Special Fellowship Group Meetings

During the Summer period the staff have arrange special Fellowship meetings, to be held in the Church lounge. Everyone is invited to join us for a 7.30pm start. We hope these meetings will encourage people to join in September either an existing Fellowship Group, join one of the new Emmaus Christian nurture groups or the Alpha course. Each evening will include some social time, worship, prayer and study either of a Bible passage or on a theme.

The four Fellowship Group meetings will be held on:

Ø      Wednesday 23^rd July

Ø      Thursday 14^th August

Ø      Wednesday 27^th August

Ø      Thursday 11^th September

All meetings start at 7.30pm and finish 9.30pm in the Church Lounge. Refreshments will be provided and on some occasion worship music will be led by V4J.

Religious Education MATTERS

Would you like to support your local school with R.E. and Collective Worship?  Then come along to R.E.MATTERS. This is a day conference, equipping you and your church, on Monday 15th September 2008 at St. Nicholas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue, Earley, Reading from 10am to 4pm. Costs £25 per person including lunch and refreshments. For more details from Christine Isles.

Scripture union

You are invited to….A DAY OF PRAYER  An opportunity to celebrate the exciting things God has been doing, pray about current activities and projects, meet with members of the SU leadership team and local workers  Thursday 18 September at Slough Baptist Church Windsor Road Slough SL1 2EJ  anytime: from 2.30-9.15pm  (Come for whatever time you can, afternoon or evening or all!) For more information contact Wayne Dixon  Scripture Union Schools’ Worker Slough, Windsor & Maidenhead 01753 523058  wayned@scriptureunion.org.uk

Gift Day summer appeal for AV

NN Have you noticed we have some great plasma screens on the pillars and a wonderful new projector, all of which were generously donated to the church? 

s Have you wondered why the screens don’t work?

s Do you worry that the projector will get knocked off the stand on the stage?

NN Do you want everyone in church to be able to see the song words and presentations s

]If the answer is “YES’ please give generously to the appeal this summer so we can get professional help to resolve the current issues with the AV system. We estimate that it will take at least £2,000.00 to complete the work that is required to make the screens work properly and secure the projector safely. 

~XAny surplus money from the appeal would be spent on much needed equipment for the PA and music group e.g. monitor speakers on stage.

ePlease act now and give generously to this appeal by placing your gift in a brown envelope and mark it AV Appeal.  If you pay tax then you could increase the value of your gift by 22% by signing the gift aid declaration on the envelope. Cheques made payable to St Paul’s Parish Slough PCC. 

Please pick up your new church rota

The summer rota for church services is now available in the church lounge. Please take your copy today and note your service duties in your diary.  Please let Mike know as soon as possible, if you are not able to fulfil your role on the rota. Finding cover may be difficult during the holiday period.

Please pray for people at Youth Camps

We have representation at four Christian camps over the holidays.  Three of these camps take place from 26^th July - 2^nd August:

Ø      Maureen is taking 14 young people to a Campaigner camp at Laches Wood Education Centre near Wolverhampton

Ø      Lydia Cotterell is going on SKramble (Scripture Union) in Slovakia

Ø      Steve Blake is going to a Cornwall C.U. camp

From 16^th – 22^nd August

Ø      Michelle Bryant and some of our young people are attending CPAS Venture Camp at Barnstaple.

A number of people from our church are also attending Soul Survivor youth festival in August.

Please pray for all the young people attending youth camps that God will work powerfully in their lives through the experiences.  Pray for the Leaders for protection against Satan’s attack, and for energy and inspiration as they guide and lead after the young people.

Possible Youth Worker for St Paul’s?

The Parochial Church Council are investigating the possibility that we may have a half time Youth Worker / student for 3 years. This person would be a half time student taking a youth work degree at Oxford Brookes and half time practical placement at St Paul’s. Please pray that the right person can be found and that the Church finances will be able to cope with this possibility. The expected cost to St Paul’s is approximately £10,000 per year. We don’t actually have this money to share, and it may not happen in the next academic year but the PCC have decided to move ahead in faith – will you join them in prayer and giving to support this project? Do you want to invest in young people in our church and provide extra support for our voluntary leaders?

St Paul’s community news

Moving On ……..

