Parish of Holy Trinity South Chatham

Church of England & Methodist

Monthly Magazine

April 2009

St William’s Walderslade

“… here to offer Christ in every home.”

35p

St Alban’s Blue Bell Hill

St David’s Lordswood

CHURCH STAFF

Visit our website at www.southchatham.org

Accredited Lay Minister

Captain Neil Thomson C.A.

Anglican Readers Local Preacher

Val Butler Sarah Hassell Roger Hill Rose Robinson Sylvia Wrigglesworth Mandy Harris

Pastoral Assistants Mike Gibbs & Sheena Gibbs

Parish Evangelists Ann Benger Susan Currie Mary Horwell Bob Tarrant

Worship Leader Rosemary Thomson

Church Bookings Denise Lee

Rev. Marilyn Ilyas Team Rector Not available Mondays 26 Mayford Road, Lordswood, ME5 8SZ 660922 Rev. John Currie Team Vicar Not available Fridays 18 Marion Close, Walderslade, ME5 9QA 684888 Rev. Philip Wootton Team Vicar Not available Fridays 29 Keefe Close, Blue Bell Hill, ME5 9AG 660087 Rev. Melvyn Cooke Link Methodist Minister 6 Cox Gardens, Gillingham, ME8 6BF 364705

CHURCH WARDENS & STEWARDS

St William’s 867194 St David’s 666716 St Alban’s 868461

Wendy Baxter

Barbara & Dave Till

Julian Spinks

Cliff Lowdell

Sarah Buxton

Richard Curzon

Karl Simmons

Mike Wareing

 

It’s in the pot! Window shopping, in fact any form of shopping is not my usual way of relaxing, but as I walked down one of Gillingham more enigmatic streets, my eyes were drawn to the display of a butchers’ shop - not the meat on display but the board that advertised the wares of the vendor. In amidst the usual culprits of pork chops and chicken breast, this board proclaimed to all who took the time to read it, that you could purchase from this emporium: crocodile steaks, ostrich eggs and steak, zebra meat and goat meat! My surprise was, firstly, that such meats from exotic animals were on sale in Gillingham and, secondly, why would anyone want to eat crocodile steaks? I am constantly bemused at what other people do and think. I recently met up with a cousin whom I had not seen in 23 years who, after the traditional ‘How are you, and what are you doing now?’ statements, said to me, “You’ve still not persuaded me to become a Christian.” I cannot remember if we have ever had a conversation about faith and belief, but if we did it must have been back in the 70’s – and a lot has happened to the both of us since then. How easy it is for us to get stuck in a rut, or just stay within our safe place, and then, when we hear or see something that challenges us, we respond with a statement or view that is

defensive or an attack which is beyond a reasonable response. There are many things I do not like, I have tasted and they are not to my liking, but, sadly, I have to confess that there are many more that I have rejected and dispensed to the trash bin without knowing why. Psalm 34: 8 says: “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” Now there’s an invitation you will not see displayed in a butchers’ shop window! Rev. Melvyn Cooke Link Methodist Minister

WOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER In Christ there are many members yet one body

A warm welcome awaited us at St Albans on Friday 6th March when we joined with women all over the world to realise that, although we are so very different, we are all part of one body in God's love.

The ladies of Papua New Guinea prepared a lovely service with some down-to-earth simple prayers and readings. Ladies working together in love and peace can see results. Thank you, Rose, for reminding us that relatively unimportant details in Church and every day affairs can overshadow the fact that ‘In Christ there are many members yet one body. Sylvia Cooper

Front cover artwork designed by Jillian Allonby OBE and used

with her kind permission.

Editor: Rev. John Currie (684888) Sub-Editor: Ann Benger (863617)

abenger@blueyonder.co.uk (Please send articles as Word documents).

