1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

EMMANUEL
UNITED REFORMED CHURCH
Cambridge
Trumpington Street, Cambridge
@ Cherry Hinton Road
May 2015
No: 67
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LETTER FROM THE MODERATOR
Dear friends,
At the Synod meeting in March, I told the story of Kathy. Kathy was in
her 80s when she started coming to one of the churches of which I was
then minister in Islington. She became quite committed to all that we did.
However, the interesting part of the story is what got her to church. It
was simple. Maud, one of our Elders, met Kathy at the bus stop, started
talking to her, and invited her to church. I
contents
firmly believe that the only reason for that
moderator’s letter
2-3
music in emmanuel
3 methodology not working more widely is
calendar
4-5 that we are British – and we don’t talk to
‘world apart’ exhibition
5 people at bus stops (though Maud was
mmpg meeting
5 most certainly British which does mean that
special cause
6 it is possible.)
CHR tuesday fellowship
7 The mission question is key for all of us in
meetings in may
8 so many different ways. If we are not
christian aid week
9 going to consider where and how God is
emmanuel organ opening 10-11 calling us to mission, then we really might
pastoral and prayer news
12 as well shut up shop (or, I should say,
area partnership meeting
13 church.) There are many images used to
open cream tea
13 describe the church. I like to think of the
‘changes’ exhibition
13 church as a magnet.
If we are not
WW1 commemoration
14 attracting people to come and be part of
cream teas at the orchard 15 God’s community, then we are surely not
personnel
16 engaging in the mission to which we are
text for the year
16 called.
An important thing to note when we say
that, is that we are unlikely to attract people if we are not attractive. Most
of the churches I visit are keen to tell me how welcoming they are. Often,
that is true, or, at least, largely true – but we should always be
considering how we can be more welcoming and whether we really do
welcome the stranger that God sends into our midst, whoever that may
be.
There are different ways in which we need to consider the question of
mission. By the time you read this, the General Election will be imminent
or, possibly, even over, but, as I write, campaigning is at its height and
2
we have just had the second TV debate, featuring a bunch of leaders of
current opposition parties, but without David Cameron or Nick Clegg. I
missed the actual programme as I was out chairing a meeting, but have
heard much about it, as about other aspects of the Election. What is
our Christian response to the various issues that are currently making
the news headlines as they become the main campaigning issue of
particular days. The risk is that after May 7th we just leave the
politicians to get on with it. That cannot possibly be the authentic
Christian response.
Then, to take another angle, Nigel Uden, at the joint service with
Emmanuel and St. Columba’s on the Sunday after Easter, reminded us
that the key underlying question for any conversations between
Emmanuel and St. Columba’s needs to ask: how can we best serve
God’s mission in this city? As I write, I have no idea whether the two
United Reformed congregations in central Cambridge should maintain
their status quos, look for a bit (or lot) of increased co-operation, or
move to form a united congregation. I do believe the question needs to
be asked, which is why I have asked it, and I also believe that if we
don’t use that background question as the context, we will come up with
the wrong answer.
Whatever happens, I suspect God has got a few surprises for us and I
just hope that those things, whatever they may be, take us where God
wants us to be.
Paul Whittle
WEDNESDAY 6 MAY
Carina Drury cello
Hannah Yip piano
Debussy Sonata for cello & piano
Fauré and Poulenc
WEDNESDAY 13 MAY
Cambridge Chamber Ensemble
Lisa Ueda, violin
Stephen Foster, viola
Haydn. Bach and Mozart
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THURSDAY 21 MAY
Chris Lloyd piano
Liszt, Scriabin and Ravel
WEDNESDAY 27 MAY
Lysianne Chen piano
Bach-Marcello Adagio
Bach-Busoni Ich Ruf Zu Dir
Liszt Ballade n.2
Chopin Barcarolle op.60
CALENDAR FOR MAY
Sunday Morning Worship at Trumpington Street (TS) at 10.45am.
And at Cherry Hinton Road (CHR) at 10.30am.
