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BURNTWOOD EDITION

THE LINK www.burntwoodmethodistchurch.org.uk

35p

November 2009

Ridgeway School Harvest at Chasetown Methodist

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CHURCH SERVICES

At Burntwood Methodist Church Cannock Road, Burntwood, WS7 0BJ

Sunday

Morning Worship 10.00 am Junior Church 10.00 am (Joint worship for first 15 minutes)

Tea and Coffee served after Morning Service.

Evening Worship 6.15 pm

Thursday

Morning Worship 10.45 am

If you require a lift to any of the Services,

please contact a steward

www.burntwoodmethodistchurch.org.uk

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Dear Friends During this last month our churches will have celebrated Harvest in many different ways and probably quite differently from how Harvest was celebrated in the past. Times change and what used to be suitable previously may no longer be appropriate for today. However, at Harvest we seem to embrace both the past and the present especially when home grown produce is on display and this year was no exception. As I looked at what was donated generously my attention was drawn to the large marrows that had been placed on display and they reminded me of the hard work and the care that had been given to them as they grew throughout the summer. Growing vegetables and fruit was a popular pastime and helped many families balance their finances and this could have been done either in the garden or on an allotment. Many of the allotments would hold annual competitions to find out who could grow the

largest of this or that, anything from potatoes to cauliflowers. Today, we still see many of these competitions taking place in rural areas and at agricultural shows. As visitors to these events we stand there amazed at what has been achieved and then that moment comes when the certificates and prizes are presented the grower who proudly receives his or her moment of glory in return for his or her efforts in tending the produce. Perhaps all of this contrasts with the Christian community where things are done not for our own glory but for the glory of God. We are called by God to be labourers for his Kingdom but sometimes our human nature prevents us from focussing on God’s purposes for us and encourages us to focus on our own needs and wants. Outsiders stand there amazed at the divisions that sometimes appear amongst the Christian community, whether between denominations, whether within denominations or within local churches and they must ask the question, why? Paul, in writing to the church in Corinth was aware of the divisions that were occurring and

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On Sept 14th Diane Evans came and spoke about being a magistrate. There is a lot more to that than most people realise. The following week lain Betts gave a testimony on how she became a Christian. The next week was different for us. It was our harvest celebration where we had soup and a roll and fruit salad and cream. On October 5th friends from St. Johns came, Bill & Norma Humphreys spoke to us on ‘Open Doors’. It was an eye opener to us telling us about

persecuted Christians in other countries. October 12th brought us Ken Wiles telling us the familiar story of David & Goliath and how we can defeat our enemies with God’s help. Mel Blogg came on the next week and read Psalm 91, telling us God protects us all the time. November Programme 2nd Brenda’s Goodies 9th Martin Evans 16th Revd Christopher Parkes 23rd TBA 30th George Cooper

Chase Terrace Ladies Guild meets on Monday at 2pm.

reminded people of what their purpose should be, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble…Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”(1 Cor. 31) As we approach Advent let us take a step back and reflect on our relationship with God and others so that together we can make God our focus and as

Paul wrote “do it all for the glory of God”. In His Service

Christopher

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Chasetown Ladies Guild meets on Tuesday at 7pm.

Date Cakes and

Milk

Leader Speaker

3rd Nov Dawn Marilyn & Yvonne

Claire Starling

10th Nov Pauline Pauline Laura Handy

17th Nov Phyll Carol Members Night

24th Nov Veronica Margaret George Cooper

1st Dec Christmas Meal

13/10/09

Our Speaker this evening was

Tony Dooley who is a Teacher at

The Rocklands Special School.

Tony told us about his life as a

Teacher to children with specials

needs and how it very nearly

didn’t come to pass as he gave up

college on two separate occasions,

before finally deciding teaching

was his vocation in life.

Tony went on to tell us when the

children moved into other classes,

some of them still came back to

see him which was rather lovely.

It must be extra special when

some the children achieve goals

no one in the past thought

possible.

Thank you Tony for a really

inspirational evening – you made

it sound so easy, but I still think it

takes a very special type of

person to take on these positions.

29/09/09

We began the evening by trying

out a new song for the Harvest

Festival and though I say it

myself, I thought we all did very

well indeed. We continued the

evening by taking part in a quiz –

I’m afraid Betty and I didn’t

perform very well only achieving

four correct answers out of fifteen.

Mind you, I hasten to add, the

winning score was only seven, so,

I suppose, all in all we didn’t do

too badly. Each question had a

choice of three answers – so I

guess we just chose the wrong

one – shame!

