Living, enjoying and sharing God's amazing love with the people of Maidenhead
We had around 55 people for the latest in our series of Family Services on ‘Celebrations’ in the Bible.
This month included Victor chairing, a quiz from Alan and David Hedges speaking briefly on the story of the Lost Son.
Afterwards, everyone trooped out into the sunshine to enjoy freshly cooked burgers and sausages, followed by a range of desserts.
Following this, there were games in the park, including the ubiquitous Kubb!
What a fantastic time we enjoyed at Maidenhead Carnival 2012!
Yesterday evening, as we had finalised and made ready the marquees, tables and literature, we had been somewhat uncertain what the day would bring. The stalls in Kidwells Park, of which we were one, had been moved across to a different area, with less space available. We were even unsure as to whether we would be able to use both of the marquees.
We were on site by 8.30am this morning and found ourselves allocated a space at the corner of where the main access path meets another path – an ideal location!
Despite missing those away at camp, we had a good team who were able to assemble both marquees in good time before we ventured inside to enjoy a coffee and short time of prayer for the day ahead.
Once in the park, as we’ve found in previous years, the numbers take a while to get going. The weather didn’t help, with a grey skies combining with a chilly breeze – only the most die-hard were able to have their Parkside polo shirts displayed!
We concentrated on giving invitations to the next Family Service and BBQ on 17th June, as well as various Jubilee tracts.
The marquees were decked out with bunting and paperchains in honour if the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations – a theme picked up by surprisingly few of the other stalls.
This year we had a trio of craft activities for the children with crown-making and decorating probably being the most popular – ahead of colouring in Union Flags and the construction of cardboard ‘Olympic torches’.
As well as handing out various literature, we were able to have some excellent conversations with passers-by – many of whom seemed very receptive – particularly to the invitation for a ‘free BBQ’.
We're having a great day in the park and have almost used all of our goodie bags as well as lots of literature. #MaidenheadCarnival
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) June 2, 2012
As in previous years, Paul had come prepared with a selection of Jubilee cupcakes, which proved popular with the helpers.
During the afternoon the sun finally broke through the clouds and brought with it the first warmth of summer.
As we struck camp in the sunshine at the end of the day, we all reflected on what a tremendous day we had enjoyed. Many felt it to be our most successful Carnival yet in terms of goodie bags and literature distributed and we have already asked to return to the same spot next year! With hindsight, more of the Jubilee themed literature would have been helpful as people seemed to be particularly keen to receive mementos of such a memorable weekend.
Tremendous day in the park at #MaidenheadCarnival. Over 100 goodie bags given out as well as lots of literature and great conversations.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) June 2, 2012
We have much to praise the Lord for!
We had around 45 people at today’s Family Service, which was chaired by Phil Bray.
The theme for this month was Celebrating: The Year of Jubilee and began with the singing of I will sing the wondrous story and prayer.
We also enjoyed a Royal Family themed matching pairs Jubilee Quiz and more singing before John Davies came up to speak, picking out the theme of Jubilees from the Bible.
Our next Family Service is on 17th June and will be followed by a BBQ.
We enjoyed a visit from Daniel Rudge who took us through 1 Timothy 5, in the latest of our series on 1 Timothy.
Unfortunately, there is no recording for this month although there are live tweets from the evening, below:
We'll be live tweeting from tonight's conference on #1Timothy 5 with Daniel Rudge.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) March 10, 2012
Daniel begins by reading from #Acts 20: 17, 28 and 35 and #1Timothy 5.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) March 10, 2012
#1Timothy 5:1-2 All the church; 3-16 Widows; 17-24 Generally about elders. Also read #1John 3:18.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) March 10, 2012
'Not enough to speak words of love or think words of love, need to demonstrate our love.'
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) March 10, 2012
#1Timothy 5:1-2 Teaching that the local church is a family and all should be treated with respect and affection.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) March 10, 2012
Comparison of vs 1-2 with how Jesus treated people. We can demonstrate our love for each other and for God.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) March 10, 2012
#1Timothy 5:3-16 God cares especially for the widows. Many widows had to be supported by the church as few other means of support.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) March 10, 2012
Vs 3-8 Categories of widows: vs 3-5 'widows indeed' (lost husband and family and were completely alone). Possible to be a 'disciple indeed'.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) March 10, 2012
Vs 5 – The widow's only hope is in God. Too easy for us these days with money etc to not rest entirely on God. Widow focusing all on God.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) March 10, 2012
Vs 4 Widow with family support – the family should seek to repay their parents' love back to their mother.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) March 10, 2012
Vs 6 Widow living for pleasure is spiritually dead whilst living physically.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) March 10, 2012
Vs 9-16 Two groups: 'Widows on the list for financial support' (9-10) – over 60, faithful wife, brought up children, been hospitable etc.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) March 10, 2012
Vs 11-15 'Widows not on the list' (11-15) – younger, wanting to remarry more important than God. She should remarry another Christian.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) March 10, 2012
Vs 17-25 Demonstration of love from elders: Demonstrate by their acts (v17) that they love the Lord, love the church & are willing to work.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) March 10, 2012
The conference finishes with prayer and light refreshments.
— Parkside Christn Fwp (@ParksideCF) March 10, 2012
We had around forty people join us for our second Family Service of the year.
The service was chaired by Victor Michael, who opened with the hymn Be still for the presence of the Lord and prayer.
Victor ran through some dates of upcoming Family Services to set the scene before we sang some of the children’s favourites from Sunday Club.
Afterwards, Phil Bray hosted a short quiz which involved finding the ‘lost sheep’ by asking questions to which he could only supply the answers ‘yes’ and ‘no’. The sheep was found in a plant beside the piano.
The second hymn was Come let us sing of a wonderful love. Afterwards, Alan Michael came up to tell the story of the Lost Sheep using the excellent tale of Cecil the sheep.
After the story, Victor finished with the singing of I’m special before reminding people about the soup and Scotch pancakes that were being served at the end of the Family Service.
Our next Family Service is on March 18th at 5pm and takes the form of a Mother’s Day Tea.
Parkside Christian Fellowship