Mar 15 for web

1REV GAVIN HANCOCKS

Tel: 01803 615480email: [email protected]

MINISTER IN PASTORAL CHARGE

CORNERSTONE

MARCH 2015

MAGAZINE OF

CENTRAL

ST. ANDREWS

AND

VICTORIA PARK

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CHURCH CONTACTS - CENTRAL

Secretary Barbara Lawton 01803 [email protected]

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

[email protected] Secretary Hazel Nightingale 01803 613345

[email protected](Posters) Barbara Gissinger 01803 328407Caretakers Darrell Sanderson 07719 099901 Keith Read 07719 099901Website www.centralchurchtorquay.org

CHURCH CONTACTS – ST ANDREWS.

Church Secretary. Sue Jarvis 01803 [email protected]

Senior Steward Sue Masheder 01803 [email protected]

CHURCH CONTACTS – VICTORIA PARK

Lay Pastoral Assistant Irene Cochran 01803 [email protected]

Church Council Secretary Myra Wise 01803 [email protected]

Senior Steward Mavis Paul 01803 291895

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THE MINISTER

Dear Friends,

My Wednesday morning Bible Study is journeying through John’s Gospeland I must confess I have been enjoying the opportunity to explore John’swriting in greater depth along with my faithful companions eachWednesday morning. Two weeks ago now we were looking at John 13,the moment when Jesus washed the disciples feet and it came alive tome in a whole new light, one which I think might be pertinent to reflecton as we journey towards those momentous events in the next couple ofweeks.

For the most part I have seen that event in the light of the servant hoodof Jesus. He is willing to undertake even the most menial of tasks for hisbrothers and sisters and his example challenges us to do the same. Indeedit does and I have a hunch that if we were able to do just that it would goa long way to changing some things in the world, especially if weremember that Jesus washed Judas’ feet as well! But there is more.

We were reminded that this action of Jesus must be interpreted in thelight of the Cross. What Jesus is doing is interpreting what the Cross willachieve in terms of our cleansing, our salvation and it is just exactly thisthat he calls us to serve one another in. You see, his actions were aboutadministering the healing, cleansing balm of Calvary to each of hisdisciples and it is exactly this that he calls us to administer to each otherwith utmost humility and respect.

As we prepare to celebrate this awesome moment in salvation history letus learn what it means to be served in this way by Christ that we may inturn serve each other too.

Gavin

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FAMILY & FRIENDSFamily News & other Bits & Pieces

CONGRATULATIONS· Happy Birthday to Iris Kaey on the 6th.· Happy Birthday to Rob Hawes on the 6th.· Happy Birthday to Christine Birchall on the 10��.· Happy Birthday to Muriel Colefax on the 15��.

THANKS· Barbara & Tony Zaple would like to thank everyone who sent

cards, telephone messages, visits and presents on their DiamondWedding Anniversary.

· Joy Perry would like to thank everybody for the love and careshown to Peter and herself over the last few years whilst Peterhas been so ill. She would also like to thank those who supportedthe family at the Service of Celebration for Peter, especially Gavinwith his words of comfort. God Bless you all.

· From Clive Brooks. “I thank the CHURCH for their good wishesand thoughts, for each thought is a prayer for the well-being ofthose thought about and is actioned. (Evil thoughts are heldawaiting a contrition) Thank you for all the cards of direct requestfor healing of the body and those wishing me a happy 85thbirthday with special thanks to those who visited me. May thechurch continue in good thoughts for it’s members and for allwhose lives are in distress. ‘Old’ Clive”

TRAVELLING ABROAD.

Isobel Vernon-Avery (granddaughter of Gordon and Audrey Avery)and Imogen Farmer (granddaughter of John and Maddy Jeffrey) aretravelling to India to work for the Raleigh International I.C.S. Project.This work is expected to take approximately ten weeks. Our prayersgo with them both.

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PETER JAMES PERRY

Peter was born and grew up in the Birmingham area. Whilst still atschool he had a paper round, and when old enough, he joined the navywhere he excelled, and made an officer, having gained the highestmarks in the country in his entrance exams. After his military servicehe joined Lucas’s as a tool man, and through his hard work waspromoted to Foreman. His dedication to his work was recognisedwherever he went.

In the home he had the same dedication to excellence and belief ingetting the job done, no matter what it was. Once when he had troublewith his car just before going on holiday, he worked tirelessly over theweekend to repair it so that by Monday morning the family were backon the road. If he didn’t know how to do something, he would borrowbooks from the library and read up all about the job in hand. Thisincluded installing a full central heating system in his house. He wasalso very willing to use his expertise helping other people with theirproblems.

On moving to Torquay about fifteen years ago, he along with Joybecame members of Central Church and enjoyed joining in the Sundayservices. They both became involved with the Contact Centre and fora few years Peter was Treasurer. This he had to give up some five yearsago when his health started to suffer. Holidays were enjoyableoccasions especially cruising on the Oriana. Their world cruise was verymemorable.

