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ENQUIRE WITHINMARCH 2013

MAGAZINE OF

CENTRAL CHURCHMETHODIST and UNITED REFORMED

TORHILL ROAD- TORQUAY

REV GAVIN HANCOCKSTel: 01803 615480

email: minister@centralchurchtorquay.org

MINISTER IN PASTORAL CHARGE

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

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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 607984)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 – 3�� Thursday of February, May, August & November.

CHURCH MEETINGS – 3�� Thursday of January, April, July & October.

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

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FROM THE MINISTERDear Friends,

As I sit to write this column we find ourselves on the threshold of Lent, thesecond significant period of preparation in the Christian Calendar. In Adventwe take time to prepare for the coming of the Christ Child and celebrateImmanuel, God with us (Mt 1:23). Now, in Lent, we look to the events that willunfold at Passover time and reveal the Christ, the Saviour whose sacrificial actof love opens the door forever into the very heart and presence of God, thelover of every human soul and more!

But what about this time and its significance in the life of Jesus then and for ustoday?

The Gospel story tells us Jesus came to the Jordan to be baptised by John andimmediately he goes into the wilderness, led there, so we are told, by the Spiritof God. Why? Surely Jesus has been preparing for this moment all his life sowhy these extra 40 days of ‘testing’?

Have you ever come across the term ‘Missio Dei’? it literally means ‘The Missionof God’ or ‘The God of Mission’. It’s a term that’s been about for a long whilebut it’s one that I’ve been reminded about in my recent trips to Cliff College aspart of my sabbatical. Basically it is the understanding that God is not a silentpartner or an absent Deity, no, on the contrary, God is at the forefront andactively engaged in the task of revealing himself and his love in the world. God’sheart is for God’s creation in ways we’ve yet to fathom never mind comprehendand understand! Indeed, it took Jesus 40 intensive days and nights of makinghimself available to own his part in the Missio Dei and it was only when his focuswas clearly on God’s plan that he entered Nazareth proclaiming ‘The Spirit ofthe Lord is upon me…’ Luke 4:14ff.

How much more so you and I then? As we enter this period of Lent let us, morethan think about giving up frivolous stuff, commit ourselves to asking God toreveal to us just what he is doing in our lives, in his church and in the communityround about us. Let us start saying, no praying ‘Your mission is my vision’ andlet us empty ourselves of all that would inhibit that vision from becoming thething that shapes everything we seek to do and be and like Jesus, allow theSpirit to empower our participation, our unhesitating, unyielding participationin the Missio Dei! Gavin

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

THANKS· From Margaret & Hilda: We would like to say a big thank you for

the lovely albums received on our retirement from the SundayClub. Many thanks to those who contributed in any way, espe-cially those going back over many years, and to Jenny who put itall together. It was truly amazing. Thank you also for the lovelyorchids and the cake made so beautifully by Jean, and iced byMarion – it was such a surprise. It was a joy and a privilege tohave looked after the children over so many years. We shall missyou all.

· From Mary Andrew: I would like to thank Members of Centralfor their telephone calls and messages during my recent indispo-sition. Also, the lovely flowers brought to me by Monica, weremuch appreciated.

· From Judith Holmwood: I would like to say a big thank you for allyour kind messages during my recent illness. Your prayers,cards, flowers and phone calls were much appreciated. I felt soloved and strengthened knowing I was not on my own. A hugethank you to Monica for her patience and care whilst taking meback and forth to hospital, and also for sitting by me, holding myhand, which I really needed! I count my blessings each day andthank God for giving me such wonderful friends. Thank you all.

· From Heather Bellingham to everyone for their kind thoughtsand prayers, phone calls, cards and messages of sympathy fol-lowing the unexpected death of her brother Peter.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS. Jane Bale has now moved to 6, Sycamore Close,Broadsands, Paignton. TQ4 6HX. Tel: 01803 843276. She is with herdaughter & son-in-law Sheila & Paul Newman. All her friends are wel-come to call and see Jane for a cup of tea at any time!

