Highbury News May 2013

Highbury Congregational Church

Oxford Street. Cheltenham. GL52 6DUwww.highburychurch.co.uk

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Highbury - a place toshare Christian Friendship,explore Christian Faith andenter into Christian Mission

with Christ at the centreand open to all

Highbury News - 2 - May 2013

Deadline for June Highbury News: Sunday 12th May

... to a children’s fun day and moreWe’re planning a fun day for all thechildren at church ... and their parentsand families if they would like to joinin.It’s going to be on Saturday 18th Mayfrom 10-30 to 4-00.And we are hoping that children fromother churches in the South WestMidlands Area of the CongregationalFederation will be joining us.After meeting at Highbury we’ll begoing round the corner to one ofCheltenham’s hidden gems, the Lido.Then we’ll be having a picnic lunchwith games in the park, and finishingwith a Praise Party at Highbury.

Carolyn has been helping Joy Howell,our Area Children and Youth WorkCo-ordinator to arrange the event.It should be a great time.This month also sees theCongregational Federation’s AnnualAssembly in Tonbridge, Kent. Ifanyone would like to join us in Kentplease have a word with Felicity orRichard. That’s on Saturday 11th MayIn our family May has always been agood month for birthdays ... so ifanyone else who has a birthday in May,or indeed a birthday any month thisyear, would like to join us in a Bringand Share Lunch on Sunday 26th May,do come!

An invitation ...

Highbury Congregational Church belongs tothe Congregational Federation and is in partnership with

the Council for World Mission and Churches Together

www.highburychurch.co.uk

[email protected]

01242 522050

Richard Cleaves


Let loose in the worldIt’s not something I have done before.I guess it’s because I hold light to thedetail of the Christian calendar.When the invitation came from StLuke’s to join them and other churchesin Cheltenham in a special service tomark Ascension Day, it felt like aninvitation not to turn down.There’s something very tangible aboutresurrection. I love the celebrations wehave of Easter.I particularly like John’s account of theresurrection. It’s full of very ‘tangible’words. See. Hear. Touch. Taste. Smell.I don’t know whether the ancient worldthought of the five senses. But inJohn, chapters 20 and 21, those fivesenses are very much to the fore.The women see the empty tomb, Maryhears Jesus speak her name, thedisciples see the risen Lord. Thomaswon’t believe unless he touches thewounded hands of Jesus. He sees, hetouches and he believes. And on theshore the disciples smell the fish Jesusis cooking on a charcoal fire. And theyare amazed as before their eyes heeats the fish and eats the bread.It is as if John is telling us in his Gospel.This is real.See. Hear. Touch. Taste. Smell.And believe!Resurrection is a tangible reality.That’s the message that comes acrossloud and clear from John’s gospel.

It is that resurrection that is at theheart of our Christian faith and is thewonderful good news that enables usto share in resurrection victory.But we cannot see, hear, touch, tasteor smell.And John knew it. He was writing hisGospel for our sake. He wanted us tohave grounds for believing on the basisof his testimony and the testimony ofothers.The faith we profess in the risen Christis not a stab in the dark.I’ve been dipping into a fascinatingbook passed on to me by Frank Guppycalled simply ‘Warranted ChristianBelief’. Christian philosopher, AlvinPlantinga does not set out to offer any‘proofs’ for our Christian faith.But he does maintain that the Christianbeliefs we share, not least in theresurrection of Christ, are warranted:we have grounds for believing thosebeliefs.To doubting Thomas Jesus said, “Haveyou believed because you have seenme? Blessed are those who have notseen and yet have come to believe.”That means us.John goes on to explain effectively thathe writes then gives us ‘warrant’ forwhat we come to believe.“Now Jesus did many other signs in thepresence of his disciples which are notwritten in this book. But these arewritten so that you may come tobelieve that Jesus is the Messiah, theSon of God, and that through believingyou may have life in his name.”

