Tel: 01803 615480email: minister@centralchurchtorquay.org

ENQUIRE WITHINMAGAZINE OF

CENTRAL CHURCHMETHODIST and UNITED REFORMED

TORHILL ROAD- TORQUAY

MINISTER IN PASTORAL CHARGE

REV GAVIN HANCOCKS

A donation of 50p towards printing costs would be much appreciated

MARCH 2012

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CHURCH OFFICERS

SECRETARY Barbara Lawton (01803 296990)TREASURERS John Coatham (01803 323212) Paul Sherriff (01803 298603)ENVELOPE & GIFT AID SECRETARY Harold Newman. (01803 526857)ORGANIST & CHOIR DIRECTOR Clive Bastin (01803 325142)MAGAZINE EDITORS Hazel Nightingale (01803 315561) Philip Kay (01803 323551)BOOKING SECRETARY Jean Baker (01803 550861)PUBLICITY (POSTERS) Barbara Gissinger (01803 328407)CARETAKER Darrell Sanderson (07522 620545)

CHURCH ACTIVITIES

SUNDAY Morning Worship + Creche 10,30am Sunday Club 10.30am Evening Worship 6.30pmMONDAY Women’s Fellowship 2.30pm Brownies 6.00pm Flexercise Fun 6.30pm Guides 7.30pmTUESDAY Prayer Meeting or Service 9.30am Coffee & Fellowship 10.00am Busy Bees 10.00am Guild 7.30pmWEDNESDAY Prayers for Healing 1.00pmTHURSDAY Central Tots 9.30amFRIDAY Coffee & Fellowship 10.00am Belleplates Group 11.00am Choir Practice 7.00pm

CHURCH COUNCIL – 3RD Thursday of January, March, April, May, June,July, September, October, & November.

CHURCH MEETINGS – 1ST Thursday of March, June, October, & December

For Details of Sunday Services, Messy Church, Housegroups, Bible Studies etc – see Diary

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THE MINISTERDear Friends,

As I sit to write my column Lent looms large on the horizon so mythoughts are inclined in that direction.

I guess the most popular notion connected with Lent is that of givingup chocolate! Oh dear, just where did it all go awry! Who knowsreally but in point of fact Lent is of huge significance in the Christiantradition so perhaps, if I may, I might be able to invite your participa-tion in this most powerful of seasons in the Christian Calendar.

There are 40 days in Lent running from Ash Wednesday to PalmSunday and the beginning of Holy Week. That number, 40, shouldimmediately grab your attention. It is a very popular Biblical numberand can be found in the flood(Gen 7&8), Moses on Mt Sinai (Gen24&34), Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, Elijah afterMt Carmel(1 Kings 19) and Jesus in the Wilderness to name but a few.Always it is about a period in which God is doing something signifi-cant, something new, revealing himself in some significant way to hiscreation.

In the early Church this 40 day period leading up to the celebrationof Easter, the ultimate expression of love and hope in death andresurrection, was initially used as preparation for baptism and mem-bership. New converts went through the process of catechesis andmade their proclamation of faith on Easter Day as they celebratedthe new life God had given them in his Son and the Holy Spirit.

What about us? Might I suggest that as we journey through theseforty days of Lent we look a little bit beyond the triviality of giving upchocolate to the opening up of our lives to the working of the HolySpirit in sowing seeds of renewal to be harvested on Easter Day. Letus through prayer, fasting, fellowship, worship and service simply waitin divine expectation, inviting God to invade our lives afresh withunderstanding, peace, joy and hope that we might live again for Himand reflect in new ways His radiant glory this Easter.

Gavin

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CENTRAL’S FAMILY & FRIENDSFamily News and other Bits & Pieces

CONGRATULATIONS

v To Tony Zaple who will be 80 on 7th March

EMAIL ADRESSES.

: Celia & David Bolt have changed their’s toc.bolt42@btinternet.com

: The one shown in the 2012 Directory for Philip Kay is Incorrect. It should be philipkay393@btinternet.com

NEWS FROM PAUL ZAPLE IN TOTNES

Hello Dear Friends! Just in case you think I have fallen off the endof the world. I haven’t – only moved to Totnes. I am really enjoyingmy new life here and have no regrets about my change of direc-tion at all.

The business is growing and proving very popular. We have justbeen awarded ‘The Best Regional Pub and Restaurant 2011.’

I am worshipping at Totnes Methodist Church which is just downthe road from us. They have made me very welcome, and I amreally enjoying the services and fellowship. Luckily (??) morningservice is from 10.00 to 11.00, which gives me time to have acoffee and get back up the road ready to start lunches at 12.00.

I expect you’re wondering what it is I actually do – I know mymother is! Well every day is different. I co-ordinate a great dealof the general administration, I wait table, serve behind the bar,reconcile the till and the day’s takings, keep the premises clean

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and tidy; I can be kitchen porter (boy – can I peel and chipspuds!), promote the use of our function room, and assist in thepublicity of the business. Not all at the same time I assure you! Theonly area I don’t work in is the kitchen – a very wise decision.

I have acquired a new initial before my name – the letter ‘O.’ Thenumber of times I hear “Oh Paul, do you have?....Oh Paul, whereis?.....Oh Paul, can you just go for?” All in all, very exciting timesand I am meeting some really lovely people – as well as a few oddones! We have a great team of people, and we all get on reallywell, and have a lot of laughs.

