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Minister: Reverend Pauline Crispin (Tel: 01202 883461)

Pastoral Support:

Joyce Wild: (Tel: 01258 454091)

Week beginning Sunday 24th May - Aldersgate Sunday

BLANDFORD METHODIST CHURCH

SOMETHING TO SING ABOUT: Guide Me, O

Thou Great Jehovah

The Welsh people have always been renowned for their enthusiastic singing. To this day they still conduct an international music Eisteddfod in Llangollen (unfortunately cancelled in 2020 due to COVID-19), where this hymn made its debut. In the 18th century, Howell Harris was stirring Welsh hearts with his preaching and singing. One of the lives touched was William Williams (author of this hymn). Williams was about to become a doctor but had a change of heart upon hearing Harris preach and, instead, entered the ministry. However, in 1744, after being accused of various misdemeanours against the Church of England, he devoted himself to Methodism and became an itinerate preacher travelling about 100,000 miles around Wales, preaching and singing in his native tongue. He became a well-respected preacher, but his real influence was in his hymns. He wrote about 800 in his native tongue, but most were not translated. This hymn, which was written in 1745 and has been translated into over 75 different languages, is the only one of his collection that he is widely known for today. Despite that, he became known as the most famous hymn writer of Welsh Methodism. This hymn’s imagery, which is drawn wholly from the Bible, describes the experience of God's people in their travel through the wilderness from the escape of slavery

Welcome to this week’s edition of The Link. It’s a real pleasure to prepare this each week, and I hope that you all enjoy reading the many contributions that are shared in this newsletter. We’ve had some beautiful weather

again, for which we should be happy and thank the Lord. I have also had the real joy of meeting up with our daughter and grandson for a cup of coffee in their garden (keeping to social distancing, of course, although this is quite hard with an incredibly active 2-year-old! However, the weather was so warm and sunny it was good

to sit in the garden). I do hope that some of you have been able to distance-meet with family and friends: video calls have been a marvel in recent weeks, but they are not quite the same as meeting people face-to-

face, even if we are not able to hug at the moment.

Pauline’s service sheet for Sunday, can be found on the website. There are also various attachments for children. It’s lovely to receive your emails for The Link so that we can continue to share our experiences with

each other. Please email me at mags@woodview.me.uk by Friday 29th May. Trusting you are all keeping safe and well. With every blessing, Margaret Cornish

in Egypt (Exodus 12-14); being guided by a cloud by day and a fire by night (Exodus 13:17-22) to their final arrival 40 years later in the land of Canaan (Joshua 3). During this time, their needs were supplied by God, including the daily supply of manna (Exodus 16). The hymn also forms a comparison for the journey of a Christian throughout their life on earth requiring the Redeemer's guidance and ending at the gates of Heaven (the verge of Jordan) and end of time (death of death and hell's destruction). This hymn is still one of the most popular and widely used in Wales. Apart from church use, it’s probably best known as the ‘Welsh Rugby Hymn’, often sung by the crowd at rugby matches, especially if Wales are playing. It has also been sung on various State occasions, such as the funerals of Diana, Princess of Wales and Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, and the weddings of Prince William to Kate Middleton and of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle. It was also the informal anthem of Wales in the ‘Green and Pleasant Land’ section of the 2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony in London.

Guide me, O Thou great *Jehovah, [*Redeemer] Pilgrim through this barren land; I am weak, but Thou art mighty, Hold me with Thy powerful hand. Bread of Heaven, Bread of Heaven, Feed me till I want no more; Feed me till I want no more. David Wild

THE LINK Linking us all together by keeping us in touch

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A service for Sunday at home (from the Methodist Church)

