Untitled - Church of the Good Shepherd

Goodshepherdfourmarks.org.uk
Vicar
Revd. Howard Wright. The Vicarage, Four Marks, GU34 5AA
(01420-563344)
Howardwright
@gmail.com
Youth &
Children's
Worker
Tim Goodwright. 11, Reads Field,
Four Marks, GU34 5XA
(07577-746275)
Timgoodwright
@gmail.com
Administrator
Matt Senior
01420-560622)
Cogsoffice
@googlemail.com
Churchwardens
Alan Thain (01420-85185)
Lynn Vine (01420-560672)
a.thain@virgin.net
lynn.vine@live.co.uk
Treasurer
Richard Gillard
Assistant Treasurer: Tim Wettone)
Deanery
Synod
Lisa Bonter, Janet Foster, Kennett Westmacott, Lesley
Edwards
PCC
Roger Buckley, Jan Evans, Michele Evans, Alison Frater,
Julian Hunt, Frank Maloney, Chris McGrath, Bob Moore,
Natalie Senior, Chris McGrath (PCC Secretary)
Licensed Lay
Ministers
David Bush, Lesley Edwards, Janet Foster, Robert Hughes,
Christopher King-Smith, Jonathan Rooke ,Alan Thain
Keyholder
Val Lucas, The Flints, Lymington
valalucas@aol.com
Bottom, Four Marks. 01420561139
Magazine
Editor
Robert Parker. 20 Blackberry Lane, Parker305
Four Marks, GU34 5BP (563433)
@btinternet.com
Ministries at The Good Shepherd
Rev. Howard Wright leads the Discipleship & Mission ministries
Tim Goodwright leads the Youth and Children’s ministry
Keith Anderson leads the Worship ministry
Lisa Bonter leads the Pastoral ministry
Lesley Edwards leads the overall Prayer ministry
2
The Vicar’s Letter
Power and Authority for
Making Disciples
I remember as a young Christian being
told, whenever you read the word
“therefore” in the Bible, always ask, what it is there for?
At the end of Matthew’s account of Jesus’ life, Jesus says,
“Therefore, go …” (Matthew 28:19). What is the “therefore” there
for?
It is there because, as Jesus says, “All authority on heaven and
earth has been given to me.” Those of us familiar with the Bible are
always at risk of just skimming over words like these – we know it
after all. Perhaps familiarity does breed contempt, or if not as negative as contempt, it does breed complacency.
Through Jesus all things were made, and Jesus holds all things together (Colossians chapter 1, verses 16 & 17). We belong to him. Jesus will judge all and hold every individual accountable for their faith,
attitudes and actions (Matthew 25:31-33 and 2 Timothy 4:1). This is
high-level authority!
In our increasingly seemingly self-sufficient society God seems
pushed to the margins, relegated to a token nod on Sundays by just a
few irrelevant people and laughed at when portrayed on TV. Yet Jesus is glorious, he does reign and our pathetic attempts to feel in control are so obviously mistaken when we view the way in which we fail
to solve disease, hunger and armed conflicts – we can’t even control
the weather or much of the time our own emotions.
Jesus has all authority. We may not like his approach with the
weather, or with the more serious issues of life but he actually is in
control. Jesus chooses to work through us and with us, and he delegates authority to us to “Go, make disciples of all nations.” This is not
negotiable. It is an extraordinary opportunity to share in the business
of the king.
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As we go to make disciples – helping people belong, believe and
behave – let’s go with Jesus, in his authority and see growth larger in
mission.
Yours
“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you.
Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their
faith.
Hebrews chapter 13, verse 7.
[Ed.]”
4
Each Month in the Church
(You are welcome to attend any of our meetings)
Our Sunday Services are at 8 am (a quiet contemplative style),
at 9.30 & 11.15 am, and at 7 pm (a celebration service).
Most, but not all, are communion services.
