All Saints’ Church, 21a Grange Road, Eastbournewww.aseb.co.uk

PARISH MAGAZINEWINTER 2012/13

IN THIS ISSUE:Remembering to help those around you

Samaritans appeal for volunteers

Discover the power of prayer

Two productions from All Saints’ Players

News on Events & Clubs in your Parish

32

Welcome to the All Saints’ Parish Magazine...By Lynda Couch-Smith - Contents Editor

We’ve listened to your feedback and now include a full Events Listing plus details of all the clubs at All Saints’ Church. Please keep your comments coming we love to hear from you.

In this issue.......The true meaning of Christmas for children; think about doing more to help others; the humanitarian work of Tearfund; Eastbourne Samaritans appeal for volunteers; help for the homeless, discovering the power of prayer and the fun of joining a breakfast club!

Have Your Say...

“I look forward to the day the magazine drops through my letterbox because it keeps me in touch with the church and what’s happening in my community”Alison - South Cliff Avenue

“I fi nd the articles interesting and often thought provoking”Graham – Bolsover Road

“Bright, cheerful, welcoming and informative without being too deep in religion. I also think that with the adverts we will keep it for reference.”Liz – Granville Road

When God Whispers Your Name by Max LucadoReally encouraging and well written. The author uses stories from his own life or from other people with great effect. This book is thought provoking but easy to understand all with a unique style. You get the pleasure of reading a novel mixed with the enjoyment of learning about Jesus.

Book Review

A Christmas Message for Children

I was preparing to go to bed, when I heard a noise in the front room of the house. I opened the door and Santa stepped out next to the fi replace. He said, “teach the children the true meaning of Christmas.”

Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a FIR TREE. “Teach the children that the pure green colour of the fi r tree remains green all year round, depicting the everlasting hope of mankind, all the needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of man’s thoughts turning toward heaven.”

He again reached into his bag and pulled out a brilliant STAR. “Teach the children that the star was the heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Saviour for the world and the star was the sign of fulfi lment of His promise.”

He then reached into his bag and pulled out a CANDLE. “Teach the children that the candle symbolises that Christ is the light of the world, and when we see this great light we are reminded of He who displaces the darkness.”

Next he pulled from his bag a GIFT and said, “Teach the children that God so loved the world that he gave his begotten son.” Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.

He reached in again and pulled out an ANGEL. “Teach the children that it was the angels that heralded in the glorious news of the Saviour’s birth. The angels sang Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace and good will toward men.”

Suddenly I heard a soft twinkling sound, and from his bag he pulled out a BELL. “Teach the children that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring mankind to the fold.” The bell symbolizes guidance and return.

Santa looked back and was pleased. He said, “Remember, teach the children the true meaning of Christmas and do not put me in the centre, for I am but a humble servant of the One that is, and together we worship him, our LORD, our GOD.”

Find out more about the birth of Christ in Matthew 1: 8-15 and Luke 2: 1-20

54

Looking forward to the New Year By Revd. Robert Lovatt

So often the moment Christmas is upon us the TV is full of adverts encouraging us to go on holiday to some exotic place. When we get to Boxing Day, being only the 2nd day of Christmas, we nevertheless have a tendency to want to move on from Christmas and begin to look forward to the New Year and all the opportunities it affords.

I have long since given up trying to make resolutions. They usually focus on being more self-disciplined spiritually and in personal organisation. I set various targets for myself but within a few days fi nd myself slipping.

So how should the Christian view the opportunities of a new year? I would say there are four important factors.

1. We are accountable to God for the time we have. There will be a judgment day when we will be expected to recount how we used our time. Did we waste it? Did we fritter it

away on selfi sh concerns or did we use it wisely for the benefi t of others and the good of the world we live in.

2. Our motivation is the love of Christ. The hope we have of eternal life to come and the assurance we have of sins forgiven are all because of Jesus’ love for us. If it is a sense of fear and dread that we look forward to a new year then we’ll accomplish nothing. If, out of a deep sense of gratitude, we want to give back to our creator something of value, then our motivation will be in the right place.

3. Look on your doorstep. There is obviously much good that we can do by supporting those in great need in far off places. Nearer to home, however, there are also many who are in need. One of the surprises is how much the Foodbank is used even in Meads. As you read this 7 of the local churches will be opening up their church halls to the homeless. Street Pastors will be on the streets in the centre of town at weekends helping mainly young people after they come out of clubs to get home safely.

