Notices – w/c 10th December 2017

Church Mission Plan Review

The Members’ Meeting in October received a report from the church elders of the work done so far on the review of the church Mission Plan.  It was agreed that this will be discussed at the next Members’ Meeting on 28th January and that the whole congregation be encouraged to think about and discuss the plan prior to that meeting.

 

Copies of the Mission Plan will be available after morning worship.  Please do take one, consider the Mission Plan and the questions in the introduction and come along to one of the open sessions to discuss the plan.

There will be opportunity during the coffee morning on Saturday 13th January 2018 to meet with others to discuss the Mission Plan. Please do come along to one of these meetings.

 

This is an immensely important piece of work that will have a huge impact on the work of Christ Church for years to come.  I encourage everyone to read the document and engage in the conversation about the mission of Christ Church.

Nick Skelding

 

Christmas Post  Box

The church ‘Post Box’ for internal Christmas cards is available and will be opened on Friday 15th December. As an alternative there will be a board for general Christmas greetings for those who do not send individual cards and may want to make a donation to our charities.

 

Christmas Lunch

At the Beefeater, Uxbridge on 13th December 2017. Meet at the Church at 12.30pm.

 

Carols and Mince

Carols and Mince Pies on 15th December 2017 at Christ Church starting at 12.00pm. All welcome.

 

Tai Chi

We are considering running a Tai Chi class for church members and others.

We want as many people to join as possible and if you are interested, please speak to Doreen Smith. Dates and times have not been settled yet, but we have a qualified person who can run this for us.

Not just the ladies but everyone invited to join!

 

Christ Church Advent 2017 Bible Group

Living in the Light – You are invited to join our discussion group.

When: Saturday 16th December 2017

Where:  Christ Church    Time: 10.30 am

 

Course booklet £1.  Please order on list in vestibule.

For more details please contact Graham Hinton. All welcome.

 

CTU Christmas Cards

The 2017 CTU Christmas cards have been placed in the vestibule. Please feel free to pick a few copies to give to your neighbours and friends.

 

Church Charity for 2018

We have supported 3 charities during 2016 and 2017, REAP, Hillingdon Refugee Support Group and U-Can Ask Angels. The money raised will be presented to these groups in early 2018.

Now, we have to look forward to 2018 to consider what charity or charities the members would like to support.

Suggestions please!!  Bring them to me during December so that we can get started for 2018. We will then have all the facts together for the members’ meeting!

Thank you for your support and help

Doreen Smith

 

Notices – w/c 3rd December 2017

Church Mission Plan Review

The Members’ Meeting in October received a report from the church elders of the work done so far on the review of the church Mission Plan.  It was agreed that this will be discussed at the next Members’ Meeting on 28th January and that the whole congregation be encouraged to think about and discuss the plan prior to that meeting.

 

Copies of the Mission Plan will be available after morning worship.  Please do take one, consider the Mission Plan and the questions in the introduction and come along to one of the open sessions to discuss the plan.

 

There will be opportunity during the coffee morning on Saturday 13th January 2018 to meet with others to discuss the Mission Plan.

 

Please do come along to one of these meetings.

 

This is an immensely important piece of work that will have a huge impact on the work of Christ Church for years to come.  I encourage everyone to read the document and engage in the conversation about the mission of Christ Church.

Nick Skelding

 

Christmas Post Box

The church ‘Post Box’ for internal Christmas cards will be available from Saturday December 2nd and will be opened on Friday 15th December.

As an alternative there will be a board for general Christmas greetings for those who do not send individual cards and may want to make a donation to our charities.

 

Pavilions Carol Concert

On Wednesday 6th December 2017 and Thursday 7th December 2017 at 5.00pm. Songs from local Primary school children, readings and carols with the Salvation Army Band. All Welcome.

 

Christmas Lunch

At the Beefeater, Uxbridge on 13th December 2017. Meet at the Church at 12.30pm.

 

Carols and Mince Pies

Carols and Mince Pies on 15th December 2017 at Christ Church starting at 12.00pm. All welcome.

 

Tai Chi

We are considering running a Tai Chi class for church members and others.

We want as many people to join as possible and if you are interested, please speak to Doreen Smith. Dates and times have not been settled yet, but we have a qualified person who can run this for us. Not just the ladies but everyone invited to join!

