GLENFIELD METHODIST CHURCH

December 2018/January 2019

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Contents Minister’s Letter……………………………………………………..

Church News ………………………………………………………..

A Plea from Church Council ………………………………………..

Harvest Seed Challenge ……………………………………………..

Christmas Services ………………………………………………….

Christian Aid ………………………………………………………...

Gift Service ………………………………………………………….

The Diary ……………………………………………………………

Treasurer’s report ……………….…………………………………...

Words & Music For Christmas ……………………………………...

Ladies’ Fellowship …………………………………………………..

Open Door …………………………………………………………...

In Appreciation ……………………………………………………...

Kingfisher Chorale Christmas Concert ……………………………...

The Loo Roll which helps save the planet …………………………..

Sunday Club ………...……………………………………………….

Operation Christmas Child 2018 ……………………………………

The man who married Mary ………………………………………...

20-20 Finance report (October 2018) …………………………….

20-20 Dial - a - breakfast ……………………………………………

20-20 Fund Raising …………………………………………………

20-20 Vision Project ………………………………………………...

Glenfield Gardeners’ Association …………………………………..

Drama Group next production ………………………………………

Glenfield WI ………………………………………………………...

Thanks ……………………………………………………………….

Don’t Be Alone On Christmas Day …………………………………

News from St. Peter’s ……………………………………………….

Christmas 1914 ……………………………………………………...

Crossword …………………………………………………………...

Bible Bites, Mouse Makes…………………………………………...

Word search, Games Page, Puzzles Answers ………………...……..

Rotas…………………………………………………………………

Preaching Plan ……………………………………………………….

Our Regular Church Activities ……………………………………...

Glenfield Methodist Church Newsletter

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THE MINISTER’S LETTER

Tel. 0116 287 0356

email stephen@bible.f9.co.uk.

Dear friends,

You may remember that I mentioned on my November letter that in recent months I have been reading a

number of books relating to the First World War. One

of the books which was particularly poignant was

written in memory of a young man called Harold Parry. He was killed in action at Ypres, Flanders, in 1917 at the

age of just 20. The book, ‘In Memoriam of Harold

Parry’ includes letters which he wrote home to family

and friends during his time of active service, together with some evocative poems of his.

For many of those who were directly caught up in the

terrible events of World War One, memories of home were both a source of great comfort and also a sharp

contrast to their lives far from home in the midst of

conflict. It is clear from Harold Parry’s letters that the

regular supply of letters from home were a tremendous

blessing to him; he writes to his mother, ‘I always look forward to your letters and love you for them’.

Harold was a man of deep Christian faith, and on more

than one occasion in his letters he relates how his faith upheld him during the horrors and stresses of the

conflict. One of his letters was written in December

1916, as his thoughts inevitably turned towards the

meaning of Christmas and memories of Christmas celebrations in pre-war years. This is what he wrote to

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his mother:

‘But keep cheerful mother – have a good time this Christmas, and think that the star of Bethlehem still

shines, and the God who gave his dear and only Son to

the world does not look upon this war unmoved and

from afar. This war is none of God’s making – it is of the people’s; and God, this day and all days, is down on

earth amongst us, suffering our anguish and joying in

our joy. The arm that has protected me thus far is still

as potent to protect; wherefore, even in the most miserable of times, I can be happy and can contrive to

live in a joyful past and a no less joyful future.’

A powerful statement of faith, and a reminder of the message that lies at the heart of Christmas. One of the

names given to Jesus is Immanuel which means ‘God

With Us’. As Harold Parry knew, God is not a far-away,

remote God, but a God who is here with us. What’s

more, he promises that if we open our hearts to the gospel message of forgiveness

and new life in Jesus Christ,

then we know that nothing can

separate us from his love. Whatever the future may hold,

we are safe and secure in God’s

loving care.

May you know God’s peace and

joy in your heart this Christmas

and in the new year.

With love,

Steve

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Recent Social Events

On the evening of 27th October many of us attended the 'Quiz Night

and Supper Evening' organised by Wally York and Norman Clayton.

This was a very enjoyable evening with around 70 people

participating in various teams. Each table had sheets of dingbats to

solve during the evening which was a great icebreaker and the quiz

questions covered many topics from politicians names to flowers. The

evening began with with a delicious hot main course, followed by

several quiz rounds, then we all enjoyed desert and coffee followed by

another quiz round. Our thanks go to Wally and Norman for hosting

the evening and also to Linda York and Celia Davis for providing and

serving the lovely food, assisted by Roger Davis. The proceeds of the

evening raised a magnificent sum of £705 for the 20-20 Vision project,

our thanks also go to everyone who supported this event.

On the evening of Friday 9th November we were invited to participate

in a 'Fundraising Fashion Show and Shopping Event' organised by

Indra Chajecka, Siew Hoon Brewin, Jane Sowler, Melanie Wright and

Alison Asher. This proved to be a very popular event as all 90 tickets

were sold a couple of weeks before the show. The event was hosted

by 'SOS Charity Fashion Shows' and featured popular clothing brands

including: Marks and Spencer, White Stuff, Wallis, Evans, Topshop,

Next and many more. The evening began at 7pm with refreshments

served in the church hall where we also had the opportunity to buy

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raffle tickets. There was a vast selection of clothes on offer displayed

on a number of racks, some of which were modelled by ladies from

our church and village communities, who sashayed up the cat walk

(the aisle of the church) to great effect and much applause. It was a

very enjoyable evening and ticket sales, refreshments and the raffle

raised £673.60 for the 20-20 project. Thank you to everyone who

supported this event and especial thanks to those involved in the

organisation and the sale of tickets, also to those providing the de-

licious refreshments at the start of the evening.

Have you signed up to the 'Seed Challenge' yet?

