Hazelwell Weekly Contact 22nd February 2026
19 Feb 2026 • Weekly Notices
First Sunday of Lent
Holy Communion
Led by Val Harris, Preacher & Celebrant Rev. Matt Churchouse
Please remember in your prayers
Residents of Harvest Close and The Pathway.
Please pray for Matt and Val as they prepare for the service this week
Pray also in advance of Sunday for our deliberations on Sunday as we discuss plans for our future at Hazelwell church.
Lenten Plans
Starting this week on Wednesday, the discipleship group (which meets from 9.30-11.00 in the Quiet room on Wednesdays) will be following "Draw Near" which is the official Church of England booklet for Lent 2026. You are welcome to join us for scripture, prayer and music.
Alpha Course
Are you (or anyone you know) seeking to know more about Christianity? If so, why not join our Alpha Course which meets in the Hub every Tuesday at 7pm.
For more information or to express interest
speak to Matt
or e-mail: hazelwellchurchbrum@ gmail.com
Reflection on Acts 2:42–47
Acts 2:42–47 offers us a beautiful snapshot of the early Church at its very beginning. Fresh from the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the believers devote themselves to four essential things:
the apostles’ teaching,
fellowship,
the breaking of bread,
prayers
These are not random activities; they form the heartbeat of Christian life.
First, they devote themselves to the apostles’ teaching. The early Christians are eager to learn, to be formed, to understand what God has done in Christ. Faith is not a vague feeling but a shared truth handed on and received. The Church grows not only through enthusiasm, but through deep roots in the Word.
Second, they live in fellowship. This is more than casual friendship. It is a shared life shaped by generosity and care. They hold their possessions lightly, ensuring that no one is in need. Their unity is visible and practical. The gospel reshapes not only their beliefs but their relationships and priorities.
Third, they gather for the breaking of bread. This points to the Eucharist, the centre of their communal life. In remembering Christ’s self-giving love, they learn to give themselves for one another. Worship and daily living are not separate spheres; what happens at the table shapes how they live at home.
Finally, they devote themselves to prayer. Awe comes upon everyone because they recognise that God is at work among them. Prayer keeps them attentive to the Spirit and dependent on God rather than themselves.
The result is striking- joy, generosity, favour with the people, and growth.
“And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
Growth is presented not as a strategy, but as a fruit of faithfulness.
This passage invites us to examine our own communities.
Are we rooted in teaching, committed to fellowship, faithful in worship, and constant in prayer?
When these marks are present, the Church becomes a living sign of God’s kingdom — attractive not because it seeks attention, but because it reflects Christ.