Have a Safe, Peaceful and Blessed Christmas from OUR CHAIRMAN I Looked in My Diary Recently; It Seemed to Be Full of Empty Pages and Entries That Had Been Crossed Out

NewsCEne The Christian Endeavour English Union Magazine

Winter 2020/21 ENGLAND

Have a safe, peaceful and blessed Christmas FROM OUR CHAIRMAN I looked in my diary recently; it seemed to be full of empty pages and entries that had been crossed out. If someone from “Outer Space” opened it, they would think that I lived in a very odd world; but my diary simply down” I realised how much more time reflects the disruption that we’ve all I had; time for quiet reflection with our experienced in recent months. Lord and more time to explore His will Until last Spring, I don’t think that for us. any of us could imagine Churches, in this I do pray that, you too, may have country, being closed by Government been able to use this opportunity, order. so that, among the sadness of the Freedom to Worship is a present situation, you may also have fundamental part of our culture; and experienced b lessing. recent events, have been a sharp When this edition of NewsCEne reminder, of how much we must treasure reaches you, we will be looking forward that freedom. to Christmas. While our Churches were closed, we We will be preparing to celebrate could, of course worship with streamed the greatest blessing of all; the Glory services and on radio etc; we weren’t, of Almighty God coming into the world entirely cut off, but there has been a as a baby, to reveal God to us and to be great sense of loss. our Saviour. We have missed the loving, Amid all the heartache that this supportive fellowship of our chosen year has brought, may you have a truly Christian Community, and so much of our Blessed Christmas. service has been put on hold, which has Marjorie been another sadness. At times, we may have felt very disconnected from what we hold dear. The wonderful truth is, of course, that the Holy Spirit NEVER goes into PLEASE NOTE “lock down” nor does the Spirit do The decision to de-register from the “social distancing” and stay 6 feet away Charity Commission means that the from us. Throughout every experience Charity number, which appears on the that we have encountered in recent back of the CEEU leaflet, and the Junior months, the Holy Spirit has been there Handbook, is NO longer VALID. with us and, without a mask, has If you have a few copies at home, breathed on us Divine strength and will you please DELETE that number peace. before you circulate the literature. In the early weeks of total “lock Marjorie

2 AN UPDATE Our Greatest Need If our greatest need had been Our much delayed Annual General information, God would have sent us an Meeting was finally held on Saturday educator; 26th September 2020 but, like so many organisations, we were obliged to meet If our greatest need had been electronically. technology, God would have sent us a Meeting via Zoom did allow some scientist; Members, from a distance, to join us and it If our greatest need had been was lovely to share time with them, and to money, God would have sent us an see them. economist; Sadly, some of our faithful “attendees” If our greatest need had been couldn’t join us via Zoom and we missed pleasure, God would have sent us an them. entertainer; We were all very grateful to Judy Godfrey for, not only setting up the electronic link, but our greatest need was but also for teaching us how to join the forgiveness, so God sent us a Saviour. Meeting on our own particular computer, tablet or phone. Judy needed a lot of patience!! FROM THE EDITOR Holding our AGM electronically did not come As you will appreciate, there has naturally to many of us, but it was necessary, not been a great deal happening in our so that we could fulfill our legal requirement. Christian Endeavour groups over the There was a good attendance. past months of ‘lockdown’ and so we I am grateful that so many postal votes hope you enjoy this current edition of were sent in, so that the decisions which Newscene as a way of keeping in touch were taken could, genuinely, reflect the with everyone. wishes of our Membership. We have news of what’s happening There were no new nominations for Membership of the Executive Committee and in the English Union; thoughts to all previous Members and Officers were re- guide our prayers; some quizzes and elected. Christmas themed stories together The proposal to de-register as a Charity with a number of articles celebrating with the Charity Commission was passed the lives of people involved in Christian almost unanimously. Endeavour over the years. I hope we Please be assured that de-registering won’t look on them as ‘obituaries’ but as will NOT, in any way, affect the day to day an insight into lives that were lived well running of CEEU, and our position re Gift Aid, REMAINS unchanged. and fully in the Lord’s service. Most of us gave a sigh of relief that Don’t forget to let me have any items we’d managed to join the Meeting in the first for our Spring edition. Closing date for place, but then we overran the 40 minutes articles is on page 8. that Zoom allows “for free” and so we had a Hope you enjoy reading this current short break. edition of Newscene and are blessed When we’d all “rejoined”, and the and encouraged by its contents. official business complete, there was still a May you have a very happy little time for chat and fellowship after the Christmas and New Year. God bless. closing prayer. Marjorie Stuart Keenan, editor 3 they lived in West Derby and had Roy Cumberlidge 2 children. In 1966 they moved to The Liverpool Echo on Friday 24th Ormskirk. He and Elizabeth continued May 1963 stated that for nearly 3 to attend Stuart Road Baptist Church in years, three young men on Merseyside Walton for a few years before becoming had been spending every hour of their members of Emmanuel Methodist/ spare time preparing for a Convention URC in Ormskirk where Roy was a local in Liverpool the following month, Preacher and organist. a five-day meeting that will bring Roy’s involvement in Christian together more than 700 delegates from Endeavour continued unabated which all over Britain and Ireland. led him into Christian Endeavour To plan for this event a small Holiday Homes, eventually joining committee was put together of three the Committee and becoming young men who devoted their spare Correspondent in the mid to late 1970s time to smoothing out the snags. They in the running of St Rhadagunds, were the secretary Ken Rankin, treasurer situated at Ventnor on the Isle of Roy Cumberlidge and chairman Douglas Wight. He often said the only thing Jones. The treasurer Roy Cumberlidge to give him sleepless nights was had to raise at least £1000 to cover the staffing and he involved a friend, Carol costs of staging the convention. Henderson, to assist with the staffing However, let’s start at the problems. St Rhadagunds provided beginning, the May blitz 1941, when wonderful holiday jobs for many of the the Cumberlidge family were bombed young people that attended Emmanuel out of their house. Little did they know and brought them into the Christian at that time that the Rankin family Endeavour fellowship! was also bombed out and the Kirkdale In the early 1980s he moved on Baptist Tabernacle was destroyed. The to become correspondent at The Cumberlidge family were members Pleasaunce, situated on the North of Carisbrooke Baptist Church and it Norfolk coast, only two miles south-east was a number of years later that the of Cromer. The Pleasaunce is a Grade II membership of the two churches merged listed mansion designed by Sir Edwin and the friendship between Roy and Ken Lutyens for Lord and Lady Battersea started and was in place for well over 70 between 1888 and 1902. It was one of years. the flagship CE homes. It was here that Roy completed a degree in he had many tussles with the Lutyens Chemistry, and did two years National Society who would not allow him to Service, before entering teaching introduce en-suite facilities to many via a Technical College in Liverpool. of the bedrooms. He was appointed He continued to teach at North East minute secretary of the Committee Technical college where he became and later became chairman of the Vice Principal until he took early company in the early 90s and headed retirement in 1986 aged 57 courtesy of up the company through the merger Mr Derek Hatton! of Lancashire and Cheshire CE Holiday Roy married Elizabeth, Margaret Homes with those in Yorkshire and Rankin’s life-long friend, in 1956 and remained chairman until he retired in

4 mid 2000’s. Someone once commented to me that Next Time It Will Roy was well known for his one liners to entertain the committee. Be Different In later years he, enjoyed time with The first time Jesus came his family, with his daughter Ruth’s He came veiled in the form of a child. grown up family in Sheffield and son A star marked His arrival. Peter’s in Bristol, along with his many Wise men brought Him gifts. friends. There was no room for Him. He remained a very active member Only a few attended His arrival. of Emmanuel and continued to preach until well into his 80s, everyone knowing The next time Jesus comes that the church, Christian Endeavour and He will be recognized by all. Christian fellowship had been such a Heaven will be lit by His glory. massive part of his life and work. He will bring rewards for His own. Roy died on the 24th March, a couple The world won’t be able to contain of months before his 91st birthday and His glory. leaves Elizabeth who is still living in the Every eye shall see Him. family home in Ormskirk. He will come as Sovereign King A friend dearly missed. and Lord of all. John F. MacArthur Jr.

Some Gifts to Give Some gifts you can give this Christmas are beyond monetary value: Mend a quarrel, dismiss suspicion, tell someone, “I love you.” Give something away – anonymously. Forgive someone who has treated you wrong. Roy (seated) and Elizabeth Turn away anger with a soft answer. with Margaret and Ken Rankin Visit someone in a nursing home. We would also like to let you know Apologize if you were wrong. that Roy’s sister, Enid, sadly passed Be especially kind to someone with away during the summer months. She whom you work. was involved with Christian Endeavour Give as God gave to you in Christ, from her younger days especially in her without obligation, or announcement, own society and the Liverpool Union. or reservation, or hypocrisy.

5 PrayersCEne Philippians 4:6-7 ‘Do not be members by Zoom, or other electronic anxious about anything, but in every platforms, as restrictions continue. situation, by prayer and petition, with Pray that the children will not lose thanksgiving, present your requests interest whilst they are not able to meet. to God.’ When we went into lockdown in Please also pray: March none of us knew that we would • continue to pray that God will bring us not be back to normal by the new term through the pandemic and now even Christmas or possibly • thank God that the AGM was able to go beyond. It has been very difficult for us ahead on Zoom in September to meet in our churches and more so in • for our chairman/secretary, Marjorie weekly clubs. Some will have been able Wood as she deals with the meeting’s to keep in contact but we are aware that decision to de register from the Charity many of our Personal Members will be Commission and all that entails for the feeling lonely, as they feel cut off from future administration of CEEU the Christian (and social) fellowship • pray that society leaders will grasp any which normally brings joy to their lives. opportunity to re-start their work, however Hopefully, some of our Juniors few are able to attend will have been able to keep in touch • that the youngsters in Junior CE will be electronically. Acre Mill Junior Society encouraged to return when their societies is led by Pamela Haslam-Jones, Jane, are able to open safely. Pauline, Philip and Yvonne who are ably • that our Churches and CE groups supported by Terry. The Leaders have may be actively reaching out to their been in contact with all the fifteen or communities with kindness and generosity so children in the society during the in ways that will reflect the love of Jesus lockdown. Between March and July the to the “non-Churched” children were encouraged to record Judy Godfrey themselves reading from the bible or praying etc. These recordings were edited by the leaders and shown on YouTube as part of the Church’s Sunday services. It is great that the leaders have kept in touch with all the children and made it possible for them to take part in this way. The church family is now meeting in the church building again and some of the Endeavourers attend with their families. Let us pray that other societies will be able to have contact with their

6 experiences and confer on methods.” AFTER C.E. Thus began two ideas: meeting together, also of societies banding STARTED together to share experiences – the Previous articles have chronicled start of Conventions and Unions. how the Movement started, by using “The Congregationalist” article extracts from Mrs Clark’s article in was read by Rev A J Cruzan in Honolulu. the Jubilee Book of 1931. Stuart, our “Like many others after him, he Editor, asked me to carry on further. thought the pledge, or covenant, was Chapter 2 is written by Rev R.P. too strict for young people.” Mrs Anderson who was a close friend of Dr Clark had originally thought that! Clark and known internationally. He Cruznan organized a society without says that when Francis Clark started the covenant in 1883, “but it was not the first Society and wrote that first a success, and within a year, it died. Covenant, he did it for the young He realised his mistake, so a new folk in his own congregation. He had society started there in 1884, with the no thought that it would become Covenant. It became forerunner of more something international! Societies in Hawaii. Anderson describes the Society as A young missionary working in Clark’s “experiment”, but because it Foochow, China, saw a Society in action soon was so successful in maintaining whilst home on furlough. “He saw at the interest of those young people, he once that it could be adapted to the wrote a short article in 1881 for “The needs of the Chinese Church” and Congregationalist” an American journal. returning in 1885 he formed the first Now whilst Clark was in North- Society, in Foochow, which met in a west America, the article was read house. Later, a gavel was made from a with great interest by a young minister beam of that house, which became one in Massachusetts who took up the of Francis Clark’s prized possessions! principles and ideas to form a Society In Chinese that Society “was at first at his church, so Newburyport was the called the Drum-Around-and-Rouse-Up second Society formed in October 1881. Society.” [I recall a British CE booklet “By New Year’s Day 1882, four other called “Drum Around” – and here is the Societies had been organized”. Letters origin of the title!] CE slowly spread enquiring about the new Society were in pre-war China, but reached 2500 frequently coming to Dr. Clark, to the Societies by 1931. extent that it became necessary to print The first Junior Society to survive the Constitution, also a few explanatory started in Tabor, Iowa in 1884. How leaflets. C.E. came to be known about in Ceylon “In June 1882, there were at is uncertain, but a letter of this time least six Societies in existence” and from missionary Margaret Leitch to Dr. representatives from each “met Clark said said she had formed the first in Williston Church to exchange Ceylon and India Society “among the 7 Tamil speaking children of Jaffna.” The book does not mention how Alphabet Bible C.E. first came to anywhere in Europe. In March 1887 it is known that Rev. T.S. Character Quiz for Dickson formed a Society in Dundee which existed for about three years, but Juniors being isolated in Scotland it died out. A The First Man It was directly from the first Society in Portland that the first English Society B A favourite son of Jacob began. A young mechanic who had C He killed his brother emigrated from Crewe was a member at D Cast in the lion’s den Williston. “He wrote to his former pastor, E A prophet fed by ravens Rev A.W. Potts telling him about the F A governor ot Caesarea new organisation, suggesting that such G A giant a Society might work well in Crewe.” H Son of Noah Rev Potts started that first Society in I Son of Abraham Hightown Congregational Church, Crewe J Swallowed by a big fish in August 1887. More about that in the K The father of Saul next edition of Newscene, but before L A poor man covered in leaving this article, we can record that sores the influence of CE in Williston led that M The mother of Jesus mechanic to become Rev G.A. Charnock in the Congregational ministry. N Healed of leprosy Lawrence O A servant of the Lord P The brother of Andrew Q This man governed Syria DATES FOR R Isaac’s wife NEXT ISSUE OF S A wise man who built a Temple for God NEWSCENE T This man had doubts U This man was killed by King David V A beautiful Queen X A Persian king Y A name for God OUR NEXT MAGAZINE WILL BE PUBLISHED IN SPRING 2021 Z He climbed a sycamore COULD YOU LET ME HAVE ALL tree to see Jesus ARTICLES BEFORE What letter of the alphabet is 28th February 2021 missing from the list? THANK YOU - Stuart Keenan, Editor

8 fled when they saw a mountain lion A Christmas roaming the hills. But Toby had stayed. Shepherding was his livelihood. Story He knew the sacrifices that good Shepherd with flock. The frost of shepherding required. He knew about forty winters had etched deep lines defending defenseless lambs. He knew into the shepherd’s face. Having about putting his life on the line for the spent his entire life outdoors on sheep. That’s what good shepherds did. Bethlehem’s hills, he was old at forty - Jesus continued, “Suppose you have and cold. 100 sheep and when night comes one The hillside where he sat this day is missing. What do you do? You leave was cold, too, and he pulled his mantle the 99 sheep all safe together and then close about him to block the wind. climb the hills, looking, searching until Every so often he would shift you find the lost sheep. Then you pick position, not out of discomfort so much, him up, put him on your shoulders, but from a sense of unease, anxiety, bring him down the hill to the camp, and crowdedness. Instead of hundreds of ask your fellow shepherds to rejoice sheep with whom he felt quite at home, with you.” this hillside was flocked with people - “Your heavenly Father is like that,” thousands of them - listening attentively Jesus said. “When you have lost your to the Teacher. They could hear him way, He will rescue you and save you fairly well, except when the wind and never give up on you until He finds whisked away his words. you - and you find Him.” Tobias ben David (pronounced da- Toby’s heart was racing. He felt a VEED) was the shepherd’s name, though lump in his throat. He understood. Toby people called him Toby. His flocks were had combed the hills for lost sheep, in good hands this week, cared for by not stopping, not quitting. He knew the his grown sons, but Toby had left them joy of discovery, of rescuing the sheep to listen to Jesus of Nazareth. Today the from a thicket, of bringing it back and Teacher was talking about salvation, celebrating with his friends. He had how God came to save His people from been that kind of shepherd. their waywardness and sins, to rescue But he also knew how it felt to them and gather them close. wander off, feeling lost, aimless, Now Jesus’ illustration turned to trapped. Clueless about where he was sheep. Toby felt better. He knew a lot and where he was going. Flailing about, more about sheep than people. struggling to climb out of what seemed “The good shepherd,” Jesus was like a steep ravine. That’s why he came saying, “lays down his life for the sheep. today to hear the Teacher, hoping to The hired hand who doesn’t own the regain the faith he had felt as a child, a flock runs away when he sees the wolf ten-year-old child. coming, but not the good shepherd...” His mind spun back to the evening One night, years ago, the men Toby of his tenth birthday. Like nearly every had hired to watch the flock with him night, he was out on the hills with 9 his dad or his uncles, caring for the sheep. The stars were brilliant, dancing candy canes in the black sky. But suddenly an Candy canes have long been a overpowering bright light flooded the symbol of Christmas. They pop up the day after Hallowe’en and can be found hillside. A voice boomed out, “Behold, in nearly every flavour imaginable. I bring you good news of a great joy This precious story retells of the which shall be for all the people. For to legend of the first candy cane. you is born this day in the city of David An old candymaker wants to a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord!” teach local children the real meaning A saviour, a rescuer - shepherds’ of Christmas. With the help of his work. He had often wondered about granddaughter, he makes a new candy the boy-child they discovered that to tell them about Jesus. night, lying in a manger, just as the He flavours it with peppermint to angel had said. Toby had knelt down remind the children of the spices the and worshipped the baby who bore the wise men brought to Jesus. Its hardness world’s destiny upon His tiny shoulders. reminds them Jesus is “the Rock” What had become of Him, this baby? By (1 Corinthians 10:4), and the white now He must be thirty-something. Had symbolizes His sinless life. Its staff-like this Saviour saved anyone yet? Rescued shape reminds them that He is the Good anyone? Could He rescue me from my Shepherd, and when flipped is a “J” for aimless existence? Toby wondered. Jesus. The stripes symbolize the cross Just then the wind caught Jesus’ and the wounds He endured. They are words and blew them Toby’s direction. painted red for the love of God and the “I am the Good Shepherd,” Jesus was blood He shed (John 3:16). All aspects saying, “who lays down his life for the combined, this sweet treat beautifully sheep. Come to me, all you who are illustrates what Jesus did for us. weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and Complaints about a nativity scene in the Capitol are not bothering South learn from Me,” He said with warmth Dakota Governor, Bill Janklow. and joy on His face, “for I am gentle and He’s prepared to let every religion humble in heart, and you will find rest put something on display in the for your souls.” Capitol, and even has an “empty I wonder? thought Toby as he felt big corner” set aside for atheists. tears begin to roll down his cheeks and into his beard. I wonder? thought Toby as joy and the certainty of God’s love On Sunday 8th November, David Currie of Long Lane IM Church and the began to fill his heart until it seemed Liverpool Union passed away. like he would explode. I wonder? David was involved in CEEU and thought Toby, if this Jesus is the little the North West Region and we will baby I saw that night, the Saviour of the hopefully have a full appreciation of world? Yes, thought Toby, He must be. his life in our next edition. His words found me and, frankly, He Please pray for his wife, May, and sounds just like He’s God’s Shepherd. the family.

10 Junior/Young People’s NewsCEne

Dear Friends, reached millions and been life changing We are in the season when we for so many! think about looking forward to In our ‘lockdown’ time we need Christmas and yet this year things to find ways of witnessing to others may be so different. about God’s love. There is something Because of the global pandemic we very special about receiving a personal are not sure what will and will not be letter and some good news. Why not use allowed at this present time but just some of the names on your Christmas like personal birthdays during the last card list and start writing (with a pen year it will take place – maybe not as we not a print out) about the Good News would like – but we will still celebrate of Christmas in a personal way to the coming of the Lord Jesus into the those friends, particularly, who don’t world as a baby. We must share the know Jesus or as an encouragement to hope that this brings with everyone we those Christian friends who have been know. He came for such a time as this to struggling. Pray as you write of any give peace, joy, love and hope to a world personal experiences when God has in desperate need. helped you through some of the difficult It may not be the traditional times this year and how your faith has Carol Service or the Christmas Fair helped you. or the Nativity Play; nor even the Can you encourage someone else to many Christmas meals that we trust God for what is to come and give usually share or a party that you them the hope that comes from knowing can invite your friends to but if you what Jesus has done for each one of us. have experienced the true meaning Keep it short but clear and assure them of Christmas and know God’s love of your prayers and pray, as you post the through Jesus then this is what we letters and cards, that God will use them need to make clear and share with to reach into your friends hearts and everyone. minds and stir them to move forward in I was reading from the book of their relationship with Him. Philippians recently and it struck me If we all wrote to just 3 or 5 special that Paul was in ‘lockdown’ when he people about the true meaning of wrote this letter. How many people has Christmas (not your whole Christmas this letter blessed over the years as well card list as I’m sure many of your as the believers in Philippi? It must have friends already know Jesus), it would 11 have a great impact. What a “birthday” celebration Jesus will have as He rejoices with the Angels when people turn to Him because of your letters!! Start writing!! God bless you this Christmas time as you share His love, joy, peace and hope. May He protect you and keep you safe. Shirley CHRISTMAS QUIZ FOR JUNIORS AND YP 1 Where were the shepherds when the angel told them the Good News? 2 What was Jesus’ first cradle? 3 Who was the Roman emperor at the time? 4 In the Gospels how many wise men does it say there were? 5 In which Gospel does the story of the wise men appear? 6 In which Old Testament book is the prophesy about Bethlehem? 7 Who wrote ‘Hark! The herald angels sing’? 8 Name the angel who visited Mary. 9 In which Gospel does the story of Elizabeth and Zechariah appear? 10 Mary and Joseph escaped to Egypt- is it true that it never snows in Africa? 11 What is the other name for Boxing Day? 12 In the genealogy in Matthew’s Gospel who was Joseph’s father? 13 From which carol does the line ‘Wherefore have you left your sheep’ come from? 14 In Norway and Sweden it is known as the ‘Christ-thorn’. What do we call it? 15 When Jesus was taken to the temple as a baby, what was the name of the man who took Him in his arms? 16 What was the name of the prophetess who was also in the temple? 17 ‘Adeste Fideles’ is the Latin version of which famous carol? 18 In which country was St. Nicholas a bishop? 19 What is the last line of ‘Away in a manger’? 20 What relation was Mary to Elizabeth?

12 colouring competition

Name ...... Age ...... Church ...... Address ...... Postcode ...... Send your entries to Avis MacDonald, The Old Post Office and Cottage, Crockernwell, Devon EX6 6NF by 31st January 2021

13 HOW CE CAN HELP YOUR CHURCH CEEU has produced an attractive leaflet called “What can Christian Endeavour do for you”? In simple, everyday language, and with ENGLAND attractive illustrations, it states very clearly what CE is today. For friends, or local Churches, it would make a very good first step in introducing them to CE. ALSO new, is a small book entitled “Your Church and Junior Christian Endeavour”. Your church and It is colourful, informative and gives Junior Christian ideas which are helpful for starting a Endeavour Society. In fact, some of the ideas could JCE should have an element of “Chain Prayer”, where all participants have the opportunity to pray be of interest to our own Societies. aloud in sequence. Once the outline programme has been planned, the first half term or full term needs to be planned well in advance If CE has been of value in YOUR in detail so that each person taking part knows their role. Guest Speakers or visits need to be booked and confirmed. life, why not tell others by introducing HALF TERM PLAN EXAMPLE Week Topic Leader I.T. Speaker Wk 2 - 9th Jan them to CE through this literature. Promises Prayer Reading Sonja Ravi Offering Refreshment Quiz Wk 3 - 16th Jan William CE Promise David Ravi Craft Songs Anna David Anna Jess/Tom Wk 4 - 23rd Jan Mrs Beaver Jonah Tom Anna Ravi Simon If you contact me, I’ll very happily William Jess Julie/Joe Ravi Wk 5 - 30th Jan David Praise Sonja Drama Ravi Simon Simon David Anna Jess/Ravi Wk 6 - 6th Feb Several Simon Video Anna Jess Tom Jess Ravi Ravi Joe/Sonja send free copies to you. Wk 7 - 13th Feb Sonja Games Ravi Simon Simon David/Ann Julie David/Ann Wk 8 - 23rd Feb Discussion HALF TERM Julie Tom The CE Union of Great Britain and Sonja Jess/Will

The details on the plan may include who sets the room up, Ireland has supported us, with a grant, who gives notices etc. and other tasks as may be necessary. It may be that an adult will be the leader for some time, so that meetings are ‘held together’ until the children become familiar with the process. to help with the cost of producing this At least one week in advance the meeting plan should be finalised (by the leader/speaker) and everyone who will participate should be reminded of their duties. literature. Now, it is up to US to get it Meetings should be in a caring, informal, non-threatening environment where mistakes can be made, yet in which out into the wider world. certain rules and standards have to be adhered to. Marjorie

What can

Christian PRINCIPLES Christian Endeavour stands on four Biblical principles: l Confession of Christ as Saviour and Lord PROMISE Endeavour and sharing Christ with others PURPOSE The Christian Endeavour Promise is at the l Fellowship with Christ’s people; being To develop a community of believers who: centre, challenging all to full commitment: involved and committed in a local l Meet together regularly fellowship and wider circles Trusting the Lord Jesus Christ for strength, do for you? l Worship together l Loyalty to Christ’s Church by actively serving “ l Learn from God’s Word together and supporting your own church’s worship I endeavour to live for Him boldly and make it l Pray together and ministries the practice of my life to:

l Have fun together l Service for Christgiven by using gifts individualto touch the or collective God- l PRAY and STUDY God’s word daily, l Support each other, physically and world’s brokenness with Christ’s victory spiritually l SERVE others freely, l Build their relationship with God in a loving, caring environment l SHARE my faith openly, l Are equipped to go out into the world and the support l WORSHIP God in my church regularly with confidence of the group l And humbly LEAD His cause forgeneration. my ”

POSITION Christian Endeavour takes a non-negotiable stand on the following statements: l Spiritual potential of young people. To equip the young people as leaders. l Lordship of Christ and authority of scripture. Commitment to service for Christ and the Church. l Relationship to the church and pastor. Loyalty to Christ and the Church.

14 Recognizing Jesus One of my favourite Christmas stories is about the old shoe cobbler who dreamed one Christmas Eve that Jesus would come to visit him the next day. The dream was so real that he was convinced it would come true. So the next morning he got up and didn’t You come?” went out and cut green boughs and And then in a moment of silence decorated his little cobbler shop and he seemed to hear a voice saying, got all ready for Jesus to come and visit. “Oh shoe cobbler, lift up your heart. I He was so sure that Jesus was going to kept My word. Three times I knocked come that he just sat down and waited at your friendly door. Three times My for Him. shadow fell across your floor. I was The hours passed and Jesus didn’t the man with the bruised feet. I was come. But an old man came. He came the woman you gave food to eat. I was inside for a moment to get warm out of the boy on the homeless street.” the winter cold. As the cobbler talked Jesus had come. The cobbler just with him he noticed the holes in the old didn’t realize it. man’s shoes, so he reached up on the by Melvin Newland shelf and got him a new pair of shoes. He made sure they fit and that his socks

ANSWERS TO CHRISTMAS QUIZ were dry and sent him on his way. 20 Cousin

there You with live Still he waited. But Jesus didn’t To 19

come. An old woman came. A woman Turkey 18

faithful ye all come O who hadn’t had a decent meal in two 17

days. They sat and visited for a while, Anna 16

and then he prepared some food for her Simeon 15

to eat. He gave her a nourishing meal Holly 14

snow winter’s the amid and sent her on her way. See 13

16) : 1 (Matthew Then he sat down again to wait for Jacob 12

Day Stephen’s Jesus. But Jesus still didn’t come. St 11

Tanzania Then he heard a little boy crying out in

Kilimanjaro Mt on snow is There in front of his shop. He went out and No. 10

talked with the boy, and discovered Luke 9

that the boy had been separated from Gabriel 8

Wesley his parents and didn’t know how to get Charles 7

5) (ch home. So he put on his coat, took the Micah 6

boy by the hand and led him home. Matthew 5

many how say doesn’t When he came back to his little shoe It 4

Caesar shop it was almost dark and the streets Augustus 3

manger were emptied of people. And then in a A 2

Bethlehem outside fields the moment of despair he lifted his voice to In 1 heaven and said, “Oh Lord Jesus, why

15 many years and was involved with many Remembering of the activities there. JOAN DAVIES She represented the Mission on the Women’s Free Church Federal Council Joan Davies was called home by in Warrington and went on to become the Lord on 21st September. Her the President in 1996, remaining as involvement with Christian Endeavour President until the Council was wound really began after she married Dennis up. She took on the responsibility for in 1962. organising the Women’s World Day of Joan attended Workingmen’s Mission Prayer for the churches in the centre of Sunday School in Warrington from her Warrington and continued to do that for early years. Her commitment to the about 15 years. She joined the League Lord came in her teens when seeing a of Friends of Warrington Hospital and Billy Graham film at a local cinema. The helped in their work, being especially viewing had been arranged for classes linked to the Diabetic Clinic. from her school by the headmistress Joan supported Dennis in many and, though others in her group were ways, not only his work at the Mission. deriding the film and what Billy Graham She was Assistant Secretary for the was saying, she made her decision British Christian Endeavour National that she would be a follower of Jesus Convention in Warrington in 1967 and Christ. She very soon took a stand for supported him in his various other work her Lord for, one day, she went to the within Christian Endeavour over the headmistress and complained that the years, accompanying him to Endeavour teacher taking RI lessons, who had no meetings around the country. She will interest in religion, was teaching them be remembered by some Endeavourers that the Scriptures were all wrong. as a ‘mother’ for she was Mum and She became a member of the Dad with Dennis at several Christian Mission and a teacher in the Primary Endeavour Junior Weeks. She was a Department of the Sunday School, great help to him during the 28 years eventually taking over as the leader of when he was a centre director for the Primary Department and serving Christian Endeavour Holiday Homes, as its leader for very many years. She first at Glendermott on the Isle of joined the Mission choir in her teens Bute and then at Beechwood Court at and was a member until she was nearly Conwy, giving him advice on decorating 80 when her increasing health problems and furnishing and using her sewing made it difficult for her to stand. Even skills to make curtains for the many then, she was still able to reach the high bedrooms at Beechwood. For many of notes. There are many who remember the 23 Christmases they were in charge her singing duets with Dennis at little of Beechwood Court, she took on the chapels, Endeavour meetings and at responsibility of choosing the presents CE Holiday Homes. Joan served on the for the 50 or more guests, always Chapel Committee at the Mission for keeping in mind their preferences and 16 what they had received in previous CEEU ANNUAL GENERAL years. She welcomed many into her home MEETING 2021 and provided hospitality for many DATE Saturday 10th April 2021 Endeavour meetings, continuing to do TIME 12 noon so for GB&I Trustee meetings even in VENUE This will be CONFIRMED nearer the last few years until increasing ill- to the Meeting date and will be health limited her ability. dependent upon the restrictions which We give thanks for the life of Joan may be in place at that time. Davies, for all that she did and the Ideally, we would meet, as usual, support that she gave, for the warmth at Penketh Methodist Church but, if of her welcome and smile and for circumstances rule that out, the Meeting her faithful service for Christ and the will be held via Zoom. Church. NOMINATIONS There are 7 places on our Executive Committee and they ALL have to be re-elected, or replaced, at EACH Annual General Meeting. We NEED nominations and a nomination form will, therefore, be enclosed with the Annual Return form in January. (The Committee normally meets 3 times each year and expenses can be claimed.) Please note that Howard Chapman ANSWERS TO ALPHABET BIBLE has indicated that he will NOT be

CHARACTER QUIZ FOR JUNIORS

W - list? the from seeking re-election.

missing is alphabet the of letter What Nominations should reach me, by

mail or email, by 2nd February 2021. Mary

M My details can be found in “At Your Lazarus L Zacchaeus

Z Service”. Kish K

Yahweh Y A list of nominees will be published in Jonah J Xerxes

X the Spring edition of NewsCEne Isaac I Vashti

V If you are unable to attend the AGM, Ham H Uriah

U and would like to vote, then postal Goliath G Thomas

T voting forms will be available from the Felix F Solomon

S Registrar. Elijah E Rachel

R Having another AGM so soon after Daniel D Quirinius

Q the last one may seem strange, but Cain C Peter

P having the 2021 meeting in April, Benjamin B Onesimus

O returns us to our normal pattern. Adam A Naaman

N Marjorie Wood (Secretary)

