Catalyst

December 2012 -January 2013

THE MAGAZINE OFHAYES FREE CHURCH (U.R.C.)

Copy for the February 2013 edition needs to be handed in bySunday, 13th January.

Please submit items in good time.You can leave copy in the “B” Pigeon Hole for Richard Brown to collect,

or hand it directly to him on a Sunday morning.You can also e-mail copy to richardmbrown6@gmail.com

Thank You. Editor

Principal ContactsMinister: Rev. Sue Powell Tel: 020 8462 2212Church Secretary: Mrs Mavis Righini Tel: 020 8462 1168Fabric Steward Mr. Chris Wood Tel: 020 8462 2444Treasurer: Mr. Bill Michie Tel: 020 8658 4167Lettings Secretary: Mrs Undine Connolly Tel: 020 8776 0108Caretaker: Mr. Ian Jones Tel: 020 8313 1556Church Website www.hayesfreechurch.comCatalystEditor: Mr Richard Brown

Contents : - Items not covered by the diary of events.

HAYES FREE CHURCH111, Pickhurst Lane, Hayes, Kent BR2 7HUSunday Services. 10.30 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.We are a member of the United Reformed Church.We believe in Justice and Peace.

This month’s website: -One World Futbol. The idea behind this product is, in my humble

opinion, truly inspirational. Virtually indestructible footballs aremade and distributed to communities worldwide.

Website: - www.oneworldfutbol.comNow, turn to Page 20 for more details....... Ed

Sunday Services 2Preachers’ info 3Church Notices 3 - 5Thank you notices 6Christmas Greetings 7 - 8Thank you for caring 8Linda Jennings Obituary 9 - 10Christmas Tree Festival 11Notice Board 12 - 13

New curate - at St Mary’s 15Holy Land Pilgrimage 16Support at home 17The Way things once were 18The Scout Group 19 Words of Thank you 19Website of the Month 20Muriel Stone 21Church Organisations I B C

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Letter from the Minister

Dear FriendsI am sure we all realise the importance of words –we have to be careful how we use them, they cansometimes fail us, and we constantly need to refine our understandingof them. The philosopher J L Austin tells us that words ‘do things’ inthe world, and can be even more powerful than physical action. Sayingwhat we mean, and meaning what we say, are therefore matters of vitalimportance.

Christmas is coming: how often will we talk of Christmas to our friendsand neighbours? Informal chatter about buying gifts and writingChristmas cards, the cost of postage, the need to ensure the foodcupboards are stocked. How will we challenge the idea of Christmas asonly being a time of expense, of worry and stress?

What words will we use to bring back the real meaning for the season?Words that we mean, words that explain the vital importance of thiscelebration to us as Christians…

Everything that happens at this time of year is a celebration of the loveof God that Jesus made real for us through his birth, death andresurrection. Surely Christmas celebrations are all about sharing thatwondrous love of God with our family and friends through the exchangeof cards, gifts and the sharing of meals.

But do we say so?

I’m not suggesting a lecture on the meaning of Christmas, but on ourChristmas Cards, on our gift labels, could we add ‘may God’s love blessyou’; at our meals, say a grace that gives thanks for the love shown to usthrough Jesus and that includes God’s blessing on all gathered; simplelittle ways to remind ourselves and those we love that we celebrateChristmas because of God’s great love for us.

I pray we all know God’s love this Christmas, and enjoy a peaceful,blessed, Christmas.

Sue

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Sunday and Christmas Services

Some notes on the visiting preachers.See facing page...............

February 2013

3rd 10.30 am - Morning Service - TBA 6.30 pm - Holy Communion - The Minister

January 2013

6th 10.30 am - Morning Service - Rev. Geoff Larcombe 6.30 pm - Holy Communion - Marion Bayley

13th 10.30 am - Morning Service & Baptisms - The Minister 6.30 pm - Evening Service - The Minister

20th 10.30 am - Morning Service - Martin Wilcox 5.30 pm - Evening Service - CTH at The Rosary

27th 10.30 am - Holy Communion - The Minister 6.30 pm - Evening Service - Rev. Robert Draycott

December 2012

2nd 10.30 am - Morning Service - Rev John Marchant 6.30 pm - Evening Service - Minister with Pickhurst School

9th 10.30 am - Parade & Gift Service - The Minister 6.30 pm - Evening Service - CTH - Allan Evison

16th 10.30 am - Morning Service - Mrs. Margaret Smith 6.30 pm - Carols by Candlelight - The Minister

23rd 10.30 am - Holy Communion - The Minister 6.30 pm - Evening Service - Rev. Dr. Peter Stevenson

24thMon 6.30 pm - Holy Communion - The Minister

25thTue

Christmas Day10.30 am - Morning Service - The Minister

30th 10.30 am - Morning Service - The Minister No evening service

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News of the Church FamilyAnnouncements are welcome :-BMD - Changes of address, etc.

