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Parish of Holy Trinity South Chatham

Church of England & Methodist

Monthly Magazine

March 2009

St William’s Walderslade

“… here to offer Christ in every home.”

35p

St Alban’s Blue Bell Hill

St David’s Lordswood

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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 ******

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Dear Friends, I wonder whether you have had times when words buzz around in your head. For me, the words ‘Easy Access’ have taken up a lot of my grey matter over the last weeks and months, if not years! Hopefully, at St William’s, we are drawing closer to starting work on our easy access to the Church and the Darrall Hall. This is work that St Alban and St David have already completed. As far as St William’s is concerned, it is something that has been talked over and been planned for years, yet, despite all the hard work, it still hasn’t been built. When it was first considered, it was probably called ‘disabled access’ but it was decided to call it the ‘Easy Access’ project to recognise that the intention was to make it easier for everyone to access the Church building. Our plan is to provide a gentle ramp to the main doors so that all those with limited mobility or those with pushchairs don’t have to try and negotiate the rather steep front steps. It has been a very long process of planning to reach the current position of seeking quotations which can then at last be submitted to the Rochester Diocese for final approval. Yet, apart from the obvious reasons for these words buzzing around, I have been considering just how easy is the access that we give God to our lives? Do we build barriers and present difficulties that get in the way of our listening to him or stop others from coming into God’s presence? Perhaps it is a question that we should all ponder at this time. March 1st is the first Sunday of Lent. It is traditionally a time when many seek to draw closer to God through prayer and fasting in the run up to Good Friday on the 10th April, the day that Christians remember that Jesus died for the whole world so that our sins might be forgiven, so that we might be healed.

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We live in a 24 hour shopping society. The pace of life seems to be going faster and faster. We expect next day delivery on orders. There is little break from work now with mobile phones and laptop computers keeping people constantly in touch. Even on holiday many are expected to be available at all times. All this coupled with the stress and fears over job security, mortgage repayments etc. in a time of recession means that there are lots of obstacles that can get in the way of our relationship with a loving, caring God who wants the very best for us, who wants to be given easy access to our lives. I believe that time out with God is as important to our physical well being as it is to our spiritual health so during Lent we will be following a five session Lent Course on Mondays at 10.00am in St Alban’s Church which will then be repeated at 8.00pm in St David’s new chapel. [Please see page 23 for more details]. Please do come and journey with us. Yours in Christ’s love.

Rev. John S Currie, Team Vicar

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Front cover artwork designed by Jillian Allonby OBE and used

with her kind permission.

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

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

March 20 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

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PAPER SKIP AT ST WILLIAM’S

Dates for 2009 6th March, 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 Wednesday, March 4 during the morning

and between 6.00 - 7.30pm 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 tosee people individually on a first come, firs t served basis.

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Diocesan Conference

Together@Bognor was the title of the 2009 Rochester Diocesan Conference that took place from 19th to 22nd January. John and Susan Currie and myself represented the parish for these four wet and windy days at Butlins in Bognor . Not that there was much time for enjoying the seaside: the programme was packed, as we explored the theme of ‘One People, One Passion, One Purpose - Together.’

Each day began with a Bible study from the Book of Deuteronomy, emphasising the necessity for a wholehearted response to God’s wholehearted love for us. Then each of the key-note speakers was given an element of the title: John Bell (described to me as ‘the church’s answer to Billy Connelly’) was both warm and witty as he challenged us to be One People - not just to talk about being a body but to be as securely connected together as the body’s limbs.

Paula Gooder unpacked Colossians 1: 24-9 to suggest One Passion Biblically involves total identity with Christ, especially in his suffering and in his glory which she described as ‘seeping down from heaven to earth.’ Mark Russell of the Church Army spoke enthusiastically of the One Purpose of the church: to go where Jesus would go, out of our comfort zones, risking more for God and expecting more from God, whilst remaining rooted in love and integrity. Finally, Alison Morgan emphasised the importance of the Holy Spirit - ‘the stealth weapon of the church’ - who alone can draw us paradoxically both outwards and Together at the same time.

