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Lent Ash Wednesday marks the start of the observation of Lent, a season of self-examination, penitence, self-denial, study, and preparation for Easter. Lent is often described as lasting forty days (excluding Sundays) which recalls the Biblical account of Jesus’s temptation in the wilderness (Luke 4.1-13). Lent Ash Wednesday marks the start of the observation of Lent, a season of self-examination, penitence, self-denial, study, and preparation for Easter. Lent is often described as lasting forty days (excluding Sundays) which recalls the Biblical account of Jesus’s temptation in the wilderness (Luke 4.1-13). Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. Ashes made from palm crosses are blessed and are used to make crosses on people's foreheads. The custom dates back to the middle ages. ​ Ash Wednesday services set the tone for Lent, with sombre readings and hymns and a focus on penitence (saying sorry for and turning away from sin). ​ Ashes are an ancient sign of penitence. From the Middle Ages onward it has been a custom to begin Lent by having the sign of the cross marked on one’s forehead in ash. Lent is a time of preparation, particularly for those who are to be baptized at Easter, but the whole Christian community is encouraged to join them in study and self-reflection. ​ As Holy Week approaches, the atmosphere of the season darkens. Bible readings begin to anticipate the story of Christ’s suffering and death. Holy Week begins with the re-enactment of Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. This is the beginning of a journey of the imagination which takes us to the Upper Room for the Last Supper on Maundy Thursday, through Jesus' betrayal, trial and crucifixion on Good Friday. In the Vigil on the night before Easter Day, the Church gathers to commemorate the mighty works of God through reading of scripture in preparation for the proclaiming of Christ’s resurrection. A Prayer for Lent Holy God, our lives are laid open before you: rescue us from the chaos of sin and through the death of your Son bring us healing and make us whole in Jesus Christ our Lord Amen. #LiveLent Reflection Ash Wednesday is a day of turnings. A day when we turn inwards and examine our lives; a day when we turn from the depth of winter to waiting for Easter. And a day when we choose to turn away from sin and towards new life. ​ This isn’t something we do on our own. Christians all over the world use this time as a line in the sand, a yearly reminder of both our frailty, and God’s grace. The fact that we do this together, rather than on our own, reminds us that it isn’t just our personal lives that need transforming, but that of our communities, countries and entire world. On Ash Wednesday, and in Lent, we lament the brokenness of the whole world, its sin, inequality and injustice, and we long for God’s intervention to come and teach us what justice, peace and freedom truly look like.

Resources and Useful Links Policies and Forms ​ Data Privacy Notice Safeguarding Policy Photography Photo & Video Guidance Photo and Video Policy Photo & Video Consent Form Coronavirus Guidance Latest Church of England Guidance St James School WW1 & WW2 Memorials Foodbank Samaritan Purse Safeguarding

Community Hall and Annexe Booking We have two ground floor halls available for hire, including kitchen and toilet facilities: Community Hall for up to 100 guests, and a separate kitchen area Annexe for up to 30 guests - An area, 7.6m x 6.6m with plenty of natural light, and an additional kitchen space of 1.9m x 1.8m. ​ To enquire about booking our rooms, please fill in the Enquiry Form from the link below (which opens in a new tab) and our Room Booking Co-ordinator will be in touch with you. ​ ​ Please not e that both rooms are currently utilised by the East Cliff Pre-School Monday - Friday between 08:00 - 15:00 during term-time, however, bookings can be made outside of these hours, except when church services are in progress. Services and Events are available in the Calendar . ​ You can make a one-off booking, or a regular booking, and supporting documentation can be viewed and downloaded from the following links: ​ Standard Conditions of Hire Safeguarding Provision for Hire ​ Our current charges per session are: Room Booking Enquiry Form Community Hall: £16 per hour, minimum 2 hour booking Community Hall 1 Community Hall 2 Kitchen Community Hall 1 1/4 Annexe: £12 per hour, minimum 2 hour booking Annexe 1 Annexe 2 Kitchen Annexe 1 1/4

