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Gravesend Methodist Church and Community Centre Registered Charity No 1132238
A very warm welcome to our Sunday Worship Services
Sunday Worship Services 11.00 Gravesend Milton Road.
Evening Communion Service 1st Sunday in Month.
Church: Milton Road Gravesend DA12 2RE (front) Tel :328249
Halls: 4 Wilfred Street,Gravesend,DA12 2HA ( Rear) Tel :328249
Minister: Rev Noreen Daley – Lee
Our Minister is presently on leave, Please do not contact her but instead
contact the Senior Church Steward Mrs Sheila Allison.
Church Stewards
Mrs Sheila Allison, Senior Steward. Tel: 535881
Mrs Hazel Davis. Tel: 822570
Mr Titus Mak. Tel:07453594545
Mrs Mary Onisimo. Tel: 536779
Mrs Fran Spencer. Tel: 746628
Mr Emmanuel Eshun. Tel: 354277
Mr Steve Brereton. Tel: 325656
Miss Velma Williams. Tel: 364881
Church Treasurer: Mr Michael Butler. Tel: 362740
Church & Hall Bookings. Gravesend: Mr Bob Hawkins. Tel:536702
e-mail:[email protected]
Care team.
Pauline Wood: Tel: 533722 Alan Wood: Tel: 533722
Fred Hollick: Tel: 361434 Linda Brereton: Tel: 325656
Miss Joyce Woodcraft: Tel:365771
Magazine Editor Mr Robert Hawkins Tel: 536702
Gravesend Methodist Church Website.
www.gravesendmethodistchurch.org.uk
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Dear Friends, So. Christmas is coming. It seems as though it always comes round too soon, and there’s always that question about whether or not we’ll be ready. But that's only to do with the food and decor and invites and presents. Those preparations are to do with physical or worldly things. It’s so easy to get those and the spiritual preparations which are in fact the most important part of the season muddled. And that raises the bigger question. ‘Are we ready to celebrate the wonder of the birth of our Saviour, and the love that God shows us in Him?’
It’s right we have a good time as we would for any birthday celebration. But the ramifications of Christ’s birth must ring out loud and clear. He was no ordinary man. He was divine. He was of God. He was our sacrifice for sin. He is our forgiveness. And He came as a baby. He came for us.
As we ponder on this gift of God, we know we’ll be able to worship, feast and share with family and friends. But we must also be mindful of those who are not surrounded by loving people with whom to share the season. There are so many people with no family, or who are estranged from their family, often through no fault of their own. They live on the streets, rest in doorways and live from hand to mouth. Whatever we may think, and however we may feel, these are real people with real feelings, most of whom would rather be safe with loved ones in a safe house.
I was struck by a ‘Facebook’ posting for the Night Shelter which will happen in the Community Centre at the back of the church this winter. There were images of people who were living in vulnerable conditions on the street. The music which accompanied it was a sensitive and beautiful version of ‘Silent Night’. The juxtaposition was amazing in its power. On the one hand there was the lovely comforting words of Christmas; Good news, peace, beauty. On the other was hardship and cold and suffering and danger.
Christmas is for all, even if they don’t know it. All people can understand the physical side of the season, and for many that is enough. Those who are not in safe homes need those things so badly, as well as the spiritual. If we who believe don’t respond, then those who don't have will suffer the more in the cold and hungry state they experience in winter.
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Continued from page 3
So may God bless these people through the hands of those who are committed to easing their distress. Let us also pray that Night Shelter here, and in other places around the country, will enable a few more people to experience the love of the Saviour who came among us on the first Christmas Night, and who ended His life on that lonely cross so that we all might know God’s forgiveness.
God bless you and grant you a Happy Christmas which is full of Love’s expression.
Deacon Vic
Christmas is a glorious opportunity to share Christ to the world.
Gravesend Milton Mini Meals
Christmas Dinner
Tuesday 8th December
Florida Cocktail
Roast Turkey with all the trimmings
Christmas Pudding or Gateau
Coffee and Mints
£7.00
Book early to avoid disappointment
All meals must be pre-booked in advance. Please contact:
Margaret Young, Linda Brereton or any of the Stewards
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Sanctuary Helping the Homeless in Gravesend It’s interesting to note that much of Jesus ministry as well as His
commandment to followers, was aimed at the poor and disadvantaged. In
Matthew 25:34 we read that God expects his disciples to feed the hungry;
clothe those without; visit the sick and those in prison. In Psalm 82 we
see that God expects us to ‘uphold the cause of the poor, to rescue the
weak and needy’. And of course the parable of the Good Samaritan is all
about how we are to treat others that society ignores. I’m also reminded
that God’s love doesn’t require us to judge whether someone is ‘worthy’ or
not – after all we would all be lost if that was the case.
