Introduction by Su Brakewell:

A couple of weeks ago we sang Build Your Kingdom Here by Rend Collective - and it hasn’t left my head since. A joyful, Spirit-stirring earworm!

‘Build Your kingdom here

Let the darkness fear

Show your mighty hand

Heal our streets and land

Set Your church on fire

Win this nation back

Change the atmosphere

Build your kingdom here – we pray

Come set Your rule and reign

In our hearts again

Increase in us we pray

Unveil why we're made

Come set our hearts ablaze with hope

Like wildfire in our very souls

Holy Spirit come invade us now

We are Your church

We need Your pow'r in us’”.

Those aren’t just great lyrics - they’re a bold prayer. And next on Saturday 14th March we begin asking what that prayer looks like for us here in Sholing. What does it mean to say, “We are Your Church” - in this place, at this time? How do we fan into flame the fire God has already sparked?

This is the starting line, not the finish. If you can’t be there but feel the nudge - you haven’t missed the bus.

Please pray for all who gather, and for Peter (Goodall) as he leads us. Let’s see what God might ignite.

THIS WEEK PLEASE PRAY FOR:

Annie G, Stella O, Rashmi, Jake C, Hilary & Chris L,

Ann J, Cathy E, Heather W, Nick, John C.

The prayer team continues to pray for all who have requested prayer.

To request prayer: Tel: Claire Buston on

07594 450128 or email: prayer@sholing.church

REMEMBERING

Julie, praying for Krystal, Harper, Mike and family.

Pat, praying for his wife Val, sons Darren & Alan and all the family.

RUBY SMIRK’S ASHES INTERMENT

You are warmly invited to join us for the interment of Ruby Smirk’s ashes on Sunday 15 March at 12pm.

We will gather for a short service at the graveside as we give thanks for Ruby’s life.

Refreshments will be served afterwards.

NO SERVICES – SUN 8TH MARCH

Ben, Luke, Tim and Michele are being Confirmed by Bishop Rhiannon at St Christophers, Thornhill.

The service will start at 10am

As these are members of both the 8:30am and 10am congregations this will allow everyone to attend the service and cheer them on.

CAKES NEEDED FOR CONFIRMATIONS

Can we please have some volunteers to make cakes for the confirmation celebration at St Christophers on Sun 8 March. We need to cater for around 70 people in total:

· Large cakes

· Cupcakes

· Flapjacks

· Biscuits

Please speak to Su Brakewell if you can help.

NO STRIDERS EXTRA ON 1ST MARCH

APCM

Meeting: Mon 27 April, 7.15pm

· You can now join the electoral roll (if not already on it – please check with Sue Clarke).

· From 13th April – nominations open for joining PCC and becoming Churchwarden.

FOOD BANK URGENTLY NEEDS

The food bank urgently needs toilet rolls. If you can help, please leave your donation in the hamper in the hall. Thank you.

WHAT’S YOUR STORY?

As part of our Heritage 160 celebrations, we are collecting stories, memories, and treasures that make up the living history of our parish.

We’d love to hear about your connections to St Mary’s Church Sholing or the wider Parish of Sholing. Your contribution will help preserve our shared heritage for future generations. There are forms and envelopes available in the Hall or you can speak to one of our team or email us at Heritage@Sholing.Church

MAUNDY THURSDAY SUPPER SIGN UP

If you’re joining us for Maundy Thursday supper at St Christophers, could you please ensure you’ve added your details to the sign-up form. Thank you.

EASTER EGG APPEAL

The Parish Giving Scheme

A simple and efficient way to support your church regularly. The Parish Giving Scheme makes giving easy, secure, and tax-efficient - helping your gift go further and reducing administration for the parish. If you’d like to know more, please speak to Ben or Garry.

KEEP YOUR RECIPES COMING

Thank you to everyone who has already sent recipes through to Julie - we’re so grateful. However, we still need many more if we’re to produce our fundraising recipe book as part of our Heritage 160 celebrations. Please don’t be shy! Dig out your favourite family recipes - whether it’s a well-loved cake, a special main course, or a treasured traditional dish - and send them to Julie.

If we don’t receive enough contributions, we may sadly have to reconsider including the recipe book in our Heritage 160 plans. Let’s make this a collection that truly reflects our church family!

We look forward to receiving your recipes soon.

Email: julie56cousens@gmail.com

Pew News - 1st-8th March 2026