Author: stjohnstmarkchurchbury

In our present circumstances we cannot be physically together but perhaps instead of watching Countryfile on Sunday evening, you might follow the attached service and we can be Sunday@Seven in our own homes, in some way, together.

Here’s our April 2020 magazine. Obviously with Covid-19 and all the restrictions, the magazine is a bit different to normal. There’s not much ‘what’s on’ but it does give us more space for reflections and prayer. There are also suggestions for worship from home. Though let’s not forget it’s Easter!

With more people shopping on-line at the moment this is a reminder about easyfundraising. This is a great site where you can raise money for St John with St Mark’s Church with your everyday online purchasing. At no extra cost to yourself!

Here are the April 2020 Bible readings. April includes Easter this year. So, we have the immediate build up when Jesus enters Jerusalem, Good Friday, the Resurrection and then what happens next…

With us all being at home more due to Covid-19, it’s an opportunity to reconsider how best we spend our time. The ancient practice of Lectio Divina is something worth considering as we search for the holy in the midst of the everyday.

It’s our 250th church anniversary coming up in June and we’ve been asking for memorabilia. One of the gems is a St John’s Church Bury Parish Magazine from April 1968 which has some very revealing letters and editorials uncovering what church life was like here 52 years ago.

Today’s gospel story is of a brief encounter – an encounter between Jesus and the woman of Samaria at Jacob’s well. And just as for Celia Johnson’s character in the film, it was a turning point in the life of that woman…

With shutdowns and restricted movement taking place due to Covid-19 we’re not going to be able to worship with one another in the way that we’re normally used to. It won’t be the same as our usual gathering together but here are links to some great on-line prayer and worship resources that you can access from home…

Although her faith was by no stretch of the imagination complete, just moments after meeting Jesus, she went out and drew people in. “Come and see” she says. And they do…

We will be open for public worship from July 12th with all necessary hygiene and safe distancing protocols in place.

Our next Sunday@Seven service will be on Sunday 29th March 2020 in the Barritt Room at St John with St Mark, Bury. The theme this time is ‘When we pray’ which is taken from the Tauren Wells song of the same name.

People have always looked up at mountains and hills. Maybe it’s because they are there – you can’t miss them – they stand out. They look strong and majestic. And when you get to go up to the top of the mountain or hill you look again and see for miles – you can see further than from down on the lowland.

Can I ask all the men and boys in the congregation to stand up please if you’re able? If you’re 80 years or older then please sit down again. If you’re 69 or younger, then please sit down. That should leave us with men in their seventies… So, can I borrow you up at the front here for a few minutes please?

Eagles Wing are a mutual support group for asylum seekers and local people in Bury, Lancashire. Their aim is to befriend newcomers to our town. Old friends can make sure that no one is lonely and isolated when they arrive here. This is an update to our post in October 2019 since some details have now changed.

Jesus shared this story to give us our own template on how we too can resist temptation. He taught us which tools we can use, the words of God. To be prepared for when it comes our way, when we are vulnerable.