DeathsWe regret to announce that Audrey Walters

passed away on the 3rd of November afterbeing ill for some time. We extend our deepestcondolences to her husband Brian and hisfamily at this time.

Brian and Audrey were Church members for many years. The familymoved to Ringwood some years ago.

Brian’s address is 48 Lakeside, Hightown, Ringwood, Hants, BH24 3DX.

Your prayers would be appreciated for: -Tony and Kay Atkinson , Marjorie Curry, Doreen Hobbs, Ruth Rees, and

Pat Rumble.

Church MeetingsThe next Church meeting will be on Sunday 24th February, 2013 atnoon, after the morning service.

The next Elders’ meetings will be held at 8.00 pm in the small hall onTuesday 18th December, 2012 and Tuesday 15th January, 2013 .

v Rev John Marchant is the assistant minister at Coney Hill BaptistChurch. He has conducted Sunday Worship at HFC on a numberof occasions.

v Allan Evison is a lay preacher at Hayes Parish Church. He hasconducted worship on a number of occasions.

v Mrs Margaret Smith is a Methodist Lay Preacher.v Rev Dr. Peter Stevenson is the Minister of Crossways URC Church at

the Elephant and Castle. This Church has a long and rich history ofserving the community for almost 150 years. For example, theSouth London Mission was established at Elephant and Castle bythe London Congregational Union in 1866.

v Mrs Marion Bayley is a Lay Preacher and an Elder from our sisterchurch in Beckenham. She regularly leads our services.

v Revd Geoff Larcombe is a local representative from the BibleSociety. He spoke at the Bible celebration supper in the spring of2011, and took one of our services in October, 2012.

v Martin Wilcox represents Child Aid, a charity which is transformingthe lives of children and young people in Belarus, Moldova, Russiaand the Ukraine.

v Rev Robert Draycott is the Chaplain at Eltham College.

Some notes on the visiting preachers.

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Women's Contact GroupThe Contact Group will NOT meet in December. We will next meet at8.00 pm on Monday 7th January, 2013 at Joan Cook’s home -12, Broadoaks Way. On the 4th of February we will meet at Jenny Carr’shome - 152, Langley Way.

Sylvia Mack

Tuesday Prayer Meetings for December & JanuaryHeld at 10.00 am at the following homes:- Dec 4th Martin Nunn’s. 11th Betty Coster’s. 18th Brenda Cordingley’s. Then no meetings until: -

Jan 8th Martin Nunn’s 15th Betty Coster’s. 22nd Brenda Cordingley’s. 29th The Church

Feb 5th Martin Nunn’s.NOTE. Double check these dates in the Sunday Link sheets.Please address any queries to Martin Nunn.

Saturday FellowshipThere will be NO meetings in December or January. We will next meetat 7, Sedgewood Close on the 2nd of February, 2013.Martin Nunn leads the discussions.

Men's GroupWe will NOT be meeting in December. The next meeting is on Thursday

17th January, 2013 for a New Year’s Feast organised by Bill Bowman,starting at 8.00 pm in the Small Hall. If you wish to attend, pleasecontact Bill before 13th Jan on 020 8777 0626 or emailwfbowman@hotmail.com

Ministry of FlowersThanks are due to those who will be providing flowers in December,

2012 and January 2013December 2012

2nd - Pamela Collison - 25th Wedding Anniversary

9th - Joan & Bob Cook

16th - Margaret - i.m.o. Nell & Syd Williams

23rd - Joan Carter (30th TBA at time of publication)

January 2013 6th - Gill and Chris Wood - I.m.o. Matthew

13th - Sue

20th - Mr & Mrs Yonge 27th - Ruth White i.m.o. her Mother

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Ministry of flowers - Cont'd .........A big thank you to those who kindly arrange the flowers when needed.After the Sunday evening services, the flowers are distributed tomembers and friends, bringing joy to the recipients.Mavis Righini

Hayes Mothers’ & Toddlers’ ClubWe welcome all babies and children under school age, accompanied

by their parents, grandparents or carers, to our club on Fridayafternoons between 2 and 4 pm during term time. The fee is £1 perfamily – tea, squash and biscuits are provided.

This is a time when adults can meet up, while the children in their careare busy playing with toys and activities in the company of otherchildren.

Our Christmas party is on December 7th at 2.15 pm. Tickets will be on sale, priced £2.50 per child.We meet again in the New Year, on January 11th at 2.00pm.We look forward to seeing you all.Judith Stoner - Secretary.

Bible Study GroupThe Bible Study group meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of eachmonth at 2.30 pm in the small hall.To confirm, listen for announcements & check Sunday Link.

Worship GroupThe Church will be open for Quiet Meditation & Prayer everyWednesday - 6.00 - 7.00 pm.To confirm, listen for announcements & check Sunday Link.