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Open Weekend at Anglesey Railway Well, what a weekend we had, the weather on our side and plenty of support from friends and family, all enjoying the hospitality from Bill and Val at their home. The final head count was 200 people; this meant that the ladies made drinks, cooked food, gave out food to order. What service from all the Cadets and Badgers taking orders and waiting on tables. The youngsters worked 11 hours on the first day, and 4 hours on the second, who could ask for more (they can put many of us adults to shame). As per usual I did a good job of upsetting the others, because whilst in my usual place, which is at the sink washing up, I suggested that we opened a Café and to call it “Crossed splints” well the look I got was an though to say “In your dreams”. We all had fun, plenty to eat and drink, in wonderful grounds. Over this weekend we were visited by our Commander Maureen Upton and her

husband, Commissioner Brian Clair and his wife; whilst there, Maureen autographed Bill’s FAW paper work I think he will cherish this. On Sunday we were visited by the County President Mr Kelly and Vice President Mr Kelly; it was really lovely to sit and chat over a cup of tea with them. Both Mr Kelly and Terry (husband) were very gracious, and allowed me to go on singing the praises of our wonderful Division and the work that is ongoing. Finally without the support of Bill and Val giving up their home and garden last weekend, we would not have been able to raise the grand total of £428.50; from everyone who worked or visited over this weekend, a massive thank you to you all. Carol Trigg

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I don't know, the youth of today............ How many times do we hear, say, or think that. I have just had the privilege of going to the Boys' and Girls' Brigade annual camp at Exmouth for a week as one of the cooks. The camp site is owned and run by Bristol Schools and has a manager Nadine and two assistant managers George and Phill. Nadine was on holiday for the week we were there, George and Phill worked on the camp on alternate days. Mary (my wife) and I arrived on Thursday evening to drop off our canoes and give us time to shop for the weeks supplies. We met George and some members of Cheshire St Johns Ambulance who were staying on the site the week before us. All our members from Burntwood, Chasetown and Walsall Wood arrived on the Sunday morning for one weeks stay. With our 'Bar-B-Q summer' we felt very lucky to have the good weather and an excellent camp was had by all. Both George and Phill joined us each day for breakfast, lunch and evening meal, something they do not normally do. (probably down to

the good food). George brought his partner, another Mary, for an evening meal after which she said she could not believe how well behaved the young people had been and what a wonderful atmosphere there was on the camp. Our friends who live in Exmouth, and had given Mary and I a bed for the three nights before camp, came for a meal on another night, they also said how well behaved the youngsters were. They were so impressed with the atmosphere that they stayed for the evening activity and left at 10.30 saying what a lovely group of people. At the end of the camp our group set off to walk down to the coach park, Mary and I made one last check of the site and set off in our car towing the canoes only to be met half way down the lane by George coming in the opposite direction in his car so we stopped to say goodbye. George had a big smile on his face and said “I have just had an awesome experience. I was parked near the coach park on the sea front when I saw your group walking down the coast path in their uniform. They looked so smart, how do they

(Continued on page 8)

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keep it looking so good while camping? They were all so well behaved, they are a credit to themselves, their leaders and the organisation they belong. Well done. Since our return I have had an E Mail from George saying 'Thanks for a quiet week' one from Phill saying 'I would like to thank the chefs and Burntwood for being a

great group with inspired and committed leadership, long may it continue. Stay in touch' My purpose of writing this is not to tell you what went on at camp but to let you know the impression OUR youth of today and their leaders is leaving on people. They deserve a big thank you and congratulations. Please note that any reference to Burntwood includes Chasetown

(Continued from page 7)

Phill the Assistant Manager is a member of the Exmouth Poetry Society. He wrote the following poem for us. As a word of explanation, the poem was written as if from the fox which had made the camp his home. He died on the morning our group arrived. It is thought from food poisoning from discarded food from the St John's Ambulance camp. Message from late camp fox FAGUS to Burntwood Lads and Ladies

I ate something nasty – a St Johns kid I think So I'm up in the stars now at Gods kitchen sink

I heard you coming Burntwood I was looking forward to your stay I left this message with Phill Cause I was meaning to say

You may ask “what are you here for” And why? You don't know And why you were born

And for what were you made And for what will you strive in life's escapade

Is there a Karma A good and a bad

And why swing like Gemini from happy to sad And why are the stars so far away

And dock leaves and nettle together in May

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Why are the magpies such patronising prats And why live your life as the bureaucrats

Why is there a sun and a moon Is there a god does he answer to whom Why of times are my senses of six Why's my physique of minimal mix

Why can't I see, is my thought not that deep A Burntwood breakfast to escape I seek

As I digest, relax my mind I drink Chef's tea a new life I find I drift away as high as the dawn Yes to return a little forlorn

Spinning,reeling,rushing,soaring higher higher stopping stalling I see the poor, I hear their cry

I watch them starve, watch them die The lungs of the world so unique and so rare

Cut down gutted,smoke filled air Ozone ripped as ice caps retreat Desert increases with global heat

Angers aroused as lush pastures decease Nations fight persecution does not cease I've bestowed unto you a foxes insight

Is your life in perspective are your priorities right Life is precious the days are short

Your time on this field can never be bought What are you here for, there's a purpose you know You all have such talent – DIG DEEP IT WILL SHOW

This picture shows how

the dead fox's sister is

now visiting the site

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ACTION FOR CHILDREN THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!

