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FROM THE EDITOR

IT’S A joy to see signs of new life as I take the dog for his morning walk: the crocuses and bluebell shoots are poking through the warmed & softened earth. When the sun is shining upon the reservoir, the reflection is dazzling and the fields glow green. Signs of Life is also the name for the VICAR: The Rev Stephen Bowen mission week St John’s is holding in The Vicarage, Felbridge, April. You will find further details on West Sussex RH19 2QT page 20. Tel: 01342 321524 Fax: 0870 9156268 Just as when the sun shines we are [email protected] filled with warmth, so when we come to Jesus in prayer, asking his Vicar’s day off: Thursday forgiveness and hearing him speak to ASSOCIATE MINISTER: us through the Bible we are filled with Michael Peach God’s love and peace—a peace that 5 Burns Way, East Grinstead, transcends all understanding. See West Sussex RH19 1SA page 19 for details about our 24 hours Tel: 01342 312406 of prayer. [email protected] Just as the crops begin to grow and Michael’s day off: Friday bear seeds which we can eat, so we will bear fruit if we let Jesus shine His light upon our lives. But the fruit of APRIL: Articles for this Issue to the Spirit is love, joy, peace, be handed in by forbearance, kindness, goodness, Sunday 13TH MARCH. faithfulness, (Galations 5:22). Please e-mail your articles to See page 10 for details of how your [email protected], put kindness could help a little boy to them in the editor’s pigeon hole in the walk. church entrance, or post them to Lindsey Saunders Lindsey Saunders, The Bungalow, Saint Hill Farm, Saint Hill Green, East Grinstead, RH19 4NG. Cover photo By David Legg

1 STEPHEN WRITES…

A power vacuum

DEAR FRIENDS, As I write, the news has just broken To be released from the power of evil that the 30-year rule of Hosni you might think would be wonderful. Mubarak in Egypt has come to an But Jesus teaches that we are not safe end. The joy and relief of the if we remain in a neutral state! We are Egyptian people is transparent, and it vulnerable. We do not have the is hard not to be moved by their spiritual power to resist evil. We are optimism as they face a future like a wood from a game of bowls without him. But it remains to be seen which is biased to go off course. what form of government will come However much of an effort we make about. Will the army really put in to clean up our lives and put them in motion a move towards a civil order, we are a sitting duck for an democracy? Or will they cling on to attack from the forces of evil. power and suppress dissent? Or will religious extremists gain the What we need is for a good and ascendancy? righteous ruler to take up residence in the kingdom which is our life. One A power vacuum is a dangerous who genuinely has our best interests at situation. Which, I suppose, is the heart and who can guide and direct us argument that many autocratic rulers well, and protect us from all evil have used to frighten people into onslaughts. submission— ‘You are better off with someone in power than no-one!’ Being moral and upright without Christ in our hearts leaves us Jesus once spoke about the danger of undefended. The forces of evil are a power vacuum in the human soul. stronger than we think and find a He said, ‘When an evil spirit comes natural resting-place in us human out of a man, it goes through arid beings. places seeking rest and does not find But Christ is greater! it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds Yours sincerely, the house swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first.’ - Luke 11:24-26

2 REGULAR EVENTS

Through the week at St. John’s Sundays 8am Holy Communion on 13th & 27th March 10am Morning Service 6pm Evening Service Tuesdays 1.30pm 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 March 7.30-9pm JAFFA Plus in the Church hall on the 3rd March Fridays

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

3

Jesus a friend for all

3rd March 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]

BARN DANCE SATURDAY 2ND APRIL at THE HAVEN CENTRE, CRAWLEY DOWN 7.30pm – 11pm £12.50 per person (includes Supper) Drinks available from Licensed Bar Come and let your hair down dancing to ‘Haligan’s Bar’ or if you can’t dance have a fun evening watching others try out their fancy footwork! For tickets please contact Cecilia Bliss 01342 718441 Lis Woolley 01342 300356 Anne White 01342 317485

4 WHAT’S HAPPENING

Church Services 6th March 10am Family Service with Baptism 6pm Holy Communion with Stephen Bowen 9th March Ash Wednesday—8pm Holy Communion 13th March 8am Holy Communion with Stephen Bowen 10am Morning Service with Stephen Bowen 6pm Evening Service with Michael Peach 20th March Morning Prayer with Andy Brown 6pm Raise the Roof 27th March 8am Holy Communion with Jack Baker 10am Holy Communion Service with Michael Peach 6pm Evening Service with Stephen Bowen

Forthcoming Events Women’s World Day of Prayer on Friday, 4th March at St John’s Church, Felbridge. See page 26 for further details. Churches Together Ecumenical Lent Course Starting in the week commencing 14th March and lasts for five weeks. See page 23 for details. Twenty-four hours of prayer - 26th & 27th March. See page 19.