Peter fought his illness with determination and strength, but he wasn’talone. Joy was by his side throughout, selflessly caring and comfortinghim. A man of few words, Peter was a gentleman and will be sadlymissed by Joy, their families and friends, and to them we extend ourthoughts and prayers.

Barbara Lawton

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SIGHT LOSS

Torch Trust - the Christian charity for people with sight loss - is comingto Central Church on Friday 13th March, 10am - 1pm.This will be a free session, looking at some of the problems encounteredby people who have difficulty with their sight, and the best ways ofoffering support - both on an individual basis and as a church.There will be an opportunity to try out 'simulation spectacles' whichdemonstrate different effects of sight loss, and a chance to practise howto guide someone safely.

This session is open to anyone who is interested. It would be wonderfulto have good representation from Central Church, and feel free to inviteanyone you think might be interested. To book a place, simply contactJanet Eardley (contact details below)

Torch Trust offers a range of Christian based services for people withsight problems, including a free audio, large print or Braille postal libraryof over 3,500 Christian books. There is also a specialist holiday andretreat centre, a national radio programme, support for churches,telephone support, and much more. See the Torch Trust website onwww.torchtrust.org

We are also keen to encourage churches to have a small number oftrained volunteers who could provide short-term Christian befriendingfor people who are beginning to lose sight - to provide a listening earand support through this difficult time. It would be wonderful to havesome volunteers in Torquay to be able to provide this type of service.No previous experience is required - Torch Trust will provide the trainingand enable the service to set up. Again, if you are interested pleasecontact Janet Eardley.

Janet Eardley, Torch TrustTel: 07870 909779 Email: [email protected]

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THE CRUCIFIXION

At the evening service on Sunday 22 March theChoir, along with many others from churches acrossthe Bay, will sing the mini-oratorio “The Crucifixion”by John Stainer. Jenny Rider from St John’s Churchwill be directing the music and the soloists will beTony Gregg (tenor) and Paul Zaple (baritone).

If you know the work and would like to sing withus, we shall be rehearsing on Friday evenings 27 February, & 6, 13, 20March commencing at 7.30 for an hour or so. Please let me know inadvance if you would like to take up this invitation.

Otherwise, please make a note in your diary now and come along onSunday 22 March at 6.30 to use the opportunity to think through againthe journey for us that Christ made to the cross.

Clive Bastin

SHOPPING HABITS CHANGE

How often do you shop for food? These days, chances are that you arebuying ‘little and often’, popping into your mini-supermarket severaltimes a week, and buying only what you need for the next couple ofdays. It is a thrifty way of living; the trend has helped to reduce foodwastage by as much as a fifth, compared with seven years ago. Accord-ing to a survey by Waitrose, one in four of us is visiting a ‘convenience’

store at least once a day. Perhaps it gives a wholenew insight into ‘Give us today our daily bread…’(Luke 11:3)

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AROUND THE FAMILY AT ST ANDREWS

The popular question asked at this time of the year used to be “Whatare you giving up for Lent?”

I believe we should turn that around in 2015, and ask “What are youtaking on for Lent?”

Think about it! What does St Andrew’s need for Lent? What do weneed for our future? Start with ourselves. How about more disciplinein our devotional lives? Do we spend sufficient (any?) time in prayerand intercession for our Minister, our Church officers, our forwardplanning, and for those who care for and manage our propertyconcerns? What about our Junior Church leaders, our organists, andthe preachers who interpret God’s word to us week by week? We havea wealth of talent and expertise at St Andrew’s. What are our prioritiesin these days of change and uncertainty?All that is probably hard going.

We congratulate Vicky and Steve Keay on the birth of Benjamin, abrother for 7-year-old Josh, and another grandson for Rosemaryand Geoff Hayman.

We remember the Dunbar, George, Gill and Jarvis families in theircontinuing need and Doris Schofield and Colin Powell with their visualproblems. We are so grateful that so many of our really older membersmanage to attend our services so regularly.

We rejoice that baby Martha Wilcox was baptised in February andwelcome her family to St Andrew’s.

What will you do for Lent – and onwards?Sheila Denham

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‘Action for Children’ Home Collecting Lantern Boxes

The Home Collecting Boxes are now due to be opened. Please let mehave your boxes and subscriptions as soon as possible.

Thank you for your continued support of ‘Action for Children’.Linda Duckworth

THE GIFTS THAT KEEP BEING GIVEN

If you receive a birthday gift from family or friends this year which seemsunlikely or inappropriate, there may be a very simple reason for it.Chances are it was an unwelcome Christmas gift, and so got ‘recycled’by them – straight to you.

It seems that nearly one in four of us get rid of unwanted gifts in thisway. Which, of course, is fine – as long as the next person down the lineenjoys the gift. If not, do they also recycle it? This raises the question:are there thousands of ‘gifts’ circulating around out there that servetheir purpose by simply being a gift you can give someone, except thatnobody ever wants to keep it? The survey was done by an ICM poll.

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WHAT IS ‘TENDER’ TOWARDS CHILDREN IN MANILLA?

