holy trinity church parish magazine January 2017 30p
Jesus said: Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any one hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. (Rev 3:20) Timely words at the start of a New Year. 1 Inside This Month
4/5 From the Vicarage - Vicar Neil
6/7 Prayer Focus - Gospel for Asia - Joan Copper
8 New Year, New Life - parishpump
9 THE WAY I SEE IT - Everything New? - parishpump
Epiphany - parishpump 10 The man who created Greenwich Mean Time
11 Desert Island Discs - Britains longest-running radio show
12 Celebrate 75 years of Desert Island Discs in Holy Trinity
13 My Desert Island Choices - David Winters
14/15 Don’t Cling to the Firewood- DR. Ralph F. Wilson
16/17 Perseverance - A Bucket of Surprises, J. John and Mark Stibbe, Monarch Books.
18 Why we have Trump and Brexit - parishpump
19/20 All in the month of January - parishpump
21/23 People, Remembrance and News
24 Events for your Diary
2 New Year (Psalm 139) A new year! We look back to the old, to the leaving, gladly or sadly. We look ahead to the unknown, to days which might bring love, or loss. In our own strength, with our own wisdom this is a scary place. But our God is already there - ahead and behind. He created us. He knows all our days. So we need not be afraid. In Him we are secure for this new year and forever. He will be with us if we trust, lift up our eyes and walk on. And, with His help, we can. By Daphne Kitching
New Year Prayer 2017 Lord of the Years, At the start of this New Year we ask for your presence, protection and guidance for every minute of every day of every month ahead. Thank you that we do not go into this New Year alone. Thank you for loving us so much that you gave us Jesus to lead us to you. May we commit ourselves afresh to serve you, to love you and to share your love with those who don’t yet know you. May we make a difference for your Kingdom in 2017. In Jesus name. Amen By Daphne Kitching
3 From the Vicarage Desert Island Disks
1. How would I cope with being a solitary cast-away on a desert island? I think I'd cope with the practical stuff like hunting, eating and making a shelter but I'd really struggle being alone. I'd have to train a bird to speak to me! 2. My eight songs. Somewhere over the rainbow (Judy Garland) This is the first song I can remember. My grandmother, Margaret Allan (later Robbie) came from a very poor Edinburgh family. She was gifted with a beautiful soprano voice and, as a teenager, she paid for a couple of singing lessons but couldn't afford to go on so her music teacher decided to train her for free. Margaret sang on the radio and in concert halls until she retired, aged 28, to bring up her family. She would sing “Somewhere over the rainbow” to her grandchildren at bedtime. Money, money, money (ABBA) ABBA was the first pop group I liked. This song made me want to work and make money. I started a paper-round aged 11, saved up and bought my first radio cassette player. I thought making money, money, money was one of the purposes of life. Baggy Trousers (Madness) In my teenage years I was too cool for ABBA, though I secretly loved them. Baggy Trousers was a big hit with another line about the purpose of live, ““O what fun we had, it didn't really turn out bad.” If I could have fun and make money I thought I was doing okay. Anytime Anyplace Anywhere (Carter USM) My musical tastes during my university days in Glasgow were dominated by bands on independent music labels which appeared in the music newspaper, NME. Carter USM had a song about a life which has spiralled out of control, which is where I felt my life had gone.
4 And can it be? (Charles Wesley) In October 1993 I was drawn to faith in Jesus as Saviour. He put my feet on solid ground and forgave my foolish sins. The church I belonged to was an old fashioned Church of Scotland where many students and young people joined the town congregation to hear Rev William Still preach, at the age of 84! “And can it be, that I should gain an interest in the Saviour's blood” lifted my soul, even though the first few times I sang the ladies part! The swimming song (Eddie reader, cover) After marrying Amanda in 1995, we found we shared a similar taste in music and this little song is about learning to swim, or to overcome the things in life which threaten to drown us. What's the matter here? (10,000 Maniacs) This is an angry though beautifully gentle song about the injustice of unchallenged child abuse. It's a reminder to me that all it takes for evil to prosper is for good men to do nothing. The Reckoning (Andrew Peterson) Andrew Peterson is an American Christian folk singer who has written this beautiful psalmic lament, combining sorrow for the state of the world with confidence in the character and purposes of God which bring hope in our foolish questioning of God's plans. 3. What luxury would you choose? I'd take my trusted Swiss Army knife, so I could whittle sticks and open any bottles or packages which wash up on the shore. Is that a luxury? 4. Which book would you have, given the bible and complete works of Shakespeare? I'd take something which I could read for a long time in case I didn't get rescued. Jonathan Edwards was probably America's cleverest person, who sadly died when volunteering to trial a smallpox vaccination. He's complete works still sit on my shelf. They would keep me engaged with God and thinking deeply for many years.
