Ashbourne Methodist Circuit Magazine
December 2005 - January 2006
From the Manse
Dear Friends,
I received my first Christmas card today - 17th November! It was from my nephew
Robin and Ciara giving me their new address and enclosing a photo of their
daughter Eibhlín-Rose now 2yrs 3 months together with her second cousin
Sam, 1yr 10 months. How important Christmas is for keeping in touch with friends
and family. We keep those links with friends that have been so important to
us over the years, friends who have shared part of our life, those with whom
we can resume contact and pick up where we left off.
And for family, Christmas is the time to get together, to cement the bonds
of love. We have the feasting together and present giving that should be simply
a way of saying "I love you". I feel for families where the bond
of love is missing and where present giving is resented. Christmas is a time
for reconciliation, for the love of the Christ-child to be a source for healing
the rifts and hurts of the past.
On the wall of my study I keep part of an old Christmas card. It is a dove
of Peace with the words "Peace on Earth". These are the words that
the angels sang to the shepherds announcing the news of the Saviour's birth.
This week I have received news of two places where Christians are being persecuted
for their faith. One group is in India where Hindu neighbours are trying to
force them to convert to Hinduism. They are at risk of death by being burned
alive. The other group is in Pakistan at Sangla Hill, where Muslim neighbours
have burned down 5 churches, a convent, a school and a Pastor's house. How
is it that we Christians who proclaim a message of Peace and Love become the
victims of such vicious persecution?
Jesus told us it would ever be so, that those who live in darkness would always
be opposed to the children of light. He told us we have to be salt and light
in the world, to go on living lives of Peace and Love. We are to live at Peace
with all, to go on loving our neighbours, and to love even our enemies.
We sing and we pray the words of the hymn
"Make me a channel of your Peace
Where there is hatred let me bring your love".
And at Christmas we sing
Love came down at Christmas…
"Love shall be our token
Love be yours and love be mine,
Love to God and all the world,
Love for plea and gift and sign"
May your Christmas be blessed with Love and Peace,
God Bless,
Chris
Parwich News
A last minute change of preacher meant that we enjoyed renewing fellowship
with Maurice Lowe, brother of John, who last came to Parwich at least 30 years
ago. It was a great pleasure to meet him again after all the years and it
was a delight to know that he had lost none of his verve and enthusiasm for
preaching. Again we joined with ACT in collecting dried food for Belarus and
the folk of Parwich were as usual very generous.
On 13th November, we joined with our Anglican friends at St Peters in a joint
service of Remembrance.
We are holding our carol service on 11th December when the service will be
led by Andrew Robinson a lay reader from St Peters and a great friend and
supporter of the chapel. We hope to be joined by the congregation from St
Peters and the following Sunday we will join with them for their carol service.
Plans are in hand for a meeting between our minister and the vicar along with
members of both church and chapel to arrange further joint services. We extend
a warm welcome to those who attend Parwich Praise to join us for our fortnightly
services.
Jan Smith
Reflections on Pray Without Ceasing
This year, the Methodist Church has committed to make a Year of Prayer called
"Pray Without Ceasing". This idea was proposed by the young people
of the Methodist Church and was readily taken up by the church. Our Circuit
was asked to arrange something during the week 21st - 27th October to promote
prayer and which would encourage us all to think afresh about our prayer life.
Ashbourne Church opened its doors every day from 8am to 8pm and had various
prompts in the church to aid in meditation and prayer. From 8pm to 8am, people
were invited to continue the prayer in their own homes.
REFLECTIONS FROM SISTER MERLE
I was delighted by the gift the Youth of Methodism presented to us through
their vision of "Pray Without Ceasing". I am sharing with you a
little of the joy.
