Methodist Church February 2018 “At a Glance” A Diary of Worship Services and Other Events

Where “details below” is shown next to a diary entry please see the general notices at the end of “At a Glance” for more information. In the WEB version of “At a Glance” certain contact details have been removed (to protect the privacy of contributors) if this information is required the printed version (available at church) should be consulted. MORNING WORSHIP conducted by Martin Blyth. With SUNDAY CLUB offering faith, friendship and fun for Sunday 28 January 10.30 am children and young people. Flowers donated by Dorothy Back. Open House : we meet together at Gardens Court to start looking at Galatians. Our meetings conclude with a time of Monday 29 January 7.30 pm prayer and fellowship finishing with biscuits and a drink. All are welcome to join us. Details from Brian Horler. Storytime : Bible based story and activities for pre-school Tuesday 30 January 11.00 am - Midday children and parents/carers, finishing with lunch. Meeting Point : 10.00 am - Midday A warm and friendly group. Come for a cuppa and biscuits, a natter and a laugh. Look forward to meeting you. 1.30 – 3.00 pm Parent, Baby and Toddler Group. **PRAYER HUB MEETING** Wednesday 31 January This is an open meeting (at church) for everyone who is interested in the Prayer Life of WBMC. 4.00 pm The aim of the meeting is to look at the next steps in growing corporate prayer.

Further details are given below. 2.30 – 4.00 pm Singing Together : Further details below. Women’s Fellowship : John Mellor speaking on being “The President’s Carer”. We would like to invite anyone who wishes to hear about Thursday 01 February 2.30 pm John and Loraine’s travels as part of her President of Conference year. There will be a small fundraising stall or the opportunity to donate to our chosen Charity which is NHCharity, Big Appeal for the Children's Hospital at QMC. Thursday Fellowship Group meeting in the Community Hall : 7.30 pm Details from Monica Heard. Friday 02 February to Visit of Vice President of Conference to N&D District Monday 05 February

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BMW Walk - Cropwell Butler to Cotgrave 3.5 miles. A short walk for winter, mostly good paths and no styles. We end with food at Grannies in Cotgrave. Contact John Thurston on – see printed version for details - immediately if you are interested in joining us but not yet booked. New walkers always welcome. Thanks. 8.30 am Men’s Prayer Group : see below for further details.

Saturday 03 February Community Coffee Morning in the Community Hall, 9.30 am - Midday in aid of “West Bridgford Operatic Society” arranged by Pru Brindle Faith & Light : Candlemas Celebration The Faith & Light groups are hosting the regional gathering for 2.30 – 5.00 pm Candlemas. Both the President and Vice President of Conference will be in attendance. Helpers are required, please see Further details are given below. MORNING WORSHIP conducted by Nikki Geeson. With SUNDAY CLUB offering faith, friendship and fun for 10.30 am Sunday 04 February children and young people. Flowers donated by Dorothy Back. 11.30 am Tradecraft stall open today (see below) Memory Lane Café : Come and enjoy reminiscence, activities 2.00 – 4.00 pm with music & singing, make new friends and enjoy tea & cake! 7.00 pm Baptism meeting in room 4. Monday 05 February Open House : we meet together at Gardens Court to continue our study of Galatians. Our meetings conclude with a time of 7.30 pm prayer and fellowship finishing with biscuits and a drink. All are welcome to join us. Details from Brian Horler. Photocopier Training : Your chance to learn how to use the new church photocopier, or to refresh what you have already 9.00 am learnt about its many functions. Please let John Heard know if you intend to attend, as you will need a PIN code to operate the machine Helping Hands : Your opportunity to help the running of the church by joining others to tackle the myriad of small 11.00 am – 1.30 pm maintenance and cleaning work needed. Newcomers are ALWAYS welcome. As a reward for your efforts, please stay for our soup lunch. Tuesday 06 February ‘Singing Christmas Tree 2018’ Planning Meeting for ‘Singing Christmas Tree’ December 2018. We hope that we shall have sufficient support to make it possible for us to proceed with this exciting venture to engage with the local community. Everyone who may be able 7.00 pm to help in any way, however small, during the week Saturday 8th – Saturday 15th December is invited to come to this meeting. We need your ideas and enthusiasm! If you are interested, but unable to get to the meeting, please let John Heard know as soon as possible and add your name to the growing list of supporters.

