1REV GAVIN HANCOCKS

Tel: 01803 615480email: minister@centralchurchtorquay.org

MINISTER IN PASTORAL CHARGE

CORNERSTONE

JULY/AUGUST 2014

MAGAZINE OF

CENTRAL

ST. ANDREWS

AND

VICTORIA PARK

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CHURCH CONTACTS - CENTRAL

Secretary Barbara Lawton 01803 296990lawtonbarbara75@yahoo.co.uk

Treasurers John Coatham 01803 323212 Paul Sherriff 01803 298603Envelope & Gift Aid SecretaryOrganist & Choir Director Clive Bastin 01803 325142Magazine Editors Hazel Nightingale 01803 613345 Philip Kay 01803 323551

philipkay393@btinternet.comBooking Secretary Jean Baker 01803 550861

j.baker75@btinternet.comPublicity(Posters) Barbara Gissinger 01803 328407Caretakers Darrell Sanderson 07719 099901 Keith Read 07719 099901Website www.centralchurchtorquay.org

CHURCH CONTACTS – ST ANDREWS.

Church Secretary. Sue Jarvis 01803 325501wheezy1@sky.com

Senior Steward Sue Masheder 01803 873258sue@masheder1.freeserve.co.uk

Magazine Editor Diana George 01803 613509diana.george@blueyonder.co.uk

CHURCH CONTACTS – VICTORIA PARK

Lay Pastoral Assistant Irene Cochran 01803 842542leeathookhills@aol.com

Church Council Secretary Myra Wise 01803 327145myrawise456@btinternet.com

Senior Steward Mavis Paul 01803 291895

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THE MINISTERDear Friends,

Nicky Gumble, in one of his illustrations in an Alpha Course talk, describesa European au pair in an English home bursting in on her charges busymaking mayhem in their room. As she does she declares: ‘What are youdoing on earth?!’ Good question! Indeed, what are we doing on earth?Perhaps that question takes on an even greater significance in the lightof Pentecost. The way I see it Pentecost reveals two important truths:We are not alone and we have a story to tell.

Luke is at pains to make connections the other Gospel writers ignore.Matthew simply says all authority is given, now go, I’m with you always.John just has Jesus breathing on the disciples and Mark, well Mark,depending on how you read the end of the Gospel, possibly doesn’t evenget that far! Luke, on the other hand, connects the gift of the Spirit withtwo Jewish festivals – Pentecost and Shavuot. Pentecost, or Feast ofWeeks, is a Jewish harvest festival and when we celebrate harvest thefocus is on God’s amazing provision. God is the giver of every good giftthat more than meets our every need. Indeed, what greater gift couldwe ever hope to receive than that of the immediate infusion of Godhimself? This I believe is the first message of Pentecost. The tongues offire separated and rested on each of the disciples present. Thesignificance of this is that we now can know, each one of us, the realityof God’s love touching us, transforming us, making us new, filling us withthe presence and life of God himself.

The second flows from it. How can we, who have been touched by thislove, keep silent or sit still? Surely to truly know the love, acceptanceand forgiveness of God is to want to blurt it out to whoever will listen?Isn’t that what happened that first Pentecost Day? Not for one minutedo I believe that the disciples were turned into unthinking or unfeelingautomatons. No! Instead, as the truth of God’s abiding presence andlove fully dawned on their hearts and lives they found they could do noother than burst forth on an unsuspecting Jerusalem and tell of all they

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had heard and seen to whoever would listen. The amazing miracle of itwas not that they could speak other languages but that others couldunderstand the language that they were speaking, the language of love!Why should we be surprised? More to the point why is it that we are soreluctant to follow them?

As we consider these things may we truly discover the only answer toour opening question: What are you doing on earth? – To know and tomake known the love of God our Lord and Saviour.

Gavin

FAMILY & FRIENDSFamily News & other Bits & Pieces

CONGRATULATIONS· To John Head who was 80 on 23�� May.· To Jane Bale who will be 90 on 27�� July.· Happy Birthday to Connie Sims (1st July)· Happy Birthday to Margaret Russell (1�� July)· Happy Birthday to Maureen Rippin (5�� July)· Happy Birthday to Ross Payne (15�� July)· Happy Birthday to Irene Cochran (18�� July)· Happy Birthday to Margaret Collings (3�� August)· Happy Birthday to Amy Bartrip (6�� August)· Happy Birthday to Don Pugh (8�� August)· To Jean Baker on being awarded the BEM In the latest honours list

NEW ARRIVAL· Stanley Frederick Perry, a son for Douglas & Natasha, grandson

for Susan & Steve, and a great-grandson for Doreen Blackler!

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FAMILY....CONT.…THANKS

· From Elaine, Peggy Douglas’s daughter, to everybody for theircards, letters, and phone calls received recently. They were agreat comfort at this sad time. Also thank you to all those whoattended the service for Peggy. God Bless you all.

· From Gillian Avery who says: Dear friends, I want to thankeveryone for a wonderful experience last weekend at the 150��Anniversary. The Church was truly beautiful, matched by thewarmth of welcome I experienced, it was deeply inspiring to bewith you all, and one of which I am truly grateful. With love.