Notice Sheets - December - 1st Sunday in February, 2013December 2nd & 9th Daphne Cummings 8777 2487 16th & 23rd Brenda Cordingley 8462 3867 30th Pam Collison 8658 0748January 2013 6th Pam Collison 8658 0748 13th & 20th Joan Smith 8462 3920 27th Daphne Cummings 8777 2487February 5th Daphne Cummings 8777 2487If you require items to be included in the notice sheets, please contactthe appropriate person by the previous Tuesday.

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80TH Birthday thanksI had a dream of the only way I would like to celebrate my birthdaythis year and would like to thank everyone who had any part in it forhelping that dream to come true.

I can think of no better way to mark the occasion than spending itwith family and friends so a great big THANK YOU.

Brenda Cordingley

Women's Fellowship

M eetings are in the small hall at 2.00 p.m., unless otherwise stated,on Tuesdays and finish about 3.30 p.m.

The December meetings will be: - 4th Invitation from Emmanuel West Wickham Women's

Fellowship to their Christmas meeting.11th Memories of past Christmases.18th Christmas party.

In January, the meetings will be: -15th Bring and Buy and Member's afternoon.22nd New Year Service conducted by our Minister Sue.29th More fun with Barbara Stevens.

In February, our first meeting will be: -5th Illustrated talk by Mary Moore on Westminster

If you have any questions, do contact Sylvia Mack on 8462 1938.

MINI-AMBULANCEMembers who use the mini-ambulance are asked to phone Jessie Martin on 8462

5621 by 9.00 am on any Tuesday when they are unable to come to themeetings.

As always, we welcome all ladies to our meetings . Please come along for apleasant afternoon. We do have a very varied programme with plenty tointerest everyone.

Marion and Sylvia

Thank you’sThe members of Hayes Free Church wish to express their appreciationand thanks to Richard Brown for editing the Catalyst each month, andalso thank Mike Duke for his time and energy in printing the magazine.

Anon

The Hayes Free Church members wish to express their thanks to the ladywho keeps the Church Diary up to date (with never a double booking)and is always helpful to those who wish to book the Church premises.

Thank you Undine Connolly. Anon

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Catalyst Needs You!This page will be kept for YOUR contributions - NOTHING ELSE will go on this page.Hopefully, you will be inspired to share some Christmas / New Year break stories.

GREETINGS

We wish all our friendsin Hayes Free Churcha Happy Christmas

anda Peaceful New Year.

David and Ann Watson

SEASON’S GREETINGS

John and Margaret Robinson (North Devon) sendthe Church Family at Hayes Free

every good wish for Christmas and the New Year

GREETINGS

We wish all of our friends in the Churcha happy & joyous Christmas

Marjorie & John Curry

8

Thank youA word of thanks and appreciation is due to the members and

friends who helped Linda through her illness.Linda lived alone without close relatives living near, but she wasnever without help when it was needed in many different ways &she was very grateful.This was Christian love and pastoral care in action.

Thank you everybody! Anon

(Linda’s obituary is on pages 9 & 10 - Ed)

GREETINGS

Wishing all friends atHayes Free Church

Love, peace and joyat Christmas

SEASON’S GREETINGS

I would like to thank everyone fortheir contributionsTo Catalyst, and

To wish everyone at Hayes Free ChurchAll the best for Christmas and the New Year

Richard Brown

9

Linda Jennings(1950 - 2012)

Linda was born on October 14th 1950 to Edgar and Olive Jennings inPulborough, Sussex. Her sister Pat was born 4 years later and herbrother Michael 14 years after Linda. During her lifetime Linda kept intouch with her family members and took an interest in and was veryfond of her four nephews.

Linda was born with a congenital back defect which affected her allher life. She was educated at St Gabriel’s C of E School where sheremembered that the headmistress told the girls to be sure that

‘God was working his purpose out’. When the family moved toTenterden Linda went to the local secondary school, where she tookher O-levels. During her school days Linda was an active andenthusiastic member of the Guide movement and gained her GoldDuke of Edinburgh Award. She retained her interest in the Guidemovement throughout her life. On leaving school she gained aqualification at Secretarial College and had various jobs. One ofwhich was at ‘Chorleywood College for Girls with little or no sight’,where she was led to the Lord by one of the staff and started on herChristian journey.

In 1975 she went with the C.M.S. to Israel but returned after fourmonths when war broke out. She then went to a Nursery TrainingCollege and gained her NNEB qualification and worked with childrenfor some time. Finding this work did not suit her she did the SRNcourse followed by Midwifery. She worked for some years as amidwife and on leaving midwifery went to Nash College as SeniorNurse. She stayed there for four years until she was made redundant.

