|
Epsom United Reformed ChurchNewsletter for February 2008 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Alan Wood Thank you, everyone, for my month off from doing the NewsLetter. The more eagle-eyed among you will also have noticed that there was no NewsLetter Extra just after Christmas. As it turned out, had there been one, it would have been wrong in many instances: as you will read, several regular meetings and events were cancelled or postponed due to illness affecting many people—myself included! Does church-going lead to longer lives? I wonder, as we have octogenarians and even a few nonagenarians in our midst. This has been highlighted recently by the celebration held recently in honour of Phyl Cary’s 90th birthday—and well done, Phyl! Perhaps we ought to have a publicity campaign: “Come to Church for a Better Longer Life!” And we have also got the Diamond Wedding of Joe and Peggy. I bet there aren’t many of those around! Congratulations to Joe and Peggy—I’m looking forward to the celebratory lunch—and thank you, Phemie, in advance. One unforeseen benefit of holding morning service in Unity Hall is the opportunity made for different people to accompany us using the keyboard. The variety of styles and choice of stops certainly give a further dimension to Sunday mornings. Thank you for your contribution, all our pianists! Have you seen how the skyline has altered in Depot Road Car Park near Unity Hall? The willow tree was demolished last Wednesday, with a great noise, as a lot of it was chipped, Phemie says. We hope that it will make it a lot brighter and cleaner for users of Unity Hall—it will certainly improve the access for the Blood Service lorry when it turns up!
Lynne has had another fall at home and is now confined to bed. Lily Moody is back at the New Cottage Hospital following another fall. Colin is now back at home having been stabilised following his recent diabetic emergency. It was nice to see Frank and Dorothy at Phyl’s somewhat deferred 90th Birthday Celebration. We remember Mary (91 this Sunday!) and Marjorie in our prayers, and send all these people our love. We are pleased that Betty and Phemie are now much better after their various ailments. ‘Secret Santa’ has recently visited Daphne, with some very useful writing aids for her arthritic hand. Unaware of the identity of the donor, she has thanked everyone she has seen, and in case she has missed the actual donor, she would like to express her very grateful thanks for such useful tools. We are sorry to lose Sue King, our church cleaner, who is having to leave due to pressure of the day job. Her last day with us will be 2nd February. Thank you for your help, Sue! in the United Reformed Church, Church Street, Epsom Saturday 8th March 2008, 7.30 p.m. Mass in E flat — Schubert Liebeslieder Waltzes — Brahms Tickets: Adults £10.00, Students and under 18, £5.00 Box Office: 01372 744198
As you know, Epsom URC is in the process of considering its future. What follows is Peter's description of the most recent Church Meeting, when we discussed Tom Robert's presentation of 5 December. “As the next step on their "Journey to a Vision", Church members discussed the structural options outlined to them in Tom Roberts’ presentation which he gave to them on 5th December. After animated debate, members agreed that Tom’s presentation had not been designed to give a detailed economic and spiritual insight into all the available options on offer. By proposing a number of options, Tom had drawn attention to the extent of gaps and shortcomings which, members agreed, still existed within their "Visionary" thinking process. Widening the range of options was highlighted later during presentations by Church members. Through friendly discourse, members concluded that any Vision must not (by default) ignore the Church’s local community. Further discussion would be needed with Tom to examine and agree how best to develop local relationships. Reflecting proposals concerning local relationships, members unanimously agreed that Ewell URC must be included in Epsom’s "Visionary" journey. The Minister confirmed that Ewell URC elders had already agreed to take positive action to start a "Journey to a Vision" within their congregation. Looking at finances, general discussion revealed that limited information was currently available about outside funding sources and potential involvement by URC Southern Synod. Progress made during the meeting indicated a need for another "Vision Day" to consolidate what had been learned to date and build for the future. It was hoped to hold a second Vision Day during March, with an invitation to participate being extended to Ewell URC. The organisation and timing of the meeting will be undertaken by the Vision Steering Group.” What does it mean for the Epsom United Reformed Church to follow Jesus faithfully today? Please continue to give both thought and prayer to this journey upon which we have embarked! Pat Secretary’s Letter The time is 8.30 p.m. and we have been sitting round the pool with drinks and the temperature is still 30oC with blue skies and a gentle breeze. Our stop off in Singapore was wonderful. The Shangri La Hotel on Sentosa Island was beautiful. We felt like we were on a tropical island full of palm trees and tropical birds and the most beautiful pool, but then we were only one degree north from the equator. We visited a lot of the local places of interest: the Indian Quarter, the Chinese Quarter and an amazing Chinese Temple and Fort Silso, where we surrendered to the Japanese, just to name a few, but had to leave some for the next visit!! Simon, Abbie and Joel were at Perth Airport to meet us at 7.30 p.m. on Saturday