METHODIST CHURCH
News from the Circuit and The Methodist Church
News from W/Bridgford Section Churches
News from Radcliffe Section Churches
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NEWS FROM THE RADCLIFFE SECTION Radcliffe on Trent, Gamstom and Cotgrave |
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CROSS – SECTION December 2009. The Newsletter for Radcliffe on Trent and Cotgrave Methodist Churches, and The Church at Gamston Minister: Revd. Janet Tanner Telephone: 0115 933 2509 E mail: revjantan@aol.com Ministers Letter We have already had our first Christmas letter, from Esther, one of our oldest and dearest friends. When my husband Richard and I and our baby son went to work with the Methodist Church in Sri Lanka, way back in 1979, we were sent to Esther’s village. We did not know any Sinhala, the local language, and Esther and her husband Lal did not know any English. Without many words, Esther went out of her way to welcome us into their home and into their lives with Christian love. By this I mean that we, as strangers, were welcomed as friends. As foreigners, we were accepted, with all our strange and incomprehensible ways. Esther’s young and struggling family helped our young and struggling family in ways that have left a deep bond of friendship and gratitude. At that time they had very little by way of time and energy or material things to give and share. But they were immensely generous. In a country where family is all-important and where we had none, we felt that we had somehow been included and accepted and loved: almost adopted. Christmas is the time of our Christian year when we think most about God’s love and acceptance of us, about God’s inclusion and adoption of each one of us into the family of God’s people. As we look around at the people we know in the church, we can remember and be happy about the fact that Jesus is re-making us, not just as nodding acquaintances, but as brothers and sisters who love and respect and trust one another. But don’t stop with the people you know. Look around the village, and in all the places you travel to over the Christmas period. Even the foreign places like Bingham! Look at all the people you don’t know and all the people you probably wouldn’t want to know! It is God’s plan, in sending Jesus to be our brother, to remove all the barriers and boundaries we set up between strangers and family, foreigners and friends. God’s plan is that there will be ‘peace on earth and goodwill to all people ‘ because, through the salvation brought to us in Jesus, everyone will be a brother or a sister to everyone else, regardless of age, race, political views, or anything else that may separate or divide. I pray that this Christmas time we will each of us be able to go out of our way to offer Christian love and care, not just to our loved ones and friends; not just to our church family and friends but to the stranger too. A happy and peaceful Christmas to you all, Janet The Section DISTRESSED MINISTER AT WORK Janet Tanner is hoping that there will be people willing and able to help her with some office work for the Section [churches at Radcliffe on Trent, Cotgrave and Gamston] on a regular basis. Work that is piling up on her study floor includes filing, word processing letters and notices, distribution of both, and the preparation and updating of lists and data bases. Along with the relevant skills you will need a good sense of humour, be able to keep confidences, the ability to work for free and lots of patience with your minister. If you have an hour or two a week or a month, please talk to me soon! MANY THANKS, JANET ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Items for the January Newsletter to be submitted to Joe Greenhalgh by 15th December at joseph.greenhalgh@ntlworld.com Cotgrave Minister: Rev Janet Tanner 0115 933 2509 Lettings: Mrs Eileen Taylor 0115 989 3784 CHRISTMAS SERVICES 2009 Services start at 10.30am unless otherwise stated
Open Door The first Saturday of every month. Coffee and chat 10.30-12.00. Sat 5th Dec: Christmas Tree Festival Breakfast with God Every Sunday morning from 9am – 10.15am for all young people aged 10 and over. Share breakfast, Bible readings, thoughts and prayers together before worship. Junior Church Our Junior Church meets every Sunday morning (except for the third week of the month when we all worship together). All children under 11 are welcome to join. (Over 11s come to Breakfast with God and then join the whole church for worship). Transform meets every Wednesday during term time in the Methodist Community Hall (behind the church) from 3.30pm – 5pm for year 6 children. Further details are available from our Youth Evangelist, Gareth Baron (07988 152 468) the_group meets every Wednesday during term time in the Methodist Community Hall (behind the church) from 5 – 6.30pm for anyone aged 11 - 14. Further details are available from our Youth Evangelist, Gareth Baron (07988 152 468) ClaYFroG Cotgrave Youth Fellowship Group meets on a Monday evening from 6 – 8pm for all Christians aged 11 – 16 years. Further details are available from our Youth Evangelist, Gareth Baron (07988 152 468) Fellowship @ Grannies The ALPHA Course on a Thursday evening at Grannies ends in December. Contact Louise Beaumont 0781 5803 837 for details of other activities. Fellowship @ 48 Informal worship, prayer and Bible study led by Lynda Blyth at her home, 48 Broadmeer. All are welcome on Tues 8th & 15th Dec and 5th, 19th Jan beginning at 7.30pm. Bible