OLYMPIC FLAME LIT
ON ASCENSION DAY
Thursday 17th May 2012
oday is Ascension day when we remember that Jesus went up into Heaven, and gave us the great commission to "…go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." We are not on our own - Jesus assured us "...and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20)
Soon 'all nations' will be coming to us, and the Olympic Torch Relay (which arrives tomorrow and starts its journey throughout the UK on Saturday 19th May) gives us the spur to pray for them and for our own nation. I have attached a link to the London 2012 website which will enable you to click on a date and see where the torch is going each day.
The Torch flame is lit from the sun's rays in the temple of Hera in Olympia, but we believe that Jesus is the true light that gives light to every man. (John 1:9). Jesus said "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)
Please commit to praying daily for: God's blessing and peace to be on each community in the UK, and for the Christians in those places to be lights on a lampstand and show God's love in practical and creative ways. (If you would like to know more about how you can use the opportunity of the Games to be involved in the community as an individual or church/group of churches, please contact me on npbhab@o2.co.uk)
All nations, especially the athletes, families and guests coming to the Games, that they may discover that there is something even more precious than a gold medal - new life and peace with God through Jesus Christ!More Christians to offer a spare bedroom for athlete's families to stay during the Games (if you want to more about the Athlete Family Homestay programme, please go to www.morethangold.org.uk)
Safety and security during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Reminder of dates:
With every blessing
Hilary (Brown)
More Than Gold Borough Champion
and Torch Relay Link for Bexley
CHRISTIAN AID WEEK
GOOD FRIDAY PROCESSION
Members from different churches in Sidcup commemorating the death of Jesus, with a procession through Sidcup town centre
on Good Friday morning.
Starting at St. John's Church, then stopping near the War Memorial, Morrison's, McDonald's and finishing at The Crescent, opposite Christchurch in Main Road, where refreshments were served. At each stop, relevant Scripture passages were read aloud by all who had gathered and finished with a hymn and a prayer.
The Cross was carried by Richard Odufisan and Tom Baker and the Churches Together in Sidcup banner, by members of Christchurch.
PRAYING & PLANNING
omething all the Main Church Denominations want us to be involved with is the 2012 Olympics to the extent that they made ‘More Than Gold’ an Inspire brand. These Games give the Church an opportunity to reach out to our local communities and use the Social teaching of Christ in a focussed and effective way.
On the CTiS website there are some ideas that individuals or whole churches might take up. Click Here
The ‘torch’ Relay arrives in Bexley on Sunday afternoon, 22 July. Travelling from Redbridge by boat on the River Thames and landing at Erith. Passing the Industrial estate onto Manor Road, into Queen’s Rd., then Bexley Rd. On into Erith Road, then left into Watling St. towards Crayford. Right into Bourne Rd. towards A2. Right into Gravel Hill and at the top right into Broadway, past the Civic Offices and Police Station in Arnsberg Way to Trinity Place. It goes through the Pedestrian Precinct at Bexleyheath Shopping Centre. The Broadway again then Crook Log and right into Danson Rd. At the Stables entrance it enters Danson Park to Danson House about 5.30pm Overnight the torch moves privately to Croydon.
Bexley Council wants choirs, bands, entertainers and many other talents like face-painting to have pitches along the route or places on the ‘Torch Bus’ to sing or play to the crowds on the route. You may decide to take a group of children or give out water, join with a church along the route with something their doing or support our own Lark in the Park.
NOW is the time to be praying and planning it!Rev Michael Baldry, Deacon
Our Lady of the Rosary, Blackfen
Our sincere thanks to Michael Baldry, who is stepping down, after many years as Editor of "HARMONY", our monthly leaflet circulated to the CTiS churches. The Blog, Prayer Diary and other information in HARMONY has been regularly used on this website.
In a closing message Michael says: "My thanks to all those who have used and supported Harmony. This is my last effort as Editor. I now hand over to Tom Baker who willingly offered to take on the role. Keep him in your prayers that he may be kept safe and supported in the Lord.
