News

Please click to view images of the proposed new building 

JULIE HOMAR
It is with deep regret that we have to advise of the death of Julie, daughter of Barbara and Alan Homar, following a serious car accident last Sunday.  Please pray for Barbara, Alan, Lindsay, Lily and Julie’s fiancé Paul  and their extended family and friends that the Lord will uphold them at this difficult time.  If you are able to provide a meal for the family during this difficult time, please see Ann Gray who is co-ordinating this.

MORNING PRAYER
There is an opportunity everyday to join with others to worship God, listen and reflect on Bible passages and pray for the needs of our church community, our local community and the wider world. Nobody is expected to read, pray or say anything out loud although you can if you wish! Morning prayer is a great opportunity to grow in faith - do come along if you can. Mondays at 10.15am, Tuesdays to Fridays at 9.30am, Saturdays at 9am and Sundays at 7.30am   

HOPE: A PLACE OF MEETING AND CARE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE SUFFERED BEREAVEMENT AND LOSS
As part of our pastoral care in the parish, we have started a drop in for those who are suffering from bereavement or any other significant loss. We meet in the Cafe from 10.15-11.30 am on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month the next get together is on Wednesday 15th February. Do drop in for a free tea or coffee. For those that feel they want to talk about their loss there will be people available to offer a listening ear and care and support. If you know anyone who would appreciate this, please invite them along.

NINA JACKSON
Phill Carol, Mathew, Abby, Reg would like to say thank you for the love and support that we have received over the last few weeks, and for all the effort that went in to making  Mum's funeral a celebration of her life. I had several comments from people yesterday to say how welcoming they felt St Francis was and what a lovely service it was

TUESDAY NIGHT GROWING
Tuesday night growing sessions continue in the Meeting Room at 7.30pm in the Meeting Room where we will begin with worship and prayer and working through a short course on the Bible. We will look at the story of the Bible as a whole and develop skills and knowledge to help us understand it better.  There will be opportunities to ask questions and contribute although nobody will be expected to say anything if they don't want to. See Richard for more information.

SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE PARTY – 21ST FEBRUARY
W e are planning to hold a Pancake Party on Shrove Tuesday 21st February for children and their families. This will be from 3.30 – 5.00 pm. Pancakes will be available 3.30 – 4.30 on a drop in basis. Games will run from about 4.00 – 5.00 pm

FILL A JAR – BUILDING FUND
Thank you to everyone who returned their jars and to June Binns for counting all the pounds and pennies.  A total of £334.79 was raised for the Building Fund.

LENT 2012 –
‘The Lord’s Prayer’: 5 evenings exploring how to pray
The evenings will be held at Doncaster Minster, led by Bishop Peter (the new Bishop of Doncaster) (also Sheffield Cathedral with Bishop Steven) and will take place on 5 consecutive Wednesdays; 29 February and the 7, 14, 21, 28 March all at 7.30pm. The sessions are suitable for all who want to learn more about their faith but especially those who are exploring Christian faith and preparing for baptism and confirmation.

WELCOME TO THE BISHOP OF DONCASTER
A welcome service for Bishop Peter will take place in Sheffield Cathedral on Sunday 5 February (4pm) and a civic service of welcome for the Bishop will be held in Doncaster Minster on Saturday 11 February (11am).  Pray for Bishop Peter as he begins his ministry in the Diocese.

CHARITY FOR FEBRUARY/MARCH – MISSION AVAIATION FELLOWSHIP
Our Charity for February/March is Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF). This is a worldwide Christian organisation operating over 135 light aircraft over 30 countries everyday, 280 flights carrying patients, relief teams, medical supplies and Christian workers in the world’s remotest regions and places of deepest human need. MAF has been heavily involved with the East African food crisis which has affected over 12million people. Since August several missions, churches, NGO’s, relief and development agencies have been transported to the affected areas. Save the Children Fund estimate that 45% of children in Southern Sudan are suffering from malnutrition and MAF has conveyed many tons of food and supplies to remote villages in the north east of Sudan for their charity.  Please remember to support.
Bluebell Wood Hospice – supports terminally ill children and their families in a relaxed setting at their hospice. They are currently supporting 150 children and 45 bereaved families. One of the ways to raise funds for the Hospice is by purchasing gift cards. These range in price from £5.00 to £20.00 and can be purchased through their website www.bluebellwood.org . Remember too their shop in Scott Lane.

BURNS NIGHT SUPPER
Thank you to all our Chefs, Brian, Philip and Marlene for providing an excellent menu, to Ged Mallender for acting as MC for the evening, to Dawn and John for the music and to the table hostesses and waitresses and to anyone else who helped make the event a resounding success.  £1,006 was raised for the Building Fund.

MOTHER’S UNION NEWS
Branch Meeting – Beryl Taylor will be speaking at the Branch Meeting on Thursday 9th March 7.30 pm about life as the wife of a Vicar. All welcome to join us.
Make a Mother’s Day 18th March – Will you stand with the Mothers’ Union all over the world and give an ethical gift this Mothering Sunday? The Mothers’ Union leaflet, available in the church entrance, describes the choice of gifts available e.g. A gift of £22 helps pay for two months of Leadership Training which will equip the volunteer to help lift a deprived community out of poverty.  Send off your donation separately or give your cash/cheque to the joint church donation via Mary, Cath or Eileen. We all share a global responsibility for the poor.