Thank you The flowers in the Chapel this week have been given by Bonnie and Aaron who celebrated their marriage at St Mark’s this week. We are always pleased when people make donations towards flowers perhaps to celebrate a special occasion such as an anniversary or in memory of a loved one. Please contact Miss Marion Prior 303254 or add your name to the rota in the Foyer.

The Reverend Dr. Sam Cappleman Assistant Rural Dean of Bedford

107 Dover Crescent, Bedford MK41 Tel: 266952 nsm@stmarkschurch.com

The Reverend Canon Charles Royden The Vicarage, Calder Rise. MK41 7UY

309175 Mobile 07973 113861 vicar@stmarkschurch.com

Reader: Mrs Wendy Waters

Pastoral Support Team Co-Ordinator 342613 reader@stmarkschurch.com

St. Mark’s Church Centre www.stmarkschurch.com

Open Monday - Friday 9am - 5.00pm Tel/fax: 342613 office@stmarkschurch.com Centre Manager: Miss Wendy Rider 342613 Leadership Team: Mr Edward Parry Treasurer: Mr Ian Farthing 210892 treasurer@stmarkschurch.com Gift Aid Administrator: Mr Jim Williams 360605 Churchyard Administrator: Mrs Avril Williams 342613 garden@stmarkschurch.com Music Copyright CCL1501 Charity No 1164416

St Mark’s Contact Information

Church Services

31 March - Fourth Sunday of Lent Mothering Sunday

8.30am Holy Communion in the Chapel 9.30am Morning Worship Preacher - The Reverend Dr Sam Cappleman Leadership - Mr Jim Williams Intercessions - Mr Ian Farthing Organist - Mr Clive Simmonds Lectionary Readings Exodus 2:1-10 2 Cor 1:3-7 Luke 2:33-35

7 April - Fifth Sunday of Lent

8.30am Holy Communion in the Chapel 9.30am Morning Worship Preacher - Mrs Wendy Waters - Reader Leadership - Mrs Laura Farthing Intercessions - Young People Organist - Mr Clive Simmonds Lectionary Readings Isaiah 43:16-21 Phil 3:4b-14 John 12:1-8 Lent Course this Thursday - Pastoral Epistles Midweek Services Wednesday Holy Communion 10.00am in the Chapel Holy Communion at 10.00am at Sir William Harpur House first Monday of every month.

St Mark’s Church

Parish News

Mothering Sunday

A Prayer for Sunday

We pray for mothers and for stepmothers, grandmothers, godmothers, and all those women who have loved and laughed, wept and worked to care for others. Bless all parents and all carers and strengthen those families living under stress. We know that Mother’s day is not a celebration but a time of heartache for many - may they have the comfort of knowing that your love for them is constant, your understanding is perfect, your compassion is never-ending.

Please inform us if you know of anyone who is ill, bereaved, housebound, requires a visit, home

communion or counselling services. Please also ask us if you would like a home visit for any reason.

Monday 7.30am-6.00pm Pre-school Mon-Fri St Mark’s Manager Mrs. Helen Harpin 312634 (See website) for more details www.thisispreschool.com) 10.00am Bakers Barn Art Group. Mrs M. Berry 211955 10.00am U3A Play reading Rod Fewings 07718390188 9.45am - 10.45am &11.00am-12noon Pilates Liz Mason 07816522200 2-4pm U3A Meditation & Wellbeing Rod Fewings 07718390188 2-3.15pm U3A Recorder Group Rod Fewings 07718390188 6.00pm Brownies Mrs C Mathew 826190 7.30pm Sugarcraft Guild (1st week in month) Heather Buckley 824503 7.00-8.00pm Laughter Club on 2nd week each month Cheryl Green 07729187399 7-9pm Rangers. Nikki Lake 07584028653 Indoor Games. Rod Fewings 07718390188

Tuesday

9.15am-11.15. Chat & Make A term time group for Mums and toddlers 0– 5. For more details ring Church Office 342613 or Janine 01234 297481 9.30am -12.30 & 4-9pm Slimming World 9.30, 11.30, 3.30, 5.30, 7.30. Lorrie Pearson 340473 1.15pm U3A Cinema Group. Rod Fewings 07718390188 1.30pm U3A Choir. Contact Rod Fewings 07718390188 2.00pm U3A Book Group 1 (3rd Week in month) Contact Rod Fewings 07718390188 2.00pm U3A Book Group 2 (2nd Week in month) Contact Rod Fewings 077183901882 2.00pm U3A Photography Group 3 (1st Week in month) Contact Rod Fewings 07718390188 2.30pm Knit & Natter Group (Fortnightly) Wool and knitting needles provided. Mrs Maureen Watling 262225 2.00-3.30pm Tuesday Afternoon Housegroup. Fortnightly Social and Bible Study Mrs Jean Bank 355698 6-7pm Supple Strength Yoga Amanda Alcock 07769747393 7.30-9pm Faith Community Church Audua Ogilvie 01234 308644 8.00pm Hearts in Beds Committee (4th week in month) Mrs N Aspey 309816 8.20-9.20pm Restoration Pilates Johanna Debnam 07753418170

