Notices – week beginning 25/05/08

Lectionary According to the Church lectionary (i.e. calendar) we are now in what is known as ‘Ordinary time’ until the season of Advent (November). This coincides with my own sense of leading that I should now start preaching from passages outside of the lectionary, and on themes which I believe are particularly relevant to St John’s at this time. This Sunday we begin a series of studies on the subject of healing.

Confirmation. As you know already Bethany Carter is being confirmed next Sunday at St Michael’s, Marfleet Lane at 6.30 p.m. At the same time, Nick is also going to be re-confirmed! I didn’t know until last week that this was even possible, but apparently it is, so please do come and support both Nick & Bethany next Sunday evening, on what will be a great occasion for the Carter family.

Correction. Having now spoken to Nick Whetton, he’s happy to do 4th Sunday next month as 4th Sunday i.e. with no change to our normal service pattern. This means that Nick will lead Holy Communion and All Age Worship on the 4th Sunday (22nd), and I will be leading Morning Worship on the 5th Sunday. For those who don’t know him, Nick is Senior Chaplain at Hull Prison.

Artwork. The exhibition of artwork is by Escourt Primary School Year 5, and on the subject of re-cycling. There will be another exhibition at the end of term, presented by another year group, under the direction of Doug Smelt. Also, an exhibition by True Colours at the end of June.

St John’s story. At our recent DCC, we agreed we’d tell our version of the St John’s story, and invite others to do the same. The idea is that we hand-write it (say two sides of A4), maybe add a photo or two, and have it all ready in scrap book format by the next DCC (July 28). Antoine is also happy to record your story, and to bring suitable sound equipment with him to Church. We’ve got a great story to tell, and one which others would be really interested to know about. At the same time, it may not be easy to get started, so Steve, Sharon and I are aiming to get ours done by mid June. Let’s do it!

Cleaning the Church. A reminder that the next date for Church cleaning is Saturday 7th June (9.30 a.m.-12).

Antoine is playing at the Reindeer again – on Sunday 8th June (8.30-11). Let’s see if we can support him for at least some of the evening. It was great last time.

Growth Group. Those of us who go to this would be really encouraged if others made this a priority in their week. Everyone is under pressure, and of course it’s an effort, but it’s definitely an effort worth making, as well as being an opportunity to get to know each other better, and grow spiritually (c.f. Hebrews 10:25). If anyone needs a lift, let me know. Next meeting: Wednesday @ 7.30. Venue: Jo & Antoine’s – 140 Summergangs.

Nomsa. As you know, Nomsa has been separated from her family for more than 5 years now, and is feeling their pain very much in the increasingly desperate situation in Zimbabwe. I have been concerned that as a Church, there must be something we can do, and we can. Nomsa has four children Libone & Liqonde (twins - both 19), Sanele (18) and the only girl Khanyi (11). I understand that now the only way her children and her mother, Simipi, can survive is by one or more of them going into Botswana to collect food from an uncle, financed by Nomsa herself. Having thought and prayed about this, I believe that our Christian response should be for us as a Church to help Nomsa to continue to support her family. This is an open appeal alongside our normal giving, and will be kept under review. Simply put your offering into an envelope marked ‘Nomsa appeal’, and we will ensure she gets the money as soon as possible. Remember that if you are a tax-payer, we can also recover gift aid.

Phase 2. We had a meeting with Jonathan (architect) and Halls to discuss Phase 2 i.e. the present grass & bramble patch (south side). Various suggestions were made to get Jonathan’s plan within budget, and he has now produced a revised scheme. Once we’re all agreed, I was told it’ll take Halls 3 weeks to get a team together, and 3 weeks to get the work done. End of July looks realistic. Then on to Phase 3!

Next Sunday. Service Holy Communion (10.30).

Notices – week beginning 18/05/08

Estcourt Primary. There will be a Year 5 children’s exhibition of artwork here on Wednesday (1.30-2.30), to which parents and others have been invited. If you’re free and would like to come, do join us. Many thanks to Doug Smelt for organizing this.

St John’s story. At our recent DCC, we agreed we’d tell our version of the St John’s story, and invite others to do the same. The idea is that we hand-write it (say two sides of A4), maybe add a photo or two, and have it all ready in scrap book format by the next DCC (July 28). Antoine is also happy to record your story, and to bring suitable sound equipment with him to Church. We’ve got a great story to tell, and one which others would be really interested to know about. So let’s do it!

