Ashbourne Methodist Church Magazine
February 2005
From the Manse
Dear friends,
Last Saturday I went to the District Gathering "We're all in this together"
held at Littleover. It was a chance to hear the President, Will Morey, and
the Vice President, Myrtle Poxon. But also to get some inspiration from the
workshops telling us about some of the many things that are happening around
the District. It was one of these workshops that gave me my uplift that day.
It touched me in a way that none of the fine words or worship had done.
This was an encounter with a "Faith and Light" community. Faith
and Light communities bring together people with a learning difficulty, their
friends and their families. It believes -
o Each person is of infinite worth and is able to give as well as receive.
o People with a learning difficulty have special gifts to share with the church
and with the world.
This group of 10 young people and adults, plus their helpers and friends led
us through one of their sessions. It was a learning and worship session centred
around Jesus teaching his disciples how to pray. The group acted out Jesus
praying and his disciples asking him, what was he doing? Could he teach them
to pray?
We learned some of the basics of prayer, saying Thankyou, asking for help,
praying for others, saying sorry. In groups we produced lists under those
headings. Claire, one of the young community members in my group, came up
with loads of things to give thanks for while I was struggling to think of
one. The way the community members launch into everything with gusto and enthusiasm
is infectious.
Then came the moment when we prayed, working through the Lord's prayer a line
or two at a time. At the front we had a huge Menorah (a seven branched candlestick)
with seven huge candles one in each of the colours of the rainbow. After each
bit of the prayer one of the community members would come and light the next
candle. As we came to the last candle they shouted to Marion, the leader,
"you light the last one". They were making sure everyone was included.
There is something about these people that strikes you. They know God is there.
They know they can talk to him, laugh with him. They know he doesn't mind
if you interrupt and shout out your delight.
I remember being in a nativity service at my last church when a group of 4
girls were doing a dance. A little girl with learning difficulties wandered
up the aisle and joined in. This was real worship. These children sense the
presence of God and instinctively know how to express their joy and delight.
The Psalmist wrote "Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings shall come
forth your praise" (Psalm 8v2).
Jesus declared "I thank thee Father that you have hidden these things
from the wise and the learned and revealed them to little children" (Matthew
11v25).
I wonder whether this community could be invited to come and share worship
with us sometime. They have much to teach us.
God Bless, Chris
Lent Lunches 2005
The lunches will be held on Thursdays at 12.30pm in St. Oswald's Church Hall.
The theme will be "Words from the Cross" and the speakers will be
Thursday 17th Feb Rev Chris Eddy (Methodist Church)
Thursday 24th Feb Rev Harold Dobbin (Clifton C of E)
Thursday 3rd March Rev Alec Prail (Elim Pentecostal)
Thursday 10th March Fr John Guest (Catholic Church)
Thursday 17th March Rev Mair Bradley (URC)
There will be a Holy Week Service on Tuesday 22nd March at Elim Pentecostal
Church at 7.30pm and the Walk of Witness will begin at 12.15pm on Good Friday
starting in the Market Place.
In our own Church there will be a Maundy Thursday Communion Service at 7.30pm
and a Good Friday Service at 10.30 am.
Elizabeth Hurfurt
NCH Forthcoming Event
Please mark the evening of Saturday 23rd April, in your diaries, when The
Dalesmen are coming to delight us with a concert in Church. More details of
the programme and admission will be included in the next newsletter. Watch
this space!
Val Howse
Operation Christmas Child 2004
Filling shoe boxes for children under stress in Eastern Europe was a lovely
start to the Christmas season. On 21st November the church was filled with
beautifully wrapped shoe boxes filled with exciting gifts. There were 327
in all, coming from a variety of sources, plus another 65 which had been delivered
to Hurtswood. These were all taken to Derby after being checked and sealed
on 22nd November and were subsequently loaded onto a Polish lorry on 16th
December for transporting to Belarus. The Derby warehouse received 9,580 boxes,
all of which were individually checked for items banned by the customs officials
in receiving countries. Checking the boxes is tiring and often done (as in
Derby this year) in very basic premises. It is, however, a very satisfying
task. Any items which have to be removed are replaced from a stock of donated
"filler" items. Great care is taken to search for the most appropriate
substitute. There are many admiring cries of "look at this - isn't it
beautiful?" and, old as most of us were, lots of cuddling of the lovely
toys. It is a great experience. I have prepared a much fuller report which
is available on the vestibule table in the Ashbourne church. Help yourself,
and if you would like more copies for friends please ring me or Marianne.
