Extremely Linden

Goodbye!

2009-03-09T03:55:00.000-07:00

This blog has served its purpose and is closing down.

For all information regarding Linden Church, please visit the website.

Thank you for visiting!

Coming soon

2009-02-26T07:19:00.000-08:00

Chris and Meryl enjoyed probably the best water in the world and then Barbara and Tim introduced us to the woman who didn't want to make a fuss but caused a scene. This week, 1st March, it's Alun and Anna's turn to say, 'The lady's not for stoning.' The following week there'll be an opportunity to reflect on what we've heard so far about Jesus and women, and to celebrate new life in the dedication of Tobias Michael Burgess.

* * * * * * * * *

Don't forget to book your tickets for An Evening with Kev Johns at Ostreme Centre on Friday, 13th March. A joint event with Mumbles and Bethany Baptist Churches.

Call the office on 01792 403777 to reserve a place.

2009-02-09T03:22:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, 8th February, Alice and Alun started the new teaching series on Jesus and women with a look at women in Linden, in the world and in the Bible. Alun says, 'This series will challenge men to rethink how they perceive women and encourage women to step into their rightful place, as Jesus saw it. Linden should prepare itself for a radical reformation!'

Next Sunday, Chris Matthews and Meryl Williams will encourage us to enjoy what is 'probably the best water in the world.'

And in the evening, Christians from all over Swansea will be meeting together at Parklands Church, Sketty Park, at 6.00 pm for a time of worship and prayer as Swansea Hope is launched.

* * * * * * * * * *

Linden's Got Talent night was voted a huge success by all who attended it and nearly £400 was raised to be shared between Red Cafe, schoolswork and the trip to Mutende. We're hoping to have some clips up on youtube and the Linden website soon.

The next evening entertainment is with Kev Johns in Ostreme Centre in Mumbles, in a joint venture with Mumbles Baptist Church. That's on 13th March.

Linden's Got Talent!

2009-02-02T04:38:00.000-08:00

And to prove it, we're showing it off next Saturday from 7.00 pm. An evening of eclectic entertainment. Come along and enjoy! Bring friends, family and the milkman.

Admission is free but there'll be an opportunity to give to the work of Linden, specifically the Mutende trip, Red Cafe and schoolswork.

* * * * * * * * *

Saturday morning sees us start a new teaching series when Alun and Alice will be introducing Jesus and women.

2009-01-09T04:52:00.000-08:00

The New Year has begun in Linden much the same as it has everywhere else!

Lots of exciting things planned plus more of the same ...

Our Sunday morning talky bits are concentrating on what inspires us. Last week Cath spoke movingly about people who inspire her and particularly about what she's learned about her relationship with God through having a baby - the delicious Aaron.

This coming Sunday, 11th January, the Hunters, Helen and Andy, will be talking about what inspires them, and the following week, 18th, we have a guest speaker, Gaynor Jenkins from Aberdare. The final Sunday of the month we have an open meeting with communion. On the 25th we also have a time of worship in the evening from 7.00 pm.

* * * * * * * * *

Other events to look forward to with eager anticipation ...

Next Sunday, 18th, January

unplugged

acoustic @ Red Cafe, bring your own bottle and enjoy some great chilled out live music, from 7.30pm, £2 on door, 18+ .

Saturday, 7th February

Linden's Got Talent

7.00pm Not to be missed! Start rehearsing with your comb and paper!

Friday, 13th March

An Evening with Kev Johns

...and delicious soup. , at Ostreme. Tickets available soon - a joint local churches event.

And there's more ...

Wednesday music practice is back! Meeting every other Wednesday at 7.45pm in Linden. All musicians/singers, any standard, welcome to come along for jamming, practisce and prayer. Next gathering is on January 21st.

PAUSE, 29th Chapter and friends. An evening of live music, spoken word, poetry, audio-visuals and drama monologues aiming to explore questions concerning ourselves, life and spirituality. Launching student alpha...
25th January, doors open 7.30pm, Club DV8, Swansea University, Admission FREE

The first ESSENTIAL youth event of 2009 is on Saturday, January 29th, 7.30pm at Zac’s Place in Swansea. Speak to Ben Evans for more details.

* * * * * * * *

Now if you've stayed with us this long you deserve a reward, so here we're proud to present the winner of the Mutende Fitness Challenge 2008! Big drum roll ............... Mr Timothy Tudor!!!!

Christmas is coming!

2008-11-24T04:59:00.000-08:00

After a brilliant and innovative open meeting yesterday, we now look forward to next Sunday when Nick Burton will tell us what inspires him.

We're starting to get that Christmas spirit! Janet and Liz are singing 'It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!'

Save money! Save trees!
Ensure that nobody is left off your Christmas card list!
Send a greeting to Linden people by emailing the office and telling us what you'd like to say. We ask people here for a donation but if you're living away we'll trust you to make a charity donation in your own area.

quick update

2008-11-17T03:29:00.000-08:00

I'm assured by Chris that the blokes' weekend was a wonderful must-be-repeated experience but he says he's not at liberty to tell me what happened on it. Let's just say that Alun isn't in work today following the weekend ...

* * * * * * * * *

Next Sunday we round off the series on the Lord's prayer with an open meeting and communion. The following Sunday, 30th November, Nick Burton is speaking about what inspires him.

2008-11-10T04:13:00.000-08:00

We've now finished the series of Sunday morning teaching on the Lord's prayer. If you missed any of it, you can log into our new super-duper whizzy website and download the podcast.

This coming Sunday, 16th November, Nigel Mason is talking about what inspires him. The following week we have an open meeting focusing on communion and a round-up of the Lord's prayer.

It's likely to be quiet in church next weekend as many of our bravest and best (plus Alun) are away on a blokes' weekend. It's called a blokes' weekend because, while you know what will happen on a men's weekend, what will happen on a blokes' weekend is out there on the edge. (Alun said.)

Super early advance notice: the annual Christmas Carol Concert will take place at Linden on Sunday, 21st December, from 7.00 pm. Admission is free but there will be a collection in aid of a charity.

Thy kingdom come

2008-10-17T07:13:00.001-07:00

This coming Sunday, 19th October, Alun and Nathan are looking at the Lord's Prayer, part II: Thy kingdom come, thy will be done.

The Sunday meeting starts at 11 o'clock, Linden time, and lunch is provided for students afterwards.

Having a laugh!

2008-10-13T05:09:00.000-07:00

Don't forget the Comedy Night with a difference at the Ostreme Centre on 7th November from 7.30 pm. It's comedy with a fairtrade emphasis, featuring Just Fair Laughs - and definitely not Mr Chris Morecambe and Mr Alun Wise. Tickets, £5, can be reserved in advance by phoning the Linden office on 01792 403777. Limited seating so book yours now.

Love146.org

2008-10-10T06:53:00.000-07:00

In November, Glenn Miles, the Director of Prevention for Love146, and Jamie Sampson, a videographer, both members of Linden Church in Swansea, UK will be visiting India to research the situation of a minority group called the hijira.

The hijira were traditionally the eunuchs of the maharajas but more recently they live together in communities where they are more often than not rejected and despised by the wider community. They wear saris and often prostitute themselves in order to get money to survive.

The way boys enter the hijira communities is not clear and this is partly what the research is about.

Glenn and Jamie are hoping to meet and interview hijira adults to understand how they became hijira, to interview at risk children to understand what may be drawing them in and to interview the public and Christian leaders to understand their attitudes and prejudices.

At the end of the 2 weeks they hope to have sufficient material to formulate the basis of a research project and a short documentary. This material will in turn be used to raise awareness about the issues of concern, encourage further action and perhaps lay the foundation of a project to work with potential hijira boys.

They are working with three partners on this project; IMCARES in Mumbai, Viva in Delhi and SISU in Hyderabad.

For more information about this project contact Glenn Miles glenn@love146.org and for more info on Love146 check out the website www.Love146.org

What if ...?

2008-10-10T03:53:00.000-07:00

Writers' group this week was set the task of considering 'What if ...?' The responses were varied, and each good in its own way but Glenn's was particularly challenging.

What if...?
What if...?
One Sunday,
at Church,
we all had to do the opposite of what we normally do?
(I don’t just mean Chris and Jamie wearing trousers.)
What if...?
One day we sat and didn’t sing worship songs
And we didn’t listen to someone speaking
And we didn’t have any notices
But we sat and listened to God.
Would we hear Him?
What would He say?
Or would we fidget and squirm because we didn’t like the quiet?
And
What if...?
We listened to each other
To the things that really mattered
Not all introspective
But looking into transparent and open hearts.
And
What if...?
We told each other how much we appreciated each other
And what each other’s gifts were
And what we thought God could do through ordinary people like us
And
What if...?
as a result we changed the world?
And
What if...?
We did it next week?

A new academic year!

2008-10-06T03:28:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the gap in posting - life in Linden has been a bit hectic (and I've been on holiday!!)

A big welcome to any new students who've joined us this year. We hope you will be blessed by God and us! If you're a fresher and you've not yet visited Linden, check out our new super-whizzo website to find out more about us.

So what's new?

We're just starting a new Sunday morning teaching series looking at the Lord's Prayer. This coming Sunday, 12th October, Chris Matthews, (left) chef and one of Linden's leaders, and Tim Oakes, (below) a trainee-leader, will be speaking on 'Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.'

