St Leonard's Church Apethorpe aims to make the love of God known to everyone who lives in the village, through lively worship and caring fellowship.

Sunday 4^th   January        11am Family Eucharist              Canon John Beaumont

Sunday 11^th January        11 am Family Eucharist             Rev Michael Whawell     

Sunday 18^th January        11am Family Eucharist              Canon Michael McAdam

Sunday 25^th January        11am Family Eucharist              Bishop John Flack

 

 

Bishop John writes………………………….

2009   IS GOING TO BE A VERY CHALLENGING  YEAR.   The “credit crunch” and the alarming financial crisis are going to hit us hard.    No one knows what is really going to happen but it is certain that many people are going to lose their jobs.   Buying or selling a house is becoming a nightmare.    In the developing world there is even greater alarm.  People in Zimbabwe, the Congo, Afghanistan, Iraq and India are becoming innocent victims in terrible conflicts.    There seems to be no good news anywhere, and the New Year dawns with little to cheer us.    

 

Older ones will remember the words of King George VI in his Christmas broadcast of 1939, when the prospects seemed even darker    “I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God”

That message still holds good as we stand at the gate of 2009.

 

If you would like to begin the New Year asking for God’s help with everything, then do come along to a special New Years Day service at 10.30am in Nassington Church, on New Years Day itself.    It will last just 30 minutes.After the service there will be refreshments at the back of the church, and - for keen walkers - a brisk walk round the village leading to an early Lunch.   We look forward to seeing you.

May you have a blessed New Year and may God go with you all throughout 2009

+John Flack

 

Lady Brassey writes..........................

December brought several “firsts” to Apethorpe. A confirmation was held on the 7^th, the “first” since 1895.  Canon McAdam held the “first” Christening, Christingle and Carol service for Harriet Beardmore who had come all the way from Australia to take the starring role.

Many thanks to those who helped to decorate the Church, especially Richard Parkinson for the nativity scene, and to Roy Rogers and Sue Lister for decorating the Christmas trees in the Church yard. As ever we are hugely indebted to our amazing retired clergy who have supported us all these years and who help Bishop John whilst he is so busy. Long may they continue.

 

We wish you all a Happy and Peaceful 2009.