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STAINES METHODIST CHURCH
NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2014
Minister: Rev. J. Izzard Tel: Ashford (01784) 252559
Sunday Services: 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Sunday School: 10:30 a.m.
From the Minister
Dear Friends,
The Poppies at the Tower of London have been spectacular and truly
amazing! You may well have been to visit along with thousands of others
to view this incredible art installation called the “Blood Swept Lands And
Seas of Red” exhibition, by artist Paul Cummins involving 888,246
ceramic poppies planted in the dry moat at the Tower.
The poppies have been individually crafted and each one represents
a British military fatality during the First World War. The exhibition
marks the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War in 1914 and
the ceramic poppies have been progressively filling the Tower’s moat
since it opened on 5th August.
I was privileged to view this magnificent display from the air –
whilst on a helicopter ride over London (belated 60th birthday gift!) and
this powerful visual commemoration was both a breathtaking and
stunning sight to behold.
There has been much coverage on the news of the overwhelming
popularity of this exhibition which has caught the imagination of
hundreds and thousands who wish to see this display before it concludes
on 11th November.
Well why such an appeal?
I believe that people are wishing “to do something” to mark the
commemoration of the centenary of World War 1 recognising the huge
loss of individual lives who gave of themselves sacrificially so that we
could have the freedom that we now have today. As General Lord
Dannatt remarked, “This installation brings it home individually. It was
a life lost, a family ruined, a community shattered. And I think it's
absolutely right that in the mass, you pick out the individuals.”
November is a time of reflection and remembering – for those who
gave their lives in war and of our own loved ones who have passed on.
Many of us will have fond memories that we cherish. We may also
remember those who were instrumental in shaping our own Christian
faith by their witness and influence in our lives – whether it was a former
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Sunday School teacher, family friend, colleague, minister or great uncle,
aunt or grandparent – someone whose influence affected us in some
important or profound way.
As we reflect, we give thanks to those who acted as signposts to us
to point us the way to Jesus – the once and for all sacrifice for each one
of us. The sacrifice of Jesus’ life by his death on the Cross and the
shedding of his blood was to reunite us back to God so that we could
know complete forgiveness and enjoy a relationship with him forever.
The words of the worship song “Jesus Christ, I look upon Your sacrifice”
by Matt Redman helps us to appreciate the gift of his life to each of us as
individuals.
Jesus Christ, I think upon Your sacrifice
You became nothing, poured out to death
Many times I’ve wondered at Your gift of life
And I’m in that place once again
I’m in that place once again
And once again I look upon the cross where You died
I’m humbled by Your mercy and I’m broken inside
Once again I thank You
Once again I lay down my life
Now You are exalted to the highest place
King of the heavens, where one day I'll bow
But for now I marvel at Your saving grace
And I’m full of praise once again
I’m full of praise once again
Thank You for the cross
Thank You for the cross
Thank You for the cross, my friend.
As we reflect and remember this November let us give thanks to the One
whose sacrifice makes our lives complete.
Yours in Christ,
John
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News of the Church Family
You are probably all aware that the planned move by Mike and Lou
Ashford didn’t happen. However there is good news as they have found
a new buyer and the house that they were buying in Highworth is still
available. Hopefully they should be able to move this side of Christmas,
and thank everyone for all their prayers: both so far and continuing.
John and Marian Izzard have learned that as from September 2015
John will be Superintendent Minister of the Isle of Wight Circuit.
Church Family Christmas Card
Yes it's that time of year when you find an envelope inside the Newsletter
inviting you to be on the Church Family Christmas Card.
As we may have some new people who are not familiar with this, I
will explain.
Several years ago, it was suggested that instead of all the Members
of the Church Family spending lots of money sending cards to each other,
a sort of communal card would be produced and those who wished their
names to be included inside it would make a donation.
The charities chosen are “Action for Children” (previously known as
NCH) and the Bible Society. Last year we raised £641 which was divided
between them, so you can see that it really is worthwhile.
If you wish to be included, please place your donation in the
envelope, fill in your details on the front, and return it to Shirley or Dave
Price, or one of the Stewards. As we have to have the card ready for
distribution with the December Newsletter, we must have replies early,
so we need them returned by 16th November.
As this Newsletter is a week later than planned it may not be possible
for some of you to return your envelopes (the Stewards will look after
them until Shirley collects them) so if you wish to be included, and
cannot return the envelope in time, please contact Shirley by phone or
email.
If you have any queries please contact Shirley or Dave on 01784
462204 or by email at shirley@shirleyanddave.me.uk
Shirley Price
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Christmas Greetings
Our very best wishes to friends at Staines Methodist Church for
Christmas and the coming New Year. We remember you with great
affection and read the monthly newsletter with interest.
with love, Gerald and Janet Gardiner
Coffee Break
The next Coffee Break will be held at the home of June Ellis (see Church
Directory) on Tuesday 25th November from 10:30 a.m. ‘til around
noon.The good cause to be supported is the Brain Tumour Charity and
there will be a bring-and-buy sale. We hope to see as many friends as
possible so please come along and enjoy a relaxing morning in good
company.
If you would like to host a Coffee Morning at your home for the
charity of your choice in the coming months, please let me know.
Stephanie
Saturday Morning Coffee
The Saturday morning coffee breaks have been in operation for very
many years successfully raising hundreds of pounds for many charities of
the teams, individual choices, but unfortunately we have lost some of our
team due to various reasons, and it is getting wry hard to stretch the
existing number of people left to cover every Saturday; so we are looking
for people who feel that they would like to join the team to either go on
the rota, fill in for anybody who cannot do their particular Saturday, or
help a couple of people who currently work on their own. This outreach
venture is very important to our Church, and to the charities we all
support; so if you feel that you could help in any way please contact me.
