Be still and know that I am God – Psalm 46.10

As storm Eunice continues to blow, I am struck anew by this verse from the Psalms. This has been a season of baptisms and funerals – perhaps an appropriate reminder that life goes on despite the storms around us. Ultimately, however, God is in control if we will only still ourselves and turn to him. It has been a privilege and joy to be part of families at such significant times in their lives. With twenty-one baptisms planned for this year, I am keen to develop our baptism ministry – offering families an opportunity to consider more deeply the commitments they make on behalf of their children at baptism.

Next steps for our joint parish
We have just heard that the plan to join our two churches has been approved, we now will start to move to make this a reality. Watch out for an invitation to our SPCM soon – Special Parochial Church Meeting. We are seeking to re-organise our PCC so that those who join have more responsibility in specific areas like prayer, safeguarding, pastoral care and outreach. If you feel this is something you feel passionate about do talk to the leaders in your churches.

Hope 4 Hyndburn – March 5-12th
Accrington Christians Together meet twice a month for prayer for our town in the Town Hall. Do consider joining us! At present we are preparing for ‘Hope 4 Hyndburn’ – a mission with an international group of Capernwray Bible students. Students will be ministering in schools, on the streets, in churches and through various events like a Men’s Breakfast in Baxenden (Saturday 5th), a Bake-off night at Trinity church (Monday 7th) and a youth night on Thursday 10th). The week will culminate with a Comedy evening in the Town Hall. Please consider bringing friends and family, who don’t know Jesus, to one of the events.

A Lenten Journey
Do join us for seven sessions helping us prepare for Easter. We start with Ash Wednesday Services at St John’s at 10-11am and at St Paul’s at 7-8pm on 30th March. After that we will continue our Lenten Journey at meetings either at 10-11am or 7-8pm in our two churches. Have a look on the website for the specific times. https://www.baxendenstjohn.org.uk/

I will be away for a week at the beginning of March and will be using the time away to reflect and pray for you all. Remember that beautiful verse in Hebrews.6.19 ‘We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.’ We can be hopeful for our church, hopeful for our communities, hopeful for our town, because our hope is ultimately in Jesus, who will never let us down.

Amanda
Revd Amanda Marshall