Notices 12th February

Sunday, February 12, 2017

Many Thanks for your help in making Elsie's birthday so memorable. It unfolded into a lovely, happy and warm occasion that she never anticipated. Her church family made it such a special day and their generosity overwhelmed her. Pam Pix (Elsie's daughter in law).

Wesley Guild commences its Spring Session on Monday 13th February at 2:30pm with Rev. John Peacock as speaker. All are welcome to all our meetings. John G.

Bible Study restarts on Monday at 7:30pm. All are welcome. D. Battye.

'Life on the Front Line' House Group will meet on Wednesday 15th February at 7:30pm, for the first session of a short course exploring how we can be Christians wherever we are in the week. How can we be faithful in the workplace, in our neighbourhoods, with friends etc.? Why did/does God place us there, specifically? All welcome, especially those of working age. For venue, ask Wendy.

'The Big Friendly Giant' film will be shown on Friday 17th February at 5:30pm, in the church hall. All ages welcome. Bring some snacks and feel free to share. Also be BFG themed crafts. Children need to be accompanied, please.

A Coffee Morning has been arranged on Saturday 25th February 10:30am-1:00pm to celebrate Trevor's 80th birthday. Light refreshments will be available i.e. sandwiches and cakes. Please come along and wish Trevor a happy birthday. No presents please, but any donation will be gratefully received and given to a charity of Trevor's choice. Pat.

House Group will meet and make pancakes on Shrove Tuesday, 28th February, at the Manse. More of a social session, but also some preparation/ exploration of Lent. All welcome, especially those of working age. Wendy & Katie.

Church Action On Poverty. A very big thank you to all who stayed after the service last week, to support the hunger lunch for CAP. We were able to send the magnificent sum of £241 for work amongst the poor. Jenny and Dorothy.

Our Minister Katie works from the office at Wisewood on Mondays, 9:00am-12:00noon (note change of times) when she's available, without appointment.

The Prayer Corner has been updated. This month's space helps us think about God's love for us and our love for our neighbours. Perhaps, next time you are in church, you might take time to stop and pray. Katie.

Theatre performances. Tickets available with 25% discount for both the following 2 performances:
- Musical "The Wizard of Oz" on Friday 15th December 2017 at 7:15pm, at the Crucible. Tickets £24.
- Pantomime "Mother Goose" on Friday 5th January 2018 at 7:00pm, at the Lyceum. Tickets £20.25 for seats in the front stalls.
Also available seats at £15 (no discounts) for both performances. All tickets should be paid for by Sunday 26th February 2017. Cliff.

The Prayer Group

Last Sunday was Church Action on Poverty Sunday and involved preparation for the 'Hunger Lunch' so once again the Prayer Group did not gather formally.

We prayed for Mary J. who was unable to lead our worship as planned because of illness and give thanks to Marjorie who was able to step in at very short notice.

The following prayers were suggested for the day:

• Creator God, you made this good earth and gave us enough that all could delight in bread and wine, milk and honey, story and song. As Jesus sat by the lakeside and table and shared bread, and said that his body was broken for all, he showed us a glimpse of your Kingdom. Inspire us with a vision of a society beyond the scandal of poverty where bread is the birth right of all your children. Give us hearts that yearn for it, voices to call for it, strong hands to build it together.

• God calls us out of a harsh land into freedom, out of despair and apathy into a vision of another way of living. Jesus calls us into hope and friendship to build His Kingdom and to break bread with Him and with the hungry. The Holy Spirit calls us to transformation to shine in the darkness and into the world to change it. Lord, give us strength to follow where you call.