ALL MAGAZINE ARTICLES TO BE RECEIVED BY THE FIRST SUNDAY OF THE

MONTH Church ‘Notice Board’ Collators: Ron Robson St Alban’s Sylvia Wrigglesworth St David’s Ann Benger St William’s Distribution: Kath Winnett St Alban’s Kay Young St David’s Mavis Buckingham St William’s Magazine advertisements: Ann Benger () Email: abenger@blueyonder.co.uk Weekly Notice Sheet Neil Thomson () Email: noticesheet@southchatham.org

MAGAZINE INFORMATION

The views expressed inside this Magazine are not necessarily those of the Parish.

The Parish accepts no responsibility for any items advertised in this magazine.

LUNCH CLUB AT ST DAVID’S

Fridays from 12.30

onwards

2009 April 17 May 15 June 19 July 17

cost: £3.00 (for dinner,

dessert, tea/coffee).

Contact numbers: St David’s Church: 666716 Judy Tarrant: ####

Everyone welcome

PAPER SKIP AT ST WILLIAM’S

Dates for 2009 3rd April, 1st May, 5th June,

3rd July, 31st July, 4th September, 2nd October, 6th November,

4th December

The recycling skip will be unlocked Saturday & Sunday mornings on these weekends

or during Coffee Break on weekdays. (Not Thursdays)

The skip will generally remain at St William’s for a week from the above dates.

Thank you to everyone who collects or donates paper, magazines, books etc. for the

monthly skip. Last year we raised £2,200 from our recycled rubbish!

POLICE SURGERY Come and meet your Community Police Officers

in the Coffee Break at St William’s Church April 2nd & May 7th during the mornings and between 6.00 - 7.30pm in the evening

This is an opportunity for you to raise any concerns you have about local policing issues.

An officer of the Walderslade Neighbourhood Policing Team

will be available to see people individually on a first come, first served basis.

Family Fun on Good Friday

At St William’s Church on the 10th April

10.00am — 12.00 noon A ‘Messy Church’* style activity

for children and their families just £2 per child

There will be lots of craft, drama and stories with fun and games for all

plus Hot Cross Buns and Refreshments.

Everyone is welcome to come and join in the fun.

For more information ring 684888

*Light refreshments will be served including Hot Cross Buns

A Christian Passover

Meal

Maundy Thursday 7.00 pm 9th April in

St William’s Church Walderslade

Please contact Rev John S Currie on (01634) 684888 for further details.

Mondays: 10 am-12 pm Tuesdays: 10 am-12 noon Thursdays: 11.30 am-5.30 pm Fridays: 10 am-2pm

St David’s Chapel an oasis of peace in the midst of a busy world

O A S I S

Every 2n d and 4t h Friday in the month From 10 a.m - 1.30 p.m

Come in and relax and enjoy a coffee, tea, or other refreshments

including sweet and savoury snacks

at St David’s Church

BEREAVEMENT POP IN

at St David’s Church 10.15 - 11.45 a.m. on April 3rd Come and have a cup of tea, meet and chat with others

in a similar situation. Everyone welcome. Just pop in.

Please Raise to God in Prayer … those that have asked for our prayers and are named in each of our churches’ intercession books If there is anyone that you would like prayer for, please ring: Rose Robinson St Alban’s ###### Denise Lee St David’s ###### Wendy Baxter St William’s ######or ###### Their names will remain in the book for one calendar month. Please let us know answers to prayers so that we can praise God. … our Clergy Team and their families: Marilyn Ilyas, John and Susan Currie, Philip Wootton, Melvyn Cooke … for those in authorised ministries: Ann Benger, Val Butler, Susan Currie, Mike and Sheena Gibbs, Mandy Harris, Sarah Hassall, Roger Hill, Mary Horwell, Rose Robinson, Bob Tarrant, Neil and Rosemary Thomson, Sylvia Wrigglesworth and also for those in training: Rosemary Thomson, Debbie Oliver and Kate Cross … those considering baptism or recently baptised: Oliver Broom, Isabella Hawden … those who have recently been bereaved especially the families and friends of Tracey Mantle, Eileen Motton, Florence Steward, Frederick Miller, Robert Meaney, Paul Clements, Tony Owens, Delcie Hallinan, Paul Clements, Peggy Harding, Lily Groombridge, Sandra Hall, Betty Smith, Bill Kemmenoe, Margaret Brett, Robert Collins, Rosina Lock, Dorothy Joyce and Allan Fox ... the ministries in the local hospitals, hospices, health centres, schools, prisons, barracks and to the Crematorium staff.

