Sketty Methodist Church
Location and Information about Church Building
Contact us
Sketty Methodist Church
Dillwyn Road, Sketty,
Swansea, SA2 9AH
Tel 01792-280209
December 2011 and January 2012 Newsletter
Short cuts to different sections in Newsletter
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Mumblings from the Manse
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One of the enduring rituals for lots of families in the run-up to Christmas is the appearance of the Advent calendar. It is the moment that signifies to many people the real start of the Christmas season rather than the appearance of tinsel and baubles in your local supermarkets in mid- September! Many of you I am sure will have fond memories of opening a numbered door each day, often to reveal a small chocolate hidden behind....or in my case opening all the doors on Day 1, eating all the chocolates and then pretending your big sister had committed the deed when the crime was discovered! This year, rather than tempting you with the prospect of chocolate, I would like to encourage you, as you move through the days of Advent, to use the opportunity to pray for the issues listed below. They are I hope issues that arise within the nativity stories as told in Matthew and Luke's gospels and also ones that have relevance here and now in 2011. So on each of these days please pray for individuals and situations both here in Swansea and further afield as follows: |
1st day of Advent (Sunday 27th Nov) For your own family
2nd day For couples taking the first steps in becoming engaged and/or married.
3rd day For those struggling with news of impending parenthood
4th day For those struggling to trace their biological parents or be reunited with absent family members.
5th dayFor all those struggling with peer pressure to enter into sexual relationships
6th dayFor the Holy Spirit to come and transform your life
7th dayFor those travelling on pilgrimages at this time
8th day (Sunday 4th Dec)For the religious leaders of our times to offer sound guidance and words of wisdom
9th dayFor those who continue to take the good news to places where it is greatly needed both at home and abroad
10th dayFor prophetic voices to be heard, acknowledged and responded to in today's society
11th dayFor those struggling with debt and financial burdens
12th dayFor the innocent civilians killed or injured at the whim of dictators and tyrants
13th dayFor those forced to flee their homelands as refugees and asylum seekers
14th dayFor those who provide sanctuary and safety to the homeless
15th day (Sunday 11th Dec)For those who provide inspiring Christian writings and literature today
16th dayFor all those who will be preparing our places of worship over the festive season
17th dayFor all those struggling to have children or maintain relationships with their children
18th dayFor the elderly and single people without family who may be spending Christmas alone
19th dayFor those who have no voice to speak out against injustice, inequality
20th dayFor the family of faith with whom you will share this year's Christmas services
21st day For those who use their voices/talents to praise God
22nd day (Sunday 18th Dec)For all those travelling at Christmas
23rd dayFor those having to spend Christmas away from family and friends
24th dayFor all those God invites us to share the good news with
25th dayFor those who sometimes forget the true meaning of Christmas
26th dayFor those for whom Christmas is a time of grief and sorrow
27th dayFor all those who have joined our family of faith this year
28th dayA final prayer of thanks for the birth of Jesus
May the peace of God be with you all this Christmas and New Year.
Love and light
Rev John
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Church Family News
We remember in our prayers all those who have been ill. At the time of writing Eric and Joan are still in Tenerife, Mary S in Singleton, and Arthur C in Morriston We are so glad that Heather C, Harold V and Mike W are now back home
Kate and her family have moved away from Swansea and we do send them our best wishes for the future. Kate has sent the following message: 'Thank you all so much for the friendship and support you showed us during our time with you. Due to illness, we did not get to say goodbye to everyone we wanted to, so would like to say it here. The children are already settling well into their new schools and making friends, and we have received a warm welcome from the church here. We wish you all the very best for the future, and will look forward to visiting when we are back in Swansea.'Kate
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Birthdays
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Our Birthday greetings for December go to And in January to |
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Bethel URC Coffee Morning
Our Bethel friends have a Christmas Coffee Morning on Saturday, 10th December, from 10.30am. £1 entry will include refreshments and there will be some stalls, and this will be an opportunity to get together again.
