The Magazine of the Launceston Area Methodist Church September 2021 Edition 211

1 Dear Friends We start the next Connexional year and what a year we have had. We opened our chapels in the Autumn and then we had to close them again in January before we were allowed to open them again in the Spring. We have continued to explore new ways of doing Church; getting to grips with zoom and other online platforms as well as working out what the “new normal” will be. We have learnt new words and phrases like; zoom- bombing (hijacking a Zoom video call), quaranteams (online teams created during lockdown), WFH (Working from home) and who, this year, has been on a staycation? Other established words have increased in their use such as ‘self-isolating’, ‘pandemic’, ‘lockdown’, ‘key-workers’ and how many of us have said the phrase “you’re on mute”! Of course, there have been the normal challenges that every circuit goes through, Covid or not, along with a few more…, but we have been ably led through them by our superintendent Revd David Miller and guided by the Spirit of God. This will be my last year with you in the Launceston circuit and I would like to thank you all for the journey we have been on together so far. I very much believe that we learn from one another and are shaped by the experiences we have - good and bad; and that God, through his Spirit, helps us to take the life-forming bits of those experiences so that we can develop in our discipleship. After all, didn’t Paul say “even in times of trouble we have a joyful confidence, knowing that our pressures will develop in us patient endurance. And patient endurance will refine our character, and proven character leads us back to hope. And this hope is not a disappointing fantasy because we can now experience the endless love of God cascading into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who lives in us!” (Rom 5:3-5). I know that God has been with us throughout the challenges we have all faced this year and will continue to do so in the year to come, but it is good to remind ourselves of this fact. We can do this individually and/or as a community in our Covenant Service which will take place on 5th September at Central at 10:30 am. This service is a celebration of all that God has done, as well as an affirmation that we will live within the loving relationship that God has graciously offered us and seek to sustain it. The focal part of the service is the Covenant prayer, which we are encouraged to say together. It says: I am no longer my own but yours.

2 Put me to what you will, rank me with whom you will; put me to doing, put me to suffering; let me be employed for you, or laid aside for you, exalted for you, or brought low for you; let me be full, let me be empty, let me have all things, let me have nothing: I freely and wholeheartedly yield all things to your pleasure and disposal. And now, glorious and blessèd God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you are mine and I am yours. And the covenant now made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven. Amen. This prayer can be quite a challenge as it asks questions about our faith and demands that we examine our relationship with God. I encourage you to read through it and ask yourself the following questions: What would I find easy to say and what would I find difficult to say? What things might I think God is asking me to stop and what things would He ask me to continue or start? You may want to write down your thoughts in a letter to yourself and then end it with the words of Jeremiah; ‘I will be their God,’ says the Lord, ‘and they shall be my people.’ (Jer 31:33) You can then put your letter into an envelope, seal it, put your address on it and a stamp and then pass it to a trusted friend and ask them to send it to you in 6 months time. It will be an encouragement, and a reminder of your commitment to God. I look forward to journeying this next year with you and seeing where God is leading us as we are shaped by his Spirit into the “new normal”. May God bless you and equip you with all you need for doing His will. Jo

Conference Business Digest A report for local churches about the business of the 2021 Methodist Conference Why not read this online or download from - www.methodist.org.uk/conference2021 The Digest covers various areas including: • Election and Induction of the President and Vice-President • Climate Change and Fossil Fuels • Holy Communion and online worship • Marriage and Relationships • The Theology of Safeguarding And many other things—well worth a look!

3 Trebullett Whilst talking about Covid and the affect it has had on people in general, both young and old, the young people have been an inspiration to many. The media has reported all over our country youngsters sleeping rough for many days raising money for those in need at this time. Niall Stephens, aged 10 at the time, decided he would run a half marathon in 7 days, 2 miles a day for a week from his home in Trebullett. He chose to raise money for Cornwall Air Ambulance; a wonderful charity for our county. Can you imagine running two miles at a time when the heat was really fierce. This is what he did! Niall raised £700 which was a tremendous achievement. Well Done Niall.