Children also come to:
nd
High Tea and
Praise
Messy Church: 4-6 pm on the 2
Saturday in the month (except in
August).
Kid’s Church: Sundays 9.30 & 11.15
COGS Clubs during the year.
Quarterly at 3 pm
on Sundays.
Youth (Year 7 up) also come to:
Coffee and
Communion
(11 am)
Seeke:eR and the Worship:eR Youth
Band on Sundays.
Deep:eR on Mondays (7 pm).
Re:grouP on Wednesdays (7 pm).
“Soul Survivor” and “New Wine”.
And monthy on
Wednesdays:
Tea and Chat for
ladies (2 pm)
Tea and Bowls
for gentlemen (2
pm)
Other Meetings
Prayer Meetings: 7 am Tuesday and some eveningsToddler
Communion Services are monthly at the Belford House and
Westlands Care Homes.
Further information from Matt in the Church Office or the
diary on www.goodshepherdfourmarks.org.uk
5
Pop in for Prayer
10-11 am Monday 9th November
All welcome for 10 minutes or more
Brian and Rosalie, 17 Fairfield Green
Coffee and
Communion
Tea and Chat
& Tea and Bowls
11 am Wed 4 Nov.
and Wed 2nd Dec.
th
2 pm Wed 25th Nov.
More information: the office
or Lisa (01420-560664)
Contacts: Lisa Bonter on
01420-560664 or the office
Toddlers’ Lunches
12.30—2.30 pm Thurs 5 & 19 Nov. & 3rd December
More information: Caroline Andrews c/o the Church Office
Prayer Chain
If you have any requests for prayer through the prayer
chain, please contact Lisa Bonter on 01420-560664 or
Romola Harper on 01420-563227
Pastoral Care
If you would like a visit by a member of the Pastoral Visiting
Team, or you know of someone who would, please contact
Howard Wright (01420-563344) or Beryl Hill (01420-563472)
6
Cell Groups
At the Church of the Good Shepherd
Cell Groups meet during the week. Please contact the leaders
or the Church Office if you are interested in looking at one or
two, or in joining one.
Monday Evening
David & Rachel Duffin, and Janet Foster
Julie Boulton (fortnightly)
Tim Goodwright (Monday evening youth and alternate
Wednesday evening youth leaders)
Tuesday Morning
Debbie Norgate and Gilly Cobb
Tuesday Evening
Matt and Natalie Senior
Wednesday Afternoon
Tim and Janet Griffith
Wednesday Evening
Lynn Vine and Mark Hughes
Tricia Saltmarsh
Pippa Dawson and Di Loosemore
Trevor and Jackie Burch (fortnightly)
Thursday Morning
Julie Skinner and Caroline Andrews
Thursday Evening
Brian and Ann Hubbard
Neil Vine
Robert and Jane Parker
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News from the Tuesday Morning Cell
Group
Earlier this year, starting with The Shape Sorter
series, followed by the Diocesan Lent course, the Take
Me To Your Leader series and the pMAP questions, we
were challenged as to what sort of outreach we could
possibly do as a group. We were led again and again
to our Church of the Good Shepherd (COGS) young people going
to university, as we felt that often, once they leave home, they
have much less contact with a church community.
After much thought, talk, prayer (and laughter!), we hit on the
idea of keeping in touch with them by letting them know that we
keep thinking of them, keep praying for them and keep caring
about them – a bit like a fairy godmother! Thus the Fairy
COGSmothers were born, once the obvious pun on the name
occurred to us!
We aim to keep in light-hearted contact with the young people
by letter or email adding the odd bar of chocolate or other ‘treat’.
Initially, we have sent, or will be sending, a welcome or ‘goody’
pack to each young person, together with an explanation and the
Fairy COGSmothers’ email address.
Please contact any of us if you would like more information
about the Fairy COGSmothers.
We are (from L to R), Lesley Edwards (inset), Debbie Norgate,
Jane Harper, Rachel Boardman, Rhonda Miller, Beryl Hill, Sue
Thain and Gilly
Cobb.