Gravesend, for whatever reason, has a sizable community of people who
are homeless. Many are malnourished and in need of medical help, but
are unsure of who to turn to. Much of this goes unseen, but becomes
apparent at night as uncovered by members of the Street Pastors and
Foodbank teams.
Because of this, some of the churches have got together to organise a
night shelter that will operate throughout the winter months. It goes under
the name of ‘Sanctuary’ and will initially be open 3 nights a week in the
community hall at the back of Gravesend Methodist Church.
A public meeting was help a few weeks ago to explain the project. Over
180 came of which 120+ have volunteered to help out. The shelter will
provide:
Hot food and drinks.
Emergency clothing.
Washing and cleaning facilities
A place to experience community.
A place to sleep.
If you want to know more or would like to get involved visit the Churches
Together website at:
www.graveshamchurchestogether.org/sanctuary
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Please remember in your prayers.
Please remember in your prayers those who are unwell or
recovering from illness:
Rose Papworth,Jean Wright, Anne Smith, Fred and Val Hollick,James
cousin Emma, Morag Wigzell.Barbara’s great nephew James, Teresa’s
nephew Tim, Marjorie & Roy Stevens.Doreen Foxwell,Anne &
Aubrey,Carola Niblett. Dee Bennison, Joan Greenwell, Don and Pat
Philpot, Hayley Power. Susan Boucher,Margaret and Alan,Lynda.Lois
Heaver,Brenda and John.
Those who need our prayers:
Anne and Vic Downs, Betty Fleming, Rosalind Freeman, Mitchell Curtis,
Lesley Smith –Charles and friends Bridget and Terry, Trevor Blake-Morris,
Dennis Allen & Elizabeth, Alan and Pauline Wood, Noreen Daley-Lee and
Family, Sue (a friend of Marians),Georgina(a friend of Mitchell)Keith Bush,
Letita Cole,Hazel and Eric Davis, Serene.
Also:
C21st Project Phase 1-The need for members to commit themselves to
running the new facilities.
The Street Pastors, Gravesham Foodbank and clothing for the homeless
Our fellowship Groups
The winter night shelter project for the homeless.
For the life of our Churches and their families.
For the two church priorities of Whole Life discipleship and work with
Children and Youth especially Junior Church.
Swanscombe –That the interior of the Church be decorated soon.
...........................................................................................
Dear God
Be there when we are feeling alone and needing comforting.
Keep us safe day and night.
And may everyone know your love for us.
Amen.
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Advent – Christian Festival What does Advent mean?
Advent is a term from the Latin word ‘adventus’ which means ‘arrival.’
It is a time of waiting for the arrival of Christmas, the coming of Jesus to
earth when he was born as a baby at Bethlehem about two thousand
years ago.
What is Advent?
Advent is the new year of the Christian Church and the church season
that leads to Christmas Day.
Many churches also include an advent wreath (sometimes called an
Advent ring or crown.) in their Advent services.
The Christian Year.
The Christian year follows the life of Jesus. It begins with Advent Sunday
– which in the Christian Church is ‘New Years Day’. The most important
day of the year will be Easter Sunday, the day on which Jesus came back
to life – but before that festival, there will be other special days to look
forward to. At the end of Advent there will be Jesus’ birthday – Christmas
Day.
When does Advent start?
Advent starts on the Sunday nearest to the 30th November (St Andrew’s
Day) and lasts until midnight on Christmas Eve. Advent Sunday is the first
of the four Sundays before the 25th December.
What happens during Advent?
During the season of Advent, Christians across the world prepare for the
celebration of the arrival of the Lord into the world through the birth of his
Son Jesus Christ.
Advent is a time to celebrate light in the midst of darkness. It is also a time
to look forward to when Jesus will come a second time.
The beginning of Advent is when the preparations for Christmas really
begin – the festive menu is planned, gifts are chosen and wrapped, carols
sung, cards are written and posted and houses decorated.
With acknowledgement to Mandy Barrow.
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GRAVESEND SISTERHOOD A Message from Sisterhood
The ladies wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful,
healthy New Year.
It was with great sadness to hear of the death of Helen Brooke, she
attended Sisterhood and was in charge of the Birthday card rota.