4 Bridge Church Summer is here and we are excited for what it holds. We have been able to open up more areas of ministry and have lots of events planned to bring people back together and continue to build the strong relationships that make us a church family. Bridge Kids and Shift youth have set a date to return on the 12th September but in the meantime Bridge Kids has continued to stream online and the youth have been meeting on a Monday evening as well as going out for a social evening of bowling and dodgems. Our Woman's Ministry, Chosen, have a tea party booked in for the 4th Sep- tember open to all ladies and we are praying for a bit of sunshine for that. We have just had our 24 hours of prayer which we run on the second Friday of each month and this month we met at the church in the morning to walk around the church praying for the physical building and the work we do out of it as well as the surrounding businesses around us. Coming up soon we are starting a new prayer group that will be dedicated to praying for the next generation. Our children and teenagers have been through a lot over the last year and we believe investing in them and their future should be a top priority so along side our children's work we will be coming together on a regular basis to pray intentionally in to them and what God has planned for them. Lucie Worth

Coads Green Services at Coads Green are gradually coming back to normality and those who have felt it safe to return have enjoyed the fellowship. Thanks to everyone who has made these services possible. There have been a couple of outdoor services during July and August, one being on July 4th, when we were able to hold our annual Open Air Service. This year, it was in the chapel field, with people bringing their own seats. Rev Jo Smart led the service and reminded us all of the 10 Commandments. The congregational hymns (Great is Thy Faithfulness, Amazing Grace & And Can it Be) were sung unaccompanied. Youthful Spirit were in good voice, as they socially distanced themselves singing some of their favourites. Our Open Air services were started over 20 years ago, when Rev Chris Tomlinson was our minister. Rev Chris and his wife Janet were with us for this year's service and shared some of their memories, a few days before they left Cornwall to live up North. A plate was placed near the entrance to the field and as a result £135 was placed in it for Multiple Sclerosis. Margaret Venning

5 Wednesday Fellowship at Central Members of Wednesday Fellowship were delighted when restrictions were lifted and we were able to meet again. Meeting in the chapel entrance lobby and with hymns on CD we were able to hum along and latterly sing. Many thanks to our speakers for giving their time and effort to inform/ entertain us – these were Rev David Miller, Dorothy Davey, Eva Paynter, Pat Perkin and Sheila Burt. We had one afternoon when members participated with the theme being the sea – tales of Sunday School outings were shared and Joan Cottrell told us about her grandfather’s exploits and awards with Padstow lifeboat. Tea, coffee and biscuits followed the speaker and we had the chance for a natter – all at a distance – almost as we used to. Meetings are adjourned in August - however on Wednesday 11th we had a very enjoyable trip to Bude. The weather could have been kinder – the sea was a dark shade of grey and the Cornish mizzle interrupted our walk beside the canal – but the welcome in Bude Methodist Church more than made up for that. Deacon Debbie Marsh had organised a band of helpers to prepare and serve our tea and Rev Neil Street and wife Mary welcomed us into the chapel. Since our last visit the alterations have been completed and the church is a lovely modern looking, light, airy space. Rev Neil told us a ficti- tious tale about a visit to his mother who was an exponent of malapropism – very funny. Tea was enjoyed with great fellowship – Deacon Debbie being delighted to talk to Pat Mogford about Beach Mission which she had done for many years. Thanks to drivers Maggie and Phil – our next outing is in the planning! Jenny Worth

6 Pictured Sylvia Dawe and Joan Cottrell trying their hand at Puppet Ministry at the Central Wednesday Fellowship.

TEARFUND BIG QUIZ - SAVE THE DATE WE have hosted the annual Tearfund Big Quiz here at Rilla Mill Retreat Centre for the past two years, last year on Zoom. This year’s Quiz will be on Saturday 20th November, 7 for 7.30pm. We hope it will be possible to hold it in person again this time. There is no registration fee as such but attendees will be encouraged to give a donation to Tear Fund, a registered charity. All ages welcome, teams of no more than six please. For more information or to book please contact Maxine Browne on 01579362611 or [email protected]

7 Central - Family Fun Day On Saturday 24th July Central Methodist Church held a Family Fun Day at Coronation Park, Launceston. The children enjoyed parachute games, sports activities, a drama from an Open the Book team, music and ribbon waving. There were snacks and drinks available and the children were invited to enter the “Garden on a Plate” competition and a treasure hunt, both rewarded with prizes. A good time was had by all and the weather was kind to us. Many thanks to all the helpers and to all those who sup- ported the event. We are hoping to do a similar event on August 21st. Val Carpenter

