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Ashbourne Methodist Circuit Magazine
December 2004 - January 2005
From the Manse
Dear friends,
I write after a series of gloomy grey days. The days are short, darkness falls
ever earlier. It is into this gloom that the Advent message comes, promising
a light that will shine into the darkness and banish it, for ever. Last week
I did a story for an infant assembly about the boy who was scared of the dark.
He needed a night light to stop him being frightened going to sleep at night.
He needed a torch to stop him being scared to go out at night, just as we
need the light of Jesus within to banish our fears, to give us confidence
to go into difficult situations, to chase away the darkness that surrounds
us. I love the run-up to Christmas. The lights go on in the shops. Many householders
now join in with lights galore adorning their house and garden. It is so cheerful
and heart warming. I love the nativity story and seeing young children acting
it out and learning for themselves the message brought by angels and shepherds
and Wise Men. And at its heart, the wonder of that baby born in a stable,
lit by a star. I love singing carols, tunes old and new, that make your heart
sing. The words are often beautiful words of poetry that capture the magic,
the spirit, the joy, the wonder of that special birth. And I look forward
to Christmas day, getting together with family, having fun and feasting together
to celebrate the Saviours birth. We have the exchange of presents, gifts of
love, celebrating the gift of love God gave to us, in the baby Jesus.
As we go through Advent, think about the darkness that is still so prevalent
in the world and pray for the light of Christ to come and dispel that darkness.
For those caught up in war, in Iraq, in Sudan, pray for the light of the Prince
of Peace to come to them.
For the people of Bethlehem, hemmed in on every side, no longer free to enjoy
the celebration in the place where it all happened 2000 years ago. Pray for
a new birth, a new kindling of the Christ light in that place.
For families that are not together;
For those who have lost loved ones;
For
people who are lonely. Living alone;
Help us to be aware of those around us
who are going through dark times.
May we be able to bring to them the love
and the light of Christ, this Christmas.
This Advent season, light the Christ light in your hearts so that its warmth
and love, its joy and hope may be a cheering light to all around.
Blessings of Joy and Love to you all this Christmas,
God Bless, Chris
Love came down at Christmas,
Love all lovely, Love divine,
Love was born at Christmas,
Star and angels gave the sign.
Christine Georgina Rossetti
NCH Coffee Morning
The NCH Coffee morning held on 6th November was a huge success, and we thank
everyone who helped in any way. As this may be the last one held at Hurtswood
(sadly!) it is good to report that everyone seems to have enjoyed having time
to chat over a cup of coffee in a pleasant atmosphere. The financial result
was good, too. We raised £714 after taking out some expenses, with some
Christmas goods and cards left over to sell on 10th December at the Christmas
evening . Thank you. Look out in the February magazine for news of other events
in 2005.
Operation Christmas Child shoe box project
The response this year from Church friends and other organisations has been
amazing, and we are anticipating that we will have something like 300 boxes
to go to the Derby warehouse for dispatching to Belarus. I can't give precise
figures at present, but there will be more news in the February magazine,
and in the meantime look on the Church notice board in the vestibule and the
Century Hall for a fuller report. Many thanks for all the enthusiasm you have
shown. We have a huge number of knitted scarves, hats and mittens to take
to the warehouse for separate disribution as well as the ones we have managed
to put into boxes. Next year we cannot send knitted toys but we have some
ideas for alternative presents which you may like to take up. Marianne Matthews
or Betty Hadley will have a list and patterns. These may give you ideas of
your own. If you would like
to know more about OCC please ask us.
Betty Hadley & Marianne Matthews
Social Responsibility
Wycliffe Bible Translators
I was speaking with Ian Cheffey, a member of and worker for Wycliffe a few
days ago because he had telephoned to say thank you - but that's another story.
I asked him how the 2025 vision was coming along. This is the vision to have
started translation work in every language by 2025 which means starting work
in many thousands of languages (over 3000) by then. It's a tough task but
they are now starting work on a new language every 6 days with plans to speed
up this process even further - praise God. I hope that we may be able to get
a speaker to tell us more about the 2025 vision some time next year.
