Consider the lilies of the field
Bible readings: Romans 8:18-25 and Matthew 6:25-34
Gospel Reading [NRSVA]
‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, “What will we eat?” or “What will we drink?” or “What will we wear?” For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ‘So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Updates…
Please send all information for the newsletter/blog/website by Wed 11th 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
Meditation Group
Every Friday a Meditation group meets at St Mary’s church at 10:30am. Note that on Friday 20th Feb due to a booked funeral the meditation will start earlier at 10am. 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. 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 at 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!”
Update on St John’s from the diocese
After a review and taking considered advice the St Johns PCC made the sad but necessary decision to close the main area of St John’s Church just before Christmas to those wishing to worship, use for meetings or use the play equipment. This was not an easy decision but with all the changes to various fire and safety regulations we felt it was the correct thing to do as custodians of the building.
Since then, we have involved a number of people to consider and come up with solutions and options and levels of investment to allow us to open the building in a way that minimises health, safety and fire risks. It is not unfortunately a quick process given the number of people involved and the need to meet the relevant regulations that are in place.
We do understand that it is an important place for those that live and work in and around Penzance and West Penwith and we are still working through the best next steps. However we are committed to enabling St John’s church to re-open once the remedial work is in place
Feast for Families
will be running at St Mary’s church until Friday 13th February 3:30pm-5:30pm.
This week Feast for Families will have the theme of “Love is in the air” with Valentine themed activities, biscuit decorating, crafts and food. All free of charge! Jenny
Sustainable Sunday
Thanks to the people from St Mary’s church who supported this event in any way – donating books, refreshments, money and your time. Although numbers were few, those who were there enjoyed the afternoon and the welcome offered, and went home with some new books! Many thanks! Jenny
Little Lights Group
A new 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. The second session at St Mary’s will be on Thursday 12thFebruary 1.30-2.30. 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
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