In an attempt to protect people from the coronavirus, we have asked people not to travel to churches. We hope the options below will provide you with an opportunity to worship. Wesley’s Chapel, London who will live-stream from the chapel (the Minister lives on the premises) Sundays 11.00 am: www.youtube.com/channel/UCUAUqhmhevz5sqhh72LIMxA Swan Bank Methodist Church in Burslem: this worship will be studio-based - with strict distancing rules being followed. Sundays 10.30 am: www.youtube.com/user/SwanBank and www.facebook.com/swanbank/ Methodist Central Hall Westminster Sundays 11.00 am: www.youtube.com/mchwevents To join in a very different worship experience, try Sthie (‘At Home’) from the Isle of Man. Join in live on Sundays by joining a Facebook group. For details see www.andyfishburne.com/2020/03/15/sthie-at-home-online-worship/ You can watch previous live-streamed videos at www.youtube.com/andyfishburne

Bible in one year: 25th - 31st May

1 Chronicles 25 - 2 Chronicles 14 and John 9 - 12

Circuit Prayer Event I hope you are all keeping well and as occupied as you want to be. You may remember that a team were planning a Circuit Prayer Event which was to have taken place in several churches in September/October. We have decided that it would not be sensible to go ahead with this under the current circumstances. At the moment we do not know what restrictions will still be in place and as it would have been an experience where people would be 'hands on' there are implications regarding transmission of the virus. We are therefore postponing the event, with the aim to have it in the future when we are more able to interact with each other. Thank you to the members of the team who have started on planning and to the churches who agreed to host.

Liz Ward

Prayer needed for our Blandford church family Please can we remember to bring to the Lord in prayer those members of our church, and also our wider church family, who are suffering at the moment. Can we particularly pray for those mourning the loss of a loved one and for those undergoing medical treatment. It is so important to remember that, as well as Covid-19, other serious illnesses are affecting the lives of many people and we should remember this in our prayers. Joyce Wild

A link for Sunday’s worship sheet is shown below. https://www.methodist.org.uk/media/17200/24-may-worship-if-you-are-unable-to-attend-church.pdf Morning Prayers 9:00 am Monday-Friday - from Wesley House Cambridge: www.facebook.com/wesleycambridge. Resources for following the prayers and readings are available at: www.wesley.cam.ac.uk/prayer-space/ 10:00 Monday-Friday - from Wesley’s Chapel London: www.youtube.com/channel/UCUAUqhmhevz5sqhh72LIMxA Resources for personal prayer and Bible study from the Methodist Church in Britain Daily Prayers from the Methodist Prayer Handbook A Word in Time daily Bible Study Take Time, produced by Reigate Methodist Church, has many themed meditations on topics such as anxiety www.taketime.org.uk Other Resources: Pray As You Go are producing a daily retreat for people socially isolating: www.pray-as-you-go.org/retreat/pray-as-you-stay

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Bible Study 3 Proverbs Chapters 25 to 31 Over the past two weeks we have looked at wisdom for young people, wisdom for all people, and today we think about wisdom for leaders. Some of the proverbs are general in nature whilst others are for the king and those who dealt with him. As we know, all scripture is beneficial and these proverbs are particularly useful for those who are leaders or aspiring to be leaders in any walk of life, including in the church. It is interesting to note that the book of proverbs begins with the command to fear the Lord. It ends with a picture of a woman who fulfils that command. Women are mentioned throughout proverbs bringing to the fore qualities such as hard work, respect for spouse, foresight, encouragement, care for others, concern for the poor and being wise in handling money. These qualities when coupled with the fear of God lead to enjoyment, success, honour and worth. The aim of our three Bible studies has been to think about how we, as Christians, attain godly wisdom and discipline whilst at the same time completing the work God has asked us to undertake. In essence the book of proverbs gives us moral instruction for daily living. It tells us that in the mouth of a fool a proverb becomes useless whereas if we want to learn from God He will respond and pour out His heart to us. Equally, because life is short, and our fortunes are uncertain (we are living in a period where that is so absolutely true), we are actively encouraged to act with foresight, giving responsible attention to our homes, our families, and our careers. God wants us to think ahead and be prepared. If we are placed in a position of responsibility, then we should be God-reliant not self-reliant and only then will wise decisions be made. At the end of Chapter 30 the writer shows the best characters of a leader by using animals as examples. The ant can teach us much about preparation, the badger about wise building, the locusts show us how there can be cooperation and order whilst the lizard teaches about fearlessness. Jesus made Chapter 25:6-7 into a parable in Luke Chapter 14:7-11. He advised people not to rush to the best places at the feast. For us today that means not being eager to raise our social status, whether by being with the right people, dressing for success or driving the right car. Rather, instead of looking for prestige for ourselves we should be looking for who we can serve. For God service is far more important than status. Proverbs constantly compares right and wrong. God detests those who are filled with hypocrisy , arrogance, cruelty, and greed. Whereas if we choose God’s way things are completely reversed. If we recognise God as the almighty, we trust in His word, we obey His word, and we allow it to speak to us by the power of His Holy Spirit, then we act on God’s direction 24/7: surely we are truly blessed.