8 Creative Craft Retreat Tuesday 26th—Thursday 28th October 2021 Creative Craft Retreat led by Debbie Boorne and Revd. Janette Mullett at Epiphany House, Truro Take time out in the beautiful house & gardens of Epiphany House, Truro to explore a range of creative crafts with an upcycling theme ably led by Debbie. Suitable for all levels of ability, you will have opportunities to make a whole variety of things, and all materials will be supplied. There will also be plenty of free time for reflection and relaxation, and opportunities to join in Morning and Evening Prayer. Spiritual Accompaniment will also be available on request. What happens on a Creative Craft Retreat During the day there Debbie will demonstrate various creative crafts to you and then you will be able to ‘have a go’. There will be input and help for your artwork, but also plenty of free time for reflection and for quiet. There will be opportunities throughout the retreat for spiritual accompaniment. Evenings include a time of fellowship and reflection, ending with night prayer. All materials are supplied. Retreat at Epiphany House Smaller than some retreat centres, Epiphany House is an historic, comfortable and peaceful house set in lovely gardens. We have seven ensuite bedrooms in our new extension, a universal access bedroom with wet room, and five other rooms in the main house, each with a basin and close to bathroom facilities (bathrobes are provided in these rooms). We provide towels, and either hospitality trays or access to a well-stocked drinks station. Our catering team enjoy a well-deserved reputation for good food and all meals will be freshly prepared in-house. And you have time to shop in Truro! Ann Foster

Spotlight Collection The Spotlight October Edition will be ready for collection from Friday 1st October.

9 Portrait of Jesus by Alan T. Dale Published in 1979 and written for ordinary people In his personal epilogue he wrote "The growing point of a genuinely human society (God’s family) is what we do for the fellow who is left out of the picture, whom nobody bothers with, who doesn’t seem to belong, who is ’out of it’. If we leave anybody out we corrupt human society and destroy it.” Alan Dale came to Launceston and spoke about the Bible and his knowledge of the Bible and his enthusiasm was obvious. He begins his book with “3 Snapshots” of the country, of the people and of Jesus. Galilee was an area that deeply resented the Roman occupation. Re the feeding of the 5000 men by Lake Galilee and the want of these men for Jesus’ leadership against the Romans and to make liberation possible, Jesus did not want a “Holy War”. Jesus grew up in Nazareth and worked as a builder and his family was well known there. His early ministry was spent in the north of Palestine in villages and market towns. The twelve disciples are pictured as questioning people even arguers. The resentment of Jesus for Roman soldiers did not stop him going to the Captain in Capernaum to heal one of his slaves, very ill, until the captain sent a message—”don’t go to any more trouble, give the word of command and my slave will be well”. Jesus commented on his faith. Matthew, Mark and Luke are his principle sources and 16 references from Paul’s letters as they are the earliest writings we have. Acts too provides 5 stories including Peter’s vision that told him to kill and eat unclean things in preparation to answer the Centurion Cornelius’ invitation to come and stay in his house and preach the gospel after his vision of an angel. Philip Medland

10 Autumn Dance by Sandra Smale

Around the fields and gardens as the seasons ebb and flow - Just a few days more of Summer, then an Autumn storm will blow. The leaves will soon be shredded from the trees that dance and sway, Then will fall along the narrow lanes and crumple where they lay. The children on their way to school enjoy the rustling scrunch While squirrels scamper through them, seeking hazel nuts for lunch.

The blackberries are almost gone, enjoyed by bird and beast, And also by the local folk in search of nature's feast; With jars of jam and jelly they will fill their winter store And bring it out on darkest days to lift their mood once more. The avid hunter-gatherer works from their garden patch To pickle beans and onions, and pot a chutney batch.

With fields now bare the rabbits hop beneath a harvest moon, Hunted by this year's fox cubs, stalking, growing up so soon. The law of nature will decide which has the upper hand For there is balance needed for the creatures of the land. When warmth and dampness coincide burst fungi overnight But the humble looking mushroom brings this cook the most delight.

The swallows wearing waistcoats gather on the high up lines; They know that Winter beckons, when they'll flock to warmer climes. It seems that they are line dancing – all off, then back as one, But I never see them fly away – yet suddenly they're gone, Just like the butterflies that dance in sun from bloom to bloom; Each sups the last of Summer's wine until the first frosts loom.

