Stranton and Burbank Community Church SIGNPOST

Rooted in God’s love Growing together with Jesus Branching out in the power of the Holy Spirit

40p June 2016

ALL SAINTS CHURCH, STRANTON CHURCH SERVICES

Sunday 8.30am. Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer)

10.30am. Service (with children’s groups for 3-14s)

1st Sunday of the month will be Holy Communion 2nd Sunday of the month will be Morning Worship 3rd Sunday of the month will be Holy Communion 4th Sunday of the month will be Lighthouse Service

11.00am. Morning Worship at Burbank Community Church, at Ward Jackson School.

7.30pm Youth Fellowship (14 years +)

On the Third Sunday of each month, Messy Church takes place at St Matthew’s Community Centre at 4.00pm. This is a time for parents/ carers and children to have fun together, doing crafts and various activities, based on a bible theme.

Occasionally, (2 or 3 times a year) the congregations at Stranton and Burbank all come together for the 10.30am service, and this is followed by a bring and share meal.

Wednesday Morning 10.00am. Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer) at St Matthew’s Community Centre.

Please note that the next Messy Church will be on 19th June and will continue to take place on the Third Sunday of each Month

2 Acts Over the forthcoming few weeks we will be reading and studying the Acts of the Apostles. If you don’t know it very well, it is the fifth book in the New Testament and it should be regarded as the second part of a two volume account of the life of Jesus and the early Church that was written by the doctor, Luke. If you are a little familiar with it, you will know that it starts with Jesus’ ascension and the day when the Holy Spirit came in power to the first community of believers in Jesus, raised from the dead – and the seeds of God’s new regime were blown all over the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond (these are remembered in Ascensiontide and Pentecost, which we celebrated in May). Then an influential Jew called Saul, who had been on a mission to persecute Christians because he believed they were heretics, encountered Jesus – he was struck down and blinded – and turned around to become Paul, the great advocate of the Jesus Movement, strategist, theologian and planter of churches. In the middle of Acts the Council of Jerusalem debated and resolved the first issue which was seriously to divide the Church, whether the new movement was for the renewal only of God’s people the Jews, or for the whole of humanity. Thankfully, Paul got his way. The remainder of Acts is mainly stories of his travels and adventures, taking him ultimately to the centre of Empire in Rome.

Sometimes called the Gospel of the Holy Spirit, Acts conveys the power of God in every page through miracles, testimonies and triumphs over adversity. It is a complex narrative, not a neat piece of fiction; about real life, not ideals. The Jerusalem Church began with the supernatural, world-shaking event of Pentecost, the believers selling all their possessions, having everything in common, worshipping God together and breaking bread every day. But within a generation it was destitute and Paul was arranging collections for it in Asia Minor and Macedonia. The disciples were lynched, stoned, flogged and imprisoned, not just once, but repeatedly. We know that Paul was eventually executed by the Emperor Nero in the 60s AD. Throughout Acts, though, is the miraculous thread of God’s involvement in human lives and communities and the hope of proclaiming and participating in the eternal Kingdom of Jesus, crucified and risen from the dead.

As you read Acts, reflect not just on God’s story in the lives of the first followers of Jesus; but reflect also on God’s story in your life, the times when he has touched you with his power and his love – even turned you round - as well as the times when you have experienced difficulties, weakness and opposition. Reflect on the reality of God’s plans for the whole of humankind and the part that he has dignified you with by your involvement. Andrew