Over the year there will be other articles giving details of events and also
the next campaign. Thank you all for your very generous, varied and lovely
gifts.
Betty Hadley & Marianne Matthews
The Cornerstone
Church Council have fully approved the plans and the budget for the extension
of the kitchen, modification of an internal room, provision of an exit onto
the patio and it is planned to carry out this work in mid-February.
Budget price is £40,000 and although it is the intention to apply for
grants from the Circuit Advance Fund and the District Advance fund it is beholding
on the Church to finance as far as possible its own mission work.
Response in 1997 to Project 2000 was tremendous and direct giving was a major
contributor to the huge costs involved at that time. Please could all people
involved in the life of Ashbourne Methodist Church look to contribute to this
project and if possible to gift aid their giving. Our Treasurer John Hurfurt
will be pleased to accept all gifts and advise on gift aid.
Cliff Lewer
Ashbourne - Patna Partnership
The partnership will be holding a
Barn Dance
at Hulland Millennium Hall
on Saturday 12th February.
Tickets (£6.00, £3.00 children)
available from Clare Sales.
Prayers
We continue to ask for you to especially remember the following
things in your prayers this month:
30th Jan All those who help prepare for services at church
31st Jan Those hearing about Fairtrade, who can help make the world fairer
1st Feb Those who are ill or in hospital
2nd Feb The Alzheimer Cafe
3rd Feb Mission partners throughout the world - especially Richard & Kathryn
in the Solomon Islands
4th Feb Young people at The Basement
5th Feb Preachers preparing to lead services tomorrow
6th Feb The Youth Fellowship group
7th Feb Brownies and Guides
8th Feb Children during half term week
9th Feb The leaders of this country and the world
10th Feb Those who serve on committees for the Church and Circuit
11th Feb The Make Poverty History campaign
12th Feb St Luke's Hospital, Hiranpur
13th Feb Those attending Powersource groups
14th Feb Those who feel unloved
15th Feb The congregation of St John's Church
16th Feb Walk and Talk group
17th Feb Those serving at Cornerstone
18th Feb Members of the choir practicing for Sunday
19th Feb The Elim Pentecostal Church family
20th Feb Farmers who are not paid a fair price for their produce
21st Feb Those who go to All Saints Catholic Church
22nd Feb Youth Club members and staff
23rd Feb The work of Methodist Homes
24th Feb Those who feel called to take on responsibility in the Church
25th Feb Helpers at The Basement
26th Feb All those who help prepare for services at church
Audio Visual Equipment
On 12th January the Church Council, our Sound Engineers and other interested
people joined together to have demonstrated the projection of hymn words,
bible passages, video film and DVD film onto a large screen placed in front
of the Organ. Mike Hadley kindly played the Organ to ensure that the sound
was unaffected.
Many questions were asked of Ian Dunkley and Andy of B & H Sound, a company
of Christian base who specialise in the provision, hire, installation and
sale of this specialised equipment.
Discussion was held on the size of the words on screen, the clarity of pictures
etc, the effect sun into the church may have, two screens placed either side
of the organ over the banners (retractable).
In the event a decision was made to have an electrically retractable screen
suspended behind a pelmet attached to the metal bar high across the front
of the organ (time for lowering or raising in the order of 45 secs). A central
projector located under the balcony overhead and control points for computer
input at the sound box and at the pulpit. In addition a connecting point for
a further projector (not supplied) would be made in the centre of the church
amongst the pews to allow simultaneous or independent projection onto our
rear screen.
