YOU ARE INVITED TO MLMC FAMILY AFTERNOON THE MESSENGER ON SATURDAY 8th JUNE 2013 at CHIGNAL ST JAMES VILLAGE HALL APRIL 2013 THE AFTERNOON WILL BE RUN BY GB AND BB IN AID OF CAMP FUNDS From the cross

THERE WILL BE THE to the grave OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE A GO AT ARCHERY!

MORE DETAILS NEARER THE TME From the grave

SAVE THE DATE……. to the sky.

FOR AN AFTERNOON OF FUN, RELAXATION AND A CHANCE TO CATCH UP WITH FRIENDS OF THE CHURCH Lord we OR FANCY A GO AT THIS ??? lift your name on high!

Incorporating news, views and information from Moulsham Lodge and Hall Street Methodist Churches Chelmsford

www.moulshammethodist.org.uk

28 What goes on at MLMC during the week? From the Editor Monday Welcome to the Messenger with news, views and Friendship Club 2 - 4pm Weekly (over 60’s) information about the activities of our Section of local Ladies Club 8pm Alternate weeks Methodist churches. Games Club 8pm Alternate weeks

Tuesday ♦ Easter already!! May the joy of the resurrection be yours for ever. Ladies Keep Fit 10am Weekly (for over 40’s) Bible Study 2pm See notice board ♦ Thank you for all your articles, items of news and things to do; there is a Girls Brigade 6 - 9.30pm Weekly lot going on in our section of churches, and outside …….. read all about Bible Study 7.45m See notice board it, there is something for everyone! Prayer Group 9.15pm Weekly

♦ Inside you will find more information about our three selected charities Wednesday this year, that is SYM, Send a Cow and the Chelmsford Foodbank. If Soaking Prayer 8pm 2nd & 4th Wednesdays

you would like to get involved with any of these, just speak to Gillian, Thursday Jean or Clive respectively. Morning prayers 9.30 - 10.30am Weekly Coffee Shop 10.30 - noon Weekly ♦ As a group from MLMC set off to Spring Harvest on April 8th we pray Art Group 1.30 - 3.30pm Weekly that they will have a blessed and refreshing time and look forward to Men’s Club 7.15 - 9.30pm First Thursdays hearing all about it when they return. D of E 8 - 9.30pm Last Thursdays

Friday Church Information Boys Brigade 6.30 to 10pm Weekly For information about baptisms, weddings and funerals please contact For more information and contact details our Minister Rev Stephanie Hibberd on 01245 262595 go online at www.moulshammethodist.org.uk or e-mail [email protected] or call Clive, our Editor, on 01245 267459 Jenny, our Senior Steward, on 01245 259179 Important Editorial Information Or please ask for a Welcome Pack

Internet The Messenger will be displayed, in full, on our web site each month. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have obtained the correct Lonely? permissions when including any personal contact details or photographs with Want to get out? your submission. We will always accept Christian names only of course. Meet new friends? When you send items for publication please ensure they are in Word (A4 size) as an attachment or embedded into an e-mail so I can cut and paste Look at the notice boards at MLMC………. accordingly. Other formats are not easily transferable. there are lots of activities to get involved with …...

Bible studies, prayer groups, home groups, Ladies Club, Men’s Club, Editor: Clive Pickett Brigades, youth groups………. [email protected] 01245 267459 and other organisations in and around Chelmsford. The deadline for the May edition is April 17th .

2 27 Moulsham Lodge Methodist Church From the Manse Lime Walk, CM2 9NJ Senior Steward Jenny Gowing 01245 259179 Dear Friends Rota for April All through Lent I have been looking for those glimpses of God’s glory which I’ve seen as the delicate snowdrops and Date Flowers Reader Door Stewards crocus’s bravely push their way through the cold hard earth March 29th Mrs Johnson yet stand so magnificently and in the smiles and kindly acts of March 31st people around these being just a couple of examples. 8.00am Mr & Mrs Piper Stewards But now in this next week over Easter we will be remembering not just 10.30am Mr Forbes Mr & Mrs Piper glimpses but the amazing glory of the cross and more 6.30 pm Mr & Mrs Hancock on Easter Sunday celebrating the joy of the risen Lord Prayer Road Edward Drive when all heaven declares His glory April 7th The reading from the gospel of John 20:1 to 9 tells us 9.30am Mr & Mrs Cooper Mrs Reynolds how Mary went early in the morning to the tomb, she 11.00am Mr Amundsen Mr & Mrs Edwards saw the stone had been removed and the tomb was 6.30 pm Mrs Cooper e mpty. The strips of linen were still lying there and Prayer Road Lime Walk the body of Jesus was nowhere to be found. April 14th I have been thinking of things that are e mpt y and 10.30am Mrs Hobbs Mr Robb Mr & Mrs Whent have an effect on us at times. When we are hungry we 6.30 pm Mr Rook may feel our stomachs are empty and they may well Prayer Road Ash Grove & Holly Walk rumble to tell us much to our embarrassment when we April 21st are in company. (To be fair compared to the hunger in 9.15am Mr & Mrs Harris Mrs Tofts the world, we cannot fully appreciate real hunger and starvation). When driving 11.00am Mr Edwards Mr & Mrs Piper the car and the fuel gauge reminds me I’m nearly on empty I think again about 6.30 pm Mrs Manson the continued increased in price of petrol. I’m sure we can all think of other Prayer Road Linden Close & Whitehorn Gardens instances where something that is ‘empty has a negative meaning to it.