We are asked to be generous in giving, put other people’s needs before profit, not to accept bribes and be careful about borrowing. We can accept instruction and criticism, we love discipline, are willing to listen to advice, and we even profit from constructive rebuke. Why? Because we are God’s people. The key verse for us to hold on to and act on is Proverbs Chapter 1:7, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction”. I pray that this trip through Proverbs has encouraged you in your faith and given you an insight into what the characteristics of a Christian should be. Question 1: God has given each of us many gifts and talents. If we make a promise to use any of these do, we keep it? Question 2: Proverbs Chapter 26:13-16 speak about laziness being more dangerous than a prowling lion. How often do we fall into this trap and, if so, how do we overcome it? Question 3: In Chapter 31 how can we learn from the woman described? Her attractiveness comes from her character not her looks. Does the character of Christ shine through our actions on a daily basis? That brings us to the end of our study of Proverbs. If you have been able to learn three proverbs by heart as suggested in study one, why not ring someone you know and share them with them. Joyce Wild

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The “Road” to Aldersgate

On the 1st February 1738 – John Wesley returned from Georgia; a man striving as hard as he could to obtain faith.

A week later he was introduced to the 26 year old Peter Bohler – passing through London on his way to South Carolina where he was to be a missionary. The two men quickly became friends – the disturbed 35 year old and the 26 year old with a “happy faith”.

In conversation Bohler contended that: “A true faith in Christ always brought two fruits – dominion over sin and constant peace from a sense of forgiveness”.

Wesley was “quite amazed” and looked upon it as a new gospel. If it was true, which he disputed, then it was clear he had no faith. He turned earnestly to the New Testament - seeking a justification for his beliefs – only to find more and more evidence that supported what Peter Bohler was telling him.

On Easter Sunday (April 2nd) 1738, Wesley preached in Lincoln College (Oxford) Chapel – where he was a Fellow -on the text:

“The hour cometh and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God, and they that hear shall live”.

Sadly he had to record: “I see the promise; but it is far off”.

In late April the two Wesley brothers were together with Bohler in London. Charles was shocked and John astounded when Bohler told them that this faith they were seeking could come instantaneously to the worst sinner, the most ungodly man. He could be saved in an instant if he turned from his sins and trusted Christ alone.

John, turning again to the New Testament, particularly the Acts of the Apostles found confirmation! – but as an excuse claimed “God no longer worked in that way!!”

The month of May was a month of growing desire yet heaviness of heart for both Wesley brothers. Towards the end of the month Charles appeared to be dying – pleurisy returning for a second time. On Saturday May 20th John and a few friends spent all night in prayer for Charles. The 21st being Whit Sunday – John went to church and as the curate had fallen ill during the service assisted in the administration of Holy Communion. As they came out of church the news came – brought by a group of excited friends – that Charles had believed!

He was at peace with God; rejoicing and already recovering his strength.

