Page 64 - Phonebox Magazine March 2011

Churches Together in Newport Pagnell
Musings of a Lay Preacher
March 9th is the beginning of the period of Lent. After enjoying the Pancakes on Shrove Tuesday, the early church then had a period of fasting leading up to Easter. Today, the practice is to give up something such as chocolate for Lent, perhaps donating the money that would have been spent to charity.
This year why not do something different for Lent? Instead of giving up something we like, take up something new. As Lent was traditionally a time for prayer and fasting, you could commit some time each day to read a passage of scripture, reflect or meditate upon it, then pray. St Andrews Bookshop in Wolverton will have a selection of Bible study notes and devotional material for Lent and there’s always material available on the Internet. This a real opportunity to prepare ourselves for the Easter weekend when, on Good Friday, we remember that Jesus died on a cross and on Easter Sunday we celebrate that he rose from death to eternal life. Jesus gave His life that we may have a new life, by believing in Him.
In recent weeks the Baptist church has seen six people publicly declare their faith in Jesus by being baptised. Each one spoke about their journey to faith and how their relationship with Jesus has changed them, bringing peace, calmness and stability into their lives. Some of their stories have been very moving and I have a feeling that there will be a few more stories told in the weeks ahead.
As we observe the Lent period, we can give thanks to God that, through belief in Jesus, we have become His children and use the time to enrich our faith that our knowledge of the Lord may increase. We have new life in Jesus, let’s live it for Him!
Keith Bedford Baptist Lay Preacher
Understanding Healing
Do you worry about your health? Do you want to understand more about healing? Do you have questions about Christian healing? Over the first few months of 2011 the Parish of Newport Pagnell, with Churches Together in Newport Pagnell and the Anglican Deanery of Newport has invited expert speakers in different aspects of healing to speak and lead discussions to help us understand more about healing. The meetings will include prayer.
th
On Saturday, 19 , March, at 2.00 pm
at Lovat Hall, Baptist Church, Silver Street, Newport Pagnell, the speaker will be Lin Button, who has been involved in Healing Prayer for more than thirty years with her own well- established private practice. She continues to research and develop healing prayer in the context of both conference teaching, prayer ministry and counselling. Lin is Director of Counselling on the staff at All Saints Church, Woodford Wells. She is married to Ron. They have two sons and six grandchildren. Lin will talk about “Prayer and Healing: praying for the sick”
PANCAKE SUPPER.
START LENT WITH A TIME OF FELLOWSHIP AND
FOOD!
At the Methodist
Church on Tuesday 8th March.
A joint URC/ Methodist initiative.
Games, talk, food and fun! ALL AGES WELCOME.
Call 07703485017 to let us know you are coming!
For more information about Churches Together in Newport Pagnell visit our website (www.ctnp.org.uk)
Lent lunches in Newport Pagnell
Come and enjoy a delicious lunch of homemade soup, a choice of breads and cheeses, tea and coffee all for £3. Every Friday lunchtime from 11 March to 15 April from 12 noon to 1.15pm in the United Reformed Church hall just off the High Street. Profits go to Christian Aid.
LENTEN JOURNEYING:
Through the Arts.
(A joint Methodist/URC series of worship).
Sundays @ 6.30pm at Newport Pagnell Methodist Church. ASH WEDNESDAY (9th March): Masks we wear.
Sunday 13th March: Charcoals. Sunday 20th March: Claywork. Sunday 27th March: Watercolours. Sunday 3rd April: Music.
Sunday 10th April: Poetry. Sunday 17th April: Drawing and Mosaic.
The series concludes on Maundy Thursday with a service including Holy Communion at 7pm at
the United Reformed Church.
Each worship opportunity will involve Bible readings, reflection and time for own exploration using materials provided.
Saturday 2nd April 9- 10.30am. : Breakfast and books, coffee and conversation
@ the United Reformed Church in the foyer-
come in the front doors and join us! Come along and share in discussion about books relating to faith.
A selection of books will be available to borrow.
For more information call 07703485017 or email revdjmills@btinternet.com
64 Phonebox Magazine