All Videos Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied This channel is coming soon! Christmas ... is one of the highlights of the Christian year and a time of great celebration. The Christmas season is often celebrated for twelve days, ending in another feast, Epiphany on 6th January, when we recall how Jesus was first revealed to the wider world in the visit of the Magi (or Wise Men). Learn More

Top of Page Eco Church 8th July 2023 11:00 -14:00 What is it for? For those of you who have not attended one before, this is a lovely joint community event where we can gather together to have fun, create memories, support local trades and to raise money for the church and the school. ​ This year the school PSA are raising money to go towards the creation of two outside classrooms, whilst the church is raising money to fund the development of . What to expect... We have loads planned with lots of 20p games for the children, crafts, the famous chocolate tombola, a huge bouncy castle assault course - try your luck on the huge inflatable football darts board (prize for the highest score of the day), face and nail painting, reflex competition, lower playground fun, “Green” fancy dress competition; lots of other prizes to be won; as well as BBQ, sandwiches, cakes and other refreshments, ice-cream van, Slush Puppies and Pimms/drinks tent. We have lots of local craft stalls selling some lovely handmade items, so please bring some pennies to support them, too. We have the second hand uniform stall along with children’s second hand toys and books, adult books, puzzles, plants, and other fun tombola's. There will be a fantastic performance in the playground from local dance company ‘Blackwell Dance’ and Mrs Dodd’s choir will also be providing some beautiful music in the church. ​ Raffle Prizes... We have an amazing raffle with some really great prizes, so watch out for raffle tickets coming home in the children’s school bags soon. Please purchase your tickets and return them to school before the event with your name and telephone number on the back of each ticket! Raffle Prizes so far... What help is needed? Donations... T he 4 Fridays leading up to the fayre are when we ask for donations to be left under 'The Tree' at the 08:30 drop off. The categories of items to be collected on these days are: Stalls... Finally, there is still time to ask for a sales table if you would like to exhibit yourself and we also really need some more raffle prizes if perhaps people could ask their work places ... ​ All exhibitors and donators will be listed on the event programme and advertised on our Facebook page if they wish. £10 a sales table or FREE for any St. James’ pupil wanting to try their hand at selling their own crafts as we love to support young enterprise and they can make a donation on the day if they wish. What is it for? What to expect... Raffle Prizes... How You Can Help... Contact Details... Contact PSA Contact Church Contact Details... Top of Page What is it for? What to expect... Raffle Prizes... How You Can Help... Contact Details...

