God manifest in flesh, oh wonder to behold!
Creative power within the breast that felt the blast of cold.
God in our likeness made, oh may we understand
The One who made the wondering worlds appear as lowly man!
He stood within the realm He fashioned with a thought;
His creatures gazed upon Him; alas they knew Him not,
They cried out for His blood, His claims cast down as dross,
They spat upon His princely face, then nailed Him to a cross.
BUT He made the tree for that cross of wood,
He made the hill on which it stood,
And in some hidden vein of land
He made the steel that pierced each hand;
He made the sun which hid its face;
He made the fathers of that race
Who, in their hatred knew Him not.
He made the fiends with which He fought,
And there, in death, He made a way
Back to Himself
Eternally.

(Poem by Willie Mullan)

Wishing you all joy and peace at Christmas time!

30 men squashed into the home of Mike Peach and enjoyed good company, good humour and great food at last nights ‘The Net’ event for men.

After eating plenty of mouth-watering food purchased from Belash Balti House we sat back in the relaxed surroundings of Mike’s home and enjoyed listening to Bob Telford talk about his life & faith. Bob is a popular and entertaining speaker – frank, funny and compelling. He spoke candidly about his life, the loss of his son and his faith in Jesus. This evening was certainly not one to be missed!

The picture of Bob was taken for the cover of ‘Ignite’ the quarterly magazine from Counties which gives you the latest news and information from the evangelists, exhibitions and resources.
‘Ignite’ is a FREE magazine, why not request your free copy today – contact: Counties

The Ladies Craft evening at Duncan Road Church went with a lovely Christmas swing. More than twenty people turned up to ‘create’ or just to chat. Past school friends were reunited and new friends were made as mums turned up whose children attend the Friday night ‘Kids Klub’ and the Thursday morning ‘Noah’s Ark’ Parent/Carer group at Duncan Road Church. Other Christians from some of the local churches brought along neighbours and relatives which all went to make a nice wide-ranging mix of people.

Everyone felt welcome and enjoyed the experience of being able to play at making things!
Mince pies and refreshments were enjoyed and at the end of the evening invitations to the Christmas Services were readily received along with booklets explaining the real meaning of Christmas.

Great to be part of the Churches Together (Fareham Western Wards Network) Carol Singing at Locks Heath Shopping Centre.
This year we were joined by the Warsash Brass Band which really boosted the occasion!
Mince pies and mulled wine were enjoyed by the shoppers who stopped to listen, with many joining in with the festive singing.

As well as witnessing through singing Carols, we were able to pass on Christian booklets and literature, and invite folks to the various Carol Services that will be taking part over the Christmas period.

Praise God that 600 school (scout & youth group) children and 142 adults visited the LIFE Expo this week – a grand total of 742.

Please pray for the 100’s of Gospels of Luke that have been taken home and for the many conversations that have been had during the week.

Please pray that the Churches links with the local schools will be strengthened.

Praise God for the good unity among the team of workers – Psalm 133 says (The Message): “How wonderful, how beautiful, when brothers and sisters get along! …that’s where God commands the blessing.” – so true for us all this week!

Below are comments taken from the visitors book:

“A lovely afternoon – many thanks to all the staff – a fun and informative session – I learnt a lot too.
The children certainly have taken on board many of the things they have been told. Thank you again.”
Yr 6 Teacher Locks Heath Junior School, Fareham.

“This is fabulous! So powerful and the children were so engaged by it. Thank-you very much; the children have learned so much and in such a fun way using great technology”Yr 6 Teacher, Sarisbury Junior School, Southampton.

“Brilliant workshop, children were absorbed in the activities. Really enjoyable and very informative. Feedback forms were fantastic. Thanks to all for a wonderful, well organised activity”.
Yr 5 Teacher. St Johns. Southampton.

“Thank you so much on behalf of all of us. Fantastic, absorbing activities all professionally run with thoughtfulness and kindness.
The class has learnt SO much. You have brought Jesus alive to them. Many thanks!”
Yr 6 Teacher. St Johns.

“Thanks! Hopefully they will take something home with them!”
1st Warsash Sea Scouts.

“Well organised and very informative!”
Yr 6 Teacher Southampton.
“Well organised and great interactive use of ICT! Thank you!”
Yr 6 Teacher Southampton.

“What a fantastic session! The sections are very well-led and engaging for the children.
If only we had a similar resource at school!”
Yr 5 teacher. Whiteley Primary School.

“A really lovely workshop which the children enjoyed and learnt a lot.
Thank you all very much. A really great atmosphere and staff were really lovely with the children”.
Yr 6 Teacher Locks Heath Junior School, Fareham.

“An absolutely fantastic experience and opportunity for the kids to explore who Jesus is. The children were clearly enjoying it and fully engaged. Thank you very much, I loved it!”
Yr 6 Teacher, Sarisbury Junior School, Southampton.

“Thank you! The children really enjoyed learning in such an interactive and technological way! They will remember this. Thanks!”
Yr 5 teacher. Whiteley Primary School.

The LIFE Expo was Hosted @ St. Paul’s Church, Sarisbury Green, Southampton, Hants during November 2012. It was an inter-Church project run by the Western Wards Church Network – http://wwcn.info

Six ways Counties evangelists – www.countiesuk.org – will be sharing the Christian message today- market place; coffee shop; men’s outreach; care home; school assembly and an enquirer course.

Please pray for us tonight as we make the six ways eight, by sharing the ‘good news’ of Jesus at: ‘Kids Klub’ and ‘Youth Club’ – Duncan Road Church

“Thanks for a brilliant night tonight! Enjoyed every minute! Very funny man”. That was the reaction last night to a great night of comedy. The new season of ‘The Net’ events (outreach to men) started with a full house (thirty-five men) as we squeezed into the function room of the Queens Head Pub in Titchfield, this small intimate venue was perfect as we chuckled away to the stories and anecdotes of comedian Andy Kind.

The show was in two parts. Part one was a regular comedy routine. Part two was Andy talking about his life and faith and sharing something of the good news of Jesus! Lots of literature taken and lots of good conversations had at the end of the evening and I would imagine on the way home.

Matt became a Christian on Good News Camp in August 2012 – Matt was baptised today (21/10/12) @ Duncan Road Church, Southampton – a great day – and a great privilege to take the service!

Matt comments on Facebok:
“Well that was a bizarre and amazing day. What I’m feeling right now is very very surreal but happy. Thank you to everyone who came to support me from outside the church today today and thank you to my new family at Duncan Road Church. Looking forward to starting a brand new life with Jesus Christ. Massive thank you to everyone :)”

The Bible: Deuteronomy Chapter 31 Verse 6:
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forfake you.”