July & August 2007
Minister Rev. Kevin Jones Tel: 0121 706 6298 Secretary Mrs. Jenny Scott, Elder 2002 51 Hanbury Rd., Dorridge, Solihull. B93 8DW Tel: 01564 770730 e-mail: jennyascott@supanet.com Hall Secretary Mrs. Edna Grimmett, Tel: 01564 772552 Rest Day: Friday e-mail: Kevin.jones2@virgin.net Treasurer Dr Graham Tall, Elder 2007 432 Station Rd., Dorridge, Solihull. B93 8EU Tel: 01564 775527 e-mail: grahamtall@yahoo.com Property Secretary Mr Ron Squire Tel: 01564 778684 Magazine Editor Mary Kirwan Elder 2001 99 Newton Rd., Knowle, Solihull. B93 8HN Tel: 01564 776050 e-mail: maryandchris99@yahoo.co.uk Serving Elders in addition: Sue Bateman 2007 Isobel Robertson 2000 Clive Griffiths 2002 Mary Kirwan 2001 Non-serving Elders: Margaret Allen Kenneth Always Jones Jack Deakin Edna Grimmett John Heatley Glenys Lamb Alan Lang Lucilla Lang Pat McKee Eileen Pitkeathly Typesetter Dr. Graham Tall Church Notices Mike Robertson Elder 2006 Tel: 01564 773940 Mike Robertson 2006 Jenny Scott 2002 Graham Tall 2007 Stephenie Tall 2005 Kath Vale 2006 Judy Preece Jan Richardson Brian Richardson Mauvine Squire Ron Squire Note: This magazine is free to all members and friends of Knowle URC. We rely on donations to help cover the costs. Did you know?! We have tea-towels for sale at 2.50 each, notelets 1, URC Car sticker 50p, key rings 50p and pens (now ½ price) 25p each. Please 2 contact Mary for purchases.
Minister s Letter This is a favourite story of mine: There was a Marxist orator who was speaking about freedom on a street corner. He was saying what life would be like after the revolution. 'When we get freedom', he cried, 'you'll all be able to smoke cigars like that', pointing at a well-dressed gentleman walking by. 'I prefer my fag' shouted a heckler. 'When we get freedom' the Marxist continued, ignoring the interruption and warming to his theme, 'you'll all be able to drive in cars like that', pointing to a sumptuous Mercedes which was passing by. 'I prefer my bike,' shouted the heckler. And so the dialogue continued until the Marxist could bear his tormentor no longer. Turning on him, he said: 'When we get freedom, you'll do what you're told!' What does freedom mean for a Christian? Jesus spoke about freedom for captives and I believe he meant that no one should be politically oppressed. But he also offered personal freedom: he said 'the truth will set you free'. (John 8 v.32) What does this personal freedom mean? It means that because of the cross, all the guilt, all the sin and all the evil in us cannot trap us and keep us oppressed in our minds and in our hearts. Those things are dealt with as soon as we share them with God in sincere and honest repentance. That leaves us free to live our lives as Jesus intends: to love God and to love each other as we would love ourselves. Our freedom is not to be used simply for personal pleasure, but to help us to become the people that we are intended to be: loving, generous and faithful, people who want God's kingdom to come - a place of true freedom: politically, emotionally and spiritually. Kevin 3
Prayer Fellowship Kath, Edna & Eileen met for Prayer Fellowship on Sun June10th and those remembered were David & Eileen s friend Kay, Anne Pitkeathly, the Family of the late Ken Plant, John Brand, Joyce, Ken & Julie, Pam Rowlidge, John of Leeds, and Jenny Scott s Father. Thanks was given for the safe arrival of Jorja Maria Smith. Sadness expressed that there is still no news of Madeline, missing in Portugal. We also remembered everyone on Holiday at this time and for the Lord s blessing on Ben our organist, Martin & Gemima, and Derek & Phyllis who are to be married in July. Prayer Fellowship meet again on Sun s July 8 th & Aug Kath Vale Church s Together Service The recent Church s Together Service held at Knowle Parish Church raised a total of 796.03p (this included Gift Aid envelopes) for St Andrew s Church in Chelmsley Wood. The centre was delighted and can now buy a new Computer. Sue Bateman Christian aid Christian aid collectors this year managed to raise 351 which is a magnificent total, one third as much again on last year and all done in very poor weather. If you could manage to help next year, please don't be shy! Many thanks to Mike and Isobel, Lucilla and Alan, Pam and Maurice and Jenny as well as Christine Kane who helps me to count reliably! Pat Comment This morning Saturday June 9 th the sun is wonderful and warm, the Synod day at Coventry should be very well attended. The weather always makes such a difference to what we do and how we do it. As Mary and I left to bring the milk for tomorrow s service people were pouring into Dorridge for the Fun Run, but what if it had been wet? We had our share of damp for the 75 th celebration weekend didn t we? Thanks to everyone who helped to make that weekend so special, and now we look forward to our weddings on 7 th & 15 th July. Kath Vale 4
