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Ashbourne Methodist Church Magazine
May 2006
From The Manse
Dear Friends,
Easter Joy. I write in the warm afterglow of Easter. The round of special services is over. The Alleluias of Easter day have passed. I am left with this warm afterglow. It is Joy. The joy of knowing the Lord is risen. He is alive. He is with us. We glimpsed it in the Praise evening and in the Easter service with a full church singing at the top of their voices. Joy and Praise are twins.
We see it echoed in Nature. God’s creation bursting forth with its own paean of praise. The Daffodils trumpeting their golden yellow praise. The cherry blossom pink with praise. And the birds get in on the act. The thrush singing its heart out changing its tune every 4 bars in free composition. The Greenfinch providing the skiffle board backing. Then the dancers come on the scene, the Goldfinch twirling red head and gold wing flashes, dancing for joy.
Now you say, he’s getting carried away. Yes. That’s what joy does.
It overflows, you can’t help it. The psalms are full of it, like Psalm
64v13.
“The fields are covered with sheep
The valleys are full of wheat,
Everything sings and shouts for joy.”
The New Testament is full of it. When a sinner finds Salvation “There is more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents…” Luke 15v7. Paul in prison, in chains, writes “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, rejoice.” Philippians 4v4. Joy is the watchword of an Easter people, those who know the Lord is risen. He is alive. He is with us.
Joy is also the watchword of those who know they are loved. C.S.Lewis called
his autobiography “Surprised by Joy”. He describes those moments
in his childhood when he was flooded with a sense of wellbeing, an overwhelming
joy. He did not know then where it came from. Only when he later came to faith
did he discover this was God. These were moments of divine
encounter.
In the same way the joy of knowing we are loved also leaves this warm afterglow. For those brought up in a loving family it is there in the background all the time. For those brought up in a troubled family, to discover such love is to feel like a flower suddenly bursting into bloom. The joy bursts out.
Jesus tells us to abide in his love. When we do he tells us this “so
that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be full.” John 15v11.
Jesus wants us to be full of joy. This comes with knowing he is alive, he
is with us, and from knowing how much he loves us.
The Joy of the Lord be yours.
God Bless, Chris
SPRING CONCERT
You are all invited to an evening of music, poetry and reflection on Friday 12th and Saturday 13th May. The first half will be more informal, based around a theme of thanksgiving and praise. The second half will trace the journey from Holy Week to Pentecost, depicted through music and readings. We will be starting at 7.00 pm and finishing about 9.15 pm. There will be an interval for refreshments. About 50 people will be participating so please bring a friend and come along to show your encouragement to them and enjoy an evening of good entertainment with a gospel message. No tickets are required – just turn up and enjoy !
ONE WORLD GROUP
TISSINGTON WELL DRESSING - MAY 25th. - 29th. 2006 FIVE BUSY DAYS!
The One World Group, together with ACT Traidcraft Group, will be having its annual stall at Tissington for the Well Dressing starting on Ascension Day, Thursday May 25th. As this year the Well Dressing will include Spring Bank Holiday Monday we will be there for five days instead of the usual four.
We are asking for your help and support in two ways, please.
1 -Gifts of cakes to sell on the stall - tray bakes are the most suitable as they can be cut into squares or fingers for people to pack into their picnics, plus cookies and biscuits which are also easy to handle.
2 -Help in staffing the stall on a rota basis. Volunteers usually come for a maximum of two hours at a time and John Hurfurt will be drawing up a rota of helpers later this month.
Cakes will be received by any member of the One World Group or taken to Jean and Gerald Humphries, 114, Park Avenue where there will be a table in the garage on which to leave them. Alternatively they can be taken direct to the stall from 10am. onwards each day.
ALL THE PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF CAKES IS GIVEN TO CHRISTIAN AID FOR VILLAGE WATER AND SANITATION PROJECTS THIS IS VERY APPROPRIATE AT THE WELL DRESSING WHEN WE ARE GIVING THANKS FOR THIS LIFEGIVING SUPPLY OF WATER IN OUR OWN COUNTRY PLEASE WILL YOU HELP TO BRING CLEAN SAFE WATER TO PEOPLE IN THE DEVELOPING COUNTRIES -
THANK YOU!
