Alan Schofield
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Who Are We? OTLEY PARISH CHURCH – the oldest building in Otley – is at the heart of our town and, for over 1,000 years, people have been gathering here for worship and significant family and community events. There is a place for everyone, with Christ at the centre of it all. We are a gathering place for pilgrims on a journey of discovery, kindling hope as we go, helping one another to be more fully alive to the wonders, joys and sorrows of life. We’d love you to share the journey with us. We want to grow in numbers, in spiritual commitment to Christ and in service to our local community. Join us in worshipping God together on Sundays and in daily life; be with us as we study and discern how to use the Bible in the 21st century; learn with us what it is to be 21st century disciples following Jesus and help us, with the other Churches in the town, to bring good news to Otley and far beyond. The contents left blank until layout fin C O N T E N T S Our Curate In the Hot Our Church writes the Seat with ex- has won an 01 “Vicar’s” 03 coal miner, 07 eco-award, letter this Alan but could we month which Schofield have is all about achieved prayer more? Local to Lessons from Christian Global has a sheepdog! humour – 09 reached its 11 12 mistakes fundraising made by target – and children in a more! Bible knowledge test The Heritage Sarah A very Tour – ‘We Buckley special 15 will 19 writes about 21 birthday treat remember fundraising for a lady them’ for a from children’s California cancer charity OTLEY PARISH CHURCH Kirkgate Otley West Yorkshire LS21 3HW Vicar: The Reverend Graham Buttanshaw Registered Charity Number 1153498 JIMMY Dear Friends, Why do Christian’s pray? This is a question that you may not have ever considered. Often Christian discussion about prayer is focused on how we pray, or when to pray, what words to use or what happens when prayer doesn’t work. We worry about whether our prayers sound ‘professional’ enough and a huge amount of emotional energy is consumed in the fears around praying aloud. But I want to ask a more basic question – why do Christians pray at all? Every morning at 7am Hannah and I chat on the phone. She is commuting to her office in London, I’m getting out of bed in Otley. The conversations we have at this time every morning are never important; we don’t talk about significant things or make grandiose plans. We check in which each other, find out how the other slept and give a brief update on the day ahead. But as I reflect on our relationship I think it is those 7am chats which form the foundation of everything else we do. Particularly in a long-distance relationship, knowing that you are in some sense connected with the other person is crucial. I’m sure if you think about your relationship with your spouse or best friend you can resonate with what I’m saying – the foundation is built on little, regular, communication moments which let you know that they are there. 1 On November 25th we are hosting a Prayer Day in Church for Otley. We have deliberately chosen this weekend because it is the last weekend before Advent. In Advent we prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us. And this helps to answer the question “Why Do Christian’s Pray?” Because, prayer is our way of connecting to “God with us”. This is central to the understanding of the coming of Jesus. God communicates, connects and engages with his people. Like any good relationship the foundation has to be built on regular communication. Christians have always prayed to develop and build that relationship. So, I would encourage you to join us at the Prayer Day and start Advent by praying, because God is with us. More about Otley Prayer Day Please bring your own lunch if you want to stay on, or there are nearby eateries if you prefer The Church is near the bus station and town car parks Contacts: John Simkins [email protected] Otley Parish Church Office Email: [email protected] 01943 465927 otleyparishchurch.org/prayerday2017 Curate: Jimmy Lawrence 2 n In the HOT seat… Alan Schofield Hello Alan, We know you’ve been coming to Otley Parish Church for a few years. Some of us know you quite well; others of us may know you by sight but not know your name. We’d all love to know a little more about you, so hope you won’t mind answering a few questions about yourself. Thank you! Q. When were you born and where did you grow up? A. I was born in Leeds on 18th July 1940 and grew up on Burley Road not far from ITV Yorkshire studios. Q. Where did you go to school and college? A. I went to Burley Road school until I was 11-years-old and then to Kirkstall Road school until I was 15. Q. When did you become a Christian? A. I became a Christian after going to hear Dr Billy Graham, the American Evangelist, in Glasgow. I went with St George’s Church, Leeds, in 1955. Q. How and when did you meet your wife Jean and how long have you been together? A. I met Jean at a dance at Armley Baths when I was 18-years-old. We were married at St Bartholomew’s Church, Armley, in 1963. We have been married for 54 years. 3 Q. How many children do you have? What are their names and ages? A. We have 2 children – a daughter, Beverley, who is 52, and a son, Martin, who is 47. We have 4 grandchildren. Q. Do you have brothers and sisters? A. I have 1 sister. She is 72 and lives in Armley. Q. What occupations have you had over the years? A. My father was a coal miner and I followed him down the mine at the age of 15. My first job was a pony driver at Savile Colliery in Methley, Leeds. When I was 18 I worked at the coal face as a hewer. Several years later when I was 25 I went to the Whitwood Mining and Technical College in Castleford to obtain my Deputy Certificate which enabled me to use explosives and take charge of a section of the mine. After being in the mines for 25 years I then ran my own greengrocery and wet fish shop for several years. Then, we moved to Eastbourne where I worked in construction until my retirement in 1999 at the age of 59. Q. Why did you choose to live in Otley? A. When I retired from work we moved to Adel. Then, after 10 years we came to Otley because it has everything we need on our doorstep. We also have family living nearby. Q. Do you have a favourite verse of Scripture? A. My favourite verse is John 3:16 – “God loved the world so much he gave his only son that everyone who has faith in him may not die but have eternal life”. Q. Do you have a favourite Christian hymn or song? A. Yes, it’s the hymn, “Make me a channel of your peace. Where there is hatred let me bring your love. Where there is injury, your pardon Lord. And where there’s doubt, true faith in you”. Q. Do you like classical music – or any kind of music? A. Sorry, classical music is not for me! I do though like listening to brass bands, choirs – and Abba! 4 Q. Do you play a musical instrument? A. No! Q. A book you really enjoyed reading? A. I have just finished reading “Daughter of the Dales” by Hannah Hauxwell. That’s what I call a hard life. Q. Do you have a favourite part of Yorkshire? A. My favourite part is Malham and the Tarn. Q. Do you have a hobby or something you enjoy doing to relax? A. I like reading a morning newspaper – The Daily Mail, walking and playing bowls. I also enjoy badminton but haven’t played for a few years. Q. Is there somewhere you’d like to go on holiday where you’ve never been before, regardless of expense? A. I would like to visit New Zealand. Q. What would be your favourite meal – 2 or even 3 courses? A. Roast beef, Yorkshire Pudding with all the trimmings. Also, a glass of red wine. For pudding, it’s apple pie and custard. Q. If you were to spend a whole year on your own on a desert island which one luxury would you take with you? A. I would love to take three luxury items – a Bible, a radio and Thorntons Toffee. However, as you’ll only let me take one (!), I’ll take lots of bags of Thorntons Toffee. Q. A curious observation, Alan! Some of us notice that you and Jean come regularly to Church every Sunday for weeks on end and then, suddenly, you both disappear for more weeks on end! Why? Where do you go? A. We often go to southern Spain for about 3 months during the winter period to get away from the cold weather and enjoy some sunshine. When we’re there we go to St Andrew’s Church in Benalmadena. Q. Which one word best describes your life right now? A.