Newsletter
Sunday 23 January 2022 -
Coming Up at St Thomas’
Worship
Sunday 23 January 11.00 a.m. – Holy Communion – Rev. Canon Simon Bessant and Linda Craig
Sunday 30 January 11.00 a.m. – Holy Communion – Rev. Canon Simon Bessant and Linda Craig
Sunday 6 February 11.00 a.m. Holy Communion – Rev. Canon Simon Bessant and Linda Craig
Sunday 13 February 11.00 a.m. Morning Worship – Hellen Watson and Linda Craig
Sunday 20 February 11.00 a.m. Holy Communion – Rev. Canon Simon Bessant
Sunday 27 February 11.00 a.m. Holy Communion – Rev. Canon Simon Bessant and Linda Craig
Most of the 11.00 a.m. services listed above will also be taking place at St John’s at 9.30 a.m. each Sunday. These services are accessible via Zoom for anyone who is not ready, or able, to attend services in person. Members of St Thomas’ Church are very welcome to share in this worship.
If you would like the Zoom link, please ring 427453 or email lawrobinson@btinternet.com or stthomashenbury@aol.com
Other Events
Friday 4 February 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. – C.A.M.E.O. at St John’s
Wednesday 16 February 7.30 p.m. – M.A.S.T. (Men at St Thomas’) in the Bull’s Head, Broken Cross
Friday 18 February 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. – C.A.M.E.O. at St Thomas’ Church Hall
St Thomas’ Memories
Once again thank you to Jean Lysons, for sharing this memory.
Readings for the Third Sunday After Epiphany
Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 New International Version
8 1 all the people came together as one in the square before the Water Gate. They told Ezra the teacher of the Law to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded for Israel.
2 So on the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand. 3 He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.
5 Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up. 6 Ezra praised the Lord, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, “Amen! Amen!” Then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.
8 They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear[a] and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read.
9 Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.
10 Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
1 Corinthians 12:12-31 New International Version
Unity and Diversity in the Body
12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by[a] one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.
15 Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honourable we treat with special honour. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honour to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it.
27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues[b]? Do all interpret? 31 Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.
Love Is Indispensable
And yet I will show you the most excellent way.
Luke 4:14-21 New International Version
Jesus Rejected at Nazareth
14 Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. 15 He was teaching in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.
16 He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, 17 and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:
18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”[a]
20 Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21 He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”
Collect
Almighty God,
whose Son revealed in signs and miracles
the wonder of your saving presence:
renew your people with your heavenly grace,
and in all our weakness
sustain us by your mighty power;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen
Hymn of the Week
This week, our organist, Judith, has selected:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnXy91zWacE
O for a thousand tongues to sing Tune Lyngham
O, for a thousand tongues to sing
my great Redeemer’s praise,
my great Redeemer’s praise;
the glories of my God and King,
the triumphs of His grace! (x3)
Jesus , the name that charms our fears,
that bids our sorrows cease
that bids our sorrows cease;
‘tis music in the sinner’s ears,
‘tis life and health and peace. (x3)
He breaks the power of cancelled sin,
He sets the prisoner free
He sets the prisoner free;
His blood can make the foulest clean,
His blood availed for me. (x3)
He speaks, and listening to His voice,
new life the dead receive
new life the dead receive;
the mournful broken hearts rejoice ,
the humble poor believe(x3)
Hear Him, ye deaf; his praise, ye dumb
your loosened tongues employ;
your loosened tongues employ;
and spread through all the earth abroad
the hour’s of thy name.(x3)
Charles Wesley 1707-
Baptisms:
Sophia Grace Hunter 24 October 2021
Max Anthony Oxford Holleworth 28 November 2021
Freddie Peter Edward Oxford 28 November 2021
For our Prayers: Amy Roberts, Pat Wain, Luke Pateman, Dylan Belt, John Louca, Anthony Westnedge, Anne Potts, Margaret Williams, Derek Barber
RIP
Teresa Barber
Quiz
Some more brain teasers where the answers are all Films, TV or Musicals:
e.g. Teletubby’s home (2, 2, 4) La La Land
1. A sick Ms. Sturgeon couldn’t be this! (3, 7, 7,)
2. Mechanical Fruit (1, 9, 6)
3. Morse in a choir (3, 7, 9)
4. Trentabank canines (9, 4)
5. No bass or tenors here (3, 8)
6. He could bring home the venison (3, 4, 6)
7. Final dance in Yorkshire (4, 5, 2, 7)
8. Sarah, not Cherie or Samantha (3, 5)
9. Unhappy heavyweight alongside monastic establishment (7, 5)
10. Not the happiest group of people (3, 10)
Answers to last fortnight’s quiz:
1. Christopher Robin 2. Butterflies 3. Midnight Express 4. The Red Shoes 5. Brief Encounter 6. Brush Strokes 7. Prime Suspect 8. The Little Mermaid 9. The Generation Game 10. The Graduate
A huge thank you to everyone who has sent in contributions to the newsletter over the last two years. Please continue to do so – all contributions are most welcome – memories of St Thomas’ or Macclesfield, musical memories, poems, quizzes etc. Anything that you think might be of interest to our readers. Please email stthomashenbury@aol.com
Refreshments After Church
A lot of people enjoy a cup of tea, a biscuit and a chat after Church each Sunday in the Church Hall. However, we are very short of volunteers to run this event. Is there anyone out there who could help us out – the more volunteers we have the less frequently everyone will take their turn. The task involves setting out the table and chairs before Church starts and then leaving Church during the last hymn to switch the kettles on and brew the tea. If you think you might be able to help, please ring Carole on 01625 611477. Thank you.
