THE OPEN DOOR

aharoni

The Magazine of the

Lymington United Reformed Church

NOVEMBER 2010

FROM AN ELDER Wyn and I recently attended a Maritime Heritage Conference in Baltimore, USA. We had a lovely time, the weather was perfect, the lectures, given by the usual crazy enthusiasts, were generally well planned and interesting and we were pleased that Wyn’s paper about the restoration of the submarine Alliance at Gosport was well received. However one of the most memorable parts of our week away was the warmth and kindness of the people we met. Everyone was so welcoming and interested in our UK lives. When asking in a shop for a stamp I was told that they didn’t have any and quick as flash a lady standing behind me said, “Do have one of mine” and she took one from her purse and stuck it on my postcard. After I had thanked her she must have noticed my accent and then asked if the card had to go to England and when I replied in the affirmative she quickly stuck two more stamps on my card, smiled and offered to post it for me. How very kind I thought; not many people would do that. It gave me a good feeling and reminded me of a poem my grandmother used to say to me. It read: If you have a kindness shown, Pass it on, pass it on It was not meant for you alone, Pass it on, pass it on, It will travel down the years, It will dry up other tears, If you have a kindness shown, pass it on. Another special occasion for me was our visit to the US Navy Academy at Annapolis on the last Sunday morning. Whilst Wyn spent the time at the Academy’s museum I visited the base

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chapel. Firstly I went up the stairs into the most magnificent chapel, where a gentleman asked if I had come for the service and did I want Catholic or Episcopalian, as they now seem to call the Anglican tradition? I said I would prefer the Anglican so he directed me downstairs into another equally lovely chapel; the service was about to begin and how very welcome I was made. My father had been in the Royal Navy during the war and he always said he had a lot of time for the Americans, so I felt he would be pleased I was there. Not only that, but we sang “Blessed Assurance”, a hymn we had had at his funeral; I did have a lump in my throat! The sermon was given by a guest minister who was a lecturer at the Billy Graham Evangelical College in Alabama. He gave a most impassioned sermon, the gist of which was that in order for our lives to be filled with the peace and love of God, we need three things, the Holy Spirit, the need to be focussed and the need for friends to be with us all the time. I thought about this and decided that I agree with him.

Judith

SECRETARY'S NOTES NOVEMBER 2010 At the time of writing our Minister, Monica, has just been diagnosed with stomach cancer. We are shocked and saddened by this news and, as a Church, we will surround her and Peter with our love and prayers while supporting them as much as we can. It is going to be a hard time for them and for us all. All Services and Meetings will take place as booked but there may have to be changes in who leads worship or chairs meetings. We hope that everyone will “pull together” to support those who will take on extra responsibilities at this time. Please hold Monica and Peter in your prayers. Whatever happens our Lord will have them safely in His loving arms and will not let

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them go!

Due to a prior engagement, I will not be attending Synod this month and cannot collect your diaries and Prayer Handbooks. An added complication is that the URC Bookshop has closed in London. This means we need to order “on-line” (and you know what I think about computers!!) and Mary Ann has offered to order these items for you. Please let her know what you would

like, by the end of November. Diaries are £6.25 + p & p each,

available in red, green or black in soft cover and blue in hard cover or a set of insets. The Prayer Handbook is “still praying”, (when will they learn to use capital letters?) edited again by Susan Durber and priced at £5 + p & p. Alternatively, you can order your own on http://books.urc.org.uk

Sandra

BASICS BANK At the time of writing, all the Harvest Festival goods are flooding in to the Basics Bank. Tuesdays are especially busy as big and small cars packed to the gunwhales and mini-buses follow each other into the forecourt to unload. It is so good to see the shelves filling up and overflowing into boxes. The volunteers who've been carrying the goods down the side alley; checking dates; logging the things in; stacking the shelves and clearing the excess packaging, are to be congratulated and thanked heartily. They've done a brilliant job. Some days they've worked flat out for the two hours without even having time for a tea-break. By the time you read this we hope that all will be ''safely gathered in” and we'll have enough food etc. to last us into the New Year. Our thanks go, too, to the Churches and schools

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who've donated so generously. Some of the school children have sent their contributions in decorated boxes and baskets which have been nicely done and sent with their love. We were particularly touched by a note on some boxes of eggs which said “These eggs have been lovingly laid by Spotty, Dotty and Snowdrop. We hope you will enjoy this part of our harvest.” Aah!!

