Church Drive Jan/Feb 2015

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1 Church Drive Jan/Feb 2015 The Rector Writes Bi-Monthly News from St. Giles, West Bridgford Alpha: Got Questions About Life? In this edition A Winter Poem by Jean Stevenson Hands at Work PCC Update The Friary Opening Minds Archbishop s New Year Message Update from the Boys Brigade St Giles Directory & Coming Up at St Giles

2 The Rector Writes... 2 New Year is a time for new plans, dreams and optimism, perhaps this year will be different? That sense of opportunity and hope was cut short with the events in Paris over the last fortnight. Shootings, hostage taking, a manhunt, more shooting. All captured on video. The Archbishop of Canterbury who lived and worked in Paris before he was ordained issued this statement following the callous murder of the staff members of Charlie Hebdo: This is an act of the most extraordinary brutality and barbarity. This violence is demonic in its attack on the innocent, and cowardly in its denial of the basic human right of freedom of speech. "The people of France, a country in which I have lived, which I know and love, will rise courageously above the challenge of this vile attack and continue to demonstrate strength and confidence arising out of their great history. Our prayers and thoughts are especially with those who have been killed and injured and their families. I pray also for those involved in pursuing the terrorists. In the aftermath of the attack there are the inevitable questions and soul searching. What is clear to me is that from a Christian perspective there can never be a religious justification for violence. What greater insult could there be to God than to crucify his Son, yet when he was he responded not with a call to arms yet

3 a command to Peter to put your sword away John 18. For Christians the response to insult is not an eye for an eye or a tooth for a tooth but to turn the other cheek. In our Christmas services we were reminded that a light shines in the darkness and as long as Jesus is the Light of the World there is still a reason for hope. This term we have begun our Alpha course and also a confirmation course for our young people. In different ways these courses present the good news of Jesus. Do please keep them in your prayers. My hope is that his year we will see a good number of our young people make a new commitment to Christ and confirm that commitment in the diocesan confirmation service, if you can join us for that service please do Saturday 21 st March 7pm at the Minster. Wishing you a blessed 2015, Yours in Christ, Lee 3

4 Alpha Got Questions About Life? Well in 2002 I didn t exactly have questions about life, but I was looking for answers! I had read an article about Abraham explaining that he was the patriarch (father figure) of Jews, Christians and Muslims, which left me thinking if these religions all came from the same place and it s the same God, why is there so much fighting and intolerance? My second thought, having been brought up occasionally attending church, was what if I m backing the wrong horse! perhaps I should be following Judaism or Islam. I decided to make up my own mind by reading the source texts or the nearest things to them I could find. I had a dusty Bible that a friend at university had given me so I took it off down from the bookcase, blew off the cobwebs and started at the beginning Genesis chapter 1 verse 1. I have to say I didn t get very far the stories were lovely but I didn t really understand them, so being impatient by nature I decided to skip to the New Testament. What I read there blew me away I met Jesus! I read what he did and said and I was amazed. Around this time I felt called to go to church, and having crept into the back of St Giles one Sunday morning I saw the Alpha course advertised in the bulletin and decided that I should attend and that s when my journey into Christianity really started. I made a commitment to myself (and possibly to God) to attend every week and soon really looked forward to it. We discussed everything from does God really exist, Jesus birth, death and resurrection, suffering, other religions and so on. Every week there was a meal with the leaders and other guests on the course. This was followed by a talk on the evening topic before getting into small groups to ask any questions and listen to other people s questions. When I look back I see the Alpha course as a really important time for me in exploring my own beliefs and emerging faith. I also made lifelong friends who were journeying with me. The next year I was back again as a helper! 4

5 I would encourage anyone to attend the course as a way to explore Christianity, to ask questions, to make friends and hopefully to come to know more about Jesus and why Christians put their faith in Him. The next Alpha course at St Giles starts on Tuesday 13 th January in the George Chapel at 8pm. Please do feel free to come and join us. Katie Conley A Winter Poem by Jean Stevenson This evocative poem arrived too late to be included in the Nov/Dec edition of Church Drive; it is included in this edition for everyone to enjoy. Winter Gentle sigh comes October Autumn scenting the air Summer blooms fading, drooping Gardens becoming so bare. Trees once garlanded in green Tinged now gold and brown. Forming a perfumed carpet, As leaves float softly down. Furrows carved in fields once green As farmer works his plough, Hedgerows of hazelnuts, rosehips, Adorn the country now. Come November as nights enfold Frost hardens the ground, Nature bows to winter s sleep Before she comes snowbound. Starlings chatter in trees so bare Swooping away like clouds of smoke Raucous cries of rooks and crows Roosting in ash and oak. December comes with winter s sun Soft rays bathing anew, Flash of scarlet, a robin descends, A reminder that Christmas is due. 5

Hands at Work In November 2014, Kat and Graham Rooke spent a week in Zambia with Hands at Work, the charity that six members of St Giles visited in South Africa during the summer of 2013.

