The Presentation in the Temple (1765) by Januarius Zick
Mothering Sunday
Bible readings: Exodus 2.1-10 and Luke 2.33–35
Gospel Reading [NRSVA]
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.’
Updates…
Please send all information for the newsletter/blog/website by Wed 18th March noon to Keno at admin@penleecluster.org.uk.
CLUSTER INFORMATION & EVENTS
Celtic Morning Prayer – Each weekday morning on zoom 8:00am – 8:30am. 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. 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
Sustainable Sunday at St Mary’s on Sunday 29th March, 2:30-4:30pm. Free activities, clothes, toys, book swap.
Little Lights Group for children aged 0-3 years and their carers at St Mary’s church on Thursdays 1.30-2.30. Stories, music, play and refreshments. Please spread the word to anyone you know who would like to bring young children along. Jenny
Stations of the Cross
Stations of the Cross on Wednesdays at 11.30am at St Peter’s church. Lynda and Diane
Julian Prayer Group
The Julian Group will meet online via zoom at 6:00pm on Sunday. 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.
St John’s Church update
We recently posted that we were engaging a number of external experts and specialist to review the fire and safety regulations for the many uses that St Johns has become known for over the years with the hope that we would soon be open to the whole community.
We have now completed that work and whilst we can re-open St Johns to our congregation and for those that wish to worship, use St Johns as a quiet space or just visit; there is remedial work needed, alongside a substantial level of investment to bring the church environment to a point where it could be open for other uses.
We will continue to keep you all informed.
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.
Concerts Diary
Friday 27th March at 7.30pm – Concert Bach’s St Matthew Passion – Helston Chamber Choir with Penzance Choral Society
Sunday 29th March at 7pm – Concert Mousehole Male Voice Choir and Nankersey Male Choir
Holy Week at Penlee Cluster
Sunday 29th March. 11am. Paul church. Palm Sunday Eucharist.
Wednesday 1st April. 9am. Paul church. Eucharist.
Thursday 2nd April. 7pm. St Peter’s church. Maundy Thursday Passover service.
Thursday 2nd April. 7pm. Paul church. Maundy Thursday.
Friday 3rd April. 10.30am. Paul church. Good Friday Service.
Friday 3rd April. 11am. St John’s church. Good Friday Service.
Friday 3rd April. 12.45pm. St Mary’s church. Good Friday Service.
Friday 3rd April. 2pm. St Peter’s church. Good Friday Service.
Sunday 5th April. 7am. Paul. Easter Sunday Sunrise Service.
Sunday 5th April. 9.30am. St Peter’s church. Easter Communion.
Sunday 5th April. 11am St Mary’s. Easter Day Communion.
Sunday 5th April. 11am. Paul church. Easter Sunday Communion.
NightChurch Penzance – Abundance in Action
Lesley and I had the privilege of being invited to share about NightChurch at the HeartEdge Abundance in Action conference held at St Petroc’s Church, Bodmin, last week.
It was a joy to hear Sam Wells speak about the theology of “Being With.” He reminded us that the Holy Spirit is already present and at work in people’s lives from the very beginning, not only after a moment of conversion. Our role in ministry, therefore, is not to bring the Spirit to people, but to help them notice, recognise, and talk about the ways God is already present and active in their lives. This “being with” approach encourages us to move beyond simply sharing information about God and instead walk alongside people so they can discover and experience God’s presence for themselves.
As well as sharing about NightChurch, we took part in group workshops that provided resources and inspiration to take back to our church communities. HeartEdge has four principles: compassion, culture, commerce and congregational life. At the heart of these is the idea of abundance, encouraging us to move beyond a mindset of scarcity and instead embrace God’s overflowing grace.
A NightChurch story: During the recent awful weather, a guest arrived drenched from the heavy rain and asked if we had glue to repair the sole of her trainer that had come away. We didn’t have suitable glue, but we were able to give a pair of trainers. She didn’t have any socks and another guest overheard the conversation. Shortly before arriving at NightChurch she had been given two pairs of new socks both of which she was wearing. Without hesitation, she removed a pair and gave them to the other guest. Abundance, right there in action.
Please hold in your prayers the outreach events planned over the coming weeks: work with families, Sustainable Sunday, school visits, NightChurch and fellowship lunches. Let us celebrate the unique opportunities and gifts within our church cluster and encourage one another through collaboration and creativity, seeking to be vibrant expressions of God’s abundant love. Where have you noticed signs of God’s abundant love this week? Victoria
St Piran’s Award
Penny Ellis of Penlee Cluster in the Deanery of Penwith was named by the Diocese of Truro as a 2026 recipient of the Cross of St Piran, to be presented by the Bishop of Truro, the Rt Revd David Williams, at St Piran’s Church, Perranzabuloe, on 7 March 2026. The awards recognise “selfless work in churches, communities, and schools,” and recipients were honoured for contributions such as local leadership, long service, care of church buildings, support for community initiatives, schools work, and creation care. https://trurodiocese.org.uk/2026/03/celebrations-at-cross-of-st-piran-awards/
Easter Holiday Club 2026
Our current plans for holiday club are:
Tuesday 7th – Gardeners House
Thursday 9th – Paradise Park
Thursday 16th – Godolphin House
Friday 17th – Lappa Valley
We will have 20-25 children per day, 5 members of staff and 4 junior leaders. If you would like to sponsor a child or make a donation towards Easter holiday club please contact Molly.
