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December 2009 Newsletter

St Ives Methodist Church
27, The Waits,
St Ives,
Cambridgeshire.
PE27 5BY

Minister: Rev Matt Finch

Tel: 01480 462293
Mobile: 07968 692390
Email: matt.finch@simc.co.uk

Sunday Services
6th December 10:30am Rev Matt Finch
Holy Communion

13th December 10:30am Derek Rutherford

Rev Matt Finch and

20th December 10:30am
Ruth Horton
FRIDAY Christmas Day Service
th 11am
25 December at the Free Church, St Ives

27th December 10:30am Leonore Charlton

3rd January 10:30am Rev Matt Finch

A loop system is in use in this church.

In order to use this please put your
hearing aid to the ‘T’ position.
 A warm welcome to anyone who is visiting
St Ives Methodist Church for the first time. Please stay for
a free cup of tea or coffee in the church after the service.

Children’s corner
Activities are available at the back of church. Please
feel free to join us at any time during the service.

Church Meetings
St Ives Methodist Church (SIMC) run various groups that meet on
different days of the week. For more details of a specific group’s
events, please pick up a leaflet from the leaflet rack in the
corridor opposite the kitchen.

Day Time Meeting

Mondays Fellowship and Bible
2-4 pm House Group
(alternate weeks) Study
9:30 – Morning Prayers / A special time of
Tuesdays 10am reflection
Communion
10- Meet other parents,
Tuesdays 11:30am
Toddlers Group have a chat

10 -12 Drop in for a cup of

Tuesdays Open Door
noon tea and a chat

Afternoon Hymns, prayer,

Tuesdays 2 pm
Fellowship various speakers.
Thursdays Various speakers on
st rd 7:30 pm Open Circle topics of interest
(1 and 3 )

Sundays 7:30 pm Phos Young Adult group

A letter from the Minister...
Will your turkey taste like Delia’s? Will your
roast potatoes be a beautiful as Jamie’s? Will
your presents be wrapped as beautifully as
‘Good Housekeeping’? As much as we strive
for the perfect Christmas, I fear, many of us do
not get there!

If we look to the first Christmas it is not about

perfection but God coming to the real world
with all its struggles. Soon we will sing of the season of peace, goodwill,
love for all and of giving. These are words of hope for a messy
complicated world that cries out for the love of God. A proper Christmas
is not about the tree being just right but fathoming that God chooses to
come to our fragile world to heal and renew it.

The Christmas story is not just well meaning words but it is God’s action.
In the birth of the Jesus we see God not ignoring the world but becoming
one of us to change it. ‘God with us’ means more than an abstract
presence somewhere that we can feel if we think about it. It is the truth
that Jesus knows what we are feeling because he experienced it. Just
think Jesus was born into an occupied territory, without a home to call his
own, born to a teenage mother, and lived as a refugee as he grew up!
Jesus knows our world is not easy.

At this festive time may you know the message of hope that comes
wrapped up in cloths and laid in a manger. In the weakness of this child
God comes to challenge the way this world works and offer a way to
transform it; a liberation to the captive; a love for the unlovable, a peace
to the distressed and wholeness to the broken.

Whoever you are and whatever faces you may you know that the baby
born in a manger is born for you.

Every blessing this Christmas and New Year,

Matt finch
Church Events
Christmas Services with St Ives Methodist Church
This December we are organising and participating in various
Christmas services and events. We would love to invite you, your
friends, neighbours and families to any or all of the events. You
will be most welcome.

Remembering Service
Wed 9th 7pm A special service to remember those who
are in our thoughts at Christmas time.
Taize Healing and Wholeness Service
Wed 16th 7pm
A reflective and meditative worship service.

Carol Service
Sunday 20th 4pm
Come and join us singing traditional carols.

Nativity for Children

Thurs 24th 4pm
The Christmas story for children.

Christmas Eve Communion

Thurs 24th 11pm
At the Free Church, Market Hill, St Ives.

Christmas Day service

Friday 25th 11am
At the Free Church, Market Hill, St Ives.

