Dear Church Friends
Wasn’t it wonderful to hear the organ being played last Sunday? Our thanks go to Kevin Morgan for uplifting our singing during the hymns and ending worship with the rousing Widor Toccata.
I hope you have been able to get out during the recent settled weather. It was good to have almost wall to wall sunshine on Friday even though the wind was quite chilly and temperatures lower. As the trees and shrubs prepare for winter, the autumnal colours change daily and are a joy to see. They remind us that the clocks will go back at the end of this month and winter is approaching. Much of the natural world is preparing to go into hibernation in order to survive the winter months and prepare for a new start next year. Soon the trees will be shedding their leaves, shutting down growth and going to ‘sleep’ until Mother Nature wakes them up next year
As I mentioned in church last Sunday, there is scaffolding up whilst the workmen complete the higher-level pointing, so the church gates at the main entrance will be closed and locked until the work is completed and the scaffolding removed. The work should be completed in under 2 weeks depending on weather conditions. Please do not use the church car park during this time even though the side ( normal exit) gates may be open, when the workmen are present. If you come to the Sunday 17th October service and/or Thursday morning coffee and have mobility problems, please park on Clifton Drive next to the pedestrian entrance. Please ask if you need any help with access to the church. On Sunday morning, please leave the road parking area near to the pedestrian gate free for those with impaired mobility. We intend to put out some cones on the pavement in that area to remind people of this request. Thank you for your consideration. We hope the car park will be available on the following Sunday.
The elders have decided that in future communion will be served using the same format as October, i.e. by asking people to leave alternate pews free to make it easier to serve the elements.
Please support the church shop which is open in the hall after the Sunday service during coffee. Glenys will be pleased to help you. Janet S has a limited supply of Traidcraft items but she can order anything required from the brochures which are available for you to look through. The Real Advent Calendar will also be available for £3.99 through Janet. Please speak to Janet if you would like to buy one.
Our Worship on Sunday 17th October at 10.45am will be led by Richard Golding
Our Worship on Sunday 24th October at 10.45am will be led by Stuart Gay
Our Worship on Sunday 31st October at 10.45am will be led by Rev Jim Williams
I have come across some lines from an unknown author which give us food for thought
I wish I were big enough honestly to admit all my shortcomings;
Brilliant enough to accept praise without it making me arrogant;
Tall enough to tower above deceit;
Strong enough to welcome criticism;
Compassionate enough to understand human frailties;
Wise enough to recognise my mistakes;
Humble enough to appreciate greatness;
Staunch enough to stand by my friends;
Human enough to be thoughtful of my neighbours;
And righteous enough to be devoted to the love of God.
Let us pray
Dear Lord Jesus,
We pray for all families who are mourning the loss of a loved one this week. Please be with them in their time of greatest need and give them your strength, comfort and love. Thank you for the blessings You give us and help us to remember that You are our rock and salvation. Guide us, shape us and comfort us. In Jesus’ name, Amen
Please join me in saying the Grace together.
May the Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Love of God and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and evermore. Amen
God Bless you all
Ruth
