A little reminder...

Hello dear All,

 

A little reminder that we are together for our “Christmas” family meal on WEDNESDAY 29^th December at the United Reformed Church.  We’re meeting at 6 pm, to enable families to come, and will keep food simple and easy (post-Christmas!).

 

So – the plan is to have jacket potatoes, various fillings, salads and puds.  Naomi and I will provide jacket potatoes, baked beans and cheese.  We’re looking for offers for:

 

• Various fillings (i.e. chilli, curry, or whatever…)
• A couple of mixed green salads
• Several puddings
• Bevvies – wine, lemonade, juice etc.

I realise it’s probably all mad for you this week – but would appreciate it very much if you could let me know what you’re able to contribute. 

 

Also –

 

Kev and Jan will be with us post Christmas for a while, and Kev will be sharing with us on Sunday 9^th Jan, our first gathering for 2011.  Also, we’re planning a joint homechurch group/Source the following Tuesday, 11^th Jan, where Kev’s also going to help us chat round our thoughts and bring some perspectives he’s been thinking through, following Naomi’s excellent “Discussion starter document” . We’ll meet at Keyfox on that Tuesday.

 

Please do pop these dates in your diary!

 

Blessings and peace for Christmas!

 

Sue

Andy doing well...

Dear Family & Friends,

 

Thank you so much for your messages by e-mail and text. It’s been so good to read them after my day at the hospital. Knowing so many people are praying has been invaluable.

Andy is making good progress. He is now on the coronary care ward and being very well cared for. He is doing short walks (with monitors, drips, etc.)and getting stronger every day.

It’s planned that he will be home here for Christmas, providing his heart rhythm can be stabilized. Apparently this is not an uncommon occurrence after emergency surgery.

Today he has seemed much more his normal self and is being very patient.

The different system has been a little confusing at times. We are a bit of a novelty, being English and the people who came on holiday and spent a week in the hospital! They love our “cute” accents and Andy is getting used to being called “honey” and “sweetie”

It’s good to be with Russell & Angie and the girls. I have had transport and meals provided and regular entertainment mainly in the form of ballet shows!

 

We have some anxiety about Andy being home and away from the hospital but we have been given plenty of information. We have our own large room with sofa etc. a little separate from the other bedrooms so will be very suitable. There’s also a long corridor for exercise!

 

Hope you all have a very good Christmas

 

With love

Brenda

Prayers needed

Please pray for Andy and Brenda Taylor. Having faithfully served the Lord in Pulborough for so many years, they are in the process of moving away from the area to Ipswich, but are currently in the States spending Christmas and New Year with their son, Russell and his family. We’ve just received news  that Andy has had a heart attack and has undergone surgery, initially intended to be just fitting a stent, but they discovered he actually required a quadruple bypass operation. 

Your prayers are much appreciated.

Don't forget...

Just a reminder that we are meeting with the United Reformed Church tomorrow - 10:30 at thier place! There'll be fun, carols, prayers and Christmas munchies! Hope to see you there!

In the mean time have a look at this to get you in the Christmas spirit...

Dalesdown Christmas Holiday Camp...

We’re very excited to be able to write and tell you about a special one-day Christmas Holiday Club/Camp being run up at Dalesdown in the week before Christmas.

 

This is a particularly important event because Splash and Children Worldwide are working together to share expertise and, in particular, to encourage more local children (and their families) to come up to Dalesdown for the day and experience what’s on offer through the camps and activities there. We’re hoping that many of these children will come back next summer and take part in the week-long Christian summer camps which Children Worldwide run in August.

 

The December holiday “camp” is for children in school years 3-6 – please pray as the publicity goes into schools that many new children come and that we are able to make good links with their parents and families.

 

If you would be interested in helping on the team for the day, we still have some places left – contact us for more information.  Or if you know of any children who might want to come, then please pass the flyer on.

 

Please also pray for a safe and successful event which brings alive, in a very special way, the real meaning of Christmas for all of the children who attend.