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CONGRATULATIONS· To Clive & Paula on the birth of their second Grandchild Alphie

William Christopher, a son for Brendon & Georgina, and a littlebrother for Tayla.

· To John Julyan who was 40 on 9�� February.· To Helen Gale who was 40 on 17�� February.

CHRISTINE DOWNES.

It was with deep sadness that many of us at Central heard the news thatChristine had died. Christine was born in Wigan, went to school there,and then to the Technical College. In her early 20’s she left Wigan andcame to Torquay to work for the summer in a coffee bar, but the jobcontinued for some years until she went to work for a plumbing firm,where she met her husband Terry, who also worked there.

During her early years in Torquay she attended Union Street Church andYouth Club where she made lifelong friends. Terry & Chris were marriedin 1971 and lived in Avenue Road running a Bed and Breakfast GuestHouse.

Christine was a keen gardener and her fondness for flowers developedinto arranging flowers and all kinds of floristry. In her garden she lovedto grow hostas, and in this she excelled to the extent that she named anew variety ‘Devon Green’ – we have one in our Central’s garden.Christine’s expertise in floristry was such that she joined the NationalAssociation of Flower Arranging Societies (NAFAS) and became a muchrespected judge at County Shows throughout the country. Chris travelledwidely to many places in the world arranging flowers – among these wereSouth Africa & Japan where she made a number of friends. She taughtflower arranging to City & Guilds level and undertook the administrationof National Flower Arranging in such places as Exeter Cathedral.

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WOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER.

1�� MARCH 2013 AT ABBEY ROAD CATHOLIC CHURCHAT 10.30AM.

SPEAKER: MRS SUSANNE KOWAL

Do come and join us at this annual servicewhich this year has been prepared by

the women of France.

The flower arrangers at Central have so much to thank Chris for - she ranclasses where she taught us all the basics of flower arranging, and thenled us on to more demanding things. She was an excellent teacher, andwas always ready to help and advise, not only Central members, butpeople in many parts of the South West. How can we ever forget someof the amazing arrangements she did at Central. We are going to missher help, her advice, and most of all, her friendship. Thank you Chris.

We offer our sympathy to Terry and other members of the family.Monica Lansley.

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ALL IN THE MONTH OF MARCH

It was....

200 years ago:- on 19th March 1813, that David Livingstone, the Scottishmissionary and explorer in Africa, was born.

75 years ago:- on 3rd March 1938, that oil was discovered in Saudi Arabia.

60 years ago:- on 24th March 1953 that Queen Mary, Queen Consort ofGeorge V, mother of Edward Vlll and George Vl, and grandmother ofQueen Elizabeth ll, died.

50 years ago:- on 16th March 1963, that William Beveridge, Britisheconomist and social reformer whose ‘Beveridge Report’ formed thebasis of Britain’s welfare state, died.

30 years ago:- on 2nd March 1983, that compact disc players and discswent on sale in Europe and the US for the first time. Only 16 albumswere available on CD at that time.

25 years ago:- on 11th March 1988 that the British one pound note waswithdrawn from circulation.

10 years ago:- on 12th March 2003 that the World Heath Organisationissued a global alert about a severe form of pneumonia (now known asSevere Acute Respiratory Syndrome – SARS) that was affecting people inChina, Hong Kong and Vietnam.

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REFLECTIONS

Beware the ides of March! You have all heard that saying I expect.

The word ‘ides’ comes from the Latin word for the middle of the month.It was just another date on the Roman calendar until the fateful day (15��March 44 BC) when Julius Caesar was stabbed (23 times) to death by agroup of conspirators led by Marcus Brutus and Cassius Longinus. Untilthat day Julius Caesar had ruled Rome.

It is said that his death had been foreseen by a seer, and a soothsayerhad warned Caesar to “beware the ides of March”.

Beware!It is unlikely (I hope!) that we shall be warned that we will be harmed,let alone Killed. But, what should we, as Christians, beware of?Is there a part of our character which needs to be watched? Does ourspiritual growth need to be looked at? Dare I say it -- I think we allneed to beware of Satan.