POEMS.· Note from John Lawrence - There are still a few Poem Books

available for sale, proceeds shared between Children’s Air Ambu-lance and Church Funds.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS· Anne Dayment has moved to 31, Peasland Road, Torquay. TQ2

8PA. ‘Phone number remains the same. Anne says: I would liketo thank my friends at Central for their prayers and kindnessduring recent months. All have been much appreciated, and nowI have actually moved to my new abode!

ZINNIA MOCKLERDear Friends,

It is with sadness that I leave Torquay and all the folk at Central Church.Thank you for your loving friendship and care of both Gerald and me. Youhave all been so caring and supportive of me since being alone, and I takewith me so many happy memories. Sorry I missed saying goodbye to anyof you, I will keep in touch and maybe my daughter will bring me to seeyou all one summer holiday.

Until then - God Bless and keep you all in His loving care.

With many hugs and love. Zinnia

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PEGGY DOUGLAS 1931 – 2014

A Lancashire Lass, Peggy was born in Bury, a town north of Manchester83 years ago. There she grew up with two sisters and a brother, butduring the war she was evacuated and came to stay with hergrandfather at the Stanbury Hotel in Torquay. She attended AudleyPark School (now Torquay Academy), worked in the hotel and at onestage moved to Sundial Lodge when the Americans took over the hotelbefore the D Day landings. At the end of the war she returned to Bury,but she missed Devon and returned to Torquay in her early 20's. Sheenjoyed taking part in amateur operatics with TOADS and singing in thechoir at Belgrave Church.She started working at the GPO Telephone Exchange and in December1954 she was married at Belgrave Church to Brian who was in the RoyalNavy and they were blessed with three children, Susan, Peter and Elaineand later 10 grandchildren! Family holidays were spent in Cornwall butall this changed when Peggy joined the world of Guiding and from thenon it was Brownie Pack Holidays and Guide Camp.Having had time at home looking after the family, in the 1970's Peggystarted working at Hooper & Wollen where she stayed until retirementreturning to work on a part-time basis.From then on Guiding became one of her passions – Camping, Singing,Walking. She was Captain of the 11�� Torquay Guides at Central andwhen she 'retired' kept in touch with many of her Guiding friends andjoined the Trefoil Guild.She loved being out in the countryside and over the years had walkedmany, many miles all over the UK and further afield. Her Good Fridaywalks for Central folk were always appreciated.Her faith with her Lord was her strength, making sure she visited andcared for others, offering lifts – being a true Christian, being there atCentral, not only on a Sunday in the Choir, but during the week atvarious meetings. She had spells serving on Council, assisting asMinutes Secretary, and was a founder member of the Contact Centre,Leader of Prayers for Healing, Open Doors, Women's Fellowship,Worship Group Member, helper at Messy Church and Central Tots. Busy

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Bees was where she could use her skills with her needlework etc.Outside of church she was a loyal member for 20 years of the LinenLeague at Torbay Hospital, again using her sewing skills on a Tuesdayafternoon.The last three years saw Peggy struggling as her health began to suffer.At first she found it hard to cope but eventually accepted others wouldhelp her where she had always been the helper. She always greetedvisitors with a smile when she moved to Primley House and she will bemissed by many, many people especially her family. She is now withher Lord and at peace after a life of service.

Barbara Lawton

AROUND THE FAMILY AT ST ANDREWS

As I write this we are well into June, halfway through the year and almostat the end of our Church 60�� Anniversary celebrations. Thank you tothe folk who organised the events and to those who attended them.

To Pauline Roberts, our newest member, we extend a very warmwelcome. It is a joy to see her with us so regularly.

We look forward with pleasure to July 6�� when the christening of IsaacJames Porter is scheduled to take place.

Now we need to focus on how we see the future. So many changes arebeing made. Worship and organisation are under consideration. Newleaders and new opportunities are calling for a vision which will benefitour members and our neighbourhood.

Through this holiday season please be aware of the problems we are allfacing. Pray for your own need and the obvious and personal needs ofall our people. This is the deep fellowship which will build us togetherand strengthen our faith and resolve for all the years

Sheila Denham

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THE HAND OF CHRIST

The hand of Christ rests gently on my head,

Love’s blessings flow from God’s eternal heart

Into my veins.

The Spirit’s breath pulsates within my soul

And in the life that Christ has won for all

On Calvary’s hill

I step out gladly into God’s Creation,

There to praise the holy Name of God,

In triune-majesty forever reigning.

O God most high,

Most Holy Father, blessed Son,

and gracious Spirit, Three-in-One.

We bow before the eternal throne

and, in the strength of love received,

we give your love in blessing

to your world.

by Sam Doubtfire

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ALL IN THE MONTH OF JULY................it was

100 years ago:- on 28th July 1914 that World War 1 began, when theAustro-Hungarians fired the first shots, in preparation for the invasionof Serbia.

80 years ago:- on 4th July 1934 that Marie Curie, Polish-born Frenchphysicist, died. She was twice winner of the Nobel Prize for her work onradioactivity, and the first woman to win a Nobel Prize.

70 years ago:- on 22nd July 1944 that the International Monetary Fundwas formed at the Bretton Woods Conference, New Hampshire.

60 years ago:- on 4th July 1954 that all food rationing in Britain endedfollowing the end of WW 2.

Also 60 years ago:- on 5th July 1954 that the BBC launched the first dailyTV news programme in the UK.

