Easter 7

Sunday 20^th May 2012

Prayer ministry: For healing, problems or just to talk; available during the 10.30am service in the St Barnabas Centre.

Uganda School Fees Initiative: This Sunday, 20^th, in the St Barnabas Centre at 10am & 12noon, there will be a selection of cakes and preserves available to purchase between the services. Established favourites include Carrot Cake, Coffee & Walnut and Lemon Curd! Visit the stall and find out more about this valuable project and find a treat for Sunday tea or the freezer, at the same time. Many thanks, Jan

Shine Jesus Shine! Churches Together Bishop’s Stortford and SHINE! invite you to an inclusive worship service on Sunday 20^th May between 3pm and 5pm at The Charis Centre, Water Lane, Bishop’s Stortford. The service is designed for people with a learning disability but people of all ages and abilities are welcome. Refreshments provided. For more information please phone 0790 699 7612

Soul Space service: You are warmly welcomed to a Soul Space service at All Saints’ Church, Hockerill, on Sunday 20^th May, at 6.30 pm. The service is an informal Mass for all ages; through music and stillness in worship, we strive to discover a deeper relationship with Jesus. The All Saints youth groups take an active part both in conducting the service and forming the content. Light refreshments are served after the service.

Pentecost Power! Tuesday 22^nd May, 8.00 – 9.30pm, with coffee at7.45pm. Do come to this whole church meeting, as we think about Mission and the relevance of the Holy Spirit today. William Atkinson from the London School of Theology is our guest speaker. Please bring a Bible and pen or pencil.

The Church flower team are holding a coffee morning on Wednesday 30^th May at 3 The Shearers, (St. Michael’s Mead) from 10am – 12 noon. Entrance £1 to include coffee/soft drink and biscuits. There will be a Raffle, Bring and Buy and a small plant selection.

All-Age Family Picnic: Wednesday 6^th June, Hatfield Forest between 11am & 4pm. This is becoming an annual favourite! Bring your family and friends to the forest. Bring everything you need; lunch, chairs, games. (Entry fee of £5 per car for non-members) Follow the road from the main entrance. Turn left at the T Junction (Right is the Exit), continue on and over a cattle grid, then turn immediate left into the big field/ car park. It is a wonderful day, fun and relaxing at the same time! Ages? Babes to Seniors are all welcome. For more details, ask at the MU table or contact Jan Dean 657307/ jandeanbs@aol.com
Day of Encouragement & Renewal in the Spirit: Monday 11^th June at Bishop Woodford House, Ely, from 9.30am to 4pm, cost £22.  This is a great opportunity to be renewed in our spiritual lives. I’ve booked 8 places but you’re quick we might be able to increase that number. Please let me know asap, Bob.

HBW 2012 – Transformers 13th – 17th August at the Boys High School.

Registration Day is Saturday 30^th June from 9.30am at the Methodist Church Hall. Helper Training is taking place on 27^th June between 7.30 – 9.00pm – venue tbc. If you need either children’s registration forms or helper forms they can be downloaded from the HBW website: www.holidaybibleweek.co.uk The deadline for helpers forms is 28^th May.

If you have any queries please contact Emma White – 01279 504201 or emmaandmalc@hotmail.com

Hannah and Ed’s wedding Saturday 14^th July: Hannah was wondering if anyone would be willing to host one or two of their student friends for a night, so they can attend the wedding. Bed and Breakfast is all that would be required. If you can offer any help, please can you let me know?

Thank you! Jan Dean 657307/ jandeanbs@aol.com

Bishop’s Stortford Deanery Synod urgently requires a Secretary: Four Synod meetings per year plus three or four additional standing committee evening meetings. The burden in general is quite light, the meetings are not usually complex like the PCC where multiple practical issues need to be documented, and are usually completed before 10pm. There are elements of administration which may occasionally require extra time and organisation over and above the typing of the minutes and preparation of the next agenda (samples of both can be provided if that helps) and you will have the opportunity to contribute ideas.