We are in the Season of Lent during the whole of this month, and Lentis a time of penitence - a time when we can admit to God our misdeedsand sins. Lent is a time when we seek forgiveness, and, as, thankfully,God is a merciful and forgiving God, we can receive His forgiveness, andstart again.

Yes, we should beware of Satan, but Jesus is our Saviour. He died on theCross to save us from our sins, and from Satan.

Speak to you next month.Margaret Newman.

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POINTS FOR PASSING PEDESTRIANS

When you walk on a small country laneNot all drivers behave quite the sameA walker, some sayIs just in the wayAnd their driving is just as inane!)Yet, some are politeness itself –Their first concern is your healthThey take care as they goThey drive nice and slowAnd give you a lovely wide berth!

This mixture of pleasure and fearGives rise to a brand new ideaWhen driving is goodWe think that we shouldGive points when we might want to cheer!When our smile changes into a frownCos the driver’s no more than a clownIf they try to unnerveWith speed or late swerveWe’ll mark those bad drivers down!

So, if you’re a young driver, or oldAnd whether you’re timid or boldIf your driving is goodWe think that you shouldBe awarded a medal of gold!

By Nigel Beeton

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Home and Garden Repairs

Want a builder or gardener?Call HOWARD POKE

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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

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OFFERTORY ENVELOPE SCHEME.

The new envelopes for the year beginning 1�� April 2013 will be availablein the foyer towards the end of March.

This method of giving ensures that you regularly support the work of theMinistry and the upkeep of the property, because there is an envelopefor each week of the year. If you are unable to attend worship any Sundayyou can place your contribution in the appropriate envelope and bringit the next time you are able to attend.

A further benefit is that if you are a taxpayer and complete a Gift AidDeclaration, Central can claim a tax refund of 25p for every £1 you give(£2.50 for every £10).

Please speak to me if you wish to join the scheme or link a Gift AidDeclaration with your existing giving. Or you can telephone me on 01803607984.

If, for your Tax Return purposes you require a certificate to verify theamount on which Central is claiming a tax refund for the year ended 5��April 2013, just ask me.

So that Income Tax can be reclaimed as early as possible, it would beappreciated if friends making contributions under the Gift Aid schemecould try and ensure that all the current envelopes (the green ones) areplaced in the collection before the 6�� April.

Harold Newman – Envelope & Gift Aid Secretary.

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DAILY PRAYER.

Lord, keep your arm around my shoulder and your handover my mouth.

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PETER GAYTON (EST 1956)SALES AND SERVICE CENTRE

16, Walnut Road, Chelston, Torquay TQ2 6HRTel: 01803 605658

We stock lamps, torches, telephones, hard disc recorders,toasters, irons, kettles, Braun Shavers, radios, DVD players,Hi-Fi, Casio Keyboards, & a large range of televisionsfrom 14”/37” including satellites. Good range of LCD CTV.Short term TV rental. Prompt TV repairsAerial installation. NICAM STEREO

IT HELPS!

Laughter is like changing a baby's nappy: it doesn'tpermanently solve any problems, but it makes things moreacceptable for awhile.

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DON’T DRIVE TO THE BEAT!

Music affects how you drive. It now seems that even listening to someclassical music can cause motorists to drive erratically. A recent study byLondon Metropolitan University has found, for example, thatBeethoven’s 5th Symphony, Toccata and Fugue in D Minor by Bach, andStrauss’s The Blue Danube, are so exhilarating that people begin to driveto their rhythm, instead of in line with what was happening on the roadaround them.

The safest music tested included ‘Come Away with Me’ by Norah Jonesand, curiously enough, ‘Tiny Dancer’ by Elton John. Scientists say thatthere seems to be an optimum tempo for a safe song, mimicking heart-beat at 60 to 80 beats per minute. Too fast, and you put your foot downand your car begins to waltz…

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HAVE YOU EVER CONSIDERED THAT...........?