The congregation at Hulland Chapel planned to meet on the Friday from around
9am until 12noon. Torrential rain was pouring down as I went to the chapel,
but the glow of candles shone through the windows and a number of people had
arrived. Appropriate verses from hymns had been printed for meditation and
these were placed tastefully around the pulpit. In a spirit of expectancy
we quickly settled down to study the Bible and the papers prepared to guide
and inform our prayers. As one group needed to leave we were joined by other
people and together we prayed our way through the community roll, the sick
and our personal discipleship. The time moved on surprisingly quickly and
we became aware of a freshness and togetherness opening new possibilities
for further thought and action.
At Stanton we met in the home of Mr and Mrs Durose at Lord's Piece and Geoffrey
and Jessica joined the group. Mrs Durose has carried the burden of severe
disability with amazing lightness and courage and she is a great prayer person
in the Ashbourne Circuit. Again, we followed the Bible readings and the suggestions
for prayer and felt the presence and healing power of God that surrounded
us. Other members had received the prepared notes and would take a time during
the day to join in the lovely movement of prayer for the community and the
world.
Monday 24th October and Tissington Chapel at early morning was the venue.
In the warm chapel, with the rain pouring down outside, we were able to share
our concerns, pray for each other and discover fresh supplies of strength
and encouragement. Later we enjoyed what could only be described as a joyful
party at the home of Dorothy and there we made plans for a future meeting
and an outing to Wales.
At Kniveton, the Chapel was opened at 9.15am and closed at around 3.30pm.
During the day people entered to pray, lighting a candle on arrival. It is
not certain how many people took advantage of the opportunity but maybe seven.
For the members of the chapel, we have much food for thought, prayer and action.
Initially it was thought that the response at the Kirk Ireton Chapel could
be poor. However, the Christian community responded happily so that all the
hour or half-hour prayer times were used. This enabled the chapel to be open
from 8am to 8pm with prayer being offered almost without a break.
Unfortunately, Parwich were not involved through no fault of their own except
that I ran out of time. And of course, Ashbourne played their part as did
Brailsford in our Circuit contribution to the request that "Pray Without
Ceasing" be offered to our Saviour God.
Was it worth the effort, you may ask, and the reply would have to be, incredibly
more than one could ask or think or believe and I am reflecting and praying
about the points, remarks and issues which have come along and I expect to
take them into account in due season.
Sister Merle
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity will run from 18th - 25th January 2006.
On Sunday 22nd January there will be a Pulpit Exchange, the preacher at our
church will be the Revd. Dr Jo White.
Throughout the week there will be Midday Prayers at 12.00 noon.
Wednesday 18th January Methodist Church
Thursday 19th January St. Oswald's Parish Church
Friday 20th January All Saint's Catholic Church
Monday 23rd January Elim Pentecostal Church
Tuesday 24th January St. John's Church
Wednesday 25th January Holy Trinity Church Clifton
Christmas Service for Toddlers
Women's Network are holding a Service for Toddlers and Parents on Tuesday
6th December at 10.45am. After the service, which will include the Christmas
story and carols, 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
Milldale
There will be a service at Milldale Chapel at 4pm on Saturday 24th December.
Come and join this special congregation who will be preparing for the glories
of the 25th and the birthday of our Lord.
Traditionally the Chapel is well filled and has a wonderful spirit amongst
the candle light.
Sandra Lewer
A Choral Lament
A tribute to Ashbourne Methodist Choir and choirs throughout the land as they
prepare to spread the Gospel of Christ's birth in music and song.
We rehearsed all through November,
Sang carols in December,
Ending up with Auld Lang Syne on New Year's Eve.
Though we started off quite jolly,
Decking halls with boughs of holly,
We're now in desp'rate need of a reprieve.
Oh, we've wassailed far and near,
And sung of midnights clear,
And folk have been so generous with mince pies.
That we've gained unwelcome pounds,
As we've done the Yuletide rounds,
To sing of Angels coming through the cloven skies.
We've sung of three wise men of old,
With myrrh and frankincense and gold,
And the page of Good King Wenceslas who trod,
In his Master's large footprints,
Treading boldly in those dints,
Glad to find that heat was in the very sod.
