Monthly Magazine and Events November 2011

Dear Friends

Sunday 27 November is our annual Gift Day. In the September magazine I wrote that by the end of 2010 we had to spend £3248 of our capital on running costs.  In September I gave this summary:

These are the difficult facts for 11 September – 31 December 2011:

Projected total loss, if giving continues at present rate:  £9248

Weekly loss: £578

Extra giving required including Gift Day divided by 34 adults

£17 extra on average by each adult per week

Or £9248 less Gift Day £4756 (2010 figure) = £4492 divided by 16 weeks = £281 per week divided by 34 adults 

= £8 extra on average by each adult per week

+ Gift Day £4756 divided by 34 adults = £140 on average.

At the time of writing we don’t have enough information to know whether or not giving has increased since September or by how much.  My intention is to give you an update well before Gift Day.

Have you included St Thomas’ in your will?  If not, please consider adding a codicil (extra instruction), or making a will in the first place.

I am repeating 3 important perspectives, as I have nothing extra to write:

1. We have given average figures for each adult in St Thomas’ – our incomes and outgoings are all different.  Our giving is between us and God – some can give less than the average and some more.
2. St Paul wrote about this in his 2^nd Letter to the Christians in Corinth, ch 8, vv 12 – 14.
3. We can pray as individuals, families and as a church about St Thomas’ financial needs.  If God wants St Thomas’ to continue, He will show us how those needs will be met.
4.  

In Service Bible Readings Explained

Click here for an explanation by Nick about the current three year cycle of bible readings in the services at St Paul's. what he has to say is also relevant for worship at Thomas' 

Christian Funerals

‘For I am convinced that neither death nor life … nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord’ – St Paul to the Christians in Rome 8, 38 – 39.

10 October                                    Jack Greenhalgh                                               93 years

Church Mission Society                           Biddy Dawson writes:

Shelagh Wynne wrote from Thailand a couple of months ago. She has been unwell and was diagnosed with pernicious anaemia in the Spring. Regular injections have made a great difference and Shelagh now has more energy and is getting back to her normal social life. Recently she has returned from a relaxing holiday at the coast, much refreshed.

Shelagh wrote about her role as secretary to the Board of Friends of China. The meetings in August went well. Several colleagues have left recently so the team in Chiang Mai have reduced to four. Shelagh now has to communicate with the placement manager by skype or email rather than face to face as he is based in China. Pray for them with their extra workload.

Membership of the church of one of Shelagh’s colleagues increased at Easter as 16 people were baptised. People are also finding friendship with Christ in China as workers find different ways of sharing their faith. A cause for great rejoicing!

Shelagh is wondering what God has in store for her after her home leave next autumn. Do pray with her as she explores options. Hopefully we will get to see her when she is at home then.

Diary Dates

11 November: School 2011 Extension Opening by Pauline Pleasant, by invitation

13 November, 10.30: Remembrance Sunday Act of Worship

27 November: Gift Day

4 December, 10.30:  Sunday School Awards at All Age Holy Communion

10 December, 9.30 – 1.30: Quiet Day at Langley, Middleton, led by Bishop Mark

     Yours sincerely, Andrew Dawson