Bless them!

It was another lovely evening with our house group last night, we chatted,Huxley popped in to say hello and we had communion. How blessed we are to have such a wonderful, encouraging, commited group, God Bless them.Let us remember all those older folk who may need someone to chat to at this time of year.

Remedy for Pain Relief

Pauline has been in a great deal of pain with a bad shoulder for months now, but this morning while drying herself after a shower we both heard a click, there followed a brief period of agonising pain, then relief then a sense of freedom of movement and no pain.
We can carry pain and burdens all of our lives, (Pilgrims progress) or for shorter periods following injury or even hurts through a bad relationship or a disagreement.
As the new year approaches let us offer up our lives afresh to Him who is able to cleanse heal and restore. There may be pain involved but His ways are not ours and that sense of joy, thankfulness,relief soon puts the problem into perspective.
Often we have to play our part in the healing process allowing the revelation of what can be, revealing to us what we need to do. Thats if we dare to listen or be prompted by His Spirit.

A new approach to obedience (2)
29 Dec 2006 ucb notes
'...GOD...IS AT WORK IN YOU, BOTH TO WILL AND TO WORK FOR HIS GOOD PLEASURE.' PHILIPPIANS 2:13
Jesus said, '"Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light"' (Matthew 11:29-30 NAS). Some of those who heard these words were farmers who used oxen to plough. They understood Jesus because they wouldn't dream of putting an ill-fitting harness on their oxen that caused them to chafe. Nor would God! And these farmers understood something else: without a harness oxen can't be directed and won't fulfil their highest purpose - to be productive. 'But if I'm supposed to have this desire deep down to obey God, why can't I find it?' you say. First, because you still live in a body of flesh. And Until God gives you a new body you'll contend with the lower impulses of your old one. The second reason many of us don't feel this inbuilt desire to obey, is that it's been covered by calluses built up over years of doing things because we had to. It's like the hard dry skin that builds up on your feet. That hard layer has to be removed to get to the soft skin underneath. That's usually the first thing a doctor does when treating your feet. In the same way, the Holy Spirit has to remove the calluses from our hearts as part of the softening process that makes us receptive to God's will. And how does He do that? Through love! Our love for Christ in response to what He's done for us.

Open the door and let Him in.

In a world where the answer is "am I bovvered" God offers His Son. Thank the Lord He was bovvered!


'Christ in you'
25 Dec 2006 UCB Notes
'...CHRIST IN YOU, THE HOPE OF GLORY.' COLOSSIANS 1:27
The Virgin birth is more than just another Christmas story; it illustrates just how close God wants to get to you. In fact, He's asking you the same question He asked Mary, 'Are you willing to let me move in?' Throughout scripture it's always been His desire to get close to His people. He told the disciples, '...I am in you' (John 14:20 NCV). Paul prayed, '...that Christ may dwell in your hearts...' (Ephesians 3:17 NIV). John says, 'Those who obey...live in him, and he in them...' (1 John 3:24 NIV). Paul wrote, '...Christ in you, the hope of glory' (Colossians 1:27 NIV), then he added: '...it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me...' (Galatians 2:20 NAS). And Jesus said, '...If any one...opens the door, I will come in...' (Revelation 3:20 NIV). In the Old Testament God was with Adam and Eve in the Garden...He was with Abraham, and even called him His friend...He was with Moses and the Israelites. But as a believer He's in you - and He'll keep growing in you until He comes out in what you say, how you act and the decisions you make. Do you struggle with bitterness, worry, habits and fear? Not Jesus! And because He lives in you, you have access 24/7 to His limitless power! That's how come Paul writes about '...striving according to His power, which mightily works within me' (Colossians 1:29 NAS). What's in you? 'His power!' What more do you need? Remember when the Angel appeared to Mary and she said, '...may it be done...according to your word...' (Luke 1:38 NASB). Make that your prayer this Christmas!

He came for ALL

A British Christmas
For practising Christians, Christ is the central theme at this time of the year. But recent trends have shown that Christmas is gradually becoming a traditional British holiday rather than a Christian one. It is increasingly taking on a secular and commercial character, with people of all faiths and no faith taking part in the merrymaking.
As a national holiday, it is now a time for families and communities to meet, make peace and share turkey!
These non-Christians told us how and why they celebrate Christmas.

