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Transcript of 2014 jul aug

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Catalyst

July - August 2014

THE MAGAZINE OFHAYES FREE CHURCH (U.R.C.)

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Copy for the September 2014 edition needs to be handed in bySunday, 17th August.

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 [email protected]

Thank You. Editor

Principal ContactsMinister: Rev. Sue Powell Tel: 020 8462 2212Church Secretary: Mrs Mavis Righini Tel: 020 8462 1168Fabric Steward Currently vacant Tel:Treasurer: Mr. Simon Narracott Tel: 020 8462 2004Lettings Secretary: Mrs Undine Connolly Tel: 020 8776 0108Caretaker: Mr. Ian Jones Tel: 020 8313 1556Church Website www.hayesfreechurch.comCatalystEditor: Mr Richard Brown

Contents : - Items not covered by the diary of events.

HAYES FREE CHURCH111, Pickhurst Lane, Hayes, Kent BR2 7HUSunday 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: -The website of the month is McCabe. Members have been on

pilgrimages led by Past HFC ministers and members. We are goingto see the work they do behind the scenes.Here is the web address: mccabe-travel.co.uk

Now, turn to Page 16 for more details. Ed

Sunday Services; Unused saying. 2Church Notices 3 - 5Notes on preachers 3Cartoon 5Bible Society update 6 - 7Things never heard in Church 7Sunday AM donations; A Joke 8Catalyst Needs You! 9Saints Days in July 10 - 11Catalyst meaning etc 11

Notice Board 12 - 13Sue’s Sabbatical 14Junior Church; Thanks from Jim 15Website of the month 16Saints’ days in August 17Year to Kneel 18Christmas Tree Festival & KAB 19 - 20The way things once were 20 - 21Diary dates; Thought for today 24Church Organisations I B C

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Letter from the Minister

Dear Friends,

I do enjoy the Snoopy cartoons, and one of myfavourites is of Snoopy lying on the grass on abeautiful sunny day and his thought bubblereads: “It is good to rest with God for a while”. As the weatherwarms it is good for us all to ‘rest with God for a while’.

Summer months often bring a time of rest and relaxation, whethergoing on holiday or spending time in the garden; the warmthencourages us to take time away from the humdrum of life and toget out into the world – sometimes in new and exciting ways. Weare indeed fortunate to be able to do so.

Part of my sabbatical will be spent on retreat (they call it a 25,000mile service for serving ministers!) and I will be taking time to restand relax amid the studying.

It is so important for us all to find time to rest with God for awhile; it is in times of rest that we are encouraged and upheld inGod’s love as He gently reminds us of His plans for us; it is in timesof rest we find again the renewal of courage and steadfastnessthat we need to be God’s people in this place.

As we look forward to the summer months and the joy that theybring, let us also look to God for the rest and renewal each of usneed in our lives. Then we will be more fully prepared for what Godasks of each of us.

May we all find time for rest and relaxation, and most importantlyof all – find time for God.

NB Details of Sue’s Sabbatical can be found on page 14.

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Sunday Services

Some notes on the visiting preachersare on the next page.

July 20146th 10.30 am - Morning Service - Major Cliff Kent

6.30 pm - Holy Communion - The Minister

13th 10.30 am - Parade Service - Margaret Smith with puppet 6.30 pm - Evening Service -

20th 10.30 am - Morning Service (ABCD) - Alison Driscoll 6.30 pm - Evening Service - The Minister

27th 10.30 am - Holy Communion - The Minister 6.30 pm - Evening Service - Judy Davies

September 2014

7th 10.30 am - Morning Service - Geoff Larcombe 6.30 pm - Holy Communion - The Minister

August 2014

3rd 10.30 am - Morning Service - Jim Holman 6.30 pm - Holy Communion - The Minister

10th 10.30 am - Morning Service - Bill Michie 6.30 pm - Evening Service - Mike Tinson

17th 10.30 am - Morning Service - John Cox 6.30 pm - Evening Service - The Minister

24th 10.30 am - Holy Communion - The Minister 6.30 pm - Evening Service - Judy Davies

31st 10.30 am - Morning Service - The Minister 6.30 pm - Evening Service - The Minister

THINGS YOU NEVER HEAR IN CHURCH:I was so enthralled, I never noticed that your sermon went over time

by 25 minutes.

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News of the Church FamilyAnnouncements are welcome :-BMD - Changes of address, etc.