The Lay Chair of the Synod is currently acting as interim Secretary and Treasurer due to retirements (although Toby Braddick has just been elected as Treasurer) and is finding all three roles to be too tiring. She will be continuing as Lay Chair and would be very willing to support the new Secretary as they get up to speed and she will continue to be present at both Synod and standing committee. Both Synod and standing committee meetings can be light hearted and are not dry as some might imagine. We often discuss interesting topics that do or will affect the life of our Parish. The Synod has agreed that should costs incurred be an issue (such as baby-sitters, printing etc.), there are funds available to support the role. If you feel that you may be able to help and would like to ask questions without any obligation (I promise not to bight your arm off), please feel free to have a chat with Toby or our clergy as soon as you can.

Our Vision

is that people come to know and follow Jesus and lives are changed by the transforming power of God’s Spirit.

Our Mission

is to be a “Community of hope” by being:

A Spiritual Community

We long to know Jesus better through worship, prayer and openness to the Holy Spirit.

A Caring Community

We seek to be a welcoming and supportive church family to all.

A Learning Community

We desire to grow in faith and maturity as Christians

An Engaged Community

We aim to serve God in His world, enabling others to encounter Jesus.

HOME GROUPS

At St James, we want to encourage everyone, whether young or old, whether they are just starting to explore faith or an experienced Christian, to be involved with a small group. Home groups meet in homes across the parish at different times and on different days during the week. Each of the groups have a different emphasis or ‘flavour’ but they all aim to encourage the building of relationships – our relationship with God so that we can grow as disciples of Christ, relationships with those in the group so that we can do life together, and relationships with those in the community at large so that we can help to meet their needs.

If you want to get involved or if you are new to the Church or if would simply like further information, please contact Bob Payne or the Home Groups leaders, Ruth Boniface (01279 461058) or Tricia Cooper (01279 831871)

The Revd Bob Payne (Rector)                                   01279 659152

The Revd Rob Wynford-Harris (Ass. Priest)             01279 506645

The Revd Anthea Platt (Curate)                                 01279 506645

Church Office (9.30am – 12.30pm)                           01279 506753

Churchwardens:

Di Griffith                                                                       01279 504574

Clive Weir                                                                     01279 321479

Planning Giving Secretary:

Steve Maddams                                                           01279 659171

Cheques should be made should be made payable to: “THORLEY PCC”

Email: parishoffice@stjamesthorley.org

www.stjames-church-bishops-stortford.org.uk

Please note: With the exception of the prayer list, the weekly newsletter is published on the church website.

Sunday 13^th May 2012

Prayer ministry: For healing, problems or just to talk; available during the 10.30am service in the St Barnabas Centre.

Home Group News: Over the coming weeks there will be a series of sermons on the book of Malachi. There will an opportunity in home groups to look into these in greater depth and see how we can apply what we learn in our own lives.

We will be in the Gathering Hall of the St Barnabas Centre from 10am to 10.30am and after the 10.30 service this Sunday, 13^th May, if you would like to know more about the sermon series, the Pentecost Power meeting or being in a home group in general. Ruth & Tricia.

CRB checks: I will be in the St Barnabas Centre from the end of the 9.00am service to the end of the 10.30am service on this Sunday, 13^th May, to answer your questions about CRB checks, to give out forms, check identification documents & note details of certificates. If your certificate is more than 3 years old you need to be rechecked.

Lesley Parker

Christian Aid Week 13^th -19^th May: House to house collectors required, please contact Christine Solway on 01279 831840, if you can help. Gift envelopes are available at the back of the church for your donation, alternatively give online www.caweek.org or text GIVE to 78866 to donate £5.There will be a service to launch the week, this evening, Sunday 13^th May, at 6pm at St Michael’s.

Stort Valley Pray for Schools Event: Tuesday 15^th May at 8pm in the Windhill Churches Centre. An opportunity to pray for local schools, pupils and staff, learn more about Stort Valley Schools Trust and commission their new schools worker.

