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United Reformed ChurchNewsletter for October 2006 |
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Alan Wood Did YOU know that we are in the middle of the Global
Month of Action Against Poverty? No, nor did I, until Phyl Cary passed
me the information. Never mind, we’re here now, so read the article
on page Congratulations to the Dovecote Christian Bookshop for reaching their 10th Anniversary. It would appear that they are not standing still, but developing their service and standards. Why not take a look at what they can offer? In the September issue of the NewsLetter, there were
several mentions of the Sunday Lunch on 17th September .
This was to have been the next in a series of fund-raising events for
our charity for this year, Pump Aid. In the event, even with some
people from Ewell, there were not sufficient takers to make the event
viable, and unfortunately the Lunch was cancelled. Now, have events
such as lunches and breakfasts run their course? Are people bored with
them? There has been a suggestion from the Church Life Committee that
our 318th Church Anniversary on 5th November be
celebrated with I was thinking about Geoffrey’s article "Holy .
. . but Stained", and my mind went back to my cycling holiday in
France. While there, my school friend David and I visited many
churches, a lot seeming too large for the community they served. We
saw some amazing stained-glass windows, both rectangular windows and
rose windows. The ‘stained’-glass windows were far more attractive
and interesting than the plain clear ‘unstained’ windows. Do you
draw any conclusions from that observation? I am pleased to report,
however, that none of them were ‘holey’! Marjorie celebrated her 90th birthday at the Beaumont with family and friends. Visiting her on her birthday, she had received lovely cards (many from church friends). Also there was a beautiful flower arrangement and many other gifts. We are inviting Marjorie and Ann to Tea in October to mark her special birthday, and details will be elsewhere in the NewsLetter. It has been good to see Doris Swan back in church with us, and also Lynne, last Sunday. Linda Jeeves is in need of our love and support as she faces many diverse problems; we were delighted to see her last Sunday, too. We remember with loving concern, Sonia, Mary and Dorothy, and we hope Joe and Peggy Wilson and Phyl Cary are feeling more rested. Bettie Forster has been troubled with a painful back; we hope she will be more comfortable soon. Best wishes to Chris, Oliver, Alexandra and John as they settle in their new home. Their new address is 29 The Rise, Ewell, Epsom. KT17 1LY.
Holy . . . but Stained Hands up how many of you are unhappy with the names your parents gave you? Alistair Cooke, the deceased broadcaster who was famous for his ‘Letter from America’, was certainly unhappy with his. Born in the back streets of Salford and baptized Alfred, he changed his name by deed poll, while at Cambridge, to Alistair on his 22nd birthday in 1930. Chief Inspector Morse was a man who so detested his name, he insisted on being called by his surname only. Only in one episode of the TV series do we have his first name, Endeavour, the name which Captain Cook's ship was called. ‘Poor sod!’, was Sergeant Lewis' reply. The police sergeant wouldn't have known that the name ‘Endeavour’ hints at Puritan connections. Accepted Widdop (such was his name), was an 18th century gentleman, who wasn't informed as to whether his name was acceptable or not, composed the tune ‘Birstal’ to a hymn written by Isaac Watts. Charlotte Elliot composed the hymn, ‘Just as I am, without one plea’. Born in the 19th century, she fell ill and remained an invalid for the rest of her life. But fortunately for Charlotte, she didn't suffer from an unfortunate name! Whether we're happy or not with our own names, someone once offered his congregation a sermon entitled ‘Holy... but stained’! Aren't we all? Holy, because we're made in title image of God -but stained by the dirt of this grubby world. There's an assumption by some that Christians are exempt from human frailty. The followers of Jesus, by virtue of their faith, aren't supposed to feel hatred, fail in life or break under the pressures of frustration. We're holy... but still stained! God knows what.we're made of and remembers that we're still dust. Jesus has no illusions about human nature, but understands us, despite this. In other words. God accepts us as sinners, complete with our doubts, our fears, our hates and our failures. So wouldn't it be better if we replaced the biblical word ‘saved’ with the word ‘accepted’ instead? Many of us may find difficulty in understanding what it means to be saved, but most of us cotton on to the notion of acceptance. All of us may be holy... but we're still stained! (top) Secretary’s
Letter 
Were you there on the Sunday when the Roughditch Band played for the Service again? Weren’t they wonderful? I know they were perhaps not to everyone’s taste, but for me, I think they make worship come alive. In the world today where there is so much stress and strife it is so refreshing to spend one hour a week being uplifted. It was also great to see and hear the Church so full and buzzing, I hope they come yet again.