4. God has a purpose for each of us. It’s easy to think that God’s purpose relates to Presidents and Queens, but that it somehow bypasses ordinary folk like you and me. The truth is God’s purpose extends even to the minor details of life. God has set before each one of us a work that no one else can do, and if we don’t do it then others will suffer.

Yes I’m sure I will also think about my holidays in 2013, but I hope also to seek God to know his mind as to what my priorities should be. Jesus once said he only did what he saw his Father doing. (John 5v19) Wouldn’t it be good if all who read this made it their ambition to be about their Father’s business?

Helping The Homeless Again This Winter

All Saints’ will host up to 15 guests, once a week, during the coldest months of the winter, for the second year running. The Night Shelter project, which involves 7 host churches and also volunteers from a wider group of Christians from across the town, has helped provide over 900 ‘bed nights’ so far, for homeless men and women needing to shelter from extreme weather.

The project, which runs for 3 months from December, is releasing hope to men and women caught in a cycle of despair, creating opportunities for Christians to serve others and helping the church in Eastbourne engage the wider community through involvement in compassion projects.

David Barratt, part of the core organisation team comments, ‘We know the message of Jesus is good news. This project enables us to be the message for this vulnerable group in our community.’

Find out more about volunteering and go to www.winternightshelter.com

6

Could you be a SAMARITAN volunteer?

Samaritans of Eastbourne and District was formed in 1965 and is part of a network of 201 Samaritans Branches in the UK and Ireland, providing confi dential, non-judgemental emotional support 24 hours a day every day to people who are in distress or despair.

In Eastbourne they receive around 80 contacts a day, by phone, email or face to face. At The Haven, 13 Bolton Road, Eastbourne anyone who is troubled can drop in between 10.30 a.m. and 10.30 p.m. any day to share their worries in confi dence with a Samaritans volunteer. They regularly visit the Salvation Army homeless centre and the local psychiatric unit. They also support Listeners in Lewes Prison. Listeners are specially selected prisoners trained and supported by Samaritans to provide support to their fellow prisoners. Posters at railway stations are part of their work with Network Rail to reduce the number of rail related suicides.

Raising awareness of the help they can offer is important. They are keen to reach young people through talks in schools, knowing suicide is the biggest killer of young men between 15 and 35.

People can be lonely even if they have family and friends around them. Sometimes it is easier to talk to an anonymous stranger. The human contact offered by Samaritans can be vital. All contacts are confi dential and volunteers make no judgement about our callers. Samaritans listen and allow callers the space and time to unburden themselves and recover the strength to consider their options. Currently they have in the region of 100 volunteers ranging from 18 to 80+ years of age. Each volunteer gives at least 4 hours per week and receive full training and support. They always need more volunteers, especially to cover the night hours when desperation is often at its most acute. As a totally self-funding local Charity they need approximately £40,000 a year to keep going.

For emotional support please ring 01323 735555 or 08457 909090 or email jo@samaritans.org or write to Chris, PO Box 90 90, Stirling, FK8 2SA.

For volunteering and other information telephone 01323 721511, or go to www.eastbournesamaritans.org

The Power Of PrayerBy Ellen Couch-Smith

I have been a Christian all my life, baptised as a baby, attended Sunday school, gone to church but somehow I have always been sceptical of the power of prayer.

It was only when I moved to Eastbourne that my love and trust in religion fl ourished. I have never been scared to say I am a Christian but used to fi nd myself dissatisfi ed at times.

It was when my College academic year fi nished that I felt closer to God more than ever. After leaving College I just thought everything was going to be okay. How wrong I was!

Looking for employment was hard, mentally and emotionally. I’ve never felt so alone and every job rejection dented my confi dence. I lost all hope.

However one day I found myself praying to God for help. This felt strange for me but the day I turned to God in prayer was the day I felt like I’d fi nally been heard. I prayed for a new career path and new hope.

Three weeks later I found myself signing a contract for full time employment with an interior design company!

I am so grateful to have a job now and feel guided and loved by God.

I joined a club – why don’t you?By Brenda Couch

I moved to Eastbourne 6 years ago and wondered where I could go to meet new people in the town.

I was recommended to try a Saturday morning breakfast club. Who would miss the opportunity of having a delicious breakfast, hear interesting speakers and make new friends? I have been three times now to the Aroma Women’s Breakfast Club at All Saints and it’s already a must on my calendar.