 

Christ Church Advent 2017 Bible Group

Living in the Light – You are invited to join our discussion group.

When: Saturday 16th December 2017

Where:  Christ Church

Time: 10.30 am

Course booklet £1.  Please order on list in vestibule.

For more details please contact Graham Hinton. All welcome.

 

CTU Christmas Cards

The 2017 CTU Christmas cards have been placed in the vestibule. Please feel free to pick a few copies to give to your neighbours and friends.

 

Christmas Gift Service – Sunday 10th December

This year our gifts will be going to ‘Help the Homeless Hillingdon’, the charity being supported by our GB Company as part of the #WeareGB125 celebrations (see this month’s Look In for more details).

 

Suggested gifts are:

  • Toiletries – Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Wipes
  • Food – Cereal Bars, Biscuits, Tea Bags, Coffee, Sugar, Cuppa Soups
  • Miscellaneous – Water Bottles, Scarfs, Socks, Hats, Gloves

(All food items need a long shelf life to last over the winter period.)

 

Another way to help is to donate items to make up a SNUG pack as shown here. As in previous years, envelopes will also be available to donate money to Action for Children for those who would prefer to do so.

 

Keep People Snug. S = socks (3 pairs); N = neck-warmer (1 scarf), U = underwear (3 pairs); G = gloves (1 pair)

 

Church Charity for 2018

We have supported 3 charities during 2016 and 2017, REAP, Hillingdon Refugee Support Group and U-Can Ask Angels. The money raised will be presented to these groups in early 2018.

Now, we have to look forward to 2018 to consider what charity or charities the members would like to support.

Suggestions please!! Bring them to me during December so that we can get started for 2018. We will then have all the facts together for the members’ meeting!

Thank you for your support and help

Doreen Smith

 

Notices w/c 19/11/2017

Church Mission Plan Review

The Members’ Meeting in October received a report from the church elders of the work done so far on the review of the church Mission Plan.

It was agreed that this will be discussed at the next Members’ Meeting on 28th of January and that the whole congregation be encouraged to think about and discuss the plan prior to that meeting.

Copies of the Mission Plan will be available after morning worship.

Please do take one, consider the Mission Plan and the questions in the introduction and come along to one of the open sessions to discuss the plan.

There will be opportunity following the morning worship on Sunday 26th of November 2017 and during the coffee morning on Saturday 13th of January 2018 to meet with others to discuss the Mission Plan.  Please do come along to one of these meetings.

This is an immensely important piece of work that will have a huge impact on the work of Christ Church for years to come.  I encourage everyone to read the document and engage in the conversation about the mission of Christ Church.

Nick Skelding

 

Christmas Gift Service – Sunday 10th December

This year our gifts will be going to ‘Help the Homeless Hillingdon’, the charity being supported by our GB Company as part of the #WeareGB125 celebrations (see this month’s Look In for more details).  Suggested gifts are:

  • Toiletries – Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Wipes
  • Food – Cereal Bars, Biscuits, Tea Bags, Coffee, Sugar, Cuppa Soups
  • Miscellaneous – Water Bottles, Scarfs, Socks, Hats, Gloves

(All food items need a long shelf life to last over the winter period.)

Another way to help is to donate items to make up a SNUG pack as shown here. As in previous years, envelopes will also be available to donate money to Action for Children for those who would prefer to do so.

 

Keep People Snug. S = socks (3 pairs); N = neck-warmer (1 scarf), U = underwear (3 pairs); G = gloves (1 pair). Please pack in sealable bags, e.g. sandwich bags. Men's small and medium most needed.

 

Tai Chi

We are considering running a Tai Chi class for church members and others.

We want as many people to join as possible and if you are interested, please speak to Doreen Smith. Dates and times have not been settled yet, but we have a qualified person who can run this for us.

Not just the ladies but everyone invited to join!

 

‘An afternoon with Danny’

Friday 1st of December at 3.00pm. A film & talk by Danny Phelan at his home. Spaces very limited. Please sign up on sheet by entrance.

 

CTU Christmas cards

The 2017 CTU Christmas cards have been placed in the vestibule. Please feel free to pick a few copies to give to your neighbours and friends.

