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Church notice sheet - 13 December 2009
Readings
9:00am - 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 and Matthew 24:45-51
11:00am - 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 and Matthew 24:45-51
North Swindon Vacancy Process
As part of the new diocesan strategy, in every parish, whenever a vicar leaves, a vacancy consultation process is established. This is to decide the best way for that parish to minister in its own area. Now that the Rev Mike Haslam has resigned, the vacancy process for North Swindon will shortly begin. This could take some time, as the views of many different people, and the nominations, need to be taken into account. Please pray that, at the end of it all, we will have a sustainable and effective ministry in North Swindon.
Giving Envelopes for 2010
The two main ways of giving to God's work at St. John's are by Standing Order or weekly envelopes. With 2010 fast approaching, it's a good time to join the St. John's Giving Scheme. If you would like a set of envelopes for the New Year, please speak to our Treasurer, Andrew. And, if you are a taxpayer, Gift-aiding your giving enables St. John's to recover tax on the amount you give at no additional cost to you. Andrew will be happy to give you any further information you need.
Carol singing outside Morrisons
Young, old, fat, thin, good voices, bad voices, we NEED YOU ALL to sing carols for one hour only on Thursday 17th December 6.30-7.30pm.
We will be outside Morrisons giving out leaflets to the shoppers about our Christmas services. Please meet in the church by 6.15pm on the day so that we can hand out lanterns and the word sheets for the carols. If you are bringing an instrument please ask Andrew Dean for the probable order of the carols we will be singing. It would be fun if we could dress as carol singers with hats, scarves etc (don't forget to bring a torch).
We want to make a joyful noise. We want to make St. John's noticed. Speak with Andrew, Jean Dean or Pauline Davis if you require any further information for this event.
Out of the mouths of babes
One of St. John's grandmas received this text from her daughter last week, about her granddaughter, Tilly, who is just two years old: 'I was telling Tilly about baby Jesus being born on Christmas Day and she asked when she could meet him and if he could come to tea' And all the people said "aah!"
Thank you!
Last week was one of the busiest weeks of the year. Thank you so much to all those who pulled together to make it happen.
The Seniors Christmas Lunch was a great success. The whole congregation got involved, and we were well provided with food, transport and helpers on the day. Thank you especially to Sharon Mortimer, Mary Southgate and Carol Nichol, and Julie Hayward. Too many others were involved to name each one individually, but we thank you all.
We are grateful to Peter Howlett, Delroy and Natalie for the Christmas tree; and Molly Heath and Howard Smith for the crib. A pat on the back also goes to Pauline Davis for cleaning lots of pastry off the carpet after Christingle!
Thanks also goes to those of you who so kindly helped with the catering at Shirley Vitti's funeral.
Coming to the River?
Thank you for letting us know that you intend to Come to the River, on February 26, 2010. I am delighted to say that we are having to work hard to find beds for everyone. We will do everything we can to make sure that everyone who wants to come, can come.
What a fantastic Christingle!
If you were not at the Christingle service last Sunday, you missed a truly wonderful time! 160 people packed the church (at least half of whom were not church members).
The SAS drama (with Raymond as a human Christingle!), music by JAM Spread, Raymond's one-man poetic telling of the Christmas story with various hats made by Libby Gash, and the beautifully made Christingles, all combined in a most meaningful way to make the service memorable.
Special thanks to all involved including those who looked after the refreshments. The Christingle making team, led by Judy Evans, included Cathy Sheldrake, Louise Burrows, Lesley Mead, Anna Hedley, Amy Mead, George Gatt, Katie Gould, Emma Bessent, Natalie Madni, Tabbi Madni, John Evans and Phil Evans. The collection, for the Jar of Grace appeal, totalled just under £150.
Thanks go two ways
We also received a letter of thanks this week from the Rev William Kiwanuka in Uganda. You will remember that we have been supporting his children through their education, and he has written to say that his daughter has now finally graduated.
Writing last Friday, William writes "She will be graduating with a Diploma tomorrow and as a family we are so very grateful for your support and the support of the church of Haydon Wick at large. Please send our sincere and heartfelt thanks for the work done by your church. If it had not been for them, it would have not been possible. May the Good Lord reward you the more."
We hope that news will inspire you as you fill your Jar of Grace.
Felicity Fox
Felicity Fox has a personal assistant. She is Libby Gash. Libby would love to know any birthdays so that she can prepare a card for Felicity to give out. If you are not sure whether Libby has your child's date of birth, do please see her after the service.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Mark Mortimer who got engaged to Stephanie Kenyon on 5th December.
Parish Office
The Parish Office is open on Wednesday and Friday mornings from 9am to 1pm. Please provide all items for the bulletin 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
Page last updated: 11 December 2009