As I write this, it is pouring with rain - the gardeners are glad, (the farmers not so!). The rain was long awaited, but in the past week it has certainly made up for the dry spell and our gardens are green again. Green is the colour of growth and life and in Psalm 53 the true believer is likened to a green olive tree and in Jeremiah we read -
"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes, its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. "
And we can know that when the tough times come, we can still know the green pastures of God's peace in all circumstances.
The summer holidays are speeding by and the children will soon be back to school. The family event "Messy Church" organised by Joanna and Craig Bacon was enjoyed by everyone who attended (all ages!), with the seaside theme producing some fun activities and interesting handiwork!
A light supper was shared by all and thanks to Janet Ball for arranging this. The next one will be on Saturday 4th September, 4pm - 6pm at the Chapel. Everyone invited! The theme will be all about mountains of the Bible.
'It's Monday' has had a variety of activities, including crafts, visits, quizzes, picnics, musical morning etc., and the potato 'weigh-in-day" produced a total of 371/2 pounds of potatoes. The winner with 4 1/2 lb was Mrs. Lesley Bacon who was presented with the cup!
The current money raising project is for Mercy Ships and we hope to have a concert in the Chapel Hall on 1st October at 7 pm with the Stotfold Christian Choir. All proceeds to Mercy Ships.
Oasis - every month on the 3rd Wednesday. The next meeting will be on Wednesday 15th September at 2.30 pm in the Chapel Hall when the speaker will be Mrs. Margaret Pearson from Royston. Everyone welcome. Tea and homemade cake served.
Fishy Friday for young people every 1 st Friday at 7.30 pm 'Saturday Seekers' for children aged 5 - 11 years every 1 st Saturday at 10.30 am - 12 noon.
Saturday Seekers for children aged 5 - 11 every first Saturday in the month 10.30 am - 12 noon.
'Harvest Thanksgiving' is on Sunday 19th September with Will and Lynne Andrews. This will be followed by a bring and share lunch. All gifts of groceries, fruit and veg will be given to 'The Haven'and the 'Living Room' in Stevenage. Monetary gifts will go to the London City Mission in their 175th Anniversary year. We shall be decorating the chapel on Saturday 18th September from 10.30 am.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all those in our locality who have been bereaved in recent weeks. May they know God's peace and His presence.
We pray too for those who are ill and for those receiving hospital treatment.... and for all who are suffering, particularly in Pakistan where the floods have caused so much distress, death, homelessness and sickness. We thank God for World Vision, Tear fund and all organizations working to bring help and comfort in the face of such suffering.
10.30am to 212:00 pm. Communion on the 3rd Sunday.
Bible Explorers for children at 11.15 am.
In July preachers will be ...
5th Kieran Murphy
12th Matt Summerfield
19th Will Andrews
26th Hamish Leighton
Bible Explorers for children at 11.15 am
Communion every 3rd Sunday.
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures. He restores my soul ....
He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake ...."
Psalm 23.
Marjorie McCarley
