NEWS and EVENTS

Window Repair Faculty

Some two years ago one of the windows in the south side of the Nave was vandalised. and subsequently repaired.  Diocesan rules require us to apply for a retrospective faculty for the repair and for the application to be made public. Faculty notices must be  displayed on the main door of the church (West Door).  Additionally, because the church is closed we are publicising it here.  If anyone has any observations or comments regarding this faculty please e-mail info@penwortham-stmary.co.uk before the 19th June.

GIVING AND DONATIONS

Since the lockdown started it has been  difficult for parishioners to maintain their giving through the collection plate although many parishioners  make their giving using Direct Debit or Standing Order. If you feel you would like to help St. Mary's financially please would you send an e-mail to info@penwortham-stmary.co. uk.  We will contact you to discuss which methord you woud prefer, from a one-off donation to regular giving.

RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN

Our Diocesan Board of Education (DBE) staff are continuing to produce some outstanding resources that can be used by parents at home.

• ‘Off the Shelf’ RE resources which can be used by parents in the home.
• Bible Podlets is a Bible Study and Discussion Podcast for adults to do with primary aged children. There are currently 8 episodes available to listen to, with the next episode released this Friday. The theme is ‘Bible Transformers,’ focussing people in the Bible who were transformed by Jesus.
• The Weekly@ Lectionary resources which can help families to worship at home are on the DBE Facebook page along with lots of other great ideas. 
• Finally, there is a Pinterest account with inspiration on activities for Easter, Pentecost and Ascension.

ON LINE OPPORTUNITIES FOR WORSHIP

• Bishop Jill will lead ‘9am Worship from the Diocese of Blackburn’ this weekend. It will be released at 9am on Sunday on the Diocesan YouTube channel. But you don’t have to watch it then – it is available from that time onwards.
• There will also be an act of worship offered by the Cathedral on Sunday morning. Simply go to their website and follow the links.
• The Worship at Home resource is again available via the website to download and email or send on to members of your congregation.
• For further information about parish streamed services (and churches using digital in our Diocese in other ways) start by going to this page on the A Church Near You website.

In light of the Government guidance around non-essential contact, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York have issued advice that public worship is suspended until further notice.

"The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it" John 1:5

The church and churchyard are in lockdown to encourage social-distancing and the government advice to Stay Home, Protect the NHS and Save Lives. The only exception to this is the use of the church by the Blood Donors Service who rely on our premises to carry out their essential work, especially at this time when they are finding the number of premises available to them is reduced.

There are many online worship resources available  such as the websites of the Church of England  and the Diocese of Blackburn

 Please see the latest guidance for churches from the Church of England

here.

HELP PENWORTHAM

Will Adams and his brother have created a website called #HelpPenwortham with the aim of:

1. Allowing  vulnerable residents to view what food and other delivery and collection services are available locally, to reduce stress and anxieties. 

 2. Ensuring  our local businesses and economy can continue through this very difficult period, ensuring they can come out of this period still as vibrant as before. 

Browse our list of local businesses in Penwortham, South Ribble and Preston. Order food or other vital items for delivery or collection. Shop local and help to ensure the Penwortham and South Ribble economy emerges as diverse and vibrant as before.

Visit https://www.helppenwortham.com/
 

CHURCH MAGAZINE

For the first time in over 150 years we will not be printing a hard copy of our church magazine for distribution to our parishioners.  We will however continue to compile it and publish it online.  You can view our latest edition from the top of this page.

CHRISTIAN MEDITATION

Because of the COVID 19 pandemic, Christian Meditation meetings have been suspended until further notice.

Our  practices are even more important at this time so please keep up with your meditation. When circumstances permit we will resume.