We've sung of shepherds watching sheep,
And infant Jesus fast asleep,
And herald Angels singing,
And ding dong bells a-ringing;
We've begged the faithful to come
Learned to rup-a-pum-pum for the boy with the drum;
And as frosty winds made moan in winter bleak
We offered up our hearts;
We sang an anthem in four parts -
How wise men sped, an infant King to seek.
We've told it on the mountain -
Not by St Agnes' fountain -
We've rocked The Babe and told him not to stir;
We've wished the world joy
On the birth of this boy -
And even promised him a coat of fur.
We've sung of Mary mild, cradling her little child
As he lay sleeping softly on her breast.
We've gone right through our repertoire
Following that natal star,
And now we sorely need to take a rest.
We've brought pearls from the ocean,
And offered our devotion,
And dreamed of Christmasses that we hoped would be white.
But we cannot sing tonight as
We've all got laryngitis -
So sadly this must be a Silent Night
Pearl Webster
Family Fun & Charity Evening
Friday 9th December
Join with our friends from Ashbourne Churches Together
as we lead the Town's carol singing.
Please gather in front the Market Place Memorial by 6.35pm
ready for the arrival of the children's lantern procession.
From 7pm, Ashbourne Methodist Church will be holding its Christmas Fair in
the Century Hall.
Including a range of stalls, with singing by
the choir and with refreshments.
District Synod
It was on the first Monday in September 1942 that a small eleven year old
boy in short trousers walked nervously into Swanwick Hall Grammar School on
his first day in secondary education to be confronted with a rather stern
looking headmaster.
Sixty-three years later on the first Saturday in September 2005 that same
person walked into the school for the District Synod to be confronted by a
smiling and friendly Chairman of the District. It proved to be a very nostalgic
day as I took the opportunity at lunchtime to wander around the school and
see rooms that I took lessons in, still there and being used for that very
same purpose.
Synod was held in the 'Large Hall', the very hall I went into in 1942. There
seemed to be no difference. I was even convinced that it was decorated in
the same colours. Morning assembly in 1942 however did not sound anything
like our opening devotions sounded in 2005.
Then we mumbled our way through the hymn accompanied by Mr. Haslam on the
piano. Now we gave full voice to our songs accompanied by Oasis - a very accomplished
group from the Ripley Circuit, which gave us an exhilarating start to the
day.
Then - we listened to the orders of the day and a list of do's and don'ts.
Now we quickly ratified the recommendations of the various committees and
moved on to hearing reports on Conference 2005, the Make Poverty History campaign,
NCH and the District Fair Trade campaign. We listened as we were given details
of the Pray without Ceasing - Year of Prayer, which was a suggestion from
the Methodist Youth Conference readily adopted by the full conference. Who
says young people have nothing to teach us! This led us into our discussion
groups on different forms of prayer and praying which was one of the highlights
of the day.
Then of course, there were not only new boys - but girls too. And now - well
we had a 'new girl' at Synod. Tracy was attending her first one - not in a
gymslip I hasten to add - and she is adding her impressions of the day to
this report. She got off to a good start too - accepted as a delegate to the
Conference to be held in Edinburgh in 2006. Congratulations Tracy!
The end of Synod finally arrived and just like the end of the school day we
all rushed out for freedom, fresh air and football results! Just time for
one quick glance round the surroundings where I spent so many happy hours
from 1942 until 1947 and a thought as to whether or not I will ever have the
opportunity to tread those corridors again.
Eric Matthews
My thoughts on Synod (my first time)
I hadn't done anything quite like this before …I had heard all sorts
of different things, and therefore didn't really know quite what to expect…I
suppose that's the best way really…not going with pre-conceptions!
I really found it very exciting!
At the commencement the worship filled me both with joy and humility. Joy
because it was fantastic to worship there with everyone, and humility because
I'm only a little fish and it's a very big pool.
There were various workshops that we could take part in, I went to 'Healing
and Wholeness', which was very inspiring and extremely beautiful. If you would
like to talk about it further with me then that would be great.