The crane fly's dangling flight is o'er, its death is overdue As it struggles in the spider's web bedecked with morning dew. It laid its eggs on grasses knowing that its rubbery grubs Will emerge as leather jackets to eat the roots of plants and shrubs. The honeysuckle's twirling stem holds berries as she skips, While the pouting, blushing rose-fruit will surely swing their hips.

Those berries with a blueish tinge may flavour up our gin, So with a 'sloe, sloe, quickthorn sloe' we can dance the new year in. The holly, stiff and prickly, bears its berries of bright red Reminding us of Christmastime, then the blood that Jesus shed. 'Though the hungry birds in Autumn may have a 'berrytable' feast We will still find some for Christmas to adorn the mantlepiece.

Such a richness in the harvest toward the ending of the year When the climax of plants' growth is found in seed and fruit and ear, So let us join with all creation to sing our harvest praise And acknowledge God's great gifts to us and all His bounteous ways: 'All good gifts around us are sent from Heaven above Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord, for His amazing love'.

11 Never forget the past, the blessings we enjoyed –well took for granted. Part 1 by Neil Burden As one of millions of people known as Baby Boomers I am realizing how blessed we were in those years from 1945-1965. Yes there was rationing, but free milk each day at school in 1/3 pint glass bottles. The crates left on the school wall, a great feast for the blue tits who often punctured the foil and drank the cream on top, yet we still drank the milk at the morning break, chocolates were rare, ration coupons for clothes and food lasted until 1953. The great thing was the strength of community, very few homes locked their doors, or if they did the key would be dangling on a piece of string inside the letter box. At harvest time people would just turn up in the fields in the evening to help to gather in harvest and celebrate the wonder of the season some just hoping to be invited to share some supper – a plate of ham and chutney sat around the long farmhouse table. The majority of people walked or cycled and saw nothing in walking a couple miles for each service and that could be 3 times each Sunday. As for us children and young people at Trebullett we were greatly blessed by many who gave a great many hours of their time, totally voluntary, encouraging us to be very much part of the church family. There was a vibrant Sunday school with a register of over 40 names, we would get a penny for each Sunday school attendance, that would be sufficient at the end of the year to buy a reward preferably of a religious nature or biography. This was presented by a special guest often a former scholar at the Sunday School Christmas party and each child would have to walk up as their name was called out and all those present clapped each recipient. There were special outings like the Annual Sunday school trip often with 2 bus loads to a nice beach like Perranporth or Weston Super Mare, sand in the sandwiches and tea or coffee from a flask, that is when we tasted Kellys creamy Vanilla Ice cream in a cone or a Knickerbocker Glory and the obligatory not to be missed Fish and chips on the way home whilst nursing soreness from sunburn The Wesley Guild also held 3 social evenings in the winter, and a summer outing. There were other Annual Red letter days like great Sunday school anniversary when we would practice a set of hymns for several weeks from publishers called Peace or Hampshire, although called the Sunday school anniversary always held on the 1st Sunday in May the people on the stage were not only Sunday school scholars but many older helpers who were very proud of their annual stage performance, which meant the children were lim- ited to their contributions as the ad hoc choir took pride of place, the guest preacher had little allocated time to speak. The large and high platform would never pass a risk assessment, worm eaten and propped with the odd stone or old bible. Everyone would-be well- turned-out, summer dresses and hats and the boys in new suits and ties. The chapel would be decorated with wild or garden flowers and be overflow- ing requiring extra chairs and forms at each service. As tradition we would always entertain relatives for the day, then on the Monday there would be a

12 chapel tea with cutters up, Pearces of Kelly Bray seedy cake, thinly sliced bread and butter, tufts and saffron buns and milk from a local dairy farm. At both ends of the long tables covered with starched white table clothes were two tea pourers with copper kettles and silver tea pots with real tea leaves and a washing up bowl. The then caretaker called Claude Harris sat in the boiler house making sure there was ample hot water which he had dipped from the village well. The children would all eat first followed by the chapel members and friends, then some Games in a nearby field with a repeat performance at 7.30 followed by twos and threes on the crossroads, Another big occasion was the Northhill Circuit Annual Sunday School Festival with competitions for all ages, art, flower arranging, plasticene models, handwriting and cookery. Then recitations, singing and pianoforte for each age group. This was a full afternoon and evening of togetherness, guest judges and of course with a proper chapel tea.

