1

CONTACT

Magazine of Erdington Methodist ChurchStation Road - May 2011

Contents

Minister’s Letter 3In CONTACT this month . . . 4Family News 5E100 5Nine 5Scenes from my sketchbook 6Four Great Choruses - The Heavens are Telling 8Tuesday Group 9Help Needed 10‘I like a nice cup of tea in the morning’ 12Polo's Progress - an update 13Why E100? 15New Methodist website for children and young people 17Church Open Day 18From a Spanish proverb 18E100 Timetable - May 19Children’s Pages 20May Customs and Traditions 22Rise and shine 24Eternity - William Blake (1757 - 1827) 25St Mark’s Gospel 26Easter Offering Dedication Service 28Daring to dream the impossible 29Prayers for Christian Aid Week 31The Son’s Gift 32Red and amber, go! 33Morning prayer 33Birmingham District Women’s Network Summer Meeting 34PR (or proportional representation) 35Methodist Council discusses the Big Society 37May 2011 - Regular Meetings 39Weekly Church Activities 40

2

Minister’s Letter

Dear Friends

As I write this the sunshine has arrived. There always seems to be something different about our lives when the sun shines. The colours are brighter, the sky is blue (OK I know it isn’t really), and the world looks at its best. Children play outside and we can all hear them enjoying themselves. There is opportunity to stop and chat with our neighbours in the street instead of running for cover from the cold and wet. It is good to feel the warmth of the sun and to be able to open windows and let our homes breathe.

Maybe I exaggerate just a little bit. But there is some truth in what I am suggesting. A touch of sunshine does make a difference to the way we see things and the way we feel and perhaps it can be all the more enjoyable because it is not all year round. We benefit from the contrast between the seasons. We have something to look forward to.

When someone asks what difference it makes to have Christian faith it is not always easy to give an answer that makes sense without actually experiencing it for yourself. But maybe the way many of us are changed by the simple rays of sunshine can go some way towards an explanation. Having faith in God makes a difference to the way the world looks and the way we feel about things. It gives a different perspective on things we thought we knew. It makes life more manageable and people seem more friendly. It makes it possible to come out into the open and enjoy life to the full, whatever else is happening in our lives.

While you are out and about enjoying the sunshine this coming summer why not give some thought to the things of faith and find out how to notice the difference all year round?

Jane

3

In CONTACT this month . . .

We start with our E100 series of bible readings - we hope that you will join in - so that our whole church is following the same series at the same time

Ann Tomes presents us with a Scene from her sketchbook

Barbara Rawson concludes her ‘Four Great Choruses’ series

Enid Denton starts us off with a series about our church groups.

We have an update on Polo’s progress

You can learn a little about our Church Open Day in September

We learn about May customs and traditions

We remember St Mark’s Gospel

We have an update about Christian Aid’s work in Nicaragua

We give some thought to why voting on Proportional Representation is important

and much more . . . .

We hope you enjoy our May CONTACT

4

Family NewsGerald Peel, Group Scout Leader of the 177th Birmingham (Erdington Methodist) Scout Group has been awarded the prestigious Bar to the Silver Acorn for his hard work and dedication to scouting. We here at Erdington know how much Gerald does for the group and what an inspiration he is. This award is also for the work he does for Birmingham County as head of Blackwell Adventure Centre. Gerald’s vision has turned it from a local campsite into an international adventure centre.

We are thrilled and proud that Gerald has been recognised by this award.

and I’m sure that the rest of the church would like to offer their congratulations too Gerald - well done and well deserved - ed

177th Birmingham Leader

E100 Our exciting Bible challenge will begin on Sunday May 8th. Programmes will be available for those who want to look further than a week or month ahead. The first month timetable is on page 19

Watch this space for dates when we will gather together with our friends from Kingstanding and Nechells to reflect on how we are getting on. There are also plans to hold a Quiet Day in the autumn, possibly on Saturday 1st October, venue to be decided. It is not too late to order a book if you want to join us! Jane

NineI was meeting a friend in a restaurant and as I went in, I noticed two pretty girls looking at me. "Nine," I heard one whisper as I passed. Feeling pleased with myself, I swaggered over to my buddy and told him a girl had just rated me a nine out of ten. "I don't want to ruin it for you," he said, "but when I walked in, they were speaking German."

5

Scenes from my sketchbook

Norman and I have been fortunate enough to have visited the Lake District many times, thanks to two of my ex-art students who owned a house in Keswick, and who generously invited us to use it whenever we wished. It opened up many drawing and painting opportunities for me and this is one of the sites I chose.

Branching left off the B5289 running along the side of Derwent Water into Borrowdale, on to a narrow twisting road leading up the hillside to Ashness Bridge, a well-known beauty spot with its pack-horse bridge and wonderful vista overlooking Derwent Water and Keswick in the distance, and all against the backing of the long bulk of Skiddaw.

I have never drawn either the bridge or the view because the terrain is so rough underfoot, I dared not risk trying to find a vantage point from which to draw. However, continuing along the single-track road which twists and turns at very sharp angles, accompanied by the Watendlath Beck , you reach Watendlath itself - a cluster of cottages and a couple of farms. This is a

6

National Trust location. On the farm wall situated beside the Watendlath Tarn, is an inscribed plaque “Judith Paris’s house”. Judith Paris was the daughter of Rogue Herries, the character in the 1st of Hugh Walpole’s set of 4 books set in and around this area. (Well worth a read).

One of the farm cottages opens a coffee shop where seating is outdoors among the chickens, ducks, geese, chaffinches and any other feathered and furry friends who wish to partake of your purchases.