Studies Led by Mike Chadderton at 7.30pm on Tuesday evenings 1st & 15th Dec and 5th & 19th Jan, at 30 Mill Lane, the home of Jean Rutherford. For more information/lifts, contact Jean on 989 0355. A warm welcome is extended to all. Women’s Group Meet each Wednesday at 2pm for fellowship, discussion and prayer with a variety of speakers in the vestry. There is always a welcome for new members. We take a break over Christmas with no meetings on Dec 23rd and Dec 30th. For further details contact Ruth Okrafo-Smart on 989 2270. Prayer Walking No prayer walk in December. Prayer Chain Prayer messages are passed down this chain of church friends by phone. To start a prayer chain message please contact Jean Rutherford 989 0355. If you would like to join the Prayer Chain please speak to any member. The Prayer Chain is: Jean Rutherford 989 0355 Eileen Taylor 989 3784 Elaine Hanby 989 4378 Lynda Blyth 989 4670 Margaret Wood 989 0092 Maureen Pedlar 989 3198 Rosemary & Ray Springhall 989 3902 Rev Janet Tanner 933 2509 THE CHURCH AT GAMSTON Services for December 2009 (Services start at 10.00am unless otherwise stated) Date Preacher Details 6th Dec Marin Blyth/Rosie Farrow Morning worship 13th Dec Bob Weir Morning worship 20th Dec Janet Tanner Nativity 10.00am Community Centre 25th Dec Worship at West Bridgeford Methodist Church 10.30 27th Dec Worship at West Bridgeford Methodist Church 10.30 SPECIAL EVENTS 21 December Carols by Candlelight in the Village Hall at 7.30pm 24th Dec Christingle in the Community Centre at 4.00pm Other Dates for the Diary: 10 December Fellowship Group at Jo’s - 8.00pm 19 December Nativity practise/party for the young people at the village hall 5-7pm 30 January Social Evening - Meal at the village hall 5.00/7.00pm 13 March Church Away Day at Bradmore RADCLIFFE-ON-TRENT Sunday services for December 2009 (Services start at 10.00am unless otherwise stated)
Door Stewards Dec. 6. Joan Costa & Barbara Penistan 13. Eileen Perrett & Pat Mitchell 20. Yvonne and John Ellison 27. Eileen Threadgold & Audrey Caley Flower Rota Dec. 6. Vacant 13. Val Bayliss 20. Maureen and Nev. Bemrose 27. Maureen and Nev. Bemrose Thanks to all those who gave or arranged flowers throughout the year, a new list for 2010 is on the bookcase in the vestibule. Coffee Rota Dec 6. Helen and John Hancock and Sheila Hood 13. Joan Costa, Jane James and Gordon Douglas 20. Mary Wilson, Hazel Fall and David Parkhouse 27. Elaine Upton, Susan Worsnop and Zena Mazey ADVENT PRAYER We invite you to extend your personal prayer life with other opportunities to pray for our church and the community of Radcliffe during this period of Advent, and into the New Year. Wednesdays - weekly Prayer Group from 9 to 10.30am at different homes around Radcliffe for intercessory prayers of concern. 2 December at 35, Clumber Drive 9 December at 31, Chatsworth Avenue 16 December at 14, Gatcombe Close 23 December at 3, Orford Avenue. Everyone is welcome to come to any of these groups whenever they are able. Thursday 17 December - Prayer Walk around the centre of Radcliffe leaving the Methodist Church car park at 11.30am for about 1 hour. Friday 18 December - 'Be Still and Know' - ( a week earlier than usual because of Christmas) 9.30 to 10.30am. Usually held on the 4th Friday of each month for quiet reflection, on people who need our prayers, or on our church, our community, and the world at large, or just to be still, and know the presence of God. Drop in for as long as you like, and feel the peace. Food for Thought Thursday 3rd December 12.15pm . All are welcome - anyone of any age - to come along and enjoy a simple lunch and a pause for thought. Further information from Jean Smith M.E.G. (Monday Evening Group – worship, Bible study, prayer and friendship) MEG meet on Dec 7th at 8pm at 26 Water Lane, the home of the Layhe family. Christians Together in Radcliffe will hold ‘Carols at the Grange’ back at the Grange this year on Monday 21st December from 7.15pm with music from the Band of the Nottingham Citadel of the Salvation Army. All are welcome. Bring a torch and a friend, and wrap up warmly! Coffee and mince pies will be served afterwards. If you can bring some mince pies for our contribution, please bring them on the night. The Christians Together in Radcliffe Christmas Card will be ready for distribution early in December .This goes to all the households in the village with details of Christmas services in all the churches, and a Christmas message. As it may be the only card that some people get that puts Christ first in Christmas, please help with the distribution if you can; the story we have to tell is worth spreading!! In January the Christians Together in Radcliffe service for the week of Prayer for Christian Unity takes place on the Sunday preceding the week - Sunday 17th January 2010 at 6.30pm. Book the date now - this is one of the opportunities for Christians in the village to worship side by side. On Friday 15th January next year, our minister, Janet Tanner, will be sharing some of her experiences of her work as a Speech and Language Therapist. Venue to be announced. Footsteps is for all, so note the date now, and bring a friend. Tuesday Club For all children aged 7 - 11years with games, craft and Bible based activities. This month’s club date is Dec 8th from 3.45 – 5pm. Friday Morning Communion service We will gather in the Prayer Room at 9.30am on Friday Dec 11th led by the Rev Janet Tanner to share in worship and quiet reflection together around the Lord’s