Solihull Methodist Church

Transcription

1 Solihull Methodist Church I I NEWS NEWS I I COMMENT COMMENT I I FAITH FAITH I I LIFE LIFE DECEMBER I JUNE Pushchair Club meets every Monday during term time. We run two sessions, morning for babies and young toddlers and afternoon for older pre schoolers. Both sessions are very busy and at present we have regular contact with over thirty families. We aim to provide opportunities for young children to interact with one another and learn through play. Parents and carers can meet and form a mutually supportive group.we offer advice and support on parenting issues in a Christian setting. Parenting can be a lonely experience and adults welcome the opportunity to talk through early child development, the acquisition of language and pre reading and maths skills and preparation for school.through play children develop and improve both fine and gross motor skills. They learn and practice new skills and make sense of the world around them. Play is fundamental in the development of language and imagination.we are fortunate to have Louise Marklew as our leader and adults comment about the bright, warm room, the variety and quality of equipment that includes soft play, ride and push toys, a home corner, puzzles, dressing up and crafts and the singing sessions that are supported by props from our Silver Singing Bag. Another important member of our team is Catherine Ralph who creates the important link with Messy Church. It takes a whole community to educate a child. This is a much used African proverb but whether Church members pass on outgrown equipment from grandchildren, add names to the refreshment rota, help on special occasions or support us in their prayers, all have a stake in the outreach work that we do in Pushchair Club. Joyce Fitter In this Issue Pushchair Club Family News Mike s and Julia s Message Green Tip Parkinson s Society/Alpha Remembrance Sunday Renewal Church Council/EYPT Tom Solihull and Hugh 6th Form Concert Lindors

2 There was a tremendous turnout for Richard and Judy Bates wedding on Saturday 24 th October. There was rousing singing of some really good hymns and a camp fire rendition of Father Abraham, with Richard leading everyone in true Scouting style with the congregation following the actions! (Richard and Judy met through cub scouting). It was a great family affair with Peter Bates officiating at his son s wedding, Linda (his sister) was best man and sang beautifully, and Sue Bates had made the model camp fire which took pride of place in the aisle. To everyone s surprise Richard was suitably attired in a suit, but he did resort to shorts later in the church hall when it came to his speech! We were so pleased to welcome back the Giles family on 22 nd November. Paul and Jenny brought their son, Freddie, for baptism. It was lovely that Chris Giles, now an ordained Methodist minister, was able to baptise her grandson here at Solihull. We hope you were able to spend some time sharing in the family s joy. We would also like to give advance notice of another joyous occasion on 27 th December. Elisabeth (nee Willett) and her husband Chris are bringing their daughter, Jessica Elisabeth Gregory, all the way from Singapore so that she can be christened in the same church as Elisabeth was, way back in April We are sure you will make them feel most welcome. Had your photo taken yet? See Bill Penny after the Sunday Morning Service during November It is with great sadness that we report the death of Avis Marfleet, long associated with this church. She passed away after a long illness on Monday November 2 nd. Her funeral was held at Robin Hood Crematorium on Thursday 12 th November. Our thoughts and prayers are with her son, Rex, Sheila and children Stephen, Andrew and Jo and baby Sammie. 2