morning (Sara was home preparing breakfast). The children have both grown, of course, and Joel is a real chatterbox now. Saturday was spent unpacking and sampling the pool - the water is so warm it’s unbelievable, it now has solar heating! - then to the local park and a BBQ. Sunday morning we visited Yanchep beach which has a beautiful natural lagoon, then home for lunch, a dip in the pool, pack up the Eski box with food for supper and another BBQ in Hawkins Park in Joondalup, some 15 miles north of Perth. The parakeets there are so tame they perch on your hand to feed and as it grew darker we watched the kangaroos appear. Today Monday we have visited Whiteman Park about thirty minutes drive away, and Abbie and Joel took Grandpa and Grandma for a ride on the historic railway - of course, Grandpa didn’t enjoy that one bit!! Tomorrow we begin preparation for our week’s holiday in Bussleton, some hundred miles or so south of Perth, where we have an apartment close to the beach. I think that is all the news from Oz for now. We hear that the weather has been very wet in England, so we hope that you have not all dissolved! Reminders of Services Joint Service – 24th February Another of the Joint Services together with has been arranged
for 24th February. Our minister will be conducting the service,
which commences at the normal time of 10:30 in the Ewell church. Ash Wednesday, 6th February Please take note of the Morning Service arranged for Ash Wednesday, 6th February. This will be in the Longhurst Room, commencing at 10:30. (top)PETTY ANNOYANCES!
A daily source of annoyance in my life is the state of my toothpaste tube! You'll recall those long forgotten days in which toothpaste caused no trouble at all. You squeezed the toothpaste up from the bottom, rolling the tube up, as you went along. Perfectly obvious, you say. Then came the day when some health fanatic or other discovered that toothpaste tubes are no good for you whatsoever. So the tube was re-invented. Traces of lead were discovered in toothpaste tubes, supposedly. The toothpaste tube, as you and I know it today, is made of material that won't roll up. It won't, in fact, do anything. And this is my twice-daily annoyance each day of my life! What else is there to disrupt one's equanimity? Well, there's the dripping bath tap. Send for the plumber, you'll say. But that's the trouble – I did send for one. It's only after he came, at vast expense, he replaced the corroded tap, but only to leave me with the hot one dripping! These things are certainly sent to try us. What about my portable radio which keeps changing channels of its own accord? What about my clanking radiator? What about my kitchen window that won't open and my bedroom window that won't shut? These are only a few of the one hundred and one minor irritations that plague me daily. No, I exaggerate, I've counted them and there are only ninety-seven! But, would you believe it, I've just discovered that the child-proof bottle of aspirins I've been trying to open is adult-proof too! I realise that these are only pinpricks in the rich tapestry of life, but who needs pinpricks? “Don't worry until worry worries you,” my mother used to say. But she didn't say anything about getting tooth-paste over my hands every time I brush my teeth. Instead, as Thomas á Kempis used to say, “Never worry, but in reading, or writing, or praying, or meditating, be at some useful work for the common good.” We are all aware that the Marriage of Princess (now Queen) Elizabeth and Prince Philip took place in November 1947. However, two valued and loyal members of the Church also married that year. Peggy and Joe Wilson were married at Worcester Park Methodist Church on 26th December, 1947. In 1947 clothes were still on coupons and also the shops didn't have much material. Peggy’s dress had been used by two brides before her and she had to add net to the hem to make it long enough; obviously, it was third time lucky for them.
When they met, Joe was a guardsman at Buckingham Palace and Peggy worked at Leadenhall Market. Joe and a friend went to the ticket kiosk at Leicester Square to find they couldn't get any theatre tickets. They were offered two tickets to the tea dance at the Commonwealth Society - and that is where they met. They got engaged in Green Park and married two years later. As so many young couples in those days they moved back in with Peggy’s family. Joe went on to take various courses and trained as a P.E. Instructor at Loughborough College. Meantime, Peggy had moved to Belfast and was living on an estate, in the third house to be occupied, with her baby. Joe finished his training, they came back to England and Joe started work at Ernest Bevin School in Tooting. They settled into their house in Sparrow Farm Road and Joe travelled to Tooting each day by bicycle. He worked long hours and was made Head of Department. Joe and Peggy were blessed with three children: David, who works for BEA Systems is married and lives in America; Jane is a G.P., lives in Cambridge and also writes for the travel magazine ‘Wanderlust’, is married and has two boys; and Mary is a Church of England Minister in Rome, is married and has a girl and a boy. Peggy and Joe have worked hard for URC Epsom: Joe was an Elder for many years and is still the “greeter”, a job he does so well. Peggy is secretary of the Women’s Church Council and her cakes always sell very quickly at the coffee mornings. She arranges the Flower Rota and often the flowers each week and always volunteers for many other jobs that need to be done. To be married for sixty years is a marvellous achievement and we wish them many more years together. God bless you, Peggy and Joe.