A cobbled footpath crosses the delightful packhorse bridge pictured on the previous page, and one of the cobblestones has been removed and replaced with an engraved one which states that Charles, Prince of Wales, arrived here by helicopter in 1986 (I’m not sure of the date.) ( I wonder if by now, someone has removed another which reads that Ann Tomes sat and drew this bridge!)When I sit drawing in a situation such as this, it’s not long before people begin to casually walk past to see what you’re doing and, more to the point, whether you’re any good at it! I try to distance myself from any comments but it’s not always easy, and sometimes people ask questions and you end up becoming friends by the end of the conversation, but with little to show in your sketchbook after 4 or 5 hours.

I find water reflections interesting and fascinating to draw and it’s a great temptation to mirror what is above the waterline, whereas in fact water reflects differently, as with the bridge for example. The water ‘sees’ much more of the underside of the bridge than the viewer on the bank. It’s an interesting observation and the picture is not wrong. I hope you have enjoyed my comments around a picture. If you have, please let me know. I could perhaps, produce more if enough readers are interested. Pictures add another dimension to the Contact.

For those interested in reading Walpole’s books based in the area they are in this order: 1. Rogue Herries, 2. Judith Paris, 3. The Fortress, 4. Vanessa.A saga of one family through four generations. Ann Tomes

7

Four Great ChorusesNo. 4 - THE HEAVENS ARE TELLING

Chorus from The Creation by Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)

Haydn’s greatest work, ‘The Creation’ celebrates the creation of the world as depicted in Genesis. After two years he finished composing his work by which time he was completely exhausted. On completing it he remarked, "I was never so devout as when I was at work on The Creation; I fell on my knees each day and begged God to give me the strength to finish the work." “The heavens are telling the glory of God” (Psalm 19 v.1) is a song of praise and is, without doubt, the most popular extract from the oratorio. The sun, moon, and stars were created on the fourth day and the glory of God is seen in the heavens and in nature. This splendid chorus which concludes the first part of the oratorio alternates between three soloists and the choir. It shows the triumph of light over dark.

The heavens are telling the glory of God;The wonder of His work displays the firmament.

Haydn’s vision of the world is hugely optimistic. “The heavens are telling the glory of God” is a glorious example of this optimism. In this joyful chorus we all share in the wonder and joy of God’s marvellous world. What a welcome opportunity to celebrate His great achievement and temporarily put aside present day concerns!

Barbara Rawson8

Groups who use our church premisesWe are beginning, this month, with a series of articles about the different groups which meet on the church premises. We asked Enid to write a little about the Tuesday Group but we would like to think that groups would volunteer information for future issues. We would like to know who you are, what you do and perhaps some information about what you have done recently. Feel free to hand articles to any of the team listed on the back page or via email. We look forward to hearing from you - ed

Tuesday GroupBarrie and I were introduced to the Tuesday Club by Ann and Norman Tomes sometimes in the 1990s.  Although we had been Church Members since 1980, we had never thought about joining the Tuesday Club.  The Club meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month from 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm.  The Club is open to everyone and it is great to have men and women spending an enjoyable time together. Our Social Secretary Valerie Long has provided a varied and interesting programme over many years.  We also enjoy outings which Mike Hedley arranges.  This year we are going to Chester.  Apart from the Tuesday programme we go to Modern China to their lunch buffet and a great favourite in January is our Fish and Chip luncheon.  In August each year usually one of the members invites us to their home and we have a Garden Party in their garden. From our subscriptions (£2) we usually give a donation to our Speakers to support their projects and apart from that this year we are supporting Water Aid.  We also have events to support our Church. Last year Ann Tomes opened up her Garden and over £500 was raised for Church Funds. I can really recommend the Tuesday Club to everyone, do come along and enjoy fun and fellowship.  Enid Denton 

9

Help NeededThe Children's Creativity weekend, based at South Parade, will soon be here and as yet nowhere near enough helpers/stewards have come forward to help on the day (Saturday 7th May). If you could kindly spare a few hours on that day, for that purpose, then please speak to one of Erdington’s church Stewards who will pass on your names to the organisers.

The organisers are especially interested to know if potential helpers have a current Methodist Church CRB check and/or First Aider skills, but these are not essential to you volunteering. An agenda for the Saturday follows and will give you an idea of the times when they need volunteers.

Saturday - a day of workshops

Registration from 9.30am

Session 1 Starting at 10.00 am - Choose from:

Street Dancing 9-12 year oldSinging 5-8 year oldArt (protective clothing required) 9-12 year oldCookery 5-8 year oldDrama 9-12 year oldAfrican Drum Circle 5-8 year oldCircus Skills 9-12 year old

Drinks & biscuits from 11.00 am

Session 2 Starting at 11.30 am - Choose from:

Street Dancing 5-8 year oldSinging 9-12 year oldPainting & Making 5-8 year oldCookery 9-12 year old

10

Drama 5-8 year oldAfrican Drum Circle 9-12 year oldCircus Skills 5-8 year old

Lunch (bring packed lunch, drinks provided) from 12.30 pm

Session 3 Starting at 1.30 pm - Choose from:

Painting & Making 5-8 year old Instrumental 9-12 year oldDrama 5-8 year oldCookery 9-12 year oldAfrican Drum Circle 5-8 year oldCircus Skills 9-12 year oldBallet/Contemporary Dance 5-8 year old Drinks & Tuck Shop from 2.30 pm

Session 4 Starting at 3.00 pm - Choose from:

Art 9-12 year oldInstrumental (percussion) 5-8 year oldDrama 9-12 year oldCookery 5-8 year oldAfrican Drum Circle 9-12 year oldCircus Skills 5-8 year oldBallet/Contemporary Dance 9-12 year old

Games & Messy Crafts available throughout the day

Can I go - it sounds like so much fun!!! - ed.

