October 2018 : Issue 102 Kilnhurst

The monthly magazine of St Thomas’ Church, Kilnhurst

the groaning of creation see page 3

Also in this issue: 20:20 Vision - Settling in to Kilnhurst - - Looking back at ‘Taste and See’ - Christians Against Poverty - - Puzzle Corner - and lots more besides -

St Thomas’ is part of the Church of www.kilnhurst-st-thomas.org.uk t: 01709 589674

2 who’s who at St Thomas’ Church

Vicar: The Revd Andy Brewerton t: 589674 The Vicarage, Highthorn Road, Kilnhurst, S64 5TX e: [email protected]

Curate: The Revd Tom Brown t: 07825 913286 20 Canalside View Kilnhurst, Mexborough S64 5SD e: [email protected]

Pastoral Minister: Jenny Newman t: 581163 1 Hartley Close, Kilnhurst Mexborough S64 5US e: [email protected]

Children and Youth: Lydia Proudman t: 07511 776617 11 Aitken Road, Kilnhurst Mexborough S64 5UB e: [email protected]

Church Wardens: Simon Bradshaw t: 07708 804484 Colin Proudman t: 07538 867422

PCC Secretary: Jane Proudman PCC Treasurer: Church Office Deanery Synod Rep: Jane Proudman and Sue Lamprell Elected PCC Members: Jo Airey Kadie Fenton-Wightman Jacob Corcoran Amanda Brewerton Pam Proctor Simon Langmead Jill Sanderson

Sunday Services For details of Baptisms and Weddings please contact the church office on 589674 10am Morning Service with crèche and Sunday school For further details of what’s on why not have a look on our website Why not join us one Sunday? www.kilnhurst-st-thomas.org.uk

from the vicar 3

Dear friends was subjected to frustration’ (Romans If your garden is 8:20). And as we mourn our own sin anything like mine and see the sin of others, so the fallen then it will have world joins us in that pain: ‘We know been suffering that the whole creation has been through the groaning as in the pains of childbirth summer due to the right up to the present time.’ (Rom. lack of rain. Our lawn still looks 8:22). However, in the Bible, these are pretty burnt and brown in places, and not groans of despair, as God has we’ve had loads of dead wood falling revealed to us a saviour and he off the trees - all because so little rain promises the hope of a new heaven has fallen - although last week’s and earth for all those who love him downpour and the local flooding and trust him - in a day when we probably began to make up for it! read… ‘the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay The heatwave this summer was a and brought into the freedom and sobering reminder that our planet is glory of the children of God.’ (Rom not disposable! It also reminds us that 8:21). That will be the day when all we’re not here by chance or mistake, God’s people, all those trusting Jesus but part of an incredible worldwide and committed to following Him, will eco-system that covers the whole be gathered together. It will be a great world. In the national church, this multitude that no-one can number - time of year is designated but only of those who have said ‘yes’ ‘Creationtide’, a time to reflect on to God’s rescue in Jesus. God as Creator and Sustainer of all life. John reminds us that God loves It’s not hard to do, but oh so the world so much that he sent his important! We’d love to explore more son to save it (John 3:16) - that’s of these things with you over these talking not just about creation, but coming weeks, we’re running a new more importantly about us - his Christianity Explored group. We creatures - as the central focus of begin at 7.30 pm on Tuesday 2nd God’s saving work. October and will run for seven weeks. It’s a brilliant opportunity to think Despite my parched lawn, God has more about Jesus: who he is, why he not given up on His world. We live in came, and what it means to follow a broken world where our present him. Please do join me. experience is marked by sin and death and suffering: ‘For the creation Andy Brewerton.

4 what’s on?

The next fresh tea-time church will be our at 4pm on Tuesday Together is our drop-in for Sunday 21st October at St Thomas’ church. older folks that meets each Tuesday It’s for all ages and all the in term time. family, and includes a sandwich Please join us if tea at the end. you’re free on Tuesdays 9.30-11.30

After School Clubs

for children in FS2, Y1 and Y2.

Every Tuesday from 3.30 to 4.15pm

for children in Y3, Y4, Y5 and Y6. Every Tuesday from 4.15 to 5.15 pm lots of fun - Bible stories - crafts- - games - activities-

St Thomas’ Youth Group - every Friday 7.30-9.00pm

There’s always loads of fun and games, free refreshments and occasional pizza! Hang out with friends and chat with the team. Learn more about Jesus with Bible teaching that makes you think.

