September 2008

MINISTER'S LETTER

Dear Friends

Restoring Broken Fellowship

Now all things are of God, who has
reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ,
and has given us the ministry of reconciliation,
2 Cor 5:18

Our faith is relational. It is not based on ritual or rite, though these often help us to live out and express our faith, and like all the best relationships we have it is based on love. We are called to love God and to love one another as he loves us. This means that building and maintaining loving relationships should be a priority. St Paul said: Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ; if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Phil 2:1-2 Our Mission is to preach the gospel - the good news of Jesus Christ. Our ministry is to build a fellowship of love - The Church.

It is not easy to maintain the relationships God calls his people to share. I said at Lisa-Jayne and Ben’s wedding 1 Corinthians 13 was not written for weddings (though it fits very well). It was written to challenge the Church. Sometime our patience breaks, we fall to envy and pride. Thanks be to God for his forgiveness and grace, that in Him our relationships are restored. It is our task to accept this fact and allow the healing to take place.

Good news too that we have Back to Church Sunday on the 28th of this month – our Harvest Festival. No doubt you are already praying about or speaking to the person you have committed to bring back. Remember that it is not a one-day visit we are looking for. We want to see fellowship restored, unity in spirit and a re-commitment to our mission. Let’s get to work and prepare for the harvest.

God bless
David


X:CITE AND TODDLE THIS WAY
As we are still in the process of filling our Children & Youth Peoples Worker vacancy (we hope to appoint by 1st January), we need a volunteers to help by covering two of activities.


X:cite is the name given to what once was beginners class in Junior Church. We need to cover 7 Sundays between now and Christmas. If 7 people will offer for one day each it become small commitment. Help will be given ' worksheets etc and we have 4 children to c for. Please sign up on the rota in the vestibule you are able to help.


Toddle This Way
Maureen Utteridge has kindly offered to coordinate this but needs help. Therefore if you can offer a Wednesday afternoon (1.30-3.30pm) please speak to Maureen. If you can make coffee, talk to parents or children or like colouring in, then you are the person we are looking for. Again the more volunteers we have the less frequently you are on duty.


MISSION SHAPED INTRO
New world, new church? Our world and our lives have changed radically in the last 20 years, but has the church adapted to this change? Do we need to changing church for a changing world? Are new forms of church really possible? If so, how can they be developed?

Mission shaped intro is a 6 week course that looks at fresh expressions of church through a mix of teachings, reflection and story. This course is an enjoyable hands-on experience combining presentations, group activity, film and music clips, worship and prayer.

The course will be led by David and Langley on Tuesday evenings from 7.30-9.00pm at Nichol Hill on the following dates:

September 30th
October 7th, 14th, 21st
November 4th and 11th

SUNDAY SERVICES IN SEPTEMBER

7th Sept	10.30am 6.00pm		Rev Dr David Perry Mr Brian Smith	Communion
14th Sept	9.30am 10.45am 6.00pm 7.30pm		Daybreak Mr John Haden Rev Langley Mackrell-Hey X:Press
21st Sept	10.30am 6.00pm		Mr Nick Adarns Rev David Newlove	Louth Riverhead Band
28th Sept	10.30am 6.00pm		Rev Langley Mackrell-Hey Rev Langley Mackrell-Hey	Harvest Festival/Worship For All

HOSPITAL SERVICES

	Leader	Organist
7th Sept	Kay Noel	Janet McKee
14th Sept	Peter Maddison	Janet McKee
21st Sept	Dorothy Ingham	Janet McKee
28th Sept	Christine Ruffell-Ward	Janet McKee

WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP MEETINGS - 2.OOpm at Nichol Hill

2nd Sept	Rev David Newlove - Dedication Service
9th Sept	Mrs Maijorie Borman
16th Sept	Rev Tunbridge
23rd Sept	Peter Maddison

LADIES GROUP
17th Sept Dedication Service - Rev David Newlove

ORCHESTRA
The Orchestra will be playing for morning service on 7th September and 28th September.
Rehearsals will be at 6.OOpm on 6th and 27th
Emily Wilsea

LEARNING PURPOSE GROUP
The next meeting of the Learning Purpose Group with all House Group Leaders and others interested, will be on Thursday, 18th September in the Lounge, Nichol Hill at 7.3Opm.
John Haden

FLOWER FESTIVAL QUIZ
Thank you to everyone who took part. L61 was raised for the Renovation Fund. Joan Hewson was the winner with all correct answers. E & B Gutherson

