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Church notice sheet - 7 March 2010

Readings

9:00am - Psalm 103 and Luke 15:11-24
11:00am - Psalm 103 and Luke 15:11-24

Sermon

This week's sermon podcast is available to download.

Cycle racks

Cycle Racks will also be in place by the 7th March for all the cyclists amongst us (the racks are at the back of the church by the external boiler door). Any queries on the above please do not hesitate to contact Pauline or Andrew Carpenter.

Come to the River

No doubt you'll hear all about it from those who went, but it was a great weekend. As one person said, "The venue was excellent, the speaker really good, the fellowship great, the food fantastic, and the entertainment enjoyable - despite the questionable judging!" I think this came from a member of one of the losing teams.

Congratulations to Rod for his organisation. We are planning another week-end in two years time at the same venue. If you missed it this time, we really look forward to your joining us in 2012.

Confirmation

There is always a confirmation service in Swindon on Easter Eve, and this year is no exception. Those who would like to be confirmed this year, on the evening of Saturday, April 3, are asked to have a word with Raymond, and we will do some preparation before that date.

Renewal of giving

Last Sunday was the closing date for the return of Renewal of Promise cards, but there are still a lot out there! Our treasurer, Andrew, really would appreciate the return of the rest, if possible during this coming week.

Any questions?

Why don't we see miracles today like they did in the bible? What happens to people when they die if they've never heard about Jesus? Why aren't there any dinosaurs in the bible?...

We all have loads of questions about God, the bible, and how we are meant to live as Christians but, although we want the answer, we don't want to be the one to ask!

Now's your chance, and no one will know it was you!

On Sunday 14th March at 6:30pm in church SAS are having an "Any questions" session and we want to invite everyone to join us (you don't have to be young!). The idea is that there will be a box to put questions in and then a panel will try to answer them.

ROCK update

Unfortunately we are not able to serve coffee after the service today as anticipated, as we are not quite up & running yet. However, coffee will be served after the Palm Sunday service on 28th March.

Children's Groups

The Scramblers are now relocated into the room next to the kitchen; the Creche is back to its former position and Children's Groups are able to return to their normal class rooms.

Grand Opening of the New Kitchen

We have asked Alan Hawker, our Archdeacon, if he will open the kitchen and the adjoining room (do we need a name for this new room?) for us on Sunday, April 25. Even though it is short notice, he is able to come. There will be only one service on that day at 10:30am followed by lunch! Which will be served from the new kitchen!! To the whole Church!!! Hot!!!!

Pastoral Care Team

Pastoral care is an important part of the work of the parish clergy. However, it is a role which Raymond needs to share with other members of the church. This is something we have spoken of before. Over the past few months we have been putting the pastoral care team together. We shall be commissioning them in their role at the same APCM. We also want to make sure the congregation knows who they are and what they do.

The Pastoral Care Team will be headed by Sharon Mortimer. On that team along with Sharon are Jill Crowhurst, Rachel Cooke, Julie Jarman and Lizzie Tunley. (Since her accident Chris Alcock has been forced to take more of a back seat but we want to acknowledge her involvement up to now and hope she will be able to be fully involved in the future).

What Will the Pastoral Care Team do?
The Pastoral Care Team will visit, as a top priority, those who are ill or in hospital. We particularly want to make sure no one in who is housebound feels forgotten, so they will call on those finding it difficult to get out and about. They will also be there to lend a listening ear over a cup of coffee to anyone who needs some comfort and support, especially those who have lost loved ones. And finally, it's also important to call on people who are not in any particular trouble, who are not ill, and not bereaved. We want to keep in touch with you -- and to see how you're doing. Simply because we are one family.

Leadership Ministry Team

I am pleased to say that all the members of the leadership ministry team are now in place. Apart, of course, from the church wardens, who can only be known after the APCM.

However, I am delighted to say that Rod Mortimer is willing to stand as churchwarden once again, and that Lesley Hawkes, who is a member of our 9:00am congregation, will also be allowing her name to go forward.

In addition to that, having taken into account the wishes of the congregation, four other people have been asked to become members of the new Leadership Ministry Team. They are Peter Fletcher, Melanie Griffiths, Carol Hall and David Tunley.

The entire team, assuming Lesley is elected, will be commissioned at the APCM on 19 April at 7:30pm in church. We congratulate all members on their appointments to this important new role in the life of St John's.

The church electoral roll

The church electoral roll is being revised between the dates of Sunday 21st February and Sunday 28th March. If you are a regular worshipper at St John's then you should be included on the roll. Please see Sharon Mortimer for an application form and further information. If you have changed your address or phone number in the last year please let Sharon know so that she can keep the electoral roll up to date.

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.

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