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A Christmas Carol - Friday 16th December at 7pm
On Friday 16th December the Silhouette Theatre Company will be putting on a production of "A Christmas Carol", one of Charles Dickens' most loved stories, here at Sketty Methodist. Some of you will have seen their wonderful performance of "The Good, the Bad and the Bible" earlier this year at Brunswick. Silhouette's version of A Christmas Carol keeps very much to the traditional tale, but emphasises the Christ in Christmas time, something of which Dickens would have approved. Songs, comedy and puppets all help bring this classic story to life.
It's all Bah Humbug! Or is it? This promises to be a wonderful entertainment for adults and children alike.
Admission to the show will be free but, due to seating restrictions, you will need a ticket and these are limited to ninety. A sign-up sheet for tickets will be available with the stewards after the service each week.
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Carol Service 18th December:
We hope to have a ladies' singing group for our Carol Service. Please watch the weekly notices or contact Janet N for more information.
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Just Desserts
Just Desserts Sunday 18 December 7:30 p.m. We can look forward to less of a crush this year with more space to accommodate this popular event following the Carol Service. Tickets will be available from Gwen £3 Adults, £2 Children under 10. Gwen will be grateful for donations of Desserts and help with serving. See weekly notices for more information or contact Gwen.
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Carolling 19th December
Some of you may remember that last year we hoped to go carol singing at various Nursing/Residential Homes around Sketty but it was cancelled due to the ice and snow. Fingers crossed, we will attempt to stage a similar event this year on Monday 19th December. This will start at 4pm from Holy Trinity Church and the proposed route is Parklands Nursing Home, Hazel Court, Pant Gwyn and then finishing in the entrance to Maxime Court. Rev John will provide more details of route and expected time at each place in the notices as soon as precise details are confirmed.
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Night Shelter Initiative
In Jan and Feb 2012 local churches in Swansea are being invited to become involved in the Night Shelter initiative whereby they will offer to provide overnight accommodation to some of the city's homeless population during the two coldest months of winter. An initial discussion and planning meeting recently held at Parklands Evangelical church was attended by three members of the circuit, Mike W and Les W from Sketty and Ken S from Brunswick. Rev Andy has been involved in a similar project during his ministry in Newport.
Following discussions with the circuit ministers, it is proposed that Sketty Methodist Church offers to act as the church within the Swansea and Gower Methodist circuit to host a selected group of homeless people for one evening per week during the two months of Jan/Feb 2012. Rev John will be bringing this proposal before the Church Council on 8th December.
This initiative will involve the co-ordination of three teams of approximately 5 people to
a) welcome and prepare an evening meal for our guests,
b) be on the premises overnight and
c) to prepare breakfast the following day before our guests leave around 8am.
It will be a circuit project staffed by volunteers from across the circuit and co-ordinated by Reverend John Wiseman. The appropriate CRB checks will be required for all volunteers, and training will be offered by those organising the Night Shelter project.
If anyone wishes to take part in this initiative here at Sketty Methodist they will require a CRB check. If you have not got one for the church you need to contact Rev John now so that things can be put in motion
Here is a chance to reach out and help some of the less fortunate in this city. If any of you are interested in being part of this new adventure or would like more information could you please contact Rev John.
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Sewing Machine
A message from Mary H:
Hanan, a young man from the Middle East and a tailor by trade, is staying at my house until January. He is hoping to renovate my wrecked treadle sewing machine so that he can actually do something. If that fails, perhaps someone may have a spare hand- or electric-operated machine. Send me an email, or contact my mum, brother Stephen, or Andrew P.
Mary
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Flower Rota for 2012
The Flower Rota for 2012 is on the notice board in the porch. If you would like to give flowers one Sunday to decorate our beautiful, refurbished church, please put your name against your preferred date.
