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September 2015 Flipbook PDF
September 2015
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SHOREHAM BY SEA METHODIST CHURCH CENTRE
THE LINK
No. 671
SEPTEMBER 2015 1
Minister’s Letter Dear Friends I am Gabriele, married to Richard and we are here with our daughter, Emma, living in Lancing but part of the Lancing and Shoreham communities. I also have two grown-up children: Richard living in Braintree and Laura who is also the mother of my ten month old grandson, Breccan. We have moved here from Bridgnorth in Shropshire, and I will be a Probationer Minister at the Methodist Churches in Lancing and Shoreham. It is very exciting to be here and to be able to walk, worship, pray, learn and grow in Christ with you as we learn together from each other. I was born in Germany and have lived in UK for the last 32 years, where I studied first exercise physiology, philosophy, where I got my first degree at Essex University, a PGCE for teaching 16+, and more recently a Theology degree at Wesley House, Cambridge. During my working life, and believing that following one’s vocation is important, I have worked as a trampoline coach and later as an exercise advisor for people with learning disabilities. My work has always been people focused and I trained as a complimentary health consultant, having a wide ranging client base with an emphasis on those with learning issues. I taught at the local adult education college and set up the Wellness Akademie to provide nationally accredited courses in complementary therapies. Having heard and responded to God’s call, I studied to become a local preacher and was then challenged by God to candidate for the Methodist ministry, was accepted and following a continuing journey of discernment have arrived here, with my family, in Sussex! We look forward to getting to know you, the communities and surroundings, and journeying together for the next few years, learning from each other as we go. Shalom Gabriele
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2nd Shoreham Girls’ Brigade Company Tuesdays Explorers (age 5 - 7 years) 5.00 - 6.30 Juniors (age 8 - 10 years) 5.00 - 6.30 Seniors (age 11 - 13 years) 6.45 - 8.00 Brigaders (age 14 - 16 years) 7.30 - 9.00 see page 5 —————
2nd Shoreham bySea Boys Brigade Company For boys 5-18 years 6 pm Fridays . see page 6
———Tuesday Fellowship
September 2015 Summer recess — See Weekly notices ————— Mid Week Services Wednesday 10.30 to 11.00am September 2015
2nd September Mr Patrick Marshall 9th Rev Philip Cook 16th Rev Gabriele Britton-Voss 23rd Rev James Bamber 30th Mr Colin Ulph ————— John’s Quiz Answer to last quiz : The hall fire was 6th March 1960 (page 70) September quiz Who followed Rev J Stratton to Shoreham as minister?
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SUNDAY SERVICES 6th Sept.
September 2015
10.30 am.
Rev. Gabriele Britton-Voss Communion 6.30 pm Welcome Service at Lancing 13th. 10.30 am. Mrs. Katherine Suttie 6.00 pm Mr. Matthew Earl 20th. 10.30am. Rev. Gabriele Britton-Voss All Age Worship Harvest Festival 6.00 pm. Mr. John Griffiths 27th. 10.30 am. Mrs. Joy Barnes 6.00 pm Rev. Gabriele Britton-Voss Communion ————— Collections 21st June £326.16 28th June £268.80 5th July £273.71 12th July £233.90 19th July £250.00 26th July Nil (no Services) 2nd August £251.20 9th August £476.66 In addition the total given each month by standing order is now £1,202
By the time you read this, the Girls Brigade will be back from their camp at Coldharbour Meadows near Chiddingly. Attending were 40 girls and 20 leaders from companies in Brighton, Southwick, Shoreham, Burgess Hill and Hurstpierpoint. It was their first visit to this Christian Camp as usually they go to Lodge Hill, Pulborough - so a new experience for all.
