Easter at Stalham Baptist Church

GOOD FRIDAY 19th April 2.00pm Joint service at St Mary’s Church Stalham

7.00pm Reflective Service Stalham Baptist Church

EASTER DAY Sunday 21st April 6.30am Sunrise Service at How Hill (Next to car park) Followed by Breakfast in The Stables Phone 01692 582731 to book breakfast

Easter Sunday CELEBRATION Service Stalham Baptist Church

10.45am to 12noon Welcome to the Easter 2019 edition of Community Scene produced by Stalham Baptist Church. A really big thankyou to Steve English, who has produced all

our great cartoons, Barbara Reynolds, Frank Payne who helped with production and Roger, Niki and Katie Newman at our printers Century Printing High Street Stalham and all the amazing volunteers who deliver the magazine for all their help. You can contact us at [email protected] or phone David Child on 07799262645. In This Issue Your Council Needs You Would you like to make a difference for the Stalham Page 4 Community by joining the Stalham Town Council? The date for the next Town Council elections is 2nd May 2019 May One Mile Marathon and Stalham Town Council is looking for candidates to stand as councillors. Page 5 Not all of the current councillors are standing for re-election so some fresh blood is needed. Mercy Ships The Council is not party political and works to improve and maintain the Town within its powers. Page 6 Stalham Town Council serves a population of 3,000 people in The Notice Board Stalham and falls within the district of North Norfolk. There are 13 Councillors, who represent the Page 7 whole town. The Council meets on Eye of A Needle the second Monday of each month (apart from when there is a bank Pages 8 holiday, when the meeting is moved forward or back) at 7.30 pm in the Happisburgh Poisoner Town Hall. If you need any further information Page 9 contact Susan Wellerd on 01692 670531 or email her on Amazing Grace [email protected] or go to the website https:// stalhamtowncouncil.wordpress.com/ Page 10 Families at SBC Stalham Baptist Church Page 11 You will find us at the end of the High Street with the two mini roundabouts. Contact us on 01692-582731 or The Beauty of Shine [email protected] Page 12 TWAM and the Stalham Fringe Page 13 Supporting Missions Page 14 SWAN Page 15 Easter Memories

Community Scene is Printed by Century Printing 132 High Street Stalham NR129AZ Community Scene Easter 2019 3 www.stalhambaptist.org.uk Swan and John Stalham Baptist Church

May One Mile Marathon and Family Fun Afternoon Stalham Recreation Ground Monday 6th May 2.00 to 5.00pm

Raise some money for your favourite charity by taking part in SBC’s May one Mile Marathon. We are looking for at least 26 people who will run, walk or push a pram etc. around a one mile course on Stalham Recreation look round Stalham’s brilliant new facility Ground. Better still do it in fancy dress. including the Community Gym. There will be prizes for the best fancy dress The recreation ground has some great play costumes, adult and children. There will be equipment and a skate boarding park that you music, table stalls, games and a catering stall. can also enjoy. The Poppy Centre will be open so you can have a The Youth Club will have Art and Craft exhibitions by the SWAN ladies. Come and spend a few family fun hours at the Sponsored By Recreation Ground. You can book a table stall, cost £6, by phoning David Child 07799262645 you will need your own table. Entrance to the Mile Marathon and fancy dress competition are free. A big thank you to our sponsors Trett Phillips High Street Stalham. www.trettphillipsresidential.co.uk

had time to do so, because soon after because I would like to be living in the Easter Reminds us they said goodbye and went to their healthy zone. respective classes. The incidence kept me Thinking about the above incident that we are not thinking about what people consider reminds me that one of the messages of healthy. The fact that I go running most the cross is that without Christ we are all Healthy. mornings is not an indication that I am UNHEALTHY. All of us have sinned and “Recently, on my way out of a local school healthy. The opposite is the truth. I am fallen short of God standards Romans after taking an assembly, I met two Unhealthy therefore I need to do some 3:23 tells us. That’s why Jesus came to teachers along the corridor.” Writes exercise to move to the healthy zone. bring us back to the healthy zone. He Assistant SBC Pastor Jerry Otieno. One of Recently my GP told me that my BMI came to restore our relationship with God them asked whether I was the man she showed that I was near obese and that I because sin messed it up. In Christ we can saw running alongside the road that had very high cholesterol level and I was enjoy a healthy relationship with God and morning. I said “Yes,” and even before I prone to a long list health issue. He we can avoid the deadly and toxic effect explained to them why I usually do my recommended that I restrict myself to a of the power of sin. Easter reminds us runs, the second teacher chipped in and diet, start taking medication to lower my that we are Unhealthy yet Christ is the said, “Aah! He’s a very Healthy man. Very cholesterol and to exercise as much as I great physician who can cure our healthy.” I wanted to tell them that I can. ItLessons is this news outside of being as the Unhealthy work is completed that unhealthiness. wasn’t healthy as they thought but I never caused me to start running consistently Community Scene Easter 2019 4 www.stalhambaptist.org.uk Every patient who comes onboard the Africa Mercy

