Merry Christmas. and a Happy New Year

Transcription

1 Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year December 2010 and January 2011

2 Minister Rev. Kevin Jones Tel: Secretary Jenny Scott, Elder Hanbury Rd., Dorridge, Solihull. B93 8DW Tel: Hall Secretary Edna Grimmett, Tel: Junior Church Pat McKee Tel: Magazine Team Mary Kirwan Elder Newton Rd., Knowle, Solihull. B93 8HN Tel: Rest Day: Friday Treasurer Mike Robertson Elder Lodge Rd., Knowle B93 0HF Tel: Property Secretary David Stewart Elder Links Drive, Solihull B91 2DJ Tel: Graham Tall, Elder 2010 Church Notices Mike Robertson Elder 2006 Tel: Additional Serving Elders: Mandy Cunoosamy 2010 Diana Dicker 2010 Alison Hockly 2009 Isobel Robertson 2008 Stephenie Tall 2009 Kath Vale 2009 Planning For 2011 We require advance dates for our Social Gatherings, Studies, Events etc for the Cluster News Sheet which Rev Neil Eldridge needs by JAN 15th! This will include news of all the churches in our cluster, Christ Church, Hobs Moat, Olton, DIF, Trinity and possibly Carrs Lane. Ideas for Social Events welcome please. Note: This magazine is free to all members and friends of Knowle URC. We rely on donations to help cover the costs 2

3 Minister s Letter If you want to go and visit Buckingham Palace there used to be no way that you would be able to unless you were invited. Since 1993 you have been able to go simply by booking a ticket although you are restricted to going only in August or September. Ordinary people don't get invited to go to palaces, except in special circumstances. Dan Schaeffer writes that kings and princes can visit mangers, and so can bakers and weavers, wise men and shopkeepers, priests and children, cattle and sheep. He comments this reality is so simple that it is easy to miss. This is God doing things his way: not our way. Newborn kings are usually to be found in palaces well away from the ordinary people where few are invited to visit and then only with special permission. Jesus came into the world to make God available for people: to be accessible. So God chose a place where anyone could come to meet the King (even shepherds who didn't have the best reputation and certainly wouldn't receive an invitation to a palace) in a stable. And Jesus made himself available to everyone throughout his life here on earth he certainly didn't restrict himself to the important people. And today Jesus can still be met wherever we find ourselves, and not in just a few special places. Here is the Lord of the whole of life. And Christmas was the first appearance of a Saviour who came to be accessible to all: rich or poor, young or old, whatever the colour of our skin, no matter what our background is. So let us once again celebrate Christmas: the birth of God's son, who is here in our world for all people, and let us do our best to share this good news with everyone we can! Kevin Cluster Olton Dec 19 th 6pm Candlelight Carol Service Dec 24 th 4pm Carols and Mince pies Service Dec 26 th No Sunday Service 3

4 Margaret and Ian Miller would like to thank all our friends in the Church for their expressions of sympathy, support, and flowers on the recent death of Ian s sister in Scotland. Church Family, etc Happy Birthday to Derek Hughes1st, Rosina Forsyth1 st, John Heatley 7 th, David Hall 12 th, Diana Dicker 14 th, Christine Kane 18 th, Sue Bateman 19 th, Mary Vale 22 nd, Greta Stewart 28 th. Our sincere sympathy to Ian, Margaret & Family We had Café Style worship conducted by Kevin on Oct 10 th which was much improved on the first one we held, this was different in the way it was set out the smaller tables which covered the majority of the floor, it included our coffee/tea break in the middle and we celebrated Holy Communion too. The Children were very good and met in the Vestry for their activities We are seeking an International Charity to support and would welcome suggestions to be discussed at next church meeting (Jan 23 rd ) Please save all your foil and used stamps for me over Christmas, thank you. Plea! Joan Pulley is asking for help with the Friday Lunch Club in Dorridge and in particular would appreciate hearing from people who could provide transport. Contact Joan on Anyone wishing to attend Revd Neil Riches Induction on Jan 16 th at Trinity Hall Green please give their names to Jenny ASAP as she has to reply by DEC 10 th. Churches Together in Knowle & Dorridge are appealing for a new Christian Aid organiser. Jane Holt has sent in her resignation, and someone needs to be appointed as soon as possible please. Christian Aid lunches at St Philip s Church Hall, Dorridge on Wed Dec 1 st and 15 th 12.15pm. at 4

