Welcome to

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN SIDCUP

An affiliation of Churches Together in Kent. We aim to help and encourage the Churches of Sidcup to work more closely together in their work and witness.

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Pancakes and Prayers

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he pancake party held on Shrove Tuesday raised the princely sum of £230. Thank you for all those who attended and contributed.

Pancake Day or, more appropriately, Shrove Tuesday leads us into the time of Lent. Today, living in a busy world and leading busy lives many people hardly having the opportunity to take a breathing space. Lent provides us with the opportunity to take time and to inwardly reflect on our own lives and the life of the church, to reflect on what God has done for all humanity. Lent gives us a time of preparation in readiness to celebrate God’s marvellous redemption at Easter and the resurrected life that we live and hope for as Christians. Lent is not just a time of reflection and preparation but also one of prayer.

We offer up to God prayers of thanksgiving, prayers of supplication, prayers of intercession, prayers of confession, prayers of adoration and many others. However, I wonder how many people practice contemplative prayer? Prayer which has been described as waiting upon God, listening for God, opening ourselves to God, responding to the invitation to meet God in silent awareness. By coming to God in silence and stillness we lay aside the busyness of our lives. We make ourselves available, open and receptive for God to do as God wills and in the stillness and the silence perhaps we hear that still small voice of calm.

So as we journey through Lent, as we walk the Good Friday Procession and then celebrate Easter I am reminded of some words from that wonderful hymn “Now the green blade rises”. For at the resurrection, at Easter “Love comes again, like wheat that springs up green”. The time of celebration has arrived.

Rev Malcolm Wright
Minister
Emmanuel Church, Sidcup

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Alpha Courses

WHAT IS ALPHA?
The Alpha course is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith.

It's relaxed, low key, friendly and fun.

There is a meal together at the beginning of each session which gives you an opportunity to get to know each other.

Listen, learn, discuss and discover. And ask anything. Alpha is a place where no question is too simple or too hostile.

And it's supported by all the main Christian denominations.

SIDCUP ALPHA COURSES

Churches in and around Sidcup are planning
Alpha Courses in 2010, for details click on link below:.
For details of local Alpha Courses
- Click Here -

To add your church Alpha or similar courses examining the Christian faith, to the CTiS website, send details to:

Local Activities

FRIDAY LENT LUNCHES
at Holy Redeemer Parish Hall,
Days Lane, Sidcup, DA15 8JR

FOOD & FELLOWSHIP at a modest price (£3.50)

Starts on Friday, 19th February at 12.30pm and on
26th February
5th March
12th March
19th March
until 26th March

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GOOD FRIDAY PROCESSION

Good Friday
2nd April 2010

9.30am
Short Service
at St. John's Church,
Church Road, SIDCUP

Followed by a procession through
Sidcup Town Centre from 9.45am

Further details to follow

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CTiS MEMBER CHURCHES

Click for Printer Friendly (pdf) Listing

All Saints Church (CofE)                                             Map
Rectory Lane, Foots Cray, DA14 5BU. Tel: 020 8300 7096

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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); Parish Eucharist (Other Sundays).

For further information visit their website at: www.allsaintsandstjames.org.uk

Avery Hill Christian Fellowship                                    Map
Southspring, Sidcup, DA15 8EA. Tel: 020 8859 7073

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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.

Sunday service at 10.15am (Creche, Children & Y.P. Groups). There is often a monthly Sunday evening service, as advertised. More information from: or visit their website at www.averyhill.info Website also contains audio files of recent Sunday and mid-week sermons and news video's.

Christ Church (CofE)                                                 Map
Main Road, Sidcup, DA14 6PA. Tel: 020 8308 0835

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atering extensively for families. Christ Church is Church of England in the evangelical tradition. On Sunday mornings there are various activities for 3 to 14 year olds 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 www.christchurchsidcup.org.uk

Emmanuel Church                                                   Map
Granville Road, Sidcup, DA14 4AA. Tel: 020 8300 5064

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welcoming and friendly church of Methodist and United Reform traditions. There is a Sunday Club for 3-18 year olds and there are other church based activities during the week. For lettings, 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                                        Map
Sidcup Hill, Foots Cray, DA15 6JS. Tel: 020 8300 8464

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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 click here or from

The Holy Redeemer Church, Lamorbey (CofE)           Map
Days Lane, Sidcup, DA15 8JR. Tel: 020 8302 5356

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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 http://holyredeemer.co.cc/index.htm

