Church of the Nazarene Broadwalk Knowle Park Bristol BS4 2RD

Table Top Sale - Sat 11th September - Church of the Nazarene, Broadwalk Road BS4 2RD

2010-08-29T16:39:00.003+01:00

Table Top Sale - Sat 11th September - Church of the Nazarene, Broadwalk Road BS4 2RD - Only 104 shopping days left until Christmas so get an early bargain! Table Top, Rummage and Plant Sale Sat 11th September 9-12 - Rummage and Table Top Sale - Church of the Nazarene, Broad Walk, Knowle BS4 2RD 9:00am to 12:00pm. Table top and rummage sale, loads of bargains, books, games, jewellry and clothes! Free cup of tea or coffee too! . Opposite Redcatch Park just down from Broadwalk Shopping Centre. (please note - there are no spaces to rent - sorry)

One Hundred and Fifty!

2010-04-11T19:30:00.002+01:00

Fellowship and Family Fun (aka FAFF)

2010-02-12T08:37:00.002Z

The new year of the Tiger has brought a few new things to the FAFF schedule for 2010, don't forget to sign lists at the back of the church for bookings and lifts:

Thu 25th Feb - 6:30pm

Chinese Meal at Jo's restaurant (Sorry but no kids)

Sat 27th Mar - 6:30pm

Film Night at Church - don't forget to bring treats and a spare bulb for the projector! :)

Sat 24th Apr - 6:00pm

Crazy Golf for Crazy Parishioners at Cabot Circus

Sat 22nd May - 10:30pm

Brunch at Church - Breakfast provided but donations appreciated! Particularly eggs benedict (hint)

Sat 26th Jun - 11:30am

BBQ lunch and day trip to Avon Valley Farm.

Sat 31st Jul - 6:30pm

BBQ at Church - with old smokey! Please bring a salad or any unusual dietary requirements such as snail livers etc.

Sat 28th Aug - 2:30pm

Weston sea front walk followed by Fish n' Chips

Sat 25th Sep - 2:00pm

Walk around Chew Valley Lake

Sat 30th Oct - 10:30am

Christmas shopping trip to Clark's Village

Sat 27th Nov - 6:30pm

Beetle Drive at Church - Hone your bucking beetle riding skills. :) and please don't forget nibbles for the little critters.

Sat 11th dec - 6:30pm

Church Christmas Party - Bring and Share Supper, party games and a visit from Santa.

Filipe's Visit to Bristol

2010-01-31T12:24:00.000Z

Happy New Year - Upcoming Events

2010-01-17T13:14:00.001Z

Normal schedule has returned.

Sat 30th Jan - Felipe's bon voyage party.

Sun 7th Feb - AGM after morning service with bring and share.

Sat 13th Feb - Table Top Sale - 9-12 - Free coffee or tea and some great apres Christmas bargains!

Nativity 2009

2009-12-21T08:53:00.001Z

Christmas Church Programme

2009-11-24T09:35:00.004Z

December is a very busy time in the Church please note key dates listed below. Please join us as we celebrate Christ's birth.

From Nativity 2008

Sat 5th Dec
Broadwalk Shopping Centre - Churches Together Carol Singing 11 to 12.

Tue 8th Dec
Teen Night Christmas Party 7:00pm to 8:00pm

Sat 12th Dec
Church Christmas Table Top Sale 9 to 12 - Grab a bargain and a free cup of tea. Donations always appreciated.

Sat 12th Dec
FAFF - Christmas Party in the church hall. Keep an eye out for Santa. 6:30pm until ?. Bring and share!

Sat 19th Dec
Sunday School Christmas Ice Skating Trip

Sun 20th Dec
10:30 - Church Nativity Service with Refreshments afterwards.

6:00pm - Carols by Candlelight

Mon 21st Dec
Perrets Park - Churches together Carols under the stars - 6:30 to 7:30

Thu 24th Dec
Candlelight Service 11:15pm to 12:15pm

Fri 25th Dec
Informal Christmas Day Service 10:30 to 11:15am

Sun 27th Dec
Normal Sunday Morning Service Only

Mission Evening Film Night

2009-10-14T06:59:00.005+01:00

Church of the Nazarene
Broad Walk,
Knowle,
Bristol
BS4 2RD

Presents

Mission Evening Film Night

Saturday 7th November 2009

6:00pm Dinner
7pm Feature Presentation

“The Robe”

starring

Richard Burton

Adults - £5
Children over 8 - £2

All proceeds will go to church missions.

Indonesia, The Philippines and Vietnam - Not Just Prayers!

2009-10-14T06:56:00.000+01:00

Cafod, Christian Aid, Tearfund and World Vision have teams or partner teams responding in Indonesia, The Philippines and Vietnam.
In Indonesia, where latest reports put the death toll at more than 700 with over 300 people still missing, some 200,000 houses have been either damaged or destroyed. There is an increasing urgency to reach the rural villages around the flattened city of Padang that are among the worst affected by the earthquake.
Sibirani, Executive Director of Tearfund’s partner agency KOTIB, speaking from a village where 90 per cent of houses have collapsed, said that people are still sleeping outside their collapsed houses without tents or blankets.
"They are eating food that they can find from within their collapsed houses or what we are giving them," said Sibirani.
"The mosque is currently the food distribution centre because that is one of the few buildings that has not collapsed. There are still some people buried in houses but many areas are inaccessible by vehicle because of the many landslides, especially in the hill areas away from the coast."
Medical supplies are urgently needed for many people that have been injured.
"There are not enough medicines and people are becoming sick with no protection from mosquitoes," added Sibirano. "People only have the clothes they were standing in and no other possessions as everything is buried in the rubble."
Cafod are also reaching remote villages in the region and are distributing tarpaulins to families yet to receive any direct aid, over a week after the earthquake. Caritas, a partner agency of Cafod, is providing temporary shelter for 1600 families who were unaware that there were international efforts underway to assist them.
World Vision was on the ground and able to respond quickly across the region.
"In Indonesia, we’re distributing emergency kits, including shelter and provisions for clean water to tens of thousands of people," says World Vision UK Chief Executive Justin Byworth.
"In Vietnam, we're providing relief food assistance to 24,000 people, and in the Philippines, our staff and a huge number of volunteers are working with affected children and families, to help them recover.
"In all three countries, the recovery of children is our focus. We are running a number of Child Friendly Spaces, providing safe places for children to learn basic skills to cope with the shocks and losses they've experienced."
Christian Aid’s Indonesian partners are providing food and essential items, clean water and medical teams to help meet the immediate humanitarian needs of up to 50,000 families - approximately 250,000 people. The programme will then begin to help communities rebuild their homes and livelihoods.

Thoughts - Voltaire

2009-10-14T06:54:00.000+01:00

There are some that only employ words for the purpose of disguising their thoughts. - Voltaire

Harvest Service

2009-09-22T05:45:00.002+01:00

Our Harvest Service is this Sunday 27th September 2009 at 10:30. Please bring goods for the offering and please stay afterwards for a bring and share lunch!

From Harvest 2007

Chinese Proverb - Rain

2009-09-22T05:44:00.000+01:00

"He who is drowned is not troubled by the rain." - Chinese Proverb

Holiday at Home 2009

2009-09-18T07:18:00.001+01:00

Holiday at Home pictures, the event was a huge success, a great big thank you to all who helped and participated!

Holiday at Home

2009-08-16T09:46:00.003+01:00

Holiday at Home

on Tuesday 1st , Wed 2nd & Thu 3rd September

For the over 60's who are young at heart!

Love Holidays but hate the thought of packing and travelling?
Then come to “Holiday at Home”, the annual three day event taking place at the Church of the Nazarene, Broadwalk, Knowle. (opposite Redcatch Park).

This year we will be taking you to
The Far East, Brazil and Israel!

The cost is just £3.30 per day, this includes a 2 course lunch, tea, biscuits, entertainment and craft activities.

Each day will start at 10:45 and finish at 3:15.
For more information please contact Sandra on 0117-9715058 or look on our web page www.cotn.co.uk under “Friday Friendship”

Please register your place by the 30th August with Sandra for catering purposes. Remember to book early to avoid disappointment.

Will Rogers - Parrot

2009-07-17T11:24:00.002+01:00

Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip.

- Will Rogers

Radio 4 - Thought of the Day to change! Who thought of that?

2009-07-17T11:10:00.002+01:00

Christians have responded with concern to an announcement by the BBC this week that it is considering opening up up Thought for the Day to secularists and humanists.

Thought for the Day is a three-minute religious slot on BBC Radio 4 for faith leaders to share their views on topical issues.

The BBC has come under pressure in recent years from secularists and humanists to open up the slot to non-religious views, with a non-religious "Thought for the Afternoon" being broadcast for the first time in January.

