Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth and the life, No one comes to the Father but by me."
John 14:6
 

UPCOMING EVENTS:


11 February 2012

CWS Walking Group

Meet at Christchurch  [more]

12 February 2012

Morning Worship

Led by the Minister  [more]

12 February 2012

Cafe Church Evening Worship

Led by the Minister  [more]

18 February 2012

T@3

‘Charles Dickens’ Hugh Greenhalf Again a warm welcome will be assured for anyone...  [more]

19 February 2012

Morning Worship

Led by the Minister  [more]

Mission

AGAPE

Great news!

We have reached our target of £20,000 !!!!

So many people have contributed in a variety of ways in order to reach this goal. We look forward to the day when we can learn of the delight of the children of Gooty as the new school buildings become a reality.

A heartfelt thanks from all the committee for all the hard work and generosity we have encountered whilst engaged in this project.

What is AGAPE?

It is a project to raise money to re-build two primary schools for the poor in Gooty, andhra pradesh, south india

Who is Involved?

At the time of writing, the following are involved:

  • Christchurch Abbeydale
  • The children, parents and teachers of Heron and Abbeymead Primary Schools
  • The Local Community

Other interested parties are hoping to "come on board"

The Story so Far...

When Les Mather came as minister to Christchurch Abbeydale he was bringing to a conclusion a project to rebuild two primary schools for the poor in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh an hour’s drive away from Gooty). He visited Anantapur again in February 2008 to open the two schools and whilst travelling in the area he saw the schools in Gooty, which are in a worse condition than the ones were in Anantapur. Hence this project!

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If you would like to know more please talk to Les.

The cards being sold in aid of the Agapé Project, Susanna Cards, were produced by June Lunn. She combined her skill with and love of photography with her firm Christian commitment, which led her to want to find ways of supporting and helping those in need in many places overseas as well as in Britain.

June travelled a great deal for the church, and as a member of the National Committee of Women’s World Day of Prayer, as well as privately, giving her many opportunities to find beautiful scenes to photograph. The cards are a result of this desire to help others and have been sold around the country to raise funds for many projects. Sadly, June died in 2007, but her husband Ian, a former Chairman of the Bristol Methodist District, continues to sell the cards, while stocks last.

 

Agape Harvest of Talents

There were two ‘celebrations’ at the Harvest Service early in October. The whole worship area was enhanced with displays celebrating ‘the Harvest of our Lives’ - the article elsewhere in this magazine gives a glimpse of the variety of skills exhibited.

And then there was the culmination of ‘the Harvest of Talents’ where those who had used their talents to ‘grow’ their £10 were asked to present the money they had made during the service. The amount so far is £1,439!

The following comments reflect the reaction to this innovative service: "Wonderful" - "I had no idea of the variety of skills".

Hadrian’s Wall Walk

The total for Audrey’s sponsored walk keeps increasing - now at £445. - thanks to Audrey’s exertions.

Fashion Show

What a fun evening was had by all who went to this event - and Alice, Jenny, Sam, and Val showed their talent as they paraded the catwalk! £272 has been added to the Agape fund as a result!

Heron School Fund Raising

Many thanks to the school for £107 .50p just received from their fundraising effort

Coming Events at Christchurch

10th December - Mini-market

15th January - New Year Party - (See opposite)

19th February - An Evening of Music

16th April - Bury Music Centre Big Band

Watch out for more details later in December.

Your Support

Thank you to all who continue to hold this project in your sights, initiatives and prayers. Together we can make a difference to the children’s learning environment in Gooty India when the schools are built. Mavis Wood

 

Christchurch Charitable Giving

For some years now Christchurch has been supporting a range of charities from the offerings made to the church. Since 2010 we have been associated with no fewer than twenty-six charities, which are listed below. This year there will be special opportunities to support these charities over the Christmas period and we hope that church members and others associated with Christchurch will respond as generously as they are able.

The twenty-six Christchurch charities are as shown below:

 

Local charities

Listening Post Christian counselling service for people in Gloucestershire

Gloucester City Mission Taking Jesus and the church onto the streets of Gloucester

Redcliffe College Interdenominational theological and mission college in Horton Road

Hospital Chaplaincy Spiritual care team at Gloucester Royal Hospital

Open the Book Presenting dramatised Bible stories in local schools

Street Pastors Cares for those in danger on the streets of Gloucester at weekends

UK children’s　charities

Action for Children (NCH) Children in care and young people with disabilities (Methodist)

Spurgeons Vulnerable families, children and young people (Baptist)

Children’s　Society Children facing harm, violence, neglect or discrimination (C of E)

UK charities working with the underprivileged

Christians Against Poverty Debt counselling

Prison Fellowship Those in prison and others affected by crime

Church Urban Fund Runs Christian projects in deprived inner city communities

Overseas Missionary Societies

Baptist Missionary Society Evangelism and holistic mission in 34 countries (Baptist)

Council World Mission Education, mission and training (URC)

Church Missionary Society Evangelistic mission in 50 countries (C of E)

Methodist Church World Fund World mission and training (Methodist)

Overseas Projects

World Vision Christian relief and development work to combat poverty

Anglicans in World Mission Healthcare, education and action for social justice

Link: Chris Wagstaff (Milling machine in Tanzania)

Overseas Persecuted Church

Christian Solidarity Worldwide Human rights working for those persecuted for Christian beliefs

Barnabas Fund Supporting Christian communities in the Muslim world

Hope Christian Trust Understanding and peace in Palestine (Bethlehem College)

Overseas Medical Mission

Mission Aviation Fellowship Evangelism by air and information technology in remote countries

Hope UK Surgical needs in poor and developing communities (Mercy Ships)

Christian Blind Mission Treating disabilities and preventing diseases worldwide

Non-Governmental Organisations

Christian Aid Social justice, disaster relief and measures to combat poverty

Tearfund Working with a worldwide network of churches to reduce poverty