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Church notice sheet - 11 January 2009
Prayer topics this week
For the UNICEF Education Project and Luweero, Uganda. Those affected by the current economic crisis.
Jars of Grace
Once again it has been thrilling to count the Jars of Grace as they have been brought back - not least because one Jar included four gold wrapped chocolate coins with a message "A little sweet treat for the counter. Merry Christmas!"
So far this year we have had fewer Jars and gifts (75 - which is well short of our 100 target and eleven less than the final total for 2007). But the great news is that we have already smashed the 2007 record total of £2,300 and are well on our way to the target of £2,500.
To date, the total for 2008 is £2,376 including the Christingle and Christmas Service Offerings and Gift Aid tax refunds to come of Gift Aided donations. Every penny given will be donated to the UNICEF Education Project and Luweero. So if you haven't yet brought back your Jar, please do so as soon as possible. And if you didn't use a Jar of Grace, you can still give by cash, or by cheque payable to St. John's PCC. Simply put your gift in an envelope marked 'Jar of Grace' and pass it to our Treasurer, Andrew Dean.
Children’s leaders meeting
A number of you did not have this in your diary so we will be meeting on Monday February 2nd - details to be announced nearer the time.
What's Happening This Month?
We want to begin 2009 by refocusing our support on Christian work worldwide. Having a link with a country or a particular organisation is a good thing. Having a link with a person is much better.
Luweero
Bishop Evans, Eridard Nsubuga and even Frances David are for us the face of Uganda. Those who have met them, or even heard them speak, feel a personal link. That is one reason our partnership with the diocese of Luweero has been so effective and so long-standing. Chris Hawkes and Raymond will be spending two weeks in Uganda in February, strengthening and developing our links with Luweero.
Paraguay
We intend to form a special link with Paraguay. Although we have supported SAMS (South American Mission Society) for many years, for some SAMS is probably little more than four letters on a page. In two weeks time we will be inviting the future Bishop of Paraguay, Peter Bartlett and his wife Sally, to come and speak.
We want to follow Peter and Sally as they take up their new and demanding role in that country. Once we have heard Peter speak we will have a different view of Paraguay and a different interest in it. And of course, our hope is that our link with them will continue over many years.
Albania
For many years St John's has been an enthusiastic supporter of Bible Society. Many of our congregation either work there or have done so in the past. The PCC recently confirmed that we would be supporting Bible Society for the next two years. A number of church members belong to the Bible-a-month club, providing Bibles for Christians all round the world.
Many of us know little about Albania except perhaps that it was until a couple of decades ago a Communist country in which it was very hard to be a Christian. Oldi Morava, who comes originally from Albania, has recently learned Hebrew in order to help with the process of translating the Old Testament into Albanian. This is work supported by Bible Society.
We may not know much about Albania or even Bible Society, but I am sure we will all want to support Oldi in that vital task. Sandra Tebbutt from Bible Society is here to talk to us about how St John's can channel our giving into the work of providing a fresh accurate and readable translation of the Bible in Albanian.
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
On Sunday, January 25th the local churches in this area will be gathering together in St Andrews Methodist Church on Whitworth Road at 6:30pm for a service during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. You will be more than welcome.
Pram Club
Pram Club meets on a Monday during term time. The afternoon session is particularly quiet so if you know of anyone with children aged 0 - 4 years it is a good opportunity to meet other mums, child/minders and carers. Please do encourage them to come along between 1:30pm and 3:30pm.
Home groups
It was good to see several new names on the list of people who would like to join a home group in the New Year. Raymond met with the group leaders on Monday, and he will be in touch with you if he has not done so already. If you would like to join us in studying the book "The Bible Jesus Read" through the medium of DVD, then it is not too late to sign up.
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: 9 January 2009