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Meeting Point : 10.00 am - Midday A warm and friendly group. Come for a cuppa and biscuits, a Wednesday 07 February natter and a laugh. Look forward to meeting you. 1.30 – 3.00 pm Parent, Baby and Toddler Group. 8.00 pm Time 2 Talk : Inn Friends Together : 10.00 am – 2.00 pm A time to socialise with others over a cup of tea. 2.30 – 4.00 pm Singing Together : Further details are given below. West Bridgford Community Drum Circle : Thursday 08 February 7.00 – 8.30 pm with Andy Harris in Room 2. Further details below. Midweek@8 meet for a meal and conversation. 8.00 pm Details from David & Margaret Turner. Community Coffee Morning in the Community Hall, 9.30 am - Midday in aid of “42nd Boys Brigade Company (Edwalton Saturday 10 February Parish Church)”, arranged by Angie Platton. 7.00 – 9.00 pm Mahjong and games evening (in Community Hall). Morning Worship (including Holy Communion) conducted by Revd Rach Ward. 10.30 am With SUNDAY CLUB offering faith, friendship and fun for children and young people. Flowers donated by Di and Mike Hodgkins. Soul Café - Friendship : Come and join us for a new look Soul Café! Sunday 11 February Please bring along any readings, prayers, artefacts, stories, photos that speak to you of Friendship. There will be coffee 5.30 pm and cake from 5.30 and we will look to ‘start’ our time of worship at 5.45pm. This will include opportunity for sharing, reflecting, praying and singing.

We look forward to seeing you, whether you’ve been to Soul Café before or not, all are welcome! Deadline for applications to Kingdom Bank for the post of Administrator (details below). Monday Afternoon Fellowship (meeting at Ann Latham’s home). A warm welcome is assured at our closing tea, with 2.30 – 4.00 pm tea, cakes, prayer, friendship, discussion and a few laughs. Monday 12 February All are welcome. Open House : we meet together at Gardens Court to continue our study of Galatians. Our meetings conclude with a time of 7.30 pm prayer and fellowship finishing with biscuits and a drink. All are welcome to join us. Details from Brian Horler. Storytime : Bible based story and activities for pre-school Tuesday 13 February 11.00 am - Midday children and parents/carers, finishing with lunch.

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Meeting Point : 10.00 am - Midday A warm and friendly group. Come for a cuppa and biscuits, a natter and a laugh. Look forward to meeting you. 1.30 – 3.00 pm Parent, Baby and Toddler Group. Wednesday 14 February Woolly Wednesday – a time for craft, care and cake. 1.30 – 3.30 pm A time to share skills and learn new ones. Details from Jane Everett and Monica Heard. 2.30 pm Women’s Fellowship : the speaker will be Rev Mark Roberts. Thursday 15 February 2.30 – 4.00 pm Singing Together : Further details below. 8.30 am Men’s Prayer Group : further details below. Saturday 17 February Community Coffee Morning in the Community Hall, 9.30 am - Midday in aid of Church Community Groups arranged by Jane Everett. Deadline for items for the February issue of “At a Glance” BMW Walk notification - Final date to inform John Thurston (on contact details in printed version) if you plan to join the 5 mile walk 'Pentrich Revolutionary Trail' walk on 3rd March. Sunday 18 February First Sunday in Lent. 10.30 am All Age Worship conducted by Rosie Farrow. Flowers donated Sandra and Chris Morrey. 11.30 am Tradecraft stall open today (see below) WOMEN’S TUESDAY GROUP. Mrs Elizabeth Ferriby-Stocks speaking on Tuesday 20 February 2.30 – 4.30 pm “Post Office Services” Meeting in the Community Hall and all are welcome. Meeting Point : Wednesday 21 February 10.00 am - Midday A warm and friendly group. Come for a cuppa and biscuits, a natter and a laugh. Look forward to meeting you. Friends Together : 10.00 am – 2.00 pm A time to socialise with others over a cup of tea. Thursday 22 February West Bridgford Community Drum Circle : 7.00 – 8.30 pm with Andy Harris in Room 2. Further details below. Proposed start day for our new Youth Engagement Worker. Friday 23 February Please hold her, and all who work with our young people in your prayers. Coffee Morning (Coffee and Cake) in the Community Hall. Saturday 24 February 9.30 am - Midday Today there are no Dancing Classes. MORNING WORSHIP conducted by Revd Rach Ward. With SUNDAY CLUB offering faith, friendship and fun for 10.30 am children and young people. Sunday 25 February Flowers donated by John and Sarah Banks. Working Party to clear church furniture in preparation for Midday tomorrow’s Blood Donor Day. Please give a hand – it will take no more than thirty minutes.