Did you know that the National Children's Home was founded by a Methodist minister in 1869. the name has changed and the work goes on 'This charity belongs to our Church' I banked £615.28 for this year's house to house, held each July. This is for all the streets we collected, donations left in church on Action for Chifdren Sunday and £80.56 collected at Burntwood church. Thanks to all who help year in year out and Thank you Burntwood. Many House to House collections have stopped and Churches are looking for other ways to raise money. I would like to make sure that we keep our fundraising as part of our outreach (not just collecting from each other) To evangelise, taking the love we know out to others. Here are some figures from past House to House collections 2009 £615.28 2008 £575.46 2007 £619.83 2006 £543.27 2005 £580.43 2004 £625.37 We raise money at other times of the year. The next event will be the annual Carol singing held at

Morrison's on Friday 11th Dec from 6.30pm- 8.00pm 'I'll be sending posters to local Churches and asking for your support soon' We send money in lieu of buying Christmas cards. There will be a card or poster to sign and a box for donations Collections from Home Light boxes, they are emptied in January. If you would like to donate in this way just ask for a box. If you want to help or get involved in any way. I am your contact. For the love of Jesus and the love of children I do this work. Glenis Bevan tel.683074

Action for Children .....as....long....as....it....takes..... one of the UK's leading children's charities, helping children achieve their full potential. Through our services we support some of the UK's most vulnerable and excluded children and young people. LOOK OUT FOR NEW ADVERTS ON TV........... Serious Neglect Kills

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THANX

We had our first Thanx Live event of this

academic year on the 4th October. It was

held at St Andrews in Great Wyrley, in

conjunction with an evening service usually

run by their young people. It was a huge

success and God really met with us. The

band mainly consisted of young people and

they were excellent, and clearly have a heart

for real worship which leaves an exciting

prospect for the future. We are looking

forward to getting as many young people

involved in as many different areas as

possible, and helping them grow and

develop in their gifts, talent and relationship

with God. Looking around the room and

seeing the amazing potential of so many

young people left a warm feeling in my

stomach, and quite honestly a little excited

smile on my face. The whole team is really

looking forward to the coming year, and our

expectation for what God is going to do is

sky high. The next Thanx live event is on

Sunday the 29th November at St John’s

Community Church. Come along and check

it out.

Shane Roche

Detached Work

How much fun can you have on a Tuesday

night? T6 volunteers have been ‘hanging

out’ with young people at the local parks of

Burntwood and sharing life with the youth

that are

there. We have a really good time;

sometimes playing football, tig or just

sitting chatting. It’s good to know that our

age or sporting ability isn’t all that

important to young people!

Mark Yaconelli said ‘the single most

important thing that can make a difference

in the life of a young person is the presence

of a caring adult’ - that’s what we’re about!

Tuesday’s has now expanded to Fridays too

and we’re also beginning detached work in

Great Wyrley. The future will see us taking

groups of young people away, maybe on

adventure days to make ‘space’ for them to

discover what God is really about. There’s a

great team of volunteers building and if this

is an area you’re curious about, please try to

come along to the Showcase on 21st Nov.

Jip Cheshire

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Have a cuppafor St John Ambulance

Saturday 14th November10am-3pm

Come & Join usat

Chasetown Methodist Church

ALL WELCOME FOR A FUN FILLED DAY

Tea

CakesContests

Puzzle s

Wound Makeup

Game

s

Sweets

Biscuits

Face Pa

in ting

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Thank God it’s Saturday (A New Life in the Spirit meeting)

Saturday 14th November

At Chasetown Methodist Church, Lawnswood Avenue

Tea available from 6:30pm

7pm Celebration

Speaker: James Haden-Walker

P.U.S.H. – The Power of Prayer

All are welcome to join us in worship

TGIS Praise—a time for music, ministry

and celebration

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CANNOCK CHASE CIRCUIT

LOCAL PREACHERS’ MEETING

ANNUAL STUDY DAY

“Creativity in Worship”

A practical workshop approach

Exploring elements of worship

Sharing creative ideas

Inspiring confidence to be more

creative in worship

Praying outside the box

All Welcome !

Saturday 14th. November 2009 At Penkridge Methodist Church

10.30 a.m. – 4.00p.m. (coffee from 10.00 a.m.)

Lunch provided ( a donation is invited on the day)

PLACES MUST BE BOOKED WITH PETER DUNN

5 Shelley Rd. Boney Hay , Burntwood WS7 2HR

Tel: 01543 683260 Email : dunn841@btinternet.com

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Cannock Salvation Army Present

A BRASS BAND CONCERT

at Chasetown Methodist Church on Tuesday 8th December 2009

at 7.30 p.m.