In Manila many children live rough on the streets. It was out of theirdesperate need that an unusually named ministry began in 2000: ITTender Ministry. A pastor, John Basiwa, and his wife, Gela, were haunt-ed by the plight of children living on the streets, addicted to sniffingsolvents. They reached out by bringing food to them, and beginning tobuild relationships.

Eventually many of the youth were reconciled with their families, and ITTender discovered its calling: to be a bridge between children living onthe street and finding a good home and attending school. Over the yearsmany passionate Filipinos and international missionaries have joined inthis cause and helped to set up programmes aimed at bringing abouttotal transformation, with a predominant emphasis on education.

In 2008 God answered prayers for a drop-in centre, where street chil-dren and the youth could stay during the day for hygiene, play anddiscipleship. The ministry developed a partnership with Action Interna-tional, to run a feeding programme for malnourished children in Ala-bang and Sucat. In 2009, IT Tender began working with the Departmentof Education in Muntinlupa, to provide Alternative Learning System(ALS) classes to help the out-of-school youth finish their elementary andsecondary levels.

IT Tender then launched a programme called ‘Sponsor-A-Child Now’ in2011, where 25 children from poor communities, incapable of going toschool, were supported to go to formal elementary and secondaryschools. A new programme for preschool children was established nextin 2012 called the Simula (Beginning) Learning Centre. For more info, orto make a donation, visit: www.iteams.org.uk

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ST. PATRICK'S DAY GROANERS

Q: Why do people wear shamrocks on St. Patrick's Day?

A: Regular rocks are too heavy.

Q: Why can't you borrow money from a leprechaun?

A: Because they're always a little short.

Q: How can you tell if an Irishman is having a good time?

A: He's Dublin over with laughter!

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A REFLECTION FROM CENTRAL

Last month we pondered over words which Jesus said -- those which wefind in St. John’s Gospel and verse 6 of Chapter 14. He said “I am theWay”. If you read more of that verse, you will see that Jesus also says,“I am the Truth, and I am the Life”.

This month I thought we would look at the second phrase -- “I am theTruth”.

It is impressed upon us from an early age that we must always tell thetruth. And yet children sometimes try and get away with not alwaysdoing so. Especially if Mummy notices something which should not havehappened. Mummy says ‘did you do that?’, and if that child has siblings,their reply might well be, ‘no, it was him/her’!

As we grow older, hopefully, we will take on board the consequences ofnot telling the truth. Truth is definitely needed if we are going to trustsomeone. Once someone is found not to be telling the truth, it is verydifficult to believe them again. It is as if they have put doubts in ourminds.

That cannot be said of Jesus. Jesus is the very epitome of truth. He ISthe Truth. He said ‘I AM the Truth’.

In the first Chapter of John’s Gospel, we can read in the passage we hearso often at Christmas -- “The Word (that is Jesus) became flesh. Wehave seen His Glory, the Glory of the One and Only, who came from theFather, full of Grace and TRUTH”.

Right from the beginning of His life, we can read how He was to fulfil whathad been said by God through the Prophets.

Everything that Jesus said would happen, DID happen. All He says is right.

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Jesus is the One Person we can trust implicitly. He is the Way, and He isthe Truth.

Jesus is the One who can stop us from straying into any wrong way. Hecan put us on the right path, and into the True Way.

When we see and hear so much wrong in the world, how fortunate weare to have Jesus to believe, and who will put us on the right path.

During this time of Lent, we should look at our lives in the light of the lifeof Jesus. We should ask Him for forgiveness for wrong thoughts andwrong deeds which we have committed. We should ask for forgivenessthat we so often have not followed Jesus as we should. We should askHim to let our lives be truthful.

Let us ask Him to show us once more His Way, and His Truth.

With God’s Blessing at this thought provoking time of the year.

Margaret Newman.

THOUGHTS FOR MARCH

· If you would master temptation, let Christ master you.· A little sin will add to your trouble, subtract from your energy

and multiply your difficulties.· If a sermon pricks your conscience, it must have had some

good points.· Before your burden overcomes you, trust God to put his arms

underneath you.· When people speak ill of you, so live that no one will believe

them.· The Bible suffers as much from the ignorance of its friends,

as from the attack of its enemies.

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THE GUILD

On 3�� March our friend John Jeffery will be coming along to talk aboutour World Heritage Coast, followed on the 10�� with an evening withMargaret Newman. March 17�� sees the welcome return of BrendaLoosemore with her talk ‘Ladies of Laughter.’

The Belleplates will be entertaining us with their own style of music onthe 24�� and finally on the 29�� Rod Tuck’s talk is entitled ‘Romania withLove.’

Do come along – Tuesdays at 7.30pm – all are welcome!Margaret Dustan

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TORBAY NIGHT SHELTER(Article written early January)

There is an exciting new project taking shape which we, The Haven,enthusiastically support along with most of the Churches in Paignton. Weare calling it Torbay Night Shelter. For many years there has been concernaround the Bay about the need for emergency overnight facilities for theHomeless, especially in winter. Leonard Stocks (Factory Row) does ofcourse provide first class support on a long term basis for those with alocal connection, and can take rough sleepers in overnight whentemperatures plummet to zero. However, there is a need for temporaryhelp, particularly for those without a local connection.

