Events coming up and matters for prayer
Feel free to come along and also, if you pray, ask God to bless the events.
Prayer First
Please join us when you can on a Monday morning at 8am in the
chapel, to start the week with half an hour's prayer for the local community
and the ministry of FBC.
This week, please pray for:
Discernment for the appointment of the right person to take over Caeli's role with the youth/young adults (see further info below
Peace within our very troubled world, especially people trapped in hostile countries, such as Christians facing persecution in Iran.
Farewell to Caeli
You might know that, having initially been on a year's contract from last September, in May this year Caeli, our youth worker, agreed to stay through until the end of 2026. However, at the beginning of this month she told FBC leaders how she feels that God is actually calling her to leave her role and to pursue a course in Apologetics at the end of September. She grappled with this a lot, but does believe it is the right thing. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out and ask her.
The course begins on 23rd September, so Caeli will be with us until 21st.
On the 20th September we will have a Bring and Share lunch after the morning service as an opportunity to say good-bye to Caeli.
Church Members' Meeting (CMM) – Tuesday 15th September – 7.30pm
This meeting will incorporate both an ordinary CMM and a special CMM. The special CMM will be revisiting the question of FBC's Statement of Faith. Please refer to the email sent to all members for full details on the issues being discussed. Participation will also be possible through an MS Teams meeting.
Men's Breakfast – 26th September, 8.30-10am
Please watch for more details on this.
Young Adults Picnic - September 27th
There is an FBC Young Adults picnic coming up on the 27th September, for any and all 20–45 year-olds in the church. We will head over to Badbury hill after church for fellowship together and to get to know one another. If you would like more information to would like to join the group chat, please reach out to Caeli – 07401 465717.
Volunteers for youth work
We are looking for volunteers who are passionate and want to join the Youth Leaders team to support the transition of the Youth Work as Caeli leaves. Volunteers would be especially appreciated for the Youth Bible Study group that runs after school on Tuesdays from 3.30-4.30pm. If you would like to join the team and help support the discipleship of our wonderful Young People, please reach out to Caeli - 07401 465 717 or Mark on 07393 574141
Women's Flourish Weekend
AFCU (Armed Forces Christian Union) are running a Women's Flourish Weekend from 18th to 20th September at Windmill Farm, Clanfield. This link has more information, or please speak to Gemma. https://afcu.churchsuite.com/events/ewyp4xra
People's Emergency Briefing on the Climate and Nature Crisis
This film is showing on 13th September at All Saints Church and 10th September in the Corn Exchange, promoted by All Saints Church. The first showing, on 10th, is fully booked, but you can go on a waiting list. The second showing still has places. Book here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/churchestogetherinfaringdon/2352579 Although we have not yet seen the film, so cannot know whether we agree with all that is said, it is important for Christians and Churches to be part of public discussions on the topic. As such Churches Together in Faringdon are encouraging members to watch and join the subsequent Climate Café in the Barber Rooms on Saturday 19th September, with facilitated discussions and the opportunity to ask any questions.
Adventure+ at Clanfield are having a Charity Barn Dance – 19th September
At Bazeland Farm, Clanfield. Adults £20, Kids £10, in aid of Dorcas Dress Project and Adventure + For tickets: clanfieldbarndance@gmail.com
Care for the Family Event - Wednesday 21 October, 7:30-10pm
In the UK today families face all kinds of pressures and challenges and Care for The Family offers support in navigating many of them. One that is a major concern for a lot of parents is that of social media and how to guide and support their children in their use of it. This evening event at DoubleTree hotel in Swindon offers opportunities to become better informed and to meet with other parents who share the same concerns. Please tell others about this event even if you don't have children of your own. You can sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/left-to-their-own-devices-swindon-tickets-1989370718371?aff=WebpageSwindon
Faringdon Foodbank
Are having a week of raising their profile this week – you may well see a member of the team outside Waitrose. The leaflet being handed out explains how the foodbank can be helped and the type of food needed to feed the families in Faringdon. Note, donations from other shops (such as Tesco and Aldi) can be left in the Waitrose donation box. (Food donated in Tesco's in particular does feed families in need, but the donations go to Didcot for distribution via the Trussel Trust). As normal, donations can also be left in the box at the back of the Chapel. More information about the foodbank can be found online here: https://www.faringdon-foodbank.com/ .