may 14 for web
DESCRIPTION
Magazine for Central, St Andrew's and Victoria Park ChurchesTRANSCRIPT
1REV GAVIN HANCOCKS
Tel: 01803 615480email: [email protected]
MINISTER IN PASTORAL CHARGE
CORNERSTONE
MAGAZINE OF
CENTRAL
ST. ANDREWS
AND
VICTORIA PARK
MAY 2014
2
CHURCH CONTACTS - CENTRAL
Secretary Barbara Lawton 01803 [email protected]
Treasurers John Coatham 01803 323212 Paul Sherriff 01803 298603Envelope & Gift Aid SecretaryOrganist & Choir Director Clive Bastin 01803 325142Magazine Editors Hazel Nightingale 01803 613345 Philip Kay 01803 323551
[email protected] Secretary Jean Baker 01803 550861
[email protected](Posters) Barbara Gissinger 01803 328407Caretakers Darrell Sanderson 07719 099901 Keith Read 07719 099901
CHURCH CONTACTS – ST ANDREWS.
Church Secretary. Sue Jarvis 01803 [email protected]
Senior Steward Sue Masheder 01803 [email protected]
Magazine Editor Diana George 01803 [email protected]
CHURCH CONTACTS – VICTORIA PARK
Lay Pastoral Assistant Irene Cochran 01803 [email protected]
Church Council Secretary Myra Wise 01803 [email protected]
Senior Steward Mavis Paul 01803 291895
3
THE MINISTER
Dear Friends,
As we look ahead from Easter we begin to anticipate the next significantfestival in the life of the Church – its birthday! Yes indeed, within 40 shortdays from Easter Pentecost will be upon us and I wonder just what thatcelebration might hold for us here in Torquay?
Well, we are confronted with two extremes in fact. On the one handthere’s Victoria Park who will be celebrating their 150�� anniversary thismonth and on the other there’s Chelston who is coming to terms withthe conclusion of its life and witness here in Torquay. Yes indeed, wefind ourselves confronted by many opportunities and challenges and thequestion we need to reflect on, I believe, is simply this: How well havewe learnt the lesson of Easter in order that we might be ready to receivethe gift of Pentecost? In other words, what is that desperately needs tolearn to die in us in order that we might be born again into the fullnessof God’s divine plan and purpose for us as God’s Church here in Torquay?
As I reflect on that question for myself I know there is only one answerthat I can give – me! I need to learn to die to my preoccupation with myself-centredness and learn afresh what Jesus means when he invites usto find our lives by losing them, keeping them by giving them away. Ineed to learn to trust more the one who trusts his father implicitly inGethsemane, enough to say ‘Not my will but yours be done’ and thenrisks it all in what, on the face of it, seems to be abject failure. Yes indeed,the culmination of Jesus life and ministry doesn’t paint the picture ofsuccess. Rather it is messy and uncertain and confusing and the end.Well, almost. Unfortunately we know how the story ends and sometimesI think we see it simply as that – a story. It is so much more. It is thecornerstone on which a life can be built – a life liberated from theconstraints of doubt and fear; a life liberated from the overbearing needto succeed; a life in which we discover a new story to find ourselves in,one in which we have moved beyond the need to conform everything to
4
our version of the truth to our ability to celebrate the truth as it is shapingeach our lives, both individually and corporately, in the bigger picture ofGod’ story for our time and place. That’s scary because it demands justabout as much letting go as holding on – letting go of what is surplus tothe journey now and holding on to what is essential. Discerning whichis which will take wisdom and courage but being afraid to evencontemplate taking the step is not an option. So, my prayer for us at thispoint in our journey, both individually and corporately, is echoed in thewords of a fairly familiar prayer I’m sure: That God would give us theserenity to accept the things we cannot change; the courage to changethe things we can; and the wisdom to know the difference.
Looking ahead, as I have already indicated, May includes Victoria Park’s150�� celebrations. Let us immediately give thanks for and affirm theyears of faithful witness flowing from that community. Do take note ofthe events scheduled for the next few weeks and join in the celebrations,especially the Flower Festival, Concert, Anniversary Service and Songs ofPraise service(see calendar for dates & times). May I also draw yourattention to a special event planned for the 17�� May at Central – Kairos!Kairos?!? Yes, a time to celebrate(worship), germinate(new ideas) andmasticate(food & fellowship)! Groan! We are planning to hold theseevents on a more regular basis through the year and our first one will beled by Mrs Jo Simpson, the District Evangelism Enabler. Jo will be sharingwith us on the subject of All Stage Worship and everyone is invited tojoin in. We will meet at Central from 4-7pm concluding with a bring-and-share supper. Everyone is welcome. Please will you add your name tothe lists that will go up soon on the notice boards at Central. If anyonefrom St Andrew’s or Victoria Park wishes to join us, please do and pleasecontact me by phone or email to let me know.