Ashbourne - Patna Partnership
The Ashbourne - Patna Partnership will be holding their annual Barn Dance on Saturday 20 May in the Millennium Hall, Hulland Ward, at 7.30 pm, price £6.00 including a Ploughman's Supper. Bring you own bottles. The callers will be Margaret and Colin Tristram as usual.
The work of the Partnership continues and although much attention has been given to the Child Sponsorship scheme which has been successfully launched, there is other work for the Partnership to do and that needs funding as well. Look out for the posters and tickets which will be on sale early May.
NEWS!
Methodist Church backs call for right to clean water
The world is facing a growing water crisis, with one billion people currently lacking access to safe, clean and sufficient water. Annually over 1.4 million children - more than the population of Birmingham and Newcastle combined - die of diseases caused by unclean drinking water.
At the same time, economic growth is often dependent on increasing the availability of water to agriculture and industry. And so, as the 4th World Water Forum (WWF) was recently convened in Mexico, the Methodist Church warned that the need for a safe, reliable water supply for everyone is one of the major issues of our time.
An initiative of the World Water Council, the WWF forum brings together a
variety of organisations, including water companies, water engineers, academics,
NGOs and various United Nations agencies, all seeking to influence water policy
at a global level.
Key issues addressed this year were access to water in rural communities and
the privatisation of water in developing countries.
(See ACT’s local initiative on this issue previous page) Editor
Plastic Bottles Only – "I Don’t Think So!"
"You can put PET and HDPE plastic in Sainsbury’s recycling bins."
"Oh no!. It says plastic bottles only." "Yes, but I’m
sure that’s not all you can put in." "If that’s what it
says, that’s what it means and that’s what I do."
Fair enough, but just to make sure I ‘phoned Derbyshire Dales. "Oh
yes, you can recycle five different types of plastic" "So why doesn’t
it say so on the bin?" "I don’t know, I suppose it should really."
Are we supposed to be mind-readers?! What about all the plastic going unnecessarily
into landfill sites?
So here is the low-down on Plastic Recycling.
Most plastic packaging which comes into the home is marked with a code, usually
on the bottom of, for example, food trays or bottles. The code is either a
number or letters in or next to the triangular recycling sign. At the moment
we can recycle 5 types of plastic as follows:-
1 or PET (eg fizzy drink and water bottles)
2 or HDPE (eg milk, detergent and oil bottles)
3 or PVC (eg food trays, detergent bottles)
4 or LDPE (eg plastic bags, bin liners)
5 or PP (eg margarine tubs)
So, if you have a plastic container with any of these numbers or letters on
it, wash it out and put it in the plastic bottle recycling bin!
Plastic bags will go in the separate bin near the entrance to Sainsbury’s,
and it is not only supermarket bags that can be recycled. Try stretching any
plastic bag, magazine wrapping etc; if it breaks don’t recycle it, but
if it does stretch it can go in with the supermarket bags.
The different types of plastic are sorted by sophisticated lasers at the recycling
plant, and it really is worth recycling as much plastic as we can as the following
snips of information show.
360 million plastic bottles were recycled in 2002.
We use 8 BILLION plastic bags each year!
Recycling a single plastic bottle can conserve enough energy to light a 60W
light bulb for up to 6 hours.
80% of our plastic waste ends up in landfill (2004).
25 recycled PET bottles can be used to make an adult’s fleece jacket.
Pat Fielding
Last Tuesday in the Month. (An Appreciation)
The day we all look forward to
Is that one day in every month.
It’s always on a Tuesday so
We are all dressed up and ready to go.
This exciting day is the lovely Church Lunch,
Tables all set and food all ready.
All prepared and cooked and served.
By that lovely voluntary bunch.
Some folks get there on foot and some in cars do go,
Some of us are not so able,
But we are picked up by bus,
And they get us there to the dinner table.
We are greeted by all those smiling faces,
Pay our small charge willingly to the lovely lady by the door.
She knows us all and crosses us off the list once more,
Then amongst our friends we find a table and quickly take our places.
