Annual Report 2009
Pastor's Report
Secretary’s Report
Ladies Fellowship Report
Luncheon Club Report
Sunday School Report
Girl's Brigade Report
B.M.S. World Mission Report
Home Mission Report
Bible Study Report
Belton and Hathern Scout Group Report
Pastor's Report
I think I can say that this has been, on the whole, a very good year for CRBC. We have shared in wonderful fellowship, praise, worship and discovery. We have discovered how God moves his people to amazing generosity when it is needed—£8,000 for the annual Gift Day, £600 to the Haiti Disaster Fund and increased giving to the Leprosy Mission, to the Royal British legion ... And so the story goes on! Thank you for your obedience to God’s call. The finances have allowed us to have a new heating system in the Church and upper hall and to install a fire alarm system which helps keep our buildings up-to-date.
A number of events took place during the year that come under the umbrella of ‘Mission’. We again had 6 weeks of ‘Souper Wednesdays’ in Lent to raise for the hungry. Passion (Young People for Life) opened its doors on 13th June - a vision begun and we praise God that so many needy young people use it regularly. ‘Walk the National Forest’ came in September and whilst there are comparatively few visible results from the work, it has strengthened our Churches Together bonding. The annual Holiday Club in August proved even more popular with more than 80 children attending and a full house of parents and grandparents at the BBQ. Open Church Ride & Stride Day brought very few folk into the church but once again made us visible in the community. The MacMillan Britain’s Largest Coffee Morning again attracted a good number and eventually the choir triumphed over ‘Hymns Triumphant’ and provided two excellent evenings of praise to God (and a very good CD!). Last February we shared with our fellow Baptists in a Prayer Day for BMS—what a blessing it was and thank you to those who attended and those who prayed at home. I want to express my deepest thanks to all who were involved in these events, for the time given and the willingness to “go the extra mile”.
The deacons have been a great support and encouragement to me and I thank them together with those on the ‘working gang’ who work tirelessly on the renovation works, to our band—indeed to all who contribute in whatever way to ‘the Body’. Everyone plays a vital part and all are precious.
During the year we were deeply saddened by the death of two of our longest serving servants of the church, Frank Buckley and Son Jowett. How we miss them both but how comforted we are to know they with their Saviour.
So, how shall I sum up the past year. It’s been a real walk with the Lord as we have trusted Him for all our needs, as He has led us into greater truths and drawn us closer together.
“The joy of the Lord is your strength”. Neh. 8:10
Howard Ketton
Secretary’s Report
The Lord has blessed us again over the last year as we have seen our fellowship work and worship together. We have a wonderful family in our Church Fellowship that is growing ever closer as we work to serve the Lord here. We have continued to have new people coming to join us and asking about baptism and membership. Last year Barry & Irene Newton and David Harrington were baptised and became church members and our Pastor will be starting more Baptism classes in 2010.
We continue to work with Churches Together in Shepshed and there have been several united evening services at the churches involved. Again quite a number of us took part in the Good Friday Silent Walk of Witness around Shepshed as we visited 4 churches, St Winefrides, St Botolphs, Christchurch and our own Charnwood Road and we do pray that our witness will encourage someone to come to a church and ask about Jesus.
CTIS also gathered to sing Christmas Carols in the Bull Ring on a Friday morning before Christmas. Each church had an hour slot and although it was icy and very cold we soon warmed up through the enthusiastic singing. We gave out plenty of leaflets out and pray again that it will prompt someone to enquire about our Lord.
In April we had a visit from Rev Dianne Tidball. She is our new Regional Minister and was visiting all the churches in her area. We thank Ruth and Bob Ellett and Derrick Tickner who have preached on several occasions and we also thank Peter Vanlint from Quorn who agreed, at the last minute, to lead our services while Howard was ill.
We were also fortunate in hearing Rev David Coffey preach at a Soar Valley Group service at Barrow on Soar. He showed us a presentation of the work he is involved in internationally which was extremely interesting.
