True joy at Christmas in Mid-trent Churches

Sunday 16th December
All Saints, Sandon - Carol Service 11.15.am
St. James the Less, Fradswell - Christingle and Carols followed by sherry and mince pies starting at 2.30.pmSt. James the Great, Salt - Carol Service at 4.00.pmAll Saints, Milwich - The Village Nativity. The congregation goes around the village starting at 4.00.pm in Church
St. John the Baptist, Stowe - Candlelit Carol Service at 6.00.pmSt. Rufin, Burston - Carol Service 6.30.pm followed by Mulled wine and mince pies
Monday 17th December
St Andrew's, Weston & Weston Methodists - Carols in the Woolpack 8.00.pm
Friday 21st December
St Andrew's, Weston -  Ingestre Singers Christmas Concert at 7.30.pm Tickets £5 pre book - 01889 200002 / 270594
Sunday 23rd December
St Peter's, Gayton - Team Carols Service and Communion 10.00

St Peter's, Hixon - Carols at the Inn at 7.00.pm where the 'Inn' is the Bank House
Monday 24th December - Christmas Eve
All Saints, Sandon -  Christingle at 4.00.pm.
All Saint's, Milwich - Crib Service 4.00.pmSt. Peter's, Hixon - Christingle 5.00.pm
St. Andrew's, Weston - Christingle Service 6.00.pmSt. James the Less, Fradswell - Christmas Communion 8.00.pm
St. Peter's, Hixon - Midnight Communion 11.30.pmAll Saints, Milwich - Midnight Communion 11.30.pm
St. James the Great, Salt - Midnight Communion 11.30.pmAll Saints, Sandon - Midnight Communion 11.30.pm
Tuesday 25th December - Christmas Day
St. Rufin, Burston - Christmas Communion 9.30.am
St. Peter's, Hopton - Christmas Communion 9.30.amSt. Andrew's, Weston - Christmas Communion 11.15.am
St. Peter's, Gayton - Christmas Communion 11.15.am
St John the Baptist, Stowe - Christmas Communion at 11.15.amSunday 30th December
All Saints, Milwich - Team Service at 10.00.am

First place in our hearts

'The bible was written to help us know God better.
God doesn't hide who He is and what He has done. We can clearly see Him if we will open our eyes with humility. We see Him in His Word, We see Him in His creation.
Since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts and their foolish hearts were darkened Romans 1: 20-21
God must always have first place in our hearts. He says ' You shall have no other gods before Me' Exodus 20:3. We must be very careful that we not allow anything or anyone to usurp his position. The better we know Him , the easier that will be.
Tonight, after a long day at work, I needed to meditate so I flicked through The Prayer that changes everything written by Stormie Omartian and stumbled on that chapter. This is powerful stuff. It reminded me of all the arguments put forward by the many atheists I have encountered in my life voyage, those who denied that God exists because they say that they cannot see Him. In those days when I was not a Christian yet, I was taken aback, and even though I believed that God was there (though for some time I did not want to), adding to this that I was not reading the Bible then, I did not know what to answer!  This is why I do like this passage that Stormie quotes in Romans...'clearly seen'...Every day when I drive to school, I see birds flying up in the sky, trees, cows, horses, beautiful nature, pure blue sky; or lately grey clouds... And God revealed himself in Jesus, our saviour, our king and redeemer. How awesome! Just thinking about that is filling my heart with joy and peace, knowing that Jesus through his death and resurrection has allowed us to be reconciled with God, his father and also our father. This is just mind-blowing! Don't you agree?
Have a blessed evening. Your sister in Christ. N.

Changing your diet

Changing Your Diet To Prevent Uric Acid Crystals

If you notice uric acid crystals in your urine and it’s in the beginning stage, you can alter your diet to ensure the levels don’t rise. Below is a list of foods that are both safe to eat and harmful to your body:
Reduce the amount of protein in the food. Limit or avoid consumption of dairy products, fish, poultry and red meat.
Don’t consume alcohol, bread or any product that contains yeast.
Limit the intake of beans, broccoli, mushrooms or spinach. You should also avoid eating cauliflower, carrots and onions, which are loaded with purine.
Mix water and a tad bit of baking soda together and drink it. This will dissolve any uric acid crystals you have inside your body.
Cherry juice is also helpful for folks who have high levels of uric acid.
Consume fiber-rich foods.
Sip on lime juice and include more citrus fruits in your diet.
Drink lots of water and fruit juices to reduce the uric acid crystals in the body.

Information found in the webdoctor.com

Cutting down on red meats

Some time ago, during the summer holiday, I woke up with the words puric acid in my mind. That day went and I did not talk about it to anybody. The following morning, those two words were still in my mind and this time, I checked them up on the internet as I did not have a clue. I was so surprised at what I found. I thought that I would share this with you... Knowing how to reduce uric acid levels will directly alleviate severe inflammation of joints and the discomfort of gouty arthritis.
Foods high in puric acid that you should not include in a low purine diet are:



Anchovies, baker’s and brewer’s yeast, animal organs, sardines, Boletus mushrooms and gravies—more than 800 milligramsper three ounces.

