Ladies in the Benefice

Calling Ladies in  the Benefice

Come and “Taste and See”

 

The Group known as “Women Alive” is holding their monthly meeting at Stickland Church on Tuesday September 15^th 3pm – 4.30pm.

We are starting a new Christian Course called  LYFE.

The afternoon starts with tea and cake and there is a warm welcome waiting for you if you are interested in seeing what we get up to!

This LYFE course from the Bible Society is designed to help us grow.

 The first session is about discovering ways to keep the heart and mind focused on God and find rest in him

 The second session is based on how Christ led a holy, yet deeply attractive life – is it possible to be holy without a ‘holier than thou’ attitude? How?

 If you have a Computer, then Google: www.biblesociety.org.uk/about-bible-society/our-work/lyfe/

 I am leading the session on September 15^th, so do join us for an interesting afternoon of fellowship and discovery. Rev. Sue Litchfield

Fun at a super summer fete on the green.

 

 The sun shone and there was a much fun, laughter, tea, cake and soakings to be had in Winterborne Stickland last Saturday.

 Alan was determined to get the bottle of cider - unfortunately he was to be disappointed.





 He had to make do with a cup of water in this drinking game - and a couple of soakings!

 It was a lovely afternoon - thank you to everyone who was involved in making this such a successful village event.

Smug and weird — no wonder it’s a turn-off

Something to think about - worth a read. How do we greet people in our churches? Click on the following link - Smug and weird — no wonder it’s a turn-off

Lambeth Lectures: Archbishop Justin on evangelism - video

Lambeth Lectures: Archbishop Justin on evangelism - video

Raising Awareness at the Fayre

 

Lots of people from St James' church were involved in the fantastic Milton Abbas Street Fayre - it was a wonderful day - thank you!
The tea tent was busy all day outside the church. The South Aisle provided a thought provoking display about the charity WaterAid and a place for people to rest in a quiet area. People drifted in and out, tried lifting the water can, studied the pictures and were able to help themselves to FREE water.


the Rector doing some thinking!

and sometimes it is hard to be encouraged!

 

A Christian Thought for Today - Nathan Haddock

Well Lord, I give up
I'm throwing in the towel
I can't do this any more
Not this week, not any longer
I'm empty, fed up, exhausted...
I'm deflated, hurting, heartbroken
I have nothing left to give
I can't love my neighbour
I can hardly love myself
I can't hurt with the hurting
Or give compassion to the broken
Not now, not any more
I can't be the friend I want to be
I cause more pain than comfort
I can't hope to help
I can't help anyone, no more
It's over to you
I throw my hands up in surrender
I'm beaten, good for nothing
No use to anyone
It's all up to you now
Leave me out of it
Relieve me of my duties
Take full charge
I am an empty vessel
Finished, worthless, useless
But I am your empty vessel
And into your hands I place my being
Your humble servant awaits your call
Not me but you Lord
Not my will but yours
Not in my strength but yours
For my will is weak
And my strength has left me
Bypass me Lord
Through me, but all of you
In your strength Lord
And yours alone
Let me simply be a channel
Take nothing from me
Give everything through me
Nothing of me Lord
Simply you

We should be encouraged!

Sarah H from Turnworth showed me a very encouraging comment that had been added to the vistors' book in St Mary's church Turnworth. It reads:-

13/5/15
"my mum's family did indeed recall hearing Thomas Hardy reading the lesson in this church.
Full of admiration for the way your Benefice works together - just like your mission statement says."