1. Please remember
in prayer ...
- As, with depressing frequency, we hear about awful events occurring within our towns and streets (e.g. the murderous attacks on both young people and families), we earnestly ask God to give strength and support to the victims and to their loved ones; and we pray that we may find the means within our society of understanding and negating the underlying causes that drive certain individuals to such crimes; and that those responsible will come themselves to recognise and repent the wrongness, futility and evil of causing so much hurt and suffering - and to take the right actions accordingly. We pray also that those responsible for both the ongoing disappearances of children and the recent street-murders will be successfully identified so that the unrelenting agony of uncertainty can be removed for the families.
- We continue to pray for all of those who have lost their lives, loved ones and homes in the ongoing hostilities and war-fare in Iraq and Afghanistan and in other parts of the world. We pray that the motivating hatred and fear may be progressively diminished through the establishment of constructive, persevering and sincere dialogue centred on gaining genuine understanding and recognition of each others legitimate needs and rights. We remember all the victims of these conflicts, including all of their families, and pray that they experience, in practical and saving ways, the ministering of God's love through the supply of the compassion, support and aid which they so desperately need. We pray that all peoples may come to recognise and accept the power of God's love in their lives, and thereby to vanquish all hatred, violence, cruelty and greed, and the destructive cycle of evil which feeds upon these.
- We ask God to comfort those families known to us who are presently mourning the loss of a loved one - we pray that God's peace will surround them all, and that they will experience the love, comfort and support that they so much need at this time as they strive to come to terms with their situations. Help them to cope - help them to find the ways forward in their lives which will act to heal the present burdens of pain and despair.
- We pray for those in our church-family who are privately facing all kinds of difficulties, health concerns, personal worries, relationship and family problems, loneliness and stress, etc.: that they all may know God's presence day by day, and receive the strength, insights, support, wisdom and encouragement that they need. We pray for the healing of those who are presently ill, who are awaiting, or recovering from, operations: also, for those having to accept declining health and increasing disability. We include in our prayers their families, and we pray also for our pastoral visitors as they seek to bring your love and care to those whom they visit.
- We give heart-felt thanks for all the good things which we witness and experience as God works amongst us - for the recoveries to health, for the strength and support given to combat trials and difficulties. We also give thanks for new unions in marriage,and for new births.
- We pray and give thanks for those who work tirelessly behind the scenes of our Church to fulfill the many administrative tasks week by week and month by month which create and enable the vibrant worship and supportive fellowship environment that we so much enjoy.
- We remember all those working abroad in dangerous situations: our armed services and many workers in care agencies. We also pray for those in the caring professions, and we ask for God's wisdom and strength as they carry out their work among the population of our area.
- We pray for our young people, both at home and away on courses of further education. We give thanks for how God is changing and moulding them. We pray that they may be protected from any disruptive and damaging peer-group pressures, and that they continue to receive the support, encouragement and teaching that they need for the continued growth of their Christian lives. We give thanks for the commitment of our young people who are presently away at Universities and who are active in the Christian Unions there. We pray that their efforts will bring new people into active Christian faith. We pray for the continuing work of our Junior Church, for the members and teachers as they interact together to build the foundations of our young people's Christian faith.
- We continue to uphold in prayer our minister, Paul, and his wife, Karen and family, Tim, Matt and Beckie. We pray also for our other ministers in the Circuit:- Richard & Becca (& baby Elizabeth Rose), and Rev Ben Clowes (Catherine, Sam & Joel) who joined in August 07; for our local preachers; and for Debbie (and her family), our manager at The 'Welcome', and her team of volunteers there; also for our lay-worker, Alison (and her husband, Neil); and (as from September 07) both our new children's lay-worker , Gill Morrison, and our youth and young-adult lay-worker, Ruth Parker; and finally, for our church stewards, that they all will receive God's guidance as they serve in His name. We also remember Rev Cris Acher as he works in Manchester to encourage awareness of God's love and care within the many-facetted life of the City Centre.
- We give thanks that the expansion project at The 'Welcome' has now been largely completed, and we pray that the extended facilities thus provided will enable more of the local community to come to know God, and God's love for them.
- We pray for our housebound members, and those in residential care - that they may they know God's presence with them, and experience the love and care of their families and friends so that all their needs may be met in body, mind and spirit. Also, our love, prayers and greetings go to all our friends in many parts of the country and abroad who like to maintain contact and receive our news.
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2. Charity Sponsorship for Asthma UK
From Mike B
I didn't expect to be doing it again but…
I was (surprisingly) accepted to run the 2008 Flora London Marathon through the ballot scheme, which means that I have a free place and don't necessarily need to raise money.