At our last Elders’ Training morning at Leatherhead with fellow Elders from our Downlands Cluster we met with our newly appointed Youth and Children’s Trainer, Nick White. He really is an inspiration, so enthusiastic and lively and full of great ideas. At some time we will share his thoughts and the thoughts from the other cluster churches with you. It was a very interesting Saturday morning, the time passed so quickly we did not even have time for a coffee break! Talking of breaks George, Suzanne and I ware off on Wednesday for a week’s break to Spain. I must say after a rather hectic time with family, Rotary and Church we are looking forward to a little time off, but not for long: it is Harvest when we return. Don’t forget our charity is "Pump Aid" again and our target for the year is £1000. We are doing well at the moment, but unfortunately some of the fund-raising that had been arranged had to be cancelled due to lack of support. If you have any fund-raising suggestions please let me know. At the last Church Meeting it was decided that the evening House Group would spend a while at its meeting thinking of some ideas for fund-raising. We meet later in October, so put on your thinking caps and let us know what you come up with. NOTE CHANGE OF DATE FOR A.G.M. Due to unforeseen circumstances of folk not being able to attend the meeting on 15th November, the Meeting has been moved to WEDNESDAY, 22nd NOVEMBER. Please make a note in your Diary. The Bike Ride Well, I did it! In common with many other people throughout Surrey, I set off at 09:00 to see how many churches I could visit. I had a deadline as we were going off to Felpham to attend Maurice and Joan’s Diamond Wedding celebration. As you probably know, this event was organised by the Surrey Churches Preservation Trust, which exists to give funds to old and historic churches in the county in need. Half the money raised, after Gift Aid is added, is retained by the organisation, and the other half is returned to the church of the rider’s (or walker’s) choice. In my case, this money will be added to our effort for Pump Aid. I started out soon after 09:00, with the local churches in West Ewell and Ruxley, then to St Clement’s, and on to St Mary’s in Cuddington. This church was very welcoming and, being founded in 1606, had four panels with articles, drawings and photographs, each devoted to a different century. I could have spent a long time there, but I had a job to do, so moved on to two churches in Stoneleigh. Here I met some riders from All Saints, and we chatted a bit and at one church signed each others’ forms as there was nobody in attendance. I rode across Nonsuch Park to Cheam and visited four churches, there, then off to Reosehill and back to Sutton, where I found seven churches. Sadly, all these were unattended, though most had left their attendance forms available for signing in – and directions to the nearest toilets! Then to Howell Hill – and on my way to Ewell I saw the three bikers from All Saints’ going the other way – much waving and cheering, of course, all done with an eye to safety! And so into Ewell, seeing Viv Baker at the URC, and into Epsom for the final flurry of churches. I was warmly welcomed by Peggy Wilson and refreshed for the last mile or so home, via EMC and St Barnabas. The statistics: I visited 24 churches, in 25 miles, in 2h 45m, giving an average speed of 9mph. Time from start to finish was four hours, so I must have spent over two hours in various churches – and map-reading! It was certainly good to be greeted by stewards at the various churches, and I felt a little neglected when I came across an unattended church – so I would like to thank all those who shared the stewarding at our church, even though we had only eleven visitors, the first arriving at 11:30, finishing with me at 13:35. Next year we’ll change the arrangements! I had chosen my route to keep off the main roads as far as possible, and found cycle paths in several places, which made cycling safer. I still found places where a cycle lane was provided where the road was wide and comparatively safe, only to find that the cycle track ended when the road narrowed, with no indication as to where the poor cyclist was to ride! It was a lovely day for cycling, and I enjoyed the morning out. And thanks to your generous sponsorship of £295, it looks like we shall have raised a good sum (adding on the Gift Aid is a bit too much for me!) for both the SCPT and for Pump Aid. Thank you for your support. In 2005 people all over the world were united in their call to make poverty history