Sarah's niece and nephew Sophie and Oliver celebrate Christmas
Atheist - Sarah Davenport, personal assistant, Stockport
We're all atheists in my family, and we just see Christmas as a nice celebration. I just love the atmosphere. We really enjoy all the snow, the tinsel and the carol singers. It's a lovely time of year.
I especially love the build up to Christmas. There are massive amounts of present buying. We go to my parents' house and have Christmas dinner with crackers and on boxing day all the family come round with the kids and we have another meal. The house is decorated with trees, stars and we always watch Christmas TV.
We do recognise it as a date that's important to Christians, but we do it because we've always done it. My parents are atheist as well. I did go to midnight mass once, but I found it mostly boring. The religious bits annoyed me. We do everything to do with Christmas, except celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Hindu - Sonia Karia, presenter, Milton Keynes
We've celebrated Christmas ever since I can remember, and my parents have adapted to the culture ever since they arrived from Africa about 35 years ago. We've had the presents and the roast dinner forever, but we started to really go all out when I was about twelve years old. My parents saw it as a proud British tradition and thought it was a beautiful festive season. You just can't miss the atmosphere with all the lights and the shopping and you feel a bit like a Scrooge if you don't get involved.

Sonia Karia
This is the first Christmas that we're doing Christmas without my parents, as they're going on holiday, but I'm still going to my other half's on the day itself. Usually though, people would come round to our house and just chill and relax. The Queen's speech will be on, but normally we talk over it!
We celebrate Christmas like any average British family, but it's just that we're Hindu. My sister and I haul the Christmas tree out of the garage every year and decorate the house and we give each other presents.
And although my mum and I are vegetarian, my sister isn't so my mum cooks the turkey for her. We'll have a vegetarian option, but the food is all the same as the traditional Christmas. I know some families who have samosas and Indian foods, but ours is packed with parsnips and carrots and gravy as normal.
To be honest, we don't even think about Jesus, so the celebration of Christmas has no conflict at all with my faith as a Hindu. Christmas for me is about tradition and fun. It's about the warm feeling you get with your family and friends around a fireplace with you when it's cold outside.
Muslim - Temoor Raja, graduate, Bradford
We've celebrated Christmas since I can remember. I remember as children we would bring Christmas cards into the home and hang them up in the living room, having contests to see who had the most.
It was us kids who brought Christmas into the house, really, and my parents were quite happy to accommodate it. When I was five years old, I remember walking into the house and seeing a green Christmas tree on top of the television, decorated nicely with gold baubles. My dad did it as a surprise for us, and I can remember the magic of the moment to this day.
Christmas is so omnipresent in British society that you can't avoid it, but for me as a Muslim it doesn't hold any religious significance. We never had nativity plays in school and I don't remember being taught about Jesus at all. It was a state school but it was 99% Muslim, which is probably why the school never emphasised the religious significance behind Christmas, and it was always just a British holiday.
We had a very traditional celebration of Christmas when I was young. I can remember watching Christmas movies and Christmas Top of the Pops, and going late night shopping with my mum on Christmas Eve. When I was 8, I remember going to see Father Christmas and it was a magical feeling. We never bought any presents for each other or anything - we just liked seeing the lights.
Nowadays, we do Christmas without all the pomp and circumstance, but we will have the Christmas meal with a halal turkey, Brussels sprouts and roast potatoes. Everyone in the family comes to this meal on Christmas Day.

Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain
Jewish - Rabbi Jonathan Romain, Maidenhead
In a religious sense, Christmas has absolutely no significance for me but it clearly affects the whole country and there are national holidays to mark it. So we often use it for family get-togethers.
I like Christmas. I find that people are a lot more giving and friendly, and people genuinely have a sense of good will. It maybe a little bit of hype and glamour but people still feel noble and do generous things.
In our family we wouldn't have the lights or the presents, but we have had turkey. We enjoy the holiday and the time off which we spend with family and watch Christmas television.
Sikh - Anu Gurm, management consultant, London
I think my parents started celebrating Christmas when my older sister was born. When it was just the two of them they didn't really bother, but I think they didn't want her to feel left out when other kids at school were talking about how they would celebrate Christmas and getting presents.
When we were little it was me and my sister who did all the decorations but these days my father is keener than anyone. He takes the attitude that we should take any opportunity we can to laugh and celebrate so is always up for it. My first memory of Christmas was opening presents under the Christmas tree. I remember being really excited the night before and asking my parents if I could open one of my presents early and then waking up really early on Christmas morning to open them all.
I think it has now become a family tradition in the sense that we always do the same things every year-cook dinner, invite family over and give presents but at the same time it has a real 'British' feel to it.
There isn't a religious element to it really, but that's not so different from other families. Christmas is more a celebration of togetherness and family than it is anything else these days.
I will continue the tradition with my family, without feeling I am compromising my religion as it's become such a secular festival. December is dark and cold - why not take the opportunity to have a big celebration to cheer things up?
Pagan - Emma Restall-Orr, Chief Druid

