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Church notice sheet - 25 May 2008
Readings
9:00am - Revelation 3:14-22 and Matthew 21:28-32
11:00am - 1 Samuel 13:7-15 and Revelation 3:14-22
Prayer topics this week
Give thanks for all the fellowship that occurs within the church. For new fellowship with new faces.
China Earthquake Appeal
Tens of thousands of people, including many children, have lost their lives in the devastating earthquake in China and the British Red Cross has launched an appeal. There will be retiring offerings after the services both this Sunday, and next, for the British Red Cross China Earthquake Appeal. Cheques should be made payable to St. John's PCC.
Burma Cyclone
As humanitarian aid begins to get through to the millions of victims of the Burma Cyclone disaster, any further gifts can be passed to our Treasurer, Andrew Dean, in envelopes marked 'Burma'.
Last year - SEW! This year - KNIT!
Shoe Box Sunday is on 16th November, 2008. In the service on that day we will be dedicating the boxes and form a human chain to send them on their way from the church to the cars from where they will start their long journey to reach those children for whom they will be their only Christmas present.
We don't want you to be the weakest link, or the missing link, in the human chain so please write the date in your diary NOW! If we reach 200 boxes this year, we will top 1,000 boxes sent from St. John's. Let's go for it!
And it's time to start thinking and working! Last year we sent 183 boxes and made 176 bags to go in them so that the children had something in which to keep their toys. That took a lot of sewing! This year, we are planning to knit very simple bags/purses for little girls. We need about 50 but the more the merrier. Will you help us? The bags are made in garter stitch and are really simple to make. Please see the board in the foyer for a pattern. Any scraps of wool can be used. For further information, please speak to Jean Dean.
Home Group Quiz
Many thanks to Mike and Mary Southgate for running such an enjoyable quiz on Tuesday evening at the Winners Lounge in the football ground for homegroup members, guests and friends. The winning team consisted of Ron and Carol McGiffie, Russell Riggs, Molly Heath, and David and Viv Williams. It was a great evening. And finally apologies to the quizmaster from "A Game of Two Halves." The Nuremberg trials did in fact begin in 1945. We stand corrected - again!
Local Church News
Please pray for Mike Haslam, vicar of North Swindon who has been signed off work for a further four weeks with depression. His colleague Beth Brown will be looking after the enormous parish which they share. Pray also for Brian Sweetman and the people of Abbey Meads. Brian has been appointed as Minister for a further three years. However, funding to the congregation from the three denominations which built the church building will come to an end in the very near future. The congregation will need to be self-supporting by the end of the year.
Swindon Clergy Praying
Ministers from every part of Swindon have committed themselves to come together once a month to pray for the town and the movement of the Kingdom of God within it. As we were remembering last week in Philadelphia, unless God opens the door, it will stay closed. However, if He opens the door, then no one can shut it. We are praying for an open door in every part of Swindon, so that people turn and find faith in Him.
The importance of welcoming
Last week two girls came here from one of our local schools. They were doing a project and wanted to interview a member of the clergy. However, they stayed outside in the foyer and did not come in. When I asked why, they said that they were too afraid of making a mistake or doing the wrong thing, and were not sure whether they would be welcome. It just shows us again how people perceive the church. It also shows the tremendous importance of giving people a welcome when they come.
Joe Morris' Ordination
Joe is to be ordained priest on Saturday 28th June 2008 at Bristol Cathedral at 3:30pm and we, as his church family, together with Joe's family and friends, wish to celebrate this occasion with him.
There will be a 49 seater coach leaving St. John's at 1:00pm for the Ordination Service. Tickets are £5.00 each and will be sold on a ‘first come first served basis'. They are available from today from Pauline Davis. The coach will leave the Cathedral at 5.30pm returning at approximately 6.30pm to St John's where there will be a buffet tea to which all are invited and for which there will be no charge.
Even if you are unable to attend the Cathedral it will be lovely for Joe and his family to see you all at St. John's for the celebration tea. There will be a list on the table in the foyer for those who intend to attend the tea (whether or not they are going to the Cathedral). If you have any queries please contact either Pauline Davis or Rod Mortimer.
Homegroups
Notes will be available next week for the summer period.
Coffee time blues
People often say how difficult they find coffee time. It is part of our ongoing ministry of welcome that we keep an eye out for people, and don't allow people to get left out. Especially after they have come for a little while. Some churches are very good at creating outsiders. Let's not be one of them.
Counting and Banking Rota
We are very grateful to the St. John's members who are on the rota to count and bank the offerings at St. John's. We need more people on the rota so that those on it are involved less frequently. Our aim is to reduce the frequency to once every two months. If you are good at counting money and are willing to be involved or would like more information, please speak to our Treasurer, Andrew Dean, or to one of the Churchwardens, Pauline Davis and Rod Mortimer. We are planning to have a short meeting after church with all counters in a few weeks time.
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.
Puddings Galore!
Patti Tomlinson is organising a Puddings Galore! This will be at Patti's house, where she will serve 10 desserts, from which each ticket holder can choose 4, as well as dessert wine and coffee. Tickets for the event, which is on 21st June from 7:30pm onwards, cost £5, and proceeds will be donated to the St. John's Development Fund. For tickets, see Patti after the 9:00am service.
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: 28 May 2008