Whilst we were there we were able to meet with a number of the team to find out more of what Hands work looks like in Zambia, as well as visiting a couple of communities that they work in.

6 Hands at Work In November 2014, Kat and Graham Rooke spent a week in Zambia with Hands at Work, the charity that six members of St Giles visited in South Africa during the summer of On this trip to Zambia, we stayed at Kachele Farm, the Hands centre, with a team who provide support for all of Hands work in Zambia, DRC and Nigeria. Whilst we were there we were able to meet with a number of the team to find out more of what Hands work looks like in Zambia, as well as visiting a couple of communities that they work in. You may remember from previous articles that Hands at Work exists to work with orphans and vulnerable children in the poorest of the poor communities. They empower and build up the local church to work within their own communities, ensuring that these children have access to the most basic of their needs food, health care and education. Spending time in Zambia provided an exciting opportunity to see Hands at Work in a different culture and context, as well as seeing the ways in which Hands has grown and developed in their strategies to best impact the communities in which they work. It was clear as we heard about the 'Maranatha' workshops that have been developed to bring the healing of Jesus into the lives of the children, their caregivers, the care workers as well as the Hands family, that God is truly moving through this charity. As well as our time at the Farm, we spent two days in a community called Malakota. Malakota is a town 40km from shops, roads, and healthcare as well as government schools. It is also the place that we will be 6

7 visiting in June 2015 with our second team from St. Giles. The care workers within Malakota walk miles in the hot sun to visit the children and families they support, often in the opposite direction to their own homes. We spent some time on 'holy home visits' with the incredible care workers who give their all for their communities. These men and women truly reflect the love of God as they walk the dusty paths to people who have very little hope in their lives. We were privileged to get to know a little of their story and walk alongside them. We will be returning to Malakota in June to continue to build our relationship with this community. We plan to take another small team to join us as we get to know, encourage, laugh, cry and hope with these heroes. Our team won't be confirmed until early 2015, so if there is even just a small part of you that thinks maybe, just maybe, then please come speak to us (Kat and Graham) or one of the team who visited South Africa (Judith Lesowiec, Will Bancroft, Jess or Rich Miller). We would love for you to join with us on our trip, whether it be through prayer, financially giving or travelling to Zambia. Kat Rooke 7

8 PCC Update from 19th November 1. Building Review Working Group Following meetings of this group and proposals made by it, we toured the church to view potential improvements in lighting, video screen, the entry porch and the Lady Chapel. If you would like an update on specific plans, please speak to Brendan Sprakes. 2. Churchwarden s report Doreen Ottway has been added to the Lay Administration list. Pat Lovett was made an official contact for the Church bank account. Richard was working through the informal list of issues raised by the recent insurance visit. There had been a minor roof leak reported in the South Aisle, but investigation had not identified a serious issue. It was agreed to book Lutterell Hall for the Youth Groups on Sunday mornings on a long term basis. 3. Finance Parish Share Eddie and Lee had been to a deanery meeting to take bids for and discuss the parish share for The total of bids made by all parishes in the deanery was 125k short, only 84% of target. After wide-ranging and thoughtful discussion, it was agreed to make a bid of 102k, reflecting the likely budget deficit of 18k for This is a decrease of 18k on the 2014 contribution. 4. Mental Health Awareness As part of this diocesan initiative, a seminar on dementia had been held, with very good attendance. Daphne Carter was appointed as our Mental Health Awareness Champion. 5. Correspondence The Bishop had written giving permission for Andrew Barker to lead and preach at St Giles from time to time. 6. Holiday Club 2015 As August Bank Holiday is 31 st August in 2015 and schools return on 3 rd September, Holiday Club could not be in bank holiday week, as previously. It was agreed to run it in the last week of August. 8

