Ashbourne Methodist Circuit Magazine
June 2006
From the Circuit Stewards
Dear Friends
As I write this our Minister,Chris, is enjoying the first part of his sabbatical at the Corrymeela Community in Northern Ireland. We wish him well and pray that he returns renewed and refreshed and with his batteries recharged. If you would like to know more about the Corrymeela Community, visit their website www.corrymeela.org
We at Ashbourne had a very interesting Annual Church Meeting recently. After the business side of the meeting we had a discussion on Stewardship, led by Chris. So often this sort of discussion revolves around money but this time we were thinking about time, giving our time to the tasks that needed doing to keep all our church activities going. When we talk about money we often talk in terms of tithing so my thoughts turned to tithing our time.
As a mathematician I like numbers so my thoughts went as follows.
How much of our time should we give? For those of us that are retired, we
have perhaps 15 hours a day of waking time so should our tithe be 1½
hours per day or about 10 hours per week? For those at work our free time
might be only 3 or 4 hours per day giving a tithe time of perhaps 2 or 3 hours
per week. Then how should we spend that tithe time? In the service of God?
Yes. In the service of the Church? well perhaps not all of it, what about
other activities in His service? Then I thought “What about all the rest
of the time?” Are we not about God’s business then? Of course we
are. Some of the best opportunities for witness occur in our ordinary daily
lives. I decided that my mathematical approach was not the best one.
I read recently of a couple who did not tithe. They sat down each year and decided how much they needed to live their fairly simple life and put that on one side. The rest they gave away. When the husband received an unexpected bonus what to do with it was simple. It was not part of what they needed so that was given away as well. Should we do that with our time? How much time do we really need for ourselves? How much time have we got to give and what should we do with it?
In our housegroup we often think about prayer. How to pray? What to pray? So often it seems like a shopping list. When we try and decide what we should pray for we usually end up at the same place. It sounds very simple, “Thy will be done”. So perhaps that is the answer, Pray and listen. Let God tell you what to do with your time. It is easy to say I am giving my time, I am doing this or that. But is it what God wants me to do? Should I be doing something else?
But did our couple who did not tithe really give? I read somewhere else that a gift out of surplus income is more like a tip than a gift. Real giving is sacrificial giving and how many of us go down that road? Remember the widow’s mite!
But I can’t keep away from the numbers. In our smaller village chapels time is very precious. How many members in your chapel? Even if it is only in single figures, if everyone has an extra hour per week to spare think what could be done. Go and ask your chapel steward what could our chapel do if I gave an extra hour per week? Go on, think about it.
Yours in His Name
John Hurfurt
(There are a number of articles in this edition which are very pertinent to the theme of John’s letter- Editor)
Operation Christmas Child – Shoe Box Crafts
There are about 40 people around Ashbourne making a variety of gifts to
go into the shoe boxes when the time comes to pack these later in the year.
Not everyone is connected to this church and it has been a great pleasure
to meet them and hear how much they have enjoyed making these gifts, knowing
they have a very good use. Many of us have met twice now in Cornerstone to
share ideas and work together, using different skills. Later in the year we
will have a display table after Sunday morning service to show you some of
the things which have been made. We have an impressive array. If you have
any spare wool at home we can make very good use of it.
We have booked three more craft sessions as follows – 28 June, 27 September,
and 25 October, all from 10 am to 12.30 pm, in Cornerstone. If you would like
to pop in, either to join in the activity or just to have a cup of tea or
coffee and see what we are doing you are very welcome to do so. Information
leaflets will be available as usual from September and “Shoe Box Sunday”
will be sometime towards the end of November, but more on that later.
Betty Hadley (Tel: 01335 300699) and Marianne Matthews (01335 343208).
DISTRICT SYNOD
The district’s Spring Synod met on Saturday 6th. May at the Bluecoats
School at Wollaton, Nottingham. Rev. Chris Eddy, Tracy Dawson, Ian Marsh,
Mike Hadley and Eric Matthews represented our circuit.
On a lovely spring morning and following an interesting journey (thank you
Ian for being our chauffer) we were enjoying a cup of coffee by 9.15am ready
for the morning session at 9.45 am. Our worship was a rousing start to the
session, provided by a group from the Nottingham East Circuit. We were all
in good voice to sing on the theme of God’s Creation and our devotions
were helped by some beautiful photography projected in front of us.
So to the routine business considering reports from various committees/organisations
which dealt with finance, property and personnel. Some sad facts of life were
brought home to us by the safeguarding group and we realised that our district
is not exempt from differing forms of abuse.
This was followed by the first of our speakers who was the Rev. William Bates
from the Anglican Church who told us something of a project the Church was
carrying out by setting up Mission and Ministry areas. Reference was made
to what it would mean to be a Methodist Church in such an area. It appeared
that full ecumenical relations and co-operation would be sought. Particular
reference was made to the Allestree area of Derby.
We were then addressed by the Rev. David Deekes (General Secretary of the
Methodist Church). His theme was ‘The Circuit as a means of mission’.
He emphasised that a Circuit is a unit – churches working together, sharing
experience, faith and resources. (Do WE fit into this description?).
Are there too many circuits – currently 600 plus - we were asked. Rev.
Deekes answer was YES! He considered the Circuit as an ideal unit for mission
and expanded this thinking. It was all very interesting and convincing –
particularly for those from the City and urban areas. We moved into the usual
discussion groups and expressed our opinions and listened – and your
representatives came away, I am sure, with differing views.
After lunch it was back to normal business, including the approval of Memorials
from the District to Conference .One was on the possible changes to the appraisal
scheme for ministers/deacons and one on the proposed closure of the Open Learning
Centre. The Ministerial session had previously approved a recommendation to
Conference regarding their Pension Fund and contributions.
