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2 FROM THE EDITOR

I HOPE you like the ‘new look’ Parish News. Gordon Wilkinson and John Dabell have both worked very hard to win the support of our new advertisers, which has helped to fund the printing and collating this year. I would like to say a very BIG THANK YOU to Barbara Cottier and her team of collators: Barbara Pearson, Jill VICAR: The Rev Stephen Bowen Tuck, Cecilia Bliss, Yvette Harding, The Vicarage, , Muriel Orpen and Lesley Barr for all West RH19 2QT the hard work they have put in over Tel: 01342 321524 the years (Lesley Barr deserves a Fax: 0870 9156268 special mention for devoting 25 years [email protected] of service to the collating team). Also to Eddie Harper, who has valiantly Vicar’s day off: Thursday printed out the pages for the magazine ASSOCIATE MINISTER: each month and to Daphne Ayerst Michael Peach who has stepped in when Eddie has 5 Burns Way, , been busy as well as being RH19 1SA responsible for posting the magazines. Tel: 01342 312406 You deserve a break! [email protected] Nevertheless, I will miss the uplifting Michael’s day off: Friday atmosphere and interesting discussions that I have often experienced with the collating team. It MARCH: Articles for this Issue has been good to share in the Lord’s to be handed in by Sunday 13th work together. Let us look forward to FEBRUARY. what He has planned for us next! Let us know what you think of the Well, the mission is just around the ‘new look’ magazine. corner! (See p.20 for details.) Lindsey Saunders Please e-mail your articles to [email protected], put them in the editor’s pigeon hole in the church entrance, or post them to Cover photo: Lindsey Saunders, The Bungalow, Saint Hill Farm, Saint Hill Green, Haywards Farm in the snow East Grinstead, RH19 4NG. by Brenda Wilkinson

1 STEPHEN WRITES…

The force of water

DEAR FRIENDS, How terrifying water is! It is the forces of nature. We can predict amazing to be able to look at the the weather and protect ourselves from devastation created by floods in it. It is quite a shock for modern man Queensland or in Brazil. Whatever to discover that that is far from the disaster is taking place in the world, truth. someone has got a TV camera into place and we can watch it on the 10 In the world of the Old Testament, the o'clock news from the warm, dry sea represented chaos and disorder. safety of our living-rooms. ‘The seas have lifted up, O LORD, the seas have lifted up their voice; the We can watch torrents of water seas have lifted up their pounding sweeping down roads, and the red waves. Mightier than the thunder of earth of mountain sides crumbling the great waters, mightier than the and sweeping away the insubstantial breakers of the sea— the LORD on homes built by poor people, and high is mighty.’ - Psalm 93:3,4 carrying off countless individuals who were in the wrong place at the But the Lord is greater. ‘He stilled the wrong time. storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.’ - Psalm 107:29 There is no reasoning with the force When Jesus was asleep in the boat on of water. Barricades that seem so the Sea of Galilee ‘he got up, rebuked strong when they are erected the wind and said to the waves, suddenly look like matchwood when ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died the torrents come rushing at them. down and it was completely calm.’ - Buildings that seems as safe as Mk 4:39 It’s the word people used houses disintegrate into nothing. with a dog—’Down, boy!’ Perhaps our forebears living in this That is his authority over natural island nation had a proper respect for world, because he is truly God. the sea—even those who didn’t live Yours sincerely, near the coast. That’s my theory as to why the RNLI is such a well- supported charity! But nowadays we tend to feel that man is in charge. We have overcome

2 REGULAR EVENTS

Through the week at St. John’s Sundays 8am Holy Communion on 13th & 27th February 10am Morning Service 6pm Evening Service Tuesdays 2pm WI first Tuesday of the month in the Village Hall Wednesdays 2pm Watercolour on Wednesdays in the Church Hall

5pm Brownies (1st St John’s Felbridge) in the Church Hall Thursdays 10.30am WIGS at the Old Pheasantry, Woodcock Hill (home of June Clark) 6-7.30pm JAFFA club in the Church hall on 3rd February 7.30-9pm JAFFA Plus in the Church hall on the 3rd February Fridays

7pm Guides (1st St John’s Felbridge) in the Church Hall Saturdays 8am Prayer Breakfast on 5th February in the Church Hall 8.30—10am Men’s breakfast on 19th February at 5 Burns Way

3 WHAT’S HAPPENING

Sunday Services 6th February 10am Family Service with Kevin Defriend

6pm Holy Communion with Michael Peach 13th February 8am Holy Communion with Stephen Bowen 10am Morning Service with Students from Oak Hill and Stephen Bowen 6pm Evening Service with Peter Sanlon 20th February 10am Holy Communion with Andy Brown

6pm Raise the Roof 27th February 8am Holy Communion with Jack Baker 10am Morning Service with Michael Peach 6pm Evening Service with Stephen Bowen

Forthcoming Events Women’s World Day of Prayer on 4th March at St John’s Church. Unite with women all over the world in prayer.