Mothers Union Annual Pub Walk: Wednesday 16^th May. Leaving from ‘Medisafe’ car park, Twyford Road, CM23 3LJ at 7pm. Everyone welcome!  Walk with us or join us at the pub for a natter and drink about 8.15 pm. Please sign the list at the MU table to show you are coming! Last chance to sign up this weekend! Phone Jan Dean 657307 / jandeanbs@aol.com for more information.

Scout Community Week: St James’ Scout Group invites you to the Coffee Morning on Saturday 19^th May from 10am to 12noon in the Church Room.  We are raising funds for the FASS School, our international link in the Gambia, and the Scout Development Grants Board.  Scout Community Week replaces ‘Bob-A-Job’ week; whilst you are chatting and enjoying a drink and cake the Scouts, Cubs and Beavers should be working hard in the Churchyard and Church helping to maintain an inviting and cared-for environment for all our visitors.

Breast Cancer Care: On Saturday 19^th May, we, and 15 of our friends, are walking 20 miles around Blenheim Palace for Breast Cancer Care, the charity that is supporting so many people affected by this disease and their loved ones. Thank you to all those that have sponsored us so far and if you would like too please visit www.justgiving.com/bishops-stortford-ladies-volounteer-group. Gill Blair-Park and Annice Osborne.

Uganda School Fees Initiative: Cake and preserve Stall Sunday 20^th May 10.00/ 12.00 in the St Barnabas Centre. Please visit the stall and support us if you can. Thank you, Jan.

Shine Jesus Shine! Churches Together Bishop’s Stortford and SHINE! invite you to an inclusive worship service on Sunday 20^th May between 3pm and 5pm at The Charis Centre, Water Lane, Bishop’s Stortford. The service is designed for people with a learning disability but people of all ages and abilities are welcome. Refreshments provided For more information please phone 0790 699 7612

Soul Space service: You are warmly welcomed to a Soul Space service at All Saints’ Church, Hockerill, on Sunday 20^th May, at 6.30 pm. The service is an informal Mass for all ages; through music and stillness in worship, we strive to discover a deeper relationship with Jesus. The All Saints youth groups take an active part both in conducting the service and forming the content. Light refreshments are served after the service.

Pentecost Power! Tuesday 22^nd May, 8.00 – 9.30pm, with coffee at7.45pm. Do come to this whole church meeting, as we think about Mission and the relevance of the Holy Spirit today. William Atkinson from the London School of Theology is our guest speaker. Please bring a Bible and pen or pencil.

The Church flower team are holding a coffee morning on Wednesday 30^th May at 3 The Shearers, (St. Michael’s Mead) from 10am – 12 noon. Entrance £1 to include coffee/soft drink and biscuits. There will be a Raffle, Bring and Buy and a small plant selection.

Day of Encouragement & Renewal in the Spirit: Monday 11^th June at Bishop Woodford House, Ely, from 9.30am to 4pm, cost £22.  This is a great opportunity to be renewed in our spiritual lives. I’ve booked 8 places but you’re quick we might be able to increase that number. Please let me know asap, Bob.

Hannah and Ed’s wedding Saturday 14^th July: Hannah was wondering if anyone would be willing to host one or two of their student friends for a night, so they can attend the wedding. Bed and Breakfast is all that would be required. If you can offer any help, please can you let me know?

Thank you! Jan Dean 657307/ jandeanbs@aol.com

HBW 2012 – Transformers 13th – 17th August at the Boys High School

Registration Day is Saturday 30th June from 9.30am at the Methodist Church Hall. Helper Training is taking place on 27th June between 7.30 – 9.00pm – venue tbc. If you need either children’s registration forms or helper forms they can be downloaded from the HBW website: www.holidaybibleweek.co.uk The deadline for helpers forms is 28th May.

If you have any queries please contact Emma White – 01279 504201 or emmaandmalc@hotmail.com

Home Group News: There will be a series of sermons on the book of Malachi over the next couple of months, with an opportunity in the home groups to discuss the teaching, and see how we can apply what we are learning to our own lives. If you don’t already belong to a home group would you like to join one? If you would like to know more about this, the Pentecost Power meeting, or would like to chat about anything to do with Home Groups, Ruth and Tricia will be in the Gathering Hall of the Barn between 10 and 10.30am today, and after the 10.30 communion. We will have a display of resources available.

