Aylesbury Methodist Church & Centre LINK January - February 2016
Aylesbury Methodist Church & Centre Buckingham Street Aylesbury, Bucks. HP20 2NQ Registered Charity No. 1129749 Church Office: 01296 426526 e-mail: office@aylesburymethodists.org.uk Aylesbury Methodist Church & Centre Website www.aylesburymethodists.org.uk (AMC Weekly Notice Sheet and LINK magazine can now be found on the website) Minister Rev Helen Kirk 01296 488963
Happy New Year! There are many traditions associated with the arrival of a new year and every culture has its own way of welcoming it in. In many cultures the time leading up to New Year s Day is a time for setting things straight: a thorough housecleaning, paying off debts, returning borrowed objects, reflecting on one's shortcomings, mending quarrels, giving alms etc. That s probably where the tradition of those mad few who jump into the sea on 1 st January stems from - literally washing the slate clean and been ready to start again. In certain places you should not sweep the floor on New Year s Day as you will sweep the luck out of your home, whilst in others you should always kiss the one you love at midnight on New Year s Eve to ensure your relationship will flourish during the coming year. In different parts of the world, luck is thought to come from touching a pig, throwing a pomegranate or eating 12 grapes as quickly as possible. In many cultures, including our own, the first foot over the threshold has significance for the fortunes of the household. The bottom line is that we long for the year ahead to be a good one. Even in that greeting that we give to each other during the first week of January - Happy New Year! - there is a genuine hope that over the course of the next 12 months, despite all the ups and downs of life, the scales will be tipped towards good, and on reflection you can say it was a happy year. It is a basic human desire for happiness. However, to be happy does not mean that everything is perfect. It means that even in the midst of change and struggle it is still possible to feel at peace, to be content, to know joy. As we look ahead to 2016 we wonder what it will bring. For some of us it might be a very different year: maybe we are facing it without a loved one; perhaps our circumstances have changed - health, job,
role, relationships; identity. Maybe there will be joyful arrivals or painful loss, exciting prospects or difficult decisions. How we cope with these things is not dependent on whether we touched a pig or swam in the sea, or even who entered our house after the stroke of midnight on 1 st January. It is dependent on who is with us to laugh with us or weep beside us. It is friends and family, yes, but it is also One who promises to never leave us. God never promises us riches, success or triumph but he does promise to be with us. It is a promise that is implicit throughout the Old Testament stories and unambiguously stated in the name the angels call Jesus - Immanuel meaning God with us. The promise is written large in the way God enters our humanity through Christ, even going through pain, suffering and death. It is a promise that is realised in the resurrection and the gift of the Holy Spirit, constantly with and within us. So whatever lies ahead in 2016, may we know the promise is for us; in our laughing and weeping; in our hope and despair; in our fears and our joys may we have a deep sense of One who will never leave us. For then Happiness comes not from luck or fortune but the reality of never ending love. Helen
BIBLE STUDY SESSIONS 2016 Session 1 Wed 13 th January, 2-3.30pm Session 2 Wed 10 th February, 2-3.30pm Session 3 Wed 9 th March, 2-3.30pm Session 4 Wed 13 th April, 2-3.30pm Session 5 Wed 11 th May, 2-3-30pm Session 6 Wed 8 th June, 2-3.30pm Session 7 Wed 13 th July, 2-3.30pm Thurs 21 st January, 7.30-9pm Thurs 25 th February, 7.30-9pm Thurs 17 th March, 7.30-9pm Thurs 21 st April, 7.30-9pm Thursday 19 th May, 7.30-9.pm Thursday 16 th June, 7.30-9pm Thursday 14 th July, 7.30-9pm If you are looking for some challenging discussion, some help to understand the nitty gritty of the Bible, or you just want the opportunity to ask all the questions you ve never dared ask, please come along. You don t have to commit to all the sessions; just come to what you can. All are welcome Calling all Campers! We are hoping to organise a Circuit Camping Holiday weekend from 1st to 3rd July 2016. Tents, caravans or motor homes can be included. Please let us know if you are interested; there need be no commitment at this stage but some idea of numbers and outfits would be useful so we know what to book. Please respond to: Chris or Arthur Sara tel. 01296484310 mobile 07515472825 email chrisara096@gmail.com