All of these dates can be found on our Christmas services

postcard available at the back of church. Please take a postcard
to give to friends and family.
Christmas Tree Festival
Thank you to all of you who have been involved in making the
Christmas Tree Festival a success. If you haven’t been able to
attend and would like to, it will still be open on Sunday 6th
December from 12:30 – 5pm at Huntingdon Methodist Church.

CATS Carol Service

Folk from St Ives CATS regularly join our church on a Tuesday
morning for an enjoyable social time. We are pleased to be
hosting a special Carol service for the learning disabilities group in
the Church on Tuesday 15th December at 1:30pm. All are very
welcome. A light lunch is available for anyone who would like to
join us, and tea and cakes will be served afterwards.

Open Circle Carol Service

On Thursday 17th Dec at 7:30pm, Open Circle would like to invite
you to a Carol Service, followed by mince pies. All are welcome. A
collection will be made in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

A Nativity for Children

This year we are doing a special Christmas Eve service for children
and their families. At 4pm we will gather in the main church, sit
on real straw bales, and hear the Christmas story with the help of
puppets, crafts and carols! Please come along with your children,
grandchildren or even great-grandchildren! Children are invited
join in and come dressed up as either a shepherd, angel or king. If
you are planning to come please let Wendy Williams know
(830597), so we can make sure we have enough crafts to go
round. There will be a mince pie and drink at the end.

Churches Together Carol Singing

Meet outside the Free Church at 11am on Friday 18th December
to join CTSI Carol Singing, in aid of Christian Aid.
‘Breathe’ and ‘Phos’
You may have seen events called Phos and Breathe in the notices
or heard on the grapevine of such things and perhaps wondered
what on earth they are. Well to put your mind at rest they are
two expressions of faith with in the life our church that seek to
connect with people in their 20’s and 30’s. Phos meets every
Sunday evening at Matt and Yaz’s- where we drink coffee, eat
biscuits, share together in bible study, discussing questions about
life and faith. It is a place for people of similar age to grow
together. Breathe is a service that will be happening every other
month in the new year. It is an act of worship that seeks to use
multimedia, engage the senses and again make the Christian faith
relevant to 20’s and 30’s who would not be able to understand
what happens on a Sunday morning. If you have any more
questions or would like to come along ask Matt Finch or a
member of the Leadership Team.

Church Family News

We were delighted to welcome into the family of the Church, by
baptism on Nov. 15th, Rory Edward Fabian Harris- Sullivan. We
were also enchanted by his two sisters sharing in the service,with
Anushka playing the piano, and Alenska reading the lesson. What
a talented family!

We would like to extend a warm welcome to those who have

recently joined us. It is good to see new faces in our midst and we
look forward to getting to know you more in the coming weeks.
Do speak to Matt, or one of our Stewards, if you would like more
information about any of our Church activities.

If you have news or announcements that you would like to share

with the church family in the January Newsletter please contact
Stuart Wilkinson.
Please Pray...
As a church we believe that prayer makes a difference because
God listens and answers.

We continue to remember in our prayers all those who are

housebound and unable to get to Church any longer. Particularly
we remember Jim Dale, Ted and Jenny Woolford, and Connie and
Ray Rogers.

We also remember in prayer those of our fellowship who are

unwell, undergoing tests and treatment, and all worried and
anxious about their own health or that of loved ones. During the
past months we have been mindful of David Turner, Bill Purvis,
Bill Gurry, Nan Duplessis and Margaret Harris, but we also know
there are many others who need the love and support of our
Church family at this time.

We pray for those who will be attending The Remembering

Service this month, and for everyone for whom Christmas can be
be a difficult time, especially those who are facing their first
Christmas without a loved one.

Please pray for those who have little this Christmas time. We
think of families locally who are facing times of hardship, and
those around the world who will receive no gifts. We are thankful
for the help our church has been able to provide through
shoeboxes and black bin donations, and we pray these gifts may
be received as an outpouring of God’s love to a needy world.

