Spiritual Notes
PRAYERS FOR JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012
Week 8th-14th January For those who are celebrating birthdays this week, some special and others more ordinary, may they be times of joy and celebration amongst friends and family.
Week 15th-21st January For this New Year just begun, and for the unknown paths ahead of each one of us, that we may put our trust in God as he leads through the days to come.
Week 22nd-29th January For The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and for the opportunity it affords to work even more closely together with our church neighbours in the Village.
Monday, 30th January For those living in Redesmere Drive, Grasmere Avenue, and Thirlmere Close, may they be aware we hold them in our prayers during this period.
Tuesday, 31st January For the various Housegroups meeting across the month and touching the lives of those who share fellowship together through them, may they continue to be a source of blessing.
Wednesday, 1st February For those for whom the winter weather makes it difficult for them to get out, and who may feel isolated within their own homes, may we be aware of their need.
Thursday , 2nd February For those we know who are undergoing treatment in hospital at the present time, may they know that they are surrounded by the prayers of the church family.
Friday, 3rd February For our Circuit Supper being held this evening and for the opportunity to share fellowship together with our friends from across the Circuit Churches.
Saturday, 4th February For those who are undertaking a tour of duty in places such as Afghanistan, may we hold them in our prayers, and their families who wait for their safe return.
Sunday, 5th February For the small coins we drop into our collecting boxes for such as Action for Children, may we be aware that, together, the small change does indeed make a big difference to their work with deprived and needy families.
Monday, 6th February For those working in care homes, and for all who are resident within them, and who find difficulty in coping without assistance.
Tuesday, 7th February For the very early signs we see of growth in the garden, reminding us that spring is round the corner and that snowdrops, crocus, and daffodils will be bringing colour to our parks and hedgerows within a few weeks.
Wednesday, 8th February For the traders in the Village perhaps experiencing quieter days after the Christmas season, and trusting that local businesses will continue despite the economic difficulties affecting everyone.
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Thursday , 9th February For those who will enjoy lunch today through the WRVS Luncheon Club, for the team who will prepare and serve it, knowing that for some this will be an opportunity to sit with others and share food round the table, rather than eating alone.
Friday, 10th February For the days when we bring to mind those we have loved, but who are no longer with us, may we cherish their memory always and remember the happy times alongside the difficult moments.
Saturday, 11th February For the start of the half term holiday, and the opportunity to relax the regular routine, and take time to be free of the daily timetable of school and other things which make up the busy round of family life.
Sunday, 12th February For those who feel called to be Local Preachers and for all who will be preparing and leading worship in churches across the country, and further afield, today.
Monday, 13th February For those who clean the church premises on a regular, weekly basis, and for others who take their turn on the rota to ensure the sanctuary is freshly cleaned in readiness for Sunday worship.
Tuesday, 14th February For this day called St. Valentine’s Day, encouraging us to declare our love, but a reminder for us to show affection and loving care to those we meet along life’s way.
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Wednesday, 15th February For the Lunchtime Concert series which brings much activity in preparation, but much pleasure in welcoming so many people each month to share friendship together through lunchtime conversation, and a musical experience by talented performers.
Thursday, 16th February For the environment where we are challenged to be careful and caring in our attitude, approach, and use of the earth’s resources, and being aware of our responsibility to the generations of the future.
Friday, 17th February For the athletes preparing for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the huge sacrifices they are making in these last months of training.
Saturday, 18th February For those who are uncertain about whether their job will be secure in future days, and for the implications such anxiety may have on their family.
Sunday, 19th February For the noticeable lengthening of the daylight hours and the realisation once again that the seasons roll on and God’s promise never fails.
Monday, 20th February For all our circuit staff, that they may feel supported in every way, and thinking especially for Paul and Karen as they move into the last months of ministry in the Circuit.
Tuesday, 21st February For the approach of Lent as we come to Shrove Tuesday with all that it means, but tied up in the meaning is the sheer pleasure of enjoying tossing the pancakes and having fun putting into them delicious fillings.(!)
