JULY and AUGUST 2018

TOGETHER

METHODIST CHURCHES PORTISHEAD REDCLIFFE BAY High Street Queens Road

Minister: Revd Nick Moxon Office 01275 844917 Manse 01275 398881 e-mail: nickmoxon@btinternet.com

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From Rev Nick Moxon I heard a story the other day from the World cup which isheart-warming.

Japan played their first world cup game against Columbia and came out 2-1 winners but it wasn't the game that somejournalists reported on.

After the game the Japanese fans got out plastic bags and started clearing up the rubbish that they had left. They thenwent on the clear up the parts of the stadium where the op-position fans had been as well. They left the whole stadiumlitter free.

But the interesting thing was that other football fans heard about this and, not to be outdone by the Japanese fans, have started doing the same. Hopefully by the end of the world cup all of the stadiums will be left in a better state at the end of the games than when they started!

Many times in the Bible we are encouraged and called to be examples to others through our words and actions. And then there is the quote often attributed to Francis of Assisi (but almost certainly didn't come from him) ‘Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary.’

When people know we go to church they often look at us tosee how we act or speak. Many, especially in the media, look out for, what they call ‘the hypocrisy of Christians’ - people acting ‘like the rest of us’ and not the ‘holier than thou’ brigade they think we are.

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‘Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary’. How you live your life in amongst family, friends and neigh-bours makes a difference. Our acts of kindness and grace make a difference. It has a knock on affect. It has been proven that you are more likely to do something good or nice for someone if you have recently been on the receiv-ing end of an act of kindness and grace.

Let’s continue and develop this revolution of doing good deeds to those around us. And as we do God’s love and presence will be known.

God bless Nick

July

1st Sunday 10.30 am All Together Worship (Portishead) Rev Nick Moxon

10.30 am Morning Service (Redcliffe Bay) Rev Peter Mortlock 3.30 pm Messy Church (Redcliffe Bay) Rev Nick Moxon 2nd Monday 9.30 am Little Stars Toddler Group (Redcliffe Bay) 11.00 am Hymn singing at The Haven 3rd Tuesday 9.30 am Prayers; 10.00 am Coffee and Chat (Portished)

2.30 pm Hymn Singing (Cambrian Lodge) 4th Wednesday 9.30 - 11.30 am Wesley Toddlers (Portishead) 5th Thursday 10.00 am Baycon Butty Club (Redcliffe Bay)

7.30 pm Choir Practice (Portishead)

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6th Friday 8.00 pm Quiz Night (BS20 Slade Road) 7th Saturday 9.00 am Prayers for the World and Community (Portishead)

10.00 am - 12.00 Coffee and Chat (Portishead) 8th Sunday 10.30 am Morning Service (Portishead) Mr David Eggleston

10.30 am Morning Service to include Holy Communion (Redcliffe Bay) Rev Nick Moxon 12.30 pm Annual Church Barbecue (Redcliffe Bay)

9th Monday 9.30 am Little Stars Toddler Group (Redcliffe Bay) 10th Tuesday 9.30 am Prayers; 10.00 am Coffee and Chat (Portishead)

10.00 am Holy Communion (Redcliffe Bay) Rev Nick Moxon 10.30 am Coffee for All (Redcliffe Bay)

11th Wednesday 9.30 - 11.30 am Wesley Toddlers (Portishead) 12th Thursday 7.30 pm Choir Practice (Portishead)13th Friday 5.30 – 7.00 pm Junior Youth Café (Portishead) 14th Saturday 10.00 am– 2.00 pm Community Fun Day (Redcliffe Bay)

10.00 am - 12.00 Coffee and Chat (Portishead)15th Sunday 10.30 am Morning Service to include Holy Communion

(Portishead) Rev Nick Moxon 10.30 am Morning Service (Redcliffe Bay) Rev David Harris

16th Monday 9.30 am Little Stars Toddler Group (Redcliffe Bay) 17th Tuesday 9.30 am Prayers; 10.00 am Coffee and Chat (Portishead) 18th Wednesday 9.30 - 11.30 am Wesley Toddlers (Portishead) 19th Thursday 7.30 pm Choir Practice (Portishead) 21st Saturday 9.30 am - noon Working Party (Redcliffe Bay)