CHURCH FAMILY NEWS Our thoughts and prayers are with several folk who are ill, sad, anxious about themselves or a loved one or fearful. We pray that they will know our Lord's presence with them constantly and lovingly and will draw on His strength, comfort and power to heal and will feel His peace and hope in their hearts. We think, especially, of Monica and Peter, and all the family as Monica undergoes chemotherapy. We hold Pat Lilies in our prayers. She spent two weeks in Oakhaven Hospice and is now receiving nursing care in Bagshot so that she is nearer her daughters, Michelle and Jane, and the two little grandsons. On a happier note CONGRATULATIONS!!! to our esteemed treasurer, Gerry Copperi as he celebrates his 80th birthday on 14th November. Well done!! Enjoy the vast increase in your pension and don't spend it all at once. We take this opportunity to say 'Thank You' to Gerry for his tremendous commitment to our Church and for all his hard work with the finances and building matters. He will be handing over the Treasurer's role to Gill Wiseman at the next A.G.M. but I'm sure he won't be able to retire completely. We NEED him. God bless, Gerry.

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LYMINGTON URC DIARY

NOVEMBER 2010 EVERY WEDNESDAY the Prayer Group will meet in the Church from 9.15 a.m. until 10.00 a.m. Everyone welcome.

COFFEE MORNINGS

EVERY MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY, from 10.00 a.m.—12 noon, in the Open Door Café. On Tuesday 16th, Carers' Café.

EVERY SATURDAY, from 9.30 a.m.—11.30 a.m., in the hall.

SUNDAY WORSHIP

7th 10.15 a.m. Elders’ Prayer Time in Vestry 10.30 a.m. Worship including Communion led by Rev'd. Monica Mills* 14th 10.15 a.m. Elders’ Prayer Time in Vestry 10.45 a.m. Worship for Remembrance Sunday, led by Rev'd. Monica Mills* Note later time. 21st 10.15 a.m. Elders’ Prayer Time in Vestry 10.30 a.m. Worship led by Sandra Jackson followed by BYO lunch and Church Meeting 28th 10.15 a.m. Elders’ Prayer Time in Vestry 10.30 a.m. Worship for Advent Sunday, led by Rev'd. Monica Mills* 6.30 p.m. Solent Mead Service * Depending on Monica’s health

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EVERY WEEK there will be Junior Church and coffee/tea after the service.

OTHER EVENTS EVERY FIRST MONDAY OF THE MONTH, New Forest Disability Information Service Outreach Session in the Open Door Café, 10am to 12noon, with Jean Reece. EVERY THIRD WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH, Samaritans Service in the Open Door Café, 10am to 12noon, trained representatives will be available. EVERY 3RD SUNDAY OF THE MONTH, Cruse Bereavement Care New Forest are holding outreach sessions in the Open Door Café, 2.30pm to 4pm. Cruse New Forest is part of a national charity that provides information and support to anyone who has been bereaved (children, young people and adults), whenever or however the death occurred. The service, provided by trained volunteers, is confidential and free. Helpline: 01425 628375 Free Wi Fi connection to the internet available in the Open Door Cafe, Balcony and Main Hall areas. Just ask for the required password!

Sat. 6th 7.00 p.m. Salvation Army Concert, £5 including light refreshments. Proceeds to be shared between the Salvation Army and the Open Door Project. Tue. 9th 7.00 p.m. Elders’ meeting in O D Café. Wed.10th 7.30 p.m. CTLD AGM at St Thomas’ Speaker: Alistair Reid, Headmaster of Ballard School Everyone welcome, open meeting.

