RADCLIFFE on TRENT, METHODIST

CROSS – SECTION  

December 2009.

The Newsletter for Radcliffe on Trent

and Cotgrave Methodist Churches,

and The Church at Gamston

Minister:  Revd.  Janet Tanner

Telephone:  0115 933 2509

E mail:  revjantan@aol.com

Ministers Letter

Dear friends,

We have already had our first Christmas letter, from Esther, one of our oldest and dearest friends.

When my husband Richard and I and our baby son went to work with the Methodist Church in Sri Lanka, way back in 1979, we were sent to Esther’s village. We did not know any Sinhala, the local language, and Esther and her husband Lal did not know any English. Without many words, Esther went out of her way to welcome us into their home and into their lives with Christian love.

By this I mean that we, as strangers, were welcomed as friends. As foreigners, we were accepted, with all our strange and incomprehensible ways. Esther’s young and struggling family helped our young and struggling family in ways that have left a deep bond of friendship and gratitude. At that time they had very little by way of time and energy or material things to give and share. But they were immensely generous. In a country where family is all-important and where we had none, we felt that we had somehow been included and accepted and loved: almost adopted.

Christmas is the time of our Christian year when we think most about God’s love and acceptance of us, about God’s inclusion and adoption of each one of us into the family of God’s people.

As we look around at the people we know in the church, we can remember and be happy about the fact that Jesus is re-making us, not just as nodding acquaintances, but as brothers and sisters who love and respect and trust one another.

But don’t stop with the people you know. Look around the village, and in all the places you travel to over the Christmas period. Even the foreign places like Bingham! Look at all the people you don’t know and all the people you probably wouldn’t want to know! It is God’s plan, in sending Jesus to be our brother, to remove all the barriers and boundaries we set up between strangers and family, foreigners and friends. God’s plan is that there will be ‘peace on earth and goodwill to all people ‘ because, through the salvation brought to us in Jesus, everyone will be a brother or a sister to everyone else, regardless of age, race, political views, or anything else that may separate or divide.

I pray that this Christmas time we will each of us be able to go out of our way to offer Christian love and care, not just to our loved ones and friends; not just to our church family and friends but to the stranger too.

A happy and peaceful Christmas to you all,

Janet

The Section

DISTRESSED MINISTER AT WORK

Janet Tanner is hoping that there will be people willing and able to help her with some office work for the Section [churches at Radcliffe on Trent, Cotgrave and Gamston] on a regular basis. Work that is piling up on her study floor includes filing, word processing letters and notices, distribution of both, and the preparation and updating of lists and data bases. Along with the relevant skills you will need a good sense of humour, be able to keep confidences, the ability to work for free and lots of patience with your minister. If you have an hour or two a week or a month, please talk to me soon!

MANY THANKS,

JANET

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Items for the January Newsletter to be submitted to Joe Greenhalgh by

15^th December  at      joseph.greenhalgh@ntlworld.com

Cotgrave

Minister: Rev Janet Tanner    0115 933 2509

Lettings: Mrs Eileen Taylor     0115 989 3784

CHRISTMAS SERVICES 2009

Services start at 10.30am unless otherwise stated

Open Door

The first Saturday of every month. Coffee and chat 10.30-12.00. Sat 5^th Dec: Christmas Tree Festival

Breakfast with God

Every Sunday morning from 9am – 10.15am for all young people aged 10 and over. Share breakfast, Bible readings, thoughts and prayers together before worship.

Junior Church

Our Junior Church meets every Sunday morning (except for the third week of the month when we all worship together). All children under 11 are welcome to join. (Over 11s come to Breakfast with God and then join the whole church for worship).

Transform

meets every Wednesday during term time in the Methodist Community Hall (behind the church) from 3.30pm – 5pm for year 6 children. Further details are available from our Youth Evangelist, Gareth Baron (07988 152 468)

the_group

meets every Wednesday during term time in the Methodist Community Hall (behind the church) from 5 – 6.30pm for anyone aged 11 - 14. Further details are available from our Youth Evangelist, Gareth Baron (07988 152 468)

ClaYFroG

 Cotgrave Youth Fellowship Group meets on a Monday evening from 6 – 8pm for all Christians aged 11 – 16 years. Further details are available from our Youth Evangelist, Gareth Baron (07988 152 468)

Fellowship @ Grannies

The ALPHA Course on a Thursday evening at Grannies ends in December. Contact Louise Beaumont 0781 5803 837 for details of other activities.

Fellowship @ 48

Informal worship, prayer and Bible study led by Lynda Blyth at her home, 48 Broadmeer. All are welcome on Tues 8^th & 15^th Dec and 5^th, 19^th Jan beginning at 7.30pm.

Bible Studies

Led by Mike Chadderton at 7.30pm on Tuesday evenings 1^st & 15^th Dec and 5^th & 19^th Jan, at 30 Mill Lane, the home of Jean Rutherford. For more information/lifts, contact Jean on 989 0355. A warm welcome is extended to all.

Women’s Group

Meet each Wednesday at 2pm for fellowship, discussion and prayer with a variety of speakers in the vestry. There is always a welcome for new members. We take a break over Christmas with no meetings on Dec 23^rd and Dec 30^th. For further details contact Ruth Okrafo-Smart on 989 2270.