Wednesday

10.00-2pm Open House For those with learning disabilities, friends, family, carers etc 342613 10.00am U3A Gardening Group 3 Rod Fewings 07718390188 10.00am Holy Communion. St.Mark’s Chapel. 10am U3A Card Making. Rod Fewings 07718390188 10-4pm Sewing Group 4th week of the month Contact Sue Sewell 07979797747 1.15 Social Bridge Club. Mr Barnes 261811 2 4pm. U3A Craft 1st week in the month Contact Rod Fewings 07718390188 3.45– 5.30pm Messy Church Bible based story, crafts, singing and a meal. 3.45-5.30pm for children of primary school age and their carers. Meeting dates 20/3,24/4,15/5,19/6,18/9,16/10,20/11 &1/12. Wendy Waters 401834 6.00pm Brownies Mrs. C Warden 219731 7.00pm Bunyan Bridge Peter Cullum 07545508185

8.00pm Tudor Reeds Folk Dance Club (1st,3rd and 5th Wednesday of the month. Except August). Everyone welcome. All dances called. Call Rosemary 405594 or Graham 406359 for more details. £2 including refreshments. Next meeting Wednesday April 3 8.00pm Bedford Wine and Social Club (1st week in the month) Jill Cooper 357960

Thursday

9.45am Chat and Play. A term time group for Mums & toddlers 0-5. Church office or Janine 297481 12pm Storybox. Welcomes the under 5’s and their carers to join them between 12 noon and 1pm for a sandwich lunch followed by a Bible based story and singing. Contact Jaana Swaaby 3422613. 2-4pm. U3A Indoor Games. Rod Fewings 07718390188 2.30 - 4.30pm Bedford Art Society Jean Patterson 307210 2.30pm - 4.30pm Putnoe Art Group (PAG) Contact Bob Wardale 406094 Mob:07914451198 5.15-6.45pm Weightwatchers Clare Church 07768481499 6-7pm Supple Strength Yoga Amanda Alcock 07769747393 7-9pm Bedford Community Gospel Choir Weekly meeting . Contact 07554148540 7.00pm U3A Singing for Fun (1st & 3rd week in month) Rod Fewings 07718390188 7.00pm Bedford Embroiderers’ Guild (3rd week in month). Carol Plant 01832710504 7.30pm Magpies. Meet on 2nd & 4 Thursday Call Rosemary 405594 for more details. Next meeting Thursday 11 April Easter Themed Social Please bring an egg cup. 8.00pm Bedford Writers Circle. (1st week in month). John Broadhouse 01525 404014

Friday 10am -12.00 U3A Photography (4th week in month) Contact Rod Fewings 07718390188 10.45am - 12 U3A Poetry & Literature Contact Rod Fewings 07718390188 2.00-4.00 pm U3A Whist (2nd week in month) Contact Rod Fewings 07718390188 7.45 - 10.45pm Bedford Astrology Club. (2nd week in month )Carol Brown 01438 233385 6.30 –7.30pm Pakua Martial Arts John Waugh 07802755914 7-9pm Mindfulness Meditation Bhante Samitha 07983466105

Saturday

9.00am Faith Community Church (1st week in month) Audua Ogilvie 01234 308644 10.00am-1pm Theatretrain Dancing acting, singing. Kate Howard 01234 782414 10am-1pm Sugarcraft Guild Cygnets (2nd week in month) Margaret Baldry 07919404906

Sunday

9.30 - 10.30 Church and Sunday School at St Mark’s with crèche for under 3’s 10 - 5.30pm Bedford Stamp Fayre at St. Mark’s. P Harris 01623 621143 1st week Dec/Feb/Apr/Jun/Aug/Oct.

