May I commend to you Phyl’s article entitled ‘Our Future’ on pages 4 and 5? It is a masterly overview of our development over three centuries and especially the past few decades. Phyl asserts that there must have been a guiding hand leading us over the years. Please read this while having the concepts of ‘Catch the Vision’ in your mind, and see where it takes you.

Bike Ride

I understand that last year some people on bicycles came up to our church on Saturday in September, saying, "Where do we sign in?" I think that there was somebody doing the flowers, who was totally mystified by their appearance! So a bit of research, and it’s all made clear. Read about the Bike Ride on behalf of the Surrey Churches Preservation Trust, on page 14, and it’ll be clear to you. If you want to cycle or walk round some churches, I hope you get lots of support; otherwise please note that we will need people at the church acting as stewards to meet and greet any visitors that may darken our doors. Mind you, after previous years, we may be on the riders’ black list! Let’s hope not.

Holidays

We are now in the traditional summer holiday time. Most of my readers are not constrained in their choice of holiday time by school holidays, and one wonders whether this summer one needs to go away at all, seeing that the sun has come to us. Be that as it may, your Editor is away for a couple of weeks in August, on yet another cycle/camping trip along canals in France, this time on the west coast, around La Rochelle.

This absence may have consequences on the issue date of the September NewsLetter, as there may not be time to get an issue out for 27^th August. After all, I might be too relaxed, or laid back, or tired to contemplate it! I would hope to be able to get something out for the following Sunday, 3^rd September, but watch this space!
So I close this Editorial, by wishing all my readers a happy August, whether at home or away, and I look forward to being with you again in September.

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Dear Friends,

Perhaps we do not expect that bodies such as the General Assembly meeting of the URC will make decisions that will affect us. If so then it will come as a surprise to you that the July Assembly which met in Exeter ratified the resolution that from 2007 there will be one level of council between Assembly and the local churches, meaning that District Councils will be abolished. It was further agreed that, from 2008, Assembly will meet every two years, rather than annually, and with a reduced number of representatives.

Under the heading of "Training" there was a resolution to reduce the number of institutions for ministers’ training that the URC supported. The Resolution, which was carried, was that this number be reduced from thirteen to three.

"Catch the Vision" was brought to Assembly again. The aim of "Catch the Vision" is to ensure that the URC becomes a vibrant and sustainable faith community over the next ten years, working ecumenically where we can, and directing our resources to the life, worship and mission of our church, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

If we are to be viable, "Catch the Vision" says, we must come to terms with our size, and learn to use our resources in a different way. We can’t do everything, or be everywhere. We have to make choices, remembering that the five loaves and two fishes are in the hands of an amazing God.

At the July Church Meeting, Tom reported that the Finance and General Purposes Committee had agreed to do only necessary upkeep on the church building. This will give us a much-needed opportunity to think about our church and to plan more carefully for our future. We need to use the resources we have with the utmost care.

Pat

Secretary’s Letter 
Sheila Smith

Life is strange sometimes! Last Monday I spent the morning with Pat and the folk who arrange the pulpit supply from both Churches under the trees in Pat’s garden, arranging the rota of Ministers conducting worship until next June; and as the temperature soared we talked about the arrangements for Christmas and New Year. It is difficult to prepare for Christmas in this heat!

Thinking of meetings nearer, please note that, due to both Pat and myself being away at the same time in September, the next Church Meeting has been altered from 20^th September to 14^th September, apologies for any inconvenience caused. Will try to do better in future!

There is to be a breakfast on 6^th August – our first fund-raising event for "Pump Aid". These breakfasts are very enjoyable and worthwhile, and your support to get us off to a good start will be appreciated.

Then thinking about the future, you will be pleased to know that the Mayor of Epsom has accepted our invitation to attend the "Lunchtime Carol Service" on 20^th December. I know it is a long way ahead, but this looks like being a special occasion so make a date in your diary now.

Returning to the present, I hope August will be a month with not so many meetings and not quite so much paperwork! We can all return refreshed to begin a new session in September.

One last thing, I have the order form for 2007 Diaries, so let me know if you would like one.

