Page 64 - Phonebox Magazine May 2011

Churches Together in Newport Pagnell
Becoming a deacon in the Catholic Church
When I mention in a conversation that I’m training to be a deacon in the Catholic Church, people sometimes ask “What is a deacon?” In a way, it’s easier to explain what a deacon is not. Deacons cannot celebrate Mass, anoint the sick or hear confession, only priests can do that. But there is still a lot that a deacon can do - proclaim the gospel and preach, assist at Mass, do baptisms, funerals and weddings (outside of Mass), lead services other than Mass and do charitable work.
This sometimes leads to another question. It’s usually more sensitively worded, but roughly the question is “Why would anyone want to do that?” Well, over the years I have received a lot from various people in the church. Nothing material, of course, but I have been richly blessed and my faith has been nurtured and grown in various ways, often thanks to the help and support of others. And by becoming a deacon (which hopefully I will in June) I have the opportunity to give some of this back. I can then serve the church and help others to grow in their faith and to support them in times of need.
It is, of course, possible to serve the church (= God’s people) without having an official role. A lot of people do that and none of the churches in Newport Pagnell could work properly without the support of lay people. But there are also people needed who are prepared to go a step further and take on ordained leadership roles in the church. And God willing, I will do that in June.
Klaus Reidel
Newport Pagnell Baptist Church Annual Church Meeting
The church met for its Annual Meeting on
Tuesday 15th March and seventy-seven
members shared in the agenda. Elections to the eldership and diaconate resulted in the following being elected to serve the church:
• Eldership – Mary Buckell and Steve Wood
• Diaconate – Richard Beesley and Alan Webb
The meeting adopted the annual reports from the various church organisations and ministries and approved the Trustees’ Annual Report which included the Financial Statement and the Treasurer’s Financial Report. There was a real air of enthusiasm and optimism as we heard of real growth and of people coming to faith in Jesus Christ through the church’s ministry.
David Wright, Administrator, Newport Pagnell Baptist Church CROSS PURPOSES
Youth Worship in Newport Pagnell for age 11+ IS GOING ON TOUR!!!
Join us and SYNERGY- the Sunday night event for ALL Church Youth Groups- on May 8th. Olney Baptist and St Peter & St Paul’s, OLNEY 7-9pm. For more information find Cross Purposes on Facebook.
URC GAMES EVENING
On Saturday 4th June at 4.00 - 8.00 pm A GAMES EVENING at the United Reformed Church, High Street (under the arch), Newport Pagnell. Opportunity to play favourite games like Mexican Train and Ticket to Ride and to learn new ones. Everyone welcome, refreshments served half way through. Admission £3.00 for individuals, £6.00 for families. Further details if required: Tel. 01908 617798.
CTNP Website
For more information about Churches Together in Newport Pagnell please visit our website (www.ctnp.org.uk).
COPY DEADLINE FOR THE JUNE ISSUE OF PHONEBOX IS 15TH MAY
Heron Opticians
A local family practice with friendly,
After 15 years in the Arcade we have moved ptorofuerssnieown,abl isgtgaeffr apnradctihce l–atweistth enqousitpamirse!nt
56 High Street Newport Pagnell
MK16 8AQ
TEL 01908 216477
Please do come and visit us
64 Phonebox Magazine