by one symbol – the white band. In the UK, eight million people wore a white band, more than half a million people sent a white band email to Tony Blair, and around the country local groups and activists wrapped buildings in giant white bands or formed human white bands. This autumn, the Global Month of Action will see millions of people in over a hundred countries unite again under the banner of the white band, as they stand up against poverty and renew the call for trade justice, debt cancellation and more and better aid. The Month begins on 14 September, as the IMF and World Bank meet in Singapore, and culminates on 17 October, the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, in a Global White Band Day. The Month of Action has been called by the Global Call to Action Against Poverty, the campaigning alliance that was founded at the beginning of 2005 and has grown into the world’s largest ever anti-poverty movement, with organisations and national platforms representing around 150 million people. In 2005, this movement inspired more than 36 million people to take action to tackle poverty and inequality in their countries and around the world, whether by signing petitions, writing to political leaders or taking to the streets. In 2006, it continues to challenge the structures of poverty and injustice and has called for us all to unite again in global solidarity. The Global Month of Action has three overall goals: to put pressure on political decision makers; to demonstrate that millions of people are still fighting against poverty and inequality; and to build the strength of the global movement, in particular to ensure that in the South the poorest and most marginalised have the opportunity to be part of, and to shape, the campaign. During the Month, activities all over the world will focus on the policies governments must implement on trade, debt, aid and HIV/AIDS in order to make poverty history. The theme of the Global Month of Action is "Stand Up Against Poverty". People across the world will be linked by this theme, standing together in rich and poor countries to fight poverty by calling on governments to act. In the last weekend of the Month there will be a global attempt to set an official Guinness World Record for the biggest number of people ever to Stand Up Against Poverty at once. The Month kicked off in the UK with a Christian Aid march on HM Treasury to "drum trade justice home" to Chancellor Gordon Brown and culminates in the fourth Global White Band Day on 17th October, after the three white band days of 2005. The Global Call to Action Against Poverty has called for the white band to become the globally recognised symbol of the fight against poverty, just as the red ribbon is now to HIV/AIDS. As we continue our advocacy and campaigning, keeping up the pressure on the UK and other governments to do more, the Global Month of Action brings us together with campaigners around the world as part of this ongoing struggle. So stay involved, put your white band back on – if you ever took it off – and Stand Up Against Povert (top)GLOBAL MONTH OF ACTION 14TH SEPTEMBER TO 17TH OCTOBER 2006 When 30,00 children die every day because of poverty – When the world’s most impoverished countries are forced to pay over $90 million EVERY DAY to the rich world in debt repayments – While poverty kills millions of people - and When the rules and practices of international trade are so unfair – it is time to STAND UP AGAINST POVERTY Remember: the Global White Band Day on 17th October A full list of events and actions are on line at www.bond.org.uk/campaign/toolkit Read the pamphlet on the notice board. Charities Aid Foundation and e-Bay Strange bed-fellows, you might think. But the Charities Aid Foundation has joined forces with e-Bay in the ‘Give It Up For Charity’ Challenge. This is to coincide with National Giving Week (16-22 October), the idea being to mobilise as many people as possible to sell items on e-Bay in October and donate between 10% and 100% to charity. To get involved, visit www.missionfish.org.uk/ngw and sign up - you’ve got until 29 September to register. Unfortunately, ‘Pump Aid’ is not registered with the scheme, so please carry on giving your Pump Aid money to John – with, of course, your Gift Aid details. Maurice and Joan's Diamond Wedding Celebrations On Saturday, 9th September, a few of us went down to Felpham to join in the celebration of Joan and Maurice's Diamond Wedding Anniversary with the family and many guests. It was a lovely occasion and we wish them many more happy years together.
Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves; they will have no end of fun. Blessed are those who can tell a mountain from a molehill; they will be saved a lot of bother. Blessed are those who know how to relax without looking for excuses; they are on the way to becoming wise. Blessed are those who know when to be quiet and listen; they will learn a lot of new things. Blessed are those who are sane enough not to take themselves too seriously; they will be valued by those around them. Happy are you if you can take small things seriously and face serious things calmly; you will go far in life. Happy are you if you can appreciate a smile and forget a frown; you will walk on the sunny side of the street. Happy are you if you can be kind in understanding the attitudes of others; you may be taken for a fool, but this is the price of charity. Happy are you if you know when to hold your tongue and smile; the Gospel has begun to seep into your heart. Blessed are they who think before acting and pray before thinking; they avoid many blunders. Above all, blessed are those who recognise the Lord is in all whom they meet; the light of truth shines in their lives: they have found true wisdom. Provided to me by Chris Whittingham, Lay Preacher from
Twickenham URC, who took morning service on 27th August. Thanks,
Chris. (top) AN OLD WOMAN’S LAMENT They've brought you up to date, Lord, down at St
Cecilia's. They've done it for the young ones; we want to draw them
in, For I'm growing rather deaf, Lord, and when there's all
that noise, They've written brand-new hymns, Lord, with tunes that I
don't know, They're very go-ahead, Lord, they're doing Series Three, They've modernised the Bible and the Lord's Prayer and the
Creed, My mind's not quite so agile as it was some years ago It's very clear to me, Lord, I've overstayed my time; But it can't be very long now before I’m called above, So till then I'll stick it out here, though it's not the
same for me, Submitted by Joe Wilson An Update from the Dovecote Christian Bookshop, Autumn 2006 A Letter from Epsom Methodist Church Christmas Alone 2006. This is YOUR opportunity to help in a practical way to make a person who would otherwise be alone, join in a very special celebration on Christmas Day. As in previous years we are planning to invite about 55 people, who would otherwise be on their own, for lunch on Christmas Day at the Methodist Church Hall in Ashley Road. Our guests, who come from all over the town, really appreciate the opportunity to share this special day with others, and those who have helped in previous years have found it a very rewarding experience.
We really want this very worthwhile venture to continue but we need YOUR help—please give some consideration to how YOU can help - we can certainly guarantee that you will feel that it has been both fun and very satisfying. Last year over 50 people from varying churches were involved in one way or another ensuring that no one feels it too arduous a commitment. Also if you decide to give it a go there is certainly no obligation for another year and we are sure you will enjoy the experience - ring me NOW - my phone number is 01372 728535.However if you can't help please pray for the venture and for the people who will be our guests this year or if you are going to be alone on Christmas Day and would like an invitation please let me know.Carol Stringer (01372 728535) The church and the Kindergarten are combining in a fund-raising event to be held in Unity Hall on 28th October, from 11:00 to 14:30. Plans for this are well in hand. The purpose of this article is to ask you to push the message round that tables for sellers will be available for £10, so if you or any of your friends and acquaintances have goods for sale, then ask them to get their names in to Sheila Smith, and book their table. Posters advertising the Fair are available now (see above) – take one and stick it where it will do the most good! – and A5 flyers are available, too. Proceeds will be split between the Kindergarten and our Harvest Charity, Pump Aid . Podiatry Services Available in Ewell Following the N H S cuts in podiatry service earlier this year, over 800 senior residents in Epsom and Ewell recieved letters telling them that they would no longer be eligible for treatment. Age Concern were inundated with requests from members for advice on where they could get treatment. The Charity decided after much consultation that this was a service that could be provided. Two footcare workers have been recruited and the clinics will be held at John Gale Court, West Street in Ewell starting on 24 October the cost is £10 for registration which includes a pouch with nippers and file which the patient will take with them on each visit and £10 for toe nail and finger nail cutting. The clinic will be on 2days each week with 2 days for home visits. For more information or advice telephone 01372 732454 or 01372 732453 or 01372 732455. Five children came to our first meeting of the autumn term. Our theme for the evening was Spain as it was Catalan Day. The children each made a Spanish flag and a pair of castanets.
