What's on | Church notice sheets
Church notice sheet - 29 June 2008
Readings
9:00am - Romans 12: 1-8 and Luke 19: 11-27
11:00am - Romans 12: 1-8 and Luke 19: 11-27
Prayer topics this week
For the people of Zimbabwe, that they may have new hope. For the staff and children within all our local schools. For the PCC meeting on Monday, that their decisions are based on wisdom and faith.
Patti's Puddings Galore
Many thanks to Patti and Paul Tomlinson for hosting a wonderful Puddings Galore evening on Saturday 21st June. A thoroughly enjoyable evening. Patti very kindly gave all the proceeds of £130.00 to the St John's Building Fund – thank you. The people present collectively put on 130lb with all the delicious desserts.
What's going on?
The PCC gives away large sums of money on your behalf to various mission agencies in Swindon and abroad. That is great. It means that we are as a church, supporting vital Christian ministry throughout the world. But, there is a downside. Very often those who are actually giving the money don't know where it is all going to, and what it is achieving.
Who do we give to?
We give to Uganda. We probably all know something about what is going on there in terms of school building, provision of hospital treatment, and the school for the blind.
We have supported Bible Society for years. Sandra Tebbutt from Bible Society will be visiting us in January, to talk about how we can be involved in Albania, and specifically with a Bible translation project which is being undertaken with the help of Oldi Morava, a member of our 11:00am. congregation. [Oldi and Lara run the bookshop in Victoria Road] Oldi has recently been developing his knowledge of Hebrew through Oxford University, in order to be involved in this work of translation.
South American Missionary Society. Raymond has also been in contact with S.A.M.S in order to invite someone to come and visit us in the Autumn and to explain exactly what their work involves. South America is of course, a huge continent, with many different countries. It is a continent which has known severe oppression, corruption, and also in places, extraordinary Christian growth.
The fourth organization is in the Church Pastoral Aid Society. The last time we had a visit from them was on Raymond's very first Sunday here back in 1990! So it's probably time for another.
What can I give? What can I bring?
We are continuing our look at what the Bible says about our gifts and how we use them, and also inviting everyone to make a practical response. Last week's sermon, "Where the rubber hits the road" more or less sums up what we are trying to do. This is not so much a discussion about our gifts, but about how we can serve. Some of you may not be clear what your gifts are, or in what areas they might lie. In order to help you, you can find in the table in the foyer a questionnaire to help you to determine what those gifts are. Please take one away, and use it if you would like to do so. By all means invite your friends, and those who know you well, to help you. That way you could get a more rounded picture.
Children and the Summer
Thank you so much to those who have offered to look after our children in the summer. Three dates are available, and two people are required for each date. We are a third of the way there! So we need four more names. Ideas and lessons will be provided.
Bristol World Church Celebration
Bishop Mike warmly invites the parishes of the Diocese to join him and their pre-Lambeth Guests at the Cathedral on Saturday July 12th at 4:30pm. If you are interested in attending, please see the notice and reply slip on the notice board.
Facing large increases in your energy bills? - read on
A St. John's member has drawn our attention to the availability of discounts for households on low incomes who are facing increases in their gas and electricity bills. We are advised that each energy supplier has to have a Social Tariff in place to help such households. If you think you may qualify, telephone your energy supplier's customer service number to ask whether you are entitled to the discount.
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: 4 July 2008