MAY 2025
Thought for the month
'When you arise in the morning, think for a moment of what a precious privilege it is to be alive -
to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.' Marcus Aurelius
Dear friends,
Where did April go? The weather has been beautiful giving us the opportunity to get out. That brought two things to mind - hearing and warmth. Why hearing - well in our family the 'elders' have been encouraged to have hearing tests (under protest). It happens to be Deaf Awareness Week this coming week and so many of our members do suffer or will suffer lack of hearing at sometime or another. This can result in frustration, loneliness and a feeling of isolation that we have to be aware of. Mind you, I am not happy to now being able to hear the dawn chorus so loudly at 4.30am.! And why warmth, you might add - you know the service of meeting and greeting those coming into our Church is so important. Like Jesus, these people listen, not just hear and resonate a warmth of Christian love and caring before people even sit down. We as a Church have been and are so fortunate and grateful to have such people to do this important job - we say Thank You.
Remember: “Mary… sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said” (Luke 10:39, NIV)
In the great plan, it's no co-incidence that God gave us one mouth and two ears for nothing!
Stationing
There has been no further information received as yet regarding the meeting with Rev Sydney Sichilima who will have pastoral charge of Kempston East, Kempston West, Wootton and Haynes churches from September 2025.
Charity giving
R.N.L.I - Please remember the little pots!! There is no time limit for the little jars of small change but every little bit will help this worthwhile charity.
Ukraine - Thank you for the continuous supply of paracetamols and bandages. The latest news is of the shortage of walking sticks and crutches. Often we have been supplied with them and often the hospital/care homes no longer receive them back. If you have any or know of any-one who has, they are sorely needed.
APRIL 2025
Coffee Morning
will be held on 11th May 2025 from 10.00am to 11.30am. This month it is in aid of Muscular Dystrophy. This charity has been chosen by a member for the father's marathon run in aid of his son Henry, who aged 9 years old is no longer able to walk and unlikely to reach the age of 25 years old. A good cause so come along and ask your neighbours and friends too, the more the merrier and the more we can help others.
Last month, £165.00 was raised for Motor Neurone Disease. Thank you to all who contributed in any way. Don't forget the R.N.L.I. 'jam' pots!
Holy Communion Service
will be led by Rev. Michael Giles on 11th May 2025.
Church Council
The next Church Council will take place after the service on the 11th. May 2025. This will be a short meeting to keep Members informed in what is happening in the Church and for you to have your say! Please let Lynda know if you are unable to attend.
Dates to note
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
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.
Who else meets on our premises?
1st Kempston Girls Brigade meets on Wednesdays during term time.
Bunyan Preschool meets on weekdays during term time.
Kempston Concert Band meets on Monday evenings.
Our Minister is always willing to talk to anyone on matters of concern.
Minister
Revd. Michael Giles
Location