I like to call our living accommodation upstairs a ‘work in progress’but we’re getting there, and it is much more homely than whenwe first moved in. Well, the building does date from 1684, andthere’s not a level floor in the place. We say it’s rural and rustic!

Mum & Dad keep me abreast of all that is happening at Central –Clive I hope Olivet to Calvary goes well – and I look forward toreading the magazine – thank you Monica.

Any time you’re in the area, please pop in and see us. We’reopen 7 days a week 11.00 – 11.00 (apart from Sunday which is12.00 – 10.30). We do a great Sunday Roast! During the wintermonths lunch is only available Friday – Sunday (incl), but eveningmeals are available all week – or just come for a coffee.

Well, time is racing on, so had better put the smile on and prepareto greet the customers – every night is Show Time – I am in myelement!

Holding you all in my prayers, with love, Paul Zaple.

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BARBARA ELLEN MAY ROOK

Barbara, an only child, was Torquay born and bred being broughtup in Barton Hill Road. After her early years, most of her educationtook place at what is now the Abbey School in Marychurch. Asshe grew up, so she began to develop her own interests – spend-ing time on the beach, enjoying picnics, and dancing whichbecame a major part of the rest of her life. She attended TorquayCommercial College where she made friends with Mavis, a friend-ship that was to last for over sixty years. Both Mavis and Barbaraworked in the same Solicitor’s office for many years.

It was at a dance one New Year’s Eve that she met her futurehusband, Gordon and in 1952 they were married at Upton ValeBaptist Church. In those early days Gordon was working for therailways and this entailed them moving to Slough, a traumatictime when they had to leave family and friends in Devon. Eventu-ally Gordon changed careers and started working for the NatWest Bank. When he retired they moved back to their belovedTorquay.

They were blessed with a daughter Linda, and two grandchildrenMelanie and Blake. Barbara was very proud of her family, follow-ing their progress from early years, and always enjoyed tellingvisitors how well they were doing.

She was a very sociable person, enjoying Sunday lunches at theAnchorage Hotel and driving over Dartmoor to Tavistock for tea,and also attending Tea Dances at Central. She enjoyed joining inthe Keep-Fit classes and Aqua Aerobics.

Church was always important to Barbara and Gordon. For a shorttime on their return to Torquay they attended Preston BaptistChurch, but following Clive’s appointment as organist, they decid-ed to join the congregation at Central.

It was a testing time for Barbara when Gordon died, but sheadjusted and filled her time with an array of activities. Many were

BARBARA ELLEN MAY ROOK

Barbara, an only child, was Torquay born and bred being broughtup in Barton Hill Road. After her early years, most of her educationtook place at what is now the Abbey School in Marychurch. Asshe grew up, so she began to develop her own interests – spend-ing time on the beach, enjoying picnics, and dancing whichbecame a major part of the rest of her life. She attended TorquayCommercial College where she made friends with Mavis, a friend-ship that was to last for over sixty years. Both Mavis and Barbaraworked in the same Solicitor’s office for many years.

It was at a dance one New Year’s Eve that she met her futurehusband, Gordon and in 1952 they were married at Upton ValeBaptist Church. In those early days Gordon was working for therailways and this entailed them moving to Slough, a traumatictime when they had to leave family and friends in Devon. Eventu-ally Gordon changed careers and started working for the NatWest Bank. When he retired they moved back to their belovedTorquay.

They were blessed with a daughter Linda, and two grandchildrenMelanie and Blake. Barbara was very proud of her family, follow-ing their progress from early years, and always enjoyed tellingvisitors how well they were doing.

She was a very sociable person, enjoying Sunday lunches at theAnchorage Hotel and driving over Dartmoor to Tavistock for tea,and also attending Tea Dances at Central. She enjoyed joining inthe Keep-Fit classes and Aqua Aerobics.

Church was always important to Barbara and Gordon. For a shorttime on their return to Torquay they attended Preston BaptistChurch, but following Clive’s appointment as organist, they decid-ed to join the congregation at Central.

It was a testing time for Barbara when Gordon died, but sheadjusted and filled her time with an array of activities. Many were

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of a charitable nature – her wonderful cakes and biscuits forchurch coffee mornings, making the ‘crosses for your pocket’ thejewellery she bought to sell, with all profits going to RowcroftHospice. Other activities included the Ladies Past Rotarians, beinga member of the Church Council and Women’s Fellowship, stew-arding at Sunday Services and selling programmes at concerts. Abusy lady who used her time wisely.

There were times when Barbara had challenges with her healthand three years ago, following treatment in hospital she moved toWallis Court, followed later by having to move to Torre House. Thismove didn’t stop her from always looking elegant, smart andimmaculately dressed. It was a pleasure to visit her. Now Bar-bara’s suffering is ended. We shall miss her at Central, and extendour sympathy to Linda, Melanie and Blake at this sad time.

IN MEMORIAM BOOK.

Some months ago, it was agreed that it would be appropri-ate to have a record of all the gifts that have been present-ed to Central over the years since it opened, and so the ideaof our In Memoriam Book came into existence. Much re-search went on and we hopefully now have a complete list.John Head agreed to compile the book, and our thanks tohim are recorded once more. It has now been placed in theChapel of Unity for all to see.

