Notices 23rd February to 3rd March 2014

SUNDAY Second before Lent	23rd	8.00 am 10.00 am	Holy Communion Holy Communion (Our 1st Sunday for  Lent Themes) (No Seekers today – schools’ half term holidays)
MONDAY	24th	12.30 pm	Sunny Days post natal support group in the Meeting Place
TUESDAY	25th	10.00 am   2.30 pm   7.45 pm	Holy Communion in the Meeting Place TLC in the Meeting Place. New members always welcome No Brownies or Guides in the Upper Hall – half term Standing Committee in the Meeting Place
WEDNESDAY	26th	10.30 am   6.00 pm   7.30 pm   7.30 pm    8.00 pm	No Peekaboo this week – Half Term Care4You support workers team meeting in the Old Vestry Yoga with Yolande Swift resumes in the Upper Hall Baptism Preparation evening in the Meeting Place Wed Home group at Jacqui’s home (N.B. Venue change) (W.I. are going out for a meal this evening) Tai Chi with Gary Shaw in the Upper Hall
THURSDAY	27th	10.00 am   3.00 pm   6.30 pm   7.00 pm	Weight Watchers in the Upper Hall Chairobics in the Meeting Place Weight Watchers in the Upper Hall St Paul’s Music Listening Group in the Meeting Place
FRIDAY	28th	8.30 am to 4 pm	NTP Services Ltd. – Classroom Training for Commercial Drivers in the Old Vestry all day
SUNDAY Sunday next before Lent	2nd	8.00 am 10.00 am 6.00 pm for 7 pm	Holy Communion Morning Worship         (No Seekers today – schools’ half term holidays) Focus Service in the Nave with refreshments in the Meeting Place

Questions! Questions! 

From what I have heard so far the next QQ will be on Wednesday evenings starting on 30^th April at 7.30 pm in the meeting place (we finish about 9.00 pm).  We will then meet on May 7^th, 14^th, 21^st and 28^th (though we could miss 28^th as it is half term) then June 4^th, 11^th, 18^th and maybe the 25^th.  Please book the dates in your diary and let me know if you are thinking of coming along.  Murray

Another Prayer Day at Longshaw

I have provisionally booked the Moorland Discovery Centre at Longshaw for Saturday 3^rd May for another Prayer Day.  We had our first last autumn and people were so appreciative that I said that I would try to arrange two each year.  The day started at 10 am and finished at around 4.00 pm and the cost was £5 to cover the cost of hiring the Centre.

Last time I lead some meditations in the morning and talked a bit about prayer and stillness.  We then had a leisurely lunch (most people brought their own but you can go down the café if you prefer).  We then had a bit of time to wander around on our own, being quiet and appreciating the wonderful scenery before getting together to share our experiences during an informal Communion.

As it will be a couple of weeks after Easter resurrection will be very much the theme and I hope that spring will be all around us (but the Centre did seem to be well heated if it is still a little cool!).

The Centre worked well with around twenty of us, we could perhaps fit a few more in but that number enabled us all to sit around in a semi-circle.  If you can’t make this one I hope to be booking another date for the autumn.  Please put the date in your diary now and I will collect names nearer the time.  Murray

THANK YOU Many thanks to everyone for their best wishes and all the lovely cards Roger and I received on becoming first time Grandparents. Rob & Lucy and their new baby son are all doing well. (I’m afraid he doesn’t yet have a name!)  Thanks again, Cathy

PLANT SALE & COFFEE MORNING  with books and cakes on Sat 10^th May from 10 am to 1 pm to raise money for the Fabric Fund for the remaining window repairs.  If anyone would like to grow something for us to sell, it would be very much appreciated. Please see Ken for suggestions.

SAINSBURY’S ACTIVE KIDS 2014 VOUCHERS There’s now a box in church if you would like to save your vouchers for equipment for St Paul’s Beavers, Cubs & Scouts please. Help us to help equip our young people for a healthier life!

‘THE STANAGE STUMBLE’ CHALLENGE WALK  For details of how to obtain sponsorship forms for  this year’s event on 4^th May, please see the notice board in the hallway. All profits from this event will be donated to the Home Start (Sheffield) who run Sunny Days, our post natal support group, which is held on Mondays in the MP at 12.30 pm.

FUTURE EVENTS .  If you're planning any sort of event to be held in church during 2014 could you please send details to Liz Warren so that we can complete a year planner and make sure that everyone is catered for and we don't end up with dates that clash or try to organise events too close together.    Is there any sort of event that you would like us to have but is missing from our usual schedule?  Let us know and we'll see what we can do.    

