GREEK READING GROUP 2009-2010
We have met nearly every month. Our joint efforts to translate the Greek in the New Testament context and the sharing of our insights are very enriching. We have been reading The Sermon on the Mount in St Mathew's Gospel for several months and the experience has been particularly rewarding. It is amazing how going back to the original Greek can keep providing fresh insights even into such familiar passages as the Lord's Prayer. This is an open group and anyone is welcome, with or without previous knowledge of Greek.
Mary Pym
THE PERSECUTED CHURCH 2010
I feel greatly encouraged by the people who come and share once a month in praying for the persecuted church. Together we share news received from the Barnabas Fund and Open Doors, and respond by praying and sometimes sending cards to let people know we are thinking of them. It’s good to feel part of the world-wide church family and to be able to come alongside those who are suffering and need support, and it’s especially encouraging when specific prayers are answered for individuals or situations that we have been following.
We meet usually on the 4th. Monday of the month at 10.30am at Holy Trinity, and would welcome anyone who would like to come and join us. It is very informal and we finish by 11.30a.m.
Please borrow any of the magazines left in church, which will keep you in touch with what is happening, and if you are one of the people leading intercessions, there are prayer diaries included, which will suggest topics to pray for.
Jill Wilkinson
MIX-M-UP ANNUAL REPORT
Mix-M-Up has enjoyed a varied, interesting and enjoyable year with the admittance into the Mothers’ Union of 5 new members namely Lynn Kerton, Caz Cameron, Lynn Underwood, Jenny Reid, Amanda Wheatley and Dee Drinon. We meet every third Wednesday evening of the month at the Parish Centre, St Lawrence Church Centre or Parish Centre Watermoor.
Our meetings have included an inspiring talk and demonstration on how to quickly and easily organise your photo backlog called Creative Memories by Karen Cottey; a wonderful talk about Helen and Douglas Hospice by Sister Francis Dominica (such an amazing spiritual lady), “Observance of Lent” by Reverend Margaret Bettis who also talked to us about her calling to the ministry – most interesting; “My Spiritual Journey” by Sheila Mouna; a wonderful day out at the Spring Malvern Show. A most enjoyable and fun s kittles evening at the Wheatsheaf; in August we met again at the Wheatsheaf to plan the 2010 programme over a light supper and glass of wine. In September we attended the Eucharist service at St Lawrence lead by Canon Jim Harris and enjoyed a shared supper afterwards. We were given a very informative and inspiring slide show by Nancy and George Skuse on Churches in the Cotswolds in October. In November Jan Williams and her friend Amy Freeman, a project worker at the women’s refuge in Stroud, spoke to us about Domestic violence, which certainly made us all think and pray for these men and women. December - we all enjoyed a Christmas meal cooked by Pat and Jenny at The Barn with entertainment by several male members of Mix-M-Up (a real hoot) directed by Pat Harris.
We have another wonderful programme for 2010 and invite everyone from 16 to 100 to join us. We really enjoy Christian fellowship, friendship and fun.
Leaders
Jenny Hopegood Tel: 01285 653***
Pat Harris 01285 885***
BELL RINGERS
The primary aim of ringers is to ring the bells for Divine Service. This we have done regularly throughout the year on Sunday mornings alternating between Holy Trinity and St John’s. On Sunday evenings ringing is usually organised for special services with members of the local band joined by our friends from nearby towers.
We often ring quarter-peals and sometimes peals to mark particular events. This year these included quarters to say farewell to Fr Warwick, to welcome Fr Howard and for Fr Leonard’s 25 years as a priest.
The local Ringing Competition was held at North Cerney; our teams came first and seventh. As the winning team we will shortly be representing this area in our Association competition meeting teams from all over the Gloucester and Bristol Dioceses
Once again there were two outings. On the popular walking outing in May we started from Hartpury, walked to Ashleworth, lunch at The Boat and then back via Hasfield and Corse. A little damp to start but it stayed dry for the rest of the day. In September the coach outing took us to Hampshire, ringing at Stockbridge, King’s Sombourne, Broughton, East Tytherly, Bishopstoke and Twyford. Good bells and fine weather made it a very pleasant day.
New recruits are always welcome. We can take all ages from around 10 upwards. We practise on Tuesdays at 7:30 with a beginners’ session often starting at 6:30pm.
If you’re interested or would like to know more please speak to one of the ringers or contact Peter Holden on 01285 659515. email: petergholden@btopenwold.com
Peter Holden
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