We are all praying that Doreen’s treatment is successful and she can
return to Sisterhood again fit and well.
The Ladies are this year having their Christmas Lunch on Monday, 7th
December at the Goose, then on Monday, 14th December it is our finger
Buffet, which we hope as many speakers who have entertained us with
their wonderful messages, will join our ladies. Our small way of thanking
them for giving up an afternoon to come and join us.
I would like to thank all the ladies for their support, especially Barbara and
Doreen, for their great help during the year.
Sheila
Below you will see the list of forthcoming speakers, we welcome any lady
to join us on a Monday afternoon at 2.30 pm
December 2015
7th Sisterhood Lunch outing
14th Sisterhood Buffet at Church
January 2016
11th Open Meeting
18th Mr Matt Niven
25th AGM
Melva Mann
Sisterhood restarts on Monday, 11th January, 2016
Somehow, as you sip your tea, your mind continues to settle out of its
habitual rush. Your words and musing slow down and sift deeper. Your
relationships – even you relationship with yourself – are granted space for
a leisurely stretch
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The Advent Wreath The Advent Wreath. Is the widely recognised symbol of Advent.
The wreath is made of a circle of evergreen branches laid flat to symbolise
eternal life. Four candles (traditionally red) stand in the circle and each
one represents one of the four Sundays in Advent, In the centre of the
circle is a fifth candle, which is lit on Christmas Day.
Why is the Advent Wreath so special to Christians?
The circle of the wreath reminds Christians of God. His eternity and
endless mercy, which has no beginning or end.
The green of the wreath speaks of the hope that Christians have in God,
the hope of newness, of renewal, of eternal life.
Candles on the Advent Wreath.
Advent worship is like journey through the
Christmas story. Christians use the advent
candles to celebrate this period with one lit
every Sunday of Advent so that during the last
week before Christmas all four candles are lit.
The last central candle (which represents
Christ), is lit on Christmas day.
What do the Advent Candles stand for?
Candles symbolise the light of God coming
into the world through the birth of his Son
Jesus.
The four traditional Advent themes for the four Advent Sundays are:
1. God’s People – The Candle of Hope
Hope is like a light shining in a dark place. As we look at the light of this
candle we celebrate the hope that we have in Jesus Christ.
2. The Old Testament prophets – The Candle of Peace.
Peace is like a light shining in a dark place. As we look at this candle we
celebrate the peace we find in Jesus Christ.
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Continued from page 9
1. John the Baptist – The candle of Love.
Love is like a candle shining in a dark place. As we look at the light of this
candle we celebrate the love we have in Christ.
2. Mary the Mother of Jesus – The candle of Joy.
Joy is like a light shining in a dark place. As we look at this candle, we
celebrate the Joy we find in Jesus Christ.
The fifth candle represents the birth of Christ, The flame of this candle
reminds us that He is the light of the world and that if we follow Him, we
will never walk in darkness, but will have the true light of life.
...................................................................................
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Loving God, as pilgrims on a journey.
We can often feel uncertain about the future.
Help us to remember that past, present and future
Are all held in your loving hands.
Help us to learn more and more about how we can trust in you
So that, whatever the future brings,
We can know that you are with us and will help us to face it,
As we share the love you give us with a needy world. Amen.
Greetings “To all our Church family we wish you all every Christmas blessing
wonderful time however you celebrate”. We will not be sending cards but
a donation to the food bank Love to you all Linda and Steve Brereton.
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Women of the Bible Elizabeth : Wife of Zechariah and cousin to Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Zechariah was a priest and served in the temple. Elizabeth was also
from a priestly line, and so there is this continuing connection of priestly
decent surrounding the birth of Jesus. As with other recorded events in
the story of the Bible, Zechariah and Elizabeth are old and do not expect
to have children, but the angel Gabriel (God’s Messenger) promises that
she will have a child. True to the promise Elizabeth becomes pregnant
and gives birth to John the Baptist. He is, of course a cousin of Jesus.
John grows up to preach the Good News, calling the people to repentance
and to baptise Jesus in the river Jordan at the beginning of Jesus ministry.
Elizabeth would appear to be a woman of some compassion and
understanding as it is to her that Mary goes when she becomes pregnant
with Jesus, a momentous event in her life. Elizabeth comforts Mary and
gives her assurance that she is the most blessed among women.
Although Mary is the central character in the nativity story, let us not forget
the important part that Elizabeth has in that event. You can read
Elizabeth’s story in the Gospel of Luke chapter one.