TICKETS £3 or pay at the door

Light Refreshments Available

EVERYONE WELCOME

Circuit Services Friday 27th November 7.30pm Network Advent Service at Bourne Sunday 13th December 3pm Anniversary Celebration Service at St. Augustine’s Church, Rugeley. with President of Methodist Conference, Revd David Gamble St Augustine’s seats 900—please can we help fill it! There will be no evening services in the circuit so that everyone is free to attend this celebration of anniversaries in the circuit.

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Chase Terrace Methodist Church Princess Street

CHRISTMAS

FAYRE

Saturday 7th November 11am to 2pm

We invite you to come and enjoy a

PLOUGHMANS LUNCH Tickets £3

Contact Barbara Bevan 2 servings 12noon and 1pm

Tombola, raffle, bottle Stall, Cake stall

Gifts & White Elephant Stall.

Everyone Welcome—Please come & support us All Proceeds to the Church Funds

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Saturday 28th November 10:30am-1pm

At Chasetown Methodist

Cakes, Jacket Potatoes, White Elephant, Crafts, Books, Toys, Father Christmas, Plants, Gifts, Tombola and more.

Everyone Welcome—Come for fellowship and have some fun!

Proceeds will be split 65% Church funds and 35% to this years good causes

We need a large number of different items to sell and this is a good time to do a little sorting of things you do not need anymore. If transporting goods is a problem please contact me on 683260 and I will arrange for items to be picked up. We need NEW items for the NEW stall BUT these must be brand new and I would be grateful if you could indicate this in some way when you bring them in or have them collected. If you are unable to cook cakes then perhaps you could provide some ingredients and other people can do the baking. We need LOTS and LOTS of cakes to make this stall a success!! Please look at the Fayre notices as you come in or go out of Church so that you

can offer some help where needed. Please spread the date around and Father Christmas’s arrival at 11am Everyone is busy and we all seem short of time…. but please give this a little of your time and energy so that the load is shared. It is always much easier and happier that way. A list of stalls will be on the notice board so that you can see what is needed. Any new ideas please see me. We can only make it a success if we ALL help. Not everyone can be there on the day but I am sure you can help in other ways. It is vital that we pull together for these events. Thank you in anticipation for your help, in whatever way and however small we are grateful.

WENDY

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British Methodists support disaster victims in British Methodists support disaster victims in British Methodists support disaster victims in British Methodists support disaster victims in Indonesia, Samoa and TongaIndonesia, Samoa and TongaIndonesia, Samoa and TongaIndonesia, Samoa and Tonga An appeal for prayer and funds for victims of the tsunami and earthquake tragedies has been launched by the Methodist Church in Britain. The Church’s World Mission Fund has already sent £15,000 to aid the relief work of Partner

Churches in the region. We want to be able to send more but we need your help. You can donate online to the appeal or send cheques made payable to the World Mission Fund to Dave Bennett, Fundraising Coordinator, Methodist Church House, 25 Marylebone Road, London NW1 5JR. Postal donations should include a note saying ‘Pacific Appeal’.

SamoaSamoaSamoaSamoa In 5 minutes, the tsunami claimed at least 140 lives in Samoa, many of them children. One couple lost all four of their children and there are eight babies being cared for in the local hospital who are motherless. With many people losing multiple members of their families, their support networks in times of grief and crisis have also been shattered as everyone on such a small island is connected in some way. Five Methodist churches in the area were destroyed. Ministers, their families and their many of their congregations are not only homeless, but churchless too. However this did not stop them having worship in their tents on the first Sunday after the disaster struck. The main concern now is the health of those who have survived. Because they are camping out, clean water and sanitary issues are major problems and the health services are preparing for illnesses and diseases that will follow. The priority is to try and build some temporary homes

along with sanitary facilities. The Samoan Church has specifically asked us to help them rebuild their churches and homes for their ministers. Steve Pearce, partnership coordinator for Asia and the Pacific, said, “It is clear that the Church will be heavily involved in the recovery both spiritually and pastorally in the weeks to come.” TongaTongaTongaTonga A state of emergency was declared in Tonga for Niuatoputapu, the closest island to Samoa with a population of around 1,000 people. The islanders of Niuatoputapu have been badly hit by the tsunamis and earthquakes which have rocked the area. Food, clothing and kitchen utensils have been sent. IndonesiaIndonesiaIndonesiaIndonesia In Indonesia, the main centre of the earthquake damage has been in Padang on the island of Sumatera. the only Methodist church in Padang is completely destroyed. The cost of rebuilding is at least £14,000. Can British Methodist Churches raise this?