11

‘I like a nice cup of tea in the morning’ The other day I noticed an article in my paper about Caffeine. It set out all manner of suggestions about the what caffeine may or may not do to you. Surprisingly the most important thing that I took from it was that there is so much variation in our individual responses to caffeine that it is almost impossible to determine whether or not it is good, bad or indifferent for us.

It may or may not cause palpitations or prevent heart attacks. It may or may not increase concentration or prevent dementia. It may decrease the likelihood of suffering from rheumatoid arthritis but on the other hand depending upon how much you drink you may or may not reduce the chances of suffering with cancer.

It did though lead me to investigate the caffeine content of various drinks, however even though I was unaware of the absolute quantities of caffeine in each product the relative position in the list was not at all surprising.

Caffeine in an 8oz portion, about 250ml for younger readers.

Tea 60mgCoffee instant 65<100mgLatte 75mgEspresso 2oz 100mgCoca Cola 34mgPepsi 37.5mgRed Bull 80mgMonster energy drink 160mg

The only thing that can be said with any certainty is that caffeine is a lot less dangerous than smoking, drinking and being overweight. The flavonoids in tea do exert anti-oxidant effects and are almost certainly responsible for most of the beneficial effects of tea. However should you give up caffeinated drinks? Probably not, just remember the old adage, moderation in all things!

Peter Farley

12

Polo's Progress - an updateI will apologise first to all Polo fans (I know there are a few of you) but this epistle is written about Polo not by him!  Richard, Becci and I were fortunately able to go to Leamington  to see him working.  It is usual practice to invite the puppy walkers to attend such an event prior to the dog going on to advanced training and, of course, we were very excited about it.

 Sharon, his trainer, has been very positive about him.  He is very obedient and his working practice has been excellent although he still has a few naughty traits.  For example, she took him home for a few days at Christmas and the first thing he did was jump on the settee!  He was moved from the kennels into a 'boarder home'  ( in Polo's case a family with two children of about 7 ) because he was too excited to work when surrounded by all the other dogs.  He has, therefore, continued to excel at his game of taking and hiding things.  His favourite items now being children’s shoes and socks.  As Sharon said 'he doesn't chew them - just relocates'.  Apparently, this is just a minor problem.  The main thing is that he has a wonderful aptitude for guide dog work.

During the working day he spends time at the Training Centre in an office with another dog and a member of staff.  Twice a day he is taken into town to practise his skills.  He is now wearing a harness for this so he looks like a real guide dog!.  We were allowed to follow him and Sharon  - at a distance - and watch  him working.  Another trainer had driven us there and explained what he was doing and what the trainer's expectations were.  He is obviously very happy doing this.  He has a rapport with Sharon and it is clear that his enthusiasm for work has not waned. 

As exciting as this was to see, our favourite part of the visit was the opportunity to meet Polo in the staff room where we could fuss and play with him.  Some dogs do not make a fuss of their puppy walkers and some seem not to recognise them at all.  Happily, this was not the case with Polo who carried on where he left off.  He immediately jumped onto Richard's knee and started chewing his hands (very un-pc for a guide dog!) and was generally very pleased to be with us.

13

Unfortunately, all good things come to an end and I found it particularly difficult to say goodbye because as we walked along the corridor together I think Polo thought he was coming with us.  We had to say our goodbyes and leave him in 'his office'.  I know we all found the day emotionally challenging.  Polo is the first guide dog puppy I have trained and we would all  have been delighted to keep him if he had been withdrawn from service.  On the other hand, I entered into the volunteer role of puppy walker with the intention that a blind person might have the opportunity to regain confidence and be given a new freedom by working with a trained dog.   That is the goal.

I have just heard that Polo will be four paws nearer to that goal as he emBARKS on his advanced training in Southampton from the 19th April.  The Guide Dog Association have his Profile and will  be looking at the needs of people who are now wanting a guide dog.  They are very careful to match up the two parties thereby ensuring a successful partnership..

Of course, it is very tiring for Polo and he has little spare time but he asked  the Leamington Office to issue this statement:

I want to thank everyone for their support and patience especially at Erdington Methodist Church where I made so much noise during the services!  I miss Carla and Annie but I am very happy here.  I love the work and  I will keep you posted of my progress.

14

Why E100?So - why E100? What is the point of it? Surely as Christians we are familiar with the Bible; we hear lessons read in church and read it regularly at home - or do we? How well do we really know the Bible, and how detailed is the picture that we have in our minds of the history of the Old Testament, the nature of God - and even Christ’s birth and Resurrection?

This year we are celebrating the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible, which was so important and made such an impact when it was produced in 1612.

When King James 1st came to the throne he found the established church very divided; he was approached by the Puritans wanting something done about the situation, which was at a stalemate. They wanted to move on and embrace new ideas, but met a lot of resistance from the Conformists who liked things as they were, and were prepared to go to any lengths to keep it that way!!

Does this sound familiar at all?

The king listened to the Puritans and set up meetings to see what could be done--!! The best idea that came out of these meetings was the suggestion that a new version of the Bible be produced, as there were many errors in the one in current usage. In fact some went so far as to say that the current Geneva Bible was corrupt and not answerable to the original Truth. The King himself declared that he had not yet come across a well- translated Bible, and that it was time to have a uniform translation to be used in all churches.

Needless to say there were many discussions, which led to 54 learned translators being involved who had to follow a string of complex rules in their deliberations.

