Newsletter for February 2012
Although Christmas seems a long time ago, Rev. Francis reminds us that we should not forget the message of Epiphany.......
Dear Friends,
Well, here we are at the outset of a New Year and a reminder of the time of transition that a new year signals for many. Transition it seems to me is an appropriate word when understood in the context of the Christian life. In this in-between time of the now and not yet - we are called to live out our lives as His disciples knowing that Jesus has come into the world, knowing that the Holy Spirit is here with us now and anticipating that time when Jesus will come again, offering all we are and do to God in worship and praise. The word transition also provides a sense of movement and growing as we are called to move and grow to change to be more like Christ not just as individuals but corporately as a church.
We have recently celebrated Epiphany and were reminded of the journey of the magi as they came to bring gifts and worship the Messiah.
On coming to the house, they saw the child with His mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and of frankincense and of myrrh.
Matthew 2: 11 [NIV]
As we journey through this New Year together may it be a time when we continue to know in a real way the love of God in Jesus, the presence and promptings of the Holy Spirit causing us to change to be more like Him and offer all we are and all we do to the praise and Glory of God. May we bow down and worship Him too, bringing our treasures and the gifts that God has given us, and offer them to Jesus as we seek to encourage and build one another up to serve Him and those in our community and the world.
Love,
Francis
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Routine Activities at St. Paul's
Sunday
10.30am: Morning Worship.
All Age Family & Parade Service - 1st Sunday in the months of February, March, April, May, June, July, October, November and December.
Healing & Wholeness Services with Communion - monthly.
6.00pm: Evening Services as advertised.
Monday
7.30pm : Holy Ground at St. Paul's - 1st & 3rd in month.
7.30 pm : House Fellowship -2nd & 4th in month at 15 Breck Lea.
Tuesday
2.30 pm : The Fellowship - for men & women of all ages - 2nd Tuesday in month.
7.30 pm : Scouts.
8.00 pm : Senior Section Guides.
Wednesday
9.30 am : Parents/Carers & Toddlers Group.
6.15 pm : Beavers.
6.15 pm : Cubs.
7.30 pm : Explorers.
Thursday
12.00 noon : Mustard Seed Lunch Club - last Thursday in month.
6.15 pm : Rainbows.
6.15 pm : Brownies.
7.15 pm : Guides.
Friday
10.00am : Coffee Fellowship.
6.30pm : Imperial Crusader Band.
7.30pm: Music Group on alternate Fridays.
Saturday
11.00am to 2.00pm: Open Church - first Saturday each month.
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If you need transport to any church events please mention it to Shirley Holt or any of the Church Stewards who will make arrangements for you.
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Prayer Circle
As part of the pastoral work in our church, we have a group of people who are willing to pray for any of your concerns. Please contact Rev. Francis Neil, (01422 372104), who will contact the group. You can be assured of our prayers for you and your situation, in complete confidentiality.
If you would like to pray with us on a Sunday morning, you may contact any group member who will be happy to help. You will recognise them by their 'praying hands' badge.
If you would like to be part of the group yourself, please contact Rev. Francis.
If you would like anything to be included in a monthly newsletter please contact Angela Lane - tel. 01422 834919; email : normangie@talktalk.net, or Molly Bake - tel. 01422 356920; email : mollybake213@btinternet.com, on or before the third Sunday of the preceding month. Many thanks.