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Ashbourne Methodist Church Magazine
May 2004
From the Manse
Dear friends,
In the last month it has been lovely to have two evenings when we could hear
first hand about places far away. At the South Africa evening we saw slides
of Mooiplaas and tasted South Africa style food. Then on the Venezuela evening
we were whisked away up into the Andes with Andrew and Gabriela. We saw the
magnificent scenery and learned more about the orphans and children who received
the teddy bears. It is so good to have these links with projects overseas.
During May we have a number of events that focus on the developing world.
Christian Aid Week is 9th -15th May. We have our five visitors from the Patna
Diocese in India with us from 16th-31st May. On Wednesday 19th May we have
the visit of the choir from Chilalobombwe, Zambia, who will be performing
a concert for us. That should be a lively event so do bring your friends and
family along.
Christian Aid continues to win my wholehearted support. Their slogan "We
believe in life before death" speaks of what they are about, giving life
to people, giving the poorest in the world a chance to live. It reflects Jesus'
own words:
"He has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor" Luke 4v18.
"I have come that you might have life, and have it to the full"
John 10v10.
Much of the work of Christian Aid is at the most basic level. Give a farmer
in Sierra Leone a machete, a hoe and some seed. That is all they need to start
farming again, to start living again now that the long civil war is over.
In Zambia, Christian Aid supports the Arch Diocese of Lusaka to train volunteer
workers to support people with HIV-AIDS. With 24 million people diagnosed
with HIV-AIDS in Southern Africa it is a project that offers help and hope
to these suffering people.
Christian Aid supports 600 local community projects in over 50 countries.
It enables people living in poverty to find their own solutions to the problems
they face. We contribute to this through our collecting and our giving. Each
donation we give helps one more person to escape from poverty and live.
At the same time Christian Aid campaigns to change the rules that keep people
poor. We contribute to this by signing the postcards and sending them off.
Every pile of postcards influences the politicians. It keeps up the pressure
and the momentum for a change of political will to make the way the world
trades fairer, and to work to eliminate world poverty.
It was noticeable on both the South Africa evening and the Venezuela evening
that those who were travelling to these countries for the first time were
shocked by the levels of poverty they saw. We in the rich world can become
very complacent. It is easy to forget that two thirds of the world live on
less than $1 a day. The reality of what this means in practice does not sink
in until you see it for yourself.
I have been travelling back and forth to Africa all my life and long since
ceased to be shocked by it. But when I went to work in Sierra Leone in 1987
I did receive a shock. I saw the standard of living of workers like teachers
falling by 50% each year. They too dropped below the $1 a day poverty line.
I saw that the poor were getting poorer. I saw those who had been middle class,
now joining the ranks of the poor.
This is something we have to change if our world is to reflect the Kingdom
of God. This is why I go on supporting Christian Aid. And why we are developing
more links with friends overseas. These are ways of bringing "Good News
for the poor".
God Bless,
Chris
This month's cover design is "Springtime" by Chris Morris
Christian Aid Week - 9th -15th May
YOU CAN CHANGE THE WORLD THIS WEEK…
…WHAT CAN WE DO TO CHANGE THE WORLD?
Campaign for Trade Justice
Collect during "The Week"
Pray
Music for a Spring Evening
As an introduction to Christian Aid Week we are proud to present "Prince
of Wales Brass" for a concert in St Oswald's Church Hall on Saturday
8th May at 7.30pm.
Prince of Wales Brass is made up of members of the City of Birmingham Symphony
Orchestra and they will be entertaining us with a popular mixture of serious
and light-hearted music - including some audience participation.
Tickets cost £8 with all profits for Christian Aid and are available
now from Catherine Green, or from Natural Choice. This should be a great evening,
with some fantastic music - including solos by the CBSO's prinicipal cellist
- so please come along.
What can we do to change the world?
CAMPAIGN FOR TRADE JUSTICE
"International trade between my country and the West is like an antelope
and a giraffe competing for food which is at the top of a tree. You can make
the ground level but the contest will still not be fair." says Dr Robert
Aboagye-Mensah, General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana.
In Christian Aid Week, people around the country will be joining together
to highlight the fundamental imbalances of world trade. Christian Aid believes
that the Biblical principal of giving special help to the poorest people should
be applied to the current global trading system. Instead of expecting traders
in the poorest countries to compete on equal terms with those of the richest,
trade rules need to give explicit help to the poor.
'Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, therefore I
command you, "Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbour in your
land".' (Deut.15:v11)
Christian Aid Week - 9th -15th May
COLLECT DURING "THE WEEK"
By collecting for Christian Aid in Ashbourne you can help change the world.
