newsletter no. 259 december 2015 pastor keith brown · newsletter no. 259 december 2015 ... luke 1...

Newsletter No. 259

December 2015

Minister

Pastor Keith Brown

965706222 666180108

E-mail: [email protected]

Urb. San Luis

C/Azpeitia 1a

03184 Torrevieja

Hon. Minister

Rev. Alberto Araujo

Minute & Administrative Secretary

Margaret Mycroft

Tel.: 966784938 E-mail: [email protected]

Pastoral Secretary

Kathy Walton-Brown

Tel.: 666180118 E-mail: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Newsletter 259

December 2015

La Siesta Evangelical Church

As we now approach advent 2015, it is good to look back to the time when Christ came into the world. A

world so different to the one we are living in now.

There has been much written and discussed about Christmas celebrations over the past two thousand years.

It is most unlikely that Jesus was born on December 25th (it is much more likely to have been in September).

In the bible we were not instructed to celebrate Jesus’ birth, but to remember His death and resurrection

through the partaking of Holy Communion, but as Christians it is good to remember His birth and to

celebrate this time of the year. We need to remember that many of our traditions may be based around old

pagan festivals, so we should not hold to tightly to those rituals, but of course we can celebrate the birth of

Jesus!

The story of the Shepherds and the Wise Men (Kings) is again very familiar to us all, but there is an important

message contained here, the Shepherds represented the lowest in society and of course the Kings were at

the top of society! This shows us that everyone – rich and poor – are to bow their knee to Jesus.

Let’s not forget that a shepherd has all the best interests of his sheep at heart, whose total existence is

bound up with caring for the sheep. Whilst on the other hand a ruler, a King, is someone who exercises

authority over you. We need to experience both, but for many Christians their experience of God has been

one or the other. Under the care of a Shepherd we understand and know love, but under the care of a King

we have protection, security, discipline and safety. Jesus cannot be one or the other, He has to be both.

We all need to have God’s encouragement as we go through life and he will speak to us through a Scripture,

or a sermon, a book or through a word that someone brings or through an assurance deep in one’s spirit. We

all need to hear His voice from time to time speaking to us in many ways which will give us courage and

confidence in our Christian life. God will confirm to us His plan and purpose to encourage us along the way.

As we enter the season of Advent in 2015 and prepare for the Christmas season let us not forget those less

fortunate than ourselves, who are not looking forward to this time of year. Those who have very little, or have

nothing to celebrate in the way of earthly joy and festivities.

**Kathy and I would like to inform all our congregation and friends that this year as in the past we will not be

sending Christmas cards out but will be making a cash contribution to Tracey’s red bucket in the hope of

making some of her special children’s Christmas tide a little more joyful than it might have been.**

Let me finish with some words from the “The Christmas Song”:- Which Starts with Chestnuts roasting on

an open fire and finishes with:- Everybody knows some turkey and some mistletoe helps to make the

season bright, tiny tots with their eyes all aglow will find it hard to sleep tonight. They know that Santa’s on

his way with lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh and every mother’s child is going to smile to see if

reindeers really know how to fly. So I’m offering you this simple phrase for kids from 1 to 92 although it’s

been said many times many ways, “Merry Christmas to you”. From both of us have a Blessed Christmas and

a Peaceful New Year and try in some small way to make someone else’s Christmas time special.

Pastor Keith and Kathy.

La Siesta Evangelical Church Page 2

DIARY FOR DECEMBER

SUNDAY 6th

MORNING SERVICE 09:30am

SUNDAY 13th SERVICE OF WORSHIP 11:00am

SUNDAY 20th

MORNING SERVICE 09:30am

SUNDAY 27th 11:00am

SUNDAY 3rd JANUARY MORNING SERVICE

09:30am

Please remember in your Prayers

Philemon 4: 4-7 Luke 3: 7-18

Philemon 1: 3-11 Luke 3: 1-6

Pastor Keith Brown Elder: Howard Cook

Pastor Keith Brown Elder: Helen Tudor

Newsletter 259

December 2015

Advent Display

Hebrews 10: 5-10 Luke 1 39-55

Floral Donations




HOLY COMMUNION

If you know anyone who is sick, at home or in hospital, please advise the Minister or

any Elder so that a visit can be arranged.