This year, as in previous years, we shall be giving you the opportunity to bring a poinsettia to be placed at the front of the church, over the Christmas and New Year period, in memory of loved ones. If you would like to do this please bring your poinsettia to the church on Saturday 17th December at 10am when I shall be there to receive them. Many thanks
Rosemary B
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Communion Collections
The Communion Collections in November were for Healing the Wounds a charity (No.1134594) which has been raising funds and awareness for the needs of our Armed Forces personnel, veterans and their families. It has been realised that there is a need to provide a place for Welsh sufferers from PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) to receive treatment in Wales. Those in December will be, as usual, for Stepping Stones which provides many services for pre-school children.
Those in January will be going to the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This is the only spinal injuries centre in the entire country and is where Rev John worked and taught for 18 months during his previous life as a physiotherapist
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Let's make Malaria Buzz off!
As you will have seen from the article written by Susan G in last month's Newsletter, the Circuit project this year is connected with Mali. This will be an ongoing project throughout the year. A couple of years ago we ran the very successful "buy a virtual gift" project where you all bought various items for people in the developing world on behalf of your family and friends at Christmas...do you remember?
This year I am hoping that Sketty Methodist Church will engage in a similar project but limiting our purchases to a single item.....malaria nets. In Africa, malaria is a leading cause of child mortality, responsible for one in six child deaths - claiming the life of a child every 45 seconds.
Through the Methodist Relief and Development fund's "Extraordinary Gifts" scheme you will be able to purchase three mosquito nets for £9. These nets will go to families in Mali .... our circuit project for this year.
Linda J has put together a wonderful display whereby we can indicate visually to each other, and to anyone that uses this building, our mission to help people in Mali in this way. Once you have bought your nets please stick your three mosquitoes onto the display. Details of how you can purchase these mosquito nets either online or by post are available on the leaflet in the entrance to the church. Anyone purchasing a net receives a gift card that can be given to a family member/friend if the nets have been bought on their behalf, therefore it is up to individuals to buy their own nets. I do hope that you will feel that this is a worthwhile initiative for this family of faith to undertake.
Rev John
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MRDF Prayer for Mali
Loving God, we thank you for the people of Mali -
That you know every one of them by name
That you feel every heart ache and see every tear
That you touch the lives of countless people
in the complex situations and painful circumstances they face daily:
The ravages of nature
The evil hand of oppression
The pain of diseases
And yet you have made them resilient,
hopeful and determined to fight for life in all its fullness
Thank you for the staff who give their time and skill to improve the community
Thank you for the mothers who are sharing their knowledge with others
We pray for them in their struggle and ask that we may join with them in a spirit of solidarity so that, with them, we may glimpse your Kingdom
where love and peace and justice reign.
In Jesus' name.
Amen
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Brew for You Coffee Morning:
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Tuesday 6th December 10am-11.30am (short act of devotion 10.40am-11am) |
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Time Out
Ladies and Gentlemen:Are you fed up with the grey days of winter? Will you be feeling lethargic and worn out after the excesses of Christmas and New Year? Do you dislike going out on dark evenings? Well! join me for some TIME OUT on Wednesday afternoons from 2-4 starting on 11th January.
It's going to be a very informal two hours - play a game of cards or dominos - do a jigsaw - take part in a quiz - knit a square or simply sit and chat with friends over a cup of tea or coffee?. It's YOUR "Time Out" but come and spend it with me in the Wesley Room (that's my name for the new hall) Looking forward to seeing you.
Pam T
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What's where in the church?
Prayer board: This is situated on the wall near where you can hang up your coats. Please use this board for any public prayer concerns you might have or place any personal concerns for Rev John in the prayer box on the small table in front of the prayer board.
Notices and posters for events taking place in the church and across the circuit are now displayed in the hanging displays on the central pillar as you head towards the toilets/hall. Please make sure you keep checking this display to be informed of the different things that are happening.
Books for the journey: On the shelves near the new exit out of the church next to the organ, you will find a selection of books that you might find helpful on your spiritual journey. If you wish to borrow a book simply sign for which one you have taken in the blue notebook provided.
Reel to Real films: On the same set of shelves you will also find copies of many of the films that we have used to explore and talk about faith in the Reel to Real film group. If you wish to take one of these DVDs home to watch, again just sign the blue notebook and then simply contact one of the church stewards who will find the appropriate disc for you.