Money from Christian Aid will help organisations around the world to provide
food and basic medication, transport for teams doing home visits, train volunteer
health workers and much more.
Last month's newsletter told the story of Khurshed Khuinov from Tajikistan,
and how the organisation Zumrad is helping young people like him by giving
them a richer education and deeper relationships than are possible in an orphanage
or hostel.
Catherine Green is co-ordinating our door-to-door collection and will be looking
for helpers to deliver and collect envelopes during Christian Aid Week (9th-15th
May). Every small bit of help is greatly appreciated, and you will find that
folk are friendly and willing to give to Christian Aid. Because we have a
number of streets to cover, there is something for everyone - so whether you
want to collect from 10, 20, 50 (or more!) houses there will be a street for
you!
Please sign up on the list that's on the noticeboard in the vestibule at church
- I will then contact you to arrange the details. If you have any questions,
please give me a ring.
PRAY
It is important that the work of Christian Aid is supported by prayer and
we ask you to prayer for everyone involved in Christian Aid during this week,
and throughout the year.
For those who would like to help with the door-to-door collection, here is
a collector's prayer which I feel sums up everything that collecting is about.
Lord of life,
underneath me are two feet -
please may they do this task willingly;
in front of me are rows of doors -
please may they open to me cheerfully;
in my hand are dozens of envelopes -
please may they be filled generously;
in my heart are millions of needy people -
may all I do this week, make this a world in which they can thrive.
Amen.
Catherine Green
Christian Aid Week - 9th -15th May
Annual Church Meeting
MONDAY 26TH APRIL
This is an open meeting for all members of our church when we elect Church
Stewards and representatives to the Church Council. Nominations for Church
Council members may be made on the poster on the vestibule notice board -
these should be made by 19th April. An invitation letter, agenda and information
on voting was included in the notice-sheet for 28th March, and some spare
ones should be on the vestibule table. If you cannot find one, please ask
Carole.
There is also an opportunity to raise questions from the reports of the various
activities of our church. There will be a discussion on the recent research
on the needs of the community and your views are both important and welcome.
Please do come and share with us for this important meeting. 7.30pm Monday
26th April in the Century Hall.
Tissington Well Dressings
There will be the usual Traidcraft and Christian Aid Cake stalls at Tissington
this year from Thursday 20th May until Sunday 23rd May. We are looking for
tray bakes as usual for the cake stall. These may be left in Jean and Gerald
Humphries's garage at 114 Park Avenue or if you want them collected please
telephone John and Elizabeth Hurfurt.
We are looking for extra volunteers to man the stalls this year as Jean and
Gerald are not available for the Traidcraft stall all day every day as in
the past. There will be a rota on display in the church alternatively, if
you are available to help please telephone.
John & Elizabeth Hurfurt
Are you A Preacher?
The first sermon preached each Sunday is not by the Minister or preacher,
but by you:
You preach a message of good cheer when you say, "Good Morning"
to those you meet as you are parking or near the church door.
You preach a message of welcome when you slide over in the pew, instead of
forcing others to squeeze in front of you.
You preach a message of hope and joy when you sing the hymns.
You preach a message of love when you smile and say hello to a visitor.
You preach a message about the importance of the scriptures when you listen
carefully to the Bible being read.
You preach a message of faith when you share a prayer request.
You preach a message of encouragement when you voice your praise to the Lord.
Mooiplaas Update
We are pleased to report that our South Africa Evening was a great success.
A total of 108 people were at the evening, and they enjoyed a tasting of South
African food and a talk on the work of the Mooiplaas Project. For those of
you who couldn't make it, here is a snippet from the menu …
To eat
Fried Chicken
Pieces of chicken leg, wing or breast-bone lightly spiced and deep-fried
Rice Salad
Cold rice, combined with peas and perhaps mayonnaise
Spicy Beans
Traditional baked beans, mixed with grated carrot and gently spiced with curry
Peas
Tinned processed peas, served straight from the can
Potato Salad
Home-grown new potatoes, diced and combined with a mayonnaise dressing
To drink
Bottled Pop
Individual bottles of Coca Cola, Fanta or Sprite served with the meal
Tea or Ricoffy
Milky Tea or Chicory-Coffee, served after the meal
We are pleased to announce that the evening raised in excess of £370
for our fund. We are particularly grateful to those people who have made additional
donations, and these mean that we have now exceeded our revised target of
£2000. Around three-quarters of this money will be sent directly to
the Mooiplaas Project and the remainder will help to pay the travel expenses
of Danny and Teresa who are visiting Mooiplaas in July to work.