Eph 1. 3-14 John 1: 1-18

Minister’s Letter

1

Church Diary 2

Reach Out 3

A Tale of Two Churches

4-5

Crescendo Choir 5

New Members 6

Mozambique 7-8

Red Bucket Mother Teresa

9

LGF Carol Services

10

Karen Cooper On a Lighter Note

11

Something to think about

12

Christmas Greetings

13

Organisations 14

Church Information

15

Col 3: 12-17 Luke 2: 41-52

Karen Cooper

Alistair Matheson

Chrystal Tolman


Newsletter 259

December 2015

REACH OUT

Please remember that we have a commitment to help Reachout who do such great work

with the homeless. The following is the table giving the commodities needed and which

church provides which items in the next month. Any donation of food or clothing is, of

course, gratefully accepted.

A MESSAGE FROM KAROLINA

Dec. 24th Christmas Eve for the Homeless Jan. 5th Three Kings for the Children

Dec. 25th Christmas Day for the Homeless Jan. 6th Three Kings For the Homeless (Breakfast and Three Course Meal)

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR EVENTS

La Siesta Evangelical Church Newsletter 259

December 2015

A TALE OF TWO CHURCHES

On the extensive travels in which I have been involved I have always had in interest in

finding Presbyterian Churches throughout the world and most recently I have made

several visits to Orchard Road Presbyterian Church in Singapore about which I have

written in this publication. Several of these were “Scots Kirks” such as in Melbourne and

Sydney although for some perverse reason the Church of Scotland’s church in

Amsterdam was officially known as “The English Church”.

Recently I had the honour of being invited to spend a month in Argentina, most of which

was spent with the family of the old and dear friend with whom I was travelling. I vaguely

remembered from the mid 1960’s, when I visited Buenos Aires with frequency that there

was a Church there associated with the Scots Presbyterians who had emigrated and a

quick perusal of the internet revealed that the Scots Church of St. Andrew was indeed

formed in 1829 and although the “Scots” denomination was removed in 1981 it lasted

until 1987 when it changed its name to The Presbyterian Church of Argentina.

On this occassion, however, the visit to the “Scots Kirk” did not take place as I was very

pleased to discover that our hostess, Elizabeth, was very active in the Anglican

community and through her good offices I was able to meet some interesting people and

to visit two different churches, St. Saviour’s and the Cathedral of John the Baptist at

which we attended Sunday worship.

I enjoyed a tour of St.Saviour’s Church one evening.

The building was erected at the end of the nineteenth

century and was consecrated on November 8th 1896

at a service led by Bishop Stirling accompanied by the

first Rector, Revd. A.Tisdall.

From the beginning the services were all in English

but in 1978 Spanish language services were

introduced. The present congregation is made up of

members of English origin who have strenghtened the community since its foundation as

well as Argentinians who have found in the Anglican Church a valid identity for life in the

Faith.

The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is situated in the very centre of Buenos Aires. The church was constructed in record time and in a neo-classical style new to the city after a

St. Saviour’s Church


December 2015 Page 5

treaty was signed between Great Britain and Argentina in 1825, granting tolerance for the religion of British subjects resident in the country, and aided by a generous subsidy from the British government. The site, originally the cemetery of the convent of the Mercedarian friars, was donated by the then ruler of Argentina, Juan Manuel de Rosas. From then until the present day and in the midst of numerous civil wars and conflicts, sieges and revolutions, the church has maintained a continuous presence and ministry three blocks from the seat of government, the Casa Rosada. Naturally it has undergone changes to its fabric, including the addition of a chancel in the 19th century to emphasize the importance of the Eucharist