This was a difficult time for Linda but with the help of Christian friendsshe trained as an aromatherapist and chiropodist and set up her ownsuccessful practice. In her spare time she studied for, and gained, adegree in complementary therapy. She also did counselling coursesand was a Counsellor to her clients and to students at GreenwichUniversity through the student support service. During this periodLinda and her elderly mother Olive shared a house as Olive did notfeel able to continue to live alone. She cared for her mother until shedied.

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Linda’s Christian life grew through her membership of the IchthusFellowship and the New Horizons Choir, of which she was anenthusiastic member. Having friends in Hayes she joined Hayes FreeChurch and became an active member, singing in the choir andserving on the eldership, being responsible for pastoral care. She wascalled to become a local preacher and completed the course andwas inducted as a local preacher in 2011. She took a number ofservices at Hayes Free Church and was looking forward todeveloping her preaching practice when she became ill.

Linda lived a full and busy life despite health problems. She lovedanimals and always had cats and a dog. She was skilled inhandicrafts, enjoyed travel, going to concerts, reading and tendingher garden. She found friendship in Group 88 of which she becamechairman and where her conscientious leadership and her distinctivelaugh will be missed. She faced her final illness with fortitude,determined to live her life to the full to the end. She died in peace,trusting, as the song says, that the Lord had woven the strands of herlife both dark and light into a pattern pleasing to Him.

WEAVE ME, LORD

Lord, my life is like a weaving, and the weaver, Lord, is You.And You choose the many colours, spinning bright and dark ones too.Carefully You weave the pattern, Lord, that You have plannedAnd although I cannot see, I rest, Lord, in Your hand.Weave me Lord, weave my life closer to You.

Soon the work will be completed and I’ll see what You have done,How You’ve woven all the colours in the image of Your Son,And I’ll understand the dark threads, Lord, that You have spun.But for now I’ll trust You to complete what You’ve begun soWeave me Lord, weave my life closer to You,

Not by chance, my circumstance is in Your handYou fulfil Your sovereign will so I’ll be still and let You - Weave me Lord, weave my life closer to You

11

The Festival will be open each day from 2.00pm from November 30 to December 8The church will be open at service times each Sunday (10.30am and 6.30pm)

Programme of Entertainment for the FestivalFriday 30th November Opening Concert by Members 7.30pm

and Friends of Hayes Free ChurchSaturday 1st December Rock Choir * 7.45 for 8.00pm

*Ticket £5.00 from Margaret Tannock 020 8325 6264 or Alistair Wilson 020 8402 0026 or on the doorSunday 2nd December Pickhurst Junior Academy 6.30pm

Monday 3rd December Bishop Justus School 7.30pm

Tuesday 4th December The Christmas Story 7.30 pmby Adult performers

Wednesday 5th December The Wandle Ringers 7.30pm

Thursday 6th December Bromley Boy Singers 7.30pm

Friday 7th December An evening of Songs and Poems 7.30pmby Just Voices and The Shortlands Poetry Circle

Saturday 8th December Beckenham Concert Band 7.45pm

Sunday 9th December Churches Together in Hayes with 6.30pmthe Musicians from Hayes School

All the money raisedwill go to

Christmas Craft Fair in the Church HallSaturday 1st December from 10.30am to 2.30pm

Lots of stalls full of Christmas Goodies

Hayes Free Church, 111 Pickhurst Lane, Bromley BR2 7HUweb site: hayesfreechurch.com

Hayes Free Church

Christmas TreeFestival

In aid of The Chartwell Cancer TrustFrom Friday 30th November to Sunday 9th December 2012

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NOTICE

NEW YEAR’S SOCIALon 12 JANUARY

In view of the success ofthe last New Year Socialwe are going to have

another one on SATURDAY12 JANUARY starting at6.30 pm. There will be acharge of £3 for adults.Refreshments will be

available.Tickets can be obtained

from John Curry(8249 3663).

PHOTOGRAPHS OF PEOPLE

If you take photograph(s) of people intended for publication inCatalyst or on the HFC website, you MUST obtain their permissionBEFORE you take the photograph(s).This is important because photographs in which people can beidentified will be in the world wide domain - on the Internet.So, from now on, when you submit photograph(s) of people forpublication, these must be accompanied with a statement thatpermission was obtained BEFORE the photograph was taken. Theonus is on group leaders, and organisers of events to get thispermission. Also, if photographs are to be taken during a service,permission will be requested before the service starts.There are "permission to take photographs" forms available, andfurther guidance is being developed.

Please ask your editor or church elder for more details.

