For some, and I am one of them, this month holds a great deal of excitement. To start with this June sees the beginning of the world cup in South Africa. Thirty two teams from all around the world playing sixty four games to decide which one is the best. It is said that it is the greatest sporting event on this planet. An event of wonder at the talent of individuals and the solidarity and hard work of eleven men. Millions if not billions will tune in to see the teams battle it out for the prize. Millions if not billions will be spent on advertising and sponsorship. Many players earning not only the accolade and admiration of their supporters but a few quid to boot! (do you like the pun there?).
But with all my enthusiasm and expectation I can’t help but wonder how the players and supporters will react to the poverty and social deprivation seen in the country. No matter what we hear and what is actually said about the advances made in South Africa there are still great gaps between the rich and the poor. Between those that have and have not. The world cup will accentuate this with every game. In the end however, what we say or feel about the matter, the people of South Africa are ecstatic about the whole occasion. They see it as a chance to show the whole world they are changing; they are leaving behind old prejudices and years of hate and violence. Let’s hope their passion for the game and their country proves to have a positive effect on the rest of the world.
The other thing happening this month is that I will be coming to the end of my three years at college. No more a minister in training. No more essays and assignments. No more trips to Oxford. It will also be marked with excitement and sorrow. I have learnt a great deal about myself during this time at college but more importantly the members of the Baptist church have taught me even more. We will be going forward with excitement and passion. Not quite on the scale of the world cup but still it is just as much a “funny old game”. Love Jason, The Man in the Manse

Church News
There was an almost full church for the Good Friday family service, when we were joined by folk from St Paul’s. We all had small wooden crosses which were dipped in red liquid (blood) to remind us of Jesus’ shed blood for us. It was good for our churches to worship together. On Easter Sunday we had an early start for a magnificent Easter breakfast which was attended by 20 people this year, and very much enjoyed. This was followed by our morning worship which was a great time of celebration. We were unable to have the usual Easter lunch this year due to unforeseen circumstances. Our Emmaus evening services are going well, so if you would like to come to a service with a difference, do come along! The Little Angels Mums & Toddlers Group is a delight, and it’s so good to see everyone enjoying themselves. Some of us visited Regents Park College at Oxford recently, where Jason currently attends, and it was interesting to see how the college works on a daily basis, and to meet people from other churches who also have pastors studying there. We do invite you to join us for the monthly lunch on 12 June (contact Brenda on 01923 269574). This will be followed by our Family Beetle Evening at 6.30pm (see advert on page 2) – so please ring the numbers given to reserve your tickets and enjoy a fun evening – light supper included!