KEMPSTON WEST

Thought for the month

The heart is the garden

that always has room

for the flowers of kindness

 and friendship to bloom

Dear all,

I recently delivered our latest  'batch' of medicines to Beds. Police for delivery to Ukraine, which were as usual gratefully received. As the war continues, our gifts may appear so small compared to the huge help that is needed …

And yet it reminded me of the story of Bob Fawkes who piloted a B-17 plane during the second world war. On one mission, his gas tanks were hit by enemy aircraft guns but his plane did not explode!! The next morning, Bob asked the ground crew if he could have the German shell as a reminder of his good fortune. The crew explained that there was not just one shell but eleven shells found in the gas tank which had not exploded due to the explosive charge of each being missing!! They explained further that the shells were not empty - each had contained a roll of paper with a message written in the Czech language saying "This is all we can do now". A note written by the brave assembly worker who could not end the war but could save a plane and it's crew and felt he had to do something and did it.

So let's keep collecting our Paracetamols, Calpol, Bandages etc. showing that with prayer, actions however small, speak louder than words. Just a thought ... 

Andy Thomas

You will all be interested to know that Andy Thomas, our visiting organist has recently had his second book published! It is called "Resounding Hope", which is a follow-up to his first book "Resounding Body". It attempts to describe how music can nurture hope in our church communities, focusing on three roots of hope; our sense of God's presence; the promise of a new creation; and the cross and resurrection. The  cost of each book is £12.99 - please let me know if you are interested.

Beds, Essex and Herts Methodist District Good News Story

Jean Prettyman is delighted to say that following the application for the funding offered under 'Good News Stories', relating to projects to improve the carbon footprint of churches - following the work carried out recently in upgrading the lighting throughout the church and lowering the ceiling in the Hall, the Church has been awarded the maximum payment of £200. Well done to everyone involved.

Kempston West Methodist Church is part of the

North Bedfordshire Methodist Circuit, which is part of the

Bedfordshire, Essex and Hertfordshire Methodist District, which is part of the

British Methodist Connexion.

The church building dates from 1860 and the frontage was re-modelled in 1967.

More history can be found in My Weslyan Methodists and Bedfordshire Archives.

We have been granted the A Rocha Eco Church Silver Award in recognition of our efforts to care for God's earth in each of the following areas: Worship and Teaching, Management of Buildings and Land, Community and Global Engagement, Lifestyle.

We are a Fairtrade Church, committed to supporting Fairtrade farmers by using fairly traded products and promoting them in the community.

Safeguarding: The North Bedfordshire Methodist Circuit Safeguarding Officer is

Stephanie Field

07522 928936

safeguarding@northbedsmethodist.org.uk

Our Safeguarding Policy springs from the intention to value every human being as part of God’s creation and the whole people of God. At the heart of the Methodist community is a deep sense of the place of welcome, hospitality and openness, which demonstrates the nature of God’s grace and love for all.

1st Kempston Girls Brigade meets on Wednesdays during term time. 

Download information leaflet.

Bunyan Preschool meets on weekdays during term time.

Kempston Concert Band meets on Monday evenings.