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Week beginning Sunday 10th May

BLANDFORD METHODIST CHURCH

THE LINK Linking us all together by keeping us in touch

Minister:

Reverend Pauline Crispin (Tel: 01202 883461)

Pastoral Support:

Joyce Wild: (Tel: 01258

We were planning a celebration for Blandford church anniversary on May 10th followed by a lunch and an opportunity for folk to offer donations for the life and witness of the church. However, we live in changing times and therefore none of this has been able to happen. We can still nevertheless reflect on what it means for us to be a church in this neighbourhood. Few of us like change. We may think we do, we may imagine that, unlike former generations, we are open to new ideas and that we are safe from becoming stuck in a rut. But the fact is that all of us, as the years go by, develop attachments to particular ways of doing things and we find other ways of doing things difficult to accept. We can grow used to a hymn book, a version of the Bible, a pattern of worship, a particular minister and so much else, to the point that we can give such things a sacredness of their own. Yet change is inevitable, painful though it may sometimes be. Whilst it must not dilute its central message, the Church must nonetheless adapt or die. This is not to say that we should welcome change for change’s sake, nor that we should abandon all of the old in favour of the new, but we must be ready to build on the past and where necessary, to let go and embrace the future. Over the years, however, Methodism has seen many changes in Blandford and has managed them all. Methodism was first established in Blandford in the late 19th Century in the Albert Street Chapel (now used by the evangelical church). This was a Primitive Methodist Chapel. That isn’t to say they were Prehistoric! It means that they were part of a major offshoot of the principal stream of Methodism - the Wesleyan Methodists - in 19th Century Britain. The Primitives focused attention on the role of lay people. They stressed simplicity in their chapels and their worship and concentrated their mission on the rural poor. The Primitive Methodists stressed the political implications of their Christian discipleship, all of which we can still see as characteristics of Blandford Church in current times. By 1917 Blandford was a circuit which included many local chapels in surrounding villages. In 1923 it became the Blandford and Sturminster Circuit which included places between the two centres. By the mid-20th Century Blandford was in the Stour Valley Circuit. In 1990 the Stour Valley Circuit split and Blandford came into the Wimborne Circuit. Then in 2012 the Circuits

were again reformed into the Christchurch and Wimborne Circuit, which is where we find ourselves today. Blandford is a church that has moved circuits many times, which shows its strength in managing and surviving change. We can nevertheless celebrate that past generations had the vision and faith to build this place of worship. The current situation of this lockdown is already stimulating theological reflection. With so much of our taken-for-granted life suspended, what might God be saying to the world, to the church, and to our communities, at this point? The lockdown may allow space for longer-term thinking and preparations to be made for a new phase of ministry and church to emerge. Amongst the challenges, some new energy, direction and creativity might be released that helps shape the future in unexpected ways. Every Blessing, Pauline A prayer Gracious God, we think of those whose vision it was to first start this church, We thank you for all who have contributed to the life of this church, We remember those who have served as ministers, Thanking you for the guidance, leadership and pastoral care each has offered. We remember those who have held positions of responsibility within this fellowship, Thanking you for the faithful work they have performed among us. We think of those who have worked behind the scenes, often unnoticed; thanking you for their contribution. Teach us to build on the heritage you have given us. Save us from ever growing complacent, from becoming a people with no vision. Save us from becoming closed to all that is new and different, from turning in on ourselves, or from being divided in our goals. Give us a vision of the ways you can use us. Help us to dream of what your Church can be and to work with your Holy Spirit towards fulfilling that dream. Gracious God, for all that has been done, and all that shall be done, we give you our thanks, trusting in your continuing blessing. Amen.

Church Anniversary: Sunday 10th May

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Dear Friends

Once again, I hope this edition of The Link finds you all safe and well. It has been a disappointment not to have been able to celebrate together the church’s anniversary this weekend, but I am sure we will be able to celebrate

together once this crisis has eased and we are allowed to meet up again.

