Page 75 - Phonebox Magazine March 2012

Churches Together in Newport Pagnell
LETTER FROM A MINISTER
The bulbs in the pots in my garden were prompted by the mildweatherofJanuarytostartgrowing.Thesightofnew shoots is a sign for me of the beginning of spring and I anticipated new life and warmer weather. Their growth has, however, been interrupted by the freezing temperatures of February and the small shoots have stood, frozen in time for days and days. There is nothing I can do now except be patient (this is hard for me) and wait a little longer for the Spring flowers to bloom. I am hopeful.
Christian hope is not just optimism that everything will turn out right in the end. Rather, Christian hope has been described as ‘a patient, disciplined, confident waiting for, and expectation of the blessings promised in the gospel’. We hope in God’s faithfulness and graciousness. We hope in the expectation that all God’s promises to us and for us will (soon) be realised. We hope through trusting and waiting on God we will enjoy and appreciate the fruits of His peace, grace and joy.
In anticipation of the renewal of nature in the season of spring, let us continue to maintain patience, peace, and strong hope through our everyday lives.
Wishing you every blessing
Birgitte Grace
Chaplain, Westbury Grange
CHURCH IS FUN AND MESSY
Over 30 children with their parents came to the first Awesomely Awesome Messy Fun Church in January. The new form of being church includes craft activities, story time, songs and dancing, with drinks and cakes is the Parish of Newport Pagnell's new monthly Sunday afternoon service
for families. Following the success of its debut, Awesomely Awesome Messy Fun Church will take place on the last Sundayofeverymonthat3.45pminStLuke'schurch, opposite the Red House pub on the Wolverton Road. The next service is at 3.45 pm on Sunday 25th March.
Don’t think that church can be fun? Head for St Luke’s Church and find out!
HELP NEEDED
The Parish of Newport Pagnell needs some administrative assistance. For more information contact the Rector, Michael Godfrey at 81 High Street, MK16 8AB or by e-mail- rector- 08@btinternet.com
NEWPORT PAGNELL CENTARIAN
Charlotte Clarke, known to many in Newport Pagnell, celebrates her 100th birthday on 7th March with coffee and cakes at 10.00 am after the Wednesday morning service at St Peter & Paul's church, Newport Pagnell
Congratulations, Charlotte and we hope that many friends will be able to share in your celebrations.
ROYAL SCHOOL OF CHURCH MUSIC VISITS NEWPORT PAGNELL
On 25th February the Royal School of Church Music held a special service in St Peter & Paul's church Newport Pagnell entitled the Cross of Christ. The service involved choirs from across the county and included anthems, chorals, Mozart's Ave Verum and hymns on the theme of Lent and Passiontide.
DENTAL MISSION WORK IN ZAMBIA
For a number of years Jonathon Longhurst, a local dentist,
from the Baptist Church has spent some
of his annual leave supporting mission workinAfrica.NetherfieldChapel(Broadlands,MK64YP), supported by the Christian Dental Fellowship are hosting a meeting and tea for anyone interested in the dental mission work in North Zambia on 10th March from 3:00 - 6:00pm. The guest speaker is Elastus Chonde, dental therapist from Ndola Zambia. For numbers for tea please contact Jonathon Longhurst at jon2longhurst@btinternet.com or 07849842859 by 5th March.
WOMENS WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
This service takes place in the Parish Church on Friday 2nd March at 7:30pm. The theme of the service is “Let Justice Prevail”, prepared by the women of Malaysia. The speaker is Rev Glynis Bell. All welcome.
BRIDGEBUILDER TRUST QUIZ
If you are a super swot and/or enjoy good food and company in aid of our local school’s ministry project, then the Bridgebuilder Trust Quiz is the place for you. The question master is Geoff Morris and takes place on 17th March in Netherfield Chapel. Doors open at 6:30 pm for a 7:00pm start finishing by 10:00pm. Geoff says that it will be a fun quiz not University Challenge!
Come as a team of 4-6 people or join one on the night. A home cooked 2 course meal is included in the price of £7:50 (bring your own drinks). Which team will be the next name on the Bridgebuilder Quiz Shield?
To book your place contact Gill at office@mkbt.org.uk or 01908270670. We’d love to see you.
Phonebox Magazine 75