News from Lawrence House Museum The curator and volunteers at Lawrence House Museum regret to announce that it will not be possible to re-open the museum building for the 2021 season. The Grade II* listed structure requires repair and Scott & Co, a firm specialis- ing in listed properties, has been appointed to project manage the delicate work. It is hoped that the works will be completed as soon as possible and in any event before the museum is due to re-open in spring 2022. In the meantime, the curator hopes that a “pop-up” museum may be created in one of the empty premises in the town centre during the summer to cheer visitors to the town and enthusiasts for our little gem of a museum which will re-open again next year.

Attention walkers!! On 31st July 2021 a new Pilgrim route was opened. This is called "The Archangel Way" and runs from Brentor to Chagford and is 35 miles long but has various places to stop en route. Jim Causley wrote an opening song for the ceremony. For details see the website. Ann Foster

13 My Calling If you ask any local preacher about their calling, you will probably hear something different each time. It may be that they saw a need or heard the gospel message being explored in a new way, or a hymn or prayer felt as if it was speaking directly to them. It might have been that someone saw in them the potential gifts and graces of a preacher. It could even have been borne out of frustration in worship and a sense that they could do better. (Called to Preach, The Methodist Church). Continuing the short series, looking at God's calling, we have asked Pauline Smith to share how God called her to share in the Church’s mission. During the mid-1960s we had a very thriving Youth Fellowship in the Circuit which met in various homes on Sunday evenings at about 8pm.There will be some Spotlight readers who remember those days with great pleasure, I'm sure. In this rural area it brought young people from the town and country chapels together to form friendships which, in many cases, have lasted for a life time. Another result of these gatherings was that teams of three or four young people were put together to go around conducting services in the Circuit chapels. I was in a group under the guidance of Mr Dodd, one of our preachers, who lived at Laneast. We went over there to meet with him and with his help made preparations for our next appointment. There was also a time when Gerald Uglow was our mentor and the meetings at this home were challenging but never dull! I’m writing this just a few days after attending the Thanksgiving service for his life and he certainly had a great influence on many of us. These were good times and we had a lot of fun and fellowship together and grew in our faith. One special memory is of preaching from the porch at Wesley Cottage one Sunday afternoon,which was a great privilege. A significant moment came for me after some months in this group when the Rev’d David Coombs, a Circuit Minister, asked me if I had thought about going on to become a Local Preacher. I don’t think that idea had ever occurred to me until that moment. Perhaps it was because I was only 17 and I probably thought that preachers were ‘older’ people in their 30s and 40s at least!! That was all a long time ago and I can’t clearly recall how it happened but before long I was taking part in a service at Tower Street chapel one Sunday evening and soon after found myself on the plan under On Trial. It was slow progress for the next few years as after two years or so I was married and then had two children and many other duties. There was no time limit in those days, thankfully, but by 1975 I had managed to take the 4 required exams and became an accredited Local Preacher in the King’s Lynn Circuit. Our group of trainee preachers there were guided by a very inspirational tutor, Roland Hamon, and I still remember some of the things

14 we discussed together. I have mentioned all these people who were part of my journey for a reason. I believe that, although God’s call comes to us all in very different ways, he often uses another person to confront us and gain our attention. He then puts people into our lives to bring the encouragement and help we need to develop our gifts. That will be a never ending process which continues throughout our lives, of course, and in later years there were many other preachers and people in the Methodist church and beyond who were there for me. Some of us may have spiritual gifts we don’t recognise in ourselves or we lack the confidence to step out in faith to exercise these gifts. Others have natural talents which can be used in the church and community but for various reasons don’t do anything with these abilities and need a nudge to get moving. So let us all stay alert and be prepared to be used to challenge and encourage each other in all the various ways we are called to serve as disciples of Jesus. 1 Peter 4 verse 10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s Grace in its various forms, Deuteronomy 31 verse 8 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Colossians 3 verse 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

15 Psalm 23 Garden Inspired by her childhood on Dartmoor, Sarah Eberle has designed a Psalm 23 Garden for the Bible Society that will be included in this year’s CHEL- SEA FLOWER SHOW. Since it began in 1913, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show has always been held in May, when the gardening year gets underway. Now, due to the pandemic, it’s being held in September for the first time from 21 – 26 September. After the show the garden will find a permanent home at the Winchester Hospice, in Hampshire. You can read more about the garden and discover many Psalm 23 themed church and community resources at: https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/psalm- 23/