There is plenty to read in this week’s Link, so my thanks go to all who have contributed. Pauline has kindly sent in a service sheet for Sunday, which is attached.

Please let me have any news for the Link - it was lovely to receive an email from Lenore this week, and as Sheila has written in her article, all news, even to reminiscence, is good to share with everyone.

Email me at mags@woodview.me.uk by Friday 15th May.

With every blessing, Margaret Cornish

Bible Study: Proverbs Ch 1-9

I wonder how many times you have said these words to someone, “A stitch in time saves nine; too many cooks spoil the broth; curiosity killed the cat, or an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” These short, common sayings or phrases are known as proverbs and they give advice, share a universal truth, impart wisdom and are practical suggestions for everyday living. Proverbs are written in couplets and can be contrasting, comparing and complementing using key words like “but, as, also, and, better, than,” but all contain deep spiritual insights drawn from experience. Over the next few weeks our Bible study will focus on the Book of Proverbs which is divided up into three sections. The first section was written by King Solomon in his early years as King of Israel. However, the second two sections were written by others but collected by Solomon. Agur, a wise teacher, and King Lemuel who, it was believed, received wise teaching from his mother are two of those who contributed sayings.

Ch 1 to Ch 9 Wisdom for Young People Ch 10 to Ch 24 Wisdom for all People Ch 25 to Ch 31 Wisdom for Leaders

The word proverb comes from a Hebrew word that means, “To rule or to govern”. Therefore, the themes drawn out from the thirty-one chapters encompass wisdom, relationships, speech, work and success and give us an insight into how, as believers, we can live daily life in a godly manner. The proverbs show us God’s character, works and blessings and they tell us how we can live in close relationship with Him. Equally a proverb calls us to action and Ch3:5 and 6 is a great example of this. As you read through and digest the material found in this book of the Bible why not challenge yourself to learn a proverb of your choice each week? Memorised portions of scripture are a valuable tool for everyday life. When Solomon became King, he was asked by God what tools he needed to do the job. Solomon didn’t ask for wealth or fame: he asked for a discerning heart so

he could rule over God’s people. Remember the story of the ladies who came before him with a dispute over a child - that was a great example of God giving wisdom in action (1Kings Ch3 v 16-28). In the first section Solomon emphasised the need for wisdom. Why? Because the person who has God’s wisdom and applies it to everyday life is loving, faithful, trusts in the Lord, puts God first, turns away from evil, knows what is right and wrong, listens and learns and does what is right. Also, in Chapters 1 to 9 we are shown the source of wisdom, the value of wisdom and the benefits of wisdom. Solomon understood that as a parent his responsibility was to encourage his children to become wise. He didn’t want them to be led astray by sexual desires or friends, neither did he want them to be lazy which equally could cause them to be vulnerable to temptations. God has given us a fantastic strategy for living. It begins with respecting and appreciating who God is, trusting in God allowing his word to speak to us as individuals and being willing to obey what he asks of us. Solomon, though addressing young people, could have been speaking to any of us. We can choose light and wisdom by following God or live in darkness and sin by ignoring him. Question 1: Proverbs 3:5 and 6 tells us to lean on the Lord and not on our own understanding. In the light of these words do we need to reassess our position? Question 2: Proverbs’ key theme is that “the fear of the Lord is beginning of knowledge.” Do we have respect and reverence for God, and do we spend time reading his Word so that we can live accordingly? Question 3: Wisdom appeals first to the mind, folly appeals to the senses. The pleasures of folly are temporary but the satisfaction that wisdom brings lasts forever. God and love for sin can not coexist. We are human and we do things wrong so in what ways can we come before God and ask for his forgiveness? Are we changed by his response?