Table. All are welcome. C.A.M.E.O. (Come And Meet each Other) [A group for working women] The next meeting will be on Tuesday Dec 8th . More details will be made available in the weekly notice sheet. Methodist Ladies Tuesday Group On December 1st 7.30pm we are having a Reindeer Drive, like a Beetle Drive but bigger! It is our annual Carol Service on December 15th at 7.30pm. The Rev Janet Tanner will give the address and we will also be welcoming the Rythm & Rhyme singers. The offering this year will be for the Radcliffe Youth Project. Refreshments will be available afterwards. Thank You Heartfelt thanks from Rita, Cliff and Family to everyone for their prayerful support, flowers and cards that helped us through the past difficult weeks. Grateful thanks to the drivers who enabled Rita to visit Hilary in hospital every day. The loving support that we all felt from the congregation at Hilary’s funeral helped to make a bad day good. Action for Children (home collection boxes) Many thanks to those who have collecting boxes in their homes. A total of £491.07 was raised this year If anyone would like to support Action for Children by having a box in their home, please contact Denise Worral 9118951 Brenda’s disappointment Brenda Holmes had worked herself up to become a teenager once again; she had volunteered to help on a weekend, travelling down to Cheltenham with the Youth Group on Friday 13th Nov. Sleeping on the Bethesda Methodist Church floor, she was then to travel down to Cheddar Gorge on Saturday morning to brave the weather and prepare lunch while other teenagers were ‘blown’ up the side of the Gorge, only to have to come down further along. She was then to travel down to Glastonbury to walk around the town, experiencing the different cultures, as this town is called the spiritual centre of the Country. For the evening dressed with hat, gloves and long johns she would stand in a Church garden over looking the High Street to watch a 2 hour spectacular show and parade of floats. Following the show she would have had the chance to continue the carnival spirit by dancing in the street to Samba Drums, then sleeping on the floor of Glastonbury Methodist Church floor. Sunday morning she would have been travelling back up the M5, stopping at a Service station to get out a table in the car park and share a meal. A little further along at the Worcester Extreme Bowl she would have been seen playing Ten Pin Bowling before returning to Radcliffe. What she would not have had to do was any cooking because Danny Petch and Joe Lowe did that, nor would she have to wash up as other teenagers did that. Brenda heard that the Youth Group were having difficulty finding a female member of staff to go along on a weekend, and not wanting them to cancel, she said she would go if they found no one else. Up until 3 days beforehand she had a place on the minibus, then Nicky Lee from the Youth Project, The Boys Brigade and Anchor Association come forward to help out and we had to let Brenda down gently as she had worked herself up so much with excitement. As a Youth Group we would like to thank Brenda and Nicky. When we were trying to find someone to help, it was clear that people involved with our Church didn’t understand what our Young People get involved with. We currently have around 50 young people between 11 and 25 registered with our Church. It is true that about a third are currently only involved with The Duke of Edinburgh Award. We are providing a Christian connection for all of these young people. Some are already connected with different Churches, but others are not. We were warmly welcomed by the Churches we visited and they are thrilled to allow their premises to be taken over and used by Young People. We will also be writing to say Thank you. Parent Support Group (TAG) Group for mums with young children – creche available Thursday 10th December. 1:30 – 3pm Here is an opportunity to meet up with others and look at some of the challenges in caring for young children. Through a course of discussion sessions, we will share experiences and think about some of the things we can do in balancing the pressures of parenting today. Further details from Rachael Glover (9335 283) This is proving so popular that we are desperate for more helpers for the crèche. If you can give 1.5 hours once a month please contact Rachel Brown (9104452) Community Cafe Saturday 12 December 9:30 – 12:00 (every 2nd Sat of the month) Something for all the family: fun crafts for the children – good quality fair trade coffee - homemade cakes – different local crafts on sale each month – trade craft stall – and most importantly friendship and good company. If you are able to bake a cake or help on the day please contact: Wendy Layhe tel.07790404534 or Rachael Glover tel.07817107787 Many thanks to all those who supported us in November. PASTORALIA For Radcliffe: Barbara and Clive Marshall and family Ian and Betty Wood Rita and Clifford Daniel and family Sue and Alan Wakefield and Nikki Geeson and family Joan Smith and families For Cotgrave: Alison and Michael and Eileen and Mick Taylor For Church involvement in community events over the Christmas season, For Gamston: The Dickason family For Andy Harris and the new venture at Holme Pierrepont School The Nottingham South Circuit Martin Blyth, new lay worker at Clifton Brian and Fay Spencer Pray too for people in your village who will be lonely, sad or troubled this Christmas time. |
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