The Conference also offered the opportunity for meeting people, including guest delegates from our partner dioceses in other countries. I felt privileged to meet one the Zimbabwean delegation, the archdeacon of Harare, who told us of the sufferings of his people and of the growth of the church, and who overflowed with the joy and hope he knows in Christ.

Phil Wootton

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LAUGHTER LINES …. Colourful writing The foreign student, writing a letter to the superintendent of the mission society, desired to end with the words: 'May Heaven preserve you.' Not being quite confident of the meaning of 'preserve', he looked it up in a

dictionary. When the letter reached the director, it ended with the words: 'And may Heaven pickle you.' Magazine error? Parish supper Sunday at 5 pm - prayer and medication to follow.

…. AND FOOD FOR THOUGHT It is right that our hearts should be on God when the heart of God is so much on us. Richard Baxter Faith, to put it simply, is the conviction that God does not tell lies. Frank Retief Speed reading may be a good thing, but it was never meant for the Bible. It takes calm, thoughtful, prayerful meditation on the Word to extract its deepest nourishment.

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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 9am to 1 pm

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 March 6th Come and have a cup of tea, meet and chat with others

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

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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: Kyah Gemma Louise Baker, Rhiannon Lea Baker, Ryan Robert Baker, Harvey David Baker … those who have recently been bereaved especially the families and friends of Ron Webb, Bill Packer, Jean Osborne, Mark Pilkington, Troy Link, Doris Lanckman, Norah Spinks, Tracey Mantle, Eileen Motton, Florence Steward, Frederick Miller, Robert Meaney, Paul Clements, Tony Owens and Delcie Hallinan ... 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

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Fellowship of Prayers Prayers

Small groups meet regularly on:

Saturday evenings St David's

7.00 p.m. in the Sanctuary 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

17 March

Everyone is welcome

A Prayer for the Start of the Day … Thank you Lord for this new day. May I be aware of your constant, loving presence with me at all times, in all places and in all circumstances. May I see your hand at work today and be ready to offer an encouraging word, a kind deed to help others, to be who you call me to be in every situation. May I see you in those I encounter and may they see you in me. Fill me with your Holy Spirit’s power and love, and, in the midst of the busyness of my life, may I spend more precious time with you. Lord, keep me loving you and loving those around me. Take my hand and lead me through this day. In the precious name of Jesus, Amen.

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Parish Profile of Monica Hartwell who worships at St David’s

Could you please explain your role in the Church? I like to think it is as a traveller, but do worry I may come over as the voice of dissention, a resolute ‘Doubting Thomas’ Age: Well, I did celebrate the ‘big 60’ at St William’s at the end of 2007, so……?? Married: Not now – was from 1970 - 1980 Children: No Where are you from? Born in Lewisham, now ‘settled’ in West Kingsdown, by way of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), Sidcup, Mottingham and York What did you want to be when you were a child? A ballet dancer (stop sniggering John C & Bob Tarrant!) Could you share any precious childhood memory with us? She’ll squirm and may kill me (metaphorically, I hope!) for ‘going public’ on this, but it’s Mum & Dad bringing my ‘new’ sister Linda home from hospital as the best ever present! We’ll gloss over the teenage years!! What is your favourite food? Most of it! Especially bread, cheese - and chocolate of course. What do you watch on television? Not a lot, as I usually nod off! But do love ‘New Tricks’. What is your favourite film? Currently it has to be Mama Mia, closely followed by Pretty Woman (Richard Geer………!!!!) What music do you listen to? ‘Easy Listening’ type stuff, 50’s & 60’s pop etc; but mostly have radio 4 on 24/7. What is your day job? Freelance Consultant, primarily in the Not-for-Profit sector (i.e. charities!) Can you describe yourself in three words? Unsuccessful control freak!