Also 60 years ago:- on 21st July 1954 that the first part of JRR Tolkien’sepic fantasy novel ‘The Lord of the Rings’ was published.

30 years ago:- on 9th July 1984 that York Minster was struck by lightningwhich set fire to the roof and destroyed the south transept.

20 years ago:- on 21st July 1994 that Tony Blair was elected leader ofBritain’s Labour Party.

Also 20 years ago:- on 25th July 1994 that Israel and Jordan signed theWashington Declaration, formally ending the state of war that hadexisted between them since 1948.

10 years ago:- on 1st July 2004 that Marlon Brando died. The award-winning actor has been considered one of the most important of the20th century.

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Swim?

If a lot of swimming is so good for your shape, then why do thewhales look the way they do?

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We have had a new member recently. She is called Toots. This name isUSA slang for sweetheart. She is a black and white miniature poodle.Her fur is curly and soft. She bounces a lot. She has a tickly tummy. Sheloves chewing. She has already tried out her skills on knitting. It was nota success. She is friendly with all the other Busy Bees who get pleasurefrom her company.

Our stall at the last table top sale did well. Leslie worked hard to producefifteen knitted bunnies. Thanks to the skilful salesmanship of Linda wemade a profit of £95- 15p that has gone into our funds.

ST ANDREWS JUNIOR CHURCH NEWS.

Happy birthday to Saul Porter who will be 2 on July 29th

Jesus said, “The people who follow me are the ones who love me. Godmy father will love them and I will love them.” We thought about God’slove on 25�� May.The following Sunday we made a ‘Clouds of Glory’ collage. Thinking aboutwhat the word glory means and we played a game where God’s gloryshined on certain people such as people wearing trainers or who likechocolate. These People had to swap places while the person in themiddle of the circle tried to get a seat.

Twitter

Jesus was on Twitter. Mind you he only had the 12 followers.

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ST ANDREWS MESSY TEA

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If Jesus came to your house

If Jesus came to your houseTo spend some time with you,If He came unexpected,I wonder what you'd do.

Oh, I know you'd give your nicestroomTo such an honored guestAnd all the food you'd give to HimWould be the very best.

And you would keep assuring HimYou're glad to have Him there--That serving Him in your homeIs joy beyond compare.

But when you saw Him coming,Would you meet Him at the doorWith arms outstretched inwelcomeTo your heavenly visitor?

Or would you have to change yourclothesBefore you let Him inOr hide some magazinesAnd put the Bible where they'dbeen

Would you hide your worldlymusicand put some hymn books out?Could you let Jesus walk right

in, or would you rush about?

And I wonder - if the Saviourspent a day or two with you,Would you go right on doing, thethings you always do?

Would you go right on saying, thethings you always say?Or would life for you continueas it does from day to day?

Would you take Jesus with youeverywhere you go?

Or would you maybe change yourplans for just a day or so?

Would you be glad to have Himmeet your closest friends?Or would you hope they stayaway,until His visit ends?

Would you be glad to have Himstay forever on and on?Or would you sigh with greatrelief when He at last was gone?

It might be interesting to know,the things that you would do,If Jesus came in person, to spendsome time with you.

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A REFLECTION FROM CENTRAL.

The words “Two little hands to do His will, And one little heart to loveHim still” bring to a close the old chorus which we have been looking atthese last few months. As this Cornerstone covers July and August, Ithought we would consider both of these last two lines.

How could we manage without our hands? We can’t have a conversationwithout using our hands, can we?! Just watch someone on thetelephone, or, people talking with each other -- their hands are movingall the time!

Our hands are invaluable, and we need both of them to operate fully.Have you ever broken your wrist, and only been able to use one hand?Difficult isn’t it. The Lord knew what He was doing when He gave us twohands. But, He gave us two hands --- to do His will. Do they? Handscan display our feelings. An open hand can show care, and can also say“Come”. But a closed fist can show a bad temper. The forefinger ofour hands can either be threatening, or beckoning. To use the words ofanother old hymn -- “Jesus’ Hands were kind hands”. Are ours? Agentle hand on a shoulder of someone in trouble can be so welcoming.A hand placed on the hand of another, can show love. Hands arenecessary in everyday life, but, most of all, hands can be used to showthe love of Jesus, and, to do God’s will.

And our heart. We certainly can’t manage without a heart. It is ourheart which pumps our blood through our bodies. It is the beating heartthat keeps us alive. But look at all those Greetings Cards on St.Valentine’s Day. They all portray a heart. Why? Because a heartrepresents love. A heart shows emotion. A heart can ache if things arewrong. On occasion we have heard that someone has died of a brokenheart. Also, we often say of someone’s words -- ‘that came from theheart’. Our hearts control our very being -- physically and mentally.Our heart is the part of our body which controls our deepest and sincerestfeelings. And I believe it is our heart which controls our two little eyes,

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our two little ears, our two little feet, our two little lips, and our two littlehands. But most of all, our hearts should love our Great God, and ourSaviour Jesus. And, if our heart is full of love for the God who made us,and for Jesus who died for us, and rose, and is alive for ever more, then,our heart will operate the whole of our lives.

So, let’s put the chorus together.

