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BRITIAN'S BIGGEST TEA PARTY A
Big thank you to all who took part in Britian's biggest Tea Party. This amazing group raised almost £200 by serving tea and cakes for just one hour between 2.30pm and 3.30pm on a Thursday afternoon - how fantastic. This is an annual campaign so do think about joining in again next June . Events are still taking place so watch this space for the grand total raised during this fundraising campaign and once again a big thank you for taking part. CHRIS'S CORNER As I write this my mind is very much on the recent triumphs and tragedies we have all been watching unravel on our TV screens. The wonderful joy and happiness on people's faces as they heard the news that the Olympics were coming to London, the grief and devastation etched on those same faces only the next day as they came to terms with the news of the dreadful bombings on the transport system and finally to Commemoration Day when those proud old soldiers marched down The Mall remembering some of both the worst and finest times in our recent history. To some extent or other we all pass through painful experiences in life. Sometimes it's hard to witness people's pain and suffering here at Dove Cottage as they struggle to cope with their conditions. At other times it's great to see treatments beginning to work, people going through times of respite and remission and joy and peace being restored. One of my favourite bible passages comes from Ecclesiastes 3 'A time for everything' a time to weep and a time to laugh a time to mourn and a time to dance Hopefully at Dove Cottage we are all learning to laugh and cry together. There's an old Jewish expression 'the almonds and raisins of life'. In other words life is rarely all good or bad, it's a bitter, sweet mixture. I know sometimes it's easy to blame God for all the bad things that happen in our lives-we don't know who else to after all. But on the flip side of the coin, I know from personal experience that I couldn't have got through my bad times without God. For me, His love is the one constant thing in life. No matter what happens, I know He is there for me, to help me , comfort me, strengthen me and give me courage and I know I can trust Him to get me through every circumstance of life. If you have been troubled by any of the recent events that have taken place and are trying to find your own answers, why not give 'Alpha' a go. Alpha is a 12-week course exploring the Christian faith and covers issues like 'Why does God allow suffering?' The course commences in September and will be held at Dove Cottage. It's a great social occasion as well, involving a meal followed by a video and discussion on each week's topic. Many people who have attended in the past say it's one of the best things they've ever done. If you'd like to find out more, why not come along to the introductory 'Alpha Supper' which will be held on Thursday 15th September at 7-30pm and learn more about Alpha. If you would like to contact me, I'd love to hear from you, just give me a ring on 01949 860303 or e-mail me at Chris@dovecottage.org A SPECIAL TRIBUTE. Sophie Walker, the wife of John, one of our Trustees sadly died this week. Sophie was a wonderful lady who I loved. My 'spiritual mum' who had helped me so much in my early Christian life. At her funeral the minister spoke of how we all leave an impression on each other, whether good or bad, which is quite a challenging thought. Sophie certainly left a good impression on every one she met. she was warm, generous, kind and funny and I'll miss her. Our thoughts and prayers go out to John and the family at this time. Chris.
Dove Cottage Day Hospice.
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