All our latest news

HOT NEWS!!!

Bonfire in the Field is now on today Friday 8^th at the later time of 7pm

At St James Field, Birdham
Fun for the whole family

Children under 16 must be with an adult
Free entry: donations bucket towards BBQ

If you’d like to contribute any fireworks please bring a ‘Barrage / Cake’ firework and not ‘Selection Packs’. Hand them to one of the Team in the Hi Viz waistcoats on your arrival.

RSVP to akghinn@gmail.com And we will send you further info

Safeguarding in our Benefice

The protection and safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults are vital to the Christian work we do in all our churches. We are very fortunate in the Benefice to have a good supply of fantastic volunteers in a variety of different roles. Many of you who volunteer have already had the required level of safeguarding training, usually Foundation (C1). This means you are up-to-date and don’t need to do anything until you are contacted about a refresher course. However, if you are  a  volunteer in any church activity and have not had any safeguarding training you should make a start by taking the Basic level course (C0) online at: https://safeguarding.chichester.anglican.org/safeguardingelearning/ This is a short introduction to safeguarding and is now a pre-requisite for all further levels. It is also recommended for anyone who would like to know more about safeguarding, so please take a look. If you have any questions about doing this online course, or about safeguarding in general, please contact your Parish Safeguarding Coordinators:

Michael Jarman: Telephone 07976 806014
Lois Smith: Telephone 07542 252063
Email: Harbourchurchessafeguarding@gmail.com

Lay Ministers of Communion Course

Saturday 30th November @ SJC
9.30am – 12noon

Lay Ministers of Communion play a central role in our celebration of the Eucharist. They are also licenced to take Holy Communion to those who are unable to attend church and the role is also pastoral.

Harbour Churches is faithfully served by existing LMC. This course is a refresher for them but also an invitation to any who feel they may have a calling to this vocation.

Please speak to Jonathan, our Rector, if you who’d like to find out more about this valued role in the life of the church

Christmas Craft Fair
Yes it is that time again, cakes, teas, crafts, wonderful gifts
Saturday 16th November 10-4pm

Praise and Puddings
Saturday 23rd November 6pm
You bring Sweet Puddings and our culinary chefs will provide Savoury Puds while our wonderful Ian Stearn will help us Praise!

Remember the Sixties???
Come and join Birdham Village Choir for a
Beatles Tribute and Singalong
Saturday 30th November 3pm followed by a swinging tea at 4pm in aid of Cancer Wise and the Deaf School in Nekempte Ethiopia

‘Following God’s Best’ Sharing remarkable New Life stories“

An Open Invitation to Dinner on Thursday 14th November 2019
at
Chichester Park Hotel, Westhampnett Road, PO19 7QL
19.00 hrs for 19.30 hrs start.
Meet at the bar for pre dinner drink.
Cost £15.50 for two course dinner and coffee
Guest speaker – Alison Fenning

Coming from a background of battling alcohol dependency for 10 years and low esteem that took her to dark and dangerous places internally and externally Alison has experienced lasting transformation. After leaving home at age 16 she found herself homeless with very little money after being asked to leave by a family who had promised to support her. Twelve years later and worn out from life looking for a place to belong in herself she wandered into a church. After a few visits the vicar asked her if she would like to go with a group to help a build project in Uganda. Seeing a chance to escape the chaos of everyday life she readily accepted the offer. She found the conversations and lives of the Ugandan people led her to find a place of refuge in the heart of God. Alison is married to Richard and lives in Suffolk. Come and hear her amazing story of how her life was changed by the power of God. “It was like learning to walk all over again.”

RSVP to: Peter Spreckley peter@fgbuk.org  or Tim Keen tim.keen3@gmail.com

“Can you Help?

Cakes and Helpers are needed for the St James Christmas Craft Fair and Cake Sale which takes place on Saturday 16^thNovember
Between 10 am and 4pm.

Helpers are needed to greet visitors, sell raffle tickets, serve refreshments and staff the St James table.  Lots of lovely cakes are also very welcome.

There will be two raffles on offer- one to be drawn on the day, and one for the Luxury Christmas Hamper that will be drawn nearer to Christmas and is always packed full of special Christmas goodies.  If you would like to donate to the Christmas Hamper there will be a list in the Church porch for donations.

To help on the day, please ring Sallie Drew on 01243-512441 or Kathy Windsor on 01243 512399 to agree a place on the rota.

And all of you Christmas shoppers, do come and make a big start on your gift list- the range of crafts and food available is really amazing!”