“Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, the king of Israel.”
Reading: John 12: 12-16
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – ‘The Sacrifice’
‘And so,’ continued the Witch, ‘that human creature is mine. His life is forfeit to me. His blood is my property.’
Since the dawn of time in Narnia, the White Witch has had a claim on the life of any traitor — the law of Deep Magic written on the Table of Stone says as much — and so she comes to the camp to demand the life of Edmund, whom Aslan’s troops have recently rescued. Now, Edmund knows himself to be forgiven by his siblings and by Aslan (and indeed, it is the gift of their forgiveness which has enabled him to forgive himself), but still the Witch’s assertion stands. Indeed, she reminds the assembly that if she is denied: ‘all Narnia will be overturned and perish in fire and water’. Aslan concedes that her demand is valid, but after taking her aside for a private talk, he is able to return to his allies with good news: the Witch has renounced her claim on Edmund’s life. No one knows how Aslan has persuaded her.
That night, Lucy and Susan, sensing that something is very wrong, creep out of their tent and see Aslan walking away, into the woods. They catch up with him and though Aslan doesn’t tell them what is to come, he welcomes their company. As they walk, he stumbles: it is a long, slow, sad journey. Nearing the Stone Table, he takes his leave of the girls and tells them not to follow him any further. He goes on alone.
What no one yet knows is that Aslan has paid the price for Edmund’s life by offering himself as a substitute. He is the willing sacrificial victim, taking Edmund’s place to satisfy the Witch’s claim and in so doing, he is not only saving Edmund, but the whole of Narnia. Of course, his saving work is not at this moment recognised: the Witch assumes she can cheat him and kill Edmund anyway. So we leave Aslan here, as he approaches a painful death, while his friends Lucy and Susan stay hidden, watching in despair. Hope seems lost; all is dark.
Easter Day
A most amazing day.
We begin our celebration of Easter very early on Sunday morning. We meet in Paul Celtic quiet garden and watch the sun rise over Mounts Bay and St Michael’s mount. We kindle the new fire of Easter, bless the Paschal Candle and celebrate the first communion of Easter. There is something special about this time, full of hope and so full of life. We have journeyed with Christ throughout the painful of Holy Week. But on Easter Day with the assurance and belief that Christ has Risen…signs of hope and new life abound.
Please do sign up today if you are going to stay for breakfast after the sunrise service.
Bells….on Easter Day
For many years there was a tradition at St Mary’s PZ that people brought hand bells to church on Easter Day. These bells were rung during the first hymn when the word alleluia is sung….a joyful response to mark the Resurrection of our Lord.
So would people at both St Mary’s and St John’s, and the people of St Peter’s please bring bells to church to continue this tradition.
Chocolate Easter eggs
Would you be prepared to donate some chocolate Easter eggs? We need them for Easter Sunday morning, holiday club and the church school Easter service….all sizes welcome!!!
Holy Week 24th – 30th March
Holy Week School workshops
Monday 25th match 9am- 2pm
Tuesday 26th March 9am- 2pm
All based on the story of Lion, Witch and Wardrobe. Through the workshops young people gain an insight into the events of Holy Week and Easter.
Can you help on either day? contact Andrew or Sian Yates
Monday March 25th 7pm
Christian Meditation at St Mary’s
Wednesday March 27th
9am: 1662 communion: Paul Church
11am: Eucharist and address: St Peter’s Church Newlyn
Maundy Thursday March 28th
11am: foot-washing and Eucharist: St Mary’s Church
7pm: Communion: Paul Church
8pm: The watch: Celtic quiet garden at Paul
Good Friday “To the foot of the cross”
Penlee Cluster Pilgrimage and reflections.
10am: meditation St John’s Church Pz
10.30am: pilgrim walk
11am: meditation St Mary’s Church Pz
11.30am: pilgrim walk
12.15pm: meditation and lunch St. Peter’s Church Newlyn
1pm pilgrim walk
2pm: meditation and Good Friday worship at Paul Church
Saturday March 30th The Crucifixion – Stainer
7pm: St Mary’s Church Penzance
A Meditation on the Sacred Passion of the Holy Redeemer is an oratorio for a SATB choir and organ composed by John Stainer in 1887, with text by W J Sparrow Simpson. The piece relates the Biblical narrative of the Passion and Crucifixion of Jesus. We bring together singers to perform this well-known piece – and a congregation who would like to hear the Passion story told – yes, through Victorian eyes and musical sensibilities but still having a profound impact on those who share the experience.
Easter Day: New life
7am: Sunrise Eucharist: lighting of new fire and first Eucharist at the Celtic quiet garden, Paul.
8am: Easter breakfast in Paul hall
9.30am: Traditional Mass: St Peter’s Church Newlyn
10.30am: Easter Communion and Baptism of Toby Harrow Cock at Paul Church
11am: Sung Eucharist: St Mary’s Church Pz
St Peter’s Church, Newlyn
Easter votive candles.
If you wish to have a candle lit in memory of a loved one please put the name on the sheet at the back of the church. £1 per candle.
St Mary’s church Book of Remembrance
If you wish to have the name of your loved one who has died inscribed in the Book of St Mary’s, then please fill in the card form that is in church. We hope to get the names in the book by Easter Day.