We have a Fairtrade stall in church every Sunday morning providing basics and some extras (including Christmas cards and scarves) and next Saturday, we're taking the stall to the Local Produce Market in Mumbles from 9.00 am until 1.00 pm - but get there early because food sells out rapidly. nearly as quickly as the free samples disappear! The market takes place in the car park just at the entrance to Oystermouth village.

Still on the Fairtrade theme, in November we're hosting a Comedy Night. What has comedy to do with Fairtrade I hear you asking? (You didn't? It must have been the little voices again.) Well, the comedians appearing are part of Just Fair Laughs, a fair trade comedy movement. Come along on the night and I'm sure all will become clear. Tickets £5 and limited so get yours soon!

Oh yes and it happens at Ostreme Centre, Mumbles, from 7.30 pm on 7th November.

Good news week!

2008-08-15T06:18:00.000-07:00

Sian and Paul have a new baby son, Tobias Michael.

Lucy and Alex have a new baby daughter, Naomi (photo to follow we hope!)

Chris Allen and Carol Dowey were married at Linden.

And it's August

2008-07-28T02:51:00.000-07:00

So August is nearly upon us and with it the holiday season. All the regular activities at Linden stop for the month but the Community Cafe at Red opens!

Open 10.00 am to 3.00 pm, Monday to friday, throughout August for snacks, light meals, home-made cakes and fairtrade tea and coffee. Free internet access and very child-friendly.

So call in to Red Cafe, 646 Mumbles Road, and tell your friends.

Red Cafe recently won a Healthy Eating award from the local health authority.

The Journey

2008-06-30T04:55:00.000-07:00

At a recent Sunday open meeting, some of writers' group shared words they'd written on the theme of the journey (following on from the Sunday mornings that Chris and Alun had led taking us on a journey through the Old Testament).

The journey
The journey threatens to shatter me
To break me down so that there is nothing left of me
Except a blank canvas on which god can paint a masterpiece
An empty vessel that god can fill with love + goodness + patience + kindness

But I am holding on tight, to what I feel is me
That distinctive mark that makes me me
+ I will try to do my bit for god
if I can squeeze him in
between the job, the kids, the tv, the wife, the golf, I could go on
there’s no space
there’s no space
god, I’m sorry, I’ll see you later, and do your stuff tomorrow

what’s that, you want to be in it all
not fitted in, but in it all

I’m frightened of letting go
I’m scared of losing control
what might you do
what might I do when you work through me

oh my pride, my pride
it is my idol, my golden calf
that I worship, no umm, prioritise
I cannot overcome
Despite escaping Egypt, seeing our enemies drowned
The immediate is grasped and the eternal is stalled
Put off till tomorrow, next week

The journey is to listen and obey
To walk with god and not for him
To be the blank on which god’s pastels of fury can alight

I die
God lives
I will die
God lives
will I die?
Jez Sampson

As I grew up - at playtime, in school, at work - some seemed confident; seemed to have it; seemed to know how to get there.

We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ll see it all clearly as God sees us, knowing HIM directly just as HE knows us. 1 Cor 13 v12 (The Message)
A JOURNEY
Right from the start, without hesitation, they seemed to know,
where they were going, how they would get there.
Those up the front there, those over us, they always appeared … in charge!
Each one loaded, strong and certain. They had power, they had direction …or did they?
We would follow, we would obey, we would do as we were told …or should we? …
On the journey we began to see a mistake or two, a hesitation or two …may - …be …?
No! Surely they must know; surely they … did know? …
As time passed by, we could see more clearly … now …
and as we looked back.
They were following their ideas, their plans, carrying their loads.
His Way was NOT their way. We had been following them NOT Him!
Our burdens had made us stagger. Their burdens were destroying them.
At last we looked, no longer staggering, no longer searching;
We had found it; NOW we knew.
We are walking the ONE TRUE WAY!
Our loads lighter – shared by HIM!
Our journey guided – loved by HIM!
Neil Thomas

"When I was a child, I talked like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall fully, even as I am fully known." 1 Cor 13 v 11& 12 (NIV)

Journey
Busy going no-where
Going round in large uneven circles
Round and round, round and round
Out of Egypt. Yes, but Lord…?
OK…Egypt was bad, but this?
Why?
To learn what?
I don’t want to be here in the wilderness.
I have plans. Not selfish plans.

It hurts to be here and not just me.
The unexpected potholes
the storms that leave you drenched and cold.
the unsurmountable mountains
the heat and the flies and the blistered feet aren’t getting any easier.
What is the point of a fly?
Of course there are lessons to learn in everything
but I’m fed up learning lessons about how I am inadequate.

Busy going somewhere?
But not in a straight line
Out of Egypt. Yes…and yet Lord
although Egypt was bad
sometimes this is bad too. Sometimes it’s worse than bad.
Learning is hard and it takes so long
and it hurts to be hurt time and again
and I know it’s not just me.

I know God has plans for us and not just in heaven
I won’t be here in the wilderness for ever
So it’s plodding on forward day after day
trying not to be burdened by Egypt or the journey

But in the in between times the glimpses of the promised land are there.
the unexpected view around the corner
the fellowship of the accompanying traveller
the hospitality of strangers
the tiny berries at the side of the road which explode on your taste buds
even the occasional sunset
…a little bit of heaven
and then, one day, we will arrive at the promised land and find what the journey was all about.
Glenn Miles

Her last recorded words
Her last recorded words -
at the wedding in Cana.
An embarassing situation:
guests continue to drink
but the wine has run out.
Could Jesus help?
Would Jesus help?

Servants await instructions -
here is the advice
(and it applies to you and I)
from Mary, mother of Jesus:
'Whatever He tells you to do -
DO IT.'
Gary Gregor

Some promised land
A woman shuffles into a queue, waiting for a bus to the promised land
Gets on the bus, sweating profusely
Gets off, finds her target audience in downtown Jerusalem
Boom, blows herself up and takes a load of Israelis with her
Shrapnel and body parts every where, She thinks she’s gone to paradise
Some promised land

No food, no water, you’ve brought us out here to die Moses
At least in Egypt we had some food
Where is this promised land?

This barrier stretches for miles
It keeps some out, It protects the others on the inside who live in fear
Some promised land

This angel of god holds them back
They cannot pass, he keeps us safe
The way is open, through the sea we tread, on dry ground
Toward the promised land

They launch their missiles, we send our troops
We cannot relax with enemies surrounding us
We won’t give up our promised land

We march round Jericho, that’s what we do
Do what god tells us, that’s what we do
The walls fall down on trumpet sound
The land is ours, the promised land

We’ve stoned the prophets, we’ve killed the righteous men
We’ve discarded the Christ at our peril, But we’ve held onto the land
The precious, promised land

You stiff necked pharaoh, why wouldn’t you bow
Realized who you were up against
Let god’s people go
You’ve done it now you’ve paid the price
Tears and bloodshed in egypt’s worst night
The promised land, but what was promised?

Conflict, death, stonings, rebellion, barriers, walls, holy ground
Salvation among the blood and rubble
Saving grace among the pain and tears
Milk and honey in missiles and vengeance
Jez Sampson

MISSING

2008-06-19T08:13:00.001-07:00

Some of you will know Sarah Noel. Her dad, John, has gone missing. Please pray that he will be found.

John Noel has been missing from his home in Bishopston, Gower, since Saturday 7th June. Mr Noel is 79 years old, white, 5ft 8ins tall with short grey hair and of medium build. He was last seen wearing a brown fleece, dark green 'T' shirt, navy jogging bottoms and black shoes.

Police say "John is elderly and vulnerable, and we would urge anybody who may have seen him or any has any information, no matter how trivial, to contact us."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Swansea Police on 01792 456 999 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Who did Jesus come for?

2008-06-17T01:20:00.001-07:00

Our 100th post!

2008-06-13T07:44:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to us on reaching 100 posts and congratulations to Meryl and Eifion on reaching 25 years of marriage!

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Kate Westall says," I have recently recorded my first single called 'Clearer Sky' and I am selling it specifically to fundraise for a trip I'm going on with a charity to India. I'm off for 3 weeks at the end of this month! I'm going to South India with a small team with the charity 'Micah's Call' and we'll be visiting orphanages, leprosy colonies and a the work of 'Jesus Mercy Home Association' near Bangalore, Tamil Nadu region. The cd can be bought through my website (www.myspace.com/katewestall for £3.99 or Facebook for £5 -I tried to make it a lower price but it wouldn't let me!) both via paypal. (There are 2 songs on it.) "

You may be interested to know that the CD cover is printed on sheep poo paper.

* * * * * * * * * *

Gary Gregor is speaking in Linden on Sunday morning (15th June) on Learning from the past. In the evening Tim and Sue will be showing slides and talking about their recent trips to the Middle East. In Linden at 8.00 pm.

The following week, we're having an open meeting.

Alice was baptised

2008-06-03T03:03:00.000-07:00

Nathan and Louise get married

2008-05-05T08:14:00.000-07:00

Monday, 5th May, 2008

Mr & Mrs Jones

Dates for the diary

2008-04-18T12:07:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, 20th April, Morecambe and Wise, aka Christopher and Alun, continue their trip through the Old Testament.

Sunday 25th April
Bev Poiner, the founder of FFOPS (Families/Friends of Prisoners) will be speaking at Linden

Thursday 1st May
Launch at Red of the 55+ Weekly Café for ‘older’ people. From 10.00 am – midday.

Saturday 3rd May

10am – 5pm at Crymlyn Bog for community action

Sunday 4th May

2pm – 5pm at Crymlyn bog for community action

Monday, 5th May

From 2pm-10pm outside the National Waterfront Museum for The Noise, a free music festival featuring our own Dj Jared and DJ Mel.