Your prayers would be appreciated for: -Jim Pearson, Mike Duke, Ruth Rees, Jessie Martin,

and Helen Hebbes.

Church MeetingsThe next Elders’ meeting will be on Tuesday, 1st July at 8.00 pm in thesmall hall.

The next Church meeting, will be on Sunday 27th July at 12.00 noon –after the morning service.

There will be NO Church or Elders’ meetings in August.

v Major Cliff Kent belongs to the Regent Hall Branch of TheSalvation Army (the only church in Oxford Street, London). Hewas formerly from the Thornton Heath branch of The SalvationArmy. He has conducted Sunday worship at HFC on manyoccasions.

v Mrs. Margaret Smith is a Methodist Lay Preacher. She has ledservices at HFC on a number of occasions. This time, she will beaccompanied by a puppet.

v Alison Driscoll is a Methodist local preacher. This will be her firstservice with HFC. Are you curious what an 'ABCD' service isabout? Then come along and find out!

v Judy Davies gave a talk about Beatrix Potter to the Women’sFellowship in May.

v Jim Holman is a Methodist preacher. He has conducted servicesat HFC in the past.

v Bill Michie is well known to us all. He is a Lay Preacher at HFC.v Mike Tinson is a Methodist preacher. He has conducted services

at HFC in the past.v John Cox is known to us, having conducted services at HFC in

the past.v Revd Geoff Larcombe is a local representative from the Bible

Society. He has taken services at HFC in the past.

Some notes on the visiting preachers.

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Women's Contact GroupWe will be meeting at 8.00 pm on the 7th of July at Judith Stoner's home –

113, Bourne Way. We will NOT be meeting in August.On the 1st of September, we will meet at Janet Moren’s home - 48,Woodlea Drive.

Sylvia MackTuesday Prayer Meetings for July (NO meetings in August)Held at 10.00am at the following homes:- 1st Martin Nunn’s. 8th Betty Coster’s. 15th Brenda Cordingley’s. 22nd The Church. 29th Martin Nunn’sThen in September: - 2nd Martin Nunn’s.Please address any queries to Martin Nunn.

Saturday FellowshipWe will NOT be meeting in July and August.The September meeting will be on the 6th at 2.30pm atBarbara Jones’ home.Martin Nunn will be leading a Bible Study. You are welcome to join us.

Men's GroupThe next Men’s Group meeting will be on Thursday 17 July at 8.00 pmwhen there will be a BBQ at the Mounthurst site and will be organisedby Andy Luck. We will NOT be meeting in August.

Ministry of FlowersThank you to those who will be providing flowers in July and August.

A big thank you to those who kindly arrange the flowers when needed.After the Sunday evening services, the flowers are distributed tomembers and friends, bringing joy to the recipients.Mavis Righini

July6th - Wedding 13th - Sue Powell20th - Colin Righini 27th - The Hotten familyAugust3rd - Teresa and Malcolm Cheyne 10th -17th - 24th - Barbara Jones31st - Denise Benbow

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Hayes Mothers’ & Toddlers’ ClubWe welcome all babies and children under school age, accompanied

by their parents, grandparents or carers, to our club on Fridayafternoons between 2 and 4pm during term time. The fee is £1 perfamily – tea, squash and biscuits are provided. This is a time whenadults can meet up, while the children in their care are busy playingwith toys and activities in the company of other children.

Our last meeting for the Summer term is on July 11th.We will meet again for the Autumn term on September 12th.Please see centre pages for a notice about the group.We look forward to seeing you.Judith Stoner - Secretary.

Bible Study GroupThe Bible Study group meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of eachmonth at 2.30pm in the small hall. We will NOT be meeting in August.

Worship GroupThe Wednesday Reflections Group meets at 6.30pm on the 4thWednesday of each month. NOTE we will NOT be meeting in August.Linda MichieBook ClubWe meet on the first Thursday of the month at 8.00pm in the small hall.NOTE we will NOT be meeting in August.Sue PowellNotice Sheets – July (No notice sheets during August) July 6th Daphne Cummings 8777 2487

13th & 20th Brenda Cordingley 8462 386727th Pam Collison 8658 0748

If you require items to be included in the notice sheets, pleasecontact the appropriate person by the previous Tuesday.

