Our Vision
Is to Aspire … to Inspire… a Desire… in JESUS!
May 2004 No 35
We have just celebrated the glorious resurrection of our Lord, but it was as Easter approached that we were reminded how He was scorned, despised, rejected and finally suffered the torture and agony of the cross. He died not only for us, but for the sins of the whole world which even today carries the scars. From “The World We Long To See” written by Harry Addison (I quote) Great tasks confront this generation. To keep the peace and make it permanent. It must be a world of happy homes and laughing children. A world of lasting peace in the heart, home and between nations. A world in which everyone will have enough because everyone cares enough and everyone shares enough. A fear-free, hate-free, greed-free world.
Everyone longs for a new world, but where can the ground plan for such a new world be found? It lies in vital truths which have either been forgotten or never fearlessly applied. Here in an age of material power – which threatens to destroy the world – is spiritual power which, if applied, can change human nature and harness material power to remake the world. (end quote)
How often do we say that times have changed, but if I didn’t tell you – would you have known that those words were written over thirty years ago and sadly some of the facts are still prevalent today. We still live in a world of sin, hatred and violence, hunger and starvation and yes, we do sometimes ask ourselves – “Do we really live in an age of material power which threatens to destroy the world”? It was, and still is (if we let it be so), a wonderful world that God created for us.
From the very beginning of time there has always been a purpose in God’s plan. None of us know what He has planned for us as a anation, a community, a church or even as an individual. Without God’s spiritual power we are nothing. The power of faith and prayer is our stronghold and the first step towards finding God’s plan is to try it! Just one step in faith will bring us out of the fog – into an atmosphere that grows steadily clearer and will continue to grow clearer with each step that we take.
Sybil Norton
BARLBOROUGH CHORAL CONCERT
Barlborough Methodist Church and St James’ Parish Church join together to bring “Sheffield Folk Chorale” to Barlborough with their Summer 2004 “Bach to Barleycorn” concert on Saturday 3 July at 7.30 pm in St James’ Church. The concert will help chapel funds and tickets will be available from Audrey Greaves and Jennifer Seston at £3.50 each. Please come along for an enjoyable concert and help Barlborough raise much needed funds at the same time.
Chic Chic CHICKENS
You may have noticed these cuddly little knitted chickens around before Easter and like me wondered why the Crème Eggs needed an egg cosy… Well with donations of the eggs, money and busy knitters time, Staveley Sisterhood raised £160 towards the Network project which supports the widows and orphans of Aids victims in Zimbabwe. I know they were not alone in undertaking the knitting so more will have been raised at other churches. Well Done!
”INTRA”FLORA
Pat Laming is selling “Rudbekias” (Dwarf rustic annual plants to us uninitiated) in aid of Brimington church funds. If you would like to add a splash of colour to your garden (or house since they are at home indoors or out) place your order with Pat. The plants flower freely and the more you pick, the more they flower!
At 6 plants for 80p – with Free delivery around the circuit (in late May) this is a bargain not to be missed….. Ring your order through on 271608 today!
THANK YOU FRIENDS
Sister Elizabeth has asked me to pass on her thanks to everyone who sent get well cards and Easter cards during her recent spell in hospital and since while she recovers at home. Thank you.
SPRING HARVEST
We have only had one report from anyone who went to either Spring Harvest or Easter People this year – room for some other budding authors? George Reed went to Spring Harvest again – it was very good, well worthwhile, always worth the visit, provides a chance to learn and also be entertained. He has put his pen to paper with the following poem:
God Uses These Times
Some people say, “Why do you go to Spring Harvest,
Is it for a holiday and a rest?”
I tell them that it is a wonderful place
Where I can meet God face to face,
And other christians full of faith and hope
Knowing that with God in their lives they can cope,
With the stresses and strains of this earthly life
Because we aren’t always protected from pain and strife.
For God uses these times to build up our faith and trust
Knowing we have to rely on Him is a must
Spring Harvest brings out the best in me
Because of the lessons I learn while beside the sea,
No two days are really alike at all
In fact sometimes people answer God’s call,
To get involved with something close to their heart
Because God knows that they can play a part,
In using their talents and gifts in such a way
That they can touch people’s lives every day.
God has something for us all to do
It just needs His touch to get through to you,
To be prepared to have your life fully blessed
And let Spring Harvest do the rest.
© George Reed 03.04.2004
BARLBOROUGH METHODIST CHURCH CONCERT
The folk at Barlborough will be presenting an “Old Time Music Hall” on 13th, 14th, 15th, 21st and 22nd May 2004. Tickets are £3.50 (£2.50 for children) and are now available from Peter Widdowson, Audrey Greaves, Jennifer Seston (or any other members at Barlborough!)
Circuit DIARY
Meetings and Other Church Events for the forthcoming months.
To have your meeting/event included in this listing – Please leave a message at the circuit office – 01246 470859. (I would rather hear the same message many times than miss it because everyone leaves it to someone else! - David)
May
2 Circuit Easter Offering Service 3.00 pm Staveley
10 Circuit Prayer Meeting 7.30 pm Brimington Common
15 Men’s Fellowship Breakfast 8.30 am Staveley
21 Circuit Prayer Meeting 7.30 pm Brimington
24 Deadline for material to be included in next newsletter
June
9 Local Preachers Meeting 7.30 pm Bolsover
9 Summer District Network Day with the Connexional President
Irene Sayer 3.30 and 6.45 pm Greenhill
11 Circuit Prayer Meeting 7.30 pm Bolsover
11-13 Will You Come and Follow Me – a Network event Swanwick
19 Men’s Fellowship Breakfast 8.30 am Staveley
21 Circuit Prayer Meeting 7.30 pm Barlborough
21 Deadline for material to be included in next newsletter
27 Circuit United Service to mark 40 years service as a local preacher by Eileen Coupe 10.30 am Bolsover |