Pastoral News: 25 January 09

We remember a number of people who have been in hospital this week: Derek Eastman has been in for a short stay but has now returned home; and Ethel Payne and Pat Smith, both members of our Food4Thought activity, who have both been receiving treatment.

We remember Marvin Chilton who was due to undergo surgery to be connected to an artificial heart yesterday (Saturday) in Harefield Hospital whilst he awaits a heart transplant. We continue to uphold Marvin and his family in this most difficult of weeks.

Bridgebuilder Quiz 2009

On Saturday 7th February at the Netherfield Chapel, Broadlands, Netherfield, the annual Bridgebuilder quiz takes place at 7.00pm for 7.30pm start. Entry is £5 per person (pay on the door) which includes a Jacket Potato and fillings Supper.

From the Church Meeting

At the church meeting on Tuesday the church was delighted to welcome as members Allan and Chris Webb, Phil Chatfield, and Jacqueline and Fernando Rocha. The meeting approved the church's new Vision Statement and Guiding Principles (which will be reproduced with the Year Book due for publication at the end of February), and heard that the proposed Membership Covenant (to be called “The Essence of Membership” will be decided upon at the Annual Meeting and reproduced in the next Church Directory (due for publication after the Annual Meeting in March).

The meeting heard of the plans of Bev Wright, as the church's Worship Co-ordinator, to apply to the London School of Theology to pursue the course in Music, Theology and Worship, and the meeting expressed its strong support to her and backed this with a promise of financial support as well.

The church's finances are in good shape after a better-than-expected year in 2008, and the meeting concluded with reports from a number of church organisations and ministries.

MATRIX

February will see the publication of a unique edition of the Matrix. Now is the time to think about that story, news item, or comment. Something to encourage, stimulate or enlighten fellow readers.

Why unique? Well make sure of your copy on February 8th to find out and in the meantime get those few lines or full page article to Rod & Chris as soon as possible but by 1st February at the latest. Thank you.

Nominations to the Leadership

Please could all members ensure they receive their papers from their Vine Group Leaders regarding the election of Deacons and Elders 2009.

Cakes Please

Food4Thought would be very pleased with the offer of any homemade cakes for their meeting on 1st February. Please refer to the list in the foyer or speak to Catherine Hall. Thanks.

Easter Prom Praise

Easter Prom Praise is a unique blend of live music, word and worship combining the spirit of Songs of Praise and the world-famous Last Night of the Proms. Royal Albert Hall London, Saturday 4th April 2009 at 7.30pm. Seat prices and booking forms obtainable from the corridor table. See who you recognise in the choir!


Amicus Quiz Night

Our Amicus Youth Group is holding a quiz night on Friday 13th February starting at 7.30pm, here at Lovat Hall. We hope as many people as possible can come along. It will be fun and include a jacket potato meal.

The tickets are priced at £3 for children (under 16) and £7 for adults. Pay on the night. All proceeds of the evening will go towards purchasing a new drum kit for the Amicus Music Group as well as for use in the Church.

Please let Andy Rosier, Mark Nicholls or Sam Downton know if you are coming. We look forward to seeing you for a great evening!

Churches Together Lent House Groups

Following many successful years, CTNP are again running the inter-church Lent House Groups. You may not have participated before, but those who have invariably find them rewarding, discussing aspects of our faith with Christians from other traditions.

Strong relationships with other believers are essential if we are to grow in Christian faith, but living in harmony is not always easy. This was also a problem in the early churches. Kate Hayes, the same author as last year’s successful course, leads us through the teaching of Paul in Philippians on how to live together in Christian fellowship in loving humility, following the example of Christ. Themes such as how to build good relationships, cope with hard times and living together in a Godly way, are explored.

House Groups will start in the week commencing Monday 2nd March and will run for 5 weeks, finishing before Holy Week. We will try and hold groups at times to suit participants but this might not prove to be possible in every case, especially for daytime groups. If you attend one of our present House Groups, hopefully each will be discussing how it might participate in the Lent Groups.

If you would like to take part in the House Groups please complete one of the forms that are available at today's service and return it to our church’s representative, Chris or Marian Whitaker, by Sunday 15th February at the latest. The group leaders will then contact you to confirm the day, time and place of your group. Please note that there will be a very modest charge of £4 for the book for each participant. If you would like to have an early look at the book to be used, Chris or Marian Whitaker will endeavor to have a copy available on Sundays after worship, for you to peruse.

Request For Help For Lent Lunches 2009

Lent Lunches 2009 to raise money for Christian Aid will take place at the URC Hall for six weeks from Friday 27th February to Friday 3rd April. Offers of assistance for this CTNP annual event are requested from ALL the churches in Newport Pagnell and from anyone in our community who has 2 hours to spare on a Friday, even if it is only for one Friday during the 6 weeks.

Time involved would be between 11.30am and 1.45pm. Tasks include, setting up and laying tables, stirring soup, making tea/coffee, serving tables, washing up, tidying the hall at the end of the session. This may sound like hard work, but working together, as a team is enjoyable, and for such a good cause!

Please contact Jennifer Mazzone if/when you are able to give your time, and/or contribute homemade soup, one or more Friday lunchtime.

Service Details 25/01/09

Good morning and a very warm welcome to our worship which is led by our minister Paul Rosier. Paul will be concluding the preaching series “A People For His Own” from Acts 2 on “Committed to Learning”. We are delighted to welcome Lee and Debbie Fawcett and their family and friends as they come in an act of thanksgiving for their daughter Erica.

MOPS Celebratory Welcome

Today at the dedication of Erica, the MOPS team have made a little cup cake for each of you to enjoy with your tea/coffee after the service.

Monday Evening Homegroup

Please note the Monday evening homegroup is meeting this evening (Sunday) at 7.00pm to enjoy food for body, soul and spirit!

Bookstall

The Bookstall will be closed this week for the annual stock take. Apologies for any inconvenience.

Service Details 01/02/09

On Sunday 1st February at 10.30am our minister Paul Rosier will lead worship and speak on Psalm 116/12-14 “Up for the cup”. The service will also include communion and the welcome of new church members.

In the afternoon at 4.00pm we have our monthly Food4Thought meeting for the elderly and especially those who live alone. This month Roger and Catherine Hall are the hosts.

CHURCH DIARY

SUNDAY 25 January
10 – 10.15am Prayer Time in the Chapel.
10.30am Service of Worship led by Paul Rosier.
7.00pm HomeGroup Meeting
7.30 – 9:30pm yPod at the home of Steve and Natasha Wood.

MONDAY 26 January
6.15pm Boys’ Brigade Anchor Boys & Junior Sections. See Roger.
7.45pm Amicus – Contact Sam Downton or Mark Nicholls
7.45pm HomeGroup Meeting.

TUESDAY 27 January
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 in the chapel continuing the series from Mark's gospel “The Coming King”. All are welcome.
7.30pm Peru Presentation by Andrew Rosier in the Tickford Room

WEDNESDAY 28 January
11.00am Bethany Lunch Club for Senior Citizens. Contact Peter Faulkner for bookings and Elsie Smith for transport.
8.00pm HomeGroup meeting at Allan and Chris Webb’s.

THURSDAY 29 January
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

SUNDAY 01 February
10 – 10.15am Prayer Time in the Chapel.
10.30am Service of Worship led by Paul Rosier.
4.00pm Food4Thought hosted by John & Linda Cooper
7.30 – 9:30pm yPod at the home of Steve and Natasha Wood.