1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

Dear friends
I do not recall when or at what age I was taught to say The
Lord’s Prayer. It was clearly early on in my life and, I suspect,
predated my going to school. For many years some of the
words and concepts were not understood but I always felt I
had achieved some sort of special rapport with God while
reciting this prayer. For instance, I never understood the
word “hallowed” which appears in the line, “hallowed be thy
name”. I thought this to be a form of address as in “hallo”, so
for many years I was under the impression I was saying
“Hello” to God which always struck me as a very nice way to
start my communication with my Father in heaven.
In later times I appreciated that the use of the word
“hallowed” is to acknowledge that God should be given due
respect as the creator and arbiter of our being. For centuries
Christian societies appreciated and practised reverence
towards God, Christ and the church, blasphemy being a very
serious crime, punishable in extremis by death.
In more recent times, unquestionable respect and obedience
to God throughout Christian society in many parts of the
western world no longer obtains. I recall a significant
milestone in this process occurring in the television shows of
the Irish comedian, Dave Allen, who not only parodied the
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ritual practices of religion but also the persona of Christ. In
the later 20th century world, unquestioning respect based on
the status quo and hierarchy no longer obtains and the
Christian religion has also fallen victim to criticism and parody
as has been the lot of so many other institutions. Society as a
whole cannot be said to be as consciously Christian as it was
in previous times nor to observe the tenets of Christianity
including how we should relate to God.
Not every individual is happy or complacent with what is
perceived as a violation of respect for God. Many Muslims
are uncomfortable and deeply offended when God and/or
their religion is not given due respect, and, as we know, a
small minority will take violent action against those who
engage in such practices as occurred when the prophet of
God was parodied and lampooned in cartoons.
Thankfully I am unaware of any Christian threat to wreak
punishment on those who blaspheme. I AM aware, however,
that as Christians, reverence and respect for God is essential
in order to define our relationship with Him.
Andrew Gannon
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FAMILY NEWS
Congratulations to Derek and Marion Spiers who celebrated
their Golden Wedding Anniversary in April.
Joan Beresford is well in herself but is still having problems
with her eyes. A nurse is going in every day to put drops in
her eyes and later this month she has an appointment at the
Ophthalmology department.
Please think of Norine Brown as her husband, Stan, recovers
from a recent fall.
We continue to remember those of our Church Family who
are in care homes and those who are not able to get along to
Church.
Jim Martin
THANK YOU
The beaver scouts and leaders would like to thank those who
supported their fund-raising event which raised £115 for the
RNIB and Guide dogs.
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LOCAL AND GENERAL ELECTION, 7th MAY
Once again we will be offering refreshments to people who
come to vote in our hall, between 10 and 12 in the morning
and 2 and 4 in the afternoon. Please join us if you can.
CHRISTIAN AID NEWS
As we prepare for the door to door collection during Christian
Aid week, this year from 10th to 16th May, there are some
useful resources on the Christian Aid website,
www.christianaid.org.uk. Your prayers and support for all our
collectors will be much appreciated.
Also on this website are details of an ecumenical prayer vigil
across the world on the 24th of every month which it is
intended will continue until there is a just and lasting
resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
ANNIVERSARY SERVICE
We are pleased to be able to welcome Revd Dr Rosalind
Selby, Principal of Northern College, to lead our anniversary
worship on May 17th. The service will be followed by a soup
and pudding lunch. If you have a favourite dessert you could
offer to bring along, please let Jean Fermie or Elaine know.
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDIES
All are welcome to join Jenni Slack and Ron Webber for Bible
study on Wednesday mornings between 10 and 11. The next
two dates are May 13th and June 10th.
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“HEROES” HOLIDAY CLUB
We are pleased to have Jonathan Buckley leading a holiday
club on Tuesday 26th May with the theme of Bible heroes. All
children aged 5-11 are welcome between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
and at 12.30 we will have a picnic lunch followed by games
for all ages. So bring a picnic lunch and join us at 12.30, with
or without children. See Elaine for flyers to pass around to
family, friends and neighbours.