Minister’s Memo


What’s at stake is not just what webelieve, though John writes his Gospelto give us good grounds for ourbelieving.What’s at stake is nothing less than‘life’. For as we come to believe,thanks to the warrant John gives us,then we have life.And that life starts here. Is with us allour days. And is not bounded bydeath, but draws us into the glory ofGod’s love in his wonderful eternity.Which brings me back to ourcelebration of Ascension Day, withfriends from other churches in thetown, at St Luke’s.It’s not a bad place to mark this day.For it is in St Luke’s gospel that theascension acts a bit like a hinge.It’s what ties together the risen Christthat is so tangible, with the reality ofthat life we share in the church wherethe risen Christ is present with us yetthat presence is intangible.As Luke’s gospel finishes with itsaccount of the life, death andresurrection of Christ, so too hissecond volume all about the Acts of theApostles and the day to day life of thechurch as the body of Christ, opens asthe risen Jesus blesses his disciples,charges them to be ‘witnesses’ to theends of the earth, and is taken up intoheaven.Their reaction is to worship, to praise,and most of all to pray. And then dayslater the Holy Spirit of God is let loosein their lives and they sense a powerfrom beyond themselves in the unseenyet real strength of the Spirit of God.

As we mark Ascension, and move onthen to Pentecost and the celebrationof the outpouring of the Spirit of God,one little phrase sticks in my mind.It’s a phrase that encapsulates all thathappened from the resurrection to theoutpouring of the Spirit. It’s a phrasecoined by one-time Poet Laureate,John Masefield in a moving play of thePassion, ‘The Trial of Jesus’.At the end the centurion who had beenat the foot of the cross reports all hehad seen to Procula, the wife of Pilate.“Do you think he is dead?” asks Procula.“No, lady, I don’t.” replies Longinus.“Then where is he?” asks Procula.“Let loose in the world, lady,” declaresLonginus, “where neither Roman norJew can stop his truth.”“Let loose in the world.”That’s the meaning of the whole storyof resurrection, ascension andPentecost for me.Let loose in the world!We usually meet for ‘Open the Book’on the second Thursday of the month.This month we will be joining ourfriends from other churches at StLuke’s at 7-30 on Thursday 9th May at7-30. Do join us if you can.And then, ten days later, we will becelebrating Pentecost in our serviceson Sunday 19th May.But it’s actually in our day to day lives,and in the day to day life of our churchthat we can make sure that the risenJesus really is let loose in the world!

Richard Cleaves


Sue’s NewsThe weekdays of Holy Week 2013were somewhat less active in Highburythan in 2012 but the Walk of Witnesson Good Friday set the Easteratmosphere for those who joined it. Ifully intended to also attend thesunrise service on Cleeve Hill but wassuffering the after effects of being outwith Street Pastors on the Good Fridaynight. I do not seem to have thestamina of former years!Saturday 11th May is the date of theCongregational Federation AnnualAssembly in Tonbridge, Kent. AHighbury coach party used to beorganised for a large number to attendthe event. Maybe Kent is a little too farfor a day trip. Highbury will berepresented by Richard and Felicity.We should keep the event in mind for2014. I have attended formerly andfound it good to meet and interact withlike-minded Congregationalists.I remind you of the very readablemagazine, ‘The Congregationalist’,distributed by Shirley Fiddimore. If youdo not subscribe, at least borrow onefor perusal.

Christian Aid Week is always thesecond week in May and there isalways need for more people to helpdeliver and collect the red envelopes(see page 17). If you cannot help,please support them in prayer for thevolunteers, the work of Christian Aidand those who receive the aid.I am one of the four lucky Highburymembers visiting the Holy Land for apilgrimage with Joanne Moston, from14th to 23rd May. I visited in 2009 whenRichard co-led the pilgrimage, and Ilook forward to a stimulating repeatexperience. A report will surely be inthe July Highbury News.Life is currently in a state of disruption,with moving house. I thoughtdownsizing would be a cleansingactivity but sentiment soon kicks in.I trust that all will be settled soon andI can concentrate on other matters.

Pause for thoughtBilly Graham's daughter was interviewed on a TV Show, regarding HurricaneKatrina, and she was asked "How could God let something like this happen?"Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response.She said, "I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but foryears we've been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of ourgovernment and to get out of our lives. And being the gentlemen he is, Ibelieve he has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us hisblessing and his protection if we demand he leave us alone?