Holy Trinity Church, Lamorbey (CofE)                       Map
Hurst Road, Sidcup, DA15 9AE. Tel: 020 8300 8231

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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, 10.00am. (6.00pm Evensong occasionally on feast days).
More information from: or visit their website at www.holytrinitylamorbey.org

New Community Church                                              Map
24 Station Road, Sidcup, DA15 7DU. Tel: 020 8300 0333

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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.
From 4th January 2009 Sunday services at 9.30am and 11.30am.
More information from:
or visit their website at www.newcommunitychurch.org.uk

New Covenant Church, meeting at St. Andrews Church  Map
Maylands Drive, Sidcup, DA14 4RY. Tel: 020 8090 1439

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warm welcome to this new congregation who joined CTiS in September 2006 and meet in St. Andrew's Church, Maylands Drive, DA14 4RY for a Service on Sunday afternoons. Disabled facilities include hearing loop, wheelchair access to church, hall and toilet on hall level.
Sunday service is at 12.30pm and Home Church at 7.00pm on Tuesday.
More information from:
or visit their website at http://www.newcovenant.org.uk/sidcup.php

New Generation Church                                           Map
Birkbeck Road, Sidcup, DA14 4DJ. Tel: 020 8309 6056

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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 9.40am for 10.00am at Bexleyheath Cineworld, DA6 7LL. Weekday meetings at Birkbeck Road, Sidcup, DA14 4DJ. More information from: or visit their website at www.newgen.org.uk

Our Lady Of The Rosary Church (RC)                     Map
330a Burnt Oak Lane, Blackfen, DA15 8LW. Tel: 020 8300 2697

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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. For more information visit their website at www.rosary.freeuk.com

Redeemed Christian Church of God - Victory Assembly   Map
Hadlow Road, Sidcup, DA14 4AA. Tel: 020 857 0208

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new congregation, belonging to The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), have been holding Sunday services in Sidcup since 4th October 2009. Under the leadership of Pastor Richard Odufisan the church meets in Emmanuel Church Hall, Hadlow Road, Sidcup, DA14 4AA, for a Celebration Service at 1.00pm each Sunday and at 7.00pm on Thursdays 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 or from:

Sidcup Baptist Church                                              Map
129 Main Road, Sidcup, DA14 6PA. Tel: 020 8309 9717

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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)                                     Map
Maylands Drive, Sidcup, DA14 4RY. Tel: 020 8300 4712

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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 services at 10.00am and 6.30pm. More information from: or visit their website at www.st-andrewssidcup.org.uk

St. James Church (CofE)                                        Map
North Cray Road, North Cray, DA14 5HD. Tel: 020 8300 7096

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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).

For further information visit their website at www.allsaintsandstjames.org.uk

St. John's Church (CofE)                                        Map
Church Road, Sidcup, DA14 6BX. Tel: 020 8300 0383

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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 further information visit their website at www.stjohnchurch.co.uk

St. Lawrence's Church (RC)                                     Map
129 Main Road, Sidcup, DA15 7HB. Tel: 020 8300 2480

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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

Click for Printer friendly (pdf) listing of all the CTiS Churches

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CTiS Report for year
2008-2009

‘How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity’ - Psalm 133

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iving in unity does not mean we will necessarily agree on everything, but that we agree on our purpose in life - to work together for God. Our outward expression of unity will reflect our inward unity of purpose.

So we come to that time, the AGM when we look back over the last year. 2009 should be an exciting year as we celebrate our 50th Anniversary, but it does not feel we have collectively gained momentum or enthusiasm as yet for this. Steve Chalke is booked for the evening CTIS celebration on 26th July, using ‘Lark in the Park’ for the venue. Much arranging still has to be done and my passion for CTIS is that we all play our part in arranging this afternoon and evening, so we can reflect to our community the commitment we have made in CTIS to be united together whenever and wherever we can.

Although I came to this position with fear and trepidation it has been a privilege to serve this year. We have to be thankful for the many faithful, dedicated people and churches that serve and get behind and support CTIS events. We need to pray for the churches less involved, that they will catch the desire to join in. Praying and encouraging each other is following Jesus’s teaching.

I especially want to thank the executive committee:
Tom Baker – Who has helped and supported me during the last year.
Paul Hurran – For his dedication.
Carol Blisset – For her commitment to CTIS, and also for taking care of the finances.
Sue Robertson – For her willingness in stepping in to be secretary at very short notice.

Events that have taken place over the last year include both regular features on the calendar and some new events:
Lark in the Park – Which gets bigger each year. These two weeks of outreach are now very much part of our community in Sidcup. Although CTIS are meant to take part, only some churches and individual people get involved.