The Liturgical Year ADVENT CHRISTMAS EPIPHANY LENT EASTER From earliest times the Church has gathered on Sundays to celebrate the good news of Jesus Christ. Over time an annual cycle of Christian memory-making has also developed, which allows us to remember his life, death, and resurrection; to celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit; and to recall the ministry of the holy people who have spread the Christian faith over the centuries. Through the structuring of our Christian memory, the past is able to come into our present. The liturgical or Church year is divided into several seasons. It begins with Advent, which looks forward to Christmas. The visit of the wise men to Jesus is remembered at Epiphany, after which there is a period of ‘ordinary time’. The six weeks of Lent prepare us for Easter, which celebrates Jesus’s resurrection, leading forward to his Ascension and the gift of the Holy Spirit to the Church at Pentecost. ‘Ordinary time’ then resumes until the end of the year. So-called ‘ordinary time’ is hardly boring. It allows for more continuous reading from the Bible, for the exploration of other themes such as creation and the environment, and for creative responses to saints’ days. You may see different things in church depending on the liturgical season, some of which are described below. Advent The season of Advent marks the start of the Christian year. It is a season of expectation and preparation as the Church looks forward to celebrating the birth of Christ. Although it is a season of preparation, the characteristic note of Advent is expectation rather than penitence. Commercial pressure has made it harder to keep a sense of alert watchfulness in our anticipation of Christmas but, for many Christians, our preparation for the coming of Christ is a powerful reminder of the real meaning of the coming season. In England, Advent falls at the darkest time of the year, and the natural symbols of darkness and light are powerfully at work. Many churches use an ‘Advent wreath’ of candles to mark the Sundays of Advent, lighting a new candle each week. In the Church of England the focus is on the patriarchs and prophets who predict humanity’s salvation, then on John the Baptist, then finally on Mary as she prepares to give birth to the Saviour. Back to top Christmas The celebration of Christ’s coming among us at Christmas (known as the ‘Incarnation’) is one of the two poles of the Christian year, along with the story of Christ’s death and resurrection. Christmas is much more than the celebration of Jesus’s birth: it reminds us of the central truth that ‘the Word became flesh and dwelt among us’ (John 1.14), fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah (7.14) that ‘a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son.’ One of the challenges for Christians is to continue the celebration of Christmas long after the rest of the world turns its attention elsewhere. Historically, Christmas would have extended at least until the Epiphany (i.e. twelve days). Back to top Epiphany The Feast of the Epiphany, which always falls on 6 January, marks the beginning of a season which recognizes Jesus to be the Son of God. The word ‘epiphany’ means ‘manifestation’ or ‘appearance’, and the Feast of the Epiphany marks the recognition of the newborn Jesus by the world. Later, the Church remembers the Baptism of Christ by John, when a voice from heaven declares Jesus to be God’s beloved Son. Finally, on 2 February, the season of Epiphany ends with the Feast of the Presentation. Jesus is brought to the Temple by his parents according to the law of Israel. There, he is recognized by Simeon, who declares him to be ‘a light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of God’s people Israel.’ The traditional service for this feast includes a procession of candles, and so it is often known as Candlemas. Back to top Lent Ash Wednesday marks the start of the observation of Lent, a season of self-examination, penitence, self-denial, study, and preparation for Easter. Lent is often described as lasting forty days (excluding Sundays) which recalls the Biblical account of Jesus’s temptation in the wilderness (Luke 4.1-13). Ashes are an ancient sign of penitence. From the Middle Ages onward it has been a custom to begin Lent by having the sign of the cross marked on one’s forehead in ash. Lent is a time of preparation, particularly for those who are to be baptized at Easter, but the whole Christian community is encouraged to join them in study and self-reflection. As Holy Week approaches, the atmosphere of the season darkens. Bible readings begin to anticipate the story of Christ’s suffering and death. Holy Week begins with the re-enactment of Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. This is the beginning of a journey of the imagination which takes us to the Upper Room for the Last Supper on Maundy Thursday, through Jesus' betrayal, trial and crucifixion on Good Friday. In the Vigil on the night before Easter Day, the Church gathers to commemorate the mighty works of God through reading of scripture in preparation for the proclaiming of Christ’s resurrection. Back to top Easter Easter Day commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. In the Church today, it provides a real experience of new life, as people are baptized and baptismal promises are renewed. Those who are baptized are united with Christ in his death and resurrection. Traditionally, new fire is kindled and from this the Easter candle is lit and held aloft with the proclamation: ‘The light of Christ.’ This passing from darkness to light offers hope to all the faithful. Since the late fourth century, on the fortieth day of Easter the Church celebrates Christ's ascension to heaven. This marks the end of his earthly ministry and the Feast of the Ascension is therefore closely connected with the theme of mission. The season of Easter is celebrated for fifty days, culminating in the Day of Pentecost. Matthew's Gospel ends with Jesus's final words to his disciples, that they should go to all nations and make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28.19-20). In John's Gospel, Jesus instructed his followers to pray for the coming of the Holy Spirit (John 14.15-17). The feast of Pentecost celebrates the account of the Holy Spirit coming on the disciples empowering them for mission (Acts 2.1-47). Ascension and Pentecost are closely linked. The Church is now to be the new body of Christ, filled with his life through the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Safeguarding Policy St. James, Pokesdown We have a duty of care to all people who are part of our church community regardless of age, ability, status, gender and ethnicity who may be at risk of harm. Everyone connected with the life of St. James’ Church has a role in promoting a safer Church for all. ​ The Parochial Church Council (PCC) has adopted the safeguarding policies and procedures of the Church of England. In particular we are committed to: ​ Promoting a safer environment and culture. Safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the church using the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) and other tools to check their suitability. Responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation. Caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons. Caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons. Responding to those that may pose a present risk to others. The Parish will: Create a safe and caring place for all. Have a named Church Safeguarding Officer (CSO) to work with the incumbent and The PCC to implement policy and procedures. Safely recruit, train and support all those with any responsibility for children, young people and adults to have the confidence and skills to recognise and respond to abuse. Ensure that there is appropriate insurance cover for all activities involving children and adults undertaken in the name of the parish. Display in church premises and on the Parish website the details of who to contact if there are safeguarding concerns or support needs. Listen to and take seriously all those who disclose abuse. Take steps to protect children and adults when a safeguarding concern of any kind arises, following House of Bishops guidance, including notifying the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (DSA) and statutory agencies immediately. Offer support to victims/survivors of abuse regardless of the type of abuse, when or where it occurred. Care for and monitor any member of the church community who may pose a risk to children and adults whilst maintaining appropriate confidentiality and the safety of all parties. Ensure that health and safety policy, procedures and risk assessments are in place and that these are reviewed annually. The PCC of this Church has agreed and adopted the above Policy at its meeting on 20th November 2023. ​ ​

