God loves a Challenge!

STOPSLEY PARISH CHURCH - ST THOMAS‘

Hello from Vicar Dave!

God loves a Challenge!

God is not always polite! Not this sort: A limp handshake. A platitude. A wishy-washy smile. But no warm. No heart. No strength. No fire. God is not like that! Instead, God is full on. In your face. Demanding a reaction. Wanting to know what you think. He won’t force you to believe. But he loves a challenge! You can see it all through the Bible. You could say he loves a good argument. You can see it in our reading this week: Matthew 15:21-28 (p982). A woman who argued back! And Jesus loved it. What do you want to argue with God about? Are you a challenge? If you are real and sincere about it, He will love it! He will love you!

We are looking at the Good News (Gospel) of Matthew at the moment and seeking: Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will be Done.... In LUTON as in HEAVEN. Jesus would love it in Luton. He loves a challenge! He loves it here.....

See you Sunday? (8:30am, 10am, 11:30am or 6:30pm) Either way, have a great weekend.

Headline News:

Thanks for lunch! On behalf of the needy Luton children that will eat a free meal this week, thanks to all the kind StTs people who have offered their help. See you there! And to all of us, please continue to fill the foodbank and homeless bins in the porch.

We believe in Prayer! We believe in a God who loves us and wants to be involved in our lives. Ulrike Hunt (prayerforluton@gmail.com) says: ‘There are lots of exciting opportunities for praying together for our town, coming up soon in a A Week of Prayer and Worship during the week of 8th - 14th Sept 2014. We believe God is calling us in this season to step up and stand together to intercede for Luton and to pray for everything the Father wants to be doing here. We are starting the week with an EVENING OF WORSHIP AND PRAYER led by Jon Thurlow from iHOP (International House of Prayer) in Kansas on Monday 8th Sept, at Bramingham Park Church (Freeman Avenue, Luton, LU3 4BL at 7:30 pm. Book a free ticket by emailing Matt at mountjman@icloud.com or phoning / texting 07746 393391. Most importantly, we would like to invite you to join us for an PRAYER EVENT on Friday 12th Sept, 7:30 - 10:00 at Bute Mills. Please do put this date in your diary and plan to come!’ More updates on this to follow...

Services this week. In addition to our Sunday and Wednesday morning theme (above), in the evening we shall be thinking about the Old Testament book of Haggai, under the heading ‘Be Strong’.

100th Birthday! Don’t forget that the Diocese is 100 years old and the party is on Monday 25th from 10am to 4pm. The event and all activities are free and will take place in 60 acres of beautiful Bedfordshire countryside at the The College Equestrian Centre at Keysoe, north of Bedford. We won’t now be running a coach, but it will be well worth making your way there.

Iraq Updates from the Vicar of Baghdad, Canon Andrew White, can be read on http://frrme.org/canon-andrews-blog/ to pray for the crisis.

Sunday Club are Bright! Very bright judging by the wonderful ‘coats of many colours’ they made last week. I can’t wait to see what you make this week.

ASDA Chaps! It looks like some of the new chaplains at ASDA will be StT members, which is brilliant! More details when they are confirmed. If anyone else is interested in getting involved speak to the vicar.

Lunch Date Invite! Fancy a lunch date with some beautiful people? Wed 3rd Sept at 12:30pm. Sign up in the porch.

Delboy calling! It is not ‘only fools and horses’ going to Leighton Buzzard market on Saturday 30th August. MNDA are having a collection there. If you would like to volunteer please contact Steve ‘Delboy’ Dolby via the Parish Office.