Joyce Wild

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A service for Sunday at home (from the Methodist Church)

In an attempt to protect people from the coronavirus, we have asked people not to travel to churches. We hope the options below will provide you with an opportunity to worship. Wesley’s Chapel, London who will live-stream from the chapel (the Minister lives on the premises) Sundays 11.00 am: www.youtube.com/channel/UCUAUqhmhevz5sqhh72LIMxA Swan Bank Methodist Church in Burslem: this worship will be studio-based - with strict distancing rules being followed. Sundays 10.30 am: www.youtube.com/user/SwanBank and www.facebook.com/swanbank/ Methodist Central Hall Westminster Sundays 11.00 am: www.youtube.com/mchwevents To join in a very different worship experience, try Sthie (‘At Home’) from the Isle of Man. Join in live on Sundays by joining a Facebook group. For details see www.andyfishburne.com/2020/03/15/sthie-at-home-online-worship/ You can watch previous live-streamed videos at www.youtube.com/andyfishburne A link for Sunday’s worship sheet is shown below. https://www.methodist.org.uk/media/17028/10-may-worship-if-you-are-unable-to-attend-church.pdf Morning Prayers 9:00 am Monday-Friday - from Wesley House Cambridge: www.facebook.com/wesleycambridge. Resources for following the prayers and readings are available at: www.wesley.cam.ac.uk/prayer-space/ 10:00 Monday-Friday - from Wesley’s Chapel London: www.youtube.com/channel/UCUAUqhmhevz5sqhh72LIMxA Resources for personal prayer and Bible study from the Methodist Church in Britain Daily Prayers from the Methodist Prayer Handbook A Word in Time daily Bible Study Take Time, produced by Reigate Methodist Church, has many themed meditations on topics such as anxiety www.taketime.org.uk Other Resources: Pray As You Go are producing a daily retreat for people socially isolating: www.pray-as-you-go.org/retreat/pray-as-you-stay

Sunday Morning Service: A new way to worship On Sunday 3rd May, Mags and I hooked up our laptop to the TV to watch the Sunday Morning Service at 11.00 am which was being streamed live from the Methodist Central Hall Westminster. We have previously enjoyed Sunday Services from other sources, but Joyce had emailed to everyone (thanks to Eric) to say that Deacon Alison McMillan would be taking part in the service on the 3rd. In fact, Alison (or Ali as she is now called in London) gave the Reflection: her thoughts on the first three of the Beatitudes. It was a real joy to hear and see Alison as it was obvious just how much she has matured and grown in her delivery of the Word. Naturally, all those who took part in the service were linked to the Central Hall by video link. I don’t know how many tuned in to the service, but I can imagine that Alison (can’t get used to calling her ‘Ali’) never imagined she would have such a nation-wide congregation - quite a change from the size of congregation in Blandford! The hymns were all from Singing the Faith with the words displayed on the screen, very much like Chris does for us each Sunday, and were sung by the Central Hall Choir. This recording will stay on the Methodist Church’s website for a few weeks – so if you did miss it you can probable catch up by visiting www.youtube.com/mchwevents, and scrolling down to ’Recent Events’ where you will find all their recent recordings of services. This gives great flexibility for us all to be part of a service at any time of the day or night - or even twice on Sundays. As I understand it, these live records from Methodist Central Hall Westminster will continue during the course of the current lockdown. Who knows this may be the way that whilst this current pandemic remains untamed with no antibiotics or vaccines on the near horizon we can stay apart yet worship together.

John Cornish

Christian Aid Week It is Christian Aid Week from 10th -16th May. Christian Aid has sent through a couple of documents (attached) which might be of help and interest. One attachment is of sermon notes written in the light of the coronavirus pandemic which you may find useful for personal devotion. The other attachment is of a series of prayers for the world from Christian Aid. You can find more resources at caweek.org/virtualresources Joyce Wild

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How are you filling your spare time?

It has been lovely to hear from you with ways in which you have been filling your spare time. And this week Sheila and Andy are sharing their past week with us.

