm Choral Evensong

Thurs 10th Feb 9.30am Holy Communion
2.00 pm Monks Monkeys
8.00 pm A talk on Archaeology by Paul Green (see notices)

Sat 12th Feb
2.30 pm Wedding

Sun 13th Feb
4th Sunday before Lent
10.00am Parish Eucharist
11.30am Owlswick Holy Communion
6.00pm Choral Evensong