3 It is such a joy for Jo and me to be here with you all in Solihull. We have been wonderfully received and thoroughly spoilt. Thank you to each one for that special part you have played in making us feel so welcome. Some gave, others simply smiled, but all together you have made our ache for home so much easier to bear. This quarter I will be spending much more time with you in my home congregation and we are looking forward to our first Christmas in England! Christmas is a time to reflect on the one major issue that differentiates between us and all other faiths God has come to earth in human form to give us a glimpse of what God is like. All of the words and actions of Jesus come together to call us into life s fullness and to love boldly. Please do join us whenever you can as we move through advent, looking at some of the incredible expressions of God s radical grace. In January, once we have celebrated afresh our Covenant Service, we will spend three Sundays discovering Jesus in the tough places of life. Here I hope to share with you the role Jesus plays in three areas of our experience: Depression, Divorce and Death. These are some of the tough places folk find themselves in from time to time. Join us as we find a way forward with all the remaining years of our lives. Finally, I am so pleased to know that I am part of such an amazing Leadership and Pastoral team. Please do not hesitate to make contact if there is any way we may be of assistance. Mike Crockett What can I give Him this Christmas? By now you will probably be well into your Christmas shopping and with a desire to make a difference and a with a wish to avoid the potential delays of the post, you may well be thinking of giving to charity rather than buying presents and sending cards. So what will it be? A goat, a water hole? Before you do, consider the insights of Sam Kiley. He s reported from Africa for the Times over the past two decades and he s suggesting that no matter how harrowing the pictures, you must consider giving in a different way. Sam s argument is that food aid given by the West detaches governments from the people that they represent. It erodes the responsibility to work for the people to ensure the right economic conditions for their well being and sustainability. So what should we do to make a positive contribution that empowers and promotes community cohesion with a positive focus to the future. My research suggests that a donation to a microfinance organisation could make a real difference An example of this would be MicroLoan, a UK based microfinance NGO set up in 2002 to make small loans to groups of women in rural and semi urban areas. The small loans, repayable over 4 years, are designed to help people set up small businesses to increase their financial independence and sustainably trade their way out of poverty. The woman s loan group take on collective responsibility for their repayments and provide a supportive practical, emotional and business network. MicroLoans since opening has made 50,000 loans with an impressive 98% repayment rate. The organisation tells stories of women setting up local grocery stores, sewing businesses, making and selling cakes and trading second hand clothes as examples. The children s charity Barnardo s has reported the positive impact this has on their children (1). The whole experience has had a marked impact upon children s aspirations, who, having seen that change is possible, now have an increased sense of hope for their own futures. These dreams are caught up in the words of the Mary s song of praise as she contemplates the birth of her child My soul magnifies the Lord and I dance with God who liberates me, for God has remembered with love the whispered song of her shadow. God s voice clamours in shouts of justice, as victims are pulled out of the mud and the hungry are filled with good things. God nurtures those who are enabled to see her according to the promise given to our grandmothers, to Sarah and Hagar and their children forever. Amen (2) Julia Monaghan Listening to the voices of women and children: A report for the Microloan Foundation 2. Expectation poem by Clare McBeath (adapted slightly by me). 3

4 Tuesday Morning Meetings at am: Exercise Therapy Class and Social At these meetings approximately 40 people affected by Parkinson s disease perform simple exercises for an hour, under the direction of our popular Extend exercise teacher. The exercise session is followed by refreshments and a get-together. The meetings also serve as a focus for the activities of the branch, enabling information to be given to the members about our other events and the facilities we organise, such as respite care. They also allow the committee to meet informally between committee meetings. In addition our Parkinson s nurse holds a surgery every two months and our information support officer (welfare worker), every month. New members are always welcome to join us. Margaret Smith Our next Alpha course will start on Tuesday 12th January at 7.30pm in the Church Hall. Alpha offers a place where, over a simple meal, in a nonpressured way, people can explore the Christian answers to some of the big questions about life, and death, that we rarely get a chance to discuss nowadays. The first session will be an introductory one entitled Christianity: Boring, untrue and irrelevant?. We hope that some of the graduates of earlier courses will be speaking, so please join us, as it might give you an idea of whether you would like to come to the course. If you would like any more information or would like to book your place, please speak to Rev Mike Crockett, Ann Polson or Fiona Beadle. Further information about Alpha can also be found on the national Alpha website:http;//uk.alpha.org SMASH (Solihull Methodists Acting and Singing in Harmony) A DATE FOR YOUR DIARIES! The next musical production will be THE RAILWAY CHILDREN based on the famous novel by E Nesbit Three children are forced to move to the country when their father is arrested. Discovering a railway near their new house is just the beginning of a series of adventures set over one long summer. Wednesday-Saturday 24-27th March 2010 in the Dovehouse Theatre Tickets will be on sale in January - please watch the SMASH website for a ticket order form (and the February Messenger!) 5

