Posts by Andrew (Page 2)
Coffee Stop Annual Report
Each week we are continuing to offer bacon rolls, cakes (often homemade) and a range of hot drinks. The Traidcraft and Christian Bookstall are also open each week. The mornings are run by a team of volunteers and we are really pleased to see new faces on the team this year. With 30 or so different people involved over the past year nobody has to be there more than once a month and many just help out once a quarter…
Bookstall Annual Report
We are pleased to be able to continue to offer a regular range of Christian books, CDs, cards and gifts and are pleased by the interest shown in the stall. It is open each Sunday, on Saturday mornings and at Café Arts. All the books etc are supplied by Canaan Christian Bookshop in Staines on a ‘sale or return’ basis and they give us 10% commission on all sales. This is given to our fund for The Shelter Project Hounslow.…
Traidcraft Annual Report
A big ‘Thankyou’ to all who buy regularly from the Traidcraft Stall. The importance of considering how we can use our influence as consumers and being aware of ethical issues surrounding trade remains as important as it ever was. Considering adding more Fairtrade goods to our shopping lists is one way we can do this. Everything on the Traidcraft stall is Fairtrade, meaning that it has been produced and bought directly from producers at better, fairer prices that reflect the…
Junior Church Annual Report
I will start off with saying how blessed we are with our junior church. We have over 45 children and young people on our registers, God is Good! This last year has been exciting as usual. We had our annual fireworks night which had a good turnout of children, young people and their families. During the Christmas and Advent period we did our usual children and young people’s service where the children and young people made gift boxes and gave…
Worship Annual Report
The worship life of the church continues to be the high spot of our church life. Our attendance figures have shown continual growth in Sunday morning attendance over a four year period with an average of 62 in 2011 growing up to an average of 89 in last October’s figures. This is a good news story and we thank God for the growth. During the year we have looked at ways to encourage continuity and this has included our themes…
Ministers Annual Report
Dear Friends, As for us, we have this large crowd of witnesses around us. So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds on to us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us. 2 Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. He did not give up because of the cross! On the contrary,…
Tearfund: Ordinary Heroes
The latest campaign from Tearfund is ‘Ordinary Heroes’. Over the past 50 years Tearfund, Its partners and other Charities have made big strides in reducing poverty. The Ordinary Heroes campaign challenges us to help resolve two of the biggest challenges facing the world today, climate change and global inequality. Watch the video below to find out more about the campaign. Tearfund is encouraging you to look at where you get your fuel from, are you using 100% green energy? How…
Nepal Update
Dev tells me that they have only had one aftershock today – which is good news. You may be interested to know that the number of aftershocks has now passed the 1000 mark!! If you would like to see some idea of what the initial earthquake was like, Dev has supplied two links to videos which you can see below – note how easily the building collapses on the right of the second example. David Prasain from the Himalayan Hope Church…
An Interview with Paul Kerensa
Below is an interview with Paul Kerensa, talking about his work as a comedian among other topics. The interview was done recently by the Church of England. If you like what you hear why not come to Café Arts on 6th June?
Tearfund: No Child Taken
At our first Supper Talks evening a few weeks ago we heard fromTearfund about their work. They arecurrently running a number of Campaigns, we will feature a number of them over the coming weeks on this website. No Child Taken is an effort to stop the devastating impact of child trafficking on many of the poorest community’s in the world. Trafficking is the fastest growing crime in the world. It shatters the lives of 1.2 million children every year, along with their…
UNCLE – Uplifting Nepal’s Children with Love and Education
In light of the recent events in Nepal the church is proud to be supporting the UNCLE, a small charity supporting two orphanages and communities in Nepal. The charity, UNCLE, (standing for Uplifting Nepal’s Children with Love and Education) was set up a few years ago by the then minister, Rev Ian Smart and a few people from the church in Royston after Ian met up with someone who came from a small church in a small village near Kathmandu. Initially it started…
Praying for our country: ‘Truth, Justice, Peace, Well-being’
After the election this week, whatever your thoughts on its outcome, you may wish to share in this reflection and prayer as we look to the future. For those who are now taking political office, that in serving our communities and national life – truth, justice, peace and wellbeing might become priorities for all. For those for whom these results mean significant change – that they might find grace and wisdom for the way ahead. That those with leadership and influence will act…
Report: The Unlock London Walk 2015
This is what Unlock London say about the event: “The aims are to raise money for work in deprived urban areas around the UK/ to raise awareness of the issues of exclusion that Unlock exists to address/ to show what God is doing in the city/ to encourage churches in more affluent parts to support the Christians in the inner city/ to give people an opportunity for an unusual and enlightening day out in London” Celia, Diane, Beate and myself…
