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ENQUIRE WITHINDECEMBER 2012/JANUARY 2013

MAGAZINE OF

CENTRAL CHURCHMETHODIST and UNITED REFORMED

TORHILL ROAD- TORQUAY

REV GAVIN HANCOCKSTel: 01803 615480

email: minister@centralchurchtorquay.org

MINISTER IN PASTORAL CHARGE

A donation of 50p towards printing costs would be much appreciated

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CHURCH OFFICERS

SECRETARY Barbara Lawton (01803 296990)TREASURERS John Coatham (01803 323212) Paul Sherriff (01803 298603)ENVELOPE & GIFT AID SECRETARY Harold Newman. (01803 607984)ORGANIST & CHOIR DIRECTOR Clive Bastin (01803 325142)MAGAZINE EDITORS Hazel Nightingale (01803 315561) Philip Kay (01803 323551)BOOKING SECRETARY Jean Baker (01803 550861)PUBLICITY (POSTERS) Barbara Gissinger (01803 328407)CARETAKER Darrell Sanderson (07522 620545)

CHURCH ACTIVITIES

SUNDAY Morning Worship + Creche 10,30am Sunday Club 10.30am Evening Worship 6.30pmMONDAY Women’s Fellowship 2.30pm Brownies 6.00pm Flexercise Fun 6.30pm Guides 7.30pmTUESDAY Prayer Meeting or Service 9.30am Coffee & Fellowship 10.00am Busy Bees 10.00am Guild 7.30pmWEDNESDAY Prayers for Healing 1.00pmTHURSDAY Central Tots 9.30amFRIDAY Coffee & Fellowship 10.00am Belleplates Group 11.00am Choir Practice 7.00pm

CHURCH COUNCIL – 3�� Thursday of January, March, April, May, June,July, September, October, & November.

CHURCH MEETINGS – 1�� Thursday of March, June, October, & December

For Details of Sunday Services, Messy Church, Housegroups,Bible Studies etc – see Diary

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THE MINISTER

Dear Friends,

As another year rushes to its close we find ourselves beset by all sorts ofchallenges and opportunities. On the international front the economicsituation in the Euro Zone and at home looms large with dark foreboding;the strife in the Middle East and Afghanistan continues to build up amounting cost in human life; closer to home we are confronted with thereal challenge of being church in the 21�� Century; and all the while wecome closer to the celebration of the one event that holds within it thepower to transform and renew all of life – the Incarnation.

John says in chapter one of his Gospel ‘In the beginning was the Word,and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. …Through him allthings were made…The Word became flesh and made his dwelling amongus. …He was in the world, and though the world was made through him,the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, buthis own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those whobelieved in his name, he gave the right to become children of God…’(Emphasis added)

For me these verses sum up the incredible mystery of the faith. Godcontinues to come to us despite our inability recognise or receive him!His heart is for us and he longs to bring us into a new experience of joyand peace and fulfilment, one in which we can share together in theabundance and joy of his creation. The question simply is: Are weprepared to recognise him for who he is, not what we want him to be,and follow him where he leads us? May God grant us grace to do justthat that we might begin to know the transformation of life in all its variedparts.

Angela and I would like to take this opportunity of wishing you all a trulyblessed Christmas and a New Year filled with hope and joy.Yours in the Gospel,

Gavin

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CENTRAL’S FAMILY & FRIENDSFamily News and Other Bits & Bobs

THANKS· From Joy & Peter Perry: Dear Friends of Central, thank you for

your kind messages given, together with the harvest goodies.We enjoyed the contents and the thoughts and effort that manypeople must have made. Also, we would like to thank Monicaand Barbara L for the many visits to us. Thinking of you all, withlove.

· From Kathleen Callard: I wish to thank the members of Centralfor their kind wishes, and the lovely flowers that Monica broughtto me. I much appreciate the concern and friendship of Central.

NEW ADDRESS� Dr Harry & Mrs Kathleen Johnson have now moved to Chase

House, Hindhead Road, Hindhead, Surrey. GU26 6AY. They alsowould like to send Christmas Greetings to all their friends atCentral.

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KATHLEEN GETLIFFE ROUND - 1914 – 2012.

Kathleen was devoted to two particular aspects of her life – her churchand her family. All her life she had belonged to the Church Family. Beingthe daughter of a Methodist Minister, she had been used to moving, withthe family, from one church to another every three years and as she grewolder, entering into the life of each church. When she was about to leaveMumbles in South Wales to come to Torquay with her husband Lawson,a friend asked her what she was going to do in her next church!

Whilst at school she was often reported as ‘not concentrating’ in lessons,but excelled at sport and eventually qualified as a teacher.

Over the years, we at Central, and before that at Union Street,experienced Kathleen’s lifelong commitment to active involvement inthe life of the Church. Within a month of arriving in Torquay she wasworking in the Sunday School at Union Street and helping to train childrenfor Speaking Contests. She became Secretary of the Women’s Work,served on the Church Council and Circuit, and also for a time, with theSamaritans. When Central opened she was again on the Church Councilserving during the transition period as three churches became one.

