The monthly magazine of Groby United Reformed Church Dec 2016 Jan 2017
PRAYER FOR THE WEEK 4TH 10TH DECEMBER Especially during this month, the elders and others are responsible for all the services whether in Church or elsewhere. Please pray for them. Pray for the Christmas message to proclaim that the coming of Jesus is the answer to our broken world. 11TH 17TH DECEMBER Tuesday 13th we have our annual Carols Round the Tree at the Stamford Arms. Please pray for good weather and a really good attendance. Pray also that those attending will take home something of the real meaning of Christmas that will sustain them through the rest of the festive season. 18TH 24TH DECEMBER Please pray for the Christmas celebration at the Tasters on Saturday. Pray for good attendance and for much joy and thankfulness for the greatest Gift to us all Jesus. 25TH 31ST DECEMBER Thank God for those who you are sharing Christmas with this year and please pray for those in our Village who will be facing this week alone. Pray particularly for anyone that you might know of and pray that they might be touched by God in a special way. Lynda Hawkes & Ruth Ivens
WELCOME FROM TREVOR, CHURCH ELDER As we approach Christmas many of us will remember the touching film, "It s a Wonderful Life" (1946), where James Stewart plays a kind, community centred Buildings and Loan owner, George Bailey, whose absentminded uncle misplaces a lot of other people's money. As a result, George faces imminent jail and is despairing. Prayers are said for his well being. On a snowy Christmas Eve George leaves home and reaches a bridge over a river. He wishes he had never been born. Upon jumping into the icy waters he is saved by a trainee angel who grants him his wish. George sees what would have happened had he never been born. He discovers that his life was not futile and that he had made a lasting impact on his family, friends, and his community; had he never been born other people s lives would have been immeasurably poorer. George begs to have his life back. He is granted his wish and is reunited with his loving family. Like George Bailey's fictional adversary, Mr Potter, for many people this Christmas will simply be a time of over indulgence and opportunity devoid of any spiritual meaning. For these people the Christmas story effectively "never" really happened Jesus was "never" born and He "never" died for them. Like the residents of fictional "Pottersville" their lives are immeasurably poorer as a result. People who do not know Jesus do not know what God is like Scripture tells us that God really did come into our world as Jesus His Son and that "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation" (Colossians. 1:15). People who do not know Jesus are far from God as a result of Jesus' birth however we know that God is not some distant deity but that he is ever present Immanuel God is with us. Through Jesus we know that God is right here right now. God is with us as we work, struggle with our daily lives and challenges, worship and pray. God is with us when we 1
sleep and play, whether or not we are aware of or feel His presence. People who do not know Jesus do not know God's unconditional love or forgiveness John 1:12 reminds us that if Jesus was never born we would not be able to become one of God s children or to have a personal relationship with God. People who do not know Jesus do not know of God's gift and sacrifice for us Ultimately, Jesus demonstrated God s unfailing love when he died as a sacrifice for us all every one of us. You can t get a more precious Christmas Gift than that God's love and His forgiveness. People who do not know Jesus will not receive abundant and eternal life Jesus promised that he would bring us abundant and eternal life if we become part of His family (John 10:10 and (John 3:16) Our life on this world is short; God wants us to be spiritually reborn and spend eternity with him but it is our choice however if we choose to "awaken" and receive God s Son, Jesus Christ. To know God's love, His forgiveness and eternal life we must actively choose to accept God s gift, Jesus, and seek forgiveness. Only those who do so will receive His Christmas gift and become part of God s family. Jesus knew full well the difference his birth, life, death and resurrection would have on us. That s why he died on a cross for our sin. He did it to demonstrate His love and faithfulness for you and for me and for those who are yet to know Him. As Christians we know this however how can we help others to learn too about Christ and also understand the true Christmas message? How can we help those for whom today Christmas "never" happened to understand the Christmas message, seek forgiveness and start their life anew? As a start let us invite others to hear the story of Jesus birth, His life, death and resurrection this Christmas and in the months to come let's actively encourage those that we meet to learn about Him, accept Him 2
