Notices -

5^th February 2012

3 before Lent

Just as you received Christ Jesus as

Lord, continue to live in him,

rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith

 as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Colossians 2:6-7

If you have questions about what Christians believe or would like the chance to take a refresher on the heart of the Christian message then Christianity Explored is for you. A short course of 7 weeks looking at the account of Jesus’ life. This is our 4th session

· You don’t need to know anything  about the Bible

· You won’t be asked to read aloud, pray or sing

· You can ask any questions you want

For more details contact David,380482

www.christianityexplored.org

Powerpoint in the services

Ever thought how our services are put together so that we are able to worship God with our singing and praise? Have you got an interest in or experience of computers / Powerpoint? Can you give your gifts in this area to God for the benefit of the church family? Please see Brent Bartley or a member of the visuals team for more information about how you can use and develop your talents.

Flower Rota

If you wish to sign up to the flower rota it can be found on the ‘sign up’ board at the back of church.

 Please

Can all leaders of any groups and activities let Elaine have a programme of events and especially ‘holiday dates’ so that we are not wasting energy heating an empty building. Thank you.

Daily Bible Reading

How do we grow in our Christian faith? One of the best ways is to meet with God every day through Bible reading and payer. But it’s hard I hear you say. Not if you have help, and help is at hand with daily Bible reading notes. At the back of the church are some free booklets to help you get started and order forms to order regular notes from Cuan. Many of you will have made New Year resolutions to get your body in to shape now make the best resolution of all and get your spiritual health in to shape by having a daily workout with God. He’s the best trainer!

Sunday @ 7  5th February 7pm

3 options to choose from

· An overview of the Old Testament

· Discipleship explored

· What the Bible says about church

Come and be encouraged and encourage others in growing as a Christian. Further details at the back of church or contact David,380482.

Young Oldies 1st March 10:30am

This is to be a Bring & Buy and Auction. All proceeds are going to Queenscourt Hospice. Come and support this enjoyable event.

Readers at 9:30am service

The rota for this is at the back of church. Please do not be shy in coming forward to read the Bible. You do not need a loud voice as the microphone works well. It would be great to see some new faces so please choose the reading/date you wish to read from the list.

2 Concerts for this year

1. Phatfish Higher Tour Saturday 11th February at St Andrews church Leyland 7pm. Tickets £10 in advance from the church office. Please see Elaine or David.

2. Keith and Kirstyn Getty and Stuart Townend and the All Souls

          Orchestra 30th May at the Philharmonic Hall Liverpool 7pm. Tickets

          £12, £18, £24, £29. Please see Elaine or David if you are interested.

Bishop David Sheppard School Service 10th Feb 1:15pm

Please support our school in this half term service.

LCF Valentine’s Evening 14th February 7:30pm

Come and join in this ecumenical event with 3 other churches, ladies and gentlemen. There are refreshments and entertainment by FOLKAPPELLA. Cost is £2. Please see Alison.

Children’s Society Boxes

Thanks to all who have brought in boxes. If you haven’t done so please bring in your box asap. Emptied boxes are at the back of church so you can start again. If you wish to support the Society by having a box please see Ellen Smith after the 11am service for details.

Poetry Group 15th February 2:30pm

The next meeting looks at the poems of Christina Rossetti: In the bleak midwinter etc. For more details or to get a lift call Carol Holt 507810 or John Burgess 506843

Pastoral Care at St Simon’s

This morning we have the joy of commissioning Anne Molyneux as our new Pastoral Coordinator. In the coming weeks we will be putting together and training a Pastoral Care Team to work alongside her. In the light of these two exciting developments it is worth

clarifying how we are planning to structure our pastoral care in the coming years.

Ultimately God is our pastor and shepherd (the words mean the same). As Psalm 23 famously says ‘The Lord is my shepherd’. It is the job of church leaders to be ‘shepherds of God’s flock’ (1 Peter 5:2) by leading, guiding and comforting God’s people with God’s Word, the Bible. However the task of building up and supporting the church is not left to one or two individuals, it is something that we are all to be involved with in love for one another (Ephesians 4:16).

Anne’s role is going to be to coordinate a team of people who are trained to carry out pastoral visits to those in particular need. The sort of things we have in mind are:

· The housebound and lonely

· Those in Nursing homes

· Those going through a period of illness

· The recently bereaved

Anne and David will meet regularly to discuss needs and if you know of anyone in such circumstances who would appreciate a visit then please let one of them know. It will be Anne’s role to match up visitors with those who would like a visit.

It is worth stating that it will not be Anne’s role to be the one carrying out the visits, and David remains the person to speak to if there is any time of particular crisis or spiritual need that requires the vicar’s involvement.

As a reminder their contact details are:

David Whitehouse               01704 380482

Anne Molyneux                   01704 227865

Please pray for Anne and the Pastoral Care Team as they help us to care for one another.