She helped raise monies for special projects, organised coffee morningsand conducted tours of Central when it first opened. Together withLawson she hosted the Langland Housegroup which met for over 30years. In this way in her home, Kathleen offered hospitality and a warmwelcome. To her it was an incredibly important ministry, summing up along and active involvement in many aspects of the life of the churchwherever she lived. When widowhood, frailty and ill health in the latteryears took their toll, her involvement lessened but not her keen interest.When visiting Kathleen she always wanted to know what was happeningat Central and in the Circuit, and many of her friends kept in touchthrough weekly telephone calls.

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Her family were most important to her. She and Lawson were blessedwith two children Helen and Michael, five grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren, and she often spoke about their visits when she was livingat Sundial Lodge. The ‘picture gallery’ at her funeral displayed what aloving extended family she had.

There is a prayer used in a funeral service which begins “Lord help us tolive as a people prepared to die.” This is not a morbid prayer, but onethat Kathleen would recognise as a joyous reality. She knew where shewas going and who she would be with – not only with Lawson but withher Lord whom she had served for so long with faithfulness. Truly, a goodand faithful servant.

Although Kathleen has not been at Central for some time she will not beforgotten by those who knew her, and we remember her family andfriends at this sad time.

IF

If all the sleeping folks will wake up,and all the lukewarm folks will fire up,and all the disgruntled folks will sweeten up,and all the discouraged folks will cheer up,and all the depressed folks will look up,and all the estranged folks will make up,and all the gossiping folks would shut up,and all the dry bones will shake up,and all the true followers would stand up,and all the church members will pray up,and if the Saviour of all, will be lifted up......THEN we can have the greatest renewal this world has ever known.

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The Lord is my Pace-setter – I shall not rush.He makes me stop for quiet intervals,He provides me with images of stillness which restore myserenity,He leads me in ways of efficiency through calmness of mind,And His guidance is peace.Even though I have a great many things to accomplish eachday, I will not fret.,For His presence is here,His timelessness, His all-importance, will keep me in balance.He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of myactivity,By anointing my mind with His oils of tranquillity,My cup of joyous energy overflows.Truly harmony and effectiveness shall be the fruits of myhours,For I shall walk in the Pace of my Lord,And dwell in His House for ever.

Tokio Megashie. (Japan)

We have had this version of the 23�� Psalm for years. During my illnessI read it every day, and tried to apply it to my situation. It was a greatblessing to me then, and now.

Thank you for your ongoing prayers for Ray and myself.

Pam Fulcher

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REFLECTIONS

Goodness gracious, it is the end of another year. 2012 is reachingits close. Where is the time going? We are just coming to the endof another 365 days -- in fact, 366 -- it was leap year this year.

What have we done with each of those 366 days? Have we livedthem to the full? Or have we struggled through each day. Forsome of us, we have reached the time of our lives when things arean effort. But for most of us, we have been given all sorts ofopportunities -- have we grabbed them with both hands? Havewe used each of those days wisely? For instance, for ALL of us,during those 366 days, our walk with Jesus should have becomecloser. Our Bible Reading and our daily Prayer Life should havebrought us into a deeper fellowship with God. Has it? Has ourworship of God been the best it could possibly have been?

Well, hopefully, each of you who are reading this page, will begranted another year. 2013 is fast approaching, and we are to begiven another chance to improve our Christian lives. Our ‘slates’will be wiped cleaned, and God will give us the opportunity tostart afresh with Him.

We do not know what the New Year will bring. I have no doubtthat together with many joys, there will perhaps be problems,anxieties and sorrows. But we can face each of those difficulties,and our times of happiness, knowing that Jesus will be with usthrough every day. He is our strength and stay.

But we still have December ahead of us, so, I wish you all a veryHappy Christmas, whether you will be spending it at home or away,in a Residential Home, or in Hospital. I hope Father Christmasbrings you all you hope for.

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And then, I pray God’s Blessing on each of you as you step from thefamiliar of 2012 and tread into the unknown of 2013. Don’t let us wasteany of the days which God gives us. Let us make 2013 a year lived forJesus.

Let us “praise Him for all that is past, and trust Him for all that is to come”.We’ll have another chat in February. Margaret Newman.

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SINGING CHAPLAINS FIND HITTING THE HIGH NOTES

BOOSTS TEAMWORK

The suspense is over, now that we all know that Severn Trent Water'sworkplace choir won BBC2's ‘The Choir: Sing While You Work’. But hadyou noticed that two of the four competing choirs - Lewisham Hospitaland Manchester Airport - included their respective chaplains?

The Revd George Lane (Airport Chaplain since March 2012) foreseesclear lasting benefits for his organisation, with the programme convey-ing the airport as a dynamic and fun workplace where people took theirwork seriously, but were so much more than simply the function theyperformed.

"One choir member spoke of the choir giving them a reason to look theirchildren in the eye and say 'I'm more than the job I do'", said George."It's released hidden talents and revealed how much dedication - waybeyond the call of duty - there is in an organisation like this. That kind ofsolidarity and spirit depends on a sense of community."

As complex healthcare issues are worked out for the NHS in South-EastLondon, the Revd Malcolm Hancock (Hospital Chaplain since November2010) is less certain of the future. "Only time will tell whether there willbe lasting benefits for us. But I know that the existence of the choir, itsachievements and quality, and, of course, its TV appearances havebrought great pride and excitement. I would like to think that the choirwill continue to be a source of solace, pride and commitment as thisparticular Healthcare Trust enters a difficult period."