The proposal was announced on Monday by Radio 4's controller Mark Damazer. He said: "There may well be quite a strong argument for including secularists and humanists."

He said the proposal was being considered by the BBC Trust with a view to reaching "some kind of conclusion" later in the year.

The General Director of the Evangelical Alliance Steve Clifford was among Christians saying Thought for the Day should remain religious.

"It strikes me that the secularists predominate in the other 2 hours and 55 minutes [of the Today Programme], so is it really asking too much for religion to just have a small chunk of dedicated time?” he said.

The General Secretary of the Methodist Church, Martyn Atkins, said that while faith-based communities did not "have a monopoly on 'thoughts', the BBC had a "challenge to represent a variety of views in society".

"“Faith-based communities have a distinctive voice, and large numbers of people listen to Thought For The Day for that very reason, so I would be saddened to lose those crucial few minutes of spiritual reflection," he said.

He continued, "It is important that this slot remains available as a pause to reflect on spiritual or ethical issues ... Methodists are not afraid to be challenged about what we believe, and we are not threatened by hearing secular voices on Thought for the Day.

"But we, along with other Christians, will hope to continue to be given opportunity to speak of the things that matter so deeply to us.”

JC Ryle - Prayerless

2009-07-11T19:25:00.002+01:00

To be prayerless is to be without God, without Christ, without grace, without hope, and without heaven.
... J. C. Ryle (1816-1900),

Proverbs 17:16 - Money

2009-06-15T09:27:00.000+01:00

Proverbs 17:16
Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom?

Stuck for somebody to pray for?

2009-06-06T19:38:00.003+01:00

More than one thousand people have fled from a camp for internally displaced people in Burma’s Karen State amid fears of an attack by the Burmese Army.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) said it had received reports indicating an attack on the IDP camp at Ler Per Her by Burmese Army infantry and the pro-regime militia group, the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army.
CSW’s Advocacy Director Alexa Papadouris said Burma Army troops could attack within hours.
“This is an urgent situation which requires immediate international attention,” she said.
The camp has been forced twice before to relocate as a result of attacks. The latest threat has prompted the camp’s 1,200 IDPs to flee across the border to Thailand.
During previous visits to the camp, including one earlier this year, CSW heard first-hand accounts from IDPs of forced labour, rape, torture, the destruction of villages, crops and livestock, and the use of human minesweepers at the hands of the military regime.
Ms Papadouris said people in Karen State had been suffering attacks and gross violations of human rights “amounting to crimes against humanity” for several decades.
She urged the international community to bring an end to the crisis in eastern Burma.
“We call on the UN Security Council to impose a universal arms embargo on Burma’s military regime, and to establish a commission of inquiry into crimes against humanity,” she said.
“We urge the authorities in Thailand to provide shelter and protection to the Karen from Ler Per Her, and we urge members of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), China and India to use their collective influence with the regime to call a halt to such offensives against civilians.”

Joke? That's Dan Quayle for Ya!

2009-06-06T19:35:00.000+01:00

The future will be better tomorrow.
- Dan Quayle

Angels?!

2009-05-28T07:18:00.000+01:00

From Jokes cotn.co.uk

John 15 - Love Each Other

2009-05-26T19:58:00.000+01:00

"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."
John 15:12-13

Noah's Ark Sunday School Trip May 09

2009-05-26T19:55:00.003+01:00

What a great day - well done to The Hunter for orchestrating the event and Mary for kindly driving the bus!

Snack Attack 2009

2009-05-18T19:22:00.005+01:00

Snack Attack May 2009

The children and helpers had a great time, it was a circus and clown theme with face painting, a clown show, circus skills and of course breakfast! Well done to everyone especially Tony and Janet for putting it all together!

Credit Crunch - Greater Meaning

2009-05-14T06:23:00.002+01:00

New research out this week has revealed that three in four adults are rethinking their core values and big issues like ‘the meaning of life’.
Out of 2,500 adults interviewed by Christian Research in April, 70 per cent agreed they were searching because of the credit crunch, or worries about personal finances and job security.
The search for meaning was found to be occurring to similar degrees among the young and old, in both genders and across all social grades except the very lowest.
The research found that most people were turning first to family and friends to discover their meaning. Fifty-six per cent of those interviewed said they had considered spending more time with family and friends, while 50 per cent said they had actually done it, and of those, 47 per cent said it had been worth it.
“This is a sign that when things are crumbling down, people are looking for love and to be loved,” said Benita Hewitt, Director of Christian Research, who presented the findings at the Christian Resources Exhibition on Tuesday.
“Jesus said to love one another and that’s what people are doing,” she added.
The second most popular way of finding meaning was in contacting past friends. Thirty-six per cent of respondents said they had considered contacting past friends, while 31 per cent said they had actually done it.
“This is also a sign of the need to love and be loved,” said Ms Hewitt. She pointed to similar conclusions drawn by Christian dating agency Christian Connection, which has reported a 40 per cent increase in subscribers during the credit crunch.
The research also found that people were considering finding meaning by doing voluntary and community work. Although 24 per cent had considered it, however, only 13 per cent had actually done it.
“The church can maybe think about how it can help people to actually do some voluntary work,” said Ms Hewitt.
More than voluntary work, 14 per cent of those searching said they had tried prayer, with 12 per cent saying they had found it worthwhile.
The research also threw up some challenges for the church, however. While 23 per cent of unchurched respondents said they were searching, only three per cent said they had considered going to church. Of them, only one per cent actually went – equivalent to around 60 respondents – and none said they would go again.
“This presents a real challenge for the church,” said Ms Hewitt. “Research also shows that the Dow Jones plummeting has not affected churchgoing. We’re not on the spiritual map at all.”
Christian Research found that out of the non-religious respondents, 45 per cent said they had turned to family and friends, 25 per cent to past friends, eight per cent to voluntary work, eight per cent to an art or music hobby, and another eight per cent to reflective time alone.
“The research shows that if you are from a church background, then going to church helps, but if you are among the unchurched then they don’t find it helpful. More than that, they aren’t even going in the first place,” said Ms Hewitt.
She added: “Our message to all Christians is to remember that three out of four people you know are looking for more meaning and now is the time to talk to them about that. They are looking for meaning in relationships, in love, in community, and that’s what we can give them.”

Steinberg Ministries

2009-05-13T07:10:00.001+01:00

Steinberg Ministries

Jeff (rey :) ) and crew did a great job yesterday of delivering a great sermon. Filled with serious humour, great songs and a message of hope, no matter what your handicap (of which Jeff has his share). Worth catching him as he tours the UK. Thank you. http://www.tinygiant.com/ Click the link link above for a few pictures.

Cows

2009-05-13T07:00:00.001+01:00

If a cow laughed would milk come out its nose?

Pingu Penguin Mad -but why bother?

2009-05-11T08:11:00.000+01:00

Penguin collector Birgit Berends

A mathematician loved the cartoon series Pingu so much that she started collecting everything penguin-related.

With over 7000 penguins in her collection Birgit Berends is now a Guiness World Record holder and has opened her penguin museum in the historical "pilots quarter" in Cuxhaven, Germany

W. Somerset Maugham - Worship

2009-05-05T07:18:00.000+01:00

"We didn't think much in the air corps of a fellow who wangled a cushy job out of his C.O. by buttering him up. It was hard for me to believe that God thought much of a man who tried to wangle salvation by fulsome flattery. I should have thought the worship most pleasing to him was to do your best according to your lights."
W. Somerset Maugham

John Cleese - Play

2009-05-05T07:17:00.001+01:00

"If you want creative workers, give them enough time to play."
John Cleese

Jeff Steinberg Team Comes to Knowle

2009-04-30T08:41:00.003+01:00

Don't miss this exciting opportunity to see the "Tiny Giant" Jeff Steinberg. Sunday 10th May at 10:30

I don't know what has been in your prayers but....!

2009-04-29T07:43:00.003+01:00

total of 159 people have died of pneumonia that may have been caused by the mutant H1N1 virus, Jose Cordova, the health secretary, said. Ten of those had died in the last 24 hours.
However, there had been a substantial slowdown in the number of fatalities compared to the period from Sunday to Monday, when 46 people died in a 24-hour period, he said.
Mr Cordova said that the drop in deaths was due to people taking anti-viral drugs soon after they started displaying symptoms.
The first victims were treated with antibiotics and other flu medicine as Mexican health workers struggled to find out what was going on.
"It is crucial to treat the problem early, preferably within the first one or two days," Mr Cordova said.
Mexican authorities have also revised down the confirmed death toll from swine flu from 20 to seven. No one outside Mexico has died.
Despite the slowdown in deaths, the overall number of people hospitalised with swine flu symptoms has continued to rise
By Tuesday night, there had been a total of 2,498 taken into care with respiratory problems believed to be related to swine flu. Of these 1,311 were still bed ridden and fighting the sickness while the others had left after successfully responding to treatment.
Mr Cordova expressed hopes that the infection rate would drop in the next few days thanks to shut downs of public places including schools, cinemas, bars, museums and other spaces.
"These next few days are crucial in seeing how the virus threat will develop," he said, describing the situation as "more or less stable".
In response to the spread of the disease, Mexican authorities have banned restaurants and cafes from serving all food except take away. Schools have also been closed.

