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Ashbourne Methodist Church Magazine
November 2005
From the Manse
Dear Friends,
Another disaster. The earthquake in Pakistan has taken its toll, some 40,000
lives lost. Perhaps as many as one million people made homeless. A whole generation
of children lost as the schools collapsed. It is easy to get despondent, we
seem to have had so many disasters recently. The July bombings in London,
Hurricane Katrina in the southern United States, Floods and mudslides in Guatemala.
Jesus himself said such things are bound to happen, earthquakes, famines and
wars and rumours of war. (Mark 13v7-8). And Jesus warned that when such things
happen many will come in my name declaring "I am he". We know some
sects use such happenings to preach a message that plays on people's fears.
Jesus says "Watch out that no-one deceives you". (Mark 13v5).
Instead I want to point out the positive things that are happening Look at
the way the world now responds to such disasters. Within hours of the earthquake,
rescue teams from many countries were already on their way, French, Japanese
and British teams and many more, searching for those trapped in the rubble,
pulling out survivors days after the buildings collapsed. We saw several mini-miracles
on our T.V. screens.
And look at the response of ordinary people across the globe. We now see that
disaster unfolding on our T.V. screens. We see the plight of people without
food or shelter, and the response is immediate. The donations pour in.
This global response knows no barriers. Russia and China, America and Europe,
all pulling together. Muslim and Christian and Secular charities all working
together. This is the miracle that is our modern world. This is what spells
hope for the future of our world. If we can unite in compassion, we surely
must be able to unite for Peace and for Justice.
I long to see the day when wars become a thing of the past. And that instead
of mobilising armies to fight, we mobilise armies of rescuers. Planes and
helicopters that only bring help, medicines and doctors, food and the means
to distribute that food, people and the materials to help rebuild.
This is the vision of the prophets Isaiah and Micah, prophesying 700 years
before Christ, a vision of a time of Peace. The time when they will "beat
their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks".
A time when there will be no more wars, "everyman will sit under his
own vine and no-one will make them afraid". (Micah 4v3-4).
We Christians must be at the forefront in promoting this vision and working
for it. For we follow the Prince of Peace, the one who came as servant of
all, the one whose heart is all compassion, the one who told us to make disciples
of all nations, the one who died on a cross, to save us all.
God Bless,
Chris
Family News
We send our congratulations and love to Don and Margaret Cox on the birth
of their new granddaughter, Savannah, and to George and Pearl Webster on the
birth of their grandson, Sam.
"George and Pearl and Clare and John would like to thank everyone for
your loving support and prayers and your good wishes on the birth of Sam.
We've been overwhelmed by all the loving messages rejoicing with us in his
safe arrival. They have meant so much to us. The prayers of all of us have
been answered."
We pray for all those who are unwell and we ask for God's touch on them. We
think especially of Barbara Blenkinsop, who is not feeling at her best.
We continue to pray for all those who are need our ongoing prayer support.
We pray particularly for Christine Edwards. We also pray for Phil Hall and
Ruth Perkins and we thank God that they are able to join us again at services.
"Phil, Judith, Teresa and Kerry would like to say thank you everyone
for your continuing love, support and prayers though Phil's long hospital
stay. Phil has been discharged and will continue to recover at home."
We have received this message from Ruth Perkins:
"My heartfelt thanks for the continued prayers, good wishes and visits
over recent weeks. I've found them really encouraging. Thank you too for the
lovely letter I received from the Circuit Meeting - I really appreciated it.
We now have a permanent wheelchair and hope soon to acquire a buggy! Love
to you all, Ruth."
Sue and Jeff Ffoulkes have sent the following message:
"Sue and Jeff Ffoulkes would like to thank everyone for their prayers,
support, kindness and flowers following the recent death of Sue's father,
Guy. He always enjoyed coming to Ashbourne, and looked forward to meeting
people at church. He would also take great delight in telling his friends,
in Berwick, all about our services."