John quickly joined him and the brothers prayed together – the day ending with Charles disappointed that the Holy Spirit had not “fallen” on Jack, and John himself lapsing into misery once again; seeking and praying on the Monday and Tuesday for reliance on the blood of Christ.

We all know the story of May 24th: The random opening, by John, of his Greek Testament: “Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature.” (2 Peter 1:4)

and again on the words: “Thou art not far from the kingdom of God.”

The anthem in St Paul’s that afternoon: “Out of the depths have I called unto Thee, O Lord; Lord hear my voice. O let Thine ears consider well the voice of my complaint. If Thou, Lord, wilt be extreme to mark what is done amiss, O Lord, who may abide it? For there is mercy with Thee; therefore shalt Thou be feared. O Israel, trust in the Lord: for with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is plenteous redemption. And he shall redeem Israel from all his sins.” (Psalm 130)

We know of the unwilling visit to Aldersgate Street and the Assurance that accompanied the “strangely warmed heart”.

The next morning, Wesley records, the moment he awoke “Jesus, Master”, was in his heart and his mouth; and “I found my strength lay in keeping my eye fixed upon Him, and my soul waiting on Him continually”.

The anthem at St. Paul’s that afternoon also reflected the change: “My song shall always be of the loving kindness of the Lord ………………”.

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The “Road” to Aldersgate continued . . . . But back to the previous night. The now rejoicing friends who had accompanied John to Aldersgate Street hurried him to Charles who was up and writing a hymn to celebrate his conversion.

Charles records: “Towards ten my brother was brought in triumph by a troop of our friends, and declared “I believe”. We sang the hymn with great joy”.

The hymn they sang? “Where shall my wondering soul begin” (Wesley’s Hymns 1831 – 7 verses) (5 verses - MHB 361; H&P 706; STF 454 – slightly “modernised”)

Here were men at the moment of, and celebrating, their Conversion, but by the fourth and subsequent verses of the original hymn they are longing to share their discovery with others.

This of course became the dominant theme for the rest of their lives

Many Methodists, throughout the world, give thanks to God for the road that led John Wesley to Aldersgate Street.

Where shall my wondering soul begin? How shall I all to heaven aspire? A slave redeemed from death and sin, A brand plucked from eternal fire, How shall I equal triumphs raise, Or sing my great Deliverer’s praise?

O how shall I the goodness tell, Father, which Thou to me hast showed? That I, a child of wrath and hell, I should be called a child of God? Should know, should feel my sins forgiven, Blest with this antepast of heaven!

And shall I slight my Father’s love? Or basely fear His gifts to own? Unmindful of His favours prove? Shall I, the hallowed Cross to shun, Refuse His righteousness to impart, By hiding it within my heart?

No! though the ancient dragon rage, And call forth all his host to war, Though earth’s self-righteous sons engage; Them, and their god, alike I dare; Jesus, the sinner’s friend, proclaim: Jesus, to sinners still the same.

Outcasts of men, to you I call, Harlots, and publicans, and thieves! He spreads His arms to embrace you all; Sinners alone His grace receives: No need of Him the righteous have; He came the lost to seek and save.

Come, O my guilty brethren, come, Groaning beneath your load of sin! His bleeding heart shall make you room, His open side shall take you in; He calls you now, invites you home: Come, O my guilty brethren, come!

For you the purple current flowed In pardons from His wounded side; Languished for you the eternal God, For you the Prince of Glory died: Believe, and all your sin’s forgiven; Only believe, and yours is heaven!

