Sunday, 1st September
10.30am Revd Stephen Burgess
Circuit Celebration (at TG) to welcome Revd Stephen Caddy & Mrs Christine Caddy
6.30pm Evening Worship Dr David Foster
Sunday, 8th September
10.30am Morning Worship with Holy Communion - Revd Stephen Caddy
6.30pm Evening Worship Mr John Turner
Wednesday, 11th September
10.00am Holy Communion Revd Stephen Caddy
Sunday, 15th September
10.30am Morning Worship Mr Brian Dodgson
6.30pm Evening Worship with Holy Communion - Revd Stephen Caddy
Sunday, 22nd September
10.30am Morning Worship Mr Linda Johnson, with Mr Samuel Hutchinson
6.30pm Evening Worship Mr John Eldon
Sunday, 29th September
10.30am Morning Worship Revd Stephen Caddy
6.30pm Ignite
Sunday, 6th October
10.30am All Age Worship and Harvest Festival - Revd Stephen Caddy
6.30pm Evening Worship Dr Tim Allison
Monday, 2 September 2013
Events and Fellowship at TOLL GAVEL Church
Toll Gavel '99 ClubMonday, 9 September Our Annual General Meeting is at 7.30pm at the home of Andrew and Margaret Chastney. Please phone first and 'bring and share' your ideas for our new programme, together with your contribution to the usual Bring and Share Supper.
Bible Study House GroupThe first meeting of the new session will be on Thursday 12th September at 7.30 pm and both existing and new members will receive a warm welcome as we renew our fellowship and discuss Holy Scripture together. We shall begin with the book of Ruth in September and in following months look at the Gospel according to Mark. Details of venues will be in the weekly church notices for each meeting. For more information contact Eric.
Concert by Leconfield Community Choir
Saturday, September 21st. Supported by pupils from Longcroft School. 7.30pm at Toll Gavel Church
Tickets £5, from Jim Sharp, Wendy Wallis or Tourist Information. Proceeds to Toll Gavel Church
Coffee Mornings - Each SaturdayOn 28th September the coffee morning will be in aid of the Hull, Beverley Borough and Holderness Branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society. If anyone could spare the time to help it would be greatly appreciated. Also, contributions to the cake stall and tombola would be fantastic. If you can help or have any stall contributions please see Janet Burnitt, who always appreciates you kind thoughts, and also appreciates bottles of bubble bath and fruit pies! Thank you.
Bible Study House GroupThe first meeting of the new session will be on Thursday 12th September at 7.30 pm and both existing and new members will receive a warm welcome as we renew our fellowship and discuss Holy Scripture together. We shall begin with the book of Ruth in September and in following months look at the Gospel according to Mark. Details of venues will be in the weekly church notices for each meeting. For more information contact Eric.
Concert by Leconfield Community Choir
Saturday, September 21st. Supported by pupils from Longcroft School. 7.30pm at Toll Gavel Church
Tickets £5, from Jim Sharp, Wendy Wallis or Tourist Information. Proceeds to Toll Gavel Church
Coffee Mornings - Each SaturdayOn 28th September the coffee morning will be in aid of the Hull, Beverley Borough and Holderness Branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society. If anyone could spare the time to help it would be greatly appreciated. Also, contributions to the cake stall and tombola would be fantastic. If you can help or have any stall contributions please see Janet Burnitt, who always appreciates you kind thoughts, and also appreciates bottles of bubble bath and fruit pies! Thank you.
Events at NORWOOD Church
Norwood Nites - Community CinemaThursday 19th September ..... 7pm
‘the Pursuit of Happyness’
Coffee MorningFriday 27th September 27th ..... 10 am - 12 noon
Usual stalls and an opportunity to meet with friends and have a good natter.
Greg Trooper - Singer/song writer - Americana: alternative country folk, rock.Saturday 5th October ...... 8pm
All proceeds from the sale of refreshments & raffle to go towards Norwood Church development project
Tickets £8, available from Molescroft Newsagents and Beverley Tourist Information Centre.
For more information and/or tickets please ring: 01482 872319 or email: victoria@cookies1.karoo.co.uk
‘the Pursuit of Happyness’
Coffee MorningFriday 27th September 27th ..... 10 am - 12 noon
Usual stalls and an opportunity to meet with friends and have a good natter.
Greg Trooper - Singer/song writer - Americana: alternative country folk, rock.Saturday 5th October ...... 8pm
All proceeds from the sale of refreshments & raffle to go towards Norwood Church development project
Tickets £8, available from Molescroft Newsagents and Beverley Tourist Information Centre.