HOSPITALITY SUNDAY—6th March A chance to get to know each other better. Please feel free to take the initiative and invite the guest of your choice. It would be helpful if you could let Chris or Lindsey know to avoid the same person being invited to lots of places. If you are not sure o who to invite then please speak to Chris or Lindsey, who will provide you with a list of guests If you would like to be a guest, please let Chris or Lindsey know as well.

5 VILLAGE MATTERS

Notes from Ken Harwood Ken is trying to improve the level of communication in the village. There is now a system in place where any relevant information can be passed on to people who have an e –mail address. They, in turn could inform their neighbours and friends of items of interest. If Felbridge W.I. you would like to be kept up-to- date with Council plans, etc. WE WERE very pleased to Please contact welcome four new visitors to our [email protected] meeting. We heard from Mrs. Jean Vesey about the history of If you see activities going on different Quaker families who which may need to be controlled were involved in making by planning permission let Ken chocolate. Fry’s was one of the know who will ensure that the first manufacturers followed by appropriate action will be taken if Cadburys and Bournville. All were necessary. very good employers who gave New street lights will be erected many benefits to their workers, in the next few months. If you feel the most famous being the village that they will affect your of Bournville built for their amenities, i.e. light pollution let employees. A Valentine verse me know immediately. was the theme for our competition and we enjoyed hearing the loving words written by our FELBRIDGE members. HORTICULTURAL Next month our competition will SOCIETY be a postcard to fit in with the talk th on Tourist Information which will Thursday 17 March be given by Simon Kerr. We meet A Social Evening with at 1.30pm on the first Tuesday of Subscription Renewal and Quiz the month at Felbridge Village Hall. Do come along. Daphne Ayerst

6 SURREY WASTE

LOOKING for quality and Donate your unwanted furniture and quantity? Give your house an find a new home for those items you no longer want or need: affordable makeover The Surrey Reuse Network offers a  It’s easy – a simple phone call is wide range of good quality items at all it takes to donate. A member of affordable prices. Made up of a group our friendly team will arrange for of six charities, the network aims to collection or you can drop it off. find new homes for donated furniture  Help on hand – staff from the and kitchen appliances, as well as reuse charities will help take the offering training and employment items out of your home, opportunities and helping local families particularly helpful if you’re in need. elderly or disabled. Why buy from a local reuse  Low cost – it will almost always showroom? You’ll find everything you be cheaper to have the items need to make a house a home: collected and taken away by a reuse charity than any other Fantastic savings – whether you buy a alternative. modern piece of flat pack furniture or a  Community benefit – your 100-year-old solid wood piece, you’ll donation will help raise funds for be getting a bargain. the community work the charities  Great quality – whether modern or carry out, helping families in need old, the items for sale are checked and enabling people to get back for quality and safety. into work.  Green savings – buying reusable  Hidden treasures - one off pieces items saves them from going to regularly feature and can add a landfill, which is both financially unique sense of style to your home. and environmentally costly.  Good cause – buying from the Did you know you could pick up network enables the community to antique style armchairs for £60, a 4- provide support , helping families in piece table and chairs for £70, a need and enabling people to get sideboard for £30 and a tall lamp for back into work. just £5. Did you know there’s an estimated To find your nearest reuse showroom 3,000 tonnes of reusable furniture and call 0800 082 0180 or visit white goods that end up in Surrey www.surreyreusenetwork.org.uk. landfill?