From the Daily Mail of 2nd August 2008

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Women's Fellowship

M eetings are in the small hall at 2.00 p.m., unless otherwise stated,on Tuesdays and finish about 3.30 p.m.

The July meetings will be: - 1st Christine Pope – Poetry to tickle your fancy 8th Tea at Betty Coster’s with Bring and Buy 15th Tootswood Singers22nd Lunch at 1pm followed by short service

We will then take a break until September. Details for the September programme to be announced in

September’s Catalyst.

MINI-AMBULANCEMembers who use the mini-ambulance are asked to phone

Marion Swanborough on 8462 3981 by 9.00 am on any Tuesday when theyare unable to come to the meetings.

As always, we welcome all ladies to our meetings. Please come along for apleasant afternoon. We do have a very varied programme with plenty tointerest everyone.

Sue & Marion

Bible Society update-----------------------

Does the recent news sadden and concern you?

There is hope, and at the Bible Society meeting on Monday 16th Junethat Martin & I attended the hope, help and peace that God giveswas presented. The meeting took place at Portcullis House, Houses ofParliament and was chaired by the Rt.Hon.Stephen Timms M.P.withfour main speakers to give an account of their work. We, about 60 ofus, had a lively beginning to the meeting. While James Catford(Group Chief Executive) was introducing the meeting the division bellsounded calling all M.P’s to the House. Mr Timms discreetly left to voteand Mr Catford continued until, some short time later, Mr Timmsreturned to address us and introduce our speakers.

First to speak was Mr Habib Madanat from Jordan, a politically stablecountry where the churches are in the forefront of helping the manyrefugees, mostly families coming from Syria with children oftentraumatized by their experiences of the fighting. The churches offersanctuary, practical help, counselling and the scriptures. The gift of aChildren’s Bible was received with tears of gratitude by one family.

Continued on page 7..........

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The stories read to their little boy comforted him and helped him tosleep. As Mr Madarat said “We are the living example of our Bible aswe show ‘the better way, the way of Christ’ to others”

Our next speaker was Ms Tamar Kirasu, a charming lady from Turkey.She is an Armenian Christian and a trained Teacher and her work isvery different. Turkey is a secular state and ‘Religion’ is taught as asubject in schools. As Christianity is a minority religion there are manymisconceptions being taught, the main one being that Christiansworship three gods, a misunderstanding of the Trinity. She is based inIstanbul and takes seminars for teachers and at the University tooutline the main Christian beliefs based on the Scriptures.

Mr Kua Wee Seng from China gave a very different picture. There,where about a quarter of the world’s population live, many areturning to the Christian faith. This is inspite of the threat of persecutionfrom a dominant Communist state system. He told the story of onewoman seeking to know God. She travelled for two and a half hoursto the nearest church, heard a sermon based on the Exodus story ofthe Jews who were protected from the plagues and led out of Egyptand decided that was the god for her. As she lived so far away thepastor gave her a Bible. In her village she shared her Bible with othersand more people came to listen. Now there is a congregation of 300and we saw a photo of a group of them. The church in China isgrowing at a phenomenal rate.

Our last speaker was from the Bible Society main office and spoke ofher duties in promoting the work amongst children in the schools.Again a very inspiring message emphasising how necessary it is thatthis generation knows and reads the Bible. It is the basis of our moraland spiritual life as she stressed having children of her own.

It was a most inspiring and encouraging evening. It was so good tomeet like-minded people as well as the Bible Society staff, all highlydedicated to promoting the knowledge of God’s Word and nowusing modern technology. We are privileged to have this “Book” soreadily available in this country.

Betty Coster. Bible Society representative.

......... Continued from page 6

THINGS YOU NEVER HEAR IN CHURCHSince we're all here, let's start the worship service early!

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Women’s Contact Coffee MorningWe will be holding the next coffee mornings from

10.00am to 12.00 Noon in the Small Hall on the12th of July, and the 9th of August.

We are continuing to raise monies to contribute to disasterrelief funds in different parts of the world.

We hope to see you at the Coffee Morning, and why not bring a friend?

Please note that the monies raised from the coffee mornings areseparate from those raised through the refreshments trolley afterSunday morning services.

Barbara Jones

The Fairtrade Sunday StallWe hold a fair trade stall after the morning service on the 2nd and 4th

Sunday of each month.In July, the stall will be held on the 13th and 27th.In August, the stall will be held on the 10th and 24th.Please continue to support your fair trade stall. Thank you.

