NEWSLETTER for the Three Saints Benefice of St Bartholomew and St Lawrence with St Swithun-Upon-Kingsgate,

Priest in Charge: The Reverend Karen Kousseff Tel. 01962 850956 Assistant Priest: The Reverend Amanda Goulding Tel. 01962 884585 Curate: The Reverend Ellie Phipps Tel. 07516 637485 Parish Office: [email protected] Tel. 01962 849434

7th February 2021 – THE SECOND SUNDAY BEFORE LENT

Welcome to our services for this Sunday

10am Morning Worship on Zoom only* Readings: Colossians 1.15-20; John 1.1-14 Hymns: Lord of beauty, thine the splendour Thou, whose almighty word

6pm Evening Prayer on Zoom* Readings: Psalm 65; Luke 8.22-35

Glass work by Mary Lowndes c 1919

* Joining instructions for Zoom are on p4 Collect for The Second Sunday before Lent Almighty God, give us reverence for all creation and respect for every person, that we may mirror your likeness in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Coffee & Questions on Zoom: After the morning service you are invited to stay and enjoy some fellowship and conversation. Coffee & Questions is an informal discussion on the Bible readings, the sermon, or other faith-related topics. Alpha Course: Alpha Course: Please come along on Sunday at 2.30pm-4pm (on the usual Zoom link - see p4) to experience the shortened Alpha course organised by our Ordinand Helen May. The course is wide-ranging. It is not necessary to attend every session, but it will help Helen plan the full course in September for those outside the church. If you would like to attend, please email [email protected] or the Parish Office ([email protected] or 01962 849434) so that Helen has an idea of numbers for small discussion groups. Covid restrictions: Our church buildings are closed for the time being in order to keep everyone safe from the increased risk of infection. Please see Revd Karen’s statement www.threesaints.org.uk/blog/302-closure-5-jan-2021. The situation is being closely monitored and we will let you know as soon as we are able to re-open for private prayer and services. In the meantime please do join us online for our services and other gatherings, and feel free to invite anyone who would also like to be part of a spiritual and supportive community. Prayer groups: You are welcome to get in touch if you would like to pray at home with any of these groups: Julian group on Tuesdays at 2.30pm-3pm, reflecting on a reading together (contact Sue 851621) West View & neighbours prayer group (contact Alys: [email protected] or 868581) The benefice prayer group meets virtually at the end of each month to pray for the benefice and our world. If you would like to know more please contact Sue on 851621. Please keep visiting our website www.threesaints.org.uk which is frequently updated with links to resources, spiritual and practical, for yourself, for families and for your neighbours. NOTICES Benefice magazine: The February issue is now on the website: www.threesaints.org.uk. February is a short month, so the deadline for the March issue is next Sunday 14th February. Treats for St Bede School: Thank you to everyone who provided treats for the staff at St Bede School who were delighted to receive the boxes from our Children & Families Worker Beth. Bible Study Course: We are running a Bible Study course for Lent looking at some of the actions and teachings of Jesus, using this free resource from the Scottish Bible Society: Lent Bible study course. The course starts w/b 22nd February for 5 weeks (on Zoom): Mondays at 2.30pm, Tuesdays at 2.30pm, and Thursdays at 10.30am and 7.30pm. Please fill out the attached form giving your choice of day and time. Deadline is Friday 12th February. New benefice website: Please have a search for fun and colourful photos of benefice events to put on our new website and email them to [email protected]. Help with Zoom services: It would be great to have some volunteers to help in various ways to contribute to hosting our Zoom services on Sunday. Full training will be given to anyone willing to give it a go - it's easier than you think, and we wouldn’t expect anyone to be responsible for the whole service! It would be helpful if you have a computer/laptop that has PowerPoint but you can borrow this for services if needed. If you can help serve the church and community in this way, please email [email protected]. Help with the benefice magazine: The magazine editors need help putting the notices together. If you are confident using Word and can spare a few hours a month to help, please contact John or Caroline at the Parish Office. Thank you! St Bartholomew's Tower Project: It was hoped Phase 1 of the building work would be completed by now, but the recent lockdown has caused delays. Please see the February magazine for more information and photos of the work. In the meantime please consider making a New Year gift to the appeal here stbartstowerappeal.org, or if you can host a fundraising event, please contact Andy Wainewright (07813 339847). Thank you! Marriage Week runs from 7th-14th February. The Mothers’ Union has organised a service for Marriage Week which you can find at www.muwinchester.org.uk under ‘Resources’. All are very welcome to join a prayer service for Marriage Week via Zoom on Wednesday 10th February at 10am: Service for Marriage Week or by using Meeting ID: 815 2396 6106 Passcode: 332407 You can also join by phone – contact [email protected] or ring 07514 024157. Pegasus Bridge Story: Parishioner David Innes recently gave an online talk on the Pegasus Bridge operation in WW2. The talk is now available for us to watch again in our own time. Here is the link: Pegasus Bridge story The talk is strongly recommended. Please Continue to Support our Ministry The ongoing lockdown means that our already deteriorating finances continue to be hard hit, and we would be very grateful indeed if you are able to help. Regular donations: please use the Parish Giving Scheme, phone 0333 002 1271 (lines open Monday to Friday, 9 – 5pm) or visit www.parishgiving.org.uk. You will need to provide your bank account details, church/parish name and PGS parish code (416007201 for St Bartholomew, or 416007241 for St Lawrence with St Swithun). Individual donations: For St Lawrence with St Swithun parish either online at www.threesaints.org.uk/st-lawrence or by cheque payable to ‘St Lawrence with St Swithun PCC’ (sent via the Parish Office, Colebrook Street, Winchester SO23 9LH). For St Bart’s either online at www.threesaints.org.uk/st-bartholomew or by cheque payable to ‘The PCC of Hyde’ (sent via the Parish Office, Colebrook Street, Winchester SO23 9LH). Many thanks indeed for whatever you are able to do to help.