Nursery (TS) from 10.30am.
Choir practice (TS) Sundays at 9.30am
Sunday 3rd
TS Morning Worship with Communion.
Revd Dr John Bradbury.
CHR Communion. Revd Pat Heap.
Wednesday 6th
1.00 Lunchtime Concert. See p. 3
7.30 Elders Meeting.
Saturday 9th
10.30-6.00 Symposium on WW1 See p. 14
Sunday 10th
TS and CHR Morning Worship.
Revd Charles Mather.
This service will be followed by a Church Meeting at 12 noon.
6.30 United Service for Christian Aid week. See p. 9
* * * Christian Aid Week 10-16th May * * *
Wednesday 13th 1.00 Lunchtime Concert. See p. 3
‘World Apart’ exhibition opens. See next page
Sunday 17th
TS Morning Worship. Mrs Maureen Kendall.
CHR Penny Flynn
Monday 18th
Wednesday 20th
Thursday 21st
Sunday 24th
7.30 Area partnership at St Luke’s. See p. 13
7.30 MMPG Meeting. See next page.
1.00 Lunchtime Concert. See p. 3
TS Morning Worship. Revd Stephen Orchard.
CHR Wendy Roe
Wednesday 27th
Sunday 31st
1.00 Lunchtime Concert. See p. 3
TS Morning Worship. Revd Sam White
CHR Maureen Kendall
Sunday 7th June TS Communion. Revd Elizabeth Caswell
CHR Communion. Revd Pat Heap.
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Mondays to Fridays
10.30am to 3pm
13 May to 18 June
Closed 15 May & 4 June
Please consider who you might invite to come along and view this
superb selection of embroideries. If you came on a concert day you
could also enjoy a café lunch and some wonderful music on the same
visit.
The Ministry and Mission Programme Group is holding
its next planning meeting on Wednesday 20 May at
7.30pm. It would be wonderful to have some new
faces at this group - either as regular members or just for a ‘one-off’
occasion. Please consider whether you might come along and have a
word with Jan Nicholls for more information.
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SPECIAL CAUSE FOR MAY
The St. John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital
The Special Cause this month was proposed by Margaret Todman. She and
Ruth visited the Jerusalem Eye Hospital on a visit to the Holy Land some
years ago and the dedication of the staff and the vital work they carried out
made a deep impression on them. They became enthusiastic supporters of
the hospital so in a way our support will be a tribute to both Margaret and
Ruth.
**********
The St. John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group is the only charitable provider
of expert eye care in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. Patients are
treated regardless of ethnicity, religion or ability to pay. In the occupied
Palestinian territories, the rate of blindness is ten times higher than in the
West, however 80% of blindness and visual impairment is curable or
preventable. The hospital strives against preventable blindness, delivering
care of the highest standards often in very difficult and challenging
circumstances.
The East Jerusalem Eye Hospital has been operating for over 130 years. It
provides modern outpatients, specialist clinics, operating theatres and a 24
hour emergency service. To overcome the severe movement restrictions in
the West Bank, clinics are operated in various areas such as Anabta and
Hebron and there are mobile outreach teams providing care to the most
remote and impoverished communities. In Gaza, a St. John Eye Clinic was
established to provide care for a population facing increasing restrictions on
access to the main hospital in Jerusalem. Despite the almost complete
absence of a medical infrastructure, the shortage of trained staff and the
difficulties of operating in an emergency situation, the clinic provides care for
an increasing number of patients.
Training of local staff is a high priority, and the doctors and nurses trained at
the hospital underpin all the services offered by the Group. The School of
Nursing is the main provider of ophthalmic nursing training for the whole of
the Middle east.
Without the hospital and its outreach services, many people would be unable
to access treatment and would risk irreparable damage to their sight. Please
support this vital work of saving sight and changing lives if you are able.
Cheques should be made payable to 'St. John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital
Group' and donations can be gift-aided (Registered Charity no. 1139527).
