Growth Group. No Growth Group this week. For those who came last Wednesday (and any others interested), there is a sheet at the back of Church, for meditation and further reflection on Nehemiah 3. Do take a copy.
Church clean. Many thanks to those who came yesterday to help clean and tidy the Church. Hopefully, you’ve noticed the difference! Next cleaning date June 7th.
Antoine is playing at the Reindeer tonight from 9 p.m. Why not call by, have a pint and support him?
DCC. Congratulations to Darren, Nick & Antoine who were all elected onto our DCC, following last Sunday’s annual meeting at St Columba. Our DCC is now full! Next meeting – May 12th @ 7 p.m. in Church.
Confirmation. Following her baptism in February, Bethany Carter would like to be confirmed. I’m happy for that to happen, and it will be on Sunday June 1st at St Michaels, Marfleet Lane (just off Holderness Road). Time 6.30 p.m. Do come and support her. If there is anyone else thinking about taking this step, have a word with me in the first instance.
Zimbabwe. Today has been designated a special day of prayer for the situation in Zimbabwe. Below see first ‘the appeal’ from Bob Stumbles – Chancellor (Anglican Diocese of Harare), followed by ++Sentamu’s response. Please make a point of specially supporting Nomsa and her family today in your prayers, as well as others caught up in this dire situation.
A desperate cry from the hearts of Zimbabwe screams across the world. It calls upon all Christians of every denomination in every nation to focus their prayers, in churches, halls, homes or elsewhere, on Sunday 27th April, 2008 on the critical situation in Zimbabwe, a nation in dire distress and teetering on the brink of human disaster. Let the cry for help touch your heart and mind. Let it move you to do what you can immediately to ensure this Day of Prayer takes place in your country and neighbourhood.
Please pass on this message right now to all the churches and Christian organisations known to you and to the media as well as to everyone anxious to rescue Zimbabwe from violence, the concealing and juggling of election results, deceit, oppression and corruption, and to bring about righteousness, joy, peace, compassion, honesty, justice, democracy and freedom from fear and want. May a continual strong stream of prayer and supplication flow up to the Lord on behalf of all the people on this Day of Prayer, exhorting His divine intervention throughout the nation. "It is by making the truth publicly known that we recommend ourselves to the honest judgment of mankind in the sight of God." (2 Corinthians 4:2)
Some advice to Zimbabweans: "Who so putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe." (Proverbs 29:25) "Stand fast, and do not let yourselves be caught again in the yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1) "Make no mistake, you cannot cheat God." (Galatians 6:7) "Do not be overcome by evil but overcame evil with good" (Romans 12:21) Bob Stumbles, Chancellor - The Anglican Diocese of Harare
Archbishop calls for public to join him for day of fasting and prayer in York Minster for Zimbabwe. This Sunday (April 27 2008) the Archbishop of York will spend a day of fasting and prayer in York Minster in support of the people of Zimbabwe. Dr John Sentamu is calling on the public to join him at the cathedral for the vigil and light a candle to stand in solidarity with the suffering people of Zimbabwe. The Archbishop's action follows his joint statement released yesterday with the Archbishop of Canterbury, calling for "a civil society movement that both gives voice to those who demand an end to the mayhem that grows out of injustice, poverty, exclusion and violence". Dr Sentamu said: "I want as many people as possible to join me at the Minster to pray for the situation in Zimbabwe and light a candle as a public demonstration of support for the people there. As a Christian community we must all stand together with our brothers and sisters living under the tyranny Mugabe and pray that they will find deliverance." Dr Sentamu will begin his prayer vigil at 8.00am in York Minster until the end of evensong at 4.30pm and will lead prayers on the hour every hour.
Explore. I don’t have any more Explore notes, but if you’re interested in joining those using this system of Bible Study, you should contact the Good Book Company on 0945-225-0880, or you can find them on the web. Many thanks to Jo for introducing me to this organisation.
Litter pick. Next litter-pick from Rosmead Park on Saturday, May 17th (8.30 a.m.). Do join us if you can. It’s fun!
Happy birthdays to Mark & Sharon Finn whose birthdays are on Friday (2nd) & Saturday (3rd) respectively, followed by Declan next Sunday (4th) and Peggy on Monday week (5th).
True Colours meeting this afternoon 2.30-4, and tomorrow 6.30-8 as usual. Many thanks to Chris & Anne Clark & Julia Clapp. Also. Ann in support with the cooking and Doug Smelt with painting.
Lord Mayor’s Gala Parade. Next Saturday is the Lord Mayor’s Gala Parade ending in East Park (1-6 p.m.). Come & share with Churches Together and Hope 08 at their stands, including music, charicatures, face painting, Church displays, chop-stick crosses, refreshments, psalm trail, fun & fellowship.
Wedding. The wedding of Aaron Finney & Alice Marshall will be at St Columba at 2 p.m. (Lord Mayor permitting!)
Next Sunday. Holy Communion - 10.30 a.m.