Richard and Barbara.Sunday morning coffee donations

---------------Due to the continuing drinking of coffee and tea, and eating biscuits,after Sunday morning services I have been able to give £40 toChristian Aid and £40 to the Clinical Science and EducationalFoundation (CSEF).

The CSEF charity supports projects to improve the lives of Romanianspecial needs children.

Thank you for drinking and munching so productively. Long may itcontinue!

Barbara

Ecumenical Cocktail in the right spiritPope John XXIII used to say what a hard life his parents had had assmall wine-growers. With a twinkle in his eye,he would remark that,

‘There are only three ways a man can be ruined: women, gamblingand farming. My father chose the most boring of the three.’

From the book Bishop’s Brewassembled by Ronald Brown, Bishop of Birkenhead

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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 pictures, poetry or stories.

Submitted by a very proud GrandadMy two grandsons attend school at Hartfield and itis twinned with a school in Malawi. At this school,children cannot attend unless they possess auniform, which costs £3 - a lot of money in thatcountry.The boys decided to do something about it, somade a short video about the project and gottheir Mum to submit it to wholesalers to obtain

"healthy" snacks and drinks to sell after school.The wholesalers very kindly donated all the goodsand the boys raised, from their after school stall,the grand sum of £78. A wonderful effort which willprovide 26 uniforms for the children in Malawi.Well done boys.

Bruce Tannock

An invitation---------

Mike Duke cordially invites allmembers and friends

of Hayes Free Church to support himand his family

at the wedding ceremony of his son Simon

to Michelle Payneat the church on Saturday 5th July

2014 at 2.30pm.

See Page 15for a notefromJim Pearson.

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Saints’ Days in the Church Calendars

Here are the principal days for the apostles, major saints and other keyevents, for July. The information has been drawn from Wikipedia.

The prayers are freely available online in Catholic and Episcopalwebsites.

For July there are 3 main dates:- 3rd St Thomas the Apostle. Patron saint against blindness

and doubt, and for the blind, builders, surveyors andarchitects.

22nd Mary Magdalene. Patron of the contemplative life,converts, glove makers, hairstylists, penitent sinners,people ridiculed for their piety, perfumeries andperfumers, pharmacists, and women.

25th St James the Apostle. Also known as James the Greater.Patron saint of Spain, of pilgrims, of St. James guild:workers, chemists, haberdashers and soldiers. James isasked to intercede for them by many people withrheumatism and is the Patron Saint of the city of TheHague..

The Church of England prayer the St. ThomasO Glorious Saint Thomas, your grief for Jesus was such that it would notlet you believe he had risen unless you actually saw him and touchedhis wounds. But your love for Jesus was equally great and it led youto give up your life for him. Pray for us that we may grieve for our sinswhich were the cause of Christ's sufferings. Help us to spend ourselvesin his service and so earn the title of "blessed" which Jesus applied tothose who would believe in him without seeing him. Amen.

Church of England invitation to confession related to Mary MagdaleneIf anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old haspassed away; everything becomes new. That we may put behind usall that is past, let us call to mind our sins. (ref. 2 Corinthians 5.17).

Church of England collect related to Mary MagdaleneAlmighty God, whose Son restored Mary Magdalene to health of mindand body and called her to be a witness to his resurrection: forgiveour sins and heal us by your grace, that we may serve you in thepower of his risen life; who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity ofthe Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

Continued on page 11.......

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A prayer of St. Paul (Ephesians 3: 14 - 19)I kneel before the Father, from Whom every family in heaven and onearth is named, that He may grant you in accord with the riches ofHis glory to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the innerself, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you,rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehendwith all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height anddepth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, sothat you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Amen.

Church of England collect for St. James the ApostleGRANT, O merciful God, that as thine holy Apostle Saint James,leaving his father and all that he had, without delay was obedientunto the calling of thy Son Jesus Christ, and followed him; so we,forsaking all worldly and carnal affections, may be evermore readyto follow thy holy commandments; through Jesus Christ our Lord.Amen.

....... Continued from page 10

From the website - WordsmithJun 3, 2014

This week's theme - Words from chemistryThe week's words included - catalystPRONUNCIATION: - (KAT-uh-list)MEANING: - (noun)1. A substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without changing

itself.2. Someone or something that causes an event or change to happen.ETYMOLOGY: -Via Latin, from Greek katalusis, from kataluein (to dissolve), from kata-(down) + luein (loosen). Ultimately from the Indo-European root leu-(to loosen, divide), which is also the source of forlorn, lag, loss, solve,analysis, and resolute. Earliest documented use: 1902.

