Page 52 - Phonebox Magazine December 2007

Churches Together in Newport Pagnell
MARKET HILL CAROLS
The traditional Christmas open air service in Newport Pagnell will be held on the Market Hill, Saturday, December 22, at noon.
WALKING IN 2008
The New Year's Day walk, organised by Churches Together in Newport Pagnell, starts at St Luke's Church, Wolverton Road, at 10am. The next stop is at St Bede's at 10.30am followed by calls at the Baptist Church, the Parish Church and the United Reformed Church. The walk ends with refreshments at the Methodist Church at 11.45am.
FAREWELL PARTY FOR RECTOR
At an informal party in Brooklands Club, Newport Pagnell, on Sunday afternoon, November 4, parishioners said goodbye to the Rev John Lewis, who has been their Rector for the past 19 years.
Churchwarden Mervyn Evans paid tribute to John's leadership and encouragement over the years. Parochial Church Council secretary Dick Parker spoke of his wise counsel in matters affecting the Parish Church and St Luke's.
In reply the Rector gave a comprehensive ‘thank you’ to all who had worked with him and supported his efforts in the parish. To the nine curates and Church Army personnnel, to the churchwardens, lay officials – and particularly to his wife Marilyn. He would, he said, always be grateful to God for their time spent in Newport Pagnell.
Diane Harrington, churchwarden, presented a floral arrangement, made by Joan Clutton, to Mrs Lewis. The iced cake was made by Linda Ramsay and decorated with a picture of the Parish Church.
The main presentation to the Rector was of an inscribed cut glass decanter and glasses – with the remainder of the subscription money being handed over (amid amusement) in the form of John Lewis plc vouchers!
The Rev and Mrs John Lewis are to make their home in Oxford.
CAROLS AND TOYS
The Salvation Army is organising a special Carols and Toys service at the Church of Christ the Cornerstone, Milton Keynes, on Sunday December 9, at 5.30pm. People are invited to take along a new toy or gift for a child or teenager, to be distributed to needy families over Christmas. If you are unable to attend the service and would like to make a donation contact Major Janey Thornton, tel 01908 606916 or 01908 679654.
AROUND THE WARDS
Why not join in the carol singing rounds the wards of Milton Keynes Hospital on Wednesday, December 19, at 7pm. If you can sing or play an instrument you will be particularly welcome. There will be tea and mince pies afterwards!
Left to right: Mervyn Evans, Diane Harrington (churchwardens) the Rev John Lewis and Mrs Marilyn Lewis.
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