Synod concluded with the Ordinands’ Testimony Service – always a
challenging end to the day. Rev. Rita King and Rev. Janet Tanner, who are
to be ordained at this year’s Conference, gave their testimonies and
Rev. David Deekes gave the charge to them in his address in which he outlined
the challenges facing Ministers in the future.
A cup of tea and then home – by about 4. 30pm.
On Saturday evening Eric was asked by a friend ‘what was Synod for’.
This report, I hope, answers that question for all who may have also wondered
what Synod is all about.
This was my last Synod after 7 years as Circuit Steward. Marianne will tell
you that twice yearly I have grumbled to her at having to go – she will
also tell you that on arrival back home I have been uplifted by the day! Thank
you for the opportunity to represent you.
Eric – with additions and corrections from Mike!
From ‘Essence’
Recently we did a 'You say, we pay' evening to raise money to join ACAT (Action
by Christians Against Torture). ACAT campaigns on behalf of people who are
being tortured all around the world. We would like to encourage the other
members of the church to join us in writing letters on behalf of victims of
torture.
'Men and women are made in the image of God and torture defaces that image,
dehumanising both victim and torturer.
The cross, the symbol of our faith reminds us that Christ was himself a victim
of torture, crucified and killed. His resurrection empowers us in our battle
against the terrible evil.'
Once every two months we will provide you with some background to an individuals
situation, some air mail paper and a stamp, and an example of a letter. If
you would like to join us in this please sign up on the sheet on the notice
board. We will be handing packs out during the next few weeks. If you would
like anymore information please speak to an Essence member.
Emily Marsh
‘ If we have been to concerned about our own comfort to be concerned
for those who suffer;
If we have made excuses why we cannot become involved;
If we have failed to recognise Jesus in the faces of the oppressed;
We are not worthy to be called God's people'
Michael Evans
"In solitary cells on winter nights a sudden sense and warmth and
a note of resounding love, and then ...... I would know ...... that someone
is thinking of me now, petitioning the Lord for me"
Irina Ratushinskya
Women’s Network
QUIET DAY - Saturday 10th June.
We hope you will join us at Kirk Ireton for a time of meditation and reflection.
We shall start with coffee at 10.00am and commence at approximately 10.30am.
Sister Merle will lead us and we aim to finish somewhere between 12 - 12.30pm.
Do come along and recharge your batteries in this beautiful part of the Circuit.
DISTRICT DAY - Wednesday 21st June
Our next District Day will be held at Spondon Methodist Church. The District
will actually be hosting it as an Area Day and ladies from Lincoln & Grimsby
and Leicester & Oxford Districts have been invited to join us. It will
commence as usual with coffee from 10am and business commencing at 10.30am.
It is hoped to break for lunch at 12 noon (packed lunch required) as during
the break there will be a Labyrinth for you to go round. The afternoon service
will commence at 2pm when the speaker will be our own Sandra
Lewer. (See below)
AGM - Monday 10th July
Please note this date in your diaries. As usual we shall try to keep the business
to a minimum. It will be followed by a supper and the after supperspeaker
will be Paul Rimmer on the Chernobyl Children’s Lifeline. The profit
from this evening will go to this cause.
If you are interested in any of the above, please contact Alma on 343751.
SANDRA’S ACTIVITIES
In the build up to becoming President of Women’s Network in the Methodist
Church on 16th September, Sandra has been attending and is to attend a variety
of events.
Most recently she has been to the Regional day in Bristol entitled ‘Coming
Together’, a Connexional Meeting in London followed by another trip to
London for a briefing regarding Antigua.
19th May sees her in Wakefield for another Regional day and then from 23rd
May until the 2nd June will be attending the Caribbean Conference of the Methodist
Church as the UK lay representative (an extra week of holiday on this beautiful
island follows.)
June 10th is the Regional day in London and 21st is Nottingham and Derby District
Day at Spondon when Sandra will talk of her visit to Argentina in 2005.
July 4th to 23rd will be spent in Korea firstly at the World Conference of
Methodist and Uniting Women on Jeju Island followed by the World Methodist
Conference in Seoul.
August is looking quieter!!
CHURCH LIBRARY
“Man cannot live by bread alone” so we hope the following will whet the appetite of our church family.
Snacks;- Daily devotions, meditations, prayers
Vitamins; - memory verses, God’s promises
Main Meal; - systematic Bible Study (guides to suit different styles and
tastes).
Further suggestions are welcome for "Discipleship" reading material
for the Church weekend away. Rev.Chris Eddy has asked me to add this
topic to the church library.
Book Review: "Discipleship" by David Watson
"A challenge to Christians in the West to actually become disciples of
Jesus, live lives that honour Christ and heal wounds in His body. This
is not a day in which to play religious games as pew-fillers and hymn-singers,
but to make an impact on society as it happened in the 1st century."
(David Watson)
Very readable chapters. A thoughtful approach and prayerful preparation for
the church weekend away.
Chris Morris (Mrs)
The Miracles of Exodus by Colin Humphries
Just a PS to Val’s enthusiasm about this book in last month’s magazine.
It is a fascinating read and since Val’s copy has gone ‘walk-about’
I’m happy to lend my copy to anyone interested.. (Honest it is mine not
Val’s!)
Margaret Hasler
MISSION MATTERS
MRDF Methodist Relief and Development Fund
During Ashbourne’s morning service on 11th June John Hindson will be our guest and he will be talking about the work of MRDF (Methodist Relief and Development Fund). All are welcome.