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Redevelopment Fund-raising
Some of the funding we have been granted to assist with the building project, in order to improve facilities for community use, require that we should show the sponsors' logos on certain documents including newsletters.
Funded by
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Big Lottery Fund | |
The 2012 church calendars are on sale at £6.50 each, proceeds to the Church, and are available from Alan J.
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Pickle in Paradise by Sam Bate
Thursday and Friday evenings, 1st and 2nd December 7.30pm.
As usual John D will be our man with the tickets, price £7 (includes raffle)
or order through any member of Madcaps.
No! It isn't the "paradise" that traditionally springs to mind! This paradise features two unmarried sisters who are, maybe, not quite as retiring as they could be, a somewhat sensitive minister (no, not the Rev John) and a rather over-confident Admiral's wife. Combine this with several other interesting characters, all of whom live or visit the house called Paradise, to give us a real pickle.
This MADCAP's production is very much a first as it is our first venture with a full three-act play. We are thus appealing for your support. If the reaction of the cast (I have difficulty keeping order and stopping them laughing at rehearsals), is anything to go by you will be in for an evening of laughter and fun.
Please bring your friends and neighbours and share some laughter together. We look forward to seeing you
Jan C
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The Craft Group would like to thank everyone who supported them, in so many different ways, at the Craft Fayre on 5th November. The total raised, which will go to the Redevelopment Fund, now stands at £2,014.35p.
It would have been impossible to raise such an amount without the help and encouragement of everyone, and from comments received that 'our church' is always so warm and welcoming, we appear to be progressing in the right direction in more ways than one!
Chris H
PS And a further £75 was raised at the Craft Fair at Hazel Court on 17th November.
Many thanks to the Craft Group whose busy fingers work so hard all the year round, and to all who helped in various ways at the Fayre. We are sure the extra space and light provided in our new building attracted more visitors, and they were able to appreciate all the items on display as well as renewing friendships and finding fellowship in the relaxed atmosphere of the cafe area.,/P.
Anne W
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Advance notice:
Saturday 4th February 10am to 1pm Table Top and Second Hand Books Sale - Admission 50p. Refreshments will be available
Rent a Table: Large 6ftx2ft3ins £10, Smaller 5ftx2ft3ins £8. Tables will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis with payment (non-refundable) due 2 weeks before date of sale. Please let me know by 30th November if you would like to book a table. Please note that as the sale is taking place on Methodist premises, no table may offer for sale any alcohol related goods.
Pat T
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The comfortable new chairs in the worship area cost £90 each and, if you would like to join those who have already made a donation towards this cost, please would you make out a cheque to Sketty Methodist Church, and pass it to John D who is our 'Chair Man'. For more information, please speak to John.
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Faith Journey
Another contribution from a member to help us know each other better
My faith journey by Clare K
Attending church was an important part of my life during my childhood and teenage years. My father was a lay preacher with the Anglican Church and, as a family, we attended St David's Church in Margam every week for morning service and Sunday school.
Our family holidays were spent for many years in Criccieth in North Wales, as they were usually combined with a visit to my grandparents who lived in Wrexham. I have some very special happy memories of beach services and early morning Bible study sessions with the Children's Special Service Mission during these holidays.
Sadly, my father suffered from depression for many years and this often caused tension at home as, although he was often unwell and unable to go to work, he always seemed to be able to preach on Sundays. When I was 21 and had just completed my SRN training at Cardiff Royal Infirmary, he took his own life, which is something my mother and two sisters have all found difficult to deal with. It was several years before any of us went back to Church.
Nigel and I met shortly after my father's death, and I moved to Swansea and trained to become a midwife. We were married at Trinity Methodist Church in Porthcawl which, like Sketty, was a very welcoming Church. Following the birth of our first child, Sian, I felt the need to look for a church to attend. With encouragement from my Auntie Katie (Kate H, remembered by many) I came to the services at Sketty and have always appreciated the support and friendship given to our family since then.
