Being with God with people on your heart

Transcription

1 con tact July 2017 Page July 2017 con tact for St Mary s, Burwell with St Etheldreda and the Holy Trinity, Reach Being with God with people on your heart In recent weeks there have been many horrifying and tragic events, with the terrible fire at Grenfell Tower, and terrorist attacks in London and Manchester, and, as I write, an attack on worshippers leaving a mosque. With ongoing conflict in so many parts of the world, the continuing fighting in Syria and the desperate plight of refugees, with so much suffering, and terror, we can find ourselves asking, what can we do? How do we even begin to pray? As we think of our country, with the repercussions of the results of the general election, the beginning of negotiations towards Brexit, what should we pray? One of the most memorable comments that I have read about prayer was by Archbishop Michael Ramsey, in his book The Christian Priest Today, first published in 1972, where he wrote that prayer for others is being with God with people on your heart. It can be so easy to give way to fear and anxiety, or to feel there is nothing we can do, but Ramsey s words encourage me to come before God, and bring the people, the situations on our hearts, even if we can t find words. In Philippians 4 we read: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:6-7 NIVUK). As we spend time before God, with people on our hearts, let us then be ready to reach out in peace, building bridges, not barriers, working for reconciliation and healing, for community and hope. Eleanor Williams Sarah Wingate writes about her work with Nitelite Once a month I drive into Cambridge on a Saturday evening to volunteer for the Nitelite team based at St Columba s church in Downing Street. Nitelite is the drop in cafe for the homeless and people out and about on a Saturday night and provides a safe place for those people to come in for a hot drink, use of toilets, emergency phone line or just a chat and meet with friends. The Nitelite team is drawn together from various churches across Cambridge and supports the Cambridge Street Pastors (CSP) so they can direct people to us if they feel they would benefit from the facilities and support we provide. Nitelite is open on a Saturday night 52 weeks of the year from 2200 to The Cambridge nightclubs donate flip-flops and bottled water as well as snacks and sweets to hand out. The team is made up of 4 people plus a security person. Each week the CSP administrator, who also coordinates the weekly rotas, sends out a weekly report which contains prayer requests, reports from previous weeks and items of news. Both the CSP and Nitelite come under the umbrella of the Cambridge HOPE charity working in the community by proactively loving and serving those around us. When I first retired from my full time job, I was searching for things I could do and through some friends it was suggested I approach the CSP charity. So I observed one night and went out with the Street Pastors, and spent some time with the Nitelite team as well as prayer pastoring at St Andrew s St Baptist Church. Continued on Page 2

2 con tact July 2017 Page 2 Nitelite Continued from Page 1 I have since served with Nitelite for almost 2 years, widening my network of friends and sharing in a common interest of Christian discipleship and prayer together. My awareness of mental health and looking for signs of drugs and alcohol abuse has been raised by the training provided to volunteers. Those who drop in include some with a faith already, some on a journey exploring their faith further and some just grateful for the comfort and welcome we provide them. We are not there to judge only to listen and offer support. Driving home as dawn breaks and seeing the sunrise over the fen is truly beautiful. My dearest Lord, be a bright flame before me, a guiding star to lead me, a smooth path beneath me and a kindly shepherd behind me, today, tonight and forever St Columba You can find out more information about the CSP charity including a short video at Sarah Wingate Summer Bible School We are once again holding a Summer Bible School on three evenings in the school holidays. This year the dates are Thursday 27 th July, and Wednesdays 2 nd and 9 th August, beginning at 7.30pm. On 27 th July we have Revd Dr Mike Thompson, Associate Principal of Ridley Hall, coming to give an overview of John s Gospel, to tie in with our readings from John s gospel in the summer prayer leaflets. The theme for 2 nd August is yet to be confirmed, and then on Wednesday 9 th August Steve & Kathryn Brown, from New Hope Uganda will be joining us. This evening will include a bring and share supper, so if you can help with coordinating the supper, and/or refreshments on the other evenings, please speak to one of the wardens or Eleanor. Please come along for what promises to be a varied, interesting and stimulating series of evenings. From the Parish Registers Confirmation We welcome Yasmin Revell Emily Hopper Weddings We Congratulate Francesca Rolph and Henry Drake Cayleigh Eiloart and Aarron Singleton Funerals Rest in peace Sue McLees Diana Goodchild Welcome to Chris Campbell, Ordinand on Placement My name is Chris and I've just come to the end of my first year (of two) of training for ordination at Westcott House in Cambridge. I'm an Ely ordinand and live in Waterbeach, with my husband Iain and my two daughters, Charlotte and Emily. Before beginning training, I was Children and Family's Minister at St John's in Waterbeach. Amongst my hobbies are maths, Sci-fi, Lego and Board Games. I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone at St Mary's and St Etheldreda's. THE DIOCESAN STRATEGY PRAYER We praise and thank you, God of the journey, for all your gifts to us in the past. We look to you as fellow-traveller and faithful companion on the way ahead. Shelter and protect us from all harm and anxiety; give us grace to let go of all that holds us back; and grant us courage to meet the new life you have promised us in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