HOME GROUPS

At St James, we want to encourage everyone, whether young or old, whether they are just starting to explore faith or an experienced Christian, to be involved with a small group. Home groups meet in homes across the parish at different times and on different days during the week. Each of the groups have a different emphasis or ‘flavour’ but they all aim to encourage the building of relationships – our relationship with God so that we can grow as disciples of Christ, relationships with those in the group so that we can do life together, and relationships with those in the community at large so that we can help to meet their needs.

If you want to get involved or if you are new to the Church or if would simply like further information, please contact Bob Payne or the Home Groups leaders, Ruth Boniface (01279 461058) or Tricia Cooper (01279 831871)

The Revd Bob Payne (Rector)                                   01279 659152

The Revd Rob Wynford-Harris (Ass. Priest)             01279 506645

The Revd Anthea Platt (Curate)                                 01279 506645

Church Office (9.30am – 12.30pm)                           01279 506753

Churchwardens:

Di Griffith                                                                       01279 504574

Clive Weir                                                                     01279 321479

Planning Giving Secretary:

Steve Maddams                                                           01279 659171

Cheques should be made should be made payable to: “THORLEY PCC”

Email: parishoffice@stjamesthorley.org

www.stjames-church-bishops-stortford.org.uk

Please note: With the exception of the prayer list, the weekly newsletter is published on the church website.

Sunday 6^th May 2012

Prayer ministry: For healing, problems or just to talk; available during the 10.30am service in the St Barnabas Centre.

Confirmation Sunday, 6^th May at 3pm in the St Barnabas Centre: the service will be conducted by the Rt. Revd Paul Bayes, Bishop of Hertford

(The service will be followed by tea and cake)

Please pray for the candidates who are being confirmed: Carol Clark, Stewart McCulloch, Sue Shee & Clive Weir.

Fair Trade Stall: There will not be a Fair Trade Stall this week (6th May) as we are setting up in Great St Mary’s, Sawbridgeworth for the Sawbridgeworth May Fayre. Should you need anything urgently you could always come and see us there! We will be up and running as usual on the following Sunday (13th May).

Little Worship: We warmly invite you to a coffee morning in aid of the Breast Cancer Research Unit, Princess Alexandra NHS Trust & St. Margaret’s Hospital, Wednesday 9^th May 10.00am – 11.30am at The Emmaus Centre. Refreshments, cakes, Phoenix cards & Usborne books.

Bishop’s Stortford College: The Ferguson Lectures: Capitalism- How could Religion respond? Jonathan Bartley. Director, Ekklesia. Wednesday 9^th May at 4.00pm. Ferguson Lecture Theatre. Booking: 01279 838575 or general.enquiry@bishopsstortfordcollege.org

Meeting to discuss & plan all the churches’ activities in relation to the Olympics: Thursday 10^th May at 8pm. The venue is to be confirmed. All churches are invited to send one or two Reps. If you would like more information, then contact Derek Hinge, or Paul Senior or Mione Goldspink. Please let Mione know if you are able to come to the meeting — Tel 01279 656634. mionegoldspink@hotmail.com Thank you.

Plant Sale: Saturday 12^th May 11.00am – 2.00pm at the Emmaus Centre. A superb selection of annuals – bedding plants, trailing & colourful flowers for containers & baskets, vegetables – tomatoes, peas, beans, herbs – & some perennials. Matthew is supplying three times as many plants as last year, so they should last out. There will of course be refreshments – tea/coffee & scrumptious cake for £1.50 Lesley Parker

Prayer Breakfast: Saturday 12^th May 7.45am–9.00am in the St. Barnabas

Centre. All Welcome.

Coffee Morning to support Christian Aid: Saturday 12^th May from 10am to 12noon at Water Lane URC Church Hall. Plants and cakes, Bric-a-brac and books.