Sunday 18th May
We’ll be joined by some of the members of Swansea’s Faith and Light communities (An international community movement bringing together people with a learning disability, their families carers and friends, particularly young people.)

Saturday, 17th May
Barbecue and barn dance here with the Swansea Family Link Scheme (linking disabled children with families and individuals who can provide them with short-term care on a regular basis.)

Saturday, 28th June
Summer afternoon party here with the Swansea Family Link Scheme.

2008-04-04T05:45:00.001-07:00

This coming Sunday, 6th April, Chris and Alun continue with the Old Testament series. This week we've reached the old covenant.

It'll be Alun and Chris again the following week, 13th April. And in the evening there'll be an extra opportunity for an hour or so of worship at linden.

The Sunday after that, 20th, (how well-organised am I?) in the evening, there'll be an opportunity to meet with other Christians from across Swansea in a City Prayer event.

Other things that are happening this coming week:
On Tuesday, Andrew M, Andy D and Cathy Hancox are hosting a discussion comparing the violent God of the Old Testament with the peace-loving God of the New. And have a look at Joshua 6 v15/22 and 1 Samuel 15 v 16/19
On Thursday there's a meeting to find out more for anyone who might be interested in a trip to Mutende Children's Village in Zambia over Easter '09.
Also on Thursday, Bible studiers continue to look at the gospel of Mark.
If you'd be interested in finding out more about any of these events, email Linden.

* * * * * * * * * *

We've had a grant to buy some new lightweight folding tables. We're selling the old ones off at the bargain price of £20 each. If you'd like one (or two or three or more), email Linden You wouldn't want them in your best room, but they're ideal for craft work or jigsaws.

And now for something completely different!

2008-03-31T11:10:00.000-07:00

I am a genius! There is no other word for me. That is, assuming this works: the Linden podcast!

Now available as a podcast is yesterday's talky bit, by Chris and Alun, about the ten commandments. If you'd like a link to it, please email extremely.linden@lineone.net

We're hoping to make most Sunday mornings talks available like this in time. So watch this space!
xx

A very happy Easter to you!

2008-03-20T12:54:00.000-07:00

Join with Christians from other churches across Swansea on Easter Sunday morning for a dawn (5.30 am) meeting on Swansea Bay (opposite St. Helen's).

Then go to Alun's for breakfast before coming to Linden at 11.00 am as normal.

Have you proposed yet?

2008-02-29T05:32:00.000-08:00

I'm writing this on Friday, 29th February, the one day in 4 years that a girl is traditionally allowed to propose to her sweetheart. And knowing how staid and tradition-bound anyone associated with Linden is ...

It's a big weekend: tomorrow, March 1st, is St David's Day, and Sunday is Mother's Day. (Have you sent your mum a card?!)

St David's Day is being celebrated in Mumbles with a Green Fayre at Southend Park. It's organised by the Council and various environmental bodies, but also includes Red Cafe. Tomorrow, for one day only, you can get FREE Welshcakes and tea and coffee at the cafe. It's open from 10 am - 4 pm but don't leave your visit too late in case they run out of home-made welshcakes. All the other usual goodies will be on sale as normal.

This falls in the middle of Fairtrade Fortnight and the cafe's been open for the last 3 weeks and is open again next week. A new feature is the Fairtrade stall. It's currently selling a variety of goods and the range will be increasing over the weeks.

* * * * * * * * * *

This Sunday the students are leading the meeting looking at Jesus, Light of the World. The following Sunday, 9th March, it's Andrew Matthews with Jesus, Lamb of God.

* * * * * * * * * *

Last Saturday's Bryn Haworth gig at Zac's Place was very successful with a large crowd who all enjoyed Bryn's excellent guitar-playing. Next up at Zac's in Martyn Joseph on 7th March at 8.00 pm. Tickets are £14. For more information call 07971 218644.

Hope08

2008-01-25T14:36:00.000-08:00

Not only do I have to put up with Chris and Alun being horrid to me, now even the photocopier is telling me what to do.

* * * * * * * * * * *
Hope08 is really kicking off on at 7.30 pm on Saturday, 9th February, with a Swansea churches' meeting in the Brangwyn Hall with guest speaker, Mike Pilavachi (him of Soul Survivor fame).

Hope08 is intended to provide churches of all shapes and sizes throughout the UK with a fresh opportunity to work together across their communities and for their communities, over a twelve month period.

Bryn Haworth, Winter Blues

2008-01-11T14:01:00.000-08:00

The X-mas Factor winners!

2008-01-11T10:10:00.000-08:00

It's a bit late coming but here, at last, we proudly present the winners of this year's X-Mas Factor, the High Street Boys, singing White Christmas!

A Christmas Message

2007-12-21T07:15:00.001-08:00

Christmas Concert excerpts

2007-12-21T02:39:00.000-08:00

Please come!

2007-12-10T04:08:00.000-08:00

George says, '"I'll be ever so sad if you don't come to Linden's annual Christmas Concert!"

Next Sunday, 16th December, 2007, at 7.00 pm.

Free admission but a collection in aid of the Amos Trust's project for reconciliation in Bethlehem.

It was a good night (apparently)

2007-11-30T06:43:00.000-08:00

Would you trust Shrek with a scalpel? Or leadership of a church?

Anyway, this Sunday, 2nd December, we celebrate the start of Advent by looking at peace, which is the theme for our Christmas concert this year. (Make a note in your diary now: 16th December at 7.00 pm!)

Coming up ...

2007-11-23T05:11:00.000-08:00

This Sunday we're delighted to welcome Rowe Robinson from Cilcoed Christian Centre. Next week we celebrate the start of Advent with Peace.

Our Christmas concert happens on Sunday, 16th December, at 7.00 pm. As always it promises to be a fantastic event with the collection going to the Amos Trust's Reconciliation Project.

And there are three - 3! - choir practices: Wednesday 28th November at 8.00 pm, after the meeting on Sunday 9th December, and again on Wednesday 12th.

* * * * * * * * * * *

And we're very happy to announce that Mr Cool himself, Alun John, reaches the ripe old age of 60 on Monday. Doesn't he look good for his age?
Whoops, sorry, that should be 50. Now he doesn't look so good for his age!

Caption competition

2007-10-30T06:02:00.000-07:00

And the groom wore flip flops

2007-10-30T05:55:00.000-07:00

Mr & Mrs: Angelo & Fie Meneghello after their wedding in Ellesmere Port on Saturday, 27th November.

Wedding weekend

2007-10-26T03:51:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, 28th October, our guest speaker is Leontina Mulenga from Mutende Children's Village in Zambia, the orphanage for which we've been fund-raising.

We're delighted to have Leontina with us and be able to meet the person we've heard so much about.

* * * * * * *

This weekend sees the weddings of Bethan Mason (to Ben) and Angelo Meneghello (to Fiona). We wish both couples lots of luck and blessings for their futures together. (Together with each other but not with the other couple that is, of course!)

Slummin' it in Eden

2007-10-12T05:26:00.000-07:00

We've just started a new series of teaching for Sunday mornings. We're looking at places in the Bible. Last week it was Eden: In the Beginning; this coming Sunday, 14th October, it's Eden:The Fall. Chris and Alun will continue their look at the early places the following week with The Promised Land.

Chris has some thoughts on The Fall that might surprise you ...

Also this Sunday evening we're meeting to worship for an hour or so from 7.00 pm. From next month we'll be meeting on the first Sunday evening of the month for worship. So that'll be 4th November.

What else? Unleashed, the group for young teens, is slummin' it the following weekend. They're going to sleep outside Linden in makeshift shelters they'll make themselves from whatever material they have been able to gather. It's all to do with Slum Survivor and, as it says on their website:

"Slum Survivor is a simulation experience designed to :
help young people get a taste of what life might be like in a slum;
reflect on God’s concern for the poor;
start thinking about how they can respond."

They're also being sponsored! Visitors are encouraged to call in but mustn't take any drinks, chocolate or anything else!

Passion beyond reason

2007-10-12T05:06:00.001-07:00

God is passionate. About his creation, about his created beings. Evil rouses him to fury; suffering makes him weep. He isn't wishy washy; he isn't apathetic. He's strong; he's gentle; he is all-knowing; he waits to be told; he listens; he hears; and most of all he loves humanity to a depth and a height and a width that we can't understand.

Seven words that are important at Linden

2007-09-28T07:26:00.000-07:00

Rooted in the historic Christian Faith – guided by the Bible, learning to be followers of Jesus, valuing the church in her many forms. Seeking to express the nature and person of Jesus.

Encounter with God. Space for mystery and wonder.

Exploration and journeys of faith; room for process and development. Faith is not something rationalized, predictable and neatly definable but is dynamic, growing and evolving.

Diversity: different backgrounds, styles, approaches, perspectives. We have so much to learn from each other.

Creativity that is reflective of a creative God. Imagination and innovation.

Relationships: welcoming; belonging; accepting. A community of faith, forgiveness, challenge, learning, encouragement and generosity.

Mission: being involved, beyond ourselves, expressing and demonstrating God’s love for the whole world. The church exists for the benefit of those not in it.

Goodbye and hello

2007-09-14T07:22:00.000-07:00

It's been a time of goodbyes recently.

Goodbye to Helen Crawford, who's off to Bible College.

Goodbye to Debbie, Eyob and Kezia who are off to America and then ... God knows where.