A “small miracle” account from MRDF:
During the rainy season, Kousoula, in southern Mali becomes an island. Only
a precarious, hand-made bridge links the village to the outside world. If
a family runs out of food, they must make the perilous journey over the rickety
bridge and walk to market. Even once they reach the market, the journey may
still have been in vain if they find no affordable food to buy. On the way
home, precious, newly purchased bags of cereals can fall into the river –
or worse, people can even lose their lives on the unstable bridge.
This year there will be no need to travel: thanks to the setting up of an unusual kind of village bank. Cereals are bought in bulk before the rainy season and stored at the bank until they are needed, then the bags are sold at affordable prices. The cereal bank manager records the stocks and sales, and the management committee, chosen by the community, oversees the bank.
Nausa Keiyta is familiar with the risks of crossing the river, and with hungry times that come when the village is cut off by the rains. “This cereal bank is a dream come true”, she says, “But I want to see it full of stock, so that everyone will come from the surrounding hamlets to buy. When there is no food we cannot work, we forget everything else.” She and other women have the land to grow their crops, but hunger has made it hard to work. Now, thanks to the small “miracle” of the cereal bank, and the big dreams of women like Nausa, digging and planting can begin.
Sixth Global Day of Prayer
On Pentecost Sunday 2005 the largest prayer meeting ever was held: 220+ million
Christians in 156+ countries met to pray, “that the earth will be filled
with the knowledge of the glory of God” (Habbakuk 2:14). Please join
with Christians throughout the world on Sunday 4th June and pray that God
will be glorified in every language. Please encourage others to pray:
www.globaldayofprayer.com
JMA serves in Pakistan
Many children and adults are still living in tent villages after the earthquake.
JMA sent money straight away so that the Church of Pakistan could help, but
they still need us to help.
The Diocese of Raiwind has been given an enormous opportunity by the government of this Muslim country and Bishop Sammy Azariah has asked JMA for help to take full advantage of it. A piece of land has been made available, and the Church as been asked to provide a “basic health unit” (a hospital). JMA has accepted the challenge to raise £15,000 and we are asked if we can help with this. One off gifts for this can be given to any of the JMA collectors or to Ruth Mallard, JMA Secretary or you may wish to give regular support to one of the children or young people who collect for JMA within our church.
The current JMA Rainbow magazine asks the JMA members to think how they would feel if their house fell down and they had to live in a tent somewhere. What would they still have to smile about? and to remember there have been 1500 small earthquakes after the big one and the children in this region of Pakistan are still scared.
Bible Society news (from Word in Action)
8:32 campaign, waking up to Bible poverty: John 8:32 “Then you will know
the truth, and the truth will set you free”.
Audio
A billion people can’t read – but only 3% of languages have the
Bible in audio. A quarter of the world’s youth and adults are illiterate
which means that if they are to be impacted by the Bible’s life-changing
message, it must come to them in audio format.
The Bible in audio format is not second best – as those in the print dominated West may imagine. When people in an aural culture hear the Bible together it comes alive. Instead of privately and silently scanning words, they enter the story themselves and take it to their heart.
In over 60 countries, Bible Society is using audio recordings to create Faith Comes By Hearing listening groups. As the Bible comes alive and the truth sets people free, amazing things are happening. For example in Ghana more than 100 churches have been established in 300 villages as a direct result of these groups.
“When the tapes came it was like a miracle”, said one of the Cakchiquel speaking women of Guatamala. “The meaning was clear and we understood everything.” At certain points she said they would stop the tape and eagerly discuss something the reading had raised. Like where Jesus talked about adultery, which has been accepted as normal in her village.
For further information: www.its832.org or 0845 2020832 Donations line: 08707 747676.
Prayer
We pray for the Church and the world, and let us thank God for his goodness. Almighty God, our heavenly Father, you promised through your Son Jesus Christ to hear us when we pray in faith.
Lord we pray for your Church on earth. Give us a sense of expectation as we come, and inspiration as we go. Help us in the great commission of Jesus, to make disciples of us all.
Lord, we seek your blessing and help for this Circuit. Bless the staff and the whole people of God within the life and work of this Circuit in its many diverse forms.
Here we are Lord, here you are, that is enough. Keep a tight hold on us Lord and give us strength for today and hope for tomorrow.
Lord we say too much, help us to listen to what you are trying to say to us about our situation. Strengthen us in the service of Christ within the life and work of this Circuit and its Churches.
Amen.
Ruth Mallard
Gift Day – 2nd July 2006
Ashbourne Churches Ecumenical Youth Worker Trust
Our Gift Day this year will be held on Sunday 2nd July 2006, when as a Church we will again celebrate together the gifts God has given us and offer back to Him our gifts of money.
The funds raised on Gift Day will be earmarked for use towards the cost of the new Ashbourne Churches Ecumenical Youth Worker (ACE Youth Worker), who it is hoped will be appointed later this year and after Roger Mallard completes his period of office as the Ashbourne Methodist Circuit Youth & Community Worker.
A new trust – the ACE Youth Worker Trust – has already been formed to appoint and manage the new Youth Worker. This is a joint project between the Ashbourne Methodist Circuit and the Anglican Deanery of Ashbourne and, being affiliated to Scripture Union, is able to draw on Scripture Union’s valuable expertise, resources and experience of other similar projects elsewhere in the country. Each Church has nominated four volunteers to the board of trustees – the nominees from Ashbourne Methodist Circuit are Chris Eddy, Elizabeth Hurfurt, Robert Sales and David Bale.