7 FELBRIDGE WILDLIFE

March of the woolly bears

THIS IS the month when our indoor with particles of the material it is wildlife often reveals the carpet eating, providing a very effective beetles and clothes moths that camouflage net. threaten the fabric of our society. Last month I wrote of the remarkable Having completed their development lichens on stonework around the from eggs laid in the loft or behind parish. It is also worth looking at the the curtains last autumn, through the beautiful green mosses which this stages of being small hair-covered month form dense green cushions ‘woolly bear’ larvae and the inert, from which delicate thin capsules apparently lifeless pupae, the adult arise. These quietly explode to insects emerge miraculously release the spores when the moss transmuted into moths or beetles that dries out. The roadside walls of appear on window sills seeking the Whittington College support many Spring light of the Great Outdoors. such mossy cushions, as do some of The larvae are the stage that eats us the tiles on my roof. out of house and home by feeding on This month the first chiff-chaffs keratin of which wool, fur, hair and should arrive, calling their own feathers - (and nail clippings) - are names to others of their kind. I have made. Thus the carpet beetle grub is a personal ‘Chiff-Chaff Day’ of said to be the only creature known to March 18th. man that feels comfortable in an army blanket. The Sun headline ‘Rare Bug The resident bird species are nest Eats Fergie's Frocks’ showed they are building, the males declaiming their no respectors of palaces or people. territories, and the makings of a Dawn Chorus will develop to the In form, the beetles unseen baton of our Great have the build of a Conductor. Again. small ladybird, mottled or black in Peter Bateman. colour. They feed on P.S. Many thanks to Ken Harwood pollen from yellow or and helpers who acquired and white flowers. planted the host of golden daffodils The clothes moths and house moths that now grace the village verges. have grubs like small yellowish caterpillars. One species, the case- bearing clothes moth, covers itself

8 TELL ME WHY

If God is there, why doesn’t he prove it?

IF GOD is really there and he can The Gospel accounts bear out do whatever he wants, why doesn’t Jesus’ claim again and again, as he do something to show he is real? on every page we see him do If God is there, why doesn’t he things that only God can do. come down here and show himself Jesus heals sick people with just a to us? word, he calms a raging storm immediately at a single command, The Bible’s answer is that God has and he even raises dead people already shown himself to us, proved to life again. On one occasion that he is real, and revealed to us Jesus miraculously feeds 5000 what he is like. He has shown that people and they follow after him, he is real through the wonder of the but he says to them they do so world he has created, and he has ‘not because you saw miraculous revealed himself to people through signs but because you ate the history who have then witnessed to loaves and had your fill’ (John him. However, God’s greatest and 6:26). These people had failed to clearest revelation of himself is in see that the miraculous food Jesus, for the amazing claim of the pointed to who Jesus is: that Bible is that Jesus ‘is the radiance Jesus is God. God has come of God’s glory and the exact down and shown himself to us, representation of his but we have to see the signs of being’ (Hebrews 1:3). who he is and respond. Sometimes people say that Jesus If God is there, why doesn’t he never claimed to be God, but if you prove it? One day he will prove it read Jesus’ words you cannot in a way that no-one could believe this. One day Jesus was possibly doubt and then everyone talking to his disciples, and one of will have to acknowledge his rule. them, Philip, asked Jesus, ‘Lord, However, on that day it will be too show us the Father and that will be late to turn to trust in him. If we enough for us’ (John 14:9). Philip reject him now, on that day we in wants to see what God is like, and turn will be rejected. God has Jesus responds like this: ‘Anyone come down and shown himself to who has seen me has seen the us in Jesus – will we look at the Father’ (John 14:9). Jesus says that evidence, see the signs, and trust if you want to know what God is like, in him? you simply need to look at Jesus. He shows us God, as he is God. Michael Peach

