Dear Brothers and Sisters

One of the many things that I love about praying using the Daily Office; the prayers of Morning and Evening Prayer that Church of England clergy say each day, is that it is such a good way for God to keep an eye on me. If I am feeling a bit down the psalms to be prayed are invariably happy ones. If I’m feeling a bit smug or self-congratulatory then the psalms will be ones to take me down a peg or two.  Often morning and evening prayer show me God’s sense of humour. On Wednesday evening as the rain from Storm Christoph hit my study windows with tremendous force, one of the set readings was from chapter 7 of the book of Genesis, ‘on that day all the fountains of the great deep burst forth, and the windows of the heavens were opened. The rain fell on the earth for forty days and forty nights.’

Reading the Bible is so important for our lives as Christians. But if we only ever read the bits that we like we won’t get a full diet. Even if you can’t commit to reading the whole Bible through then having a reading plan to guide your reading helps you to get more out of reading God’s word. There are lots of plans available, depending on how much time you can spend. If you are struggling to decide please talk to me and I should be able to help you out.

If you can’t join us for our phone service there are lots of other alternatives for worship on Sunday. The National Church of England Service continues to be online and other services can be accessed via radio and TV. Locally both Otley and Ilkley parish churches have services available on YouTube. The Daily Hope phone line can be accessed on 08008048044. For those with smart phones the Church of England Time to Pray app is still free to download and use.

Services for next Sunday 31st January        

  •   Fewston                           9.30am.
  •   Weston                            11am.

Services for Sunday 7th February                 

  • Denton                             9.30am.
  •  Leathley                           11am.
  •   Farnley                            2.30pm.

Please remember in your prayers: The people of the USA and their new President. All caught up in floods or snow and the Emergency services and volunteers who risk their lives to help others. For all working in healthcare; those vaccinating us, all those waiting patiently to be vaccinated, those caring for the sick and the dying. For all who are weary and are struggling to see the light ahead. Those who have nowhere to sleep tonight. Those who are hungry, sick or dying. All those who mourn.

God bless you all.                       

Stephen