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The Magazine of
Eastgate Union Church, Louth
(Baptist and United Reformed)
www.eastgateunion.com
In this month’s edition:
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Holy Week
Louth Community Larder
The General Election
Lots of news from our Missionary friends
APRIL 2015
From our Pastor
Dear Friends,,
For me personally this Easter will be very special! This in very large part
will be the result two key factors, the first being the recent EMBA Minister’s
conference led by Nigel Wright, and the second, which was the very wonderful
Christianity Explored Course.
As we have said before, it is very important to ensure that we don’t allow
ourselves to become over familiar with the stories we regularly revisit as part
of the Church calendar. It is essential that we are prepared to encounter them
with fresh eyes, ready to encounter the depth of truth and the richness of the
Scriptures. This has certainly been the case for me as I had the privilege of
journeying through Mark’s Gospel with the participants of the Christianity Explored Course. One of the many joys of the course was listening to the many
wonderful comments and stimulating questions that arose from people who
have been carefully reading Mark’s Gospel as part of preparing for each session.
One of the many impressive aspects of the course was the emphasis that
was placed on recognising who Jesus is and why he came to “dwell among us”.
Although it is challenging to explore the subject of sin and hell, to be reminded
of the fact that Jesus, motivated by love, was willing to die on the cross so that
we could receive forgiveness and be rescued from an eternal separation from
God inspires great joy and heartfelt gratitude, especially as we prepare to celebrate this great act of love at Easter.
Added to this was the great privilege I had to listen to Nigel Wright, who
recently retired as the Principle of Spurgeon’s College. Speaking to a room
full of ministers, Nigel shared a treasury of thoughts as he took us through the
Easter narratives in the Gospels. Some of those thoughts will be included in a
series of reflections that will take place at Eastgate during Holy Week, but the
most striking for me was the journey Nigel took us through for Holy Saturday.
Within the Free Church Holy Week often rushes on from the excitement of
Palm Sunday to the thrilling news of resurrection on Easter Sunday with little
time to reflect upon the complexities of Maundy Thursday through the night to
the events of Good Friday morning, and we certainly never consider what it
was like for those close to Jesus to live through that Saturday not knowing
what we know would occur the next morning.
I would simply like to encourage us this Easter to take time to slowly
work our way through what the Scriptures tell us about the events of Holy
Week, and to do so by engaging our imaginations in the sights, sounds and
emotions of these events.
My prayer is that for each of us this Easter will be very real as we follow
Jesus to the cross and then encounter him as our risen Lord.
May this Easter be very special for you and those you love,
Chris
News of the Family
Bereavement:
We offer our heartfelt sympathy to June & Colin Lambert on the death of
Colin’s daughter, Maggi. Maggi appeared to be doing well following a bone
marrow transplant, but then was rushed into Addenbrook’s hospital where very
sadly she passed away.
Thanksgiving:
We thank God for the fact that Michael Henderson has been told he is currently
in remission - but please continue to pray for him and his family.
Congratulations...
to Anne & Dennis Snowdon who celebrate their 60th Wedding Anniversary
this month!
also to John Eedle who turns 40 this month!
Elders’ Election
At our recent AGM, Seith Grierson and Brian Moore were both elected to
serve as Elders for a further three years. Please remember them both in your
prayers as they continue to serve the Lord here at EGU.
Those who are in need of our prayers:
Elizabeth Whomsley is now back home, having spent some time seriously ill
in Scunthorpe Hospital and then convalescing with her son in Bedford.
We continue to pray for Brian Moore, and also for Audrey, as Brian
completes one phase of his treatment and prepares for the next stage;
also for Diana & Nigel Gash as Nigel continues treatment.
Please remember Margaret Tysall in your prayers - her Dad is very ill in
Birmingham and she has travelled on public transport to be with him.
Sue Banister has had a further exploratory procedure and has received some
help with her eating.
We also continue to remember Bernice Jones, Alan Dyson and Beryl
Walters.
Visits from Old Friends
It has been a real joy in recent weeks to welcome folk who formerly attended
our Church:
On Sunday 1st March Ineke Haaring (formerly at New Tribes) was with us,
and shared with us some of the exciting missionary work going on in Papua
New Guinea. (see below)
Then on 22nd March Pam Wynn (now living in Ireland) was with us.
On Sunday 10th May we look forward to the Paetzold family being with us,
boys’ health permitting. (see page 17)
Please continue to remember those unable to join us regularly for worship:
Joe Moore and Paul White.
