2. Copy for the November 2013 edition needs to be handed in by
Sunday, 13th October.
Please submit items in good time.
You can leave copy in the “B” Pigeon Hole for Richard Brown to collect,
or hand it directly to him on a Sunday morning.
You can also e-mail copy to richardmbrown6@gmail.com
Thank You. Editor
Principal Contacts
Minister: Rev. Sue Powell Tel: 020 8462 2212
Church Secretary: Mrs Mavis Righini Tel: 020 8462 1168
Fabric Steward Mr. Chris Wood Tel: 020 8462 2444
Treasurer: Mr. Simon Narracott Tel: 020 8462 2004
Lettings Secretary: Mrs Undine Connolly Tel: 020 8776 0108
Caretaker: Mr. Ian Jones Tel: 020 8313 1556
Church Website www.hayesfreechurch.com
Catalyst
Editor: Mr Richard Brown
Contents : - Items not covered by the diary of events.
HAYES FREE CHURCH
111, Pickhurst Lane, Hayes, Kent BR2 7HU
Sunday Services. 10.30 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.
We are a member of the United Reformed Church.
We believe in Justice and Peace.
This month’s website: -
This time, we are looking at Christian Prison Resources. This website has
been chosen in connection with the evening service on 27th October.
The website is www.christianprisonresources.org.uk
Now, turn to Page 16 for more details....... Ed
Sunday Services; Quotes 2
Church Notices 3 - 5
Hayes Community Minibus
Trust 6 & 17
Potato Chips 7
Christmas Fair &
Christmas Card Sale 8
Catalyst Needs You 9
Notice Board 10 - 11
Christmas Tree Festival 13
Stop Press; When 2 or 3.....;
The Way things once were 14
Autumn Fair - W. Wickham 15
Website of the Month 16
Communities 20
Church Organisations I B C
3. 1
Letter from the Minister
Dear Friends,
Harvest is here, and what a lot we have to be
thankful for.
We are blessed with such an abundance of food –
and such variety. I happily eat things that were never seen when I grew
up: Kiwi fruit, pawpaws, avocados… and I’m sure you’ll remember many
more. I suspect there may be other foods we have not seen or tried,
and the possibility that there might be other flavours to enhance our
food is amazing! Our diet has changed over the years, although not
always for the better.
Sometimes, as people come into church for Baptisms or Weddings or
Funerals, little seeds are sown; seeds of faith that can be watered and
fed by life and the questions it poses; little seeds that God will grow
over time.
Although our understanding of church may remain the same, the flavours
and types of services have changed over the years, and people come into
church not at all sure what to expect or how to be. It is our job to help
them experience a ‘new food’, the ‘new food’ of faith. What a
difference it can make to them if we serve it at the right temperature
and with warmth and care and love on our faces. We have such an
opportunity to share and encourage others at those moments.
We already have an abundance of faith to give thanks for, let us all try
to share that bountiful harvest of faith with all those who come
through the doors of our church.
For as Matthew 25 reminds us: ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father,
inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me
drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me...’
Let us welcome the stranger!
4. 2
Sunday Services
Some notes on the visiting preachers.
v Keith Nye is a reader from the Parish Church of St Mary’s, Bromley.
v John Cox is an Anglican lay reader from Bromley.
v Rev. David Fortune is the Director of Ministry from Christian Prison
Resources.
October 2013
6th
10.30 am - Morning Service - Keith Nye
6.30 pm - Holy Communion - The Minister
13th
10.30 am - Harvest Parade - The Minister
6.30 pm - Evening Service - The Minister
20th
10.30 am - Morning Service - John Cox
6.30 pm - Evening Service - The Minister
27th
10.30 am - Holy Communion - The Minister
6.30 pm - Evening Service - Rev. David Fortune
An Inspirational Quote
Nobody gets through life without losing someone they love, someone
they need, or something they thought was meant to be. But it is these
losses that make us stronger and eventually move us toward future
opportunities.
Ritu Ghatourey
"I know this world is ruled by infinite intelligence.
Everything that surrounds us, everything that
exists, proves that there are infinite laws
behind it. There can be no denying this fact.