April 28th The great fact that on Easter Sunday the tomb was “empty” is not a bad, sad, 9.30am Girls Brigade Mrs Partner/Otts or dangerous thing. It is a wonderful event allowing us to celebrate not only on 11.00am Mrs Leach Mr & Mrs Rodwell Easter Sunday but every day of the year. The good news of the resurrection and 6.30 pm Mrs Marsh life of our Lord Jesus Christ is that death could not hold him. Jesus is alive – Prayer Road Donald Way & Yew Tree Gardens this breaking news spread through the women and the disciples to bring to them and to us joy and also a new sense of purpose to those whose hearts had May 5th been broken on Good Friday. 10.30am Mr & Mrs Edwards Brigades Mr & Mrs Griffin 6.30 pm Mrs Cooper The world-wide church of Christ has been spreading the good news of the Prayer Road Larch Grove & Cypress Drive ‘empty’ tomb – the “running on empty” for over 2,000 years as we try to bring this realisation to those who do not know or have yet to believe it, through our interaction with those outside and inside our churches in our words and deeds Prayer request and the way we live our lives.

Please pray for the work of SYM, Send the Cow and the Because of the empty tomb, our hearts can be ‘ full’- filled with joy, our homes Chelmsford Foodbank filled with faith and love and because of the empty tomb, …………………...

26 3 From the Manse cont…….. Moulsham Lodge Methodist Church Lime Walk, CM2 9NJ Senior Steward Jenny Gowing 01245 259179 …………… we know that the promise of eternal life is true Services for April We are God’s, ‘Resurrection People for, ‘ He is risen’ ! Hence we pray for the miracle of Easter to be at work in our lives as we live each day in expectant March 29th Good Friday 2.00pm Rev Stephanie Hibberd faith and in the many situations we pray for because the resurrection has the power to transform March 31st Easter Sunday 8.00am Rev Stephanie Hibberd (HC) 10.30am Rev Stephanie Hibberd This Easter, it’s my prayer that the resurrection will not only give you hope for 6.30pm Mr Bill Humm your tomorrows, but that it will give you hope for your today’s as well for everyday is an Easter day – ‘Praise the Lord! April 7th 9.30am Rev Stephanie Hibberd

11.00am Mr Andrew Mussell God Bless, 6.30pm Rev Stephanie Hibberd (HC) Stephanie

April 14th 10.30am Mrs Francis Couch Service info…… 6.30pm Rev Guy Goodall

SYM staff will be addressing both our morning April 21st SYM 9.15am Mr Jeff Hosking services at MLMC on Sunday 21 st April to tell SYM 11.00am Rev Stephanie Hibberd (HC) us more about their work. 6.30pm Rev Viv Gasteen

Afternoon Tea April 28th 9.30am Mr Clive Pickett 11.00am Mr David Drewitt You are invited to take Afternoon Tea at the Manse Circuit Service 6.30pm Rev Stephanie Hibberd rd on Tuesday April 23 from 2.30 until 4.30

All are welcome, just come along and enjoy yourself May 5th Parade 10.30am Rev Stephanie Hibberd (HC) 6.30pm Rev Michael Powell Proceeds in support of our 2013 projects SYM and Send a Cow . Service info for MLMC

9.30am Contemporary Worship Celebrate Jesus! 10.30am Parade/Family Service 11am Traditional Service Just a reminder that the next Celebrate Jesus & Wesley 6.30pm Contemplative Service Celebrations will be at Trinity Methodist Church, Chelmsford on Friday 24th May. All are welcome to join us.

The sermon chosen is Wesley’s ''The Almost Christian.'' by Rev. Viv. Gasteen. Do a deed of simple kindness Any queries please email [email protected] k or call 01245 Though its end you may not see 601478. We seek only to bring the Living God to people through the Saviour of It may reach like widening ripples the world, the Lord Jesus. Down a long eternity. Every Blessing. Mike Shelbourne. (Joseph Norris) 4 25 Hall Street Methodist Church Gift Aid

Last month the Chancellor of the Exchequer gave his Budget Hall Street, CM2 0HG Contact Val Shelb ourne 01245 601478 speech. To some of us it was good news, to others it was a Services for April disappointment. However, the Chancellor is not all take, but can be generous. Gift Aid is a way we can relieve the March 31st Easter Day 10.00am Rev Graham Cocking (HC) Chancellor of some of his money for the benefit of the Church.

Currently the Church receives over £8,000 from the taxman every year. If you April 7th 10.00am Mr Bill Humm are a UK taxpayer and you wish to Gift Aid your church offering please contact Martyn Edwards on 01245 262288. We will send you a declaration form and the April 14th 10.00am Mrs Elizabeth Hobbs rest will be up to us to collect.