Lord, we place all these people into your loving care. Amen.

Prayers

Fellowship of Prayers Prayers

Small groups meet regularly on:

Saturday evenings St David's Chapel

7.00 p.m. Contacts: Dave Till (######)

& Bob Tarrant (######)

Monday mornings St Alban’s

10.00 - 10.30 a.m. 2nd & 4th Mondays of the month

Contacts: Rev. Phil Wootton 660087 Kath Winnett ######

Sunday afternoons St William’s

2.30 p.m. First Sunday of the month Contact: Rev. John Currie (684888)

Please support us in your prayers, let us know of anything you would like us to pray about or, better still, join us.

Services at

HARROW COURT Bromley Close, Lordswood

8 p.m. on Tuesdays

21st April

Everyone is welcome

A Prayer for the close of the day …  Lord God, for the things that I have said or done that have offended you or others, please forgive me.  Help me to learn the lessons of today and grant me your mercy to forgive those who have upset me.  Help me to lay down now the things that trouble me and to leave them with you as I settle to sleep.    Keep those whom I love in your safe keeping.  May your peace and love fill my dreams so that I may awake re‐freshed and filled with your Spirit, ready to face the new day with you.  In the precious name of Jesus,  Amen. 

Susan Currie 

Parish Profile

This month I interviewed Kathleen Darrall who worships at St William’s Church

Could you please explain your role in the Church? In the past I have been a steward and did anything from making teas to helping with painting. Longer ago, I was a Methodist Circuit Steward. Nowadays I help with fundraising, manning a stall or taking entrance monies.

Age: I am 87 years old

Married: I was widowed in 1972. I met my husband, Stan, when we both served in the Royal Engineers during the War. He was a Staff Sergeant, I was a Driver. Children: I have two daughters: Susan and Pauline. Grandaughters: Catherine and Helen. Great Grandchildren: Daniel 7, and Susannah 4. Where are you from? A village called Hoyland in the West Riding of Yorkshire. Could you share any precious childhood memory with us? I was one of ten children; I fondly remember my Dad teaching my brothers and me to ride a motorbike.

What is your favourite food? A good chicken dinner.

What do you watch on television? The News, University Challenge, Morse and serious programmes.

What is your favourite film? I love Judy Garland films.

What is your day job? I can now relax. I enjoy getting out and about, still driving, and meeting up with friends regularly.

Can you describe yourself in three words? I am loyal, dependable and friendly.

What are your hobbies? Reading, crocheting and knitting.

What is your Church background? I started by going to Sunday School at Mount Tabour Methodist Church in our Hoyland Village.

Do you have a favourite hymn, why? I love so many hymns, but Charles Wesley’s in particular make me feel good.

Do you have a favourite Bible reading? Psalm 139, which begins, ‘O Lord thou hast searched me, and known me’. I feel this passage describes me. What do you draw from spiritually? Since my husband died, I have been blessed in so many ways. Have we a guardian angel !!! Have you ever had a profound spiritual existence? Ha, Ha – expecting a card from the Queen?

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about you? After married life in Cannock, Staffordshire, my husband and his brother, Kenneth, decided to look for a cinema in Kent to buy and run. We then became the owners of the Grand Cinema in Gillingham for ten years.

