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Ashbourne Methodist Church Magazine
November 2004
From the Manse
Dear friends,
More than 70 of us went away for our weekend of "Growing Together".
The Pioneer Centre near Cleobury Mortimer proved to be an excellent venue.
It is primarily a Youth Activity Centre so the youngsters were in seventh
heaven. At least that's what Naomi and Paul thought when the pillar of crates
they were building and standing on top of suddenly disappeared from beneath
them…. There was Archery; Climbing Tower; Falconry; Steam Railway; Forest
Walks. We had a lot of fun.
And we found out a lot more about each other. Stuart is not the only one to
admit to having lived in Hull. Did you know Cliff once sang in a choir? (Only
once!). And my group wrestled with one of Phil's tough quiz questions for
ages discussing where the Reclining and Golden Buddhas might be until Marianne
declared "Well I've seen the Golden Buddha, it's in Bangkok". In
spite of this inspired feat of memory we still came last.
Our session on "Growing in Faith" enabled people to share and reflect
on their own faith journey. There was a real spirit of openness and the sharing
was moving and inspiring.
The session on "Growing in Love" was at the heart of the weekend.
We realised this is the foundation of being the Body of Christ, of being the
community God wants us to be. Jesus said "It is by your love for each
other that others will know you are my disciples" John 13v34f. This whole
weekend was one of "Growing together in Love".
The final session was "Growing in the World". Here we reflected
on our experiences of being a Christian working and living among non-Christians.
How do we keep and live by our Christian principles when others do not share
the same values? How can we support each other and encourage each other? One
answer is by prayer. We have to do more praying for each other and with each
other.
At our final worship session, all that we had done and said and thought about
was brought and offered to God. The green group did a two minute drama about
the exclusive Holy Huddle. Do grab somebody who was on the weekend and ask
about it.
We had a vine growing up the wall. The children stuck bunches of grapes onto
it with the words we used for our "Growing together in Love". These
were - Understanding; Sharing; Trust; Prayer; Forgiveness; Openness; Compassion;
Encouragement; Tolerance; Meals Together; Confidentiality; and Friendship.
Jeff and Gareth and Chris had raw fingers strumming their guitars after an
extended singing of "Let there be love shared among us" because
the group wanted to hug everyone….
We returned to Ashbourne with that sense of well being that comes from knowing
we are loved, from having found new and firm friendships, and from knowing
God has blessed us.
We want that love to embrace all in our church. It is the love God has poured
into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. (Romans 5v5). It is a gentle accepting
love. It is what gives us the strength for our living in the world.
God Bless,
Chris
Greetings from …
SUNRIVER CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP & HEATHVILLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH.
We have recently enjoyed an extended holiday in Oregon and Virginia, USA and
whilst there, were able to join the above two societies for morning worship.
Sunriver - this is a resort village high in the desert area of central Oregon
and we were with them on Labour Day Weekend, the last holiday weekend in USA
before Thanksgiving, the modern church was very full with a congregation of
all ages, many families and some oldies.
A partnership venture between Episcopal and Lutheran Churches founded in 1991
as a move on from worship in homes the church now has a thriving all week
activity schedule and morning worship is followed by bible study if you wish
to join.
A wonderful welcome was given to us both before and after the service. The
service was presented in full printed format and a small sheet was issued
for notation during the sermon with the headings and bible references for
each section of the talk.
Heathville is a very old established church in a small village and was attended
by some 70 mainly 50+ people. Again the service was fully printed, including
response sections and indeed the sermon subject had been displayed on a large
notice board at the front of chapel all the previous week.
Welcome was very good and Sandra, having a birthday in the week, was invited
to the front for special prayers. Mid week activities were mainly house fellowships
and then the participation in the monthly farmers market on the Saturday.
It was truly uplifting to join in fellowship with like-minded Christians,
hear God's word preached strongly and sing heartily.
A final comment - where else in the world would you be handed a text with
your airline ticket? Alaskan Airlines - ' I will praise God's name in song
and glorify Him with thanksgiving' Psalm 69:30
Cliff Lewer
Wish You Were Here - The Gateway Centre!