Hospitality Sunday on 6th March—A chance to get to know each other better. If you would like to be a guest or a host, please contact Chris or Lindsey on 01342 325662. This time the hosts will get the chance to choose their guests! Churches Together Ecumenical Lent Course Join together with Christians from other churches in East Grinstead to study the Bible together. The course starts on the week commencing 14th March and lasts for five weeks. Further details as to addresses and contacts of hosts and leaders will be printed in the March Magazine. Twenty-four hours of prayer On 26th & 27th March St John’s will be open for prayer for a whole 24 hours, starting at 9am on Saturday 26th. More details to following the March edition, but please put this date in your calendar now.

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Jesus a friend for all 3rd February A fun, action-packed evening for children in school years 3-6 In the Church Hall, 6 - 7.30pm Lots to do – Bible teaching, games, craft & jaffa cakes! For details of how to join Jaffa club contact Diane Francis (714575) for young people in school years 7-9 (aged 11-14), Jaffa Plus meets straight after Jaffa, from 7.30-9.00pm. Hot chocolate, scrummy cakes, games, craft & Bible teaching For details of how to join Jaffa Plus, please contact: Michael Peach [email protected]

BEETLE DRIVE For all the family SATURDAY 12TH FEBRUARY

2.30 – 5pm In Church Hall £3 per adult (including tea & cakes) Children free when accompanied by adult

Contact Cecilia Bliss or Lis Woolley to book your place All proceeds to St John’s Church Building Fund

5 VILLAGE MATTERS

Notes from Ken Harwood Felbridge W.I.

MRS. ELIZABETH ROTHNEY, We had a very informative talk who lived in Mill Lane died at St. from a member of the East George’s Retreat, Ditchling on Grinstead Fire Station on ‘Safety 20th December. Joan and Ken in the Home’. We were warned went to the funeral at Wivelsfield about leaving electrical items on on the 14th January . for too long and that a fire had occurred when someone left their The bulbs that were planted mobile ‘phone on charge along the grass verge and on the overnight. Electric blankets can village green are now showing be checked free of charge and through and should make a anyone needing a fire alarm will wonderful display in the Spring. get one free on contacting the County Council have been Fire Station. contacted again about the We are looking forward to our potholes and it has been post Christmas lunch at the White suggested to them that the whole Horse in Holtye mid January and road should be properly to our speaker for next month resurfaced. who will be talking about the There is a healthy number of Quakers and Chocolate Makers. ducks, swans and other birdlife We meet on the first Tuesday in on Lake and Ken the month at the Village Hall at would like to thank all the people 1.30 – 3.30pm. who were concerned about their welfare during this bitterly cold weather. FELBRIDGE PHARMACY Just a warning to parents that some children were seen on the If you are registered at Moatfield, pond away from the bank trying Judges Close or Ship Street to break the ice! surgeries you can now collect your repeat prescriptions at Felbridge Pharmacy. Call into the Pharmacy The Hearing Aid Centre or contact John Bell on 01342 At Glen Vue 313840. open every Wednesday Free delivery service to any from 9.30 to 12.30 and from patients that are housebound or l.30pm to 4pm. infirm.

6 SURREY HILLS

features of the area. The heathland and grasslands are rare and valuable habitats of national and international importance. Both decreased dramatically during the 20th century. They are still under threat and hence HOW MUCH do you know about the their management and enhancement Surrey Hills? Did you realise that you are key to the biodiversity of the area. live so close to an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) – a In Surrey, there are many scenic views designation similar to that of a – either from or towards the hills of the National Park? area – but it would be quite challenging to find a view which didn’t So where is the AONB? In essence, it include trees. Surrey is the most is the area of hills, heathland, wooded county in and the grassland and woods, mainly within AONB includes a significant acreage the southern / western part of the of Ancient Woodland. About 40% of county (south of the A31 Hogs Back the AONB is woodland and it is this and the A246), which extends as the feature which probably dominates the band of hills inside the M25 across to scenery of the area. More than the Kent border. It abuts Farnham and anything, the trees reflect the seasons Haslemere, surrounds and so that, throughout the year, there is an Dorking, passes south of Leatherhead ever-changing backdrop to life in the but north of Reigate and keeps Surrey Hills. heading east. It encompasses many of the villages of Surrey and is one of the If you would like to learn more about key reasons why the county, whilst so the Surrey Hills, visit and take part in close to , can retain a rural events across the breadth of the AONB atmosphere. and generally get more enjoyment from your countryside, then why not Ok, so it’s rural – but what makes it join the Surrey Hills Society. Further special? Due to the geology of the details can be found on our website county, the AONB encompasses a www.surreyhillssociety.org by wide range of differing habitats, which contacting us at Warren Farm Barns, leads to greater biodiversity. The Headley Lane, Mickleham, Dorking, western end of Surrey has large areas Surrey RH5 6DG or leaving a message of heathland.. Further east, chalk on our phone 01372 220647. We hope grasslands appear. These are only a you will join us and let us help you to small part of the region – making up increase your enjoyment of the Surrey only about 1% of the AONB – but are Hills. probably one of the more recognisable