Birthday Greetings for April
1st
4th
6th
10th
Ann Flegg
Bernice Jones
Una Ward
Nathaniel Fisher
Mark Willoughby
12th John Eedle
Elaine Chaufour
15th Lesley Anderson
THANKS
Freda Draper would like to
convey her thanks for the prayers
of the fellowship and messages and
cards of sympathy following the
recent death of her sister.
16th Janice Greenfield
24th Finlay Dilks
28th Ruth Siddle
Jessica Greenfield
Mary Farr
29th Rita Mills
30th Abigail Eedle
Elizabeth Whomsley wishes to thank
everyone for their prayers and for their
kindness in sending cards and best
wishes while she has been ill.
She is very grateful for having
received lots of support from our
Church.
from Ineke Haaring
It was so good to see you again and to be in your midst just for this short
moment. I have heard many of your stories (good and bad news) and much is
over my head, but I thank the Lord that He is in control.
I will take them along in my prayers and my memories of you.
Thank you so much for your prayers for me and the work in Papua New Guinea.
Love from Ineke
THANKS
It was with sadness that we
accepted Lori Fear’s decision to
step down from the role of Elder at
Eastgate Union at our recent AGM.
We are grateful to Lori for all
she did in that role, both practically
and in terms of spiritual encouragement.
We are a richer fellowship as a
result of Lori’s willingness to serve
in obedience to the call of Jesus
and we are so grateful.
Chris
A very big thank you to all who
participated on the Christianity
Explored Course over the last couple
of months.
Both courses were a wonderful
experience and the journey through
Mark’s Gospel and exploration of the
Christian faith was challenging and
inspiring.
Thanks also to Anna Henderson who,
as well as leading the Wednesday
evening course, also, along with the
rest of her family generously hosted
the course in their home.
Chris
Words Don’t Seem Enough
I’m sure many of you will agree that our Church Magazine, “Shalom”, has
been an essential part of the life of our fellowship. As well as keeping us well
informed in regard to Church life, news of the work of Churches Together in
Louth and District, the work of the many missionaries we seek to support and
the chance to get to know about the stories and interests of many of the folk
here, we have also been kept entertained with humour and encouraged with
words of wisdom. One former United Reformed Church Synod Moderator
described Shalom as one of the best Church Magazines he had come across. It
is only right to acknowledge that, whilst many have made contributions to the
content of the magazine the real praise needs to go to it’s editor, Heather Grierson, who single handedly has produced something that has been a blessing and
encouragement to many and allowed those who have moved away from Louth
to stay in touch. Somehow words don’t seem enough to capture our appreciation for how much time and dedication have been applied to the task of producing Shalom, but we are very grateful to Heather, so thank you so much.
At the time of writing we have yet to have anyone volunteer to step into
the role of editor and so allow Shalom to remain a part of the life of the fellowship. I would simply ask if you feel you could play a part in writing a Church
Magazine to approach Heather.
Once again, and I believe I speak on behalf of many of us, may I pass on
our heartfelt gratitude to Heather for such incredible service in the role of editor, publisher and distributer of Shalom.
Chris Ray
Holy Week Reflections
Inspired by the recent EMBA Minister’s Conference at Swanick where
Nigel Wright (the recently retired Principle at Spurgeon’s College) led a series
of lectures on the theme of “Preaching Through Easter”, Chris plans to lead a
series of reflections as we journey through Holy Week.
These sessions will take the form of detailed explorations of the Biblical
text and will encourage us to enter into the sights, sounds and emotions of what
have become familiar scenes to many of us.
The unique aspect of this journey will be the time spent exploring what
has become known as “Holy Saturday”.
These sessions will run from 7:30pm for approximately an hour on
Maundy Thursday (2nd April), Good Friday (3rd April), Holy Saturday (4th
April), and will conclude in our Easter Communion Service (5th April).
The Old Kitchen
New Church Directory
By the time you receive this
Magazine, our “old kitchen”
should be well on the way to being transformed into a much more
attractive room.
Phyllis & Heather are hoping to publish a new Church Directory in about a
month’s time, so we all have access to
one another’s addresses and telephone
numbers, and in some cases email addresses, as well as some details about
our Church.
Damp and rot rising from the
cellar have made it a matter of
urgency that the floor and joists
are repaired.
So in the last week in March P.
Coffey and Son (who built Chris’s
new office in the entrance and
also installed the double glass
doors into the rear of the Sanctuary) have been removing the old
units, installing a new floor, joists
and base units, also spraying brick
work and timbers with preservative and doing some work to
lessen the damp problem in the
cellar.