Installation is pencilled in the diary for 1st February and will take 3/4
days.
A considerable bonus to the demonstration was expert input to our sound engineers
on the adjustment and use of our sound system, there will be further input
when the AV is installed.
Cliff Lewer
Traidcraft
It was reported at the January meeting of Ashbourne Churches Together that
Jean Humphries is giving up her role as a Traidcraft Fair Trader after Fairtrade
Fortnight in March. We are most grateful for all the work that she and Gerald
have done over their 19 years association with the organisation and we thank
them for it. It will leave a big hole and we need someone in the Ashbourne
area to take over the "Traidcraft Fair Trader" role so that we can
continue to have Traidcraft goods available for sale in the Ashbourne area.
Interest in fair trade whether through Traidcraft or the Fairtrade Foundation
is growing and it may be that anyone thinking of taking over this role would
need a small group of people to help. Perhaps we should aim at one representative
from each church to be responsible for the sales in that church and also to
help with the non-church sales such as Tissington Well Dressing . Traders
receive a discount on sales and Jean has given the bulk of that to Christian
Aid although some has been used to support local projects. Anyone interested
is asked to contact Elizabeth Hurfurt.
Elizabeth Hurfurt
Women's World Day of Prayer
Women's World Day of Prayer is Friday 4th March and this year our service
has been prepared by the Christian Women of Poland. They have taken as their
theme, "Let Our Light Shine." Services will be held at:
2pm Church of St John the Baptist, Mayfield
7.30pm St Oswald's Church, Ashbourne
The speaker at both services will be Rev Joan Whyman from Roston and ALL ARE
WELCOME.
Betty Douce
Jerry Springer: A thought
Here is an extract from a TV column last week: I found the alternative perspective
interesting (no more, no less!). You may wish to discuss its point of view!
"So, the BBC went ahead and broadcast Jerry Springer: The Opera in its
entirety last week, enraging a hardcore band of humourless oafs who decided
before they'd even seen it that it was blasphemous and despicable and hideous
and ghastly and wrong, and therefore Must Not Be Shown because They Didn't
Like It.
"Let he who is without brains cast the first stone. And cast they did.
Prior to broadcast, they jostled, they shouted, they published contact details
and made threatening phone calls - all in the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ,
who, unless I'm grossly mistaken, was actually rather keen on tolerance and
forgiveness and turning the other cheek.
"Before Jerry Springer was shown, the BBC received 47,000 complaints.
Afterwards it received just 900 - plus around 500 calls of support. …
"What would Jesus make of it? He'd probably watch the opera, laugh his
halo off, and then appear before the protesting hotheads and say something
wise and charming, like "do not let your hearts be troubled" or
"love one another". He certainly wouldn't be standing there stamping
his feet."
Stuart Green
Century Hall
In the past weeks we have had two incidences of damage caused by young people
and their energy during coffee and tea after morning worship. I wonder if
I may gently remind parents and guardians that once the morning service is
over then PowerSource also finishes and the children are their responsibility.
The major concern is injury although the damage is annoying and our Health
and Safety experts are to carry out a risk assessment during full use of the
premises, their recommendations will be enacted.
Cliff Lewer
Mission Matters
JMA
Thanks to all who supported the JMA party on 2nd January. We learnt a bit
about life in Mali and areas with very little water. We also made miniature
grain stores. . A previous JMA event was all about the South Pacific and this
area is featured in the new Rainbow magazine, especially Papua New Guinea
and the Solomon Islands. The JMA members will look at this area a bit more
along with fun and games, music and food at their New Year JMA Party Part
II on 30th January. Here's some news from new Methodist Mission Partners in
the Solomon Islands:
MISSION PARTNERS - SOLOMON ISLANDS
Mission Partners are people sent from the Church in Britain and Ireland to
serve with partner churches around the world. Richard and Kathryn have just
gone to the Solomon Islands to be Mission Partners. Nowadays the Methodist
Church speaks of Mission Partners and not "Missionaries"; their
work is requested and under the direction of the receiving church. It is a
partnership in the mission of God.