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BAY SERVICES (SOUTH DEVON)For Household and Garden Rubbish Clearance

- Houses and Flats- Sheds and garages- Gardens- Builders’ Waste- 7 day Service- Fully LicensedSecure Document Shredding

Contact: Paul for a free quotation on01803 843276 or Mobile 07973 226580

WOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER.‘LET JUSTICE PREVAIL’

At the Salvation Army, Market Street, TorquayOn the 2nd March 2012, at 10.30am.

A warm welcome is extended to this annual service,which this year has been prepared by the women ofMalaysia.

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Do you like chocolate? Do you believe in Easter?

Bishops challenge supermarket anti-faith Easter agenda

Bishops are calling on congregations throughout the UK to buy theReal Easter Egg in 2012 by ordering it online, after supermarketsfailed to order sufficient quantities of the UK’s only faith-basedEaster egg in 2011.

The Real Easter Egg is the first and only Fairtrade Easter egg toexplain the Easter story on the box and give money to charity. Itwas launched last year as a mail order gift after the supermarketsinitially turned it down. Churches and schools joined a campaignto establish the egg by placing tens of thousands of orders throughmail order which were delivered by Traidcraft.

Morrison’s, Booths, Coop and Waitrose later changed their mindand decided to trial The Real Easter Egg for Easter 2011. They allsold out within days. Waitrose was inundated with online orders forhundreds of eggs as millions of Christians searched for the onlyremaining supplies.

Manchester based Meaningful Chocolate Company manufac-ture The Real Easter Egg. A spokesperson said: “Out of the 80million Easter eggs on sale this year nearly all will be secular, madefrom non-Fairtrade chocolate and with no charitable donation.”

The Bishop of Oxford, who chairs the Church of England’s Board ofEducation, said; “There seems to be a clear cut agenda to keepcredible products, with any connection to Christianity, off theshelves.”

How to buy a Real Easter Egg? The recommended retail price is£3.99. The Real Easter Egg is made from 125g of high qualityFairtrade chocolate and 15 pence from every sale is donated toTraidcraft Exchange. The official Real Easter Egg online shop is atwww.realeasteregg.co.uk . Online ordering will be open for aslong as supplies last or until the middle of March – so hurry!

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REFLECTIONS

For the next three Magazines, I am going to do a ‘trilogy’.That sounds a bit posh doesn’t it!!

You all know the saying “March winds and April showers,bring forth May flowers”. Well, ‘winds’, ‘showers’, and‘flowers’, are going to be the subjects for the next threeReflections -- my trilogy.

So, ‘March winds’. We do get winds in March, don’t we?Some are like a warm breeze (a foretaste of spring and thesummer to come), but some are cold easterly ones. Somewinds are even a bit northerly, left over from February. Ifthose easterly winds are storm force, or even a bit strong,then the sea comes over the wall at Livermead, and treescome down.

We are sometimes plagued by winds in our lives. Whenthings are going well for us, it is as if a gentle breeze blowsagainst our cheeks, and we feel good about ourselves.Then a few problems assail us and we feel the wind swirlingaround us. But, what about those storms which really hit us-- those horrible things which affect us and our families. Wethen feel battered and we feel bruised. We may even feeloverwhelmed by those storms. But, do we fall? No. Yes,we sway a bit; we may even feel really buffeted, and wemay feel hurt. But, we do not fall. Our roots are stronglybedded in the love of Jesus, and we cling on to Him don’twe -- for dear life!

To protect us, the Council closes the seafront when the sealashes over the wall at Livermead. What protects us whenstorms lash over our lives? Our Great God, and our fellow

CONTACT CENTRE

I’m sure everyone is aware that the extension is well underway and we are looking forward to completion.

With the increase in accommodation and the extra familieswe will be able to help, we are now actively and urgentlyseeking new volunteers. We require 4 at each session, withattendance required every 5/6 weeks.Training will of course, be given.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED OR IF YOU KNOW ANYONE WHOWOULD LIKE TO JOIN US AND WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMA-TION,

PLEASE CONTACT SUSAN NORMAN ON 07597 958185

Christians in the Church, and those who visit us, whether weare in our own homes, in hospital, or in Residential Homes orNursing Homes.“We have an anchor that keeps the soul steadfast and surewhile the billows roll; Fastened tothe Rock which cannot move, Grounded firm and deep inthe Saviour’s love.”March winds? “With Christ in the vessel, we’ll smile at thestorm”.

Margaret Newman

Coming and goingYour child has started growing up when he stops asking youwhere he came from and starts refusing to tell you wherehe's going.

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How God worksA grandmother was taking her young grandson for a walk inthe park. The daffodils were in bloom, and it was a beautifulSpring day. Wanting to encourage her grandson’s spiritualunderstanding of the world, she said: "Doesn't it look like anartist painted this scenery? Did you know God did all this?"

Her grandson replied: "Oh yes, and God did it left handed, too."In astonishment, the grandmother asked what he meant. "Well,he must have done," said her grandson, "because we learned at

Sunday School last week that Jesus sits on God's right hand."

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WE HAVE THE TECHNOLOGY!!

We trust most of you will remember that when Hazel andPhilip became Editors of the Magazine, it was explained thatPhilip would bring together all the articles etc., and Hazelwould cover the technical aspect of putting them into theformat we have come to recognise.