Next : Two women are healed.
Gravesend Christmas Flowers. If anyone wishes to donate money towards flowers to decorate the Church
for the Christmas period. Please see Linda Brereton who will arrange for a
display to be made. Thank you.
Linda Brereton
A Message from Kathleen Kennedy A very big thank you to friends at Church for all the messages received for my 90th
Birthday. It was lovely occasion and will long be remembered.
With God’s Blessings to you all.
Kathleen.
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Action for Children.Carol Singing The Children’s Charity of the Methodist Church.
The ‘Action for Children Support’ group will be Carol Singing
at ASDA on Friday 4th December from 7.00pm till about
9pm.Please do come along and sing with us and help to
entertain the shoppers and also raise funds for this worthy
cause.
All are welcome.
We will meet by the cafe in ASDA just before 7.00pm.
Looking forward to seeing you.
Christian Aid Carol Singing This year, on Saturday, 12th December, Gravesend Methodist Church has been allotted 1.30 p.m. to 2 p.m.slot to carol sing in the St. George’s Centre. This follows the distribution of mince pies on the Gravesend Church steps and coffee morning. A soup lunch will be laid on (thank you Linda) so that we can then go along to St. George’s Centre to sing.
Please come along and support our Church and Christian aid.
Thank you. Sheila Allison.
Kenyan School Library Project.
Coffee morning and a Chat Saturday 12th December Please come and enjoy a coffee and a chat to support the
‘Library Project’ for the Kenyan school in Kiziamango.
There will be mince pies and cakes to enjoy with your
coffee and to take home!
Hope to see you there 10.00am till 12 midday
Margaret Young.
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Gravesham Foodbank It is now nearly a year since the main Foodbank Store moved into the
Riverside Centre in the Dickens estate. Despite renting what was formerly
a class room, this has proved to be too small (store, reception & office)
when we have good stocks; so a further room is being rented to take
account of times like harvest and the Tesco weekend.
Talking about the Tesco weekend - this is happening on Friday 4 & Sat 5
December when we need volunteers in 1½ hr slots between 9am & 5pm.
Are you able to hand out leaflets or encourage shoppers to add a few
items to their basket? If you are please can you contact Eric Davis,
Kate Hardy or email [email protected] It makes the
difference between a poor and a good collection.
We continue to man (or lady) the Wednesday session at Riverside when
we need between 3 & 4 volunteers and the Saturday session at church
when we need 4 volunteers. Donations can be (and are) delivered any
time our premises are open. We are increasingly having people drive up
to our new entrance to drop off Foodbank or Clothing donations. The other
Saturday a group of lads from the Sikh Temple drove up with 469kg
(nearly half a ton) of food.
Foodbank will, where possible, be supporting the Sanctuary Night Shelter
over the next three months and hopefully at the end of it our pasta
“hillside” will have been reduced!
During the Christmas period we try to brighten the lives of our clients
(some of whom do have very poor lives) by giving them Christmas Fayre
like Christmas Puds (including individual puds) and sweets for families -
so now you know what to buy please. We are having a Foodbank
Christmas Party here between 3 & 5pm on Sat 12 Dec for volunteers and
clients with families. Should you have any girls or boys presents spare for
that occasion they would be very much appreciated?
We are widening our help by sign posting the needy to other agencies
which are able provide advice or help and are working with local charities
to bring Christian Love to those on the margins of our society in a variety
of ways. Food is just a part of the service we offer in the name of the Lord.
Eric Davis – GMCCC Foodbank Hub Manager
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Dene Holm Church and Community Centre
Northfleet.
Advent Sunday.29th November 11.00am
first lighting of the Advent ring
Sunday 20th December 11.00am.
All Age Parade family Carol Service
‘Unwrapping Christmas’
Led by:Jenny Force
You are welcome to come and sing Carols old and new.
Christmas Eve. Family Christingle Service 6.00pm.
Family Christingle Service:
Led by Deacon Vic Downs.
For all ages with popular Christmas songs and
Carols. With a lighted Christingle for everyone
Christmas Day 10.00am.All-Age family Celebration.
Led by Gill Gray
Christmas day celebration
‘Bring and share’ Service.
Come together to celebrate the birth of
Jesus, and bring a present to show.
All are very welcome.
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Gravesend Methodist Church and Community Centre
Please note these dates in your diary now and encourage
families/friends/relatives and people out side the Church to become
involved in celebrating the Wonderful news of Jesus’ Birth.