Researchers now understand that gout occurs as a result of the body being unable to eliminate uric acid, or making too much uric acid. Uric acid forms as a result of break down of puric acid, which can be found in abundance in meats. In people with gout, uric acid forms sharp crystals that collect in the joints and soft tissues (especially the big toe), causing inflammation and excruciating pain. High levels of uric acid can also cause kidney stones.

Foods that have large quantities of purines, in addition to red meats, include certain types of fish like herring and sardines. Alcoholic beverages also increase uric acid in the system.

Gout attacks are brought on by several factors including:
some foods with a high content of protein and purines – such as liver, kidneys, sardines, and anchovies
being overweight
haemorrhages in the gastrointestinal canal
bodily trauma with extensive tissue destruction
major surgery

overconsumption of alcohol, especially beer
conditions in which there's a high rate of cell turnover, eg leukaemia,lymphoma, psoriasis.

Good advice
Cut down on alcohol consumption and also soft drinks containing fructose.
Avoid food that you know can cause attacks – conversely some items may be helpful and protective eg cranberry juice, coffee, dairy products.
Watch your weight (losing weight, if overweight, will help).
The uric acid crystals can be secreted in the urinary system as calculi (stones). Therefore you have to drink plenty of water, preferably 10 to 12 glasses a day, in order to wash out the urinary system and prevent any stones from developing.

Interestingly enough, it appears that 'the alkaline mineral in the green and brown tea (manganite is destroyed by complete fermentation and hence not found in black tea), enlarge the fat digestion, a function which -in cooperation with the coffeine's functions- stops the raising of the puric acid (purine) to prevent gout.' 

Have a blessed Sunday. N.

Special week-end with my sister Pauline

Today, we had a lovely day, the weather has been gorgeous. Steven got up earlier than me, I got up at ninish, then my sister Pauline and I had a coffee, and we had a relaxed time over breakfast looking at the birds, mainly the starlings and the prince nut-hatch devouring the seeds in the garden. It seems ages since I hadn't talked to Pauline though of course it is not. The postman delivered my engagement ring (the replacement for it) however it did not fit! There must have been a mix-up at the jeweller's since the actual ring was completely different. Four weeks ago, I lost the stone probably in school but it could have been anywhere, in the car park, the yard or even the dining-room. So my darling Steven rang the jeweller but they were engaged and as time was ticking he left a message. 
At lunch time we took Pauline to Stone for a latte and a beer, we read and discuss the news on the I newspaper and had a tour round the charity shops and the craft market where they had lots of hand-made gifts ready for Christmas. Back home for a bbq, as you would have guessed, beef and courgettes, as Pauline likes her beef well cooked, Steven sliced it up and it worked.. 
Imogen just came back from work and though she likes her new job, she confessed that she had to wash up plates and pots of mushroom soup, and they stank. Bless her. Though she is supposed to do her washing-up at home, I end up doing it for her out of sympathy..I know that I should not but still..
She was upset because a friend let her down, however, another friend invited her for a sleepover tonight so I took her there, just 10 min at the end of the village. 
Then, time to decide what to watch on tv, we started with Strictly dancing, Pauline's favorite programme and I must say that I could get used to watch it. Steven went to bed at about eleven while Pauline and I talked non stop until early morning. 

Before we went to Rome, I picked up this book, Song of a stranger, Daniel, in a charity shop. I have started to read it and it is so good, I know that I am going to enjoy that book so much. This is what it is about: (let me quote the publisher) This 6-week study guide written by R Tice, P. Maiden, E. Duncan, D. Richards, and E. Mc Quoid looks at Daniel's life.

How can we be faithful to God in a non-Christian society without compromising our beliefs? How can we resist the pressure to conform? The story is set in a time when the Israelites were in exile in Babylon. They were wondering how they could still be God's people in a foreign land; how could they serve God when all the props their faith relied on had been removed? 
We face a similar dilemma in the twenty-first century. Daniel's story reminds us that we can make a positive contribution to society and preserve the integrity of faith. I thought it was a novel when I picked it up..but on the contrary, this sounds even more interesting..If you have read that book, let me know. Blessings in Christ. N.

Just a few photos of Rome

We had a lovely time in Italy...it only rained on one day. Blessings. N.

Hixon harvest supper 2012

Time really flies! However as this week-end we've had beautiful evenings that remind me of an 'Indian summer' it is hard to think that autumn is on its way! Hixon PCC is getting ready for the harvest supper hence the poster above. Do come along, bring your friends and have fun! Yours in Christ! N.

Do you look after your brain?

It seems like a silly question but do you look after your brain? 

It appears that your brain is so complex and therefore needs to be fed properly! You may remember bits of your biology lessons at school. As far as I am concerned I had to do some research. I found a very good website where clear explanations were given.
To build brain cells you need fatty acids. Two kinds of fatty acids are considered
"essential," which means you must get these essential fatty acids (EFAs) from the food you eat.
Your body cannot manufacture them. 