Members of the Churches have thanked the Methodist people in Britain for their support. In an email one said, “It is so good to know that so far, far away, people and friends are thinking and praying for you … All we ask is that you continue to pray for us. Thank you and God bless you.”

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News update from the Potogi family in Samoa Methodists in Samoa have emailed Steve Pearce, Partnership Coordinator for Asia and the Pacific, explaining what has happened on the island following the tsunami last week. Here is the letter sent by the Potogi family: Salomona and Ana Potogi and their children, Lusa and Wesley.

Talofa Steve,

Firstly thank you so much for your

email. It is so good to know that so

far, far away, people and friends

are thinking and praying for you.

We are all safe and sound here in

Piula. Luckily we are quite high up

from the sea; the waves only went

as far as the cave pool. It was very

unlucky for the Southern side of

the island. Villages and churches

were completely wiped out. The

powerful force of the waves did not

only destroy homes, but also took

the lives of so many people. The

number of people killed by tsunami

so far is 140, which is a big number

for a small island like Samoa.

Ana's grandmother's family lost 13

members; a grandfather, two

daughters, one daughter-in-law

and, the rest, grandchildren. One

couple lost all four children. We

have now eight babies who are

motherless and being cared for

temporarily by the hospital, just to

name a few. We have never seen

anything like it before, and it’s so

heartbreaking as it has now been

one week since the tsunami. We

are still witnessing people being

dug up under sand and rocks.

People are being buried as they are

found because of the state in which

they are found. The main concern

now is the health of those who

survived the tsunami. Because they

are all camping out in the bush,

clean water and sanitary issues are

major problems and the National

Health is standing by for illnesses

and diseases to follow. The priority

now is to try and build some

temporary homes along with

sanitary facilities otherwise there

will be more problems to follow.

We have five Methodist Churches

in the area which were destroyed.

Ministers and their families are not

only homeless, but churchless, so

they, together with congregations,

are camping in the bushes.

However, that did not stop them

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from having worship on Sunday in

their tents. It is White Sunday

(Children’s Sunday) this coming

Sunday, and understandably it will

be a non-event for most villages,

especially families of the survivors

because so many children were

killed.

That is just to give you some idea of

what the tsunami has left behind,

and all we ask is that you continue

to pray for us.

Thank you and God bless you.

Other news received has emphasised what a terrible psychological trauma the loss of 150 people in five minutes represents on such a small island where everyone is connected in some way. One also feels for the many Samoans who have migrated away from the islands over the years and

will now be worried and feeling a long way from home. This island nation has a population under 200,000, but many more are living all round the world including in Britain and Ireland. Steve Pearce was informed on October 7 that a supernumerary minister in North West Durham, Revd Awane Tupou, has returned home to Samoa as five members of his wife’s family were killed in the tsunami. His wife is called Tino. Many messages are grateful for the immediate help that is available from neighbours and from neighbouring countries, but again and again repeat a request for prayer. As one emails put it, ‘All we need is prayer. Please pray for Samoa, as other types of assistance are plentiful by the love of families and neighbouring countries.’

A huge thank you to everyone who came along or helped

at the coffee morning at Chasetown for the Samoan Tsunami. We raised £505.33! Added to donations from

individuals, churches & groups, we have managed to raise an amazing £2075.33!!!

Ana & Mona also want to pass on their thanks for this

phenominal amount. Thank you, Claire

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Take action against climate change Take action against climate change Take action against climate change Take action against climate change Climate change is devastating some of the poorest communities around the world. On 5 December MRDF (Methodist Relief and Development Fund) along with thousands of others will be taking part in The Wave - a family friendly procession calling for world leaders to take action on climate change. The event in London comes days before global leaders meet in Copenhagen to discuss the issue and MRDF is inviting you to join them on the day. For those who cannot attend, MRDF has produced climate change resources tailored to fit in with the lectionary reading on 1 November – these include a Pray and Take Action interactive presentation and a prayer card that will form part of a sea of prayer banner at the event.

Who cares about estates?Who cares about estates?Who cares about estates?Who cares about estates? This is the title of the 2009 National Estate Churches Network Conference. Held at the Carrs Lane Conference Centre in Birmingham on Thursday 12 November, it offers participants the chance to discover how they can make a positive impact on the estate they live and serve, learn about effective estate projects and obtain details of new policies and sources of funding. The day will be a combination of workshops and speakers, including Lynsey Hanley who writes for the Observer and is the author of Estates: An Intimate History, and Sister Margaret Walsh who has pioneered

groundbreaking programmes in the tough estates of Wolverhampton. The cost of the day is £15. For further details and a booking form, go to www.nationalestatechurches.org.

LIFT ROTA—if anyone can offer to give lifts on Sunday mornings at Chasetown please see Betty Myers. If you could help once a month would make a difference.

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Satnav or map?

In the next few weeks, many of us will take to the roads to visit family for Christmas. How do you get from Point A to Point B? Some of us still use maps, others use satnav.

