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Epsom United Reformed ChurchNewsletter for November 2004 |
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Alan Wood Have you noticed signs of what I will call the ‘Secularization of Christmas’? What with the shops and stores around us advertising more and more their expensive ranges of goodies, we noticed the other day, instead of the traditional Advent Calendar, its modern replacement, the ‘Countdown Calendar’ - which finished, would you believe, on New Year’s Day! Let me know other examples you see, and I’ll put them in next month. ‘Entertainment URC!" Three people have actually asked, ‘What’s happened to your concert this year?’ Have the rest of you missed it? Or have you not noticed its omission from the calendar? Well, after the miniscule support—apart from the Brownie parents—at last year’s concert, I decided that it had run its day. And this was after lots of effort in setting up for the new venue in Unity Hall—apart from the usual work of cajoling people for their acts, and doing the programme, and so on. I was really disappointed in the turn-out. Some people I know were unavoidably away, or had other reasons, but I think that there were only three or four people from the church who had no connection with the Brownies. Remembrance Day Some of you will remember that last year’s ceremony at the Clock Tower unfortunately was started too early, with the result that many people missed the Silence. Plans are already in hand to ensure that there is no repeat of this this year. The Future of Health Care For some weeks now there have been copies of a
brochure ‘Better Health Care Closer to Home’ available in the
church foyer. Have you read it yet? New proposals are for improved
surgeries and clinics, nine local care hospitals providing many of the
services currently available in Epsom General and St Helier, and one
critical care hospital central to the area. It appears from reading
the document that Epsom General is unlikely to be selected for the
site of the critical care hospital, but Priest Hill is in the running.
Now, do you have an opinion on these proposals? Do you want to have
your say? Then pick up a brochure, read it, then fill in the
questionnaire and send it in. You’ve got until 30th November.
After a few days of not being very well, we are pleased to say that Marjorie Thomson appeared in good form as she prepared to eat her lunch the other day. It was good to see her looking so well. We are sorry to report that Betty Hay is suffering much pain, which she finds so debilitating. May she not have to wait too long before the anticipated operation. Our good wishes go to Chris Keates, Steve, Oliver and Alexandra, and rejoice that Steve’s time of convalescence and adjustment for the family is proceeding well. We remember Lynne and Del, also Tom and Margaret Lockett, and Archie and Beryl Paterson, all experiencing anxious days. How happy we all were when we heard that Gwyneth Smith had finally got a moving date. She is now settling in to her new home, and we send her our love and good wishes that she will find joy, peace and contentment in the days to come. Through this medium she would like to thank everyone for all the lovely cards she has received, and.says she is still surrounded by boxes!
Our congratulations go to Simon and Sara and Abbie. Joel Thomas William was born on 11th October and is doing well. We mustn’t forget Sheila and George, the proud grandparents! Eileen Horsler wishes to thank friends for their kind enquiries and good wishes during her absence from morning worship, and thanks also for the flowers from the church. She reports that she feels well enough to attend again, but perhaps not so regularly as before. Our best wishes go with Charles Senior as he goes for his first cataract operation in the middle of November. Maybe soon he won’t have to enlarge all his music so that he can see it! And since the hard-copy version of the NewsLetter was produced, we have heard that our Minister, the Rev. Pat Hall, has suffered a detached retina, and following an operation at Moorfields Eye Hospital is having to spend the large majority of the day lying down, only being allowed up for 10 minutes in every hour; this situation is likely to last for another week. We send our love, prayers and best wishes for a complete recovery to you, Pat. Musings from the Minister 
October is turning into November and it is time to do a little ‘forward planning’! First of all, Peter and I are inviting the Epsom and Ewell congregations to the manse on December 4. Those of you with last names starting with letters ‘A’ and ‘H’ please try come between 10:30 and 12 noon, those of you with last names starting with letters ‘I’ to ‘Z’ please come from 2:00 to 3:30. Refreshments will be served. Of course, if you are down to come in the morning, and can’t make it, feel free to come in the afternoon, and topsy turvy! If you can offer a lift to others, please do so. Also, parking may be difficult, so the more you can get in one car, the better. I am planning that the joint evening service at Ewell on 5th December be an Advent Carol Service. At an Advent Carol Service, Advent carols are sung (not Christmas Carols!). Perhaps more of you might like to come, so that we can swell the ranks of the evening service that night. And another first! I would like to give you advance notice of a short Carol Service to be held at 12:30 on Thursday, 9th December, after the Kindergarten's Celebration. Bring your lunch; coffee, tea and mince pies to follow in Unity Hall. Everyone welcome: we hope for a