Pastoral News: 31 January 10

We remember friends of our church in their grief as they share in services of thanksgiving for their husbands who have died: for Joan Harrington and her family as Paul leads the service of thanksgiving for Eddie at Crownhill on Wednesday at 11.30, and for Kath Hatch and her family as they share in their service of thanksgiving at the Salvation Army Citadel in Conniburrow on Friday at 1.00pm. We commend both of these families to our loving God.

We remember Amy McLeod as she leaves for training at Sandhurst prior to taking up a nursing appointment with the Army somewhere in this country.

Annual Church Meeting

Our Church’s Annual Meeting this year is on Tuesday the 9th. March at 8.00pm., and includes all the usual items of business including election of Deacons and Elders. Your Vine Group leader has a letter for you today outlining the responsibilities of both Deacons and Elders and listing those who are eligible for nomination. Do please make sure you get your copy of the letter as soon as possible. The meeting will also include items of ordinary business since we are combining our routine March Church Members meeting with this Annual Meeting.

Believers’ Baptism

We are planning a service of believers’ baptism before Easter, and it may be that you have been thinking about expressing your Christian faith in this way. You will not be on your own! Do please speak to Paul if you would like to talk this over further.

Haiti Emergency Appeal

Today Sunday 31st January is the closing date to give via NPBC to Tearfund to help survivors of the earthquake that has shattered impoverished Haiti. Simply place your gift in a clearly marked envelope Tearfund Haiti in the offering (Indicating Gift Aided if applicable).

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

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.

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.

Service Details 31/01/10

Our worship this morning is led by Steve Wood and Paul Rosier. Paul will be speaking from Mark 1 on “What’s That?”

Following the service, as on every Sunday morning, Pastoral Assistants are available in the Chapel to speak with and/or pray with.

Service Details 7/02/10

Next Sunday 7th February at 10.30am our minister Paul Rosier leads service of worship and communion. Paul will be speaking from Mark 1 on “What’s The Point?”.

CHURCH DIARY

SUNDAY 31 January
10 – 10.15am Prayer Time in the Chapel.
10.30am Service of Worship led by Steve Wood and Paul Rosier
7.00pm HomeGroup A Food for Body, Soul, Spirit
7.30pm yPod 1st Generation (Year 10 up)

MONDAY 1 February
1.30 – 2.30pm HomeGroup meeting at Mary & Roy Freestone’s.
6.15pm Boys’ Brigade Anchor Boys & Junior Sections. See Roger
7.45pm Amicus – Contact Sam Downton or Mark Nicholls

TUESDAY 2 February
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 B Acts 8

WEDNESDAY 3 February
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 4 February
6.15pm Girls’ Brigade Explorers For all sections see Sue Garnham
6.45pm Girls’ Brigade Junior Section
7.45pm Pastoral Assistants meeting at Great Linford.
8.00pm Boys’ Brigade Company Section Contact David Huckle
8.00pm Girls’ Brigade Senior and Brigader Section

FRIDAY 5 February
9.45 – 11.30am MOPS Group. See Sue Winship or Elaine Hope

SATURDAY 6 February
8.00am Prayer Breakfast for Elders and Deacons

SUNDAY 7 February
10 – 10.15am Prayer Time in the Chapel.
10.30am Service of Worship led by Paul Rosier
4.00pm Food4Thought hosted by Roger and Catherine Hall
7.30pm yPod 2nd Generation (Years 8 & 9).