Last week we said Good bye to Hanneke.  She was from Holland and for the past year she had been working as an au pair for a family in Farnham Common. She had worshipped at St. Paul's and been a member of the Refresh group. Hanneke's last Sunday at St. Paul's was on 6th July. She has returned to Holland to study law at university. Her studies may bring her back to the UK in the future, but she certainly plans to visit us again. We wish her well and God's blessing as she embarks on this new stage in her life.

Last month we also said Good bye to Ann Walters, and Andrew Riddin who moving on.  We wish them well with the next stage of their live.

Moving house …….

Arman and Sylvia Delbahar have moved to 11 Springgate Field, Langley.  They are waiting for a new phone number.

Moving together ……..

Congratulations to Suzzie Jacob who married Reuben in St Paul’s on 12^th July.

Congratulations to Peter Mfalila and Changila Gombanila on their engagement, they are to be married on 16^th August in Zambia.

Visiting Shebbear …….

A group of St Paul’s members are visiting Shebbear churches in Devon, with whom we have a friendship link, in August.  There is a series of events to attend and two V4J concerts:

·         Wednesday 6^th  The North Devon Show

·         Friday 8^th a ‘Fun Evening’ at Rowden Methodist Chapel

·         Saturday 9^th Sheepwash Parish Church Fete & V4J concert

·         Sunday 10^th the Shebbear Methodist Circuit Service & BBQ & V4J Concert.

If you would like to go for a few days/weekend, please let Lesley Bryant know as soon as possible. Accommodation is provided by families in the Shebbear community.

Visit to Shebbear August 2008

The Shebbear churches, with whom we have a friendship link, would like to invite friends from St Paul’s Slough to visit Shebbear in August, when there is a series of events which might be of interest including:

·         Wednesday 6^th  The North Devon Show

·         Friday 8^th a ‘Fun Evening’ at Rowden Methodist Chapel

·         Saturday 9^th Sheepwash Parish Church Fete

·         Sunday 10^th the Shebbear Methodist Circuit Service & BBQ.

Slough friends are warmly invited to join in for any or all of these events.  Just let Mike Cotterell know if you are interested.  Shebbear folks will be offering accommodation.  Any offers of ‘input’ for the Service (song, dance, offers to read a lesson etc.) would also be very welcome.

We are very different churches in many ways, but part of the one Body of Christ with much to offer one another, not only from our different situations, but from our various cultures.  We do hope that people from both Slough and Shebbear will make the most of this opportunity to meet, learn from and about each other, and have fun in the lovely part of God’s world which is North Devon. 

The peace of Christ be with you.

From Rev. David Wheeler, Shebbear 01409 281262 and

Rev. Mike Cotterell, Slough 521497

Summer Camp Prayer Partners

Prayer Partners are needed for our youngsters and leaders who are attending Christian camps this summer.  If you would be willing to pray for 1 or 2 people before and during their camp, please let Maureen Cottrell know.  Also, if you are attending a camp and would like a prayer partner, let her know.

CAMEO Lunch Wed 11^th June

The next CAMEO lunch will be on Wednesday June 11^th in the Gilliat lounge.  CAMEO (Come And Meet Each Other) is a lunch club for over 55s with the aim of welcoming anyone who would appreciate a roast dinner and friendly chat. It is an opportunity to get together, catch up on news and not worry about cooking or washing-up! Lunch is served at 12.30 followed by pudding and coffee. We would love to see some new faces so please come along or contact Mandy Wilcox if you want more information.

Race for Life sponsorship

A group of ladies (and other friends and family members) from St. Pauls are taking part in the Cancer Research Race for Life taking place in High Wycombe on Sunday afternoon, June 15th. The ladies involved are Denise Brown, Helen Broadbent, Linda Lewis, Cathy Wood, Maureen & Hannah Cottrell, and Hayley Hunter. Rather than lots of sponsor forms, there will be one in the Church Lounge for you to fill in if you wish to sponsor them as a group. Thank you

Fellowship Groups

On Tuesday morning a Fellowship Group meets for bible study and prayer in the Church lounge.  The group is led by Olive Deeming.  Other Fellowship Groups meet on Monday and Thursday evenings.  Please speak to the vicar Mike if you would like to join a Fellowship Group. 

On Wednesday evenings in the Church Lounge John Elias leads a study group looking at outreach to Muslims, understanding what Muslims believe and how to evangelise to Muslims.  This group meets from 7.30pm – 8.30pm, everyone is welcome.