Submitted by June Tremlett


Chosen Charity:Disasters Emergency Committee

Syria AppealTo link in with Christian Aid week wewill be supporting the DEC SyriaAppeal. As with all long term tragediesthe situation of the Syrian refugeesbecomes less newsworthy though thetraumas continue and the death tollmounts. The terrible suffering ofchildren that is almost unbearable towatch on our televisions is the dailyreality.The Disasters Emergency Committeebrings 14 leading UK aid charitiestogether in times of crisis allcollectively raising money to quicklyreach those in need. The DEC drawson many years of experience to planand deliver each appeal, striving toensure that the relevant supportreaches the people who need it asquickly as possible.This is an extract from the report of anaid worker’s assessment of themakeshift refugee camps, “As an aidworker, I’ve visited many camps of thiskind, but what struck me the mostabout Syria was the lack of anyinternational presence and limitedcamp management. We wereconfronted with total chaos andimmense human suffering.There were makeshift tents that werehousing large numbers of people in

overcrowded conditions. I met onefamily that was sharing a tent withfifteen other people. Food was in veryshort supply and there was a lack ofmedical care and inadequatesanitation. Most of the people I met inthe camp had not eaten that day. Thefreezing conditions meant that most ofthe children had racking coughs asthey tried to withstand the coldestwinter Syria has seen in ten years -with damp blankets and hardly anyheating.Families told me they had fled to theborders because of frequent bombattacks and because their hometownsno longer had even basic supplies offood or water. It was awful to see thestress these families were under – andsickening to see how little help wasreaching them. I’ve seen for myselfhow vital it is for aid agencies todeliver more aid inside Syria. Abreakthrough is desperately neededfor aid agencies to establish a moresignificant presence inside Syria andhelp the hundreds of thousands ofSyrians who desperately needhumanitarian assistance.”

Mary Michael

Highbury Community CaféEvery Thursday 10:00am until 11:30am

Coffee, Tea and Homemade CakeBring your Friends and Neighbours


CONGRATULATIONS to- Philip Cleaves and Lynsey West, on the announcement of their engagement- parents Bruce and Lucy Cook, and grandparents Rose and Edwin Hayward,on the birth of baby Gideon Jeffery on Friday 5th April in Australia, a brotherfor Reuben Brian- Rachael Insoll and Tom Bowery who were married on Saturday 13th AprilGOOD WISHES to- Sue Cole in her new home, with her sister Margaret Smith:

WE ARE PLEASED that- Neil Gasside had successful surgery on 25th March, and is doing well- Vera Williams has moved from the Dilke Memorial Hospital to Amber WoodCare Home, in Whittington Road, Cheltenham - where David has been cared forduring Vera’s hospital stayOUR SYMPATHY to- the family and friends of Lilian Watkins, who passed away on Saturday 20th

April in Cheltenham General Hospital, especially remembering Sian and GarethPLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS: all those mentioned above, and- Min King unwell in hospital - Ellen Baylis - Eric Burton- Richard Sharpe with a shoulder injury which prevents him playing the organ- Lyn Horne awaiting surgery for a knee replacement- Joyce Moore, remembering Judi and David Marsh too- Iain MacLeod needing treatment for a severe back problem; remembering alsoLaura MacLeod, whose father is recovering from a knee replacement operation- Tom Archer’s cousin Caroline, slowly recovering from an accident whichcaused severe burns; and Nicky Archer after an operation on her hand- Dick and Diana Adams, as Dick recovers from an accident at home- Mark and Denise Evans, now ministering in Newport, on the Isle of Wight- James and Hayley Gregory and family, preparing to move to Crediton in Devon- Moffat in Zambia, following the devastating rejection of his appeal against thedeath sentence; remembering his daughter Cecilia in the Chizya ChristianSchool, supported by Penwork Ministries; and his mother Grace- our elderly members and friends, and all who are unable to leave their homes- others known to us, with continuing health issues, employment worries, ortroubles of one sort or another, and in need of care and support

News of the Church Family


Highbury Club for the Blind and Partially Sighted

We’d like to hear from any blind or partially sighted people who would like tocome along to our monthly meeting held at Highbury Church. We get together2-4pm on the first Wednesday of every month and transport can be provided.We have a varied programme and it’s a pleasant social afternoon.We’re also looking for volunteer drivers and helpers who could assist on eithera regular or an occasional basis. Training will be provided by GloucestershireCounty Association for the Blind.If you or someone you know would like to be involved, please do get in touchwith me for a chat.

Highbury Club for the Blind & Partially Sighted

PLEASE ALSO PRAY FOR ...- James Martin who has sent a message from USA asking us to remember thoseaffected by the recent incidents in Boston and Texas - as James and Chris areholidaying there at the moment they are particularly disturbed by these tragicevents; please pray for their safety as they travel and for all those affected inthe USA in the aftermath of these separate happenings.