“Two little eyes to look to God, Two little ears to hear His Word, Two littlefeet to walk in His ways, Two little lips to sing His praise, Two littlehands to do His will, And one little heart to love Him still”.

May we all put these words into practice.

I wish you all a Happy Summer, whether you are going away, spendingtime at home, or whether you are in a Residential Home or Nursing Home.Enjoy the sunshine which we hope to see through our windows.

I’ll write again in September. Margaret Newman.

ST ANDREWS MISSIONS.

Please could I have all boxes and any other final moneyfor JMA in by Sunday 17�� August at the latest? This willgive me time to get the money sent off before the endof the Methodist year and make your amount count towards this year’stotal.

Rachel George.

Sunday mornings coffee money. April, collected for water aid £42.85.May, collected for Leonard Stocks Factory Row £35.00.

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WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP

Every year the Women's Fellowship support a charity. Over the years wehave donated to children in the Ukraine, Moldova & Sudan Appeals,Torbay Street Pastors and Devon Air Ambulance.

This year our charity has been The Children's Air Ambulance, a relativelynew charity who transport children all over the country for specialisedtreatment in hospitals. They also sometimes transport medical staff tothe homes of sick children who are too ill to travel.

On MONDAY 14�� JULY we are holding a 'Cream Tea' with all proceedsgoing to the charity. We are also expecting a representative from thecharity to join us. We do hope you will join us. Tickets are available fromSheila Lawrence.

Barbara Lawton

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Bingo, Tea and Cake, with Bring & Buy Stall.

Arranged by Mavis & Ann.

July 8��. Admission £2.

Music Quiz & Cream Tea with Bring & Buy Stall.

Arranged by Irene.

August 5��. Admission £2

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SUNDAY SERVICES FOR JULY/AUGUST 2014.(HC) = Sacrament of Holy Communion (WG) = Worship Group

CENTRAL

Date Morning 10.30am Evening 6.30pmJULY 6�� Revd Martin Manley (HC) Mr Nigel Graham13�� Rev Gavin Hancocks. AAA Rev Gavin Hancocks (WG)20�� Revd Gavin Hancocks Revd Peter Killick (HC)27�� Mr David Welsh (JMA) Jonathan Oliverio (WG)AUG 3�� Revd Gavin Hancocks (HC) Revd Adrian Phippen10�� Mr Jonathan Oliverio Mrs Vicki Bryan (WG)17�� Mrs Jean Potter Revd Adrian Phippen (HC)24�� Mrs Vicki Bryan Songs of Praise (WG)31�� Revd M Newell At Chelston

ST ANDREWS

Date Morning 10.30am Evening 6.00pmJULY 6�� Revd Gavin Hancocks Revd Gavin Hancocks13�� Mr David Welsh 4pm Messy Tea20�� Revd Jerry Cook (HC) 4pm At Decoy Park27�� Mr Adam Hills Revd Valerie Price

Bible StudyAUG 3�� Mr David Welsh Revd Gavin Hancocks10�� Mr Adrian Dawe17�� Revd Gerald Morris (HC)24�� Mr Adam Hills31�� 10am United Service at At Chelston

St Johns. Rev G Hancocks

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VICTORIA PARK

Date Morning 10.30amJULY 6�� Mrs Irene Cochran13�� Mr Michael Mann20�� Mrs Irene Cochran27�� Revd Gavin Hancocks (HC)AUG 3�� Mrs Irene Cochran10�� Mr D Stibbs17�� Mrs Irene Cochran24�� Revd Gerald Morris (HC)31�� Mr David Welsh 6.30pm At Chelston

VP PRAYER BOARD

This is where we remember in prayer those not well. It is available to alland is used in every Sunday service and at Bible Studies.

Audrey Avery, Amy Bartrip, Jean Barrett, Muriel Colefax, EmmaCoombes, Sylvia Diamond, Olive Frost, Rob & Pat Hawes, Don & BarbaraPugh, Julie Pugh, Clive Murphy, Sue Summers, Alan Randall.

ST ANDREWS HALL FLOOR!

An intriguing way of saying ‘Goodbye’ to the old floor has been suggested.Participants can ‘buy’ an old floor tile for £1 and say ‘Goodbye’ to it bydecorating it as they wish. This will be taking place in the next few weeksbefore the new floor is laid during August. Please make sure YOU takepart in this inspired gesture.

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CALENDAR FOR JULY/AUGUST 2014ST ANDREWS CENTRAL VICTORIA PARK

JULYTuesday 1�� 9.30 Midweek Prayers

9.30 Toddler Group 10.00 Torquay Town Church Planning Meeting 10.00 Coffee & FellowshipWednesday    2ⁿ� 9.30 Toddler Group 10.00 Bible StudyThursday 3�� 9.30 Central TotsFriday 4�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplates 7.00 Choir PracticeSaturday 5�� 9.30 Contact Centre

10.00 Pop in for a Coffee 7.30 South Devon Choir ConcertSunday 6�� See separate page for Services – All ChurchesMonday 7�� 10.30 Rosemary Gardens Housegroup 6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 Guides 7.30 Lydwell Park HousegroupTuesday 8�� 9.30 Midweek Service – John Lawrence

