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Church notice sheet - 20 September 2009

Readings

9:00am - Proverbs 16:1-9 and 2 Corinthians 1:23-2:13
11:00am - 2 Corinthians 1: 23-2:13 and John 7:1-15

Communion and Swine Flu

We will be going back today to distributing both bread and wine at our communion services. Please feel free not to receive the cup if you are anxious about swine flu. The celebrant will continue to drink the wine on behalf of those who have chosen not to do so. Should the swine flu situation change, we will review this decision.

Confirmation

Confirmation provides the opportunity for people both to express and renew their commitment to Christ and his people. There is a confirmation service in Highworth on November 14th at 4:00pm, and we would love to see more of our members making those promises. Please speak to Raymond for further information.

Partners in Mission

"Go then and make disciples of all nations..." Matthew 27.53

The mission team met in August with the main purpose of raising the profile of the mission organisations that we support at St. John's, both overseas and at home. We hear regularly about Luweero, but can you name the other agencies that St. John's supports? (prize to the first non-PCC member who can get them all!) Over the next few months we'll be highlighting some of the organisations that the church supports.

Paraguay

Next weekend Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th September the EJE Youth Encounter Week is taking place in the capital, Asuncion. Pray this week for that opportunity to reach out to young people in Paraguay with the Gospel, and encourage young people in their faith.

Farewell to Dave Day

Those of you who were here last week will have heard from Liz Day (at 11:00am) and Dave (at 9.00am) about their future plans. For thirteen years Dave has been worshipping with us here at St John's and has made an enormous contribution. For much of that time Liz has been one of the worship leaders at Upper Stratton Baptist Church. For some time they have been feeling a strong call to go together to the new development at Wichelstowe, where a small group is beginning a Fresh Expressions model of church. We will be praying that God will use them all to break through into this new area with the gospel. Suffice it to say, we are very sad to lose Dave.

A final goodbye

We laid hands on them last Sunday morning and commended this new work to God. However, we also want to say Farewell and Thank You to Dave for all that he has meant to this congregation. So on Sunday, 11th October, after our Harvest Thanksgiving Service, we will be meeting in The Church Room for a farewell party at 12 noon. We will be presenting Dave with a gift on that day. If you would like to contribute to that, please let Rod Mortimer have your contribution. There is a list on the table in the foyer for people to write their names if you can supply a cake/cakes for that occasion, together with a card which we would be pleased if you would sign. Any queries please call Rod Mortimer.

Passing on the Baton

Dave is, of course, one of the leaders of the church who is now stepping down. Our challenge is to replace those who have led us for a long time with the new leaders. This is not because we do not value their wisdom and experience. Of course we do. But it is right to allow people to rest. And it is important for a younger generation of leaders to shape the church. We will be saying more about this very soon.

Meeting for prayer

However, on the same day in which we celebrate Dave's Farewell, we also want to hold a meeting for prayer in the evening. We will explain more about the reasons for this meeting very soon. But we are asking you to put the day in your diary. Sunday 11th October.

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.

Advance Notice

Welcome Team Meeting - Wed 14th Oct in the Church Room at 7:45pm.
Pastoral Care Team - Thurs 15th Oct, Supper at Furlong Close – 6:30 for 6:45pm.

SAS is starting up again

SAS will be held on a Sunday from 6:30 - 8:00pm at church and anyone in yrs 8 -13 is welcome to join us. The first session will be next Sunday, 27th September. Please feel free to just come along but if you would like more information speak to Anna Hedley or Becki Jones.

Houseparty 2010

Life can get very busy, and unless the houseparty dates are in your diary, somebody will say "oh no, we've agreed to be away that weekend!" Martin and Cesca Cavender will offer a weekend of spiritual refreshment you will be sorry to miss. The date is 26th-28th February, 2010.

Food Bank Update

A marvellous 1.2 tonnes was collected at Asda Walmart last Saturday - slightly down on other collections but this was due to the fairly low turn out of volunteers. Once again everyone was so generous. Thanks for all your support.

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.

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Page last updated: 24 September 2009