Methodist Church Thames Valley Circuit. Smaller Churches Newsletter. June - August 2017

Transcription

1 Methodist Church Thames Valley Circuit Smaller Churches Newsletter June - August 2017 Called to be a dandelion...? Recently, I went to the Diaconal Annual Gathering known as Convocation. It was interesting to see how deacons, normally so quiet on a one to one basis, can fill a venue like Swanwick with excited chatter and limitless laughter! I really enjoyed it and it was humbling to be received into their midst. But that does not explain the picture of a dandelion Also at Convocation, were the President and Vice-President of the Methodist Conference. Their theme is Justice and Holiness and a booklet has been produced which can be used as a study guide for individuals or groups. In the booklet, there are specially commissioned pictures which can aid our thinking. In our world today, justice and holiness seem to be a million miles away from our grasp. Instead we see signs of injustice and ungodliness all around us. Where were holiness and justice when a suicide bomber detonated his device at pop concert as the crowds dispersed crowds which included children? We look for big signs of God s presence in our world but perhaps we should search out the small seedlings which are breaking through. As news of the explosion spread, Manchester taxi drivers turned off their meters and drove distraught folk home. A small seed of hope but a seed of hope all the same. A dandelion is no friend to a gardener. Its tiny seeds can grow anywhere in borders, on the lawn, even through the cracks of a driveway. They are resilient and they are not afraid to take root in the most inhospitable of soils. Yet the seeds are tiny and the tiniest breath of wind can send them far, far away. The Thames Valley Circuit is composed of a small number of big churches, a slightly bigger group of medium churches and then over half of the churches are in fact smaller ones. The Holy Spirit has planted them in villages, some of which have been overtaken by neighbouring towns. What can we, as smaller churches bring to the places where we find ourselves? Are we signs of God s holiness and justice in our communities? This is not just a task for smaller-sized churches but perhaps, because of our size, we can try things that a bigger faith community are unable or unwilling to try. Most of the Open the Book work is being achieved by the Smaller Churches. You have, in many ways, championed this work. You have followed the Spirit s leading and many children have benefited. A small seed of Smaller Churches Newsletter June August Page 1

2 hope but a seed of hope in the hearts and minds of children who often cannot hear the Gospel message anywhere else now that church attendance is no longer the norm. Where might the Holy Spirit be leading you tomorrow? Where can you take root in a world of injustice? Let us not be afraid to follow the Spirit s leading as we seek to make a difference. Rev Sonia Hicks Visit to Guildford Cathedral On Saturday, 18th March a group of us, mainly from the Smaller Churches Group, met at Guildford Cathedral for an Away Day. The weather was sunny and blustery and the wind was very cold. We met together in warm fellowship! Our day was divided into two main sessions, separated by lunch, with free time to look round, talk, relax, do nothing. We knew before we went that the Cathedral was undergoing extensive repair work none of us had realised that asbestos was the cause. While this meant that huge areas of the cathedral were decorated in scaffolding, it did not detract for the warmth of the welcome we received. Our morning session was an Ignatian meditation, held in the most attractive Lady Chapel. We were encouraged to listen to the gospel message contained in John 4, the story of the Samaritan woman at the well, and note words or phrases which particularly stood out for us, and also to think about the whole situation surrounding the story. Then came a prayer exercise to help us concentrate on our own personal prayer life during Lent. At one point, I stopped writing and looked at the rest of the group heads bent over papers, thoughtful concentration all of us completely engaged. Lunch time was a time to talk to one another, to listen, discuss, visit the Cathedral shop, but not to have a walk (and I know that several of us had planned to have one during the break). Much too cold and windy. After lunch we reconvened in the Chapter House for a slide show and talk about the Cathedral, demonstrating the history so far of the building, of its problems, of its joys and its hopes for the future. Many of us were disappointed when the hour s session was over, and we had to finish the presentation was required for another group! Some of us felt that the slides and talk were more informative than being in a group moving round the Cathedral, and listening to information, as it isn t always easy to hear in those circumstances. I think there s a place for both. Smaller Churches Newsletter June August Page 2

