Dear Church Friends,
Hello everyone. Well, we are now into October. When I was young, I used to look forward to the first weekend in October as Nottingham Goose Fair was held from noon on the Thursday until Sunday evening on the Forest Recreation Ground opposite my school. At that time this was one of the biggest travelling funfairs in the country and that meant our school was closed on the Friday as there was likely to be a lot of noise blaring out all day from the myriad rides and attractions. An extra day’s holiday for us! An autumn fair has been held in Nottingham for centuries and this gradually turned from an agricultural event into a fun event. The original fair was more like the country/county fairs we have today – a livestock and trade event. Among other items, thousands of geese were brought from other counties to be sold there – hence the name Goose Fair. Immediately prior to moving to the Forest, the fair was held in the Market Square in the centre of the city. It probably started changing to a fun event during the 19th century as transport links became easier and people had less need to buy food from travelling sales people.
It hardly seems possible that we are over three quarters of the way through the year. On Sunday we will return to a more usual format of service with five hymns and two Bible readings. Instead of putting your offertory in the baskets around the church, your offerings will be collected and dedicated after the second hymn.
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.
Harvest Sunday on 10th October 2021
In order to make a small display at the front, we will accept non-perishable food gifts, but would, in the main, like to receive cheque/cash donations which will be distributed 50/50 between local families in crisis and overseas aid (or possibly refugees from Afghanistan being housed in the UK). Please put any monetary gifts, with any cheques made payable to ‘Fairhaven URC’, in a sealed envelope with Harvest Gift written on the front.
Our Worship on Sunday 3rd October at 10.45am will be led by Val Atkinson and will include Communion. To make it easier for the stewards to serve you, would you please sit in alternate pews.
Our Worship on Sunday 10th October at 10.45am, our Harvest Service will be led by Andrew Barratt. Kevin Morgan will play the organ for our service.
Our Worship on Sunday 17th October at 10.45am will be led by Richard Golding
A private Service of Thanksgiving was held for Marjorie, the wife of our retired organist, Arthur. It took place on Wednesday this week and Arthur has sent me a copy of the Service Booklet and also the Eulogy which was read out. I have pinned a copy of both items on the notice board in the Hall so that you may read about her life.
I have received the following contribution from Eve C which she wrote before she was married.
HOPE by Y. St. James
Hope lifts me up,
It makes the day begin.
With shafts of golden light that warms,
Each thought and feeling from within.
Gone are the clouds which blocked the view.
Gone are the doubts and strife.
I see instead the wonders,
Which surround and fill my life.
Each new day a triumphant shout.
I can only wonder why,
I ever saw the deep black night,
When all around me lie,
The love which God proclaims to us.
I look and I can see,
The meadow sweet, the rushing stream,
Each dainty flower or lofty tree.
When hope abounds, the heart takes flight.
And soars on gossamer wings.
That wondrous journey of delight,
Which only knowing brings.
Gone are the cares, for I have seen,
God’s message from above.
If I can trust myself to him,
Then he’ll surround me with his love.
I AM Bible Study Sessions
The first session in the White Church will begin next Friday 8th October at 2pm in the parlour. Contact Rev Jim on 07484221809 for further details.
Rev Jim is celebrating a special birthday today 2nd October. On behalf of everyone at the White Church, I should like to wish him a very happy and enjoyable 60th birthday.
Let us pray
Dear Lord Jesus,
We pray for all those known to us who are in need of Your strength, comfort, hope and compassion. Be with them through any dark days and fill them with your Spirit, Peace and everlasting love. We ask this in Your name. Amene
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
Ruth