RECENT EXTRACTS FROM THE VISITORS BOOK:
"Fantastic weekend again - cycling, Heights of Abraham, very impressed
with the new kitchen and showers - Thanks". 14th Lindley Methodist Church
- Huddersfield
"This week is the best week of my Life" Pupil from Kirkby Woodhouse
School
"Praise God for the Centre" The Kirkholt Lads
The above comments refer to our Gateway Centre. Most of you will know that
the Gateway Centre is situated underneath our Church and accommodates up to
27 people in several bedrooms, a lounge, hall, kitchen and bathrooms.
AFTER MORNING SERVICE TEA AND COFFEE
To allow you a proper look around we will be having tea and coffee in The
Gateway Centre on Sunday 28th November after the morning service.
HELP NEEDED
Rachel Jeffrey-Walker could do with some help to manage tight changeovers
where, for example, one group leaves Friday morning and another arrives Friday
evening. This need occurs mostly in the spring and summer months. If you feel
this is something you could help with please speak to either myself or Rachel.
Pay of £5 per hour is available for work undertaken.
Paul Haslam
NCH News
We would like to invite you all to our annual coffee morning at Hurtswood
Conference Centre, Sandybrook, Ashbourne on Saturday 6th November from 10am
- 12noon. As usual there will be delicious cakes to go with your coffee and
all sorts of interesting stalls, some with a Christmas flavour where you can
get cards, stocking fillers, wrapping paper etc. A congenial atmosphere is
promised and you can sit at your leisure and enjoy conversation and even a
second cuppa! Do try and come and bring a friend. Admission is still only
£1. Transport can be arranged, just let any of the committee, or specially,
Eric Matthews know.
Later in the month we have our collection in Sainsbury's foyer. We will be
collecting on two days, Friday 26th and Saturday 27th November and as you
know we are always very dependent on friends of NCH to help us make the most
of this opportunity. If anyone can spare an hour to help, please let the committee
or particularly Judith Starkie know. At least all the collectors are in the
dry on this occasion. It would be wonderful if we could make it a bumper collection
for our work for children and young people.
Committee members
Betty & Mike Hadley, Doris Harrison, Val Howse, Sandra & Cliff Lewer,
Marianne & Eric Matthews, Judith Starkie, Margaret Todd.
Operation Christmas Child
It is time once again to fill shoe boxes with gifts for children in eastern
countries, many of which formed the former Soviet Republic. There are leaflets
giving guidance on the table in the vestibule, or ring Betty Hadley or Marianne
Matthews for more information. The boxes must be handed in no later than the
morning of Sunday 21st November, when there will be a short dedication during
the service. Boxes will be checked and despatched to the warehouse the following
day. Please note carefully the items which must NOT be included - this is
due to customs regulations in the receiving countries, or to avoid damage
in transit. Items need not be new, but they MUST be in good condition and
working order. We have a large number of scarf, hat and glove sets if you
would like to include these in your box. Again, ask Marianne or Betty. If
you cannot completely fill a box this would not be a problem as we have been
given many items to add where needed. We hope you have an enjoyable time choosing
your gifts. Please phone either Marianne Matthews or Betty Hadley.
Have you lost your senses?
Imagine missing an inspiring gospel reading, an enlightening sermon or heartfelt
prayer - because you are simply not able to hear it. Well, now's your chance
to ensure that never happens to you or anyone else. By popular demand, we
are extending our team of sound operatives - already the unsung heroes of
our morning services - to cover the evening services as well. If you think
you can help on an occasional basis with this important aspect of worship,
in the morning or evening or both, or if you would simply be interested to
know more about what is involved, please speak to Pete Mawdsley or David Bale.
Training will be provided as necessary but, rest assured, the task is not
technically demanding.
David Bale
Women's Fellowship
Women's Fellowship continues to meet on Tuesdays. You are very welcome to
join us at 2.15pm in The Cornerstone.
16th November - Tracy Dawson
7th December - Jane Bradbury (Family history)
14th December - Ruth Perkins (Musical afternoon in Century Hall with St Oswald's
Mother's Union)
If you would like transport, please ring Carole Thorpe no later than the Sunday
evening before the meeting. Please be assured of a warm welcome - if you would
like more information, please contact Margaret Bacon.