7 FELBRIDGE WILDLIFE

A winter’s tail

THE TIME of making tracks has Seven pairs of exotic-looking passed. Maybe. The snow was the Mandarin ducks are feeding at the right sort while it lasted, showing the shallow end of Weir Wood delicate line of the fox trot, the Reservoir, accompanied by two pairs arrowheads of pigeon and the tiny of Gadwall in more sober grey and claw-marks of squirrel. The church black, amid tiny teal, the drakes with mouse that dined on a forgotten conspicuous yellow bottoms. mince pie was swiftly served its last A pair of big grey mistle thrushes, supper. having spread the mistletoe, hop Now, Filldyke February is bringing boldly across a field of Park Farm many birds to fill any natural shelters and a tiny goldcrest has joined a or visit bird party of long-tailed, great, tables for mutual blue and coal tits in the survival. A garden. solitary little On St. John's gravestones, wren skulks church walls, ancient trees under shrubs by and a rustic gate, patches of day but gathers lichen spread at about an with others of its inch a century, each a kind in a cosy combination of a fungus and 'wrenery' at dusk. an alga, living as one One neighbour found eight huddled organism. together in an old satchel hung on a shed door. After Valentine's Day they Overhead, the brightest night light will disperse to claim territories, each after our moon is Jupiter. Easily seen with a burst of song that can hit up to in the sky to our South, it is the seven hundred and forty notes a largest planet in our solar system, minute. The Car Park collared doves with 63 moons of its own. haven't waited for St. Valentine. This evening I stand under a leaden, Still on the move are Wintering cloud-laden, skein-full sky as a thrushes from Scandinavia. Over 600 dozen greylag geese go honking fieldfares flew East to West low home to their watery roost on across Woodcock Hill ‘chack Hedgecourt Lake. And I thank God chacking’, with an escort of half as for them. many redwings showing their red Peter Bateman. sides and creamy eyestripes.

8 WHEN IS A CHAIN NOT A CHAIN

THE ST JOHN’S Prayer Chain Matthew 18 verse 19 ‘Again, I tell started life many years ago as a you that if two of you on earth telephone chain of messages sent agree about anything you ask for, out on a Monday afternoon or it will be done for you by my evening. Those who were Father in heaven.’ members of it waited to receive a The next verse speaks of two or phone call with a list of items to three coming together in his pray about, wrote it down and then name—and that does not happen phoned it on to the next person in in a physical way with the prayer the chain. Just occasionally there chain. But there certainly is an were some spectacular agreement in prayer and a mishearings and some rather oneness of spirit, brought about distorted messages got passed by the possibilities of modern down the chain, e.g. ’Send three technology. and fourpence, we’re going to a dance.’ was a corruption of ‘send  If you would like something reinforcements, we’re going to to be shared on the prayer advance’. chain, please ask Stephen (and Mandy as well if you Then with the advent of email it want to be more certain) became more of a circulation list than a chain. There are 35 people  If you would like to be part now on the email list, and some of of the prayer chain, please them kindly phone the message on email one of us or ring if to other people. More than one of you would like to be a the members have joined because telephone member. they have asked for something to be prayed about, and having seen  Join all the members in God answer prayers in a wonderful giving thanks for the way, they have felt inspired to join wonderful answers to themselves and pray for others. prayer that we have seen! How does it work? It works on the Stephen Bowen basis of Christ’s promise in

Homelessness Service 3pm at Moat Road, United Reformed Church Speaker—Peter Mansfield from Crawley Open House

9 LOVE FOOD HATE WASTE

What could you do with an extra £50 a month in 2011?