As we have now beaten our initial and revised targets, we have decided not
to set a new target - but please be assured that the fundraising will continue.
We feel very strongly that this work is of vital importance, and we want to
support it to the maximum.
We plan to have another cake stall at church and we will have a re-run of
our popular quiz night in the summer. Look out for more details on both of
these, and get your quiz tickets quickly - they tend to sell-out!
Items for Mooiplaas
The group (including Danny & Teresa) that is going to Mooiplaas in July
will have some room to take items that are needed there. These include: knitting
wool, crochet hooks and knitting patterns for children's clothes.
If you have any of these that you would like to donate to Mooiplaas, please
pass them to a member of Youth Fellowship or Stuart or Catherine Green.
Ashbourne Youth Fellowship
MISSION MATTERS
We are all missionaries
Reflect on these words of John Wesley: "Do all you can, By all the means
you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, To all the peoples
you can, As long as you can."
World Church Weekend
22ND - 23RD MAY AT BORROWASH METHODIST CHURCH.
An invitation to celebrate and learn about the World Church. It begins at
10am with exhibitions and on Saturday the speakers include representatives
from Cuba, India, Albania, Fiji, Kenya and Nigeria. Children's activities
are available throughout the day. The programme ends with worship at 5pm.
Sunday 23rd May - All Age Worship with speakers from Cuba and Kenya followed
by a bring and share lunch. Further details from: www.derby-east.org.uk Sorry
no telephone no. available when this article was submitted.
Ruth & Roger Mallard
For the healing of the nations
A PRAYER/SONG FROM THE CORRYMEELA COMMUNITY, INSPIRED BY A CHILDREN'S PEACE
POSTER COMPETITION.
O let us spread the pollen of peace throughout our land.
Let us spread the pollen of peace throughout our land.
Let us spread the pollen of peace and make conflict cease.
Let us spread the pollen of peace throughout our land.
O Christ has sown the seeds of love
O Christ has launched the winged dove.
Let us make the flower grow.
And let people know, That Christ has sown the seeds of love.
All it needs is our love to make it grow
All it needs is our hopefulness to show
And tell those who are choked with fear
That the Prince of Peace is near
All it needs is our love to make it grow.
New Mission Link
Vanessa Cook is a Methodist Missionary working in Dresden, Germany with churches
there and in particular she is doing children's work. We have formed a prayer
and mission support link from Ashbourne Methodist Church to Vanessa. The Explorers,
Beta and Lazers groups will be keeping in touch. This is a new link and we
will keep you informed.
World Mission Consulation - Notts & Derby District Links 2
We attended this world mission event on Saturday 3rd April. It was good to
learn, be encouraged and to share. The district group were very encouraged
by the Ashbourne -Mooiplas visit and our young people's planned summer visit.
Ruth & Roger Mallard
Ashbourne Churches Together - Patna Partnership
This is the month when we expect our visitors from the Diocese of Patna. At
the time of writing the programme has not be finalised but we do hope that
as many of you as possible will come to the evening service on Sunday 16th
May to greet our visitors. They will be tired after their journey so we are
not planning anything too exciting for that evening but we do want to make
them feel very welcome.
There is to be a formal welcome in the Town Hall on the evening of 17th May.
The Mayor will welcome our visitors on behalf of the Town and we hope to introduce
them to representatives from the Churches and from the Schools.
The party is invited to hear the Zambian Choir in our Church on 19th May.
They are also invited to our Church Lunch on 25th May. Finally, they will
be at the Circuit Service on 30th May.
Accommodation is now organised. However, we do need help with transport throughout
the time that they are with us. Even if you can only offer one or two hours
we should be very grateful. Similarly, we shall need offers of hospitality
for some lunches and evening meals. It is a wonderful opportunity to talk
to people from a very different country and to find out more about being a
Christian in another part of the world....... And you never know what might
happen as a result.
Elizabeth Hurfurt
Family News
Congratulations go to Jean Wathall on the birth of her grandson, Hugo William,
on Easter Day.
We have received the following message from Barbara and David Holland
'Barbara and David would like to extend their sincere thanks to members of
the Church for the flowers, cards and loving messages received on the occasion
of their 50th Wedding Anniversary. The good wishes and blessings were very
much appreciated and helped to make the occasion very special for us'.
We continue to pray for all those who need our special support. We think of
Gemma Cox and her family, Angela & Graham Smith, Cathy Stubbs and her
family and Dennis, Doris & Christine's brother.