has a unique story, but even experienced Mercy Ships nurses had never seen a case quite like Ulrich’s. Ulrich was born with dislocated knees and a condition known as quadriceps contracture. His muscles do not develop at the same rate as his bones, causing his legs to bend drastically backward. His mother, Georgette, desperately tried to find Ulrich the surgery he needed to walk and function like the other boys his age. But the cost of the operation and the severity of his condition defeated her. “Surgeons wouldn’t touch him,” Georgette said. “It was hard to see him hurting. When he hurts, I hurt.” Despite the constant stares and ridicule Ulrich faced because of his condition, he found a way to adapt. He learned to walk with sticks made from sturdy Their support freed Ulrich from a lifetime of dependence, branches. giving him hope for a bright future. But his determination to be like other boys took its toll. He developed pain in his hands and joints from supporting his body weight. “I was worried that if I was feeling such pain now, Mercy Ships is a faith-based international it was only going to get worse as I got older,” he said. development organisation that deploys hospital ships to some of the poorest countries in the It became increasingly difficult for him to help his world, delivering vital, free healthcare to people mother around the house by collecting firewood in desperate need. and fetching water. “I was scared to grow up like In sub-Saharan Africa, up to 69% of people live on that,” Ulrich said. “I didn’t want this to be all my less than £2 a day. Healthcare in these countries life was ever going to be.” either doesn't exist or is unaffordable to the vast majority of the population. But thanks to Mercy Ships donors and volunteers, Ulrich doesn’t have to live in fear anymore. As well as completing thousands of urgent operations onboard Ulrich’s life was transformed when he received free surgery its “floating hospital”, the Africa Mercy, Mercy Ships volunteers onboard the Africa Mercy. The severity of his condition also work closely with host nations to improve the way required several complicated healthcare is delivered across the country, by training and operations, but finally Ulrich woke up mentoring local medical staff, and renovating hospitals and with two straight legs in casts. clinics. He couldn’t believe they were actually Founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships has his legs. When he stood, he reached up worked in more than 70 countries, providing services valued at to see if he could touch the ceiling. And more than £1 billion. By improving healthcare delivery in every when he finally walked again, the first country it visits, Mercy Ships is working to eradicate the thing he did was hug his mum. diseases of poverty and effectively do itself out of a job. Mercy Now Ulrich is walking straight and tall, Ships follows the 2,000-year-old model of Jesus by “bringing and he can fulfil his dream of getting a hope and healing to the forgotten poor”, helping people of all proper education. faiths and none. Among the countries Mercy Ships serves, “Before, when I would walk in the which lie on the lower third of the World Health street, people would stare at me. They Organisation’s Human Development Index, access to safe, thought I was just a handicapped affordable and timely surgery is extremely limited. person, and they treated me As a result, countless people suffer and die from “diseases differently. Now they will look again,” of poverty” that can easily be cured. Ulrich says with a smile. SBC Coffee and Chat recently donated £300 to Mercy This incredible transformation was only possible thanks to the generosity of ships. If you would like more information about the Mercy Ships donors and volunteers. charity go to www.mercyships.org.uk Community Scene Easter 2019 5 www.stalhambaptist.org.uk 1914 Christmas Truce a German Soldiers Story Stalham Baptist Church

Notice Board

Over 60s Table Tennis Club Every Wednesday In SBC Schoolroom Next to the Church 9.30 to 12noon No annual subscription just a donation. Coffee, tea and biscuits always available The club has been going since 2008 It’s a great way to get some exercise and have a chat For more info call Alex on 07763116911

Citizens Advice Bureau and Food Bank Friday 1.15 to 3.00pm In the Stables YOUTH POP UP CAFÉ next to the church @ Stalham Baptist Church If you need some advice on Friday April 26th, May 24th, June 14th accessing the food bank speak and July 12th Age 11-16 School Years 7 –11 to Citizens Advice or phone Ron Skivington on 01692 582731 CHILL ART GAMES ZONE ZONE ZONE You can get more info about SBC at For more info TEL 0733837687 www.stalhambaptist.org.uk www.stalhambaptist.org.uk www.facebook.com/stalhambaptist EMAIL [email protected] https://twitter.com/StalhamChurch CommunityStalhamBaptistChurch@stalhambaptist Scene Easter 2019 6 www.stalhambaptist.org.uk CAMEL THROUGH AN Camel wished the rich young man would just give away his money rather than prove a point.. EYE OF A NEEDLE

YOU ’RE HAVING A

LAUGH!