And goodbye to Dave Lucas, who's going to ... Neath! He's doing a Theology and youth work course with a Bristol college and he's doing work placement with Elim Church in Neath.

Our blessings go with each one.

* * * * * * *

This coming Sunday, 16th September, Andrew Matthews is speaking on resurrection. The following week, we have an open meeting.

Please remember in your prayers especially Sian Thomas and Lynne Porter, both of whom are about to undergo major surgery. Email Linden for more info.

* * * * * * *

As well as all these people leaving us, we're eagerly anticipating the arrival of new students!

Nathan, one of our student workers, has written this piece about what's been happening and what's ahead.

Well, it's that time again. Some of you may know it as "the month where Nath & Louise hassle us into doing things for students", but for the rest of us it's the beginning of the academic year!

What happened last year?
Freshers' Week 2006 started with a new recruit to the Linden student team. Eleanor Dallas was back in Swansea, having graduated from Reading Uni in the summer, and decided that she hadn't quite had enough of students yet, so volunteered to help out.

In the previous year we had around six or seven regulars, and we were also holding occasional cell group meetings on top of providing weekly Sunday lunches. By the end of the summer 2007 term, we were up to a maximum of around 20 students, which, whilst obviously being fantastic news, did provide us with a few new problems. For example, many people were happy to provide lunch for six or seven, but few have room in their houses for 20 hungry undergrads!

Also, lifts to church on a Sunday changed from Louise and I driving to Linden via Brynmill to having to arrange four or five cars each week! Then add in the mornings where I'm playing guitar, Louise and Eleanor are singing, other lift regulars Tim Tudor and Tim Oakes are playing guitar and bass, Chris Matthews is at the prison service and Rachel Brown is halfway around the world... It can get a bit crazy on a Saturday night sometimes! Thanks to Neil *, Tim Brown and all of the others who helped out.

My highlight of the year was the weekend away in March. Over 20 people came to Ffald-y-Brenin for two days of bible teaching from Chris Matthews, worship and prayer, and also wonderful games organised by Tim Oakes! We were also, as ever, indebted to the fantastic catering skills of Sue Brown…

What's happening this year?
With Freshers' Week almost upon us again, we've only had one student leave Swansea over the summer, so we're preparing for potentially a bigger group again. We're producing Linden beer mats to publicise the church and also Divine's range of Fairtrade chocolate and wine (we're hoping for free samples!) which will be distributed through the university on the weekend that the Freshers arrive.

We've also got another new addition to the team – Tim Tudor is bringing his vast experience of five years of studenthood, with a couple more still to go!

This year's major change is the student cell. After a year of hosting cell at Red Cafe, we're hoping to move to the upstairs room of one of the pubs in Brynmill next term. This will bring us a lot closer to the student area of the city and will also hopefully provide a more neutral venue for the students to bring their non-Christian friends.

How can you get involved?
Over the next few weeks Eleanor, Tim, Louise and I will be asking for volunteers for a couple of rotas:
Lifts: We're looking for three people per week to volunteer to be on the rota. This doesn't mean that you'll necessarily have to give a lift, but to be aware that we may ring on a Thursday to ask you. Giving a lift is also a good way to get to know students!

Lunches: After the understandable problems of trying to find people with houses big enough (and enough cutlery and crockery!) to provide lunch for up to 20 students, this year we've managed to secure Red Café! So, get together with your friends, families, small group members, prayer partners and sign up – there's also a dishwasher at the Café so no washing up to do afterwards!

We'd also appreciate your prayers for the student work, particularly over the next couple of months. Finding a new church at university can be a difficult process, and it's an important part of the first term for any Christian fresher. Our plan as student workers is just to help them to settle in as quickly as possible and provide the support that they may need whilst doing so.

And now for something not at all different

2007-08-24T03:24:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, August Bank Holiday weekend, we have an open meeting with bread and wine.

Lots of people will be away this weekend, on holiday or at Greenbelt or, in my case, at the Wales versus France rugby match in Cardiff. C'mon, Wales!

Things will start returning to normal the following week with September coming in, when the title of the meeting is 'Here's hoping.' Which could refer to the return to normality or something entirely different; that's all the clue I have been given, so come along and find out.

We were delighted to have an old face visit us last weekend. Angelo brought his fiancee, Fion, to meet us. We are hopeful that she will not have been put off marrying him.

And talking about visiting, lots of Lindenites will be packing their rucksacks and heading off for Ffald-y-brenin, in beautiful west Wales countryside, in a few weeks time. If you'd like to join them on this retreat (21-23 September) for good food for body and soul, email Linden and we'll send you details.
xx

So this is what happened last Sunday

2007-08-14T03:44:00.000-07:00

A paralysed man (Neil T) was lowered (climbed down inside) through the roof of a house (from the top of some scaffolding) by his friends (who dragged him out on a blanket).

Neil was going to be lowered from the scaffolding but Health & Safety officials decided it was too risky.

You can't say the meetings at Linden are boring.

(Well, you can but only sometimes.)

* * * * * * * * * *

Another very successful Playscheme has finished for the year, but the Community Cafe is still open at Red. If you haven't visited yet, why not?!! (Being in Australia is no excuse, Dr Millie!)

The cafe now includes a recycled bookstall. Paperbacks are a bargain at £1 and hardbacks are an unbelievable bargain at £2!

A busy summer

2007-07-31T02:57:00.000-07:00

Playscheme is underway here in Linden for the next two weeks.

Loads of fun and games for primary school kids.

10 am - 12 noon and 1 pm - 3 pm

And that's not all!

The Community Cafe is on at Red now and for the next five weeks.

Yummy snacks, cake and coffee in a very child-friendly atmosphere (lots of toys and space to play!)

11 am -4 pm Monday to Saturday

Meanwhile life goes on at Linden.

Next Sunday, 5th August, we have a guest speaker, Ntai Pheko, from Lesotho, who’ll be talking about the raising of the widow's son, from Luke 7: 11-17.

Let the little children come to me

2007-07-06T04:44:00.000-07:00

From Little Ones to Big Ones, we've got them all on Sunday mornings at Linden. The numbers have been increasing and we're bursting out of the building!

Chris wrote this for the Notices.

Blessing
One of the most moving traditions around the Hebrew Sabbath is the blessing of children each Friday night. There are lots of possible variations but the most common practice is for the father to put his hands on the child's head and recite the blessing.

Sometimes the blessing is followed by a kiss or by personal words of praise.

In some homes the mother gives the blessing together with the father and in other homes the mother gives the blessing in addition to the father. Sometimes the mother gives the blessing instead of the father.

In some homes each child gets up at the table and stands before the parent to receive the blessing, and in other homes the parent walks around the table and blesses each seated child.

One thing is sure - however a particular family does it - this sort of tradition of blessing is a powerful way of helping the child feel special and loved!

A month or so ago we took time to pray blessing over the younger children and babies at Linden – and there are lots of them. We had some stunning photographs up on the screen as we prayed God’s protection and blessing over their lives.

And it’s fantastic to have so many babies and children at Linden – and they keep coming! We really do see this as the blessing of God amongst us.

But with blessing comes responsibility – to pray, to care, to nurture and support. And this is a real challenge, for in and around Linden each week there at more than 100 children and young people who we believe God is asking us to ‘bless’. And that is best expressed in practical ways by being involved. And we really do need more people to be involved. Why not find out how you might be able to help?

Our prayer is that God would enable Linden to be a great community in which to grow up. A place where young lives are invested in and self-esteem is encouraged; where faith is nurtured and love never fails.

* * * * * * * * * * *

This Sunday Chris is saying, 'Enough!' But I don't think he's referring to young people! If you're in the area, call in and find out what he is talking about. The meeting starts at 11 ... -ish (We started starting promptly at 11 and we're still not doing too badly at it ...)

Next Sunday, one of our old students, Sheron Green, is paying us a visit and will be telling us about her Adventures in Kenya.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Alun and Dave have now completed two weeks of their four week tour of primary schools with their play, 'Don't waste it!' They're visiting 27 schools in that time, and the strain of working for two hours a day is telling on them.

And it's hello from me and it's hello from him

2007-06-15T05:06:00.000-07:00

This Sunday we have Tendai Mbeserah from Pantygwydr Church visiting us.

And in the evening we have a prayer meeting primarily for Lynne Porter and family. The meeting is at 7.00 pm at the Browns'.

The following Sunday, 24th June, we're starting a new series on the miracles in Luke. Alun is taking the lead with the story of the centurion's soldier.

We still have several rails full of ladies's clothing (new) for sale. Garments are £2 each so if you're in Linden on the next few Sundays, take a look and pick yourself up a bargain.

Next Saturday, Neil Thomas is leading a Mumbles Way Walk. Based around the old turnpike road from Blackpill to the George, it promises to be interesting. If you'd like to go along, meet at the Clyne Country Park car park opposite the Junction Cafe at 10 am. It's possible to just go along for part of the walk; call Neil Thomas on 402681 to find out timings.

Please pray

2007-06-12T03:47:00.000-07:00

Lynne Porter is about to start a course of chemotherapy. For more information, please email Linden.

Here come da judge

2007-06-08T05:21:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, Mrs S. Brown JP, Mr J Matthews PO, and Mrs A. Loring BPO, are speaking on Crime and Punishment, that well-known novel by Dostoevsky. (I have to do a Presley-style curl to my lip to say that.)

The following week, June 17th, Tendai Mbeserah, is visting us from Pantygwydr.