3 The general consensus at the end of the day was that we should like to go back, and see Guildford Cathedral in all its glory and possibly have another Smaller Churches Away Day there. Anne Haggarty Note: it was interesting to learn that all the scaffolding in the cathedral (and there was a lot) was suspended from the walls rather than standing on the floor the architect had been concerned about the weight on the floor and came up with a novel solution. Apparently interested parties had come from miles around to see it! Ed. Maundy Thursday Passover Meal On Maundy Thursday 25 members from five of the Smaller Churches, along with Sonia and Andy met at Old Windsor to hear Margaret explain some of the details involved in the traditional Passover or Seder Meal. For those of us who have been at previous Maundy lunches, some of the details were familiar, but there was much that was new. As Margaret tells us each time, the proper meal lasts all evening, and we only have about an hour to cover as much as is possible! The glasses of wine, the bitter herbs, the afikomen were all introduced, explained and enjoyed. (see a picture of the Seder Plate later on in this Newsletter. Ed.) As we have done in the past, we followed this special meal with a normal lunch of baked potatoes and salad, followed by a fruit salad. Conversations were enjoyed, friendships renewed. Many thanks are due to Margaret for all her work, and to Nicola Shaw (and Steven) for the lunch afterwards. Anne Haggarty News from Burnham We have recently had new windows installed in the main hall. Very fine they look too. They are made of (what I think is the technical term) obscure glass, which means that we can see out but people outside can't see in! A reason for this is that we have keep-fit groups and the Toddlers group amongst others, where a degree of privacy is required. However - it does pose the question - do we allow 'outsiders' to know enough about us - how open are we to them? Do we understand their needs? One of our members was telling me recently that on most Sundays (not every) when she enters the building, she tries to think of herself as a 'first-time visitor'. Is she welcomed - would she understand the wording of the hymns - the procedure of worship - would she leave looking forward to her next Smaller Churches Newsletter June August Page 3

4 visit - or not? Other Smaller Churches would, I think, agree that one of the best ways of getting to know the community - and their needs) is through Open the Book, which is received so well in our local school, as I'm sure it is in the other communities, where schoolchildren and adults can see that people from the local church might be quite different from their expectations. We have recently celebrated our 120th anniversary. We made a display of photographs, bulletins, leaflets, all the usual things that the amateur historians (your correspondent in this case) love to hoard. In common, I suppose, with most other churches (and not just the smaller ones), we can look back on past lists of members and sigh! However, small numbers or not, we still hold up our heads. Our Alpha course, as I write, has almost finished, and the leaders are talking about holding another one in the Autumn. We do praise God for this. We are looking forward to a visit in June from Wayne Dixon, who has been working in local schools for very many years and whose ministry to young people has been much appreciated. He is coming to talk about his work under the banner of Christian Connections in Schools on June 18th. Our Toddler Group is still going very well, and Sunday afternoon Table Tennis is still attracting good numbers. So perhaps people are seeing in! Hilary Evans News from Cookham Rise We were a bit disappointed at Cookham Rise that the couple who had hoped to develop a Community Cafe in the church had had to take on other catering commitments which means that for the moment the cafe is on the back burner. But we decided that, in the meantime, we would begin to offer a soup lunch to the mums who come to Bump Camp and whose babies and toddlers we look after in the creche. We will still have a door put in between the kitchen and the church during the school summer holidays as this will be needed anyway and we believe that the cafe will happen in God's good time! Some of us have wanted for some time to use the Anglican material entitled 'Grave Talk' an opportunity to talk about death and dying (practical and spiritual aspects). We have decided to use one of our '4 th at Cookham' alternative worship evenings to explore this material you are all welcome to join us on Sunday 11 June at There will also be a repeat of the Allotment Service this summer please join us at on 27 August. Come & Play Rock Cakes Ingredients 8oz self-raising flour 4oz butter 3oz caster sugar 1 splash milk 1 egg 2oz raisins (or sultanas, or raisins or even chocolate chips!) Method Set oven on to Gas Mark 6/200C and grease a large baking tray. Sieve flour into bowl. Add butter in pieces and rub with fingertips until it looks like fine bread crumbs. Stir in sugar and fruit if sing, then add and egg and stir in. Add enough milk to make a stiff dough. Put 12 heaps onto tray and bake for around 15 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Smaller Churches Newsletter June August Page 4

