What's on | Church notice sheets
Church notice sheet - 22 January 2012
Readings
9:00am - 2 Samuel 24:18-end and Luke 12:22-34
11:00am - 2 Samuel 24:18-end and Luke 12:22-34
Renewal of Giving brochure
Last week's DVD reminded us that the church does not receive any money from the government. If giving were to stop, the whole thing would collapse like a pack of cards. It is our policy here at St John's to talk about giving once a year - usually in January. This year, our theme is "Be Part of Something Bigger". As well as talking about it, we invite you also to make a response. Last year's response was one of the highest we've ever had. That is pretty amazing in the teeth of a recession. Let's see if we can do even better this year. Do please take your Renewal of Giving pack before leaving today.
Scramblers
Those of you who received my brochure "Passing on the Baton" will know that we had two major issues concerning youth work. One lay with the youngest group, and one of the oldest. I am delighted to say the problem has been half solved.
Since last Sunday morning service, a number of people have offered to help lead Scramblers which enables us to complete the Rota. In addition, we have had offers from people to act as assistant leaders.
This is good news, particularly as we had 10 children in Scramblers last Sunday morning, with a number of babies and toddlers in the crèche who will soon be moving up.
We do thank those who look after Scramblers, and also thank those who did a wonderful job in years past, when numbers of children in the group were very much smaller.
SAS
We thank those to have got in touch with Anna. We won't mention any names as nothing as yet settled and we still need more help. We have an outstanding group of youngsters in St John's, and we want to make sure that SAS can get started again as quickly as possible with the right people in place.
Jars of Grace
Ten more Jars of Grace were received this week The total so far is 61 Jars/gifts. Last year's total was 78 Jars/gifts and we raised a record £3,064 for Luweero and UNICEF. Our target this year is £3,500! Thank you so much to all of you who have brought back your Jars of Grace or made donations. The total to date is £2,968 (which includes the Christingle, Carol Service and Midnight Communion collections of £517 and Gift Aid tax refunds to come of £279). So we are still £96 short of last year's total and £532 short of our target! If you still have a Jar of Grace at home, please bring it back to church as soon as possible. And if you didn't use a Jar of Grace, you can still make a donation to the Jar of Grace Appeal 2011. Cheques should be made payable to St. John's PCC.
Challenging Issues
The first one of these sessions which aim to further our discipleship, challenge, and inspire starts here on Sun Jan 29th at 7pm with Bishop Lee who will be talking about Sanctity of Life issues. This is an opportunity for us to focus on 'solid food' aspects of our faith in an open, honest, safe environment. Cafe style, tea and coffee provided. If you are able to help with setting up chairs (we will be in the Church Room) or tea and coffee making/cake provision please do see or contact Rachael.
Foodbank Store Collection
Asda Walmart Saturday 4th February. Heavy demand makes this collection crucial - if you can spare an hour or two to help, please sign up on the sheet on the table in the hallway. Please see Russ, David, Viv or Janet for more information.
West End Musical Night in aid of Swindon Foodbank
Sweep away those mild winter blues with a magical evening of entertainment over a 3 course meal. We have been blessed by current West End players coming down to perform numbers from the stage whilst we enjoy a delicious meal with friends. Marriott Hotel Sunday 12th February at 6pm. Smart/Casual dress. Tickets £45...all much needed proceeds to Swindon Foodbank. For more information, please see the foodbank website or contact Russell Riggs.
Welcome Tea
Many thanks to all who came, ate, helped, made sarnies and chatted... A special thanks to Matt for doing such a good blitz around Morrisons! It was lovely to have such a great time as a church family and I do hope we can get more new people in soon so we can do it all over again! Well done to Alison Adam's team for a spectacular double win of "Town, Country River" and The "Squeeze" (!!!) game. As for the Male clergy of St John's and their dubious tactics in team games...what can I say??? I promise I am working on them but Suggestions on a post card are welcome. Alternatively you may prefer to contact thesocietyforwaywardclergy.com (!!!)
Week of prayer for Christian Unity
This evening at 6:00pm there is a United service in Rodbourne Cheney Baptist Church at which representatives of all the local churches will be present. There are not too many opportunities in the course of year when we can worship together with the many other believers in the seven churches in this area. This is one of them. It would be great if you could be there.
Exploring Christianity
11 people are signed up for the Exploring Christianity course led by Raymond which is meeting in the Quiet Room every Tuesday evening. Three of our congregation among them.
Parish Office
The Parish Office is open on Wednesday and Friday mornings from 9am to 1pm. Please provide all items for the bulletin in writing first thing on Wednesday please!
Do you buy on line?
If so, please consider buying through http://www.buy.at/StjohnsHW. The church receives commission from 2% to 12% on anything you purchase.
There are over 100 retailers involved (including M&S, Amazon, John Lewis, Comet) some of which offer exclusive discounts and promotions - and best of all ... there is no extra cost to the purchaser!
Tape Ministry
If you or someone you know would like a recording of the service, please contact Nigel Crowhurst, our Tape Co-ordinator. We have also started to podcast some of our sermons.
What's on | Church notice sheets
Page last updated: 21 January 2012