3 From the Home Front

On a foggy Saturday afternoon we went to see the recently released film of the life of Florence Foster Jenkins. It was based on the true story of this eccentric and wealthy American lady. She had been a child prodigy, playing piano for the President when only 8 years old. After graduating from high school, she wanted to go abroad to study music, but her wealthy father refused to pay and wanted her to give up music. However Florence retaliated and eloped with Dr. Frank Thornton Jenkins and they moved to Philadelphia. Shortly after their marriage, Jenkins contracted syphilis from her husband and Dr. Jenkins disappeared from her life and it is not known whether they divorced or separated. She earned a living in Philadelphia as a piano teacher, but after suffering an arm injury, she had no means to support herself and lived in near poverty. Her mother came to her rescue and she moved to New York around 1900. It was then that she decided to become a singer. In 1909, she met a British Shakespearean actor named St. Clair Bayfield, who became her manager. They lived together in a "common law" relationship for the rest of her life. After the death of her parents Florence inherited enough money to restart her career in music. She took voice lessons and became involved in the musical social circles of New York City, where she founded and funded her own club, The Verdi Club. Poor Florence had little sense of pitch or rhythm, and couldn’t hold a note. Her accompanist, Cosmé McMoon, made adjustments to compensate for her variations and mistakes. Unfortunately, there was nothing McMoon could do to conceal the inaccuracy of her intonation: the notes she sang were consistently flat and their pitch deviated from the music. Also she could not pronounce words in other languages! It was likely that many of her difficulties were due to the effects of syphilis, which caused progressive deterioration of her central nervous system, made worse by side 4 effects from poisonous mercury and arsenic treatments. She was firmly convinced of her talent throughout her life and dismissed the audience laughter during her performances as "hoodlums ... planted by her rivals." She was aware of her detractors, but never let them stand in her way: "People may say I can't sing," she said, "but no one can ever say I didn't sing. Florence usually performed to invited audiences only. But in 1944 she hired the Carnegie Hall, at her own expense, in order to entertain the troops, giving them free tickets. Since this was her first "public" appearance, newspaper critics could not be prevented from attending. Their scathing, sarcastic reviews devastated Florence. Two days after the Carnegie Hall concert, she suffered a heart attack. She died a month later, on November 26, 1944, at the age of 76.

It seemed that this lady was deluded and indulging herself - but it spoke to me on several different levels.

Florence had a gift and used it to try to educate and entertain others. She was true to her dreams and didn’t let criticism deter her or change her set course. Florence never gave in to her illness – she insisted on following her decided action regardless of how she was healthwise. She was filled with compassion - when she heard of the injured members of the armed forces and their needs, she spared no personal expense in order to entertain and cheer them in the best concert hall possible. She was supported by people who cared for and about her, who protected her from unkindness, because they saw the ‘good’ in her. I felt there was more to this lifestory than just a tragic-comedy tale… If you get the opportunity, watch and see how it speaks to you. J.A.R.

5 An unexpected ministry – asylum seekers, baptisms and care

On Sunday 10th April we had a tremendous celebration when 4 adults Azam, Bob, Niloufar and Negar were baptised by full immersion. In many ways this event had started 4 months before on the Sunday before Christmas when we first welcomed Azam and her family to Stranton church. It soon became clear that Azam followed by her two daughters had converted in Iran and that they were seeking asylum because their lives were in danger. As committed Christians they were drawn to our fellowship and indeed several members of the fellowship were drawn to them.

The actual baptism was really encouraging. We welcomed several other Farsi speakers from Hartlepool and further afield. Parts of the service were translated into Farsi to make our guests welcome. Around that time we welcomed a number of other Iranian families, who are also seeking asylum on the basis of conversion to Christianity. Another baptism is now planned for June when as many as 6 Iranians hope to be baptised. We all rejoice that Azam, Nilou and Negar have been granted asylum and are now refugees. They have chosen to stay in Hartlepool and will now need our ongoing support as they settle, learn English and work out the best way forward in terms of jobs and education. My impression is that God is at work amongst us and we are called to join in.

I have learnt a great deal from all that has happened in these last few months. The process for seeking asylum is tough. It requires good legal advice and significant emotional support. Thank you to all those who have helped with this, small acts of generosity and service really do make a difference. Most of the folk that come here are unable to speak English. Some English classes are offered once you are a refugee, but really the provision is very limited at the beginning. We are seeking to help where we can. Equally it’s much better if those who are worshipping are able to understand what is going on, preferably through simultaneous translation. We are therefore purchasing a set of 15 units to allow this to happen. Initially this will be covered by an interest free loan and we will seek external funding if we can. There is a Farsi service in Stockton on Thursdays, 5-7pm. I hope to help our friends attend this service fortnightly to encourage them in their faith. As we go forward in this let’s ask God for his guidance and seek to keep in step with his Spirit. Norman

6 The Generous Giving Project Part 1. Generous Disciples

Welcome to the first in a series of articles focusing on an important aspect of being Disciples of Christ; giving generously. But before we get on to that, we need to know what Discipleship is. You may not have known you were a ‘disciple’ until now. The word means ‘learner’ and we use it to describe those who want to grow in Christ, and in doing so, model and teach other Christians about lots of things including the Bible, prayer, doctrine (what Christians believe), relationships, Christian living, service, and worship. You might think that you’re not cut out for the job and your knowledge of the Christian faith is shaky. Don’t worry. God called you as you are and uses your skills, even ones you didn’t know you had. Every time you pray or you tell a friend that you’re going to church or you explain to a workmate what Lent is all about, you’re being a Disciple. Discipleship is about how we live a distinctly Christian way. It’s about action. God calls us to respond, and when we do, we are being Disciples.

