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Ashbourne Methodist Church Magazine
November 2003
Dear friends,
What stunning colours on the trees this year as the autumn leaves appear,
yellow, orange, red and all shades in between. To me they are the colours
of God's glory, God's splendour. A month ago when all the trees were still
clothed in their bright summer green, I was in Tissington. There, down by
the pond, was one large chestnut tree that had already turned a vivid orange-red.
All around was bright green so it stood out, made you gasp, "Wow"!
I asked someone this morning what she would like me to write about this month.
She answered "awareness". So here it is!
That tree in Tissington couldn't help being noticed. It was so vivid, so different.
Many things that we pass every day go unnoticed. By the Vets' at the top of
the Market Place is a little raised balcony with a flight of stone steps leading
up to it. It is the place from which John Wesley preached when he visited
Ashbourne. Hedley told me about it, but until he told me I had never noticed
it. I had walked past every day completely unaware.
This is especially true of people. It is easy to meet people, give a cheery
"Hello, How are you". Maybe receive an answer "I'm fine"
and pass on, completely unaware of how they really are, what troubles or turmoil
or pain they may be in.
When I came to faith, God put his love in my heart and I changed inside. When
I went to church I noticed the girl who was sitting on her own, alone, wanting
someone to talk to. I had never noticed her before. God had opened my eyes.
I soon discovered I wanted to visit people, especially those who needed a
visit. Some were hurting. Some were angry at what life had brought to them.
Some were just lonely. I discovered I had a pastoral gift, that listening
ear that allows others to share their pain, their hurt, their anger and in
sharing find their load lightened and begin on the path that leads to healing.
Jesus seemed to have this awareness of others in a deeper, special way. He
knew what was in people, knew what was in their heart. He understood their
motives and was sensitive to their hurts.
In Nathanael, he saw a man in whom there was no guile. John 1v27. In Peter,
he saw a man, impetuous, but with a rock like determination to do his master's
will. Matthew 16vv18,23. In Martha, he saw a woman, busy, tired, over anxious
about getting everything right. Luke 10v41. In the widow at Nain he saw a
heartbroken woman with nothing left in life at all. So moved was he, he gave
her back her son. Luke 7v13. In the leper, he saw, not a person to be avoided,
but someone longing to be touched, to be accepted, to be healed.
The strange thing about awareness is that it draws you into a bond of empathy.
You weep when they weep, you rejoice when they rejoice. It is easy to condemn
people you don't know, easy to condemn the actions of others. But once you
know the person, once you become aware of all they are going through, the
result is a bond of empathy. Jesus looked at the crowd coming to him, and
his heart was filled with compassion. Mark 6v34.
The result of awareness is compassion.
If you have a sensitivity to others and the ability to listen would you like to join our team of pastoral visitors? We need more visitors for our growing church.
God Bless,
Chris
FOR SALE
Fashion Jeans
Size 10 upwards
Made by Shima in Bangladesh
Aged 17
13 hours shifts
Six day week
Wages £4.00 per week
No Right to Speak out.
Disgusted & want to know more?
See Roger Mallard
Ashbourne Women's Fellowship
Our regular meetings continue each fortnight on Tuesdays at 2.15pm in Cornerstone:
4th November Rev Chris Eddy
18th November Member's afternoon, when the ladies will show objects with sentimental
value
2nd December Christmas Service in St Oswald's Church Hall with the 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 very warm welcome - if
you'd like more information, please contact me.
Margaret Bacon
A Trilogy of Moving Stories
This event to round off One World Week will be held on Thursday 30th October
at 7.30pm in St Oswald's Church Hall. Please come along to hear three stories,
from three voices about people from three continents. Paul Rimmer will talk
about Chernobyl, Chris Eddy about Sierra Leone and Jean Humphries about Bangladesh.
A light snack will also be served.
Church Library
Anne Wareing has kindly offered to look after the church library, which you
can find at the back of church under the balcony. She has tidied up the shelves
and will be adding new books on a regular basis - so please make use of it.
Also, if you have any good quality books that you would like to donate to
the library, please pass them to Anne.
NCH News
We have four fund raising events planned before Christmas.
Saturday 1st November 10 - 12noon, will be our annual Coffee Morning at Hurtswood
Guests House and Conference Centre, courtesy of Betty and Mike Hadley. As
you know there will be delectable cakes and mince pies, competitions, Christmas
gifts and other stalls. It's always a great atmosphere; do come! Transport
can be arranged.
Friday 14th / Saturday 15th November is our collection at Sainsbury's. You
are always generous when you see us collecting but can anyone spare an hour
on either day to help? At least it's in the warm!! Please contact Judith Starkie.
