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Church notice sheet - 27 January 2008
Readings
9:00am - Ecclesiastes 5:10-12 and Luke 12:13-21
11:00am - Ecclesiastes 5:10-12 and Luke 12:13-21
Prayer topics this week
For our PCC members and the decisions they make on Monday. For the growth of each one of us and our church during the Living Water weekend. For Martin and Cesca Cavender.
June Bye
We were very sad to announce, last Sunday, that June died in the Great Western Hospital on Saturday, 19th January. Her daughter, Sharon, was with her when she passed away peacefully. June had a strong Christian faith and was a member of the 9:00am congregation.
The Funeral and Thanksgiving Service for June's life will be in St. John's at 10:45am on Friday 1st February, followed by the Committal at Kingsdown Crematorium at 11:30am, and refreshments at the Manor to which all are invited. Family flowers only but donations in lieu of flowers and in memory of June are for St. John's Church and can be passed to the treasurer. Cheques should be made payable to St. John's PCC.
Living water
Raymond writes: I believe that, as a church we should be looking for continuous growth, both in discipleship and in numbers.
In St. John's we have been working over the last few years with structures more suitable to a small church than a large one, and that is one reason our growth has stalled.
The arrival of our administrator is the first and most important step in developing appropriate structures for growth. But, Wendy cannot do it all! This is about the whole congregation and our part in ministry.
So, Living Stones is not last year's idea. It has not been replaced by Living Water. There is much more to be said and thought about here, and our PCC and our congregation will be doing that in 2008.
However, structures are important, but the Holy Spirit is essential. Jesus said, "Wait here until you receive power from on high." And that is what Living Water is about. We cannot do this on our own. We need the touch of God on our church. Personal renewal and church renewal are two sides of the same coin. Living Stones and Living Water are part of the same process, enabling us to be God's people in Swindon.
Renewal of Giving
Our church is entirely supported by its members. We do not receive any help from the diocese or any outside source. During our annual Renewal of Giving, we invite new members of St. John's to join our giving scheme. We also encourage those already in the giving scheme to reconsider how much we give. You will hear more about this in the service this morning.
Refreshments
We will have three slots for coffee at 9:30am, 11:00am and 12:30pm. Please sign up in the foyer if you are able to make coffee next week at one of those times.
Raymond's Snapshots Challenge
Raymond is looking for three children to try a four-week challenge. A new approach to Bible reading has come from Australia, in the form of a camera-sized book called Snapshots. This is for children aged 8 to 10. If you can finish the book, there is a prize. If more than three children would like to do it that would be great. More about that in today’s services.
J.A.M in the Caribbean 2008
This will take place on Saturday 10th May in St John’s Church and we anticipate between 100 and 140 children will attend this annual event.
This is a wonderful opportunity for us to spend time with some of the children of Haydon Wick. However, we will need a lot of help to run the day and would ask you to consider if this is something you could do.
We will need group leaders and assistants, registration assistants, refreshment organisers, first aid assistants and people to move furniture etc in the church.
If you can help, then please sign up on the list in the entrance hall. If you need more information about what is involved please contact Raymond Adams 634258, or Andrew Carpenter 848663.
Please note, if you have already indicated that you are willing to help then there is no need to sign up on the form.
Contact details
Please email Wendy at the Parish Office your e-mail address so she has each of your details for her records. Please also include your address and phone number at the same time and we can check our postal contact list is up-to-date too. Many more are outstanding, please do mail them in.
The Parish Office
The Parish Office is open on Wednesday and Friday mornings from 9am to 1pm. All items for the bulletin to Wendy in writing first thing on Wednesday please!
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: 31 January 2008