Please pray

2007-05-30T04:14:00.000-07:00

Last night Rich Pyke had a major bleed in what was his good eye. You probably know that he has been having laser treatment to cauterise blood vessels and his eye-sight has been affected.

Please pray for him and Deni as they deal with this setback, and consider ways ahead.
xxx

red Community Cafe

2007-05-30T04:11:00.000-07:00

The Community Cafe at Red is open again this week. Every day from 11 am - 4.00 pm.

Home-made soups and cakes,snacks and lunches including smiley meals for children.

A very child-friendly cafe with toys, space and free internet access for under 16s.

Call in and bring your friends!

Wired and more

2007-05-18T04:46:00.000-07:00

Last weekend a group from Wired disappeared off to the Long Barn for a weekend of fun. More about that later on ...

This week we're delighted to welcome Steve Jenkins from Parklands as our guest speaker. Steve will be looking for lost sheep.

Next week, we have another visitor, this time from a bit further afield. Gareth Evans is coming all the way from Canada to be with us on the Global Day of Prayer.
We'll be joining with the church around the world as we pray for the 'healing of the nations'. As part of that we'd like to include prayers in whatever native tongues might be with us that day!

But before that ...
on Friday evening you are cordially invited to a Barbecue for Everyone! If you come to Bigfish, if you come to Wired, if you come to Linden, this barbecue is for you and your family. Come and enjoy a perfectly-flipped burger, perfectly flipped by your perfect burger flippers. Meet the children who come along to Bigfish, and their families; enjoy an evening of good food and company. Or Alun will be asking why not.

The Community Café will be open for the bank holiday weekend, May 26th - June 2nd, each day from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm. Come along and enjoy tasty baguettes, pesto pasta and home-made cakes. Tell all your friends about it and encourage them to call in!

Advance Notice

There will be clothing sales at Linden on the 9th and 23rd June between 10 am and 2 pm. We have lots of good-quality ladies’ clothing to sell - we might have some clothes suitable for ladies of lesser quality too - and they're all NEW! Come and grab yourself a bargain, and help us raise funds at the same time.

Tell your friends about it too.
If you have any rails and hangers we could borrow, please ring the church office on 01792 403777.

Wired!

A report back from Jessica Lewis

The wired weekend was great there is too many words too describe it with Alan, Chris, Dave and Heather taking there was nothing that could possibly go wrong!!!
We started off driving up for 1 hour and a half in the mini-bus or in Alan’s car. As I was in the mini-bus I heard that the car had a great journey but we had to stop at the services to find Alan to follow us up to Longbarn (as Alan got lost.)
We arrived in Longbarn unpacked had a talk, ate some tea and played sardines as it is a Longbarn tradition. We had a bedtime curfew at 11 every night.
The next morning we had to be up by 9 to have breakfast, after breakfast many of us played on the dance mat or played a game of pool and we had a group talk. Later after lunch which I must admit was very delicious we went into town to get some chocolate.
When we arrived back most of the girls were lying on the sofas watching ‘cool runnings’ in there sleeping bags with the curtains closed!!!
Later that night after tea we had another group meeting and many people got very upset as the talk was very upsetting. Once again we played sardines and had to go to sleep.
Next morning up at nine again for breakfast, playing on the dance mat, playing games of pool and having another group meeting, this time we had a competition and my group won! Some of the girls made a documentary which you might be delighted to see and to top up that, the girls made up a song called ‘lord lovers’ and our group name is ‘golden angel-z.’ We are hoping to make up another song very soon called ‘peaceful prayers’. Then unfortunately the weekend was about to end, so we had to pack and then as a last game for the weekend we had a hunt we had to look for the jelly babies wrapped in the foil scattered around Longbarn and then the group with the most amount won a galaxy bar.
Overall the weekend was superb I could even manage to write a whole list of amazing words starting with a all the way down to z.

Normal service is resumed

2007-05-11T03:25:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since this blog was updated - apologies to our many readers!

We've started on a new teaching series covering the miracles of Jesus as related by Luke. This Sunday, Helen and Andy Hunter are looking at the Good Samaritan.

Next week we have a visiting speaker: Steve Jenkins from Parklands Church will be looking for lost sheep and coins.

Meanwhile big congratulations to Cath and Andre on the birth of Aaron (pronounced Aron and not Aeron thus depriving Alun of the opportunity to say, "Keep your 'air on!")

* * * * * * * * * *

The Community Café will be open at Red again for the bank holiday weekend, May 26th - June 2nd. Tell all your friends about it and encourage them to call in for paninis, cream teas and home-made cakes. Oh, and come yourself!

Community Cafe - children welcome!

2007-04-03T05:47:00.001-07:00

Don't forget the Community Cafe is open at Red all next week (Monday - Friday) from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm.

Call in for yummy snacks, light lunches, tea and cake. Very child-friendly with toys, smiley meals and space!

Breast-feeding friendly! Locally-sourced foods, all vegetarian.

Red Cafe, opposite Southend Park in Mumbles.

Some Easter titbits

2007-04-03T05:38:00.002-07:00

A New York art gallery has decided to cancel an exhibit of a chocolate sculpture of Jesus Christ after protests by a US Catholic group.
The Roger Smith Hotel housing the gallery decided to cancel the exhibition after the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights called for a boycott.

Read the full story here.

The BBC filmed the Christmas Songs of Praise and the Easter Songs of Praise on the same day.
After filming the Christmas edition, flowers were swapped, lighting boosted and congregation members reportedly asked to shed their winter coats to record the show for the Spring time festival.

Read the story here.

A very happy Easter to you

2007-04-03T05:38:00.001-07:00

And there's more!

2007-03-30T03:45:00.001-07:00

Along with other major players in the chocolate industry, Nestlé USA committed to ending child labour on cocoa farms by July 2005, but the abuse continues. To petition Nestlé USA to take action, go here:
http://www.unionvoice.org:80/campaign/Nestle07/step1

You can edit the letter (and amend the American spelling) as you wish before emailing it.

* * * * * * * * * * *

This coming Sunday, 1st April, Steve Coupe is unpacking Palm Sunday.

And on Easter Day, it's Tales of the Unexpected.

* * * * * * * * * * *

The Community Cafe is again open at Red Cafe during the Easter holidays. From Monday to Friday for the next two weeks, you can call in between 11 am and 4 pm for coffee and cakes, snacks and soups.

Situated on Mumbles Road, just opposite Southend Park, the cafe is very child-friendly with sofas and toys, and children's meals. A lot of the produce is fairtrade and completely vegetarian.

The latest addition

2007-03-30T03:27:00.001-07:00

Kezia, Debbie and Eyob's daughter, is named after a daughter of Job (Eyob).

Holiday souvenirs

2007-03-30T03:17:00.001-07:00

If you're going on holiday this year, spare a thought for the workers left behind.

In the Linden office we have a special Tack - sorry, Souvenir - Shelf, and it's ready and waiting for the your holiday reminder.

The tackier, the better!

A blast from the not-too-distant past

2007-03-30T03:12:00.001-07:00

Our own little Latino, Angelo, came a-visiting this week for interrogation about his fiancee and plans for the future. It was good to see him and we look forward to meeting Fie in the summer.

What is it that's frightened Alun?

2007-03-30T02:38:00.001-07:00

Alun was taking down the Stop the Traffik banner when something frightened him; what could it have been?

Answers in the Comments box, please, and there's a prize for the best one!

A future number 10?

2007-03-23T11:58:00.000-07:00

Big congratulations to Jon and Becky Matthews on the birth, on Saturday 17th March, of their first child, Rowan James. (Named after the illustrious Mr Hook who played such a game-winning part in Wales's victory over England.)

Aidan Mackenzie arrived safely on Monday, 12th March - no photo available yet - so now we're just waiting to hear from Debbie and Eyob. The rash - sorry, rush - of babies continues with Cath and Heidi later on in the Spring.

Lots of love, prayers and blessings to them all.

BANNED!

2007-03-15T12:13:00.000-07:00

You may be interested to know that this blog is banned in China!

But our website isn't. Yet.

To find out if your blog or website is banned, go here.

Xploring

2007-03-15T11:28:00.000-07:00

Jesus spent lots of time on the beach so we figured that was good enough reason for Xplore to be there too.

Better late than never

2007-03-15T11:19:00.000-07:00

On a beautiful morning at the beginning of February a group of Lindenites did a Run of Perseverance.

They ran from Pennard to the Cenotaph in Brynmill, stopping along the way to pray for Iraq. The run was the idea of Cathy Hancox who'd been inspired on hearing the phrase, 'run of perseverance'. She felt that perseverance would be needed in praying for any change in the situation in Iraq.

Some walkers joined the runners for the later stages of the event and they all gathered at the Cenotaph for some finishing-off prayers.

Amazing Grace

2007-03-09T05:21:00.001-08:00

We've been offline for a couple of weeks due to problems with the internet but we're back now and with Broadband! Yippee!

Important news to begin with: Angelo is engaged and hoping to marry Fi in the autumn. Big congratulations to both of them! I would have posted a photo here of them - if Angelo had remembered to email it to me!

Sian Thomas, who'll be given away by Paul, marries Paul here tomorrow, Saturday, 10th March. We pray blessings on their marriage and their life together.

On Sunday morning, Helen Crawford is speaking about baptism.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

There were approximately 4 million slaves living when the Abolition Bill was passed on 25 March 1807. Today, more than 12 million people live in forms of modern-day slavery, including forced labour on farms, domestic service – even drug trafficking or sex work."