There have been changes over the period, but one majorchange happened ‘behind the scenes.’ We used to pro-duce a printed copy and then give it to John & Tony to runoff the copies. But two months ago all that changed whenthe entire magazine was transferred to a ‘memory stick’which in turn was plugged directly into the printer. Result –much better reproduction and less hassle!

Now Hazel has decided we could accept photographs! Soit may be that you would like to give us an article aboutsome event with a photo attached. As long as it’s emailedto us, we can deal with it. Remember it will most likely bereproduced in black and white.

As always, and in common with Editors of any publication,we reserve the right not to print something that is not clearenough, or inappropriate in some way, but we’ll do our best!

Let’s hear from you!

Present

For the elderly minister’s 70th birthday, the congregation at StMary's decided to give him a present of a new suit. He wasso moved by the gift that the following Sunday he stoodbefore everyone and began his homily with a tear in his eye,and said: 'Today I am preaching to you in my birthday suit.'

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WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP

We are always pleased to welcome Jackie Smith with herreminiscences of events and activities that we, ‘the oldergeneration’ can relate to. She certainly gave us a good startto the New Year. John Jeffrey’s visit took us around thechurches in Devon and we were able to appreciate hisexcellent photography. Again, a presentation by DesmondGahan transported us to Cornwall, and through his slides wewere able to appreciate the flora and fauna and scenery –what a wonderful world God has made for us to enjoy. RoySkates’ visit gave us an insight into the work of the NationalInstitute for the Blind.

Sadly, one of our members Barbara Rook, has died. Barbarahad been a regular attender at our meetings until movingthree years ago into residential care. However, she hadbeen able to attend one or two of our meetings during thelast year, and we remember her family and friends at this sadtime.

Barbara Lawton

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SMILE - LINES

Ask children about angels...(and this is what you get!)

Angels talk all the way while they're flying you up to heav-en. The main subject is where you went wrong before yougot dead. - Daniel, age 9

When an angel gets mad, he takes a deep breath andcounts to ten. And when he lets out his breath again,somewhere there's a tornado. - Reagan, age 10

Angels have a lot to do and they keep very busy. If you losea tooth, an angel comes in through your window andleaves money under your pillow. Then when it gets cold,angels go south for the winter. - Sara, age 6

Angels live in cloud houses made by God and his son, who'sa very good carpenter. - Jared, age 8

All angels are girls because they gotta wear dresses andboys didn't go for it. - Antonio, age 9

How many words does it take?Pythagorean Theorem: …………………………….. 24 words.Lord’s Prayer:…………………………………………… 66 words.Archimedes’ Principle: …………………………….… 67 words.Ten Commandments: …………………………….… 179 words.Gettysburg address: ……………………………….… 286 words.US Declaration of Independence : ………........ 1,300 words.US Constitution with all 27 Amendments: ...........7,818 words.EU regulations on the sale of cabbages:……...26,911 words.

Puts things into proper perspective, doesn’t it?

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THE CHANCEL CARPET.

If you look at this carpet it is in a very poor shape, with manymarks on it. It really does need replacing, as it makes thisimportant area of the church look rather neglected.

We have received a quotation for its replacement, with anappropriate quality carpet, and to include the steps. Theamount required is £3,000.

We are therefore launching an appeal to find this money.Individual donations will be much appreciated, but we arealso appealing to those members who belong to a groupwhich may have surplus funds sitting to its credit. Perhapsyou would consider donating something to this most worthycause!

All donations should be given to Monica Lansley for banking– clearly marked ‘Chancel Carpet.’

The Treasurers will be most grateful!

How many church members does it take to change a light bulb?

What do you mean CHANGE??? That light bulb was givenin memory of my grandmother! My father installed it with hisbare hands! He donated his time AND the use of his ladderto do it, too! My family's been members of this church forfour generations! And if you think you're going to come inhere and make a bunch of changes all of a sudden, vicar,you've got another think coming!

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“HAVE YOU GOT A MINUTE?” – THE ULTIMATE LIE

How many times in your life has someone come up to you andasked if you ‘had a minute?’

Now, what they are really saying is: ‘I want to interrupt you and Ifeel if I ask for something really small, like a minute, then you aremore likely to agree.’

But it is usually an unintentional lie, as it won’t be just a minute. Infact a study has been conducted into what is the true time theinterruption will cost you – the surprise answer is an average of 20minutes of your life.

Can it really be twenty minutes? Yes, it can, and it is because ofwhat the interruption does to your mind. First, you have to breakaway from what you were thinking about at the time. Then youwill have to listen to what they want to talk about – this alone cantake longer then a minute. This is followed by dealing with what-ever the issue is, and finally, and sometimes the most difficult, getyour mind back onto what you were doing before you wereinterrupted.

So what is the cure? It starts by realising what saying yes to theirrequest could cost you, and being willing to either say no or to putthem off to another time. You could ask people to see youbetween certain times, rather than assumingyou are always available. Always try to en-sure what you were doing is carried to com-pletion before allowing any interruptions tobreak in. If you don’t, it will take longer to dothe task otherwise, and give you less time togive them in the future.

Bill Allen. Adviser on Time Management for Christianswww.improvementspecialist.co.uk

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THE GUILD

We would like to extend a warm welcome to everyone tocome along to the Guild on Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm inroom 1. We offer fellowship and speakers covering a widerange of topics. This is our March programme.