Yours in the Gospel, Gavin.
5
FAMILY & FRIENDSFamily News & other Bits & Pieces
CONGRATULATIONS· Happy Birthday to Sylvia Penny on 3�� May· Happy Birthday to Jean Barrett on 7�� May· Happy Birthday to Beverley Earl on 15�� May
SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS
To Clive Bastin. On the second Sunday in April, some of us werein conversation with Clive after the service, and an almost casu-al remark on his part revealed, that he had been the Organistfor Central for 20 years! Since April 1994 he has played the or-gan for the Church, and in recent years has also been Choir Di-rector. What an achievement! What a commitment! Thankyou Clive, for your amazing dedication to Central.
HAROLD NEWMAN – AN EXTRAORDINARY RECORD!
Harold has passed over the records of the gift envelopes receivedthrough our collections, and the task of claiming the tax refunds ongift-aided donations.
So ends 70 (yes 70!) years of accounting service (either as Treasureror Auditor or some other guise) to the various churches (and circuits)in which he has been since the age of 17! The only time he was notso involved was when he was in the Armed Forces.
It is an amazing record of devoted service over an amazing numberof years, and we express our gratitude to Harold. Enjoy your‘retirement.’
If anyone has questions on their contributions, Paul Sherriff has takenon this task for the time being.
6
Winifred Shaw1916 – 2014
Winifred was born in September 1916 in Stockport, at 16 years oldshe went to work in a furniture shop where she met and eventuallymarried Sydney, the owner, just before the Second World War. Shedrove ambulances during the war and afterwards she and Sydneymoved to Torquay and started in the hotel trade. Winifred still ranthe Elmington Hotel after Sydney’s death in the 1960’s and continuedto do so until she retired in 1990.
She was a very independent woman who knew her own mind, andwasn’t afraid to share it, right up until the end. Her feisty spirit servedher well and in 1978 she became the first woman Chairman of theTorquay Hotels Association since 1931. She was also the president ofthe Business and Professional Women’s Association in 1985.
She was a regular at Central until just a few years ago when ill healthfinally meant she no longer managed to attend, she will beremembered for her hats! Some members still recall visits to theElmington for meetings, productions of The Minstrels and Christmascarol singing.
She continued to be independent and lived in her own home until 6months ago when her health finally forced her to move intoAbbeywood House.
She will be greatly missed by all who knew her, especially her daughterMargaret, her grandsons Gary, Gavin and Christopher and her twoGreat-Grandchildren Oliver and Erin.
Sarah Ayres
7
UNLEASHED THEATRE COMPANY
In the new Broadway version of
GODSPELL
In the open air at Buckfast Abbey - 26�� – 31�� May 2014.
Box Office: 01364 645506
FEATURING OUR OWN JULIE SMITH – FOR FURTHER DETAILS SEEPOSTER ON MORGAN AVENUE NOTICE BOARD.
ST ANDREWS 60�� ANNIVERSARY
This is being celebrated with a different event each month. LastOctober the event was a bulb planting. Thank you to all the bulbplanters, particularly since now we are seeing the beautiful results oftheir efforts.
SHIVER – THE NEW DIET?
If you want to lose a few pounds, here’s an unusual tip: keep your housecool enough to shiver in. It seems that when we shiver, we release ahormone that helps our body produce heat to maintain its core temper-ature. The hormone, irisin, is the same one that is produced whenmuscles are exercised. Irisin helps fat cells burn more energy and releasemore heat. The study was carried out by the National Institute of Diabe-tes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases in the US.
(Editor – oh for it to be so easy!)
8
A REFLECTION FROM CENTRAL
“Two little eyes to look to God; Two little ears to hear His Word”. Andthe next line in the Chorus we are thinking about is “Two little feet towalk in His ways”.
What are your feet like? If they are anything like mine, they are a bitwayward! You walk into a room, and then you wonder what you arethere for! Some of you may have difficulty getting your feet to walk atall!! We so often do not go where we should, or, indeed where we wantto go.
Jesus calls us to follow Him. When Jesus asked Simon, Andrew, Jamesand John to follow Him, they immediately left their fishing, and themending of their nets, and did just that. And they became the firstdisciples of Jesus. Matthew, who was a tax collector, but who receivedmore money than he should have done, followed Jesus as soon as Hewas asked. Zacchaeus came down from his tree, and entertained Jesusin his home. They all followed Jesus as soon as Jesus asked them to.We so often hesitate. We’ve got so much else to do. We follow - wewalk in His ways when it suits us. If we would rather do something elsethan attend worship; if we would rather do something else than pray;if we would rather do something else than read our Bibles; then that iswhat we do. Our feet seem to go in the opposite direction from that ofwalking in the ways of Jesus.
