We had a great turnout for our latest Family Service, taken by Alan Michael from our series of Celebrations.
Around forty-five people joined us outside afterwards for our final BBQ of the year.
Fortunately the weather stayed largely dry and we were able to cook and serve the food outside, as well as being able to get out into the park to play some games afterwards. It was a far cry from the same event last year!
Robert and Phil manning the September 2011 BBQ in monsoon conditions
It was great to welcome back some old friends as well as meeting some new ones.
Our next Family Service takes the form of a Family Tea and will be on 14th October. We hope you’ll be able to join us then.
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!
A chilly morning in the park
We concentrated on giving invitations to the next Family Service and BBQ on 17th June, as well as various Jubilee tracts.
Poster advertising craft and literature tablePaul making a point
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’.
Craft activities in the marquee
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’.
Mike oblivious that he’s about to be eaten by a giant bird!
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
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.
Blue sky and polo shirts in the afternoon
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.
Ken having some issues with his nose!
Tremendous day in the park at #MaidenheadCarnival. Over 100 goodie bags given out as well as lots of literature and great conversations.
Some forty people gathered for our latest Family Service and BBQ today.
With the planned speaker being unable to attend at the last minute it fell to Alan Michael to take up the baton in his place.
The service was once again chaired by David Hedges and began with the singing of Come and see followed by prayer.
Those present were tasked with choosing new team names for the Sunday Club teams and decided upon Bangers and Mash.
We then had a number of children’s choruses as usual before the memory verse for the month – Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies”. – John 11:25.
Alan then came to speak on the subject of the raising of Lazarus, taken from John 11, and introduced Lazarus, Mary and Martha.
Lazarus then becomes ill and dies and Alan brought out the question as to why God allows suffering and bad things to happen to people who love him. Lazarus died that God might be glorified through his death. The Bible tells us that when Christians die it is like sleep as we have a great hope to look forward to when Jesus returns.
Jesus proves that He is the resurrection and the life by raising Lazarus back to life. Many believed in Him as a result.
Jesus met the needs of Lazarus, Mary and Martha in different ways.
Remember – Look back and know that God loves you.
Review – Look at present circumstances. God is with us.
Re-focus – Do we need to change our direction? Are we disciples? Remember that Jesus said ‘I am the resurrection and the life’.
We finished the service by singing Low in the grave and prayer.
The planned BBQ and games in the park had to be somewhat scaled back due to monsoon rainfall that fell during and after the Family Service.
Robert and Phil manning the BBQ in monsoon conditions
We had earlier set up a marquee to cook under, but ended up serving food in the back room and putting round tables in the main hall rather than in the park.
We had a shorter than normal Coffee in the Park this morning.
Table laden with drinks
Most of those at Parkside were heading over to Wokingham for the wedding celebration party of two of those who meet with us in Maidenhead. This meant that we did without the usual marquee and made do with a few tables in the park instead.
The weather was somewhat chilly and there were few people out and about in the park.
This was our final outing into Kidwells Park this season after only three Coffee in the Parks this summer.
Parkside Christian Fellowship 