Of course I'm really pleased to have the opportunity to race (!!??) around the streets of our capital city for a fourth time but I feel uncomfortable about two things, which are:-
- (1). Well, it just doesn't feel right not to be running for a good cause (so I've chosen Asthma UK because my mum had severe breathing difficulties in her later years and I have several friends and colleagues of varying ages who suffer in a similar way).
- (2). I have to ask the same people who have sponsored me before, if they will again (so here I am doing it).
Perhaps you too would be willing. The most efficient way of donating is through my web-page www.justgiving.com/michaelbayliss . It's simple, fast, totally secure and means that Asthma UK will receive your money quickly - and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you. I am so grateful to every person who has encouraged me in my three previous runs; each has it's own special memories and the overall Flora London Marathon experience has enriched my life in so many ways.
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3. Miracle Working - Help Wanted
How much do you think it costs for retroviral treatment to prevent a mother passing on HIV to her unborn child? A thousand pounds? Maybe £500? Perhaps even as little as £100?
Here's something that really stopped me in my tracks. For less than the price of a daily newspaper over a 4-week period, you could pay for counselling, testing and vital medicine for a mother and baby. That's around £25 per month.
This surprising fact is behind the 'Work A Miracle' project started by TearFund, and which is well on its way to raising £2m by the end of 2007. Its aim? Simple - to reverse the spread of AIDS, by 2015! Impossible, you say? In the 40 or so of the poorest communities where TearFund works, this is indeed a big challenge, but one that they hope to achieve over the next 9 years.
How will it happen? As with all TearFund's projects, it happens in small ways, in small communities, touching the lives of individuals. Working largely through church partners, the giving of education and treatment is releasing people from the fear of AIDS and its social stigmatism - it is enabling pregnant mothers to have HIV testing, and is giving access to retroviral drugs before and after birth. It is also teaching ways to prevent infection, and how to care for those who are HIV positive.
Where is the money coming from? So far, the money raised has come in small but steady amounts - from mums and toddlers' groups, from teenagers at college, from church parties - and from a commitment from over 2,500 supporters to give regularly towards AIDS treatment and education. Over 3,000 churches in the UK and Ireland are involved.
What about you? Do you want to be part of the miracle? There is still £58 million needed by 2015! Pick up a leaflet from the back of church, talk to Liz H (via the Church Office, Knutsford 652251) or go on-line (www.tearfund.org/miracle) to see a short film and read in more detail about what's going on. The miracle is working. Please be part of it.
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4. Helping the World's Poorest Countries
3.1. Jar of Grace Appeal
Every year, churches throughout the UK support the UNICEF Jar of Grace Appeal. It continues to be a huge success, raising over £100,000 each year for the world's most disadvantaged children. In 2005, churches of all denominations generously raised money to ensure the immunisation of children against the six main killer-diseases, enabling UNICEF to immunise nearly 7,000 children against these killer-diseases, including the costs of training; also of the transporting and delivery of vaccines.
This year, they are appealing to us to help UNICEF ensure that ALL children have access to an education. Even though education is everybody's human right, a massive 121 million children are missing out on primary school.
- Just £12 will provide an entire school with pencils.
- £19 will provide 150 exercise-books to last children an entire year.
Many members and friends of Knutsford Methodist Church have faithfully taken part in the Jar of Grace Appeal for many years but, if you would like to join the Jar of Grace scheme, all you need is an empty jam-jar! At every meal-time between Harvest and the end of January you put a coin in the jar. The total collected will then be sent to UNICEF as our Church's donation to this work.
If you would like to help, please ask me (or phone me via the Church Office) for a leaflet - or take one from the Church porch. The leaflets explain a little more about the ways UNICEF is helping fulfil every child's right to an education, and gives more examples of how our money might be spent. They also include the sticky label to turn your old jam-jar into a Jar of Grace.
Brenda W
3.1. Recycling Taken to the Limits
Did you know, recycling doesn't stop at paper and bottles, but that you can recycle your specs and unwanted tools as well? As your eyesight changes and you need new glasses, don't shove 'em in a drawer (the glasses, that is!) but pass them on to Vision Aid Overseas www.vao.org.uk, who collect them (over a million pairs each year) sort them, parcel them up and send them on to people in the developing world who've never heard of Vision Express or prescription specs.
And what about those extra screwdrivers and pliers you no longer need? Why not let 'Tools for Self Reliance' refurbish them and then send them on to those in Africa who can make good use of them for their livelihood? Have a look at www.tfsr.org.uk - they are a bit particular about the type of tools required, but you just might have something they want and you don't. If you need to use me as a depository for specs and useful tools, so we can do a bulk-send, contact me via the Church Office (01565 652251) and/or bring them round to my house, and I'll find temporary space to store them.