Everyone I went with was really supportive of the 'new girl on the block'
and I suspect I had NEW written on my forehead all day - because everyone
went out of their way to make me feel part of God's team. I came away with
lots of thoughts and feelings - all very positive, feeling very loved.
So all I can say it…'bring on the next one'. I look forward to it.
Tracy Dawson
A Date For Your Diary - Church Weekend 2006
The Ashbourne Church Weekend in 2006 has been arranged for Friday 22nd September
to Sunday 24th September.
The weekend is to be held at Windmill Farm Conference Centre at Clanfield,
a beautiful village close to Witney in Oxfordshire. Windmill Farm Conference
Centre is a Christian Conference Centre, very much geared up to providing
facilities for a Church Family weekend. The Centre provides very comfortable
en-suite accommodation for up to 65 people, and slightly less comfortable
camping facilities for as many as would like to camp! Further details can
be found on the internet at www.windmillconferences.co.uk.
The format of the weekend will broadly follow previous Church weekends, with
time for adults to explore their Christian faith, on the theme of Discipleship,
and time for younger ones to have fellowship while enjoying activities.
The cost of the weekend will be similar to previous years (plus inflation
of course!), with approximate prices of £105 for an adult and £25
for a child/young person.
Full details will be put in the vestibule in January 2006. Watch this space.
If you would like more details at this stage please feel free to ask.
Paul Haslam
GIVE GOD WHAT IS RIGHT
NOT WHAT'S LEFT.
Seen on a church noticeboard
in Ireland by Chris Dakin
Prayers
We continue to ask for you to especially remember the following
things in your prayers this month:
27th Nov Those unable to be at church through illness
28th Nov Pastoral visitors
29th Nov Youth Club members
30th Nov All those who work for fairer trade
1st Dec All those who suffer from HIV/AIDS
2nd Dec Those working with young people at The Basement
3rd Dec People working in Cornerstone
4th Dec JMA Members and supporters
5th Dec Parwich Youth Club
6th Dec Those involved in the Toddlers & Parents Service
7th Dec Friends at Brailsford
8th Dec The Church of North India
9th Dec The witness of Ashbourne Church during Late Night Shopping
10th Dec Children's Church
11th Dec Friends at Parwich
12th Dec The work of Methodist Homes
13th Dec Friends at Tissington
14th Dec Local farmers
15th Dec Friends in other churches
16th Dec Young people at The Basement
17th Dec Friends at Kirk Ireton
18th Dec Friends at Ashbourne
19th Dec The homeless of Derby this Christmas
20th Dec All those who have visited Milldale Chapel this year
21st Dec NCH
22nd Dec Friends at Stanton
23rd Dec Those in Ashbourne without family this Christmas
24th Dec Friends at Hulland
25th Dec Those receiving Operation Christmas Child shoe-boxes
26th Dec Those still recovering from the tsunami
27th Dec Residents and staff of Methodist Homes
28th Dec Those who are unwell at the moment
29th Dec The work of the Roger Mallard
30th Dec The emergency services
Ashbourne Family News
We pray for the marriage of Gabriela and Andrew which will be taking place
in the mountains above Merida in Venezuela on 3rd December and we send them
all our best wishes and congratulations on this special day.
Emily Woodhouse is home after a stay in hospital and hopes to get to church
again soon. She has sent the following message
"Thanks to members and friends for all the cards and flowers sent and
for your prayers."
Ashbourne Churches Together
Ashbourne - Patna Partnership
There will be a commissioning service on Wednesday 25th January for the party
visiting the Patna Diocese, probably in All Saints' Church. More details to
follow.
CHILD SPONSORSHIP SCHEME
Bishop Philip visited Ashbourne recently and we discussed the next steps in
the Partnership. We talked about the needs of the diocese and the Bishop explained
the situation regarding schooling in many of the rural areas. The take up
of Primary education is alarmingly low, only 40% in Bihar, partly because
even at this age children often have to board.