How did the Darrall Hall get its name? Many years ago the old Methodist Church and St James C of E had to be pulled down, a joint effort between my husband and Ted Francis. As an ecumenical project it produced two new halls; this initiated the Methodist and Anglican Churches coming together. The hall now at St William’s was given my husband’s surname of which I am proud. Ted Francis’ efforts were credited at St David’s.

Valerie Hobson

Sing-along with all your favourite Abba songs at

St William’s Church On Saturday 25th April starting at 8pm

Please book your seats now - ring 684888

There will be no charge for the evening but donations will be expected !

(Once the film licence is paid for, the monies raised will be used for the St William’s Building Fund)

Bring your own wine and drinks — you can even get dressed up ‘Abba style’ if you like!

Service of Healing and Wholeness

a monthly midweek morning service an opportunity to seek God for ourselves and on behalf of

others a simple, quiet service, with the offer of individual prayer

with the laying on of hands and/or anointing with oil St Alban’s Church, Thursdays at 10.30 a.m. April 16th, May 21st, June 18th, July 16th August 20th September 17th October 15th November 19th December 17. Everyone is welcome

St Alban’s Housewives’ Fellowship Alternate Wednesdays at 7.30 p.m.

April 1 Carine Reeves My Life in Care April 15 Birthday Party April 29 Mr Feeking Recycling May 13 Mr Uden London Marathon

Secretary: Jean Boorman ###### New members are always welcome

UPDATE FROM MARCUS AND SUZANNE - February 2009

In the latest letter from the Waltons, who are in Nepal, they describe how they are able to assist local people whilst at the same time pointing out the obvious tensions that exist in Nepal and how they impact on their work. (précised to fit into the Magazine) The political situation continues to cause concern as there have been a lot more protests and demonstrations. Recently the roads were closed six days in a row in Butwal. On some of these days the side roads were patrolled by groups with sticks, to catch those ignoring the ban. In town the atmosphere has been tense with stones thrown at shop keepers. The Waltons emphasise that these incidents and others have not, so far, been a direct threat to them personally. The severe water shortages continue to impact on the lives of everybody. Water has to be pumped from the mains into house tanks, especially in Kathmandu. This is made worse by the 16 hours a day power cuts which affect the water pumps. Where the water has run out, many people (including Marcus and Suzanne) are on the waiting list for delivery by a water tanker. The rains have failed so far this year which is going to make the situation much worse in the near future. Suzanne attended a Christian Medical Conference held in Thailand which she described as the ‘best ever’. The conference was exhausting as the day started at 7am and finished at 8.45pm. 41 countries were represented and Suzanne was able to meet others working in the Field who had encouraging stories to share about their work. Suzanne met many people working in Nepal for various agencies that she did not even know existed.

So it was a fulfilling time with lots of networking opportunities. On the way home they were able to have magnificent views of Mount Everest which made their day. Marcus, meanwhile, went to a different church in Butwal, which is in the middle of a slum. UMN is working with a group of churches who want to help that community. After speaking with a Maoist journalist and enjoying tea with him, he was beaconed (invited) into a neighbour’s house. The Hindu family also gave him tea and then chatted. They were extremely complimentary about the work of the church. They said the church had shown a care for the community in a way that no other faith group would. This was encouraging to hear. During February, all of UMN’s staff met together in Kathmandu to plan their activities for next year and budget accordingly given the difficult World Financial situation. God has been faithful throughout the years and they trust Him to lead them through these difficult times. Thank you for your prayers. Marcus’ Mum’s surgery went well and she is making a good recovery. We would value your prayers for Peace and stability in the country Continued safety in travels That missions such as BMS and UMN will get sufficient

funds to allow God’s work to continue. Love and best wishes. Marcus and Suzanne Walton, Serving with BMS World Mission

(Abridged for the magazine. Full text can be found on our Church Notice Boards.)