After much prayer and research a group from fifteen different churcheshas decided to experiment with a model well established in many cities,especially in London, whereby Church halls are loaned on a rota basis tooffer basic overnight shelter, floor space and food to a limited numberof visitors, who are cared for by Volunteers.

This initial experiment will take place during the month of February, andthankfully venues have been found for each night of the week. We arecurrently recruiting volunteers of which we need a minimum of 35, andthere will be a Training Day for these in mid-January.

We are supported and guided by a body called the Housing Trust, aChristian Organisation which oversees projects of this kind all over theUK.

We are not at this stage appealing for money....others desperately needthat...but we do still need Volunteers and Volunteer coordinators, andprayers, without which none of this would be happening. Sleeping bagswould also be an asset.

Please contact MIKE FRENCH on 07921 863563 or PAULA MAYER on558727/07714 151901 for more information, or to become involved.

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CIRCUIT MISSIONS

There will be a circuit missions event held on the weekend of 18th and19th April. Two former mission partners David and Rhona Burfieldnow living in Ilminster but recently returned from Malaysia will becoming to lead the events. There will be coffee and cakes at ForeStreet in Brixham on the Saturday morning then a Messy Church typeevent at Goodrington on the Saturday afternoon. On Sunday 19ththere will be a service at Central in the morning and a Circuit serviceat Palace Avenue in the evening at 6pm.. This should be a funinformative weekend with events for all ages.

MISSION AT ST ANDREWS

Sunday Coffee money for January went to Footsteps for Louie.

WOMENS WORLD DAY OF PRAYERFRIDAY 6�� MARCH 2015.

VICTORIA PARK WILL BE AT ALL SAINTS BABBACOMBE

AT 2.30PM.

CENTRAL WILL BE WITH THE SALVATION ARMYAT MARKET STREET AT 10.30AM

Service prepared by the women of The Bahamas“Do you know what I have done for you”

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SABBATH MOMENTS(Inspired by participation in a Lent House Group)

Sabbath Momentsare not to be confusedwith Senior Moments;those maddening occasions whenwe can't remember what to buy,or go upstairs and don't know why,or wonder where we parked the caror where our keys and wallet are.

No, Sabbath Daysare much more clear;one in seven throughout the year,like clockwork, one might almost think.But life is ever on the brinkof chaos and the unforeseen,of consequence we did not mean,all of which can soon depletethe steady pulse of godly beat,until each day appears the sameand Sabbath comes but just in name.

Oh for the bestof Sabbath rest,for which our hearts are yearning;Come healing peace,let clamour cease,in Christ, our hearts returning.Come moments of renewing.

By David Williams

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SUNDAY SERVICES FOR MARCH 2015.(HC) = Sacrament of Holy Communion (WG) = Worship Group

CENTRAL

Date Morning 10.30am Evening 6.30pmMAR 1�� Revd Gavin Hancocks (HC) Revd Adrian Phippen 8�� Revd Gavin Hancocks Mrs Helen Barrett (WG)15�� Mr David Welsh Mrs Irene Cochran22ⁿ� Revd Gavin Hancocks The Crucifixion - Stainer29�� Revd Dr Tom Bush CTT Service at Central

ST ANDREWSDate Morning 10.30am Evening 6.00pmMAR 1�� Revd Gerald Morris Revd Gavin Hancocks (CP) 8�� Mr Adam Hills 4pm. Revd G Hancocks (MT)15�� Revd Jerry Cook (HC) Revd Gavin Hancocks (CP)22ⁿ� Revd M Newell Mr Adam Hills (BS)29�� At St Johns

VICTORIA PARK

Date Morning 10.30amMAR 1�� Revd Peter Williamson 8�� Mrs Irene Cochran15�� Revd Gavin Hancocks22ⁿ� Revd Jerry Cook (HC)29�� Mrs Irene Cochran

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CALENDAR FOR MARCH 2015.ST ANDREWS. CENTRAL. VICTORIA PARK

Sunday 1st See separate page for Services – All ChurchesMonday 2nd 2.30 Women's Fellowship –

Deacon Jane Verrall 6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 Guides 7.30 Lydwell Park House GroupTuesday 3rd 9.30 Midweek Prayers

9.30 Toddler Group 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees

2.30 Sisterhood: The Harmony Singers 7.00 New Life Housegroup 7.30 Guild – World Heritage Coast.

John Jeffery 7.30 Special Events MeetingWednesday 4th 9.30 Toddler Group 10.00 Bible Study

10.30 Bible Study (coffee at 10.15) 2.30 Healing Ministry 6.00 Beavers

7.30 Ladies Club: Glass ArtThursday 5�� 9.30 Central Tots

5.15 St John Badgers 6.00 Cubs

7.15 St John CadetsFriday 6�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplates 6.45 Choir Practice 7.00 Scouts 7.30 Festival Choir PracticeSaturday 7th 9.30 Contact Centre

