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 3rd September from 2.00 – 4.00pm Tickets via 07903 349429 or butemills@youthscape.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
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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
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