10.00 am – 12.00 Coffee and Chat (Portishead)22nd Sunday 10.30 am All Age Worship (Portishead) Rev Peter Mortlock 10.30 am Morning Service (Redcliffe Bay) Mr Martin Buckley24th Tuesday 9.30 am Prayers; 10.00 am Coffee and Chat (Portishead)

10.30 am Coffee for All (Redcliffe Bay) 26th Thursday 7.30 pm Choir Practice (Portishead)28th Saturday 10.00 am – 12.00 Coffee and Chat (Portishead)29th Sunday 10.30 am Morning Service (Portishead) Mr Martin Buckley

10.30 am Morning Service (Redcliffe Bay) Rev Philip Auden31st Tuesday 9.30 am Prayers; 10.00 am Coffee and Chat (Portishead)

11.00 am Hymn Singing at Waverley Court 2.00 pm Hymn Singing at Norewood Lodge

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August

2nd Thursday 10.00 am Baycon Butty Club (Redcliffe Bay) 7.30 pm Choir Practice (Portishead)

4th Saturday 9.00 am Prayers for the World and Community (Portishead)10.00 am - 12.00 Coffee and Chat (Portishead)

5th Sunday 10.30 am Morning Service (Portishead) 10.30 am Morning Service to include Holy Communion

(Redcliffe Bay) Rev David Harris 7th Tuesday 9.30 am Prayers; 10.00 am Coffee and Chat (Portishead) 9th Thursday 7.30 pm Choir Practice (Portishead)11th Saturday 10.00 am - 12.00 Coffee and Chat (Portishead)12th Sunday 10.30 am Morning Service to include Holy Communion

(Portishead) Rev Peter Mortlock 10.30 am Morning Service (Redcliffe Bay) Rev Nick Moxon

14th Tuesday 9.30 am Prayers; 10.00 am Coffee and Chat (Portishead) 10.00 am Holy Communion (Redcliffe Bay) Rev Nick Moxon 10.30 am Coffee for All (Redcliffe Bay)

16th Thursday 7.30 pm Choir Practice (Portishead) 18th Saturday 9.30 am - noon Working Party (Redcliffe Bay)

10.00 am – 12.00 Coffee and Chat (Portishead)19th Sunday 10.30 am Morning Service (Portishead) Rev Nick Moxon 10.30 am Morning Service (Redcliffe Bay)

Rev Heather Noel-Smith 21st Tuesday 9.30 am Prayers; 10.00 am Coffee and Chat (Portishead) 23rd Thursday 7.30 pm Choir Practice (Portishead)25th Saturday 10.00 am – 12.00 Coffee and Chat (Portishead)26th Sunday 10.30 am Morning Service (Portishead) Rev Ian Bowley

10.30 am Morning Service (Redcliffe Bay) Rev Nick Moxon28th Tuesday 9.30 am Prayers; 10.00 am Coffee and Chat (Portishead)

11.00 am Hymn Singing at Waverley Court 2.00 pm Hymn Singing at Norewood Lodge

30th Thursday 7.30 pm Choir Practice (Portishead)

September1st Saturday 9.00 am Prayers for the World and Community (Portishead)

10.00 am – 12.00 Coffee and Chat (Portishead)2nd Sunday 10.30 am Morning Service (Portishead) 10.30 am Morning Service (Redcliffe Bay)

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QUIZ NIGHT As part of the fund raising for Orla’s gap year in India a Quiz Nightwill be held at BS20 (Slade Road) on Friday 6th July 8.00 pm. Teamsof six £18, plus a raffle with some fantastic prizes, To book yourteam, please contact the Minister.

JOHN WESLEY’S CHAPEL - THE NEW ROOM Holy Communion is celebrated each Friday at1,00 pm. The Bristol Hippodrome Choir will be stagingtheir Summer Concert at the New Room on 6thJuly. This popular choir, led by Victoria Bourne,is completely made up of volunteers who meetweekly at the Bristol Hippodrome and othervenues. The Summer Concert includes well known jazz, pop and folkclassics and well loved songs from musicals like Grease. The concertstarts at 7.30pm. Tickets are £8 (£5 concs) and are available fromwww.bristolhippodromechoir.com

Folk at the New Room presents Daniel and Emma Reid, Thursday12th July, 7.30pm (doors 7pm, cafe open from 6.30pm) –Unreserved seating. Tickets available in the New Room shop,on Eventbrite (online booking fee applies), or on the door. Adult£14 / £12 Advance. Concessions £12 / £10 Advance.