Following the teachings of Jesus, and trying as best we can to live like He did, makes us stand out from the crowd for good reasons, in all sorts of ways. When we live as Disciples, our lives are so much richer because we know we are loved deeply and unconditionally, no matter how many mistakes we make along the way. We know we are never alone; we face the world safe in the knowledge that God is with us now and always will be. As Disciples, when we are troubled or scared we can pray and feel a sense of peace from the connection we have with our Father. As Disciples, when we worship together we join in celebrating and praising the wonder of our Creator.

As Disciples, we are incredibly blessed because we have a very generous God whose generosity knows no bounds. We love God because He first loved us, and we give because God first gave to us “immeasurably more than all we could ask or imagine” (Eph 3:20). Our whole lives are a response to a loving, generous God, who gives freely and without measure to the whole world. When we immerse ourselves in the character of God, we come to realise that all that we are, and all that we have, comes from God’s generosity. This concept can be quite surprising and challenging for some of us. We will look at this in more detail in the series.

7 The well-known Bible verse from John’s Gospel beautifully and simply sums this up:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,” (John 3:16) John shows us that the Biblical concepts of “love” and “gift” are inseparable. In fact it is impossible to understand one without the other. Therefore, because God’s love is gifted love, our love must be expressed through giving back as well.

God gave Jesus to the world that through him we might have eternal life and to have eternal life is to know God in a way that without Jesus it would not be possible. So, as we think about who God is and about His character, the call to be like our heavenly Father challenges us to emulate his generosity. Such love knows no boundaries and will challenge us as much as it will challenge and bless those around us.

Over this series of articles about Generous Giving we will learn about this key part of our faith and how we respond to God’s call. We will look at ways we can change our lives to reflect God’s love, and in doing so, change the lives of others. It doesn’t matter how long we have been Christians or where we are in our relationship with God. It doesn’t matter if we already knew we were Disciples or if we learned that for the first time today. Being nearer God and trying to understand Him is something we all ultimately seek. Giving Generously is a central part of that and when we feel ready to take this step and rethink how we do this, we are changed. It is a beautiful thing. We will see our own lives transformed, our parishes and communities transformed and this special corner of God’s Kingdom in the North East of England transformed.

Let’s pray about this transformation and the exciting opportunities that are just around the corner.

8 Part 2. Don’t Mention The ‘M’ word

By Edward McGowan I feel I can speak with confidence about how much people hate talking about money because I’m in that boat too.

A few weeks ago I had a leak in the bathroom. After the plumber had finished, he showed me what he’d done and we walked downstairs.

Then came the inevitable and extremely awkward bit. Stalling for time, I asked if he wanted another cup of tea. He had his tool bag in his hands and was ready for home, but thankfully he said yes. We talked and talked. Ten minutes passed. I hoped my husband would come home soon so he could deal with the situation. He didn’t. It was up to me. Conversation had run dry and he said ‘Right’ as he stood up, which of course means ‘I’m off’. So I had to do it. We had to talk about money. It seemed vulgar and rude, but he had to be paid for his work. I didn’t want to use the ‘m’ word, so I opted for ‘So… what’ll it be?’ and I made a smiley face and raised my eyebrows which I hoped would hide my embarrassment, but it probably didn’t. He told me the amount, and I paid him, and it was all over. Phew.

We don’t have a problem with paying for things in Britain. But we do have a problem with talking about it.

When I was in the Army and working in Afghanistan, I learned that when people introduced themselves, one of the first questions a stranger will be asked after ‘what do you do?’ is ‘what do you earn?’

In Afghanistan it is a perfectly legitimate question, and no-one feels shy about it. It’s like asking someone their height. Here in Britain we don’t discuss our income with our friends and often not even with our family.

We can feel awkward about money in church too. I’ve felt really embarrassed in churches before. Once I visited a church for the first time and the collection plate was at the back, and I missed it altogether. I’d given nothing! Another time I was at Salisbury Cathedral and had given all the money I was carrying during the offertory. After the service, when I was at the front of the queue to get coffee, I realised that I couldn’t contribute, so I left the queue empty handed because I couldn’t bear not contributing (or having to explain myself). 9

These examples are silly but true. I’ve since been told that the church is a place of grace and love and no-one would have judged me at all. This is true. The problem didn’t lie with other people. It was all my own embarrassment about money.

Why is it embarrassing? Some people don’t like talking about money because they don’t have much of it. Other people don’t like talking about money because they have too much of it. Whatever the reason, there’s something within us that makes the topic of money something we want to avoid at all costs.