St John's School in Taljhari has hostel accommodation for 300 girls but currently
only 100 places are taken. It costs just £5.00 per month for the board
and lodging of one girl and so the Partnership has decided to launch a Child
Sponsorship Scheme. We believe we can find enough people in Ashbourne and
District to fill those other 200 places. The cost again is £5.00 per
month. This can be paid monthly, quarterly or annually. Leaflets explaining
the scheme in more detail are available from John or Elizabeth who would also
be pleased to answer any of your questions.
Mission Matters
Methodist World Church News
Rev Sunday Mbang has recently reflected on the immense debt of gratitude the
Methodist Church in Nigeria has for the British Methodist Church for all its
support in the past. He encourages us to continue to give strong leadership
to the World Church. There are 2 million Methodists in Nigeria and the church
has a vision that in 10 years there will be 15 million. The Nigerian church
is reorganising itself to focus on evangelism.
Special grants have been given to churches across the world, including grants
to the Guizhou Bible Seminary which is a new training centre in South East
China, to Methodist Church Chile for the reconstruction of homes and a church
following a severe earthquake, to the Methodist Church in Argentina for the
Street Children's project, to the United Methodist Church following hurricane
Katrina. Also grants have been given to the Methodist Church in Pakistan after
the earthquake and to Serbia towards the cost of summer camps for children
and young people.
News from Vanessa Cook
Vanessa is our Powersource Mission Link person and she is a Methodist Mission
Partner working in the Dresden area of Germany. We have a recent update from
her and she gives praise for the summer activities, the work in Dresden to
date and a good start to the current school year. She asks for prayer for
the English clubs, leaders to continue the various clubs started, the future
of the Holiday Clubs, her health and for her future.
On 30th June 2006 Vanessa will finish her mission work in Dresden after more
than 4 years. Whilst she will be sad to leave the work she feels it is coming
to a natural end as local leaders are playing an increasing role and there
will be a change of pastors next summer. She prays that the work she has started
will bear fruit and asks us to continue to pray for the people in Dresden
and for East Germany.
Vanessa's prayer bookmarks are below the mission notice board. Please help
yourself to these.
Methodist Relief & Development Fund (MRDF)
This year's Christmas Appeal focuses on Maternal and Infant Health. It is
hard to believe that in India 6% and in Mali 12% of newborn babies will not
see their first birthday. MRDF partners are working in these countries to
improve the health of mothers and children. £3.50 will pay a month's
expenses for a village health promoter in Mali, whilst £5 will buy a
disposable delivery kit for a traditional birth attendant in India to safely
deliver 5 babies.
By exchanging MRDF's Alternative Christmas Tree Gifts you can help improve
the life chances of vulnerable children and mothers. Your gift is put to good
use by MRDF partners and is represented by a simple decoration, which can
be hung on a Christmas tree at home, church or school, or sent to a friend
or family member. More information is available from the MRDF office - Tel:
0207 467 5132 and from www.mrdf.org.uk/tree_gifts.htm
MRDF - MONEY FOR NOTHING?
Thanks to the UK government initiative of Gift Aid MRDF has received an extra
£110,000 back from the tax office in the last year. At no cost to the
donor all gifts that are "gift aided" enable MRDF to claim back
28p in every £1. For example this £110,000 has raised enough to
train 400 farmers sustainable agricultural techniques and build new well for
15 villages and provide subsidised meals at five street children shelters
for a whole year. In addition in provided earthquake-proof housing for 10
families in Tsunami-affected areas and support to 40 women's income generating
groups, which help rural families earn enough money to send their children
to school. Isn't that marvellous?!
A prayer from the Methodist Prayer Handbook
Written by William Prince.
God, make my life an offering to you:
My worship an offering of my commitment to you;
My home an offering of my love to you;
My work an offering of my skill to you;
My suffering an offering of my pain to you;
My failure an offering of my need to you;
My leisure an offering of my relaxation to you;
My future an offering of my unknown to you.