If you think any of your details need
updating, or if you wish to add, or delete, an email address or mobile phone
number, please contact one of us as
soon as possible.
We are also aware that a number of
new folk have joined us in recent
months. While we have tried our best to
keep up with new faces, if you think we
may not yet have your details and you
would like to be included in the Directory, please contact one of us.
Phyllis Bartup & Heather Grierson
General Election - Thursday 7th May
Although the General Election is still several weeks away, the media
seems to be full of stories about it, and we may already be tiring of hearing
about it constantly!
However, as Christians it is important that we engage with what is going
on and especially that we make it a matter of prayer.
The Baptist Union, in partnership the Methodist Church, United Reformed Church and The Church of Scotland, have launched a campaign to inform our prayers as the General Election approaches, called “Love Your
Neighbour: Think, Pray, Vote”. Each of the four weeks leading up to the election will have a focus for prayer:
w/c Sunday 12th April will focus on the theme of Truth
w/c Sunday 19th April will focus on the theme of Justice
w/c Sunday 26th April will focus on the theme of Peace
w/c Sunday 3rd May will focus on the theme of Wellbeing
You may wish to follow these themes in your own prayers as you prepare
for this year’s election.
Look out for information later in the month, as we are hoping to hold a
prayer gathering for the Election on the day before (Wednesday 6th May).
Chris Ray
As with previous General
Elections, Churches Together in Louth
& District are organising
A HUSTINGS EVENT
in Louth Methodist Church
7.30pm
WEDNESDAY 22ND APRIL
to which all are welcome
Candidates from all parties standing for
the Louth & Horncastle Seat will be
welcomed to attend this event,
where they will be invited to
make a statement in support of
their election and respond to
questions in open forum.
Remembrance Day 2015
At the Churches Together
Council Meeting on 5th March it
had been agreed that, as part of the
2015 Remembrance Day commemorations at EGU, there would
be a display of Conscientious Objectors supplied by the Quakers.
However, EGU’s Church
Meeting on 25th March agreed
that this would not be appropriate
as folk remember those killed in
wars. Chris Ray will inform the
CTLD Chair of this.
We did not object to having the
Display at another time.
WHO’S WHO AT EGU
Age (Exact or approximate)
56
Your immediate family
Peter (my husband)
Your Background
I was born in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire,
but spent my first 18 years in Epping, Essex
What brought you to Louth?
We came on a short holiday, really liked
the town, we were looking to move, so here we
are!
Wendy Andrews
How long have you lived in Louth?
15 months
Your job
R.G.N.
Spare time interests
Knitting, reading, needlework, walking our dog
Favourite Books
Light, easy reading novels (Francine Rivers)
Favourite TV/films
Crime/police/courtroom dramas
When/How did you first come to faith in Christ?
Confirmed in a CofE Church when I was 11, baptised in a Baptist Church
age 36 years
Favourite Bible Passages
Psalms 139 & 121, Mary’s prayer (The Magnificat)
Favourite Hymns/Worship Songs
Guide me O Thou great Jehovah, The wonderful Cross
When did you first start to attend EGU?
November 2013
How long have you been a member?
Since March 2014
Where can we meet you in our fellowship?
Sunday mornings, Prayer Meeting, Ladies Bible Study
What “jobs” do you do in our Church?
Christmas Tree, tea & coffee, welcome team
Are you involved in the wider Church beyond EGU in any way?
Calvary Chapel, Cyprus
NEWS FROM THE AGM
Carol Irwin
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the recent AGM – to those
who sent in Annual Reports, to those who attended the meeting and to those
who backed us up in prayer whilst fulfilling other responsibilities or taking a
well-deserved break.
Seith Grierson and Brian Moore were duly elected to serve as Elders for a
further term.
Carol Irwin and Audrey Moore were elected to serve as Secretary and
Treasurer respectively for another year, roles they both confess to enjoying
very much!
A few people stepped down from various roles – Lori Fear from the
Eldership, John Swaby from the Pastoral Team, Anne McCready from the
Youth Team, Heather Grierson as Magazine Editor and Audrey Moore as
Community Larder rep. It is with great appreciation that we recognise the role
these people have played and we wish them well for the future.
We also acknowledge those who have taken on new roles leading up to
the AGM. In the Youth Team this includes Jenny Dilks, Emma Palmer, Heidi
Wilson, Tess Doughty and Helen Eedle. Simon Harrison has taken on the role
of Health & Safety Officer, with David Neal offering assistance. Beryl Walters has kindly offered to help Sue Banister as Community Larder rep.