It is mathematical in its precision."
Thomas Alva Edison
5. 3
News of the Church Family
Announcements are welcome :-
BMD - Changes of address, etc.
Announcements
v I would like to thank you all for your kind words,
cards and letters following the death of my
mother.
Your care and concern have been wonderful, and very much
appreciated.
Sue
v I would like to thank all those who sent cards or phoned following
my hip operation. I also much appreciated the lovely bunch of
flowers I received from the Church after the Sunday evening
service. Thank you too to those who gave me lifts to various
appointments and did shopping for me. It was all most helpful.
I am making good progress and hope to be back with you in
Church soon.
Ruth White
Contact details updated
v Martin Nunn’s email should read martin.baec@hotmail.co.uk.
v Eric Hitch email address is erichitch@tiscali.co.uk
v Miss Wendy Smith, 1 Crest Road, Bromley BR2 7JA. Tel: 8462 1779.
v Dorothy Sandy’s telephone number is 8462 6705
Your prayers would be appreciated for: -
Marjorie Curry, Ruth Rees, and Jessie Martin.
Church Meetings
The next Elders’ meetings will be on Tuesday 1st October and Tuesday
5th November at 8.00 pm in the small hall.
The next Church meeting will be on Sunday 27th October at 12.00
noon after the morning service. *** LMMR will be discussed. ***
Women's Contact Group
The Contact Group will meet at 8.00pm on Monday the 7th of October
at Barbara Jones‘s home,133 Pickhurst Lane. Then on the 4th of
November at Jean Ritchie’s home, 25 Burford Road, Bickley.
Sylvia Mack
Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth,
faithfulness the best relationship.
Buddha
6. 4
Tuesday Prayer Meetings for October
Held at 10.00am at the following homes:-
1st Betty Coster’s. 8th Martin Nunn’s.
15th Brenda Cordingley’s. 22nd The Church.
29th Martin Nunn’s
Then in November: -
5th Martin Nunn’s.
Please address any queries to Martin Nunn.
Saturday Fellowship
The next meeting will be on the 5th of October at 2.30pm at Barbara
Jones’ home. Martin Nunn will be leading a Bible Study. You are
welcome to join us.
Men's Group
We will NOT be meeting in October.
Ministry of Flowers
Thank you to those who will be providing flowers in October 2013
A big thank you to those who kindly arrange the flowers when needed.
After the Sunday evening services, the flowers are distributed to
members and friends, bringing joy to the recipients.
Mavis Righini
Hayes Mothers’ & Toddlers’ Club
We welcome all babies and children under school age, accompanied
by their parents, grandparents or carers, to our club on Friday
afternoons between 2 and 4pm during term time. The fee is £1 per
family – tea, squash and biscuits are provided.
This is a time when adults can meet up, while the children in their care
are busy playing with toys and activities in the company of other
children.
On October 18th the photographer- Sue Fitzgerald- is booked to
come to the club.
Our half term is on November 1st.
We look forward to seeing you.
Judith Stoner - Secretary.
6th - Win Browne 13th - Barbara Jones
20th - David and Undine Connolly -
i.m.o. Undine’s mother
27th - Elizabeth and Alistair Wilson
7. 5
Bible Study Group
The Bible Study group meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each
month at 2.30pm in the small hall.
Worship Group
The Wednesday Reflections Group meets at 6.30pm on the 4th
Wednesday of each month.
Linda Michie
Notice Sheets - October & 1st Sunday in November
6th Brenda Cordingley 8462 3867
13th Brenda Cordingley
20th Pam Collison 8658 0748
27th Pam Collison
November
3rd Joan Smith 8462 3920
If you require items to be included in the notice sheets, please
contact the appropriate person by the previous Tuesday.
Women's Fellowship
Meetings are in the small hall at 2.00 p.m., unless otherwise stated,
on Tuesdays and finish about 3.30 p.m.
The October meetings will be: -
1st Musical Interludes
8th Our encounters with Royalty!
15th Anniversary Service and Tea
22nd Richard III – The King Lost and Found
29th Coney Hall Women’s Fellowship Tea
Then on: -
5th November Hedgehogs!