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Sat. 13th 10.00 a.m. Wessex Synod meets at High Cross URC, Camberley. Mon. 15th 7.30 p.m. United Prayer and Praise Fellowship meets at St. Thomas' led by URC Sat. 20th 9.30 a.m. CHRISTMAS FAYRE with Lymington Town Band in forecourt.

CLOSING DATE FOR DECEMBER/JANUARY 'OPEN DOOR’:

14th NOVEMBER

CHILDREN'S BIRTHDAY We wish a very Happy Birthday to Alex Brown who will be 7 on the 16th. Have a great day!!

ITS ON! THE CHRISTMAS LUNCH, ON CHRISTMAS DAY 2010 AT ST THOMAS’ CHURCH I have the great privilege to be putting together the 25th Christmas lunch in celebration of Christ's Birthday. This special event has been orchestrated over the years by two very remarkable people, Peter and Pru Nash. The work and dedication shown by Peter and Pru is truly amazing. I will be

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following Peters plan which is very detailed, as the saying goes "I don't want to re-invent the wheel". I will however be adding to it. I am approaching "Churches Together" so that the event will be ecumenical, in fact I already have had offers of help from that quarter. We will be privileged to entertain as our guests, those local folk who will be on their own at this time. They will enjoy a traditional lunch, followed by some musical entertainment; then see the Queen’s message to the nation; after this a cup of tea, some Christmas cake and a present from the Christmas tree, before returning home at 4.00pm. We are now starting to plan for that day and we need your help to ensure that we don't let our guests, whether new or regular, miss out on this friendly, welcoming, family occasion which means so much to them, as we know from past years. This will be the 25th year, since this event started! All those, who have helped the past, agree what a wonderfully fulfilling and fun activity it is and that everyone, guests and helpers, returns home in a really happy mood. We can normally expect to have about 50 guests, so, as a company, we number about 70 when we sit down to our meal.

We need help of all kinds - not on the actual day — and

helpers can be individuals or, as we've had some years, family groups. The task list covers ..... visiting invitees, transport on day, food preparation and cooking, washing up and many other tasks in the Hall the day before and on the day itself. We need your help, in any way you can. For your diary, the following dates have been booked for the Bethune Room:-

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MONDAY 1st NOVEMBER just those who have to take round invitations. MONDAY 6th DECEMBER - again for everyone, to co-ordinate the final list of invitees, arrange transport, finalise list of helpers/tasks on the day and confirm any final supply arrangements. All meetings listed, start promptly at 2.30pm. If anyone, who wishes to help, please make contact direct, preferably beforehand. We look forward to your wholehearted support and particularly urge new people to come and join us in this much appreciated, and for ALL concerned, enjoyable event.

Thank you, Mike Reynolds 01590679084

LIGHT FOR OUR PATH 2011 It’s that time of year again, and I shall soon be coming round to take orders for the IBRA’s “Light for our Path”, both from those who regularly take this annual publication of Bible reading notes and also from anyone else who would like to try these excellent and thought-provoking commentaries. Part of the text is printed within the notes for those who do not have a Bible to hand and there is also a short daily prayer. The cost is £8.50 for a whole year of Bible readings. I have a sampler for both “Light for our Path” and its sister publication “Word for Today” if you would like to try them before committing yourself. I also have the IBRA catalogue of other publications and Christmas cards if you would like to have a look.

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Please see me in Church, telephone me on 01590 644728 or email me on maryann.plovers@googlemail.com if you would like to order a copy.

Mary Ann

SEEN IN THE DAILY MAIL Millie Whitehead wonders do Mike and Jane realise what’s on offer at their hotel?

We wonder if this is really Jane’s bad typing or is it Mike’s novel attempt to increase bookings!

