be, belong, encounter, grow

Transcription

1 PARISH NEWS FEBRUARY 2017 All the latest news from the Parish of New Town & The Hythe be, belong, encounter, grow Keep up to date on our website:

2 February Services FEBRUARY 5th - 4 BEFORE LENT am MESSY CHURCH no Sunday Clubs pm Abbeyfield Service at Christchurch URC on Ireton Road FEBRUARY 12th - 3 BEFORE LENT am Holy Communion and Sunday Clubs for Raindrops, Bubbles, Splash, Xstream and KLICC pm Worship Jam FEBRUARY 19th - 2 BEFORE LENT am Holy Communion and Sunday Clubs for Raindrops, Bubbles, Splash, Xstream and KLICC. FEBRUARY 26th - 1 BEFORE LENT am Holy Communion and Sunday Clubs for Raindrops, Bubbles, Splash, Xstream. Breakfast Club for Year 6+ These times may change - watch for details on the weekly) EVERY WEDNESDAY am

3 Ian s Message Today marks the end of the great season of Epiphany in the church year. We finally say goodbye to the joy and excitement of Christmas and turn once again to the cross and Easter. On Sunday 5 th February we symbolically gather around the crib scene at the front and say farewell. We then turn towards the back of the church where a cross has been displayed and together we say this prayer: Father God as we move from the celebrations of Christmas into the season of Lent, help us to hold both the joy of celebration and the bittersweet sadness of Lent in our hearts. Walk with us Lord, as we journey with you to the cross of Good Friday, and the celebration of Easter. May your light ever shine in our hearts guiding us in all we do. Lord in your mercy Hear our prayer From now on our faces will be turning towards the Lenten Road and the cross of Christ. The formal start of that journey is Ash Wednesday, which this year is on 1 st March. Source We also say farewell to Source. There is an article from Source that explains their decision. There is also a rather beautiful and thoughtful poem from Belinda that helps to put in to words the feelings involved and the persisting hope for the future. God has great plans for The Hythe, but rather like Epiphany giving way to Easter, so Source is ending its present work in order to grow something new. I would like to record my

4 thanks to Nikki who planted it and the Core Team and Travellers who helped it live. They leave a rich legacy and many planted seeds that I believe will bear rich fruit in the future. Watoto What a blessing the Watoto Choir were last month. The children s choir, comprising of orphans from Uganda, gave an inspiring performance of singing and dancing that was guaranteed to lift the spirits and set the feet dancing. In seems incredible that young people who have faced so much difficulty in life could be so full of joy and thankfulnress. As some of them shared their stories, it was clear that this was possible because of a transformation by God in their lives. Watoto works to support that transformation, but the glory is given to God. PCC The Parochial Church Council are elected members of the church who work with the Vicar to encourage and enable the mission and ministry of the church. To serve on the PCC is a very valuable way of contributing to church life. There are usually monthly meetings where we meet to plan and pray together. Members serve for 3 years and each year at the Annual General Meeting some members finish their term and others have the opportunity to be elected. The APCM this year is on 23 rd April which is not far away and so we are asking members to consider if they might stand for election to the PCC. If you want more information please speak to myself or an existing PCC member. This year we will also be seeking 3 elected people to serve on Deanery Synod (again 3 years). The Deanery Synod is where local Anglican churches come together to discuss common local issues, debate and give feedback on national issues, help to decide on how much each church should be required to give financially to the central Diocesan budget and receive key addresses from experts in various areas that may then need to be taken back and presented to the PCC. There are 3 synod meetings per year and you are also automatically a member of the PCC. We will also be looking for a new Church Warden as Diane s term comes to an end. So there are a lot of changes. Please consider prayerfully is God is prompting you to stand for one of these roles. We need folk to respond positively. Abbeyfield Community Project As Source step back for a while it is even more important that we support the work of our other Fresh Expression the Abbeyfield Community Project. Mark and Nai lead the work there on the Abbeyfield Estate from the Community House. Each year the