All four choirs are still singing together, with lots of ideas for developingtheir new-found interest and talents. ‘The Choir: Sing While You Work’(6 episodes BBC2) - individual clips available on YouTube include: Lewi-sham Hospital and Manchester Airport .

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invites you to

Carols and Mince PiesOn

Friday 14th December at 2.00pm.

The Soloist : Mrs Angela Hancocks

ALL ARE WELCOME

CHURCH GROUPSThis month we look to the young people.

Central Tots.

Thursday at 9.30am to noon. For little ones from 0 to pre-school. This isa great place for the grown-ups to come and chat, in the knowledgetheir children and grandchildren are also in a fun yet safe environment.(Contact- Barbara Lawton 296990)

Messy Church

This is designed for children (up to around 11yrs) and parents. Once amonth on Friday (4.00pm to 6.00pm) for games, crafts and lively wor-ship on a Biblical theme. Followed by a hot meal. Open to all, whetherbelonging to Central or not. (Contact Philip Kay-323551)

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Brownies.

Monday evenings at 6.00 pm – 7.15pm. For girls aged 7–10 years.

Brownies follow a programme called Brownie Adventure, which is fullof exciting challenges, games and activities, usually ones that theBrownies have suggested themselves. Girls can participate in a widerange of activities at their meetings, and at special events, day trips,and sleepovers. They can find themselves trying out arts and crafts orrecipes, playing energetic games, taking part in community actionprojects. Girls can also extend their knowledge and abilities by workingtowards Brownie interest badges covering many different hobbies andactivities from Science investigator to Circus skills. (Contact – BarbaraSutton 550353)

Guides.

Monday evenings at 7.30 pm – 9.00pm. For girls aged 10 – 18 years.

We are an active group of girls who take part in camping, canoeing,outdoor cooking, pamper nights, marmalade making for the ChurchFayre, and many different badges. We are a group of 24 girls with 4young leaders and 4 Guiders. We work in patrols – Penguins, PolarBears, Pandas and Lions. Our Guide motto is “Be Prepared” and we tryto live up to it in our everyday lives.(Contact Ursula Purdy 554560 / 07749 621579)

RADIO HA! HA!

The recent Radio Ha Ha can be viewed at ….

www.youtube.com/centralctorquay

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L i N X CHRISTIAN YOUTH TRUSTLiNX Christian Youth Trust is a team serving young people, secondaryschools and churches across Torbay, seeking to enable young people toreach their full potential in life.

We offer a free service to secondary schools, where our schools workersteach lessons about Christianity and healthy living. We take assemblies,facilitate Christian Unions, and run lunch clubs that reach out to youngpeople in need of more support. We also work with local churches andtheir youth workers to build up relationships across the community.

Our united youth services encourage Christian young people to live outtheir faith in all aspects of their lives. This September at our ‘Oddfish’event, held at Riviera Life Church, we saw 89 young people and 9 youthleaders celebrating together, including leaders and young people fromCentral Church (so glad you could come J). It was great to hear howyoung people were encouraged through the event – I was in school oneday when a student came and said how much he appreciated the talkabout living as a Christian in today’s world.

We love Torbay’s Youth Workers! We pray God’s blessing on everyonewho works in churches with young people. We are so glad to work closelywith teams from Torquay churches including Upton Vale Baptist, RivieraLife, St Matthias, St Mary Magdalene, Church of the Holy Angels, HeleBaptist and Central Church. We would love to work with more local youthworkers, and we thank God that he is calling more people to this workthrough Torbay School Pastors and volunteering with LiNX..

School Pastors is an initiative from the Ascension Trust to providesupportive adults who will be listening to, caring for and helping studentsbe safe after school. Please pray for Torbay School Pastors starting inNovember based around Westlands School.

Please pray for a potential milkshake bar opening in Hele, in partnershipwith Hele Baptist Church. There is possible funding to get it started, andmany local partners are interested in supporting it. Please pray for favourin the community and success with funding.

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There are loads of opportunities to work in the schools andcommunities that make up Torbay, but we need more workers so pleasepray with us for God to increase the team to grow his kingdom.

We at LiNX want to reach every young person in Torbay, including thosewho have special educational needs at Coombe Pafford School, andthose with social, emotional or behavioural issues who are not inmainstream education. They all need to know God loves them, andthat he offers them life in all its fullness. To reach them we needspecialist schools workers to join our hard working team.

Please join us in praying and seeking God for funds to enable the workto grow. This academic year we are asking God to inspire 250 peopleto become friends of LiNX giving £5 a month to grow this work in schoolsand with young people in Torbay. 11 have signed up so far, hooray!Please pray for more!

Finally, let us say a big THANK YOU for your support over the last 15years. You have been part of this work, enabling young people to reachtheir full potential in life, helping them encounter God’s love. THANKYOU, and THANK GOD who is and continues to be our inspiration.

From all of the LiNX team. Find out more at – www.linxyouth.net

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CENTRAL CHURCH FINANCES

Below are the figures for the ten months January to October 2012,showing that our expenditure has been greater than our receipts,resulting in a deficit of £3,707.

January to October 2012.Income:Offerings incl Gift Aid £54,244Other income including fundraising £43,116 97,360Expenditure:Cost of ministry £43,946Church upkeep & maintenance £49,833Activities & administration £ 7,288 101,067Deficit £ 3,707

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Some of the services available from

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Snow Clearing, Rock Salt Supply & TreatmentHorticultural Product Purchasing & Supply

Horticultural Services – helping you enjoy your garden!

