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Church notice sheet - 6 April 2008
Readings
9:00am - Revelation 2:1-7 and Mark 11:12-21
11:00am - Hosea 2:16-23 Revelation 2:1-7
Prayer topics this week
How each of us could further serve at St. John's. Those considering joining the new home group and for the continued growth and fellowship within our existing groups. For those working in hospitals and care homes.
New home group
We are planning to start a new home group on Wednesday April 23rd. It will meet at Steve and Louise Bessent's home on Woodhall Park. If you were here last week you will have heard Louise being interviewed. Andy Hall, who preached a few weeks ago, will be leading the new group. If you would like to be part of that group, please have a word with Raymond after the service or sign up on the sheet in the foyer.
Get Me to the Church on Time
Over the last year a bigger and bigger percentage of the congregation have been arriving between 11:00am and 11:05am. Including on occasions the vicar. So, Raymond is aiming to start all our services punctually at 11:00am. It would be great to have the entire congregation in place at the beginning of each service. If you get here just five minutes early, you will be less stressed and in a more worshipful frame of mind.
Annual Parochial Church Meeting
The short Vestry meeting (at which the two Churchwardens are elected) and the Annual Parochial Church Meeting will be held in church on Monday 28th April at 7:30pm.
This is an evening you won't want to miss, and we want as many members as possible to be there, so please put it in your diary now and give it high priority.
After a time of worship, we will review the past year at St. John's and hold elections for three members to represent St. John's at the Deanery Synod for three years and for a minimum of 5 members to serve on the Parochial Church Council (four for three years and one for one year).
Would you consider representing St. John's at the Deanery Synod?
As a representative at the Deanery Synod you would automatically serve on the PCC. Deanery Synod meets about 4 times a year with other Swindon churches. It is one way of finding out about issues, training, events and opportunities in the diocese that might be of relevance to us at St. John's. If you would like further information about this role please speak with Raymond Adams or Peter Howlett (tel: 725774) or Melanie Griffiths (tel: 851385) who currently serve on the Deanery Synod.
Would you consider serving on St. John's PCC?
The PCC meets approximately 8 times a year, usually on a Monday evening, at 7:30pm in St. John's. To serve on this important Council, you are required to be on the Electoral Roll at St. John's and to represent members of St. John's congregation. The PCC is the decision making body of the church. At the meetings there are many issues of church life discussed (spiritual, practical and administrative) including an update on financial matters, the fabric of the building, evangelism, mission and missionary giving and any other matters arising not least from members of the congregation. There is a good spirit but it does take commitment to attend the meetings and to take a full and active part in the life of St. John's.
Can you make a difference?
You will find nomination forms on the notice board in the church foyer. You should ensure that the person you wish to nominate is willing and eligible to stand before writing his or her name on the list. Alternatively, if you think this is something you are being led to take on yourself, then get a couple of church members to nominate you and second your nomination. If you would like further information please speak with Raymond Adams or one of the current Churchwardens, Peter Howlett (tel: 725774) or Pauline Davis (tel: 534626).
J.A.M. in the Caribbean 10th May 2008
A big thank you to all who have agreed to help with J.A.M in the Caribbean. We will be holding our preparation meeting on Tuesday 6th May at 7.30pm in church. We do hope all those helping will be able to come along to this important meeting. If you are unable to attend could you please let me know so that we can let you have any necessary information before hand.
Avast Before!!!
The Panto has come early this year. Jam Spread have produced a fantastic promotion DVD which has been touring the schools with Raymond this week to introduce children to "Jam in the Caribbean." Sadly, we were unable to get hold of Johnny Depp to play the part of Captain Jack Sparrow. He is busy on a movie. However, we aim to bring you Captain Jack Chicken instead - played by our own Rachel Painter. Sarah Mann - as the bosun - is positively terrifying!
Financial Requests
During the course of the year we get a lot of requests for sponsorship and support of one kind or another. This shows our members are involved with lots of projects and are hard at work raising money for them - which is great. However, it leads to us being asked very frequently for support at morning services. Often Raymond is approached just before the service when it is hard to say "No" without offending people. So, to be fair to everyone - and to the congregation - could those who would like sponsorship or support please let Wendy have full details so that she can put them in the bulletin and, if appropriate, make up a slide. Raymond will then announce those requests on Sunday mornings in the regular slot. We are not trying to prevent people seeking support from the church - just to manage the requests better.
Seven Letters
What does Christ think of our church? It is an interesting, and quite alarming, question. If he were to send us an e-mail what would it contain? Would we be praised or criticised? Well, seven churches went through that very experience, receiving, not an email, but a letter. We will be looking at what those churches were told over the next seven weeks - it might help us to imagine what a letter to St. John's would have written in it.
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: 4 April 2008