APPRECIATIONWe would like to express our appreciation of all the offers of help wereceived, so promptly, after news of Dick’s accident was circulated onThursday 11th April. It was wonderful to know there are so many helpful,supportive friends in Highbury, willing to be called upon in time ofemergency. Also, thank you for the prayers and beautiful flowers, not tomention the delicious chocolates which arrived ‘to speed the healing process’of the lacerated ear!! To quote Linda Grayson ...“There is nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with chocolates.”

Diana and Dick Adams


Chosen CharitiesCommunion offerings and money donated atcoffee time after morning worship will go to ourchosen charity for May, which is the DisastersEmergency Committee Syria Appeal (seepage 6).The total raised by our communion offerings andby those who stayed for coffee after morningservices in March for Cruse BereavementCare amounted to £242.64 (This included theextra communion offering on Easter Sunday.)

Congregational Federation Annual Assemblyon Saturday 11th May

For Such a Time as This 2013 -2017The 2013 Assembly of the Congregational Federation will be hosted by

the South East Area Association and held Tonbridge Kent at:The River Centre. Medway Wharf Road. Tonbridge. Kent. TN9 1RE

with a fringe event the night before at the Mercure Tunbridge Wells Hotel

Welcoming Team for MaySunday MORNING Sunday EVENINGSharon Wallington Mary BuchananTricia Stone Rachel JacquesJohn Stone

Vestry DutySunday MORNING Sunday EVENINGShirley Fiddimore June Tremlett

CHURCH FAMILY NEWS, AND VISITING REQUESTS contact:

Joyce and Philip Arnold ( 01242 285705

David and Betty Butcher ( 01242 300581

PRAYER CHAIN REQUESTS contact:

Lorraine Gasside ( 01242 239838 - [email protected]


Open the BookJesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever

Let Loose in the World Thursday 9th May 7-30 in St Luke’s Church

A Celebration of Ascension DayIn place of our usual Bible Study

we will be joining friends from other churches in Cheltenham at St Luke’s.

Birthdays! How are you celebrating yours?I admit this isn’t something I usually plan in advance, but this year isdifferent. I share my birthday weekend with Richard, Lorraine and my twin.And unlike them I’ll be running a marathon.Esmée, my twin, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma 4 years before shedied. Myeloma is the second most common form of bone cancer and is onthe increase. I decided shortly after her funeral that I’d run Edinburghmarathon for Myeloma UK.I’ve been training since February and have really enjoyed it. I met DickAdams one morning when I’d run up to see the bank of snowdrops onLeckhampton Hill and by coincidence was running through Kemerton whenHarry Archer was competing in his pancake race!Some days it’s been a real struggle in the bitter winds we’ve had, butknowing I’m doing this for Esmée has given me the motivation to get outthere. My struggle is nothing compared to what she went through.There’s still sadly no cure for myeloma though with better treatments theycan improve survival rates. During her illness Esmée had a stem celltransplant and in the latter stages, trialled new and unproven drugs, in thehope that they might help others.Sadly she passed away last September. I can’t bring her back, but I’d behonoured if you would share our birthday by sponsoring me, please, eitherusing the sponsor form or by visiting my website –www.justgiving.com/desire-beer

Désirée Beer


Prayer Rota for Sundays in MayMorning

Sunday 5th May Janet Partington Sunday 12th May Felicity Cleaves Sunday 19th May Roger Gregory Sunday 26th May Richard Cleaves Evening

Sunday 19th May John Lewis

S.W. Midlands Area of the Congregational Federation invites us to pray for …

Sunday 5th May C.F. National Assembly Sunday 12th May Christian Aid, its workers and its work Sunday 19th May The World Church Sunday 26th May C.F. Area Officers

