Happy New Year To One And All

The news of the Asian earthquake on Boxing Day has filled us with horror. We know that thousands of people have died and many more have been left homeless following the tidal waves that devastated coastal regions in South-East Asia.
As we gather for worship, our thoughts and prayers need to be with those who bear the pain and the suffering, and we want to respond generously in order that those who have lost everything may receive from those of us who have so much. Therefore a special collection box will be available from Sunday 9th January and the money will be sent to the BMS World Mission Fund. Donations can be Gift-Aided by making a cheque payable to "BMS Relief Fund" and writing your name and address on the back of the cheque.

The Church is holding a New Years Party on Saturday 8th January at 7.00pm.

Can I remind everyone about the Alpha Course planned to commence from 20th January. There are two training sessions arranged for 6th and 10th January for anyone interested in being a leader. If you are planning to attend the weekly course or want more information about the course please speak to Graham.

Operation Christmas Child. Across the UK more than 800 Churches held special Shoe Box services in November. This year OCC sent Shoe Boxes with gifts to children in the following countries: armenia, Azerbajan, Belarus, Bosnia, Crimea, Croatia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, and Mozambique.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to the Christmas Cards Gifts of Hope scheme for the Samaritans Purse.

Have you got any unwanted Christmas Gifts? Don't sell them on e-Bay. Why not give them to the Church to sell at a future Building Fund event? Denise will be happy to take them off your hands.

If you have an item for the Easter Magazine please hand it to Denise by Sunday 6th March.

David