Parish News Archive
30 June 2007 Supporting new beginnings in Wycombe
For a while now our church has been supporting the Old Tea Warehouse, a hostel for homeless, vulnerable and needy people in High Wycombe. The hostel provides purpose built accommodation for 42 men and women, (although at present is mostly men) in a drug and alcohol free environment, close to the station. The aim is to support residents, helping them to become more independent, and eventually moving out into flats. Often when people come into the hostel they are hungry and have few belongings. Each week we have provided 'Welcome Boxes' of toiletries and essential non-perishable food, for those people coming off the streets. We have also sent donations of second-hand clothes; electrical items (microwaves, computers, televisions, and bedside lights); towels; single bedding; rugs; books and puzzles. Whilst continuing with the same support we are planning to build a starter pack for those moving out into flats. A big 'thank you' to everyone who has contributed, all our donations have been much appreciated.
29 June 2007 Patronal Festival
A huge 'Thank you' to everyone involved in last week's services. Our Patronal Festival was joyful and prayerful. Thank you to all the musicians who contributed - Singers and instrumentalists in the morning, Jordan Strings for great music during Cream Teas, and Fiona and her singers for a blissful Stabat Mater. Special thanks go to Douglas who almost moved in for the week-end and played wonderfully.
29 June 2007 Parish weekend
The week-end away was a fabulous time. We studied the life of St Peter with Mark and Jane, enjoyed their soap opera 'Capernaum Street', and had time for discussion and prayer. As you might expect of an evening organised by Nadine, we also have great fun on Saturday evening. Perhaps the greatest benefit was just the chance to get to know one another better. Thank you to everyone involved and specially to Joy who did all the organising. There will be another one - make sure you don't miss out!
21 May 2007 Fundraising Successes
This year, through our Lent project, we were able to give £693.42 to Marie Cates for the 'African Village Support'; so with the tax rebate from the gift aid forms the grand total came to £840.38. Marie will tell us about the work in a few weeks time, and sends her thanks to everyone - the money will be put to good use in the Ugandan Village. Thank you also so much to the people who relieved Sara of the 200 Christian Aid envelopes on Sunday. We are very lucky to have such generous people in our congregation.
14 May 2007 Fabulous new Guide
We have a great new guide and history of the church. It has been compiled by Wendy Phillips in memory of her parents - with advice from Mike Davis. She has given us these guides which we can sell at £2.00 each for church funds. Thank you Wendy!
8 May 2007 Harnessing the Power of Prayer
There have been two occasions recently when those involved have particularly welcomed knowing that a lot of our church family have been praying hard for a loved one undergoing serious surgery. The first was a request to pray for Anna Griffiths, our mission partner, when the specialists in Singapore thought she could have a potentially serious complication following her recent sinus surgery. However, an emergency MRI showed that she didn't. The second was a request to pray for Tom Bellamy, Neta Foote's grandson, who had to have operations for a life-threatening very rare skin condition. When he was being operated on during Sunday, 15 April, the surgeons thought that he would not survive, but he did. Anna’s and Neta's families felt very well supported by our prayers at the height of their concern and are, naturally, greatly relieved that all our prayers have been answered.
16 December 2006 New Bishop of Oxford
The next Bishop of Oxford will be the Rt Revd John Pritchard. Bishop John, who is 58, is currently Suffragan Bishop of Jarrow in the Diocese of Durham. He has previously been Archdeacon of Canterbury and Warden of Cranmer Hall in Durham. Bishop John has a special interest in mission and evangelism, and in new ways of framing and expressing the gospel. He is committed to world development issues and their relation to national and personal choices. He has an enthusiasm for equipping adults to be everyday disciples, and has long been involved in training for ministry. Bishop John said: "Coming to the Diocese of Oxford is an unexpected honour and privilege. Through the years I have looked at the Diocese from afar and much admired what I've seen. Little did I think I would have the opportunity to make a contribution to the life and vitality of the Diocese and the wider community. I shall give it everything I've got but will need to start with a great deal of listening and learning. Please be patient!"
