The Temptation of Christ – mosaic in the basilica of San Marco
The Temptation of Jesus
Bible readings: Romans 5.12–19 and Matthew 4.1–11
Gospel Reading [NRSVA]
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterwards he was famished. The tempter came and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.’ But he answered, ‘It is written, “One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”’
Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, “He will command his angels concerning you”, and “On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.”’
Jesus said to him, ‘Again it is written, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”’
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour; and he said to him, ‘All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Away with you, Satan! for it is written, “Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.”’
Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him.
Updates…
Please send all information for the newsletter/blog/website by Wed 25th Feb noon to Keno at admin@penleecluster.org.uk.
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
Contemplative Prayer and Meditation Group
Contemplative Prayer and Christian Meditation on Monday 23rd February at 5:30pm. 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 online via zoom at 6:00pm on Sunday 22nd February. Please note that the Julian Group will meet in St. Pol de Léon Church at 6:00pm on Sunday 1st March. 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.
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. Lynda and Diane
Lent Book: Lent Scapes
A book with daily reflections for the period of Lent has been prepared by HeartEdge together with The Society of St Francis and it is available from Lesley Michell at St Mary’s church. Price is £10.
This book is a beautifully crafted 40-day reflection book that helps us see Lent not as a season of burden, but as a time of honesty, healing, and renewed hope. Rooted in the Gospel of John and shaped by voices from around the world, it encourages us to look again – at God, at ourselves, and at the world we share.
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.
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
Little Lights Group
A group called Little Lights for children aged 0-3 years and their carers has started at St Mary’s Church with stories, music, play and refreshments. We meet on Thursdays 1.30-2.30. Please spread the word to anyone you know who would like to bring young children along. Jenny
NightChurch 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
The Wellbeing Vending Machine
Snacks for the Soul
Connecting children and young families with older people in our communities. Vending Machine is located at St Mary’s church.
The Wellbeing Vending Machine project brought children, young families and older people together in intergenerational creative workshops to explore what wellbeing means and how we can nurture it in ourselves and others. 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. Generously funded by the Cornwall Community Foundation and delivered with the Rainbow Project and Generations United, the team is now hoping to roll the idea out further and would love to hear from anyone interested in getting involved—contact Sally Crabtree at sally@artconnexion.co.uk.
🌈 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
Lent Lunches
CTiPA weekly lunches will start at 12 noon. Money raised will go towards Christian Aid and CAFOD projects.
Sat 21st Feb – Quakers + YMCA Alverton Road
Sat 28th Feb – High Street Methodist
Sat 7th Mar – St Peter’s church, Newlyn
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.
CTiPA Forum is on Tuesday 24th February at 7pm, at the Salvation Army Hall, Queens Street. Agenda, Minutes of last Forum meeting and Food Bank report available. Guest speaker Victoria Hodgkinson, Night Church Penzance.