April 21st 10.00am Mr Mike Shelbourne There are a two ways you can make your offering; by regular giving through the envelope scheme into the offertory box or by a monthly standing order from April 28th 10.00am Rev Stephanie Hibberd (HC) your bank. The forms for a standing order can be obtained from the Treasurer, Paul Eager, and envelopes can be arranged through Margaret Dowding. May 5th 10.00am Mrs Sachikonye The Church wishes to thank all the members and friends

who have supported this Church over the years.

Weekday meetings Martyn Edwards – Gift Aid Secretary

Afternoon Fellowship 2.30 to 4 pm each Thursday and alternating weekly between Date for your diary a Bible Study and a fellowship meeting with a speaker. Chelmsford Foodbank event pushing Phil the Trolley into the Town Centre Monday April 29th from 2pm. More details will follow in weekly notices All are welcome

New Group for Carers!

Christian and General Book Fayre Are you looking after a relative, friend or neighbour? Hall Street Methodist Church Would you like to meet others who are in a carer’s role? Friday & Saturday April 5th & 6th 10am to 5pm If yes, we invite you to meet for tea and cake On behalf of Book Aid. and a chance to chat every fortnight at:

Several thousand Second Hand Books St Leonard’s Hall (behind St Mary’s Church, Broomfield) rd th st Mostly priced between 50p and £1.00! On Wednesday 3 April; 17 April and 1 May Time: 10.00-12.00 Light refreshments available all day Please contact Sue Howlett (Tel: 441390) if you would like more information

Pop in for a cuppa and a book! We look forward to seeing you

24 5 Chelmsford Foodbank and MLMC ! ………. The song gained in popularity and by 2005 it was named by the BBC Songs of Praise survey as the ninth best loved hymn of all time in the UK. It hit

Thank you for your terrific response to our project with the number one in the UK Christian Copyright Licensing International charts by 2006 Foodbank. We have already taken several loads of food items and in January 2009 it was still number one in the UK, number two in Australia, to the Foodbank so that it can be used without delay. number seven in Canada and number fifteen in the United States. ‘In Christ

A recent message from Ruth, the Foodbank Project Manager ……... Alone’ has been covered by many other Christian recording artists.

Thank you for your support for Chelmsford Foodbank. We have now fed over Since writing this hymn, Townend and Getty have recorded many of their other 750 people since opening in July! I'm really excit ed at the way God is bringing hymns in diverse styles, including choral anthems, symphonic settings, Celtic churches together in this and we have been so encou raged by your support and bands and live worship events. They frequently share their rational for participation, whether it's in being a collection p oint, providing volunteers or composing modern hymns at churches, colleges, universities, seminars and Bible praying for us. conferences as well as through radio broadcasts and magazine articles.

