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The Link Between you and

Hockley and Hawkwell Methodist Church

December/January 2013/2014 No.28

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EditoEditoEditoEditor’s Noter’s Noter’s Noter’s Note

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this Christmas issue of The Link; I think you’ll agree that it contains some very interesting articles. I am, as always, grateful to all who have submitted articles during the past year. The deadline for the February/March magazine is Monday 20

th January. Please

either post items to me, Ron Chidwick, or send by email to: thelink@hockleyhawkwellmethodist.org.uk

Here is a QR Code link to our Church Web Site.

The views expressed in this magazine are those of the various authors and do not

necessarily reflect the policy of the Church Trustees

Issue: 166

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A A A A Christmas Message 201Christmas Message 201Christmas Message 201Christmas Message 2013333 from the Mansefrom the Mansefrom the Mansefrom the Manse A year has passed, and I am sat down writing my second Christmas message for the church magazines. As I sit at my desk, the rain is coming down and it is dark. The nights are fair drawing in, as my grandmother would say. We’ve seen weather tragedies in the Philippines, and in the USA. We’ve seen another financial crisis with another bank. Darkness is surrounding us. When our children were small they had a book which I used to read to them called “Can’t you sleep little bear?” The little bear could not sleep because the darkness was all around. He was taken outside by the daddy bear on a journey into the darkness, and eventually, he could see that the darkness was not really all that dark at all, there was the moon and all the twinkly stars, and the darkness was not all around. With the knowledge that there was light and love, the little bear was able to sleep. (You can hear the stories on http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/jackanory-junior-little-bear-stories/11515.html). The joy of Christmas is the reminder of the light that came into the world that the darkness cannot put out. As we travel around this Christmas, let us enjoy the lights, the celebrations, the food, but let us keep in mind those for whom there will be darkness this Christmas. Let us remember those in storm torn areas, those who are sheltering in the shadow of war, oppression and injustice, or those whose darkness is from poverty or homelessness. Let us also remember those who have lost loved ones, and for them a shadow of darkness will come over their Christmas celebrations. On Christmas Eve, let us light a candle for all those in darkness, and let us pray for them. Let us pray that the light of hope, the light of love will reach them, and let the Holy Spirit guide us to do the things we can do, to bring light into their darkness. John 1:5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Phil

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1. Deep in the darkness a starlight is gleaming,

calling us out from the safety of home. God of the questions, the mystery of dreaming, lighten our journey into the unknown

2. Out of the darkness the voices are crying,

terror and fear screaming loud in the night. God of the hurting, of innocence dying, fire us with anger to struggle for right.

3. Still in the darkness we search for your healing,

hoping for meaning to comfort our fear. God of the silence, of unspoken feeling, teach us the wisdom to make your truth clear.

4. On through the darkness we follow your leading,

searching for joy and a refuge to stay. God of our longing, the bliss we are seeking, journey with us to the brightness of day.

Jan Berry (b. 1953)

Reproduced from Singing the Faith Electronic Words Edition, number 625 Words: © Jan Berry.

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Christmas CardsChristmas CardsChristmas CardsChristmas Cards We will, once again, be giving the opportunity to display a card to the whole congregation. The board will be available from December 1st. Donations in lieu of cards and postage will be collected and given to MRDF. The post box will, of course, still be available for personal cards and special wishes.

Anne Sains

Family NewsFamily NewsFamily NewsFamily News Welcome We are always delighted to welcome newcomers into our church fellowship; we encourage you to make yourselves known to any of our stewards. Illness We remember everyone in our Church Family who is unwell or receiving hospital treatment; we particularly think of Ruth Tilleray’s Mum, Stan & Joyce Rae, Isabel Murphy, Pauline Williams, Wendy Bennett’s Dad, James, Maureen Blake and Jean Saunders. Congratulations We congratulate Eleanor (nee Byford) and Scott Youd, on the birth of their daughter: Jessica Isabel who was born on 30

th October, weighing in at 9 lb. 3 oz.

Please let me know of any prayer request, special birthday, wedding anniversary etc. so that it can be included in our magazine. Ed.