When everyone is seated a call for quiet is said’
A few words of welcome, some bits of news
A Prayer for those less fortunate or not ablc to be here,
Then the grace for all the food we shall receive.
The food is quickly served and we all fall to,
You’d think we’d never eaten, but it’s what we look forward
to.
We have a main course and a Pud, and what makes it all so good.
We haven’t even had to peel a Spud.
We finish off with a coffee or a tea,
And what’s so special to you and me.
Is that we don’t have to do the washing up
Not a plate or dish, knife, fork spoon or cup.
So to all those lovely Voluntary “lads and lasses”
Who never moan but listen to all our woes,
All our thanks for those Tuesday Lunches.
Our heartfelt love, and God’s Blessing goes.
Hazel ( on behalf of us all.)
A Gateway Centre User’s Experience
The following is an extract from a letter received by Margaret Bacon on
behalf of the Bridge Street Church Youth Group, Chesterfield following a stay
at Gateway earlier this year.
“During our last stay, we shared an intimate time of Bible Study and
fellowship and received many blessings both
individuals and as a group. I would like to share with you one of the wonderful
blessings that took place during the
bible, prayer times which we call ‘Choices’ that we have each evening.
One of the Youth leaders, Gary, has been suffering with a bad shoulder over
the last 3 years. Last October he underwent
an operation in which part of his bone was shaved off and his muscle cut in
order to alleviate pain caused by muscle
wastage and what they thought was over used tendons etc! As you can imagine,
he has suffered not only incredible pain since, but also much movement limitation.
On a weekly basis, since the operation, Gary has been under a specialist and
physiotherapist. This has been a real restriction on the work Gary does for
the Lord including Youth work and as a Church Leader, as he has been unable
to lift his arm more than 30 degrees. Three days before we came to the Gateway
Centre, Gary was told by his physio, that during the operation, they had taken
too much of his bone away and that his shoulder would never improve. This
obviously gutted both his family and the Church, as Gary is very active and
faithful in his work for the Lord. Whilst at Ashbourne, this weighed heavily
on each heart, from the youngest to the oldest. During the final ‘Choices’,
we had a specific time of ministry reserved for healing, Gary responded to
this and we laid hands on him and another Leader anointed him with oil according
scripture, “Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the
church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.
And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord
will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will
forgiven. …” (James 5:14- 15).
After a further 2 hours of ministry in which we witnessed young people praying
aloud for the first time and all the
group responding to a life changing challenge that from that day forward,
each one would devote 20mins a day prayer and
bible study between the hours of 6:30pm and 7:30pm, Gary realised that God
had healed him. He can now lift his arm with
no restrictions or pain. Last Thursday, he had his weekly physio appointment,
in which the Physio confirmed that something
had changed under the skin. Where there were gaps where muscle and bone should
have been are now no more. Gary’s shoulder
is restored back to full health. He has now been discharged from the physlo,
with the physio baffled and confused about how
he is going to write his final report to the Consultant.
We serve an Almighty God who deserves all our praise and adoration. I am
writing this to encourage you all in your
ministry. There were many other blessings over the weekend that I could write
about. Six of the young people shared
during our Sunday evening worship, of the great time that they had spent in
God’s presence whilst staying the Centre.
Hallelujah!
We would like to encourage you all in your ministry and assure you of our
prayers throughout the year.
Michelle Gough”
THANK YOU!
We would like to thank the many friends kind good wishes for the celebration
of our Golden Wedding. The flowers from the Church, the many cards and telephone
calls were much appreciated as was the card from the “Chelsea Fans”.
We shall now attempt the second 50!
Sally and Ken Wall
EASTER
Many thanks to all those who have made our Easter services so special, especially
to: Chris for his servant ministry;
for those who displayed banners, dressed the cross, and built the Easter garden;
and to Enid for the marvellous window
displays. All were moving and inspiring.
Spring Harvest
20 folk of all ages, shapes and sizes left Ashbourne bright and early and
ventured east to find Butlins. We were searching for the Spring Harvest Christian
festival at Skegness. And when we got there, we were not disappointed –
a great time was had by all. We were soon introduced to the theme for 2006
– ONE GOD.