Based on the parable of the 'talents', Sue Clark is facilitating a scheme

to raise money for the 20-20 project by inviting people to invest their

talents with a start-up gift of £10 which is used to produce something

to sell to others to raise funds. It may be something that is made, or

grown or a service. Those interested are asked to fill in a form,

obtainable from Sue and she will give them £10 to start up their

project. So far Oliver Pearce is producing 'Word Cloud' artwork to

order; his brother Joseph made delicious cakes which were sold at the

Saturday coffee morning and also with refreshments enjoyed after the

morning service, during the weekend 3rd - 4th November. Perennial

plants grown by Wally York are for sale and Donna Jobling has

offered to produce hand-made cards to order. If you are inspired to

provide a service or product to raise funds, please ask Sue Clark for a

form and she will pleased to present you with £10 to begin your

project.

Operation Christmas Child 2018

Members and friends of Glenfield Methodist Church have been

working hard for the ‘Shoe Box’ appeal by taking part in Operation

Christmas Child, a charity organised by 'Samaritan’s Purse'. Your

enthusiasm for this unique way of giving gifts to poor children in so

many parts of the world is heart warming, so thank you to all who

have taken part whether that has been filling and decorating shoe

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boxes or providing items to go into shoe boxes or giving donations to

cover the postage (£5 per box this year). We are delighted to tell you

that at the time of going to press 105 filled shoe boxes have been

received and are ready for despatch. Our thanks go to Wally and

Linda York for once again taking on the task of organising and

promoting this very special charity on behalf of Glenfield Methodist

Church.

If you would like further details about Operation Christmas Child

there is lots of information plus video footage on their website:

www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk .

Armistice Sunday

This year Armistice Sunday had a special meaning for many of us as

it was the 100th anniversary of the signing of the peace treaty,

signalling the end of conflict in the First World War and took place at

11am on the 11th November, 1918. Our church service on the morning

of 11th November in commemoration of that event was led by Rev.

Steve Clark and the message given by Steve was based around a

reprinted copy of a small, brown service book featuring the gospel of

St John, which was given to soldiers serving on the Western Front to

carry in their uniform pockets as a source of comfort, reassurance and

aid to prayer during their time in the trenches. Copies of the service

book were given to members of the congregation to keep as a

reminder of the sacrifice made by so many people during both world

wars. The book also contained the words and music of several hymns

often used by the armed services during that time, these included,”O

God Our Help in Ages past”; “Eternal Father, Strong to Save” and

“Abide With Me” which we sang at the service.

Later in the day we were invited

to visit a display of WW1

memorabilia in the the

Memorial Hall in Glenfield,

where refreshments were available.

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At 7pm a beacon was lit in Ellis Park in commemoration of this

centenary event and, despite the cold winter evening, many folk

turned out to witness this very special occasion.

A Special Delivery

Our blessings go to Jacob and Amy Manship on the early arrival of

their twin daughters, Beaux Olivia and Mila Reign who were born

22nd October. Our congratulations also go to Dave and Margaret

Almey, on the arrival of two great granddaughters and also to Alice,

their 'big' sister. May the Lord bless you all now and always.

Flowers – an act of worship, thanksgiving and remembrance

Thank you to everyone who has provided flowers or donations and

enabled us to have a variety of attractive floral displays in the pedestal

next to the altar on each Sunday during the past year. Flowers in

church are a special way of remembering loved ones or

commemorating special dates in our lives and to express thanks for

our blessings.

The flower rota for 2019 will be on the noticeboard in the foyer in

December, so if you would like to provide flowers for an anniversary

or celebration please enter your name on the list. I have taken the

liberty of entering the names of those people who always select a

particular date during the year but please feel free to change this, if

you wish.

We would also like to thank the ladies who take the church flowers

out on a Monday morning as gifts to those in need of a bit of cheer.

Mary Squires selects those people she knows would appreciate this

act of kindness and so thank you, Mary for continuing to organise this

special service for others.

For further information about church flowers please contact Barbara

Coombes (Tel: 0116 2259190).

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A Plea from Church Council

Most of you will be unaware of the situation we’re in regarding job vacancies within Glenfield Methodist Church. The Church Council, usually, are the people who are presented with this sort of information but the details need to be broadcast to the entire church membership so that we can all think seriously about taking up the challenge of getting involved in different areas of service within the church community. Below is a list of the many and varied opportunities for you to consider :- Church Council Congregation Rep. Talk to Anne Fenton Coffee Rota (Saturdays and Sundays) Talk to Irene Arthur Coordinator(s) for Christmas Market 2019 Talk to Celia Davis or Linda York Door Stewards Talk to Barbara Coombes GDPR Data Mapping Talk to Anne Fenton Sunday Club Helpers Talk to Jane Sowler or Linda York Secretary for Church Council Talk to Rev. Steve Clark or Anne Fenton Secretary for Pastoral Team Talk to Rev. Steve Clark Secretary for Property Team Talk to Mike Chester

Vestry stewards Talk to Eddie Hasman Please pray that people will be called to take on rolls to ensure us to fulfil our Mission Statement of being a Welcoming, Worshipping, Caring and Praying, Giving and Growing Church

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Harvest Seed Challenge for the 20-20 Vision Project

You may remember that during our Harvest Festival service in September, I launched the ‘Harvest Seed Challenge.’ Taking inspiration

from the parable of the bags of gold in Matthew 25.14 to 30 (also known as the parable of the talents), we were all invited to take up the challenge of using our gifts, talents & creativity to raise funds for our exciting 20-20 Vision Project (which is to redevelop and enhance our building to make it fit-for-purpose for the future).

The idea is that anyone from the GMC church family who is willing to take part will be given £10 ‘seed money’ as a starter, with the challenge to be creative in multiplying the money over the next several months. We have until Easter Sunday (21 April) 2019 to work on this. The hope was that everyone would be able to take part; it doesn’t have to be difficult, and hopefully will be fun and something to enjoy doing.

