HOPE STAPLEFORD NEWS

United Services

Throughout 2008 we will be having some joint services to give thanks to God for all he is doing through HOPE and to encourage each other in this exciting ministry. The next HOPE Services will be at:

Haven Church – 29^th June, 6.30pm
Stapleford Baptist Church , 2^nd November, 6pm

We look forward to seeing you at these services. Please bring cakes to enjoy together after the services.

Literacy Volunteers

Several people have already signed up to help Literacy Volunteer in Stapleford. Literacy Volunteers is a charity who help in schools with children aged 5-11 who are finding it difficult to read. They help on a one-to-one basis talking, reading and playing games to give children confidence and help them enjoy reading. Please get in touch if you want to find out more.

News in Brief

Other things that have taken place include:

· Evangelism training day at Haven

· Seminar on ‘Hope for the Depressed’ hosted by the Baptist Church .

· Bag packing at the Co-Op

· Visiting and befriending

We are aware that there are already many exciting ministries going on in Stapleford churches that reach out to our local community. These include toddler groups, coffee mornings, luncheon clubs, children’s and youth work. Thank you to everyone who is involved in these. Please use the HOPE logo to publicise any events your group is doing. It can be downloaded from www.hope08.com

What’s Coming Up?

Christian Life and Work Starting 7^th April at Chilwell Road Methodist Church

This is being run by HOPE NG9. It is a six week course exploring what it means to be a Christian in the workplace. Contact Chris Gray: chrisgray99@btinternet.com 9468277

Youth Cafe Open Meeting – Friday 25^th April, 7.30pm

To be held at the Salvation Army,

Albert Avenue

. Open to anyone from any church who is interested in helping with the Youth Cafe.

Peter Jackson in Concert – 10^th May

Very popular blind Christian pianist for everyone of wide musical taste. Contact Pastures church for details.

HOPE Social Action Weekend – 3^rd – 5^th May

There will be loads going on including gardening, litter picking and fun activities for the community. People can be involved for the whole weekend or just for a couple of hours. Please put the date in your diary and let us know how much time you are able to give.

Hemlock Happening – 7^th June

Praise in the Park – 8^th June

Flower Festival – 10^th -13^th July at Stapleford Methodist Church

This will be based on the theme of ‘The Spirit of Community’. If anyone would like to contribute a display linked to ‘mission in the community’ please contact Gill Mills Tel. 9172346

IMAGES OF HOPE ART COMPETITION

This is an exciting art competition sponsored by Bible Society. School children have been invited to submit artwork based on a theme of Hope from a Bible Story. The best entries will win a Bible and a Hope T-Shirt. Children from all of our Stapleford Schools have been taking part and we have already received some brilliant entries. The Mayor of Broxtowe, Brian Wombwell will assist with judging the entries. We will be displaying some of the artwork in the town hall, library and at Stapleford carnival, where we will also have “Images of Hope Live” as we give young and old the opportunity to have ago themselves.

Finally … a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone for everything that you are doing to serve God through HOPE. If you have a story you would like to share or a HOPE event you want to publicise then email staplefordhope@btinternet.com or post it to Lucy Catling, Stapleford Parish Church Office, The Old Lace Mill,

Frederick Road

, Stapleford. NG9 8FN.

PRAISE GOD FOR ALL HE IS DOING THROUGH HOPE IN STAPLEFORD!

Rob Cotton, 12/04/2008