EMMANUEL UNITED REFORMED CHURCH Cambridge Trumpington Street, Cambridge @ Cherry Hinton Road May 2015 No: 67 1 LETTER FROM THE MODERATOR Dear friends, At the Synod meeting in March, I told the story of Kathy. Kathy was in her 80s when she started coming to one of the churches of which I was then minister in Islington. She became quite committed to all that we did. However, the interesting part of the story is what got her to church. It was simple. Maud, one of our Elders, met Kathy at the bus stop, started talking to her, and invited her to church. I contents firmly believe that the only reason for that moderator’s letter 2-3 music in emmanuel 3 methodology not working more widely is calendar 4-5 that we are British – and we don’t talk to ‘world apart’ exhibition 5 people at bus stops (though Maud was mmpg meeting 5 most certainly British which does mean that special cause 6 it is possible.) CHR tuesday fellowship 7 The mission question is key for all of us in meetings in may 8 so many different ways. If we are not christian aid week 9 going to consider where and how God is emmanuel organ opening 10-11 calling us to mission, then we really might pastoral and prayer news 12 as well shut up shop (or, I should say, area partnership meeting 13 church.) There are many images used to open cream tea 13 describe the church. I like to think of the ‘changes’ exhibition 13 church as a magnet. If we are not WW1 commemoration 14 attracting people to come and be part of cream teas at the orchard 15 God’s community, then we are surely not personnel 16 engaging in the mission to which we are text for the year 16 called. An important thing to note when we say that, is that we are unlikely to attract people if we are not attractive. Most of the churches I visit are keen to tell me how welcoming they are. Often, that is true, or, at least, largely true – but we should always be considering how we can be more welcoming and whether we really do welcome the stranger that God sends into our midst, whoever that may be. There are different ways in which we need to consider the question of mission. By the time you read this, the General Election will be imminent or, possibly, even over, but, as I write, campaigning is at its height and 2 we have just had the second TV debate, featuring a bunch of leaders of current opposition parties, but without David Cameron or Nick Clegg. I missed the actual programme as I was out chairing a meeting, but have heard much about it, as about other aspects of the Election. What is our Christian response to the various issues that are currently making the news headlines as they become the main campaigning issue of particular days. The risk is that after May 7th we just leave the politicians to get on with it. That cannot possibly be the authentic Christian response. Then, to take another angle, Nigel Uden, at the joint service with Emmanuel and St. Columba’s on the Sunday after Easter, reminded us that the key underlying question for any conversations between Emmanuel and St. Columba’s needs to ask: how can we best serve God’s mission in this city? As I write, I have no idea whether the two United Reformed congregations in central Cambridge should maintain their status quos, look for a bit (or lot) of increased co-operation, or move to form a united congregation. I do believe the question needs to be asked, which is why I have asked it, and I also believe that if we don’t use that background question as the context, we will come up with the wrong answer. Whatever happens, I suspect God has got a few surprises for us and I just hope that those things, whatever they may be, take us where God wants us to be. Paul Whittle WEDNESDAY 6 MAY Carina Drury cello Hannah Yip piano Debussy Sonata for cello & piano Fauré and Poulenc WEDNESDAY 13 MAY Cambridge Chamber Ensemble Lisa Ueda, violin Stephen Foster, viola Haydn. Bach and Mozart 3 THURSDAY 21 MAY Chris Lloyd piano Liszt, Scriabin and Ravel WEDNESDAY 27 MAY Lysianne Chen piano Bach-Marcello Adagio Bach-Busoni Ich Ruf Zu Dir Liszt Ballade n.2 Chopin Barcarolle op.60 CALENDAR FOR MAY Sunday Morning Worship at Trumpington Street (TS) at 10.45am. And at Cherry Hinton Road (CHR) at 10.30am. Nursery (TS) from 10.30am. Choir practice (TS) Sundays at 9.30am Sunday 3rd TS Morning Worship with Communion. Revd Dr John Bradbury. CHR Communion. Revd Pat Heap. Wednesday 6th 1.00 Lunchtime Concert. See p. 3 7.30 Elders Meeting. Saturday 9th 10.30-6.00 Symposium on WW1 See p. 14 Sunday 10th TS and CHR Morning Worship. Revd Charles Mather. This service will be followed by a Church Meeting at 12 noon. 6.30 United Service for Christian Aid week. See p. 9 * * * Christian Aid Week 10-16th May * * * Wednesday 13th 1.00 Lunchtime Concert. See p. 3 ‘World Apart’ exhibition opens. See next page Sunday 17th TS Morning Worship. Mrs Maureen Kendall. CHR Penny Flynn Monday 18th Wednesday 20th Thursday 21st Sunday 24th 7.30 Area partnership at St Luke’s. See p. 13 7.30 MMPG Meeting. See next page. 1.00 Lunchtime Concert. See p. 3 TS Morning Worship. Revd Stephen Orchard. CHR