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Kingswood Church has suffered an arson attack during the night of 30th September, 2008, and there is bad smoke contamination but no structural damage.  Please pray for the congregation and especially Rev'd Margaret Eales as they face dealing with the subsequent problems.

Classic Car Enthusiast Wanted

If you have an interest in classic cars and would be willing to visit someone with a similar interest, would you please contact Joan Gray, the Circuit Pastoral Co-ordinator, via the Circuit email address on this website.
Thank you.

Gardeners' Market and Coffee Morning at Rothwell Methodist Church, on 30th August, 2008

A very successful event was held with most of the produce sold in the first half an hour!  Many thanks to all who contributed fruit and vegetables, and helped in any way. 

(From left to right) Kath Nichols, David Moody and Joan Moody before the onslaught!

    A trip to Buckingham Palace, July 2008

 Three members of Central were honoured to receive invitations to Buckingham Palace Garden Parties recently.
Karen MacDonald received an invitation as a volunteer for the Red Cross which celebrated its 100^th anniversary this year. Karen has been a volunteer in the Red Cross charity shop for over ten years. Unfortunately the day Karen went to the Palace was one of the wettest in July and the stormy weather took some of the shine off the occasion. Karen was wet when she arrived in London and even wetter when she got home! It is difficult to cope with dainty china plates at the best of times but even more difficult it you are trying to hold up an umbrella at the same time. However, Karen did get to shake hands with Prince Charles who attended the Garden Party along with the Queen and other members of the royal family. It took Karen several days to dry out her shoes and clothing but she enjoyed the occasion and the chance to ‘dress up.’

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Maggie and Jim Stirmey were also invited to the Palace just a week after Karen in recognition of Maggie’s long service as an Occupational Therapist in the NHS. Maybe it also had something to do with Maggie and the NHS both being 60 years old! This time the weather was kinder; a hot and sunny day with a refreshing breeze. Whilst queuing outside the Palace several overseas tourists asked Maggie and Jim what was going on and seemed impressed that people from all parts of the community can be invited to these occasions.

Standing by some gates just as they were opened Jim and Maggie found themselves leading in one of the lines of guests, a surreal moment! The Palace grounds were immaculate, mainly parkland with some specimen shrubs and trees, a lake and a formal rose garden. Two bands were playing during the afternoon and because there was a considerable distance between them each ran up a flag to indicate it was ‘their turn’ to play. Dainty sandwiches, savoury snacks and cakes were on offer in a long tent, served by dozens of immaculately dressed staff. Maggie didn’t get a chance to check out whether the tea was Fairtrade but it was delicious!  The Queen and other members of the royal family stopped to speak to previously selected guests and everyone appeared to enjoy ‘their’ day at the Palace.

 Maggie Stirmey

    St Giles FaceBook Group starts, 6th July 2008

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Star Trek to the Carnival, Saturday 28th June 2008

Revd Janice Leader, Revd Margaret Eyles and Revd Martin Tanner in front of the rocket. 

USS St Giles had a walking entry in the Desborough Carnival on Saturday the 28^th of June and Won. We escorted our Klingon Ambassador to his new appointment. Martin can be proud that 26 people joined in on a lovely day.

 The t-shirts were supplied by a local firm, Gambit Schoolwear who then, very generously, donated the cost of the t-shirts back to the church!

 The Friday evening production went very quickly with completion of the rockets and lots of costumes made.

 The Carnival went swimmingly with lots of people and crews, I saw some brilliant costume ideas that I should be using in future. The weather was extremely kind, mild and cloudy so nobody suffered; even the vicar in his mask was OK.

 The Barbeque on the Saturday was once again blessed by wonderful weather and thanks must go to Drew for his cooking skills.

The service on Sunday went well; the church was full to see Martin off from his last St Giles service. Lorna Smith read out Martins email “Why am I a vicar” and everyone was so moved they wanted copies. Alan Window preached for the first, but hopefully not the last, time.

Go here for more photos.

Cottingham's Cause for Celebration, Sunday 22nd June, 2008.