including CSW and CYWC

Prayer Focus

District 5

Howard and Jenny BartlettVera Jones

Katherine StanleyTony and Karen Wilkes

Elsie WilliamsMike and Gill DownwardDennis and Norma Gill

Joyce MarriotIan and Hilare Pulford

Ron Hill

Deacon: June Tremlett

Visitors: Karen Wilkes, Mike and Gill Downward


Day Meeting Contact Tel. Number

Sunday 10-30am Morning Service Richard Cleaves

Sunday 6-30pm Evening Service Richard Cleaves

Sunday 7-15pm Hy-Tec Adrian Blazey

Monday 6-45pm Scouts Andy Sargent

Tuesday 9-45am Toddlers Felicity Cleaves

Tuesday 5-45pm Transformers Carolyn Tennant

Wednesday 9-30 am Prayer Group Katherine Stanley

Wednesday 2-00pm Hy-Way Jenny Bartlett

Wednesday 6-15pm Cubs Felicity Cleaves

Wednesday 6-00pm Brownies Christine Lodge

Thursday 10 - 11.30 Community Café Felicity Cleaves

Thursday 7-30pm Church Meeting

Deacons’ Meeting

Open the Book

Hope Group

Sue Cole

Richard Cleaves

David Butcher

Friday 7-00pm Guides Tania Ashdown

Friday 7-30pm Choir Mary Clifford

Saturday 10-00am Beavers Amanda Sargeant

1st Saturday 2-30pm Friendship Group Olga Slack

2nd Saturday 6.30pm Hy-Speed Adrian Blazey

Sunday 9-30 am Hy-Spirit Mary Buchanan

Highbury Lunch

This month the lunch will be held onWednesday 8th May at 12.30pm.All are welcome to come along,

bring your friends and neighbours -but just let the Cooking Team know you are coming, please!


Calendar for May 2013

Thursday 2nd 7.30pm Church Meeting - all welcomeSaturday 4th 2.30pm Friendship Group for those who live alone

SUNDAY 5th 10.30am Morning Worship 6.30pm Evening Prayers with the Lord’s SupperWednesday 8th 12.30pm Highbury Lunch - see page 12 2.00pm Hy-Way - all welcome - see page 20Thursday 9th 7.30pm Ascension Day Service at St Luke’s Church - see page 10Saturday 11th 10.00am Congregational Federation National Assembly at Tonbridge, Kent - see page 9

SUNDAY 19th 10.30am Morning Worship with the Lord’s Supper 6.30pm Evening PrayersWednesday 22nd 2.00pm Hy-Way - all welcome - see page 20Thursday 21st 7.30pm HOPE Group - all welcome in Room 1

SUNDAY 26th 10.30am Morning Worship 12.00pm A Summer Bring and Share Lunch 6.30pm Evening PrayersMonday 27th Start of Half Term - no weekday meetingsSaturday 1st June 2.30pm Friendship Group for those who live alone

CHRISTIAN AID WEEK 12th to 18th

SUNDAY 12th 9.00am Sunday Special with the Rain Forest Man 10.30am Morning Worship 6.30pm Evening PrayersSunday 12th Hy-Speed event at Gaydon, WarwickshireMonday 13th 7.30pm Good News People at St Matthew’s Church - see page 14Saturday 18th 10.30am South West Midlands Area Children’s Day at the Lido, Sandford Park and Highbury - see Invitation on page 2


Good News People …This a gathering place for those who want to learn how to share their faithwith others.Each gathering is an opportunity to …

Meet with other people who are interested in sharing their faithThink through key issues on sharing your faith todayKeep people up to date with what you are doingLearn about new resources for faith-sharingPray together

Time: 7-30 till 9-00 pmWhen: 2nd Monday of the month, on Monday 13th May - the Rev DrTudor Griffiths, Rector of Cheltenham, will ask, “What is the Good News?”Where: St Matthew’s Church, Clarence StreetFor more information, visit our website at www.goodnewspeople.orgor email [email protected] or 01594 529752

Texas Bar Sues Local Church Over Lightning Strike!Reputedly a true story!

A bar called Drummonds (in Mount Vernon, Texas) began construction on anextension to their building, hoping to expand their business.In response, the local Southern Baptist Church started a campaign to block thebar from expanding with petitions, prayers etc.About a week before the bars grand re-opening a bolt of lightning struck thebar and burnt it to the ground!Afterwards, the church folks were rather smug, bragging about the ‘power ofprayer’.The angry bar owner eventually sued the church on the grounds that it was‘ultimately responsible for the demise of his building, through direct actions orindirect means’.Of course, the church vehemently denied all responsibility or any connectionwith the building's demise.The District Judge read carefully through the plaintiff's complaint and thedefendant's reply.He then opened the hearing by saying "I don't know how I am going to decidethis case, but it appears from the documentation that what we have here is abar owner who now believes in the power of prayer and an entire churchcongregation that does not".

Submitted by Anne Saunders


Christian Aid Week bites back at hunger12th to 18th May 2013

Today around 870 million people are desperate for food.One in eight people will go to bed hungry tonight. This is a scandal.

But IF we bite back at hunger this Christian Aid Weekwe can help communities find ways to not only survive but to thrive,

with enough food to eat not just today but tomorrow.