Visit to Shebbear August 2008

The Shebbear churches, with whom we have a friendship link, would like to invite friends from St Paul’s Slough to visit Shebbear in August, when there is a series of events which might be of interest including:

·         Wednesday 6^th  The North Devon Show

·         Friday 8^th a ‘Fun Evening’ at Rowden Methodist Chapel

·         Saturday 9^th Sheepwash Parish Church Fete

·         Sunday 10^th the Shebbear Methodist Circuit Service & BBQ.

Slough friends are warmly invited to join in for any or all of these events.  Just let Mike Cotterell know if you are interested.  Shebbear folks will be offering accommodation.  Any offers of ‘input’ for the Service (song, dance, offers to read a lesson etc.) would also be very welcome.

We are very different churches in many ways, but part of the one Body of Christ with much to offer one another, not only from our different situations, but from our various cultures.  We do hope that people from both Slough and Shebbear will make the most of this opportunity to meet, learn from and about each other, and have fun in the lovely part of God’s world which is North Devon. 

The peace of Christ be with you.

From Rev. David Wheeler, Shebbear 01409 281262 and

Rev. Mike Cotterell, Slough 521497

Campaigner Summer Camp

Some of our Campaigners are attending a Christian Activity Camp in the summer from July 26th - Aug. 2nd. There are still places available for children aged 8 - 18 and also for leaders. It will be at a place called Laches Wood near Wolverhampton and the cost is £155 per person, plus transport. If you are interested or would like more information then please have a word with Maureen Cottrell.

Mission to Korea……an opportunity to encourage and be encouraged

On the 23rd May 2008 Janet Binns will set off on a trip to Korea returning on 3rd June 2008. The trip provides the opportunity for her to visit a number of churches preaching, holding seminar’s with Korean Christians and leading youth /children’s ministry. Seven of the 10 biggest churches in the world are in Korea. Korea is also the second largest missionary-sending nation. This is a great opportunity for Janet to see what God is doing in this part of the world and no doubt she will be challenged in many ways. Please keep Janet and her family in your prayers during her absence.

Mission transport – Lynn’s jeep

Some weeks ago a notice was printed in Advance about the need for a new jeep for Lynn Masterson in Pakistan. Interserve asked us as a supporting church to consider donating funds to help purchase a new, reliable jeep for Lynn in Pakistan. £3000 was available but it was hoped that Lynn's supporters would be able to raise the other £3000 that was needed. Two members of St. Paul's responded and £70 was sent off. A few days later we heard that the target of £3000 had been reached by churches that supported Lynn and that Lynn had been instructed to purchase a suitable vehicle. The £70 was then donated to Lynn's general support with the permission of the two members of St. Paul's.

Mission accomplished.- Hammad returns

Sally and Hammad Baily will be returning from Pakistan together on 21^st May.  Their band Voice for Jesus (V4J) will be united in the UK after 2 years of doing music mission in Pakistan whilst waiting for Hammad’s visa.  V4J, with Hammad, will be leading worship at the morning services on 1^st June 2008.  There will be a Bring-and-Share Fellowship Meal after the 10.30am Service.  Everyone is welcome to come along and meet new friends.

Campaigner Summer Camp

Some of our Campaigners are attending a Christian Activity Camp in the summer from July 26th - Aug. 2nd. There are still places available for children aged 8 - 18 and also for leaders. It will be at a place called Laches Wood near Wolverhampton and the cost is £155 per person, plus transport. If you are interested or would like more information then please have a word with Maureen Cottrell.

Creative Writing Workshop

Have you ever thought about writing prayers but don’t know where to start? Would you like to express your faith through poetry but come up against writer’s block?

A Creative Writing Workshop may be what you need.

Plans are underway for a workshop on Saturday 10^th May, 10am – 3.30pm at Trinity United Reformed Church, Slough.

A programme for the day will be available shortly, a light lunch is included. If you would like to attend please contact:  Mary Carpenter – 01753 861868 or Catherine McFie – 07874 048959

New Photocopier

The new photocopier has now been programmed to copy only black and white copies.  If you require colour copies for church business please ask a Church Warden or Mike for authorisation.  If you would like a demonstration of how to use the photocopier please ask Sally, Dennis or Mike. The office door now has a PIN code lock to protect the photocopier. Please ask a Church Warden or someone else who knows, if you need access to the office.