10 December 2006 Glass screen has arrived
The glass screen by Nicolas Mynheer was delivered today. The dedication will take place during the Parish Communion service next Sunday, 17th December at 10am.
7 December 2006 Oldham Hall Quiz Evening
The annual quiz night held by the Oldham Hall committee is on Saturday, 13th January at 7.30 pm, prompt. Ticket s are £7.50 and £16 for 16 year olds and younger. Includes a fish and chip supper but bring your own drinks and nibbles. Money raised in aid of the Iain Rennie Hospice at Home. Call Derek James (862044) or Andrew Edwards (864610) for tickets
(Derek James)
4 December 2006 Our school is outstanding!
Many congratulations! - Great Missenden combined Cof E school (our school), has just had an Ofsted inspection. They achieved ‘outstanding’ in every area – this is the very highest mark possible - and across the board. We warmly congratulate Roz Thompson, all her staff, the support staff, the children and the governors. Special mention must also go to Julian Smith and Jim Osbond, whose wise and dedicated work as chair of Governors made a large contirbution to the high standards achieved.
6 October 2006 Another good cream tea season ends
Many thanks to all helpers and bakers at cream teas this season, plus all extra helpers who came at short notice which was a great help to us. We made £5,513 this year - down on last year, but a good sum all the same. I hope we have as good a season next year.
Rosie says: A very special thank you to Jeanette who has held it all together. This is such a valuable part of our ministry, enhanced this year with several wonderful afternoon concerts. So many people pass through our Church because of Cream Teas. It is a welcoming and generous thing to do for the community. It is also often exhausting. Thank you to everyone who contributes.
6 October 2006 £1,000 raised for Mexico
Thank you to everyone involved in making last Sunday morning so memorable. The lovely flowers, the music, and specially Lizzie and the young people who had put so much thought and prayer into the service. We raised about £400 which, with gift aid and the donations form the school will mean that we will be able to send in the region of £1.000 to the Mexican Church. The Pastor has written saying what a huge difference it will make, and we will get further news in a few months.
6 October 2006 Bishop Mike and wife injured in road accident
Please pray for Mike and Anthea and their family. Latest updates here
1 October 2006 St. Mary's Ballinger hosts first wedding
The sun shining, the church bedecked with pink and white flowers, porch garlanded, new carpet inside the porch, outside a much needed newly repaired path, all this framed by the decorated arch over the gate...St. Mary’s was ready to greet the first couple ever to be married there, now Mr and Mrs Tillyer. Derek was away so he had asked Donald to return and conduct our very special ceremony. Much to the relief of the associate wardens everything went without a hitch including squeezing the wedding party into the vestry to sign the register number one for wedding number one. The bride of course looked radiant, and everyone else looked very special including our little church! Afterwards we enjoyed champagne in the gardens of the cottages opposite, where Julia, Phil and their neighbours live.
(Judy Whymark)
22 September 2006 London Bridges Walk raises £150 for Children's Society
Thank you to everyone who gave us a donation towards the Children's Society following the London Bridges Walk. If anyone has anymore money they would like to donate, please hand it to Margaret Dixon. Thanks.
22 September 2006 Volunteers needed to lead Ecumenical Home Groups
Volunteers are being sought to lead ecumenical home groups during Lent in 2007. If you are interested, please let Rosie or David Perrett know. By volunteering now, you will be in a position to influence the choice of material to be used in the groups.
20 September 2006 Glass screen work begun
Work has commenced on the redesign of the South Transept. For more information about this exciting new addition see here.
10 September 2006 Rev Jo Gallant has joined our team
She began last week and will be preaching next week. The idea is to get to get to know each other gently and see how God wants to use her time here. Please introduce yourself!
6 August 2006 Lighthouse 2006 closes
A huge thank-you to everyone involved in Lighthouse this year. The heat made it extra challenging, but there was a really great atmosphere and lots of hot, sticky but happy children. A huge amount of love and sheer hard work goes into making Lighthouse so special. THANK YOU! Photographs have been published on the Lighthouse website - www.lighthousemissenden.org.uk
24 July 2006 Wyred Mission to Mexico
They're off! Please pray for all those who are going today – for good health and safe travels, for warm and easy friendships and for an exciting sense of God’s presence with them.