Shins

2009-04-28T06:43:00.001+01:00

Was the only reason God gave us a shin is to find things in the dark?

FAFF Bowling Night April 2009

2009-04-26T15:28:00.001+01:00

What a great night, pity Pastor didn't win but you can't win them all! At least he tried :).

George Burns - Sermons

2009-04-23T07:42:00.000+01:00

The secret of a good sermon is to have a good beginning and a good ending, then having the two as close together as possible. - George Burns

I think most people would spell this wrong!

2009-04-22T07:50:00.003+01:00

In an embarrassing mistake, officials in Massachusetts have been forced to admit that some road signs pointing to Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg have spelling mistakes in them.
The typos, which are completely baffling considering how easy it is to spell Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg, were revealed by a local newspaper, the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, which has been covering the misspelling scandal since 2003.
Resolving the issue involved large amounts of research into the roughly two dozen spelling variants for the lake, in Webster, Massachusetts, which is widely credited as having the longest place name in the USA.

Eventually, it was determined that the 45-letter Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg was the correct spelling, and that the signs saying 'Lake Chargoggagoggmanchaoggagoggchaubunaguhgamaugg' were inaccurate (inserting an 'o' for a 'u' at position 20, and an 'h' for an 'n' at position 38.)
The research also found that the 49-letter variant, Chargoggagoggmanchauggauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg, was the second most common version.
The local Chamber of Commerce will now attempt to find out who painted the signs in the first place, and get them to correct them.
Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg is commonly referred to as 'Webster Lake' by inhabitants.

King - Brothers

2009-04-22T03:04:00.000+01:00

"The good neighbor looks beyond the external accidents and discerns those inner qualities that make all men human and, therefore, brothers."
Martin Luther King

Table Top Sale - Saturday 9th May - 9 until 12

2009-04-16T08:12:00.001+01:00

TABLE TOP SALE - Saturday 9th May 2009
Church of the Nazarene, Broadwalk, Knowle Park, Bristol BS4 1BZ. Opposite Redcatch Park!
Time: 9 to 12 am
Location: Church Hall
Atmosphere: Very Friendly (sometimes silly)
Tea and Coffee: Excellent (and free!)

Time to do a bit of early Christmas shopping!!! Credit crunch friendly! Donations of goods, time or baked items always welcome. Come by for a free cup of tea or coffee and a natter. This is also a good opportunity to come and ask someone about the church and upcoming events you might be interested in, such as Friday Friendship or Children's Clubs.

PS - Rumour has it Mike will have some bargain plants for sale!

From Table Top Sales

Satan

2009-04-16T07:13:00.001+01:00

Two boys walk home from Sunday school after hearing a powerful sermon on the devil. One boy says, "I'm really scared about all this Satan stuff."
The other boy replies, "Don't worry. You know how Santa Claus turned out. It's probably just your dad again."

Fresh Confidence -

2009-04-16T07:03:00.002+01:00

The church in the UK is regaining its confidence as it lives out the Gospel in local communities, says the new head of the Evangelical Alliance.
In his maiden speech as the new EA General Director on Easter Sunday, Steve Clifford stressed the importance of demonstrating the Gospel.
“It is wonderfully encouraging to see how the Church of Jesus Christ is finding fresh confidence, as we position ourselves in the heart of our communities and as we demonstrate the Gospel through our being good news as well as talking good news,” said Clifford, former Chair of Hope08.
“I am absolutely convinced that Christians uniting together in their faith is good for our society. It offers communities and individuals health and well-being, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Christ has called us as his Church to be the hope for our nation.”
He urged Christians to match their words with actions and be 'good news' for those around them.
“We must have confidence in the Gospel story. Alpha and Christianity Explored courses, as well as our ‘gossiped’ conversations with our neighbours, friends and workmates, all have the power to impact lives.”
Clifford delivered his address at Bradford Cathedral, where his parents met and were married and where his father was ordained.
He went on to offer a message of hope as he reflected on the difficulties his family faced after his father died when Clifford was only five-years-old.
“This little ‘Clifford’ story is part of a far bigger story which is the story of God’s involvement with humanity,” he said.
“God hasn’t abandoned us and is able to draw a bigger circle out of even some of the most tragic events of life. God is wheeling and dealing in our lives, our stories, looking to see his purposes at work right across the face of the earth.
“Our stories and God’s stories merge as we allow ourselves to be caught up in his purposes and look for the out working of his will in our lives.”
The Bishop of Bradford, the Rt Rev David James, was joined by Clifford’s mother and son in praying him into his new role at the end of the service.
Clifford takes over the position of General Director from Joel Edwards, who stepped down last year after more than 10 years in the job to concentrate on his new role as international director of Micah Challenge, a movement of Christians lobbying their governments to fulfil the Millennium Development Goals by 2015.

Isaac Watts - Father

2009-04-09T16:09:00.000+01:00

Father, I wait thy daily will, Thou shalt divide my portion still, Grant me on earth what seems thee best, Till death and heaven reveal the rest.
Isaac Watts

Church defends hospital chaplains from secularists

2009-04-09T15:57:00.000+01:00

The Church of England has defended the role of hospital chaplains after the National Secular Society (NSS) called for the NHS to stop its funding for spiritual representatives in hospitals.

The NSS said it had contacted 233 acute and mental health trusts in the UK and found that they spent £26.72 million on chaplains from various denominations and religions.

The NSS claimed that the actual cost of chaplains in NHS hospitals, after adding building upkeep, administration and other extra costs, could be “conservatively” estimated at £40 million.

NHS guidelines say that patients should be able to hold religious services and should have access to a place to pray and a representative from their religion.

The NSS argues that funding for chaplains should come from the churches, on the grounds that chaplains are carrying out the “fundamental responsibility” of the church rather than that of the NHS.

According to the BBC, Terry Sanderson of the NSS said, "Most people who go into a hospital come from the local area and it would be better if their own vicar, priest, rabbi or imam came to see them if they felt in need of religious support.

"This could be done as part of the clergypersons' regular duties - it should not fall as a burden on the NHS."

A Church of England spokesman responded to the comments by saying, "Spiritual healthcare has long been acknowledged, by both medical practitioners and the churches, to be an intrinsic part of caring for people in hospital. NHS Trusts pay for chaplaincies because they see them as part of their duty of care to patients, not because the churches force them to."

The Government also defended the role of chaplains, with a Department of Health spokesman saying it was "committed to the principle of ensuring that NHS patients have access to the spiritual care that they want, whatever faith or belief system they follow”.

The spokesman added: "Chaplains do an extremely demanding job, often in difficult circumstances, and their skill and dedication is highly valued by patients, relatives and staff within the health service."

New New York Gallery

2009-04-02T08:00:00.001+01:00

Jim Bishop - One Minute>>>>>>>>>

2009-04-02T06:44:00.000+01:00

"Nothing is as far away as one minute ago."
Jim Bishop

Avon Fire and Rescue - Sets teen night alight!

2009-04-01T11:37:00.001+01:00

Thank you to Avon Fire and Rescue for a great evening!

I have never heard of anything so daft!!! - 2 PC hits CofE!

2009-03-31T05:40:00.004+01:00

Church of England Bishops have rejected a request to ring out the bells of churches on St George’s Day.
The idea to ring out the bells was suggested by churchgoer Libby Alexander, who wrote to each of the 44 Church of England diocesan bishops suggesting the idea.
Only five of them responded positively to the idea, whilst more than half did not respond to the letter.
In her letter, Alexander said that church attendance was falling because of “the lack of assertiveness or confidence emanating from the top… [and the] strangulations of political correctness”, reports the Daily Mail.
She also encouraged the bishops, “What an uplifting, wondrous sound it would be if bells rang out to remind the country that Christianity exists and that churches are there to welcome."
However, the Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, the Rt Rev John Packer, responded saying, “I am not sure assertiveness is a Christian value.”
The Bishop of Portsmouth, the Rt Rev Dr Kenneth Stevenson, also expressed concern that “some secularists would claim the Church was imposing its beliefs and practices on the whole population”.
The Rt Rev Dr Peter Foster, Bishop of Chester, said meanwhile, “There would be dangers in putting on ‘public displays’ of confidence.”