The result was the King James Bible, largely using earlier translations of William Tyndale, the first person to translate the New Testament into

15

English. Its impact was great, and it made the Bible accessible to many more people. Many of the sayings in it are still used in everyday speech.

Today some of the language seems archaic to us - words and phrases are difficult to understand, and even with newer updated translations, it seems to many to be an uphill struggle to get to grips with the Bible.

Possibly the most modern is The Word on the Street, formerly The Street Bible, which Nichola used at family services sometimes. It is aimed at teenagers in an endeavour to make the Bible relevant to them--and, for us, it is quite interesting to compare passages with the Bible we might currently use.

I found the forward to it interesting as it highlights reasons why there is such difficulty in reading the Bible; here is a paragraph from it---

The Christian movement has bought heavily into the concept that the Word of God cannot come alive if no one listens. And how can they listen if they do not understand? The first edition of the Christian Bible surfaced in the second century AD and was published in Greek. The publishers knew well that most of the Old Testament was written in Hebrew and that Jesus spoke Aramaic when he addressed the peasants and fishermen of rural Galilee.

But still they published the Christian in Greek!

What use is the Word of God if no one understands ?

Those of you intending to take part in this programme, and have signed up for the accompanying book, before starting the course take time to read the introduction. It is very interesting and a helpful lift-off.

To finish, here’s another quote from the forward to the Word on the Street, written by a theologian who regularly checked this new translation as Rob Lacey, the writer, completed each section.

16

He makes this personal comment---Rob helped me discover angry and sad voices in passages of the Bible that had left me indifferent before, and he made me laugh at other passages that were so familiar to me that I had never seen the healthy irreverence, humour and irony they expressed.

It is hoped that after completing E100 you can echo these words.

Hilary Price

New Methodist website for children and young people

A new website from the Methodist Church is offering resources for children, young people, parents and youth workers.

www.childrenandyouth.org.uk has age-appropriate sections offering stories, ideas and advice for children and young people themselves as well as specialist sections for youth and children’s workers. “This isn’t just another website about working with young people,” said Penny Fuller, the Methodist Church's children and youth development officer. “It’s a hub of resources for the whole Church as we join children and young people on their journey of faith. It’s a place where children and young people can find advice and support as they live out their discipleship in the classroom, on the playground and in the high street.” The website also has a special section dedicated to parents, with guidance and information for parenting children of all ages on topics ranging from bereavement to relationships.

from the Methodist Church News Service

17

Church Open Day

What is an Open Day?The Open Day is an opportunity for all the groups who use our church premises and all church groups to advertise themselves to local people. A day for us to say to the locality - “Hey - we are Erdington Methodist Church and this is what we are about.” We will shortly be sending letters to all groups asking them to give some thought to if they would like a stall or if they would like to do a demonstration - or maybe both!!

When is it?The date for your diaries is Saturday September 3rd - 10.00 to 3.00 pm

How do I get involved?Simply reply to your invite or speak to one of the church stewards

Who is it open to?Any group who uses our church premises

Is there a cost involved?Only the cost of setting up your stall - the church won’t be charging for entry or for having a stall in the first place. There will be refreshments provided on the day and we will expect you to pay for those!

How can I help?We do need people to be involved in the planning and execution for this day so if you would like to help then please speak to a church steward.

Watch out for more information in next month’s magazine.

From a Spanish proverb

How beautiful it is to do nothing,and then to rest afterwards.

18

E100 Timetable - May

Week 1 08.05.11 In the Beginning

Creation Genesis 1:1 - 2:25

The Fall Genesis 3:1 - 24

Week 2 15.05.11 The Flood Genesis 6:5 - 7:24

God's Covenant with Noah

Genesis 8:1 - 9:17

Tower of Babel Genesis 11:1 - 9

Week 3 22.05.11 Abraham, Isaac & Jacob

The Call of Abraham

Genesis 12:1 - 20

God's Covenant with Abram

Genesis 15:1 - 21

Isaac's Birth & Sacrifice

Genesis 21:1 - 22:19

Week 4 29.05.11 Jacob & Esau Compete

Genesis 27:1 - 28:22

Jacob & Esau Reconcile

Genesis 32:1 - 33:20

Philippians 4:8 (New International Version)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

19

20

21

May Customs and Traditions

As a child of about ten, I can recall trying to skip round the maypole for May Day celebrations in which the school took part. It was an activity in which I always struggled, but in which I was included. The maypole, with its streamers of brightly coloured ribbons, was rigged up on the school recreation field, where games such as tug-o-war and skittles, etc. were played. Country dances finished off the afternoon’s activities and all the children were encouraged to partake. Our parents came to watch our antics and applaud our efforts. We practised the moves over the previous few weeks when we discovered we had two left feet and toes which hurt when the boys trod on them, which they did frequently and deliberately, once they found they could make us yell.

May is named after the Greek goddess, Maia and it was a time of great celebration particularly in the northern hemisphere. The Anglo-Saxon name for May was Tri-Milchi, in recognition of the fact that with lush new grass, cows could be milked three times a day. It was first called May in around 1430.

Of course, we think of May as a time of renewal of the earth, of flowers emerging and flourishing and when crops begin to sprout. In times past it marked the end of harsh winter months, welcomed longer, warmer days and with them hopes for a good summer with plentiful harvests.

Our ancestors living in rural areas celebrated May with an annual festival of music, dancing and games, so I suppose my school’s celebrations were based on their traditions.

