From the Rector's Desk
(Taken from the paper version of Parish Magazine delivered to all households in the United Benefice)
Matthew 28:1-19
'When the Sabbath was over, just as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary from Magdala and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. At that moment there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, went forward and rolled back the stone. The guards shook with terror at the sight of him and collapsed like dead men. But the angel spoke to the women, "Do not be afraid. I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here - he is risen, just as he said he would. Come and look at the place where he was lying. Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead ..... Then the women went away quickly from the tomb, their hearts filled with awe and great joy, and ran to give the news to his disciples.'
We are now the ones to pass on this message - Christ has risen, Alleluia!! He has defeated death and has pathed the way for us into the heavenly kingdom. Many people saw our Lord, including his disciples who witnessed his ascension into heaven (Luke 24v50), but he didn't leave them alone, he has left his Holy Spirit to guide us into truth. It doesn't mean that we no longer have problems - far from it - we still have challenges in our lives; moments of sadness and grief, frustration and worry. Sometimes life isn't easy, but if we allow God's Holy Spirit to guide us through the chaos, strengthening us by His Word and trusting in his presence, we can cope. And when the time comes for us to leave this earthly place, our hearts will be filled with awe and great joy as we enter into His presence where there will be no more tears, nor pain.
Prayer for Ascension Day
Dear God, our Loving and Almighty Father; thank you that, because Jesus died, rose and ascended into heaven, you were able to send your Holy Spirit to empower your disciples then and today; that, equipped by the same Spirit, we can confidently work for your kingdom to come on earth, as in heaven.
Lord, in these strange, topsy-turvy days, where earthly rulers terrify, destroy and disappoint, we rejoice that you are the Sovereign Lord of all things, at all times, and in all places.
You, our God and Father, truly reign. We are your people and are secure within your love. Thank you that, at the name of Jesus, every knee shall ultimately bow. Amen
Taken, in part, from the Parish News; written by Daphne Kitching
Parish News for United Benefice
We are all unique and created by a loving God who wants to hear our prayers. Would you like to meet for Morning Prayer on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Wednesdays each month at 10:00am at Holy Trinity in it's Community Room? Prayers are the most valuable offering that we can give for our communities and the world. Just turn up and you will be welcomed - you are special and important to God.
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JOIN THE TEAM
Coalbrookdale & Ironbridge CE School
is seeking a Foundation Governor
Could you volunteer to join the Governing Board?
Can you spare 8-10 hours per month to attend 6 full Governor meetings each year?
Foundation Governors operate at a strategic level, ensuring the Christian vision and character of the school.
Contact Revd Ernest Okeke on 01952 432482
Mobile: 07309 899928
E-mail: ifyernestok@yahoo.com
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Coffee and chat
is running twice a month on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday in the Coalbrookdale Community Hall
10:00am - 12:00am (children are free)
For just £2.00 you can have a coffee or tea and cake - as well as plenty of chat. You can be sure of a warm and friendly welcome. Joining in with any activities is optional.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME
Feb. 26 Cooking demonstration by a professional chef.
March 12 Digital support for tricky IT devices and phones from T&W Digital Inclusion.
March 26 Ikebana (the Japanese art of flower arrangement)
April 9 Easter/spring themed team quiz
April 23 Writing workshop.
May 14 General chat session and AGM
May 28 Talk on Indian cookery
Half term - children are welcome
June 11 Wildlife volunteering for the National Trust
June 25 General chat session
July 9 Away Day
July 23 Community Resource charity (how to avoid 'trips and falls'
August 13 General chat session
August 27 Learn more about your Parish Council
September 10 Craft activity (make your own leather bag
September 24 Exploring floral watercolour
October 8 Craft activity (for £3 make your own 'stretchy' bracelet)
October 22 T&W Healthy Lifestyle Advisor
November 12 Craft activity (crochet your own Christmas tree decoration)
November 26 Christmas themed team quiz
December 10 Christmas meal
For more information, please look at our Facebook page or contact us on coffeeandchatcoalbrookdale@gmail.com
Coalbrookdale's Community Rooms
Bible Study is on Thursdays at 10:00am in The Rectory, Paradise, Coalbrookdale (excluding holidays). You are more than welcome to join us as we explore the meanings within selected books in the Bible that help us to grow in faith and understanding. For more information please ring Revd. Ernest Okeke (info on 'Home' or 'Contacts and Links')
St. Luke's church will be open daily for visitors in the spring from 10:00 to 4:00
Unfortunately, Holy Trinity is closed to visitors temporarily due to a 'health and safety issue' but is open for services as set out in the 'Service Diary' under 'Services'.
Although Holy Trinity would normally welcome all who wish to step inside our beautiful church during the week, we are temporarily having to restrict visitors due to our organ needing urgent work and which is presenting a health and safety risk to anyone looking round our church. The entrance door is, therefore, kept locked to avoid this danger until work can be assessed. For information click on 'Our Churches' at the top of this page and then click on 'Holy Trinity' in the white box and learn more about it's heritage and the work that has been going on.
Holy Trinity will continue to host Concerts in our Church later this year - these events will be posted on 'What's New?' at the top of this page.
St. Lawrence's Church in Little Wenlock is loaded with history, read more by clicking on 'Our Churches' at the top of this page and then click on 'St. Lawrence's Church' in the white box to learn more.
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