Christian Aid Week 2013, Britain’slongest running door-to-doorfundraising week, will this year beurging the British public to ‘bite backat hunger’ and ask why, in a worldwhere there is enough food foreveryone, 1 in 8 people go to bedhungry every night?Hunger is the world’s biggest healthrisk. It kills more people every yearthan AIDS, malaria and tuberculosiscombined. In developing countries, athird of all child deaths are linked tohunger.But tackling hunger with sustainablesolutions has long-term benefits.Nourished women have healthierbabies, reducing hunger helpseconomies grow and it builds a saferand more secure world.This year’s Christian Aid Weekhighlights how many of theorganisations it works with are helpingcommunities to grow their way out ofhunger.In Zimbabwe the Dabane Trust ishelping families in the drought-pronearea of Matabeleland South to adapt tothe changing climate.In 2011 more than 70% of householdsin the area did not harvest enoughfood to last them for a year, and mosthad to reduced their meals to one perday.

The Dabane Trust worked with thesefamilies to adapt their farmingmethods in order to cope with theincreasingly arid environment. Bybuilding a sand dam on a dry river bedthey were able to secure a constantsupply of water. Two market gardenswith water holes now provide thecommunity with much needed cleanand safe water for them and theircrops.A Processing Centre, where foodgrown by the community is processedand packaged, was set up, completewith a cold storage unit to keepperishables fresh. Farmers pay a smallmembership fee but can now earnmore from their crops. The wholecommunity has benefited as they cannow grow more food, buy locally-produced foods and eat greens in thewinter months, providing them with amore nutritious and varied dietthroughout the year.Another local organisation thatChristian Aid supports, this time inBolivia, works with indigenouscommunities in Beni, the secondpoorest region in the country, tosecure rights to the land where theyhave lived for generations. Historicallythese families have survived byfarming rice, fishing, hunting andcollecting wild plants.


Now, deforestation is devastatingthese areas; communities aredisplaced and increasing floods anddroughts, and the threat of forest fires,leave families struggling for food.The Centre for Research and Trainingof Peasants (CIPCA) is helping localcommunities grow and maintainorganic cocoa groves. Cocoa treesgrow well in Beni, are resilient tonatural disasters and bring in a muchhigher income than other traditionalcrops like rice.The local cocoa crop has increasedthreefold in value thanks to theorganisation of an association of cocoaproducers setting a minimum price forthe crop. They are now also building achocolate processing factory to furtherdevelop this local sustainable industry.Like many regions in the Amazon, Benihas fallen victim to large companiesand cattle ranchers who have usedthreats and intimidation to forcecommunities off their land. Butthrough the help of CIPCA, twoindigenous territories now have thelegal title deeds, and an area the sizeof Suffolk has been officially granted tothe indigenous communities,protecting it from deforestation.Over a thousand families now havesecure homes, no longer face evictionand are able to grow crops to feedtheir families.

Paul Langley, Head of InspiringParticipation at Christian Aid, said:‘With 1 in 8 people in the world goingto bed hungry every night, ChristianAid Week offers the British public theopportunity to bite back at hunger.The money raised will help poorcommunities around the world growmore food by adapting to climatechange and securing land rights, sothey can meet their immediate foodneeds.'By taking part in Christian Aid Weekpeople here can make a real differenceto those trapped in poverty indeveloping countries across the world.Alongside this, Christian Aid isencouraging everyone to get involvedin the IF campaign, which aims totackle the root causes of hunger andensure everyone has enough to eat inthe future.’The theme of Christian Aid week ties inwith the organisation’s involvement inthe ENOUGH FOOD FOR EVERYONE IFcampaign, launched in January.Christian Aid has joined a coalition ofmore than 100 development and faithorganisations calling on the UKGovernment to take action on globalhunger.To donate to Christian Aid Week, youcan give online at www.caweek.org,call 08080 006 006, or text ‘GIVE’ to78866 to give £5.Or use a Christian Aid Week envelope.

Super Soup LunchThank you to everyone who came to the simple meal of delicioushome-made soup and bread, and then donated what they would havespent on their Sunday roast (or more!) to Christian Aid.

The total amount raised was £279.35 (including Gift Aid)


Door to Door CollectionsVolunteers are always welcome,

if you would like to help deliver and collectthe envelopes in the vicinity of Highbury?

A list of streets to sign up to is available at church.I co-ordinate the collectors, so have a word with me for further information.