23 July 2006 Adele's farewell
Today is Adele’s last Sunday as our Children’s work leader. FOG will be holding their usual end of term BBQ, and would love to see past members of FOG - young people and helpers. This will be extra special as we say ‘thank you’ to Adele for all she has given us over many years. Everyone will then come up to the Church and we will thank her as a whole Church family. We have all been so blessed by her ministry.
16 July 2006 Congratulations to Jordan Strings!
Following a wonderful concert last week at cream teas, Elaine Bonner and her musicians went to Birmingham for a national competition and won! They were awarded the Certificate for an Outstanding Performance - the highest award. Fantastic! Well done and well deserved.
25 June 2006 Tesco/Sainsbury
Tesco/Sainsbury have stopped giving vouchers, but we are about to order the equipment – please give any vouchers to Margaret Dixon or put in the box at the back of church. Thank you all for your support (for GM C of E School).
11 June 2006 Erica Sage
Erica Sage completed her half marathon in aid of Breast Cancer Research and Cancer Care. Well done Erica!! She thanks everyone for their support, and would be grateful to receive your sponsor money or donation a.s.a.p.
25 May 2006 Christian Aid
The work of Christian Aid makes a real difference to the lives of thousands of people around the world, and we have just had Christian Aid week. They need our help all year round - so Nadine and Rosie have signed up to do a sponsored trek through the Sinai desert. They need your support to raise £1, 750 - plus a few pence extra for blister plasters! Details are at the back of the church, or visit: www.justgiving.com/NadineandRosie
18 May 2006 African Village Support
This is the charity which we supported as our Lent Project. They are producing a calendar for 2007, and each week will have a recipe accompanied by a photograph. Would any of us like to contribute? Further details are available at the back of the Church.
11 May 2006 Age Concern
Age Concern have offered a service for many years, to take those in need of medical care - Doctor's Surgery, Eyes, Dentist, Feet, Hospital etc. If anyone needs help or would be willing to volunteer as an occasional driver, please phone Liz Fulton (862078), or email liz@fulton2078.freeserve.co.uk.
11 May 2006 The Red Cross
The Red Cross holds a monthly Club Meeting at the Memorial Hall, Great Missenden on the 2 nd Wednesday of the month. Volunteer drivers are badly needed. Please ‘phone or email Liz Fulton (as above).
23 April 2006 Easter Collections
Thank you for your donations to the Easter collections this year, which totalled £493.57. This money will be divided equally between African Village Support (our Lent Project) and the Church Army (to support their work with homeless teenagers). If you still have not returned your Lent box, please bring it to Church as soon as possible?
16 April 2006 Cream Teas
Start Today, and then continue from 30 April until 24 September; all from 3:00pm to 5:00pm.
16 April 2006 Electoral Roll
Are you on the Electoral Roll? If not, and in order to be able to vote at the APCM, please contact John Martin (862606).
16 April 2006 Confirmation
The next Deanery Confirmation Service will be at Wendover on 16 July. At the moment we have one candidate, but there could be others. Please speak to Rosie about it if you are interested.
9 April 2006 Calling all instrumentalists!
We need to form a group of players for the Sundays when we are without an organ. We have been thrown back on our own resources due to an unforseen over-run by the organ builders. I suspect that we can manage fine - but please will you own up to your talent and join us for a few weeks so that the music remains dynamic for our services. Speak to Ian, Val or Rosie.