Everybody settled into the daily routine :
breakfast at 8.00 am ;
the Big Start at 8.45 am – family worship led by Ishmael;
the Big Picture at 10.00 am – bible teaching by guest speaker Charles
Price (Peoples’ Church of Ontario);
the Big Conversation at 11.45 am – follow up discussions about the theme
for the day;
lunch at 1.00 pm;
the Big Stretch from 2.15 pm – seminars about the workplace, relationships,
pastoral care, spirituality and passing on the baton to our children;
tea at 5.00 pm;
All Age Celebration at 5.30 pm;
the Big Encounter at 6.45 pm – worship and celebration in The Big Top
(with a quiet alternative celebration);
the Big Night Out at 10.30 pm (for those with stamina!) – a range of
late night entertainment, including bands, theatre, comedy and poetry.
There was also a permanent venue called the Prayer House, where people could drop in whenever the liked to pray.
Each age group had its own teaching sessions based on the same theme which meant we could all share our experiences at lunch time. We all learnt so much about God – the Creator God (Day 1); the Universal God (Day 2); the Human God (Day 3); the Sovereign God (Day 4); and the Triumphant God (Day 5). The main message was that our faith is not about what we do or don’t do, but what God does through us. We need to trust Him and be willing to let Him use us, however faltering and sinful we are. After all, in the words of one of the songs, Our God is a great big God.
There were loads of opportunities for leisure in the afternoons, swimming,
crazy golf, trampolining, go karting, ten pin bowling, art and craft, and
an adventure playground, to name but a few.
Some went running and cycling and most managed a walk on the beach. And the
bravest ones paddled in the sea !
Here are the Dutton highlights !
Banners
During Spring Harvest there were many workshops, which included dance, drama
and art. A few of us from the Ashbourne group went to a ‘moving with
banners’ workshop which was one of the dance sessions organised. When
we got there, the first thing we did was learn why banners were associated
with praising God. We learnt that in the time of Moses, the tribes of Israel
waved banners and flags so the other tribes could recognise who they were.
The banners depict the army of God. The way you move when waving the banners
is another way of expressing our worship and using our whole body to praise
God. The colours of the banners and ribbons represent different aspects of
our God. During most of the services / worship, dancers used many flags and
banners. Their movements were beautiful and this inspired us even more to
be more creative in worship. We enjoyed using the banners to praise God so
much that we may be using them in services to come. ( Becky and Abi).
Powerpack
“ My favourite bit was going to Powerpack. I enjoyed the drama and the
songs that we sang with actions. My best songs were ‘Father, I worship’
and ‘Gonna be a powerpack.’ Also, I liked when we went into our
groups to do games and activities. I filled in my powerpack book every day
and learnt some bible verses. I got lots of stickers on my Lego card.”
(Josh)
Ishmael
“ I liked it when we went to Ishmael’s family worship. It was for
all ages and had activities for you to take home. There were two sessions
one at 5.30 to 6.30 and one at 7.00 to 8.00. We learned new songs like ‘God
gave me hands’, ‘Little Suzy had a fright’, ‘Communion
song’, ‘Joshua at Jericho’ and ‘Lord here we stand’.
There was a mime / drama which included all of the crew. There was a question
about it at the end and you had to answer the question and put it in the bucket
the next day. Ishmael was with his wife Irene, the keyboard player was Simon,
the drum player was Davey and Jenny, Becky, Claire were singing with Ishmael”.
(Emily)
So we all got a lot from an exhausting but enjoyable holiday. Challenge,
refreshment and blessing, which is what we needed. A great opportunity
to re-engage with our wonderful creator God and to thank Him for all he has
done, is doing and all He will do in the future. We pray the power and enthusiasm
will not wane. The Duttons
The Duttons
SPRING HARVEST 2007
As you can tell from the Dutton’s account of their experiences this year,
Spring Harvest is a wonderful experience for all ages. Why not think about
going next year? It is held for three separate weeks (6 days/5 nights) over
Easter each year. Next year the dates are 31st March -5th April, 5th April
-10th April (Easter weekend) and 10th April -15th April. The accommodation
is provided by Butlins, at Skegness or Minehead, in modern chalets (half-board
or self-catering), self-catering caravans or you can stay in your own touring
caravan.