Our Ignite youth group is open to all young people

parish news 5

From the Registers

St Thomas’ Lunch Club

Baptisms Wednesday 10th October Freddie Carr Nancy Carr from 12noon to 2.30pm Come and join us for a two course lunch followed by some entertainment Funerals (there is no charge but donations are welcome) Maureen Senior

Contact Jenny or Amanda on 589674 to put your name on the list.

Sunday Services Rota at St Thomas’ Church: October 2018

Sun 7th Oct Sun 14th Oct Sun 21st Oct Sun 28th Oct Morning Holy Morning Morning Prayer Communion Prayer Prayer

Sunday Trinity 19 Trinity 20 Trinity 21 Last After Trinity

Series When Faith Feels Foolish (1 Corinthians) Jesus: born and nurtured (Luke)

Title 9. Remember, the 10. Are we kings 11. The Cure for 1. This is Luke, Lord is Judge or fools? Divisions here is Jesus

Reading 1 Cor. 4:1-7 1 Cor. 4:8-13 1 Cor. 4:14-21 Luke 1:1-4

Welcome Team Barbara, Rita Colin, Jane Jean, Pam Pam, Margaret & David & Caitlin & Amanda & Sue

Reader Colin Simon B. Claire Karen

Prayers Tom Colin Simon L. Claire

Buddies Jo & Kadie Pam & Margaret Jill & Wendy Pam & Margaret

Diggers Lydia Lydia Sue & Caitlin Lydia

Grounded Simon L. Simon B In Church Simon L.

6 Children and Young People 20:20 Vision Lydia Proudman reflects on what makes for good eyesight

How are your children’s eyes? In Matthew It’s just the same with our children’s spiritual chapter 6 verses 22 to 23, Jesus says this: ‘eyes’- the way they see the world around “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your them. If they can see the world with a eyes are good, your whole body will be full ‘healthy’ eye- with truth and understanding- of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole they will learn to see things as they really are, body will be full of darkness.” He meant and they will recognise things in the world this: the way that we see the world around that will bless them, and things that could us will affect every part of how we live. harm them. This means they will be able to make good decisions about whether they want those things in their lives or not. But if their eyes are ‘unhealthy’, they won’t understand whether what they see is good or bad, truth or lie. It will lead them to make poor decisions about what to accept and reject, and they will develop poor thought patterns.

So how can we help our children develop good spiritual ‘eyesight’? Jesus said, “I am Let’s use Jesus’ example of the eye. Good the light of the world.” (See John chapter 8 eyesight means your children can see what’s verse 12.) We need to bring our children to around them for what it actually is: they see a Jesus so they can see with the light switched tree trunk in winter and don’t confuse it for a on. We can meet Jesus in the Bible, so pick telephone pole. It means they can enjoy the one up, turn to about 2/3rds of the way detail of life: they see a tree in the summer through- to a book called Matthew- and start and can enjoy looking at all the individual reading! We have children’s Bibles at church leaves. (I know someone who only realised if you want to use one of them- it says the you can see individual leaves on trees when same thing, but it says it in a way that’s easier he was given glasses at the age of 16. Imagine for the children to understand. We’d love to his delight when he discovered there was so help you and our children read and much more beauty in the world than he’d understand the Bible, so do come along to ever seen before!) It also means they can tell one of our groups to find out more! when something’s wrong before it harms Lydia Proudman them: they can see the car coming too quickly down the road, or the nuts they can’t eat because of their allergies.