Rebuilding Communities In Rwanda
This will be an illustrated talk by Revd. Ben Humphries following a recent
visit to Rwanda. To be held at St. Oswalds Church Hall on Tuesday 15th November
at 7.30pm. Light refreshments will be served and admission is free.
Ashbourne Churches Together One World Group
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
Christmas Presence
Newmount Methodist Church, Derby is delighted to host the latest Lacey Theatre
Company production. Written by Rob Lacey (author of The Street Bible and The
Word on the Street), 'Christmas Presence' is a romp through the tinsel camouflage,
getting towards the heart of Christ-mas. Telling the true Nativity story -
scary bits and all - for all sorts of audiences (churches, schools, prisons,
theatres) and honestly reflecting on the question "What have we made
of it?"
On 25th November 2005 at 7.30pm, at Newmount Methodist Church, Blagreaves
Lane, Littleover, Derby. Tickets £5 in advance (from (01332 701027),
or £6 on the door - although booking highly recommended due to popularity!
Refreshments included. Further information from www.newmount.net.
This item comes from the prayer manual of the Barnabas Fund, a charity
dedicated to helping Christians who are persecuted for their faith.
A strongly anti-Christian Buddhist in Sri Lanka set his dog on a Christian
woman who was walking to church. She raised her Bible to the dog and shouted
"Alleluia". The dog stopped in its tracks, turned around, and attacked
its master.
This event was witnessed by onlookers, and word soon spread. As a result,
seventeen families converted to the Christian faith!
October Magazine Cover
It seems that the cover of the last edition of the magazine provoked some
discussion. A couple of people asked me what it was about and where it came
from. I read the piece as almost a stream-of-consciousness; an outburst by
someone who was filled with the Holy Spirit; a prophecy; a vision. To me,
it spoke of a time when people are so radically in touch with the presence
of God that they cannot think of anything else and they cannot be anything
else. I found it challenging and provocative - am I in touch with God? Am
I really?
Having printed it, the questions came and I have asked several people to write
about how they interpreted the piece. Many thanks to them for their openness.
Stuart Green
I first read this when it arrived in my in-box from a work colleague with
a covering note 'Does this make you feel old?. I find it hugely challenging
of my concept of what it means to be a follower of Jesus today - it has so
many references to the Bible but in a modern context. Is "peer-pressure
powerless to shake my resolve at late night parties"? Do I "pray
as if it all depends on God and live as if it all depends on" me? Could
it really happen that a new generation can be so holy and live all out for
God? Is this the longing of creation itself? This is a vision of how life
could be with God and offers hope for the church for the future. Does it make
me feel old? Am I already too caught up in the material world to catch the
vision? I hope not! Catherine Green
I recognise it as part of the vision of the 24/7 call to prayer. The vision that sees the young people of our churches mobilising to pray, and mobilising the church to pray. I once attended a District Youth Leadership Training Seminar in Tobago, South Caribbean District. They wrote a calypso "Lord send a Youth-quake to shake the nation". This is it! Chris Eddy
What on earth are all those words facing the wrong way? (rather small print for us wrinklies, Stuart!) Is it poetry? Is it prose? Is it prophecy? What does it all mean? I read 'bits' of it to start with but I have read it all through more than once, reflecting on it in my quiet time. I still can't make sense of it all (sorry!) I think it's very clever, but too clever for me. I need an interpreter! Still, something different and a good talking point! Alma Swan
I started reading the outside of the magazine and then got distracted and
forgot about it. Then someone asked us what we thought it was about and we
admitted we hadn't read it. So I decided I must make the effort to read it.
I interpreted it as someone's vision of how one day it will be, to follow
Jesus. It will mean doing so single-mindedly and wholeheartedly and in a way
that turns upside down conventional ideas of Christianity. There will be no
cost half-measures or hypocrisy and no concern for, or importance given to,
outward appearance or personal status. Rosemany Webb
Traidcraft
Traidcraft is a Christian response to poverty, established in 1979 to fight
poverty through trade. Traidcraft buys from poor people helping them build
better lives through fair trade, and also works with poor people to help them
to win their fair share of world trade.