Christian Aid News The recent Global Hunger Emergency Appeal from the Circuit Churches raised £1,410.00. A big thank you to all who donated so generously. An update on money raised during Christian Aid Week 2021. We received an email from Christian Aid letting us know that a total of £342,941.00 was given through the e-envelope. Launceston Christian Aid Action Group raised £257.50 of this amount. Unfortunately the 'Party in a Bag' event previously advertised will not be going ahead. Chris & Julia

September 2021 is Bike for Bibles month. Wheth- er you are a seasoned cyclist with hundreds of pedalled miles under your belt, or new to the whole thing and still finding your feet, there is a Bike for Bibles option for you. 1. Ride 300 miles in September 2021 2. Ride 100 miles in September 2021 3. Ride 50 miles in September 2021 Ride as a team or an individual, all in one day or spread it out during the month. Do it on your turbo trainer or exercise bike, or get out there and pedal through your weekends! Whatever you decide, we’ll support you 100 per cent and the money you raise could do incredible things. For full details see: https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/bikeforbibles

16 Seven = September For many, the month of September signals the end of summer, the beginning of autumn, and the start of a new school year. With respect to the calendar, September marks the beginning of the series of months named after their numerical position in the year. However, September is not named after the number nine. It comes from the Latin root septem-, meaning “seven,” because in the original Roman republican calendar September was the seventh month of the year rather than the ninth. The Roman calendar was only 10 months long and included the following months: Martius, Aprilis, Maius, Junius, Quintilis, Sextilis, September, October, November, and December. The last six months were assigned names according to their ordinal numbers. Quintilis is the fifth month, Sextilis is the sixth month, and so on. It wasn’t until 46 BC, when Julius Caesar introduced the Julian calendar (named after Caesar, himself), that the year grew to include two more months, January and February. Quintilis and Sextilis were later renamed July and August in honour of Julius Caesar and Augustus Caesar, but despite repeated attempts to change them, the names for September, October, November, and December not only stuck, but spread to other languages as well. What Is the Biblical Significance of the Number 7? Numbers in Biblical times were often symbolic of a deeper meaning. The number seven is especially prominent in Scripture, appearing over 700 times. From the seven days of Creation to the many “sevens” in Revelation, the number seven connotes such concepts as completion and perfection, exoneration and healing, and the fulfilment of promises and oaths. While the Bible abounds with examples of the number seven’s use, there are three categories in which the number often appears: In Scripture, seven often symbolizes completion or perfection. Genesis tells us that God created the heavens and the Earth in six days and, upon completion, God rested on the seventh day. Based on this cycle of work and rest, God commands us to also labour for six days and then complete the week by resting on the seventh day, the day God set apart as the holy Sabbath. The number seven also denotes completion at the Crucifixion, when Jesus spoke seven statements in agony from the Cross at the completion of His earthly duties. In the context of perfection, Jesus spoke in a grouping of seven when He was asked how we should pray. In response, Jesus gave us the Lord’s Prayer, surely a perfect way to pray considering that the words came from Christ Himself! Notably, the Lord’s Prayer contains seven petitions: Hallowed be thy name; Thy Kingdom come; Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven; Give us this day our daily bread; Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; Lead us not into temptation; and Deliver us from evil.