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Saturday 7�� 10.00 Pop in for a Coffee 3.00 Kairos – ‘A Generous Life’Sunday 8�� See separate page for Services – All ChurchesMonday 9�� 2.30 Women's Fell: Music with

the Griffiths family 6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 GuidesTuesday 10�� 9.30 Midweek Service – John Lawrence

9.30 Toddler Group 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees

2.30 Sisterhood 7.30 Guild – An evening with

Margaret NewmanWednesday 11th 9.30 Toddler Group 10.00 Bible Study

10.30 Bible Study (coffee at 10.15) 6.00 Beavers 7.30 Worship Mission Team Meeting

7.30 Ladies Club: Ian Cooper –A Policeman’s Lot

Thursday 12�� 9.30 Central Tots 2.30 Townswomen Guild


7.15 St John CadetsFriday 13�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplates 7.00 Choir Practice 7.00 Scouts 7.30 Festival Choir PracticeSaturday 14�� 9.30 Contact Centre

10.00 Special Coffee Morning in aid ofThe Friends of Factory Row

2.30 Tea Dance

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Sunday 15�� See separate page for Services – All ChurchesMonday 16�� 2.30 Women's Fellowship –

Floral arrangements with Marion Farley 6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 Guides 7.30 Lydwell Park HousegroupTuesday 17�� 9.30 Midweek Prayers

9.30 Toddler Group 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees 7.00 New Life Housegroup

2.30 Sisterhood – Rally -Guest Speaker Barbara Vond 7.30 Guild – Ladies of Laughter-

Brenda LoosemoreWednesday 18th 9.30 Toddler Group 10.00 Bible Study

10.00 Bible Study (Coffee at 10.15) 6.00 Beavers

7.30 Ladies Club: Bingo 7.30 Riviera Concert Brass at Furrough

Cross Church for Contact CentreThursday 19�� 9.30 Central Tots


7.15 St John Cadets 7.30 Circuit Meeting at CentralFriday 20th 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplates 6.45 Choir Practice 7.00 Scouts 7.30 Festival Choir PracticeSaturday 21st 9.30 Contact Centre

10.00 Pop in for a Coffee

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Sunday 22ⁿ� See separate page for Services – All ChurchesMonday 23�� 2.30 Women's Fellowship Afternoon with Revd Dr Tom Bush 6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 GuidesTuesday 24�� 9.30 Midweek Communion –

Revd Gerald Morris 9.30 Toddler Group

10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees 10.00 Church Council

2.30 Sisterhood: Mr Paul Zaple 7.30 Guild– Belleplate GroupWednesday 25�� 9.30 Toddler Group 10.00 Bible Study

10.30 Bible Study (coffee at 10.15) 6.00 Beavers

7.30 Ladies Club: Ian Handford –Baroness Burdett-Coutts

Thursday 26�� 9.30 Central Tots 2.30 Townswomen Guild 5.15 St John Badgers

6.00 Cubs 7.15 St John Cadets

7.30 Moors HousegroupFriday 27�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplates 4.00 Messy Church

7.00 Scouts 7.00 Choir Practice

Saturday 28�� 9.30 Contact Centre10.00 Pop In for Coffee

Sunday 29�� See separate page for Services – All ChurchesMonday 30�� 9.30 Holy Week Prayers

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Monday 30th 2.30 Women’s Fellowship: St Francis –Tricia Stokes

6.30 Flexercise FunTuesday 31st 9.30 Holy Week Prayers

10.00 Coffee & Fellowship10.00 Busy Bees 7.00 Property & Finance 7.00 New Life Housegroup 7.30 Guild - To Romania with Love - Rod Tuck

VP MARCH ROTA

DATE DOOR STEWARDSMAR 1�� Betty Peachey & Margaret Collings 8�� Verna Stuckey & Sylvia Penny15�� Betty Peachey & Margaret Collins22ⁿ� Verna Stuckey & Sylvia Penny29�� Betty Peachey & Margaret Collins

VP PRAYER BOARD

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

Audrey Avery, Amy Bartrip, Jean Barrett, Christine Birchall, EmmaCoombes, Sylvia Diamond, Don & Barbara Pugh, Julie Pugh, Clive Murphy,Alan Randall.

We also remember the Youth Genesis, School Workers, our own MinisterGavin, and Lay Pastor Irene Cochran.

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REFLECTION FROM VICTORIA PARKDear Friends,

Lent is a time when we, as Christians prepare for Easter by observing aperiod of fasting, repentance, moderation and Spiritual discipline. Thepurpose is to set aside time for reflection on Jesus Christ. His sufferingand His sacrifice, His life, death, burial and resurrection.

It is also a good time to reflect on the closeness Jesus shared with Hisdisciples. Let us take a closer look at John 14: 1-7. 'Do not let your heartsbe troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Fathers house thereare many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that Igo to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, Iwill come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, thereyou may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.'Thomas said to him, 'Lord, we do not know where you are going. Howcan we know the way?' Jesus said to him ' I am the way, and the truth,and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you knowme, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know Him andhave seen Him.