Each Sunday in Advent and right up to Christmas Day we will light the
Advent Ring
Sunday 29th November 1st Sunday in Advent.
Special All age advent service led by Deacon Vic Downs
Sunday 6th November.10.50 for 11.00am
‘Keeping Hope Alive’ .Advent Service.
Saturday 12th December 10.30am till Midday.
We will be giving away mince pies wrapped in a nice
serviette with Christmas Message, to all who pass
by. Donations of mince pies will be welcome and help
with a bright smiling face on the day.
Sunday 13th December.11.00am Family Toy Service.
Please bring new toys which will be donated as
Christmas Presents to local families in great need.
Also a pair of socks for the Homeless with a
Chocolate bar all wrapped in nice Christmas Paper.
Sunday 20th December at 4.30pm
Led by Gill Gray.
Family Christingle and Carol service for all ages with
Christmas Songs and Carols and a Christingle for all
children to take home.
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Gravesend Christmas Services 2014.
Thursday 24th December – Christmas Eve at 11.00pm.
Coffee,Mince pies and Carols followed by Holy
Communion.
Christmas Day at 11.00am
Christmas Day Family Celebration.
Christmas day celebration ‘Bring and share’
Service.
Come together to celebrate Christmas, and
bring a present to show.
We wish you a very happy Christmas.
Sunday 27th December-Sunday Christmas Service
10.50 for 11.00.Walk off the turkey and come in our direction! ............................................................................
Seasons Greetings “To all my Church family I wish you all every Christmas blessing as we
celebrate Jesus birth and our new birth in Him. I pray that you all have a
wonderful time, however you celebrate. As usual I will not be sending
cards but a donation to KCP to help them celebrate with all in their care.”
Love to you all. Joyce. .......................................................................................................
Christmas will soon be with us! I will not be giving out or sending
Christmas cards this year. I will be giving Margaret Young a donation for
Charity.
But I do wish everyone a very Happy and peaceful, also a healthy
Christmas. Best wishes. Anne Smith.
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Swanscombe Methodist Church. Saturday 12th December.
Christmas Coffee Morning at 9.30 -11.00 am
This will have Christmas Theme, with seasonal
items available
All are welcome
Sunday 20th December at 10.45am
Family Christingle and Carol service for all ages with
Christmas Songs and Carols and a Christingle for all
children.
24th December,Christmas Eve Service 7.00pm.
Preacher-Mandy Harris
Come and celebrate the birth of Christ with us
and enjoy our fellowship.
Sunday 10th January – 4.00pm.
We will be enjoying our Fun and Fellowship evening with a buffet
tea, to which everybody is invited.
Churches Together in Ebbsfleet Week for Christian Unity. Churches together in Ebbsfleet will be holding a Prayer Breakfast for the
local community on Saturday 30th January 2016 at 8.30 to 10.00 am at the
Church Centre, Swanscombe. Community Leaders, Local Politicians and
Head Teachers will be invited. When we will pray with each other for Local
Leaders and the community.
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Swanscombe News Autumn Craft Fayre and Coffee Morning. Was held on the 10
th October
at Swanscombe Methodist Church, this was our first attempt. I would like
to thank everyone at the Church for helping to make the day so
successful. There was a great variety of crafts on sale and so many
people came to give their support, it was a truly wonderful day. I am
amazed at the talent that was on show, we have some skilful people in our
midst and the Craft Fayre proved this. It was so nice to see so many
people visit the Church – wouldn’t it be lovely if it happened on a weekly
basis (for a service) – we must keep praying.
Lois Heaver
There will be no Coffee Morning in January
May God bless you all with peace and love this Christmas .........................................................................................................................................................................................
The Kenyan Children’s Project I thank Philly for her great message of the achievements of this Project. I
can only publish some brief excerpts.
Dear KCP Friends.
Thank you for your kind and loving supporters who have enabled 2015 to
be a year of transformation in the lives of many vulnerable people. We are
grateful to you and our friends of the ‘Kenyan Children’s Project’, that
make everything we do possible. We couldn’t do without you! Children
that were vulnerable are now living in hope.
Building a better future for vulnerable children, reaching out to
vulnerable Children, empowering and equipping parents and guardians to
care for their children.
Transforming a community,one home at a time.
Two families that were living in extreme poverty have been given the gift
of a new home.
One step closer to self sustainability. Our dream at the KCP is to equip
the Kenyans to become self sustainable and for rescued children to be
supported by the crops grown on our own land.
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A simple Story of the Nativity.