Daniel Reid • soprano and baritone saxophones, piano, accordion,vocalsEmma Reid • fiddle, Hardanger fiddle, viola, vocals

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GENERAL NEWS

“It doesn’t matter what they play, its passion, intimate and of highquality.”– FolkworldSweden-based Daniel & Emma Reid release their third album, LifeContinuum, and embark on a two-month long caravan tour, includingEngland, Scotland, Wales, Sweden and Germany. The duo-coupleperform self-penned tunes, traditional material and songs from bothScandinavia and the British Isles, all with a remarkably close andspontaneous interaction. The eclectic mix of instruments and vocalscombined with sheer musical brilliance makes for incredibly varied,evocative performances. Daniel & Emma Reid are two of the busiestmusicians in Sweden and have toured as theatre musicians and infolk and world music bands for the last 20 years. Their previousalbums have received rave reviews and radio air on both sides of theNorth Sea. Daniel & Emma Reid have collaborated with manyoutstanding international musicians, including Ian Carr, Nikolaj Busk(Dreamers Circus), Roger Tallroth (Väsen) and Eskisehir SymphonyOrchestra (Turkey).

PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT OF CONFERENCE Rev Michaela Youngson is President, and Bala Gnanapragasam is Vice-President, for 2018 -2019 Michaela has beenChair of the LondonDistrict since 2012.With a passion forsocial justice and fordeveloping strongecumenicalrelationships,Michaela iscommitted toworking within thediverse and richcontext of the

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Connexion. She is a regular contributor to the BBC Radio 2 Early Breakfast Show's 'Pause for Thought'."I am delighted and humbled at the confidence shown in me by members of the Conference. The context of mission for the Methodist Church is challenging and exciting and I feel hugely privileged to be able to contribute to that in a new way," said Michaela. Bala Gnanapragasam believes strongly in mission and social justice. He serves on the board of Christian Aid and MHA (formerly known asMethodist Homes for the Aged). He is also a trustee of the London HIV/Aids Chaplaincy. He was the first Synod Secretary for the London District. Born in Sri Lanka, Bala came to the UK in the 1960s and has previously served as an elected councillor for the London Borough of Lewisham. He has also served as the Chair of University Hospital Lewisham. Bala said: "It is both humbling and an honour to be elected to this position. I look forward to serving our great Church."The role of President of the Methodist Conference is reserved forpresbyters (ministers) and Vice-President for lay people or deacons.

“A BENEFIT SYSTEM WHICH DRIVES FAMILIES INTO DEBT AND LEAVES PEOPLE HUNGRY IS A FAILING BENEFIT SYSTEM” SAY CHURCHES Speaking on behalf of the BaptistUnion, the Church of Scotland, theMethodist Church and the UnitedReformed Church, Paul Morrisoncommented on the release of theNational Audit Office (NAO) report,Rolling out Universal Credit, saying, “Churches have repeatedly expressedconcerns about Universal Credit and the damaging effects it is havingon communities. The NAO’s findings are deeply concerning but not asurprise.” The NAO report states that Universal Credit is not value for money,

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failing to meet its financial objectives. Most importantly it is the firstofficial document to take seriously the concerns of claimants andacknowledge the problems they are facing. Churches around the country are supporting people who areaffected by Universal Credit. It is clear that lives are being damagedby Universal Credit. Paul explained: “I met a single mum at a parent and toddlers' group in WestLondon. She cried when she told me about her experience ofUniversal Credit. She is worse off, struggling to make ends meet andas a result has to stop her childcare course at college. “The policythat cut her benefits was intended to “incentivise work”. In reality itmade her life more difficult and closed down her opportunities. Herstory is sadly unexceptional. “Half of people receiving Universal Credit report going into debt.This is the result of delayed, inadequate, and irregular payments. Itmakes budgeting impossible and can make debt inevitable. TheDWP’s own figures show that 4 in 10 people reported seriousfinancial difficulties, whilst 1 in 10 waited more than 11 weeks forpayment. In Universal Credit areas foodbank use went up 52%,whereas in other areas it was 13%. The case is incontrovertible.Universal Credit is failing, and the poorest are suffering theconsequences. "A benefit system which drives families into debt and leaves themhungry is a failing benefit system. “Universal Credit was designed bypeople who were highly literate, with access to computers and a fullbank account. As soon as the system met people who didn’t fit thismodel it began to fail. “Until the voice of those who use the benefitsystem is listened to and valued, Universal Credit will continue tocause harm to the communities it is meant to serve." The Churches call on the Government to:• halt the roll-out of Universal Credit• commission independent research into the effects of UniversalCredit• engage with the people who use the system to design an approachthat meets their needs.