Some come from
Four Marks and
some from Alton,
and are usually
part of the midmorning or 7.00
pm
congregations.
8
The September PCC meeting agreed our Action Plan:
1. We will look to be, and proclaim, the Good News of Jesus to the people of our parish and associated communities by sharpening our existing ministries and be ready to
provide new ones to enable more people to “belong” and
“believe.”
A) We will initially focus on those we can gather locally.
B) We will increase our resourcing of Messy Church, and Toddler Lunch to
reach the new young families of our community.
C) We will increase our resourcing of the youth and children’s work.
D) We will increase our resourcing of the pastoral ministry – especially the
“Tea and” events and the work of the lay pastors.
2. We will look to identify any increases needed in employed staff and act
upon these whilst also seeking to make full use of existing gifts in the
church in order to be better able to proclaim the Good News.
3. We will identify any need for changes in our buildings in order to better
equip us to be and proclaim Good News. We will also look to
co-operate with other community groups to ensure the best use is
made of facilities for the whole community.
4. We will provide focussed mission events as an impetus for the above in
2016 and work with others locally to enable this to be a resource
across the area.
Now it’s down to each of us to go beyond the “business speak” to pray
and identify what we can do. Especially No. 1 above as we get to know
our neighbours better and extend our social life beyond our church life.
Thank you to those who prayed and helped us, the pMAP team.
Now we need your support and your ideas to progress our plans into actions.
Please give your ideas to the pMAP team, the
ministry team leaders (page 2) or the office
(cogsoffice@googlemail.com) The pMAP team from
L to R: Frank, Howard, Jan, Alan and Lisa.
9
A Little While Ago
I, Val Lucas (left), was talking to my
friends Julie Skinner and Chris
McGrath (right) about how long it's
been since The Good Shepherd had a
party. As I’m part of the 7pm evening
celebration service, I'd love the opportunity to get together with others from different congregations.
Our conversation turned to the refuge crisis and we suddenly put
two and two together; we could have fun and raise much needed
money. It was too soon for a Christmas party but we all love Christmas crackers and hats so we all agreed, It's never too early for a
Christmas party!
So that's what we are going to organise. Matt Senior has a very
good band and they kindly waved their playing fee (Bless them) and
Tim Goodright happily agreed to compère (bless him too!).
There will be food, Chris McGrath has plans which include a giant
paella pan.
Expect laughter. Julie is very organised and a great party planner.
It will be fun and we would like to invite you to come along and give
your money and your Christmas gear an airing.
Looking forward to pulling a cracker with you.
Val Lucas.
Minor Reflections
“No problem.” We often hear that. And they are kindly words. But they are also a reminder that very few
of us want to admit to “problems” in our lives. We
are constantly being told that there are no difficulties
we can’t overcome, no barriers to personal success,
no problems ahead; only “challenges.” At a recent
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graduation ceremony, I heard several speeches; and each one
emphasised that same view: all we need is hard work and
commitment. But as I watched the awards being received, my
admiration for the University’s motivating and teaching skills
was tinged with unease.
For in my own experience, most of us find ourselves sooner
or later facing circumstances nothing has prepared us for: a difficulty which demands more from us than we have to offer,
problems we cannot solve alone. And when that happens, will
we be able to admit it and ask for help without a sense of
shame? The point is we are not in control of life, and if we can’t
acknowledge that then we are unlikely to ask for help or to accept it graciously. Worse still, when we discover the truth, that
the world is not ours “for the taking,” we will be exposed to the
destructive disillusion that comes with the sense of failure.
This is far from being a negative view of life. Life has so
much to offer, even when the problems of the day hide that
from sight. And to learn to be “real” about difficulty and disappointment is, in the end, to be kind to ourselves, to have wisdom. Being “real” avoids unjustifiable confidence or selfcriticism, neither of which brings happiness in the long run.
