Feb/Mar 2017 Issue No. 26

[email protected] www.stjohnswelling.org.uk 020 8303 1107 editors: David & Nicola Foot New Year — Ask the Lord of the Harvest... He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the circle of friends, family, neighbours and your friends there: the fellowship, the support, workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, colleagues, because we are the ones in that the joy of belonging somewhere, of community, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest particular part of the harvest field and no one of what church is doing in the community... field. (Luke 10:2) else is. How, then, can they call on the one they have not I want to see the Kingdom of God grow in our believed in? And how can they believe in the one So we need to wake up and realise that no-one community; as a measure of this I believe in of whom they have not heard? And how can they else is going to do it. We are the ones to show Church Growth. I would love to see us growing hear without someone preaching to them? And a little bit of courage, and tell them why God is in numbers, in fellowship, in worship, how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As important to us. Simply, “God gives me purpose discipleship and faith. it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those in life”, or, “God gives me hope, or, “Jesus is who bring good news!” (Romans 10:14-15) there when I’m scared or lonely”. It doesn’t Who are you going to pray for? Who are you th Dear Friend, have to be much, but we do need to speak. Our going to invite to ‘Just One’ on the 8 July at the actions are important and back up our words, Emirates Stadium? Are you willing to go with If you have a bucket of water, your house is on but faith comes by hearing. I know I keep on them? fire and there are three fire-fighters asleep on a about it, but don’t you want to be described as bench outside, where do you throw the water? an owner of beautiful feet? I am asking the Lord of the Harvest to send out workers; I am asking you to respond! We are in the Father’s business, and we follow What is the worst that could happen? You the Son’s example. Jesus told us to pray to ask might lose a friend (although I doubt it)—but Many Blessings, the Lord of the Harvest to send out workers. you might just bring someone a step closer to We are both the ones called to ask, and the God. If talking about God is hard, try talking Adam Foot, Vicar ones called to go! We have to speak to our about church and

In her evening experience the real reason for St John’s News sermon on 8th Christmas. Apparently 16th January, the current date as I January, write, is known as Black Monday, the day Danielle Toddler Club Christmas when people feel at their lowest with confronted the afternoon was a lovely Christmas well and truly over, New Year danger we have celebration including a resolutions irretrievably broken and Spring as Christians of reminder that we too need to still in the dim distant future. I do hope that falling into the prepared to meet with Jesus. grey and cold though the weather may be trap of celebrating Christmas only up to and Carols by Candlelight was a lovely blend and whatever 2017 holds, we are able to including Christmas Day, as does the rest of of traditional and modern Christmas worship journey into it confident in the knowledge that our society. She proposed that maybe after which the many visitors clearly enjoyed, the Christmas baby did not stay in the Christmas should be the real celebration enabling them, also, to focus on the real manger but is our living, loving Saviour who time. Food for thought! reason for the season. has promised never to leave or forsake us. The church Christmas cards were Messy Christmas on the 22nd December Our Advent / Christmas sermon theme this bundled up on 2nd December and then was yet another chance for families to meet year was “Being Prepared” and I am so glad delivered by volunteers before the 11th, together and celebrate. The Christmas Eve that together with a few others from St enabling people to know about the Crib service has a unique atmosphere as, John’s, I made the time to go to the Deanery Christingle Parade, the first of our for certainly the youngest attendees, it is Advent Prayer morning. It was beautifully led services. Over a hundred attended that their last event on Christmas Eve before bed, by Margaret Wooding Jones and provided a lovely service at which Beverly explained sleep and Christmas morning! space that really did allow us to prepare for how the Christian Gospel is encapsulated in the season (although the Lamplighter the Christingle symbolism. Later that evening So, the lovely woolly Nativity scene grew as Christmas Fayre on 18th November marked a group of us went carol singing round John the service progressed the real beginning of Christmas for many!!). Newton Court, enabling residents there to (including the shepherd (continued inside...)

