Thackley Methodist Church and Community Centre

Acts Ch 2 vv 43 - 47 John Ch 14 vv 12 – 31a We had a wonderfully inspiring service this morning led by Martin Bashforth.  Martin likened the situation that our churches face in moving from a named minister to a team ministry to that of Jesus and His disciples.  They, too, had been dependent upon Jesus to lead, to preach, to heal ... they, too, faced an uncertain future, not knowing how they would cope without Jesus being around.  Jesus promised he would never leave them, and sent the Holy Spirit to work within them.  He does the same for each one of us "whoever believes in me will do the works that I do". Jackie Marshall also shared her encounter with God yesterday: Jeremiah 29:11-13 New International Version (NIV) 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me

Saturday 24th March at 5.30pm Following the success of previous years, there will once again be a pie and pea supper followed by a Beetle Drive to raise funds for Christian Aid. Tickets are £5 for adults, £3 for under 16’s and are available from John and Margaret V.

We were sorry to hear of the death of Joan Rawlinson on Wednesday 22nd February. Also this week we’ve heard of the death of Joyce Holdsworth, who was a member of this church for many years before moving to Buckinghamshire to be near her family a few years ago. Our prayers are with the families of both these ladies.

There will be a Fairtrade stall in church after family worship on 4th March, it will be open for the other users of our building between Tuesday and Thursday, and then on to St Andrew’s for the Big Brew coffee morning on Saturday 10th March. Please support us in raising funds and awareness this Fairtrade Fortnight.

Thank you to everyone who supported our Table Top Sale.  This was a great success. Here's the church's results: £10.35 on the books £48.60 on the church stall £68.20 in the cafe £56.00 on the Junior Church stall - this will go towards paying for our children to go away with us for our Family Weekend to Abbot Hall in September. Please join us for our next one - 24 March 2012.

It was only last August when we first met to discuss the way ahead for Thackley.  We’ve just been looking at some of the things we said we would do and we’ve made a brilliant start: 1)      Singing in the homes for the elderly – Tick, that’s ongoing – if you want to join in contact Jackie D. 2)      Singing at the switch on of the Christmas lights – Tick, we did that, even though it was so dark we couldn’t find each other, there was a good group from Thackley to boost the singing. 3)      Community table top sales/coffee mornings – Tick, our first is on 25 February 10.00 am to 12.00 noon – good news is all the tables are booked for February and March!!!   – we now need folk to turn up so please drop in for a cuppa. 4)      Prayer links – Tick, Chris T has distributed our first prayer card this morning – if you want one, contact Chris T. 5)      Scarecrow festival – Looks as though it will go ahead  on 6/7 October – at least 6 folk have volunteered

Please pray for: Our children, that we can offer them a loving place in which to learn of God's love and show them the excitement and joy of a life lived with God. Those members holding office within our church, that their stress levels do not rise and that more members of our congregation will come forward to offer to share in the work. Our older members, that they feel the fullness of God's love in our fellowship, the importance of their wise and loving contribution to our church life and the need we have of their prayers. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Matthew Chapter 6 v 6 & 7