When we invite unrealistic
ambition into our lives, we give it
power; power to increase the fear of failure, and to encourage
the pretence that we ourselves are in full control. On the other
hand, being too self-critical stops us from recognising that what
we regard as our own weakness may in fact amount to goodness and strength − if only we used it in different circumstances. Hand-in-hand go the
gifts of study and experience − knowledge
with wisdom.
Rob Hughes, a licensed lay minister, is retired, lives in Four Marks and is usually part of
the mid-morning congregations.
11
From Rebecca Boardman
on Mission in the
Philippines
As usual, this month has been
packed full of new experiences. One
of the most challenging, yet one that
testifies to the hope and love and perseverance found in the
Lord, was my visit to the Disaster Response Program (DRP) on
the islands of Leyte and Samar. These are two of six major ones
in the Visayan Islands region.
The DRP coordinates the relief and rehabilitation program in
response to super-typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) which was the
strongest recorded typhoon when it made landfall in November
2013. It is very clear that, from our positions of safety, we will
never understand the impact physically, mentally or spiritually of
a natural disaster such as Yolanda. The strength and courage of
the men and women who are rising up and fighting to return to
“normal” was inspiring.
With so many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) leaving
after the initial relief operations my visit has emphasised the vital
importance and value of the long-term partnerships between
communities and local organisations. That the Anglican Communion can support these communities holistically (physically, economically and spiritually) through meaningful
relationships with local E-CARE (Episcopal
Community Action for Renewal and Empowerment) Foundation staff and programmes is
a very special thing. And it shows the unique
value of faith-based responses to disasters.
This month also saw the meeting of the Council of Churches
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of East Asia (CCEA) in Manila – a meeting of Arch/Prime Bishops and
other important church representatives.
This year the Philippines decided to emphasis the sharing of initiatives on social action and I was there to present on the Episcopal
Church in the Philippines (ECP’s) vision for poverty alleviation and other social advocacies such as environmental protection. It was inspiring
to hear from other churches in the CCEA all fighting in their own contexts for the dutiful stewardship of God’s creation and God’s people.
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in affliction, be faithful in prayer”
(Romans 12:12)
Vera Merritt’s Stay in
Four Marks
Vera Merritt (Gilly Reece’s mother) came to
stay with us for eight days in September. She’s
a lovely Christian lady, always cheerful and
thinking of others − a ray of sunshine.
About 16 people came to see her at an open
house at 22 Blackberry Lane on Wednesday 9th
September. She really enjoyed catching up on
other people’s news and gossip.
Vera was such fun to have around but sadly we had to say good
bye to her on 14th September. If we could all be like Vera the world
would be a much better place.
Please pray for Vera, Gilly and Mike as they
settle into their new home in Shrewsbury.
Jill and Bill Davis are retired and live in Four
Marks. Jill is part of the mid-morning and
Messy Church congregations; Bill is part the
Coffee and Communion group.
13
Blessings of Prayer
Recently I was asked to have some input into The Good Shepherd’s prayer life. I suggest topics for “Caring in Prayer”, an A4
sheet produced by Matt comprising personal requests which people are happy to have in print, and more general topics. It is
summarised in the weekly Notice Sheet.
The variety and breadth of prayer going up from our church
has brought joy to me; too much to describe in detail. Blessing
has come from the confidential email Prayer Chain, Cell groups,
several prayer meetings (including Pop-in Prayer), Intercessions
and the availability of prayer from the Prayer Ministry Team. My
mum, Joan, has been blessed by visits from the Pastoral Team
who read the Bible and pray with her at Belford House.
There is also a liberating variety of styles of prayer. When
Simon held Silent Prayer times this was a way to embrace the
unfamiliar!
“Be still and know that I am God [Psalm 41, verse 10]” has
taken years to become a favourite of mine. Periods of insomnia
have provided help with stillness − if I ask God to take racing
thoughts, aches and pains, worries, fears, et cetera, I find that
Scripture verses come to the fore; or songs, some newly discovered on Premier Radio.