The thing is, if we are going to respond to God’s love by giving, which is what we are called to do, then we have to face it. We have to talk about money. Why? Well contributing money (however much) to our church funds helps our parish church to continue its work. We give money to our church because God loves us and we want to share that message of love with our neighbour. It seems simple enough, but the act of handing over money or talking about handing over money or even thinking about having to talk about handing over money…. Makes us pretty uncomfortable.

Jesus spoke about money 33 times in the gospels. Maybe we could learn something from that. If we’re going to make a change, if we’re going to see our churches and communities transformed by God’s love and generosity then we have to say it: MONEY MONEY MONEY.

Imagine if we could embrace conversations about money. I wonder how it would make our vicars feel when preaching about money if they knew we weren't squirming in our seats. I'd love to see the look on your vicar's face if, next time you saw them, you told them you're ready to talk about money…

Next time you walk into church, look around and feel blessed that it exists for you and your community because of the money (donations big or small) you and generations before you have given. Next time you are praying, pray for the people in your Parish, that they may feel peace when talking about money, and to those whose lives are a struggle because they feel they don’t have enough, or they are embarrassed about having too much. Rachael Phillips Generous Giving Project Office

10 I n t e r v i e w I n t h e p e w This month we say a warm hello to... Jill Barrett

I’ll be 59 in July and I don’t really have a set place to sit in church. I also participate in the work of Bubbles children group for pre- schoolers, so you can often find me in the choir vestry. I have always been aware of Christ’s presence – ever since school assemblies in my primary school.

When I had my own children baptised, faith became more important to me. I was confirmed in the 1980s in Stranton.

I am a nurse. I was a manager of a rehabilitation day unit for many years in Hartlepool. I still work as a nurse and I also volunteer my skills when I do my work in Africa. I feel blessed that I can use these skills in the wider world of the church family – and this would be impossible to do without my faith.

I grew up in Hartlepool – I’ve always lived here.

I used to be a Pastoral Assistant and I still feel a call to do that again.

I worked in the Sunday School when it used to be in St Matthew’s Hall at the time when the children would be dropped off there before the service!

I ran a Puppet Group too for the children at church along with Carsten.

My two favourite films are The Bodyguard, as it really shows protection, and Chocolat by Joanne Harris – it’s about the opening of a chocolatier by a young woman during Lent and how this didn’t go along with the teachings of the church, but how through her service in the shop, the work of the Spirit was actually enlivened. I have run a workshop on the themes and theological implications of this film – I’d love to run it again here at Stranton…

I collect jars and bottles - because I love to make jams and sloe gin! My favourite Bible passage is from John 14:2 “In my Father’s house are many rooms” – I love the feeling that there’s a place for everyone in Heaven and on earth.

The Communion is my favourite part of the service – the gathering around the table as a family – the continuity of that message is what I like.

Be Thou My Vision is my favourite hymn because it is like a prayer to me. And also the beautiful words from “I Hear the Sound of Rustling” by Ronnie Wilson in verse two – My tongue will be the pen of the ready writer, and what the Father gives to me I’ll sing.

I am a listener. People see me as a trusted person who responds to needs.

At the moment I’ve been given the opportunity to do voluntary work in Africa. This is a true privilege. I want to thank the church for their ongoing support and encouragement for this work I’ve been doing for the last few years.

I’m off to Africa for the fourth time in June! I’ll look forward to telling everyone about it when I get back at the end of August!!

Let’s be thankful for Jill for her interview and value her in our lives and prayer life… 11 LINENS Fabric and Design

Adam Barton Dress, bridal and dance Joiner & Carpenter fabrics Rhinestones, machines and haberdashery.

Help and advice with your Time served joiner, sewing projects. Shop in Maintenance work carried out, store, telephone or on line. Internal replacement doors a speciality

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Tel: 01429 221784 Fax: 01429 281609 Mobile 07850 925183

Member of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors

12 Hartlepool & District Hospice

Provides free palliative care for patients. Offers of voluntary help are always welcome , as are donations. Please contact us at:

Alice House Wells Avenue Hartlepool. TS24 9DA Tel: 01429 855555

Stranton Business Centre

Colin B Griffiths, FBII 49 Stockton Road Hartlepool TS25 1TX

Telephone: 01429 280444 Mobile: 07932333779 Email: [email protected] www.strantonbusiness.co.uk

