The Weekly News

Firstly I would like to thank those who have been praying for Doreen.  I was surprised to look back and see that it was over a month ago that she was taken ill.  This week I took her to see a specialist in Rushden, Northants.  He ordered a number of tests and we are now waiting for an appointment for an internal examination.  She is eating as little as possible and has lost weight.  Hopefully we will get a date soon.  Our GP who had been on holiday when she was taken ill had picked up on the results from one of the tests and telephoned us earlier this (Saturday) evening.  Now that's diligence!

My ticket for the ecumenical service (part of the Pope's visit) arrived during the week.  So many things have cast shadows across this occasion and I will put something on my " Reflections" blog, rather than take up space here (barryosborne.blogspot.com).  My piece written about Terry Jones brought quite a lot of agreement.  I'm glad he has cancelled his original plan.

Since my last posting I took a team from Theddingworth village church into Gartree Prison for the Sunday Service.  This was followed by informal fellowship during which I was able to have a couple of good conversations with prisoners.  Late the evening before I got news that two of our older members from Yelvertoft had been taken ill.   It was feared that the lady might have had a stroke.  She was having great difficulty in walking.  From the prison I rushed the 15 miles to Yelvertoft to catch the end of the meeting (taken by the Rev. John Harris) and then visited this couple.  After praying with her there was an immediate improvement and she was able to walk once again.  Tests indicate that it might not have been anything other than an infection.  I'm just glad she's so much better.

We have had some family visits.  Firstly our niece, her husband and there daughter visited from a village near Bedford.  Katrina and Jim are strong Christians.  Then my brother and his partner called in on their way to visit his son who lives in Nottingham.  I also managed to take a little free time over recent days.

In addition to taking the services at Yelvertoft and Theddingworth I have been involved in two different Board Meetings for the Congregational Federation (nationally), and a Committee Meeting for this Area.  Here are the activities for the coming few days:

I am involved in writing and editing papers for the report to go to the House of Bishops (Church of England) on pastoral responses to those who have been sexually abused.  This has to be completed as soon as possible ready for a meeting on 20th September.

Sunday 12th   Yelvertoft Congregational Church
Tuesday 14th  Gartree Prison
Wed. 15th  12.30   Rural Church Leaders' Network for south Leicestershire & north Northamptonshire.
                   19.30  Harborough Churches Together (attending)
Thurs. 16th   9.00  Meeting with two Germans who are researching rural evangelism.
                    12.30 Rural Church Leaders' Network based around Rugby.
Friday 17th  Ecumenical Service in London (part of the Pope's official visit)
Monday 20th  Meeting in Nottingham planning special celebrations to mark the 350th Anniversary of the Great Ejectment.
Tuesday/Wednesday 21st/22nd  Residential meetings for the Churches Group for Evangelization.
Saturday 25th  Mission ans Society Committee in Nottingham.

As always - thank you very much for your interest and prayers.

Barry