Wendy Roe Wednesday 27th Sunday 31st 1.00 Lunchtime Concert. See p. 3 TS Morning Worship. Revd Sam White CHR Maureen Kendall Sunday 7th June TS Communion. Revd Elizabeth Caswell CHR Communion. Revd Pat Heap. 4 Mondays to Fridays 10.30am to 3pm 13 May to 18 June Closed 15 May & 4 June Please consider who you might invite to come along and view this superb selection of embroideries. If you came on a concert day you could also enjoy a café lunch and some wonderful music on the same visit. The Ministry and Mission Programme Group is holding its next planning meeting on Wednesday 20 May at 7.30pm. It would be wonderful to have some new faces at this group - either as regular members or just for a ‘one-off’ occasion. Please consider whether you might come along and have a word with Jan Nicholls for more information. 5 SPECIAL CAUSE FOR MAY The St. John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital The Special Cause this month was proposed by Margaret Todman. She and Ruth visited the Jerusalem Eye Hospital on a visit to the Holy Land some years ago and the dedication of the staff and the vital work they carried out made a deep impression on them. They became enthusiastic supporters of the hospital so in a way our support will be a tribute to both Margaret and Ruth. ********** The St. John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group is the only charitable provider of expert eye care in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. Patients are treated regardless of ethnicity, religion or ability to pay. In the occupied Palestinian territories, the rate of blindness is ten times higher than in the West, however 80% of blindness and visual impairment is curable or preventable. The hospital strives against preventable blindness, delivering care of the highest standards often in very difficult and challenging circumstances. The East Jerusalem Eye Hospital has been operating for over 130 years. It provides modern outpatients, specialist clinics, operating theatres and a 24 hour emergency service. To overcome the severe movement restrictions in the West Bank, clinics are operated in various areas such as Anabta and Hebron and there are mobile outreach teams providing care to the most remote and impoverished communities. In Gaza, a St. John Eye Clinic was established to provide care for a population facing increasing restrictions on access to the main hospital in Jerusalem. Despite the almost complete absence of a medical infrastructure, the shortage of trained staff and the difficulties of operating in an emergency situation, the clinic provides care for an increasing number of patients. Training of local staff is a high priority, and the doctors and nurses trained at the hospital underpin all the services offered by the Group. The School of Nursing is the main provider of ophthalmic nursing training for the whole of the Middle east. Without the hospital and its outreach services, many people would be unable to access treatment and would risk irreparable damage to their sight. Please support this vital work of saving sight and changing lives if you are able. Cheques should be made payable to 'St. John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group' and donations can be gift-aided (Registered Charity no. 1139527). John Kendall 6 CHERRY HINTON ROAD TUESDAY FELLOWSHIP May 5th Joan Turner 12th Charity – New Arthur Rank Hospice 19th To be arranged 26th Tea Party At the end of March we celebrated our annual Holy Week Communion and we were reminded of the way in which Jesus would take some of the most everyday things (and people!) and transform their being into things of value. On Palm Sunday he chose an ordinary donkey on which to ride for his last journey into Jerusalem – a journey to go down in history; he took bread and wine from the table to represent himself as he suffered death and by which we could remember him through the ages and he chooses each one of us to be precious to him. On the following Tuesday, being Easter Week, Brian Anker gave us a talk centred on an unusual view of resurrection. He showed us three famous pictures of a projected future event – with a great variety of people, each known to the painter, emerging from their tombs. Such paintings beg a number of questions but Brian reflected on the concept of Resurrection for Jesus and for others as a central message for Christians. Pat Heap engaged us with the idea of ‘Treasures’. Showing us some ‘simple’ family mementoes and telling us something of their special meaning to those concerned, she contrasted these with some treasures of worldly value seen in a local exhibition. She highlighted her message by choosing, as our final hymn, words about that greatest treasure, grace: “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound! How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed.” Tandy Harrison told us about our local charity for the session, ‘Eddie’s’, which helps people of all ages who have learning disabilities. The charity is based at Fulbourn and used to be part of