06 June - Botley Baptist Church
A monthly magazine of Botley Baptist Church June 2015 GRAPEVINE THE Where the journeys of our lives come together in fellowship, worship, study and witness The evening comes, the fields are still, The tinkle of the thirsty rill Unheard all day ascends again; Pastoral Musing Deserted is the half-mown plain, Silent the swathes! The ringing wain, The mower’s cry, the dogs alarms, All houses within the sleeping farms! The long-running FIFA scandal has taken a turn with “officials” arrested, and the day before, a city banker was the first to face a criminal trial for fixing the all important LIBOR. The business of the day is done The last left hay-maker is gone. However, the human spirit seems vulnerable to easy exploiting for self-centred and self-serving activity, as evidenced by the FIFA and LIBOR scandals, two pinpoints at the tip of an iceberg of “corruption scandals”. And from the thyme upon the height, And from the elder blossom white And pale dog-roses in the hedge And from the mint plant in the sedge. In puffs of balm the night air blows The perfume which the day fore-goes. And on the pure horizon far, See, pulsing with the first-born star, The liquid sky above the hill! The evening comes, the fields are still. Matthew Arnold The human spirit id driven to explore the unexplored, seek new worlds, conquer the unconquered, reach the unreached and achieve the unachievable, much of which is done for the betterment of human condition through science, medicine, engineering and other disciplines. The news of corruption and rampant evil in the world, resurrects the age-old, vexing question, Are we people with a natural appetite to do things which are essentially self-centred and selfish, and therefore considered “bad”, trying to do good in this “bad” and evil world, or are we a people with a natural disposition to do “good”, trying very hard to avoid being “bad”? Strangely, our response depends on our belief in creation. If we believe human life is the result of casual, haphazard, arbitrary and unplanned events which resulted in the chance creation of human beings, we are a people without an identity. Looking at the problem-infested world around us, we might be forgiven for thinking we are essentially “bad”, working very hard to construct a path out from this “horrible” world by doing good, good deeds which would help buy our way out into a better world. If this is our belief, we can be excused for saying, I am only human, or the perennial excuse, its human nature, language which belittles us, supporting the idea we are naturally capable of doing the basest, degrading things and not normally capable of doing anything good, and of any value. If this is our belief, we are vulnerable to being sold accolades and compliments, and buying into flattery by people and by ../… 1 A monthly magazine of Botley Baptist Church June 2015 Pastoral Musing (cont’d) Ladies in Fellowship Together (LIFT) We meet on the last Wednesday of the month at 7.30 p.m. We usually meet at the home of Narola but are always open to a new topic and change of venue. On 24 , Anita will speak at the meeting in Narola’s home. On 29 July, LIFT plan an outing. Details to be announced soon. If you have ideas or suggestions for a forthcoming LIFT Meeting please speak with or email Narola. Maybe you have a skill you can share, or know someone who would talk to us about their interests, profession or passion. Diary 11 Deacons’ Meeting 1.30 pm 14 Bayworth at Botley 21 Father’s Day Service 10.30am 24 LIFT Meeting at Narola’s 25 Baptist Ministers’ Oxford Cluster Group Meeting July 11 Church outing: Cinderhill Farm 19 Quarterly Church Meeting 26 George Pearce preaching August 01 Nearly New SALE 09 Bayworth at Botley companies like L’Oreal who want us to buy and use their products just because I am worth it ! Jill Carratini, Editor of “A Slice of Life” says, “…each of us who has ever bought into the idea that L’Oreal thinks I am worth it … realizes (sic) that we have done exactly that: we have bought the idea, paid for both the product and the flattering suggestion. No one is giving away these things because they think we are worth it; their flattery is quite literally, calculated“. But, what if we believe we did not come about by chance? What if it is true, we are created on purpose, and for a purpose? What difference does this make? Although we may not yet understand why, evidence abounds that “nature” around us, here and all creation “out there”, is the handiwork of someone beyond the scope of human imagination, someone who has purpose and intention in creation. The older and newer testaments of the Bible explain the purpose of human creation, from being “awesomely and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14) in the image and likeness of God Himself (Genesis 1:27), and created to revere and worship God, live by His Law (explained in His Word) and enjoy His creation, for this is the sole and most important purpose of being human (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Is that it? It seems to easy to be true, and too simple to be worth following! Surely, there has to be more to life! In our just completed study of the gospel of John, we learned that Jesus came and “pitched His tent among us” (John 1:14) to be the sacrifice of God (the passover Lamb of God) who removes the sin of the world that separates us from God. God created; we disobeyed. We might expect the story to end there with the finger-wagging threat, Well, its your fault. Now live with it! But the story does not end there. The core of God’s character is love, which to us,does not make sense. God’s love is so unselfish and totally not self-centred, He sends His Son to sacrifice His life and open the doorway back into a relationship with Him that would last for all eternity! It IS that simple! As we leave the life story and teachings of Jesus and enter into the story of human beings who, by the power of the Holy Spirit overcome the problems in this world, remind yourself: you were born by the will of God and with the spirit of God in you, and the Holy Spirit now wants you to work with Him to achieve God’s plan of salvation. May the first of these wonderful summer months, encourage you in your spirit to explore the power of living with the Holy Spirit! May God’s blessings shine through you, even when the sun is not shining! Kalyan 2 A monthly magazine of Botley Baptist Church Unsearchable riches Oh that the World could ever see Unsearchable Riches for you and me Flowing from Christ for ever free Dawned at the Cross of Calvary Thy Glory we behold Of Love and Peace untold. Why do men strive and strain in vain While ones loss is another’s gain Seeking status, riches and fame Eternal passion, eternal pain Be still and hear His Voice Come weary one, rejoice! For you He hath prepared a place Fore ordained of Love and Grace He waits to welcome every race Come wanderer and behold His Face His brow is pierced with thorns It is for you He mourns. He rose from death to set men free Still bound in satan’s tyranny Only believe, look up and see Redemption holds Eternity. Just in His arms to rest – With Christ for ever blest. © The Poems of Winifred Nethaway June 2015 Excellent Misfortunes! Some might call it dumb luck and a few accidents that saved a mining company back in 1902. This mining and manufacturing enterprise originally based in Two Harbours, Michigan planned to mine and sell corundum which is the world's hardest natural substance second only to diamonds. The mine produced an inferior form of corundum, but the creative staff found that this abrasive could be used to manufacture sand paper. In 1916 the company made its first profit. In 1920 the manufacturing division introduced an innovation that would become the hallmark of the company - waterproof sandpaper. Masking tape was invented in 1925, followed by materials to help deaden the sound when travelling in a vehicle. The first consumer product came during the depression with the unveiling of transparent tape. A fabric protector still in use today was discovered in the 1950's when an employee accidentally splashed a liquid coolant on her shoes only to discover that it wouldn't wash off. Soon the company was marketing other products like overhead projectors and items for the dental and medical professions. Synthetic materials were for NASA which were used on the famous moon walk of 1969. They also delved into household cleaners, electronics, pharmaceuticals, communication devices and office supplies. Marketing about 60,000 total products. Then in 1980, one of the company scientists was experimenting with substances that might help him mark his church hymnal without leaving a permanent visual reminder. Even though no one believed it could be done, Post-it-Notes was born! If that mine in 1902 had yielded the quality of corundum that Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing had wanted they might not be known today by another name: 3M. The Bible is filled with examples of people who found things did not always wind up the way they thought they should. Paul couldn't have anticipated the Damascus Road experience. Moses wasn't prepared to lead people out of Egypt, content to be a sheepherder. Peter said he'd never deny Jesus .. hey-ho and Job seemed to have lost everything through no fault of his own and in the end was blessed beyond his wildest dreams. When things don't turn out the way you wanted, is it possible that God has something else much better in mind for you? "For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11). Glenn A. Hascall – Contributed by Narola 3 A monthly magazine of Botley Baptist Church June 2015 Birthdays Secretary’s Notes 27th Back to basics. These notes originally started to keep