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Start of Fair Trade Fortnight ( 26th February to 11th March) – see below. 12.55 – 3.10 pm Blood Donor session in church. 4.40 -7.25 pm Details from www.blood.co.uk or 0300 123 23 23. Monday Afternoon Fellowship (meeting at Ann Latham’s home). A warm welcome is assured at our closing tea, with 2.30 – 4.00 pm tea, cakes, prayer, friendship, discussion and a few laughs. Monday 26 February All are welcome. Lent Group at church – details to follow. 7.15 pm Refreshments first and the meeting will start at 7.30 pm. All are welcome. Working Party to re-instate church furniture after Blood 9.00 pm Donor Day ready for Sunday. Please come and give a hand – with a good team it should take no more than 45 minutes. Meeting Point : 10.00 am - Midday A warm and friendly group. Come for a cuppa and biscuits, a natter and a laugh. Look forward to meeting you. Wednesday 28 February Woolly Wednesday – a time for craft, care and cake. 1.30 – 3.30 pm A time to share skills and learn new ones. Details from Jane Everett and Monica Heard. 7.00 pm Leadership Team Meeting at the Manse. 2.30 pm Women’s Fellowship : TBA Thursday 01 March 2.30 – 4.00 pm Singing Together : Further details below. 3.45 pm Pastoral Visitors Prayer Time (Room 4) – details from Monica. BMW Walk – “Pentrich Revolutionary Trail Walk” 3.5 miles. (John Thurston) Saturday 03 March Community Coffee Morning in the Community Hall, 9.30 am - Midday in aid of “Shelterbox”, arranged by Steve Nicholson. Fair trade display and tasting : We will be celebrating the diversity of Fairtrade goods by 11.30 am having food tasting and a selection of new crafts on our stall Sunday 04 March in the Hall after the morning service today. Faith and Light meeting (Sunday Group). 3.00 – 5.00 pm Fellowship and Worship for people with special needs, their families, carers and friends. Memory Lane Café : Come and enjoy reminiscence, activities 2.00 – 4.00 pm with music & singing, make new friends and enjoy tea & cake! Monday 05 March Lent Group at church – details to follow. 7.15 pm Refreshments first and the meeting will start at 7.30 pm. All are welcome. Meeting Point : Wednesday 07 March 10.00 am - Midday A warm and friendly group. Come for a cuppa and biscuits, a natter and a laugh. Look forward to meeting you. Friends Together : 10.00 am – 2.00 pm A time to socialise with others over a cup of tea. Thursday 08 March 2.30 – 4.00 pm Singing Together : Further details below.

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End of Fair Trade Fortnight ( 26th February to 11th March) – see below. Fair trade display and tasting : Sunday 11 March We will be celebrating the diversity of Fairtrade goods by 11.30 am having food tasting and a selection of new crafts on our stall in the Hall after the morning service today. Sunday18 March 11.30 am Tradecraft stall open today (see below) Tuesday 27 March A Passion Play for Holy Week in St Giles’ church to 7.30 pm (details below) Thursday 29 March

**PRAYER HUB MEETING** at Church on Wednesday 31st January

This is an open meeting for everyone who is interested in the Prayer Life of WBMC. The aim of the meeting is to look at the next steps in growing corporate prayer; to explore ways in which we might encourage and deepen our prayer live as we seek to be more of a praying community. It will include ways to encourage us to pray for the work of the church and to look at prayer within worship.