The Bible tells us that Jesus told his followers “Yes, I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter God’s kingdom.” Taken at face value this means that we would all be camels and attack. The gate was so small that a man struggling to enter God’s kingdom. But like many would have to unload his camel of all that it was communicators in the modern world Jesus used carrying and then carefully lead his camel through analogies and humour to this small gate almost on its knees. make a point taking It was a slow and quite difficult task and a little everyday examples to amusing for onlookers but not for the camel. explain His teaching. So what does the parable speak of in the 21st century? John Cleese has made A dictionary definition of rich is “having abundant many videos that are used possessions and especially material wealth.” extensively in training We live in a world where material wealth is the business sector employees driving force. Not wanting to be left behind in the race that are informative but matching friends, colleagues and even family. New very entertaining and tech and gathering “likes” on social media the goals memorable. of happiness. So where is the humour and Advertising regularly tells us if you haven’t got “this” analogy in an impossible you are a failure, worst still if you can’t happening? buy it for your kids. The eye of the needle But are we truly happy in this Small gate set in large gate mentioned in the struggle to keep up, are there any book of Matthew winners in the faith of was possibly one of several gates that materialism? Is it a system provided passage through the city of designed to keep us wanting and Jerusalem's massive walls. Walled cities never fulfilled? throughout the eastern world would have Jesus is still saying to us in 2019 had needle gates. that to find true happiness we A Needle Gate was used when the city's main need to look beyond material gates were closed at night and used for people wealth and lay down whatever entering the city "after hours." baggage we may be holding onto. It was designed for security reasons so that Look to His love and sacrifice on the enemies could not simply ride into the city on their cross for us and our salvation.

Reached the End of the Road? Sometimes in life problems and crises pile up on you and there seems nowhere to turn. Stalham Baptist Church has a group of people who will pray for you or pray with you in your own home. If you need some help contact Jan 07767432990 or Jerry 07733837687. You can email [email protected]

Community Scene Easter 2019 7 www.stalhambaptist.org.uk

DOES ST MARY’S HAPPISBURGH

HOLD THE REMAINS OF A VICTORIAN SERIAL KILLER?

Grandson - William Green, aged three years, died October 1841 Granddaughter - Maria Green, aged 13 months, died December 1836 Daughter - Maria Lacey, aged 24 years, died July 1835. Granddaughter - Ann Pegg, aged eight years, died When Jonathon Balls’ body was exhumed from St June 1830 Mary’s churchyard Happisburgh (pictured above) on This led to the coroner opening up further enquiries and the orders of a coroner in May 1846 his body was found exhumations. The London New Weekly Bell Messenger to be perfectly preserved and he was holding a Bible June 13th 1846 reported. and a plum cake in one hand and a poker and coal “The inquiry respecting the appalling deaths by tongs in the other. poisoning, in the village and neighbourhood of Jonathon Balls had died on the 20th April 1846 aged 82 Happisburgh, was brought to a close on Thursday and it was probable he was not going to be missed. It evening, and further murders have been detected. It is was said that Balls had few friends and had been not fully known, and probably never will be, the extent accused of arson and theft in his youth but had to which this poisoning system was carried out. The escaped prosecution through lack of evidence. The deceased, old Jonathan Balls, had seven children, four nature of his passing did not draw attention from the daughters and three sons. Three daughters are authorities, 82 would have been a very good age in married, and reside in the vicinity of Happisburgh. One early Victorian times. died, as appeared in evidence last week, partly in But for the locals it was a different matter. His death consequence of the ill-treatment of her husband, W. was the latest in long line of Balls family members Lacey, a fisherman, but who is now ascertained to have dying in similar circumstances. Perishing quite suddenly perished from the effects of arsenic. The names of the after bouts of vomiting and severe pains in their chest. daughters now living are Green, Pestle, and Pegg. Mrs. . His granddaughter, Ann Elizabeth Pestle, had died Green has had eleven children, and seven of them died just three days before Jonathan; his bedridden wife, suspiciously between 1836 and 1845. Mrs. Pestle had Elizabeth, had died five months earlier, in December six children, four of them are dead, three were found to 1845; and his grandson, Samuel, died in September be poisoned. Mrs. Pegg had five children, one of whom 1845. died in 1839, under circumstances of great suspicion. The locals petitioned the coroner Mr. Pilgrim three The supposed murderer, Jonathan Balls, lived all his times before he ordered an inquest explaining that life (82 years) in the neighbourhood of Happisburgh, his reluctance was due to the cost of an inquiry. In and had always borne a bad character. He had been May 1846, he ordered the exhumation of the bodies guilty of many offences. During the last 15 or 20 years of Jonathan Balls and his granddaughter Ann he was principally dependent on his married daughters Elizabeth Pestle for the purposes of conducting an for subsistence, and the supposition is that he poisoned inquest that began at Hill House on 11th May 1846 his grandchildren in order that their parents might be and it was immediately revealed that Jonathon and better able to support him. In addition to the many Elizabeth had died as a result of arsenic poisoning. deaths charged against old Balls, it is now believed In fact, according to one surgeon, there was enough that he disposed of his two sons, who have been dead arsenic in their stomachs to poison the whole parish, more than ten years, and his father and mother. let alone a man and a child. The inquest was unable to say categorically who had Jonathon Balls’ daughter and mother of Elizabeth murdered all those named, however, the coroner testified that she had no idea where the arsenic could stated “The finger of suspicion most certainly pointed have come from and said that her father was loving to the deceased Jonathan Balls and he was now towards her daughter often feeding her. But Balls’ son beyond the reach of the law. He recommended them to in law recollected his wife telling him that she had return such a verdict as would enable the officer to bought arsenic for her father when she was a teenager. have the matter further inquired into, should such Phoebe Ann Neave testified Balls had asked her to circumstances arise as required it.” write a letter for a local druggist requesting a large Jonathan Balls was reinterred in an unmarked grave. quantity of the poison for rodent control, which she had At the time locally it was believed that he was certain done reluctantly. his soul was destined for hell and for that reason As the inquiry progressed it became apparent that requested his coffin should contain the Bible, plum many of Balls family had died in suspicious cake, poker and tongs. circumstances in the previous 15 to 20 years Possibly Jonathon Balls was Victorian England's first Granddaughter - Martha Green, aged 13 months, serial killer. died October 1841 Picture by kind permission www.aerialnorfolk.co.uk