and pray that they come to know the love, joy and peace that Jesus brings. A happy and peaceful Christmas to you and your family and best wishes for the coming year may we be prepared for what it brings. Trevor CONTENTS Prayer of the week...front Cover Welcome...1 Birthdays...4 Tweet...4 Welcome Project...6 Thank you...6 Film & Food for Fellas...7 FairTrade Sale...8 LOVE IN 103 BOXES!...9 Teaching and Worship...10 Helping Hands...12 Mission...14 Tweet...15 Open the Book...15 Carol Singing...16 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity...17 Encounter...19 Dates for your diary...20 Next Contact Deadline...20 Prayer of the week...back Cover Church Contacts...Back Cover 3
Nicky Gumbel (@nickygumbel) 18/11/2016, 19:21 TWEET You are never more like God than when you are helping hurting people, lifting up the fallen and restoring the broken. Rachel Hiscocks Happy December Birthdays to: Megan Strokes Maida Platts Sue Lawrence Brooks 4
3 rd and 10 th December cafe open as usual 10am -12.30pm with children s play including bouncy castle. 17 th December special cafe open 10am - 12.30pm Regular food on Saturday morning plus Christmas Crafts for the children. 24 th December 1.30pm 4pm A Taste of Christmas including a lively retelling of the Christmas story for children. Come for a late lunch of soup & bacon/sausage cobs. Then do stay for:- 4pm A Christmas Celebration for all with mince pies 6pm Christingle Service at St. Phillip & St. James Church. 31st December: love Groby TASTERS open 10am 12.30pm 5
WELCOME PROJECT Thank you to those that have continued to support the work of the Welcome Project which runs the foodbank for asylum seekers on a Thursday morning and a group on Tuesday afternoons for women and children. For over a year now we have been having a monthly collection of specific items for the project and everything collected has been well received by the clients. Roger and myself (David) have decided not to continue with these collections, for two reasons To focus on the Love Groby Foodbank which is collecting for other people with a great need for food and also because the numbers relying upon the Welcome Project for food has much reduced over the last 2 3 months. Please continue to pray for the project, for the individuals caught up in this desperate situation, and offer any practical help you can. To find out more about the Thursday foodbank see Roger or myself, or to find out about the Tuesday group see Ruth. David Harrup THANK YOU I would like to say thank you to all my friends at church and in the village for their lovely cards, flowers and prayers. they have helped me a lot..i am pleased to say that I am now making good progress. Love and good wishes Chris Coaton 6
FILM & FOOD FOR FELLAS In November the Fellas watched a much more gentle film called Grow Your Own which is based on an allotment group and what happens when a group of asylum seekers are given a couple of plots to look after. In parts the film is funny, but it covers some very serious issues, not just about asylum but also about the way minority groups are treated by people/society. Roger recommended the film to us and I am sure he would lend you the film to watch. Film & Food for Fellas continues on the first Thursday of each month from October through to March starting at 7.00pm at the URC church rooms. The next two are on Thursdays 1st December 2016 & 5th January 2017 In November we had Leicester burgers and curly fries maybe something festive in December? No more than a 2.00 donation is generally enough to cover the cost of the food and a soft drink. This is a Churches Together evening and fellas from both churches are encouraged to come along with a non church friend. For more information please see me David Harrup 7
WHY HOLD A FAIRTRADE POP UP SALE? The people are very grateful for all the goods that were sold after morning worship on 20th November, but who are the people? They are men, women and sometimes children, who make cards, socks, scarves, toys and many other products sold under the Fairtrade name. These people live mainly in the third world and mostly dwell in simple structures, often without electricity or an inside toilet. Their daily diet consists chiefly of beans and rice. They are our brothers and sisters who strive to better their lives and give their children an education. If they lived next door to us in Groby, they would be astonished to see us carrying shopping bags out of cars. The numerous gadgets in our homes would be a puzzle to them. Possibly, they would wonder why we seem to have so much, but have so little time. Our schools, colleges and hospitals would be perceived by them as a fantasy land, a pipe dream. Buying Fairtrade is a small but positive step we can take to show our support for their efforts. It s easy, there are over 4,500 products we can buy to change these people s world. Have you visited the Just Shop in Leicester recently? With simple choices we can get the workers a better deal, and that means they can control their futures and lead dignified lives. Joy Russelll Groby URC Fairtrade Team 8