Eric Brown

Dr Chris Slade: Reflection for Sunday 24th May

Dr Christopher Slade invites you to watch his video reflections on the Gospel reading for Sunday 24 May. This can be found on the Circuit web site. https://www.candwmc.org.uk/news/video-reflection-24-may-dr-christopher-slade.html (place cursor on above link, press Ctrl and left click on your mouse at the same time)

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Bible References

New Testament

Acts 1:21 and 26 Luke 10:1 Name Origin

The name Matthias is a boy’s name of Greek

origin meaning “gift of God”. Matthias is a di-

minutive form of the same name in Hebrew as

Matthew: Matityahu

Life Events

Matthias the Apostle was one of the twelve main

disciples of Christ

He was the only disciple who wasn’t personally called

by Jesus

The other disciples chose him to replace Judas Iscariot

by drawing lots

Personality Traits

Matthias had followed Jesus since his baptism by

John the Baptist

He witnessed Jesus’ ascension to heaven

One of the first Christians to receive the Holy Spirit

Became a missionary

Character Study

Matthias From Joyce Wild

Some thoughts on the Lectionary Readings for the second service – Year A, Easter 7 Lectionary Readings: 2 Samuel 23: 1-5 Ephesians 1: 15-23 Mark 16: 14-20

The seventh Sunday brings the series of “Easter” Lectionary Readings to an end. This coming Sunday lies between Ascension Day and Pentecost

The readings for the second service can be seen as fitting this pattern – conveying the Salvation message of Easter and the Spirit led action of the Early Church after Pentecost. (J.B.Phillips puts a title on his translation of the Acts of the Apostles – “The Young Church in Action”)

In verse 15 of the first chapter of Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus, he writes: “………..ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people

and, at the beginning of his letter: “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to God’s holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus”

Paul had visited Ephesus on his 2nd Missionary Journey (52AD?). He found there believers who had received nothing more than “John’s Baptism – a baptism for repentance”. They had not even heard of the Holy Spirit. Paul explained Jesus to them; they were baptised in His Name and, when Paul placed hands on them the Holy Spirit came upon them and they spoke in “tongues” and “prophesied”.

It is now much later and Paul is writing his letter to Ephesus from Rome - from prison. He gives thanks when he hears of their faith in Jesus and their love for all God’s people – they are holding to the message of Easter, that culmination of Jesus’ time on earth, His “saving” death and His resurrection.

Having given thanks for what they hold in faith, Paul immediately makes his prayer that God would give to the Ephesians the Spirit of wisdom and revelation and the power of the Spirit:

“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people and his incomparably great power for us who believe………..”

Continued on page 8

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Some thoughts on Lectionary Readings continued . . .

We are between these two great Festivals of the Christian Church – in our readings there is thanksgiving for the Ephesians FAITH and prayer for the outpouring of the HOLY SPIRIT.

Was there any activity of the Holy Spirit prior to the Day of Pentecost?

The passage from 2 Samuel is headed in the NIV translation as “David’s last words”. Among these words (v2) we read: “’The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me; his word was on my tongue. ……………………………..’”

There is reference to the “inspired utterance” of: David son of Jesse, the man exalted by the Most High, the man anointed by the God of Jacob, the hero of Israel’s songs. (David’s Psalms or the praise by the Israelites for his many victories?)

The Spirit of God was exhibited in the life of David as it had been in earlier times through King Saul.

At the end of the reading in verse 5 we read: “If my house were not right with God, surely he would not have made with me an everlasting covenant, arranged and secured in every part; surely he would not bring to fruition my salvation and grant me my every desire. ……….”

Clearly, in David’s mind “his house was right with God” yet what we read in the Old Testament presents us with a very flawed man. There is one story that fascinates me concerning David.

You will remember that the Israelite army was away in conflict with the Ammonites but David had remained in Jerusalem. One evening he notices Bathsheba bathing on the roof of her house. He sends for her and what follows is in our terminology a “one night stand” with the not unusual consequences!

She is married, but that did not deter David. On being told she is pregnant he recalls her husband - to bring to David a current report on army affairs. He tells Uriah to go home and await a reply to the report – if he goes home and consorts with his wife then the pregnancy can be explained and David will not apparently be involved.

