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The Circuit Leadership Team spent a day at Turvey Abbey near Bedford on 12th June. Please see the video below:-
On a very warm Friday evening, between 150 and 200 people gathered at Rockingham Road Methodist Church, Corby for the Commissioning Service of the Corby Street Pastors. The service was uplifting and the singing raised the roof. Cllr Ann Brown, the Mayor of Corby, and Inspector Gary Williams from Corby Police were in attendance, along with other members of the council and police force, as well as people from many local churches. Twenty two of the twenty three new Street Pastors were there, each wearing their uniform of blue polo shirts. During the service, their names were called out, and they went forward one by one to enthusiastic rounds of applause. Each Street Pastor received a ‘Street Pastors’ cap, and was formally commissioned by Ann Murphy, a representative from the Ascension Trust, the umbrella organisation for Street Pastors in the UK.
Rev Margaret Eales welcomed everyone and hosted the service, Capt. Caroline Meadon, Chair of the Management Group, led the opening prayers, and the Bible readings were read by Lesley Luck, Secretary of the Management Group, and Councillor Mary Butcher, the former Mayor. Deacon Fiona de Boltz, the Co-ordinator, spoke about the story of Street Pastors in Corby (so far!) and thanked everyone who has helped this initiative come into being, including the police, the council, the churches, the Management Group, the Ascension Trust and finally and most importantly God, the One who creates, loves, calls and equips. Ann Murphy gave an address and spoke about Street Pastors in the UK and beyond, and Rev Rod Lee prayed a special prayer of commissioning over the new Street Pastors.
After the service, people stayed to chat over coffee and tea. After most people had departed, two members of the police force who were on duty that evening came to talk to the Street Pastors. The location of Rockingham Road Methodist Church has been identified as being ideal for a Street Pastors base in Corby, as it is close to the Old Village area.
Having ensured that the Street Pastors were equipped with disposable gloves, notebooks and pens, flipflops, bottles of water, lollies etc., Ann Murphy addressed the whole team. She and Fiona led the Street Pastors in their first walks around the Old Village area of Corby. They went out in two shifts, the first group going out from 10.50pm until around midnight, with the remainder staying at the base to pray. The second group went out from 1.00 to 2.00a.m. A small group of prayer supporters remained at the base to pray throughout the evening. After returning to the base and chatting about the evening, the Street Pastors and prayer supporters went home around 2.30a.m.
The Street Pastors had many encounters with people that evening, most of which were very positive. Usually they will be going out on Saturday evenings from around 10.30pm until around 3.00a.m., in a team of four or five - so this first night was not typical.
The evening was a very exciting and affirming experience for everyone including the Street Pastors, and we believe this initiative will be a blessing to the people of Corby, as God’s love is shown in practical ways.
The Highland Gathering – 11th July 2010
Less than 48 hours after the Commissioning Service, eight Street Pastors attended the Corby Highland Gathering, from about 2.00 to 5.30p.m. on the Sunday afternoon. It was very hot and sunny, and crowds of people gathered to go on the fairground rides, watch the bagpipe bands and highland dancers, and soak up the atmosphere. The Street Pastors had debated whether to have a stall and give out literature about their work, but in the end opted to simply wander through the crowds and chat with people. Corby Radio interviewed Fiona de Boltz about the Street Pastors initiative in the midst of the crowds, with bagpipes and drums playing in the background! The interview was broadcast in Corby the next day. A couple of Street Pastors joined in the fun, and went on the Waltzer at the fair, laughing and screaming as they spun around. It’s good that people can see that Christians can have fun too! Conversations were had with several people, and wet wipes and a listening ear given to one lady who had had some beer thrown over her.
Again, it was an encouraging time for the new Street Pastors. The Evening Telegraph published an article on Tuesday 13th July in both the Corby and Kettering editions, saying that Mark Pengelly, the organiser of the Highland Gathering event had thanked the Street Pastors for their presence and support. According to the article, he said, ”The Street Pastors did an excellent job talking to people. They weren’t preaching, just helping people if they thought they might have had enough to drink.”
Please remember Corby Street Pastors in your prayers, especially on Saturday nights. If you would like any further information, or would like a speaker to come and talk about the work of Street Pastors at your church or group, please contact Fiona de Boltz (01536) 516818.