9 HOPE 4 THOMAS

Help Thomas walk

THOMAS is 4 years old, and was on the NHS, but has been born with cerebral palsy, a speech performed there over 2000 times. and language disorder and a social We have recently received news communication disorder. that Thomas is an ‘excellent candidate’ for this operation. Thomas' condition means that his muscles are extremely stiff, and he Thomas is a happy and cannot walk properly, or run, jump, determined little boy, and is our bend down, climb etc like other pride and joy. We are convinced children. When he does walk he is that this operation would be life very much on the tips of his toes, changing for him, and would and as such he has very poor enable him to have a much balance, and regularly gets brighter and less painful future. We knocked over or falls down. He are looking to have the operation also tires very quickly. Cerebral done in July of 2011, but in order palsy is incurable, and in this to fund the operation and its country, if we do nothing, Thomas associated expenses we need to faces a series of painful operations raise at least £45,000. on his legs, and possibly his hips If you have any suggestions or whilst he grows up. He will also contacts that may be able to help increasingly be in pain as he gets us or would like to make a older and heavier, as his muscles donation, please contact us at: will not be able to cope, which may [email protected] very well result in him being wheelchair bound or having to Help raise money by coming along walk with a frame. to a QUIZ NIGHT at Sackville There is however an operation School from 7.30pm—11pm on called Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy 19th March. Tickets: £10 each, (SDR) which is performed in St price includes fish & chip supper. 8 Louis in the USA, which would people per team, bring your own permanently release the spasticity booze. in Thomas’s legs, and allow him to walk properly, with his heels on the Alternatively come along to the ground, and even run, as well as curry night on 20th April at Nizam do all the other things that children Restaurant or the May Ball at the take for granted. This operation is Felbridge Hotel on 14th May. not available in the UK privately or Adam Grimwood

10 IN THE GARDEN

Some clay pots didn’t fare too well this winter and will need repairing or replacing. It is also good to revitalise any permanently planted containers. We grow lots of hostas and lilies in pots, also azaleas, acers, magnolia stellata, fatsia and ornamental box and these will all need revitalising with fresh soil ‘See! The winter is past; and compost. Plants in pots can’t just be The rains are over and gone. left to flower year after year without Flowers appear on the earth; some nourishment. I remove the top The season of singing has come.’ couple of inches of soil and replace it So sang Solomon. Spring is such a with fresh soil but some plants have wonderful season. Those harbingers outgrown their pots and will need to be of spring the snowdrops, primroses potted on. and crocuses combined with the Last year we planted a pretty new hardy longer, warmer days re-energise geranium sanguinium called Elke which gardeners. The daffodils will soon be I hope will do well so that I can get out in profusion closely followed by some more plants from it. The hardy the tulips. My garden has been rather geraniums tend to come in 4 heights, neglected these past couple of approx. – 6, 12, 18 and 24 inches. months and so most of all I need to Smaller sanguiniums are generally clear away the old dead foliage easier to maintain as they need very before I can do anything else. So little cutting back. But I would always many plants such as the oriental find room for the tall Mayflower (violet poppies, camassia, hollyhocks and blue) and Kashmir White as they are foxgloves are now making perfect companion plants. spectacular growth. In the vegetable plot one can think of The end of this month will be a good sowing spinach, broad and dwarf beans, time to sow nigella, larkspur, parsnips, beetroot and sweet corn and calendula and other hardy annuals in prepare a trench with compost and torn well-prepared soil in full sun. March up old newspapers ready for the runner too is the perfect time to lift and beans which like well-manured or divide perennials such as Japanese composted soil which retains moisture anemones or to move them. It’s also throughout the summer. I hope now for the month to prune lavateras, fine days so that I can get on top of all buddleias and dogwoods to just that needs doing. Busy days ahead. above the ground and give everything a thick mulch. Maureen Reynolds

11 WHY BELIEVE?

THIS MONTH James Knowles listen to Jesus. During this time a tells us something of his friend died and this got me thinking seriously about death and its Christian story. He is a member implications. I tried to ignore the of the team who will be visiting reality of my friend’s death. I tried to us at St John’s for the Signs of believe in annihilation – that we just Life week. cease to exist, but this didn’t fit with what I remembered of Jesus’ G’day! I’m James and I am currently teachings. I tried to believe in studying at Oak Hill Theological pluralism – that there are many ways College. A team of us from college to know God, but Jesus’ claims kept will be coming to spend a week with standing out. you at Easter and I am really looking forward to it. If you hadn’t guessed But then I thought that God would not already, I am from Australia so I’m want me back, and even if he did, how sure you will enjoy talking to me about could I possibly make up for all the ‘the Ashes’! I’m really looking self-centred things I had done? I forward to meeting you all and talking realised the shocking truth that I about why Jesus came and what his couldn’t! Jesus came not for the life, death and resurrection mean for us healthy but the sick – for those who today. need a doctor. It was in 2001 when I took the claims Fighting against my male pride, I of Jesus seriously and realised how realised I needed a doctor. I believed real and relevant He is. Jesus was the only way to have a relationship with God, not by what I I grew up in a Christian family in could offer to God, but only by Sydney, attending church each week, receiving God’s offer of forgiveness and hearing about Jesus. I thought I through Jesus’ death and resurrection. was a Christian because that was all I My problems were worse than I had knew and I had been brought up that realised. Jesus needed to die to heal way. When I commenced High School and save me. I started to question what I believed and stopped going to church; football I started reading about Jesus’ life and and the pub seemed like a better death and realised he is definitely option. someone worth following because He is the only one who brings us into a Once I had finished high school the relationship with God. This is the only thing I could think about was greatest news in the world and I want travelling overseas. I wanted what the to keep sharing it with others. ‘world’ had to offer and didn’t want to James Knowles

