“…. you can have peace because of me. In this world you will have trouble. But be encouraged! I have won the battle over the world.” John 16:33 (NIrV)
Dear Friends,
This month we celebrate Easter, the triumph of good over evil and life over death. Happy Easter!
We’ve become accustomed over recent years to news bulletins filled with one troubling matter after another; first it was Brexit (whatever our political stance), followed by Covid-19 which continues to affect us all, but now our eyes are glued to a country about which most of us knew so little just five weeks ago. So much has happened since we last wrote and our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Ukraine. But it’s not just Ukraine; we mustn’t forget the people of Russia, or those in Yemen, Afghanistan, Syria, Nigeria, Somalia and so many other lands where people are desperate to escape tyranny, war or famine.
As we pray, offer hospitality or support financially, let’s remind ourselves of the Easter message. Jesus is alive and he has overcome the world. We don’t see it yet but we shall one day, and that day is fast approaching. Sad though it is in many ways, every act of terror brings the return of Jesus ever closer. We are not to know when that day will be but our job in the meantime is to spread the message of the Cross, so that many more people receive God’s forgiveness and live in newness of life through the Holy Spirit.
Yes, let’s do what we can for those who are caught up in the horrific acts that man commits against man but let’s not forget that we can have peace in our hearts because Jesus has overcome the world.
… to new readers, especially any who signed up at the recent Know & Grow Makaton workshop. We thank you for your interest and ask you to use this newsletter to guide you in your prayers.
to those who give financial support; from time to time we receive anonymous gifts and this is the only place to express our gratitude. Count Everyone In doesn’t make direct appeals for funds but God prompts people to give and so the work is able to continue. While money is important, your prayers are appreciated even more. Thank you and may God bless you.
Dreaming of a holiday?
Why not join Janneke, Pete and Christine in France for a week of fun, faith and relaxation? Take a look at https://springharvestholidays.com/feature-weeks/count-everyone-in and book for the Count Everyone In week. We hope you’ll love the 4-star holiday park in the beautiful Vendee region of western France as much as we do. After a break of two years, the holiday is back for 6 – 13 June. Anyone can book in for that week but there’s a special welcome (and possible discounts) for families and groups that include adults with learning disabilities. Find out more on the Spring Harvest Holidays website but call the booking line 01825 748318 to discuss travel and accommodation preferences.
“If only we had known about you”
Can you help us? There are churches and groups that were once linked to Prospects and are now wondering where to go for support in running their learning disability ministry. No two situations are identical but we are here to help. Please connect them with us at info@counteveryonein.org.uk or point them to the website www.counteveryonein.org.uk. Amongst other things, they might like to join a regional in-person or Zoom Prayer and Encouragement group. Thank you!
March Memories
So, what did we do in March?
Pete conducted the funeral of a dear friend in St Albans, a privilege and a responsibility, sad, but comforting to know she is safe in God’s care and free from suffering.
By contrast, it was such fun but also moving to see profound faith expressed so simply when we spoke at Tuesday Special, the group for adults with learning disabilities at Greyfriars Church in Reading.
We heard via Zoom from our friends in the European Disability Network about valiant efforts to evacuate disabled people from Ukraine and we prayed together.
We met with a possible new co-worker and would ask you to keep praying as we consider how God might be leading in this situation.
We celebrated a 40th birthday (not ours!) with a friend.
We (Pete & Christine) supported Janneke as she ran another great Know & Grow Makaton workshop, this time in Aldridge near Walsall.
Preparations for Word Alive and Spring Harvest continued, as well as forward planning for other festivals.
How about some training?
Our on-site Know and Grow workshops are available once again, equipping churches to be accessible to adults with learning disabilities.
How about attending or even hosting one of our workshops? We have just a few dates remaining for 2022. It takes a few months to organise and publicise these events so get in touch as soon as you can at info@counteveryonein.org.uk. You’ll find details of Know and Grow 1, Know & Grow 2 and Know & Grow Makaton (pilot) at https://www.counteveryonein.org.uk/events/
Special Offer extended
Our special promotion that was featured on social media was to end on 31 March but, for readers of this newsletter only, we can extend it to Tuesday 5 April:
Set of 3 Bible reading booklets normally £2.50 each plus P&P NOW just £6.00 including P&P
1. Who is Jesus? /2. Easter /
3. Jesus returned to heaven and what happened next?
Email info@counteveryonein.org.uk with your name and address and make a bank transfer of £6 per set to our Metro Bank (business) account:
Count Everyone In – Sort code: 23-05-80 – Account no: 33248601
Other items available by mail order (excluding P&P for which we ask you to add a donation) include: Prospects worship albums:
Jesus the start of it all – CD (£5) and MP3 (£8)
Jesus the start of it all (with Makaton signing) – DVD (£8) and MP4 (£10)
No god is greater – CD (£5) and MP3 (£8)
No god is greater (with Makaton signing) – DVD (£8) and MP4 (£10)
Say the word – CD (£5) and MP3 (£8)
Undated Bible reading notes, with NIrV Bible text, thought and prayer for each day
Who is Jesus? – 14 days £2.50
Easter – 9 days £2.50
Jesus returns to heaven and what happened next – 14 days £2.50
The Holy Spirit – 7 days £2.50
Prayer – 30 days £4.50
NEW! Psalms Devotional – 20 days £4.50
Christmas is coming – 25 readings for Advent £4.50
The New International Readers Version (NIrV) – Accessible Edition with its large, clear print and line drawings is available from Bible Society. The New Testament (Hardback at £9.99 or softback at £7.99) and Mark’s Gospel (£2) and Psalms will also soon be available in the same accessible edition.