All Saints Church (CofE)
Rectory Lane, Foots Cray, DA14 5BU. Tel: 020 8300 7096
MAP
he Living Church on the Meadows, a small and beautiful old church on the edge of the Footscray Meadows, with a friendly, welcoming, family atmosphere.
Traditional Anglican Liturgy, the church welcomes all ages.
Services on Sunday:
9.30am All Age Worship (1st Sunday);
9.30am Parish Eucharist (Other Sundays).
or visit their website at: www.allsaintsandstjames.org.uk
Avery Hill Christian Felowship
Southspring, Sidcup, DA15 8EA. Tel: 020 8859 7073
MAP
he Avery Hill Christian Fellowship is a lively and vibrant community of people of all ages who share a common faith in the grace of God through the person of Jesus Christ. Having a passion for mission both locally, nationally and internationally.
There are many activities throughout the week for all ages, including mother and toddlers,(www.springlets.org.uk),
Whizz Kids club, youth events and even meetings and outings for the adults! Disabled facilities include hearing loop, wheelchair access
to premises and toilet.
Services on Sunday:
10.15am Morning Worship (Creche, Children & Y.P. Groups).
6.15pm Evening Service (2nd Sunday).
More information from:
or visit their website at www.averyhill.info
Website also contains audio files of Sunday sermons.
Christchurch (CofE)
Main Road, Sidcup, DA14 6PA. Tel: 020 8308 0835
MAP
atering extensively for families. Christchurch is Church of England in the evangelical tradition. On Sunday mornings there are various
activities for 3 to 14 year old's and above. During the week running many activities, home Bible study groups, meetings for women, a monthly men's breakfast plus
much more. Offers wheelchair access to premises.
Sunday services at 8.00am (every 2nd and 4th Sun), & 10.30am.
Evening Services as advertised.
For more information visit their website at www.christchurchsidcup.org.uk
or contact
Emmanuel Church
Granville Road, Sidcup, DA14 4AA. Tel: 020 8300 5064
MAP
welcoming and friendly church
of Methodist and United Reform traditions. There is a Sunday Club for 3-18 year old's and there are other church based activities during the week. For letting's,
bookings information, programme of activities, use of premises and other details speak to the church office.
Emmanuel Church is part of The Chislehurst and Orpington
Methodist Circuit. Sunday service at 10.30am.
For more information visit
www.emmanuelchurchsidcup.org.uk website, or from
Foots Cray Baptist Church
137 Sidcup Hill, Foots Cray, Sidcup, DA14 6JS. Tel: 020 8302 8136
MAP
t Foots Cray Baptist Church,
they are committed to the central truths of the Christian Faith and have a 'traditional' but warm and friendly approach to worship. Only baptising those who have
come to faith in Jesus but our Communion Table is open to all who trust Christ as Saviour, whether baptised as believers or not. Offers wheelchair access to
premises.
Sunday services at 11.00am and 6.30pm.
For more information from www.fcbc.org.uk or from
The Holy Redeemer Church, Lamorbey (CofE)
Days Lane, Sidcup, DA15 8JR. Tel: 020 8302 5356
MAP
he Holy Redeemer is a
Parish of the Church of England. Worship focuses on the Holy Eucharist, using a variety of styles. Having an active Children's Church and Choir.
Offers wheelchair access to premises and toilet. Sunday services at 8.00am and 10.00am.
More information from:
or visit their website at www.theholyredeemer.co.uk
Holy Trinity Church, Lamorbey (CofE)
Hurst Road, Sidcup, DA15 9AE. Tel: 020 8300 8231
MAP
oly Trinity is a traditional Anglo Catholic church with Parish Eucharist as their main service.
All will be very welcome to any Sunday service or any weekday meeting. Sunday services at 8.00am Eucharist, 10.00am Family Eucharist.