It is well organised by a dedicated team, with great food, the speakers are varied and interesting and there’s always a warm welcome. It is good to meet and talk with women with similar outlooks and I fi nd it a lovely way to start your weekend. So set your alarm and like me be a ‘new girl’.

Aroma Breakfast meets at 8.45am on the second Saturday of the month. Full details are in the Events Listing on page 10. 7

98

Walking To Help OthersBy Beth Pilley and Lynda Couch-Smith

Tearfund’s vision is to see 50 million people released from poverty through a worldwide network of 100,000 churches.

Local churches are often at the heart of the response to a disaster: their buildings used as emergency shelters or feeding centres, people reaching out with generosity to friends and neighbours who’ve lost everything.

In 1968 the terrible famine in Biafra, caused by civil war in Nigeria, prompted the public launch of the fund. One year later Cliff Richard gave his fi rst fundraising concert for the cause in the Royal Albert Hall London.

Its work worldwide has been prolifi c. Its helped children in Bangladesh, providing food, healthcare and education; sent its own medical team to work in refugee camps in Somalia; launched a massive appeal and relief response following the Rwandan genocide and in 2005 Tearfund became a leading member of the ‘Make Poverty History’ coalition.

Back in 1993 Tearfund celebrated its 25th anniversary with an award-winning edition of ‘Songs of Praise’.

For every pound raised 91pence goes to Tearfunds emergency, development and humanitarian work around the world.

Here in Eastbourne there is an annual sponsored walk over the South Downs for Tearfund.

In 2012 a determined band of adults and children got involved led by David Pearce and Jim Sweet from All Saints’. The 10 mile walk took about 6 hours including rests from Butts Brow to Jevington, Friston, Birling Gap, the Belle Tout lighthouse, to the checkpoint at Warren Hill then back to Butts Brow. The walkers raised £1000!

Will you be walking with us next year? Watch out for dates in the magazine and we hope you can join us!

Jack And The Bean StalkBoo Giant Blunderbore and Evil Poison Ivy!

Cheer Dozy Den, Dame Trott and our dashing hero Jack!Will the beans be Magic?

Will the beautiful Princess and Buttercup the cow be saved from the Giant’s Castle?

Will there be sweets in the interval?Will they all live happily ever after?

Well, what do you think?This is the All Saints’ Panto!

Performances:Thursday 20th December at 7pmFriday 21st December at 7pmSaturday 22nd December at 3pm Venue:The Big School Theatre at Eastbourne College (with kind thanks to them) Ticket prices: £7 for all Adults. £5 for Children (under 16) & those on benefi ts.

Plus you’ll fi nd news of our spring production in the Events Listing on page 10.

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All Saints’ Players

Written by ‘TLC Creative’

20th/21st Dec @ 7pm 22nd Dec @3pm Eastbourne College Theatre £7-Adult, £5-Child & DWP Tickets can be bought from the Church office.

Open Church

22nd Dec 10-4pm

Come see our

Christmas display

Carol Services

23rd 4.00pm ~ with Nativity

7.00pm ~ by Candlelight

Watch out for us around the Parish!

Join or listen as we go caroling.

From 6.30pm

Fri 14th (December)

1110

Forthcoming Events

DECEMBER8th 8.45am AROMA Women’s Breakfast Club – ‘Christmas Spectacular’14th 10am Christian Focus14th 6.30pm Carol singing around the parish20th 7pm All Saints’ Pantomime at Eastbourne College Theatre21st 7pm All Saints’ Pantomime at Eastbourne College Theatre22nd 3pm All Saints’ Pantomime at Eastbourne College Theatre23rd 4pm Carol Service with Nativity23rd 7pm Carols by Candlelight24th 3pm Crib Service24th 11.15pm Midnight Service with Communion25th 8am Holy Communion25th 10am Christmas Day Family Service Followed by a short service of Communion

JANUARY3rd 8am Three days of Prayer4th 8am Three days of Prayer5th 8am Three days of Prayer5th 8am J21:12 Men’s Breakfast Club12th 8.45am AROMA Women’s Breakfast – speaker Mary Nixon ‘New Beginnings’18th 10am Christian Focus