Mission Of The Month: CAP 7 Christians Against Poverty are helping people who are struggling financially

We are Christians and do everything we can to ensure they Against Poverty – know from the start that being Christian is our faith is very absolutely not a requirement to receive our much at our core. services. We will help anyone and have Every member of never refused help to anyone because they CAP’s team, from our Founder to our aren’t interested in our faith. frontline volunteers, would tell your that following Jesus and trusting in God has When we visit a client to help them with made a big difference in our lives. their debts, or when they come to one of our other services, it’s likely that we will Some of us weren’t brought up in the offer to pray with them. We make sure that Christian faith and have found it for people feel they can say no, but our annual ourselves; others were raised as Christians. client survey shows that most people really Either way, we all have joy, hope, peace, appreciate it. If people show an interest in love and compassion in our hearts that we exploring a bit more of the Christian faith, believe are the fruit of knowing and we might invite them to church or a social following Jesus. event where they can experience the If you took a look at our charitable community of faith that is the Church to objectives, you’d see that one of them is the see if they feel it is right for them.. advancement of the Christian faith, which As a movement, we immerse ourselves in we understand can cause some people to the lives of some of the most broken in our ask deeper questions. We thought we’d nation, pouring love, care and attention take this chance to explain why our faith is into often very dysfunctional families. But so important to us. that’s OK; it’s what we believe Jesus asks Firstly, we’re really upfront with people us to do.

8 TASTE & SEE: Events Week

If you weren’t able to get along to church this past week then you’ve missed a real treat. It’s been our ‘Taste and See’ week and evening by evening we’ve been thinking through some of the big questions in life. The inside of church was transformed into a cosy and relaxed venue for the week, complete with overhead canopy and mood lighting. A beautiful floral display alongside the sofa completed the homely scene. Each evening began with conversation over a meal and we’ve enjoyed some really good food. After the main course we’ve invited some special guests onto the ’Taste and See’ sofa for an interview, with some inspiring stories of how people came to Taste and See for themselves that following Jesus really is the best way to live… how that has given people life for now and hope for the future. Each evening we’ve tacked a big topic with an illustrated talk from the front followed by questions around the tables. We kicked the week off with ’Taste the Truth’, and followed on with sessions on Purpose, Freedom, Hope and Love. We’ve seen how following Jesus gives us all these things and more. All in all it’s been an excellent week, an opportunity for us all to Taste and See why the Lord is so good in loving and saving a people for himself.

Church Family: from the Curate 9

What a summer it’s been! Just a few months ago we were living in a small flat coming to the end of Theological College. Three months later and we’re beginning life at St Thomas’ and settling in to the local area. It’s felt like a bit of a whirlwind at times but we’re so grateful for the opportunity to live and work as part of the village and are excited by the opportunity to get to know and serve the community. The summer has been a wonderful opportunity for our 18-month old to get settled into nursery, for Claire to start back as a dentist in Chapeltown and for me to spend lots of time writing talks, getting along to the youth groups and meeting loads of people. (I’ve also had to put up with lots of Andy’s jokes…!) As I write this I’m in the middle of preparing Sunday’s talk where we’re looking at John’s eye-witness account of Jesus’ life and his description as the good shepherd. It’s one of those passages that always grips me each time I come back to it. A passage that gives so much hope and security as we remember who Jesus is and why he came. Here’s how he describes himself: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11) Jesus says he’s like a shepherd – out on the mountainside with his people, leading them and keeping them safe. Yet this shepherd doesn’t carry a wooden staff, but a wooden cross. He’s the kind of shepherd who doesn’t run when things get tricky but willingly gives his life as the very means by which he will save his sheep. The main reason we’re in Kilnhurst is because we’re convinced that the news about this Jesus is so brilliant, so relevant – and so crucial – for each and every one of us. A shepherd who willingly lays down his life to save us, stepping. That’s news worth talking about! Tom Brown

10 Church Family

“Houston, we have a problem.”

October sees the release of a new film about the life of astronaut Neil Armstrong. I’m very much looking forward to that with my interest in the whole space programme. One of my all time favourite films is Apollo 13; the true story of a mission to get man to the moon. Sadly, things start to go wrong from the start: one of the team comes into contact with a contagious illness and has to be replaced at the last minute, there are issues and glitches at the launch itself, but the huge problem comes as they travel towards the moon and a huge section of the side of the craft catches fire and a gaping hole is left. Oxygen begins to escape and the moon landing has to be aborted. The problem is how to get the stricken craft and its crew home. A whole new flight plan has to be created and it’s all about the angle of re entry into the earth’s atmosphere. A miscalculation will lead to disaster: either burning up the whole craft and the astronauts, or bouncing it off into a permanent non returnable orbit. Houston, they really did have problem The Bible’s “flight plan” helpfully picks up these themes as we think about God’s big picture of our biggest problem… sin and rebellion towards God our creator and how much God wants us to re enter His kingdom restored. As Christians we believe that God is our amazing Creator, and that to receive his blessing we must approach him in the right way and deal with that sin problem. We can’t do that on our own, so we need a re entry plan to God. That’s only through the King of Glory, Jesus. Sin cannot last for a second in God’s holiness, and our rebellion in refusing to acknowledge Jesus as our King who died and rose again to cancel out our sin will send us into an orbit that takes us away from him for ever. You wouldn’t want to miscalculate that would you? As for the film……. Well, I wouldn’t want to spoil the end for you. Jenny Newman