 

Thank you for all of your on-going support and encouragement for all of the work of Splash!

 

Blessings from all of the team

 

Caroline

Splash! for Schools & Communities

c/o Trinity Methodist Church

Thakeham Road

Storrington

West Sussex

RH20 3NG

Tel: 01903 744821

Splash is a Christian charity working with children, young people and families at the heart of the local community.

Web: www.splashschools.org.uk

UK Reg Charity No: 1106290

Links

Helpers Card

Holiday Club Flyer

Latest YAK..

The latest Yak is now online in the 'links' section on the right hand side.

Lovely! :-)

Discussion starter

Some thoughts and questions about the way we meet as a church

At our recent monthly team meetings (John, Sue, Bob, Annie, Rich, Bev, Kate Crawley, Naomi and Jonny) the discussion has often flowed in the direction of the nature of our small group meetings, including Source and Front Room groups.

We felt it was a good time to prompt a wider discussion of how we gather and encourage each other in smaller, more intimate settings and how this also relates to our involvement in our communities, workplaces, homes and other spheres of life.

We felt during our discussions that the two are closely related, not only because we can find the vital support we need in smaller groups to be Jesus to our non-believing friends, but also that we are constantly challenged by the nature of evangelism and essentially how we draw people to a place of following Jesus.

So, there are several discussion starters that we would like to “put out there”.

Click here for Naomi's 'discussion starter' document.

Events...

Thanks to everyone who contributed to our discussions this morning. Hopefully they inspired and encouraged. John's notes are now available under "Links" and the recording can also be downloaded.

As was annouced this morning Family Foundations Trust are having a prayer day click here to see the flyer with full details.

Also john mentioned...

AN OPPORTUNITY TO PUT YOUR CONCERNS - CHRISTIAN OR OTHERWISE - TO YOUR LOCAL MP. At the Leconfield Hall in the centre of Petworth (Market Square)

Nick Herbert , the new Member of Parliament responsible for Petworth within the Arundel Constituency, has been invited by PACT ( Petworth Area Churches Together) to address the Annual Autumn Lecture on Friday 29th October at 7.30pm. Nick is currently Minister of State for Policing and Criminal Justice at the Home Office.

SUBJECT: HOW THE COMMUNITY CAN HELP IN THE BIG SOCIETY

ALL ARE WELCOME - ENTRANCE FREE - NO BOOKING NECESSARY.

A GLASS OF WINE & LIGHT REFRESHMENTS SERVED AFTERWARDS.

Any enquiries to Gerald Gresham Cooke The Old Post House Tillington GU28 9AF, 01798 342151

Kaleidoscope Opening Event

 

A huge thank you to everyone who made the opening event of the new Kaleidoscope building a great success. Thank you especially to everyone who contributed to the food and everyone who gave to our special offering on Sunday. This has enabled Kaleidoscope to not only cover our shortfall but also to buy a shed and plasma welcome screen which were extras we thought we would not be able to afford. Half way through the project we were given the opportunity to utilise a piece of land formally used by the horticultural society. This took us over budget as it incurred further planning, legal, fencing and landscaping costs. However, it has given us a wonderful outside space and thanks to your generous giving has been paid for in full.

 

So, once again thank you for all the prayers, practical help, sharing of expertise and finances in order to see our community blessed.

You can look back over how the project came together at http://kaleidoscopebuild.blogspot.com

Update...

Dear all, please see the Links section on the right hand side and you should find the latest YAK, a standing order form and a gift aid declaration.

let me know if there are problems

Jonny :-)

Sunday BBQ

 Just a reminder that we’re meeting on Sunday 22^nd for a social/barbeque at Keyfox Farm, Balls Cross Road .  

 

Time: 11.30 am to 2 pm (ish)

 

Bring: 

• Meat etc for the barbeque – please include a little extra as we’re giving hospitality to some members of Eric Roadnight’s family too…
• EITHER a salad/savoury dish OR a pud   PLEASE contact Caroline so we can balance out amounts of savoury/sweet!
• Something cold to drink
• A chair (or rug) to sit on!  Maybe an umbrella/gazebo if it’s blazing hot….!

