Other Dates for your July diary
July 1st Elders Meeting 7.30pm
2nd to 5th July General Assembly of the URC
6th July Glebe Service 1.30pm
12th Coffee Morning 11am
15th Church meeting 2pm
18th CTBB songs of praise St Chads 6.30pm
19th Area meeting Langley green 7.30pm
26th Coffee morning 11 am
31st Diana’s Farewell Service at Broadway 3pm.
Brownie meetings
Thursday evening 6pm to 7.30pm
Girls between ages of 7 to 10 years
For details please ring Fiona 01922 685063
Or Yvonne on 01922 682078
Brownies is the only uniformed organisation to meet on Thursdays..
This month the Church will be praying especially for the people who live in the following streets :
Chapel Str, Smithfield Rd, St Clements Ave, Well Lane, Lichfield Rd.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
july news continued
Dear Friends,
How strange it seems to be writing my last newsletter to you after thirteen years! Earlier this month I attended Minister’s Summer School – an annual conference for URC ministers from the West Midlands Synod – and was encouraged by the enthusiasm I was hearing from the ministers. We were asked to think about some of the things that we really value about the United Reformed Church and the thoughts were flowing! I wanted to share some of them with you to remind you of the great heritage which we share in our reformed denomination.
We believe in a Trinitarian God - Creator, Saviour and Holy Spirit.
We are an inclusive church, which welcomes a rich diversity of people.
The Lord’s Supper, in the URC, is open to anyone who is a friend of Jesus and wants to know him more.
The authority of our church is the Bible, discerned under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
We are committed to ecumenism. (That churches of different denominations should join together to do God’s work).
The “governance” of our church is based on the authority of the church meeting guided by the Holy Spirit. Every Church Member has a voice in the decision making of the Church.
We believe in the “priesthood of all believers” and that we are all called to various ministries – whether you are a listener, a flower arranger, an elder, an administrator, a treasurer, a minister, a singer, a welcomer or all the other jobs that are done in our church – that is your ministry.
We are a church which is committed to challenging injustice in the world and working for peace.
We have a history of encouraging education for both children and adults. (The TLS course is recognised by other denominations as being an excellent course.)
We are a church which values equality. (For instance – our stipendiary ministers all receive the same stipend, whether they are a moderator or a local minister).
Elders in the URC are ordained to their special ministry.
Lay preachers in the URC are recognised as a hugely valuable resource.
We are a part of the Reformed tradition of churches around the world. ( We sometimes forget that the Reformed Church is bigger that the Anglican Church world-wide!)
We value the traditions which make up our church – Congregationalists, Presbyterians and Churches of Christ.
……………………………………………………..continued...
How strange it seems to be writing my last newsletter to you after thirteen years! Earlier this month I attended Minister’s Summer School – an annual conference for URC ministers from the West Midlands Synod – and was encouraged by the enthusiasm I was hearing from the ministers. We were asked to think about some of the things that we really value about the United Reformed Church and the thoughts were flowing! I wanted to share some of them with you to remind you of the great heritage which we share in our reformed denomination.
We believe in a Trinitarian God - Creator, Saviour and Holy Spirit.
We are an inclusive church, which welcomes a rich diversity of people.
The Lord’s Supper, in the URC, is open to anyone who is a friend of Jesus and wants to know him more.
The authority of our church is the Bible, discerned under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
We are committed to ecumenism. (That churches of different denominations should join together to do God’s work).
The “governance” of our church is based on the authority of the church meeting guided by the Holy Spirit. Every Church Member has a voice in the decision making of the Church.
We believe in the “priesthood of all believers” and that we are all called to various ministries – whether you are a listener, a flower arranger, an elder, an administrator, a treasurer, a minister, a singer, a welcomer or all the other jobs that are done in our church – that is your ministry.
We are a church which is committed to challenging injustice in the world and working for peace.
We have a history of encouraging education for both children and adults. (The TLS course is recognised by other denominations as being an excellent course.)
We are a church which values equality. (For instance – our stipendiary ministers all receive the same stipend, whether they are a moderator or a local minister).
Elders in the URC are ordained to their special ministry.
Lay preachers in the URC are recognised as a hugely valuable resource.
We are a part of the Reformed tradition of churches around the world. ( We sometimes forget that the Reformed Church is bigger that the Anglican Church world-wide!)
We value the traditions which make up our church – Congregationalists, Presbyterians and Churches of Christ.
……………………………………………………..continued...
July news
Editor’s July 2010
As a director of Comex with a long association with the Glebe centre it is pleasing that at the moment the centre is doing well.. The funding crisis has past for the moment and some really excellent volunteers have come forward. One lady called Monica who has spent some time helping at the Glebe told of her experiences at the last meeting of Comex.