The theme for 2007 is The Big Story - One People - Celebrating the One True
God - this promises to be an exciting experience both for those who have attended
Spring Harvest before and for those who have not yet been. All ages are catered
for with a programme for nursery, infant, junior and secondary school children,
for students and for adults. Worship, learning and fun are enjoyed by all!
If you are interested in going to Spring Harvest 2007, join the group booking
that will be made. Reservations will be made on 7th June so please give your
details to Carole before that date.
For more details look at the web-site www.springharvest.org or contact Carole
Thorpe (346535) for a brochure.
We continue to ask you to remember the following in your prayers
1 May For those facing a difficult week
2 May For those who work locally in tourism
3 May For those seeking trade justice
4 May People with mental health problems
5 May For members of the Choir rehearsing for their Spring Concert
6 May Friends at Stanton
7 May All those who proclaim God’s word today
8 May The leaders of this country and the world
9 May Friends at Parwich
10 May Those who lead our House Groups
11 May All those who help with Cornerstone
12 May Friends at Brailsford
13 May Participants and Audience at the Spring Concert
14 May The Work of NCH
15 May Children’s Church
16 May Friends at Tissington
17 May “Walk and Talk” Group
18 May Members of Women’s Fellowship
19 May Those attending and helping at The Basement
20 May Friends at Hulland
21 May All those who hear God’s Word today
22 May The Church of North India - especially the Patna Diocese
23 May Those who feel of little worth
24 May Wesley Day - may our hearts be warmed by the Holy Spirit
25 May Visitors to Ashbourne
26 May Young People preparing for exams
27 May Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and their Leaders in Ashbourne
28 May Overseas Mission Partners
Ashbourne Patna Partnership - Please pray this month for Mrs Nisha
Hembron, the Headmistress of St Mary’s Middle School, Deoghar and all
her
pupils and staff. Nisha visited Ashbourne in 2004.
DEDICATION OF EASTER OFFERINGS
Easter Offerings will be dedicated at a Circuit Service on Sunday 7th May
This will take place at the Millennium Hall Hulland Ward at 6.30pm. It will
be led by the ladies of Hulland Chapel and the Speaker will be the Rev Douglas
Allen of Tutbury.
The theme of the service is ‘When did I see you?’ Please come along
and share worship and fellowship with others from around the Circuit. All
welcome! Please note there will not be an evening service at Ashbourne on
this day.
Alma Swan
(Last month we featured an article from Chris Dakin on the “Walk and
Talk Group”. Lack of space precluded the inclusion of The Walkers Prayer
which Jean Wathall found and is reproduced below). Ed.
The Walkers Prayer
Lord bless all walkers that we may live long and healthy lives, especially bless our leaders for they are all powerful and lead us through the wilderness.
Yea though they lead us down valleys and over hills, we shall feel no pain
for our hearts, minds and muscles are numb.
Let them know their north from their south and their east from their west.
Let the sun shine so that we may have a faint idea in which direction we are
heading.
Grant O Lord that they curb their tongues and not tell us that we have walked
7 miles when we know we have walked 10.
Also let them know the difference between a gentle slope and a steep cliff.
Give them the ability to count, so that they know the number of walkers. so
that none shall go astray.
Make them prevent the leaders from starting to walk the minute everyone has
caught up. Curse those walkers who overtake the leader. let their sticks break,
their laces come undone and their flasks leak.
Curse also those who disappear into the woods without telling the back marker.
Grant O Lord sunshine at all times, but not too hot, cooling breezes, but
not strong winds, shade needed and incomparable views when we are resting.
Spare us from brambles, nettles and other obstructions. Lead us not down the
wrong paths.
Please Lord ensure the path leads us to the Innkeeper. And forgive those who
walk by the Innkeepers.
Finally Lord let us arrive back at our cars safe and sound, for we are children
of the wilderness, the blind being led by the blind, and we are shattered.