WHITECHAPEL MISSION On Sunday November 15 th, Peter and I attended the Annual Service of Thanksgiving at the Mission. The preacher this year was the Revd. Steve Wild, President of Conference. It is always a good occasion, but particularly lively this year with Steve. Some of you may have seen his report in the Methodist Recorder. I am always surprised at the dedication of people who make the journey from all parts of the country, especially on a Sunday afternoon when transport is so difficult. This year Tony was interviewed by one of the trustees about the life of the Mission and how things have changed over time. It was very illuminating and interesting. One of the things he mentioned was the arrival of immigrants with no papers, and because of this, they are not able to help them more than feed, clothe and offer a shower. We feel privileged to be invited to this event and to hear about the year s achievements and to see the ongoing improvements to the building. AMC plays a small but valuable part in ongoing work that was started some 140 years ago. Please read the statement from Tony Miller, Director of the Mission, and read the Annual report on the vestibule table. In his report Tony highlights that there is always a summer slump in giving, so this year we thought we might have a coffee morning with a chance for folk to make a donation of goods. So watch this space. Ruth and Peter Watkins
Letter to God I often wondered what it would be like to write a letter to God. I know that we say our prayers and this is like a letter; but I mean putting it down on paper, as if you were writing to a friend. For me, when I pray it is indeed just like communicating with a very dear friend. This is how I would like to think I would write my letter. How would you write yours? Dear Father God, I hope that this letter finds you well. You alone know the whole of me. Others know only a small piece of me. Knowing that gives me a warm feeling of love. You alone fully understand my fears and my worries; people either do not see, or do not care about what my needs are. They see only differences, whether they be hair colour, body size, skin tone, sexuality or religious beliefs. Anything that is not the same as them. You, Father God, see past all these things, and go right into our hearts. You see the Love that can be had for each other. The caring and compassion for neighbours and friends. Indeed for everyone who may need it. Father God, let us all put away the differences that we perceive and end the bitterness that prevails - and please, let there be Peace. With Love until the next time, Babs 2016 Babs
A stall held for Epilepsy Research UK by Brenda Horne, at Brill Charity Christmas Card & Gift Fair on Saturday 7 th November, raised 185 for the charity. Brenda holds a number of stalls for epilepsy charities each year, and makes all the lovely crafts, along with her daughter Caroline, who is affected by the condition. A BIG THANKYOU is due to all the ladies and gentlemen who serve in the weekly Coffee Bar through the year. Steve Marks, Marie Fellows, Sees the Day, Pamela Farmer, Maureen Tucker, Pat Powell, Chris Sara, Ann Prendergast, Ceita Johnson, Linda Lavender (from Winslow), David Neville, Rosemarie Bucknell, Nick Appleby, Joyce Whitton, Anne Brooker, Doris Moore, Heather Murray, Mercy Odro, Carol Rogers & sometimes Dave, Jean Hamlin, Margaret Smith and Edna Ludgate. It is much appreciated by our regulars.
SHOEBOX APPEAL A massive thank you to all those who supported last year s Shoe Box Appeal. A total of 39,031 boxes were collected nationwide and sent out to Eastern Europe. A summary of collections are listed. Princes Risborough Methodist Church 30 Private Collector 9 3 s Company 14 Aylesbury Methodist Church 23 Edgcott Village & Friends 41 1 st Aylesbury Boys Brigade 34 Mrs Ottley & Mrs Woosley 18 Stone & Dinton Villages & Friends 36 The total for our area was 205, which was only 2 down on last year. Let s make a concerted effort this November and try to reach a target of 225 boxes. Many thanks, Margaret Miskin Do take the time to watch the 5 minute video on their website showing families and elderly people receiving their shoeboxes - it s such a small thing for us to do, but it means so very much to those who receive a box! Use this link: http://linktohope.co.uk/shoebox-appeal
Thank You Father, Thank You, Really, Thank You. Praise Your Holy name. Every time I need To be comforted, You are always here, Just waiting to hold me Because You love me so. Father, Forgive me, Please, forgive me. Let Jesus s precious blood Wash over me. Let it cleanse me, Purify and purge me; Fill me throughout, And take away my sins. Father, Praise You, Really Praise You. Splendour fills my soul. You just took me, Poor and broken, Bent me, shaped me, Until I was just right. I love You so. Father, Behold you, Really Behold you. You have so much Power and Love. You are Incredible. I see the wonder, And feel the Spirit That You give to me.