Emma Restall-Orr
The 25th of December was originally a Pagan festival about honouring the dead and giving thanks for what the darkness brings to our lives. It's about celebrating the longest night and the shortest day, and I've personally been celebrating the Winter Solstice to Midwinter period for twenty years.
For Pagans, it has always been about celebrating the darkest time of the year, what we regard as the womb of creation, because light comes out of darkness. It's celebrating the birth of a new cycle of life. In a way we celebrate the birth of the sun, but not the birth of the Son!
Many Pagans will watch the sunrise at Solstice, and in our family we give offerings to the God of the Sun. We'll be up before dawn and offer a libation of whisky to the land and leave nuts and seeds so that anything that comes along can eat it. Then we'll go back into the warmth and light a new candle, signifying the birth of the new cycle.
Usually, we'll give each other home made gifts like poetry and songs but not buy each other presents. Pagans find the commercialisation of Christmas distasteful and if we do buy, it's second hand.
We then have a feast, eating whatever is in season. About half of Pagans eat meat, but others are distinctly vegetarian so they won't eat turkey. But there would be roasted root vegetables and Brussels sprouts if they were seasonal and local.
There are many ways of finding the sacred and as long as people live with honour, then we have no conflict with anyone celebrating this time of year.

Glastonbury Tor above the fog.

'A foggy day in London Town'

Seasons Greetings??

Pauline was out delivering meals on wheels on Monday and what did she see?
A single Daffodil poking its head out of the ground.

Is it a sign of global warming we ask?

To Everything There Is a Season-

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

To everything there is a season,

a time for every purpose under the sun.

A time to be born and a time to die;

a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

a time to kill and a time to heal ...

a time to weep and a time to laugh;

a time to mourn and a time to dance ...

a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing;

a time to lose and a time to seek;

a time to rend and a time to sew;

a time to keep silent and a time to speak;

a time to love and a time to hate;

a time for war and a time for peace

HEMEL GAZETTE
Daffodil to bloom for Christmas?
Will Hemel daffodils bloom in winter, like this one pictured in spring?




A Hemeltoday reader emailed us today to say she had spotted a daffodil about to bloom in Hemel Hempstead.
Pauline Bowles wonders whether it's "global warming/warning?"She told us: "Yesterday my friend and I were delivering meals on wheels at Evelyn Sharpe House, Field Road, Adeyfield. "By the parking bays to the left of the main entrance we were amazed to see a daffodil just about to open. "Could this be some sort of record for an outdoor bulb that usually flowers in March?" Have you seen a spring flower? Do tell us and send us a picture if you can.

"I am the Alpha and the Omega"

"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last , the beginning and the end"Rev 22:13

Apparently its 50 years since the formation of the NATO phonetic alphabet. you know the one ALPHA , BRAVO ,YANKEE ,ZULU. It was developed for safe communication universally.
Interestingly Hallelujah and Amen are universal in almost all languages to .

LEONARD COHEN LYRICS

"Hallelujah"

Now I've heard there was a secret chord

That David played, and it pleased the Lord

But you don't really care for music, do you?

It goes like thisThe fourth, the fifth

The minor fall, the major liftThe battle king composing Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Your faith was strong but you needed proof

You saw her bathing on the roof

Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you

She tied you

To a kitchen chair

She broke your throne,and she cut your hair

And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah

Hallelujah,

Hallelujah

Hallelujah,

Hallelujah

You say I took the name in vain

I don't even know the name

But if I did, well really, what's it to you?

There's a blaze of light

In every word

It doesn't matter which you heard

The holy or the broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah,

Hallelujah

Hallelujah,

Hallelujah

I did my best, it wasn't much

I couldn't feel, so I tried to touch

I've told the truth, I didn't come to fool you

And even though It all went wrong

I'll stand before the Lord of Song

With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah

Hallelujah,

Hallelujah

Hallelujah,

Hallelujah

Hallelujah,

Hallelujah

Hallelujah,

Hallelujah

Hallelujah,

Hallelujah

Hallelujah,

Hallelujah

Hallelujah,

Hallelujah

Hallelujah,

Hallelujah

Hallelujah

"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."
Matthew 24:35

Pray4 those Living in the REAL WORLD?

For those living with HIV
‘The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.’Psalm 28:7
Esther lives with her ten-year-old daughter Alinafe in Malawi, southern Africa. Esther has HIV. Esther and Alinafe’s staple diet is a substance called nsima – a starchy paste of maize flour and water. It’s filling but not nutritious – and Esther needs a healthy diet to work with her HIV medication, so she can live long enough to see Alinafe grow up.
Please pray for Esther and Alinafe: that they would be able to eat a more balanced diet and that Esther would live a long life so she can take care of her daughter.

A women's group in the evangelical church in Fombe, southern Malawi, wants to start up a group to care for families affected by HIV and AIDS.
That the spread of HIV will stop
Pray that young people will take seriously the threat posed to them by HIV and have the courage to make wise choices.
Pray that husbands would honour and respect their wives and that the loss and suffering caused by HIV would lead to a fundamental change in attitudes and behaviour.

