Events

Future events in the life of the church

Pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan 2021

As you will be aware Marion and I have led quite a few pilgrimages during our time at Emmanuel and Elmers End.

We have visited Israel several times as well as Turkey taking in “The Seven Churches of Asia” featured in the Book of Revelation. Most recently we led a pilgrimage to Greece following in “The Steps of St Paul.” The Holy Land is a place almost everyone who has visited it feels drawn back to and Marion and I are no exception. Although I will be retired we are planning to lead another pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 2021, only this time with a difference.

Jordan is the often neglected part of the Holy Land but many times Jesus crossed over to the east side of the River Jordan (the present day country of Jordan was known as “Moab” in Biblical times, Ruth was born there). In fact, most scholars believe the site where John actually baptised Jesus was on the east side of the river. We shall visit Mount Nebo where Moses viewed the Promised Land. Undoubtedly the highlight of any visit to Jordan will be the magnificently preserved Nabatean city of Petra. This we shall definitely include on the itinerary.

Our plan is to add a few days in Jordan onto a visit to the traditional sites in Israel taking in both Jerusalem and Galilee. We are flagging up the possibility at this time to gauge what interest there may be for such a trip from members and friends at Emmanuel and Elmers End. If you feel this is something you would be interested in please let Marion or I know before my “exodus” at the end of May.

“Then Moses climbed Mount Nebo from the plains of Moab – there the Lord showed him the whole land.” (Deuteronomy 34:1)

Bill

 

Bereavement Packs

This is an idea which has come from CTWW and will be introduced in more detail at the Quiet Day being held on Saturday 30th May as part of ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ – the zoom details were sent out in an earlier email. Packs would be prepared that can be given to people who have been bereaved, both those known to our church communities and also via funeral directors. At a time when many people are not able to have the funeral service they would like, Elders felt it sounded like an initiative we would like to be able to support.

A pack would include

  1. a cross (maybe in wood, or other material)
  2. hand-painted forget-me-knot card
  3. A ‘Gift of Remembrance’ booklet (sourced from the Methodist Church)
  4. Crochet or knitted (or other craft) forget-me-not flower
  5. Packet of forget-me-not seeds
  6. Tealight candle
  7. Our own prayer of blessing and invitation to contact someone, possibly on a laminated card.

How can we help?

  • make some items to go in the packs: knitted or crochet flowers, hand-painted cards, little crosses. Let me know what you are doing, and I can arrange collection
  • volunteer to make up some of the packs (items and instructions would be delivered to you)
  • suggestions of poems or prayers or favourite words you think might be helpful would also be gratefully received

CTWW hope that this might be a fruitful ongoing ministry in our community. If you would like to help in any way, or could offer to coordinate our response please do get in touch with me.

Marion Moore

 

Fairtrade Fortnight 2020

24th February to 8th March During the two weeks of Fairtrade Fortnight 2020, individuals, groups and companies come together to celebrate the people in developing countries who grow our food, but who are often underpaid and exploited. This year, the focus of Fairtrade Fortnight will be on women in the cocoa and coffee industries across … Continue reading Fairtrade Fortnight 2020 →

A Cause for Celebration

from 12 till 2.30pm at Hawes Lane Methodist Church BR4 9AA Lunch will be served after the first activity session at about 12.45pm For children under 8 and their carers (Children MUST be accompanied) No need to book, more details from Pat Best 07714 808 498 … Continue reading A Cause for Celebration →

Top of the Pew Final

Wow! Congratulations to Emmanuel who have made it to the Final. Marion Moore, John Urie, John Mackintosh and David Best played successfully against stiff competition from Bromley Methodist Church and won 63 to 51. Kieran Moore is back at Oxford and we thank him for being in the team in previous matches and helping Emmanuel … Continue reading Top of the Pew Final →

Music Quiz

Elmers End Free Church together with Canterbury Oast Trust (COT), supporting adults with learning Disabilities, invite you to a 50’s, 60’s, 70’s Pop Music Quiz Professional Callers Emmanuel Church Hall The Grove, West Wickham Saturday, 12th October 2019 7pm for 7.30pm start Tickets £15 Per Person to include a Fish & Chip Supper Please bring … Continue reading Music Quiz →