SERVICES DURING THE INTERREGNUM
During the interregnum it is our intention to maintain Holy Communion at the 8.30 am service each week. However, due to pressure on clergy in the Deanery/Diocese, this may not be possible at the 10.30 a.m. service The following is the pattern of services through to September.
Sunday 29th August – 8.30 and 10.30 am Revd Jack Davis will be taking both services.
Sunday 5th September – 8.30 am Revd John Bird will preside and at 10.30 Paul Hart will be leading the service of Word and Praise. Pamela Levens, East Area Co-ordinator for the Leprosy Mission will give the address.
Sunday 12th September – 8.30 am Revd Richard Landall – 10.30 Service of Word and Praise
Sunday 19th September – Revd Tim Leach will preside at both services.
Sunday 26th September – Harvest Festival – Revd Canon John Thomson, Diocesan Director of Ministry, will be leading both services.
Sunday 3rd October – Revd Jack Davis will preside at both services
CAFE THEO OPENING
The Cafe will open each Saturday morning starting on 11th September, between 9.00 am and
12 noon for drinks, homemade cakes, freshly baked scones, teacakes etc. We are aiming at a standard that will be high, consistent and affordable. Thank you so much if you have offered to help with the Cafe, either serving or baking a homemade cake. Marlene will be in touch with you shortly with more details. It is not too late if you would like to help in this way. We also need help on the first morning giving out vouchers near the shops for a free coffee with any purchase of a cake or scone that will, we hope, encourage people to come in.
We hope that many of you will look in especially during the first few weeks to have a drink or snack. We need to look busy if we are to entice people in! If you need any more information please speak to Marlene Gannon or to one of the fund raising team. Linda Burkinshaw, Maureen Brydon, Lynda Crosby and Ann Gray
SPRING HARVEST: 9 – 14th April 2011
Could all those who have booked to go to Spring Harvest please let Sheila have the balance of your booking fee by 1st December. Cheques to be made payable to Butlins Skyline Ltd.
PAKISTAN FLOOD DISASTER
This disaster is turning out to be much greater than first reported. The devastating effect on the country will have long-term repercussions. We are asking you to give generously to the relief fund set up by the Disasters Emergency Committee. There are plates in the entrance hall and café for donations, which will be sent via Christian Aid.
MOTHERS’ UNION
Advance notice – date for your diary. The ever-popular MU Quiz has been arranged for Saturday 9th October, further details nearer the time.
Thanks to all members who paid their subscriptions for Families First.
CHARITIES & MISSIONS
‘UNDER THE TREES SCHOOLS’ is the charity for August and September. Whilst fighting was in progress between North and South Sudan, Revd Joseph Ayok-Loewenberg (a Sudanese working with CMS) started ‘Under the Trees Schools’ in his home area in 2000. It was impossible to build permanent schools and several times the ‘schools’ had to be packed into bags and taken into the bush wherever the children had gone to escape the conflict.
With the signing of the Peace Agreement in 2005, it became possible to think about building permanent schools. In February 2006, 1000 children were receiving primary and secondary education under the trees. But in 2009 the Ayok-Anei School for Girls was formally opened with many local people and visitors from Switzerland and the UK. This year there are 320 girls on roll, aged 6-15 years and there is a nursery school for over 100 children (because many of the older girls are responsible for their younger siblings.
At present the World Food Programme supplies food for a midday meal, but it is hoped eventually to start a farm and provide vocational training in agricultural techniques. Costs are high in Southern Sudan, so please give generously. Gift Aid Forms are available.