PRAYERS FOR SEPTEMBER

(John Dennis)

1st We pray for our families and ask that we may be unselfish in sharing our lives with them.
2nd We pray for strangers with whom we come into contact and ask that you will help us to accept different lifestyles and faiths.
3rd We pray for our friends that we will be able to reflect the friendship you have shown us, to them.
4th We pray for those with whom we work.
5th We pray for children everywhere that they may be safe from harm and that those who have taken exams may be satisfied that they have done their best.
6th We pray for those who provide services for us, medical staff, emergency services, shop keepers and assistants and ask that we may not be over demanding.
7th We pray for our fellow Christians and thank you for the fellowship we enjoy with them.
8th We praise you when we experience joy in our lives knowing that such feelings come from you.
9th We pray that times of sorrow will make us lean on you for help and will give us sympathy for those with the same feelings.
10th Lord God give us the ability to cheerfully fulfil the routine tasks in our lives that we know have to be done.
l1th We thank you for new experiences in our lives that broaden our horizons and give us new revelations of your love and care for us.
12th We thank you for the satisfaction of completing a task in our lives to the best of our ability and for your words 'Well done thou good and faitliflil servant'.
13th Help us to overcome the frustration that we feel when things do not go our way.
14th We pray for an extra feeling of your presence in times when we experience loneliness.
15th Lord God we pray for the ministers and lay workers in our circuit that they may feel equal to their task. Above all give us hope for the future.
16th With your help may we be able to overcome the fears that often threaten to overwhelm us.
17th We pray for the places in this world where conflict still exists.
18th Overcome our anger, we pray, take it and turn it into love for others.
19th We thank you for the beauty of your creation. May we continually play our part in sustaining it.
20th For the artist's ability to emphasise your creation we thank you Lord God.
21st For music that is so pleasing to our ears we would thank you Father God.
22nd We thank you for writers who produce books to entertain and educate us, but particularly we thank you for the Bible. 23rd Lord God may we consider our possessions as a trust from you. May we be generous and not selfish.
24th Thank you Lord God for your gifts of food and drink which sustain us daily.
25th We pray for our politicians that they may make right and just decisions.
26th We pray for those who work in industrial relations that they may seek fairness and justice.
27th We pray for nations and communities involved in war and ask that hatred and bitterness may be turned to love and concern for others.
28th We pray for those who have committed crimes and ask that they may overcome the temptation to continue with that way of life.
29th Lord God we pray for those who live in poverty and ask that we may play our part in relieving this suffering.
30th In this year of the Olympic Games we give thanks for high achievement and for all those who have done their best.

PRAYER MEETINGS
After a number of years our weekly Thursday prayer meeting will change to Wednesday morning. We will meet at 9.00am for half an hour. Everyone is encouraged to come and share in this valued activity.

DISTRICT SYNOD
Our District Synod will be meeting at Louth on Saturday, 13th September. It is a privilege to be able to host this gathering in our Church. If you are free to offer any help (anywhere between 9.00am and 1.30pm) please speak to David or one of our Circuit Stewards.

INTERNATIONAL PEACE DAY

Since 2001 the United Nations have held September 21st as an International Day of Peace. This year in Louth it is being marked by a number of events over that weekend (Preachers may want to use this theme in their Services). On Saturday, 20th at 7.00pm at Nichol Hill we will be showing the film 'Peace One Day'.

On the Sunday there will be a Peace One Musical Concert at 7.30pm in the Town featuring classical, folk and rock music. proceeds from this event going to the Trust
www.internationaldayofpeace.org
www.aegistrust.org

HARVEST CELEBRATIONS -September 28th & 29th

Harvest Gifts
We will be pleased to receive Harvest Gifts on Saturday morning, 27th September, and during the morning service on Sunday, 28th September. Fresh flowers, fruit and foliage will be used to decorate the Church and then distributed to the housebound members of the Church Family. Gifts of tins and non-perishable foods will be sent to the Community Larder as there is currently a high demand on its resources.

Pastoral visitors, or anyone, knowing of a friend who would appreciate a harvest gift, please fill in the list on the notice board. Gifts will be prepared on the Sunday afternoon for collection after the evening service.

