`Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good his love endures forever.’ Psalm 106
Dear All
Church Anniversary and Harvest Thanksgiving Service, meal and donations
Thank you to everyone who helped to make last Sunday so special. On Tuesday we took 124 kgs. of donations to the Foodbank. Thank you for everyone’s generosity in time and gifts.
New Wine talks
We will now look at the list of those who have signed up for these and will announce when we will be screening the talks.
Bible Journaling
Just a reminder that Journaling resumes on this Saturday, 21st September, 10-12 pm, everyone welcome – even if you haven’t been before or have never tried journaling. And you definitely don’t have to be artistic! Just bring a notebook and bible. It’s very informal and friendly, coffee and cake provided. Please speak to Jo for more details.
Preaching with a view weekend – 28th & 29th September
As we draw close to the weekend here is confirmation of the arrangements:
22nd September
We will make a short announcement regarding some details of the prospective new minister after the service and after the YouTube stream has finished. It cannot be stressed enough that whatever we share on Sunday has to remain confidential and must not be discussed with anyone outside of the church (including other churches and friends). As is the normal procedure, the candidates’ churches are not aware that he and his family are exploring a move and they will not be told until a formal call is given should the votes from both church meetings be in favour and the candidate himself agrees to accept the call. We would also ask everyone not to share anything on social media.
28th September
3.30 pm Arrivals for a cup of tea or coffee
4,00 pm Introduction of the prospective minister by Rev Mark Ambrose, our interim moderator. This will be followed by a question and answer session. The questions are being assembled into 10 themed questions from the 57 submitted. The candidate will also be given opportunity to ask the church questions.
5.30 pm Serving of a meal – the menu for this is on the sign up sheet in the foyer – please sign up before you go home on 22nd September. Please speak to Andrea or Kate for more details or if you can help with the meal.
29th September
10 am The prospective minister will lead and preach at this service
To preserve confidentiality, the service will not be streamed so you will need to attend in person on the Sunday if you would like to hear him lead and preach.
30th September
7.30 pm Church meeting which will be chaired by Rev Mark Ambrose. This meeting will include a time of discussion and prayer before a secret ballot is taken. Anyone from the church fellowship is invited to attend this meeting, of all ages! However, only church members will be able to vote.
You will be aware that he and his family will be with Tiptree URC at other times over the weekend. We would request that no one goes to Tiptree to their sessions or their service. It is important for the candidate to see and experience the churches as they are normally.
An announcement about whether a call has been given and accepted will be made at some stage in the following days. This may have to wait for an announcement to be made in the candidate’s churches if he is called and accepts the call.
Please continue to pray for this process. Pray that both churches will be open to hear and follow the Lord’s leading. Also pray for the candidate as his family as they prepare to travel to Essex for what could be a major change for their futures. Pray too for Rev Mark Ambrose as he guides us through the processes. We have produced a resource for those who might like to help focus their prayers during the week. This should be attached to the letter.
Please, if you have any questions about this do ask – we may not be able to give you an instant answer but will endeavour to find one for you.
Fairtrade Church
This is just a reminder that we are registered as a Fairtrade church. Any supplies of tea, coffee, sugar, hot chocolate, chocolate etc should therefore carry the Fairtrade logo.
Baptisms
We have had some folk asking about baptism so we are proposing to have a baptism service in October. If you have not been baptised and would like to find out more, please do speak to me.
This week
There will be the bible study homegroup on Tuesday at 7.30 pm. There will be a prayer meeting on Wednesday morning at 9.30 am. Zoom details for these will be e-mailed early in the week. There will be no Saturday morning prayer meeting this week.
With love and blessings.