Joanna’s Poochies K. W. Monkman Paradise Building Services 147 Elwick Road

Hartlepool Joinery, Glazing,Property TS26 9BW Repairs & Building Work

Pet Shop & Reg. Office: Dog Grooming 104 Elizabeth Way Seaton Carew Telephone: 01429 270056 Hartlepool 01429 277385

13 BRABINER CARPETS

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LET US HELP YOU GET THROUGH YOUR LOSS John Harrington We’ll guide and assist you through all the funeral arrangements. BRICKWORK AND BUILDING Call us 24 hours a day. New Builds, Alterations MASON & GERALD MARTIN & Extensions FUNERAL DIRECTORS 01429 862021 Tel: 01429 420019 Mobile: 07960381258 129 Park Road, Hartlepool. TS26 9HT Free Estimates

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28 Victoria Road, Hartlepool Tel: 01429 275551

14 Service of Institution of Rev Dr Norman Shave as Vicar of the Benefice of All Saints Stranton 8th May 2016

Bishop Mark, Archdeacon Ian Jagger and Andrew Dunlop representing the Principal of St John’s College, our Patron, led the legal and official installation of Norman at a special service at 9.30am, which had members from all the services congregations and Burbank Church. Norman was required to make declarations and oaths to the Queen, the Bishop, to adhere to the Articles of Faith and the canon laws and liturgy.

During the service Bishop Mark reminded Norman of his role to ‘receive the cure of souls’ in the parish. The Church Wardens took Norman to the door where he was given the keys. Norman rang the bell to let the people know that he had accepted his pastoral care of all who live in the parish.

The communion service which followed, had representatives of the parish and many of the staff from Ward Jackson Primary. Norman interviewed Pam Stockton representing Pastoral Assistants and the Prayer Group; Peter Anderson as new Church Warden and Messy Church helper and Jan Brough, the Head of Ward Jackson, about the role of the church and its representatives in the school and what the

Stranton connection means to the children.15 Afterwards many stayed to join in a delicious shared lunch with fellowship – and lovely cakes!!

It was a wonderful occasion affirming and confirming Norman with the full authority of his appointment as Vicar here in Stranton in his role as our leader, our teacher, our preacher and our pastor. We thank God for all that he – and Julie – have brought to us here. We look forward to his ongoing ministry and the growth of those coming to salvation through our mission and example in Stranton and Hartlepool. J.A.R.

Ward Jackson Church of England Primary School Summer Fair

Saturday 25th June 2016

10:00 to 12:00

Adults 50p Children 25p

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The Mystery of the Missing Colour

Recently, a clean-up in the Church unearthed an old Boys Brigade Colour showing the Company as the 4th West Hartlepool and also that it was based in St Matthew’s Church - now Community Centre.

This original colour was replaced in 1972 at a cost of £250.00. However, I am still convinced that this replacement colour is still lost, as we replaced the 1972 version last year. So if you are involved in any other cleaning duties at Stranton or St Matthew’s please keep an eye out for another Boys Brigade Colour.

Future Events: We are holding our Summer Fayre on June 25th and we are collecting bric-a-brac for this.

Our camp is at the Fanwood Scout Centre, South Yorkshire from 25th – 29th July.

We still have room for recruits in all sections

George Bainbridge 263149

17 Kilimatinde Trust

In June Jill Barrett is flying out to Tanzania to work with The Kilamatide Trust. Jill will continue to work on the hospital development plan ensuring the quality of medical care. She will also look to encourage small projects that make the hospital sustainable and self-supporting. In May we gave the Kilimatinde Trust £1500 from our missionary giving budget. This money will be shared between the school and the hospital. Firstly it will go to repair Grace and Festo’s bungalow roof, thus supporting the work of the school. Jill will also have some funds to use at her discretion, investing in small projects that will benefit the hospital. We can only give this money because of your generosity, thank you for your continued support. Please do hold Jill in your prayers while she is away.

YFC Gap Year Project

At the open PCC meeting on 16th May we agreed to continue to work in partnership with Tees Valley Youth for Christ, specifically we look to support two volunteers over the coming year. At the PCC we heard a great deal about the work of the team in schools, how Troy and Ruthie helped with the young people’s residential weekend and how they support our ongoing youth and children’s work by supporting several groups such as Bridge Builders, Matts Mates and Be Free. We also heard from those who host the volunteers and thought about alternatives to this scheme. Some concerns were raised about continuity and the stop - start nature of working with folk who are only here for a year. Following our discussion we will also be asking the team to consider some specific mission projects linked with our work, such as an ‘experience Christmas’ event or perhaps something in Ward Jackson school. Please do pray for the new team as it is formed in September and look to support them where you can. Also look out for Ruthie who will be returning to the States in the summer and Troy who began in January so will a key member of the team in the autumn.

