Northgate

News

JULY/ AUGUST 2017

Edition 472

Warwick Northgate Methodist Church

Rev Barbara Greenwood

Tel 01926 740846

Be Joyful, Be Prayerful,

Be Thankful

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Welcome to the July/ August edition of Northgate

News!

Many thanks again for your contributions for this issue—keep them coming!

From the Editorial Team

Deadline for the SEPTEMBER edition - TUESDAY 22ND AUGUST

It will be available from Saturday September 2nd

We are always looking for help in providing us with small articles of interest for the newsletter - not necessarily by email, just your thoughts, memories

and experiences, written on paper.

Do contact Noelle with all your news and events - either on paper (!) by email - noelle_trevor@hotmail.co.uk

or tel. 01789 841722

Check out the website

www.warwickmethodistchurch.org.uk

If you would like to receive the newsletter, weekly notices and latest news by email -

please contact Trevor Blades 01789 841722

www.warwickmethodistchurch.org.uk

Twitter@WkMethodists

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COFFEE MORNINGS EVERY SATURDAY

10:00 TILL 12 NOON In the Church Hall

Come along and take a break and enjoy fellowship

with tea, coffee and hot chocolate

(with biscuits!)

Don’t forget - Cake Stall—1st Saturday Monthly!!

Make and bake - come and buy!

WARWICK METHODIST CHURCH

BARRACK STREET

SUMMER HOLIDAY CLUB

TUESDAYS 10.30am till 1pm

25th JULY TILL 29th AUGUST

ALL AGES WELCOME

CHILDREN PLEASE BRING AN ADULT

For further details see back page

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Your Letter from Reverend Barbara

Memories…. On the last day of our relaxing two week holiday in Gozo, Malta, David and I walked the mile and three quarters down from our hotel to see Gozo’s greatest tourist attraction, the Azure Window. Or rather, to see where it wasn't. This spectacular limestone sea-arch collapsed in March this year and now lies on the bottom of the sea, with the cliffs above still unstable. It was a breezy morning. I sat on a rock admiring the azure colour of the sea which had given the Window its name, and the waves breaking in often spectacular fashion over the rocks. David hovered with his camera, trying to capture the perfect image of spray cannoning out of the sea caves. But neither of us could quite remember where the arch had been, even standing in the same place as we had three years earlier. Memory makes us who we are. It shapes and forms us, it gives us our sense of identity – remembering our childhood home and life, our schooling, the people who were kind and those who were cruel. We remember our first love, our first job, our first home of our own, and many other special occasions. We make decisions based on what we remember – I will never do to anyone what they did to me, or, I will escape the type of life I was given – whatever it may be. The loss of memory is a cruel and difficult thing to handle. At the same time, there are often things we remember which we wish we could forget, but are unable to. There may have been cruel words, unspeakable actions, betrayal – giving rise to anger and bitterness. Or maybe the words and actions were our own, leaving us with feelings of guilt which the years will not dissolve. As the scientists and doctors continue to research, we have learned that human memory is not like a video of the events we've experienced. It is subjective, partial – and is changed in the telling and re-remembering. You can easily find this out by talking with family members or friends about events at which you were both present – it is almost inevitable that your recollections will differ. Indeed, too exact a correlation between witness accounts is something which suggests to the police that witnesses are not telling the truth.

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FOODBANK APPEAL

Northgate’s con.nuing commitment to the running costs of the local

Foodbank is

£500 per year. In 2016 an appeal was made to members which raised enough money

to cover 2016/2017.

This year we would again wish to give members the opportunity to support Foodbank

by making a dona.on toward this year’s grant of £500.

If you can help please see Trevor Wills.

Want to know what items are needed?

Please see the no�ce on the no�ce-board which lists all that is urgently required by

Foodbank.

Your generosity is much appreciated - thank you.

For further details please see Chris�ne Fell.