For more information and/or tickets please ring: 01482 872319 or email: victoria@cookies1.karoo.co.uk
Worship and Fellowship at NORWOOD Church - September 2013
Sunday WorshipApart from 1st September, all services begin at 10.45 am
1st September – no service at Norwood.
There will be a circuit service at 10.30 am at Toll Gavel Church to welcome Revd Stephen Caddy and Mrs Christine Caddy.
This will be followed by a bring and share ‘faith’ lunch.
8th September .... Revd Michael Bowman - Holy Communion
15th September ... Mrs. Joy Coates
22nd September ... Revd Stephen Caddy and Mrs. Elaine Turner - Harvest Festival followed by a bring and share lunch.
29th September ... Dr. David Foster
6th October .......Mrs Linda Johnson
Friday Worship (Creating Space for God)First Friday of the month from October to July; Meet in the Hall from 6.30pm, worship starts at 7pm in the Church.
4th October .... ‘Praying with Music’
Norwood FellowshipFriday 13th September 2.15pm Meet in the Vestry
Everyone welcome
1st September – no service at Norwood.
There will be a circuit service at 10.30 am at Toll Gavel Church to welcome Revd Stephen Caddy and Mrs Christine Caddy.
This will be followed by a bring and share ‘faith’ lunch.
8th September .... Revd Michael Bowman - Holy Communion
15th September ... Mrs. Joy Coates
22nd September ... Revd Stephen Caddy and Mrs. Elaine Turner - Harvest Festival followed by a bring and share lunch.
29th September ... Dr. David Foster
6th October .......Mrs Linda Johnson
Friday Worship (Creating Space for God)First Friday of the month from October to July; Meet in the Hall from 6.30pm, worship starts at 7pm in the Church.
4th October .... ‘Praying with Music’
Norwood FellowshipFriday 13th September 2.15pm Meet in the Vestry
Everyone welcome
Creating Space for God
... at Norwood Church
Using a variety of approaches, and the gifts of different leaders, this hour, 7:00 – 8:00 pm on the first Friday of each month, provides an opportunity to step out of the bustle and busyness of life.
In a safe and quiet space we offer not traditional worship, but a more reflective time in which to explore the hidden depths we all have, and to draw nearer to God. The approach will be to use music, poetry, art and other creative arts, as well as Scripture.
4th October ........ Praying with Music
1st November ..... 'The Power of Storytelling to Surprise'
6th December ..... Crafts for Christmas
3rd January ........ Sing in the Year (a sung liturgy)
7th February ...... Equal Rites (Worship from an LGBT perspective)
7th March .......... Poetry, Prose, Praise and Prayer
4th April ............ Crafts for Easter
2nd May ............ God in Mind
6th June ........... Abstract Worship
4th July ........... Celebrating Summer
All are at Norwood Church (with refreshments from 6.30), except for 4th July when we will meet at the Molescroft Health Centre, Woodhall Way for a gentle reflective walk along the path of the old Market Weighton railway line.
“In quietness and trust is your strength”
Using a variety of approaches, and the gifts of different leaders, this hour, 7:00 – 8:00 pm on the first Friday of each month, provides an opportunity to step out of the bustle and busyness of life.
In a safe and quiet space we offer not traditional worship, but a more reflective time in which to explore the hidden depths we all have, and to draw nearer to God. The approach will be to use music, poetry, art and other creative arts, as well as Scripture.
4th October ........ Praying with Music
1st November ..... 'The Power of Storytelling to Surprise'
6th December ..... Crafts for Christmas
3rd January ........ Sing in the Year (a sung liturgy)
7th February ...... Equal Rites (Worship from an LGBT perspective)
7th March .......... Poetry, Prose, Praise and Prayer
4th April ............ Crafts for Easter
2nd May ............ God in Mind
6th June ........... Abstract Worship
4th July ........... Celebrating Summer
All are at Norwood Church (with refreshments from 6.30), except for 4th July when we will meet at the Molescroft Health Centre, Woodhall Way for a gentle reflective walk along the path of the old Market Weighton railway line.
“In quietness and trust is your strength”
Benjamin's Tale, by Colin Raynor
Genesis 42: v2
Jacob told his sons “ I have heard there is corn in Egypt. Go and buy so that we may live and not die”
There is corn in Egypt. At a very early stage in my life those few words seemed to be of such importance that my family talked about nothing else and, as I reflect now in my later years on all the things that came to pass because of those words, I can only think of them as a mixed blessing.