Ebony and ivory live together in perfect harmony

Side by side on my piano keyboard,

oh lord, why dont we?

We all know that people are the same where ever we go

There is good and bad in evryone,

We learn to live,

we learn to give

Each other what we need to survive together alive.

Ebony and ivory live together in perfect harmony

Side by side on my piano keyboard,

oh lord why dont we?

Ebony, ivory living in perfect harmony

Ebony, ivory,

ooh We all know that people are the same where ever we go

There is good and bad in evryone,

We learn to live, we learn to give

Each other what we need to survive together alive.

Ebony and ivory live together in perfect harmony

Side by side on my piano keyboard,

oh lord why dont we?

Ebony, ivory living in perfect harmony

McCartney

What is the WORLD coming to?

The World Islands are a collection of man-made islands shaped into the continents of the world, located off the coast of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. It will consist of 300 small private artificial islands divided into four categories - private homes, estate homes, dream resorts, and community islands. Each island will range from 250 to 900 thousand square feet (23.2 to 83.6 thousand square meters) in size, with 50 to 100 metres (164 to 328 feet) of water between each island. It will cover a total area of 9 kilometers (5.4 miles) in length and 6 kilometers (3.6 miles) in width, surrounded by an oval shaped breakwater. The only means of transportation between the islands will be by marine or air transport.
The World Islands will be located 4 kilometers off the shore of Jumeirah, close to the Palm Jumeirah, between Burj Al Arab and Port Rashid at approximately 25°13 North and 55°10 East. Each island will be sold to selected private developers and are expected to have pricing beginning at AED 25 million (US$ 6.85 million), for the AED 6.6 billion (US$ 1.8 billion) project. Individuals who have purchased islands in The World Islands include Sir Richard Branson (Great Britain).
Oqyana-WorldOqyana will comprise of 19 islands of The World, covering the islands of Australasia (Australia and New Zealand). It was named after the Arabic word for Oceanic and is a project by Kuwait-based Investment Dar, expected to be complete by 2012. Oqyana will cover a total area of 1.87 million square meters (20 million square feet), with a total onland area of 417 thousand square meters (4.5 million square feet). It will comprise of more than 1,650 sea-view apartments and mansions, 90 water homes, about 170 canal homes, a marina with over 1,500 private yacht berths, and two high-end hotels, including a spa resort. Oqyana is being developed at a cost of US$ 3.5 billion.

Name above all names!

Jesus, name above all names
Beautiful Saviour,
glorious Lord
Emmanuel,
God is with us
Blessed Redeemer,
living Word
You are my wonderful God
You are my wonderful Lord
Lord you are more precious than silver
Lord you are more costly than gold
Lord you are more beautiful than diamonds
And nothing I desire compares with You

Christmas Presence

Having special people turn up at Christmas is such a blessing even those that turn up unexpectedly. Food and fluid flows and joy abounds. I wonder how they really felt at that first Christmas, when the shepherds wisemen and a few angels turned up. Most importantly the Glory of God abounded in that special place at that special time.
Let us try and make this Christmas a special time for our friends and family and those who we come into contact with unexpectedly.

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!

Let earth receive her King;

Let every heart prepare Him room,

And Heaven and nature sing,

And Heaven and nature sing,

And Heaven, and Heaven,

and nature sing.

Joy to the world,

the Savior reigns!

Let men their songs employ;

While fields and floods, rocks,

hills and plains

Repeat the sounding joy,

Repeat the sounding joy,

Repeat, repeat,

the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,

Nor thorns infest the ground;

He comes to make His blessings flow

Far as the curse is found,

Far as the curse is found,

Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,

And makes the nations prove

The glories of His righteousness,

And wonders of His love,

And wonders of His love,

And wonders, wonders,

of His love.

Joy to the World

Christian Video Game Draws Anger

By Richard Allen Greene BBC News, Washington

Characters can be carried away by angels A new Christian video game has sparked calls for a boycott from groups who say it is "training for religious warfare".
The game, Left Behind: Eternal Forces, is based on a wildly successful series of novels about the struggles on earth after true believers ascend to heaven.
Players can command the army of good - the Tribulation Force - against the anti-Christ's Global Community.
The game's makers reject criticism, saying their detractors "have a clear hatred of Biblical Christianity".

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/6178055.stm

This little Light of Mine.

Jesus Said "I am the Light of the WORLD"

A certain Light in an uncertain darkness

Some lighthouses only have a 35 watt bulb
yet it shines over 20 miles.

Blessed be the..........

