June 2023

8 Buckden Roundabout June 2023 Church News Weekly Prayer Roster Each week during the year the Churches, in their prayers, remember the residents of particular streets in the village, those who work in the parish and village organisations. Those to be remembered this month are: 4th June Church Street, Mill Road, The Barns, The Old Flour Mills 11th June The Parish Council, The Village Hall and Playing Field Trust; those who help to run the Village Hall, and the activities there 18th June Greenway, Aragon Close, Hoo Close, Bishops Way 25th June Village shops, and those who work in them; businesses based in the village, hotels, inns, and those who work at home; homemakers, carers, the unemployed and underemployed, and all visitors to the village Thought for the Month Hello everyone, It is at this time of the year that some of us will be thinking of holidays. My wife and I are no different as we prepare for a visit to Northern Cyprus. However, this year it will be a holiday with a difference as we celebrate our Golden Wedding Anni- versary. Where has the time gone? When we were first married we lived in the south of Cyprus when I was based at RAF Akrotiri. So on our first anniversary in 1974 we took off to Kyrenia in the north for a weekend. If it had been a month later we would have been surrounded by Turkish troops, so you will understand that as that 1st anniver- sary is reenacted we hope that no conflict emerges this time. Talking of hope, here is a thought. In tough and uncertain times, it can be difficult to look beyond what ’ s currently hap- pening in your life and see the light at the end of the tunnel. Whether you ’ re going through a big life change, a hard time for your family, or personal health concerns, an optimistic frame of mind can help you see a difficult challenge as an opportunity for gratitude. The bible says "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29 verse 11) This is not a promise to immediately rescue us from hardship or suffering, but rather a promise that God has a plan for our lives regard- less of our current situation. Whatever may be our situation today we have hope in a God who cares for us and loves us. May you discover anew "God loves you!" Blessings to all of you from the Perry village Pastor, Jon Magee Coronation celebrations Now the coronation weekend is complete at Perry Baptist Church it is time to say thank you to all that made it such a successful time. The Sunday Evening was the Coronation Commemoration Service which included representatives of a wide number of the locality including Councillor Stephen Cawley. The Monday was a free Coronation lunch/tea. Collectively there was something for all in the community. Thank you to those who worked so hard baking, making sandwiches, serving tea/coffee, moving furniture etc. Thank you to those who took part on the Sunday evening. There are so many of you but thanks to all. Not forgetting to say thank you to the people of the locality who came over the weekend. What a difference it makes when society comes together and supports each other! Paul Jones and Fiona Hendley April was a great opportunity in Perry as a packed Perry Baptist Church welcomed Paul Jones, first lead Singer with the pop group Manfred Mann and his wife, Fiona Hendley, who per- formed as an actress in such television programmes as "The Widows". Everyone were delighted as they all joined in singing "Do Wah Diddy Diddy" with Paul. However, as well as singing together Paul and Fiona shared something of their journey of life which for them includes a discovery that a life of faith brought to them more than fame could have done. It was a humorous, inspiring and uplifting evening, with great songs, as they share their journey of faith. Many have spoken of the evening as being a challenge that gave them something to think about in their own lives. Perry Baptist Church have arranged similar events with well known personalities in the past. Looking to the future we wait to see what will be the next event made available in the com- munity.