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Updated on Sunday, 05 October 2008 |
        
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The Magazine of St. John’s Methodist Church
Autumn 2008
‘God our Father and our Mother….’ (Methodist Worship Book page 204)
When the new Worship Book was issued in 1999 two principal criticisms were aired: that the ‘prayer of humble access’ (“We do not presume to come to this your table…”) was not included in every communion order, and that one order contained the line addressing God as both Father and Mother. People were generally pleased that there were now many orders of communion to be used throughout the year, as well as three for general use. As you may be aware, I tend to rotate these so we get chance to use them all. Indeed, one good feature of the book is that we are given the opportunity to experience a variety of slightly different communion services, which help us avoid the narrow confines of one particular rut. My disappointment is that I think the orders we do have are too similar to each other, and a greater diversity would have been more helpful: after all, people are not obliged to use them if they don’t like them!
I know that the use of language referring to God as ‘Mother’ grates with some of us, though I do know that some find it refreshing and inspiring. My purpose here is to try to explain why it is used in this way, rather than to try to persuade people who don’t like it to change their minds overnight. My own view is not so much that we should use feminine imagery or language for God, but that Christians always stand in need of ways of thinking about God and worshipping God which stretch our imagination and help us offer worship and service that is as worthy as we can make. You may have noticed that I rarely refer to God (the ‘Father’) as ‘he’, though I don’t use ‘she’ either.
Christians have since the earliest days thought of God as consisting of different aspects – the Trinity of ‘Father’, ‘Son’ and ‘Spirit’ which present different ‘pictures’ or representations of God. Jesus did not refer to the Trinity but did use the language of God as Father and of the Spirit, and is of course revered in Christian doctrine as the ‘Son’ of God. Scripture does not use feminine language for God ‘the Father’ (obviously!) but does for the Holy Spirit, which should be translated ‘she’ rather than ‘he’. Some of our more modern hymns and songs do this. Furthermore, some divine characteristics would appear to be as much motherly as they are fatherly, such as tenderness, for instance. One of our traditional hymns contains the lines:
‘then to thy need he [!] like a mother doth speed spreading the wings of grace o’er thee’ (Praise to the Lord, the Almighty… H&P 16)
‘then to thy need he [!] like a mother doth speed spreading the wings of grace o’er thee’
(Praise to the Lord, the Almighty… H&P 16)
Such instances are important but it is clear that, in the main, both Scripture and the Christian tradition (with some notable exceptions) do not employ feminine imagery much when referring to God.
My point is that all our representations of God – whether through words or pictures, poetry or art, are all partial. None are comprehensive, and at best contain limited insight. God may be likened to a Rock, or a Shepherd, but there is far more that can be said about God than just this! God is like a father in certain respects, like a shepherd, like a king, but not literally so. One old formula states that God has no ‘parts or passions’, that is, God has no actual, physical hands, or body, or eyes, or ears. Nor chromosomes, genes or testosterone. Yet the use of such language has been profoundly helpful in guiding God’s people to an understanding of God’s nature and dealings with people. Masculine language tends to be used by us, and by the Bible writers, because we find it easy to think of God having human characteristics: being angry, loving, strong or patient.
Yet from the earliest times people have also realised that God cannot be contained by human description – hence the fear of idolatry in graven images and hesitation in depicting God in art form. In this view even the name of God (Yahweh, from which Jehovah is derived) should not be uttered, a practice continued even in modern translations of the Bible: we tend to use ‘the Lord’ or ‘the Lord God’ instead.
I like the recognition of the supreme, immortal, incomprehensible nature of God in some of our hymns and prayers that try to convey just how incredible and infinite God is. One of my favourite lines comes from the ancient hymn ‘How shall I sing that majesty?’ (Hymns & Psalms 8) which ends:
‘Thou art a sun without a sphere, a sea without a shore thy time is now and evermore, thy place is everywhere.’