“I would like to say a great big "Thank you" to all involved in the preparations and carrying out of the occasion. For those of the W.C.C. and friends who organized it and provided and set out the food, I say thank you. For the lovely photographic cake which Valerie organised, despite problems, thank you. The 90th balloons were great.
For the inspiration of Gwyneth to write the Birthday Song, I can only say, "She's done it again". I shall treasure that. For Alan's part in the illustrations and for those who set out the Hall, many thanks.
And last but not least my thanks to all those who came and made the party so good and for the cards, presents and flowers which you gave me. And I repeat what I said after tea about the great welcome you gave us when we first came to Epsom URC and the encouragement to service with which the church showered us in the 27 years that I have been with you. It has meant more to me than I can express.” Gwyneth’s song in tribute to Phyl is printed on the next page. Gwyneth Smith (to be sung to the tune ‘John Brown’s Body’) Phyl has had her birthday, ninety years on Christmas
Eve. Phyl, we bring our birthday greeting. Friends and colleagues here are meeting, Toasting you in tea and eating, To celebrate this day.
Phyl, we bring our birthday greeting. . .
Phyl, we bring our birthday greeting. . .
Phyl, we bring our birthday greeting. . . Crusade for World Revival (CWR) CWR was founded as a Christian ministry in 1965 by Selwyn Hughes. Since then, it has grown into an international publishing and training organisation which seeks to enable people to apply God's word to everyday life and relationships. It is based at Waverley Abbey House near Farnham in Surrey, a Georgian building offering modern facilities with the added appeal of extensive grounds, a lake and the picturesque ruins of a twelfth-century Cistercian monastery. Waverley Abbey House is an attractive venue for conferences and gatherings of all kinds. I had the privilege of knowing Selwyn Hughes and Trevor Partridge, the first leaders, before Waverley Abbey opened. I have been a Partner in their work since the Partnership was founded in 1990. They have special Partnership Days, when we go to the House for a meeting where they bring us up-to-date with all that they do, and a beautiful service, followed by a Partners’ Lunch. Until Christmas 2006 this was for Partners only, but a decision was taken last year that would enable Partners to bring a friend to the Christmas event, so Sheila Carpenter and I had a wonderful day there. Selwyn Hughes died two years ago, and Trevor Partridge emigrated to New Zealand where he now has a church of 5,000 people. I once used to go to the same church as the new Leader, Mick Brooks, and remember when he and his wife became engaged. For me, even to be able visit the House again was wonderful, and having Sheila come with me was perfect. Crusade for World Revival (CWR) Sheila continues: As we were leaving Waverley Abbey we were all given a beautifully wrapped gift. It was a book entitled “The Heart of the Temple: a personal journey through God's House” by Anne Le Tissier. The author has a passion for the writings in the Old Testament describing how Solomon's temple was built and its purposes. She has written this devotional handbook to highlight the relevance which the temple's construction, purpose and ministry can continue to have for Christians living in the 21st Century.Each chapter outlines a part of the Temple's history and applies that history to our own lives; there is a reflective passage for meditation and each short chapter closes with a prayer. Anne Le Tissier writes with encouragement, drawing us into sharing her enthusiasm, showing how we might pause and reflect on what we have learned about the Temple and how we might engage with it in our own lives. A critic wrote of this book “It has to be one of the most fascinating I have ever read; it will inspire a deeper commitment to prayer, to encourage obedience to God’s Word and His ways and provide helpful guidance to nurture a disciplined, godly lifestyle.” (Jennifer Rees Larcombe). (ISBN 1-85345-379-X, 30 chapters, 173 pages, CWR 2006) The Website may be found at www.cwr.org.uk “Rebecca And Friends” Concert
On 8th December we were treated to a delightful concert of Christmas music by Rebecca Drake, our recent organist, and her equally gifted friends. Sarah Lambie was the singer, Beth Carter the flautist, and Charlotte Barker the clarinettist.
We learned from the programme that these talented young ladies have careers and aspirations in addition to their music. As well as a Handel aria, a Bizet serenade and ‘Angelus ad Virginem’, we enjoyed the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, Winter Wonderland and selections from the Snowman.