St. Giles' Anglican/Methodist Church, Desborough
The results are in.
Date: Friday 14th to Sunday 16th May, 2010
Venue: St
The trophy winners were
Favourite Barrow adult Eggstremely Late by Rothwell and Desborough Rangers
Favourite Barrow under 16 Minibeasts by
Favourite Basket adult Baa-aa-sket by Katharyn Window
Favourite Basket under16 Beautiful blues from Loatlands by Loatlands School year 2
Favourite Boot Adult Car Boot Sail by Natasha Winch
Favourite Boot under 16 The owl and the pussycat by Megan and Florrie Spies
Favourite Bucket Adult Jack and Jill by Wendy and Katie Nelson
Favourite Bucket under 16 Pull the udder one by Loatlands School Year 1
The Haddonstone planters were won by Adrian Joss
The dolls name was Kate
And raffle winners were
Fair trade Hamper Helen Burt
Alan Titchmarsh book R Jones
Coffee Set Mary Cowley
Bottle of wine David Boyer
Bottle of wine Alison Wilson
Bottle of wine Jim Knight
Travel Bag Doreen Bindley
Bowl Set Pam Robertson
Spa Set Nicky Winch
Business bag Linda Peake
Dove toiletries Margaret
Sweet shop tub Nicky Winch
Notes.
St Giles is a Local Ecumenical Project and has been a joint Methodist and Church of England church for 30 years.
Media contact :- Stella Freeman,
Telephone - 01536 760124
Silver Wolf Award
Congratulations to Peter Candlin, our Circuit Treasurer and Circuit Steward, who has been given the highest award given out by the Scouts' Association.
If you would like to read all about it, please click here.
Rev. Drs Keith Riglin and Jennifer Hunter Smith were married at Ealing Green Church, London, on 17th April, 2010.
We pray that the Lord will truly bless them in their future life together.
Ealing Green Methodist/URC Church
Floral Arrangement before the wedding
During the marriage ceremony
Jennifer outside the church
Keith and Jennifer outside the church
In the church garden
Group from Kettering with the bride & groom
Alexander Ardakov's Piano Recital at Rothwell Methodist Church on Saturday, 13th March, 2010
The Russian-born pianist's third concert at Rothwell was possibly the most successful in terms of its approachable repertoire, and also tonally with Josef's supplying of a fine Petrof 131 piano.
Although Tchaikovsky is better known for his fairytale ballets and dramatic symphonies, his piano pieces are most lyrical reflecting a wide range of moods and dynamics.
“Pictures at an Exhibition” by Mussorgsky also offered bright interludes of new-born chicks and of energetic children enjoying the full vigour of life contras visit to Parisian catacombs, and the pitiful sight of a deformed gnome. Alexander's sure touch deftly brought his audience to the final triumph of a procession at the great gate of Kiev.
Finally there came a couple of Chopin encores to whet the appetite for his next recital at Rockingham Road Methodist Church, Corby, on Saturday, 22nd May. Time to be notified later.
Not surprisingly some members of the small audience rose spontaneously to show their appreciation of a most remarkable recital. It is indeed a privilege for Rothwell to host an artiste who has performed in front of thousands.
Alan Botterill
A Prayer for Haiti (from the Military Christian Fellowship of Australia)
by Dr Pamela Lightsey
O God, we have been stunned once again by an event
which seems so unnatural and yet it is called 'natural disaster'.
We have no words to answer the 'why' which we feel,
no wisdom to explain away the unexplained areas of life.
Keep us from attributing this event as a heavenly reprimand,
or from a certain haughtiness that tempts the distant soul.
Give us to be compassionate and gentle, servants to those in need.
reminds of your gracious love in the midst of sorrow,
and your ability to work miracles when hope is faint.
We pray for those who suffer in Haiti even now
and for those who await rescue.
for relatives, for the children,
for mothers and fathers,
sisters and brothers,
grandparents, aunts and cousins.
For the survivors who question what more they might have done.
and for those who must keep on keeping on, in spite of everything.
For the leaders,
for those who bring aid
and those who await news.
Strengthen and encourage them we pray.