5 Cookham Rise hosted the Circuit Missions Quiz this year on the evening of Saturday 22 April. I think everyone enjoyed Kathy Rickman's cooking, but I am not sure everyone felt the same way about the questions! The 'Green Fingers' team from the Allotment won. Thanks to all who came and gave generously and also to those who brought delicious puddings. We have decided to have a bit of a tidy-up of the vestry (why DO they always end up as a dumpingground!?) We hope to dispose of the three very uncomfortable armchairs (which nobody ever sits on) and replace them with three church chairs. By including a Bible, a cross and some literature we hope to be able to offer a place for prayer whenever the church is open for another reason. In June this year we will be using the Methodist Church's Bible Month material and studying the Letter of James. The magazine format makes the material look very interesting I'll let you know how we get on. All our usual groups and events continue as normal. Do try the Come & Play rock cakes in the box they're very good and easy to do (even with under-2s!) Connie Jeffery News from Colnbrook & Poyle No news this month from Colnbrook & Poyle but they say they are really busy! We do have this beautiful picture of the Seder Plate from their contribution to the Prayer Safari in October 2016 it's so beautiful I had to include it (Ed.) The Seder Plate is used by Jews at Passover to remind them of how God brought them out of slavery in Egypt into the Promised Land. Traditionally there are six items on a Seder Plate (see the six sections in the picture). These are: Maror and Chazeret bitter herbs as a reminder of the bitterness of slavery;, Karpas - usually celery or parsley which is dipped in salt water to symbolise the bitter tears shed by the Jewish people;, Beitzah an egg symbolising a special festival sacrifice; Zeroah the shank bone of a lamb symbolising the sacrificial lamb; and Charoset a special, sweet, paste-like substance representing the mortar used to hold the bricks together in the buildings the people of Israel built for the Egyptians. (Ed.) News from Eton Wick We hosted the Easter Offering Dedication Service on 30th April, and it was encouraging to have the Sanctuary full to overflowing. The "bring and share" tea which preceded it was "delightfully chaotic", and the food generous and varied. A sincere "thank you" to everyone who contributed in any way to a very happy occasion. Daphne Hogg Smaller Churches Newsletter June August Page 5

6 Also from Eton Wick, an extract from the Mature Times about St George contributed by Phil Clack: According to legend, St George, England's Patron Saint, was a soldier in the Roman army who killed a dragon and saved a princess. 23rd April is the anniversary of his death. St. George was born somewhere around the year 280 in what is now Turkey. He rose up through the ranks of the Roman army, eventually becoming a personal guard to the Emperor Diocletian. He was executed for being a Christian, and is buried in the town of Lod in Israel. Also according to legend, the only well in the town of Silene was guarded by a dragon. In order to get water, the inhabitants of the town had to offer a human sacrifice every day to the dragon. The person to be sacrificed was chosen by lot. On the day St George was visiting, a princess had been selected to be sacrificed. However, he killed the dragon, saved the princess and gave the people of Silene access to water. In gratitude, they converted to Christianity. It is thought that the dragon represents a certain type of pagan belief that included the sacrifice of human beings. St George never visited the British Isles in his lifetime, but during the Middle Ages he became revered by the English and according to legend fought on their side in the Crusades and the Hundred Years War. Having once been recognised as widely as Christmas, the celebration of St George's Day waned by the end of the 18th century after England had united with Scotland on May 1, The St. George's cross (red cross on a white background) is used as England's national flag, forming part of the Union Flag. St George is also the patron saint of Bulgaria, Ethiopia, Georgia, Greece, Portugal and Russia. Could the English be more passionate about their patron saint? It is a pity that the flag of St George (a red cross on a white background) has come to symbolise, in certain circles, a particularly aggressive form of nationalism and jingoism. Maybe it's time the flag was rehabilitated? Ed. The picture of St George slaying the dragon and rescuing the princess is by Edward Burne-Jones: thousands of pictures of this event exist and I include this one for no better reason than that I am a great lover of the Pre-Raphaelites and of Burne-Jones in particular Editor's perks! Ed. News from Old Windsor We continue to go into our local First School with Open the Book, which is still enthusiastically received by children and staff. By the end of this term we shall have completed six years! Twice round the stories! The United Walk of Witness on Good Friday took place as usual, taking its customary amble up and down St Luke s Road, stopping at the shops, churches, and where there once was a church. Appropriate hymns are sung (unaccompanied!), and brief readings given. At the end of the amble, a Smaller Churches Newsletter June August Page 6

