December 2011 Review
Crinken Church Review Notes
Rector:Rev Canon Trevor Stevenson
Tel: 01 2820150
Email:
Lay Reader: Stephen Gardiner
Youth Worker: Neil Douglas
Mob: 087 6465281
Email:
Dear Friends
Every belief system has some concept of a higher power or deity, but only Jesus brought grace. He is “…the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14 v 6).
If I am being honest and open I have to admit I sometimes lose sight of who Jesus is and the amazing respect He deserves in my daily life. I get so caught up in what I am doing for the kingdom that I at times forget for whom I am doing it!
As we approach the end of the year I am reminded of one of my favourite Christmas readings from John chapter one. “Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God. Children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1v12-14.
These verses just blow me away when I read them – I won’t try to expand on them but suffice to say, God is incredible and He loves me and He proved it by dying for me.
So as we close out another year let us remember that Jesus is full of grace and truth.
Blessings
Trevor
Christmas Services
Sunday 19th December 6.30pm: Carols by Candlelight
Friday 24th December 4pm: Kids Carols
Christmas Day: 9.30am Communion Service, 10.30am Family Praise
New Year’s Day: 11.00am Morning Praise
A very blessed Christmas and a happy new year to all our readers!
Youth News
As part of my ongoing training in ministry I recently attended the Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit (November 9th and 10th). This annual conference aims to train and equip leaders. I was so encouraged by James Lawrence and his talk on ‘Young Leaders’ He encouraged us to mentor young followers of Jesus by coming along side them, sharing our lives with them and to be a good example before helping them become leaders. James also encouraged us to invest in young people by giving them genuine responsibility in the church and help them be confident of their identity in Christ as they grow in Christ-like character. James asked us to ‘for the sake of many, invest in a few’ as Jesus did, grow young disciples to carry on the work of proclaiming Jesus’ love to the lost. To read James thoughts on discipling young people and young leaders go to http://www.willowcreekevents.org.uk/leadership/where-are-the-younger-leaders-james-lawrence.
We have many Christmas themed special events in December at Crinken Youth – Christmas Dinner, Carol Services and Special Girls Only and Guy’s Only Youth Evenings. Please contact me for details
Neil
Crinken Kids
It has been a great month for Crinken kids, as we have been getting ready to celebrate Christmas! On Sunday mornings, children have been learning in their small groups about how God was faithful to Mary, and to His people by sending a Saviour to them. On Christmas Eve, the Kids’ Carols service will be a time of games, puppets, balloons and of course lots of wonderful Christmas tunes, as well as an opportunity for the children to learn about the greatest gift anyone can receive – Jesus.
At our midweek clubs for 2nd-4th class (On Route) and 5th-6th class (Signposts), children have been learning about God’s plans for His people, and about what it means to be a hero in God’s eyes. We play games, make crafts and do other fun things, like our end of time wedding feast! The term will wrap up nicely with a Christmas bowling trip.
Chloe
Young @ Heart
Members of the above group are well known for their spectacular energy so organisers Orla, Joyce, Noel, Jonie, Margaret and Geoff have a tough time keeping up!!
Following the service on Sunday 13th November, Noel and Jonie gave a most enjoyable nautical presentation entitled “The South Wind Blows” to the assembled landlubbers. This was accompanied by some of Noel’s spectacular photography. As with many (or perhaps most) of Y @ H events food played its part and the dinner prepared by Orla and team went down a treat!
Some up and coming events include:
Saturday 3rd December, Young@Heart Christmas Dinner/Party! At the time of writing members are bristling in anticipation of Scott Slates glorious voice. Full report in next issue!
Saturday 18th February – Lunch & a movie in the hall – 1pm.
Saturday March 10th – An afternoon of fun, crafts, games and a light supper – 4pm.
Saturday April 14th – We are hoping to go on an outing! Details to be confirmed!
Church Life
Congratulations to Chloe McGovern and Jonathan Douglas who have announced their engagement. We wish them every blessing and happiness as they make plans for their future.
Well done to Peter Mercier and team for organising the GLS (Global Leadership Summit) 9th and 10th November in The Helix. This event provides a world-class leadership-training event that challenges, inspires and serves the leadership core of every church. The seamless presentation of this event was a blessing to many and a tribute to Peter and his team who are no doubt ready for a well-deserved rest.
Our prayers continue to be with Jackie, Sydna, Elsie and Sarah as they each face their individual health challenges. Prayers and hugs in large doses going your way!
We were delighted to welcome the families of Clare Kingston and Arthur Fortune on 6th November for the baptism of their beautiful daughter, Rachel. Another addition to the Crinken family!
Our continued prayers go to those leading and attending the Alpha Course in Crinken and around the area. This is an incredible opportunity for those who are seeking encouragement or clarification on aspects of their Christian faith.
Posted by Admin on 12/01 at 10:00 AM
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