Now unto you, O God, we take the burdens of this hour and place them in your divine care.
For all you do and are doing, seen and unseen, we give thanks, Eternal God of all creation. AMEN
Disaster relief has three stages:
1) 48-72 hour response to rescue the injured and trapped
2) Recovery: attention to the injured and maimed
3) Longer term sustainable care and establishment of civil society.
Mercy Ships have mobilised their first disaster relief teams to arrive in Haiti this week.They bring medics, medicines and care – but need donations. Their medics give their time for free, but flights, medicines and equipment all cost money that they have to raise.
mercyships.org.uk : twitter.com/mercyshipsuk
MercyShips goes to Haiti in a group of charities, coordinated by Humedica. Others in this group include Compassion First, CURE International, Food for the Hungry, Global Outreach, Window of Hope, World Relief and World Vision.
Other ways of helping are through the Salvation Army, www1.salvationarmy.org.uk The Salvation Army is one of the largest, most diverse providers of social services in the UK after the Government. Founded in East London in 1865, or one of the other aid agencies.]Salvation Army Teams in Haiti Provide Food and Medical Aid (Update 19 January)
ALTHOUGH severely suffering from the effects of the 7.0 earthquake that devastated much of Haiti a week ago The Salvation Army in that country has been fully mobilised in reaching out to help others. The initial response has been aimed at helping people survive. This life-saving effort concentrates on getting food, water and shelter to as many people as possible and has involved more than 700 Salvation Army personnel from Haiti.
The local Salvation Army emergency response is being supported by international Salvation Army teams which have assisted in setting up staging areas in Kingston, Jamaica, and south Florida, USA, and arranging logistics on the ground in Port-au-Prince. The supply lines established have already helped deliver skilled disaster relief workers, medical teams and supplies to those who have been affected.
This afternoon security was arranged and Salvation Army teams began food distribution. A one-week supply of food was given to 6,000 families. This is just a drop in the bucket compared to the enormous population still awaiting food and water. One million prepared meals should arrive from the USA today.
At International Headquarters (IHQ) in London and in various countries throughout the Caribbean, as well as in the USA and Canada, The Salvation Army is working with corporate partners and vendors to send bulk food, quantities of pre-packaged meals, bottled water, tents, lanterns and other supplies, along with several 15,000-gallon water purification units and multiple mobile hospitals.
Once the emergency situation becomes stabilised, Salvation Army teams will be able to turn their attention to the long task of recovery and rebuilding. However, this will be some time in occurring as urgent life-saving needs require the full attention of all available Salvation Army emergency personnel.
The initial international Salvation Army assessment team arrived in Haiti on Friday 15 January and has worked with the Haitian government and the US military to gain clearance for relief flights to the airport in Port-au-Prince. In addition, the team is working with the local military, the Jamaica Defence Force and the United Nations to arrange transportation, security and delivery of supplies. Subsequently, teams from IHQ, Canada and the UK have assisted in preparing command and distribution centres.
On Sunday 17 January a 14-person Salvation Army medical team from north America, including eight doctors, arrived in Port-au-Prince with medical supplies. This is the forerunner of a number of other teams that will be arriving from around the world.
Also on Sunday more than 1,000 people attended open-air church worship in Port-au-Prince. The territorial commander reports: 'We had a great meeting in the school yard as we cannot use the hall which is badly damaged. Sixty people publicly responded to a call to accept Jesus Christ as their Saviour.'
According to reports from Salvation Army staff in Port-au-Prince, no one in the main Salvation Army compound was injured during the earthquake, even though the Salvation Army children's home, school, clinic and corps building (church) on the site suffered major damage. Several smaller buildings, including residences, have collapsed completely. The second compound that houses Salvation Army administrative offices is being used as an emergency operations centre as damage to it was slight. Some vehicles from Haiti Divisional Headquarters were damaged. Bethel Clinic, a Salvation Army hospital in Fond-des-Negres - 75 miles west of Port-au-Prince - reports some minor damage but no injuries.