Jesus Is Born. Joseph and Mary went a long way.
They went to Bethlehem but the inn was full.
Mary had a baby boy at Bethlehem.
She wrapped him up and put him in the animals’ hay box to sleep.
Some Shepherds were in a field.
It was night time, and they were looking after their sheep.
An angel came to the Shepherds.
He was like a bright light and made the shepherds afraid.
The Angel said “Do not be afraid. I have good news for you.
Today Jesus is born in Bethlehem.
He is the Lord. Go and look for him. You will find him in a haybox.
Then the shepherds saw many angels.
The angels sang “Glory to God in heaven.
Peace on earth to men who God loves.”
Then all the angels went away again.
The shepherds rushed to Bethlehem to find Jesus.
They found Mary and Joseph with the baby. The baby was in a haybox.
Wise men looked for Jesus too. They came a long way to find him.
They saw a star. The star helped them to find where Jesus was.
They saw the star in the sky above the house.
The wise men were very happy. They knew they had found the baby.
The wise men went into the house and saw Jesus with his mother.
They knelt down and gave him presents.
The wise men gave Jesus some gold.
They gave him some incense. They gave him some perfume called myrrh.
With Acknowledgements: Seen in the book ‘Jesus is born’ published by The Bible Societies
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Week of prayer for Christian Unity
January 18-25th 2016 What are the aims of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity?
Theme: “Called to proclaim the mighty acts of the Lord”
(1 Peter 2:9)
At least once a year, Christians are reminded of Jesus’ prayer for his
disciples that “they may be one so that the world may believe” (see John
17.21) Hearts are touched and Christians come together to pray for their
unity. Congregations and Church groups arrange special ecumenical
celebrations and prayer services. The event that touches off this special
experience is the week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
The Week of Prayer offers opportunities to meet and pray with fellow
Christians of different denominations in your locality
United service Sunday 24th January at St George’s Church
5.30pm Churches together AGM
6.30pm. United Service
All are very Welcome
Gravesend Christmas Carol Singing to the Housebound.
Tuesday 15th December. We will be once again be visiting some of our housebound church
members, sing to them and share some Christmas cheer.
Please come and join us; we start at 7.00pm and transport can be
arranged.
This is a very worthwhile evening and brings lots of pleasure to our
housebound folk and why not come and enjoy yourselves too?
Please contact Margaret Young Tel; 01474 814706
What Kid’s do and say! A seven year old child was drawing a picture of the Nativity. The picture
was very good, including Mary, Joseph and of course, baby Jesus.
However there was a fat man standing in the corner of the stable that just
did not seem to fit in. When the child was asked about it, she replied, “Oh,
that’s Round John Virgin.”
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Cafe Church at Costa Coffee Bluewater. (Upper level near Boots)
These meetings take place in relaxed and informal
surroundings on the following Sunday evenings from
6-7pm.
The Costa staff are there to serve you with drinks
and snacks.
The topic for the next meeting is as follows:
Sunday 13th December Merry Christmas everybody
Join us for a Cafe Church Christmas.
All are welcome.
Jenny Force.
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C21stProject
Building for the fu ure
Here is the latest news about our 21st Century Project fundraising.
Having raised £37,773.08 towards Phase 1 we have set the fundraising
clock back to zero from 1st September and are now fundraising for Phase
2.
Since that date we have, at the time of writing, raised £1230.03.
We held an Organ Recital in September to celebrate the 50th birthday of
the present organ and raised £257.20 – Thank you Bruce for organising
the event, and everybody who came along.
We held a successful Quiz evening on 14th November and raised £302.21
– A great evening, thanks to all who supported it.
Our next event will be A Christmas concert by ‘Fiddle & Faff’ on Friday
11th December at 7.30pm
Tickets now on sale at £5 each.
Some other dates for your diary include:
A Puzzle Evening, which will be held on Saturday 16th January – Teams
of 6 - £5 each
An International Talent Evening on Saturday 20th February
A Quiz Evening – will be held on Saturday 12th March
A concert by The Kent Police Choir will take place on Saturday 9th April
More details of these nearer the time but do please keep the dates free.
We have also re-launched our little collecting boxes – if you have one of
the original ones then please return it to me, I will empty it and give you
back a ‘re-branded’ box for you to start Phase 2 collecting – If you do not
have one at all, do not feel left out ! See me and I will find one for you.
Thank you all for your continuing support. Robert Hardy
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New Year’s Resolution The weekly budget for offerings and collections is £913. The current
weekly income is £879 which is £34 short of our target. Our offerings
provide over half of what is required to carry out our ministry in the church
and community.