At one level it is sheer nonsense, but in another sense the poetry lifts us into a sense of wonder and awe (as all good Wesley hymns do!).
All this does not mean that we can’t talk about God – far from it! We can (and must) speak of God the Creator of heaven and earth, the one who sustains the universe and God’s people, the one who has made a covenant with the people of Israel and who judges humanity. However I still think that the best, and easiest way of all, is to speak of a different face of the Trinity rather than the ‘Father’: the God who became incarnate, dwelling in human life and experience, and who was given the name Jesus – the ‘one who saves’.
Mike Long
A Wesley Guild Meeting is an event where both men and women are welcome to share in fellowship together.
We meet on the first Friday evening of the month during the winter here at St. John’s at 7.30 pm for an hour or so, and afterwards we share tea or coffee and a chat.
In summer we have afternoon outings.
Our programme is a varied one and we are seeking to encourage your interest. Do come along and be assured of a very warm welcome or call 01745 822152 for more information.
Your Fellowship Luncheon Club is Changing!
Same delicious three course roast dinner Same price £3 Same happy, smiling helpers!
However, as from OCTOBER, coffee will be served from 11.30 am, and lunch at the new time of 12.30 pm.
Also, we are inviting ANYONE connected with St. John’s to join us. So, if you want to enjoy good fellowship and an excellent meal, on the first Thursday of each month, why not give it a try?
Simply let Jenny or Janet know that you wish to join us, then come along, relax and let us serve you.
Looking forward to YOUR company
John Started, Eric Finished!
an article by Eric Lockwood
John Wesley rode into Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, for the first time and recorded in his journal:
“A wilder people I never saw before. They lined the streets and looked ready to devour us”.
Whether any of my ancestors were among that motley crew I know not. It’s not impossible for my surname is not uncommon in Yorkshire; one suburb of Huddersfield is even named “Lockwood!”
Our
Methodist founder moved yet another five miles, or so, up the valley and
into the foothills of the Pennines until he arrived in a delightful spot
named Netherthong where he began a work. So impressed with the beauty
of the place it caused him to pen:
“Ye valleys and hill rejoice!”
For some unknown reason Wesley called Netherthong just “Thong”. This village in the parish of Honley, the Vicar of Honley was displeased with the Methodist Presence on his patch that he insisted the local constable should arrest John Wesley. (Netherthong is only two miles from Honley; I know it well). Even so, I’m unsure if the Chapel had been then constructed; therefore I wonder if it was a field preaching event. In no hurry to obey the vicar, the constable strolled around, observing the happenings and listened to the preaching. There was no thump of his truncheon, no snap of the handcuffs around the preacher’s wrists. The glorious Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ penetrated the mind and heart of the policeman; he became a believer there and then! What he wrote in his report is anyone’s guess, yet Wesley wasn’t arrested.
I became a Methodist Local Preacher way back in the December of 1955, serving in the Holmfrith Circuit, serving for many years, covering about seventeen churches and chapels, many in remote moorland settings. Two of the places of worship where I preached were in Netherthong, one being the original place where Wesley called it “Thong”.
Sadly, this Methodist Chapel was in an appalling state of disrepair; the Circuit Committee were more than justified in closing it down once and for all.
When the “plan” was printed out I discovered I was to take the very last service in Thong.
Five of us Methodists met together in the vestry of that now derelict building, offering God our sincere worship. A work which began with a big bang, as it were, went out with a whisper.
“How sad”,, I hear you say. Not at all! In the village was another fine, solidly built Methodist Church, commodious and more central. I do not believe there was any rivalry between them. Anyway, I consider we need to remember how the Church of God isn’t just a building. The real Church is Hi people who live in the power of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Sure, a building is a great asset, especially one as central and beautiful as St. John’s Methodist Church; I love what has been on the notice-board: “Worshipping, Serving, Exploring”.