CRB checks: I will be in the SBC from the end of the 9.00am service to the end of the 10.30am service on SUNDAY 13^th MAY to answer your questions about CRB checks, to give out forms, check identification documents & note details of certificates. If your certificate is more than 3 years old you need to be rechecked. Lesley Parker

Christian Aid Week 13-19 May: House to house collectors required, please contact Christine Solway on Tel: 831840, if you can help. Gift envelopes are available at the back of the church for your donation, alternatively give online caweek.org or text  GIVE to 78866 to donate £5.

Mothers Union Annual Pub Walk: Wednesday 16^th May at 7pm. Please join us for our annual pub walk. Please book the date, new route being sought. More details soon! EVERYONE WELCOME! Walk with us or join us at the pub for a natter and drink. Please sign the list at the MU table to show you are able to come.

Breast Cancer Care: On the 19th May we, and 15 of our friends, are walking 20 miles around Blenheim Palace for Breast Cancer Care, the charity that is supporting so many people affected by this disease and their loved ones. Thank you to all those that have sponsored us so far and if you would like too please visit www.justgiving.com/bishops-stortford-ladies-volounteer-group. Gill Blair-Park and Annice Osborne.

Help needed with Week of Prayer: Churches Together Week of Prayer at the United Reform Church is being held between Sunday 20^th & Saturday 26^th May inclusive during the hours of 6am to 10pm. I need help with organising the St James Rota for Tuesday 22^nd May. It is not onerous and you will inevitably receive more than you give into the event. Please talk to Clive Weir 07952 835781 or 321479 or cj.weir@ntlworld before 13^th May.

Scout Community Week: St James’ Scout Group invites you to the Coffee Morning on Saturday, 19^th May from 10am. to 12noon in the Church Room.  We are raising funds for the FASS School, our international link in the Gambia, and the Scout Development Grants Board.  Scout Community Week replaces ‘Bob-A-Job’ week; whilst you are chatting and enjoying a drink and cake the Scouts, Cubs and Beavers should be working hard in the Churchyard and Church helping to maintain an inviting and cared-for environment for all our visitors.

Soul Space service: You are warmly welcomed to a Soul Space service at All Saints’ Church, Hockerill, on Sunday 20^th May, at 6.30 pm. The service is an informal Mass for all ages; through music and stillness in worship, we strive to discover a deeper relationship with Jesus. The All Saints youth groups take an active part both in conducting the service and forming the content. Light refreshments are served after the service.

The Church flower team are holding a coffee morning on Wednesday 30th May at 3 The Shearers, (St. Michael’s Mead) from 10am – 12 noon. Entrance £1 to include coffee/soft drink and biscuits. There will be a Raffle, Bring and Buy and a small plant selection.

Wakisa Ministries Sponsored Walk May 2012: Paul and Lorna Beaufrère are training hard for a 240km pilgrimage walk, the Camino Portuguese, from Porto to Santiago de Compostella in 10 days and ask you to sponsor us in this endeavour, for the benefit of Wakisa Ministries, a Christian charity founded by Lorna’s sister, Vivian Kityo. (Vivian spoke to a Mothers Union meeting here last year).

Wakisa Ministries delivers both care and life and work skills to some 25-35 abused, abandoned, vulnerable, pregnant girls – all under 15 years of age – in residential accommodation in Kampala, Uganda. Last November, Wakisa’s dormitory was completely gutted by fire: we are raising funds for the rebuilding programme (£35,000!). More information on Wakisa may be found on the website www.wakisaministriesug.com

In the hope that you will contribute to this worthy project, a subscription list is pinned on the notice board in the St Barnabas Centre Gathering Hall.

Paul and Lorna Beaufrère.

Sunday Afternoon Teas: Thank you to those people who responded to our plea for helpers during May, we just need someone to cover the 3^rd week (Sunday 20^th May) now. To volunteer, or for more information, please contact Philip Hargrave (01279 657273) or any member of the Friends’ Committee. Thank you.