Perhaps now is a good time to review your financial giving to and ensure
that you are prayerfully maintaining the level of giving in keeping with your
income in accordance with how God is leading you:-
Can you help the Church to get back on track?
Here is an aid memoire:-
1. When did I last increase my weekly gift? 2. As a member of the envelope scheme can I afford to add another £1
to my weekly offering? 3. Join the envelope scheme if not a member. 4. Give by standing order? Or as someone who has had a long
standing bankers order consider increasing your monthly standing order by £5 a month.
5. Have I signed a Gift Aid form to enable the church to recover income tax from the Inland Revenue on my offering?
6. After making provision for my family and friends have I remembered the church in my will?
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Further any further information on any of the above matters will you kindly
contact the treasurer: - Mike Butler, 35 The Warren, Gravesend, Kent
DA12 4DA telephone number 01474 362740.
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into
the world, and we can take nothing out of it.” 1 Timothy v 6 & 7.
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Action for Children – The Children’s Charity
Thank you everybody who has bought a diary from me again this year –
we raised £175 by selling them – At the time of writing I am down to my
last few, so see me fast if you have not got yours !!
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The coffee morning at church on Saturday 14th November raised £75.59
for Action for Children – Thank you to all who supported it.
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We shall be carol singing at Asda again this year as we have been doing
since 1993. This year the date is FRIDAY 4th DECEMBER from 7 – 9pm.
All are welcome and the more who sing – the better it is!
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Robert Hardy
Have you decided to make any changes to your life this New Year?
If not I suggest one? Be Kind.
I’m not sure it sounds easier than a diet, or giving up a bad habit.
Kindness always seems such a mild little trait. But it isn’t.
Mother Teresa asked us to be “the living expression of God’s
kindness – kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting.
Let no-one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.”
Quite a challenge, you’ll agree. But the world will be enriched
because you have truly made an effort to reach out. Seen in the friendship book.
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Street Pastors Prayer You’re bringing care to these streets.
You’re bringing love and compassion to these streets.
You’re bringing salvation and hope to these streets.
You’re bringing love – human and divine to – these streets.
You’re bringing more than a job or service to your area.
You’re bringing Jesus to town.
Read this at 10pm when you don’t want to go out in the rain.
Read this at 2am when you are craving sleep.
Read this at 10am when you can’t leave your bed.
Whenever you feel disheartened or distant from your mission read this.
Know that you carry more than flip-flops and first aid kits.
You carry GOD
And the love, the grace, the compassion, the power, the mercy, the light
and the glory that come with him.
From Almighty God.
The Street Pastor patrols will be out and about in the
town on Christmas Eve and the New Year evening
until the early hours
Going amongst the revellers and attending to their
needs’
In London many Street Pastor Patrols will be out and about amongst the
crowds on New Year Eve helping people, guiding them to first aid centres,
giving bottles of water, calming people and generally attending to their
needs.
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Taking God’s love to the heart of our community Isn’t it always the case that when you think you are doing enough to
further the Kingdom of God that He steps in and asks us to do a bit more.
Over the last few years Gravesend Methodist Church has been a great
centre for missional projects in the heart of our town. The Food Bank, the
Street Pastors, the clothing bank and the coffee tea and meals have
all developed into well-established projects that help support and
transform the lives of many people.
As you know we have now completed the first phase of our 21st Century
Project and the new facilities look great and are already being used.
But, as I said this is when God steps in and asks us for more!
The Reception
From the beginning of December our new reception area will be open.
Ideally, we would like this to be every day of the week but to start with it
will be staffed by volunteers on Tuesday and Saturday mornings.
The Shower
Every Tuesday morning from the start of December our new shower
facilities will be available for anyone who needs it and we are already
taking bookings from the homeless and those in need.
The Laundry
To compliment the shower facilities we now have a laundry so that the
homeless and those in need have somewhere to wash their clothes. To
support this work our clothing bank has been completely revised so that
we can supply new clothes to those who need them.
Counselling
To compliment the practical things we are doing for those in need we also
plan to provide counselling and advice support to help people through the
tough times. It would be lovely if, at some point in the future, these
facilities were no longer needed and our intention is to lift up as many
people as possible, with God’s grace, to the point where they no longer
need our help. Continued on page 28
28
Continued from page
Prayer
A number of you have said that in addition to providing practical support
you want to be part of the Prayer Ministry for the projects. Everything we
do has to be underpinned by prayer so we have set up a prayer team and
this will be a non stop part of our mission over the coming months.