~ A bird in the hand is safer than two overhead.

~ A narrow mind and a wide mouth usually go together.

~ A penny saved is a ridiculous waste of time.

~ No woman ever shot a man while he was doing dishes.

~ Some doctors are eye, ear, nose, throat and wallet specialists.

~ We need to save the earth. It's the only planet with chocolate.

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SUNDAY MORNING COFFEE ROTA.MARCH 2013

DATE GROUP DATE GROUP

3rd Finance & Property 10th Special Events17th Lydwell Park HG 24th Pastoral Visitors31st Choir

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CALENDAR FOR MARCH 2013

Friday 1�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.30 Women's World Day of Prayer Service Abbey Road Catholic Church 11.00 Belleplates 12.00 Lent lunch – Abbey Road Catholic Church 6.00 Messy Church Meeting 7.00 Choir Practice.

7.30 Festival Choir PracticeSaturday      2ⁿ� 9.30 Contact Centre 10.00 Busy Bees Craft & Coffee MorningSunday 3�� 10.30 Morning Communion with Easter Music–

Revd Gavin Hancocks 6.30 Evening Worship – Rev Dr. Tom BushMonday 4�� 10.30 Rosemary Gardens Housegroup 2.30 Women's Fellowship – Music with Bill Bell 6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 GuidesTuesday 5�� 9.30 Midweek Prayers 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees 10.00 Flower Committee Meeting 7.30 Guild – Devotional evening with Gavin 7.30 URC Quiz at Kingsteignton URCWednesday 6�� 10.00 Bible Study 1.00 Prayers for Healing 7.30 Riviera Brass Band Concert in aid of CentralThursday 7�� 9.30 Central Tots 7.30 Bible Study at the ManseFriday 8�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplates 12.00 Lent Lunch at Upton Vale Baptist Church 7.00 Choir Practice.

7.30 Festival Choir PracticeSaturday 9�� 9.30 Contact Centre 9.30 Walk Through the Old Testament –

Goodrington Methodist Church

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Sunday 10�� 10.30 Mothering Sunday –All Age Worship with Gavin

6.30 Evening Worship – Worship Group & GavinLast date – items for April 'Enquire Within'

Monday 11�� 10.30 Rosemary Gardens Housegroup 2.30 Women's Fellowship: Afternoon with

Rev Adrian Phippen 6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 Guides 7.30 Lydwell Park Housegroup 7.30 Southfield Housegroup. Celia & David.Tuesday 12�� 9.30 Midweek Service – Mrs Margaret Newman 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees 10.30 Pulpit Meeting 7.00 New Life Housegroup 7.30 Guild – Fireman & Dog Rescue TeamWednesday 13�� 10.00 Bible Study 1.00 Prayers for Healing 2.30 Special Events Meeting @ Jeans.Thursday 14�� 9.30 Central TotsFriday 15�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplates 12.00 Lent Lunch at Salvation Army 7.00 Choir Practice 7.30 Festival Choir PracticeSaturday 16�� 9.30 Contact CentreSunday 17�� 10.30 Morning Worship – Mr David Welsh 6.30 'The Crucifixion'Monday 18�� 10.30 Rosemary Gardens Housegroup 2.30 Women’s Fellowship: Nick Holland:

'Not Protectively Marked' 6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 GuidesTuesday 19�� 9.30 Midweek Prayers 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees 7.30 Guild – Evening with Jonathan Oliverio

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Wednesday 20�� 1.00 Prayers for HealingThursday 21�� 9.30 Central Tots 7.30 Bible Study at the ManseFriday         22ⁿ� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplates 12.00 Lent Lunch at All Saints, Torre 4.00 Messy ChurchSaturday 23�� 9.30 Contact CentreSunday 24�� 10.30 Palm Sunday – Revd Gavin Hancocks - JMA 6.30 CTT United Service at Central –

Revd Joel EdwardsMonday 25�� 9.30 Holy Week Prayers 10.30 Rosemary Gardens Housegroup 2.30 Women’s Fellowship: - Ed Welch.