Flower RFlower RFlower RFlower Rotaotaotaota 1

st Sunday Kay Deedman 202802

2nd

Sunday Carolyn Sturgess 203964 3

rd Sunday Glenys Teare 204942

4th Sunday Linda Williams 204309

5th Sunday Anne Sains 202010

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Minutes of the Pastoral Committee MeetingMinutes of the Pastoral Committee MeetingMinutes of the Pastoral Committee MeetingMinutes of the Pastoral Committee Meeting held on Wednesday 9held on Wednesday 9held on Wednesday 9held on Wednesday 9thththth October 2013 October 2013 October 2013 October 2013

Those Present Revd. P.Warrey, Mesdames V.Allmey, G.Cross, M.Pregnall. A.Sains, K.Deedman and C.Sturgess. Apologies for Absence Mesdames W.Bennett and S.Hayman. Opening Devotions were led by Carolyn Sturgess. Correspondence Mrs Shirley Chidwick wished to resign as a Pastoral Visitor. It was agreed to send her a letter of thanks, plus a pot plant for the many years of service she had given. Matters Arising from the Last Meeting It was agreed that a service should be arranged for Pastoral Visitors; this will be incorporated in the Covenant Service on Jan 12th 2014. Deaths 2013 Mrs Jean Collingridge Mr Hugh Sturgess Mrs Vi Webster Review of Pastoral Lists Shirley Chidwick’s list was divided between the Pastoral visitors: Maureen Blake moved to Gill’s list Shirley James moved to Anne’s list George Low moved to Ann’s list Di and Dave Jacobs moved to Wendy’s list Glenys and Geoff Teare moved to Carolyn’s list June Waterfield moved to Carolyn’s list Beatrice Cook moved to Carolyn’s list Val Saltmarsh moved to Carolyn’s list Billy Mawhinney to be placed on Carolyn’s list Following a review of each list, the following have ceased to attend: Mr Len James and Mr and Mrs Batchelor. Their names have been removed from the Friends of the Church List. Mrs J.Chalkley had been ill following a stroke and now lives with her daughter in Rochford.

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It was planned to invite to Mrs M. Mangwanya to next year’s Church Anniversary and to pay for her train fare and ask if someone would be willing to offer her lunch. As well as the Church Members list, and the Friends of the Church list, a list would be made of people connected to the church via the different lettings and events held in the church who we felt would benefit from our contact.

Pastoral oversight is still required for Michael and Sheila Hayman, Pauline Williams, Isabel Murphy and Kath Walker. Christmas Gifts To be arranged and delivered by pastoral visitors to those they think require a small gift and card Date of Next Meeting Friday 11

th April 2014 at 10 am, in the church.

The meeting closed at 12 noon with a blessing.

Carolyn Sturgess

The Methodist Book CentreThe Methodist Book CentreThe Methodist Book CentreThe Methodist Book Centre

The Methodist Book Centre in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, has been trading for nearly 70 years and is now the only large Methodist Bookshop in the Connexion. The Centre, which is part of the Chester and Stoke District, has recently been presented with the Large Christian Retailer of the Year 2013 award. It has just set up an online trading facility especially to help those people who live too far away to visit the shop (which has been described as an oasis in the centre of a busy shopping and commercial environment). The name of the site is “Christian Resources for Life” to emphasise the ecumenical nature of its products and that it supplies not just books but a wide range of resources – books, study materials, music, DVDs, gifts, cards etc. The website is www.crfl.co.uk and you are invited to register with the site to receive occasional special offers and newsletters. You are also most welcome to call Julie Ann Ellis (the Centre Manager) on 01782 212146 if you need help in choosing the right resources for you.

Revd. Phil Warrey

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Thursday Social ClubThursday Social ClubThursday Social ClubThursday Social Club Our first meeting of the new season was held at the church on September 26th with a talk by Pam Wickham on the training of "Guide Dogs." Whenever I think of training dogs the formidable Barbara Woodhouse comes to mind. Her command of "walkies" always brought me to heel. Well, Pam was nothing like Barbara Woodhouse and explained her job in excellent detail. It was Pam's job to train young puppies to become guide dogs for the blind and also for the visually impaired. She explained that dogs have their own individual characteristics and not all dogs are suited for this most important role. Some dogs unfortunately do not make the grade and homes are found with suitable owners. Puppies are trained until they are six months old and it is hoped that by this age they are ready for the next stage of being placed with a compatible owner. For various reasons the partnerships do not always work out but when they do the dog most definitely becomes "man's best friend" and so much more. A most interesting an informative talk. The church was the venue for our next meeting on October 10th with Kelly Norris, "What do you expect from a district nurse?” We all have a vision of what a district nurse looks like; to most of us it is a lady cycling at speed on an ancient bicycle rushing off to her next patient. In "Open All Hours", Ronnie Barker as Arkwright, lusted after Nurse Gladys Emmanuel played by Lynda Baron. Well there was no Gladys Emmanuel present but we did have Kelly Norris. Kelly runs a small team of district nurses operating around Essex and they perform an invaluable service to everyone they see. Many miles are covered visiting people in their homes, administering both compassion and medical assistance. A most enlightening talk. October 24th and a meeting at Stan and Joyce's with our very own version of twenty questions with "Who Am I?" We split into two teams and each team, by asking questions, had to identify the person on the card. The deduction skill displayed by our teams was exemplary and the questions asked were very probing. Amongst the identified personalities were author Agatha Christie and also Prince Philip but perhaps the most difficult name to discover was the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby. Many of you may be familiar with the TV programme "New Tricks" about former police officers solving old crimes. Well rumour has it that if there are any vacancies some of our quiz contestants could have someone knocking on their door. November 7th and we welcomed to our church Janet Berry and "Talking Newspapers." "The Talking Newspapers" is a voluntary organisation which began in 1968 in Wales and has been going ever since and growing in size year by year and has now reached 500 groups in this country. In this area it was started by the Rayleigh Lions in 1979. When it first started volunteer readers read newspapers out being recorded on cassette recorders but with modern technology you cannot