She found the challenges quite inspiring and one case she had been very involved in who was a long term alcoholic, once he had been started on the road to recovery, bought a packet of sweets with his first benefit cheque and immediately shared his sweets with Monica.
No big deal you may say,
but for those who live totally disorganised lives that the achievement of filling in a form to get some line of support is a real milestone. If they do not start on that path the road down will inevitably end in premature death and a totally wasted life.
Certainly the Glebe has offered that support for a great many years and saved a lot of those lives. The support given by this church to the Glebe. If we can move along to forge closer partnerships with like minded support organisations we can be even more effective.
Regards
Ian.
Message from Jason working on our garden project in Niger
We have just distributed cow pea and peanut seeds to our women's garden participants. Once those are harvested we can plan another round of vegetable gardens. This is a crucial time right now as the sparse rains have just started. Depending on how much rain falls we will know how the food security situation will play out for the next year and if the current near famine will turn into an
acute disaster situation. We can't control the rains, but our garden interventions have certainly been a huge blessing to the families touched by the project, on the larger scale probably a key to preventing future famine. Our sincere thanks for your interest and your efforts on behalf of Niger.
Pictures at oaktreetrust.blogspot.com
Let us all pray for some good rain there in Niger!!
As a director of Comex with a long association with the Glebe centre it is pleasing that at the moment the centre is doing well.. The funding crisis has past for the moment and some really excellent volunteers have come forward. One lady called Monica who has spent some time helping at the Glebe told of her experiences at the last meeting of Comex.
She found the challenges quite inspiring and one case she had been very involved in who was a long term alcoholic, once he had been started on the road to recovery, bought a packet of sweets with his first benefit cheque and immediately shared his sweets with Monica.
No big deal you may say,
but for those who live totally disorganised lives that the achievement of filling in a form to get some line of support is a real milestone. If they do not start on that path the road down will inevitably end in premature death and a totally wasted life.
Certainly the Glebe has offered that support for a great many years and saved a lot of those lives. The support given by this church to the Glebe. If we can move along to forge closer partnerships with like minded support organisations we can be even more effective.
Regards
Ian.
Message from Jason working on our garden project in Niger
We have just distributed cow pea and peanut seeds to our women's garden participants. Once those are harvested we can plan another round of vegetable gardens. This is a crucial time right now as the sparse rains have just started. Depending on how much rain falls we will know how the food security situation will play out for the next year and if the current near famine will turn into an
acute disaster situation. We can't control the rains, but our garden interventions have certainly been a huge blessing to the families touched by the project, on the larger scale probably a key to preventing future famine. Our sincere thanks for your interest and your efforts on behalf of Niger.
Pictures at oaktreetrust.blogspot.com
Let us all pray for some good rain there in Niger!!
Monday, May 24, 2010
other dates
Other Dates for your June diary
June 1st Glebe Service 1.30pm
June 7th Elders 7.30pm
12th June Working Party
14th June Coffee morning 11 am
20th June Father’s Day service
23rd June Joint Pastorate meeting 2pm
26th June Summer Fair 2pm
27th June Memorial Service
28th June Coffee morning 11 am
July 1st Elders meeting 7.30pm
Brownie meetings
Thursday evening 6pm to 7.30pm
Girls between ages of 7 to 10 years
For details please ring Fiona 01922 685063
Or Yvonne on 01922 682078
Brownies is the only uniformed organisation to meet on Thursdays..
This month the Church will be praying especially for the people who live in the following streets :
n Rock Lane Trent Place Walker Road Shakespeare Crescent.
Gree But April never stopped smiling
April never grew up. She was born severely brain damaged and in all her 17 years of babyhood she was never able to walk, feed herself, or do any of countless things other children learn so quickly and so well
Her beautiful blue eyes were sightless, she never uttered a word. But her parents and all those who gave her loving care for 24 hours a day knew there was one thing April COULD do and that was to smile
She smiled almost every minute. She smiled when she was fed, when she was washed, when her arms and legs were moved to keep them from our stiffening.
She smiled at music, at the sound of her name, at the feel of sunshine on her face.
A few days ago April died as quietly as she had lived. I know people who never met her might think she had a rather sad existence. But every life on earth has its worth and there is a special value in the lives like April’s that are passed in innocence.
She is greatly missed by all who loved her and who now treasure the memory of that wonderful smile.
Farewell Service
A few people have asked me if they need an invitation to the Farewell Service on July 31st at 3pm at Broadway United Reformed Church.
I am hoping that as many of you as possible will be able to come and share with me at this significant time. I am delighted to be able to tell you that Revd. Elizabeth Welch will be preaching at the service and we will be sharing some refreshments after the service. We have journeyed together for the last 13 years, seeking together to find God’s purpose for the people at Blakenall, and I do hope that you will be able to come and share this thanksgiving service with me.