More information from:
or visit their website at
www.holytrinitylamorbey.org
New Community Church
24 Station Road, Sidcup, DA15 7DU. Tel: 020 8300 0333
MAP
lively, diverse church that draws people from across the London boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich and Lewisham. Sunday meetings
are relevant, relaxed and informal. During the week running activities for all the community including youth work, students and
twenties, exercise classes, meetings for the retired, a morning cafe and a substantial toddler group as well as midweek small groups.
A Debt Advice Service is now available for those who could benefit from talking over any money worries.
Their website contains a regularly updated list of what is going on. Offers wheelchair access to premises and toilet.
Sunday
services at 9.30am and 11.30am.
More information from:
or visit their website at www.newcommunitychurch.org.uk
New Covenant Church
his congregation is temporarily not meeting at St. Andrew's Church but with a another New Covenant congregation
outside the Sidcup area, with effect from 1/12/2011.
More information from:
or visit their website at
www.newcovenant.org.uk/sidcup.php
New Generation Church
Birkbeck Road, Sidcup, DA14 4DJ. Tel: 020 8309 6056
MAP
ew Generation is a passionate and lively community. Passionate about Jesus, Sidcup and you. They are involved in projects locally, nationally and internationally. They offer many activities for many ages, speak to the office to find out what is going on right now. All ages are welcome at their Sunday meeting which includes HQ Kids Church and Sparkles creche. Offers wheelchair access to premises and toilet.
Sunday services at 9.30am for 9.45am at Bexleyheath Cineworld, DA6 7LL.
Evening gatherings (most Sundays) at St. John's Church, Church Road, Sidcup, DA14 6BX. Doors and cafe open at 5.45pm.
Weekday meetings at New Generation Centre, Birkbeck Road, Sidcup, DA14 4DJ.
More information from:
or visit their website at www.newgen.org.uk
Our Lady Of The Rosary Church (RC)
330a Burnt Oak Lane, Blackfen, DA15 8LW. Tel: 020 8300 2697
MAP
ur Lady of the Rosary (330a Burnt Oak Lane, off Days Lane) is a Roman Catholic parish community with a wide variety of spiritual, social and community activities. The parish includes
people of all ages with activities for children and young people, outreach to the elderly and housebound. A social club, football club and various groups, who meet
to contribute in diverse ways, to the building up of God's kingdom.
Saturday service at 6.00pm;
Sunday services at 9.00am, 10.30am and 6.00pm.
More information from:
or visit their website at www.blackfencatholic.org
Redeemed Christian Church of God - Victory Assembly
367A Footscray Road, New Eltham, SE9 2DR. Tel: 07852 100550
MAP
his congregation, belonging to The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), have now moved to new premises
in New Eltham. Under the leadership of Pastor Richard Odufisan the church meets for a Celebration Service at 10.00am each Sunday and at 7.00pm on
Wednesdays for a Bible Study & Prayer Meeting.
The foundation of the church is prayer and teaching the full counsel of God, to help people and families discover their purpose in
life through love and care for one another.
For more information click here for church webpage or
contact:
Sidcup Baptist Church
167 Main Road, Sidcup, DA14 6PA. Tel: 020 8309 9717
MAP
friendly, growing church with lively worship and a good cross-section of age groups, including a large proportion of children and young people. Their vision is to be a church that loves and serves God, His people and His world. The church hosts the Disabled Christian Fellowship (Sidcup Branch) on the 2nd Saturday afternoon in the month. Community lunches, Alpha group, daytime and evening Housegroups, Playgroup, Children's and YP's clubs. Disabled facilities include hearing loop (British Sign Language signing by arrangement), wheelchair access to premises and toilet. Sunday services at 10.30am (creche, children & Y.P's groups) and 6.30pm. More information from: or visit their website at www.sidcupbaptistchurch.org.uk
St. Andrew's Church (CofE)
Maylands Drive, Sidcup, DA14 4RY. Tel: 020 8300 4712
MAP
mix of traditional and informal styles of worship throughout the month. There is a variety of activities and groups during the week for people of all ages from toddler to retired. Trusting you'll experience the love of God there, you are welcome to sample, visit or even stay. Disabled facilities include hearing loop, wheelchair access to church, hall and toilet on hall level. Sunday service at 10.00am. More information from: or visit their website at www.st-andrewssidcup.org.uk
St. James Church (CofE)
North Cray Road, North Cray, DA14 5HD. Tel: 020 8300 7096
MAP
small, pretty Church on the edge of the Meadows, in quiet surroundings and one of North Cray's best kept secrets. Traditional Anglican services, they welcome families and children and offer an all age service, once a month, which is popular with children from 1 to 91. Sunday services 10.00am (2nd Sunday), 11.15am (1st, 3rd & 4th) and 6.30pm (2nd Sunday).