Prayer Walking

No prayer walk in December.

Prayer Chain

Prayer messages are passed down this chain of church friends by phone. To start a prayer chain message please contact Jean Rutherford 989 0355. If you would like to join the Prayer Chain please speak to any member.

The Prayer Chain is:

Jean Rutherford                       989 0355

Eileen Taylor                           989 3784

Elaine Hanby                           989 4378

Lynda Blyth                            989 4670

Margaret Wood                        989 0092

Maureen Pedlar                        989 3198

Rosemary & Ray Springhall   989 3902

Rev Janet Tanner                     933 2509

THE CHURCH AT GAMSTON

Services for December 2009

(Services start at 10.00am unless otherwise stated)

Date               Preacher                                                      Details

6^th   Dec         Marin Blyth/Rosie Farrow                     Morning worship

13^th Dec        Bob Weir                                                      Morning worship

20^th Dec        Janet Tanner           Nativity                    10.00am  Community Centre

25^th Dec        Worship at West Bridgeford Methodist Church    10.30

27^th Dec        Worship at West Bridgeford Methodist Church    10.30

SPECIAL EVENTS

21 December          Carols by Candlelight in the Village Hall       at 7.30pm

24^th Dec                    Christingle in the Community Centre                        at 4.00pm

Other Dates for the Diary:

10 December          Fellowship Group at Jo’s - 8.00pm

19 December          Nativity practise/party for the young people at the village hall 5-7pm

30 January               Social Evening - Meal at the village hall 5.00/7.00pm

13 March                  Church Away Day at Bradmore

RADCLIFFE-ON-TRENT

Sunday services for December  2009

(Services start at 10.00am unless otherwise stated)

Door Stewards

Dec.   6.       Joan Costa & Barbara Penistan

          13.     Eileen          Perrett & Pat Mitchell

          20.     Yvonne and John Ellison

          27.     Eileen Threadgold & Audrey Caley

Flower Rota

Dec.   6.       Vacant

          13.     Val Bayliss

          20.     Maureen and Nev. Bemrose

          27.     Maureen and Nev. Bemrose

Thanks to all those who gave or arranged flowers throughout the year, a new list for 2010 is on the bookcase in the vestibule.

Coffee Rota

Dec    6.       Helen and John Hancock and Sheila Hood

          13.     Joan Costa, Jane James and Gordon Douglas

          20.     Mary Wilson, Hazel Fall and David Parkhouse

          27.     Elaine Upton, Susan Worsnop and Zena Mazey

ADVENT PRAYER

We invite you to extend your personal prayer life with other opportunities to pray for our church and the community of Radcliffe during this period of Advent, and into the New Year.

        Wednesdays - weekly Prayer Group from 9 to 10.30am at different homes around Radcliffe for intercessory prayers of concern.

         2 December at 35, Clumber Drive

         9 December at 31, Chatsworth Avenue

        16 December at 14, Gatcombe Close      

        23 December at 3, Orford Avenue.

Everyone is welcome to come to any of these groups whenever they are able.

        Thursday 17 December - Prayer Walk around the centre of Radcliffe leaving the Methodist Church car park at 11.30am for about 1 hour.

        Friday 18 December - 'Be Still and Know' - ( a week earlier than usual because of Christmas) 9.30 to 10.30am.  Usually held on the 4th Friday of each month for quiet reflection, on people who need our prayers, or on our church, our community, and the world at large, or just to be still, and know the presence of God.  Drop in for as long as you like, and feel the peace.

Food for Thought

Thursday 3rd December 12.15pm .  All are welcome - anyone of any age - to come along and enjoy a simple lunch and a pause for thought.    Further information from Jean Smith

M.E.G. (Monday Evening Group – worship, Bible study, prayer and friendship)

MEG meet on Dec 7^th   at 8pm at 26 Water Lane, the home of the Layhe family.

Christians Together in Radcliffe will hold ‘Carols at the Grange’ back at the Grange this year on Monday 21st December from 7.15pm with music from the Band of the Nottingham Citadel of the Salvation Army.  All are welcome.  Bring a torch and a friend, and wrap up warmly!  Coffee and mince pies will be served afterwards. If you can bring some mince pies for our contribution, please bring them on the night.

The Christians Together in Radcliffe Christmas Card will be ready for distribution early in December .This goes to all the households in the village with details of Christmas services in all the churches, and a Christmas message. As it may be the only card that some people get that puts Christ first in Christmas, please help with the distribution if you can; the story we have to tell is worth spreading!!

In January the Christians Together in Radcliffe service for the week of Prayer for Christian Unity takes place on the Sunday preceding the week - Sunday 17th January 2010 at 6.30pm. Book the date now - this is one of the opportunities for Christians in the village to worship side by side.

 Footsteps on the Fifteenth December will be supporting the Tuesday Group Carol Service. (Details elsewhere)

On Friday 15th January next year, our minister, Janet Tanner, will be sharing some of her experiences of her work as a Speech and Language Therapist. Venue to be announced. Footsteps is for all, so note the date now, and bring a friend.