If there is anything that you would like to be prayed for please

write it in the Prayer Book at the back of the church, let the
Leadership Team know or contact prayer@simc.co.uk .
Notices
The Black Bin
St Ives Methodist Church would like to help families in need in
our local community this Christmas time. If you are able to
donate any of the following gifts they will be gratefully received:
dry or tinned food, nappies, baby items, new toys/books, toiletries
or cleaning products. Please place them in the black bin at the
back of the church. If you missed it, listen to the church sermon
from 15th November for further information.

Church Christmas Card

If you would like to leave a Christmas message for members of
our church family there is a communal Christmas card at the back
of the church. Any Christmas donations will be gratefully received
and will be used to support the work of The Methodist Church’s
children’s charity, Action for Children.

Open Circle
The Open Circle group would like to invite you to come along.
Open Circle meet on the first and third Thursdays of the month,
are open to both men and women and would be delighted to
welcome new members. For more information please pick up a
new programme at the Open Circle Carol Service or contact the
President, Audrey Hedger on 01954 200418.

Thank you
We would like to thank members of Open Circle for leading our
worship on 22nd November. If you were unable to visit church for
that service or if you would like to hear it again, please visit the
church website or ask Stuart Wilkinson for a CD copy.
Foyer Project
On Sunday 29th November Rev Matt Finch formally launched The
Foyer Project, a major redevelopment of the front area of the
church. Matt shared some of the thinking and theology behind
the ideas for the front of the church. If you were not able to be at
church on 29th November, please do listen to the recording of this
message, either on the website, or CD copies are available to
borrow. If you don’t already have one, please also pick up a Foyer
Project booklet from church, or if a friend can’t collect one for
you we can send you a copy in the post.

The Leadership Team hope that this will be a time of renewal and
excitement for the church. It is not simply an idea for making the
church prettier. It is about finding God’s plans and purposes for
us. To this end we encourage you to reflect and especially pray
about the plans, keeping an eye on important meetings, and
communicating your thoughts to the Leadership Team.

If you would like to pray about the project and discuss the plans
further there will be two meetings: Thursday 17th December
7:30pm or Wednesday 20th January 2010 7:30pm at St Ives
Methodist Church. All are welcome. Please don’t worry if you
can’t make one of the meetings as they will both be the same
material and discussion and two dates are simply to enable more
people to be involved. There will be more meetings in the future
to share any significant developments or to discussion decisions
that need to be made.

The Leadership Team would welcome your feedback on the

project. Please complete the blue feedback form inside the foyer
booklet and place it in the box at the back of church. Please
remember to write your name on your form as this will help us to
reply to your comments.
Autumn Fayre
So many church friends contributed gifts, produce, time and
energy to make this a very successful event. It all came together
on the day and resulted in a fantastic £932.30 being raised for
church funds.
Wendy Ware would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to Ruth for
opening the Fayre, Jean and her helpers for producing the very
popular lunches and everyone involved in any way. It wouldn’t
happen without you.

Operation Christmas Child – Shoebox Appeal

A grand total of 158 shoeboxes were collected! Thank you to
Madge Harrison, Kay Hender and all who were involved in
organising, wrapping, filling and collecting shoe boxes, including
Thorndown School, the Tots Group and many many others. Thank
you, everyone, for the tremendous difference that your hard
work will make to many children this Christmas.

Church Theatre Trip to see ‘Les Misérables’

A huge thank you to Wendy Ware for organising the trip to see
Les Misérables. All who went had a fantastic day out.

Mince pies for Christmas

We are hoping to serve drinks and mince pies after our Carol
service on Sun 20th Dec and after the Children’s Nativity on 24th
Dec. Any contributions or offers of help would be appreciated,
particularly on Christmas Eve. Please speak to Barbara or
Maureen if you are able to offer any help. Many thanks !

Weekly Offerings for November

1st November £529.11 22nd November £483.14
8th November £474.50 29th November £426.29
15th November £672.75
The Church Leadership Team
There are several members of the church who have been appointed as
Leadership Stewards of the church. These individuals meet together with
our minister to discuss matters of development within the church.

