Benefice Bulletin, The Second Sunday of Epiphany, 16th January 2022

Dear Brothers and Sisters

On the night before he died for us, Our Lord Jesus Christ prayed that all those who followed him would be one, just as he and the Father are one. Over the centuries we, his followers, have not done too well in following his command to love one another.

Each year, the Church throughout the world focuses on prayer for that Unity which Jesus desired. From the 18^th to the 25^th of this monthplease try to pray each day for Unity amongst all Christians as, together, we follow the way of love taught to us by Jesus. This prayer might help you.

Lord, you led us out of darkness to hope in Jesus.

Unite us in our commitment to establish your reign of love, justice and peace,

bringing light to those living in the darkness of despair and disillusionment.

Shine your light upon us and surround us with the warmth of your love.

Lift us up to you, so that our lives may glorify you,

Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Amen

The Funeral of Mr Stephen Smith will take place at St. Oswald’s Leathley at 2pm on Monday 17^th January. The Funeral of Mr Frank Wade will take place at St Michael and St. Lawrence’s Fewston on Wednesday 19th January at 12 noon.

The funeral of Mrs Cheryl McDonald will take place at St. Helen’s Denton on Thursday 3rd February at 11am.

Services for the coming weeks                

19^th January                                                             Denton                                  10.30am.

23^rd January             Third Sunday of Epiphany         

Weston                                  9.30am.

                                                                                    Farnley                                  9.30am.

                                                                                    Fewston                                11am.

26^th January                                                             Denton                                  10.30am.

30^th January             Fourth Sunday of Epiphany

                                                                                    Leathley                                9.30am.

                                                                                    Denton                                  11am.

Please remember in your prayers: All Christian communities particularly those in the Middle East where they are in danger of disappearing. All  working or volunteering in the NHS, especially those who are feeling overwhelmed.  The homeless and those who cannot feed their families. Our friends and neighbours and all who live in this Benefice. For all those coming towards the end of their lives and those coming to terms with difficult diagnoses. The sick, and the dying, and those who care for them. For the families and friends of Stephen Smith, Frank Wade and Cheryl McDonald and for all those who mourn the loss of someone they love.

God bless you all.   

Stephen