17 Jesus again spoke in a grouping of seven when He used seven metaphors to describe Himself as the path to salvation, the perfect reward for a good and faithful servant. Jesus tells us He is: The bread of life; The light of the world; The gate to salvation; The good shepherd; The resurrection and the life; The way, the truth, and the life; and The vine. In addition, King David referenced the number seven in describing the perfect nature of God’s words when he wrote that the Lord’s words are flawless, “like gold refined seven times”. Likewise, when the prophet Isaiah described the coming Messiah, he listed seven qualities that the Saviour would embody. The number seven is also linked to exoneration and healing. Deuteronomy tells us that on every seventh year, the Israelites were to cancel all the debts they had made with each other and free their slaves. When Peter asks Jesus how many times we are to forgive each other, Jesus replies “seventy times seven” times. In that instance, Jesus isn’t telling us to literally forgive someone 490 times. Instead, Christ is instructing us to forgive each other wholly. We see a link between seven and healing in the seven healing miracles that Jesus performed on the Sabbath, or the seventh day of the week. Specifically, Jesus healed the following seven people on the seventh day: A man with a deformed hand; A man possessed by an unclean spirit; Peter’s mother-in-law with fever; A woman crippled by a spirit; A man with abnormal swelling of the body; A lame man by the pool of Bethesda; and A man born blind. Fulfilment of Promises and Oaths - In Genesis, God promises not to destroy the Earth again with a flood and memorializes this covenant with the rainbow, which is comprised of seven colours. The Book of Joshua gives us another example of seven’s correlation with promises. There, God promised Joshua that He’d bring down the fortified walls of Jericho if Joshua and his army marched around the city once for six days and seven times on the seventh day with seven priests blowing seven trumpets. After Joshua followed the Lord’s commands exactly, the walls of Jericho fell, just as the Lord had promised. Revelation often invokes the number seven in its discussion of God’s promise to save those whose names are written in the Book of Life and condemn those whose names aren’t. The fulfilment of this divine promise is ushered in by groups of seven: seven seals, seven trumpets sounded by seven angels, and seven bowls of God’s promised wrath carried by seven angels. When we analyse the Bible, we can find a host of numbers that have deeper meanings and threads throughout the passages. These show the intricate handiwork of God's plan and the wonderful ways it unfolds throughout history. www.dictionary.com/e/September www.christianity.com/wiki/bible

18 Runner Bean Chutney 2lbs beans -chopped small 4med. onions, finely chopped 2lbs Demerara sugar 1 1/2 pints vinegar (850 ml) 1 1/2 tablespoons turmeric 1/2 tea spoon salt 1 1/2 tablespoons mustard powder 2 level tablespoons cornflour Method Cook beans and onions in salted water until tender then strain. Put into a large pan with 1 1/4 pints (700ml) vinegar and sugar. Boil for 15 mins. Mix other dry ingredients together with remaining vinegar. Add to cooked veg and stir well cocktails gently until thickened. Bottle and seal. Makes about 6 lbs

Water Saving Tips from South West Water Small changes in water use make a big difference when multiplied by our 1.8 million customers. If every one of our customers saved 5 litres of tap water a day, that would save nearly 10 million litres. Our top tips to save water: • Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth • Keep a jug of water in the fridge so you don’t have to run your tap cold • Use a bowl for washing up / rinsing fruit and veg – then use this water for plants • Have a shower instead of a bath • Only use your dishwasher or washing machine when you have a full load (this will save money on your energy bills too) • Only fill the kettle with as much water as you need (this will save energy too) • Fix leaking taps and toilets • Use a watering can instead of a hose in the garden • If your garden needs watering, do so early morning or evening to reduce evaporation • Use a bucket and sponge instead of a hose to clean your car (or leave it for another week – it’s only going to get dusty!)

19 If you would like to share on the circuit website something special that happened at your church send details to David Rogerson [email protected] Or post to Glebe House, Lezant, Launceston PL15 9PP (01579 370412). Items need to be brief and a photo would be good giving a snap shot of what is happening in your church.

Spotlight Collection The Spotlight October Edition will be ready for collection from Friday 1st October.

Editorial Team: Marion Allen, Pauline Daniel, Elaine Shillaber, Joanna Harley & Margaret Stephens Collator: Richard Wright. Production & Distribution Assistance: David & Joanna Harley, Leighton Penhale, Sally Harvey and Philip Smith.

All articles for the October issue to [email protected] or by post/hand to the Circuit Office no later than 15th September 2021. Items submitted after this date may be withheld or used in a subsequent edition. Please ensure items are clearly marked for Spotlight and include contact details. Whilst every effort is made to print forwarded material, its inclusion cannot be guaranteed. All items are printed at editorial team discretion.

Websites: www.lamc.org.uk www.central-methodist.org.uk Launceston Area Methodist Circuit - Registered Charity no: 1138314

Contact Information: Revd David Miller Tel: 01566 776603. Email: [email protected] Revd Jo Smart Tel: 01566 782921 Email: [email protected] Pioneer Mr Sam Beazley Tel: 07540 107655 Email: [email protected] Circuit Office, Mr Richard Wright, Dingley Hall, Castle Street, Launceston, PL15 8BA. Tel.: 01566 772797 Email: [email protected] Office open Tue.and Thur 9.30 am to 1pm