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stand still and the readings are now stored on memory sticks. This is a free service and delivered monthly to each group's listed readers by the Post Office in padded wallets marked FREEPOST. The recordings selected are of news, views, events and information which it is hoped will be of interest to readers. This is a registered charity and it even supplies special portable players for use by listeners. If you know of someone who would benefit from this service please contact either Janet Berry on 01702 541410 or Ann Willis on 01702 205169. A wonderful service by wonderful people. Our next group meetings: November 21st at the church - Janice Phillips "Bible Society." December 5th at Gill and Ivor's - Lesley Athey "Recycling" December 19th at Stan and Joyce’s - "Carols by Candlelight." January 9th venue TBA - Bryan Tolhurst ”Sabbatical Year." January 23rd at Ian and Viv's - A trip to Mount Kilimanjaro

Ray Williams

Hockley Hockley Hockley Hockley and Hawkwell Welfare Committeeand Hawkwell Welfare Committeeand Hawkwell Welfare Committeeand Hawkwell Welfare Committee

Attendance has risen, as had the number of volunteers. A bequest of £100 has been received from a lady who had moved to Somerset and £400, in lieu of flowers, had been received from another former member. The volunteer Handyman has painted all round the centre and cleaned the gutters and put up shelves in the shed. The Centre is purchasing a blower to assist him in keeping the car park clean. The M.O.T. is due soon on the mini bus; it may need new tyres. The Treasurer is currently negotiating for cheaper fuel bills. The Fund raising events since July have raised £519. From next January the price of a lunch will rise to £4.75. Next October 2014 the Centre will be celebrating its 25

th Anniversary; they are

trying to get a member of the Royal Family to attend. The date to remember is Wednesday 22

nd October.

Shirley James

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World World World Worldwide Santaswide Santaswide Santaswide Santas

France Pere Noel Netherlands Kerstman

Germany Christkindl (The Christ Child)

Spain Papa Noel

Sweden Jultomten

Norway Julenissen (Pa Norsk)

USA Santa Claus

Italy Babbo Natale (Father Christmas)

Finland Joulupukki

Greece Hagios Nikolaos

Russia ded moroz (Grandfather Frost)

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Church CouncilChurch CouncilChurch CouncilChurch Council

At its October meeting the Council: * approved a new Safeguarding policy for the church; * approved a policy for the provision of Fairtrade goods and the purchase of bulk supplies for all church catering; * agreed to seek a surveyor’s advice on the problems of damp underneath the church floorboards revealed by a recent building inspection; * approved the provision of a new notice board to replace the existing board on the forecourt; * agreed that no evening services would take place during January or February. The future of evening services after February is to be considered in the New Year; * recorded its thanks to Shirley Chidwick who had resigned as a Pastoral Visitor after many years’ service. Members on her list have been shared out among the remaining visitors; * agreed to ask our insurers about replacing one of the finials on the front of the building which was broken when it fell during the storm of 28 October; * was warned that a Murder Mystery event will take place on 22 February next in aid of church funds; * heard that the new church website was working well. All organizations are asked to ensure it is kept up to date.

Michael Deedman Council Secretary

WANTEDWANTEDWANTEDWANTED Do you have an unwanted stair gate that could be donated to our church please as we need one on a Monday morning for the children who attend Brightstars? Also, we are seeking a large vacuum cleaner to enable us to help keep the church carpet clean. Unfortunately, it takes a long time using the existing small vacuum cleaner. Please contact me, tel. no. S.203964 if you can help. Many thanks.