So where does this leave us with our identities, if our memories are flawed? God sees everything, past, present and future, in one all-encompassing Now. Go to a quiet place, just sit for a while, and see if you can't hear God whispering in the stillness of your heart: “You are my child, my beloved”. Offer to God your memories, and any painful feelings associated with them. See if, in the light of his incredible love, they don't gradually diminish and fade away. The people of Gozo were worried that the loss of the Azure Window would affect the tourist trade, but all that has happened is that it has become a popular site for diving. Life brings change – that is inevitable. God remains the same. He was with us in that past, which we remember inaccurately; he will be with us in the future, which we can only dimly imagine; and perhaps most importantly, he is with us right now, pouring out love and grace and healing and strength for this moment. Barbara

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Please pray for ……

Rev Barbara who has been unwell, and Rev Alun Burke who was unable

to take the service on 9th July because of illness.

Eileen Ryder, at home after a spell in hospital.

Anne Wills, recovering at home after her replacement knee operation.

Our housebound friends,

for those who are bereaved, for those in poor health,

anticipating or recovering from surgery,

sick, troubled in spirit,

moving house

and making life changing decisions.

Our thoughts and prayers go to them and their families -

may they know Christ’s peace and love in their lives. Amen

Pray without Ceasing

There is a quiet corner by the ‘Prayer Net’, where there is a box for confidential requests for prayer.

Or you can contact the prayer circle through

Sheila 491516 or Norma 493630

Congratulations to John and Gwyneth Baskerville who celebrate their Diamond Wedding

Anniversary on 27th July.

Our love and best wishes to you both

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ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES

First Tuesday Monthly — Northgate Friendship Club

From 2pm .ll 4.30pm at Northgate An a"ernoon of Fellowship and Fun

with a variety of ac�vi�es, including table games

and refreshments - just drop in for tea & chat

Third Tuesday Monthly — ”Lets Create”

From 2pm .ll 4.30pm at Northgate

An a"ernoon of various cra" ac�vi�es

materials supplied, do you have a talent or

project to share - come along and

enjoy the fellowship!

Refreshments provided - just drop in for tea and chat!

All are very welcome

N��hga�� Wid w� �n� F���nd�

Meet every 2nd Saturday each month between 2 - 4pm

A variety of fun afternoons - visiting speakers,

quizzes, table top games or musical items Always finishing with a cuppa and biscuits

Why don’t you join us? All welcome

Cynthia Webb

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Forthcoming Sunday Services at Northgate

All services begin at 10:30am unless otherwise stated

There is an activity table in the Church, and Junior Church for our young people.

Lots to do to keep them busy!

23rd July Mrs Vanessa Caley 30th July Rev David Greenwood Communion 6th August Mrs Christine Flood 13th August Rev Barbara Greenwood Communion 20th August Mrs Vanessa Caley 27th August LOCAL ARRANGEMENT - Details to follow

Coffee, Tea and Fellowship in the hall after our Sunday Services

All are very welcome, please make yourself known to us.

Don’t go empty handed!

Flower arrangements for sick and housebound friends are le" on

the windowsill in the foyer each Sunday. Please feel free to take one

to someone you know, who may be housebound, unwell, or just

apprecia�ve of your visit. No need to ask!

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Northgate Choir

The Choir are now ‘on vaca�on’ un�l we meet again on

Saturday 2nd

Sept at 10:30 a.m. We have recently invested in some

“new” music which will be somewhat challenging

but hopefully enjoyable and sa�sfying.

We always warmly welcome anyone wishing to join us so please

come along and give us a try. In the mean�me, we con�nue to help

with the singing at services where possible.

Brenda Armstrong – Choir leader

CHUCKLES !!!

Four year old Caitlin had been learning the Lords Prayer for several evenings at bedtime. She would repeat after her mother the lines of the prayer. Finally, she decided to go solo. Her mother listened with pride as she

carefully enunciated each word, right up to the end of the prayer; “Lead us not into temptation” she prayed, “but deliver us from email”.

One particular four year old prayed, “And forgive us our trash baskets as we forgive those who put trash in our baskets”.

HIKING A man came back from a long business trip to find his son had a brand new mountain bike. “How’d you get that, son?” “By hiking.” “Hiking?” “Yeah, every night Mums boss came over and gave me £20 to take a hike.