5 supporting churches gather together to receive news from the project, to encourage the Abbeyfield team, to pray for the work and to dream for the future. This year Christchurch URC on Ireton Road will be hosting the event at 6.30pm on 5 th February. Please do come along if you possibly can. Evening Service Advance notice of the evening service at 6.30pm on 5 th March. Chris Poole will be leading us on a visual meditation. Please book it in your diaries. Readers and Intercessions We have some current gaps for more people to join the rotas for Readings and Intercessions. We are happy to support folk for whom this would be a new step and give guidance. Both are valuable ways of contributing to our worship. Vocations Our Children and Families Co-ordinator, Jo, has been exploring a call to ordained ministry. This vocational discernment process is a long and considered one and she has now been approved to go the final selection stage, a Bishop s Advisory Panel (BAP). This happens at the end of January and is a searching and quite gruelling 3 day residential consisting of numerous interviews and set tasks to complete. There will then be a fairly long waiting period until she hears whether or not she has been successful. Please hold Jo, Tom and Isaac in your prayers as the outcome will have great bearing on all their lives. Also be sensitive that Jo will feel quite vulnerable through the process and will need our love and support, whatever the outcome. FAIRTRADE - THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT In the weeks leading up to Christmas your support for our FAIRTRADE STALL was brilliant. You spent approximately 220 on Christmas biscuits, chocolates, decorations and cards. This does not include ordinary groceries, tea, coffee etc. Generous people like you make such a difference to the workers in the small co-operatives supported by Traidcraft You also bought 18 Advent candles, so 45 has been paid into church funds as these candles were purchased by the church with our other Christmas candles. We sold these candles at slightly more than we paid for them making a small profit for the church. Thank you so much. Beryl and Alison

6 Bible Study Moses 2 Read Exodus 2:11 4:17 This passage is very confused and gives rise to more questions than it answers. The reason for the apparent anomalies is that the book of Exodus as we know it was compiled hundreds of years after the time of Moses from four different strands of tradition which had recorded different events, names etc. The later editors wanted to preserve as much as possible of this tradition so they wove as much of the four strands together as they could. They were writing down the stories to provide a documented explanation of where the Israelite nation had come from and how they got to where they were at the time. It was inevitable, therefore, that some of the details of their present situation got projected back into the Moses story. The clearest demonstration of the different strands of tradition can be seen in the name of Moses father-in-law who was called Reuel in chapter 2 and Jethro in chapter 3. Apart from these four traditions, there is no other reference to Moses in any other ancient texts. One of the main mysteries, therefore, is about the actual person of Moses. I mentioned last month that some scholars think that the character we are told of in the bible is actually a conflation of two or more different people. If we take the Exodus account literally, Moses was born as a Hebrew but was handed over to an Egyptian princess shortly after weaning and brought up in the Egyptian court (as a prince). He should have been killed at birth, so, obviously, there could be no rumours going around at court that he was secretly a Hebrew or he would immediately be taken out and killed. So, as far as Moses knew, he was an Egyptian. Why then, when he saw the Egyptian beating the Hebrew slave, did he stick his neck out and kill the Egyptian? We would expect him to join his fellow Egyptian and help him beat the Hebrew. Was this the start of morality? Had someone realised for the first time that it is wrong to persecute someone, even if they are different from you. The Hebrews were already an oppressed group in Egypt because they were migrants. The unwarranted beating of this particular Hebrew was one step too far. So Moses killed the Egyptian, hid his body and fled for his life out into the

7 desert and into the land of Midian. This was in what is now northern Saudi Arabia and just outside the lands controlled by Egypt. Here he married Zipporah, one of the daughters of a priest of Midian and ended up looking after his father-in-law s flocks. The Midianites were descended from Midian, one of the sons of Abraham and his concubine Keturah (Gen.25:1-6). They would therefore have carried on worshipping the God of Abraham even though Moses, having been brought up in Egypt, would not have known him. Jethro told Moses about this God they worshipped and then, one day, while out in the desert looking after the sheep, Moses had a personal encounter with God, in the form of a burning bush. This is where Moses learns for the first time, the personal name of God. The voice from the bush told Moses to return to Egypt and rescue the Hebrew slaves who were still there. He was naturally very reluctant. He was still wanted for murder in Egypt, and he had only just come across this new God. How did he know he could trust him? And besides, the other Hebrews in Egypt had for several generations been worshipping the Egyptian gods. Why would they suddenly follow Moses on the say-so of a strange god of the desert? So Moses asks, If I say The God of your fathers has sent me to you, and they ask me, What is his name? Then what shall I tell them? (3:13). And the voice from the bush replied, I am who I am. Tell them I am has sent you. Whether or not that enigmatic answer would have meant anything to the Hebrews I am not sure, but the theologians have had a field day with it. God is not just the creator, they say but is being itself. Tim Nice Your FoodBank needs you! Are you up to the Colchester FoodBank Lent Challenge 2017? Like to know more? Then click/visit the link below to download all the information, and encourage Church members to become involved, learning more about what's involved with the FoodBank and experiencing life as a customer - but just for 3 days!