WEC Open Day Monday 5 May

God is doing extraordinary things through WEC, come and find out more at the open day on Bank Holiday Monday 5^th May.  The grounds at Bulstrode (on A40 at Gerrards Cross) are open from 10am to 5.30pm with meetings in the big Marquee from 11am, multicultural worship (including Voice for Jesus V4J) and speakers including Ronaldo Lidorio.  For more information visit www.wec-int.org.uk or speak Sally Baily or Linda Fricker.

HOPE08 service 11^th May 6.30

St Paul’s is hosting a service of worship and prayers for HOPE08 on Sunday 11^th May at 6.30pm.  All the town centre churches have been invited.  HOPE08 is about churches serving their local community, communicating the Gospel through words and action.  For more information about how HOPE08 proposes to support this work, by facilitating intensified, united, focused prayer and a year of activities, visit the website www.hope08.com.  How do you think we in St Paul’s should be taking more action this year to bring HOPE to our community, by sharing the Gospel through words and actions?

May CAMEO Lunch 14^th May

The next CAMEO lunch will be on Wednesday 14^th of May in the Gilliat lounge.  CAMEO (Come And Meet Each Other) is a lunch club for over 55s with the aim of welcoming anyone who would appreciate a roast dinner and friendly chat. It is an opportunity to get together, catch up on news and not worry about cooking or washing-up! Lunch is served at 12.30 followed by pudding and coffee. We would love to see some new faces so please come along or contact Mandy Wilcox for information.

London Marathon

Janet Binns would like thank everyone for their support, prayers and encouragement,  she finished the race in 3 hours 29 mins. She says "the final 5 miles proved very difficult but i had in mind the lovely messages of support and encouragement I received as well as the money raised for Charity, as one person writes 'Exert yourself vigorously' (Luke 13:24) It's for a good cause.  So far Janet has raised £2105 for Yeldal Manor a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre.

Spring Harvest 2009!

Soo, Michelle, Sally, Linda (and Megan), Denise, Mandy, Diane and Elaine have just returned from a truly blessed and revitalising time at the Butlins Holiday camp in Minehead which was the venue for this years (as it every year, as well as Skegness) Spring Harvest. It was so brill we want to make sure everyone at St Pauls has an opportunity to think about coming. So this is the advanced warning. The programme is so varied from worship in the Big Top to deeper theological discussions to relaxed cafe style teachings. Late night shows as well as afternoon seminars and if that isn't enough you get to go on the fun fair and make use of all the facilities - something for everyone! The cost depends on how big your group is but the maximum would be £200 each, that's a group of eight staying in a caravan on a self catering basis but there are all sorts of options available depending on accommodation and size. All details are at the back of the church on the information table in a leaflet entitled 'The Apprentice'. Want to know more then see one of us or pick up details. Bookings start being taken from Wednesday 11th June.

Ascension Day 1^st May

This year the Northern Clusters of Church (a grouping to which St Paul’s belongs) will be celebrating Ascension Day with a service on Thursday 1^st May at 8pm at St John’s, Stoke Poges Lane, Slough.  Everyone from St Paul’s is invited to attend.

WEC Open Day Monday 5 May

God is doing extraordinary things through WEC, come and find out more at the open day on Bank Holiday Monday 5^th May.  The grounds at Bulstrode (on A40 at Gerrards Cross) are open from 10am to 5.30pm with meetings in the big Marquee from 11am, multicultural worship (including Voice for Jesus V4J) and speakers including Ronaldo Lidorio.  For more information visit www.wec-int.org.uk or speak to Kay and Chris Witty or Sally Baily.

Creative Writing Workshop

Have you ever thought about writing prayers but don’t know where to start? Would you like to express your faith through poetry but come up against writer’s block?

A Creative Writing Workshop may be what you need.

Plans are underway for a workshop on Saturday 10^th May, 10am – 3.30pm at Trinity United Reformed Church, Slough.

A programme for the day will be available shortly, a light lunch is included. If you would like to attend please contact:  Mary Carpenter – 01753 861868 or Catherine McFie – 07874 048959

New Photocopier

Thanks to generous gifts given to the Church in the past we have a new photocopier. Training is being given on Monday 28^th April at 4pm.  If you are a regular user and cannot attend please ask a Church Warden to arrange a demonstration for you. The office door now has a PIN code lock to protect the photocopier. Please ask a Church Warden or someone else who knows, if you need access to the office.