Community Scene Easter 2019 8 www.stalhambaptist.org.uk Newton wrote a pamphlet supporting the

campaign, 'Thoughts upon the African Slave Trade', which was very influential. It graphically described the horrors of the Slave

Trade and his role in it. Newton was ordained into the Anglican priesthood in 1764 and served in the Buckinghamshire parish of Olney. So popular was his preaching that the church could not accommodate all those wishing to hear. He wrote the hymn Amazing Grace as an illustration for a sermon on God’s grace. Many will be familiar with the words: Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me DID YOU KNOW? I once was lost but now I'm found was blind but now I see. “The hymn Amazing Grace is performed around the world Newton was seeking to express the wonder, the joy that over 10 million times annually and appears on over 11,000 became his as he understood God forgave him despite the albums. It has been the anthem of the American slaves, was life he had led for so many years and that if God could do it on Top of the Pops in 1969/70 when sung by Judy Collins for him He can do it for anyone who asks. and even popularised the bagpipes when played by the That simply put is the message and hope of Easter, God Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.” Writes Ron Skivington. loves YOU so much that He became a man, lived on our DO YOU KNOW its history? earth what was a perfect life and yet was executed, unjustly in every human sense and died hanging on a cross. But 3 John Newton, the hymn’s writer, lost his mum when he was 7 years old and was taken to sea by his dad at 11 years, days later Jerusalem was alive with stories of Jesus's resurrection, over 500 people were able to testify that in the pressed into the Royal navy where he received 8 dozen next few weeks they had seen, spoken to, shared meals with lashes for trying to abscond. Later he sailed on slave ships Jesus who was even more full of life, if that was possible, and was abandoned by one crew off the West Coast of Africa than He had been prior to his death. where he became a slave himself until rescued. Christians believe Jesus died to pay the price of our In 1748 he was caught in a dreadful storm off Ireland for wrongdoing, we all know we do wrong, and in so doing Jesus over a week and it was when lashed to the wheel, trying to has taken away all barriers between us and God allowing us hold a steady course, Newton began to recall scripture to experience an open phone line to heaven. verses his mum had taught him, that he prayed, cargo shifted filling a hole that It is not a relationship we instigate by was leaking in water, and the ship any worth of our own it is all about drifted to safety. He saw this as God God’s gift to us, it’s His Amazing accepting him and his prayer and over Grace. time his life began to change, largely That's why Newton wrote what he due to his reading of the Bible. Formerly did, it has become the hope and he was known as the Great Blasphemer experience of countless millions due to his foul language, denial of God worldwide and it can be yours this and general debauched lifestyle but Easter too, just ask God “show me gradually even though he continued to your Amazing Grace “and he will sail on, captain and own slave ships for answer. several years he felt God calling him. A cruel and ruthless trader of human I think John Newton would have said beings, Newton began to regret his "if Jesus can change me He can involvement in the slave trade and was change anyone's life ". instrumental in encouraging William May this be the best Easter you have Wilberforce to pursue his quest to have ever known by finding God's gift of slavery abolished which was passed by life. Parliament in 1807.