MINI-AMBULANCE
Members who use the mini-ambulance are asked to phone
Marion Swanborough on 8462 3981 by 9.00 am on any Tuesday when
they are unable to come to the meetings.
As always, we welcome all ladies to our meetings. Please come along for a
pleasant afternoon. We do have a very varied programme with plenty to
interest everyone.
Sue & Marion
8. 6
Women’s Contact Coffee Morning
We will be holding a coffee morning in the Small Hall
from 10.00am to 12.00 on the 12th of October, 2013.
We are continuing to raise monies to contribute to disaster
relief funds in different parts of the world.
We hope to see you at the Coffee Mornings, and why not bring a
friend?
Please note that the monies raised from the coffee mornings are
separate from those raised through the refreshments trolley after
Sunday morning services.
Barbara Jones
The Fairtrade Sunday Stall
We hold a fair trade stall after the morning service on the 2nd and 4th
Sunday of each month.
In October the stall will be held on the 13th and 27th.
You will find new lines on the stall, including some “stocking fillers” as a
foretaste of what will be on the Christmas Card Fair stall.
Please continue to support your fair trade stall. Thank you.
Richard and Barbara.
Hayes Community Minibus Trust
I have decided to include in Catalyst the July minutes of the above
trust. (See Page 17) The reasons are: -
1. I recognise the good work undertaken by the late Les Mollison, our
past treasurer.
2. I introduce our new treasurer, Richard Dovey, who approached me
and offered his services as Treasurer. Richard is a full time working
accountant and is also treasurer for Beckenham Rotary Club.
3. To advise you that Andrew Mack, the son of Laurie and Sylvia, has
offered his services to audit the accounts. Andrew is a qualified full
time working accountant. We are very grateful for both of the
above who have offered their services without any contact from
myself.
4. To thank Alan Farrer from Hayes Parish Church for his hard work as
Acting Treasurer following Les Mollison’s illness and subsequent
death.
John Moren
Chairman.
9. 7
Potato Chips
A little boy wanted to meet God. He knew it was a long trip to where
God lived, so he packed his suitcase with a bag of potato chips and
a six-pack of root beer and started his journey.
When he had gone about three blocks, he met an old man. He was
sitting in the park, just staring at some pigeons. The boy sat down
next to him and opened his suitcase. He was about to take a drink
from his root beer when he noticed that the old man looked hungry,
so he offered him some chips. He gratefully accepted it and smiled
at him.
His smile was so pretty that the boy wanted to see it again, so he
offered him a root beer. Again, he smiled at him. The boy was
delighted!
They sat there all afternoon eating and smiling, but they never said a
word.
As twilight approached, the boy realized how tired he was and he got
up to leave; but before he had gone more than a few steps, he
turned around, ran back to the old man, and gave him a hug. He
gave him his biggest smile ever...
When the boy opened the door to his own house a short time later, his
mother was surprised by the look of joy on his face. She asked him,
"What did you do today that made you so happy?"
He replied, "I had lunch with God." But before his mother could
respond, he added, "You know what? He's got the most beautiful
smile I've ever seen!"
Meanwhile, the old man, also radiant with joy, returned to his home.
His son was stunned by the look of peace on his face and he asked,
"dad, what did you do today that made you so happy?"
He replied "I ate potato chips in the park with God." However, before
his son responded, he added, "You know, he's much younger than I
expected."
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind
word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of
caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. People
come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime! Embrace all
equally!
Have lunch with God.......bring chips.
10. 8
For more information about these events, please contact
the organisers: -
Pamela Collison for the Charity Christmas Card Sale
Chris Wood for the Christmas Fair
11. 9
Catalyst Needs You!
This page will be kept for YOUR contributions - NOTHING ELSE will go on this page.
Hopefully, you will be inspired to share some summertime stories.
Views of
Jean Haddon’s garden.
12. 10
NOTICE
Mission Tea
On Saturday, 19th October 2013
From 4.00 pm - 7.00 pm
The speaker will be
Matthew Moren-Ellis
His subject will be
The Work of the Mission today.