UN adopts disability convention BBC News 14th Dec 2006

The treaty was agreed at the UN in August The United Nations General Assembly has unanimously adopted a treaty on the rights of disabled people.
The text of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was agreed by a UN committee in August.
Countries that ratify it will have to introduce laws ensuring that disabled people are treated fairly.
The treaty will enter into force once it has been ratified by 20 countries. It is thought that the world's disabled population is 650m.
It will now be up to the 192 member states of the UN to ratify it and to begin putting it into practice.
The treaty will be signed by the European Union as a legal entity - a first in the field of human rights.
Fastest legislation?
The convention is the most rapidly negotiated human rights treaty in the history of international law - as well as the first such treaty in the 21st Century, said UN Deputy Secretary General Mark Malloch Brown.
"Too often, those living with disabilities have been seen as objects of embarrassment, and at best, of condescending pity and charity," Mr Malloch Brown said.
"On paper they have enjoyed the same rights as others. In real life, they have often been relegated to the margins and denied the opportunities that others take for granted."
The convention sets out in detail the rights of disabled people. It covers civil and political rights, accessibility, participation and inclusion, education, health, employment and social protection.
The treaty also recognises that attitudes need to change if disabled people are to achieve equality.
Countries that adopt the treaty will have to get rid of laws, customs and practices that discriminate against disabled people.
An optional protocol to the treaty will give groups and individuals the right to petition the Committee on Rights of Persons with Disabilities once they have exhausted all avenues within their own country.
A committee of independent experts will receive reports from states that have ratified the convention on the progress made in meeting their obligations.
The convention will be opened for signature and ratification in March 2007.

Matthew Chapter 5: 3-11

"Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven

Blessed are they who mourn,

for they shall be comforted

Blessed are the meek,

for that shall possess the earth

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for justice

for they shal be satisfied

Blessed are the merciful

for they shall obtain mercy

Blessed are the clean of heart,

for they shall see God

Blessed are the peacemakers

for they shall be called children of God

Blessed are they who suffer persecution for justice sake,

for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven

Blessed are you when men reproach you,

and persecute you, and speaking falsely,

say all manner of evil against you,for my sake."

Remember the orphanage in Thailand

'Pauline finds a Christmas verse'

The following greeting was with my Christmas keepsakes.
(I can’t remember now where it came from)

I am wishing you this day a happy Christmas

I would send you those gifts that are beyond price,

outlast time and bridge all space.

I wish you all laughter and pure joy,

a merry heart and a clear conscience,

and love that thinks no evil,

is not easily provoked, and seeks not its own;

the fragrance of flowers,

the sweet associations of holly and mistletoe and fir,

the memory of deep woods of peaceful hills,

and of the mantling snow,

which guards the sleep of all God's creatures.

I wish that the spirit of Christmastime

may draw you into companionship with Him who giveth all.

Come let us adore Him.

T'is The Season To Be MERRY?

Curious incident in the night leaves Bishop of Southwark with black eye and sore head By Richard Alleyne

The Rt Rev Tom Butler yesterday. He could not wear his mitre after hurting his head in the incident
Members of his congregation were supportive.
One 29-year-old worshipper, who would only give her first name as Helen, said: "Anyone can make a mistake and who are we to stand in judgment?
"I think he still has the respect of the congregation and will continue to lead us. Even if he was drunk, that does not undo all the good things he has done for us. He is still a very righteous man."
Another worshipper said: "He should not be vilified for this. Having a couple of drinks is not a sin, maybe he did not realise how strong the wine was."
A spokesman for Lambeth Palace declined to comment on whether Mr Butler's position was at risk. A police spokesman said investigations were continuing.

A big thankyou

"Thankyou to all those who worked so hard for the Dinnerdate tea and Carol Service".

Let Your Love Flow!

Brian shared at the weekend of blocked pipes and botched job's, it must of been a week for blocked drains as Vaughan and Maries' and daughter Kates sewers were bunged up, Kates' was quite easy a few drain rods and all was flowing freely, but V and M's was a bit more serious and after 12 hours of sewage build up the big guns arrived, blasting out the blockage.
Strange how some things all seem to come at once or a string of events cause us grief. Our friend Ann is trying to sell her house at the moment and, what initially started smoothly, a series of unfortunate events followed adding time and frustration to her predicament.
God never promises life will be a bed of roses or the sweet smell of success(not drains)but to trust in Him, such things strengthen us cause our reliance on Him to deepen and help us to appreciate more important issues in life. Often opening doors of opportunity to witness.
So let us remember the promises of God, "that He will never leave us or forsake us"

Make me a channel of your peace.

Where there is hatred let me bring your love;

Where there is injury your pardon, Lord;

And where there's doubt true faith in you.

Oh, Master grant that I may never seek

So much to be consoled as to console;

To be understood as to understand;

To be loved as to love with all my soul.

Make me a channel of your peace.

Where there's despair in life let me bring hope;

Where there is darkness, only light;

And where there's sadness, ever joy.

Make me a channel of your peace.

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

In giving to all men that we receive;

And in dying that we're born to eternal life.

