Family Circle Page 7

After four Coffee Mornings we have raised £56.05 towards a small table for the church entrance. We would like to see more people attending the Coffee Mornings. We would all like to see some fresh faces. The next Coffee Morning on 2nd February included hot chocolate and also a Children's Colouring Competition (no age limit). Will let you know next time how much we raise.

As in previous years there will be Communion Services every Wednesday morning during Lent 2002 to which all the circuit are invited.

13th February	at Kempston East	led by Rev Brian Trudgian
20th February	at Ampthill	led by Rev Gaynor Hall
27th February	at Cranfield	led by Rev Paul Chesworth
6th March	at Cardington	led by Rev Brian Trudgian
13th March	at Kempston East	led by Rev Alan Ponting
20th March	at Marston, Bedford Road	led by Rev Paul Chesworth

			Feb 5th	Desert Island Discs
			12th	Norfolk - Harold Brown
			19th	The Librarian
			26th	Devotional evening - Rev Paul Chesworth
			Mar 5th	Home Missions - Scout Chaplain
			12th	Guild Get-together
			19th	Bogle Evening
			26th	Easter Devotional - Rev Gaynor Hall

Ampthill's Covenant Service this year was extra special. It was a time to give thanks to George Frost who has recently completed fifty years of Property Stewardship. This is an appreciation from Ampthill Church.

Ampthill Methodist Church has had many faithful, long term workers during its existence, but no-one, and I stress no --one, has been more faithful over a period of 50 years plus than George Frost.

No matter what requires attention, as soon as George hears about it, he' s on the job. I'm sure many townspeople think he is a paid caretaker and as such can be approached on any subject any time of the day. His car won't pass the church without him going to check that everything is in order.

The first job he undertook over 50 years ago, was the filthy job of stoking the boiler. He frequently had to rush out of the stoke hole to get some fresh air -- the dust and fumes were dreadful! In very cold weather he would shovel half a ton of coke into the furnace over the weekend. No need to go to the gym for exercise after that!

Before George retired he had a very demanding job, but still managed to give 100% of his 'spare' time to church matters, often at cost to his health.

I'm afraid there have been many occasions when his hard work has been taken for granted -- perhaps we haven't given him as much support as we should and this needs to be remedied.

The one person who has supported him wholeheartedly, however, is his dear wife Ivy. She has always been so understanding and tolerant and together they have been a wonderful team and a great example to every one of us.

George and Ivy, you are much admired and appreciated by all in this church and we feel honoured to be numbered amongst your friends.

During the past year we at Clophill have lost some very good friends. Most have moved to other parts of the country and new experiences. Their losses have left empty spaces in our church which are hard to fill, but, with God's help, we will go forward in His name. Tea and Chat has been a source of friendship and we are told that it would be missed if we didn't continue. So, in that knowledge, we are meeting every Wednesday from 10.30 a.m. - 12 noon. We would love to see you.

Last year we were able to donate £261 to charity and £240 to our church. We are grateful for everyone's support.

The Magazine of the Methodist Church