5 Shoeboxes (see photos on page 9) Mary wishes to thank all who subscribed to the shoebox appeal including many friends at Christ Church. Shall we do it again next year? I would like some feedback please. Mary K Prayer Fellowship Prayer Fellowship met on Sun Nov 14 th where all names on our prayer list plus events were remembered in prayer. Once again dear friends I must ask for your prayers for our young and precious ones. Alice, one of our former pupils is now 19, very beautiful in ways and looks, lovely long blonde hair, talented and due to go to University. Alice has got Leukaemia. Your prayers really are needed. Kath Vale December s Inspiration December may be cold and dark and yet it brings our way The promise of sheer happiness and joy on Christmas Day For now s the time to give, receive and old ties to renew, And let the ones you love know just how much they mean to you Soon, it ll be time to look ahead at seasons yet to come So let s hope next year s going to be a simply perfect one. Last Dates for Christmas Post: Dec 6 th Airmail to South & Central America, Caribbean, Africa, Middle East, Far East inc Japan, Asia, New Zealand & Australia Dec 10 th Airmail to Canada, USA, & Eastern Europe Dec 13 th Airmail to Western Europe Dec 15 th Last day for letter to Santa Dec 18 th Second Class Dec 21 st First Class Dec 23 rd Special Delivery Never live in the past, but always learn from it. Feeling run down? Then why not come in for a Service! 5

6 Interesting Dates Sun Nov 28 th 3 pm Blessing of Christmas Tree in Mell Square Dec 1 st World Aids Day / Prisoners for Peace Day Dec 4 th Carers Right Day Sat Dec 4 th 2 pm International Carol Service at St Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church, Bristol Street Birmingham All Welcome 7.30 pm Strolling Players present It s Christmas at Knowle Village Hall Dec 5 th International Volunteer Day Dec 6 th St Nicholas Day Dec 10 th International Human Rights Day Dec 21 st Shortest Day Winter Solstice Dec 26 th St Stephen s Day Dec 31 st New Year s Eve Hogmanay Night 2011 is the 50 th Anniversary of the Heart Foundation is the 400 th Anniversary of the King James Bible Authorised Version Jan 5 th 12 th Night Jan 6 th Epiphany Jan 16 th Churches Together Service at St James s Church Bentley Heath. Jan Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Jan 25 th Burns Night Bible Society s Prayers Please pray for Bible Society s ministry in Angola as the country comes to terms with it s troublesome past. Give thanks for all those who work among prisoners across the world to help them turn their lives around Please pray that many will find true freedom in Christ as they read The Highlighted Freedom Bible freedom from their past, and freedom to become all that God has called them to be. Give thanks for the opportunities the Bible Society has to help young people interact with the Bible in Belarus libraries. Please pray for Bible Society plans to train 75 literacy instructors, who will help 7,500 more Ngobe people read God s Word for themselves. 6

7 NATIVITY' What were their thoughts, as they travelled afar, Those three wise men who followed the star, That lit up their way with unwavering gleam When they met up and journeyed to fulfil their dream. How great were the fears of those shepherds that night, When the angel appeared, as they cowered in fright And urged them to haste to a stable so bare To find and to worship the babe lying there. What were the hopes of that young mother then As weak from her labour, she views all those men. Both rich and the poor, kneeling there at the sight Of her child, newly born in the still of that night. The wise men brought gifts and the richness of gold The shepherds gave warm fleece to keep him from cold, But neither the richest or humblest bowed there Could realise God's gift in this, His Son so fair. What are our thoughts on this Day of Days As we celebrate Christ's birth with our carols and praise? Do we glance at the Cross and recall with some shame That this babe grown to manhood, hung there in our name? How great is our faith as down through the age The story is told with the turn of each page As history rolls on, glows the Truth ever bright Still, God so loves this world in His Son born that night! So sing all your praises, sing out with great joy Let all people know that the birth of this boy Bought our salvation when His life He gave And conquered forever the power of the grave! Jean C. Frier With thanks to Jean, an Elder Of Community Of Christ. Les Bridgwater. 7

