Holy Trinity Free Church of England

03/04/2026

If you are thinking about going to church this Easter, I want to encourage you to just go.

Just go.

Have stuff going on in your life? Bring it.

Never been inside a church? Dont worry you’ll be welcomed with open arms.

Just go.

You don’t need fancy clothes. You dont need to know the scriptures, how to pray - or even what to do or say.

Just go.

You will be welcomed.

By Jesus.

Just go.

Look forward to seeing you!

Bev x

02/04/2026

On this Maundy Thursday, we remember the powerful example of love, humility, and service that Jesus gave during the Last Supper. As He shared bread and washed the feet of His disciples, He showed us that true greatness is found in serving others with a pure and loving heart. This sacred day invites us to reflect on our own actions, to love more deeply, forgive more freely, and walk in grace. May we carry His example into our daily lives, choosing kindness, compassion, and faith in every moment. Let His love guide you, and may your heart be filled with peace and purpose.

Join us at 7pm this evening for our maundy thursday service

29/03/2026

What a lovely way to start Holy Week! We distributed and blessed palm crosses, unfortunately we couldnt do our parade due to the terrible weather but we raised them high in church "Hosanna"

We were also thrilled to welcome Amelia Rae Rosemary, her parents Paul and Natalie and all their family and friends as she got baptised. Welcome to the church family Amelia we're looking forward to watching you grow and explore your faith. 💕

Bev

29/03/2026

28/03/2026

Join us at Holy Trinity FCE, New Lane, Oswaldtwistle, for the solemn observance of the Triduum. We start our Holy Week tomorrow, palm sunday, with the blessing and procession of the palms. On Maundy Thursday, spend an hour in the presence of the Lord at 7pm as He institutes the Holy Eucharist. Good Friday service at 3pm offers a moving re-enactment of the Passion, Death, and Burial of Jesus. Celebrate Easter Sunday at 10:30am with a procession of light followed by the Resurrection Eucharist. Experience these sacred moments with us this Holy Week.

Bev

20/03/2026

If you have recently lost a loved one, or you are about to lose a loved one, or perhaps you have never been able to come to terms with the loss of a loved one, I urge you to come to Holy Trinity Church, Oswaldtwistle, this Sunday, 22nd March, for the 10.30 am celebration of the Eucharist.
The appointed Gospel reading for the day and the following homily might just provide you with the assurance that your loved one still lives and that you too will also live after your death.
If you need comfort, peace and rest from your troubles, come and hear what Christ has to say to you.
Everyone and anyone welcome and warmly invited.

Tony.

17/03/2026

On Saturday St George's FCE welcomed all churches from the Northern Diocese to Synod. Some people were able to attend in person but others attended via Zoom. A synod is a meeting or council of church leaders. It is when bishops, church leaders, church wardens and other church members come together to discuss important issues about the church and religious matters. They make decisions or give guidance on beliefs, practices, or problems and how the church should respond to modern issues. We hold our Synod every 6 months and all our church members are welcome to attend.

My favourite part of Synod is when we do the 'round the churches' segment when each church talks about the things that they have done since we last met. It is always amazing to hear the good work that is going on in God's name. Church is not just for Sunday!

Bev

16/03/2026

Take your kids to church.
Even if they wiggle in the seat.
Even if they whisper too loud.
Even if you feel like everyone is looking at you.
Bring them anyway.
Because church isn’t about perfectly behaved kids.
It’s about raising kids who know where to run when life gets heavy.
It’s about teaching them that when they’re scared… they can pray.
When they’re hurting… they can turn to God.
When they feel lost… they know where to go.
And if you haven’t gone in a long time… that’s okay.
If it’s been years… that’s okay too.
If you’ve never taken them before… that’s okay.
You can start now.
Your kids don’t need a perfect parent leading them.
They just need a parent who’s willing.
Let them see you worship.
Let them see you pray.
Let them see you trust God even when you don’t have all the answers.
Because one Sunday can turn into a habit.
And a habit can turn into a foundation.
And that foundation might be the very thing that carries them through the hardest moments of their lives one day.
So if you’ve been feeling that little tug in your heart lately…
This might be your sign.
Take your kids to church.
God will meet you there. 🤍🙏

Bev

15/03/2026

Lent 4 - Mothering Sunday - 15 March ________________________________________
Loving Father, you care for us with the tenderness of a parent. Hear the prayers we bring before you through Christ our Lord. We especially give thanks today for the love and care we receive through our mothers, families, and communities.

We pray for the Church throughout the world: that during this Lenten season we may experience the joy of God’s mercy and share his love with others.

We pray for peace in places of conflict and violence, remembering especially mothers who are struggling to protect and care for their children in the midst of war, poverty, and uncertainty. May God bring them strength, comfort, and hope, and guide the leaders of nations to work for peace and justice and bring hope to all families affected by war, poverty and hardship.