On Saturday 24th, we’re having a Freedom Day Drop-in where you’re invited to come along, find out more, pray, watch some short films and sign a petition. That’s followed in the evening by a short multi-media presentation on Slavery Today.

On Sunday 25th, with churches all over the UK, we’ll be celebrating Amazing Grace Sunday.

Freedom Day (Saturday)
2.00 – 5.00 pm Drop-in
7.00 – 8.00 pm Slavery Today

Amazing Grace Sunday
11.00 am What can one person do?

Running to Romania

2007-02-23T10:54:00.000-08:00

Louise and Nathan are going to Romania in April to work with a charity, Reach Out and Touch Romania, and they’re doing some fund-raising to pay for their food and travel costs. Part of it is a sponsored 5k walk/run from West Cross to Brynmill (Nathan running, Louise walking!) at 3pm on Sunday March 18th.

If you’d like to run with them and raise money or their behalf, they’d be totally thrilled. On the other hand, you could just sponsor them! There’s a form on the noticeboard in Linden to sign up or just speak to one of them. Or email Linden and we'll pass on the message.

That's Louise in the photo with a man - not Nathan - on a horse.

The first humanitarian aid trip by the charity Reach Out and Touch Romania in 1992 followed on from an initial visit organised by Soar Baptist Church in Beaufort, South Wales in 1991.

Regular trips have since been made, centering on the villages of Virfurile and Halmagiu, in the west of the country. In the past many tonnes of food, medical supplies, toiletries, clothes, shoes and much more have been donated. At the present time, they are supporting the upkeep of a retirement home in Halmagiu and the setting up of a nursery school in Virfurile.

The next trip is planned for March 2007.

Retirement Home in Halmagiu
The home was opened recently to provide accommodation for the elderly who often have no pension to support them in retirement and would otherwise be forced to live on the streets.

Nursery Unit in Virfurile
The school is to be housed in an extension to the village Baptist Church and in order to complete the building work money is needed to purchase windows and doors, and to have the building wired and plastered. It then needs to be carpeted and furnished before being equipped with toys and educational items.
When completed, the nursery will be a safe haven for young children who otherwise would have to accompany their parents to work, often involving long, hot days in the fields.

The 'F' Word

2007-02-16T12:45:00.000-08:00

Chris and Alun are continuing - still - with the theme of 'one another' on Sunday, this week, looking at the 'F' word. (No, I don't know what that means either.)

All through next week, half-term, the Community Cafe is running at Red again.

The cafe will be open from 11 am to 3.00 pm each day for coffee and cake, soup and snacks, pasta and potatoes. With special Smiley Meals for children, and a wide range of Fairtrade goods, it's the place to eat this half-term!

With chips and tomato sauce, please

2007-02-16T03:05:00.001-08:00

The old - sorry, Dave - and the new

2007-01-29T04:00:00.001-08:00

Dave, who was a volunteer at Linden but is now employed with us, was 21 last Friday.

The excitement of Sunday's dedication was just too much for Abigail (seen here with happy mum and proud Uncle Olly).

And for Kiefer, the youngest guest.

This'n'that

2007-01-26T06:08:00.001-08:00

This Sunday we have our first guest speaker of 2007. We're pleased to welcome Phil Davies from Dunvant Gospel Hall.

This Sunday also sees the dedication of Abigail Wilson. It'll be great to have Abigail's family and friends here with us for the meeting and a lunchtime buffet.

Some elderly householders in Mumbles have been approached by a well-spoken, well-dressed boy of about 10-12, who asked them to sponsor him in aid of West Cross Fellowship.

Neither we nor West Cross Community Church collect money door-to-door. If we ever did, we would not send young people alone and without ID.

Please tell this to as many people as you can!

Rachel and Jared are off to Goa next. Follow their adventures by reading their blog (see link on right).

Next Saturday, (3rd February), the Run of Perseverance for Iraq happens . Leaving at 10 am from Phil's house, a group of runners will be heading for the Cenotaph in Brynmill, stopping every mile along the way to pray about the situation in Iraq. If you'd like to join in, call the Linden office on 403777.

If you've got young children, take them to the Parents’ Morning at Red café on Tuesdays from 10 am till 12 noon. Meet and talk with other parents while the children play in a child-safe environment.

Sammy Horner, Celtic rock musician, is appearing at Zac’s Place on Sunday, 11th February. The latest piece of commissioned art on the theme of the Beatitudes, a poem by Stewart Henderson, will also be unveiled. All welcome.

The Dynamic Duet

2007-01-19T07:40:00.000-08:00

On Sunday Chris and Al (again) continue with the 'one another' theme, this week looking at hospitability. Don't they make a lovely pair?

They are available for hire (for children's parties, weddings and bungee jumping).

Happy New Year!

2007-01-09T11:45:00.000-08:00

A belated blog start to the New Year here at Linden.

First of all, big congratulations to Chris and Carol on their engagement! See what going to Hong Kong does for you?

Over the first two months of this year we're going to be looking at ' ... one another.' Last Sunday Chris spoke about encouraging one another; next Sunday, he and Alun are asking us, 'Can you hear it?' when they talk about harmony.

We're also having a number (3) of special meetings to look at what's good and what needs improving about Linden. The first one was last night.

The turn-out was amazing, and many and varied opinions were expressed. Linden's strengths were seen to be its relaxed style, the way people are accepted for who they, its creativity, the family; in typical Linden-fashion though, its strength in being laidback was also seen as a possible weakness.

There are two more meetings when some of the issues raised will be looked at in more detail. Sunday, 21st January, at 7.00 pm and Monday,12th February, at 8.00 pm

Happy Christmas!

2006-12-22T09:36:00.000-08:00

Students, Chris and Carol, are in Hong Kong right now until 31st December. To check their progress or to find out what they're doing there, visit their blog:

http://chrisandcarol.wordpress.com:80/

Meanwhile back in West Cross, Linden workers, trustees and tenants had Christmas lunch together and were visited by Secret Santa.

A very happy Christmas and a peaceful, healthy and joyful New Year to one and all (and especially Andy Millie!)

New baby

2006-12-08T11:15:00.000-08:00

Big congratulations and lots of love to Rachel and Craig on the birth of Evan Keifer.

Evan arrived a few weeks early and weighed in at 4 lb 9 oz.

The spirit of Christmas

2006-12-07T11:00:00.000-08:00

A portal has been discovered.

Actually it's been set up, which isn't quite the same, but is almost as exciting. And here's the address http://www.zacsplace.spendandgive.co.uk

What happens if you enter the portal? That's what you're longing to know, I can tell.

You won't go spinning through time or space.
You won't come face to face with Voldemort or Gandalf.
You won't be exterminated by a dalek.
You won't even find a potion that says 'Do not drink'.

But you will help raise money for Zac's Place. At no cost to yourself!

Apparently the portal is a magic little doorway and if you go to another site from it and buy something on that site, it blows fairy dust onto the proprietors who are so happy that they give pennies to Zac's. Or something like that.

And you know what your granny said about pennies. 'Look after the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves.'

So put the portal in your Favourites and when you're shopping at HMV or Amazon or Marks & Spencers or a whole host of other online retailers, go there from the portal.

And be a fairy this Christmas.

P.S. If you click on the link you'll get some sense about this very excellent scheme.

Advent Voices

2006-12-05T15:15:00.000-08:00

The auction was a great success raising nearly £4,000!

Big thanks to everyone who donated or bought or both!

The next fund-raiser for Mutende is going to be Linden Titbits, a collection of favourite recipes. This will be in laminated flip-page format and available for the amazing price of - I'll have to check that out but it will be worth every penny.

That will be ready for the Christmas Concert that happens this year on Sunday, 17th December, at 7.00 pm. If you've been before you'll know it's worth coming, and if you haven't been, you'll have to take my word for it!

So bring family and friends but come early as it's always full to balloon-bursting.

Before that, to get into the Christmas spirit, go along to Carols at the Pier on 12th December from 6.30 - 7.30 pm. Aly Loring on keyboard will be leading the singing in the Pier Cafe, and there'll be mince pies and mulled wine.

Last Sunday Tim Oakes spoke in the first of our Advent Voices series. Next Sunday Andy Hunter will be continuing by looking at John the Baptist and repentance. The week after that, it's Phil and the Wednesday Group on Mary and obedience.

And the very latest news!

2006-11-21T14:15:00.000-08:00

Lot Number 48
Jamie will video an event (wedding, party, christening etc) with semi-pro camera and edit to make a five-minute DVD

As well as the auction and FREE Thanksgiving supper of turkey rolls and pie, there's to be African drumming and dance performed for your entertainment!

Be there!

Latest Lots

2006-11-21T10:40:00.000-08:00

There are a couple of corrections to the list of lots for the auction.

Lot 1, the mirror, is not available; lot 34, have your shed sorted by Jared - all profits made from a car boot sale or ebay will go to the winning bidder - who can, of course, donate it to Mutende if he or she so wishes!

Now some extra lots:

All Soul’d Out band to perform at a party, wedding etc
Two prints of water lilies
One hour’s riding lesson or hack (Clyne Farm)
A half-day canoeing session for four (Breakout)
A black limousine to transport up to 7 people to and from an evening out in Swansea (Pressdee’s)

For your delectation and delight

2006-11-17T15:36:00.000-08:00

Next Saturday evening (25th November) sees the long-awaited Thanksgiving Supper and Charity Auction. Admission (and supper of turkey rolls and apple pie) is free; we just want you to spend your money in the auction. All the proceeds will be going to our fund for the Mutende Children's Village in Zambia.