LOVE IN 103 BOXES! On Sunday 6th November, children, young people and not so young people gathered in the schoolroom and, in one hour, packed an amazing 103 shoeboxes to be delivered as Christmas gifts to needy children overseas through the project known as Operation Christmas Child. Each shoebox included hygiene items, a warm hat, scarf and gloves, a game, stationery items, a packet of sweets and an essential for every child a soft, cuddly toy. A huge thank you to all the generous folk who donated items, those who contributed financially to cover transport costs and, not least, those who helped both on the day and during the following week. The shoeboxes were despatched with our love and our prayers and with the assurance that each box will bring a few moments of joy to the life of a child who has so little a demonstration of God s love in a very tangible way! Thank you for making it possible! Sue Lawrence Brooks 9
TEACHING & WORSHIP PROGRAMME The Book of Isaiah. Isaiah had words from God of hope and deliverance. God was doing a new thing, something that would offer salvation, and would give them a hope and a future. The promise is of a Messiah, a saviour, but one who would come as a baby born to a virgin, God with us Emmanuel, Prince of Peace, one who would preach good news to the poor, and bind up the broken hearted. Sue McKenzie 4TH DEC 16 10am The Promised Messiah Elder: Kevan Hall Isaiah 11: 1 9 John Hall 7.15pm Encounter 11TH DEC 16 10am Your God will come Elder: Dave Lomas Isaiah 35 Barrie Cooke 18TH DEC 16 10am God s word is powerful Elder: Tim Symonds Isaiah 55 Carols and Readings 6pm Reflective Communion 24TH DEC 16 (CHRISTMAS EVE) 4pm Christmas Eve Elder: Trevor Pringle Kevan Hall 25 DEC 16 (CHRISTMAS DAY) 9.30am Christmas Day Elder: Dave Smith Kevan & Wendy 10
John's Gospel We shall start our next preaching series, John s Gospel, in January. From the opening passage declaring Jesus as the Word, the creator and the son of God. From accounts of signs and wonders, to Jesus promise of the indwelling of the Spirit and finally to the death and resurrection of our Lord and saviour, it is a wonderful book of deep truths. I pray that we shall all be challenged and equipped for whatever lies ahead for us as heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus. Kevan Hall 1ST JAN 17 No Service at URC. We are encouraged to join with St Philip and St James for their 9.30 10am service. 8TH JAN 17 10am 'The Word made flesh' Elder:Rachel Hiscocks / John 1: 1 18 Kevan Hall Trevor Pringle(C) Communion 15TH JAN 17 10am 22ND JAN 17 'Nicodemus: earthly/heavenly things. Elder: Kevan Hall John Ch3: 1 21 Jane Henderson (Presentation of Child Friendly Award) 10am Prayer for Christian Unity Elder: Dave L 2 Corinthians 5:14 20 CTG 7.15pm Encounter 29TH JAN 17 10am 'The woman at the well' Elder: Tim Symonds John Ch3: 1 42 Zak Allard 11
CRECHE HELPING HANDS DEC 2016 Sue Lawrence Brooks 4th Rachel H, Susie, Rachel or Dan P 11th Jacquie, Hilary, Ruth 18th Rachel E, Hily, Lewis 25th Linda, Catherine, Ric WORSHIP COFFEE Joy Russell 4th Ann T & Barbara C 11th Dave & Hilary 18th The 2 Kays 24th pm Elders to arrange 25th Tim Symonds LEADER MEDIA PIANO 4th Tim Symonds Dave Smith Debbie George 11th Elder Chris Down Sue Annable 18th Karen Harrup Mark Hiscocks Debbie George 24th Elder Tim Symonds Viv Limb 25th Elder Tim Symonds Debbie George WELCOME Joy Russell 4th Moira & Jim 11th Anne & Barbs 18th Joy & Peter 24th John & Elaine 25th Trevor & Mary CLEANING Kathy Du Boulay 28th Nov 3rd: Dave S, Sue & Mike, Barry db 5th 10th: Kathy db & Lynda H. 12th 17th: Ruth & Sue LB 19th 24th Linda & Tim, Jan & Mark 26th 31st: Pat C, Joy & Peter, Kay B 12 CTG FAIRCUPPA Violet Atkins 1st Kay & Pat 8th Elizabeth & Hilary 15th Jane & Anne FLOWERS Barbara Conlon 4th Mrs. B. Conlon 11th ) 18th ) Christmas 25th ) Decorations
