Page 40 - Phonebox Magazine September 2015

Churches Together Newport Pagnell
Letter from a Minister
I hope most of you have had a holiday over the summer, or are at least looking forward to a break later this year. I find that I come to points in the year when I need to ‘get away from it all’ and have a change of my four walls. I crave relaxation and rest. I need to build up my strength and I want to return to my lot in life feeling refreshed and energised. I revisited the book of Isaiah chapter 35 in recent weeks and found it to be a chapter that offers a vision of hope, new strength and courage. The vision is presented with an image of a desert - a desert of weakness, fear, without sound or sight. It is a thirsty and needy place. Then the promise of God’s life giving water will flow through the desert; the burning sand will become a lake, and dry land will be filled with springs. Where jackals used to live, marsh grass and reeds will grow.’ Then ‘the desert will rejoice, and flowers will bloom in the wastelands. The desert will sing and shout for joy’.
Is there an area of your life that is parched and listless? Is your spirit in need of refreshment and encouragement? Turn to God who meets all our needs in Christ Jesus. He promises to ‘Give strength to hands that are tired and to knees that tremble with weakness. Tell everyone who is discouraged, “Be strong and don’t be afraid! God is coming to your
rescue.” The blind will be able to see, and the deaf will hear. The lame will leap and dance and those who cannot speak will shout for joy!
Hoping blessings of encouragement, vitality and joy for each one of you.
Birgitte Grace, Chaplain, Westbury Grange.
Holiday Club 2015
Ahoy there shipmates! Well, that’s holiday club over for another year, but what fun we
had! Capt. Geoff and Capt. AJ kept us all in order, ably assisted by ‘Professional Pirate’ Angie who put us through our paces every morning with her specially designed pirate- themed aerobics routine. Amidst all the fun, crafts and drama, the children heard about the life of the Apostle Paul through video characters, Poop and Dec who starred in ‘I’m a pirate, get me out of here’!
Thanks to all the children who took part and the 57 volunteers who made it possible. Too many to mention here by name but you
Visiting Nepal
display in a specially dedicated room where there was also a continuous slide show depicting bygone WI activities.
On 14th August the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire visited the exhibition, and the occasion was marked by afternoon tea in the Museum’s café. Every WI lady who had been involved in any way was invited to attend, along with the Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer of Buckinghamshire Federation, and a very enjoyable time followed, with much chatter and laughter.
Newport Pagnell Women’s Institute meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm in the Royal British Legion Club, and is always delighted to welcome new members. September’s subject is Medical Detection Dogs. For further information please call Evelyn Mison on 01908 615630 or just turn up on the night.
Newport Pagnell WI
At the beginning of August five ladies attended Hanslope WI’s meeting where the speaker gave advice on how to make
the most of yourself. Add a scarf or jewellery to your outfit, pick the right colour clothes and make-up to suit your skin tone and hair – nothing drastic, just a little extra thought and care. This was followed by a delicious strawberry tea to round off a very enjoyable evening.
Newport Pagnell’s monthly meeting was entertained by Jo Messenger who spoke about her numerous visits to Nepal over the last 25 years. She showed slides of her travels to what is one of the poorest countries in the world. The capital, Katmandu, lies in a valley 4,000 feet above sea level.
In this very mountainous country many houses are built on stilts, and farming is done by creating large ‘steps’ up the mountainside. 40 Phonebox Magazine
The Nepalese are mostly vegetarian as they are unable to afford meat.
One of their traditions is that the first son takes full responsibility for the family from the time he is 18. The second son is usually sent to be a monk.
Jo’s photographs gave an insight into this fascinating and beautiful country, and her talk was enjoyed by everyone.
The raffle was won by Pamela Allum and Jyoti Gandhi-Wilkinson.
Competition: 1st Julia Pearce, 2nd Pamela Allum, 3rd Rosie Rockall.
During July and August an exhibition has been taking place in Milton Keynes Museum to mark the Centenary of the WI in Britain. This was the brainchild of Janet Spindler of New Manor WI, Old Wolverton.
Many WIs from the Milton Keynes area contributed banners, Minute Books, photographs and other memorabilia for