Gift Day. Although this was last Sunday, it is never too late to make a donation. Thank you very much everyone who has already done so.
A reminder. We now have a list at the back of the church which allows you to volunteer to do one of the Bible readings on a nominated Sunday. Please do add your name and save Sue constantly having to seek out readers. A reminder is needed as, last time I looked, no one had signed up.
Helen has volunteered to host the July Coffee Morning, (on 12th) so it is going ahead. We do not have one in August and the September, October and November dates are now taken. That just leaves December (13th) for someone to volunteer for. Please either email me, telephone me or add your name to the list on the noticeboard at the bottom of the stairs if you want to take it..
Kingswood Foodbank needs are tinned veg & spuds, jars of coffee, microwave rice, and ladies shower gel. Thank you all very much.
The annual Methodist Conference is underway in Telford. The Conference is the body that agrees policy for the Methodist Church. It first met in 1744 under John Wesley, who gathered together his assistants (both ordained ministers and itinerant lay preachers) to confer together about 'what to teach, how to teach, and what to do, ie how to regulate our doctrine, discipline and practice.' Please pray for all those attending.
I have had an email from a member of a local charity called Southern Brooks which focuses on community development. It says ‘we are currently looking for people who are 65 and older and interested in volunteering and I'm wondering whether anyone at your church might fit the bill?’ If anyone is interested, please let me know and I will pass your details on.
Music in Kingswood Park continues with fortnightly Sunday performances through the summer. Today (29th), the Concord Wind Band is playing from 3 to 5pm.
From S Glos Newsletter: “Kingswood Tabernacle is looking for enthusiastic individuals to help create a truly special community venue, a place where memories are made, stories are shared, and community flourishes. Roles are varied and offer the chance to make a real difference, from providing strategic guidance as a trustee to offering hands-on support as a volunteer.”
Lectionary 29th June to 5th July. 1 Kings 19.15-16,19-21; Psalm 16; Galatians 5.1,13-25; Luke 9.51-62. Free to be kind. Christ has set us free and we should not go back to our old, enslaved ways. However, this is not a freedom to do anything we want – instead, we should imitate Christ in becoming slaves to one another and loving our neighbours as ourselves. Paul encourages believers to live by the Spirit, rather than the flesh, and to cultivate the good fruit that the Spirit gives. Think about the freedom we have been given in Christ to serve others and show kindness to all we meet.
A number of dates were agreed at last Saturdays AGM. These include Christmas Fayre on Saturday 15th November Carol Service on Sunday 21st December Christmas Fun Finders on Mondays 22nd and 29th December February Warm Space week to be the week starting Monday 16th Other dates to note are Summer Fun Finders on Thursdays 21st & 28th August and Autumn Warm Space Week will start on Monday 27th October.
The Potters Wood Methodist Church Flower Festival is on Saturday 5th July (10am to 4pm) and Sunday 6th (2 to 4pm) followed by a Songs of Praise at 6pm. The theme of the festival is ‘all things bright and beautiful’.
A new book about Bristol's churches - aptly called Churches of Bristol - is being published in July. There hasn't been a book like this for many years in Bristol. The book is not big enough to include every church in the city but it's still a fascinating read I’m told.
Book club over the summer. The idea is to invite people across the Circuit to read a book, then come together to chat and discuss it. If you are interested, what book would you suggest to read? If you have an idea, please let Peter know and he will pass it on to Martin Slocombe.
A catalyst for Discipleship and Evangelism. An opportunity to be inspired, share resources, stories and ideas on Saturday (21st) at Badminton Rd Methodist Church, from 10:30 to midday.
Local News. In Kingswood Park, a Community Library. People are being encouraged to visit whenever they are passing the Park to take a book or leave a book for someone else to enjoy. There will be regular checks to ensure its kept clean and tidy.
From the Circuit Office: “Do you have a spare room you can rent to a refugee in Bristol? Refugee Welcome Homes is a local Christian CIC that supports local people to rent a room in their own home to a refugee recently granted status (right to live in UK, work etc). We provide ongoing support to refugee lodgers so you don't need to! We're specifically looking at the moment for 2 rooms in a home in Bristol for a mum and her 18 year old daughter. “
A new report has revealed the extent to which churches in Bristol are engaged in vital social action projects. The Bristol Thriving Communities report, released by Good Faith Partnership and Christian Action Bristol, analysed 195 churches in the city. It found that two-thirds of Bristol churches run social action projects, of which 75 per cent provide support for children or community hubs. Many of these are part of the national Warm Welcome Campaign, a network of over 5,200 spaces nationally which are free to enter, warm, and offer a listening ear and signposting to other support. This includes KMC.
The Methodist Church in conjunction with the faith organisation In Hope have launched the web site ‘Try Pilgrimage’. “Try Pilgrimage encourages Christians and non-Christians to embark on a unique journey to discover people, make new experiences and engage with their community. The website shares existing pilgrimage routes but also enables members of the public to step out of their comfort zone, create their own pilgrimages and share them on the website.” https://www.methodist.org.uk/about/news/the-methodist-church-and-hope-together-launch-try-pilgrimage. Peter can provide more info for those not on the internet.
The Methodist Church in Britain is issuing a formal apology to anyone who has been hurt or abused in any of the Mother and Baby Homes that it was responsible for in the past. Peter can provide more details if you would like them.
The purpose of Kingswood Methodist Church is to respond to God's Love in Christ and to live out that love in God's world.