6th. Greenway, Past, Present & Future. Robyn Brown.13th. Flora & Fauna. Country Warden Mike Ingram20th. An Evening with Margaret Newman.27th. Jill of All Trades. Carol Stephens.

Margaret Dustan

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PREPARE FOR AN OUTWARD-LOOKING EASTER.

Chocolate eggs and bunnies are stacked high on the supermar-ket shelves ... these festive distractions can obscure the true mean-ing of Easter. How can you help your friends and neighboursdiscover the real meaning of this special season?

Andy Hawthorne, Director of Message Trust, says, "Easter shouldknock us sideways. The first person in heaven after Jesus died wasa common thief who had done absolutely nothing to deservesalvation."

Roy Crowne, Executive Director of HOPE, says, "The Easter mes-sage is a vital opportunity for local churches to connect with thenon-churchgoer in a real way. This is our festival and a greatmoment to present our faith to our communities."

Churches in many areas join together to hold an ‘Easter Wave’ ora public party. Little acts of kindness go down well!

Roy Crowne adds, "Let's not just celebrate the joy of Easter insideour churches - let's spread the Good News, and together wecould see our communities transformed."

Whether it's through sending cards, egg hunts, art displays, crea-tive prayer, or giving gifts, engaging with our communities couldsee people responding to Jesus for the first time.

HOPE for Easter and other Easter ideas available throughwww.hopetogether.org.uk

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SUNDAY SERVICES FOR MARCH 2012.

(S) = Sacrament of Holy Communion (WG) = Worship Group

Date Morning 10.30am Evening 6.30pm

4th Revd G Hancocks (S) Revd A Phippen11th Revd G Hancocks Revd G Hancocks.(WG)

18th Revd J Cook Revd G Hancocks (S)25th Mrs Vicki Bryan Revd G Hancocks (WG)

SUNDAY WELCOME ROTA FOR MARCH 2012.

Date Morning 10.30am Evening 6.30pmMar4th Barbara & Tony Zaple Monica Lansley &

Mike Griffiths11th Celia & David Bolt Margaret Newman &

Paul Sherriff18th Tessa Goodwin & Marion Powell &

Hazel Nightingale Doreen Head25th Sheila & John Celia & David Bolt

LawrenceApl1st Sue & John Coatham Marion Powell & Doreen Head

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CALENDAR FOR MARCH 2012

Thursday 1st 9.30 Central Tots 12.30 Lent Bible Study 7.30 Church MeetingFriday 2nd 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.30 Women’s World Day of Prayer

Service at Salvation Army. 11.00 Belleplate Group 12.00 Lent Lunch at Salvation Army 7.30 Grand Musical Evening.Saturday 3rd 9.30 Contact Centre 10.00 Table Top SaleSunday 4th 10.30 Morning Communion-

Revd Gavin Hancocks 6.30 Evening Worship-

Revd Adrian PhippenMonday 5th 10.30 Rosemary Gardens Housegroup 2.30 Women’s Fellowship: ‘Those were the days’ – Jean Baker 6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 Guides 7.30 Southfield HousegroupTuesday 6th 9.30 Midweek Prayers

10.00 Coffee Morning forTony Zaple’s 80th Birthday.

10.00 Flower Committee 10.00 Busy Bees 7.00 New Life Housegroup 7.30 Guild: Greenway, past, present and future. Robyn Brown (NT)

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Wednesday 7th 1.00 Prayers for Healing 7.30 Lent Bible StudyThursday 8th 9.30 Central Tots 12.30 Lent Bible Study 7.30 Messy Church planning meetingFriday 9th 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Catering Meeting 11.00 Belleplate Group 12.00 Lent Lunch at All Saints,

Bampfylde Road 6.45 Choir Practice 7.30 Festival Choir PracticeSaturday 10th 9.30 Contact CentreSunday 11th 10.30 Morning Worship – Revd Gavin Hancocks

6.30 Fairtrade Service with Worship Group

Last date for details April“Enquire With”

Monday 12th 10.30 Rosemary Gardens Housegroup 2.00 Women’s Fellowship: Dartmoor – Brian Maddocks 6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 Guides 7.30 Lydwell Park Housegroup 7.30 Southfield HousegroupTuesday 13th 9.30 Midweek Service with Revd Adrian Phippen 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees 7.00 New Life Housegroup 7.30 Guild: Flora & Fauna – Mike Ingram

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Wednesday 14th 1.00 Prayers for Healing 7.30 Lent Bible Study 7.30 Riviera Concert Brass in aid of CentralThursday 15th 9.30 Central Tots 12.30 Lent Bible Study 7.30 CouncilFriday 16th 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplate Group 12.00 Lent Lunch at Central 6.45 Choir Practice 7.30 Festival Choir PracticeSaturday 17th 9.30 Contact CentreSunday 18th 10.30 Morning Worship Revd Jerry Cook

6.30 Evening Communion – Revd Gavin HancocksMonday 19th 10.30 Rosemary Gardens Housegroup 2.30 Women’s Fellowship: Music with Mrs Margaret Newman 6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 Guides 7.30 Southfield HousegroupTuesday 20th 9.30 Midweek Prayers 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees 7.00 New Life Housegroup 7.30 Guild: An Evening with Margaret NewmanWednesday 21st 1.00 Prayers for Healing 7.30 Moors Housegroup 7.30 Lent Bible StudyThursday 22nd 9.30 Central Tots