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Join us to pray for freedom to come to thosewhose lives are restricted by poverty andinjustice.Freedom from discrimination:Cultural practices in Jharkhand state, India,

which have become embedded over generations, are keeping womenconfined to their home and subject to the control of their husbands.All We Can is working with these women, informing them of theirrights and giving them ways to gain freedom by making a secureincome and taking on positions of influence.

Please pray for the women being supported by All We Can, that theymay gain strength from joining with other women and find freedomas they step out to claim their rights and take on positions ofinfluence.

Freedom from violence: Rohingya refugees are stillarriving from Myanmar to camps inBangladesh. They speak of theviolence they have witnessed andthe trials of their journey. All WeCan is responding to their physicaland psychosocial needs.

Please pray for people to findhealing from the horror they have faced and dignity in such chaotic and harsh circumstances.

Freedom from poverty: In Malawi, many farmers feel trapped in a cycle of poverty as theirharvests fail due to insufficient rainfall. All We Can is helping thesefarmers to break free of this cycle through the introduction of solarirrigation. This work is the focus of All We Can’s Harvest Appeal2018,Please pray for the farmers in Malawi struggling to feed their familiesdue to failed harvests, may they start to experience a change as theywork hard on the land which is now benefitting from solar irrigation.

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PrayerGod, our liberatorThank you for being on the side of those who are oppressedYou know the situation of all people and the chains that bind themWe pray for our brothers and sisters across the worldMay they be free from the clasps of discrimination, hunger, violenceand povertyHelp us to be inspired by your Son, to act in ways that set thecaptives freeIn Jesus’ name we pray Amen

THE LIGHTHOUSE CAFÉ AT ST NICHOLASCHURCH Run by members of the Anglican and URC,, theLighthouse Café is open to all every Thursday 2.00to 4.00 pm:

• delicious home-made cakes, tea and coffee, • a place to meet friends, • a community hub and information point, • a space and time you can help shape and, if

you need it a listening ear.

For more information please contact cafe@portisheadparish.co.uk, or call 01275 846230

OPERA at ST PETER’S There will be a performance of Dido and Aeneas by Purcell at StPeter’s Church on Tuesday 14th August starting at 7.30 pm

HEALTH AND WELL-BEING SESSIONS FOR OLDER ADULTS Get fitter, feel better, improve your balance, meet new people andhave a laugh. AgeUK are arranging sessions in Portished: Breath Stretch and Flex – Tuesdays 11.15 am – 12.15 pm Extend Movement to Music – Tuesdays 10.00 – 11.00 am and Thursdays 11.00 am – noon all at the Wesley Centre, £4

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Flexercise – at Hanover House, Waverley Court and St. Peter’s LodgeMovement to Music at Avonway Hall For more information contact Nikki 07530 777895 or e-mailnikki.smith@aguksomerset.org.ukVolunteers to help are also needed.

HYMN DROP IN The Hymn Drop in sessions at Redcliffe Bay Methodist Church aretaking a summer break and will restart on 25th September, then on30th October and 27th November.

Office:01275 844917 Website www.portisheadmethodistchurch.co.uk On Twitter : Follow@PortisheadMC

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP We said a fond farewell to Mary Pain as she stepped down assecretary of the Portishead Women’s Fellowship after 23 years in theroll. She’s going to be sadly missed. Mary had made sure we hadspeakers, biscuits, tea, coffee and birthday cards week after weekand year after year. Nick presented Mary with an orchid, bush rose &cards from the church and Women’s Fellowship as a show of ourappreciation for her dedication to the group. Nick read from Acts 16the account of Lydia who gathered other women together to worshipGod and suggested this could have been the first women’sfellowship, a wonderful thought. This is what Mary did, she gatheredus together each week to worship the Lord, to share in fellowship

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PORTISHEAD

and she took great care of each and every one of us. We ended theafternoon with communion. Looking ahead:- We intend to have a summer tea, date to be decided. Our next Wednesday meeting will be 3rd October at 2.30 pm whenwe will be planning in detail our way forward.