Our second evening happened to be on the birthday of Christopher Reeve, who was well known as playing the part of Superman. The children each made a wooden spoon puppet with Clark Kent on one side and Superman on the other. We are very sorry that one of the girls, Heather, will be leaving the club soon and it looks as though two of the boys we had have decided not to come any more. 12th Epsom Brownie Guide Pack During the holidays we received a number of letters from the children at Dihlabeng Christian School thanking the Brownies for the money we had sent them from the Thinking Day collection, all saying how pleased they were with their new English reading books. We also received photographs of the children at the school holding their new books.
We began our new term on 13th September with a celebration of the chocolate bar. All the Brownies tasted eight different varieties of chocolate bar and then awarded them points for the nicest flavour. The most popular proved to be the Swiss milk chocolate bar and the least favourites were the plain chocolate bars. Our next meeting happened to fall on Women of Achievement Day and we played a game of guessing whom a Brownie was miming. The girls also decided who inspired them, and who were the most important women in their lives. Katie Lardner is now Tawny Owl, but I am also on the lookout for another regular helper, who may eventually be prepared to go into uniform, as it can be very busy with just the two of us. Unusually, and unfortunately, the number of parents willing to be on our rota of helpers each week is very disappointing. Junior Church There have been very few Sundays in July and August when children have been present at Family Worship. So we have been unable to discuss with them the ideas suggested for activities outside the church. We have welcomed Jessica Wood a couple of times – how happy we would be if we had some of Jessica’s age-group on a regular basis! Toddlers’ Group We began our new session on Tuesday, 12th September, and it’s good to be back. We finished the Summer Term with a farewell to Joan Davies. She was thanked for her long service to the group, and the children presented her with a card and a brooch, as well as an orchid plant. (top)Drama Group The Drama Club will meet on Monday, 16th October, in the Longhurst Room at 7:30 p.m. Friends from Ewell will be joining us, and we look forward to welcoming more of our own people to our activities. Afternoon Fellowship The new session begins on Thursday, 28th September, at 2:30 pm in the Longhurst Room. The Rev. Jenny Snashall will be with us for a Communion Service. As well as meeting with our usual friends we would be delighted to welcome any new faces who would like to join us. For the next meeting on October 26th we will have a visit from the Surrey Trading Standards. Evening Fellowship The new session begins on Monday, 1st October, at 8 pm in the Longhurst Room. As some regular members are on holiday we are not having a speaker, and we will start with a Members’ Evening. Come and tell us of a holiday experience or give us a favourite reading or poem, saying why you have chosen it.
Women’s Church Council The Coffee Morning on Tuesday, 10th October, 10:30 to 12:00 in the Longhurst Room, is the occasion when we raise money for our own Women’s Church Council funds. Each year we contact many of our friends with a Christmas remembrance, and we ask for your support. Thank you for helping the Young Carers last month; we were able to send them a cheque for £100. (top)Harvest Arrangements Our Harvest Festival is on 1st October, and will feature our charity for 2006/07, Pump Aid. There will be video clips, to be shown on the church’s own equipment, i.e. the screen, the projector and laptop. Come and see what sort of an operator I am! The ladies of the WCC will be available between 10:00 and 12:00 on Saturday, 30th September, to receive your gifts of flowers and greenery for the decoration of the church. And John tells me that Gift Aid envelopes for your donation to Pump Aid will be available on Sunday, 24th September (today!), so you can take one and fill in the details at home, then return it on Harvest Sunday. This service will be followed by a Harvest lunch at the Ewell church. I expect there is a list somewhere on which you can put your name if you are intending to join them. The flowers will be distributed on Monday, 2nd October, and Daphne says that she would welcome drivers to convey these to their recipients. Please see Daphne for timings. Coffee Morning in Unity Hall - 14th October There is another in our series of occasional Coffee Mornings in Unity Hall which gives the opportunity to people, for whom access to the Longhurst Room is difficult, to meet with their friends in wheelchair-friendly surroundings. The Coffee Morning is being organised by the Toddlers’ Group and will open at 11 a.m. (top)Another Safety Feature! A light has been fitted over the emergency fire-escape stairs from the Longhurst Room. This will come on automatically should people have to use the stairs – in emergency or otherwise – during the hours of darkness, and make your egress safer. The switch beside the door controls this light, so please do NOT operate this switch, leave in the ON (down) position; the light will come on as soon as it is needed. Thank you. (top)When I say... "I am a Christian" When I say... "I am a Christian", I'm not shouting