We have a particular need at the moment In writing ‘In Christ Alone’ these new pioneers have together produced a 21 st which we would love your help with. When Century hymn that will appeal down the generations. clients come to the Foodbank, we have the privilege of chatting with them and offering to God Bless You pray with them. Obviously, clients are often David Hedgecock desperate and at a very low ebb as this is a crisis point in their lives. We love to be able to offer t o pray with them, but obviously do not force this if we don't feel it is appropriate. However, currently , A final thought from Clare calling………. we don't have enough Christian volunteers who can fill this 'meet and greet' role, particular ly on a Wednesday and Friday When I think about my loved ones and what they mean to me morning. If you are interested, could you please speak to C live Pickett (01245 I thank my God for each one that’s in my family. 267459) or email us at [email protected] We will then send you I know I’ll love them all until the end of time – an application form to get you registered and then onto the rota. I don’t love them because they’re perfect, I love them because they’re mine. Thank you again for your support Renee Nevin Hollinger 1997 The Collecting Bin is now permanently positioned in the vestibule, next to the hymn book shelves, and it is emptied regularly. There are “shopping list Excerpt from the Clare Church Magazine. bookmarks” showing the current list of food items required on the hymn book shelf. Please take one and encourage organisations meeting in the Seeds of faith church to use them as well! Thank you. Some of you will recall my article in last months’ magazine detailing the faithful Finally, starting after Easter, we are encouraging our neighbourhood to drop servant challenge. Here is an update…………. The first seeds have germinated!! their food donations into the church on Order forms will be available shortly. Please pass these on to friends & family as Thursday mornings from 10am until it would be good to raise some money from outside the Church family. So far noon, during coffee time, so if you see people we have; sweet peas, tomatoes, nasturtium, pansy, petunia & pepper plants all wanting to know where they can leave their successfully germinated. (see pics elsewhere!) donations, you can show them where the I aim to add marigolds, French beans, (climbing & dwarf), sunflowers, collection bin is, and please thank them on cucumber, courgette and other summer bedding flowers soon. If anyone has behalf of MLMC and the Foodbank! any used, unwanted, small flowerpots to enable me to start potting on the Clive Pickett, MLMC Foodbank co-ordinator. larger plants they would be very gratefully received. Lorainne Smith 6 23 In Christ Alone My Hope is Found SYM (Schools Youth Ministry) By Stuart Townend and The work of SYM is going from strength to Stuart Townend strength with their workload increasing all the time. We thank God that SYM Townend was born in 1963 in West Yorkshire. The are welcomed and highly respected in all the schools in Chelmsford and that youngest of four children; his father was a Church of they have been given more and more responsibility. In addition to taking England vicar in Halifax. At the age of 7 he began Christian RE lessons and helping with E-merge groups (lunchtime Bible study learning to play the piano and he began song writing groups), they are now involved in mentoring students with problems and when he was 22. When he was 13 he made a endeavouring to show them God’s love. This has not always been easy and Christian commitment. He studied literature at the some of us receive a weekly prayer letter from SYM saying what they are doing University of Sussex and it was there that he met each day and specific things they would like prayer for. Receiving this weekly Caroline whom he married in 1998. They have three children, Joseph, Emma prayer letter has really impacted me and made me appreciate the work they do and Eden. so much more. If anyone would like to receive the prayer letter, please let me know and I will pass your name on to the SYM office. Townend regularly leads worship at his home church, the Church of Christ the King in Brighton, one of the New Frontiers network of churches headed by Terry SYM also recently ran a very successful prayer event called Re:fresh in Sandon Virgo. He has also led worship and performed at many conferences and festivals School (which Malcolm and I spoke about at the AGM) and have now been across the world, including the Stoneleigh Bible Week in the early 90’s to the asked to run one in Moulsham High School. This will have taken place by the early 2000’s, Mission Worship, Keswick Convention, Spring Harvest and many time you read this magazine. more. He has also featured on Songs of Praise and has worked alongside other high profile Christian musicians including Keith Getty, Louise ‘Lou’ Fellingham However, as with all good news stories, there is always a down side and that is and Phatfish. that if SYM are to continue in all that they are doing at the present time, they are going to need a lot more funding. Sadly, in the present economic climate, In 2005 Cross Rhythms magazine described Townend as, ‘one of the most along with many other charities, their funding has gone down and unless they significant songwriters in the whole international Christian music field, the can raise a considerable amount very soon , they may have to make one of their uniqueness of his writing lies partly in its lyrical content. There is both a workers redundant which obviously they are loathe to do. theological depth and poetic expression that some say is rare in today’s worship writing’. I have already received a couple of very generous offers to raise funds; watch out for news of events coming up! If anyone has their own fundraising ideas, Keith Getty please come and see me and I will do all I can to help them. As mentioned in th Getty was born on December 16 1974 in , last month’s Messenger, I would be happy to give someone £5 or £10 to see by . Best known for pioneering ‘modern how much they could multiply it (Parable of the Talents)! What are your gifts? hymns’ many of his songs are co-written with his wife, We all have something we can offer! Alternatively, as mentioned in last Krystin Getty and with Stuart Townend, whom he met month’s Messenger, SYM would welcome help with supporting the E-merge through his involvement with Kingsway Music. Other hymns groups that meet at lunchtime in most of the schools. Could you spare an hour they have written together include, ‘The Power of the of your time to help them in this way? I look forward to hearing from you! Cross’, ‘Speak O Lord, as We Come to You’’ How Deep the Father’s Love for Us’ and ‘See What a Morning’. Keith and Gillian Pickett e-mail [email protected] (267459) Krystin are currently living in the United States where they write music and tour.

The Hymn, ‘In Christ Alone’ Seeds This was the first hymn that Townend and Getty wrote together. They wrote it of in 2001 with the purpose of creating a modern hymn that would explain the Life Faith! of Christ. They released it on the Kingsway album, ‘’ featuring vocalists Marie Brennan, and . ……………... Page 23

22 7 The Lent Cross. Hall Street Book Fayres As I sat praying at the Lent Cross during the 11am service on march 17th I realised that some of you may be wondering what the extra items placed on The first Friday and Saturday of April sees the start of this year‘s monthly and around the cross are for. So I will explain!! Christian and general Book Fayre and Coffee Break at Hall Street from 10am until 5pm each day. This will continue each month until October. See poster There are some broken paper cups and a Bible. These were used in our each following month for details. prayers at a 9:30 service to acknowledge that we all have things in our lives that push God away from the centre of all we do. As Christians the greatest Each month there will be a range of 1,500 Christian books commandment is found in Matthew 22:37; Love the Lord your God with all your and about 3,000 general books. The Christian books range heart and with all your soul and with all your mind . As an act of repentance we from children’s books; to leading Sunday youth group wrote the things that we know get in the way of putting God first in our lives meetings; Bible study; worship preparation; daily devotions. and then broke the cups and placed them at the cross. Breaking the cups was There are general evangelical books and others covering important as this symbolises that when we give things to God in an act of most facets of Christian understanding, development, prayer we must not take them back but leave them there for God to deal with. biographies, testimonies, Christian history and music.

He is stronger than us and we need his strength to help us achieve the right Last year I took the book stall to Boot Fairs twice a month and this year I am balance in our lives. hoping to have permission for an occasional stall in the High Street outside

The post it notes. Sue Johnson used these and invited us to write a Barclay’s Bank confession on them and then stick them to the Please try to support me during the year, even if it is just for a sit down and a cross, again to ensure that we don’t take them coffee. If you are looking for a particular book then please call me on 01245 back. During the service some of the post it notes 611528, I may have it! fell off and this was a lovely illustration that at the cross our sins are dealt with and God remembers If you can help occasionally I would be grateful, particularly in the High Street them no more!!!! on Saturdays.

