Ordinary people........Where love is the key!
What do you really want out of life? The interviewer asked a
famous footballer who had just pulled off a contract worth
millions. “I suppose...” he said and paused. “ I suppose to be
happy.” I think he had it right.
It is a strange world that we live in today, so different from the
one we once knew. The rate of change is accelerating ever
faster, not only on one level but simultaneously on many.
Computers and the Worldwide Web seem for some to make the
world shrink to the size of a small town that we no longer feel
we inhabit.
Maybe it doesn’t greatly matter whether we discuss something
with someone over the internet or chat to an elderly person next
to us on the bus; whether we send an e-mail or skype with a
relative 4,000 miles away or chat to our neighbour as we queue
up at Horninglow Post Office. The important thing is to
communicate – to find love and friendship around us, to laugh
with neighbours, friends and family, to share special moments
together. To share love in the ordinary ....this is to be part of the
human race.
It can be resourceful too, to have times in silent prayer, “Doing
nothing with God” for if we do nothing in our time with God it
enables us to be with others, without wanting to do
anything....content to “just” be there with others in support.
(Open 4 prayer every Wednesday 5-7pm whether at home or in
Church provides this and a way of being together in a web of
prayer).
In his book “Way of the Heart” Henri Nouwen writes that
compassionate solidarity grows in solitude, in silence and
stillness. In solitude we realise that nothing human is alien to us,
that the roots of all conflict, war, injustice, cruelty, hatred,
jealousy, and envy are deeply anchored in our own heart.
Nouwen says “In solitude our heart of stone can be turned into a
heart of flesh, a rebellious heart into a contrite heart, and a
closed heart into a heart that can open itself to all suffering
people in a gesture of solidarity.” And when we stop judging our
neighbours, stop evaluating them, we become free to be
compassionate.
Compassion is harder than we think because it can require us to
go to a place where others are fragile, vulnerable or lonely ....
and it isn’t always our natural response to want to be with them
in that suffering, because what we often desire most is to flee
from it or find a quick cure for it.
It’s natural for us to want to feel useful, to make a difference and
using our simple gifts we can make a huge difference but we can
all learn that when we truly love we are content to stand beside
others in their struggles and sorrows, when we can sit with
people in pain and confusion without wanting or needing to say
anything, for then we are bringing God’s unconditional love and
compassion to others.
Visiting in the community I have become aware of good
neighbours living out God’s call to the best of their capacity,
doing what they can in the circumstances in patient quiet
service, keeping the show on the road - they are the beautiful
ordinary unsung heroes of the community … thank God for them.
They have risen to the occasion of their lives and their example
encourages us to do the same. Part of God’s calling to each one
of us is that we are called to be God’s unsung heroes and in
doing this we find extra-ordinary beauty in the ordinary.
I have come to the conclusion that people can only be termed
“ordinary” when seen as a large group from a distance...and it’s
when you get close and learn something of an individual they
stop being ordinary ......we need more opportunities to become
“Up close and personal” and discover the extra-ordinary for
ourselves; it is good to work towards friendly, loving, laughing
and peaceful neighbourhoods.
Last week Horninglow and Eton parish council ran a very helpful
event at Carver Road Scout Hut to learn about some of the
services available to us or to serve in. Information about some of
these services are enclosed in the magazine this month. There is
also an opportunity to volunteer to get involved in setting up a
Good Neighbour Scheme in this locality.
At St Chad’s for some-time now we have wanted to develop a
Tuesday drop-in at the Community Centre. We would like it to be
for anyone and everyone who just wants to come and sit or chat
or share experiences; problem–solve with a listening ear; read or
draw or paint or “knit for purpose” or maybe even bake bread well almost everything really - whatever suits. Refreshments
would be on the go all morning. If you feel called to be involved
and help with either the Good Neighbour scheme or the Tuesday
drop-in, please contact Nicky on 0773 4899931 or George on
01283 516804.
Nicky Grey
Milestones
It is with sadness that we recall the recent death of the following with whom
we have had contact through the ministry of St Chad’s.