Wellbeing: Think, Pray, Vote
With less than a week to go, this weeks theme is wellbeing. We live in a culture that places much emphasis on the individual. We are bombarded by messages that tell ‘me’ to focus on what ‘I’ want, on what give comfort and security, on what is in ‘my’ best interest. ‘It’s all about me’ is one of today’s most influential mantras. the Bible strongly affirms our importance as individuals: each person has value in God’s eyes. Jesus spoke of people…
Peace – Think, Pray, Vote
God’s rebuke to his people as recorded by the prophet Jeremiah – ‘they have treated the wound of my people carelessly, saying, peace, pace, when there is no peace’- seems very appropriate for today. While political leaders are keen to emphasise their commitment to peace and peacemaking, how often do we see war as a last, rather than a first resort? Despite unspeakable human loss and suffering caused by war throughout history – and especially over the last century – we are no more inclined…
Thomas’ Lament – A Easter Reflection
If only – If only we had all died with him. If only we hadn’t run away had we fought and died with him If only Peter had not pretended not to know him. (He said, “I didn’t know I didn’t know him until I swore ‘I do not know the man you are talking about.’ Then I wept for my ignorance, my loss, My shame of finally knowing myself.”) If only Jesus hadn’t chosen death – Been so naive,…
Love Rules – Report from a Circuit Messy Church Service
On 1st February, people from across the circuit gathered for ‘Love Rules’, a ‘Messy Church’ style event. It was great to see families attending a circuit service and much fun was had by all. People had the opportunity to complete a number of different activities such as marbling polystyrene hearts, making an exploding volcano and dropping hearts into water whilst considering questions such as “What difference would God’s love make to the people and places in the news today?” and…
Justice – Think, Pray, Vote
In the weeks leading up to the election on May 7th we are using some of the resources produced by the Joint Public Issues Team (JPIT) to help us prayerfully and responsibly consider our voting responsibilities. Over four weeks we are showing a short video in church each week on the different themes of Truth, Justice, Peace and Well-being. Thankyou to the Campaigning Group for organising this. To take home: You will also be given a postcard each week with…
Letters to Persecuted Christians
I am happy to know that people are praying for us… Now I do not feel alone. – Martha Geleta, widow of Yadeta Dinsa During our Easter Sunday service we sent letters of greeting and encouragement to persecuted Christians around the world via Open Doors, a charity serving those who are persecuted or even killed for their faith. It is such a simple thing to write a letter but it is also an enormous help to those suffering for their…
The Gospel of John – BBC2
A dramatized account of the life of Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus’s radical preaching and his teaching about the Kingdom of God has attracted enemies and is undermining the Jewish authorities, who want rid of this troublemaker. Jesus must finish his teaching and preaching so keeps a low profile, while he focuses on spending time with his disciples. He knows his end his near so he prepares his disciples for their future work without him, spreading his message to love one…
Final Shelter Update
This season is now over and we bade our guests farewell this week. Having got to know some of them quite well we hope some will call in to see us at Coffee Stop sometimes. Several more of the men had good news to share with keys to pick up to rooms or flats in the next few days and some with some work. Many thanks go to the Project Caseworker, Raj, and to Beverley, the Project Coordinator, who have…
Shelter Update
This week is the last of this season’s Shelter. Several of the men are hoping to be in position to move into their own accommodation, some have managed to pick up some work, and support where possible is being arranged. It is a very unsettling time for our guests as the stability of the shelters come to an end and many are showing signs of anxiety. Please keep them in your prayers.
Lent Prayer Book
Our lent prayer book has sold out again and several people during this mornings service were asking for a copy. So here is a digital version! It is in PDF format so should work on most devices. Download PDF
All we can – Inspirational Women Appeal
The Methodist Relief and Development fund, now known as All We Can is encouraging churches to support their Inspirational Women Campaign during March. We felt it was particularly appropriate to do so on Mothering Sunday. This video was featured as part of our mothering sunday service. More information can be found here.
Because I am a girl – Plan UK
Jesus Christ is raging, raging in the streets, where injustice spirals and real hope retreats. Listen, Lord Jesus, I am angry too: in the Kingdom’s causes let me rage with you. – John Bell & Graham Maule In addition to information about benefit sanctions during the service(8th March) Ali also talked about the Plan UK campaign to end child marriage. Plan works with some of the worlds poorest children over their 76 year history they have found that young girls face…
Time to Rethink Benefit Sanctions
Love inspires the anger that curses poverty, preaches life’s enrichment, seeks equality. – Andrew Pratt During Sundays service (8th march), Ali talked about a recent Joint Public Issues Team (JPIT) report into the effectiveness and consequences of the sanctions currently enforced on state benefits. The report uncovers some startling statistics. The full report and more information can be found here. Once you have read it or watched the video below you can write to your mp from here.