God bless Neil
5 Prayer Focus GOSPEL FOR ASIA The Mission Statement reads:
“Our mission in life is to become devout followers of Jesus Christ and fulfill the Great Commission among the unreached in Asia by making disciples and establishing local fellowships in partnership with the body of Christ.”
Gospel for Asia sends 100% of sponsorship donations directly to the mission field in Asia, without deducting anything for administrative costs. The majority of staff in the UK are unpaid volunteers. Some of their core values are;
* Having a servant lifestyle * Serving Sacrificially * Being a people sold out to win the lost at any cost
Gospel for Asia, supports many missionaries who minister much like the christians in the early church did. They evangelise, care for the sick and needy and help to establish local fellowships. Their ministry includes many forms of of outreach: Please pray for:
The Bridge of Hope Centres, that seek to help very poor children, including street children to have education, nourishment and medical care and the love of Christ shown to them.
Womens Ministry - Building up Asian women in Christ through Literacy, fellowship and discipleship. There are many widows who are helped either to start businesses or to be helped to survive, as some families regard widowhood as a curse and so they refuse to help their own family members.
Jesus Wells - transforming villages both physically and spiritually, by providing pure water.
Compassion Services - ministering to the practical needs of people in Jesus’ name, and this includes caring for shunned leprosy patients and their families. 6 Film Ministry - shows an Asian made film about Jesus to those who have never heard about Him. Radio Broadcasts about Christ, broadcast in more than 100 of Asia’s most common languages. Literacy Ministry - Printing and distribution of Bibles and Gospel Tracts in many Asian languages. Please pray for all the missionaries. For protection and strength to endure. A willingness to pay the price of suffering - even death - in order to reach the lost. A heart full of faith to believe God for the impossible, and full of love for the people they minister to. Pray the demonic powers holding the regions captive, will be broken in Jesus’ name. Pray God will raise up more missionaries from among the new believers. Pray God, confirms the reaching of His word clearly so people will know He is the true and only God, as they witness answered prayers, transformed lives and the sick healed. IN JESUS NAME, AMEN. gfauk.org
K.P. Yohannan Download this free resource from gfauk.org Founder and President of Gospel for Asia
7 The Rev Paul Hardingham on letting go of the past. New Year, New Life
The month of January is named after the Roman god Janus, who is depicted with two faces. We may look back to the old year with sadness or regret, but how can we make a fresh start at the beginning of 2016? The apostle Paul writes ‘But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus.’ (Philippians 3:13,14). Firstly, if you want a new start, you need to forget the things which are behind. Paul pictures himself as an athlete running for Christ, yet not looking back. He refused to allow his past sins and failures to define who he was. By God’s grace, he no longer saw himself that way. The same can be true of ourselves, as we confess our sins and receive God’s forgiveness and new life. Secondly, we need to focus on the things that lie ahead. The athlete is entirely focused on winning the race and gaining the prize. Like Paul, we have to be single-minded in making Jesus the focus of everything we do. How can we go deeper in our prayer life and Bible reading this year? What will it mean to better serve Christ in our workplace and career, or family and children? Paul looked forward to the day when he would stand before God, and God will say, ‘well done, good and faithful servant’. In light of all that Jesus had done for him, Paul wanted to give his very best to Jesus. As we stand at the beginning of this New Year, let’s ask ourselves, ‘What can I do this year that will help me bring glory and honour to God?’
In ancient Roman religion and myth, Janus is the god of beginnings, gates, transitions, time, doorways, passages, and endings. He is usually depicted as having two faces, since he looks to the future and to the past. It is conventionally thought that the month of January is named for Janus (Ianuarius), but according to ancient Roman farmers' almanacs Juno was the tutelary deity of the month.
8 How should one approach the New Year? Canon David Winter shares how he intends to do it… THE WAY I SEE IT : Everything New?
By Canon David Winter, a former Head of Religion, BBC.
