Pastoral News: 06 December 09

We remember Chris Kirby who has been unwell this week, and pray for him and Elaine at this time.

Ivy Etteridge suffered a fall necessitating a short spell in hospital in Aylesbury. We pray for her that she will soon recover and regain her confidence.

Harold Heath-Coleman remains very poorly in hospital in Milton Keynes, and we pray the peace of the Lord upon him and his family at this time.

In our excitement, we announced the wedding of James Buckell and Mourna Steel a week early last week! They are to be married in Scotland next Saturday the 12th December and our love and greetings go to them on this happy day.

It has been good to welcome new people to worship with us in recent weeks: Michael and Helen Donelan and their son Luke, Rachel and Matthew Fransch and their family Hazel, Ellis and Sam, and Erin Devlin with Chloe.

An Appreciation

Alan and Kath Wearn have been very supported by the church family during Alan’s recent surgery and now at home. Thank you to all who have prayed (and those still praying), sent cards, flowers and meals. “May you be blessed in turn”.

Please Help

Don’t forget, there are two worthy causes which need your help this Christmas. Firstly there is the White Ribbon Campaign which Dave Huckle told us about last week. There is now a box in the foyer for your donations of toys, toiletries etc for families seeking refuge. Last date for donations is 17th December. Please speak to David for more details.

There’s also the Food Bank which we regularly support. The Food Bank provides local people with the essentials at a time when they need them the most. Again, we have a collecting box in the foyer for your donations of dried and tinned food items.

Calling all Bband Players

The Bband has been asked to play at the Brigades’ Christmas Service on Monday 7th December. There will be a rehearsal on Sunday 6th December at 2.15pm. Anyone who can play a basic Christmas carol is welcome to join in. Please could you let Lisa Huckle know today (or call her on 01908 217429), so she has an idea of numbers and can make sure she has the music in the correct key for your instrument. Thank you.

The Xcelsis Factor 2009

Talent meets Nativity: our popular annual Community Carol event takes place on Sunday 20th December at 7.00pm and is especially suitable for all ages. We promise an evening of fun, carols and our very own X-factor event showcasing the wide range of talent at NPBC. The ideal event to bring your family and invite your neighbours and friends. Admission is free, and there is a collection for the support of Willen Hospice.

A handbill is enclosed with this edition of J14 – please use this to invite others.

Men's Breakfast

Gentleman, our next Men’s Breakfast is taking place on Saturday 12th December when we will be welcoming Mark Nicholls as our guest speaker. Mark will be telling us why it sometimes feels like “Life is Too Short”. We will also enjoy warm friendship, great food and all for just £3. Please pass your name to Andrew Turner if you would like to attend.

Thanks from Mary

Mary Buckell would like to thank everyone for their donations of kitchen roll tubes for Christmas Cracked. The team now has more than enough for their activities.

EXALT Travellers Tales

You are invited to join with us in one of our occasional evening worship services with a difference on Tuesday 15th December, meeting at 7.30pm for 7.45pm. Join in a time of worship, praise and reflection in the middle of the run up to Christmas. An opportunity to think, comment and share in the journeys we each make on the approach to the Christmas Season. Refreshments for weary (and non-weary) travellers will be available.

Christmas at NPBC

Monday 7th December at 6.30pm. Brigades Christmas evening with carols, readings, and drama by our Brigade members. All parents, Brigade members, and members of the congregation are welcome to share in this annual event.

Sunday 13th December at 10.30am. Service of believers’ baptism.

Tuesday 15th December at 7.30pm. eXalt! – “Travellers Tales”.

Sunday 20th December at 10.30am. Worship for Christmas with “The Day of Service”

Sunday 20th December at 7.00pm. Community Carol Evening, including the premier of the musical “The Xcelsis Factor 2009”. Suitable for all ages, the evening showcases the talent of the church in a spectacular and entertaining presentation of the Christmas story. Special collection for Willen Hospice.

Christmas Day, 25th December at 10.30am. All age worship for Christmas Day with “The Saviour’s Day”. Finishing at 11.15am.

Sunday 27th December at 10.30am. Worship for all with “The Day of Recognition”.

Thursday 31st December at 7.30pm. New Years Eve Party, “Bruce’s Big Night Out”.


Alternative Christmas Card

The congregation is invited to send their Christmas message to others within the fellowship by signing the ‘Alternative Christmas Card’ and by giving a donation to World Vision in lieu of the purchase of Christmas cards.

If you are a UK taxpayer and willing to Gift Aid your donation please complete the Gift Aid form. Thank you for your support.

Service Details 06/12/09

This morning our minister Paul Rosier leads our worship. Paul will be continuing “The Six Days of Christmas” series with “The Day of Honour” from Isaiah 11. The service will also include communion and the welcoming of new church members.

At 4.00pm we have our monthly Food4Thought activity. A time for friendship, singing and praise for the retired of the town. Today it’s our Christmas and our hosts are Trevor and Christine Ransome.

Service Details 13/12/09

Next Sunday 13th December at 10.30am Steve Wood and Paul Rosier lead our worship. Paul will be speaking from “The Six Days of Christmas” series with “The Day of Salvation” from Luke 1. The service also includes the act of Believers’ Baptism as Lucy Brown and Sarah Hutton tell of their faith in Jesus Christ.

CHURCH DIARY

SUNDAY 6 December
10 – 10.15am Prayer Time in the Chapel.
10.30am Service of Worship led by Paul Rosier
4.00pm Food4Thought hosted by Trevor & Christine Ransome
7.30pm yPod (years 10 up).

MONDAY 7 December
am Christmas Cracked with Tickford Park School
pm Christmas Cracked with Green Park School
1.30 – 2.30pm HomeGroup meeting at Christine & Trevor’s.
6.30pm Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade Christmas Carol Concert.
7.45pm Amicus – Contact Sam Downton or Mark Nicholls

TUESDAY 8 December
8.45am Team Prayer Meeting in the chapel.
9.30 – 9.45 am TOFTS Bible Time for Toddlers.
9.45 – 11.15am Parent & Toddler Group (24 Months+). See Yvonne Wilkinson
1.30 – 3.00pm Parent & Baby Group in the Tickford Room. See Yvonne Wilkinson
1.30 – 3.00pm Parent & Toddler Group (12-24 months). See Yvonne Wilkinson
2.00pm Bible Study Group in the chapel studying Romans 1 to 5.
7.45pm HomeGroup meeting at Newport Pagnell. Acts 4.1-31.

WEDNESDAY 9 December
11.00am Bethany Lunch Club for Senior Citizens. Contact Peter Faulkner for bookings and Elsie Smith (610139) for transport.
8.00pm HomeGroup meeting at 11 Osterley Cl, Newport Pagnell

THURSDAY 10 December
am Christmas Cracked with Giffard Park School
8.00pm Boys’ Brigade Company Section Contact David Huckle
8.00pm Girls’ Brigade Senior and Brigader Section

SATURDAY 12 December
7.30am Men’s Breakfast With Mark Nicholls speaking on “Life Is Too Short”.

SUNDAY 13 December
10 – 10.15am Prayer Time in the Chapel.
10.30am Service of Worship & Believers Baptism led by Steve Wood & Paul Rosier
7.00pm Cross Purposes at Newport Pagnell URC