Harvest Supper and Country Dance
All are invited to the supper at 6.30pm on Monday, 29th September. We plan to repeat the successful jacket potato/bring and share format which everyone enjoyed in April. To help us organise the meal, we would be most grateful if you would indicate numbers attending and what you may be able to contribute, on the chart on the notice board.

Country Dancing will follow the supper at approx 7.30pm.

FUND FOR WORLD MISSIONINETWORK Please note that all receipts up to and including Friday, 5th September 2008 will be included in the 2007/2008 Connexional Year. Note from Methodist Church House - please ensure that all donation cheques are made out to 'The Methodist Church Fund for World Mission'. Jean Cawkwell

RENOVATION FUND STALLS

There will be stalls on the dates below from 10.00am-l.30pm in the Church Foyer. Gifts of cakes, produce, plants, unwanted presents etc will be gratefully received.

If you can help man the Stall one month please see Elizabeth Coxon. Bring your friends to Open House and buy something from the Stall. If you require anything collecting please contact: For -
3rd Sept Elizabeth Coxon 602503
2nd Oct Elizabeth Gutherson 602619
5th Nov Freda Thompson 606808


LINCOLN & GRIMSBY District Network

Autumn District Day will be at Wesley Memorial Methodist Church, Epworth on Wednesday, 1St October 2008 from 10.1 5am-3.3Opm. Coffee at 10.15am, followed at
10.45am by the induction of Sue Leese as District President, led by Rev David Leese and preacher Joyce Hearn. Lunch at 12 noon -soup and rolls provided. At 2.OOpm 'Pathways' with Sandra Lewer. Tea and cakes to finish 3.15/30. Car Parking is available at the rear of the church - all welcome. If you would like to attend please contact Maijorie Borman (600418) for transport arrangements.

NCH Committee Meeting
This will be held at 7.OOpm on Monday, 6th October at Nichol Hill. New members would be very welcome on this committee - please attend the meeting if you can. Christine Ruffell- Ward

Back to Church Sunday - what we all need to do NOW!

1. Have confidence that God can work in our church and in churches across the nation! In 2007:

• about 2000 churches took part

• about 20,000 people came back to church thousands of church members invited a friend to church

• over 77% of ministers felt that their congregation felt encouraged to invite their friends

• 9 out of 10 people said they would come again.

2. Pray for ourselves that we may have the confidence to invite our friends and think about whom we shall invite - there are copies of a prayer to help us and invitation cards are ready for us to use to invite our friends; a personal invitation works better than a note through the letterbox!

3. Count down to Sunday September 28th:

4 weeks before: September 1st-7th
Invitation cards available for everyone to use.
Team to look at baptisms, marriages and ftinerals for 2007-8 and ensure that family members are invited to BTCS.
Pastoral Visitors to identi~ and start to contact/invite all members and adherents on their lists, who have not been to church recently.
Study Group leaders and prayer meeting convenors to encourage prayer for BTCS.
Daybreak leaders to play involvement of children and families for BTCS for 14th September and for October Daybreak.

3 weeks before: September 8th-13th
All of us currently worshipping at Nichol Hill think about and pray about a friend to invite to BTCS take an invitation to each person. Leaders of all midweek groups, Women's Fellowship, Ladies Group, TOI Saturday, think of people who should be invited and suggest names to your group members for them to be invited.
Stewards - plan all practical aspects -
tell us what help you need with transport, coffee, welcome team etc.

2 weeks before: September 14th-20th
Focus for Sunday morning worship: BTCS!
(invitations, feedback and prayer)
Team to contact Press and provide details
Planning for the BTCS service with the Worship PG

1 week before: September 21st-27tb
All of us: pray for the people we have invited that they may want to come, believing that God will bring them to church. Arrange to meet(bring them on the 28th.

4. Back to Church Sunday – 28th September at 10.30am at Nichol Hill -Harvest Festival.

5. Follow-up: go on encouraging friends to come to church, plan what we now need to do to help individuals to grow in faith.
(John Haden)

SAFEGUARDING: good practice for the Church in the care of children and young people. Current Methodist Safeguarding policy is based upon documents published by the Home Office and Methodist Church standing orders. It is through good practice that all appropriate steps are taken to minimise risk of abuse to children and young people within our church organisation and events that take place on church premises. There is no place for complacency ~ the view that 'this could never happen here'. Well publicised stories in the media alert us to the fact that, sadly, children are most likely to be abused by those adults within a position of trust. Circuit meeting has recently endorsed a revised policy; some of the key points include:

• Church council plays a key role in ensuring the policy is implemented.