News and Events 11

Our new CE group begins 7.30pm Tuesday 2nd October for seven weeks at St Thomas’ Church, Kilnhurst.

The group is for everyone, whether you’re completely new to Christian things or just need a bit of a refresher. Wherever you’re at, we’d love to see you. Christianity Explored is an informal and relaxed seven week course. It’s for anyone who wants to think about the big questions in life - and to find out why God’s son Jesus is the best news in the world. The group is run by folks from church and it’s completely free. You don’t need to know anything about the Bible and you won’t be asked to pray or sing. You can ask any

The next MEN@stThomas evening is a Bonfire Evening at church at 7.30pm on Monday 22nd October Please join us for our next meet-up, clearing some garden rubbish around the bonfire with some food and a Bible talk. Details from Simon Langmead or Jacob Corcoran.

Sunday Sermons: Listen again Missed a week? The Sunday talk each week is recorded, and then available to download from the front page of the St Thomas’ website or if you prefer as a podcast from the iTunes service. Listen Again: http://www.kilnhurst-st-thomas.org.uk

12 puzzle corner

Across

1 Tertullus, who presented the high 12 ‘And now I will show you the most — priest’s case against Paul in his trial way’(1Corinthians12:31) (9) before Felix, was one (Acts 24:1) (6) 17 ‘Titus did not exploit you, did he? Did 4 As balm (anag.) (6) we not —— the same spirit and 8 Having explored Canaan, he and follow the same course?’ (2 Joshua urged the Israelites to take Corinthians 12:18) (3,2) possession of it (Numbers 13:30) (5) 19 Mice den(anag.)(7) 9 On becoming king of Judah, he had all 21 How Egypt is often described in the six of his brothers killed (2 Chronicles Old Testament: ‘the land of — 21:4) (7) ’ (Exodus 13:3) (7) 10 ‘Even the — has found a home, and 22 One of the first Levites to resettle in the swallow a nest for herself’ (Psalm Jerusalem after the exile in Babylon 84:3) (7) (1 Chronicles 9:15) (5) 11 Banishment (Jeremiah29:1)(5)

puzzle corner 13

23 ‘As a sheep before her shearers is — Suduko ,so he did not open his mouth’ (Isaiah 53:7) (6) 24 Paul’s birthplace(Acts22:3)(6) Down 1 Ravenous insect inflicted on Egypt in vast numbers as the eighth plague (Exodus 10:14) (6) 2 Well-being (Philippians 2:20) (7) 3 Small piece of live coal or wood in a dying fire (Psalm 102:3) (5) 5 Sportsman or woman (2 Timothy 2:5) (7) 6 The original name of Abraham’s wife (Genesis 17:15) (5) 7 ‘So in Christ we who are many form Flowers in Church one body, and each — belongs to all for September the others’ (Romans 12:5) (6) 9 According to Peter, a wife’s beauty Thank you for flowers should not come from wearing this (1 Peter 3:3) (9) Rita Gladwin 13 ‘For God did not send his Son into the world to — the world’ (John 3:17) (7) Anyone who would like to 14 ‘The Lord of heaven and earth...does give flowers should contact not live in — built by hands’ (Acts 17:24) (7) Pam Proctor on 570986 15 ‘If your hand — you to sin,cut it off’(Mark9:43)(6) 16 Something like these fell from Saul’s eyes as soon as Ananias placed his hands on him (Acts 9:18) (6) 24, Reproach. 25, Abib. 26, Celtic. 27, 18 Track (Job41:30)(5) Intend. 20 Religious doctrine(5) DOWN: 1,Lose. 2,Blamerest. 3,Radio.

