Latest News and Events
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Updated 22nd October 2021
Harvest Prayers
He said to them, “There is a large harvest, but few workers to gather it in. Pray to the owner of the harvest that he will send out workers to gather in his harvest.” Good News Bible, Luke 10 v 2
Bless to us, O God, The sun that shines upon us The rain that falls upon us The earth that sustains us The air that surrounds us The love that binds us May God who has made us, who loves us and gives us life bless and keep us now and always, Amen
Banner Cross News
Grapevine Magazine For those f you that receive this publication you may have notice that Banner Cross is featured on the front cover. A great photo reflecting the move from summer to autumn.
Closure of Banner Cross Lunch Club It is with sadness that our Lunch and Friendship Club will not re-open following the pandemic and the retirement of numerous volunteers, some after many years of service. In the almost 35 years serving the community, any success the Lunch Club has achieved has always relied on the care, commitment and good humour of our volunteers and the response of the members. The Club’s bank account has been closed and monies passed to Banner Cross Methodist Church. All equipment purchased or part-purchased by the Club has been left for the benefit of the Church, so it could be possible for a similar activity to be set up in the future. Ian McCollough and Steve Woodcock, retiring joint coordinators on behalf of the Lunch Club team
Magdalene We have agreed to support Magdelene over the next 4 years whilst she attends the University of Makeni.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT I am Magdalene Boblahai Renner. I live in Sierra Leone. I lost my dad when I was 16 and since then my mum has been taking care of my three younger sisters and me single-handed, as my dad’s family refuses to help us. I attended Every Nation Secondary School and after I sat my WASCE (West African School Certificate Examination), it was disappointing that despite achieving good grades I was unable to further my education. My Mum recently graduated from the University of Makeni (UniMak) and due to the way she has inspired me, I too want to go to university. My Mum is doing everything she can to take care of her four daughters and because I am the oldest it is my responsibility to help her. I want to get a university degree and be a role model for my sisters. I have been trying to earn money to be pay for my university education and help my mum and sisters but getting a job without a degree is difficult in Sierra Leone. For now, I am just doing odd jobs for small amounts of money in my community, but I know I can do more than this. It is my dream to read Development Studies at UniMak so I can develop myself, help my family and my country. I believe that development starts with an individual and in turn they will share it with others. I am passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people and helping them overcome the challenges they face, particularly those from single-parent families. In addition to my education and career aspirations, I am passionate about music. I am the Musical Director at my church, Global Shalom Ministry. I love to sing gospel music and thank God for this gift he has given me. I hope to continue singing while pursuing my university degree at the University of Makeni.
Shampoo Bars Following on from the Lent Course about Climate Change I’ve been trying to make a few changes and to cut down on my plastic use have been experimenting with Shampoo bars. They are a bit more expensive than your average bottle of shampoo and conditioner but last longer - and without the plastic bottle. The first one I had we picked up at the supermarket and the second, Jono saw a cheap one on the internet. However he didn’t appreciate that I need conditioner as well and I apologised (in context) for my fluffy hair when delivering the prayers recently! Since then I’ve been to Lush and my present combo are Jason and the Argan shampoo bar and Veganese conditioner. They’re better. I can recommend having a go. Chris Rowe
Bible Study This group is now meeting on Wednesday at 1.30 pm. Contact Andrew Watchorn for further details.
Eco Congregation Explosion of new wild plants in garden see link to upate below Link to Garden update September 2021
Garden Wildlife There have been further Wildlife sightings in the Church garden, including the following
Link to Wildlife photgraphs be sure to scroll down to see them all. Many thanks to Andrew for the photographs & the identification.
Link to Garden update August 2021 Link to guide to Pulling Rhubarb
Safeguarding We have recently completed our Annual Safeguarding Audit for the District Safeguarding Officer. This has highlighted that a number of DBS checks & Refresher training are overdue. Whilst Covid restrictions have made it impossible to undertake the checks & training in the normal way the district are looking at ways of doing these online or remotely. If you are affected we will be in touch once we are aware of the way forward. Paula & Tim W
THURSDAY ZOOM GATHERINGS When Church Council, after listening to comments by the wider congregation, confirmed that we would hold face-to-face services every Sunday morning, it was also decided to continue with some form of zoom gatherings as they had been a boon for many. As a trial run, a zoom gathering will be held, usually on the first and third Thursday of the month, starting at 7.15pm and running for about an hour. Various people have offered to initiate these gatherings, which will follow no particular format - they will no doubt include a hymn or two (we do enjoy our singing!) a prayer, maybe a Reading, not necessarily from the Bible – but the principle intention is that we should all feel free to contribute, discuss, argue, whatever. The first few gatherings have been arranged and if successful will continue. Thursday 4th November - Leaders Janet & Paula Thursday 18th November - Leader(s) - required By computer:
By phone 0203 901 7895# or 0131 460 1196# or 0203 051 2874# Please note you need to include the # at the end of the number. The hash -# is normally in the bottom right hand corner of your telephone keypad Meeting ID: 815 1347 1916 then # Confirm meeting participant by pressing # Passcode: 558035 then #
Dear Reader, We are asking for News of our Church Family, and others known to us. Please get in touch with Tim Wilson or Alison Russell if you have any news to share, but always get permission from those involved for the news to go onto the church website and to be distributed to those who are not online. …………………………………………………………………………………… New Rotas With the re opening of Church for weekly face to face services volunteers are needed for the the normal weekly tasks, including stewarding for the time being. You may recall that just prior to the first lockdown we had introduced simplified rotas where you may have had a number of roles on one Sunday but then none for several weeks. It is proposed that we continue on this basis. Welcome/Stewarding Team To be responsible for,
Worship Team To be responsible for the following
Please check both the the Welcome & Worship rota you maybe on both on the same week.
A new rota has been prepared for the period November to January. A copy has been placed in the porch & circulated by email. If you need a copy contact either Paula or Tim W
Saturday Prayers Rota Poetry
All poetry previously displayed on this page is available to view via the link below
Zoom Training United Reform Church have produced some excellent guides including Zoom Meetings
Link to forthcoming Eco Church events
Sheffield S6 Foodbank
If you have products for collection, let one of the Leadership team know. Thank you Paula Link here to there website with more details of how to help. The site is regularly updated with details of the items they are most in need of.
For news & articles from the wider circuit
Charities
The Archer Project is in need of a continuing supply of Pot Noodles, tinned fish or fruit with ring pulls and breakfast cereals. Don’t forget to support the Food Bank with an extra item when you do your shopping. Please donate unwanted clean clothing/shoes/blankets/sleeping bags to Ben’s Centre via Alan Brailey. Thank you for your continued support to all these charities. Coronavirus Guidance See link below to Methodist Church Guidance, resources & latest guidance.
Coronavirus & Pastoral Care At this time please be aware of any vulnerable people & help in any way we can. If you feel vulnerable or anxious PLEASE contact someone from church. We are here to help. Link to Dementia Support during the Crisis - from Sheffield Directory
Lectionary. For the next 3 weeks can be found at www.singingthefaithplus.org.uk | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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