speak may/june 2014
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Church Magazine for St Peters, ElworthTRANSCRIPT
May / June 2014
St Peter’s Church, Elworth www.stpeters-elworth.org.uk
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Welcome to the May/June edition of Speak magazine.
I hope everyone had a lovely Easter!
If you are a fan of ‘Call the Midwife’, we have a very interesting article on pages 8
and 9 you should read. We have a lots of diary dates for you to jot down on your
calendar.
Don’t forget about Warmingham Wakes coming up on the 3rd May!
Bethany Jones Editor
We are committed in love to worshipping God:
• By proclaiming the Gospel in word and
action
• By encouraging growth
• By serving others
• By leading people into a personal relationship with
Jesus.
July/August 2014 edition Monday 2nd June 2014
We welcome your submissions for inclusion in the magazine.
Please ensure that material is preferably emailed to
or dropped in to the church office.
Thank you.
Welcome
Vision statement
Contact
Magazine deadline
Vicar: Revd David Page 01270 762415
Church Office: 01270 762213 [email protected]
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David’s page…
The chal lenge of change
We live in a world today which seems to be changing at
an ever faster pace. Not just the passing of the seasons
and the years, but also our use of language, time, our
morality and our understanding of the world we live in.
The question is, do we realise the impact of these
changes? Most of the changes we see around us are
forced upon us and we feel obliged to accept them.
Indeed, we are often made to feel inadequate or
chastised if we stand against them.
Yes, change is necessary for growth and development, but is all change
good? Amongst all the flux of the world, one thing is unchanging and that is
God, and if God is unchanging so is His gospel message to us. But even
we, twenty first century, enlightened, “good” people are tempted to change
that which John in the last book of the Bible warns us not to change.
“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If
anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in
this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God
will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which
are described in this book.”
Revelation 22 : 18 -19
So why does John give us such a strong warning not to meddle with the
teaching of God? Why, because it is Good News. God has chosen to reach
out to us even when we have turned our back on Him. The Easter events
don’t make us self righteous but call us to trust the God of grace who says
walk with me wherever I go.
In our recent study of the book of Galatians, we heard Paul say exactly the
same thing as John recorded in those verses. All you need is Jesus (not love
as the mantra of the 1960’s proclaimed). Trust in His saving act on he cross
and His promise, evidenced in the resurrection, of eternal life. Subtracting
the divinity or humanity of Jesus, or adding extra demands, changes and
destroys the message of Jesus. That is the warning of both Paul and John.
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What’s on…
Time together
An opportunity for any who have been
bereaved to share
‘Soup and a Roll’ and a chat‘Soup and a Roll’ and a chat‘Soup and a Roll’ and a chat‘Soup and a Roll’ and a chat
Thursday 5th June
12.00noon – 2.00pm
St Peter’s Church Hall
Whether we think a mac is a coat or a computer, whether we prefer
traditional hymns or modern songs in our worship, or whether we like
sitting on pews or chairs in church, is all a matter of culture and
history and is changeable. However, let us keep faithful to the God
who does not change and whose message is the same forever. Let us
obey His commands even when it leads us to be denigrated by the
society that we live in. It might be tough but remember the promises
of Jesus and the purpose of His mission.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that
whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3 : 16
“.....I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John 10 : 10
In this ever changing world, trust the One who never changes.
David’s page cont’d…
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What’s o
n...
Warmingham Wakes 2014
St Leonard’s Church Warmingham
invite you to
Warmingham Wakes 2014
Saturday 3rd May
from 2.00pm
at Church House Farm, Warmingham (by kind permission of Mr J and Mrs E Richardson)
The Wakes Queen’s Procession leaves the village hall at 1.45pm
Opening Ceremony and Crowning 2.00pm
The Famous Duck Race 4.00pm
Maypole Dancing performed by Warmingham School
Children’s Fancy Dress
Dog Show
Stalls: Cakes, books, white elephant, tombola, plants, raffle and many more.
Sideshows and rides.
Delicious afternoon teas and refreshments, ice cream
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What’s on...
Sandbach Communicare
Sandbach Communicare is a community based group that provides transport to the doctors and to hospital appointments in the local area, where the patient for a variety of reasons, cannot make their own way to that appointment. All appointments are arranged by Ashfields Primary Care Centre.
We have been operating since 1984 and the operation is generally, self-funded, but we do rely on volunteers to provide their cars and their time to maintain the service. Volunteers costs are covered by Sandbach Communicare.
If you feel that you can give approximately four hours every three weeks to help, we would be very pleased to hear from you. You need to own a reliable car with fully comprehensive insurance and have a wish to help people at their time of need.
If you feel that you would like more details or would like to volunteer, please contact the secretary Roy Farley on 01270 759250 or email [email protected].
Thank you
Who let the Dads out?
10.00am till 12noon in St Peter’s Church Hall
on
Saturday 7th June
Saturday 5th July
Saturday 6th September
Saturday 4th October
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What’s o
n...
