Who do you think you are?

The series on TV called "Who do you think you are?", where famous people trace their ancestors, has proved to be so interesting that it may be one of the reasons why there is now an upsurge in many folk doing the same. The increasing number of websites where you can search for information on family history certainly bears witness to this.

When I cleared out my mother's house I came across birth, marriage and death certificates of parents and grandparents and this has given us a starting point in what is proving to be a very absorbing interest.

I'm looking forward to turning up a few skeletons in the cupboard but so far the most unusual thing we have discovered is that my great uncle, who fought in the First World War, returned home wounded, having been shot in the buttocks. We found this amusing but I'm sure he didn't! And no, his name wasn't Forrest Gump. When he returned to the front he was wounded again and taken prisoner but received good treatment from the German doctors and, unlike many of his comrades, eventually returned home at the end of the war.

To my amazement I have found there is a real sense of being connected to these relatives that I have never met but far more important than knowinq where we have come from is knowinq where we are going to. Although belonqinq to an earthly family is great (most of the time) it is important to be part of the family of God.

Right at the beginning of John's Gospel we are told how this can happen:

" to all who received him (Jesus), to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."

So perhaps the question we should be asking is not "Who do you think you are?" but:

"Who do you think Jesus is?"

Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God, one part of the Trinity, and through him we have access to God the Father. He demonstrated God's deep love for mankind throughout his life and particularly in his death.

This period of Lent is an ideal time to reflect on these truths in the lead up to Easter and to consider what it cost Jesus to make us members of the family of God.

May God bless and guide our thoughts throughout Lent so that we may be drawn closer to Him and to each other.

Gillian Gilbert

Electoral Roll

If you would like to be on the electoral role ‘official list’ of church members please complete a form (available in church, titled "Belonging to St Swithuns") and hand it to a warden. If you are unsure whether you are on the electoral role or not, or any other questions – please ask.

Fairtrade Fortnight 22nd Feb – 7th March.

The campaign for this year is called ‘What’s your swap?’ asking us to consider all our purchases and the difference we can make with one small change. We are thinking about the implications this could make to us as a church. Please sign the sheet in the church if you think we should became a Fairtrade church.

Women’s World Day of Prayer

This year the service will be held on Friday 5th March at St Nicholas Church Bathampton at 2.15 pm. The service has been prepared by Christian women of the Cameroon. The speaker: Mrs Marilyn Thomas, The theme: Let everything that has breath praise God. Everybody is welcome, Refreshments will be served.

Lent Lunches

Lent Lunches will start on Tuesday 23rd February in the Parish Rooms.

Big Sleep Out/In

There is a big sleepout on Friday March 19th to raise awareness for homelessness and Julian House. Scubed and Rock Solid are hoping to sleep over in the church that night to do the same. We will hopefully have some cakes provided by these groups to give out on the Sunday 21st March after the service and would be grateful if people could make donations for these to raise some extra money. Just to warn you to come prepared. Thank you.

Sunday Services in March

7th March Communion service at 10.00

14th March – All are welcome to a Mothering Sunday Service at 10.00am

For full details check out the poster on the main notice boards in the porch or by the lych gate.