The Cheffey's (Ian & Gill and children) used to work overseas for Wycliffe
and plan to go back in due course when their children have finished schooling
in the UK. Ian & Gill came back to the UK for the sake of their children's
secondary education. I don't know if you know that all Wycliffe workers do
not get paid, they survive by the grace of God and by the voluntary donations
given by ordinary people either by one off donations or by regular giving
(small and large). Overseas work is considered glamorous and their financial
support was always okay whilst being abroad. Since coming back to the UK and
despite still doing very important work for Wycliffe, their support has dwindled
and has jeopardised their ability to continue and work for Wycliffe in this
vital work of Bible Translation. If you feel you can help financially in any
way I can pass on their contact details to you.
Roger Mallard
The Bible Society
A Copy of their latest news magazine is at the rear of the Ashbourne Church,
if anyone else is interested, please let me know.
Roger Mallard
Release International
A Copy of their magazine 'Witness, The Voice of the Persecuted Church' is
at the rear of the Ashbourne Church, if anyone else is interested, please
let me know.
Roger Mallard
Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW)
China - In recent times there has been a major crackdown on underground churches
ordered by the Chinese Government. You can read about this in the CSW magazine
at the rear of the Church. Please pray for those arrested and imprisoned for
their faith in China. Pray for strength of faith, courage and the grace to
endure their trials and to maintain their bold witness. Please pray specifically
for Liu Fenngang, Dr. Xu Yonghai, and Yang Shengqi who were sentenced on August
6th to
3 years, 2 years and 1 year respectively. More details in the magazine about
how to respond in a practical way that is additional to prayer.
Sri Lanka
There are two bills currently being presented to their Parliament
that will basically outlaw conversions and threaten religious freedom. This
has a major impact on Christianity. One bill has been put forward by the JHU
party of Buddhist Monks and one tabled by the government. Please pray that
the two anti conversion laws will not pass through parliament and that a climate
of religious tolerance, reconciliation and harmony would prevail instead.
Christmas at Milldale
The annual Christmas Eve service will be held in candlelight at this delightful
little Peak District Chapel at 4pm on Friday 24th December. Please come along
and if you know anyone who is resident or visiting the Milldale/Alstonfield
area please
issue an invitation to them.
Cliff Lewer
Armistice Sunday 2004
The bright sunshine high-lights the frosty landscape. The lingering beauty
of the autumn is captured in the sunshine on the remaining leaves. Green and
brown, gold and russet each held in the rays of the rising sun.
A slender branch nearby quivers and bends as a black bird perches precariously
to take the bright red berries with golden bill; just beneath a young chaffinch
watches intently, wonderingly the antics of the blackbird.
The frost is giving way to the warm sun, the sleeping sheep raise their heads,
look around, rise stiftly and turn around to pass quietly through the gate
and out of sight.
Sunday worship on the radio has ended. "A reflecting on the act of Remembering".
During the service a piece of music was played. It had to do with war. In
the background there echoed the sound of the great guns, their roar belligerent
and filled with menace, now near, now far away.
And another sound, high above, all around joins the cacophony; the innumerable
voices of flak, rifle and machine gun fire rising and falling with hideous
intent.
The music ends, no lark sings there is no hint of the Handers poppy. The mind
is left in turmoil and the question nags "Why do we not find another
way?"
The media has given another weapon to those who seek their own ends. The publicity
available is a cynical aid to the hostage takers and gives a sharp edge to
their demands.