Mencap. Unfortunately, due to illness, very few members were present that day but Tandy spoke with such interest that we all felt we’d had a really good afternoon. Julia Stone 7 MEETINGS IN MAY Church Prayers Every weekday morning 10.15am in church Emmanuel’s Choir meets on Sunday mornings at 9.30am in the church, new singers always welcome Requests for the Prayer Circle contact: Mary 501355 contact: Mark Dawes, organist 01954 212514 Young Adults’ Group meets on Monday evenings 7.30 at the church for a varied programme of activities. Emmanuel Band and Singing House Group meets on Thursdays, 14th and 28th May for praise and fellowship at 1, Topcliffe Way contact: Emmanuel Office 351174 contact: David or Penny Flynn 515815 Cherry Hinton Road Tuesday Fellowship meets in the Chapel at CHR every Tuesday From 2.30 to 3.30 See page 7 Men and women welcome. Ferried Friends Meets on Thursday 14th May At Langdon House, Union Lane, Chesterton contacts: Liz Barrow 369212; Penny Flynn 515815 Contact Revd Julia Stone 01954 781297 ‘New’ After Eights Knit Café Knit Café meets weekly in the Café on Thursdays from 2-4pm There will be no meeting in May as the 25th May is a Bank Holiday Knit One Give one A knitting Café! Contacts: Liz Barrow 369212 Val Cooper 276857 Contact the church office 351174 8 Christian Aid Week 10-16 May 2015 Afraid, alone, in pain Be the answer to Loko’s prayer this Christian Aid Week. This Christian Aid Week, you can help transform the lives of women like Loko. From 10-16 May, churches the length and breadth of Britain and Ireland will come together to pray, campaign and raise money to improve the lives of people like Loko. Every year, 100,000 volunteers demonstrate God’s love for the poor by taking part in house-to-house collections for Christian Aid. This fantastic witness is a chance to take the mission of the church into your community. Loko’s choice in life is simple: ‘If I can’t collect firewood, my children will die.’ Four times a week, in a remote corner of Ethiopia, Loko makes a backbreaking eight-hour trip to gather wood. It’s a task she dreads, but she steels herself to do it because if she doesn’t her children will starve. She prays to God as she walks. ‘I ask him to change my life and lead us out of this,’ she says. Just £5 could give Loko a loan to start her own business buying and selling tea and coffee, freeing her from her desperate task and allowing her to spend more time caring for her family. Many members of Emmanuel collect house-to-house in their own area. If you would like to be put in touch with the co-ordinator in your village or street, contact Ted Dennison (354282) or Maureen Kendall (500593) for details. United Service for Christian Aid Week Sunday, 10th May at 6.30pm Trumpington Parish Church Preacher: John Ellis, Lay Moderator of the URC Parking available; followed by light refreshments. 9 Emmanuel Organ Opening 26th May 1880 Emmanuel’s present building was opened in 1874. In January 1880, Church Meeting decided to install an organ and fund raising started. By February £500 had been collected and a contract was placed with Henry Willis for the new organ. The opening Recital and Service was on Wednesday 26th May 1880 – 135 years ago this month. The following is a notice of the opening events from a Cambridge newspaper of the time. It has been shortened by leaving out the organ specification, which is today almost what it was in 1880. Much of the music in the Recital programme is obscure. I have managed to identify all the more obscure composers, but not the music mentioned. The piece by Volckmar, Fantasia (Op76) must be wrong as Op 76 is actually a piece called Festintrada for two players at one organ! Revd H Allon was the minister at Union Chapel, Islington, where there is a large and beautiful Willis organ installed in 1877 and restored in 2013. …………………………………….. From the ‘Cambridge Independent Press’ May 29th 1880: OPENING OF NEW ORGAN AT EMMANUEL CHURCH. The Church and congregation worshipping at Emmanuel Congregational Church, Trumpington Street, have just added to the completeness of their means of conducting Divine Service, an organ, which was opened on Wednesday last, in the presence of large congregation. Hitherto the musical part the service has been conducted on a harmonium, but, in a building of such architectural pretensions, and situated in such an important part of Cambridge as Emmanuel Church, it could only be regarded as a temporary piece of church furniture. We are glad to be able to congratulate our Congregational friends upon having supplied such a desideratum as a first class organ. The time is gone past when there was any necessity to justify the introduction of musical instruments as an aid to congregational singing, and the provision of such an instrument as an organ does not imply that such singing is to be carried out as will supersede congregational singing; on the contrary, an organ and a good choir are very efficient aids to general congregational devotions —properly directed. The organ, which has been built by Messrs. Henry Willis and Sons of London and is considered by them to be one of the best they have ever constructed has been placed in a chamber on the side of the apse and presents a surprisingly effective appearance adding much to the beauty of the interior of the church. Its position is also admirably suited for sound as was demonstrated on Wednesday, the difference between that and the harmonium being very marked. 