The choir once again worked really hard to give us 2 great performances of Hymns Triumphant an we do thank them for all the enjoyment they give us at Easter, Harvest and Christmas services too.
During the year we have also had a very successful Holiday Club with about 82 children who thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
The Church holiday to Northumbria was again a success and those who went had a really good time. Although Seahouses was ‘very quiet’ we were out and about every day visiting Alnwick and Bamburgh castles, and Holy Island, just to mention a few.
We had several social evenings including a Quiz evening and an AV presentation of our holiday in 2008. These were, of course, accompanied by Bring’n’Share suppers and were hugely enjoyed.
On the subject of food we must thank Kenny Henry for another great Easter Sunday breakfast. During the year several ‘Men’s breakfast’ were held on a Saturday and have proved to be popular so will now take place regularly.
Bob and Ruth Ellett travelled to India and Nepal on their way back from New Zealand and presented the churches they visited with banners made by our Banner Group. They were very much appreciated.
The coffee/tea bar is in regular use while all around are signs of the work being carried on as we carry out improvements at the back of church. Several problems have meant that we are not as far forward as planned but with the Lords help and guidance and the generosity of the fellowship they are being overcome.
We do thank all those who are working so hard on the improvements and also thank the Lord for bringing such skilled folk to our church. We also thank everyone who works here in whatever capacity so that all can enjoy serving and worshipping the Lord here.
Judi Weller
Numbers have remained fairly steady this year with an average attendance of 12 and only the recent cold and icy weather has halted our weekly meetings—also meaning that we have missed our Christmas/New Year Party and our New Year Lunch. However we are re-groping and will have them around Easter instead!
We have again had some excellent speakers at our meetings not only from outside but from among our own number and various ladies have also led the meetings when Ruth is away (as she is also in demand as a speaker at ladies Meetings). We continue to be grateful to Alan Todhunter for his weekly pick-up service.
We have had much ill-health amongst us this year—particularly Pam, Marjorie, Belle, Peggy , Madge, Kath and latterly Emily and all are held in prayer.
Special ‘outside’ events included the Women’s World Day of Prayer in March and the Loughborough& District Baptist Women’s federation Rally in June. We enjoyed visiting Felley Priory near Eastwood in April to see the wonderful spring garden and we had an afternoon tea at the Manse in early June and visited Kath and then May in the summer for tea and viewing their lovely gardens. Our own Carol Service with coffee and mince pies was held on the second Wednesday of December and we split our membership to attend Shepshed Mother’s Union Christmas Service at St Botolphs and the Federation Christmas Party, which were all on the same day.
We have been pleased to welcome two new ladies from outside the church fellowship thia year and ladies of any age are very welcome to join us at 2.45pm each Wednesday afternoon for encouraging one another in fellowship, friendship and learning.
Hilary Ketton
We have continued to meet for lunch on the third Thursday of each month. Between 25 and 35 attend and Alan Todhunter and Derrick Tickner usually deliver 2 or 3 meals to those unable, for reasons of ill-health, to attend.
Speakers this year have represented Spurgeons Homes, Peru Chidren’s Trust, Leprosy Mission, Operation Christmas Child and Gideons, and donations to these charities totalled £175.00.
Brian Walbey has also treated us to a showing of some of his superb photographs. We have supplied plants for the church tubs from luncheon club funds, leaving us with funds in hand of £486 (towards a new cooker, we hope!)
Special thanks to Maureen who has helped us out when any of the ‘regular staff’ have been absent.
We have spaces for a few more mouths to feed—the only requirement is that you are of ‘pensionable age’!
Finally, thank you all so much for the very generous gift you gave us at Christmas, which is very much appreciated.
Hilary & Howard
Derrick & Eileen
The Sunday School has 8 children and young people on its register. We are also always pleased to welcome visiting children during the year.