The Community High School where Richard will work is very different from the
primary school in Stockport where he was working. There are 270 children and
12 teachers in the primary part and in the secondary half where Richard will
be teaching science there are 286 children and 17 teachers. There is very
little equipment or books, for example the only science equipment in the lab
is one sink, not a test tube in sight! Richard will have to be very creative.
Kathryn will join the nursing staff at the Helena Goldie Hospital and some
of her work will be going out by small boat to run clinics on nearby islands.
Ruth Mallard
[Note from Stuart & Catherine Green: We know Richard & Kathryn from
our time in Nottingham Methodist Society, and we saw them at Greenbelt last
year. They were busy with training for their appointment in the Solomon Islands
and were getting excited and nervous about it. We know they would appreciate
your prayers.]
Christian Aid HIV/AIDS update
The following information has recently been given out: The horrors and far-reaching
effects of the AIDS pandemic are mind blowing and heart-wrenching. In many
poor countries development work is being set back 20-30 years. In Botswana,
life expectancy was 61 in 1993, 47 in 2002, and by 2005 it is expected to
be 41; and a 15 year old boy has a 90% chance of dying from an AIDS defined
illness. But there is some encouragement: for example, in Thailand, new infections
are down from 140,000 to 30,000 per annum. May we all be mindful of this terrible
situation and do whatever we can to help.
Ruth Mallard
World Church Day
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've never even thought
about it until now, come along on Saturday 19th February and find out! The
day, which runs from 10am to 3.30pm, will include sharing by Rowena Webster,
who met Christians in Brazil and Judith Wood who has visited Kenya twice recently.
Hear the stories, share the food, listen to the ideas and follow on projects.
Cost £5.00 please apply a.s.a.p. to: Rachel Nickerson 123, Lime Gve,
Newark, NG24 4AG. Email: rachelnickersondistricttdo@aol.com
Ruth Mallard
Phakamisa Educare
Linda Howieson from the project in Pinetown South Africa will be leading and
sharing in our morning service on Sunday 17th April. Educare projects provide
education and centres for poor areas and despite very little equipment and
poor conditions educational standards are good. The teachers are local people
and some funding comes from overseas, such as our District.
Ruth Mallard
Powersource Mission Link
Vanessa Cooke our Powersource mission link will be visiting Ashbourne Methodist
- Sunday 29th May. She is a Methodist Mission Partner working in Germany.
She will be sharing in our morning service, in PowerSource and in a JMA lunchtime
event.
Ruth Mallard
Ashbourne Family News
We pray for all those who need our special prayers at the moment. We continue
to pray for Christine Edwards still in hospital. We think of Marcus Pegg and
his family following the passing of Joy, and ask God's presence with them.
We also pray for Frank, Debbie & Lucinda as they adjust to their new home
in an unfamiliar place. We ask that they may meet new people and soon feel
part of the community in Moira.
Betty & Mike Hadley are moving house very soon.
About Family News
We have received the following note from a member of our congregation about
the family news section of the magazine:
It is an important aspect of our Church life that we pray for and when possible
visit our fellow Christians within the community of Ashbourne Methodist Church
and beyond. One way of knowing who has had sad news, good news or is unwell
etc is via this magazine but the editors can only print the information that
they are given, and therefore it is the responsibility of all readers to supply
this information.
Can I therefore call on Pastoral visitors, Stewards, all group leaders and
indeed everyone to ensure that we are able to call on God's help through prayer
in this way.
Women's Network
FAIRTRADE SUPPER AND QUIZ
There will be a quiz regarding Fairtrade and a supper (hopefully with some
fairly traded ingredients) in the Century Hall on Monday 28th February. Please
make a note of the date now and watch out for further details in the weekly
Notices. It will be an evening of good food, fun and fellowship - and perhaps
we shall learn something too!
