STAINES METHODIST CHURCH NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2014 Minister: Rev. J. Izzard Tel: Ashford (01784) 252559 Sunday Services: 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday School: 10:30 a.m. From the Minister Dear Friends, The Poppies at the Tower of London have been spectacular and truly amazing! You may well have been to visit along with thousands of others to view this incredible art installation called the “Blood Swept Lands And Seas of Red” exhibition, by artist Paul Cummins involving 888,246 ceramic poppies planted in the dry moat at the Tower. The poppies have been individually crafted and each one represents a British military fatality during the First World War. The exhibition marks the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War in 1914 and the ceramic poppies have been progressively filling the Tower’s moat since it opened on 5th August. I was privileged to view this magnificent display from the air – whilst on a helicopter ride over London (belated 60th birthday gift!) and this powerful visual commemoration was both a breathtaking and stunning sight to behold. There has been much coverage on the news of the overwhelming popularity of this exhibition which has caught the imagination of hundreds and thousands who wish to see this display before it concludes on 11th November. Well why such an appeal? I believe that people are wishing “to do something” to mark the commemoration of the centenary of World War 1 recognising the huge loss of individual lives who gave of themselves sacrificially so that we could have the freedom that we now have today. As General Lord Dannatt remarked, “This installation brings it home individually. It was a life lost, a family ruined, a community shattered. And I think it's absolutely right that in the mass, you pick out the individuals.” November is a time of reflection and remembering – for those who gave their lives in war and of our own loved ones who have passed on. Many of us will have fond memories that we cherish. We may also remember those who were instrumental in shaping our own Christian faith by their witness and influence in our lives – whether it was a former 2 Sunday School teacher, family friend, colleague, minister or great uncle, aunt or grandparent – someone whose influence affected us in some important or profound way. As we reflect, we give thanks to those who acted as signposts to us to point us the way to Jesus – the once and for all sacrifice for each one of us. The sacrifice of Jesus’ life by his death on the Cross and the shedding of his blood was to reunite us back to God so that we could know complete forgiveness and enjoy a relationship with him forever. The words of the worship song “Jesus Christ, I look upon Your sacrifice” by Matt Redman helps us to appreciate the gift of his life to each of us as individuals. Jesus Christ, I think upon Your sacrifice You became nothing, poured out to death Many times I’ve wondered at Your gift of life And I’m in that place once again I’m in that place once again And once again I look upon the cross where You died I’m humbled by Your mercy and I’m broken inside Once again I thank You Once again I lay down my life Now You are exalted to the highest place King of the heavens, where one day I'll bow But for now I marvel at Your saving grace And I’m full of praise once again I’m full of praise once again Thank You for the cross Thank You for the cross Thank You for the cross, my friend. As we reflect and remember this November let us give thanks to the One whose sacrifice makes our lives complete. Yours in Christ, John 3 News of the Church Family You are probably all aware that the planned move by Mike and Lou Ashford didn’t happen. However there is good news as they have found a new buyer and the house that they were buying in Highworth is still available. Hopefully they should be able to move this side of Christmas, and thank everyone for all their prayers: both so far and continuing. John and Marian Izzard have learned that as from September 2015 John will be Superintendent Minister of the Isle of Wight Circuit. Church Family Christmas Card Yes it's that time of year when you find an envelope inside the Newsletter inviting you to be on the Church Family Christmas Card. As we may have some new people who are not familiar with this, I will explain. Several years ago, it was suggested that instead of all the Members of the Church Family spending lots of money sending cards to each other, a sort of communal card would be produced and those who wished their names to be included inside it would make a donation. The charities chosen are “Action for Children” (previously known as NCH) and the Bible Society. Last year we raised £641 which was divided between them, so you can see that it really is worthwhile. If you wish to be included, please place your donation in the envelope, fill in your details on the front, and return it to Shirley or Dave Price, or one of the Stewards. As we have to have the card ready for distribution with the December Newsletter, we must have replies early, so we need them returned by 16th November. As this Newsletter is a week later than planned it may not be possible for some of you to return your envelopes (the Stewards will look after them until Shirley collects them) so if you wish to be included, and cannot return the envelope in time, please contact Shirley by phone or email. If you have any queries please contact Shirley or Dave on 01784 462204 or by email at [email protected] Shirley Price 4 Christmas Greetings Our very best wishes to friends at Staines Methodist Church for Christmas and the coming New Year. We remember you with great affection and read the monthly newsletter with interest. with love, Gerald and Janet Gardiner Coffee Break The next Coffee Break will be held at the home of June Ellis (see Church Directory) on Tuesday 25th November from 10:30 a.m. ‘til around noon.The good cause to be supported is the Brain Tumour Charity and there will be a bring-and-buy sale. We hope to see as many friends as possible so please come along and enjoy a relaxing morning in good company. If you would like to host a Coffee Morning at your home for the charity of your choice in the coming months, please let me know. Stephanie Saturday Morning Coffee The Saturday morning coffee breaks have been in operation for very many years successfully