everybody up to date with church activities, plans etc., now summarised form the latest from the Church Meeting on Sunday,17th May. Chris White Communion Table 7th & 21st Fred & Jean July 5th & 18th Doris & Wendy August 1st & 15th Fred and Jean Coffee Mornings 06 13 20 27 Jean & Fred Margaret & Marian Ann Gill July 04 Jean & Fred 11 Margaret & Marian 18 Ann 25 Gill Meetings Tuesdays 7.30 pm Bible Study @ Das’ New study starting 9th Wednesdays 7.15 pm Prayer at Church for fellowship & community Thursdays 10 am Sermon discussion group at Church Firstly, a very good attendance, and quorum achieved! Seems, Sunday after the morning service is definitely more popular than an evening meeting. As deacons, we are aware that it does not suit everybody and we are still looking for ways to involve more people in the organisation of the church. Secondly there is still some misunderstandings with the timings of the different meetings, it has not helped at all that I made a complete mess of the early spring meeting, computer problems being a major factor. Here is the rationale behind our planning. Our church meetings have two parts: a business aspect when any decisions with a financial implication can be debated, and a spiritual/religious community focus when aims and ambitions for the future of our fellowship explored and discussed. These two areas are not mutually exclusive, but do not sit well together. After considerable discussion at deacons' meetings and retreats, we concluded that two major annual meetings were required, a spring business meeting when the annual accounts could be scrutinised, deacons and church officers chosen etc., and a fellowship and mission focused meeting at our founding anniversary in November. At the early spring meeting (Feb 22), minutes of the November meeting was not available (lost in my computer breakdown) nor Church Accounts ready, being close to the audit for the end of the tax year in April. The next quarterly meeting on 17th May should be the full “business meeting”, but our Treasurer and two Deacons being unable to attend the election of deacons and the other officers (treasurer and secretary) were held in abeyance. Re-cap : The future church meetings programme looks like this: 1st 2nd Quarterly meeting in February. Quarterly meeting in May. This to be the annual business meeting. 3rd 4th Quarterly meeting in July. Quarterly meeting in November. This to be the Anniversary meeting with a celebratory lunch I do hope that this clarifies things. Still on church business, it was recommended that a diaconate of six was sensible for this congregation, that the secretary and treasurer could be either chosen from the diaconate or additional to it. Our present Treasurer prefers not to be a regular member/attend diaconate meetings, so that we are currently one deacon short of recommendations. Marian's three year term ends this year, and Chris' and Janet's next year, Penny and myself 2017. Ted 4 A monthly magazine of Botley Baptist Church Take Time Take time of think – It is the source of power. Take time to read – It is the fountain of wisdom. Take time to be friendly – It is the road to happiness. Take time to give – It is a short day to be selfish. Take time to pray – It is the greatest power on earth Author Unknown A timely word… “Some years ago I attended a consultation in Europe, which included many leaders, dignitaries, and guests all concerned at that time about the “new” Europe, and what was needed for a better life for all. Many well-considered ideas and scenarios were presented, and yet there was a deep sense that economics, democracy, and better management would not be enough. Almost with a sense of resignation, one voice said, “The problem at the heart of Europe is the problem of the human heart.” There was a sudden quiet as many grasped the reality and depth of that statement. We can substitute Europe in the sentence with America or Asia or Africa and it still fits. It seems we all need heart surgery and some real internal work if external realities are to be impacted and changed. “The good news is that God has provided a solution for this very concern and the promise of a new heart. The hope of inner renewal which leads to outward change is part of what Christianity offers to the human dilemma. Truly, what we need is not more moralizing and polishing of externals, but deep heart surgery and a new beginning. Indeed, we need the very gift of new creation in the one who makes all things new.” Stuart McAllister in “A Slice of Infinity”, 28th May, 2015 June 2015 BMS News Bringing Indian evangelism to the streets of Leicester Two people gave their lives to Jesus when BMS World Mission pastor Ben Francis and UK evangelist Chris Duffett joined to help East Midlands Christians share Christ with their neighbours. Twenty Christians from churches in the East Midland Baptist Association gathered in