The Coronavirus Quiz—Results A really big thank you to Roy and Jean, Sue (John’s sister), John, Margaret and Sheila for their entries for The Coronavirus Quiz. I could tell by the number of answers on each list that those little grey cells had been working overtime. The longest word to come from the title with eleven letters was carnivorous found by both Sheila and Roy and Jean. My grateful thanks to all those who took part - a valiant effort from all of you. But the winner with an amazing 1,147 words was Sheila. Sheila admits her father gave her a passion for, and a fascination with, the English Language and it has certainly paid off. You star. Congratulations from everyone at Blandford Methodist Church. Joyce Wild

Tears, smiles and Laughter

Each day we count our blessings. Last week was no exception. We were thankful for each other. Thankful for family and friends, thankful we could talk to them on the phone and FaceTime, send emails to each other and see photographs of family events and beautiful gardens. We were thankful for our home. We are relatively fit and healthy, although the first hour in the morning is a bit dodgy with our backs and knees! Time is not dragging. As you know, Andy is working from home and I have become his unofficial PA. Most of Monday through to Friday is filled with work related activities. We both have several hobbies. But, last week we really struggled with the lockdown. We were missing being with people, spending time with others. Andy’s son, Tom, lost his brother-in-law at 36 with Motor Neurone disease. He leaves a wife and two year old son. He was living in Sweden, so none of the family could spend time with him at the end. We could only comfort Tom and his family on the phone. Saturday came and so did the Link. We laughed and cried with Tina. Bless you, Tina, for your honesty! We smiled at your description of home schooling. We egged you on with frying those two eggs. We loved the fact that Alan and Margaret put on their best clothes, blew out candles and ate cake with their family on Zoom. We smiled at David’s jokes. Well, actually, I groaned and Andy chuckled. Gosh, my admiration (sympathy) for Joyce grows by the day! These contribution gave us both an idea. Don’t reach for the bottle (non alcoholic) Joyce! We are not going to encourage David. We wondered if some of you could write an article about your childhood memories, jobs, careers, places you have lived, funny incidents, life changing events. Tina, there must have been some amusing incidents with your time pig farming! How well do we really know each other? Church life can get busy. Sometimes there is little time to talk, really talk. One of our lovely memories from 2019, was sitting with Grahame and Christine in the warm sunshine at BMC at the Stride and Ride event. We had just finished our stint and were handing over to Grahame and Christine. For the next two hours, Grahame and Andy reminisced about the Wimborne circuit, special events and services, ministers that had come and gone, local preachers, characters we have loved and lost, chapels which are now closed. For Christine and myself, who married our husbands later in life, it was fascinating, amusing and a real revelation. So, reach for those keyboards! Perhaps we can get to know each other even better in the lockdown! If you are not online, I am sure Joyce and David will willingly pick up any contributions when they deliver your copy of the Link. We are looking forward to hearing from you. Please, please, has anybody got some good jokes?!!!

Andy and Sheila

Inspirational video

I have come across the following video which I have found particularly inspirational. I hope, when you listen to it, you will also find inspiration - and truth in the poem on the video. When you take your daily exercise are you now finding that people who you never knew before are smiling at you and saying ‘hello’? We are having to learn many new lessons at the moment—let’s pray that we are able to take some of these lessons forward into the future when this current crises passes and we have the new ‘normal’. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baNehjl8RzU

Lenore Blair

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Name that Hymn Quiz How well do you know your hymns? Below are one or two lines from well-known hymns. Can you guess the first line of each hymn? 1. . . . close by me for ever, and love me, I pray

2. . . . for your endless mercy follows me, your goodness will lead me home.

3. . . . and lips that we might tell how great is God Almighty

4. . . . but it is fed and watered by God’s almighty hand;

5. . . . lovingly he greats us scatters fear and gloom

6. . . . and keep us in his grace, and guide us when perplexed

7. . . . knowing you, there is no great thing You’re my all

8. . . . above its sad and lowly plains they bend on hovering wings

9. . . . is shining all around; he burns with holy fire

10. . . . cumbered with a load of care? Precious Saviour, still our refuge

11. . . . folded the grave clothes, tomb filled with light, as the angels announce Christ is risen!

