Notices 12th March

Sunday, March 12, 2017

Envelope Scheme. The new year for this offertory scheme begins in April and new envelopes are now being distributed. Many thanks to all members of the scheme, which ensures a regular income for the church. If you are not a member and would like details with a view to joining, please see Helen Morris. Confidentiality is always assured. This is also a time when we should prayerfully consider if our giving is keeping up with the church's needs. Thank you.

Gift Day Service has been arranged for Sunday 19th March, when personal and departmental gifts will be received during the morning service. Gift envelopes are included with the new issue of the church magazine which is now available. If you are a member of the Envelope Scheme, please write your number on the Gift Day envelope for Gift Aiding. Thanks.

The Prayer Space (in a corner of the entrance hall) has been updated. New theme: Lent.

The Pastoral Committee will meet on Tuesday 21st March, 7:30pm in the Owlerton Room.

Prayer Group Report

Last Sunday we read from Psalm 121 - 'My help comes from the Lord...' etc...

We gave thanks for God's Word and for all the agencies working to offer the Bible to as many people as possible. We prayed especially for the newly appointed C.E.O. of Biblelands - for God's vision for him as he looks to extend the work of Biblelands, especially in Africa.

We prayed for the recent forum organised by Biblelands in Africa which brought together leaders of some nations, ministers, civil servants etc. May all come to base their judgements and decisions on Bible truths. One of Tearfund's current initiatives is to seek out survivors of Ebola to help them face the future.

We prayed for Christians being persecuted as they 'stand up' for Jesus in extremely difficult circumstances in various parts of the world - Egypt, Pakistan etc...

We prayed for our own church, thinking especially of the Brownies, Guides and their leaders as they continue their efforts to raise funds for their new building in Switzerland.

Our prayers continued for the housebound, the desperately ill and the bereaved. We gave thanks for the care services offered by St Luke's and other 'end of life' agencies.

We gave thanks for food banks to help the needy but feel ashamed that there is such a need for them in this country. We prayed particularly for 'Share' at Parson Cross and for Mount Tabor church where the food bank is based. They have suffered several break-ins over the months, the most recent being last week when a lot of damage was done. We remembered all those who work in and contribute to food banks and prayed that workers at 'Share' will not be discouraged. May those who have benefited from the food bank and from the love offered by the church come together to persevere and be watchful against this wanton destruction.