Saturday May 12th 2012 at 7.30pm

What a wonderful evening this was! IT WAS AN AUCTION WITH A REAL DIFFERENCE! Lots of interesting items had been donated and were displayed on central tables.  People arrived and were given a strip of raffle tickets. They tore each one off the strip and placed it by the item they would like to win.

A splendid supper was served:  drinks of apple or orange juice followed by jacket potatoes with a choice of fillings:  Chilli con carni,  sweet and sour chicken, cheese and coleslaw and then tea or coffee.

Chinese tangrams were  enjoyed and also a game of Dingbats.

At the end of the evening the winning tickets were drawn and most people went home with a gift or gifts of their choice.

The amount raised was £226.00

Many thanks to Jane and Frank Grunfeld for all their hard work in making it such a successful and enjoyable evening.

Easter Day Service at Radford Road Church on April 8^th  at 10.30am

The congregation gathered to praise God on Easter Morning and celebrate our Risen Lord.

The Lenten Cross, made from last year’s Christmas tree, was transformed into a Living Cross of Flowers.

‘Christ is Risen, Alleluia’.

Christians from all the local churches met at Holy Trinity Church and, after being welcomed by the Revd. Anthony Orr from Leamington Baptist Church and having a hymn, reading and prayer, the crowd of over 200 people followed the Cross as it was carried to the Gardens. It was set in position at the top of The Parade. A short outdoor service followed during which Revd. James Church delivered an inspiring and thought-provoking address.

The singing was led by a music group from St. Paul’s Church.

After the service coffee and hot cross buns were served and people had the opportunity of talking with other Christians who worship in our town.

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You will have read in the Leamington Spa Courier that Chris and Margaret, who run the Night Shelter on two nights every week on our premises, were in the finals of the Courier’s “Citizen of the Year 2012 Award” .

The citation which was submitted to the newspaper said

On two nights every week throughout the year Margaret Moore and Chris Johnson run the Night Shelter at Radford Road Church and provide a warm, safe environment, hot food and a place to sleep for the most vulnerable members of society. These unassuming, gentle people welcome, unreservedly, the vulnerable and homeless and show Christian love, understanding and total commitment to those who have nothing and who have nowhere to turn. They give their time and energy to provide material comforts, sleeping and washing facilities, companionship and friendly advice to homeless men and women who, otherwise, would spend the nights sleeping rough.

Assistance is given with form filling, making and attending doctor’s appointments, benefit claims and a vast range of other difficulties which beset those who cannot cope with the complexities of life.

Margaret and Chris do not seek recognition for the work they do but no one deserves it more.

We are all full of admiration for the commitment of Margaret and Chris and although they did not receive the top award, they are both held in great esteem by the members of Radford Road Church for the marvellous work they do.

The work of the Night Shelter has also been featured in the British Red Cross magazine “Local Life”, a copy of which is in the church vestibule. The article has been written by Peter Bayley-Bligh who is a community based first aid coordinator and who is a regular volunteer at the Night Shelter.

The knitted garments which were given by Radford Road Church to the clients of Night Shelter last Christmas were well received and much appreciated. We shall be giving knitted scarves, gloves and hats again at Christmas this year so please get busy with the pins and wool!

TALKING OF GOD

Talking of God is a new faith sharing course aimed at helping individuals and congregations to talk about their faith journey.

Written by a group of evangelism and mission experts from across the country, the course will give people more confidence when it comes to sharing the stories of their faith in everyday life.  It does this by encouraging conversations about conversations, and rooting it all in the Gospels.

“We have so many opportunities to talk about how Jesus continues to transform our lives,” said Evangelism in Contemporary Culture Officer Joanne Cox. “This resource is an exciting development in helping each of us to talk of God wherever we are.”

Throughout Lent the Revd. James Church and the Revd. Andy Laird  shared in presenting this study course for the people of Radford Road Church.  Andy  ran the course on Monday evenings at the home of Mrs Hazel Hobbs,  on 27^th February, 5^th, 12^th and 19^th March 2012.  James’ course was the following day  each week and was held at his Manse.

On 25^th March, the 5^th Sunday in Lent, the preacher was Michele Simms, Methodist Birmingham District Evangelism Enabler.  After the service there was a light lunch, following which Michele lead an open workshop for an hour on how every one of us can be a sharer of the good news of Jesus Christ.

MOTHERING DAY SERVICE

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A special morning service was held on Sunday March18th to celebrate Mothering Sunday. This was an All Age Service and our uniformed organisations  joined with us.  Bunches of daffodils were given to all the ladies at the service.

Mothering Sunday Service 2012

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The Royal Naval Association Male Voice Choir                        Cardiff Male Choir

This special service, written by the women of Malaysia and linking people around the world, was held at Dale St. Methodist Church, Leamington Spa at 2.30pm on Friday March 2nd. The speaker was Mrs Jane Knight. Men and women were invited to the service.

The theme of the event was “Under the Sea” and they constructed a boat out of cardboard boxes.  After sticking it all together using oodles of sellotape the painting began! Paint covered the boat, the floor and the Rainbows but it was all splendid fun!

Later a Treasure Hunt was held; there were more craft activities and FOOD!

Sleep (???) was on the floor of the Hall and some Rainbows did doze off after enjoying a midnight feast!

Everyone was up early for breakfast the following morning and all attended the Church Service though the leaders looked somewhat bleary eyed! The theme of Under the Sea was extended by the Minister, The Revd Andy Laird, using the story of Jonah and the Whale.

The Meaningful Chocolate Company has produced Easter Eggs which explain the Christian understanding of Easter on the pack and included a booklet designed for children telling the Easter story. A limited number of these chocolate Easter eggs have been purchased at Radford Road Church and have been sold to Church members and friends.