When we walk into a room and wonder why we are there, we are unableto do the job we intended to do. When we do not walk with Jesus, weare unable to be the disciples He wants us to be. We need to walk withHim. We need to walk in the ways of Jesus. When we do walk in Hisway we will find that He will help us and direct us, and we will find ourview of life is so much better. Let us all determine to put our feet intothe feet of Jesus, and walk with Him.
“When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, what a glory Hesheds on our way”. Let’s all do it.
Take care. We will have another chat next month. Margaret Newman.
9
10
AROUND THE FAMILY AT ST ANDREWS
With no morning worship at St Andrew’s for two Sundays I feel unableto make up-to-date references to the particular needs of our people. I can only ask your continued thoughts and prayers for each other.
Hugh George is now at Aspreys Nursing Home, Wellswood, receivingthe special care he needs.Margaret Freemantle is awaiting further treatment.Beryl Stapleton is being well looked after at home.Sue Jarvis remains indefatigable in spite of many problems.The Dunbar family need our support.Elsie and John Lipscombe continue to support us.These friends and their families need our care.
Do, please, be aware of each other, especially of those who apparentlyare healthy in body, mind and spirit, but who have private and personalneeds they do not obviously express.Ours is a caring church where concern and fellowship help to build alively family atmosphere and the risen Christ of Easter and energisingpower of the Holy Spirit lead us on into our next 60 years.
Sheila Denham
WHERE ARE THE WILD FLOWERS?
Where have all the flowers gone? It seems that Britain’s wild flow-ers are becoming extinct at a faster rate than ever before. Thecharity Plantlife warns that since the Queen came to the throne,more than 10 species of wild flowers have died out, includingsummer lady’s tresses and purple spurge. Local extinctions arehappening even faster: the Middlesex area lost 76 species in 40years, and Northamptonshire 74. Plantlife blames the intensifica-tion of agriculture and the use of pesticides.
(Why not some in your garden – or even the Church garden?)
11
12
THE CHANNEL TUNNEL – 20 YEARS OLD THIS MONTH.
Many of us were scared of the Channel Tunnel when it opened twenty yearsago this month. How could it be safe? The water pressure on the tunnel hadto be enormous. Wouldn't it be an obvious target for somebody?
It seems we were wrong. There have been a few emergencies, but no floods.Nobody's had a go at it - as far as we know.
Instead, it's given us a quick and comfortable route to our neighbours in therest of Europe and beyond. It's easy, now, to experience life in France, Bel-gium, Germany, wherever, knowing we can get back to what we know withease.
Lots of people find the idea of ecumenism just as scary. The idea of unityscares many Christians when ecumenism is mentioned. We don't want ourChurch swallowed up by another that we've always seen as the other. Weknow we separated for good reasons and expect they still exist. I guess that'shuman nature.
In fact, ecumenism has changed over the years. It's no longer about the searchfor unattainable total unity. It's about all those things we agree on as Church-es. It's about reading the same Gospel, trusting in the same Jesus Christ,sharing the same baptism. And it’s about working together.
Like the Channel Tunnel, it works and it brings people together. The Church ofEngland, for example, works with the Lutherans in Scandinavia and the Baltic,as well as with German Churches. Since 1990, all the mainstream denomina-tions have joined in Churches Together in Britain and Ireland. In many places,the Anglicans and Methodists run a Fresh Expression of church for local kidsand are joined by Roman Catholics and Baptists doing RE in schools andrunning holiday clubs.
As we live out Jesus' command, working togethercan be our Channel Tunnel to knowingour fellow Christians better.
13
ST ANDREWS JUNIOR CHURCH NEWS
Happy birthday to Chloe Hayman who will be 15 on 4�� May.
Over the past few weeks here at St Andrews we have been making a displayduring Lent. One Sunday we looked at a passage from Exodus and learntabout the Israelites in the desert being tired and thirsty and wondering ifGod was with them. We made a desert scene and we thought of questionswe would like to ask God and wrote them on question marks. We alsoheard about God leading Samuel to choose David, the young shepherd boy,as king and we made a crown to display.
God showed Ezekiel how he could transform dry bones into living breathingbodies. God promised he would bring the people back to hope fromdespair. Thinking about this one Sunday we shared the good things in ourlife and wrote them on bone shapes.
On Palm Sunday we talked about how Jesus rode into Jerusalem on adonkey and was welcomed as a king. We made a donkey to display andenjoyed some word searches.