and the construction of choirs stalls, canons’ stalls, and bishop’s throne in the 20th century. An excellent organ was also donated in the Victorian period. With time the walls became adorned with memorials and the windows were filled with stained glass. In 2000 the church was declared a national historical and artistic monument. On Sunday 27th September the service was conducted in Spanish by Rev. Marcelo Centurión and the sermon was preached by the visiting Rev. Captain Mike Reeder CA from Sheffield Cathedral, the Companion Diocese in England. Mike, of course, preached in English and his words were translated by Elizabeth for those who were Spanish speakers. After the service I met Mike and a host of others, a Scots Presbyterian was made very welcome!

Howard Cook

CRESCENDO CHOIR

A very good turnout of people enjoyed the concert given by

Crescendo Choir in the Church building on Saturday October

31st.

The handsome amount of 337€ was raised and our photo shows

Jack Doonan, Senior Elder, accepting the proceeds from Lesley

Rolls.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_Manuel_de_Rosas

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_Manuel_de_Rosas


August 2015

NEW MEMBERS

On Sunday we were delighted to welcome five

new members to our congregation.

Christine Burkett was born in New Zealand and

was confirmed in the Anglican Church at the age

of 13. She did thirty years psychiatric nursing and

left New Zealand in 1989, spending two years in

Australia before going to UK where she met her

second husband, Clive, lived in Ealing and came

to Spain eight years ago.

She came to our Church through an invitation from

Megan and Carol. Christine adds that after a time

away from the Lord her faith is becoming stronger

again.

David Linsell was born just outside Romford in

Essex. After obtaining his GCEs he qualified as an

Instrument Maker. He met Elaine who introduced

him to her Christian family and he became a

regular at her Church. They had four children, all

of whom were brought up in the Christian faith.

Moved to Spain on retiring and met some

wonderful people including Pastor Keith and his

wife Kathy. Returned to UK in 2008, settling in

Harwich where they joined Dovercourt Central

Church. Due to Elaine’s health they returned to

Spain and they are now proud to become

members of La Siesta Evangelical Church.

Elaine was born in Surrey during WWll but moved

to Essex after the war. On leaving school she took

a secretarial course and went on to work in

London. She met David and married in 1961

subsequently becoming a stay-at-home Mum for

twenty years. On returning to work she went into

nursing for ten years specialising in Oncology

latterly working for Marie Curie. As related in

David’s story, they now live in Benijofar.

Sam and Ruth Stewart need no introduction as

they have attended our services while in Spain

since 2007. Both were born and brought up in

Balleymoney, North Antrim. Sam initially worked

as a Quantity Surveyor but latterly took up

teaching in the Further Education Section

becoming Principal. Ruth took up teaching and

latterly became Head of Department in a school

for pupils with severe learning difficulties. She met

Sam in Teacher Training College and they were

married in 1969, they have three married children

and four grandchildren. When not in Spain they

live in Lisburn where they have attended the Lowe

Memorial Presbyterian Church in Belfast for 26

years, taking an active part in all activities. In

previous congregations both have been Sunday

School teachers, Ruth having been leader of

Children’s Church while Sam has served on

various committees as well as having been a

Church Elder. They say “Before buying a house in

Spain we felt it necessary to find a Church. We

have been coming to La Siesta Evangelical

Church since the autumn of 2007. Having been

richly blessed by the Church Family, we now feel

that it is time to become full members”.

From L-R: Pastor Keith, Christine Burkett,

David Linsell, Elaine Linsell, Ruth Stewart, Sam Stewart



MOZAMBIQUE

Those of you who follow Tracey on Facebook will know of the trials and tribulations which

she is encountering with the surgery to her foot, recently performed in South Africa,

which subsequently became infected. She is on the mend now and the following is the up

to date news from Zimpeto as Tracey gradually resumes normal service.

Dear All,

It's a summer Saturday here in Mozambique - which

translates into being hot (35C) and fairly humid at

the moment!

