January 2008

FELLOWSHIP NEWS AND EVENTS

Last month you will have read about our intention to help Ashit, a Bangladeshi boy the Fellowship supports through World Vision, by donating the door collection from our Brigade 'Out of Uniform' Carol Service, together with the offerings from the St John's Carol Service and the Christmas Day Service.  Well, the amount raised has been calculated and, together with a small amount already held in the funds, we will be sending £364.42 to World Vision.   A big, big thank you to all who gave so generously!  The money will be split with 75% being used locally in Ashit's community and 25% going directly to his family.   (We will be continuing our support for Ashit with the monthly donations that are collected through the gold box displayed on the table at the front of our services - from January the box will also be available at our

St John's Services.)

Keeping with the theme of supporting others, the Fellowship has decided to continue for a second year its support of The Smile Train charity .  We usually choose a new charity each year, but the work of The Smile Train proved so popular that over £2000 was raised in 2007.  Smile Train provides funds and training in countries where treatment is not freely available, so that children with cleft lips or palates can receive the corrective surgery they so desperately need.  Our interest in the work of Smile Train has been founded in the knowledge that the treatment is relatively cheap and well within the amounts of money we are likely to raise, the surgery transforms children's lives at the time and for the rest of their lives, and all administrative costs are met by a benefactor so funds raised (without exception) go directly to meeting the costs of treatment.  In the enclosed leaflet you can read more about The Smile Train Charity and see the dramatic change to disfigured children that treatment brings.  I hope you will be able to support with us the work of The Smile Train in 2008 - changing the world one smile at a time.  (Information is also available on the Smile Train web site - click on 'Web Links' to access this.)

It's a long time since we last heard about the Renewal Meetings held in Birmingham but apparently they have been in 'low gear' according to recent publicity.  Anyway, there is to be an event at Birmingham Cathedral on Saturday 19th January starting at 7 pm when the theme will be Hope08.  The speaker will be Bishop Sandy Millar (until recently Vicar of Holy Trinity Church Brompton, the church which founded the Alpha Course).  See David for more information.  (Hope08 is a nation wide initiative in 2008 to encourage churches to increase their involvement with their local communities - more information is available at www.hope08.com). 

The next Hilltop Management Meeting (also the AGM) is on Wednesday 23rd January - leaders please ensure your activity is represented.

Last month's Supper and Skittles evening was well attended and enjoyed by all.  Congratulations to Neil Painter on achieving the highest score during the course of the evening.  Following on from this success, Neil has arranged Sunday Lunch at the Appleby Inn for 27th January.  Everyone is invited, book your places with Neil (893996) by Sunday 20th January.  Adults £10 Children £7.50.  

POLESWORTH PIONEERS

Big thanks to everyone who supported the Bands fund raising Christmas Fayre at Polesworth Memorial Hall in December, the event raised £500 which is being spent on new instruments.  Thanks to all who helped on the day, particularly Ian Reed who provided photographs of the children receiving their presents from Father Christmas.

Thanks also to the Band for entertaining the folk in Birchmoor with carols and seasonal music following the Carol Service at St John's Church.

Taking a well deserved break the Band Staff enjoyed the New Year celebrations in Paris - will this add an international flavour to the music played?