The objects of the trust are to nurture and advance the Christian faith and its practice, particularly amongst children and young people in the Anglican Deanery of Ashbourne and the Ashbourne Methodist Circuit. The principal way in which this will be achieved is through the appointment of the ACE Youth Worker whose overall task will be to build upon and expand the outreach and pastoral work amongst children and young people which Roger has begun, both in our own Circuit and in the Anglican Deanery. The trustees have adopted a Statement of Beliefs and Ethos to guide their work. This is too long to reproduce as part of this article but if anybody would like to see it, please ask me for a copy.
The ACE Youth Worker Trust will aim to operate at the cutting edge of our Church’s witness and outreach in the community, offering the real prospect of changing lives, as we seek to share the love of Jesus with children and young people in our area and lead them to faith in God. Ashbourne Methodist Church Council has already committed £10,000 towards the annual cost of this work and the Circuit has committed a further £1,000. Your contribution on Gift Day to help meet this commitment will be very much appreciated. If for any reason, adequate funding cannot be found for the ACE Youth Worker appointment, our Gift Day donations will be applied towards general church funds.
Of course, in addition to our money, the ACE Youth Worker Trust will be looking for volunteers to help with various tasks to ensure that the Trust runs smoothly and that the ACE Youth Worker appointment is effective. More details of these opportunities will be provided in due course but if you would like to get involved in some way now or would simply like to register your interest for later on, please speak to any of the trustees mentioned.
Above all, the trustees will value your prayers over the coming months as
the important work of fundraising, and then recruiting and appointing the
ACE Youth Worker, proceeds.
David Bal
Youth Work Matters - Can YOU Help?
The Basement
The Management Group for The Basement are very grateful for all the help given in setting up, clearing away, catering and running the evening and without this help The Basement would cease to run. A big thank you to you all.
The Basement is a youth drop in and can see up to 50 young people pass through
the doors on a Friday evening between 7 & 10pm. The young people come
from many different walks in life and are dominated by non church young people.
The Basement is a significant piece of outreach work undertaken by the Church
and is well appreciated by the community, the young people themselves and
the Police who are pleased to see provision for young people of this age in
the town.
During the course of our most recent Management Group meeting we discussed
staffing yet again and are faced with the reality of having to shut
during July and August because we do not have sufficient numbers of staff
to run each evening.
There are a couple of people willing to help but they have children and a
babysitter/child minder is needed and in one case transport may be
required. Is childminding or babysitting something you can do or can you
help with transport?
Can you help out on a temporary basis to get us through the summer
period?
Can you help on a regular rota basis?
One of our key objectives is to be able to talk with our young people and get to know them and to talk about Jesus. We currently spend more of our time managing the evening because we are short staffed but with more help we would be able to fulfil our objectives.
A decision will be taken early June as to whether The Basement will close during July & August.
We invite anyone from the Circuit as well as Ashbourne Methodist to
consider whether they can help with The Basement Project.
If you can help please speak with Roger Mallard (Tel 346107), John Latham (Tel 361315) or Stuart Green (Tel 300338).
Tuesday Night (7 – 8.30pm)
The Youth Club is going well with lots of young people coming mainly junior school age. It is a nice Youth Club with a pleasant atmosphere and a great bunch of young people. The Youth Club closes during all school holidays so that anyone who helps on a permanent basis does get regular time off in addition to any other times when things crop up. As from September, the Youth Club is without a leader and so it is imperative that new leader is found before then. The Youth Club benefits from 3 other dedicated staff and as such the leadership role need not be onerous. Youth Club could continue without a leader for a short while because the team works well together, hence the role of leader not being so onerous. However without an extra person which is the minimum needed, we would have to run a waiting list of at least 15 young people. Two members of staff worship outside our circuit and we are grateful to them for their continued support. If you can help or would like to know more speak with Roger Mallard or John Latham
Coming Soon!
“Any Questions?” Bible Study – For young people
Towards the end of June after the school exams are over I hope to be running
a short series of Bible studies for young people specifically to answer any
questions they may have about world issues and life issues in general from
a Biblical perspective. More details will follow shortly in the form of a
flyer with venue and times. It is hoped to include a meal whether it be a
breakfast, lunch or tea depending on the time it runs. If people have any
questions now is the time to put them down on paper and let me have them.
Questions can be written anonymously and left in my pigeon hole or emailed
to me. More details will be given out shortly.
Roger Mallard tel: 346107. Email roger@mallards.me.uk
Methodist Nottingham and Derby District Picnic
Sunday June 11th 1pm onwards at Wollaton Park, Nottingham
This is an all age picnic and the District is inviting Ashbourne Methodist
to come along to this fun and fellowship event. Bring your own food and enjoy
an afternoon with the District youth team and meet the Chair of District too.
Wollaton Park is really good.
Ministerial Appointments
The Chairman of the District, Rev. Canon J W.Wesley Blakey has called a District
meeting at Long Eaton Chapel on the 5th. June for those Circuits who may be
involved next year in making Ministerial appointments. This meeting will outline
the procedure to be followed where Ministers’ appointments are coming
up for review.
Since Ashbourne Circuit will be involved in this procedure Mike Hadley will
represent the Circuit Stewards along with Rev. Chris who is also
entitled to attend and David Bale, Senior Steward at Ashbourne
Chris will complete the 4th of his 5 years initial appointment at the end
of August 2006 and at the Circuit Meeting to be held on 11th. September 2006
at Brailsford Chapel a decision will have to be taken regarding any offer
of extension to Chris’s appointment.
We have spoken to Chris on the matter. He feels he has leadership to offer
us and at present would like the Circuit to offer him an extension of two
years from September 2007 which would leave him a further 5 years to offer
a new Circuit, since he would be due to retire in August 2014.
