Hello from the Rector
Dear friends,
I hope you’re well. I thought I would share a sneak preview from my sermon for this Sunday:
 Growth takes time and we all grow at different speeds. On a walk this week I saw some daffodils on the links estate. I could see some that had already flowered, some that were buds and some that hadn’t even budded yet. There was a lesson in that. You might look around at people at church and see something similar, some are fully flowered and others are not quite there yet but in time, the whole field of daffodils will be out in all their glory together.
This Sunday we have Morning Prayer at Barlborough at 8.30am, then Sung Eucharist at Clowne at 10am followed by Choral Evensong at Barlborough at 5pm as we celebrate the second Sunday of Lent.
See you Sunday!
Every blessing,
Canon Bryony
In Lent we have the disciplines of prayer, fasting and giving. This Lent, please consider joining the Parish Giving Scheme to give regularly if you do not already do so.
It costs money to run our churches, to pay for our clergy and keep the lights on, most of our income comes from your generosity!
Joining the Parish Giving Scheme
A regular gift really helps our cash flow, prevents the need for us to count cash and go to the bank and the scheme automatically claims Gift Aid. Once you set it up you can relax and not worry about bringing cash to church.
How to give
Set up a regular gift to the parish by calling the dedicated telephone line: 0333 002 1271. Tell them the parish code:
- St John the Baptist, Clowne: 120612060
- St James the Greater, Barlborough: 120612054
You can also set everything up online yourself by visiting: https://www.parishgiving.org.uk/
Upcoming services and events
Said Eucharist every Thursday at 10.15am at St James, Barlborough
Sunday 1st March Lent 2
8.30am Morning Prayer, Barlborough
10.00am Sung Eucharist, Clowne
5.00pm Choral Evensong, Barlborough
Sunday 8th March Lent 3
8.30am Morning Prayer, Clowne
10.00am Sung Eucharist, Barlborough
Mothering Sunday 15th March
9.15am Sung Eucharist, Clowne
11.00am Sung Eucharist, Barlborough
3pm Cliff House care home service
Sunday 22nd March Lent 5
8.30am Morning Prayer, Clowne
10.00am Sung Eucharist, Barlborough
2.30pm Baptism, Barlborough
5pm Refresh Service, Clowne
Palm Sunday 29th March
9.15am Sung Eucharist, Barlborough
11.00am Sung Eucharist with donkey, Clowne
Maundy Thursday 2nd April
7.30pm Sung Eucharist, Clowne
10pm Compline (Night Prayer), Clowne
Good Friday 3rd April
10.45am Walk of Witness, Clowne
12.30pm Stations of the Cross, Clowne
2.30pm The Cross of Christ, Barlborough
Holy Saturday 4th April
8.30pm Easter Vigil
Sunday 5th April Easter Day
9.15am Festival Eucharist, Clowne
11am Festival Eucharist, Barlborough
Contact the clergy:
Reverend Canon Bryony Taylor, Rector
01246 813569
revbryonytaylor@gmail.com
Rev’d Adrian Murray-Leslie, retired associate priest
07791 594660
adrian@murray-leslie.org.uk
Please note that the clergy’s usual day off is a Friday. Find out other information about our churches on our website: http://bcjj.org.uk
The United Benefice of Barlborough and Clowne
Lent 2026 Retreat Guide
This retreat booklet is designed for Lent 2026, beginning on Ash Wednesday (February 18) and concluding just before Easter (April 5). Readings from the Gospel of John are assigned every other day, allowing space for rest, repetition, catch up and interior prayer.
Each prayer period may follow a simple Ignatian rhythm:
1. Become still – Ask God for the grace of attentiveness. 2. Read the passage slowly – Notice words, images, or emotions. 3. Imagine the scene – Place yourself within it. 4. Reflect and converse – Speak honestly with Jesus. 5. Close in gratitude – End with the prayer provided for the week.
Non‑reading days may be used for silence, journaling, or repeating a passage that continues to draw you.
(Ash Wednesday–First Week of Lent)
February 18 — John 1:1–18
Imagine the Word entering the darkness of the world. Where does that light rest in your own life? Speak with Jesus about what you notice.
February 20 — John 1:19–51
Place yourself among the disciples. What stirs in you when Jesus turns and asks, “What are you looking for?”
February 22 — John 2
Watch Jesus act with intensity and purpose. What emotions arise in you as you see what matters most to him?
February 24 — John 3
Listen to Jesus speak quietly with Nicodemus at night. Where do you sense invitation—and where resistance—in your heart?
February 26 — John 4
Sit beside Jesus at the well. What truth does he speak into your deepest thirst? Respond honestly.
Closing Prayer — Week 1
Lord Jesus, you enter my life gently yet truthfully. As this week ends, show me where you have been present and where I have turned away. Teach me to desire what leads to life. Amen.
February 28 — John 5
Hear Jesus ask, “Do you want to be well?” Let the question linger. What surfaces within you?
March 2 — John 6:1–40
Stand in the crowd with little food and great need. What do you place in Jesus’ hands today?
March 4 — John 6:41–71
Notice your reaction to Jesus’ hard words. Where do you feel drawn closer—and where tempted to walk away?
March 6 — John 7–8:11
Watch how Jesus looks at the accused woman. How does he look at you?
March 8 — John 8:12–59
Walk with Jesus in the light. What truth does he reveal about your freedom?
Closing Prayer — Week 2
Faithful Lord, you meet me in my resistance and my hunger. Help me remain with you when your words unsettle me, trusting that you lead me toward freedom. Amen.
March 10 — John 9
Experience the man’s healing step by step. Where are your eyes slowly opening?
March 12 — John 10
Listen closely for the Shepherd’s voice. What distinguishes it from the others competing for your attention?
March 14 — John 11
Stand at the tomb with Martha and Mary. What loss or sorrow do you name before Jesus?
March 16 — John 12
Watch Mary pour out the perfume. What is Jesus inviting you to give without reserve?
Closing Prayer — Week 3
Jesus, you call me by name and stand with me in grief and hope. Deepen my trust in your voice and teach me to follow you more freely. Amen.
March 18 — John 13
Allow Jesus to kneel before you. What feelings arise as he serves you so personally?
March 20 — John 14
Hear Jesus promise a dwelling place. Where do you sense peace—or longing—as he speaks?
March 22 — John 15–16
Remain with Jesus the vine. Where is life flowing—and where do you feel pruned?
March 24 — John 17
Listen as Jesus prays for you. What word or phrase stays with you?
Closing Prayer — Week 4
Lord Jesus, you draw me into your own prayer and love. As I rest in you, shape my heart to love as you love and remain in you always. Amen.
March 26 — John 18
Follow Jesus through betrayal and arrest. Where do you stay close—and where do you step back?
March 28 — John 19
Stand at the foot of the cross. What does Jesus’ gaze communicate to you in this moment?
March 30 — John 20
Enter the locked room with the disciples. How do you receive Jesus’ gift of peace?
Closing Prayer — Week 5
Crucified and risen Lord, you remain faithful even when I falter. Hold me near to you as love pours itself out completely. Amen.
Final Day — Sent in Love
April 1 — John 21
Sit with Jesus by the fire. Hear him ask, “Do you love me?” How do you answer today?
Final Prayer
Jesus, you meet me again and again, calling me forward in love. As Lent draws to a close, receive all that I am and send me where you will. Amen.
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