good attendance from local businesses and residents. The next item that I want to mention is Continuing Ministerial Education (CME) which ministers are urged to take each year for 2 weeks. I am proposing to take November 22-27 for this purpose. My plan for that time is to catch up on some reading and to do some worship planning. I will be back for Sunday November 28, the first Sunday in Advent, when we will be baptizing Louis, son of Jo Malandrone, at Ewell in the morning. During that week, if you need to get in touch with me, please phone the Church Secretary. I am looking at a further week of study in January. The Elders from the two congregations will be meeting on 3rd November to discuss the joint evening services that we have been trying for the last two months. I have enjoyed these joint services, as I am able to be with you both and to see more of you. Peace be with you all Pat topSecretary’s
Letter
Now back to business. You will all now have received your letters about the A.G.M. on Wednesday 16th November. Please read them carefully and make your nominations, it is important that as many folk are involved in the work of our Church as possible. If you have to send a report PLEASE can I have it in plenty of time to print and issue for the Meeting. There never seem to be enough hours in November!! After all the proposals made at the Special Meeting I am sure the year 2005 will be an exciting one and a challenge, but we will discuss this more at the meeting. Do make every effort to attend if you possibly can. If you need transport do ask one of the Elders, I am sure we arrange something. It was a unanimous decision at the Joint Elders Meeting that the joint evening services should be continued for another few months and be reviewed again after Easter. Everyone who attended the services felt it was good to have fellowship with each other, and the increased numbers, though still small were encouraging. Pat said she very much enjoyed the time together, and it had given her a renewed interest in the Evening Service. The frequency of Communion was discussed and the Epsom folk felt that twice a month was too much, so it was agreed to hold Communion once a month at Ewell and review this at the next meeting. In view of really bad weather during the winter, if you are unsure about the evening service taking place please ring Daphne Dawe she will have the answer. A new rota for the services will be available soon. The Evening Service at Ewell on December 5th at 6.30p.m. will be an ADVENT CAROL SERVICE. All are welcome to come along and join in with different, but very singable, carols. DON'T FORGET YOUR DIARIES FOR 2005 Please place your order as soon as possible with Sheila Smith for a 2005 U.R.C. Diary. .The cost will be £4. 95p. each. All Saints' Day Eve - Morning Service The Halo
Assembly Line
. . . and the current rostrum arrangement . . .
ANNOUNCING
OUR THURSDAY, 9TH DECEMBER AT 12:30-13:00 FOLLOWED BY
TEA, COFFEE, MINCE PIES BRING
YOUR LUNCH COMMITMENT FOR LIFE - ANNUAL COLLECTION. Do not forget that our annual Commitment for Life collection, usually taken up at Harvest, will be taken up at our Anniversary Service on 7th November. This will be sent to the Bangladesh Project; you can read below about their needs. If this reminder comes to you too late for 7th November, no matter; drop it in the collection, using one of green envelopes, on one of the following Sundays. BANGLADESH – FACED WITH THE FLOOD Our Commitment for Life "Partners", Bangladesh, have been facing mountainous difficulties with which they have so limited resources to deal. Last July the worst floods in 15 years hit the area during the ríce-growing season, leaving three-quarters of the country under water. A thousand people lost their lives and 30 million were affected in some way. Although waters are receding in some areas, much of the country is still threatened by heavy rains. More flooding now could stop farmers planting more crops to replace those that were lost, swept away by floodwaters. The longer they wait to plant, the less chance they will have to gather a harvest before winter. Christian Aid partners are distributing fast-growing vegetable seeds to 82,000 families to help with the food shortage, but the weather could still disrupt their best efforts. Despite food distribution the food situation is dire. Says one family. "On most days we just eat one meal. Yesterday it was rice and cooked water lilies found in the floodwater. But when we have a food package we eat better." One women’s group working with the Commission for Development in Bangladesh have built a raised area where the children can be kept safe from the floods. Those with a small banana plantation have extra food, but especially material for raft building, so that they can travel to find food, a major factor in the situation. In the long term, millions of people will need help to rebuild their livelihoods and their homes. Planning ahead for reconstruction work to do what is possible to limit such flooding in future must go ahead. Our offerings through Commitment for Life will be going to help these people in their need. LENTEN HOUSE GROUPS In view of our own seeking to find ways of outreach to our community, it is interesting to find that Churches Together in Epsom are not only seeking to get back to the old-style House Groups in 2005, but that the Syllabus, which has been prepared locally (i.e., not a vague nation-wide one) is entitled:- LIVING THE KINGDOM IN EPSOM. I am sure that we can benefit individually and as a church by joining in these discussions. There will be five sessions during Lent 1. The Church and its Mission 2. The "light" and the "shadow" of living in Epsom 3. Looking in - Looking out. 4. Churches together - and churches separately - in Epsom. 