I have always looked for quick results in prayer and therefore
quotes from Dr Micha Jazz, a writer and broadcaster, have
challenged perspective (found in Voice of Hope, issue 12), e.g.
“Prayer builds the highway along which the will and purpose of
God can travel into spaces far distant
from the place in which I pray.”
Jenny and Brian Stutley live in Alresford and are usually part of the midmorning congregation.
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A Third Slice of the Pie
The third slice of our
spending “pie” is the
money we pass on to
the Missions we support. These are regularly featured in the
magazine and on the
display
board
in
Church near the office
– this month, our
“Mission of the Month” is Beyond the Streets (see page 20).
Many of you will have heard of tithing and perhaps be aware that
our Lord encouraged us to consider this an integral part of our discipleship. It is mentioned many times in the Old Testament:
“When you have finished setting aside a tenth of all your produce
in the third year, the year of the tithe, you shall give it to the Levite,
the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so that they may eat in
your towns and be satisfied. Deuteronomy 26:12”
As a Church, we give a tithe (10% of all the income we receive
from your generous giving every year) to our missions. Here is just a
snapshot of what they are doing. Each is supported directly by a
“Champion” in our congregation who updates us on where our money is spent.
AMEN (Action for Meeting Evangelical Needs) − Supporting Christian
ministries in developing countries.
Bethany Children’s Trust − Working with, and supporting, other
small Christian missions whose work gives children a safe home
where they are nurtured and given spiritual guidance in
15
Daylight Christian Prison Trust − Aiming to see UK prisoners won
for Christ.
IMC (In Ministry to Children) − Setting up feeding programmes,
providing education and clothing for street children in Colombia.
Karamoja (linked with our Deanery and Diocese) − Training and supporting Christian workers and other needs in Uganda.
MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship) −Taking help, hope and healing by
air, in Christ’s name, to where it is most needed.
Tearfund − Following Jesus where the
need is greatest.
“A tithe of everything
Release − Bringing hope to the suffering from the land, whether
and persecuted Church around the world. grain from the soil or fruit
from the trees, belongs to
Oasis − A charity with a vision for
the Lord; it is holy to the
healthy communities where everyone is
Lord Leviticus 27:30”
included, making a contribution and fulfilling their God-given potential.
Beyond the Streets − Raising awareness, training and forming supportive networks providing protection for women who are seeking to
escape the cycle of abuse.
Winchester Churches Nightshelter − Christians providing accommodation and support for Hampshire's homeless.
Ali Beckett – Her mission to the orphan children at Kondanani and
further mission work in the future.
In addition to these, in the past 12 months COGS raised £5000 for
the Syria Crisis appeal and you have also generously aided Becky
Boardman’s work in the Philippines, the Alton Foodbank, Compassion
and child sponsorship, The Children’s Society, Christian Aid, Christians
Against Poverty and Alton Town Pastors; to name just some of the extra support during the past year.
We are mindful that you all support personal causes in addition to
those espoused by COGS. Thank you for your continued generosity,
please pray for all of the people involved in the work of these amazing
charities and for those they support of course.
A Prayer: Father God, we have so many blessings in our
lives, help us to always pray for and remember, the lost,
the lonely, the hungry and sick, those persecuted for Your
sake and all of the dispossessed in our world. Amen
16
“As Jesus started on his way, a
man ran up to him and fell on his
knees before him. ‘Good teacher,’
he asked, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ (Mark 10:17)”
Any Town Pastor might think how wonderful if something like this
happened to us! Someone effectively begging to hear the Gospel.
However, lest we forget, this episode ends with “The Rich Man” walking away crestfallen and Jesus appears happy to let him go. It’s not
that Jesus did not notice his need or failed to care for him, how could
he not? Even so, Mark tells us specifically that “Jesus looked at him
and loved him” (verse 21). Jesus knew he was not ready. Any
amount of persuasive argument would not work, after all, he just had
truth revealed to him from God made flesh!