14
15
GROWING A SERVANT’S HEART
Paul Hardingham looks at what it takes to be a disciple (part of a series)
We have seen how David was anointed to be the next king of Israel. God usedthe madness of Saul to help train the shepherd boy for his role as king (1Samuel 16:18-19). God uses the same tools to grow us, so that he can use usas his servants in our church, workplace and community.
God uses solitude: It was on the hills with his sheep that David learned howto be alone with God and himself (19). Away from distractions, David learnedhow to hear the voice of God and discern his purpose for his life.
We shouldn’t fear times of solitude, as they are vital if we are to hear his voiceand walk with him. We need time to be alone with God and find a place whereyou can hear his voice without the distractions of life clamouring for ourattention.
God uses secrecy: David also learned the lessons of servanthood in obscurity,before he was called to public office (18). He learned ‘how to play the harp’,so that at the right time he would be called into Saul’s service. In his experi-ence of protecting his sheep against lions and bears (cf 17: 34, 35), Davidlearned the art of being ‘a brave man and a warrior’.
We should never despise the days of obscurity, when we can feel we are notbeing used much by God. He knows where we are and in his time, he will useus when, where and to the extent he chooses.
God uses sameness: David must have found the monotony of keeping hisfather’s sheep quite difficult, knowing that he was the anointed king. Howev-er, it was in the routine of life that he learned the valuable lesson of faithful-ness.
We are also called to keep faithful in the small things in our lives, especially inour workplace and with friends and family. As we live consistently for Jesuson a daily basis, God will bring us into those places and relationships wherewe can be effective witnesses for him.
16
A NEW LANGUAGE!
Is your dawicki on your floordrobe? Oh well, YOLO!
Slang is alive and well – and spreading in Britain across all the socialgroups. Linguistic researchers have found hundreds of new words creep-ing into the language, from ‘dawicki’ for remote control to ‘gruds’ forunderpants, ‘grooglums’ for the bits of goo left in the sink after washingthe dishes, and ‘floordrobe’ for the place where clothes are stored in ateenager’s bedroom. Bill Lucas, professor of learning at the University ofWinchester, said that a lot of the words “are inspired by the sound or thelook of a thing, or are driven by an emotional response to it.” And don’tforget the new abbreviations: YOLO – you only live once; and TBDL: tooboring, didn’t listen.
CHRISTIAN AID WEEK
11�� – 17�� MAY 2014.
The theme this year is ‘FEAR LESS.’
It will be celebrating the work of partners in South Sudan andColombia.
Envelopes will be available on Sunday 11�� May.
Pillar
After a certain gloomy Dean retired a number of years ago, hebegan writing for the press. Even he smiled when a rival paperdeclared that he was no longer a pillar of the Church of England,but now only two columns in the Evening Standard.
17
VP MAY ROTAS.
DATE VESTRY STEWARDS DOOR STEWARDS 4�� Mavis Paul & Verna Stuckey
Pat Hawes & Sylvia Penny11�� Roz Payne & Betty Peachey & Margaret Collins
Mavis Paul18�� Margaret Russell Verna Stuckey
& Maureen Rippin & Sylvia Penny25�� Mavis Paul & Betty Peachey & Margaret Collins Roz Payne
VP MAY FLOWERS
DATE DONATED BY IN MEMORY OF 4�� Sylvia Penny Mother and Aunt11�� Flower Festival 150�� Anniversary18�� Betty Peachey Husband Harry &Son Mark25�� Stephanie Withers
VP PRAYER BOARDThis is where we remember in prayer those not well. It is available to
all and is used in every Sunday service and at Bible Studies.
Audrey Avery, Amy Bartrip, Jean Barrett, Muriel Colefax, EmmaCoombes, Sylvia Diamond, Olive Frost, Rob Hawes, Don & BarbaraPugh, Julie Pugh, & Edith Wells.
We also remember Freda Sugden who died recently after a very shortillness. A Memorial Service was held for her at Victoria Park recently.
18
SUNDAY SERVICES FOR MAY 2014.(HC) = Sacrament of Holy Communion (WG) = Worship Group
CENTRAL
Date Morning 10.30am Evening 6.30pm
4�� Revd Dr Tom Bush (HC) Revd Valerie Price11�� Revd Gavin Hancocks Mr I Hills (WG)18�� Mrs Jean Potter Revd Gavin Hancocks (HC)25�� Revd Gavin Hancocks (JMA) Revd Gavin Hancocks(WG)
ST ANDREWS
Date Morning 10.30am Evening 6.00pm
4�� Mrs Helen Barrett Revd Gavin Hancocks11�� Mr Adam Hills18�� Revd Gavin Hancocks (HC)25�� Mr David Welsh
VICTORIA PARK
Date Morning 10.30am Afternoon – 4pm 4�� Revd Gavin Hancocks11�� Mrs Irene Cochran Songs of Praise
Revd Valerie Price Revd Jerry CookRevd Gavin Hancocks
18�� Mrs Irene Cochran25�� Revd Gerald Morris (HC)
19
CALENDAR FOR MAY 2014
CENTRAL. ST ANDREWS. VICTORIA PARK.