Finally we shall be having a stall for Christmas gifts and stocking fillers
at our own Church Fair on Friday evening, 12th December.
Val Howse Chairman
Alzheimer Café
The local branch of the Alzheimer's Society launched a new venture in October
when it held its first monthly Alzheimer Café in the Cornerstone Coffee
Shop. This was the fulfilment of a dream for me with the 'coming together'
of my work and church in an amazing way. Alzheimer Cafés are nothing
new and are starting up all over the country. I have been given clear guidelines
by Alzheimer Café UK and the Alzheimer's Society on how to set one
up. The key message seems to be choosing the right venue and that is why I
know that the success of our café is secured. In all that I have read,
heard and seen nowhere is more ideal than our Cornerstone Coffee Shop. The
ethos, the ambience and the friendliness of the staff are all perfect.
The Alzheimer's Society will be running their cafés on the first Wednesday
of the month from 10am until noon and will be supported by the community mental
health team and social services. It is an opportunity for people with dementia,
family, carers and anyone interested in finding out about dementia to meet
for a cuppa, pick up some information or meet with people who have experience
of dementia.
This is not just my vision but also a vision for the further outreach of Cornerstone
and our Church to the community. The isolation that can be experienced by
people with dementia and their carers can be enormous and could be alleviated
if they just had somewhere special to go for a coffee and a chat with people
who care and understand. Anyone is welcome to come along, the next one is
on Wednesday 5th November 10am - Noon. If you normally work in Cornerstone
and would like to serve coffee and cakes at one of our sessions please let
me know. I know we clash with the Walk and Talk but help from the regular
staff is so vital to the success of this outreach. If this has prompted you
to start working in Cornerstone, Helen Flinn would be delighted to hear from
you. But if nothing else please pray for this exciting new opportunity.
Jacqui Marsh (Branch Co-ordinator, South Derbyshire & Dales Branch of
the Alzheimer's Society)
Fair Trade Products
This is just a reminder to encourage you to buy Fair Trade Products; Tea,
Coffee, chocolate, biscuits, bananas, cereal bars and much more, especially
craft items. Every time you buy a fair-traded product you send a message to
large corporations who are often very poor employers. By buying fair traded
goods you ensure the workers get better wages, better conditions of employment,
better healthcare, pensions and a better environment. This is a simple and
effective way of making a difference to the lives of thousands of people around
the world. If you want to know where to buy these products from, a Fair Trade
Directory for Ashbourne is available - please speak with Roger Mallard, John
Hurfurt or Stuart Green.
Roger Mallard
Mountain Children of Venezuela
Many of you will have met my girlfriend, Gabriela, who has been coming to
Church with me in recent months. In December I shall be joining her in her
home country of Venezuela for a few weeks and she has had the idea of using
our visit to bring some Christmas joy to the mountain children of the Andes
who live above Gaby's home town of Merida.
These children are desperately poor and work 12 hour days in the fields of
their villages or selling produce at the roadside. Families of six children
and more are quite common and thus Christmas presents are sparse to non-existent.
Through my Mum's Guiding contacts we are able to obtain teddy bears at a very
reasonable price and transport them with us to Venezuela. What would seem
a very minor gift to a British child will be a greatly cherished item to the
children of these villages and we would be most grateful for any support Ashbourne's
Church family can offer us.
Sponsoring one teddy bear costs £2. We have already been granted £50
from the Church Council for this project, for which we are very thankful,
and the Guides and Brownies are helping out as well. If you would like to
sponsor a teddy bear, please give your donation to myself, to Gabriela or
to my parents, Cliff and Sandra.
When Gaby and I return from Venezuela next year we shall have photographs
and stories to tell the Church and hope to give a small talk / presentation
at an appropriate time. Many thanks,
Andrew Lewer and Gabriela Ciacia-Lobo
Family News
We continue to pray for our young people who have just started at university,
Sam Fielding, Jenny Marsh, Heather Mawdsley and Hannah Lemon.
We also send our congratulations to Craig Durose who was accepted into Army
Foundation College in Harrogate, and who has recently started there. We send
our prayers to him.
Taking part in the Great North Run, Jonathan Webb raised, through sponsorship,
more than £500 for the Alzheimer's Society, to be used locally. Well
done Jonathan!
October has been a difficult month for a number of our Church family and we
continue to remember them and their families in our prayers. We think of Shirley
Hill (in Kingsway Hospital), Angela Smith, Olive Harrison, Jean Wathall, George
Webster, Bill Steeples, Jim Woodhouse, Mrs Dadge, Mrs Beresford, Margaret
Todd and Graham Mellor.