There are still a couple of vacancies remaining – Magazine Editor and
Publicity Officer – if anyone would be interested in learning more about these
roles please see Carol in the first instance.
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth
Psalm 121:2
Churches Together in Louth & District:
Information from Council Meeting of 5th March
Marion & Leslie Howe Fund: £901 has been donated to Riding for
the Disabled to support the introduction of carriage driving.
New Treasurer & Secretary needed: Anyone from EGU interested in either
role please speak with Heather or Seith Grierson or Sue Banister.
Bible Sunday - 25th October 2015: The Salvation Army Divisional Commander and his wife to be approached to see if they are available.
Jill Day is to explore putting a display of Bibles and children’s Bible stories in
the Library for the week prior to Bible Sunday. It was also suggested that a
relevant School Assembly on a Biblical theme could be put on in as many local
schools as possible in the week running up to Bible Sunday.
Pop-up Christmas Shop: This idea is being worked on by the group who took
part in the local Mission Shaped Ministry Course last Autumn, and it is hoped
that it can run from Friday 18th – 23rd December.
Christian Aid Week: This year is the 70th Anniversary of Christian Aid!
The following events have been arranged so far:
Sponsored Walk (see page 13 for details),
16th - Coffee Morning at Nichol Hill, to include money count,
17th - Christian Aid United Service at Nichol Hill – All Age Worship,
A Soup Lunch will take place at South Elkington the following week.
Community Larder:
The Larder is under pressure because of increasing demand over the past two
years - not just for food, but also for emergency financial help; the donations
have not really been keeping up with demand – so donations of food, furnishings, kitchen equipment, and especially finance, are always welcome.
Prayer Walk: this is being arranged for 9th June.
Holy Week Events:
Salvation Army – a meditation each morning from 10am, Monday - Thursday
Maundy Thursday Eucharist - All welcome 7.30pm at St. James; Preacher
David Newlove; any volunteers to have their feet washed?
General Election: David Newlove is arranging a Hustings at Nichol Hill.
Remembrance Day 2015:
CTLD’s plan is for EGU to house a display of Conscientious Objectors supplied by the Quakers – but there will also be other items on display so that offence – it was suggested that the Land Army could be a theme. (But see page
… for EGU Church Meeting’s view on this !)
Heather Grierson
Louth Community Larder
Greg Gilbert has produced a Report for 2014: some of it is reproduced here.
A copy of the full Report is pinned to the Church Hall Notice Board.
The activities within the Larder have increased during 2014, with increasing numbers of families, not just individuals, needing help. We have been providing, not only food, but also toiletries, curtains, bedding, cutlery and crockery. In addition to providing these items, a great deal of our time is spent providing help and support to individuals who are either referred to the Larder by
an outside agency or who walk in through the door.
Individuals and families referred to the Larder are often being supported
by the agency that have made the referral. However, where someone walks in
without a referral, then the staff at the Trinity Centre endeavour where possible
to ensure that these people are picked up by an existing agency which can help
with their individual problems.
Funding & Donations
During the Harvest Festival season and at Christmas, sizeable donations
of food are received from schools, churches and other organizations. Also towards the end of 2014 the Larder received a number of donations that ensured
that the Larder was both well stocked with food and in a reasonable financial
position. Additionally in May 2013 the Lincolnshire Community Assistance
Scheme (LCAS) began referrals to the Larder: this enabled the Larder to receive reimbursement for the food parcels that had been requested from LCAS
which provided a regular funding stream.
During the first 6 months of 2014 the Larder saw a dramatic increase in
the numbers of food parcels being handed out. Whilst this levelled out towards
the end of the year, it placed additional pressures on finances and stocks of
food - due to the reduction in actual money being donated, and also with the
necessity to place repeated orders with both Morrison’s and Asda’s. Additionally LCAS increased the number of days for a food parcel from 3 days to 5 in
March 2014, which also placed additional strain on the system.
Future considerations
Whilst the Larder is currently relatively well stocked due to the generosity
of organizations and individuals at Harvest and Christmas, the likelihood of
LCAS operating post March 2015 is unlikely, so the disappearance of this
stream of funding will remove an vital part of the Larder funding.
It is difficult to predict the pressures that may be placed on the current
system in 2015. It can only be stated that if the levels of activity remain the
same or increase, the donations, both financial and food, will need to increase
considerably in order that current services are maintained.