As it is our 50th anniversary year, I would encourage as many people to get as involved as possible; even one or two days would contribute in helping everyone working together.

The Civic Carol Service at St. John’s was well organised as always and some said the best one so far.

Carol Singing at Morrison’s was another success, led by Ronnie Barham who was able to bring fun and encouragement to those taking part.

The Children’s Unity Party was a new venture, led by Gorden Raggett. 50 children from various churches attended. 8 churches really got behind this and provided people to help with the children and prepared food for the afternoon. 2 other churches also contributed food. As the afternoon began, helpers started to arrive and got stuck into the preparations before the children arrived, blowing up balloons, wrapping presents for pass the parcel. Food as asked for started arriving – This was churches working together. During the afternoon there were games, singing, hand painting (which was put together to symbolise ‘Many Parts, One Body’) a guest Teddy Bear appearance and a puppet show. There were refreshments provided for any parents that wanted to wait while the party was being held. All the children went home happy and the helpers were all keen to repeat it next year, and someone even suggested doing something for teenagers!

The Unity Service held at Emmanuel Church was well attended, with tea and cakes provided before the service. Malcolm Wright led the service based around Christians in Korea; this was very interesting and really well put together.

Shove Tuesday Pancake Party, was another new venture. The Lent groups were not arranged this year as many churches still hold their own, so it was decided to try a more outreach style of event. This was held at The New Generation Centre. About 80 people of all ages attended, some of the people who had been invited had no church connection, so heard the talk given by David Hildred during the evening on ‘The Meaning of Lent’. Other features were a quiz, singing, games and some pancake flips, plus 100 pancakes (made by New Generation) with various fillings were consumed. A collection was taken and £200 was raised, enabling CTIS to sponsor a child for a year through the organisation ‘Compassion’. 6 churches were represented at the evening and provided fillings for the pancakes, while another 2 churches contributed fillings.

Good Friday Walk of Witness – 100 people took part in the walk which proved to be a very friendly and meaningful walk.

The possibility of having Street Pastors in Sidcup was explored in 2 trial evenings at Christchurch Sidcup with John Baptiste and his team from Bexleyheath. Although there was much interest, at present we are unable to put anyone forward for training to be a Street Pastor.

The monthly prayer meetings continue to be attended by at least 10 or 12 people, while the goodwill and trust continues between the Ministers and Leaders who meet once a month over breakfast or lunch.

So we have much to be thankful about with the events we do hold together and these are only made possible through the ongoing efforts of people with a passion for CTIS.

The Constitution was changed this year giving opportunity for 3 representatives from each church. The representatives are the main connection and communication between their own church and CTIS, so I give my thanks to all who are interested and have given their time for this. Individual churches response is usually due to the effectiveness of their representative.So may God bless our work and strengthen our witness together as we strive to put Christ at the centre of everything we do.

I wish Tom well as he takes over as new Chairman and hope you will be as supportive towards him as you have been for me.

Kathy Alford
New Generation Church

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For more information visit their website: New Community Debt Advice Service

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Click for Churches Together in England e-news and read the monthly news report.

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Click for Transform Bexley Borough

SIDCUP CHURCHES
All Saints     
Avery Hill C.F     
Christ Church     
Emmanuel     
Foots Cray Baptist     
Holy Redeemer     
Holy Trinity     
New Community     
New Covenant     
New Generation     
Our Lady of the Rosary. 
RCCG Victory Assembly.
Sidcup Baptist     
St. Andrew's     
St. James     
St. John's     
St. Lawrence's     

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TIMES OF
CHURCH SERVICES
IN SIDCUP

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TIMES OF EASTER
CHURCH SERVICES
IN SIDCUP

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DIARY OF EVENTS
IN LOCAL CHURCHES
January-December 2010

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CTiS

50th

ANNIVERSARY
CELEBRATION

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LOCAL ALPHA COURSES

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Harmony Newsletter

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CRIBS NEWSLETTER

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Great Larks in the Park for all the Family

12,000 people attended

347 volunteers served
from 34 different churches.

View the "Newsshopper" coverage
of this year's

LARK IN THE PARK

Click for Report
Click for Pictures
Click for Video

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THIS YEAR

BOOK THE DATE
FOR
LARK IN THE PARK 2010
24th July - 8th Aug

Church News

FIFTYTHREE SCHOOL BOOKINGS FOR CRIBS EASTER PLAY

Some 53 schools in Bexley Borough have invited CRIBS to perform their "Easter Unwrapped" play in the run up to Easter and two teams will perform it, over 60 times. The Easter story is recreated through drama, music and puppets. It will be watched by 17,000 children and staff in 84% of the Borough's schools.