Win Dunn
Bryan Jones
28th December
7th January
We have celebrated the baptism of the following, who has
entered into membership of the church of Christ
18th January
Madison Hurd-Taylor
Contacts at St Chad's
Vicar
Curate
Revd George Crossley
The Vicarage
113 Hunter Street
Burton upon Trent
DE14 2SS
Tel: 01283 516804
[email protected]
@vicargeorge
Revd Nicky Grey
Scarista House
Church Leigh
ST10 4PT
Tel: 0773 4899931
[email protected]
Parish website: www.stchadsburton.org.uk
Church wardens
Julia Elliott
Lynda Jones
Tel: 01283 565057
Tel: 01283 516398
(and Centre Bookings)
Each year we have a Lent Course at St
Chad's where we follow a particular
theme each Tuesday. It is an opportunity
to take Lent seriously and to explore
what we can learn about God in the run
up to Good Friday and Easter. This year
we are using the course:
PRAISE HIM – SONGS OF
PRAISE IN THE NEW
TESTAMENT.
The sessions include discussions and
exploration of different themes with
input (on CD) from the Archbishop of
Canterbury, Justin Welby; Sister Wendy
Beckett, David Suchet and the editor of
the Methodist Recorder Moira Sleight.
Everyone is welcome – you don't have to be especially holy or
especially clever to take part. It is a chance to make better friends and
deepen our experience of God as well. The sessions begin at 7.30pm
on Tuesday 24th February at the Vicarage. If you can let the vicar know
you will be there, it will be helpful, but if you decide at the last minute
you will be just as welcome.
What's on this month ... in the church
Sunday 1st February
Candlemas
8am
Holy Communion (Quiet Service)
10am
Holy Communion
Young church will meet during part of the service.
Wednesday 4th February
5-7pm
Open4Prayer
The church will be open for anyone to drop in for silent prayer
and reflection or to join in with the prayers of others.
Evening prayer: 5pm, Intercessions: 6pm, Compline: 6.45pm
Sunday 8th February
2nd Sunday before Lent
8am
Holy Communion (Quiet Service)
10am
Holy Communion
Young church will meet during part of the service.
7pm
Feeding Station
St Mary, Stretton
Tuesday 10th February
7.30pm
Bible study
Vicarage
Wednesday 11th February
5-7pm
Open4Prayer
Sunday 15th February Sunday next before Lent
8am
Holy Communion (Quiet Service)
10.30am
All Age Service – Souper Sunday
Wednesday 18th February
Ash Wednesday
5-7pm
Open4Prayer
7.30pm
Holy Communion
St Mary's Stretton
Sunday 22nd February 1st Sunday of Lent
8am
Holy Communion (Quiet Service)
10am
Holy Communion
Young church will meet during part of the service.
There will be a Fairtrade stall in church.
Tuesday 24th February
7.30pm
Lent course
Wednesday 25th February
5-7pm
Open4Prayer
The Happy Lunch Club
St Chad's Community Centre
3rd February 11am-2pm
and every first Tuesday
Company, fun, refreshments,
activities and a hot meal
Please book on 544319
Cost £4
Vicarage
BISHOP OF STAFFORD’S PASTORAL LETTER
FEBRUARY 2015
The best things about February is that it is a short month! It is dark
and chilly and has no ‘highlights’ like Christmas to liven it up. Yet,
under the earth things are starting to stir and in the fields there are
signs of new life and the promise that warmer and brighter days are
not so far away.
During 2015 I have the privilege of serving as President of the
Staffordshire and Birmingham Agricultural Society which is based at the
County Showground in Stafford. If you have never been to the County
Show I would urge you to put May 27th or 28th in your diary now – it is
interesting and brilliant fun for all the family whatever the weather is
like! As well as all the livestock and competitions there are amazing
demonstrations like sheep shearing and skilled blacksmiths replacing
horse shoes and stalls selling all kinds of craft items.
For a ‘city lad’ like myself, involvement with the Society has been a real
learning curve and I have nothing but admiration for the hard working
farmers of this Diocese as they grapple with continuous uncertainties
of the weather, milk prices and the challenges of bovine TB. All of this
in an age when small farms are on the decline and the increase in
larger organisations and the fewer market days means that farmers
have less opportunity to meet for mutual encouragement.
Churches have a key role to play in rural matters and I get frustrated
with some ‘incomers’ into our villages who do not seem interested in
supporting their local parish church and who fail to engage with their
new Community. It is indifference that has resulted in the loss of the
village shop and pub and school and frankly will put at risk the future
sustainability of many of our rural church buildings. The message is
clear – use it or lose it! We must focus the resources that God has
given us where there is opportunity for mission and growth. This is
nothing new - read Matthew 10: 14!