9 7. Diocesan Synod Johanna Langheld, who represents the deanery on Diocesan Synod, gave a short report: Five working groups, set up by Justin Welby, were due to report in December. A bishop would be appointed soon; the long list had included women. There was a more open discussion of budget. An environmental policy was being produced. The next PCC meeting will be held on Wednesday 21 st January Thank You From The Friary Many of us take for granted how lucky we are at Christmas but it can be a person s worst nightmare! This winter, stop and think about others who are not so fortunate. Imagine not having the money to buy the presents your son, daughter family or friend wants this Christmas? Imagine losing your home what would life be like? As unthinkable as it is, homelessness is something that can happen to anybody, through job loss, ill health, divorce and family break-up. The Friary would like to express our thankfulness and gratitude to everyone who has and continues to support us with donated gifts, money and food items. With your prayerful support, we were able to bless many individuals in our local community and make their lives a little easier. Once again, thank you for supporting the work of the Friary. Julie Skelham, Deputy Centre Manager 9

10 Opening Minds Opening Minds is the mental health strategy group for the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham. It was set up in 2011 in response to clergy concerns for the care of those with mental health problems, following cuts in health and social care provision. The task of raising mental health awareness across the Diocese needed to be based within the local church. It was suggested that a Mental Health Awareness Guide (MHAG) be linked to each parish. Daphne Carter is the MHAG for St Giles. MHAG s Role is to: To ensure that churches are welcoming, supportive and involve people when they have mental health problems and their carers. To help all church members to understand mental health, and for any issues of stigma or discrimination to be sensitively addressed. They will work with the church leadership to ensure this. In time the role may include consideration of the needs of those in the wider community. To ensure that basic information is available for signposting to other services. The Structure: MHAGS must have the support of their Parochial Church Council and clergy as they can only be effective through engaging with the church leadership. Why the church should be concerned about mental health? At least one in four adults and one in ten children will have a significant mental health problem at some point in their lives. People with mental health problems experience stigma and discrimination. It is hard for people to talk about their difficulties and to receive support. This stigma extends to their carers too. The church has always been called to work with the marginalised in society. Those with mental health problems often have additional social problems to face. This includes unemployment, poverty, debt, relationship breakdown, social isolation and being the victim of abuse or violence. They are more likely to have additional physical health problems and those with severe mental illness have a life expectancy 20 years less that the general population. Those with mental health problems often look to the church for support. 10

11 Some Facts: Our church communities often reflect the views still present in society that mental illness is somehow shameful and a sign of weakness. Not surprisingly there is a reluctance to admit to having a mental health problem. A survey of people with mental ill health reported for two thirds of them, the attitude of others caused at least as much difficulty as the symptoms. Mental and physical ill health should be regarded in the same way (the two often co-exist.) Support for those with mental ill health, their friends, families and carers remains important. The help may include practical assistance, listening and showing concern and prayer. Those with mental health problems have much to contribute to their communities. Feeling valued can help in the journey of recovery too. Questions for our church. Welcome: Would a newcomer feel welcomed? Do single people feel welcome? Church building and layout: What impact does this have on someone who is unwell? Is there a place to be quiet? Is it easy to slip out? Overall service: What would it feel like to attend if anxious, depressed, or seeking routine and structure? If someone can t cope, how easy is it for them to attend part of the service? Sermon and talks: Is mental health ever mentioned? Is there discussion elsewhere about mental health? Are testimonies given about mental health issues? Do these include coping with long term problems? Prayers: Are those with mental health problems prayed for? If not, why not? Who is embarrassed? Inclusion: How friendly are people? Do they listen? Do people feel able to be themselves? Encouragement to be involved in activities: How easy is it to get involved in church rotas and activities for those with MH issues? Supportive contact:. If someone has a mental health issue do they get the same level of support as someone with physical health needs? Who contacts them if they miss the service? What support is there for carers? Activities outside church: Is the Church doing anything, and could it help those with mental health problems and their carers in the local community? If you have any comments about this article or wish to discuss in confidence a mental health issue, please contact Daphne Carter on pastoral@stgilesparish.com or by phoning

12 Archbishop s New Year Message Transcript of the Archbishop of Canterbury s New Year Message, filmed at the National Memorial Arboretum and broadcast on BBC One and BBC Two on New Year s Day The National Memorial Arboretum is a place of reflection, remembrance and prayer, dedicated to those who have served, suffered or sacrificed for this country. To those who are remembered here, we owe a debt of unspeakable gratitude. This New Year is particularly significant, marking the end of one of the longest wars that our modern services have fought. There is a danger that the sacrifice and suffering of those caught up in war and disaster will slip from our minds. Each day brings its toll of bad news, of disasters inflicted on the innocent by war and disease. In 2014 we saw so much of that in the Middle East, in north-east Nigeria, with the persecution of Christians and other minorities. And in the week before Christmas itself, there was the horrendous massacre of children in Pakistan. There is so much suffering that at the New Year it is tempting to look inwards in despair. But we are not a country that turns our back on the suffering and the weak and the helpless. In the week just before Christmas I was in Sierra Leone, very briefly. There I saw the result of British generosity, of aid poured in to support a country torn apart by Ebola, and the extraordinary dedication of British service personnel, working with charities, funded by our aid budget. I saw the profound heroism of local people dealing with something that none of us understand which makes lethal the basic instincts of touch and embrace for the sick and the dying. 12

