our Newsletter for Sunday 23rd November 08

‘I ask that your minds may be opened to see God’s light, so that you will know the hope to which he has called you.’ (Ephesians 1 : 18)

We welcome all who have come to praise and glorify the Lord our God, through Jesus Christ our Saviour on this Youth Sunday and to Intermission and Davidas who will lead us. This morning’s worship will include the acceptance of your Christmas Gifts for the young people at The Uplands School, Bromsgrove.

FLOWERS 30 November – Colleen Hofstander
DOOR STEWARDS for – December Maureen & Tony Wildboar (am) & Brenda Woodhouse (pm)

TEA/COFFEE DUTIES
23 Nov – Beth Robinson & Marjorie Tromans
30 Nov – Kath Johnson & Jane Edwards
7 Dec – Mirriam Mokhuoa & Janet Jones
14 Dec – Gwen Roden & Diane Alford
21 Dec – Debbie Westwood & Pat Withers

CLEANING ROTA
22 Nov – Janet & Pete Jones5 Nov – Angus Alston
29 Nov – Kath Johnson & Jane Edwards
6 Dec – Margaret & Keith Bradley
13 Dec – Nora Hill & Chris Homer
20 Dec – Debbie & Paul Westwood

FORTHCOMING DATES:
1. Tuesday 2 December – Advent Lunch & Bible Study with Rev Michael Williams on the Benedictus – Luke 1: 57-80 – 1.00pm
2. Tuesday 2 December – Meeting of Local Preachers & Church Stewards – Mount Pleasant – 7.30pm
3. Wednesday 3 December – Darby & Joan Christmas Lunch
4. Wednesday 3 December – The Guild – African Evening – 7.30pm
5. Saturday 6 December – Young People’s Christmas Crafts
6. Tuesday 9 December – Advent Lunch & Bible Study with Rev Stuart Davis on the Magnificat – 1.00pm
7. Tuesday 9 December – Church Leadership Meeting – 7.30pm

CHRISTMAS FAYRE – A big thank you to everyone who helped and supported this event yesterday, the amount raised will be shown next week.

NEXT SUNDAY – ADVENT SUNDAY at 6.00pm we shall welcome two visitors from Rwanda, Mrs Julienne Kayijuka and Rev Anastase Rugirangoga. They both work for PHARP, the Rwandan peace, harmony and reconciliation project.

ON TUESDAY Morning Prayers will be held at 9.30am and will be led by Barry. All are welcome.

ALSO ON TUESDAY the Dudley Borough Interfaith Network is holding a vegetarian meal and celebration at the Sikh Community Centre, Wellington Road, Dudley. It will begin at 7.00pm. If anyone would like to go, please give in your name to Margaret Bradley. Transport can be arranged if needed.

CIRCUIT RAMBLE on Saturday 29 November starting from Collis Street, Amblecote at 10.00am. After the walk we are invited to Margaret & Keith Steven’s home to partake of a bowl of soup. This will be an opportunity for us to discuss how we intend to run the Rambling Group in the New Year. So, if you are able, and are interested in keeping the Group together, please join us on 29th.

THERE WILL BE A CHRISTMAS LUNCH on Thursday 11 December for the over 60’s from the Lunch Club and members of the Church, who do not normally attend the club, are also invited,. The cost will be £3.50 each. Please let Tony Wildboar have your name as soon as possible.

WORLD AIDS DAY is on 1 December and we invite everyone to take a red ribbon and wear it over the coming days to raise awareness of the seriousness of the HIV/AIDS pandemic that is tearing communities apart across the world. Please make a donation in the box provided. It will be sent to the national AIDS trust

DO YOU WISH to buy something special for someone you care about this Christmas and also help people in some of the worlds poorest countries? Then choose a MRDF gift and help make a small miracle possible. See how to do it on the notice board. £7.00 will purchase a back-to-school kit for a child in Bangladesh. £11 will provide HIV/AIDS awareness training for a young person in Zambia. £13 buys a wood saving stove for a family in El Salvador. £18 for a piglet for breeding in a Malawian community and £35 buys garden tools for a school in Cameroon.

CHRISTMAS STAMPS – This Christmas the Post Office are issuing religious stamps and secular stamps, but you have to ask if you want the religious ones. If there is little demand they are not likely to issue them again. Please make sure that you ask for religious stamps in order to keep Jesus at the centre of the event.

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY for friends and members living in care homes – Dorothy Billingham, Mary Cartwright, Millie Green, Iris Farmer and Margaret Bretell. Also pray for Jack Deeley, Margaret Brooks, Doreen Sanger, Sheila Best, George Ramsay, Esme Harris, Neil Smart, Bob Evans, Bet Barker, Margaret Guest, Colin Case, Muriel Woodhouse, Shirley Williams and Reg & Sheila Evans. Remember too those of our members who are caring for friends & family and who are anxious for themselves or others.

Please let JANET have any items you wish included on the News Sheet by 6.00pm on Tuesday evening at the latest.

Matthew 25: 31-46
In this story everyone gets a shock. Those who have aided people in need are surprised to discover that they have ministered to Christ. Those who have not done these things are shocked to be accused of neglecting Christ. It is within our power to be a sheep or a goat.

Loving God,
may we fulfil our calling as your people,
finding new ways to declare the values of your Kingdom,
experiencing your love with each other,
and demonstrating your compassion to all who hurt.
In our weakness, remind us
of all that you have done for us in Christ,
and empower us with your grace. (Keith Garner)
 

Our online sermons:

we have here some of the recent sermons given at Overend. To see them click here.