Some members of Sunday Club have embraced the idea with great enthusiasm, and a number of the 20-20 Vision Project team have also taken up the challenge. However, I have to say that the overall number of people who have so far decided to take part has been disappointingly low. I would really encourage you to seriously consider getting involved. You could always join with a friend to do something. It could be as simple as using the money to buy ingredients for a coffee morning, then inviting friends and neighbours round.

There is still plenty of time to get involved. If you would like to take up the challenge, pick up an information leaflet from the vestry at church, complete the response and hand it to Sue Clark, who will be happy to give you £10. In supporting the 20-20 Vision Project we are investing in the future of God’s mission and the call to serve our local community. As someone once said, ‘we are in this together!’

Steve

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Glenfield Methodist Church

Christmas & New Year Services 2018/19

Sunday 2nd December

(Advent 1) 10.15am Gift Service All Age Worship led by Rev. Steve Clark

Sunday 9th December

(Advent 2) 10.15am Rev.Richard Jackson

4pm Short service following Janet’s 80th

Birthday celebrations

Sunday 16th December

(Advent 3) 10.15am Paulette Furborough

6.30 pm Rev. Robert Kasema

Sunday 23rd December

(Advent 4) 10.15am Sunday Club Nativity Service

6.30 pm Candlelit Carol Service

Monday Christmas Eve 4.00 pm Christingle led by

11.30 pm Midnight Service led by Rev. Steve Clark

Tuesday Christmas Day

10.15 am Christmas day Celebration

led by Andy Jobling

Sunday 30th December

10:15am Alison Whitmore

(No evening service)

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Christian Aid - Where we work – Z to A (Continued)

Christian Aid in Kenya

Christian Aid has been working in Kenya since 1997, building and managing strategic partnerships with local civil society agencies,

the government, public authorities, the private sector, churches, and religious organisations, with common values in poverty eradication. We currently work with over 15 partners across seven counties, mainly in arid and semi-arid lands. Our work focuses on community health, climate resilience and inclusive markets. We support poor and marginalised communities to anticipate, organise, adapt, respond to, and cope with, climate change and related disasters. Our work helps communities take advantage of opportunities and work with their local government. Our aims We aim to see communities become thriving and resilient by achieving three objectives from our global strategy partnership for change: The right to essential services - access to health and education services among others. Improving household incomes and livelihoods through inclusive

markets development work and fostering resilience of livelihoods to risks such as climate change.

Mainstreaming gender and inclusion across everything

we do. We aim to ensure women, people living with physical and mental impairment, elderly people, sexual minorities, and other marginalised groups enjoy their right to essential services

and to economic well-being. We believe that unjust power relations are at the centre of poverty, so we aim ensure communities are able to understand and exercise their rights to health services, engage in inclusive markets, and be resilient

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to climate change-related risks. Kenya’s 2010 constitution provides for devolution of public functions to counties, respect for human rights and freedoms, gender equity, and active citizenship. These serve as key anchors for our work with stakeholders at county and national level. In Kenya we work on... Climate change

We support climate financing at local levels, ensuring communities can access finance through bottom-up planning and prioritisation. We also work in partnership with the Kenya Meteorological Department to support access to climate information services, to help communities make informed decisions. Inclusive markets

Christian Aid Kenya is taking a lead role in facilitating systemic market transformation in key sectors that affect the livelihoods of poor communities. We use participatory approaches to market development, to unlock potential in our core priority value chains - beekeeping, cereals and vegetables. Disaster risk reduction and emergencies

We are at the front line in responding to emergencies in the northern Kenya. We are here for the long term and our work includes preparing communities, institutions and partners to cope with, and avert, future disasters. We focus on 'shifting power' to local institutions and communities for the most effective humanitarian response. Accountability

Accountability and transparency are key principles in all our projects and operations. We are continuing to improve our practices in downward accountability (being accountable to the people we aim to help), systems for information sharing, and complaints handling.

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Sunday 2nd December

The first Sunday

in Advent

Rev. Steve Clark will lead

The Annual Gift Service

At 10:15am

All Gifts will be donated to

The Women’s Refuge.

Suitable gifts of toys and

games for young boys and

girls, baby care items,

cosmetics, toiletries,

tins of biscuits, chocolates

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The Diary

Dates of Church meetings below. If you wish to raise anything relating to a meeting due to take place, please contact the Chair or Secretary. If you feel called to offer to help as secretary/note taker at the Pastoral or Property meeting’s, please speak to Rev Steve Clark. Church Council - next meeting to be informed (2019) Chair, Rev Steve Clark; Secretary, Anne Fenton General Church Meeting - next meeting April 2019 Chair, Rev Steve Clark; Secretary, Anne Fenton Finance - meets once per year, in August Chair, Rev Steve Clark; Secretary, Norman Clayton Pastoral - no meeting date set Chair, Rev Steve Clark; we are trying to recruit a secretary Property – next meeting 12 February 2019 Chair, Mike Chester; we are trying to recruit a secretary Quarterly Communications (QCM) formerly Leadership Team – next meeting 15 January 2019, at the home of Anne Fenton Chair, Rev Steve Clark; Secretary, Anne Fenton; other members are Mike Chester, Geoff Clarke, Jane Sowler, Wally York & Senior Steward Worship & Discipleship (W&D) – next meeting 10 December 2018, at the home of Wally & Linda York Chair, Rev Steve Clark; Secretary & Congregational Representative, Alison Asher 20-20 Vision meetings are taking place each month at the moment, and the steering group consists of: Sue Clark, Trevor Davies, Steve Clark, Geoff Clarke, Liz Clarke, Norman Clayton, Andrew Paul, Jane Sowler, Peter Sowler, Mary Squires, Melanie Wright. Wally York, Barbara Coombes & Siew Hoon Brewin are included as minute archivist and treasurer. Other people are drafted into the meetings as and when. Churches Together Children & Youth - next meeting to be arranged Secretary, Alison Blane December 2018 20-20 Vision – Tuesday 4 December, 3pm W&D - Monday 10 December (at the home of the Wally & Linda York) January 2019 QCM – 15 January (at the home of Anne Fenton)

Treasurer’s Report — October 2018

Weekly & monthly offerings amounted to £2,994 in October including gift-aid. This goes towards our Circuit Assessment of £3,333 per month. In addition £545 was raised in October for Samaritan’s Purse, as part of the Shoebox appeal for Operation Christmas Child. The charity of the month in November has been Crisis (at Christmas) and our charity of the month for December is our charity of the year – Cancer Research (UK).