DISTRICT DAY
The next District Day will be held at Bridge Street Methodist Church, Mansfield
on Tuesday 8th March. Coffee will be from 10am, followed by a business meeting
at 10.30am. Lunch will be taken at 12.30pm (packed lunch required). At the
afternoon service at 2pm, the speakers will be Sandra (Lewer), Jenny Hughes
and Margaret Picksley on their visit to Iona.
WILLERSLEY WEEK
Willersley Week this year is from 11th - 15th April. Twelve places have been
booked for Monday 11th April. Because of a recent heart attack, the booked
speaker is unable to be with us. Our immediate past District President, Barbara
Brown, has agreed to lead the week and her theme will be "Seasons in
a Woman's Life". The cost of the day is £9.75, which includes coffee,
lunch and conference expenses. If you would like to go, please see Alma as
soon as possible. If you would like to go on another day, this can be arranged,
but please see Alma soon as some days get booked up quickly.
WILLERSLEY EVENING MEAL
I know that 5th May seems ages away, but if you would like to go to this,
it will be necessary to book soon as places are limited this year. The speaker
is Mrs Jenny Hoskins on Organ Replacement and Transplant Games (Mrs Hoskins
had a liver transplant and has taken part in these Games). The cost of the
evening is £10.50 and commences at 6.45pm.
If you are interested in any of these events, please contact me.
Alma Swan
Children's Church
Please don't forget the weekly Children's Church which meets in the church
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!
Ashbourne Fairtrade Town - please help!
As reported in the last magazine, the campaign to gain Fairtrade Town status
for Ashbourne by Fairtrade Fortnight 2005 is going ahead strongly. We have
had some good successes with local cafes, restaurants and workplaces. We really
need your help in a big push in the run up to Fairtrade Fortnight (1st - 13th
March!)
There are two things we'd like your help with…
1) …if your workplace provides tea or coffee and it's not Fairtrade,
would you ask your boss about trying Fairtrade products? If you get a positive
response, give John Hurfurt a ring and we'll arrange some free samples for
your workplace.
2) ... do you ever pop into Lamplight, Café K, Cary's, Bramhalls, Noble's,
Spencer's, Bennett's or any other café or restaurant? If so, we have
some cards that you can give them to encourage them to serve Fairtrade. Collect
a few cards from church (we've got plenty!) and hand one over every time you
visit. Almost all suppliers can now provide Fairtrade products - so we just
need to give the cafes a bit of encouragement.
Thanks very much for your help! We are currently tentatively planning a celebration
of gaining Fairtrade Town status for Ashbourne for Saturday 12th March - so
put the date in your diary, and let's hope we make it!
John Hurfurt and others from Ashbourne Fairtrade Town Initiative
visit: www.ashbournefairtradetown.supanet.com
South Dales 50+ Forum Development Day
This Development Day is being held at the Empire in Ashbourne on Tuesday 22nd
March and is open to all local people aged 50 and over who would like to find
out about the benefits of setting up a forum to raise issues that effect that
age group of our community. Forums have been set up in other parts of Derbyshire
and this Development Day in March is to establish whether the South Dales
area would like one. The day will start at 10.30am with Coffee, include lunch,
free raffle and finish around 3.30pm. There will be various brief presentations
to explain what the role of a forum would be and what has happened elsewhere
in the county. Attendees will also get the opportunity to suggest issues about
which a forum could take action. The day will have an informal format so people
can pop in briefly if their time is limited, but the presentations would make
more sense if seen in full so attendance for the whole day would be of benefit.
The steering group that is organising the Development Day are looking for
some volunteers to set up and serve coffee & biscuits on arrival at 10.30am
and tea and biscuits in the afternoon at 3pm. Jacqui Marsh is helping to organise
the day so if you feel you could help with either refreshment sessions please
contact her. It could be an opportunity to 'listen in'. There will be lots
of publicity nearer the time but if you have any questions in the meantime
please speak to Jacqui.