Carolyn Sturgess

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My Wartime Memories serving under the Norwegian flagMy Wartime Memories serving under the Norwegian flagMy Wartime Memories serving under the Norwegian flagMy Wartime Memories serving under the Norwegian flag From time to time I have been asked by some members of the congregation and the Editor to write an article in The Link of my memories of the Second World War and my service in the Royal Navy, but each time I declined. However, whilst my memory is still good I have agreed to “put pen to paper” - so here goes! When the war started I lived with my parents in Highlands Boulevard, Leigh-on-Sea. During that time we experienced many air raid warnings at night – all at about the same time. If we did not hear the air raid warning we would say “They are late tonight!” One evening, as we sat in our living room, there was a huge explosion behind the house. The bungalow in the road behind ours was demolished and a man was killed. I went upstairs to look in my bedroom and the bed was covered with broken glass – some even embedded in the wooden headboard. Fortunately I had stayed up late that night. Later on we were grateful to the Salvation Army, who gave us hot drinks, food and comfort in their travelling canteen. We had to vacate the house and move into another in the same road. As I was then in my late teens I knew that I would be conscripted on my nineteenth birthday. I decided to join the Naval Sea Cadet Corps in Southend, hoping that I might be accepted into the Navy when the time came. During that time we received instruction in Seamanship, Drill and Signalling. My Calling Up papers arrived in May 1942 with instructions to report to H.M.S. Drake in Devonport (a shore establishment). Before doing so I had to attend for a medical at Whipps Cross Hospital in London – fortunately I passed A1. I received my warrant to travel by train to Devonport. On arrival I was directed to the Signal School – H.M.S. Impregnable – in a little village named St. Budeaux on the River Tamar. I was to spend nine months at the School and found my Sea Cadet course had put me in good stead, as I had learnt the basics. I finally passed my exams as a fleet signalman, and given my number – D/JX 340301. I received my draft chit to report to the N.O.I.C., Aberdeen to join a ship called H.M.S HOSTEN. I had a tedious train journey to Paddington, humping all my gear, crossing London to Kings Cross and then a nine-hour journey to Aberdeen on a very uncomfortable train, packed mostly with Service personnel. On arriving at the Naval base and reporting, I was told that they could not trace my ship, and

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directed me to some accommodation in the town and to await a call. Two days later a small naval truck driven by a Wren deposited me on the quay where my ship was berthed. To my amazement the ship turned out to be the Norwegian ship H.N.M.S. HORTEN, and not a British one as I had expected. A burly Norwegian who was on deck watch directed me to the First Lieutenant who, to my surprise, informed me that I was to be the only English rating on board. Apparently I had been sent as a Liaison rating. The reason, I discovered, was that all allied Navy ships had to have an English communications rating as part of the crew to pass all visual signals. In actual fact most of the crew and officers spoke perfect English. I had joined the ship a few days before Christmas and was able to join the crew in celebrating a Norwegian Christmas with Norwegian fare. We were all given a personal copied letter from their King; King Haakon the V11, together with a hardback publication of Norway called “Alt for Norge” celebrating the King's 70th birthday. He was in exile in England after Norway was invaded by Germany in 1940. Shortly after Christmas we received our sailing orders and we left harbour on a stormy night into the North Sea. This was, of course, my first encounter as a sailor and I soon found my sea legs. The crew kept asking me “Are you alright Harold?” expecting me to be seasick, but I was alright and never suffered thereafter. We sailed around the North of Scotland through the Minches and to the Isle of Mull and the small seaside village of Tobermory. This was the base where all escort ships were sent for “Working Up Exercises” and training in submarine detection (Asdic), seamanship, signalling, code flags and wireless operating. This training was all under the fierce watchful eye of a Commander Stephenson, who would sometimes spring surprises at night to test the alertness of the deck watch. The story goes that one day he boarded a ship where all the crew were lined up for inspection. He pointed to one sailor and threw his cap on the deck and said “That is an unexploded bomb – how would you deal with it?” The sailor stepped forward and kicked the cap over the side. No mention has been made as to whether the rating was reprimanded! Having completed our training, we received our sailing orders, i.e. “Being in all respects ready for sea you are to proceed to ...........” This was at the beginning of 1943, just as the crucial Battle of the Atlantic was about to be decided. We were to escort an elderly tramp steamer named “SS Baranda”. We were loaded with supplies for the British forces on the Faroe Islands. The Faroes are situated between The Shetlands and Iceland. At the beginning of the war Britain occupied the Islands to prevent Germany from invading them, as this would have been an ideal base for the U boats to attack our convoys. After a very rough passage we were glad to reach the capital – Thorshaven. A few days later we escorted our ship back to the UK to take on fresh cargo, then