Norman

18 Placement at St Aidan’s Church Hartlepool My first week was to sit in the congregation and observe and experience the service. My second week was to see behind the scenes and all the different aspects to the service. Putting on the vestments was my first important teaching point! Father Leon showed me all his robes and all the different sorts. Amice, Alb, Girdle (Cincture) Stole, Chasuble (Weekly) Cope and Humeral Veil (Lent) I didn’t know there were variations, so many different types and styles. In preparation before the service starts the minister first washed his hands. Then each piece of clothing was put on with prayer. As the minister showed this to me, I was moved by the process. He became quieter and I felt it was a sacred moment. The minister was preparing himself spiritually to do God’s work. I wore an Alb (white robe) the following week. I used the prayer to get myself ready. It felt special and did prepare me. The minister said “No one would have known you had never worn an Alb before, in fact you looked like a monk walking around the church!!” The following weeks I started to be shown how to use the different vessels. My first job and was to carry the incense into church. Then the flowing week I carried the crucifix, after this the candle. I also learnt how to be a server this meant passing all the 10 different vessels used in communion. I have to admit at the beginning I got it a little wrong. I picked up both the cruets and turned to the minister. I had not taken the stoppers off the bottles and I was holding the handles! I didn’t make that mistake again! I have enjoyed being on placement at St Aidan’s. It has been an eye opening time and adds lots of experiences to this journey of faith and discovery that I am on. I would like to add, even though St Aidan’s is very different in its style of worship. I still found God to be there both within the service and within the people. I do appreciate all the different people around me who have increased their own work load to support and help carry me through this period. I am now back at Burbank Community Church. Update on ordination process- I have had an interview with Bishop Mark and a further three more interviews at the Local Panel. They have decided that they do not want to put me through to National Panel. I will have a meeting in a few weeks to discern what is next for me. Thank you for all your prayers and support.

Clive Hall 19

HMS Lion in the heat of battle

Stranton and the Battle of Jutland In 1916 Strantonians who served in WW1 took part in two of the major battles of the Great War – Jutland and The Somme. (More in July, August and September Signposts).

William Muir, was a miner, before serving in the Royal Navy on HMS Lion as a stoker - the person who shovelled coal into the ships’ boilers or did engineering duties.

He was wounded in the Battle of Jutland (May 31st and June 2nd) and died of wounds on June 3rd 1916.

St Matthew’s Community Centre Stranton’s Centre Your Centre

We would like to thank everyone who has donated paving stones for the Centre- these are now laid at the back of the small hall near the patio area. We are still collecting paving stones – so if you have any spare please contact me.

The next plan is to look at the lighting in the small hall, hopefully it will be brighter and more energy efficient.

George Bainbridge 263149 on behalf of St Matthew’s Community Centre Committee

20 A Tale of Two Teams Our Christian mission and witness cannot be confined to particular things we say or do; instead, they embrace the whole of our lives, the way we live, serve, interact, and speak. At the same time, it can be helpful to have special times when we focus our attention on witnessing to God’s love in Jesus and reaching out to those who don’t yet know this. Over the next year there are two long weekends when teams of people will join us to help put on events to which we can invite friends to hear more about Christian faith. Here’s a little bit of information about them.

Back to Church with a team from Wycliffe Hall, 16th –18th September 2016 Wycliffe Hall is a training college for Anglican clergy, based in Oxford (like Cranmer Hall in Durham). We will have a small team of 3-5 people coming to Stranton church & parish, and we hope to put on events such as a men’s breakfast (on “Stress”!), a women’s event, a “Big Questions” event dealing with one of the major objections to Christian faith. We will also be inviting people widely to our Sunday services, which will be especially newcomer-friendly, as part of the nationwide “Back to Church Sunday” initiative.

Talking Jesus with a visiting bishop and team, 2nd–5th March 2017 All of the Northern bishops are visiting each of their dioceses in turn to help lead a mission. It’s Durham’s turn in March 2017, and a bishop and team will be in Hartlepool, involved in events across the town organized by all the Anglican churches. There will be schools work and Sunday services, but also lots of scope for other events – in pubs, cafes, homes, shops, on the streets. It’s called Talking Jesus because it does what it says on the tin: get people talking about Jesus!