Thousands of people have made their home in a large football field behind the Salvation Army compound. The emergency teams are concentrating much of their efforts towards these people. There have been several minor quakes in recent days - one measuring 4.5 on the Richter scale - and many buildings are still unsafe. The medical team from north America These babies were found in a tractor trailer outside an orphanage near Port-au-Prince. They are now being cared for at The Salvation Army's La Maison du Bonheur Children's Home Colonel Onal Castor (Territorial Commander, Caribbean Territory), who is with the team in Haiti, reports that all Salvation Army officers - active and retired - are alive. He says, 'We have been concerned for our cadets [studying at the territory's training college in Kingston, Jamaica], most of whom are Haitian and desperately trying to make contact with their families. It seems that they have had no loss of lives in their families. We have lost several soldiers from Port-au-Prince Corps - among them Corps Sergeant-Major Mesguere Anglade, who was presented with a certificate of appreciation by the General during his recent visit to Haiti.'
Although The Salvation Army's La Maison du Bonheur Children's Home sustained damage it continues to care for 52 children and is preparing to receive 135 babies and small children from another orphanage in the countryside. Responding to a request posted on The Salvation Army's Caribbean website, two members of the emergency team went into the countryside and found 30 infants under the age of five months holed up in the back of a tractor trailer with no food or water since the earthquake. The children are now being transported to Port-au-Prince for ongoing care.
Salvation Army teams have grave concerns for the countryside areas as Port-au-Prince is the hub for the whole country. Now that the supplies from this 'service centre' have been disrupted it will be just a matter of time before fuel and food in the outlying areas runs out. Some Salvation Army centres have solar energy but most depend on diesel generators. The territorial commander has been promised the use of a helicopter to allow him and the divisional commander to visit locations outside the Port-au-Prince area that have also been badly damaged, including Petit Goave, Jacmel and Bellamie.
END
CORBY STREET PASTORS' LAUNCH
It snowed all day on Wednesday 13th January, 2010, but despite that at around 6.00pm, seventy four people gathered at Corby Council Chambers. They were from churches all across the Corby area, together with members of the police and council employees. A good time was had by all!
The evening opened with a press photographer herding people together for a photo shoot (this had not been planned in the schedule for the evening!), and then we started officially, as Capt. Caroline Meadon from the Salvation Army, who is the Chair of the Management Committee for Corby Street Pastors, led us in a time of devotion. Official endorsements for the initiative followed from the Mayor of Corby, Cllr Mary Butcher, followed by Chief Inspector Max Williams on behalf of the police, and finally Rev. Alex McAspurren, a Church of Scotland minister, on behalf of the churches of Corby.
I then briefly interviewed two people who were going to volunteer to train to be Street Pastors: Alex a young man of 21 from St. Columba’s and a lady called Sarah from Hope Church.
Rev Les Isaac, the founder of Street Pastors in the UK and an inspirational speaker then addressed the meeting, explaining the aims of Street Pastors – to listen, help people and show them God’s love in a practical way, rather than by ‘evangelising’ them, with what he called “the 4 by 4 Bible”! He spoke of the difference Street Pastors initiatives are making all over the UK, and how they are welcomed by the police, councils and the local communities. Les asked people to volunteer to be Street Pastors, and also to sign up to support the project as prayer partners and/or financially.
After the Benediction, people went out to share in a buffet, and had the opportunity to take Street Pastors magazines and booklets, and to sign up to volunteer of course! We had prayed for 16 people to offer to be Street Pastors (the minimum number to make it viable). At the end of the evening, there were 30 names on the sign-up sheet, plus a promise of at least one more who couldn’t attend that evening. Almost double the amount we had prayed for- God is good! 15 people had signed up to be prayer supporters, and there also offers of financial help.
Street Pastor training will begin with a full day on Saturday 13th March. It costs £300 to train and equip every Street Pastor, but we have been given funds from the council and police, and are hoping that churches and individuals will also be generous in their giving. After hearing about Street Pastors at a local housegroup, one lady rang and offered me £300 that afternoon. She said her husband had asked her what she wanted for her birthday and she’d told him £300 for a Street Pastor! Praise God – he has really been preparing the way and resourcing this initiative.
If you’d like to know more or want to get involved in any way, please ring me.
Deacon Fiona (01536) 516818
ENJOY ANOTHER ST. GILES' VIDEO
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