February 2012

February started with some seasonal weather! This meant that many of our congregation could not get to the chapel, although a few of us went to make sure that any visitors could be welcomed and advised of the circumstances.
The weather did not adversely affect our plans for the month, which included having our toilets re-modelled in order to make them more accessible. This was scheduled to take place over two weeks, starting on Feb. 6th. Accordingly we decided not to worship at Mayfield on !2th and 19th Feb. We arranged to meet with our friends at Philadelphia chapel in the city, where we were made very welcome.
The toilets were completed on schedule, and on budget! so we were able to return "home" for Sunday 26th.
Our Tuesday fellowship group also did not meet, but our Lent course started on Feb. 28th, and will continue to meet every week during Lent. This year we are following "The Way to Freedom", a course produced by Churches Together in Britain and Ireland.

January 2012

January started with our annual Covenant service, led by our pastor Susannah. The covenant service follows in a tradition established by John Wesley who urged his followers to regularly renew their covenant with God.
The mens' breakfast re commenced on the 9th, although the Febnruary meeting will probably have to be at an alternative location due the the planned building work.
The Fellowship service on the 15th was very successful with a number of our congregation bringing contributions.
The leaders' meeting on 18th was very pleasant (we held it at the "Balti King" restaurant), where the leaders discussed matters which ought to be on the agnda at the church AGM.
January 21st was the annual church party when we invite members, adherents, friends and people who have preached for us in the last year. This was well attanded, and enjoyable.

The AGM on the 25th was very positive, and the necessary decisions for the programme in the coming year were made. Other matters were discussed, and the minutes are available from the church. Details of what was agreed are on the church website. Click on the link to see.

December 2011

The bible fellowship group met for the last time in 2011 on 6th Dec. when we continued our study of Acts. We ill resume on the third Tuesday on January.
The mens' breakfast met as usual on 12th Dec. at 9-00a.m.
The Christmas meal "Five Courses and Carols" met at 7-00p.m. on 15th. The carols were: "God rest you merry Gentlemen," "I saw three ships come sailing in", "Come they told me", "Good King Wenceslas", "Ding Dong Merrily on High" and "Still the night". These co-ordinated with the courses (See The Pastors' Return for the meal, (link above and left))
The carol service, carol singing round the valley, carol singing with the Salvation Army and Christmas morning service were all successful and we met with friends old and new.
Happy new year.

November 2011

At the start of November, the ground had to be prepared for the bonfire, the turves were removed and stacked to one side. Then a bonfire had to be built from the materials donated by friends and members.

Food to be prepared.

And whilst the evening went on, the washing-up needs doing.

Whilst the serious business of the evening occupies the majority.

Although November is a fairly quiet month, nonetheless, we held a number of other events:

Bible fellowships,

Ladies' meeting.

The annual Christmas Fair Trade Fayre took place on Saturday 26th and was extremely successful.

October 2011 (2)

The Thursday after the Harvest celebrations, we held a harvest meal. Entitled "Five Crops and Choruses", the format was similar to the "Five courses and Carols" event held before Christmas each year, but hymns and songs appropriate to the season were sung.

Some of the recipes were obtained from the internet. This sweet slice was called Harvest slice. The recipe stated that each slice would feed 6, so we made one per table, however, each slice would have easily fed at least 12.

During the month, there were the usual variety of events:

Bible Fellowships.

Mens' breakfast, which will continue through the winter.

Ladies' meeting.

Overseas Sunday.

Planning meeting to examine our programme for next year.

We also hosted a concert by the Jubal Gospel Choir, organised by the Sheffield and District Organists and Choirmasters Association on Saturday 15th.

At the end of the month, on Monday 31st, we held our "Festival of Light".

A variety of seasonal food was eaten.

And craft activities were available.

The visitors had a good time, and were able to avoid the more antisocial elements of the evening.

September and October 2011

September saw a variety of activities, but unfortunately, we have no photographs from the month. These events included:

A ladies' quiet day called "Reflections"

The monthly Mens' breakfast.

A "Fanny Crosby evening" celebrating the heritage of the world's most prolific hymnwriter.

A coffee morning in support of MacMillan.

The Ladies' meeting, and bible fellowships.

The last supper club of the season.

October started with the Harvest festival coffee morning and celebration services

Part of the harvest was traditional.

But we also focussed on peoples' talents.

The food contributions were donated to St Wilfrid's project to support their work with the underprivileged.

August 2011

Since we are trying to update the blog for a long period, here are a few pictures of what we got up to since the beginning of August. The family camp was well appreciated and popular. Some welcomed the opportunity for activities.

Others took the opportunity for reflection.

Then, of course, it all had to be cleared away.

Our august supper club coincided with the birthdays of two of our members, so we took the opportunity to celebrate.

And the bog garden was flourishing in the sun and warmth, although a little dry!