Whenever religion enters a conversation, a well know saying is always heard, and is usually spoken by someone who is sure, and yet not sure. “Well we are all going to the same place, aren’t we?”
the answer to that is given by God in the Bible, no, we are not!
When Jesus began His Ministry, He preached the Gospel (good news) of the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 4.23). John Wesley was one of the greatest preachers of the Gospel of God and he said this:
“I want to know one thing - the way to Heaven; how to land safe on that happy shore. God has condescended to teach the way; for this very end He came down from Heaven. He hath written it down in a book, oh give me that Book at any price, give me the Book of God.
Jesus said “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one can come to the Father but by me.
Roy Crabtree
What’s special about the Methodist relationship with NCH?
Inspired by the passion and vision of the Revd Thomas Bowman Stephenson, a group of Methodists founded NCH in 1869. The children’s Home was a refuge for some of society’s most vulnerable children and young people as well as giving them a new start in life.
As NCH grew and developed, it was initially Methodists, staff and volunteers, who developed new ways of caring for children and young people, including pioneering the first formal childcare training in the UK.
Today, Methodists make up 50% of the board of trustees who govern the charity. Thousands more continue to contribute time, talents and money at all levels of the organisation’s work.
The latest survey of the 6,000 staff working for NCH today showed that 90% of them strongly agree that they share the values of the organisation - values which come directly from Methodism. They go to the heart of what we do and continue to provide the foundation and reason for being for the work of NCH.
Almost 80% of the UK’s population live or work within 10 miles of an NCH Project, highlighting the relevance of NCH in people’s lives today and why so many people and national organisations chose to support us.
Our vision and values
Our vision is of a world where all children and young people have a sense of belonging, and are loved and valued. A world where they can fulfil their potential, shape their destiny and experience the joy of life.
Our values · Passion - we are driven by our desire to help children and young people overcome injustice and disadvantage. · Equality - we believe all children and young people have equal worth and equal rights. · Hope - we believe in a child or young person’s potential no matter what they have experienced or what they have done.
Our purpose is to help the most vulnerable children and young people break through injustice, deprivation and inequality, so they can achieve their potential.
NCH are now working in close partnership with Gwynedd County Council and are looking for people who have experience of working or caring for young people. They must be willing and able to work with social workers and other professionals and be resilient, resourceful people who can adapt to a child’s changing needs.
If you think you may like to get involved and find out a bit more about fostering and live in North Wales, please give NCH a call on:
01492 536091 or 08452005162
“NO TURNING BACK”
an
article by Eric Lockwood
Probably the most influential Methodist throughout the sixty-two years I’ve been a Christian was the late William E Sangster (1900- - 1960). A preacher without peer, his book: “The Craft of the Sermon” has been eagerly devoured by those young preachers seeking hard after a life of holiness; lay folk invariably profit through the reading of Sangster’s fine work: “The Secret of Radiant Life”.
I have discovered how there was more to Sangster than his preaching and his published works. A biographer scribed him as a “Catholic Christian!” Throughout his life he laboured in prayer that his beloved Methodism should experience renewal and revival. He deeply involved himself with various denominations, anxious to seek to win souls for Christ, a little like Billy Graham maybe; Sangster was a speaker at huge rallies in both the Royal Albert Hall, London and at Butlins Holiday Camps.
Paul Sangster, both his son and his biographies, scribed, and I quote: “My late father found no inconsistency in being a strong Methodist and yet a Catholic Christian. He once gave a series of mid-week lectures on the other denominations within the Church. He spoke on ‘What I admire in the Baptists’, ‘What I admire in the Quakers’.”
With my mentor’s example in mind, may I share with you, dear readers, a personal experience from my spying a memorable and God-honouring occasion?
It was a most perfect morning in the textile town of Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. Some Baptists were making their way to a mucky canal, for one of their congregation who desired to be baptised by total immersion was a university student. (Many of the students were housed in a multi-storied building overlooking the canal).
