Pastoral News: 17 January 10

We continue to pray for those who are unwell in hospital at this time: for Liz Spruce and Ernest Hatch and for Eddie Harrington in Willen Hospice.

Church Meeting

A reminder to all church members that the next church meeting is taking place on Tuesday 19th January at 8.00pm in the Tickford Room. The minutes of the previous meeting held in November are available for members to read today. They are located in the green folder by the Stewards table.

Musical Bite

On the 20th February there will be a percussion workshop at St Mary & St Giles, Stony Stratford. There are 4 places left if anyone is interested. Lisa and David Huckle are attending, so may be able to help with transport if needed. For more information, please email the organiser David Scrutton.

Lent House groups 2010 – ‘‘Jesus’ Final Week’’

Following many successful years, CTNP are again organizing the inter church Lent House Groups. You may not have participated before but those who have find them very rewarding to discuss aspects of our faith with other Christians & prepare themselves for Christ’s journey to the cross & resurrection.

The study chosen this year is “Jesus’ Final Week” by Cindy Bunch. This is one of the Lifebuilder Bible Studies from Scripture Union. The book has 8 chapters but as house groups run only for 5 weeks some chapters will need to be studied together. The chapters are based on the stories in the Gospels recounting the last week of Jesus from his triumphal entry into Jerusalem to the agony of Good Friday & the victory of the resurrection. Eight days that changed the world.

The house groups will run from 22nd February for 5 weeks ending the week before Holy Week. To take part in a group please complete one of the Lent Group forms available today from the Steward’s table (or table in the corridor). Please return the completed form to Catherine Hall by Sunday 7th February at the latest. The group leaders will contact you to confirm the time, date & venue for your group. There will be a modest charge of £4 to include a book for each participant.

Lent Lunches

Lent lunches will be served in the URC hall on Fridays for 6 weeks from 19th February to 26th March from 12.15pm to 1.30pm. Soup, bread, cheese, tea & coffee will be served at a cost of £3. All profits to Christian Aid. Please contact Jennifer Mazzone to help serve the lunches on 613088 Thank you.

Haiti Emergency Appeal

Tearfund is dispatching emergency aid funds to help survivors of the earthquake that has shattered impoverished Haiti.
Thousands of people are missing feared dead after a quake, measuring seven on the Richter Scale, struck the Caribbean island on 12th January.
Many buildings have been destroyed or badly damaged in the capital Port-au-Prince. Tearfund is in Haiti and is responding to this disaster.

If you would like to make a donation for emergency aid through Tearfund there is an opportunity to give through NPBC. Simply place your gift in a clearly marked envelope Tearfund Haiti in the offering on either Sunday 24th or 31st January. (Indicating Gift Aided if applicable)

Please use the following prayer points:

· Pray for the people of Haiti as they deal with the aftermath of the earthquake, ask the Lord to comfort those who are injured and mourning.
· Pray for rescue efforts to find survivors trapped in destroyed buildings and for communication links and power supplies to be restored quickly.
· Pray for a swift and generous response from the international community to help this disaster-prone poor country.
· Pray for the safety and protection of Tearfund staff and partners based in Haiti and that they will be able to respond as effectively as possible.

Service Details 17/01/10

Good morning and a very warm welcome to our worship which is led by Steve Greenfield and Paul Rosier. Paul will be speaking on “What’s Missing?” from Mark chapter 10.

This afternoon at 4.00 Amy McLeod will be giving a presentation in the Tickford room on her recent mission trip to South Africa. This is open to all and will be followed by refreshments.

At 6.00pm in the United Reformed Church there is a service to mark the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. All are very welcome to share in this event.

Preaching Elsewhere

This morning we remember in prayer our elder Eric Eyre as he leads the service at the Netherfield Chapel.

Service Details 24/01/10

Next Sunday 24th January at 10.30am Paul Rosier leads our worship. Paul will be speaking from Mark 10 on “What’s The Fuss?”. The service includes the act of commitment and dedication as Steve and Natasha Wood bring their son Samuel, and we welcome them and their family.

CHURCH DIARY

SUNDAY 17 January
10 – 10.15am Prayer Time in the Chapel.
10.30am Service of Worship led by Steve Greenfield & Paul Rosier
4.00pm Presentation by Amy McLeod about her time in South Africa
6.00pm Week of Prayer for Christian Unity service at the URC

MONDAY 18 January
1.30 – 2.30pm HomeGroup meeting at Christine & Trevor’s, 19 Stanmore Gardens.
6.15pm Boys’ Brigade Anchor Boys & Junior Sections. See Roger.

TUESDAY 19 January
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 with a new series from 2 Timothy.
8.00pm Church Members Meeting in the Tickford Room.

WEDNESDAY 20 January
11.00am Bethany Lunch Club for Senior Citizens. Contact Peter Faulkner for bookings and Elsie Smith for transport.
8.00pm HomeGroup meeting at Newport Pagnell

THURSDAY 21January
6.15pm Girls’ Brigade Explorers For all sections see Sue Garnham
6.45pm Girls’ Brigade Junior Section
7.45pm Pastoral Assistants Training Evening at Great Linford.
8.00pm Boys’ Brigade Company Section Contact David Huckle
8.00pm Girls’ Brigade Senior and Brigader Section

SATURDAY 23 January
BB Potted Sports event

SUNDAY 24 January
10 – 10.15am Prayer Time in the Chapel.
10.30am Service of Worship led by Paul Rosier