John Kendall
6
CHERRY HINTON ROAD TUESDAY FELLOWSHIP
May 5th Joan Turner
12th Charity – New Arthur Rank Hospice
19th To be arranged
26th Tea Party
At the end of March we celebrated our annual Holy Week Communion
and we were reminded of the way in which Jesus would take some of the
most everyday things (and people!) and transform their being into things
of value. On Palm Sunday he chose an ordinary donkey on which to ride
for his last journey into Jerusalem – a journey to go down in history; he
took bread and wine from the table to represent himself as he suffered
death and by which we could remember him through the ages and he
chooses each one of us to be precious to him.
On the following Tuesday, being Easter Week, Brian Anker gave us a
talk centred on an unusual view of resurrection. He showed us three
famous pictures of a projected future event – with a great variety of
people, each known to the painter, emerging from their tombs. Such
paintings beg a number of questions but Brian reflected on the concept of
Resurrection for Jesus and for others as a central message for Christians.
Pat Heap engaged us with the idea of ‘Treasures’. Showing us some
‘simple’ family mementoes and telling us something of their special
meaning to those concerned, she contrasted these with some treasures of
worldly value seen in a local exhibition. She highlighted her message by
choosing, as our final hymn, words about that greatest treasure, grace:
“Amazing grace, how sweet the sound!
How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed.”
Tandy Harrison told us about our local charity for the session, ‘Eddie’s’,
which helps people of all ages who have learning disabilities. The charity
is based at Fulbourn and used to be part of Mencap.
Unfortunately, due to illness, very few members were present that day
but Tandy spoke with such interest that we all felt we’d had a really good
afternoon.
Julia Stone
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MEETINGS IN MAY
Church Prayers
Every weekday morning
10.15am in church
Emmanuel’s Choir
meets on Sunday mornings at
9.30am in the church,
new singers always welcome
Requests for the
Prayer Circle
contact: Mary
501355
contact: Mark Dawes,
organist
01954 212514
Young Adults’ Group
meets on Monday evenings
7.30
at the church
for a varied programme of
activities.
Emmanuel Band and
Singing House Group
meets on
Thursdays, 14th and 28th May
for praise and fellowship
at 1, Topcliffe Way
contact:
Emmanuel Office
351174
contact:
David or Penny Flynn
515815
Cherry Hinton Road
Tuesday Fellowship
meets in the Chapel at CHR
every Tuesday
From 2.30 to 3.30
See page 7
Men and women welcome.
Ferried Friends
Meets on
Thursday 14th May
At Langdon House,
Union Lane,
Chesterton
contacts:
Liz Barrow 369212;
Penny Flynn 515815
Contact Revd Julia Stone
01954 781297
‘New’ After Eights
Knit Café
Knit Café meets weekly in the
Café on Thursdays
from 2-4pm
There will be no meeting in May
as the 25th May is a Bank
Holiday
Knit One Give one
A knitting Café!
Contacts: Liz Barrow 369212
Val Cooper 276857
Contact the church office
351174
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Christian Aid Week 10-16 May 2015
Afraid, alone, in pain
Be the answer to Loko’s prayer
this Christian Aid Week.
This Christian Aid Week, you can
help transform the lives of women
like Loko.
From 10-16 May,
churches the length and breadth of
Britain and Ireland will come
together to pray, campaign and
raise money to improve the lives of
people like Loko.
Every year,
100,000 volunteers demonstrate
God’s love for the poor by taking
part in house-to-house collections
for Christian Aid.
This fantastic
witness is a chance to take the
mission of the church into your
community.
Loko’s choice in life is simple: ‘If I can’t collect firewood, my
children will die.’
Four times a week, in a remote corner of Ethiopia, Loko makes a backbreaking eight-hour trip to gather wood. It’s a task she dreads, but she
steels herself to do it because if she doesn’t her children will starve.
She prays to God as she walks. ‘I ask him to change my life and lead us
out of this,’ she says.
Just £5 could give Loko a loan to start her own business buying and
selling tea and coffee, freeing her from her desperate task and allowing
her to spend more time caring for her family.