Daniel Pearl, a Wall Street journalist working in Pakistan, was murdered by
aI-Qtuda in January 2002. During his life it had become a burning issue with
him to make known the concerns and perspectives of the young Muslims he had
worked with over the years. Daniel had also used his considerable talents
as a musician to make friendships across those divides which are too formidable
to cross by means of words alone. Professor Judea Pearl, Daniel's father,
was determined to create something constructive from the ruins caused by his
son's death and to this end he has set up, in partnership with Dr Akbar Ahmed,
a distinguished scholar of contemporary Islam, the "Daniel Pearl Dialogue
for Muslim-Jewish Understanding". Across the U.S.A. the two men seek
to high-light and seek healing in the areas of hatred between Muslim and Jew,
and in so doing raise awareness of the healing nature of dialogue. To-gether,
they continue to discover that the difficulties, differences and grievances
are as important and integral to dialogue as are the common shared values
and histories. Dissent is met with respect on both sides. The movement is
seen by both men as a retaliation against the mutually destructive hatred
that led to Daniel's murder, and the deaths of so many other workers in recent
history. We see a similar awareness in the actions of families in Northern
Ireland, they too have turned to build bridges, through the anguish of loss.
From the Middle East there are reports of an organisation of Israeli-Palestinian
parents, victims of the "intafada" who, to-gether are working to
achieve a similar
objective of mercy and mutual support. Basic to each of these fragile wonders
is the acknowledgment that right and wrong are to be found on each side.
Maybe we all need to take a look at ourselves!! In the great mosque in Jerusalem
in a central position is the great rock, where Abraham took his only son Isaac
in obedience to God's command. The rock is sacred to Islam, Judaism and Christianity.
The three faiths find here the
beginnings of their journey in the obedience and trust of Abraham, who is
called to be The Father of our Faith. Doubtless, we are to take the onslaught
of hatred, resentment and vindictiveness on board as we prepare for the celebration
of our Lord and Saviour. I ask myself what true and God bidden offering may
I bring to the distortions of His love enacted in my preparations?
I pray that each offering we bring as the members of His Body may involve
that small death by which new life may shine forth like the sun. That it may
be a song shared with the lark and with the Song of the angels. And that it
may be another flower, not only of Flanders fields, but in the soil of dedicated
minds shifting wrong perceptions into the way of understanding and love,
Sincerely, with very best wishes for Christmas and with love,
Merle
Annual Weekly Gift Envelopes.
Preparations are under way to ensure that these weekly envelopes are distributed
to all those who use them or wish to use them, in good time for the new taxation
year in April. If you would wish to use envelopes and indeed Gift Aid your
giving either through them or independently then please contact John Hurfurt
or Cliff Lewer.
Cliff Lewer
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 18TH - 25TH JANUARY 2005
MIDDAY PRAYERS
Tuesday 18th January Methodist Church, Church St.
Wednesday 19th January All Saints' Church, Belle Vue Rd.
Thursday 20th January St. Oswald's Church, Church St.
Friday 21st January Elim Pentecostal Church, South St.
MORNING SERVICES
On Sunday 23rd January there will be Pulpit Exchanges between the Ashbourne
Clergy. Father John Guest will be the preacher at our morning service and
Chris will be preaching at St Oswald's.
Elizabeth Hurfurt.
Mission Matters
JMA (Junior Mission for All)
Welcome to the new members. We now have 17 JMA members in our church. If anyone
would like to support them in their mission collecting please speak to Ruth
Mallard who will be happy to link you up with one of the children.In the last
financial year £664.09 was collected by our JMA members - well done!
In order to obtain Gift Aid from some of the giving the 2003-2004 collecting
books must be handed in. Any member who hasn't done this please make every
effort to do this now.
JMA NEW YEAR PARTY
This will be on Sunday 2nd January in the afternoon in Cornerstone. You will
receive invitations soon.
Wycliffe Associates
An open meeting of Wycliffe Associates is to be held on Thursday 9th December
at 7.30pm at 38 St. Oswald Crescent. All are welcome to see a short video
and pray for mission interests especially related to Bible translation followed
by refreshments.
World Church Day
A District event at Ashbourne Methodist Church. Saturday 19th February 2005.