The Church Magazine
Have you enjoyed reading ‘Speak’?
Whether you read ‘Speak’ online or in paper format, would you
please consider showing your appreciation by giving a donation
towards the cost of the bi-monthly magazine? This can be
placed in the offertory plate at any church service, marked do-
nation towards the magazine, in addition to your usual giving.
Thank you for your support.
Want to help put ‘Speak’ together?
Have you some time to spare?
Putting together ‘Speak’ is rewarding and is constantly
evolving to meet the needs of the church family.
If you are interested please contact Bethany Jones on
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Focus on...
This TV programme has proved to be very popular and is based on the true story of Jennifer Worth. The BBC have been inundated with positive mail saying how moving people have found the story lines, with many men surprisingly admitting to not only watching it, but having been moved to tears at times. The programmes are based on Jennifer’s time as midwife in a poor area of East London and working with an order of nuns who were also midwives. Reading the books which the series is based on rather than just watching the TV programmes, Jennifer’s Christian faith becomes much clearer. Following her death in 2011, her family compiled a book (Letters to the Midwife) published this year (2014) of letters of appreciation sent in great volumes from people who had been so touched by her books and also extracts from her diary which are very interesting.
Jennifer arrived at the fictious Nonnatus House (based on a real unnamed establishment) with little knowledge of the Christian Faith, and over the years as she worked alongside the nuns she saw the reality of their faith worked out in their lives. She formed an especially deep bond with Sister Julienne (in reality her name was Sister Jocelyn) and formed a lifelong friendship with her until Sister Jocelyn died many, many years later.
The following is an extract from Jennifer’s diary from April 1959. In “Call the Midwife” Jennifer refers to a broken shoulder, which prevented her from taking her Part 2 midwifery exams. She had to take time off to recover and went to the Community of the Presentation in Folkestone, a nursing community, which took people for convalescence. Prior to going she said she felt an inner voice saying to her “Stop in this headlong flight of yours and think”. During this period and especially in Holy Week she had a profound spiritual experience which changed her whole life. She says in her diary:
“My thoughts have led me thus far; I believe utterly in God, creator of all things and loving protector of all things. This must have consequence for the whole of life. At present I can do only do one thing - abandon and break up my old self and habits, and start again in a more Godly fashion.
Cal l the Midwi fe
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Focus o
n…
Over Holy week I was shaken to my rather shaky foundations. As clear as daylight shone for me the eternal truth that there is but one God, the almighty creator, the only reality and that Christ is the son of God. I have never been so shaken. As though it were written in great letters across the sky I can see that there is no life outside God.
For almost a week I was literally not responsible for my own actions. My mind and my soul were in turmoil. I had to get away, to be alone in order to think. I feel calmer now. Hours of solitary pondering have made me see just as clear-ly that a revelation is just the beginning. How did this all come about? First through prayer for light, then through logical thought (even female logic!). The Rector taught me to pray, and knowing my blindness I prayed for light. I received it like a glass of cold water hitting my face. I had to get away to nurse a far greater break than just my shoulder. Prayer and thought have shown me that there is only one possibility - to follow the way of Christ, who said ‘I am the way, the truth and the life. No man cometh to the Father but by me’ I know nothing. I must go right to the bottom to learn.
How is it that I have come to all this at 23? Most people are 53, if at all, before they realise that the works of the world are empty nothingness if separated from God.”
She writes later to Sister Jocelyn to say how her Aunt Doris had remarked how changed she was. She had a sort of peace about her, had become more ‘sensible’. She says “she did not realise that it was not me ‘growing into’ anything, but grace bestowed on me from without. It is acquired and retained by utter faith in and reliance upon God, and by prayer.”
What a pity the BBC showed the really good stories, but missed the BEST story.
Cal l the Midwi fe
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Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays
10.00am - 11.30am
Tea, Coffee and Hot Chocolate — 50p
There are magazines and leaflets available for you to look through or to take
away.
FairTrade goods are available for purchase, our receptionists are happy to
help if you have any queries about these, or anything else that happens
throughout the week.
Vty° Coffee Stop
a warm and friendly welcome is assured
The Coffee Stop Café is open on Friday mornings,
9.00am - 12noon, in St Peter’s Church Hall.
The café offers excellent value for money
with toast and toasted teacakes also available.
Warm drinks, juice, children’s drinks and sweet treats.
It also offers a warm friendly welcome from its volunteer staff,
so why not give it a try?
Church life
The Foyer
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Do your shopping online and raise funds for St Peter's!
Visit www.easyfundraising.org.uk and select
‘St Peter's Church, Elworth’ as your favourite cause.
Smal l Groups
Small Groups provide an opportunity for people to make friends, grow
in their faith and discuss life together in a smaller setting than the
Sunday Service.
They are informal, friendly and supportive, providing an ideal setting in
which to meet new people.