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What is your Church background? Diverse! Since I was about 11 I’ve dipped into various religions and philosophies seeking answers to the ‘what’s it all about & why’ questions, to date without success. I went to a Missionary School between ages of 5-10 & Roman Catholic Convent from 11-16. My father, a great influence, was also a ‘seeking-agnostic’, so it may be my lack of faith is genetic?? Do you have a favourite hymn, why? I have a dire singing voice, so like hymns I can sing along too without being noticed, such as bits of Jerusalem or Morning has Broken. I also like modern hymns, such as ‘Give Me Oil in My Lamp’ and ‘You Shall Go Out With Joy’ - which always sound enthusiastically Jewish to me! Do you have a favourite Bible reading? My knowledge of the Bible is probably a good example of ‘a little learning is a dangerous thing”. I know quite a bit of it, but understand it only superficially in terms of Christianity. For me, it remains an awesome book, but not ‘The Word of God’ . Maybe the 23rd Psalm is one of the more reassuring extracts? What do you draw from spiritually? I do believe all human existence has a spiritual dimension and it is this that people of all races and backgrounds have always sought – and continue to seek - to understand through the development of religion. Different religions and faiths have evolved in response to the diversity of the world’s different social, cultural, economic and political forces – and, equally many religions have shaped these same forces. I suppose I believe that in some sense ‘all roads lead….’ not to Rome, but to a spiritual force some call God. Have you ever had a profound spiritual existence? In a ancient site in Crete where I found myself quite alone and was overtaken by a sense of the thousands of generations of individual men, women and children who had preceded my brief moment in that place; and the thousand that would follow me, and never know I existed; yet we would all share the joys, sorrows, pains, pleasures and above all uncertainties of this thing called ‘life’. Where do you see yourself in ten years time? Thinking, let alone knowing, where I might be in 10 days time is challenging enough! Is there anything else you would like to tell us about you? Think I’ve revealed too much & taken too long already! But I’d like anyone reading this to know I enjoy and appreciate being part of St David’s, as well as St William’s & St Alban’s, knowing I’m welcomed despite my ‘life-views’! Valerie Hobson

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2009 is the International Year of the Child....

A CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM 2009 marks the 30th anniversary of the United Nations' International Year of the Child. This series of articles will highlight some of the children and young people we meet in the Bible. Ishmael & Isaac: The story of these two half-brothers is found very early in the Bible, in Genesis 17 and 21. Abraham was their father but while Isaac was Sarah's, Abraham's wife, son, Ishmael was the son of Sarah's maid, Hagar. God had promised Abraham and Sarah that they would have children but after many years they were still childless. Sarah than suggested that Abraham should have children by her maid Hagar and as soon as Hagar was pregnant, the trouble started. Sarah was jealous of Hagar and forced Abraham to send her away. God protected Hagar and told her to return to Abraham's house. There her son Ishmael was born and God promised that he would be the progenitor of a great nation (17:20). Some years later Abraham had a son by Sarah, Isaac, and the tensions in Abraham's home became unbearable. Ishmael mocked Isaac, and Sarah again demanded that Hagar and her son should be sent away. God provided for Hagar and Ishmael in the wilderness and renewed his promise that Ishmael would be the father of a mighty nation. Ishmael and Isaac were to have significant destinies. Ishmael became the father of the Arab nations while Isaac became the father of the nation of Israel. Down

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the long centuries, and at the present time, the conflict between Jews and Arabs is a constant reminder of how it all began. Abraham and Sarah failed to wait for God's promise to be realised and so Hagar and Ishmael enter the story. The two half-brothers grew up in a home full of tension, bitterness and hatred - and sadly, the legacy continues to this day. Dr Herbert McGonigle is Senior Lecturer in Historical Theology and Church History in Nazarene Theological College, Didsbury, Manchester.