Many of you will donate to food banks – for the holiday club period. Might you be able to donate food to holiday club instead? We are looking for the following items for picnic lunches. (food to be in date for 17th April please): bread rolls (packs of 12 rolls) 8 packs; butter – 3 tubs; ham – 3 packs of 30 slices; cheese – 3 packs of grated cheese; crisps – 3 packs of 30 packets; fruit – apples, oranges, bananas; yogurts – Frubes 10 packs; cakes – enough for 25 people per day! If you are able to help with any of these items, please let Molly or Jenny know at molly.blewett@penleecluster.org.uk or jenny.orpwood@penleecluster.org.uk. Many thanks for your continued support for local children- it is really appreciated. – Molly & Jenny, Family Workers
Wellbeing Vending Machine at St Mary’s
Snacks for the Soul
Participants aged 2 to 102 shared stories and ideas that inspired “Snacks for the Soul” for the world’s first wellbeing vending machine—playful, practical items such as “Thankies” gratitude hankies, a kazoo to encourage calming breath and humming, resilience-themed mini books and zines, “Zesties” lemon stress balls that also spark active games, and “Wonder Specs” to help people see the world with fresh eyes. Get your free token !
Contact Sally Crabtree at sally@artconnexion.co.uk.
Truro Diocese Lay Ministry Development Day
for commissioned Worship Leaders, Pastoral Ministers, Pioneers and Local Leaders on Saturday 21st March, 9:30-4:30 at Truro Lifehouse, All Saints Church, Highertown, TR1 3LD. The day will start with worship together before we offer several workshops across the day to help you develop new skills, find out about new ideas, and enjoy fellowship together. We are planning workshops on different styles of worship, pioneering and support for pastoral care. Nearer the time you will be asked for your preferences on workshops to best plan the day. For information and booking link contact Revd Derath Durkin derathdurkin@penleecluster.org.uk
Lent Lunches
CTiPA weekly lunches will start at 12 noon. Money raised will go towards Christian Aid and CAFOD projects.
Sat 14th Mar – Chapel Street Methodist
Sat 21st Mar – Roman Catholic Church, Penzance
Sat 28th Mar – St Thomas’ Church, Heamoor
On Good Friday 3rd April CTiPA Walk of Christian Witness. All are welcome to join us. We gather at 11:30am at the bus station where the procession will “Follow the Cross” up Market Jew Street followed by a short service and refreshments at the Salvation Army Hall, Queen Street.
Deanery Synod Standing Committee/DIT
Please consider prayerfully, whether you are able to offer service to the wider deanery by volunteering your experience and/or knowledge/expertise and serving on either the Deanery Synod Standing Committee or one of the designated ‘arms’ of the new Deanery Implementation Team. Ask info from churchwardens. Deadline noon on Tuesday 31st March 2026.
The three specific areas that we are asking people to contribute their experience and knowledge towards are:
- Intergenerational church growth
- Better use of resources
- Improved patterns for ministry
Volunteer with NightChurch Penzance
NightChurch is a welcoming space open to everyone, with Jesus’ promise of ‘life in all its fullness’ at its heart, seeking the common good of the whole community, enabling and guiding people into flourishing and fulfilment.
What is NightChurch?
NightChurch is a community of hope and discovery where people can come as they are. Simply ‘being with’ through the practices of welcome and hospitality, table fellowship, celebrating joy and creativity.
Volunteer Roles:
Welcoming guests and helping create a friendly atmosphere
Offering drinks and helping serve a meal
Sitting with people and listening to their stories
Supporting activities such as reflection, art, or prayer
Being part of a supportive volunteer team
We Are Looking For People Who Are:
Warm, compassionate and non-judgmental
Good listeners who can hold space for others
Comfortable engaging with people from diverse background
Experience with pastoral care, community work, or supporting vulnerable people is helpful but not essential. Training will be provided, including safeguarding awareness.
Why Volunteer?
Volunteering with NightChurch is a meaningful opportunity to support people who may be experiencing difficult circumstances
Be part of a compassionate community
Be a chain reaction of grace
Interested in Joining Us?
If you would like to learn more or express interest in volunteering, please get in contact: nightchurchpenzance@gmail.com
Sessions are every Monday and Wednesday 6pm to 9pm at St Mary’s Church, Chapel Street. Penzance.
Together we can help create a place where everyone is welcomed, valued, and reminded that they are not alone.