Walking in the Wolds
Julia Gibson is once again organizing three
Walks to help raise money in Christian Aid Week
(which is in May) - you will be able to choose between 3, 15 or 30
miles, according to your level of expertise.
In preparation for that, Julia will be holding a “practice walk” on 18th
April, starting from Louth Methodist Church at 9am: 15 miles in the Lincolnshire Wolds, taking approximately 6 hours. Please let her have your email
address if you intend going on this, in case she needs to cancel at short notice.
The Christian Aid Week Walks will take place on Saturday 16th May,
starting at 8.30am from Louth Methodist Church. You have a choice of 3
walks:
Walk 1:
Louth to Tathwell (3 miles)
Walk 2:
as Walk 1, then on to Tetford & Scamblesby (15 miles)
Transport back to Louth for these 2 walks (for a small donation towards petrol)
Walk 3:
as walks 1 & 2 then on to Donington-on-Bain, Welton-leWold and back to Louth
Walk 1 is open to all person s with a reasonable level of fitness. Walks 2 and 3
are for people who have walked similar distances in the past.
Julia is hoping participants will gain sponsorship, and walkers will be
asked for a minimum donation to Christian Aid of £5 for the 3 mile walk, or
£10 for the 15 and 30 mile walks. It is suggested that walkers donate at the
Practice Walk too.
All walkers will need stout footwear (preferably boots), water and waterproof clothing. In addition, Julia advises that you take with you food (bananas
are the thing), whistle, sweater, emergency food, and trousers to be carried if
shorts are worn.
If you would like to participate in any of the Walks, please contact Derek
Gibson (07917305270) or Julia Gibson (01507 354626, Wed-Fri 8am-4pm).
This year our friends at St. James are celebrating the
500th Anniversary of St. James Spire
The spire, which can be seen from miles around, is 295 feet high, and the tallest mediaeval parish Church spire in England.
A programme of events has been planned to take place during the year.
You can find out more by visiting www.inspire500.com
Vatican Humour
☺
After getting all the Pope’s luggage loaded into the limo, the
driver notices the Pope is still standing on the kerb.
“Excuse me, Your Holiness,” says the driver, “Would you
please take your seat so we can leave?”
“Well, to tell you the truth,” says the Pope, “They never let me drive at the
Vatican when I was a Cardinal, and I’d really like to drive today.”
“I’m sorry, your Holiness, but I cannot let you do that; I’d lose my job!
What if something should happen?” protests the driver, wishing he’d never
gone to work that morning.
“Who’s going to tell?” says the Pope with a smile.
Reluctantly, the driver gets into the back as the Pope climbs in behind the
wheel. The drive quickly regrets his decision when, after leaving the airport, the Pontiff floors it, accelerating the limo to 205kph.
“Please slow down, your Holiness!” pleads the worried driver, but the Pope
keeps the pedal to the floor until they hear sirens.
“Oh, dear God, I’m going to lose my licence… and my job!” moans the
driver.
The Pope pulls over and rolls down the window as the cop approaches, but
the cop takes one look at him, goes back to his motorcycle, and gets on the
radio.
“I need to talk to the Chief,” he says to the dispatcher.
The Chief gets on the radio, and the cop tells him he has stopped a limo doing 205kph.
“So bust him,” says the Chief.
“I don’t think I want to do that, he’s really important,” says the cop.
“All the more reason!” exclaims the Chief.
“No, I mean really important,” says the cop with a bit of persistence.
The Chief then asked, “Who do you have in there - the Mayor?”
Cop: “Bigger”
Chief: “A senator?”
Cop: “Bigger”
Chief: “The Prime Minister?”
Cop: “Bigger”
“Well,” says the Chief, “Who is it?”
Cop: “I think it’s God!”
The Chief is even more puzzled and curious. “What makes you think it’s
God?”
Cop: “His chauffeur is the Pope!”
from Andrea & Mark Hotchkin
- our BMS Link Missionaries in Chad
from their blog posted on 8th March 2015
Mission Update
It was early on a Saturday morning in February at half past seven and the
peaceful silence of my lay in was disturbed by a low throbbing hum that increased and made the whole house vibrate as it passed overhead. It’s not the
lawn mowers that wake you up round here but the helicopters.
Later after breakfast a couple of jets roared low in the sky as they returned
to the airbase. This happens several times a day, they have presumably the same
destination as the helicopters and are a reminder of a major news story that is not
very far away. I won't speak of that now, you can look it up for yourselves.