We're accepting bids by post - as long as they arrive before Saturday! Our address is Linden Christian Centre, Elm Grove Road, West Cross, Swansea SA3 5LD.

And now here is the list of items for sale!!

Mirror (by Nigel)
Chocolate cake (Nick)
One babysitting session (Rachel B)
A painting of Mumbles (John)
A two-hour ski lesson for up to 6 people (Alex)
A raclette
A car valeting service for up to two cars (Barney)
Evening sauna and drinks for 4 people
A two-hour boat cruise, Port Eynon to Worm’s Head
A rain-maker
Have your house spring-cleaned (Andre)
An Eastenders script, signed by Dot Cotton
A collectible porcelain doll
An introductory Cambodian lesson (Siobhan)
A large piece of art (by Nigel)
A cake a month for a year home-baked by Sue
One babysitting session (Rhiannon)
Two golf drivers
A meal cooked by Dave B
Five Hand-made cards (Hannah M)
100 bounces (Sarah M)
Banana cake (Zoe M)
A shiatsu session with Kate
A studio session with Andy Hunter to create your own track
A family photo portrait, framed (Rachel B)
A series of 4 drum lessons (Pete)
A basket of nail care goodies
A celebration cake with a personalised message of your choice
A miniature rugby ball signed by Dwayne Peel
Two framed original colour drawings, African portraits by Sally
A two-hour ski lesson for up to 6 people (Alex)
Six sessions of baby-sitting from CRB-checked babysitter (Chris B)
A weekend in a cottage in Mumbles
Bo’s Fruit Cake
Cut and blow dry with a professional hair-dresser (Lynne Brown)
Have your closet or shed sorted by Jared who will dispose of or car-boot-sale or ebay any unwanted items (with profits going to Mutende)
Single-bed quilt, your choice of colour and pattern
A course of 5 personal training sessions (Jules)
When I Wake, When I Sleep, (acrylic, pastels, watercolour, metallic pen on artist's board), framed, 16" by 12", by Vicky P
A special weekend at Highmead Guesthouse in Port Eynon
A professional Nail Treatment session including hand and arm massage, manicure, cuticle care, and shape and polish (Amanda Rutterford)
Evening sauna and drinks for 4 people
A Swedish buffet for 10 prepared for you – and washing-up done

Echoes ... echo ... echo ...echo

2006-11-10T13:26:00.000-08:00

This Sunday we're delighted to be welcoming an old friend, Mike Nicholson, as our guest speaker. He's going to be looking at the next subject in the Echoes of a Voice series: Made for each other - Relationships.

And in the evening there'll be more Rumours of Glory as you're invited to meet at 7 at Linden for an hour or so of prayer, worship and prophecy.

And next week, Rich Pyke is going to be talking about Echoes of a Voice: For the Beauty of the Earth.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

It's been a quietish week in the Linden office with nothing much happening. That will all change as soon as certain people realise that the next issue of the magazine, In Touch, should have been published this Sunday, and they ask the Administrator why it wasn't.

A catalogue is also due to be published listing the lots to be auctioned in the charity auction on Saturday, 25th November. There are all sorts of things available and we're accepting sealed bids prior to the day, so if you can't be with us there's no excuse or reason for not bidding. So whether you fancy a sauna and drinks with Aly or a cake a month from Sue, keep your eyes on this blog, where the catalogue will be published simultaneously.

On the same day as the auction, Wales play the All Blacks. Kick-off is at 5.00 pm and you're invited to join others at Red Cafe to watch the game, and enjoy nibbles and a lively discussion, before hurrying up to Linden for the auction and Thanksgiving supper.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Never say life at Linden is boring!

The next bright idea somebody came up with is to produce a Linden recipe book just in time for Christmas (more work for the Administrator!) so if you know someone who makes a delicious cake/pudding/curry/soup/bread - you get the picture - put their name forward. Or if you make something that everyone says is delicious, send the recipe in today to Linden. All profits will be going to the Mutende fund.

A fresh start

2006-11-03T14:30:00.000-08:00

It never fails. Leave something for long enough in the In tray and it can be thrown away.

The Linden In tray is now nice and empty.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

This coming Sunday, 5th November, it's the latest of the Big Issues, when we're looking at belief in a multi-faith matrix, followed by lunch for students and anyone who'd like to stay on.

The following week it's Echoes of a voice: Made for each other - Relationship, in the morning and Rumours of Glory, an hour or so of prayer and worship, in the evening from 7.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

We're hoping to publish soon a catalogue of items for the charity auction on Saturday 25th November. If you've offered something, please confirm the details with Liz (who lost the original list when she wiped the drive clean); if you haven't offered anything yet, it's not too late! We're still on the look-out for items money can't buy (usually).

There's a thanksgiving supper the same evening with turkey and apple pie (which sounds rather like that two-ended pasty, the name of which escapes me - answers on a postcard please.) It's in aid of Mutende Children's Village in Zambia. We've raised over £10,000 so far this year and would love to make it £15,000 by the end of 2006.

So please come along and bring friends (rich ones preferably). Even if you've not got much money, please come, as there will be little things up for auction too. Plus admission (including supper) is FREE so you can't lose!

A little local difficulty

2006-10-25T13:30:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the IT expertise of the Linden Administrator, on Friday the hard drive of the office computer was wiped completely clean.

The benefits of this move should be obvious: a load of rubbish was deleted and the computer runs a whole lot faster.

On the down side, a number of slightly important but not irreplaceble files and documents were also lost.

Included in the 'useful but gone' category are email addresses.

The Administrator would be so pleased if you - if you want Linden to have your email address - were to drop an email to extremely.linden@lineone.net

Several people have asked the Administrator how she managed to wipe the drive clean. She would like to make it clear that it was not an easy thing to do and, in fact, took most of the morning.

fish and turkey

2006-10-13T16:02:00.001-07:00

A great harvest meeting followed by a delicious Rip-Off Lunch (soup and bread for £5) was enjoyed by loads of people last week. Well over £1,000 was raised towards the Mutende Children's Village Fund.

This week we're starting a new Sunday morning series, Echoes of a Voice. Tim Brown is speaking on Putting the World to Rights - Justice.

The series continues the following week with The Hidden Spring - Spirituality, with Chris. That meeting will be followed by lunch together for those who wish to stay, probably with baked potatoes and assorted fillings.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Half-term is approaching rapidly and that means the welcome return of the Community Cafe in Red. The first weekend (28-29 Oct) will be child-focused so if you have any hair-braiding, face-painting, story-telling, circus skills etc, please contact Kristina or Jared at the cafe (362122) to offer to help.

Otherwise if you'd be available to help with cafe itself, in the kitchen or on the till, volunteers would be welcome too.

* * * * * * * * * * *

We're still collecting items for our grand auction in November - on Thanksgiving weekend so we'll be having turkey too.

Can you offer a service or something money can't buy? Do you know any businessmen or craftsmen who'd be willing to donate something? A meal in their restaurant, a hair cut, a massage etc?

Contact Chris or Liz on 403777 if you can help.

New granny and gramps

2006-10-03T13:26:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Angela and John Percival, and to Adina and Leon on the birth

of Jedidiah Joel on 24th September!

If he grows up to be half as good a man as his uncle Jared, he'll be a star!

Please pray

2006-09-18T11:28:00.000-07:00

Those of you who know Rich Pyke will know that he is not one to seek attention! But he would be grateful if you could pray for him right now.

Rich has had an eye problem - a side effect of his diabetes - and he is having laser treatment for it. The weekly treatment, in which laser rays are shot into the back of the eye to seal tiny veins, is very painful and takes about 40 minutes a treatment (or as long as Rich can stand the pain!).

The doctors can't say if this treatment will be successful and Rich won't know for about 6 months. There are three possibilities:
1. that it is successful and Rich is left with reasonable eye-sight;
2. that it is partly successful and his eye-sight isn't too bad;
3. that it is unsuccessful and he suffers a serious deterioration in his eye-sight.

There is an added complication in that Rich is supposed to be taking up a new job in a different school in January. He has to decide in the next week and a half if he wants to take the new job with the added responsibility that it will bring.

There's one further problem: Rich currently has high blood pressure. He has had some blood tests and will find out on Wednesday if the high blood pressure is a result of the stress of the situation or something else.

Please pray for him and Deni.

This Sunday

2006-09-15T14:24:00.000-07:00

Glenn Miles is continuing our teaching series with God of gods.

Next week it's an open meeting with communion.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Thanksgiving Auction for Africa is planned for Saturday, November 25th - Thanksgiving Weekend in the US! An evening featuring turkey and generous bidding.

So, what can YOU do?
Cook a special meal for two, and provide the candles, soft music and, if required, waiter service?
Wash (and polish) a car once a week for 3 months?
Write and sing a song for a special person?
Prepare hanging baskets for next summer?
Provide tickets for a Six Nations game at the Millennium Stadium?
Create a website to order?
Take Olan-Mills-style family portraits?
Make a traditional Christmas pudding?
Give a course in Albanian/diy abdominal surgery lessons (not necessarily together)?
Offer personal training for a month?
Provide a personal financial service?
Give a manicure and hand massage?
Do a family’s ironing for a month?
Anything else? If you are able to help out with items or a promise, let Liz know.

Or do you know someone you could persuade to offer us something worth auctioning? A local business owner or craftsman? Again contact Liz.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

We have a desk, a Mazda car, a stereo system and some Epson cartridges to give away. Let Liz know if you want any of them.