12. . . . self on the cross and Christ upon the throne; past put behind us, for the future take us

Margaret Cornish Answers on page 9

Fishing for Hope Following the piece in the Link the other week (Sunday 29th March), Jackie has been busy, displaying her artistic side and using different techniques to produce fish! The shoal is gradually going to Joyce - I think she has plans for using them when we are active again. Eric and Jackie Brown

Books of the Bible Quiz How well do you know your books of the Bible? The quiz below was sent in by John’s sister, Dorothy, and there are 16 books of the Bible to find in the prose below. John’s sister, Sue, is desperately frustrated as she can only find 15. How well can you do? (Sorry—no prizes for this and no answers, either!)

I once made a remark about the hidden books of the bible (merely by a fluke). It kept people looking so hard for the facts it was a revelation. Some were in a jam especially since the name of the books were not capitalised, but the truth finally struck home to numbers of readers. To others it was a real job. We want it to be a most fascinating few moments for you. Yes , there will be some really easy ones to spot. Others may require judges to help them. I will quickly admit it usually takes a minister to find one of them, and there will be loud lamentations when it is found. A lady says she brews a cup of tea so she can concentrate better. See how well you can compete. Relax now.

Margaret Cornish

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Some thoughts on the Lectionary Readings for the second service – Year A, Easter 5 Lectionary Readings: Zechariah 4: 1-10, Revelation 21: 1-14 and Luke 2: 25-32 (33-38) First reaction – what a disparate set of readings, there is no obvious connection. I must confess that there are times when I struggle with Lectionary readings, can I see any link? It reminds me of a Sunday during my teaching exchange year in Australia. I was preaching at my adopted church for the year. I commented to the minister that it was sometimes hard to see a link, and was surprised to be told there isn’t supposed to be any connection; it is just a way of covering the Biblical text in public worship. I still hope, with our Lectionary, to be able to link at least two of the readings! Starting to do a little background reading I realised that there is a common theme running through all three readings this week – it is a theme of Revelation. A question to ponder – is “Revelation” limited to those in the pages of the Bible or is it something still to be experienced today? We look at the three readings, starting with Zechariah. The reading is still concerned with the rebuilding of the Temple by those Jews who have returned from Babylon. “The gold lampstand and the two olive trees” was the fifth of eight visions that Zechariah received in a single night. This vision is one of encouragement to Joshua, the High Priest, and to Zerubbabel, the Governor, in leading and supervising the construction work. There is copious oil, symbolizing the fullness of God’s power through his Spirit – seven channels to each of the seven lamps giving 49 wicks in all! Oil also poured from the olive trees (verses 11-12). To the Jews, seven was the number of fullness or completeness. When Zechariah asks the angel the meaning of the vision, the answer is that key verse mentioned last week: So he (the angel) said to me, ‘This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty. …….. Not by our own human might, not by our own human power, but through the Spirit of the Lord. Our second reading is obviously a Revelation – the very name of the book where it is found! In chapter 1 we read that it was on the Lord’s Day in Patmos – a Roman penal colony – that the apostle John was caught up in a huge spiritual vision. Our reading comes from Chapter 21, the penultimate chapter in the Bible. Through the chapters there are many different parts to the Vision. When we come to chapter 21, John is seeing a New Heaven, a New Earth and a New Jerusalem. The Lord – seated on His throne – proclaims that He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. There are also cautionary words in this passage: Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.

8 But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practise magic arts, the idolaters and all liars – they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulphur. This is the second death.’ I remember a school chaplain who often left us with the impression that “We will all get there in the end – by whatever route”! Rather, let us share in the words and sentiments expressed by Charles Wesley in one of his hymns:

Arm me with jealous care, As in Thy sight to live; And O Thy servant, Lord, prepare A strict account to give!