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

MORE DATES FOR THE DIARY

• Wed 3 Sep 2pm LCET Luton Churches Education Trust Cream Tea at Bute Mills
• Sat 6 Sep 10-Noon Coffee Morning
• Sun 14 Sep 5pm Prayer Meeting
• Sun 21 Sep 6:30pm LCET Luton Churches Education Trust Annual Service at SBC
• Sun 5 Oct Harvest Sunday

WEEKLY EVENTS:

Sunday Morning Services Rolling Worship

8:30am Communion 9:30am Breakfast

10am Communion 11am Coffee Time

11:30am Informal service

Sunday Evening Worship 6:30pm 

Midweek Communion Wed, 9:45am

Community Eve Taking a break till Sept

Cafe Church Tue 8pm

Morning Prayers, Taking a break till Sept

Wednesday Prayers, 1pm in Church

Parish Office Mon -Thurs, 10am-Noon

Parent and Baby Group Mon 9.30am

Homeless Soup Kitchen  Mon 6:30pm

Sewing Group Tue 1pm

Christian Meditation Wed 6:45pm

Scrabble Thurs 10am

Tent Project - weekly social, Thur 2pm

Choir Fri 6:30pm Music Group Fri 7:30pm

---------

THIS WEEK’S READINGS

Sun & Wed Morning: Isaiah 56:1,6-8 (p743), Matthew 15:21-28 (p982)

Sun Evening: Haggai 2:1-9 (p948), 2 Corinthians 3: 1-11 (p1159)

PLEASE PRAY FOR

Unwell: 

Philip Francis, Roy Brindley, Sheila Weedon, Maisie Mills, Mike Culley, Seyan Tills

Some with Long-term Needs: 

Sadie Oliver, Brian Gorham, Stella Rutty, Julie Windsor, Evelyn, Joyce Burgess

Those grieving for: 

Ian MacDougall Sr, Norah McGrane, Grace Hallifax, Margaret Manton

More Info www.stopsleyparish.org.uk 

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

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

Have a great weekend!

GB!

Dave

Don't be Afraid!

STOPSLEY PARISH CHURCH - ST THOMAS‘

Hello from Vicar Dave!

DON’T BE AFRAID!

What are you fearful about? We all face various fears, worries, stresses and concerns in life. It’s part of life. The question is what we do with those fears. Where do we get the strength to carry on and to be the people God made us to be. At the moment we are hearing from the Good News (Gospel) of Matthew about living out the part of the prayer that Jesus taught us which goes something like: Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will be Done.... In LUTON as in HEAVEN. Something like that! What is it like to be Kingdom People in our home town? It won’t mean we never face storms or fears as we discover in our reading this week, Matthew 14:22-33 (p981). Instead we find One who helps us walk on the storm, and through the storm. That reminds me of a song: ‘Walk on......’ 

Below are some other news items for all that is going on at StTs.

See you Sunday? (8:30am, 10am, 11:30am or 6:30pm) Either way, have a great weekend.

Headline News:

Put on your posh frock! The Queen has been invited, although I think she may be busy! But expect a right royal occasion at our Summer Garden Party on Sunday 17th August at 2.30pm. Fruit punch served on arrival followed by garden games and a lovely tea. Finishing at 5pm. Tickets (£5) need to be purchased in advance and are available from Parish Office 729194, or via the Sign-Up sheet in the porch.

Help feed needy kids! Some children in our locality rely on the nourishing food they receive from free school meals. During the summer holidays these are obviously not available, and the local churches are seeking to help for at least one week at Ramridge School. Can you help on one of the weekdays on the week beginning 18th August, especially Mon or Wed? 11:15am for preparing the food and 12:15 for serving. Let the Vicar know if you can help.

Vicar of Baghdad, Canon Andrew White, has sent us an update: ‘Dear Friends, Everyday we think that the crisis here cannot get worse and every day it does. Yesterday over 1500 people were killed and the Islamic State (formally known as ISIS) simply said we can do anything now the world is just looking at Gaza. It is as if hell has broken out here and nobody cares, that is apart from you - our supporters who never leave us and keep supporting us in every way and to you I simply say thank you. Find more details on http://frrme.org/canon-andrews-blog/ Please continue to pray for us and support us in our crisis. Blessings.’  Andrew.