You will often read about the twelve sons of Jacob but you must first of all know that only Joseph and me, Benjamin, were brothers as we were the only two children Jacob had with his beloved wife Rachel. I never knew my mother Rachel as she died giving birth to me and maybe that’s why, as the years went by, Jacob was so reluctant to let me out of his sight. I was the only link with Rachel especially after my brother Joseph disappeared so mysteriously when he was only 17 years old. So the other ten brothers Reuben, Judah, Simeon and the rest were all my step brothers, who our father had had with other women.
There is corn in Egypt. When my father spoke those words it was out of desperation. In every other part of the known world at that time the earth was barren and for several years there had been a famine the like of which had never been seen before, and people were dying daily. So there was no option, if we wished to live, someone had to go to Egypt and hope that sufficient corn could be bought to keep us alive. I think when Jacob counted all his family they numbered about 70 folks of all ages so we needed a lot of corn.
Now I’m sure you know the sequence of events that took place with my step bothers having to make more than one journey to Egypt to obey the orders of the man known to them as Zaphnath-paaneah an Egyptian name (meaning “God speaks and lives). This man had total control of all the corn that was bought and sold in Egypt. When they told Jacob that this man insisted that unless I was taken to Egypt there would be no more for the family, my father had no option but to let me go on the next trip. My step brother Reuben had always been closest to me and he assured my father he would care for me.
To say that I was frightened would be an understatement. I was petrified because this Egyptian seemed to have so much power and seemed to know so much about our family. I did wonder if I would ever see my father again .As I look back on all these events I know now that it wasn’t this man with the strange name (who of course was my long lost brother Joseph) it was the Lord God who was in charge. He had been at the heart of everything that had happened to me and my family from the start. There is corn in Egypt. We were so concerned for our own personal needs that when we saw a chance to get out of the terrible situation we were in we went for it and didn’t think about the consequences. Once my step brothers had found a source of food that would give us all new life it really did not take long for them to do as they were asked. They even told themselves this was their punishment for what they had done to Joseph all those years ago.
My father Jacob is dead a number of years now. We did as he asked and buried him in Canaan, the land of his fathers whilst we all continue to live in Egypt. There is work to do and we have a good life. I recall my father speaking to all his sons just before he died and describing me as a hunter. It was true to some extent and maybe something in the genes but I do often reflect, on the sequence of events that brought us to this time of good fortune in Egypt. There is no doubt we owe a great deal to my brother Joseph who for many years has held such a very powerful post. He is responsible to no one in Egypt but the Pharaoh. It really is amazing how much the Egyptians rely on him to conduct their affairs. I do wonder at times if, as a family, we have learnt anything about the ways of the Lord in all that has happened.
There is corn in Egypt but when that corn is no more and when Joseph is not with us and we are all gone, and another generation takes our place, will it still be a place of peace for us. We have still never sat at the same table as the Egyptians to eat our food and I am a little fearful for the future. We only live in our time and not in God‘s time but I do think there is a responsibility for one generation as they make decisions to give thought as to the heritage they are passing on to those who will follow them. We can do no more than put our trust in God who has brought us so far and I’m sure is still working His purpose out day by day. I will not forsake Him nor my family so let us hope and pray those who come after us will not forsake Him. Maybe the one who God will choose to lead our nation will come from those we live with in Egypt.
Jacob told his sons “ I have heard there is corn in Egypt. Go and buy so that we may live and not die”
There is corn in Egypt. At a very early stage in my life those few words seemed to be of such importance that my family talked about nothing else and, as I reflect now in my later years on all the things that came to pass because of those words, I can only think of them as a mixed blessing.
You will often read about the twelve sons of Jacob but you must first of all know that only Joseph and me, Benjamin, were brothers as we were the only two children Jacob had with his beloved wife Rachel. I never knew my mother Rachel as she died giving birth to me and maybe that’s why, as the years went by, Jacob was so reluctant to let me out of his sight. I was the only link with Rachel especially after my brother Joseph disappeared so mysteriously when he was only 17 years old. So the other ten brothers Reuben, Judah, Simeon and the rest were all my step brothers, who our father had had with other women.