The Prayer Chain has been ‘running’ for a few weeks, we would encourage all those on the prayer chain to attend if possible so that we can review its initial set up. Church website : We encourage you to take a look at our church website www.wbmethodist.org.uk where you can sign up to receive our weekly email about services and activities. We also have Facebook and Twitter pages – search for WBMethodist and you will find up to date news and pictures. Men’s Prayer Group (meeting in Room 4) : Anyone who wants to join is welcome and should contact Charles Rayner ( see printed version) for further details. Traidcraft news (Fair Trade Fortnight) : A big thank you from the Traidcraft Stall for all your support in the run up to Christmas. As often happens, purchases since Christmas has been rather slow - so in addition to encouraging you all to continue to support the stall, we have decided to revert to opening only on alternate Sundays from the start of February. The Traidcraft stall will therefore be open only on 4th and 18th Feb and 4th, 11th & 18th March. Action for Children : Could all holders of @Action for Children@ home collecting boxes please give them to John or Carolyn de Boer. We want to count and bank the money ready for the charity’s year end. Many thanks. Data checking forms : A big thank you to every one who has filled in and returned the data checking forms so promptly. If you have been unable to return your form to me yet please do so as soon as possible as we do need the forms back if we are to hold your data beyond May when the law is changing. Monica Heard (Pastoral Coordinator ). West Bridgford Community Drum Circle : I am starting African drumming sessions so if you are interested in exploring your natural rhythms through drum and percussion and having fun, you are welcome to join me. All instruments are provided but you are welcome to bring your own drum/percussion instruments. No experience needed. Contact Andy Harris for further details and to book your place as numbers are limited to 30. The sessions will be on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month. Cost - £4 per session/£2 for concessions. Andy Harris – see printed version for contact details. Women’s World Day of Prayer : The committee of Women’s World Day of Prayer is looking for a member of the Methodist church to join them. There are 3-4 meetings a year. If you are interested and would like more information, please see Yin.

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Vacancy - Administrator for “Kingdom Bank : Kingdom Bank (based in ), a specialist in lending to Churches and Charities, seek an Administrator, initially working in the mortgage department. If you’re motivated by working to support people in need both physically and spiritually then come and join us. For further details contact Sharon Rose ( 0115 921 7250) Flower Mission : Thank you to all the donors who ensure that we have flowers every Sunday. I should like to assume most of you would like to continue in 2018. If circumstances have changed, please let me know. If anyone would like to contribute to this important part of our worship and community involvement, please tell me. Grateful thanks go to the regular arrangers and if anyone would like to expand that list of workers please let me know. Thanks to you all for the joy your gifts bring to enhancing worship and to those who receive the flowers after our service in their joy or sorrow. Georgina Youdell Ukelele Group : The church Uke group continues to meet usually twice a month for details please contact Myke Blackburn. Faith & Light Candlemas Celebration (3rd February) : The Church Faith & Light Groups are hosting the regional gathering for Candlemas. We are delighted to welcome Revd Loraine Mellor (President of Conference) and Jill Baker (Vice President of Conference) to this special service. We would be grateful for offers of help to steward the gathering. We will provide tea after the service, and would appreciate offers to serve tea and to provide cakes. Offers please to Marcia Siefken (see printed version). Tea towel laundering team : Please may I offer a big thank you to the ladies on the “Tea towel laundering team”. It is one of the less glamorous jobs at Church, but important never the less. Some of you have been doing it for years and I know would like a rest, so is there anyone who would be willing to step in and help ? It involves taking one month a year and collecting the dirty tea towels from the laundry bin in the kitchen and returning them nice and clean!! If you could help, please speak to me at Church, or call me on the phone. Thank you. Joyce Lingard (see printed version) Church Photocopier : Our new photocopier is now in place. You will be unable to use it unless you have had training so please let John Heard know in good time if you wish to access this resource. Friary Drop-in : As well as Friary needing men's and ladies clothes, and toiletries as always there is a always a need for other items. Amongst items needed are foodstuffs to restock the Friary kitchen such as : Coffee, Sugar (castor and demerara), Flour, Jams and Lemon curd, Desiccated coconut, Tinned mushrooms, tinned fruit, Milk powder, evaporated milk, custard powder, Chocolate chips. Also needed are drinks, snacks, chocolate bars and crisps for their non-cook food parcels (around 75 are issued each week). Thanks, and hope this will give people ideas of items that Friary would really appreciate! Singing Christmas Tree : We are provisionally booking choirs to take part in our 2018 ‘Singing Christmas Tree’ which, subject to final approval by the Leadership Team and Church Council, will be held from Saturday 8th to Sunday 16th December. It is proposed to have a range of concerts over several evenings, special church services and perhaps some visits by school groups during the day. Please make a note of the dates in your new diaries now and let John Heard know if you are willing to help with the event in any way. To go ahead, we must be assured of the availability of sufficient helpers who will prioritise this activity at what is normally a busy time of year. A planning team will be needed to make detailed arrangements regarding all aspects of the event and you are invited to join this group which will have its first meeting in Room 4 on Tuesday 6th February at 7.00 pm. Christian Books in Church : We have a selection of new books from the Methodist Book Shop on a sale / return basis and they are priced on the back. Please leave a note in the red book provided if you take one and Let Myke Blackburn have the money when you see him. There are also usually a separate selection of sale books available for a donation.

