July/August 2019

Greetings Church and I wish you Shalom.

Many of you will know that shalom is a Hebrew word meaning peace, harmony, wholeness, completeness, prosperity, welfare and tranquillity. It can equally be used as hello and goodbye as it can wish people well when you meet them and when you depart.

Over the next couple of months there will be holidays, trips, examination results and the start of a new school year. The UK system rarely requires a student to remain in the year that they have completed and so for most of the young people they will face change and new experiences. It is therefore even more important that they have chance to re-create during the long vacation and I believe that we should also try to take advantage of a quieter time in church life.

Many of you are working very hard to ensure our churches are open and operating well. I have been very impressed by the number of people who dedicate their time and energy to ensure that good order is maintained and there is everything ready for worship and church events. Please take the opportunity to relax when you get the chance and enjoy time of re-creation.

During the First World War, those fighting on the front line would serve for a given number of days and then retreat in order to replenish reserves before returning to the battle. The men were not expected to remain at the ‘front’ until they perished. There was acceptance that retreating enhanced the performance of the soldier.

In summary, I urge you to find the time to relax and reflect on the shalom that our Lord offers to us so that we can join God in His mission to the community we find ourselves to be apart.

Blessings, Peter

Peter and Dawn invites the congregations to the Manse at 165 Casterton Road Stamford PE9 2XZ for an afternoon garden party) of food and drinks on Saturday 27th July or Saturday 24th August 2019 from 2.00pm to 6.00pm.  Either date is open to members of either church.  RSVP for catering purposes please.  Please ensure that you let Peter and Dawn know which you are intending to attend as soon as possible.

There will be a joint coffee morning with All Saints Church and Stamford URC on 3rd July at 10:30 am
    This will be at Frank and Marilyn’s house at 3, The Paddocks, Tinwell. PE9 3UZ

KNIT AND NATTER

The knit and natter table will be in the hall on 19^th July.  This will be the final time it will be there.  Knitters please keep knitting and bringing your knitted goods to the hall.  The coffee morning staff will be pleased to take it from you, store it and it will be sent where it is needed most.  I have still some supplies of needles, patterns and wool.  If you need any of these items, please do not hesitate to contact me on 0742 8820 671 and I will arrange to get whatever to you.

          Thank you for all your hard work over the years and your continued support.                                       Sue Samuels

Diary Dates for July and August