Neither system is perfect. For example, listening to a voice may be safer than looking at a map while driving, but what happens when the voice tells you to ‘go back’? Last year an estimated 300,000 people in Britain obeyed the voice too hastily, spun their cars unexpectedly, and crashed straight into something. That is a lot of car accidents.

The AA advises that before the journey, when you are sitting at home, a map works best because it gives you an overall picture of where you are, in relation to where you want to go. Once moving on the road, a satnav usually works fine, as long as you remember that the voice can’t see that lorry bearing down on you!

The Nation Remembers

Remembrance Day and the Two Minute Silence have been observed since the end of the First World War. Today, their relevance to our nation is as strong as ever. At 11 am on Remembrance Day, when we will bow our heads in reflection, we will have many hundreds of thousands of brave people to remember. They are not just the brave young men and women who fought for our freedom during the two World Wars. For today we also want to mourn and honour those who have died in more recent conflicts. Right now there are troops risking their lives for us in Iraq, Afghanistan and other trouble spots around the world, So a time of Remembrance, and this two minute tribute, are as important to us as ever they have been. Two Minute Silence at 11 am on the 11th day of the 11th month, to pay respect to all the fallen Service men and women, past and present.

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Could you help to save

our bees?

There is now world-wide concern about the future of bees, which don’t just produce honey but play a vital role in pollinating food plants and other crops. About a third of our human diet depends directly on these little creatures.

As viewers of recent TV programmes (including those fronted by the bee-keeping BBC presenter Martha Kearney) will have seen, many keepers have seen their hives destroyed by the mysterious colony-collapse and other diseases. Here in the UK we are losing our bee population at around 20 per cent a year (up from just six per cent in 2003).

Fortunately, our bees have two powerful allies in the Co-operative Movement and the National Federation of Women’s Institutes, which have both launched campaigns on the issue. A new film (‘Vanishing of the Bees’) had its UK general release in October.

The UK government has promised (but not yet delivered) £10 million over five years for research into the reasons for the decline in pollinating insects and ways to solve the problems. If that sounds a lot of money, remember that in that period bee pollination would contribute an estimated £1 billion to the national economy.

Without necessarily keeping bees themselves, there are many ways in which individuals can help. Honey bees rely on garden flowers for a diverse diet of nectar and pollen. You can encourage them into your garden by planting single-flowering plants and vegetables. Buy local honey if you can to support local bee-keepers. But don’t put unwashed honey jars outside the back door -- imported honey may contain bacteria or spores that can harm honey bees, perhaps infecting a whole colony.

You could invite a bee-keeper to come and give an illustrated talk to a local group. Ask your local authority to plant more flowers that attract bees in gardens, roundabouts and open spaces. Provide water for bees to drink. A shallow-edged dish with pebbles in it (to help bees climb in and out) is ideal. Or welcome bees to your garden with a bee box which helps them shelter from the rain or from a sudden drop in temperature (www.GoneGardening.com).

For information and guidance, contact the British Beekeepers Association at the National Agricultural Centre, Stoneleigh Park, Warks, CV8 2LG. The website is at www.britishbee.org.uk

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Is there room in your house this Christmas? How would you like to add a fascinating new ingredient to your Christmas? Hundreds of the international students attending British universities are now applying to an organisation called HOST, hoping to receive an invitation to spend Christmas in a private home. HOST is a charity, founded by the British Council and the Foreign Office, with the aim of promoting international friendship and understanding by introducing students to British residents for a one-off Christmas or weekend visit. Many of the students are Chinese; the rest come from every continent. The majority are in their 20's, but some are

older. They are well informed, and happy to share their own culture, while being eager to learn about life and customs in this country. The volunteer hosts are families, couples and single people, from a huge variety of backgrounds, but what they have in common is an interest in meeting people, a warm welcome to their home, and a willingness to share their way of life. It is not necessary for them to live close to a university, as students are happy to travel to see a different part of Britain. If you would like to spread goodwill in this way, please see www.hostuk.org or call HOST on 0207 739 6292 to be put in touch with your local organiser.

In prison, and you ... cared? 15 – 21 November is Prisons Week As you begin the run-up to Christmas, spare a thought for those who will spend it in prison – both prisoners and staff - and their families. They need your prayers. Prisons Week, which runs 15-21 November this year, aims to mobilise Christians to pray for the needs of prisoners, their families, the victims of their crimes, and the staff who work in prisons. Life is not easy for any of them. Prison Weeks began in 1975, when a number of prison chaplains and other concerned Christians joined together to ask for prayer for prisoners from within the wider Christian community. So in your prayers this month, and

especially during Prisons Week, please don’t forget the needs of this vulnerable, deeply needy community. If you like children, there is also something you can do that is quite practical. More than 100,000 children have a parent who will be in prison this Christmas, unable to buy their son or daughter a present. Through an initiative called Angel Tree, you can donate a gift to be sent to one of these children in the name of their parent. It can work wonders in healing some of the pain between parent and child! For more details, please visit www.prisonfellowship.org.uk

> 100,000 children have a parent who will be in prison this Christmas

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Still - We childproof our homes, but they are still getting in.