Samaritan’s Purse ‘Operation Christmas Child’ has been charity of the month for October. The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to show God's love in a tangible way to children in need around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the good news of Jesus

Christ.

Crisis has been our ‘charity of the month’ for November, supporting ‘Crisis at Christmas’. For nine days over Christmas, Crisis is a safe haven for someone who is homeless. Food, fresh clothes, a haircut and shower; companionship and professional advice are all provided.

Cancer Research UK is our ‘Charity of the Year’, and is December’s charity too. They are the largest independent funder of cancer research in the world. They support the best scientists, doctors

and nurses to discover new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer across the world, and rely entirely on donations to make it happen

Geoff Clarke

GMC Treasurer

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Alison Blane &

Liz Clarke Invite you to an evening of

Tuesday 18th December 2018

7pm – 9pm

Seasonal refreshments

will be served in the interval

No tickets or pre-booking

Donations to our 20-20 Vision Project

If you’d like to take part please contact

Alison by 2nd December

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The speaker at our 9th October meeting, who was accompanied by her dog, was from Leicester Animal Aid, a charity based in Huncote. Their aim is to re-home the lost and abandoned animals in their care. Thanks to a recent substantial legacy, they have been able to extend their premises and open a small café. Visitors are very welcome. They also have ascheme whereby they take in pets when their owners are unable to look after them for a time, such as going into hospital. Members donated a good amount of pet food. On October 23rd, Rosemary Nash-Smith told us about the work of the RNLI. The lifeboats are buit, run and maintained entirely by public donations and crews give their services free of charge. Jean bravely agreed to wear a full crew member’s uniform - we could hardly recognise her when dressed in it. Our next meetings are :- Dec. 11th Christmas Celebration

Elizabeth Riding - Christmas in Bethlehem Followed by Festive Tea. Hostesses: The Committee Jan. 22nd Our Annual Beetle Drive Hostesses: Beryl, Jean H and Doreen S. Our thoughts and prayers are with all our members who are un-able to be with us due to age or illness.

Shirley Hill

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Open Door

After a glorious summer “Open Door”

continues to flourish on the first Sunday

afternoon each month. However, our

December meeting has always coincided with

the Christmas Carol Service so this year we will

have two meetings in December – the usual one

on the first Sunday (2nd December at 3pm) –

and another on 23rd December when we will

start at 4pm with a “Christmassy” tea followed by the Carol

Service later.

Please note these dates in your diaries.

Our first meeting in 2019 will be Sunday 3rd February (weather

permitting).

We welcomed Ruth to our September meeting following the

death of her beloved husband Bryan. Our condolences go to

Ruth and her family and hope she will continue to join us. A

little premature, but a “Merry Christmas” and a Happy and

Healthy New Year to you all.

Audrey/Grace

In Appreciation

Thank you so much for the lovely bouquet of

flowers which I found on my porch on 22nd October,

I was delighted to be a recipient. This unexpected

gift cheered me up and made me smile. I think that

the weekly distribution of our altar flowers are a

wonderful ministry and thank all who donate,

arrange and deliver them.

Penny Jones

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email: osbat@lineone.net

FIND US ON FACEBOOK www.kingfisherchorale.org

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The loo roll which helps save the planet!

3-ply double length rolls of toilet paper 100% recycled

Made from environmentally friendly materials

No inks, dyes or scents

No plastic wrappings

50% of the profits of the manufacturers are used to help

build toilets for those in need (about 40% of the world’s

population don’t have access to a toilet!)

Each order also helps raise funds from our

20-20 Vision Project to redevelop & enhance the building

1 roll 90p; 11 rolls £9; 23 rolls £18; 48 rolls £36

My order: ____ roll(s) Name ………………………………………………………..

Phone number……………………………………..

Please return your order form and payment (cash, or cheque

payable to S Clark) to Sue Clark (tel. 0116 2870356). We may be able to offer help with local delivery of larger orders. Thank you to all of those who have already supported my loo roll challenge. Please continue to do so, whether it is buying a whole box, or a roll occasionally, it all helps to save on plastic, save trees, provide toilets for those who don't have them at all, and raise money for the new toilets at GMC. Many Thanks Sue

Sunday Club

On the first Sunday in November Sunday Club’s senior group

(six of them and two leaders) took their last look for a while at

Mark’s Gospel. Over the past few months we, and all the

Sunday Club have explored three chapters in detail, with

themes that have been relevant today – hypocrisy, authenticity,

the power of words and difficult issues and how we deal with

them as Christians.

In the senior group we focused on the question asked of Jesus,

“Out of all the commandments, which one is the most

important?”. Jesus’ answer in a few words presents not only the

joy of following him, but

also the enormous

challenge to discipleship:

“The most important one

says: ‘People of Israel, you

have only one Lord and

God. You must love him

with all your heart, soul,

mind, and strength. ‘ The

second most important

commandment says: ‘Love

others as much as you love yourself.’ No other commandment is

more important than these.” (Mark 12. 29-31)

I can remember a time when Methodist congregations used

either the hymn book or our service books and quite often

would rehearse the commandments as part of worship,

including the new commandment of Jesus “that you love one

another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one

another”

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Our group explored what it meant to love God with all our

heart, soul, mind and strength.

We then placed these four symbols on the floor to represent

those aspects of who we are and they

were challenged to go and pick one up

and say, “To love God with all my

heart means …” and several of them

were able to respond to the challenge

and in their own words finish the

sentence as it applied to them and the

symbol they had chosen – very

encouraging. Is this something you

could do?