3 con tact July 2017 Page 3 Update from the Sanford Family Following last month s update about Phyl, her son, Michael, has sent a photo of her in her new home, in residential care. Once again, thank you from the family for the help and support given to Phyl over the years by members of the congregation. If you would like to write to her, please speak to Eleanor Williams or Sue Evans. Opportunities to Volunteer Church Cleaning St Mary s is, by any standards, a big and complicated building to keep clean! In the 2 years since we installed the kitchen and toilets we have seen a significant increase in the use of the building for events like cafes, concerts and exhibitions. This is exactly what we hoped for but it does also increase the need for cleaning. The PCC employs Burwell Cleaners to clean the church twice a month, but that isn t enough to maintain the standards we would like and we still rely on a small team of volunteers to clean the church at other times. We currently need more people to join that team male or female! If you can spare a few hours each month, or just on an occasional basis, to help care for our building in this way, please contact Pat Chalmers. CentrePeace CentrePeace is looking for more volunteers! We have vacancies for those wishing to do a regular shift every week or fortnight, but are also interested to hear from people who can offer help less frequently. Volunteers always work in pairs and shifts are for the morning or afternoon. Duties include welcoming visitors, making tea and coffee, handling any sales and restocking the shelves. If you would like to help in this way, please call in at the shop in the Causeway for an application form or contact Pat Chalmers or Pauline Rogers.

4 con tact July 2017 Page 4 Fete 2017 The fete had a medieval theme this year and many of the stall holders, not to mention some of the visitors, wore costumes relating to the time when St Mary s was built. In the church there were also wonderful flower arrangements and the photographic and art exhibits, as well as a number of craft stalls.

5 con tact July 2017 Page 5 The sun shone and crowds flocked to enjoy games and stalls in the churchyard, cream teas in the Guildhall and ice creams and tower tours in the church. Those completing the 113 steps to the top got a truly magnificent view. Fete 2017 We re very grateful to the 50 young dancers from Samara Ballet who came to entertain us and Burwell Folk for providing music all afternoon. The Art, Photography and Flower Exhibition continued for 3 more days and attracted a good number of visitors. The displays demonstrated yet again just how many talented people there are in Burwell, including our own congregation. A reception on the last evening also included a fascinating talk by well-known local wildlife photographer, Kevin Pigney. The fete raised a magnificent 2,340, which will be divided between Ely Foodbank, Christian Aid and Church funds. Thank you to everyone who helped and supported the fete in any way. Photos thanks to Mary Hammond and Pat Chalmers

