Fellowship News

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The last quarter started off with our harvest celebrations. On the Saturday we held the drop-in harvest lunch from 12-2.30pm and nigh on 80 people came and went, many old faces and some new ones and some who come for the food but are aware of the Christian witness and we pray that the Lord may work in their hearts. The Sunday saw a parade service and the church full, with the scouts taking their part in the service.

On the 23rd  October Sylvia Searle witnessed through the waters of baptism. There were many who came who do not normally attend a place of worship and Sylvia's strong testimony was a real witness to those present.

We were blessed with David Want's ministry on a couple of Sundays and we commit him to the Lord as he has to go into hospital shortly for heart by-pass surgery.

The church continues to gain the attention of the village vandals, with damage being done to parked cars. There was also an incident when the sign for Orchard Avenue was mounted in the middle of Church Road with a couple of bricks and bollards. We need to be aware of the dangers and keep an eye out for unusual activity around the church. Security lights have now been fitted to the back and CCTV cameras are to be installed. Isn't it a sad reflection on the lack of respect that people have these days.

There are many within the fellowship who need prayer for strength and renewed health: Jenny Jacques has been suffering much and her mother, Winifred, still suffers great pain although now that she is being treated appropriately is feeling a little better.

We pray for God's blessing upon Sibyl and Jean and their brother Jasper as they mourn the loss of their sister Tiny on 4t" December. As I write this, details of the funeral are not known but Tiny will be buried at St Mary's and Geoff will take the service. We think also of Jim, a dear friend of Tiny and also blind, who himself has just been through major surgery.

Our dear friends Janet and Clive Jeffree have been suffering recently. Janet recently had major surgery and obviously has to take things easy for a while, which comes hard when you're the type of person who is always on the go. We are so grateful for their involvement with the scouts and their faithful support for the parade services over the years and pray for God's healing.

There are many in the fellowship who are suffering either with their own health or caring for those near and dear. Please use the prayer calendar as a focus for your prayers.

We remembered our dear friend Ivy Whitehead, as in November we dedicated the new communion set that was purchased with the legacy she left to the church. It was good also to share the time with Roy and Jacky. November also saw us say au revoir to Dezree & Peter as they returned to Thailand and an account of what the Lord is doing out there comes later. We also missed Chris Search for a while as he experienced life in India and is now recovering from the effects. An account of his travels also appears later.

For those in the fellowship who enjoy a good party book the date of 21st January. This is designed as an `internal' affair for all the fellowship and immediate family, with quizzes, games and attractions plus buffet. All very low key and a chance to get to know one another better.

The church's AGM is on February 22nd. Please keep this in your prayers.