October the 7th I was in hospital "coming round"

from my heel spur surgery the day before. As

someone who has almost no experience of hospital

stays, being admitted into a hospital in a foreign

country was all quite nerve wracking! Put a very

brave face on my anxieties, especially for Sina who

was VERY worried about me having to stay in the

hospital!

Still, the surgery went according to plan - was

slightly longer than anticipated and resulted in a

nice "reversed letter L" shape incision in my heel -

and 17 stitches! It all equated to a lot of pain and a

hefty dose of pain meds for the 60 ish hours I was

in the hospital! I had planned to recuperate in

Zimpeto but the doctor wanted me to stay in SA

until the stitches were out ....

Sadly on the journey called "The Road to Recovery"

my foot acquired an infection - which has entailed

weekly (expensive!) trips to South Africa for the

infection to be treated! When you live in one

country and your surgeon is 4 hours away in

another it's all been a little trying!!

BUT ....

The GOOD NEWS is that as of today I am up and

walking (aided by a surgical boot and crutches) and

have been back to the

Baby House for the first

time in FIVE weeks. To say

I am happy is an

understatement! We even

had a big chocolate cake to

celebrate. The boot” as I

see it! My return!

Next week there is ONE

more trip to SA for THREE

consults - surgeon, GP and Physio and apart from a

check up in December/January I am hoping that is

it!!

** Quick update here - Had the consults but the

Physio wants to see me next week!!!!!

Very happy to be mobile as it is now the time to be

focusing on CHRISTMAS!!

I have a feeling that this year it is going to sneak on

me all too quickly though with help we are already

underway with shopping for gifts and clothes!

Lifespring Kids Church did an AMAZING job of

raising funds for many of the girls’ main gifts - so I

have been hunting for the boys - plus all the extras!

Lists seem to be the order of the day - but then

you've heard about them in years gone by!

NEWS & NOTICIAS FROM TRACEY

Continued on



Starting to think about the season of transition too

and to that end Rodrigues has joined us from the

Nursery and two of the other girls (Chrysalda and

Ana Isa) have started their transition visits ready for

January.

In my weeks of immobility I was given some

translation tasks - suffice to say there are some

very sad and painful stories that provide the

background to many of the children living here. I've

been reading through Ephesians whilst on "bed

rest"/hopping - and it talks so much about loving

as we are loved.

I guess, as I start to think about Christmas, what I

hope for more than anything is that the children

here at Zimpeto, and especially the "tinies" will be

secure in knowing they are loved - and that at the

core of Christmas, LOVE is what they will remember

and receive.

Isn't that really what Christmas is about - LOVE!

Thank You for ALL your prayers and support

through this very trying few weeks. There have been

a few days when I was NOT a very nice person to

know - mostly kept well hidden but a few people

received my rants, raves and frustrations - you

know who you are! Sorry - but THANK YOU too!

Blessings and Lots of Love from a MUCH happier

"booted and suited',

ME!! xx

PS If anyone wants to help with Christmas

(finances) for the Baby House please contact me via

email or face book!


December 2015 Page Page 9

IMPORTANT NOTICE

As you are all aware, the month of November was nominated as the RED BUCKET

MONTH to raise money for Tracey due to the absence of the Treasurer in October this

year. An additional benefit is that November is a “five Sunday” month and some of you

will be reading this on November 29th which is the last day that the RED BUCKET will be

at the front door on the way out and this will be your final opportunity to donate.

You will realise that finances have been strained with Tracey’s surgery and the necessity

to travel repeatedly to South Africa. At the time of writing, contributions have been

broadly in line with what may be expected but I would like to see a bumper donation this

year.

Let me remind you that cards are at Christmas are very much appreciated so get one off

to Tracey and the children now. All mail is sent to a Post Office Box in South Africa due to

the unreliability of the service in Mozambique. The correct form of address is:

Tracey Williams

Suite 311 Private Bag x11326 Nelspruit 1200 Republic of South Africa.

