Sermon Series – Book of Acts – Pentecost to Advent 2010

• 1. Praying the Scriptures
  On average people read the Bible twice a month.
  Recommended way of deepening relationship with God and scripture.
  Set aside 15 minutes a day:
  
  Step 1
  5 minutes silence – quietening yourself within
  Step 2
  Take 1 of set readings from magazine for the week
  Each day read it slowly with pauses about 3 times (5 minutes).
  Step 3
  Whatever feeling, thought, idea came to you as you reflected on scripture use as a spring board for prayer.
  
• 2. Overview of Acts. (Covers the period of 30 years from Pentecost to Paul’s imprisonment in Rome)
  Purpose:
  To provide continuity of teaching.
  Encourage us all in our understanding and appreciation of scripture.
  A weekly opportunity for us to research and reflect on meaning and message of scripture in our daily lives.
  
  Why study Acts?
  It tells the story of the early church; it gives a sense of context and continuity from the birth of the church to its spread across the world.
  It gives a rich and important window onto the world of the New Testament.
  We might see the infant church face challenges and opportunities; we have lessons to learn from their experience.

Message:
Acts proclaims that Christianity is the legitimate fulfilment of the Old Testament Jewish faith and that through Jesus Christ salvation and deliverance is available to all people.

Structure:
Chapters 1-12. Life of the early church centred around Jerusalem and the church’s developing understanding of itself under the leadership of the apostle Peter.
Chapters 13-26. The spread of the Christian faith across the Mediterranean through the missionary work of the apostle Paul. i.e. AD 47 no church outside Jerusalem. AD 57, church established across the Roman Empire.
Paul’s approach in 3 missionary journeys. He spent time in major population centres for days, weeks, months or years beginning in synagogue communities and spreading out to wider gentile population e.g. Philippi, Ephesus, Corinth and Athens.

Theology:
Jesus came to bring salvation to all people. We are living in the Age of the Holy Spirit and since Pentecost the presence and power of the Holy Spirit is key to the church’s growth.

Bishop of Warwick Visits Ferncumbe School

The Bishop of Warwick, the Right Revd. John Stroyan paid a visit to Ferncumbe School on Wednesday 30th September. The Bishop joined in a celebration assembly commemorating the major refurbishment to parts of the school. Invited guests and the school members enjoyed a presentation of photographs detailing the changes and then a delightful talk by the Bishop. The Bishop, children, staff and guests then moved to the front of the school where Bishop John planted a tree and then rang the Victorian school bell. As the bell rang out children and staff then planted bulbs supplied by Barnclose nurseries to commemorate the occasion. It was a very special occasion and one that will be remembered by all for a long time.

Hatton Walks for Water

On Saturday 21st November you are invited to make a huge contribution to the life of someone in need. Hatton Walks for Water is a sponsored walk around the 'ring road' at Hatton Park, a distance of 1 mile in aid of a charity campaign called Turn on the Tap. http://www.samaritans-purse.org.uk/what-we-do/water-and-sanitation The charity provides access to clean, safe drinking water in parts of the third world. There are lots of supporters planning to walk, the children at Ferncumbe school, local Beavers, Brownies, Cubs and Scouts as well as members of local churches and community. Come and join us in a fun way to make a real difference to the world! For more information contact Alison Massey on 01926 401781 or alimassey@hotmail.com

Hatton Park WI Christmas Fayre

To coincide with Hatton Walks for Water, Hatton Park WI will be holding their annual Christmas Fayre at Hatton Park Village Hall. Come and enjoy refreshments as you browse craft and gift stalls or maybe a visit to Father Christmas in his grotto. Entry to the Fayre is 50p for adults, accompanied children are free. (A visit to the Grotto is an extra payment but includes a gift and commemorative photo)

Charity Christmas Auction
On Friday December 4th Holy Trinity Church, Hatton will be holding a charity auction of promises and items. We are currently looking for donations of seasonal items or 'one of' experiences that local people would be happy to donate. If you have anything you would like to donate please contact Alison Massey on 01926 401781 or alimassey@hotmail.com . Tickets to the event will cost £5 to include mulled wine and mince pies with all proceeds going to the car park fund. For tickets please contact Alison Massey on 01926 401781 or alimassey@hotmail.com