the magazine of we preach christ united reformed church ......carolyn searle tony and clare cox tony...

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The Magazine of

Ingatestone United Reformed Church

February and March 2018

Celebrating the work, prayer life and ministry of women

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We preach Christ Crucified

(1 Corinthians 1:23)

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Church Contacts Church Website Church Email Church Telephone Church Minister Church Treasurer

www.ingatestoneurc.org.uk

Bob Furley (Serving Elder)

355875 633143 352917

Church Flowers/Decoration Buildings Manager Lettings Secretary Magazine Editors Organist Pianist Prayer Partners URC under fives (URUS) Women’s Friendship Circle

June Parsons (Serving Elder) Bob Furley Carolyn Searle Tony and Clare Cox Tony Cox (Serving Elder) Carol Brown Valerie Rees (Serving Elder) Sue Furley Rosalie Mullender

352779 352917 355630 353186 353186 353486 222484 352917 353303

Word Search for February

F ebruary is the month of love; when we celebrate our natural love for one another on valentines day and, throughout the season of Lent, prepare for the greatest act of divine love ever displayed.

valentine rose romance love present restaurant hearts kiss hug girlfriend boyfriend lent prayer fasting temptation divine wilderness devil Jesus bread stone worship repentance angels

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D ear friends, By the time you read this, Christmas will be a distant memory,

although for some, they will be regularly reminded of their excesses as they strive to pay off their credit card debts throughout the following months. Once again there was the frenetic rushing about right up to the last minute and some of us who attend church were no different to the rest. I keep a record of what I have written in past magazines and read them before I write my new letter. Last year’s letter for the February and March 2017 magazine entitled ‘Be Still and know that I am God’ (Psalm 46:10) was very pertinent. I don’t believe for one moment I am alone in being busy. Regularly hearing retired people commenting; ‘how did we have time to go to work’ tells me all I need

to know. To this end I make no apology for repeating my newsletter of last year as I believe we need to keep hearing the message over again until we heed it and do it. An article by Jeff Lucas entitled ‘Bottleneck – squeezing too much in’ reminds us of those words of God taken from Psalm 46:10 At any time in our lives it is important for us to know the reality of this simple statement straight from the heart of God, but perhaps more so at the start of a New Year which promises so much uncertainty for so many. Very often, and I am as guilty as the next person, we believe that if we are busy doing ‘stuff’ for God and every now and then checking in with him, asking for a blessing on what we are doing for him, it is all ok, but actually and sadly, we miss out on too much. Jeff Lucas writes: ‘ …I’m asking Jesus, who was the Prince of Peace, to help me brake before I break. I can’t go on sabbatical, rent a monk’s habit and become contemplative, or abandon my responsibilities. But I can stop to breathe, allow laughter to linger, and refuse to allow the busy schedule to become a god …’ God wants us to spend time in his presence, to listen to what is on his heart for his people, for him to pour out his blessings, and to fill us with his peace. If we, as his children, are failing to know the reality of God’s peace how can we share with a world in such great need?

Be still and know that I am God

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Women’s Friendship Circle

I would like to thank Doreen, Janet, Jean and Pauline for all their help throughout last year. We all enjoyed our mince pies and carols with the Salvation Army

on 6th December and are grateful that they continue to visit us despite the reduced numbers we now have attending. We held a raffle and were able to raise and send £100 to Little Havens Children’s Hospice. Thank you to everyone who gave so generously. We had an enjoyable meal together on 17th January and look forward to commencing our meetings again on 7th February with a social afternoon. These ’social’ occasions are proving to be a very happy and enjoyable time with the ladies.

7th February: Social Afternoon 21st February: Tony Cox 7th March: Social Afternoon 21st March: Social Afternoon Rosalie Mullender

God wants us to seek him and to turn back to him. The Bible says ’if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14). So at the beginning of 2018 it is vitally important for us to stop at regular intervals, to be still in the presence of God and know that he is God.’

Be still, for the presence of the Lord, the Holy One is here; Come bow before Him now with reverence and fear.

In Him no sin is found, we stand on holy ground; Be still, for the presence of the Lord, the Holy One is here.

Be still, for the glory of the Lord is shining all around; He burns with holy fire, with splendour He is crowned.

How awesome is the sight, our radiant King of light! Be still, for the glory of the Lord is shining all around.

Be still, for the power of the Lord is moving in this place; He comes to cleanse and heal, to minister His grace. No work too hard for Him, in faith receive from Him;

Be still, for the power of the Lord is moving in this place.