Tickets are available from
Martin Nunn
or
Brenda Cordingley
at £3.00 per head.
HARVEST LUNCH
13 OCTOBER 2013
You are invited to
a friendly, hot, 3 course lunch
which will take place
in the small hall
after our celebration of Harvest
at the morning service
in the Church.
There will be a charge of £5
in aid of Church Funds
Please bring your own drinks..
If you have any dietary requests,
please contact
Margaret Tannock
who will be happy to help.
13. 11
BOARD
Jewellery & Boxes
It is that time of year again when I ask you
to look out any priceless pieces of
jewellery, or even just the box it is lying in,
for my stall at the Christmas Fair.
All types of jewellery are acceptable - no
diamond is too small!
Dig out those boxes as well.
Thank you
Barbara
AMELODY
OF FLOWERS
Brockley Road, Brockley SE4 2SA
St. Andrew’s United Reformed Church
St.Andrew’s United Reformed Church presents a
Floral Demonstration
By Graham Harmer, S.F.Dip,
Florist & Chelsea Gold Medalist
Assisted by June Ford and the Choir of St.Andrew’s
Saturday, 12 thOctober 2013 at 6.30pm
Light refreshments sponsored by the Co-op Funeral Directors
Tickets: £10 for adults : £8 for children over 16
available from: Shirley Rochester on 020 8690 2198
or 0794 646 7555
and on the door
Some floral designs created that evening will be in a raffle.
All Proceeds to ChristianAid
14. 12
ROTARY CLUB OF LANGLEY PARK & DEAF ACCESS
Saturday 26th October
2013
10.00 a.m. – 3.00 p.m.
AT
HAYES FREE CHURCH
PICKHURST LANE
HAYES
KENT
LUNCHES & REFRESHMENTS AVAILABLE
Interested table holders – tables available D P Connolly.
Tel: 020 8776 0108.
ENTRANCE £1.00
Sponsored by: - Ennis-Webb & Co. Solicitors, Wills, Probate, Tax & Trusts
Elite House, 155 Main Road, Biggin Hill, Kent TN16 3JP
tel. 01959 577000
15. 13
HAYES FREE CHURCH
CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL
IN AID OF KENT ASSOCIATION
FOR THE BLIND
FROM FRIDAY 29th NOVEMBER to SUNDAY 8th DECEMBER
The Festival will be open each day from 2.00 pm from December 2 to December 7.
The Church will be open at service times each Sunday (10.30 am and 6.30 pm)
Admission charges: -
THE SNOWMAN - Children £2.00
Adults £4.00
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE -
Adults £4.00
CHRISTMAS QUIZ - £2.00 per Person
(Bring your own drinks & nibbles)
Tables of 8. Form a team or we will
make up a team if you are on your own.
Programme of Entertainment for the Festival
November
Friday 29th Opening Concert 7.30 pm
Saturday 30th Film The Snowman
Followed by Tea for Children
2.30 pm
Saturday 30th Film It’s a Wonderful Life
James Stewart and Donna Reed
7.30 pm
December
Sunday 1st Pickhurst Junior School 6.30 pm
Monday 2nd Bishop Justus School 7.30 pm
Tuesday 3rd The Allegri Singers 7.30 pm
Wednesday 4th Wandle Ringers 7.30 pm
Thursday 5th Orpington Rock Choir 7.30 pm
Friday 6th Christmas Quiz 7.30 pm
Saturday 7th Beckenham Concert Band 7.45 pm
Sunday 8th Churches Together in Hayes with musical
accompaniment by the musicians from
Hayes School
6.30 pm
All money raised will go to
the Kent Association for
the Blind
HAYES FREE CHURCH
111, Pickhurst Lane
Bromley BR2 7HU
www.hayesfreechurch.com
Tickets for the films and quiz from John Curry Tel: 020 8249 3663
Cheques should be made payable to: -
HAYES FREE CHURCH TREE APPEAL
16. 14
Humpty Dumpty
The words first appeared in the late 18th century and the tune in 1870.