COMPASSIONATE FRIENDSSERVICE

FOR BEREAVED PARENTS AND THEIRFAMILIES IS TO BE HELD

AT 6PM AT HAYES FREE CHURCHON SATURDAY 15TH DECEMBER 2012

REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED AFTERTHE SERVICE

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASECONTACT GILL WOOD ON

TEL 020 8462 2444OR E-MAIL cwood596@btinternet.com

Many thanks Gill W

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BOARD

The post box will be available from Sunday 9th December.PLEASE NOTE the LAST POST will beon Sunday 16th December at 10.30 am.PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE put your cards in alphabetical(surname) order and put an elastic band round them beforeposting. This will help the PMG

John Curry

Subscriptions for CatalystSubscriptions for 2013 are due in December. The cost is

£5 if you wish to receive Catalyst via the pigeonholes at theback of the church. Please let Judith or David Stoner have thisamount as soon as possible. There is an envelope attached tothis issue of Catalyst for you to use.

If you wish to have the magazine sent by post, the cost is £8and you should send your subscription to:

Judith and David Stoner113 Bourne WayBromley BR2 7EX

Cheques should be made payable to Hayes Free Church.It would be helpful if subscribers who no longer wish toreceive Catalyst by post would let us know.

CHRISTMAS POSTAGE RATESFrom 6 November people who receive PensionCredit, Employment and Support Allowance orIncapacity Benefit can buy their Christmas

stamps at Christmas 2011 prices(i.e. 36p).

All you have to do is to produce evidence ofyour allowance.

You will be able to buy up to 36 stamps

14

Deck the halls with boughs of holly,Fa la la la la, la la la la.Tis the season to be jolly,Fa la la la la, la la la la.

15

Don we now our gay apparel,Fa la la, la la la, la la la.Troll the ancient Yule tide carol,Fa la la la la, la la la la.

NEW CURATE AT ST MARY'S, HAYES STREET, HAYESA new Curate will be installed at St Mary's

on Thursday 31 January at 6.30 pm.He is Rev'd Napoleon (Napo) John, aged 57.

He was born in Pakistan into a strongly Christian family. He obtained aBA in Pakistan then a degree in Theology from Oakhill College in the UKand an MA from the University of Essex. In 1993 he was ordained andserved in churches in Leytonstone and Dagenham and since 2007 hehas been the Team Rector in Felixstowe.

He is a Bible based preacher, a strategic thinker with experience ofmission and evangelism.We look forward to meeting him and working alongside him for many

years to come.

HAYES PHILHARMONIC CHOIR CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERTin aid of

ST CHRISTOPHER'S HOSPICE

Saturday 15 Decemberat 7.45pm

in Hayes Parish ChurchAdmission £7 (school-age children £2)Box office 07989 192928 or on the door

Come along and enjoy our well-established mix of familiar favouritesfor you to sing, and some less well-known carols to listen to - followedby our traditional post-concert celebration. Your attendance will helpto make this a great Christmas for St Christopher's too!

(Note - since we do not start till 7.45 you should be able to attend theCompassionate Friends service first if you wish)

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See the blazing Yule before us,Fa la la la la, la la la la.Strike the harp and join the chorus.Fa la la la la, la la la la.

You are invited to join a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 2013Revd Bill Bowman, minister of Emmanuel URC, West Wickham and Elmers EndFree Church (URC) together with his wife, Marion, will be leading a pilgrimage tothe Holy Land 15th -24th October 2013 arranged through the reputable travelcompany – McCabe’s. Bill and Marion would like to extend the invitation to jointheir pilgrimage to local churches in the Synod Area. (Particularly members andfriends of HFC!!)

The party will be based 6 days in Jerusalem, within sight of its ancient walls and 3days by the shore of Lake Galilee. From these two locations you will be able to seeand experience a great many of the places associated with the life of Jesus.

Not only does visiting the Holy Land help bring the Bible story alive, a pilgrimage isa wonderful place to share fellowship and meet new friends. If you are travellingon your own you will be assured of being among a warm friendly group.

Places are limited so it is best to book early. If you would like a brochure andapplication form or would like any more information, please feel free to contact Billeither by phone (020 8777 1150) or email wfbowman@hotmail.com

NB: If the security situation in Israel makes it unsafe to visit atthe time of travel then a full refund (incl. deposit) is guaranteed.

Bromley Central Librarypresents the

AnnualChristmas Celebration Concert

on Thursday, 20th December12.00 noon - 2.00 pm.

Do come to this concert with the New English Singers, directed byAdrian Boynton, and soloists.

Tickets at £5.00 are available in the Library. Drinks and mince piesprovided in the Punch interval.

This is always an excellent prelude to Christmas festivities.

Betty Coster

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Follow me in merry measure,Fa la la la la, la la la la.While I tell of Yule tide treasure,Fa la la la la, la la la la.

A Musical Celebrationbrought to

The Friends and Membersof Hayes Free Church

on Saturday, 5th January 2013at 6.00 pm. Finish by 9.00 pm

at Hayes Free Church.The music is written or arranged by Martin Nunn and

will be performed by Martin and his niece, Jenny.The celebration is open to Invitees - no small children.

There will be a buffet supper afterwards. Food contributions to the buffetwould be welcome.