Services in June. There’s going to be a change in our service pattern in June, as Ann, Ruthie & I need to be away at a family 60^th birthday party in Surrey on June 22^nd (4^th Sunday). The idea is to swap 4^th & 5^th Sundays in June so that Morning Worship is on the 4^th Sunday and Holy Communion/All Age Worship on the 5^th Sunday (29^th). Although I haven’t managed to speak to him about it yet, I understand that Nick Whetton (Prison Chaplain) can lead and preach at Morning Worship on 22^nd.

Banns of marriage today, for 3^rd time of asking. Paul Simon Skipworth of St James’, Sutton and Leanne Currie of this parish, and Paul Robert Taylor & Paula Davison (both of this parish).

Cleaning the Church. A reminder that the next date for Church cleaning is Saturday 7^th June (9.30 a.m.-12).

Confirmation. A reminder that Bethany Carter is to be confirmed on Sunday June 1^st at St Michaels, Marfleet Lane (just off Holderness Road). Time 6.30 p.m. Do come and support her.

Antoine is playing at the Reindeer again – on Sunday 8^th June (8.30-11). Let’s see if we can support him for at least some of the evening. It was great last time.

Explore Group meeting this Wednesday @ 7.30 p.m. at Peter & Jane’s house (109 Laburnum Avenue), doing a Bible study from Luke 12. Also a chance to catch up with how we’re getting on using Explore Bible Study notes.

DCC. Darren, Antoine & Nick were welcomed on as newly appointed members. Also, the following officers were appointed: vice-chair (Steve), covenant secretary (Steve), DCC secretary (Sharon), Electoral roll officer (Wiggy). Also Standing Committee – ex-officio +Wiggy & Nick. However, the post of treasurer is currently vacant.

Cross. The discussion we had at DCC can be summarized as follows. We decided to dispense with the non-uniform cross-piece (as originally proposed), keep the wider of the two vertical shafts as is, cut the other vertical shaft to a size suitable to form the new cross-piece, embed the cross-piece into the vertical to ensure uniformity and lightly clean throughout. We’re now waiting to hear back from Halls re a price. The result should look really good.

Phase 2. We had a meeting with Jonathan (architect) and Halls to discuss Phase 2 i.e. the present grass & bramble patch (south side). Various suggestions were made to get Jonathan’s plan within budget, and he is now working on a revised scheme. Once he’s ready, and we’re all agreed, I was told it’ll take Halls 3 weeks to get a team together, and 3 weeks to get the work done. End of July looks realistic. Then on to Phase 3!

Fairtrade. At DCC, we agreed we’d become a Fairtrade Church. This will involve using Fairtrade tea and coffee after services and in all meetings for which you have responsibility, moving towards using other Fairtrade products such as sugar, biscuits and fruit, and promoting Fairtrade during Fairtrade Fortnight and during the year through events, worship and other activities whenever possible. Wiggy will be our Fairtrade representative. More details to follow.

Next Sunday. Services Holy Communion (9.30), All Age Worship (10.30).

Notices – week beginning 11/05/08

Zimbabwe. Do please continue to pray for Nomsa & her family at this distressing time. Food is v. scarce, and the threat of violence ever present. Pray for a resolution of the political situation, and for a new government to be formed.

Peter & Jane’s daughter, Katie, has had a daughter Hana.

District Church Council. There’s a DCC meeting tomorrow at 7 p.m. in the Upper Room, when we welcome new DCC members Darren (previously co-opted on), Antoine & Nick. Pray for wisdom.

Exams. Please pray for those sitting GCSEs & A-levels this week, including Danielle Finn, Abi Dixon & our Ruth.

Happy birthdays to Ruth (14th) and Antoine (16th).

Global Day of Prayer – This event starts at 6.30pm today in Beverley Minster. A wonderful opportunity for worship, prayer, teaching and testimony. And even if you can’t physically be there, please make this a special day of praying for a transformation of our society through the power of Jesus.

Rota (May-August) at back of Church. Do collect yours.

Banns of marriage today, for 2nd time of asking. Paul Simon Skipworth of St James’, Sutton and Leanne Currie of this parish, and Paul Robert Taylor & Paula Davison (both of this parish).