Areas of specific responsibility have now been allocated to members of

the leadership team to reflect the gifts and talents they are able to offer
to the church.
Rev Matt Finch
Minister
(01480) 462293
matt.finch@simc.co.uk
Don Moorman Yaz Finch
Property and Finance Mission and Evangelism
(01487) 842002 (01480) 462293
don.moorman@simc.co.uk yasmin.finch@simc.co.uk

Pat Paddon Wendy Williams

Spirituality and Discipleship Children and Families
(01480) 496439 (01480) 830597
pat.paddon@simc.co.uk wendy.williams@simc.co.uk

Margaret Harris Stuart Wilkinson

Ministry to the Advanced in Years Communications
(01480) 436885 (01480) 389623
margaret.harris@simc.co.uk stuart.wilkinson@simc.co.uk

Your Leadership Team aims to be approachable if you wish to discuss

any matters relating to church affairs. Please do get in touch with them!

The Leadership Team usually meet approximately once every six weeks,
and beginning in next month’s newsletter, a summary of relevant issues
discussed will now feature in this newsletter to keep the wider church
informed of matters arising.
Newsletter Feedback
In the summer, following wide consultation with the church, it was
agreed to replace the magazine and weekly notice sheet with a monthly
newsletter for a 4-month trial. Last month, a feedback form was
included with the newsletter to gauge opinion of whether the monthly
newsletter should continue. An overwhelming 92% of responses were
favourable towards the monthly format continuing. The feedback has
been valuable in knowing how to move forward with the newsletter.
Our Leadership Steward with responsibility for communications, Stuart
Wilkinson, addresses some points raised.

Can we have different coloured paper to tell issues apart?

What a good idea! This was always the intention, but due to initial supply
difficulties obtaining differently coloured recycled non-bleached paper the early
issues were all variations of yellow! You’ll happily see this matter has now been
resolved and should provide distinction between issues.

Can we include the first week of the following month on the front?
Yes, from the November issue this has now been included so it is always clear who
will be preaching the following week – even if it’s the last week in the month.

We need better quality printing – it is not always easy to read.

Unfortunately, we have been plagued with photocopier problems for some copies
of the newsletter and used an ink-jet printer to get some copies printed in time.
This printing was grey-looking and not as clear and high-contrast as photocopied
printing which we will always aim to use each month, as it is both clearer and
cheaper to print.

There needs to be information from the Leadership Stewards and the

Church Council in the newsletter.
I couldn’t agree more! We need clear and effective communication across the
whole church. This matter is being addressed currently.

We need a “Who’s Who” section with contact information.

This is certainly one piece of information that was in the old magazine that needs
to still be available somewhere. This matter will be addressed in the new year with
a new publication. Details to come next month.
I am unable to attend church some Sundays so am unable to collect a
monthly newsletter.
One of the intentions behind the monthly newsletter is to specifically be more
inclusive to people who can’t turn up every week. The monthly newsletter is
available throughout that month from the church, either from the stewards on the
door on a Sunday morning, or throughout the week from the leaflet racks in the
corridor. You may be able ask a friend or your pastoral visitor to pick up a copy for
you. If this isn’t possible, and you don’t have access to our website or email then
we are more than happy to post a copy to you every month.

The articles are good. I like the “please pray” page.

Prayer is an important part of our church and that should be reflected in the
newsletter. Several positive comments were made about the prayer page. Please
do send in items for prayer so these can be included and the prayer part of the
newsletter can grow.

It is clear and easy to find information.

The newsletter is intended to be as accessible as possible, using fonts and layouts
which are easy on the eye and not burdensome for those with restricted sight.
Large print copies are also available, and the zoom feature on the website allows
text size to be increased even further on-screen if desired.

The Leadership Team have decided to continue with a monthly

newsletter following the positive reception of the trial-run. The
newsletter will continue for the foreseeable future.