5. The Unity we have – the Unity we seek – a Vision for the Future. Details may be found on the notice board in the Foyer. If you want a copy, ask Phyl Cary. I am sure that you will agree, that in view of our relatively small numbers, Outreach together with other churches would be helpful. Meanwhile I am sure that the discussions will prove helpful to us and widen our own horizons. So, I hope you are all going to sign up to join, or even host, a group when the time comes for making our suggestions for times and places. DON'T LET IT BE THAT WE DO NOTHING TO CO-OPERATE! I would just like to write my thanks to you all for your thoughts, prayers and support in recent weeks, following Steve's heart attack. It has obviously been a difficult time, but another challenge which we are meeting with the help of so many. There are positives to be found in most situations, and the appearance of long lost friends, messages from others, and the opportunity for our wider family to be more involved with each other, are the up side of some our trickier days. The care and expertise of the A&E and CCU staff has also been exceptional, and it makes one very appreciative of what we have here on our doorstep in Epsom, and up at St Thomas's. We are fortunate in so many ways, and offer up our thanks. Chris Keates (top)Prayer of Commitment from “Catch the Vision” May the Spirit of the Lord rest upon us;may the call of God sustain us as we seek to be Christ's people, transformed by the gospel, announcing good news to the poor, proclaiming freedom for those in prisons of wealth, poverty, disease and disorder, committed to making a difference to the world's kingdoms as we live in Christ's kingdom. To that end not shirk difficult decisions about the priorities of mission, pledge ourselves anew to work with all our fellow Christians and use the gifts of all God's people so that all may be filled with the Spirit of healing, justice and peace In our regular acknowledgement of Remembrance Day, this year we bring you the whole of 'Poem for the Fallen', by Laurence Binyon (1869-1943), of which the fourth verse will be very familiar:
Christmas Carol Service with Sutton Salvation Army
Band in aid of Christian Outreach Trust for Epsom
Ticket £5.00 available from Epsom Methodist Church Office MVSB would like to thank the church for the facilities made available to them for their two recent rehearsals held in preparation for their concert with Regent Brass at Leatherhead. There was adequate space for both bands with their instruments, to sit down together and play, and the acoustics were splendid. Christmas Celebration Place
: Epsom
United Reformed Church, Church Street. Date
: Thursday
9th December 2004 Time
: 10:00 am You are invited to join us in the
children's Christmas Celebration in the church and afterwards in Unity Hall for
refreshments. We look forward to seeing you. The
Kindergarten
and Unity Hall, Epsom United Reformed Church, Monday,
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday – Afternoon Sessions – 1 pm to 3 pm, for
children aged 2 to 3 years.
· High Staff ratio Please telephone for more details Tel:
01372-749103
/ 07729-057617
/ 01372-740384 Flowers in the Church As you read this you will probably be thinking of Christmas and of all the joy - and work – that it entails, so before we get carried away, I’d like to thank everyone who has contributed in any way so that there is a display of flowers in the Church Sunday by Sunday. Some help by offering to buy and arrange the flowers on one or two weeks in the year, others by making a donation. Each Sunday after morning service the main arrangement is made up into bunches, some are given to the preacher, and the remainder are sent or given to anyone who is unwell, or has a birthday. Some flowers are kept for the evening service in the Longhurst Room. So the church flowers, I’m sure, bring joy to those who receive them as well as those attending the services.
By December I will have put up a list of the dates of each Sunday in 2005 for you to select your day for doing the flowers. Some dates are always more popular than others, so sign up early. "The Lord’s Prayer" Our Father,
Up in the sky, Gather your
tribe from the four winds and come be our Chief Give us corn to make bread each day. Have pity on
us when we do wrong, and help us to pity others Lead us away from the enemy territory and deliver us from his attacks. Keep your
tribe by your great power, and lead us Amen. Submitted by Sheila Colchester Harvest Lunch at Ewell URC
Afternoon Fellowship Some of our regular members were unable to be with us for the meeting on 28th October. Nevertheless, those present all contributed to a variety of readings, experiences and remembrances, together with the revelation of a ‘treasure box’ containing programmes dating back to the 1920s. All such contributions began with the letter ‘P’, as the condition set. We had a ‘Bring-and-Buy’ table to increase our funds. An illustrated talk, ‘Lakes and Mountains’, will be given at the next meeting on 25th November at 2:30 pm in the Longhurst Room. Evening Church
Fellowship "Hearing Dogs for Deaf People" was a truly happy and informative evening when we welcomed Eileen Jeans, Clarice, her guardian, and, of course, Sooty, who behaved very well knowing that he was the Star Attraction. The care and training of these dogs and the care taken to place these dogs in the right home is remarkable.