The Gospel reading from Luke records what happened when Mary and Joseph presented Jesus at the Temple in order to fulfil the Jewish Law. The person who had received this Revelation was Simeon, a devout Jew living in Jerusalem, a man filled with the Holy Spirit. What was the Revelation he had received through the Spirit? “He would not die until he had seen the Messiah” - the Messiah who had been looked for through generations past. Moved by the Spirit he went to the Temple on the day that Jesus was being presented. He immediately recognised him and taking the baby in his arms he praised God with the familiar words of the “Nunc Dimittis”, words that have been used in Christian worship for centuries: Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace according to thy word. For mine eyes have seen thy salvation; Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; To be a light to lighten the Gentiles and to be the glory of thy people Israel (AV – KJV) Can you imagine the reaction of Mary and Joseph? But that wasn’t the end of Revelation that day! You will have noticed the Lectionary reading went from Luke 2: 25 - 32 with “optional” verses in brackets, verses 33-38. As Simeon is blessing Mary and Joseph and speaking of what Jesus will do in the future, the prophet Anna came up to the group. We are told that she had been widowed after seven years of marriage and then was a widow for a very long time (a footnote in NIV suggests the text may read that she had been widowed for 84 years). She never left the Temple but worshipped night and day – fasting and praying. She had clearly received the same Revelation as Simeon - she gave thanks to God and spoke, again, about the child and his future. Three Revelations: To Zechariah –inspiring the rebuilding of the Temple. To Simeon and to Anna – recognising who Jesus was and predicting the future. To John – describing the New Heaven and Earth; giving a warning to those who have ignored the Lord.

Continued on next page

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Thoughts on the Lectionary Readings continued God has spoken; through his prophets, through Jesus, and speaks today through His Spirit. We are reminded of this in a hymn by George Wallace Briggs (Hymns and Psalms 64).

God has spoken - by his prophets, Spoken his unchanging word, Each from age to age proclaiming God, the one, the righteous Lord. ‘Mid the world’s despair and turmoil One firm anchor holds us fast: God is king, his throne eternal, God the first, and God the last.

God is speaking - by his Spirit, Speaking to the hearts of men, In the age-long word expounding God’s own message, now as then, Through the rise and fall of nations One sure faith yet standing fast; God still speaks, his word unchanging, God the first, and God the last.

Eric Brown

God has spoken - by Christ Jesus Christ, the everlasting Son, Brightness of the Father’s glory, With the Father ever one; Spoken by the Word incarnate, God from God, ere time began, Light from Light, to earth descending, Man, revealing God to man.

SOMETHING TO SING ABOUT

Blessed Assurance Phoebe Palmer Knapp played a melody to Fanny Crosby and asked, "What does this melody say to you?" Crosby replied that the tune said, "Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!" and proceeded to recite the entire first verse of the now-famous hymn. Fanny Crosby (1820-1915), blind at the age of six weeks, was a lifelong Methodist who began composing hymns at age of six. She has written more than 8,000 hymns, drawing her inspiration from her own faith. "Blessed Assurance" was published in 1873 and was sung extensively during the Moody and Sankey revivals of the 19th century. The hymn appeals to the senses in a such a rich way. Not only do we have a "foretaste of glory," we experience "visions of rapture that burst on my sight," and we hear "echoes of mercy, whispers of love". The chorus also calls us to "praise. . . my Saviour all the day long," echoing I Thessalonians 5:17, "Pray without ceasing." During the first Boer war, when soldiers were going to the front, passing other bodies of soldiers, their greetings used to be, ‘4-9-4, boys; 4-9-4;’ and the response would invariably be answered with ‘6 further on, boys; 6 further on.’ The significance of this was that, in ‘Sacred Songs and Solos,’ a number of copies of which had been sent to the front, number 494 was, ‘God be with you till we meet again;’ and six further on than 494, or number 500, was ‘Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine.

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of his spirit, washed in his blood. This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Saviour all the day long.

