Fellowship News

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It seems a long time now since Christmas and all those New Year resolutions and the last issue of the magazine. It was a joy to see the church packed for the Christmas carols by candlelight and the singing group managed to hit the right note on the day under the watchful eye (and ear) of Annie.

We give thanks for new faces in the fellowship, Shirley & Paul joined us and promptly advised that they were to get married on April 30th and so Geoff will be taking that service in the church. May God richly bless them in their life together.

We were sorry to learn of the passing of Chris Barfield. She had fought valiantly against cancer for so long. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ken and the family.

Sibyl and Jean have supported both Tiny their sister and Jasper their brother over a period that has seen both of them in and out of hospital. It is a continuing worry and we uphold them all in our prayers.

Ian has undergone further chemotherapy with its ups and downs but it was good for the church to be able to join him and the family in a jazz evening in the hall to celebrate his birthday on 8th March.

Vera has been in and out of hospital and recently suffered a stroke. We have missed her, especially at the midweek meetings and pray for speedy recovery for her.

John Hopper continues to undergo treatment for cancer; we continue to uphold him, Linda and all the family in our prayers.

There have been many in the fellowship who have undergone tests / investigations / treatment with all the attendant trauma. We lovingly commit them to our Lord

The Church AGM was held on 23rd February and it was good to hear reports from the various groups that meet regularly. As a result of the elections the Church welcomed Sylvia Searle to the diaconate and re-elected Jenny Jacques, Jenni Newton and Andrew Green. The report from Marion regarding the outreach meetings over the year was surprising when it was realised that there had been held seven 'dos' in the year. We need to continue in prayer for all the contacts made and that the witness of the church may bear fruit.

Our next outreach will probably be another all-day breakfast. Marion is the acknowledged expert with the frying pan. Please listen for the announcement and come and support this event, which is a `drop-in' at any time. Please also come to talk to those who do drop in and are not connected with the church.

Geoff had the wonderful opportunity to take the Cub Scouts through their `My Faith badge'. As a result of this the Cubs received their badges on the Mother's Day parade service which was so well attended by parents and friends that there was standing room only and the deacons had to sit on the platform!. What a great encouragement this was, please continue in prayer for the contacts made with the Cub Pack and for the Leaders and for Geoff as he maintains the contact.

At the time of writing the disabled toilet is nearing completion. Although this has taken away some of the vestry I am sure that it is a better use of space and as a caring church will provide facilities for all. We take so much for granted and it was only recently when someone came into the church for the first time that they said `what lovely premises you have here'. Let's ensure that the welcome we give to outsiders is as lovely.

This article first appeared in the Ramsden Bellhouse Baptist Church Review - Spring 2005 Edition.