Dear friends,

Sometimes we can be inclined to give and give and give to others – without asking anything in return. We may think that this is a sign of generosity – of great strength. But it can also be one of pride – we want to be seen as the one who does not need help. Or it can be a sign of very low self-esteem – we do not think we are worth receiving anything from others.

Whatever the reason, when we keep giving, without also receiving, we put ourselves in danger – we will burn out quickly. It is as important to know when we need to TAKE attention and care, as when we need to give it to others. If you do not pay careful attention to your own needs – whether physical, emotional, mental or spiritual – you will not last the distance.

If you want to remain a joyful giver for years to come, you need also to be a joyful taker and accept God’s love, given to you through other people.

To help me draw nearer to Jesus this Lent, I’ve recently been reading a wonderful book called “Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers” by Dane Ortlund. It’s a brilliant exploration of Jesus’ tender love for those of us who need continually to be reminded of his goodness. I warmly commend it to you.

Yours with much love in Christ,

Jonathan.

Rev Jonathan Widdess

vicar@cumnor.org / 01865 863702

Here is this weeks news….

This week’s service – Big Story Sunday – watch the live-stream

Join us at 10:30am on Sunday morning as we stream Big Story Sunday from St Michael’s and the Judean Desert! We’ll be exploring the resources God gives us to help us keep going in times of wilderness. To join in with the service online, visit https://cumnor.org/sunday-service-online-28th-february-2021/

The service will remain available afterwards to watch on demand via our website.

You can also phone on 01865 920993, and then choose option 1 from the menu. The service will remain available by telephone until the following Friday.

Zoom Weekly Prayer Meeting

Our weekly prayer meeting continues every Monday at 10am.

Join us as we gather together online to pray for one another, our families, friends and neighbours, our parish, our nation and the world.

For more details on how to connect, see this web page.

Worship for Seniors – “Prayer”

The latest of our new, monthly series for seniors and those in care homes is still available. William Cutting’s theme this month is “Prayer”.

You can watch online at https://cumnor.org/worship-for-seniors/ or listen by telephone, dial 01865 920993 and then choose option 2 from the menu.

Worship for Seniors is a short devotional programme, with a hymn, a short talk and a prayer. Each episode lasts for about 15 minutes.

Regathering for Worship

While the past year has taught all of us something of the folly of planning too far ahead, we are currently hoping to be able to gather for worship in person again from 28th March. More details to follow in the coming weeks.

Please Continue To Pray For…

• Everyone who has lost loved ones recently.
• Staff, and pupils at Cumnor C.E. School and Matthew Arnold as they prepare to reopen to all pupils from March 8th.
• Our CMS mission partner Bia.
• The St Andrew’s Rebuilding Project.
• All those who are anxious for their jobs or their future.
• All those who are continuing to struggle with the effects of lockdown.
• Those who are homeless or struggling with food poverty.