Jesus is speaking to his closest friends and colleagues, to strengthen themfor the days ahead. He is going to be parted from them through the mosttragic turn of events, caused in some part by the disciples themselves.Jesus has just predicted his betrayal by Judas, and foreseen Peter’s denial.But despite their weakness Jesus tells them that there is a place in hisFather’s house for them if they want it. When we attend church on aSunday, we go, taking with us the knowledge of our failure to be faithful,our doubtings and denials. We are offered the promise of forgivenessand, like the disciples, receive comfort and a challenge. Jesus loveshonesty and hates hypocrisy.

I love the honesty with which Thomas approaches him. Jesus says, 'Youknow the way to the place where I am going' and good old honest Thomassays, 'Lord, we do not know where you are going.' He speaks for the other

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disciples too, perhaps he speaks for some of us. From time to time I ammystified by the journey on which Jesus is taking me. Jesus' response isthat I should trust him- have faith in him.

Jesus knows that his words are not enough. So it is that he sets his faceto Jerusalem to accept the task he has been given to do; to die on thecross that we might live. The one with faith in him will do what he hasbeen doing and more, for the spring from which the Spirit flows is therisen Jesus.God Bless.

Irene

WOMENS FELLOWSHIP

At our first meeting this month we will be welcoming Deacon JaneVerrall. We always enjoy the Griffiths family's visit and look forward totheir afternoon of music. Marion Farley's expertise with flowers alwaysgives us an interesting afternoon. Rev Dr Tom Bush will be telling usabout his time looking after a church in America and when Tricia Stokesvisits us we hope to learn more about St. Francis.

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ANNE FRANK - 70th anniversary of her death

Many people think of Anne Frank as a Dutch girl, but she was born – anddied – in Germany. This month marks the 70th anniversary of her death– only nine months after she recorded the final entry in her diary whilehiding from the Nazis in a secret annex in Amsterdam, which had becomeher home town after her Jewish family had fled the Nazis.

Her full name was Annelies Marie Frank, and that last entry in the diarygiven to her by her father was made on 1st August, 1944. She was 15years old. Three days later her hiding place was raided following a tip-off.She and her family were taken to Auschwitz concentration camp. Anneand her sister were later transferred to Bergen-Belsen, where they diedof typhus.

Their father Otto, a former German soldier and businessman who wasthe only member of his family to survive the death camps, was impressedand deeply moved when he discovered what his daughter had written.He arranged for parts of it to be published, and it is now known univer-sally as The Diary of Anne Frank. It has been filmed many times, adaptedfor the stage and translated into many languages.

It tells the inspiring story of how eight people survived the Nazi occupa-tion of Amsterdam by living for over two years in a dark, concealed partof Otto’s company building, protected and fed by – among others – twoChristians who ran the company on the owner’s behalf.

Throughout the diary runs a thread of faith, hope and love, tinged withdespair. A fortnight before she was captured, the teenager wrote: "I feelthe suffering of millions. And yet, when I look up at the sky, I somehowfeel that everything will change for the better, that this cruelty too shallend, that peace and tranquility will return.”

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CENTRAL CHURCH GARDENS

As recorded in the “This is Central” report, the church gardens are beingreorganised to make them easier to maintain and to keep the costdown. For many years we have relied on bedding plants for bothsummer and winter/spring flowers which have been home grown. Thishas been very cost effective but has become too time consuming. Thedecision has been made to buy in our plants so in order to keep thecost about the same we have to reduce the number of plants by half.For this winter/spring we have only planted out the pots and tubs withdifferent varieties of pansies and left the summer plants to last as longas they can. We are also increasing the number of shrubs and perennialplants to reduce the bedding plant requirement while still maintaininga lot of colour.

Other work we have done recently includes restoring the dry stonewall, removing the rotten fence between the church and Shrublandsand digging out all the ivy. Shrubs have been planted where the fencewas. The existing shrubs have been cut back to open up the grassedarea. The two phormiums have been removed as they had got too bigand were encroaching on the pavement, they have been replaced bycordylines. The conifers behind the bench had also got too big and havebeen removed. These will be replaced in due course with shrubs thatwill provide greenery for the flower arrangers.

The gardeners are very grateful for the financial contributions that havebeen made over the years to allow the gardens to be maintained to ahigh standard and will be pleased to accept donations towards thesummer display.

Trevor Badcott

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SAINT OF THE MONTH – SAVIO - the youngster who found God

Several years ago the hit film Slumdog Millionaire touched millions ofpeople with its story of a youngster triumphing against all the odds.Dominic Savio did the same thing. In fact, he is a good patron ‘childsaint’ for children today who struggle to get anywhere in life.

Savio (1842 – 57) was born into a poor family in Riva, near Turin. Therewere 10 children. The father was a blacksmith, the mother a seam-stress. Somehow, they managed school fees, and when Dominic was 12,he was sent to the famous school of John Bosco at Turin.