How can you get involved? Four simple things we need you to do. 1) PRAY! Prayer is essential; without it, we’ll be working in our own strength and not God’s. 2) HOST! The teams will need accommodation for 2–3 nights, and possibly also meals on separate occasions. 3) PLAN! Use your imagination – what event would your friends love to come to? What could you see yourself involved in? What contacts do you have that might come in handy? 4) ASK! Invite your friends, family, neighbours, colleagues – if every Christian in Hartlepool brought one friend to one event, that would mean hundreds hearing about Jesus. If you would like to be involved in planning/helping with either weekend, please get in touch with Nick.

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Ward Jackson Church of England Primary School Nursery places available for 3/4 year old children

A small, friendly school with a nurturing environment Rated ‘good’ by Ofsted Caring Christian Ethos where Every Child Matters Good links with parents

Tel: 01429 293777 www.wardjackson.net

WE NEED YOUR HELP Appeal to ALL those who Cook and Bake Do you have any of Mary Baines’ recipes in old Signpost magazines or her recipe books on your shelves at home?? Barbara Butcher has now exhausted her supply of old Signpost magazines with Mary’s recipes and we would really like to continue the recipe section each month…. Alternatively Do you have a favourite or tried and tested recipe you could share – if so please email it to either Barbara Butcher [email protected] or Jacqui Rogers [email protected] Or drop a copy into the Church Office in Arncliffe Gardens

22 A Blast from the Past! Recipes from Mary Baines Recipes from Mary Baines – 1989 SALMON PUFF 2 level tablespoons chopped parsley 8oz tin salmon 2 large skinned tomatoes 2oz bread ¼ pint milk Wash mushrooms. 3 eggs – separated Arrange in a frying pan and pour in Seasoning - cucumber to garnish – triangles milk of toast Bring just to boil. Remove from heat Transfer mushrooms to a pint greased Pour liquid from salmon into a saucepan heatproof dish with the milk. Heat gently, then add the Beat eggs with mushroom liquor bread and leave in a warm place till soaked Add parsley and salt through. Scramble over low heat till just Beat till smooth then add egg yolks and creamy salmon. Spoon over mushrooms and top with Lastly season and fold in stiffly whisked egg sliced tomatoes whites. Pour into a deep souffle dish and Sprinkle thickly with cheese bake 20 – 25 mins in moderate oven till set. Brown under hot grill Garnish with cucumber and toast triangles Serve with leftover fried potatoes and and serve hot or cold with green salad and green salad. new potatoes. NUT SURPRISE MOCK CRAB – a useful sandwich filler for 4oz cooking chocolate picnics or summer tea. 3oz margarine 3 large ripe tomatoes – skinned and 6oz chopped mixed nuts or salty chopped peanuts 1 small onion 3oz demerara sugar seasoning 1 level tablespoon golden syrup 2oz grated cheese 1 egg yolk ½oz margarine 1oz SR flour 1 egg ½ teaspoon vanilla essence 2oz breadcrumbs Line a 7”x9” tin with greaseproof Chop onion finely and cook in marg till Melt chocolate over hot water till just tender, on low heat runny Peel and chop tomatoes, add to onion Spread it over greaseproof and leave Cook till mixture thickens. Season to taste to set Remove from heat, add finely grated Cream marg and sugar, fold in syrup cheese and breadcrumbs. Stir well and put and nuts in dish. Cover with melted marg. Stir in the flour, egg yolk and essence and press over the chocolate base EGG AND MUSHROOM SAVOURY Bake in a moderate oven about 20 8oz large flat mushrooms mins till just firm 6 standard eggs Cool in the tin and cut into fingers. ½ level teaspoon salt Dredge with icing sugar to which a 3oz crumbled Lancashire cheese or grated little cocoa has been added. strong Cheddar 2 tablespoons milk 23 Changes to Hartlepool Town Pastors and a call for more volunteer pastors and trustees Hartlepool Town Pastors have had a mixed year as we approach our fifth anniversary. We are establishing a regional group in Tees Valley to coordinate this volunteer work in our region.

The work of our Hartlepool Town Pastors is hugely appreciated by revellers, door staff, licensees, Ambulance and Police and we are desperate to continue.

Our original concept was for people to volunteer at least once a month. This requires a complement of at least 24, ideally 30, to cover Fridays and Saturdays. We currently only have 11 active volunteers and this is why we very reluctantly need to suspend Friday patrols in Hartlepool Town Centre for the foreseeable future.

Volunteer as a Hartlepool Town Pastor HTP is a charitable volunteer initiative which started in May 2011 and follows the Christian Nightlife Initiatives “Street Angels” model now in use in over 140 other towns and cities across the UK. Volunteers do not have to profess any faith, but must be prepared to deal with people in a totally non-discriminatory way. We have already won three awards for the services we provide.