Harvest Collection
Many thanks to all who helped with and contributed to the Ashbourne Churches
Together Harvest Collection. Several schools and churches were involved and
Ann Rimmer took a total of just over 700 kg (1550 lb) of dried foodstuffs
to Belarus.
Elizabeth Hurfurt
Ashbourne Churches Together
SERVICE IN PREPARATION FOR ADVENT.
This will take place on Tuesday 23rd November at 7.30pm in St. Oswald's Church.
Please come and join your fellow Christians as we prepare for the coming of
our Lord.
ASHBOURNE PATNA PARTNERSHIP
A Celebration of the Partnership in Pictures - you are all invited to join
this event on Thursday 11th November at 7.30pm in St. Oswald's Church Hall.
Those of you who had any of our visitors to stay or to share a meal with you
or drove our visitors anywhere will have received an invitation but we do
hope that others will join us. Please sign the list in the Church entrance
hall. Supper, mainly of Indian food, will be served. There is no charge for
the evening but we will gratefully receive any donations towards the developing
Partnership. As part of the evening we shall be considering future plans for
the Partnership and we look forward to hearing people's views.
Elizabeth Hurfurt
Church Weekend Away "A Church without walls"
I DIDN'T WANT TO GO!! I said it was too expensive; too tiring; I needed to
keep church people at arms length; I'm nervous in crowds; I don't know what
to say at mealtimes; I didn't have anything to offer. I had so many excuses
for not coming. On Saturday 9th Oct my husband, Chris, mentioned it and suggested
some alternative ways to spend the weekend.
SUDDENLY I WANTED TO GO!! to get to know my church family better. I prayed
that as it was late to book, I'd go if there were a place, a bed and a lift.
All three were available!! Amazing! Jason and I would come. Chris and Ezra
had other commitments.
John ch 15 For several months God had impressed on me to study The Vine and
the Branches.
To get closer to the Vine, get connected and stay there. Also to stay with
Ps.23. It seemed He now wanted me to get acquainted with the other branches
and bear fruit with them.
Chris Eddy gave 3 talks over Sat & Sun. These were:
Growing in faith is like a small mustard seed which grows into a tree with
branches for birds to settle in. So with us, if we grow and mature, we can
support younger disciples as they grow in faith. Chris told how, with other
Christians, he had discovered a pastoral gift, the ability to preach and realised
a call to be a missionary.
Growing in love happens when we realise how inadequate our loving is. Then
God can pour into us His abundant AGAPE love to share with others. Agape love
transforms all relationships, benefits the other person, feeds compassion
and gives inner strength and endurance to care. I also discovered that Agape
love brings forgiveness and healing deep within, just two weeks before my
Mother died. Agape love desires to mend relationships even before an apology
is given. Also no matter how excellent our gifts and good deeds, they are
meaningless if done without Agape love.
Growing in the world is like wheat and tares growing side by side. As we grow
we need to be salt and light in the world. Just by being there, doing what's
right. If you are in the place God wants you, he can use you and bless you.
Then harvest would be plentiful. Is there too much piled on the desk? Are
agendas too busy? It is a challenge to let God arrange our agendas, to put
us alongside people, to trust for each day, receive His gifts and let Him
live and work through us.
For some there may be a calling to lay aside personal wealth, to come alongside
the poor and the lost and know that God would provide.
For each talk, Chris told stories from his own experiences to illustrate the
main points. The discussion groups after each talk provided material for the
Sunday service, including: sketches, testimonies, songs, readings etc. You've
guessed the theme? The Vine and the Branches!
In the service there was even a song where all were invited to hug each other
until the music stopped! HELP! But it was fine. The hugs were good. The relaxed
Sat afternoon and evening fun was enjoyed and experiences shared. It was a
BRILLIANT weekend. Really! So beware, those of you who didn't come. You may
get invited out for a meal or a cuppa, or get an unexpected hug!
What a wonderful Father we have, who longs for unity in His Family, a "Church
without walls".
Chris Morris (Mrs)
Church stewards - at your service!
The church stewards are corporately responsible with the minister for giving
leadership and help over the whole range of the church's life and activity.