£12 BILLION worth of food and Cut down on saturated fat like butter, drink goes to waste in the UK every lard or margarine and use alternatives year, so the Love Food Surrey like olive oil. campaign aims to show families how they could save up to £50 a month on Shop smart their food shopping bill, simply by Plan and shop with menus in mind as cutting down on throwing away food. this will be cheaper and prevent impulse buying. We could all enjoy an extra bit of cash after the mad spending at Christmas Be ruthless with offers; only buy them and reduce the amount of good food if you will use them that week. being thrown away. This doesn’t mean Buy seasonal - it will taste better and cutting down on indulgence and fun. If generally be cheaper. anything, having a well-planned year will leave us with more money in our Cook less purses and more time to enjoy Try not to buy ready meals, instead ourselves. cook extra, and have some homemade sauces in the freezer for those days Why not pledge to waste less food and when you are pressed for time to cook. save more money? For inspiration, check out Love Food Surrey’s new Storage tips celebrity leftover cookbook. Surrey’s Incorporate leftovers in your menus famous faces are supporting Surrey for the week, e.g. tomato sauce with Waste Partnership’s waste campaign pasta one day and the rest of the sauce by sharing their leftovers recipes in a can be drizzled over fish the next day. new cookbook. Download a copy at www.lovefoodsurrey.com or email Remember the most important point [email protected] of all is to enjoy, respect and to request a free copy. Check out our appreciate the food that you have top tips for a greener 2011: spent your time and money on, in doing this you will have achieved at Get healthier least one New Year’s resolution! Increase your vegetables in your meal For more tasty tips on cutting the cost planning e.g. by adding some peas of your food bill and making the most into your pasta sauce. It will be of your leftovers, visit healthier and more fulfilling. www.lovefoodsurrey.com.

10 IN THE GARDEN

poppies and hollyhocks are showing new growth. It is amazing how nature bounces back. As everything is so bedgraggled it is a good time to cut down some of the tatty leaves and have a jolly good tidy WITH the deep snow and ice up. Dead foliage can go on the December was a gardening non- compost heap which also needs starter and January has started very turning over ready for spreading wet. But look on the bright side. around in the spring. If too wet to Hopefully the harsh winter has killed garden then the greenhouse can be off some of the bugs and aphids. We disinfected and pots and seed trays now have everything to look forward washed. to – more daylight hours, and I like gardening folklore. For example warmer dryer weather. Looking plant your garlic on December 21st, around today it all looks drab and the winter solstice and harvest it on dead but look closely and you will June 21st the summer solstice; clip see new green shoots pushing Box after Derby Day; plant new through the soil and fat buds on potatoes on Good Friday; plant many shrubs especially the carrots higher than 18” in raised camellias. beds or pots because the carrot fly It isn’t the snow that kills off plants can’t get higher than 18”! Actually but the prolonged cold. However, I that last one worked for us. We have am not going to be too quick to write never had success with carrots but anything off. My acer seedlings last year we grew them in large pots don’t look happy but I am optimistic. and had a good crop. Daphne gave The cactus in the greenhouse that me a new piece of folklore. Go out on flowers beautifully every year is fine February 14, St. Valentines Day, and and the large fatsia in a pot outside kill off the slugs before they start has survived well. I have had to cut breeding! Good hunting! off branches from some shrubs that Maureen Reynolds were damaged by weight of snow but plants like the penstemons are looking perky and green again, the primroses healthy and mahonias are already in flower. Pieris are covered in new pink buds, and the oriental

11 WHY BELIEVE?

DURING THE Signs of Life week had come to earth as Jesus and in April (17th-24th April) we have a died in order to make these team of students visiting us from things real and personal for me. Oak Hill Theological College in It has been a huge help to me to London. The team will be led by be involved in a Church which Peter Sanlon, who divides his teaches the Bible clearly. I have time between teaching on the learned a lot from other staff at Oak Hill and serving as a Christians and find it encouraging minister in a church in London. to realise that others have the This month he tells us something same questions, fears and of his Christian story. struggles as me. I was raised in a church-going As I began to get to know God family and always had a general better I learned that sense that God was real and that a relationship with him is exciting, He cared for me. Just before liberating and enjoyable. There heading to university I visited a has been sadness – my family church with some friends who have never shared my made a particular effort to teach enthusiasm for God and prefer to the Bible. This was a real eye- focus on church. However, there opener to me. I began to realise have been wonderful times of that not only was God real, but it growing in appreciation for God's was possible for me to learn what kindnesses. I hope that during the he is like – to get to know his Signs of Life week you see personality, his attitudes, the things that make him happy and something of these! sad. Slowly, I learned that God Peter Sanlon

ONE VOICE is Tearfund’s Global Poverty Prayer Movement for 2011 This year’s prayer week is from 27th February to 6th March. The idea is that we all join together in prayer as One Voice, that we are still and listen to God’s voice and that we identify and block out other ‘voices’ that compete for our attention. Copies of the Prayer Plan can be obtained from Brenda Wilkinson or via the website: www.tearfund.org/one voice. ‘You are the light of the world… Let your light shine before others.’ (Matthew 5:14, 16)

