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Church notice sheet - 2 December 2007
This week's prayer topic
The unbelievable pressure that can be put onto families at Christmas, as they strive to give their families a Christmas as the advertising companies would have us see it. Let them find the true meaning of Christmas.
Readings
9:00am - Revelation 21:1-5 and Matthew 25:1-24
11:00am - Revelation 21:1-5
Cyclone crisis in Bangladesh
Television has brought into our warm, dry and comfortable homes scenes of utter devastation caused by a natural disaster - this time the result of a cyclone in Bangladesh which has made an estimated one million families homeless and killed up to 10,000 people.
The aid agencies are doing all they can to bring help to desperate people often in isolated communities.
What can we do? We can pray, and we can give.
Today, we will have a plate at the door after both services for your retiring offerings or you can pass your donation to Andrew in an envelope marked 'Bangladesh'. Cheques should be made payable to St. John's PCC.
Jars of grace
Have you started your Jar of Grace yet? You've still got time to do so. Last year, the total raised 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. 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.
Christmas flowers
If you would like to contribute to the cost of the flowers used to decorate St John's Church this Christmas, please pass your donation to Andrew by Sunday, 16th December at the latest.
If this is to mark a special occasion or is in memory of a loved one, we will note this in the bulletin on Sunday, 23rd December if you let Andrew have a note in writing with your donation.
Christmas cards
Today the boxes for your Christmas cards to other members of the congregation have been out on the table in the foyer. Please make sure you put your cards in the correct alphabetical box by surname (not Christian name!). Please only put cards in the boxes for members who you confidently expect to be in church during December. And please check the boxes regularly to see if there are any cards for you. We regret we cannot take responsibility to deliver any cards which have not been retrieved from the boxes by Sunday, 6th January, 2008 when the boxes will be put away for another year.
Can you help?
This year's seniors lunch is being held at the Haydon Centre on Saturday, 8th December at 12:30pm. It’s not to late to volunteer to help with preparation, providing food and transport and helping out during the lunch. If you can help, the people to contact are Mary Southgate and Carol Nichol regarding food, Julie Hayward, transport and Sharon Mortimer for any other forms of help.
Women's own
Please note, there will be no meeting this month.
Swindon Christmas Care 2008 Project
Collection and sorting of donations will be on the following dates:
- Saturday, 15th December 10:00 to 15:00
- Wednesday, 19th December 19:00 to 21:30
- Friday, 21st December 19:00 to 21:30
- Saturday, 22nd December 10:00 to 15:30
All the above activities take place at the Queens Drive Methodist Church, Park South.
Swindon Christmas Care are looking for donations of sleeping bags, pillows, blankets and warm clothing & shoes. These donations can be made up to Friday, 21st December. Thereafter no clothes or bedding can be accepted.
Donations of food, soft drinks, toilet rolls, shower gel, soap, toothpaste, disposable razors, and shampoo are also being sought and these can be given at any of the above times listed.
If you would like more information about how to help Swindon Christmas Care and or donate then please contact Nick Atkins.
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.
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Page last updated: 2 January 2008