The Revd Bob Payne (Rector)                        01279 659152

The Revd Rob Wynford-Harris (Ass. Priest)    01279 506645

The Revd Anthea Platt (Curate)                      01279 506645

Church Office (9.30am – 12.30pm)                 01279 506753

Churchwardens:

Di Griffith                                                 01279 504574

Clive Weir                                                        01279 321479

Planning Giving Secretary:

Steve Maddams                                              01279 659171

Cheques should be made should be made payable to: “THORLEY PCC”

Email: parishoffice@stjamesthorley.org

www.stjames-church-bishops-stortford.org.uk

Please note: With the exception of the prayer list, the weekly newsletter is published on the church website.

Fun for all the Family

Book the date in your diary!

Speaker – William Atkinson (Academic Vice Principal at London  School of Theology)

6th May 2012 Bishop of Hertford

6th May 2012 Bob Payne

TIME EVENT LOCATION Thursday 3^rd 11am – 12noon TrailBlazers Church Room Friday 4^th 7pm – 10.30pm Whist Drive Thorley Christian Centre Sunday 6^th 9.00am Service of Holy Communion CW Church 10.30am All Age Service St Barnabas Centre 2.30pm – 5pm Afternoon Teas Church Room 3.00pm Confirmation Service St Barnabas Centre Tuesday 8^th 10am Home Group See Church Office for location 8pm Home Group See Church Office for location 8pm Home Group See Church Office for location Wednesday 9^th 10am – 11am Little Worship Emmaus Centre 5pm – 6.30pm Brownies Emmaus Centre 8pm Home Group See Church Office for location 8pm Home Group See Church Office for location 7.45pm – 9pm Choir Practice Church Thursday 10^th 8pm Home Group See Church Office for location 8pm Home Group See Church Office for location Saturday 12^th 7.45am – 9.30am Prayer Breakfast St Barnabas Centre Sunday 13^th 9.00am Service of Morning Prayer BCP Church 10.30am Service of Holy Communion CW St Barnabas Centre 2.30pm – 5pm Afternoon Teas Church Room 7.30pm – 9.00pm Gap Youth group: School years 8, 9 & 10 St Barnabas Centre 7.30pm – 9.00pm Gap Cell group: School years 11, 12 & 13 See Church Office for location Monday 14^th 5.15pm – 6.15pm Rainbows Emmaus Centre 7pm – 8pm Marriage & Baptism Enquiries St Barnabas Centre 8pm – 9pm Worship Group practise St Barnabas Centre Tuesday 15^th 10am Home Group See Church Office for location 8pm Home Group See Church Office for location 8pm Home Group See Church Office for location Wednesday 16^th 10am – 11am Little Worship Emmaus Centre 5pm – 6.30pm Brownies Emmaus Centre 8pm Home Group See Church Office for location 8pm Home Group See Church Office for location 7.45pm – 9pm Choir Practice Church Thursday 17^th 8pm Home Group See Church Office for location 8pm Home Group See Church Office for location Friday 18^th 7pm – 10.30pm Whist Drive Thorley Christian Centre Sunday 20^th 9am Service of Holy Communion BCP Church 10.30am Service of Morning Prayer CW St Barnabas Centre 2.30pm – 5pm Afternoon Teas Church Room 6pm – 7pm Evening Service Thorley Christian Centre 7.30pm – 9.00pm Gap Youth group: School years 8, 9 & 10 St Barnabas Centre 7.30pm – 9.00pm Gap Cell group: School years 11, 12 & 13 See Church Office for location Monday 21^st 5.15pm – 6.15pm Rainbows Emmaus Centre 8pm – 9pm Worship Group practise St Barnabas Centre 8pm – 9pm Pudding Club Church Room Tuesday 22^nd 10am Home Group See Church Office for location 7.30pm All Church Meeting St Barnabas Centre Wednesday 23^rd 10am – 11am Little Worship Emmaus Centre 5pm – 6.30pm Brownies Emmaus Centre 7.45pm – 9pm Choir Practice Church Sunday 27^th 9.00am Service of Morning Prayer CW Church 10.30am Service of Holy Communion CW St Barnabas Centre 2.30pm – 5pm Afternoon Teas Church Room 7.30pm – 9.00pm Gap Youth group: School years 8, 9 & 10 See Church Office for location 7.30pm – 9.00pm Gap Cell group: School years 11, 12 & 13 See Church Office for location Monday 28^th 5.15pm – 6.15pm Rainbows Emmaus Centre 7pm – 8pm Marriage & Baptism Enquiries St Barnabas Centre 8pm – 9pm Worship Group practise St Barnabas Centre Tuesday 29^th 10am Home Group See Church Office for location 8pm Home Group See Church Office for location 8pm Home Group See Church Office for location Wednesday 30^th 10am – 11am Little Worship Emmaus Centre 5pm – 6.30pm Brownies Emmaus Centre 8pm Home Group See Church Office for location 8pm Home Group See Church Office for location 7.45pm – 9pm Choir Practice Church Thursday 31^st 8pm Home Group See Church Office for location 8pm Home Group See Church Office for location