If you feel you are missing out, there is an opportunity to see the play on Sunday 21st March at 6.30pm at St. Martins Church, Erith Road, Barnehurst. An evening of music, reflection and drama including CRIBS AGM, a financial update and a brief report on their work in Bexley Primary Schools.

For more details contact CRIBS on 01322 330730 or info@cribsonline.org

A former 51 bus has been given to CRIBS in preparation for an exciting new project to cover the 400th anniversary of the publication of the King James Bible.

The bus was driven down from Scotland recently where it was in use as a school bus and CRIBS can now set about the task of getting this project up and running.

To read about how this all came about, visit www.cribsonline.org

A significant event for the local community is being organised by St. John's Church, Sidcup in September 2010 and they are inviting sponsors to take part by completing a flower arrangement for the Festival. The Mayor of Bexley will open the event at 2.30pm on Friday 17th September and the festival will close after a Choral Service which starts at 5.30pm on Sunday 19th September.

The theme will be "The Four Seasons" in it's widest sense, so "Christmas" could be included in "Winter" or a "Wedding" in any season.

Proceeds from the Flower Festival will be divided equally between Demelza Children's Hospice and St. John's Church, Sidcup.

To sponsor or for further information contact the Parish Administrator at:
stjohnsparishoffice@tiscali.co.uk or tel:020 8309 0866.

Commencing on 19th February, Emmanuel Church in Hadlow Road, Sidcup, are holding monthly Julian Meetings on Friday evenings at 7.30pm.

Entitled, "Waiting for God in the Silence" is for people of all denominations or none, who want to grow in the practice of Christian contemplative prayer.
Click to view flyer for more details.

Children from the CTiS churches were welcome at the Unity Party held for them at St. Lawrences Church at the end of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The CRIBS team and other youth leaders were involved in the event.

NEW CHURCH JOIN'S CTiS

A new congregation, part of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), who have been holding Sunday services in Sidcup since 4th October 2009 were accepted into membership on 19th January at a General Meeting of the Sidcup Churches.

This new congregation, under the leadership of Pastor Richard Odufisan meet in Emmanuel Church Hall, Hadlow Road, Sidcup, DA14 4AA, for a Celebration Service at 1.00pm each Sunday and 7.00pm on Thursdays for a Bible Study & Prayer Meeting.

REVD. GEORGE DAVIES STEPS IN
The Vicar of Holy Trinity Church, Lamorbey, the Revd. George Davies has been appointed an Executive Member of the CTiS Executive. He replaces Revd. David Hildred who is moving to a church in the Sheffield Diocese to become Rector of Darfield Church at the beginning of February 2010.

His ministry at Foots Cray is expected to start during May 2010 with the Induction Service taking place on Saturday 15th May.

The people of Foots Cray Baptist Church are grateful for all the support and prayers they have received, which they have valued highly.

Avery Hill Christian Fellowship are looking for a full-time Team Leader to support their growing ministry amongst children, youth and families in SE London. Applications close on 1st March 2010.
Click to view display advertisment for more details.

Three members of the Sidcup Clergy are leaving their churches in January and moving on to pastures new.

Revd. David Hildred is leaving St. Andrews Church and moving to the Sheffield Diocese to become Rector of Darfield Church. He has been the Vicar at St. Andrews, Albany Park since August 1996.

Revd. Andrew Wilson is leaving Christ Church and has accepted the post of South of England Representative for Release International who serve persecuted Christians in 30 countries around the world. He will start on 1st March.

Revd. Pat Percival is leaving All Saints & St. James Churches and moving to St. James the Great at Blendon.

They would all appreciate your prayer support, as would the churches they are leaving.

SIDCUP CIVIC CAROL SERVICE
Once again the Borough Carol Service was held at St. John's Church, Sidcup on 13th December and a congregation of 400 included the Mayor of Bexley, Cllr. Bernard Clewes, the Mayoress, Mrs Edna Clewes and other civic dignatories.

The carol singing was led by a combined churches choir and people from various Sidcup churches read the nativity Bible passages and led the prayers.

Two schools, Old Bexley Church of England Primary School and Birkbeck Primary Svhool took part in the service including the CRIBS team and additional music was provided by The Bexley Band.

