Aylesbury Vale Methodist Circuit
Channelling God’s love for all people
Stoke Mandeville Methodist Church
Minister: Rev. David Jenkins Tel. 01296 488963 Email: dj@aylesburymethodists.org.uk
How to find us: We are located in Eskdale Road, off Station Road, Stoke Mandeville. Travelling from Aylesbury on the A413, turn right into station roads, following the signs for the railway station. Go past the station on the left, over the bridge and Eskdale Road is about 100 yards along on the right hand side. The church is on the first roundabout with ample car parking.
We have access and a toilet for the disabled.
Services: We have morning services at 11.00am and evening services at 6.15pm. See the Calendar section for more details.
We look forward to welcoming you.
Local contacts: Ernie Price 01296 612169 or Peter Vernon 01296 613458
We celebrated our 50th Church Anniversary of the Stone Laying of the present building on Sunday 25 May 2008. The evening service was packed with friends from around the Circuit. Each church had contributed a floral display based on a hymn. Three examples shown are 'The King of Love my shepherd is', 'Onward Christian soldiers' and 'One more step along the world I go.'
Our church now houses the Headquarters of the Karibuni Trust. We welcome Rev. Bill and Joy Murphy as they continue their exciting work with African street children.
We also house the office for the Circuit and our Aylesbury Church as the latter start their work on their redevelopment.
Also during that redevelopment, we are pleased to be host to one of their Day Care Centres.
It's all happening at Stoke Mandeville! Who else can we help please?
LETTER FROM THE MINISTER
Dear All,
Speaking personally, the contrast between August and September is the strongest one of the year.
During August, hopefully, I start to unwind, learning the wisdom of living at a more relaxed pace and pursuing a more balanced and holistic use of time.
Then September hits me like a sledge hammer and the whole busy round of existence is resumed.
Somewhere in the middle between the two months would be nice!
It’s good to rest, to relax, to look around and to become more aware and more deeply appreciative of life’s many possibilities. It is also good to be purposefully busy. It isn’t good to be living either too restfully or too hectically
My mother used to quote proverbs at me with great frequency. This is one of them “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy; all play and no work makes Jack an idle toy”.
Finding balance in our lives is a very desirable goal! .
With loving care,
David.
PRAYER FOR THE MONTH
Lord, may I find you at the centre of my being, directing my life and having first place in my affections and ambitions.
Whether this day be hectic or dull, may the calmness of Christ and the excitement of Christ both be present within.
May I be so full of love that it spills over into every contact I make, enriching, ennobling, enhancing life for other. May my joy be so contagious that everyone catches it from my smile. May my peace be so full that others are enwrapped in its security.
Amen.
THE WAY AHEAD
In most of our churches around the Circuit this year, there will be a special meeting focusing on the way ahead for that church during the next 12 months. Ours was on Wednesday 30 April at 7.30pm. It was an opportunity to concentrate on where we together believe our church should be going, and what practical steps can take us there.
SPECIAL EVENTS
HARVEST FESTIVAL September 28th
Sunday Services:
11.00 am We welcome the Rev. Ann Varker to lead our Family Service
6.15 pm We welcome Peter George from Wingrave to lead our Evening Worship.
On Monday, 29th September, we shall be holding our Harvest Supper and tickets will be available nearer the time.
You are very welcome to join us at this time of Thanks Giving.
Guild Sunday 12th October
Tea at 4:15 pm followed by our Guild Service at 6:15 PM
which will be lead by Andrea Sheppick
REGULAR ACTIVITIES
POP-IN AFTERNOONS:
The Guild Room is open most Friday afternoons between 2.00 and 4.00 pm. All are most welcome to drop in for a cup of tea (or coffee) and a chat. Advance notice of any days when we are closed will be published here and in the Church news letter each month.
WESLEY GUILD
We are unique in the Circuit in holding regular Guild meetings. These are normally on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 7:30 pm but may vary. We are having our Summer break but activities will resume in October, watch this space for details. Friends from around the Circuit will be very welcome.
OPEN FELLOWSHIP
The Open Fellowship meets on the 1 st and 3 rd Thursdays in the month at 2.30 pm. (except in August)
Everyone is welcome to these meetings for an hour of fellowship,followed naturally by a cup of tea.
We normally invite a speaker but the programme can vary and will be published here and in our newsletter.
Meetings resume in September as follows:-
September 4th when David Jenkins will be the speaker.
18th Speaker TBA
FRIDAY FAIRTRADE SHOP ( No shop in August )
The Fair Trade Shop will be open on Friday, September 5th, at the Church from 2.00 - 5.00 pm.
TABLE TENNIS (Not in August )
Table-tennis may be played in the main hall on Thursdays, the 4th and
18th September from 7.00 - 9.00 pm
Office Address:
Buckingham Street
Aylesbury, Bucks.
HP20 2NQ
pc@aylesburymethodists.org.uk
01296 426526