October 2004

Dear Friends,

It is important as a Church that we look at ourselves critically to see whether we are actually what we are meant to be. It is a sort of church health check.
We want to be a healthy body; we want to be better at being Church.
The PCC have agreed to carry out a health check involving the whole congregation in order to identify the strengths and weaknesses and to consider what action needs to be taken to help us to continue to grow into a healthy church.
We may ask: What is a healthy church?
In a nutshell it is one that expresses the life of Christ both individually and corporately.
Some time ago a hundred people from 25 varied Anglican Churches met for a day conference.
The one thing that these churches had in common was that they had grown numerically by about 16% and the aim of the day was discover the reasons for this growth.
They had obviously become attractive churches and they were moving towards a better state of health.
Christian Schwarz (who has studied church growth) wrote: 'in such churches both laughter and tears are experienced. They have an attractive and real humanity and are not trying to impress or achieve.
They are what they preach. It is that simple – and that costly.'
During the next few months we want to encourage the whole church to consider what it means to be a healthy church and then we want to apply the principles to St. Peter's.
We will discover that many of the things we are already doing, or are planning to do, contribute to the health of the church.
Among the new initiatives launched this autumn is the new ALPHA YOUTH GROUP replacing Lazer, and the new KEY GROUP study where the Principles of Cell Church are being considered.
Both these initiatives will be mentioned and reviewed in order to access their effectiveness.
Please continue to pray for all those in leadership positions in the Church, for the PCC and for all groups that meet, praying that we may hear God speak and be led by his Spirit.

Yours sincerely
in Jesus' Name

Malcolm Convery

GROWING A HEALTHY CHURCH

A healthy church is one that has been touched and energised by the presence of God so it reflects something of the good news and the wholeness made possible through the knowledge of God as revealed in Christ by the Holy Spirit.
During the next few monthly reviews I propose to consider the marks of a healthy church beginning this month with the first two marks which are:
A healthy church is energised by faith and is outward looking.
This concerns our fundamental relationship with God and with the world around us.
It involves living out the first two commandments: to love the Lord our God and to love our neighbour as ourselves.
Vitality of life is a sign of a healthy church provided the source and focus of that vitality is the Lord himself.
Some churches are energised by the desire to keep an old building open or to keep things as they are. Whilst this is not wrong in itself it is not sufficient as the foundational basis for the life of a church, which is a community of disciples of Jesus Christ.
Our spiritual lives need to continue to grow. These should be upward growth to God and outward growth into the world.
Does our church energise us in these directions or are we like a wheelbarrow which doesn't move unless you push it?
Are we involved with the local community and with the wider world beyond the Church?
Someone once said that our Churches should have glass walls and wide-open doors so that people can see what is going on and also people are free to come and go.
Christians go into the world to share their faith and newcomers are welcomed into the community.
To what degree are we energised by faith and outward looking?
Are we on fire for the Lord, motivated through worship, the sacrament of Holy Communion, God's Word in Scripture and through prayer and do we have a desire to reach out and share our faith?
Is there room for improvement?

A HEALTHY CHURCH IS A HEALING COMMUNITY ….

A place where Jesus Christ is proclaimed
We become what we talk about

A fellowship of loving and caring people
Time for others
Thoughtfulness
Humility

A core of people who pray and worship
This is the mainspring for all ministry
The vision; discerning God's will for his church
Obedient to God's call

A fellowship people want to join
An attractiveness
A graciousness
The welcome

A people expectant of the Holy Spirit's surprises
Conversion
Healing
Leadership
Healing of relationships
The gifts of the Spirit

A force for the Kingdom
Bringing healing and reconciliation ….
to the community
to the healing professions
Yet willing to suffer for the Kingdom of God's sake

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching
and to the fellowship
to the breaking of bread
and to prayer.

Acts 2:42

MOTHERS UNION

Both MU groups started well in September. The evening members had an interesting talk by Gladys Gillatt on her life and travels and the many homes she had made abroad during her husband's career. The afternoon ladies began their session with a service in church which was led by Les and incorporated the Wave of Prayer. It was lovely to be able to say congratulations on this day to two members - Norman & Louise Brown who were celebrating 49 years of marriage.