 

Coffee/tea/squash provided, and some bread rolls. 

 

Danny & Caroline have games, so hopefully (weather permitting) there’ll be time for bouncing around before and after the barbeque.

 

Please drive into the second entrance beyond the house and park in the yard.

 

Have we forgotten anything?  Let Caroline/Danny know – or if you have suggestions.

 

Blessings,

 

Caroline and Danny

From Hannah...

Hi everyone,

Just a quick message as I unpack from a week's cycling holiday (where Kate beat me up all the hills!) and get ready to leave for France again (hoping I can remember how to speak French having been waffling away in English for a good few weeks now!). For the month of August I will be volunteering on a YWAM base in the Champagne region of France, then I'll be back to Paris for a couple more months' of French study from September.

My address for August will be: Hannah Sneller, Jeunesse en Mission, 15 rue du Nozin, 51210 Le Gault-Soigny, France

I've recently sent out a newsletter which goes into more detail about what I am up to – if anyone hasn't already seen a copy and would like one then email me and I'll send it on. Thanks again to you all for your amazing gifts – especially for the offering taken on my behalf back in June – and support and prayers as I continue this time of learning French and exploring what God has for me in the future.

Love Hannah

This Sunday...

My Psalm

God I’m angry, frustrated and I can feel it growing
The tension, the stress and uncertainty of all this not knowing
What the future holds; and doesn’t look pretty
So will you act soon, have you heard are you ready


Why is it that the bankers, politicians and business men
Who caused this might mess we’re in are livin’ it up again
It feels like I’m out there working with the needy
While others who don’t give a toss pass the buck neatly


So what am I to do Lord, will you come rescue me?
Will you make the path smooth, will you show them you’re mighty
I do know you can do it Lord, I know you have a plan that’s good
I know that I don’t need to be worrying about my family’s food


So I will stand strong with both feet planted
On the rock of ages, with a peaceful heart granted
These storms may come along and try to tip me up
But to you Lord they’re no more than a swell in a tea cup


You’re the rock I stand on, not money or position
So I come before you now with humble contrition
You’re the God of everything and your praises I’ll shout
And know that my little problems are nothing for you to sort out

Our thoughts on the Psalms

Having meditated and mused on a Psalm or two we all turned up to our gathering on 25th July and contributed the following.

* God meets us where we’re at and takes us somewhere better...
* I must sing a new song - or dry up and bust!
* When things press in... How majestic is your name...!  Psalm 8
* When I kept thing to myself I felt weak deep inside me.....   The Lord says
* I will make you wise and show you where to go.  I will guide you and watch over you... Psalm 32
* Dear God, thank you for creating us and thank you for all the wonderful things we have.  Amen
* Each week, each day, each second, every day, give me Grace to embrace the pace.
* “I will bless the lord at all times”....  on the good days and on the bad days, in the happy times and in the painful, sad times “I will bless the Lord!”
* Psalm 34. I will boast only in the Lord... Taste and see that the Lord is good  
* He breaths light and colour into who we truly are
* You take care for the Land
* You crown the Year with your bounty
* The grasslands, the hills, the meadows, the valleys.  
* They shout for Joy and Sing! From Psalm 65
* Clothed with gladness - blessing! - Overflow - covered with flocks - mantled with grain - abundance!
* He is always there.  He will never leave me or forsake me.
* God meets us where we’re at and takes us somewhere better....
* You’re always near (song) 
.... ever present in time of need     Psalm 46
.... even there your hand will guide me  Psalm 139
* Psalm 139. He knows me.  Completely.  
* Everything about me.  He knows me.  
* He know my limits, He knows me
* He is with me. He is everywhere.
* He is in all things.  
* He is involved at the beginning of our lives and he is involved at the end.
* He knows us.  
* Show me your ways O Lord, Teach me your paths;
* Guide me in the truth and teach me,
* For you are God my saviour, and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25: 4-5
* What a mixed bag - Joy and Pain!
* The enemy will try - a very good try - to steel our Joy, BUT MY GOD IS THE STRONGEST.
* Psalm 46 - Be still and know that I am God
* Psalm 77 - You strode right through the ocean ... nobody saw you come or go.
* Psalm 145   - He does what is best for those who him - hears them call and saves them.  
* I lift you up high in praise, MY God, O my king!
* God is magnificent... no boundaries to his greatness.....  
* I compose songs on your greatness; I compose songs on your wonders
* God gives a hand to those down on their luck ...  gives a fresh start to those ready to quit !   
* God of reality - in the joy and the pain
* When the going gets tough, the tough get going........ To God!