People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.

If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.

If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.

The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow, do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.

For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them

anyway.

Mother Teresa

Submitted by Lynne Kerr



LADIES FRIENDSHIP GROUP

We had a very concise AGM in November. Patted ourselves on the back for a good year, appealed for volunteers to fill some future committee vacancies, quickly perused the well presented, easily understandable year-end financial statement and received next years programme. Margaret Mycroft was presented with a token of appreciation for the many years serving under a succession of various chairpeople. Margaret was the first secretary of the group over 20 years ago and I have valued her support. She has regularly let me know that she has appreciated my role and been a source of encouragement.

We closed the AGM with a short Secretary’s Report from Sandra because our guests were waiting to show us some lovely seasonable outfits and shoes. Ladies of many sizes could then be seen hiding behind screens and bookcases trying on bargains from what has become known as Reachout Boutique. Just what some of us needed for the season ahead. Wait till you see me in my floaty purple and lilac...watch out Joan Collins! And I didn't need a sub from Joe! Oops missed opportunity.

Anyway we will be in London for the January sales ..so there will be extra spending money burning a hole in Joe's wallet.

LFG Christmas Dinner next month - good job the purple pants are roomy. The January meeting is the SECOND Monday in the month, so see you on the 11th Jan.at 3.0p.m at ICA.

HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS If travelling, keep safe. If going to Benidorm don't get run over by all the buggies on the prom.

Above all REMEMBER THE REASON FOR THE SEASON.

Jean Wallace

CAROL SERVICES 2015

Our joint Carol Service with the Anglicans and the German Baptists will be held on

December 7th. at 18:30hrs. The organisation falls to the Anglicans this year.

The Joint English Speaking Churches Carol Service will take place on December 9th at

19:00hrs in the Torrevieja Christian Fellowship’s premises.

The Freemasons’ Christmas Concert which was advertised in our last edition will not now

take place.



KAREN COOPER

The following is the contents of a letter of thanks Pastor Keith was given by Karen Cooper

when he gave her communion at Casa Verde where she is staying at the moment, she

hopes to be home for Christmas.

Karen Cooper has been in hospital for approximately 12 weeks. She has Multiple sclerosis and other health issues. She would like to give heartfelt thanks to all the people who have prayed for her, especially Pastor Keith and Gill Grey who have been such good gifts from God. Thank you to the Stepping Stones and the card they made for her. Karen has recovered from pneumonia and continues to make a slow and steadfast recovery.

The letter was handed to Pastor Keith by Karen at their last meeting when she received communion for the first time for many weeks.

We should also be grateful and thankful to Karen`s husband Jack for all he has done and continues to do for Karen. At the moment Karen is not strong enough to receive visitors as she tires so easily.

Pastor Keith will keep everyone updated during Sunday Services and future issues of this magazine.

ON A LIGHTER NOTE

Here is a collection of hymns..... blame Jae not me!

Dentist’s Hymn.......Crown him with many Crowns

Weatherman’s Hymn.....There shall be showers Contractor’s Hymn.....The Church’s one Foundation Tailor’s Hymn.....Holy, Holy, Holy Golfer’s Hymn.....There is a Green Hill far away Optician’s Hymn.....Open my eyes that I might see Politician’s Hymn.....Standing on the Promises

Taxman’s Hymn.....I Surrender All Gossip’s Hymn.....Pass it on Elecrician’s Hymn.....Send the Light Shopper’s Hymn.....Sweet Bye and Bye Estate Agent’s Hymn.....Iive got a Mansion Massage Therapist’s Hymn.....He touched Me Doctor’s Hymn.....The Great Physician

45mph.....God will take care of you 65mph.....Nearer my God to Thee

85mph.....This World is not my Home

95mph.....Lord, I’m coming Home 100mph.....Precious Memories

For those who speed on the motorway here are a few more:

Submitted by Jae Schock


Newsletter 259

December 2015

Visit our website on www.lasiestaevangelicalchurch.org


Newsletter 259

December 2015

Visit our website on www.lasiestaevangelicalchurch.org

May this Christmas be special and

memorable and may the New Year be

simply wonderful.