We thank you for the gift of mothers and for all who care for us with a mother’s love. Bless them with strength, joy, and peace and may they be blessed and supported in all they do and know how deeply they are appreciated.

For those for whom today is difficult — those who have lost their mothers, those who long to be mothers, or whose family relationships are painful: that they may know God’s comfort, compassion, and peace.

For our parish family and local community: that we may grow in kindness, patience, and generosity as we journey through Lent together.

For those who are sick, struggling, or in need of comfort, and for those who care for them: that they may know God’s healing presence and the strength of our prayers.

For those who have died, especially our mothers and family members who have gone before us: that they may rest in the peace and joy of eternal life.

Loving God, we ask this week that You refresh our spirit, renew our minds and guide our steps so that all we do reflects Your love and truth. Help us to turn from all that distracts us from You, keep us steadfast in faith, joyful in hope and generous in love. Guide us to walk in humility, to serve with compassion and to live in hope.

Amen

Bev

08/03/2026

8 March 2026 - Lent 3

Father God, as we continue our Lenten journey, we pray that you open our ears to hear Your voice and our hearts to receive Your Word. Remove distractions, strengthen our faith and help us to live out the message we receive with joy and courage.

We pray for our families, that our homes may be filled with peace, unity and understanding. Strengthen bonds of love, heal any divisions and guide us to support one another in faith and kindness.

We pray for the Church throughout the world: that during this season of Lent we may listen to God’s call to renewal, turning back to him with open hearts and learning to bear the fruits of love and mercy.

We pray for our troubled world: for peace in places of conflict, for those living in fear or uncertainty, and for all who work to bring justice and reconciliation. In particular at this time we pray for all those affected by war and conflict in the Middle East - for families who have lost loved ones, those forced to flee their homes, Iranian Christians and for all who live in loss and fear, that they know they are not forgotten or alone.

We pray for leaders of nations and all who carry responsibility in society: that they may act with wisdom and compassion, working for the good of all and especially for those most in need.

We pray for the care of creation: as the earth awakens to new life in the springtime, may we grow in gratitude for God’s gifts and take greater care of the world entrusted to us.

We pray for our parish family and for everyone in our local community: that during this Lenten season we may grow in kindness, patience, and generosity, supporting one another and bearing good fruit in our daily lives.

We pray for people in our community who are struggling — those worried about work, money, housing, or family difficulties — that they may find understanding, support, and new hope.

We pray for those who are sick, in hospital, or receiving care at home, and for anyone feeling lonely or anxious: may they know God’s healing presence and the comfort of those who care for them.

We pray for those who have died, especially members of our families and parish community: that they may share in the new life promised by Christ.

On this International Women’s Day, we give thanks for the faith and courage of women in Scripture — for Mary who said yes to God, for Mary Magdalene who first proclaimed the Resurrection, and for the many women who have served God with love throughout history. May women everywhere be honoured, supported, and encouraged to share their gifts in the Church and in the world.

Lord we ask that You refresh our spirit, renew our minds and guide our steps so that all we do reflects Your love and truth. Help us to turn from all that distracts us from You, keep us steadfast in faith, joyful in hope and generous in love. Guide us to walk in humility, to serve with compassion and to live in hope.

Bev

21/02/2026

Celebration of the most holy Eucharist (Holy Communion) at Holy Trinity Church, Oswaldtwistle, at 10:30 am on Sunday 22nd February. It's the first Sunday of Lent.
Can we fill the church and demonstrate our commitment to God and His Son, Jesus Christ Our Lord by receiving His body and blood? And in doing so, do our part in returning this country to its Christian roots and values.
Everyone welcome!
I look forward to seeing you.

Tony

20/02/2026

HOMILY | Friday after Ash Wednesday
Gospel: Matthew 9:14–15

Many people think that fasting is about suffering—as if God wants us to be hungry, uncomfortable, or miserable during Lent. But that is not true.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus helps us understand the real meaning of fasting. He says that there is a time to feast and a time to fast. And the reason for fasting is not punishment, but longing.

We fast not because God wants to make us suffer, but because He wants to awaken our hunger—not just for food, but for the Lord.

When we are always full—full of food, noise, entertainment, distractions—we no longer feel our deeper hunger. Fasting creates a small emptiness in us, and that emptiness reminds us of something important: we were made for more than bread.

That is why fasting can be powerful. It teaches us to ask honest questions:
What am I really hungry for?
What do I run to when I feel empty?
Who truly satisfies my heart?

Lent invites us to fast so that our hearts can become more sensitive to God again. When we feel hunger, we remember our dependence. When we feel weakness, we remember our need for grace.

So this Lent, let us not fast with resentment or pride. Let us fast with openness. Let our hunger lead us not to complaints, but to prayer.

And may every hunger we feel remind us of our deepest hunger of all—the hunger for God.