We will be writing to the contact Steward at each Chapel immediately following the June Meeting to enable soundings to be taken which then should be conveyed to us by a date early in July.
This Circuit newsletter item is merely to acquaint you with the position. We trust that when soundings begin to be taken all of us will responsibly and prayerfully consider the way forward for our Circuit and for Chris.
Eric Matthews; Mike Hadley, John Hurfurt.
Circuit Stewards.
New Opportunities for Service
Property
As many people will know Cliff Lewer has announced his intention to step down
from the position of Chair of the Property Committee at the end of August.
A new person will therefore be required to take on the responsibility of leading
the property team from September onwards, to continue the high standard of
property stewardship we have all come to enjoy. If you would be interested
in serving as a member of the property team, helping to manage and maintain
the physical fabric of our Church premises, and would like to be considered
for this role, or would simply like to know more about what is involved, please
speak to Cliff Lewer.
Gateway
Have you considered whether God may be calling you to help with the running
of Gateway, either in a support role or as Chair of the Committee – to
work in a small team making good quality and affordable accommodation available
to Christian and non-Christian groups alike for holidays, weekend breaks and
special occasions?
Gateway is a key part of our outreach, offering volunteers the opportunity to serve the wider community, whilst helping to provide our own Church with valuable links to groups outside Ashbourne and Methodism, in particular young people’s groups and uniformed organisations. With approaching 1,000 appreciative visitors a year, working as a member of the Gateway team can be most rewarding. If you would like to serve in this way or would like to know more about what is involved, please speak to Paul Haslam.
Thank you for considering these opportunities and even if you decide not to
volunteer, please pray for these important areas of our work and witness and
for those who freely give their time to support them.
David Bale
Ashbourne Annual Church Meeting – 24th April 06
Election of church stewards. The following were elected as stewards to serve
from 1 September 2006:
David Bale, Roger Davies, Paul Haslam, Jacqui Marsh, Gareth Rutledge and Joy
Watts.
Further recruitment will take place for two more stewards.
Election of representatives to church council. The following were elected
to serve as representatives on the Church Council from 1 September 2006:
Tracy Dawson, Tim Dutton, Daphne Dyster, Jeff Ffoulkes, Helen Flinn, Stuart
Green, Elizabeth Hurfurt, John Hurfurt, Andrew Lewer, Ian Marsh, Eric Matthews,
Clare Sales.
Presentation of all written reports
Reports had been received from Alpha, Ashbourne Churches Together, Audio/Visual,
Basement, Church Council, Church Library, Church Luncheon Club, Cornerstone
coffee shop, Community bus, Cradle Roll, Essence, Gateway, JMA, Music, NCH,
Overseas Mission, Pastoral Visitors, Powersource, Property, Sound, Stewards,
Walk and Talk, Women’s Fellowship, Women’s World day of Prayer,
Worship Development Group, Youth and Community Worker, Finance, Children’s
Church, Book Club. Comments and questions were invited.
After the conclusion of the reports, Chris Eddy gave a presentation on Stewardship.
Over coffee, tables were set out like market stalls to promote groups that
needed more volunteers. People then had time to find out what was involved
within each area.
The evening concluded with a short time of worship and closed at 9:30pm with
the grace.
Carole Thorpe
Parwich News
“It’s very slippy out there” was the theme of the sermon I
was privileged to hear a little while ago at Ashby Methodist Church. As many
of you will know it is Ashby’s centenary and they are having a number
of special services throughout the year. A couple of months ago it was the
Rev Dr Martyn Atkins, the Principal of Cliff College. He gave us plenty to
think about throughout a very evangelical service but the gist of it was that
Christianity is not just for Sundays and during the time when we are”
out in the world” where it’s slippy, we need to cling to the roots
of our faith for support.
At Parwich we are few in number and sometimes when a bill needs paying or
building work needs doing it is a bit of a struggle. However, we have been
blessed with our preachers again during the last quarter and we are grateful
to Chris and Trevor and Merle and our local preachers who encourage us Sunday
by Sunday.
On 14th May we celebrated our chapel anniversary and we were privileged to
welcome back Harry and Lyn Jones. Harry talked about the living stones that
make up the Church, rather than the bricks and mortar that make up the church
building. I remember trying to teach that concept to 11-14 year olds in my
RE lessons – I wish I’d heard Harry’s sermon then!
It was a great pleasure to see the chapel full and to see many old friends
from the circuit as well as a number of folk from the village. It is slippy
out there but if we keep our eyes fixed on God we know that we can keep our
feet and look to the future.
Jan Smith
Milldale
A good little band of people enjoyed the annual Holy Saturday walk in the
Milldale Area. We were blessed with a fine day but did not see the sun.
Sister Merle led the service which followed in the little chapel which had
been filled with flowers by a neighbour holding a mini flower festival for
charity.
Cliff Lewer
"Ashbourne Community Transport 'ACT' is a well known and well
regarded body in and around our town and indeed was the subject of a most
generous bequest from the late Miss Hilda Scriven, one of our longest attending
and most assiduous members. I am a Director of ACT representing Derbyshire
County Council and Ashbourne Town Council and find it to be one of the more
rewarding of the numerous public boards I sit upon. Several of its longer
serving Directors have reached the time when they need to step down and the
Board is thus looking for new people to come and serve. Board meetings are
monthly at most, often less, and are friendly and constructive. Liability
is limited to £1-00 per person (via insurance and the company's limited
by guarantee status) and ACT's work is carried out in the public domain and
not in direct competition to non-subsidised private bus companies or taxi
firms etc. (A position I feel is key to ACT's nature and standing.) If you
are interested in offering your services in this way, or indeed are interested
in being a volunteer driver (as I am!), please let me know.