Please contact Martin Nunn for details and more information, if required.This celebration is in aid of the Westminster College Refurbishment Appeal.

Martin Nunn

SUPPORT AT HOMEIf you are getting older and would like help with household tasks, meals,

shopping, transport, everyday paperwork; or help to enjoy reading, hobbies,

using your computer, getting out by wheelchair and by car; or want to give a

break to someone who usually looks after you - please get in touch with me.

My goal is to make your independent life at home continue to be possible,

with a kind and committed service!

Christopher White 020 8149 6933 or

pjm741-rose@yahoo.co.uk

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Women’s Contact Coffee Morning 10.00 am - 12.00We will be holding coffee mornings on these dates: -

8th of December, 2012 12th of January, 2013.

We are continuing to raise monies to contribute to disaster relief fundsin different parts of the world.

We hope to see you at the Coffee Mornings, and why not bring a friend.

Barbara Jones

The Fairtrade Sunday StallWe will be holding a fair trade stall after the morning service on the

2nd and 4th Sunday of each month. So, in December 2012 the stallwill be held on the 9th and 23rd. In January, 2013 the stall will beheld on the 13th and 27th.

The message is please buy Fairtrade. Every purchase helps in a goodway. Your support through 2012 has been superb. Thank you for yoursupport. Can we do any more in 2013?

Please continue to support your fair trade stall. Thank you.Richard and Barbara.

Sing a Song of SixpenceBelieved to have been referenced in Shakespeare's play Twelfth Night.

Putting birds in a pie, was a real form of entertainment at grandmeals during the 16th century.

Another theory suggests that the rhyme is about the dissolution of themonasteries by King Henry VIII with the blackbirds as the monks, hisfirst wife Catherine of Aragon as the 'queen' in the parlour and AnneBoleyn the 'maid' in the garden

The way things once wereWhat did those nursery rhymes mean?

We will be looking at this up to the October edition, 2013

Fast away the old year passes,Fa la la la la, la la la la.Hail the new, ye lads and lasses,Fa la la la la, la la la la.

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The Scout GroupThere have been some changes recently among the scout leaders,which mean that the leadership team is now as follows:

Brenda Petts leads the Beavers and Cubs, assisted by Hazel Ward atboth and Rolf Parker and Sam Bonome at Cubs.

Paul Hasling is Scout Leader, assisted by Katy Reeves and NathanLucking. Steve Bowman has decided to step down as Assistant ScoutLeader in order to concentrate on his duties as an Assistant DistrictCommissioner. Steve has been a member of the Group since he wasa boy and has made an enormous contribution as a leader. I'mpleased to say that we will not be losing him entirely, as he intends toremain involved with the Group.

Tom Strachan leads the Explorers, assisted by Anna Potenza, who is ournewest recruit, and Charles Jaynes.

All leaders are volunteers, who give up their time to make sure that theyoung people in the Group experience the best that scouting has tooffer. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for all thatthey do.

Of course, we are always keen to hear from anyone who would like toget involved, whether as a leader of in any other capacity. If youwould like to help out, please contact me or any of the leaders.

Simon NarracottGroup Scout Leader

Sing we joyous, all together,Fa la la la la, la la la la.Heedless of the wind and weather,Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Words of Thank youKay and Tony Atkinson would like to thank everyone for all their wellwishes and prayers over the last few months.

Kay had three operations on her nose to remove a cancerous growth,followed by the reshaping of her nostril.

Tony had three operations to remove cancerous growths from hisbladder, followed by a course of 6 weeks’ intensive chemotherapy.He was told in October that he was now in remission.

Kay & Tony Atkinson

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Website of the Month One World FutbolWording taken from the website……

Soccer, (“football” or “futbol”) is the world’s most popular sport. Thetraditional ball can be easily punctured or ruptured. Players indisadvantaged communities are often left to play soccer with rocks,cans, or “rag balls” made from rubbish, and string.

Our mission at the One World Futbol Project is to make a meaningfulimpact on the lives of youth around the world. Our goal is to bring the joyof soccer and play to youth in disadvantaged communities so thatchildren can be children no matter where they live.

One World Futbol inventor Tim Jahnigen was inspired to start the projectafter watching news footage of kids in Darfur playing a soccer gameusing a ball of trash tied up with twine.

Tim’s idea remained as a concept until a chance conversation with worldrenowned entertainer Sting, who immediately provided the support forresearch and development. In recognition of Sting’s crucial, earlyinvolvement, the name of the ball and of the project are based on thesong “One World (Not Three),” written by Sting. Sting continues to be anadvocate for and supporter of the One World Futbol Project.

About the footballü Virtually-Indestructible. It never needs a pump and never goes flat,

even if punctured. It can also be used for netball, volleyball, and manyother games.