Groups run throughout the week.
For further details contact the
Church Office on 01270 762213
You can access many well known High Street names through
easyfundraising, and when you make a purchase, the retailer pays a donation
to St Peter's.
It’s that simple!
Church life
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Church life
Feel like you’re drowning in debt?
Call Lifeline Debt Advice and let them be your
lifeline...
Has the ‘credit crunch’ had an impact on your finances?
Are you struggling to balance the budget each month?
Consumer Credit Licence No: 618245/1
Many people are tempted to ignore the bills and final demands
which drop with increasing regularity through the letterbox,
hoping that the problem will go away.
Unfortunately all too often it doesn’t and the situation soon
becomes unmanageable.
Lifeline Debt Advice has trained advisers who operate out of the
Wesley Centre in Sandbach.
Our aim is to help anyone who has money or debt problems
and the service is totally free and confidential.
If you are in need of help please call us on
01270 750358
to arrange an appointment.
(If no-one answers leave a message and we will get back to you.)
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You can now like us on Facebook, just search for
‘St Peter’s Church, Elworth’
For more information, please speak to
Bethany Jones
Church life
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Thursday 5th June Saturday 7th June
Time Together Who let the Dads out?
12noon—2.00pm 10.00am—12noon
St Peter’s Church Hall St Peter’s Church Hall
Sunday 29th June Saturday 5th July
Junior Church Celebration Who let the Dads out?
10.30am 10.00am—12noon
St Peter’s Church Hall St Peter’s Church Hall
Saturday 6th September Sunday 7th September
Who let the Dads out? Commissioning Service
12noon — 2.00pm 10.30am
St Peter’s Church Hall St Peter’s Church
Saturday 13th September Sunday 28th September
Last Night of the Proms Harvest
Time TBC
St Peter’s Church Hall
Saturday 4th October Saturday 11th October
Who let the Dads out? ABC Fair
12noon — 2.00pm Time TBC
St Peter’s Church Hall St Peter’s Church Hall
Sunday 12h October Sunday 2nd November
Service of Thanksgiving & Remembrance Shoebox Sunday
3.00pm
St Peter’s Church
Sunday 14h December Sunday 21st December
Junior Church Nativity Carol Service
10.30am 6.30pm
St Peter’s Church Hall St Peter’s Church
Church diary
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Junior Church runs concurrently with the 10.30am service at St Peter’s and is for
3 to 14 year olds, split into various groups:
Lego (3 to 6 years)
Adventurers (7 to 11 years)
Youth Church (11 to 14 years)
We welcome through baptism:
Kyle Burke; Tania Burke; Charlie Howlett; Tyler Lowe
We celebrate the marriage of:
Mark Seddon and Laura Seddon
We join in sadness with the families of the late:
Christopher Condcliffe; Michael Davis; Joyce Harrison;
Raymond Mitchell; Martin Ollier; Teddy Oswell;
Fred Rayner; Derek Stubbs
St Peter’s Church is open every Tuesday morning between 10.00am and
11.00am for prayer and reflection. In addition to the regular Tuesday mornings, it
will also be open when events, either local or national, lead to a need for quiet
contemplation and prayer.
Whilst every care has been taken in the compilation of this magazine, we cannot
guarantee that inaccuracies will not occur. The Editors are responsible for content
selection and reserve the right to amend articles and withhold items as deemed
necessary. Articles submitted after the deadline date may not be included in that
edition of the magazine and the Editors’ decision is final. Should you have any
concerns regarding the content in the magazine or wish to submit an article for
inclusion, please contact us by email on [email protected] or phone
the Church Office on 01270 762213.
Bethany Jones and Diane Noble, Editors
St Peter’s PCC, Elworth - Registered Charity Number 1130803
From the registers
Opening times
Junior church
Editorial disclaimer
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9.00am
St Peter’s
10.30am
St Peter’s
10.30am
Ettiley Heath
6.30pm
St Peter’s
4th
May
Holy
Communion
Morning
Worship
All Age
Service
Evening
Prayer
11th
May
Holy
Communion
Holy
Communion
All Age
Service
Evening
Prayer
18th
May
Holy
Communion
Morning
Worship
All Age Holy
Communion
Evening
Prayer
25th
May
Morning
Prayer
All Age
Service
All Age Holy
Communion
Holy
Communion
1st
June
Holy
Communion
Morning
Worship
All Age
Service
Evening
Prayer
8th
June
Holy
Communion
Holy
Communion
All Age Holy
Communion
CTS Service
at St Marys
15th
June
Holy
Communion
Morning
Worship
All Age
Service
Evening
Prayer
22nd
June
Morning
Prayer
Morning
Worship
All Age
Service
Holy
Communion
29th
June
Morning
Prayer
Junior Church
Celebration
Service
Joint Methodist
Service at
Wesley Avenue
Compline
Sunday services for May and June