ANDREW I LEWER - andrew.lewer@derbyshire.gov.uk or 01335 347931."
CHURCH FAMILY NEWS
Ashbourne - We give thanks for the lives of Mrs Marjorie Maher and Mrs Barbara
Dadge both of whom passed away in May. As we go to press we are saddened to
learn of the tragic accidental death of Mrs Christine McQueen. We extend our
deepest sympathy to Steve, Emily and Nicholas.
We rejoice in the baptism of Maisy Louise Joyce, daughter of Helen and Tim
and granddaughter of Tom and Margaret Bacon.
Stanton - Miss Elise Robinson
In the early hours of May 8th Elise passed on peacefully and quietly into
the Kingdom of God's Eternal love. And that had been characteristic of her
life. Quietly and unassuming she took her place within the family and community,
at peace with the world, at peace with her family and at peace with herself.
Indeed, she had been there for everybody in need, her gifts to charity embraced
the needs of many causes in thoughtful caring.
She attended both church and the chapel in the village, and had served as
organist at both.
Elise was laid to rest in the burial ground at Stanton following a packed
service in the lovely church she had served so well. We are grateful for all
that she shared with us during her loved ones in our prayers.
Mayfield - Mr Dennis Pountley
The funeral of Dennis Pountley was held at the Ashbourne Methodist Church
on May 12th followed by internment at the Blore Church. Our sympathy and prayers
are with his wife and family in their great loss. For many years they worshipped
in the Chapel at Mayfield and later, brought their young family to the Sunday
School at Ashbourne.
Kniveton -
We are looking forward to the Well Dressings on June 18th. The service is
an ecumenical sharing with our friends of the local Church of England. The
village holds a special Well Dressings week: with various competitions and
activities.
Pentecost: linked up to the power!
Fifty days on from Easter Sunday the Church celebrates Pentecost. It marks the coming of the Holy Spirit on the disciples and believers who were gathered in an upper room in Jerusalem. The event is recorded in Acts 2 and it tells of the Spirit coming with dramatic signs; a sound like a rushing wind, the appearance of flames of fire and the ability given to the apostles to preach the Good News in languages they had not learned.
When Jesus had earlier spoken to his disciples about the coming of the Spirit, he emphasised spiritual power. “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you” (Acts 1:8). And that promise was marvellously fulfilled. When the Spirit came on that Pentecost morning, the apostles began to witness boldly. They preached salvation in the name of the risen and ascended Lord Jesus (Acts 2:37-42). On that day some three thousand men and women believed in Jesus as Lord and Messiah and were baptised (v.41).
Later it is recorded that the apostles gave testimony to Christ’s resurrection ‘with great power’ (Acts 4:33). All through the book of Acts we see the Christian church preaching and witnessing, suffering and serving with great spiritual power. Even their enemies spoke of them as ‘turning the world upside down’ (Acts 17:6).
At this Pentecost season we need to recapture the power of the Spirit. Perhaps our lack of power is because something has gone wrong with our spiritual connections. Maybe we are not ‘linked up’ to the Spirit as those early Christians were. I recall an event of many years ago that illustrates the importance of being ‘linked up.’ I had returned home from college during the summer holidays to the farm in Northern Ireland where I had grown up. Some months earlier electrical power had come to that part of the country for the first time.
One evening in late August, I visited one of our neighbours. His farm lay next to ours and I was talking with him in one of his fields. Across his farm and ours there had been installed a line of wooden poles. These poles supported the electric cables. We were standing near one of these poles and it carried a notice stamped into an aluminium plate. It warned that some 33,000 volts of electric power were running through the wires. As we stood there that summer evening, we could hear the current humming in the wires. An hour later I was in my neighbour’s home – and it was lit with oil lamps! He had 33,000 volts of electric power passing over his farm but he had none in his house. He was not ‘linked up’ to the supply.
Often in the church we are like that. We have the services, the programmes,
the plans, the personnel – but not the power of the Spirit that convicts
sinners and brings them to faith in Jesus. There is little danger that we
will turn even the parish upside down, much less the world! This Pentecost
celebration is a time to get ‘linked up’ to the Holy Spirit.
Dr Herbert McGonigle
Senior Lecturer in Historical Theology & Church History, Nazarene
Theological College, Manchester.
“JUST CHECKING IN”
A minister passing through his church in the middle of the day,
Decided to pause by the altar and see who had come to pray.
Just then the back door opened, a man came down the aisle,
The minister frowned as he saw that the man hadn’t shaved for a while.
His shirt was kind of shabby and his coat was worn and frayed,
The man knelt, he bowed his head, then rose and walked away.
In the days that followed, every noontime came this chap,
Each time he knelt for a moment, his lunch box in his lap.
Well, the minister’s suspicions grew, with robbery the main fear,
He decided to stop the man and ask him, “What are you doing here”?
The old man said he worked down the road, lunch was half an hour.
Lunchtime was his prayer time, for finding strength and power.
“I stay only moments, see, because the factory is so far away;
As I kneel here talking to the Lord, this is kind of what I say;
“I just came again to tell you Lord, how happy I have been,
Since we found each other’s friendship and you took away my sin.
I don’t know much of how to pray, but I think about you every day.
So, Jesus, this is Jim, checking in today”.
The minister feeling foolish told Jim that that was fine,
He told him he was welcome to come and pray at any time.
Time to go”, Jim smiled, said, “Thanks”. He hurried to the
door.
The minister knelt at the altar, he’d never done that before.