Hampshire History Trust are looking for storage space in the Winchester area and would be very grateful for anyone able to loan space out for free (approx size of a single garage). Recorded Hymns and Prayers from the Church of : This free phone line is available 24 hours a day on 0800 804 8044. Callers can hear a special greeting from the Archbishop of Canterbury and then choose from a range of options, including seasonal prayers, hymns, reflections and advice. Please spread the word, especially to those who have no internet access.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Helpline for the vulnerable – Hantshelp4vulnerable – phone 0333 370 4000 (now available Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm, calls charged at local rate)

Telephone scams: Please be aware that there are a number of scams around trying to part you from your money. Do remember that any request for money from 'your bank' or 'the police' etc should be regarded with deep suspicion. Always take time and advice before agreeing to hand over your savings, however credible the request. Covid Vaccination Scam Alert: There are reports of a new scam where you receive a text saying they need to book a vaccination appointment, and it takes you to a fake NHS form which then asks for your bank details to prove their identity. The NHS will never ask for your banking information so please do not provide it. See this leaflet: Covid 19 fraud awareness

FOR YOUR PRAYERS THIS WEEK The World: for international relations and the new US President Joe Biden and his administration; for the people of Myanmar (Burma) following the military coup; for those who live in fear and all who work for peace; for good and co-operative management of the Covid virus around the world, and for fast distribution of the vaccine; for refugees and migrants risking their lives as they seek a better life; for a common commitment to climate justice and the fair sharing of the world’s resources; for the work of ‘Kisiizi Orphans’. Prayer for the Nation: In response to reaching the terrible milestone of 100,000 deaths from Covid 19, the Archbishops invite all to call on God in prayer, setting aside time every evening during February, particularly at 6pm each day. There is a different prayer for each day of the week throughout February. Here is the link: Prayer for the Nation Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who wake, or watch, or weep tonight, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, give rest to the weary, sustain the dying, calm the suffering, and pity the distressed; all for your love's sake, O Christ our Redeemer. The UK: for all who work in the health and care professions; for our nation in lockdown, especially those who suffer financially and emotionally from its impact; for families unable to see each other, and for those who are missing loved ones, and all who have been bereaved; for victims of modern slavery and those who campaign and work to stop it; for the resolution of Brexit trade disagreements. The Anglican Communion: The Church of England and Archbishop Justin Welby; The Anglican Church of Burundi; the Dioceses of Hamar (Church of Norway), Worcester, their Bishops and people. The Diocese of Winchester: Bishop Tim, Bishop David, and Bishop Debbie; for the discussions about finances and resources. See the daily prayer cycle: Diocesan Prayer Cycle Jan-Mar 2021.pdf Winchester Deanery: The East Winchester benefice, the Rev’d Mike Griffiths and the Rev’d Christine Smith. Churches Together Prayers for February: The Benefice of Twyford, , and (South Downs Gateway Churches); the City Centre Chaplaincy; the Winchester Basics Bank, Trinity Centre, Emmaus Hampshire, and the Nightshelter; the work of the Street & Prayer Pastors. Local concerns: for continued financial support for our churches and the St Bart’s Tower project; for our Messy Church families and those who have recently started to join in; for Clare Ainembabazi at ‘Ikona Hillside School For Orphans’ in Uganda (sponsored by St Bartholomew’s); for the children and staff at St Bede Primary School; for staff and students at the University of Winchester and the Winchester School of Art; the residents of West View Hostel; the residents and staff of Brendoncare and Abbotts Barton Nursing Homes; for local shops and businesses. Anniversary of Baptism in February: At St Bartholomew: the 4th anniversary for Dylan Briody and the 5th anniversary for Simon Holley. At St Swithun: the 1st anniversary of baptism for Thomas Young. The sick and housebound and all who care for them; for those struggling with isolation and all who are fearful; for those in our parishes in particular need: Margaret A, Justin B, Brigitte G, Anne L, Lawrence L, Mike L, Steve M, Peter and Molly, Anne and Tony. The Departed: David Cobb, Peter Tombling; all who have died this week from Coronavirus, and all who mourn. Anniversary of Death: June Knight, Margaret Marshall. THE WEEK AHEAD Wednesday 10th February 10.30am *Zoom Coffee Morning 12.15pm Funeral of Peter Tombling 7.30pm Deanery Synod Friday 12th February 9am *Morning Prayer Saturday 13th February Messy Church online Sunday 14th February The Sunday Next Before Lent 10am *Morning Worship 2.30pm *Alpha course 6pm *Evening Prayer

What has come into being in [Jesus] was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. John 1.4,5

* To access our Zoom services and meetings: Join online with MEETING ID 828 4610 0818 and PASSCODE 3Saints20 NB Please do not ‘join with video’ or change the sound setting. If, after you have entered the meeting ID, you are then asked to ‘Join with a personal link name’ please put your name as you wish it to be seen on screen. Then tap ‘Join’ and then enter the passcode when prompted. Or join by phone: call 0203 481 5237 (London number, charged at your standard rate), then when prompted enter MEETING ID 828 4610 0818 and PASSCODE 498630 Please feel free to invite people you know and trust by passing on these details. These details are used for all benefice Zoom gatherings. We look forward to welcoming more new friends to join us.

THIS WEEKLY NEWSLETTER welcomes contributions of information relevant to our parishes: please send items for inclusion by Wednesday of each week to Caroline at St Lawrence Parish Office, preferably by email: [email protected]