ü All-terrain. It can withstand the harshest conditions without deflating.ü Sustainability. The ultra-durable ball eliminates the waste of discarded,

punctured soccer balls.ü Buy One, Give One. For every One World Futbol you buy through our

“Buy One, Give One” programme, we give a second ball throughorganizations working in communities such as refugee camps, warzones, disaster areas and inner cities.

ü No Child Labour. Many traditional soccer balls are still stitchedtogether by hand by children and adults working under deplorableconditions in Pakistan, China, and India. The One World Futbol ismanufactured using state-of-the-art technology that does not requirestitching.

PS - could we participate as a church? Any Ideas? Editor

The page header verses are from the Carol - Deck the Halls.When published in 1866, the words were attributed to

Thomas Oliphant.

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Muriel StoneEarlier this year, Bob Morley wrote in about Muriel Stone. (Reminder.Her address is Room 5, Danesbrook House, Cadoc Place, Danescourt,Cardiff CF5 2QN & Tel: 02920 552245.)Here is what Bob had to say. : -

A s many of you may know Muriel Stone is now living in Cardiff.This note is based on correspondence with her daughter Judith

(whom she's now living very close to) and we thought that as HFChad always been such a big part of Muriel's life her many friends inHayes might like to know all about the move and how she's doing.

Unfortunately Muriel never really settled into her flat in Bromley - in spiteof efforts by friends to keep her going she was becoming quitedepressed living in her flat in Durham Avenue. She had moved therewhen her memory was failing so didn't have the confidence to makenew friends and join in with the various activities in the complex. Shehad gradually been deteriorating and a fall in May this yearhighlighted the fact that she was unable to cope independently andwas really needing more family support.

Daughter Judith and son Andrew put nursing care in place whichprovided a stop gap for a few weeks and Judith started looking atresidential care in Cardiff. She found a small very 'homely' homewhich has 18 ladies who have varying degrees of dementia but mildrather than advanced dementia.

Muriel visited for an assessment in June and moved in a week later!The fact this small home had a room available when it was neededseems a sign it was meant to be. Now that stress has been takenaway Muriel can enjoy continual companionship and support andhas settled really well, has a lovely room with en suite and has madenew friends really quickly.

Sadly this comes with a price as the less she does herself the less shecan remember - it seems a catch 22 situation. However both Murieland Judith are very much enjoying being nearer each other - firsttime for over 20 years so it's a real treat for Judith to call in for acuppa or to bring Muriel home for tea. Muriel is more content thanshe's been for years. Mentally she is deteriorating but she stillrecognises the family and they're making the most of that. She's stillable to walk around but now has a zimmer frame as she's veryunsteady - if taken out for the day she enjoys borrowing a wheelchair!

I just wanted to let you all know how Muriel was getting along.

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December 20121st Sat 7.45 pm - Rock Choir Page 11

2nd Sun 10.30 am - Morning Service - Rev John Marchant 6.30 pm - Evening Service - Minister with Pickhurst School

3rd Mon 7.30 pm - Bishop Justus School Page 11

4th Tue10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 4 2.00 pm - Women’s Fellowship Page 6 7.30 pm - The Christmas Story Page 11

5th Wed 6.00 pm - Worship Group Page 5 7.30 pm - The Wandle Ringers Page 11

6th Thu 7.30 pm - Bromley Boy Singers Page 11

7th Fri 2.00 pm - Hayes Mothers’ & Toddlers’ Club Page 5 7.30 pm - Evening of Songs & Poems Page 11

8th Sat 10.00 am - Women’s Contact Coffee Morning Page 18 7.45 pm - Beckenham Concert Band (at HFC) Page 11 7.45 pm - Beckenham Chorale Page 14

9th Sun Christmas Tree Festival ends10.30 am - Parade & Gift Service - The Minister Followed by Fairtrade Stall Page 18 6.30 pm - Evening Service - CTH - Allan Evison Page 11

10th Mon

11th Tue 10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 4 2.00 pm - Women’s Fellowship Page 6

12th Wed 6.00 pm - Worship Group Page 5

13th Thu 2.30 pm - Bible Study Group Page 514th Fri

15th Sat 6.00 pm - Compassionate Friends Service Page 12 7.45 pm - Hayes Philharmonic Choir Page 15

16th Sun 10.30 am - Morning Service - Mrs. Margaret Smith 6.30 pm - Carols by Candlelight - The Minister

17th Mon

18th Tue 10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 4 2.00 pm - Women’s Fellowship Page 6 8.00 pm - Elders’ Meeting Page 3

19th Wed 6.00 pm - Worship Group Page 520th Thu 12.00 Noon - Christmas Celebration Concert Page 1621st Fri

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December 201222nd Sat

23rd Sun10.30 am - Holy Communion - The Minister Followed by Fairtrade Stall Page 18 6.30 pm - Evening Service - Rev. Dr. Peter Stevenson