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13 FELBRIDGE HOTEL & SPA FEBRUARY EVENTS Wedding Showcase, Sunday 13th March. 11am - 4pm. Admission FREE The Felbridge Hotel and Spa Wedding Showcase is a fantastic opportunity to gather information from a wide range of suppliers regarding all aspects of your Wedding Day. 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. Spooky Murder Mystery, Saturday 26th March You are invited to witness the last gasp of our murder victim, decipher the clues and solve our fiendish mystery at our high quality, interactive murder mystery evening. 3 course meal, interactive Murder Mystery and disco until 1am. £48 per person. For more information and for tickets to any of our events calls 01342 337700 or email [email protected] Visit www.felbridgehotel.co.uk/events for all of our hotel events.

BOOKWORM’S CORNER

The One Big Question: the God of love in a world of suffering by Michael Baughen. This book tackles an enormous and age old subject in a very accessible way. Michael Baughen speaks from a life time of experience in pastoral ministry as a rector and bishop. This book offers good, practical understandable answers to hard questions like ‘why does God allow bad things to happen to good people’...and ‘why doesn't he prevent natural disasters?’. He doesn't offer trite answers, but shines light on the nature of the problem of suffering with up to the minute illustrations and Biblical truth. Some say there cannot be a ‘God of Love’ because if there were his heart would break. The church points to the cross and says it did break. He gets to grips with the essence of real life in a broken world. Applicable to Christians and non–Christians alike. Get hold of a copy and read it! Mandy Bowen

17 CURRENT ISSUES: EDUCATION

Girls football project boosts school enrolment in Ghana

FAILING to send girls to school is Colombia, where (on a Tearfund Study costing the world’s poorest countries Tour) we visited Club Deportivo which billions of pounds a year, according to was set up in 1989 to get young people a report from Plan International, a UK- off the streets. All they had to do was based children’s charity that was to refuse to be involved in gangs, drugs founded in 1937. Plan says that, or crime. Today, CD helps 1,200 ‘millions of girls are discriminated young people and their families. against, treated as second class Plan’s project received a lot of citizens, denied access to an education publicity during November when and don’t enjoy the same choices and Coronation Street star and Manchester opportunities as their brothers.’ United fan, Shobna Gulati, joined Having no education means that girls forces with TV presenter and Chelsea are confined to dangerous, unskilled fan, Fiona Phillips, to help raise work which, in a global economic awareness of the campaign. The downturn, means that they are often charity has just said that school the first to lose their jobs. That’s one enrolment rates in Ghana have reason why the charity set up the increased 15% in two years. Through ‘Because I am a Girl’ campaign. the scheme, girls learn about First Aid Millions of girls in the poor countries and HIV/Aids prevention; some are never receive secondary level also trained to teach other girls of their education, yet just a 1% rise in the own age. number attending secondary school Vida, a girl who dropped out of school can boost a country’s annual per capita and had two children, says, ‘I was income growth by 0.3%. If more girls encouraged by three members of the had the opportunity to go to secondary girls’ football team to go back to school, £2 billion could be added to school. Today, I am in school and a the country’s economy. member of the team. With the support So how do you encourage girls to go of my team mates, family, community to school when many are persuaded by and Plan Ghana, I hope to attain my their parents to stay at home? One highest potential.’ answer, surprisingly, is football. To If you want to learn more about Plan get involved in the sport, girls must and its projects, go to www.plan- simply enrol in school. international.org. Brenda and I saw the importance of a Gordon Wilkinson project like this in Medellin,