We continue to meet in two classes with Hilary taking the younger ones and Jenny the older ones. We are grateful to those who help with the younger class each week and also those who are willing to take classes when needed.
We are still using the Scripture Union material and usual follow the same subjects as the Church, which this year has continued the story
of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph through to Moses. From the New Testament we have looked at Jesus early life and ministry and some of the parables.
We have enjoyed lots of different activities and crafts and at least twice this year we have met together, for our Anniversary and Christmas when we had some games and a particular favourite with all ages decorating cakes.
We have been pleased during the year to see the younger ones gainingconfidence and taking part in the morning service, especially the singing of We Three Kings at Christmas.
We are mainly funded by the childrens offerings but are grateful to the Shepshed Non-Conformist Educational Trust for a donation this year.
We would ask for your continued prayer.
Jenny Miller
We began 2009 with our usual New Year Party.
In March we held our Church Parade along with the Scouts and were able to dramatize ‘The Good Samaritan’ as well as present awards to all the girls for their years work.
In June, with the help of parents we were able to take most of the girls and leaders to Watermead Park for a sponsored fun Run/Walk around the lake organised by the Leicestershire district. We raised a total of £356 to be split between Rainbows Children’s Hospice and district funds. Thank you to everyone who supported this. We won a prize for the most money collected by one company and also the most money collected by one girl.
In the autumn term we began to save small change and by Christmas we had enough to send a little girl called Ruth to Bible camp for a week in Peru.
A new programme for senior girls has just been produced which we began in September. Until then we always planned our programme so that all ages could work on similar projects, according to their age group, which fitted together. But there was hardly anything that the five year olds could do from the new programme for eleven to fifteen year old, so we had to split them into two groups. Trying to teach two groups different things at the same time became very difficult, so we asked if anyone would like to come in to help and we thank the four ladies who have been coming in about once a month to help with the younger girls. Three new girls have joined us during the year and another after Christmas, making a total of fourteen.
As we had been given some money, we were able to buy each of the girls a T-shirt at Christmas from the new range of uniform, which I hope you will able to see soon.
During the year, for badge work, we have done Bible Art, Personal Fitness, raising money and Christmas craft snowmen, as well as seeking to serve and follow Jesus.
Beverley Sutton
During 2009 £1015 was collected for BMS World Mission. £1000 has been sent. £300 of this went into the Relief Fund and £68 collected by the Birthday Scheme will be used for health work and the remaining £632 went into the general fund, supporting work in areas of significant need.
The money was collected as follows:-
|
Brought forward from 2008 |
£ 29.15 |
|
Ladies Fellowship |
£ 50.00 |
|
Hunger Lunches |
£135.00 |
|
Easter Breakfast |
£ 29.00 |
|
Birthday Scheme |
£ 68.00 |
|
Envelopes |
£ 10.00 |
|
Church Funds |
£693.85 |
Thank you to everyone who helped to raise this amount and I ask for your support during 2010 as we begin with a balance of £15.
Beverley Sutton
The church continues to give generously to Home Mission. Without it many churches would be without a minister and people would never hear the Gospel.
Once again I would like to thank all those who give by way of the boxes, and the many people who give me stamps.
The total for stamps in 2009 was £3,828.85 for England.
Cynthia Bowley
The House Groups have settled down into their own routines in using whatever material is provided and the feedback has been very positive.
I am very grateful to Alan Scott and Derrick Tickner and Bob and Ruth Ellett who lead the house groups and for their suggestions and input into what should be studied.
At the beginning of 2009 we began a series looking at the Acts of the Apostles and what it really means being the Church. I believe this was an illuminating series for us all and has helped us in our development, especially through the once-a-month series led by derrick ‘How Close Are We?’ Following this series we had a couple of months when a selection of parables were studied, then Derrick prepared a series for us on the 12 monor prophets. It was good to look at these prophets and note their prophesies about Jesus, his birth, death and resurrection. How marvellous is God’s immaculate planning of salvation and redemption for mankind.