The baptismal party gathered along the tow path; a host of inquisitive students were leaning out of their windows. The Minister clambered down the wall into the canal, the water sloshing up to his chest, hoping he wouldn’t lose his footing and slip.
The candidate for this form of adult baptism who followed the Minister into those murky depths, chose the venue so he could boldly witness to his Saviour Jesus Christ to his fellow student, spying him form their windows:
· The singing rang out:
· “I have decided to follow Jesus,
· no turning back, no turning back.
· The world behind me, the cross before me;
· no turning back, no turning back”.
Whether through a fine preacher, through Methodist Sangster’s writings or through the simple witness of a young Baptist, the challenge, I believe, is to you and me: No turning back!
A WATER BEARER IN India had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole that he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, while the other pot was always perfect and always delivered a full portion of water. At the end of the long walk from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.
For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water to his house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect for which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.
After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream. “I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologise to you. I have been able to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don’t get full value from your efforts”, the pot said.
The bearer said to the pot, “Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of the path, but not on the other pot’s side? That’s because I have always known about your flaw, and I planted flower seeds your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you’ve watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table. Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house”.
Moral: Each of us has our own unique flaws. We’re all cracked pots, but it’s the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding. You’ve just got to take each person for what they are, and look for the good in them.
submitted by Dorothy Godber
Ladies’
Afternoon Fellowship
Many visiting speakers and people attending for the first time speak of the warmth and friendship they encounter in this group. We have an active membership of 30, the majority being in their late 70’s, 80’s and even 90’s, but our 41 year old brings the average down very nicely, thank you, and the atmosphere is wonderful. The informal conversations over a cup of tea at the end of the meeting are an important part of the afternoon.
We meet at 2.30 pm on Tuesdays from the beginning of September to the end of April and have a varied programme of talks. One afternoon a month usually has a devotional theme, while the third Tuesday is our Missions day. Talks on the other two weeks might be about travels abroad, famous gardens, hobbies and local organisations and events, to name but a few. When there is a fifth Tuesday, that might well become a Members Day.
Surplus funds raised from weekly collections and two coffee mornings are donated to local and Methodist charities. For the last few years we have also adopted a special charity, with money being raised by the sale of home-made goods and unwanted presents. Currently we are supporting Hosannah Hospital, via Rhian Smith and Ysbyty Glan Clwyd Ethiopia Link.
We are always pleased to welcome both new members and occasional visitors, so why not come along and give us a try when we resume in September. Programmes are available from Arline Griffiths or the Welcome Desk.
Where did the profit go?
Peter Ackerley
As many of you will know, Fred Flynn and his team of stewards work hard from the late spring to early autumn organising and looking after the many regulars and visitors who attend the Thursday concerts here at St. John’s. The concerts are of a high standard and bring considerable pleasure to those who attend, being part of the well-established and long-standing outreach of the church.
However, perhaps fewer church members know the detail of what happens to the monies raised after all the expenses have been paid, so I thought it might be worth sharing with you where one valuable £100 donation went in July this year.
The Saint Vincent Home for Physically and Mental Handicapped Children in Ain Karem in Jerusalem was opened in 1964. The Organisation itself was established to work with the disadvantaged in France in 1633 and has been working in the Middle East since 1848.
One of the core values of the charity is ‘pluralism’ and a welcome is always extended regardless of a person’s race or religion. It encourages peace and reconciliation by way of love and friendship with all in the face of violence, discrimination, exclusion and ethnic conflict.
Seventy children reside in the home and are Jewish and Arab from all parts of Israel, referred by the Handicapped Services Division of the Israeli Ministry of Labour, and are aged from one to fifteen years . All are severely handicapped and many eat with gastro tubes, nasal or kangaroo feeding devices, requiring the highest level of nursing care that is provided over the 24 hours. Many are visually impaired and only a few of the children can actually say a few words. A Paediatric Doctor is on permanent call and the children are treated when necessary at the Share Zedek Hospital in Jerusalem.