SENIOR TEAS AT TOTLEY RISE METHODIST CHURCH
On the third Sunday afternoon of each month Totley Rise
invite seniors to join them for tea and cake. These have
proved so popular that helpers are needed, especially drivers.
Anyone is welcome to drop in.
SAFARI SUPPER
To date I have had offers of three main courses but would like
three other people to offer starters so that this event can take
place. Also I have only had three enquiries from ‘guests’. The
preferred date is 20th June. Please let Jeanne Clark know if you
are interested or it will be a very small, intimate gathering!
Fellowship Committee
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LADIES’ GROUP (PLUS MEN)
On May 6th the Ladies’ Group will be hosting a fund raising
event – a beetle drive and refreshments – and a new quiz to
buy. This will take place in the Chatsworth Hall. It is open to
everyone.
Looking further ahead, Joan Ward will be our Blue Badge
Guide round Bakewell on Wednesday 1st July. We last went
several years ago in the rain. This will be a different tour and
we are hoping for better weather. Details to follow but we
will set off at 6.30 p.m. for a leisurely stroll followed by a
meal at 8 p.m. Once again men are invited to join us.
Jeanne Clark
ANNIVERSARY TRIP
Although the date of the anniversary service has been
changed so we can have the opportunity to hear Revd
Rosalind Selby, the trip will go ahead as planned on Saturday
9th May to Hull.
We shall set off from Dore Station on the 8.27 train, returning
at 18.21. The rail fare is £25.90 return, £17.10 with a senior
rail card. Jeanne Clark has maps and leaflets if anyone would
like to plan their day in advance.
Fellowship Committee
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The flowers in church this month
are in memory of Jessie and
Alexander Anderson (Shona’s mum
born on 6th May and her dad who
died on 8th May) and Frank Cooper
(11th May).
TAKE ONE DAY AT A TIME
The most useless thing to do
Worry
The greatest joy
Giving
The greatest loss
Self-respect
The most satisfying work
Helping others
The most effective sleeping pill
Peace of mind
The most crippling failure disease
Excuses
The most powerful force in life
Love
The worst thing to be without
Hope
The deadliest weapon
The tongue
The greatest asset
Faith
The most prized possession
Integrity
The most contagious spirit
Enthusiasm
The most important thing in life
GOD
Everyone needs this list to live by - pass it along!
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LETTER FROM SHIRLEY
It’s hard to believe that seven months has passed since I was
in Sheffield. The work with St John’s (Stone) continues. We
have just reached a stage where we are exploring a shared
vision to work with some youngsters with learning difficulties
as they leave home and move towards independent living.
The developer who bought St John's old church building to
convert into apartments (whilst retaining the listed parts) is
involved in building apartments for them and St John’s is
considering a shop/café area for outreach alongside these
youngsters. It's all in God's hands.
Dave and I find working together is helpful and encouraging
to our ministries and we have recently been trained to be
pastorate partners for Local Ministry and Mission Review
with local churches and as appraisal partners with ministers
during their review.
We hear from time to time what is happening in Sheffield and
recently at our Synod I had the pleasure of meeting Zaidie
whom I'm told is 'awesome' so that is brilliant news and I look
forward to hearing about your continuing journey.
With love in Christ
Revd Shirley Miller
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RANDOM THOUGHTS
Pentecost is an invitation to dream. For when a community of
faith quits dreaming dreams, it has little to offer either its
members or the wider world. These dreams involve adopting
a new perspective on what’s possible, rousing our creativity
to free us from conventional expectations. They help us see
that maybe what we thought was outlandish actually lies
within reach.
Matthew L. Skinner
Pentecost has not created an alternative mythology with
which to secularise and commercialise it. It has not created a
figure like a fat, jolly man in a red suit or a large bunny. Stores
don’t stock special items for the Feast of Pentecost. In fact,
the Feast of Pentecost comes and goes in the church year
without the world even noticing.