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. • March 19th • April 16th, May 21st, June 18th, July 16th August 20th September 17th Oct. 15th November 19th December 17. • Everyone is welcome

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ON THE DAMASCUS ROAD A look at famous conversions in the history of the

Christian Church

Sometime in the summer of 165AD seven Christian men were put to death in Rome. Accused of belonging to an illicit religion, they refused point blank to offer sacrifices to pagan gods. Threatened with torture and execution they replied that suffering and death gave them confidence to appear at the Great Tribunal 'of our Lord and Saviour.' The sentence was pronounced and having been scourged, all seven were beheaded. Their leader was named Justin and we know him in Church History as Justin the Martyr. His conversion to Christianity, although a quiet and low key affair, is a story that should be known. Justin was born in the year 100AD in Samaria, near the modern town of Nablus. His family was Gentile and pagan and as a young man Justin was drawn to the study of philosophy. Soon he was a recognised pagan philosopher and he began to travel as an itinerant teacher, wearing the distinctive cloak of the philosophers. He tells us that his search for truth led him to study the various schools of Greek philosophy, but in none of them could he find the assurance he was looking for. Then something happened that radically changed his life. Walking one evening on a sea shore, he fell into conversation with an old man. Justin listened as the old man told him that the prophecies of the Hebrew Bible had been fulfilled and they could be found in the writings of the Christian Bible. He further told Justin that truth can only be known through the one true God and that his Spirit would enlighten Justin. Justin was deeply moved by the conversation, began to read the New Testament -

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and was converted to faith in Christ. Now a Christian believer, Justin continued to travel, still wearing his philosopher's cloak but now preaching and teaching the Christian gospel. He wrote two Apologies explaining and defending the Christian faith. He travelled to Asia Minor and finally to Rome where he taught in a Christian school. His strong defence of Christianity came to the notice of the authorities and he was arrested with six of his friends. Refusing to acknowledge pagan gods, they were executed together. Who was the old man who introduced Justin to Christianity? We don't know and Justin doesn't even tell us his name, if he knew it. Justin's conversion happened because a Christian witnessed to him. We should use every opportunity we have to pass on the Good News! Dr Herbert McGonigle is Senior Lecturer in Historical Theology and Church History in Nazarene Theological College, Didsbury, Manchester.

WOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER prepared by the women of Papua, New Guinea

Theme: In Christ there are many members yet one body

Friday, 6th March at 1.30 p.m.

at St Alban’s Church, Bluebell Hill

Speaker: Rose Robinson.

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DATE EVENTS TIME VENUE

March 1 Prayer for St William’s 2.30 p.m. St William’s

March 2 Lent Course 10.00 a.m. St Alban’s

March 2 Messy Church 3.30 - 6.00 p.m. St William’s

March 3 Lydia Fellowship 8.00 p.m. 18 Marion Close

March 4 Housewives Fellowship 7.30 p.m. St Alban’s

March 5 Midweek Service 11.00 a.m. St David’s Chapel

March 6 Bereavement Pop In 10.15 a.m. St David’s

March 6 Alpha Course 7.00 p.m. St David’s

March 9 Lent Course 10.00 a.m. 8.00 p.m.

St Alban’s St David’s Chapel

March 10 Management Committee 8.00 p.m.

March 10 St David’s Prayer Visiting 6.45 p.m. St David’s

March 12 Midweek Service 11.00 a.m. St David’s Chapel

March 13 Oasis Coffee Morning 9.00 a.m. St David’s

March 16 Lent Course 10. 00 a.m. St Alban’s

March 17 Messy Church Meeting 7.30 p.m. St William’s

March 18 Housewives’ Fellowship 7.30 p.m. St Alban’s

March 18 St William’s Book Club 8.00 p.m. 27 Woodlands

March 18 Service Leaders & Preachers 8.00 p.m.