Growth Group meeting this Wednesday @ 7.30 p.m. Antoine & Jo’s house – 140 Summergangs Road. Worship & word (Nehemiah). Do join us if you can. NB. Next week, we’ll be at Peter & Jane’s house (109 Laburnum Avenue), and doing a Bible study from Luke 12. using Explore Bible Study notes.

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!

Website. In case you didn’t know, our website is kept updated by John Saunderson, and includes weekly notices. www.saintjohn.org.uk

Mission Shaped Intro: Four weeks to rediscover mission and re-imagine church.
New world, new church? Our world and our lives have changed radically in the last twenty years, but has the church adapted to this change? Do we need a changed church for a changing world? Are new forms of church really possible? If so, how can they be developed? The aim of this course is to explore the ‘why’ of creating fresh expressions of church rather than the ‘how’. The four week course takes us on a journey looking at the ever-changing nature of our social communities and why the church needs to rethink its approach to those communities in meaningful and relevant ways. The course is designed to present those changes in an informative and interactive way, and is suitable for both clergy and lay alike. The ninety minute sessions are delivered through verbal presentation, powerpoints, movie clips and stories with group participation. While it is designed to help groups to consider the ‘mixed economy’ approach to mission, it is also an ideal course for congregations and groups. It also provides a link from vision days for those who wish to discover more and for those who wish to go further through the mission-shaped ministry course. Matthew Brailsford
Course details: Venue: St Nicholas’ Parish Hall, Pickering Road Hull HU4 6SA Time: Wednesday Evenings 8.00-9.30pm 11th, 18th, 25th, June & 2nd July. More info needed? Contact: Matthew Brailsford (631306) or by e/m Matthew.brailsford@ukgateway.net

Next Sunday. Holy Communion (10.30)

Notices – week beginning 4/05/08

Evening Prayer meeting this evening is at the Rectory, Laburnum Avenue at 6.30pm “Prayer Walking” – all welcome.

Happy birthdays to Declan Finn today and Peggy on Monday

Drypool Echo. There’s a good article this month in the Parish mag., written by Wiggy, following her week at Spring Harvest. Do read it – it’s good. If you’re not sure about payment etc, put an extra 30p in the collection sometime. Also, remember Norman’s appeal for articles for future months. He’d love to hear from you on stormin@stormin.karoo.co.uk If you’re not sure, why not have a word with him first.

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.

Banns of marriage today, for 1st time of asking. Paul Simon Skipworth of St James’, Sutton and Leanne Currie of this parish, and Paul Robert Taylor & Paula Davison (both of this parish).

Bank Holiday Monday 5th May. Walk in Wolds around beautiful Thixendale and deserted village of Wharram Percy. 6 – 8 miles, some hills. Meet at 9am outside St Columba with packed lunch. If possible please let Lorelli know if you are coming for transport purposes (323840).

True Colours meeting this afternoon 2.30-4, and tomorrow 6.30-8 as usual. Next Sunday p.m., there will be a disco.

Rota (May-August) at back of Church. Do collect yours.

Growth Group meeting this Wednesday @ 7.30 p.m. Antoine & Jo’s house – 140 Summergangs Road. Worship & word (Nehemiah). Do join us if you can.

Prayer meeting this Friday for a joint meeting with St Aidan’s at St Aidan’s (8-11). Do join us for prayer, led by Joseph Ingram (their new Churchwarden).

Global Day of Prayer – Try Praying. Lots of cards available about this event at 6.30pm, 11th May in Beverley Minster. This is a wonderful opportunity for worship, prayer, teaching and testimony. And even if you can’t physically be there, please make 11th May a special day of praying for a transformation of society through the power of Jesus.

William Mather is planning to do the “Three Peaks Walk” in the Yorkshire Dales on 9th May in aid of college fees for Godwin Obot and kitchen plans for St Columba. Any sponsorship, support and prayers will be hugely appreciated – it is 26 miles with 4,742ft of ups and downs!

Quiz Night – Thursday 29th May at 7.30 pm at St Columba. All welcome – bring a friend! Tickets £5 per person, joining together to make teams of 4. (come as a team or join with others on the night). Supper and tea and coffee included, but feel free to bring your own beverages. Fundraising for young people’s work. For more information contact Neil Billany, John Saunderson (784774) or Libby Mather (786553).

Next Sunday. Holy Communion (9.30); Breakfast Club+ (10.30) – Theme: The Power House; True Colours Disco (2.30); Global Day of Prayer (6.30) @ Beverley Minster.