CRECHE HELPING HANDS JAN 2017 Sue Lawrence Brooks 1st Rachel H, Susie, Rachel or Dan P 8th Jacquie, Hilary, Ruth 15th Rachel E, Hily, Lewis 22nd Linda, Catherine, Ric 29th Jan, Stacey, Sue L B WORSHIP COFFEE Joy Russell 1st N/A 8th Sue LB & Hily 15th Pat C & Mary P 22nd Jan & Kathy db 29th Ann T & Barbara C Tim Symonds LEADER MEDIA PIANO 1st 8th 15th 22nd 29th N/A Barrie Du Boulay Dave Smith Chris Down Mark Hiscocks WELCOME Joy Russell 1st N/A 8th Sue LB & Jan 15th Jean & Sheila 22nd Hiscocks Family 29th Moira & Jim FLOWERS Barbara Conlon 1st N/A 8th Mrs. J. Camp 15th Mr. & Mrs. M. Hiscocks 22nd Mrs. L. Hawkes 29th Mr. & Mrs. T. Symonds CLEANING Kathy Du Boulay 2nd 7th Jeanette & Barrie, Anne, Hilary 9th 14th Dave S, Sue & Mike, Barry db 16th 21st Kathy db & Lynda H 23rd 28th Sue LB & Ruth 30th 4th Feb: Linda & Tim, Jan & Mark 13
MISSION At our October Church Meeting those present were asked to sort different activities of our church life into the categories of mission, justice, compassion or other. OUR MISSION IS: To make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you (The words of Jesus to the disciples in Matthew 28) GROBY URC S CURRENT VISION FOR MISSION IS: To support mission work locally, working in partnership with St Philip & St James Church as Churches together in Groby. To support mission work nationally and globally by focusing on concerns and encouraging response through direct action and prayer. Groby URC recognises it can impact on mission locally, nationally and globally. QUESTIONS TO PRAYERFULLY CONSIDER Do you agree with the definition of mission from Matthew 28? If not, what should it be? Our vision should define how we achieve our mission, is the vision for mission correct? If not, what should it be? Elders would like you to prayerfully consider and discuss these questions and bring comments and concerns to the next church meeting on 24th Jan 2017. Thank you. 14 Rachel Hiscocks and Kevan Hall (Elders)
OPEN THE BOOK You may remember the conclusion from our November presentation which was quoted in the November Contact. It ended.and God gave them another chance. In the December presentations of the First Christmas the children will be asked to think of a time when you heard some good news. See if you can remember how happy you felt when you heard that good news. I wonder how many people in Groby will hear the good news this Christmas the good news of the start of another chance that Jesus birth gives to them. The birth of not just a baby son, but of God s Son, of God in human form, of someone really special. In January we will be presenting Jesus is Baptised and one of John s lines is God is sending Someone Special. I trust and pray that many of the children that experience the Open the Book presentations each month grow up knowing how special Jesus really is. To find out more about this valuable work please see either Lynda Hawkes, Kevan Hall or David Harrup from the Open the Book team David Harrup Nicky Gumbel (@nickygumbel) 15/11/2016, 21:27 TWEET A divided world needs a united church, where people are not discriminated against or judged; but everyone is loved, accepted and welcomed. Rachel Hiscocks 15
CAROL SINGING For the fifth year running a group of Christians will be sharing the good news of Christmas by singing carols on the streets of Groby all are welcome to join us. This is a CTG activity for people from both churches or none. CHRISTMAS EVE CAROL SINGING Saturday 24th Dec at 7.15pm 8.45PM at New Co Op, Laundon Way As last year we will be meeting on Laundon Way outside the new Co Op and walking along a circular route that side of Groby a slightly different route to last year. All of the homes along the route will be leafleted beforehand inviting them to listen out for us, to join us and even to request their favourite carol. So let s hope for a crisp & clear evening to help the sound to travel and to encourage people to join us. There are also the other opportunities to sing carols in the run up to Christmas CAROLS ROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE Tuesday 13th December at 7pm in the Stamford Arms car park CAROLS AT FAIR CUPPA Thursday 15th December at 11am in the village hall For more information about this please see me David Harrup 16
WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY 18TH TO 25TH JANUARY This week is recognised by churches across the world and material has been prepared by the churches of Germany to help others to focus on Christian Unity based upon 2 Corinthians 5:14 20. On Sunday 22nd January there will be a joint service at the URC where as churches, and Christians, we can worship and focus together. There is a series of reflections, readings and prayers for the 8 days throughout the week of prayer. If you want a copy of this please either see or e mail me (harrup.david@gmail.com)and I will provide a copy (preferably an electronic one because it is 13 pages but I can print one for you if needed). David Harrup Prayer Chain 2016 Please contact anybody belonging to this Prayer Chain for any urgent prayer requests. Anne Brandon 2875585 Ruth Ivens Jan White 2876038 2878365 Joy Russell 2996164 Jacqui Lomas Kevan Hall 2386178 or 07722504478 2248845 or 07807036944 Kay Peel 2250045 Sue Lawrence-Brookes 2312866 or 07780342253 Barbara Lomas 2876013 Barbara Conlon 2387805 Kay Blick 2321254 17