God, I accept your offering of new life, given to all. Amen.
Ruth Mallard
Thanks
Michael and I would like to thank all our friends in the Circuit who have
helped us through this last year - to Chris for his visits and prayers, to
the Circuit stewards who have taken over some of the work from Michael and
to everyone who sent 'get well' cards and good wishes, to all those who have
given us practical help with transport, shopping etc. This is what life is
all about isn't it, showing Christ's love in action?
On a personal note, I can testify that our Heavenly Father loves ME. When
I was feeling ill and low in spirit, He sent someone to visit me who had been
through the same circumstances and was prescribed the same medicine. She knew
what the effects of this medicine were and encouraged me to persist with it.
She also brought me Rev Selwyn Hughes' daily Bible notes "Every day with
Jesus". I find them most helpful as the subject chosen for Nov-Dec is
just what I'm experiencing. It's as if Selwyn had written these notes for
my benefit. I can recommend them wholeheartedly. They are published bi-monthly
covering a particular theme. The one for Sept-Oct was "Roots that go
down deep", and the Nov-Dec "Strong at the Broken Places".
The booklets may be obtained from any Christian bookshop.
Finally, would preachers note that I now playing the organ again at Hulland.
With many thanks to Pat and all the others who stepped into the breach.
Dorothy Prior
Notes on September's Circuit Meeting
The meeting was held at our Kirk Ireton Chapel and thanks are due to Sister
Merle for making the arrangements and supplying the necessary refreshments!
We welcomed Betty Hadley as temporary replacement for Sue Coackley as Meeting
Secretary. Sue has asked to stand down for a period following ill health.
Our best wishes go to Sue, David and Thomas. We were also pleased to appoint
John Hurfurt as Circuit Steward with immediate effect. Thank you John - it
makes it easier for me to stand down next August!
The Sabbatical group reported to the meeting that arrangements were well in
hand for the period of Chris's absence from the Circuit. This will be from
8th May 2006 until 15th August 2006 when Chris hopes to be involved in course
work etc with a theme of Peace and Reconciliation. He will outline his plans
in a future Circuit Newsletter.
As Michael and Dorothy Prior were unwell I presented the financial accounts
on behalf of our Treasurer, which were accepted. In his Local Preachers report
Tom asked for the endorsement of Roger coming on to full plan and we noted
that Peter Dawson and Robert Sales were now 'on trial'. We discussed at length
difficulties the Circuit were experiencing over the recognition by the connexion
of John Lowe as a Local Preacher. The meeting was unanimous in recognising
John's talents, which we will continue to use.
In accepting the reports of the various Circuit groups and activities we realised
how much work was going on in the Circuit for which we give thanks.
Hedley in his property report again referred to the urgent necessity of electrical
testing and also of risk assessments and the consequences if this work was
not carried out. This prompted a discussion on the maintenance of our Chapels
and it was agreed that if chapels fail to take action to do what is required
then the Circuit Meeting should take over the duties of the Trustees.
The meeting agreed to the forming of a steering group to see through the possible
appointment of an Ecumenical Youth Worker
The 'talking point' of the evening was the report on Circuit Strategy the
contents of which had caused some consternation in some of the chapels. Chris
explained his thinking behind the contents of the report and recognised the
commitment that there was in the Circuit. It was also recognised that our
village chapels need help to take responsibility for their own work. The report
was referred to the annual Church Councils and for their further thoughts
to come to future Circuit Meetings.
Once again our Meeting was far from being a dull affair and all reading these
notes are asked to realise the importance of our corporate and individual
Circuit life and to become involved wherever possible.
Eric Matthews
ACT ONE WORLD GROUP
LOOKING BACK
Looking back to One World Week, we hope that everyone who came to the Papua
New Guinea evening enjoyed the good food and the excellent speakers.