There is corn in Egypt. When my father spoke those words it was out of desperation. In every other part of the known world at that time the earth was barren and for several years there had been a famine the like of which had never been seen before, and people were dying daily. So there was no option, if we wished to live, someone had to go to Egypt and hope that sufficient corn could be bought to keep us alive. I think when Jacob counted all his family they numbered about 70 folks of all ages so we needed a lot of corn.
Now I’m sure you know the sequence of events that took place with my step bothers having to make more than one journey to Egypt to obey the orders of the man known to them as Zaphnath-paaneah an Egyptian name (meaning “God speaks and lives). This man had total control of all the corn that was bought and sold in Egypt. When they told Jacob that this man insisted that unless I was taken to Egypt there would be no more for the family, my father had no option but to let me go on the next trip. My step brother Reuben had always been closest to me and he assured my father he would care for me.
To say that I was frightened would be an understatement. I was petrified because this Egyptian seemed to have so much power and seemed to know so much about our family. I did wonder if I would ever see my father again .As I look back on all these events I know now that it wasn’t this man with the strange name (who of course was my long lost brother Joseph) it was the Lord God who was in charge. He had been at the heart of everything that had happened to me and my family from the start. There is corn in Egypt. We were so concerned for our own personal needs that when we saw a chance to get out of the terrible situation we were in we went for it and didn’t think about the consequences. Once my step brothers had found a source of food that would give us all new life it really did not take long for them to do as they were asked. They even told themselves this was their punishment for what they had done to Joseph all those years ago.
My father Jacob is dead a number of years now. We did as he asked and buried him in Canaan, the land of his fathers whilst we all continue to live in Egypt. There is work to do and we have a good life. I recall my father speaking to all his sons just before he died and describing me as a hunter. It was true to some extent and maybe something in the genes but I do often reflect, on the sequence of events that brought us to this time of good fortune in Egypt. There is no doubt we owe a great deal to my brother Joseph who for many years has held such a very powerful post. He is responsible to no one in Egypt but the Pharaoh. It really is amazing how much the Egyptians rely on him to conduct their affairs. I do wonder at times if, as a family, we have learnt anything about the ways of the Lord in all that has happened.
There is corn in Egypt but when that corn is no more and when Joseph is not with us and we are all gone, and another generation takes our place, will it still be a place of peace for us. We have still never sat at the same table as the Egyptians to eat our food and I am a little fearful for the future. We only live in our time and not in God‘s time but I do think there is a responsibility for one generation as they make decisions to give thought as to the heritage they are passing on to those who will follow them. We can do no more than put our trust in God who has brought us so far and I’m sure is still working His purpose out day by day. I will not forsake Him nor my family so let us hope and pray those who come after us will not forsake Him. Maybe the one who God will choose to lead our nation will come from those we live with in Egypt.
Jacob's Well Appeal
“RIDING WITH DIGNITY”
We are aware that there are so many demands on our giving but, everyone likes a bargain. So, how about 230 miles for only £1 sponsorship?!
Trish Waller & Anne Mitchell will attempt the Hadrian’s Wall Cycleway, starting on 12th September 2013. They hope to raise funds for the Dignity Project in Burkina Faso, Africa. The money raised will help widowed mothers, living in poverty, to set up a small business to support their families. Anne Mitchell is among a group of Jacob’s Well volunteers who are going out to Burkina Faso, in October this year, with a view to assisting in the development of several projects. Anne will take out the money that they raise and donate it directly to the Dignity Project.
To sponsor them, and to learn more, please speak with Anne and Trish.
We are aware that there are so many demands on our giving but, everyone likes a bargain. So, how about 230 miles for only £1 sponsorship?!
Trish Waller & Anne Mitchell will attempt the Hadrian’s Wall Cycleway, starting on 12th September 2013. They hope to raise funds for the Dignity Project in Burkina Faso, Africa. The money raised will help widowed mothers, living in poverty, to set up a small business to support their families. Anne Mitchell is among a group of Jacob’s Well volunteers who are going out to Burkina Faso, in October this year, with a view to assisting in the development of several projects. Anne will take out the money that they raise and donate it directly to the Dignity Project.
To sponsor them, and to learn more, please speak with Anne and Trish.
New Logo for Methodist Women in Britain
When MWiB was launched in July 2011 it was decided to wait and allow a new logo for the movement to emerge. Initially, the new movement continued to use the logos of its constituent parts, Women's Network in the Methodist Church and the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women. After discussion, prayer, consultation and, eventually, taking ideas to a professional graphic designer, Sally Bamford www.little-betty.co.uk several designs were submitted to the MWiB Forum meeting in March 2013 and this enchanting, clever butterfly was selected (formed from the letters MWiB, gathered around the cross).