8 Why is the Advent Wreath so special to Christians? The wreath is made of a circle of evergreen branches laid flat to symbolize eternal life. Four candles (traditionally red) stand in the circle and each one represents one of the four Sundays of Advent. In the centre of the circle is a fifth candle (traditionally white), the Christ Candle, which is lit on Christmas Day. The circle of the wreath reminds Christians of God, His eternity and endless mercy, which has no beginning or end. The green of the wreath speaks of the hope that Christians have in God, the hope of newness, of renewal, of eternal life. Candles on the Advent Wreath Advent worship is like a journey through the Christmas story. Christians use the Advent candles to celebrate this period with one lit every Sunday of Advent so that during the last week before Christmas all four candles are lit. The last central candle (which represents Christ), is lit on Christmas Day. What do the Advent candles stand for? Candles symbolise the light of God coming into the world through the birth of His son, Jesus. 1. God's People -The Candle of Hope. Hope is like a light shining in a dark place. As we look at the light of this candle we celebrate the hope we have in Jesus Christ. 2. The Old Testament Prophets. The Candle of Peace is like a light shining in a dark place. As we look at this candle we celebrate the peace we find in Jesus Christ. 3. John the Baptist. The Candle of Love is like a candle shining in a dark place. As we look at the light of this candle we celebrate the love we have in Christ. 4. Mary the Mother of Jesus. The Candle of Joy is like a light shining in a dark place. As we look at this candle we celebrate the joy we find in Jesus Christ. The fifth candle represents the birth of Christ. The flame of this candle reminds us that He is the light of the world and that if we follow Him, we will never walk in darkness, but will have the true light of life. 8

9 Christmas Boxes On the morning of 30th October a number of ladies (both members of Knowle URC and others -see photo) gathered to pack boxes for the Christmas Box Appeal. However, the packing was a minor part of the whole operation, which had started many months before and we need to remember all the hard work put in by Mary, Chris and the knitters. Shoe boxes had been collected for months and Chris spent many evenings covering them all beautifully. Mary has been busy shopping throughout the year, providing soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, flannels, crayons, pencils, colouring books and all the lovely toys that were packed up that morning. Scarves, hats, mittens and more were beautifully knitted by several ladies and by the end of the morning 56 boxes were ready to be dedicated during the Church Service the following morning. In total 66 boxes are now ready to be delivered to the central collection point, the highest total since Mary began to provide boxes many years ago. Many thanks to everyone involved, but especially to Mary and Chris for all their hard work and organization throughout the year. Alison Hockly Though she is smiling, Mary is really lying down from exhaustion! Note: Mandy, also helped, but she s behind the camera. Graham Tall 9

10 Men at Work (and Mary V and Kath!) This was heavy work, not gardening, so it was understandable that only a party of men (and one puppy present on two of the photos if you look hard for him) were involved outside. The major work involved the digger - without that, driven by Jonathan and Philip Tall, it would have been impractical to remove the large tree roots that filled the bed beside the Church and that on the left hand side. (We did try to keep some of the bushes growing beside the church so cross fingers that they re-grow in the spring. But, there was also some back-breaking work moving the roots! Thanks to David Stewart, the organiser, Peter (the gardener), Ian Miller, Bruce Howell, Graham Tall and his two sons. 10

11 Socials: Lord Leycester s Hospital (Warwick) Talk.. This was one of the best talks we have had at the URC. Very informative and it has laid the foundation for a follow-up visit to the hospital (which is not a hospital, but a home for ex-service men. An improved version of the Chelsea Pensioners Home). Walk ending with Lunch at the Black Boy. Not the best time of the year, but the weather was fine and dry and, according to Jan, her cod was delicious! 11