18 24 HOURS OF PRAYER

26th—27th March

ON 26th & 27th March the doors will strengthen and enable us in of St John’s Church will once reaching out to those who don’t more be open for a full 24 hours yet know Him, so that they may of prayer. Why? Well if you were grasp how wide and long and high listening to Peter Sanlon in and deep is the love of Christ. February you would know that it is The event will start with a prayer our mission to feed Jesus’ sheep breakfast followed by worship and and the only way that we can do a prayer walk with scrummy cakes this is to rely on Jesus to feed us. in between to keep you going. You Prayer is not just about spouting are welcome just to turn up and out a list of problems to God, but pray at any time, but if you are about listening to him and resting willing to sign up for one or more in his presence, being filled with prayer slots, this would be helpful. his Spirit, so that we as Christians There will be lists for you to sign can tell others the wonderful news up on at the back of Church and of Christ our saviour. It is our also on the church website. hope that putting time aside in Lindsey Saunders united prayer will mean that God

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 20th March 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].

19 SIGNS OF LIFE: 17-24th April 2011

‘Jesus did many other miraculous apostle Peter, and like us. Don’t signs in the presence of his worry if you missed the talk as you disciples, which are not recorded can listen to it on the website or by in this book. But these are written taking one of the free CDs from church. that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and On Tuesday 1st March we are that by believing you may have life meeting to look at what God’s in his name.’ (John 20:30-31) Word says about his role and our role in evangelism and outreach, FOR ONE week in April, as a and to pray. Then we are going to church family, we are going to be spend a whole 24 hours praying making a special effort to talk to as from 9am on Saturday 26th March many people as possible about to 9am on Sunday 27th March. the true life found in Jesus. This Please do come along and pray week comes just before Easter, for whatever slots you can! and so this is a particularly great time to talk about how trusting in Getting involved... Jesus’ death and resurrection There are forms available at the takes us from being spiritually back of church which you can use dead, separated from God, and to say how you would like to be heading to just judgement, to involved in Signs of Life. Perhaps being truly alive, knowing God and you could host a visiting student, heading for eternal life with him. help with the holiday club, help We have special services planned, practically with one of the events, talks on difficult issues like go door to door inviting people suffering, talks on what Easter is along, or be someone who is all about, opportunities for asking committed to praying regularly for questions, meals with talks, family all these things! Another idea that events, a children’s holiday club, you might like to try is a and much, much more! To help us ‘discussion meal’ in your home – a out during the Signs of Life week a meal for your friends with a short team from Oak Hill Theological talk from a team member and then College are going to be joining us. discussion over coffee. In all these things we hope to straightforwardly Getting ready... pass on what the Bible says about Last month Peter Sanlon, who is true life in Jesus. going to lead the visiting team, Michael Peach spoke to us from John 21 on how God uses people who fail, like the 20 WHERE IS GOD?

The following article is an excerpt they misbehave, because their little from Ben Stein’s ‘A Confession’, personalities would be warped and we recited by him on CBS Sunday might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Morning Commentary. It was sent to Spock's son committed suicide). We us by former treasurer of St John’s, said an expert should know what he's John Barnard, now living in talking about. And we said okay. Newfoundland. Now we're asking ourselves why our BILLY GRAHAM’S daughter was children have no conscience, why they interviewed on the Early Show and don't know right from wrong, and why Jane Clayson asked her 'How could it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, God let something like this their classmates, and themselves. happen?' (regarding Hurricane Probably, if we think about it long and Katrina). Anne Graham gave an hard enough, we can figure it out. I extremely profound and insightful think it has a great deal to do with response. She said, 'I believe God is 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.' deeply saddened by this, just as we Funny how simple it is for people to are, but for years we've been telling trash God and then wonder why the God to get out of our schools, to get world's going to hell. Funny how we out of our government and to get out believe what the newspapers say, but of our lives. And being the gentleman question what the Bible says. Funny He is, I believe He has calmly backed how you can send 'jokes' through e- out. How can we expect God to give mail and they spread like wildfire, but us His blessing and His protection if when you start sending messages we demand He leave us alone?' In regarding the Lord, people think twice light of recent events... terrorists about sharing. Funny how lewd, attack, school shootings, etc. I think it crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass started when Madeleine Murray freely through cyberspace, but public O'Hare (she was murdered, her body discussion of God is suppressed in the found a few years ago) complained school and workplace. Are you she didn't want prayer in our schools, laughing yet? and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in Funny how we can be more worried school. The Bible says thou shalt not about what other people think of us kill; thou shalt not steal, and love than what God thinks of us. your neighbour as yourself. And we Editor’s note: If you would like a copy said OK. of the full article please contact me Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we and I will gladly send one to you. shouldn't spank our children when