As our church continues to grow and develop, should it be felt that a

weekly bulletin of some description is more appropriate then this will be
reinstated. Our church communication will hopefully constantly change
and adapt to suit the circumstances we find ourselves in at any given
point.

Should you have any comments you’d like to make about the newsletter,
or church communication generally, do let the Leadership Team know. It
is feedback like this that helps us to make sure we are being effective.
 December:feature
Each month the newsletter will include a special feature about one
particular part of our church. This month, we look at how you can
make sure you have a FAIRTRADE Christmas.

St Ives Methodist Church is an accredited

Fairtrade Church. Many members will know
that for many years, St Ives Methodist
Church ran a regular Fairtrade stall and
Mary Gatehouse, Ann Collingwood and
others worked tirelessly to keep Fairtrade on all our minds.

Due to the success of churches across the country doing the same
thing, Fairtrade has become a well known recognised brand, and
rather than need to run our own stalls we can direct people to the
huge range of fairtrade products available from our supermarkets and
high street shops, and the excellent Just Sharing Fair Trade shop at
The Free Church in town.

We’ll be serving plenty of fairtrade

tea and coffee this Christmas time
– as we do all year round – but
what else can we buy this year to
make our Christmas a Fairtrade
Christmas?

Waitrose and Co-op both sell

excellent Fairtrade Mince Pies –
but the great news is that they’re
already selling fast. We can show
the supermarkets they need more
Fairtrade stock for next year!
The Co-op’s Fairtrade Fruit Christmas Pudding also comes highly
recommended. According to Zest Magazine, “...there's enough dried
fruit in this to count as a fruit portion. There's also a higher proportion
of raisins than in many other puds, which makes it slightly higher in
iron - one portion supplies 7% of your RDA. With 60% Fairtrade
ingredients, this is a good choice for an ethical Christmas.”

If you’re looking for fairtrade crafts and

gifts, the Just Sharing shop has many
ideas, including hand-crafted decorations,
nativity scenes, wooden toys and a
selection of handmade cards – including
those made of paper made from water
hyacinth or even elephant dung!

Traidcraft have been pioneering Fairtrade since 1979. Founded as a

Christian response to poverty, they have been at the forefront of the
Fairtrade movement and still are today.

St Ives Methodist Church now even have their own online Fairtrade
shop at www.simc.co.uk/fairtrade - with over 700 Fairtrade products!

However and wherever you shop this Christmas, make it Fairtrade!

Forthcoming notices:
If you would like a notice to go into the next monthly
Newsletter, please contact Stuart Wilkinson.

Email: info@simc.co.uk
Telephone: 01480 389623
Write in the purple notice book at the back of the church.

Deadline for the next issue: 11am Tuesday 29th December

Sun 6th 7:30pm Phos
Tues 8th 9:30am Morning Prayers / Communion
Tues 8th 10 – 11:30am Parents and Toddlers
Tues 8th 10 – 12 noon Open Door
Tues 8th 2:00pm Afternoon Fellowship: Own arrangements
Tues 8th 3:30pm-5pm Circle of Light (drop in session)
Wed 9th 7pm Remembering Service

Sun 13th 7:30pm ‘Breathe’ service, St Ives Methodist Church

Mon 14th 2pm House Group (3 Clare Court)
Tues 15th 9:30am Morning Prayers / Communion
Tues 15th 10 – 11:30am Parents and Toddlers
Tues 15th 10 – 12 noon Open Door
Tues 15th 1:30pm CATS Carol Service
Wed 16th 7pm Taize Healing and Wholeness Service
Thurs 17th 7:30pm Open Circle: Carol Service and Mince Pies
Thurs 17th 7:30pm Foyer Project Prayer and Discussion meeting

Sun 20th 4pm Christmas Carol Service

Sun 20th 7:30pm Phos
Thurs 24th 4pm Nativity for Children
Thurs 24th 11pm Christmas Eve Communion at the Free Church
Fri 25th 11am Christmas Day Service at the Free Church

Church activities resume in the new year

We wish you and your family a peaceful Christmas and New Year..

Printed on non-bleached
100% Recycled Paper