Church Family Happy Birthday s to the following... Elsa-May who becomes a teenager on July 16 th, Chris 60 on the 21 st, Kath 75 on 25 th, Mauvine 75 on 30 th, then to Ron on Aug 3 rd & Jenny on the 14 th, sorry for missing anyone else celebrating! We were sorry to hear that Marjorie Evans wasn t well recently and send our best wishes to her. We also remember Jenny s Dad and John Brand in our prayers. West Midlands Synod have a training day on July 14 th, Worship Workshop: particularly for active preachers and leaders of worship but all are welcome, especially young and old exploring God s call to be involved in leading worship. Another training day is on Sept 22 nd for Secretaries and Treasurers Consultation. During our visit to Synod Day in Coventry among the workshops was one on the work of the Church of North India in which we four from Knowle attended and had the pleasure of meeting Bishop Probal Dutta, and his wife Rita. The Church of North India has been supported by the West Midlands Synod for a number of years and you will already have read articles in our magazines the accounts of Colin & Melanie Frew and David & Margaret Marshall about their visits to India. Is it time to send someone to represent our church in the future? Some of us also met Prosenjit Chowdbury who was Kevin s guest during his visit, Prosenjit attended our midweek service on June 13 th and was presented with a Pen, Keyring, and Tea Towel as a momento, he then attended our Church meeting the same evening. There are more new notices for perusal at back of church, a Solihull Event guide, and thank you s from Councillor s Gary Allport, Mayor of Solihull, and Diana Holl-Allan. Our Prayers and Best Wishes go to Mary Burgess as she heads off for her new Ministry, thank you for all your support in the past, you will be missed. A Builder s Comment: Look at the quality of the brickwork at the front and at the eaves. On the sides of the church, above the white rendering the bricks are laid aslant with their corners jutting forth. Above them three-quarters of the bricks appear unsupported yet they support another row of bricks! 75 years and not ONE brick has slipped! Graham Tall 5
The Indian Hospital Friends Kanyakumari Health Trust Annual Report November 2006 The work programme continued with the same tempo, service, training and health education with an increase of patients seen from 34,523 to 40,166. It covers Castricum hospital where the main treatment of patients takes place, which covers deliveries, surgery, etc. and everything that cannot be done in Outpatients on the hill visits, which over 2 days cover 16 stopping points and where we see patients in the mountains. - Chungankadai is the area where the hospice stands. Kodinjuiiaj and Muttom are the main areas for the sea coast and around which the care in the long term of surviving victims of the tsunami takes place. There is also a mobile unit in Nagercoil downtown area itself among the very poor. Dr Charles says in 2005-2006 all the persons trained have been employed within two months of appearing for the examination. The present batch of trainees joined in June 2006. We have 30 students for nursing assistance in this batch, We have started selecting students from the socio- economically backward for the next batch 2007-2008. International Partners in Mission is sponsoring 13 students in this training programme. We thank God for their help. On the coast many families and houses were washed away in the tsunami disaster of Christmas 2004. Their relief work was immediate. People who had survived were moved to safe areas, to schools, to our hospitals and government and non- government organisations worked together. When the initial phase was over the question of rehabilitation was considered. We decided to help the poor left without any equipment for fishing. A health worker, who has been working in the area for the last 18 years, started identifying the families who needed most help. 116 families have been provided with nets and boats equipped with engines which can take them into deeper waters. The way this has been done is to provide 10 families to a boat who then work together as a co-operative. This has been possible because of International Partner in Mission and their contribution to help with rehabilitation. All beneficiaries are met frequently by our health worker and the importance of small savings, childrens education, nutrition, etc. are discussed in small groups. Continued overleaf 6