Services this week. In addition to our Sunday and Wednesday morning theme (above), in the evening we shall be thinking about the Old Testament book of Haggai.

Well done Sunday Club! The children made some excellent wells out of lolly sticks last week - real works of art. I wonder what they will produce this Sunday?

Go to ASDA! We are forming a new team of chaplains at ASDA. This is a great opportunity to support the staff. Speak to the Vicar if you are pastorally minded and might be interested in finding out more.

Go to Leighton Buzzard Market! mnda are having a collection there on Saturday 30th August. If you would like to volunteer please contact Steve Dolby.

News from Seyan Tills. Many Stopsley people will remember Seyan from his time as a Volunteer Worker at StTs in the 1997-2000. He is now a Baptist Pastor in Walmer in Kent. Seyan has recently announced on Facebook that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Please join us in praying for him. 

Cream Tea to Help Youth! What’s not to like! A selection of fine teas, scones, jams and of course fresh cream, served by charming young people. The ground floor of Luton Churches Education Trust (LCET) Bute Mills new HQ will be filled with comfortable chairs. There will be virtual tour of the whole building, with a preview of the architect’s plans. This is your chance to see Bute Mills for yourself, ask any questions, and of course support the work we do. Wednesday 3^rd September from 2.00 – 4.00pm Tickets via 07903 349429 or butemills@youthscape.co.uk

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

DATES FOR THE DIARY

Mon 25 Aug 10am Diocese 100th Anniversary Celebration at Keysoe, Beds 

Wed 3 Sep 12:30pm Parish Lunch 

Sat 6 Sep 10-Noon Coffee Morning

Sun 14 Sep 5pm Prayer Meeting

Sun 21 Sep 6:30pm LCET Luton Churches Education Trust Annual Service at SBC

WEEKLY EVENTS:

Sunday Morning Services Rolling Worship

8:30am Communion 9:30am Breakfast

10am Communion 11am Coffee Time

11:30am Informal service

Sunday Evening Worship 6:30pm 

Midweek Communion Wed, 9:45am

Community Eve Taking a break till Sept

Cafe Church Tue 8pm

Morning Prayers, Taking a break till Sept

Wednesday Prayers, 1pm in Church

Parish Office Mon -Thurs, 10am-Noon

Parent and Baby Group Mon 9.30am

Homeless Soup Kitchen  Mon 6:30pm

Sewing Group Tue 1pm

Christian Meditation Wed 6:45pm

Scrabble Thurs 10am

Tent Project - weekly social, Thur 2pm

Choir Fri 6:30pm Music Group Fri 7:30pm

---------

THIS WEEK’S READINGS

Sun & Wed Morning: 1 Kings 19:9‐18 (p361), Matthew 14:22‐33 (p981)

Sun Evening: Haggai 1:1‐15 (p948), John 6: 25‐33 (p1070)

PLEASE PRAY FOR

Unwell: 

Philip Francis, Roy Brindley, Sheila Weedon, Maisie Mills, Mike Culley, Seyan Tills

Some with Long-term Needs: 

Peter Pullan, Kathleen Steventon, Craig, Roy, Harry Smith, Bob Norman, Gary Berris

Those grieving for: 

Ian MacDougall Sr, Norah McGrane, Grace Hallifax, Margaret Manton

More Info www.stopsleyparish.org.uk 

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

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

Have a great weekend!

GB!

Dave

In LUTON as in HEAVEN

STOPSLEY PARISH CHURCH - ST THOMAS‘

Hello from Vicar Dave!

Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will be Done....

In LUTON as in HEAVEN

100 years ago this week the First World War begun. What followed presented a very clear picture of what God’s Kingdom on earth was not. But what would the Kingdom of Heaven look like on earth? What could it look like in our town of Luton? For you, for me, for our neighbours? Matthew’s Gospel (Good News) envisions multiple aspects of life in God’s Kingdom - in our everyday lives now, as well as in the fullness of the coming age. This week we particularly focus on Matthew 14:13-21 (p981) and on Jesus’ compassion and provision. Will we join in? Or do we prefer the alternative, displayed in all its stark horror 100 years ago?

