Pastoral News: 24 January 10

We are pleased that Liz Spruce is now home from hospital and back to worship with us. She awaits further investigation and surgery later in the year, and we pray for her in these days.

Marvin Chilton is home from Harefield Hospital at present, and we continue to remember him and his family in our prayers.

We remember with love the family of Eddie Harrington, who died on Wednesday, and Ernest Hatch who is very ill, and pray for them and their loved ones.

We remember Rachel Ellmer and her family as they mourn the death of her grandfather.

From the Church Meeting

At the Church Meeting on Tuesday evening, we were delighted to welcome Lucy Brown as a church member following her recent baptism. The meeting also shared news of pastoral needs of some of our church families and committed them to God in prayer. The meeting heard of plans to develop our work amongst Dads, with the astonishing statistics that if a child becomes a Christian, then in just 3.5% of cases the family is likely to follow to church. When a Mum becomes a Christian, that figure rises to 17%, but when a Dad becomes a Christian, then that figure shoots up to 93%! It is our intention to explore establishing a Dads and toddlers group. The meeting also heard that Paul is continuing to develop his work with Time Out for Dads groups in the town’s junior schools.

Paul brought the meeting up-to-date on the discussions the elders have been holding about discerning the way forward for us as a church, and our focus on the encouragement of small groups. The church Treasurer presented an update showing the outcome for 2009 which saw the church finances in a healthy state. The meeting heard reports from many aspects of the work and closed the evening in prayer for our work in this community.

Young People’s Activities

Outlined below is the new monthly schedule for Sunday evenings for all of our young people. As you can see, there's a monthly yPod evening for both the younger and older groups, as well as Cross Purposes and The Hub.

First Sunday of each Month @ 7:30pm yPod 2nd Generation (Years 8-9)
@ 2 Leary Crescent

Second Sunday of each Month @ 7:00pm Cross Purposes @ Newport Pagnell URC

Third Sunday of each Month @7.00pm The Hub

Last Sunday of each Month @ 7:30pm yPod 1st Generation (Year 10 up)
@ 2 Leary Crescent

Looking forward to seeing you at these events. We'll make sure there are reminders in each week's J14 so keep your eyes peeled.

Prom Praise – Alight for Pentecost

This year’s Prom Praise takes place on Saturday 8th May at the Royal Albert Hall. A unique blend of live music, word and worship with guests soloists including rising gospel star Beverley Truman, Joanne Lunn (soprano) highly respected in the classical oratorio and opera scene; and extraordinary South Korean pianist, Grace Yeo. The evening will be co-hosted by Hugh Palmer, Rector of All Souls. Bookings by phone, online or post Royal Albert Hall Box Office, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AP – Tel:020 7589 8218 or www.royalalberthall.com Tickets range from Arena (standing) £6 to top price of £35.

Haiti Emergency Appeal

Tearfund is dispatching emergency aid funds to help survivors of the earthquake that has shattered Haiti. If you would like to make a donation there is an opportunity to give through NPBC. Simply place your gift in a clearly marked envelope Tearfund Haiti in the offering either today or 31st January. (Indicating Gift Aided if applicable)

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

To take part in the inter church Lent House Groups please complete one of the Lent Group forms available from the Steward’s table and return it to Catherine Hall by 7th February at the latest. The group leaders will contact you to confirm the details for your group. There will be a modest charge of £4 to include a book for each participant.

The GOD Confusion

What a brilliant opportunity! There’s “God Confusion” everywhere. Best-selling atheists insist in their books and films that God is just a delusion. Multi-faith Britain offers a bewildering array of conflicting religious options. Political correctness suppresses honest discussion: our leaders insist “We don’t do God” – but most of us want to know the truth! For one year only, in support of the Passion for Life national initiative, the hugely popular London Men’s and Women’s Conventions are combining for a fantastic “flagship” event that squarely addresses our contemporary “God Confusion”. World-class speakers, Tim Keller (New York), Al Stewart (Sydney) and Rico Tice (London), a variety of fascinating interviews, films and musical items, short but informative seminar options facing current challenges like “Science” and “Suffering”. A great programme designed for both Christians and those seeking answers. Full details available on the table in the corridor or see www.christianconventions.org.uk

Service Details 24/01/10

Our worship this morning is led by our minister Paul Rosier, who will be speaking from Mark 10 on “What’s The Fuss?”. We are delighted to welcome our members Steve and Natasha Wood as they bring their younger son Samuel in an act of thanksgiving and dedication, and we welcome them and their family and friends.

Service Details 31/01/10

Next Sunday 31st January at 10.30am Steve Wood and Paul Rosier lead our worship. Paul will be speaking from Mark 1 on “What’s That?”.

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

MONDAY 25 January
1.30 – 2.30pm HomeGroup meeting at Christine & Trevor’s.
6.15pm Boys’ Brigade Anchor Boys & Junior Sections. See Roger.

TUESDAY 26 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 studying 2 Timothy. All welcome!
7.45pm HomeGroup A at Newport Pagnall. Acts 6:8-7:60
7.45pm HomeGroup B at Great Linford. Acts 3

WEDNESDAY 27 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 28 January
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

FRIDAY 29 January
4.00pm Girls’ Brigade Young Leaders Training Event

SATURDAY 30 January
Girls’ Brigade Young Leaders Training Event

SUNDAY 31 January
10 – 10.15am Prayer Time in the Chapel.
10.30am Service of Worship led by Steve Wood and Paul Rosier
7.30pm yPod 1st Generation (Year 10 up).