ParkingA Minister parked his car in a no-parking area in a large citybecause he was short of time, and couldn’t find a space with ameter. He put a note under the wiper which read “I’ve beencircling around for ten minutes. If I don’t park here, I’ll miss myappointment. Forgive us our trespasses.”

When he returned he saw a ticket under the other wiper from atraffic warden which said “I’ve circled this area for ten years, andif I don’t give you a ticket I’ll lose my job. Lead us not intotemptation.”

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SUNDAY SERVICES FOR DECEMBER / JANUARY 2013.

(S) = Sacrament of Holy Communion (WG) = Worship Group

Date Morning 10.30am Evening 6.30pmDEC2ⁿ� Revd Gavin Hancocks (S) Revd Jerry Cook9�� Revd Gavin Hancocks Revd Gavin Hancocks(WG)16�� Revd Gavin Hancocks Revd Gavin Hancocks (S)23�� Mrs H Barrett Revd Gavin Hancocks30th Mrs I Cochran Mrs M NewmanJAN6�� Revd Gavin Hancocks (S) Revd Gavin Hancocls13�� Jonathan Oliverio Revd Jerry Cook (WG)20�� Mrs Vicki Bryan CTT at St Mary Magdelene27th Revd Martin Manley Revd J Haley (WG)

SUNDAY WELCOME ROTA FOR DECEMBER/JANUARY 2013.

Date Morning 10.30am Evening 6.30pmDEC2ⁿ� Barbara & Tony Zaple Monica Lansley & Philip Kay9�� Celia & David Bolt Barbara Gissinger

& Jean Baker16�� Tessa Goodwin & Margaret Newman

Hazel Nightingale & Paul Sherriff23�� Doreen & John Head Celia & David Bolt24th 11.30pm Cynthia Arscott &

Sheila Lawrence25th Sue & John Coatham30th Sheila & John Lawrence Christine Sherriff

& Philip KayJAN6�� Sue & John Coatham Judith Holmwood

& Paul Sherriff

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SUNDAY WELCOME ROTA FOR DECEMBER/JANUARY 2013..(cont.)

Date Morning 10.30am Evening 6.30pmJAN13�� Marjorie West Celia & David Bolt

& Paula Bastin20�� Marion Powell Monica Lansley

& Hye-Ok Wells & Philip Kay27th Jacky Little Barbara Gissinger

& Rachel Evans & Jean Baker

FEB3�� Doreen & John Head Margaret Newman

& Paul Sherriff

SUNDAY MORNING COFFEE ROTA.DECEMBER/JANUARY 2013

DATE GROUP DATE GROUPDEC2nd Choir 9th Catering16th Flower Arrangers 23rd Flexercise30th Pastoral VisitorsJAN6th Busy Bees 13�� Women’s Fellowship20th Church Council 27th Contact Group

The Bible.A small boy excitedly told his father “ I know what the Bible standsfor – Basic Information Before Leaving Earth.”

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CALENDAR FOR DECEMBER 2012/JANUARY 2013DECEMBERSaturday 1st 9.30 Contact Centre

2.00 Table Top SaleSunday 2nd 10.30 Morning Communion – Rev Gavin Hancock

3.00 Rowcroft Light up a Life Service 6.30 Evening Worship – Rev Jerry Cook

Monday 3rd 10.30 Rosemary Gardens Housegroup 2.30 Women's Fellowship – Torbay Ukulele Club 6.30 Flexercise Fun

Tuesday 4th 9.30 Midweek Prayers 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees 10.15 Messy Church Meeting

12.30 Advent Bible Study/Lunch atThe Avenue, Newton Abbott

7.00 New Life Housegroup 7.30 Guild – 'Jill of All Trades, Carol Stevens

Wednesday 5th 1.00 Prayers for HealingThursday 6th 9.30 Central Tots

7.30 Church MeetingFriday 7th 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplates 7.00 Choir PracticeSaturday 8th 9.30 Contact Centre 7.30 South Devon Choir ConcertSunday 9th 10.30 Nine Lessons & Carols –

Rev Gavin Hancocks 6.30 Evening Worship – Worship Group & GavinMonday 10th 10.30 Rosemary Gardens Housegroup 12.30 Women's Fellowship Christmas Lunch 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 Lydwell Park HousegroupTuesday 11th 9.30 Midweek Service – John Lawrence 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Busy Bees 12.30 Advent Bible Study/Lunch at CentralWednesday 12th 1.00 Prayers for Healing

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Wednesday 12th 7.30 Riviera Concert Brass Concertfor Coombe Pafford School

Thursday 13th 8.30 Cockington School Carol Concert 7.30 Southfield Housegroup @ Celia & David’sFriday 14th 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 7.00 Choir PracticeSaturday 15th 9.30 Contact Centre