There are several theories as to what Humpty Dumpty was. One
suggests that it was actually the nickname of a cannon used on the
walls of Colchester by the Royalists during the Civil War. It was used
to repel the Parliamentarian forces attacking the town, but was
eventually blown up and came crashing down – never to be put
back together again.
The way things once were
What did those nursery rhymes mean?
We have been looking at this for the past year.
A new theme starts next month.
Do you have any ideas for a theme for the next 12 months of “the way
things once were”?
Then, please speak out before the November edition press date.
Are there any suggestions? Editor
When 2 or 3 are gathered....
..... Stop Press
Chris and Gilly Wood were interviewed on Premier Radio regarding
how they had coped and how their lives had changed since Gilly
had a brain tumour removed 2 years ago.
The broadcast was on Sunday 15 September
They had been to Torch Trust in Sussex for a weekend which both of
them found helpful. They didn’t know which part of the programme
they would appear on and were surprised when the WHOLE
programme of 15 minutes was devoted to them!
17. 15
CANCER RESEARCH UK
The West Wickham Committee Annual
AUTUMN FAIR
with Crafts Stalls and
Combined Charities Christmas Card Sale
SATURDAY 26TH
OCTOBER 2013
EMMANUEL CHURCH HALLS,
THE GROVE, WEST WICKHAM
10.00 AM. - 2.30 PM.
Entrance : 50p
Children Free
RAFFLE TO BE DRAWN AT 2PM
18. 16
Website of the Month
Christian Prison Resources
(Wording taken from the website.)
Latest News
CPR believes that every Christian organisation should seek to do ALL
as the Bible directs. We attempt to build our work, lives and practice
on the Bible. In so doing we expect Christ's blessing. It causes
fulfilment and contentment (though is no excuse for resting on our
laurels, if any!) By His grace alone, as a group and as individuals, we
seek 'to press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God
in Christ Jesus.'
Our-Board members, Brian Edwards, John Temple, Timothy Laurence,
Sean Willis and David Fortune are completely committed to those
spiritual ideals as they seek to lead a charity to resource prisons. But
the word "charity" must sometimes strikes fear into any church
leader’s heart! Churches seem the constant ‘target’ of the attention
of charities involved in mission. But, following the Bible, could we be
going about this the wrong way? Should not a mission reciprocate it's
blessings? The early apostles of course did this many times over – by
giving us the New Testament.
We are here to help build the church of Christ, not to drain churches.
We want to encourage you, not to discourage you. Though CPR is a
charity we are not looking for handouts! One of our supporting goals
is to help to build the church wherever it is and also where it isn't – to
make Christ known. ........
We are here to build you NOT drain you; encourage you NOT
discourage you. Though CPR is a charity we are not looking for
handouts! Our goal is to build the church where ever it is and where it
isn't – to make Christ known. We want you to freely use*, for Christ's
glory, any material we produce in the downloads section.
The mission of Christian Prison Resources is to assist prisoners and
detainees in Prisons, Youth Offenders Institutions and Immigration
Removal Centres to trust in Christ, deepen their Christian faith, and
walk with Him in such a way that it causes all relationships to be
profoundly changed for the better. This reflects the Bible’s teaching
on relationships. A significant part of the ministry of CPR is also to assist
prison chaplains in their work. To support this, CPR is involved in raising
the profile of prison ministry among Christian leaders, congregations
and individual Christians.
19. 17
HAYES COMMUNITY MINIBUS TRUST
TRUSTEE MEETING ON THURSDAY 18 JULY 2013 AT 10.00 A.M.
Present: John Moren (JM), Allan Evison (AE) Alan Farrer (AF) and
Richard Dovey (RD) in attendance
The meeting commenced with an introduction by JM giving the reason
for the meeting, viz. the sad death of our Treasurer and Trustee, Les
Mollison. Tributes to him were made by JM, AE and AF. A short
silence was held followed by a prayer from AF.
The main purpose of the meeting was to elect a new Treasurer and
Trustee and in this respect we asked RD to attend the meeting. RD,
having confirmed his agreement to act as Treasurer, was duly elected
with AF proposing and JM seconding and AE also in favour. RD also
confirmed his willingness to become a Trustee. It was also agreed
that RD and AE be made authorised signatories for the accounts held
with Barclays Bank and National Savings and Investments.