Thank you to everyone who supported the Traidcraft stall after the Harvest
Festival service. By popular demand there is now to be a Traidcraft stall
on the first Sunday morning of every month staffed by the Essence group, so
please continue to support fair trade by visiting the stall and seeing what
goodies are on offer.
The ACT Traidcraft group (set up to promote and sell Traidcraft goods here)
has a busy Christmas season planned with numerous events in and around the
Ashbourne area. On Saturday 26th November there will be a 'Christmas with
Traidcraft' morning at St Oswald's Church Hall which will be an ideal time
to do any Christmas shopping whilst partaking of light refreshments. We could
do with more helpers to man the stall on that day so please contact Clare
Sales if you can spare an hour. We also hope to be holding a stall at the
Cornerstone as usual - and again offers of help with this will be gratefully
received. Please look out for more details of dates nearer the time.
If you would like to do your Christmas shopping in the comfort of your own
home, please contact Clare Sales, Pat Fielding or Sarah Denny for a copy of
the current Traidcraft catalogue.
Thank you for your support.
Ashbourne Churches Together Traidcraft Group
Alternative Christmas Gifts
Do you have trouble finding a suitable present to give to a particular person
at Christmas time? Why not send an 'alternative gift'? Buy a present costing
from £1.20 to £20.00 which will bless and help someone else.
£5 will allow Practical Action to provide a beehive for villagers in
Zimbabwe. £10 will buy a basic food and toiletries package for a refugee
in Derby. There is a list of the available presents on the church noticeboard.
You will be given a small leaflet for each alternative gift that you purchase,
which you give to your friend or relative. The money will be sent to the charity
concerned to help the project you have nominated.
Still not sure how it works? Then visit the Alternative Christmas Gift Market
on Saturday 19th November from 10am until 2pm at St John's Church, Devonshire
Drive, Mickleover. You will be able to find out more about the gifts over
a drink and a mince pie. There will also be a fair trade stall to buy conventional
gifts.
There is also a mail order facility - order forms can be obtained from Carole
Thorpe. Orders need to be sent in by 30th November. This is being organised
by Mickleover Churches Together. Ring Elaine Pritchard (01332 512530 for more
details.
Prayers
We continue to ask for you to especially remember the following
things in your prayers this month:
30th Oct Everyone involved in the life of our church
31st Oct Members of Women's Network
1st Nov Pastoral visitors
2nd Nov Those affected by Alzheimer's Disease and those working with them
3rd Nov St Luke's Hospital, Hiranpur
4th Nov Groups staying in The Gateway Centre
5th Nov The work of NCH
6th Nov The work of Methodist Homes
7th Nov Walkers passing Milldale chapel
8th Nov Those who use our premises throughout he week
9th Nov The work of The Leprosy Mission
10th Nov The Church of North India
11th Nov People visiting the Cornerstone Coffee Shop
12th Nov Those serving at Cornerstone
13th Nov Those leading services today
14th Nov The work of Christian Aid around the world
15th Nov Christians in Rwanda
16th Nov Youth club helpers & children
17th Nov Politicians who can help make the world fairer
18th Nov Campaigners for Trade Justice
19th Nov The young people of our church
20th Nov People not able to come to church through ill health
21st Nov Those who help with Powersource
22nd Nov Our friends from other Churches in Ashbourne
23rd Nov Our pastoral visitors
24th Nov Christians in South Africa
25th Nov Members of the choir
26th Nov Members and leaders of the Essence group
Mission Matters
Tsunami Appeal
The Methodist Relief & Development Fund (MRDF) passes on their thanks
to Women's Network nationwide who has contributed to the tsunami appeal. MRDF
has now committed over £750,000 to specific partners in Indonesia, Sri
Lanka, India, Thailand, Somalia and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands for
emergency relief and long-term rehabilitation.