8 SOURCE for everything there is a season In January 2010, after many years of prayer and seeking to discern God's leading for the parish of New Town & The Hythe in how we minster to, and in, The Hythe, SOURCE was launched from St Stephen's under the leadership of Nikki Foster-Kruczek. We began a journey that was both exciting and frightening as we as served as Christ's body in the Hythe. We've done an awful lot: we helped the community get a dangerous old building demolished, stopping a spate of arson attacks in the process. We helped the community defend the Community Centre from closure, and played part in setting up a community land trust. We gave away hundreds of cups of tea, coffee and hot chocolate, and met some wonderful people who became our friends. We pampered some lovely ladies, and learned to love the silty old tidal river and the teeming wildlife it supports. Serving this community and its people is a calling on this parish, but how we do that will now change. Despite our love of The Hythe, SOURCE can no longer give the community what it deserves. During 2016, Gill, Dave and Grace needed to step back from the core leadership of SOURCE, and over the past 2 years, changes and challenges in the personal lives of the core leadership have made it increasingly difficult to continue. SOURCE in it's current format will now end. There is so much to be thankful for, and so many people who made it possible: To Nikki, whose bold, wise, encouraging leadership grew in us more than we could have imagined. To our travellers - Linda, Jo, Philip, Jane, Claire, Alan and Simon - we could never have done this without you. For our church family of St Stephen's, in whose care missional hearts and born and made, we give thanks and praise; and to Ian Hilton, who places discipleship at the very heart of his ministry - your leadership, wisdom and faithfulness to the vision God has given you have been invaluable to us. And to the community and people of The Hythe, it has been an honour and privilege to serve you: you make the community the quirky, creative and unique place that it is. This is not farewell, or goodbye. When we went out from St Stephen's 7 years ago, we were blessed with 2 passages of scripture: Matthew 11: 28-30, and Isaiah 58: The Message renders verse 12 of Isaiah 58 as this:

9 "You'll use the old rubble of past lives to build anew, rebuild the foundations from out of your past. You'll be known as those who can fix anything, restore old ruins, rebuild and renovate, make the community livable again." Well, SOURCE as it was is now the 'old rubble' - and in time, God will raise up from us new leaders, new disciples, who will rebuild out of the foundations we have left. God has used us to scatter seeds in the fields generously, and others will reap that harvest. A full copy of the statement can be found on our facebook page (facebook.com/ SOURCEChristianCommunity). Please keep the Hythe, and each of us, in your prayers and share with the parish any word or picture God gives you about future ministry to that community. Be blessed. Sheila, Ali & Belinda. Camping! Camping at Thorrington July 14th to 16th 2017.Have no fear we are not going just yet! For the third year running we hope to return to Thorrington for a camping extravaganza. We will once again look to have the indoor accommodation which can sleep 14 people and then the fallen log campsite which is a lovely big open site set in the woods. More details soon but we thought I would let you know the date in advance. It is a very relaxed weekend and a chance to unwind just a few miles away. Last year we had brilliant weather the children played the adults talked. We had our normal superb open fire and joint BBQ. There are lots of activities on the site to do but last year we just relaxed. Please save the date and talk to me if you would like any more details. We really welcome all ages to this weekend and encourage you to come whatever your situation. Day visitors on the Saturday are also welcome. Chris Liddamore Job opportunity at IJM The International Justice Mission have a vacancy for the permanent, part-time post of Finance Assistant, 2 days per week based in Witham, Essex. The closing date for applications is 1st February - download all the information here:

