Alpha course changed my life!
I am writing to you with my testimony of how coming to St John’s and Alpha changed my life.
Last July I first walked through the doors of St John’s with two very special people Sue and Jon Townsend, when all hope and joy had disappeared from my life. The warmth and
protection I felt was instant, I was welcomed with such joyous friendship.
I joined my first Alpha group in September last year but due to personal reasons only attended one evening. My husband Dick (some may know him as Richard) then joined St John’s in November 2009, and we then began our walk of Faith together.
We both joined Alpha in January 2010 and this is where a new life was opened to us. Alpha taught us both so much but for me personally a deep trust in Our Lord came, I suddenly saw that all hope and joy had not gone—not if I put my trust in Jesus.
I say to anyone who is thinking of Alpha or knows someone who would benefit from all that Alpha is, go along and enjoy the journey, you make some great friends, and it taught me so much I could write for ever (plus they feed you well with beautiful homemade cakes).
The downside for me was the final meeting. I thought what am I going to do now with my Thursday evenings as I wanted to carry on my journey, learning to live my life with Jesus.
Thankfully again God gave us some very special people in Eileen Roper and Karen Tann, who led a small nurture group, and through further learning each Thursday we have grown more in our new faith.
I now thank our Lord that in September we are starting a new Cell group and so the journey and our fellowship carries on. Thank you to all the Alpha team for guiding me through and starting me on this wonderful journey, showing me how to step into the Light.
Thank you Lord for bringing me to Alpha, for showing me how to open the door to let You in, giving me back hope and joy. . . and last but not least . . . Love.
>>Christine Dunkley
Want to know how Jesus can change your
life through the Alpha course?
Get in touch with Mark Thrower on 620289, or contact Dave at the church office on 642338, office@stjohnsmansfield.org.uk and we’ll be happy to tell you more about what the Alpha course consists of. Alpha now taking place in the Beacon Centre, Wood Street, starting
Thursday 9th September, from 7.30pm-9.30pm.
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Nottinghamshire Historic Churches Trust
Sponsored ‘Ride and Stride’
This year we’re encouraging as many as possible in St John’s and St Mary’s to take part in the annual sponsored ‘Ride and Stride,’ whether biking or walking between participating churches, or helping with an Open Day at St Mary’s— all are welcome, and we could have a great day being involved together.
The annual Sponsored Ride and Stride, organised by the Nottinghamshire Historic Churches Trust, takes place on Saturday, 11th September 2010, between 10am and 6pm and more than 250 churches and chapels of all denominations will take part in the effort.
The event is for both cyclists and walkers and each church maps out its own route, taking in an average of five or six churches, with riders and walkers being sponsored according to how many churches they visit. Individuals are allowed to have their own itinerary in regard to visiting a different number of churches.
In 2009 the event had a bumper turnout which resulted in the biggest ever total raised in Nottinghamshire - £21,232. It is hoped this amount will be bettered in 2010.
ALL AGES WELCOME TO TAKE PART!
To find out more information about the event or for sponsorship forms please contact Dave in the church office 642338, or Judith Mather at St Mary’s 635102. Why not get together as a cell group, and visit local churches in our diocese?
Whatever your age, couples, families, cell groups, individuals - everyone can take part.
Look forward to seeing you on your saddles and walking shoes!!! Remember - It is a healthy way to spend a day!!
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Alpha @ St John’s 2010
New course begins Thursday 9th September 2010
in the Beacon Centre, Wood Street, 7.30pm-9.30pm
“IS THIS IT?” “WHO CARES?” “WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?”
Alpha is a friendly and informal 10-week course, which teaches and promotes discussion in the basics of what it is to “becoming a Christian.”
Pick up a leaflet in church, ring Mark Thrower on 01623 620289, or the church office 642338, look at our website www.stjohnsmansfield.org or www.alpha.co.uk/find a course, and do something about it!
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St Mary’s, Ladybrook - Weekly Services
Thursday 9.30am Holy Communion
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Sunday 10am Holy Communion on THIRD Sunday each month
Service of the Word FIRST, SECOND, FOURTH and FIFTH Sundays
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A warm welcome to all our services
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LITTLE FISHES
Each first Monday night of the month - Family Fishes from 6.30 until 7.45 in the Centre.
Meeting Mondays 1pm Little Fishes; Wednesday 9.30-11.30; Thursday 2-4pm
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Praying Together — Every Wednesday evening 6-7pm in Centre. All welcome.