DATE EVENTS TIME VENUE

Apr.1 Housewives’ Fellowship 7.30 p.m. St Alban’s

Apr. 1 Circuit Meeting 7.30 p.m. Strood M. Church

Apr. 2 Midweek Service 11.00 a.m. St David’s Chapel

Apr. 2 St Alban’s Group 7.45 p.m. St Alban’s

Apr. 3-13 Paper Skip St William’s

Apr. 3 Bereavement Pop In 10.15 a.m. St David’s

Apr. 5 Prayer for St William’s 2.30 p.m. Chapel

Apr. 8 Housewives’ Fellowship 7.30 p.m. St Alban’s

Apr. 9 Midweek Service 11.00 a.m. St David’s Chapel

Apr. 21 Evangelists’ Group 8.00 p.m. 434 Lordswood

Apr. 21 Harrow Court Service 8.00 p.m. Harrow Court

Apr. 23 Midweek Communion 11.00 a.m. St David’s Chapel

Apr. 24 Oasis Coffee Morning 10.00 a.m. St David’s

Apr. 25 Mamma Mia 8.00 p.m. St William’s

Apr. 26 APCM 11.30 A.M. St William’s

Apr. 27 Prayer Visiting 6.45 p.m. St William’s

Apr. 28 Mission Committee 7.45 p.m. 18 Marion Close

Apr. 29 Housewives’ Fellowship 7.30 p.m. St Alban’s

Apr. 29 St William’s Petals 7.30 p.m. St William’s

Apr. 18 St David’s Sale 10 .00 a.m. St David’s

Apr. 17 Lunch Club 12.30 p.m. St David’s

Apr. 16 Housewives’ Fellowship 7.30 p.m. St Alban’s

Apr. 14 Prayer Visiting 6.45 p.m. St David’s

Apr. 4 Parish Walk 10.30 a.m. See p.28

Apr. 16 Worship Workshop 7.30 p.m. St William’s

Holy Communion in St William’s Chapel every Wednesday morning

WORSHIP DETAILS

St Alban’s St David’s St William’s

Date Time Service Time Service Time Service

Apr. 5

09.30

Palm Sunday Holy Communion

09.30

Holy Communion

08.00 09.30 10.30

Holy Communion All Age Worship Fellowship Time Morning Worship

Apr. 6

20.00 Holy week Service (Chapel)

Apr. 7

20.00 Holy week Service (Chapel)

Apr. 8

20.00 Holy Week Service

April 9

7.30 p.m. Parish Seder Meal

at St William’s

April 10

10.00 Walk of witness from the Common

14.00 Hour at the Cross 10.00 - 12.00

Good Friday Easter Journey

Apr. 12

09.30

Easter Sunday All Age Communion

05.30 09.30

Holy Communion All Age Communion

09.30 10.30

Easter Sunday All Age Communion Fellowship Time

Apr. 19

09.30

Holy Communion

09.30

Holy Communion

08.00 09.30 10.30

Holy Communion All Age Worship Fellowship Time Morning Worship

Apr. 26

08.00

09.30

Holy Communion Morning Worship

0930

All Age Worship

0930

All Age Communion Fellowship Time

Christian Aid Week 10–16 May 09

Keeping hope alive: how to make your money go further

Nadia Kabula’s story is told throughout the Christian Aid Week materials. Her mother, struggling to bring up her family alone after the death of her husband, tells us: ‘It’s really hard to bring up six children on my wages. You can’t buy them half a sack of rice with that money. It’s nowhere near enough.’ The family live in the Democratic Republic of Congo, but their story of deep poverty is characteristic of the communities where our partner organisations work. Christian Aid partner Humanité Nouvelle has taught 18-year-old Nadia tailoring skills, giving her the chance to continue to earn a living in the future. Last Christian Aid Week we reclaimed around £1 million through Gift Aid. Just £10 could provide a destitute girl with enough material to complete a 12-month tailoring course with Humanité Nouvelle, £1,000 could help 100 girls, and so it goes on. It’s not hard to work out the scale of the difference that your Gift Aid contributions could make. And the good news is that it comes at no extra cost. Gift Aid is a government scheme enabling Christian Aid to reclaim tax on donations made by UK taxpayers. This adds 28p to the value of every pound. All the supporter needs to do is to complete the simple declaration on the Christian Aid Week envelope. Christian Aid receives thousands of donations without Gift Aid declarations, each of which means less money to work with the world’s poorest communities. So please take a moment to fill in the Gift Aid form, and encourage other people to do so if you are collecting. A minute of your time could help thousands of the world’s poorest people.