9.30 Toddler Group 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship

2.30 Sisterhood-Bingo & Tea/Cake. Bring &Buy Stall. (arranged: Mavis & Ann). £2

7.00 New Life HousegroupWednesday 9�� 9.30 Toddler Group 10.00 Bible StudyThursday 10�� 9.30 Central TotsFriday 11�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Catering Meeting

11�� 7.00 Choir Practice

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Saturday 12�� 9.30 Contact Centre10.00 Special Coffee Morning in aid of

Mission in Britain & World Mission 2.30 Tea Dance 7.30 Police Choir ConcertSunday 13�� See separate page for Services – All ChurchesMonday 14�� 10.30 Rosemary Gardens Housegroup 2.30 Women's Fellowship Cream Tea

in aid of Children's Air Ambulance 6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 GuidesTuesday 15�� 9.30 Midweek Prayers

9.30 Toddler Group 10.00 Coffee & FellowshipWednesday 16�� 9.30 Toddler Group 10.00 Bible StudyThursday 17�� 9.30 Central Tots 7.00 Annual Church MeetingFriday 18�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplates 4.00 Messy Church 7.00 Choir PracticeSaturday 19�� 9.30 Contact Centre

10.00 Pop in for a CoffeeSunday 20�� See separate page for Services – All ChurchesMonday 21�� 10.30 Rosemary Gardens Housegroup 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 Lydwell Park HousegroupTuesday      22ⁿ� 9.30 Midweek Communion:

Revd Gerald Morris 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 7.00 New Life HousegroupWednesday 23�� 6.30 Contact MeetingThursday 24�� 7.30 Moors House Group

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Friday 25�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplates 6.00 Messy Church Planning Meeting 7.00 Choir PracticeSaturday 26�� 9.30 Contact Centre

10.00 Pop in for a Coffee 3.00 Youth Genesis Tea PartySunday 27�� See separate page for Services – All ChurchesMonday 28�� 10.30 Rosemary Gardens Housegroup 6.30 Flexercise FunTuesday 29�� 9.30 Midweek Prayers 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 7.00 Finance & PropertyAUGUSTFriday 1�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplates 7.00 Choir PracticeSaturday        2ⁿ� 9.30 Contact Centre

10.00 Pop in for a CoffeeSunday 3�� See separate page for Services – All ChurchesMonday 4�� 10.30 Rosemary Gardens Housegroup 6.30 Flexercise FunTuesday 5�� 9.30 Midweek Prayers 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship

2.30 Sisterhood: Musical Quiz & Cream Tea.Bring & Buy Stall. (arranged: Irene) £2

Friday 8�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 7.00 Choir PracticeSaturday 9�� 9.30 Contact Centre

10.00 Pop in for a CoffeeSunday 10�� See separate page for Services – All ChurchesMonday 11�� 10.30 Rosemary Gardens Housegroup 2.30 Women's Fellowship AGM & Tea 6.30 Flexercise FunTuesday 12�� 9.30 Midweek Service: David Welsh

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10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees 7.00 New Life HousegroupFriday 15�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplates 7.00 Choir PracticeSaturday 16�� 9.30 Contact Centre

10.00 Pop in for a CoffeeSunday 17�� See separate page for Services – All ChurchesMonday 18�� 10.30 Rosemary Gardens Housegroup 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 Lydwell Park HousegroupTuesday 19�� 9.30 Midweek Prayers 10.00 Coffee & FellowshipWednesday 20�� 7.30 National Methodist Youth Brass BandFriday        22ⁿ� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplates 7.00 Choir PracticeSaturday 23�� 9.30 Contact Centre

10.00 Coffee Morning for Wilson DiseaseSunday 24�� See separate page for Services – All ChurchesTuesday 26�� 9.30 Midweek Communion 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees 7.00 New Life HousegroupThursday 28�� 7.30 Council MeetingFriday 29�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplates 7.00 Choir PracticeSaturday 30�� 9.30 Contact Centre

10.00 Pop in for a CoffeeSunday 31�� See separate page for Services – All Churches

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VP JULY & AUGUST ROTAS.

DATE DOOR STEWARDSJULY 6�� Betty Peachey & Margaret Collings13�� Verna Stuckey & Sylvia Penny20�� Betty Peachey & Margaret Collings27�� Verna Stuckey & Sylvia PennyAUG 3�� Betty Peachey & Margaret Collings10�� Verna Stuckey & Sylvia Penny17�� Betty Peachey & Margaret Collings24�� Verna Stuckey & Sylvia Penny31�� Betty Peachey & Margaret Collings

VP JULY & AUGUST FLOWERS

DATE DONATED BY IN MEMORY OFJULY 6�� Sylvia Diamond Husband Harold & Son Andrew13�� Pam Cloke Aunt, Mrs James20�� Ross Payne27�� Iris Keay Husband, JohnAUGUST 3�� May Royle10��17�� Margaret Russell24�� Pat Hawes Parents, Norman & Win Cooksley31�� Sheila Fletcher Parents, Fred & Kath Rockett

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SAINT OF THE MONTH.

Joseph of Arimathea – the man who buried Jesus

Have you ever suffered from gossip? Ever discovered that people are sayingsome really wild things about you? If so, Joseph of Arimathea would under-stand – and sympathise with you. This decent, godly man of the gospels seemsto have fired the imaginations of all sorts of odd people down the centuries.