26 March 2006 10.00am it is!
We had a thoughtful discussion at the recent PCC (Wednesday, 15 March). Thank you all very much for expressing your opinions. This was a great help in the decision making process. The following is the extract from the minutes of that meeting - Rosie proposed: ‘We decide to move all our Sunday morning second services to the consistent time of 10.00am ’, which was seconded by Neta Foote and carried by 17 votes for, 3 against, with 1 abstention. The vote reflected pretty accurately the division of opinion within the church. As we have Mother's Day today at 10.00am and next week is the first Sunday, and then a one week gap until Easter Sunday, which is also at 10.00, we all felt that it would cause great confusion if we continued with a mixture of times. PLEASE tell all your friends! The 8.00am and 6.00pm services are of course unchanged.
27 January 2006 Community Vision for HP16
A new initiative to look at ways of improving life locally. If you wish to comment, please pick up a questionnaire at the back of the Church.
18 January 2006 Wyred mission to Mexico - Fundraising
The youth group are still available for odd jobs, please pick up a Youth Group Services leaflet or contact Lizzie Williams (867647) for more details.
Wyred 24 hour fast - At great personal discomfort, Wyred and Lizzie have successfully completed their 24 hour fast. If you promised money, please could you now pay up!
Do you hate ironing? Edna Little (863454) will do your ironing for £6 / hour, with all monies going to the fund for this trip.
12 January 2006 Where are they now?
If you have lost a hat, or gloves or some other small item of clothing, it could be in the church. There is quite a pile there including umbrellas. Next time you visit the church, have a look. Before your next visit to church, have a look at home. Perhaps you have taken one of the church tea towels to wash, or a towel from the toilet. We would love to see them returned. (Brenda Crocker, 863476)
12 January 2006 Sidesperson's rota
A new rota (for February to July) is being circulated. If you have volunteered as a sidesperson and have not received your copy by email, please collect it from the back of the Church.
8 January 2006 Christmas Collections
Collections over the Christmas period - to be donated to the nominated charities totalled £2,852, including £420 given at the Gateway School service. In addition, the St Peter & St Paul Christingle collection for the Children’s Society totals £447 to date whilst the collection at Ballinger raised £169.
8 January 2006 Organ Restoration Work starts!
It has been confirmed that the organ builders are definitely starting work tomorrow, Monday, 9 January. Sadly, this will mean that the building will need to remain closed during the week until they have finished. They are not quite sure how long this will be, because it depends how extensive the work proves to be, and they can only judge this once they take it apart!
8 January 2006 Changes to Parish Prayer Meetings
This month we are experimenting with a short day-time meeting on Tuesday as well as the Monday evening one. In the winter it is not always easy for everyone to make an 8.00pm start. Do come and pray for the work of the Church and other needs - you don’t have to pray out loud - promise!
1 December 2005 Cream Teas 2005
We had an excellent year with cream teas starting with a good day on Easter Sunday. This carried on throughout the summer with very good days for the May Bank Holiday and Flower festival Sunday. The Schubert with Scones on the last Sunday was an excellent day with good music from Janet Davey and her music pupils – this boosted our takings over the £6,000 mark. We did increase the price from £2.20 to £2.50 for the full cream tea and have had no complaints.
The Roald Dahl Centre has had a lot of visitors who come to see his grave and then stay for tea which is great for us. Many thanks to all the helpers on Sundays, the bakers and the helpers who put out the signboards for us every Sunday, come rain or shine. We do appreciate all the help we can get and hope that a few more people will sign up next year as we have lost some of our helpers this year due to illness and various other commitments, etc.
Also my thanks to Tony and Brenda for taking over while I was away for 4 weeks. Having made £6,128.05 this year we will have to work hard to beat that next year!
Again, many thanks,
Jeanette Green
13 November 2005 Easter Passion Play
If you are interested in participating in the Passion Play to be performed next Easter (2006), please come to the Church on Tuesday, 15 November at 8:00pm. Anyone unable to come can contact Brenda Harris (488400).
13 November 2005 Late Shopping Evening
GMPRG are planning this for Wednesday, 7 December. It has improved impossible to afford to close the road. Even so, the event is a significant undertaking, and won’t happen without more support. PLEASE volunteer by contacting Norma Dias (07966 077760) or Stuart Jones (865333).