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12.30 Lent Bible Study 3.00-5.00 Daffodil Tea at 42, Southfield Avenue, for CentralFriday 23rd 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplate Group 12.00 Lent Lunch at Upton Vale

Baptist Church 6.45 Choir Practice 7.30 Festival Choir PracticeSaturday 24th 9.30 Contact Centre 2.30 Tea DanceSunday 25th 10.30 Morning Worship – Mrs Vicki Bryan JMA 6.30 Olivet to CalvaryMonday 26th 10.30 Rosemary Gardens Housegroup 2.30 Women’s Fellowship : Life in

Canada – Tricia Stokes 6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 Guides 7.30 Lydwell Park Housegroup 7.30 Southfield HousegroupTuesday 27th 9.30 Midweek Communion 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees 6.00 Finance & Property 7.00 New Life Housegroup 7.30 Guild: Jill of All Trades – Carol StephensWednesday 28th 1.00 Prayers for Healing 7.30 Lent Bible StudyThursday 29th 9.30 Central Tots 12.30 Lent Bible Study

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Friday 30th 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplate Group 12.00 Lent Lunch at St Mary Magdalene (Upton Parish) 4.00 Messy Church 7.00 Choir PracticeSaturday 31st 9.30 Contact Centre 7.30 South Devon Choir Concert

SUNDAY MORNING COFFEE ROTA. MARCH.

DATE GROUP DATE GROUP

4th Guides 11th Property & Finance18th Special Events 25th Lydwell Park Housegroup

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STEWARDS ROTAMARCH

4th 1. 2.SHERRIFF 3.LANSLEY 4.RICHARDS 5. NEWMAN 6. KAY 7. GISSINGER

Hymns & Book Stewards – Front Door – Bolt

11th 1. HEWITT 2. MILSOM 3. BOLT 4. COATHAM 5. GRIFFITHS 6. BADCOTT 7.

Hymns & Book Stewards – Front Door – Wells

18th 1. 2. SHERRIFF 3. LANSLEY 4. RICHARDS 5. NEWMAN 6. KAY 7 GISSINGER

Hymns & Book Stewards – Front Door – Heather & Venna

25th 1. HEWITT 2. MILSOM 3. BOLT 4. COATHAM 5. GRIFFITHS 6. BADCOTT 7.

Hymns & Book Stewards – Morton & Lawrence

URGENT! If any member would be willing to act as a Steward,please see Jeff Carter (Tel: 01626 363069) or Graham Davey (Tel: 07966 260505)

Would Stewards unable to be in attendance on their rota dates pleasenotify either Jeff or Graham before the Sunday involved, and if at allpossible, try to arrange a mutual swap with any colleague.

LAST DATE FOR ITEMS FOR THE APRIL ENQUIRE WITHIN

IS SUNDAY 11TH MARCH 2012.

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CENTRAL CHURCH FINANCES

At a recent meeting of the Finance group it was agreed thatMembers should be made aware of our current position.Below are the figures for the last three months, showing thatour receipts have not met our expenditure, and a deficit ofalmost £3,000 has resulted.

Last three months

Income:

Offerings £13,014

Other income including fundraising £13,723 £26,737

Expenditure:

Cost of ministry £12,892

Church upkeep & maintenance £11,159Activities & administration £ 5,636 £29,687

Deficit -£2,950

This should be a cause of concern to us all.

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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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OPEN DOORS.Serving persecuted Christians worldwide

The church around the world facesunprecedented times. In places asdiverse as Egypt, North Korea, Paki-stan and Burma, significant eventsare shaping society. Whether theywill help the cause of the gospel, ormake things even harder for the be-leaguered church, it cannot be said for sure. But with prayersand financial support Open Doors can strengthen thechurch, to bring the certain hope of the gospel to some ofthe most desperate places in the world – places where faithcosts the most.

On the Morgan Avenue notice board can be found thisyear’s “World Watch” which has a map showing the 50countries where it is hardest to be a Christian. Also, thismonth’s magazine, which can be found on the vestibuletable, takes the form of a prayer hand book and I do urgemembers to avail themselves of these, which will help guideyou through prayers for each of these countries. You willread of families fleeing Iraq, of the increase of violenceagainst Christians in Egypt, the concern of a possible warbetween North & South Sudan since separation – and so thestories go on. Prayer is the constant request of our persecut-ed sisters and brothers. May we at Central faithfully answertheir request.

Source: Open Doors with Brother Andrew, PO Box 6, Witney, Oxon OX29 75PTel: 01865 301033. e-mail: info@opendoorsuk.org. Reg. Charity no: 260600

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IS IT STILL WINTER WHERE YOU ARE?

There are seasons in the year, and there are seasons in our lives.Things don’t grow in winter, they endure and wait until the Spring,the season of growth. Sometimes our lives can be like that;everything shuts down around us, and no matter what we at-tempt, it will not grow.

This does not mean God has deserted you. For just as natureneeds times of shut-down, so our seasons of outward barrennesscan enrich our inner lives: we lose pride in our ability to run ourlives, and increase our dependency upon God.

Paul says ‘Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is workingfor us. (2 Corinthians 4:17) In other words, these afflictions are onlytemporary. Take heart: just because you cannot alter somethingdoes not mean that you can’t survive it! If you can’t alter it, outliveit! Be like a tree. In the winter it does not even attempt to growleaves. Instead, it sheds all unnecessary outward commitments,and refurbishes its strength on the inside. It may look dead, but itis most certainly not; it is preparing for the next season of fruitful-ness.