"I'm clean livin'." When I say... "I am a Christian", I don't speak of
this with pride. When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be
strong . When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of
success. When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to
be perfect, When I say... "I am a Christian" I still feel the
sting of pain. When I say... "I am a Christian", I'm not holier than
thou, Will Aid – help transform lives If you have not made a Will or haven’t reviewed it for a few years, it’s time to take action. The bi-annual Will Aid campaign returns this November and offers you the opportunity to put your affairs in order and help charity at the same time. But you need to act soon to make an appointment with a Will Aid solicitor. There is no substitute for a proper Will, professionally drawn up by a qualified solicitor. Without a proper Will, we are risking the future security of our loved ones. Will Aid solicitors volunteer their time free of charge to draw up basic Wills and instead of charging their usual fee will ask Will Aid clients to consider making a donation. The suggested donation is £75 for a single Will, £110 for a pair of matching Wills and £40 for a codicil to an existing Will. The money raised is shared between nine of the UK’s best respected charities: ActionAid, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, Help the Aged, NSPCC, Save the Children UK, Sight Savers International, SCIAF (Scotland) and Trocaire (N. Ireland). Since its launch in 1988 Will Aid has raised over £6 m in donations and millions more have been promised in legacies. This money goes a long way to help people in need in the UK and around the world. For example: Maria’s community of Manchina in Mozambique lost all their livestock when they had to flee during the civil war in the 1980s. They returned only to be dispossessed again by the 2000 floods. Now, with the help of ActionAid, Maria has one cow and two calves. It is very unusual for women in Mozambique to own cows. "I would never have believed that I would have my own cow," says Maria. "I used to use a hoe, now I can use the cow to plough. This means I can get much more from my fields. Before we were often hungry. I can now pay for school books for my children." This is just one of the countless examples of how the Will Aid charities can transform the lives of people all over the world. To find a convenient Will Aid solicitor, call 0870 6060239 or visit www.willaid.org.uk. (top)
Copy for the next issue should be with the Editor by 15th October for publication on 22nd October 2006. And Finally . . . (lots this month!) Better than
counting your years is making your years count
A Polish immigrant applied to the DVLA for a driver's licence.
First, of course, he had to take an eye sight test. The optician showed him a
card with the letters: 'C Z W I X N O S T A C Z.' "Can you read this?"
the optician asked. Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional. The minister drove into a
bunker. He picked up his golf club, broke it but didn't say a word. Then he
picked up the golf bag and tore it to shreds but didn't say a word. He then took
out all the golf balls and flung them into the woods but did not say one word.
Finally he muttered, "I'm going have to give it up." The Ten Commandments are not multiple choice. Bakers trade bread recipes on a knead to know basis. |
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X, see the pamphlet on the notice-board, and get involved!
another lunch: would this be supported? We have until
the end 
of June 2007 to raise the £1,000 necessary to qualify for the
matching funds that have been offered. Ideas for fund-raising will be
discussed at the House Group at George and Sheila’s, still to be
arranged; if you have any input, please go along and make your points.
Not every one who has helped in the past is able to do so this
year, so we are appealing for new volunteers - if you can't help on the day
there are preparations prior to the event - tables to be laid - vegetables to be
done - balloons to be blown up and a lot of other tasks to be completed before
the big celebration. We also need help with transport picking up guests from
home at about 12.00 noon and taking them home afterwards at about 3.45pm - if
you can't do both ways one journey would be great. Also we need hosts and
hostesses who sit down to eat with 5 guests to a table, 10 if hosts are a couple,
and generally look after them from the time they arrive at 12.30 pm until they
go home at 4.00 pm.
