November 2009

During the Sunday morning reflection on our weekend away, our president Fiona Castle shared her thoughts on ‘Love is…’.She invited us to look at 1 Corinthians 13 by spending time with a fresh version of the famous words.
1. A friend is patient. Rather than giving her opinion, she listens.
2. A friend is kind. She doesn’t assume. She is thoughtful.
3. A friend doesn’t envy. She’s content with what she is and has, and wants the best for others.
4. A friend doesn’t boast. She knows that God alone is on the throne.
5. A friend isn’t proud. She approaches people, not with “Here I am”, but “There you are!”.
6. A friend isn’t rude. She sees others, not to be used, or abused, but to be loved and valued.
7. A friend isn’t self seeking. She wants fairness and equality for others, rather than for herself.
8. A friend isn’t easily angered. She asks the Lord to bring forgiveness and peace to the situation.
9. A friend keeps no record of wrongs. Instead she repays the wrongdoer with kindness.
10. A friend doesn’t delight in evil, but rejoices in the truth. She seeks openness and integrity.
11. A friend always protects. Her love covers the weaknesses of others.
12. A friend always trusts. She is accountable to others.
13. A friend always hopes. Even in the tough times, she’s optimistic and encouraging.
14. A friend always perseveres. Even when others let her down, she keeps going.
15. A friend never fails. She’s Christlike!

This year in Coventry we had the opportunity to make some beautiful Chrismas gifts and crafts. The options included –

Cranberry hearts – using green 1.6mm garden wire in a heart shape, threaded with fresh firm cranberry berries then finished off with ribbon and rafia.

Fabric Remnant hand sewn postcards – Claire showed us how to make beautiful cards using strips of coordinating fabric laid over each other and sewn toegther using various stitches.

Sweetie wreath – Fiona demonstrated a simple yet effective Christmas gift of a wreath made up of quality street chocolates, held together in a circular shape with thin green garden wire and finished off with ribbon.

Julia helped ladies to make beautiful jewellery using some of the fine beads from her Achkiy products, sourced in Peru. Look out for a website link soon to the new Achkiy website.