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HOUSE GROUPS SEPTEMBER 2015 Wesley House Group meetings will be at 8.00pm. On Tuesdays 8th and 22nd September at 25a Park Ave. Pilgrim House Group meet Tuesdays at 21 Woodview Please see John Stringer or Julian Batstone for more information. New members are always welcome. Shoreham Beach House Group restarts in October @ 2.30 pm. The Chanctonbury Group meets on Mondays as arranged ————— Open Door Coffee Morning 10.00 to 12.00 5 September 12 19 26
MHA RNLI Methodist Missions Pet Rescue ————— Boys’ Brigade
We meet on Fridays during term time from 6pm, and cater for boys between the ages of 5-18. Activities are varied, ranging from physical to community and mind games to creativity. There is a spiritual side to what we do, but done in a way that will appeal to all ages. There are Battalion competitions through the year for the 8-11, and 12-18 years and always plenty to take part in with other Companies . My contact number is 07733054690 Steve Roberts —————
PEACE PRAYER GROUP 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month from 10.00 am to 10.30 in the meeting area. All are welcome 5
Summer is almost over and it has been a bit of a mixed bag – some wonderful sunny and hot days and some cold, damp, autumnal days! I hope you have managed to enjoy your summer despite the unpredictable weather we have experienced. Many congratulations to Doreen and Eric Smith on recently celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary. On Saturday 5th September there will be the annual MHA (Methodist Homes for the Aged) coffee morning. Donations of goods to sell will be much appreciated contact Anne for further information. Jack – Sheila’s grandson – is now walking. He is 13 months old. It is with great pleasure that Annabelle can announce the birth of her baby grandson - Oliver Finn Heath at 3.45pm on Wednesday 12th August. He weighed in at 8lb 3oz and was delivered by emergency caesarean section. He has a mop of dark hair and very low blood sugar levels but this is being addressed. Mother and baby are doing fine, so is Daddy. Lois Harrison (Elizabeth’s granddaughter) has recently completed an epic swim – she has swum the English Channel! She managed a time of 12 hours and 19 minutes, raising over £1000 for Chestnut Tree Hospice. Unfortunately she suffered with lots of Jelly Fish stings, but still carried on. An amazing achievement Lois, Well done! The church recently held its annual Art Festival. Many thanks go to the organisers for another successful event – Margaret Bedwell, Jackie, Cara and Malcolm Gillespie. Richard Hocking has had 10 biopsies and is awaiting results at the time of writing. Margaret Bedwell is now the church Treasurer and not the Pastoral Secretary. Marilyn Marshall is now pastoral Secretary. Please send me all your news. It’s great to share….. Jacky Kennard 07718141421 / [email protected]
And now for a little humour: A Woman at the Post Office A Woman went to the Post Office to buy stamps for her Christmas cards. "What Denomination?" Asked the clerk. "Oh, my goodness! Have we come to this?" said the woman. "Well give me 50 Baptist and 50 Catholic!" Q. Who was the greatest financier in the Bible? A. Noah; he was floating his stock while everyone was in liquidation Q. Did Eve ever have a date with Adam? A. No, just an apple! —————-
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Holiday at Home Monday 31st August
10am to 4pm A FUN DAY OF FELLOWSHIP AND ACTIVITIES FOR SENIORS Suggested donation for the day £8
Lunch will be provided (please let us know of any special diets) Please sign up on a form in the meeting area (indicate if transport is required)
Dear Friends, Thank you all so much for your cards and kind enquiries which were a great help in coping with a wretched complaint. I am now recovering well with just one or two problems to overcome and shall look forward to joining you all again. Maria. ————— I would like to say a huge ‘THANK YOU’ to all the Church Family for the many prayers, phone calls (even in my room at Goring Hall), enquiries through Malcolm and get-well cards received since my hip replacement on 20th April. I am recovering slowly, never fast enough for my liking, but each day I get a little stronger and able to walk a little further. Thanks again. Jackie Gillespe 7
LUNCH CLUB Following a recent meeting we have had with AGE UK they are planning to provide a Lunch Club for seniors on the last Sunday of each month (starting in September) in our Church hall. They are currently looking for volunteers who will be happy to assist with the serving of meals. If this is something that you feel you would like to help with please contact us. Also, if you are interested in joining the Lunch Club please let us know. Many thanks, Marilyn and Pat Marshall (01273 453056) ————— Harvest Festival Sunday 21 st. September Distribution of Harvest Gifts: As is our usual practice we would like to remember our housebound and needy friends at this time. If you are aware of anyone who would appreciate a gift following this year’s harvest, please would you let me know. We will be sorting the produce given, after the evening service and I would appreciate any help that you are able to give. If pastoral visitors are available and would like to take a gift to one of their members please can they let me know before Friday 19th September. Many thanks, Marilyn Marshall Tel.01273 453056.
Please note that all notices for inclusion into the weekly news sheet should now be sent to Jackie Gillespie by Wednesday evening email: [email protected].
