United Benefice of
St. Matthew, Haslington, St. Michael & All Angels Crewe Green, Christ Church Wheelock

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

As we journey through these great fifty days of Easter and look towards the wonder of Pentecost and Trinity Sunday, please find attached YWOW for the Seventh Sunday of Easter.

The Ascension (Ascension Day was celebrated on Thursday) reminds us that Christ reigns in glory, yet remains close to his people through the gift of the Holy Spirit. And as Pentecost approaches, we prepare once again to celebrate the birth of the Church and the transforming power of God’s Spirit at work in ordinary people and ordinary lives.

From 14th–24th May, from Ascension Day to Pentecost, Christians across the world are invited to join the global prayer movement “Thy Kingdom Come”, praying for others to come to know the love of Jesus Christ. Traditionally, we are encouraged to pray each day for five people.

On Sunday 24th May, the Feast of Pentecost, St Matthew’s will celebrate with an All Age Worship service as we seek afresh the joy, fire and renewal of God’s Holy Spirit. This service has been designed by Chris Betts, St Matthew’s OWL (Occasional Worship Leader). Everyone is warmly welcome as we celebrate the birthday of the Church together.

Our summer Bible study is a CofE 8 session course called "Living Generously."  We start on 2nd June, 7.00pm, in St Matthew's church hall. It is based on the verse from John's gospel "Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair." (John 12:3 NRSVA). The CofE Director of Giving, Jonathan de Bernhardt Wood, explores the simple, powerful moment in which Mary, a friend and follower of Jesus, displays the kind of astonishing generosity God Himself pours out on us. The wonder of the gospel is that this can be our story too as we discover the freedom of living generously.

Christian Aid Week runs from 10th–16th May. At a time when many across the world face poverty, conflict and hunger, Christian Aid reminds us that our faith calls us not only to prayer, but also to generosity and compassion. If you would like to give online, please use this link to the United Benefice giving page United benefice ChristianAid

One simple way to pray is to sit quietly with your hands open, imagining yourself holding before God one of those five people. Rest in silence for a moment in God’s presence. Then gently lift your hands as you offer them into God’s loving care. Pause again before placing your hands back upon your knees. You may wish to repeat this prayer slowly for each person.

There will be a Prayer Breakfast on Saturday 16th May at 10.00 am in the Church Hall. Everyone is warmly welcome to share in this special time of fellowship, food and prayer. Huge thanks to everyone involved in preparing, serving, setting up and clearing away.

We also look forward to a Disco Evening to raise funds for the renovation of St Matthew’s Church Hall on Friday 22nd May at 6.30 pm (doors open at 6.00 pm). Your first drink and snack are included in the ticket price. Tickets are £10 and are available from Arleine and Viv. Thank you to all who are organising and supporting this event.

We look forward to our first Strawberry tea (yum), at St Michael & All Angels, Crewe Green, on 13th June, 2.00pm until 4.00pm. Everyone is welcome, please join us for a lovely time of fellowship and fundraising.

Please note that on Sunday 31st May there will be a United Benefice Service of Holy Communion at Christ Church, Wheelock, at 10.30 am. There will be no services that morning at St Matthew’s, Haslington, or St Michael & All Angels, Crewe Green.

As St Matthew’s looks forward to becoming a Pilgrim Church, we are invited to join Archbishop Stephen, Bishop Mark and Christians from across the Diocese at Chester Cathedral on Tuesday 2nd June at 7.00 pm for an Evening Celebration of Everyday Pilgrimage.

Churchwardens, Treasurers, PCC Secretaries and all PCC officers play a vital role in the life and wellbeing of our churches. We remain deeply grateful to all who serve faithfully in these ministries across the benefice. Please note that the Visitation Service for Churchwardens and Sidespeople will take place on:

Monday 22 June
St Mary’s, Astbury
CW12 4RG

Thank you to everyone who enabled and supported our Rogation celebrations. A particular thank you to Pat Leech and her family for welcoming us so generously to Church Farm, and for the wonderful cakes. Thank you also to Chris Betts and his family for all their preparation and practical support, and to everyone who provided refreshments and helped make the occasion such a joyful and prayerful celebration of God’s creation and the work of those who provide our food.

As we move from Easter joy towards Pentecost fire and then into the mystery and wonder of Trinity Sunday, may we be renewed by the Holy Spirit, rooted more deeply in the love of the Father, and drawn ever closer to Christ, who calls us to follow him in faith, hope and love.

With every blessing,

Jane

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1st Sunday      St Matthew's        9:30am:  Holy Communion     (live streamed)

                        Christ Church      10:45am: Family Service         (live streamed)

                        St Michael's        11:00am:  Morning Prayer

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2nd Sunday    St Matthew's         9:30am:  Morning Prayer       (live streamed)

                       Christ Church      10:45am:  Morning Prayer       (live streamed)

                       St Michael's        11:00am:  Holy Communion

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3rd Sunday     St Matthew's        9:30am:  Holy Communion     (live streamed)

                       Christ Church     10:45am:  Family Communion  (live streamed)

                       St Michael's       11:00am:  Morning Prayer

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4th Sunday     St Matthew's       9:30am:  Morning Prayer        (live streamed)

                       Christ Church    10:45am:  Morning Prayer        (live streamed)

                       St Michael's      11:00am:  Holy Communion

                       Christ Church      4:30pm:  Evensong               (live streamed)          

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5th Sunday         10:30am: Joint Benefice Service

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​​Wednesday Holy Communion takes place at St Matthew's (BCP) at 10:45am

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