To help the stewards do this most effectively, each steward is assigned one
or more areas of special interest and responsibility. The current church stewards
and responsibilities are as follows:
Gwenda Allcock House Groups, Cornerstone
David Bale (Senior Steward) Worship Development
Roger Davies Charitable Giving
Catherine Green Young People, Ashbourne Churches Together
Judith Hall Pastoral
Ian Marsh Finance, Gateway
Paul Haslam Property
If you have any questions, concerns, or bright ideas about any aspect of our
church life, please raise these with the relevant steward who will be pleased
to help.
David Bale
Mission Matters
Possibilities for Mission
"One thing I have learnt and have come to value greatly is the realisation
that the people we write about are our brother and sisters in Christ. We are
members of God's family, the body of Christ and as Paul tells us; "If
one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every
part rejoices with it". 1 Cor. 12:26.
So I would encourage you, to reflect and pray with your brothers and sisters
throughout the world. We are united, in our diversity, in the body of Christ.
We begin the new Methodist year with endless possibilities for mission as
we seek to share God's love with all, through prayer and action. May we be
strengthened by the Spirit who works to "prepare God's people for works
of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach
unity in the faith and knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining
to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ" Ephesians 4: 12, 13.
Susan Johnson Methodist Mission Education Co-ordinator
How did you make thunder?
Have you ever wondered what children and young people think about God, the
Church and the world? Well, we asked the children of Downsview Methodist Church,
and this is what they said:
God
We want to say thank you to God:
o For the world, especially people, electricity and food.
o For helping us in everything.
We want to ask God:
o Why did you make school and stinging nettles?
o How did you make thunder?
o Who is Mary's mum?
The Church
o The church should be like heaven - light, lively and full of angels
o The church should help us to freely worship God
o The Church should be fun and adventurous
o The church should be like love.
The World
o We think children should have the same chance, wherever they are born
o We think countries with power and money should help other countries
o We want to stop fighting and to have more justice
o We dream of a world which is God's Kingdom here on earth.
From Leslie Noon, Children's Work Officer
Land
Throughout the world, the way land is distributed and managed varies from
one place to the next. However, a common trend is that those who work most
closely with the land are the ones who know best how to harness its potential.
What prevents them from achieving this is complex and varied, but may typically
include the following:
First of all, the rural poor need to have greater access to good arable or
pastoral land. They also need the tools to work the land and the training
to know how to work land efficiently. Additionally, they need to have access
to markets, so that they can sell their produce and receive a fair price.
Finally, they need the right climatic conditions.
In many countries, the best land is owned by a few wealthy people, making
it hard or even impossible for the poor to make a living from the land that
is available to them. Often, they are expected to rent land at high prices
and are vulnerable to the climate of market forces.
The experience of the organisations that the Methodist Relief and Development
Fund (MRDF) works with, such as Harvest Help in Zambia, is that the most effective
way to maximise land use is to work with nature and encourage sustainable,
small-scale farming. By introducing easy to use and affordable techniques,
Harvest Help has enabled many farmers to make better use of their land and
improve food security. They have also introduced a range of measures aimed
at helping farmers improve their soil and address the effects of unpredictable
and decreasing rainfall. Although water covers 20% of its surface, Zambia
lacks the infrastructure to enable most farmers to easily channel it to their
farms.
Riddled with debt and with a dreadful balance of trade, Zambia is increasingly
using its arable land to grow crops such as tobacco, cotton, sugar cane and
flowers for the export market. Zambia is not unique. In a desperate bid to
service debt and generate the income that will provide vital resources such
as health and education services, many poor countries set land aside to grow
export crops. This means less land is available for small-scale farmers to
grow crops for the local market. It is one of the poorest countries on earth.
Out of a population of 10 million, 85% live below the poverty line. Zambia
has had to find ways to feed its people and, to do that; it must make better
use of its uncultivated farmable land. 20% of all Zambians remain dependent
on food aid, so why is only 7% of Zambia's land used for agriculture?
If you ruled the world, how would you ensure the land was used efficiently
and sustainably to provide all people with their basic needs - food, water,
shelter and security?
Article from MRDF sources
Diary Dates
o Wycliffe Associates open prayer and mission evening. Video, prayer and fellowship.