One World Week is not for profit and so we are pleased to say that we have
been able to send £100 to VSO to help their programme of sending volunteers
to work overseas, and £40 to Christian Aid which is the charity which
we support regularly.
Many thanks to all who came to the event and made these donations possible.
Thanks also to those who came to hear Ben Humphries speak about his recent
visit to Rwanda. It was an enjoyable evening and very informative as we heard
about the work of Christian Aid in the country.
LOOKING FORWARD
Looking forward to Christmas! By the time you are reading this there will
be very few "Shopping Days" left and maybe you still have presents
to buy.
May we suggest that you look no further than the many gifts which are now
offered by charities which will help people in some of the poorest communities
of the world - gifts which give practical aid and help people to escape from
poverty - a way in which each of us can help to MAKE POVERTY HISTORY.
Oxfam and Christian Aid both have such gift schemes, as do "FarmAfrica"
,"Send a Cow" and many others. Traidcraft also have a scheme whereby
you can support their producers.
Many schemes are advertised in the press and in magazines so please keep a
look out for them.
Daleep Mukarji, the Director of Christian Aid, says "each present is
a simple answer to a simple human need such as water, food education or good
health. Not only will your presents be treasured by your nearest and dearest,
they'll also help poor communities overseas to thrive long into the future.
I can't think of any gifts that are better than that."
Send a Cow has helped thousands of poor families across Uganda, Tanzania,
Zambia and Ethiopia. The scheme works so well that it has branched out into
goats, chickens. and bees!
Traidcraft says - "Gifts that Last" could be, for instance, a gift
of training for chilli farmers in Bangladesh or a gift of business skills
for basket weavers in Africa.
With all these gifts comes a Greetings Card and an explanation for the recipient
about their gift.
If you would like to know more, please talk to Stuart or Catherine Green or
John or Elizabeth Hurfurt.
STILL LOOKING FORWARD
Looking forward into 2006 the first event in which the One World Group will
be involved (that is unless something exciting crops up before!) will be Fairtrade
Fortnight March 6 -19. Further details will follow!
THE ONE WORLD GROUP wishes everyone Peace and Joy at Christmas and throughout
the coming year.
Footnote - if anyone would like to decorate their Christmas Tree in white
for MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY we can supply white tape printed with the message!
Just ask John or Elizabeth Hurfurt!
COME WORK FOR THE LORD.
THE WORK IS HARD.
THE HOURS ARE LONG.
THE PAY IS LOW.
BUT THE RETIREMENT BENEFITS
ARE OUT OF THIS WORLD.
Seen on a church noticeboard
in Burton on Trent by Chris Dakin
Children's Church
Children's Church has now been running for one year - Praise God! Our weekly
Children's Church services, including a fun mix of songs, stories and smiles,
continue every Monday during term-time from 2pm - 3pm. Over the past year
the number of children attending has steadily risen and there has been an
increased interest in helping to organise the sessions from adults who attend.
We have a Christmas party booked for Monday 12th December where there will
be a service and also party games, food and lots of smiles and fun! I would
ask that your prayers be with the continued growth of Children's Church and
all those who have some role within it.
Tracy Dawson
Garth Hewitt Tour: Holy Ground
Garth gave a brilliant presentation of his recent visits to India and Palestine
and the work of the Amos Trust. He made the evening enjoyable and informative
by alternating songs with guitar and snap-shot stories of his visits. He shared
a few colourful pictures of trees, as they were the theme for the projects.
India - Tamil Nadu. The Amos Trust is helping to rebuild communities after
the tsunami. They were particularly drawn to the Dalits who are the lowest
caste group. These people are omitted from many social privileges. The project
aims to provide wood for simple catamarans and nets for fishing communities.
Also to equip schools and restart education.
Palestine / Israel. Garth shared from his recent trips how the situation in
Palestine worsens by the day. A huge separation wall was built near Jerusalem.
