Our Lent Course 2010: Singing in the Rain
Lent is a time to grow with God as we journey towards the celebrations of Easter. Please join us for our Soul in Northolt and Greenford Lent course, Singing in the Rain, which is being run on Tuesday mornings and Wednesday evenings during Lent for 6 weeks. It starts on Tuesday 23rd February at 11am and Wednesday 24th February, following a short celebration of Communion in the Lady Chapel. The course focuses on the second half of Mark's Gospel and is based on a DVD by popular Christian speaker Jeff Lucas. It helps us to learn from Jesus and how he reacted under pressure. It's practical and enjoyable and will give us all plenty of new perspectives on our lives. Please take home the flier in your newssheets today- and make note of the 12 other opportunities you have each week at other local churches to join the course, if you prefer an alternative time to the St Joseph's sessions.

Lent 2010 begins soon
Lent begins on Wednesday February 17th when we have the opportunity to commit ourselves afresh to God through two Eucharists at 10am in the Chapel and 8pm (in church) at which we are invited to receive the imposition of ashes on the forehead as a sign of penitence. Please make every effort to attend one of these services and then look out for special opportunities for worship, study and reflection during this season of preparation for Easter.

Latest news from the PCC
Matters considered by your PCC (Parochial Church Council) at their last meeting on January 11th included: 
+ Receiving financial information as at the end of December 2009 presented by Stephen Finch (Treasurer). and agreeing a budget for 2010. It was agreed that there would be a tighter monitoring of the general expenditure budgets as there is no leeway with expenses as they are for 2010.
+ A report was received from the Archdeacon of Northolt on her quinquennial inspection visit on the 25th November 2009. She expressed her thanks and made positive comment on the state of the Church’s record keeping. She also commented on how impressed she was with our youth worker, Chris Hill’s work in the community.
+ A combined small grant of £10,000 was secured by the YWCA young women’s group to re-furbish the Dovetail Centre and the management committee confirmed the receipt of new chairs, sofas, and carpet. The order for new tables and reception chairs is to be placed now.
+ The PCC agreed that the Dovetail Centre proceed with a joint collaboration on the project to establish a RISE (Reaching ISolated Elderly) project in the area, based at the centre for some time each week.
+ It was agreed to send a letter to the Bishop of Willesden requesting renewal of permissions for lay ministers and people to carry out the distribution of Communion, distribution of extended communion, preaching and leading of worship.
+Communion wine review – we will continue to use the red wine as agreed in September 2009.
+Swine Flu - The PCC agreed to return to the normal administration of Holy Communion, following a letter from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, after consulting with the Department of Health. The application of the disinfectant hand gel before serving Communion will continue.
+The PCC agreed the premium to be paid for the Church building insurance.
+8 Wells Close – Refurbishment is near completion after the water damage and other necessary repairs. It was agreed to advertise the property for rental. Tayo Koduah, PCC Secretary

21st Century Parent
This an informal parenting course, using a DVD from 'Care for the Family', that runs during Kidzone on a Tuesday afternoon. We watch a short film each week and chat about the issues it raises. Please note we will not be meeting this week (Tuesday 9th February) but will continue the sessions after half term on the 23rd February with 'The Testing Child'! Does that sound like it might be relevant to you? Come and join us at Kidzone, you don't have to have been before. Caroline Newbold

Thanks from our newly confirmed members
Many people at our Confirmation Service last week were moved by the testimonies given by Roxanne, Laura and Sarah. We will try to include them in a future news sheet. In the meantime you can read them on the St Joseph's website. Laura writes: "Thank you to everyone for their support and prayers and making our confirmation such a special day for us."

Attention all Servers: Our Sunday serving teams have been revised and the new teams operate from next Sunday, February 14th. Please pick up your 'team sheet' from your pigeon hole today.

SING Evaluation Meeting - THIS TUESDAY 9th Feb 7.30pm
Thank you to everyone who has already spoken to us! Please would everyone else let Sue know TODAY if you CAN or CAN'T come. Thank you.

‘How to get the best out of family life’
Sure Start will be running this Nurturing Programme for parents here again on Mondays from 12-2.30pm starting after half term. To find out more come along to the coffee morning tomorrow Monday 8th Feb from 12-1pm.
For further details speak to Sue Church

New Wine Women's Day Saturday February 27th
Westminster Central Hall, with Debra Green and Mike Pilavachi. £20 per person. Are any St Joseph's women interested in forming a group to go? More details at http://www.new-wine.org/events/Women%27s%20Days.htm

Walk Through the New Testament
Want to find out more about the New Testament in a lively interactive environment? Then Walk Through the New Testament on Saturday 20th February 9.30am-5pm at St Margaret's Church, Uxbridge, could be for you. You will certainly not be bored and will learn lots. Cost is £14 per person, which includes a guide book through the New Testament. More information from  01895 258766

People begging at church
If someone approaches you at church or in the Dovetail Centre and asks for money, please do not give them any. For example, a woman was begging at services and in the centre recently. We have the Vicar's Discretionary Fund for this purpose, through which there is money we can use to buy food or necessities in an emergency, or a bus ticket/travel card for those in need. The staff team's policy is never to give money out to people on demand, however compelling their story. We always aim to offer callers a cup of tea or coffee and something to eat. Please help us stick to this policy, and if you would like to make a donation (preferably gift aided) to the Vicar's Discretionary Fund, please see
Simon, the Vicar or Steve, our Treasurer.