Father, Thank You, Really Thank You. Shout out loud So the world can hear. You are so awesome, I hear the thunder, But in the silence Your voice breathes Love. 2014 Babs Mission Shaped Intro Course New world, new church? Our world and lives change at an everfaster pace, but how does the church respond to this change? MSi is a 6-session course that uses creative activities, film clips, presentations and discussions to help us rediscover our mission and re-imagine our churches. The course will take place at Christchurch, Thame, 7.30-9.30pm on the following evenings: Session 1: 15 th February - rediscovering mission and what that means for the church Session 2: 21 st March - changing world, changing church Session 3: 18 th April - re-imagining church: community Session 4: 16 th May - re-imagining church: worship Session 5: 20 th June - re-imagining church: discipleship Session 6: 18 th July - where do we go from here? All are welcome. Please contact Rev Helen Kirk for more details revhelenkirk@sky.com 01296 488963
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Sun 17 Jan 8.45am 10.30am Service of Holy Communion led by Rev Helen Kirk Morning Worship led by Rev Brian Tebbutt Thurs 21 Jan 7.30pm Bible Study - Evening Session 1 Sat 23 Jan 2.00pm 7.00pm Good Faith Book Club Karibuni Quiz Night Sun 24 Jan 10.30am Morning Worship led by Mr Peter Honeyball Tues 26 Jan 2.30pm Tuesday Fellowship - Rev Helen Kirk Sun 31 Jan 10.30am Morning Worship led by Rev Helen Kirk Wed 10 Feb 2.00pm Bible Study - Morning Session 2 Sun 7 Feb 10.30am 8.00pm Service of Holy Communion led by Rev Helen Kirk SOS: Reggae Evening with Mel & Mike Dean Tues 9 Feb 2.30pm Tuesday Fellowship - Talk by Miss Angela Smith Sun 14 Feb 10.30am Family & Parade Service led by Rev Helen Kirk Sun 21 Feb 8.45am 10.30am Service of Holy Communion led by Rev Irena Byron Morning Worship led by Mr David Neville Tues 23 Feb 2.30pm Tuesday Fellowship - Mr Merlin Evans Thurs 25 Feb 7.30pm Bible Study - Evening Session 2 Sun 28 Feb 10.30am Morning Worship led by Rev Michael Langley 29 February - 5th March: FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT Frid 4 March Articles due in for the March - April LINK Magazine WWDP - Service at Holy Trinity Church WWDP Service at The Church on Fairford Leys 1.30pm 7.30pm Sun 6 March 10.30am Family & Parade Service led by Rev Helen Kirk Mon 7 March 2.00pm Daffodil Day at Central Hall, Westminster Tues 8 March 2.30pm Tuesday Fellowship - Mr David Heffer Wed 9 March 2.00pm Bible Study - Morning Session 3 Sun 13 March 10.30am 6.00pm Service of Holy Communion led by Rev Helen Kirk Circuit Service led by Rev Helen Kirk Thurs 17 March 7.30pm Bible Study - Evening Session 3 Sun 20 March 10.30am Morning Worship led by Aylesbury Creativity Group Palm Sunday Tues 22 March 2.30pm Tuesday Fellowship - Mrs Marilyn Storer: An Outback adventure with The Purlings Sat 24 March 2.00pm Good Faith Book Club Sun 27 March 8.45am Service of Holy Communion led by Rev Helen Kirk Easter Day 10.30am Family Communion Service led by Rev Helen Kirk Tues 5 April 2.30pm Tuesday Fellowship - CD Afternoon with Mrs Carol Rogers
The story of a chart topping music legend of the 60 s An ordinary girl with an extraordinary talent Come with the AMC & Friends Theatre Group to see An inspiring story of a girl who rose from a Teenage Songwriter at the age of 17 with her first hit Will You Love Me Tomorrow to become a Superstar. Her music became the soundtrack of a generation with such timeless classics as Walking in the Rain, The Locomotion, It Might As Well Rain Until September etc. Thursday 19 th May 7.30 p.m. performance Aldwych, London Complete cost of trip 46.50 Includes ticket, transport from Wendover or Aylesbury(Bedgrove) and return + driver s tip We have been lucky enough to obtain 49 newly released tickets in the stalls at a discounted rate of 35.00 (usual price 69.50), but we have to pay for them by the 2 nd February DON T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY - TAKE A FORM FROM THE TABLE IN THE CHURCH ENTRANCE & RETURN WITH CHEQUE FOR TICKETS NO LATER THAN JANUARY 30 TH
DAFFODIL DAY MARCH 2016 Central Hall, Westminster Monday March 7 th at 2 pm Theme Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs Ephesians 5:19. Speakers & possible Artiste for Daffodil Day are as follows: Pam Rhodes - Presenter, Songs of Praise & Premier Christian Radio Anna Cochrane - Actress, appeared in Jesus Christ Superstar Revd Steve Wild - President of the Methodist Conference Dr. Jill Barber - Vice President of the Methodist Conference The Lord Mayor of Westminster or Deputy Lord Mayor Anne Browse - President, Methodist Women in Britain Anando Mukerjee - Tenor This event is open to everyone. There is no charge but there will be a collection. More details from Ruth Watkins 01296 485087