The butterfly image represents aspects of our Christian belief. The life cycle of the butterfly has four distinct stages.
The egg: Jesus still offers new life to all who believe in him. (John 3: 1-8)
The caterpillar: As we feed on the Word of God we grow as disciples. (2 Timothy 3: 15-17)
The chrysalis: Prayer is the powerhouse for the Christian who waits on the Lord. (Ephesians 3: 16)
The butterfly: A symbol of resurrection, new life in Christ, freedom and perfection. (2 Corinthians 5: 17)
The Story of the Butterfly One day a young woman came across a chrysalis and saw that it was just beginning to open. She decided to help the emerging butterfly on its way and so prised open the chrysalis. The butterfly emerged but its wings could never function. It had needed the time of struggle in order for the wings to be fully formed. We are sometimes tempted to try and force God’s hand. In our impatience, we forget that we learn from perseverance.
The butterfly image represents aspects of our Christian belief. The life cycle of the butterfly has four distinct stages.
The egg: Jesus still offers new life to all who believe in him. (John 3: 1-8)
The caterpillar: As we feed on the Word of God we grow as disciples. (2 Timothy 3: 15-17)
The chrysalis: Prayer is the powerhouse for the Christian who waits on the Lord. (Ephesians 3: 16)
The butterfly: A symbol of resurrection, new life in Christ, freedom and perfection. (2 Corinthians 5: 17)
The Story of the Butterfly One day a young woman came across a chrysalis and saw that it was just beginning to open. She decided to help the emerging butterfly on its way and so prised open the chrysalis. The butterfly emerged but its wings could never function. It had needed the time of struggle in order for the wings to be fully formed. We are sometimes tempted to try and force God’s hand. In our impatience, we forget that we learn from perseverance.
Beverley Against Poverty
Ian Merryweather, Volunteer helper at BAP writes:
Dear Friends
Beverley Against Poverty is planning to open a Foodbank to serve individuals and families in crisis. Toll Gavel Methodist Church has kindly provided storage facilities and a distribution point including a café facility. It is hoped that the Foodbank and Café will be open on Wednesday afternoon between 2.00pm and 4.00pm. We are aiming to open for business on Wednesday 18th September 2013.
Before the opening there are many tasks to complete and we are inviting local Churches to become involved. Volunteers will be needed to help in many ways.
A Foodbank offers food parcels to those in crisis. Parcels are only given to those who are genuinely in need and who have been given a voucher from an agency that can assess their need. We are asking a number of the caring agencies to hold vouchers for us. We hope these agencies will include Social Services, Children Centres, Cherry Tree Community Association and Community Health Care Bodies. We would also like to include Churches in this process so we are asking that a member of the clergy or an appropriate Church leader would take on this responsibility.
The Foodbank will be reliant for most of its food supplies on donations from individuals and groups within the town. We are appealing to local churches to help in this venture requesting that they ask their congregations for donations of food.
As our launch day is very near to Harvest time we wondered whether Churches would be willing to ask their congregations that Harvest gifts this year might be food that we could use in the Foodbank. As we will only operate on a Wednesday we will only be able to accept dried and tinned goods and we would ask that they be within their use by date.
We have included a list of items, which has been recommended to us by the Trussell Trust, which is a national body that has successfully established Foodbanks all over the country and is helping us to establish the Beverley Foodbank. Monetary donations will also be acceptable as we can use this to buy further items.
If you are able to help us as: Volunteers, an agent to distribute vouchers, or in supplying food, we would be most grateful. Contact can be made through: Jim Sharp Secretary email jis@sharp13.karoo.co.uk Tel: 01482868383, or Ian Merryweather email ian_merryweather@hotmail.co.uk Tel: 01482 867958
We have included a brief description of a foodbank, a form for Volunteers and a List of food items that we are able to use.
Thank you in anticipation.
Dear Friends
Beverley Against Poverty is planning to open a Foodbank to serve individuals and families in crisis. Toll Gavel Methodist Church has kindly provided storage facilities and a distribution point including a café facility. It is hoped that the Foodbank and Café will be open on Wednesday afternoon between 2.00pm and 4.00pm. We are aiming to open for business on Wednesday 18th September 2013.
Before the opening there are many tasks to complete and we are inviting local Churches to become involved. Volunteers will be needed to help in many ways.