March 19 Service of Healing & Wholeness 10.30 a.m. St Alban’s

March 19 Worship Workshop 7.30 p.m. St William’s

March 20 Lunch Club St David’s

March 21 St David’s Sale 10.00 a.m. St David’s

March 23 Lent Course 10.00 a.m. St Alban’s

March 24 ECC 7.45 p.m. St William’s

March 26 Midweek Communion Service 11.00 a.m. St David’s Chapel

March 27 Oasis Coffee Morning 9.00 a.m. St David’s

March 30 Lent Course 10.00 a.m. 8.00 p.m.

St Alban’s St David’s Chapel

March 31 Lydia Fellowship 8.00 p.m. 18 Marion Close

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WORSHIP DETAILS

St Alban’s St David’s St William’s Date Time Service Time Service Time Service

Mar. 1

09.30

Holy Communion

09.30

Holy Communion

08.00 09.30 10.30

Holy Communion All Age Worship Fellowship Time Morning Worship

Mar. 8

09.30

All Age Worship

08.00 09.30

Holy Communion Morning Worship

09.30 10.30

All Age Worship Fellowship Time Sung Communion

Mar. 8

7.30 P.M. WELLSPRING AT ST DAVID’S CHURCH

Mar. 15

09.30

Holy Communion

09.30

Holy Communion

08.00 09.30 10.30

Holy Communion All Age Worship Fellowship Time Morning Worship

Mar. 22

08.00

09.30

Holy Communion Morning Worship

0930

Mothering Sunday All Age Worship

0930

Mothering Sunday All Age Communion Fellowship Time

Mar. 29

09.30

Holy Communion (BCP) All Age Morning Worship Fellowship Time

Holy Communion

09.30

Holy Communion

08.00 9.30

Holy Communion in St William’s Chapel every Wednesday morning

at 7.30 a.m.

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Celebrating Community Festival

13th - 28th June 2009

Supported by local churches and businesses, Kent Police and

community groups.

Celebrating Community highlights all that is good in our area, forging relationships that build up a sense of community. There were over 90 individual events in the 2008 programme, providing exciting opportunities to link people together in their neighbourhoods; helping groups and organisations, libraries, schools and churches to work together for the benefit of all.

Following the success of the last two festivals, planning is well under-way for the 2009 Celebrating Community Festival and we would very much like to invite you and your group / club to be part of this year’s celebrations – free of charge!

We hope individuals, organisations, groups, schools and businesses from across our area will take part in events - large or small. Last year there were talks on Local History, Fair Trade taster days, African evenings of song and dance, Teddy Bears Picnics… there was something for everyone!

Established groups / clubs who would welcome new members may like to offer a ‘taster’ event / meeting during the Festival period. You may also like to take the opportunity to raise funds or an awareness of what you offer.

If you would like to be included, discuss an idea or find out more, please contact Susan Currie either at susancurrie1@googlemail.com or on 01634 684888. You can also contact us through the Festival website -www.celebratingcommunity.org.uk To be included please let me have your details as soon as possible.

Let’s build our community together

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“THE PASSION” – A COURSE FOR LENT

We follow Jesus’ journey to the cross, from his triumphant entry into Jerusalem to his death at

Golgotha, using Mark’s Gospel as a guide, and the BBC production ‘The Passion’ as illustration.

Mondays in March Morning Group: 10am at St Alban’s

Evening Group: 8pm in St David’s Chapel

2nd March: Allegiance – the entry into Jerusalem 9th March: Participation – the Lord’s Supper 16th March: Deliverance – the arrest 23rd March: Interrogation – the trials of Jesus 30th March: Judgement – the crucifixion

Petals Flower Club

Next meeting - Wednesday 25 March 2009 - 7.30 – 9.30

St William’s Church

An Easter Tree

Cost £5.00 to cover all materials, flowers and refreshments

All welcome – no previous experience necessary.

Please bring flower scissors/secateurs if you have them

Please ring Marina ******or Jean ******if you require any further details

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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 March 2nd,April 20th & May 11th 3.30pm – 6pm

only £2 per person

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ST DAVID’S COFFEE TIME

Saturday, March 21st 10 - 12 noon

St David’s Church, Lordswood

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

March 4 Enrolment/Renewal of Vows March 18 Mr. G. Puddifoot Fuchsias 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

COFFEE BREAK AT ST WILLIAM’S

Monday to Saturday 9 am - 1 pm (Closed every Thursday)

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

and now Ploughman’s lunch every Tuesday

12.00 noon - 1.30 p.m.