Regular Weekly Activities - St Mark’s Church

Mothering Sunday Opening Sentence Psalm 34 v 11 Come my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Collect Prayer God of love, passionate and strong, tender and careful; watch over us and hold us all the days of our life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen Old Testament Reading Exodus 2:1-10 Now a man from the house of Levi went and married a Levite woman. The woman conceived and bore a son; and when she saw that he was a fine baby, she hid him for three months. When she could hide him no longer she got a papyrus basket for him, and plastered it with bitumen and pitch; she put the child in it and placed it among the reeds on the bank of the river. His sister stood at a distance, to see what would happen to him. The daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river, while her attendants walked beside the river. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her maid to bring it. When she opened it, she saw the child. He was crying, and she took pity on him, ‘This must be one of the Hebrews’ children,’ she said. Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, ‘Shall I go and get you a nurse from the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?’ Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, ‘Yes.’ So the girl went and called the child’s mother. Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, ‘Take this child and nurse it for me, and I will give you your wages.’ So the woman took the child and nursed it. 10When the child grew up, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and she took him as her son. She named him Moses, ‘because,’ she said, ‘I drew him out of the water.’ (This is the word of the Lord -- Thanks be to God)

Epistle Reading 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are abundant for us, so also our consolation is abundant through Christ. If we are being afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation; if we are being consoled, it is for your consolation, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we are also suffering. Our hope for you is unshaken; for we know that as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our consolation. (This is the word of the Lord -- Thanks be to God)

Gospel Reading Luke 2:33-35 The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about Jesus. Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, ‘This child is destined for the falling and the rising of

many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed - and a sword will pierce your own soul too.’ (This is the word of the Lord -- Thanks be to God) Post Communion Prayer Loving God, as a mother feeds her children at the breast you feed us in this sacrament with the food and drink of eternal life: help us who have tasted your goodness to grow in grace within the household of faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord. CW Hymns 1. Praise my soul the King of Heaven, (Lauda Anima) 1. Here is love, vast as the ocean 2. How great the debt we owe (Franconia) 3. Our Father God in heaven (Ellacombe) 4. Now thank we all our God (Nun Danket) Commentary The origins of Mothering Sunday probably date back to the 16th century and come from the tradition of people

visiting their home or 'mother' church once a year. Typically each year in the middle of Lent, people would visit their 'mother' church, or the main church in the area, possibly a cathedral. One of the readings for the day was Galatians 4 v 21 – 31, the story of the two mothers Hagar and Sarah, which includes the verse, ‘But the Jerusalem that is above is free, and she is our mother. These visits home became occasions for family reunions and a time when children, especially daughters who had often gone to work as domestic servants, would be given a day off to return home to their mothers and families. It’s said that as they walked home along country lanes, they would pick the flowers that were growing in the hedgerows and take them to the church or give them to their mothers as gifts of appreciation. The tradition lapsed for many years but since the early 1900’s Mothering Sunday has become a time when we thank God for all that our mothers have done for us and give thanks for their love and care. The gospel reading gives us a glimpse into the highs and lows that mothers must feel for their children. That right sense of pride of who they are, and excitement and nervous anticipation when we hear about their hopes, dreams and aspirations. The sense of anxiety, even foreboding, when they hear of plans gone astray or of seemingly insurmountable challenges and obstacles to come. Few can possibly know the joy of Mary when the angel came upon her and announced that she would be the mother of the Messiah. Few can know the deep, deep sorrow and anguish as she saw her son beaten and crucified after a fixed trial with a biased crowd as judge and jury. Few can know the amazement as the realisation that all her son had said whilst living and on earth came to fruition in His resurrection and the bewilderment as He once again is taken from the earth in His ascension. Such extremes of highs and lows are perhaps rare, even though not as rare as we may think in today’s society. But they do reflect the highs and lows we experience in our spiritual journeys through life. We too have times of deep joy and happiness as we celebrate events in our lives and give thanks to God for His goodness to us. We too have days of blackness and despair, days when we wonder if God even exists, and if He does, does He care about us and His world. We have days of mystery and bewilderment where although we are sure of our faith, sometimes it doesn’t seem to make sense or stack up against a fractured world full of pain, sorrow, anger, resentment and bitterness. Just as God was with Mary through all she experienced as the mother of Jesus, so He is with us. With us in our times of celebration and happiness. With us in the depths of our dry despair, blackness, emptiness and loneliness. With us when things don’t seem to make sense, even though we know Christ as our saviour and God as His, and our, true Father. Just as our mothers were with us though all our times, challenges and joys of our lives. Today we give thanks to God for them and for their care for us, just as God cares for His Son and Christ cares for each one of us. Sometimes in younger life we might turn our back on our mothers in a fit of petulance or anger, going off in a sulk if we didn’t get our own way. Sometimes, either knowingly or unknowingly, we turn our back on Jesus. But, just like our mothers, He is always waiting for us to run back to Him. Ready with His

