Saint David’s Uniting Church
& Castle Square URC
Minister: Rev. Dr Phil Wall
Tel: 01443 300345 Mob: 07855090360
Website: www.stdavidsuniting.org.uk
Admin email: [email protected]
6th March 2022
We are now in the season of Lent. Bible Studies will be held on Sunday’s at 4pm.
As it is the first Sunday of the month, Phil is at Castle Square where this week you have the ‘appreciative inquiry’ discussions, which are helping both our churches look at the future shape of church life.
So, with Phil at Castle Sq, those at St David’s are privileged to welcome once again Rev. Malcolm Shapland, a retired URC minister from Caerphilly. Malcolm last led our worship in July 2021. We look forward to meeting with him again.
The service will be live streamed and available later on YouTube.
Link for Live Stream – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1ftWuXHexnfFdo1FKwXBZA
We are very pleased to say that tea and coffee will be served in the hall following the service – table service only at the moment – Handmade cards, including Easter cards, will also be on display and can be purchased.
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Ukraine
It’s hard to know what to say, pray, or do regarding the horrific events in Ukraine right now. As a start, we are collecting money for the ‘Red Cross Ukraine Appeal’ – cheques or cash welcome. Here is also a prayer from the Joint Public Issues Team that you might want to pray:
God of all,
with alarm and concern we bring before you the military intervention in Ukraine.
In a world you made for peace and flourishing, we lament the use of armed force.
We mourn every casualty of this conflict, every precious life extinguished by war.
We pray comfort for those who grieve and those who are fearful.
Hear our longing that leaders and nations will honour the worth of all people by having the courage to resolve conflict through dialogue.
May all our human failings be transformed by your wonderful grace and goodness.
We ask this in the name of Christ, the author of peace and sustainer of Creation.
Amen.
Next Sunday
Our Monthly morning ZOOM service will be led by Gwen Simmonds. The chat room will open at 10.30am.
Link for ZOOM: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89461145366?pwd=S3ExNTVjdGVGdXlGVlNQc2k3eldudz09
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Church Family and Pastoral News
We include this in the news sheet to inform our prayers.
- Martha is still in hospital and is a bit brighter but still not well. She continues to have treatment.
- We think of those who are waiting for scans or treatment, especially Cerys and Gwyneth.
- We have finally been able to speak to Loreen. She hopes to return home soon. Just waiting for a house assessment, we pray there are no obstacles.
- John Edwards has been for an MRI scan on his back. He is now waiting for the results.
- Kath had her operation and is now at home and recovering, hopefully she will be following the advice to rest and be patient. Take care Kath!
Birthdays:
We have three birthdays this week: Gwyneth James and Marilyn Leach both entered the world on March 8, but 5 years apart! Marilyn will be starting her 80th celebrations on Monday, a day early, following a walk in the park with the Park Ramblers. Pat Cooke has her birthday on Friday 11th. Enjoy the celebrations ladies!
Good News
Gill Miller’s son, Richard, had his investiture as circuit judge in London on Friday. Unfortunately, Gill was not well enough to travel but is looking forward seeing some pictures.
Castle Square guild met last Wednesday. The first time for a long time – it was good to be back.
Thanks
‘Thank you all for your lovely messages, it will take time, but every day will be a step forward.
The staff and care team were amazing at the hospital. Thank you all again. ‘ Kath
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Coronavirus Restrictions
With each week, we are getting more used to living with coronavirus, as restrictions are being lifted step by step. In recognition of this, at St David’s Uniting Church, the elders are encouraging members to continue to wear face masks whilst moving around the building and when singing but are happy for members to take off masks when seated – whether during worship, over coffee, or otherwise.
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Lent Practice
A reminder: Phil wants to fit into his blue suit once again, so he’s giving up all puddings, desserts, and cakes for Lent! His less shallow Lent practice will be to pause at 8am and 8pm each day during Lent – just for a minute – to still my mind for 30 seconds before praying the well-known St. Francis-based prayer on which the hymn – Make me a channel of your peace – is based.
Another option is to attend our Lent discussion groups on ‘faith & finances’ which take place at 4pm on Sunday – speak with Phil or your elder about these.
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Thought for the week
The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.
Albert Schwietzer