As the sound of the planes died away, I entered the emergency room to see
a boy, a silent echo from the same events.
I thought I knew the story already from a nurse who had come to the house
earlier on. The boy had been brought in by his father, he hadn’t spoken, or
indeed done anything, for four days, but apparently he was still eating and
drinking what was put in front of him and going to the toilet; but nothing else,
just laying down. He had been carried to the hospital. His pulse, temperature
and blood pressure were all normal. So he had been waiting to see me for an
hour or so, triage category important enough to see the doctor but not urgent,
as I said to the nurse whilst cooking the eggs for our family breakfast.
The boy was laid immobile on the bed, eyes open starring into space, about
7 years old. I said hello and asked his name. No reply. So I sat him up and
gave him a quick physical check. He looked normal to me, and now he was
looking at me, watching me carefully, but he wouldn’t talk. I asked a few
questions of his father,
Had there been any bad news or shocks at home? “No.”
Had he been fighting or arguing with anyone? “No.”
Had he problems at school? “I am his school master and there are no problems.”
Where are his father and mother? “His family lives up by Lake Chad but
they have sent him to my religious school.”
I remembered - how could I forget? - that a village on Lake Chad had been attacked a few days before: could this the cause of the behaviour? “No, he is sick.”
The response of the powerless and weak is often silence round here. How
to give them a voice?
I agreed that he was sick and suggested that the master step outside so that
I could try to find out the cause. In the quiet I spoke to the boy again and this
time asked him if he was worried about his parents. Perhaps it was the surprise
being addressed by a white man, or perhaps just that someone understood?
Tears welled in his eyes and rolled down his cheeks and he said yes. He told
me his name, Moussa, that his mother had died a couple of years ago, he hadn’t
seen his father for 18 months since he came to school. His father is a fisherman on Lake Chad and he agreed he was worried for his safety. I prayed for
him, his father and for peace.
The nurse was surprised to see the change and suggested that the master
would now beat him for wasting time. Not an ideal solution, and hopefully simply the prejudiced view of a Christian nurse of a Muslim family, but
who knows? Anyway the master, who seemed to really care for Moussa, (why
else had he come to the hospital?), was invited back. I explained to him
that Moussa had a bad shock with the news from his home area that made him
unable to speak. The best solution would be to get Moussa to talk to his father
on the phone. “That won’t be difficult,” he said, “I have his number, he is my
brother.” As often happens, the phones wouldn’t connect, so he said he would
try again later and they went home. Moussa walked out by himself. I hope it
all went well.
You can read more from Mark & Andrea on
http://markandandreahothkin.blogspot.com
Their daughters Ruth & Rebecca have also posted a new blog:
Http://ruthrebeccahotchkin.blogspot.com
from Liz & Ragnar Niclasen in the Philippines:
….Earlier this week we woke up to literally shaking in our beds - in fact
the bed was shaking and soon we realized it was the whole house - another
earthquake! The epicentre was just 13 km. from Baguio, but since the magnitude was only 4.1, thankfully there wasn't much damage done in the city.
We were able to do another exciting recording project in February. The
organization 'Faith Comes by Hearing' only records the New Testament, so we
were thankful we were able to find someone who was willing to record Psalms
and Proverbs. 3 of the main readers were willing to come back and read a few
chapters each. They were able to make a 'recording studio' in our home, putting up blankets etc. on the walls to absorb some of the noise. (Our neighbourhood is quiet at night, but during the day there is plenty of construction going
on as well as lots of dogs barking.) We are trusting that the NT and Psalms
and Proverbs will be ready for downloading on the same day.
We always enjoy visiting the tribal churches and this month we had the
joy of sharing in one in Sagpat - my first time to this friendly village. What a
blessing to meet the believers in these remote villages and see their love for the
Lord. They sing from the bottom of their hearts, pray so sincerely and are super attentive to the message. They are a great example to us, and we always
come away encouraged and excited about returning.
From Marko & Annelie Schubert in Germany
Due to Marko’s health problems, Marko & Annelie Schubert are now
planning to remain at their home Church in Germany for the next two to three
years, and Marko will train staff members and young men who will become
Elders in the future.
This month they are moving to a bigger flat in the village where their
Church is located.
They write:
“We are still enthusiastic to work with NTM and to help bring the gospel to the
end of the earth. Therefore our second job is making the chronological teaching material known in churches and taking care for candidates….