arms wide open to embrace us with His love, to care for our wounds, give us words of encouragement and then release us in freedom when we are ready, to run off into the world full of uncertainty but full of hope, anticipation and excitement as God and His creation embrace each other, just as does a mother and her child. Sam Cappleman Meditation In different ways it must have been so hard for Moses’ mother Jochebed (Exodus 6 v20) and Jesus’ mother Mary to experience what was happening in their lives so soon after their sons had been born. Both trust in God for their precious child’s nurture, upbringing, protection and future, not quite knowing what that future might hold. Even if they had begun to get an inkling of God’s plan, they still probably could not have imagined the impact both would have on history and eternity itself. On Mothering Sunday we give thanks for our own mothers, probably never quite knowing fully the hopes and fears they had for each one of us as we made our way in the world, starting taking decisions for ourselves and established our own independence little by little. We thank God for them and all that they, and our wider families, gave us which make us what we are today. They, like us, cannot know what the future holds, but in God, we know who holds it. However unsettling and uncertain the times appear, and the short and longer-term future seem, God is in control. The stories of Jochebed and Mary show that he always has been, and our faith and sure and certain hope in this unchangeable God assures us that He always will be. Sam Cappleman Prayers for Sunday and the week ahead God says, As a mother comforts her child, so will I myself comfort you. Your sins are forgiven: rest on God as on your mother’s breast. Amen Isaiah 66 v 13 Ever loving God, your care for us is greater even than a mother’s love for her child; teach us to value a mother’s love and see in it an expression of your grace, that we may ever feel more deeply your love for us in Christ Jesus our Saviour. Amen New Zealand Prayer Book, p 660 O God, as truly as you are our father, so just as truly you are our mother. We thank you, God our Father, for your strength and goodness. We thank you God our Mother, for the closeness of your caring. O God, we thank you for the great love you have for each one of us. Amen Mother Julian of Norwich (c 1342 – 1415) When the Word became flesh, earth was joined to heaven in the womb of Mary; may the love and obedience of Mary be your example. Amen. May the peace of Christ rule in your hearts and homes. Amen May you be filled with the joy of the Spirit and the gifts of your eternal home Amen And the blessing of God, our Maker, Friend and Inspiration, be upon you and those you love, and remain with you always. Amen. Patterns for Worship, 2T8

St Mark’s Church Membership Forms Membership forms are available after the service this morning, from the Church Office and also downloadable from our church website www.stmarkschurch.com If you haven't already done so, could you please complete a Church Membership form as soon as possible in order that we have up to date membership details available in time for the Annual Congregational Meeting. Please note the form does not ask and we do not want to know any denominational background information, all are welcome ! Please speak to Avril Williams or one of the Ministers if you require any further information. Thank You Next Footprints walk, Sunday 7 April, 2.30pm start. This is a 3 mile walk around the village of Sutton, near Potton (a short cut is available reducing the walk by half a mile). A mixture of good paths and pavements, but parts could be muddy; there are no stiles. There may be bluebells and we hope to be able to have a look inside the parish church. Meet opposite the John O’ Gaunt Inn in the village. Parking is on the street (unless you have lunch at the pub!), so car sharing is desirable. Details from Liz & Mike Little, Tel 347966 Afternoon Tea We are planning to hold an Afternoon Tea on Saturday 18th May, which is at the end of Christian Aid Week this year. There will be more information for you soon after our next Pastoral Group meeting in early April. Craft Stall's Easter Novelties Thanks to Rosemary who has been busy knitting these are on sale from today - everything £1

Easter Holidays Story Box finishes for Easter on April 4 and restarts on April 25. Chat and Play finishes for Easter on April 4 and restarts on April 25. Chat and Make finishes for Easter on April 2 and restarts on April 30

Lent - Preparing for Easter

The Lent Course evenings are bible study based and each evening we will have coffee available from 7.30pm, study beginning at 8.00pm and we have wine, cheese and fellowship from 9.00pm. Lent Course 4 Thursday April 4 Pastoral Epistles - Titus, 1 & 2 TimothyT

Holy Week Services

Monday 15 April in the Chapel 9.00am Morning Prayer 7.30pm Compline

Tuesday 16 April in the Chapel 9.00am Morning Prayer 7.30pm Compline

Wednesday 17 April in the Chapel 9.00am Morning Prayer 10.00am

Holy Communion 7.30pm Compline Maundy Thursday 18 April Holy Communion at 7.30pm

Good Friday 9.30am Station of the Cross Followed by Hot Cross Buns

Easter Sunday 6.00am Sunrise Holy Communion

Followed by bacon rolls 9.30am Easter Communion

A Picture Paints a Thousand Words Madonna and Child,ca. 1290–1300 Duccio di Buoninsegn