13 November 2005 Wyred mission to Mexico
Fundraising now starts in earnest. Please pick up a ‘fundraising services’ leaflet and call Lizzie (867647) if you would like to book the youth group for any of those odd jobs you just haven’t had time to get around to.
13 November 2005 Christmas Lunch
Christmas Lunch is being held in the Oldham Hall this year. If you know of anyone who would like to come (regardless of faith) or have the lunch delivered to their home, please contact Sally Appleby (488549). The lunch is supported by the ‘Churches Together’ fund, but donations are welcome. We also want drivers and helpers on the day, particularly the young to make it a jolly event.
13 November 2005 Alpha Course
ALPHA is coming to Little Hampden - There will be an Alpha Course beginning in the New Year in Little Hampden. Primarily, this will be for local folk, and we hope to follow it up with a course in Great Missenden after Easter. Please pray for this as we prepare.
16 October 2005 Two Pews for Sale
We are selling two pews from the Church to enable us to provide more comfortable seating in the Carrington Pew. Cost for each is £350 - although it may be possible to negotiate on that! Please call Val Withams on 866389.
16 October 2005 Organ Restoration
You may be wondering why the organ restoration work has not begun. Unfortunately, a delayed start date was in danger of pushing the work into the Christmas period, so we have postponed until the New Year. Work starts on Monday, 9 January. In the meantime, Ian will battle on with the organ until Advent Sunday, when an electronic organ will arrive in Church to tide us over the Christmas period and into January and February. During the restoration period, the Church will remain locked outside of service times, as the pipes will be stored on site.
9 October 2005 Steve Griffiths
Please do pray for Steve. It seems that his heart condition may be the result of a serious underlying problem. They are waiting for test results. It must be so hard to be in a new country just when you most need your family and friends.
24 July 2005 NEW - 1st Steps: Babies & Toddlers Service
New for the Autumn - 1st Steps - This will be a short, fun service in Church for parents, carers, babies and toddlers, followed by coffee and chat. It will take place on the first Wednesday of every month, here in the church at 9.30am. The first one will be on Wednesday 7 September. Please do invite your friends and neighbours. If there is anyone who would like to be part of this new venture - I would love to hear from you. It would be great if a couple of people from our church family could come, help with the tea and coffee and get to know any new folk. Also, is there a piano player who would commit to playing two songs each month for us? Please contact Rosie.
24 July 2005 The challenge!
For about 12 weeks this autumn, we will be without our organ. Obviously this is in a good cause, and there will be great rejoicing when it is back 100%. During these weeks it would be wonderful if we could make our own music - using our own skills - some of them hidden. If you play an instrument and feel you could offer your talent for at least some of these weeks please let us (Ian or Rosie) know. We are hoping to be able to play the hymns with an interesting group of musicians - and as little fuss as possible. Just turn up and play!
24 July 2005 Is there more to life?
They are making a series of documentaries for BBC2, and are looking for female volunteers to live with a community of nuns for six weeks. Interested? Call 020 7434 6783 or email: lizcollier@tigeraspect.co.uk.
5 June 2005 Book of Poems
Jane McAuley’s Book of Poems is now on sale at the back of the Church – Price £2.00, with all profits going to the Organ Restoration Appeal.
16 May 2005 New Parish Office
The Office is now open on weekdays - from 9.30 until 12 noon, at 2 Walnut Close (The Old Vicarage). Pop in, or ring for information on church activities, Weddings Baptisms etc.
Tel: 01494 862352
E-mail: greatmissendenparishoffice@hotmail.co.uk
15 May 2005 Organ Restoration Appeal
A huge thank you to everyone involved in making the Messiah last weekend, such a success. Thank you to Ian for his inspirational conducting; to Douglas for playing at the rehearsals all day and then the performance; to the soloists and Bill Houghton, who gave their talent and time; to Margaret for all the organisation; to the team who provided the food; and to everyone who played and sang. Come and Sing Messiah was an enjoyable day and has raised £2,004.75 up to now, (including £332.25 of Gift-Aid money) for the Organ Restoration Fund.