Methodist Mission News
Please see the Mission Matters magazine for further articles on reflecting
the very different aspects of mission in our world today, the complexity of
witnessing in Britain today, interaction with both poverty and wealth and
the need for groups of Christians to find fresh expressions of being church.
This magazine is free and if you would like a copy please speak to Ruth Mallard.
HIV/AIDS work in South Africa has been generously supported over the last
few years by the Fund for World Mission (FWM) and the same fund enables Mission
Partners to be sent all over the world. The FWM also funds courses for individuals
from Partner Churches to be resourced for leadership in the years to come.
However there has been a disturbing decline in donations and income has fallen
from £6,432,000 in 2001/02 to £4,660,000 in 2003/04.
The Fund for Home Mission is also not being supported as well as hoped so
some important work in the home Districts cannot be funded currently.
We are called upon to value and support these areas of mission wherever possible.
Thank you to all who already give support it really makes a difference.
New Mission Partners
A Mission Partner is someone called by God to serve in another part of the
World Church, willing to go wherever God directs for a period of at least
2 years, accountable to the receiving Church. Currently there are some 70
Mission Partners serving in The Americas and The Caribbean, Europe, Africa
and The Asia/Pacific regions. Please pray for the newest Mission Partners:
Janet Corlett serving in Honduras.
Alison Facey, Chris Esdaile and son Luke in Chile.
Kathryn & Richard Jackson in the Solomon Islands.
Allan & Andrea Smith in Nepal.
Revd Augusto & Mrs Mirna Giron with children Gabriel & Debora serving
in Italy.
More information can be viewed on the World Church pages of the website: www.methodist.org.uk
(Please remember to pray for our own Mission Partner in Dresden, Germany -
Vanessa Cook is in her final year in this area).
Prayer from Hawaii
Father of all humankind, make the roof of my house wide enough for all opinions;
Oil the door of my house so that it opens easily to friend and stranger;
And set such a table in my house that my whole family may speak kindly and
freely around it.
Ruth Mallard
Ashbourne Churches Together
Patna Partnership Child Sponsorship Scheme
Bishop Philip visited Ashbourne recently and we discussed the next steps in
the Partnership. John and Elizabeth Hurfurt will be part of a group visiting
Patna in February next year. We also 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.
Service in Preparation for Advent
This annual service will take place on Tuesday 22nd November at 7.30 pm in
Ashbourne Methodist Church. Please come and worship with your fellow Christians
on this occasion.
Garth Hewitt's tour: Holy Ground
On Wednesday 16th November, Garth Hewitt will be presenting an evening of
songs and stories from his recent journeys to Israel/OPT and India. This will
be held at Bakewell Methodist Church at 7:30pm. Tickets are free but it is
advisable to book in advance. Tickets can be obtained from Bill Bryant ((01629
815225) or contact Carole Thorpe before Sunday 13th November, who will co-ordinate
a group booking.
Garth was visiting those who feel forgotten and those who work to bring them
hope. Take time to listen to the stories of the forgotten, to be encouraged
by the work of the Amos Trust and its partners. This event is strongly recommended
by Rev Chris Eddy.
Word-On-The-Web
Each day, I receive a piece of Bible scripture emailed to my computer at work
along with some notes for reflection and a short prayer. The one below arrived
this week and I found it most useful and thought-provoking and I wanted to
share it with you. If you would like to sign up to Word-on-the-Web, please
visit their website http://www.word-on-the-web.co.uk
Stuart Green
1 Corinthians 10 v 23-26
"We are allowed to do all things," but all things are not good for
us to do. "We are allowed to do all things," but not all things
help others grow stronger. Do not look out only for yourselves. Look out for
the good of others also. Eat any meat that is sold in the meat market. Do
not ask questions to see if it is meat you think is wrong to eat. You may
eat it, "because the earth belongs to the Lord, and everything in it.'