Collectors for Christian Aid

If you can help by giving your time to deliver or collect envelopes, please contact Susan Currie on 684888.

This is an important week for concentrating on the world’s

underprivileged and gives people outside our churches opportunities to make a difference by giving what they can.

Christian Aid believes in life before death

Celebrating Community Festival

13th - 28th June 2009

Supported by local churches and businesses, Kent Police and

community groups.

This year’s Festival Programme is now being compiled!

2009 will be the 3rd year of the Celebrating Community Festival which covers Blue Bell Hill, Lordswood, Princes Park, Walderslade and Weedswood. It already looks as if we are in for an exciting programme of events. However, we do not want to miss anything out. If you are planning an event, have a club / group you would like local residents to know about, then please contact Rev John or Susan Currie on 684888 giving the details you would like printed and they will be considered for inclusion in the new programme and on our website.

In this time of ‘credit crunch’ small, local businesses are also invited to stage events during the Festival .

There is no charge for inclusion in the programme and last year 10,000 programmes were distributed

by volunteers from local churches.

Celebrating Community seeks to build our Community together.

For more information please contact Kate Cross ######

Come and join in the fun

Messy Church A time for primary school aged

children and their families to enjoy creative fun, a meal and a chance

for reflection together on the first Monday of each month.

at St William’s Church, Walderslade

Mondays April 20th & May 11th 3.30pm – 6pm

only £2 per person

ST DAVID’S COFFEE TIME & SALE

Saturday, April 18th 10 - 12 noon

COFFEE BREAK AT ST WILLIAM’S

Monday to Saturday 9 am - 1 pm (Closed Thursdays)

Come and join us in the Darrall Hall for tea, coffee and light refreshments

and Ploughman’s lunch every Tuesday from 12.00 noon - 1.30 p.m.

The Chapel is open during these times for reflection and prayer.

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Open Monday—Saturday.  Easy on‐site parking.   

All About Alpha As a Christian, but one who for a long time had only dipped her toe in and out of different churches, and who admired those Christian family members and friends who were so obviously enjoying their relationship with God and the comfort and pleasure that finding a church one can call “home”; I determined back in 2006 to rediscover my faith and to find a church I where I felt I could truly “belong”. I decided undertaking an Alpha Course would be the best way. However, despite seeing courses advertised in the Medway and Maidstone area, I always seemed to find either the course had already started; was only in the planning stage or was to be held on a day I was already committed to – usually work-related. I had faith that both my prayers would be answered and since the beginning of the year I am beginning to believe they have since seeing the Alpha Course banner over St David’s one frosty morning in January as I walked my dogs. From my first contact with St David’s – via Marilyn initially – I have felt so welcomed by everyone and it’s impossible to comment on the content of Nicky Gumbal’s Alpha course teachings without setting them in the context of how they are presented by St David’s. The warm welcome I have received every Friday, the lively, interesting conversations with people – many of whom I hope will become long-term friends – over such wonderful, lovingly prepared food - last week’s curries were a triumph - are important factors which I am convinced contribute to everyone who attends being able to unwind, relax and be so much more open and receptive to the DVD and Group discussions which follow. The insights and knowledge I have gained from the weekly teachings of Nicky have helped to set the teachings of the New Testament into our modern, busy lives and to show just how relevant they are to us today. The Bible truly is a Guidebook for living - and if you read it

and then put it to one side you just won’t understand how to live your life to the full in the way God wants us all to (Nicky’s analogy that not following the Bible’s teaching is rather like buying a new car, reading the manual, then putting the manual and car keys away and carrying on travelling by bus will stick with me forever!).