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A PASSION PLAY FOR HOLY WEEK : However, many times you have heard the story of Holy Week, there always seems something new to discover. When we first heard the story, no doubt we concentrated on the figure of Jesus. His betrayal, suffering and the agony of the cross, before the resurrection on the Easter morn.

Perhaps in later years you meditated on other characters in the story. If you have ever had to make a difficult decision, it is hard not to have some sympathy for Pontius Pilate. But what about Judas Iscariot? Without him, would there have been an Easter story to fulfil the Old Testament prophesies? And then there is Peter, the rock on which the church was to be founded, and yet disowned Jesus three times.

There are also the ordinary people – perhaps like us – the ones who cheered Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, yet were calling for Barabbas later in the week. It is these people that feature in Edward Murch's passion play, “No Name in the Street”. We see the story of Holy Week unfold through the experiences of a mother searching for her son, and the people she meets during her search. Inevitably it prompts us to ask what would we have done, how would we have behaved if we had been there?

This one-act play is being performed at St Giles' church, on Church Drive in West Bridgford, on three evenings in Holy Week. At 7:30 pm on 27th, 28th and 29th March 2018.

Tickets can be obtained from Dizzy Prentice, tel (for number see printed version), or St Giles' parish office, tel 07948 834250. Tickets are £8 on the door or £7 in advance. Or why not come in a group and have 11 tickets for the price of 10? Free refreshments will be served after the play, giving groups an opportunity to talk over their reactions to the play. Information about West Bridgford Methodist Church : We send out a regular email with information about worship services and other events in the life of the church. If you’d like to receive a weekly update, please send your full name and contact details to [email protected] and you will be added to the mailing list. Singing Together : Singing Together, is a friendly group being led by Gill Cubitt. We meet on a Thursday afternoon from 2.30-3.30, followed by refreshments. There's a small charge of £3.00. All welcome - no previous choral experience necessary. For further details, contact Jane Everett or Gill Cubitt – see printed version for contact details. The next edition of “At a Glance” : This will cover February (the period Sunday 25th February to the 25th March). The absolute deadline for submissions is Sunday 18st February ALL submissions MUST be by e-mail (see printed version for contact details) or in writing (to Brian Horler – can be placed in the appropriate “pigeon hole” at Church).

It would be appreciated if submissions were made by e-mail wherever possible because it makes things much easier (and less prone to errors) than if written submissions are made. Brian Horler (Editor of “At a Glance”). THE METHODIST CONFERENCE 2018 – Nottingham 28th June – 5th July 2018 Taking place at Nottingham University VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED TO SUPPORT THIS IMPORTANT EVENT You are needed for the following tasks : Stewards, staffing the Help Desk, Collators and paper distributors Helping in the Creche, Drivers ‘Meeters and Greeters’ (Birmingham Airport)

Interested? Please make initial contact with : Carole Booth of The Methodist Conference Arrangements Team Email: [email protected] Please CC: [email protected]

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