The Gallery Some photos from Services and Events at St. James...

If you come to a St James’ Family Service (always the first Sunday of the month) you will have a fun and friendly time. ​ We hope to bring worship that’s uplifting, welcoming and inclusive for everyone. The Kidz Worship team is involved with the music and drama and lead the service. The service is a short one with music for everyone which is accompanied by the band and our children’s singing group called the Scallopinis. The Scallopini choir have children from 3 years to 16 and if you are in that age range and enjoy singing then please get in touch. That’s all you have to do! ... We would love you to join us. Please use the Contact Form if you would like any further information, and one of our team will be in touch. Our Kidz Worship Leaders: Bianca Atie Jo Uzzell Ceri Shepherd Chris MacKinney Photos from the Christingle Service, 9th January 2021... 1/14 The following photos were taken at the Kidz Worship Nativity, 5th December 2021... 1/10

Terms & Conditions St. James, Pokesdown Welcome to our website: if you continue to browse and use this website you are agreeing to comply with and be bound by the following terms and conditions of use, which together with our privacy policy govern St. James' Church relationship with you in relation to this website. ​ The term “St. James' Church” or “us” or “we” refers to the owner of the website whose registered address is St James' Church, Pokesdown Hill, Bournemouth, BH7 6DW. The term “you” refers to the user or viewer of our website. ​ The use of this website is subject to the following terms of use: The content of the pages of this website is for your general information and use only. It is subject to change without notice. Neither we nor any third parties provide any warranty or guarantee as to the accuracy, timeliness, performance, completeness or suitability of the information and materials found or offered on this website for any particular purpose. You acknowledge that such information and materials may contain inaccuracies or errors and we expressly exclude liability for any such inaccuracies or errors to the fullest extent permitted by law. Your use of any information or materials on this website is entirely at your own risk, for which we shall not be liable. It shall be your own responsibility to ensure that any products, services or information available through this website meet your specific requirements. This website contains material which is owned by or licensed to us. This material includes, but is not limited to, the design, layout, look, appearance, images and graphics. Reproduction is prohibited other than in accordance with the copyright notice, which forms part of these terms and conditions. All trademarks reproduced in this website, which are not the property of, or licensed to the operator, are acknowledged on the website. From time to time this website may also include links to other websites. These links are provided for your convenience to provide further information. They do not signify that we endorse the website(s). We have no responsibility for the content of the linked website(s). You may not create a link to this website from another website or document without St James' Church prior written consent. Your use of this website and any dispute arising out of such use of the website is subject to the laws of England and Wales.