What's on | Church notice sheets
Church notice sheet - 4 November 2007
Prayer topic
This week, please pray for:
- Safety for all today, on Bonfire Night.
- Families of those still grieving those lost in the Madrid bombings following the sentencing this week.
- The heavy fighting that has broken out in Somalia.
- All those caught up in the floods in Mexico.
Readings
9:00am - 1 Peter 2:4-12 and Matthew 3:1-9
11:00am - 1 Peter 2:4-12
Love in a box, lolly in a bottle!
Each year, on Harvest Sunday, we launch our Jar of Grace appeal and, between Harvest and Christmas, the clinking of coins (or the rustle of notes!) can be heard at mealtimes throughout the parish of St. John's, Haydon Wick, and beyond, as men, women and children thank God for His provision of their needs by making a special thank offering.
Last year, the total was a magnificent £2,073 from 81 jars!! Can we reach 100 jars this year?
The proceeds will be shared between UNICEF (to save the lives of children) and Luweero. There are specially labelled jars available in the foyer at the back of the church, or you can use your own jar (clean please!) – BUT DO START NOW and use your Jar of Grace for your mealtime thank offerings between now and Christmas.
The second appeal is for shoeboxes of gifts for children who will receive no other Christmas present this year. Samaritans Purse International runs Operation Christmas Child and distributes over one and a half million shoeboxes of gifts to children in over 100 countries world-wide regardless of their nationality, political background or religious beliefs.
In recent years, St. John's has sent over 700 shoeboxes – a truly magnificent effort! If you would like to fill a shoebox, please take one of the leaflets from the table (this is essential reading for full guidance, instructions and labels) and a shoebox (or you can use your own). Please bring your shoeboxes back on National Shoebox Sunday (18th November) at the latest.
Building Project
We are now approximately £1,600 from reaching the total amount needed for all aspects of the Building Project (including furniture, furnishings and equipment). The phials are still coming in - we have received 112 so far containing £754 and we would like those still out there to be brought back as soon as possible. Further gifts can be passed to Andrew - cheques payable to St. John's PCC please.
Christmas Care
Once again, Christmas Care will be operating in Swindon over the Christmas period (24th to 28th December) and help is needed. There will be meetings for volunteers who want to know more, and to sign up, at the Methodist Church in Queens Drive, Park South, at 8pm on Thursday, 15th November and Wednesday 21st November. Collection and sorting of donated goods will take place in the Queens Drive Methodist Church as follows:
| Saturday, 15th December | 10am - 3.30pm |
| Wednesday, 19th December | 7pm - 9.30pm |
| Friday, 21st December | 7pm - 9.30pm |
| Saturday, 22nd December | 10am - 3.30pm |
For further information, please contact Nick Atkins (706419) or Patsy Maloney (642368).
Can you help?
This year's seniors lunch is being held at the Haydon Centre on Saturday 8th December at 12:30. As in previous years we will be asking for volunteers to help with providing food and transport and also helping out during the lunch. Please put this date in your diary now. More details nearer the time.
Parish administrator
We are delighted to announce the appointment of the first Parish Administrator for St. John's. Wendy Hiscock who, with husband Martin, is a member of the 11:00 congregation, will take up her post in a few weeks time. The Parish Office will initially be open on two mornings each week. Opening days and and times, and the Parish Office telephone number, will be advertised in the bulletin once Wendy is in post.
Do you buy on line?
We have received our first commission cheque amounting to more than £50! Log on via our website or go directly to http://www.buy.at/StjohnsHW. The church will receive 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.
What's on | Church notice sheets
Page last updated: 12 November 2007