10.00 Mince Pie Coffee Morning &decorating the Church

Sunday 16th 10.30 Sunday Club Nativity 6.30 Evening Communion Service –

Rev Gavin HancocksMonday 17th 10.30 Rosemary Gardens Housegroup 2.30 Women's Fellowship Tea 6.30 Flexercise FunTuesday 18th 9.30 Midweek Prayers 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 7.00 New Life HousegroupWednesday 19th 1.00 Prayers for HealingThursday 20th 9.30 Central Tots 7.30 Moors HousegroupFriday 21st 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplates 4.00 Messy Church 7.00 Choir PracticeSaturday 22nd 9.30 Contact CentreSunday 23rd 10.30 Morning Worship – Mrs Helen Barrett - JMA

6.30 Candlelight Carol Service & Nativitywith Gavin

Monday 24th 4.00 Children's Carols 7.00 Carol Singing round the Hotels 11.30 Midnight Communion with GavinTuesday 25th 10.30 Family Service – Rev Gavin HancocksSaturday 29th 9.30 Contact CentreSunday 30th 10.30 Morning Worship – Mrs Irene Cochran

6.30 Carols Round The Crib –Mrs Margaret Newman

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JANUARYFriday 4th 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplates 7.00 Choir PracticeSaturday 5th 9.30 Contact CentreSunday 6th 10.30 Covenant Service (S) 6.30 Evening Worship – Rev Gavin HancocksMonday 7th 10.30 Rosemary Gardens Housegroup

2.30 Women's Fellowship –Local History, Mike Thompson

6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 Guides 7.30 Southfield Housegroup @ Jean’sTuesday 8th 9.30 Midweek Service – Jonathan Oliverio 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees 7.00 New Life Housegroup 7.30 Guild – Devotional with Rev David LuceWednesday 9th 1.00 Prayers for HealingThursday 10th 9.30 Central TotsFriday 11th 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplates 7.00 Choir PracticeSaturday 12th 9.30 Contact Centre 3.00 Christmas Soiree at Teignmouth URCSunday 13th 10.30 Morning Worship – Jonathan Oliverio

6.30 Evening Worship – Worship Group& Rev Jerry Cook

Last date Enquire Within details for FebruaryMonday 14th 10.30 Rosemary Gardens Housegroup

2.30 Women's Fellowship –Slides of Rock Walk, Jim Gill

6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 Lydwell Park HousegroupTuesday 15th 9.30 Midweek Prayers 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship

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Tuesday 15th 10.00 Busy Bees 7.30 Guild – Kent's Cavern, Nick PoweWednesday 16th 1.00 Prayers for HealingThursday 17th 9.30 Central TotsFriday 18th 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplates 7.00 Choir PracticeSaturday 19th 9.30 Contact CentreSunday 20th 10.30 Morning Worship – Mrs Vicki Bryan

6.30 Week of Prayer for Christian UnityService at St. Mary Magdalene

Monday 21st 10.30 Rosemary Gardens Housegroup 2.30 Women's Fellowship – Clive at the Organ 6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 Guides 7.30 Southfield Housegroup @ Celia & David’sTuesday 22nd 9.30 Midweek Communion 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees 7.00 New Life Housegroup 7.30 Guild – Old Saltway, Colin VosperWednesday 23rd 1.00 Prayers for HealingThursday 24th 9.30 Central Tots 6.00 Finance & Property MeetingFriday 25th 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.30 Belleplates 12.30 Burns Lunch 4.00 Messy Church 7.00 Choir PracticeSaturday 26th 9.30 Contact Centre 2.30 Tea DanceSunday 27th 10.30 Morning Worship –

Rev Martin Manley - JMA 6.30 Evening Worship – Worship Group

& Rev John HaleyMonday 28th 10.30 Rosemary Gardens Housegroup

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Monday 28th 2.30 Women's Fellowship –Afternoon with Val Elms

6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 Guides 7.30 Lydwell Park HousegroupTuesday 29th 9.30 Midweek Prayers 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees 7.30 Guild – An Evening with Margaret NewmanWednesday 30th 1.00 Prayers for HealingThursday 31st 9.30 Central Tots 7.30 Moors Housegroup

STEWARDS ROTA - DECEMBER 2012

DEC2th 1. HEWITT 2. MILSOM 3. BOLT 4. COATHAM 5. HOLMWOOD 6. BADCOTT 7. FARLEY

Hymns & Book Stewards – Morton & Lawrence9th 1. MURRAY.S 2. SHERRIFF 3. LANSLEY 4. RICHARDS 5. NEWMAN 6. KAY 7. GISSINGER

Hymns & Book Stewards – Front Door – Bolt16th. 1. HEWITT 2. MILSOM 3. BOLT 4. COATHAM 5. HOLMWOOD 6. BADCOTT

7. FARLEYHymns & Book Stewards – Front Door – Wells

23rd 1.MURRAY.S 2. SHERRIFF 3. LANSLEY 4. RICHARDS 5. NEWMAN 6. KAY 7. GISSINGER

Hymns & Book Stewards – Front Door – Heather & Venna

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30th 1. HEWITT 2. MILSOM 3. BOLT 4. COATHAM 5. HOLMWOOD 6. BADCOTT 7. FARLEY

Hymns & Book Stewards – Morton & LawrenceJAN6th 1.MURRAY.S 2. SHERRIFF 3. LANSLEY 4. RICHARDS 5. NEWMAN 6. KAY 7. GISSINGER

Hymns & Book Stewards – Front Door – Bolt13th. 1. HEWITT 2. MILSOM 3. BOLT 4. COATHAM 5. HOLMWOOD 6. BADCOTT

