Pastoral News: 16 November 08

Peter Foster is back in Milton Keynes Hospital, and we pray for him as he undergoes further treatment, that he may soon be restored and back with us.

We also remember Elsie Smith who has been admitted to MK Hospital for investigations, and pray for her and her family at this time of great concern.

We remember Sarah Dillon who is being enrolled as a Girls' Brigade officer in Lincoln this evening. Sarah is studying in Lincoln, and we are delighted that she is taking this step of commitment and service. Some of our GB staff will be there to support her!

Harold Heath-Coleman has returned home from Bletchley Community Hospital, and we send him our love and prayers.

Extra Help on Saturday Evenings Required

If you would be willing to assist occasionally in helping to sweep the floor and clean tables on a Saturday during the day or in the evening after an event it would be greatly appreciated; especially as we come to the busy month of December. Please see Catherine if you could help in anyway.

Christmas Cracked 2008

All the year 6 children from the Newport Pagnell Primary Schools, Giffard Park School and Willen School are coming to the interactive presentation about the real meaning of Christmas, “Christmas Cracked.” (Olney Baptist church members are presenting to the Olney and Lavendon Schools this year.)

We have been presenting Christmas Cracked for several years, and each year we have been grateful for the time given by so many of you to help the children with activities and help make mince pies. The presentations this year are on Monday December 8th, (less than a month away!), Monday December 15th, Thursday December 11th (Giffard Park School) all taking place at Lovat Hall. On Friday December 12th it will be the turn of Willen School when we shall go into the school.

If you are interested in helping again this year - or for the first time, please sign up for the times you are able to come. A list will be available at the church meeting on Tuesday 18th November and on the Sundays following.

Thank you in anticipation Janet Rosier

Church Members Meeting

On Tuesday 18th November at 8.00pm in the Tickford Room we have our next Church Members' meeting. We need to address some large issues which include a Special Church Meeting to seek approval of the draft for the Church's Constitution prior to submission to the Charity Commissioners, consideration and approval of a Vision Statement and Guiding Principles for the church, a Membership Covenant, and matters financial including adoption of the church's budget for 2009. We urge all members to make every effort to be present.

The minutes of the September church meeting are available for members to read today in advance of the meeting. They can be located in the green folder by the Steward’s table.

Samaritan’s Purse – The Power of a Simple Gift

Thank you to those who have already left their filled shoeboxes. Please note that the final drop off date is Sunday 23rd November.

Service Details 16/11/08

Our minister Paul Rosier leads our service this morning. Today marks the start of Prisons Week and we are delighted to welcome Anne Blair-Vincent on behalf of the Prison Fellowship to participate in the service.

In the afternoon at 4.00pm at the United Reformed Church we have an event to welcome new ministers to the town. This takes the form of an informal cafe-style magazine programme. The event also includes the renewal of the inter-church covenant.

At 7.00pm we have the first of the music and singing rehearsals for our Christmas musical “There's something amazing...” in the chapel. We are in need of you if you can sing and hold a line, and are up for the challenge!

Service Details 23/11/08

Next Sunday 23rd November at 10.30am our minister Paul Rosier leads our worship. We are focussing on the Milton Keynes Bridgebuilder Trust, and are delighted to welcome Rachel Foster, the Trust's new Primary worker, to share in the service. Chris Holmwood, chair of Bridgebuilder, is also taking part.

CHURCH DIARY

SUNDAY 16 November
10 – 10.15am Prayer Time in the Chapel.
10.30am Service of Worship led by Paul Rosier.
4.00pm Churches Together Event at the United Reformed Church.
7.00 – 8.00pm Singing Rehearsals in the Chapel for Community Carol Service
7.30pm The Hub meeting here at Lovat Hall

MONDAY 17 November
6.15pm Boys’ Brigade Anchor Boys & Junior Sections. See Roger.
7.45pm Amicus – Contact Sam Downton or Mark Nicholls

TUESDAY 18 November
8.45am Team Prayer Meeting in the chapel.
9.45am HomeGroup meeting at Wendy and Andrew’s.
10.00am Parent & Toddler Group (24 Months+). See Yvonne Wilkinson
1.30 – 3.00pm Parent & Baby Group in the Tickford Room Contact Sue Garnham
1.30 – 3.00pm Parent & Toddler Group (12-24 months) contact Janet Rosier.
2.00pm Bible Study Group Continuing the series “The Coming King”.
8.00pm Church Members and Special Church Meeting In the chapel.

WEDNESDAY 19 November
11.00am Bethany Lunch Club Contact Peter Faulkner for bookings and Elsie Smith for transport.

THURSDAY 20 November
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 Wright
8.00pm Girls’ Brigade Senior and Brigader Section

FRIDAY 21 November
9.45 – 11:30am MOPS Group. See Wendy Turner or Elaine Hope

SUNDAY 23 November
10 – 10.15am Prayer Time in the Chapel.
10.30am Service of Worship on Bridgebuilder Sunday led by Paul Rosier.
7.00 – 9.00pm Synergy Meeting at Loughton Baptist Church