Pastoral News: 13 December 09

We report that our friend Harold Heath-Coleman died in the early hours of last Sunday morning, and we remember Hilary and Paul and all their family at this time of sadness. Harold had a very strong faith, and a service of thanksgiving for his life is to be held here next Tuesday the 15th December at 4.00pm. All friends are very welcome to share in that occasion. Donations in Harold’s memory will be given to the work of the Gideons.

We also report that Steve Greenfield’s father died on Thursday, and we pray for Steve, Tracy and Rebecca and the family at this time. May they know God’s peace and the prayers of their many friends here.

Welcome home to Karen Dunn after a long stay with her family in Australia! We have been praying for Karen and Michael as they have supported their family, and we have been seeking to support Karen’s mother Rita during this long time of her absence.

Refreshments following the Community Carol Service

We would like to offer a mince pie and hot drink to all who attend the Community Carol service. Offers of mince pies, homemade or bought ones would be greatly appreciated; together with volunteers to help prepare and serve on the evening. If you would be able to assist with any of the above see Catherine.

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.

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.

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 a couple of weeks ago. 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.

Precept Ministries UK

The next workshop from Precept Ministries UK will be held on Saturday 16th January 9.15 am – 5.00 pm at The Institute, High Street, North Crawley. Cost: £20 (includes all study materials). For more information or to book your place, please contact Fiona Eelbeck

Service Details 13/12/09

This morning 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 and we are delighted that Lucy Brown and Sarah Hutton are expressing their faith in Jesus in this way. A special welcome to their friends and families.

Service Details 20/12/09

Next Sunday 29th December at 10.30am Eric Eyre leads our worship. Eric will be speaking on “The Six Days of Christmas” series with “The Day of Service” from Luke 1.

In the evening at 7.00pm we have our Community Carol event, including the premiere of “the Xcelsis Factor 2009”. An evening for all ages, celebrating Christmas and the talents of the church. Bring your friends and neighbours! Admission is free and there is a collection for the support of Willen Hospice.

Vine Group Leaders

Please could all Vine Group leaders take and distribute their group’s church Christmas card as it gives details of forthcoming services at NPBC over the Christmas period.

If you have recently come to the church please look for your card by the Steward’s table.

CHURCH DIARY

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

MONDAY 14 December
am Christmas Cracked with Portfields School
pm Christmas Cracked with Cedars School
1.30 – 2.30pm HomeGroup meeting at Christine & Trevor’s
6.15pm Boys’ Brigade Anchor Boys & Junior Sections. See Roger
7.45pm Amicus – Contact Sam Downton or Mark Nicholls

TUESDAY 15 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
4.00pm Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Harald Heath-Colman.
7.30pm EXALT EVENT meeting in the Tickford Room (see separate notice).

WEDNESDAY 16 December
11.00am Bethany Lunch Club for Senior Citizens. Contact Peter Faulkner for bookings and Elsie Smith for transport.
pm Christmas Cracked with Willen School
8.00pm HomeGroup meeting at Newport Pagnell

THURSDAY 17 December
7.45pm HomeGroup at Bancroft. To include seasonal refreshments; lots of fun and concluding with a Christmas meditation.
8.00pm Boys’ Brigade Company Section Contact David Huckle

SATURDAY 19 December
11.00am Carols with Churches Together at Market Hill..

SUNDAY 20 December
10 – 10.15am Prayer Time in the Chapel.
10.30am Service of Worship led by Eric Eyre
7.00pm Community Carol Event including ‘The Xcelsis Factor 2009’
yPod for both groups at Steve and Natasha’s.