We pray for Margaret & Tom Bacon, as they mourn the passing of Margaret's
Auntie, Mrs Leburn. We also pray for the family of Mrs Greenhalgh, whose funeral
was held last Friday.
Venezuela and the Teddy Bears
Many thanks to all who supported the presentation on Saturday 17th April.
About 40 people came, from the Church family, but other friends as well, to
see the PowerPoint slide show and to sample a variety of Venezuelan dishes.
£106-51 was raised on the night towards this year's goal of Christmas
presents and supplies for - and renovation of - the play room for the six
orphans of the Jesus of Nazareth Orphanage in Gaby's home town of Merida,
northern Venezuela. We hope to have another, different, event in the summer...
watch this space. We send our particular thanks to Alma Swan, Roger Mallard,
Carole Thorpe, Enid Stubbs and Judith Starkie.
Andrew Lewer & Gabriela Ciacia
Gift Aid
A notice to all members of the congregation who gift aid to the Church. We
have been informed that a change with this year's tax system is an opportunity
to increase the amount of tax claimed from the government.
The scheme only affects those paying the higher rate of tax at 40%, a much
higher number of individuals than ever before, and whereas in the past the
difference between the standard rate of tax refunded to the Church and the
higher rate of tax was refunded to the donor, it is now possible for the donor
to transfer this extra tax refund to the church also.
On the new Tax form that will be issued in the next few weeks there will be
provision for entering a code number against any gift aid declared and this
will enable an extra 18% of that gift to be sent to the Church. This will
be the Church nationally and not to Ashbourne, but it is important that all
who pay at 40% do this and claim the maximum. Please quote AAH66SG
John Hurfurt or Cliff Lewer can explain further if required.
Prayers
We continue to ask for you to especially remember the following
things in your prayers this month:
25th April The offerings made over Easter
26th April Everyone involved in the life of our church
27th April New helpers for Explorers
28th April The Church of North India
29th April St Luke's Hospital, Hiranpur
30th April Groups staying in The Gateway Centre
31st April People visiting the Cornerstone Coffee Shop
1st May People not able to come to church through ill health
2nd May Walkers passing Milldale chapel
3rd May Young people revising for exams
4th May The work of NCH
5th May Pastoral visitors
6th May The work of The Leprosy Mission
7th May Those serving at Cornerstone
8th May The work of Christian Aid around the world
9th May Those leading services today
10th May Christian Aid collectors delivering envelopes
11th May Youth club helpers & children
12th May Those receiving Christian Aid envelopes, that they might be generous
13th May Campaigners for Trade Justice
14th May Politicians who can help make the world fairer
15th May The young people of our church
16th May Visitors arriving from the Church of North India
17th May Visitors to Ashbourne
18th May Customers buying fair-traded goods
19th May The Zambian Choir visiting Ashbourne
20th May Those preparing for services this weekend
21st May People finding out about Christian Aid and Fairtrade at Tissington
22nd May The Church around the World
23rd May Those who help with Explorers
24th May The Gateway Centre
25th May Young people revising for their exams
26th May The work of Methodist Homes
28th May Members of the choir
29th May People visiting Ashbourne for the weekend
Women's Network
QUIET DAY
You are invited to a Quiet Day at Kirk Ireton Chapel on Saturday 8th May.
It will commence at 10am and end at approximately 1pm. Please look out for
further details in the notices but put it in your diary now!
'WILL YOU COME AND FOLLOW ME?'
This is a Connexional Network Event being held at The Hayes Conference Centre,
Swanwick, from 11th-13th June. The leader of the main sessions is Mrs Ann
Donaldson, who was the speaker at our lunch at Brailsford last year. It is
possible to go to this event for a day, the cost being £30 which includes
meals. Some of us are hoping to go on Saturday 12th June (we shall take in
two of Ann's sessions). If you would like to come too, please contact Alma.
DISTRICT DAY
The next District Day on 16th June will be held at Ashbourne Road Church,
Derby (this is really easy to get to as the bus passes the door!). The speaker
in the afternoon is Mrs Rosemary Wells, who is the British Unit President
of the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women (Rosemary wrote
an article in the Summer 2003 edition of Magnet). She is a very creative lady
and is hoping to hold workshops during the afternoon. These are likely to
be: Cards for beginners; cards for the more experienced; slides of Rehe; Words;
Singing; Bibliodrama; Banner making.