Worried son

As my five-year-old son and I were heading to McDonald's one day, we passed a car accident. Usually when we see something terrible like that, we say a prayer for whoever might be hurt, so I pointed and said to my son, "We should pray."

From the back seat I heard his earnest voice: "Dear God, please don't let those cars block the entrance to McDonald's."

Miscellaneous observations

By the time you find greener pastures, you can't climb over the fence.

I was thinking of becoming a doctor. I have the handwriting for it.

God may have made our relatives - but thank God we can choose our friends!

98 per cent of the time I am right. Why worry about the other three per cent?

Any day above ground is a good day.

How do you find where a flea has bitten you? Start from scratch!

Any married man should forget his mistakes - there's no use in two people remembering the same thing.

Can’t scare me

My wife and I were watching the gorillas at the zoo when several of them charged at the enclosure fence, yelling terribly, rolling their eyes around, and clenching their fists. They looked quite terrifying. The crowd scattered except for one elderly man, who did not bat an eye. Later, my wife asked him how he had kept his composure. "Oh, easy,” he said cheerfully. “You see, I used to drive a school bus."

Six items

I was in the express lane at the store quietly fuming. Completely ignoring the sign, the woman ahead of me had slipped into the checkout line pushing a cart piled high with groceries. Imagine my delight when the cashier beckoned the woman to come forward, looked into the cart and asked sweetly, "So which six items would you like to buy?"

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Letter from St James the Least of

All ---- On the ferocity of the

church’s Bridge drive

.T...................................The Rectory,

....St. James the Least

My dear Nephew Darren

Your suggestion that we should

hold a sponsored hymn-singing

bicycle ride through the village as

a way of raising money was well-

meant, but I am not wholly

convinced it would suit our

clientele here at St. James the

Least. While you certainly raised

some money, I feel that £5.43,

along with assorted foreign coins

no longer in use, may mean that

the purchase of your

pneumatically adjustable stage for

liturgical dance, along with

equipment for producing

holograms of the Holy Land to

illustrate sermons, may be

somewhat delayed. It makes our

fund-raising to repair the tea urn

seem somewhat mundane.

You may have musical bike rides,

but we have Bridge drives, which

are generally as amiable and

peaceful as bear baiting. Half of

those attending will see the

afternoon as an opportunity to

catch up on local gossip and to

exchange knitting patterns, the

game of cards being a minor

hindrance to these other activities.

The other half arrive primed for a

battle to the death, reluctantly

conceding that eye-gouging is not

allowed. They will demand total

silence – which is wholly ignored

by those at the tables discovering

what Mrs Trumpington confided

to Lady Driver half way through

“Onward Christian Soldiers” at

last Sunday’s Mattins. The

congregation is eternally grateful

to Mrs Mitchell, who as a former

mill worker is able to lip read.

Refreshments are regarded by one

half as an opportunity to put jam

on the cards, spill tea on the score

cards and make sure that the

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other tables

get the egg

and cress

sandwiches

while they

corner the

boiled ham;

the others

see it as an unwelcome

interruption to the serious

business of slaughtering their

opponents.

Drawing the raffle is the adult

equivalent of ringing the school

bell at going-home time. Half the

players will immediately dash off

to relay newly-mined seams of

gossip throughout the village,

leaving the others holding

reproachful post-mortems with

their partners over their bidding

mistakes.

Reproaches are never too violent,

however, since the chances are

that they will all be meeting again the following afternoon round card tables at another

location for yet another re-

enactment of the slaughter at

Agincourt, the only difference being that the French and English were not entertained with tea

and sandwiches at half time.

Your loving uncle, Eustace

Some thoughts on genealogy

~ Genealogy: tracing yourself back to better people.

~ I trace my family history so I will know who to blame.

~ Can a first cousin, once removed, return?

~ Searching for lost relatives? Find them fast - win the lottery!

~ Do you even WANT ancestors?

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We wish Happy Birthday to: November 12th Brenda Jackson 16th Adam Moran 23rd Amanda Wiles

Wedding Anniversaries 3rd November (2nd) Lisa & David Shaw

Please let us have birthdays, anniversaries and any other family news for the next issue by the deadline – see back page.