A Foodbank offers food parcels to those in crisis. Parcels are only given to those who are genuinely in need and who have been given a voucher from an agency that can assess their need. We are asking a number of the caring agencies to hold vouchers for us. We hope these agencies will include Social Services, Children Centres, Cherry Tree Community Association and Community Health Care Bodies. We would also like to include Churches in this process so we are asking that a member of the clergy or an appropriate Church leader would take on this responsibility.
The Foodbank will be reliant for most of its food supplies on donations from individuals and groups within the town. We are appealing to local churches to help in this venture requesting that they ask their congregations for donations of food.
As our launch day is very near to Harvest time we wondered whether Churches would be willing to ask their congregations that Harvest gifts this year might be food that we could use in the Foodbank. As we will only operate on a Wednesday we will only be able to accept dried and tinned goods and we would ask that they be within their use by date.
We have included a list of items, which has been recommended to us by the Trussell Trust, which is a national body that has successfully established Foodbanks all over the country and is helping us to establish the Beverley Foodbank. Monetary donations will also be acceptable as we can use this to buy further items.
If you are able to help us as: Volunteers, an agent to distribute vouchers, or in supplying food, we would be most grateful. Contact can be made through: Jim Sharp Secretary email jis@sharp13.karoo.co.uk Tel: 01482868383, or Ian Merryweather email ian_merryweather@hotmail.co.uk Tel: 01482 867958
We have included a brief description of a foodbank, a form for Volunteers and a List of food items that we are able to use.
Thank you in anticipation.
Christian Aid partner project
John Turner summarises an update received from Toll Gavel Church’s Christian Aid Partner Project:
We have recently received an update from the project and I have written a summary. The two partner organisations will be directly helping 1000 people to access training and gain employment. They are also working with key government institutions, around 250 employers and alongside 20 other civil society organisations to improve the lives of, and opportunities for people with disabilities.
The wider picture in Lebanon is making things difficult. Lebanon borders Syria and more than half a million refugees have crossed into Lebanon. With such a high number of additional people trying to access public services the infrastructure has been placed under huge strain. Additionally the Lebanese government has been dissolved and elections. Planned for this summer, have been postponed. This is making it difficult for organisations to try and influence policy change at this level.
The YMCA partner has recently purchased a specially adapted vehicle which allows the team to travel around the West Bank carrying out employment assessments for people with disabilities.
Salah was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy when he was 10. He did well at school and achieved good grades. He received counselling from the YMCA which helped to boost his confidence. After finishing a course at university he applied for a job but was refused because they did not think he was fit enough to do the job. They did not take no for an answer and showed the boss all the grades he had achieved.
With the help they had received from the YMCA they knew that all employers were supposed to have 5% of their employees from the disabled sector. He has now been given a job.
Please pray fro a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Syria. Pray for the hundreds of thousands of refugees dispersed among neighbouring countries that their needs may be met and an end to the uncertainty they are now experiencing.
Next events:
1. Sponsored Cycle Ride September 7th. Proceeds shared between the church and the project
There are sponsor forms to add your support displayed in the Toll Gavel Church Centre
2. FASHION SHOW Wednesday September 25th 700 pm at M & Co. There will be a raffle and a cake stall. Contributions for these will be welcome. Tickets will be available from the Christian Aid team of John and Elaine, Ann Lynn, Jennifer Miles, Ann Bratley, David Powell.
We have recently received an update from the project and I have written a summary. The two partner organisations will be directly helping 1000 people to access training and gain employment. They are also working with key government institutions, around 250 employers and alongside 20 other civil society organisations to improve the lives of, and opportunities for people with disabilities.
The wider picture in Lebanon is making things difficult. Lebanon borders Syria and more than half a million refugees have crossed into Lebanon. With such a high number of additional people trying to access public services the infrastructure has been placed under huge strain. Additionally the Lebanese government has been dissolved and elections. Planned for this summer, have been postponed. This is making it difficult for organisations to try and influence policy change at this level.
The YMCA partner has recently purchased a specially adapted vehicle which allows the team to travel around the West Bank carrying out employment assessments for people with disabilities.
Salah was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy when he was 10. He did well at school and achieved good grades. He received counselling from the YMCA which helped to boost his confidence. After finishing a course at university he applied for a job but was refused because they did not think he was fit enough to do the job. They did not take no for an answer and showed the boss all the grades he had achieved.
With the help they had received from the YMCA they knew that all employers were supposed to have 5% of their employees from the disabled sector. He has now been given a job.