We also think of those members of our family who are not able to get out of
their home as often as they would like. We think of Mrs Allsop, Mrs Purdy
and Mrs Powlson.
We also hold in prayer those who have recently been bereaved and we think
of Pat Simpson and her family, Dr. Paul and Mrs. Val Kirtley and family and
Mrs. Jean Warner.
Persecution
Our sisters and brothers in Christ around the world continue to be horrifically
persecuted because they are Christians. There is huge amount that could be
written but it is too much for the magazine. If you are concerned about the
plight of Christians around the world and would like to receive regular magazines
(free) that keep you informed and helps with what action needs to be taken
(if you feel moved to do something), then please let me know and I will have
your name added to the mailing list.
Roger Mallard
Youth Work
We would like a little more help with 'The Venue' on a Saturday Night. Very
shortly I will be walking the streets talking to young people and inviting
them down to 'The Venue' I am unable to run it and walk the streets simultaneously.
Help is needed.
Roger Mallard
Patna Partnership
We are now hoping to raise enough money to pay for the air fares of the group
visiting us from Patna in May 2004. We have two fund raising events which
we hope that you will support.
Saturday 24th January 2004 - A concert given by the Derby Cathedral Choir
in the new Hall at QEGS. [A chance to see the new Hall if you haven't yet
visited it]
Saturday 7th February - A Barn Dance in Hulland Millennium Hall
More details soon!
Elizabeth Hurfurt
Church Prayer Diary
It is here at last! The Prayer Diary has now been published and you should
soon receive a copy from your pastoral visitor. We have tried to include everyone
who is a part of our church family. If you have been omitted or if any of
your details are incorrect, I apologize. Please let me know so that the details
can be amended before the next edition.
We have issued one copy per family. If you require a further copy of the Prayer
Diary please ask me for one of the spare copies.
Carole Thorpe
Explorers Themes
The Family of God (5th)
Disturb the comfortable and comfort the disturbed (12th)
Who wants to be first (19th)
Let me see (26th)
Becky Dutton
YOUTH FELLOWSHIP - SUPPORTING THE PEOPLE OF MOOIPLAAS
Ashbourne was recently visited by Rev Welile Sigabi, of South Africa, who came and preached at our church. He also gave a talk, which several members of Youth Fellowship attended. His invitation to support the people of Mooiplaas made us want to lend our support to this important work.
Rev Sigabi runs a project at Mooiplaas supported by the Methodist Church in South Africa, which aims to encourage sustainable rural development. The project has numerous aspects, but the project is based on the model of a ship's wheel.
At the HUB of the wheel is the issue of spirituality - because our spirituality
determines our attitudes, interests and actions.
The FIRST SPOKE is that of permaculture design. Rural people are taught to
cultivate 'garden granaries' (in the same way that Joseph encouraged Pharoah
to fend off famine by building granaries). The people are taught to plant
in harmony with nature and in thoughtfulness - and this has been shown to
be highly productive.
The SECOND SPOKE is that of livestock distribution. Livestock are a rich food
source that bring nutrition to families, the homes they live in and the ground
they cultivate. Poor people are provided with livestock and pledge to 'pass
on the gift' by giving the first female offspring to another family with no
animals.
The THIRD SPOKE is that of good housing. Rev Sigabi has helped develop the
use of modern techniques in making 'mud bricks' for use in housing - and the
project helps local people make durable, affordable and comfortable houses
out of them.
The FOURTH SPOKE is that of micro industries, where people are encouraged
to use their own creativity and produce goods that can generate cash for their
family.
Finally, the FIFTH SPOKE is called a serv-fari, and is an invitation made
by Rev Sigabi to all of us to visit Mooiplaas and spend time working with
the local people.
YOUTH FELLOWSHIP - SUPPORTING THE PEOPLE OF MOOIPLAAS
The members of Youth Fellowship want to support Mooiplaas in prayer, time and money. Several members intend to visit on a serv-fari next year, and they would like to take a gift from our Church family.
We aim to raise a total of £1500 by August 2004, part of which will be sent directly to Mooiplaas and part of which will be a contribution towards flights for members of Youth Fellowship to visit Mooiplaas to work.
The members of Youth Fellowship ask for your support:
o by joining in prayer for the people of Mooiplaas
o by praying for Youth Fellowship activities
o by encouraging us as we plan events
o by supporting events
o by giving generously
o by helping us wherever possible to spread the word to those outside the
Church
Our first event is…
FAMILY QUIZ NIGHT
WITH JACKET POTATO SUPPER
FRIDAY 21ST NOVEMBER
CENTURY HALL, 8PM
Why not bring a friend - questions will NOT be church-related!