• Leaders of children's groups should have an enhanced CRB disclosure.

• Activities should be managed to minimise situations where abuse may occur.

• Any person convicted of offences against children may not hold specific offices within the church.

• We need to inform people letting our premises of our policy.

• Those holding office, duty or responsibility within the church including those with lone access must be made aware of the policy.

As this affects so many of our church congregation; church council members, pastoral visitors and key holders to name but a few, a leaflet has been prepared - available soon -which we hope everyone will read.
Kath Adams

'THE BIG ISSUE'
From time to time men and women appear on the streets of Louth selling the magazine 'The Big Issue'. These are homeless and vulnerably housed people who, by this means, have an opportunity to earn a legitimate income. They have to buy the magazines at 70p each and sell them for L1.50. One young man told me he was able to earn enough to pay for his lodging in a hostel. All vendors receive training, sign a code of conduct, and can be identified by photo Ids. The Big Issue Foundation exists to help vendors address the issues which have contributed to their homelessness. So next time you see 'The Big Issue' being waved at you, please buy a copy.
Encouragement and a friendly word go a long way - and there are some very interesting and worthwhile articles in the magazine. Thank you,
Eleanor Bennett

'Exhibition of the Luttrell Psalter at Lincoln'
I had the pleasure of being invited to the opening of a unique and original exhibition which has been entirely designed and made in the county and is on display at 'The Collection', Danes Terrace, Lincoln until the end of September. It is based on the 'Luttrell Psalter' which is a manuscript which is priceless and now housed in the British Library in London.

The Luttrell Psalter is an illuminated book of psalms which was commissioned by Sir Geoffrey Luttrell of Irnham in south Lincolnshire in 1325. He insisted on it being prepared, no doubt over several years, using some of the most skilled scribes in the country and their work is outstanding. The book is full of detailed and often humorous pictures of everyday life which gives a fascinating insight into the lives of medieval Lincolnshire people.
These details have been used to make a film on the book, made by a huge number of local people, which was world premiered on the opening night.

Not only is there a facsimile of the manuscript book on display and the 15 minute film being shown in the auditorium, but the inspired exhibition includes photographs, costumes and props from the making of the film. The Lincoln Bailgate Branch of the Embroiders Guild has provided a 'Stitch the Fantastical' display based on the Psalter and also The Lindsey Scribes have created works highlighting parts of the manuscript.

The exhibition and film are open until the end of September and is well worth a visit. 'The Collection' also has other large static displays and is located behind the Usher Gallery, at the bottom of Lindum Hill, or it can be approached from the top of High Street at the bottom of Steep Hill, before it begins the rise sharply.
John R Barker

MISSION MATTERS - Garden Party
Many thanks to all those who helped with transport, by giving donations, food and produce for teas and the stall, and by supporting the event. We raised L270 for Mission.

We look forward to the visit of Margaret Addicott in October to share recent experiences in South India.
Jenny Haden

THANKS
The catering for a coach party on Saturday, 9th August was a great success. I have been able to give L325 to our Church Treasurer. My thanks go to everyone who donated food, money towards purchases and gave willingly their time on the day. Elizabeth Coxon

Carol Scotney would like to thank everyone for their kind enquiries and good wishes before and after the birth of her new grand daughter Francesca Grace.

Shirley Smith would like to say thank you for the good wishes and lovely flowers given to her after a short stay in hospital.

CONGRATULATIONS to our church members who have recently received commemorative badges and certificates in recognition for the hard work they did as members of the Women's Land Army during World War II.

BEST WISHES to Jonathan Adams as he continues his education at Liverpool.

ALL SOULS' DAY SERVICE 2008- The Service this year will be on 2nd November at 3.OOpm. Members of the congregation may choose to light a candle to honour the memory of a loved one.
Alternatively, they may wish to bring a small posy or memento to lay on a table in the church.
Tea and coffee will be served after the service and members of the Bereavement Group will be available to share feelings of loss or inspiration or hope if anyone so wishes.
Pat Edmondson

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:
Details of Sunday Services, Hospital Services, Women's Fellowship and Ladies' Group are on page 3.
OPEN HOUSE: Wednesdays from 10.00am-2.00pm when the Church is open for light refreshments.
Every Thursday at 7.30pm - Louth Riverhead Band practice at Nichol Hill