An example of the work carried out: Mr R, aged 60, is diabetic and has been seen earlier elsewhere and advised to undergo below knee amputation. He came to us with his foot badly infected, foul-smelling with maggots. Three of his toes were gangrenous. He had no pain, because of diabetic neuropathy, which destroys the feeling to the foot. He was treated his diabetes controlled with insulin and was given antibiotics. active nursing care and moral and psychological support, the patient started improving. It was satisfying to see him walking back home with just three lost toes. The effect of the tsunami Selvam, aged 21 is cooking lunch on the makeshift stove setup outside her brother s home. She spends her days here with her sister-in-law and her nieces, just a few feet from where her home once stood. Selvam s mother, Prakasi, earns an income selling fish, a laborious occupation that entails walking long distances balancing the heavy container of fish on one s head. Her father, Patrose, is a fisherman. On the morning of 26 December 2004, Selvam had just returned home from church and was eating breakfast with her parents. When water began flooding the home, Selvam, Prakasi and Patrose fled to higher ground. Their home and all their belongings were completely destroyed by the tsunami. The provision of new equipment has enabled Selvam s father to continue to contribute to the family s income using his own fishing equipment. Anthony sits beside his two young grandchildren as they nap on mats on the concrete floor of his small seaside home. He has just returned from Keraia, the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu, where he goes for fishing during the two months when the local catch is small fish that doesn t yield much profit. His home was damaged in the tsunami and although it has been repaired, Anthony s daughter is moved to tears as she talks about their tile roof that now leaks when it rains and her gratefulness for the donated equipment that has enabled her father to again fish on his own boat. When the local catch is again profitable, Anthony accompanied by his 19-year old son, will return to the sea to continue the life they knew before the Storm. The rehabilitation of tsunami victims described above does not say anything about lost relatives, although so many did lose many from their families Finally, your support is a constant encouragement to us and I cannot find words of gratitude adequate for the wonderful way in which you have supported and continue to suppose us. God bless you throughout 2007 and in the years. to come. Dr. Derek Jenkins 7
Song for the Diamond Jubilee (to the tune of Rule Britannia ) In 1932, when Kath was a babe In Knowle there was a non-conformist church, There was, there was, there was a non-conformist church That was the high street the building was too small, So architects a new church did create, Knowle United The church on Station Road our diamond jubilee we celebrate! Judy Preece Pictured right Junior Church taking part in the service The Mayor (Councillor Gary Allport) and Mayoress of Solihull, Councillor Jeoffrey Potts, Diana Holl-Allan and Rev. Kevin Jones. 8
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South East Cluster: Notes of the Meeting held on Tuesday 22nd May 2007 at Trinity Hall Green 33 people attended The meeting opened with worship led by Revd Christine Fowler who also chaired the meeting. DATES TO BE ADVERTISED IN YOUR CHURCHES: The next Elders training will be on 5th June at 7.30pm at Olton URC and the topic is Leadership There will be a meeting for anyone interested in Youth and Children's work on Monday 1st October 2007 (venue to be arranged). The speaker will be Chris Burgham our Synod Young people's Training officer. He would like people to give him suggestions of challenges and issues that are being faced in our churches. Please send your ideas to Revd Kevin Jones (Kevin.1ones2@virgin.net) and he will pass these on to Chris. MAIN AGENDA ITEM: WHAT NEXT? THE FUTURE OF OUR CLUSTER The meeting divided into small groups to discuss the things we do as churches that take up our energy and the Vision we believe God is leading us to have. We also discussed potential future pastorates from a list of scenarios. The small groups were formed by the individual churches and then were mixed up. The meeting then came back together to share what had been discussed. Members from St Ninians left at this point as they had decided where their future lies. Individuals expressed the Vision for their church: Olton - to build up the work with young people Hobs Moat - to witness to the community, reaching out offering activities, worship and prayer Digbeth - to continue growing the youth work Christ Church - to use the valuable location to build up community work Trinity - to continue to be a major Christian presence in Hall Green Knowle - to work with families that now attend and to pursue ecumenical links 10
