Pastoral News: 22 November 09

Harold Heath-Coleman has been admitted to hospital from Westbury Grange, and we pray for him in this setback, asking that God may be with him in these days.

Monday is an important day for three of our younger congregation:

· Amy McLeod returns home from her spell in South Africa, and we pray for safe travel for her, and that she will readapt quickly to life back home
· Jamie Willett commences his basic training with the British Army at Pirbright, and we remember him and his family as they will miss him
· Marvin Chilton, who is in Harefield Hospital, continues in our prayers. Monday is his birthday, and we send him our love and greetings for that day

We also remember Ben, son of our member Susie Hird, who is serving with the British Army in Afghanistan, and also pray for Rebecca, sister of our member Mark Nicholls who also serves in Afghanistan with the Royal Air Force.

Samaritan’s Purse

Thank you to all who left filled shoeboxes for Samaritan’s Purse Shoebox Appeal. In total 532 boxes have now left the premises and begun their journey by lorry to Belarus. If anyone would like a copy of the DVD showing some of the boxes being distributed last Christmas in different parts of the world to very needy children please see Catherine Hall.

The BIANCA project

Bring In A Neighbour at Christmas! Information on this project is on the board in the foyer, and leaflets are available to help you to plan to share in this project. It’s not too early to be planning your event – please sign up on the board with your details so that we can pray for you and all the events happening in the run-up to Christmas.

Wanted: Singers!!

…for our Community Carol evening on Sunday the 20th December. This year we are presenting “The Xcelsis Factor”, a presentation of the Christmas story with the prominent figures presenting themselves for stardom. The music is a mixture of the best of the last ten years’ musicals and pantomimes we have presented, and we need a chorus to provide the backing! We are looking for people who can hold a note (in tune!) and who are keen to participate in what will be a truly fun event. Rehearsals commence on Sunday 22nd. November at 4.00pm in the chapel, and please sign up on the notice on the Church Notice Board if you would like to take part. Previous experience is helpful but not essential! Please speak to Paul Rosier if you wish to know more.

From the Church Meeting

At the Church Meeting on Tuesday evening, we were pleased to welcome Sarah Hutton and Roger and Emma Barnes into membership of the church. Sarah, along with Lucy Brown, is to be baptised on Sunday the 13th. December.

The meeting also approved the Church Budget for 2010 and heard news of the financial position of the church. Whilst we are ahead of budget and the offering is sustaining well in the current difficult climate, the church also noted the need to increase our giving by at least 5% in the next year and to address the longer term financial needs of the church.

The meeting heard news of the consideration the elders are giving to the way ahead for the church as we pray about the development of our congregations. The meeting spent time in prayer for the church’s work and ministry, and prayed for individuals in particular need.

Tuesday Morning HomeGroup is moving!

Ladies, the Tuesday Morning HomeGroup is moving! We are going to meet on Monday afternoons from 1.30 until 2.30pm. We have also changed our venue to the home of Christine and Trevor. Hope to see you there.

Believers’ Baptism

Our next service of Believers Baptism is on the morning of Sunday the 13th December. It may be that you have been thinking about taking this step of commitment, and do please speak with Paul if you would like to discuss this further.

Pantomime ‘Beauty and the Beast’

The Girls’ Brigade has tickets for the above pantomime at Stantonbury Campus Theatre on Monday 28th December at 6.15pm. Tickets price £8 Children/Concessions and Adults £12. Please see Sue Garnham or Catherine Hall.

Christmas Cracked

Two weeks tomorrow, on Monday 7th December, Christmas Cracked starts its 2009 season at NPBC! The first school will be Tickford Park, the first of 6 schools to enjoy this 2 hour interactive presentation helping the children and teachers think about what Christmas means to them and why it is so important for Christians. At the church meeting on Tuesday, several people volunteered to help, but there is still room for more, so if you would like to help with any of the sessions, please sign the list which will be available on the next 2 Sundays.

The dates are as follows:

Monday 7th December morning & afternoon at NPBC
Thursday 10th December morning at NPBC
Monday 14th December morning & afternoon at NPBC
Wednesday 16th December afternoon at Willen School

Thank you in anticipation for your help.

Kitchen Rolls

Once again the Christmas Cracked team need the tubes from kitchen rolls (sorry but no toilet roll tubes). Mary Buckell is collecting them, so, if you can hand them to her in the next few weeks she will be grateful.

New Year’s Eve Party

So, the theme is set for this year’s New Year’s Eve party, “Bruce’s Big Night Out”. Our very own tribute to the legend that is Mr Bruce Forsyth.

Steve and Roy need your help to make the evening a success. They want your ideas and they want your help. Do you have a talent which we can use in our very own “Generation Game”? How about a bit of “Strictly Come Dancing”? Now there’s an idea!

One feature we will definitely be doing is our very own variety show, “New Year’s Eve at the Palladium”. So start planning your act now. We’re looking for songs, jokes, tricks, sketches, etc. Finally a plea, is there anyone willing to look after the catering for the evening? Please let Roy or Steve know if you’re able to help in any way.

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 (Advent). 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.

Service Details 22/11/09

Good morning and a warm welcome to our worship which is led by our elder Eric Eyre. Eric will be speaking from Numbers 13 on “Grasshoppers Versus Giants”.

Preaching Elsewhere

We remember two of our members leading services elsewhere today. We remember Rod Ruston leading at Yardley Gobion URC this morning and Eric Eyre leading at the Whaddon Chapel this evening.

Next Sunday’s Service Details

Next Sunday 29th November at 10.30am our pastor Paul Rosier leads our worship. Paul will be speaking from a new preaching series for Advent “The Six Days of Christmas: The day of rescue” from Zechariah 9/16

CHURCH DIARY

SUNDAY 22 November
10 – 10.15am Prayer Time in the Chapel.
10.30am Service of Worship led by Eric Eyre
7.30pm yPod (years 10 up).

MONDAY 23 November
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 24 November
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 Bible Study group studying Romans 1 to 5.
7.45pm HomeGroup meeting at Newport Pagnell. Acts study 3.

WEDNESDAY 25 November
11.00am Bethany Lunch Club for Senior Citizens. Contact Peter Faulkner for bookings and Elsie Smith for transport.
7.45pm Alpha Course at Old Farm Park.
8.00pm HomeGroup meeting at Newport Pagnell

THURSDAY 26 November
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
8.00pm Small Group Leaders meeting at Newport Pagnell.

FRIDAY 27 November
7.30pm yPod Taster Evening (years 8-9) at.

SUNDAY 29 November
10 – 10.15am Prayer Time in the Chapel.
10.30am Service of Worship led by Paul Rosier
7.00pm HomeGroup Food for Body, Soul & Spirit! David: 2 Sa 12.
7.00pm Synergy @ Loughton Baptist Church.