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Church notice sheet - 2 May 2010
Readings
9:00am - Numbers 12:1-16 and Luke 13:6-9
11:00am - Numbers 12:1-16 and Romans 11:17-24
Prayer topics this week
Pray for Willows Counselling Service - that God may continue to guide new volunteers to help with debt counselling. Pray for St John’s continuing financial support for this very worthwhile and essential service.
Lunch Last Week
We had a wonderful celebration with our Archdeacon, Alan Hawker, last Sunday. It was great to be able to use the kitchen to the full on the day of its official opening. we thank Jeanne Carpenter for leading the team, also Jean Dean, Jean Sharp, Pauline Davis, Harry Davies, Mick Sharp and all the washer-uppers for the part they played in making it such a memorable day.
Growing Leaders
What happened to Growing Leaders? The answer is that we are actually coming very near the end of the course. Michael Johnson from Wroughton and Raymond have been running the course together since last September, more or less on a monthly basis. On Monday evening we did session number eight when we looked at the theme of, "Embracing the Cost". Participants have really thrown themselves into the course, and we've had some excellent evenings together.
Sale of Plants
One or two people have commented on people selling plants in the car park outside St John's. This has been agreed by the PCC, and will be a regular feature from now on. PCC felt that it was very much in keeping with the ethos of the church, and it makes a very attractive scene on a Saturday.
Coffee Rota Under Strain
The good news is that we have a wonderful new kitchen. The bad news is that the coffee rota is in danger of collapse. The number of people on the current Rota means that willing volunteers are now doing it too often. And, you can see where that's going to lead...
Now that we have started to serve coffee from the new kitchen, we want to organise the coffee Rota on a different principle.
Firstly, we guarantee not to put anyone on the Rota are more than three times a year. Yes -- that is correct. You will only make coffee once every four months.
Secondly, we will scrap the present rota and draw up a new one starting on June 6.
Hospitality is really important in this church. It gives us a chance to develop relationships with one another, and to welcome new people.
If we are unable to find enough people to serve coffee, there will be some blank weeks. Our hope is that some more of you would be willing to offer, knowing that will not be more than three times a year.
Jam in Deep Water
This year, Jam is based on the story of Gideon, even though the action takes place at the bottom of the ocean. Gideon lived on land, and in a very bad time. Israel was brutally harassed by Midianite raiders, who burned their harvests until those who had not been murdered were starving. Gideon was praying for a deliverer, and was delighted to hear that God was going to send one. He was not so happy when he discovered it was him.
The story of Gideon, The Man Least Likely to Succeed, has been told and retold down the centuries. This time, on our submarine, we have a brand-new recruit. Like Gideon, Sue has no experience, no confidence, and no medals. The rest of the crew have them in spades.
However, Sue has one thing in her favour. Like Gideon, she has learned to trust and obey. And that is what gets the crew of the submarine out of some very tricky situations.
As ever, a host of people have been involved in Jam. From planning, singing, quizzes, acting, crafts, registration, advertising, scenery, catering, and simply getting down on the floor alongside the children.
Tallula the Toucan, who flies in every year from South America just for Jam, has been touring the schools, giving out information and leaflets, and showing Jam Spread’s wonderful DVD trailer.
Please pray for every aspect of Jam. In the middle of all the fun, we want God to do his work. We also want children to associate church with somewhere that they had a really enjoyable time.
We are delighted to announce that have all the help we need with children, but we could just do with a few people to help with registration from 9:30am for an hour or so.
Children's Leaders
We have a couple of changes coming up. David Tunley is going to be working with Cathy Brown in Explorers from May. Natalie King is returning to Scramblers to allow David to make that move. I want to say a really big thank you to Cathy for so generously volunteering to cover all the gaps in April until everything is sorted out, whilst learning the part of Sue [see above] for Jam in Deep Water. Her help has been invaluable.
Lesley Hawkes who was Children's Ministry Administrator is now our churchwarden. I am delighted to say that Lizzie Tunley has stepped into that role, and we look forward to working with her in the future. Lesley’s other role of producing SongPro is now being done by Janice in the Parish Office.
Pastoral Care Team
The new Pastoral Care Team are gradually finding their feet. If you know of anyone who would like a visit, either because they are ill, or just because they'd like a friendly chat over a cuppa, please let Sharon Mortimer know. She will make sure that someone gets in touch.
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. We have also started to podcast some of our sermons.
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Page last updated: 5 May 2010