WOMEN are to be celebrated at a series of special church services on Sunday March 15.

Parish churches in Peasedown St John and Wellow will distribute flowers to all women who attend their services on Mothering Sunday.

Three services are planned for Peasedown St John and Wellow with a morning service at All Age Worship at St Julian’s Church in Wellow at 10am, Morning Praise and Holy Communion at St John’s Church, Peasedown at 10.30am, and a 4.30pm service entitled Soul Food with Holy Communion at St John’s Church in Peasedown.

Revd Matthew Street, leader of the Anglican Churches in these villages, said: “We’re looking forward to giving thanks for our Mothers, and indeed all women, on Mothering Sunday.

“We’re inspired by not only the strong female leaders of today, but the women of the Bible too.

“Influential characters in history like Mary of Nazareth and Mary Magdalene, plus Old Testament figures like Ruth and Esther, all of which were devoted to God and set great examples for us today of how we can be courageous, faithful and caring for others.

“Please join us on Mothering Sunday for our special church services.”

Mothering Sunday has been celebrated on the fourth Sunday in Lent, in the UK and Ireland, since the 16th century and was a chance for people to return to ‘mother church’ to reunite as families and pray. By the 20th century it had become a day for honouring mothers.

Many countries follow the US and celebrate Mother's Day on the second Sunday in May, whilst other countries enjoy the day on March 8, International Women's Day.

For more details visit the St J’s Group benefice website at www.stjsgroup.church, or contact the operations manager Rob Bubyer by emailing [email protected] or calling 07973 972018.