10am - 3.30pm. Cost £5. "Have you ever wondered what it is like
to worship in a Methodist Church overseas? Or to visit people who live very
different lives to our own? Or to meet God in the slums of a major city? If
you have, or if you have never thought about it until you read this come along
and find out! The day will include sharing by Rowena Webster, who met Christians
in Brazil and Judith Wood who will share some Kenyan experiences. Hear the
stories, listen to the ideas and the follow on projects." To book contact:
Rachel Nickerson at 123, Lime Grove, Newark, NG24 4AG. Email: districttdo@aol.com
Maua Methodist Hospital - "AIDS" orphans can be prevented
We recently heard a short talk by Janet, a special needs nurse from Maua Methodist
Hospital in Kenya. She shared her experiences of work at the hospital and
her observations and experiences of her time working here in England and living
in the Nottingham area. She is here as part of a training and development
grant and returns at the end of December. Here is an article by Dr Claire
Smithson, Medical Officer in Charge Palliative Care at Maua Methodist Hospital:
"There is a worldwide interest in, and sympathy for, the needs of the
orphans who remain after parents die from HIV/AIDS. The help is well motivated,
necessary
and does a tremendous amount of good. However, I would like us to look at
the issue of preventing these children from becoming orphans in the first
place.
Parents with HIV/AIDS become weak and unable to work. They need to be well
nourished, have decent living conditions and be able to practice good hygiene
to prevent the illnesses that may be trivial to healthy people, but are lethal
to people with AIDS.
Maua Methodist Hospital runs a Palliative Care Programme. Two thirds of the
patients attending the clinic are women and children. They are taught the
basics of nutrition and hygiene that can prevent many common illnesses. They
receive medications that reduce the risk of acquiring infections that can
kill them. Some receive anti-retroviral drugs (ARVs) that slow the progress
of the disease for many years, if taken without fail. We aim to keep the parents
alive, well and active, whilst continuing to support their families. In this
way, the children are able to grow up in a loving, caring family environment,
and attend school along with other children.
Maua Methodist Hospital Palliative Care Programme has 93 HIV patients on anti-retroviral
drugs, and many, many more on other basic drugs waiting to start ARVs. We
also have a project for renovating and building houses for the AIDS orphans
and their guardians, a feeding programme for AIDS orphans and a programme
for getting AIDS orphans back into school".
Prayer
By Constance Magnus, Jamaica.
Dear God,
Forgive us for allowing differences
In culture, religion, age and gender
To create tensions in our minds, our communities
And throughout the world.
Help us to recognise these tensions within us
So that we can deal with them and help to build peace.
Enable us to hear and answer your call to be one people,
So that all the world may believe in you. Amen.
|
1 Sept 04
|
Movement
|
31 Oct 04
|
|
| Bursary |
£350.00
|
none
|
£350.00
|
| Youth Fellowship |
£1855.12
|
£117.85
|
£1972.97
|
| Property Reserve |
£23,119.08
|
none
|
£23,119.08
|
| General |
£55,921.94
|
£9,295.75
|
£65,217.69
|
| Total |
£81,246.14
|
£9,413.60
|
£90,659.74
|
Wargame
This is just a game, I think.
This game that they call war.
We've come across the heavy seas
and landed on the shore.
We trek for many many days,
It is a pleasant land.
And now we're standing face to face
across the desert sand.
We make a few advances,
And then they force us back.
We put up our defences
that shield us from attack.
There's crouching in the trenches,
on this the battle zone,
And when this game is over,
The winners go back home.
Wilf Ward
News from Brailsford
The Alpha Course began in September, and is being attended by nine guests.
Our Holy Spirit day was held at Hilton Methodist Church. Prayer support is
ongoing for Alpha, and this is appreciated. There has already been some interest
in running another course in January. Please pray for anyone who you think
may be interested, and also for people to help. We are also looking at a follow
up course for those about to complete the current Alpha.
Plans have been received from the architects and looked at by the property
committee. The general outline is a ramped entrance with a facelift to the
front of the building, improved kitchen facilities, improved toilets including
a disabled toilet, vestry/storage and repairs to the roof. We now await costings!
Needless to say, we are fundraising. If you enjoy quizzes, please buy a copy
of our quiz.
On Saturday 11th December, we are holding an afternoon of mincepies, tea and
coffee with Christmas music, from 2.30 - 4.30pm. Please come and join us.
