No, we've not lost the plot! The Methodist year runs from 1 September to 31 August. So, HAPPY NEW YEAR! We hope you have all had a relaxing summer break.
Redecoration
As many of our groups took a rest over the summer, we seized the opportunity to spruce up the place and called in the decorators. The upper hall and the Church have been repainted and are now looking wonderful. Huge thanks to Ian, John and Jackie who beaver away in the background to make all this happen, also to Jigsaw's Chris and Avis for helping with the clean-up operations.
This brings a close to our redevelopment project which has cost over £40,000. Many, many thanks to all who have worked tirelessly to raise the funds. All of our work is dependent upon voluntary donations and community grants; the rents we charge for community groups help to cover the utility bills, cleaning and day to day maintenance of the premises. We are hugely grateful for everyone's continuing support.
Covenant Service
Many of you will be familiar with the concept of making New Year's Resolutions; in Methodism this takes the form of a Covenant Service at which we celebrate all that God has done for us, and affirm that we give our lives and choices to God. We make our promises through the words of a Covenant Prayer; it is not an easy prayer to say and really mean; however, it embraces all that is central to Christian life.
Our Covenant Service is at 10.30 am on Sunday 13 September 2015 and will be led by Rev Andrew Taylor. The service will be followed by a faith lunch.
Weekly activities
We have a new group joining us in September. Baby Sensory, and we welcome back our other eighteen groups. They serve the community in a variety of ways; please support them in whatever ways you are able.
Worship
We continue to grow as a church family and have had the pleasure of welcoming a number of newcomers in recent months. We are a family friendly church and recognise that little ones are inquisitive and full of energy, so there's no need for parents to worry about them being quiet or sitting still. We have a children's table available at all services with books and colouring activities. We are delighted that from September Chloe will join Rachel as a Junior Church Leader.
More information about what happens in worship.
Harvest Festival
Our Harvest Festivals are always enjoyable occasions when we give thanks to God for all that he provides for us. We are particuarly excited this year as the little ones from See & Know will be joining in the celebrations, and the Guides are planning to serve us with refreshments afterwards as part of their hostess badge work. We have started collecting our small change for the WaterAid clatter which is fast becoming a traditional element of our Harvest festival, and we will have the usual collection of tinned and dried food to support the work of Christians Against Poverty.
We hope you will join us at 10.30 am on Sunday 4 October 2015.
What a great start to a new year!