There are still Garland Ceremonies today in some villages. In Charlton-on-Otmoor in Oxfordshire, a large wooden cross covered with yew and box leaves stands above the rood screen in the church. On May Day this is taken

22

down and redecorated with fresh greenery and flowers and the children carry small decorated crosses around the village to take to a special service.In Brampton, also in Oxfordshire, the Spring Bank Holiday marks the beginning of the traditional Morris Dancing Season. Children of the village bring a selection of garlands into which May dolls are sometimes woven which are later judged in a competition.

On May 1st in some villages, a May Queen was chosen and she would be decked out in a white dress and floral headdress. Young maidens used to rush out and wash their faces in the May dew, believing that May dew has magical properties and that anyone who washed their face will have a beautiful complexion throughout the year. It was supposed to remove freckles, spots and pimples. (It could be that May dew was purer than the water at the time of this superstition).May sees the traditional custom of Oak Apple Day when people wear oak apples or oak leaves pinned to them in remembrance of May 29th when King Charles II returned triumphantly to London after the restoration of the monarchy in1660. The oak leaves symbolise the narrow escape from capture by Cromwell’s soldiers by hiding in an oak tree. Until well into the twentieth century, anyone caught not wearing an oak leaf or apple on 29th May could be pinched, kicked or otherwise abused, which is why the day is also called ‘pinch-bum day’.

And a few superstitions for May:- - ‘Marry in May and you’ll rue the day’. - ‘Wash a blanket in May, wash a dear one away’. - ‘A swarm of bees in May is worth a load of hay.” - Cats born this month will not be good rodent catchers and even worse, will bring snakes into the home.

- Weather lore – “A wet May makes a big load of hay.- A cold May is kindly and fills the barn kindly”.

Ann Tomes

23

Rise and shineBefore becoming a Circuit Steward I had served as a church steward on two occasions. During the first of these stints I had quickly established that Circuit Meeting was an event to be avoided, if at all possible. It seemed to me to be populated by more than its fair share of people who, in work meeting, I would have classified as ‘needing a life’. The sort of people who appear to be happy to spend a significant proportion of any meeting arguing over things which seem to me to be almost totally irrelevant.

So you could imagine my delight when the other evening, at Circuit Meeting we were invited to take part in a discussion, which was presented with enthusiasm, almost passion. We were asked to think about the role of the church in term of what should a congregation be or do? The answer was five things:-

1. Passionate Worship2. Intentional faith development3. Risky mission and service4. Radical hospitality 5. Extravagant generosity

and each was explained in turn.

Passionate worship – worship that involves the heart, soul, spirit and mind together - engaging, transforming, enriching and capturing the imagination - never merely rote, bland or tedious.

Intentional faith development – we all need to know more about what we believe, whatever that may be. Illumination may come from all manner of unexpected places but we need to put ourselves in a place where ‘the light can shine’.

Risky mission and service – always tricky because we all have preconceived ideas about this, especially mission. However what we were talking about was the risky bit, doing things from which we may see no benefit, allowing

24

God to work in his own good time and not being too unhappy if what we attempted failed.

Radical hospitality – something most of us fail at over and over again. Welcoming the stranger, whoever they may be, whenever and wherever they need to be included and supported. However this also needs to include supporting our own members by not forgetting their, often, unspoken needs.

Extravagant generosity – both time and money using the talents which God has given us for his glory. Although money will be much on the mind and heart of the meeting as we consider the future of the Circuit Assessment.

This wasn’t said at the meeting but somehow it bought to mind the song that we sometimes sing, but not as often as in the past:-

‘Rise and shine. And give God the glory, glory. Rise and shine. And give God the glory, glory. Children of the Lord.’

So where do you think that your congregation sits?

Answers on a post card please.

Peter Farley

Eternity - William Blake (1757 - 1827)

He who binds to himself a joy Does the winged life destroy But he who kisses the joy as it flies Lives in Eternity's sunrise

Comment:  Blake appears to suggest that those who seek and hold on to life's joys will reap only a life of dissatisfaction, while those who accept the joys that happen to cross their path will reap the rewards of living 'in Eternity's sun rise'

25

St Mark’s GospelThis year is the 400th Anniversary of the King James Bible. Elisabeth Bibbings shares her memories of a very special time associated with that particular version.

It was in 1988 that my father Norman Tomes celebrated 40 years “on the stage” as a performer with the local amateur dramatic society which for many years, was associated with Erdington. The Fellowship Players, their rehearsals and performances, dominated the lives of my family for long periods of each year. Dad was known for his character roles in the light comedies the Players performed, (you may remember his “Down Memory Lane” series in Contact several years ago) but he had always longed to really get his teeth into something that would tax his acting skills.

Hearing about Sir Alec McCowan’s solo performance of St. Mark’s Gospel in London gave him inspiration. He would do the same, memorising the entire Gospel and performing it as a dramatic recitation. He called on his friend Mike Bonner to help with stage lighting, and sound, and Don Rawson to paint two backscenes. Then Dad set to work to learn his words.How on earth did he manage an entire book? Well, St. Mark did help by writing the shortest Gospel! Dad first read it onto audio tape, and listened to it over and over (and over) again as he drove round his customers from one side of the West Midlands to the other. At the start and end of each working day, he drove me to work in an office in Sutton, and I would hear him through a chapter or two each day. By the end, I knew it nearly as well as he did.

For prompts on stage, he had some boards laid flat (out of sight of the audience) on which he had written some headings so that if he completely “dried”, he could pick up the story not too far ahead from where he stopped – but he didn’t stop.

Dad had a wonderful voice for reading and declaiming, and the actor’s skill of giving the disciples slight “country bumpkin” accents, as compared with the likes of the High Priest and Pilate, who were definitely “upper-clarse”. He moved round the stage, which was on slightly different levels to again make it more interesting for the audience.