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

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Update from Marcus and Suzanne Christmas and New Year Christmas was relatively quiet here. It was celebrated as a national holiday but many continued with their usual routines and worked regardless. On Christmas Day we went along to church to join in their Christmas programme. The church was decorated with numerous lights. They held a ‘typical’ service with additional presentations and songs too. The programme started around 7am and finished around 4pm. We joined them for four hours covering the main service and presenta-tions. At times there must have been over 300 people squeezed into the building. In the evening, our landlord and his family came up to our flat and brought us flowers, fruit and a present each, “in view of our special day”. This was really lovely as we were not expecting it at all. Following Christmas, we went to Kathmandu to stay with friends. We saw in the New Year with them and then had a few days to relax. This time gave Marcus the opportunity to explore options for us to have a mode of transport. There were vari-ous arguments both for and against, either a motorbike or an old jeep. In the end, the decision was deferred until the next time we are in Kathmandu (at the end of February). Arsenic workshop On of my main activities in these last few weeks was to organise and attend a train-ing workshop on arsenic. Over two million people in Nepal drink water contami-nated with arsenic. It is present in the layers of rock in the Himalayan Mountains and over many years has been transported in sediments to the plains. The World Health Organisation considers safe levels of arsenic to be less than 10 parts per billion (ppb). In Nawalparasi District, which neighbours our district, there are levels of over 1000 ppb in people’s drinking water. One of the challenges is that arsenic is colourless, odourless and tasteless, so people can drink it for years and be unaware of the effects it is having on their bodies. After a while though, they suffer from general lethargy, they get skin changes particularly affecting the hands and feet, nerve damage and eventually develop cancers. We were told of a village where no one is over 54 years of age as a result of people dy-ing early from arsenic related cancers. As part of the training we went out into the community. In one village we met peo-

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ple who had been supplied with water filters after years of drinking arsenic contami-nated water (600 to 800 ppb). In another village we met people who were still drink-ing water contaminated with arsenic (around 300 ppb). Those people were noticeably more lethargic. They told us about someone who had recently died from cancer in their village. He was only 28 years old. The cancer was likely to have been as a result of the arsenic. We saw the hands a man who had been drinking arsenic-contaminated water for a number of years. His hands have now improved but they still show changes in the skin pigmentation and numerous hard calluses due to arse-nic. We also learnt about testing water for arsenic and about the household water filters which can be used to remove arsenic. Through the training, I hope that one of UMN’s partner organisations will start to work in this area (with our support). They want to raise awareness amongst people living in the communities affected, and advocate for solutions at a district level. Having spoken to a few colleagues in UMN, I think my work in this field is likely to escalate. The health effects of arsenic are catastrophic but fortunately there are things we can do to limit the damage done and save lives. Surely, safe drinking water is a basic human right? Marcus’ work Marcus has been involved in meetings with various church leaders to assist them in planning their social action activities. He has also made visits to the traffic police, local Muslim leaders and other NGOs in order to coordinate UMN’s work and avoid duplication of efforts. Life in Butwal There have been more troubles in Butwal. There were road blockades as a part of political protests. During one of these protests, one man was hit over the head with a metal bar and seriously injured. The culprit was imprisoned, but we were told politicians made the police release him. This resulted in further demonstrations. As I left early one morning (whilst Marcus was away) the road was blocked in numerous places by people burning tyres. It wasn’t appropriate to travel in a rickshaw, so I walked along close to the shop line in order to stay away from the crowds. This week again, the main road in the town was blockaded in protest - a child had been killed in an accident involving a bus. As we walked home, it seemed that male youths wielding long sticks, were getting hyped-up and were taking out their aggression on any suitable targets, such as motorbikes daring to negotiate the blockades. None of these protests have impacted upon us directly. Providing we are sensible, they are an inconvenience rather than direct threat.