Diana
June 1st Glebe Service 1.30pm
June 7th Elders 7.30pm
12th June Working Party
14th June Coffee morning 11 am
20th June Father’s Day service
23rd June Joint Pastorate meeting 2pm
26th June Summer Fair 2pm
27th June Memorial Service
28th June Coffee morning 11 am
July 1st Elders meeting 7.30pm
Brownie meetings
Thursday evening 6pm to 7.30pm
Girls between ages of 7 to 10 years
For details please ring Fiona 01922 685063
Or Yvonne on 01922 682078
Brownies is the only uniformed organisation to meet on Thursdays..
This month the Church will be praying especially for the people who live in the following streets :
n Rock Lane Trent Place Walker Road Shakespeare Crescent.
Gree But April never stopped smiling
April never grew up. She was born severely brain damaged and in all her 17 years of babyhood she was never able to walk, feed herself, or do any of countless things other children learn so quickly and so well
Her beautiful blue eyes were sightless, she never uttered a word. But her parents and all those who gave her loving care for 24 hours a day knew there was one thing April COULD do and that was to smile
She smiled almost every minute. She smiled when she was fed, when she was washed, when her arms and legs were moved to keep them from our stiffening.
She smiled at music, at the sound of her name, at the feel of sunshine on her face.
A few days ago April died as quietly as she had lived. I know people who never met her might think she had a rather sad existence. But every life on earth has its worth and there is a special value in the lives like April’s that are passed in innocence.
She is greatly missed by all who loved her and who now treasure the memory of that wonderful smile.
Farewell Service
A few people have asked me if they need an invitation to the Farewell Service on July 31st at 3pm at Broadway United Reformed Church.
I am hoping that as many of you as possible will be able to come and share with me at this significant time. I am delighted to be able to tell you that Revd. Elizabeth Welch will be preaching at the service and we will be sharing some refreshments after the service. We have journeyed together for the last 13 years, seeking together to find God’s purpose for the people at Blakenall, and I do hope that you will be able to come and share this thanksgiving service with me.
Diana
trip to see passion plays
Dear Friends,
Franziska, Phill and I are preparing for our trip to Oberammergau, I have been thinking about pilgrimage. For many people going to Oberammergau is a pilgrimage and many who go carry a scallop shell – which is a symbol of the pilgrim.
The scallop shell is seen in many places, carved on churches, and on road signs marking pilgrim ways. Its origins are lost in time but its use probably originates from the pilgrims travelling to Santiago de Compostella in the 9th century where the shell can be found on the coast. The pilgrims had to journey on foot and relied on the scallop shell for use as a drinking vessel when they came to a stream.
So why a pilgrimage to Oberammergau? Back in the early 17th century the “Black Death” plague was rampant in Bavaria and the people were afraid that the plague would come into the village. They made a promise to God that they would perform the Play of the Saviour’s suffering and death every 10th year if God would deliver them from the disease. No one in the village died from the disease after the promise was made, so every 10 years the people in the village fulfil their promise, and re-enact the play. We will be joining 1,000s of people from all over the world to journey to this small Bavarian village to watch the re-enactment of the play and share the story of Christ’s Passion again.
…
Throughout the history of pilgrimage pilgrims have had trials and tribulations to overcome as they journeyed to reach their goal. In Pilgrims Progress, Christian, the pilgrim, encounters many hardships on his way – the Slough of Despond, Vanity Fair, Doubting Castle, the Giant Despair and the Valley of Humiliation.
I think the latter day pilgrims are also going to encounter a few problems on their way! At the moment we are concerned about the Icelandic Dragon ( the volcano Eyjafjallajoekull) and the Blight of BA (the BA strike)! In true pilgrim tradition we will endeavour against all the problems that beset us with valiant hearts and steadfast courage.
On our return, like the pilgrims of old, we will carry our scallop shells, tell you of our adventures and share the spiritual experiences of our pilgrimage.
May God bless you this month as you continue your pilgrimage, journeying towards God, walking with our Saviour, in the power of the Spirit. Diana
Franziska, Phill and I are preparing for our trip to Oberammergau, I have been thinking about pilgrimage. For many people going to Oberammergau is a pilgrimage and many who go carry a scallop shell – which is a symbol of the pilgrim.
The scallop shell is seen in many places, carved on churches, and on road signs marking pilgrim ways. Its origins are lost in time but its use probably originates from the pilgrims travelling to Santiago de Compostella in the 9th century where the shell can be found on the coast. The pilgrims had to journey on foot and relied on the scallop shell for use as a drinking vessel when they came to a stream.
