THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF EPIPHANY - THE FEAST OF CANDLEMAS
Today's Gospel reading from Luke tells of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple, 40 days after he was born, in accordance with Jewish law. It is also known as Candlemas as traditionally at this feast the church would bless its candles for use during the year. The theme of light ties in with Simeon's recognition of Christ as a light to all nations. Simeon and Anna have much to teach us. Their dedication to their faith is impressive - they are examples of those holy men and women who spur us on in our own faith. Anna, we are told, never leaves the Temple, and is always praying. Simeon had held on to a promise he believed God had given him - that he should not see death until his eyes beheld the Christ. The prophecies they speak put them as witnesses to what is taking place and tell of an inclusivity to God's plan of salvation. This encounter in the Temple takes place in one sense during the ordinary event of two young Jewish parents doing what every young couple would - presenting their firstborn son to the Temple as required by Jewish Law. But what is revealed at the heart of this ordinary occurrence is an extraordinary truth: God in the form of a baby has entered our world, has returned to his Temple. Yes his love will lead to a cross, and Mary will feel that sorrow sharply, but it will prove to be the salvation of not just Israel but the entire world.
To Todays Readings
Services
HOLY TRINITY, MINCHINHAMPTON
SUNDAY
8.00 a.m. Said Eucharist
10.00 a.m. Sung Parish Eucharist except First Sunday - All Age Service.
5.30 p.m. First & Third Sunday: Evensong (BCP).
Second, Fourth & Fifth Sunday: Said Evening Prayer
WEEKDAYS
8.00 a.m. Tuesday, Thursday to Saturday - Eucharist
11.00 a.m. Wednesday - Eucharist (BCP)
4.30 p.m. Friday - Said Evening Prayer in the Lady Chapel
5.30 p.m. Monday - Thursday - Said Evening Prayer in the Lady Chapel
ST. BARNABAS, BOX
SUNDAY
9.00 a.m. Eucharist with hymns.
WEEKDAYS
8.00 a.m. Wednesday – Holy Communion
For additional services please use the Calendar.
Annual Reports - 2014
Annual Reports are available and can be downloaded by clicking on the item you require.
Wednesday Cuppa
Takes place every week from 2:30 until 4:00pm in the Porch Room or if really nice weather outside the church as in the picture.
Church members attend as well as non-church goers and a warm welcome and good cake awaits you. The Wednesday walkers often join us as they finish ready for a sit down and a cuppa. It is a good social gathering of friends and all are welcome to come and chat and meet new people.
