CHILDREN & YOUTH GROUPS 
 

• There are a number of slots we need to fill for 24/7 Prayer. Please take a look at the list of slots available. Full details on our website: 
  www.stmarksgillingham.org/24/7prayer or contact Lynne Martin: 07778567097, 
  thursdayschild59@yahoo.co.uk

• Morning Reflections & Evening Prayers will now be once a week:
  
   - Morning reflections, Wednesdays 9am
  - Evening prayer, Saturdays 8pm 
  
  In the last 19 months as we have been living with the many challenges of Covid-19. One of the areas of creativity we have seen in and through the churches worldwide, including our church, has been the gift and the ability to swiftly go online. Technology has been a God-given gift. 
  
  As we return to some level of “normality” we are going to make some changes to the way we operate. We will, of course, continue to broadcast our Sunday services. Broadcasting our Sunday services has been a tremendous blessing to people, for all kinds of reasons, who are unable to make it to the services just yet, not to mention people from around the world who can peek in. A necessary change is what happens during the week. Knowing how much work is involved in creating these videos and looking at the way life is now more ‘normal’ we have decided to cut down to twice a week.
  
  I also want to take the opportunity to thank everybody who has worked hard to deliver these online reflections and evening prayers. We have a beautifully diverse and tremendously gifted bunch of communicators in the life of our church… and they have been diligent and creative, and they have blessed us. They will continue to serve, offering reflections and leading prayers in a manageable and sustainable way. Finally and importantly, may I encourage you to like and share these on your Facebook page, which makes a huge difference!
  
  Every blessing in Jesus Christ. 
  Saju
  
  If you would like to continue with your own daily reflections then we would recommend Lectio 365 
  www.24-7prayer.com/resource/lectio-365/

• Can you help us with the Food Bank Reverse Advent Calendar this November? See the calendar for the items that can be donated. Full details: 
  https://medway.foodbank.org.uk/2021/11/02/reverse-advent-calendar-with-twinkles/ 

• Vicki Watson is on annual leave 12-17 Nov and the office will be closed. Phone and email will be checked for emergencies only. Please contact Saju if there is an emergency: vicar@stmarksgillingham.org
   
• Hannah Whittaker is on annual leave 15-20 Nov and so next week's newsletter will cover the following 2 weeks. 

• Do you have a heart for the homeless? The Medway Night Shelter is looking for volunteers - lead cooks, kitchen volunteers and session volunteers. It is due to run from Monday January 10th to Thursday March 31st March at a venue in the centre of Chatham. Please see the flyer for full details.

• Want to get involved in the Christmas Community Choir for the Christmas Production on Sat 18th Dec? A chance to meet new people, sing in a group and share refreshments. Everyone is welcome. If you're interested get in touch with Mayowa: singgillinghamsing@gmail.com / 07951147352 

• Be Bright Be Seen initiative: Are you a teacher, parent or student who would like free reflective discs for your school this winter? KMFM are once again teaming up with Kent County Council Road Safety to help children be bright and be seen this winter. To learn more about the giveaway and to nominate your class or school for free keyrings go to the Be Bright Be Seen Page.

• Christian charity Blythswood Care are looking for a volunteer driver for a long transit van, to do collections of Christmas Boxes. It only needs to be for the odd days in November, to collect the donated Christmas boxes from churches around this area. If you would like to help in a way, other than driving, then assistance with the collections would also be welcome. 

  If you are interested please speak to Graham Wilkins, graham@gwilkins.co.uk.