raising hundreds of pounds for many charities of the teams, individual choices, but unfortunately we have lost some of our team due to various reasons, and it is getting wry hard to stretch the existing number of people left to cover every Saturday; so we are looking for people who feel that they would like to join the team to either go on the rota, fill in for anybody who cannot do their particular Saturday, or help a couple of people who currently work on their own. This outreach venture is very important to our Church, and to the charities we all support; so if you feel that you could help in any way please contact me. My thanks to all the current team for their dedication and support over the years. June Ellis 5 Prayer Diary for the month of November 2014 “Come Holy Spirit” Please pray for: 1st those suffering from the Ebiola Virus in Africa and elsewhere. Sun victims of natural disasters, especially those caught up in the Himalayan avalanche. rd 3 John Izzard and Pam Caporn as they prepare to lead worship next Sunday. th 4 the continuing war in Syria and Iraq: the victims and refugees in that conflict. th 5 the Bible Society’s work in Ukraine. 6th Staines Street Angels as they witness to those who think they have had a good time. 7th the BBC, ITV and other broadcasting companies. 8th uniformed and other organizations taking part in Services of Remembrance. Sun those who have died, or been injured, as a result of war. 10th the Church Pastoral Committee as they meet tonight. 11th Carol McKenner and John Izzard as they prepare to lead worship next Sunday. 12th children in many countries who have to live on the streets. 13th our National Health Service in a time of economic pressure and increased demand. 14th the peace in Afghanistan now that foreign armed forces have left. 15th Missionary Societies, especially for our own Methodist Society “All we can,” (formerly Methodist Relief and Development Fund: MRDF). Sun our Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, and other members of the Royal Family. 17th Pam Caporn and Beale Griffin as they prepare to lead worship next Sunday. 18th the Church Stewards meeting tonight. 19th people who suffer from mental health problems and their carers/advisors. 20th families: especially ones that are dysfunctional. 21st our Newsletter compilers and contributors. 6 22nd our Members of Parliament as they debate a new programme of legislation. Sun those who suffer for the sake of the Gospel. 24th John Izzard as he prepares to lead worship next Sunday. 25th Canaan Christian Bookshop, for the manager, Andy Gilmour, and his staff. 26th John Graham as he prepares to lead our Circuit Advent Service next Sunday evening. 27th the continuing peace process in Ireland; that all may work together for the good of that country. 28th Christian Aid in their campaign “Hunger for Justice”. 29th the bereaved: that they may come to terms with the loss of their loved ones. Sun the Circuit Advent Service being held at Ashford Common today. The Church Prayer Chain The Prayer Chain exists for the benefit of anyone in need of prayer. Michael & Barbara Bagg Jim Brodie Barbara Lownsbrough If you have a prayer request, please contact any one of the above. 7 Christmas is Just Around the Corner! I am, once more, offering to bake Christmas Cakes for anyone who would like one. As you know, I like starting to bake as soon as possible, to, spread the load. I will keep the same prices as last year i.e. £6 for an undecorated cake. All the proceeds, as usual, will be going to Christian Aid. I have put up a list on the Church noticeboard in the foyer, and I would appreciate you signing up as soon as possible. The last date for orders is 14th December. Will you please tick the appropriate column to indicate whether you would like a square or round cake. Thank you, Barbara Lownsbrough September Church Collections Here are the figures for September and from the beginning of the Methodist Financial Year that started on 1st September 2014. Last year to 31st August 2014 the total was £15,595·34 Average Weekly Collection last year (53 weeks) £294·25 Total from 1st September 2014 (4 weeks) £1,282·59 Average Weekly Collection from 1st September 2014 £320·65 September 2014 Total Collections (4 weeks) £1,282·59 Average September weekly collection £320·65 Note: The evening collection on 14th September (farewell to Mike and Linda Ashford) was for Canaan Trust and is not included above. John Bennett Advance Notice for December! I am thrilled to announce that we will be hosting A Christmas Carol on Sunday 14th December at 4 pm. This will be presented by Silhouette Theatre Co. It is a family show, suitable for ages 7 years upwards. Further details on the back cover of this Newsletter. Marian Izzard 8 It’s that time of year again! On Tuesday the 25th November Lilly Uganda will be hosting its annual Christmas quiz! Come along and join us for a night of festive trivia as we see if you’re the angel on top of the tree or if you’re just Christmas crackers! Teams can be a maximum of 8 people and entry is £5 per person, with doors opening at 7:30pm for an 8pm start. As usual the event will be held at Laleham Church of England Primary School, feel free to bring along your own drinks and nibbles. There will also be the opportunity to browse our selection of Ugandan arts, crafts and textiles which will be on sale in support of our work. Forward Together Pleas note that “Forward Together” which was to have taken place on 22nd November has been postponed until next year. 9 Services for the month of November 2014 2nd 10:30 a.m. 6:30 p.m. Remembrance} 9th 10:30 a.m. Sunday } 6:30 p.m. Dr. R. Midcalf Mr. M. Bagg [pw] Rev. J. Izzard Mrs. P. Caporn 16th 10:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Mrs. C. McKenner Rev. J. Izzard 23rd 10:30 a.m. 6:30 p.m. Mrs. P. Caporn Rev. B. Griffin 30th 10:30 a.m. 6:30 p.m. Rev. J. Izzard Circuit Service at Ashford Common led by Rev. J. Graham [pw] [Communion] pw denotes “Praise in Worship” from 10:20a.m. – 10:30a.m. — a chance to take a few minutes to prepare ourselves for worship Dates for your Diary Tuesday 25th 10:30 a.m. “Coffee Break” (p.5). 7:30 p.m. Lilly Uganda “Quizmas” (p.9). Items for inclusion in the December Newsletter to David Price (Staines 462204 or [email protected]) by Sunday 23rd November at the latest please
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