Liz H
3.2. TearFund Good News to the Poor
Many years ago, I thought long and hard before I gave the very first tithe of my very first pay-packet away to charity. I was so impressed by the way they operated - the charity I chose was, and still is, TearFund. For those of you who don't know, TearFund is a Christian relief and development organisation working with partners in over 70 of the world's poorest countries. TearFund works at grass-roots level, usually through local churches, meeting the material and spiritual needs of those who are economically powerless. Projects are often long-term and aim to be sustainable, with provision to train local people where necessary. They are also involved with providing funds for disasters and emergencies. Many years later, I am still impressed that, with an income of over £50 million for the last two years, they still spend less than 10p in the £ on fundraising and administration - so they still get my tithe!
TearFund does not solicit funds from the general public, but relies on support from individuals, families and churches. They do produce a free magazine, Tear Times, which gives details of some of their projects, and there is also a local prayer meeting for their work on the last Friday of each month, as well as speaker-events and activities. If you are interested, a special edition of Tear Times, outlining their work, resources and finances, is available from me, or I can sign you up to receive your own Tear Times four times a year. If you are interested please contact me via the Church Office (01565 652251).
Liz H
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5. Will you be a Friend of the 'Welcome'?
The 'Welcome' has experienced considerable change and growth in the recent years. The weekday activities have helped forge many links within the community, and the 'Welcome' has gained much respect from residents as well as community organisations. Furthermore, Café Church, together with the Tuesday and Wednesday mornings' prayer & Bible-study sessions, are providing opportunities for people to worship and to grow in their faith.
The Welcome Café is open from Monday to Thursday each week from 10.00am to 3.00pm. If you would like to know more, why not pop in, meet us and perhaps enjoy a cuppa or a meal (we are at the far end of the row of shops facing the car-park beside the Falcon Bearer Pub on the main Longridge Road, Knutsford). We would be delighted to see you.
The 'Welcome' is blessed with many friends already, but there are some things you cannot have enough of! Friends are one of them!
You can become a Friend of the 'Welcome' in various ways:-
- By being a volunteer-helper, perhaps at one of the clubs.
- By providing food for the Community Café,
- or Coffee and Tea, which are free to all who drop in.
- By donating towards the annual running costs for rent, gas, electricity, insurance, telephone and salaries, etc.
- AND by praying for God's will and love to prosper there (costs you nothing, achieves a lot).
Look out for the "Friends Leaflet" - and why not pass one on to a friend, or to your employer (companies get tax relief too on financial help to charities), or to any grant-making bodies you know.
Please be a Friend to our Neighbours in Over Ward.
Ruth P
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6. Prayer-Chains
Do you feel called to pray for others? If so, read on!! This is a new pastoral prayer-ministry which is open to all who feel called to pray, including those who already attend prayer-meetings. It is also an excellent opportunity for those who are unable to attend prayer-meetings, but would like to be involved. All you need is a heart for God and for others, and access to a telephone. It would be helpful if you can also be contacted on a mobile phone, but it is not essential. The prayer-chain is not, however, meant to replace our prayer-meetings, but to work alongside them. Corporate prayer is very powerful and will always be important in the life of any church.
However, situations often do arise which warrant an immediate call to prayer, and therefore can't wait until the next prayer-meeting. Then prayer-chains are called into action. We will need one person to act as coordinator, and perhaps there is someone who will feel God calling them to do this. All prayer requests should be made known to the coordinator, who will have a list of prayer contacts. He/she will telephone the first person on the list, and if that person can't be contacted, then will try the next person on the list, and so on until someone answers the phone. No messages should be left on answer-phones, and prayer-requests should be given directly to the named person only, not passed on through another person. The first contact then prays for the situation in need, before telephoning the next person, and so on. But don't forget to carry on praying!!
If you would be interested in joining this ministry at Knutsford Methodist Church
please contact Elizabeth M or Anne M via the Church Office (Knu. 652251). You may alternatively wish to set up your own prayer-chain, elsewhere....
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7. Volunteers to write book reviews
Have you read any interesting books lately which have created insights or valuable food for thought? If so, would you be willing to tell us about it/them in the form of one or several book reviews suitable for our Open Doors monthly church magazine? Contributions to the editors please by the 20th of any month - via the pidgeon-holes in the community rooms' entrance, the church office or e-mail to Josephine,
kmc.office@zen.co.uk.
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8. Suggestions for Web-site
content
Knutsford Methodist Church's web-site aims to provide
up-to-date, factual information about the church whilst, at
the same time, communicating the spiritual life, the caring
nature and the fellowship of what is a lively church family
- one which caters for all ages, and is always happy to
welcome new members.
If you have any thoughts or suggestions for improving the
content, presentation, accessibility, etc. of the information,
we would be very interested to hear from you. Please pass any
such views to the Stewards or via a note (or e-mail:
kmc.office@zen.co.uk) to the church office.
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