Something to pray about.. (in case you're stuck)

2009-03-31T05:35:00.002+01:00

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Japanese, South Korean and U.S. missile-destroying ships set sail to monitor North Korea's imminent rocket launch, as Pyongyang stoked tensions Monday by detaining a South Korean worker for allegedly denouncing the North's political system.
North Korea says it will send a communications satellite into orbit between April 4 and 8. The U.S., South Korea and Japan suspect the regime is using the launch to test long-range missile technology, and warn it would face U.N. sanctions under a Security Council resolution banning the country from any ballistic activity.
North Korea has threatened to quit international talks on its nuclear disarmament if punished with sanctions. The communist regime's main newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reiterated that warning Sunday, saying the talks will "completely collapse" if taken to the Security Council.

Film Night

2009-03-29T07:49:00.002+01:00

FAFF Film Night - Great nibbles provided and a great crowd but unfortunately it had to be cancelled due to bad light!

Man

2009-03-28T13:24:00.001Z

If a man is standing in the middle of the forest speaking and there is no woman around to hear him...is he still wrong?

Alice Kahn - Technology

2009-03-24T20:35:00.000Z

For a list of all the ways technology has failed to improve the quality of life, please press three.
- Alice Kahn

John Piper - Prayer

2009-03-24T06:25:00.002Z

A prayerless Christian is like having your room wallpapered in Sak's Fifth Avenue gift certificates but always shopping at Ragstock because you can't read.— John Piper

Matthew - Good Gifts

2009-03-24T06:24:00.000Z

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."
"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"
Matthew 7:7-11

10,000,000 Baptisms in Africa

2009-03-24T06:20:00.002Z

The Africa Assemblies of God Alliance (AAGA) has set out to baptise 10 million believers within a 10-year period, reports the denomination’s news agency.
AG African leaders committed themselves to the “Decade of Pentecost” at an AAGA meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, earlier this month that occurs once every four years.
Spearheading initiatives for the Decade of Pentecost will be Acts in Africa, a ministry aimed at encouraging Pentecostal revival in the Assemblies of God in Africa.
During the Decade of Pentecost, which will begin in 2010 and continue through 2020, national Assemblies of God churches will mobilise for global missions with the vision of reaching “yet-to-be-reached” peoples in Africa and the world with the Gospel, according to AG News.
AAGA’s strategies for achieving its goal include an annual Pentecost Day when about 48,000 AG pastors will be challenged to preach on the “baptism in the Holy Spirit and the mission of God” and pray with believers to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
There are about 16 million AG members meeting in more than 50,000 churches in 50 countries in sub-Sahara Africa and the Indian Ocean Basin, according to the denomination. In 1990, there were only 2.1 million constituents and 12,000 churches.
The Assemblies of God is the world’s largest Pentecostal denomination with somewhere between 57 to 60 million adherents.
Three decades ago, the combined total of Pentecostals and Charismatics was less than 5 per cent, now they make up some 17 per cent of Africa’s population, or about 147 million people, according to a 2006 Pew Forum study that highlighted the dramatic growth of the movement within half a century.
"Pentecostalism's dramatic expansion has left almost no part of sub-Saharan Africa unaffected," stated the Pew Forum. "If Pentecostal churches continue to grow in numbers and activism, the long-range political impact of Africa's vibrant Pentecostal community will become increasingly difficult to ignore.”
The Pew Forum report on Pentecostalism in Africa was one of three parts that also examined the movement’s growth in Asia and Latin America.

Anyone else catch this? Not much said in the press!!!

2009-03-19T06:41:00.002Z

Anyone else here a fan of soccer genius Paul Gascoigne? Over the years I've followed his career with desperate fascination as he has hurtled down towards the bottom of the cliff, wanting to reach out and not knowing how.

As a one-time journeywoman along that 'road most travelled', I feel a gruesome horror when watching another flawed human being in the grip of compulsions they cannot believe they cannot control, lurching from one disaster to the next, pursued by those hideous 'horsemen of the apocalypse'.

All around, all the time, there are others making that same journey. Most never 'get off the lift'. When they do, they often rarely stay off it. Death or insanity are too often the result. But I've seen others, deemed beyond hope by all who know and love them including me, make incredible recoveries.

Gascoigne credits his new-found faith in God. 'I just thank Him for today. If I don't drink, I just say thanks.'

An old friend of mine, Andre, used to say: 'When even one man or woman gets to this place, all the angels in heaven are silent in awe.' I believe that's something of what Jesus meant when he talked of not even one sparrow falling without God knowing of it.

Judging by this interview that I caught on Sky this morning, Paul Gascoigne has finally got it. I really never thought he would, and can only pray silence in awe.

Ruth Gledhill is The Times Religion Correspondent. In this blog she offers her views on the issues of the day. Your responses are invited.

Indira Gandhi - Shake Hands

2009-03-17T06:24:00.000Z

"You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist."

You can get anything in the Trade-It

2009-03-13T07:24:00.001Z

"Nagging Wife. No Tax, No MOT. Very high maintenance -- some rust," wrote Gary Bates, 38, in a small ad in Trade-It, more usually used to buy and sell cars or household goods.

Bates, a self-employed builder from Gloucestershire, southwest England, snapped after his wife Donna on got on his nerves while she was watching television and decided to place the ad as a joke.

"She was nagging me for doing something small, while she was watching some rubbish on TV. So I just thought I'd put an ad in to get rid of her.

"I didn't think anyone would ring up but I've had at least nine or 10 people calling about her. It's gone mad. There was no one I knew -- just people asking, 'Is she still available?'"

The couple only married last year, and Bates said his 40-year-old wife -- whom he advertised in the magazine's Free to Collect section, along with some of his fishing tackle -- initially gave him "a bit of an ear-bashing."

But he said: "She's seen the funny side of it now though!"

Dwight L Moody - Faith

2009-03-10T08:58:00.000Z

A little faith will bring your soul to heaven, but a lot of faith will bring heaven to your soul.
Dwight L. Moody

£15.5m to repair churches from English Heritage.

2009-03-10T08:54:00.002Z

English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund have allocated 15.5 million pounds to help with urgent repairs on some of the oldest churches, chapels and synagogues in England.

Beneficiaries include St Mildred’s church, a Grade I listed building on the Isle of Wight, that was designed by the husband of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert. Both worshipped at the church, which has been awarded £208,000 to help repair the roof. Queen Victoria’s youngest daughter, Princess Beatrice, was also married and buried there.

Speaking to Church Times, Rev Jonathan Hall, the Rector of the church said, “When she came here to worship, she used to sit on a simple chair, upholstered in blue velvet in the side aisle, which has its own private entrance. The new grant will enable us to retile the chancel and the Royal Pew roof, as well as take down and rebuild the bell tower.”

He said that the church had already been given a grant of £216,000 to repair the roof of the main tower.

The church to receive the biggest grant was the independent Congregational church, the Union Chapel in Islington, which received a grant of £421,000.

The New West End Synagogue in Bayswater, London, also received a grant of £108,000.

The Rabbi Geoffrey Shisler said, “We are extremely grateful to receive this grant. It is not just important to our Jewish community, but important to the whole of England to have historic buildings, like our magnificent synagogue, that we can be proud of.”

Train runs over person!

2009-03-05T19:51:00.001Z

Someone was current on their tithing

Table Top Sale - Saturday 14th March 2009

2009-03-05T06:30:00.002Z

Beat the Credit Crunch! Grab a bargain.
TABLE TOP SALE - Saturday 14th March 2009
Church of the Nazarene, Broadwalk, Knowle Park, Bristol BS4 1BZ. Opposite Redcatch Park!
Time: 9 to 12 am
Location: Church Hall
Atmosphere: Very Friendly and always better than sitting in front of the telly!
Tea and Coffee: Excellent (and free!)

Time to do a bit of first minute Christmas shopping!!! Credit crunch friendly! Donations of goods, time or baked items always welcome. Come by for a free cup of tea or coffee and a natter. This is also a good opportunity to come and ask someone about the church and upcoming events you might be interested in, such as Friday Friendship or Children's Clubs.

From Table Top Sales

Prayer Day for State of the Nation!

2009-03-03T05:03:00.002Z

“Your Kingdom come, Your will be done” was the prayer of hundreds of Christians who gathered at a central London church on Saturday to cry out to God over the moral and spiritual crisis in the UK.

The State of the Nation gathering also focused on repentance over the church’s silence in the face of immoral legislation passed over the decades, particularly in the areas of the unborn child and marriage. All mainstream denominations were represented at Saturday’s gathering at the Emmanuel Centre, near the Houses of Parliament. Prayer gatherings were also held in Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh and in countries around the world, including the US, Germany and Australia, in an expression of solidarity with the London meeting. The day of prayer and repentance was organised following a meeting at the House of Lords last December of some 80 Christians from the church, the Houses of Parliament, and the business and education sectors. The meeting focused on the moral and spiritual implications of the financial crisis and concluded with a call for a season of prayer and fasting for the UK. David Noakes, a member of the State of the Nation facilitating group, said the prayer meeting was possibly the most important gathering since World War II.