Notes:
Please notice the quotation marks in the first verse. The writer, Paul, is
not agreeing with this statement but quoting it. Apparently this was a slogan
that was "doing the rounds". Paul is challenging this by commenting:
"but all things are not good for us to do". The emphasis here is
on actions that help others to grow stronger.
There is a temptation within the Christian life to become inward looking.
Many retreats are organised in order to build up the inner life and many books
are written to help improve the life of the individual Christian. There is
much good in this. The church as a whole can be inward looking, seeking to
build ecumenical links, pursuing unity and giving priority to the fabric of
the church building. There is much to commend these actions.
However, Paul's teaching here encourages the individual to behave in an appropriate
manner that helps others grow stronger. Therefore, he is encouraging us to
live our lives so that others may grow stronger - to behave in way that we
would hope others would behave towards us. So, as we gather for worship on
a Sunday and find the offering of worship not to our taste, maybe there is
another dimension to this situation. Possibly others are being made stronger
through this choice of worship style. There are many other applications we
could mention!
"Church is the only society on earth that exists for the benefit of non-members,"
says former Archbishop of Canterbury, William Temple. So churches are called
to share their life and hope with those who are "not yet members".
The church, as well as the individual, is an outward looking body seeking
to build up others in the life of God.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to live for others as well as myself. Amen
Peter Hallsworth - Church Army
Operation Christmas Child
This is the month when we step up our efforts on behalf of the Christmas shoe
box appeal for children overseas who are under stress through no fault of
their own. Many are affected by war, natural disasters, or extreme poverty.
Many more are homeless or living in orphanages or other institutions. Last
year we had 324 boxes brought to the church and these made a magnificent display.
Most of you will be aware of the process by now, and the usual leaflets are
available on the vestibule table. Last year our gifts were sent to Belarus,
whilst others from the town went to Russia and Romania. Late news just in
is that our boxes will again go to Belarus.
As usual we are planning an act of blessing for all involved in the project
and this will be held during the morning service of 27th November. This is
the day when your boxes should be completed and brought to church. If you
are unable to bring them yourselves please contact either Marianne Matthews
or Betty Hadley and they will arrange to pick them up before that date.
We remind you that we have quantities of scarves, hats, mitts and hand puppets
available at no charge. Our ladies (and perhaps gentlemen?) have been knitting
these throughout the year and they are all very colourful. These can be taken
from the Century Hall after morning services during November. If anyone still
has wool to spare, or if you have suitable small toys and/or gifts but are
unable to complete a box full of gifts, individual items can be very useful
as 'fillers'. These need not be new but should be in good condition. Not all
boxes are full. Particularly welcome are toiletries, such as soap, toothpaste
and toothbrushes. There will be a box under the vestibule table each Sunday
during November. Late news again - sadly we have been asked NOT to include
playing cards, or Harry Potter items, but sweets and/or chocolate can go into
your box, provided the sell-by date is the end of March or later. This is
MOST important, otherwise it will have to be taken out.
Betty Hadley & Marianne Matthews
Women's Network
A GHANIAN EXPERIENCE
Our next Circuit event will be a supper and talk on Monday 21st November.
It will be a Cornish Pasty Supper (vegetarians and gluten-frees will also
be catered for). Tickets are £4.00 and will shortly be available from
Gwenda, Betty, Jackie, Sandra and Alma. The after-dinner speaker is Mrs Ruth
Beresford who recently spent two years in Ghana with Voluntary Service Overseas.
All profit from the evening will be given to Ruth for Ghana. Please come along
and join in good food, good fellowship and an interesting and lively talk!
CHRISTMAS SERVICE FOR TODDLERS
This annual Service will be at 10.45am on Tuesday 6th December and will be
followed by refreshments in the Century Hall. Please make a note of the date.