5 "GREEN TIP FOR DECEMBER ABOUT CARS Transport is currently causing the greatest annual increase in fossil fuel use, so, voluntary schemes having failed, the EU are requiring manufacturers to improve the fuel efficiency of cars to an average of 50 mpg (57 mpg for diesels) before The EU aim to reach an average of 68 (petrol) and 77 mpg (diesels) by 2020 which means the average car will emit only 95 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre (gco2/km) compared to about 160 now. Some cars already achieve the 2020 target and government is encouraging their purchase. New cars emitting 100gCO2/km or less pay NO annual road tax and those emitting gCO2/km pay only 35 less for hybrids or others using innovative technology. (The website gives more details). Of course careful driving and careful use also helps. Most cars are most efficient at about 45 mph so high speeds and stopstart driving cost money. Also, starting from cold, a car can use fuel at a rate of more than a litre per mile! This drops within half a mile to about half that but it still takes almost 3 miles (more in cold weather) before the engine is fully warmed up and both it and the catalytic converter work efficiently. Short journeys then are also costly to the environment and the pocket. By the way, thank you for all your recycling. By the end of October 182 spectacles, 10 mobile phones, 249 batteries and 42 printer cartridges (HP, Canon and Lexmark remain especially valuable) had been received and the invitation to recycle extended to all users of our premises. Richard Balmer For the eleventh year running, on 6 th November, as part of our Wesley Guild programme, Solihull Sixth Form College gave us a truly splendid evening of music. The quality of the playing was breathtaking, both as individual soloists and as an orchestra. A large audience enjoyed it to the full Congratulations and thanks to them all 4

6 A Reflection by Harry Mills My father would often tell me about the First World War, which we then called the Great war because the Second World War was still to come.. He talked about his service in the Royal Flying Corps, the Somme and Ypres and I wish I had listened more carefully to what he told me. Now in this 64 th year since the Second World War ended, perhaps some of you will have memories similar to mine. My memories of Remembrance or Armistice as it was known in the years before the Second World War, are of chilly, grey November mornings in the streets of the Lancashire cotton town where I was born and the times when each year on November 11 th at 11 am the traffic halted the trams stopped and the men delivering milk and coal stopped their horse and carts, shoppers with baskets, mothers with prams stood still and the noisy street became uncannily still and silent. Young people of my age knew nothing of the war or people we were remembering. None of the names on the war memorial in front of the town hall meant anything to us. Remembering was a ritual which we followed without being involved. It was our parent s war. Except that somehow we were caught up in the sadness of the nation, and of our parents to whom, what they were remembering was very real. The 1930 s passed then on the Sunday of the week before I started Grammar School I listened to the wireless in silence with my parents as Neville Chamberlain told us that we were at war with Germany. My father bought a new record for the gramophone There ll always be an England and we played and sang it often. At my new school we looked up to the prefects in the 6 th form - saw them leave and return shortly afterwards proudly wearing their new uniforms mostly it seemed to me they had joined the RAF air crews, or Fleet air arm or the Royal Navy. And so they went off to the horrors of war. As the war progressed a completely new ritual began to occur at morning assembly. It was the ritual of the headmaster mounting the stage and announcing that one of our former pupils had been killed in action. He named him and of course we all knew this young man who had been one of us. 6

7 Sometimes in assembly we sang the hymn Eternal father strong to save and prayed for those in peril on the sea. Often during lessons, the air raid sirens would wail - a sound impossible to forget - and we would line up in the classroom and move off to the air raid shelters newly built in the school playing fields.. Many of my friends were evacuated away from the bombs which would fall on Manchester. Some went to rural parts of Britain. Others to South Africa and I was to go to Canada to spend the war with relatives but when in 1940 a U boat sank the City of Benares and most of the children perished - Churchill said no more Children to Canada So with rationing, evacuation and night time raids and visits to the air raid shelter the war and Remembrance had become real to us - to me - and would remain so for the next six years and beyond.. So the remembering rituals continue. I am sure that as the coffins continue to come back to RAF Lyneham and are driven in procession through Wootten Basset, so head teachers in some schools around the country continue the rituals of the 1940 s and announce the deaths of former pupils killed in action in Afghanistan. And so we remember, and we perform our rituals. We build our memorials and our gardens. And the National Arboretum at Alrewas is a fitting memorial to those in all walks of life who have lost their lives in conflict. But I want to finish with this thought - however much we remember those who have died and the horrors of war - it is only through our ACTIONS and commitment to peace that the price they paid will be justified. When the ancient Hebrews escaped from Egypt, those who followed wanted to remember this great event of deliverance. So they instituted the Passover which is an act of Remembering, - so that, their great deliverance would never be forgotten. But later they realised that something else was needed. Remembering was only part of it. They realised that some kind of action was a necessary part of the remembering process. Not just ritual actions such as were observed at the Passover meal.. Their remembering must result in action, against injustice. Remembering the time when they were slaves in Egypt meant doing something about slavery in their day. I quote from a contemporary Rabbi If you remember the slavery of our nation in Egypt you are committed to be more sensitive to all who are enslaved today. Also remembering the time when they were hungry in the desert meant for them the ACTION of leaving some of their crops at the edge of their fields to enable the hungry to get food. So remembering gave way to ACTION. The rituals of remembering though helpful are the easy part. Remembering the causes of conflict and taking action to remove them. That s the hard bit. And it is only through our actions and our commitment to the cause of peace and the eradication of injustice, that the price paid by those we remember will be justified. On Saturday 7th November, some members of the Renewal housegroup travelled to Oldbury-on- Severn, in glorious Autumn sunshine, for a retreat led by Sue Hatton, at Oldbury Methodist Church, one of the two churches over which Peter now has pastoral responsibility. The atmosphere in this small church was of peace and calm, appropriate to the reflections and discussions on Psalm 84, led by Sue, on resting in God's unconditional love. Renewal are so grateful to Peter and Sue Hatton for their warm hospitality. 7

