St Peter and St Paul’s Church News
Joint Service
31st July was a fifth Sunday in the month and on these occasions the two churches of Barkby and Syston join to worship together.
It was a joyful service conducted by Revd Biddy Saunders with a sermon given by Revd Liz Rawlings reminding us to stop and take time to look around at the blessings we have and can enjoy, not least our beautiful surroundings.
The worship concluded with refreshments and fellowship.
A Summer Day Retreat was hosted in Barkby on the 13th August 2022. The weather was more than 
kind and it could be said that Reverend Biddy ‘over-prayed’ for good weather! Twenty-three people across five parishes attended. The retreat was centred around psalm 23 which primarily speaks about how God knows us inside and out. There was a short mindfulness exercise before we had a welcome communion service. Then it was off to walk around the pretty Brookside
where seats were waiting for them to choose their area to contemplate God. They enjoyed a quiet hour reflecting on the contents of their gift bags which contained another which held little surprises. It really helped to re-assess where you are in life and in your relationship to God. After lunch there was a time set aside for creative activities and then it was another stroll 
round to the church to enjoy cake and tea before a closing thanksgiving. The organisers and participants would like to thank the kind residents of Barkby for allowing the retreat to use their private spaces. It is hoped that there will be a winter retreat in February 2023.
We continue to meet the women in the bible who influence faith and the development of Christianity. These are held in Barkby Church on the last Thursday of the month. After a summer break these sessions will recommence on the 29th September. We start at 7.15pm with a social gathering including wine and/or tea and coffee. September’s star will be Eve!
Cream teas
Saturday 10th September in Syston Parish church.
We are excited that at last as part of ‘getting back to normal’ we can hold an event like this.
The church will be open during the day from 10am if you just wish to come and look at this beautiful building and the wedding albums.
At 2.30pm to 4.30pm we will be selling the cream teas, the stalls will be open and the creation of the flowers for the prayer tree will begin.
Everyone is most welcome! We look forward to seeing you there.
https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/5257/ where you will also find contact details as well as news and information regarding Syston and Barkby Churches.