7.FARLEYHymns & Book Stewards – Front Door – Wells

20th 1.MURRAY.S 2. SHERRIFF 3. LANSLEY 4. RICHARDS 5. NEWMAN 6. KAY 7. GISSINGER

Hymns & Book Stewards – Front Door – Heather & Venna27th 1. HEWITT 2. MILSOM 3. BOLT 4. COATHAM 5. HOLMWOOD 6. BADCOTT 7. FARLEY

Hymns & Book Stewards – Morton & Lawrence

URGENT! If any member would be willing to act as a Steward, pleasesee Jeff Carter (Tel: 01626 363069) or Graham Davey (Tel: 07966 260505)Would Stewards unable to be in attendance on their rota dates pleasenotify either Jeff or Graham before the Sunday involved, and if at allpossible, try to arrange a mutual swap with any colleague.

LAST DATE FOR ITEMS FOR THEFEBRUARY 2013 ENQUIRE WITHINIS SUNDAY 13�� JANUARY 2013.

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THE NEXT 2MEETINGSWILL BE ON

Friday 21st December& Friday 25th January 2013

Central Church4.00pm – 6.00pm

SOLUTION TO NOVEMBER CROSSWORD

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GOD’S TAPESTRY

A museum had acquired a new exhibit. It was an item of tapes-try, and when it had been unpacked the curator noticed it didn’thave a picture. Instead, it was just a jumbled mix of colouredstrands. One day, the designer of this tapestry visited the muse-um and the curator was quick to confront him. The curatorexplained that the public disliked the designer’s contribution. Itwas offensive and had to be removed.

The designer was surprised at this reaction. Later, he went tosee where his work was displayed and exclaimed: “It’s thewrong way round! You’ve hung my tapestry back to front!”When the tapestry was hung correctly, the curator now saw amagnificent picture. It was a masterpiece – an inspired work ofart.

In this story, the tapestry represents our lives. The mixture ofcoloured strands is symbolic of all our human experiences andfeelings. When we view our lives from one perspective, it canappear to be in a mess. All we can see is a confused jumble ofpain, hurts, frustrations and difficulties. Life seems to be apuzzle and has no meaning. But our Creator God sees life fromanother viewpoint. He turns life’s tapestry around to reveal atrue picture. God’s perspective shows life with a purpose, peaceand power.

God is the Master Designer who can change the ugly into thebeautiful. He can use all the colourful aspects of our life andinterweave them to fill our lives with His light and love. WithGod’s Spirit within us, He can turn us around so that in His sightwe become a picture of holiness.

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CROSSWORD

SOLUTION IN FEBRUARY ENQUIRE WITHIN

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ALL IN THE MONTH OF DECEMBER

200 years ago:- on 15 Dec 1812 Joseph Moses Levy was born. ABritish newspaper editor and publisher, he founded The Daily Tele-graph.

90 years ago:- on 6th Dec 1922 the Irish Free State came into exist-ence.

Also 75 years ago:- on 21 Dec 1937 the premiere of Walt Disney’sSnow White and the Seven Dwarfs was held in Los Angeles. It wasDisney’s first full-length animated movie.

60 years ago:- on 25th Dec 1952 Queen Elizabeth II gave her firstChristmas speech.

50 years ago:- on 22nd Dec 1962 the Big Freeze hit Britain – one ofthe coldest winters on record. (Blizzards with snow drifts up to 20feet deep followed.)

40 years ago:- on 7th Dec 1972 Apollo 17 was launched – NASA’s lastmanned mission to the Moon.

Also 30 years ago:- on 12th Dec 1982 30,000 women joined handsaround the Greenham Common RAF base in Berkshire to protestagainst the siting of US Cruise missiles there.

20 years ago:- on 9th Dec 1992 British Prime Minister John Majorannounced the separation of Charles and Diana, the Prince andPrincess of Wales.

Also 20 years ago:- on 12th Dec 1992 Princess Anne, the PrincessRoyal, married Royal Navy commander Timothy Lawrence at CrathieKirk, near Balmoral, Scotland.

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PEACE, HOPE & LOVE.

December the month when people once more remember the birthOf Jesus, the ‘Christ Child’, born to save God’s people on Earth.A month when people are friendly, with greetings, warmly expressed,A time when families are reunited and homes are truly blessed.

Christmas Lights and Decorations illume the Shopping Malls,All displaying their Christmas wares, from over laden stalls.People jostling for bargains, which they cannot really afford,Brass Bands playing, Carollers singing, all striking a happy chord.

Nativity Plays performed by children, enacting the Manger scene,Watch by proud Parents , thinking what Angels they’ve been.Yes this is the beauty of Christmas, all joining together as one,Recalling a Bethlehem Stable, where Mary gave birth to God’s Son.

A Star, a Stable and a Manger: symbols of Peace ,Hope and Love,Planned over a period of years, by God in His Heaven above.Ensuring the future of Mankind, through a Saviour’s birth.Whose Light will shine for ever, throughout our Planet Earth.

J.H.D. Lawrence

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ARROW-WORD PUZZLE

SOLUTION IN FEBRUARY ENQUIRE WITHIN

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THE STRANGER

The stranger seemed to just appearAs if from nowhere, out of the air.He knew her name and told her moreOf things that had never been heard before.