Please pray fro a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Syria. Pray for the hundreds of thousands of refugees dispersed among neighbouring countries that their needs may be met and an end to the uncertainty they are now experiencing.
Next events:
1. Sponsored Cycle Ride September 7th. Proceeds shared between the church and the project
There are sponsor forms to add your support displayed in the Toll Gavel Church Centre
2. FASHION SHOW Wednesday September 25th 700 pm at M & Co. There will be a raffle and a cake stall. Contributions for these will be welcome. Tickets will be available from the Christian Aid team of John and Elaine, Ann Lynn, Jennifer Miles, Ann Bratley, David Powell.
Would You Like to Explore Prayer?
The Endsleigh Ecumenical Spirituality Team has put together two programmes over the next 12 months:
“Come to the Well and Drink”
A series of six Thursday evenings from Sept to Nov. Sometimes we want to pray, but are not sure how to go about it, or we want to find a new way. This course offers suggestions and opportunities for exploring different ways into prayer. The invitation is to "Come to the Well and Drink." Be refreshed, restored, resourced. The course covers:
What is Prayer? Who is God for me? Prayer Journaling. Mandalas. Ways into Silence and Stillness. Christian Meditation. Lectio Divina. Praying with Poetry. Contemplative Mindmapping. Praying with Music. Imaginative Contemplation. Praying the Labyrinth.
The cost is £5 per session and it is not necessary to do all the evenings, but you can pick and mix.
“Exploring Spiritual Direction”
An approach to faith accompaniment. This course lays the foundations for people wishing to accompany others in their journey of faith. It is a series of 14 Wednesday evenings and 2 Saturdays and costs £110.
The Course reflects different denominations and Christian traditions, and introduces spiritual direction as a specific discipline within Christian pastoral care. The Course is experiential and practical, and can also be used to explore one’s own faith journey.
The course includes: Theory and Practice of Spiritual Direction, Models of Faith Accompaniment, Theological Reflection, Ignatian Discernment, Sexuality & Spirituality, Personality & Spirituality, Good practice & Supervision
There are leaflets available containing all the details.
If you want to talk to someone about either of these programmes, please contact: David Jackson (872484), Linda Bosworth (868130), Brenda Smith (869481) or David Bosworth (868130).
“Come to the Well and Drink”
A series of six Thursday evenings from Sept to Nov. Sometimes we want to pray, but are not sure how to go about it, or we want to find a new way. This course offers suggestions and opportunities for exploring different ways into prayer. The invitation is to "Come to the Well and Drink." Be refreshed, restored, resourced. The course covers:
What is Prayer? Who is God for me? Prayer Journaling. Mandalas. Ways into Silence and Stillness. Christian Meditation. Lectio Divina. Praying with Poetry. Contemplative Mindmapping. Praying with Music. Imaginative Contemplation. Praying the Labyrinth.
The cost is £5 per session and it is not necessary to do all the evenings, but you can pick and mix.
“Exploring Spiritual Direction”
An approach to faith accompaniment. This course lays the foundations for people wishing to accompany others in their journey of faith. It is a series of 14 Wednesday evenings and 2 Saturdays and costs £110.
The Course reflects different denominations and Christian traditions, and introduces spiritual direction as a specific discipline within Christian pastoral care. The Course is experiential and practical, and can also be used to explore one’s own faith journey.
The course includes: Theory and Practice of Spiritual Direction, Models of Faith Accompaniment, Theological Reflection, Ignatian Discernment, Sexuality & Spirituality, Personality & Spirituality, Good practice & Supervision
There are leaflets available containing all the details.
If you want to talk to someone about either of these programmes, please contact: David Jackson (872484), Linda Bosworth (868130), Brenda Smith (869481) or David Bosworth (868130).
Norwood Nites
Community Cinema
@ Norwood Church
Pop corn & refreshments provided
Free admission
PROGRAMME 2013
Thursday 19th September @ 7pm
‘the Pursuit of Happyness’
Thursday 24th October @7pm
‘Eat, Pray and Love’
Thursday 21st November @7pm
‘Skyfall’
Saturday December 14th @ 2pm
‘The Snowman’
&
‘Miracle on 34th Street’
Serving mince pies
A chance to see a film again or, missed at the cinema!
Please make a note in your diary.
The Carrivick Sisters
Performing at Toll Gavel Church
Sunday November 10th, 8pm - tickets £10
Bluegrass/Folk musicians who have played Glastonbury as well as lots of smaller bluegrass, Americana and folk festivals/venues!