The red roses and petals . These were used to I am still the area rep for Book Aid and am always grateful for second-hand symbolise 2 things, firstly the blood & tears that Bibles and Christian books suitable for sending overseas. Jesus shed for us on the cross, picking up on the David Cushion chorus from the song Above all by Lenny Leblanc. Crucified laid behind a stone, you lived to die rejected & alone, Bible Puzzle Quiz— March Messenger — the Answers! like a rose trampled on the ground, you took the fall and thought of me above all. Thank you to all those who sent in their answers; you were all correct of course, but there can be only 1 winner! We broke the roses and took the petals to the cross, remembering the sacrifice of Good Friday. Secondly the petals The winner was Maria Smith who sent in her correct represented our passion, or lack of it. On Passion Sunday we confessed that answers by e-mail at 2100 hrs. on Sunday 24th Feb ! often we have forgotten our first love, picking up on Revelation 2: 4-5 Yet I That was the same day as the Messenger arrived in Church! hold this against you; you have forsaken your first love. Remember the height The answers started with Amos, then Mark, Luke, Joh n, Joel, from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. Judges, Job, Hebrews, Esther, Acts, James, Ruth, Ro mans, You may think that the cross looks messy, and I have to agree, it does!! But Titus, Matthew, Genesis, Philemon, Chronicles, Dani el, our lives are messy too and all we can do is to come to the cross of Our Saviour Nahum, Hosea, Lamentations, Revelation, Timothy, Sa muel, in humility and receive the grace & mercy of Our Heavenly Father. Numbers, Malachi, Peter, Exodus, Kings.

Happy Easter everyone!! Lorainne Smith. Thank you all for taking part; if you have similar puzzles, then send them in! 8 21 Living lives of quiet Desperation 2nd Chelmsford Boys Brigade

Someone mentioned these words recently which made me search for the author. He was Henry David Thoreau who set out one day in 1845 into the woods of Massachusetts, Unfortunately there’s not been an axe in hand, to build himself a shack. He lived there two awful lot happening at BB since years in isolation contemplating the awful state mankind the last magazine so I’ve included had fallen into. In his book Walden, Thoreau sets out a a couple of photos of the lads prophecy which many of us, 168 years later, experience (and a couple of the officers) at as a reality. We live lives of quiet desperation trying to work in their current class of get out of debt, or free ourselves or our world of the Airfix model construction. problems we have inherited or created. The rest of the evening they Thoreau recommended, as an antidote have been hard at work practising to these problems, living a life of for the drill competition which is simplicity and sustainability. In his this coming Friday. book he began the chapter entitled “Economy” with these words:- Oh yes and of course some football to let off steam at the Some of you, we all know, are poor, end of the evening find it hard to live, are sometimes, as it were, gasping for breath. I have no After the drill we have a three doubt that some of you who read this week break due to Easter and the book are unable to pay for all the school holidays so hopefully the dinners which you have actually eaten, weather will have improved or for the coat and shoes which are fast wearing, o r are already worn out and somewhat by the time we return have come to this page to spend borrowed or stolen time, robbing your and we can look forward to some creditors of an hour...trying to get into business and out of debt, a very ancient outdoor pursuits. slough...always promising to pay, promising to pay, tomorrow ….. and dying Mike Smith (Captain) today, insolvent.

The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the Table Top Sale th song still in them. 27 April 2013

Are you being sucked into a vortex of desperation? of fatigue? of busyness? Do At Moulsham Lodge Methodist Church, Lime Walk. you have the ability or courage to break free? “If the Son sets you free you From 11am until 2pm shall be free indeed!” John 8 v 36 Teas and Coffees will be available

All that we need on Earth can be, and is supplied by God our heavenly Father nd Proceeds in aid of Sense and 2 Chelmsford Girls Brigade. who loves us and gave Himself for us (see Ephesians 5 v 2 and Galatians 1 v 4) Please call/text Liz Goodall on 07810 752472 to book a table. Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things Tables are £10 each with proceeds shared between both causes. shall be added unto you... Your heavenly Father knows what you need (not want). So do not worry! (see Matthew 6 v 31-33) Liz is also running the London Marathon on Sunday April 21st in aid of

Sense as well!— Submitted by Malcolm Lees if you would like to sponsor her please call/text as above.

20 9 …………….. None of this would have been possible without Prayer! Give your heart this year to pray for all that God lays M-bay! on your mind.

NEW !! These extracts from the Spring 2013 edition of Tear times are Ladies shoes, size 4 £6.00 the pair! printed with their permission.