“Only then it was a nation. Now it is a remnant people. But don’t be dismayed that it is a remnant,” he said, pointing to the battle won by the Lord with the 300 warriors of Gideon. Mr Noakes chided the church for failing to speak out against ungodly legislation and urged the church not to be swayed by political correctness. “God is not politically correct but biblically correct,” he said, adding that the church needed to cast out the sin within its own ranks and return to a fear of the Lord. Mr Noakes ended with a note of encouragement, saying that God had not forgotten about Christians in Britain because of the country’s special history and that the despair brought on by the financial crisis would prompt more people to turn to God.

“There are many people in great despair because the whole world system is coming down around them. God will bring many people into the light of salvation out of that darkness and they will come back again to a fear of the Lord.”

Never thought I would put an article about Jade Goody here!

2009-03-02T05:34:00.002Z

Terminally ill Jade Goody is looking forward to the christening of her sons next weekend. Fresh from her wedding to Jack Tweed last Sunday, Goody is focusing on preparations for the christening of sons Bobby, five, and Freddie, four. According to her publicist, Max Clifford, the christening will take place next Saturday at a church near Goody’s home in Upshire, Essex.

“She is looking forward to the christening,” said Mr Clifford. “She is planning it with friends and family.”

Goody made the decision to christen her sons after being told by doctors last month that her cancer was terminal. She said she wanted to christen them and teach them about Jesus so that they would know their mummy was looking down on them from Heaven. The christening will be performed by independent Bishop Jonathan Blake, who also performed Goody’s wedding to Tweed. Mr Clifford said Goody wanted to throw a big party for her boys.

“It will be a local church then a party for all the children. She wants to make it as big a party as possible. She is going to get christened herself as well. She wanted to do that.”

The former Big Brother contestant’s condition is said to be deteriorating. She is being cared for at the St Clare Hospice in Hastingwood, near Harlow, Essex, after being taken in for treatment on Friday following hallucinations. A friend of Jade told the Sunday Mirror she was in utter pain and had said she feared not making it to the weekend. Bishop Blake has offered to hold the christenings wherever is easiest for Jade.

He was quoted by The Daily Mail as saying: “The christening can happen anywhere, inside or outside, there are no restrictions. It can even be carried out in the hospice, if that’s where Jade wants it. It would not matter one iota if she is bedridden. The family have asked me to keep quiet about the ceremony they want and I must respect their privacy. She knows I am there for her when she needs me.”

Bruce Reed - Free

2009-03-01T06:53:00.000Z

To worship effectively is to enable men to become free.

Bruce Reed

What ever happened to "Spend-A-Penny?"

2009-03-01T06:40:00.002Z

LONDON (Reuters) - Ryanair's chief executive said Europe's largest budget carrier might start charging passengers for using the toilet while flying, but his spokesman cautioned Michael O'Leary often just made things up at will.

"One thing we have looked at in the past and are looking at again is the possibility of maybe putting a coin slot on the toilet door so that people might actually have to spend a pound ($1.43) to spend a penny in future," O'Leary told BBC television. He said this would not inconvenience passengers traveling without cash. "I don't think there is anybody in history that has got on board a Ryanair aircraft with less than a pound."

A spokesman said the airline had considered the fee as a possible source of extra revenue since passengers had the option of not using the toilet on board, but added that "maybe O'Leary was just taking the p*ss this morning. Michael makes a lot of this stuff up as he goes along and while this has been discussed internally there are no immediate plans to introduce it," Stephen McNamara said in a statement.

O'Leary has a reputation as a cost-cutter, expanding Ryanair by offering low headline fares and charging extra for items such as additional luggage. Last week, Ryanair announced it was to shut all check-in desks at airports and have passengers check in online instead.

"We're all about finding ways of raising discretionary revenue so we can keep lowering the cost of air travel," he said

How true!

2009-02-27T09:05:00.002Z

I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman, "Where's the self-help section?" She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.

Are we too soft on our kids in church?

2009-02-25T19:37:00.001Z

A man in Baltimore is facing arrest after he stabbed his son in the buttock for not taking his hat off in church. The stabbing occurred on Sunday in central Baltimore, after the father and son got into a row over the son's failure to remove his headgear. According to police reports, the 58-year-old father ended the row by leaving the scene, going to his car to fetch a knife, then returning and stabbing his son in the left buttock. The 19-year-old was taken to the University of Maryland Medical Center to have his injuries treated. The father was not identified in reports, as has not been arrested yet.

Some people are just naturals!!

2009-02-24T20:30:00.003Z

What a great children's story and what an awesome cast! Thank you to the cast of the Panto and our church robber, ahh, I mean treasurer for helping out! Don't click the picture unless you want to see Chris going beyond the call of duty with his method acting!

From Church of the Nazarene Broadwalk Knowle Park Bristol BS4 2RD

Psalm 27:10

2009-02-24T07:30:00.000Z

When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take care of me.

Psalm 27:10

Shrove Tuesday - Pancake Day

2009-02-24T06:30:00.002Z

Delia Online!!
Ingredients
For the pancake mixture:
110g/4oz plain flour, sifted
pinch of salt
2 eggs
200ml/7fl oz milk mixed with 75ml/3fl oz water
50g/2oz butter
To serve:
caster sugar
lemon juice
lemon wedges
Raisens!!!!

Method
Sift the flour and salt into a large mixing bowl with a sieve held high above the bowl so the flour gets a airing. Now make a well in the centre of the flour and break the eggs into it. Then begin whisking the eggs - any sort of whisk or even a fork will do - incorporating any bits of flour from around the edge of the bowl as you do so.

Next gradually add small quantities of the milk and water mixture, still whisking (don't worry about any lumps as they will eventually disappear as you whisk). When all the liquid has been added, use a rubber spatula to scrape any elusive bits of flour from around the edge into the centre, then whisk once more until the batter is smooth, with the consistency of thin cream. Now melt the 50g/2oz of butter in a pan. Spoon 2 tbsp of it into the batter and whisk it in, then pour the rest into a bowl anduse it to lubricate the pan, using a wodge of kitchen paper to smear it round before you make each pancake.

Now get the pan really hot, then turn the heat down to medium and, to start with, do a test pancake to see if you're using the correct amount of batter. I find 2 tbsp is about right for an 18cm/7in pan. It's also helpful if you spoon the batter into a ladle so it can be poured into the hot pan in one go. As soon as the batter hits the hot pan, tip it around from side to side to get the base evenly coated with batter. It should take only half a minute or so to cook; you can lift the edge with a palette knife to see if it's tinged gold as it should be. Flip the pancake over with a pan slice or palette knife - the other side will need a few seconds only - then simply slide it out of the pan onto a plate.
Stack the pancakes as you make them between sheets of greaseproof paper on a plate fitted over simmering water, to keep them warm while you make the rest.

To serve, spinkle each pancake with freshly squeezed lemon juice and caster sugar, fold in half, then in half again to form triangles, or else simply roll them up. Serve sprinkled with a little more sugar and lemon juice and extra sections of lemon.

Fairtrade Fortnight 2009 (but why not threehundredandsixtyfivnight?)

2009-02-23T17:27:00.002Z

Thousands of events from banana-eating competitions to fashion shows will take place across the UK over the next two weeks to encourage more people to buy Fairtrade and support farmers in the developing world.

Organisers of Fairtrade Fortnight, the Fairtrade Foundation, say that the credit crunch is making it even more difficult for poor families to cope with rising global food costs and even more vital that people buy Fairtrade.

“The Fairtrade Foundation’s message for Fairtrade Fortnight 2009 is that, while sales of Fairtrade products and awareness of Fairtrade has been growing apace in recent years, change is still not happening nearly quickly enough for the millions of the world’s poorest farmers who remain trapped in trade poverty,” said Harriet Lamb, CEO of the Fairtrade Foundation.

“The challenge now is to urgently scale up the reach and impact of Fairtrade so that by working together, we can succeed in tipping the balance of trade in favour of marginalised farmers and producers. Fairtrade Fortnight is an opportunity for us all to do something too by holding events at work, at home or in the community.”

The sale of Fairtrade products currently benefits 7.5 million farmers, workers and their families who live in impoverished rural communities in the developing world.

Over the next two weeks, debates on trade, climate change and ethical shopping will be held in Oxford, Cardiff, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Leeds. The Great Trade debates will explore the various issues in relation to marginalised farmers and workers and the role that Fairtrade is playing.