7 short service is held in one of the churches this time in St Luke s and followed by hot cross buns and a drink. We held the latest of our Traveller s Tales, when Connie Jeffery came and entertained us with a description of her rail holiday in New England in the Fall. The blend of history, travel, landscapes, natural beauty and Charles Wesley gave us all a taste of the area, and Connie s way with words kept us all interested and amused. Thank you, Connie. Our next one is on 3rd August, with Kathy Rickman, talking about Olive picking in Bethlehem. Anne Haggarty Going on holiday? Try taking a Christian book with you inform your mind and soul while you relax your body! The luminous web by Barbara Brown Taylor. Norwich Press, With her customary grace, intelligence and wit, Barbara Brown Taylor wonders why science and faith have become polarized in the popular imagination. She explores what quantum physics, the new biology and chaos theory can teach people of faith and why scientists sound like poets and why physicists use the language of imagination, ambiguity, and mystery that is also found in scripture. In explaining why the church should care about the new insights of science, Taylor suggests ways we might close the gap between spirit and matter, between the sacred and the secular, and celebrate our shared life in the "web of creation" where nothing is without consequence, where all things coexist, where faith and science together seek to discover the same truths about the universe. God with us: the meaning of the cross and resurrection then and now by Rowan Williams. SPCK, 8.99 A fresh look at the foundation story of the Christian faith by one of the world's greatest living theologians. Packed with striking theological insight and spiritual encouragement. Designed for use by individuals or groups, with questions for reflection or discussion at the end of each chapter. An ideal gift for anyone near the start of their spiritual journey or wanting to deepen their appreciation of the heart of the gospel. Gospel beyond the Gospels by Trevor Dennis. SPCK, No works of literature have been subjected to such close, persistent scrutiny by so many over the centuries. Yet the Gospels continue not only to fascinate, challenge and inspire, but to reveal new treasures and throw up fresh problems. Much depends on the questions we ask of them and the level of curiosity and honesty we bring to this task. In this glorious book, Trevor Dennis urges us to Smaller Churches Newsletter June August Page 7

8 search for the bright gospel beyond the Gospels. We will find ourselves in territory that is sometimes disturbing and sometimes heartening...but never less than truly exhilarating. Arthur s call: a journey of faith the face of severe learning disability by Frances Young. SPCK, Methodist Dr Frances Young, the former Edward Cadbury Professor of Theology at Birmingham University, has given us a profoundly moving theological memoir on parenting, love and disability. Building on her 1985 work in this area, Face to Face, which was a narrative essay in the theology of suffering, Arthur s Call is a masterful example of a theological and pastoral memoir. I have just read this book and was profoundly moved by Frances Young's reaction to her son and the way in which she totally re-thought her theology in the light of his disabilities. Ed. Have you heard of 'reflect'? It was originally called the Methodist Retreat Group founded in reflect is open to anyone connected with Methodism with an interest in and passion for sharing and developing the idea of retreats and quiet days within our denomination. It produces a twice yearly newsletter, and is an active member of the ecumenical National Retreat Association. During the year it organises retreats in various locations see this page on the website: Membership currently costs 22 p.a. and also gives you membership of The Retreat Association plus a copy of their handbook, providing information about hundreds of retreats organised by various denominations and inter-denominational groups nationwide. I get the feeling that reflect is a well-kept secret within Methodism as not many people seem to have heard of it. I have a vested interest in publicising it as the retreat at Douai Abbey which I was booked onto in June has just been cancelled for lack of numbers! Spending time in peace and quiet with nobody to think of but yourself and God is a wonderful opportunity whatever your situation. Why not give it a try. I'd be happy to talk to you about it. Connie Jeffery Smaller Churches Newsletter June August Page 8

9 Dates for diaries Saturday 3 June Big Brekkie for Christian Aid at Cookham Rise Continental and Full English available. No fixed price donations to Christian Aid. Just turn up no need to book! Sunday 11 June Thursday 3 August Grave Talk at Cookham Rise at An opportunity to come together in worship and talk about death and dying. Travellers' Tales at Old Windsor. Kathy Rickman will speak about picking olives in Bethlehem Cost 4.00 including tea. Sunday 27 August Allotment Service at Cookham Rise at Copy for the September November edition of the Smaller Churches Newsletter should be with Connie Jeffery by Sunday 13 August at the latest. Smaller Churches Newsletter June August Page 9