There will also be a cake stall.As we approach Advent and celebrate God's
love through the birth of our Saviour Jesus, let's praise and thank God for
the blessings we have received and pray for guidance as we begin a new year.
Jane Baker
Thank you…
To whoever contributed to Ashbourne Church library "In the Firing Line
- Politics, Faith, Power and Forgiveness" by Brian Mawhinney.
This is a superb book by a man whose rock-solid faith in the power and love
of Jesus gives us some insight as to how he addressed many of the difficult
and mundane issues in his role as an MP.
However, it is much, much more than that. It challenges our perspectives as
Christians on how we view those who represent us in Parliament - or at whatever
level of community service. These people need our prayers - whether of Christian
persuasion or not.
His attitude towards those with whom he does not share either political or
religious views is always characterised by grace. What a splendid witness!
Margaret Hasler
Christmas Service for Toddlers
Women's Network are holding a Service for Toddlers and Parents on Tuesday
7th December at 10.45am at Ashbourne. After songs and stories, there will
be refreshments in the Century Hall. Have you an under-5 or a grandchild in
this age group? Why not come along and join us? Or join us anyway!
Alma Swan
Children's Church
Please don't forget the weekly Children's Church which meets in the church
at Ashbourne on a Monday afternoon at 2pm. This is suitable for all pre-school
children and includes stories, crafts and drinks. For more information please
contact Tracy Dawson or come along with a child!
Women's Network
VISIT OF THE VICE-PRESIDENT OF CONFERENCE
On Monday 17th January 2005, the Vice-President of Conference, Deacon Myrtle
Poxon, will spend the day with District Network - more details coming soon!
FAIRTRADE SUPPER AND QUIZ
Circuit Network will be holding this event on Monday 28th February 2005 (the
eve
of Fairtrade Fortnight) in the Century Hall.
Please make a note of both these events in your (new!) diaries and watch the
notices for further details.
Alma Swan
News from Tissington
We had a nice surprise recently when local singer Don Keyworth sang solo for
us at our October meeting. He had intended to sing "How Great Thou Art"
but the tune couldn't be found in any of the hymn books. However, "Amazing
Grace" fitted perfectly with Mr Turner's sermon.
Sandra Alcock
Ashbourne Women's Fellowship
We continue to meet once a fortnight on a Tuesday afternoon, with our December
meetings as follows. Note that there will be no meetings in January 2005.
7th December Jane Bradbury in The Cornerstone
2.15pm Family History
14th December Ruth Perkins in Century Hall
2.15pm Musical afternoon with St Oswald's Mother's Union
If you require transport please ring Carole no later than Sunday evening before
the meeting on the following Tuesday.
Ashbourne Family News
Congratulations to Mark, younger son of John and Daphne Dyster, who has become
engaged to Teresa Hurn.
We pray for those who are unwell and their families, especially Joe and Enid.
Ashbourne Fairtrade Town
The campaign to gain Fairtrade Town status for Ashbourne by Fairtrade Fortnight
2005 is in full swing now, with cafes and restaurants being visited by volunteers
to explain why they should consider switching to Fairtrade. We are delighted
that several cafes and restaurants have already decided to trial Fairtrade
coffee, but we'd like to ask all of you to do your bit.
Fairtrade is important for world development because it pays a fair price
to producers. Fairtrade products are great quality and so there's no reason
why cafes shouldn't stock them.
So, the next time you visit a café, tea room or restaurant please will
you ask: "Do you serve Fairtrade?" My favourite is to ask for a
Fairtrade coffee, but of course there's Fairtrade tea, Fairtrade orange juice,
Fairtrade wine, Fairtrade hot chocolate, Fairtrade biscuits, Fairtrade sugar…and
the list goes on!
If they look confused and ask what Fairtrade is, just say that "it pays
a fair price to producers in the developing world". If they want to know
more, then phone me and we'll be in touch with them the next day with more
details.