In addition, more than 20 farmers from Sri Lanka, Cameroon, Burkina Faso and St Lucia will visit schools, businesses and community groups across the UK to explain more about the impact Fairtrade is making on global poverty.

Staff at the headquarters of the United Reformed Church are supporting Fairtrade Fortnight by taking part in a worldwide banana-eating event which will see Fairtrade producers and supporters all around the world will eat bananas on Friday 6 March.

The URC’s Commitment for Life programme coordinator, Linda Mead, said the effort would highlight the plight of banana growers and show the Church’s support for the Fairtrade Foundation’s campaign to see the number of fairly traded bananas bought in the UK double by 2012.

“The trade has made big profits for banana companies, but this has declined rapidly. Most profit is now made at the top of the supply chain by increasingly powerful supermarkets. They squeeze farmers and plantation workers. A series of bitter battles between supermarkets has made conditions in the mainstream banana industry miserable,” she said.

“Fairtrade challenges these injustices, strengthens the position of marginalised farmers and workers and enables them to earn enough for today to invest in a better tomorrow.”

On the web: www.fairtrade.org

Interesting News

2009-02-20T18:09:00.000Z

Ex-'hired killer' to ... 'man in a dog-collar'
Fri Feb 20 05:14PM

In the Vietnam war movie Full Metal Jacket, the bespectacled "Private Joker", played by Matthew Modine, is asked why he joined the US Marines. "I wanted to travel to foreign countries, meet interesting people and... kill them," he said.When I came to Baghdad last month and people asked me why I had come, I steered clear of the "interesting people" line.After five weeks in Iraq, however, I'd concede that such people are what makes the job most worthwhile.A few days ago, while interviewing people for a story on a women's charity, I met a man called Jusuf Bardilian, Father Jusuf Bardilian, in fact.A born-again Christian, he wanted to tell me his story, and what a story it was.As a young man in the 1970s he had lived what he said was 'a bad life', punctuated by alcohol, women and misdemeanours.Today, the smartly-dressed, rather rotund 56-year-old wears a dog-collar, and ministers to a congregation in the Dura district of Baghdad.I was interested to discover what had brought about the change."I was a hired killer," he told me, a response that stunned several people in the room and caused my interpreter to jump almost off his seat.He explained that one day in 1974 he had, for no apparent reason, entered a church, "felt the presence of God" and "experienced his power as if it was magic."The man had found faith and decided to follow God's will from then on, joining the church and eventually becoming a priest.Fast forward nearly 30 years. The toppling of Saddam Hussein, while welcomed by some, brought instability and lawlessness and saw fierce fighting between the country's rival Sunni and Shiite militias.Christians were targeted, and Jusuf, one of fewer than a million Christians in Iraq, was kidnapped, his church destroyed and his house ransacked.Eventually, a $12,000 ransom saw him freed. He declined to explain exactly who had paid. But, looking me in the eye with an intensity befitting a man who has suffered such an experience, he said it had only made his faith stronger."There is great pressure on Christians to leave the land of Iraq and go to Syria, Lebanon or Sweden and other European countries," he said."We say about Saddam that he was a dictator. But Christians did not suffer during Saddam's time as we are suffering now," he added, explaining that they had been allowed to live their lives as long as they obeyed the regime.To hear such talk may sound strange to some, but his words seemed sincere to me. Perhaps this is the reality of life in Baghdad -- a country at war, but not at war, and a people who live together, but don't.To a newcomer in Iraq though it was a reminder that wars affect individuals in different ways, uniquely to each, not all the same way.

"I am without a church but I am a servant. Each of us have our faith and I must serve God in my community," he said.

DL Moody - Love

2009-02-20T06:40:00.004Z

Joy is love exalted; peace is love in repose; patience is love enduring; gentleness is love in society; goodness is love in action; faith is love on the battlefield; meekness is love in school; and self-control is love in training.
D.L. Moody

Galations - Love

2009-02-20T06:39:00.000Z

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23

Will the real "Prawo Jazdy" please stand up

2009-02-20T06:32:00.002Z

Irish police have solved the mystery of a Polish recidivist who clocked up 50 traffic offences on different addresses and who was never caught, after one officer noticed his name meant driving licence in Polish.
An internal police memo cited by Irish papers on Thursday said officers taking details of Polish traffic offenders had been mistakenly using "Prawo Jazdy," printed in the top right corner of the driving licence, as the holder's name.
"Prawo Jazdy is actually the Polish for driving licence and not the first and surname on the licence," the police memo dated June 2007 said. "It is quite embarrassing to see the system has created Prawo Jazdy as a person with over 50 identities."
A police spokesman declined to comment on the reports.
About 200,000 Polish people flocked to Ireland during the boom years of its "Celtic Tiger" economy but a poll in November indicated a third of them planned to leave due to recession.

Traffic getting you down... now you know why!

2009-02-18T06:26:00.000Z

Can't argue with that!

2009-02-17T05:42:00.001Z

I told the doctor I broke my leg in two places. He told me to quit going to those places.

"There probably IS a God!"

2009-02-17T05:34:00.002Z

The offices of the Christian Party were vandalised following the launch of a new bus advertising campaign proclaiming that there is a God.

The adverts were launched by the party last Thursday in response to the British Humanist Association’s bus adverts, which state, “There probably is no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life.”

The Christian Party’s adverts are displayed on 50 London buses and carry the slogan: “There definitely is a God. So join the Christian Party and enjoy your life.”

Police have launched an investigation after the front windows of the party’s London headquarters were found smashed in on Saturday morning. The police suspect the incident to be a religious hate crime.

Leader of the Christian Party, the Rev George Hargreaves, said the incident was a “sign of the times” but vowed to continue on with the campaign.

“I’m disappointed more than shocked,” he said, describing how in Scotland the Christian Party had experienced similar acts of violence when protesters tore down their campaign posters.

“It’s just a shame that people who are intolerant of Christianity feel that they need to destroy property and to be violent,” he continued.

“We are not phased by it. What was intended for evil will be used for good. If they break our windows, we will just put in new windows.

“We don’t have to get violent or angry about it. We just have to love the Lord, keep a good witness and the Lord will do the rest.”

The party is due to launch the same advert in a six-week campaign in Scotland, beginning February 24.

Deuteronomy - openhanded

2009-02-16T06:16:00.000Z

If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs.

Deuteronomy 15:7-8

Things that make go ...hmmmmmmmmmmm!

2009-02-16T06:06:00.000Z

When someone says "You know what they say..." Who are they?

Recession stops "Me Me Me" attitude - and that includes me!

2009-02-16T05:29:00.002Z

The recession could be the trigger that British society needs to fix its selfish ways, says the head of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales.

Speaking to The Times, Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor said the economic downturn was an opportunity for the country to think about its values.

“It's the end of a certain kind of selfish capitalism,” he said. “This particular recession is a moment - a kairos - when we have to reflect as a country on what are the things that nourish the values, the virtues, we want to have ... Capitalism needs to be underpinned with regulation and a moral purpose.”

He hit out at the “me, me” attitude of modern Britain, saying people had come to regard their wealth as indicator of their worth.

“One feels very sorry for those losing their jobs but in times of recession people have to rely on friends and neighbours and families and things that really matter to them,” he said.

“That may be a good thing. I think people did lose their way a bit. It has been difficult to bring up children with the kind of values we want. Let's face it, we now have a ‘me, me' society, a more consumerist society, a utilitarian society, and our values and virtues have become diminished.

“Some of it has got to do with having too much. If your worth just depends on your wealth, that is not healthy. Your worth should depend on who you are.”

The Archbishop, who is soon to retire, also criticised the bonus culture of the big banks.

The finance industry, he said, was “so focused on money” and needed to be “underpinned by a moral sense and regulation that makes it clear money is only a tool for living”.

“I hope people have come to their senses. I don't know why they got such big bonuses. I would cut them out altogether.”

A Different Take on the Bible

2009-02-14T19:03:00.000Z

Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much.

- Oscar Wilde

James - Take Note

2009-02-11T05:40:00.000Z

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry...
— James 1:19 —

The Exotic Chip - I always thought there was more to it!

2009-02-11T05:36:00.002Z

LONDON (Reuters) - Scientists say they may have found out why the great British chip smells so irresistible: a complex blend of scents that includes butterscotch, cocoa, cheese and flowers.

The aroma has been unpicked by food scientists at Leeds University.

"Whether oven-cooked or fried, the humble chip doesn't smell of just chips -- the aroma is much more complex and probably explains why chips are everyone's favorite," said Dr. Graham Clayton, who led the research for National Chip Week that started Monday.

"Aromas including butterscotch, cocoa, onion, cheese and would you believe ...ironing boards, all combine to help make chips one of Britain's iconic dishes," he said.

The Leeds scientists collected the aroma from cooked chips, then separated the different compounds for analysis by an "aroma-meter" machine.

