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FROM ST GILES’ CLERGY
Change is here to stay, and most of it is good, but it takes time to adjust to. Perhaps change is like different types of weather - absolutely fine if you are prepared for it! Change has happened in St Giles’ too. Sadly in 10 years, members have died, but new people have come along, and by their presence and unique contributions, are changing the way we are as a church, because it’s people, not the building, which give our church its true character. And for that character to be Christ-like, we need to be disciples of Jesus, people who are not just following Christ, but are changing to become more like Him. That’s the most significant change that can occur in any church; other changes in church-life have been important, but they are cosmetic in comparison. But change rocks the boat so to speak. It unsettles us while we adjust, and is harder when we haven’t seen it coming, like my leaving announcement! And my departure is just one element of this, following on from Bernie’s retirement at Ickenham URC. Also, in the middle of September we announced that James Wood is leaving to take up a new appointment as full-time Youth Pastor of Milford Baptist Church near Guildford, and we pray for God’s blessing on his future. We hope to have appointed his successor by the time you are reading this. Juliette and I face a considerable amount of change as we move to Alcester: leaving the suburbs, jobs, colleagues and friends, and moving house in a new area, with new churches, and new challenges. But we move forward in faith in our unchanging God, and His resources, His preparations, and His plans. Psalm 28, 8-9 points to God, our security and guide in times of change – ‘The Lord is the strength of His people, a fortress of salvation for His anointed one. Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.’ We thank you all for your friendship and partnership in the Kingdom of God over the last 10 years. Every blessing in Christ,
FROM THE URC ELDERS
Yet for many throughout the world, the picture is not so rosy. In countries ripped apart by war or those where there is extreme poverty there could be little scope for Christmas shopping! This is where Operation Christmas Child comes in. For 23 years its Shoebox Appeal has been providing brightly coloured boxes of gifts to children in desperate situations, and last year it was able to deliver its 100 millionth gift filled shoebox. The shoeboxes are always given to children based on need regardless of their background or religious beliefs. It is a gift of love. Ickenham URC supports this very worthwhile charity and coordinates the efforts of St Giles’ and other groups around the village. Last year, with your help, we sent 233 filled shoeboxes to children in Swaziland to show them that they were loved. This year, the Ickenham boxes will probably go to Belarus (to be confirmed later this month). This very poor country, in which HIV is prevalent and which is still affected by the Chernobyl disaster, has very cold winters and moist summers. Many of its poorest children are living in orphanages. How can you help show a child in Belarus (or another poor country in Africa, Central Asia or Eastern Europe) that he or she is loved? - By getting involved in Operation Christmas Child. The panels on the right explain what is needed. Each filled box is labelled as suitable for a boy or girl in one of three age ranges: 2-4 years, 5-9 years or 10-14 years, so if you’re filling a whole box, choose one of the six groups and off you go! Leaflets with the gender / age labels and further details can be picked up in the entrance to the Church Hall and in the Hardwick Room at the URC. Items can be left with the Church Administrator between 10am – 12 noon on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays or Fridays, or you can bring them along to the Sunday service. St Giles’, Breakspear, Brownies and other groups will have notified folk of their own timetables, but the last date for delivery of all the boxes to the URC is Sunday 27th October. Dorothy Vickery
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ickenhamchurchnews.co.uk
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Change is here to stay! We’ve been 10 years in Ickenham – a fleeting moment compared with some residents; yet long enough for a considerable amount of change to have taken place. Since arriving here in June 2003, the US Naval base has closed along with the chapel and chaplain, and Ickenham Park has been constructed. Breakspear Infants and Junior School have amalgamated, Glebe is being rebuilt, and Vyners and Douay Martyrs have different Heads. The Post Office has moved, shops have changed hands, and café culture has arrived. Parking zones, meters and wardens are commonplace. The library has been re-fitted, the miniature railway station rebuilt, and hanging baskets adorn lamp-posts.
Have you started to buy cards or presents for Christmas? Do you buy them when you see them all the year round or do you join the rush in December? 
We all enjoy receiving a gift but I think we also get pleasure from giving gifts and cards, and showing family and friends that they are loved and not forgotten. And although a lot of families are struggling at the moment, on the whole I think that most of us here in Ickenham will do quite well at Christmas.