'Writing for the Screen' 6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 Guides 7.30 Lydwell Park Housegroup 7.30 Southfield Housegroup - JeansTuesday 26�� 9.30 Holy Week Communion 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees 7.00 New Life Housegroup 7.30 Guild – Evening with Mike FarleyWednesday 27�� 9.30 Holy Week Prayers 1.00 Prayers for HealingThursday 28�� 9.30 Holy Week Prayers 9.30 Central Tots 6.30 Maundy Thursday Communion Service

at CentralFriday 29�� 10.30 Good Friday Service 12.00 Walk of Witness 5.30 Service at Kingskerswell Methodist ChurchSaturday 30�� 9.30 Contact Centre 10.00 Hot Cross Bun Coffee Morning

& Decorating the Church

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Sunday 31�� 8.00 Communion Service 8.45 Easter Breakfast 10.30 Easter Day with Gavin.

Decorating the Cross 6.30 Evening Service – Gavin & Worship Group

LENT LUNCHES IN MARCH

All are timed at 12 noon to 2pm.

1��. Abbey Road Catholic Church.8��. Upton Vale Baptist Church15��. Salvation Army22ⁿ�. All Saints, Torre.

REAL EASTER EGGS

Once again REAL EASTER EGGS are on sale for you to give to friendsand family this Easter. Made of Fairtrade milk chocolate, there is apicture on the box of Golgotha, with 3 empty crosses. Inside thereis a copy of the Easter story and a sticker set with which to make aposter. They cost £3.99 each.As usual they are selling fast, so let us know verysoon if you want one.

Available from Helen Barrett at Fore Street, Brix-ham (01803 859852) and Leslie Barton atGoodrington (01803 845064)

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SUNDAY SERVICES FOR MARCH 2013.

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

Date Morning 10.30am Evening 6.30pmMAR3�� Revd Gavin Hancocks (S) Revd Dr Tom Bush10�� Revd Gavin Hancocks Revd Gavin Hancocks(WG)17�� Mr David Welsh ‘The Crucifixion’24�� Revd Gavin Hancocks CTT United Service

Revd Joel Edwards31�� Revd Gavin Hancocks Revd Gavin Hancocks(WG)

SUNDAY WELCOME ROTA FOR MARCH 2013.

Date Morning 10.30am Evening 6.30pmMAR3�� Revd Gerald Paul Sherriff

& Joy Morris & Philip Kay10�� Barbara & Tony Zaple Margaret Newman &

Judith Holmwood17�� Celia & David Bolt Monica Lansley

& Philip Kay24th Tessa Goodwin & Marion Powell &

Hazel Nightingale Doreen Head31st Sheila & John Lawrence Celia & David BoltAPL7th Barbara Gissinger Margaret Newman &

& Judith Holmwood Paul Sherriff

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STEWARDS ROTA - MARCH 2013

3rd 1.MURRAY.S 2. SHERRIFF 3. LANSLEY 4. RICHARDS 5. NEWMAN 6. KAY 7. GISSINGER Hymns & Book Stewards – Front Door – Bolt10th. 1. HEWITT 2. MILSOM 3. BOLT 4. COATHAM 5. HOLMWOOD 6. BADCOTT

7.FARLEYHymns & Book Stewards – Front Door – Wells

17th 1.MURRAY.S 2. SHERRIFF 3. LANSLEY 4. RICHARDS 5. NEWMAN 6. KAY 7 GISSINGER

Hymns & Book Stewards – Front Door – Heather & Venna24th 1. HEWITT 2. MILSOM 3. BOLT 4. COATHAM 5. HOLMWOOD 6. BADCOTT 7. FARLEY

Hymns & Book Stewards – Morton & Lawrence31�� 1.MURRAY.S. 2. SHERRIFF 3. LANSLEY 4. RICHARDS 5. NEWMAN 6. KAY 7. GISSINGER

Hymns & Book Stewards – Front Door - Bolt

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 THEAPRIL 2013 ENQUIRE WITHINIS SUNDAY 10� MARCH 2013.