A strict Roman Catholic school wasn’t exactly the set for ‘Who wants tobe a Millionaire’, but Savio loved it. He responded with enthusiasm tothe wise and moderate spiritual guidance of Bosco, and began to grow.Instead of turning into a fanatic or prig, he was soon widely loved for hischeerfulness and friendliness to all. He was respected by fellow stu-dents for his mature, sound advice. Behind it all lay the key: Savio haddiscovered God for himself, and had responded with all his heart: – onestory of him tells how he was rapt in prayer for six hours continuously.

Sadly, Dominic Savio contracted tuberculosis. Like AIDS today, it wasincurable. He accepted his disease with dignity and composure. He didnot fear death – his deep and radiant faith assured him that somethingfar better lay beyond.

Savio died aged only 15. He had never been a millionaire; his riches layin his faith in Jesus Christ. The memory of this lovable lad lived on, sodeeply had he touched the hearts of the people who knew him. Over100 years later he was still remembered – and made a saint by theRoman Catholic Church.

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ALL IN THE MONTH OF MARCH........................IT WAS

500 years ago, on 28th March 1515 that Saint Teresa of Avila was born.This Spanish Carmelite nun was a writer and mystic who reformed theCarmelite Order. She was also the first woman to be made a doctor ofthe Roman Catholic Church.

200 years ago, on 20th March 1815 that Napoleon returned to Paris asEmperor of France after escaping from exile. (On 18th June he wasdefeated at the Battle of Waterloo.)

150 years ago, on 4th March 1865 that Abraham Lincoln was inaugurat-ed as President of the United States for a second term. (He was assassi-nated a month later.)

125 years ago, on 4th March 1890 that the Forth Bridge in Scotland wasofficially opened. It was the first major steel structure in Britain.

Also 70 years ago, on 26th March 1945 that David Lloyd George, BritishPrime Minister (1916-22) died.

50 years ago, on 8th March 1965 that 3,500 US Marines landed in SouthVietnam – the first US combat troops to take part in the war.

Also 50 years ago, on 18th March 1965 that Soviet cosmonaut AlekseiLeonov became the first person to make a space walk.

15 years ago, on 26th March 2000 that Vladimir Putin was electedPresident of the Russian Federation.

10 years ago, on 26th March 2005, that the British science fiction TVseries Doctor Who returned after a 16-year break.

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SERMON NOTES – OBSOLETE !!The coffee Morning we had to raise funds for the Flash Drives to replaceSermon Notes was a huge success. We made the magnificent sum of£180 which will buy another 6 players to take out to the sick andhousebound.I would like to thank all those who helped to raise the money, those whocame to the coffee morning and the hard working people who baked,served the food and coffee, and manned the stalls .It was very muchappreciated.

Sheila Lawrence

MISSING SOCKS IN YOUR LIFE

What does it mean when all the socks in your laundry match,with none left over?

You’re now losing them in pairs!

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MOTHERS & TEENAGERS

A woman was confiding in her neighbour just how hard it was forher to get her teenagers out of bed in the morning. The neighbourreplied that she never had any trouble at all with her son. “I justopen the door and throw the cat on the bed,” she explained. Thewoman was puzzled, and asked how that might help. “Easy. Myson sleeps with the dog.”

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OUR GIFTS OF FOOD

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty andyou gave me something to drink.” Matthew 25:35

I have never considered why people end up having to go to food banksto help feed themselves and their families, I am just grateful that neitherI or anyone close to me has ever been in that much need.

Since taking over the delivery of Central’s gifts to Anode and Windmill ithas become clear that, for whatever reason, food banks are currentlysupplying a vital service.

On Tuesday, after the Morning Prayer time, I took a car full of your giftsto The Windmill Project, when I walked in I was greeted by a volunteerwho I had met on a previous visit with “you are from Central Church, Irecognise you, we have been praying that someone would bring us moresupplies”

The food that had been given on the five Sundays previously somehowtook on a greater significance, not just really valued food for needypeople but the practical answer to prayer, given as a demonstration ofChristian love.

I felt very privileged to represent Central in delivering the gifts, and I wasvery willing to accept and pass on their thanks and blessings.

I do believe that in this selfish world the gifts you bring each week are ademonstration of our love for one another and I would ask that we keepup the good work, also I would ask that you pray for the work of theprojects, the volunteers, the clients and that sometime the world will besuch that they are not needed.

Richard M

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MOTHERING SUNDAY - AND MOTHER CHURCH

The Fourth Sunday in Lent was called ‘Mid-Lent’ or ‘Refreshment Sun-day’, when the rigors of Lent were relaxed more than was normal for afeast day. It is called Mothering Sunday as a reference to the Epistlereading for the Day (Galatians 4:21-31). The Lenten Epistles follow fromeach other with teaching about our life as Christians and how we are tofollow Christ. On Midlent Sunday the Epistle talks of bondage and free-dom; the bondage of the Law and the Old covenant as compared to thefreedom in Christ, "the promised one", and the New Covenant. Verse 26reads "But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of usall." We gain our freedom from Christ and, as it was seen before theReformation, the Church.

