Our Vision
Is to Aspire … to Inspire… a Desire… in JESUS!
The Newsletter of the Bolsover and Staveley Circuit
February 2007 No 66
OUR VISION
Our Vision is something that appears once a month within each of the churches of our Circuit. This month it has appeared a week late for several reasons, the main one being that there has not been enough material for me to print a viable copy. Our Vision for me is not just something that exists to advertise forthcoming events within our Circuit and it’s churches, but more importantly to tell of the Good News stories that occur. So often it appears that we think these are too small and insignificant and do not share them, when somewhere the testimony of God working will bring a new insight or spur another on. As a community it is vital that we offer our support and encouragement to each other through the different means that we have, Our Vision being one of these. It is essential that these Good News stories that God has started are shared, so that the wider family can keep them in mind and far more crucially within their prayers.
However Our Vision is more than the Good News stories that God is doing in the here and now. Our Vision or God’s Visionis something that should exist within each of our churches and within the Circuit. It is something that we should all be waiting on God for, seeking and finding, of finding God’s will for our community and living within it. What does God desire for us to do not only for today or tomorrow, but for five, ten, twenty and fifty years? It is of putting our individual preferences, wants and desires and living within God’s desires for us as His people within the neighbourhoods that we are placed. God’s Vision for us transcends across the generations and time, not just for those who lead us, it is something that each of us has a stake and a part to play within.
Proverbs Chapter 29 verse 18 says
“Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”
or as The Message says
“If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what He reveals, they are most blessed.”
Nick
STAVELEY’S CHRISTINGLE SERVICE
Dave Presson writes:
What a glorious sight on a dull, cold January afternoon celebrating Jesus Light of the world. A joyful time was had by all in a candlelight atmosphere, children and adults alike rejoicing in celebration that indeed ‘Joy to the world the Lord has come.’ Also to see the rail bedecked, with blankets and knitted clothes, tables overflowing with food ready to be packed up for distribution to Romania and to hear of the work being done amongst the people of that nation.
‘Glory to God in the highest and on Earth peace to men on whom His favour rests.’
Luke Chapter 2 Verse 14
JOINT CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH WORKERS SESSIONS
On Wednesday 31st January the Circuit hosted the first of our requested children’s sessions. The total turnout was disappointing, but I think that for all of us involved the evening shared ideas that we could use and gave us ways to make the things we do more child orientated. These sessions are something that are being offered to help us and I think they will be useful to anyone involved in leading worship or working in any capacity with children.
The next session takes place on Wednesday 7th March starting at 7:00pm, finishing at 9:00pm and will be looking at how children and young people learn. This is being led by Caroline Riley and also Nel Shallow. To book please contact me at the Circuit Office.
Nick
CELEBRATIONS
2007 is a year of celebrations-abolition of slavery, Charles Wesley, Primitive Methodism, Boy Scouts, and………..NETWORK – already 20 years old!!
Instead of only part of our Church being included in mission near and far – from 1987, under the umbrella name “Network”, all the women in all the Methodist Churches in this country, whether part of a group or not, are included.
Over the years many challenging concerns have been given to us – from the Ribbon project against Apartheid in South Africa, to the prosecution of British sex tourists, the concern about domestic violence (now a big Churches’ project) and currently, human trafficking into this country. Who said slavery was abolished 200 years ago?
In our Circuit we have several activities and events on-going, or planned for the near future, so look out for:
o The fun”Bird” Quiz, raising money for the current Sheffield District project to help teenage patients at Western Park Hospital.
o Easter Bunnies – which hopefully will be hopping around soon. However , they help to reproduce and also people to buy them when completed. (The World Church Fund, and “Smiles” are the suggested good causes.)
o Easter Offering Envelopes – being handed out at every Church at the appropriate time – please fill them generously for The World Church Fund.
o Circuit Service – to dedicate the above gifts and to celebrate together in thanks to God for all His goodness to us. (Sunday, April 29th., 10.30am at Staveley)
o Circuit Ladies’ Celebration Lunch (with outside caterers) Thursday, June 7th, 12.30 for 1pm at Staveley – followed by special speaker.
Invitations and more details available in April. Keep the date free!
o Circuit Planning Afternoon – Friday, March 16th, 2.15pm at Staveley.
Please make sure that your Church is represented, and is involved.
Any queries – please contact Jean Morton (Secretary), Telephone 540219.
DIARY DATES:
Friday, March 2nd: Women’s World Day of Prayer, at a Church near you.
Friday, March 9th: District Spring Network Day – Sheffield Victoria Hall, 11-3pm.
Friday, March 16th: Circuit Network Planning Afternoon – 2.15pm at Staveley
Sunday, April 1st: Deadline for “Bird” Quiz papers to be returned.
Wednesday, April 18th: District Quiet Day – Venue TBA
Thursday, April 19th : District Quiet Day at Bawtry Hall.
Sunday, April 29th : Circuit Easter Offering Dedication Service, 10:30am
Thursday, June 7th : Circuit Ladies, Celebration Lunch, Staveley, 12.30 for 1pm.
Saturday, June 9th : Regional Network Day at Cleethorpes.
WOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
Staveley Methodist Church’s Women’s World Day of Prayer service is on Friday 2nd March starting at 10:30am
STAVELEY’S CHURCH ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND
This is taking place during the weekend of 24th & 25th February. Saturday evening there is a tea at 5:30pm, Gift Day Service at 6:30pm and a concert by Tickhill Male Voice Choir starting at 7:30pm. Tickets for the tea and concert are £4.00 and must be booked in advance.
On Sunday 25th, the morning service at 10:30am is being led by Revd. Paul King. For any further details please contact Geoff Thompson on 471227.
CIRCUIT OFFICE
The Circuit Office is closed Tuesday 13th February and also Friday 23rd February.
It is usually open on Tuesday’s (9:15am to 11:15am), Wednesday’s (9:30am to 1:00pm) and Friday’s (9:15am to 11:15am).
Office Address : Staveley Methodist Church, Chesterfield Road, Staveley S43 3XD
Telephone : 01246 470859 Email : administrator@bolsoverstaveley.plus.com
Circuit DIARY
Meetings and Other Church Events for the forthcoming months.
February 2007
17 Men’s Fellowship Breakfast 8:30am Staveley
19 District Chair’s Circuit Visitation
24-25 Staveley’s Church Anniversary
March 2007
2 Women’s World Day of Prayer 10:30am Staveley
5 LWPT (Local Preachers) Meeting 7:30pm Inkersall
7 Children & Young People 7:00pm Staveley
Training Session
14 General Purposes Committee 7:30pm Bolsover
17 Men’s Fellowship Breakfast 8:30am Staveley
16 Circuit Network Planning Afternoon 2:15pm Staveley
21 Circuit Meeting 7:30pm Clowne |