The encouraging news is that despite all the challenges, many young
people are still going to agricultural college and want to work in our
rural areas. Many Young Farmers I meet are incredibly lively and
upbeat and I admire both their enthusiasm and their commitment.
The Young Farmers support and encourage one another and I warmly
commend the local groups to any
young person who is looking to make friends and try new activities you do not have to be farming to join!
It is essential that we find ways to keep the cost of housing in our rural
communities realistic to enable these young people who WANT to
engage to do so. Bringing young families back into our villages is
essential if they are to have any future and their loss would be
tragically detrimental to the life of this nation. I hope that this is one of
the many areas about which we quiz our prospective MPs as we
approach the coming General Election.
February brings new growth – it also offers the opportunity for new
spiritual growth (Lent begins on Ash Wednesday – February 18th).
Please pray for all who live and work in the rural parts of our Diocese
and try to keep their needs in mind in the various discussions that will
be taking place in our Lent Groups this year.
+Geoff
D J LAWFORD
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SAY ONE FOR ME
At St Chad’s we believe that prayer changes
people and changes things. Collectively we pray
on Sundays for people and places, seeking God’s
help and to bring to him the troubles we have.
We also pray as individuals, during February we will be praying for people and
businesses on the following streets on the following days of the month.
We also think it is important to read the bible as part of the way of sustaining
our relationship with God, so there are suggested bible readings for each day
as well. These follow the Church of England lectionary, so we will be reading
the same passage of scripture as thousands of people throughout the country.
1 Wetmore Lane
Luke 2:22-40
15 Black Eagle Court
Mark 9:2-9
2 Wetmore Road
Mark 5:1-20
16 Blythf ield
Psalm 50
3 Wharf Road
Mark 5:21-43
17 Borough Road
Psalm 29
4 William Street
Mark 6:1-6a
18 Bramling Cross Road
John 8:1-11
5 Windsor Industrial Est
Mark 6:7-13
19 Bridge Street
Psalm 110:1-4
6 Wordsw orth Close
Mark 6:14-29
20 Bronte Close
Psalm 51:1-5,17-18
7 Worthington Way
Mark 6:30-34
21 Brook Street
Psalm 86:1-7
8 Wylie Mew s
John 1:1-14
22 Burton Albion FC
Mark 1:9-15
9 Albion Terrace
Genesis 1:1-19
23 Burton Enterprise Park Matthew 25:31-end
10 Anderstaf f Ind Estate
Genesis 1:20-2:4a
24 Carousels
11 Anson Court
Genesis 2:4b-9,15-17 25 Chaucer Close
Luke 11:29-32
12 Arthur Street
Genesis 2:18-end
26 Chesterton Road
Matthew 7:7-12
13 Barker Round Way
Genesis 3:1-8
27 Churnet Court
Matthew 5:20-26
14 Barley Close
Genesis 3:9-end
28 Clarke Industrial Estate Matthew 5:43-end
Matthew 6:7-15
If you would like prayer for yourself or anyone you care for, then please
contact a member of the church and we will commit ourselves to pray for that
specific need.
Friends Galore
As Nicky has mentioned elsewhere in the magazine, the Parish Council
recently held an event at which organisations which can provide
support made themselves known. Below are details of some of them
and ideas about where more information can be found. If you would
like to contact any of them, either as a service user or as a potential
volunteer, please do.
Speakability
For those suffering from speech problems arising
from stroke, head injury, brain tumour or other
causes support and help can be found through
Speakability. There is a local group which meets every
Thursday 9.45-11.45 at St Mary and Modwen Parish Room, Guild
Street. Further information can be provided by Mrs Sylvia Kingsbury
contact 01283 519131. Or visit the website:
speakability.org.uk.
Harper Avenue Neighbourhood Friendship Club
Loneliness is bad for your health and can be an awful problem to live
with. The club offers the opportunity to get out and meet neighbours
for a chat a cup of tea or coffee and a chance to laugh with others. It
meets fortnightly on a Thursday at 2pm at St John's Court. It will soon
be moving to Dove Court on Church View. For further information
contact either Kay Lear 01283 530554 or Liz Minshall 01785 242525.
Carers Association for Southern Staffordshire (CASS)
CASS supports unpaid carers of any age in southern
Staffordshire, who are looking after a friend or
relative, who because of disability, illness or the
effects of old age, cannot manage at home without
help.