The main points were: 1. Members from Olton and Hobs Moat felt that they could form a pastorate together. Members from Trinity would be sad to see the link with Olton broken but acknowledged that the membership numbers meant that this connection was no longer viable. Trinity indicated that they would like to explore ecumenical links. 2. The most likely scenario for the short term appeared to be: SCENARIO with 3 Ministers: Olton & Hobs Moat Digbeth & Knowle Christ Church; Trinity & St Ninians 3. In the longer term it was recognised that in the future the cluster may have less than 3 ministers if membership continues to fall. Ecumenical links for all churches could be explored further and/or links with churches in other clusters. Potentially the link between Christ Church and Knowle could be restored, although this would no doubt need to include another church to make sufficient numbers. The next meeting of the cluster is: Wed 26th Sept. 7.30pm at Christ Church Lessons From a Dog 1. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride. 2. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstacy 3. When loved ones come home, always run to greet them. 4. When it s in your best interest, always practice obedience. 5. Enjoy it when someone wants to rub your tummy. 6. Take naps and always stretch before rising. 7. Run, Romp, and play daily. 8. Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. 9. Be loyal. 10. Never pretend to be something you are not. 11. If what you want lies buried, dig for it until you find it. 12. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close and nuzzle them gently. 13. Delight in the simple joy of a long walk. 14. Thrive on attention and let people touch you. 15. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do. 16. On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree. When you are happy, dance around and wag you entire body. No matter how often you are criticized, don t buy into the guilt and pout, Run right back and make friends. Pam Archer 11
A Prayer attributed to Richard of Chichester Day by day, O Lord, three things I pray: To see thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, Follow thee more clearly, day by day. The prayer above along with Prayer of the Chalice was found in the order of service of Morrison Chapel, Camoes Square, Macao, China. Sunday March 25 th 07 and supplied by Christine Harfoot while on her recent trip. It is the Bicentennary Year of Robert Morrison s arrival in Macoa 1807-2007 A good sermon helps in two ways, some rise from it strengthened, others wake from it refreshed! Mary The Hall of Welcome Julie M. Hulme 2004 There is a house with many rooms, too many to count; Where there is space reserved for all; Where strangers meet on common ground; Where any traveller is welcome; no one is ever left outside, and no one is ever turned away. This is the House where there is room reserved for me. There is a House where the host is kind and generous, open-hearted and steadfast in loving; Like a Good Shepherd, caring for both the strong and the vulnerable; Like a Servant, washing the feet of the greatest and the least. This is the House where the Host will welcome me. There is a house where people come to lay down their burdens; in lazy rest and renewing sleep; In the unhurried sharing of their trouble; in a companionship that allows each one to yield up their sorrow; And set aside their cares. This is the House where there is rest for me. 12
Trust Dear Mary Edward's Trust has been providing parent accommodation at Edward House for over 16 years. During this time we have supported hundreds of families whilst their child is receiving treatment at Birmingham Children's Hospital. Edward House has always been more than a building - it has been a centre of supportive care to many hundreds of families. This ethos of care is at the very heart of the work of Edward's Trust. Our focus is providing the support all families need during times of great stress and sadness. Edward's Trust is held in the highest regard by Birmingham Children's Hospital. Birmingham Children's Hospital is in a period of growth and development and has needed to look at service provision both current and future. They recently received a proposal from Ronald McDonald House Charities, who are the largest provider of hospital parent accommodation in the U.K; to fund and build a 60 roomed Ronald McDonald House for them at a cost of several million pounds. The Children's Hospital has decided to accept this offer. This means that Edward House will now close at some point in 2008. All those involved with Edward's Trust are - very sad about this, as we know many of you will be. We would have liked to continue to run Edward House and the decision to close has been made for us, not by us. Edward's Trust, through Edward House and Sunrise, our bereavement centre, works with families of sick children, bereaved parents, bereaved children and their parents/carers, as well as providing training and support for professionals. We remain committed to our ethos and know the work of Edward's Trust will continue with your support. We believe that even though we are losing the building that is Edward House our vital work caring for families will go on. We acknowledge our sadness at the end of an era in the life of Edward's Trust but we look forward positively to developing future work Birmingham Children's Hospital has asked Edward's Trust to be part of their future plans and with them we will be developing our services to families of sick children. Alongside these developments the vital work of Sunrise 13 will continue. Our many plans for the future can only be realised
