Recent Events

Romanian Church Visit to Banbury

SREC have been supporting a church in Romania for a number of years now and as part of that support folks from SREC visit the church over there. This year it was the turn of folks from Romania to visit us in Banbury. As part of their time over here we (or course) took them to Stratford as can be seen from the picture below, outside Shakespeare's birthplace.

Women Alive - Canal Visit, July

Women Alive organised a visit to Stoke Bruerne Canal Village in Northamptonshire in July. Seems the sun shone - the shadows prove it...

Banbury & District Show, Sunday 12th June

We set sail one sunny morning....Sorry, that's another story, but we did nearly need an ark! Despite the weather, the stall at the Banbury and District show went well. We were blessed with a good location for the stall as we weren't facing into the wind and rain, so were able to keep reasonably warm! It was a fantastic opportunity to reach out to the hardy souls who braved the weather with conversation and leaflets about the Lord Jesus and the Church here at Southam Road. This is what the stall looked like:

SREC Presents...a Quiz and Curry Night

70+ people were catered for and enjoyed a challenging quiz interspersed with terrific home made curry from two of our very own masterchefs. Bob T once again presented a very clear explanation of the gospel, based around questions asked to the blind man. No need to mention who won, 'cos it's the taking part that counts, right?

SREC Presents...a Ceilidh

Yes, we did. We held a Ceilidh in the church building, encouraging everyone to bring friends, neightbours and anyone else willing to try their hand (and feet). A good time was had by all, led as we were by Hunters Key, a terrifically talented family band from Shipston, who were very patient and understanding, as well as being amazing musicians. Bob Telford gave a message during the supper interval, presenting Jesus as the source of our joy as Christians and inviting those that didn't know Him to get to know Him.

Dedication Service for our youngest attender

Prince and Peace asked us to perform a Dedication service for their new baby, Nana, which we did, on 31st October 2010. The entire church joined with friends and family in wishing them every blessing and commending little Nana to God.

SREC Presents...Carol Singing round the Church

This Christmas, instead of simply handing out leaflets or gifts to publicise our Christmas services, a group of about 30 people from the church went out onto the streets carol singing. OK, so we weren't going to set new musical or vocal records, but we were well received by people who came to their doors (or at least they were very polite!) and we handed out a lot of leaflets letting folks know when our services were going to be on.

We managed to do this on one of the last dry and snow free nights before Christmas, thankfully.

Next year, we'll even be organised...

SREC Presents...Antiques with a Message

In the latest of our series of outreach events, SREC hosted an evening with Mr Brian Davies, a sort of Antiques Roadshow with a difference. Those who had booked to attend were treated to an entertaining and informative evening during which Mr Davies discussed many of the items presented to him, valued them and gave insights into the whole antiques business. He used the items presented, plus some of his experiences to present the good news of Jesus and explain why this is more important than anything else in life.

Not everyone got good news about their antiques though: some treasured possessions were at least lauded for their sentimental value, if not their market value!

Some did, however receive good news on their items and left for home with them carefully protected!

SREC Presents...Harvest Supper

In the first of a planned series of outreach events, SREC hosted a Harvest Supper for members and invited guests, which seemed to go down very well. Places were taken very quickly and the assembled folks were entertained during supper by our resident Pianist (Geoff Smith).

After supper Bob Telford and his team of working (and occasionally not working) gundogs gave us a display of the skills necessary in the field and some training tips for our own dogs. Bob concluded the evening with a brief talk and folks were invited to the next SREC Presents... Antiques with a Message.

The photos below are of the Harvest Supper evening, which illustrates, we think, an imaginative use of a church hall!

Holly, looking adorable but trying to blend in with the rug...

Weekend Away

The entire church decamped from its usual premises and held a series of talks, discussions and activities over the weekend of 9-11 August in Brailes Village Hall, Warwickshire. Lovely surroundings, terrific weather and good times of listening, learning, discussion and worship were had by all.

Supported by Bob Telford (Evangelist) we spent the time thinking about Spiritual Gifts and what it is that each person is equipped for in our church. There were lively discussions and the weekend has been followed up with a further teaching and home group discussions. We may revisit this subject later in the year.

It wasn't all sermons and worship! We enjoyed each other's company, got to know each other better, had barbecues, walks, games, a short demonstration of dog handling (also to be repeated, watch this space) and most tried to get some sleep with varying degrees of success under canvas.

TODDLERS GO TO RUGRATS

As the pictures below demonstrate, the toddlers (and parents!) seemed to really enjoy the recent outing to Rugrats. Thanks to all who came and all who helped.

Toddlers and parents enjoying the Rugrats outing

Toddlers enjoying the recent rugrats outing

PHATFISH IN BANBURY

Saturday 31st October: PHATFISH performed in Banbury at a non-halloween Christian concert.

Around 250 people attended the concert, at which the PULSE band (a group of local young Christians)

(left) acted as warm up before PHATFISH

(left), who wowed the crowd with a terrific concert of their new songs and of course some of their old favourites.

A view from the back of the crowd, the stage, the lights.

And finally...Lou Fellingham makes a young fan's day...

Thank you, PHATFISH, for a superb performance and thanks to Mustard Seed (Banbury) and One Man Band (Banbury) for selling tickets.

THANKSGIVING

On Sunday 20th September we gave thanks for the gift of little Reuben, born to Kate in July this year. A full church witnessed the event, with family, friends and Godparents publicly promising to look after Reuben and bring him up to know God.