topics in different rooms in the venue, time out to spend in the quiet room, like a 24- such as slavery, human trafficking, 7 Prayer Room, where one could simply Praying for justice sexual abuse, cyber-sex trafficking spend time with God without praying out Adam and I attended the IJM (International and having chosen in advance which four to loud. There were stimuli to fashion prayer, Justice Mission) Prayer Gathering in attend, we including a mock-up of a sewing sweat November, along with others from St John’s received input from shop, but there was less people and Bexley who we found there when we IJM staff/interns contact and more time to think and arrived. It took place at St Paul’s Church in about more pray on my own. This was a very Hammersmith, and as we passed the specifically what thoughtful provision, so thank you IJM Hammersmith Apollo on exiting the tube we could pray, and (and I did recognise that the floor station, Adam reminded me that he passed then we prayed. cushions we share with Bishop Ridley this way only a few months earlier with his had made it from Welling to brother, when they saw Status Quo for the I’m a person who Hammersmith for the occasion!). first time for many years, and now the last is used to praying in different situations, and (RIP Ricky Parfitt). The event ran from 10am assimilating information quickly to use, but I In fact, as Steve Webster has been heading -6.30pm and it contained information, prayer, found it challenging to jump into prayer on up IJM UK for the last year, all the exhortation and worship. each occasion with people I didn’t know masterminding had been down to him to pull about situations that were equally unknown, the conference together, and I was really IJM gathers people in the UK together for a and engage with each situation more than impressed. From IJM: “There are more than national prayer conference annually, and for just presenting a list of requests to God. I 45 million slaves across the world today. that one day they pack a lot in to make the know that we are instructed to, “Pray in the That’s 5 times the population of London. This day as worthwhile as possible. They really Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of reality is overwhelming, but we are not do want people to be well informed and to prayers and requests” (Ephesians 6:18), but overcome. Slavery can end in our lifetime if pray. It was hard work! As well as sessions still I found it hard. I suppose this is to be God's people lead the fight.” altogether with worship, interviews and talks, expected, as we were in a battle ground. they had done really well offering plenty of During one of the four prayer sessions, I took Kate Foot Visiting India I was recently asked how long I have with staff in these The doctors work been a group leader/helper at countries to provide and in a very old Lamplighters and I was shocked when I evaluate a range of hospital with basic, worked it out – I started when Joe was projects. These help dated equipment four – so seven years! I still feel like I’m transform the lives of but they regularly the ‘newbie’ (which I am compared to leprosy-affected people perform modern Jackie & Keith’s amazing 50+yrs!). as well as working day miracles. They Lamplighter evenings are fun and, towards eradicating the never turn anyone although they can be challenging at causes of the disease. away and help hundreds every day. These times, I enjoy working with the children. people are all processed through the TLM’s work is broad Outpatients Department which is small Last year’s fabulous 50th birthday and far-reaching. The and gets very crowded and very hot! celebrations bought me an amazing new combination of a disease which can have challenge: a trip to Purulia Hospital, India a devastatingly debilitating effect on the TLM’s project for 2017 is to ‘Transform to see the work of TLM first hand! I body and the stigma surrounding it means Purulia Hospital’. They plan on building a thought I had learnt quite a bit about a unique and holistic approach is required new modern OPD for the hospital which Leprosy over the years – a disease hard to care for each person’s needs. will help enormously. I am proud that St to catch and easy to cure but which blights John’s along with Lamplighters are the lives of the poor. I wondered why, in While in Purulia I was privileged to meet, dedicated to raising as much money as this modern world, we still needed TLM, and stay in the home of, Dr Fam and Dr possible for this project and that we have and who they still supported. Joydeepa Darlong, visiting the hospital agreed to support Purulia Hospital directly where I saw the evidence of TLM’s difficult for the next three years. I know this will The facts are true; leprosy is hard to catch and demanding work. The doctors and make a vast difference to the doctors and and relatively easy to cure but what I saw their team work tirelessly at Purulia the lives of many people. Thank you for in Purulia also showed me just how Hospital and beyond. They tend to the helping me get to India; it was amazing devastating leprosy can be and how TLM physical, social, spiritual and and so are you! need our support, just as much today as psychological needs of each leprosy- they did fifty years ago. affected person they meet. Their Love and blessings, reputation for steadfast support, care and TLM concentrate their efforts on eleven knowledge is well-known and thousands Alison Read countries in Asia and Africa although the of people have grown to depend needs of individuals and communities upon the hospital. Their work affected by leprosy vary significantly is still in great demand. between the nations in which they work.

