Pastoral News: 07 March 10

Last Sunday we reported the sudden death of our member and Deacon Adrian King. The service of committal for Adrian was held on Friday morning and thanks to all who shared in that occasion. A service of memorial for Adrian will be held here later in April. We remember his sons Malcolm and Geoff, and his brother John in this time of mourning.

We were shocked to hear of the sudden death of Wendy, sister of our member Chris Webb, at the end of last week, and our love and prayers go to Chris and Alan and all their family at this time. We pray that they will know the love and kindness of God in this tragedy.

The service of Thanksgiving and Celebration for the life of Gordon Mead will be held at the town’s United Reformed Church on Wednesday the 17th March at 12.30pm and all friends are very welcome to attend.

Appreciation

Alan and Chris would like to thank all the church for your love and kindness and your prayers for them since the recent tragic death of Chris' sister, Wendy. They really appreciate your love and concern.

Annual Church Meeting

On Tuesday 9th March at 8.00pm in the Tickford Room we have our Church’s Annual Meeting, including the election of Deacons and Elders, the receipt of the reports for the year, and the affirmation of Pastoral Assistants. The meeting also includes the business of an Ordinary Church Meeting, and the minutes of the last Ordinary Meeting and Annual Meeting have been made available for reading last week and today. Please be in prayer for this meeting, and all members are strongly urged to be present!

In accordance with paragraph 15.7f and paragraph 15.8e we give notice that the following have been nominated for election at the Annual Meeting to the following offices:

Deacons: John Cooper, Sue Richards and Chris Row
Elders: John Cooper, Rod Ruston and Steve Wood

Easter Cracked…

…thank you for your generosity on responding to our appeal for a minimum of 380 Cadbury’s Crème Eggs. To date we have received about 100, and are confident we will reach our target. A box for donations is available in the foyer.

Directory 2010

The updated Church Directory for 2010 will be published soon so please check the copy in the foyer and if necessary amend (or add) your details as necessary.

Downsizing

Alice & Stephen Lewis plan to relocate in the next 2/3 months, and have started on the tedious task of downsizing. Should anyone in the fellowship be interested in having any items – please check for details posted from time to time on the church notice board.

Sunday School

The children's ministry, purchased a "Children's Mission Praise" book last year, which was kept in the table and chairs cupboard. The book has been misplaced, and if seen needs to be returned to the cupboard. Thanks!

Memories of Adrian King

In the latest edition of our Crossroads magazine (available today) a number of people have shared their memories of Adrian King. Unfortunately, we failed to include some memories from Jonathan Winship, so we include them here in full:

At one time Adrian gave me regular lifts to my work at the OU when he had a job in nearby Kents Hill. It was a happy time in his red VW Golf in the morning – laughing together to Terry Wogan, enjoying the songs of yesterday, and reminiscing about our previous lives in Southern Africa.

Above all the many memories, I recall a short, simple email from Adrian to some of his friends on the 19th January this year entitled ‘On My Father’s Side!’ It has all you need to know about the man, his love of song, and his faith in what lay ahead for him and for us. This is a must watch video and song. Please take a minute, sit back, relax and enjoy it. You will not be disappointed. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5ddoyfn6g4).

Men's Breakfast

Gentleman, our next Men’s Breakfast is taking place next Saturday 13th March when we will be welcoming Alan Hodgetts as our guest speaker. Alan is the chaplain to HMP Woodhill and he’ll be giving us an interesting talk entitled 'Ministry from the Inside - Out!'. Please pass your name to Andrew Turner if you would like to attend. The cost is just £3.

Vine Group Leaders – Year Book

The Year Book 2009 giving reports from all of the groups within NPBC is available from today. Please ensure you collect yours from your Vine Group Leader prior to the Annual Church Meeting on Tuesday.

Today’s Service Details

This morning our pastor Paul Rosier leads our worship. Paul will be speaking from the “40 Days of Purpose” series on the theme “Created to Become Like Christ”. The service also includes the sharing of communion.

This afternoon at 4.00pm we have our monthly Food4Thought activity. A time for friendship, singing and praise for the retired of the town. This month our hosts are Paul and Janet Rosier.

Next Sunday’s Service Details

Next Sunday 14th March at 10.30am we will join in a service of worship for Mothering Sunday. It will be an all-age service with our Brigades on parade to celebrate Mothering Sunday, with participation from our MOPS and Toddler group mums as well as members of our Brigades!

CHURCH DIARY

SUNDAY 7 March
10 – 10.15am Prayer Time in the Chapel.
10.30am Service of Worship and Communion led by Paul Rosier.
4.00pm Food4Thought hosted by Paul & Janet Rosier.
7.30pm yPod 2nd Generation (Years 8 & 9).

MONDAY 8 March
9.45am HomeGroup meeting at Christine & Trevor’s.
6.15pm Boys’ Brigade Anchor Boys & Junior Sections. See Roger.

TUESDAY 9 March
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 Lent Bible Study Group in the chapel led by Roy Freestone.
8.00pm Church’s Annual Meeting in the Tickford Room.

WEDNESDAY 10 March
11.00am Bethany Lunch Club for Senior Citizens. Contact Peter Faulkner for bookings and Elsie Smith for transport.
8.00pm Lent HomeGroup at Newport Pagnell
8.00pm Lent HomeGroup at Wolverton Road

THURSDAY 11 March
6.15pm Girls’ Brigade Explorers For all sections see Sue Garnham
6.45pm Girls’ Brigade Junior Section
7.45pm Boys’ Brigade Company Section Contact David Huckle
8.00pm Girls’ Brigade Senior and Brigader Section

SATURDAY 13 March
7.30am Men’s Breakfast with Alan Hodgetts, Chaplin to Woodhill Prison

SUNDAY 14 March
10 – 10.15am Prayer Time in the Chapel.
10.30am Service for Mothering Sunday led by Paul Rosier.
7.00pm Cross Purposes at Newport Pagnell URC