Time now had passed, they were ready to leaveAn arduous journey for them lay ahead.At last they had reached their journeys endWith nowhere to stay, just a sort of a shed.

Together in wonder they looked at the childThat they had wrapped in a blanket and laid in a bedAnd then they remembered the stranger who called.It all had happened, just as he said.

By Megan Carter

THE GUILD

January 2013! A Happy New Year awaits everyone who comes to theGuild meetings. The 8�� January is a Devotional Evening with RevdDavid Luce. Then on the 15�� we will be welcoming Nick Powe whowill tell the story of Kents Cavern.   The 22ⁿ� brings Colin Vosper witha talk entitled Old Saltway. Finally, on the 29�� there will be AnEvening with Margaret Newman. We look forward to seeing you all.

Enia Dunn

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SAINT OF THE MONTH. ST NICHOLAS

(December 6��. Patron Saint of children)

Father Christmas seems to be as old as Europe. Once he was Woden,lashing his rein-deer through the darkness of northern midwinter. Thenhe encountered the Church, and She transformed him into a saint, themuch-loved Nicholas, Bishop of Myra (in south-west Turkey) in thefourth century. St Nicholas became the patron saint of children, and wasgiven 6 December as his day.

According to legend, Nicholas was an extremely generous man. Herevived three schoolboys murdered by an innkeeper in a tub of pickles.He rescued three young women from prostitution by giving their pover-ty-stricken father three bags of gold. (Hence the use of three gold ballsas the pawnbroker’s signs.)

Perhaps it was on account of S Nicholas’ generosity that in recentcenturies children began to write little notes sometime before 6 Decem-ber, to tell him about the toys they specially wanted. These notes werethen left on the windowsill at night - or else on a ledge in the chimney.

But St Nicholas Day chanced to lie in the magnetic field of a much morepotent festival.... and after awhile his activities were moved towardsChristmas. Then in Bavaria the children still left their notes on thewindow sill, but they addressed them to Liebes Christkind - Krishkinkleas they knew him - and the saint’s part in the matter was simply todeliver the letters in heaven.

The most popular result of the cult of St Nicholas has been the institu-tion of Santa Claus. He is based on Nicholas’ patronage of children andthe custom in the Low Countries of giving presents on his feast. SantaClaus has reached his zenith in America, where the Dutch Protestants ofNew Amsterdam (New York) united to it Nordic folklore legends of amagician who both punished naughty children and rewarded good oneswith presents.

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WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP

This year our harvest was led by our own ladies and proceeds from thesale of fruit and flowers will be donated to our Torbay Street Pastors.We always enjoy a visit from Jackie Smith who this time told us aboutthe early days of ale houses and how they weren’t only drinking places,but places where accommodation was given to travellers using thecoach and horses form of travel. We also learnt how some of the publichouses got their names and how they became the centres of villagelife. Believe it or not they were very often built next to the church.

Hannah Spooner with her musical talents transported us back into theworld of old films, shows and musicals when we could sing along whilstshe played the piano. ‘Remember remember the fifth of November’which is what we did, reminiscing of childhood memories of bonfires,fireworks and humorous experiences.

This year at our rally we didn’t have as many ladies from other churchesas usual, but those who attended enjoyed the fellowship. Our ownladies led the service with readings about mothers found in the Bible.We also had an item by the ladies’ choir. Through the collection takenat the service and contributions from our Harvest stall, £132 was raisedfor the Torbay Street Pastors.

We now look forward to our Christmas lunch and tea, and rememberthose of our ladies who have been experiencing health problems andcannot be with us at our meetings. Christmas blessings to you all, andgood wishes for the coming year.

Barbara Lawton

People.It has been said there are only two kinds of people in the world.Those who wake up and say “Good morning Lord” and thosewho wake up and say “Good Lord, it’s morning.!”

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TAKING THE STRESS OUT OF CHRISTMAS

We all know that turkeys don’t vote for Christmas, but I suspect there’squite a few mothers, fathers, uncles, aunts and grandparents who don’teither. They like the Nine Lessons and Carols bit, and the cards fromfriends, and the Queen on the telly, but for far too many people Christ-mas, instead of being an annual family delight, is a kind of nightmare.

The trouble is, we have created an annual monster, a monster with aglobal appetite for swallowing our time and our money. It starts itspestering in mid-October and goes on, like a puppy demanding treats,right up to Christmas Eve. We all feel bound to submit to its demands.The alternative is to be a party-pooper, and who wants to be that?

Actually, in the end, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are usually prettygood: plenty of nice, soporific food and drink, some decent undemand-ing television, children amenable with a few hundred pounds-worth ofnew electronic playthings and grandpa snoring on the sofa. But take alook at mum. She’s running on empty by now – all that catering! Dad’sgot his own problems. It’s the paying that comes in January!

So what’s the clue to having a stress-free Christmas? Keep it simple, theysay. Have a budget and stick to it. Don’t start ‘Christmas’ until at leastthe second Sunday of Advent. Every able-bodied person must help onthe day. Go carol singing on Christmas Eve. Go to church at midnight oron Christmas morning. Be grateful for the gift beyond words, the babyof Bethlehem, and all the gifts of love and kinship we celebrate in hisname.

Sounds easy? Well, someone said it works.