Our youngsters made this poster

which is displayed in the church

lounge.

Our 7-11’s talked about the importance of passing things on and

how God wants us to pass on these two great commandments.

We made these

beautiful heart sun

catcher pictures to

act as a daily

reminder to ‘love

God and your

neighbour’.

We now turn to

Luke’s Gospel in

Sunday Club and, of course, will be looking ahead to our

Christmas celebrations.

Peter Sowler

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OPERATION CHRISTMAS

CHILD 2018 Thanks to everyone who contributed in any

way towards this year’s Samaritan’s Purse

Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Appeal.

Your donations of individual items, full shoe

boxes, hand knitted hats, scarves and gloves,

empty shoe boxes, covering the shoe boxes,

taking them to The Big Shed and financial support, all together came

to a total of 105 boxes and £545 - a figure that more than covered

the cost of transporting of our boxes.

An inspired example of what can be done when we all work together!

May God bless the children who will be receiving these gifts.

Linda & Wally

The man who married Mary

The traditional Nativity scene on our Christmas cards has Mary with

the Holy Babe. Around her are the shepherds and Magi. We may also

see stable animals, angels and a star! While Joseph is often included,

his presence seems to be of minor importance. After all, we praise God

for Jesus with our familiar Christmas carols, mentioning angels,

shepherds, Wise men and Mary but the name of Joseph is absent! Why

is Joseph given a low profile? For he is a man to be remembered.

Joseph was a resident of Nazareth. He worked as a carpenter and his

skills would have included making furniture, repairing buildings and

crafting agricultural tools. Although Joseph had an honourable

profession, he would not have been a man of great wealth.

The gospel writers Matthew and Luke give Joseph a few brief

mentions. After the birth of Jesus, Joseph and Mary go to the temple in

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Jerusalem to dedicate the Baby to God. Afterwards, they flee into

Egypt to escape the wrath of Herod and much later return to Nazareth.

Twelve years later, Mary and Joseph go with Jesus to Jerusalem for the

Passover feast. Here they lose Jesus, and find Him in the Temple

talking with religious leaders!

Apart from these verses, the New Testament is silent about the rest of

Joseph’s life. However, we do know that Joseph was father to other

children by Mary. His four sons are named and they had at least two

daughters. (See Matthew 13:55)

And we also know that Joseph was someone who quietly and humbly

took on the awesome role in caring for the early life of the Son of God.

Joseph would have taught Jesus many things – not just the skills of a

labourer, but the lore of the countryside which was evident in our

Lord’s teaching. Jesus grew up within a loving family and described

God as ‘Father’, knowing also the good fatherly qualities of Joseph.

In the Christmas story, Joseph is placed into a situation that brought

him misunderstanding and suspicion. But Joseph remained faithful in

the knowledge that as long as God had spoken, the opinion of others

mattered little. Before Jesus began His ministry it is believed that

Joseph died. It is likely Jesus took on many of His father’s

responsibilities before He left home.

In the eyes of the world, Joseph was a nobody. He was not a man of

valour, fame and fortune. But he was the one who had parental

responsibility for the greatest person who has ever lived!

It is sad that we often equate ordinariness with ineffectiveness. Down

the ages, God has used many ordinary people to accomplish great

things. God continues to use ordinary people. Like Joseph, we need to

know that doing God’s will is the most important thing in life. May

we, this Christmas, respond to God’s call to us and please Him in all

that we do.

By Lester Amann

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Spent To Date - £19,468

GLENFIELD METHODIST

CHURCH

October Finance Report

Where Are We?

£0 £100,000 £200,000 £300,000 £400,000 £500,000 £600,000 £700,000

£180,651

Phase 1

£243,346

Phase 2

£213,275

Phase 3

£18,060

Phase 4

Target - £655,332 Raised To Date - £111,662

Amount

Our Thanks to:

Joel’s Band for their concert which raised £210 (including

gift aid).

Ladies Fellowship for donating £50 towards 20-20.

Wally, Linda and Celia for the great Quiz Night & Supper

which raised £716 (after costs and gift-aid).

Everyone who has continued to contribute generously with

their prayers, old £1 coins, loose change, money, time and

talents to the 20-20 project.

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Glenfield Methodist Church

Fund Raising

As we look towards the end of the year and back to our Gift Day on that snowy day in March, we can see that we have been able to make considerable strides in our fundraising for 20-20 Vision. The Quiz Night in October raised a fabulous £712, and our thanks go to Wally, Linda & Celia and their helpers. The Charity Fashion Show was a fun evening which raised £673.60; a lot of hard work but worth the effort, and thanks to all involved. Those of us who are the coordinators want to express to you, the members and friends in Glenfield Methodist Church our thanks for your love, ideas, generosity, support and hard work. At the time of writing we are a few days away from welcoming the Coalville Male Voice Choir who are to give a concert supporting our fundraising. Elsewhere you will read that the Christmas market is not raising money for 20-20 but for General Church Funds. We have been including it in our list of events as we originally planned that the amount raised would be split between the two causes. However, Church Funds are in need of a boost and a recent Church Council agreed to this change of plan. December brings us The Kingfisher Chorale Concert, a Celebratory Tea (to mark Janet Kirk’s 80th birthday) and Alison’s Christmas ‘Words & Music’ event. We agreed at the Steering Group to have a month off (January 2019) and we want to arrange some fun events for February so please keep watching out for news of events. Please pray for the whole 20-20 Vision project and please come forward with ideas. Not ideas for us to do, but ideas that we could help you with.

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20-20 Vision Project

What a delight our young people are at

Glenfield Methodist Church. We are thrilled at

their enthusiasm for the 20-20 project. They

have not only spoken about it, but a good number of them

have also taken up the Harvest Seed Challenge to raise

money themselves for the project. Please support them by

buying their products. This reminds each one of us that the

building passes on to future generations, and it is important

that we are faithful in our care of it for generations to come.