I have now reached the point in life when the mere sight of the adjective ‘new’ attached to anything causes mild panic. My favourite tomato soup comes in a new-fangled can, and I know I won’t be able to open it. My internet provider insists on burdening me with an ‘update’ - a ‘new’ approach to computing. I’m thrown into blind panic, until I see that I can click on ‘decline’ which I always do. 2016 had more than enough that was ‘new’ – Brexit, a new Prime Minister, and a new President-elect of the USA. Is there a pause button somewhere?
So how do I approach the New Year? Well, it’s a nuisance to have to change my computer letter-head, and I know in mid-February I shall absent-mindedly revert to typing ‘2016’ everywhere, but on the whole it’s a bit of a non-event. So what? Some numbers have changed. Nothing significant is different. What the people baptising themselves in the Trafalgar Square fountains are celebrating eludes me. Peace in the Middle East? An end to poverty, homelessness and loneliness? The coming of an age of justice, love and compassion? It might take a bit more than a change in a single digit on the calendar to bring those about.
What I suppose New Year does spark, in a low-key kind of way, is hope. Really, that should be celebrated at Advent, when the great theme is the ‘Christian Hope’ of a new kingdom of justice and love. Or at Easter, when the Spring’s new colours are matched by our songs of resurrection and new life. In ordinary English usage, ‘hope’ can imply doubt – ‘I hope so’. But in the language of faith, hope is something clear and promised. Human hopes can be dashed. Hope in an unchanging God is another matter altogether.
9 Epiphany On 6 January we celebrate Epiphany - the visit of the wise men to the baby Jesus. But who were these wise men? No one knows for sure. Matthew calls them ‘Magi’, and that was the name of an ancient caste of a priestly kind from Persia. It wasn’t until the third century that they were called kings - by a church father, Tertullian. Another church father, Origin, assumed there were three - to correspond with the gifts given. Later Christian interpretation came to understand gold as a symbol of wisdom and wealth, incense as a symbol of worship and sacrifice, and myrrh as a symbol of healing - and even embalming. Certainly Jesus challenged and set aright the way in which the world handled all three of these things. Since the eighth century, the magi have had the names Balthasar, Caspar and Melchior. The man who created Greenwich Mean Time The British mathematician and astronomer Sir George Biddell Airy died 125 years ago this month. Not a household name, he nevertheless had a long-term effect on everyone’s lives by establishing Greenwich as the location of the prime meridian, through calculations made using an immensely accurate telescope he invented called the Airy Transit Circle. Greenwich Mean Time became legal time in Britain in 1880, and was adopted in principle as the basis of universal time in 1884. Sir George was not so much a brilliant scientist as a meticulous engineer and a self-taught expert in many areas, including theology. His wife Ricarda, who he met on a walking holiday and proposed to after two days, was the daughter of the Rev Richard Smith, private chaplain to the Duke of Devonshire. After being initially rejected by Mr Smith, because of his limited means and prospects, he persisted in his suit for six years until he was successful. Sir George was elected president of the Royal Astronomical Society four times, for a total of seven years between 1835 and 1864. No other person has been president more than four times. He was famous (or notorious) for the care and foresight with which he planned his life. He made a careful note of everything that occurred in his life or interested him, and never threw anything away. These records still exist. 10 Desert Island Discs… Britain’s longest-running radio show The first episode of Desert Island Discs was broadcast on BBC radio 75 years ago, on 29 January 1942. It is Britain’s longest-running radio show. It was devised by freelance broadcaster Roy Plomley and introduced to listeners as "a programme in which a well-known person is asked the question, if you were to be cast away alone on a desert island, which eight gramophone records would you choose to have with you, assuming of course, that you had a gramophone and an inexhaustible supply of needles". The first castaway was the Viennese comedian, actor and musician, Vic Oliver, and the first piece of music chosen was Chopin’s Étude No.12 in C minor, played by pianist Alfred Cortot. During the war years, everything had to be scripted and read out. Apart from a five-year break between 1946 and 1951, the programme has been on air ever since. Following Plomley himself, the hosts have included Michael Parkinson – who insisted that the selected music was played to the guests during the actual recording – Sue Lawley and Kirsty Young. Well over 3000 people have been cast away over that period. As well as a choice of music, the guests also receive a copy of Shakespeare and the Bible, another book and a luxury item. Recently the choice of the Bible has unsurprisingly come under attack, with comedian David Walliams one of those who refused to accept it. A poll suggested that only 31% of people in the UK would want Roy Plumley it. Comedian Lee Mack, however, thought it odd that so many people dismissed the Bible without having read it. “I’m glad you get the Bible,” he said. “I would read it.”