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16 FELBRIDGE HOTEL & SPA FEBRUARY EVENTS Wedding Open Day, Sunday 23rd January 11am - 4pm. Admission FREE. All of our wedding facilities will be set up for a wedding for you to view and our Wedding Coordinators will be on hand to discuss your requirements and show you the range of suites available at the Hotel for your Wedding Ceremony or Reception. Enjoy a glass of champagne and some canapés on arrival and then have a browse around the hotel. Romantic Valentine’s Champagne Meal, Saturday 12th - Monday 14th February Our Executive Chef has created a menu that will tempt the taste buds and soften the heart with his special Valentine's Day Menu. As an extra sparkling treat you will receive a complimentary glass of champagne on arrival. £45 per person. A Night at the Oscars, Saturday 26th February Enjoy a glamorous 3 course meal, listen to the sounds of our pianist playing all the great Hollywood film theme tunes and dance the night away with our dazzling wind Band 'The Bizz' and disco. £55 per person. For more information and for tickets to any of our events calls 01342 337700 or email [email protected]

THE WORSHIP SERVICE

Raise the Roof is a fun, action-packed service, presenting Jesus’ message through music, dance drama and dancing. The next service is on: Sunday 16th January Rehearsal 4.15pm Scrummy tea 5.30pm Service 6-6.40pm If you’d like to join in playing an instrument, acting, dancing or singing - young or old, beginner or pro - contact Kris Defriend on 01342 312788 or [email protected].

17 CURRENT ISSUES: FAIRTRADE

Fairtrade Fortnight focuses on cotton farmers

ACTOR and comedian James awareness-raising campaign to Redmond, who featured in Hollyoaks promote the difference that Fairtrade and Casualty, took his seat in the makes to millions of people in famous black chair on the edition of developing countries. Celebrity Mastermind that was This year, the focus is on Fairtrade broadcast on 30th December. His cotton and the benefits appearance raised £2,500 for that it brings to farmers in his chosen charity, the countries as widespread as Fairtrade Foundation, with India, Senegal, Burkina the money going towards a Faso, Egypt and Peru. campaign to help West Fairtrade cotton African farmers. guarantees a Fairtrade More than 10 million West minimum price as well as Africans rely on cotton for a a Fairtrade premium for living, but because of unfair investment in social trade practices they are still development projects such living in poverty. With most West as water, education and healthcare. African cotton farmers earning less The benefits from sales of Fairtrade than $1 a day and subsidies paid to certified cotton have allowed farmers European and North American cotton in India to develop basic health farmers depressing world prices, it’s insurance schemes for themselves becoming virtually impossible for and health awareness programmes small-scale African farmers to for their children. In Mali, farmers compete. The Fairtrade Foundation have been able to fund the building estimates that 100 million rural of storage units for cotton and grain, households in the world are involved enabling them to store food all year in cotton production. round and better control the sales of Even though one in four people say their cotton over the seasons, they have bought Fairtrade-certified producing a more consistent income. cotton products in the UK, less than When you have the option of buying 1% of cotton clothes sold in our Fairtrade cotton goods, spare a shops carries the FAIRTRADE Mark. thought for farmers such as these. Fairtrade Fortnight, which runs from Gordon Wilkinson 28th February to 13th March, is the Fairtrade Foundation’s annual

18 MISSION UPDATE

Tearfund project helps Barton beat hunger in Malawi

AT 81, Barton Nyetula proves it Barton’s learning and are keen to is never too late to learn new share in it. So he’s training ten life skills. neighbours in water and soil Hunger used to be a fact of life for conservation and others in Barton until he benefited from the horticulture, improving their food work of a Tearfund-supported security too. project at his village in southern Vincent Moyo, Tearfund’s Malawi. Country Representative for Food shortages are an all too Malawi, said, ‘Barton has shown common occurrence for people in how we can improve the lives of Patete village in Nsanje district the vulnerable in rural where drought frequently ruins communities susceptible to food crops. shortages. Working through local churches, we’re sharing Through Tearfund partner River of knowledge about crop Life Evangelical Church, Barton diversification, food processing, has been learning how to reduce fruit propagation and soil and his exposure to harvest failures by water conservation, which is planting new types of crops, enabling people to thrive in often including those more resilient to difficult conditions.’ climatic changes. Barton has diversified into fruit growing after For updates about other projects learning how to propagate; he’s that Tearfund supports, visit also discovered how important www.tearfund.org or ask Brenda trees are for preserving the soil or Gordon Wilkinson to arrange and how to conserve water. for you to receive regular updates. The results speak for themselves. Brenda Wilkinson Barton is now growing enough food to feed his household of six and he’s proud to say that he hasn’t needed to buy any food for the last three years. Others in his village and in the neighbouring communities have been impressed with the results of