The Group discussion afterwards has often delivered more insights into the teaching we have just watched and I was struck last week by the fact that God often chooses people with difficulties or “issues” to do his work. Peter was angry, Thomas doubtful, the Samaritan woman had marriage and relationship problems and Joseph suffered abuse. I think part of my difficulty in returning to church life had been a sense of “unworthiness” and possibly not being “good enough”. If the revelation that I am worthy and I am good enough was sufficient to convince me then I truly pray that others who have similar feelings learn from this and are freed from this negative bond and is testimony to positive blessing received from attending an Alpha course.

I am so glad that not only did I find the right Alpha course but I also seem to have found the right church for me and although I will miss the Friday evening get-togethers I know that there will be lots more to think, talk and pray about over the coming weeks and months. I would urge anyone interested in Christianity and looking for answers to questions about God and the teaching of the Bible to attend an Alpha Course and I would pray that they are able to attend a course run in the friendly, welcoming environment that I have experienced at St David’s. Thank you to everyone involved.

Katherine Hersey-Meade

Lordswood.

NOTICE BOARD St William’s Church

Holy Communion for the housebound If you hear that any of our regular congregation is housebound and would like to receive Holy Communion, please contact John Currie, who will be pleased to arrange this. Easy Access The Everything must go sale was a great success and raised approximately £600 towards the Easy Access Fund. We are showing Mamma Mia at St William’s on the 25th as a fun fund raising event; instead of stark rows we aim to sit around tables and eat and drink the refreshments we have brought with us. We cannot charge for this, but all donations received will go to St William’s Easy Access Fund once the licence fee is paid. Also, as a result of John’s radio broadcast on 14th February, more interest has been shown by builders but we still do not have enough quotations to proceed. We would appreciate prayer for this work to start as soon as possible. April events We have an interesting programme planned for April. As well as the Easter activities (Seder Meal, Messy Church, etc.) and ‘Mamma Mia’, David and Angela Clark have planned a parish walk on Saturday, 4th April, leaving at 10.30 a.m. from ‘The Three Crutches’ in Strood.

NOTICE BOARD St Alban’s Church

As I write this, I notice that the early plants in our gardens are flowering; the daffodils and tulips are grown but not quite ready to bloom. They are waiting in preparation for the temperature, the sun and the climate overall to be just right so they can burst through and start their new life as beautiful flowers. When you compare this with our Christian walk there are many similarities, we are however fortunate that everything does not have to be ‘just right’ for us to answer the call of Jesus. He takes us just the way we are without waiting for us to ‘bloom’. Our prayer at St Alban’s has always been that we will welcome every body into our building and then pray for God to impact in their lives as he has in ours. St Alban’s is a special place for all of us and we are all special because we are in God’s house. Everyone is invited to join us at 10.00am on Good Friday to process from the View Point at Blue Bell Hill to St Alban’s where we will join the remainder of the congregation for a half hour service commencing at 10.30am. Please place this in your Diary so you don’t forget!! Later in the year we have the St. Alban’s Strawberry Tea’. A wonderful way to spend a summer Sunday afternoon consuming cold/hot drinks, Strawberries with cream and that perennial favourite, locally baked cakes. Picture yourself enjoying the day and make a note in your Diary before that moment passes!! Oh! I nearly forgot, 19th July is the big day. A reminder that the ‘Healing and Wholeness’ service is on the third Thursday (10.30am) of each month, at St Alban’s Church. If you would like more information please ring Phil Wootton. Please contact Ron Robson on 01634 ######or email ron@###### if you have any Notice Board items for the next issue of the magazine.

