Thackley Methodist Church and Community Centre

Thank you to everyone who contributed to our Christmas collections; these have helped the following charities: Christmas Eve Service - Sorted - £117.42 Christmas Day service - Bradford Soup Run - £88.00 Christmas Card - Gambian Schools Trust - £85.20. Christingle Service - NCH - £120.60 Circuit Carol Service - Water Aid - £ 81.82 Additionally, collection boxes for the Children's Society were taken home by those attending the Christingle service. Don't forget that these are due by 14 January 2007. Also, at its meeting in December, the church council agreed a donation of £110 to each of the following: Methodist Auxiliary fund (assisting ill/disabled ministers etc) Methodist Property fund (assisting Methodist churches in emergencies, eg flooding etc) Methodist Church fund for World Mission - supporting communities around the world bringing hope and healing through our partner churches J O Y - Jubilee Outreach Yorkshire - support for Romania The Blenheim Project - s

Well, it's been a busy time of year for all of us. During our advent services, Keith continued his exposition of letters to the seven churches (Revelation 2) with addresses on the churches in Thyatira and Sardis. Gill organised our advent liturgy with families lighting the candles of Hope, Peace, Joy, Love and Christ. Our afternoon Christingle service was well attended and it was lovely singing our final carol by candle light. In case you're wondering, a Christingle represents various parts of the Christian story: orange - the world cocktail sticks - the 4 gospels or the 4 points of the compass sweets/fruit - the good things that the earth provides red ribbon - reminds us that Jesus died for all of us so that we might be forgiven for all that we do wrong candle - Jesus, God on earth, who spread God's light and love wherever he went. The singing group sang "The twelve days of Christmas" and "Mary's boy child". Keith enlightened us of the Christia

Leading us in worship next Sunday, the second Sunday in Advent, is Rev Keith Hunt Prayer for this week Faith, hope, love Heavenly Father, I am of such litle faith I see your ways, but I do not walk them. I understand your love, but I do not love the same. Help me to keep faith with you. Where the best is the enemy of the good, help me to know your good. Were an absence of conflict is the enemy of peace, help me to pursue your peace. And through all the issues of this day, be my guide. Amen. Please remember in your prayers this week: Nina, Kim, Valerie (Margaret R's sister), Julie, Jean H, Eileen. During December, please pray for the residents of Ballantyne Road. Raffle for Blenheim The church is doing a raffle to benefit Blenheim - two big Teddies are the prizes! Tickets from Jackie D. What's happening this week Monday - Boys Brigade 6.15 pm Tuesday - Tuesday Fellowship 10.00 am, Guides 7.30 pm, Church Council 7.30 pm Wednesday - Ladies Wednesday Group Christmas Dinner at the