This week marks a brief return to Ordinary Time, as we observe the Second Sunday before Lent. In this week’s gospel, Jesus encourages the disciples to look beyond material possessions and self-interest, instead directing their hearts towards others and the Kingdom of God.
A great example of this way of living can be found in St Valentine, the saint we’ll be exploring this week at Muddy Messy Church. Valentine was martyred on 14th February, a day that is still widely celebrated today, although the focus has shifted more towards romance. The Church, however, remembers St Valentine for his faithfulness, courage, and trust in God, even when that trust came at great personal cost. His life reflects Jesus’ call to live without fear, to let go of the need for comfort or security, and to place our trust in God’s love.
This week’s Worship
There is a lot going on this weekend with plenty of opportunities to join us for worship:
8:00 am Holy Communion, All Saints
10:00 am Holy Communion, St Mary’s
10:30 am Messy Muddy Church-St. Valentine, All Saints
7:15 pm Generations, All Saints
The week ahead
Mon 9th Feb
10:30 am – Tiny Tots, All Saints
Tue 10th Feb
10:30am – M4T, St Mary’s Parish Rooms
Wed 11th Feb
9:00 am – Celtic Morning Prayer, All Saints
Thu 12th Feb
10:00 am – Holy Communion, St Mary’s
Sat 14th Feb
12:00 pm -1:30 pm – Saturday Lunches, St Mary’s
Sun 15th Feb
10:00 am – Holy Communion, St Mary’s
10:30 am – Holy Communion, All Saints
A prayer for this week
Loving God,
You invite us to trust you and to seek you.
Help us to notice your presence in our lives.
Free our hearts from worry and fear,
draw us closer to you,
and shape us by your love,
so that we may love generously
and care for those around us.
Amen.
Blessings,
Charlie
St Mary's, Fishponds 