10 THE PATH COLCHESTER EPISCOPAL AREA AN INVITATION TO EXPLORE GOD S CALL ON YOUR LIFE 2017 CROSSRAODS DAYS formerly Area Vocation Days Saturday 25 February 2017, Christchurch, Colchester, CO3 3AT free with lunch Saturday 11 November 2017, Holy Cross Church, Felsted, CM6 3DG , free with lunch Register by to Geoff Read by Monday 20 February or Monday 6 November 2017: gread@chelmsford.anglian.org WINTER WARMER ROAD SHOW Drop in for an informal chat and gain a wealth of useful information on: Keeping warm this winter, energy/money/debt advice, dementia support, blood pressure etc. checks, I.T. internet support. CBH will be providing: FREE portable appliance testing, (PAT). Bring your electric blankets, heaters and devices etc. for safety testing! Monday 13th February pm St. Stephen s Church Centre, Canterbury Road, Colchester, CO2 7RY Refreshments Available For more information contact Jon at CCVS , information@ccvs.org Table Talk has now started! Come along on Tuesday mornings around 9.30am for a drink, nibble and thoughtful and friendly discussion. For further information please speak to Linda. (Held in the foyer at St Stephen s)

11 Christmas Carol Singing Thank you for everyone that signed up for carol singing back in December. We collected a very good and a euro for the Hospice. We had an amazing turnout around 35 people. Following the singing we returned to the church for some soup and snacks. Thank you to everyone that got involved it was a great way to start Christmas. Hopefully we can repeat the same this year. There is a thank you letter on the notice board from the Hospice. Chris Liddamore & Mike Watkins ELECTORAL ROLL (CHURCH MEMBERSHIP LIST) The Electoral Roll, which is the membership list for St Stephen s and Source, has to be up-to-date for presentation at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting on 23 rd April. It will be available for checking shortly. Please note that the church Electoral Roll has nothing to do with the Electoral Register which gives us the right to vote in local elections. You are eligible to be included if you over 16, baptised and have regularly attended St Stephen s or Source during the past six months. Being on the Church Roll gives you the right to vote at the Annual Meeting and is necessary if you are interested in standing as a PCC member. Forms are available from the church office. Please ask for a form if you would like to be included. Beryl All Age Walk All age walk Friday 17th Feb meeting at 10.30am (it's half term) Including nature walk with Chris Poole. Please join us if you can for a little stroll around Fingringhoe before returning to the visitor centre where there is a café and toilets. This is likely to be similar to the walk we done in Easter this last year and open to all families, and people of any age. We haven't quite planned the walk but it will probably be a few hours and is flat. Hopefully we can stop in the café at the end for a little warming hot drink and food. There is a place to eat your own sandwiches but I think this is outside. Please meet at Fingringhoe wick by the visitor centre at 10.30am this is a great place to start and end. Chris Poole has a gift for telling us about all the nature we pass, keeping us interested and engaged. He is not to be missed nor is the chance to chat and walk. Chris Liddamore

12 Contact Information St Stephen s Church Centre, Canterbury Road, Colchester CO2 7RY Rector: Revd Canon Ian Hilton Administrator: Jon Taylor Admin Assts: Beryl Hutley and Margaret King The Church Office is open on: Monday pm (Beryl & Margaret) Tuesday 9.00 am pm (Jon) Wednesday 9.00 am pm (Jon) Thursday pm (Beryl & Margaret) Tel: office@ststephens-colchester.org.uk Website: Enquiry Hour to arrange Banns, Weddings and Baptisms is on the 1 st Friday of each month pm St Stephen s Pre-School , Barnardos Children s Centre Church Wardens: Diane Nice and Andrew King For Centre bookings contact: Jon Taylor in the Church Office For urgent prayer requests (Prayer Tree) contact Margaret The March newsletter will be available on February 22nd. Please send any items for inclusion to JON as early as possible please to: office@ststephens-colchester.org.uk Any notices that miss the monthly newsletter for any reason can be given to Margaret to put on the weekly sheet, if possible by the previous Monday or at least by 2 pm on the Thursday.