Jacqui Marsh
Alzheimer Café
The Alzheimer Café continues on the first Wednesday of every month
in Cornerstone Coffee Shop on Wednesday 2nd February from 10am - noon. On
this day, the café will be attended by Christine Marsh (no relation)
who is a Physiotherapist who specialises in the older person and works in
the team of our area's Consultant Psychogeriatrician Mr Thacker. She will
be on had to answer questions and give advice. Anyone who would like to take
the opportunity to meet her is welcome to pop in (and have a coffee &
cake!)
Jacqui Marsh
Good News from Venezuela
We have recently returned from a month in Venezuela and we are pleased to
report that both the money raised for the orphanage and the teddies and other
gifts for the poor children of the area have been well received and well used.
The £100 received from the Church enabled our grand total for fund raising
in 2004 to reach £633 and added to that total are the teddies, aprons
and scarves etc. we received from the Alstonefield Craft Group (thanks to
Dorothy Critchlow for organising that) and the craft gifts from other friends
in Church too.
The favourable exchange rate against the US dollar enabled the Sterling to
go that bit further in Venezuela this year and we were informed that our donation
to the orphanage would be enough to keep the place running for the next two
months!
When we visited the Fundacion Jesus de Nazareth this time, we were delighted
to see how much progress they have made in just 12 months. The orphanage is
now home to 6 girls, as the 2 boys there last year have been found loving
new families to go to but 2 new girls in need have come in their place. The
bedrooms and playroom look much more homely and better equipped than last
year, but what gave the staff and volunteers the most pride was the new fitted
kitchen which they informed us had only been possible due to the generosity
of the people of the Ashbourne area. All the girls seemed healthy and happy
and, though not exactly difficult, did prove more than a match for the Englishman
in their midst at football! We were treated to what seemed like a hundred
individual displays of ability to count to ten in English but also a very
touching Nativity service in which all took part, underlining the loving Christian
atmosphere in which the girls are raised.
We already have several Venezuela talks booked for 2005 and so the work will
go on. We shall endeavour to have some of the many photographs we took made
available to the Church family shortly. Many thanks to everyone for supporting
such a worthwhile venture.
Andrew Lewer & Gabriela Ciacia
Youth & Community Workers Update
The Basement
The Basement is the latest place for young people to go and enjoy facilities
that include comfy sofas, various game machines, pool, snooker, air hockey,
table football, juke box and more in pleasant surroundings that are warm on
these cold nights. The Basement is for young people in school year 8 - 11
(12-16 years of age) and is open every Friday and will rarely close.
It is a joy to see 'The Basement' up and running and being well attended.
The number of people attending varies week to week but there always seems
to be about 20 in at anyone time with close to 40 young people passing through
in one evening. There are a lot of people involved in making this venture
happen and I am grateful for all this help. We hope to be able to invite you
all down to see what 'The Basement' looks like when set up in the near future.
Please remember that the success of this venture is through building relationships
with the young people who come along and so we ask that you will specifically
pray for opportunities to talk with young people and for the prompting of
the Holy Spirit upon the leaders and young people as we engage in chatting
with each other.
Tuesday Night Youth Club (age 7 - 11)
A varied programme continues each week and the number of young people attending
fluctuates between 15 and 25 at present. We are currently on a recruitment
drive for more young people. Please pray for the youth club and for its leaders,
two of whom are not members of this Church.
Other Youth News
In the next magazine, I hope to be able to report on a new young peoples group
at QEGS.
o Elsewhere in the circuit the After School Club now called Exstream in Kirk
Ireton is going well since its makeover and new venue. Numbers have risen
from 8 to 14.
o The Kirk Ireton Youth Fellowship holds steady at around 6-8 young people.
o In Parwich, the After School Club has also grown and we give thanks for
that.
o The newly launched Parwich Youth Fellowship (after a trial last year) was
well attended with 12 young people. Please pray for the leaders that we can
put together activities and programmes that really engage the young people
and that also bring across the gospel message.
o The Monday night Parwich Youth Club is also going well at present with numbers
of young people fluctuating between 12 & 15.
With all of these activities we hope that some of the young people will become
regular members at Parwich Praise, the regular monthly contemporary service
in the village hall. Some young people do come regularly. Please pray that
the young people will respond when asked and come along.
