Welcome!

The blog of David Alexander, Vicar of Stopsley Parish Church (St Thomas's).
Further details on www.stopsleyparish.org.uk

Thursday, 17 April 2014

Easter Changes Everything! Happy Easter!

Hello from Vicar Dave!

This weekend is Easter! We shall be celebrating that Easter changes everything. When things are dark, God meets us on the cross. And Christ is risen, and we can share his victory and his Life for ever! What's not to like? Come and join us this weekend to celebrate.

Another piece of great news - Sunday Club has restarting at the 10am Service. Pass on the news and invite lots of children for a lotta fun. 

See you Sunday? Either way, have a great weekend.

Sunday Morning’s Theme is: Matthew 28:1-10 ‘He is Risen!’
Readings: Acts 10:34-43 (p1104)*, Matthew 28:1-10 (p1000)
Sunday Evening’s Theme is: John 20:11-18 ‘He is Risen!’
Readings: Rev 1:12-18 (p1233), John 20:11-18 (p1089)
Midweek Theme is: Luke 24:13-35 Encounter on the Way
Readings: Acts 3:1-10 (p1094), Luke 24:13-35 (p1061) 
* At 8:30am and 10am

Headlines:
  • Welcome to any Visitors.
     Easter Services - Everyone Welcome
    Maundy Thursday - 17th April 
    7.30pm Lord’s Supper Communion Service
    Good Fri
    9am  United Walk of Witness, starting at Stopsley Baptist Church
    10:30am United Churches Service at Sacred Heart Church
    1.30pm  Way of the Cross Service (at St Thomas’s)
    Saturday
    8:30pm  Easter Light Service
    Easter Day
    5:30am  Gather at St Thomas’s for Sunrise Service on HIll
    6:30am  Early Informal Praise and Bacon Rolls at St Thomas’s
    8:30am  Communion Service
    9:15am Easter Breakfast
    10am Easter Sunday Celebration Communion
    11:30am Easter Informal Praise
    6.30pm Songs of Praise
    Easter Mon
    8:30am  Depart for walk to St Albans Pilgrimage
    11amish Reach Harpenden
    1pm  Meet outside St Albans Abbey for Diocesan Service
  • Sunday Club for children has restarted at the 10am service. Please pray for Sara Sammons and her team. Spread the news - all children welcome for lots of fun.
  • The next Messy Church session is on Sunday May 18th at 3:30-5pm. Join us for lots of fun, story, activities and food. All welcome!
  • The Bible Speaks Today In May we are studying some great books of the Bible. Join us to learn from God together.
    • The Right Way Up. In the Sunday morning services we are challenged by Jesus to turn the world upside-down! Or, actually, the right way up!
    • Stories Jesus Told- Stings in the Tale In the evening services we are listening to the Parables of Jesus.
    • Heroes of Faith - Hebrews 11 Midweek, on Tuesday evenings and Wednesday mornings, we meet some of the Old Testament Heroes of Faith, found in Hebrews chapter 11.
  • Coffee Morning The next Coffee Morning is on Saturday May 3rd 10am-12 
  • Prayer Meeting Sun 11th May 5pm. Do join us to pray together.

  • PCC (Church Council) Elections The following people were elected at our AGM to serve on our Church Council (PCC): Linda Clitheroe, Roy Fox, Sara Sammons and Bryan Sexton. The following were elected as our reps on the Deanery Synod (and who automatically are members of the PCC): Don Barden, Steve Dolby, Christine Younger (and David is also on the Deanery Synod as a clergy member). Do pray for these people and approach them, and other PCC members, if you have any issues you would like to raise. 
  • Music and Worship Day with Stuart Townend and others at St Albans Abbey on Sat 10 May, 9:30am-5pm
  • Lending Library in Church Foyer full of Christian material to borrow.  
  • Sound System The sound system has been moved to the back pew. Many thanks to John Pinnock and his team for carrying out this work. It has all been done (at no cost to the Church) in memory of Angie Pinnock.

  • Parish Lunch on Wed 7th May 12:30pm. Sign up on list in the porch.
  • Children’s Society Elaine would like to arrange to empty all the boxes as soon as possible.  If it is easier for you would you please take to the church office

  •  Diocese Centenary Celebration on Monday 25th August (Bank Holiday), 11-5pm, at Keysoe, Beds. Put in your diary - a great day out.

    • Newsheets Online - via website or  http://stopsleyvicar.blogspot.co.uk

    PLEASE PRAY FOR
    Unwell: Mary Guyver, Philip Francis, Sheila Weedon, Dean William, Linda Robinson, Geoff Fletcher, Tuku, Ken.
    Some of Those with Long-term Needs: Sadie Oliver, Brian Gorham, Stella Rutty, Julie Windsor, Evelyn, Joyce Burgess
    Those grieving for: Sheila Culley, Norman Lasham, Gegg Rees, Richard Clorley, Ray Clements, Hugh Davie.

    Contact us: 01582 729194, office@stopsleyparish.org.uk



    Have a great weekend!