Forgive Us Our Trespasses??

Ex-Iraq hostages forgive captors

The former hostages were part of an international peace groupThree peace campaigners who were taken hostage say they "unconditionally" forgive their Iraqi captors.
Briton Norman Kember and Canadians James Loney and Harmeet Singh Sooden said they opposed the death penalty for the hostage-takers.
The three added they had yet to decide whether to give evidence at the men's trial, which is set for next year.
Christian peace activist Mr Kember was seized in Baghdad in November 2005 with three other men and held for 117 days.
'Great suffering'
In a joint statement at a press conference at St Ethelburga's Centre for Reconciliation in London they said they wanted "all possible leniency" for the accused men.
The men said: "We unconditionally forgive our captors for abducting and holding us. We have no desire to punish them. Punishment can never restore what was taken from us."
The death penalty is an irrevocable judgment...We oppose the death penalty
Former hostages' statement
'We cope in different ways'
They said their captors caused "great suffering" to them and their families, but they held no malice towards them and had "no wish for retribution".
The "cycle of violence" in Iraq did not justify the kidnappers' actions, but should be considered in any potential judgment, they said.
The men added: "The death penalty is an irrevocable judgment. It erases all possibility that those who have harmed others, even seriously, can yet turn to good. We oppose the death penalty."
Peace group
Mr Kember said the only way he would take part in a trial would be to plead for clemency.
Police have approached the three men about appearing at the trial, which will take place at Iraq's Central Criminal Court.
Mr Kember, 74, from Pinner, north-west London, was in Iraq as part of Canadian-based international peace group Christian Peacemaker Teams.
A fourth captive, American Tom Fox, was found shot dead in Baghdad in March.

What do you want for Christmas?

Arrest over opened Christmas gift

The boy repeatedly took his present from its hiding place. A South Carolina mother has had her 12-year-old son arrested for opening his Christmas presents early.
The boy was taken into custody after his mother discovered he had entered his great-grandmother's house and taken presents from their hiding place.
The boy was handcuffed and taken to a local police station on petty larceny charges.
The boy's mother, Brandi Ervin, told the Associated Press news agency she had acted to teach her son a lesson.
"He's been going through life doing things... and getting away with it," she said.
He had repeatedly taken the present, a Nintendo video game console, from its hiding place in his great-grandmother's house.
Hyperactive
The boy, who has been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is already facing an expulsion hearing at his school for attempting to hit a police officer assigned to the school last month.
The boy's case will be presented to York County's Department of Juvenile Justice, which will decide what action to take.
Ms Ervin told the Associated Press she hoped the authorities could scare her son into behaving himself.
"It's not even about the Christmas present," she said.
"I'd rather call (the police) myself than someone else call for him doing something worse."




There is a gift that you can have before Christmas, or at any time of the year. A gift so special it will change your life.

Who do you call out to??

'A man of many companions may come to ruin,

but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother'.

proverbs 18:24

You've got a friend

When you're down and troubled

And you need a helping hand

And nothing, whoa nothing is going right.

Close your eyes and think of me

And soon I will be there

To brighten up even your darkest nights.

You just call out my name,

And you know where ever I am

I'll come running,

oh yeah baby

To see you again.

Winter, spring, summer, or fall,

All you have to do is call

And I'll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah.

You've got a friend.

If the sky above you

Should turn dark and full of clouds

And that old north wind should begin to blow

Keep your head together and call my name out loud

And soon I will be knocking upon your door.

You just call out my name

and you know where ever I am

I'll come running to see you again.

Winter, spring, summer or fall

All you got to do is call

And I'll be there, yeah,

yeah, yeah.

Hey, aint it good to know that you've got a friend?

People can be so cold.

They'll hurt you and desert you.

Well they'll take your soul if you let them.

Oh yeah, but dont you let them.

You just call out my name

and you know wherever I am

I'll come running to see you again.

Oh babe, dont you know that,

Winter spring summer or fall,

Hey now, all you've got to do is call.

Lord, I'll be there, yes I will.

You've got a friend.You've got a friend.

Aint it good to know you've got a friend.

Aint it good to know you've got a friend.

You've got a friend.

James Taylor

Image of the week

'It was like something out of the Blitz'

By Sarah Mukherjee BBC environment correspondent
It was 6am and Blue Watch fire crew, based at Hemel Hempstead fire station, were coming to the end of an unremarkable, if chilly, shift.