Thanks very much for your help - and look out for success stories as we help
to spread the influence of Fairtrade in Ashbourne.
Stuart Green and others from Ashbourne Fairtrade Town Initiative
visit: www.ashbournefairtradetown.supanet.com
Prayers
We continue to ask for you to especially remember the following
things in your prayers this month:
28th Nov Those unable to be at church through illness
29th Nov Children's Church
30th Nov People at a Housegroup today
1st Dec Those who are unwell at the moment
2nd Dec Pastoral visitors
3rd Dec Young people coming to The Basement
4th Dec People working in Cornerstone
5th Dec JMA Members and supporters
6th Dec Friends at Hulland
7th Dec Those involved in the Toddlers & Parents Service
8th Dec Friends at Brailsford
9th Dec The people of Mooiplaas, South Africa
10th Dec The witness of Ashbourne Church during Late Night Shopping
11th Dec Friends at Parwich
12th Dec Young people at the end of their Essence Course
13th Dec The work of Methodist Homes
14th Dec Friends at Tissington
15th Dec Local farmers
16th Dec Friends in other churches
17th Dec Friends at Kirk Ireton
18th Dec NCH
19th Dec Friends at Ashbourne
20th Dec The work of the Circuit Staff
21st Dec Youth Club members
22nd Dec Those receiving Operation Christmas Child shoe-boxes
23rd Dec Friends at Stanton
24th Dec All those who have visited Milldale Chapel this year
25th Dec Those missing loved ones this Christmas
26th Dec The homeless of Derby this Christmas
27th Dec The Church of North India
28th Dec Residents and staff of Methodist Homes
29th Dec The emergency services
30th Dec The work of Christian Aid
31st Dec God's blessings on our church family over the past year
1st Jan All those who are not looking forward to the new year
Dates for your Diary
NOVEMBER
Tue 30th 12.30pm Ashbourne Church Lunch Century Hall
DECEMBER
Tue 7th 10.45am Christmas Service for Toddlers Ashbourne
Thur 9th 7.30pm Wycliffe Associates Open Meeting 38 St Oswald Crescent
Sat 11th 2.30pm Mincepies & Music Brailsford
Sun 12th 9am Brailsford_Alive@9 Brailsford
Tue 14th 12noon Ashbourne Church Lunch Century Hall
Wed 15th 7.30pm Christian Aid Concert Tissington Hall
Sun 12th 2.30pm Carol Service Parwich
Sun 12th 2.30pm Carol Service Tissington
Sun 12th 6.30pm Carol Service Kirk Ireton
Sun 19th 2.30pm Carol Service Hulland
Sun 19th 2.30pm Carol Service Kniveton
Sun 19th 2.30pm Carol Service Stanton
Sun 19th 6.30pm Carol Service Ashbourne
Sun 19th 6.30pm Carol Service Brailsford
Fri 24th 4pm Christmas Service Milldale
Fri 24th 11.15pm Christmas Eve Communion Ashbourne
Sat 25th 10am Christmas Morning Celebration Ashbourne
Sun 26th 10.30am Circuit Service Ashbourne
JANUARY
Sun 2nd 10am Parwich Praise Parwich Village Hall
Sun 2nd JMA New Year Party Cornerstone
Sun 9th 9am Brailsford_Alive@9 Brailsford
Sat 15th 7pm Praise Ashbourne Century Hall
18 - 25th Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Tues 18th 12noon Midday Prayers Ashbourne Methodist
Wed 19th 12noon Midday Prayers All Saints'
Thur 20th 12noon Midday Prayers St Oswald's
Fri 21st 12noon Midday Prayers Elim Pentecostal
Sat 22nd 8pm Bassline Elim Pentecostal
Sat 23rd 9am Brailsford_Alive@9 Brailsford
If you would like to contribute an article for the magazine, I will be happy
to publish it.
Items for the February Ashbourne Church magazine to me by 9pm on Wednesday
19th January
Stuart Green, 31 Old Derby Rd, Ashbourne, DE6 1BN, tel, place items in the
"Newsletter" pigeon-hole at church.