FEBRUARY2nd 8am J21:12 Men’s Breakfast Club2nd 7.30pm Phoenix Choir at All Saints Church9th 8.45am AROMA Women’s Breakfast – speaker Gail Ball ‘Beads ,beads beads’22nd 7pm Jesus Christ Superstar at Eastbourne College Theatre23rd 2.30pm Jesus Christ Superstar at Eastbourne College Theatre23rd 7pm Jesus Christ Superstar at Eastbourne College Theatre

Every Thursday at 6.30pm there is a Weightwatchers Class

Church Organisations & ClubsYAK (Youth and Kids) Groups: SUNDAYS in the All Saints’ CentreDuring 10am Service: CRECHE (0 – 2.5’s) Lounge SCRAMBLERS (Pre-school) Reception CLIMBERS (Reception – Yr 2) ADVENTURERS (Yr 3 – 6) DISCOVERY TEAM (Yr 7 - 9) During 4 pm Service: CRECHE (0 – 3) Lounge SUNDAY SCHOOL (3 – Yr 6) IGNITE (yr 1 – 2) MONDAY & TUESDAYSPANDA Parent & Toddler group 10.00 am – 11.30 (term time) Carol Strong 419400TUESDAYSCHRISTIAN LIFE GROUP Women’s Group 1.30 – 3.00pm, Margaret Gardner 734742EXPLORERS (Yr 2 – 5) 5.30 – 6.45 pm, Carol Strong 419400IGNITE (Yr 6 – 9) 6.30pm –8.00 pm, Ben Lucas 419400 MAGNETIC (Yr 10 – 14) 8.00 – 9.30 pm, Ben Lucas 419400THURSDAYS TODDLER PRAISE 10.30am-11.30am For pre-school children and parents/carers, Carol Strong 419400 TODDLER PRAISE + 11.30am – 12.30pm Bible study with crèche and lunch for children, Carol Strong 419400

Other Groups:AROMA - Women’s Breakfast 8.45-10.30 am2nd Saturday in the month in the Centre. Breakfast followed by a Guest speaker Gail Ball 730552

BIBLE STUDY GROUPS Home Groups and Bible Studies. Andy Anderson 732823

PRAYER FELLOWSHIPS Tuesday &Thursday lunchtimes in the Church 12.30pm4th Thurs in the month in Centre 7.30pm Peter Moore 416277

BELL RINGING PRACTICE Mondays 7.30 – 9 pm David Leworthy 470186

J21:12 MEN’S BREAKFAST - Breakfast followed by a Guest Speaker 1st Saturday of the month in the Centre 8.00 – 10 am Rob Kirby-Maynard 501609 WEDNESDAY FELLOWSHIP 1st, 3rd , 4th & 5th Wednesday in the Centre 2 - 4.00 pm Kathryn Anderson 411595 PRIME TIME 2nd Wednesday in the Centre 12.30 – 4.30 pm Jane Schulze 412649Lunch & activity afternoon

The Society of Eastbourne ArtistsExhibition & Sale of Paintings

Eastbourne Town HallSaturday 12th & Sunday 13th January

10am – 4pm Entry FreeProceeds going to the Mayors Charity

‘Lark in the Park’

n

ngs’

24th ~ 3pm Crib Service

Suitable for under 8

24th ~ 11.15pm Midnight Service

25th ~ 8am Communion

25th ~ 10am

Christmas Day Celebration

followed by communion

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All Saints’ Church, 21a Grange Road, Eastbournewww.aseb.co.uk

CHURCH SERVICES AT ALL SAINTS’

Sunday Services 8 am Holy Communion (1st & 3rd Sundays)

10.00 am Morning Service (Holy Communion on 2nd & 5th Sundays) 4.00pm All-age Family Service (Holy Communion 3rd Sunday) 7.00pm Evening Service (Holy Communion 4th Sunday)

Midweek Service Thursday 11.00am Holy Communion (1662)

The Clergy will always bring Holy Communion to the housebound and visit any parishioners on request.

For full details of all our services and activities visit : www.aseb.co.uk

Church Manager: Andy Anderson admin@allsaintseastbourne.com or call 732823

Contributions to the All Saints Parish Magazine and website are always welcome. The magazine is distributed throughout the All Saints’community to four thousand people living in the Parish.

To submit your article or for advertising details contact our Contents Editor Lynda Couch-Smith by email: Lynda@pizzazzmarketing.co.uk or call07967 326131.