Both groups are now looking forward to a busy programme of events. In October meetings are as follows:

Tuesday 5th at 2pm 'An afternoon with Malcolm & Valerie'
Tuesday 19th at 2pm 'The Work of the Fisherman's Mission" - Erik White Thursday 21st at 7.45pm 'Clay Workshop with Wendy'
- to book a place on this please ring 616039
Wednesday 27th Corporate Communion at 10.30am
Wednesday 27th Friendly Lunch in the Hall at 12noon - open to all.

Don't forget that its only about 9 weeks to the Christmas Fair - time to get busy and see what new ideas we can come up with this year.

We continue to remember that 2004 is the International Year of the Family and our prayer for October is for 'Families who are separated or isolated'

Lord, we bring to you families that are separated or isolated.
We pray for young families isolated from
the natural support of their wider families,
for families where one parent has to work away from home
for much of the time,
for those who do not know where their loved ones are
or even if they are alive,
for families separated through broken relationships.
Show us how best to maintain relationships with people
that we are separated from by distance,
and bring the comfort of your loving presence
to those suffering from painful separations.
Encourage them in the certainty
that they can come close to those they love
as they bring them to you in prayer. Amen.

On a personal note I would like thank everyone for their cards, good wishes, flowers and gifts which were most appreciated when I was taken ill last month. I'm happy to report that I am much better and will be back in Nobles this month when the removal of my gall bladder will hopefully put an end to all my troubles and maybe I'll get to take Les away on holiday yet!
Sylvia Lawrinson

PCC Report

The Vicar opened the meeting with a bible reading and prayers.
It was agreed to have the service for Stewardship on Passion Sunday 13th March. The Vicar thanked Sylvia Lawrinson and all who had helped to make the Flower Festival a success. Over 1400 people had visited St. Peter's. Bean bags and small Sunday school chairs are to be placed at the back of church for Families using the 'crèche'. Starting in November a new look 'all age' family service will be held in the afternoon in the parish hall on the second Sunday in the month, on the third Sunday the Sunday school children will join the congregation for Communion, whilst the Family service will continue to be held on the fourth Sunday of each month in church.

The Vicar said he was very pleased with the opening meeting of the Key Groups. Two tables have been booked for the meal to launch the Alpha programme. A Youth Alpha fortnightly course leading to confirmation is being run in the parish office. The PCC concurred with the Vicar & Wardens in inviting mourners to give to the charity chosen by the deceased's family in lieu of flowers through the church by placing their donations on the collection plates at the back of church.

Harvest Festival is 10th October and the collections are to be given to Sudan through Christian Aid, the 6.30pm Harvest is to be a Songs of Praise Service. Debi Kennaugh asked if the Sunday School prize giving and Sunday School Anniversary could be amalgamated and it was agreed to have a service at Pentecost (May 15th, 2005). Nigel Cretney gave an update on the Parish Hall, work on the kitchen is slightly behind schedule as a leak was found in the roof and ceiling joists have had to be replaced, fitting the kitchen units is well under way and are being fitted free of charge in memory of Mr John Craigie. Costings for the lower hall will be presented to the Trustees on 4th October. Trevor Singleton read the Quinquennial inspection report and its recommendations. Mrs Valerie Convery is to be asked to open the Christmas Fayre on Saturday 4th December. Monies raised to be divided between Parish Hall and a charity of Mrs Convery's choice. The Vicar gave his report and discussed with the PCC his presentation on Developing a Healthy Church. It will be discussed at greater length at a PCC away day in the New Year. The nine lessons and carols service will be held on Sunday 19th December.

Next meeting will be 18th October in the Parish Office. Meeting closed with the Grace.
Joan Callister

HARVEST 10TH OCTOBER

8.00 am Holy Communion
11.00 am Family Harvest Thanksgiving with dedication of Robin Long
6.30 pm Songs of Praise Favourite Harvest Hymns Musical items by the Choir and Music Group, Harvest memories by Harvey Briggs, Followed by light refreshments.

Note: The PCC have agreed that we should support the people of the Dafur region in the Sudan and that all the cash offertory (not offertory envelopes) for this day be sent to Christian Aid for this purpose. Please give generously when the collection is taken.