4,Agree. 5,Tend.6,Music. 10, Sober. Answers from last month: 11, Noted. 12, Doric. 13, Available. ACROSS: 1, Labour. 4, Autumn. 7, Stay. 14, Test. 15, Apes. 18, As Eve. 20, Isaac. 8, Darkness. 9, Reasoned. 13, Act. 21, Ishvi. 22, Fret. 23, Ebed. 16, Presbyterians. 17, Sat. 19, Ridicule.

14 diary dates

October 2018

Mon 1st 2.45 pm Young at Heart Tues 2nd 9.30 am Tuesday Together 1.30 pm Tommy’s Tots 3.30 pm Sparklers - after school club 4.15 pm Rockets - after school club 7.30 pm Christianity Explored- week 1 Wed 3rd 7.30 pm Church Family Prayer Meeting Fri 5th 10.00 am Friday Morning Home Group 7.30 pm Ignite Youth Group at St Thomas’ Church Sat 6th 9.30 am Diocesan Development Day in Sun 7th 10.00 am Morning Prayer at St Thomas’ Church 7.30 pm Leader Training at St Thomas’ Church Mon 8th 2.45 pm Monday Afternoon Home Group 7.30 pm Deanery Synod Meeting at Ardsley Tues 9th 9.30 am Tuesday Together 1.30 pm Tommy’s Tots 3.30 pm Sparklers - after school club 4.15 pm Rockets - after school club 7.30 pm Christianity Explored- week 2 Wed 10th 12 noon Lunch Club 7.30 pm Countryside Way Home Group 7.30 pm Highthorn Road Home Group Fri 12th 10.00 am Friday Morning Home Group 7.30 pm Ignite Youth Group at St Thomas’ Church Sun 14th 10.00 am Holy Communion at St Thomas’ Church Mon 15th 2.45 pm Monday Afternoon Home Group

diary dates continued 15

October 2018 (cont’d)

Tue 16th 9.30 am Tuesday Together 1.30 pm Tommy’s Tots 3.30 pm Sparklers - after school club 4.15 pm Rockets - after school club 7.30 pm Christianity Explored- week 3 Wed 17th 7.30 pm Countryside Way Home Group 7.30 pm Highthorn Road Home Group Fri 19th 10.00 am Friday Morning Home Group 7.30 pm Ignite Youth Group at St Thomas’ Church Sun 21st 10.00 am Morning Prayer at St Thomas’ Church 4.00 pm fresh tea time church Mon 22nd 2.45 pm Monday Afternoon Home Group 7.30pm MEN@stThomas’ bonfire evening Tue 23rd 9.30 am Tuesday Together 1.30 pm Tommy’s Tots 3.30 pm Sparklers 4.15 pm Rockets 7.30 pm Christianity Explored- week 4 Wed 24th 7.30 pm Countryside Way Home Group 7.30 pm Highthorn Road Home Group Fri 26th 10.00 am Friday Morning Home Group 7.30 pm Ignite Youth Group at St Thomas’ Church Sun 28th 10.00 am Morning Prayer at St Thomas’ Church

Mon 29th Oct ) Half Term Week: no midweek activities to Fri 2nd Nov ) this week as we take a half term break.

16 what’s on

Sunday Activities 10am Morning Service with crèche and children’s activities -(0 16 yrs) Come along and join us one Sunday!

4.00pm ‘fresh’ on the 21st October teatime church for all ages and all the family

Regular Midweek term-time Activities Tuesdays: 9.30 am Tuesday Together Join us for a cuppa and a chat, games, nearly new and an (optional) informal time in church with some hymns and a thought from the Bible. 1.30pm Tommy’s Tots for babies and toddlers and their ‘grown-ups’, coffee & cake, playtime & songtime 3.30pm Sparklers - after school club for children in FS2, Y1 and Y2 lots of fun, games, Bible story and craft 4.20pm Rockets - after school club for children in Y3, Y4, Y5 and Y6 lots of fun, games, Bible talk and craft Fridays: 7.30 pm Ignite - youth group Our youth group: Bible, fun and food for teenagers - school year 7-13 Home Groups: We have a network of home groups that meet in different venues through the week, during the daytime and evening. The groups provide fellowship and a place to learn from the Bible together.