...Last month we started a language course for asylum seekers who want to
learn German– and we use the same method we learned in Mission Simulation
for language learning. It is great fun…. About 10 Syrian men are eager to
learn German… After 3 lessons they told us that one of their friends is a
Christian who is looking for a church - and if we would give him a lift to
church every week. We are glad to do this. The funny thing is: the Syrian
Christian speaks only Arabic - and therefore 2 of his Muslim friends who speak
good English come with him every week to church - and so we translate all that
was said in English and they translate it in Arabic for their friend. How cool is
that? These two Muslims are very interested in the Christian faith. They are
like a sponge - and enjoy everything they hear in Church.
With these three men and another man we started to read a book, “All that the
Prophets have spoken”... They read it in Arabic and we in English - and after
each section they ask us about what they didn’t understand. Please pray that
these men (and the others from the language course) will find Christ.
Many people in our church are very interested in that work and so we will start
a new language course for a second group of men. We are only there for the
start and then the young people will run this course. We have the deep impression that God has provided this work for us and we really enjoy it. It is so
great to see how God provided everything we need for this work - and we realise how good this kind of work is for all of our church members. So many
people are praying that these refugees will find Christ. It is so exciting what
God is going to do….”
Jesse & Bobbie are pleased to report that over the winter months they
have managed to translate 19 Bible lessons - so almost half way! By the time
you read these notes they will be on their way back to the States for the next
four or five months for a well-deserved break.
More News from the Paetzold family!
Christiaan was already in trouble with his knee, necessitating a return
from Mozambique to South Africa where up-to-date medical treatment is more
readily available. But then he was diagnosed with scabies!
Belinda writes:
“We need to disinfect all of us, including my poor sister whom we are
staying with, plus clean all bedding, mattresses and carpets, etc! I went out and
bought a bunch of stuff today as well – new towels, bedding and blankets!! We should be fine after tonight’s treatment – please pray for us!!
We also heard today that Christiaan and Stefan (so far) also have bilharzia! This time in SA is not quite how we envisioned it. We will redo the
blood tests on Christiaan in 10 days’ time and then he will have the knee op if
all is fine.
Alfred and Bernard also have the little scabies pe(s)ts but we will all undergo the treatment just in case Stefan and I also have them. It is really quite a
hectic time for us – going from doctor to pharmacy to doctor to pharmacy!! In
the meantime we are also applying for our UK visas – please pray that it will
go fast and we will be able to quickly apply for the Shengen visa next.
Psalm 50:15 “Call upon Me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you, and you will honour Me."
Lots of love!
Alfred and Belinda and the boys – bugs and all!”
From the Editor
Heather Grierson
Well this is my final Magazine - and I intend to go out with a flourish by
making it the biggest Magazine ever - 20 pages - which should give you some
bedtime(?) reading for a few days!
But what about the future? How will EGU communicate with folk who
are not always there on a Sunday to see a Notice Sheet? How will we keep in
touch with “fringe” people? So far no one has come forward to take over.
Hopefully God is giving someone a prod… could it be you?
A future Magzine could be just be simple newsletter - it doesn’t have to
be in the same format as I have used. Maybe a team of people could take over
and share the load? And the good news is, all a new Editor would have to do
is write the Magazine: I will continue to photocopy, and Suzy Davey is keen to
get started on collation and distribution.
Please talk to me if you are interested, or would like to know more.
Monksthorpe Chapel
Soup Lunches
Now owned jointly by the Baptists
and the National Trust, this small
historic Baptist Chapel in the heart of
rural Lincolnshire not too far from
Gunby Hall is well worth a visit!
We would like to thank all who
have helped us with the Soup
Lunches over the past 6 months.
It has been much appreciated,
as without your help these Lunches
would not have taken place.
There will again be regular
Services held there during 2015,
on Saturdays at 3pm:
18th April
Rev Frances Godden,
(Balderton, Newark)
- Communion Service
16th May
Rev Jeff Higgins, (Grimsby)
20th June
Rev Colin Bowden (Burgh-le-Marsh)
18th July
15th August
19th September - Harvest
Rev Graeme Stockdale (Chesterfield)
10th October
12th December Carol Service at 2pm
Rev Colin Bowden
New EMBA Appointments
The EMBA are delighted to announce
the appointment of
Ellen & Steve Price
as Regional Ministers.
Ellen will join the EMBA Team on a
full-time basis, while Steve will be
part-time non-stipendiary.
On Saturday 18th April we are
trying a PLOUGHMAN’S LUNCH to
see if this would work on a
monthly basis during the summer.