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returned to Thorshaven. At one point in the North Atlantic, under a dark night, we saw in the distance a very bright light. This was most unusual, as all ships had to have complete blackout. As the light came nearer we identified it as a Swedish Hospital ship with a huge Red Cross sign painted on the side and brightly illuminated – an amazing sight amid the pitch black night. During the war Sweden was neutral, so hospital ships were able to travel unhindered. On returning to Thorshaven our ship had to undergo boiler cleaning and we were accommodated in a hotel for several days. Whilst we returned onboard our Captain, Captain A. Andersen, remained at the hotel. I took a signal to him which I guessed were our sailing orders. On opening the envelope he confirmed that this was correct. He then said to me “Harold, I knew we were to leave tomorrow – one of the hotel maids told me.” Thorshaven is a very small town; everybody knew everything that went on. Not very good security there! During 1943 and 1944 our operations were centred mainly around the Scottish coast and then to Scapa Flow, where, incidentally, we spent Christmas Day. Later we went to the Shetland Islands. On one occasion we were on escort duty through the Pentland Firth to Loch Ewe on Scotland's west coast. This was the assembly anchorage for ships sailing from America destined for the Arctic convoys to Russia. It was am amazing sight to see all of the ships at anchor awaiting orders. There is a memorial overlooking the Loch for all of the seamen who sailed from these shores – some never to return. One of our duties, which was quite pleasant, was to carry out an anti-submarine sweep across the Pentland Firth between Scotland and the Orkney Islands. On this stretch of water there was an abundance of cod which our crew were able to fish, and to our delight we were then able to enjoy it cooked fresh onboard. On our second visit to Lerwick in the Shetlands we were given a somewhat dangerous assignment. We were to accompany Norwegian MTBs (motor torpedo boats) across the North Sea to the Norwegian coast. Our decks were loaded with jerry cans filled with benzine which we then transferred to the MTBs, as their range of operation was normally limited to coastal duty. The purpose of the operation was to take off and transfer agents from Norway. We carried out another operation later – thankfully, without incident. Note: There is a publication covering what is known as the “Shetland Bus” which operated from the Shetlands which involved fishing boats helping people to escape from Norway. In April 1944 we had to return to Aberdeen, during which time it was to be my 21st birthday. We were all booked into a hotel for a while. The proprietress laid on a special birthday tea for me and some of the crew. My mother and father travelled up from Leigh to be there with me. I have a photo of us all taken on that occasion. At the beginning of 1945 our operations were being scaled down. On the 7th May 1945 we sailed from an East coast port, together with a flotilla of ships, destination unknown. We later learned that we were on the way to Norway, much to the

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delight of most of the crew, who had been unable to return home since the German occupation in 1940. As we approached the coast we noticed that everywhere ashore was lit and realised that the war was over. We proceeded along the coast between the small islands and skerries and spotted a floating mine, which I signalled to ship astern “mine in sight”. Our flotilla entered Bergen harbour on the 8th May (liberation day) and as we berthed we received what I can only describe as an unforgettable experience. The welcome was overwhelming (remember, they had lived under German occupation since 1940). The ship was overrun – our mess decks were crowded and the crew gave out cigarettes, chocolate, biscuits etc. which they had been unable to obtain. I was partly dressed in Norwegian uniform on deck when two Norwegian girls engaged me in conversation. It was not until later that they realised that I was English. During the years on the ship I had become reasonably fluent in the language. These two girls invited me, our radio operator and a British operator who had joined the ship in a previous year to visit their home just outside Bergen, where we were made very welcome. On the 20th May all of the ships' crews attended a Service of Thanksgiving for Victory and Deliverance in Bergen cathedral. In July we were sent to Oslo. We were given instructions to escort a German troopship containing prisoners of war who were being repatriated to Germany. Our route was through the Skagerak and Kattegat via Denmark and the Kiel Canal into Kiel. We repeated this assignment later on. After spending an enjoyable number of shore leaves in Oslo over the next months I was drafted back to the UK and later demobbed in 1946, after many memorable years at sea. In 1948 I received an unexpected letter from the Sjøforsvarets Overkommando in Oslo, informing me that the Norwegian Naval High Command had awarded me the War Medal with certificate and Norwegian Service medal certificate for service in the Royal Norwegian Navy during the war. A very pleasant surprise!