David Wild

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Bible in one year: 11th - 17th May

2 Kings 13—1 Chronicles 3 and John 2 - 5

1. Away in a manger 2. The Lord’s my shepherd 3. All things bright and beautiful 4. We plough the fields and scatter 5. Thine be the glory 6. Now thank we all our God 7. All I once held dear 8. It came upon the midnight clear 9. Be still for the presence of the Lord 10. What a friend we have in Jesus 11. See what a morning 12. Lord for the years

Answers to Name that hymn quiz

Are you Fit? After six weeks of “Lockdown” the question above is very relevant! I have become a “couch-potato”. This past week our neighbour’s daughter celebrated her 18th birthday. A request from mother – on the day would one or both of us play “Happy Birthday” on our French Horns outside the house. I was told it was up to me so decided I ought to get the horn out of its case – have only blown a few notes over the past weeks. I quickly realised that through lack of exercise my “puff” for horn blowing was seriously diminished, hence the description of becoming a “couch-potato”. Did any of you see, on television last weekend, the pole vault competition between the three best vaulters in the world – one from France, one from Sweden and one from the United States? They had training facilities in their back gardens. It was an unusual competition; not who could clear the greatest height but who could clear 5 metres the most times in 30 minutes! The Olympics are off for a year, athletes are “locked down” but still they are trying to find ways of maintaining fitness; to prepare for their event(s). The apostle Paul on several occasions in his writings likened the Christian life to running in a race. Very near the end of his life, imprisoned in Rome for the second time – this time held in chains in a cold dungeon and soon to be executed – he writes to Timothy:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Paul’s perseverance is clear in what he writes. It has been a hard fight, a long endurance race. Writing his second letter to the Corinthians he writes of the hardships he has endured. Paul boasts about his sufferings I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27 I have laboured and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Paul persevered – he “trained” for what was ahead. A few years ago, a friend came back to Croydon after attending a summer Bible Camp. He was full of a song, written by Jana Alayra, and used at the camp. We were quickly introduced to it:

I will fight the fight, I will run the race I will press on towards the goal (repeat “verse”) I will take hold of that for which God took hold of me. (repeat “chorus”)”

The “verse” and “chorus” are repeated over and over again; the tune is rather monotonous - it wouldn’t appear to have much chance of being popular – but it did work! It was “gripping”, probably because it simply repeated simple but profound scripture. It combines Pauline writing to Timothy and to the Church in Philippi. We are reminded that the Lord has already taken hold of us – a reassurance in these uncertain times. As Paul writes, there is a goal that we must press towards, a goal to achieve – our taking hold of that for which Christ Jesus has already taken hold of us. (Philippians 3: 12) Paul goes on to say: But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, 14 I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus. We are in a fight, we are in a race and there is a prize to be won. Like our locked down athletes we need to prepare for it – which takes us back to the title question: Are you, am I, fit for the fight, the race, that lies ahead? Eric Brown

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Name Origin

From the Hebrew name למה which ,(Shelomoh)ש

was derived from Hebrew לום meaning (shalom)ש

"peace".