Community Scene Easter 2019 9 www.stalhambaptist.org.uk

HOW EASY IS IT TO BE A MUM OF THREE AND ATTEND SBC

REGULARLY? Victoria Nicholson attended Stalham High School, winning Norfolk County competitions in Basketball with her twin sister Rosanna in the same team. She represented the school in other sports including the boys’ cricket team. She trained to become a Primary Teacher specialising in P.E. at Newman University College in Birmingham where she received a first class honours degree. She went on to teach at Heartsease Primary and Tunstead Primary. She married Daniel in 2011. Victoria agreed to be interviewed for Community Scene. What have been the positives in your three children regularly attending SBC? Victoria, Gracie, Autumn, Poppy and Daniel at All three of our children have attended since they were Center Parcs Christmas 2018 born. There are many positives of them regularly attending including Christian values from home being reinforced, they have lots of fun and they get a chance to mix with other relapses, agonising decisions on treatments to try and families and people of all ages. They spend time taking part in complications (including a bone dying in her foot due to the craft activities, plays about bible stories and also get the treatment she was on) has been in remission since May 2018. It opportunity to sing, dance, join in/help with activities out the effects only 1 in 50,000 children and there is no cure. Poppy is front if they want to. Children aren't expected to sit in 10 months into her new treatment which has so far kept her complete silence during a service. When the girls were babies from relapsing and in remission. We have known all along that nobody objected to them being breast fed during if the levels of this treatment get too high then it could become services. Autumn once crawled up on to the stage when Ron toxic to her body. Unfortunately they have and it has started to was preaching. He said “At least someone wants to get a little affect her kidney function so we have no choice but to attempt closer to hear me.” to wean her completely off this treatment over the summer. Do they still do all those fun weekend activities? This leaves us with a sense of uncertainty as it is now a waiting We attend SBC most weekends but miss the odd Sunday for game to see if she relapses as this treatment is reduced and birthday parties, family meet ups or holidays. Even though we finally stops but, as always, we try to take this journey one day go to church we still get to do other fun weekend activities we at a time. Positively, at her latest check-up we signed up to two just do them on a Saturday or Sunday pm. When I first started research projects and this along with raising awareness of attending SBC I did feel like we may miss out on the chance to Nephrotic Syndrome makes us feel we are doing our part do things on a Sunday morning especially as Daniel works towards hopefully one day finding a cure for this cruel disease. Saturday mornings however that wasn't the case and I soon felt Being part of the SBC church family has helped us to deal with disappointment if we missed church one week as we really Poppy's illness as it is comforting to know she is in a lot of enjoy it. Recently everyone was ill except Gracie (aged 8) and I. people's prayers. Also there is always someone to offer I had a football match so couldn't take Gracie to church, she support or to talk to if needed. One time when Poppy was very was upset that she couldn't go, so got me to arrange for poorly and had just relapsed, Autumn also had chicken Pox at someone to pick her up and take her. the same time, Jenny popped round and surprised the girls Is it difficult as a busy mum to fit everything together on a with some magazines. Kindness is absolutely free and really Sunday including playing football? does make a difference. As a busy mum of 3 young children Sundays normally involve When did you first start to feel you wanted to become a going to Church in the mornings and then the girls attending Christian? Norfolk Iceni Girls Basketball Club late pm. If I am also playing We have regularly been attending SBC for 10 years and as a football (I play for Stalham Town Ladies and games are child my dad would occasionally take me to SBC Sunday school. between September and April but not every week) then they I have always believed in God from a young age and when I met need a lot of organisation. If it's a home game I will still go to Daniel (who had regularly attended SBC as a child) we felt like it Church but not always if it is an away game. My mornings was time to start attending SBC again as it was an environment before church on football Sundays are spent organising we wanted to bring our future children up in. everything for everyone for the day ahead. However, though it Why did you get baptised? can be difficult to fit everything together on a Sunday if I am I got baptised because I wanted to mark my decision playing football, it is still possible and always achieved as Daniel personally to accept Jesus Christ and follow Him. and I are very organised. The 5 of us make a great team...we What are your final thoughts? have a family saying 'team Nicholson'. Anyone who has a free Sunday should pop along to SBC and How has being part of SBC helped deal with Poppy’s illness? see what an amazing place it is. Everyone is always met with a Poppy was diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome (a very rare smile and under no pressure to do anything they don't want to. kidney disease) in Oct 2017, aged just 5, and after several

Community Scene Easter 2019 10 www.stalhambaptist.org.uk The Beauty of Shine “CONFIDENCE COMES FROM

EMBRACING WHO WE ARE”

