In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
John 1:1-3
Dear All
This Sunday morning we have our Harvest Thanksgiving service followed by lunch. During the service we invite you to bring gifts for the Foodbank. Attached to the e-mail with this letter is a shopping list to remind you of their needs. Please bring your donations to church and hang on to them until we have a time to bring them all forward.
If you would prefer to give a financial donation to the Foodbank, please put this in an envelope marked up “Foodbank” and place in the tithes and offerings box. Alternatively you can transfer gifts to the church bank account, again with the reference “Foodbank” or pay by the Sumup machine.
We will need some help to set up tables and also clear away after the meal.
We will be asking for financial donations to cover the cost of the meal.
Church Meeting
There will be a church meeting this Monday, 25th September. The agenda has been circulated together with the relevant papers. Everyone is very welcome to attend the church meeting but only church members can vote on matters.
Safeguarding Training
All those involved in work with children, young people or vulnerable adults need to attend a refresher safeguarding course at least once every five years. It has been a while since we did this so Matthew our lead safeguarding officer has organized for one to take place here at church on Saturday 2nd December. Please put this in your diaries.
Macmillan and St Helena Hospice ‘Ploughmans Lunch’ 
Andrea write “I am holding a Macmillan and St Helena Hospice ‘Ploughman’s Lunch’ on Friday 29th September from 12.00 at our home, 6 Prettygate Rd. There will also be a table top sale.
If anyone can help or make a cake please let me know.
ALL WELCOME. Andrea”
Youth Drop in
This had a very good start last Monday. Please do continue to pray for the Youth Drop In and all those involved.
Ladies Retreat Day
Calling all ladies – the Advent Retreat Day at Assington Hall has been booked for 9th December. There are a few places left so do sign up if you would like to come. The day is likely to cost £10 per head – to secure your place we will be asking for a £5 deposit. I know some ladies are away at the moment, do let me or someone else know if you would like to come to the retreat day and we will sign you up. I’m delighted to share that Charity Quin has agreed to lead the day again for us.
New Wine
The local New Wine network has two dates for your diaries. On Saturday 18th November there is to be a celebration evening at Lawford Church. The speaker for the evening is John Coles. We will put a sign-up sheet up in the next couple of weeks for folk to register their interest in coming and to enable us to car share.
The second date is the weekend of 14-16 June 2024. The Vauxhall Christian Trust Campsite and facilities at Great Wenham have been booked for a local New Wine weekend. There is space to camp, cabins for those who prefer four walls and a bed and also the option to join the weekend as a day visitor for all the sessions.
Please do put these dates in your diary.
Men’s Group
Peter and Adrian write “Here are the dates for our Homegroup and Chat and Chill up until Christmas.
Homegroup Chat and Chill
September – 25th
October 9th 23rd
November 13th 27th
December 11th 18th
All meetings will be at Plume Avenue from 13.30 – 15.00 ish, unless advised otherwise for trips out.
Please feel free to come along to any of the dates. Looking forward to getting together again.
Peter and Adrian”
This week
There will be prayer meetings on Wednesday and Saturday mornings at 9.30 am. The Tuesday evening bible study homegroup is also taking place this week at 7.30 pm on Zoom – please do join us if you can. Zoom details will be e-mailed early in the week.
Just a note that there will be no Saturday morning prayer meeting on 7th October.
With love and blessings.