After a long haul and the frustration of delays, the work on the church front is nearing completion and the restoration of the building to something of its former glory is now evident.

Most people agree that it is a good piece of elegant workmanship. It has made us realise, more than ever, the sacrificial devotion of our forebears who undertook the task of constructing the building, as well as the faithful servants of the Lord in this place who maintained and improved it.

It is hard for us to visualise what it was like for them with only rush lighting, no toilets, water or heating. Yet, despite all this, our parents in the faith, working within these confines of their time, installed electric lighting, central heating, kitchen and toilets, plus a magificent organ! This is a real challenge to us. We must continue to pass on to future generations the joy and delight of the Good News of the Gospel. Jesus, the Son of God, was born in Bethlehem, lived our human life, was crucified on a cross and rose on the third day with the promise to all, that their lives can be transformed, their sins forgiven and their lives given new direction and purpose.With our sins forgiven, the past left behind we can, with the help of the Holy Spirit, begin to live in the new tomorrow, now and evermore.

Let us pray that God will give us all a confident hope in the promises he has made.

Our thoughts and prayers are still with Iris Harris, Mary Price and Arthur Taylor as they face the anxiety of tests, and treatment and the uncertainty of not knowing what is really the trouble. May God bless each one of you.

We continue to remember Norah Brett, Dorothy Berridge, Margaret Benyon, Dolly Davies, Jimmy Doig, Wyn Ellis, Madge Pickering, Margaret Sales, Betty Wilford and Edith Young. We also remember Peter, Maureen and their family at this time.

We thank Hazel for organising another Coffee Morning, as well as those who helped, supplied goods and supported the event.

We are pleased that our Refurbishment is moving again - it may even be completed in the next fortnight! We were planning to celebrate this on May 13th, but feel it may have to wait a little longer so that we can contact all the revelant people.

We are planning to organise some regular coffee mornings - not to raise money, but to get to know each other. We will try to plan times that suit individual people and there will be transport for those who need it. Look out for further details.

There is a special District URC Family Fun Day on 12th May from 10-00am to 4-00pm at Wycliffe URC, Leicester. Each church needs at least one team of four people to participate in a quiz! There are many more activities to amuse us all day and there will be refreshments! Come along and relax!

POOR BUT BLESSED DAYS

We met and we married a long time ago,

we worked very long hours when wages were low.

No tele, no wireless, no bath; times were hard;

just a cold water tap at the top of the yard;

no holidays abroad, no carpets on floors;

we had coal on the fires and didn't lock doors.

Our children arrived, there was no pill in those days,

and we brought them up without any state aid.

They were safe going out and they played in the park;

old folk could go for a walk in the dark.

No valium, no drugs, no LSD,

we cured all our ills with a nice cup of tea

No vandals, no muggings, there was nothing to rob,

we felt we were well-off with a couple of bob.

People were happy in those far-off days

kinder and caring in so many ways;

milkman and paperboy would whistle and sing;

a night at the pictures was all one mad fling.

We all got our share of struggle and strife,

we just had to face it, it was the pattern of life.

Now we sometimes look back through the years;

we don't think of the bad times, the trouble and tears

We remember our blessings, our homes and our love

And that we may share them together

WE THANK GOD.

GOD'S PLAN

Jesus lives on in each of us as we receive him

and allow him to guide our lives.

This is the way the people of this and all generations

come to him - through you and me!

We are God's planned way

of sharing himself and his love.

There is a familiar post-world war II story

about a statue of Jesus in the shell of a bombed-out German church.

The figure of Jesus was portrayed in the statue as

reaching out to the world.

However, in the devastation of the bombing,

the hands of the statue were broken off.

It stood for some time and then a sign appeared

on it, hung from the outstretched arms it said,

'He has no hands, but yours!'

In a very real sense this is true.

We, the Church, the members of his Body,

are his only hands, feet, mouth, mind and heart.

You are writing a Gospel

A chapter each day

By the deeds that you do

And the words that you say.

Folk read what you write

If it's false or it's true

Now what is the Gospel

According to you?

SPRING CLEANING

This has been planned for May 5th, but it depends on whether the builders have completed their work. We shall meet just for the morning and there will be dinner for those who would like to stay. You may come any time and for any length of time. All help will be welcome.

CHRISTIAN AID

We always need willing volunteers to distribute the envelopes and collect them later. If you can help Hazel Taylor would love to know! Christian Aid Week is May 12th - 19th.

BIBLE SOCIETY

The Bible Society AGM will be in our church on Friday, 11th May at 7-30pm. Do come along and give your support.

SPRING FAYRE/PLANT SALE

Saturday, 19th May - it is coming up quite quickly now - if you have goods for this, bric-a-brac, good as new, books or prizes for the Tombola - these may now be brought to church and placed in the upper schoolroom.

PRINCE DIBEELA'S FAREWELL

This is on Saturday 14th July and will be in Peterborough. We have booked a mini-bus for this special event and hope to fill it and maybe some cars as well. It is an afternoon event with tea provided. The cost will be around £7. Please sign in if you want to go and wish Prince and his family bon voyage and give them your blessing for their future ministry.

DINNER

Irene is planning a very special dinner for 2nd June in aid of our Refurbishment. There will soon be a menu posted on the board for you to sign in if you are able to support it.