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE  presented by Meersbrook Park Church Operatic Society  from Tues 4^th to Sat 8^th March at 7.30 pm at Dronfield Civic Hall.  Please telephone Mrs Kath Hirst – ticket secretary on 0114 25576340114 2557634

M.U. - MAKE A MOTHER’S DAY – Sunday 30^th March.

This Mothering Sunday, as you remember your mother, help us to change the lives of people all over the world by buying a “Make a Mother’s Day” gift. Please see posters in church for details of inspirational ethical gifts from £4-£10.

M.U. meeting on 12^th March – Jacqui will be leading a Meditation for Lent. EASTER CARDS will be on sale in church very shortly. Enquiries to Jacqui & please put your payment in the oak box under the MP notice board.

NEW GROUPS  ART CLASS - The Workers’ Educational Association is bringing an Art class to St Paul’s, owing to refurbishment works at the Church of the Nazarene. The classes with Veronique Oodian will begin in the Old Vestry on Monday 28^th April at 2.00 pm for an 11 week block. More details to follow soon.

WEEKLY TUITION & HOMEWORK CLUB - Help for all ages with focus on English, Maths & Science, run by qualified teachers, providing small group work and homework workshops. Venue: The Old Vestry at St Paul’s Church & centre from 3.30 -5.30 pm starting on Thursday 6^th March. Discount available for siblings.  One to one tuition also available. For details call HJ Tuition on 0114 25548890114 2554889 or 07846957711 or visit hjtuition.vpweb.co.uk

Mike’s Ministry:  

Sun 23^rd – St Paul’s 10.00 am H.C.

Sun 2^nd March – St Paul’s 10.00 am Morning Worship

From Murray

You may remember that I was going to lead a retreat in the desert while I was in Dubai.  It did not turn out quite a planned!  There had been a bit of rain that week which would not have been good, but it was actually the wind that proved more of a problem.  It was a breezy day and in the desert that turned into a sand storm!   Our first stop was enveloped in a bright, gritty fog so we quickly moved on to where the air was clearer and we were able to sit in the shelter of the vehicles.  We were wondering what to do when someone arrived to tell us that our intended camp site was actually a conservation area - though there were no notices so I am not sure how we were supposed to know!  One of the families then offered the use of their garden - so that is where we ended up.  That was where I shared most of what I had prepared - not in the place I expected - but was still a great experience!  Most of the group stayed for a barbecue in the evening and some of us camped there for the night.

Call

Send SMS

Add to Skype

You'll need Skype CreditFree via Skype

Notices 16th to 23rd February 2014

SUNDAY Third Sunday before Lent	16th	8.00 am 10.00 am   6.00 pm     6.00 pm	Holy Communion Family Worship – No Seekers today MOTHERS’ UNION  M.U. will have a cake stall after the 10 o’clock service to raise money for AFIA (Away From It All.)  M.U. arranges holidays for under privileged families and we fill a hamper of food for them to take with them. Please support this! Focus Service in the Nave with refreshments in the Meeting Place (arrive 6.00 pm for 7.00 pm start) “Vine Time” Service in the Old Vestry – all welcome!
MONDAY	17th	11.00 am 12.30 pm	Funeral in church  Sunny Days post natal support group in the Meeting Place
TUESDAY	18th	10.00 am   2.30 pm   6.15 pm   7.30 pm	Holy Communion in the Meeting Place with Coffee and Fellowship to follow – please join us! TLC in the Meeting Place. New members always welcome Brownies in the Upper Hall Guides in the Upper Hall
WEDNESDAY	19th	10.00 am 10.30 am      7.30 pm   7.30 pm   8 .00 pm	Peekaboo for parents, carers, babies and toddlers in the Nave with refreshments in the Meeting Place Care4You team meeting in the Old Vestry NO Yoga with Yolande Swift in the Upper Hall resumes 26th Feb. Marriage Preparation in the Meeting Place with Murray, Ann and Revd Toby Hole from St Chad’s Church W.I. ‘Craft and Chat’ in the Old Vestry Tai Chi with Gary Shaw in the Upper Hall
THURSDAY	20th	10.00 am 12.30 pm   3.00 pm   6.30 pm   7.30 pm	Weight Watchers in the Upper Hall Family Group Conference with Anna McLean in the Old Vestry to 4.30 pm Please do not disturb. (Please also note: The Clergy Vestry will be in use too for the Social Workers to withdraw to.) Chairobics in the Meeting Place Weight Watchers in the Upper Hall Thursday Prayers in the Meeting Place. Everyone welcome – please see Gail if you’d like more information.
FRIDAY	21st	7.30 pm	Worship Group Rehearsal in the Old Vestry Schools break up for half term holiday
SATURDAY	22nd	11.00 am  to 4 pm	“Baby Shower” Party in the Upper Hall
SUNDAY Second before Lent	23rd	8.00 am 10.00 am	Holy Communion Holy Communion (No Seekers today – school holidays)