NightchurchPZ ….a celebration
Wednesday March 27th: 6.30pm St Mary’s church PZ
Please join us for a joyful and very informal celebration.
We will be commissioning Alice as the lead Nightchurch worker and blessing volunteers. Bishop Hugh will be joining us.
We will also be baptising Alex and Eliza. What a wonderful moment. Two people who are so committed to their faith and the work of the church.
Please hold everyone in prayer.
Electoral roll
Are you on the electoral roll of one of our churches? You might like to consider joining an electoral roll so that you can have a say in the future life of our church.
Green Heating appeal at St Mary’s Church Pz
Permission has now been granted for the new halo heating system to be installed.
The church council are now launching a funding campaign. If you feel that you can help in any way, please get in touch.
Paul Church Summer Talks
“From rejection to an OBE”
A talk by Floyd Steadman OBE
Tuesday April 2nd 7pm drink and nibbles, talk starts 7.30pm.
Floyd had a difficult childhood but at the age of 23, and as one of the few black players in English club rugby at the time, he was named captain of Saracen’s. He played a leading role in the club’s success during the 1980s. After retiring from rugby, he emerged as a talented and inspiring teacher and headmaster, having a positive impact on many, many young lives. Copies of his book ‘A Week One Summer’ will be on sale.
The Julian Meeting
will be held online at 6pm this week and the link is below. If you are unable to join us and would like to reflect at a time convenient to you, the prayers are below.
Opening Prayer
Step by step slowly
journey into the heart centre
rest and stay awhile
stop, breathe and be still
for it is in this moment
I wait to meet God
(Annie Henry)
Sentence
Journey into the heart centre
Closing Prayer
Bless to us, O God the road that is before us,
bless to us, O God, the friends who are around us,
Bless to us, O God, your love which is within us.
(Ruth Burgess)
St Peter’s Church Newlyn
Littleland Childrens Role play
Once a month. All sessions are FREE ENTRY.
Roleplay suitable for children under 5yrs of age. Forthcoming 2024 dates…
Saturday 6th April 10.00am – 12.00pm
Saturday 7th September 10.00am – 12.00pm
Saturday 5th October 10.00am – 12.00pm
Saturday 2nd November 10.00am – 12.00pm
Saturday 7th December 10.00am – 12.00pm
All sessions are FREE and refreshments are provided for the children. Hot drinks and cakes.
Donations thankfully accepted please! Contact Molly: 07341830277, molly.blewett@penleecluster.org.uk
Christian Meditation/Contemplative Prayer.
Our next session is on Monday 25th March at 7pm at St Mary’s Church. Do join us for half an hour when we listen to a short reading and are guided into a period of silence and contemplation where we can either use a mantra to focus upon, or rest in the presence of our Lord.
A Sailing Experience
April Friday 26th- Sunday 28th
We are planning to take 6 young people on a weekend sailing adventure. This is for older teenagers. The Morning Star Trust is bringing their training boat down to Falmouth for us. If you know of a young person who might be interested, then please get in touch with Sian. Or if you feel able to help sponsor a young person to take part in the adventure contact Keno.
Sailing Adventures Of A Lifetime
The Morning Star Trust has a Christian foundation, rather like a church school, we welcome everyone whatever their worldview, faith or creed. Our faith is reflected in the way we conduct ourselves and our approach to those who sail with us. We are committed to ensuring that every one can experience sailing irrespective of cost. We have a bursary fund available on application. For forty-five years we have been taking young people to sea for life-changing adventures. Sailing on our purpose built training vessels you’ll do more than learn to sail, you’ll learn about yourself and the world you live in.
Easter Holiday Kids Club
We are holding 4 days holiday club at St. John’s Church Pz: Mon 1st April, Tues 2nd, Thurs 4th and Fr 5th: 9.30-3pm. We are pleased that we have been able to obtain a small grant towards this work. The group will be smaller than usual…just 20 children between the ages of 6-11yrs.
Easter Monday: Playzone, Easter egg fun.
Tuesday: sculpture gardens and playzone.
Thursday: aquarium and trampoline park Newquay.
Friday: Flambards.
Might you be able to offer any help or make some cakes?
Cluster service and lunch
The next Cluster service, and the final Sunday service at which Andrew and Sian will lead, will be on Sunday 7th April at 10.30am: St Mary’s church Penzance. There will be a Cluster lunch at The Lugger after that service at 12.30pm. We would love to see you and have a time to eat together. Lesley Michell needs to know the numbers from each church by the beginning of Holy Week, so please sign up soon.
Barn Dance: After Easter social event
Saturday 6th April: 6.30pm- 8.30pm: St Mary’s church Penzance
Bring a plate of food to share. We do hope that you are able to join us.
Going for Gold !
We are now looking at the next set of targets to obtain the Gold Eco award at St Mary’s.
Over the next few months we are committed to:
Change to using recycled toilet paper,
Plant native British trees in the church yard,
Engage in the Toilet Twinning project
Commit to praying for a particular overseas environmental project, eg The Ripple Effect (formerly Send a Cow) – https://rippleeffect.org/ – and possibly becoming a financial partner supporting an environmental charity.
The Ripple Effect
Hilfield retreat and Franciscan experience.
9th- 12th April
We have a number of people taking part in this Franciscan retreat.
Please hold the group in your prayers as they learn more about Franciscan spirituality and way of life.