URC PRAYER HANDBOOK AND DIARIES If anyone would like to order URC Diaries at £6.25 each, in blue, red or green, please see me in Church, telephone me on 01590 644728, email me on

maryann.plovers@googlemail.com. I can also order the URC Prayer Handbook for 2011 “Still Praying” edited by Susan Durber, the Principal of Westminster College. This is a prayer resource with prayers for every Sunday throughout the Year, which I personally find invaluable.

Mary Ann

DECISIONS FROM THE CHURCH MEETING 19 SEPTEMBER 2010 Our church’s contribution to the MoM be increased by 2% in 2011; Regarding our bank cheques, the maximum amount fr a single signature be increased to £500; Our church will bear the cost of a glass partition on the balcony and CCTV installation (£4,250 plus VAT); £300 to be set aside for repair work to the boundary wall in the garden.

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Christmas Fayre 2010

Will take place on Saturday 20th November

2010 9.30am to 1.30pm

As usual Donations of nearly new/ good quality Bric-

a-Brac, Books, cosmetics, jewellery etc (no clothing)

are needed.

Also on the day any help will be

gratefully appreciated.

Let’s try and beat last year’s total

of £1,100!!!

Many thanks

June Copperi

PS. The Fundraising Committee would also be grate-

ful for prizes for their Tombola stall.

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Christmas Tree Festival 2010

Is taking place this year from

Wednesday 8th December to Sunday 12th

December 2010

The program is as follows:-

Opening Service at 12 midday on Wednesday by our

Minister Revd Monica Mills. Closing at 8.30pm.

Opening Times:

• Thursday/ Friday/ Saturday 10 am – 4pm

• Sunday 1pm to 4pm with closing Carol Service.

Once again we are asking for Volunteer Stewards for

a 2 hour shift during opening times. Also for the

Open Door Café opening during the Festival, with

light lunches between 12 – 2pm each day in the Hall

Please give your name to June Copperi if you can

help, either stewarding, Open Door Café or with

lunches.

Many thanks

June Copperi

OPEN DOOR FUNDRAISING

Forthcoming events:

We have an outline calendar of events for the year as follows:

• Salvation Army concert, Saturday, 6th November.

• Lymington Town Band, Saturday, 20th November, to

coincide with Christmas Fayre.

• Christmas Tree festival, 8th – 12th December.

• Lymington Town Band, Saturday, 11th December.

Our probable future events include another Wii Skittles eve-

ning on February 19th (by popular demand!), a St Patrick Day’s

lunch and another concert.

Please watch this space for details or listen for the notices.

Minister: Rev’d Monica Mills. Tel 01590 610522

Secretary: Sandra Jackson. Tel 01590 676306

Editorial Team: Wyn Davies. Tel 01425 616384 e-mail: WynBDavies@sky.com Church: Web site: http://www.lymurc.org.uk/ Tel 01590 676306 e-mail: adminurclym@btinternet.com

Basics Bank web site: http://www.basicsbank.org.uk/ Tel 01590 610008 e-mail: info@lymurc.org.uk

ROTAS FOR NOVEMBER COMMUNION SUNDAY: 7th COMMUNION ELDERS: Catherine and John. If you cannot do a particular date, please swap with someone to cover that date. DUTY ELDER READING IN CHURCH 7th Catherine Bowell Janice Perkins 14th Judith Baker Jenny Henderson 21st John Wideman Jill Haslett 28th Mary Ann Jardine John Wideman STEWARDS SOUND SYSTEM 7th Ann Longney Kate Noon Peter M 14th Vacancy Vacancy Peter R 21st David and Ann Hooper Jack 28th Norma and Mike Bell Wyn COFFEE MORNING ROTAS Saturday Sunday 6th Mary Ann Jardine 7th Ann Longney 13th Judith Baker 14th Ann Hooper 20th June Copperi 21st June Copperi 27th Ann Webber 28th Janice Perkins

PLEASE NOTE: This magazine is printed on paper from renewable sources out of our concern for the environment.