Laura MacLeod (01242) 575949

‘Firm Foundations’Congregational Federation Nicaragua Appeal Update

Philip Clarke (who came to Highbury on Harvest Sunday 2012 to tell usabout the Nicaraguan Appeal) continues to represent the CongregationalFederation with our Nicaragua Appeal at Christian Aid. At the time of writingthis, we had received approximately £18,000 which is slightly under our twoyear target of the promised total of £30,000. However, we did hope to raise£50,000 but are not anywhere near on target for this.In conjunction with Christian Aid Philip has provided regular updates on thework of the projects we support. The biggest challenge to Hibiscus Juice andCoffee plantations has been the severe drought followed by devastatingflood – but the resilience of the people is amazing and our support all thatmore necessary. Please remember to send your donations into the CF Officeclearly marked for Christian Aid Nicaragua Appeal. Further information canbe found on the Federation website: www.congregational.org.uk

The new chair of Christian Aid is Dr Rowan Williams, and Christian Aid is partof a multi-agency ‘IF’ Campaign, and the Congregational Federation hasalso signed up as a partner to this Campaign.This is not instead of our Nicaragua Appeal and is not a fund raisingcampaign but one which campaigns for justice in all aspects of life and isespecially focussing on the G8 Summit in Northern Ireland on Saturday 1st

June.The IF campaign states that no-one would go hungry IF the G8 nationstackled the injustices of Investment Aid, Land evictions, Tax Dodging andwas more transparency and honesty is international dealings with the poorernations.


UK can lead G8 in striking at causes of povertyReligious leaders from across the G8 countrieshave called on Heads of Government to followthe UK in fulfilling existing commitments tospend 0.7% of national income on aid, in aletter to the Financial Times.Over 60 religious leaders, including theArchbishop of Canterbury, point out that fromtoday 1000 days remain to achieve theMillennium Development Goals (MDGs) by the2015 deadline.

With a focus on tax, trade and transparency, the religious leaders argue, theUK Presidency of the G8 has the potential to advance the MDG agenda in waysthat strike at the underlying causes of poverty, in particular by ensuring thewealth created by developing countries is not lost through unfair tax practices,a lack of transparency or a failure to secure the benefits of trade for developingcountries.“Meeting the remaining targets, while challenging, is possible – but only ifgovernments do not waiver from the moral and political commitments madeover a decade ago,” the letter stresses.The Rt Rev Nick Baines, Bishop of Bradford said: “With only 1000 days left toachieve the Millennium Development Goals set by the UN, it is imperative thatthe G8 Heads of Government set the pace. I shall be tweeting my support using#1000DaysToGo and hoping the flood of comments encourages governmentsnot to waiver.”They argue for a G8 Convention on Tax Transparency committing signatorycountries to prevent individuals and companies from hiding wealth so that it isuntraceable. Further, they call on the G8 to press for greater financialtransparency from governments of developing countries so citizens can holdtheir governments to account for the money they spend.The letter points out, “Development is working but challenges remain. Thenumber of people living in extreme poverty has been halved ahead of time and14,000 fewer children die each day than in 1990. Yet one in eight people stillgo to bed hungry every night and over2 million die of malnutrition each year.”The financial crisis may be a reason but is not an excuse for hesitation ordeferral, the letter states. “Reaching a purposeful consensus on these areaswon’t be easy. But, if the political will and moral leadership is forthcoming, thisyear’s G8 could help to create an environment that encourages the conditionsfor inclusive, equitable and sustainable economic growth – conditions that aredesperately needed if we are to realise the MDGs and even greater thingsbeyond.”


Update on Moffatt on Death Row in ZambiaSome of you will have heard by now that Moffat's appeal against his deathsentence failed. The following are excerpts from a letter that he wroteand his pastor e-mailed to me.“My heart is bleeding with sorrow as I inform you that on 5th February 2013, Iwas called before the Supreme Court where my sentence was upheld. I reallydon't know what next I should do, but I have been advised to write a Petitionto the President and seek a Presidential Clemency. However all I need is yourprayers to help me live on, because honestly speaking, I am slowly losing hopein life after finding myself in this situation, which God knows I had no hand in.But I will still rely and hold on to God for his strength and grace.”Please pray for Moffat, his daughter Cecilia, and his mother Grace.