He loves to go a'cycling

2006-09-15T14:10:00.000-07:00

Paul Flynn, as mentioned in the previous post, completed a cycle ride through the Alps in aid of Guide Dogs for the Blind. To read all about the trip, visit Paul's blog
http://www.obsngobs.demon.co.uk/LeTour06.htm

The view from the top.

It's not too late to sponsor him! Post a message here and we'll get in touch with you.

Simply the best!

2006-09-08T13:15:00.000-07:00

Jordan Best has won the title of Swansea Young Person of the Month award for August!

Jared nominated Jordan for all the voluntary work he does in Red Cafe. While the Community Cafe was on in August, Jordan was an almost daily helper.

So congratulations to Jordan - and look out for his photo in the Evening Post.

Sundays and sponsors

2006-09-08T13:10:00.000-07:00

On Sunday Jared and Rachel are speaking, continuing on our theme of God... This week it's God our refuge. Next week, it's Glenn Miles on God of gods.

A number of people from Linden are taking part in the Macmillan Gower Walk tomorrow. That's 22 miles from Rhossili to Limeslade in aid of the Macmillan Cancer Fund. Nick, Joy, Sue L, and the Miles Family are walking and there may be others I don't know about. We wish you good feet for the trip and hope that you raise lots of money in an excellent cause.

Paul Flynn also recently completed an arduous bike ride in the Pyrennees in aid of the Guide Dogs Association. (The photo shows Paul Flynn, MP for Newport as I don't have a photo of our Paul Flynn.)

If you'd like to retrospectively sponsor any of these, send your cheque to Linden and I'll make sure it gets passed on.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

With the start of a new academic year classes and activities that had stopped for the summer all pick up again.

On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evening we've got Thrive circuit training (call Julian on 363466 for more info).

Tuesday evening at 6.30 Jackie's aerobics class is on.

We have a Basic Skills class on Tuesday morning, 9.30 am, and quilting on Wednesday and Friday mornings 9.30 am.

Plus Parents & Toddlers on Tuesday and Friday afternoons, 1.30 - 3.00 pm, Bigfish Friday evening, 6.30 - 8.00 pm and Exist, Friday 8.00 pm.

Bigfish is for 5-11 year-olds while Exist is for year 6 onwards.

Adverts and suchlike

2006-08-25T12:26:00.000-07:00

Last year Andy Hunter made it to number 115 in the top 100 DJs poll. Help push him over the limit this time by going and voting for him here
http://djmagtop100.factorylabs.com/vote.php

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Are you THRIVING?
It’s been shown that by introducing a moderate amount of exercise into your daily life, you can significantly improve your overall health, well-being and quality of life.

It also makes you more bendy!

So what are you waiting for?

Call Julian today on 363466 to sign up for the next Thrive circuit training class

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Lots of people are away this weekend at Greenbelt or on hols, but those of us left are having an open meeting with communion. Usual start time i.e. some time after 11 am.

The following Sunday, 3rd September, Chris and Barbara are speaking on God, the strength of my heart.

'Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (justice), for they will be filled'....

2006-08-22T12:01:00.000-07:00

Zac's Place, church for ragamuffins, has commissioned 8 pieces of artwork based on the 'Beatitudes' of Christ in Matthew's Gospel. This week they took delivery of Anthony Jones' contribution of an oil based work.

Sean Stillman, of Zac's Place, says, 'Have a ponder, think Nestle, think corporate faceless America shafting the poor.'

This piece, and the other completed works, will be on exhibition at Greenbelt this weekend.

For more information about anything to do with Zac's Place go to Sean's blog or to the Zac's Place website (see left column).

Mark & Jen's wedding

2006-08-19T18:30:00.000-07:00

Kit read a poem written by an Indian Elder.

Jen and Mark exchanged vows led through by Chris.

And some wedding guests.

Now is the time to wield a sigh

2006-08-18T13:11:00.000-07:00

After two years of non-stop solid slog, the members of our trusty, helpful, caring, wonderful, talented Team are leaving us for adventures new.

Like volunteering with Alun and making baguettes.

But they'll tell us more about their plans on Sunday when we say goodbye to them.

And Debbie and Eyob are talking about God our Saviour.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Anyone interested in some general admin/data entry work in the near future for about 5-10 hours a week – flexi hours and above minimum wage – please speak to Janet or email Linden.

That's just like what I do. In fact ... is there something they're not telling me?

* * * * * * * * * * * *

I forgot to say big thanks to Maria and all the staff and volunteers who’ve made the Community Café a success. Look out for the next one in October!

What do you think?

2006-08-18T12:25:00.000-07:00

Today is the last day of the Community Cafe.

Has it been a success?

It probably hasn't brought in the income necessary to make it viable but it has been well-received by those who've used it.

Some lessons have been learned such as we need teapots and to offer decaffeinated coffee (and latte and cappucino etc). These lessons and lots of others will no doubt be remedied before the cafe's next outing in October.

I think it's been great but it needs something different about it to make it stand out from the rest and worth a special trip. Offering organic and fairtrade products probably aren't enough.

That's just what I think. What do you think?
Have you helped in the cafe?
What do you think would make it more attractive?
Have you visited/eaten there?
Is the menu adequate?
What else should be on offer?

This is a Community Cafe so, come on, community, respond!

The photos show some of the dedicated helpers. From top: Amy, Jourdan, Josh and Jess.

Scooby dooby doo

2006-08-11T12:05:00.000-07:00

It was 'come as a cartoon character' today for the last day of playscheme. Alun came as Shaggy - I wish I'd had my camera with me.

We also had Tinkerbell, Inspector Gadget and Otto wandering about. But that's fairly normal for us.

Playscheme has been a great success with over 30 children attending each day.

The Community Cafe has one more week to run. Trade has been variable but those who've not been deterred by the lack of chips and burgers on the menu have been appreciative.

A number of the cafe workers have been young people who normally attend Red's evening sessions. They've worked hard and been a great asset. It's been especially good for the customers to see the different ages working together - one of the aims of the scheme - and for those of us who aren't normally involved to meet them.

* * * * * * * * * * *

This Sunday, Nick Burton is stalking about our God of compassion and grace. Obviously it would be very hard to stalk God so I hope Nick will have given up by Sunday and will come and talk to us instead.

(Meanwhile, in an email, Janet puts me in the same sentence as the word troll. I am not sure if she is referring to my hairy feet or my habit of lurking under bridges.)

Next Sunday we will be saying goodbye to, and praying for, the team of volunteers who have been with us for two years (or six months). Even though we're saying goodbye, only some of them are going, proving once again that Swansea is the graveyard of ambition.

Announcing the Amazing Autumn Auction

2006-08-08T11:35:00.000-07:00

Since last Christmas we have raised £8,744.15 for the building project at Mutende Children's Village in Zambia.

We didn't quite know how to follow up the parachute jump but a few people have suggested we hold a charity auction in mid-October. And that's what we're going to do!

If you are willing to donate any quality items (from original artwork to a CD/MP3 player) or you are able to offer a service (from babysitting, carwashing or gardening to surfing lessons, preparing a gourmet meal for four or a personalised quilt) then let Chris or Liz know. We'll be producing a pre-auction catalogue complete with full details and guide prices to whet appetites before the big day!

STOP PRESS ... STOP PRESS ... STOP PRESS ... STOP PRESS

Already donated for auction:

a private session in Aly's sauna;

a champagne break in a Gower B&B;

a studio session with top DJ, Andy Hunter;

original artwork.

Berry smooth

2006-08-04T13:33:00.000-07:00

The first week of playscheme is almost over and Alun has survived. Just.

How traumatised the children attending are I wouldn't like to say, but they keep coming back.

Another week of playscheme and another two weeks of the Community Cafe to go.

The cafe is being very well-received. Lots of lovely comments have been left in the Visitors' Book and only John Sampson has complained.

If you're in the area and you haven't called in yet (or even if you have, come again!) do try and find time to get there. Sample a hummus and spinach baguette (my personal favourite), a berry smoothie or luscious carrot cake (or carrot soup). Take friends and relax in pleasant surroundings with lovely staff to cater for your every whim. (Or some of them at least.)

In fact, you could go down after church on Sunday - it's open seven days a week - for a lunchtime snack.

Speaking of Sunday, Neil Thomas will be doing that, continuing with the theme of the psalms, on the subject of God, our rock.

And the following week, we have Nick Burton, retiree, on God of compassion and grace.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

On Wednesday, Norman Bifield, course facilitator/ lecturer is visiting Red Cafe at 5pm to chat to those who may be interested in taking up the Youth Work Foundation Training Course. This is the first important step towards gaining a recognised qualification in Youth Work.

Anyone interested should turn up at the cafe or speak to Jared.

Nutty

2006-08-01T13:08:00.000-07:00

Playscheme started yesterday. About thirty children a day are attending so far - though how many will come back this afternoon after Alun scared the life out of them this morning is questionable.

The badge-making equipment is in full swing. They asked if I'd like to make one but I said I'd rather it if someone made one for me. 'I want one that says "Liz" without actually saying it,' I explained.

Dave brought me one that says, 'you are what you eat', accompanied by a drawing of a packet of KP Nuts. I can't imagine what that's supposed to mean.

Playscheme is on every weekday for the next two weeks from 10 am to noon, and 1 pm to 3 pm. Free fun for everyone!

Seen in Debenhams' window

2006-07-31T13:44:00.000-07:00

Life without passion is unforgivable.

Discuss.

Now Open!

2006-07-25T11:00:00.000-07:00