NIGHT SHIFT IN THE PINK
A group of Ickenham ladies recently raised an impressive £1,500 for the Michael Sobell Hospice when they took part in the third annual ‘Ladies In The Night Walk’. They joined around 500 other pink t-shirted participants at dusk in the grounds of Mount Vernon Hospital, and as darkness fell, they set off on a 5½ mile walk through the night.
Well-known St Giles’ supporter Placida Baxter has inspired a team to do the walk in each of the three years. But her team members have been easily won over as each has had a personal experience which draws them to the cause. Afterwards Placida said, “The walk was very tiring, but it left us with a nice, proud feeling that we had been able to do something to help an organisation that has such an important job to do.”
“NOW I BELIEVE IN JESUS”
Our speaker at the recent Men’s Breakfast was Joseph Steinburg, who is the Church Mission Society (CMS) director for mission stewardship. A lively orator, he kept us amused with tales of his early life in a Jewish home in the USA. He also gave us food for thought when he described the family conflicts he faced in his teenage years, as he studied and tested his own beliefs, before finally converting from Judaism to Christianity.
His studies of the Old Testament – important biblical texts to both religions – led him to want to read on through the New Testament too, even though these scriptures have no direct relevance to Jews, who do not see Jesus as the Messiah. But the New Testament had a profound influence on Joseph, especially St Matthew’s Gospel. This Gospel, written by a Jew and from a Jewish perspective, links Jesus’ birth, life and death directly with the Old Testament prophesies. Joseph was convinced, and realised that he did now believe in Jesus.
After his conversion, time spent as a missionary doing street evangelism was followed by study at the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, where he graduated from their school of world missions. This led to him coming to the UK where he has worked for the past 25 years. During that time he has been ordained and served as an Anglican priest, taught about the Bible and joined CMS. Now Joseph is passionately committed to helping CMS achieve its vision of wanting the world to know and believe in Jesus. You can find out more about the work of CMS on www.cms-org.uk.
AFN
SERVICE OF HEALING AND PRAYER
Have you ever wanted to ask for God's help with a problem (physical or other) for yourself, a friend or family member? St Giles' Church has arranged a special service to let you do just that - a service of healing and prayer on 22 September at 6.30pm.
It’s an opportunity to pray with one of our prayer ministers or to simply sit quietly and be with God in your own way.
If you or someone you know would like to come to this service (it lasts about an hour) then we look forward to seeing you there. For further information, contact Anne Whitlam (01895 678169) or the church office (01895 622971 / office@stgileschurch.co.uk ).
Celebrate Christ’s healing work in our lives. See what God’s love can do for you.
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COFFEE, CAKE AND COURSES FROM THE WEA
The new September term means the start of an interesting range of adult education courses provided by the WEA (Workers’ Educational Association.) Their Ruislip and Uxbridge branch courses take place in the Compass Theatre, starting during the week commencing 23rd September, and this year topics include: ‘Philosophy’, ‘Poetry’, ‘Literature’, ‘Art History’, ‘Political History’, ‘History of China from 1840’, ‘Current Affairs’, ‘Digital Photography and Photoshop’, and ‘How to make the most of your I-pad’.
Why not come to the Compass on Wednesday 18th September at 10.30am, when branch chairman Caroline Field is hosting a coffee morning, with the chance to learn more about what’s on offer, and to meet some of the tutors? Students can also attend the first session of any of the courses free of charge, to see if it suits.
Courses arranged by all WEA London branches are featured in a brochure, available in local libraries. Look there for more details, or contact Caroline Field on 01923 824922, Chris Hammond on 020 8995 2081, or visit the WEA website at www.wea.org.uk.
.... OR WINE WITH JEAN, IF YOU PREFER!
Long standing Ickenham resident Jean Stephen has worked in Adult Education for 30 years. The independent Hillingdon Wine Club which she leads meets in the John Hillier Room at St Giles’ Church Hall on Tuesdays from 7.15pm till 9.15pm, and she tells us there is room for new members when the meetings re-start on 10th September.
No previous knowledge or experience is necessary, just an interest in learning about the ever expanding areas producing wine, and an enthusiasm to try various types of wine in a convivial group. Call Jean for further details on 01895 639043.
DONATIONS
This month, receipt is acknowledged, with grateful thanks, for donations from:
Ickenham Afternoon Townswomen’s Guild; Swakeleys House Bowls Club; Anon of The Greenway via Sheena Rosser; Anon of Campden Road via Val Kershaw; Anon via David Thorpe; Placida Baxter of Long Lane.
Please note that items for the October edition of ICN should be with the team by 12 noon on 13th September.