    GB!
    Dave

    Friday, 4 April 2014

    Passion Sunday. That's what it is called. Are you passionate?

    STOPSLEY PARISH CHURCH - ST THOMAS‘

    Hello from Vicar Dave!

    This weekend is Passion Sunday - are you passionate about life, love and all that the coming season of Easter celebrates? Join us and be passionate about life.

    This Sunday is our next Messy Church, 3:30-5pm, for story, crafts, songs and food. What's not to like? Come and join us.

    It is also Parade this Sunday at 10am. Come along for a great celebration of God's love shown on the cross.

    Another piece of great news - Sunday Club is restarting on Sunday April 13th at 10am. Pass on the news and invite lots of children for a lotta fun. 

    See you Sunday? Either way, have a great weekend.

    Sunday Morning’s Theme is: Matthew 7:7-23 Jesus on... Which Way to Live
    Readings: Romans 8:6-11 (p1134)*, Matthew 7:7-23 (p971)
    Sunday Evening’s Theme is: Isaiah 52:13-53:6 Lent Sacrifice
    Readings: Isaiah 52:13-53:6 (p740), John 18:1-11 (p1086)
    Midweek Theme is: James 5:13-20 Prayer and Care
    Readings: James 5:13-20 (p1216), John 18:1-11 (p1086) 
    * At 8:30am

    Headlines:
    • Welcome to any Visitors.
    • The next Messy Church session is this Sunday April 6th at 3:30-5pm. Join us for lots of fun, story, activities and food. All welcome!
    • Sunday Club for children restarts on Sun 13th April at 10am. Please pray for Sara Sammons and team. Spread the news - all children welcome for lots of fun.
    • Prayer Meeting Sun 13th April 5pm. Do join us to pray together.
    • Lending Library in Church Foyer full of Christian material to borrow.  
    • Sound System The sound system has been moved to the back pew. Many thanks to John Pinnock and his team for carrying out this work. It has all been done (at no cost to the Church) in memory of Angie Pinnock.
       Easter Services - Everyone Welcome
      Tue 15th April 
      6:30pm Passover Meal - sign up in the porch.
      Maundy Thursday - 17th April 
      7.30pm Lord’s Supper Communion Service
      Good Fri
      9am  United Walk of Witness, starting at Stopsley Baptist Church
      10:30am United Churches Service at Sacred Heart Church
      1.30pm  Way of the Cross Service (at St Thomas’s)
      Saturday
      8:30pm  Easter Light Service
      Easter Day
      5:30am  Gather at St Thomas’s for Sunrise Service on HIll
      6:30am  Early Informal Praise and Bacon Rolls at St Thomas’s
      8:30am  Communion Service
      9:15am Easter Breakfast
      10am Easter Sunday Celebration Communion
      11:30am Easter Informal Praise
      6.30pm Songs of Praise
      Easter Mon
      8:30am  Depart for walk to St Albans Pilgrimage
      11amish Reach Harpenden
      1pm  Meet outside St Albans Abbey for Diocesan Service

    • PCC (Church Council) Elections The following people were elected at our AGM to serve on our Church Council (PCC): Linda Clitheroe, Roy Fox, Sara Sammons and Bryan Sexton. The following were elected as our reps on the Deanery Synod (and who automatically are members of the PCC): Don Barden, Steve Dolby, Christine Younger (and David is also on the Deanery Synod as a clergy member). Do pray for these people and approach them, and other PCC members, if you have any issues you would like to raise. 
    • Flowers. Jane Alexander would like to say a big thank you for the flowers presented at the AGM.
    • Music and Worship Day with Stuart Townend and others at St Albans Abbey on Sat 10 May, 9:30am-5pm
    • L&D 75th anniversary event 9th April, 6:30pm at Barnfield West Academy 
    • Parish Lunch on Wed 7th May 12:30pm. Sign up on list in the porch.
    • Coffee Morning The next Coffee Morning is on Saturday May 3rd 10am-12
    • Children’s Society Elaine would like to arrange to empty all the boxes as soon as possible.  If it is easier for you would you please take to the church office

    •  Diocese Centenary Celebration on Monday 25th August (Bank Holiday), 11-5pm, at Keysoe, Beds. Put in your diary - a great day out.

      • Newsheets Online - via website or  http://stopsleyvicar.blogspot.co.uk

      PLEASE PRAY FOR
      Unwell: Sophie Snook, Paz, Matt, Marilyn, Mary Guyver, Philip Francis, Sheila Weedon, Dean William, Linda Robinson.
      Some of Those with Long-term Needs: Peter Pullan, Kathleen Steventon, Craig, Roy, Sally, Harry Smith, Bob Norman, Gary Berris.
      Those grieving for: Sheila Culley, Michael Henden, Kathleen Henden, Dalice Noble, Norman Lasham, Gegg Rees, Richard Clorley, Ray Clements, Hugh Davie.

      Contact us: 01582 729194, office@stopsleyparish.org.uk



      Have a great weekend!

      GB!
      Dave