USAGE: -"Doctoroff had seen how the Games served as a growth catalyst for

host cities -- Tokyo expanded its subway system, Atlanta transformedits downtown."

Ken Auletta; After Bloomberg; The New Yorker; Aug 26, 2013.

© 2014 Wordsmith.org

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NOTICE

HFC TELEPHONE DIRECTORY

The Directory is going to beupdated.

If your address, telephonenumber or e-mail address has

changed please let John Curryknow -

BEFORE 31 July.If you would like your e-mail

address included pleasecontact me.

Bank Holiday Ramble.This will be a Wealden ramble which willinclude beautiful views.

The ramble will be about 5 miles longand we will enjoy a pub lunch as partof the day.

All are welcome to join us at 10.15 am

in the Rosary car park

on Monday 25th of August.

More details from Martin Nunn.

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BOARD

Mother & Toddler Toy CleaningFriday July 18th 2-4pm

We would be very grateful if anyone can spare some time

to help with the cleaning of ourlarge toys

in the large hall.

Cleaning materialsplus tea and cake provided

M&T team

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Details of Sue’s Sabbatical--------------

Diploma in Childhood Bereavement with Middlesex University London,Help the Hospices, Candle Project at St Christopher’s Hospice.

Module One: Working with Bereaved Children, Young People andFamilies

o Theories of Bereavemento Child Development; loss through the life-cycle; the family

contexto The death of a child – the family perspectiveo Pre-bereavement issueso Children bereaved by a traumatic deatho Assessment issueso Working with individuals, with families and in groupso Brief versus extended interventions, telephone work

Module Two: Context and Frameworko Supervision and supporto Service development: assessing need and setting up a

serviceo Setting standards for service delivery: record keeping;

monitoring and maintaining quality; working with volunteerso Inter-agency working: referrals to other services; working

with minority groupso Legal issues and report writingo A parent’s perspectiveo Training issues for service providers: resources; methods;

reflective practice.This includes one 2000 word assignment, two learning journals, grouppresentations

Also: To write a paper for the United Reformed Church on Childrenand Bereavement – current working title: Children – The ForgottenMourners

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Junior Church------------

As many readers already know, H.F.C. is planning to re-start a weeklySunday morning Junior Church in September. We already have anumber of thriving weekday groups for young children - the daily Pre-school Group, the weekly Mother and Toddler Group and theRainbows, Beavers, Cubs and Brownies, plus the successful monthlyMessy Church - but there has been nothing for young (or older!)children on Sunday mornings for some years, except of course for theoccasional Parade Service.

The need to have something in place is obvious, especially as wehave had a number of requests or enquiries from parents in recentmonths.....

The launch date for our new Junior Church is Sunday, September 14th,under the leadership of Wendy Smith, who used to teach in our JuniorChurch some years ago. A number of other people have offered tohelp on a regular or occasional basis, but we do need a few more.So please volunteer if you feel this is for you (pianists or instrumentalistsincluded!).

Initially we shall be mainly catering for the 3 - 7 or 8 age-group. In Julywe will be contacting the parents of all known children with someexisting link to our church within this age-group, to tell them of ourplans and give them a warm invitation to bring their youngsters along.If you know or hear of any other families who may be interested,please let them (and us) know!

Meantime, please pray about this important venture in our church’slife; there are many details still to be finalised, and we need to keepin step with God’s will and purposes all the way forward.

Martin Nunn (Organiser)

As many of you will know, I arrived home two hours after my daughter, Susan, had arrived from Australia!

I had hoped to attend Church on 8th June but have now discoveredthat is the day for the Open Air Service in the library gardens. So, I amusing Catalyst for the opportunity to say “Thank you” for your prayers,visits, cards, letters & telephone calls during my absence sinceFebruary. I am not yet 100% - still using a Zimmer in the house,although hoping to graduate to two sticks soon!

I thank God for always being there to give me the strength needed.God Bless you all.

Jim.

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Website of the Month mccabe-travel.co.ukExtracts from the website are below.