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THE MONTH OF MARCH

First hint of Spring, as Daffodils start to flower,The 24 hour clock is advanced by an hour.Buds, waiting to burst into a luscious, leaf green,A welcoming sight from the drabness that’s been

The Spring Collection of Nature soon to be unfurled,Watched by an eagerly, appreciative, waiting world.A kaleidoscope view of colour, for all of us to see,Hand painted by the Master Craftsman: and it is free!

March is recognised for the cold winds that blow,Burning the flowers of Camellias that grow.Causing Cherry Tree blossoms to fall all around,Making one believe it is snow on the ground.

Church Festivals in March: Passion, Palm and Easter Day,Good Friday, reminding Christians of that fateful day.Easter Day: when the God’s Son fulfilled His destiny,And a new way of life was offered to you, and to me.

J.H.D. Lawrence

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EVERYDAY LIFE.....a few thoughts

You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving. –Anon

Can atheists get insurance for acts of God? - Anon

Comfortable truth isn't. - Anon

If you can't sleep, don't count sheep: talk to the Shepherd. - Anon

Jesus knows me - this I love. - Anon

It is the daily grind that gives a person polish. - Anon

For age and want, save while you may: no morning sun lasts a wholeday. - Anon

Life gives nothing to man without labour. – Horace

He is so full of himself that he is quite empty. - Anon

THE GUILD.

Our March meetings commence on the 5�� with a Devotional Eveninggiven by the Revd Gavin Hancocks. On the 12th we will be hearing aboutthe Firemen & Dog Rescue Team, and on the 19�� we have an eveningwith Jonathan Oliverio. Mike Farley will be with us for the last eveningof the month, on the 26��.

There is a warm welcome for everyone in room 1 at 7.30pm. We finishwith tea/coffee and biscuits.

Ann Read

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PALM SUNDAY VISIT

It was Palm Sunday, but because of a sore throat, five-year-oldBobby stayed home from church with a baby-sitter. When thefamily returned home, they were carrying several palm fronds.Bobby asked them what they were for. “People held them overJesus' head as he walked by,” his father told him.

Bobby was aghast. “I don’t believe it! The one Sunday I don't go,and he shows up!”

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STRENGTH IN WEAKNESS

There was a gardener who loved growing roses. One day, as he wasinspecting his rose-trees, he noticed one rose was diseased and in need ofcare. The gardener carefully pruned the tree and added some fertiliser.

Every day, the gardener looked at the rose-tree, checking to see how itwas growing. He then decided to tie a stick to the weak stem.

That night there was a terrible storm and the wind and the rain lashedat all the roses in the garden. In the morning, after the storm hadpassed, the gardener inspected his roses. Many were damaged. But therose-tree which had been tied to the stick was unharmed. The weakrose-tree had survived.

Somehow, this weak plant had found strength despite the bad weather.The gardener, knowing its weakness, had given this rose the care andsupport it needed.

How many times do we find ourselves weak and in need of care, just likethat rose? Our God is like that gardener who knows our weaknesses. Heprovides the strength we need in times of adversity. On our own wecannot survive on our own resources and must depend on God. He willsupport us in the storms of life.

In our times of weakness, we can find a source of inner strength, onlywhen we rely completely on God. He says: My grace is all you need, formy power is strongest when you are weak. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

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SAINT OF THE MONTH. ST JOSEPH

Why should St Joseph’s day be in March? Surely he belongs to Adventand Christmas, at Mary’s side in millions of nativity scenes around theworld.

In any case, as foster-father of Christ and husband of Mary, Josephplayed a major part in the story of the coming of Jesus Christ. All that weknow about him for sure is in the gospels. Read especially Matthew 1 –2. He was of Davidic descent, but his trade as a carpenter shows that hewas not at all wealthy.