Complication! – Uriah refuses to go home while his army colleagues are beleaguered. When he does return to the army the instruction to the commander is to put Uriah in the “hottest” point of the next battle. As desired, he is killed in that battle – David is complicit in murder. After the period of mourning David marries Bathsheba.

It is interesting to read David’s reaction when Nathan speaks to David of a rich man, a poor man and a traveller friend of the rich man – how the latter, instead of preparing a meal for his guest using a lamb from his own extensive flocks, took the only lamb of the poor man.

David is incensed, he “burns with anger” and states that the rich man deserves to die.

Nathan then confronts David – “You are that man!”

The thing that fascinates me about the story of David – the child conceived that night dies but David and Bathsheba have another, legitimate, son. His name is Solomon – the “House of David” continues through this couple. We can read the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1;

14 generations from Abraham to David; 14 generations from David to the Exile; 14 generations from the Exile to Jesus.

In Matthew 1: 5-6 we read: “Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of King David David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife ……………”

In the “Road to Aldersgate” article we read how John Wesley was astounded, Charles shocked, when Peter Bohler asserted that the vilest sinner could be saved in an instant. David was guilty of a dreadful crime but ultimately he was close to his God and assured that “his house was right with God”. There were times when clearly the Spirit of the Lord rested on him..

Continued on page 9

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Some thoughts on Lectionary Readings continued . . .

Reference to the Spirit again, brings us to our Gospel reading. Most modern translations point out that today’s passage is not found in the earliest texts of Mark’s Gospel. It would appear to be an early, but later, appendage. Jesus commissions his disciples to be evangelists. He speaks of the signs that will accompany those who believe.

How do we react to this list of signs – are some acceptable, others dubious? Speaking in new tongues is experienced in some sections of the Church today (Paul gives many cautions as to the purpose and use of “tongues” – 1 Corinthians). We also readily accept many aspects of a healing ministry;

but, driving out demons? handling snakes?

We know that in New Testament Times illness was often associated with demon possession. We know the medical reasons for many illnesses and given our modern outlook we are uncomfortable with the concept of demons.

Let me ask a question, which I am not going to attempt to answer!

If we are happy to accept that the Holy Spirit can move in unexpected, even spectacular ways, why is it difficult to believe that there are also dark spiritual forces at work around us? Paul reminded the Ephesians that they were in a fight - they needed the full armour that God could provide: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

Handling snakes?

A little research on the internet revealed a small number of Appalachian churches in the USA that actively practise snake handling. I was very surprised to read the following:

George Went Hensley is often credited with introducing snake handling practices into the Church of God Holiness, an association of autonomous Christian Methodist congregations!

Between 1955 (when George Hensley died after being bitten by a rattlesnake during a service) and 2015 there have been 14 fatalities resulting from snake bite during a snake handling service. The internet has vague references to some members of these same churches drinking poison – strychnine - but there is no information as to the outcome of that practice!

We are approaching Pentecost – on that eventful day a group of weak, frightened disciples, locked away in an upper room, became a group of powerful Spirit filled evangelists. They acted as the Spirit led and directed. Let us, as we approach Pentecost, make our prayer the same as that expressed in a song of Chris Bowater:

Holy Spirit, we welcome You. Holy Spirit, we welcome You. Move among us with holy fire, As we lay aside all earthly desires, Hands reach out and our hearts aspire. Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit we welcome You. Holy Spirit, we welcome You. Holy Spirit, we welcome You. Let the breeze of Your presence blow, That your children here might truly know How to move in the Spirit’s flow, Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit we welcome You. Holy Spirit, we welcome You. Holy Spirit, we welcome You. Please accomplish in me today Some new work of loving grace, I pray; Undeservedly have Your way. Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit we welcome You.

Eric Brown

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Past Memories

Following the idea from Sheila and Andy about sharing past memories, Joyce has sent in her memories of starting

college and work, aged 16.