Usually, District Days begin with registration (£1) and coffee at 10am
followed by a meeting and then lunch (please take a packed lunch; drinks area
available). After lunch there is usually a service and the day finished at
around 3.30pm. However, with Rosemary wishing to hold workshops, the programme
may vary! I'm sure it will be a very good day, so do come along! If you have
any questions, please let me know.
Alma Swan
Consider the postage stamp:
its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing till it gets
there.
Josh Billings
'Praise with Africa' Choir from Zambia
On Wednesday 19th May, the "Praise with Africa" Choir will be visiting
Ashbourne Methodist Church at 7.30pm. The young people come from Chililabombwe
in Zambia and it's their second UK tour.
A warm invitation is extended to everyone to bring family and friends of all
ages to experience the sounds of true African praise and worship as the choir
share their stories. Admission is free, but there will be a collection for
the needs of the New Beginnings Primary School in Chililabombwe. The choir
will also be singing in Victoria Square during the afternoon.
The New Beginnings Primary School recently opened its doors to some eager
youngsters, with over 50 children enrolled. The children are aged from 2½
to 6, in three classes: nursery, reception and grade one. The headmaster,
Nelson, has two qualified teachers, Elizabeth and Margaret, and there are
volunteer helpers to assist in classrooms, at lunchtimes and on trips to the
toilet etc. Nelson said, "One clear objective of the school is to reach
as many vulnerable children as possible with the Good News of the Gospel".
The school is, however, still running on a shoe-string and they are struggling
to find funds for consumables like paper, chalk and crayons and for exercise
books, reading materials, and other teaching aids. The 'Praise with Africa'
choir's UK tour, including their visit to Ashbourne, will raise funds for
the school and it is hoped that enough will be raised to allow the building
of four new classrooms, a storeroom and an office.
Stuart Mustow
Women's Fellowship
Women's Fellowship continues to meet every fortnight at 2.15pm in Cornerstone.
Everyone will be most welcome to join us.
4th May Paul Rimmer Chernobyl Children's Lifeline
18th May Jacqui Marsh The Alzheimer's Society
If transport is required please ring Carole Thorpe no later than the Sunday
before the meeting on the following Tuesday.
Leprosy Mission
The Annual Leprosy Mission Meeting will be held at Hulland Chapel on Thursday
6th May at 2.15pm. Slides will be shown and there will be a bring & buy
stall. Sister Merle will lead the meeting. All are most welcome.
Betsy Allsop
ASHBOURNE CHURCHES TOGETHER - CHRISTIAN AID
Music for a Spring Evening
presented by
"Prince of Wales Brass"
an ensemble of musicians from the
City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
- in association with St James's Place Partnership -
St Oswald's Parish Church
Saturday 8th May
7.30pm
The programme includes both classical and light music
plus items by the CBSO's principal cellist.
Tickets £8
from Catherine Green or
Natural Choice, St John's Street, Ashbourne
ALL PROCEEDS FOR CHRISTIAN AID
I found this in a bulletin from a firm of accountants who do a lot of charity
audits, John Hurfurt.
'Things you (almost) never hear in Church…
"Hey, it's my turn to sit in the front row."
"I was so enthralled I never noticed your sermon
ran over time by 25 minutes."
"Personally, I find witnessing much more enjoyable than golf."
"I've decided to give our church the £500 a month that
I was sending to TV evangelists."
"I volunteer to go onto the permanent Sunday School teaching staff."
"Pastor, the elders have decided to send you
to this Bible school in the Bahamas."
"Nothing inspires me as much as our annual stewardship campaign."
Dates for your Diary
APRIL
Sun 25th 6:30pm Easter Offering - Circuit Service Ashbourne
Mon 26th 7:30pm Ashbourne Annual Church meeting Century Hall
Tue 27th 12.30pm Ashbourne Church Lunch Century Hall
MAY
Thurs 6th 2.15pm Leprosy Mission Annual Meeting Hulland
Sat 8th 10am Women's Network Quiet Day Kirk Ireton
Sat 8th 7.30pm Music for a Spring Evening St Oswald's
9th - 15th Christian Aid Week
Sun 16th Visitors from Patna arrive in Ashbourne
Weds 19th 7.30pm "Praise with Africa" Choir from Zambia Ashbourne
20th - 23rd Tissington Well Dressings Tissington
22nd - 23rd World Church Weekend Borrowash
Sun 30th 6.30pm Circuit Service Ashbourne
If you would like to contribute an article for the magazine, I will be happy
to publish it.
Items for the June Ashbourne Circuit Magazine to me by 9pm on Wednesday 19th
May
Stuart Green or place items in the "Newsletter" pigeon-hole at church