We will not be sending Christmas

cards , a sizable donation has been

given to Tracey

With love and God’s blessings.

Pastor Keith and Kathy

Margaret Mycroft wishes all her

friends in the Church a Happy

Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

In lieu of sending cards a donation will

be made to charity.

Howard Cook wishes all his friends a

Merry Christmas and a Happy New

Year.

In lieu of sending cards a donation has

been made to Tracey in Mozambique.

Val Price would like to wish Christmas

blessings to everyone and a peaceful

New Year.

In lieu of sending cards a donation is

being made to charity

A Merry Christmas , and A Happy

and Healthy New Year to all our

church family at

La Siesta,

with love from Gill, Alan, Jennifer and

Kathryn Gray

Patricia Newnham would like to wish

Christmas blessings to everyone and a

peaceful New Year.

In lieu of sending cards a donation is

being made to charity


Page 14

Our Prayer Chain addresses both concerns and joys. The information passed along is strictly

confidential.

All you need to do to be part of our prayer chain is to phone Lesley Rolls on 966719163 or

Megan Wright on 966785513.

New members are always welcome.

PRAYER CHAIN

CHURCH CHOIR

Choir practice is held on

Wednesdays at 15:30hrs.

New members are always

welcome

BIBLE STUDY

Next Bible Study will be held in the Round House on Monday November

30th. at 10:30am.

Subsequent meetings to be announced

Newsletter 259

December 2015

PRAYER FOR DECEMBER

Submitted by Deborah and Nicola Capewell

Christmas is a glorious time of year! God brings us face to face once again with His design for and

redemption of mankind. His intentions toward us are for life abundantly. His plans for the kingdom are

victorious!

Christmas is not the end of Advent. It is a real season of the Church year.

In the midst of the tinsel and lights and shopping, let's remember what the season is really about! Let's

pray for a spirit of all things Christmas for ourselves and our loved ones.

Help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the

shepherds, and worship of the wise men.

Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to

be merry with clear hearts.

Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.


Page 15

CHURCH ELDERS (Please contact if required)

Howard Cook 96 670 0131 Lesley Rolls 96 671 9163

Jack Doonan 96 676 9616 Jae Schock [email protected]

Sandra Garman 96 570 3474 Jacqueline Thomas 96 671 7731

Margaret Mycroft 96 678 4938 Helen Tudor 96 671 7582

Jean McNary 96 502 0342 Kathy Walton Brown 66 618 0118

Mary Nell 96 572 5945 Megan Wright 96 678 5513

Gordon Newlands 96 671 8425

VISITORS

OUR CHURCH

The next issue of this newsletter will be published on December 27th. Contributions may be sent to

the editor, Howard Cook, in writing, by e-mail to [email protected] or by telephone to

96 670 0131

Newsletter 259

December 2015

La Siesta Evangelical Church is an ecumenical English speaking congregation drawn from

Baptists, Methodists, United Reform, Church of Scotland, Presbyterian Church in Ireland

and several other denominations. We belong to the Iglesia Evangélica Española or Spanish

Evangelical Church, a Presbyterian Church in which we are part of the Presbytery of

Levante.

Our Membership Secretary is Helen Tudor and you should contact her or any other Elder at

any service if you are interested in joining our Church. Helen´s telephone number appears

in the Elders section on this page.

If you are a visitor we cordially invite you to sign the visitors' book at the front door. We do

have many visitors especially in the holiday months and it is very easy for "new faces" to be

missed. You will notice that the Elders and members of the Fellowship Committee are

identified by badges and we urge you to attend the refreshments after the service and to

introduce yourselves. We are really interested in meeting visitors to our services.

newsletter no. 259 december 2015 pastor keith brown · newsletter no. 259 december 2015 ... luke 1...

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