Thursday 1�� 9.30 Central Tots 7.30 Torquay Town Church MeetingFriday 2ⁿ� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Caring Mission Team Meeting 11.00 Belleplates 6.00 Messy Church Meeting 7.00 Choir PracticeSaturday 3�� 9.30 Contact Centre 10.00 Trefoil Coffee Morning
10.00 Pop in for a CoffeeSunday 4�� See separate page for Services –All ChurchesTuesday 6�� 9.30 Midweek Prayers
9.30 Toddler Group 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees
2.30 Sisterhood: Bring some flowersto make a display
7.30 Special Events MeetingWednesday 7�� 9.30 Toddler Group
10.30 Bible Study (coffee at 10.15am) 7.30 Ladies Club:Trudi- the Healthy
Lifestyle Team 7.30 CTT Meeting at Abbey Road
Catholic Church8th – 10th VICTORIA PARK 150�� ANNIVERSARY
Thursday 8�� 9.30 Central TotsFriday 9�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Catering Meeting 11.00 Belleplates 7.00 Choir PracticeSaturday 10�� 9.30 Contact Centre
20
Sunday 11�� See separate page for Services - all ChurchesMonday 12�� 10.30 Rosemary Gardens Housegroup 2.30 Women's Fellowship – Jill Ghanouni, 'Work in India' 6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 Guides 7.30 Southfield Housegroup
@ Celia & Davids.Tuesday 13�� 9.30 Midweek Service – Mrs Barbara Vond
9.30 Toddler Group 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees
2.30 Sisterhood: Fishermen’s Mission 7.00 New Life HousegroupWednesday 14�� 9.30 Toddler Group
10.30 Bible Study (coffee at 10.15am) 7.30 Ladies Club: Anniversary meal
at the Devon Dumpling. 7.30 URC Quiz at Furrough CrossThursday 15�� 9.30 Central Tots 2.00 Contact Meeting 7.30 Council MeetingFriday 16�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplates 7.30 Maesteg Male Voice Choir ConcertSaturday 17�� 9.30 Contact Centre
10.00 Pop in for a Coffee 4.00 Kairos – Celebration & Fellowship with Faith TeaSunday 18�� See separate page for Services – All ChurchesMonday 19�� 10.30 Rosemary Gardens Housegroup 2.30 Women's Fellowship – 'Raise A Laugh' 6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun
21
Monday 19�� 7.30 Guides 7.30 Lydwell Park HousegroupTuesday 20�� 9.30 Midweek Prayers
9.30 Toddler Group 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees
2.30 Sisterhood: AGM – Mrs Irene CochranWednesday 21�� 9.30 Toddler Group
10.30 Bible Study (coffee at 10.15am) 7.30 Ladies Club: John Risdon
“The Mariners’ Way”Thursday 22ⁿ� 9.30 Central Tots 5.30 Contact Management Meeting. 6.00 Pastoral Visitors Meeting 7.00 Contact Centre AGMFriday 23�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplates 4.00 Messy Church 7.00 Choir PracticeSaturday 24�� 9.30 Contact Centre
10.30 Pop in for a CoffeeSunday 25th See separate page for Services – All ChurchesTuesday 27�� 9.30 Midweek Communion 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees 7.00 New Life Housegroup 7.30 Riviera Concert Brass in aid of CentralWednesday 28�� 10.30 Bible Study (coffee at 10.15am)
7.30 Ladies Club: QuizThursday 29�� 7.30 Moors HousegroupFriday 30�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplates
7.00 Choir PracticeSaturday 31�� 9.30 Contact Centre
10.00 Pop in for a Coffee 2.30 Tea Dance
22
23
VICTORIA PARK 15OTH ANNIVERSARY
8�� – 10�� MAY 2014.
As I write this, we are approaching our 150�� Anniversary – a milestonein our history. It will be quite an occasion to see all the Churches fromthe Circuit working together for the Flower Festival, and our heartfeltthanks go out to them. We are also supported by the organisations thatmeet at V.P. – not forgetting our friends at Waitrose, Torquay. Tea,coffee and refreshments will be served throughout the days. There willalso be a display of memorabilia throughout.
I do hope you are able to come along.
We have been able to set a Book of History, in words and photographs,and are grateful to all who helped, especially the “printers” at Central.Copies of the book will be available at a modest price, so if you wouldlike a copy please ring me on 01803 327145 or Pat Hawes on 01803312034 (if no reply please leave a message).