Give us the strength to turn up for the next walk, for we are of the tribe
stupid and know no better.
We ask all this with tongue in cheek. ever conscious that many a true word
is spoken in jest.
AMEN
Mission Matters
Gideons International
A mission evening will be held in the Century Hall on Saturday 6th May, 7.30pm
– 9.00pm. All are invited to hear about the Gideon ministry in Ashbourne
and Derbyshire South, the UK and internationally.
News from Vanessa Cook
Our Powersource mission link and Methodist Mission Partner in Dresden writes
to us this month. Her letter is on the mission notice board near the Century
Hall. Here are some of the items in her letter:
Praise Points – many supportive friends, seeds planted, children having
fun, leaders in place, youth groups working together.
Prayer Points – healing for her back, preparations for going home, continuing
fruits, the 13th May family festival in the Zion church, what happens next.
Vanessa tells us that spring has finally arrived. Even though as she wrote
there was a pile of snow in the courtyard at the back of her building the
temperature today reached 20 degrees! Here is an extract from her letter:
“As a mission partner, one of the aims I came with was that of a seed
sower. I started many new things in the first few years I was here. I have
seen some small plants grow and wilt, others growing stronger as local leadership
takes on the task of caring for them, but the long-term fruit is not for myself
to see.
English Clubs, Parents and Toddlers, Youth Work especially the establishment
of links between the young people in the four churches, Kid’s talk during
the Zion Sunday Service, Holiday Club, The development of an Ecumenical Children’s
Bible week at Easter in Buhlau, Links with Ireland for the Teenies, Bridges
between church and local community around the Zion church, A yearly training
programme for Sunday School workers.
When I consider the list, I can only thank God for the many opportunities
I have had for sowing the seed, encouraging church members, young and old
in their growth as Christians and in their opportunity for outreach. I’m
excited that local people have to an extent worked alongside me in the last
months since my furlough and that many aspects of the work will continue in
which I have been I involved.
Through the English clubs I have reached many families who previously had
no contact with church. The children have heard weekly Bible stories. My prayer
would be, that the seed of God’s word may continue to grow in their hearts.
Please pray for the fruit in whatever form of this work over the last four
years – within the churches and within the hearts of the children and
families.
Vanessa’s next newsletter will be her last. She says eight years of mission-oriented goals have brought many blessings. Thank you for your ongoing prayers and support. May God bless you.
Vanessa Cook.
Katharinestr. 17, 01099 Dresden, Germany, or email: nessmail2@web.de
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). This should be very informative.
MRDF is focusing on giving thanks for small miracles. A safe place to sleep for a kid living on the streets, a cereal bank for a village, a group working together to speak up for the poor. These stories are unlikely to make the headlines. They feature no celebrities, no political intrigue, no scandal. Yet this year, the MRDF has chosen to shine the spotlight on these small “miracles”. Because MRDF has seen the incredible impact of small changes like these on the lives of individuals, families and even whole communities. The smallest actions of the MRDF partners and of the supporters in the UK can make a huge difference to someone’s life and that is worth celebrating.
International recognition for MRDF partner
40 years of environmental exploitation and civil war have jeopardized the
existence of Indochina’s indigenous forests and the livelihoods of the
communities that depend on them. MRDF partner The Forestry Fund works with
communities and governments in Laos and Cambodia to change this, promoting
environmentally, economically and socially sustainable forestry. These efforts
have now received international recognition from the Forestry Stewardship
Council (FSC) and their forests have become the first in the region to receive
this certification. This outstanding achievement will enable local people
to sell ethically certified wood and wood products on the international market
at good prices, and generate vital income for their communities. You can play
your part in supporting ethical trade and MRDF partners by buying wood with
the FSC mark.
Stewardship
Ashbourne’s AGM recently discussed stewardship. The Methodist Church
in Chile share this stewardship affirmation with us:
“I believe God has given all the gifts and material benefits within my
control. I believe God has made me responsible for their proper use and in
a way that recognizes that God is the owner of them – that recognizes
that I am God’s steward and that I will be accountable to God. Believing
that God’s word involves me in the ministry of reconciliation, I commit
myself to greater involvement in Christ’s mission. This commitment includes
the recognition, concern and faith in the mission of my Church as the gift
of Jesus Christ.”
