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Church notice sheet - 13 September 2009
Readings
9:00am - 2 Corinthians 1:12-22 and Mark 6:1-6
11:00am - Exodus 17:1-7 2 and Corinthians 1:12-22
Prayer topics this week
For the PCC as they meet tomorrow evening. For all those serving in our Armed Forces and their families.
Generous giving in Swindon
The latest figures from the diocese show a remarkable generosity from the Swindon deanery. Almost every church without exception has given its parish share in full for this year. Only two small churches have fallen behind, and the sums involved are small.
Ride and Stride
We want to say a very warm thank you to those who helped yesterday during the Ride and Stride day. This initiative enormously benefits older churches with large bills to pay for the upkeep of their buildings.
A sermon and a vision
Dave Day is preaching this morning. He will also be telling us more this morning about what he believes God wants him, and his wife Liz, to be doing as retirement approaches, and how God wants them to serve.
Paul's four letters to the Corinthians
As mentioned briefly in last week's sermon Paul wrote four letters to the Corinthians, not two. He also made a visit. Someone asked Raymond to explain this more fully.
- Letter Number One: This letter is referred to in 1 Corinthians 5:9 but we don't know what was in it.
- Letter Number Two: This is the letter we call 1 Corinthians.
- The Visit: Paul then makes a very "painful visit" to Corinth. Again we don't know exactly what was said but gross sexual immorality was being practised, by some people who had not broken free of their pagan past. That's referred to in 2 Corinthians 2:1.
- Letter Number Three: Paul could not bring himself to make another painful visit to the church, so he writes instead. But it is a "severe" letter, presumably dealing with the same issues which caused such trouble at his visit. We have no record of it. Paul mentions it in 2 Corinthians 7:8
- Letter Number Four: So you see that the letter we call 2 Corinthians is actually the fourth letter written by Paul to the Corinthian church. There is a lot of history behind it.
Confirmation course
Four members of the church would like to be confirmed in November. [Because of the Growing Leaders initiative we are not running an Alpha course this September, but may well run one in January] However, confirmation is an excellent way forward for those people wishing to explore the Christian faith, or to identify themselves more fully as members of the Church of England. And, of course, young people who are of an age to receive communion are especially welcome.
St. John's Parish Administrator needed
The post involves working in the parish office on three days a week, Wednesday and Fridays 9-12 and one other day which is negotiable at interview stage. Applicants must have typing, secretarial and administrative skills. E-mail and Internet skills are essential. He or she will have a friendly approachable manner, being able to work with church members and the wider public. For further information please contact Pauline Davis. Closing date for applications is Monday 14th September. Interviews will follow shortly afterwards.
Requests for help at Harvest
We have had two requests for Harvest Food. Food Bank is under particular pressure during the current recession; Filling Station offers support and comfort to people sleeping on the streets. In order to be fair to both these charities, we have photocopied the requests so that you can use them while shopping over the next few weeks. It would be a good opportunity to double our normal gift.
A new way to give to God's work at St. John's
Do you complete a Self-Assessment tax return? If so, here's a new way you can contribute to God's work at St. John's.
On the tax return form you are given the opportunity to nominate a charity to receive all or part of any tax repayment due to you. The repayment donation will then be paid directly into the St. John's bank account with Gift Aid added even when the donor wishes to remain anonymous. All you have to do is enter our special identification code (GAU27DG) on your Self-Assessment tax return. It's as easy as that!
If you would like more information about this, or other ways to give to God's work at St. John's, please speak to our Treasurer, Andrew.
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?
If so, please consider buying through http://www.buy.at/StjohnsHW. The church receives 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
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