 

Supper Quiz

Our Quiz night raised £341.47 for our charities. Thanks to everyone who took part.

 

U-Can Ask Angels

U-Can Ask Angels is a charity that supports children with communication difficulties and their families.

To help with its continuing work and to lead it into a new phase, there is a need for more Trustees.  Attendance at the Saturday Club is ideal but not essential.

We hope new Trustees will be able to set aside an average of 5 hours a month. This really is a great opportunity to serve and support others.

To find out more please contact Sally Lomath on 07879510787 or by e-mail slomath@btinternet.com

 

Churches Together in Uxbridge – Treasurer Required

To start in June 2018. If you are interested in taking up this role contact Jenny Reid – jennyreid36@btinternet.com

 

Christ Church Advent 2017 Bible Group

Living in the Light – You are invited to join our discussion group.

When: Saturdays 25th November and the 2nd & 16th December 2017

Where:  Christ Church    Time: 10.30 am

 

Course booklet £1.  Please order on list in vestibule.

For more details please contact Graham Hinton. All welcome.

 

A Winter Concert by Hillingdon U3A Singers

Saturday 2nd December 2017 at 7.30pm here at Christ Church.

Tickets £8.00 including refreshments.

 

Tickets will be available at the door or please contact the following telephone number: 0208 866 4572.

 

‘One’

An evening for Young People to discover a true meaning of Christmas. Saturday 2nd of December at 7.00pm to 9.00pm at St. Margaret’s Church, Uxbridge. See poster on notice board.

 

Old One Pound Coins

Since October 15th old £1 coins are no longer legal tender. However the church is able to bank them so if you have any old £1 coins around just pop them into the offertory plate.

 

‘The Devil is in the Drivel! Reclaiming the mystery of faith’

Given by Canon Martk Oakley of St Paul’s Cathedral, St Peter’s Church Belsize Square London NW3 4HY on Wednesday 22nd November at 8.00 pm

Mark Oakley is Chancellor of St Paul’s Cathedral and responsible for the educational and outreach work of the Cathedral. He writes and broadcasts on the areas of poetry, literature, spirituality and human rights. He is a trustee of the Civil Liberties Trust, an Ambassador for Stop Hate UK, Patron of Tell MAMA and a Visiting Lecturer at Kings College, London
ALL WELCOME Admission Free Retiring Collection Hampstead Christian Study Centre

 

Council of Christians & Jews

Hillingdon Branch Meeting on Thursday 23rd of November 2017 at 8.00pm, at Northwood Methodist Church. See Poster on noticeboard for further details.

Notices – w/c 24th September 2017

The Funeral of Jean Stafford’s Husband, Ray

Will take place at Breakspear Crematorium Thursday 28th September at 3.00pm.

 

A Bible Study Workshop

An Apostle whose Time has come – Why Paul Matters Workshop will led by The Reverend Dr Neil Richardson on Saturday 14th October from 10am to 4pm at Ruislip Manor Methodist Church. Please bring a packed lunch, drinks will be provided.

Notices – w/c 17th September 2017

Funeral of Mrs Iris Smith

The funeral of Mrs Iris Smith will take place at Christ Church on Friday 22nd of September at 9.45am.

 

Oasis Lunch for Workers – A Great Opportunity!

The Mayor of Hillingdon, Councillor Carol Melvin, will be speaking on the subject of ‘Valuing All’.

 

Councillor Carol Melvin is an active member of Emmanuel Church in Northwood and has extensive experience both in the workplace and in the local community.

 

On Thursday 21st September, 12.40 for 1.10pm in the Upper Room at St Margaret’s. All people working in the Uxbridge area and beyond would be very welcome

 

Hillingdon Street Angels Café Style AGM

Monday 18th September, 7.30pm, St Margaret’s

What do Street Angels do? Why do they do it? Where is God leading next? A great opportunity to:

 

  • discover more about the ministry of Hillingdon Street Angels to those out late in the town
  • explore our fresh action plan for the coming years.
  • find out more about what God has been doing through Street Angels/Pastors across the nation from our guest speaker, Lee Russell, executive Director of the Christian Police Association.

 

Want to be encouraged? Then why not join us?