Many members of Emmanuel collect house-to-house in their own area. If
you would like to be put in touch with the co-ordinator in your village or
street, contact Ted Dennison (354282) or Maureen Kendall (500593) for
details.
United Service for Christian Aid Week
Sunday, 10th May at 6.30pm
Trumpington Parish Church
Preacher: John Ellis, Lay Moderator of the URC
Parking available; followed by light refreshments.
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Emmanuel Organ Opening 26th May 1880
Emmanuel’s present building was opened in 1874. In January 1880, Church
Meeting decided to install an organ and fund raising started. By February
£500 had been collected and a contract was placed with Henry Willis for the
new organ. The opening Recital and Service was on Wednesday 26th May
1880 – 135 years ago this month. The following is a notice of the opening
events from a Cambridge newspaper of the time. It has been shortened by
leaving out the organ specification, which is today almost what it was in
1880.
Much of the music in the Recital programme is obscure. I have managed to
identify all the more obscure composers, but not the music mentioned. The
piece by Volckmar, Fantasia (Op76) must be wrong as Op 76 is actually a
piece called Festintrada for two players at one organ! Revd H Allon was the
minister at Union Chapel, Islington, where there is a large and beautiful
Willis organ installed in 1877 and restored in 2013.
……………………………………..
From the ‘Cambridge Independent Press’ May 29th 1880:
OPENING OF NEW ORGAN AT EMMANUEL CHURCH.
The Church and congregation worshipping at Emmanuel Congregational
Church, Trumpington Street, have just added to the completeness of their
means of conducting Divine Service, an organ, which was opened on
Wednesday last, in the presence of large congregation. Hitherto the musical
part the service has been conducted on a harmonium, but, in a building of
such architectural pretensions, and situated in such an important part of
Cambridge as Emmanuel Church, it could only be regarded as a temporary
piece of church furniture. We are glad to be able to congratulate our
Congregational friends upon having supplied such a desideratum as a first
class organ. The time is gone past when there was any necessity to justify
the introduction of musical instruments as an aid to congregational singing,
and the provision of such an instrument as an organ does not imply that
such singing is to be carried out as will supersede congregational singing;
on the contrary, an organ and a good choir are very efficient aids to general
congregational devotions —properly directed.
The organ, which has been built by Messrs. Henry Willis and Sons of London
and is considered by them to be one of the best they have ever constructed
has been placed in a chamber on the side of the apse and presents a
surprisingly effective appearance adding much to the beauty of the interior
of the church. Its position is also admirably suited for sound as was
demonstrated on Wednesday, the difference between that and the
harmonium being very marked.
10
The proceedings commenced on Wednesday at three o’clock with a recital on
the organ by Dr Garrett, M.A. St John’s, the University organist, who
performed the following music to the great gratification of a large and
appreciative audience:Overture
Saul
Handel
Fantasia (op 76)
Volckmar
Larghetto
Hummel
Prelude and Fugue (C minor)
Engellbrecht
Aria (F Sharp minor)
S.S.Wesley
Prelude and Fugue (G major)
Bach
Adagio
Allegro Maestro )
Vogel
Introduction and March
Smart
The performance of Dr. Garrett was not only tribute to the skill of the
organist but was very satisfactory as regards the instrument showing that it
no way suffers, as regards giving forth of sound, from its confinement in the
apse.
At the termination of the recital, public tea took place in the schoolroom,
which was numerously attended.
At half-past seven in the evening, a special service was held in the church,
when Mr. Henry Willis presided at the new organ in first-class style.