Recommendations for Path Layers
We are looking to relay the path in front of the Church Hall, as the flags have become very uneven. Does anyone have any recommendations for someone to quote us for this work, please? If so, please ring Lynne 610701 or Di 827763.
Many thanks.
Other News
Why not consider this Pilates Class?
Charlotte Hodges is still running her Pilates Class in Henbury Church Hall. She tells us her interest in Pilates started out as a potential solution to chronic back pain but after a few years of practice, it became her passion. She decided to train with Body Control; a highly respected Pilates training provider based in London. She tells us that the Body Control Pilates method is unique and widely considered the industry standard for Pilates teacher training.
After qualifying, she founded Paragon Pilates with the aim of offering a range of classes, each designed to mobilise the major joints in the body, improve alignment, reconnect the body with the breath and develop core strength. She is pleased to offer a mixed ability class in Henbury Church Hall on a Wednesday evening between 6-
New clients enjoy the first class free of charge so simply call or email Charlotte to reserve your space.
Private one to one sessions are available upon request. Private sessions are great if you are new to Pilates and nervous about joining a class, or if you have a specific area that you would like to focus on. Whether it's injury rehabilitation, improved core strength or developing your flexibility, she creates a plan which is specific to you and your goals.
SilkLife FoodBank
A huge thank you to everyone who has contributed to the FoodBank and helped to transport the donations left in church. Your support is greatly appreciated. The FoodBank provides a vital service to the people of Macclesfield throughout the year, so please, if you are able, continue to support them by leaving items in the box at the back of church.
Closing Prayer
Lord as you have called us to share in your outreach of love to the world,
fill us with the power of your Spirit, that,
in your strength and by your guidance,
we may lead others to be aware of you,
and live to your praise and glory.
Amen.
God bless,
Bob (07753583555), Carole (611477) and Linda (424505)
For Church bookings please contact: Bob 07753583555.
For Church Hall bookings please contact: Lesley 07789 744473/lesley-
Restrictions in Place
Just a reminder that:
i) it is no longer necessary to book seats in advance
ii) you may sit with whoever you wish in Church, as long as everyone is in agreement
iii) As from Friday December 10th, for everyone’s protection, facemasks must once again be worn whilst you are in church, unless there is a medical reason why you are unable to do this.
If you would like to talk to someone, please don’t hesitate to call one of us. The Hope Centre also offers a listening service.
Prayers
We are very willing to pray for anyone who wishes us to pray for them or for the people they are concerned about. It is not necessary to already be associated with the Church for you to request our prayers. We are also here to listen if you have a problem you wish to talk through. Please feel free to contact us via letter, email (stthomashenbury@aol.com) or by ringing 611477 or 424505.
The Hope Centre – Listening Service
The Hope Centre provides a professional telephone listening service if you want to talk to someone.
DailyHope Phone Line
DailyHope, a free national telephone line, offers music, prayers and reflections as well as full worship services from the Church of England at the end of the phone.
A Church of England initiative in partnership with CONNECTIONS at Holy Trinity Claygate, and Faith in Later Life
The line – which is available 24 hours a day on 0800 804 8044 – has been set up particularly with those unable to join online church services during the period of restrictions in mind; to provide comfort and spiritual nourishment to the most isolated in our society.
If you know anyone who would like to receive a weekly newsletter, please ask them to email stthomashenbury@aol.com or ring us on 424505
Thank You
We would like to thank all of you who have been contributing financially to the mission and ministry of the parish. It is much appreciated. If you’d like to make a donation, you can either post it to Mr H Hulme, 11 Worthington Close, Henbury SK11 9NS or, if you prefer online banking, our details are St Thomas’ Church sort code 20 53 77 account number 40775819. Many thanks for your support.
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