David J Evans (born 1957) Used By Permission. CCL License No.120824

In a world of change and hope, of fear and adventure; faithful God, glorify your name. Amen.

with love and prayers, Revd. Ruth Mitchell

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The Beauty and Simplicity of the Gospel

O n Good Friday and Easter Sunday the Church remembers and celebrates the death and resurrection of Jesus. But what about Easter Saturday and the intervening period of time between our Lord’s death

and resurrection? In the Bible we are taught that at death ‘the spirit returns to God who gave it’ (Ecc.12:7), the ‘body returns to the soil’ (Gen.3:19), and ‘the soul returns to the unseen (Sheol or Hades)’ (Psalm.9:17, Acts 2:27,31). Hence, death is a complete dissolution and a return to the original state in which the elements existed before they became a living soul; ’the dead know nothing whatever’ (Ecc.9:5). The return to death, the state of complete unconsciousness, is often likened in the Bible to sleep (for the believer they are asleep in Jesus - 1 Thes 4:14) from which all will one day be awakened at the resurrection. The case of our Lord's death verifies all these Scriptures to the letter. Jesus committed his spirit to the Father, and ‘breathed his last’ (Luke 23:46). Although the Bible does not teach of a conscious intermediate state between death and resurrection, the Lord's death differed in that, after he died, he ‘preached to the spirits in prison’ (1 Pet 3:19) and earlier prophesied that he would spend ‘three days and three nights in the heart of the earth’ (Mat 12:40). These verses should be understood in the context of our Lords promise to the repentant criminal that ‘today, you will be with me in Paradise’ (Luke 23:43), also noting that immediately after his death but before his resurrection ‘the tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life’ (Mat 27:52) and that our Lords ‘body did not see decay ‘(Acts 2:27). The Bible is silent as to how these divinely inspired acts were fulfilled and no human-inspired creed or theological argument will ever provide a complete and satisfactory explanation on the subject. Our hearts and minds can only be held captive by the Word of God and unless a matter is clearly explained in Scripture we must leave the ultimate answers and understanding to God. Every generation has longed to know the answer to questions of faith, but in some of these sacred matters the Lord has chosen to reveal these things to us, as it were, through a glass darkly. ‘now we know in part but one day we will know fully’ (1 Cor 13:12). What we can do now with confidence and in a spirit of worship is to rejoice with Paul when he writes in 1 Cor 15:55 proclaiming, ‘Where is your sting, O Death? Where is your victory, O Hades?’ Clearly, Paul understood the distinction between Death and Hades. And with this Victory, Jesus can say ‘I became dead, and lo I am living for ever and ever. I hold the keys of Death and Hades’ (Rev 1:18). These verses help us to understand Jesus' promise to Peter that ‘the gates of Hades will never prevail against his Church’ and that Easter Saturday, whatever intervening period of time it represents, holds many precious truths for us to reflect on. Arthur Williams

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T he Christmas and New Year celebrations are over and we hope and pray you all had a blessed time with family and friends. We are now looking forward to the season of Spring and the new life it brings. Trees will

soon start to come to life with green shoots, crocuses and then daffodils will bloom, lambs will be born and a whole new cycle of God’s wonderful creation will begin again. In considering new life, we send our congratulations to Georgina and Rupert (George and Ru) Witter on the news that they are expecting their first baby in June, and we thank God for the miracle that is the creation of life. It was good to see most of the church family meeting for worship on the first Sunday of January and we were sorry that our minister Ruth was unable to be with us due to health issues. Tony Cox stepped in at very short notice and led worship, when we enjoyed the fellowship of Holy Communion together at the commencement of the service. We pray that both Ruth and Jim, who is also not well, will be back with us soon. Janice Smith was taken ill while on holiday over the Christmas period. A severe asthma attack meant she spent several days in intensive care, then in a hospital ward before recovering enough to be able to fly home. This has been very debilitating for her and John as he supports and cares for her. Ann George spent some quality time with her son Tim and has felt the benefit of Christmas with loved ones. Dorothy Watts has moved into Manor Lodge Care Home in Chelmsford where she will receive the care and support she needs. Doreen Quinlivan continues to have tests for an ongoing problem and we wish her comfort and healing. Keith Mathers will hopefully get a date for his knee surgery soon and we wish him well and Jean as she supports him. Other members of the church family needing continued prayerful support are Norman and June Parsons, Ron and Carol Brown, Rosalie Mullender, Doreen Williamson, Sylvia Simpson and Ray Reynolds. We pray that God’s peace will surround them and grant them strength and encouragement. We were sorry to learn through Rosalie that her son Graham is very unwell and we extend our sympathies and prayers to Rosalie and the wider family at this difficult time. It has been good to enjoy fellowship with the Elim Church while their youth groups have been using our premises on Sundays and Fridays during their church rebuilding program. We were recently asked by Pastor Lee if the whole fellowship at Elim could join us on some Sundays throughout the next few months. Naturally we agreed and will look forward to those occasions. Please continue to remember in prayer Sue as she leads URUS, Rosalie as she leads the Women’s Friendship Circle and Ruth as she takes the monthly service at the Ardtully care home. Please support the Elders in your prayers, that God will strengthen them in the work they do.