Kirsty Young
11 Celebrate 75 years of Desert Island Discs in Holy Trinity? Editor: Why not celebrate 75 years of Desert Island Discs by using the concept in your church magazine this year? In the coming months, starting with January, invite 12 people from your church to write their answers to the following questions. Each answer need only be a sentence or two. 1 How would you cope with being a solitary cast-away on a desert island?’ 2 Name the eight pieces of music you would want to take with you, and give a sentence of explanation for each single one - i.e Try and relate each choice to a memory in your life. (You could ask for eight hymns, if you prefer?) 3 What luxury would you choose? 4 What single disc would you have, if you could choose just one? Are there any volunteers in our church who would like to volunteer to answer the above questions? Please let me know on my email [email protected] or on my mobile 07951768083.
NEIL WAS THE FIRST WHO’S GOING TO BE NEXT AT HOLY TRINITY ?
Desert Island Discs Collections
Cricket Olympic Gold medallists Journalists Directors of Museums
Double Appearances Oscar Winners DI Orchestras
Satirist Women in Fashion WW11 Fighters Comedians 12 To give you an example of how this might work, we asked David Winter, former Head of Religion at the BBC, to have a go… My Desert Island Choices
This is the moment I’ve dreamed of, sitting in the Desert Island Discs studio, picking my favourite records and talking about myself. Well, there’s no harm in dreaming! But in my dream Kirsty Wark has just asked me a difficult question. ‘How would I cope with being a solitary cast-away on a desert island?’
The answer’s easy, really: I’d be rubbish. Build a cabin, without tools? No chance. Catch wild animals for meat? Disgusting. Light a fire without matches? You must be joking. My career as a boy scout lasted three months and we never got around to lighting a fire by rubbing sticks together. And that word ‘solitary’! I’m hopeless on my own. So I fail on all counts.
Then she asks me for my luxury. Before I can say ‘a boat to escape on’ she adds the usual limitation: nothing to aid an escape or communicate with the outside world. Again, I’m useless. I’d like my lap- top with endless wi-fi, but that last bit’s forbidden. So how do I get the football and cricket scores?. Sounds like I should settle for a short-wave radio – and batteries. Still, if I’ve got my lap-top and plenty of batteries perhaps I could finally settle down to write a proper, long book. It might even be a best-seller.
Then comes the usual last question. If I could only have one of my records, which would it be? Really, like Theresa May, I’d choose a hymn – say, Charles Wesley’s ‘Love divine’ to Howard Goodall’s lovely new tune. But it only lasts three minutes. What use is that on a desert island? So it will have to be Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony. By the time I’m rescued I will know every note.
13 Don't Cling to the Firewood by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson "Copyright Ralph F. Wilson
14 Another few seconds and he would have been crushed. I pick him up by his long tail, set him on the ground, and go back to get more logs. When I return he is still at the same place on the ground where I put him — stunned by these events, barely able to get out of harm's way. We're so mouse-like sometimes. Life goes on. The props change, sometimes all too often. We're so tempted to cling to the props as they are being dragged off the set. And sometimes we're hurt because of our inability to let go, so attached to the accouterments of the past that it's impossible for us to welcome the future. Change requires courage, great helpings of it. My mind goes to Joshua in the Bible. For nearly forty years he has been an understudy to the great leader Moses. Now Moses is dead and leadership is thrust fully upon Joshua. Ahead is the Jordan River running at flood stage, and beyond that the fortified cities of Canaan — the "Promised Land" that seems so elusive. Talk about change? Joshua has change swirling all around him. And God speaks to him a word: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9). Our mouse couple looks up as their world is trembling. One by one the logs that comprise their shelter are disappearing, and soon only open sky is above. What do you do? Do you cling to the firewood and risked being crushed by it? Or do you cling to God's promise to you? God has promised to be with you wherever you go. He has promised never to leave you or forsake you. What he asks of you is faith to overcome your terror. Courage to meet your discouragement. And confidence to draw on his strength. Change is a constant. No part of our lives will endure unchanged for more than a few years, a few decades at most. But the LORD our God is unchangeable. He is forever. You can put down your roots into him, knowing that in this way you will never be utterly uprooted again. I think of Mr. and Mrs. Mouse. My heart goes out to them. I've been where they are, and so have you. And I hope that, even as I am writing these words, they are dragging their nest into another shelter in the woods to keep them dry and warm this winter. I hope that Mr. Mouse has finally got over his shock and got with the program. Older now, and wiser they are. And if I could offer just one word of advice for them and for you — and for me — it would be this: Don't cling to the firewood.
