Page 57 - Phonebox Magazine November 2014

Newport Pagnell Churches Together
Letter from a minister
Iam envious of Scotland. The energy and engagement engendered by the independence election was incredible. As the campaign came to a crescendo,
we saw both fervour and deep debate. There are places in the world with no real democracy. I have met people in such situations scared that an opinion might cost their life. Others have fled these places leaving all and risking all for sanctuary in the West. This reminds us that the ability to choose a government is a valuable right. Politicians here have not had the easiest of times in recent years and some of this has no doubt increased disaffection and disengagement with the whole system. This is despite the hard work and integrity that many of our elected representatives bring to their work. Sometimes when I see our relatively low rates of participation in voting it raises concerns that our democracy might be waning. Chief amongst these concerns is the thought that it allows a low quality of policy debate. Some of which can deteriorate into rival slogans proclaiming “we will make you better off” rather than vying for any moral high ground.
Politics I would hope would be about inspiring people to want a fairer world. The Gospel has this moral imperative built in. It constantly reminds us that we need each other and that our happiness is never complete when it has a primarily selfish focus. Indeed I believe that when we look
Olney WI
At the October meeting of the Olney WI members enjoyed fish and chips for their Harvest Supper celebration.
The evening proved to be a great success
with plenty of time for socialising and catching up. The bring and buy stall was laden with a wide variety of items and there was very little left at the end of the evening. Barbara Page was presented with birthday flowers and a card signed by all the members in honour of a very special birthday.
Raffle prize winners included Linda Harrison, Sue Humphreys, Barbara Martin, Margaret Southgate and Audrey Clark.
The Olney WI meet on the first Wednesday of the month (November 5th) in Room 4 of The Olney Centre at 7.30pm. New members are always welcome. This month will feature an Annual Meeting! Remap talk by Geoff Saunders. Competition: Letter R.
Christmas Bazaar
On Saturday 29th November the Christmas lights are switched on in Newport Pagnell High Street, and the Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul is holding its annual Christmas fete. This year, stalls include homemade cakes, a human fruit machine, raffles, face painting, tombolas and lots more. Throughout the day, local school children will be coming in to sing Christmas songs and it will culminate with carols from the choir after the lights have been switched on.
Get In The Picture
Also on Saturday 29th November, members of the Newport Pagnell Baptist Church will be setting up a stall on the High Street for a repeat of last year’s popular ‘Get in the Picture’ event. It’s a chance for you and your children to participate and experience being part of the nativity in a fun way, and it’s all free! For more information about this event and about the Christmas story, go to getinthepicture.org.uk.
Christmas Tree Event
Come and help us decorate our three christmas trees at Newport Pagnell Methodist Church, with your own dedication or wish. (We provide everything you need). Saturday 29th November, 2-6pm. Tea and Coffee available.
back on our lives, our chief satisfaction will come from making a difference to others rather than just personal material gain. This week I have been reading in the Bible the almost comical account of Zacchaeus’s conversion in Luke 19. A wealthy grown man climbing a tree to see Jesus! On meeting Jesus, Zacchaeus has a complete change of heart. His response is both of spontaneous joy and generosity. He gives half his wealth to the poor. This transformation towards caring for others has my vote. I pray for this moral direction in the midst of the run into a general election. I hope for something of the excitement of the Scottish referendum to strike south of the border around an important debate on how to create a fairer Britain.
Rev Jack Walker
Newport Pagnell Baptist Church
For more information about the churches in Newport Pagnell visit our website at ctnp.org.uk.
Memory Cafe
1st Wednesday of each month
Come along to our Memory Cafe – a safe place where people living with dementia and their carers can find a warm welcome and support. The Cafe runs on the first Wednesday of each month from 10am to noon at Westbury Grange. Cost is £1.50 for tea/coffee, cake and a raffle. For more information phone 01908 210322.
Harvest Supper celebration
Phonebox Magazine 57