Joseph was a rich, prominent member of the ruling Jewish council – theSanhedrin. Mark’s gospel describes him as having been ‘waiting for the king-dom of God’ for years, and even being a secret disciple of Jesus. He played nopart in the trial or crucifixion.

When Jesus was pronounced dead, Joseph had the seniority needed to ap-proach Pilate for the body – and get it. Near to where Jesus had been crucifiedthere was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, cut deep in the rock.Joseph himself already owned it – and it was still new and empty. So Josephlaid Jesus there, and wrapped him in a linen cloth, according to Jewish burialcustom. Joseph did not bury Jesus alone - Nicodemus helped him, while somewomen who had followed Jesus trailed miserably behind.

Matthew tells us that the last thing Joseph did for Jesus was to sadly roll a bigstone across the entrance to the tomb, and then go away. With that, Josephpasses out of history - and into legend. For in the centuries that followed,Joseph was swept up into the Legend of the Holy Grail, the Legend of Glaston-bury, and even bits of the Arthurian legends. It was said that the Holy Thorn,which flowers at Christmas, had sprung from his staff.

The mind boggles at what Josephwould have made of it all. One sus-pects he would have preferred tostick to the simple, but far better,true story: as having had the im-mense, unique privilege of laying thebody of Jesus Christ in the tomb.Even if Jesus didn’t stay very long!

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HOME AT LAST

Where do those long serving missionaries we all admire find a home atthe end of their time abroad? Of course a missionary never fully retires,as the work of the gospel is with us at whatever age and in any place,but careers do end.

Those who have dedicated their lives to serving the Church overseasoften have real problems with somewhere suitable to live on theirreturn. Since 1992 Whitefield Christian Trust (WCT) has been working toprovide housing for long-term returned Christian workers and todaymany such folk across the UK enjoy a comfortable house or flat in whichto live out their retirement without stress.

Judy is one of these. She worked with CMS in Africa for over 30 years,producing training literature and working with young people. She nowlives in East Sussex with the help of WCT. She says “Every time I think ofmy flat, my heart lifts to the Lord for his amazing provision”.

Each year, more Mission Partners return home, and the challenge forWCT is to help them too. This is only possible with the prayers and thefinancial support of people like you. The scheme is simple: the newlyreturning missionary chooses the location they want to live, often closeto family or a supporting Church and, as long as funds are available, WCThelps them buy it through an equity share agreement. The propertyremains theirs for as long as they need it.

If you would like to support this work, or if you know of someone in needof our help, please visit www.whitefieldchristiantrust.co.uk or write toPO Box 788, Haywards Heath, RH16 9JG

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FORGIVE AND FORGET.

In fact, if you forgive, it is easier to forget. That’s the finding of a recentstudy which lends weight to the advice that it is best to do both.

It seems that when you are a victim of a transgression, the best thingyou can do is to forgive. If you do, you will be more likely to ignore theprecise details of what happened, and you will be able to move on morequickly. The ability to overcome your strong emotions against someoneand also to quash the memory of something you want to ignore are bothlinked to the same mechanisms in your brain.

The research was done at the University of St Andrews. It also revealedthat if you choose NOT to forgive, then the details of the scenario of the‘crime’ remain in your mind in greater detail. As one psychologist ex-plained: “It is well established that to forgive others can have a positivebenefit for an individual’s physical and mental health. The ability toforget upsetting memories may provide an effective coping strategythat enables people to move on with their lives.”

PLANT A TREE - to remember the dead of WW1

This summer marks the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the FirstWorld War. The Woodland Trust is honouring all those who took part inthe war effort by hoping to plant millions of trees that will stand as atribute for centuries to come. Will you support them by planting a freetree pack in your community?

Woodland Trust has more than 4000 packs to give away in the autumn,and they come in three sizes – 30 saplings, 105 saplings and 420 saplingsin various themes (hedge, copse, wildlife, wild harvest, year-roundcolour, working wood, wild wood and wetland). You can apply for morethan one pack and theme, with 420 saplings being the maximum quan-tity. Find out more at www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/freetrees. The dead-line for applications is 4 September, but apply soon to make sure youget your trees.

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Bathroom tidy

Constant nagging didn't seem to provide any relief from having toclean up the bathroom after each of my three teenage children.After I cleaned it one day, I resorted to posting a sign that read:‘Please leave the bathroom as you found it’.

Then I noticed the bathroomwas in the usual mess after myson used it, so I called sharply:"Brian, how did you find thebathroom?" After a briefpause, he replied, "Straightdown the hall, first door on theright."

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TEARFUND

‘Spoiling our Sundays’

The connection between worship music and poverty and justice is anuneasy one. The New Church movement – where contemporary worshipsongs have flourished – has been the source of a real awakening fromwhat John Stott called the greatest evangelical heresy of the 20�� century,the lack of social justice.

‘Is it possible to write congregational songs about poverty, grief or childtrafficking and not spoil everybody’s Sunday?

Is it possible to highlight some of these issues so that in time they movefrom our heads to our hearts, and we start to respond to them as Jesuswould have done?’

The concern not to ‘spoil everybody’s Sunday’ might be the tell-tale signof a church in a state of western comfort – that worship songs are not tobe too disturbing or too dangerous.

Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase of Amos 5 is a poignant paraphrase ofGod’s judgement,

I’ve had all I can take of your noisy ego-music.When was the last time you sang to me?Do you know what I want?I want justice-oceans of it.I want fairness-rivers of it.That’s what I want. That’s all I want.

This is a very short paraphrase of an article by Rev Steve Stockman,Minister at Fitzroy Presbyterian church, Belfast. Taken from Tear TimesSpring magazine. To read the whole article go online or pick up a copyfrom the foyer at Central.

www.tearfund.org

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MESSY CHURCH CELEBRATES 10�� ANNIVERSARY.

Messy Church is ten years old. What began in April2004, in Cowplain near Portsmouth, as one con-gregation, has since been joined by 2342 othersworldwide.

This fresh expression of church life builds uponChrist-centred elements of welcome, creativity, sharing food and cele-bration. Most Messy Churches meet monthly, at a time that suits thecommunity. They seek to share Christ with families for whom traditionalor inherited forms of church life feel alien to their experiences.

Key moments from ten years of Messy Church include: being featuredon BBC's 'Songs of Praise'; St Paul's Cathedral in London hosting a MessyChurch celebration; Spring Harvest becoming a popular place to dip intoMessy Church seminars; Messy Nativity sheep trails popping up in shop-ping centres around the country each Christmas; and attention from thenational press (‘Messy Church crafts colourful alternative Sundays'—The Times)

Lucy Moore, the founder, says: ‘As I look at the shouting, laughing,praying, awestruck, grateful, life-giving, weeping, eating, loving Messymultitudes gathered in churches around the world, it feels incrediblyhumbling'. Messy Church is a core ministry of Bible Reading Fellowship.

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A REFLECTION FROM VICTORIA PARK

Dear Friends,

We recently celebrated Pentecost. It got me thinking how relevant dowe consider this amazing event to be in the world today. Let's take a lookagain at this Bible passage.

Acts1: 4, 8; 2:1 The Spirit and our Mission.

While he (Jesus) was still with them, he said: " Don't leave Jerusalem yet.Wait here for the Father to give you the Holy Spirit, just as I told you hehas promised to do .... The Holy Spirit will come upon you and give youpower. Then you will tell everyone about me in Jerusalem, in all Judea,in Samaria, and everywhere in the world" ... On the day of Pentecost allthe Lords followers were together in one place.

So the waiting was over and the time to move forward with the gospelof Jesus Christ had come. I try to imagine how those twelve disciples andthe women with them would have felt.

Were they relieved that the waiting Jesus had predicted was now over,as indeed was the perplexity about what exactly would happen when 'the Spirit comes upon you ' and how they would know it had taken place.Were they even more confused by the outcome with so many peoplefrom so many cultures clamouring to join the Christian community (readthe rest of chapter 2). The 120 believers were joined by another 5000.How would they cope with making them disciples? Surely there was noenergy left to cope with expansion?

Were they excited beyond words as they experienced the 'greater things' that Jesus had promised would accompany the Spirits coming? Werethey fearful that such a movement of people into the Christiancommunity, with all the ramifications for the Jewish leaders, would soonbring disaster on them?

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I can only imagine how, had I been one of them, all these reactions wouldhave swept over me many times during those early days after Pentecost.One thing I would have known for sure, though - life could never be thesame. God had pulled the cork out of the bottle and there was no way toget it back in again.

There is no way back. If we are impelled by the Holy Spirit, the Spirit ofJesus, we can only go forward, taking his offer of forgiveness, purpose,new identity, power to live by and hope to die for with us to share withall.

Meditation.  Should we translate ' in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria,and everywhere in the world ' (1:8) as family, friends, workmates andeveryone with whom we have contact?

God BlessIrene

CROSSWORD SOLUTION

FROM JUNE CORNERSTONE

Puppy

I arrived home from work tofind all the windows anddoors wide open. Apparentlyour puppy had had anaccident. "Yeah, it was awful,"my daughter told me. "In fact,when we first walked in, Ithought you had come homeearly and were cookingdinner."

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TWO WORLDS

Whilst dozing, one sometimes slips into a ‘ World of Make Believe’,Our imaginative Mind assumes control, with dreamy thoughts to weave!Experiencing magical moments of time: accepting a life of fantasy,Where one can assume the identity, of any well- known Celebrity.

In this World, I’d climb the highest Mountain, then soar into Space,Perhaps compete as an unknown Athlete, and win a Marathon Race.Maybe! Swim the English Channel, and Bobsleigh the Cresta Run,Oh! ‘Make Believe’! What a wonderful World to have so much fun.

Then comes the time when one awakes, returns to the World of Reality,A paradoxical World of Warfare and Hatred, and yet one of generous Charity,Men corrupted by Power: cruel: evil: greedy: exploiting the frailties of thepoor,Causing destruction of Towns and Cities, thus sadly, war casualties do soar.

In our’ Make Believe World’ we have no substance only blissful dreams,Therefore we do not hear the wounded cries or witness violent scenes.We just want to live and enjoy a life which we think is ours by right,Escape from the dreariness of doom and gloom, enjoy that which is bright .

Two Worlds one Fantasy, the other the Real World into which we are born,Through the Ages, Humans have fought battles, yet countries are still wartorn,Frighten Families, fleeing from their devastated homes and country,Trying to reach a Refugee Camp, where they may find a place of safety.