Early Days When I was sixteen, I left Hanson Secondary Modern School (all girls at that time) and along with nineteen other young ladies embarked on a Preliminary Residential Child Care course at Bradford Technical College. I spent the next two years dividing my time between academic studies and practical experience whilst also completing an Eng-lish Language GCSE at night school. All good fun, but then it was time to step into the real world of work. I was em-ployed by Bradford Council as a Housemother in a variety of their residential homes. I remember at the end of the first month collecting my pay packet which held the princely sum of £49.00. Not bad for sixty-hour weeks and with bed and board thrown in. I rushed to Sunwin House, a large department store in the town centre, and promptly bought my mum a new iron. Coming from quite a sheltered upbringing, some of the things I witnessed were quite an eye opener. One day we had new girl come to join us. After tea she grumbled to the staff, “I don’t know, not only have you stopped my smoking (only sixteen-year olds who were working had this privilege), you have stopped my sex, too.” She was thir-teen. A lad of eleven came to us with a list of offences as long as my arm. His main pastime was to break into cars and go joy riding in them, but we also found out he had stolen a train and driven that as well. My mum used to tell her friends that I worked in an orphanage. However, this couldn’t have been further from the truth. The children in care weren’t orphans, they were usually children who had been abandoned or abused by their parents. In one of the homes we had a family of four; three girls and a boy. They each had a different father but the same mother who wasn’t interested in them, hence they were all in care. One of the girls especially had so little self-worth it was heart breaking. I tried in my own small way to show her that she was someone special and had so much to offer. I often wonder what happened to her. On a lighter note: whilst in training, for one term I worked every Friday in an all-boys home. At that time David and I were courting, so after work he would come and collect me and give me a lift home. When this had happened a couple of times one of the lads asked me cheekily, “Aunty Joyce (that’s what we were called) do you have to stand on an orange box to kiss Uncle David?” Blushing profusely, I assured him we managed perfectly well without any aids, thank you. On another occasion, one of the youngsters had run away from the home and the police came calling. I answered the door and was asked very politely, “Please, could we speak to one of your Aunties?” They got quite a shock, I think, when I replied, “I am one of the Aunties.” My career as a Housemother only lasted just over two years as then I got married and moved to Germany where there was no call for that particular skill. However, my experiences within that environment stood me in good stead for the years that followed. Thinking back now, I recall that there was never a dull moment in the working day. There were good times and some not so good times; times of joy and times of great heartbreak. A lot of laughter, as well as much soul search-ing. I remember working alongside a variety of colleagues some who, perhaps, shouldn’t have been in that job, but many others who worked hard to give the children the security they craved for. However, my fondest memories are of the children. You see, I realised that all they really wanted was what I had taken for granted for so many years. A roof over their head, food on the table, secure boundaries, an education and prospects for the future, but, most importantly, they wanted someone to love them. Joyce Wild

Mask Extenders A big thank you to Jackie, Sheila, Margaret D, Jean, Pat and Janet who joined me in knitting or crocheting Mask Extenders for the NHS. Between us we made 102, but I kept one to add to my mask for when I go shopping. These have now been sent to Reverend Tony Cavanagh who will deliver them to Poole and Bournemouth Hospitals.

Joyce Wild

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Foodbank: Community Money Advice (CMA) Team

This report summarises the work of the Community Money Advise (CMA) Team.

The Debts: We are currently managing clients’ debts totalling £121,428.75

The Team and our work: Both Paula and I have seen fewer clients since the lockdown started. Several clients have had their cases “closed” as the clients were no longer engaging with us. Referrals in from Archbishop Wake and Blandford St Mary Primary Schools have virtually stopped due to school closures. Joy Reynolds, the third member of our team, is recovering well after a fall that resulted in a fractured hip. We were recently approached by a person wanting to offer her time as a debt advisor and we are waiting for a “virtual interview” to be arranged and then for her to begin as a Personal Budget Coach (PBC), helping with clients’ administration.

