The Baptism of Christ by David Zelenka. Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0
Baptism of Christ
Bible Readings: Isaiah 43.1-7; Psalm 29; Acts 8.14-17; Luke 3.15-17, 21-22
Gospel reading
As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, ‘I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing-fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing-floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.’ Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’
[Luke 3.15-17, 21-22]
Reflection
On the last Monday evening of December 2024, eight of us met for the Contemplative Prayer group at St Mary’s. This group has amazingly, faithfully and steadfastly been meeting for approximately 24 years, first at St John’s then moving to St Mary’s during lockdown. At this recent session, we had a reading from Robert Llewellyn’s Prayer and Contemplation (1989), donated by Alma Hartley from her late husband John’s collection. The passage contrasted the repetitive prayer method, also known as prayer without ceasing, such as the Jesus Prayer, or Marantha (Aramaic for ‘Come O Lord’) with silent contemplation. We are advised to discern which to use. Llewellyn says ‘If your heart warms to this way of prayer, and you feel a desire to embark upon it, then in all probability the Holy Spirit is leading you to test it for a while.’ He quotes Father Stanton: ‘Meditation is a detachment from the things of the world in order to attend to the things of God. Contemplation is a detachment from the things of God in order to attend to God Himself.’ Sometimes, within one session, we can move from repetitive prayer to utter silence where there are no words. There is so much suffering in the world and so much darkness; however, contemplation gives us the springboard to keep on. To finish with the words of St Augustine: ‘Thou hast made us for thyself and the heart of man is restless till it finds rest in thee.’ – Vicky
Weekly newsletter/blog and website
Please send all information for the Sunday newsletter/blog by Wednesday evening to Josie at penleeclusternewsletter@gmail.com. For anything else specifically website-related, please contact Chris at communications@penleecluster.org.uk. If you would like to write a reflection for the newsletter on any particular week, please contact Josie for details of upcoming Sunday readings. Please also get in touch with any items you would like to see in the newsletter.
Celtic Morning Prayer
Each weekday morning on zoom at 8am. The zoom meeting ID is 815 4586 0947. If you would like to attend, please email Keno at admin@penleecluster.org.uk (or call on 01736 331633) for the passcode, which you will need as well as the meeting ID given here.
Julian Prayer Group
The Julian Meeting will be on zoom this Sunday 12th, at 6pm. Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84734636130?pwd=NkMrMDNjT Gpzb norZEUrYVRJUTBkQT09
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 at mlevesconte@hotmail.co.uk by 7pm on Tuesday evenings. Thank you.
Christmas Holiday Club
Christmas holiday club was held over 4 days and 15/17 children attended daily. We had a great team of staff members and all the children had an amazing time. We visited rogue theatre in the woods, local care homes, creative cooking, arts and crafts, a trip to the arcade, Newquay trampoline park, soft play and hot chocolate on Mousehole beach and much more. It was a very heartwarming experience and we received fantastic feedback. – Molly
Generations United Photoshoot
I am looking for people over 65 who are willing to attend a photoshoot in Causewayhead on 1st February at 10am. The photoshoot is for promotional material for Generations United, to enable this project to continue into 2025. It will be a fun-filled morning with children and laughter. If you are able to attend please contact Molly on 07341830277 or molly.blewett@penleecluster.org.uk.
Roast dinner at St. Mary’s
Sunday 2nd February
The excellent St. Mary’s dinner returns on Sunday 2nd February at 12.15pm, following Communion. All welcome!
Penwith Deanery News
The latest church news from around Penwith.
OTHER INFORMATION & EVENTS
Epiphany House Quiet Day
Friday 17th January
Doubt: A Help or Hindrance to God Present in Our Life? with Bryan West
Epiphany House quiet days are an opportunity for prayer, reflection, and silence, fostering deeper connection with God. Quiet days cost £30.00 and include refreshments and a light lunch. Reflecting on Jesus’ words to the disciple Thomas, “Blessed are they who have believed but have not seen” we will explore how doubt can be a catalyst for deeper faith and understanding. Through guided discussions, prayer, and quiet contemplation, we will uncover how doubt can lead to growth and a more profound relationship with God. Bryan is a retired Anglican Priest who has been ordained for 36 years. His experience in ministry has been as an executive headteacher, education adviser, hospital chaplain and associate priest. He is a Spiritual Director and has conducted retreats and quiet days.
Book your space online here: https://epiphanyhouse.co.uk/event/doubt-a-help-or-hindrance-to-god-present-in-our-life-with-bryan-west
or email bookings@epiphanyhouse.co.uk, or ring 01872 857953.
Memorial Service at Madron Church
Saturday 25th January
Following the death of Revd Jon Robertshaw just before Christmas, a Memorial Service will be held on Saturday 25th January at 11.00am at Madron Church.
Cornwall Faith Forum News
- CFF Projects
The next CFF Projects Meeting will be held on Thursday 30th January at 7.00pm on zoom. They will look to hold an in-person meeting later in the spring and hope you can join them then. Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMsfuqhqzgiEtKegJnhUz6etnThpKXFmtuv
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. In preparation for 30th January, they will be getting the three sub groups Building, Sharing and Learning for Peace together before then. If you would like to be part of one or more of these pre-meetings, please contact Andrew Yates at chair@dorkemmyn.org.uk
- Faith Covenant
On 13th November, the Faith Covenant for Cornwall was signed. Go to https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/people-and-communities/equality-and-diversity/faith-covenant-for-cornwall/ to find the full text and also a short film. There is a group already starting to look at what’s next following the signing. If you would like to be part of this group with a view to setting up a Faith Covenant Development Board please contact Andrew at chair@dorkemmyn.org.uk
- Invitation to Strategic Convention looking at healthy, safe and resilient communities – 14th January
One of the outcomes of the Faith Covenant is we are receiving more invitations to contribute to consultations about many aspects of our lives together in Cornwall. Most recently we have been invited to send a representative to the next Strategic Convention which will focus upon Aim 5: Healthy, Safe and Resilient communities. It will bring together partners and stakeholders to develop short and long-term actions that will help us collectively achieve the outcomes set out in the Cornwall Plan for this theme. We will share data on progress towards the outcomes with participants ahead of the session. The Convention will be held in person at Bodmin Police Hub, Tollgate Road, Bodmin PL31 2FJ on Tuesday 14 January from 2.00-5.00pm. If you would like to attend on behalf of Cornwall Faith Forum, please contact Andrew on chair@dorkemmyn.org.uk
Holocaust Memorial Day Event
Truro Cathedral, Monday 25th January
Candle lighting ceremony in the Cathedral at 12 noon and exhibitions and displays in the Cathedral between 10.00am – 3.00pm.
Debt Advice
The Salvation Army offers debt advice services to people in this area. They are free, confidential and impartial. Please dial 01752 643955 to speak to a Debt Advisor from 10.00am until 4.00pm Monday to Friday or email cornwalldas@salvationarmy.org.uk.