In the afternoon of Saturday the 10�� we are looking forward to a Concertgiven by Angela Hancocks with Clive Bastin providing the music. Ticketsat the door are £3 in aid of a local charity.
Tribute
The newly-arrived minister was asked to take a funeral at shortnotice. At one point in the service she said: “As I did not know thedeceased, is there anyone here who would like to say a few wordsof tribute?” There was silence for several minutes and then a voiceat the back was heard to say: “His brother was far worse.”
24
PAINTINGS HANGING ON A LOUNGE WALLSheila and I, when we were dealing with youngsters in the Boys’ Brigadedeveloped quite a rapport. We were quite fortunate to watch a largenumber of them grow into fine young men, and when they left the BBthey were always popping into our house, and giving us a progress reporton their lives.
It so happened that one of the lads took a shine to a girl who was workingin the same department, (but a different section) to myself. They courtedfor a long while and eventually got married. When we moved to Torquay,they came with their first baby and stayed for a holiday. Over the yearswe kept in constant touch with the now growing family.
One evening we had a phone call from their eldest son who told us thathis Mum and Dad were having difficulties in their marriage could we dosomething about it! Cutting a long story short, to enable both of them tohave time to reflect the Wife stayed with us, and the Husband visitedweek-ends. Eventually they agreed to return back home together. As aparting gift they presented us with two Water Colour Prints. This is thePoem I wrote.
PAINTINGS HANGING ON A LOUNGE WALL
With admiration I gaze at the far wall, as I recline in my armchair,My eyes are clearly focussed, on the Paintings hanging there,Through the deftness of the artist’s brush, they really do portray,A local scene of Dartmoor, and a glimpse of Tuckenhay.The beauty of location is captured for all to see,Moorland Church of Widdicombe, standing tall and free.The peacefulness of the River Dart as it passes Tuckenhay,The Buildings showing reflections on a glorious summers day.The paintings are an appreciation from those who came to stay,They found an inner peace, before travelling on their way.
J.H.D. Lawrence
25
VICTORIA PARK’S PUZZLE CORNER
From last month – answers to ‘One Apple, Two Apples.’Here are 21 different apple names: Baldwin, Coirtland, Duchess, Fuji,Golden Delicious, Gravenstein, Grimes, Imperial, Jonathan, McIntoshg,Northern Spy, Pippin, Red Delicious, Rhode Island, Greening, RomeBeauty, Stayman, Transparent, Wealthy, Winesap, York.
Reconstruction Job.The jumbled quote below is from Shakespeare’s Caesar. See if you canunscramble the words, putting in the proper punctuation, to come upwith the correct quote. Answer next month.
“Death times many before cowards but taste once never the die oftheir valiant deaths.”
Seen?On the church noticeboard: Contact lens found in church. See vicar.If you can.
VergerHe had a photographic memory that had never developed.
26
Encyclopaedias
Sorting our books for the local fete, a parishioner came across somewell-worn and dusty illustrated encyclopaedias, treasured from hischildhood. Unwilling to part with them, he put them on a shelf in thegarage where his small grandchildren found them and spent manyhappy hours looking at the pictures. These books, however, causedhim great embarrassment the day the minister came to visit. One ofhis grandchildren suddenly said: “Grandad, can we go look at thosedirty books you keep in the garage?”
27
LIFE
Life is not always fair, or kind.Life batters,People betray, let us down,Even those we trusted with our hearts and health.Landscapes change,Things we knew and understoodAre tossed in the airTo come down damaged and different.It all seems too hard,Too hard to bear.And it isn’t fair.
What then?Give up, turn back,Collapse and concentrate on the disintegration?Or with Peter, look up and say,“Lord, to whom shall we go?You have the words of eternal life.We believe and know thatYou are the Holy One of God.”
Life is not always fair, or kind.That’s why Jesus came. By Daphne Kitching
28
ALL IN THE MONTH OF MAY.......it was:
125 years ago:- on 11th May 1889 that John Cadbury, British business-man who found the Cadbury chocolate company and invented the solidchocolate bar.
100 years ago:- on 15th (or 29th?) May 1914 that Tenzing Norgay(Sherpa Tenzing), Tibetan/Nepali mountaineer was born. He was SirEdmund Hillary’s climbing partner in the first successful ascent ofMount Everest in 1953.
90 years ago:- on 12th May 1924 that Tony Hancock, British comedianand actor, was born. He was best known for the radio/TV series ‘Han-cock’s Half Hour’. (died 1968)
80 years ago:- on 25th May 1934 that Gustav Holst, British composer,died. (‘The Planets’ and other works.)
60 years ago:- on 6th May 1954 that British athlete Roger Bannisterbecame the first person to run a mile in under four minutes. (3 minutes,59.4 seconds, Oxford.)