Prayer ministry: For healing, problems or just to talk; available during the 10.30am service in the St Barnabas Centre.

Annual Vestry Meeting and Annual Parochial Church Meeting to be held on Sunday 29^th April in the St Barnabas Centre starting at 10.30am: Please think and pray about these meetings. We need to elect two Church Wardens who serve for one year, and three PCC representatives who will serve for three years. ‘Retiring’ PCC members are Steve Poulter, Lizzie Tait and John Wiseman; all three are eligible for nomination for a second term. Nomination sheets are available in the St Barnabas Centre.

Fair Trade Stall: The Fair Trade Stall will be up and running as usual this week (Sunday 29^th April). However there will NOT be a stall on Sunday 6^th May as we are taking it to Great St Mary’s in Sawbridgeworth for the Sawbridgeworth May Fayre.

So, if you need anything in the next couple of weeks, please buy it from us this Sunday – or come and visit the stall in Sawbridgeworth on the 6th!

Pam and Steve

Confirmation Sunday, 6^th May at 3pm in the St Barnabas Centre: the service will be conducted by the Rt. Revd Paul Bayes, Bishop of Hertford

(The service will be followed by tea and cake)

Please pray for the candidates who are being confirmed: Carol Clark, Stewart McCulloch, Sue Shee & Clive Weir.

Meeting to discuss & plan all the churches’ activities in relation to the Olympics: Thursday 10^th May 10th at 8pm. The venue is to be confirmed later. All churches are invited to send one or two Reps, plus extra people if they are keen to be involved — all will be welcome. If you would like more information, then contact Derek Hinge, or Paul Senior or Mione Goldspink. We will be discussing the Torch Relay (July 7th), Games Pastors, providing accommodation for the relatives of Athletes, and having “Open Church” during the games, amongst other things.

Please let Mione know if you are able to come to the meeting — Tel 01279 656634. mionegoldspink@hotmail.com Thank you very much. Thank you very much.

Coffee Morning to support Christian Aid: Saturday 12^th May from 10am to 12noon at Water Lane URC Church Hall. Plants and cakes, Bric-a-brac and books.

Mothers Union Annual Pub Walk: Wednesday 16^th May at 7pm. Please join us for our annual pub walk. Please book the date, new route being sought. More details soon! EVERYONE WELCOME! Walk with us or join us at the pub for a natter and drink.

Soul Space service: You are warmly welcomed to a Soul Space service at All Saints’ Church, Stansted Road, Hockerill, on Sunday 20^th May, at 6.30 pm. The service is an informal Mass for all ages; through music and stillness in worship, we strive to discover a deeper relationship with Jesus. The All Saints youth groups take an active part both in conducting the service and forming the content. Light refreshments are served after the service.

Wakisa Ministries Sponsored Walk May 2012: Paul and Lorna Beaufrère are training hard for a 240km pilgrimage walk, the Camino Portuguese, from Porto to Santiago de Compostella in 10 days and ask you to sponsor us in this endeavour, for the benefit of Wakisa Ministries, a Christian charity founded by Lorna’s sister, Vivian Kityo. (Vivian spoke to a Mothers Union meeting here last year).