Tuesday  Club

For all children aged 7 - 11years with games, craft and Bible based activities.  This month’s club date is Dec 8^th  from 3.45 – 5pm.

Friday Morning Communion service

We will gather in the Prayer Room at 9.30am on Friday Dec 11^th led by the Rev Janet Tanner to share in worship and quiet reflection together around the Lord’s Table.  All are welcome.

C.A.M.E.O. (Come And Meet each Other)

[A group for working women]

The next meeting will be on Tuesday Dec 8^th .  More details will be made available in the weekly notice sheet.

Methodist Ladies Tuesday Group

On December 1st 7.30pm we are having a Reindeer Drive, like a Beetle Drive but bigger!

It is our annual Carol Service on December 15th at 7.30pm.  The Rev Janet Tanner will give the address and we will also be welcoming the Rythm & Rhyme singers.  The offering this year will be for the Radcliffe Youth Project.  Refreshments will be available afterwards.

Thank You

Heartfelt thanks from Rita, Cliff and Family to everyone for their prayerful support, flowers and cards that helped us through the past difficult weeks. Grateful thanks to the drivers who enabled Rita to visit Hilary in hospital every day. The loving support that we all felt from the congregation at Hilary’s funeral helped to make a bad day good.

Action for Children  (home collection boxes)

Many thanks to those who have collecting boxes in their homes. A total of £491.07 was raised this year

If anyone would like to support Action for Children by having a box in their home, please contact Denise Worral 9118951

Brenda’s disappointment

          Brenda Holmes had worked herself up to become a teenager once again; she had volunteered to help on a weekend, travelling down to Cheltenham with the Youth Group on Friday 13^th Nov.  Sleeping on the Bethesda Methodist Church floor, she was then to travel down to Cheddar Gorge on Saturday morning to brave the weather and prepare lunch while other teenagers were ‘blown’ up the side of the Gorge, only to have to come down further along.

She was then to travel down to Glastonbury to walk around the town, experiencing the different cultures, as this town is called the spiritual centre of the Country. For the evening dressed with hat, gloves and long johns she would stand in a Church garden over looking the High Street to watch a 2 hour spectacular show and parade of floats. Following the show she would have had the chance to continue the carnival spirit by dancing in the street to Samba Drums, then sleeping on the floor of Glastonbury Methodist Church floor.

Sunday morning she would have been travelling back up the M5, stopping at a Service station to get out a table in the car park and share a meal. A little further along at the Worcester Extreme Bowl she would have been seen playing Ten Pin Bowling before returning to Radcliffe.

What she would not have had to do was any cooking because Danny Petch and Joe Lowe did that, nor would she have to wash up as other teenagers did that.

          Brenda heard that the Youth Group were having difficulty finding a female member of staff to go along on a weekend, and not wanting them to cancel, she said she would go if they found no one else. Up until 3 days beforehand she had a place on the minibus, then Nicky Lee from the Youth Project, The Boys Brigade and Anchor Association come forward to help out and we had to let Brenda down gently as she had worked herself up so much with excitement.

          As a Youth Group we would like to thank Brenda and Nicky. When we were trying to find someone to help, it was clear that people involved with our Church didn’t understand what our Young People get involved with.

We currently have around 50 young people between 11 and 25 registered with our Church. It is true that about a third are currently only involved with The Duke of Edinburgh Award. We are providing a Christian connection for all of these young people. Some are already connected with different Churches, but others are not.

          We were warmly welcomed by the Churches we visited and they are thrilled to allow their premises to be taken over and used by Young People. We will also be writing to say Thank you.

Parent Support Group (TAG)

Group for mums with young children – creche available

Thursday 10^th December. 1:30 – 3pm

Here is an opportunity to meet up with others and look at some of the challenges in caring for young children.  Through a course of discussion sessions, we will share experiences and think about some of the things we can do in balancing the pressures of parenting today.

Further details from Rachael Glover (9335 283)

This is proving so popular that we are desperate for more helpers for the crèche. If you can give 1.5 hours once a month please contact Rachel Brown (9104452)

Community Cafe

Saturday 12 December 9:30 – 12:00 (every 2^nd Sat of the month)

Something for all the family: fun crafts for the children – good quality fair trade coffee - homemade cakes – different local crafts on sale each month – trade craft stall – and most importantly friendship and good company.

If you are able to bake a cake or help on the day please contact: Wendy Layhe tel.07790404534 or Rachael Glover tel.07817107787

Many thanks to all those who supported us in November.

PASTORALIA

For Radcliffe:

Barbara and Clive Marshall and family

Ian and Betty Wood

Rita and Clifford Daniel and family

Sue and Alan Wakefield and Nikki Geeson and family

Joan Smith and families

For Cotgrave:

Alison and Michael and Eileen and Mick Taylor

For Church involvement in community events over the Christmas season,

For Gamston:

The Dickason family

For Andy Harris and the new venture at Holme Pierrepont School

The Nottingham South Circuit

Martin Blyth, new lay worker at Clifton

Brian and Fay Spencer

Pray too for people in your village who will be lonely, sad or troubled this

Christmas time.