26

Mike also varied the lighting, bright and colourful for Galilee, more sombre tones for Jerusalem. Don’s backscenes showed a Galilee scene and a Middle Eastern cityscape for Jerusalem. Behind them was a screen where appropriate slides were shown of the Holy Land, (loaned by Marjorie Hathaway). Music to set the mood was also used.

Unfortunately, the best time for the performance was just before Easter in Holy Week – the week after my wedding! So Nigel my husband and I were away on honeymoon during the actual performances, but many people told me how moved they were, including Keith Beck who was our minister at the time. (I did get to see the dress rehearsal).

Months later, Dad received a letter which he prized. He had written to Sir Alec McCowan, enclosing a ticket for the performance and telling him all about it. Sir Alec replied that he was bitterly disappointed that the letter had been kept at his agent’s office and he hadn’t heard about it until after the event was over – else he would certainly have been there. I don’t think the disappointment was acted either.

I have to say that when a friend loaned us a CD of Sir Alec’s recitation, we were rather disappointed with his performance as compared to Dad’s! But then Dad, a lifelong Methodist, had been brought up with the cadences of the King James Bible and loved it.

That remained my father’s last, and best, performance.

“And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi; and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am?And they answered, John the Baptist; but some say Elias; and others, one of the prophets.And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ.”

(Mark 8: 27-29, KJB)

27

Sutton Park Circuit

Easter offering Dedication Service

at

Four Oaks Methodist Church

onMonday 23rd May 2011 at 2.00 pm

Speaker: Mrs Alison Gee(Falcon Lodge Methodist

Church)

All Welcome

28

Daring to dream the impossibleChristian Aid partner Soppexcca (pronounced so-pecks-ka) is an organisation with a vision. It is passionately committed to helping poor Nicaraguan coffee farmers to beat poverty.

Ten years ago, when Soppexcca was established, this seemed impossible. But now Soppexcca is a thriving collective of small cooperatives which helps farmers produce good-quality coffee, market it and put funds back into theirown communities. It works with communities to understand their needs and empowers them to make their own visions a reality.

Gustavo Adolfo Talavera, an illiterate coffee farmer, had few prospects until Soppexcca gave him a loan, allowing him to expand his farm and build a small and environmentally sound processing plant. He had a dream of his children being able to read and write, and be educated. His dream became a reality when Soppexcca helped members of the community get enough resources together, and a group of parents built a school themselves.Ten years ago, education would have seemed an impossible dream for Gustavo. But Soppexcca is enabling his community to dream dreams – and then to do what seems to be impossible.

The Christian life sets us within a story that speaks of transformationwhere it seems to be impossible; where life is brought to the world. And the gospel stories are clear that life is about more than just survival. The life that Jesus speaks of is abundant life, rich with possibility and hope and promise. For people in Gustavo’s community, it’s about education and prospects.Cooperative living is about this abundant life. It’s about seeing something achievable beyond oneself and working together to make life better for everyone. Fátima Ismael, Soppexcca’s director, says: ‘We’re not just about bread for today, but also for tomorrow. But we don’t just want bread, we want bread and honey and milk.’ People like Fátima and Gustavo are seeing the bigger picture – going beyond what seems initially achievable and working together to make it a reality.

The good news is that we can be a part of this bigger picture too. When we give our time, money and energy this Christian Aid Week, we are looking

29

beyond ourselves and enabling others to do what seems impossible. This bigger picture is the world as it could look if we allowed the kingdom of God to be a reality, if we really believed in abundant life for all. It’s the world that Jesus showed us in his life and ministry: a world where we stop living for ourselves and start living for others, a world where we don’t put limits on love and justice, a world where the concept of our neighbour is startlingly redefined.

It’s a bigger world and it’s an unsettling world. But it’s a world that allows for transformation in ways that we may never have imagined, to dream dreams and to do what people tell us is impossible. Of course it’s about transformation for people like Gustavo. But it’s also a world that offers huge transformation to ourselves and to our churches, as we place ourselves in the frame of a bigger picture where the power of love has no limits.

Christian Aid Week is a time to celebrate transformation, and an opportunity to put ourselves in the frame of God’s kingdom. Join us, and we’ll give you the resources to make the impossible happen.

Thanks to funds from Christian Aid partner Soppexcca, Gustavo’s community has been able to build a school, which he proudly shows here.Help people in poverty out of poverty and give generously in your envelope this Christian Aid Week (15th - 21st May 2011).

30

Prayers for Christian Aid Week

God, who is more than we can ever imagine, give us a bigger picture of the world; give us a broader view of justice; give us dreams of lovethat are not defined by boundaries of geography or race or religion, or by the limitations of worldly structures and systems. Enlarge our imaginations and inspire our courage this Christian Aid Week to put ourselves in that bigger picture.Keep us struggling, keep us faithful, keep us strong, so that we never give up on the promise of your kingdom, where the world is transformed,and all can enjoy life in all its fullness.

Loving God, in Jesus you offer life to the world and love to its people. When we see life only for ourselves, forgive us. Help us to hear your transforming love speaking to us of respect, dignity and worth, telling us that we are loved and that we are to love one another. In the knowledge of this love, work through us to bring your justice to the world, this Christian Aid Week and beyond.

31

The Lord's Prayer from NicaraguaOur Father, who is in this our land, may your name be blessed in our incessant search for justice and peace. May your Kingdom come for those who have for centuries awaited a life of dignity. May your will be done on earth and in heaven and in the church of Central America, a church on the side of the poor. Give us today our daily bread to build a new society. Forgive us our trespasses, do not let us fall into the temptation of believing ourselves already new men and women. And deliver us from the evil of forgetting that our lives and the life of this country are in your hands. Amen.

