Newsletter - February 2025
Sunday 2nd February is the Feast of Candlemas, or the Presentation of Christ in the Temple. It marks the end of the season of Epiphany, when we turn our thoughts from the cradle and the infant Jesus to the Cross and the season of Lent. At Candlemas we remember how the elderly prophets Anna and Simeon greeted the baby Jesus when his parents brought him to the temple, and how Simeon foretold that Jesus was destined to be “the falling and rising of many”.
On Candlemas there is also a Diocesan-wide celebration of lay ministry, when we give thanks for the work of all those in the church who give of their time and talents to build up our common life. We are lucky to have many volunteers here at St Philip’s but could always use more, so if you’re interested in rolling up your sleeves and getting involved, please let Lindsay know. She’d love to hear from you. We are especially looking for Sunday School leaders and helpers and for people to serve on the Parochial Church Council (the church’s governing body) which meets 6 times a year. We also need a PCC Secretary.
This year we have to start our Electoral Roll from scratch, as is required every 6 years. The Electoral Roll is a register of those members of our church who can attend and vote at our Annual Parochial Church Meeting on Sunday March 23rd. Those named on the Electoral Roll can become members of the PCC. To ensure you will appear on the new roll, please complete one of the enrolment forms at the back of church, or contact our Electoral Roll Officer, Michelle Pegley, who can email you a form. Forms must be returned by Sunday 23rd February.
There will be a service of Holy Communion with Ashing at 7pm on Ash Wednesday (5 March), to which all are welcome. During the season of Lent, we remember Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness and many people like to give up, or take up something, and to give to charity. This Lent we will be offering a series of daily reflections via WhatsApp, to help us deepen our faith. If you’d like to join the group to receive these, and to share your own reflections and responses, please text Lindsay on 07780 144448. We will once again be supporting the Shelterbox Tent for Lent appeal, who provide tents to families across the world who have been displaced by war or natural disaster. We will also be supporting the Bishop of Southwark’s Lent Call – more information to follow in the next newsletter.
Finally, don’t forget that if you’re looking for an ideal venue for children’s parties or for a group meeting or activity, our hall is available to hire at very reasonable rates. More details here: https://www.stphilipsreigate.com/facilities