The week before that I was in the South Sudan, and saw again the open-handedness of the British people who have contributed to a programme that has saved one and a half million sufferers,

13 The week before that I was in the South Sudan, and saw again the open-handedness of the British people who have contributed to a programme that has saved one and a half million sufferers, warbattered, from starvation. We are a country formed in a Christian heritage, which calls us to sacrifice and self-giving, to open-handedness and hospitality. In the last year, travelling all over the world to see Anglican Churches and to meet their leaders, with my wife, we ve seen the impact of this country both historically and today. When we are at our best, living out the generosity of Jesus Christ, as that has formed itself in our national character; when we turn outwards and use our best resources to change this world in which we live; we see what a wonderful heritage we have and the hope we can bring to the poorest, and those with the greatest suffering on the face of our planet. So what do we hope for in 2015? My hope and prayer is that we are the kind of country that goes on looking outwards; that is full of a generous spirit. Because when we re generous we find joy and others find comfort and hope. So may that joy and comfort be yours in this coming year. 13

14 Boys Brigade Update In the Junior Section Xenis Antcliffe has gained his Silver Achievement Badge. In the Company Section we played our 1 st round of the National Chess Competition against the 2 nd Sutton in Ashfield and this was a close match with us just winning by 5 games to 4. Nicholas Ford 2.5pts, Jasper Hanson 2pts and Oliver Kerry 0.5pts were our team. Only one team was entered this year in the Bible Knowledge Competition and the passages were from Ruth Chapters 1 and 2. They were unable to match last year s position of runners-up and finished fourth in the Competition. Team: Martin Cahill, Edward Burke, Raphael Galea and Nicholas Kerry. Ten teams took part in the Battalion Unihoc Competition and they were drawn into two groups of five with the top two going through to the semi-finals. We entered two teams and they were drawn in different groups. The B team lost all of their games but only narrowly, three of the four games were by the odd goal. The A team faired a little better and finished third in their group, narrowly missing out on a place in the semi-final on goal difference. B Team: Martin Cahill, Nicholas Ford, Edward Burke, Oliver Kerry and Ray Baker. A Team: Nicholas Kerry, Jasper Hanson, Nicholas Kerry, Sebastian Whitlow and Stanley Hanson. Keith Whitaker, Captain 14

15 St Giles Directory Rector Lee Proudlove Tel: Church Caroline Harper Tel: Wardens Richard Crawley Tel: Administrator Claire Sheard Tel: Youth Worker Andy Wright Tel: Pastoral Care Daphne Carter Tel: Co-ordinators Debbie Keown Tel: House Groups Katie Conley Tel: Seniors Doreen Ottway Tel: PCC Secretary Dizzy Prentice Tel: PCC Treasurer Eddie Pearce Tel: Sacristan Maureen Swann Tel: Director of Music Andrew Rootham Tel: Junior Church Sarah & Iain Moppett Tel: Sunbeams Claire Sheard Tel: Tiddlers Caroline Crew Tel: Weddings Caroline Harper Tel: Church Cleaning Helen Jarvis Tel: and Flower Rota Something Else Graham & Kat Rooke Tel: or 15

16 Coming St Giles January/February Tuesdays, 8.00pm (weekly from 13th January) Alpha course in the George Chapel No meeting in half term, Tuesday 17th February Monday 12th January & 9th March, 8.00pm First Priority Prayer Meeting in church Come and make prayer your first priority. Everyone is welcome for a time of worship and prayer. Tuesday 13th January & 10th February 10.30am Seniors Coffee Morning at Bradmore Wednesday 14th January & 11th February, 8.00pm Ladies Evening at The Parlour Thursday 15th January & 12th February, 3.45pm Messy Church Monday 26th January, 6.30pm & 23rd February, 8.00pm Men s Social at the Willow Tree Pub. At the earlier time of 6.30pm in January, to enjoy a 2 for 9.00 meal to celebrate the beginning of 2015! If you have an idea for an article for Church Drive please contact Claire Sheard. 16

Church Drive Nov/Dec 2014

Church Drive Nov/Dec 2014 The Rector Writes Book Review: Rowan s Rule Monthly News from St. Giles, West Bridgford Seniors Adventure in Derbyshire Update from the PCC 50 Years On. Women s Day Away Rowena