Tuesday 20 December 2016

Malcolm Fife

Malcolm Fife

It was something of a shock to discover recently that our minister Malcolm will be leaving Nottingham at the end of February and moving to Liverpool.

Malcolm has been our minister since we formed the Burton Joyce Community Church two and half years ago. 

We wish Malcolm every success in his ministry with his new churches in the Haydock / Newton le Willows / St Helens area. One of these churches is also a Methodist/URC local ecumenical project like BJCC.

Wednesday 7 December 2016

Foodbank

Foodbank

We collect items at BJCC for the local foodbank based at Main Street Methodist Church, Carlton. There are outlets at both Main Road and at Phoenix Farm Methodist Church staffed by churches together in Gedling.

Burton Joyce Methodist Church is open Sunday, Thursday or Friday mornings for you to bring items for the foodbank. There are collection boxes in the church hall and in the church or porch. Thank you for your support.

Information about the foodbank on the All Hallows Gedling website. 

Webpage for Main Street Methodist Church

Vouchers for the foodbank available at The Ark community cafe, Wollaton Avenue


Thursday 1 December 2016

Advent

It is Advent

Traditionally, today, 1st December, is the day we open the first door on the Advent Calendar. What is behind the first door? These days it is probably a chocolate, which is OK. Chocolate is good. But it's not the whole story. In fact, it's not the story at all.

The story of Advent is about waiting, looking forward, expecting, hoping.
  • Waiting for God to come into our lives 
  • Looking forward to seeing things put right
  • Expecting something wonderful
  • Hoping for something good
 And of course, ultimately, we are waiting, hoping and looking forward to Christmas

Christmas is a celebration of all the above. It all happened when Jesus came. 

He came that first time as a tiny baby, of course, but he still comes to those who wait and hope. He comes as a friend and he comes as someone who understands.

In the Old Testament, Isaiah says:
A shoot will sprout from the stump of Jesse
and, from that rootstock, a branch will grow and bear fruit. 
The picture is of a vine in a vineyard. It has been pruned hard but when the time is right - in the spring or after the first rains - it will start to grow again and, in time, it will bear fruit and, in time, those grapes will yield juice and wine.

The "stump of Jesse" is Jesus

Jesus says: I am the vine. You are the branches

That is worth waiting for and we can experience it, every day, in our own lives

 

Christmas is coming

Christmas publicity

We are now in Advent and it will soon be Christmas.
 
We have ordered leaflets and posters to advertise services and other events at BJCC during December. Posters should start to appear around the village in a couple of weeks time. 

Look out for something like this:



Our publicity material is being produced for us by CPO in Brighton

 

Next Sunday

Second Sunday in Advent

Our morning service starts at 10.30am.

We welcome Tim Coleman our newly ordained deacon from Nottingham East Methodist Circuit to lead our service for Advent 2. Tim is always worth hearing and is guaranteed to lead us in a good time of worship. There may be carols (No pressure, Tim.)

Not cream teas this month but Mince Pies & tea at 3pm on Sunday afternoon. Come along for a time of good company and warm fellowship. 

See other details for Advent and Christmas here 

 

The Cross (2)

The cross is back! The cross from the side of the church tower has been renovated and put back in position. Apparently, it took quite a bit of work to get it into shape so well done everyone who helped to get it working again. It's looking good and shining out bravely. I saw it as I walked home through the village this evening. Excellent work.