Cottingham Church, Kettering and Corby Circuit 23/19 celebrated 200 years of Methodism in the village.  The 1808 building is now the church hall; the present Chapel being built in 1878; refurbished in 2005.

Sunday 22nd June, 2008, saw a full Church including the balcony (re-instated for the occasion).  The service was led by Revd. Margaret Eales, the minister and Circuit Superintendent.  Circuit worship leaders and members took part making it a real Christian family occasion.

Revd Dr. Martyn Atkins preached powerfully on the theme of 'Living Stones' giving us a clear and positive message, challenging us and pointing us to the future.  It was a great privilege for the members to meet and share fellowship with Martyn.

The joy of having the church fujll and resounding to wondrous Methodist song will ring in our ears for weeks to come.  Many Circuit friends, former members and local dignitaries swelled the chorus. 

Wendy Curtis

Cottingham's small chapel celebrated its double century on Sunday, 22nd June, 2008, with Revd Dr. Martyn Atkins, the President of Conference and Principal of Cliff College, officiating.  Last Sunday's congregation of  seventeen was considerably enlarged by many invited invited guests whose singing was probably audible at the nearby "Spread Eagle" Inn. 

The much travelled principal guest mused whether an anniversary was solely a time for grateful reflection, an anticipation of a promising future - or a chance to consider what God requires of us all in the here and now. 
Such questions arose from the epistle of Simon Peter where the writer labels Christians as "a chosen people".  Whilst all can identify with the improved ego (and sense of exclusive rights) bestowed, the passage in 1 Peter 2 v. 9 & 10 explains that God's inclusiveness of us within His mercy is 'in order that' we declare the praises of Him who called us from darkness into His glorious light'.  So, as ever, with privilege there is also responsibility. 

Particularly apt, therefore, were these two verses from a concluding hymn:-

"The Church of Christ, in every age
Beset by change but Spirit-led,
Must claim and test its heritage
And keep on rising from the dead.

We have no mission but to serve
In full obedience to our Lord:
To care for all, without reserve,
And spread his liberating Word."

These were, in brief, the thoughts that both challenged and encouraged those fortunate to be at Cottingham on this memorable day.

Alan Botterill

Other comments:-

"Sunday was amazing in so many ways, organisation, individuals, and spiritually.  It was great to see the chapel full.  Martyn was fantastic - I can see why he is President."
Sarah Matthews

"For us the preparation was worthwhile.  What a joy for us to have the church full and to resound to such wonderful singing - so much easier to sing in a large congregation!
We thank all who supported and look forward to the next uplifting event.  Martyn was a pleasure to meet and entertain.
Wendy & Michael Curtis

"The church would be full every week with services and preachers like that".
Anon

Stoikite Orphanage, Bulgaria

Margaret Tuffin regularly visits Bulgaria on holiday, and she writes:-  "I was introduced to Stoikite Orphanage by a Methodist Minister whom I met in Bulgaria.  The orphanage is quite close to the ski resort of Pamporovo.  An English lady living nearby, became aware of the needs of the children in the orphanage and has got to know them well.  The orphanage is full to capacity, the youngest child being 8 and the oldest 18.  Temperatures in the winter months were at minus 15 degrees outside the orphanage and the temperature inside the orphanage on occasions as low as minus 5 in some of the rooms.  This was because the heating system is not adequate.
Amanda Heath began to make people aware of this and launched a campaign to raise money for this.  With the help of many people in this country and people who have been skiing in Pamporovo, 24,685 Euros have been raised, but if the heating is to be ready for next winter, 30,000 Euros are needed. 
Amanda has also been collecting clothes for the children.  I am able to take some of these when I visit Bulgaria.  I can leave them at a hotel, phone Amanda to let her know they are there and then any donations are listed on their website, www.orphanagestoikite-bg.org  Further details about this project are to be found on the website. 
People from Rothwell have already given me clothes to take and they were gratefully received.  If you would like to know more or find out the type of clothes that are needed please get in touch,

Margaret Tuffin

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