21 CHURCH CENTRE PROJECT

Progress Report drawings and specification of materials for each phase of works (Phases 1 & 2) being considered by a sub-committee THE HALL has been redecorated in due course. We expect to receive apart from minor refurbishments, their approval by the end of May. which still need to take place. We are grateful for the donations received so The North-West Extension - alongside far towards the curtains. The design of the church (Phase 3) is on the playground is still under review. A programme. meeting has been held between Design Team (architect, structural Playgroup leaders and church engineer and M & E) has continued members. However a cost estimate of with production drawing details. £70k for the original design was Stonework drawings have been rejected and we are requesting further prepared as well as the layout of a estimates and also looking at cleaning (utility) cupboard. The alternative designs using artificial heating and hot water plant layout has grass in lieu of hard paving. The been reviewed. Detailed designs are design and cost will be reviewed and expected to be finished by the end of submitted to the PCC in March. February and the cost reviewed at the The Church Centre PCC meeting in mid-March. Preparation of specification and bills development (Phases 3-6) of quantities will follow. Bat surveyors conducted their first detailed inspection of the church and Other Projects evidence of bat droppings was found A Contractor for car park repairs has and sent off for DNA analysis. We are been appointed by the Diocese to expecting results by the beginning of finish laying the surface of the access March. There will be another survey road and carry out temporary repairs (‘dusk & dawn’) due mid May to during the half term holiday (weather- establish if any bats are flying in & permitting). Planning continued for out of the church. the removal of the two church bells to The Diocesan Advisory Committee’s enable an inspection of the bearing (DAC) sub-committee visited the site that failed. We expect the DAC will and made positive comments on the approve bell removal for inspection in proposals during the two hour the spring. meeting with the architect. DAC has John Grainger (Chair CCPT) agreed to recommend the project (for a faculty to be granted by the Southwark Chancellor); with detailed

22 ECUMENICAL LENT GROUPS

IF YOU would like to sign up 8.00pm at 13 Holtye Avenue led by for one of the following groups, David & Sarah Howland please contact Daphne Ayerst WEDNESDAYS starting 16th on 322302 March MONDAYS starting 14th March 7.30pm at 5 Park Rd led by Shirley King & Philip Holland 10.30am at Trinity-Church in the Wesley room led by Eileen Lyons 8.00pm 43 Maypole Rd led by & June Crome Ashurstwood –Bev & Rick Cooper 8.00pm at 23 Willow Close led by THURSDAYS starting 17th March John Starling 9.30am at 24 Campbell Crescent TUESDAYS starting 15th March led by Alice Lees & June Crome 10.00am at 10 Fairlawn Drive led 10.00am at The Bungalow, Saint by Beverly Lake & Julia Harris Hill Farm led by Lindsey Saunders 7.30pm at Pilgrims Wood, West 2.00pm at Moat Church led by John Lane led by John & Cathy Corrie & John Grainger Darwood th FRIDAYS starting 18 March 8.00pm at 12 Haywardens, 7.30pm at 9 Parkside led by Brenda Lingfield led by Tony Styles Dance 8.00pm at 9 Buckhurst Way led by Mike & Linda Hope CHURCHES TOGETHER IN EAST GRINSTEAD AGM March 8—Shrove Tuesday at JUBILEE CENTRE, Charlwood Road From 6.30 - 7.30 pancakes Followed at 8 pm with a Talk by Dave Bookless, Director of A Rocha UK GOD’S CREATION A ROCHA is a CHRISTIAN CONSERVATION ORGANISATION WORKING in 20 COUNTRIES AGM of CTEG at 8.45 – 9.15