Main topics in the website: -· Home· Choose a pilgrimage· Latest news· Giving back· See survey results· Information - free call

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Saints’ Days in August.15th The Blessed Virgin Mary. Patron of mothers, virgins, and nuns.

Travellers including airplane crews and pilots, bicyclists, motorcy-clists, navigators, sailors, boatmen (boat operators) and yachts-men (yacht operators).Those in trades, including clothworkers, harness makers,construction workers, coopers, drapers, goldsmiths, lamp makers,needle and pin makers, potters, ribbon makers, silk workers,silversmiths, tapestry workers, tilemakers, and upholsterers.Those in the food industry including cooks, fishermen, fish dealers,coffee house keepers and owners, restauranteurs, and distillers.(Information from Wikipedia)

24th St Bartholomew the Apostle. Patron Saint against nervousdiseases, neurological diseases and twitching. Of bookbinders,butchers, cobblers, leather workers, shoemakers, tanners,plasterers, trappers, whiteners

The following, taken from the CoE website, relate to the Blessed Virgin Mary

Invitation to confession.We have done what was wrong in the Lord’s sight and chosen what

displeased him. Yet as a mother comforts her child, so shall the Lordhimself comfort us. So let us come to him who knows our every deedand thought.

The CollectAlmighty and everlasting God, who stooped to raise fallen humanity

through the child-bearing of blessed Mary: grant that we, who haveseen your glory revealed in our human nature and your love madeperfect in our weakness, may daily be renewed in your image andconformed to the pattern of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who is aliveand reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Amen

The Collect on St. Bartholomew’s day (from the CoE website)O ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who didst give to thine Apostle

Bartholomew grace truly to believe and to preach thy Word: Grant, webeseech thee, unto thy Church, to love that Word which he believed,and both to preach and receive the same; through Jesus Christ ourLord.

Amen.

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"Year To Kneel" "Yield To the King"(Based on Psalm 139)

--------------------

O Lord, You have searched me, and known me. You know when Isit down at my PC, and when I step away. You understand my

modem, and the whole e-mail thing.

You know the way I let the Internet waste my time, but too, how it haslet me keep in contact with family and friends around the globe.Even before I've touched the keyboard, You know what I'll write.

It is hard for me to comprehend that You're standing at my shoulderevery time I sign on AOL. You are awesome, Lord, and life’suncertainties can't disturb You, like they do me and lots of peoplearound me.

Where can I go that Your Spirit isn't with me? Or could I get away fromYour love and protection, if I was running in fear?

If my electricity shuts down, You are there. If I have to sleep under twodown-comforters to keep warm when my gas furnace fails tooperate, You are there. If the city can't keep the water pumping, ormy ATM is "out of service," You'll take care of me.

If I cry, "surely the darkness will overwhelm me, and the light aroundme will be night," even the darkness is not dark to You, and the nightis bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike, to You.

You made me Lord, and You love me. Your works have no glitches, noshutdowns, no power failures. My days, with or without computers,were planned by You before I was even born!

You, Lord, are without limits, always knowing, and seeing, and doing.Faith in technology is a sin, and I pray for Your forgiveness for thetimes I've trusted it with my comfort, happiness and cash. Help me tobe faithful to You, and not panic when I hear of shortages, outagesand chaos.

Help me to be prepared to help others, physically and spiritually. Letme be an enemy of fear-mongers, and help me to show those whoare truly afraid of the future how to put their trust in You, Lord, theAlmighty One.

Keep Your eye on me, O God, and touch my heart. Give me Yourpeace, and make me share it with others. Keep my eyes on You, nowand forever.

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Mr John MorenHayes Free Church111 Pickhurst Lane

16 April 2014

Dear JohnI am writing to say a huge Thank You to you for the wonderful donation of£5,468.84 from the 2013 Christmas Tree Festival at the Church. I knowwhat an enormous amount of work you put in to making all the events reallyspecial, and we are so grateful that you made us your chosen charity.

It was lovely to be able to show you around the Sight Centre ..... As promised,we will use your donation to support our IT and AT work with visuallyimpaired people from Bromley. ......... I thought you might like to hear a littlemore about the Impact that AT training and support has had an our partiallysighted clients, as there have been some wonderful outcomes for people Inrecent months:

• ... An elderly client who has very little useful sight and .... extreme foodintolerances; she relies on her new smart phone to read the ingredients offood labels out loud to her when shopping, so she not only maintains herindependence but stays safe and well.