The service commenced by singing, followed by reading of a portion of the
Holy Scriptures, after which the anthem “All nations, praise the Lord” was
sung by the choir. Part of the 7th Chapter of the Book of Revelations was then
read, and followed by singing and prayer after which another anthem “Teach
me thy way, O Lord” was sung. The Rev. H. Allon, D.D., of London, then
preached a most impressive sermon, lasting about forty-five minutes, from 1
Chronicles xvi, 26, “Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” If, he said,
he had been going to preach an ordinary pastoral sermon, he would have
dwelt upon the spiritual elements of the beauty, but would speak that night
of the forms and appliances which constituted the beauty of worship. The
rev. gentleman concluded his sermon with a few remarks on general
principles and tendencies, stating that, on the whole, his verdict would be
against delegated choir-singing. After the sermon the preacher observed that
there was to be a collection to help defray the expenses attending the
purchase of the organ, and about £150 was necessary to complete the
purchase. We understand the organ cost £700. The service terminated with
singing and prayer.
…………………………………….
Another newspaper of the time, the ‘Cambridge Express’ has a much longer
report with a particularly full account of Allon’s sermon.
John Turner
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PASTORAL AND PRAYER NEWS
We received Easter greetings from Revd Peter Kardos who
remembers his time in Cambridge with great affection.
We were very sorry to hear that Esther Stanton had had an
accident in Cambridge, when her buggy overturned. She has
seriously injured her back and is in a lot of pain. Our prayers
are with her at this time.
Also, we remember Jane Bower who has had her operation
and is making a splendid recovery. We hope she will continue to take
life easy for a while to get her full strength back.
Congratulations to Cristina Cipriani who has reached another
milestone and celebrated with many friends. Thank you for sharing that
with us, Cristina. It was good to see Maren Kenner (TfG 2011-12)
and her friend, who came for the weekend especially for the birthday!
We were glad to hear that Ruth McKenzie is back at home, and would
like to welcome visitors—but please ring (07443 526 005) before
dropping in. The same applies to Christine and Roger Sansom—they
enjoy visitors, but need prior notice, as Christine still gets very tired. We
remember them all in our prayers.
From Jane Bower: I am very grateful for the presence and support
and donations of memories, letters, poems, music, readings and money
from many friends who came to ‘Listening in the Lounge’ on 24th April
I am truly delighted to say that so far £280.40 has been raised for War
Child and the show’s and Emmanuel hire expenses are well on the way
to being met. I have also received several donations, and promises of
donations, from people who could not be present.
I have had so many messages from people who regretted that they were
unable to come on a weekday, that I shall be holding another
‘Listening in the Lounge’ on Saturday June 27th (Armed
Forces Day).
All welcome – drop in for as short or long as you wish, 10-12, 2.30-4.30,
7-9 – and bring a poem, letter, piece of music or memory to read or
share, and make a donation.
9 Mark’s Way, Girton, CB3 0PW. 01223 502628.
Refreshments provided. Donations to War Child, Emmanuel URC
and Daddy’s Diaries – my new show about my father’s war, to be
performed at Emmanuel URC on September 18th.
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Area Partnership Meeting at St Luke’s
At the Area partnership meeting at
St Luke’s on Monday, 18th May
at 7.30pm, the Moderator, Revd
Paul Whittle, will report on his visit
to Vellore, in India, where he led
an ecumenical group from
Cambridgeshire on a partnership
visit. Anyone is welcome to these
meetings, and as this meeting will
be in Cambridge, it will be much
easier for people to get there.
Open Cream Tea at Emmanuel in August
BOOK
THIS
DATE
We hope to open the church on Saturday afternoon, 22nd August, for Cream Teas for anyone
passing by. It is necessary not just to have the teas
ready, but to have people to welcome and to talk.
Please book this date and be prepared to come down for an hour
or two.
Jan Nicholls
CHANGES IN CAMBRIDGE
AND EMMANUEL
In the summer we are planning to hold a
display sharing some of the changes that have taken place within
the church and in Cambridge. As part of this there will be a
‘Church Search’ for our visitors to enjoy. We would also like to
include some memories and photos from those who have been
part of Emmanuel or lived in Cambridge for a long time. Please
think about this and consider how you might be able to help with
this display. Items needed by the beginning of June.