The 1st essential fatty acid you need is Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
ALA is the foundation of the "omega-3" family of fatty acids. Food sources of omega-3 ALA include 

flax seeds,

chia seeds, 

walnuts, 

sea vegetables, 

green leafy vegetables, 

and cold water fish like salmon,
sardines, 

mackerel and trout.

The 2nd essential fatty acid you need is Linoleic acid (LA).
LA is the foundation of the "omega-6" family of fatty acids.
Food sources of omega-6 LA include expeller cold-pressed sunflower, safflower, corn, and sesame oils.

I must say that I should eat more fish. I am not sure that I know what the chia seeds and the safflower are so I will need to do more research.

Have a blessed week-end and enjoy the sunshine! 

Kindle, what's in it for you?

I downloaded my free kindle app from amazon.co.uk for my P.C. some time ago and in a few clicks I was reading one of my favorite books. Since, the number of books available on kindle has increased so much, and the choice is vast. I haven't had time to set it up on my laptop but will do soon. 
Now I am not sure about buying the actual kindle itself. When I attended the last deanery meeting, kindles and i-pods were there too! 
Prices vary from £89 for a basic version to the top of the line e-reader Kindle Touch at £169 and then there are accessories. Ideal for a birthday gift? However, it is easy enough now to buy a laptop i.e. a notebook. 
Let me know if you have been tempted and if you love it...

We miss you dad!

Laurie Abram 17th March 2012

'When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: 'Death has been swallowed in victory.' Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death is your sting?' 1 Corinthians 15: 54-55
Dad used to say: I used to know about Jesus, but now I know Him.

Holy Week in Mid-trent churches

Holy Week Services - all at 19.30 unless otherwise stated

Monday        -        The Arrest          (Hixon - Steven) (30min)
                        Mark 14:32-52        Tuesday        -        He Stands Alone        (Stowe-Jason) (30min)
                        Mark 14:32-52
Wednesday -        He stands before Pilate   (Gayton-Steven) (30min)
                        Mark 15:1-15
Thursday          -        Maundy Thursday HC   (Salt-Jason) (1hr)
                        Mark 14:12-31
Friday     -                10am Good Friday Meditation   (Burston-Philip) (1hr)
7.30pm Crucifixion (Weston) (1hr 30 min)
Saturday        -         He lies buried (Milwich- Philip) (30min)
                        Mark 15:42-47
Sunday 8th April - Easter Day - Our Saviour's resurrection
Thursday 26th April - All in the April Evening - Salt Church, more details here

An escapade in Norfolk

 On the 5th of Feb, the front garden disappears under the snow..

 Our Valentine diner at the Crown of India in Stone. Happy hubby! Delicious food!

 Steve and dad checking the menu for our evening meal

 This is my seat, my table, do not disturb!

 In Titchwell reserve, a very elegant wader
 A redrobin welcoming us.

 During half-term, we decided to visit dad but we didn't take the caravan as we planned to spend Friday night there. Imogen didn't come with us as she was invited to a party. We managed to leave at about 9ish and arrived at Heacham (Norfolk) just after noon. After we had a hug, a chat and a coffee, we left to Titchwell  and on the way stopped in a pub called the White Horse. 

In Titchwell, while Steven had a tour on the beach, dad and I had a bite to eat and I took a few photos. 

Later on we went back to the White Horse to have diner. Dad said that because of the cold weather he hadn't been able to go out as much as he wanted to so he was over the moon.

In the morning, we took dad to Snettisham beach. While he stayed in the car admiring the muddy estuary, Steven and I took a short walk to the hide. I must say that I enjoy more and more birdwatching, simply because I feel that admiring God's creation draws me closer to Him. We had a short but wonderful break. 

Somehow I cannot write those posts just after the events... have a blessed week-end. Your sister in Christ. N.

Messy church in Weston

 Messy church is about spreading the good news about Jesus, our saviour, in an  informal environment usually on a school day.
This is just what's happening in Weston once a month on the fourth Thursday.
Children are having fun, parents and teens are either having a cupper or helping out. The event is always well attended.
So if you live in the area and haven't been yet why don't you give it a go. Bring along your friends and you do not need to book for the session.  The next one will be on the 22/03/2012 from 3:30 to 5:00 pm. For more information, have a look in the Compass magazine.
Do you have a messy church in your parish? Let us know why you started it and how is it going.
The theme of this particular session was about light.

In John, we read that Jesus spoke to his disciples saying, “I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
God said, “Let there be light; and there was light” (Genesis 1:3). The first thing that God created on the earth
was light; and not because He needed light to see, but because the heavens and the earth were still dark
and void. The words God spoke, caused the light to appear from His very countenance and expel the darkness. ‘Lord, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us” (Psalm 4:6).

The psalmist says ‘Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path’ (Psalm 119:105). When we walk with the Light of the world, we will never again experience darkness. Have a blessed week-end! Your sister in Christ. N