22nd January 2023
By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 4 February 2023
Hello again everyone,
I begin with some NEWS FOR PRAYER.
Last week we heard about Jim & Debbie’s son James who is in Northampton Hospital after suffering a stroke. He is only 35yrs old. I have heard from Debbie today that James is showing some improvement but it is going to be a long road. She adds that she has a permanent headache from worry but that otherwise she and Jim are ok. Please pray for complete healing for James and peace for Jim and Debbie.
Please also pray for Pam Williams who is Kettering General Hospital with abdominal issues. This has led to Pam not eating and so she is also very much in need of our prayers.
On a more positive note Margaret Freeland was moving back into her bungalow today after a stay in the Community Hospital since before Christmas. Let us give thanks for this and pray that Margaret settles in to the new routine with more carers coming in each day.
GIVING TO THE CHURCH
Thank you to everyone who responded to the letters our Treasurer James sent out last year asking people to review their giving. There are some people who said they would increase or round up their giving via the PARISH GIVING SCHEME (PGS) but have not yet contacted PGS to change their Direct Debit. Unfortunately James cannot do this for you and you have to contact PGS either via their website where you can log in to your account: https://www.parishgiving.org.uk
You can also contact PGS by post to: 76 Kingsholm Road, Gloucester, GL1 3BD
Phone: 0333 002 1260
or Email: info@parishgiving.org.uk
If anyone else would like to increase their giving, or start giving, to the church please do speak with James who will be able to provide all the details you need.
SERVICES ON SUNDAY
There are two services on Sunday. At St Leonard’s, Rockingham there is HOLY COMMUNION at 9am and at St Columba’s MORNING WORSHIP (with ENERGIZE groups) at 10.30am.
We also have our regular PRAYER MEETING at 6pm in St Columba’s.
WARM SPACES
Thank you to everyone who helped with the Warm Spaces for our Community on Tuesday and Wednesday last week. There is still space for others to help out, especially on a Wednesday, so do look out for the SIGN UP SHEETS at church again tomorrow. The Green Room in the Church Hall will be open again this week from 2-4pm on Tuesday and 12-4pm on Wednesday for anyone who wants to spend some time out of the cold and to enjoy some tea, cake and friendly conversation so do spread the word of you know anyone who may benefit.
FELLOWSHIP GROUPS
Our new season of Fellowship Groups started last week with an introduction to the book of Colossians. The groups both meet on a WEDNESDAY, either in the morning from 10.30 to 12 noon (after which you could join the Warm Space for an hour or so) or the evening from 7.30 to 9pm. Please do come along, it won’t matter that you missed the first session as we are looking at Colossians 1 this week.
SONGS OF PRAISE
Next Sunday at 5pm we have a Songs of Praise service but we still need you to suggest more songs that you would like to sing in the service, and that you would be prepared to introduce, saying why it is a favourite. You can do this either by replying to this email, or by speaking to Trevor or me at church tomorrow.
SUNDAY MORNING
Our morning service at St Columba’s next Sunday at 10.30am will be HOLY COMMUNION with ENERGIZE groups for children and young people.
PANTOMIME
We are delighted to once again host the Great Easton Little Theatre Company’s Pantomime, which this year is DICK WHITTINGTON. This will be happening in the Church Hall on Friday 3rd February at 7.30pm, Saturday 4th February at 3pm and Sunday 5th February also at 3pm. Tickets cost £7 for adults, £5 for children and £20 for a Family Ticket (2 adults & 2 children) and are available either after services at St Columba’s, by phone to 01536 400225 or by email to gelttickets@gmail.com
I understand there are plenty of tickets for Friday evening and Sunday afternoon while Saturday afternoon is selling fast but there are tickets available. Do plan to come along, bring family and friends with you, and tell everyone you know.
PUZZLES
Please find attached a BIG ISSUE of Steve’s Puzzles and Other Stuff. This not only refers to the mushroom pictures, but also the puzzles! However Steve says there won’t be an edition next week as he is working on the next print edition of SCANS, so you have a fortnight to complete them!
I won’t be around this week as I am taking a Reading Week, but Kevin is here and can be contacted on 07512 822422.
May God bless you all in this coming week.
Ian