There are many times when I have felt surrounded by God's love whilst I am out jogging or cycling along the coast, and have often felt able to serve him better in practical ways out in the community rather than in church. I have always recognised the importance of learning through Bible study in order for my faith to grow, but am hampered by the fact that I find many of the books within it very hard to understand. Reaching out to help me with this has been the Reel to Real discussions which, although challenging, have given me more insight into the Bible in an enjoyable and sociable way. Putting my complete trust in God is definitely not easy for me, but I am confident that I am slowly moving a bit further along the way.
Clare K
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PENLAN PAGE
As I write this I am still basking in the warmth of Worship Here on Friday, 11th November. It was a wet and windy evening at Penlan, but some eighty folk entered our church to praise God and hear how He had changed lives. And these were not ordinary church folk. We heard how young people had come from problems of drink, drugs, and dysfunctional lives to a saving faith in Jesus. We rejoiced with them as we praised God together, singing songs and hymns with a music group to lead us. The message was clear. Jesus and the Gospel can reach everyone. All are welcome in His kingdom and we share our Christian experience with others who may be different from ourselves but have the same reliance on the Saviour. If you were not there, you don't know what you missed! A wonderful experience. I am not a football fan but, for those who are, I imagine standing, waving and cheering at the Liberty Stadium when the Swans score a goal is just as wonderful. Are we not all fans of Jesus? Certainly Friday night was a chance to show we were.
We are now involved with other local churches in an 'Open the Book' scheme. We go to two local schools and read a Bible story in assembly. Please pray for this venture and thank God for this opportunity to reach the local children.
Plans for Christmas are going ahead. We shall deliver about 500 leaflets to local houses, wishing them a happy Christmas, suggesting they open their lives to Christ, and advertising our services. And we shall join our Pentrepoeth (Morriston) friends in singing carols at residential homes. If any of our readers would like to help us in this please get in touch with me.
You are all invited to join us for our carol service at 3pm on 18th December and it would be nice if some Sketty folk could swell our numbers on Christmas Day at 10.45am.
Quentin
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Books for the Journey
Books for the journey....go on treat yourself this Christmas!
The Help by Kathryn Stockett. £3.99
Enter the unjust world of Jackson, Mississippi, in 1962 where black maids raise white children, but aren't trusted not to steal the silver. Meet Aibileen, raising her seventeenth white child and nursing the hurt caused by her own son's tragic death; Minny, whose cooking is nearly as sassy as her tongue; and white Miss Skeeter, home from College, and who wants to know why her beloved maid has disappeared. Miss Skeeter, Aibileen and Minny. No one would believe they'd be friends; fewer still would tolerate it, but as each woman finds the courage to cross boundaries, they come to depend and rely upon one another. Each is in a search of a truth. And together they have an extraordinary story to tell.
The Wild Gospel by Alison Morgan. £8.99
A gripping and readable account of the Christian faith which is part biographical insight, part attempt to locate the historical Jesus in the context, history and culture of his day and part challenge as to how we should relate the Gospel for today.
Extreme Rambling: Walking Israel's Separation Barrier for Fun by Mark Thomas £7.18
A travelogue in which Mark Thomas set out to walk the entire length of the Wall built by Israel to defend itself against terrorists. The author tries to discover why the Israelis felt it necessary to build the wall and to understand how it has affected the lives of ordinary Palestinians by walking on both sides of the barrier, meeting both Israelis and Palestinians.
Speaking Christian: Recovering the Lost Meaning of Christian Words by Marcus J. Borg £7.01
Renowned Christian scholar Marcus Borg takes some of the key words in the Christian dictionary and exposes the negative and unhelpful connotations they still carry today. At the same time, he goes back to the Bible and unpacks their meaning in a way that is both more faithful to the teaching of Jesus and more relevant to his followers today.
