News from the Church Times
The newspaper of the Oxford Diocese
The Door Audio Edition
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below....
Sight impaired people can now get a free audio version of The DOOR by contacting Graham Winterbourne on 01884 840285.
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The Ringing
Platform. Soon to be completed
For a whistle-stop tour of the diocese with Oxford’s bishop, please click on the photograph below....
To find out more about John the Bishop of our Diocese just click on the picture.
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Thought for the Month
Be resolutely and faithfully what you are: be humbly what you aspire to be. Man's noblest gift to
man is sincerity, for it embraces his integrity also.
Thoreau
Moderator’s Letter May 2008
Dear friends
'I did catch the train, but only by the skin of my teeth!' a friend said to me the other day. She could have added 'and, did you know, that's a quotation from Job 19:20'! 'The skin of my teeth'; is just one of countless expressions from the Bible which have found their way into our everyday speech. A small child speaks a truth we might not dare to acknowledge ourselves and we say, 'Out of the mouths of babes!'; Or we warn 'The writing's on the wall' probably little aware of the passage from Daniel from which it comes. 'I heard it straight from the horse's mouth' we remark with authority, though the story of Balaam's donkey (Num 22) is most likely far from our thoughts. Countless phrases from the Biblical text have become part of our everyday language and we now use them with little or no memory of where they come from. With centuries of use, and as our society has gradually, in general, become less familiar with Biblical text, so many such words and expressions have lost the Biblical or Christian connection which they once had.
But whilst some phrases have with usage arguably become 'de-spiritualised' or 'de-Biblicised' there are other ordinary phrases around which, if we only take the trouble to listen to ourselves, seem to be loaded with spiritual significance. 'Get a life!' we might say to someone. And what exactly do we mean by it? Well, we might be suggesting they are caught up in unnecessary minutiae or that they need broader perspective. Underlying the phrase is a longing for a way of living which has wider horizons and a deeper or more meaningful purpose, and a sense that human life is not intended to be monotonous or small-minded. 'Get a life' implies the possibility of a life richer than the one we're currently living out. The fact that it is spoken as a command communicates its sense of urgency and obligation. If today's society were to draw up its own ten commandments, perhaps 'Get a life' would figure somewhere on the list.
I am an occasional listener to Classic fm radio station. In between the pieces of music a voice comes on and proclaims 'We raise you up!' It is a striking and everyday use, we Christians might say, of a language of resurrection. What exactly does it mean? It seems to me to be an undoubted tribute to the extraordinary power of music to have an impact our emotions, and to its ability even first thing in the morning to awaken and enliven a listener into sufficient consciousness and joy to get out of bed! Yes, the phrase might be suggesting that music, or those producing it, have something of the power of God, but more than anything, it seems to me, it speaks of our awareness of needing to be raised, of a longing to find an experience which will change us, re-create us and enable us to transcend the ordinary.
Here I have mentioned just a couple of expressions, and I am sure that you will be able to think of a host of others. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Such expressions are testimony, it seems to me, to an everyday kind of spirituality which permeates our language and our culture. The season of Pentecost is one in which we remember the coming of the Holy Spirit, and the crowds hearing the gospel each in their own native tongue. If the church is to proclaim the gospel in a language which can be understood, then we need to have an awareness of what that language is. Very often it is one which is a long way removed from the Christian dialect of our church services. If we are to bridge the gap, then we need to listen more carefully to the language which is all around us and which indeed we all speak ourselves.
Mary Cotes
Fundraising
No doubt you are aware of our need to raise funds for the many and varied expenses necessary to keep our parish church active, and in good order.
We are now able to make you aware of an internet site that will contribute to our fund on purchases made from this site. Many products are made available from well known high street names through the site. Please do check this site which offers
great value and exclusive discounts and will help raise much needed funds for our appeal. To find out ore, just click the following.....
Why not try a Podcast from our Diocese?
Please click on the picture below for details how to listen .........
and...
Why not try The Bishop of Buckingham's "lively" weblog
Please click on the picture below for details how to view .........
More for Christian Aid
The total amount raised for Christian Aid in 2007 throughout the whole of Milton Keynes was £26,786, an increase of £1,200 on 2006. Christian Aid Week in 2008 will be May 11th -17th.
Christian Aid Week
As ever we will be needing more collectors, we have had a volunteer come forward to be a co-ordinator in the Broad St. area of the town. Several other areas were not collected from last year, so PLEASE, if you feel up to doing a collection in your part of town, or any other, have a word with your church's rep. Or speak directly to Pat Parker.