Coronavirus Lockdown: Both Paula and I are fully equipped and volunteering from our homes from 10.00 am until noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays. No face-to-face meetings have taken place since the start of the lockdown.

To illustrate our endeavours: A recent success in April 2020 was for a client having a combined debt of £35,400 spread between nine creditors. With the client’s consent, we negotiated a “Token Payment” plan with all the creditors on a “pro-rata” basis that costs our client £34.72 per month. We have agreed with the creditors that no additional interest charges or fees will be added to the debts. The client has agreed that this is an affordable monthly amount and is in the process of setting up standing orders to each creditor. The client first approached CMA in July 2019. This confirms that CMA is here for the full journey with the client. If the client stops the process for whatever reason, as was the case here, then we are still anxious to start again once the client is ready to re-engage. This particular client has mental health issues of anxiety and depression, where facing up to the problems has proven to be very difficult for him. The client and his partner now know that they are in better control of their lives, that they no longer need to fear letters from creditors dropping onto their doormats, and that they can afford the agreed debt repayment plan. The learning from this is that if only the client had “stayed engaged” we could have achieved the same results within a matter of weeks rather than the elapsed ten months. The next challenge is to continue working with the client on making life-style changes for a better and different life that is affordable for the long-term.

Please continue to uphold our CMA volunteers in prayer, and that our clients will find a new peace in their lives with less anxiety and a real hope for a better and affordable future. Also please remember the new prospective volunteer; that if her desire to help is in the Lord’s will, then let that be known by all and let’s get started.

Thank you for your prayerful interest. John Cornish

Quiz: Kate the Universal

All the answers to the following end in cate Example: Kate who is frail. Answer: Delicate

1. Kate in three

2. Kate who trains others

3. Kate who sees double

4. Kate in business

5. Kate in the Law Courts

6. Kate who shows the way

7. Kate gets out of difficulties

8. Kate leaves home

9. Kate is not truthful

10. Kate in difficulties

Margaret Cornish Answers on page 12

12

Just for Fun

DOES ANYBODY PROOFREAD ANYMORE? When I worked at the MoD, I had to do a lot of proofreading. You wouldn’t believe the mistakes and confusing pieces of work that I came across. Unfortunately, I am not allowed to share those with you, so I have listed a few that I have found that may make you chuckle. TOILET OUT OF ORDER, PLEASE USE FLOOR BELOW In a Laundromat: AUTOMATIC WASHING MACHINES: PLEASE REMOVE ALL YOUR CLOTHES WHEN THE LIGHT GOES OUT In an Office: WOULD THE PERSON WHO TOOK THE STEP LADDER YESTERDAY PLEASE BRING IT BACK OR FURTHER STEPS WILL BE TAKEN Also, in an Office: AFTER THE TEA BREAK, STAFF SHOULD EMPTY THE TEAPOT AND STAND UPSIDE ON THE DRAINING BOARD In a Safari Park: ELEPHANTS PLEASE STAY IN YOUR CAR In a Health Food Shop Window: CLOSED DUE TO ILLNESS On a Leaflet: IF YOU CANNOT READ, THIS LEAFLET WILL TELL YOU HOW TO GET LESSONS On a Repair Shop Door: WE CAN REPAIR ANYTHING (PLEASE KNOCK HARD – THE BELL DOESN’T WORK) In Farmer’s Field: THE FARMER ALLOWS WALKERS TO CROSS THE FIELD FOR FREE, BUT THE BULL CHARGES Outside a Secondhand Shop: WE EXCHANGE ANYTHING – BICYCLES, WASHING MACHINES, ETC. WHY NOT BRING YOUR WIFE ALONG AND GET A WONDERFUL BARGAIN

David Wild

David Wild

1. Triplicate 2. Educate 3. Duplicate 4. Syndicate 5. Advocate 6. Indicate 7. Extricate 8. Vacate 9. Prevaricate 10. Intricate

Answers to Quiz: Kate the Universal