St James the Great, Woolsthorpe by Belvoir Newsletter August 2013

greater involvement in the life of the Church of England, at In June 2013, the first meeting Deanery, Diocesan and national of the new PCC took place; nine levels. By joining, you become members were elected to serve entitled to participate in the on the church council. We now government of the church and to need your support to form vote at the Annual Parochial membership of our electoral roll. Church Meeting, where the The previous roll membership elections take place for Church has expired and now I would Wardens and other parish like to invite you as residents, to representatives. It also entitles apply for membership of the you to get married or baptize electoral roll of the church. This your children in St James helps us to become a legal Church (if you live outside the entity and to provide proper parish). governance of the church.

PCC News

Register your interest

Enrolment Forms which include registration criteria are available from your Churchwardens: Mrs. Dorothy Whitelocks 01476 870556 Mr. Ricky Phillips, 01476 580487

Repairs Update
The Pews will be taken out from the 8th August which will allow us to see the scope of the nave opened up. Our Architect has just finished the specification and schedule of works, he is now going out to tender for the main contractor Faculty permission from the Diocesan Registrar is being sought and will be in place by the end of autumn

Because of timescales relating to bats we will have to wait until spring to begin the repair works which will now include re-slating the nave roof and south aisle roof, timber roof beam replacement, rebuilding of north aisle stone columns, making good damage to floor following the mains water pipe burst some eleven years ago. It is hoped that work should be complete by autumn 2014

What about the future?

Following the return of many response sheets we are starting a study into uses for the church after the repairs are completed including the need for a climbing wall in the tower space, outdoor pursuits centre, community cinema, community cafe, business centre and public services i.e. health/finance. We believe it is vital that the church is fully part of the community as well as being there for Sunday worship and your family baptisms, weddings and funerals.

Why join the roll?

Joining the electoral roll is an important way of confirming your commitment to St James community and to the vision of the church within the village. But it also opens up the way for

HARVEST FESTIVAL th 20 Oct 4:00pm

CONFIRMATIONS
CHRISTMAS FAYRE
Yes, I know its still summer and the Factor 50 isnt quite dry yet, but now is the time to begin thinking of our Christmas plans. So, we are planning to hold a Christmas Fayre later in the year. If you would like to book and run a stall then please contact one of our Church wardens (details below) Watch this space for details of date and venue. Maybe even Santa might be persuaded to drop by on his world wide tour. Who knows?

Our Harvest Festival service this year falls on 20th October beginning at 4:00pm. Last year was the first harvest celebration in the church since the building re-opened for worship. We will have a funfilled service with activities for children, a fun talk plus all your favourite harvest hymns. Please come along and join with us and dont forget to bring a harvest gift to give. As last year, our gifts will go to Grantham FoodBank to help feed the poor and needy of Grantham and district. Gifts of dried and canned food and toiletries are always needed. Fresh produce and flowers are also welcomed as they will be auctioned after the service.

This year in The Harlaxton Group of Parishes we ran a Confirmation group called Calling You with material designed especially for people coming to know more about God, Jesus and their faith and to Confirm the promises their Godparents had made for them at their baptisms. There were eight sessions in all and a good mix of adults and young people attended. There were seven candidates in all, six of whom are from Woolsthorpe. The service took place at St Wulframs Church, Grantham on Sunday 30th June, where candidates from across the deanery of Grantham gathered. The Bishop of Grantham, Rt. Revd. Tim Ellis presided and preached. BAPTISM On 15th September at our 4:00pm family service, we will be holding our first baptism (Christening) for four years in the church. On that day Connor Phillips will make his commitment as a new member of Gods Church and you are all invited to attend. There will be food and refreshments afterwards to celebrate.

(From 1st Sun in October) 1st Sunday of the month 4:00pm Holy Communion 3rd Sunday of the month 4:00pm Family Worship Holy Communion will be reintroduced into the church service Rota on the 1st Sunday in October and once again will be a regular feature of St James worship. Please do come and join us.
A Prayer for Church Growth God of Mission Who alone brings growth to your Church at Woolsthorpe, Send your Holy Spirit to bring people to worship with us; Give wisdom to our actions, Service times Faith to our lives, Hope to our village community, And love to all our hearts. Through Jesus Christ, Amen.

Volunteer musicians needed. Can you play organ, keyboard or guitar? Can you sing? Would you be willing to play or sing with us at services? Give us a ring. A warm welcome awaits.

To place information in this notice sheet or to arrange a future baptism, wedding or for home communion, please contact: Priest in Charge Revd. Keith Hanson 01476 594608; Church Wardens Mr. Ricky Phillips 01476 580487; Mrs. Dorothy Whitelocks 01476 870556 Websites http://woolsthorpechurch.weebly.com/index.html www.harlaxtongroup.co.uk