early May to share Jesus in the city of Leicester. Equipped by two great BMS-supported evangelists, Ben Francis brought his vast experience of successfully sharing the good news with unreached people in India, and Chris Duffett brought his deep knowledge of engaging people in the UK in spiritual conversation, both arrived armed with masses of enthusiasm and a real passion for getting out and sharing the gospel with people who don’t yet know Christ. Central Baptist Church Leicester hosted two hours of training by Ben and Chris, followed by time chatting with people in Leicester town centre. Attendees were challenged to take risks and taught to share their testimonies in three minutes, simply by saying a minute about each of these three things: their life before Christ, finding Christ, and their life with Christ. They were then encouraged to go out and tell people their story. The team was divided into three groups. One group went treasure hunting with Chris – praying for God to show them who he wanted them to talk to, and then going to find them and minister to them. One group, led by Regional Minister Dianne Tidball, was available with free hugs and listening ears. And one group went with Ben to give out sweets and fruit and engage people in conversation. Two people who Ben spoke with gave their lives to Christ! The day was a big success, and it is hoped that it will be a springboard for those at Central Baptist Church Leicester, and for Christians across the East Midlands, to step out in different ways to love their communities. Leicester is one of the most diverse cities in the UK – a third of the population was born outside the country, 18 per cent of people are Muslim and 15 per cent are Hindu. The city was a great location for BMS to share our overseas experience with the UK Church. Ben was able to explain the way he communicates the gospel to people of other faiths, and then he and Chris were able to support UK Christians as they put it into practice. “It was really brilliant to see the experience of mission overseas being applied and used within the UK,” says BMS UK Field Leader Graham Doel, who organised the event. We eagerly await seeing what inspiring outreach those involved in this month’s event do next! BMS 5 A monthly magazine of Botley Baptist Church Every morning… Every day begins with the end of the previous one, and the beginning of a new one; each new day is the end to our past and the start of our future. Using a word unique to Oxford every day is “matriculation”: each new day starts with the promise of new opportunity, fresh learning, refreshed hope and infinite possibilities. I imagine God in Heaven being told by the angels, another day has ended for … (mention your name). On hearing this, with great satisfaction and pride, God says, Good. Let them rest. They need it. Tomorrow is the beginning of another day and they will face new challenges and fresh opportunities. Tomorrow will bring us another day closer to the final day when I can look after them, and offer them all that Heaven has in store! The end of each day offers us the opportunity to release and relinquish the things in the past, to the past; things of the past no longer serve us, and should not hold us back like a millstone around our necks, causing unnecessary pain and anguish. Yet, the celebration of an ending also allows us to take with us into the future, all of the positive, instructive, and joyful moments from our past. Everything that has happened in our lives until this very day is what has led us to become the people we are today. And yet, we are given daily, the opportunity to create a different and better future. Today, let’s honour our past, envision our future, and celebrate today. “This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24 NKJV). Author not willing to be known June 2015 Family News Summer is slowly creeping in, a couple of degrees warmer for a few days, followed by a couple of degrees cooler for a few more days. We are grateful to be spared the extreme heat and high humidity being experienced in countries on either side of the equator in Asia and Africa, which has already taken a toll of more than a 1000 lives. It was good to welcome into membership, Joan and Reg Hanlon. We wish we had known them for longer as they are a lovely couple who bring joy and laughter into every conversation. Joan has had difficulties with her health and she has “good days and not-so-good days”. Reg supports her the best he can, as do their children and grandchildren. We continue to pray for God strength from them all. (Some have asked about membership and baptism. Please see me if you wish to discuss these important events, in church and your personal lives.) We have not seen Joan Slatter at church as she experiences difficulty moving around. Ann says she now has regular care, which provides physical relief to her and Barbara. Pray