Valerie Rees

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Diary for February 2018 1 Thu 10.00am

7.45pm

Service at the Ardtully Care Home

IFCT meeting at the Parish Church

4 Sun 9.45am

10.30am

(Education Sunday) Prayer meeting in the church

Morning Worship with Communion led by Revd. Ruth Mitchell

6 Tue 1.30pm URUS United Reformed Under 5’s in the hall

7 Wed 2.00pm Women’s Friendship Circle - Social Afternoon

11 Sun 9.45am

10.30am

Prayer meeting in the church

Morning Worship led by Revd. Geoffrey Griggs

13 Tue 1.30pm

7.30pm

URUS United Reformed Under 5’s in the hall

Elders Meeting at 7 Deepdene

15 Thu 7.45pm IFCT Lent Course at the Parish Church

18 Sun 9.45am

10.30am


Morning Worship led by Bob Furley

20 Tue 1.30pm URUS United Reformed Under 5’s - Rhyme Time

21 Wed 2.00pm Women’s Friendship Circle - Tony Cox


25 Sun 9.45am

10.30am


Morning Worship led by Pastor Lee Carmichael


April and May 2018 Magazine Please ensure all articles are given to the editors by

Sunday 11th March 2018

Lent Course 2018

H ow can we re-capture the explosive power of the resurrection that ricocheted around the world? How can we live in the glow of the Resurrection

and be an Easter people? We are invited to join the Parish Church for a series of five audio and discussion meetings every Thursday from 15th February to 15th March at 7.45pm. Course booklets are available at £3.10 each.

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Diary for March 2018

1 Thu 10.00am

7.45pm

Service at the Ardtully Care Home

IFCT Lent Course at the Parish Church

2 Fri 2.00pm Women’s World Day of Prayer Service at Elim Church

4 Sun 9.45am

10.30am


Morning Worship with Communion, led by Revd. Ruth Mitchell




11 Sun 9.45am

10.30am

(Mothers Day) Prayer meeting in the church

Morning Worship led by Revd. Ruth Mitchell

13 Tue 1.30pm

7.30pm

URUS United Reformed Under 5’s in the hall

Elders Meeting at 7 Deepdene


18 Sun 9.45am

10.30am


Morning Worship led by Trevor Morley

20 Tue 1.30pm URUS United Reformed Under 5’s - Rhyme Time


25 Sun 9.45am

10.30am

(Palm Sunday) Prayer meeting in the church

Morning Worship led by Pastor Ian Moore


30 Fri 12.30pm

1.00pm

2.00pm

IFCT Good Friday walk of witness from St Johns Catholic Church to the Parish Church

IFCT Meditation Service at the Parish Church

IFCT ‘Final Hour at the Cross’ at the Parish Church

Forward Dates for April 2018

1 Sun 9.45am

10.30am


(Easter Sunday) Morning Worship with Communion, led by Revd. Ruth Mitchell

28 Sat 10.00am Annual Church Meeting in the hall, with refreshments

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Rotas for February and March 2018

Feb 4

Vestry Elder Welcoming Elder Bible Reader Door Steward Communion Servers

Bob Furley Angela Morley Tony Drake Ron Brown Trevor and Angela Morley

11 Vestry Elder Welcoming Elder Bible Reader Door Steward

Valerie Rees Trevor Morley Angela Morley Jean Mathers


June Parsons Bob Furley Trevor Morley Rosalie Mullender


Carol Brown Tony Cox Sue Furley Doreen Quinlivan

Mar 4

Vestry Elder Welcoming Elder Bible Reader Door Steward Communion Servers

Tony Cox Valerie Rees June Parsons Pauline Ficken June Parsons and Bob Furley


Bob Furley June Parsons Pat Tyson Ron Brown


Valerie Rees Carol Brown Liz Alderton Jean Mathers


June Parsons Angela Morley Tony Drake Rosalie Mullender

If any of your allotted dates are inconvenient then please swap with someone and let me know. Bible readers are asked to announce the page numbers for both the standard and large print Bibles. Thank you.