There is a copy in the magazine rack in the church — take it, 3 internal 6 panel moulded doors. read it, return it! Submitted by Malcolm Lees. 780 x 300 x 1 3/8 inches. £20 each. Buyer collects. Wanted………. Both above Any double knitting wool, any colour and any quantity for the Contact [email protected]. the volunteer production of woolly hats for ……….. Phone 01245 261854 Please leave a message if no answer. 1. New born babies at Broomfield Hospital 2. Overseas seamen berthing in a cold port in the UK (Seamen's Mission) 3. Patients in Farleigh Hospice

Jenny Brown ([email protected]) or leave donations in the vestry.

Electronic organ — Just £50! PCM Sound Ex 10L Easter Offering 2013

Come and try it out before buying! This years Easter Offering theme is “Beyond the harbour wall”.

The offering is organised by Methodist Women in Britain (formerly Women’s Contact Maria & Alan Smith Network) on behalf of the World Mission Fund. The money raised through the [email protected] Easter Offering goes into the World Mission Fund, to be used for the work that

contributes to God’s mission in 65 Partner Churches outside Britain and Ireland.

This includes grants for particular requests from Partner Churches, training and Jewellery box with opening drawers support of mission partners to work in Partner Churches, nationals in mission and compartments - £10 appointments in Partner Churches and scholarship and leadership training requested by Partner Churches. Please contact Sherry on email [email protected] Our Partner Churches are so grateful for the help we give them and for the or phone 07710 283427 interest that is shown by the people of Britain and Ireland. Envelopes are provided for your offering. Please give generously to provide the necessary

resources so that God’s love may be shared in practical ways throughout the Responsibility for sale conditions and transaction are strictly world. for the seller and buyer to agree. And why not give say 10% of The Easter Offering Circuit Dedication Service , the theme of which is your income towards production costs for the Mess enger?? “Beyond the harbour wall” will be held here at Moulsham Lodge on Sunday

28 th April at 6.30pm.

Sue Storey 10 19 Something to think about? Moulsham Lodge Men's Club

The Spring edition of Tear Times is out and there’s so much to talk about! At our March meeting the Men’s Club was entertained by Stephen Mortimer on the subject entitled “Roman Britain”. Stephen has a lot of experience in Firstly, ever thought your loo could be used for God? Why not twin your toilet motivating primary school children to act the times and lifestyles of the period with ones in Africa or Asia? You pay £60 to twin around 55BC through to 55AD which was when we were invaded by the your loo and that supports water and sanitation Romans. After we had partaken of our usual delicious fish n chips we settled projects overseas. 2.6 billion people worldwide, down to a quiet evening. Not so, Stephen brought shields, about 40% of the world’s population, don’t have spears and swords, thinking we were his normal 8 year olds somewhere safe, clean and hygienic to go to the and he persuaded us to join in a noisy and chaotic loo. This causes many problems, especially for girls re-enactment of historical events. Some of us stood on chairs who often miss out on school. These problems could easily be eradicated with to show that they were the Romans arriving on our shores, our help. Visit www.toilettwinning.org to find out more. whilst the rest of our members shouted a lot of abuse to Then there’s the story about a lady whose husband left a skeleton, literally, in discourage the invasion. This was meant to be 55BC, but very st the cupboard! She was clearing out the house prior to moving and found it reminiscent of a 21 century football match! Drill practice was hiding there. It had been used in her husband’s medical studies. She donated given to us all, complete with spears and shields and the it to Tearfund and it was auctioned off for £300! So this skeleton in the indignity of being abused by a very loud mouthed sergeant cupboard turned out to be a valuable asset to the charity. major. .. “come along you ‘orrible lot!”, followed by a barrage of bean bags launched at us by the sergeant. Lucky we had the shields! How can we help end hunger in the world in 2013? How about the story of the 27-year old who’s passionate about And now for something different……….. justice. She visited the sub-Sahara last October and came Our next meeting is being held on Thursday evening 4 th face-to-face with abject poverty. She heard about April at 7.15pm on the subject of Canoeing the Channel”, Foundations for Farming (F4F) a project started by (which channel I wonder, come along to find out.) Tearfund, and saw first hand how the project enables churches in that area to share the Gospel as it teaches All men are welcome and all our meetings start with a plate alternative farming methods that help farmers adjust to climate change. Would of Fish and Chips. There is a 'Sign-up' list on the church notice board or let you like to send someone out to such a spot to bring back first-hand knowledge Peter Robb know on 01245 250610 if you intend to come so he can book your and get life-changing experience? Could we as a church do this? meal.

1 in 8 people in the world go hungry; be part of the recipe for change. Find out Martyn Edwards – Roman soldier third class how you and your church can make a contribution to ending poverty worldwide. There’s a pack on offer called Recipe for Change which includes a short film, sermon notes and recipes from around the world. B Get yours now from www.tearfund.org/IF or phone A 0845 521 0021 There is enough food for everyone R in the world; it is just a matter of wanting to do B some thing about it! A

There’s a report on Haiti; 3 years after the earthquake that killed 300,000, D injured another 300,000 and made 2 million people homeless. £7 million has O been given by Tearfund supporters which has been used to train 1,296 S teachers, provide 9,000 loos, build 40 schools, distribute 1,026 goats, plant 75,000 trees and capture safe water supplies from 20 mountain springs. ………... 18 11 Stewards’ Jottings D of E

