February 2026 - E-Magazine
- The Team at Yate Parish
- 2 hours ago
- 7 min read
Please click below for a printable copy of the magazine:
Services throughout the Parish Sunday 1st February 4th Sunday of Epiphany—Gold/White Candlemass Malachi 3.1-5 Hebrews 2.14-end Luke 2.22-40
St Mary 8.15am Communion 10.30am All Age Service 6.30pm 630 Praise
St Nix 9.30am Communion
St James 11.00am Communion
St Peter 4.00pm Evening Worship (Book of Common Prayer)
Sunday 8th February 2nd Sunday before Lent—Green Genesis 1:1-2:3 Romans 8: 18-25 Matthew 6: 25-end
St Mary 8.15am Communion 10.30am Communion 6.30pm 630 Praise
St Nix 9.30am Morning Worship
St James 11.00am Morning Worship
St Peter 4.00pm Communion (Book of Common Prayer)
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Sunday 15th February Sunday before Lent—Green Exodus 24: 12-end 2 Peter 1: 16-end Matthew 17: 1-9
St Mary 8.15am Communion 10.30am Morning Worship 6.30pm 630 Praise
St Nix 9.30am Communion
St James 11.00am Communion
St Peter 4.00pm Evening Worship (Book of Common Prayer)
Sunday 22nd February 1st Sunday in Lent—Purple Genesis 2: 15-17, 3: 1-7 Romans 5: 12-19 Matthew 4: 1-11
St Mary 8.15am Communion 10.30am Communion 6.30pm 630 Praise
St Nix 9.30am Morning Worship
St James 11.00am Morning Worship
St Peter 4.00pm Communion (Book of Common Prayer)
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Highlights at Yate Parish and Looking Forward
I have been in the parish for four months now and wanted to share several areas of encouragement. One highlight has been talking about how God may be calling people forward into ministry, whether licensed or not. It is always such a joy to see what God is doing in and through others and to consider how God might be calling them into new areas of service. My previous role was to encourage and discern how people were called to serve so do talk to me or others in the parish if you think God is nudging you.
Another highlight has been working with the team at Yate. The parish is very blessed to have folk who give so freely of their time and use their gifts to serve God. I know many of you give a lot and it has been encouraging to work with you. Looking forward, we are all delighted that Peter and Ruth will be joining us and we are looking forward to Peter’s licensing by Bishop Neil at St Mary’s on Wednesday 4 March at 7.30pm. We are also praying for the right person to join the team as team vicar. So these are exciting times!
A big highlight has been talking to people who God has prompted to explore the Christian faith. In April 2025 the Bible Society published a report which claimed there had been a significant rise amongst Gen Z attending church and engaging with the Christian faith. Amongst those aged 18-24, particularly young men, the claim was there was increased interest in the Christian faith which was called ‘The Quiet Revival’. Some have dismissed or challenged these findings while others have said they do think there is evidence of a new spiritual hunger. Whatever the truth of the findings, it has been wonderful to meet a few people who have responded to a nudge from God and have started reading the bible, praying and attending church. So a group will be meeting together to
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explore the Christian faith using a new course (321) at St Nix on Monday evenings from 6-7pm starting on 26th January. For some the group will prepare them for baptism and confirmation but others may just want to grow in their understanding of their faith. If you would like to join the group, even if you are reading this at the start of February and have missed the first session, please do send me an email or text (contact details in the magazine and on the 321 flier). If not do pray for the group!
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday 18th February. We have planned two services for Ash Wednesday (see the flier) and are suggesting ways in which we might draw closer to God by establishing good or better spiritual habits. Lent is often thought of as about giving something up or denying ourselves. While that can be helpful, the aim is to grow in our faith and grow closer to God, so Lent is a real opportunity for renewal and growth as we look forward to Easter.
