Joseph. You all know the story – well, the popular version. But it may be worth reading it again, the whole version, as written in Genesis, especially as it will provide the theme for our Sunday services through August. Do join in and enjoy it.

    The school extensions are complete, and the tolerance shown by everyone during the work is much appreciated. The new classroom is so light and airy that the pupils who use it must be the envy of the school. Also the new computer suite is well thought out and very well appointed. The school secretary, Camilla Head, is retiring at the end of term, and a very lively farewell service was held on the last Wednesday morning of term. Our good wishes go with her, though we may well be seeing more of her in another capacity.

    We have had some anniversaries recently. Caroline and Chris Masters reached their silver wedding anniversary; Jenny and David Turnbull have marked up 35 years of wedded bliss. Congratulations to them all.

    Recent baptisms have included the twins Joshua and Katie Johnson, and brother and sister Sayde and Kingsleigh Irving. We welcome them, and will support them in their Christian life.

    Since the last Peternews we record the deaths of Richard Clegg, Patricia Ann Beasley, Margaret Rose Harris and Ronald Drew. May they rest in the peace of the Lord. Our condolences are offered to the families and friends of all.

    The Summer Fete had a good atmosphere about it, with a slightly larger attendance than in past years. The school and church were able to share proceeds of just over £1000 each. Thanks to all who worked at and supported all the stalls and events.

    A pleasant afternoon was held at Lynda’s house, with tea and cakes served in the garden. Very English! Thanks again to all who supported this and raise £168 towards church funds. See you all at Diane and Derek’s place (21, Gascelyn Close) on Aug 15^th for a similar treat.

    One of the projects in the melting pot at the moment is an occasional publication which might be called "Our Financial Times", or possibly "Brass Tacks". Whatever. The aim is to explain better to the congregation just how our finances operate: where it comes from and where it goes. Watch out for it end August / early September.

    The corridor and Meeting Room floors are on schedule to be laid during August (the whole of). May I remind everyone that during this process there will be NO ACCESS via the corridor, or even to the corridor, at any time. Anything you need from cupboards, flower room or any other room off the corridor must be taken before operations begin.

    The D.I.Y. list of the last Peternews remains untouched. To date I have had only one offer of help ………..

    The Summer House Groups have just ended, and we had a review session in church last week, from which Andrew has produced the summary below. Thoughts are afoot to run a series of Autumn house groups with different subjects for different groups. The congregation could then choose their favoured subject.

.        Andrew writes:

    About 30 people embarked on a new course for June and July: ‘Living the Gospel’. The focus was on sharing our faith in practice, so meeting with a new group of people meant progress from the start. Whilst there was plenty of biblical material through the course, the early focus was on each of us being able to highlight key people in our own social networks, (friends, colleagues and family) as a few people for whom we should pray, serve and support as a ‘stepping stone of faith’. Near the end of the course, a get-together drew the following principles, experiences, questions and action points from the course:

        Principles: Think widely to identify people you will pray for, serve and witness to, even a difficult one;

                            We are sharing a faith journey, which includes the unexpected and unique;

                            Praying for people is a spiritual discipline, techniques help like time and space, but heart is all;

                            To serve brings out the importance of listening, time, commitment, relationship, an extra mile;

                            When sharing faith, do not judge a book by its cover, we’re all human. Be aware too of the unexpected, trauma, lifestyle differences; always be curious about the other person.

        Experience: So many of our contacts are already Christians, and we keep in our comfort zones

                                But very satisfying to serve and wondrous to see someone take their next step of faith;

                                We are so self-conscious about praying with Christians about real life;

                                We keep Prayer general and only pray silently in crowds;

                                We miss out on the comfort of an accompanied journey of faith with key prayer partners.

        Questions: Why is it so difficult to pray?

                            How do we handle conflicting bible passages?

                            How do we move on?

                            To serve: how do I find the need, the best one for the job or the training for me?

        Action: To serve: we need support ourselves and a central hub of information;

                      To act we need a community focus not just church; being different, not overpowering;

                        Linking in with new folk takes a change of attitude, willing to listen, pray and plant seeds;

                        To pray: set aside time and space, and set slightly ambitious targets.

    Well do you agree? And has this wetted your appetite to find out more about ‘Living the gospel from someone who was there? Or even to join in different choices on our church’s learning menu in the Autumn?