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
Visual Projection of Hymns
Occasionally the preacher chooses a hymn or song which does not appear in
our hymn books or song supplement. When this happens a printed copy of the
words for people who do not or can not watch the screen will be provided.
These sheets will be left with the door stewards. If you require a sheet,
please ask when you collect your copy of the notices.
Carole Thorpe
Apologies in advance…
Far away in the tropical waters of the Caribbean, two prawns were swimming
around in the sea - one called Justin and the other called Christian. The
prawns were constantly being harassed and threatened by sharks that patrolled
the area.
Finally one day Justin said to Christian, "I'm bored and frustrated at
being a prawn. I wish I was a shark then I wouldn't have any worries about
being eaten."
As Justin had his mind firmly on becoming a predator, a mysterious cod appears
and says, "Your wish is granted," and lo and behold, Justin turned
into a shark. Horrified, Christian immediately swam away, afraid of being
eaten by his old mate.
Time went on (as it inevitably does.....) and Justin found himself becoming
bored and lonely as a shark. All his old mates simply swam away whenever he
came close to them. Justin didn't realise that his new menacing appearance
was the cause of his sad plight.
While out swimming alone one day he sees the mysterious cod again and can't
believe his luck. Justin thought that maybe the fish could change him back
into a prawn. He begs the cod to change him back so, lo and behold he is back
as a prawn. With tears of joy in his tiny little eyes, Justin swam back to
his friends and bought them all a cocktail.
(The punch line does not involve a prawn cocktail - it's much worse!)
Looking around the gathering at the reef, he searched for his old pal. "Where's
Christian?" he asked.
"He's at home, distraught that his best friend changed sides to the enemy
and became a shark", came the reply.
Eager to put things right again and end the mutual pain and torture, he set
off to Christian's house. As he opened the coral gate the memories came flooding
back. He banged on the door and shouted, "It's me, Justin, your old friend.
Come out and see me again."
"Christian replied, "No way man, you'll eat me. You're a shark,
the enemy and I'll not be tricked."
Justin cried back, "No, I'm not. That was the old me. I've changed."
Wait for it.....
Turn to the end of the magazine for the punchline (if you dare!)…
FAMILY QUIZ NIGHT
Saturday 26th November
7.30pm Century Hall
Come along as a team of six
or just come along and form a team on the night
This quiz includes rounds especially suitable for
young people (in fact, teams will be at a disadvantage
if they don't have any young people!)
Includes a Jacket Potato supper
Tickets cost £5 for adults, £2.50 for under 16s, Free for under 5s
Organised by Essence
Raising money to Buy Bogs for the Third World
(we're aiming to raise enough money to
pay for eight toilets through Oxfam)
Spend some pennies, save some lives!
Greetings from Veronica Stavila
Greetings to all my friends in Ashbourne!
Do you remember me? I stayed with John and Elizabeth Hurfurt for 3 months
in 2002. After leaving Ashbourne, I finished my studies in Berlin and then
moved to the United States. Here in Boston, I am working for the Orthodox
Christian Fellowship as a program coordinator. Our work involves different
projects with students from numerous universities in the USA and Canada. We
organize conferences, volunteer programmes in Greece, Guatemala, El Salvador
etc. (we will probably have a scheme in Wales soon). I very much enjoyed my
time in Ashbourne and I vividly remember the Coffee Shop, the youth groups
and the warm welcome I received from everybody. I feel very honored that,
after 3 years, John and Elizabeth are now visiting me in Boston. As a matter
of fact, last night, we had dinner with Jean and Gerald Humphries who were
spending one night in Boston. Oh, what a small world!!!
