Page 64 - January Phonebox Magazine 2012

Churches Together in Newport Pagnell
Minister’s Letter
Many people will be glad to say goodbye to 2011 because it's been a hard year and we all know we are living in difficult times. In 2011 we have seen rising prices, growing unemployment, especially among young people, and more people are falling into debt because making ends meet has become much harder. Such adversity puts people under considerable stress and the inequalities in society become even more obvious. Such stress strains relationships and gives rise to feelings of desperation.
In my letters to friends to be sent with my Christmas cards I found myself wondering exactly what would be the appropriate wish for this New Year – a peaceful and prosperous New Year? This is the time for making New Year resolutions and if I really want 2012 to be better than 2011 I need to think about what I can do to help to make the world a better place. It's no good wishing for a more peaceful and prosperous world and then doing nothing to help to make such wishes come true. Many of the resolutions we make are about breaking bad habits but some are probably about doing something that we've not yet got round to doing.
Faced with the difficulties the world is in most of us probably feel completely powerless to do anything because the problems seem so daunting. Of course no one person can solve all the problems but what a difference it would make if everyone resolved to do one thing this year and to really make that a priority - perhaps to give regularly to the Food Bank; to befriend a lonely person; to reduce significantly the use of the car; to grow more food and share it with others; to join a community organisation; to support a charity ......... there are so many possibilities! We are all capable of that much. Have a purposeful New Year.
Rev John Reardon
CTNP Christmas Open Air Service 24th December
The townspeople of Newport Pagnell braved the winter weather to watch Mary, Joseph and their donkey call at the ‘inns’ along the high street from the parish church to Market Hill outside Boots. There was no room at the inn at the Swan Revived, the Cannon and the Plough, before the holy family found shelter at the Dolphin where the Christmas story was retold in music and drama.
“Mary, Joseph and donkey travel along the High Street from inn to inn seeking shelter.” (from 2010 event) Photo by Douglas McCall
Methodist Church Annual Quiz
The Methodist Church Annual Quiz will be held on Wednesday 25th Jan at 7.30pm
Everyone is Welcome. (Teams of Five) Please Contact Robin Marsh 611351.
United Reformed Church
along and join with others who feel the same and let us worship God together.
FOLLOWED BY: CHRISTINGLE service 10.30am. A time of worship and a chance to raise awareness of the work of the Children’s Society and funds to continue their work. Come along and share with us and hear the story of the Christingle. All welcome.
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. VIGIL 9am-1pm on Saturday 21st January at Newport Pagnell Methodist Church. Prayers for this important week in the Christian Calendar. Theme: We will all be changed.
Saturday evening 6.30pm Mass at St Bede’s Roman Catholic Church.
Sunday afternoon, 22nd January, at 5pm at the United Reformed Church, service using the liturgy produced for the week of prayer for Christian Unity. ALL WELCOME TO ALL EVENTS. Let us all join in and help to work towards closer unity and cooperation for the Church worldwide.
For more information go to www.ctbi.org.uk/CGL/569
By Jambulance to Lourdes
In October 2011 Jon Walls boarded the Jumbulance at Newport Pagnell Services to begin his journey to Lourdes. The Jumbulance is a jumbo-sized ambulance that is owned and operated by the charity ACROSS. It was designed to take the very sick and handicapped to Lourdes. For many, if it was not for the Jumbulance, travel to Lourdes would be impossible. Inside the vehicle you will find 7 beds, 18 reclining seats, a kitchen, a toilet and emergency medical equipment – everything that could be needed for the 21 hour journey.
ACROSS describes the trips to Lourdes that they organise as “a holiday with Our Lady” and during the seven full days that it is in Lourdes, the group will have the opportunity to combine a Pilgrimage with a holiday. Group activities will include visits to the Grotto where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St Bernadette, joining in the services, visiting the local cafes and perhaps taking an excursion into the Pyrenees to enjoy some spectacular scenery.
People have said that they would imagine Lourdes to be a sad place to visit as there are so many people with such severe illnesses or disabilities. Yet there is not a sense of self pity but one of serenity or acceptance and hope – Lourdes is known for the miraculous cures that have happened there. Jon said “I truly believe that even if a person does not leave Lourdes cured, they will leave Lourdes changed”.
For more information of ACROSS visit www.across-uk.org
The Group celebrates Mass in Lourdes
CTNP Website

For more information about Churches Together in Newport Pagnell please visit our website (www.ctnp.org.uk).

Sunday 8th January at Newport Pagnell United Reformed Church. Early Bird worship. 9-9.30am. All age interactive worship in a relaxed Church setting. Come along and share with us. Our theme is NEW BEGINNINGS. Ever really wanted to go to Church but worried about your children making a noise or you not knowing what to do? Come
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