Reports for April

On Sunday, 30 April, it was the turn of Fairford Leys to be the focus of our Circuit Prayers.
Dear All

Anthony shares with us some of the activities being carried out here to ensure that as many people as possible are offered the good news of the gospel to support and inspire them in their daily lives. There are many different ways in which we can spread the good news of Jesus whether we see people in person or on a computer screen. Please follow the example of the church here and take every opportunity to spread the love of Christ wherever and whenever you can.
Pete

Anthony writes:

We have just completed our Lent course, which attracted several new people this year. A total of 16 people took part, and they are keen to continue with another study group leading up to the summer.
Our congregation are supporting a number of members who are looking at changes of direction in their careers, and we have several families dealing with the pressures of teenage children and school work. I am pleased to say that they all report that our worship and fellowship have been important to them at this time.

Our online streaming continues to minister to those who continue their faith journeys, even though they are not fit enough to join with us in the building. I get reports and thanks from those people, and I also think we have settled into a healthy pattern where many people engage online with the Sunday service even if they are away for a weekend.
We have seen a number of church families receiving Baptism recently, including several young people who were able to make Baptismal promises for themselves.
Finally we were really encouraged by the attendance at our Good Friday craft morning this year, the highest for many years. From this, several families have enquired about other events, and we are planning a few days of summer holiday activity sessions for them.
Kind regards
Anthony
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On Sunday 23rd April our focus was on the lovely fellowship at Cuddington.
Dear All,

Margaret shares her journey with Jesus with us and reveals the amazing impact that prayer has had on that journey. On too many occasions we look to prayer as a last desperate resort, but Margaret reminds us that if prayer was at the beginning and not the end, then that journey would be so much more enriched along the way by God's continual blessing. We neglect our prayer time at our peril!
Pete

Margaret writes:
I came to Cuddington Church in 1964 as a new bride. Colin was already attending the Church 6 months prior to our Wedding.
We rented a cottage from Mr and Mrs Atkins at Upton and they and their daughter Dorothy were leading members in the Church.
Mr Atkins and Dorothy were both Local Preachers. We had such a warm welcome and realised that this was a group of Christians who loved the Lord, and loved His Word.
There was a strong Sunday School led by Mrs Atkins and many children attended. A Scripture exam was held each year and a shield and other prizes were gained and high marks achieved.
From the outset there was a strong, well-attended Prayer meeting and we moved around the Circuit (Thame and Watlington Circuit in those days) and held Prayer meetings in different Churches.
We didn't make any decisions as a Church without making it a matter of prayer, both spiritual and on a practical level. This is still true to this day.
I still have a call to prayer and intercession and have seen God move in amazing ways because He is true to His Word. We became aware of God's love for each one of us and this increased our love for God and each other.
We have been reminded this Easter of the truth of John 3:16. and long for our neighbours, family and those who don't know the Truth of the Gospel.
There is no substitute for the Gospel. It can answer the troubles of Nations, bring peace instead of war, unite families if they will ask Him and trust Him. Pray for the young men and women who are desperately looking for an answer to their problems. We have an obligation to introduce them to the Saviour who changed our lives decades ago but is the Same yesterday, today and forever.
I thank Him every day for His love for me and for the Fellowship and support of those Christians who have been part of my walk and still support me, my family, and who is there always for all our churches.
Margaret Watts
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Sunday, 16 April, was the turn of Chinnor to be the focus of our prayers.
Dear All

This week we join Margaret to share in her journey of faith. I feel for Margaret when she talks of being asked if she is a 'Proper Christian' because so many people have had bad experiences through someone coming out with statements like that. I believe that we can all be 'Proper Christians' (whatever that means!) as we journey on with Jesus. Some of us are just passing Go, whilst others are further along the road. Giving your testimony is not an easy thing to do and I believe that as Margaret says, working in the local community offering love and support to others is one really good way of showing Christian values to those around you. Please celebrate the work of all who venture out into the community offering Christ's love and pray this Sunday for all who are made to feel that they are not 'Proper Christians'!
Pete

Margaret writes:
Having lived in our previous home for over 40 years, John and I took the plunge and, in January 2021, moved away from West Sussex and came to Chinnor to be near our younger son and his family. We had both been brought up in strong Methodist families and attended our previous church for about 15 years but it 'changed' and became very cliquey.
When talking about moving we agreed that we would return to church, as it's a good place to start to get to know people. It was a few months before we could attend church (lockdown etc) but what a welcome we received on that first Sunday! As we walked up l heard Jane say to Richard, 'Oh, this is Margaret and John coming'. We were so warmly welcomed by everyone, and of course, coffee and chat afterwards! We now feel very much part of the CMC family and know that if we ever had a problem they would be there for us.
I have never had 'a transforming' experience, and this has caused me, in the past, to question whether l am a 'proper' Christian. In the past l was led to believe (not by family) that you had to have had this experience and be able to give a testimony. I am so happy to be back in the Church family but feel l am still 'finding' myself and where the Lord wants to take me.
I feel very much part of Chinnor and am involved in several groups in the village, including U3A and Christian Aid, and hope that through these activities l will show love, care and support to others around me.
Margaret------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday, 9 April, was the turn of Cheddington to be the focus of our Circuit Prayers.
Dear All
It is good to hear that so many people both young and old, find a warm welcome here. People do notice when we put the effort in to ensure that all feel welcome and valued. Jesus welcomed all, even from the cross. Please pray for all those who walk past our front doors, too afraid to venture in for fear of rejection or humiliation.
Pete

Cathy writes:

As we celebrate Easter Day I'm sure that we will all be asking ourselves 'Are we doing enough in service and thanks to our Lord for what He did for us at Calvary?'
One of our much-loved local preachers recently said to me 'We only fail our Lord if we do nothing' – great words of comfort to us all.
We have recently had a positive comment from the daughter of one of our supporters of Open Doors and Warm Spaces – 'Dad feels so welcome at both and it's made such a difference to his life and gives him something to look forward to each week and I can't thank you enough'.
A young father who regularly supports us at our baby and toddler group says 'this is my favourite group because there is so much support here and love and we feel valued'. He also encourages others to come along to us.
Our latest venture – the Singalong monthly group for those with memory problems – continues to attract people of our older generation. A friend in the village who is a school teacher, commented recently that 'her Mum and sister have such a great time that she's definitely coming to our next one which will happen during the Easter school holidays'.
Our film night which we reintroduced after some time was so well-received that there is a great demand for a monthly film showing, which we are starting in conjunction with our Anglican friends.
Our youngsters at Messy Church are always heard to say that they love having so much fun in church and our older youngsters recently set us up with a YouTube video explaining Lent, and plan to introduce the congregation to a 'veggie tales' for our café church.
Finally a wonderful extract from a Communion service that Noreen led -

's we travel on in peace and hope,
May the loving arms of the Creator uphold us,
The deep faith of the Son sustain us,
And the strength of the Spirit empower us.'
Blessings to you all and many thanks for keeping us in your prayers.

Cathy