There were quite a few mementos to purchase, all to help their funds which are, of course, always needed. By the time you read this we will already have enjoyed a visit from Betty Hurley, with her "Movie Moments". On 6th December Paula and David will be presenting "The Wurlitzer", and we also hope to enjoy some Christmas Bites to get us into the Christmas Spirit. Women’s
Church Council The generosity of so many friends helped to swell the funds of the WCC at the October Coffee morning. A very big thank-you to all who gave their support. As is our custom, the proceeds of the November Coffee Morning are donated to a charity for ex-servicemen and women. Since early days, after the First World War, ‘St. Dunstan’s’ has provided for those blinded in conflicts. The beautiful home on the South Downs at Ovingdean, near Brighton, helps them to come to terms with the daunting reality of sudden blindness, in some cases together with appalling injuries sustained in the service of their country. Do come and generously support the work that is so vital to all those resident at ‘St. Dunstan’s’. We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday, 9th November, 10:30 – 12:00. Having lost, by death, two very devoted and loyal members of the WCC since the last AGM, Ivy Trueman and Sybil Reed, we hope we may be strengthened by new friends willing to stand for election. (top)12th Epsom Guides The Guides have had quite a busy term so far. They have taken part in the Division Scout and Guide Activity Day, when the Guides took part in a wide variety of activities including archery, abseiling and an adventure course. The Guides also went on a morning training based on woodland survival. Apart from the Guides planning and carrying out their own activities, they also took part in One World Week. This week (or in the Guides’ case, two weeks!) was to raise the profile of activities from a variety of other cultures across the world. The Guides held their own Carnival: they made carnival floats, made sweets and played some games from different cultures. They also tasted a variety of fruits from across the world. At present we are up to thirty Guides; this is the largest the Company has been for quite a few years. But as I am running the Company on my own – with the help of a parent each week – it is a struggle. Katie, one of the Brownie Guiders, is helping me on occasions, but her first duty is to the Brownies: so if anyone knows someone who could help me on a permanent basis, or could help me themselves, please come forward and offer. You can contact me via Alan Wood. I look forward to meeting you!
12th Epsom Brownie Guide Pack The Brownies have been very creative for the past few weeks. They have:
Apart from all that creativity they have told us all about their favourite celebrities, attempted various quizzes, answered a questionnaire about the way they keep the Brownie Promise and have told us all about themselves. We have enrolled three girls this term, bringing our numbers to 24, so we are very grateful to the Mums who come and help us each week. You will remember that we had ordered a special rose in celebration of the Brownies’ 90th Birthday. Well, this has arrived, and has been put in a large pot, and will be dedicated during the Church Parade on 21st November. The Brownies have received permission once again to sing Christmas carols at Epsom Station. They will be there on Wednesday, 1st December, and if you happen to be passing through the station between 5.30 and 6.30 p.m. we hope you will be very generous, as we always sing for a very worthwhile charity. Anchor Boys We are still waiting for the new Anchor Boys’ Programme Packs, which we should have received some time in October, but we still manage to produce programmes that the boys like.
In the last four weeks our regular five boys have made magic wallets, chocolate crispies, Indian Headdresses and wigwams and a Hallowe’en mobile with a fluffy spider centrepiece. (top)Organists' Rota for Sunday Mornings
Friday Zone Friday Zone Youth Club resumed in Unity Hall in September after the summer break. Old faces and new had seemed to be waiting for the fortnightly fix of music, games, five a side football and dance. With an attendance of some regular 30 plus children it definitely fills a need! Everyone enjoyed a quiz night with some chip shop chips as refreshments, just before half term. Well done to all those who took part; the scores were very close, with 2 ½ points dividing the first three places! The girls (along with one or two of the boys!) worked out a dance routine with an instructor and very impressively performed the routine at the end of an evening. Some of the members have taken photographs of the activities and written a short article: this will hopefully appear in the next issue! Please note that the new time of starting for Friday Zone is now 7.30 pm with the finish at 9.00 pm. Next meeting is on Friday, 12th November. Copy for the next issue of the NewsLetter should be with the Editor by 28th November for publication on 5th December 2004. And Finally . . . "Doctor, Doctor, I
can't stop singing 'The Green, Green Grass of Home'." |
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Many
thanks to all those who sent good wishes on the birth of our grandson, Joel
William Thomas. He is doing really well and gaining weight by the day. His
sister Abbie is very proud of him and already his eyes follow her about as much
as they can focus, and we are sure this week we saw a smile!
