St Mary's Church
Fairford

Funday Sundays in 2014

No need to book but it will help us with catering if you can let us know that you are coming. If not - just turn up on the day.

If you could help with of these events please talk to one of the LMT members about it or contact Sarah Bottomley( 712074) or Kathleen Hall ( 712583) or email stmaryslmt@gmail.com.

Christmas Day Lunch

What a great time we had at the Community Centre on Christmas Day, when 18 of us enjoyed a traditional lunch accompanied by wine, crackers and, of course, paper hats.   We all felt that it was a great success for a new event and look forward to it growing even bigger next Christmas.

Our thanks go to all those who so generously donated towards the cost of the food etc. and to those who gave up their time to help on the day.

Due to the kindness of Fairford residents, there is money left over after all costs have been deducted so we have decided to split this between The Friends of Fairford Hospital and The Food Bank.
Amanda and Mervyn Cully

Charity of the Month:
Embrace the Middle East

The charity for February is ‘Embrace the Middle East’ formally ‘Biblelands’. Their income comes from donations and the sale of publications like the Carol Sheet that has been used in the Church during the Christmas period. The income generated is used to help needy children in the Holy Land, Lebanon and Egypt, like Ahmed who is 2 years old. He was born into poverty, malnutrition has affected his growth and he suffers from anaemia. Ahmed lives in Gaza, where his young life is overshadowed by conflict, extremism and oppression. Your donation will help to give him and others a healthy start. The charity supports local Christian groups that care for Children, with an emphasis on health and education. Some of the children are blind or disabled whilst others come from poor or broken homes. Please help with your prayers too.

There is literature on the south wall shelf about ‘Embrace the Middle East’ charity and further information from Embrace the Middle East to their new address at 24 London Road, West Amersham; Buckinghamshire HP7 0EZ. Tel: 01494 897950.
Website.

Previous Charity Fundraising

During December monies collected from the box covering both charities - the Children’s Society and CRISIS were as follows: The Children’s Society that included the Carol Service collection, the PCC donation, individual collection boxes and candles came to a grand total of £817.83 of which £417.46 was collected at the carol service. In respect of the other charity CRISIS £356.93 was collected from the Crib Service which together with the PCC donation and sale of candles made a grand total of 545.75.

South Cotswolds Team Lenten Series: The Problem of Pain

Thursdays at 7pm in St Mary’s, Fairford

Christians searching for God in the midst of suffering

March 13th: James Shoan: Struck down by a brain tumor at 40
March 20th: David Blair: Finding meaning in the dementia and death of a beloved wife
March 27th: David and Joanna Whittaker: The Illness and Death of a 5 year old daughter
April 3rd: Revd Dr Trystan Owain Hughes: 'Finding Meaning and Hope in Suffering'
April 10th: Anne Atkins: When Life seems against you

All talks are absolutely free and coffee will be served afterwards to give an opportunity to meet the speakers. Dr Hughes and Anne Atkins will bring copies of their books to sell to anyone who is interested in reading more.

Jesus and Me Club, 2nd February

10am St Mary’s Church, Fairford
Stories, craft,
fun and food
Every second Sunday

Messy Space, Sat 15th February

2.00 – 4.00 p.m. Fairford Community Centre
Crafts and Coffee Bar for families
This month’s theme: Wheels

Adults and Children (recommended 4 years upwards)
£2 per child (max. £5 per family)
Concessions available

Volunteer needed. Messy Space is in urgent need of an able-bodied person to help set up tables and chairs one Saturday morning a month (Sep - April) in the upstairs room at the Community Centre. Times to suit; job share considered; remuneration - Maureen's gratitude! Applications to Maureen Partington Email or 712480.

Youth Service Dates

26th January, 23rd February, 23rd March, 27th April, 1st June, 28th June (Barn Service), 28th September, 2nd November and 30th November.

Venue will be Lechlade Baptist Church (unless stated) starting at 7.15pm. See poster in porch for details.

News January 2014
St Mary's News Round-Up 2013
St Mary's News Round-Up 2012
St Mary's News Round-Up 2011