Tickets priced £5 available from
Stuart or Catherine Green
or any member of Youth Fellowship
BUY YOUR TICKETS SOON - LIMITED NUMBERS AVAILABLE!
Come along and support Ashbourne Youth Fellowship's Mooiplaas appeal
From the Stewards
The October meeting the Church Council approved the appointment of Gwenda
Alcock and Paul Haslam to the team of stewards. The full team is - Gwenda
Alcock, David Bale, Roger Davies, Jeff Ffoulkes, Catherine Green, Paul Haslam,
Elizabeth Hurfurt and Ian Marsh.
We already have a list of people who are willing to read at services. Is their
anyone who would be willing to be added to that list? Please let one of us
know.
To those already on the list we ask "Would you prefer to be on a rota
of readers so that you know when you are reading or would you prefer the existing
system?" Please let us know. We shall do as the majority wish so your
view is important.
Besides being on duty on Sundays the stewards are represented at various other
meetings. The list of representatives is as follows
Finance Committee - Ian Marsh
Property Committee - Paul Haslam
Gateway Committee - Ian Marsh
Cornerstone Support Group - Catherine Green
Explorers etc. - David Bale
Worship Development Group - Elizabeth Hurfurt
Convener of the Donations Group - Roger Davies
Convener of House Group Leaders Meeting - Gwenda Alcock
Co-ordinating the welcome of newcomers - Jeff Ffloukes
If you have any matters that you feel should be brought to the attention of
any of these groups, please let the appropriate steward know.
In addition, over the next few weeks Stuart Green will be working on behalf
of the stewards carrying out some market research. He may ask to speak to
you, or you may see him talking to people in the street, and we would encourage
you to help him if possible. If you have any questions, please speak to myself
or any of the stewards.
Elizabeth Hurfurt
Donations Group
As usual the church intends to give away 10% of its income. That means that
we have £7,500 to give away. The donations committee's job is to recommend
to the December Church Council how we do this. If you have any ideas or suggestions
please tell either Roger Davis or John Hurfurt
Mission Matters
Dates for your diary
JMA MEMBER'S LUNCH EVENT
"Going Bananas". Sunday 30th November. Midday in Cornerstone. Please
remember to RSVP to Ruth Mallard asap.
BIBLE SOCIETY
Thursday 8th January 2004, 7.30 pm. Century Hall. Mr Fred Winks will be sharing
about the Bible Society's work in Egypt with a talk and slides.
Ruth Mallard
Funding for Mission
Some news of where world mission funding has been spent in 2003:
BULGARIA - There is a history of Methodism in Bulgaria going back 150 years.
The Church is working hard to show Methodism is a national Bulgarian church
and not just a foreign sect. Social action and concern are very strong and
all churches have outreach work such as feeding programmes, prison work, school
links, Internet cafes and youth work. A "National in Mission Appointment"
is being funded for three Armenian congregations in Bulgaria.
SIERRA LEONE - The West African state of Sierra Leone emerged from a decade
of civil war in early 2002, tens of thousands of rebels and militia fighters
were disarmed in a successful UN peacekeeping operation. A lasting feature
of the civil war was the atrocities committed by the rebels, whose trademark
was to hack off the hands of their victims. Grants have been sent this year
to the Methodist Church of Sierra Leone to help work to resettle people after
terrible years of fighting and to help the church recover and rebuild. A Medical
Superintendent is also being supported financially.
Ruth Mallard
International Kid's Clubs
Run for missionaries' children by Wycliffe Associates UK. If you are over
18 with a couple of weeks to spare in 2004 why not join one of these teams
in Africa? (People from 18 to 70+ are involved in the teams). You could go
to Chad, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Niger or Kenya.
WA provides - the opportunity to serve the Lord and children overseas, the
training, and the support.
You need - to be able to travel and raise expenses, be a church member and
in good health and be a team player.
For further information contact Janet Baker 01283 500116. Email: kids@wa-uk.org
and see more details on the mission board.
Ruth Mallard
Fighting Death
We may be aware that in South Africa a terrible threshold has been reached.
- The infection rate of the deadly HIV/AIDS has reached 1000 people a day.
