Hymns are normally sung at all our Common Worship (CW) services and services of Evening Prayer but not at Book of Common Prayer (BCP) services of Holy Communion, unless stated.
The homilies project was developed so that a congregation can engage in study and discussion of the lectionary when a Priest or Reader are not available to lead the service. The files include the gospel reading, details of the other readings for the week, the homily itself which can be read out loud, discussion points and the collect for the week. They are written by a variety of people, including our bishops and archdeacons, and they are intended to be used by lay leaders who are not authorised to preach.
The Walesby Group is able to call upon the resources of three clergy licensed to their churches, supported by a wide team of lay and retired ministers. In addition to his role as Rector for the Middle Rasen Group, Revd Bryan Dixon is now Priest in Charge for the parishes of the Walesby Group and the Barkwith Group of parishes.
(For specific parish enquiries, please see the contact details on the website A Church Near You)
Tuesday 3rd March: 3pm - Iona Reflective Holy Communion
at Claxby Village Hall (refreshments from 2:30pm)
Thursday 5th March: 10am - Lent Course, Third Session
in East Barkwith (see 'Events' tab for details)
Thursday 12th March: 10am - Lent Course, Fourth Session
in East Barkwith (see 'Events' tab for details)
Thursday 19th March: 10am - Lent Course, Final Session
in East Barkwith (see 'Events' tab for details)
Wednesday 25th March: 6:30pm - Dedication Service Evensong
with Choral Music at St Mary's, Claxby
There are a wide range of theological opinions within the church, this article reflects the views of the author
'Pastoral Letter to the Diocese of Lincoln'
Dear Friends,
We wanted to write to you as soon as we could after the announcement of Bishop Stephen’s suspension on Friday 20th February 2026.
We both wish to assure you of our commitment to you over the next weeks and months, as your bishops.
We cannot say any more about the circumstances of Bishop Stephen’s suspension, but we are able to say that he is being pastorally supported.
We are committed to the pastoral care and support of victims and complainants when safeguarding allegations are brought forward. Such support is being given by the National Safeguarding Team in connection with the allegation against Bishop Stephen.
With the Archdeacons of Lincoln and Stow & Lindsey, Gavin Kirk and Eleanor Robertshaw, and the Dean of Lincoln, Simon Jones, alongside our Assistant Bishops, we will work to serve you, God’s people in Greater Lincolnshire, and the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, with our utmost commitment and to the best of our ability.
Today we gather for worship. It is the first Sunday of Lent. These forty days are days for reflection, fasting, penitence and service. During Lent it is the Christian’s faith that we will be restored, ultimately through the sacrificial grace that is found in the events of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Day. There is always hope.
Lent can be a hard time, during which we are tested, and it seems that for God’s people in the Diocese of Lincoln this year that will indeed be the case. But, together, as we love and serve, we believe that God will not abandon us. Indeed, it is perhaps in the most difficult of times that we will most assuredly find His mercy and His strength.
So, dear friends, may we all pray for each other, stand alongside each other, and embody, therefore, the compassionate heart of Christ for the communities that we love and serve in this beautiful Diocese of Lincoln.
With our prayers and best wishes,
The Rt Revd Dr Nicholas Chamberlain, Bishop of Grantham, Acting Bishop of Lincoln and The Rt Revd Jean Burgess, Bishop of Grimsby
A Prayer for this Week
Merciful Lord,
grant your people grace to withstand the temptations of the world,
the flesh and the devil,
and with pure hearts and minds to follow you, the only God;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