“Let me introduce you to the beauty of Shine, a course that originated with Hillsong Church. It was birthed out of concern for the high levels of heroin addiction and suicide amongst Australia’s young people and their desperate sense of hopelessness” writes Ellie Feakins. Hopelessness, lack of confidence, low self-esteem, distorted ‘I have been much more positive about myself’ views of beauty are rife amongst our young girls and this ‘I feel strong’ process is beginning earlier and earlier The impact of media ‘That I matter, I am significant’ and social networking are all added pressures on top of peer ‘I’m taller, more confident’ pressure and that deep desire to be liked and accepted. ‘Yes I was very shy but now I’m not’ Depression and self-harm are becoming increasingly and ‘I will not doubt myself and say I can’t’ shockingly common and it could be that some of the root ‘The things we took away, I look at every day and it makes me causes are linked to our faulty self-beliefs. How do we go happier’ about changing those perceptions and empowering young What have you found to be the most helpful part of the Shine girls to become everything they can be? course? The Shine Course aims to build into each girl a sense of Worth, ‘Letting out all my worries’ ‘To always be yourself’ Strength and Purpose which enables them to grow in ‘When we talk about the topics’ ‘The ‘you are unique’ session’ confidence, believe in their potential and gain vital life skills. ‘Knowing it doesn’t matter what people think of me’ ‘Learning Understanding their uniqueness, individuality, strength and to be a good friend’ value is fundamental. This enables them to think positively ‘When we talked about how to be strong and confident’ about their place in the world and empowers them to make ‘The compliments’ ‘Learning to persevere’ choices that lead towards a hope-filled future. What have you enjoyed most about doing Shine and have you I have had the privilege to take this course into Stalham learnt any new skills? Academy. Having battled with some of the issues our young ‘Drawing and sharing thoughts, I have learnt to not give up’ girl’s face I know that there is a way to move forward and my Talking instead of holding it in’ passion for doing this stems from my belief that everyone is ‘Doing the fun activities and knowing not to react if somebody able to move beyond the barriers that attempt to hold them has been a bit mean to you’ back. ‘All of the challenges and that it is okay to get it wrong’ The school received the course with enthusiasm, I worked with ‘It’s been really fun and brightened up my day and I have made two groups of a total of 15 girls who positively and brilliantly some new friends’ engaged and participated in the sessions. I was supported by a ‘I liked the activities and to always be kind and believe in fabulous teaching assistant and the girls’ feedback reflects the yourself importance of the Shine course and their enjoyment of it. The As part of their outreach activates Stalham Baptist Church girls were an absolute credit to the school. received funding for the course and is planning a boys’ course Our second course has already started and we are also that Jerry Otieno will deliver. delivering the course in another school in the area. We are The TA working with Ellie wrote “This half term I have had the excited about another group of girls going through the process pleasure of supporting Ellie who has been visiting Stalham and seeing themselves in the right Academy delivering sessions of Shine. mirror, the one that reflects their Ellie has encouraged the girls to think about and discuss how true value and purpose. they feel about themselves, what they have to offer as SHINE Feedback from the girls individuals and how having a positive attitude can make a (Course 1 & 2) difference in all walks of their life. The girls have enjoyed a wide Have you found the Shine course to range of fun and thought provoking activities that were be a positive experience? determined by the theme of the session. Ellie delivers her ‘Yes because it makes me feel sessions in a relaxed and upbeat manner, which has encouraged better about myself’ the girls to explore their thoughts and feelings and feel able to ‘I have because it’s helped me be confident in myself’ share these thoughts with the group without feeling judged or ‘Yes because now I know to believe in myself’ intimidated. To witness girls who have a tendency to be reticent ‘Yes it helps me to be more positive’ and reluctant comment and ask questions whilst also smiling at Can you describe any differences in yourself since completing the same time has been amazing for me. the Shine course? ‘I used to think I was ugly but now I think everyone is beautiful For more information about the Shine course please contact in their own way’ Ellie Feakins [email protected] or Jerry Otieno Assistant ‘I haven’t been back chatting my Dad’ Pastor on 07733837687.

Community Scene Easter 2019 11 www.stalhambaptist.org.uk believe entire communities can be transformed through training and the provision of tool kits and equipment. We believe that God's heart reaches out to the poor and that He calls us to follow His example.”

Their (or “The”) motivation is to be a refuge for the poor, a safe place to find support, hope and dignity through the provision of tools and equipment. TWAM are always looking for: Agricultural tools: David Meale, a director of AG Meale and Sons and long Builders’ tools: term member of SBC, has been collecting tools for TWAM Carpenters’ tools: since its inception in 1978. TWAM is a Christian charity Electricians’ tools based in Ipswich that sends tools across the world. Motor mechanics’ tools: Their mission is to collect Plumbers’ tools: unwanted tools, refurbish them, Garage Workshop tools: sort them into trade kits and Sewing machines: manual, send them across the world for electric and treadle livelihood creation. They send Knitting: machines, machine around 20 containers, filled with wool and needles Haberdashery: needles, cottons, large over 300 tonnes of tools, every material pieces/rolls, buttons, zips etc year. Fully working IT equipment: Desktop computers and They want to support local laptops running a minimum of Windows Vista, tablets, people supporting their own networking switch routers and cables. communities through livelihood These tools change people’s lives enabling some of the creating projects. They say “We poorest people to create businesses and pay for the believe there is dignity through education of their children. work and the ability to provide There is a collection point at AG Meale and Sons Farm for yourself and your family. We Shop and Garden Centre, Wayford.

Stalham Fringe Festival Sunday 26th May 2019 Last year Stalham Area Business Forum organised the first Fringe Festival. The aim of the day was to let local talents shine forth and for visitors and residents in Stalham to get out into the street and enjoy the free entertainment. And enjoy it we all did, performers and spectators alike. We had Rock bands, a gospel band, a jazz band, a folk band, choirs, dancers, musicians, singers and drummers in a number of locations. The Town Hall saw Norfolk Step Dancers, Egyptian Dancers, fiddlers, guitarists, Gin City Band and children’s Dance for Fun group. Stalham Baptist Church hosted Greg Chapman one man band, Reedwarblers choir, Maggie Smith, a gospel choir, Longsword Dancing and provided teas and coffee. In St Mary’s we had a rock band, Vinyl, offers of performers from last year and some new acts The Worstead Choir, The Happisburgh Light Duo and including Himazas, a well known ukulele duo, a group of more. young dancers and the Occasional Ceilidh Band. Outside in the High Street were more performers and And there’s a long way to go yet...... singers, different stallholders, a hog roast, Stalham Brass St Mary’s Church and the Stalham Area Business Forum Band, a Chuck Wagon and roving Salsa dancers and are also jointly organising an Art Exhibition in the church. Native American Dancing. Our grand finale was with the It is a while since Stalham held an Art Exhibition. Artists, Dumisani African 2D and 3D and photographers Drummers outside the are invited to submit a work into Grebe. the Exhibition, which will be What a varied and running from Friday 24th May mixed selection we until Tuesday 28th May, had performing and inclusive. all performers gave Contact Di on 07760115153 or their time for free! email [email protected] Amazing people. for details. Entry forms are also We have already had available from Cafe Charlotte.

