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Church notice sheet - 18 May 2008
Readings
9:00am - Psalm 70 and Revelation 3:7-13
11:00am - Revelation 3:7-13 and Luke 11:14-20
Prayer topics this week
For all those affected by Cyclone Nargis in Burma and the earthquake in China, and those working around the globe to bring relief. For members of the PCC as they meet on Monday. For those preparing and undergoing exams at this time. For all the retired people within our community.
Humanitarian Crisis in Burma
Five regions of Burma have been affected by the devastating cyclone which hit the country on Saturday 3rd May. The latest news and pictures coming out of Burma tell of a country and people suffering dreadful devastation and awful loss of life. It is estimated that some 120,000 have died and about 2.5 million have lost everything and have no clean water. Many more will die without prompt action. The relief Agencies are responding to this urgent humanitarian crisis as well as, and as quickly as they can and are appealing for aid.
There will be retiring offerings after the services both this Sunday, and next, for the Burma Cyclone Crisis Appeal. Cheques should be made payable to St. John's PCC.
Joe's Ordination
We expect Joe to be ordained as a priest in the Church of England on the following Saturday - Saturday 28th June at Bristol Cathedral.
JAM in the Caribbean
A total of 110 children were present at Jam in the Caribbean. Although we chose to hold the venue in St. John's we were really not certain whether we would be better off in the Haydon Centre. We moved out of the church a few years ago because the facilities were just not good enough to cater for the numbers. However, the extension has proved invaluable, and everything ran amazingly smoothly.
We had a fantastic start on Friday evening, when we succeeded in moving the chairs faster than anyone could have imagined. So many people turned up to help, that we were able to form a chain from the church to the upper room, and the job was done astonishingly quickly. It proves once again the value of teamwork.
And that was doubly emphasized the following day, when everything ran very efficiently from the registration to the departure of the children. We thank Jam Spread for a huge amount of work in preparation, and to Andrew Carpenter whose capacity for organisation is enormous. His planning was meticulous, and his good humour carried us through the day.
I know that not all of those of you who turned up felt that you were particularly gifted in working with children. I want to say a special thank you to those people. There was a need and you got stuck in. We simply could not have done it without you.
We live in a world where children are not free to come to church unless their parents bring them. But we have sown the seeds in young lives, which by God's grace, will come to fruition.
When children leave this building saying, "Church is great", then it has been worth while.
Have we finished for the Summer?
Not quite. At the beginning of the year, Martin Cavender set some challenges before us. Then we had our Renewal of Giving, then it was Easter, and then it was Jam in the Caribbean. But in these quieter months, there will be an opportunity for us to do some thinking and praying, to wait on God, and to make some decisions about what the church might look like in the future. You will be receiving more information about that after our next PCC meeting. The Spirit of God is moving. He still has a lot to do with the Living Stones.
Day of Prayer at Emmanuel
Emmanuel are inviting local churches to a day entitled "Oh Lord, hear my prayer". It is an "opportunity to explore why and how we might pray". This will take place on Saturday 21st June 2008 from 10am to 3pm. Brochures are available in the foyer.
Can you help?
Swindon Pregnancy Crisis Centre is in need of baby clothes, up to the age of one year old, and baby equipment etc. Equipment must be safe and they are unable to take car seats. If you can help please contact Pam Fletcher.
Need a break from cooking the Sunday Lunch?
A few people from St. John's are going to the Dockle Farm House for lunch after the 11 o'clock service on Sunday 8th June. Why not put the date in your diary now? The more the merrier! For more information contact Sharon Mortimer.
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: 16 May 2008