Harold Collingridge

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Not such a Cheery Christmas 1971Not such a Cheery Christmas 1971Not such a Cheery Christmas 1971Not such a Cheery Christmas 1971 At Christmas 1971 two of my friends and I decided to go to Haiti for our Christmas holiday. This is what we found ………… …This was something very different and from the moment of our arrival we were very aware that the Haitian people lived under a repressive regime. In 1971 Baby Doc had taken over as President, at the age of 19, on the death of his father, Francois Duvalier, known as Papa Doc. Papa Doc was renowned for his cruelty and for his paramilitary group known as the Tonton Macoute. He authorised them to terrorise the population and many people were murdered or just disappeared. However there was a hope that Baby Doc would reverse some of the excesses of his father. Every time we left our hotel a man would follow us and wherever we went he would be behind us. On one particular day we went out to explore Port au Prince and decide to pass in front of the Presidential Palace. We had been told that it was not advisable to walk on the pavement directly in front of the palace but we were young and foolish and wanted to get a photo. There were sunken pill boxes to the front of the palace with gun slits about three feet from the pavement. As we looked at these we realised that there were guns in each one pointing directly at us. We rather rapidly moved to the other side and went on our way. In the town itself we went to buy some souvenirs and found paintings and goat skin rugs that we loved. We decided to send these by mail but there was a language difficulty as the Haitian French is not recognisable to us and especially not to my limited schoolgirl French. A lovely young boy came to help us. He was only about 10yrs of age but he spoke English and translated for us so that we could purchase wrapping paper and string and send our parcels from the Post Office. We were so pleased with this young boy that we gave him some money. As soon as he walked away the man who had been following us went up to him and took the money for himself. We went back to the boy and said to him that we were very shocked at what had happened but he said that he would never be allowed to keep the money and that it happened all the time. We were heartbroken. The centre of Port au Prince had deep mud in all the roads. This was because the trees on the hill side around the town had all been cut down for fuel and to erect huts and shelters. This meant that every time it rained the hillside was gradually slipping down into the town and made walking about very difficult. The conditions for the people were terrible.

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Haiti had become a republic in 1803 as a result of a slave revolt and was the only country to achieve this. However they seemed to have swapped one form of slavery for another and had always remained a very poor country. When we read now of the terrible times they have lived through since the more recent earthquake in 2010 it is hard to imagine what hard lives Haitians endure. There are still many of them living in tent cities with little or no sanitation. Cholera is still rife. Visiting Haiti was an amazing experience. Doesn’t it make us grateful for what we have and how lucky we are?

Anne Sains

Two Funny JTwo Funny JTwo Funny JTwo Funny Jokesokesokesokes A Sunday school teacher asked her little children as they went on their way into church “And why is it necessary to be quiet in church?” One bright little girl replied “Because people are asleep.” A little boy opened the big old family bible with fascination and looked at the old pages; as he turned them something fell out of the bible and he picked it up and looked closely. It was an old leaf from a tree that had been pressed in between the pages. “Mum, look what I have found” the boy called out. “What have you got then dear?” his mother asked. With astonishment in the boy’s voice he replied “Adam’s suit.”

Carolyn Sturgess

ThanksThanksThanksThanks I would like to thank everyone who has given used postage stamps over the past year; these have been passed on to Oxfam. Many thanks once again; please continue to save them.

June Waterfield

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Holiday SnapshotHoliday SnapshotHoliday SnapshotHoliday Snapshot

For this year’s summer holiday Michael and I traveled to St. Wolfgang in Austria. Situated on a large lake, it’s an attractive resort for boat trips and walking. We noticed on the lake a large metal cage-like object, about 60 feet high, floating on a raft. Inside the cage was something looking like a ship’s funnel. We were told it was for a gas-fired peace candle which on the first day of Advent is lit and towed to a position in front of the lakeside church where it stays alight until New Year’s Eve. A symbol of St. Wolfgang’s Advent, it invites you to pause, ponder and reflect. A leaflet picked up from the Tourist Office described other events taking place elsewhere around the lake. At the far end of the lake will be an illuminated crib village, also built on a raft; at another spot living cribs featuring sheep, goats and even a stag; and at another a crib exhibition showing a variety of traditional carved cribs from the Salzburg region. Children are invited to make their own cribs and at St. Wolfgang can make gingerbread men in the village bakery. And of course there are the ever-popular Christmas markets. Churches in Hockley do their best to encourage people to come to their Advent services in a variety of ways and it is great to see how popular Christingle services have become with families on Christmas Eve. But I can’t help thinking how I would like to visit St Wolfgang at Christmas to see how those villages round the lake are also celebrating the birth of Christ.

Kay Deedman

.

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Like Silver Lamps in a Distant ShrineLike Silver Lamps in a Distant ShrineLike Silver Lamps in a Distant ShrineLike Silver Lamps in a Distant Shrine

Like silver lamps in a distant shrine, the stars are sparkling bright; the bells of the city of God ring out, for the Son of Mary is born tonight. The gloom is past, and the morn at last Is coming with orient light. No earthly songs are half so sweet as those which are filling the skies,

and never a palace shone half so fair as the manger-bed where our Savior lies; no night in the year Is half so dear as this which has ended our sighs. The stars of heaven still shine as at first they gleamed on this wonderful night; the bells of the city of God peal out, and the angels' song still rings in the height, and love still turns where the Godhead burns, hid in flesh from fleshly sight. Faith sees no longer the stable floor, the pavement of sapphire is there, the clear light of heaven streams out to the world, and the angels of God are crowding the air, and heaven and earth, through the spotless birth,

are at peace on this night so fair.