Community Scene Easter 2019 12 www.stalhambaptist.org.uk SBC Supporting Missions Abroad

“SBC wish as a church: To be a caring hub of our community which is very much Stalham but also the villages all around and indeed the whole world.” Writes SBC Secretary Geoff Reynolds

We take all life issues seriously which is why for big events we make SBC buildings available, such as the hustings before the general election, also for smaller everyday concerns hence hosting the Foodbank and Citizens Advice each Friday.

We believe too it is important to be available to assist folk who need help or support which is why each month some streets of the town (and two business) get prayer request cards through their doors which have all Our couple one are Damien and Annet Miller. (above) the info needed to reach out to the Pastor (Ron) and Annet is a Ugandan lawyer who previously worked as these are followed up by personal visits. (These visitors Project Director of BMS' partner, the Ugandan Christian carry identification signed by Ron.) Lawyers' Fraternity and has a passion for empowering Our interest stretches much further too as individuals and inspiring women and girls. In 2012 she moved to within the fellowship champion various charities, which Mozambique to work for the Mozambican Association of have touched their heart, holding coffee mornings to Christian Lawyers (AMAC) - a BMS partner involved in raise money and posting information on the church legal justice work. Damien hopes to increase awareness prayer board at the back of the chapel about recent of the law, legal rights, and the character of justice in joys to give thanks for and current issues of concern. scripture within the local context of justice in (eg:- Baptist Missionary Society [BMS]; Tools with a Mozambique. He is interested in linking justice ministry Mission; The Leprosy Mission; Mission Aviation with wider development goals such as the eradication Fellowship; Foodbank). of poverty. Although they joined BMS separately, God Each month the church gives a percentage of the had other plans for them and Annet and Damien were offertory income towards supporting BMS. Their work is married in April 2015. They have a daughter, Patience far reaching providing disaster relief as needed but also and a new baby son , Conrad. supporting individuals and families living in all corners Couple two are Paul and Sarah Brown. (Left) of the globe reaching out to express God’s Love in many They worked for several years in the red light district of ways. SBC is partnered with three couples working in Bangkok, establishing the Freedom Bakery, working different countries whose focus is on Justice issues and with BMS partner “Nightlight” bringing real laughter, aiding Development. (Other BMS focus are Health, healthy community and the light of Christ into the lives Education & Leadership.) of women trapped in the sex trade. Helping these women into fruitful work and a realisation of their own self-worth. Paul and Sarah have been overjoyed at the success of the project and the ladies themselves taking responsibility for the bakery has meant that after their recent break in the UK last summer Paul and Sarah have returned to Thailand in a different, more urban, area to establish a new project helping other folk to start and succeed in business ventures to support themselves and provide employment for others in their locality. Couple three are working in Afghanistan aiding development projects such as providing fresh water and training in sewing and related skills. They remain nameless for their own safety.

Community Scene Easter 2019 13 www.stalhambaptist.org.uk SWAN GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

SWAN is a support group for ladies with mental health issues, they meet on a Wednesday morning from 11am to 1pm at Stalham Youth Club's hall in the recreation ground. We offer a range of classes to help ladies discover hidden talent in a range of Art and Craft and exercise therapies, with tutors who are sensitive to our needs. The range of classes are stimulating and diverse, but there is no pressure to join in, Some of the ladies have just finished a sit down Zumba session although we have found the classes to be really with Sarah Yendell. As another group continues with art and craft. beneficial in helping with gaining self- [email protected] confidence and developing friendships. Stalham is a rural area and many who attend would otherwise struggle in isolation were it not for SWAN. We receive referrals from Hellesdon Hospital and local surgeries who refer patients who are unable to access mental health services due to the cutbacks in this area of funding from the Government. Many ladies are slipping through the net and we are here to help them when they fall. We help you feel secure and valued! We have been very lucky and we have managed to get some decent funding from the National Lottery. This has enabled us to engage a variety of tutors, and we have also been able to purchase art and craft equipment which is a God send as the ladies who come to SWAN often cannot afford to purchase items themselves. There has been a marked improvement in their wellbeing and a reduction in the effects from their illness. This would have been impossible without the classes we are offering and, as we can offer more classes, we are attracting more ladies that we can work with and support and help them to cope with their mental health issues. We are so pleased with the efforts we have made and we can look forward to helping more ladies throughout 2019. I also would like to help more ladies so anyone who knows of someone, or perhaps would benefit personally from the friendship and support we offer, should come along. A warm welcome always awaits but if you need some extra help to feel comfortable attending for the first time or need some more information please contact Teresa Benton either by e mail or on my mobile number 07768 284545. E mail is [email protected] http://www.swanladiesnorfolk.co.uk find us at Stalham Youth Club Hall Recreation Ground Recreation Road Stalham NR12 9BH