It can be tempting to reduce stewardship to giving money, to fulfilling obligation or meeting a legal requirement. If Jesus is to become real and live in us today, if we are to generate new disciples and fulfill our mission, then Stewardship needs to be a natural response to the grace and love of God.
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”.
It’s time to wake up!
There are over 6,900 languages in the world.
More than 4,500 languages still wait for one book of the Bible.
Only 420 languages have translations of the whole Bible.
Little more than 1,000 languages have the complete New Testament.
876 languages have some of the Bible, but no complete New Testament.
“People said when they read from the English it’s like God is speaking from far away. But when they read in Pijiin it brings God closer, it’s like God is speaking to them from nearby, like they’re just next to him.” Bible Translator working in the Solomon Islands.
When the Falam people in Myanmar (Burma) finally received the Bible in their own language, they were overjoyed. One elder commented, “It was so good we could not stop reading it! We now look back and realise having the Bible in our own language has freed us from feelings of “slavery”. Now, when we read his word in our own language, we realise we are special, we are people created by God.”
Zimbabwe – the facts
Inflation runs at 550% per year.
The cost of a Bible in Zimbabwe, around £2, is beyond many.
An estimated 7 out of 10 people live below the food poverty line.
Zimbabwe has the fourth highest rate of HIV/AIDS infection in the world.
1 in 5 children are orphans.
Petrol is rarely available making it hard to distribute Bibles.
Donation Fact – The Bible Society in Zimbabwe needs £15,000 to
produce a special pocket Bible for soldiers to encourage them to live godly
lives, avoid HIV/AIDS, and bring integrity to their work.
For further information: www.its832.org or 0845 2020832 Donations line: 08707
747676.
Ruth Mallard
GATEWAY CENTRE BOOKINGS - MAY
28th April - 1st May 1st Wollaton Brownies
5th - 7th - House Group, Nottingham
12th - 14th - Tag Group, Duke St Chapel, Sutton Coldfield
17th - 19th - Serlby Park School, Doncaster
19th - 21st - Tutbury Brownies
26th - 28th - House Group, Nottingham
Smile Lines
Why Jesus walked on water
A tourist, planning a trip to the Holy Land, was aghast when he found it would
cost £50 an hour to rent a boat on the Sea of Galilee. "Goodness,”
he objected to the travel agent. “In England it would not have been more
than £20.”
"That might be true," said the travel agent, "but you have to take into account that the Sea of Galilee is water on which our Lord himself walked."
"Well, at £50 an hour for a boat," said the tourist, “it's no wonder he walked."
Anyone there?
They have Dial-a-Prayer for atheists now - you call up and it rings and rings
but nobody answers.
Not in this Church!
The retiring Church Steward was instructing his youthful successor in his
Sunday morning duties. “And remember, my boy,” he said, “that
we have nothing but good, kind Christians in this church – until you
try to put someone else in their pew.”
Asleep
A young man fell asleep in the Sunday morning service, and began to snore.
The preacher stopped and impatiently motioned to the young boy beside the
man to wake him up. The boy said: “Wake him up yourself, you put him
to sleep.”
ASHBOURNE CHURCH ACTIVITIES
Sunday
10.30 am Morning Worship
Power Source (young people's groups) Leader Becky Dutton
6.30pm Evening Worship
Essence (for young people in school years 8+): weekly
Monday
2pm Children’s Church: weekly during term-time, Church
Leader - Tracy Dawson
7.30pm Housegroup: monthly
Contact - Peter Dawson
7.30pm Housegroup: weekly
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
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: weekly
Leader - Iris Raile
Thursday 7.15pm Housegroup - weekly
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
Saturday 7pm
Praise: 3rd Saturday in Month, Century Hall
Superintendent Minister
Rev Chris Eddy
33 The Green Road
Ashbourne
DE6 1ED
Church Council Secretary
Carole Thorpe
12 Cavendish Drive
Ashbourne
DE6 1SR