The congregation was welcomed by the Revd. Sue Twynam, Curate of St. John's Church. Father Des Hanrahan, Priest at St. Lawrence's Church gave the address and Revd. George Davies, Vicar of Holy Trinity Church, Lamorbey gave the closing prayer and blessing.

During the service a collection was taken for the Mayor's Charity Appeal for the Demelza Hospice Care for Children which raised over £407.

NEW MINISTER INDUCTED
AT AVERY HILL CHURCH

The Revd. Rob Stevens was Inducted as the new Minister at Avery Hill Christian Fellowship, Sidcup on Saturday 3rd October.

The Service attended by church members including clergy and members from other Sidcup Churches and the Merland Rise Church in Epsom Downs where Rob served as Minister in Training and was Ordained in July this year.

The Revd Peter Clarke, a former Minister at Sidcup Baptist Church led the Induction Ceremony. Rob (32) is married to Alona and they have three children.

A BIG THANK YOU FROM LARK IN THE PARK
The community of Sidcup has been enjoying this Summer at LIPT. Approximately 12,000 people came together over 16 days. THANK YOU to everyone who got involved, whether it was by giving your time as a volunteer, praying for the event, helping behind the scenes or giving financially. This event wouldn’t be possible without the great commitment and passion of the people of Sidcup’s Churches. Thank you!

THE BISHOP OF ROCHESTER STEPS DOWN
A Farewell service is being held at Rochester Cathedral for the Rt Rev. Dr Michael Nazir-Ali on Saturday 12th September. Appointed in 1994 as the 106th Bishop of Rochester he announced his intention to resign earlier this year. He was one of the final two candidates for Archbishop of Canterbury, though Rowan Williams was appointed in 2003.

DOCTORATE FOR PAUL WRIGHT
The Ven Dr. Paul Wright, the Archdeacon of Bromley & Bexley, and former Canon of St. John's Church, Sidcup, was awarded his doctorate at the University of Wales on 4th July. Late last year he finished his research on a Ministerial Development Review in the Church of England. Paul has valued the opportunity to do some serious research which will be an aid to Anglican Clergy in the coming years.

CURATE FOR ST. JOHN'S, SIDCUP
Having been a member of St. Andrew's Church, Bostall Heath for 20 years, Sue Twynam is being Ordained in Rochester Cathedral on Saturday 5th September.

The following day, Sue will be welcomed at St. John's Church, Sidcup, as their new Curate, during the 10.00am Eucharist Service. "I am confident that God has called me to St. John's and I look forward to contributing into the life of the church." says Sue.

A GREAT RESULT FOR CHRISTIAN AID WEEK !

Chris Burry reports that the Sidcup area collections raised £6816.34. Though less than last year, this still is a marvellous figure in the present economic climate. Chris thanks the collectors and everyone who contributed this year.

PASTOR FOR AVERY HILL CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

After a 3½ year interregnum, Avery Hill Christian Fellowship have appointed Revd. Robert Stevens, (BA hons; BTh) as their new Pastor. He will take up the post on 1st September 2009 and will be Inducted at the Church in Southspring, Sidcup, DA15 8EA on Saturday 3rd October at 3.30pm.

Rob Stevens completed a 3 year course at Spurgeon's College in June this year and his Ordination Service took place at Merland Rise Church, Tadworth, Surrey, on Sunday 12th July.

While training for the ministry, Rob, who is married with 3 children, has been Minister in Training at the Merland Rise Church for the past 3 years, working for the church and in the local community.

CTiS EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS
We welcome Tom Baker (Chair); Paul Hurren (Vice Chair); Suzanne Robertson (Secretary); Carol Blissett (Treasurer) and Rev David Hildred (Executive Member) who were appointed to the Executive committee at the AGM on Wednesday 23rd April 2009. We pray God's blessing on them as they serve Him in the coming year.

Our sincere thanks to Kathy Alford, for all her work during her year of office.

Kathy Alford and Mike Attewell are the CTiS Representatives at the Sidcup Town Partnership meetings.

2010 CTiS Events

16th January : Prayer Meeting at 9.00am. New Generation Church, Birkbeck Road, Sidcup, DA14 4DJ Note Change of Venue

19th January Church Reps General Meeting at 8.00pm. Emmanuel Church, Granville Road, Sidcup. DA14 4AA

23rd January : Children's Unity Party. 4.00pm-6.00pm at St. Lawrence's Church, Main Road, Sidcup, DA15 7HB
Booking Date extended to 22nd January, Phone: 020 8309 6056. Kathy Alford still needs volunteers to help on the day. Please contact her if you are able to help.