Hartlepool Town Pastors aim to: · make a real and meaningful contribution to the safety and wellbeing of fellow citizens · offer care, compassion and relevant practical and spiritual help where appropriate to members of the public · help those who find themselves marginalised and vulnerable · signpost services that are available from other organisations and help individuals access those services

Think you might like to join the Hartlepool Town Pastors? Get in touch and we'll arrange for you to join a team as an observer to see if this is for you.

Terry Hegarty Trustee and Hartlepool Town Pastor https://www.facebook.com/hpooltownpastors 24 Celebrate! June HAPPY BIRTHDAY! to Peter Anderson Paul Anderson Emma Craig Tim Craig Millie Dobbin Mike Dodds Bill Greenwood Pam Harkness Simon Jennett Tim Jennett Frances London Doug Macaskill Kelly Spoors Kevin Tones Pat Vaughan Stan Vaughan

Congratulations on your Wedding Anniversary Ann & Andrew Cuthbert

Congratulations on your Wedding Congratulations to David & Megan Robertson on their marriage on May 2nd 2016 & Congratulations to Amy Playfor & Phil Warnes on their marriage on May 28th 2016

If you have something to celebrate we would love to share it - email [email protected] or phone 864006. All entries to be in25 by the 16th of the month. Dates for the Diary

Dates for June 2016

Wed 1st PMC Steering Group, 7.30pm The Vicarage

Mon 6th Messy Church Planning, 7.30pm The Vicarage

Tues 7th New Beginnings, 7.30pm, Fulthorpe Chapel

Sat 11th Queen’s Birthday celebration St Matthew’s

Sun 12th Morning Worship including Adult Baptisms

Mon 13th Lighthouse Planning, 7.30pm, 40 Browning Ave

Tues 14th Prayer & Praise, 7.30, Fulthorpe Chapel

Fri 17th PMC training day, Steering group Durham Johnston School, 7 for 7.30pm

Sat 18th PMC Day – Open to all PCC

Sun 19th Messy Church, St Matthew’s

Mon 20th Worship RV, 7.30pm The Vicarage

Sun 24th Deanery Confirmation, 6pm St Aidan’s

Mon 27th Messy Church Planning

Tues 28th Standing Committee

26 Sidespersons

8.30am 10.30am 5th June P Thompson S Shepherd K Shepherd

12th June M Hutchinson R Anderson H Taylor

19th June I Walker G Webster K Webster

26th June P Porritt D Greenwood B Greenwood

Baptisms

1st May Oliver Thomas Wright Arthur King Alice King

15th May Noah Thomas Ronald Coils

Funerals

13th May Clifford Thompson

27 Who’s Who

Church Office St Matthew’s Community Centre Arncliffe Gardens TS26 9JF Administrator Trish Playfor 01429 894006 E-Mail: [email protected] Web Site: www.stranton-church.org.uk

Vicar Revd Norman Shave 34A Westbourne Road 233609 E-Mail: [email protected]

Associate Minister Revd Andrew Craig 25 Egerton Road 422461

Burbank Community Church Worker Clive Hall 10 Clarkson Court 278504

Curate Revd Nick Moore 40 Browning Avenue 597284

Readers Alan Robertson 2 Northbrook Court 276926 Mary Tones 40a Blakelock Road 265625

Churches Together in Hartlepool Chair Revd Richard Hetherington, Oxford Road Baptist Secretary Susan Atkinson, St Mary's RC

Authorised Pastoral Assistants Patricia Vaughan 144 Elwick Road 429178

Church Wardens Peter Anderson 22 Thetford Road 871266 Angela Craig 57 Claremont Drive 234279

Music Group Kevin Tones 40a Blakelock Road 265625 PCC Secretary Maureen Anderson 22 Thetford Road 871266 Treasurer David Craig 57 Claremont Drive 234279 Asst. Treasurer Maureen Anderson 22 Thetford Road 871266 Loyalty Treasurer Peter Anderson 22 Thetford Road 871266 Notice Sheet The Office (Notices by the preceding Wednesday) Signpost Editorial Jacqui Rogers 19 Trentbrooke Avenue 265527 Signpost Advertising Maureen Anderson 22 Thetford Road 871266 Signpost Subscription Maureen Anderson 22 Thetford Road 871266 St Matthew’s Booking Trish Playfor Church Office 894006

Magazine articles to the parish office by 16th of every month.

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