Thank you, Jan Nicholls
13
Commemoration of the First World War, 19141914From the moment that a national commemoration of the First World War was
proposed, it was clear to those responsible in the Diocese of Ely that this
could only appropriately be done here in conjunction with our friends in the
Nordkirche in Germany. It was therefore proposed that a Symposium should
be held, open to all in both churches, to reflect on the significance of that
War in our understanding of Church and Nation.
This Symposium will take place on Saturday 9 May, 2015 in The Old
Palace, Ely, with the following programme:
10.30
Arrivals, registration and coffee.
11.00
Welcome and introductions.
11.15 Address by Canon Professor David Thompson, Emeritus Professor of
Modern Church History in the University of Cambridge and Ecumenical
Adviser to the Bishop of Ely;
‘Popular attitudes among English Churches to War with Germany, 1911-15’
followed by discussion.
1.00
Lunch (Please bring a packed lunch; drinks provided)
2.15 Address by Revd Jörn Halbe, formerly Director of the Pastoralkolleg in
Ratzenburg—he is a well-known Old testament scholar and commentator on
church life
‘Patriotism, Belligerence and Christian faith:
the German Empire’s
Churches in the first World War’ . . . followed by discussion
4.00 Conclusion, follow by tea.
5.30 Special Evensong in Ely Cathedral.
If you intend to come, please contact Dr Bridget Nichols at The Bishop’s
House, Ely, Cambs, CB7 4DW (tel: 01353 662749), or by email to
bridget.nichols@ely.anglican.org by 6 May. The Old Palace is opposite the
West door of the Cathedral and is now the main building of the King’s
School. Entrance is from Palace Green.
14
Cream teas at the Orchard!!
Dear members of Emmanuel,
I’m in my last months of my volunteer service and slowly but surely my time
at Emmanuel finishes at the end of June. In order to gather together for a
last time I would like to invite you for a walk to Grantchester on Saturday,
the 6th of June. After walking along the River, we will have a cream tea at
the Orchard in Grantchester.
We will meet at 2pm at the Lammas Land Car Park on Driftway where
free parking is available.
For those who cannot walk all the way, you are welcome to meet us in
Grantchester at the Orchard.
There is a list in the Garden room for people to sign; please say if you are
walking or travelling by car and if you need, or can offer, a lift to anyone.
I hope to see many of you and looking forward to spend a fun afternoon!
Imke Esmann
Notices for each Sunday’s sheet should reach the church
office by 9.00am on the previous Wednesday [by paper,
‘phone, or email].
Contributions for the next issue - June 2015 - of the
Newsletter (named or initialled) should be with the editor (in
the Newsletter pigeon hole in the Garden Room or emailed to
mauken17@gmail.com by Sunday May 24th Thank you.
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CHURCH OFFICERS AND PERSONNEL
Interim Moderator: Revd Charles Mather (01954 277119)
Organist Emmanuel TS
Community Development Director:
Time for God Worker:
Office Assistant:
Mark Dawes
Jan Nicholls
Imke Esmann
Anne Field
01954 212514
351174
351174
351174
Secretaries:
Church Secretary:
Margaret Thompson
Elders Secretary:
Liz Barrow
Convener of Finance and Management Committee:
Mark Reader
Secretary to Finance and Management Committee:
Stephen Thornton
Finance:
Receiving; Disbursing; & envelopes Church Office
Gift Aid:
Elaine Proctor
351174
741092
Junior Church & Young People:
Library:
Bookstall:
Newsletter Editor:
REFORM distributor
Chief Steward:
359983
527890
354282
500593
213527
337163
Church
Church
Church
Church
Pat Saxton
Diane Saxon
Ted Dennison
Maureen Kendall
Andy McKenzie
Mark Reader
362500
369212
337163
506306
office:
01223 351174
email address: emmanuelurc@btinternet.com
website: http://www.emmanuel-urc.org.uk
address: Trumpington Street, Cambridge. CB2 1RR
Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge. CB1 7AJ
Text for the Year
‘Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world,
but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of
mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God—what is
good and pleasing to God and is perfect. Romans 12.2.
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