Of course, church is really the people of God and the project

is giving us many opportunities to spend more time getting

to know each other and building up relationships. There are

also many opportunities to invite others to join us as we

share together in the building. Christmas is a great time for

this.

Please keep talking to us and praying for the project.

Sue and Trevor

20-20 Vision Events

Date Time Event Organised by

Ongoing 7.30am-9am

Dial-a-Breakfast Judith Mead

Sat 8 December 2018 7.30pm Kingfisher Chorale Con-cert

Anne Fenton/ Maggie Osborne

Sun 9 December 2018 3pm Celebratory Tea (to mark Janet Kirk’s 80th birthday)

Janet/Celia/Linda

Tues 18 December 2018 Evening Christmas ‘Words & Mu-sic’

Alison & Liz

Sat 23 March 2019 Evening Concert in memory of Pearl Ives

Peter

Sat 6 April 2019 Evening Ladies Cooperative Choir Concert

Peter

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Glenfield Gardeners’ Association

Autumn becomes a quieter time for us gardeners but there is still a lot to be done in the garden. In October, there was one of the largest audiences of the Glenfield Gardeners’. They came to hear Stuart Dixon speak about how to look after your plot in the cooler months. Advice was given on what plants are best for autumn colour such as Asters and Heleniums and how one can manage other plants to extend their flowering period. Stuart was very knowledgeable and entertaining and all agreed that it was a very useful talk. The Glenfield Gardeners’ will celebrate the end of a very successful gardening year at our annual supper in November but talks will resume again on the 22nd of January. Sally Cunningham, a hugely entertaining speaker, will introduce us to edible flowers with a talk entitled “please do eat the daisies!” This will be interesting for both gardeners and cooks alike. More talks will follow on hanging baskets, vegetable growing and hostas, ferns and bamboos. Our meetings are open to all, friends and family. All are welcome. You do not have to be a member to attend. We meet on the fourth Tuesday of every month. Membership for the whole year is just £10 or you can pay £2 a meeting. If you’ve never been before, then please do bring this article along to one of the meetings to try us out for free. We would love to see you. Wishing everyone a wonderful, joyous and restful Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year from everyone at the Glenfield Gardeners’. Liz Douglas

Programme Secretary

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Glenfield W I

Members of the Glenfield WI held their Annual Meeting on 16th October 2018. Pat Dickinson read the minutes of the last Annual Meeting and Lucy Hilton informed the members that the same Auditors would be retained for a further year. Lucy presented the Financial Report in the absence of the Treasurer, Sheila Solly and also an estimated proposed budget for the coming year. Pat then read her Secretary’s Report and Lucy the President’s Report. All were proposed, seconded and unanimously agreed by those present. Lucy went on to thank her committee for their hard work over the previous twelve months and agreed to be President for a further year. She then presented her new committee to the meeting.

Lucy received a card and an arrangement of flowers as a thank

you from members for her efforts over the last year.

Glenfield W I meets on the third Tuesday of the month in

St. Peter’s Church Hall @ 7.30pm. Why not come as a

visitor one evening (for a nominal fee of £3.00). You will

receive a very warm welcome from the members.

Angie Bowers

We want to say thank you for all the thoughts and prayers over the last few months. My spinal operation was just over five weeks ago. I am progressing well and have been discharged by

the consultant.

Joyce had good news and she will be going to Glenfield in the

next few weeks for a heart valve operation.

Thanks Brian and Joyce Newth

31

ON

From time to time I sail a little. I’ve been taught to navigate so far using charts and bearings and observations of landmarks. The next step up, which I hope to have time to study one day, is to learn to navigate by the stars. To use peculiar looking – and ancient – instruments like sextants and astrolabes to work out where I am and where I’m going. For now, I largely rely on GPS! Stars have always fascinated the human race. The oldest maps of the skies at night that we have date from three and a half millennia ago. They’ve been used not just to help us find our way but to define calendars, the very rhythm of our lives. We’ve looked to them not just for practical purposes but spiritual: some ancient civilisations worshipped them, some people even still search out their horoscope and believe their life and personality is shaped by them. I can’t believe that but even when it comes to modern space travel, we seem to feel that there is something to discover in them. We reach out to grasp it, to learn what wisdom they have, is there any direction they offer? At the first Christmas, following the stars led wise people to look back at this earth. Not to find some answers out there in the cosmos, but to see here on earth the mysterious and glorious revelation of an extraordinary God born as an ordinary baby. As we celebrate Christmas, maybe we all need to learn how to follow that star. To navigate our way through a complex and challenging world to find the wonderful gift of God’s Saviour

32

News

From

St. Peter’s

born for us. To find our way to the truth that God has found his way to come to us.

Richard Trethewey

Rector of St Peter’s, Glenfield, and

All Saints, Newtown Linford

0116 287 1604

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Christmas 1914

On Christmas Day the guns stopped no bombs dropped no man hopped one legged back to the dug-out.

On Christmas day the birds sang the bells rang the only bang ball on boot as enemies played as friends.

On Christmas Night as God cheered, men feared tomorrow becoming yesterday. God sighed: His son had died to be born again tomorrow. Pam Bolas 11.11.2018

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Across

1 ‘How long will you — your face from me?’ (Psalm 13:1) (4)

3 ‘Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the — he

bore’(Hebrews 13:13) (8)

9 Posh sin (anag.) (Romans 8:15) (7)

10 Solemn pledges (Matthew 5:33) (5)

11 Italian term for full orchestra (5)

12 ‘For he who avenges blood remembers; he does not — the cry

of the afflicted’ (Psalm 9:12) (6)

14 Prescience (1 Peter 1:2) (13)

17 Where a Hindu holy man lives (6)

19 ‘If he found any... who belonged to the Way, whether — —

women, he might take them as prisoners’ (Acts 9:3) (3,2)

22 Fragrance (2 Corinthians 2:15) (5)

23 Vine hen (anag.) (Jonah 1:2) (7)

24 Precious stone decorating the twelfth foundation of the New

Jerusalem (Revelation 21:20) (8)

