Do you enjoy being outdoors and getting a bit of fresh air? Would you like to help look after a shared space that the whole community can enjoy? If so, The Good Shepherd’s Ewe Grow Gardening Group would love you to join us.
We meet on Friday mornings from 9.30am, and everyone is welcome.
Helping Care for Our Church Grounds
Each week, we work together to care for the church grounds and keep them looking neat, welcoming, and well‑loved. There are plenty of simple jobs to do, including:
Weeding
Mowing
Litter picking
General tidying
Making the grounds look more colourful and inviting
You don’t need gardening experience. You just need a willingness to help and enjoy working alongside others.
Sharing Ideas and Vision
We’re also keen to welcome people who like to dream and plan. If you have ideas about how we could use our church grounds to create a beautiful and useful space for the local community and the church, we would love to hear from you.
Whether your ideas are big or small, your input can help shape the future of this shared space.
Everyone Welcome
You don’t have to come every week, and you don’t need special tools. Just wear clothes you don’t mind getting muddy and come ready to join in. The group is friendly, relaxed, and supportive.
Come and Get Involved With Ewe Grow Gardening Group
If you’re looking for a way to give something back, enjoy being outside, or meet new people, Ewe Grow Gardening Group could be a great place to start.
Come along on a Friday morning from 9.30am and help us care for and grow something special for our community.
On Sunday, our church gathered to celebrate Ann Handslip becoming Reader Emeritus, and the morning truly felt special. Joy, gratitude, and a strong sense of togetherness filled the service, as we thanked God for Ann’s ministry and looked ahead with hope.
Worship Rooted in Thanksgiving
We began with Holy Communion, placing our celebration firmly within prayer and worship. We gave thanks for Ann’s many years of faithful service and asked God to bless her as she steps into a new season. The music lifted our spirits, with songs such as City on a Hill and Do Not Be Afraid, a hymn Ann chose herself.
God’s Presence on the Journey
The Bible readings spoke clearly into the theme of the day. Isaiah reminded us that God knows us by name and walks with us through every stage of life. The story of the Road to Emmaus encouraged us to recognise Jesus as we journey together and share bread. Helen’s short talk helped us reflect on Ann’s calling and the impact of her ministry among us.
Marking a New Chapter
One of the most powerful moments came during the Reader Emeritus liturgy. Ann laid down her Reader’s scarf, marking the end of her formal role. As we prayed for her, we also celebrated the truth that God’s call continues, even as roles and responsibilities change. The blessing spoken over Ann was full of hope, encouragement, and love.
A Church Family Celebrates Together
Warmth and joy filled the whole service, showing just how much Ann means to our church. That joy continued after worship ended. Over tea and coffee, and then a generous bring and share lunch, everyone relaxed and enjoyed time together.
People brought an amazing variety of food, and there was plenty for everyone. Around the tables, conversations flowed, stories were shared, and laughter rang out. The meal became a true picture of church family life at its best.
Giving Thanks and Looking Ahead
The day gave us so much to celebrate: Ann’s ministry, God’s faithfulness, and the strength of our church community. We thank God for all that Ann has given and pray for her as she continues to walk with God in this next chapter.
It was a joyful, memorable day that many of us will treasure for a long time.
Join us on Sunday 19 April at 11.00am for a very special service celebrating Ann Handslip taking up emeritus status and retiring from her ministry as a Reader.
Ann has served faithfully at The Good Shepherd for many years, offering committed, prayerful, and generous service to our church and wider community. This service will be an opportunity to give thanks for all that Ann has shared with us, to honour her vocation, and to mark this significant moment in her journey of faith.
During the service, we will also commission Ann for all that God has in store for her in this new season, trusting that while one chapter is closing, God continues to call and lead her in new and life‑giving ways.
The celebration will not end at the final blessing! After the service, everyone is warmly invited to stay and continue the festivities with a bring and share lunch. Please bring something to share if you are able, and come ready for fellowship, gratitude, and celebration.
Whether you have known Ann for years or are newer to our church family, we would love you to join us as we say thank you, celebrate her ministry, and pray God’s blessing over what lies ahead.
Sunday 19 April | 11.00am The Good Shepherd, Lower House Lane, L11 2SF Service of Holy Communion, followed by a bring and share lunch
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