READ-A-BOOK-A-MONTH bible challenge invites us to read St Luke’s gospel during April. ‘I felt we had all earned some easier reading after the Pentateuch,’ comments Mary Callan. ‘St Luke’s gospel will focus our attention on Jesus Christ during the Pascal season and prepare us for reading the Acts of the Apostles during May.’

To finish the Pentateuch, the reading of Deuteronomy and the accompanying pamphlet were launched at Southlands Methodist Church in February. Rev Keith Himsworth gave a short presentation, emphasising the covenant relationship with God, in which Israel’s possession of the Holy Land was dependent on their fidelity. Mary Callan read from the pamphlet, pondering the relationship between laws and love. Attendance was disappointingly small. The organisers hope everyone will come to the launch event for Acts, at St Paul’s Church, Holgate Road, in honour of the year of St Paul. Rev John Lee is keeping the details a closely guarded secret. ‘I told him that after so much learned teaching, we might be glad of a travel-video about St Paul’s world,’ says Mary Callan. ‘I’m sure St Paul’s Church will offer us a lively afternoon, welcoming, informative and thought-provoking.’

ACTS OF THE APOSTLES Launch event, Sunday 26th April, 4.00 pm, St Paul’s Church, Holgate Road. All welcome.

READ-A-BOOK-A-MONTH pamphlets are also available on the parish website www.englishmartyrsyork.org.uk