Notices – w/c 9th July 2017

PRAYER MEETING – Next Week Sunday 16th July 2017

We will meet in Room 9 before the service from 10.30am.

Prayer is simply having a conversation with God and silence is okay. Please join us.

 

Church Café – Your Café?

The church café has been a great success, offering a meeting point for people from different groups using the premises and visitors who just like our café.  Though we employ a café manager, Ruth, she depends heavily on volunteers to keep the café running smoothly.

 

One of the lead volunteers will soon be leaving to begin training as a nurse.  We desperately need more volunteers to fill an Aroona shaped hole on Thursdays.  If you think you could help please see Nick or Claire, or pop in to the café and speak with Ruth.

 

Two volunteers willing to work one day a fortnight would be good, or four volunteers who could each help once a month; but one person willing to help one day each week would be wonderful. Please consider carefully if this could be part of your Christian service. Remember the café is not just the ‘Church Café, it is ‘Your Café’.

 

‘Looking ahead’

The service on Sunday July 30th will be led by members of the Worship Planning Group. In this service we will be exploring the theme of ‘Parables’ and to help us to do this we will have a more informal arrangement of seating than usual.’

 

PLEASE NOTE – Re-decorating

Please be aware that for the first 3 weeks in July 2017 the corridor to the side of the Chapel and the rooms off it will be re-painted.

 

Be aware of wet paint in this area including the doors and frames of the Chapel to the corridor. Thank you.

Fear – Faith – Fortitude

In June I returned to ‘normal duties’ following my sabbatical, which I wrote about in my last letter for Look-In way back in February.  Due to family health problems things didn’t go entirely to plan (do they ever), but having the sabbatical when I did meant I was able to offer a lot more support to my parents and Sue’s parents than I would have been able to do under normal circumstances.

 

Anyway, now life has returned to normal.  Except it hasn’t.  The last few weeks have shown a side of life that is far from normal.  Terrorist attacks on Westminster Bridge, London Bridge and at the Manchester Arena; the attack on worshipers leaving a Mosque in Finsbury Park (was this a terrorist attack?  It was certainly an attack designed to create terror); and the horrific fire in Grenfell Tower; not to mention the Brexit negotiations (oh dear, I mentioned them) have all shown that these are not normal times.

 

All of these events cast a shadow of fear.  And the way they are reported often deepens the sense of panic and fear people feel, mostly unintentionally but some less scrupulous media outlets do seem to delight in turning tragic and painful experiences into opportunities to increase the sense of fear that many people live with.  It is very easy to imagine that, in the words of Private Fraser from Dad’s Army, ‘we’re all doomed’.

 

How do we respond in the face of this climate of fear?  Psychologists tell us there are two basic responses to fear, Fight and Flight – to run and hide or to turn and fight.  Many want to run and hide – in fact it is one of the objectives of terrorism to make people run and hide, to disrupt normal social life, to cause people to want to stay at home and not go to public places, to cause society to grind to a halt.  Some choose to fight – to become aggressive with words or actions.  I have no idea what the motives of Darren Osborne were when he drove his van into the group of men outside the Finsbury Park Mosque but it does seem to me that it was an attempt at some misguided and misdirected form of fighting back.

 

Faith though, I think, should offer us an alternative to Fight or Flight.  So what does our faith say to us in a time of tragedy and fear?  The first thing I note is that having faith does not take away either the fear or the pain of tragedy.  Nor does it offer us some false platitude, it does not say, ‘there, there, it’ll be all right.  It must be said, at its worst faith can itself be the source of fear (though personally I think it is often just a tool used by people with other motives).

 

What I think faith can and should do is influence our perspective on a situation, colour our reactions and response, shape our frame of mind and direct our feelings.  Faith can help us see beyond the attacks by a minority of Muslims, or Christians, to the vast majority who are peace loving and live side by side quite harmoniously.  Faith can help us see that despite the reasons to fear there are far more reasons to hope, there are far more people doing good than doing harm, in the face of suffering and loss there always people willing to make sacrifices to help.  Faith can change how we see things and in turn how we respond to tragedies.

 

In that way Faith can give strength, to individuals and to communities.  It can be the supporting rod that prevents us from bending and breaking under the pressure of fear.  To keep the alliteration with Fear and Faith, faith gives Fortitude, strength not to buckle but to maintain hope and continue to live positively and courageously in times of fear.