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Jean Hemming

1929 – 2017

Jean Hemming passed away peacefully on 20th

May. Her funeral took place on the 22nd of

June at Oakley Wood followed by a memorial service at Northgate led by Rev. Andy Laird.

Jean was born in Walsall, to Edward and Nellie Kirk, brother Eric arrived a few years later.

She a<ended Mellish Road Methodist church, le" school aged 14, and went to work

straightaway. She lost her mum when she was in her 20s, and as Eric had le" home by then,

she took over the household du�es as well as holding down her job.

In 1958 a friend asked if she'd like a pen-friend. Some�me later, a le<er arrived from a

young sergeant in the Queen's Own Hussars at Chepstow, Gordon Hemming. She wrote

back, enclosing a photograph. They corresponded, then arranged to telephone. To meet,

Gordon took a train and bus to the sta�on at Walsall. Jean was hiding behind a pillar when

the bus arrived - she had decided that if she didn't like the look of him she would go

home! She must have liked what she saw for they did indeed meet. Around 6 weeks a"er

that mee�ng, Gordon proposed. Jean said she'd 'think about it', and duly sent a le<er back

a few days later containing all the lyrics to Nat King Cole's "When I Fall in Love" (Played at

her memorial service). The wedding was arranged at Evesham Methodist church, and they

went to live in Chepstow. Shortly a"er arriving there, an army mate of Gordon's offered

them his house to rent. In 1960, their firstborn, Roderick died at just a few days old. It was

something that neither of them, par�cularly Jean, ever got over. In 1962 Jane arrived, and

when she was just 2 months old, Gordon was posted to Germany so Jean and baby Jane

went to live with Gordon's parents in Evesham. Six months later, on Gordon's return, he

was posted to Warwick and they lived in the old drill hall at the bo<om of Priory Rd. When

Gordon le" the army, they moved to Guys Cliffe Terrace, Gordon joined the Post Office, and

Mandy arrived in 1965.

Jean encouraged the girls to learn to play musical instruments and in their respec�ve

athle�c careers; Gordon too when he ran the first of 3 marathons aged 50. With the girls at

secondary-school she found herself a part �me job at the local VG shop. It was there she

struck up the second of her two long term friendships. Janet has many happy memories of

Jean, but one she par�cularly remembers is wai�ng for the shop to open one morning. It

was absolutely lashing down with rain, and there was Jean, coming down the road, umbrel-

la in hand, not only singing "I'm Singing in the Rain" at the top of her voice, but, in Gene

Kelly style, splashing in the gu<ers and jumping on and off the kerb.

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Jean began to a<end services here at Northgate not long a"er they arrived in Warwick.

She joined the choir and was also a communion steward. As she became older she took a

more backstage roll but remained a real character, we are all going to miss her highly

decorated fes�ve walking s�ck at Christmas! You always knew where you stood with

Jean, she didn't beat about the bush, but when you got to know her, you'd realise she

was a big so"y, at heart. She was never afraid to speak her mind, some�mes before her

brain was in gear which o"en meant she was saying what others might be thinking!

Everyone has a memory of Jean: The person who was told off for wearing socks with

sandals. The minister who, talking about his experience in America where, the service

having gone on for hours, a congrega�on member would shout '�me for home, preach-

er!' - duly began his own sermon only to u<er a sentence before Jean stood up and

shouted: "Time for home, preacher!"

Rev. Barbara, preparing her first service, Jean already in her seat...Barbara walked past

familiarising herself, going through the service in her head, when Jean stopped her and

said " Hey! you've walked past me 3 �mes now, and not spoken!" Jean was first on the

list the next week when Barbara was trying to remember everyone's name as part of the

service, and Barbara was the first of her many visitors in her last spell in hospital. Jean

became very fond of Barbara.

A"er ten years of declining health, this year she’d been in hospital since February, Jean

was more concerned about Gordon’s fractured hip than herself. Popular with hospital

staff the nurses told the family that she'd been singing to them that morning, before

saying she wanted a nap and subsequently slipping away, peacefully.

Jean will be much missed at Northgate. Our thoughts and prayers are with Gordon, Jane

& Neil, Mandy & Michael, Christopher, Hannah, James, Holly and William and all the

family.

