Latest News From Mount Tabor

WE ARE PLEASED that Mrs May Hoyes, a member at Brimington and well known to our congregation, is to be our new Church Council Secretary from the February 2008 meeting.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT was a welcome visitor to our Church last Sunday, speaking on how we live out our prayer-life. It was our first visit from a "Chairman" for many years, and Rev Vernon Marsh says he is determined to visit all 155 Churches in the District.

MISSION An initial meeting to determine ways of growth for our Circuit has been held at Barrow Hill.

THANK YOU to Linda for the continuing service she gives by arranging the Communion Table flowers, Sunday by Sunday. Any donations for flowers, perhaps in memory of a loved one, should be given to Linda.

EIGHT SHOEBOXES a few less than previously, but still a good response, will help brighten some young lives in the Samaritans Purse appeal.

October 2007

THE COUNTY COUNCIL intends to implement "No waiting restrictions at any time" on both sides of the junction of King Street and Victoria Street. There is certainly a problem there - with traffic coming down King Street needing a visibility splay. Parking is already very difficult near Mount Tabor, particulalry providing reasonable access for the elderly or disabled. More restrictions would also cause problems at the occasional wedding or funeral.

ONE OF GEOFF FISHER'S first services following his "retirement" was enjoyed at Mount Tabor on Sept 9th. Rev Colin Barrick, based at Whitwell, is taking over Geoff's duties at Clowne and Barlborough.

MRS MARY O'GORMAN has had to be admitted to Walton with a chest infection. Eileen organized a best wishes card which we all signed and we do wish Mary a good recovery.

HELPING OTHERS We shall again be supporting the Shoebox Appeal. Leaflets available give full details. Eileen has made some Christmas Cards for sale, proceeds to the Smile Foundation.

CANDLELIT CAROLS this year is on Sunday December 16th at 4pm, when we have a brass ensemble to play for us and the Recror of Brimington, Rev Malcolm Shaw, to preach. On Christmas morning at 10am the preacher is Rev Gordon Morton.

FRONT DOORS of the Chapel have been painted by Mr Brian Morris - an excellent job, and quotes have been sought for the exterior painting. The notice borad is being updated by Ultimate Signs of Calow.

HARVEST FESTIVAL At the time of writing we don't know if it will be the usual rice plus traditional harvest because of the retirement of Mr Cawley, who took our gifts to Romania. Look out for announcements. One thing for sure, it is September 30th at 10.45am

THOROUGH CLEAN FOR CHURCH We had a working party in July to spruce up all the church premises in time for the Quinquennial inspection. Thank you all for an excellent effort - a good job - well done.

ROOF The roof in the Hall has had attention particulalry due to a blocked launder. Also in hand is work on the chapel guttering where it joins the schoolroom, together with some pointing in the sae area.

REV GORDON MORTON battled on gamely when he took the Communion service on Aug 12th despite being unwell.

ORGANISTS We are indebted to Mrs Barbara Cutts and Mr Alan Mason who played the organ for us whilst Eileen was on holiday.

DR JOHN JOB We were pleased to welcome our friend and preacher back after his illness

PFUNDSTADT The United Service was excellent. The visitors from Germany gave a ventriloquist doll for use in our churches

CLAIRE, CHRIS & OLIVIA have moved home to a bungalow on Pndwell Drive, partially adapted to the needs of Chris. Please keep them in our thoughts and prayers.

THE MAUNDY THURSDAY Ecumenical Service was led by Rev Gordon Morton in or hall with readers from the various churches. Mrs E Hill was the organist. On Easter Day Rev Gillian Robertson conducted our Family Communion Service.

CHRIS BOND has returned home after being in Walton Hospital. He will receive phsio at home. It's so hard to contemplate the problems for Claire. Please keep them in your prayers.

JOYCE FAWCETT sends greetings from Chatsworth Lodge. She continues in good spirits and delights to see her visitors.

A POSTBOX has appeared on Victoria Street, near the corner of King Steet. It was boarded up ealier this week but it's a good sign!

THE SUNDAY SCHOOL has had a sad blow this month when a whole family of children stopped coming. If you can help with recruitment in any way, please see Hazel or David.

WE CONTINUE to hold Chris, Claire and Olivia in prayer. Chris has made a modest progress in Walton Hospital as he tries to "get mobile"

REV GORDON MORTON had a week in hospital in the middle of the month and it was decided to cancel the Chips and Chat meeting on the 20th. Last week Gordon had a "convalescent" break.

February 2007

CHIPS AND CHAT There has been an encoyraging start to our new "back to basics" series about the Christian faith which our minister has guided. On an atrocious first night, nine of us turned up, the subject being our image of God and Jesus, and last Tuesday 11 of us shared a very deep discussion, starting with the reason behind our creation. We picked our supper from a take-away menu, added a cup of tea and informal fellowship around the supper table. On this occasion we were joined by a group from Brimington Common. The next Chips and Chat is on February 6th at 7pm.

MISS JOYCE FAWCETT wishes to be remembered to everyone. She is improved after falling in her room at Chatsworth Lodge. She is pleased that Brian's old shop opposite is now a coffee shop. Joyce accepts her limitations cheerfully and we are pleased to remember her.

PEOPLE We were sorry to hear that Lily Nunn died in Bolsover hospital. She came to Mount Tabor for a while with Mr Arthur Monk but was a member at Hall Road. Mr Jack Barker came to the October choir concert we held and he died suddenly after admitting himself to Chesterfield Royal Hospital. He also went to Hall Road

REDECORATION FUND Further gifts this month have taken the total to £2000. The fund will be held open until the end of February

ABOUT OURSELVES Recent attendances at Mount Tabor:- Carol Service - 59; Christmas Day - 19 (when Rev Alan Morton conducted a good service and we welcomed Elizabeth Needham and her boyfriend Florian from northern France). Our service numbers have since varied between 8 and 15.

SHOE BOX APPEAL An excellent result for the Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box Appeal. 15 boxes were donated, and Eileen thanks all who helped this worthy appeal

MEET THE MINISTER A good representation of Mount Tabor went along to the Manse, to meet Rev Gordon Morton and look at ways of moving forward in the new year. The outcome is a new venture, starting on Tuesday January 9th in the Hall. We will meet under the title "CHIPS AND CHAT". On arrival we will pick from a "take-away" menu from a chippy which we shall enjoy after the "chat" bit, which Gordon will lead, enjoy our supper together! The evenings will take place fortnightly. It's certainly something different, a new year amd a new idea. Starting time 7.30pm.
All are welcome!

CHILDREN WELCOME We still have room for new starters in Sunday School. Children learn about Jesus and how to express themselves - and have fun. The new year is an ideal starting time - ages from 2 and a half, 10am-10.45am. For info tel 01246 205058.

CHRISTMAS The Candlelit Carol Service was again very well attended and a delightful time, led by Rev Gordon Morton, who held everyone's attention with his story. The children sand and gave a sketchh, Becky sang a solo and Ruth and Adam Green supplied the music on trumpet, organ and keyborad. It was again a joy to welcome old friends including Alan and Margaret who travelled from Leeds. Surely no-one came further for the service - unless you know differently!

REDECORATION FUND Thank you for more support for the Fund, now standing at £1917. All in 9 months!