10 The proceedings commenced on Wednesday at three o’clock with a recital on the organ by Dr Garrett, M.A. St John’s, the University organist, who performed the following music to the great gratification of a large and appreciative audience:Overture Saul Handel Fantasia (op 76) Volckmar Larghetto Hummel Prelude and Fugue (C minor) Engellbrecht Aria (F Sharp minor) S.S.Wesley Prelude and Fugue (G major) Bach Adagio Allegro Maestro ) Vogel Introduction and March Smart The performance of Dr. Garrett was not only tribute to the skill of the organist but was very satisfactory as regards the instrument showing that it no way suffers, as regards giving forth of sound, from its confinement in the apse. At the termination of the recital, public tea took place in the schoolroom, which was numerously attended. At half-past seven in the evening, a special service was held in the church, when Mr. Henry Willis presided at the new organ in first-class style. The service commenced by singing, followed by reading of a portion of the Holy Scriptures, after which the anthem “All nations, praise the Lord” was sung by the choir. Part of the 7th Chapter of the Book of Revelations was then read, and followed by singing and prayer after which another anthem “Teach me thy way, O Lord” was sung. The Rev. H. Allon, D.D., of London, then preached a most impressive sermon, lasting about forty-five minutes, from 1 Chronicles xvi, 26, “Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” If, he said, he had been going to preach an ordinary pastoral sermon, he would have dwelt upon the spiritual elements of the beauty, but would speak that night of the forms and appliances which constituted the beauty of worship. The rev. gentleman concluded his sermon with a few remarks on general principles and tendencies, stating that, on the whole, his verdict would be against delegated choir-singing. After the sermon the preacher observed that there was to be a collection to help defray the expenses attending the purchase of the organ, and about £150 was necessary to complete the purchase. We understand the organ cost £700. The service terminated with singing and prayer. ……………………………………. Another newspaper of the time, the ‘Cambridge Express’ has a much longer report with a particularly full account of Allon’s sermon. John Turner 11 PASTORAL AND PRAYER NEWS We received Easter greetings from Revd Peter Kardos who remembers his time in Cambridge with great affection. We were very sorry to hear that Esther Stanton had had an accident in Cambridge, when her buggy overturned. She has seriously injured her back and is in a lot of pain. Our prayers are with her at this time. Also, we remember Jane Bower who has had her operation and is making a splendid recovery. We hope she will continue to take life easy for a while to get her full strength back. Congratulations to Cristina Cipriani who has reached another milestone and celebrated with many friends. Thank you for sharing that with us, Cristina. It was good to see Maren Kenner (TfG 2011-12) and her friend, who came for the weekend especially for the birthday! We were glad to hear that Ruth McKenzie is back at home, and would like to welcome visitors—but please ring (07443 526 005) before dropping in. The same applies to Christine and Roger Sansom—they enjoy visitors, but need prior notice, as Christine still gets very tired. We remember them all in our prayers. From Jane Bower: I am very grateful for the presence and support and donations of memories, letters, poems, music, readings and money from many friends who came to ‘Listening in the Lounge’ on 24th April I am truly delighted to say that so far £280.40 has been raised for War Child and the show’s and Emmanuel hire expenses are well on the way to being met. I have also received several donations, and promises of donations, from people who could not be present. I have had so many messages from people who regretted that they were unable to come on a weekday, that I shall be holding another ‘Listening in the Lounge’ on Saturday June 27th (Armed Forces Day). All welcome – drop in for as short or long as you wish, 10-12, 2.30-4.30, 7-9 – and bring a poem, letter, piece of music or memory to read or share, and make a donation. 