It was like something my father described to me during the Blitz, when you could see the whole of London lit up
Firefighter John BachelorBut instead of going home to a well-earned rest, they found themselves dealing with the biggest peacetime explosion in western Europe, the scale of which was such that for the first hours it was simply too big a fire to fight.
When the switchboard lit up, the fire crews leapt into action.
Twelve men and two fire engines answered the first call and initially, there was no reason to expect they were going to anything out of the ordinary.
Until they got closer.
Watch Commander, John Bachelor, said: "It was like something my father described to me during the Blitz, when you could see the whole of London lit up.
"It was on that sort of scale.
"All our training had been around one tank fire. This was just the lot."
As Mr Bachelor points out, this was an accident which should never have happened.
That was considered so unlikely it was not dealt with in any of their emergency planning.
It was assumed there would be one explosion in one tank but in the end, a series of events led to more than 20 going up, including the pumphouse which was to be the firefighters' first line of defence.
'Inferno'
Brendan Langham said: "I've done seven years in the service, and there are guys who've done 25 years. They were just as horrified."
The firemen were told six people were unaccounted for.
Their first action was to try to find them before any more explosions happened.
Fireman Langham added: "You imagine what they guys in 9/11 must have felt.
"We were just running through this inferno, calling out for people."
Major incident plan
The six missing people were quickly accounted for and a major incident plan was put into place.

I've done seven years in the service and there are guys who've done 25 years - they were just as horrified
Firefighter Brendan Langham
The fire was eventually put out within a couple of days, but fire crews were on the site until the New Year, coming from as far afield as Cornwall and Scotland.
According to fire chiefs, the public recognition of the work they did was overwhelming from the mince pies and Christmas cake which was brought in over the festive period to the lasting bond formed with the local community.
Hemel Hempstead fire station still has the books of letters from children thanking them for what they did during Buncefield.
Station manager, John Smith, said: "They make it all worthwhile."
Buncefield: One Year On will be broadcast on Thursday 7 December on Radio 4 at 2000 GMT. You can also listen online for 7 days after that at Radio 4's Listen again page.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/6217308.stm

St Paul's tomb unearthed in Rome

By Christian Fraser BBC News, Rome

St Paul's Outside the Walls is one of the largest churches in Rome, Archaeologists working for the Vatican have unearthed a sarcophagus containing what they believe are the remains of St Paul the Apostle.
The tomb dates back to at least AD390 and was found in a crypt under a basilica in Rome.
It has long been thought that the crypt contained the tomb of St Paul but the altar had hidden it.
St Paul was an influential early Christian who travelled widely in the Mediterranean area in the 1st Century.
Excavations at the site began in 2002 and were completed last month.

Ancient pilgrims
The cathedral of St Paul's Outside the Walls is the largest church in Rome after St Peter's.
For the past three years, archaeologists have been excavating underneath the altar to remove two huge slabs of marble and now, for the first time in almost 1700 years, the sarcophagus of St Paul is on public view.
The original inscription on the top reads: Paolo Apostolo Martyr - Latin for "Paul Apostle Martyr".
The holes through which the ancient pilgrims would have pushed pieces of cloth to touch the relic are clearly visible.
"What we can see at the moment through a grating, a new grating that's been put there, is the side of the sarcophagus of Paul which seems to be white marble-like material," said Father Edmund Power, the abbot of the Benedictine Monastery.
St Paul travelled widely through Asia Minor, Greece and Rome in the 1st Century.
His letters to the early churches, found in the Bible's New Testament, are arguably some of the most influential on Christian thinking.
St Paul is said to have been beheaded in AD65 by the Roman Emperor Nero.
His sarcophagus will be on public view for the foreseeable future but the church is yet to rule out the possibility that one day the interior itself will be opened and examined.

Please Pray for josie Grove

Cancer girl shuns extra treatment

Josie Grove says she wants to enjoy spending time with her family.
A 16-year-old leukaemia patient has decided to forego further treatment so she can enjoy the rest of her life.
Josie Grove, from Corbridge in Northumberland, has had two bone marrow transplants and a course of anti-cancer drugs which have not succeeded.
Having been told her condition is terminal, she is halting treatment which makes her feel ill, so she is able to enjoy time with her family.

Who wants to be a Millionaire?

Have you seen the Secret Millionaire Wednesday nights channel 4.
I know its only TV but for a change its good stuff.
Basically a multi millionaire pretends to be homeless or a care worker, they befriend people who they would not normally associate with.Then at the end they become their benefactor,giving thousands of pounds to genuine need.
As we come up to Christmas it reminds me of One who lowered himself, eventually giving His life for us.
What a great God we have.
John 3:16

THE HARVEST IS NOT MEASURED BY THE GRAIN IN THE BARN, BUT RATHER BY THE WHEAT STILL STANDING IN THE FIELD.

Remember and give thanks!

A huge fire broke out on Sunday at a fireworks factory near Lewes in East Sussex, killing two fire crew members.



It's almost a year to the day when we experienced Hemels big bang, Buncefield.
We thank God that there were no casualties that day.
But this weekend saw a similar explosion in Lewes killing 2 firemen and injuring many more. Let's remember to pray for their families and that community.