Professionals and volunteers are Jewish, and volunteers are Jewish, Muslim and Christian and when I first visited the home in 2006 one of the Sisters explained how “indescribably enriching” it was to work with the children, with many feeling that they receive far more from the residents than they give to them. Having now made my second visit to Ain Karem I am starting to understand what she meant.
In July each year the weaker children are taken to the sea at Ashod for the morning and relax on the beach. They are put into the sea or a pool and have a meal before returning home in the afternoon.
The stronger children are taken to Haifa for four days and stay at the Carmel Youth Hostel, with mornings spent on the beach and afternoon in a park or the hostel grounds. An extra 15 volunteers are recruited to help with the summer programme that is enjoyed by the children.
Staff, volunteers and the children are all truly wonderful and the Christian love for each other is very clearly self’-evident. The donation approved by the Church Council will, I know, be very much appreciated and I am truly grateful for your kindness.
Many visitors and church members frequently ask about the meaning of the stained glass windows over the communion area particularly, and the two painted windows in the transepts. The Revd Donald Ryan who oversaw the huge task of refurbishment some 20 years ago gives the following helpful explanations.
The Lancet Windows
These were bricked up for some unknown reason before the war and the Revd Ryan perceived them as a heaven - sent opportunity to enhance the area to the glory of God and inspire communicants. Donald had a vision of a design to bind the three windows to make it look like one window. His vision for the communion area was that it should be a place of Christian celebration and for the window to be part of the celebration. In his mind’s eye he saw the celebration as being the resurrection of Christ. So he designed the empty cross with shafts of golden light representing the risen Christ as the Light of the World. When praying for inspiration for this Charles Wesley's hymn (457) came to mind:
Christ, whose glory fills the skies, Christ, the true and only Light, Sun of Righteousness, arise, Triumph o’er the shades of night; Day-spring from on high, be near Day-spring in my heart appear.
The guiding scripture was: “In Him was life, and the life was the light of the people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it”. St. John 1:4-5 NRSV
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life”. St. John 8-12 NRSV.
“For once you were in darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true”. Ephesians 5:8-9 NRSV.
The Wesley Window
this requires no explanation it is of course pure Methodism! However - when the Lord Tonypandy was conducting the service for the rededication he said the window was “not quite right - there would have been more people present to hear John Wesley!”.
The Feed my Sheep Window The Revd Ryan asked the Church Council to pray about the design. At the subsequent meeting the Council decided unanimously to use Donald’s design. His thoughts were based on the fact that the window would be in the eye line of the preacher in the pulpit. With this in his mind he chose the view of the Sea of Galilee with the Golan Heights on the far side of the sea as seen from the place where Jesus blessed Simon Peter and commissioned him to “Feed my Sheep” St. John 21:17 NRSV. The words hopefully today affirm the preachers in St. John’s pulpit. The scene is an accurate view as it is today.
The Revd Ryan led a dedicated band of workers many of whom have gone to meet their Lord and it would be good to remember them for leaving us with a beautiful church in which the sheep can be fed!
Thank you Lord, for another day. And all the new day brings, For sun and rain, for joy and pain And all life’s little things For those I love, who love me, too For every bird that sings, Each sight and sound, the friends I’ve found And all life’s little things.
Maureen Lowe
This page may turn you Green!
No, This is not a preview of the new ‘Incredible Hulk’ film. It’s about re-cycling.
“Oh, that AGAIN!” I hear some people say. “Why Should I bother?” “We’ve put things in bins for years now, and had them emptied every week by the Council”. “It’s all a way for the Council to cut services and save money”. “My effort will make no difference”. “The things I send for re-cycling only en dup in landfill sites”. “Plastic is exported to China and then dumped in landfill sites!” “It’s bad for the environment to ship our re-cycled waste to China”. “it’s okay to put natural waste into landfill sites because it bio-degrades”.