They work closely

3dub (14-18ish y.o.) Men’s meal “This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.” John 13:35 (The Message)

This is 3dub’s Bible verse for the year, which we have decided to implement into our day-to-day lives. We hope it will allow us This taught us that the details themselves to strengthen our relationships with friends, are not important but if you see the main family and Jesus. Thanks to this verse I can message being portrayed then that is all see 3dub members becoming even closer that matters. to each other over time. To celebrate Christmas, the men of 3dub also celebrated Christmas together; Bishop Ridley and St John’s came Last term 3dub had the honour of serving at thanks to the Goldings for hosting! We had together at the We Anchor In Hope - David and Sarah Foot’s wedding (and at a good laugh and played a variety of twenty from BR and forty-five from St Jeff’s surprise 30th birthday party in games, including one which we like to call John’s! The staff were well prepared for January!). It was a wonderful experience not “The Sofa Game.” It was boys vs girls and the numbers and all enjoyed the just for those attending the wedding but girls won 2-0 (girl-power I guess!). It’s nights occasion. I was the only person to miss those who were serving as well. We all got like this that encourage us to thank God for out on a main meal due to somebody to witness them tying the knot before God giving us amazing youth leaders who asking if there were any spares going and Dave’s provide comfortable (that person ate mine, as I was running amazing places for us to come around making sure all got what they Barbershop together to worship asked for!). We’ve even been asked performance and participate in fun back again for next year! which I’m sure activities at the same impressed us time. Simon Caddock as much as it did Sarah! We’ve been truly blessed during the During the Autumn term and we Girls’ Cell lead up to thank Him for His Christmas 3dub carried on learning more infinite love for us. Happy New Year My name is Ruby Finch and I have been about God whilst worshiping him. We learnt everyone and may He richly bless you. going to Girls’ Cell group every other more about what God’s done previously by week for about a year. Girls’ Cell is going into detail about the birth of Jesus. Luke Merrifield currently on a Tuesday from 6.30- 8pm at St John’s Vicarage.

Our group leaders are currently Laura St J’s News cont... Christmas! and Nina and they both make the evening so much fun. Louise Russell who arrived late...!), the children crowded This year at St John's in Welling has been was also a leader but recently left after round to gaze in before going home to bed. magical for me. God has been so close to helping us lots. me and I love him lots. I thank Him for The Midnight Communion service allowed helping me and getting me through the bad I bet you’re many people to begin their celebrations at the times as well as the good times! wondering, what very start of the day itself with the Christmas do we all get up Morning service providing the opportunity The Christingle service was great! We were to at Girls’ Cell?! to give Jesus centre-stage on His birthday. given candles which represent the world We eat yummy biscuits and chocolate There were other opportunities to celebrate. which was lovely. It’s great that as a church while relaxing on the comfy bean bags Housegroups had Christmas celebration we can gather together and welcome so and sofas. We spend time reading the evenings, the men’s meal was joint with many to the various services over the Bible, chatting and learn new things. Bishop Ridley and St John’s ladies crowded Christmas period. I especially loved the Sometimes there are special Bible into the ‘Nags Head’ for our evening out. It has nativity scene - it’s so good to remind us of related activities which may been very good! all the people involved in Jesus’ need us to do some writing! early years on earth. We also have a time to pray Church Family News: Chas and Wendy before we leave to go home. Cole continue to need our prayers, as do As I look back over the years Lionel King and Sammi Strong. I’ve realised that Christmas When I asked the group Congratulations to Louise Mann and family on reminds me of how people have what they liked about Girls’ the birth of her baby on 15th January! developed their faith, especially Cell they told me that they

