Forthcoming Events
See the Church Calendar for information about services and events. Below is further information about some of these events and information about other events that we have been asked to publicise.
Bridge at Thirst takes over Thirst Café, Wednesdays from 6:30-8pm/8:15pm (term time)
This is an excellent venue and provides an opportunity for young people (Year 7+) to meet up with friends and make new ones in a fun, safe environment. It’s run through Bridge Church. There's an optional 'Bitesize Bible' study from 8-8:15pm. Do speak to Al or Emma Evans if you’d like to know more.
Youth Ministry in the Deanery meeting, Tuesday 17th September at 8pm
Anyone who is interested in youth ministry within our area is encouraged to attend the next Bishop’s Stortford Deanery Synod meeting (at St James the Great, Thorley) which will be focusing on this important subject.
Anointing and laying on of hands
At the 10am service on Wednesday 18th September and at the 10am Parish Communion service on Sunday 20th October we will offer anointing and laying on of hands for healing.
Defibrillator training, Friday 20th September
We have a few extra spaces for this course (10am-12noon). If interested, please contact bill.macdonald@hotmail.co.uk
Heritage Open Day, Saturday 21st September
The Church and Belltower will be open to visitors from 10am to 4pm. If you’d like to join one of the free 30 minute Belltower tours between 2-4pm, please book on 01279 710200.
Helpers required – Please would you consider providing a welcome for an hour on that day? Refreshments will be set out at the back of Church plus appropriate literature. There a sheet in the Publicity Area for people to sign, so that we spread the load. Please do consider helping. Many thanks, Rosemary, Churchwarden.
The Friends’ Outing, Saturday 21st September
This year we’re going to Bury St Edmunds: to St Edmundsbury Cathedral. We will travel by coach (8:15am from Sainsbury's Thorley and 8:30am from St Michael’s) and have a guided tour on arrival. The rest of the time, you’ll be free to enjoy the day and all the attractions available, back in Bishop’s Stortford at about 6pm. Sign up in the Publicity Area in church or contact Rob (robertklincke@gmail.com / 833523).
Mums of St Michael’s Prayer & Fellowship Group, next meeting Friday 27th September
Being a mum can be tough. Trade your anxiety for hope, joy and peace, in a friendly, prayerful environment. Every other Friday in term-time in the WCC, next on 27th September. Coffee at 9am; 9:15 start.
Winter Night Shelter Open Day, Saturday 28th September, Holy Trinity
An informal day from 11am-4pm to promote the work of the shelter. “We would very much like to see you there, for others to appreciate your kind support to the Shelter.”
Patronal Festival, 29th September
Services for St Michael’s and All Angels will be 8am Holy Communion, 10am Parish Communion with the Choir, followed by refreshments and cake. At 6pm we will hold a special Songs of Praise service including popular hymns chosen by members of the congregation, who will share their significance to their faith and lives. All welcome.
'Connect', Youth Discussion Group, next session Sunday 29th September, 7:30pm, Thirst Youth Cafe
Connect groups will be starting up again for the new term, and will be at Thirst Cafe every second and fourth Sunday of each month. We did daily Connect groups at Soul Survivor to talk about faith and how we can apply Christianity and its principles in real life, which were great fun. We may have to run multiple small groups at a time if demand proves high enough (we can hope!) We've got some great resources lined up to really make these groups more exciting and productive (and are hoping to also run a Youth Alpha soon, tbc).
Harvest, Sunday 6th October
We will celebrate harvest at 8am, 10am and 11:15am services on Sunday 6th October. There will be a Red Bucket for the Bishop’s Appeal, Light up Tanzania: bringing solar electricity to the poor and isolated rural communities of the Singida region. Food gifts for Harlow Foodbank.
The Social Committee invite you to a
Harvest Lunch in the WCC at 12:45pm. (Cottage Pie and Dessert £5) Please sign the list at the back of church noting any dietary requirements. We ask you to bring your own drinks and glasses and we look forward to seeing you! Pam J-C 504012 or Sarah White 654031
Confirmation Service at All Saints, 7:30pm, Wednesday 23rd October
We are running some informal preparation sessions after Tiny Tots on Wednesdays from 11:15am-12 noon. Please come along or speak to Derwyn for details.
Company on Sunday Lunch, Sunday 3rd November
Do sign up in the Publicity Area nearer the time, or email the Parish Office, if you’d like to join us for a two or three course meal. Whether you’re alone or just fancy a change for lunch once a month, do bear these occasions in mind.
Parish Breakfast, Sunday 10th November
From 8:50-9:50am in the Windhill Churches Centre. In due course, there will be a sheet in the Publicity Area for you to sign if you’re coming but don't worry if you forget as everyone is welcome.
Thanksgiving for Rob’s Reader Ministry, Sunday 17th November
As Rob ‘retires’ from licensed ministry and receives his Permission to Officiate, we have the opportunity to mark this with him at the 10am Parish Communion.
Visit to Rochester Dickensian Christmas Fair, Saturday 30th November
All the details for this are in the magazine and the booking folder is in the Publicity Area. Please sign up soon so that we can definitely go ahead and speak to me if you have any queries. It will be another wonderful day! Rosemary.
Holly Fair, Saturday 7th December 2019, Windhill Churches Centre
This is our main fund-raising event of the year and we are looking for helpers both on the day and in the coming weeks. In addition to stall holders we need people to help with tasks like wreath-making and setting up the rooms on the preceding Friday. Anyone who has not
previously been involved but would like to help will be warmly welcomed. We would also appreciate donations for the various stalls. Collecting boxes will be in church from November, either by the welcome desk or at the back of the church. If you have anything to spare (e.g. unwanted gifts, bottles, accessories, chocolate) everything will be gratefully received and will help us to have a very successful day.
Martyn Greenwood/Val Ashwood
Oberammergau 2020
Just to advise that the booking for Oberammergau 2020 will remain open for a few more weeks. This wonderful play is being advertised in the national newspapers but not as good a tour, particularly cost wise, as the one promoted Tailored Travel through us! Further details from Rosemary Thomson.