We’ve all heard many of these negative arguments (excuses) against re-cycling, so now let us establish a few facts.
FACT. In 2000, Britain was at the bottom of the European league for re-cycling. We were re-cycling only 5% of our rubbish. Countries such as Holland, Germany and Switzerland were at 60%.
FACT. Each household generates 1 tonne of rubbish each year. That’s more than 30 million tonnes - enough to fill Wembley Stadium to the brim in 3 DAYS.
FACT. If we carry on as we are, within eight or nine years, all our landfill sites will be completely full.
FACT. Council have to save money. Saving the planet doesn’t come cheap, but re-cycling is helping to do just that. (Oh Yes, the Council could have weekly wheelie-bin collections, but are we willing to pay more Council Tax for them to do so?)
FACT. Natural waste (food and paper) being dumped into landfill is the worst way of disposing of bio-degradable material, because bacteria from it produces methane, a green-house gas 23 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
FACT. Over 95% of materials collected for re-cycling, is re-cycled. (The remaining 5% is because the wrong materials have been put out for collection, or are too dirty).
FACT. China has a strong demand for re-cycled plastic to spin into polyester fibre for textiles such as fleeces and for bottles and crates. Re-cycled materials have an approximate value of £200 per tonne, so WHY would they dump them?
FACT. Plastic being shipped to China is carried in container ships which are returning there after bringing good to the UK, thus reducing the environmental impact.
Having hopefully dispelled a few myths concerning re-cycling, let us look at the problems we face. None of us likes being told what to do, especially by the Council. Most of us can see the advantages of re-cycling our paper, cans and glass, but find it difficult to adapt our “throw-away”, life-style. However, in the ’War Years’, so I am told, almost everything was re-cycled - so why not now?
As a church, we all need to look at how we can help. Our church already re-cycles plastic, glass, cans and paper. We also have a box at the rear of the church for used printer cartridges. Perhaps a similar box could be established for used batteries. (These should not be thrown in a rubbish bin). What about a scheme to advertise free unwanted household items, rather than throw them away? I’m sure you have other ideas and the Green Group would welcome your suggestions.
God created a beautiful world for us and we must do all we can to keep beautiful. I should like to conclude with a quote form ‘Rich Cizic’ (US National Assessment of Evangelicals) which makes a lot of sense:
“God isn’t going to ask us how He created the world,
but is going to ask us what we did with what he created”.
St. John’s Green Group
Details and statistics obtained from “How you can make a difference - WRAP and G2 - Battle of the Bins - Guardian (23.6.08)
A different sort of day!
June Ackerley
Wednesday 9th July 2008 was nothing like my normal days - in fact it was a very, very different day.
I wore a brand new hat and dress (that my husband thought were all frightfully expensive); I had a huge umbrella; I ate some wonderful sandwiches; had some very nice ice cream with a chocolate coat of arms on; it absolutely poured with rain; I got very wet and I met Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall at Buckingham Palace. In fact it was for the most part a very enjoyable day, even if I did have to share it with a few hundred others! Yes, you’ve guessed, I was very privileged to attend a Royal Garden Party.
It all began quite a few years ago now, when I started to do voluntary work for the Red Cross and their ‘Home from Hospital’ scheme. Very briefly it involved spending time with people who had gone home from a stay in hospital and had no immediate family to help out with the odd bit of shopping and other tasks or who just needed someone to talk to.
One hundred years ago this year, King Edward V111 created British Red Cross History when he granted its Royal Charter, incorporating us for the first time into a single legal body. To celebrate the anniversary of the Charter, our President, HRH The Prince of Wales, hosted the Garden party for Red Cross volunteers, staff and supporters.
Attendance was limited and so all volunteers were given the opportunity to enter their names for a draw to select those to attend. My name went into ‘the national hat’ and I was fortunate to be successfully drawn out.
Peter and I made a three-day trip to London arriving in beautiful summer sunshine. We had a good old wander around the city and a very nice dinner before going to our hotel.