seeing so many friends, old and like the food, learning new So, on into the New Year: Alpha starts this new, at the Midnight things, being able to pray week as I write, JustOne to pray and plan for Communion service. and relax together, and in July, SPARK in the Park, our Parish more important is that Weekend in September… 2017 is looking It’s been a fun Christmas this “There are two lovely people better (and busier) already! year, as always! Thanks who help us!” (Laura and

everyone for helping and Nina). God Bless, supporting me throughout 2016.

Estelle Woodcock Louise Moffatt Ruby Finch Bexley’s ‘Winter Night Shelter’ After some six months of much prayer, folk wishing to donate clothes, food, out by Cornerstone (for those in recovery. organisation, planning and arranging the toiletries etc. Several churches, schools, See the previous Grapevine, issue no. 25, first ‘Winter Night Shelter’ for rough sleepers and hospitals have either donated goods or to find out more!) at Trinity Baptist Church. in Bexley opened on Sunday 22nd January – forwarded funds from collections and So it’s not just a walk-in-off-the-street set up Homeless Sunday. It seeks to provide a various events, and so we are again – ‘guests’ do have to receive an invitation. wholesome hot evening meal, safe, warm blessed with a good bank balance. We hope to run through to the end of March. and comfortable sleeping accommodation and breakfast for up to twelve male ‘guests’. We are working on this project in Please pray that: The idea for this project originated from association with Housing Justice – a national  All the planned arrangements go organisation, both smoothly; that the volunteers remember politically and to turn up, and get along with one charitably another. seeking to  We will find and engage with rough improve the sleepers and, wherever possible, help situation for folk them to move on from this predicament. who find  The evenings will run smoothly and themselves in this safely and for the emotional tugs that will Transform Bexley Borough, made up of predicament for whatever reason. They led be involved – hearing people’s churches across the London Borough of two half-morning training sessions for some situations, turning uninvited folk away, Bexley. On Monday nights the venue is at 120 volunteers at Welling Baptist Church and then turning the guests out New Community Church in Sidcup, on and, in all, at least 35 churches are involved (sometimes into the cold and wet) at Wednesdays at the Boys’ Brigade hall by in one way or another. 8.15am in the morning. Christ Church in Bexleyheath, and all other nights at the Salvation Army Hall in Welling. The guests have to be assessed to ensure Thank you, We have been blessed with some 150 that they are going to benefit from what we people stepping forward to volunteer, many are offering, and assessments are carried Melvyn French The Annual Christmas Football Tourney

Twenty-one (plus lots of supporters!) turned up to play at the annual football tournament at Goals on the 27th December!

Hello from Strood! Happy New Year to all of our friends at St who used their musical talents and people John's. We'd like to thank everyone who's who spent time travelling, whether it be shared and showed their love to us, 200 yards or over 200 miles. Thank you whether at our Wedding in the Land of for your generosity in gifts, money or Dragons, Blessing at St John's or vouchers. They've been spent well. housewarming in Strood. We don't know what we'd do without your support and Not to bring this to end on a sad note, but prayers. We go could on and on with we've felt settled and welcomed already at thank yous, but just a few to particularly Pip & Jim's Church in Walderslade. We've mention. been asked to be part of the kids/youth work, and may possibly join the band and Bev, for everything you and Nan have sound and we’re looking forward to joining done to help us, putting up with me for two a small group. We will be back from time years and Phil for nearly thirty-two years! to time at St John's, our amazing house Thanks to our amazing Housegroup, group and other St John's events. We love especially our leaders Ken and Estelle. you all and we will keep in touch! Thanks to Ken for being our photographer for both the wedding and blessing, Estelle Bye bye for now. Love and blessings, for praying for us at the wedding, people Lauren and Phil Beaumont