What good is God?: On the road with stories of Grace by Philip Yancey £7.53
Travelling to 10 locations around the world Philip Yancey tackles the most challenging questions: Can God truly bring solace to the terrorised people of Mumbai, or the students who witnessed the murder of their classmates? Will the deep scars of racism ever heal in post-apartheid South Africa, or the American South? Can a persecuted Christian minority have any impact in places as hostile as China or the Middle East?
All of these books are available from www.amazon.co.uk
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Circuit Safeguarding Training
Circuit Safeguarding Training for those who work with children, young people and vulnerable adults, at Murton hall on Saturday 14th January from 10.30am.
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Brownies
Our Brownies:
First of all, let me just say that 4th Sketty (Wesley) Brownies and Guiders are all so pleased to be back HOME, and to such a gorgeous building. The whole church is just beautiful.
News on the Brownie front: our coffee evening held on Wednesday 9th November, raised £142.00 for Coast Watch. The Brownies are working towards the Parkmill Challenge Badge and were able to complete the Hostess and Entertainers badge at the coffee evening .They have one more challenge and that is to hold a Teddy Bears' Picnic on Wed 7th December to complete the Challenge.
On Monday 19th Dec we will be taking some of the Brownies to the evening performance of Aladdin in the Grand Theatre. We finish Brownies on 7th December, and restart date on 11th January 2012
Elspeth - Brownowl
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Beaver and Cubs
Beavers and Cubs last meeting before Christmas will be on Tuesday 13th December with a Christmas Show. Everyone is welcome to attend from 6pm with proceeds going towards the Church Redevelopment Fund [Entry by donation]. Please join us afterwards for a cup of tea and a mince pie.
Beavers and Cubs will restart on Tuesday 10th January [Beavers 5.30 -6.30pm; Cubs 6.45-8pm]
Darian J and Stuart F have agreed to take over as Beaver Leaders. Sian and Paul will continue to run the Cub pack.
Three of our Cubs, Luka C, Rhodri H and Thomas T, represented the 36th Cub Pack in the finals of the Area Sandcastle Competition and won. Congratulations to them!
Ioan W and Ethan W recently represented the Cub Pack in the Cubs' District Chess and Draughts competition. Ethan came joint first in the Chess Competition so goes through to the Area competition on 25 Nov. Well done to both boys!
Many thanks to everyone who collected Sainsbury's Active Kids vouchers for the Beavers and Cubs. It enabled us to order orienteering equipment which the young people have already enjoyed using.
Sian and Paul
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"Singing the Faith"
"Singing the Faith" is available until 31st December at a reduced price (it would make a wonderful Christmas present!) The music edition is £25; words-only edition £7.50 and words-only edition large print £12.50. It is available online through the Methodist website: www.methodist.org.uk (click on Singing the Faith in right hand column of Home Page, and click Methodist Publishing) or write to Hymns Ancient and Modern 3-17 Long Lane, London EC1A 9PN.
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University Lecture
University Theology free public lecture: Wednesday 30th November
7pm James Callaghan Lecture Theatre -
Claire Foster-Gilbert (Founder and Chief Executive of The Ethics Academy, Director of Development at St Martin-in-the-Fields): Environmental Ethics and Christian Theology.
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TheHistory of Bethel URC
The History of Bethel URC by Ivor Watkins was written some years ago and some copies are still available. If you would like a copy please ask Jean
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Bethel Church Meeting
Bethel's Church Meeting is on Monday 28th November and a warm welcome is extended to anyone who would like to attend at 7.30 when John Butler of the Cyrenians is speaking to the meeting.
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15 Years Ago: December 1996/January 1997 by Caroline
Rev Robert and Sister Margaret's Christmas Greeting: "Enjoy giving and receiving gifts this Christmas, enjoy also the privilege of being gifts to one another".
Congratulations: Anne and Peter G and Averil L on the birth of granddaughters Megan Leah, and Emma Catherine; Kathryn W on starting work with Imperial Cancer Research at John Radcliffe Hospital
Prayers for: Ethel and Ernie S- both in hospital after strokes, Cliff D, Rose S, Barbara T, Gwladys T, and Muriel C; the Church in Wales as they prepare to ordain women to the priesthood
Events and News: 'Churches Together' Music Workshop in St Paul's; Christmas parcels for the needy; Scouts Christmas Post; Magnet and Prayer Guides available; profile of Wesley Club by Avril Evans and update on Ty Hafan by Janet N.