William Chatterton Dix 1867

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Eating in the 1950`sEating in the 1950`sEating in the 1950`sEating in the 1950`s For those who are old enough to remember – enjoy For the rest it’s a history lesson. Very surprising how time and memory has taken its toll Have things really changed this much in our time? Pasta had not been invented Curry was a surname A takeaway was a mathematical problem A pizza was something to do with a leaning tower Bananas and oranges only appeared at Christmas time All crisps were plain, the only choice we had was whether to put the salt on or not A Chinese chippy was a foreign carpenter Rice was a milk pudding and never ever part of our dinner A Big Mac was what we wore when it was raining Brown bread was something only the poor people ate Oil was for lubricating, fat was for cooking Tea was made in a teapot using tea leaves and never green. Coffee was Camp and came in a bottle Cubed sugar was regarded as posh Only Heinz made beans Fish didn’t have fingers in those days Eating raw fish was called poverty not sushi None of us had ever heard of yoghurt Healthy food consisted of anything edible People who didn’t peel potatoes were regarded as lazy Indian restaurants were only found in India Cooking outside was camping Seaweed was not a recognised food Kebab was not even a word never mind a food Sugar enjoyed a good press in those days and was regarded as being white gold Prunes were medical Surprisingly muesli was readily available it was called cattle feed Pineapples came in chunks in a tin we had only ever seen a picture of a real one Water came out of a tap if someone had suggested bottling it and charging more than petrol for it they would have become a laughing stock The one thing that we never ever had on our table in the fifties …was elbows

Carolyn Sturgess

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Reminiscences: A Practical JokeReminiscences: A Practical JokeReminiscences: A Practical JokeReminiscences: A Practical Joke

One day when I came back from lunch, I was annoyed to find paper had been strewn all over my desk. I cleared it up and when I removed the last sheet I jumped back in horror. Everyone in the Operations Room burst out laughing, for underneath that last sheet was a coiled up snake! Captain Hadlam, laughing and talking at the same time, said “Don’t worry it’s dead! Logic should have told me that a live snake would not have stayed still all the time I was uncovering it, but the shock of seeing such a revolting thing so close up and unexpected put all logic out of my head. After the laughter had died down, Captain Hadlam explained how it came to be on my desk. That lunchtime, an ATS officer telephoned him to say she had just seen the tail of a snake disappear into her cupboard. She knew that I was an expert on snakes so she asked me to come and remove it. (I did not know that Captain Hadlam was an expert on snakes before then). He removed it from her cupboard and killed it. Then he thought he would play a joke on me. He went on to explain the snake was a Malayan Black Cobra, deadly poisonous!! They can spit poison up to 6 feet that is how they catch their prey. Captain Hadlam picked the snake up and put it in a bag and placed it under his desk. With great relief on my part, we went back to normal duties.

Norman Daniels

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To You Who Bring Small Children toTo You Who Bring Small Children toTo You Who Bring Small Children toTo You Who Bring Small Children to ChurchChurchChurchChurch

There you are sitting in worship or Bible study. Your child, or toddler, is restless. Perhaps they’re even a little boisterous. You try to silence them, and nothing. You try to pacify them with food or toys, and nothing. Eventually, you resort to the last thing you wanted to do: you pick them up, and before a watching audience, you make the march out of the auditorium. All the while, you’re a little embarrassed. Maybe you’re a little frustrated too. You might even think to yourself, “There’s no point in coming to church. I get nothing out of it because I have to constantly care for my kid.”

I want you — you mothers and/or fathers — to know just how encouraging you are to so many. The little elderly woman who often fieels alone beams with a smile at the sight of you wrestling with your little one. She’s been there before. She knows how hard it can be, but she smiles because to hear that brings back precious memories. To see young parents and their small children brighten her day, and she may have just received bad news this week about her health, but seeing the vitality of young ones removes — if but for a moment — her fears.

The older man who always seems to be grouchy notices you too. He’s always talking about how children in this day have no respect or sense of good. But, he sees you — a young family — in church, and you don’t miss any gathering. Like clockwork, he can depend on the sight of you and your young family. You give him hope that maybe the church isn’t doomed after all, because there are still young parents who love God enough to bring their restless children to worship.

The family who’s unable to have children notice you too. They’d love to be in your shoes, but for whatever reasons, they are unable to bear children. They’ve thought about adopting, but they’re not sure if that’s what they want to do or if they will keep on trying to have children of their own. They’d love to talk to you for a little while about the joys of your children. They need you.