His cold heart melted, warmed with love and met with Jesus there,
As the tears flowed, in his heart, he repeated old Jim’s prayer;
“I just came again to tell you Lord, how happy I have been,
Since we found each other’s friendship and you took away my sin.
I don’t know much of how to pray, but I think about you every day.
So, Jesus, this is me checking in today”.
Past noon one day, the minister noted that old Jim hadn’t come,
As more days passed without Jim, he began to worry some.
At the factory he asked about him and learned that he was ill.
The hospital staff was worried but he’d given them a thrill.
The week that Jim was with them, brought changes in the ward.
His smiles - a joy contagious. Changed people were his reward.
The head nurse couldn’t understand, why Jim was so very glad,
When no flowers, calls or cards came. Not a visitor he had.
The minister stopped by his bed, he voiced the nurse’s concern;
No friends came to show they cared. He had nowhere to turn.
Looking surprised, old Jim spoke up and with a winsome smile;
“The nurse is wrong, she couldn’t know that in here all the while,
Every day at noon He’s here, a dear friend of mine you see,
He sits right down, takes my hand, leans over and says to me;
“I just came again to tell you Jim, how happy I have been,
Since we found this friendship and I took away your sin.
I always love to hear you pray, I think about you all the day.
And so, Jim, this is Jesus checking in today”.
Contributed by Sid Harbey
Ashbourne Patna Partnership
While we were in Patna, the Bishop introduced us to twenty catechists (a bit
like an Anglican lay reader or a Methodist local preacher) that he was in
the process of training. The plan was to send them out into the more remote
villages where there was no regular ordained minister. He wanted to buy them
bicycles to help them get around and had organised a diocesan fete while we
were there. They needed to raise 40,000 rupees but actually managed to raise
60,000 rupees so there was money for some vestments as well. We have just
heard that the catechists are to start work so can we please ask for your
prayers for them as they start teaching and proclaiming the gospel in the
remoter parts of the states of Bihar and Jharkand.
If anyone is interested in knowing more about our Partnership please contact
John or Elizabeth Hurfurt (342859) or the Revd. Christopher Harrison (390226)
John & Elizabeth Hurfurt on behalf of the Ashbourne Patna Partnership
Chernobyl Remembered!
An event to mark the 20th anniversary of the Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster
The Clear Voices Choir in Concert
From School No 3 Novopolotsk Belarus
7.30pm Tuesday 11th July
Ashbourne Methodist Church
Tickets £6.00 inc refreshments from
James Archer 01335 324073, Lester Lowe 01335 345842, Anita Brennan 01335 300545
Ashbourne & Uttoxter Chernobyl Children Lifeline Link
“Before Christ sent the church into the world, he sent the Spirit into
the church. The same order must be observed today.” John Stott
He Needs Your Help!
We have an excellent opportunity to share God’s love with so many people.
Will you Help?
Serve; Wash up; Bake; Clear tables
Chat or listen to our customers.
We are looking for Volunteers to help in the Coffee Shop on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, even if you can only offer once a month
From September we are looking for someone to be responsible for catering within the Coffee Shop.
Please ring Helen (372036) for more information.
--------------------------
John Perkins, one of our volunteers writes, “ After settling into retirement,
I felt called to offer as a ‘Cornerstone Volunteer’ It’s coming
up for 5 years now and it has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my
‘ministry’. New and deeper friendships with both volunteers and
many of the customers, fresh opportunities and challenges to use God given
talents and skills in His service and the privilege of getting alongside and
encouraging people in the journey of faith - these are just some of the blessings
that have come my way.
But you don’t have to be a retired Methodist Minister to have this experience
and opportunity! Please think and pray about whether you could share in this
aspect of God’s work, then speak to Helen , who would be delighted to
show you how you could become involved.”
METHODIST PRAYER HANDBOOK
Anyone interested in having a copy, and who did not have one last year please
contact me.
June Shaw 360202[evenings]
SPRING CONCERT AT ASHBOURNE
We are richly blessed with so many differing talents in our Church and these
were very much to the fore in our Spring Concert. A sincere ‘thank you’
to everyone who contributed in any way to two inspiring evenings.
Your prayers are asked for the following;-
1 June Christ Church Patna, Pastor C.N.Nag and congregation
2 June Young people and helpers at The Basement
3 June Preachers preparing to lead services tomorrow
4 June Friends at Brailsford
5 June Those involved in the Fairtrade Movement
6 June Ashbourne Women’s Fellowship
7 June For those caring for people with Alzheimers Disease
8 June The leaders of this country and the world
9 June Those who serve on committees for the Church and Circuit
10 June Those attending the Network Quiet Day
11 June Those leading worship today
12 June Students taking important examinations at this time
13 June Friends at Parwich
14 June Those who feel unlovely and unloved
15 June Friends at Stanton
16 June Members of the Ashbourne choir practicing for Sunday
17 June Those serving at Cornerstone
18 June Friends at Kniveton & the Well Dressings
19 June All those involved in Youth Work in the Circuit
20 June Friends at Kirk Ireton
21 June Those attending the Service at Milldale
22 June Friends at Hulland
23 June The work of Methodist Homes
24 June Local Farmers
25 June Ashbourne Church Anniversary
26 June Those with emotional health problems
27 June Those attending Ashbourne Church Lunch
28 June Those serving the community in health and local government
29 June Ashbourne Churches Together
30 June Those coming to the area for their holidays
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
30th May 12.30pm Ashbourne Church Lunch Century Hall
10th June 10.00am Network Quiet Day Kirk Ireton
15th June 7.30pm Ashbourne Church Council Century Hall
17th June 7.00pm Praise Century Hall
18th June Kniveton Well Dressings Kniveton
21st June 10.00am District Network Day Spondon
21st June 7.00pm Milldale Service Milldale Chapel
24th/ 25th June Church Anniversary- Frank Topping Ashbourne
27th June 12.30pm Ashbourne Church Lunch Century Hall
10th July 7.30pm Network AGM Century Hall
11th July 7.30pm Chernobyl - Clear Voices Concert Ashbourne
15th July 7.00pm Praise Century Hall
19th July 7.00pm Milldale Service Milldale Chapel
20th July 7.30pm Romanian Children’s Choir St John’s Church
Ashbourne
25th July 12.30pm Church Lunch Century Hall
1st August 7.30pm Summer Fellowship Cornerstone
8th August 7.30pm Summer Fellowship Cornerstone
15th August 7.30pm Summer Fellowship Cornerstone
16th August 7.00pm Milldale Service Milldale Chapel
22nd August 7.30pm Circuit Summer Fellowship Cornerstone
“What kind of Bishops?”