So why a pilgrimage to Oberammergau? Back in the early 17th century the “Black Death” plague was rampant in Bavaria and the people were afraid that the plague would come into the village. They made a promise to God that they would perform the Play of the Saviour’s suffering and death every 10th year if God would deliver them from the disease. No one in the village died from the disease after the promise was made, so every 10 years the people in the village fulfil their promise, and re-enact the play. We will be joining 1,000s of people from all over the world to journey to this small Bavarian village to watch the re-enactment of the play and share the story of Christ’s Passion again.
…
Throughout the history of pilgrimage pilgrims have had trials and tribulations to overcome as they journeyed to reach their goal. In Pilgrims Progress, Christian, the pilgrim, encounters many hardships on his way – the Slough of Despond, Vanity Fair, Doubting Castle, the Giant Despair and the Valley of Humiliation.
I think the latter day pilgrims are also going to encounter a few problems on their way! At the moment we are concerned about the Icelandic Dragon ( the volcano Eyjafjallajoekull) and the Blight of BA (the BA strike)! In true pilgrim tradition we will endeavour against all the problems that beset us with valiant hearts and steadfast courage.
On our return, like the pilgrims of old, we will carry our scallop shells, tell you of our adventures and share the spiritual experiences of our pilgrimage.
May God bless you this month as you continue your pilgrimage, journeying towards God, walking with our Saviour, in the power of the Spirit. Diana
editors news
Editor’s June 2010
It is all change at the top!! I mean politics of course. I hope and pray that those who look after our country will do so wisely and look after those who are vulnerable. I notice that one Council was proposing to cut out having prayers at the start of their Council meetings as we do in Walsall. I would oppose any such move here. We live in a Christian Country and while respecting the feelings of other faiths, starting the day or a meeting with a prayer is very appropriate whether this be the start of a school day or a Council meeting. What do you think?
A chance meeting with the head of a major international packaging firm has resulted in a potential major support for action in Malawi. Explaining our work in providing water wells, cataract and cleft operations and reduction in child dental decay rates, it looks likely that a partnership will provide a programme in Malawi. We have also had the offer that a top heart surgeon from Birmingham will go over and help train surgeons there to diagnose cardiac cases that can be easily operated on successfully. I do believe God puts opportunities in our path, gives us the support if we take that opportunity using the skills He has given to us.
We have this month also supplied a simple motor bike to the project in Niger as this is expanding requiring quite a bit of travel between the various locations of the new fields of crops for the agricultural adviser.
More news next month and you can follow on
oaktreetrust.blogspot.com
Regards
Ian.
It is all change at the top!! I mean politics of course. I hope and pray that those who look after our country will do so wisely and look after those who are vulnerable. I notice that one Council was proposing to cut out having prayers at the start of their Council meetings as we do in Walsall. I would oppose any such move here. We live in a Christian Country and while respecting the feelings of other faiths, starting the day or a meeting with a prayer is very appropriate whether this be the start of a school day or a Council meeting. What do you think?
A chance meeting with the head of a major international packaging firm has resulted in a potential major support for action in Malawi. Explaining our work in providing water wells, cataract and cleft operations and reduction in child dental decay rates, it looks likely that a partnership will provide a programme in Malawi. We have also had the offer that a top heart surgeon from Birmingham will go over and help train surgeons there to diagnose cardiac cases that can be easily operated on successfully. I do believe God puts opportunities in our path, gives us the support if we take that opportunity using the skills He has given to us.
We have this month also supplied a simple motor bike to the project in Niger as this is expanding requiring quite a bit of travel between the various locations of the new fields of crops for the agricultural adviser.
More news next month and you can follow on
oaktreetrust.blogspot.com
Regards
Ian.
June notices
Notices June 2010
Pulpit Arrangements Services start at 11.0 am
Sunday 6th June Nancy McConie
Sunday 13th June Rev Diana Cullum-Hall
Sunday 20th June Rev Franziska Herring
Sunday 27th June Rev Diana Cullum-Hall
Memorial Service and Communion
You will be most welcome to join us.
Porch and Offertory
Gwen Smith Joan Gwinnett
Elder Duty
Ian Robertson
Communion Servers
Cynth Murray and Ian Robertson
Coffee Rota
6th June Cynthia Murray
13th June Sheila Wooten Doreen Boucher
20th June Chris Moorhouse Ray Moorhouse
27th June Lilian Mason
Pulpit Arrangements Services start at 11.0 am
Sunday 6th June Nancy McConie
Sunday 13th June Rev Diana Cullum-Hall
Sunday 20th June Rev Franziska Herring
Sunday 27th June Rev Diana Cullum-Hall
Memorial Service and Communion
You will be most welcome to join us.
Porch and Offertory
Gwen Smith Joan Gwinnett
Elder Duty
Ian Robertson
Communion Servers
Cynth Murray and Ian Robertson
Coffee Rota
6th June Cynthia Murray
13th June Sheila Wooten Doreen Boucher
20th June Chris Moorhouse Ray Moorhouse
27th June Lilian Mason
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