19 SIGNS OF LIFE: 17-24th April 2011

Have you heard about Signs What’s planned for Signs of of Life? Life? IT IS a week of special events that We have special services planned, the St John’s church family are talks on what Easter is all about, putting on in the week running up to talks on difficult issues like Easter Sunday. Easter is all about the suffering, opportunities for asking great news of what Jesus’ death and questions, meals, family events, a resurrection has achieved – how he holiday club and much, much more! has made a way for us to be accepted by God now, and in eternity. Signs of Want to be involved? Life will be an opportunity for us to From Sunday 13th February onwards pass on this good news to friends, there will be forms available for you family, neighbours, colleagues, and to say how you would like to be everyone else we can. involved. You may like to host a visiting student, help with the Want to know more? holiday club, make tea for the events, To hear more, come along to our go door to door inviting people services on Sunday 13th February. along, or help in another way. You To help us out during the Signs of may also like to run your own small Life week a dozen students from Oak event, such as a meal in your home, Hill Theological College are going to with a short talk from a team join us, along with staff member member and discussion over coffee. Peter Sanlon. Some of the students Also, please be praying, both will be interviewed in the morning individually and at the 24 hours of service on 13th February, and then be prayer for Signs of Life over Saturday around to chat afterwards. Our 6pm 26th - Sunday 27th March. evening service that day will be focused on Signs of Life with Peter Sanlon speaking. Afterwards there What Jesus said, and the will be tea and coffee, and the miracles and signs he did, opportunity to put questions to Peter point to who he really is, and and the visiting students, to find out that there is true and eternal more about them and why we are having this special week. Please do life in him. Let’s pass on these come if you can! ‘Signs of Life.’

20 TELL ME WHY

Why does God allow the floods?

FLOODS CAUSE massive damage away’ (Revelation 21:4). and great loss of life. If God is in There will be a day when God sets charge of the world, why doesn’t he everything right and again there will stop them? be perfect relationships between God and people, between people and The Bible does not give a single easy people, and between people and the answer to the question of suffering world. When that happens there will and disasters, but it does have a lot to no longer be natural disasters such as say. Here are some of perspectives floods. the Bible brings to this question. We live in between these times – after First, the Bible says that when God human rebellion began and the world created the world, ‘it was very order was broken, and before God has good’ (Genesis 1:31). At creation, fully restored it. When Jesus was on the world was without conflict, earth some people asked him about suffering or disaster. Humankind people who had been killed when a was able to rule and manage the tower had accidentally fallen on world under God entirely effectively. them, and he replies, do you think However, the biblical account makes they were more guilty than all the it clear that things did not stay this others living in Jerusalem? I tell you way. The first people rebelled no! But unless you repent, you too against God and his good commands will all perish (Luke 13:4-5). Jesus and broke all the good relationships says those who are affected by in the world – those between God disaster are no worse than anybody and people, between people and else, but that these disasters are a sign people, and between people and the that the world is broken, and this created world. Harmful natural brokenness has at its heart our broken disasters were not present in the relationship with God. world as first created, and are a sign of the broken nature of our world God will make a new world without now. disasters and suffering. If we want to be part of that world we need to do Second, the Bible says that suffering what Jesus says – turn away from from these disasters will not continue ignoring God and turn and trust in forever. God promises a time when, him. This does not answer all our ‘there will be no more death or questions, but does show us to whom mourning or crying or pain, for the we must turn. old order of things has passed Michael Peach 21 CHURCH CENTRE PROJECT

Progress Report

JUST WHERE has the time gone? It is hard for me to realise that it was four years ago that the PCC appointed Derek Kemp of Church Projects Limited (CPL) to prepare an Options Study for extending the church in order to reach out more into the community that we serve in Felbridge and East Grinstead. I hope that after reading this report you will realise that much has been achieved, and it is just possible that major building work will commence this year - watch this space! If you do have any questions or concerns then please ask! Summary Phase 1 is almost complete. Phase 2 is on hold, but Phase 3 is on programme. Phase 2 estimate is over budget. Spend for Phase 3 is currently below budget. Project budget increased to include rise in VAT. Car park repairs delayed due to bad weather. Procedure for repairing the bells and supports is under review. Progress Phase 1 (Hall windows and redecorate) Kitchen useable but reinstatement not completed. Main doors adjusted to improve ease of locking. Phase 2 (Playground) Discussions on outside funding continued. Local supplier has indicated that they may be willing to provide materials at a reduced rate. Phases 3-6 (Church Centre development) Documents submitted at the end of November to Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) for approval. DAC meeting in December concluded that a sub-committee should visit the site and report back before discussing our proposals in detail. DAC site visit planned for February. This is a delay to obtaining a faculty but it is not yet a delay to the start of Phase 3 construction. Comments on proposals submitted to Mechanical & Electrical (M & E) Engineer.