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UPDATE FROM KATHERINE I would like to say thank you to everyone for supporting me over the last year as I have worked alongside Andrew at Shoreham Methodist Church. It has been good to get to know you all, and to join in some of your services and activities as well as organising the Annexe coffee bar. Over the year I have been able to attend Church with a Difference and the Tuesday Fellowship (now Tea and Chat) from time to time as well as the Happy Hour Playgroup special celebrations. I have also been able to visit some of you in your homes. In March, Jackie and I started a toddler group in the coffee bar on a Wednesday morning from 9am to 10am. This was called ‘Toddler Time’ and was well advertised within Happy Hours playgroup and in the local library and local publications, as well as on our noticeboard outside the church. Between March and July we were able to welcome a few different families, but we never really had more than two at a time. The most regular attenders were a German family who were here on extended holiday and once they returned home it became very quiet. After much thought and discussion we have decided not to continue with the toddler group as it does not seem to be meeting a need. However, we are not giving up, and there are plans afoot to try something else in the autumn. With regard to the coffee bar, I am very grateful to all the people who regularly volunteer to come and make the teas and coffees and welcome anyone who comes into the Annexe. We have had a steady flow of customers who really appreciate being able to come in and chat and enjoy a drink and a biscuit. However, some mornings have been very quiet and I am aware that helpers are giving up a lot of time to be there. I am aware, too, that some of our helpers are finding it a bit of a struggle to manage alongside other commitments. The Annexe is a great asset to the church and we want to keep it open every day, but perhaps the time has come to rethink a little how we use it during the week. Cont. on page 11 9
Cont. from page 10 I am beginning to think about how we can explore using the Annexe in different ways to welcome people into the church. If you have any ideas or suggestions, or there are things that you would like to be a part of, please let me know and we can explore them together. In the meantime the coffee bar continues to be open every morning and once again I would like to say a big thank you to all the helpers. Incidentally, we need someone who can volunteer regularly on a Friday from September – please consider whether you are able to do this. I look forward to the year ahead and to getting to know Gabriele and working alongside her. Katherine —————A Big Thank you Pat and I have been truly blessed as we have said goodbye to you all. People have been so kind in the things they have said to us both. We have received so many cards and gifts that we are truly humbled by your love and generosity. We have been privileged to have shared this part of our journey with you and we wish you well as you continue the task that God has given you to do in Shoreham. Thank you also for the time we spent together at the barbecue which we really enjoyed. The gifts of the two pictures will really remind us of the area of Shoreham and the time we have spent here with you all. You have encouraged us and worked with us to good effect and we wish you well for the future. You have also given us some money and we will be adding that amount to a gift from Lancing in order to buy some garden furniture for the Manse in Ashford. Our new address from the 1st September is 50, Ashford Crescent, Ashford. Middlesex. TW15 3ED We will remember you in our prayers and ask that God will reward your endeavours for Him. God bless. Andrew and Pat. 10
BACK NUMBERS – a new look at some of our old magazines.
This column is written to inspire us. Comments welcome - Marilyn 50 years ago (July/August 1965) The Church welcomed overseas visitors from Stuttgart, a link for the forthcoming church exchange trip and also a service taken by a Methodist Minister from America.
Does anyone remember going on the trip to Stuttgart? 40 years ago (July/August 1975) ‘Send Me’ the Circuit Festival was treated to a poem written by our own Marjorie Webber. This is verse one: The cares of the world are pressing upon me, They are crowding right into my room I look at the hungry, the sick and the homeless My heart feels quite heavy with gloom. A Saviour of souls was never more needed Christ works both through you and through me We can help with the needs which are here on our doorstep Whatever the challenge may be.
The sentiments of this poem resonate with us all I am sure. 25 years ago (July/August 1990) An article written by David Winter, ex head of religious broadcasting at the BBC, encouraged us “to end our conspiracy of silence about Christianity and let the whole world into the secret”.
Let’s keep on sharing the good news. 15 years ago (July 2000) A letter from The London Emmanuel Choir who had recently performed at our church thanked us that they felt the divine presence of the Lord and prayed that many were spiritually helped at the concert.
Many couldn’t help but be spiritually uplifted by their performance.
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BACK NUMBERS – a new look at some of our old magazines.
This column is written to inspire us and to remind us to give thanks for the Saints who have gone before us. 50 years ago (September 1965) Plans for a Shoreham / Stuttgart Methodist Exchange trip were announced. At the time of writing 23 out of 38 places were filled and the proposal was, that in addition to fellowship with the church in Germany, an extension to the trip would allow the group to spend three further days exploring the Alps.
Does anyone recall Pastor Sackmann and some of his congregation coming to stay with folk in Shoreham? 45 years ago (September 1970) The BBC had asked the church to record a service that could be recorded for the World Service that is beamed out to Singapore and would then be broadcast in various directions. The theme suggested was ‘Family Life’.
What a wonderful opportunity to proclaim the gospel. 40 years ago (September 1975) The Rev. David Reep and his family had just completed their first year of ministry at Shoreham and expressed the joy to be had in working together as a church family. He went on to announce that the Rev. William Motson would be coming from Southwick (then part of the Brighton Circuit) to the Worthing Circuit as the new Superintendent Minister.