12 Fiona s Induction Fiona Elvins, who was trained under Kevin and came many times to our church, is pictured here, after her induction at St Columba, Moseley, as a Lay Preacher, with her Husband, Ivor. At her first sermon at Knowle Fiona commented that she had a soft spot for Knowle and she clearly enjoys working with our children. Ivor, as always, was gruff and friendly. Remembrance Sunday. is always a special service and with fighting in Afghanistan continuing, it s relevance is particularly evident. 12

13 Digbeth in the Field URC Sunday 12th December 5pm pm at St Michaels & All Angels, Yew Tree Lane, Yardley -local churches choir perform Roger Jones "While Shepherds Watched" (Kevin & Helen are in this) 1. Sunday 19th December 4pm - Digbeth-in-the-Field Christmas Carol Concert led by Kevin (just in case people cannot get to Knowle's in the morning they might like to come across) 2. Thursday 23rd December 7pm - Digbeth-in-the-Field Church Hall will be showing the film "Nativity"a 2009 British comedy (details below) entrance is free but a donation would be appreciated for the youth work at Digbeth-in-the-Field (Girls Brigade, Boys Brigade, FURY, Sunday Club). Refreshments will be available. New Year Resolutions A new year is here, it is just the time when We hope for all wars to cease and peace reign again That's a general wish, but day by day We can make life better in our own small way. Be helpful to neighbours, especially the old They may be lonely or feeling the cold Don't shout at children if they're noisy at play, You probably did the same thing in your day. Don't spend money that isn't there When bills come in you will be filled with despair No smoking of course, a drink is OK But not too many, with a headache next day. Send money to charities, if you've any to spare For people in trouble, they will always be there. If someone looks nice, why not tell them so? It could make their day and feel all aglow. Smiles are contagious, so start the chain They will soon spread around, it won't be in vain. But of all resolutions, the best ones to choose Would be to show kindness to others You have nothing to lose So here's to the future, let's give a big cheer Hip, Hip, Hoorah! And a Happy New Year! Connie Walton 13

14 Minutes Of West Midland Synod held on Saturday, October 9 th at Shrewsbury URC Welcome: Opening Worship and introduction of new appointments. News: Pat Nimmo has now retired, - Minutes of March synod approved, Catch the Vision for God's Tomorrow - Vision for Life initiatives that have been ongoing have had a number of churches responding (663 from 9 synods). To this end it is proposed that a full-time Evangelist be employed in the Special Category Ministry post in West Midland Synod as many churches have expressed a need for training to equip them for the task of evangelism. A discussion followed and there was some dissent to the suggestion of an evangelist (1) that the basic programme was from the USA - the United Church of Christ - American ideas on evangelism were different from ours. It was then confirmed that all material would be adapted to British Culture. (2) (2) that one full-time worker covering the whole synod would lead to help being very thinly spread. (3) That a blanket course would not align with all churches. It was left that further discussion would be made and full consideration given to all points raised. Churches and manses are continuing to close. Re-appointments: Revd Stuart Scott - re-appointed as Synod Lay Training Officer; and Revd Dr John Burgess re-appointed as Synod Ministerial Training Officer. Both re-appointments until March 2016 Synod. After further worship and Communion, Synod closed. Christ Church Sun Dec 19 th 6.30 pm Carol Service No Christmas Eve Service Christmas Day Service at 9.30 am 14