Wednesday, 22nd February For the day that is known as Thinking Day, when Guides think of others across the world, whilst celebrating the joint birthdays of Lord Baden Powell and Lady Olave Baden Powell, and giving thanks for Guiding.
Thursday, 23rd February For those who work amongst those in Prison, and for the chaplains who visit the prisoners, trying to get alongside them, and helping them to come to a faith, whilst realising that the work is tough and challenging, with some success as well as some difficulties to acknowledge.
Friday, 24th February For the Friday Tots group meeting each week, and for those of our church members who are on duty providing welcoming tea and toast, offering conversation, preparing the room and clearing the toys and games, and for the marvellous opportunity this group offers to young parents and their little ones.
Saturday, 25th February For the ‘end of week’ feeling a Saturday brings, and the chance of doing things as a family, or with friends, be it visiting others, enjoying the outdoors, gardening, or relaxing in some other way to recharge the energy levels.
Sunday, 26th February For our superintendent minister, Jackie Betts, as she leads our Café Church Service this morning.
Monday, 27th February For the month of February drawing to a close, and for this quieter time of year, allowing us to lead into the first full week of Lent and to take stock as we journey through the period to Easter.
Tuesday, 28th February For those who care for grandchildren or look after them at the end of the school day until the young parents return from work, and for the joy and challenge, the privilege and energy that mix together in the caring role.
Wednesday, 29th February For this extra day in the year, what will we do with the additional 24 hours, and how will we spend them—will they just fall into the usual busy mix of daily routine, or will it be a day to reflect on time?
Back to Church Sunday - Morning Service
Back to Church Sunday
Cafe-style worship for all ages
Come and join us - all are welcome!
THE YEAR OF THE BIBLE
2011 is the Year of the Bible, and throughout the 12-months period there will be several opportunities for us to look afresh at the Bible, to learn more of it, more about it, and more of what is in it. 2011 is the 400th Anniversary of the printing of the King James Version. Bible Fresh ask that we READ the Bible, be TRAINED well in the Bible, give generously to TRANSLATE the Bible so that the people of Burkino Faso have it available. (This country is a land-locked country in West Africa and is surrounded on all of its six sides. Its name means ’land of honest men’.) The fourth challenge of Bible Fresh is that we EXPERIENCE the Bible in new and creative ways.
The last Circuit event for the Year of the Bible is Wednesday, 23rd November, when you are invited to Mottram St.Andrew Methodist Chapel. Between 2.00p.m. and 3.00p.m. there will be a Reading of 1st and 2nd Thessalonians.
Everyone is very welcome
'Time Out'
'Time Out' is the focus for the group meeting on the second Tuesday evening each month. Take time out of your busy routine, come and join us for a time of fellowship, sharing, prayer and praise. All are welcome.
Church on the Edge Housegroup 1
Church on the Edge Housegroup 1 meets at 30 Windermere Drive and follows a journey through the Bible in this special Year of the Bible.
Church on the Edge Housegroup 2
Church on the Edge Housegroup 2 meets at No.5a. As the Group continues its journey through the Bible in this special Year of the Bible, the theme for December will be the final part in the series.
The Edge of Reason
The Edge of Reason continues with good successes. This cafe-church discussion group experience is proving to be a very positive experience for all who attends. We continue to get a good number of people to discuss some thorny issues over coffee and pastries.
Our next Edge of Reason event is at 4.00p.m. at Costa Coffee, London Road, Alderley Edge on 20th November. '
All ages are welcome. Please note Edge of Reason now meets at 4.00p.m. (not 5.00p.m.)
Contact the Church Office on 01625 586713 or aemc1@tiscali.co.uk for more information.
MESSY CHURCH
Messy Church: You’ll share in fun, games,crafts, worship, and eat a meal together.
Come along and enjoy! 3.30p.m. through to 5.30p.m. The theme in December is a Christmas Party.
You had better come along to find out what all this is about!