Valerie Rees

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Lectionary readings for Feb and Mar 2018 18th March Jeremiah 31:31-34 Psalm 51:1-12 Hebrews 5:5-10 John 12:20-33

25th March Isaiah 50:4-9 Psalm 31:9-16 Philippians 2:5-11 Mark 14:1-15:47

25th February Genesis 17:1-16 Psalm 22:23-31 Romans 4:13-25 Mark 8:31-38

4th March Exodus 20:1-17 Psalm 19 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 John 2:13-22

11th March Numbers 21:4-9 Psalm 107:1-22 Ephesians 2:1-10 John 3:14-21

4th February Isaiah 40:21-31 Psalm 147:1-20 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 Mark 1:29-39

11th February 2 Kings 2:1-12 Psalm 50:1-6 2 Corinthians 4:3-6 Mark 9:2-9

18th February Genesis 9:8-17 Psalm 25:1-10 Peter 3:18-22 Mark 1:9-15

2018 - celebrating the accomplishments of women.

F ebruary 2018 marks the 100th anniversary of the ‘Representation of the People Act 1918’, which entitled all men, and women over thirty years of age, who were occupiers of property or married to occupiers, to vote.

April 2018 is the sixtieth anniversary of the Life Peerages Act 1958, which allowed women to sit in the House of Lords, and July 2018 is the ninetieth anniversary of the Equal Franchise Act 1928, which gave women the right to vote at age twenty-one on the same terms as men. October 2018 represents the sixtieth anniversary of women sitting in the House of Lords for the first time, and November 2018 is the hundredth anniversary of the ‘Parliament (Qualification of Women) Act 1918’, allowing women to stand for election to the House of Commons. Finally, December 2018 is the hundredth anniversary of all men and some women voting for the first time in the general election of December 1918, which resulted in a landslide victory for Lloyd George. It took many years of campaigning, even death, to secure the rights women deserve and enjoy today. And alongside this process, women have received greater prominence and opportunity for participation in Church life. Although the Bible clearly states that ‘there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus’ (Galatians 3:28) the role of women in society and in Church has, throughout many generations, often been one of servitude. Although verses of Scripture may be used to justify this, the divine portrait of women, as painted in the Genesis narrative of the Bible, lends itself to the impression that Eve, as the culmination of the creative week, was the climactic jewel and zenith of God’s handiwork. continued on page 12

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Moreover, we are forever refreshed by God’s encounters with Sarah, Rebekah, Leah, Rachel, Miriam, Deborah, Abigail, Ruth, Esther, and other noble women, so much so that the apostle Peter directs our attention to those ‘holy women’ who ’hoped in God’ (1 Peter 3:5). Jesus' approach towards women was radically different from what was customary at the time. Women normally stayed at home and attended to domestic duties. But Jesus allowed women to travel with him and his twelve disciples (Luke 8:1-3). Jews did not speak to Samaritans, and certainly not to Samaritan women, but Jesus had a long conversation with a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well that led to her conversion (John 4:4-30, 39-42). Jewish women were generally not educated or allowed any active role in the affairs of religion. But Martha's sister, Mary, sat at Jesus' feet as a disciple while Jesus taught her. Jesus suggested that Martha do the same (Luke 10:38-42). Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, Salome, Joanna, Susanna and other women were prominent among Jesus' devoted followers. Some remained with Jesus to comfort him at his crucifixion when most of his disciples had fled in terror (Matthew 27:55-56, Mark 15:40-41). Mary Magdalene and other women were privileged to be the first to discover that Jesus had risen from the dead (Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-7; Luke 24:1-11). Many other women continue to make a vital contribution to the Church of Christ on earth. Whether they are continuing steadfastly in prayer (Acts 1:14), doing good works and deeds (Acts 9:36), showing hospitality (Acts 12:12; 16:14; 1 Timothy 5:10), teaching the word in harmony with divine authority (Acts 18:26; Titus 2:3,4), being good wives (Proverbs 31:10), rearing Godly children (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:14, 15), or accomplishing various other commendable tasks, as with the women of Suriname (see article below), let us join with them and ‘rise up and call them blessed.’