23 ELECTORAL ROLL

PRIOR TO the APCM on April Church of England – if guidance 10th, I shall be preparing a short is required on this point, or on any report for the PCC detailing the other matter related to the number of Parishioners on the St Electoral Roll, please contact me John’s Electoral Roll and the or, alternatively, the vicar. number who have joined and left Once entered onto the St John’s the Roll in the last twelve months. Electoral Roll, a person may Although a full revision of the Roll attend the APCM and also vote is not required by the Diocese in on relevant matters arising. It is 2011, it would nonetheless seem also a measure of commitment to to be a good time to ensure that St John’s to be entered onto the any person eligible to be entered Roll. on the Roll who has not previously applied, now has that If any person who is not currently opportunity. entered on the Electoral Roll feels that they should take that step, Entitlement for entry on the then please do get in touch with Electoral Roll is assessed as me. This can be done at any time, follows: an applicant must be a although in order to be included in Lay Person (non-clergy) who has the figures for 2010 – 2011 and been baptised as a member of attend this year’s APCM, a the Church of England or a completed application (obtainable church in communion with it; is from me) would need to be aged 16 or over; is a resident of received by the end of the first Felbridge Parish or has been a week in March. habitual attendee at St John’s for the last six months and has David Legg completed the necessary St John’s Felbridge Electoral Roll application form. In certain Officer circumstances, an applicant can 01342 713152 have attended another church [email protected] that is not in communion with the

CRAWLEY OPEN HOUSE—FURNITURE NEEDED Funds have been raised to increase space for offices and a counselling room for privacy in helping the homeless. However, office furniture is still needed. If anyone has a spare desk or chairs please contact Peter Mansfield Clark on 01293 447703.

24 CHURCH FAMILY NEWS

Congratulations Congratulations to the Treadaway family on the birth of Frankie, a baby brother for Finn, Tallulah and Scarlett. News and Thanks We are very sad to say goodbye to Jim and Jeanette Farrant who have been members of St John's for many years. They have often been at the 8 am holy communion when Jim has been a deputy warden along with Eddie Harper. They also have been regular readers in church and Jim has been serving on the PCC. Jim has a new job in Dorset. We trust they will soon find a new church and be very happy in this next stage of their lives. Maureen Reynolds would like to thank everyone for all their prayers, cards, good wishes and for the basket of fruit sent during Derek's illness. He is now making steady progress. Barbara Pearson and her family would like to thank everyone for all the love and support you have given them in the recent sad loss of Edward. Your caring thoughts have kept them strong as they continue to live by faith in the Lord.

Many thanks to Gordon Wilkinson and others who have organized the smart new notice boards in the church hall following the redecoration. Not least to Harold Thomas our super duper fixer! £100 was raised at the Beetle Drive, which was held last month. Thanks to Cecilia and Ann who went to a table top sale and raised over £100. A lot of work but they not only made money but met some friendly people too! On Saturday, 26th November this year we would like to hold a Christmas Fair in the church hall where we have a variety of stalls selling a variety of gifts and seasonal bits and pieces. Now we know that it is a bit early to be thinking about Christmas—we haven’t even got to Easter yet! However we are giving advance notice so that knitters can start knitting, needle workers can start sewing, painters can start painting, card makers can start making cards and bargain hunters can start collecting items for Christmas presents. The proceeds will go to the church building fund. Please let Lis Woolley know if you would like to take a stall. (Phone 01342 300356).

25 CHURCH FAMILY NEWS

News and Thanks Willing to take on a leaflet round 3 times a year? See Mandy. (Copthorne Road (North side)2-20 (26 dwellings), Copthorne Road (North side) numbers 58-122 (33 dwellings). If any one could take these on it would be a very valuable job. The deliveries are only 3 times a year—December, March & September.)

Ian and Esther Walker would like to thank St John’s for their prayers over this period of time for Sudan. Esther writes:The referendum process to date has been amazingly peaceful, not as people expected. A real answer to the prayers of thousands around the world. We are of course awaiting the official results which are due at the end of the month.

ASH WEDNESDAY—9th March Service of Holy Communion at 8pm

Women’s World Day of Prayer Friday, 4th March at St John’s Church, Felbridge 10.30am and 8pm Unite with men & women across the world in prayer. Services at 10.30am and 8pm. The service is prepared by the women of Chile. Rev Katie England, who worked in Chile with SAMS for many years will be speaking at the 10.30am ser- vice. Phil Tadman, who was born in Chile and also worked with SAMS, is the speaker at the 8.00pm service. Men warmly welcome too!

CHURCH REGISTER Funeral John Frederick Middleton died, aged 94, on 20th January 2011. The Funeral was held at St John's Church on 1st February 2011 followed by burial in the churchyard.

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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