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

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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