Remember to pray for Hemel Hemptead and the surrounding communities. 247 pray Hemel continues, At St barnabas church.

Robots they're everywhere

A remotely-controlled robot jockey rides its steed during a race at the Al Shahaniya track in Qatar. Robots have replaced child jockeys many of whom were bought and exploited as slaves. (Credit: Allsport)

Lords Supper

Good to share Communion together yesterday








I am not skilled to understand
What God hath willed, what God hath planned:
I only know at His right hand
Stands One Who is my Saviour!

I take Him at His word indeed:
"Christ died for sinners," this I read;
And in my heart I find a need
Of Him to be my Saviour!

That He should leave His place on high,
And come for sinful man to die,
You count it strange? - so once did I,
Before I knew my Saviour!

And O that He fulfilled may see
The travail of His soul in me,
And with His work contented be,
As I with my dear Saviour!

Yea, living, dying, let me bring
My strength, My solace, from this spring,
That He Who lives to be my King
Once died to be my Saviour.

DORA GREENWELL 1821-82

Creating a healthy body (preventive medicine)

The Church and the community in general, could be generally more healthy if we cared more and look for the advance signs of problems. I do'nt really understand the following article to much, but it appears the princible is recognised by those who study these things. So let's try and look for signs and prevent the pain and suffering before it takes hold.

Research examining the relationships between religion and the health of individuals and populations has become increasingly visible in the social, behavioral, and health sciences. Systematic programs of research investigate religious phenomena within the context of coherent theoretical and conceptual frameworks that describe the causes and consequences of religious involvement for health outcomes. Recent research has validated the multidimensional aspects of religious involvement and investigated how religious factors operate through various biobehavioral and psychosocial constructs to affect health status through proposed mechanisms that link religion and health. Methodological and analytical advances in the field permit the development of more complex models of religion's effects, in keeping with proposed theoretical explanations. Investigations of religion and health have ethical and practical implications that should be addressed by the lay public, health professionals, the research community, and the clergy. Future research directions point to promising new areas of investigation that could bridge the constructs of religion and health.

Please Pray 4 Crossover weekend WWJD

Crossover WWJD Weekend 2nd & 3rd Dec 2006
Haven House. 40+ KiDS

Crossover are a non-denominational organisation that seeks to encourage strong links between schools and the church.Crossover work in Dacorum schools and have a long-term holistic approach to the education of young people in order to help them realise their full potential.Crossover provide experience and information to help young people think seriously about what it means to be a Christian in today's world - presenting Christianity as a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Crossover, c/o/ Marlowes Methodist Church, Marlowes, Hemel Hempstead, Herts, HP1 1LBTelephone: 01442 246850 http://www.ambrit.co.uk/crossover/

Pray for peace on Earth??

With God on Our Side

Oh my name it is nothin'

My age it means less

The country I come from Is called the Midwest

I's taught and brought up there

The laws to abide

And that land that I live in

Has God on its side.

Oh the history books tell it

They tell it so well

The cavalries charged

The Indians fell

The cavalries charged

The Indians died

Oh the country was young

With God on its side.

Oh the Spanish-AmericanWar had its day

And the Civil War too Was soon laid away

And the names of the heroes

I's made to memorize

With guns in their hands

And God on their side.

Oh the First World War,

boys It closed out its fate

The reason for fightingI never got straight

But I learned to accept it

Accept it with pride

For you don't count the dead

When God's on your side.

When the Second World War Came to an end

We forgave the Germans

And we were friends

Though they murdered six million

In the ovens they fried

The Germans now too

Have God on their side.

I've learned to hate Russians

All through my whole life

If another war starts

It's them we must fight

To hate them and fear them

To run and to hide

And accept it all bravely

With God on my side.

But now we got weapons

Of the chemical dust

If fire them we're forced to

Then fire them we must

One push of the button

And a shot the world wide

And you never ask questions

When God's on your side.

In a many dark hour

I've been thinkin' about this

That Jesus ChristWas betrayed by a kiss

But I can't think for you

You'll have to decide

Whether Judas Iscariot

Had God on his side.

So now as I'm leavin'I'm weary as Hell

The confusion I'm feelin'

Ain't no tongue can tell

The words fill my head

And fall to the floor

If God's on our side

He'll stop the next war.

Bob Dylan 1963

Image of the week

The Story of the Jesse Tree

The Jesse Tree is named from Isaiah 11:1: "A shoot will spring forth from the stump of Jesse, and a branch out of his roots." It is a vehicle to tell the Story of God in the Old Testament, and to connect the Advent Season with the faithfulness of God across 4,000 years of history. The Branch is a biblical sign of newness out of discouragement, which became a way to talk about the expected messiah (e.g., Jer 23:5). It is therefore an appropriate symbol of Jesus the Christ, who is the revelation of the grace and faithfulness of God.