15 Christmas Customs In Holland, Father Christmas does not arrive on a sleigh drawn by flying reindeer; instead he travels by boat. In Latvia, Father Christmas brings presents on each of the 12 days of Christmas starting on Christmas Eve! Before the fall of Communism in Russia it was New Year that was celebrated with presents from Father Frost instead of Christmas. Christmas Place Names: Bethlehem Carmarthenshire, Wales Christmas Island Australia Holly Green Worcestershire England Mistletoe Oak Herefordshire England Noel Louisiana, USA Santa Claus Indiana, USA North Pole Alaska, USA Wiseman s Bridge Pembrokeshire, Wales. Father Christmas is known as Sinterklaas in Belgium, Julemanden in Denmark, Pere Noel in France, Weinachtsmann in Germany, and Santa Claus in America. Q 1 What do angry mice send to each other in December? Q 2 What do you get if you cross Father Christmas with a duck? Q 3 What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire? Q 4 Why does Father Christmas always go down the chimney? Answers on page 18 Olympics are Coming See page 4 of BEN and lots more articles in BEN Charity Christmas Cards are available at the Library till Dec 14 th 15

16 O Come All Ye Faithful Young William Ewart Gladstone, who later became British Prime Minister, greatly appreciated the services at Margaret chapel in London s West End. For one thing, the sermons were short never more than twenty minutes! More important, the congregation `were the most devout and hearty that I have ever seen`. The minister at the time was Frederick Oakley one of the leaders of the nineteenth-century Oxford Movement. He believed passionately in the power of ritual, religious symbols and fine music. And before he joined the Roman Catholic Church, he gave his congregation and the world this version of the eighteenth-century `Adeste fideles`. O come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant, O come ye, o come ye to Bethlehem; Come and behold him, Born the King of angels Oh come, let us adore him, Oh come, let us adore him, Oh come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord. God of God, Light of light, Lo! He abhors not the virgin s womb; Very God, Begotten not created: Sing, choirs of angels, Sing, in exultation, Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above, `Glory to God in the highest`: Yea, Lord, we greet thee, Born this happy morning, Jesu, to thee be glory given! Word of the Father, Now in flesh appearing: Frederick Oakley ( ) Loving Father, Help us to remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and the worship of the wise men. Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clean hearts. May the Christmas morning make us happy to be Thy children, and the Christmas evening bring us to our beds, with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus sake. Amen! Robert Louis Stevenson ( ) 16

17 A Journey through the Bible with Tiglath. 30. Deut. Chapters 8 to 11 We can now, perhaps, begin to hurry along on our momentous journey. In Chapter 8 to 11 we find Moses addressing the people with great seriousness. Perhaps, he is aware that his long life is coining to an end, ;and, that he must be assured that he is leaving his people fully prepared to settle in the Promised Land with their faith in God intact. He warns them that the land flowing with milk and honey will give them much higher standards of living than they have enjoyed in the desert and this may lead them to forget God who has delivered them from slavery in Egypt. In the second half of Chapter 8 Moses sets out, in some detail, how God looked after the Israelites in the desert. As he says in verse 18, 'But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God for it is He that giveth thee power to get wealth that he may establish His covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day'. The Covenant, you will remember, was this - 'I will be your God, you will be my people'. GGOLDEN TEXT Deut, 8:18. Thou shalt remember the Lord thy God. As we read Chapter 9, in some detail, we look back along the way we have come as Moses retells what happened while he was up Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments from God. The Israelites rebelled against God and, under Aaron's leadership worshipped a golden calf. Moses also reminded them of other rebellions they had made against God's leadership. In Chapter 10 Moses reminds the people that God had shown them great mercy in restoring the tablets on which the Ten Commandments had been written and which Moses broke in anger when he returned from Mount Sinai. A long way ahead in our journey (St Luke Ch 10 v 27) we shall learn from Christ the two basic commandments of the Christian faith, namely, 'Thou shalt love the Lord the God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. 17