Wakisa Ministries delivers both care and life and work skills to some 25-35 abused, abandoned, vulnerable, pregnant girls – all under 15 years of age – in residential accommodation in Kampala, Uganda. Last November, Wakisa’s dormitory was completely gutted by fire: we are raising funds for the rebuilding programme (£35,000!). More information on Wakisa may be found on the website www.wakisaministriesug.com

In the hope that you will contribute to this worthy project, a subscription list is pinned on the notice board in the St Barnabas Centre Gathering Hall.

Paul and Lorna Beaufrère.

Sunday Afternoon Teas: Thank you to those people who responded to our plea for helpers during May, we just need someone to cover the 3^rd week (Sunday 20^th May) now. To volunteer, or for more information, please contact Philip Hargrave (01279 657273) or any member of the Friends’ Committee. Thank you – Toby Braddick, Margot Cage, Des Conridge, Bill Hardy, Philip Hargrave, Lin Holme, Rosemary Jones, Lina Loadman, Margaret Morley, Lesley Parker, Sue Russell and Christine Tew.

SAFE-UK: Thank you to all those who donated a blanket to a gogo in the alternative mothers’ day gift appeal. On my recent visit to Malawi, I was able to give over 50 blankets to the gogos of Samuel Makoka and Kapitikusya in Kachere. They were absolutely delighted and were dancing with joy! Thank you also to all those who helped with washing and ironing sports kit. My son, his fiancée and I took out over 100 sets of sports kit for the SAFE-LIFE youth clubs and lots of wool as the young people are learning to knit hats and little sweaters for kangaroo ward and malnutrition unit at Zomba hospital. There are some photos on the church website. Tara Wright

Uganda School Fees Cake Stall: Thanks to everyone who visited the stall last Sunday. A total of £156.50 was raised and has gone to the Kermu orphans’ fund this time. Thanks also  to the anonymous gifts that have come through my front door in recent months. They have gone into the Uganda School Fees initiative fund. Thank you for your kind generosity. The next stall will be Sunday 20^th May.

Our Vision

is that people come to know and follow Jesus and lives are changed by the transforming power of God’s Spirit.

Our Mission

is to be a “Community of hope” by being:

A Spiritual Community

We long to know Jesus better through worship, prayer and openness to the Holy Spirit.

A Caring Community

We seek to be a welcoming and supportive church family to all.

A Learning Community

We desire to grow in faith and maturity as Christians

An Engaged Community

We aim to serve God in His world, enabling others to encounter Jesus.

HOME GROUPS

At St James, we want to encourage everyone, whether young or old, whether they are just starting to explore faith or an experienced Christian, to be involved with a small group. Home groups meet in homes across the parish at different times and on different days during the week. Each of the groups have a different emphasis or ‘flavour’ but they all aim to encourage the building of relationships – our relationship with God so that we can grow as disciples of Christ, relationships with those in the group so that we can do life together, and relationships with those in the community at large so that we can help to meet their needs.

If you want to get involved or if you are new to the Church or if would simply like further information, please contact Bob Payne or the Home Groups leaders, Ruth Boniface (01279 461058) or Tricia Cooper (01279 831871)

The Revd Bob Payne (Rector)                         01279 659152

The Revd Rob Wynford-Harris (Ass. Priest)   01279 506645

The Revd Anthea Platt (Curate)                       01279 506645

Church Office (9.30am – 12.30pm)                 01279 506753

Churchwardens:

Di Griffith                                                             01279 504574

Clive Weir                                                            01279 321479

Planning Giving Secretary:

Steve Maddams                                                 01279 659171

Cheques should be made should be made payable to: “THORLEY PCC”

Email: parishoffice@stjamesthorley.org

www.stjames-church-bishops-stortford.org.uk

Please note: With the exception of the prayer list, the weekly newsletter is published on the church website.