Wednesday morning was dull but the weather held out whilst we went to view a number of photographic exhibitions. I think that I have seen so many now that I could pass Peter’s photographic course for him!
Back at the hotel, I got changed and waited for the taxi. When I ventured out the rain was absolutely amazing. bouncing up from the pavement above my shoes. Nevertheless, with umbrella in hand off I went. Although there were no queues to enter via the back gates, I though it was worth getting a little wet, so I joined the queue to go through the main front gate. Only get one chance I thought!
Checked out by some very, very wet police officers and security people - who actually recognised me from my photograph - I set off across Buckingham Palace front parade area, through the entrance arch and into the Palace.
As I came out into the gardens I was issued with a very ‘unbecoming’ plastic poncho, although in fairness it did sort of help to keep some of the worst of the rain off me and my hat.
Having met up with some friends we made our way to the table set out on the lawn, to meet our first big challenge of the day, no, not to meet royalty, well not yet anyway. Do you know how difficult it is to walk in summer shoes (new ones at that); to keep on a poncho; carry and drink a cup of tea; pick up and eat sandwiches and cake - all whilst trying to hold up an umbrella in the rain and increasing wind - and to do it with a degree of dignity? Believe me it’s not easy!
In fact it was a complete giggle and in a strange sort of way added to the excitement and experience of the day and helped us forget the weather for a while at least. But… sorry folks there are no photographs available, you are not allowed to take cameras into the Palace - perhaps a good job because a few of us were starting to look a little suspicious as we tried to keep reasonably dry!
We were then joined in the garden by Prince Charles and his wife, and I was really very impressed that they were carrying their own umbrellas and quickly started to look as wet and bedraggled as the rest of us, but still smiling and taking a real interest in everyone. Camilla (although we are not really on first name terms...yet) felt really sorry for us all, particularly since the ‘fashion parade’ was a little dampened down. But still...the band played on (and got wet as well).
I have to say though, in all seriousness, that although we were all soaking wet and didn’t look our best - perhaps not even as good as when we set out - it really was a great afternoon and a real privilege to receive an invitation. I had a most amazing day and one that I will remember and treasure forever. The weather brought out the true spirit of friendship and I met some really wonderful and cheerful people who are obviously totally committed to helping others and which puts everything into its right and proper context.
Guess what, Thursday was a gorgeous day!
And oh, don’t forget if you have time to volunteer the British Red Cross is a truly great organisation.
Finally, the picture is ‘me and my new hat’ before I actually got wet but whilst I was thinking about getting wet!
VICTORIAN EXTRAVAGANZA WEEKEND
Well what a success the Victorian Extravaganza weekend was with hundreds of people visiting the church whilst it was open! We did extremely well with the amount of time that the church was open for, although as ever more people being willing to sit ‘manning’ the church whilst it is open would be very useful! It is a haven of peace and tranquillity, compared to the hurley-burly of Mostyn Street. Some come in for a chat, others to look around and find out more about our magnificent building, I’m sure that everyone who visits really gains something from their time, no matter how short, with us. The morning service was again split, with the usual fire practice to encourage us all outside. This year the service was taken by Roger Adams.
the all day coffee mornings were very busy and successful, raising £1575.84 for our two chosen charities (St. David’s Hospice and Ethiopia Link). The price was raised this year to £1.50 which roughly means that 1050 people were served. This compares to last year when £1200 was raised (£1.25 entry = 960 people). This just shows what a worthwhile event this is and some people are coming back year after year. BUT it is extremely hard work for all those involved in terms of baking and working during the days. In order for this to continue ore people must become involved.
Many thanks to the co-ordinators of the coffee days, to Arline and David Griffiths (Saturday) and Ray and Jen Cullens and Janet Hughes (Monday and to all the helpers on each of the days, plus the people who baked lots at home. We really couldn’t do it without you!!!