The Son’s GiftThree sons left home, went out on their own and prospered. Getting back together, they discussed the gifts they were able to give their elderly mother.

The first said, “I built a big house for our mother.”The second said, “I sent her a Mercedes with a driver.”The third smiled and said, “I’ve got you both beat. You remember how Mom enjoyed reading the Bible? And you know she can’t see very well. So I sent her a remarkable parrot that recites the entire Bible. He’s one of a kind. Mom just has to name the chapter and verse, and the parrot recites it.”

Soon thereafter, mom sent out her letters of thanks:

“Milton,” she wrote one son, “The house you built is so huge. I live in only one room, but I have to clean the whole house.”“Gerald,” she wrote to another, “I am too old to travel. I stay most of the time at home, so I rarely use the Mercedes. And the driver is so rude!”“Dearest Donald,” she wrote to her third son, “You have the good sense to know what your mother likes. The chicken was delicious!

32

Red and amber, go!I understand that Portsmouth City Council is considering changing some traffic lights to ‘flashing amber’ at quiet times. If they do then they will be following the example of many Continental countries. I have driven in both France and Holland where they use this system at appropriate times and in appropriate places. At first it seems wrong, but it certainly stops the frustration associated with twiddling thumbs, late in the evening when the roads are deserted, whilst the traffic lights work their way through a redundant cycle. All you have to do is proceed with care!

An alternative is being explored in West Yorkshire where the council is claiming that they would save £300,000 over two years if they turned off traffic light altogether during quite, overnight periods. Presumably this is made up from a combination of reduced maintenance, fewer bulb failures and reduced electricity use. I am not sure what I would think about a complete switch off. What are the chances of missing the junction altogether if there are no light at all?

There are after all examples of towns where almost all road signs have been removed altogether. Firstly there was the Dutch town of Drachten, which was followed later by the smaller German town of Bohmte. In both of these experiments any distinctions between pedestrians, cyclist and motors have been removed including kerbs and pavements. The accent is on a shared space. It is interesting to note that in both of these locations the experiments seems to be regarded as successful.

Not sure that I would ever regard Smallbrook tunnel as a shared space.

Peter Farley

Morning prayerSomebody has said there are only two kinds of people in the world. There are those who wake up in the morning and say, "Good morning, Lord ," And there are those who wake up in the morning and say, "Good Lord, it' s morning."

33

Birmingham District Women’s Network Methodist Women in Britain

Summer Meetingat

South Parade Methodist Churchon

Saturday 18th June 2011

Commissioning Service forMrs Margaret Gardner

Speaker: Rev Norman Grigg

Please bring a packed lunchdrinks available at the church

from 12.00 noon

All Welcome

34

PR (or proportional representation)On the 5th of May we are being asked to express an opinion about our current voting system. Are we happy with the status quo or would we like a change. Change is not necessarily for the best but on balance it is probably good that we should be asked. I set our below what I think about this debate. However I am not trying to convert you to my point of view. I just think that it is of sufficient importance that as many people as possible should turn out and exercise their democratic right.

The aim of proportional representation is to improve the value of our votes. To make our Parliament more accountable to our wishes and therefore to govern in way which is more appropriate for the people who are being governed.

It could be argued very cogently that the election in 2010 was rigged and blatantly undemocratic, though I expect very few people would be sufficiently excited about it to go and occupy Parliament Square to protest at the outcome. With a 23% share of the vote Liberal Democrats only won 8% of the seats. Similarly it took 100,000 votes to return one Liberal Democrat member but only 33,000 votes to return a Tory.

There are many ways in which voting systems could be changed to improve the match between the wishes on the electorate and the make up of the elected government. However on the 5th of May 2011 we will be asked whether, in future, we would like to elect our MPs by the Alternative Vote (AV) system. In this system we are asked to list the candidates on the form in order of preference rather than just inserting a single cross, until we come to candidates about whom we have no opinion. If one candidate is awarded more that 50% of the first choices they are duly elected. However if they receive less that 50% of the votes cast then the candidate with the least votes is eliminated and all of their voting slips are redistributed according to the second choices expressed on their ballot papers. This then continues until someone’s pile contains more than 50% of the total appropriately completed ballot papers.

35

The arguments about which voting system is best for our country are myriad. Many will say that our present system of ‘First past the post’ leads to stable government with working parliamentary majorities. Others will say that it is more important that the members of Parliament who are elected should more accurately reflect the voting intention of the population as a whole. That is to say if overall the votes cast were 36% Tories, 34% Labour, 20% Liberal Democrat and 10% Green Party then the House of Commons should be made up of 36% Tory MPs, 34% Labour MPs, 20% Liberal Democrat MPs and 10% Green Party MPs. Then it would be up to them to negotiate and form a government. Such a proportional system would almost certainly lead to a coalition as we have now. This then leads to the situation that we find ourselves in presently whereby neither party is able to introduce some of the policies that they talked about during the election campaign. Some might say that that was a jolly good idea. Much worse, however, is having to support policies that were opposed during the election campaign.

I am not readily convinced by many of the arguments being bandied about by members of the pro and anti lobby groups and there certainly is no truth in the claim that a PR election would cost millions for the installation of new counting machines. Continental Europe has lived with PR for years and minimum percentages can readily be set to exclude fringe, minority or extreme parties. There are however two points which do concern my vote and me, which I will pass on in the hope that they may strike a chord with you and encourage you to go out and register your opinion on PR.