through your generosity and support. Edward House will remain open, providing the high level of care families who stay there need, for at least another year. We aim to continue providing the best possible environment and care until the last family leaves Edward House. The work of Edwards Trust will continue and grow, with many more families receiving vital support during the most difficult of times. None of this will be possible without you. We rise to the challenges ahead, with your continued interest and support we will succeed. Yours sincerely Peter Dent - Founder & Trustee Help A Dorridge Family with connections with our Church is appealing for help to take and collect children aged 5 and 8 to local schools, also to do some domestic work, the hours being 8/9am and 3-6 pm (flexible), 7 p.h. If you know of someone who can help please contact Mary for more details. Prayer of the Chalice Father, to you I raise my whole being a vessel emptied of self. Accept, O Lord, this my emptiness, and so fill me with yourself, your light, your love, your life that these your precious gifts may radiate through me and overflow the chalice of my heart into the hearts of all with whom I come in contact this day revealing unto them the beauty of your joy and wholeness and the serenity of your peace which nothing can destroy Found in the order of service of Morrison Chapel, Camoes Square, Macao, China. Sunday March 25 th 07 and supplied by Christine Harfoot. 14
Rotas Vestry and Communion Elders July 1 st Jenny Scott Aug 5 th Sue Bateman July 8 th Isobel Robertson Aug 12 th Jenny Scott July 15 th Kath Vale & Mary Kirwan Aug 19 th Mike Robertson July 22 nd Clive Griffiths Aug 26 th Isobel Robertson & Kath Vale July 29 th Stephenie Tall Sept 2 nd Clive Griffiths Door Stewards July 1 st Judy Preece & Sue Aug 5 th Jenny Scott & Glenys Lamb Bateman July 8 th Jenny Scott & Pat McKee Aug 12 th Margaret Allan & Christine Harfoot July 15 th Jan & Brian Richardson Aug 19 th Clive & Avril Griffiths July 22 nd Stephenie & Graham Tall Aug 26 th Mary Kirwan & Chris Smith July 29 th Sue & John Heatley Sept 2 nd Brian & Jan Richardson Junior Church July 1 15 22 29 Jenny Mary Chris/Rosemary Aug 5 Jenny Glenys Sue Aug 12 19 26 Stephenie Glenys Sue Sept Judy Isobel Fiona Flower Rota Jul 1 st Margaret Allan - Donation Aug 5 th Christine Harfoot Donation Jul 8 th Wedding Aug 12 th Sheila Donation Jul 15 th Wedding Aug 19 th Jenny July 22 nd Harry Donation Aug 26 th Edna July 29 th Mauvine Lectionary Readings July 1 st Avril Griffiths Psalm 77; 1-2 & 11-20 Luke 9; 51-62 July 8 th Alan Lang 2 Kings 5; 1-14 July 15 th Mike Robertson Psalm 82 July 22 nd Heather Robertson Amos 8; 1-12 Luke 10; 38-42 July 29 th Kath Vale Hosea 1; 2-10 Luke 11; 1-13 Aug 5 th Edna Grimmett Psalm 107; 1-9 Luke 12; 13-21 Aug 12 th Ken Alway-Jones Gen 15; 1-6 Luke 12; 32-40 Aug 19 th Elsa-May Kellond Jermh 23; 23-29 Luke 12; 49-56 Aug 26 th Brian Richardson Jermh 1; 4-10 Luke 13; 10-17 Sept 2 nd Jenny Scott Prvbs 25; 6-7 Luke 14; 1&7-14 15
Church Diary Sun July 1 st 9.30 am Mr Joe Blackburn Biblelands Sunday 7 pm Songs of Praise at Himley Hall Tues July 3 rd 7.30 pm Film Show & Discussion in the Vestry Sat July 7 th Wedding of Martin & Gemima Sat July 7 th 7.30 pm Games Evening & BBQ Social event Sun July 8 th 9.30 am To be advised NCH Sunday Sea Sunday 11.15 am Prayer Fellowship Wed July11 th 11.00 am Midweek Service 7.30 pm Elders Meeting Sun July15 th 9.30 am Rev Kevin Jones Communion Sun July 15 th 1.pm Wedding of Derek & Phyllis Sun July 22 nd 9.30 am Mr Bernell Burroughs Wed July 25th 11.00 am Midweek Service Sun July 29 th 9.30 am Rev John Burgess Sun July 29 th Afternoon Tea at Jan & Brian Richardson s home Sun Aug 5 th 9.30 am To be advised Sun Aug 12 th 9.30 am To be advised 11.15 Prayer Fellowship Sun Aug 19 th 9.30 am Rev Roger Hall Sat Aug 25 th 7.30 pm Murder Mystery Evening..Church Social Sun Aug 26 th 9.30 am Rev Kevin Jones Communion United Service with Christchurch Local Events Mon July 2 nd 7.30 pm District Meeting at Carrs Lane URC Sat July 7th 4.30-9.30 The Revelation Concert in Dorridge Park, see article at the back of the Church! Sat July 14 th 2-4 pm Summer Fayre at Digbeth in The Field Sun July 22 nd 2.30 pm Knowle Society s Butterfly Walk, meet outside Guild House Sun July 29 th till August 6 th Holiday Happening at St James s Church Bentley Heath Thurs Aug 2 nd 11-3 pm Bentley Heath Sports Day 0121 704 8000 Mon Aug 27 th Cut the Carbon Walk passes through Birmingham...see article in BEN 16 Happy Holidays!!, ARTICLES for September Magazine by August 12 th please. Thanks Mary