Below are some other news items for all that is going on at StTs.

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

Headlines:

• Lights out Service, 10-11pm Monday Aug 4th “The lamps are going out all over Europe, we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime.” (Sir Edward Grey, Foreign Secretary 1914). The First World War was a devastating event for the world, including our own village of Stopsley, and the town of Luton. Just look at the names on the war memorial. We shall be holding a ‘Lights Out’ Commemoration at 10pm on the 100th anniversary of Britain entering the war. Join us in Church for a service which will commemorate and pray for peace in today’s world. If you are unable to join us in Church why not hold your own candlelit vigil - there some words to use on the British Legion website or contact the Parish Office for details.
• World War 1 Commemoration. Another event is being held on Sunday 3rd August outside the Jolly Topers at Noon. Join the Vicar at this event.
• Chaplaincy at ASDA There is to be a new team of chaplains at ASDA. This is a great opportunity to support the staff. Speak to the Vicar if you are pastorally minded and might be interested in finding out more.
• We Need to Know Today! Diocese ‘100’ Monday 25th August. Festival day of fun and praise outing to Keysoe, Bedfordshire, to celebrate the Diocese 100 years. £10 for the coach journey, the rest of the day free! Please sign up by 4th August at the latest - the Bishop is getting restless to know who is coming!!! 
• Sunday Club for children - will continue to meet over the summer period. Starts in church at 10am and then they go out to their activities.
• Services this week. In addition to our Sunday morning theme (above), in the evening we shall be thinking about Jesus’ parables, and on Wednesday about the Transfiguration.
• Summer Garden Party on Sunday 17th August at 2.30pm. Fruit punch served on arrival followed by garden games and a lovely tea. Finishing at 5pm. Tickets (£5) must be purchased in advance and are available from Parish Office 729194.
• Canon Andrew White, the  vicar of Baghdad, was interviewed on the Today programme on Saturday. If you haven't heard it,you can listen to it at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p023n73x
• Luton Churches Education Trust (LCET) annual service is on Sun Sept 21st at 6:30pm at Stopsley Baptist Church. Join with Christians from around Luton to hear more about this exciting work. (There will not be an ‘official’ evening service that Sunday, so that we can attend the LCET service)
• mnda collection and stand at Leighton Buzzard Market on Saturday 30th August. If you would like to volunteer please contact Steve Dolby.
• Coffee Morning The next Coffee Morning is on Saturday August 2nd 10am-12
• Parish Lunch on Wed 3rd September 12:30pm. Sign up on list in the porch.
• Morning Prayers in Church is taking a summer break till early September.
• Community Eve and Cafe Church  is taking a summer break till early September.
• Prayer Meeting Sun 14th September 5pm. Do join us to pray together.
• Newsheets Online  - via website or  http://stopsleyvicar.blogspot.co.uk

---------

THIS WEEK’S READINGS

Sunday Morning: Isaiah 55:1‐5 (p742), Matthew 14:13-21 (p981)* Sole reading at 11:30am

Sunday Evening: Isaiah 55:1‐5 (p742), Luke 14:15‐24 (p1048)

Wed 9:45am (Feast of Transfiguration): 2 Peter 1:16-19 (p1222), Luke 9:28-36 (p1039)

PLEASE PRAY FOR

Unwell: Philip Francis, Roy Brindley, Sheila Weedon, Maisie Mills, Mike Culley, Seyan Tills

Some with Long-term Needs: Sadie Oliver, Brian Gorham, Stella Rutty, Julie Windsor, Evelyn, Joyce Burgess

Those grieving for: Roy Gadsden, Ian MacDougall Sr, Norah McGrane, Grace Hallifax.

More Info www.stopsleyparish.org.uk 

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

Have a great weekend!

GB!

Dave