We have many such conversations, regularly two or three of a Saturday night, and many of those conclude with an enthusiastic commitment to meet us the next day at Costa, but very few ever come.
Should we be discouraged? No! Rather, let’s take an example from
the greatest teacher, the evangelist: Christ himself.
Jesus “let” the Rich Young Man walk away knowing he was not
ready and that there were many steps yet in his walk to salvation.
Perhaps the lesson we should draw is that it is the Holy Spirit that
prepares people for the message of hope and we cannot force this
process, or make it happen by our words however eloquent.
As Town Pastors we can be in the right place at the right time to
meet those people so readied – and then however inelegantly we give
the gospel, it is as nothing against their readiness to hear and receive
it.
In Mark 10, Jesus met a man eager, but not readied; we hope to
meet people readied, whether reluctant, subdued or diffident,
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brash or dismissive. How will we know that they are ready? We
won’t until we talk to them. And if they are ready, it will be very easy
to impart to them the best news mankind was ever given – and they
won’t walk away bemused, like the Rich Young Man, but excited, enlivened and wanting to hear more.
A view from the frontline: Again God Surprised Me
By Mrs Lyssie Havko, Alton Town Pastor. “Therefore go and make
disciples of all nations. Matthew 28:19)”
I never used to go out partying at night, you had to be 21 to order
a drink in the USA for one thing - but the truth is it scared me. Being
out in the dark amongst drunken strangers with all sorts of temperaments is not my idea of a fun evening. So anyone (including myself)
might conclude that I would not be inclined to go out with the Town
Pastors on a Saturday night. It is God himself that has made it possible for me to do this.
The first night that I went out I wasn’t expecting it to be a pleasant evening but I was really taken by surprise. There were friendly
people talking to us and nobody was having a go at us, so that was
encouraging! We would offer them a hot beverage, a lollipop and let
it go from there.
The first question I got asked was, can I wear your hat? And then
another lady wanted a selfie with me.
Most of the time it doesn’t take much to get a reaction from people. A smile and well wishes are usually all they need.
I’ve only just become part of the
team but it has been a great experience so far. I never would have volunteered myself without encouragement – but it turns out that God
wants me out there.
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Top: (all left to right) Rod, David, Mike setting up; catering team:
Gill, Ann, Ros, Gilly; Jane.
Middle: Gilly & Debbie; Abi with her children.
Bottom: Rod; Tina & her children; Vicky; Janet, Jill & Janet’s son.
Join us in the fun next time on Saturday 14th November.
19
Supporting Women
on their Journey
towards Freedom
Thank you so much for your
support from the Church of the Good Shepherd, both financially and
in prayer for our work at Beyond the Streets. In particular we would
like to thank Guy Minter for creating the beautiful elephant cards to
help raise funds for our small charity, and Hannah Wettone who is
now liaising with us.
We support women and train, equip and develop over 50 Christian
projects across the UK “bringing light and hope into dark places” for
those on their journey out of sexual exploitation.
Our vison is for those involved in prostitution to have the
option
to pursue genuine alternatives and, with projects’ support, gradually
make major changes in their lives.
This is a really tough area of work that is full of misconceptions, as
sadly it is very easy for women to be coerced into and incredibly hard
to get out unless they have support. Consequently we also run
“awareness raising” days and our next Hampshire one is on Saturday
27th February at our church base in Southampton − contact us if you
are interested in finding out more.
Since my visit to The Good Shepherd in November 2014 our unique free and confidential
Beyond Support service is well underway with
over 120 contacts with women by phone, text
or email. Thankfully we have seen several
women take quite big and positive lifechanging steps forward and here are a few inspiring outcomes.
One woman, who was referred to a specialist project we are connected with, said, "After 6 weeks of contact I feel much happier now,
instead of being isolated and rejected by friends and family. You
made a big difference in my life as I was in tears and you got back to
me and offered support I needed. I am now connected to support
and can move forward in my life as I want to get a job and have a
normal life and be a good role model for my children."