that Joan regains strength and we would see her again. We also remember regularly and pray for Pat, thankful for the support she gets from her family. On a Saturday in late May, Bob was in Church polishing and restoring the communion table and repairing a crack on the pulpit before polishing it as well, all of which took well over 10 hours to complete. We are ever so grateful for Bob’s help and thank him for all he does for the Church. I am not sure if we as a Church have thanked him for the two tall stands (presently on either side of the cross with a candle on each), made from the oak salvaged from Ducklington Baptist Church. Both Walter and Roy have had medical investigations recently. We pray for their good health. We also remember in prayer Chris White experiencing difficulties at Parklands as a large construction project creates obstacles for her car access. Parklands is also struggling with management issues which adds to difficulties. It was good to see Hedley at Thelma’s funeral. While Elaine’s health has improved, she still experiences “bad” days. We continue to remember them both in our prayers. It was also good to see Don and know he is well. Ada Marley is still at a community hospital, and word has it that she has had a new lease of life! At 103 that is both a feat and a blessing! We remember Trevor and burden of care placed on Ann and pray for them both. Kath’s son is now much improved and we thank God for answered prayer. ../… 6 A monthly magazine of Botley Baptist Church Will prayer change things? I used to pray God would feed the hungry or do this or that, but now I pray he will guide me to do whatever I'm supposed to do, what I can do. I used to pray for answers, but now I'm praying for strength. I used to believe prayer changes things, but now I know, prayer changes us and we can change things.” Mother Teresa June 2015 Family News (cont’d) It is a joy to have Ann Thomas worshipping with us again. She has been poorly for sometime, but is now able to get to Church; we welcome her back into fellowship. At an earlier church meeting, Graham’s suggestion of replacing with grass lawn, the bed of tired looking roses (now overgrown with other "rapidly growing flowering varieties”, aka weeds!) , was well received. Anticipating warmer and sunnier days ahead, he has called for volunteers to help clear the triangular plot before he seeds the area with grass. Please do consider giving him a helping hand when the work is being done. It is always good to see as many as do come to church on Sundays, and so many who help support the activities of the Church. Without your support and encouragement, we would not be God’s witness in the community in which we live. Thank you one and all! Enjoy the onset of summer. Love and blessings, Kalyan Thelma Willetts Thelma was part of the fellowship at Botley for 62 years – she was one of the few who still remembered Richard Hamper, the first ever Minister. John and Thelma lived on the Southern Bypass (now Westminster Way) until they moved to Farmoor in the late 1970’s. She served several terms on the Diaconate where her wise and learned council was much appreciated. She was Treasurer for many years and later bestowed the honour of a Life Deacon. Her service included being Sunday School Teacher, Catering Officer, Cake Maker for the Saturday morning “coffee and cakes”, member of the Women’s Fellowship and of the weekly discussion groups. She represented “the Baptists” in the “Women’s World Day of Prayer” committee for many years. Jumble Sales and Church Bazaars, she was there helping and encouraging. Flower arranging was another of her “gifts”. Her activities outside the church, but into which she took her quiet faith, included “The Wren Association” and the “League of Friends”. I am sure that I have forgotten, or am unaware of some of her involvement, but hopefully, if you didn’t know Thelma this will have given you some idea of what an example she was to us all. To those who did know her, I hope that I have “got it right”. Chris White 7 A monthly magazine of Botley Baptist Church When you thought… When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I wanted to paint another one. When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I thought it was good to be kind to animals. When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my favourite cake just for me, and I knew that little things are special things. When you thought I wasn't looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I believed there is a God I could always talk to. When you thought I wasn't looking, I felt you kiss me goodnight, and I felt loved. When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry. When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be. When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked... and wanted to say thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking. Do