22 Phases 3 (North-West Extension - alongside the church) Design Team (architect, structural engineer and M & E) has continued with production drawing details. Stonemason visited the site and has been appointed to advise the architect on stone detailing. Layout and equipment for new kitchenette has been reviewed by users. Location of a cleaning (utility) cupboard is on going. Other Projects No further information on final car park surfacing received. Diocese is proposing to employ a contractor to finish laying the surface of the access road and carry out temporary repairs to our car park. Planning commenced for the removal of the two church bells to enable inspection of the bearing that failed. Forecast Phase 2 (Playground) Review of options and costs to be submitted to the PCC for approval in February. Phases 3-6 (Church Centre development) Diocesan Advisory Committee approval expected by end of May. “Winter” bat survey expected in late January or early February. Phases 3 (North-West Extension - alongside the church) Detailed cost check expected mid-March (for PCC meeting). Other Projects Details of final car park surfacing awaited. Temporary repairs to car park to be undertaken ‘soon’ (weather permitting). DAC approves bell removal for inspection. John Grainger (Chair CCPT) 16th January 2011

You may have already noticed the beautiful new curtains in the church Hall. St John’s would like to thank Felbridge School for donating enough money at their Christmas Service for one and a half sets of curtains. If you would like to donate some money towards the cost of the curtains, please contact Lis Scott or Chris Saunders

23 TREE OF LIGHT SERVICE

AS MANY of you will be aware, we Thank you to my husband Paul for held our 4th Tree of Light service at St cutting the tree down, to Howie Searle John’s in December. Approximately for delivering it to the church and 125 people attended, which was most putting it in place, to the firemen from encouraging. The Hospice have let me East Grinstead who once again came know that the collection on the down to put the lights on the tree and evening amounted to £428.14p to Peter Burton for sorting out all the including the gift aid envelopes. wires, timer etc. as well as helping me take it all down again as well. Many people commented on how nice it was to come to a Tree of Light Thank you to all those who helped at Service in a Church. I would like to the service – Stephen and Don Ely say a big thank you to everyone who who led the service, Barry and Helen helped me in so many ways – it would for the music, Jenny and Charlotte not have been possible without you!! who read the lessons, John, Peter, Janet and Diane who read the prayers, Ann and Joy offered us the tree which the Sidesmen, Wardens and Anne had outgrown their garden - they had Butler who is always there to help and brought it down from the Lake District guide me. 28 years ago as a sapling. It looked beautiful with all the lights shining out I am sure I have forgotten someone but throughout the Christmas period. thank you all; I really do appreciate all What a lovely way to recycle the tree. the help and prayers. After all no tree, no Tree of Light ! Jenny Young

WELCARE

I did not come to church on Sunday, the gifts in time for the choosing and 5th December with very great hopes wrapping day. By now the staff and I for the toy service. The snow was have got to know each other and it thick and it was freezing cold. By was like meeting up with family, they 9.55am my heart was heavy as there were delighted with your contribution were only a handful of the church and send you thanks and blessings. I family present. But, oh Rona, you of can only add my thanks to you all for little faith, by 10.10a.m people were your kindness and wish you, although streaming in and a total of 85 toys a little late, a very happy New Year! and £65 in vouchers and cash had Rona Bingham been donated to Welcare. I delivered

24 CHURCH FAMILY NEWS

Congratulations THE NAME of Miller goes on!! Congratulations to David and Carole on the birth of Joshua William born to their son, Stephen, and his wife, Donna.

Congratulations to Vic and Linda Barker who have a new grandson, Barnaby David, born to Jessica and Jay.

Congratulations to Brian and Janet Starr on the birth of Benjamin Graeme, a second son to their son, Philip, and his wife, Elke, and Dominic.

Thank you to all those who gave to the poppy appeal. £41.53 was donated this year.

News and Thanks Edward John Young entered this world on 22nd November 2010 at 8.14am Singapore local time. He weighed a healthy 7lbs 9oz and both he and mum are doing well. Adrian and Karen would like to thank everyone for all their prayers. Love in a box would like to thank everyone who sent shoeboxes this year. Alistair Matson would like to thank everyone for their prayers during his recent stay in hospital, which included Christmas. They provided a source of strength to help him cope at this difficult time. Thanks you to everyone who delivered Christmas leaflets. We are looking for two more people to deliver the leaflets three times a year. The rounds are as follows: Copthorne Road North side from 2 up to (but not including) Eden Place (about 38 dwellings). Copthorne Road North side numbers 58- 122 and numbers 90-122 (50 dwellings). If any one could take these on it would be a very valuable job. Please tell Mandy if you can help. Ian and Esther Walker ask that St John’s remembers Sudan and the surrounding countries as the referendum takes place. A historic vote but one that could bring war back to Sudan. Esther's work has been to promote and develop a palliative care service, which has born fruit. The clinic in the main oncology hospital in Khartoum is very busy, but there is a huge need to overcome the 'taboo' of cancer as many patients only seek help when their cancer is very advanced. Now they are able to give the patients morphine, it is wonderful to see the transformation in patients who previously were in agony and so very frightened. 25 CHURCH FAMILY NEWS