Jessica helping David Howarth with the Children's Talk

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This was the title of our Tercentenary History in 1988.  Then we celebrated the time when our forefathers declared their church openly after 25 or so years of dangerous living, meeting in secret to avoid the "police".  There had been much of time and change between that date in 1688 and the Tercentenary.  And little did we know what would happen in the next few decades: after peaceful development in the first half of the Eighteenth century, there came a time of national religious change, when our chapel was invaded by members of a strange sect.  Our members went elsewhere and by the end of the century the chapel was closed.  But it did not end there.  The original faithful returned, re-opened the chapel and there began a great blossoming in the nineteenth century.  When this progress dwindled under one strange minister, undeterred, they built the Parade Chapel and flourished again.

But time swept away the problems and the united church went ahead with renewed strength in the latter part of the nineteenth century, when the new Congregational Hall provided opportunities for varied activities run by the church, as well as inviting clubs and other groups of outside origin to use the premises.  By the turn of the century the church was strong enough to want to throw off its old, much repaired image and build a fashionable neo-Gothic structure.  The Sunday School and church youth organisations flourished up to the time of the Second World War when developments in the economy changed society.  During the War, outreach and co-operation with other groups was the norm.  The church tried to absorb these changes in social attitudes and was somewhat chastened when the church burned down in 1960.  But, undeterred, the building was re-opened in a surprisingly short time and things kept going, spurred on by the coming Tercentenary, which was a great time of celebration and determination to forge ahead into the fourth century of its life.  But a major problem became increasingly obvious: the Church Hall (aka the Lecture Hall), on which we had depended for a century for weekday activities, was deteriorating.  Then began a determined battle to find a strategy to use the old site in the face of the rising costs of any new construction.  Somewhere in the sixties we were led to acquire land behind the church.  But despite making plans there was not enough money to construct adequately.  So we continued to plan to use the old Hall site in a reduced way, selling off the street frontage.  It took some time to acquire a developer, but in the late ’80s plans were really going ahead for a small Hall on the old site.  Once it was almost fixed, down to choosing the paint.  Then came two devastating disasters: in 1990 the hall burned down and the developer pulled out.  Was this the end of the line or just a change in direction?

When the Hall could no longer be used, groups like the BB met at the Baptist Hall while Guides retreated to the Longhurst Room.  But great was the excitement when in 1991 we watched the Rova Cabins swing into position on the cleared site at the back of the Church, thanks to Maggie Hoskin’s bungalow.  Now for the first time in a hundred years the church activities were all on one site, as the BB and other youth organisations moved in.  Much of the next few years was spent in carrying out the requirements of the latest Quinquennial report, as well as constructing the new Vestry and Crèche.  To accomplish much of this we are grateful for a number of legacies left by former members.  It was a time of development doldrums and nothing seemed to move until faint murmurs began that the developers of Odeon Cinemas were interested in acquiring the old hall site as well as the Gateway site next door.  The recompense for this would enable us to build a hall at the rear of the Church.  There were many tense moments as we awaited clarification, and more as we tackled the Charity Commissioners again, while the local Planning Council was unbelievably slow.  Then we had to find our own developer and make plans.

So it was late in the ’90s when the now leaking Rova Cabins could be swept away and the work began – a period of hard endeavour.  How fortunate we have been to have able members capable of undertaking the negotiations of the past years and the actual construction of the new hall.  Great was the hope and thankfulness when Unity Hall opened in 2001, following closely on the celebrations of the Millennium.  But work and planning for our buildings has not stopped there.  Much has been done since then to improve the church buildings themselves, although major problems still exist and it is a matter of planning a strategy for the future which is really going to take us into the new world of the twenty-first century.  Once again we have to get out of the past shell as our church has had to do before.  Other churches have done it and transformed themselves.

Looking back, can we dare to think that God has not been behind our church through the years, and especially in what has happened to bring us to the present situation?  Is it not a sign that he is still beckoning us forward in faith as He has done in past times?  Can we not put our trust in Him once again and ask him to help us plan for the future?

Like Him or Hate Him - It's the Football Fan. 
Geoffrey Dunstan 

Thank God another World Cup Soccer series has well and truly ended and we won't hear of another for a further four years!  To think, a whole month of soccer has been watched on television, including newspaper reports and the ‘hulla-baloo’ of football supporters themselves.  It's been forty years since England won the championship, but to my way of thinking, it can be another forty years before the country wins again!