As we look forward to Easter do consider taking up the habit of following the daily reflections for Lent using the Draw Near materials. The reflections will be on the ‘Everyday Faith’ app or in a ‘Draw Near’ booklet. The daily reflections focus on worship, praying, reading the bible, sharing communion, offering service and sharing the good news with others. There will also be an opportunity to join one of the existing groups during Lent to explore how we can grow as disciples together. Watch out for the flier about this in the weekly notices.
With prayers in these exciting times as we celebrate ways God is blessing us and enter Lent. May this be a time of growth and spiritual renewal. Sue |
Licensing Service
Wednesday 4th March 2026 7.30pm at St Mary’s Church Our new Rector, Revd Peter Huxtable |
The Thursday House Group
In 2026, The Thursday House Group will meet from 2pm every 1st, 2nd and 4th Thursday afternoon for fellowship, study, and prayer.
(Not meeting on the 3rd Thursday enables people to attend the Mothers’ Union meetings.)
Cake and coffee are always provided.
For more info, please contact Beverley or Ian 0791 339 7478. |
St Mary’s Quiz Night 6.30pm Friday 6th February At St Mary’s Church
St Mary’s Quiz Night with hot soup and a roll, with cake to follow, plus a raffle
Tickets £8
Bring your own beverage, food served from 6.30pm for quiz starting at 7pm
Available from St Mary’s Sunday Coffee Morning or book a place and pay on the night by ringing Anna on 07717 173 531.
Must have a minimum of 30 confirmed places by 1st February at 1pm for the event to take place. |
Draw Near: Life-giving habits for Lent
Lent begins this year on 18th February. This year the Church of England is providing resources to help us draw near to God by taking up new habits which help us grow spiritually. The resources focus on six aspects of discipleship:- worshipping, praying, exploring the bible, sharing communion, offering service, and sharing good news. There are two ways we can all take part:
1. We can all use the daily ‘Draw Near’ reflections. These can be found on the free church of England ‘Everyday Faith’ app or in the Draw Near booklet which costs £2.99. We have ordered a few copies of the booklet so there will be some available to buy in each of our churches. Please let Pam know if you would like a copy and we need to order some more.
2. There are ‘Draw Near’ group materials and the small groups we already have would welcome you to join them this Lent. If you would like to join one of these groups, the details are below so please contact the leaders first or let one of the ministers know if you need more details.
Tuesday evening 7.30pm - Contact Jim jandw81@gmail.com
Tuesday evening 7.30pm Pilgrim Group - Contact wanda@yateparish.org.uk or paul@yateparish.org.uk
Thursday afternoon 2pm The Thursday House Group - Contact Bev or Ian hodgson.piglet@blueyonder.co.uk or 07913 387 478
‘Draw near to God and he will draw near to you’ James 4: 8 |
St. James' Christmas Fair
The fair was a great success and raised £1,192.89 for parish funds. A jolly time was had by all with entertainment from the recorder group and hand bells.
Can you spot the special Visitor? |
More news from St James’
Pancake Day is coming Shrove Tuesday
Why bother making your own pancakes when you can rely on the experienced team at St James to cook them freshly for you while you chat with friends and neighbours. We’ll be in action from 6 till 8pm on Tuesday 17th February in St James’ church, Westerleigh.
Dates for your diary Village Breakfasts
Once again the Friends of St James are gearing up to offer their ever-popular village breakfasts on the second Saturday of each month from April to September.
The first one this year will be on 11th April – come along and place your order any time between 9 and 10.45am. |
Readings for Morning and Evening Prayer The Table below has the readings for Morning and Evening prayer. Prayer books are available from the Parish Office. |
Weekly at St Mary’s
Thursday Communion at 10.00am
Compline @8pm
Before the lockdown happened, we had recorded the saying of Compline. We ask that each evening at 8pm we light a candle in our window and pray together for our nation using the words of the Compline service - it takes just over 5 minutes.
Visit the parish website and click on the recordings to listen; you will find the words of the service there too.
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