This month, reflect on your life, and try and trace your past seasons.Have you been in a long dark winter in your life? You can growpatience, endurance, and sink your roots deep in God’s faithful-ness. Trust him, and stay close to him, and he will make you fruitfulonce again, in his timing.

ParishPump

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MESSY CHURCH

Messy Church continues to thrive. For some time now thenumber of children attending has been around the thirtymark, and with the attendant adults, has meant aroundthe mid fifties are present! We are blessed with four mainleaders and at the moment sufficient helpers to supportthem.

The energy and enthusiasm of the children seems to beboundless, and in case they finish the crafts early, we nowhave available a final general game to keep them occu-pied before the worship! Jenny is doing wonders with theworship, and of course the catering keeps pace with it all!

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S>K>W

Stuart Walker

PAINTER &DECORATORProperty Maintenance

Quality work at reasonable prices.NO JOB TOO SMALL. ESTIMATES

FREE.TELEPHONE:01803 605925

MOBILE: 07759524732

S.K.W.

LONDON MARATHON 2012.

John Barrett from Brixham has obtained a place, and isnow in full training for the 2012 London Marathon on 22nd

April. He has decided to run on behalf of two charities.Traidcraft Exchange, is the UK’s only development charityspecialising in making trade work for the poor. More infor-mation - http://www.traidcraft.co.uk/abouttraidcraft.The second one is Chicuchas Wasi, a free school for poorgirls in Peru. More information fromhttp://www.chicuchaswasi.org/chicuchaswasi.org/OurHistory.html. If you would like to sponsor John, a form hasbeen placed on the notice board at Morgan Avenueentrance.

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A LOOK AT MODERN SOCIETY.

Society over the years, has changed tremendously in many ways.So we are constantly hearing the phrase “I wish for the good old days.”Many in their Nostalgia seem to remember when times were better,Recalling and repeating many events, almost to the last letter.

In this modern day and age, young people are struggling to cope,Resorting to popping pills, and injecting themselves with dope.The elderly and frail are finding difficulty in everyday living.They feel neglected by those, who really, should be giving.

Televisions, Mobile Phones and Computers are the Gods of today,Thus giving access to the World in an instant way.Unfortunately, not always for the good, for predators do prey,And the vulnerable are gullible, and fall by the way.

Many of our problems, are caused by too much legislation,For Freedoms have been eroded through statutory regulation.Once upon a time, Britain survived on plain common sense.Now politicians look both ways and sit on the fence.

When the Queen ascended to the Throne in 1952,Britain was a Christian Country through and through.Sadly for our Country, that is not the case today,For in many ways the Church has lost its way.

If we are all to survive in this tumult World of today,We should take a leaf from our forefathers, begin to pray.Ask for God’s guidance, for He is always at hand,No matter how big the problem, He will, understand.

JHD Lawrence.

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THE BENEVOLENT FUND.

This fund receives its income from a collection taken after theCommunion on the first Sunday of each month. Paymentsare made from it to individuals (not groups or organisations)who are deemed to be in temporary and urgent need. Theindividual may be a member of our church or not, and thepayments are sanctioned by the Minister. Because theperson receiving the money is usually in a state of distress,such payments have never been disclosed and are treatedwith confidence. The balance of the fund is of courseincluded in the accounts of the Church .

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PAWS OF PRAISE

This month Crufts will attract thousands of the most glamorousdogs in the country to the NEC in Birmingham. But there are otherdogs, who are also very deserving of praise: the ‘canine partners’who act as assistants to people with disabilities throughout thecountry.

A ‘canine partner’ can do things you would hardly believe possi-ble. ‘Shake hands’, ‘roll over’, ‘heel’ are all just puppy-stuff....these‘canine partners’ fetch house keys, pens, purses, boxes and letters.They can put dirty laundry into a washing machine and take cleanlaundry out of a washing machine. They can give the purse to thecheck-out girl at the supermarket, and take it back and carry ithome. They can open doors, pull light switches on and off, worklifts and pedestrian crossing buttons. All in all, these dogs cantransform the daily life of a person with disabilities.

If you love dogs, and would like to consider helping the charity insome way, or even becoming a ‘puppy walker’ for Canine Part-ners, visit www.caninepartners.co.uk/. or ring 08456 580 480. Oryou might have some time to give to our local dogs in need.Contact: xxx

Who’d be a mother?

Constant nagging didn't seem to provide any relief fromhaving to clean up the bathroom after each of my threeteenage children. After I cleaned it one day, I resorted toposting a sign that read: "Please leave the bathroom as youfound it."

I noticed the bathroom was in the usual mess after my sonused it, so I called, "Brian, how did you find the bathroom?"After a brief pause, he replied, "Straight down the hall, firstdoor on the right."

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MOTHERING SUNDAY - 18th MARCH.

There is an old Jewish saying:God could not be everywhere,

and therefore He made mothers.

Mother Church, Mother Earth, Mother of the Gods - our humanmothers - all of them have been part of the celebration of ‘Moth-ering Sunday’ - as the fourth Sunday in Lent is affectionatelyknown. It has been celebrated in the UK since at least the 16th

century.

