Welcome.

St Thomas’ Church is part of a group of 4 churches served by our Rector and a small team of clergy. Each church has one or more church wardens, together with a group of volunteers who work within the church and the wider community. We also have a youth congregation which meets on Thursday evenings in the Rectory.

We invite you to share in our worship, friendship and activities. We believe that people of all ages can join in and benefit from the opportunities for Christian discipleship and fellowship made possible in this parish.

If you are not a church-goer, or if you haven't been to church for some time, come and try it for yourself, you may be pleasantly surprised. You will certainly be joining people who feel that church gives enrichment to their lives. We assure you of a warm welcome.

Sundays in March 2025

Welcome to our services in March and the season of Lent starting with the Ash Wednesday services on 5^th March – a poignant service reminding us of our fragility and need for God.

The Morning Worship on 9^th March at Hanwood will be in the Extension. On the 18^th March we shall have our Songs of Praise at Vine Close Community Centre, Hanwood. All are welcome - come to worship God, tell us your favourite hymn/song.

Do you wish to mark Lent in some way and make a difference to someone less fortunate than yourself?

Join others for a Lent lunch on Sundays during Lent: Secure Your Place by telephone or email. All lunches start at 1 pm. See 'What's on' for venues.

A Message from Sue Jones about the Foodbank

At the Ash Wednesday service, we heard from Isaiah how the Lord heals us and answers our calls for help when we share our bread with the hungry (Isaiah 58, 1-12). Perhaps Lent would be a good time to focus on the needs of those who are currently struggling to afford enough food. Could your household donate one needed item for the Foodbank every week during Lent? These items currently are:

Long-life semi-skimmed milk, tinned meat, cereals, pasta sauces, jam, tins of fruit, custard, biscuits, toilet rolls, cleaning products, and men and women’s deodorants.

There are collection points in Annscroft and Longden churches, as well as in the Longden Village Stores. Or call me (Sue Jones) on 07880912805 and I’ll come and collect from you. You can also donate money (cash, cheque or BACS: Rea Valley Foodbank, sort code 51-61-06, acct 76841804, with your email as Reference).

LIVING HOPE

This Lent we are encouraged to put down deep roots of hope by connecting with God who is with us at all times.

Living Hope offers us the opportunity to deepen our hope in God and be part of what God is doing to bring hope in the world.

The readings and reflections explore how we can have hope in times of frustration or uncertainty; the hope found in joining with others; the invitation to notice signs of hope around us; the courage to face reality and pursue a hopeful future; and the ways God transforms death into life at Easter.

The book of daily reflections can be bought on line at Wild Bright Hope - The Big Church Read for £9.99.

IF THIS LENT YOU WOULD LIKE TO TAKE PART IN A WEEKLY ONLINE DISCUSSION GROUP USING THE

RESOURCES FOR LIVING HOPE PLEASE LET GRAHAM KNOW.

Upcoming events

Thursday 3rd April

10:00am -

Holy Communion at Longden

Sunday 6th April

11:00am -

Holy Communion

1:00pm -

Lent Lunch

Sunday 13th April

11:00am -

Morning Worship

On the third Sunday at Hanwood at 4.30pm we've introduced a new service – Songs of Praise. This is an informal service in which people are asked to choose their favourite hymn and say why they have chosen it.
We also have reading(s) from the Bible, a short reflection and prayers. The service lasts about 45 minutes. Refreshments are provided after the service.

Do come and sing along with us. If you'd like to sing a particular hymn, please get in touch with our curate Freddie Strong who'd love to hear from you. revfreddiestrong@gmail.com