Veronica Stavila
Ashbourne Church Council
The Church Council met on 3rd October 2005. This is a brief summary of the
meeting. If you would like more details, please speak to Carole Thorpe, Rev
Chris Eddy, or any Church Council member.
o A Watchnight Service will be held on 31st December 2005.
o A Covenant Service for the whole circuit will be held in Ashbourne at 3pm
on Sunday 1st January 2006.
o Church Council gave approval for a provisional booking for a Church Family
Weekend to be held at Windmill Farm in the Cotswolds for the weekend of 22nd
- 24th September 2006.
o The results of the questionnaire about the Audio / Visual system were presented.
The feedback showed that people are generally happy with the system.
o The Outreach stall outside the Town Hall is up and running with dates booked
until Christmas.
o A new copy of the prayer diary will be issued soon.
o Approval was given for the purchase of a more modern computer for the visual
projection within church.
o An application for planning permission for a building extension has been
lodged with the council. This is because of the need for extra storage instead
of using the container.
o The Church Council accepted the accounts presented and the signatures for
the church bank accounts have been changed to include our new treasurer.
o Due to a shortage of leaders the children over 11 (Grid) are meeting as
one group and are working on a mural for Christmas. Powersource is desperate
for more helpers and more leaders would be helpful.
o Ashbourne Partnership and Ashbourne Council are organising the "Family
Fun Night" (late night shopping) for Friday 9th December. There will
be carol singing in the market place around 6.45pm and as many church people
as possible are encouraged to take part. [We will again be serving soup &
hot dogs on this evening, as well as having our Christmas fair]
o At the recent Circuit Meeting a document was presented on Circuit Strategy.
This asked all chapels to consider ideas for evangelism and stated that help
would come from the Circuit. In practice this will probably mean Ashbourne
helping with any initiatives. We will discuss the strategy document at our
December Church Council.
o Questions about Christianity have been asked recently by the young people
attending Basement so we need to think how we can take this further.
o 15 guests have signed up for the current Alpha courses. Three courses are
being run: Tuesday evening, Wednesday evening and Wednesday lunch time. A
course is also being run at Brailsford Chapel. More help is required to prepare
food for these courses.
o During this Methodist Year of Prayer, our church is holding a 24-7 Prayer
Event. The church will be open from 8am until 8pm from Friday 21st October
until Thursday 27th October for people to pray. From 8pm until 8am people
can pray in their own homes. Everyone is encouraged to take part.
o The next meeting will be on Thursday 8th December 2005 at 7:30 pm in the
Century Hall
Carole Thorpe, Church Council Secretary
Magazine: A bit more help?
We have had an offer of help to create the magazine (starting in January),
but we wonder if there is anyone who would be prepared to do the actual making
of the magazine. This involves collating pieces of paper, stapling them together
and folding them. You would have five days to do it and there are between
200 and 350 magazines each month. Ideally, this would be a job for one family
- but the job could be split into two or three parts (each doing about 100
magazines).
Please let me know if you would be interested!
Stuart Green
Dates for your Diary
NOVEMBER
Wed 2nd 10am Alzheimer's Café Cornerstone
Sun 6th MHA Sunday
Sun 6th Traidcraft Stall after Church Service Century Hall
Sat 12th Ashbourne Churches Together Quiet Day Church/C.Hall
Tue 15th 7.30pm Rebuilding Communities in Rwanda St Oswald's Hall
Sun 20th 6.30pm Ashbourne Taize Service Ashbourne
Mon 21st 7.30pm A Ghanian Experience (Women's Network) Century Hall
Tue 22nd 7.30pm ACT Service in Preparation for Advent Church
Sat 26th Christmas with Traidcraft St Oswald's Hall
Sat 26th 7.30pm Family Quiz Night Century Hall
Sun 27th Blessing of Shoeboxes Church
Tue 29th 12.30pm Ashbourne Church Lunch Century Hall
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
16th November
Place items in the "Newsletter" pigeon-hole at Ashbourne church
And the punchline is…
"I found Cod, I'm a prawn again Christian"
Sorry! Please address all complaints to Paul Haslam!