My thanks to all the current team for their dedication and support
over the years.
June Ellis
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Prayer Diary for the month of November 2014
“Come Holy Spirit”
Please pray for:
1st those suffering from the Ebiola Virus in Africa and elsewhere.
Sun
victims of natural disasters, especially those caught up in the
Himalayan avalanche.
rd
3 John Izzard and Pam Caporn as they prepare to lead worship next
Sunday.
th
4 the continuing war in Syria and Iraq: the victims and refugees in
that conflict.
th
5 the Bible Society’s work in Ukraine.
6th Staines Street Angels as they witness to those who think they
have had a good time.
7th the BBC, ITV and other broadcasting companies.
8th uniformed and other organizations taking part in Services of
Remembrance.
Sun
those who have died, or been injured, as a result of war.
10th the Church Pastoral Committee as they meet tonight.
11th Carol McKenner and John Izzard as they prepare to lead worship
next Sunday.
12th children in many countries who have to live on the streets.
13th our National Health Service in a time of economic pressure and
increased demand.
14th the peace in Afghanistan now that foreign armed forces have left.
15th Missionary Societies, especially for our own Methodist Society
“All we can,” (formerly Methodist Relief and Development
Fund: MRDF).
Sun
our Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, and other members of the
Royal Family.
17th Pam Caporn and Beale Griffin as they prepare to lead worship
next Sunday.
18th the Church Stewards meeting tonight.
19th people who suffer from mental health problems and their
carers/advisors.
20th families: especially ones that are dysfunctional.
21st our Newsletter compilers and contributors.
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22nd our Members of Parliament as they debate a new programme of
legislation.
Sun
those who suffer for the sake of the Gospel.
24th John Izzard as he prepares to lead worship next Sunday.
25th Canaan Christian Bookshop, for the manager, Andy Gilmour,
and his staff.
26th John Graham as he prepares to lead our Circuit Advent Service
next Sunday evening.
27th the continuing peace process in Ireland; that all may work
together for the good of that country.
28th Christian Aid in their campaign “Hunger for Justice”.
29th the bereaved: that they may come to terms with the loss of their
loved ones.
Sun
the Circuit Advent Service being held at Ashford Common today.
The Church Prayer Chain
The Prayer Chain exists for the benefit of anyone in need of prayer.
Michael & Barbara Bagg
Jim Brodie
Barbara Lownsbrough
If you have a prayer request, please contact any one of the above.
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Christmas is Just Around the Corner!
I am, once more, offering to bake Christmas Cakes for anyone who would
like one. As you know, I like starting to bake as soon as possible, to,
spread the load. I will keep the same prices as last year i.e. £6 for an
undecorated cake. All the proceeds, as usual, will be going to Christian
Aid.
I have put up a list on the Church noticeboard in the foyer, and I
would appreciate you signing up as soon as possible. The last date for
orders is 14th December. Will you please tick the appropriate column to
indicate whether you would like a square or round cake.
Thank you, Barbara Lownsbrough
September Church Collections
Here are the figures for September and from the beginning of the
Methodist Financial Year that started on 1st September 2014.
Last year to 31st August 2014 the total was
£15,595·34
Average Weekly Collection last year (53 weeks)
£294·25
Total from 1st September 2014 (4 weeks)
£1,282·59
Average Weekly Collection from 1st September 2014 £320·65
September 2014 Total Collections (4 weeks)
£1,282·59
Average September weekly collection
£320·65
Note: The evening collection on 14th September (farewell to Mike and
Linda Ashford) was for Canaan Trust and is not included above.
John Bennett
Advance Notice for December!
I am thrilled to announce that we will be hosting A Christmas Carol on
Sunday 14th December at 4 pm. This will be presented by Silhouette
Theatre Co. It is a family show, suitable for ages 7 years upwards.
Further details on the back cover of this Newsletter.
Marian Izzard
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It’s that time of year again!
On Tuesday the 25th November Lilly Uganda will be hosting its annual
Christmas quiz! Come along and join us for a night of festive trivia as we
see if you’re the angel on top of the tree or if you’re just Christmas
crackers!
Teams can be a maximum of 8 people and entry is £5 per person,
with doors opening at 7:30pm for an 8pm start. As usual the event will
be held at Laleham Church of England Primary School, feel free to bring
along your own drinks and nibbles. There will also be the opportunity to
browse our selection of Ugandan arts, crafts and textiles which will be
on sale in support of our work.
Forward Together
Pleas note that “Forward Together” which was to have taken place on
22nd November has been postponed until next year.
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Services for the month of November 2014
2nd 10:30 a.m.
6:30 p.m.
Remembrance} 9th 10:30 a.m.
Sunday
}
6:30 p.m.
Dr. R. Midcalf
Mr. M. Bagg
[pw]
Rev. J. Izzard
Mrs. P. Caporn
16th 10:30 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
Mrs. C. McKenner
Rev. J. Izzard
23rd 10:30 a.m.
6:30 p.m.
Mrs. P. Caporn
Rev. B. Griffin
30th 10:30 a.m.
6:30 p.m.
Rev. J. Izzard
Circuit Service at Ashford Common
led by Rev. J. Graham
[pw]
[Communion]
pw denotes “Praise in Worship” from 10:20a.m. – 10:30a.m.
— a chance to take a few minutes to prepare ourselves for worship
Dates for your Diary
Tuesday
25th 10:30 a.m. “Coffee Break” (p.5).
7:30 p.m. Lilly Uganda “Quizmas” (p.9).
Items for inclusion in the December Newsletter to David Price
(Staines 462204 or dave@shirleyanddave.me.uk)
by Sunday 23rd November at the latest please