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Then there’s everybody else. Some people will honestly become frustrated by noisy children in church. They have this warped idea that reverence includes absolute silence. It doesn’t. When parents brought their children to Jesus, the disciples rebuked them (Matt. 19.13-15), but Jesus rebuked His disciples. He said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” The term translated “children” in Matthew and Mark is paidon. The root of the word “pedagogue” is from this word. It defined children of either an infant state, or more particularly, it was with reference to those who were half-grown and could be either males or females.

When Luke wrote his account of this narrative, he used the word brephos; which means “infants.” Luke wasn’t contradicting Matthew and Mark’s account, because Luke wrote that they brought the infants “also” (Luke 18.15-17). They would have squirmed, maybe even cried. This was likely why the disciples rebuked the parents; as well as that they might have thought that the children were too young to understand the blessing Christ pronounced over them.

Bring your children to church. If you don’t hear crying, the church is dying. As hard as it might be for you as a parent who’s half-asleep, keep on doing what you’re doing. You are an encouragement, and you’re starting off your children’s lives as you should.

This entry was posted in All, Devotional Life, Family, Ministry, Parenting and tagged Children, Church, Worship by Steven. http://ventasvenator.com

Phil Warrey

PLEASE NOTEPLEASE NOTEPLEASE NOTEPLEASE NOTE The Bible Study will begin at the slightly later time of 3.00 pm on Wednesday 4

th December and Communion will be celebrated at 3.30 pm.

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CHCHCHCHRISTMAS RISTMAS RISTMAS RISTMAS SERVICES SERVICES SERVICES SERVICES

Sunday 15th

December

6.30 pm

Carol Service

Revd. Phil Warrey

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Christmas Eve

Tuesday 24th

December

4.00 pm

Christingle

Revd. Phil Warrey

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Christmas Day

Wednesday 25th

December

10.00 am

L.A.

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REMINDERREMINDERREMINDERREMINDER

Sunday 12th

January

10.30 am

Covenant Service with Communion

Revd. Phil Warrey

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A

MERRY CHRISTMAS

TO YOU ALL

AND A

HAPPY

NEW YEAR

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Weekly ActivitiesWeekly ActivitiesWeekly ActivitiesWeekly Activities SUN Morning Worship 10.30 am JaM Club for children (1

st Sunday each month) 10.00 – 12noon

MON Brightstars Parent & Toddler Group,contact Linda S 204309 9.30 – 11.45 am Ballroom Sequence Dancing: IN THE HALL 7.30 – 10.00 pm contact Fay 01268 780028 Triple H Community Choir: IN CHURCH 7.45 – 9.15 pm contact Ashley 07581390448 TUE Dru Yoga Class: contact Ruth on 07818599183 10.00 – 11.30 am & 7.30 – 9.00 pm Hockley Ladies Keep Fit Club: 2.00 – 3.00 pm contact Roselle 07709349695

WED 50+ Keep Fit: contact Julie 07912622483 10.30 – 11.30 am 50+ Stretch & Tone: contact Julie 07912622483 11.45 – 12.30 pm U3A History Group: contact Gill S 512482 1

st Wednesday. 1.30 – 4.30 pm

Bible Study - 1st

Wednesday, 2.30 – 3.00 pm followed by a Communion Service 3.00 – 3.30 pm 2nd Hockley Brownie Pack: contact Vivienne S 204550 5.30 – 7.00 pm Slimming World: IN CHURCH, contact Hollie 07817417032 6.30 – 10.00 pm Badminton Club: contact Michael S 202802 7.30 pm, most weeks THU Crossroads Carer’s Coffee Morning, IN CHURCH, 10.30 – 12.30 pm

1st Thursday, contact Tina 01268 881130

U3A Floral Art Group, contact Irene 202975, last Thursday 1.30 – 4.30 pm Sisterhood: contact Kath S 203932 2.30 – 4.00 pm

1st Hockley Beaver Colony: contact Jane S 203739 5.15 – 6.15 pm 1st Hockley Cub Scout Pack contact Dan, 07802 193936 6.30 – 8.00 pm

or email Hockleycubs@yahoo.co.uk Thursday Social Club: contact Joyce S 201635 8.00 pm, alternate weeks FRI Booiaka Dance Exercise Class: 9.45 – 10.30 am contact Vicki on 07779646945 Abs & Core Tone, contact Vicki on 07779646945 10.30 – 11.00 am Friday Club (years 3-7) contact Wendy S 200484 6.00 – 8.00 pm Friday Club + (years 8 & 9) contact Revd. Phil Warrey 7.00 – 8.00 pm

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Minister: Revd. Phillip Warrey Tel: 01268 770333 Mobile: 07917077785 259 Eastwood Road, Rayleigh, SS6 7LF, Email: phil.warrey@methodist.org.uk Web: www.hockleyhawkwellmethodist.org.uk