Don't forget...

Ahead of our time together this Sunday it would be great if you could have a look at the list below and choose a topic which is apprpoiatte to a sitution you are in currently. Then choose a Psalm to use as a meditation. When you've spent some time with God looking at your chosen Psalm try to write down any thoughts, feelings or phrases which arise from this and bring them along next time we meet when we will use them as a basis for our worship. 

Click on the image for a larger view.

Home work!

As discussed during our time toegther this morning... have a look at the list below and choose a topic which is apprpoiatte to sitution you are in currently. Then choose a Psalm to use as a meditation. When you've spend some time with God looking at your chosen Psalm try to write down any thoughts, feelings or phrases which arise from this and bring them along next time we meet when we will use them as a basis for our worship. 

Click on the image for a larger view.

This morning we were blessed by the visit of Malc Garda. Malc talked about the need to put our hope in God alone even through tough times and the need for intamacy as a spring board for all that we do. He spoke about how a section of Psalm 73 had inspired him. Have a read...

²¹ Then I realized that my heart was bitter,
      and I was all torn up inside.
 ²² I was so foolish and ignorant—
      I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you.
 ²³ Yet I still belong to you;
      you hold my right hand.
 ²⁴ You guide me with your counsel,
      leading me to a glorious destiny.
 ²⁵ Whom have I in heaven but you?
      I desire you more than anything on earth.
 ²⁶ My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,
      but God remains the strength of my heart;
      he is mine forever.

Sustenance...

You may or may not be aware of Podcasts. They are basically recordings usually issued daily, weekly or monthly which can be downloaded and listened to.

Recently stumbled across the podcast from a church in the states. I downloaded all the available talks a had a listen. If you're someone who finds an American voice annoying then stay with it there's some great stuff. Click here and to visit the site which explains how to 'subsribe' or just download.

Sunday 13th...

The United Reformed Church was packed from wall to wall for Joan's Funeral. Many a happy memory was shared and poignant thought expressed as we remembered our wonderful friend.

This Sunday we gather again and will be looking at Psalm 86. 11-13 with John, Rich and Bob. We meet at the usual place with tea and coffee from 10am. During the morning we will be taking a special offering for Hannah to help support her continuing work in The Gambia/Paris with the S people.

After our gathering we will be enjoying a 'bring 'n' share' lunch together and sharing news and info about church goings on in our usual 'chat & chew' style church meeting.

Sad News...

The sudden and unexpected death of Joan Roadnight last Saturday has left a huge gap in our church community. We rejoice with her that she is with her Lord whom she loved so dearly but she will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Eric, James and Helen and Lorraine and Ram, and also with her wider family and the many people in our local community who will all miss her. Joan has been an inspiration to us all and was ready to ‘step into the next room’ to be with Jesus as she lived her life in such close communion with him. We are the richer for having shared in some of her journey.

Joan’s funeral will be on Friday 28^th, 2.00 pm at the United Reformed Church. 