24th January : Service for Week of Prayer for Christian Unity at 6.30pm at Christ Church, Main Road, Sidcup. Speaker: Charles Rutter. Tea will be served at 5.30pm

16th February : 6.00pm Shrove Tuesday Family Pancake Party at New Generation Centre, Birkbeck Road. Sidcup, DA14 4DU. Call the New Generation Centre on 020 8309 6056 for more details.

20th February : Prayer Meeting at 9.00am. Our Lady of the Rosary, 330a Burnt Oak Lane, Blackfen, Sidcup, DA15 8LW Note Change of Venue

20th March : Prayer Meeting at 9.00am. Sidcup Baptist Church, Main Road, Sidcup, DA14 6PA Note Change of Venue

2nd April : Good Friday Procession, 9.30am for 9.45am, from St. John's Church, Church Road, Sidcup. Finishing at Emmanuel Church, Hadlow Road, Sidcup, for refreshments.

17th April : Prayer Meeting at 9.00am. Sidcup New Covenant Church at St. Andrew's Church, Maylands Drive, Albany Park, Sidcup, DA14 4RY Note Change of Venue

21st April : CTiS Annual General Meeting, 7.45pm. St Lawrences Church, Main Road, Sidcup.

9th-15th May : Christian Aid Week

15th May : Prayer Meeting at 9.00am. St. Lawrences Church, Main Road, Sidcup

16th June Church Reps General Meeting at 8.00pm. Foots Cray Baptist Church, Sidcup Hill.

19th June : Prayer Meeting at 9.00am. Venue to be advised

17th July : Prayer Meeting at 9.00am. Venue to be advised

24th July-8th Aug : Lark in the Park, Sidcup Place, Chislehurst Road, Sidcup

21st August : Prayer Meeting at 9.00am. Venue to be advised

18th September : Prayer Meeting at 9.00am. Venue to be advised

16th October : Prayer Meeting at 9.00am. Venue to be advised

20th November : Prayer Meeting at 9.00am. Venue to be advised

12th December : Sidcup Civic Carol Service, 4.00pm, St. John's Church, Church Road, Sidcup

18th December : Prayer Meeting at 9.00am. St. John's Church, Church Road, Sidcup.

18th December : Carol Singing, 10.30am for 11.00am, at Morrisons Supermarket, Elm Road, Sidcup

Prayer Themes for MARCH 2010

ASH WEDNESDAY

A prayer for the
people of Haiti & Chile

Prayer for Alpha
& Similar Courses

Please pray for everybody involved in Courses examining the Christian Faith:
1. That there will be an atmosphere in which folk can ask questions and find the one who is the Way the Truth and the Life.
2. That all leaders are facilitators for everyone to be involved.
3. Leaders use relevant and helpful illustrations that folk can understand and apply.
4. Pray for the Holy Spirit to be working.
5. That misconceptions may be graciously addressed. Presumed links with Jesus are not enough for someone to be saved, they must know Him personally.

Based on Luke 13:22-30.
Compiled by Estelle Woodcock

Church Links

CTiS Alpha Page

Lark in the Park

CRIBS in Bexley Schools

Transform Bexley Borough

BVSC - Bexley Voluntary Services Council

New Community Debt Advice Service

Queen Mary's Hospital Chaplaincy

Churches Together in Kent

Churches Together in England

Christian Aid

Christian Aid Week

facebook

Maz has created a CTiS group page on facebook. A few leaders and members of CTIS are already on facebook and it is a great way to get messages and ideas across on a discussion board.

The group is open to all members of CTIS and members of the Sidcup churches, so even if your members are not at CTiS meetings, this enables them to be involved and share their ideas.

If you are part of facebook already, click on groups and search for "Churches Together in Sidcup" or type in http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=10414886668
For those not a member of facebook, all you need to do is register your email and JOIN THE CTIS GROUP!

CLICK HERE FOR facebook LINK

Local Links

Bexley Web - local information for London Borough of Bexley

This is Eltham Web - local information for Eltham, New Eltham & Mottingham

Sidcup Community Group - Run by Sidcup Residents for Sidcup Residents.
SCG Newsletter
SCG Website

Sidcup Town Talk
                        -your guide to your town

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For further information
or to submit:
News items,
Details of Events,
or Changes   CTiS@talktalk.net                    

Credits

Updated 9.3.10 [v2]
by Mike Barnes
[ctis@talktalk.net]