Russian internet mogul claims we will live for ever by 2045. Steve English’s cartoon shows the professor holding up a light bulb with an illuminated cross inside it. Has the professor discovered the light of the world? Has he been searching for the elixir of life and found it? Throughout the centuries mankind has searched for the secret of eternal life without success. Russian internet mogul Dmitry Itskov recently claim that by 2045 mankind would live forever by transferring the human conscience into an avatar. Gilgamesh, a Sumerian king, sought immortality unsuccessfully in the 18th century BC but found it in an epic poem one of the oldest literary works. China’s first emperor Qin Shi Huang, whose tomb is surrounded by the Terracotta Army, was determined to live for ever to enjoy what he had created. He died in 210BC by consuming mercury pills which he believed would achieve his goal. At Easter SBC will be celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus 3 days after His crucifixion. In that act he gave eternal life to all those that come to Him in faith. John 3:16 Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life. This Easter find the real elixir of life. Ask Jesus into your life. Community Scene Easter 2019 14 www.stalhambaptist.org.uk

Families at SBC Easter in Germany “How many Easter eggs does a child in the UK receive on average per Year? That was one of the quiz questions at our Easter Youth Pop Up last year.” Writes Simone Otieno.

8 is the answer. I was wondering why people had been so shocked by that. Because I thought we are talking about a mixture of coloured boiled eggs and tiny chocolate eggs. Those are the kind of Easter eggs I know from Germany. I hadn’t realised we were talking about big chocolate eggs that can be filled with even more chocolate. I had never seen these… Thinking about Easter eggs different childhood memories come to my mind: 1) DIY Easter decorations We would poke a hole in the top and a hole at the bottom of a raw egg and then blow the content into a bowl (probably mum would have to bake a cake with all of these eggs later…). Then we would decorate them together, sometimes paint them with water colour or marble them. Mum would put a string on half a matchstick and put the matchstick through the whole at the top of the egg. And there we go - we could hang them on some willow branches and decorate the living room with it. Maybe you want to give it a go this year? 2) Boiled Easter eggs We also used to colour eggshells with food colours while boiling the eggs. It was also possible to buy them coloured in the supermarket but doing it by your own was far more fun than just buying them. Then on Easter morning everyone would have a coloured egg for breakfast on his plate. 3) Easter egg hunt Another tradition is the hiding of Easter nests. My mum would Assistant Pastor Jerry, Kalos, Elsa and Simone always prepare little baskets with coloured boiled eggs, little chocolate eggs and an Easter bunny for each one of us children. Easter in Kenya Then dad and mum would hide them in the garden or in our “I come from Kenya where the Easter Season means a lot to the house if the weather wouldn’t allow us to go outside. All four of majority of the population as it is estimated that more than 80% us children would have to find a nest each and then we were of the population practices Christianity.” Writes Jerry Otieno allowed to eat some of our treats. In Kenya traditions, such as the Easter Eggs, Easter Bunnies, Having so many traditions around the Easter egg you can ask gorging on chocolate and the like, have not caught on and yourself the question what an egg has to do with the Christian celebrations vary among families depending on the importance faith? How can eggs be connected to what we as Christians of Easter to them. A lot of people choose to celebrate Easter by believe and celebrate on Easter? attending church services on Good Friday, Easter Sunday and The egg is symbol of new life. And that is what Easter is all about. Easter Monday. Yet for others Easter begins on Ash Wednesday Yes, we remember that Jesus died but more importantly that he through the forty-day Lent period ending on Easter Monday. rose from the dead. In him and through him we also can have Easter is also a time for family and an opportunity to new life. A new life as a child of God, as someone whose life is make travel plans to visit and spend time with family in other dedicated to honour God and trust and follow him in all his ways. areas of the country. Large family gatherings are the norm and Maybe this year all the Easter eggs that you will see can remind they usually involve enjoying barbecued meat locally known as you of that new life we can have because of Jesus death and “nyama choma”, sharing delicious home cooked local cuisine, resurrection. Maybe they can make you think about your own plenty of entertainment in the form of music and dances, and life and where it needs to be renewed by Jesus. some much needed catching up. Whichever way one decides to prepare for and celebrate Easter Memory of Easter past in this manner is left to one’s conscience. However, the meaning Our previous church had a Maundy Thursday evening of Easter should not be lost in all those preparations and communion service, commemorating the Last Supper and the celebrations. We always must be reminded that Easter is all events that followed. Writes Barbara Reynolds. At the original about the good news of what God has done for us through Last Supper Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, showing He did not Jesus’s cross and resurrection. think He was “above” them but, as we often sing, was a “Servant Easter reminds us that we needed Jesus to deal with our sin and King.” that on our own we cannot save ourselves. Through Jesus’ death At our meeting one year we passed around a bowl, soap and on the cross we can receive the new life that is granted to us by towel and washed each other’s hands in turn…..not as smelly as the grace of God. We receive this life by faith as we repent of our feet …..but the physical hand to hand contact added an extra sins and turn to Jesus. We confess him as Lord, and bow to him dimension to the service. After the “washing” we shared a meal joyfully. This is good news of Easter—the good news of what God together and then had the communion with bread and wine. has done in Jesus Christ. What are your memories of Easter? Community Scene Easter 2019 15 www.stalhambaptist.org.uk Cartoon by Steve English