15 Perseverance
The late Earl Nightingale, writer and publisher of inspirational and motivational material, once told a story about a boy named Sparky. For Sparky, school was all but impossible. He failed every subject in the eighth grade. He flunked physics in high school, getting a grade of zero.
Sparky also flunked Latin, algebra, and English. He didn’t do much better in sports. Although he did manage to make the schools golf team, he promptly lost the only important match of the season. There was a consolation match; he lost that too.
Throughout his youth, Sparky was awkward socially. He was not actually disliked by the other students; no one cared that much. He was astonished if a classmate ever said hello to him outside school hours. There’s no way to tell how he might have done at dating. Sparky never once asked a girl to go out in high school. He was too afraid of being turned down.
Sparky was a loser. He, his classmates, everyone knew it. So he rolled with it. Sparky had made his mind early in life that if things were meant to work out, they would. Otherwise he would content himself with what appeared to be his inevitable mediocrity. However, one thing was important to Sparky - drawing. He was proud of his artwork. Of course, no one else appreciated it. In his senior year of high school, he submitted some cartoons to the editors of the yearbook. The cartoons were turned down. Despite this particular rejection, Sparky was so convinced of his ability that he decided to become a professional artist.
After completing high school, he wrote a letter to Walt Disney Studios. He was told to send some samples of his artwork, and the subject for a cartoon was suggested. Sparky drew the proposed cartoon. He spent a great deal of time on it and on all the other drawings he submitted. Finally, the reply came from Disney Studios. He had been rejected once again. Another loss for the loser.
16 So Sparky decided to write his own autobiography in cartoons. He described his childhood self - a little boy loser and chronic underachiever. The cartoon character would soon become famous worldwide.
For Sparky, the boy who had such lack of success in school and whose work was rejected again and again, was Charles Schulz. He created the “Peanuts” comic strip and the little cartoon character whose kite would never fly and who never succeeded in kicking a football - Charlie Brown.
Charlie Brown & Snoopy Charles Schultz
“Ride on, Ride on! Rough - shod if if need be; Smooth - shod if that will do, but ride on! Ride over all obstacles, and win the race!” Charles Dickens
“It is a long road from conception to completion.” Moliere
“Victory belongs to the most persevering.” Napoleon Bonaparte
A Bucket of Surprises, J. John and Mark Stibbe, Monarch Books. 17 The Ven John Barton considers the politics of the past year. Why we have Trump and Brexit
Voters surprised politicians on both sides of the Atlantic last year. As a result, America has an unlikely President and the United Kingdom is in the process of leaving the European Union. There are hints that the electorate in other countries are also disgruntled with the status quo and may vote for untried alternatives.
Why? Here’s one suggestion. Dreams of utopia have evaporated. Not so long ago we thought the human race was set on a moving walkway called progress, which would deliver health, wealth and happiness. Up to a point it has done that. Modern medicine has kept millions alive. We can fly to the other side of the world in a day or if we prefer, sit at home and communicate with our distant relatives via Skype. Astonishing advances are being made, but simultaneously the bloodiest wars are being fought and there’s no sign of a let-up. Human beings are no nicer than they ever were.
Confidence has been rocked by nightly news of carnage across the world. We are losing faith in progress and in politics. And when it comes to prosperity, we have witnessed the world’s economy shipwrecked by a handful of bonus-greedy bankers. The outcome? The rich have become richer and the poor, poorer.
We still have a built-in yearning for something more stable, more trustworthy, more just. Imagine a different world where the Kingdom belongs to the spiritually poor, where mourners find comfort and meekness is rewarded. Where a deep desire for right to prevail will be satisfied, mercy is offered and received, purity of heart brings a vision of God, and peacemakers are His children. This is Christ’s alternative to the status quo. It isn’t cheap. Some will be persecuted, as He was, simply for being identified with righteousness. Their place, too, is in heaven. Is that the manifesto we're seeking?