38 St. Oswald Cres. Ashbourne..Thursday 9th December 7.30pm. All welcome.
o JMA members New Year Party - Sunday afternoon, 2nd January 2005 in Cornerstone.
o Mission Adventure 2005. 4th-6th February 2005. The Hayes, Swanwick, Derbys.
A weekend to enthuse, inspire and energise you with workshops and worship.
Cost £35.00 for the weekend. For booking forms contact: John Nutt (020
7467 5116.
o World Mission Conference Swanick 2005. Friday 3rd June- Sunday 5th June.
"Tradition or Mission?" Details from Meg Bailey. (0161 432 3854.
Email: meg@baileymm.fsnet.co.uk
Enlarge our vision
Dear God, we know that you encourage us
When we are feeling self-centred, lethargic and unwilling to move
Even a little, to be with you and your people,
Our people, poor and rich, all over our world.
Dear God, we know that you encourage us
When we are too busy to move in a new direction.
Help us to see that our work or way of life may be a block.
Give us openness to look and listen, to be ready to move, ready for service.
Dear God, open our minds and hearts,
So that we may know something of you.
Forgive us when our visions are too small
And when we are too lazy to step outside them.
Forgive us when we reduce you, dear God,
To our own understanding and control.
Help us to be grateful that there will always be more.
By Barbara Butler, Christians Aware. Page 31 in "Look to Christ"
the Methodist Prayer Handbook 2004-2005.
Women's Network
PIZZA, PIES AND POETRY
Have you got your ticket for this event? Please come at 7.30pm on Monday 1st
November and enjoy a supper of orange juice, pizza and salad, followed by
fruit pie and ice cream, tea/coffee and listen to poetry whilst you do so.
Tickets £4.00 from Alma, Betty, Gwenda, Jackie and Sandra today or call
me.
Alma Swan
Family News
We pray for all of those members of our church family who are unwell at the
moment. We especially think of Mrs Christine Edwards, Mrs Marjorie Maher and
Mrs Beresford.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Rev Harry Jones and Lyn at the moment.
Prayers
We continue to ask for you to especially remember the following
things in your prayers this month:
31st Oct Everyone involved in the life of our church
1st Nov Members of Women's Network
2nd Nov Voters in America
3rd Nov Pastoral visitors
4th Nov St Luke's Hospital, Hiranpur
5th Nov Groups staying in The Gateway Centre
6th Nov The work of NCH
7th Nov People not able to come to church through ill health
8th Nov Walkers passing Milldale chapel
9th Nov Young people revising for exams
10th Nov The work of The Leprosy Mission
11th Nov The Church of North India
12th Nov People visiting the Cornerstone Coffee Shop
13th Nov Those serving at Cornerstone
14th Nov Those leading services today
15th Nov The work of Christian Aid around the world
16th Nov Christians in South Africa
17th Nov Youth club helpers & children
18th Nov Politicians who can help make the world fairer
19th Nov Campaigners for Trade Justice
20th Nov Those at the praise service
21st Nov The young people of our church
22nd Nov Those who help with Explorers
23rd Nov The Gateway Centre
24th Nov New helpers for Explorers
25th Nov The work of Methodist Homes
26th Nov Members of the choir
27th Nov Members of the public that they may give generously to NCH
Dates for your Diary
NOVEMBER
Mon 1st 7.30pm Network Pizza, Pies & Poetry Ashbourne
Sat 6th 10am-12 NCH Coffee Morning Hurtswood
Thurs 11th 7.30pm Ashbourne-Patna Partnership St Oswald's Church Hall
Sat 13th 8pm Bassline Elim
Sat 20th 7pm Praise Worship Ashbourne
Sun 21st 11.30am After-service Tea & Coffee in Gateway Centre
Tues 23rd 7.30pm Advent Preparation Service St Oswald's
Fri-Sat 26th-27th NCH Collection Sainsbury's
Tue 30th 12.30pm Ashbourne Church Lunch Century Hall
If you have any dates for the diary or if you would like to contribute an
article for the magazine, I will be happy to publish it.
Items for the November Ashbourne Church magazine to me by 9pm on Wednesday
17th November
Stuart Green - please place items in the "Newsletter" pigeon-hole
at church