All Saints Ecumenical Church Serving the Community of Newton Hall

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1 All Saints Ecumenical Church Serving the Community of Newton Hall Newsletter - February 2016 Welcome to our Feburary newsletter. Last month we played host to not one, but two bishops! The occasion was the baptism of Chozeh and Asaph by Bishop Paul and service led by Rev Caroline. The church was full to bursting with family and friends of the Munezas as well as our own congregation. During the service we were introduced to Grandad, who led a reflection and, it turns out Grandad has another role as the Archbishop of Burundi. It was good to see Chozeh s and Asaph s friends and classmates, an additional joyfulness to the celebration followed by a tasty buffet including cakes, which, as well as looking amazing, tasted delicious. The Munezas would like to say a big thank you for all your love, support, prayers and practical help at Chozeh and Asaph's Baptism Service.

2 Prayer Reflection Action Matthew welcoming the stranger Then the king will say to those at his right hand, Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me. Archbishop John Sentamu s story I am a former Sanctuary seeker. It s something I don t usually write or speak about very often. It s not that I am embarrassed about my sanctuary seeking past or lack deep gratitude to the country that received me I am and always will be grateful to this country for its compassionate heart and generosity of spirit... but the begrudging grant of an entry visa is not the same as a warm embrace. As a nation we must not only welcome more people but we should also be more welcoming as a people. My own life is testimony that this country is more than able to do both. (Story told to MTAG 07/07/15 ) (From a document produced by the Cof E Mission Thology Advisory Group (MTAG), a theological reflection on mission, migrants and refugees. The document can be found on Heavenly Father, you are the source of all goodness, generosity and love. We thank you for opening the hearts of many to those who are fleeing for their lives. Help us now to open our arms in welcome, and reach out our hands in support. That the desperate may find new hope, and lives torn apart be restored. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ Your Son, Our Lord, who fled persecution at His birth and at His last triumphed over death. Amen (

3 What you need to know! Mothers Union meets every 2nd Monday in the month in the back room at All Saints from 7.30 to 9pm. We have a programme of interesting speakers and other items, mainly with a Christian content, that are advertised in the Notice Sheet. Next meeting 8th Feb on the theme of celtic silverwork. Our vision Our vision is of a world where God s love is shown through loving, respectful and flourishing relationships. This is not a vague hope, but a goal we actively pursue by praying, campaigning and enabling. Our values Mothers Union is a Christian mission organisation working with people of all faiths and none. Mothers Union is firmly rooted in a voluntary ethos centred on mutual respect and collaboration. Our governance, leadership and programmes are undertaken and driven by members within their own communities worldwide. Mothers' Union is an international Christian membership charity that aims to demonstrate the Christian faith in action through the transformation of communities worldwide. Mothers Union is working with people of all faiths and none in 83 countries to promote stable marriage, family life and the protection of children through praying, enabling and campaigning. Our aims and objectives are: To promote and support married life To encourage parents in their role to develop the faith of their children To maintain a worldwide fellowship of Christians united in prayer, worship and service To promote conditions in society favourable to stable family life and the protection of children To help those whose family life has met with adversity Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and love your neighbour as yourself. Luke 10:27 Just recently we had Mathilde Nkwirikiye President of the Mothers Union in Burundi and we were amazed to hear of the work that she is involved with in this country. Bringing wives and their husbands to have seminars and teaching on marriage, relationships and bringing up children. Also helping women to set up co-operatives where they can help to support their family financially. They also meet together to have fellowship, worship and prayer. We are going to keep in touch by so that we can support them with our prayers. If you are interested in attending please speak to Mamie Simmons, Linda Murdie, Rosemary Johnson or Marion McConnell

4 Notice Board AGM The AGM is on Sunday 13th March following a 10am Service. The Electoral Roll is now up for checking in time for the AGM. Please send your AGM Reports to Sarah Knapton by 14th February. Start Discipleship Course Every Thursday 7.30pm in the Back Room. Please contact Steve Muneza for more information. Mothers Union Monday 8 th February 7.30pm in the Back Room. The theme is Celtic Silverwork. Fellowship/ House Group Meetings Mondays pm and Wednesdays pm. A full timetable with locations and topics is in the foyer and has been ed to the mailing list. All are welcome to join some or all of the sessions. Job Vacancy at St. Nic s St Nicholas Church, Durham seeks an enthusiastic and reliable Administrative Assistant to work alongside the Church Administrator for approximately 20 hours per week over Mon to Thurs. For more info go to Deadline 12th Feb Singing Group If anybody is interested in forming a small singing group to help with new songs and hymns please speak to Rosemary Johnson or Helen Moss. New Stewards and Wardens Required At the March 2016 AGM, John Fairbairn and Tony Crossland will be stepping down from their roles which they have done for several years. Therefore the church needs you to fill these roles. A job description is available in the foyer. Please speak to Andrew Sprigg & Mike Van Der Gucht, your current Steward and Warden, for more information.

5 Sunday Club at All Saints Join us for at All Saints Join us for Sunday Club on Sunday 21st February Countdown to Easter Sunday Club is on 3 rd Sunday of each month to 11.30am For children aged 4 to 11 An hour of games, activities and stories You are welcome leave your child with us for an hour or wait in the church service next door. The club is free of charge. We will ask you to fill in a registration form for your child. Our staff and volunteers are DBS checked. Interested? Just turn up or for more information Tel: notices@allsaintsnewtonhall.org.uk A fun way to worship for all ages! Everyone Welcome 4th Sunday of the month at 4pm 28th Feb 27th Mar

6 February at All Saints Sundays 7th Feb 14th Feb 21st Feb 28th Feb 9am 10.45am 10.30am Air Cadet Sunday Joanne Thorns Morning Worship Helen Hickson Gordon Harper Baptism Sunday Club Morning Worship Helen Hickson Caroline Dick 4pm Messy Church 5.30pm Youth Club Youth Club 6pm Prayer Prayer Prayer Prayer What s On? Lunch Club Mondays 10.30am pm Rainbow Club Mondays (Except 15th) 1.30pm - 3pm Mothers Union Monday (8th only) 7.30pm Fellowship Groups Mondays pm (See schedule in foyer) Wednesdays pm Midweek Wednesday (10th only) 2.30pm Start Discipleship Course Thursdays 7.30pm Credit Union Saturdays am (6th, 20th and 27th only) Coffee Mornings Saturdays 10.30am th Feb Leprosy Mission 13th Feb Sarcoma UK 20th Feb Bujumbura Christian University 27th Feb Blue Coat School Church Council Meeting Tues 23rd February 7.30pm

7 Contacts Church website Tel: Steve Muneza Tel: Caroline Dick Tel: Durham North Team Office Tel: Methodist Minister GodLifeChurch blog Anglican Associate Minister Anglican Acting Team Rector To arrange a wedding, baptism or funeral, please contact the Team Office. Mark McKnight Children s and Youth Worker Telephone: General enquiries youthworker@allsaintsnewtonhall.org.uk To contact any of the All Saints team (24hr answer phone) Facebook group Facebook page Church and Hall Bookings info@allsaintsnewtonhall.org.uk All Saints Church Newton Hall A closed group for discussion please join A virtual notice board for All Saints please like bookings@allsaintsnewtonhall.org.uk If you need space for a church group or meeting please speak to wardens and stewards. Notices by Wednesday 1pm Send to Elizabeth Pears notices@allsaintsnewtonhall.org.uk (Please if possible) Tel/text: