1REV GAVIN HANCOCKS

Tel: 01803 615480email: minister@centralchurchtorquay.org

MINISTER IN PASTORAL CHARGE

CORNERSTONE

APRIL 2015

MAGAZINE OF

CENTRAL

ST. ANDREWS

AND

VICTORIA PARK

SundayServices

Pg 17

Saint ofthe Month

Pg 37

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CHURCH CONTACTS - CENTRAL

Secretary Barbara Lawton 01803 296990lawtonbarbara75@yahoo.co.uk

Treasurers John Coatham 01803 323212 Paul Sherriff 01803 298603Envelope & Gift Aid SecretaryOrganist & Choir Director Clive Bastin 01803 325142Magazine Editors Hazel Nightingale 01803 613345 Philip Kay 01803 323551

philipkay393@btinternet.comBooking Secretary Hazel Nightingale 01803 613345

hazel_nightingale@hotmail.comPublicity(Posters) Barbara Gissinger 01803 328407Caretakers Darrell Sanderson 07719 099901 Keith Read 07719 099901Website www.centralchurchtorquay.org

CHURCH CONTACTS – ST ANDREWS.

Church Secretary. Sue Jarvis 01803 325501wheezy1@sky.com

Senior Steward Sue Masheder 01803 873258sue@masheder1.freeserve.co.uk

CHURCH CONTACTS – VICTORIA PARK

Lay Pastoral Assistant Irene Cochran 01803 842542leeathookhills@aol.com

Church Council Secretary Myra Wise 01803 327145myrawise456@btinternet.com

Senior Steward Mavis Paul 01803 291895

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THE MINISTER

Dear Friends,

The deaf have a sign for Jesus: they place the middle finger of each handinto the palm of the other. Jesus, the one with the wounded hands.Isn’t it somewhat intriguing that the risen Christ still bears the scars ofthe wounded Jesus? ‘Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here;see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side.”’(Jn 20:27).

How much of our lives do we simply wish we could just blot outaltogether, wipe it away never to be seen again? Oh, I’ve got quite ahuge chunk I’d like to have removed like that, ranging from silly, stupidmistakes to somewhat more serious expressions of selfishness andpride. Yet, think about it, if they were summarily removed, excised withthe deft flick of the surgeon’s wrist and blade, what would I be left with?A gaping great hole, a significant chunk of myself gone. Indeed, I wouldbe left out of balance and struggling to make sense of myself becauseall of that is who and what I am right here and right now. The good andthe bad, the holy and the sinful parts of me belong together andtogether shape me into the person that I am.

In the scarred image of the risen Christ we see it all hold together.Together it reveals the resurrected life of the One who suffered anddied, who also lived in the fullest possible sense that fullness of life ofwhich he spoke in Jn10:10. As we see the wounded Christ in the gloryof his resurrection life might we be able to allow him to hold us togetherin the wholeness of our life – the good and the bad, the whole and thebroken – and know the transforming power of his love makingsomething beautiful of it all together.

Yours in the Gospel, Gavin.

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FAMILY & FRIENDSFamily News & other Bits & Pieces

CONGRATULATIONS· To Beryl & Peter Gregory on their Golden Wedding Anniversary on 5��

March.· To Sheila & John Lawrence on their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on

the 19�� March.· To Pam Fulcher on her 80�� Birthday on 13�� March.· Happy Birthday to Margaret Henderson on the 11�� April· Happy Birthday to Ian Henderson on the 24�� April· To Sue Julyan on being appointed Head Teacher at Torre Academy.

THANKS· From Audrey Avery who says: A big thank you to friends who sent me

birthday greetings on the 10��. It was good to be remembered.· From Bill & Yvonne Thorne, who say: We thank God for the loving

concern shown to us in prayer, calls, cards and gifts and by thefellowship of Central over recent months. It has been a great support.

· John and Sheila wish to thank all our friends for their lovely cards, giftsand good wishes on the occasion of our Diamond Wedding Anniversary,for us a truly happy day to remember.

· From the Revd David and Caroline Sams for the receipt of the magazineover the years since he left Central. Many they read about, they don’tknow, and they think it appropriate that they cease to receiveCornerstone. We thank them for the generous donation they senttowards the cost of our magazine.

· From Judith Holmwood who says: 'Counting one's Blessings'.  I havebeen well blessed with so many wonderful friends at Central who havesent me cards, and warm wishes, since I've been poorly. Your thoughts,& prayers, have been welcome throughout the day and the dark nights.Thank you to all who visited me in the hospital and left me smiling! Abig thank you to Monica who drove me hither & thither toappointments, and is still doing so. I also thank her for her patiencewith me when I was ready to 'spit my dummy'! Yes- I am well blessedhaving so many friends & I thank God every day for his wisdom settingme down on Central's Steps. My love to you all.

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MARY ROBINSON. 1922 – 2015.

Mary was born in Devon, an only child. The family moved to Torquayfrom Tiverton, and her father worked as a printer for many years withthe local newspaper the ‘Herald Express.’ Following the loss of both herparents, Mary continued to live in the same house, latterly with a lodgerin the upstairs flat. Mary was always proud of her home and garden, andcared for it lovingly.

During the war Mary joined the ATS, initially as a telephonist, but latertrained to be a dental nurse in the ‘Dental Care’ section. Followingdischarge from the Army, she continued to work for an acclaimed DentalPractice in Park Hill Road, until she retired after many years service.

In her spare time she devoted many long hours selling poppies for theBritish Legion, and received an award for her services.

Mary had a good solo voice, and belonged to the Torquay OperaticSociety. She was a lifelong member of the Union Street Methodist Churchand subsequently Central. From the 1940’s she was a dedicated memberof the Church Choir. She also played the piano for the Union StreetSunday School

As her health gradually deteriorated in her later years, she decided tomove into a residential home, where she lived for the last ten years. Sheremained mentally alert, and would often win the ‘Quiz’ and other games!

I have known Mary over the last 20 years and always enjoyed visiting herin the home – Hatherly. As she became frailer and needed moreattention, she became more unhappy. Aged 93 she said she was ‘readyto go’ and had planned the service for her funeral, which included herfavourite pieces of music

I shall miss Mary greatly, and it has been a privilege to be part of her lifeover the past few years.

Mary Nankivell.

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BROWNIES DONATE TO CONTACT CENTRE

The 11th Torquay Brownies did a grand job of collecting Sainsbury’svouchers during 2014 and the play equipment they acquired wasdonated to the Torquay Contact Centre. The picture shows SueNorman receiving the equipment on behalf of the Contact Centre

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AROUND THE FAMILY AT ST ANDREWS.

Christ is risen - Alleluia!

May this reality live in all of us whatever the coming days bring.

I thought back to other words that had encouraged me over the years.“Seek ye first the kingdom of Heaven” was quoted to me as I started myteacher training. “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thymight” was further advice.

Our school motto was “Beyond the best there is a better”. In other wordsthere is always room for improvement. All these are aims and advice forcontinued progress and awareness of personal ability. We are blessedwith gifts and abilities that build our characters and personalities. Andwe have a challenge to develop and use them whenever and whereverwe can for the benefit of others. In the power of the risen Christ we havethe strength and joy and opportunity of truly faithful service. Christ iswith us, risen and active.

Please remember in prayer

Mary and Jim Gill – Jim’s illness is taking it’s course; Diana and HughGeorge and their family - Hugh is very poorly; Sue Jarvis whose illnessand allergies are causing numerous problems; Colin Powell, Doris Schofieldand Liz Elliot with their various vision difficulties; and others who suffersecretly. Thank you for your concern and cooperation.

Sheila Denham

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A PRAYER OF CHRISTIAN HOPE

Dear Father,

When we have lost someone we love, the world seems very dark.Sometimes we might feel that our world has ended, and it’s hard to turnround and glimpse any light ahead. But you, Lord, know all about that,and you care.

You sent Jesus to overcome death and lead us into the light of hisforgiveness and freedom - to new and eternal life.

Help us Lord, like Mary, to turn away from the darkness death wants toscare us with, and to reach out to you.

Help us to take courage, strength and confidence from the reality ofJesus’ resurrection. He is alive and we are his. There is nothing to fear.All shall be well. Hallelujah. Amen. Daphne Kitching

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ALL IN THE MONTH OF APRIL...............it was

200 years ago, on 5th April 1815 that Mount Tambora volcano in Indo-nesia began erupting. It was one of the most powerful eruptions everrecorded. Ash in the atmosphere lowered global temperatures for twoyears and more than 71,000 people died.

175 years ago, on 27th April 1840 that the foundation stone for the newPalace of Westminster in London was laid and construction work began.(Construction continued until 1870, though it was used from 1847, whenthe House of Lords was completed.) The old palace had burned down in1834 when a stove overheated.

150 years ago, on 14th April 1865 that the US Secret Service was createdby Abraham Lincoln in one of his final acts before his assassination - hewas shot that evening.

70 years ago, 11th April 1945 that Buchenwald concentration camp inGermany was liberated by US Forces.

Also 70 years ago, on 19th April 1945 that the Rodgers and Hammersteinmusical Carousel opened on Broadway.

40 years ago, on 4th April 1975 that Microsoft, the computersoftware/hardware company, was founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allenin Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Also 40 years ago, on 23rd April 1975 that William Hartnell, British actorbest known as the first incarnation of The Doctor in the TV series DoctorWho, died.

10 years ago, on 2nd April 2005 that Pope John Paul ll died.

Also 10 years ago, on 9th April 2005 that Charles, Prince of Wales,married Camilla Parker Bowles at Windsor Guildhall, Berkshire.

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A MESSAGE FROM THE TORBAY METHODIST CIRCUIT.

Can I draw your attention to a quotation from the late Rev. SamuelChadwick. He was a Methodist Minister from 1860-1932.

“Satan dreads nothing but prayer. His one concern is to keep his saintsfrom praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless workand prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, he mocks our wisdom, buthe trembles when we pray”.

And it is prayer which I want to talk about. There has been no time morepressing than now, when our Circuit needs our prayers. Have we beencomplacent over the last 20 or more years?

I believe we need a Spiritual Revival throughout the Torbay Circuit. Wehave not got the likes of John Wesley or Donald English. We have notgot the likes of Spurgeon, or any of the old evangelists. But, there arethose of us who worship week by week in our Churches. And we certainlyhave got our God.

At the time of writing we have no successor for Jerry. Many of ourChurches are struggling with the lack of money, the lack of young people,and the ever increasing age of our congregations. There is so much weneed to lay before God.

At our Circuit Meeting on 19�� March, it was decided to ask EVERYONEwho attends worship throughout our Circuit to PRAY for our Circuit. Youmay already do that, but now, we would ask you to especially pray forthe Circuit during any time on a TUESDAY. This means that we shall allbe praying together for the same thing on the same day, from now on.(Don’t stop on other days though!!) But Tuesdays will be special.

Please bring our Circuit to God in a real and earnest way. Pray for ourMinisters, pray for each congregation, pray that we will be led, and praythat the Torbay Methodist Circuit will become a beacon for Christ.

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Even if, by the time you read this, we have a new Superintendent,PLEASE STILL PRAY.

Prayer like this will make a huge difference.

To, close, may I quote from one of the hymns of Charles Wesley --“In fellowship, or alone, To God with faith draw near, Approach Hiscourts, besiege His throne With all the powers of prayer”.

Margaret Newman, Senior Circuit Steward.

CLOSE YOUR EYES!

Lost the car keys? Shut your eyes. It is the best way to recall memo-ries. Some scientists explain that the reason is that vision takes up alot of the brain’s processing power. So, next time you need to reallyconcentrate and remember something – shut your eyes.

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WORLD CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES

Hello my name is Claire Corley and I am the Project Coordinator for WorldChristian Ministries, (WCM), based at the famous ‘Milk Bottle’ in Paignton.

Recently Central Church kindly allowed WCM to promote a project we arecurrently fund raising for; to build a farm at one of our children’s homes inSalem Southern India. By placing a bin in your foyer and simply asking peopleto donate their unwanted shoes for recycling, we were able to put theproceeds from the recycling into buying our farm.

I was thrilled that so many of you took the time to sort through your footwear and I’m pleased to report that, so far through this initiative with localchurches, as well as some bag packing at Asda, we have managed to raisenearly £3000.00! So a massive thank you for supporting this life changingproject.

Because of your considerable contribution of shoes, I thought you may liketo know a little more about the children’s home we are fund raising for:

The Ray of Hope Children’s home in Salem Tamil Nadu is situated in a verypoor and rural area but provides a safe environment, food and education for49 children. After we visited the home last year, and saw the amount ofwaste land surrounding the home, we decided that we would return toEngland and start fund raising to build a farm. Our long term aim is to seethe home become totally self-sufficient and in time the crops will also besold locally providing the home with further income.

WCM are extremely thankful to Central Church for supporting us with thisproject. The children are so special to us and they dearly deserve to have thislifeline. If you feel you would like to donate further to the farm there are 3ways you can do this:

1) Visit our website and click on the DONATE page specifying thereason as ‘Farm in Salem’

2) Text Farm03 plus your donation to 70070.3) Phone the WCM office to make a credit or debit card donation.

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BE YOUNG AT HEART – AND LIVE LONGER!

Scientists have now found evidence that feeling young at heart reallycan make you live longer. It seems that a youthful ‘spring’ in yourattitude towards life, and optimism about the future can do wonders foryour cardiovascular health.

Researchers at University College London found that when people feltyounger than their actual age by three years or more, than they were 41per cent less likely to have died in the follow-up period of eight years.

It seems that people who feel younger take better care of themselves,maintain a healthier weight, eat sensibly and follow medical advice to agreater extent than people who feel their age, or older. The ‘young atheart’ are also more prone to be engaged in social activities, which inturn keep them mentally alert.

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KINDNESS & CAKE..................By Anna France-Williams

Moist, dense and fruity. That’s how my husband loves his Caribbeanrum and raisin cake. It’s his favourite and every Christmas his Mum usedto bake one. Last Christmas I surreptitiously attempted to find out ifanyone could bake him one as a surprise gift. But my search wasfruit(!)less and I decided to give up and try again next year.

So you can imagine my delight when Mabel, an elderly lady fromchurch, arrived on our doorstep out of the blue on Christmas Eve with,among other things, a huge Caribbean rum and raisin cake. We weredelighted by Mabel’s thoughtfulness. And she couldn’t have knownhow much her baking blessed us.

Acts of kindness can have a disproportionately positive impact onpeople. They can tangibly demonstrate the love of God and makepeople feel valued and appreciated. Can you think of a time whensomeone has shown you real kindness? Perhaps helped you with someDIY, sat and listened to you or sent you an encouraging card? It mayhave seemed like a small thing to them but could have made you feelvery loved.

Jesus’ command to love your neighbour in Matthew 22:39 is a challengeto busy, 21st century disciples. As a mum of three young children I oftenfeel unable to do anything except the basics needed for family survival– is everyone fed, clothed, happy and clean? Ah well, three out of fourisn’t bad, I think to myself.

What one thing can you do this week as an individual, family or commu-nity to demonstrate kindness? Don’t underestimate the difference yoursmall act of love may have and what it can communicate about the loveof God. Thanks to Mabel we have full bellies, full hearts and have beenreminded of how God really does care about the little things. And thediet starts tomorrow.

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ST ANDREWS MISSIONS

Children and families workers, job clubs, food banks, The Mission inBritain Fund really does help transform one life at a time. It supportedthe YMCA in working with disadvantaged and marginalised youngpeople in Edinburgh and East Lothian. Thank you to everyone whodonated money to the Mission in Britain Fund a total of £108 wascollected from the envelopes and from a donation of 5ps.

Easter OfferingEvery Easter the Methodist church in Britain focuses on the WorldChurch and invites donations to the World Mission Fund through EasterOffering Envelopes. The theme for the Easter Offering service this yearis: The leaves of the tree…

"On either side of the river is the tree of life …and the leaves of the treeare for the healing of the nations." (Revelation 22:2)

As we hear the world news, we see the need for reconciliation andhealing - of individuals, communities and nations. Jesus sent out thefirst disciples to "proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal" (Luke 9:2).Wholeness remains part of the Good News which the Church offers.

Easter offering envelopes will be given out for your gifts. Please give asgenerously as you can to help mission partners, nationals in missionappointments and for healing throughout our world.

Rachel George.

Sunday Coffee money: this raised £18 for Mission in Britain.

Jean Jarvis

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ST ANDREWS JUNIOR CHURCH NEWS

Happy birthday to Ariana Wills who will be 3 on 1�� April

and Chloe Ratcliffe who will be 15 on 10�� April.

Recently our younger members enjoyed playing with animals, making adesert scene and decorating angels and doves when we looked at thepassages from Marks gospel telling when Jesus was baptised in the riverJordan and sent into the desert. That same day the older children presentenjoyed making their own “Jerusalem news” newspaper accounts of theevents as if they were there.

We have also looked at the passages from John retelling how Jesus sentpeople out of the temple saying “get out of here! How dare you turn myfather’s house into a market place!” We thought about how differentpeople might have felt and how they would describe the events of theday.

Rachel George

POCKET OR PURSE.The miniature crosses will be on sale permanently for 50p

each.

you can buy as many as you like.

All money collected will go towards The Central Churchfunds.

JUST POP ONE IN A CARD or LETTER

to Friends and Family with your own little prayer or wishfor them.

Lovely for Easter, Birthdays, Get Well, Greetings or Christmas Cards.

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SUNDAY SERVICES FOR APRIL 2015.(HC) = Sacrament of Holy Communion (WG) = Worship Group

CENTRAL

Date Morning 10.30am Evening 6.30pmAPL 5�� 8 am:RevdGHancocks HC) 5�� RevdGavinHancocks(AAC) Mrs H Barrett12�� Jonathan Oliverio Mrs M Newman (WG.HC)19�� Mr David Burfield 6pm – Palace Ave.Paignton26�� RevdGavinHancocks(JMA) Mr David Welsh (WG)

ST ANDREWSDate Morning 10.30am Evening 6.00pmAPL 5�� Mr D Welsh 4pm Revd G Hancocks (MT)12�� Mr John Jerwood Mr A Hills (CP)19�� RevdGavinHancocks(HC) 6pm At Palace Ave Paignton26�� At Central Revd G Hancocks (BS)

VICTORIA PARK

Date Morning 10.30amAPL 5�� Mrs Irene Cochran12�� Mr I Somerville (T)19�� Mrs Irene Cochran26�� Revd Gerald Morris (HC)

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CALENDAR FOR APRIL 2015

ST ANDREWS CENTRAL VICTORIA PARK

Wednesday 1�� 9.30 Holy Week Prayers10.30 Bible Study (coffee at 10.15)

7.30 Special Events Meeting 7.30 Ladies Club - Quiz

Thursday      2ⁿ� 9.30 Holy Week Prayers 7.30 Maundy Service at Upton Vale

Baptist ChurchFriday 3�� 10.30 Good Friday Service

12.30 Walk of Witness 5.30 Kingskerswell Methodist Church

Hymn Singing & ServiceSaturday 4�� 9.30 Contact Centre 10.00 'Hot Cross Bun Coffee Morning' decorating the church

10.00 Pop in for a CoffeeSunday 5�� 8.00 Holy Communion

See separate pages for services - all churchesTuesday 7�� 9.30 Midweek Prayers

10.00 Coffee & Fellowship10.00 Busy Bees

7.30 Guild 'Women of His Company' -Rev Gerald Morris

Wednesday 8�� 10.30 Bible Study (coffee at 10.15) 7.30 Ladies Club – John Risdon:

Agatha ChristieThursday 9�� 2.30 Townswomen GuildFriday 10�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 7.00 Choir PracticeSaturday 11�� 9.30 Contact Centre

10.00 Special Coffee Morning 7.00 World Food & Music EveningSunday 12�� See separate pages for services - all churches

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Monday 13�� 2.30 Women's Fellowship - Wheels for the World', Kathy Birch 6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 GuidesTuesday 14�� 9.30 Midweek Service - Mr Clive Bastin

9.30 Toddler Group 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees

2.30 Sisterhood:MrsBrendaLoosemore 7.00 New Life Housegroup 7.30 Guild - Fire Safety in the Home, Brian CappelloWednesday 15�� 9.30 Toddler Group 10.00 Bible Study

10.30 Bible Study (coffee at 10.15) 6.00 Beavers 6.30 Contact Centre Meeting

7.30 Ladies Club – StephanieCherrington-Rimmer - CLIC Sargent

7.30 Membership CourseThursday 16�� 9.30 Central Tots

5.15 St John Badgers 6.00 Cubs 7.00 Church Meeting

7.15 St John CadetsFriday 17�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplates 7.00 Scouts 7.00 Choir PracticeSaturday 18�� 9.30 Contact Centre 10.00 Craft Fair

10.00 Pop in for a CoffeeSunday 19�� See separate pages for services - all churchesMonday 20�� 2.30 Women's Fellowship - Barbara Vond 6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun

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Monday 20�� 7.30 Guides 7.30 Lydwell Park HousegroupTuesday 21�� 9.30 Midweek Prayers

9.30 Toddler Group 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees

2.30 Sisterhood Mr Trevor Badcott 7.30 Guild - AGM & SupperWednesday  22ⁿ� 9.30 Toddler Group 10.00 Bible Study

10.30 Bible Study (coffee at 10.15) 6.00 Beavers

7.30 Membership Course 7.30 Ladies Club – Richard Lumsden - (Music)

Thursday 23�� 9.30 Central Tots 2.30 Townswomen Guild 5.15 St John Badgers

6.00 Cubs 7.15 St John Cadets

7.30 Moors HousegroupFriday 24�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplates 4.00 Messy Church

7.00 Choir PracticeSaturday 25�� 9.30 Contact Centre

10.00 Pop in for a CoffeeSunday 26�� See separate pages for services - all churchesMonday 27�� 2.30 Women's Fellowship -'The Entertainers' 6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 GuidesTuesday 28�� 9.30 Midweek Communion

9.30 Toddler Group 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees

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Exploring Membership Course

What a great privilege and pleasure it is to welcome new membersinto the life and fellowship of Christ’s Church. Part of how we do thatis to invite their participation in a short course exploring what that isall about and the next course is set to start on Wednesday 15�� April2015 at 7:30pm in Room 1 at Central. It runs for seven weeks andcovers topics such as The Difference Jesus Makes; Empowered by theHoly Spirit; Life Together and more. It’s the perfect opportunity toexplore your faith and relationship with Christ’s Church so if you’rean ‘old’ member or a ‘new’ member or just someone who wants tofind out more please do join us. Please canyou contact Gavin on 01803-615480 orminister@centralchurchtorquay.org toindicate your participation or just find outmore. The opportunity is presented to folkat Central, St Andrew’s and Victoria ParkChurches.

Tuesday 28�� 2.30 Sisterhood: Mrs Hilary Hughes Geneology B & B 7.00 New Life Housegroup 7.30 Guild Committee MeetingWednesday 29�� 9.30 Toddler Group 10.00 Bible Study

10.30 Bible Study (coffee at 10.15) 6.00 Beavers

7.30 Membership Course 7.30 Ladies Club:Lynette–Craft Evening

Thursday 30�� 9.30 Central Tots 5.15 St John Badgers

6.00 Cubs 7.15 St John Cadets

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VP APRIL ROTA

DATE DOOR STEWARDSAPL 5�� Verna Stuckey & Sylvia Penny12�� Betty Peachey & Margaret Collings19�� Verna Stuckey & Sylvia Penny26�� Betty Peachey & Margaret Collings

VP FLOWER ROTA

DATE NAMESAPL 5�� Don & Barbara Pugh12�� Audrey Avery19�� Sylvia Penny26�� Vacant

VP PRAYER BOARD

This is where we remember in prayer those not well. It is available to alland is used in every Sunday service and at Bible Studies.

Imogen & Isobel in India. Tracey’s Father who has cancer. Laura & Len.Hannah who has Bells Palsy. Christine Birchell. Carl. Amy Bartrip. JeanBarrett. Sylvia Diamond, Julie Pugh, Clive Murphy, Audrey Avery. Doreen& Bram Moore. Don & Barbara Pugh. Emma Coombes. Jonathan.

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I’ve got a lovely story to share with you this month. It comes from ourNo Child Taken work in Asia, combating sex trafficking. And yes, the heroof the story (well, one of them, anyway) is a doughnut.

Last year we took Channel 4 celebrity baker Tom Herbert to Laos. Tombrought with him a recipe for Sticky Sticks; a kind of long thin doughnutmade from little more than flour and sugar. But Tom thought it couldwork as a form of income generation for some of the girls.

It turns out Tom’s hunch was correct; 17-year-old Ler has started makingand selling Sticky Sticks. Ler is one of eight children; she has lost herfather and is desperate to help support her family - in short, she is exactlythe sort of girl traffickers prey upon.

With a few pounds in savings, she set to work with four of her friends.They make the sticks together each morning and sell them around thevillage. The villagers have developed a fondness for the sweet treats andbusiness is brisk.

She tells our partners that she is no longer tempted to travel to Thailandas she can provide for her mother and family in her home village, whereshe feels safer.

Sometimes the biggest problems can have the simplest solutions - assimple as flour and sugar…

Or, as Homer Simpson would say: ‘Doughnuts - is there anything theycan’t do?’

FROM THE WEBSITE

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TORBAY WINTER NIGHT SHELTER......an update

Dear Friends,

Just to say an enormous THANK YOU for all the efforts over the pastweeks in providing SHELTER for people who would otherwise have spentcold nights on the streets, hungry and alone.

The WELCOME was amazing, the food delicious and wholesome, theATMOSPHERE warm and friendly. Everything was greatly appreciated.The guests particularly valued the fact that it was churches who wereopening their doors. A number of significant spiritual discussions tookplace in the evenings or overnight, and several came to church on thefollowing Sunday. In the words of one guest “you got it right. No onepushed religion on to us, but you were there to answer our questions.You have given us hope. God Bless, Big Hugs, you rock!”

Over the month we welcomed altogether 20 different people. 5 wereex-offenders just out of prison, 2 were experienced rough sleepers, onewas a recent arrival looking for work who had never been on the streetsbefore. Most were local although 2 came over from Totnes and one wasfrom Liverpool. Two were women. Those not normally in Paignton weremostly referred by agencies such as Housing Options, Leonard Stocks,Shrublands, the Police and Probation. Several registered but neveractually acme. I one case because they received a better offer – PremierInn!! (their flat was flooded).

There is a lot to celebrate.

Mike French, Trevor Stavely, David Hughes, Paul Latham, Paula Mayer,Doug Machin Towns Steering Group

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A REFLECTION FROM CENTRAL

It’s Easter! We have made it to the Spring. What a lovely feeling.

Easter is a time when we see new life abounding everywhere -- trees inleaf, flowers blooming, blossom in its pink and white, baby lambs frolickingin the fields, and we hear the birds singing away. And, WE seem to cometo life too after dark nights, cold days, and winter illnesses.

And most of all we celebrate God’s raising of Jesus from the grave. It isEaster, how wonderful.

Jesus said, even before He was cruelly put to death “I am the Life”. BeforeJesus raised Lazarus, He told Martha “I am the resurrection and the LIFE”.Jesus said “I am the Way”, which we looked at in February, “I am theTruth” which we thought about in March, and He said “I am the Life”.

It is good to have ‘life’ isn’t it. But there is life, and there is life. Thereis just an existence and there is REAL life.

When Harold was so ill, I can remember saying that he had no real life.He was just existing – lying there in bed.

But, there are people who are not ill, for whom life is just an existence.Jesus knows when life is not easy for us. Life was not easy for Him. Hehad temptation, and He had suffering, and He knew what it was like tolose a loved one. But True Life, relates to Jesus. He gives us peace andwell-being. Through that True Life, we know that Jesus sustains us, andkeeps alive our trust and faith.

And, of course, with that True Life, we have the prospect of - eternal life.Jesus died to save us from our sins, and God raised Jesus from the graveto give us eternal life. -- Life, with Him, beyond the grave.

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Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life”. What more could weask for? Life with Jesus here and now, and life with Jesus when our earthlylife ends. That is real life.

I hope you have a really Happy Easter, and enjoy the spring. And mostof all I hope you experience life with Jesus now and in eternity.

Margaret Newman.

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THE PERSECUTED CHURCH

The Archbishop of Canterbury has called on politicians, the church and themedia to speak out against the ‘creeping climate of fear and animosity’ at thelaunch of a new partnership to address the growing problem of violenceagainst Christians worldwide.

The Religious Liberty Commission (RLC), recently launched at Westminster, iscalling on the British government to intervene to prevent religious cleansingand violent persecution.

Justin Welby highlighted the persecution of Christians in the Middle East, SaudiArabia and Pakistan, as well as attacks against Jews in Europe and the fire-bombing of mosques. He told an audience of parliamentarians and churchleaders:

“That quiet creeping removals of freedom that create a climate of fear andanimosity is why we must speak out. We must speak out in solidarity. Silenceis not an option. Treasuring the dignity of each and every human must meanthat we treasure their right to religious belief – even when we profoundlydisagree with them.”

The RLC is a Commission of the Evangelical Alliance, comprising ChristianSolidarity Worldwide, Open Doors UK and Release International.

Mervyn Thomas CEO of Christian Solidarity Worldwide says: “A staggering 76per cent of the world’s population live in countries with high restrictions onreligious freedom. The vast majority of those facing persecution are Christians.Our purpose is to amplify the cries of the persecuted so the world can nolonger ignore them.”

According to the RLC, Christians are subject to violence, intimidation anddiscrimination in more than 50 countries. Some are murdered because of theirfaith. “In the very birthplace of Christianity, the Middle East, the Christian faithis in danger of extinction,” said Mervyn Thomas.

The Archbishop of Canterbury welcomed the coordination of voices speakingout against persecution under the one banner of the RLC.

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EASTER FAITH

Three years after the Russian Revolution of 1917, a great anti-God rallywas arranged in Kiev. The powerful orator Bukharin was sent fromMoscow, and for an hour he demolished the Christian faith with argu-ment, abuse and ridicule. At the end there was silence.

Then a man rose and asked to speak. He was a priest of the RussianOrthodox Church. He went and stood next to Bukharin. Facing thepeople, he raised his arms and spoke just three triumphant words:‘Christ is risen!’

At once the entire assembly rose to their feet and gave the joyfulresponse, “He is risen indeed!” It was a devastating moment for anatheist politician, who had no answer to give to this ancient Easterliturgy. He had not realised he was simply too late: how can you convincepeople who have already experienced God, that He does not exist?

HEALING MINISTRY

The healing ministry at Central is gradually finding its way in its small newbeginnings. It is an exciting ministry and we wait with keen anticipationto see what God will accomplish through it. One way in which you cancontribute to this ministry on a Sunday morning after church is to beaware of the circle of prayer up in the sanctuary area of the church. Pleasedo hold them in your prayers and could you also, at the same time, beconscious of the space and the quiet they might need in fulfilling thisministry? It will all help to make this an effective ministry in the life ofCentral.

Gavin

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WHERE IS THAT BUS?

Did you read the story of a man, trapped in a burning flat, whofound a double-decker bus coming to his rescue?”

It’s often our fateTo await and awaitIt’s pointless to fussWhen you wait for a bus!

For, love them or noThey tend to go slow -Whatever our need,They’re not built for speed.

In case, then, of fireThe brigade you will hire –A bus, you may sayHas no part to play!

One chap was amazedWhen his flat was ablazeFor escape from the flameA double-deck came!

As you wait for a busPlease don’t make a fussFor the fellow that drivesMay be off saving lives!

By Nigel Beeton

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A REFLECTION FROM VICTORIA PARK

Dear Friends,

With Holy Week with us once more, the passage that is read at this time,is Isaiah 53: 1-12.This passage is full of visual and poetic illustrations of Jesus. It's amazingto think that so many years beforehand Isaiah accurately prophesiedabout Christ's suffering. It must have seemed an improbable prophecy tothe Jews and it's no wonder Isaiah begins by saying " Who has believedour message?" the verse I would like to look at is Isaiah 53:3  ' He wasdespised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar withsuffering'This must surely be the most profound description of Jesus that we couldever have. A picture of a total outcast, regarded as worthless and inferior,held in low regard and considered a non person. Rejected.In our world today many people could identify with this characterassassination. Lack of self worth rules lives in abundance. Rejectionhappens whether you are rich or poor, a beauty or a beast. Let me ask,do you know what it's like to be looked down on, sneered at, undervalued,ridiculed? It happens in the office, in the home, at school. Anywhere thereare peopleChildren can feel ' put down' as a careless remark is thrown at them, andoften carry those comments into adulthood. A friend was told as ateenager that she should never have short hair because the shape of herface was all wrong! It took her over forty years to pluck up the courageto cut off her hair. A young lad took into adulthood the stigma of beingstupid and dim, when really his teacher had failed to recognise he haddyslexia.Where can we turn with our hurts? Who will understand? Jesus - this'man of sorrows, familiar with suffering' knows what it feels like. Perhapswe could talk to Him today?

God Bless. Irene

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THE GUILD

We are almost at the end of our Guild programmes through April andwill commence again in October.

On April 7�� we have Revd Gerald Morris with his talk on Women of HisCompany – the role of women in the Easter Story. Brian Capello will bewith us on the 14�� April with his subject ‘Fire Safety in the Home.’

21�� April will be our AGM, followed by supper. Finally, 28�� April will bethe Committee meeting.

Hope you all have a happy summer! See you on 6�� October.Margaret Dustan.

FLASH DRIVES

'Technology Triumphs'.  What an amazing machine the Flash Drive is!Since I was unable to attend Church, because of illness, Monica broughtme the box, with the  keys,  which  enabled me  to enjoy the morningservice from start to finish whilst confined to bed.  What a huge differenceit made to be able to listen to the Choir, join in with the hymns and listento the readings & Sermon! A big thank you to Sheila Lawrence for herfund raising to enable more boxes to be purchased and a huge thank youfrom me for the joy the Flash Drive has given.

Judith H. X

HELPING

If it's true that we are here to help others, what are the others doinghere?

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CROSSWORD SOLUTION

From March Cornerstone

Out West

A devout cowboy lost his Bible while he was mending fences out onthe range. Three weeks later a cow walked up carrying the Bible inits mouth. The cowboy couldn't believe his eyes. He took the bookout of the cow's mouth, raised his eyes heavenward, and exclaimed,"It's a miracle!"

"Not really," said the cow. "Your name was written inside the cover.”

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CROSSWORD

SOLUTION IN MAY CORNERSTONE

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A RECIPE FOR HAPPY MARRIAGEfrom and Old Cookbook

8 oz of Consideration8 oz of Courtesy10 oz of Flattery, carefully concealed10 oz Milk of Human Kindness1 pt of Faith in God and in Each Other8 oz of Praise1 small pinch of In-laws1 Reasonable  Budgeta generous dash of Cooperation3 tsp pure extract of “ I am Sorry”8 oz Contentment8 oz each of Confidence and Encouragement1 Large or several Small Hobbies8 oz Blindness to Each Others Faults1 or more Children (optional)Flavour with frequent portions of Recreation and a dash of HappyMemories.Stir well and remove any speck of Jealousy, Temper or Criticism.Sweeten with generous portions of Love.Keep warm with a steady flame of Devotion.Never serve with Cold Shoulder of Hot Tongue.

Thanks to Leonie Tyas

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LEAVING WINTER BEHIND

The Sun is climbing higher in the Sky,For Winter will soon be passing by.Due to Mother Nature’s warmer clime,Flowers are blooming before their time.

After the drabness of Winter, Spring comes alive,With busy Bees flying to and fro from their Hive.Shrubs and Trees will be dressed overall in green,A magical change to the landscape scene.

Colour Carpets of Bluebells, and Primroses too,Bring joy to eye as we take in the view.What a wonderful world our Creator has made,Do we appreciate the part that God has played?

J.H.D. Lawrence

WOMENS FELLOWSHIP

This month we only have three meetings due to Easter. On the 13�� KathyBirch will share with us experiences from one of her trips to Africa withthe ‘Wheels for the World’ charity, an organisation that takes walkingaids, wheelchairs etc for people with disabilities.

We look forward to Barbara Vond’s visit on the 20��, and expect a lighthearted afternoon when members of Central entertain us on the 27th.

Easter Blessings to all our ladies.Barbara Lawton

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SAINT OF THE MONTH – MARK

disciple, apostle, writer of the second gospel

Mark, whose home in Jerusalem became a place of rest for Jesus and his12 apostles, is considered the traditional author of the second gospel. Heis also usually identified as the young man, described in Mark 14:51, whofollowed Christ after his arrest and then escaped capture by leaving hisclothes behind.

Papias, in 130, said that in later years Mark became Peter’s interpreter.If so, then this close friendship would have been how Mark gathered somuch information about Jesus’ life. Peter referred to him affectionatelyas his ‘son’.

Mark was also a companion to Paul on his journeys. When Paul was heldcaptive at Rome, Mark was with him, helping him. Mark’s Gospel, mostlikely written in Italy, perhaps in Rome, is the earliest account we haveof the life of Jesus. Mark died about 74 AD.

Early in the 9th century Mark’s body was brought to Venice, whosepatron he became, and there it has remained to this day. The symbol ofMark as an evangelist, the lion, is much in evidence at Venice.

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Helping you ………….. Helping your business.

Home and Hospital visits can be arranged

12, Tor Hill Road TORQUAY TQ2 5RBTel: 01803 403403Fax: 01803 214876

E mail: mail@boycehatton.co.ukwww.boycehatton.co.uk

WALMER HOUSEChristian Care Home

6, Ash Hill Road, Torquay. TQ1 3HZ

Walmer House is a Christian Care Home, providing firstclass care for the elderly in a family-like environment.

There are 17 residents in a tastefully decorated, elegantbuilding with peaceful gardens.

For more details, or a brochure, please contact……….

The Manager, Mrs Ena Bell. Tel: 01803 292734

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How to Get Rich Quick

A young man asked a rich old man how he had made his fortune.The old man replied:

"Well, lad, it was 1932, the depth of the Great Depression. I wasdown to my last shilling. I invested that shilling in an apple. I spenta few minutes polishing that apple and sold the apple for a shillingand six pence. The next morning, I invested that shilling in anotherapple, and after carefully polishing it, also sold it for a shilling andsix pence. I continued this system for a month and by the end ofwhich I'd accumulated a fortune of 14 shillings. Then my wife'sfather died and left us two million pounds."

THOUGHTS FOR APRIL

· Earth is the land of the dying, heaven is the land of the living.· When Christ is first in our life, all else falls into focus.· God does not demand success or profit, only obedience.· A sin recognised is half corrected.· To handle yourself – use your head, to handle others – use

your heart.· You can preach a better sermon with your life than your lips.

Chub Hare Vixen Saddle Dartmoor Tors

Cheeseman Sponge Fox Pile Dad’s ArmyCharacters

Fairy Carrot Chocolate Butterfly CakesTench Roach Perch Trout Fish

ONLY CONNECT SOLUTION from March Cornerstone

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