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Church notice sheet - 11 November 2007
"They shall grow not old, as we who are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them."
Prayer topic
This week, please pray for:
- All those who fought for freedom for this country.
- Families of those who lost loved ones in the shooting in Finland this week.
- Those suffering in Mexico following the floods.
- Children in Cambodia facing an uneducated future.
Readings
9:00am - Mark 4:3-8
11:00am - Mark 4:3-8
Nativity at Rove's Farm
Children get a chance to celebrate the Nativity in a real stable, surrounded by real animals. Children's leaders will be taking our children on Sunday, 9th December to Rove's Farm. The cost is £3. Children will meet at 10:30am in the church car park, and return at 3:30pm. They will need a packed lunch. This applies to any children up to and including Investigators.
Don't miss it - CARGO - Monday @ 7:30pm at The Arts Centre
We celebrate the changes brought about by ordinary people 200 years ago by the abolition of the UK slave trade, and discover more about the slavery that exists today and which is a reality for over 20 million people – mostly women and children. Come along and be inspired and encouraged. An extremely moving production (not at all heavy!) with great music. Contact Barbara on 01793 536815 for tickets.
Christingle
The Christingle service this Christmas will be held on Sunday 2nd December. We need offers of help to serve refreshments after the service please, along with donations of Mince Pies (hot or cold!) to enjoy after the service. If you would like to help produce the Christingles we will be meeting on Saturday 1st December in church at 10:00am. Please speak to Judy Evans after the service.
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 115 so far containing £777 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).
Jack Bourton
Many of you will be sad to learn of the death of Jack Bourton, an unfailingly cheerful member of the 9:00am congregation, and a real gentleman. His funeral will take place here in church on Friday, November 16 at noon.
Can you help?
This year's Seniors lunch is being held at the Haydon Centre on Saturday 8th December at 12.30.. If you can offer help with providing food and/or transport, please speak to Mary Southgate & Carol Nichol who are in charge of the Food, and Julie Hayward who is organising the transport.
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