9 Mark’s Way, Girton, CB3 0PW. 01223 502628. Refreshments provided. Donations to War Child, Emmanuel URC and Daddy’s Diaries – my new show about my father’s war, to be performed at Emmanuel URC on September 18th. 12 Area Partnership Meeting at St Luke’s At the Area partnership meeting at St Luke’s on Monday, 18th May at 7.30pm, the Moderator, Revd Paul Whittle, will report on his visit to Vellore, in India, where he led an ecumenical group from Cambridgeshire on a partnership visit. Anyone is welcome to these meetings, and as this meeting will be in Cambridge, it will be much easier for people to get there. Open Cream Tea at Emmanuel in August BOOK THIS DATE We hope to open the church on Saturday afternoon, 22nd August, for Cream Teas for anyone passing by. It is necessary not just to have the teas ready, but to have people to welcome and to talk. Please book this date and be prepared to come down for an hour or two. Jan Nicholls CHANGES IN CAMBRIDGE AND EMMANUEL In the summer we are planning to hold a display sharing some of the changes that have taken place within the church and in Cambridge. As part of this there will be a ‘Church Search’ for our visitors to enjoy. We would also like to include some memories and photos from those who have been part of Emmanuel or lived in Cambridge for a long time. Please think about this and consider how you might be able to help with this display. Items needed by the beginning of June. Thank you, Jan Nicholls 13 Commemoration of the First World War, 19141914From the moment that a national commemoration of the First World War was proposed, it was clear to those responsible in the Diocese of Ely that this could only appropriately be done here in conjunction with our friends in the Nordkirche in Germany. It was therefore proposed that a Symposium should be held, open to all in both churches, to reflect on the significance of that War in our understanding of Church and Nation. This Symposium will take place on Saturday 9 May, 2015 in The Old Palace, Ely, with the following programme: 10.30 Arrivals, registration and coffee. 11.00 Welcome and introductions. 11.15 Address by Canon Professor David Thompson, Emeritus Professor of Modern Church History in the University of Cambridge and Ecumenical Adviser to the Bishop of Ely; ‘Popular attitudes among English Churches to War with Germany, 1911-15’ followed by discussion. 1.00 Lunch (Please bring a packed lunch; drinks provided) 2.15 Address by Revd Jörn Halbe, formerly Director of the Pastoralkolleg in Ratzenburg—he is a well-known Old testament scholar and commentator on church life ‘Patriotism, Belligerence and Christian faith: the German Empire’s Churches in the first World War’ . . . followed by discussion 4.00 Conclusion, follow by tea. 5.30 Special Evensong in Ely Cathedral. If you intend to come, please contact Dr Bridget Nichols at The Bishop’s House, Ely, Cambs, CB7 4DW (tel: 01353 662749), or by email to [email protected] by 6 May. The Old Palace is opposite the West door of the Cathedral and is now the main building of the King’s School. Entrance is from Palace Green. 14 Cream teas at the Orchard!! Dear members of Emmanuel, I’m in my last months of my volunteer service and slowly but surely my time at Emmanuel finishes at the end of June. In order to gather together for a last time I would like to invite you for a walk to Grantchester on Saturday, the 6th of June. After walking along the River, we will have a cream tea at the Orchard in Grantchester. We will meet at 2pm at the Lammas Land Car Park on Driftway where free parking is available. For those who cannot walk all the way, you are welcome to meet us in Grantchester at the Orchard. There is a list in the Garden room for people to sign; please say if you are walking or travelling by car and if you need, or can offer, a lift to anyone. I hope to see many of you and looking forward to spend a fun afternoon! Imke Esmann Notices for each Sunday’s sheet should reach the church office by 9.00am on the previous Wednesday [by paper, ‘phone, or email]. Contributions for the next issue - June 2015 - of the Newsletter (named or initialled) should be with the editor (in the Newsletter pigeon hole in the Garden Room or emailed to [email protected] by Sunday May 24th Thank you. 15 CHURCH OFFICERS AND PERSONNEL Interim Moderator: Revd Charles Mather (01954 277119) Organist Emmanuel TS Community Development Director: Time for God Worker: Office Assistant: Mark Dawes Jan Nicholls Imke Esmann Anne Field 01954 212514 351174 351174 351174 Secretaries: Church Secretary: Margaret Thompson Elders Secretary: Liz Barrow Convener of Finance and Management Committee: Mark Reader Secretary to Finance and Management Committee: Stephen Thornton Finance: Receiving; Disbursing; & envelopes Church Office Gift Aid: Elaine Proctor 351174 741092 Junior Church & Young People: Library: Bookstall: Newsletter Editor: REFORM distributor Chief Steward: 359983 527890 354282 500593 213527 337163 Church Church Church Church Pat Saxton Diane Saxon Ted Dennison Maureen Kendall Andy McKenzie Mark Reader 362500 369212 337163 506306 office: 01223 351174 email address: [email protected] website: http://www.emmanuel-urc.org.uk address: Trumpington Street, Cambridge. CB2 1RR Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge. CB1 7AJ Text for the Year ‘Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God—what is good and pleasing to God and is perfect. Romans 12.2. 16
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