THINGS OF BEAUTY How privileged I felt, that summer afternoon in Vale Park. I was taking a rest there, when a young couple happened to come along and proceeded to perform Tai Chi exercises near to my seat. Their backs were to me, but nevertheless, I had a first rate view. They moved separately, but their actions were perfectly synchronised, slow and graceful. I was enthralled by it and a little sad, when they paused for a breather and I had to be on my way. As I passed in front of them, I saw they had a cassette recorder from which sweet one-string Chinese music emanated. They had been quite unaware that they had an audience, but I felt I had to tell them how much I had enjoyed their impromptu show. I noticed they had an oriental appearance, as they smiled and thanked me for my acknowledgement. Turning towards the swimming Pool, I spotted a man with a woman in a wheelchair. They must have been watching as well. "Wasn't that lovely," I said. "Yes," the man said. "But have you looked up in the sky?" With that I followed his gaze. Through my blackened, transition spectacles, I saw the sun through a veil of thin cloud and surrounding it was a complete, circular rainbow about a metre from the centre of the disc. I removed my glasses to pick out the colours more clearly. On my way home, by way of the towpath, beside the canal, I kept looking up to see that it was still there. I was so thrilled, I had to tell everyone I met about it. Young and old alike, they were all filled with joy, just as I was. "It has really made my day," said a woman with a foreign accent. I think I knew how Noah's family must have felt on leaving the Ark. Today, Google may inform us that it is a rare, yet well known natural phenomenon, but even so it still elicits awe. Truly I had been doubly blessed that day. Angela M. Smith
A New Year We have just celebrated Christmas and the beginning of a new year. It's a time of thinking about what happened in the year just past and what plans there are for the new year. We have also renewed our promises in the Covenant service. One thing I did in my role as church treasurer over the Christmas 'break' was to send off last year s annual accounts and the annual report (so expertly produced by Peter Green) to the Charity Commission for all the world to see. You too can see the annual report either on the new Church Web site or by picking up a copy from the table in the vestibule. I must admit I got hooked on reading the report in full (except for the financial bits!) with all its interesting articles by many different people on what their particular group had done in the past year or aims to do in the future. It s a sort of stock take on the Church s activities. (I didn't realise there was a 'Soup Lunch' group.) It includes Helen's 7 priorities for the year ahead, details of the new web site, the new flower baskets attached to the front of the Church, tributes to Brian Taylor, Pat Powell and Michele Challenger on stepping down from their various duties, a goodbye to Chris and Harry Hough who have moved to their 'Somerset roots'. Linda Gill includes a farewell report on her 20 years of service as leader of the Girls Brigade and Andrew Kirk shares his ideas about music in the Church. There are many other interesting articles. The Future So, what about the year ahead? Will we have achieved all of Helen's priorities, who will be the new Girls Brigade Leader? What developments will there be in the musical life of the Church? We should all ask ourselves what part each one of us can play, either by volunteering to do one of the many jobs in the church and its organisations, taking part in fellowship activities, or by helping in new outreach. It's also an appropriate time of year to review our financial contribution to the work of the Church, either by adding, say, 5 to our monthly standing order or another 1 a week in the collection plate. Do read Peter's annual report and have a good 2016. Roger Kirk (Church Treasurer) Tel: 01296 415312 Email: kirk_roger@yahoo.co.uk
