As a small  group we had a huge task in front of us. The invitations had been sent out and the response was encouraging. We had a total of 48 persons to cater for. A good mix of family, friends, work colleagues and neighbours.

The shopping was done and the day dawned bright and clear. The ovens were switched on and the cooking began. A few short hours later the guests began to arrive and there was an air of expectancy. Something good was about to happen!

Unite Band, (our Youth Band) led by Richard,  provided live music to welcome our guests. As if moved by an unseen hand, a steady stream of hot food was brought to each table. The aroma wafted across the room and the noise of cutlery was heard as we all tucked into the meal. Yummy! 

From my table I observed guests and local church members engaging in conversation. There was a real  sense of family in the room and everyone seem to be enjoying themselves. The gentleman seated near me was so captured by the music that we gave up trying to engage him in conversation!

At the end of the meal our guests were not in a hurry to leave. Fond farewells were said and the grand clear up began. Many people helped to clear the tables and shared with us their comments and compliments.

Some of our our guests said, “what a great atmosphere! The food was really good! We loved the music. It was a fantastic meal! Such a peaceful atmosphere! You all did a great job!“ The general feedback was a resounding “well done” to our team.

Although some of our members were unable to be with  us today, Yahshua stood with us and gave us the strength to do the incredible. All  the glory goes to Him!  

 
The 'Pride in Aylesbury Vale Awards' aim to salute the outstanding individuals and amazing organisations that work hard to make Aylesbury Vale an amazing place. Be they unsung heroes or stars in their fields, enthusiastic youngsters or stalwart servants, these awards aim to recognise excellence.

This year, Community Unity Projects has received nominations in three of the eleven categories.

Richard Willetts has been nominated for "Community Volunteer of the Year", for all the community work he does. Community Unity Projects has been nominated for "Community Company of the Year", for the music project in Quarrendon, making the arts accessible to all. And the Open Door Lunch Club has been nominated for the "Service with a Smile" award, which is a great boost to the volunteers.
The Aylesbury project is not trying to blow its own trumpet here, but gives glory to Yahweh, because it is He in them who makes the difference in all they do, and He who inspires, strengthens and blesses them.

The Awards website can be viewed here...

UPDATE:
Richard wins the "Highly Commended Award" in the volunteer category.


 

By Shoshana Willetts

Community Unity Projects in Aylesbury held their annual 1940s event on 5th February 2012. This community event raises fund for the charity 'Help For Heroes' (H4H). Shoshana Willetts reports...

Thank you to all who prayed for our 1940s event - we certainly needed and felt your prayers! We thank Yahweh for enabling us to serve our local community in this way - bringing His face to the crowd.

Despite the snow falling, and stopping a good proportion of people attending, over 80 guests were still able to make it. The atmosphere was great.

My husband Richard opened with the memory of when people were queuing to pray outside St Paul's Cathedral, London, during the war years and how prayer changed things. 

Dove Dance Group transported the audience to the blitz years - air raid sirens, doodlebugs, finishing with a portrayal of John McCrae’s Poem ‘In Flanders Fields’. The audience was visibly moved and Dove Dance members did H4H proud.

A short film was shown explaining the work of H4H and in particular the work of Tedworth House - which is a Personnel Recovery and Aassessment Centre for wounded, sick and injured servicemen and women.

The Town Mayor was in attendance and judged the fancy dress - always amazed by the costumes!

All the people that attended the event signed a dedicated ‘Book of Thanks and Encouragement’ for the residents of Tedworth House and all the children drew a picture of courage and heroism which will be put in a presentation folder and sent on to them. Doing this really made us think of the sacrifice some people are paying in serving their country.

Violet Rae , a vintage 1940s singer, wowed the audience and brought the nostalgia of that era to the event.

That old ‘Community Spirit’ was definitely evident as members of the local church and community worked hard behind the scenes serving hot drinks and afternoon tea, supervising the children in the ‘Evacuee Zone’, and playing good old fashioned games from the war years! Huge thanks to all who helped. 

£140 was raised and many said that the event was the best to date.