25 ‘Will you keep to the old path that evil men have — ?’ (Job

22:15) (4)

Down

1 ‘Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with —

— ’ (Numbers 20:11) (3,5)

2 ‘You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, “ —

— murder”’ (Matthew 5:21) (2,3)

4 One of Paul’s many hardships endured as a servant of God (2

Corinthians 6:5) (13)

5 ‘We ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, — in-

wardly’ (Romans 8:23) (5)

6 Changed (Daniel 6:8) (7)

7 ‘My yoke is — and my burden is light’ (Matthew 11:30) (4)

8 Recoil (Revelation 12:11) (6)

13 ‘O Lord, you have — me and you know me’ (Psalm 139:1) (8)

15 ‘ — to me the joy of your salvation’ (Psalm 51:12) (7)

16 Express sorrow (Isaiah 16:7) (6)

18 ‘Then he said to Thomas, “ — out your hand and put it into

my side”’ (John 20:27) (5)

20 ‘God has said, “ — will I leave you; — Answers on page 40

35 36

37

Word Search for December/January 2018/19

The nearly four weeks leading up to Christmas is Advent. It means ‘coming’. It refers to Jesus’ first coming as a baby, but it also looks forward to a day when Jesus is expected to return in triumph at his ‘second coming’ to establish perfect justice and a new order of peace. Originally Christians marked Advent as a time when they refrained from excessive eating and drink-ing. Then Christmas Day reintroduced them to the joys of feasting. Christmas celebrations lasted for twelve days, with gifts exchanged as a climax at Epiphany (6 January). Today, however, Advent is more likely to be associated with accelerat-ing festivity, with the days following Christmas something of an anti-climax until ‘twelfth night’, on which decorations are re-moved. Many Christians worldwide are trying to revive the spirit of Advent by setting aside time to pray and address global pov-erty. Words to find :-

Four, Weeks, Advent, Coming, Jesus, First, Baby, Return, Triumph, Second, Establish, Perfect, Justice, New, Order, Peace, Eating, Drinking, Celebrations, Days, Gifts, Epiphany, Twelfth, Decorations, Revive

Answers on

Page 40

38

Easy Sudoku Grid

All answers on page 40

Intermediate Sudoku Grid

T

H

E

M

A

Z

E

G

A

M

E

S

P

A

G

E39

GLENFIELD STEWARDS:

Andrew Paul 07801066032 Trevor Davies 07514048224

Mary Bothwell 231 3224 Chris Edmonds 224 7494

Eddie Hasman 07773626846 Mary Squires 291 2330

Answers to the crossword on page 34 Answers to the wordsearch on page 38

Answers to the Sudokus on page 39

Easy Intermediate

40

41

Glenfield Park W.I.

Meetings are held on the 1st Thursday in each

month in the

Memorial Hall, Stamford Street, Glenfield.

EMICS

Mystified. Well so were we. The acronym stands for East Midland Immediate Care Scheme. Still mystified. All was explained when Dr Tim Grey came as

a speaker to Glenfield Park WI. 33 years ago Tim moved to Rutland, having

worked in an A&E department in London. He thought there was a need for fast response to serious incidents by a doctor and put forward the idea.

However there was not a lot of support for this. The comment being "but

there are no motorways or dual carriageways in Rutland. The turning point

came when Tim was called out to a serious accident at midnight in winter.

The problem in Rutland is narrow roads which can become treacherous when

icy. From that small beginning the organisation has now grown to cover the whole of the East Midlands. In effect it's the air ambulance in a car. All this

of course takes money. There are now 26 doctors who are all volunteers and

are also GPs. They try to get to all incidents but occasionally the day job gets

in the way. To give you an idea of the costs, it takes £4000 to £6000 to just kit a doctor out. The kit is carried in the boot of the car, so no use of the car

for partners to do the shopping. All volunteers have to undergo trauma

training. As Tim pointed out it's a different kettle of fish working outside in often cramped areas to working in a well-lit hospital. Doctors also have to

undergo driver training which we found surprising but it was to learn how to

drive with a blue light. Drivers do surprising things trying to get out of the way. Tim was at pains to stress that they work as a team with the fire brigade

and the police who also do a wonderful job. A thoroughly inspiring talk and

presentation and we were full of admiration for all the volunteers who give

up their time.

During the past month apart from our normal craft sessions we enjoyed a

lunch at the Stamford Arms and indulged in a round of crazy golf. Good fun

Dates

December 5th Outing to Gates nursery with lunch December 6th Annual Meeting with faith supper and entertainment

December 18th Christmas lunch.

January 3rd Meeting

Sunday worship ‘Readers rota’

If you would like to occasionally read a lesson during morning or evening worship, please contact Eddie

Hasman who will add your name to the list of those willing to participate. Morning readers are usually

allocated one Sunday during each quarter; evening readers probably twice a quarter.You can email Eddie

on edwardhasman@phonecoop.coop or speak to him at church.

42

Sunday Morning Readers Evening Readers

Dec. 2nd Alison & Mike C. Irene & Barbara

Dec. 9th Barbara & Margaret G. None Required

Dec. 16th Irene & Wally Margaret G. & Eddie

Dec. 23rd None Required Various Readers

Dec. 24th 4pm Volunteers if needed 11:30pm Volunteers

Dec. 25th Volunteers No Service

Dec. 30th Irene & Barbara No Service

Jan. 6th Robert Bird & Alison Eddie & Andrea Bird

Jan. 13th Mike C. & Eddie Mary & Irene

Jan. 20th Andrea & Robert Linda & Wally

Jan. 27th Mike W. & Irene Alison & Mary

HELP REQUIRED

I would like to call for help in

keeping the church grass cut during

the summer months.

If any one feels they could help,

please forward their name and

telephone number to Trevor Davies

or alternatively e-mail me at

davies.trevor17@gmail.com.

