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Showing posts from December, 2006

Prayer diary w/c 1 January 2007

Monday 1st - Louise has lost her father. Please hold her family before God in your prayers, that they may be comforted by our thoughts, love and support at this sad time. Tuesday 2nd - Please remember Mabel in your prayers as she struggles to walk again and maintain her independence in her own home. Wednesday 3rd - Please give thanks to God for his faithfulness to Jackie and Chris as Chris starts his new teaching job today. Thursday 4th - As our minister, Keith, flies out to India today, please pray for a safe journey for him and his friends. May his visit be successful and links built between our church and Bagalkot. Friday 5th - Please pray for Joyce and Karen in their grief over losing Bruce. May they know the comforting arms of Jesus around them at this time. Saturday 6th - Please ask God to bless Moira as she prepares to lead us in the family service tomorrow. Sunday 7th - Bless all who will attend our family service - may they find a warm welcome in the name of the Lord he

Prayer Mission

During 2007 we will be praying for our neighbours. Each month we will post a card through the letterboxes in one or two of the roads near to church to let residents know we are praying for them. We will also invite them to post a prayer request, ask for a visit or attend our services. We start in January by praying for those who live in Park Avenue, Park Mead and Keepers Fold. Please join us in this prayer mission. Loving Lord We ask your blessing on all who live in Park Avenue, Park Mead and Keepers Fold. You know their situations; their joys and sorrows; their hopes and fears; their needs and their concerns. May they know that they are in our thoughts and that we care for them. Help us to respond in love to the needs and pressures our modern world places upon them and show us ways in which we can serve and strengthen our community. Amen. (Image by www.heartlight.org )

We share your sorrow

We were saddened to hear that two of our members were bereaved over the Christmas period. We pray for Louise, Richard, Fran, Ben and the rest of the family following the sudden death of Louise's father, and for Joyce and her family following the death and release from Motor Neurones disease of her son, Bruce. Using the words of our dear friend Marjorie Dobson: May God bless you and be with you in this time of deep sorrow. In the tears of others, know that he weeps with you. In the touch of others, know that his arms are holding you. In the practical work of others, know that he is helping you to cope from day to day. In the words of others, know that he is speaking to you. In the prayers of others, know that he hears you. And in the desolation of this time, know that by each tear, touch, act, word and prayer, others are bringing God's love to you to filter into these empty spaces with his compassion and understanding. (Taken from A World of Blessing compiled by Geoffrey Duncan)

Joy to the world!

We were thrilled to welcome a number of visitors to our Christmas Eve carol service and Christmas morning service; we hope you will come again. On Christmas Eve Keith reminded us that in a busy world it is all too easy to remove the manger from Christmas. On Christmas morning Jackie cleverly used a white towel to remind us that the baby in the manger grew to a man, a man who served others and ultimately gave his life to wash away our sins; the manger and cross are inextricably linked. We hope that you glimpsed something of the manger over the Christmas period and wish you a peaceful New Year.

Goodbye Hilary

The Boys Brigade closed their year by gathering in church with parents to sing Christmas carols. They also presented Hilary with goodbye gifts. Hilary is retiring from Boys Brigade after many years of service. We thank her for her dedication and hard work and offer our best wishes for the future. We're proud that we're one of the largest companies in the area; however, it is essential that we have a full team of leaders in order to sustain this branch of our youth work. We are now seeking volunteers to plug the gap that Hilary leaves. If you can help, please let us know. All youth workers are required to have a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check.

Name the Teddy

Congratulations to Caitlin from Rainbows for picking the correct name of the teddy; he is called Stephen. Stephen was donated by Cadbury's along with the offer of match funding of £100. Thanks to all for taking part.

Twinkle, twinkle!

Twinkle, twinkle! What a joy it was to see the church almost full of children when they concluded their Christmas party with carols. They helped Keith with his nativity story by doing the actions and making the appropriate noises in all the right places. They had a great time and all left with a party bag. It was a great success. Well done Kim for your brilliant idea and for organising it all; many thanks to everyone else who helped. Thanks also to the Rock Solid helpers for organising a trip to the bowling alley as a Christmas treat for the Rock Solid gang. It's wonderful that we have so many people dedicated to youth work.

Shine 3-10 Dec

Junior Church has made a huge Christmas card for everyone to sign instead of sending individual cards. Donations will go to charity. We are asking for Christmas gifts for the Blenheim Project again. We have registered the Church for the Blue Peter Shoebiz appeal; so search out those old shoes that are in reasonable condition. Don't forget to get your Christmas quiz from Maria - £1.00 Please pray for Neville, Kim, Bruce, Joyce, Mabel and Paula. Best wishes to Lee as he celebrates his 50th birthday.