From the full copy, read at Jeans memorial service - edited by Ian Meddoms

Memories

You can’t put into words -

This feeling of remembering.

It comes up like a mist between you

And your world; so suddenly,

Like a flurry of leaves in the autumn,

Like a shower of rain in the spring.

It makes you sit quietly -

Till the ache passes over.

Maybe some�mes it’s the smell

of jam cooking,

A bonfire or washing on the line

Wa"s of yesterday

Comes over you like a blanket

Enclosing you in a safe, warm glow.

You awake to the world

And the moment has gone.

It could be children shou�ng

“Come on, let’s play”.

Young voices remind you of days long ago.

Long walks in meadows,

Which lead to the hills where only

The skylarks song fills the air.

This place is special - you walked with him.

For some, remembering can cause

such pain

People, lovers, the past,

Are all in our dreams.

Then they are gone,

As a rainbow fades in the sky.

Sweet memories bring tears and laughter too.

So smile when they come from the mist

And be thankful.

From Hanborough Herald

October 2014

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Ordina.ons

Joanna Rand On Sunday, June 25

th, we were privileged to a<end the Ordina�on Service at Shirley

Methodist Church of Gordon and Pam Ratcliffe’s granddaughter, Joanna Rand. It was a

wonderful service, love and support abounded and in true Methodist tradi�on the singing

raised the roof.

Jo’s Suppor�ng Minister was Rev John Harris who knew the family for a long �me in the

North before he came to Leamington Spa. Jo was also greatly supported by a

coachload of her congrega�on from Grange-Over-Sands. A"er the service we were able to

meet up with Nicola and John, Jo, her husband and their two children.

Those of you who were able to a<end Pam’s thanksgiving service at Northgate will

remember Jo when she officiated with John Harris on that occasion.

Jo par�cularly asked us to pass on her love and best wishes to all at Northgate.

We are sure that Northgate will rejoice with Jo and wish her every blessing in her

present work in Grange-Over-Sands and in her future appointments.

Trevor and Anne Wills.

Jonathan Parker On Saturday 24

th June Jonathan Edward Parker, John and Pauline’s son, was ordained as a

Deacon of The Church in Wales by Rt. Revd. Joanna Penberthy, Bishop of St Davids.

The Church in Wales is part of The Anglican Communion. The ordina�on took place at St

David’s Cathedral, Pembrokeshire with John & Pauline in the congrega�on. Through John

and Pauline, we assure Jon of our prayers for his ministry as Assistant Curate, The

Benefice of Fishguard, Llanychaer and PonRaen and for his further studies for the

priesthood.

A perfect summer day is when the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing,

the birds are singing, and the lawn mower is broken.

James Dent

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CHURCHES TOGETHER IN WARWICK

Prayer Breakfasts

Are open to all and take place on the first Saturday of each

month for 30 minutes of reflec�on and prayer

followed by a simple breakfast.

The mee�ngs are led and hosted by each church in turn mak-

ing them different each month.

All start at 7:30am

Saturday 5th August at St Nicholas

Saturday 2nd September at St Mary Immaculate

Everyone is warmly invited to join us.

God of lightness and life,

in the soaring, swooping and somersaul�ng of the red kite,

I see the freedom you long to see in your people.

Help us to trust in the thermals and currents of your love,

so that, upheld by you, we may share the joy and liberty

that comes from you alone. Amen.

From the Methodist Church website 8/07/17

A single sunbeam is enough

to drive away

many shadows

St Francis of Assisi

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Around the Churches

TYSOE METHODIST CHURCH

Main Street, Upper Tysoe, CV35 OSX

ANNUAL STRAWBERRY TEA

Saturday 22nd July

2:30 - 4pm

In celebra�on of the wonderful strawberry

Strawberries & cream

Strawberry scones

Strawberry cakes

Bring and Buy

For Church Funds

WHITNASH METHODIST CHURCH

SUNDAY 27th AUGUST

At 5:30pm

Celebra.on Day and Circuit Service

Further details will be in forthcoming no.ces

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