Page 72 - Phonebox July 2013

CHURCHES TOGETHER NEWPORT PAGNELL
Letter From e Minister
For a long time I held out getting Facebook as I struggled to see how finding out whether someone was ‘eating popcorn on the sofa’ was of any interest or relevance! But there is something about keeping up with the latest technology so you can understand the world from different perspectives.
Now I use Facebook and have signed up for Twitter. I keep in touch with friends and family, some of whom are a long way away and share news, good times and bad times. I do struggle with the constant postings from a few people that are always negative. And also the ones where people could actually speak to those they live with instead of writing it on a post! But I do understand that if you want to share a joy, a funny happening or event, it is good.
But I worry. I worry about how there often appears to be no boundaries; things are said that would not be said face to face; language is often really offensive and cruel. And this is the downside of our modern world: where we see parents on the phone at the park instead of playing with and talking to their children; where accidents occur as people are checking statuses whilst driving; how lives are destroyed by cyber bullying; how virtual worlds become more important than
the real world. As humankind we are born to be relational. We need friends, someone to listen to us and to talk to us, we need hugs and handshakes and smiles. We need human contact. And so it is up to each of us to make sure that we talk to and value those whom we live alongside.
God created the people of the world to live together, caring, sharing and loving each other. Let us not lose sight of that and use technology and social media to complement, not replace, our living relationships.
THE SPACE ACADEMY NEEDS YOU Holiday Club is back!
CTNP can confirm that this year the club – ‘Space Academy’ – will blast off each day from August 12th to 16th from 10am to 12.30pm.
There is no charge but registration is essential to get a place. Forms are available from Cambourne Travel on the High Street. Countdown has already started so hurry to ensure your place! For more information go to www.newportpagnellholidayclub.co.uk
Watoto
On Sunday 2nd June Watoto Choir from Uganda visited Newport Pagnell and performed to over 270 people, and enjoyable evening was had by all it was an evening full of singing, colourful costumes, but also for the children to tell their stories.
If you get the chance to see the Watoto Choir I would highly recommend it.
Watoto Children’s Choirs have travelled internationally since 1994 as advocates for the estimated 50 million children in Africa, orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS, war, poverty and disease.
Accompanied by a team of adults, the choir presents Watoto’s vision and mission through their stories, music and dance. Watoto choirs act as ambassadors to raise awareness about the plight of the orphaned and vulnerable children of Africa. www.watoto.com
You can also follow the choir on Facebook and Twitter.
M W BREEDS
BUILDING
G EXTENSIONS
G RENOVATIONS
G LOFT CONVERSIONS
G GARAGE CONVERSIONS
Extension completed in Olney
Phone/Fax 01234 717011 Mobile 07803 011637
mwbreeds@btconnect.com www.mwbreedsbuilding.co.uk
Guttering Problems?
G Gutters Cleaned
G Leaking Gutters Repaired
G New Gutters Fitted
All by a friendly, local and established company (Newport Pagnell)
Call Rob on
01908 216151 or 07977 206403
72 Phonebox Magazine