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NOTICE BOARD St David’s Church

Alpha Course

This year the parish Alpha course was held at St David’s. Members of all three congregations worked together to make it a success. The catering team laid on a two course meal each time, which left everyone replete and ready to listen to the DVD. It was good to have such a mix of newcomers to the churches, younger members wishing to explore their faith and older ones wanting refreshment. The discussions were wide ranging, sometimes serious and at times even kept to the point! Particular thanks must go to those that gave up so much time to plan, organise, publicise, cook and clear away. You know who you are – so thank you! It’s teamwork like this that makes these events possible. Midweek services

If you find it difficult to get to Church on Sundays, find the services too early or simply want a mid week ‘top up’ this might be what you are looking for. From March, there will be an 11 o’clock service in St David’s Chapel on the 1st, 2nd and 4th Thursdays each month. Two will be a form of Morning Worship while the 4th Thursday service will be Holy Communion. All are welcome, whether a parish member or not. It would be lovely to see you there! Sylvia Wrigglesworth

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NOTICE BOARD St Alban’s Church

As I am writing this there are dire predictions that the weather will turn bitterly cold over the next few days with heavy snowfalls. Whilst pointing out that the ‘St Alban’s Ski Club’ is ready and waiting for action we are all hoping that the predictions will be wrong and not cause major inconvenience to all. By the time you read this you will be well aware of what transpired. In all that we do in this life there is always this unpredictability or uncertainty that bad things could happen. At St Alban’s we are aware that the predictable thing in all our lives is the unfailing love of God and his promise that we will be called home with him when our time on earth has finished. In this time of uncertainty what a blessing that is! We have been looking forward to some things that are happening later in the year. Our first focus is on ‘Mothering Sunday’ 22nd March, an all age service, with Simnel cake! This service has been very popular in recent years and is a good time to invite others of your immediate family to our Church. 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. We owe a big thank you to Aylesford Parish Council who gave us a grant to fit emergency lighting at St Alban’s. This is a big plus for those dark evenings when the power fails. 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. (660087) Please contact Ron Robson on 01634 ******or E.mail ron@robson78.fsnet.co.uk if you have any Notice Board items for the next issue of the magazine.

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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 We are really keen to proceed with this but the deadline for submitting quotations for the building work has passed and we have received only one quotation. For the building work to be approved, we MUST have three quotations. If you know of a building contractor who might be interested in tending for this, please put him in touch with John Currie as soon as possible. We would appreciate prayer for this work to start as soon as possible. Mamma Mia Some time in March, we are planning to show the film of Mamma Mia with subtitles to sing along with. For those of us who were Abba fans in our youth, this will be a good time to get together and share and also to raise funds for the Easy Access. Watch the Notice Sheet and the Village Notice Board for further details. If you have any items for the April magazine, please send them to abenger@blueyonder.co.uk by the first Sunday in March.

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KJ PLUMBING SERVICES Plumbing, Bathrooms & Kitchen

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Funeral Directors and Monumental Masons

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A professionally trained Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s Hairdresser

For an appointment in the comfort of your home Please telephone

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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 683002.

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A.D.Y. PLASTERING

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Rendering Studwalls/Coving

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by Marina Telephone: 01634 683909 Mobile: 0775 105 9996

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SHOWROOM FACILITY

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

Neck & Shoulder Massage 01634 668845

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VILLAGE IRONING & CLEANING SERVICE

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Village Ironing & Cleaning

Service 520 Maidstone Rd

Bluebell Hill Village

T & S PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

Maintenance & Repair Works All Aspects of Interior/Exterior DIY

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- 36 - To advertise here please telephone Ann Benger Tel: 863617

(ophthalmic opticians & contact lens practitioners)

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.

Funeral Directors

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