Mark Surburg
I have acquired the habit of looking for the silver lining of the
cloud, and when I have found it to continue to look at it,
rather than at the grey in the middle. It has helped me over
many hard places.
Pablo Picasso
The point to remember is what the government gives, it must
first take away.
J.S. Coleman
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“Big Heroes” Holiday Club
Tuesday 26th May 2015
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Drinks provided; please bring your own
packed lunch
Ages: 4-11
Cost: £1/child
Registration from 9.45 a.m.
Parents, grandparents and siblings welcome
to join us from 12.30 p.m. for lunch and
games for all the family
All of our leaders are DBS checked in line with current
legislation
RSVP with numbers of children by Friday 22nd May
Email: [email protected] or text 07929 720977
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THE EASTER STORY (answers)
Across: 3 Golgotha; 4 Thieves; 6 Transgressors; 7 Burial; 11 Veil; 15
Darkness; 18 Centurion; 19 Caiaphas; 21 Field; 22 John; 23 Magdalene;
26 Forgive; 27 Sins; 28 Passover; 30 Herod; 31 Angel; 32 Peter;
33 Joseph; 37 Thomas; 38 Flesh; 40 Robe; 42 Vinegar
Down: 1 Annas; 2 Calvary; 3 Gethsemane; 5 Crucified; 8 King; 9 Kiss;
10 Creature; 12 Linen; 13 Barabbas; 14 Nicodemus; 16 Judas; 17 Living;
18 Cloud; 20 Silver; 24 Garments; 25 Emmaus; 29 Sheep; 34 Pilate;
35 Stone; 36 Blood; 37 Sword; 41 Risen
FRIENDSHIP CRYPTOGRAM
Can you work out which numbers represent which letters and
solve the sentence which is to do with friendship?
A
B
C
D E
F
G H I
J
K
L
M
26
11
4
N O P
Q R
S
T
U V
W X
Y
Z
21
18
I
_
_ O
4
6
1
21 18
O
_
_
E
U
_
,
11
_
O
_
7
21
14 4 19 11
_
_
E
I
_
_
_ _ E
23 18 5
_ E
25 11 21 25 9
U
E
2
_ O
1
_
14 20 11 19
11
U
21 18
O
14 21
.
11
_
A
_
E
20 26 10 11
_ O _ E
9 21 10 11
COFFEE ROTA
May 3rd
Fiona Green and Gill McAdie
th
10
Elizabeth Keech and Liz Walkden
th
17
Soup and dessert lunch
th
24
Jeanne Clark and Vera Edwards
st
31
Helen Miller and Marie Gleadhill
th
June 7
Christine Smith and Marion Spiers
FLOWER ROTA
May
3rd
10th
17th
24th
31st
Shona Picken
Gladys Cooper
ANNIVERSARY
Liz Walkden
Anne Dale
SUNDAY MORNING DOOR STEWARDS
May 3rd
Neil and Ella Lawrie
th
10
Moira and Andrew Gannon
th
17
Molly Webb and Jim Martin
th
24
Marion and Derek Spiers
31st Brenda and Roy Harrison
DUTY ELDERS’ ROTA
May 3rd
Jane Studd
Communion stewards:
Jim Martin, Rob Studd, Richard Groves
10th Anne Dale
17th Margaret Warwick
24th Margaret Barron
31st Rob Studd
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May Diary
Sun
3
Wed 6
Family service with communion at 10.30 a.m.
led by Miss Anne Dale and Soulroots
Mid-week service at 11.30 a.m. led by
Revd Margaret Herbert
Meet for a sandwich after the service
Fund raising night organised by the Ladies’
Group 8 p.m. (See separate article)
Thurs 7
Local and general election
Sat
9
Church Anniversary trip to Hull
(See separate article)
Sun
10
Family service at 10.30 a.m. led by
Revd Bob Heathcote
10th – 16th
Christian Aid week
Mon 11
Elders’ meeting at 7 p.m.
