Page 77 - Phonebox Magazine May 2016

Churches Together Newport Pagnell
Letter from a Minister
The Winter Night Shelter is a unique player in the ongoing battle to ameliorate homelessness in Milton Keynes. It provides temporary
accommodation via “pop up” shelters in church buildings across the town. It helps individuals when no other service can because it is able to include those who have no recourse to public funds. The shelter offers a solution off the streets over the coldest months of the year and creates a platform for advancement. As homelessness is growing on a national scale, it’s becoming increasingly dif cult to support and house individuals who nd themselves in this situation. Put simply, more homeless people are chasing very few beds in hostels and very limited access to any other housing. In Milton Keynes we have few targeted services compared with many other towns. This means accessing
Prayers in Olney
basic services such as health can be dif cult. So much of our society is now dependant on having good proof of your identity that, once you have lost this, almost nothing can happen for you. For many the Winter Night Shelter has been a lifeline and a catalyst for true progression and change. Those helped range from folk who have been on the street for many years through to those for whom this is a devastating new experience.
As we conclude for this year, I am delighted to report that we have had an incredibly successful season in which a great deal has been achieved. A huge thank you to all those who support by volunteering and giving. You have made a difference and it is appreciated! We have been able to provide temporary accommodation to a total of 59 individuals over the period of 15 weeks. Overall we helped 35 people into
more settled accommodation. The logistics are substantial, over 2000 meals served, well over a 1000 bed nights, and perhaps most important of all, guests treated with the warmth of human kindness. We are still following up a number of individuals with help towards work, gaining ID, bank accounts, bene t claims, National Insurance numbers and access to health services. The work needed to help one individual through to mainstream life is no small matter and your prayers and practical support are valued. More information is available through the Milton Keynes Winter Night Shelter website.
Rev Jack Walker, Newport Pagnell Baptist Church
For information about the churches in Newport Pagnell, visit our website www.ctnp.org.uk
Ribbons, Candles, Friends, and the National week of Prayer
Some of you may remember the song ‘Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree’. The hope was that this would be a signal for a gentleman returning after a period away from home from his sweetheart who had waited, that he was still welcomed and loved.
When the individual turns the corner he sees a tree lled with 100 yellow ribbons.
During the week 8th - 15th May you are invited to come and tie a ribbon around a tree in the churchyard of St Peter and St Paul church Olney, and say a prayer for those whom you love, for our town and for our world. Imagine if we manage to pray for ve different people or events what a difference it will make. In doing so you will be joining people all across England who will also be praying as part of this national week of prayer – “Thy Kingdom Come”. If ribbons are not your thing, and you would rather come into the church and light a candle and say a prayer, that too is possible or join the commuter prayer time that will be held at 7.30am in the church each morning during the week.
If you have an urgent prayer request, then contact our prayer chain by emailing to this address prayer@olneyparish.org.uk our con dential prayer chain will say your prayer request. In addition if you have a particular friend who is unwell and you would like them to be prayed for by the whole church community why not send us their name and we will place them on our prayer sheet.
If you would rather speak with someone to discuss or share your problem then you may also contact the Listening Ear Team who will listen to you and pray with you. They can be contacted on Tel 07934 141025 or you can meet with them at the end of our Sunday services.
Prayer is at the heart of our life with God and our conversations with Him begin may begin with these words – “Our Father who art in heaven, Thy Kingdom Come” just as Jesus taught more than 2000 years ago, or even with the simple word “Father”.
The Christian Churches of Olney celebrate their common faith, and express their worship with refreshing diversity, from contemporary to traditional approaches, and thought provoking Bible teaching. Come along – we’d love to get to know you. More information is available from each Church, their leaders and websites.
Olney Baptist Church (known as ‘Sutcliff’):
High Street (opposite the Market Place) Rev Ian Field 713880
10.00am Family Worship
6.00pm Evening service www.olneybaptist.org.uk
Check our Facebook page – link from the Website
Cowper Memorial URC:
1st Sunday of month 9.30am
Other Sundays 10.45am
Communion on 3rd Sunday – Refreshments after service. Rev’d Derek Hopkins 01604 696216 contact@cowperurc.org.uk. www.cowperurc.org.uk
SS Peter & Paul:
Sunday
2nd/4th Sunday
2nd/4th Sunday
1st/3rd Sunday
Wednesday
More at www.olneyparish.org.uk. Rev’d Claire Wood, 713308
The Catholic Church of Our Lady Help
of Christians and St Lawrence:
Saturday Mass at 6.30pm
Sunday: Mass at 10.30am.
Benediction 4 - 5 pm at the Convent. Father Malcolm Bull and Church administrator, Sister Rita Scott, 711212
10.00am (Weekly) 8.30am
5.00pm
6.00pm
9.30am (Weekly)
May 2016 | Phonebox Magazine 77