8 Our Chairman of District writes-- During October, Action for Children has launched its new appeal, which has a fund raising element, but also is campaigning and awareness raising about the effects of NEGLECT on children in our day. If you are an internet user then you can find out more at and take your Action for Children. I tell you this because I am immensely proud to be associated with the work of Action for Children, which so often by its nature has to go unseen or unheralded in our communities. I would encourage our Methodist people to join me in that sense of pride, and to display the Action for Children logo on their notice board NEW YEAR S DAY WALK Join me for a three and a half mile walk from Kenilworth. We start at a.m.from the car park opposite the Queen & Castle. If that car park is full, park in the car park at the side of the Queen & Castle (cost 2). Once again Sue and Richard Balmer have kindly offered soup and mince pies after the walk at their home 79, Links Drive. Enquiries to me, Reg Bywell ( ). Over 100 shoeboxes-well Done! LYNDON BRIGADES BAND AID CHRISTMAS CONCERT SATURDAY 19 DECEMBER at 7.30PM at Lyndon Methodist Church Tickets 3.50 includes mince pie and mulled wine Box Office Raising funds to buy new instruments On what will probably be a very cold December 8th I will get on my bike and join a team of people cycling to Copenhagen with Christian Aid, in an attempt to raise awareness of Climate change. We will be urging the leaders of the G20 nations to prioritise issues of climate change and to be attentive to the needs of the world's poorest people directly affected by climate change. The full costs of the trip have already been covered by one very generous donor. Now I'm asking for your support, I'm aware that times are hard and if you can only give a small amount that's cool every little helps. The easiest way to sponsor this trip is to visit my online page and remember to fill in tax details so we can claim back your tax. Many, many thanks. Andi Smith 8

9 Summary of Meeting held on Monday 5 th October 2009 We are indebted to Cecil as usual for this summary of the main issues from the Church Council Meeting. This meeting is the main decision making body of our Church. Its full minutes can be seen on the notice board in the Church foyer. 1. Sue Balmer will coordinate fellowship lunches. 2. Joan Davies will share work in the church office with Christine. 3. Mike shared a model of how people may be welcomed into the fellowship of the Church and be enabled to grow in Christ, based on the analogy of a home: a. The Foyer: there are many foyers in which an initial welcome may be extended, e.g. church services, clubs, groups and societies, the uniformed organisations. b. The Lounge: these are contexts in which closer relationships can be established and commitment extended, e.g. men s coffee club, Contact, Guild. c. The Kitchen: this is the point of engagement and involvement at which people gain knowledge and understanding of faith and the faith in depth, the place of nurture and growth, e.g. house groups. 4. Circuit: In 2011 significant staffing issues will arise in our own and adjoining circuits. Each local church is being asked to review and redefine its mission as a preparation for further decisions. 5. Finance: Accounts are being audited. Income exceeded expenditure by 12,988 but the Church reserves remain below the recommended level. An appeal is to be launched to meet the substantial cost of repairs to the warm air heating system. 6. Youth Work: The Wednesday Club, for children with severe physical and learning difficulties, was now established. The Pushchair Club is well supported and growing. 7. The Growing a Greener Church group have created facilities for disposal of target items and are actively considering aspects of energy use. 8. A decision will shortly be made re a proposed showing of The Age of Stupid, which dramatically highlights environmental and stewardship issues. 9. Next meeting Monday 22 nd February Agenda items to Cecil Knight in advance please. The Church Project has so far raised 1,520 from different events and activities and there are plans for future events as shown below: December 4 th January 23 rd April 24 th July 17 th Quiz night in the Church Hall at 7.30pm - with Fish & Chip Supper Tickets 5 Barn Dance in the Church Hall at 7pm - a family occasion with Stephen Woodcock as our Barn Dance Caller see AD Concert Band in the Church at 7.30pm - a great evening with popular and classical music (more details from Janet Sinclair) Musical Miscellany in the Church at 7.30pm - with Jeremy Heald on the organ and piano and accompanying singing group So, put the dates in your diary and look out for further details later. If you know of any other events or activities which could be arranged between now and next September for the Church EYPT Project please contact Stuart Aldridge ( ) or David Allen ( ). 9