SOME OF YOU may remember the Maynard family, Norman & Ellen and their sons John and Robin, who lived at 53 Crawley Down Road (formally 2, Fir Tree Cottages, Felbridge). Norman lived at this address for 70 years and both he and Robin were christened at St. John’s. Norman and Ellen moved to Seaford in 1993 and then after 8 years they moved to Collumpton in Devon to be near there son Robin and his wife Elaine. Sadly, Norman passed away on 3rd December 2010, at the age of 88 years. Norman was a Sussex County referee and president of the Felbridge Football Club where he refereed many local matches. He was a very keen gardener and won Royal Horticultural Society medals for his efforts. Members and also former members of the Felbridge & District Horticultural Society will remember him receiving a good percentage of the prizes given each year! Norman’s eyesight failed over the years and eventually he was registered blind but carried on gardening with enthusiasm and had planted his broad bean seed a few weeks before he died. Both Ellen and Norman looked forward to the Parish Magazine each month to catch up on all the news and Ellen wishes to be remembered to all their many friends still living in Felbridge and surrounding area.

CHURCH REGISTER

Weddings Jennifer Jack married Neil Winbolt on 4th December (in spite of the heavy snow!) Funerals James Chewter, aged 90 years, died on 25th November 2010. The funeral was at Worth Crematorium on 10th December 2010 Rosa Emma Pond, aged 102, died on 15th December 2010. The funeral was at Worth crematorium on 7th January 2011. William James Hubert Smith, aged 81, died on 30th December 2010 The funeral was at Worth Crematorium. Edward Pearson, aged 83, died on 31st December 2010. The funeral was at Worth crematorium on 12th January 2011.

26 PEST CONTROL SERVICES Wasps, flies, fleas. All types of rodents and vermin 01342 321373

BUTCHER ARTHUR FRY, Lingfield Road, East Grinstead 01342 323225

CHIMNEY SWEEP MILBORROW CHIMNEY SWEEPS, ‘The Flueologists’ All Flues and Appliances Swept and Serviced. Pots, Cowls, Caps, Birdguards, Fireplace Repairs, Stacks Repointed 01342 717900

FUNERAL DIRECTORS R MEDHURST, Vine House, Hartfield Caring family firm; home visits; 24 hour service. 01892 770253 Memorials arranged: Golden Charter pre-paid Funeral Plans 01342 315880

GARAGE & CAR REPAIRS, MOTs & COACHES 01342 325544 Woodcock Hill Service Station, London Road, Felbridge 01342 326213

KOINONIA COUNSELLING Marriage problems, bereavement, depression, eating disorders etc Jackie Lake 01342 718948

TV SALES, SERVICE & INSTALLATIONS Panasonic Specialists. Plasma, LCD, Multiroom Systems, Aerial & Satellite. Scott Brothers, 178 London Road, East Grinstead. 01342 321117

CLARINET LESSONS Classical or Jazz, for pleasure or exam preparation Elaine Short CT ABRSM 01342 327563

GARDEN SERVICES Ron West 01342 712586 USEFUL CONTACTS

Churchwardens: Anne Butler 01342 313640 e-mail: [email protected]

Stephen Granger 01342 312103 e-mail:[email protected] Treasurer: Chris Saunders 01342 325662 e-mail: [email protected] PCC Secretary: Sheila Drury 01342 323865 e-mail: [email protected] Magazine Editor: Lindsey Saunders 01342 325662 e-mail: [email protected] Cleaning Rota: Carole Grainger 01342 325482 Ministry of Flowers: Ann Morley 01342 714645 e-mail: [email protected] Church Hall Bookings: Sally Hobbs 01342 410929 Church Office (closed on Thursdays) 01342 321524 Village Hall Bookings: Lynda Railton 01342 322205

CHILDREN/YOUNG PEOPLE ACTIVITIES Climbers (3-6 yrs): Michael Peach 01342 312406 e-mail: [email protected] Explorers (Year 2-4): Diane Francis 01342 714575 e-mail: [email protected] Light Eagles (Year 5-7): Dan and Suzy Callaway 01342 321658 e-mail: [email protected] NG (Year 8-9): Michael Peach 01342 312406 e-mail: [email protected] Parish Safeguarding Officer Chris Ely 01342 311614 e-mail: [email protected] Rainbows, Brownies & Guides Ann Tucker 01342 317283 e-mail: [email protected]

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