Thanks, Trevor

Date

Door Stewards

Flowers Morning Evening

Dec. 2nd Barbara & Audrey Barbara Iris & Brian

Bradbury

Dec. 9th Tish & Peter T. Roger Audrey

Holmes

Dec. 16th Mark & Shirley Norman Arrangement

Dec. 23rd Pauline & Barbara Liz & Barbara Arrangement

Dec. 24th 4pm Volunteers

11:30pm Volunteer

Arrangement

Dec. 25th Volunteers Arrangement

Dec. 30th Audrey A. & Tish Arrangement

Jan. 6th Elizabeth & Peter T. Norman Barbara

Coombes

Jan. 13th Mark & Shirley Andrea Bird Dorothy Cole

Jan. 20th Eveline & Tish Andrea Bird Eveline

Gibbon

Jan. 27th Pauline & Audrey A. Barbara Maggie

Osborne

43 44

Audio Visual Presentation

Date Powerpoint Morning Evening

Dec. 2nd Nick Dave& Trevor Dave

Dec. 9th Dave Nick & Mike Nick

Dec. 16th Wally Pete & Geoff Eddie

Dec. 23rd Wally Mike & Trevor Pete & Dave

Dec. 24th Wally 4pm

Nick & Mike

11:30pm

Pete & Eddie

Dec. 25th Wally Dave & Eddie No Service

Dec. 30th Pat Nick & Pat No Service

Jan. 6th Nick Dave & Trevor Dave

Jan. 13th Dave Nick & Pat Trevor

Jan. 20th Pat Geoff& Pete Nick

Jan. 27th Wally Mike & Pete Eddie

SATURDAY COFFEE ROTA SUNDAY COFFEE ROTA

Dec. 1st Christmas Market Dec. 2nd Irene & Glenda

Dec. 8th Mary S. & Dorothy Dec. 9th Julie & Tish

Dec. 15th Pauline & Penny Dec. 16th Judith & Indra

Dec. 22nd Liz & Geoff Dec. 23rd AM Maggie & Andrea/Rob

Dec. 23rd PM Janet & David

Dec. 29th Barbara & Brian Dec. 30th Irene/Glenda & Sue G.

Jan. 5th Mary B. & Dorothy Jan. 6th Maggie/ Ann & Frank

Jan. 12th Barbara & Mary S. Jan. 13th Sue G. & Siew Hoon

Jan. 19th Sue C. & Pauline Jan. 20th Judith/Joan & Dave

Jan. 26th Mary B. & Brian Jan. 27th Ann & Frank

If you are unable to do your week, please arrange to swap with someone else.

Please remember on Saturdays to ensure you are at church by 9.45 am at the

latest to set up.

GLENFIELD METHODIST CHURCH PREACHERS FOR :-

December 2018 & January 2019

10.15 am 6.30 pm.

02 Dec. Rev. Steve Clark GS Rev. Steve Clark HC

09 Dec. Rev. Richard Jackson Rev. Novette Headley

16 Dec. Paulette Furborough Rev. Robert Kasema

23 Dec. Sunday Club Nativity Candlelit Carol Service

24 Dec. 4pm Christingle

11.30pm Midnight Service HC

25 Dec. Christmas Day Celebration

Led by Andy Jobling AAW

30 Dec. Alison Whimore No Service

06 Jan. Rev. Steve Clark CS Carol Long

13 Jan. Amanda Sadler and Rev. Steve Clark

Rev. Pam Bolas

20 Jan. Ms. Sandra Andrews US Sincere Makunde

27 Jan. Rev. Steve Clark Mike Furborough

GS = Gift Service HC = Holy Communion AAW = All Age Worship

CS = Covenant Service US = United Service

THE NEWSLETTER EDITOR :-

Wally York Tel. 2314151

NEWSLETTER DISTRIBUTION:-

Peter Tyers Tel. 2871070

Room Bookings: Roger Davis Tel. 2873896

Church Treasurer: Geoff Clarke Tel. 2879183

Church Secretary: Anne Fenton Tel. 2875398

Acting Senior Steward: Andrew Paul Tel. 07801066032

Weekly Notices: Jane Sowler Tel. 2891657

Items for the next edition to be with the editors by:- 12th January 2019

Why not visit the Church website? glenfieldmethodistchurch.org

email: mail@glenfieldmethodistchurch.org

45 46

SUNDAY

8.30 am Prayer Meeting (1st Sunday) Margaret Almey 233 2610

10.15 am Morning Worship 10.15 am Sunday Club and Crèche Linda York 231 4151

3.00 pm Open Door (Monthly) Grace Asher 287 1091

6.30 pm Evening Worship

MONDAY

8.30 am - 3pm Playgroup Kathy Freeman 233 0100

glenfieldplaygroup@yahoo.co.uk

TUESDAY

8.30 am - 1:00pm Playgroup Kathy Freeman 233 0100

1.00 pm – 2.15pm Toddler Group (0-4 years) Liz Clarke 287 9183

(1st, 3rd & 5th Tuesdays)

2.30 pm Ladies Fellowship (2nd & 4th Tuesdays) Ruth Griffiths 287 2260

WEDNESDAY

8.30 am - 1:00pm Playgroup (Monday to Friday) Kathy Freeman 233 0100 7.30pm Drama Gillian Edwards 233 4234

THURSDAY 8.30 am - 3pm Playgroup Kathy Freeman 233 0100

6.00 pm Girls’ Brigade Judith Mead 299 7585

FRIDAY

8.30 am - 1:00pm Playgroup Kathy Freeman 233 0100 7.30 pm Music Group Wally York 231 4151

SATURDAY 10.00am - 11.00am Church open for prayer Rev. Steve Clark 287 0356

10.00am - 11.45am Coffee Morning Irene Arthur 231 2264

Weekly House Fellowships

Mondays and Thursdays

For details Liz Clarke 287 9183

Church Website: glenfieldmethodistchurch.org

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