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Pancakes and great commandments

A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons, Kevin, five andRyan, three. As the boys began to argue over who would getthe first pancake, their mother saw the opportunity for a morallesson. “If Jesus were sitting here,” she said, “He would say,'let my brother have the first pancake, I can wait.'"

Kevin turned to his younger brother and said, "Ryan, you beJesus!"

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SENDING LOVE IN 100 MILLION SHOEBOXES

This month hundreds of thousands of needy children across EasternEurope, Asia and Africa will be eagerly opening shoe boxes of gifts sentby generous people in the UK, the US , Europe and Australia. Some-where in the middle of all that there will be an historic shoe box: the 100millionth shoe box that has been sent since 1990. No one will know quitewhich one it is, but it is a great milestone to celebrate.

Many local churches in these countries (from Bosnia to Liberia, Mon-tenegro to Swaziland) are also offering the youngsters a short follow-upcourse called ‘The Greatest Journey’. It simply explains who Jesus is, andwhat Christianity is all about. The literature and the course resources areshared at the invitation of local church leaders, after consultation withother civic leaders. Since 2010, 700,000 children worldwide have ac-cepted an invitation to join the course. Please remember these childrenin your prayers – they face huge challenges in their young lives.

Operation Christmas Child was started in 1990, in Wrexham, by DaveCooke, after he saw pictures of appalling conditions in Romanian or-phanages on TV. That year he led a small convoy of vehicles fromWrexham to Romania, to help the children. In 1995 OCC merged withSamaritan’s Purse.

The sum”Now James” said the teacher. “If your father gave you £1,your uncle 75p, and your brother 50p, what would youhave?” James was in deep thought for some time. “ComeJames, that’s not a difficult problem” said the teacher. “It isfor me” said James. I can’t make my mind up whether I’dhave a large ice cream or a small cheeseburger.!”

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Church officials

Six-year-old Angie and her four-year-old brother Joel weresitting together in church. Joel giggled, sang, and talked outloud. Finally, his big sister had had enough. "You're notsupposed to talk out loud in church."

"Why? Who's going to stop me?" Joel demanded.

Angie pointed to the back of the church and said, "See thosetwo men standing by the door?

They're hushers."

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OPEN DOORSServing Persecuted Christians worldwide

As the Communist Party in China undergoes a once-in-a-decadeleadership change, many are asking what the future holds for theChristian church in that country. With a Christian population of at least80 million, China has seen the global churches largest scale revival inhistory, in the past 40 years. Christians still do not have basic freedoms,such as the right to evangelise outside Christian structures, but since1982 the government has accepted that religion should be tolerated. Inpractice, the last 20 years have seen increasing openness toleratedtowards Christians.

The fact is, the story of China’s church is a remarkable answer to prayer,whereas in Syria the news is very dark indeed, as a letter from a Pastorworking in Damascus has indicated. He writes “not in our wildest dreamsdid we imagine the violence sweeping the country, pushing people outof their homes, fleeing for their lives. They are living deprived of shelter,clean water, power, food and medical care.” He writes much more thatcannot be written here.

Please pick up an Open Doors magazine, and add your prayers to that ofthe Syrian church. Pray also for the growth in the Chinese church tocontinue.

Again, a thank you to all who have passed monetary gifts to help in thework of Open Doors.

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Santa

I am terrified of the Santa at the shopping centre where I work.Our HR person talked it over with me, and has discovered I amClaustrophobic.

Shhh!

A teacher asked her children, as they were on the way to thevillage Christmas carol service: "And why is it necessary to bequiet in church?"

One bright little girl replied, "Because so many people aresleeping."

Lord’s Prayer, updated

I had been teaching my three-year old daughter, Caitlin, theLord's Prayer. For several evenings at bedtime, she would repeatafter me the lines from the prayer. Finally, she decided to gosolo. I listened with pride as she carefully enunciated each wordright up to the end of the prayer: "and lead us not intotemptation," she implored, "but deliver us some e-mail.”

Christmas by the Sea

15th December 2012.

Torquay Harbourside

Keep watching for more details

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Visiting Father Christmas

A mother took her young daughter to visit Father Christmasin his grotto at the garden centre. He greeted the youngstermerrily, and asked: “And what would you like for Christmas?"

The little girl stared at him, open mouthed with horror. Thenshe gasped: “Didn't you get my email??!!"

Cricket“Well, well” said the old gentleman to some boys who wereplaying cricket. “I wish I could join your game, but I’m tooold.”

“You CAN join in” said the captain. “Our ball has just gonethrough that window. You can go and ask for it back!”

PRAY FOR THE FOLK NEXT DOOR

(following last month’s article from Vicki Bryan)

Have you ever considered praying for your own neighbours? That is theaim of a new national initiative, Neighbourhood Prayer Network (NPN).It was launched at the recent National Day of Prayer at Wembley (whichdrew Christians from 114 of the 124 post code districts from around theUK).

NPN wants to encourage Christians throughout the country to committo praying for the people along their own street on a regular basis.Regular prayer for our neighbours, and the willingness to give thempractical help where possible, is something any Christian can do. Itresponds to Jesus’ commandment to ‘love your neighbour as yourself’.So far over 500 streets across the country are being prayed for each dayby the Christians who live on them.

For more details on how to sign up, and to receive a book to help get youstarted, please visit: www.neighbourhoodprayer.net

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