Also 60 years ago:- on 29th May 1954 that British athlete Diane Leatherbecame the first woman to run a mile in under five minutes (fourminutes, 59.6 seconds, Birmingham).
30 years ago:- on 8th May 1984 that the Thames Flood Barrier inLondon was officially opened.
Also 30 years ago:- on 28th May 1984 that Eric Morecambe, Britishcomedian, died.
20 years ago:- on 10th May 1994 that Nelson Mandela was inauguratedas South Africa’s first black president after more than 300 years ofwhite rule.
29
30
A WAY IN THE WILDERNESS
Has your path in life led you into a wilderness? They are lonely, dryplaces. Perhaps your friends are enjoying their families, their health,their marriages, their work, and their leisure time. Meanwhile, you facefamily disruptions, or constant pain, or daily arguments, or miseryMonday-Friday, or financial worries, and the thought of a holiday is ajust a daydream.
God made a promise to the Israelites long ago that holds true today: ‘Iwill make a way in the wilderness…’ (Is 35) He knows where you are, andhe has not forgotten you. Sometimes we could wish he’d send a helicop-ter to get us out of our wilderness. But wise Christians learn to acceptthe deserts of life, because it is in the desert that we discover thesweetness of God’s love for us.
In Deuteronomy it says that Jacob learned to suck honey out of the rock!Non-Christians need to have the honeycombs of life before they canenjoy any sweetness. But Christians can take the difficult things of lifeand know that Jesus will help them find the nourishment they need inthe midst of the wilderness. Remember the promise: ‘The Lord himselfgoes before you and will be with you. He will never leave you norforsake you. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged.’ Deut. 31.8
Stop that now
An elderly woman had just returned home from an evening churchservice when she realised an intruder was in the house. She yelled:“Stop now! Acts 2:38! (“..turn from your sin...”).The burglar stopped dead in his tracks. The woman calmly called thepolice and explained what she had done. Soon the police arrived andas the officer cuffed the man to take him in, he asked the burglar,"Why did you just stand there? All she did was yell a scripture to you.""Scripture?" replied the burglar, "She said she had an AXE and two38's!”
31
A PRAYER FOR WHEN LIFE IS DIFFICULT
Father,
There are times when we don’t understand why things are as they are;why those children are hungry and homeless; why that person weprayed for died when they had so much still to live for; why that relation-ship broke down; why that accident happened to that lovely lady. Thereare times when we don’t know how to pray, when we just don’t know…
Help us, Lord, at such times, to remember what we do know; that youare our creator; that you love each one of us with the love of a perfectfather; that you sent Jesus for just such times as these, to be our hope,to be our Saviour, to be with us always, in all circumstances. Help us toremember your goodness to us in the past, to trust that you are walkingwith us in the present and to have confidence in the future, because youalone hold it securely in your hands.Remind us every day Lord to *trust in you with all our hearts and not todepend on our own understanding – which is limited by our humanity.
Thank you Father that we are your children and you do hear our prayers,In Jesus’ name, Amen.
By Daphne Kitching
32
ST ANDREWS MISSIONS
The Easter Offering dedication service will take place on 1�� June atGoodrington Methodist Church at 4pm. This year the service will be ledby Barbara Vond and the guest speaker will be Pauline Squires fromTotnes. The theme for the service is “Risk the path He trod.”
The Easter Offering service is written annually by a task group ofMethodist Women in Britain in conjunction with the World Churchrelationships team and is used at this time of year in almost everyMethodist circuit in Britain.
Rachel George.
Sunday coffee mornings raised £11.15 in March, and this is for theFlower Fund.
Sue Jarvis
SAINT OF THE MONTH: MATTHIAS THE APOSTLE – CALLED BY LOTS
Have you ever happened to be in the right place at the right time, withcertain qualifications, and suddenly realise that God is singling you outfor a special task? If so, Matthias is a good patron saint for you!
In Acts 1 (15 – 26) the apostles had a task to do: Judas had committedsuicide, and a new apostle needed to be chosen. He had to have been afollower of Christ from the Baptism to the Ascension, and also a witnessof the Resurrection in order to qualify. In the event, the choice fell to oneof two: Joseph Barsabas and Matthias. Lots were drawn, and Matthiaswas chosen. How confident he must have felt in his calling: what encour-agement that would be when the going got rough in later years! Matth-ias is thought to have ministered in Cappadocia and even Ethiopia. Hisemblem is usually an axe or halberd, regarded as the instrument of hismartyrdom. His supposed relics were translated from Jerusalem toRome by the empress Helen.