CEI branded t-shirts and hoodies, supplied by Christianhood, come in three colours – burgundy, charcoal and sapphire blue – and will be available to buy at Spring Harvest and other festivals this year. You can order by email if you wish.
Looking ahead (details correct at time of publication)
Tues 5 April Reading Groups Easter Celebration, Greyfriars Church, Reading
Sat 9 – Thurs 14 April Word Alive (Prestatyn)
Mon 18 – Fri 22 April Spring Harvest (Minehead) Sat 23 April New Wine Accessible Church Day, Newcastle CANCELLED
Mon 25 – Weds 27 April Time Off
Thurs 28 April Herts, Beds & Cambs Prayer & Encouragement meeting (Zoom)
Sun 1 May Cornerstone Church, St Albans (preaching) and Prospects group
Sat 21 May Know & Grow Makaton, Leeds
Mon 6 – Mon 13 June Spring Harvest LPO (France)
Sat 16 – Fri 22 July Keswick Convention (week 1)
Fri 29 July – Mon 1 Aug Creation Fest – to be confirmed
Fri 19 – Sun 21 August Awaken, formerly ONE Event (Newark)
Sat 15 October Know & Grow 1, Stratford, East London
CEI Friends
Friends with CEI – is a network offering support for learning disability ministry in churches and groups across the country. Ask for a form today and get your church/group to sign up.
Friends with CEI – for individuals, couples and families who would like to be involved through prayer, financial giving, volunteering at an event and generally acting as an ambassador for CEI. Drop us a line at info@counteveryonein.org.uk or by post to 34 Enborne Road, Newbury RG14 6AH and we’ll send you a form. We look forward to hearing from you.
Ways to help CEI
Why not do a sponsored walk/cycle/swim/push for CEI – alone or with friends and family? Last September Grace, a faithful friend with CEI, launched Every Step Counts with a challenging coastal walk from Worthing to Shoreham and back. She raised more than double her initial target! Contact us for details.
When we shop online we start by going to Give as You Livehttps://www.giveasyoulive.com/to see if there is a store that stocks the product we are looking for. They generally donate a higher percentage to your nominated charity than Amazon Smile https://smile.amazon.co.uk/ch/1181852-0, which is our 2nd choice. Be sure to indicate that you’re supporting Count Everyone In. See links at the foot of this newsletter.
Prayer and praise – “Don’t worry about anything. No matter what happens, tell God about everything. Ask and pray, and give thanks to him.” Philippians 4:6 (NIrV)
Thank God for the recent Know & Grow Makaton workshop and pray that the course will soon be validated by the Makaton Charity
Pray for the people God is calling to join Pete, Christine and Janneke so that the work of CEI can grow; pray especially for the person who is currently exploring this with us
Pray that we will manage our diaries wisely
Pray for guests and teams at Word Alive and Spring Harvest, that the Holy Spirit will draw us closer to Jesus as we worship, learn and have fun together
Pray for health so that we can carry out our engagements and for safety as we travel
Pray for CEI trustees Richard, Keith, Janet, Jonathan, Mayryanne, Tim and Val.
And finally, let’s remember ….
God is able to do far more than we could ever ask for or imagine. He does everything by his power that is working in us. Ephesians 3:20
If you are thinking of supporting financially, there are options:
Donate to Count Everyone In at www.give.net/20280624 or directly into Metro Bank (business) account (Gift Aid form available on request) – Sort code: 23 05 80 – Account no: 33248601
Support Pete and Christine personally at www.give.net/20043120or directly into our TSB account (Gift Aid not possible by this method):
Mr P & Mrs C Winmill – Sort code: 77 70 64 – Account no: 01822668
GDPR We hold your contact details for the purpose of sending you this newsletter at your own request. We also hold details of people who serve on CEI teams or attend training days. If you have any questions about this, or you wish to be removed from mailing lists etc, please let us know.
Social media – See www.counteveryonein.org.uk and you can also keep up with us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram. Please follow, like and share so that more people find out what is happening.
*Please note that the best times to contact us are Tuesday to Friday 9:30 – 5:30pm
Every blessing,
Janneke Klos, Pete & Christine Winmill
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Safeguarding Statement
We are committed to following government and thirtyone:eight guidelines on safeguarding adults at risk and good working practice, including safer recruitment of workers.