18 We continue our column that looks at memorable dates in the month (this time, January) down the years. Here is a range from which to pick and choose, as your space allows. All in the month of JANUARY
175 year ago:- on 6th – 13th Jan 1842 that the first Anglo-Afghan War took place when 4,500 British and Indian forces and their camp followers (a further 12,000) were forced to make a long retreat from Kabul and headed for the safety of a garrison in Jalalabad. They were intercepted and massacred by Afghan tribesmen. 100 years ago:- on 31st Jan 1917 that Germany resumed unrestricted submarine warfare in the Atlantic, and said it would attack any ships, including civilian passenger liners. 90 years ago:-on 15th Jan 1927 that BBC launched its first live sports broadcast on BBC radio. Teddy Wakelam commentated on the England vs Wales rugby match from Twickenham. 80 years ago:- on 1st Jan 1937 that speedometers and safety glass in windscreens became compulsory in all vehicles in Britain. 75 years ago:- on 26th Jan 1942 that the first US troops arrived in Europe. 4,508 soldiers from the 34th Infantry Regiment docked in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Also 75 years ago:- on 29th Jan 1942 that the first episode of Desert Island Discs was broadcast on BBC radio in the UK. It is Britain’s longest- running radio show. 70 years ago:- on 6th Jan 1947 that US President Harry S Truman gave the first televised State of the Union address. 60 years ago:- on on 16th Jan 1957 that the Cavern Club opened in Liverpool. This jazz venue became an important rock venue when the Beatles played there during their early years. 50 years ago:- on 27th Jan 1967 that the Apollo 1 tragedy took place. Three US astronauts were killed when their command module caught fire during a pre-launch test at Cape Canaveral, Florida. 30 years ago: - 20th Jan 1987 that Terry Waite, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s special envoy in the Middle East, was kidnapped in Beirut, Lebanon while on a peace mission to negotiate the release of hostages. (Released November 1991.)
19 25 years ago:- on 21st Jan 1992 that the United Nations ordered Libya to hand over two intelligence agents accused of the Lockerbie airliner bombing, or face sanctions. (Sanctions were imposed 31st March, and lifted April 1999, when the agents were handed over.) 20 years ago:- on 20th Jan 1997 that Bill Clinton was inaugurated as President of the United States for a second term. 15 years ago:- on 1st Jan 2002 that the Euro became the official currency of Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. Also 15 years ago:- on 29th Jan 2002 that President Bush first used the term ‘Axis of Evil’ to describe countries which sponsor terrorism and seek weapons of mass destruction. (The countries were Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea and Syria.) 10 years ago:- on 1st Jan 2007 that Bulgaria and Romania joined the European Union.
Call centre conversations Customer: 'I've been ringing 0800 2100 0800 2100 for two days and can't get through to enquiries, can you help?'. Operator: 'Where did you get that number from, sir?'. Customer: 'It was on the door to the Travel Centre'. Operator: 'Sir, they are our opening hours'. Samsung Electronics Caller: 'Can you give me the telephone number for Jack?' Operator: 'I'm sorry, sir, I don't understand who you are talking about'. Caller: 'On page 1, section 5, of the user guide it clearly states that I need to unplug the fax machine from the AC wall socket and telephone Jack before cleaning. Now, can you give me the number for Jack?' Operator: 'I think you mean the telephone point on the wall'. Caller (enquiring about legal requirements while travelling in France ): 'If I register my car in France , do I have to change the steering wheel to the other side of the car?' Directory Enquiries Caller: 'I'd like the number of the Argoed Fish Bar in Cardiff please'. Operator: 'I'm sorry, there's no listing. Is the spelling correct?' Caller: 'Well, it used to be called the Bargoed Fish Bar but the 'B' fell off'. Then there was the caller who asked for a knitwear company in Woven. Operator: 'Woven? Are you sure?' Caller: 'Yes. That's what it says on the label; Woven in Scotland '.
20 People and News Birthday Celebrations - JANUARY 2017 Happy Birthday to you 11th Tess Happy Birthday to you 18th Gillis May God Bless you and keep you Happy Birthday to you. 18th Sue Happy Birthday to you To Jesus be true 29th Ian May the Lord bless you richly In all that you do Remembrance - January 2017 1st Mrs. Richardson - In loving memory of W.G.Richardson a loving husband and father, who died March 29th 1959. Aged 49 years. “Till we meet again” 8th Steedman - In memory of Alfred Steedman beloved husband of Enid, who died May 12th 1959. “The peace which passeth all understanding” and Enid his wife. June 1st 1984 “Together with the Lord” 15th Mrs. Finch - In loving memory of my dear mother and father. Sarah Pritchard who died October 29th 1928. James Pritchard who died October 3rd 1959. “God be with you till we meet again” John Henry Finch aged 55 who died September 1st 1962. At rest. 22nd Dora Allen - With thanks for loving friends who brought God’s love nearer to me. 29th Hall - Treasured memories of our dearest parents, Minnie, who died February 28th 1955 and John James, who died February 22nd 1940. “They radiated their love to others and leave sweet memories” Elsie, Connie and Madeline. also, William Eric second son of Minnie and John James, whom God called to rest on February 25th 1969. Loved with a love beyond all telling, Missed with a grief beyond all tears; We blessed the time we spent with them, And thank God for those lovely years.