Nice One Outside a City Zoo is a car park, with spaces for 150 cars and 8 coaches. It has been manned 6 days a week for 23 years by the same charming and very polite car park attendant with the ticket machine. The charges are £1 per car and £5 per coach. On Monday 1st June, the man did not turn up for work. The City Zoo management phoned the City Council to ask them to send a replacement parking attendant. The Council said, “That car park is your responsibility”. The representative of the Zoo said. “The attendant was employed by the City Council … wasn’t he?” The Council said, “What attendant?” Gone missing from his home is a man who has been taking the daily car parking fees amounting to about £400 per day for the last 23 years…! believed to be living in the south of France. Estimated total sum £2.9 million. A true story reported in a west of England newspaper.

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Let us pray for: 1st Our Minister and his

family 2nd The Local Preachers in

our Circuit 3rd The members of our

Resources Committee 4th Pastoral Visitors and the

people they visit 5th The leaders and members

of our Junior Church 6th The Circuit Leadership

Team 7th All members of our

congregation 8th The men who have

sacrificed their lives for our country

9th The families of The Fallen 10th Our soldiers serving

abroad 11th Injured and maimed

soldiers returning from the battlefield

Let us give thanks for: 12th Those who help with the

rehabilitation of our soldiers

13th The organisations and charities who raise funds for our soldiers

14th The beauty of Autumn

15th The love of friends and families

16th The ability to be able to share in joy or sadness with another

17th Our Christian faith 18th God's grace Let us pray for: 19th Those who are sick in

hospital or at home 20th Those who are lonely and

afraid 21st Those who are lost and

searching for a spiritual meaning

22nd Those who have been bereaved

23rd The homeless 24th Those who are in Nursing

Homes or Hospices 25th The welfare of small

children in Nurseries or with Child Minders

26th Countries where there is strife and unrest

27th Countries who have been devastated by natural disasters

28th Peace where there is war 29th Forgiveness of

wrongdoings 30th The Holy Spirit to come

amongst us

PRAYER DIARY FOR NOVEMBER

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WEEKDAYS AT BURNTWOOD

Monday 2pm-4pm Over 50’s Social Group 7:00pm Boys’/Girls Brigade Band Practice 7:30pm Bible Study (fortnightly) 8:00pm Regnal Tuesday 6:15pm Girls’ Brigade Wednesday 12noon LiteBite at Chase Terrace 1:30pm Live at Home—Friendship Group 2:00pm Bible Study—House Group 6:30pm Boys’ Brigade—Anchor boys 8.00pm Boys’ Brigade—Company Section Thursday 10:45am Thursday Church 6:45pm Boys’ Brigade—Junior Section Friday

If you require any further details of these activities

please contact our minister—see below (Details of other group meetings in Notices)

Minister: Rev Christopher Parkes, 60, Queen Street, Chasetown. Tel 01543 682277

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Chasetown Bookings & Meetings : Betty Myers 682383 Burntwood Bookings & Meetings : Shelia Chaplin 686065

Chase Terrace Bookings & Meetings : Brenda Jackson 670632

‘Link’ Editor : Carol Whitson on 01543 675852 or e-mail: link@casprint.co.uk

Next Deadline : Sunday 22nd November

NOVEMBER ISSUE—is due out on Sunday 29th November

DIARY Please let the editor know of any dates you wish to be included in the next edition.

NOVEMBER 7th Chase Terrace Autumn Fayre –

see page 16 8th Remembrance Sunday 9th Grapevine at Burntwood 12th 7:30pm BCU Meeting at

Beacon Church 14th 10am Big Tea Cosy—page 12 10.30am Local Preacher’s

Study Day—page 14 6:30pm TGIS—page 13 7:30pm Rock at Symphony

Hall 7:30pm Chase Orpheus Choir

at Brereton Parish Hall 19th 3pm Network AGM at Chase

Terrace 21st T6 Showcase—page 11 26th Local Preachers Meeting at

Featherstone 26th Blood Donors at Chasetown 26th 7.30pm BCU Advent Service at

Hammerwich 27th 7:30pm Circuit Network Advent

Service at Bourne 28th Chasetown Christmas Fayre—

page 17 28th Burntwood Christmas Meal 29th 7pm Thanx at St. John’s

Community Church—page 11

DECEMBER 5th 7.30pm Burntwood Live at

Home Concert at Chasetown 8th 7.30pm Salvation Army

Concert— page 15 10th 7.30pm Circuit Meeting at

Chasetown 11th 6:30pm Carol Singing, page 10 12th 10am-2pm Open Manse 12th 6:30pm TGIS, page 13 13th 3pm Circuit Anniversary

Service—page 15 16th 10am Ridgeway Carol Service

at Chasetown 2pm Burntwood Live at Home

Carol Service at Chasetown 17th 3pm Network Christmas Party

at Chase Terrace 20th 6:15pm Carol Service 24th 11:15pm Midnight Communion

at Burntwood 25th Christmas Day Worship 9:45am Chase Terrace 10.00am Burntwood 10:30am Chasetown 27th No Evening Services 31st Blood Donors at Chasetown

Weekly Activities are inside the back page.