By the time this article is being read it will nearly be the end of March. We It has been a while since I wrote an article for D of E, so here is began the month by celebrating the Anniversary and thanks go to all who made a summary of what has been going on since before Christmas! the Saturday evening such a success – especially the band. The profit made from the Barn dance will be divided equally between the two chosen charities; The winter months have been used for planning for upcoming expeditions and SYM & Send a Cow. general training as the young people are not allowed to do expeditions between the end of October and the end of March, for safety reasons. March is also traditionally usually the time we gardeners begin to sow the seeds ready for the summer flowers and vegetables, but this year it has been so cold The December meeting was our usual “D of E Christmas Party” which included a rather wacky Christmas quiz put together by Heather and Philip and some food. and wet that I personally have delayed that task until the weather improves; as I do not want the seeds to rot in cold damp soil. The time is not right for the Four new lads from 7 th Chelmsford Boys’ Brigade joined us in September and task. have received lots of training over the weeks we have met including map work,

As we approach Easter we are reminded, that although Jesus antagonised the expedition food tasting and equipment. They are coming with us to the Peak District at Easter and will plan and then do their bronze practice expedition in authorities on many occasions, it was not until that time in the Garden of nd Gethsemane that the moment came for him to face that ultimate challenge of the weekend. The lads from 2 Chelmsford have (rather noisily!) been death on the cross and the Resurrection. That was the time he knew he had to planning their practice silver expedition which is taking place over Easter in the make that final sacrifice. Peak District. Our other silver group have been planning their actual silver expedition which was due to be done at Easter in the Peak District as well. There will be times in both our Church life and personal lives when we have to Unfortunately, one of their members has not been at all well and is unable to do make decisions. I would pray we can work together to ensure that we make the the Easter expedition, so we hope they will be able to complete it in October right decisions, at the right time, and that God guides all those decisions. instead.

Happy Easter to you all. Other news: at the November church parade, we awarded a silver award (to Hannah) and 2 bronze awards (to Anna and Lauren) and another bronze award Jenny Gowing, Senior Steward was presented to Gavin at the March church parade. Alison Smith CHRISTIAN AID WEEK Christian Aid Week this year is from 12 th to 18 th May and I would very much welcome offers to help with house-to-house collecting on the Estate during that week. You can do as little or as much as you wish, or even if you just delivered some envelopes for another person to collect, this would be very much appreciated.

Please let me know if you can help Gillian Pickett (267459)

SUNDAY, 19 th MAY 2013 PENTECOST PRAISE AND WORSHIP 3pm at Christ Church URC

Everyone is invited to come along and ….. …. celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost .

Singers and instrumentalists should contact Jane Parker (Tel: 07952610223) Hannah Anna Lauren