Foodbank needs your help
The MK Foodbank has had unprecedented levels of clients over the last couple of months. The weeks leading up to Christmas were understandably exceptionally busy. This high demand has continued right into the start of this year. This has resulted in our food stocks running low. In fact this past week has seen us unable to distribute full food parcels to everyone who came to the Foodbank in need.Although we have longer term plans that will assist us to increase our donations we are asking you to please help with this immediate need. We urgently require the following items: Cereals, Sugar, Milk (UHT), Pasta, Tomatoes (Tinned), Meat (Tinned), Spaghetti (Tinned), Fruit (Tinned), Rice Pudding, Biscuits & Juice. Please bring your donation along to one of our Services on Sunday or drop it off at Milton Keynes Christian Centre in Oldbrook Monday - Friday between 9 am & 5pm.Your help is kindly appreciated in assisting those families in Milton Keynes who are facing a crisis.
Foodbank Project Manager
The Food Bank at the Christian Centre. Oldbrook, are looking for a Project Manager, following the award of a grant from the Milton Keynes Community Foundation. They are looking for a dynamic, self motivated and passionate individual to join the Food Bank Team on a fixed three year contract £21,000 pa. Food Bank is a non profit organisation bringing help to families and individuals in need through the provision of emergency food supplies. Responsibilities will include overseeing the running of all aspects of the food bank, managing the rollout of new activities, developing sustainable income streams and implementing a media, marketing and publicity campaign. For an application pack tel: 01908 670655 or email: thefoodbank@mkcc.org.uk
Lent Lunches 2008
This item comes with a grovelling apology to Brenda, I promised to include it last month and I forgot. Editor. I am happy to announce the total profit to Christian Aid this year is £967.62 Many thanks to those who contributed homemade soup and to all who gave their time during the last 6 weeks to help achieve this excellent result.There was a great community spirit and it was pleasing to see people enjoying the social occasion. We had abundant offers of help from the churches of Newport Pagnell and also from people not connected to the churches.Thanks also to everyone who came along, spent their money and supported us. We rely on you. Brenda Beck Brenda did also say during the weeks of the lunches that she would like to be able to retire from the job of organising them. To that end it can be told that a volunteer did come forward, that person is Jennifer Mazzone. Brenda and Jennifer will be working together next year so that the load is lightened for both. Volunteers will of course still be needed to work with them.
Preparing for the Carnival
CTNP will again be represented at this year's Newport Pagnell Carnival on Saturday 5th July. A planning meeting for the Carnival will be held on Thursday 8th May at 8pm in the Methodist Church. There is a good framework already in place from last year but all the preparations need to be finalised. If you can help with the preparations or on the day (or both), please come along to this meeting.
Continuing Lent Course
Sunday 4th. May – 4p.m. in the chapel at the Baptist church – Session 9 – The work of the Spirit – an interactive presentation by James Evans Sunday 11th. May – 4p.m. at the Parish Church – Session 10 – The hope of the Spirit – a concluding presentation by Paul Rosier, in the context of worship. Plus the commissioning of Christian Aid collectors
JesusQuest presentations in Newport Pagnell schools.
JesusQuest, which is a project from the MK Bridgebuilder Trust, is coming to Cedars School on Thursday morning on 3rd July. If you would be willing to help 8/9 year old children during those mornings and if you already have a CRB (police check) from your church, please contact Linda Morris 617050, or the Bridgebuilder Office on 270670. Thank you. If you are not able to help on those mornings, you can still play your part by praying for the children and staff of these schools also for the JQ team.
Emergency Help Scheme
Advance notice of the scheme's AGM/Garden Party which will be on Saturday July 12th. Again to be held in the garden of Jennifer & Ralph. More details next month.
Hymns
Wednesday 7th May - An exploration of newer hymns and songs. 7.30 pm Newport Pagnell Methodist Church, all welcome.
Christian Aid Week
Christian Aid Week this year will be May 11th - 17th. As ever we will be needing more collectors, we have had a volunteer come forward to be a co-ordinator in the Broad St. area of the town. Several other areas were not collected from last year, so PLEASE, if you feel up to doing a collection in your part of town, or any other, have a word with your church's rep. Or speak directly to Pat Parker.
Scripture Union
Help! Do you have a heart for Scripture Union’s ministry and also happen to be a chartered accountant - or know someone who fits the description? We are still searching for someone to join our Board of Trustees taking the role of honorary treasurer. We are hoping you may be able to help us find the right person! Details can be found under ‘Treasurer/trustee’ at www.scriptureunion.org.uk/vacancies
If you can help please get in touch.Thanks Kim Burchell
Field Ministries Administrator (Holidays) Scripture Union England and Wales Registered office: 207-209 Queensway, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK2 2EB Tel: 01908 856000 Fax: 01908 856111
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
May 4th Lent Course - The work of the Spirit
May 8th Carnival Planning meeting
May 11th Lent Course - The hope of the Spirit & Commissioning of Collectors
May 11th - 17th Christian Aid week
Handmade Greeting Cards - in Aid of Church Funds
Talented members of the congregation have produced a range of beautiful handmade Greeting Cards for all occasions. Birthdays, Baptism, Anniversaries and more...
The cards are £1.50 each (plus p&p) and all funds go to support church funds.
If you would like to order some then please send me an email and we will do our best to provide what you need. (Sample photos to appear in the not too distant future).