Many folk will remember Bill Motson’s ministry and will be used to hearing his son as he continues as a football commentator. 20 years ago (September 1995) The Rev. Pat Hunter closed her letter with these words “September brings a new Methodist year, new sessions in many of our activities, and hopefully new challenges and opportunities to deepen and widen the spiritual life of the church. May God go with us”.
Happy New Methodist Year. 12
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FROM YOUR EDITOR Please note—the deadline for the October Link is Sunday 13th September Please hand me all copy No later than that date, or leave your notes in the basket in the Meeting Area by Monday 14th. Or you may Email it to me by Tuesday 15th latest . at: [email protected]
LINK
Eileen Men’s Group ***** Wednesday
September
Details to be arranged. Open Door Coffee Morning 10.00 to 12.00
JP PB JB MG
Methodist Missions
MG PB JB PB MG
To Open:
PB – Peter Bedwell (01273 461422) MG – Malcolm Gillespie (01273 595997) JB – Julian Batstone (07952 464217) RI – Ray Illman (07598 315981) **Church Event Organiser Rota Organiser: Philippe Quenon (07714 370862)
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PERGOLA
2015
15
SHOREHAM BY SEA METHODIST CHURCH CENTRE
No.13
September 2015 1
Time passed and twin sons were born to Isaac and Rebecca, and they called them Esau and Jacob. When they were born, God said that they would become the fathers of two warring nations. When Esau grew up he was a skilful hunter, he loved to be out on the hills. But Jacob was different, he was a quiet man, he spent his time at home. And he was Rebecca’s favourite. When Isaac was old he began to go blind. In those days it was the custom for a father to ask God’s special blessing on the eldest son which in this case was Esau. Rebecca wanted Jacob to be the one to receive the blessing. So she dressed Jacob in goatskin and Esau’s clothes to deceive Isaac, who being blind did not know it was Jacob not Esau and he prayed that God would give his richest blessing to his son and that was how Jacob received his brother’s blessing. When Esau himself arrived, the truth came out. But it was too late. The blessing had been given. Esau was very angry with Jacob, Rebecca was afraid for Jacob. So she sent him to find a wife in Paddan-aram. Jacob journeyed north, alone and afraid. At sunset he reached a stony valley and laid down to sleep, using a large stone for a pillow. In his dream he saw a great staircase stretching up to heaven, with angels going up and down it. At the top was God and God said ”I am with you and I will give you this land for you and your descendants.” Jacob woke up and was afraid. He made God a promise “You will be my God always” Jacob went on to his Mother’s homeland. He stopped beside a well where a girl came out to water her flocks, it was his cousin Rachel, Leban’s daughter. He told her who he was, he went home to Leban’s house and was welcomed as one of the family. A month went by, with Jacob working for Leban. When Leban asked Jacob how much pay he wanted. “I will work for you for seven years if you will let me marry your daughter Rachel “ Jacob said Leban agreed. But when the wedding day came, he cheated and gave Jacob his eldest daughter Leah, so Jacob had to work another seven years to marry Rachel. Jacob now had two wives and a very unhappy home because he loved Rachel more than Lear, which made Lear unhappy. More next time. 2
St Christopher and the Christ-Child About 200AD in Syria, lived a young man called Offero. He was tall, well-built and strong. He lived in a little hut, near the banks of a fast-flowing river. Offero was a ferryman. He waded across the river with grateful travellers on his back. One night Offero was awakened by a small, clear voice: "Ferryman! Ferryman! Carry me across." Offero hurried down to the river, carrying his lantern and staff. There in the moonlight stood a little child. "Take me across the river!" he said. So Offero lifted the child onto his shoulders and started to wade across the river. But a strange thing happened! The child grew heavier. Offero began to stagger under the weight. "Child," he groaned, "I feel as if I'm carrying the weight of the whole world on my shoulders!" When Offero eventually reached the opposite bank of the river, he fell down exhausted on the grass. "You have indeed borne the whole world on your shoulders," said the little child. "For you have carried Him who bears the sins of the world - JESUS CHRIST THE REDEEMER." 'And because you have carried the Christ on your shoulders, you shall be called CHRISTOPHER ”THE CHRIST-BEARER." Offero/Christopher stood up - but the Heavenly Christ-Child had vanished. St. Christopher became a Pastor. He converted thousands of people and then later, he was martyred - killed for his faith about 250 AD. ST. CHRISTOPHER IS THE PATRON SAINT OF TRAVELLERS. On medallions he is always depicted crossing a river with the ChristChild on his shoulders.
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A Harvest Festival Picture to colour. Harvest is celebrated on 21st September in our church. 4