The audience joined in singing two carols and we were all sorry when the concert came to an end. A collection was taken and raised £485.36, in aid of the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children and Christian Aid. Toy Service, 9th December The form that Toy Service normally takes had not been explained to the visiting minister. As the Brownies were parading we did manage to form a tableau when they walked down the aisles to the relevant verses of O Come All Ye Faithful. The children then went upstairs, not forgetting to take with them the chocolate coins which had formed part of the Kings’ gift of Gold. Bernard collected the toys on behalf of the Prisoners’ Families and Friends Service. Thank you to all who provided them. Don't Miss Our Next Street Pastors Perhaps you have heard of Street Pastors. If not, here is a brief description of them and what they do: "Street Pastors is an initiative designed to help get the church more visibly present on the streets where it can have an impact for good. Street Pastors are ordinary Christian people who have been trained to go amongst people using the town at night and be there to care, listen and help. As Peter Rice the senior Street Pastor observes: “Giving someone your undivided attention for even five minutes can be a rare and powerful experience for many people.” Walking people to a safe place, calling an ambulance, listening and offering ideas about people’s life choices or just being a peaceful presence can all be part of a night’s work for a Street Pastor. The Epsom Street Pastor has been set up with the agreement and support of Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, Surrey Police and Epsom and Ewell Community Safety Group. I have been in touch with Street Pastors about coming to the Epsom URC to speak with us about their work. They plan to come on 17th February to morning worship. Please make note of that date and make a special effort to be there! Thank You. Toddlers’ Party This was held on 11th December and was a very happy occasion although half of the present children were able to be there. George was an excellent Father Christmas, and I photographed each child receiving his or her gift. The resulting prints were framed in a special card and presented to the families at the first meeting in January. Pamela and I were overwhelmed with the gifts and appreciation shown by the mothers for what we do. 12th Epsom
Guides Our carol singing at Epsom Station in December raised £160 for the Children’s Trust at Tadworth. Instead of a Christmas party the girls watched a video of Robbie the Reindeer in the Longhurst Room and had a few refreshments. Only five of the Brownies came to the Toy Service on 9th December, but those that came took part in the illustration of the carol ‘O Come all ye Faithful’. Most of the Pack went to see the pantomime, Snow-White and the Seven Dwarfs at Epsom Playhouse on 5th January and enjoyed it very much. We have only met three times so far this year. At the first meeting the girls performed their own pantomime, Four Little Riding Hoods, and they each had a small speaking part in it. At our next meeting we began work on the Healthy Heart badge, and the girls considered which are the foods that are better for them, and which they should avoid if possible. We changed our programme for the third evening to one of general games, as several of the girls had warned us that were to be away on a school trip. 12th Epsom Brownie Guide
Pack We ended the Christmas term with a pizza party. This included playing lots of silly games and of course eating pizza! The Guides joined the Division to sing carols in the Ashley Centre. By the end of the afternoon the total raised was £555.04, in aid of McMillan Cancer Support. Early in January saw the Guides watching, cheering and booing at the pantomime at the Epsom Playhouse. So far the Guides have enjoyed exploring an evening around a recycling theme; they made their own set of fashion clothes from bin bags, carrier bags and foil, to name but a few items. The Guides have also explored food from around the world and make-up products and their ingredients....which sparked a lively discussion! Afternoon Fellowship In December we had our Christmas Celebration, presented by Barbara, John and Gwyneth, ably assisted at the piano by Sheila Stredwick, and enjoyed by everyone. Many thanks to all who helped with the event. We are now in recess until 27th March, when Valerie will show us a video about Lake Garda. top) Evening Fellowship In December Gwyneth showed us a video which was much enjoyed; this was followed by light refreshments. Due to illness and inclement weather we reluctantly postponed the regular January Beetle Drive. Our next meeting is on 4th February, when we will be having a talk by Sergeant Sarah (a friend of Evelyn and Phyllis) on St John’s Ambulance.
Women’s Church Council Our December Coffee Morning sponsored Rainbow Trust, and £180 was sent to them. On 14th December the church was decorated with the help of friends, so many thanks to all. The decoration day was altered to the Friday as several folk were helping at Ewell at their Advent Workshop. On 16th December we had our ‘Carols by Candlelight’, followed by mince pies and mulled wine, which were well received. A big thank-you goes to Peter who bought and served the wine. Due to illness we reluctantly cancelled our Coffee Morning in January. This was to have been for the Queen Elizabeth Foundation. Our next Coffee Morning will be on 12th February and we will be supporting the Queen Elizabeth Foundation this time! (top)Copy for the next issue should be with the Editor by 17th February for publication on 24th February, 2007 And Finally . . . A
farmer goes out to his field one morning only to find all of his cows frozen
solid. As
far as the eye can see are cows, motionless like statues.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
,
(top)