StMarksHerston

I am deeply disappointed that the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill has passed its third reading. We must assist people to live not to die.

“Every person is of immeasurable and irreducible value, and should be able to access the care and support that they need.”

Read the Bishop of London's statement following the third reading of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.

📜 cofe.io/ThirdReading.

🙏for the House of Commons debating Assisted Suicide Bill on Friday

Bishop welcomes government plan to extend free school meals to half a million children Children’s Society describes announcement as a ‘practical, compassionate step’

The Government’s decision to extend free school meals to all children whose parents receive Universal Credit has been warmly welcomed by the Bishop of Leicester, the Rt Revd Martyn Snow, and the Children’s Society

Government Spending Review 2025 – Bishops respond | The Church of England Bishops respond to Chancellor's statement on the Comprehensive Spending Review 2025.

"We hope and pray that this promising spending review will go some way towards creating the conditions for the flourishing of individuals, communities and the whole country."

Bishops have responded to the Government Spending Review.

Read more at cofe.io/SpendingReview.

Rev. Stella Olukanmi was a St John's Stratford member in the 1990s. She will be greatly missed.

Save the date now!

Assisted dying could become ‘tool’ to harm women in England and Wales, say faith leaders Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Sikh women say bill has ‘insufficient safeguards’ to protect those who are vulnerable

"The legalisation of assisted dying in England & Wales could create “a new tool to harm vulnerable women”, particularly those subject to domestic violence & coercive control, say female faith leaders from different traditions."

www.theguardian.com/society/2025...

And there's even a sermon from Rev Dave!

Bishop of St Albans speaks on theological background for human rights law The Bishop of St Albans spoke in a debate marking the 75th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights on 20th March 2025: The Lord Bishop of St Albans: My Lords, I too add my thanks to …

"Humankind is created in God’s image. It is about the inherent dignity that belongs to each & every person, not dependent on sex, wealth, education or any other differentiation." The Bishop of St Albans in the Lords, on the religious origins of human rights law churchinparliament.org/2025/03/20/b...

Tonight I will be joining Ukrainian soldiers, training in Norfolk with the Irish Guards, marking this sad 3rd anniversary of the invasion of their nation.
We will say the litany of the dead.
Please join with me in praying for these brave soldiers, the people of Ukraine, and for a just peace.

Promotional image featuring two books titled "Living Hope" and "Living Hope: A Lent Journey for Children" by the Church of England, decorated with floral designs, available now.

Our theme for Lent 2025 is Living Hope. 🙏

Journey through the season with our resources for children and adults: order your reflection booklets at cofe.io/LivingHope.

#LivingHope

Happy birthday!

I welcome today’s decision by the Heritage Minister, with gratitude and some relief. Here is my joint statement, with @bpviv.bsky.social.

It's our first Celebration! Service of the year this Sunday at 10am. Rev Tony Edmonds is our brilliant guest speaker on "Introducing Prayer". We have cool music from the band, a chance to meet new friends and lots of cake! Everyone, of all ages welcome!

Really looking forward to the Churches Together in Swanage United Service on Sunday, 10:30am at Emmanuel Baptist Church. It will be great to get all the Christians in Swanage in one place to worship Jesus together.

Fascinating afternoon at the Dorset History Centre yesterday as we looked at some of the original accounts for the building of St Mark's between 1869 and 1872. Much of the work was done by local Herston people, under the supervision of Felix Fooks, a local Carpenter and builder.

We are celebrating Epiphany - the arrival of the Wise Men to worship Jesus - tomorrow at 10am.
At 6:30pm St Mark's hosts the Team Epiphany service. Do join us as we celebrate the light of Jesus revealed to the world.

new year resolutions...?

Christmas Service at St Mark's Herston. Everyone Welcome!! #Christmascarols

Join us at St Mark's Church at 10am tomorrow for Holy Communion, with a focus on the faithfulness of Mary, mother of Jesus. Followed by Christmas drinks and nibbles. Everyone welcome! #Advent #Churchservices

An East Ender on Exmoor A retired Archdeacon reflects

Having retired after 33 years of almost entirely urban ministry, I recently had the utter cheek to blog about mission in a parish on Exmoor. After further thought, I’ve added to it, so now it’s about five marks of mission for a rural church. cockett.org

I remain a tad bemused that we are prepared to fund (& therefore value) #assisteddying over #assistedliving

I'm also here. Good to meet someone I know

Great to see someone else I know on BlueSky.