Those that could be detected by the human nose were sniffed, and the type and strength of smell recorded.

The findings showed that chips that are cooked twice have more complex aromas, comprising bitter cocoa, butterscotch, cheese, earthy potatoes, onions, and flowers.

"Perhaps these findings will see chips treated like wine in the future -- with chip fans turning into buffs as they impress their friends with eloquent descriptions of their favorite fries," Clayton said.

Table Top Sale - This Saturday 14th February -

2009-02-11T05:24:00.001Z

Valentines - TABLE TOP SALE - Saturday 14th February 2009
Church of the Nazarene, Broadwalk, Knowle Park, Bristol BS4 1BZ. Opposite Redcatch Park!
Time: 9 to 12 am
Location: Church Hall
Atmosphere: Very Friendly (sometimes silly)
Tea and Coffee: Excellent (and free!)

Time to do a bit of first minute Christmas shopping!!! Credit crunch friendly! Donations of goods, time or baked items always welcome. Come by for a free cup of tea or coffee and a natter. This is also a good opportunity to come and ask someone about the church and upcoming events you might be interested in, such as Friday Friendship or Children's Clubs.

From Table Top Sales

Be less selfish for children!

2009-02-09T05:48:00.002Z

THE FRUITS of two years of research into ways childhood can be improved in the UK were unveiled this week. Parents need to love their children more and be less selfish, say independent researchers commissioned by the Children’s Society. Speaking on Monday about A Good Childhood: Searching for values in a competitive age, Lord Layard, Emeritus Professor of Economics at the LSE, and Professor Judy Dunn, of King’s College, London, said that English society had to turn away from selfishness if it wanted its children to be happy. Their research was “evidence-based”, and drew on the experience of more than 30,000 children, and professionals and other adults who had contributed to the Society’s Good Childhood Inquiry. “The cult of personal success is counter-productive, because there is only so much success to go round,” Lord Layard told journalists and children gathered in the Penguin office for the launch of the book on Monday. The children, assembled by the Society from a number of its projects across the country, looked wistfully out of the windows as heavy snow fell on the Thames embankment.

The report suggests that children’s happiness is most threatened by adults who aggressively pursue their own success; family breakdown; not being allowed to explore outside unsupervised; being pushed towards sex at an early age; too much television, video games, and advertising; not enough exercise; less belief in values such as generosity and fairness; too much emphasis on school league tables. As a result, there was evidence of increasing levels of mental illness among children, for which at least another 1000 therapists were needed.

Be grateful for children says report

A MIXTURE of “sentimentalism and panic” prevents a sensible discussion of childhood, the Archbishop of Canterbury says in an afterword to A Good Childhood, writes Bill Bowder.

Dr Williams commends the report, which, he says, asks “for a coherent vision of how human beings grow and become capable of giving and deserving trust, for unremitting advocacy on behalf of those who are growing up in poverty, for a systematic willingness to pay attention to how children and young people actually talk about themselves, and perhaps, above all, for a realistic and grateful appreciation of who and what our young people really are.”

In nine chapters, the contributors to the report consider what children want from their childhood, what is best for their happiness, and what happy children might do for English society as they grow up. Its main conclusion is that excessive individualism among adults damages children.

Among its recommendations are:

• both parents should attend parenting classes and consider the effect of a child on their relationship;

• parents should be prepared to be authoritative and set boundaries;

• parents and children should establish a good moral vocabulary;

• parental leave should be available for longer periods;

• parents and teachers should help children develop “the spiritual qualities of wonder and inner peace”;

• discipline in schools needs to be stronger and based on mutual respect;

• physical and psychological violence should be out of order at home and at school;

• sex education should be taught not as biology but as part of emotional development;

• a civil birth ceremony should be introduced as an alternative to baptism;

• free welfare support should be available to parents;

• child mental-health services need to be radically improved;

• the salaries of teachers in deprived areas should be increased;

• SATS and league tables should be abolished;

• alcohol and snack foods should not be advertised before 9 p.m.;

• no open spaces where children play should be built upon;

• a drive for apprenticeships should be begun.

The report suggests that children need freedom to explore, but instead they have less space to do this than in the past. The age when they are first let out on their own is now much greater than in previous generations.

There are fewer open spaces for them to go to, the roads are more dangerous, and 11,000 youth clubs can provide only 1.2 million places for the 4.5 million children between the ages of 11 to 16 that might need them. Proposals to impose curfews on children, ban them from parts of town, or expose them to ultrasonic deterrents are “out of order”.

The panel of researchers heard from children that “Some adults behave as if children and young people don’t matter, or seem to be cross with seeing groups of young children and young people in public.”

“That kind of attitude is unfair,” the panel agrees, but it also tells children: “When you are sharing space with adults, on a bus or in the street, make sure you don’t give adults reason to be upset or cross with you.” It also urges them to keep their friends, to enjoy seven hours of exercise a week, and to praise teachers when they are good.

One study in the report found that the more a child is exposed to the television and internet, “the more materialistic she becomes; the worse she relates to her parents; and the worse her mental health”.

A Good Childhood by Richard Layard and Judy Dunn (Penguin/ Children’s Society, £9.99 (Church Times Bookshop £9); 978-0-141-03943-5.

Working Together - Muslims and Christians

2009-02-08T07:57:00.002Z

A group of young Muslims are backing a Church in Wales appeal for humanitarian aid in Gaza.

They have raised more than £1,000 for a mobile dental clinic delivering frontline medical aid around the bombed out streets of Gaza. The clinic, which has been funded totally by the Church in Wales since 2000, is part of the work of family health centres in Gaza run by the Near East Council of Churches.

Members of the Young Muslim Community Organisation in Newport, South Wales, held a bazaar to raise money following an appeal by the Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan, for urgent aid for the work of the NECC clinics. The appeal was intensified after a direct missile attack destroyed one of the family centres in Shij’ia two weeks ago.

Ifthir Ahmed, chair of the YMCO, said the group was pleased to support a Welsh appeal for humanitarian aid.

He said, “We read about the destruction of the family clinic and the invaluable service the mobile dental clinic provides for so many people in the Strip. We felt that some of the money we raised had to go to this very noble cause.

“The response and support we’ve had from the people of Newport has been strong. They felt the call for funds was going out to everyone in Wales, not just the parishioners of the Church in Wales, and as Welsh citizens we felt a duty to support a Welsh appeal.

“It's important that the people in Wales work together when we are trying to help the victims of man-made or natural disasters so that the recipients of the aid realise it’s from the people of one nation to another, not just from charities, even though charities are the front end of providing the relief.”

More than 300 people attended the bazaar last month. Activities included an auction, stalls, hot food and children’s games. Members of the YMCO will present the cheque to the Assistant Bishop of Llandaff, Dr David Yeoman on Tuesday.

More than £14,000 has been raised in the past month for the Church in Wales appeal. A large number of donations have come from parishes across Wales who have held collections, coffee mornings and concerts to raise money.

The Archbishop of Wales Dr Morgan said, “We are very grateful to everyone, from many faiths and backgrounds, in Wales who are pulling together to do what they can to respond to our appeal for immediate medical supplies for the people in Gaza who are in desperate need at this time. We hope people will continue to donate to the appeal and keep the region in their prayers.”

A Great Familly Movie from Disney - Bolt!

2009-02-05T05:42:00.002Z

“For every laugh, there should be a tear” – these were the words of Walt Disney. And while there may not be a tear for every laugh (there are a lot of laughs) in “Bolt”, Disney’s latest animated work of art definitely hits the nail on the head.

More than a funny flick (which it is) and an action-packed CGI masterpiece (which it is), “Bolt” is a movie that reaches into the very heart of its audience. And it’s this ability to do so that will stick moviegoers to their seats and have them coming back for more. The script is superb.

We’ve all seen the trailers. Superdog Bolt is a genetically altered mutt with special powers, including incredible strength, laser vision, and a “super bark” that can lay waste an entire army. Or at least that’s what he thinks he is and how his TV show portrays him. Unknown to him, Bolt is just a regular dog (a cross between a white German shepherd and a number of other dogs, according to Disney) who has been raised all his life on a TV set, made to think everything happening to him is real (much like Jim Carrey’s “The Truman Show”).

"If the dog believes it's real, the audience believes it," the director of Bolt’s TV show says, pointing out the “depth of emotion never captured before" in Bolt's performance.

Bolt (voiced by John Travolta) believes with every bone in his body that he has to save his “person”, Penny (voiced by Miley Cyrus), and defend her from the evil schemes of the cat-loving “green-eyed man”, Dr Calico (voiced by Malcolm McDowell). So when Penny is “captured” in one cliffhanger episode, Bolt manages to break free from his Hollywood confines to attempt to rescue her – only to find himself boxed up and shipped off by mistake to the other side of the US – New York City.