More information from:or visit their website at www.allsaintsandstjames.org.uk
St. John's Church (CofE)
Church Road, Sidcup, DA14 6BX. Tel: 020 8300 0383
MAP
he church is built to the glory
of God but seeks to make God known to the people in Sidcup. It is a great place for worship, young and old alike can enjoy what they do. Are family friendly and
value and appreciate the more senior members of the Church. There are various groups you can be involved in but just turning up on a Sunday is fine. Why not walk
with them for a while and enjoy the community life at St. John's. Offers wheelchair access to premises and toilet available in church hall.
Sunday services 8.00am and 10.00am.
For information visit their website at www.stjohnsidcup.co.uk
More information from:
St. Lawrence's Church (RC)
129 Main Road, Sidcup, DA15 7HB. Tel: 020 8300 2480
MAP
t. Lawrence's parish was founded from St. Mary's
Chislehurst in 1902. The first Mass was said on the Feast of St. Lawrence of Canterbury, (2nd February) hence the parish name. The church is served by a religious congregation of priests
- The Society of Mary, known more generally as Marist Fathers. A quarterly magazine called News and Views is published, giving details of services and organisations in the parish.
Offers wheelchair access to premises and toilet. Open daily 9.30am; Saturday 9.30am & 6.30pm; Sunday 8.30am, 10.00am and 11.30am.
More information from:
or visit their website at www.rc.net/uk/southwark/stlawrence
LOCAL CHURCH EVENTS
GREETINGS CARD MAKING WORKSHOPS
Saturday, 10.30am - 12noon
AVERY HILL CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
Southspring, Sidcup, DA15 8EA
More Than Gold
- helping your church
make the most of the 2012 Games
Click for details
The Olympic Flame
is coming to the Borough of Bexley
for an evening celebration
on Sunday 22nd July 2012
At a recent meeting Hilary Brown gave an overview about the
"More Than Gold" initiative.
If you
are willing to be your CTiS church champion
contact Hilary: (npbhab@o2.co.uk)
Athlete Family Homestay Programme
Details at www.morethangold.org.uk
Christian families needed to offer bed & breakfast for up to 8 days
to one or two of athlete’s
families visiting the Games.
Internet and transport to nearest travel hub required
For more information, visit:
www.morethangold.org.uk/your-church/on-your-marks-tour.html
where other dates and locations are also available.
For more information visit their website: New Community Debt Advice Service
WHAT DO CHRISTIANS BELIEVE?
There are several ways in which we can help you find out more about Christianity, its founder
Jesus Christ, and how Christian faith can improve your life.
The Christian Enquiry Agency provides information for people who want to find out about the Christian faith and its founder Jesus Christ.
Link to: Transform Bexley Borough
Link to: Churches Together in Kent.
For monthly e-News Report from Churches Together in England.
SIDCUP CHURCHES
"We are at a VERY CRUCIAL time in CRIBS. Finances are in a precarious position and we have even more wide open doors into schools
than we can manage. Secondary Schools are a target for coming months, but again we lack staff," says George Hider.
NEW PRIEST WELCOMED
