September 2007
THE SMILE TRAIN CHARITY
In June the Girls' Brigade Junior Section arranged a sponsored walk around Kingsbury Water Park to raise funds for this years Fellowship charity 'The Smile Train'. The walk was very well supported, big thanks to everyone who came. It was hot (one of the June days when the sun really shone), the route was interesting (i.e. jungle conditions), and the midges were biting (some individuals suffered more than others). Now the sponsorship has been collected and £351.50 was raised! Well done!! This will pay for two children to have the operation they so urgently need.
The Smile Train charity provides funds for surgical operations to repair children's cleft lips and palates. The cost of each operation is around £150. Donations to date have paid for six operations. If you would like more information about the charity see David. Donations can be made anonymously in envelopes marked 'Smile Train' and placed in the Sunday offering.
POLESWORTH PIONEERS
September is a busy month for the Band with bookings on the following dates:
Saturday / Sunday 1st & 2nd The Band is performing at the Shackerstone Family Festival, this is well worth a visit (follow the signs from A444).
Sunday 9th Ansley Village Hall Celebration. The Church Hall has recently been refurbished and the grand reopening and celebration will include performances from the Band.
Sunday 16th Brigade Church Parade
Saturday 22nd 'Come Aboard' Canal Mission. The Band will be performing on the events field during the afternoons activities.
'COME ABOARD' CANAL MISSION
So, let me tell you more about the Canal Mission. It involves some fifteen narrowboats, all the crews being members of the Boaters Christian Fellowship. The event is over two weeks starting in Polesworth on the 22nd and 23rd. It then moves on to Whittington for the second weekend and finally to Fazeley for the closing celebration. As the convoy travels along the canals it will be stopping each day for school visits and events at local pubs whilst also offering boat trips to the public. Tamworth churches are supporting the Mission as well as all the local churches in Polesworth, Birchmoor and Dordon.
In Polesworth the main event will be on Saturday 22nd on the Abbey Green Park with the narrowboats tied up alongside on the canal. Entertainment will be provided by the Amington Silver Band, The Polesworth Pioneers Marching Band and a group of musicians from Tamworth Churches. For the children there will be Michael the Clown, Balloons and Tunes, Puppeteers and storytellers. All the narrowboats will be open for inspection and some will offer short trips along the canal. In addition, there will be craft stalls, refreshments and Fairtrade goods available.
Saturdays events start at 2 pm and are free.
On Sunday at 1 pm, following our usual morning service, we join the members of the other churches in Polesworth Abbey Gardens for a time together with music and conversation. Again there will be children's entertainers to keep the youngsters happy. Around 3 pm we make our way to the canal for the blessing of the boats and crews by Father Philip and their grand send off.
This will be a really colourful and interesting weekend of events - do 'Come Aboard'.
You will have noticed a change in the newspaper that comes with this months Diary of Fellowship events. Welcome to the 'Good News' newspaper (doesn't quite roll off the tongue as you might want!)
We have previously circulated the Challenge Newspaper for some years and have recently been looking for an alternative. 'Good News' was chosen for its wider range of articles and because we think it is generally a better read. Of course we would be really interested in your views!
So, from now on it's 'Good News' every month!
We also have available the glossy magazine 'Inspire' which features a similar range of articles. If you don't already receive 'Inspire' and would like to view a copy give Elaine a ring on 893752. 'Inspire' also comes delivered free of charge each month.
THE GOLDEN BOX
On the table at the front of our church services sits a golden box and when the offering is taken many, particularly the children, drop coins into the box. Why? And whilst questions are being asked - who is Ashit?
Let me explain. Over four years ago the Fellowship agreed to sponsor a child through World Vision at a cost of £18 per month. We 'adopted' Ashit, a five year old Bangladeshi boy. Ashit is now ten years old and David has just received his annual school report together with latest photo (ask David if you would like to see them). The report shows that Ashit continues to progress satisfactorily, that his favourite subject is Bangla, he likes playing cricket and enjoys sports. At home he has to help with the shopping and his dream is to become a teacher. At Christmas he received the gift of a blanket from World Vision.
The Golden Box? Well, that's where donations are placed each week towards the monthly amount we send to Ashit. What's really encouraging is how the children at the Fellowship have taken an interest in Ashit and regularly give to support him. For a family to take on the sponsorship of a child through its growing years is a big commitment and beyond what most can afford, but should you want to help, you can always add your gift into the Golden Box.
At the end of each August we balance the amount collected against that sent and the surplus is forwarded to World Vision who use it for the benefit of Ashit?s community.
AND FINALLY
For Fellowship Enrolled Members, a reminder that the next Business Meeting is in the Hall on Monday evening 3rd September at 7.30 pm.
For those with pets Rev Val Hicks Vicar of Dordon is holding a pet service in the church grounds on Sunday 30th at 5 pm - everyone welcome. (I think she is very brave!)
David
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