Sheila

YOUTH EVENT The next meeting will be on Friday

12th July 5.30 – 7.00 pm for primaryage children. All Welcome.

Website: www.redcliffebaymethodistchurch.org.uk

NEWS OF THE FAMILY David Baker was home 9 days after his hip replacement, but aftera week he developed an infection, was returned to hospital where hesadly died on 15th June. We remember David’s support for theChurch over the years and pray for Doris who misses him very muchand for the family. Cremation will be at South Bristol Crematorium at12.00 on Monday 9th July followed by a Thanksgiving Service atRedcliffe Bay at 1.30 pm.

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REDCLIFFE BAY

Marjorie Legge has also needed a hospital stay for a fractured arm.

BAYCON BUTTY CLUB The next meetings for men are on Thursday 5th July and 2nd August. Any time between 10.00 am – 12.00.

MESSY CHURCH AND TEDDY BEARS’ SERVICE Sunday 1st July 3.30 pm.

ANNUAL BARBECUE 12.30 pm on Sunday 8th July. A list of food needed is at the backof the Church - please help.

NEW CHURCH CHAIRS All the chairs in the Church have beenreplaced and for the first time chairs witharms are available for any who find iteasier to stand up with this type of chair. The first use was on the Sunday whenCommunion and the Annual ChurchMeeting were part of the service.

COMMUNITY FUN DAY Saturday 14th July 10.00 am to 2.00 pm Helpers needed towelcome visitors and to serve refreshments. Sign up lists are at theback of the Church

WORKING PARTY The monthly Saturday morning Working Parties are on 21st Julyand 18th August. It’s mostly keeping the garden tidy. Comebetween 9.30 am and noon for as short or long a period as you canspare.

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PRAYER CHAIN To take part, or if there is a prayer need,please contact Sue Mason Tel. 849553.

POSTSCRIPTS

An archaeologist was digging in the Negev Desert in Israel andcame upon a casket containing a mummy. After examining it, hecalled the curator of a prestigious natural-history museum. "I'vejust discovered a 3,000 year-old mummy of a man who died ofheart failure!" the excited scientist exclaimed. To which the curator replied, "Bring him in. We'll check it out." A week later, the amazed curator called the archaeologist. "Youwere right about the mummy's age and cause of death. How inthe world did you know?" "Easy. There was a piece of paper in his hand that said, '10,000Shekels on Goliath'."

A flood was on its way, forcing everyone to evacuate. The police rowed up to themost pious woman in town and said, "Ma'am, you have to leave this house! Peopleare dying out here!"The woman replied, "No, I'm not leaving. God has always helped me before, and Hewill do it again." So as the water started to rise, she went to the second story of her house.Another boat came by, and the captain yelled, "Ma'am, you have to get on thisboat or you're going to drown!" The woman replied again, "No, God helped me before, and He will do it again." The water rose even higher. This time she went to the top of the roof, where ahelicopter came and hovered overhead. The pilot called into his loudspeaker,"Please climb aboard, ma'am. You are going to drown!"

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The women sniffed and again replied, "God is going to save me!" But the water rose higher, and soon she drowned. She went to Heaven, and thereshe asked God, "Why didn't you save me, O Lord?" And God replied, "I did help--I sent you two boats and a helicopter!"

During the minister's prayer one Sunday, there was a loud whistle from one of the back pews. Gary's mother was horrified. She pinchedhim into silence, and after church, asked: "Gary, whatever made youdo such a thing?" Gary answered soberly: "I asked God to teach me to whistle... And He just then did!"

Authors unknown

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Please pass copy for the September issue to Ray Burgin, 11 Hillcrest Rd. Portishead BS20 8HS e-mail rayburgin@hotmail.co.uk Tel. 844115 by SUNDAY 26th August