Oscar Wilde - Shallow

2009-02-04T18:43:00.001Z

Seriousness is the only refuge of the shallow.
- Oscar Wilde
(but there are exceptions)

CH Spurgeon - Laugfhter

2009-02-03T06:01:00.000Z

There are also many expressions which may provoke a smile: but let it be remembered that every man has his moments when his lighter feelings indulge themselves, and the preacher must be allowed to have the same passions as his fellow-men; and since he lives in the pulpit more than anywhere else, it is but natural that his whole man should be there developed; besides, he is not quite sure about a smile being a sin, and, at any rate, he thinks it less a crime to cause a momentary laughter than a half-hour's profound slumber.

Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Dr Who - Childish

2009-01-31T07:38:00.001Z

There's no point in being grown up if you can't be childish sometimes. - Doctor Who

CS Lewis - Safety and Happiness

2009-01-30T05:29:00.000Z

"Safety and happiness can only come from individuals, classes, and nations being honest and fair and kind to each other."
CS Lewis

Matthew - Rest

2009-01-28T05:51:00.000Z

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28

Table Top Sale - Saturday 14th February 2009 - Valentines

2009-01-27T06:24:00.002Z

TABLE TOP SALE - Saturday 14th February 2009
Church of the Nazarene, Broadwalk, Knowle Park, Bristol BS4 1BZ. Opposite Redcatch Park!
Time: 9 to 12 am
Location: Church Hall
Atmosphere: Very Friendly (sometimes silly)
Tea and Coffee: Excellent (and free!)

Time to do a bit of first minute Christmas shopping!!! Credit crunch friendly! Donations of goods, time or baked items always welcome. Come by for a free cup of tea or coffee and a natter. This is also a good opportunity to come and ask someone about the church and upcoming events you might be interested in, such as Friday Friendship or Children's Clubs.

From Table Top Sales

CAP - Christians Against Poverty

2009-01-27T05:53:00.002Z

More than half of UK adults feel ill-equipped to handle their finances, new research commissioned by Christians Against Poverty has revealed.
The YouGov poll of more than 2,000 adults also revealed that younger generations are the least prepared to cope with the effect of the credit crunch.
Women, meanwhile, are more likely to feel they have not been properly prepared to handle their finances. In the survey, 58 per cent said they felt they had not received adequate financial education, compared to just 47 per cent of men.
CAP, which has 95 debt counselling centres, is calling on churches across the UK to open their doors to people feeling under pressure from the present crisis by becoming CAP ‘Money Coaches’ and training to run its free money management course, CAP Money.
Matt Barlow, CAP’s UK Chief Executive, said: “The results of our research send out a clear message to churches across the UK: people in your local communities are struggling with their finances and desperately need your help. There has never been a more important time for churches to engage with the issue of debt and poverty on their doorstep.”
After a successful first year, CAP Money will be launched in the coming months in Manchester, Bristol, Bradford and Bracknell in a bid to train at least 1,000 new Money Coaches “to start to tackle the ‘Goliath’ issue of personal debt”.
“Our CAP Money course is free for anyone in the local community to attend and has a proven track record of attracting un-churched people, in need of extra help and support to manage their finances,” said Mr Barlow.
“In CAP Money we have an effective tool for churches to reach out to residents with a practical demonstration of Jesus’ love. Please do not miss the opportunity to help those in your local community who are simply crying out for help.”
CAP's debt counselling centres are run in partnership with churches and have been know to bring people to Christ.
"We’ve just run our first CAP Money course and we are now planning three or four more. The course had a fantastic response and we are looking forward to using it as an evangelistic tool because of the huge impact it makes in people’s lives," said Alan Meyer, Senior Minister, Elim Community Church Carlisle.
CAP is planning to hold a ‘cash only day’, when it will be encouraging people to ditch the plastic in favour of cash.

Quote of the Moment

2009-01-27T05:50:00.000Z

A university is what a college becomes when the faculty loses interest in students.
- John Ciardi

Move over Rolf.... painting in a minute!

2009-01-21T05:59:00.001Z

Spring Teen Schedule - or is that Teen Schedule for Spring?

2009-01-21T05:23:00.003Z

Teen night is for 10-14yrs on Tuesdays from 7pm-8pm (usually)

Last Night (and it looked fun)
Drama Night
27th Jan
Las Vegas Night

3rd Feb
Craft: Salt and Dough (hmmm? sounds messy)

10th Feb
Film Night (usually ends around 8:30 or so)

17th Feb
Half Term no club :(

24th Feb
Pancake Party - this is where you jump on the crafts from the 3rd and flatten them like a pancake? (probably not)

3rd Mar
Bowling - (translation organised chaos but absolute fun)

10th Mar
Number Game

17th Mar
Craft: Paint and complete craft from the 3rd Feb (takes a while to dry?!)

24th Mar
Fast Food Night - Rate our local fast food joints.

31st Mar
Special Guest

7th Apr
Easter Egg Hunt

14th and 21st
Term end and no club

28th April
New term!

Matthew - Ask

2009-01-21T05:22:00.000Z

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."
Matthew 7:7

You know it's time to start going to church when....

2009-01-21T05:16:00.002Z

Two Myanmar fishermen have survived for almost a month in shark-infested waters by floating in a large ice box after their boat sank, rescue officials said.
The men, both aged in their 20s, were on a 12-meter Thai fishing boat with 18 others when it sank in heavy seas off Australia's north coast on December 23, said Australian Maritime Safety Authority spokeswoman Tracy Jiggins.
"They had no safety equipment, no beacons, no means of communication and they'd been drifting for 25 days," Jiggins told Reuters Tuesday, describing the ice box as "desk sized."
"For them to have even been spotted in a huge body of water is amazing," she said.
The men were spotted by an Australian coastal patrol aircraft Saturday. The pair were winched onto a rescue helicopter and taken to hospital Thursday Island, off Australia's far north.
Hospital officials said the pair were hungry and dehydrated after drifting 25 days at sea during the monsoon season and recent cyclonic storms in the region, but they were recovering well and had already been released.
The pair would now be questioned by immigration officials and police, who had not yet determined how the pair survived and what they did for food and water.
Jiggins said the others on board the boat would certainly have perished and no search for other survivors was planned.
"The information they provided to us was that they witnessed other crew members in the water, none of whom had any flotation device, so we've done an assessment and we don't believe anybody would be able to survive 25 days actually in the water," she said.
It was also unclear where the Thai-based fishing boat, crewed by Thais and a handful of people from Myanmar, sank and how far the pair had drifted before they were picked up 60 nautical miles northwest of Horn Island.
"It would be difficult to determine where that search should be. That's a huge amount of water they could have covered, and we have notified search and rescue officials in Indonesia," Jiggins said.
Australia has one of the longest coastlines in the world and the country's search-and-rescue patrol zone covers a tenth of the world's surface, or 53 million square kilometres (20 million square miles) of the Indian, Pacific and Southern Oceans.
The Torres Strait, between Australia and Papua New Guinea, is infested by sharks and the area is regularly fished by both licensed and illegal fishing vessels, many from Asia.
(Editing by Mark Bendeich)

FAFF 2009

2009-01-20T05:38:00.004Z

Fellowship and Family Fun 2009 Schedule - Please join us at any of the events!

Thurs 26th Feb 7:pm
Chinese meal at Jo's - Only big kids allowed for this.

Sat 28th Mar 6:30pm
Film night at church - please arrive on time and bring lots of treats. Especially chocolate raisans (my fav!)

Sat 25th April - 6:30pm
Hollywood Bowl - Always a crowd pleaser! Don't forget to wear clean socks:)

Sat 30th May - 6:30pm
Quiz Night - Bring some nibbles to share

Sat 27th June - 3:00pm
Afternoon Cream Teas at Church or Bees Tea Gardens

Sat 25th July - 6:30pm
BBQ - bring your smoke shields as I prepare old smokey! Please bring a salad and someone who knows how to bbq!

Sat 29th Aug - 11:00am
Blaise Castle - Walk and Picnic - Please sign up for a lift! (thats to the site, not to carry you around whilst there)

Sat 26th Sep - 2:00pm
Chew Valley Lake Walk - Bring some food for the ducks.

Sat 31st Oct - 11:00am
Clarks Village - Christmas Shopping Trip (didn't we just have Christmas)

Sat 28th Nov - 6:30pm
Beetle Drive at Church - This is a game played on paper not racing around the estate in a VW. Don't forget some beetle nibbles.

Sat 12th Dec - 6:30pm
Church Christmas Party - Bring and share supper, a visit from Santa and be prepared to play lots of games!

Church of the Nazarene
Broadwalk, Knowle Park, Bristol BS4 2RD