Some years ago a preacher challenged his congregation by comparing themselves with – guess what? – soccer fans!  The preacher listed some attitudes held by soccer crowds and compared them to those of us who are churchgoers.  Here they are:

Car parking: Expensive and often a long walk, but the soccer fan never complains.  The churchgoer expects services to be free and to be able to park right by the church entrance.

Seating: The football fan often has to have an uncomfortable seat with no choice as to where he puts himself.  The churchgoer may complain about the pew, but expects to be able to sit in the same place when he attends.

Time: The football game is an hour and three-quarters, including the interval, and extra time can be a bonus.  The churchgoer expects no more than an hour, and will complain if it's more.

Weather: Come wind, rain or snow, the soccer fan isn't deterred, but goes on supporting his team.  But not the churchgoer, as he or she often complains about the weather and stays at home. 

Heating: The soccer fan is keen enough to watch a game even in the winter cold.  The churchgoer complains if the heating isn't on.

Cost:  Football tickets can be expensive and season tickets even more so.  The churchgoer objects to any mention of money.

Singing: Raucous singing is loud and noisy, and supporters cheer, even if it’s abusive.  The churchgoer sings hymns at the same or quieter volume than his or her neighbour, or stands in grim silence.

Atmosphere: Football fans talks about their teams and expresses keen faith in them.  Churchgoers don't often admit to their Christian faith and aren't willing to get involved – except for an hour a week. 

Maybe we Christians are being unfair about ourselves and the average soccer fan isn't all that he claims to be, but there's a lot we can learn from our Christian life as opposed to football mania.

However, keep the faith and go well!

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Details of two new Bible Study Courses have been sent to me. The first is called "Workshop" and is an in-depth course which will require a good deal of energy, application and financial commitment. "Workshop" study sessions are held monthly, in centres around Britain (London's venue is near Clapham Junction).

The course comprises four units, each unit having about 20 sub-sections. An on-going personal portfolio is completed and submitted at the end of the eleven-month course in order to qualify for a certificate of completion.

Secondly, a BRF initiative: (seen at the CRE Exhibition): This is a computer-based course, paid for by monthly subscription; the study is both on-line and with a personal mentor, in groups of three or four. There is a ‘taster’ DVD by Adrian Plas and the web site is excellent - clear and informative and inviting exploration. This course is for "those who want to learn more", "those who want to search more deeply", "those who want to journey with others" and "those who want a new challenge”. Foundations21 describes itself as "the new way to do discipleship in a way that suits your lifestyle and learning style" ... but you do need to have a computer with broadband. Please go to www.foundations21.org.uk for more information.

If you would like any further information please contact Valerie (’cos Alan will be cycling in France for some of the time leading up to the day!).

We will need people on 9^th September to welcome riders and walkers at our church, I think between 09:00 and 18:00, so we will be asking for volunteers to take an hour or two at the church to provide succour, to record their names and to sign their sponsor forms. A list will be placed in the foyer for people to choose the hour(s) they are willing to attend. Thanks for your support.

'Twas thought that an athletic mouse
Had scaled the foyer tables;
Some letters had been nibbled –
One could hardly read the labels!

Marion’s ‘Reform’ had suffered
Badly from his chewing;
(He wanted just to find out
What the U.R.C. was doing!)

Val found the ending to this
Most peculiar of tales –
There was no literary mouse
But just two hungry snails!

Maurice and Joan Young are celebrating their Diamond Wedding on 9^th September and are inviting all friends to an ‘AT HOME’ from 4 p.m. onwards and "would be so delighted" if friends from Epsom could join them at this time. There will be a marquee in the garden and a caterer for the food.

If you would like to attend, please contact Alan Wood for details.

Felpham is about 55 miles away from Epsom down the A24 and should take around 1½ hours’ travel time.

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There will be a Garden Party at the Manse on Saturday, 5th August, from 2pm to 5pm (14:00-17:00), and Pat and Peter extend a warm welcome to all.  All funds raised wil be donated to the Alzheimer's Society.

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Epsom and Ewell URCs are planning an outing to Brooklands, the birthplace of British motorsport and aviation.  You can sign up for this trip on a sheet in the foyer of the church. Please indicate if you can offer transport or if you require transport.  A few days before the 23 August, Pat will make sure that everyone who wants to go, has a lift.