18 Tiglath Continued: Moses said in verse 12 of Chapter 10, 'And now, Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in His ways, and to love Him, and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul'. Notice how much further Christ took the commandment. Chapter 10 ends with praise for all that God has done for his people. Chapter 11 continues the theme that the Israelites must obey God and study all He asks of them as they take over the Promised Land. If they do obey Him then God will send the first and latter rains to give good crops - corn, wine and oil. He will also send them grass for their cattle so that they will have plenty of food. The chapter ends with a warning that the Israelites will be cursed if they do not obey God but blessed if they do. Verse 31 states, 'For ye shall pass over Jordan to go in to possess the land which the Lord your God giveth you, and ye shall possess it and dwell therein'. In the next fourteen chapters of our journey we shall look at the basic laws enacted to enable the Israelites to change from a wandering peoples to a settled nation Answers Q1 Cross-mouse Cards! Q2 A Christmas Quacker! Q3 Frostbite! Q4 Because it soots him! Flower Rota Helpers Dec 5 th Kath& Mary Jan 9 th Kath& Mary Dec 12 th Jenny Jan 16 Kath Dec 19 th Christmas Jan 23 rd Edna Jan 2 nd Christmas Jan 30 th Kath& Mary 18

19 Rotas Vestry and Communion Elders Sun Dec 5 th Mike Robertson Sun Jan 2 nd Diana Dicker Sun Dec 12 th Graham Tall Sun Jan 9 th Jenny Scott Sun Dec 19 th Kath Vale & Sun Jan 16 th Alison Hockly Mandy Cunoosamy Sat Dec 25 th Isobel Robertson Sun Jan 23 rd Stephenie Tall & Mike Robertson Sun Dec 26 th Christ Church URC Sun Jan 30 th Mandy Cunoosamy Sun Feb 6 th Mary Kirwan Door Stewards Dec 5 th Mary K. & Chris Smith Jan 2 nd Brian & Jan Richardson Dec 12 th Mike & Isobel Robertson Jan 9 th Sue Heatley & Margaret Allan Dec 19 th Alison H. & Judy Pr. Jan 16 th Clive & Avril Griffiths Dec 25 th Ron & Mauvine Squire Jan 23 rd Jenny Scott & Glenys L. Dec 26 th Christ Church URC Jan 30 th Graham& Stephenie Tall Feb 6 th Mike & Isobel Robertson Junior Church Helper Dec 5-26 (Christ Church) Judy Mandy/Martha Jan 2-30 Pat Helpers Fiona/Isobel READERS Dec 5 th Pat McKee Isaiah 11; 1-10 Romans 15; 4-13 Dec 12 th Greta Stewart Isaiah 35; 1-10 Luke 1; Dec 19 th Clive Griffiths Jan 2 nd GrahamTall Isaiah 60; 1-6 Matt 2; 1-12 Jan 9 th Christine Kane Psalm 29 Matt 3; Jan 16 th Sue Heatley Psalm Crnth1; 1-9 Jan 23 rd Sue Bateman Psalm 27; 4-9 Matt 4; Jan 30 th Ian Millar Psalm 15 Matt 5; Feb 6 th Eileen Pitkeathly Psalm 112; 1-9 Matt 5;

20 Church Diary Sun Dec 5 th 9.30 am Dr Adrian Miles Toy Service Wed Dec 8 th am Midweek Service 7.30 pm Elders Meeting Sun Dec 12 th 9.30 am Geoffrey Drake Sun Dec 19 th 9.30 am Christmas Festival Service. Rev Kevin Jones Communion Tues Dec 22 nd 7.30 pm Candlelight Carol Service Sat Dec 25 th am Kenneth Alway-Jones Sun Dec 26 th am Joint Service at Christ Church URC Happy New Year Sun Jan 2 nd 9.30 am TBA Sun Jan 9 th 9.30 am TBA Prayer Fellowship Wed Jan 12 th am Midweek Service 7.30 pm Worship Meeting at Eileen s Sun Jan 16 th 9.30 am Mr Ian Carnell 3.00 pm Induction of Revd Neil Riches at Trinity Hall Green 6.30 pm Churches Together Service at St James s Bentley Heath(URC reader required) Wed 19 th 7.30 pm Women s World Day of Prayer Meeting at Dorridge Methodist Church Hall Sun Jan 23 rd 9.30 am Rev. Kevin Jones Communion Holocaust Memorial Day Please note! Church Meeting after Service Wed Jan 26 th am Midweek Service Sun Jan 30 th 9.30 am Mrs Ann Evans Articles for February Magazine to be with Mary by January 16th please. 20