12 17 Clare calling………. 2nd Chelmsford Girls Brigade

We enjoyed our family weekend away which Phil and Heather This term has been shorter than most due to Easter being organise each year. It’s now been twelve years, and there were early. The girls have all been doing exciting things, with lots fifteen of us, because this year Jake brought his girlfriend. We stayed of cooking a taking place, which is always very popular! near Holt in Norfolk, in a lovely spacious warm barn conversion. The Juniors completed their GB Challenge pack this session, Unfortunately the weather outside was very cold, but didn’t stop us doing which is now been sent off for marking!! All the girls have been writing poems everything which had been planned, despite even a little snow. for a District Competition to celebrate 120 years of GB. The District are holding My favourite activities were the steam train ride from Sheringham to Holt, and a Thanksgiving Service in June, and the winner of the competition will have the treasure trail around the grounds of Felbrigg Hall, using a GPS device (the their poem read out device tells you exactly where you are, and there were clues to the various On Saturday 27 th April, we will be supplying refreshments at Liz’s table top sale. locations we needed). My team didn’t find the treasure, but little John and I Liz is running the London Marathon in aid of “Sense”, a Deaf, Blind Charity. really enjoyed finding animal faces in the bark of some of the old trees. John Proceeds from the refreshment sale will be shared between GB and Sense. won the Mister Man quiz in the evening (I wonder how!) although Jake’s Please come along a support Liz, and enjoy a chat with friends over a cup of tea girlfriend came a close second. John reckons that his best thing in the whole and a piece of cake! weekend was the bus ride from Holt station into the town; it took all of four minutes! At this time of year, we also think of the young people who will taking exams over the forthcoming weeks. Please remember them in your prayers, including When I’m displeased with something, I can sometimes get it out of my system those at Uni. by writing a letter. I’ve written three since Christmas to some effect. I bought some mini ham and leek pies, and after eating a couple of them which were There is no GB on Tuesday’s 3 rd and 10 th April due to the Easter Holidays. tasteless, I looked inside the rest and found there was hardly any filling in them – they were all puff and wind! So I wrote, received an apology and a £4 voucher. Sunshine!!! Then I complained to Knorr about the high level of salt in their stock cubes. We just wanted to share with you how important it is to The soup I made was almost too salty to eat, so in these days when we’re have 'rest' and recharge your batteries. encouraged to cut down on salt I asked if they should be thinking about cutting Our 10 days back home to Barbados, where I was born and down on the amount in the cubes. Before I had received a reply, their TV ads still have cousins and friends there, was a wonderful rest. started to offer a low salt alternative cube. Could this be due to my letter? Had We chose to attend the 9am (rather than 0630) Sunday they had other complaints? I haven’t seen them on the shelves yet! They service with communion at James Street Methodist church in Bridgetown. There finally contacted me with some further questions, and enclosing a £3 voucher. were about 250 there and the service lasted over 2 hours. We were married Lastly I wrote to Persil. I couldn’t detach the plastic measure top from the there in 2002 and I was christened there. I also attended Sunday school when I washing liquid lid and nor could Colin. I suggested one lid which also served as was young until our move to England in 1972. Later we had a family meal at the a measure would save on resources and hopefully might help people with Atlantis hotel on the east coast serving bajan buffet. The east coast is on the arthritic fingers. They apologised, saying they take all complaints seriously and Atlantic side of the island; it is breezy and the sea is rough with big rollers but would I accept £4’s worth of vouchers. Really, I don’t do this to see how much we love to spend time there when we can. The west coast is calm and I can get back – I just want them to sort out the problems! upmarket; celebrities tend to have their holiday there. We stay on the south coast which is the best of both and have attached some other photos of the Colin is still working in London a few days every month. As the trains are only places we visited and beaches we relaxed on. Did you know that Nelson's one an hour he always makes sure he leaves in good time, and usually gets to column was in Barbados before the one in London. Also there is still Woolworth the station much too early. He doesn’t mind though, as he takes a book and in the capital! Hope you enjoy the photos (on page 11) and imagine the sits in the warm waiting room with the station cat for company! I do miss my constant temperature of 29 degrees and sunshine ! Sherri-Lynn & Gary Tofts Arnie. I’d love to have another cat! Anne 16 13 Spring is in the air ………… and the outpouring of the Spirit starts in Romans 5 and ends in 15: A friend sent me a picture of his garden, which "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peac e as you trust in him, so that had been covered in snow for weeks. When it you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" (15:13). began to melt, he imagined that everything underneath would be bleak but was surprised to The sturdy snowdrops remind us of the durability of God's promises. The see that flowers had continued to grow. The rhythm of life is in his hands. Winter seasons do end every year. Bareness really snowdrops were the first to raise their heads. is not the last stage. So today, bloom where you are planted. In this season of austerity and insecurity, collectively we can signify hope, a reflection in the A columnist in the Independent waxed lyrical world that God takes care indeed. about why these flawless little flowers give such joy: "I've long thought about this, and I don't think it is simply their pure beauty, affecting though that is. It's "See! The winter is past; the rains are over to do with their timing, appearing as they do when the earth is still under the and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the lock and key of winter. They're the very first sign of something else, the season of singing has come", reflects Solomon Candlemas bells, an undeniable signal that the warm days will come again; and in the Song of Songs (2:11). White snowdrops I'm sure they fill me with elation because what I am looking at, against the dead appeared yesterday; colourful crocuses today; tones of the winter earth, is Hope, suddenly and unmistakably manifest in bright daffodils tomorrow, followed by an white." array of pastel blossoms, fragrance and fruit.

Hope; we can't live without it. It is a staying power in the midst of the harshest May spring burst forth in our life; followed by an invincible summer in our world. and bleakest of winters. It sustains us in seasons when life's pressures weigh heavily. Marijke Hoek, Forum for Change coordinator (EA)

Jesus points to the flowers when teaching his disciples not to be anxious about The Methodist Church welcomes the new Pope their own economic security but to seek God's kingdom and righteousness first: "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They In response to the election of Pope Francis I, Mark Wakelin and do not labour or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour Michael King (President and Vice President of the Methodist was dressed like one of these. If that is how God c lothes the grass of the field, Conference) issued this statement: which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more “We welcome Pope Francis’ election, and offer our prayers for his papacy. clothe you, O you of little faith?" (Matthew 6:28-34). Just look at the flowers. Methodist people cherish their place in the Their beauty and growth reflect a deep truth. The realisation that God has worldwide Church, and the election of a Pope already taken care can bring this inner transformation from anxiety to trust. from outside Europe reminds us of our global "In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me an invincible summer", mission. We look forward to our continuing joint wrote the philosopher Albert Camus. But that invincibility is only within us work with our Roman Catholic sisters and because it's been given. The apostle Paul reflects most elaborately on the role of brothers wherever possible. We pray that all the Spirit in life in Romans 8: "The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the church leaders listen to the voices of the poor mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace… And if the Spirit of him who and the oppressed, and speak out for justice, as raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead we share God’s love.” will also give life to your mortal bodies because o f his Spirit who lives in you" (8:6-11). Themes for 0930 services at MLMC during April Divine life given to us. We've received the first fruit and are sustained in hope in April 7 th John 20:19-31 Thomas waiting for that what we do not yet have. God's power poured out into our April 21 st John 10:22-30 Challenge to follow Jesus (SYM to take part) weakness (8:23-27). The integral link between the enduring hope ……………. April 28 th John 13:31-35 A new Commandment

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