If you sleep in it - make it up; If you wear it - hang it up; If you drop it - pick it up; If you spill it - wipe it up; If you eat out of it - wash it up; If you open it - close it up; If it rings - answer it; If it howls - feed it; If it cries - love it.
In a church hostel - Maureen Lowe
We were saddened to learn of the resignation of our new caretaker, Helen Palin, from the beginning of September. Helen began in April but has found it increasingly difficult to balance the caretaking work alongside her teaching commitments. We extend our best wishes for the future to her and Paul. Helen has kindly offered to assist with some duties while we seek her replacement, so you may see her around the premises during September.
We were also sad to receive the resignation of Mike Parr as our church treasurer. Mike has brought considerable insight (and humour!) into our church finances, and we are very grateful to him for his work, particularly his clarity of presentation and sound advice. This means we are looking for a new treasurer as a matter of urgency…..
And may we remember in our prayers the family of Mary Rawlings who died recently at the age on 95 years and Fay Wareham on the death of her husband Peter.
We would like to extend a warm welcome to Bo, Janet Ormond’s new daughter-in-law from Thailand who has been attending church with Janet on a Sunday morning and also helping out with Toddlers during the summer. Also Janet’s mother who has recently moved to Llandudno.
Congratulations to Lisa and Gaz Bowen who were married here on 23rd August 2008. We wish them well as they begin their married life together.
There will be a service in the evening of 2nd November, in memory of those who have died. It will be a quiet reflective service of thanksgiving and commemoration, with candles.
Report of Church Council Meeting held on 14th July 2008
Green Group - This had started and had met five times studying the MRDF pack “What the Bible says about climate change”.
Shared Vision Group - This consists of Revd Mike Long, Jen Cullens, Rose Aspinall Tyrer, Annette Morris, Arline Griffiths, Ron Jones, Rhian Smith and Christine Riley.
No replacement has been found for Ruth Reynolds-Tyson. Revd Brenda Leigh will be looking after Old Colwyn and Revd Mike Long will be looking after Abergele for one year. Revd Nick Sissons has been appointed new Chaplain at Rydal Penrhos School.
The Victorian Extravaganza weekend went very well with hundreds of people visiting the Church. The all day coffee mornings were very busy and successful, raising £1,575.84 for our two chosen charities - St. David’s Hospice and Ethiopia Link. This just shows what a worthwhile event this is and some people are coming back year after year BUT it is extremely hard work for all those involved in terms of baking and working during the days. In order for this to continue more people more people must become involved.
There is still a deficit and collections are still down. Light and heat payments have increased. Income for nine months to 30th May was £74,829.00 whilst expenditure was £95,534.00 meaning a deficit of £20,715.00.
Church Archives - These to be stored in the room next to the Minister’s office. These are for “current archives e.g. the past seven years” with older documentation being held at the town archives centre.
Charities Act 2006 - The Church has to register as an independent charity next year. Detailed information required from every trustee on the Church Council. Following registration we will need to go to independent audit as opposed to examination of accounts because our assets are more than £2.8m.
Still awaiting a response from the Rotherham branch of Solaglass with regards to the new internal doors following a visit from their representative who agreed the work was not satisfactory.
The Stewards proposed that the £30 charge for coffee mornings held for Church supported organisations should be waived but remain in place for outside organisations.
Evening Worship - Numbers are now considerably reduced and it was suggested that we return to a Songs of Praise type of service. This is to be discussed at the next Church Council Meeting.
Circuit Men’s supper Club - Letter asking if we would be prepared to host two a year. It was agreed that we should do this and provide a full meal.
Revd Mike Long expressed his appreciation at having the opportunity to take a three month sabbatical, two weeks of which were spent in Zambia. He felt that as we had now formed a link with Zambia that it would be good to support them at harvest. This link would possibly be with St. Matthew’s Congregational Church in Lusaka. This is Methodist and Presbyterian Church. This was agreed and the Harvest Supper on 4th October would hav |