…. FOOD FOR THOUGHT Bibles that are falling apart are usually owned by people who aren’t! When praying, don’t give God instructions; just report for duty. The Church

‘There is nothing like the local church when it’s working right. Its beauty is indescribable. Its power is breathtaking. Its potential is unlimited. It comforts the grieving and heals the broken in the context of community. It builds bridges to seekers and offers truth to the confused. It provides resources for those in need and opens its arms to the forgotten, the downtrodden, the disillusioned. It breaks the chains of addictions, frees the oppressed,

and offers belonging to the marginalised of this world. Whatever the capacity for human suffering, the church has a greater capacity for healing and wholeness. ‘Still, to this day, the potential of the local church is almost more than I can grasp. No other organisation on earth is like the church. Nothing even comes close.’ Copyright, Bill Hybels: ‘Courageous Leadership’ (Zondervan, 2002)

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A professionally trained Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s Hairdresser

For an appointment in the comfort of your home Please telephone

Medway (01634) 864035

Hiring of church premises

Do you need to hire a hall for a special occasion, a regular meeting or a one off event?

Have you considered hiring one of our three churches subject to availability?

St Alban’s, Bluebell Hill (above)

St David’s, Lordswood,

St William’s, Walderslade Village,

For further information, please contact Denise Lee 01634 ######.

A.D.Y. PLASTERING

Skimming over artex Ceilings repaired/renewed

Rendering Studwalls/Coving

Tanking Also specialists in cellar conversions

Free Estimates & Advice (t) 01634 831217

(m) 0774 070 2596 (e) adyplastering@hotmail.com

by Marina Telephone: 01634 683909 Mobile: 0775 105 9996

SCEATS AUTOS Servicing and Repairs at a time convenient to YOU

01634 580400 07903247181

Unit 8, Railway Street Industrial Estate, Railway Street, Gillingham ME71YQ

NEW KITCHENS Individually manufactured in our own local factory.

Installed by experienced tradesmen Including Gas (corgi) & electrics (part P)

SHOWROOM FACILITY Tel. 07888822535 or 01795437770

Safe, Simple & Natural Male & Female Hair Removal Facials with Blended Oils

Neck & Shoulder Massage 01634 668845

11 PANTON CLOSE, LORDS WOOD, ME5 8PP

VILLAGE IRONING & CLEANING SERVICE

Hate ironing? Hate cleaning? Let me help!

Free ironing collection and next day delivery. Smoke-free environment

Competitive rates and 10% O.A.P

discount.

Contact Sarah on 01634 666522 or 07765 407983 for a professional and

friendly service.

Village Ironing & Cleaning

Service 520 Maidstone Rd

Bluebell Hill Village

T & S PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

Maintenance & Repair Works All Aspects of Interior/Exterior DIY

For Your Home & Garden Minor Works Larger Works New Projects

~ Real Wood & Laminate Flooring

Kitchen & Bathroom Fitting Plumbing Carpentry Decorating Fascia & Sofits Roofing

Minor Electrical Works Landscaping/Gardening & Decking

~ For a Free No Obligation Quote

Please Call Tim 01634 730837

To advertise here please telephone Ann Benger Tel: ######

(ophthalmic opticians & contact lens practitioners)

6 Ashdown House, Walderslade Centre, Walderslade, Chatham

ME5 9LR

Tel: Medway 682595

.

Funeral Directors

LET US HELP YOU GET THROUGH YOUR LOSS

A. H. APPS 01634 842095

30/32 Luton Road, Chatham, Kent

A. H. APPS 01634 853917

8/10 Duncan Road, Gillingham, Kent

THOMAS FOWLE & SONS 01634 851133

68 Balmoral Road, Gillingham, Kent

We’ll guide and assist you through all the funeral arrangements. Call us 24 hours a day.

PROFESSIONAL GARDENER Reliable and trustworthy

25 years experience in horticulture City & Guilds qualified

Excellent references available if required Any gardening jobs undertaken (big or small)

Please ring Lester : 01634 310699 Evenings

07920 104549 Days