Another woman now has a part time job, and I am supporting
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a woman who has recently started a college course to train and
develop new skills.
Please thank God with us for his tender loving care towards
these women and for the strength he is giving them.
We are continually promoting this discrete service to women
“at a turning point” in their lives e.g. prisons, social services, drug
and alcohol treatment, et cetera, when women are more ready to
make changes.
Please pray for inner transformation through Romans chapter
12 verse 2. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be
transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you
will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —
his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Elly Mulvany (second
from the left) is the Project
Coordinator, and lives and
worships in Southsea.
www.beyondsupport.org.uk
A Prayer for the Middle East
Father, there is so much pain and conflict across the Middle East.
We pray that timely help and support reaches all who are in
need.
We pray for leaders throughout the region and ask you to turn
their hearts towards peace.
As leaders around the world consider how to respond to developing situations, please grant them wisdom and insight.
Lord Jesus, you are the Prince of Peace. We pray for an end to
the violence and ask you to turn stories of sadness to ones of
hope across the region. In your precious name we pray.
Amen.
21
Welc om e
Home, Ali.
We love you.
October’s Sunday
Afternoon Walk
On Sunday 11th October six children, eleven adults, a toddler and
one dog joined in a village walk.
We met at Oak Green Parade
for a group photograph and then
headed off along Winchester Road
then along Telegraph Lane until
the junction with
Alton Lane
where we turned into Weathermore Lane and along the BOAT
(Byway Open to all Traffic). Here
we admired the distant views and
met a group of mature folk who
had come from Selborne.
Carrying on our walk, we went
past part of St Swithin’s Way and
dropped down into Brightstone
Lane for a short distance before
negotiating our way up towards
Westlands Care Home, across
Hawthorn Plantation and on towards Gathowen before heading
back to the village centre. Some
had to return home but the rest
went for tea, coffee and wonder-
ful home-made cakes (thanks to
Mrs Jane Hughes).
During the course of the walk
we saw a number of farm animals
including black and white cows,
horses, a goat and some sheep.
The village walks are organised
by a group associated with the
Church of the Good Shepherd. A
number are organised throughout
the year and all are welcome to
attend.
Photograph by Andrew Hill.
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Lovely Flowers for Harvest
And ...
Contact Derek Seaton (derekseaton@aol.com) if you can help
Save Cricket in our Village.
The equipment, a great field and the well-supplied pavilion are
all there; but there is not enough interest to keep it going.
Right: Daniel Goodwright leading worship at the
prayer evening.
Below: Andy Hunt and David Craigen are working
their way through our chair stock making repairs.
Tim with some of the
Coffee
and
Communion
group.
Carla with Eileen and
Betty at the Harvest Tea
and Praise.
A very happy time with
good worship.
Praise the Lord!
Front page Bible quotation: Romans chapter 1, verse 16
23
St Paul said
I pray that out of His (God’s) glorious riches he may strengthen you
with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may
dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may grasp how wide and long and high
and deep is the love of Christ. (Ephesians 3:16-18.)
Before Reading the Bible
Dear Lord, as I read Your book, help me to understand what You
want to show me today. May Your words inspire me to live the way
you teach and to put you first and others before myself.
Pray for
An exciting opportunity to bless someone will arise.
Those suffering from anxiety and ask that God will reveal His deep
concern for them.
A Prayer for Persecuted Christians
Dear Lord, we ask Your blessing and protection on our brothers and
sisters in countries where they are forbidden to show any sign that
they love and follow You, where even meeting together in someone’s
home for prayer and worship can land them in prison. We ask that
You would draw near to each one, and open up for them possibilities
to build themselves up in the faith. Amen.
Find us at GU34 5AA and On-line at:
Web:
www.goodshepherdfourmarks.co.uk
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