Welcome to the J Team pages Time! Time! Time! There is a lot of talk about time at this time of year. Time is precious. No one can give you more time. You can t buy extra days of the week or more hours in a day. All you can do is use the time you have been given. The bible tells us some great things about time. Here s one of them: But I trust in you, Lord; I say, You are my God. My times are in your hands. Psalm 31: 14-15 It is OK to track days, weeks, months, hours and seconds but in the end we have to trust God. We must put all our times in his hands and trust that he will keep us safe and keep us on track towards good things. Wordsearch about time N E U N S A D B M C O W A D E C A D E L W E P L C R M A C O Y E A R O V T Y O C G K O F N S I J A K A L L W D N M Z K X Q M I N U T E A T I W A T C H A R U D B CLOCK DAY DECADE MINUTE NOW SECOND TIMER WATCH WEEK YEAR
God teaches us to love one another Verse to Remember: A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34 Colour it in
When you rearrange the letters! ASTRONOMER - MOON STARER THE EYES - THEY SEE THE MORSE CODE - HERE COME DOTS DORMITORY - DIRTY ROOM SLOT MACHINES - CASH LOST IN ME ANIMOSITY - IS NO AMITY ELECTION RESULTS - LIES, LET'S RECOUNT SNOOZE ALARMS - ALAS! NO MORE Z 'S A DECIMAL POINT - I'M A DOT IN PLACE THE EARTHQUAKES - THAT QUEER SHAKE ELEVEN PLUS TWO - TWELVE PLUS ONE MOTHER-IN-LAW - WOMAN HITLER PRESBYTERIAN - BEST IN PRAYER.. Hmmmmm!!!!!!
Oh What Fun at Christmas! [Well.. New Year, now!!] An After Lunch Quiz on Your Body [The first answer is given] 1. Something fishy. [Answer: Muscles] 2. Joiners sometimes need these. 3. People with stiff joints often possess this. 4. A young farm animal. 5. People often poke you with this. 6. Definitely for the straight and upright. 7. A girl s name. 8. People may pick yours today. 9. Found on a Chinese Menu. 10. A plumber s joint. 11. Some people suck them. 12. People often lick these. 13. Flirtatious women flutter them. 14. A majority of people have two big ones. 15. Artists need one for painting. 16. A name that you were called at school. 17. Children are often full of this. 18. Many people have a soft one. 19. Housemaids often catch this. (submitted by Dave Rogers) Answers to the Quiz on a later page! The next LINK magazine will be the March - April issue. Please send in all contributions by Friday 4 th March 2016. To make sure we receive them, please send them to both addresses below: Jennie Torpey: jennietorpey@ntlworld.com AMC Office: office@aylesburymethodists.org.uk or I can type them up for you if you let me have them in time
A Touch From God What is newness? A beginning - a start. A baby created from a single cell, And a miracle touch from God. What is beauty? A rosebud from a seedling. A blossom to a fruit, And a gentle touch from God. What is wonder? Rain that falls through sunshine, Giving us a rainbow - Surely given a touch by God. What is night? Sky so dark til stars shine, And the moon lights up the heavens Made by a touch from God. What is springtime? Brown earth turning green again, Snowdrops and daffodils Created by a touch from God. What is the wind? It blows around but is unseen, It has strength and gentleness - A powerful touch from God. We are His children. He knows all our names. Our prayers are always listened to. We are all touched by God. I feel His Power. I know His Love. He is so awesome. I feel touched by God. 2016 Babs
WOMEN S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER (Interdenominational) Friday 4 th March 2016 The Women s World Day of Prayer is a chain of Christian Prayer, which stretches across 180 countries. Mary Ellen James, who called for a day to be set-aside for Prayer, began it in 1887 and the movement has grown ever since. The Day of Prayer begins on the international dateline, when the sun rises over the island of Samoa. Then, a great Mexican Wave of prayer rises in the Pacific reaching countries such as Tonga, Fiji and New Zealand. It continues through Asia such as Japan, The Philippines, Korea and Bangladesh. It rolls on to the countries of Africa, and then to the Middle East. It continues on to Europe. Then across the Atlantic it goes to the Caribbean, Latin, Central, and North America. Finally, returning across the Pacific again till the sun sets off the coast of American Samoa, where the last service of the day is held. The service is prepared by a different country each year and this year it is the turn of the Christian Women of Cuba who have entitled their service Receive Children, Receive Me. Come to this service in Holy Trinity Church, Walton Street at 1.30 p.m. or The Church on Fairford Leys, Hampden Square at 7.30 p.m. If anybody would like to participate as a reader in this year s service, or receive more information, please contact Carol Rogers (01296 487824), your WWDP representative. EVERYONE is WELCOME (Men, Women and Children) at either of the services.