Why! Do people find it so hard to live in harmony, one with another,God sent His only Son to live on Earth to be our friendly brother .He taught us to Love our ‘Neighbour as Ourselves’, even showing us the Way,But sadly, selfishness has become a creed, because we are neglecting, topray.

J.H.D. Lawrence

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CROSSWORD

SOLUTION IN SEPTEMBER CORNERSTONE

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OPEN DOORS – INDIA

Five years ago Pastor Rasiya Damore was illiterate and unable to readhis Bible. But his life changed dramatically when he joined 350 adultswho were learning to read, write and do basic maths on an Open Doorssponsored Adult Literacy programme.

Since 2009, the Adult Literacy Programme has held classes in ten mostlyChristian villages in the Jhabua district of Madhya Pradesh. The districtis known to have the lowest literacy rate in the state – an appalling 36.9per cent, compared with India’s national average of 65 per cent.

Once Rasiya had learnt to read and write, he began to teach hiscongregation the importance of education. In this region, it is commonfor illiterate people to be taken advantage of. As part of the literacyproject, students are taught how to count money so they can check theirwages.

The programme has brought about many positive changes in thecommunity. Approximately 60 per cent of the students entered thegovernment literacy exam in Spring 2013 to qualify for the third gradeboard exams. These included poor children who had dropped out ofschool to help on their families’ farms, and adults who had neverattended school: pastors, lay leaders, men women and young people.

But according to the literacy coordinator, the best part of volunteeringwith this project is seeing our students read the Bible. “It is a joy to seethem read Word of God in their own language, which so far they hadonly heard!”

Pray – Give thanks for the way this programme is changing lives For wisdom and skill for the teachers and coordinators

That many people will be strengthened in their faith as theylearn to read the Bible for themselves.

Taken from the Open Doors prayer diary June 2014

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Couch

Friends sympathized as our curate complained that her backwas really sore from moving furniture. "Why don't you wait tillyour teenage son gets home?" someone asked.

"Well, I could," our curate replied, "but the couch is easier tomove if he's not on it."

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GLORIOUS THINGS OF THEE ARE SPOKEN.

The year was 1800, and Vienna was under bombardment by Napoleon’stroops. The great Austrian composer, Haydn, then old and frail, asked to becarried to his piano. There he made his own defiance of Napoleon, by solemnlyplay through his composition ‘Emperor’s Hymn’. Haydn had composed it forthe Austrian Emperor, Franz ll’s birthday on 12 February 1797. Haydn nevertouched his piano again, and died a few days later, aged 77.

That is where the tune for this well-loved hymn came from. It quickly becamethe tune of the Austrian national anthem. It was later even adopted by theGermans, as the tune for August Heinrich Hoffman von Fallersleben’s (1798 –1874) anthem Deutschlandslied , which began with the famous words: ‘Deut-schland uber alles’ (Germany before everything). In the ensuing political up-heavals, the tune survived in the German national anthem, but was abandonedby the Austrians in 1946.

In the meantime, the tune had also reached England, as early as 1805. It wasthen that the words of a hymn by John Newton were first paired up with it. Thismeant that when the Austrian Emperor Franz visited his grandmother QueenVictoria, at Windsor Castle, he most likely would have sung his own nationalanthem tune to English words written by a converted slave trader turnedcountry vicar!

John Newton’s inspiration for this hymn comes from Psalm 87: ‘Glorious thingsare spoken of you, O city of God’ (vs3) and also a text from Isaiah 33:20-21:‘Look on Zion… there the Lord in majesty will be for us a place of broad riversand streams…’

John Newton’s hymn celebrates the joy of knowing that the Church is the newJerusalem (Zion) where God abides. He rejoices that God protects his peopleand promises to supply their needs. He leads them into the Promised Land, justas long ago he led the Israelites through the wilderness to their Promised Land.Back then, he led them with a fiery and cloudy pillar; now we have his verySpirit within us, to guide us each step of the way home.

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PUZZLE PAGE

From Victoria ParkAnswers to Med Class.1) Soleus. The sole us is a muscle, the rest are organs.2) Coccygeal. These are the names of the human vertebrae, movingfrom the head down.

GETTING THEREComplete the following series:InchFootYardRodFurlongMile ?

From St Andrews.

We're all going on a Summer HolidayCan you un-scramble these British sea-side resorts?

 1. who told us 2. leg misery 3. hasty wry bet 4. agile thunderbolts 5. battle wish 6. hide name 7. showed wart! 8. crab madness 9. robins gorge10. afternoons in11. a grand governess12. hog our crabs

Answers in September

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SUDOKU

SOLUTION IN SEPTEMBER CORNERSTONE

Water

My friend was working at an amusement park when acouple stopped him. “Excuse me,” said the woman,pointing to a pond. “What is that water made out of?”Bemused, my friend replied, “Two parts hydrogen and onepart oxygen.” “See?” she said to her boyfriend. “I told youit wasn’t real.”

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Walmer House is a Christian Care Home, providing firstclass care for the elderly in a family-like environment.

There are 17 residents in a tastefully decorated, elegantbuilding with peaceful gardens.

For more details, or a brochure, please contact……….

The Manager, Mrs Ena Bell. Tel: 01803 292734

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