Judi Marsh

Flowers and Gift of Provisions to CCP Food Share Scheme

For many years members of the congregation have provided flowers for theChurch in memory of loved ones or in celebration of a special event.Recently it was agreed that it would be good to have the option to give aproportion of the gift towards providing provisions for CCP as well asflowers. This new approach has been taken up by some people. However,this does mean that this has to be included on the Service Paper and theFlower Arrangers need to know how much to spend on flowers/provisions.In order for all this to happen adequate notice is required. Therefore, thedecision to have either flowers OR flowers and gifts of food should be madeat the time of arranging the Sunday date.This would be much appreciated by all those concerned in arranging theflowers, service paper etc., and things could then run more smoothly.

Thanks go to all those whocontribute in this very specialway, to those who arrange theflowers so beautifully, and tothose who deliver the flowersafter the service to those wewish to remember as aChurch.

If you would like to start providing flowers OR flowers and provisions pleasedo contact me and I will be very happy to tell you all about it.

Jenny Horsfield


Hy-WayWe usually meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays each month

In the Morton Brown Room at 2:00pm, and all are welcome to join us.It’s a great group, and fun to be with!

We have a time for worship, and a variety of speakers or other activities,And finish with tea, biscuits and a chat. Contact me to find out more.

Jenny Bartlett 01242 231644 - [email protected]

A Medieval Poemquoted at a recent HOPE Group Meeting ...

When God created Eve,He did so neither from Adam’s headThat she might be an ornament,Nor from Adam’s footThat she might be a footstool.He did it from Adam’s side,That she might stand by his side.From under Adam’s armThat she might be under his protection,But in all other respectsEqual to him.

Submitted by James Martin


Mason & StokesFuneral Directors

David MasonRichard Mason

Joy MasonA Family BusinessProviding a Caring

Day and Night Service

Tudor Lodge54 Hewlett Road

CheltenhamGL52 6AH

Tel: 01242 224877

Help and Advice onPre-Arranged Funeral Plans

Evening Service ReadersThe rota for those who read

at the evening servicesappears to be working well -

thank you!The readers in May will be:

5th May Felicity Cleaves12th May Diana Adams19th May Martin Evans26th May Marion Taylor

I am using the names I alreadyhave, but if there are others whowould like to be included on therota please let me know.

Jonquil Harrison 01242 520522


W.S. TRENHAILEFUNERAL DIRECTORS

Apostle House175 London Road

Charlton KingsGL53 6HN

INDEPENDENT FAMILY BUSINESS EST 193324 HOUR CARE AND PERSONAL ATTENTION

Tel: 01242 224897Email – [email protected]

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A Sympathetic andUnderstanding ServiceWe’ll take care of all the arrangements

with care and sensitivityCall us 24 hours a day

Selim Smith & CoFuneral Directors

01242 52538374 Prestbury RoadCheltenham. GL52 2DJ

‘Helping Hands Catering’for all your catering needsSpecialists in funeral catering

Buffet tailored to suit all occasions

and dietary requirements

o Christenings o Wedding Anniversaries

o Birthday Parties o Celebrations

We can provide a full waitress service for your event,including hire of crockery, cutlery, table linen

and flowers for tables,

either at your own home or chosen location.

Delivery only also available.

Contact: Julie Miller 01242 701127

mobile: 07909 917805

[email protected]

or Julia Howse 01242 861301

mobile: 07971 246431


Toddler Group / Transformers for school years 3-6 / Hy-Tec for 11s & overChoir/ Music, House and Prayer Groups / Alpha: exploring faith / Hy-Way /

Friendship Group / Scouting / Guiding / etc.For a chat, or to find out more, ring Richard Cleaves on 01242 522050

Sundays at 10.30amA time for all the Church family

to share in worship -groups for children and young people

A place to share Christian friendship,explore Christian faith andenter into Christian mission

with Christ at the centre, and open to all

Sundays at 6.30pmquiet, reflective evening prayers

with a focus onBiblical teaching

Highbury Congregational Church

HOPE

an anthology of poems and prayers

Judi Marsh and Shirley Fiddimore have brought together a collection ofpoems and prayers written by folk from Highbury and other friends too.It is available for £3-50 and proceeds will go towards Cecilia’s schoolfees in Zambia where her father is a prisoner on death row.Our prayers are specially with Moffat and Cecilia this month as we havejust heard that his appeal has been rejected.

God

Powerful brave Graceful loving kind He cares for you He protects us from evil

Samantha Wilson (age 9)

Highbury News May 2013

Documents

Transcript of Highbury News May 2013