St Peter's Pixels:

St Peter's church on-line notice board, serving the communities of Swepstone and Newton Burgoland.

Words and Images by:
Site Editor: Louise Smedley-Hampson
All unauthorised reproduction prohibited

Introducing St Peter, our patron saint.

St Peter, Christian martyr, the author of the two epistles in The New Testament and leader of the apostles. He is regarded as the first bishop of Rome, whose mantle the Pope inherits. His emblem is two keys. His feast day is 29 June.

Originally a fisherman of Capernaum, on the Sea of Galilee, Peter may have been a follower of John the Baptist and was the first to acknowledge Jesus as The Messiah. His real name was Simon, but he was nicknamed 'Kephas' ('Peter' from the Greek for 'rock') by Jesus, as being the rock upon which he would build his church.

Priest in Charge: Revd. Robert Hughes

For all enquiries please telephone 01530 272 651 or contact applebyrectory@hazrobhughes.demon.co.uk.

To view this month's Parish News Line, please click on the link...

The Marriage of Dr Lara Scattergood and
Mr James Henry Setchell
Saturday 30th August 2008 at 3.00pm

To view the on-line wedding album, please click on the link below:-

Back to Church Sunday - 28th September 2008
A message from the Rector...

On Sunday 28 September everyone who comes to church regularly is asked to bring someone with them who does not at the moment attend regularly.
I hope you find that coming to Church gives space and time to reconnect with God, who is the source of all our life every moment of every day, - to remember and give thanks for God's blessings, to pray for others and ourselves, to offer our whole selves 'just as we are' - in times of sorrow, in times of joy, in times of anxiety, in times of hope. To be immersed in the love of God gives strength and confidence for all that is yet to be. I hope that here you may know yourselves part of the family of God.
Three of our four churches will be offering services for Back to Church Sunday; Snarestone Church has decided to opt out because Community Worship is addressing the same need. In Norton our Harvest Festival will double as a Back to Church service.
There are many people who would like to come to church, but who do not - for all sorts of reasons. Back to Church Sunday is a day when, across the Diocese of Leicester, we are encouraging people to share the treasure that we have. Please do think and pray about whom you might invite.
Do come - and bring someone with you if you can!

Summer Tidy Up - Saturday 16th August

High winds and heavy rain were forecast, but God sent dry weather to the labourers in His churchyard on Saturday 16th August 2008. A surprising number of generous souls freely devoted hours and hours of time and hard work to the general tidy-up and refurbishment of the church and its grounds. Many more people were present than could be photographed, but sincere and heartfelt thanks go to all the people who came to help. To view an album of images, please use the link below.

Coffee, cake and chatter!
Wednesday 17th September at 10.30 am.

The Church Wardens and their team would like to thank everyone for so generously supporting their new initiative of regular monthly coffee mornings. Visitors enjoy this opportunity to meet, chatter and enjoy home baked goodies with their morning coffee. This arrangement contributes a helpful sum to the income of St Peter's Parish Church. The next coffee morning will be held on Wednesday 17 September 2008, at 10.30 am in St Peter's Church Hall, Swepstone. As usual, admission will be £1.00 for coffee and cakes. There will also be the usual Bring and Buy table with home made preserves, cakes and allotment produce. We look forward to welcoming you and your friends to this event.

Harvest Festival - Sunday 14th September 2008

This year's Harvest Festival will take place at 10.30 am on Sunday 14th September 2008 in St Peter's Church. It is a time to thank God for the abundant crops, as well as the glories of the natural world. The church building will be decorated with skill and style, enhancing the prayerful atmosphere. An occasion for all the family - we look forward to welcoming you.

Flower Festival/Ride and Stride
13th, 14th and 15th September 2008

Taking place on Saturday 13th (10.30 am-6.00 pm, to coincide with Ride and Stride - the annual cycle rally), Sunday 14th (our Harvest Festival at 10.30 am, then open 11.30 am - 6.00 pm) and Monday 15th September 2008, 10.30 am - 6.00 pm, in St Peter's Church and Church Hall. The Flower Festival theme will be "Hymns". If you would like to take part in the flower arranging or sponsor an arrangement, perhaps in memory of someone, please contact Brenda or Tricia. There will also be an Art and Handicraft exhibition, stalls, tombola and refreshments. We are hoping to make this a special event and we hope we will be able to welcome as many of you as possible. Looking forward to seeing you!

Sunday Club

The Sunday Club meets on the third Sunday of each month at 10.30am in Swepstone Church Hall for children aged between 3-11 years. The children are met by Sunday Club Leaders Daphne Robinson and Jo Chessman together with Junior Leader, Hannah Robinson. Bible stories are read, songs are sung followed by a craft activity. The session usually lasts approximately 40 minutes. The children are then taken to the Church where they join the congregation for the Holy Communion Service. Parents are welcome to collect their children at the end of the service, which is usually around 11.40am.

Tots' Praise

Our church warmly welcomes children. This is a time for the under fives, with their parents or carers. There will be time for a Bible story, for singing, a craft activity and refreshements. The meeting is friendly and informal and usually takes place on the first Wedensday of each month, at 2.00 pm in Swepstone Church Hall. Contact Reverend Stella Polashek on 272 707 for further details.

GoLd and GoLd+

Youth groups GoLd and GoLd+ offer young people the opportunity to meet and make new friends in a Christian environment. Activities and snacks are organised by the Group Leaders. The groups meet on alternate Sunday evenings in Appleby Magna. For dates and details please contact:-

GoLd for years 6,7,8 (10-13 years) contact Pauline Bee on 01530 274 525.

GoLd+ for year 9 and above (13+) contact Rhonda Gilmore on 01530 273 577.

If you would like to see photographs of our peaceful church building...

Please visit the 'Picture Gallery' - the link is on the left hand side of the page. In the category box, select 'buildings'. There are also photos of the church by night, with the Advent Stars illuminated.

If you would like to see views of Swepstone Village, taken from the top of The Church Tower...

Please visit 'Picture Gallery' and insert 'Buildings' in the category box.