adapted from various commentaries

Women’s World day of Prayer

O n 2nd March millions of women around the world will gather together for a special day of prayer. Women from a

designated country organise the day and for 2018 the ladies from Suriname (in bold on map) lift up their voices, specifically this year, to remind us that we are caretakers of God’s creation. They are bringing to our attention the urgent need for caring at a time when more than 180 countries have signed the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. They are right to campaign in this way, especially as a com-mitment to keep our planet healthier depends on public policies implemented by governments and also on our personal lifestyles.

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A prayer for our Church

Lord, we thank you for our church,

where, week by week, we worship you.

We thank you for the vision,

and all that caused it to be

established here in Ingatestone many years ago.

We thank you for your people,

and their ministry down the years,

for the missionaries,

who first preached the gospel in this land,

and in this corner of it,

and for the first congregation

to gather in this place.

We thank you too for the great company

of those who, throughout the generations,

have worshipped within our church

and for those who do so now.

We thank you for each minister

who has served here

and for the hours of prayer, study and thought,

which has been directed by them

into the life of your family.

We thank you for those who lead us now,

in all the various forms of worship

and for all who keep the building,

maintained, clean and warm.

And together with these,

bless all who come here to worship.

May your glory always fill this house

and may our village, in which our church is set,

be open to receive, through this place,

your Guidance, your Word and your Love.

Author unknown

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B rentwood Schools Christian Worker Trust (BSCWT) are asking for prayer for the ministry of Christians who visit local schools. There will be a special day

set aside to mark this very important ministry on Sunday 4th February. Ian Kemble, the director, is well known to us, having visited us and led worship on many occasions. Those of you who support the charity financially, or by using their prayer calendar, will know how much Ian and his team rely on prayer. They have seen some wonderful answers to prayer and we wish them every blessing as they continue this vital work in our local schools.

Valerie Rees (BSCWT Rep.)

Smile for a New Tomorrow

I know why leaves are camouflage green and why most of nature remains unseen.

The prime reason in this case; the big feet of the human race.

Man’s impulse is to destroy but strangely we learn the joy

of emerald land against the sky. The feeling is good. I do know why.

Someone tells us; ’Peace on Earth’ Think not of death; have new birth.

Throw weapons away, lets start a new day.

Our last chance or we’re doomed, with a cloud shaped as a mushroom.

Forget tears and sorrow. Smile for a new tomorrow. Ron Brown

URUS at Christmas

W e enjoyed the Nativity service held jointly with pre-school on 10th December, and despite the snow, the church was full. The children, and of course the pre-school staff, sung well, much to the delight of

their parents and grandparents. The coffee and cake after the service was appreciated and made this a happy start to the Christmas season. URUS held our Christmas party on 19th December (photos right). Once again we have to thank Santa (aka Trevor Morley) for paying us a visit with presents for everyone. The format was simple, to accommodate the young ages of the children, with singing, parachute games, play time and of course party nibbles. All enjoyed themselves, young and old alike. I would like to thank Sarah and Elaine for the support that they give me in the running of URUS, and of course to my ‘team of ladies’ who conscientiously give their time each week; namely, Angela, Doreen, Pauline and Sue. Happy New Year to you all. Sue Furley

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Poor old February!

Thirty days has September,

April, June, and November.

All the rest have thirty-one

save for February, and it alone,

short-changed when they gave out the dates,

whose days are only twenty -eight!

Though, to be completely sure

in leap years it just gets one more.

It puzzles me, why should this be?

that some months have an extra three

days more than poor old February!

May? Now that I understand;

sometimes its days can be quite grand

and August too, when we get tanned!

July, when we drink cold beer,

December, full of Christmas cheer!

These months, indeed, should not be short;

but don’t you think perhaps they ought

to pick a month that’s much too long

and bolster Feb – would that be wrong?

January, month of cold and frost

improved if just one day were lost!

Or March is not so very great

to feel the loss of just one date!

The boffins and the scientists say

February can't be as long as May.

The equinox needs a certain day!

but February is just that special time

when the grip of winter rime,

weakens with the Spring ’s first sign!

So, hearken to my heartfelt plea

for a longer February!

the magazine of we preach christ united reformed church ......carolyn searle tony and clare cox tony...

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