24th Mon 6.30 pm - Holy Communion - The Minister

25th Tue Christmas Day10.30 am - Morning Service - The Minister

26th Wed Boxing Day27th Thu 2.30 pm - Bible Study Group Page 528th Fri29th Sat

30th Sun 10.30 am - Morning Service - The Minister No evening service

31st Mon

January 20131st Tue New Year's Day2nd Wed 6.00 pm - Worship Group Page 53rd Thu4th Fri5th Sat 6.00 pm - Musical Celebration Page 17

6th Sun 10.30 am - Morning Service - Rev. Geoff Larcombe 6.30 pm - Holy Communion - Marion Bayley

7th Mon 8.00 pm - Women’s Contact Group Page 48th Tue 10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 49th Wed 6.00 pm - Worship Group Page 510th Thu 2.30 pm - Bible Study Group Page 511th Fri 2.00 pm - Hayes Mothers’ & Toddlers’ Club Page 5

12th Sat 10.00 am - Women’s Contact Coffee Morning Page 18 6.30 pm - New Year’s Social Page 12

13th Sun10.30 am - Morning Service & Baptisms - The Minister Followed by Fairtrade Stall Page 18 6.30 pm - Evening Service - The Minister

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February 20131st Fri 2.00 pm - Hayes Mothers’ & Toddlers’ Club Page 5

2nd Sat Candlemas Day 2.30 pm - Saturday Fellowship Page 4

3rd Sun 10.30 am - Morning Service - TBA 6.30 pm - Holy Communion - The Minister

January 201314th Mon

15th Tue10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 4 2.00 pm - Women’s Fellowship Page 6 8.00 pm - Elders’ Meeting Page 3

16th Wed 6.00 pm - Worship Group Page 517th Thu 8.00 pm - Men’s Group Page 418th Fri 2.00 pm - Hayes Mothers’ & Toddlers’ Club Page 519th Sat

20th Sun 10.30 am - Morning Service - Martin Wilcox 5.30 pm - Evening Service - CTH at The Rosary

21st Mon

22nd Tue 10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 4 2.00 pm - Women’s Fellowship Page 6

23rd Wed 6.00 pm - Worship Group Page 524th Thu 2.30 pm - Bible Study Group Page 525th Fri 2.00 pm - Hayes Mothers’ & Toddlers’ Club Page 526th Sat

27th Sun10.30 am - Holy Communion - The Minister Followed by Fairtrade Stall Page 18 6.30 pm - Evening Service - Rev. Robert Draycott

28th Mon

29th Tue 10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 4 2.00 pm - Women’s Fellowship Page 6

30th Wed 6.00 pm - Worship Group Page 531st Thu

DATES FOR YOUR DIARYThere were no further dates at the time of going to press.

CHURCH ORGANISATIONSDay Organisation Contact PhoneSunday10.25 am Sunday Club Mike Duke 8462 5103

Weekdays9.15 - 12.00 pm Pre School Group Jayne Carvell 07913 299773

Monday

2.30 & 7.30 pm West Wickham Arts Association

Carol Crouch 8462 3642

5.45 pm Brownies Sarah Humphrey 8249 99826.30 pm Cubs Brenda Petts 8325 39568.00 pm - 1stMon monthly

Women's ContactGroup

Sylvia Mack 8462 1938

Tuesday2.00 pm Women's Fellowship Sylvia Mack 8462 19386.00 - 8.00 pm Weight Watchers Area Office 0845 345 15007.00 pm Scouts Paul Hasling 3236 0083

Wednesday5.00 pm Rainbows Tania Venables 8462 97596.00 pm Beavers Brenda Petts 8325 39566.30 pm Worship Group Bill Michie 8658 41676.45 pm Slimming World Lorraine 0785 115 36768.00 pm Explorers Tom Strachan 07745 813 295

Thursday5.30 pm Brownies Stevie Blair. 8325 34697.15 - 8.45 pm Rangers Georgina Chappell 07983 4713088.00 pm - 3rdThu monthly

Men's Group Bruce Tannock 8325 6264

Friday9.00 - 12.00 pm Coffee morning during term times2.00 pm Mothers & Toddlers Judith Stoner 8462 30236.30 pm Guides Teresa Cheyne 8777 60427.30 pm Choir Martin Nunn 8462 5918Saturday2.30 pm Saturday Fellowship Martin Nunn 8462 5918

Final Thought

Clear the way

Gracious God,as the days shortenand the pale wintry sunbathes the sky with light,so may our anxiety abateand the warmth of your lovecleanse and purify our lives.

Promised One,as ice skims the pondand bright frostgilds the leaf with glory,may the clarity of your callawaken us to new hopeand new beginnings.

Holy Spirit of transformation,help us to clear the wayfor the coming Christ-child.As the red sun sinks behind black branches,slip into our livesand surprise us by the welcome warmthof your coming.

Kate Mcllhagga