33
ASCENSION DAY (29�� May) - 40 DAYS WITH THE RISEN CHRIST
40 days after Easter comes Ascension Day. It may seem crazy to call itEastertide when Easter is clearly over! - but these are the 40 days duringwhich the Risen Christ appeared again and again to his disciples, follow-ing his death and resurrection.
The Gospels give us little of Christ’s teachings and deeds during thoseforty days. Jesus was seen by numerous disciples: on the road to Em-maus, by the Sea of Galilee, in houses, etc. He strengthened and encour-aged his disciples, and at last opened their eyes to all that the Scriptureshad promised about the Messiah. Jesus also told them that as the Fatherhad sent him, he was now going to send them - to all corners of theearth, as his witnesses.
If you want to add more detail to Christ’s appearances, the stories canbe found in Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; and John 20.
BreadBakers trade bread recipes on a knead-to-know basis.SongThe curate often broke into song because he couldn’t find the key.
34
CROSSWORD
Solution in June CornerStone Magazine
35
SPRING CLEAN TIME
Are you a hoarder? The recent TV series on hoarders was an awesomeinsight into how some people struggle to throw anything away at all.Some people get very sentimental about clothes, books, papers, knick-knacks and other belongings which they tie to different memories of theirlives.
One thing for sure – we can’t hang on to our things forever. We can’t takethem with us when we die. Jesus said as much in the gospels. He urgedpeople not to spend their valuable time on earth piling up lifeless thingsthat they would one day lose. He urged them to invest their time andenergy instead on building a relationship with God which would neverdie, and which would ensure them an eternal future. (Matthew 6:19,20)
A life spent following Jesus is well worth everything. It may cost useverything we have – it does in many places in the world today. So – thisSpring, have a good clean of your heart and let go of the useless things.See Jesus for the treasure he is, and hang on to him instead. He will neverlet you down.
Those memorable school reports…What did your teachers say about your progress at school? Thefollowing were sent into the Daily Telegraph some years ago….~ One of my French reports simply said: ‘Sheila attended the lessons’.- Sheila Blow, Surrey~ My housemaster wrote: ‘He has an overdeveloped unawareness.’- Ian Jones, Wirral~ A friend’s son’s report said: ‘By the time he has mastered French,he will be too old to cross the Channel.’ – M Knaggs, Dorset~ My teacher observed: ‘The improvement in his handwriting hasrevealed his inability to spell.’ - Colin Sutherland, Switzerland~ My teacher was a realist: ‘I am sorry to have to tell you that he isdoing his best.’ Stan Proctor, Surrey
36
APRIL
CROSSWORD
SOLUTION
37
A REFLECTION FROM VICTORIA PARKDear Friends,
Psalm 100. Shout for joy to the Lord all the earth. Worship the Lord withgladness, come before Him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God.It is He who made us, and we are His, we are His people, the sheep ofHis pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise,give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His loveendures forever, his faithfulness continues through all generations.
This Psalm is the only one entitled 'A Psalm of Thanksgiving ' and iswritten from the perspective of the worshipper who has come to thetemple in order to present their thank offering. This Psalm is the pinnacleof praise in a series of Psalms that exalts the Covenant Lord of Israel asthe Great King of all the earth.
Imagine yourself back in Old Testament days, coming to the temple withyour family to offer your thank offering. You enter into the outer courtof the temple and in front is a brazen altar. You feel the radiant heat fromit's fire and smell the savoury aroma of it's sacrifices. As you present yourgift to the priest, he asks you, "What has God done for you for which youare thankful" What are the reasons you have come to praise God?
At Victoria Park we are celebrating 150 years of making a "joyful shoutto the Lord" God has blessed all who entered His gates at Plainmoor. For150 years God's people have tirelessly served and borne witness to God'slove and faithfulness. His truth endures all generations. It is a greatcomfort to Christians to know that God does not change. Regardless ofall the trials and turmoils that V.P has had over the years we can restassured that God has and always will demonstrate His faithfulness to Hispeople.
So dear friends let's join with all those saints down through the yearsand Worship our Sovereign King, our Almighty Creator and graciousShepherd. With voices let us sing and shout joyfully, making melody inour hearts to the Lord. With our minds let us meditate upon ourawesome God, our Creator, Redeemer and Good Shepherd. God Bless Irene
38
WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP
This month sees our final meetings before we have our summer break,although we will be able to meet for our summer get-togethers on 9��June, 14�� July and our AGM & Tea on 11�� August.
Two meetings will take place this month when we welcome Jill Ghanounito talk about her work in India and some of our own Central folk who willbe with us to 'Raise A Laugh'!!
We congratulate Kath McBride who recently celebrated her 90�� birthday.We remember Iris Shaw who hasn't been well and unable to attendmeetings recently. Best wishes for an enjoyable summer to all our ladies.
Barbara Lawton
39
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: [email protected]
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
40