In Roman times, great festivals were held every Spring to honourCybele, Mother of all the Gods. Other pagan festivals in honour ofMother Earth were also celebrated. With the arrival of Christianity,the festival became one honouring Mother Church.

During the Middle Ages, young people apprenticed to craftsmenor working as ‘live-in’ servants were allowed only one holiday ayear on which to visit their families - which is how ‘MotheringSunday’ got its name. This special day became a day of familyrejoicing, and the Lenten fast was broken. In some places the daywas called Simnel Day, because of the sweet cakes called simnelcakes traditionally eaten on that day.

In recent years the holiday has changed and in many ways nowresembles the American Mothers’ Day, with families going out toSunday lunch and generally making a fuss of their mother on theday.

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Mother and Son(Lk 1:26-38)

She was to carry the Son of GodTo the world,For the world,To not be afraid,Though ridiculed and rejectedTo choose to trust and accept,To serve and obey,To step into the possibilitiesOf God’s power and purposes,To believe.

He was to carry the sinsOf the world,To forgive the world,To not be afraid, butThrough love to cast out fear,Though ridiculed and rejectedTo choose to trust and accept,To serve and obey,To make possible God’s power and purposesFor those who believe.

The angel announcedThe son to the mother,Knowing she would beMother to the son.

By Daphne Kitching

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Not wishing to cause offence, this issue we present......TWO SAINTS OF THE MONTH.

St David

1 March is St David’s Day, and it’s time for the Welsh to weardaffodils or leeks. Shakespeare called this custom ‘an hon-ourable tradition begun upon an honourable request’ - butnobody knows the reason. Why should anyone have ever‘requested’ that the Welsh wear leeks or daffodils to honourtheir patron saint? It’s a mystery!

We do know that David - or Dafydd - of Pembrokeshire wasa monk and bishop of the 6th century. In the 12th century hewas made patron of Wales, and he has the honour of beingthe only Welsh saint to be canonised and culted in theWestern Church. Tradition has it that he was austere withhimself, and generous with others - living on water andvegetables (leeks, perhaps?!) and devoting himself to worksof mercy. He was much loved.

In art, St David is usually depicted in Episcopal vestments,standing on a mound with a dove at his shoulder, in memoryof his share at an important Synod for the Welsh Church, theSynod of Brevi.

St Patrick

St Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. This 5th centuryhumble Christian had a hard life but became in time bothbishop and apostle of Ireland. Patrick was born the son of atown councillor in the west of England, between the Severnand the Clyde. But as a young man he was captured by Irishpirates, kidnapped to Ireland, and reduced to slavery. Hewas made to tend his master’s herds.

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Desolate and despairing, Patrick turned to prayer. He foundGod was there for him, even in such desperate circumstanc-es. He spent much time in prayer, and his faith grew anddeepened.

Then, after six gruelling, lonely years he was told in a dreamhe would soon go to his own country. He either escaped orwas freed, made his way to a port 200 miles away andeventually persuaded some sailors to take him with themaway from Ireland.

After various adventures in other lands, including near-star-vation, Patrick landed on English soil at last, and returned tohis family. Now he wanted to devote the rest of his life toChrist. Patrick received some form of training for the priest-hood, but not the higher education he really wanted.

But by 435, well educated or not, Patrick was badly needed.Palladius’ mission to the Irish had failed, and so the Pope sentPatrick back to the land of his slavery. He set up his see atArmagh, and worked principally in the north. He urged theIrish to greater spirituality, set up a school, and made severalmissionary journeys.

Patrick’s writings are the first literature certainly identifiedfrom the British Church. They reveal sincere simplicity and adeep pastoral care. He wanted to abolish paganism, idola-try, and was ready for imprisonment or death in the followingof Christ.

Patrick remains the most popular of the Irish saints. The princi-pal cathedral of New York is dedicated to him, as, of course,is the Anglican cathedral of Dublin.

ParishPump

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THOUGHT PROVOKING ‘QUOTES’

Not be read too lightly -some could prove quite a challenge to us.......

The shortest distance between a problem and its solution is thedistance between your knees and the floor.

The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything.

People are like tea bags - you have to put them in hot waterbefore you know how strong they are.

When down in the mouth, remember Jonah. He came out all right.

Adversity does not make us frail; it only shows us how frail we are.

The man who does not like self-examination may be pretty certainthat things need examining.

If you're headed in the wrong direction, God allows U-turns."

Love is the master key to a happy home.

A friend is one who comes in when the world goes out.

To the world you might be one person; but to one person youmight be the world

Every day is a gift; that's why they call it the present.

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CROSSWORD

Answers in April Enquire Within

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Crossword Solution from February Enquire Within

Men and womenThree men were hiking through a forest when they cameupon a large raging river. Needing to get on the other side,the first man prayed, "God, please give me the strength tocross the river." Poof! God gave him big arms and strong legsand he was able to swim across in about two hours, havingalmost drowned twice.After witnessing that, the second man prayed, "God, pleasegive me strength and the tools to cross the river." Poof! Godgave him a rowboat and strong arms and strong legs and hewas able to row across in about an hour after almost capsiz-ing once.

Seeing what happened to the first two men, the third manprayed, "God, please give me the strength, the tools and theintelligence to cross the river." Poof! He was turned into awoman. She checked the map, went one hundred yards upstream and walked across the bridge.

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