Happy New Year!
I hope that 2025 has started well for you all, and that the joy of Christmas continues on in your hearts and homes.
If this is a time that’s hard for you, or things just aren’t going well right now, take heart from the messy nativity, look to Jesus, and please reach out to me, or someone you trust at St Peter’s, if there’s anything we can do to help.
Across our news this month are some recent highlights to look back on, recommendations for resources to stretch your thinking, and a great reflection on God’s mission and our part to play. Please do give everything a good read, and be in touch with your comments and reflections.
A couple of other things to mention to you all:
Growbaby: our new ministry to bless little ones and their parents/carers launches very soon! We’re looking forward to connecting with families and supporting them with practical items and a loving community, and inviting them to encounter Christ. Please pray, follow us online (www.stpetersbury.church/growbaby or @growbaby.bury), and invite those around you to fill up our donation bins (including one coming to Asda Pilsworth shortly!).
Building: thank you for bearing with us as our main heating system has been attended to. That should be working again by mid-January, so please do wrap up warm until then. This is a patch on old system, which is right at the end of its lifespan. We need to put together a redevelopment plan with a new heating system very soon, and would value any expertise or contacts you have for that, as well as your prayers and generosity in time too.
Gather: I’m excited to spend some Sundays in the first part of the year looking at why we gather together and why we do what we do when we gather. It’s important to go over our foundations regularly, and these sermons will help us think through important topics like welcome, worship, the Bible, confession, and being sent on mission. Come on Sundays ready to engage!
The Bereavement Journey: is a 7 session course starting on Thursday 16th January in the Parish Room. Everyone who attended last year said they would recommend it to others wanting to reflect on significant losses in their own life. More information and bookings can be made at: https://stpetersbury.churchsuite.com/events/6q6b0t8t Please consider coming yourself, and mentioning it to a friend who might benefit.
I look forward to seeing you soon, and working together this year for the growth of God’s kingdom in every sphere of Bury.
God bless,
Simon