Grant unto them eternal rest, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them . May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
21 Prayer for those in church who are ill or who can no longer join us in worship Father , We pray for those who are hurting in our church family today. Lord, some have minor health problems while others have some very serious ones. We pray that You will be with them and heal them, Father. You are the Great Healer and we believe in Your power to heal! Lord, please give peace to those who are in the midst of serious health issues. Father, we pray that they turn to You and know that You are right there beside them in their time of crisis. May Your will be done in their lives this day. Amen
Our Regular Prayer Times and Bible Studies
Sunday Morning Prayer - Every morning at 10.00 am. prior to the morning service.
Tuesday Morning Prayer - Prayer and Bible Study run by Chris Pegler at 9.30am.
Tuesday and Thursday Evening Prayer - A time for open intercession or quiet prayer run by Ian and Kevin at different venues @ 7.30pm.
Midweek Morning Prayer - Every Monday and Wednesday mornings at 8.00am in church for a time of quiet prayer.
Please also pray for Holy Trinity Ministries TNG - youth work/Messy Church/Kids Club/Trinity Tots/Soup & Roll Lunch Club/Social Afternoon/Coffee Morning/Cake and Chat/Bible study groups Please pray for our Church Leaders Vicar Neil and his family, Wardens (Gary & Ian) , PCC members, Lay Reader Chris Pegler, and all who serve in any way in our church.
I would like to thank all CHURCH KEYS UPDATE my church family in Kevin Greally has been tasked by the PCC celebrating my 70th to up date the number & names of all birthday. church members who have keys to the God bless church. Please let Kevin know if you have keys. Contact Kevin on 07496 763042 or Jean (Lawley) x talk to him at church. Thank you.
22 Regular Donations Books and Magazines - for the League of Friends at Sandwell Hospital. Please see Madeline Page if you would like to donate or need further information. West Bromwich Food Bank - now facing an ever increasing demand. If you would like to donate any of the items below please leave them at the back of church and we will deliver them. * Milk (UHT or powdered) * Sugar (500g) * Fruit juice (carton) * Soup * Pasta sauces * Sponge pudding (tinned) * Tomatoes (tinned) *Cereals * Rice pudding (tinned) * Tea Bags/instant coffee * Instant mash potato * Rice/pasta * Tinned meat/fish * Tinned fruit * Jam * Biscuits or snack bars * Or cash donation
David Partridge with help from Lauren, Amanda and Helen are endeavouring to start a music group to lead our morning services. If you are interested in joining such a group and can play an instrument or enjoy singing please talk to David, Lauren, Amanda or Helen. It would be great to see a music group again in church. Collection for Homelessness The collection from Coffee Morning, Donations, Calendars and other sources has now reached over £1000. This is an an incredible amount for our small church so a big thank you to everyone who donated or involved in the organisation of the various events. The PCC will be discussing the best way to use this money. Great job HT. Shoebox Appeal/Foodbank In addition to the Homelessness collection HT also managed to send £70 and 22 great looking shoeboxes to the Christmas Shoebox Appeal, and donated regular food and money donations to Foodbank centre in Victoria Street. What a loving, generous albeit small congregation we have.
23 Wesley Church High Street West Bromwich presents
Monday 20th - Saturday 25th February 2017 @ 7.30 pm
Our own Sue Hardcastle performs once again in the Wesley pantomime. This time as the Queen, with daughter Kelly in the Chorus.
Holy Trinity Church Sunday 1st January following the 10.30 am service you are invited to a bring and share New Year lunch in the Church Hall. Time for fellowship games for the children.
www.facebook.com/pages holy trinity church 1 burlington road Rev. Neil Robbie west bromwich 0121 525 3595 B70 6LF
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