6 con tact July 2017 Page 6 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY July 1 st 7.00pm Ely Consort concert with picnic in churchyard July 6 th Teddy Bears picnic at the Vicarage am July 27 th 7.30pm (Thurs) Summer Bible School: Revd Dr Michael Thompson, Associate Principal of Ridley Hall August 2 nd (Weds) Summer Bible School Programme TBA August 9 th (Weds) Summer Bible School Steve & Kathryn Brown, from Uganda. September 24 th Harvest Festival at Burwell with Burwell Community Choir Christian Aid Week A very big thank you to everyone who contributed in any way during Christian Aid Week in May. We were thrilled to be able to send 1337, of which 892 was gift aided. That means the actual total that Christian Aid will receive, once they have claimed the tax back, will be Well done everyone and thank you all so much. Christian Aid Committee Ely Consort Concert July 1 st There s still just time to get tickets for the Ely Consort picnic concert on July 1 st or you can pay at the door. The first half features Mass in Blue, by Will Todd, an exciting piece for choir and jazz band, and this will be inside the church. At the interval we ll move outside, where the summer entertainment will continue. Bring your chairs or rugs and a picnic (include wine or beer if you like), relax on the grass and be serenaded by Ely Consort. A perfect way to spend a summer evening!

7 con tact July 2017 Page 7 July 2017 Daily Prayer Weekdays at St Mary s 9am and 6pm (Except Thursday which is at 8.15am at Reach) Sat Prayers at CentrePeace till 9.30am Evening Prayer at CentrePeace till 4.30pm Ely Consort concert at Burwell bring your own picnic! Sunday 2 nd July Trinity 3 Wed Holy Communion at Ash Grove 8.00 All Age service with baptism Thu 6 Fri Teddy Bears Picnic at the Vicarage till 11.30am Refresh Cafe at Burwell until 11.am Knit and Natter at Ness Court Youth Café in the Guildhall till 9.15pm Sat 8 Prayers at CentrePeace till 9.30 Evening Prayer at CentrePeace till 4.30 Sunday 9 th July Trinity 4 - Sea Sunday Wed PCC in the Guildhall 8.00 Holy Communion at Reach Thu 13 No MU Meeting this week 7.00 (groups for children and young people during the service) 7 at Burwell Fri 14 Sat Refresh Café at Burwell until 11.am Knit and Natter at Ness Court Prayers at CentrePeace till 9.30am Wedding Nicola Martin and Roger Osborn Evening Prayer at CentrePeace till 4.30pm 8.00 Sunday 16 th July Trinity 5 Wed 19 Fri Holy Communion at Ness Court Refresh Cafe at Burwell till 11.am Knit and Natter at Ness Court Messy Church at Burwell Sat 22 Prayers at CentrePeace till 9.30am Evening Prayer at CentrePeace till 4.30pm 8.00 Sunday 23 th July Trinity 6 Wed 26 Fri Lunchbreak cafe at Burwell till 2pm MU Lunch at 5 Miles, Upware. Phone Hazel (743897) to book Messy Café at Burwell till 4.30pm Refresh Café at Burwell until 11.am Knit and Natter at Ness Court Sat Prayers at CentrePeace till 9.30am Wedding Anna Brown & Benoit Genevier Evening Prayer at CentrePeace till 4.30pm Sunday 30 th July Trinity 6 Holy Communion at Reach All events are in Burwell unless otherwise indicated

8 con tact July 2017 Page 8 Vicar Revd Dr Eleanor Williams Isaacson Road vicar@stmarysburwell.org.uk LUNCHBREAK CAFE Serving light lunches at St Mary's church On the 4th Wednesday of every month Open from till 2.00 Next Dates 26th July 23rd August More details of many of the activities in this magazine and also any special events may be found on our website We re also on Facebook messychurchburwell centrepeaceburwell CentrePeace Look out for our new lighter summer menus and maybe still an occasional bowl of soup! Knit and Natter Everyone welcome Every Friday 10am 12 noon At Ness Court Come and join us at our new regular venue! For further information please contact Kathy (743556) or Jackie ( ) Editor David Lunn, contacteditors@yahoo.co.uk Collation and distribution Ken Hurrell and Avril Plume To join the circulation list please phone Copy for August/September issue by 15th July please. Your contributions are most welcome. Contact is printed at Burwell Community Print Centre (Registered Charity no ) Views expressed are those of the individual and not of St Mary s and St Etheldreda s PCC