And this is not all……..
The Sanctuary Night Shelter
In partnership with Churches Together we are the venue for the new
Sanctuary night shelter for the homeless over the winter months. Three
nights a week we will be providing a hot meal, a bed and support for those
in greatest need.
So how are we able to achieve all this?
Well, first and foremost it is the presence of God’s Spirit in our church and
in our lives that drives us to serve Him as best we can. Over the last few
months over 60 people in our church have volunteered to help with the
projects. In addition to this, 120 people from across the churches in
Gravesend have volunteered to help with the night shelter.
This kind of response to help those in need only comes because God is
calling each by name to be His hands and feet in the world.
So what next?
Well, from the 1st December we will be fully functional with the new
projects so if you feel that you can help in any way either with the practical
stuff or the prayer ministry please speak to me or one of the stewards and
we will make sure you are included in this vital work.
Yours in Christ
Simon, your lay worker
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Our front cover say’s it all
There is shelter during the winter months for those who have no shelter.
29
Christmas Cracker Jokes. Q.What does Santa suffer from if he gets stuck up a chimney?
A: Claustrophia!
Q:What did the sea say to Santa?
A: Nothing, it just waved
Q: What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire?
A: Frostbite.
Q: What songs do you sing at a snowman’s birthday party?
A; Freeze a jolly good fellow.
e-Santa. When Santa Claus talks to children he always has to be ready for
anything. In one store he asked a little boy, “Well, and have you written
me a letter to tell me what you would like for Christmas?”
“Didn’t you get my e-mail?” came the reply.
It’s therapeutic to laugh. A husband and his wife were having some disagreements and giving each
other the silent treatment. The next day the man realised that he would
need his wife to wake him at 5.00 am for an early morning business flight.
Not wanting to be the first to break the silence (and lose) He wrote on a bit
of paper, “Please wake me at 5.00am”
Next morning the man woke up, only to discover it was 7.00am and that
he had missed his flight. Furious he was about to go and see why his wife
had not woken him, when he noticed a bit of paper by the bed.
The paper said, “It is 5.00am.Wake up.”
Mother-in-law A young man was asked to describe his mother-in-law:
“Generally speaking, she’s generally speaking.”
30
This is the back page that was!
Please look at the back page.
What’s going on? People have expressed their concerns in the fact that their events are not mentioned in our “Dates for the Diary” nor mentioned in ‘The Aspect’ The Editor and the booking secretary try to glean information from various sources but unfortunately we are not mind readers.
Therefore as with any other news media, unless you tell us we don’t know. A simple fact of life. If you want your organisation or event to be published please contact the Editor.
At Gravesend: “In order to save unnecessary expenditure and allow your activities to be advertised, please ensure that you put your groups meetings in the Church diary ( which is in the office) at least two weeks in advance and then heating can be arranged, Similarly cancellations should also be notified.”
Please remember to switch off any lights not needed and lock/alarm the premises when not in use.
Please Note: Items in this magazine are printed in good faith and are sometimes reproduced with permission from others. If you wish to copy an article, please contact the Editor, who will advise you accordingly. Thank you for your courtesy.
Copyright @ Dene Holm, Gravesend and Swanscombe Methodist Churches and Community Centres. December 2015-January 2016
The editor wishes everybody a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. The editor also thanks everybody for their support and articles Many thanks to Eric Davis for the Front Cover design and Pictures
31
Dene Holm Methodist Church A very warm welcome to our Sunday Worship Services.
11.00 am and 4.30pm.Parade and Family service 3rd Sunday in the
month.
Senior Church Steward Mr Ian Angel Tel:358505
Stewards Mr Martin Prater Tel: 812330
Mrs Janet Jones-Butler
Mr Alan Fielder
Church Family Secretary Mrs Diane Law
Church Treasurer Mrs Sylvia Angel Tel: 358505
Church Bookings Mrs Sylvia Angel Tel: 358505
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Swanscombe Methodist Church
Milton Road Swanscombe DA10 OLS
Senior Steward ;Janet Errington Tel 01322 387096
Sunday Worship Service
10.45 am: All our services are ‘All age Worship’
Coffee Morning held on the second Saturday of each month at 9.30pm.
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Ebbsfleet Rainbow Centre
Rose Street Northfleet DA11 9EQ Tel:321221
Centre opens Tuesday – Thursday 10.00am – 2.00pm