We then discussed all that required attention to update our records
with those companies with whom we deal. These include Barclays
Bank, National Savings and Investments, The Charity Commission
and the company through whom we pay the fuel bills. AF will
obtain and complete forms for the first two whilst RD said he would
inform the last two. We will also have to advise the minibus insurers.
Discussions then ensued regarding the charge made to users of the
minibus and whether this should be increased. It was agreed that no
change would be made at present. However RD suggested he
conducted an exercise to ascertain whether or not there should be
an increase at some time in the future
JM advised that there were some new drivers of the minibus and also
some standing down so it was agreed that a new list be completed
and sent to the minibus insurers.
A copy of the AGM Minutes of 5 March 2012 was given to RD whilst
copies of the draft Accounts for the two years ended 3 March 2013
were given to JM, AE and RD. These had been prepared by AF in his
capacity as Acting Treasurer following Les Mollison's illness and
subsequent death.
JM wondered whether we could claim Gift Aid relief in respect of
donations made and RD said he would look into this matter when he
took over the books. In this latter respect AF said he would meet
with RD again shortly to explain all that had to be done. This will be
following completion of the forms referred to previously.
The meeting closed at 11.20 a.m. with thanks to all present.
20. 18
October 2013
1st Tue
10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 4
2.00 pm - Women’s Fellowship Page 5
8.00 pm - Elders’ Meeting Page 3
2nd Wed
3rd Thu
4th Fri 2.00 pm - Mothers’ & Toddlers’ Club Page 4
5th Sat 2.30 pm - Saturday Fellowship Page 4
6th Sun
10.30 am - Morning Service - Keith Nye
6.30 pm - Holy Communion - The Minister
7th Mon 8.00 pm - Women’s Contact Group Page 3
8th Tue 10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 4
2.00 pm - Women’s Fellowship Page 5
9th Wed
10th Thu 2.30 pm - Bible Study Group Page 5
11th Fri 2.00 pm - Mothers’ & Toddlers’ Club Page 4
12th Sat 10.00 am - Women’s Contact Coffee Morning Page 6
13th Sun
10.30 am - Harvest Parade - The Minister
Followed by Fairtrade stall Page 6
12.30 pm - Harvest Lunch Page 10
6.30 pm - Evening Service - The Minister
14th Mon
15th Tue 10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 4
2.00 pm - Women’s Fellowship Page 5
16th Wed
17th Thu
18th Fri 2.00 pm - Mothers’ & Toddlers’ Club Page 4
19th Sat 4.00 pm - Mission Tea Page 10
20th Sun
10.30 am - Morning Service - John Cox
6.30 pm - Evening Service - The Minister
21st Mon
21. 19
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
9th Nov 10.30 am - 2.30 pm - Christmas Fair & Charity Card Fair
24th Nov 12.00 Noon - Church Meeting
29th Nov - 8th Dec Christmas Tree Festival
November 2013
1st Fri
2nd Sat
3rd Sun
10.30 am - Morning Service
6.30 pm - Holy Communion
October 2013
22nd Tue 10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 4
2.00 pm - Women’s Fellowship Page 5
23rd Wed 6.30 pm - Worship Group Page 5
24th Thu 2.30 pm - Bible Study Group Page 5
25th Fri 2.00 pm - Mothers’ & Toddlers’ Club Page 4
26th Sat 10.00 am - Antique & Collectors Fair Page 12
27th Sun
Back to Church Sunday
BST Ends
10.30 am - Holy Communion - The Minister
Followed by Fairtrade stall Page 6
12.00 Noon - Church Meeting Page 3
6.30 pm - Evening Service - Rev. David Fortune
28th Mon
29th Tue
10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 4
2.00 pm - Women’s Fellowship Page 5
30th Wed
31st Thu
22. 20
Communities
The sense of belonging to a community, whether it’s our church,
neighbourhood or a hobby or interest group, rarely comes instantly. It
normally develops over time and fluctuates depending on our sense of
connection with other people, experiences we have in that community
(either positive or negative) and the degree to which we feel we can be
ourselves.