Questions! Questions!  From what I have heard so far the next QQ will be on Wednesday evenings starting on 30^th April at 7.30 pm in the meeting place (we finish about 9.00 pm).  We will then meet on May 7^th, 14^th, 21^st and 28^th (though we could miss 28^th as it is half term) then June 4^th, 11^th, 18^th and maybe the 25^th.  Please book the dates in your diary and let me know if you are thinking of coming along.  Murray

PLANT SALE & COFFEE MORNING with books and cakes on Saturday 10^th May from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm to raise money for the Fabric Fund for the remaining window repairs.  If anyone would like to grow something for us to sell, it would be very much appreciated. Please see Ken for suggestions.

1914 – 2014 CENTENARY - CELEBRATION EVENTS

2014 marks a very special year of Centenary Celebrations for the Diocese of Sheffield. Please see the church notice boards for Sunday afternoon events from May to November. Each of the celebrations will begin around

2.00 pm and end about 5.00 pm, and will include some bible teaching from Bishop Steven, an act of Worship, activities for all stages, and picnics (bring your own!) and refreshments.

Please note: The two events in Sheffield are on 8^th June at Sheffield Cathedral and 22^nd June at Beauchief Abbey.

SAINSBURY’S ACTIVE KIDS 2014 VOUCHERS There’s now a box in church if you would like to save your vouchers for equipment for St Paul’s Beavers, Cubs & Scouts please. Help us to help equip our young people for a healthier life!

THE UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD’S SPRING 2014 EVENTS

Brochures for the concert series can be found on the book case at the back of church. Discover new music in a showcase of concert performances and learning events.

‘THE STANAGE STUMBLE’ CHALLENGE WALK  For details of how to take part and how to obtain sponsorship forms for  this year’s event on Sunday 4^th May, please see the notice board in the hallway. All profits from this event will be donated to the U.K.’s leading family support charity, Home Start (Sheffield) who run Sunny Days, our post natal support group, which is held on Mondays in the Meeting Place at 12.30 pm.

FUTURE EVENTS .  If you're planning any sort of event to be held in church during 2014 could you please send details to Liz Warren so that we can complete a year planner and make sure that everyone is catered for and we don't end up with dates that clash or try to organise events too close together.    Is there any sort of event that you would like us to have but is missing from our usual schedule?  Let us know and we'll see what we can do.    

 ARTS ALIVE 2014 – A FESTIVAL OF CREATIVITY will be held at The Montgomery on Saturday 5^th July from 3.00 pm. Please see notice board for details and application form. N.B. The submission date for entry forms has been extended to the end of February.

THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE  presented by Meersbrook Park Church Operatic Society  from Tues 4^th to Sat 8^th March at 7.30 pm at Dronfield Civic Hall in the civic Centre. For tickets please telephone Mrs Kath Hirst – ticket secretary on 0114 2557634

Mike’s Ministry:

Sun 23^rd – St Paul’s 10.00 am H.C.

Prayer Focus: 

We continue to pray for those who are bereaved, orare ill and those who care for them

From Murray

What a great Conference (or sleepover with our Bishops as I still think of it)!  There were 37 of us including Bishops Steven and Peter, 24 male clergy and 11 female.  I was really struck by how many women there were and by how much they added to and enriched our time.

We thought quite a bit about what I will call ‘nurture groups’ – they go by different names but they are really about helping people to grow in faith and are especially geared for people who are new to faith.

Bishop Steven urged us all to be leading this sort of group and as I had led Questions! Questions! three times last year I felt affirmed in my efforts.

We thought about the content of such groups and what we are aiming to achieve through them.  Bishop Steven told us that research shows that it does not matter much which nurture group material is used, it is the process of learning together which is so important.  The nurture series that worked best were the ones written by the people who led them (I had to avoid feeling smug at this point!)

All in all it was a great two days.  It was so refreshing to chat to many people - old friends and new - and be part of a process where we were listening carefully to each other and working together on subjected which were not only important to us but vital to the growth of God’s Church. 

It was not all work.  On the Tuesday evening we enjoyed a particularly good meal with a couple of bottles of wine to share per table (courtesy of the Bishops.)  We came together from very different traditions of the church yet there was great unity of purpose and at our final session almost all said how positive it had been.