Communities are overwhelmed by weekly funerals. Affected families are experiencing
unprecedented levels of impoverishment. The Methodist Church of Southern Africa
has developed a holistic plan for response including: teaching about sexuality,
hospice ministries, poverty-combating ministries, pastoral care/home-care
initiatives, training counsellors. The Love Box scheme, consisting of boxes
of medicines, has been implemented as a core outreach. Thanks are extended
to all who have given support for this scheme. It is a way of saying "we're
all in this together". Further information can be obtained from 020 7467
5116 or Email:missioneducation@methodistchurch.org.uk
Ruth Mallard
Mission Prayer for Unity
Written by Joshua Olukayode Adeogun, Nigeria/UCA
Lord, we thank you for your love to all creation, for your care of all creatures
and all seasons; for making humankind the crown of things.
We confess that we have swerved from your purpose: we have created inequality
between men and women and between people of different races.
Give us the heart to bring discrimination to an end and to love one another
as you have loved us.
Remind us that we are all made in your image.
Take away all barriers that divide us; remind us constantly that in your kingdom
there is no black or white, male or female, and make us work towards this
unity in all places, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Operation Christmas Child
Last month, we asked you to consider filling a shoe box with gifts for children
in deprived or traumatised areas, particularly countries which have been hit
by way, famine or catastrophe. Leaflets are now available on the table in
the vestibule - please take one and see how you can help.
Sunday 16th November is the day when we will display the boxes in Church,
and ask Rev John Perkins (our preacher on that Sunday morning) to bless the
project before we take the boxes to the local collection point. Please have
them ready by them and bring them to the service. Our target this year is
200 boxes. Marianne (Matthews) and Betty (Hadley) have videos showing children
opening gifts received last Christmas. If you would like to borrow one, please
ask.
Betty Hadley
Prayers
We continue to ask for you to especially remember the following in your prayers
this month:
26th October Stewards
27th October The Gateway Centre
28th October People at a Housegroup today
29th October Network
30th October People hearing Moving Stories about our World
1st November The work of NCH
2nd November The work of Methodist Homes
3rd November Brownies & Guides
4th November Youth Club
5th November People coming to the Alzheimer Café
6th November Christian Aid's Trade for Life campaign
7th November New members and friends at Church
8th November Young people at The Venue
9th November Musicians at our church services
10th November People at a Housegroup today
11th November Christians in North Korea
12th November Those attending the Alpha Course
13th November Local farmers
14th November NCH
15th November Young people looking for things to do in Ashbourne
16th November Readers
17th November Boxes going to Children as part of Operation Christmas Child
18th November The work of the Methodist Missionary Society
19th November The Church of North India
20th November Those who hear God's Word through Cornerstone
21st November The community of Mooiplaas
22nd November Preachers preparing to lead services
Late Night Shopping
This year, we will again be running our Christmas Fair on the evening of Late
Night Shopping in Ashbourne. This follows on from the success of last year's
event, where we were able to welcome many people into our Church.
Late Night Shopping is on Friday 12th December, and we will be serving soup
and hot dogs outside Church. This has been a great success over many years
and is a great way to show our Church "in action". If you can help,
then Don would love to hear from you.
We will also be inviting people to join us inside at our Fair. The Choir will
again create a lovely atmosphere with their singing of Christmas Carols, while
people browse the stalls or sit and have a warm drink and a cake.
We will need your help in preparing things for the stalls, especially home
produce. Last year, we sold out of home-made cakes, biscuits and jam - so
we'd love to have even more to sell this year. In addition, we will again
have the NCH stall selling stocking-fillers, the Traidcraft stall with fairly-traded
gifts, a soft-toy stall and several others. If you can help with the Christmas
Fair, please have a word with Judith.
Please help support this event by making home-produce, offering to help out
on the evening and encouraging your friends to come along.
Don Cox& Judith Starkie
Dates for your Diary
OCTOBER
Tues 28th 12.30pm Ashbourne Church Lunch Ashbourne
Thurs 30th 7.30pm One World Week "Moving Stories" St Oswald's Hall
NOVEMBER
Sat 1st 10am-12 NCH Coffee Morning Hurtswood
Sun 2nd MHA Sunday
Wed 5th 10am-12 Alzheimer Café Cornerstone
Sun 9th 9am Brailsford_Alive@9 Brailsford
Fri - Sat 14th-15th NCH Collection Sainsbury's
Sun 16th 10.30am Blessing of Operation Christmas Child Boxes Church
Fri 21st 8pm Quiz Night Century Hall
Sun 23rd 9am Brailsford_Alive@9 Brailsford
Tues 25th 12.30pm Ashbourne Church Lunch Ashbourne
Tues 25th 7.30pm Churches Together Pre-Advent Service Catholic Church
Sat 29th 8pm Saturday Night Live Waterside
If you would like to contribute an article for the magazine, I will be happy
to publish it.
Items for the December/January Ashbourne Circuit Magazine to me by 9pm on
Wednesday 12th November