HARVEST GIFT DISTRIBUTION

If you are able to help with the distribution of harvest gifts please come along to church at 9am on Monday 11th October – Thank you

CAN YOU HELP PLEASE!

My stock of poems etc is depleting - if you have any poems or little stories you would like to share please drop a copy of them into the parish office.
Thank you.
Jane, Parish Clerk
Please send a note of any Celebrations to Jane at the Parish Office so they can be included in future Reviews.
Thank you.

THE BIBLE SOCIETY is celebrating 200 YEARS

At 3 pm on Sunday 17th October
there is a Service of Celebration at St. German's Cathedral, Peel

PARISH HALL

GRAND TOMBOLA
Prizes
£ 300 Cash FIRST PRIZE
and many other great prizes

Draw to take place at Woodlands, Alexander Drive,
Douglas on Saturday 27th November, 2004

Promoter: Nigel Cretney, c/o Parish Office,
Church Road, Onchan, IM3 1BF
Ticket
Registered under the Isle of Man Gaming, Betting and Lotteries Act 1988 No. 04/86 25P

Your chance to support the Appeal
And you never know you may be a lucky winner!
But let's make sure the Hall is the real winner.
We need to sell tickets. So we need your help.

There are only four tickets in a book so just £1 buys a book. Yes just £1. So, can you help by taking some books and selling the tickets to friends and colleagues? – books of tickets are available from the Parish Office or just ask Nigel or Jane – and if you can't help the appeal by selling tickets then please buy as many tickets as you can!

The draw will take place during the Manx Christmas at Woodlands courtesy once again of Mildred Cooper. A sell-out last year so make sure of your place and get your tickets as soon as they go on sale. Thank you.

Norman Sayle Limited Edition Print

This is your chance to own a Norman Sayle print depicting the Parish Hall.

Prints are available from the Parish Office in aid of the Appeal – now on sale - priced £35. – Please make cheques payable to the 'Onchan Parish Hall Fund'.

PARISH HALL APPEAL – dates for your diary!

SILENT AUCTION: Thursday 7th October in the Parish Hall
FRIDAY NIGHT IS MUSIC NIGHT: Friday 22nd October in the Parish Hall, with Debbie McDowell and friends from London – this promises to be concert with a difference!
REGAL SINGERS CONCERT: Thursday 4th November in the Methodist Hall. An example of how wide the support for the Appeal is. Please support our Methodist friends.
VICTORIAN EVENING: Friday 12th November in the Parish Hall. When the tickets go on sale get yours early for what will probably be another sell out just like last year. And this year we have a special guest appearance by the Lord Bishop's none the less!!
MANX CHRISTMAS AT WOODLANDS: Saturday 27th November at Woodlands courtesy once again of Mildred Cooper. A sell-out last year and a great start to Christmas. Please help us to make it yet another success.

Words of Wisdom

If you are thinking a year ahead, sow seed.
If you are thinking ten years ahead, plant a tree.
If you are thinking 100 years ahead, educate the people.

By sowing seed once, you will harvest once,
By planting a tree, you will harvest tenfold,
By educating the people, you will harvest one hundredfold.

October

Golden October, your beautiful leaves now turn,
Sombre November, we cheerful fires burn,
We will not be sad that Summer days are gone
And birds now seldom sing.
We'll smile through frozen Winter
And look towards the Spring.

FROM THE REGISTERS

BAPTISMS

David Andrew Cowin, Haydn Waddington,
Luke Julian John Corkish,
Morgan Bethany Faragher

WEDDINGS

Richard David Teare and Aimee JayneNeilson
Simon Leigh Kneen and Lynsey Dawn Maddocks
Edward Moore and Louise Helen Fyfe
Alan Charles Paul Lawrence and Elizabeth Ann Marks

FUNERALS

William Wilding, Ellen Nicholl, Iris Faragher, Fred Colley,
John Percival Clarke, Lucy May Kelly

OFFERTORY

The offertory for August totalled £6,486.57 and was made up of £4,169.38 pledged giving and £2,317.19 of loose plate giving.

Thank you.