Brooklands has something for both adults and children.  There are airplanes and racing cars, motorcycles and even bicycles and a shop where you can buy souvenirs.  There is a place for picnicking, so as in past years, bring a picnic. There is also a tea-room should you require a cup of tea.

Prices are as follows: 
Adults                                                   £7, 
Students & Senior Citizens                    £6, 
Children 6-16                                       £5, 
       5 & under get in free. 
Family ticket (2 adults & 3 children)      £18

Brooklands is off the B374. Leave the A3 at the Painshill junction (A245) and follow the brown ‘Brooklands Museum’ signs.

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So, who owned a box like this? Someone who was in the Indian Army many years ago? Suggestions please to the Editor. Sheila Carpenter has the box in her care and will be pleased to show it to anyone interested.

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Just to say thank you to everyone for sponsoring me to do my run. I raised £500 in total which is really fantastic. I’m still working hard to raise the rest of the money, and I’ve just got a third job as a waitress at big events – and I’ve raised £1500 altogether, so I’m half-way there!

Thanks again, and have a great summer.

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This year the annual outing of the Evening Fellowship was to Squires, in Hinchley Wood, where after having looked around the store and made our purchases, we were served with tea. As usual a cream tea was offered . . .

. . . but there was the option of a plain tea for those of us who didn’t wish to indulge. Once again it was a very hot afternoon, but the tea was served in comfortable surroundings and was appreciated by all those present.

On 26^th June the children made rat hats, as legend has it that on that day in 1284, the Pied Piper, after ridding Hamelin of its rats, led all the children away.

The first RAF air display that took place at Hendon, London was on 3^rd July 1920, so the children had as their activity on 3^rd July the making of different types of paper aeroplanes for their own air displays.

10^th July was Teddy Bear’s Picnic Day and so the children had cardboard teddies covered with felt and made clothes for them as well as bringing their own teddies and having a Teddy Bear’s picnic.

For our last meeting before the summer holidays we had a mini-fair: there were several activities and the children could earn points and win prizes. They also decorated their own ice creams.

The total amount raised by the marathon was £265, £150 of which will go to Children with Leukaemia and £115 will go to our Pack.

After our meeting with the RDA the girls made thank you cards, which I delivered to them.

On Wednesday 5^th July we held a Caribbean evening and the girls made fruit kebabs to eat and grass skirts from plastic bags to wear.

The following week was a games evening when we were joined by another Pack. We were also joined by a number of District Guiders as this was when the District Guiders made a presentation to Anne for her service with the Brownies.

Wednesday, 19^th July was Anne Richardson’s last evening with us, and all friends from church were invited to join us at our meeting along with a number of old Brownies. After a hilarious game for both current and old Brownies that demanded the devouring of bars of chocolate, tea and refreshments were served. 

Anne was thanked for her valuable service over the past eleven years and was then presented with a card and a number of presents. She was presented with an album containing photos and good wishes from past and present Brownies, a card with a picture of the Brownie Rose promising her a rose in November, a garden owl and garden tokens. Anne was then invited to cut the special cake that had on it a photograph of the Pack and ‘Goodbye’.

I am very grateful to Anne for all the help and support she has given me over the past eleven years, and I look forward to inviting her back to the Pack occasionally to help us with the garden troughs. Katie Lardner will be taking over as Tawny Owl in September, but I am also on the lookout for another regular helper, who may eventually be prepared to go into uniform.

One of our Brownies, Miranda Roberts is going on Pack Holiday to Westcott in August, with 1^st Ewell Village Pack.

When Joan Davies left the Toddlers’ Group at Christmas, we mistakenly thought she was going to continue coming once a month, and she had no proper farewell. This omission was rectified on Tuesday, 18^th July, which was our last meeting of the summer session.

We were delighted to have Joan with us for the occasion. She was thanked for all the years of service she gave so graciously. She was already helping Doris Swan when in 1986 I took early retirement from teaching and began my association with the group.

Joan was presented with a brooch and an M&S orchid plant. It was good to have Bettie there, too, and Valerie, who took some photographs.

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Copy for the next issue should be with the Editor by 20th August for publication on 27th August 2006.  

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