After Christmas we began a series called Living Issues, all led at church and examining scripture references and commands concerning such things as gambling, abortion, homosexuality and conservation. Each one of these issues may at some point affect our lives and it is wise for us to know what our Father has to say on these subjects.
Finally, may I invite you to join one of the House Groups if you have not already done so and if that presents a difficulty for you but you are still interested, then please talk to me—perhaps we can help.
Pastor Howard
Belton and Hathern Scout Group Report
BEAVERS :- the Beaver group continues to flourish with a full contingent of 24 and a waiting list. Whilst this causes problems for parents of those on the waiting list, the group decided that 24 should be the maximum in accordance with National Scout guidelines.
Kath Crook-Rumsey (Ash) has now left the group and Carla Osborne (Cherry) has stepped into her role following the birth of her son Thomas. The group also welcomed a new leader, Clair Lavine, who has previously been a parent helper and member of the executive committee. Two former Scouts, Jonathon Cobbin and Stephanie Clifton, also assist as Young Leaders in addition to their Explorer Scout duties.
The end of term party was held at the Wacky Warehouse in Sawley on the 17th of December and a great time was had by all.
CUBS :- Again the Cub pack is operating at it’s maximum of 24 with a waiting list, testament to the ongoing good work of Janet Henson and the other leaders. The Cubs at Belton and Hathern have had a busy and exciting time doing their Science Badge! They have done things such as growing beans (or trying to grow beans!), looking at how magnets work, making hot air balloons and getting them to fly using hairdryers, and looking at how electricity works. The Cubs have also had some exciting trips out to Snibston Discovery park as part of their Science badge and then on a District Night Hike which involved about 15 Cubs walking from Hathern to Shepshed in the dark across some very scary wet fields!! They all had a great time especially when they were given hot dogs and squash after their walk by some big and noisy Explorer Scouts!! The Cubs finished the Science Badge term off by going to the pictures for their Christmas treat to see Planet 51.
The Cub Leaders have worked over the Christmas break to put a new programme together and hope the Cubs enjoy it just as much!
SCOUTS :- The Scout group continues to flourish with 22 Scouts and 5 Cubs due to come up in the next few months. This summer 15 scouts attended camp in the Cheddar Gorge. After visiting a cheese farm we visited the Cheddar Caves where the cheese is matured for varying lengths of time to gain its maturity. Whilst in Somerset, we visited the Air Arm Museum, we had the opportunity to view the aircraft that Prince Andrew flew in the Falklands in the 80’s. There were over 100 planes in the hanger and there was also a simulation of an air craft carrier, which took you into the workings of the ship.
Our trip was called the Gorge-Us Tor (i.e. named after the Cheddar Gorge, Glastonbury Tor which we climbed, and world food that the scouts cooked and gorged themselves on whilst on camp. There’s nothing like a good curry served up in the middle of a field!).
Our earlier activities included a visit to the Shepshed Watermill. The mill is currently being restored and can produce flour having re-opened after the main grinding wheel was totally restored. During the year the scouts enjoyed learning about free trade chocolate, where they were able to get to test the taste difference between free trade and Cadbury. We visited a couple of informative websites and played games that included chocolate afterwards. During the summer months we have enjoyed many wide games on the playing fields, an evening canoeing, treated the parents to a home made Mexican meal, come third in a cookery competition, made candles, enjoyed a BBQ and much more. We recently had a great night at church when Howard and the Music Group led us in song before the Scouts had a chance to try their hand at the instruments. Scouts and drums !!!!! What a combination. This term will see the Scouts embark on their ‘Circus Skills’ badge.
Belton and Hathern Scout Group continues to flourish since the ‘dark days’ before we moved to Charnwood Road when we had few leaders, no money, and no home. The group has been blessed since the move your prayers for our continued success are appreciated.
If anyone has any specific questions please feel to ask.
Kenny Henry—Assistant Scout Leader
Thursday 12 January 2012