CASS is a registered charity, which provides
confidential advice, information and emotional
support and a range of other services to Carers living in the districts of
Cannock Chase, East Staffs, Lichfield, South Staffs, Stafford and
Tamworth. All of these services are free of charge.
Further information is available on 01785 222365 or
carersinformation.org.uk
There are also groups which meet regularly at St Chad's Community
Centre:
The Darby & Joan Group meet
each Thur 2-4pm for a warm
welcome, conversation and games.
More details from Norma Crofts
01283 536575
Busy Bodies Parent and Toddler Group
meet at the Community Centre each
Wednesday and Thursday 9.30-11.30 just
turn up! A chance to meet with other
parents, grandparents and carers and
give your children a chance to play.
On the first Tuesday of
each month 11am –
2pmn is the Happy
Lunch Club at which you
will find fun, company,
refreshments, activities and a hot two-course meal. All for £4. Contact
Monica 01283 544319 to book a place.
Monday
2nd
Tuesday
3rd
Wednesday
4th
Thursday
5th
Friday
6th
Monday
9th
Tuesday
10th
Wednesday
11th
Thursday
12th
What's on in the Centre in February
09.30-15.30
Jelly Beans Pre School
18.00-19.30
Yoga (Main Hall )
19.00-21.00
PHAB (Eton room)
11.00-14.00
Lunch Club
17.00-18.00
Rainbows
18.00-19.30
Brownies
19.30-21.00
Guides (Eton Room )
19.30-21.00
Yoga (Main Hall )
09.30-11.30
Busy Bodies Parent & Toddler Group
10.00-11.30
Wellbaby Clinic (Eton Room)
12.30-15.30
Jelly Beans Pre School
19.30-20.30
Kung Fu
09.30-11.30
Busy Bodies Parent & Toddler Group
14.00-16.00
Darby and Joan
15.45-17.15
Mix Mania After School Club
17.30-18.45
Thursday Crew After School Club Year 7+
09.30-15.30
Jelly Beans Pre School
18.30-20.45
CREST.
09.30-15.30
Jelly Beans Pre School
18.00-19.30
Yoga (Main Hall )
19.00-21.00
PHAB (Eton room)
17.00-18.00
Rainbows
18.00-19.30
Brownies
19.30-21.00
Guides (Eton Room )
19.30-21.00
Yoga (Main Hall )
09.30-11.30
Busy Bodies Parent & Toddler Group
10.00-11.30
Wellbaby Clinic (Eton Room )
12.30-15.30
Jelly Beans Pre School
19.30-20.30
Kung Fu
09.30-11.30
Busy Bodies Parent & Toddler Group
14.00-16.00
Darby & Joan
15.45-17.15
Mix Mania After School Club
17.30-18.45
Thursday Crew After School Club Year 7+
Friday
13th
Saturday
14th
Sunday
Monday
15th
16th
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Saturday
Monday
17th
18th
19th
21st
23rd
Tuesday
24th
Wednesday
25th
Thursday
26th
Friday
27th
Saturday
28th
09.30-15.30
18.30-20.45
12.00-15.00
Eyesdown 19.30
10.00-14.00
18.00-19.30
19.00-21.00
19.30-21.00
19.30-20.30
14.00-16.00
Eyesdown 19.30
09.30-15.30
18.00-19.30
19.00-21.00
17.00-18.00
18.00-19.30
19.30-21.00
19.30-21.00
09.30-11.30
10.00-11.30
12.30-15.30
19.30-20.30
09.30-11.30
14.00-16.00
15.45-17.15
17.30-18.45
09.30-15.30
18.30-20.45
09.30-17.30
19.30-21.00
Jelly Beans Pre School
CREST.
Private Party
PHAB Bingo
Sikh Community
Yoga (Main Hall )
PHAB (Eton room)
Yoga (Main Hall )
Kung Fu
Darby & Joan
Roseanne Charity Bingo
Jelly Beans Pre School
Yoga (Main Hall )
PHAB (Main Hall )
Rainbows
Brownies
Guides (Eton Room )
Yoga (Main Hall )
Busy Bodies Parent & Toddler Group
Wellbaby Clinic (Eton Room)
Jelly Beans Pre School
Kung Fu
Busy Bodies Parent & Toddler Group
Darby & Joan
Mix Mania After School Club
Thursday Crew After School Club Year 7+
Jelly Beans Pre School
CREST.
Archery Training
Church Beetle Drive
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