Growing Older, and Better! Today, people are living longer and enjoying better health. Given that fact, it would be wise to glean from their wisdom and value their talent. You may have noticed that television advertisers are targeting younger and younger people. Why? After all, isn t a tube of toothpaste sold to an eighty-year-old just as profitable as one pitched to a kid? The idea that life should be winding down at sixty or seventy makes no sense. Immanuel Kant wrote one of his best philosophical works at the age of seventy-four. Verdi penned his classic Ave Maria at eighty-five. Alfred Lord Tennyson was eighty when he wrote Crossing the Bar. Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes set down some of his most brilliant opinions at the age of ninety. Titian painted his famous Allegory of the Battle of Lepanto at the age of ninety-eight. President Ronald Reagan was one of the most powerful men in the world at seventy-five. Noah was over six hundred years old when he came out of the ark and helped to start the world all over again. David the psalmist wrote two things worth noting about getting older: 1) They shall still bear fruit in old age (Psalm 92:14) 2) I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord. When the spotlight moves from you to the younger generation, don t be discouraged. Just serve faithfully in the shadows, knowing that one day God will reward you openly for all you have done. Source: The Word for Today, a daily devotional, produced free of charge by United Christian Broadcasters. For your regular quarterly copy write to UCB at FREEPOST RLTX-ABUL-GRAR, United Christian Broadcasters, Westport Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 4JF, or telephone 0845 60 40 401. As a charity, UCB relies on donations, so a gift of at least 50p per copy, which just covers the cost of printing the booklet, would be appreciated from time to time. A few copies (donation 50p) are usually available in the front vestibule. Please give the money to Jennie Torpey or leave it at the coffee bar for her.
FREE WEBSITE PUBLICITY If you have any event or activity coming up that you would like to promote or increase awareness, please let me have the details. I can then write a news item for the website and we can arrange for it to appear in the Coming Events section as well. Some activities, such as Cards for Good Causes, Action for Children and Karibuni lend themselves to multiple articles and reminders. Since we opened the new website in September, we have now generated over 100 news items at a targeted rate of one each weekday. The aim is to make more people of aware of who we are, what we do and why we do it. So don t leave your light under the Biblical bushel. Let me know what you have in mind and let s see if together, we can reach a wider audience. Thanks for your help. Peter Green Answers to the After Lunch Quiz on Your Body 1. Muscles 2. Nails 3. Neck 4. Calf 5. Finger 6. Back 7. Iris 8. Brain 9. Ribs 10. Elbow 11. Thumbs 12. Lips 13. Eyelashes 14. Toes 15. Palate 16. Pupil 17. Cheek 18. Heart 19. Knee
Saturday MAY 21 st 2016 7.00 pm AYLESBURY METHODIST COMMUNITY CENTRE, BUCKINGHAM ST., HP20 2NQ In aid of ACTION FOR CHILDREN Tickets - 6.00 each Including SANDWICHES, HOMEMADE CAKE, TEA, COFFEE & SOFT DRINKS (bring your own nibbles) Evening includes a Raffle Come and join in the fun make up a Table of 6 (max 8) or come individually Tickets available Sunday mornings from Pauline Noble or Jennie Torpey or phone Pauline on 01296 484940