The Psalms

This seasons we are looking at the Psalms. Beautiful, honest and inspiring among other things, these 150 poems and songs could keep us occupied for years! Instead we are taking time during our Sunday meetings until the summer to study this book. We will be leaving it up to the speaker and overseer  to choose which Psalm/s we look at and how we explore them together.

Notes from Annie's introductory talk are in the Links section and you are invited to delve into the Psalms yourselves, perhaps re-visiting an old favourite or discovering new things and maybe sharing what you find when we meet or on the Blog.

Here are some links to help you


Click here for Psalms in simple English and some notes

Click here for the Psalms in more fancy language!

Click here to have the Psalms read to you... in English too!

In true Petworth Community Church style, the younger generation were well represented at the weekend away.   From our own little granddaughter Esme-Rose, to the fast growing Oli, children were a large part of the weekend.   And the highlight of this was helping Callum celebrate his 10th birthday with that wonderful cake !

The theme of the weekend was about equipping the saints; we looked at ‘church’ - it’s organic nature, how to ensure that it is sustainable and future proof.   We explored the ministries that Paul discusses in Ephesians 4 and began to indentify and confirm our own, and each others, ministries and gifts  - recognising that these aren’t fixed and boundaried, but changing depending on our particular situations and activities -  based around our changing life callings.    They are meant to be operating both within the church when it is gathered and in ‘church in the community’.  

As we prayed for Nigel and Emma in their particular calling in parenting Esme-Rose, my mind went back 30 years to when the then PCF met in the Red Cross Centre, and I used to look after Nigel each Sunday morning in the kitchen.  It struck me that what we were praying about was ‘reproduction’  -  ensuring that the past and present is re-birthed into the future.   But Esme-Rose is not a clone of Nigel  -  she is the result of the coming together of Emma and Nigel  -  producing something new and unique. 

And that is why the ministries and gifts are given - to ensure that church is continually re-birthed into the future through the equipping of the saints.   Not a replica of now, but an organism ‘fit for purpose’ for the demands of tomorrow.

Over the last year Ruth and I have become proud grandparents of Molly and Esme-Rose, but we have also enjoyed welcoming Hannah’s son Theo (Nick’s girlfriend), and Carla’s Elijah.   During the weekend, I found myself instinctively ‘looking after’ the various children who were there - regardless of whether they ‘belonged’ to me.   Looking after other peoples’ babies is part of the privilege of belonging to the church family.   It is not only baby-sitting when requested - it is about praying for, and nurturing, the families and the children. (No I am not offering a babysitting service !)

There are of course other babies that we are called to look after  -  the particular ‘babies’ we each carry in the form of ministries and gifting.   We need to be nurturing each others’ calling -  giving them space to be and exercise their gifts,  supporting and encouraging them as they go out into the community as church -  representing the risen Lord Jesus, and taking Kingdom values into the various situations we face.     

So what’s your ‘baby’ ?    And whose ‘baby’ can you nurture ?   

Tony April 2010

PCC @ Dalesdown 2010 - Notes from Sessions

What a great weekend... weather, people, food, scenary, presence of God, comfortable surroundings and some great dialogue in exploring... Equipping the Saints!

All the notes from the sessions are in the Links section, so if you missed a session or were unable to be there, you can catch up on some of what went on.

Rob and Cath Whillier were such a blessing to us all and brought an objective and wise view to all we were working through together. And Karlene, Meri, Sarah and Annalie were superb. The children loved them!

Thanks to everyone who contributed food, helped with the meals, participated in worship, and helped in the amazingly efficient clear up process on Sunday afternoon. Cheers everbody!

Spring forward!

Don't forget everyone... the clocks go forward by one hour tonight! See you at 10:30!

NB No 'Chat & Chew' meeting as previously annouced.

Update time...

Hi all. Linda has been working away and the latest edition of YAK is out. There also a booking form for our fab weekend away coming up on April 16th-18th. Both are available in the 'Links' section on the right.

Friday 5th Feb...

