A Time For New Vision

I don't know about you, but it is always a joy to reach March and whilst at the beginning of the month we may be shrugging off the cold and wet of winter, by the end of the month we will hopefully be embracing the joys of spring. It is a season of change, as the clocks go forward at the end of the month and we enjoy longer evenings and begin to feel the warmth of the afternoon sun. Everywhere we look we see signs of rejuvenation and transformation, as the trees burst into blossom adding to the array of colours associated with spring flowers.

The transformation we see in the natural world is not necessarily so forthcoming in our churches and communities, where we long to see new life as seek a more fair and just society where everyone can flourish.

Nelson Mandela, perhaps one of the greatest statesmen of the last century, is quoted as saying 'if you want the world to change then we must first of all change ourselves. We are of course in the middle of Lent. It is a time of self examination and where we long for renewal. it is opportunity to work on those parts of our lives that will lead to self- improvement. Perhaps the fundamental question we should be asking ourselves in Lent is not what should we be doing but what might we become? Who knows, as we are spiritually renewed we may see more clearly not just God's activity in the beauty of the natural world, but also God's handiwork in the communities we live in and the relationships we have with friends, family and our neighbours.

Rev. Tony Rindl, Vicar of St. Leonard's

Eco Church

Litter picking benefits the environment by removing rubbish that can be hazardous for wildlife and it helps to bring people together. See if there's a litter pick in your local area or consider organising your own during The Great British Spring Clean (organised by KeepBritain Tidy, Friday 13th -> Sunday 29th of March).

Dates for you diary

Our Folk

Please pray for those who are sick, housebound, or in care homes: Shirley Evers, Ethel Gough, Beryl Robinson, Rick Smallwood, Vicky Spedding. RIP: John Grove, Mike Turner, Avril Warwood.

Community News

Marston Green Library will be temporarily closed after Saturday, March 5th until April 23rd, to allow for essential works to be carried out. During that period a reduced library service will operate every Thursday at the Baptist Free Church, Land Lane, from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 17:00.

Public computer and printing facilities will no be available at the Baptist Free Church but at Chelmsley Library.

There will be a Lasagne & Beer Night in the Parish Hall on Friday, March 6th in aid of the Parish Hall Kitchen. The recent Afternoon Tea and Curry night raised £1,000 towards the fundraising and the Clothes and Book Sale raised £450. Well done everyone!

Marston Green 50 Plus

Monday, March 9th, will be a Curry Evening at Kutum Bari restaurant in Bell Lane and on March 26th, there is a Spring Day trip visiting Ludlow and the British Ironworks in Oswestry.

Ladies Fellowship

Monday, March 16th from 14:00 to 16:30 in the Elmdon Lounge, our Annual General Meeting will be held. There will also be a raffle and quiz about Birmingham. All ladies are welcome

• come and make new friends over a cuppa!

Literary Society

On Friday, March 20th at 19:30 in the Elmdon Lounge, we'll enjoy an Evening of Humour, be it stories, poetry, limericks or whatever! Please bring own drinks and refreshments to share.