Thus Mothering Sunday is about the freedom that we gain through thepromise of Jesus Christ delivered through our Mother the Church. Peo-ple were encouraged to go to their ‘Mother Church’ (their home churchor their home Cathedral) to worship and give thanks. Hence apprentices,and others, went home for the weekend and often brought gifts (oraccumulated pay) home to their family.

On the other hand, Mother's Day is a secular festival invented in 1904and is celebrated on the 2nd Sunday in May in most countries in theworld. The British Isles seem to be the exception. In recent years Moth-ering Sunday has been hijacked to take the place of a special, secular dayto give thanks for our mothers.

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A 21�� CENTURY SAMARITAN

What a joy it was to read about something good,A young lady behaving in manner as we all should.,She was filled with compassion for a disabled man,Whom thugs had attacked! Then away they ran.

The cowardly assault , caused Alan great pain,Frightened. He was scared to leave home again.Katie read of his plight and decided to act,She hoped the public would read and react.

A plea on the Inter-net, to help this frail man,Brought a response so great it exceeded her plan.Just like the Samaritan which Jesus described,She was full of compassion. willing to provide.

Katie brought a ‘Ray of Sunshine’ to a lonely Soul,Dispelling the wounds of hate and fear was her goal.She not only brought Alan Joy, but the Nation to,She gave us all a reminder of a path to pursue

J.H.D. Lawrence

EXPENSIVE BOAT

A vicar was planning an Easter pilgrimage to the Holy Land, andwas aghast when he found it would cost him £50 an hour to renta boat on the Sea of Galilee. He protested to the travel agent thatthe cost was ridiculous. “That might be true,” replied the travelagent, “but you have to take into account that the Sea of Galileeis water on which our Lord himself walked.”

“Well, at £50 an hour for a boat, I am not surprised!”

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ST ANDREWS JUNIOR CHURCH NEWS

One Sunday in Junior Church we heard how Jesus made his friend Simon’sMother-in-Law well, how she served food to Jesus and his friends andhow Jesus made many more people well. We heard that after this Jesusneeded time to be alone with God. On this Sunday some of us lookedafter cuddly toys and served them food and some of us made prayerjournals.

On another Sunday we heard that Jesus got some fishermen to followhim and become his disciples. He said to them “Come with me and I willteach you how to catch people”. We made a collage that day to illustratewhat we had heard.

We have also looked at how Jesus taught with authority. We discussedwhat we would do if we ruled the world. We had some fun ideas suchas make School holidays longer and make our favourite football teamtop the premiership and some more serious ones such as make peacein our world and stop racism.

Rachel George

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FIVE GOOD THINGS ABOUT LENT

In case you’re thinking at this time of the year that Lent is (as one writerrecently described it) ‘all purple and prohibitions’, here are five good thingsabout it.

1 It only lasts 40 days. Fasts, by their very nature, can’t last forever, but Lenthas a very manageable forty days. (If you’re thinking at six weeks and a bitit’s longer than that, see Item 2)). New Year Resolutions simply stretch offinto some impossibly distant horizon, but our Lenten attempts at discipline(chocolate, cigarettes, daily prayers, being kind to the cat) have an end dateto them.

2. Sundays in Lent are ‘as oases’. Sunday is never a day of fasting, but aweekly celebration of the resurrection of Jesus. So - and this is official! -Sundays don’t count in Lent.

3. A bit of self-denial is better than a lot of self-indulgence. We live in a veryself-indulgent society. Just for forty days it’s no bad thing to deny ourselvessomething that is a minor luxury or a bit of self-pampering - especially if itsaves some money which could go to people in the world who have no‘little luxuries’.

4. It’s a journey towards Easter. Lent goes somewhere, and that some-where is the empty tomb of Easter morning. It’s daffodils in the churchyardand new life all around us.

5. The days get longer. The English word for this season is the only one thathas no religious significance at all. ‘Lent’ is simply an abbreviation of the OldEnglish word ‘lencten’, which means ‘lengthen’. On these islands, whereweather is always a major topic of conversation, it’s not surprising thatwhat people noted about the days of Lent was that they got longer - nomore of those ghastly dark tea-times. But the ‘lengthening’ is all part ofItem 4, really - moving towards new life. (Sadly, Items 4 and 5 don’t applyin Australia and New Zealand. Doubtless they have compensations.)

Given those five splendidly positive things about Lent, which covers thewhole of March this year, I trust readers will approach its rigours with joyfulhearts. David Winter (Editor of Parish Pump)

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NOAH HAD A PROBLEM TOO.

When Noah sailed the waters blue, he had his troubles sameas you. For forty days he drove the Ark before he found aplace to park.

41

CROSSWORD

SOLUTION IN APRIL CORNERSTONE

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FEBRUARY CROSSWORD SOLUTION

MOTHER’S REWARD

A man was decorating his new den and decided it was a goodplace to display all the awards he and his two sons had wonat various athletic competitions. When he had filled two wholewalls, he remarked to his wife that it was a shame she had noawards to contribute.

The following day, she produced, neatly framed, the birthcertificates of their two sons, and added them to the display.

Mar 15 for web

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