Firstly I live in Sutton, which has returned a Conservative member of parliament, probably, since the time that the constituency was formed. My enthusiasm for Tory policies varies but I know that however I vote it will not make the slightest difference to the outcome in such a ‘safe’ Conservative seat. One could make a similar argument for Erdington. I doubt that such a constituency has ever retuned other than a Labour politician. This then leads on to my second point. If the local MP is somehow inappropriate it is very difficult to vote them out of a safe seat come a general election and replace them with a better candidate. As someone once said ‘power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely’ the same could be argued for a safe Parliamentary seat. I think that it is wrong that an MP should somehow

36

believe or accept that they have a job for as long as they want it. This is not appropriate for the people who govern us and taken to its illogical conclusion would take us down the same road as Egypt or Tunisia. Also why should MPs have such security when everyone else around them is looking aver their shoulder wondering if they will be the next one to be shown the door? MPs’ are public servants whose job is to work for their constituencies. In my opinion such a role is incompatible with the security of tenure that a safe Parliamentary affords.

Remember 5th May is the day for your vote.

Peter Farley

Methodist Council discusses the Big SocietyThe Methodist Council discussed the issues of UK poverty and the Big Society when it met at Royal Holloway College in Surrey, on 9-11 April.

Council members heard that while the Government is speaking of the Big Society, the poorest in society are those who are losing out most from public spending cuts.

Rachel Lampard, Public Issues Team Leader, said: “Methodism has always been about partnership and mutualism. Our response to the Big Society requires us to keep a focus on social justice while helping our society to visualise a community where relationships matter. We need to continue to speak truth to power and talk about the impact of decisions around spending cuts. Churches need to be encouraged to find new ways of working for their communities, and we need to be cautious about substituting enthusiasm for the need for professional services.”

The Council resolved that local churches should be encouraged to continue to speak powerfully about what it means to live in community and to highlight the local impact of public spending cuts. Council members were also concerned to address issues of inequality within the Church and to consider how its own resources are deployed so that inequalities are not reinforced.

37

The Council also discussed the early findings of a new research project on the 18-30s age range, also known as the ‘Missing Generation’ in today’s churches. These findings highlighted the fact that conventional church does not fit easily into modern life, either socially or spiritually and the importance of small groups to this generation. The project will offer a fuller report to the Methodist Conference in July and will explore further research links with other denominations.

This Council meeting was Revd. Ken Howcroft’s last before he becomes minister at Ponte Saint Angelo Methodist Church in Rome and the Methodist representative to the Vatican, after seven years serving the Church as the Assistant Secretary of the Methodist Conference. He was thanked for the dedication, expertise and great humour he has shown in fulfilling his role over the years. Revd. Gareth Powell has been nominated to succeed him in this post.

“It has been a privilege to serve the Council and help it in its role of discerning the will of God and deciding how to respond.” said Mr. Howcroft. “I shall be sorry not to be part of it in the future. But I am excited about the new opportunities to which I am being sent, and I am delighted about the nomination of my successor. The Council will be in safe hands.”

Other matters discussed by the Council included a report on the Church’s involvement in the Bible Fresh project, a funding commitment for four of the Church’s key heritage sites and joint work with the United Reformed Church on the use of church buildings.

from the Methodist Church News Service

38

May 2011 - Regular Meetings

Coffee Mornings Each Saturday 10.00 am to 12.00 noon

7th Elizabeth and Brenda   14th Christian Aid fundraiser21st is free at the moment - please can you help by covering this date for your chosen charity28th Becci and Lesley - raising funds for Becci's half marathon

Tuesday Club Every 4th Tuesday in the month at 2.30 pm

Sunday Worship All worship starts at 10.30 am unless stated otherwise below - details of our other Easter activities are on page 33.

1st Angela Constantine

8th HOLY COMMUNION - Rev Jane Ashplant

15th ALL AGE WORSHIP - CHRISTIAN AID WEEK Rev Jane Ashplant

22nd ALDERSGATE SUNDAY - Rev Graham Gee

29th TRINITY SUNDAY - Rev Keith Webster

39

Weekly Church ActivitiesSunday 10.30 am MORNING WORSHIP and

Young Church (with crèche : Margaret Hillman)

7.30 pm House Group : Hilary Price - (3rd Sunday)

Tuesday 9.30 - 11.30 am9.30 - 12.00 noon2.00 pm

Stay and PlayPre-School : Karen HomerTuesday Afternoon Meeting : Valerie Long (4th)

Wednesday 9.30 - 11.30 am9.30 - 12.00 noon12.30 pm

Stay and PlayPre-School : Karen HomerLuncheon Club - (1st and 3rd)

Thursday 9.30 - 12.00 noon Pre-School : Karen Homer

Friday 5.00 - 6.15 pm6.15 - 7.45 pm7.45 - 9.15 pm7.45 - 9.15 pm5.30 - 6.30 pm5.00 - 6.30 pm7.30 - 9.00 pm

Beavers : Lynn TurnerCubs : Elizabeth BaizonScouts : Lisa PorterExplorers : Caroline JoyceRainbows : Louise RawsonBrownies : Lesley CarterGuides : Helen Rainsford

Saturday 10.00 - 12.00 noon10.30 - 11.30 am

Coffee Morning : Lesley MorganChurch open for prayer : Margaret Curzon

Please hand any items for the June CONTACT to any of the Editorial Team (Elizabeth Baizon, Peter Farley, Christine Rankin, Ann Tomes & Nick Riley) by 15th May 2011 at the latest please or alternatively email me:nickriley@blueyonder.co.uk

40