Sandra Godley at Café Arts
I was at the Café Arts project at Hounslow Methodist Church a few weeks ago, watching Gospel singer Sandra Godley perform. Last time I came to the Saturday night project was during my final year at university. I studied Journalism and Spanish at Roehampton, and visiting Café Arts is one of my favourite memories, as it was a refreshing break from my final deadlines, and an easy story for a budding journo. It was good to be back. Sandra kicked…
Shelter Update
We have just three Thursdays left in this season and we are continuing to provide meals and a bed for a night for our guests. The project’s coordinator and case worker are working hard to help our guests to find accommodation, work or appropriate support. The good news is that two of the men have, this week, moved into their own accommodation. We wish them well, rejoice with them and hold them in our prayers. Please continue to remember the…
Shelter Update – 1st February
The shelter season is half way through! This last week the shelter was completely full – we had 14 overnight guests and provided an additional 11 meals for those turning up at the door (and volunteers were fed too!). Amazingly there was just the right amount of food! This week we served a meal of homemade chicken pie, potatoes & veg, followed by chocolate bread and butter pudding – all served by smiling volunteers at tables beautifully set by Ackhira…
New data: More than 100 people per day with mental health problems are having their benefits sanctioned
This is a news release by the Methodist Church about a new report to be published by JPIT. New data released today has revealed that benefits claimants judged as unfit to work due to mental health problems are more likely to have their benefits stopped by sanctions than those suffering from other conditions. Policy advisers for the Methodist Church obtained the data using Freedom of Information Requests to the Department of Work and Pensions. It shows that people who receive…
Shelter Update – Sunday 23rd January
The shelters are almost at capacity at the moment with new guests being welcomed this week. We are also providing meals only to some that just turn up at the door and are pleased that we are in the position to provide a hot meal and some company if only for an hour or two. Please continue to remember the project in your prayers.
A Word in Time – Bible Study and Prayer from the Methodist Church
Have you ever looked at the daily Bible Readings and reflections and the daily prayer posted online by the Methodist Church? It’s well worth a look. I (Margaret) use it regularly and one reason why I like it is because it is written by a different person each week which I find particularly refreshing. This week the reflections on the Bible passage are written by our very own Naomi Oates – so perhaps it’s a good week to start having a look at it! The Daily bible studies…
Shelter Update – Sunday 17th January
Please continue to pray for the homeless shelter – the guests and the volunteers. The nights are so cold at the moment and we are pleased we can do the little we do to bring some comfort to those without a warm place to sleep. This week we welcomed two new guests into the shelter. One guest has left having secured work and accommodation which we give thanks fo
Christmas isn’t over!
The decorations are down, the cards and letters read, diets started – but actually its still Christmas! Liturgically the Christmas season continues until Candlemas on February 2nd. That traditionally is when crib scenes are packed away and if you visit many churches and cathedrals you will see that they still have their crib scenes on display. So this year our nativity set is still on display on a windowsill, to remind us of the wonder of the very special gift of Jesus to the…
Shelter Update – January 11th
The shelter here at Bell Road remains open every Thursday night until the end of March and we are so grateful to all those who have volunteered to help in so many ways. We have had some good evenings so far and are getting to know our guests better. The evenings are happy with lots of conversations and often a game or two – even if rules are often disputed! Some of the men have begun to pick up a little work or are…
At journeys end….
On Christmas Eve, during the Christingle service, our Posada reached its last stop on the journey to Christmas. Posada is a South American custom of taking Mary and Joseph on a journey to different homes during Advent. Posada is a Spanish word meaning “inn”. It reminds us of the journey Mary and Joseph made from Nazareth to Bethlehem where Jesus was born. Beginning on the first Sunday of Advent, 30th November, nativity figures of Mary and Joseph travelled around the…
Faith in Politics
Our faith in politics event took place on Friday 5th December and was a great success with about 45 people there from several different churches and faith groups. The community atmosphere was good, supper appreciated, questions were challenging and answered fairly succinctly (for politicians!) with some good debate between them and John as question master kept them in control! You can download a list of all the questions submitted here. Theses have also been sent to the panellists so they…
Welcome to our new members
Last sunday morning we celebrated the welcoming into membership of three new members. Cedelle, Kadeem and Rosemary were all welcomed into membership during a special service led by our minister. All have been part of our church family for a while and we are delighted that they have decided to take this next step in their faith and in belonging to the church family. Please keep them in your prayers.
Shelter Update
Another good evening at the shelter this week again with almost a ‘full house’. It is good to be getting to know some of a guests a bit better. One guest started a job on Friday which is good news and we pray for success in this and that it may lead to a more settled future. The needs of the men are very varied; all are vulnerable in many different ways. Please keep them in your prayers. Thank you…
A letter from our minister
This post was originally part of the circuit newsletter. Dear friends, It was almost annoying to be bombarded with constant reminders via emails; texts; billboards; television and radio adverts about “Black Friday”, It didn’t surprise me when a twelve year old asked me to explain what “Black Friday” was all about. It is obvious that something had caught the attention of this youngster; also it was obvious that they youngster was very ignorant about what it was referring to. I…
JMA Service
In October at the annual Bell Road JMA service 21 children and young people were presented with their awards at a very special service led by Revd Barbara McIntivey. A grand total of over a thousand pounds had been collected – very well done! Even better was the news afterwards that 5 new collectors are now joining the group. There should be record totals next year!
Acting for Justice
This post was originally a guest post on the JPIT blog by Naomi. The original can be found here. Bell Road Methodist Church in Hounslow has a long history of social action; each year, members stuff envelopes for a local homelessness charity and join with other churches in the area to help run a homeless shelter during the winter months. But just over a year ago, the church family decided that it wasn’t enough simply to provide food and shelter…
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