I m coming to the end of my first term at Oak Hall & will be serving with them in Switzerland & Kent over Christmas & New Year. So, I won t have much time in Leicester during Dec/Jan but would love the chance to fill people in on my transition from GoMAD to Oak Hall. If you re interested or just want to pop round for a catch upplease come along to my: Christmas Cocktail Catch-up 6.30pm-8.30pm Wednesday 14 th December 2016 My House: 27 Larchwood Avenue, Groby, Leics. LE6 0ER. Presentation will be at 7pm There will be drinks and nibbles (free) as well as Rehema Gifts to buy Hope you can pop along. God bless Deb Goodhead 18
ENCOUNTER Encounter is an opportunity to share in a different style of worship a reflective time to allow God to speak to you through the songs and prayer. Each month someone different shares a 5 minute encounter of what God has done in their life if you have an encounter to share please speak to one of us. Next Encounter dates are Sundays 4th December & 22nd January. Encounter starts at 7.15pm and usually finishes about 8pm. All are welcome Karen & David 19
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 7pm Thurs 1 Dec Film & Food for Fellas 7pm Tues 13 Dec Carols around Tree Stamford Arms 1.30pm Sat 24 Dec 'A Taste of Christmas' (Tasters) 7pm Thurs 5 Dec Film & Food for Fellas Kathy Du Boulay 20 FEB 2017 ISSUE NEXT DEADLINE SAT 21st January 2017 Please submit articles to me by the above date, preferred via email. This magazine is published in print and on the church website, grobyurc.com. If you would like to be added or removed from the paper copy distribution list or the monthly hyperlink email list, please let me know. Mark Hiscocks, Magazine@grobyurc.com
1ST 7TH JANUARY PRAYER FOR THE WEEK Every year we wonder what the New Year will bring. Please pray that fear would not get hold of us, but that we commit ourselves to God s way of living and fully trust Him in every way during the coming year. 8TH 14TH JANUARY Please pray for Kathy our Pulpit Secretary, as she looks out for preachers to minister to us on a Sunday morning. Pray for us to appreciate this ministry by turning into deeds what God is saying to us. 15TH 21ST JANUARY Please pray for this week of Christian Unity, particularly for our CtG service that will take place at the URC on 22nd. Pray that we will continue to have a good fellowship with St Phillip and St James and that our unity gives out a strong message to the village. 22ND 28TH JANUARY The Open the Book team are nearing their 2 1/2 year mark in taking stories from the Bible to the primary school children in the village. Please pray that the children will remember the stories and the meaning within them and that they will act as a springboard to an eventual relationship with Jesus. 29 JANUARY 4TH FEBRUARY We are blessed with a number of folk in our church who are willing to take on the vital role of "techie" every Sunday. Please thank God for them and pray for them in this valuable ministry. Look for their names in Contact and pray for them individually. Lynda Hawkes & Ruth Ivens
Groby United Reformed Church member: Evangelical Alliance UK www.grobyurc.com, LE6 OFE MINISTER: CONTACTS Rev'd Sue McKenzie 0116 2321733 suemcken@gmail.com YOUTH WORKER: Ruth Cross 07759 087804 ruth.cross@outlook.com CHILDREN AND FAMILIES WORKER John Fryer 07540 957926 j.fryer1@ntlworld.com SECRETARY: Phil Holmes 0116 2253335 maxmellhouse@hotmail.com HALL LETTINGS: Kay Peel 07510 191182 ashforth40@gmail.com SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP (10AM) All Age with Y.church (children s session) Holy Communion as announced. Babies and toddlers can be cared for on Sunday mornings. The church building has a loop hearing system, wheelchair access, a toilet for the disabled & baby nappy changing facilities. Home Groups: Wed & Thurs evenings see an elder for details. WEEKLY ACTIVITIES Monday: 9.30 11.30am Noah s Ark Club for toddlers and families. 6.00 7.15pm Chattabox Mondays* (children years 3 6) 7.45 9.00pm Rock Solid* (young people in years 7 9) Wednesday: 7.30 9.00pm Revelation* (young people in years 10 13) Thursday: 10.30 12.00am Fair Cuppa* at Groby Village Hall. Friday: 9.30 11.30am CATCH* Coffee and chat (in term time) 7.30 9.30pm Gap* (young people in years 10 13) Saturday: 8.00 9.00am Prayers, all welcome *These activities are run jointly with St. Philip & St. James Church as part of 'Churches Together in Groby'.