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HARVEST SUPPER Saturday 25th September, 7-10pm, in St John’s Centre - BARN DANCE with caller, and bring and share supper. Tickets £3 (available from wardens/church office). Family discount (2 adults + up to 4 children £10). All proceeds to Pakistan Flood Appeal.
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BEACON OPEN DAY Sunday 12th September, in the Beacon Centre. An opportunity to look at the newly refurbished Centre, and see how the Centre works. Refreshments & Light Lunch provided. Everyone very welcome—12-2pm.
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Cell Groups starting up again! Are you still thinking about joining a Cell Group? Several evening groups, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, plus daytime groups meeting in the Centre, Tuesdays and Thursdays 10.00 to 12.30, and the Cameo Cell Group meets on Monday afternoons, 2.00-3.30pm. Contact the church office for more details of a group to suit you.
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Men’s Breakfast starts again this next Saturday 11th September, 9am in St John’s Centre. All men of both our churches very welcome. A good chance for a great breakfast, a time to chat, and to listen to a inspirational talk.
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Christian Aid Pakistan Flood Appeal. The Allsorts Cell Group would like to thank the joint congregations of St John’s and St Mary’s for their generous response to the Appeal. The current total raised is £428, so a heartfelt thank you to everyone.
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Sponsored ‘Ride & Stride’ - Cyclists and walkers needed, plus helpers at St Mary’s Church Open Day to help with refreshments, stewarding, activities. If you’re
interested and want to be involved, please speak to Judith Mather, 635102 or Dave in the church office, 642338.
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Men’s & Ladies’ Group, next meeting Tuesday 7th September, in St John’s Centre. Speaker Revd Dr Richard Kellett, vicar of Skegby, Stanton Hill and Teversal.
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Church Day Out in Clumber Park, Saturday 18th September. A great fun and games day out in the country . . . and hopefully lots of sunshine too!
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St John's Mothers’ Union Meeting, Wednesday 8th September, at 12.30pm in the Centre. Mothers’ Union AGM starts at 2.00pm in the Centre.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ploughman's Lunch, St John’s Mothers’ Union. To be held in St John's Centre on Thursday 30th September between 12 noon and 1pm, tickets available through MU members, and church office, £4.50 each.
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'Women of Confidence'- A conference hosted by Riverside church in Southwell on 8th & 9th October. Friday 7pm and Saturday 9.15am-5pm. Cost is £25 or £20 for senior citizens and students. "This is a time for women that will be encouraging and confidence-building. The programme includes listening and learning, with space given to take a break and have time out in Southwell. It finishes with worship and prayer ministry. Contact Jen Pallett on 404895 if you are interested.
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All Worship & Technical Team. Full team meeting Saturday 2nd October, 9.15-1.30pm, in church.. Cost £1, including Bacon, Coffee and Cake. We’ll be joined by worship leaders from across the New Wine network in the north. Please let Steve know you’re coming.
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Church Day Out in Clumber Park, Saturday 18th September. Put date in your diaries — a great fun and games day out in the country . . . and sunshine!
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St John's Fantasy Football Think you could tell Sorensen from your Valencia? Join the Church fantasy football league and prove it! fantasy.premierleague.com. The league code is 57044-19193. Free to enter. Any problems please contact Steve Knott
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Used Stamps. Jim Cockett, and St Mary’s members save all used stamps for a Leprosy Mission charity. If you have used stamps, and would like to put them to good use, please drop them into the office, or give them to me, whenever you see me. Dave
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Interested in Recycling? If you use a printer at home or office, don’t throw away your empty cartridges, but hand them in to Dave in the office, where we can convert them into
cash for the Brazilian charity Pedraviva.
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Beacon Project are in urgent need of essentials—such as clothes for men and women, blankets, quilts, as well as tinned food suitable for simple cooking. All donations gratefully accepted by Mela and Mary. Also MORE VOLUNTEERS URGENTLY NEEDED, especially during the summer months.
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St John's with St Mary's has a new Facebook Page.
It's regularly updated with information about what is going on in our Churches which appears in your Status feed. You can also make prayer requests and let us know what you are up to. You can find it by going to www.facebook.com/stjohnswithstmarysmansfield
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St John's Centre, each Wednesday at 6-7pm - " Praying Together"
Every week we come together to pray for God's guidance, wisdom and healing.
"The Lord himself goes before you, He will never leave you nor forsake you." Deut 31 v 8
Next Intercessory Prayer Cogs—Monday 13th September 10.30am
Are you thinking of being a Prayer Cog for our work in St John’s?
All you need is a heart to pray for our church and community.
See Jen Pallett for more details of our regular Prayer Times
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