Pastoral News: 20 September 09

Marvin Chilton has been back in intensive care in Harefield Hospital, although he is now making progress again.

We remember our students taking up new courses at university, and those returning for further study. We particularly pray for Sarah Williams as she renews her studies in architecture at Lincoln University, and for Aaron Ellmer taking up a course at Milton Keynes College.

We are very mindful of many whose jobs are under threat at present, and particularly pray for Scripture Union and our members who work there, as they face a period of uncertainty over their futures.

From the Church Meeting

At the church meeting on Tuesday evening, the church was delighted to welcome into membership Lewis and Priscilla Chinkwende, Pam Konieczny, Mbawe Malama and Aaron Ellmer. The meeting also heard of the development of our Alpha groups, and of the way in which God has been blessing us with further growth and individuals coming to faith. The meeting received updates on the work from a large number of our organisations, and spent time in prayer for the work and for our people.

Men's Breakfast

Gentleman, our next Men’s Breakfast is taking place next Saturday (26th September) when we will be welcoming Phil Stocking from the Mission Aviation Fellowship. As ever, we will enjoy warm friendship, great food and all for slightly increased price of just £3. Please pass your name to Andrew Turner if you would like to attend.

Alpha Restarting

A new Alpha course will be starting on Wednesday 23rd September at 7.45pm. If you would like more information about this course then please have a chat with either Eric Eyre or Mary Buckell.

Crossroads

If you have an opportunity to place a few copies of our church magazine (Crossroads) in public places (eg doctor’s surgeries etc) then please feel free to take a bundle and let us know how they go. Thanks, Sue Richards.

Harvest Thanksgiving

You will have read from your harvest letter (please see your Vine Group Leader if you have not received yours) that gifts for the FOOD BANK in Milton Keynes will be received as part of our Harvest Thanksgiving service on Sunday 27th September. Please refer to the list inserted in this J14 as to what is suggested.

Thank you to those who have been leaving giving gifts of food in the yellow trug in the foyer during the past year. These have been regularly passed on to the Food Bank and are always appreciated.

Samaritan’s Purse – The power of a simple gift

As in previous years NPBC is to be a drop off point for shoeboxes for Samaritan’s Purse. The drop off dates for shoeboxes is from Sunday 1st November until Wednesday 19th November. If you would like to take part please take a leaflet giving suggestions of what gifts to place in your box. All boxes from this area will be going to Belarus.

Wanted: empty shoeboxes and shoebox fillers. All boxes are checked before leaving the UK to ensure they all contain similar items. Sometimes they are short of soap or toothpaste etc and these have to be bought. Therefore multiple packs of soap, pens, rubbers etc which can be used as fillers are very welcome. Please leave in the box provided in the foyer.

If you would be interested in helping to sort the boxes at Bedford from 2nd November please speak to Catherine Hall for further information.

Accommodation Sorted

Thanks to those who contacted me re student accommodation. Unfortunately, Cranfield has just cancelled the course, so he no longer needs to find somewhere to live around here. Angela

Service Details 20/09/09

This morning our elder Eric Eyre leads our worship. Eric will be speaking from the “Doing It The Jesus Way” series with “Dealing With Temptation” from Matthew 4.

This evening at 7.00pm in the chapel there is a service of prayer and communion led by Paul Rosier and all are welcome to share in this.

Harvest Thanksgiving Service

Join us Sunday 27th September as we give thanks to God together for His generosity to us, as we share our gifts for the work of TEAR Fund and have the opportunity to help others through our gifts to the MK Food Bank. Our minister Paul Rosier will be leading the service. Paul will be speaking from the “Doing It The Jesus Way” series with “Showing generosity” from Philippians 2.

The service is followed by our “International Lunch” to which all are invited. Tickets at £2 adults and £1 for under 12’s are available today from Catherine Hall in the church office or from Janet Rosier.


CHURCH DIARY

SUNDAY 20 September
10 – 10.15am Prayer Time in the Chapel.
10.30am Service of Worship led by Eric Eyre.
7.00pm Service of Prayer and Communion led by Paul Rosier

MONDAY 21 September
6.15pm Boys’ Brigade Anchor Boys & Junior Sections. See Roger.
7.45pm Amicus – Contact Sam Downton or Mark Nicholls

TUESDAY 22 September
8.45am Team Prayer Meeting in the chapel.
9.45am HomeGroup meeting at Wendy and Andrew’s.
10.30am 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 Bible Study group continuing a new series in the letter to the Romans. All are welcome.
7.45pm HomeGroup Meeting at Newport Pagnell.

WEDNESDAY 23 September
11.00am Bethany Lunch Club for Senior Citizens. Contact Peter Faulkner for bookings and Elsie Smith for transport.
7.45pm Alpha Course For details see Eric Eyre or Mary Buckell.
8.00pm HomeGroup meeting at Newport Pagnell

THURSDAY 24 September
6.15pm Girls’ Brigade Explorers For all sections see Sue Garnham
6.45pm Girls’ Brigade Junior Section
8.00pm Boys’ Brigade Company Section Contact David Huckle
8.00pm Girls’ Brigade Senior and Brigader Section

SATURDAY 26 September
7.30am Men’s Breakfast with Phil Stocking of MAF. See Andrew Turner.

SUNDAY 27 September
10 – 10.15am Prayer Time in the Chapel.
10.30am Harvest Thanksgiving led by Paul Rosier.
12:00pm International Lunch for tickets see Catherine Hall or Janet Rosier
7.00pm HomeGroup at Bancroft. Food, for body, soul & spirit.