If it proves successful we will be
looking for teams to continue these
Lunches from May – September so
that, hopefully, each team will only
do two Saturdays during this time.
Any of the current Soup Lunch
groups wishing to continue through
the summer, or anyone else
interested in joining a team, please
speak to Pat Robinson asap.
Hospitalities Outreach
Help Needed!
Suzy Davey and her family have
recently moved into a house in
Louth which needs a lot of work
doing on it in order to make it a
comfortable home to live in.
If you are skilled in any of the
following areas, or if you could
recommend a good contractor,
please talk to Suzy
or contact her on 01507 654722
Plumbing,
gardening/landscaping,
electricians, roofers, etc….
Calendar for April
Thu 2nd
7.30pm
Fri
Sat
Sun
3rd
4th
5th
Sun 12th
Thu 16th
Sat 18th
7.30pm
7.30pm
10.30am
10.30am
2.00pm
10.00am
12 noon
3.00pm
Sun 19th
10.30am
Wed 27th
Sat 25th
7.30pm
Sun 26th
10.30am
Maundy Thursday
Eucharist of the Last Supper at St. James’ Church
Maundy Thursday Reflection at EGU
Good Friday Reflection at EGU
Holy Saturday Reflection at EGU
Easter Day:
Easter Worship with Communion - Rev. Chris Ray
Worship led by Carol Irwin
Hospitalities Outreach Meeting
Jumble Sale in aid of Church Camp
Ploughman’s Lunch at EGU
Communion Service at Monksthorpe Chapel led by Rev. Frances Godden (Newark)
Baptismal Service for Chris Timson
led by Rev. Chris Ray
Hustings Event at Louth Methodist Church
EMBA AGM & Association Day at Melton Mowbray
- with Anthony Billington from the London Institute
of Contemporary Christianity
Communion Service led by Rev. Chris Ray
Minister’s Diary
2nd
3rd
4th
7th
20th
Maundy Thursday Reflection
Good Friday Reflection
Easter Saturday Reflection
- 15th Holiday
Meeting with Rev. Langley
Mackrell-Hay
Wednesdays: Men’s Bible Study
Jumble Sale
in aid of the Church Camp in August:
This has now been re-arranged for
SATURDAY 18TH APRIL.
If you have any items you can donate
please see John or Helen Eedle.
Maundy Thursday
Folk from all the Churches in
Louth are invited to share in
The Eucharist of the
Last Supper
7.30pm at St. James’ Church
Celebrant Rev. Nick Brown
Preacher Rev. David Newlove
“150 Years”
A few copies of our Church’s
History are still available at the
back of the Church, price only £1.
Please help yourself, and hand your
£1 to Heather or Seith Grierson,
or leave in the pot on the table.
Minister
Secretary
Treasurer
Magazine Editor
Rev. Chris Ray
10 Elm Drive
Mrs. Carol Irwin
24 Oak Close
Mrs. Audrey Moore
North Elkington
Mrs. Heather Grierson
52 Chestnut Drive
Email: [email protected]
Worship Group Caroline Isherwood
Youth Team
Carolyn Ray
Tue. Bible Study Pat Robinson
Thu, Bible Study Annie Farrow Smith
Thu. Hsgroup
Carol Irwin
Room Lettings
Carol Irwin
Craft Circle
Dorothy Ingham
Brownies/Rainbows Pam Elliott
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CHURCH ACTIVITIES
Sunday
10.15am Open Prayer Meeting in the Lounge
10.30am Morning Worship;
+ Children’s & Young People’s Groups
Communion 3rd Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wed.
Thu
Fri
Sat
2.00pm Craft Circle - in the Sanctuary
10.30am Tuesday Drop In - at the Church
7.00pm Ladies’ Bible Study - 23 Eresbie Road
7.30pm Elders’ Meeting (1st Tuesday)
10 - 12 noon Coffee Morning in the Church Lounge
“Sunbeams” (Mums & Toddlers) in the Church Hall
7.30pm Men’s Bible Study - Church Lounge
7.30pm Church Meeting (4th Wednesday alternate months)
10.30am Bible Study - in the Church Lounge
2.00pm Flower Arranging Class in the Church Hall (fortnightly)
4.30pm
6.00pm
6.00pm
9-10am
Rainbows
Brownies
Worship Group Rehearsal in the Church
Prayer Meeting in the Sanctuary
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
God calls us to be a Worshipping, Caring, Growing Family,
committed to following and serving our Lord Jesus Christ.