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30 Years Ago: November 1981
Rev Ron D and Joy planned monthly 'birthday' coffee mornings. And Ron thanked Ethel S for all the work of her group which was disbanding 'and who, over 22 years, has given quiet and unobtrusive help with consistent generosity'...... Congratulations on the baptism of Hywel Rhys grandson of Minna and George B; and to YPF members Iwan J, David A, Christopher H on gaining their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze awards ... sympathy to Eileen P, and her mother, on the death of Eileen's uncle ... Goodbye to Mabel H 'conscientious class leader and secretary of Women's Fellowship' moving to Blackpool.
And from the Children's Page:-
Asked by her mother what was meant by loving-kindness, her little girl replied: 'If I ask you for a piece of bread and butter and you give it to me, that's kindness. If you put jam on it - that's loving-kindness'
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A Breakfast prayer:
May this day snap into life,
Crackle with inspiration,
Pop with possibilities
And may each hour be full of the glory of God!
Amen
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Forthcoming events
Services:Sundays 10.30am and 6.30pm Adventurers: 10.30am
Please stay and have coffee with us after the morning service.
There is an induction loop for those with hearing aids.
There are large print versions of hymns at the door.
At evening service the collection plate is placed in the vestibule for your offerings as you enter church.
In term-time:
| Monday | 2pm | Folk-dancing | Church Hall | last meeting 5th Dec restart 9th Jan 2012 |
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| - | 7pm | Wesley Club | - | - |
| Tuesday | 5.30-6.30pm | Beavers | Church Hall | last meeting 13th Dec restart 10th Jan 2012 |
| - | 6.45-8pm | Cubs | Church Hall | last meeting 13th Dec restart 10th Jan 2012 |
| Wednesday | 10-11.30am | Sunbeams | Church Hall | last meeting 14th Dec restart 11th Jan 2012 |
| - | 6.15-7.30pm | Brownies | Church Hall | last meeting 7th Dec restart 11th Jan 2012 |
| - | 7.30pm | Sketty Madcaps | - | - |
Traidcraft Stall on 11th December and watch notices for the January stall
By Thursday, weekly notices to Lynne
Property Stewards Alan J and John D
| 27 | First Sunday in Advent | 10.30am | Rev Howard | - |
| - | - | 4.30pm | Service at Parkway House | - |
| - | - | 6.30pm | Rev John Wiseman | Grace @ 6.30pm An Evening with Luke part 2 |
| 28 | Mon | 7pm | Wesley Club | No Meeting |
| 1st | Thurs | 7.30pm | Three-act farcical Comedy | "Pickle in Paradise" by Sam Bate Redevelopment Fund Raising |
| 2nd | Fri | 7.30pm | Three-act farcical Comedy | "Pickle in Paradise" by Sam Bate Redevelopment Fund Raising |
| 4th | Sun | 10.30am | Rev Malcolm | Communion |
| - | - | 6.30pm | Rev Kim | - |
| 5th | Mon | 7pm | Wesley Club | Desert Island Discs - Janet |
| 8th | Thurs | 7.30pm | Church Council | - |
| 10th | Sat | 10.30am | Bethel's Christmas Coffee Morning | Bethel URC Coffee Morning |
| 11th | Sun | 10.30am | Rev John Wiseman | Traidcraft Stall |
| - | - | 6.30pm | Rev Alf | Communion |
| 12th | Mon | 7pm | WesleyC= Club | Quiz - Judith and Ian |
| 13th | Tues | 6pm | Beaver and Cubs Christmas Show | Beavers and Cubs |
| 15th | Thurs | 7.30pm | Killay/Dunvant House Group | - |
| 16th | Fri | 7pm | 'A Christmas Carol' | A Retelling of Dicken's 'A Christmas Carol' by Silhouette Theatre Company A Christmas Carol |