We are gathering at the United Reformed Church in Petworth at 6:00pm tonight for our 'Chip, Chat, Chew'

 We'll be enjoying a meal together curtesy of our local chippy as well as chatting over some church business and catching up on the news! See you there!

Click here for the agenda

Prayer for Christian Unity

Some of us attended the service for Christian Unity at St Mary's last Sunday. This prayer was part of that service and we felt worth sharing.

'Take us from where we are to where you want us to be; make us not merely guardians of a heritage but living signs of your coming kingdom; fire us with passion for justice and peace between all people; fill us with that faith, hope and love which embody the gospel; and through the power of the holy spirit make us one, that the world may believe, that your name may be enthroned in our nation, that your church may more effectivey be your body, we commit ourselves to love you, serve you and follow you as pilgrims not strangers.'

Prayer for Haiti

Lord, I just want to say THANK YOU,

Because this morning I woke up and knew where my children were.

Because this morning my home was still standing,
Because this morning I am not crying
Because my spouse, my child, my brother or sister, my parent does not need to be buried
or to be pulled out from underneath a pile of concrete,
Because this morning I was able to drink a glass of water,
Because this morning I was able to turn on the light,
Because this morning I was able to take a shower, Because this morning I was not planning a funeral

But most of all I thank you this morning because I still have life and a voice to cry out for the people of Haiti .
Lord I cry out to you, the One that makes the impossible, possible,

The One that turns darkness into light, I cry out that You give those mothers strength,

That You give them peace that surpasses all understanding,
That You may open the streets so that help can come, That You may provide doctors, nurses, food, water, and all that they need in a blink of an eye,

For all those that have lost family members, give them peace, give them hope, give them courage to continue to go on!

Protect the children and shield them with your power.

I pray all this in the name of Jesus.

Chip, Chat & Chew!

Hi All

Last Sunday we said that we'd postpone the Chat & Chew that was booked for Sunday 24th Jan because of the Prayer service at St Mary's at 3 o'clock also on that day.

And it's always tricky getting another Sunday that isn't already booked up so instead we're going to do Chat & Chew on Friday 5th Feb at 6pm at the URC.....with chips! Children all invited so that we can include them and also not worry about babysitter availability.

So please would you let me know whether you'll be able to come and what you would like to order from the Tasty Plaice.

And also please pass this onto anyone else involved in PCC who isn't on the email.

Have a god-blessed week!

Kate.

YAK...

Linda has been hard at work on the latest issue of YAK. As usual it's available in the 'Links' section on the right and is packed with the usual brilliant blend of information , prayer pointers and dates. Look out for information on our Church weekend away in April and updates from Eric & Ele, Ruth and Hannah.

Spring Sunday Themes

For your info, preparation and study...


Our Sundays gathering this season will be based around the theme 'Convictions of Steel'. This is taken from a passage in 1 Thessalonians taken from The Message. As with our last series 'Feast & Famine' there will be a degree of freedom for each morning to look at the same subject from different angles.

You can find the passage in the 'links' section titled Spring Sunday Theme highlighted to suggest some different themes within the passage.

Happy new year from Hannah

Hi everyone,

After a flying visit to Petworth over Christmas (made even shorter by my plane back from Gambia being delayed by a day!) I'm just getting ready to leave again . . . on Sunday (3 January) I'll be catching the Eurostar to Paris where I will start French studies at a Christian language school. I plan to be there for six months initially, with the option of staying for up to a year.

Why Paris? For a while it's been a personal goal of mine to learn French. This would be useful if I was to get involved in further translation work in Gambia – because it is surrounded by French-speaking countries and also because knowing another language would be helpful. It is also a way of taking some time away from being in Gambia having been there on and off for over eight years now, and I plan to use the time to seek God's guidance for the future.

Thanks to all of you PCCers for your love and support in the journey. I'm looking forward to seeing more of you as Paris is a lot closer than Gambia so it'll be easier to pop back and say hello – and I'm sure I'll see a few friendly visitors out there as well?!

Lots of love, and happy new year to you all . . .
Hannah