1 February 2005 Windsor Report Meeting
This meeting was very well attended. About 260 people came from all over the Archdeaconry. The Bishop and Canon John Rees gave us a very helpful context within which to think. Obviously, there were some very strong feelings around, but the aim of the evening was to discuss ways of living together, rather than revisiting the arguments about the consecration of homosexual bishops. Many thanks to Gavin Oldham for convening this helpful meeting, and to a number of our own folk who helped with all the practicalities. Derek James has written a more comprehensive report in the next magazine.
15 January 2005 Oldham Hall Quiz Evening
The Quiz Evening on 15th January raised £365 for the Organ Restoration Fund. Thanks to all who came.
2 January 2005 Charity Fundraising
The Christingle Service raised £463 on behalf of The Childrens' Society. The pupils of G.M. Combined School gave a further £306 during their service in Church. The Christmas collections given to the nominated charities totalled £1834. In addition a retiring collection after The Gateway School's concert in Church added a further £418. Collections last Sunday (2nd January) on behalf of the Tsunami Appeal amounted to £807
1 December 2004 New Notice Board
The new notice board has arrived and looks very smart. This has been a gift from The Friends, and we are most grateful. Thanks to Mike Davis for putting into action.
14 November 2004 Young People
The Bonfire Night for the young people of the church was a great success; 35+ people came with many of their friends (35+) along. Tim & Lizzie would like to say a big thank you to all those who helped run the evening safely, in particular Norma & John Gardner for allowing their home to be invaded!
The very first Sunday evening youth meeting was held on the 14th November. The group (which is called 'Wyred') meets every week at 2 Walnut Close at 6.30pm.
1 November 2004 Organ Restoration
All the stops are being pulled out for the organ restoration, and the fundraising is firmly underway. With some generous donations and some inventive fundraising ideas, things are moving fast, and we will soon be booking the organ builders. We'd like to appeal to people who care about the Church, and who can explore the possibilities of donations large and small. Like to know more? Please contact Val Withams on val@choralconnections.com or (01494) 8
1 June 2004 Youth Workers
Great News! We have appointed the joint applicants TIM WILLIAMS and LIZZIE SANDERSON to our new position of Youth Worker for the parish. 
They are an exciting young couple, newly qualified but with experience in youth work primarily under the Christian banner. They are committed to working through the summer and will join us for a 1 September start. Lizzie has family connections with the village, and they are both very taken with the opportunity to be in at the beginning of an important project for our Church. Their initial objectives will be to set-up study and activity groups or clubs for the existing teenagers, and to establish themselves as contacts at the main schools in the parish.
This is a really exciting development for local teenagers. Once they have started in September we will post details of the programme and of how to contact them.
1 October 2003 Redecoration
The redecoration has been done! The firm - Pickersgill - put in more people and completed the work in half the time they had predicted. The architect has been in and is very pleased with the work, and we will make final checks, but it looks absolutely great.
Not only has the building, including the roof been painted, but a considerable amount of plaster work has been restored. We have also had some urgent electrical work done to dovetail with the painting. One brilliant detail is that there are now plugs on both sides of the Church and we will not need to have leads trailing across the chancel steps.
We all owe a particular debt of thanks to a small and generous band of people who have cleaned and cleaned - the dust was mega. THANK YOU!
1 September 2003 Organ Restoration Appeal
The first fund raising event gives you an opportunity to 'Sponsor a Pipe'.
1 August 2003 Youth Worker
The PCC have voted to appoint a Youth Worker for the parish, as per a key element in the Parish Strategy. This is an exciting step for the church group, and is a major commitment to the young people in our area. The main objective is to provide continuing Christian teaching for the teenagers, following the extremely sound work being done for the under-10s. To quote Rosie Harper -
"It is a matter of realising that young men and women who grow and flourish in their Christian lives are our hope both for the future of the Church and for the future of our country."
A process of selection and appointment is running, and it is planned that the Youth Worker will be in place by September.
1 July 2003 The Great Missenden Society
The Great Missenden Society now has a website at www.great-missenden.com
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