they see Christ (in your life) when you think they aren't looking? Author: David Walls June 2015 Puzzles I was presented a jig-saw puzzle containing 1,500 pieces. I have not assembled a puzzle since my childhood, but I must admit, I really enjoyed working the puzzle. Although very frustrating at times, it was a challenge. Each time I found a piece that fit, it was extremely rewarding. Have you ever thought of the similarities between jig-saw puzzles and life? In a puzzle each piece plays an important part in the big picture. In life, people and events play the important parts. As with pieces in a puzzle, each of us are unique, special in our own way. We may appear similar, but no two alike. Ironically it's our differences that make us fit. The one piece I was sure belonged in a particular place but just did not fit, despite all my efforts, reminded me how many times in life I have done the same: tried to make things happen that were just not meant to be. I would try again and again, to the point of forcing it - but it was not to be. The one specific piece I was hunting for, thinking I knew exactly what it looked like, was hidden form until me until in frustration, I stepped away from it and came back to it later, there it was, staring back at me, reminded me of the times I tried so hard to understand why things happen the way they do, searching high and low for answers, until I stop, take a step back, breathe and let it go, and that's when the answers find me. Staring at the pieces in this puzzle and thinking about the "pieces" in my life: my family, my friends, events, milestones and celebrations, good, bad, joyful, tearful, happiness and sorrow, reminded me of the pieces in my life which made me ask, "Why me, God?"... "Why this?". It was then I realised, because of those pieces, other pieces fell into place. Take away one piece and it upsets the harmony of the finished product. Now I finally understand, though some pieces in my life don't fit and bring pain and heartache, without them I could not move on. Each piece brings me one step closer to wholeness. Right now, too many pieces don't fit and the puzzle is incomplete. But, when my journey of life reaches its end, and the final piece falls into place, I can look back and no longer wonder why there was so much pain, why certain people came into, and went out of my life. I will finally be to see the beauty of the whole picture. Until then, I will continue in faith, focussed on the big picture, knowing I have been given all the pieces, and believing each piece has purpose. And when the pieces don't fit, or I cannot find them, I will pray. Until that glorious day when God's masterpiece is finally complete, I will hear His whisper... "Well done, good and faithful servant!" Paraphrased and adapted from a larger article by Amy Toohill in “The Daily Encourager" 8 A monthly magazine of Botley Baptist Church A Baptist Church in Botley Oxford ………………………………… Minister Kalyan Das Secretary Edward Beaver Treasurer Alan Woodward Editor & Accounts Gillian Guest DEACONS Christine White Janet Harris Marian Woodward Penelope Allen LIFE DEACONS Roy Newport ___________ Phone 07841 867 967 Email [email protected] Website www.botleybapstistchurch.org June 2015 Prayer Diary Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th The ongoing work of relief agencies Diane & Christoph Melchert Thanksgiving for all we enjoy of God’s creation All who work in our shops and superstores Students taking exams Pleasant walks in our countryside Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th 13th Revd Kalyan Das taking our service today The work of the United Nations Joan Neller; Christine Newall For sight, hearing and speech Thanksgiving for strength for each day For carers of the elderly Young people looking for work Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 14th 15th 16th 17th 18th 19th 20th Revd Kalyan Das taking our service today Those who feel sense of despair Roy & Briony Newport BMS World Mission For safety on air, road and rail Those making vital decisions in government Summer family events taking place Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 21st For all Fathers on their special day 22nd Visits from those who live abroad 23rd John, Mary, Daisy &Raphael Newton 24th Rehabilitation of offenders 25th Those who are unwell at this time 26th 15th Oxford Scout Group meeting at the Church 27th “Action for Street Kids” Charity Sunday Monday Tuesday 28th Revd Kalyan Das taking our service today 29th Office workers 30th Pat Norman; Ann Reid If you have something you would like to share - a recollection, a reflection, an observation, the way things were, What’s On or a newsworthy item etc., please send/give it to Gillian, Ted Beaver or Kalyan Das. Thank you. Gillian Guest Editor ([email protected]) 9
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