Tues 12
Totley Brook Club at 2.30 p.m.
Mrs Janet Ridler – “Sheffield Cathedral”
Service of Prayer for Help and Healing 8 p.m.
13
Wed 13
Mid-week service at 11.30 a.m.
led by Mrs Elaine Ferguson
Yorkshire Assembly at the Spa Complex,
Scarborough
Sun
17
Anniversary service at 10.30 a.m. led by
Revd Rosalind Selby, Principal of Luther King
House
The service will be followed by a soup and
dessert lunch. There will also be a Traidcraft
stall after the service.
Mon 18
Copy date for June Take Notice. All articles to
Jeanne Clark by this date please
Wed 20
Mid-week service at 11.30 a.m. led by
Revd Simon Copley
Sun
Pentecost family service at 10.30 a.m. led by
the Worship Group
24
Tues 26
“Heroes” children’s event from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
All welcome to join us at 12.30.
(See separate article)
Wed 27
Mid-week service at 11.30 a.m. led by
Revd Brenda Hill
Sun
Family service at 10.30 a.m. led by
Professor Clyde Binfield
31
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Directory
Phone
Deputy
Chair
Secretary:
Assistant
Treasurer:
Pastoral Care:
Editor:
Joan Memmott
236 6784
8 Totley Grange Close, Sheffield S17 4AG
Email: [email protected]
Elaine Ferguson
236 5607
32 Rushley Drive, Sheffield S17 3EN
Email: [email protected]
Jane Studd
236 1192
5 Devonshire Road, Sheffield S17 3NT
Email: [email protected]
Rob Studd
236 1192
5 Devonshire Road, Sheffield S17 3NT
Email: [email protected]
Jim Martin
236 2403
15 Moorview Court, Bradway Drive
Sheffield S17 4PD
Email: [email protected]
Jeanne Clark
236 7390
8 Abbeydale Park Rise
Sheffield S17 3PD
Email: [email protected]
www. doreandtotleyurc.org.uk
A Member of the Sheffield Group of United Reformed Churches
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Mon
3rd Mon
Tues
2nd Tues
Term-time
1st Tues
2nd Tues
Wed
Term-time
1st Wed
Thurs
Fri
Zumba
T’ai Chi
On Broadway
Shine Academy
Aerobics
Photography Group
Lunch Club
Yoga
Computer course – iPads
Totley Brook Club
Martial Arts
Beaver Scouts
W.E.A. Abbeydale Writers
Shine On: Ladies’ choir
Totley Brook Quilters
Service for Help and Healing
Pilates
Coffee morning
Mid-week Service
Dance class
Brownies
Ladies’ Group - not often in church
AllMove Strictly Dancing
Hastings Road Art Group
Social Club
Zumba
Funky Monkeys
Dance class
Scottish Dancing
Ella Lawrie has contact details: tel. 236 6294
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10 – 11 a.m.
11.30–12.30 p.m.
1.30 – 2.30 p.m.
4.30 – 6 p.m.
6.30 – 7.30 p.m.
7.45 - 9.45 p.m.
10 – 1.30 p.m.
1.15 – 2.45 p.m.
1.30 – 3.30 p.m.
2.30 – 4 p.m.
3.45 – 5.45 p.m.
6.15 – 7.15 p.m.
7 – 9 p.m.
7.30 – 9 p.m.
7.30 – 9.30 p.m.
8 - 9 p.m.
9.15 – 11.15 a.m.
10 – 12 noon
11.30 – 12 noon
1.45 – 2.45 p.m.
6.15 – 7.40 p.m.
8 p.m.
8 – 9.30 p.m.
9.30 – 12 noon
7.30 – 9.30 p.m.
7.30 – 8.30 p.m.
10 – 11 a.m.
2 – 3 p.m.
7.45 – 10 p.m.