In my experience, one of the things that most builds a sense of community is
shared experience. Doing things together and having a shared goal
naturally draws people together.
I recall once being part of a team that organised an event for One World
Week, a programme of educational events on world development issues.
We were members of different churches in the same town who had never
met before but came together to plan and hold an event for the local
community. I felt a strong sense of community with this group even though
we didn’t know each other well. We had a common purpose and all
contributed in our own way to the success of the day. In short, we were all
involved.
This was an interesting lesson for me. Involvement seems to be key. To feel
part of a community, we need to feel involved. Our voice needs to be
heard, we need to make a contribution. In churches we often feel passive
because we are not truly involved, we are not able to use our gifts, and our
opinion is not sought.
This exercise helps you to look at your own experience of community. It is
based on a chapter from Spirituality Workbook by David Runcorn and a
chapter from Simplicity, Love & Justice by James Odgers. To do the exercise
you’ll need a sheet of paper and three different coloured felt tips or pens.
Write down your answers to the questions.
1. Make a list of the different communities and groups you belong to. Beside
each one write the demands and responsibilities upon you. In a different
coloured pen, write the qualities (good and bad) of each community or
group. Then in a third colour write down the feelings you most commonly
experience in each community/group.
2. Reflect for a few minutes on the list you have written. Do you want to
relate differently within any of these communities or groups? Be more
involved or less? Where do you see God at work in these communities?
3. What do you want from community life that you’re not finding at the
moment? Could you do anything to change things?
4. What for you would make your church a more fulfilling community to be a
part of?
5. What would your ideal community be like? What would it look and feel like
to live in?
David Hawthorn
23. CHURCH ORGANISATIONS
Day Organisation Contact Phone
Sunday
10.25am Sunday Club Mike Duke 8462 5103
Weekdays
9.15 -12.15pm
12.15 -12.45pm
Pre School Group
P/School lunch club
Jayne Carvell 07913 299773
Monday
5.45pm Brownies Sarah Humphrey 8249 9982
6.30pm Cubs Brenda Petts 8325 3956
8.00pm - 1st Women's Contact
Group
Sylvia Mack 8462 1938
Tuesday
10.00am Prayer Meeting Martin Nunn 8462 5918
2.00pm Women's Fellowship Sue Powell 8462 2212
7.00pm Scouts Paul Hasling 3236 0083
Wednesday
3.30pm - 4th Messy Church Sue Powell 8462 2212
5.00pm Rainbows Jenny Longman 07730 574962
6.00pm Beavers Brenda Petts 8325 3956
6.30pm - 4th Reflections Group Bill Michie 8658 4167
8.00pm Explorers Tom Strachan 07745 813 295
Thursday
2.30pm - 2nd,
& 4th
Bible Study Sue Powell 8462 2212
5.30pm Brownies Stevie Blair. 8325 3469
7.15 - 8.45pm Senior Guides Georgina Chappell 07983 471308
8.00pm - 3rd Men's Group Bruce Tannock 8325 6264
Friday
9.00 - 12.00pm Coffee morning during term times
2.00pm Mothers & Toddlers Judith Stoner 8462 3023
6.30pm Guides Teresa Cheyne 8777 6042
Saturday
2.30pm - 1st Saturday Fellowship Martin Nunn 8462 5918
NOTE: - Some of the organisations meet once or twice per month.
This is indicated by 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th. The numbers relate to which
week day of the month, NOT the calendar date.
24. Final Thought
Walk lightly
Each leaf, each petal,
each grain, each person,
sings your praises,
Creator God.
Each creature on the earth,
all the mountains and great seas
show your glory,
Spirit of love.
And yet the hand of greed
has patented and plundered
your splendour,
has taken and not shared
your gift,
has lived as owner of the earth,
not guest.
And so
the ice is cracked
the rivers dry,
the valleys flooded
and the snowcaps melt.
God our Father, show us
how to step gently,
how to live simply,
how to walk lightly
with respect and love
for all that you have made.
Amen
Linda Jones/CAFOD