29th August 12.30pm Church Lunch Century Hall
7.30pm Summer Fellowship Cornerstone
Dear Friends, a thank you and an apology! Thanks to all those
who sent in copy but despite increasing the size of the Magazine I have had
to hold over some contributions for a future issue. Please be assured that
your contribution will be used and keep them coming!
I hope to publish a combined July/August edition of the Ashbourne Church Magazine
on July 2nd. Copy deadline 9.00pm 21st June.
E-mail to ashbournemethodistmagazine@supanet.com post to 2 Hambleton Close
Ashbourne DE6 1NG or newsletter pigeon hole at AMC.
Arthur Watts
Smile Lines
With Father’s Day on 18 June, we think of fathers this month…
Daddy’s girl
A young father was taking care of his baby daughter while his wife went to
town shopping. He decided to go fishing and he had to take the toddler along.
"I'll never take her along with me again!" he told his wife that
evening. "I didn't catch a thing!"
"Oh, next time I'm sure she'll be quiet and not scare the fish away,"
his wife said. But the father said gloomily. “No, it wasn't that. She
ate all the bait."
Offering
Hoping to develop his son’s character, his father gave him fifty pence
and ten pence as he was leaving for Sunday School. “Now Bill, you put
whichever one you want on the offering plate,” he said. When the boy
returned, his father asked which coin he had given. Bill answered: Well, just
before they sent around the plate the preacher said ‘The Lord loveth
a cheerful giver,’ and so as I knew that I could give the ten pence a
lot more cheerfully than I could give the fifty pence, I gave it.”
Trouble
The minister’s son had just received a bad report from school. “Dad,
what do you think is the trouble with me? Heredity, environment or original
son?”
Cheers
The restaurant where I took my two sons for a meal was crowded with fans watching
a sporting event on television. The harried waitress took our order, but more
than half an hour passed with no sign of her return. I was trying to keep
my children from becoming restless when suddenly shouts of victory came from
the bar. "Hey," commented my 11-year-old, "it sounds as if
someone just got his food."
And Finally
The minister was praising his church council. “Unlike others I have known
where half the council does all the work and the other half are hopeless,
in this church it is completely the reverse!”
CIRCUIT CHURCH SERVICES
Sunday
Ashbourne 10.30am with young people’s groups. Contact Becky Dutton ((343494)
6.30pm
Brailsford 9.00am Alive@9 on 2nd and 4th Sunday
6.30pm United service 10.45am monthly on 1st Sunday
Hulland 2.30pm
Kirk Ireton 6.30pm monthly on 4th Sunday
Kniveton 2.30pm Family service 11am monthly on last Sunday
Milldale Special services - see Dates for Your Diary
Parwich 10.00am Parwich Praise, monthly on 1st Sunday
2.30pm fortnightly
Tissington 2.30pm monthly on 2nd Sunday
Stanton 2.30pm
ASHBOURNE CHURCH ACTIVITIES
Monday 2pm Children’s Church: weekly during term-time, Church Leader
- Tracy Dawson
7.30pm Housegroup: monthly Contact - Peter Dawson
7.30pm Housegroup: weekly Leader - Gareth Rutledge
Tuesday 10.00am Housegroup: weekly Leaders - John & Elizabeth Hurfurt
12.30pm Luncheon Club - Last Tuesday in month, Century Hall Contact - John
& Elizabeth Hurfurt
2.15pm Womens’ Fellowship - fortnightly, Cornerstone Leader Barbara Blenkinsop
7.00pm Youth Club - weekly, Lower Hall Leader - Roger Mallard
7.30pm Housegroup: fortnightly Leaders - Diana Whitmill
Wednesday Walk and Talk Group - 1st & 3rd Wednesday Contacts - Chris
and John Dakin
7.30pm Housegroup: fortnightly Leader - Stuart Mustow
Thursday 7.15pm Housegroup - weekly leader David Higham
Friday 9.30am Housegroup: weekly during term-time Contact - Tracy Dawson
7pm-10pm The Basement (chill-out for young people in school years 8+) Contact
- Roger Mallard
7.30pm Choir Practice - weekly, Church Leader - Tim Dutton
Saturday 7pm Praise: 3rd Saturday in Month, Century Hall Contact - Tim Dutton
Superintendent Minister
Rev Chris Eddy
33 The Green Road
Ashbourne
DE6 1ED Tel: 342408
Church Council Secretary
Carole Thorpe
12 Cavendish Drive
Ashbourne
DE6 1SR
NOTE; - Rev Chris Eddy is on a Sabbatical until 15th August. Emergency contact
Rev Martin
Williams Tel 01629 822456. Other matters contact one of your Stewards please.
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