Joseph’s gentleness and decency towards Mary, and his willingness todo God’s will when it was revealed to him, portray him as a kind andgodly person. Joseph is the patron saint of fathers of families, and hemakes an excellent example. He comes across as a protecting, loyal,thoughtful, self-controlled person, full of integrity, and willing to workhard. Who wouldn’t want a father like that?

Joseph is also the patron saint of all who desire a holy death. Thuscountless churches, hospitals and religious congregations are dedicatedto Joseph.

HEREAFTER

The minister came to see me the other day. He said that atmy age I should be thinking of the hereafter. I told him, "Oh, Ido it all the time. No matter where I am - in the bedroom,upstairs, in the kitchen, or down in the basement - I askmyself, 'Now, what am I here after?'"

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S>K>W>

Stuart Walker

PAINTER &DECORATOR

Property MaintenanceQuality work at reasonable prices.

NO JOB TOO SMALL. ESTIMATESFREE.

TELEPHONE: 01803 605925MOBILE: 07759524732

S.K.W.

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OPEN DOORSServing Persecuted Christians Worldwide

Thanks must go to the children at Messy Church last month, who wrotecards to send to children of Christian families whose lives are madedifficult because of their faith. The theme of Messy Church was the storyof Esther who was used by God to rescue her people. Our children wroteand decorated these cards which have now been sent to Open Doorswith a prayer that they will bring joy to a child living under difficultcircumstances.

The World Watch list for 2013 has just been published and makes fordisturbing reading. The magazine enlarges on the specific problems andas we know, the persecuted Christian family asks for prayer to endurethe suffering.

Please collect a copy of the prayer handbook to lead your personaldevotions over the coming months.

Peggy Douglas

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP.

Jim Gill’s visit gave us an illustrated insight into the work of restoring RockWalk from beginning to end. We were also able to take a ride in theballoon, viewing Torquay from the air.

Clive Bastin, with his musical expertise, entertained us with recitals onthe organ and piano, and also had us joining in some of the melodies thatwe could sing-a-long to.

Val Elms was visiting us for the first time, and her poetry and reading,some in dialect, were enjoyed by the ladies. A volunteer from theNational Trust gave us a very interesting illustrated talk on Greenway,Agatha Christie’s house.

Barbara Lawton.

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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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GRUMPY OLD MEN & WOMEN? NOT AT ALL!

There is no need to get grumpy as you get older – in fact most of us growhappier. Those are the findings of a recent study carried out by theUniversity of Warwick. It was found that after the ‘mid-life dip’ in happi-ness (which hits you at about 45), many older people reported a greatermental satisfaction with life.

The curious thing is that physical infirmities don’t seem to affect thislater-life contentment. Researchers suspect it might be due to a matureperson’s better coping abilities in dealing with hardships, a lowering ofoverall expectations from life, and a lessening of the pressures of work.It was also found that the most contented people get between 6-8 hourssleep a night; either more or less sleep than that had a negative impacton physical and mental health.

Older Christians, of course, have one wonderful promise from God tolean on if things do get rough: “Even to your old age I am he, and evento grey hairs will I sustain you; I have made you and I will carry you.”(Isaiah 46:4).

NICE

The nice thing about becoming forgetful is that you canhide your own Easter eggs.

YOUNG & OLD

A baby-sitter is a teenager acting like an adult, while theadults are out acting like teenagers.

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CROSSWORD

Solution in April Enquire Within

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SOLUTION TO FEBRUARY CROSSWORD

FINDING THE RIGHT SOLUTION

An engineer, a manager, and a programmer were driving downa steep mountain road when the brakes failed. They managedto stop the car by running it against the embankment. Shakenby their narrow escape from death, they got out.

The manager said, "We need to organise a committee, havemeetings, exchange ideas, and then develop a solution."

The engineer said, "No that never works. I will take apart thebrake system, isolate the problem and correct it."

The programmer said, "You are both wrong. First we need topush the car back up the hill, get back in, and see if it happensagain."

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HE IS RISEN!!!

ALLELUIA!!!