| 18th | Sun | 10.30am | Adventurers' Nativity Service | - |
| - | - | 6.30pm | Carol Service | - |
| - | - | After Carol Service | Just Desserts | Just Desserts |
| 19th | Mon | from 4pm | Carolling | Carolling 19th December |
| 24th | Sat Christmas Eve | 11.15pm | Rev John Wiseman | Communion |
| 25th | Sun Christmas Day | 9.30am | Rev John Wiseman | - |
| 1st | Sunday New Years Day and Epiphany |
10.30am | Alice | - |
| - | - | 6.30pm | No Evening Service | - |
| 3rd | Tues | 10am-11.30am | Brew for You | Short act worship 10.40am-11am |
| 8th | Sun | 10.30am | Rev John Wiseman | Covenant Service |
| - | - | 6.30pm | Ann B | - |
| 9th | Mon | - | Wesley Club | New Year Lunch at Sketty Hall |
| 11th | Wed | 2pm-4pm | Time Out | Time Out |
| 15th | Sun | 10.30am | Heather | - |
| - | - | 6.30pm | Rev Kim | Communion |
| 16th | Mon | 7pm | Wesley Club | 'A Journey through time - Sandra |
| 19th | Thurs | 7.30pm | Killay/Dunvant House Group | - |
| WEEK | OF PRAYER FOR | CHRISTIAN | UNITY | Watch notices for details |
| 22nd | Sun | 10.30am | Quentin | - |
| - | - | 6.30pm | Alan | - |
| 23rd | Mon | 7pm | Wesley Club | Members evening - 1917 and all that |
| 29th | Sun | 10.30am | Rev John J | Family Service |
| - | - | 6.30pm | Rev John Wiseman | Grace @ 6.30pm |
| 30th | Mon | 7pm | Wesley Club | Yorkshire Dales- Janet |
Items for the February 2012 Newsletter out on 29th January to Jean by Wednesday, 18th January, please.
This Newsletter is available on tape for the vision impaired and some of our services are recorded on tape for anyone unable to attend whether regularly or on a particular Sunday - please contact Jean
Church Stewards:Mike, Win, Les and Pam.
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Rotas
If you are unable to fulfil your place on a rota, please make other arrangements or contact the organiser.
| - | November 27th | December 4th | December 11th | December 19th | December 25th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Door: Myrddin. | - | - | - | - | - |
| morning | joyce W, Allan and Jo A Caroline C, Andy E |
Enid, David K and Jacqueline B | Ian and S G, Chris L and Anja | Ian and Judith M | 9.30am David G |
| evening | Sandra C | Jeff C | John K | Carol Service | 11.15pm Myrddin |
| Flowers: Rosemary | - | - | - | - | - |
| - | Janet N | Wesley Club | Harold V | Eileen P | - |
| Arranger: | Rosemary | Chris | Enid | Rosemary | - |
| Sunday Morning Coffee: Gwen | - | - | - | - | - |
| - | Judith and Ian M | Chris and Ian H | Gary and Jackie | Gwen and John | - |
Rotas
If you are unable to fulfil your place on a rota, please make other arrangements or contact the organiser.
| - | January 1st | January 8th | January 15th | January 22nd | January 29th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Door: Myrddin. | - | - | - | - | - |
| morning | Harry, Anne G and Pat G | Joyce W, Allan and Jo A Caroline C, Andy E |
Enid, David K and Jacquiline B | Ian and Chris H | Ian and Susan G, Tina and Anja |
| evening | - | Bethel Member | Sandra C | Jeff C | Andy V |
| Flowers: Rosemary | - | - | - | - | - |
| - | - | - | Pam T | Pat G | Jean K |
| Arranger: | - | Chris | Pam | Rosemary | Enid |
| Sunday Morning Coffee: Gwen | - | - | - | - | - |
| - | Gwen and John Sandra and Beryl |
Eleanor | Susan and Ian G | Gwen and John | Laurie and Jane |
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