Tetbury Advertiser MARCH 2023 EDITION
As one door closes, another one opens.
Has that been your experience in life? It’s just one of the questions we’ll be reflecting on in the home groups meeting through Lent this month. Each week, the groups will take one of the ways Jesus describes himself, and explore what that might mean. In this case, Jesus is describing how he brings life and restoration: when the outlook seems bleak, then finding there is a new way forward. Do get in touch if you would like to join one of the home groups, by emailing our Parish office at office@tetburychurch.co.uk
Certainly, there have been plenty of doors opening at St Marys’ church over the past few weeks. This included the lovely Tetbury Songs of Praise on Sunday 30th January, when lots of organisations in the town chose a hymn. So it was a chance for some hearty singing – and also hearing about how each hymn has inspired people.
There was more singing on Thursday 2nd February, when we had over 350 children from St Mary’s Primary School giving concerts in the afternoon and evening. They were sharing some fantastic new songs they had been learning with the charity iSingPOP – complete with dance moves. The songs were really powerful, and the children sang and danced their hearts out, with an audience of parents, the church community and wider local community. It was a great occasion.
This month, the new opportunities continue, with the start of the “Being With” course, 7-9pm on Wednesday evenings. The course is an introduction to Christianity with a difference: exploring faith using life experience. As the publicity says: no special knowledge or religious language needed, just what you have learned so far from life. All are welcome, and again please contact the Parish Office for more information.
Just one sad note. One door did close last month … on the “Dame”, who was the latest victim in the annual Murder Mystery play, written by our own Peter Hyson, performed in the afternoon and evening on Saturday 4th February. The plays are now renowned for intrigue and a generous scattering of puns. This year, though, the Murder Mystery has taken its final bow, so our thanks goes to Peter and all the cast for entertaining and baffling us in equal measure over the years.
Alongside all this, there have been preparations for the start of Lent, with Ash Wednesday on 22nd February. Now, each Sunday, our services at 8.30am and 10.00am will mark the journey through Lent with the home groups through the week with opportunities for reflection and discussion.
And a couple of special dates to note. There is iSingPOP CELEBRATE in church on Sunday 12th March, when the theme will be living and flourishing. And do please come to the service to CELEBRATE Mothering Sunday at 10.00am on Sunday 19th March. In a family-friendly service, we will be celebrating our mums, and all those who mother and care for us through our lives.
All our Lent activity is about preparing ourselves for the events leading up to Easter, and Easter Day itself: more in the next edition.
With love and prayers, Poppy
The Revd Poppy Hughes
Parish Priest
The Benefice of Tetbury, Beverston, Long Newnton and Shipton Moyne