One gate only is open 50 minutes a day in short spells for children to go
to school. Bethlehem is walled in by Israeli troops. Garth reflected on this
in a poignant song:
"They've cancelled Christmas in Bethlehem…
Israel has closed down Bethlehem…
Cancelled wise men, cancelled shepherds at check point…"
The olive trees are sacred and live for centuries. They are being uprooted
by giant diggers. Garth sang a song about death to trees. He reminded us of
the plumbline of Jesus. "do to others as you would have them do to you."
Palestinians are human too, they cry, bleed like we do. There's an opportunity
to lobby parliament on Tuesday 29th November to free Palestine and end Israeli
occupation.
Garth said, "Jesus walked alongside the oppressed…one of us in flesh.
Reached out…breaking walls…bringing life."
Amos Trust Prayer:
"It's so easy not to notice
the victims and the weak
or to hear the quiet voices
of the forgotten and the meek.
Not to reach out in love
But turn our heads and hide
But he wouldn't pass by
On the other side."
For anyone wanting an interesting and enjoyable evening out I would fully
recommend Garth's tour evenings. Garth opened up for me how the marginalized
people see the situation themselves, what they most need and how they see
God in the midst of their chaos and poverty (they see that He is in it with
them).
Garth's dry humour and encouragement of the audience to be his "choir"
gave a light-hearted atmosphere in which to face heart-rending issues which
require a Christian response, support and voice. Afterwards, coffee was served,
with a variety of leaflets, books, CDs to browse and take home. A very good
evening indeed.
Mrs Chris Morris
Dates for your Diary
NOVEMBER
Tue 29th 12.30pm Ashbourne Church Lunch Century Hall
DECEMBER
Thu 1st Network Meeting Hulland
Thu 1st 9am Prayers Cornerstone
Wed 7th 10am Alzheimer's Café Cornerstone
Fri 9th 6.35pm Town Carols Market Place
Fri 9th 7pm Christmas Fair Century Hall
Sun 11th 2.30pm Parwich Carol Service Parwich
Sun 11th 2.30pm Tissington Carol Service Tissington
Mon 12th 12--4pm Children's Church Christmas Party Ashbourne
Sat 17th 7pm Praise Century Hall
Sun 18th 2.30pm Stanton Carol Service Stanton
Sun 18th 2.30pm Hulland Carol Service Hulland
Sun 18th 6pm Parwich United Carol Service St Peter's
Sun 18th 6.30pm Ashbourne Carol Service Ashbourne
Sun 18th 6.30pm Brailsford Carol Service Brailsford
Sun 18th 6.30pm Kniveton Carol Service Kniveton
Tue 20th 12.30pm Ashbourne Church Lunch Century Hall
Sat 24th 4pm Milldale Christmas Eve Service Milldale
Sat 24th 11.15pm Ashbourne Christmas Eve Service Ashbourne
Sun 25th 10am Circuit Christmas Day Service Ashbourne
Sat 31st 11.15pm Ashbourne Watchnight Service Ashbourne
JANUARY
Wed 4th 10am Alzheimer's Café Cornerstone
Wed 18th - 25th Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Wed 18th 12 noon Prayer for Christian Unity Ashbourne Methodist
Thu 19th 12 noon Prayer for Christian Unity St Oswald's
Fri 20th 12 noon Prayer for Christian Unity All Saints'
Sat 21st 7pm Praise Century Hall
Mon 23th 12 noon Prayer for Christian Unity Elim
Tue 24th 12 noon Prayer for Christian Unity St John's
Wed 25th 12 noon Prayer for Christian Unity Clifton
Tue 31st 12.30pm Ashbourne Church Lunch Century Hall
Items for the February Ashbourne Church magazine to Arthur & Joy Watts
by 9pm on Wednesday 18th January
Items for the March Ashbourne Circuit magazine to Arthur & Joy Watts by
9pm on Wednesday 15th February
Place items in the "Newsletter" pigeon-hole at Ashbourne church
Home Services
Church Groups Methodism
Message Churches
Together Ashbourne
Circuit News