 

In these times of fear, may our faith be a source of fortitude.  May we not listen to those voices that seek to make fear and terror fill our hearts but rather work to build a positive, strong and caring society.

 

Wishing you every blessing

Nick Skelding

 

This article was first published in the Summer 2017 issue of Look-In, our monthly church magazine.  The views and opinions expressed in articles submitted to Look-In are those of the authors and may not necessarily reflect those of the church as a whole. To download the full issue, please click here: Look-In Summer 2017

Notices – w/c 2nd July 2017

Cream Teas

Thanks to all who took part in the Cream Teas event held on Saturday 17th which raised £79 for our chosen charities.

 

Grenfell Towers Appeal

Thanks to all who contributed to the Grenfell Towers Appeal. £210 was raised and has been sent via the Methodist District who organised this appeal.

 

PLEASE NOTE – Re-decorating

Please be aware that for the first 3 weeks in July 2017 the corridor to the side of the Chapel and the rooms off it will be re-painted.

 

Be aware of wet paint in this area including the doors and frames of the Chapel to the corridor.

 

Thank You

Notices – w/c 18th June 2017

Circuit farewell service for Reverend David Hart and Rita King

Circuit farewell service for Reverend David Hart and Rita King will be at Ruislip Methodist Church this evening at 6.00pm

 

Members Meeting

The next members meeting will be held on 2nd July after the service

 

Midsummer Music Concert

By the Hillingdon U3A Singers, on 24th June at 7.30pm at Christ Church. Tickets £8 including light refreshments. Tickets at the door or tel: 02088664572.

 

Christian Aid Collection

Thanks to everyone who contributed to Christian Aid week. We collected £114.50 of which £90 was Gift Aided.

 

“Gifts of the Spirit”

In our recent Lent Group meetings we talked about “Receiving Christ” in different ways. Jesus told his disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit who would come and support them when he wasn’t physically with them anymore. We soon celebrate Pentecost, Whitsun, when we remember the coming of the Spirit.

 

What does that mean for us today?

At our discussion on 24th June at 10.30am, we will look at various “Gifts of the Spirit”.  Acts 2:v1-4

 

Invitation – Churches Together in Uxbridge (CTU) Annual General Meeting

You are warmly invited to the CTU AGM which will be held on

Sunday 25th June 2017 at St. Andrew’s Church Hall, Hillingdon Road, Uxbridge, UB10 0AE from 12.45pm – 2.30pm.

It promises to be an enjoyable afternoon, so please save the date. Hope to see you there!

Notices – w/c 4th June 2017

Claire Gill’s father

Some people will be aware that Claire Gill’s father has been unwell. Sadly he died on Thursday 18th May 2017.  Please remember Claire and the wider family in your thoughts and prayers.

 

‘Pub Lunch’

The pub lunch will be on Monday 5th June 2017. Meet at Christ Church at 12.30pm.

 

Service of Taize Music and prayers

Service of Taize Music and prayers on the theme of “Sharing our planet” at Pinner Methodist Church, Love Lane Pinner on Sunday 11th June 2017 at 6.30pm. See poster on the notice board.

 

Circuit farewell service for Reverend David Hart and Rita King

Circuit farewell service for Reverend David Hart and Rita King will be at Ruislip Methodist Church on Sunday 18th June 2017at 6.00pm.

 

“Gifts of the Spirit”

In our recent Lent Group meetings we talked about “Receiving Christ” in different ways. Jesus told his disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit who would come and support them when he wasn’t physically with them anymore. We soon celebrate Pentecost, Whitsun, when we remember the coming of the Spirit.

 

What does that mean for us today?

At our discussion on 10th June and 24th June at 10.30am, we will look at various “Gifts of the Spirit”.  Acts 2:v1-4

 

Invitation – Churches Together in Uxbridge (CTU) Annual General Meeting

You are warmly invited to the CTU AGM which will be held on

Sunday 25th June 2017 at St. Andrew’s Church Hall, Hillingdon Road, Uxbridge, UB10 0AE from 12.45pm – 2.30pm.

It promises to be an enjoyable afternoon, so please save the date. Hope to see you there!