10 What s on this month? Tuesday 1st 9.30am Tuesday Holy Communion 7.30pm CIRCUIT MEETING AT SOLIHULL Wed 2nd 8.00pm CONTACT - Tales from the Kitchen, Molly Bird and Joyce Fitter 4th 7.30pm GUILD - Reminiscences of a Choirmaster, Norman Ashfield Sunday 6th 9.00am Holy Communion: Rev Mike Crockett 10.30am TOY SERVICE/All Age Worship/Parade: Rev Mike Crockett 6.30pm Prayers in the Margaret Wharam Room Tuesday 8th 9.30am Tuesday Holy Communion Friday 11th 7.30pm GUILD - The Garden Tomb, Jerusalem, Ian and Janet Sinclair Sunday 13th 10.30am Lessons and Carols and Holy Communion: Rev Mike Crockett 6.30pm Evening Service: Rev Julia Monaghan Tuesday 15th 9.30am Tuesday Holy Communion Wed 16th 7.30pm CONTACT - Christmas Communion, Travelling in Russia etc, Ed Shore Friday 18th 7.30pm GUILD - Christmas Evening Sunday 20th 10.30am Morning Worship: Rev Mike Crockett 6.30pm Candlelight Service: Rev Mike Crockett Tuesday 22nd 9.30am Tuesday Holy Communion Thursday 24th 3.00pm CRIB SERVICE 11.15pm Christmas Holy Communion Friday 25th 10.30am Christmas Day Service Sunday 27th 10.30am Morning Worship and Baptism: Rev Mike Crockett 6.30pm NO EVENING SERVICE Thursday 31st 11.15pm Watchnight Service JANUARY 2010 Sunday 3rd 9.00am Holy Communion: Rev David Hulme 10.30am All Age Worship: Mr Peter Tonks 6.30pm Prayers in the Margaret Wharam Room Tuesday 5th 9.30am Tuesday Holy Communion Friday 8th 7.30pm GUILD - New Year Buffet Sunday 10th 10.30am Covenant Service and Holy Communion : Rev Mike Crockett 6.30pm Evening Service: Rev Mike Crockett and Catherine Ralph Tuesday 12th 9.30am Tuesday Holy Communion Friday 15th 7.30pm GUILD - The Holy Spirit, Chris Taylor Sunday 17th 10.30am Morning Worship: Rev Mike Crockett 6.30pm Evening Service: Rev Mike Crockett Tuesday 19th 9.30am Tuesday Holy Communion Wed 20th 8.00pm CONTACT - From Greenland's Icy Mountains, Sue Balmer Friday 22nd 7.30pm GUILD - "The Play's the Thing", A close look at The Bard Sunday 24th 10.30am Morning Woship: Rev Mike Crockett 1.30pm OPEN CHURCH MEETING preceded by Lunch 6.30pm NO EVENING SERVICE Tuesday 26th 9.30am Tuesday Holy Communion Wed 27th 7.30pm South Team Meeting at Solihull Friday 29th 7.30pm GUILD - Guild members' choice of music Sunday 31st 10.30am Morning Worship: Rev Mike Crockett 6.30pm Evening Service: Rev Mike Crockett 10

11 Lindors We filled it the Lindors hotel that is with over 40 of us on the Church family weekend. And what a weekend it turned out to be with weather as if to order and a great family occasion We did it all partying, doing the tourist trail, serious debate on happiness is,, all sorts of games and puzzles and of course worship led by our own members selecting their best hymns and telling us why And all through we enjoyed meeting up with John Lloyd Williams (a former minister in the mid 80s) who led our discussions and our worship thoughts. And we have booked the hotel again for 2011 so if you missed out this time you will have another opportunity then. Stop Press John s presentation on Happiness is is now on the church website it is well worth reading John Lloyd Williams Group discussion outside in the sunshine!! Saturday morning getting ready to listen to John Printed by Additional Curates Society