Presentation of Christ in the temple by Michael Franke
Presentation of Christ in the Temple
Bible readings: Hebrews 2:14-end and Luke 2:22-40
Gospel Reading [NRSVA]
When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, ‘Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord’), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons.’
Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,
‘Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.’
And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.’
There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshipped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him.
Updates…
Please send all information for the newsletter/blog/website by Wed 4th Feb noon to Keno at admin@penleecluster.org.uk. Printed newsletters will resume this week and they will be available in each church.
CLUSTER INFORMATION & EVENTS
Celtic Morning Prayer
Each weekday morning on zoom 8:00am – 8:30am. If you would like to attend, please email Keno for zoom details.
Psalm Group
Every Thursday at 11:15am we read and meditate on a Psalm. Come and join us at St Mary’s church. Josie
Meditation Group
Every Friday a Meditation group meets at St Mary’s church at 10:30am. This is a welcoming and supportive space for everyone in the community. Vicky
Julian Prayer Group
The Julian Group will meet at Paul church on Sunday 1st February and online via zoom at 6:00pm on Sunday 8th February. If you would like to attend, please email Mel at mlevesconte@hotmail.co.uk for zoom details.
Prayer Requests
If you are concerned about someone and would like their name included in the Prayer Request Group’s weekly prayer list, please do email Mel by 7:00pm on Tuesday evenings. Thank you.
Ash Wednesday 18th February
As we begin our season of Lent – a time of reflection, we think of Jesus spending 40 days in the wilderness with focus on prayer, fasting and self-reflection. There will be a Joint Cluster Service of the Imposition of Ashes and Holy Communion 6pm at St Mary’s Church. All Welcome!”
Paul church 1662 Communion at 9am with Ashes.
Lent Lunch and Stations of the Cross
St Peter’s church invites you to a Lent Lunch on Saturday 7th March at 12 noon.
Stations of the Cross on Wednesdays at 11.30am, starting on 18th February.
Lynda and Diane
Rock Around the Clock! Fundraising Event
At Paul Community Church Hall on Saturday 14th February, starting at 6pm with welcome 50s cocktail, including 50’s style hearty curry or casserole, 50s quiz, 50s karaoke, 50s dancing. Come early at 5pm for a showing of “Rock Around the Clock”. Tickets £10 from Karen treasurerstpoldeleon@gmail.com.
St John’s Church and Playzone
will remain closed until further notice. The regular Friday Morning service of Holy Communion usually held at St John’s church, has a new temporary home! So same time (11am) but different place. Same hospitality!! Please ring Revd Derath Durkin on 07962 168440 or email her for details derathdurkin@penleecluster.org.uk.
We look forward to welcoming you from Friday 6th February!”
Feast for Families
will be running at St Mary’s church until Friday 13th February. On Friday 6th February 3:30pm-5:30pm.
This week Feast for Families will have the theme of “imagination” with Ready Steady Cook challenge and imaginative and creative activities, games and food. All free of charge! Jenny
Sustainable Sunday
We will be rotating the Sustainable Sundays around churches.
Sunday 1st February at St Mary’s church from 2:30-4:30pm
Sunday 29th March at St Peter’s church from 2:30-4:30pm
Come along for a clothes and books swap (or pay 50p per item of clothing and £1 for a book) and a seasonal family activity linked to Candlemas on Sunday 1st February and to Psalm Sunday on 29th March. Refreshments provided.
Little Lights Group
A new group – called Little Lights – for children aged 0-3 years and their carers will be starting at St Mary’s Church and St Peter’s Church in February. There will be stories, music, play and refreshments. The first session at St Mary’s will be on Thursday 5thFebruary from 1.30-2.30. We will let you know when we have a starting date at St Peter’s. Please spread the word to anyone you know who would like to bring young children along. Jenny
Driving a minibus for Holiday Clubs
The Rainbow Project has an established partnership with The National Trust. The Trust has supported trips to Godolphin House and also paid for a day’s surfing at Gwithian last Summer including providing coaches. This is all part of the Trust’s work to ensure that all children irrespective of financial circumstances are able to access the outdoors. As part of this the Trust is offering Penlee Cluster free training to drive a minibus. This will ensure that we have a qualified minibus driver who can drive the bus for Holiday Clubs which we hope to be able continue to provide. If you are interested, or you know someone who would be interested in taking up this offer, then please contact Keno or Hilary asap.
This is a fabulous offer and we feel very privileged that the Trust is supporting our Holiday Clubs in this way. Hilary
Night Church Penzance
Together we are creating a place where everyone is valued, listened to and loved. We also want to say a heartfelt thank you to the NightChurch team who give their time, care, and compassion so faithfully. Our volunteers and supporters come from across different Christian traditions, united by one shared purpose: to share the love of Jesus through welcome, presence, and kindness. It is encouraging to see NightChurch growing, both in our team and in the number of guests we welcome, as we continue to walk this journey together. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35. Victoria
🌈 Please Help The Rainbow Project Continue Its Vital Work 🌈
The Rainbow Project launched in 2022 to support families in our local area through the rising cost of living crisis and increasing poverty.
Our work has made a real and lasting difference (further information and anonymised case studies available on request)
But we can’t continue it without your support. We have until April 2026 to raise £16,000 so that this project can continue running from May until August 2026. 💛🌈
The Rainbow Project is currently looking for ways to sustain the vital work supporting families in our parishes. The funding will run out by May and we are actively looking for other grants to enable us to continue with our mission of reaching out together and working to transform the unjust structures in our society as stated in the Five Marks of Mission.
💛 How You Can Help:
✔️Share this message to spread awareness
✔️ Tell friends, family, organisations, and anyone who may want to support our work
✔️ Hold fundraising events
✔️ Donate — every amount helps us get closer to our £16,000 goal
Please contact: molly.blewett@penleecluster.org.uk