The classical "Madonna" imagery develops from the 5th century, as Marian devotion rose to great importance after the Council of Ephesus formally affirmed her status as "Mother of God or Theotokos ("God-bearer") in 431. The Byzantine icons were frankly not very human, the figures were like divine beings and quite emotionless. Whilst this painting by Duccio has some elements of this style, such as the gold background and the features of Jesus which are not childlike, nevertheless we can see this painting as the start of Western art as it portrays human love and tenderness. There are intimate details such as how the hand of Jesus pushes away the veil of Mary, who reveals her melancholy expression. Is she looking at Jesus or his her gaze also looking beyond him, perhaps reflecting her knowledge that this child is destined for crucifixion? Jesus is shown in a life-like, natural pose with his toes on his mother's hand but he appears more like a middle-aged man than a baby. There was a tradition that identified Christ's loincloth with the Virgin's veil, in which she wrapped the Child after his birth. The beautiful dress provides a three-dimensional, physical presence and the parapet with red markings creates an illusion to connects the sacred world of the painting with the temporal one of the viewer. Whilst this is a small painting 28cm x 21cm it has a powerful presence. Look at the original frame of the painting because it too tells a story. It is marked along the bottom by candle burns as it was intended to be hung on a wall as an aid to prayer like the icons of the Byzantine church, ‘Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you…..’

Madonna and Child,ca. 1290–1300 Duccio di Buoninsegn

Alleluia, alleluia. Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women,

and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.

Rest In Peace

On the Sunday following a funeral service we remember in church those who have died.

We light a candle to symbolise the light of Christ which eternally shines and

brings hope. If you would like a person remembered in our service when the candle is

lit, perhaps on an anniversary or birthday, please inform the ministers, or telephone the

church office.

Aphrodite Hubbard Roger Cahill

May the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace

and rise in glory . Amen.

Supporting St Mark’s Church How can you show your support for the work and mission of St Mark’s Church 1. Set up a regular donation (with Gift Aid) 2. Make a one-off donation or gift of the church 3. Leave a gift in your will 4. Offer some time as a volunteer

Forthcoming Funerals

The funeral of Mary Wyatt Denney will take place at Bedford

Crematorium at 1.45pm on Wednesday 3 April

The funeral of Mildred Sophina Liburd will take place at 11.30am

on Thursday 18 April

The funeral of Edith May Nairn will take place at Bedford Crematorium at 3.15pm on Thursday 4

April

All funerals at Bedford Crematorium can be found @ www.bedford.gov.uk/obituaries

Parish News is available online at www.stmarkschurch.com You can also sign up online to receive each edition by email

Dates for your Diary St Mark’s Church AGM - 28 April 2019 11.00am

Woodland Burial Trustees Open Day 8 June St Mark’s Messy Church 24 April

Thank you for all the kind donations which have already been made to the Garden of Remembrance. We expect work to start soon.

Spring Cleaning Your Wardrobe ? Please do bring clothes shoes, curtains, handbags, belts, sheets and towels to our clothing bank. This is a really good source of

We have had a lot of folks join us for Lent Course this year. If you have enjoyed this then you might like to come along to our midweek Bible Study. Join us for a chat, laughter a drink and a biscuit? Tuesday fortnightly 2.00 to 3.30 Find out more about the Bible 26 March 9 April (James - Faith that Works) New Session starts 23 April. St Marks Church Centre Wren Rooms - upstairs. You can just turn up! Jean Bank 35698 Worship Rota from May We will shortly be working on the new rota for the next quarter. The rota is drawn up from a list of names and you are warmly invited to add your name onto the list if you would like to be included in leading prayers, bible reading etc. The list is in the foyer this morning and will be available this week and next.

Mayoral Hustings You are invited to Mayoral Election Hustings which will be held on Wednesday 10 April at 7.00pm at G011 (Ground Floor) Gateway Building, University of Bedfordshire, Polhill Avenue. The candidates will answer questions on the local environment, air quality and climate change. Clean as a whistle! Congratulations to Wendy our volunteers and cleaners as we passed the food hygiene rating this week with top marks following an inspection by the Borough Council Environmental Health Team.

So even more reason to have your coffee at St Mark’s after the service. This week we have a special celebration cake for Mothering Sunday!