Father King David, Mother Bathsheba, brothers

Absalom, Adonijah, Sister Tamar, Son Rehoboam

Bible References

Old Testament

2 Samuel 12@24 1 Kings 11:43

1 Chronicles 28 and 29 2 Chronicles 1—10 Nehemiah 13:26

Psalm 72

New Testament

Matthew 6:29 and 12:42

Life Events

Became the 3rd King of Israel as David’s

chosen heir

Built God’s temple in Jerusalem

He was the author of Ecclesiastes, Song of

Songs, many proverbs and a couple of psalms

The Queen of Sheba came to visit as she had

heard of Solomon’s wealth and wisdom

Personality Traits

Renowned for his wisdom and

wealth

He was a diplomat, trader,

collector and patron of the arts

He allowed his wives to affect

his loyalty to God

His many wives, taken for

political reasons, were his

downfall

He excessively taxed his people

and drafted them into a labour

and military force

Character Study

Solomon From Joyce Wild

Medical Terms During this uncertain period of lockdown, there is one thing we can be certain of and that is the support we receive from the NHS - rightly reported as the best health service in the world. So I thought you might like to look at how the Americans interpret some of the complex medical terms (probably authenticated by the president). To get the full benefit, you may have to say the words out loud. Terminal illness – Getting sick at the airport Cauterize – To make eye contact with a woman Pharmacist – A person who makes a living in agriculture Benign – What you are after you be eight and before you be ten Vein – Conceited Varicose – Nearby Dilate – To live long Colic – A sheep dog Enema – Not a friend Node – Was aware of Tumour – An extra pair Morbid – A higher offer Pelvis – A cousin of Elvis Fibula – A small white lie Coma – A punctuation mark Seizure – A Roman emperor Anti-body – Against everyone Protein – In favour of young people Paralyze – Two farfetched stories CAT Scan – Searching for the kitty Urine – The opposite of “you are out” Nitrates – Cheaper than the day rate Impotent – Distinguished, well known Barium – What you do after the patient dies Outpatient – A patient who has fainted Caesarean section – A district in Rome

David Wild

from David Wild

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A message from Joyce’s friend, Connie, in Germany

I received this piece I am sending you from friends in Germany. They used our church website some years ago look-ing for accommodation so they could visit their friend in Blandford. Connie and her husband, Reinhold ,who is a retired Methodist Minister, stayed with us for a week. We have been friends ever since. Connie has also published in Germany a number of Christian books, but the piece she has written below was on her church website. I thought it might be of some use. Joyce Wild

Already smiled today?!?

by Cornelia Twisselmann

We are currently in a state of emergency and our life is severely restricted by the coronavirus. Still, I am amazed when I hear on the news how creativity is being released these days and people are inventing things they would never have thought of in normal times, according to the orthopedic company, which has now started to produce masks that do not hide the facial expressions of the wearer. These new tasks are used especially in professions where it is important that the other person is seen. Even before something is said, facial expressions play an important role that should not be underestimated, and these masks can help. I had the spontaneous idea that facial expressions are not only important for special professions, but for all of us. How good it is for us if someone smiles at us and we feel that we are being noticed. A friendly look can do so much and I think we have all experienced it before. The

Bible also speaks of how friendliness has a positive effect on us, and in Proverbs 16:24 we read, "A friendly word is like honey: pleasant taste and healthy for the body." That almost sounds like a recipe and it is, too.

The cashier in the supermarket, who does her job despite the coronavirus and risks being infected, or the postman and many more would be happy about a smile and a friendly word. Sure, it doesn't change the current situation, but it shows that there is still humanity and that we are not indifferent. After all, we are all in the same boat and should therefore keep our hearts and eyes open when it comes to giving away a little kindness, smiling at another person. It doesn't cost anything, just our readiness, and it's so good! Friendliness is striking. I was able to experience that during a rehab. A couple were sitting at a side table in the dining room and our eyes met often, we smiled at each other. After a meal, this couple came up to me and said inquiringly: "You are Christian?!" When I asked

how they came up with this idea, both said: "You make such a positive and friendly impression!" I was very happy about it; I had found spiritual brothers and sisters and it turned out that he was a pastor of a free church. From this first encounter, invitations to her community followed, in which I was able to speak at women's breakfasts. It all started with a smile ...!

Nuances By Cornelia Twisselmann

I sit at my desk and do Easter mail. Through the folded window I hear the moderate traffic, which has become a lot less since Corona. Suddenly, new sounds awaken my curiosity. A blackbird flutes and sings as if there was nothing else to do these days. I almost have tears from listening to him singing, I am so touched. Since I can only hear him but cannot make out our garden, I sit at the window for a moment and look closely until I see him sitting in a neighbour’s tree. A completely inconspicuous bird with a great voice that flutes as if there was a prize to be won. Doesn't he know what is bothering us? Doesn't he see how people avoid each other and the streets and squares are empty? That no children are happily romping around in the playground, but that the place is lonely and orphaned? He doesn't care about all that. He just does his job and sings to me for joy and encouragement. Corona doesn't have the last word and spring has come anyway. It is up to me what I look at and what I focus on. Martin Luther is credited with the quote, which I find very fitting, "You cannot prevent the birds of worry from flying over your heads, but you can make sure that they do not build nests on them." Make sure that I focus on the beautiful things in life and not just what is spilling over the world. God is still there and has not withdrawn from us. This little blackbird shows me and it's good!