• A younger client, P, tried out a Kindle at KM. He learned how (to increase)his reading speed to how it was ... before his sight loss. He has 2 youngchildren and is now able to listen to them read out loud, .... and help them

Continued on page 20. ...

Christmas Tree Festival 2013-----------------

I have received a letter from Karen Osborn, Chief Executive of theKent Association for the Blind, in connection with the Christmas TreeFestival donation to the charity.

Some of you may think I was late in giving the money raised. I will giveyou an explanation.

Gilly has been having IT training with others who are blind, and shementioned to me that she was concerned that the local branchwould not have enough money to pay the trainer for the course. So Idecided to raise some additional money after the festival closed. Idid this by selling picture vouchers and obtaining some donations.This resulted in the final figure of £5,468.84. This does not include a giftaid amount of £1400.00.

John MorenExtracts from the The KAB letter follow ..........

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when they get stuck. Previously, ..... his wife had to help the children withtheir reading. Reading together brings an opportunity to bond and is asource of real pleasure for P as a father.

• A lady doing an IT course wanted to read a newspaper online, ..... Wehelped her to access it via an iPad, a gadget which she had alwaysassumed wasn't for her and refused to try ("not at my age"!), but which shenow absolutely loves. She uses it daily to access a whole range ofproducts and information independently, whereas previously she had torely on family and friends for help..........

Our specialist AT staff ... also help our rehabilitation workers, who getpractical training in understanding the phones and devices, and can take theequipment out with them when they do home visits. .....

Our AT work relies hugely on support from individuals and community groups,and much of it just wouldn't be possible without help like yours. Pleasewould you extend our sincere thanks to the other members of yourcongregation who helped ... (make) the Festival so successful.... The moneyraised really will make a difference to the work we are able to do in Bromley,and it really will change peoples' lives.

Every best wishKaren OsbornChief Executive

... Continued from page 19.

The way things once wereThis year’s theme covers sayings or poetry from the First World War

An item for August

Muriel Smith’sAutograph book -dated August 1916 -July 1918 waspurchased at auction.The entire book is onthe First World WarDigital Archive hostedby the University ofOxford.The frontispiece isshown here as anintroduction forentries which may betaken from the bookfor later editions ofCatalyst. In the meantime, do look at this treasure on the website. Especially ifyou have a summer project which relates to the Wars..-------------------------------------This item is from The First World War Poetry Digital Archive.(www.oucs.ox.ac.uk/ww1lit/gwa); © University of Oxford

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Letter from Joseph Theodore Gedge

On 29th July 1914, Staff PaymasterJ. T. Gedge was preparing to go tosea.He sent this covering note to anuncle with a farewell letter to bepassed on to his parents in the eventof his death.Joseph was killed when HMSAmphion struck a mine on 6th Aug1914. Joseph was the first Britishofficer to die in the war.-------------------------------------This item is from The First World War PoetryDigital Archive.(www.oucs.ox.ac.uk/ww1lit/gwa); ©University of Oxford

The way things once wereThis year’s theme covers sayings or poetry from the First World War

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July 2014

1st Tue 10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 4 2.00 pm - Women’s Fellowship Page 6 8.00 pm - Elders’ Meeting Page 3

2nd Wed

3rd Thu 8.00 pm - Book Club Page 5

4th Fri 2.00 pm - Mothers’ & Toddlers’ Club Page 5

5th Sat 2.30 pm - Wedding Page 9

6th Sun 10.30 am - Morning Service - Major Cliff Kent 6.30 pm - Holy Communion - The Minister

7th Mon 8.00 pm - Women’s Contact Group Page 4

8th Tue 10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 4 2.00 pm - Women’s Fellowship Page 6

9th Wed

10th Thu 2.30 pm - Bible Study Group Page 5

11th Fri 2.00 pm - Mothers’ & Toddlers’ Club Page 5

12th Sat 10.00 am - Women’s Contact Coffee Morning Page 8

13th Sun10.30 am - Parade Service - Margaret Smith with puppet Followed by Fairtrade stall Page 8 6.30 pm - Evening Service -

14th Mon

15th Tue 10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 4 2.00 pm - Women’s Fellowship Page 6