17 HAVE YOU BOOKED YOUR 2020/21 HOLIDAY YET?

Christian Endeavour Holiday Centre’s holiday programme is now available Send for a brochure or visit cehc.org.uk for further details

With centres at Beechwood Court, Conwy, North Wales and The Pleasaunce, Cromer, Norfolk

Our holidays suit all ages and all interests • WINTER SPECIALS • SENIOR SPECIALS • SPECIAL INTEREST BREAKS • FAMILY WEEKS

Suitable for Church, youth and school groups, Minister’s Conferences, retreats, etc.

SO BEFORE YOU BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY – CHECK OUT WHAT WE HAVE TO OFFER

18 The Christmas remembered Christmas and a smile came over his face. Problem Suddenly, the Christmas story no longer seemed absurd. Once upon a Christmas Eve, a man Suddenly, he pictured that ordinary- sat in reflective silence before the looking infant, lying in the manger, in fireplace, pondering the meaning of that stable in Bethlehem, and he knew Christmas. “There is no point to a God the answer to his Christmas problem: who becomes man,” he mused. “Why God had become one of us to tell us that would an all-powerful God want to He loves us. share even one of His precious moments with the likes of man? And even if He did, why would He choose to be born in an animal stall? No way! The whole thing is absurd! I’m sure that if God Keeping Christmas really wanted to come down to earth, In a world that seems not only He would have chosen some other to be changing, but even to be way.” dissolving, there are some tens of Suddenly, the man was roused from millions of us who want Christmas his reverie by a strange sound outside. to be the same - with the same old He went to the window and saw a greeting, “Merry Christmas,” and no small gaggle of blue geese frantically other. honking and aimlessly flopping about We long for the abiding love among in the snow. They seemed dazed and men of good will which the season confused. brings - believing in this ancient Apparently they had dropped out in miracle of Christmas with its softening, exhaustion from the flight formations of sweetening influence to tug at our heart a larger flock on its way from the Arctic strings once again. Islands to the warmer climes of the We want to hold on to the old Gulf of Mexico. Moved to compassion, customs and traditions because they the man tried to “shoo” the poor geese strengthen our family ties, bind us into his warm garage, but the more he to our friends, make us one with all “shooed” the more they panicked. “If mankind for whom the Child was born, they only realized I’m only trying to and bring us back again to the God do what’s best for them,” he thought Who gave His only begotten Son, that to himself. “How can I make them “whosoever believeth in Him should not understand my concern for their well- perish, but have everlasting life”. being?” So we will not “spend” Christmas - Then, this thought came to him: nor “observe” Christmas. “If, for just a minute, I could become We will “keep” Christmas - keep it as one of them, an ordinary goose, and it is - in all the loveliness of its ancient communicate with them in their own tradition. language, they would know what I am May we keep it in our hearts, that trying to do.” we may be kept in its hope. And suddenly - suddenly, he Peter Marshall

19 Motor Neurone Disease which Joe Harrop caused increased frailty and mobility 1927-2020 issues. Joe was born in Oldham and He never complained and introduced to Christian Endeavour when determinedly set out to find ways to he met Audrey Evans at a Sunday School manage and retained his independence teachers’ training event. until he had a fall in March which He later became involved in the local CE resulted in a broken hip and his final group at Copsterhill Methodist Church days spent in a Care Home and hospital and also in the Oldham CE Union as with covid restrictions. well as the Lancashire and Cheshire He leaves a daughter, Federation Council. granddaughter, 2 great granddaughters Following Audrey’s death in 1977 and a host of friends with many Joe became President of the Federation memories. at a service held at Altrincham Baptist Church in October 1978. During a week’s holiday the following year at Kents Bank CE Holiday Home he met Joyce Charnock who he later married in 1980 when he moved to Wigan. He continued to serve the Federation and became a member at Tontine Methodist Church where he served in various roles finally becoming Chief Steward. He took early retirement to care for Joyce and following her death in 1995 he increased his time and A CHRISTMAS BLESSING involvement in the local church. by Bishop Mervyn Stockwood In 2006 he moved to Dyserth, North Wales, to be near his sister and there he joined the local United Reformed Church May the humily of as there was not a Methodist Church the shepherds, the locally. He later became an Elder here and was active in many organisations perseverance of the including their Tuesday Morning wise men, the joy of the Community Group of which he was angels and the peace President, Contact the Elderly and the Field Club. of the Christ Child, be He enjoyed quizzes, walking and God’s gifts to us and exploring the countryside, National Trust Properties and RSPB sanctuaries to people everywhere, as well as opera and ballet. He was this Christmas and for renowned for his pastry making and always. many folk enjoyed his apple pies. In 2015 he was diagnosed with 20 works for the good of those who love The Messy Manger Him, who have been called according to If you think your life is an utter His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) disaster, that God could never use How bad can it get? A girl gets a life as messed up as yours, think pregnant. Her parents are utterly again. Let me point you to some shamed. Her fiancé - not the father - is familiar Bible stories. ready to dump her. And then he is told, Joseph’s brothers hate him so “Do not fear to take Mary as your wife, much that they sell him as a slave and for that which is conceived in her is from make their father believe he has been the Holy Spirit.” devoured by animals, but “but God How bad can it get? The girl is in meant it for good” to save thousands labour, far from home with only a cave- from starvation. barn where she can lie down and have Sampson lusts after a Philistine girl her baby. The only place to put her - not the nice Jewish girl his parents newborn is a manger. A cattle trough. wanted for him. But the Bible says, “his We imagine it with fresh, fragrant straw father and mother did not know that plucked from a bale of hay. But I doubt this was from the Lord.” that the cave was stocked with neat King Solomon’s son makes a bales stacked against the wall. The disastrous decision that loses him half straw that night was neither fresh nor the kingdom. What a mess! But God fragrant. Life was a mess - but God was says, “This thing is from Me.” in it. Jacob is a liar and a cheat and has God sees Mary with her tiny infant to flee for his life. He sleeps out in the and sends a host of angels to announce open with only a rock for a pillow. But the birth. when he wakes with a vision of angels, “Behold, I bring you good news of he says, “Surely the Lord is in this great joy that will be for all the people. place, and I did not know it.” For unto you is born this day in the city Your life may appear well-ordered on of David a Saviour, who is Christ the the surface, but underneath there may Lord. And this will be a sign for you: be disarray. Brokenness, pain, shame. you will find a baby wrapped in Things you seem utterly incapable of swaddling cloths and lying in a fixing. manger.” The good news, my friend, is that The messy manger is itself a sign God is bigger than your messy life. He from God. Is your life a mess? Then let is not impotent. He is not confined by this be a sign to you. your boundaries. He is God! And He is Your very good news is that the God unafraid of working in messy situations. of the messy manger, the resurrected In fact, He gets pleasure in surprising Christ of the cruel cross, and the Holy us with His amazing grace. Spirit, in whom you live and move and What are your points of pain? What have your being, are able to break is the mess that you are struggling through in your life, begin to clean up with? Maybe, just maybe, God is able your mess, bless you too. And that - like to take your mess, and out of it bring the messy manger - will be a wonder all blessing. its own. “And we know that in all things God 21 At your serviCE Christian Endeavour English Union Treasurer Chairman Mrs Shirley Cormack Mrs Marjorie Wood 7 St Anthony’s Hill 25 Garth Drive, Chester CH2 2AF Milnthorpe, Cumbria LA7 7DU Tel. 01244 382 067 Tel. 01539 563 924 [email protected] Mobile 07786 006 293 [email protected] Email: [email protected] Newscene Editor Mr Stuart Keenan, 3 Felsted Drive Aintree, Liverpool L10 8JR Tel. 0151-526 8959/922 9571 Email: [email protected]

cradles the newborn Saviour (Luke THREE TREES 2:7,12). Three trees have big dreams. One Instead of a mighty ship, the second wants to become a treasure box. tree becomes a meagre fishing boat that Another desires to be made into a carries Jesus as He calms the waters large sailing ship. The third dreams (Matthew 8:23-27). of remaining planted, growing tall The third tree becomes the cross enough to reach heaven. But just like that bore Jesus at His death (Mark our lives, their dreams aren’t always 15:37). what God has planned for us. Not only does this story teach us The first tree doesn’t become a about Christ, but it reminds us our treasure box, per se, but it ends up dreams are in good Hands. He “is able holding the Greatest Treasure of all to do immeasurably more than all we when it becomes a manger which ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20).

22 JUST TO CHEER YOU UP!! HERE ARE SOME CHURCH MAGAZINE ‘BLOOPERS’ (JUST SHOWS THE IMPORTANCE OF PROOF READING!) l The Fasting and Prayer Conference includes meals. l Scouts are saving aluminium cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children. l Ladies, don’t forget the rummage sale. It’s a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands. l Don’t let worry kill you off - let the Church help. l Miss Charlene Mason sang ‘I will not pass this way again,’ giving obvious pleasure to the congregation. l For those of you who have children and don’t know it, we have a nursery downstairs. l Next Thursday there will be try-outs for the choir. They need all the help they can get. l Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days. l At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be ‘What Is Hell?’ Come early and listen to our choir practice. l Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones. l Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered. l The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility. l Pot-luck supper Sunday at 5:00pm - prayer and medication to follow. l The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon. l The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the Congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday. l Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7pm. Please use the back door. l The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare’s Hamlet in the Church basement Friday at 7pm. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy. l Weight Watchers will meet at 7pm at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.

23 2021 CELEBRATION WEEKEND

Dear Friends, Next year our NWCE Celebration is to be held over a weekend at the fantastic CE Holiday Centre; Beechwood Court. This will take place from evening meal on Friday 19th March until after lunch on Sunday 21st March 2021. Should you be unable to attend for the full weekend we have the facilities to welcome day visitors, meals to be NOW - send £60 deposit per adult but booked and prices to be agreed you have months to save and pay the through Beechwood Court direct. balance. The weekend will combine fun Please advertise this event to all and fellowship to include activities for ages and families connected with CE all age groups. in the NW Region as we would like We will hold our annual ‘Celebration’ to see Beechwood bursting at the on the Saturday afternoon in order to seams! We are opening the event to accommodate day visitors but hope that all CEEU friends, advertising through the majority will be able to stay the full the magazine, so please book early to weekend. avoid disappointment. Yours in Christ Put the dates in your diary Shirley Cormack

AS THIS EVENT WAS POSTPONED FROM MARCH 2020, THE MAJORITY OF BOOKINGS WERE CARRIED FORWARD AND THEREFORE ONLY A LIMITED NUMBER OF PLACES ARE AVAILABLE. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN JOINING US, PLEASE CONTACT ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE