CAROL SINGING DECEMBER 22ND

This year we were blessed to be joined by singers from St Michael's on our annual vocal tour around the backstreets of Barnes. Residents gave generously and we raised £103.00 for Action for Children. Afterwards we were treated to a warming feast, prepared by Valerie, culminating in the first Christmas cake of the season.

CAROL SERVICE DECEMBER 21ST

Our annual carol service saw the church transformed into a place of wonder and contemplation. The sanctuary was lit with hundreds of candles and the congregation arrived to the accompaniment of French carols and Christmas tunes of old, provided by our music group.

During the service we heard poems and songs on the theme of Christmas, alongside the traditional lessons and carols. Our children and young people also provided us with a version of the Christmas story from the animals' point of view.

TOY SERVICE AND DECEMBER FIRST SUNDAY

Our Toy Service, led by Rev. Dr. Ebute Obiabo saw the congregation swollen by a multitude of Brownies and Guides from Barnes, a number of whom helped out by arranging the toys that were brought for the Battersea Mission. The service was followed by an interview with our guest speaker, Pat Henchie (left), Headteacher of Lowther School. Mrs Henchie described for us the philosophy of the Lowther School Family and some of the ideas that have helped to make the school a jewel of the local community.

NOVEMBER FIRST SUNDAY

On the First Sunday in November our visitor was the Reverend Lord Richard Harries of Pentregarth, former Bishop of Oxford.  Together, he and our Circuit Superintendent, Reverend Jed Davis, had an animated conversation which ranged over the political aspects of the Christian faith; the human fertilisation and embryology bill; the relationships of Christians with other faiths, especially the Jews and the Moslems.  On being asked what it was like to be a Bishop, Lord Richard replied that it was a privileged opportunity to exercise leadership. He ended by commenting that the last 30 years have been based on rampant greed – which has now collapsed.  Could this collapse bring about an era of new seriousness?

COMMISSIONING OF WORSHIP LEADERS 12th OCTOBER

A special circuit service was held here in Barnes on Sunday evening to commission and welcome six new Worship Leaders. The service was led by Rev. Jed Davies and our preacher was Rev. Rob Jones MBE, who has recently moved on from Southlands to the post of National HE Co-ordinator for the Methodist Church. Charlotte Davies, Julia Moorhouse, Lyneth Friday, Helen Solice, William van der Venter and Janet Wilson (pictured below) all took part in the service, giving us a chance to witness the fruits of their training, as well as their individual skills.

FIRST SUNDAY 5TH OCTOBER

Our speaker this month was DCS Rick Turner, who is in charge of the policing in our borough. Rick gave us an insight into how the local police force are developing links with the community and finding new ways to lower the crime rate in our area. He highlighted the importance of communicating with young people and the roles of parents and local businesses in addressing youth crime. He also praised the work of volunteers and community groups, stressing their necessity for tackling the causes of crime. We learned about the practical elements of policing and what we can expect in the future from our local police force.

After lunch, "The 2.30", led by Charlotte, had us blowing bubble prayers and using sweets to learn about the Parable of the Tenants. We also got active with the Holy Hokey and learned a new worship song about the beauty of knowing Jesus.

HARVEST FESTIVAL

Reverend Ebute Obiabo led a full church in a service of Thanksgiving on Sunday 21st September to celebrate Harvest Festival. The building had been beautifully decorated in traditional fashion, which the congregation were invited to add to with gifts of produce for the residents of Walsingham Lodge.

CHURCH AND JUNIOR CHURCH ANNIVERSARY

RENEWED FOR SERVICE