Roger Mallard
Ashbourne Women's Fellowship
We begin meeting once a fortnight on a Tuesday afternoon in February, with
our meetings on 1st and 15th February. We meet in The Cornerstone at 2.15pm,
please come and join us. If you require transport please ring Carole no later
than Sunday evening before the meeting on the following Tuesday
Make Poverty History
Some of you may have seen the recent episode of The Vicar of Dibley, which
ended with a very moving scene in which the villagers pledged their visible
support for the campaign to eradicate poverty.
You may have heard interviews with Gordon Brown and Michael Howard in which
they talked about the scale of the problem - around 30,000 children die EVERY
DAY because of poverty.
You may wonder how you can make a difference, when the problem is such a huge
one. But in 2005, Britain will host the G8 Group of Industrialised Nations
and we will also have the Presidency of the EU. And in an election year, this
is the time for us all to make our voices heard.
You can take two simple steps to show your support for the campaign to Make
Poverty History:
1) Wear a White Wristband. These will soon be available from Oxfam in Ashbourne,
and I will order some for church. This will publicly show you support the
campaign. And if you're not sure about wearing a white wristband (think it
might look a bit odd?) then let me lend you the video of The Vicar of Dibley.
2) Sign a petition, or send a letter to Tony Blair. A draft letter is available
online at www.makepovertyhistory.com and I will bring a petition to church
in mid-February.
Please help to make your voice heard, and to stand up for the human rights
of people around the world who live in extreme poverty.
Stuart Green
Milldale
The usual Christmas Eve service was held on 24th December and also as usual
the weather was not good. This year we managed to cram everyone inside the
tiny Church and the atmosphere in candlelight was wonderful.
Sister Merle led the worship and Jacinth laboured on the organ, it was a lovely
settling service after the pre Christmas bustle and reminded everyone attending
of the real reason for Christmas.
Cliff Lewer
Charity Bank
Would you be interested in an ethical investment which still paid you a good
rate? If so then read on. Charity Bank has been developed by the Charities
Aid Foundation (CAF). It makes use of Government legislation offering tax
incentives to investors in Community Development Finance Institutions and
it works like this.
You invest a sum in the Charity bank and
a) the bank invests the money in charitable or non- profit making ventures
in development areas.
b) the bank pays 2% interest to a charity which you nominate (it could be
the Methodist Church)
c) you receive a tax rebate of 5% per year of the sum invested.
So you benefit, your chosen charity benefits and another charity or community
group gets an affordable loan.
Snags (well there are bound to be some)
You must invest a minimum of £1000, you must leave the money in for
5 years
and you must claim the tax relief from the Inland Revenue.
Want to know more? Have a chat with me…
John Hurfurt
Dates for your Diary
FEBRUARY
Sun 6th 10am Parwich Praise Parwich
Sat 12th Barndance Hulland Millennium Hall
Sun 13th 9am Brailsford_Alive@9 Brailsford
Sun 13th 10.30am All-age Worship Ashbourne
Thu 17th 12.30pm Lent Lunch St Oswald's Church Hall
Sat 19th 10am World Church Day Event Century Hall
Sat 19th 7pm Praise Century Hall
Thu 24th 12.30pm Lent Lunch St Oswald's Church Hall
Sun 27th 9am Brailsford_Alive@9 Brailsford
Mon 28th 7.30pm Network Fairtrade Quiz Supper Century Hall
MARCH
1st - 13th FAIRTRADE Fortnight
Thu 3rd 12.30pm Lent Lunch St Oswald's Church Hall
Fri 4th 2pm Women's World Day of Prayer St John, Mayfield
Fri 4th 7.30pm Women's World Day of Prayer St Oswald's Church
Sat 12th 12noon FAIRTRADE Town Celebration (hopefully!)
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
16th February
Stuart Green, - please place items in the "Newsletter" pigeon-hole
at church
Home Services
Church Groups Methodism
Message Churches
Together Ashbourne
Circuit News