16th Wed

17th Thu 8.00 pm - Men’s Group Page 4

18th Fri 2.00 pm - Mothers’ & Toddlers’ Club Toy Clean Page 13

19th Sat

20th Sun 10.30 am - Morning Service (ABCD) - Alison Driscoll 6.30 pm - Evening Service - The Minister

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July 201421st Mon

22nd Tue 10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 4 2.00 pm - Women’s Fellowship Page 6

23rd Wed 6.30 pm - Worship Group Page 5

24th Thu 2.30 pm - Bible Study Group Page 525th Fri26th Sat

27th Sun

10.30 am - Holy Communion - The Minister Followed by Fairtrade stall Page 8 12.00 noon - Church Meeting Page 3 6.30 pm - Evening Service - Judy Davies

28th Mon

29th Tue 10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 4

30th Wed31st Thu

August 20141st Fri2nd Sat

3rd Sun 10.30 am - Morning Service - Jim Holman 6.30 pm - Holy Communion - The Minister

4th Mon

Summer Bank Holiday(Scot.)A Message from the Editor - enjoy your holidays. Pleasedon’t forget material for Your Page which you may wishto share. See you in September

5th Tue to 8th Fri. No events.

9th Sat 10.00 am - Women’s Contact Coffee Morning Page 8

10th Sun10.30 am - Morning Service - Bill Michie Followed by Fairtrade stall Page 8 6.30 pm - Evening Service - Mike Tinson

11th Mon To 16th Sat. No events.

17th Sun Catalyst Press Date I. F. C.10.30 am - Morning Service - John Cox 6.30 pm - Evening Service - The Minister

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A THOUGHT FOR TODAYFollow your inner moonlight; don't hide the madness. Allen Ginsberg, poet (1926-1997)

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 14 September New Junior Church launch date.

September 20141st Mon 8.00 pm - Women’s Contact Group Page 4

2nd Tue 10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 4

3rd Wed

4th Thu 8.00 pm - Book Club Page 55th Fri

6th Sat 2.30 pm - Saturday Fellowship Page 4

7th Sun 10.30 am - Morning Service - Geoff Larcombe 6.30 pm - Holy Communion - The Minister

August 201418th Mon To 23rd Sat. No events

24th Sun10.30 am - Holy Communion - The Minister Followed by Fairtrade stall Page 8 6.30 pm - Evening Service - Judy Davies

25th Mon Summer Bank Holiday (Eng. & Wales) 10.15 am - Ramble Page 12

26th Tue27th Wed28th Thu29th Fri30th Sat

31st Sun 10.30 am - Morning Service - The Minister 6.30 pm - Evening Service - The Minister

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CHURCH ORGANISATIONSDay Organisation Contact PhoneSunday10.25am Sunday Club Mike Duke 8462 5103Weekdays 9.15 -12.15pm12.15 -12.45pm

Pre School GroupP/School lunch club

Jayne Carvell 07913 299773

Monday5.45pm Brownies Sarah Humphrey 8249 99826.30pm Cubs Brenda Petts 8325 39568.00pm - 1st Women's Contact

GroupSylvia Mack 8462 1938

Tuesday10.00am Prayer Meeting Martin Nunn 8462 59182.00pm Women's Fellowship Sue Powell 8462 22127.00pm Scouts Paul Hasling 3236 0083Wednesday3.30pm - 4th Messy Church Sue Powell 8462 22125.15pm Rainbows Jenny Longman 07730 5749626.00pm Beavers Brenda Petts 8325 39566.30pm - 4th Reflections Group Bill Michie 8658 41678.00pm Explorers Tom Strachan 07745 813 295Thursday2.30pm - 2nd, & 4th

Bible Study Sue Powell 8462 2212

5.30pm Brownies Stevie Blair. 8325 34697.15 - 8.45pm Rangers Georgina Chappell 07983 4713088.00pm - 1st HFC Book Club Sue Powell 8462 22128.00pm - 3rd Men's Group Bruce Tannock 8325 62648.00pm - 2nd,

& 4thIgnatian Spirituality

GroupDavid Hawthorn 8249 7188

Friday9.00 - 12.00pm Coffee morning during term times2.00pm Mothers & Toddlers Judith Stoner 8462 30236.30pm Guides Teresa Cheyne 8777 6042Saturday2.30pm - 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.

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Final Thought

“We must not grow weary of doinglittle things for the love of God,who looks not on the great size ofthe work, but on the love in it.” Brother Lawrence

(On the URC website)