All proceeds to Toll Gavel Church.
Sunday November 10th, 8pm - tickets £10
Bluegrass/Folk musicians who have played Glastonbury as well as lots of smaller bluegrass, Americana and folk festivals/venues!
All proceeds to Toll Gavel Church.
Editorial
Much has been said already by both Rev Stephen Caddy and Rev Stephen Burgess about new beginnings and it is, surely, with anticipation and joy that we welcome Stephen and Christine into the circuit, and we pray God’s richest blessing on them.
But, for my editorial slot, I thought I would introduce some ‘guest editors’ to contribute to Contact each month. This month, reflecting ‘new beginnings’ I have invited Lazarus to speak with us:
“I have no clue what happened to me. All I knew was that I was ill and fading away fast – I heard voices fussing around me. From his previous visit, I knew that Jesus would be at risk if he came back again; the religious authorities were already plotting against him, and would come here if there was any chance of closing the net on him. I prayed for his sake he would not come back – but I learnt later that Martha felt that was something that Jesus had to decide, so she sent word. The next few days are a complete blank – all I know is what I have been told, I was dead and buried. Four days after I died, I heard a voice call to me; it was Jesus. All he said was ‘Lazarus, come out!’ and I walked into the daylight. Whether I’d died (or simply appeared to be dead) I will never know – but if I wasn’t dead, I might as well have been. I cannot explain it – nor do I intend to; but it wasn’t just about being alive – I felt a new life in me.
Many people had come to console Mary and Martha, but amongst them were spies for the religious authorities, who returned to Jerusalem and told the Pharisees what had happened to me. I heard later that they tried to kill me in order to silence the truth, and disillusion Jesus’ followers. It was a dangerous time – but I didn’t care. Jesus’ new life had touched me, and I had a quality of living I had never had before. After Jesus’ resurrection, I realised that HE was the new life. My sisters and I came to see that what happened to me was less about coming back to life, but about having what we call ‘resurrected life’ – and having it in the here and now.”
But, for my editorial slot, I thought I would introduce some ‘guest editors’ to contribute to Contact each month. This month, reflecting ‘new beginnings’ I have invited Lazarus to speak with us:
“I have no clue what happened to me. All I knew was that I was ill and fading away fast – I heard voices fussing around me. From his previous visit, I knew that Jesus would be at risk if he came back again; the religious authorities were already plotting against him, and would come here if there was any chance of closing the net on him. I prayed for his sake he would not come back – but I learnt later that Martha felt that was something that Jesus had to decide, so she sent word. The next few days are a complete blank – all I know is what I have been told, I was dead and buried. Four days after I died, I heard a voice call to me; it was Jesus. All he said was ‘Lazarus, come out!’ and I walked into the daylight. Whether I’d died (or simply appeared to be dead) I will never know – but if I wasn’t dead, I might as well have been. I cannot explain it – nor do I intend to; but it wasn’t just about being alive – I felt a new life in me.
Many people had come to console Mary and Martha, but amongst them were spies for the religious authorities, who returned to Jerusalem and told the Pharisees what had happened to me. I heard later that they tried to kill me in order to silence the truth, and disillusion Jesus’ followers. It was a dangerous time – but I didn’t care. Jesus’ new life had touched me, and I had a quality of living I had never had before. After Jesus’ resurrection, I realised that HE was the new life. My sisters and I came to see that what happened to me was less about coming back to life, but about having what we call ‘resurrected life’ – and having it in the here and now.”
From The District Chair’s Desk
Greetings for the start of another new year – well, a new Methodist Connexional Year. September is the time when many church activities recommence after a summer break, when many people take up new roles. A number of lay people will be starting new responsibilities within the life of the local churches, circuits and district; we wish them well in their new tasks, and thank them for responding to a call to serve. That may well have come from their individual discernment, or because someone has encouraged them to fill a gap somewhere. Either way, it is God’s work in which we participate, and I have often acknowledged that none of us is really a “volunteer” but rather we are “called to serve”.
A number of ministers will be starting new appointments within the district – similarly responding to God’s call. Firstly, that call is to ordained ministry which has been affirmed by the church, and then each minister is in a covenant relationship with the Methodist Conference. This means that ministers are required to uphold the authority of the Conference in the life of the Church and to observe its discipline. Ministers have been reminded of this in a recent letter from the Secretary of the Conference, which will be an annual letter from now on. The letter reminds those of who are ordained ministers of the common discipline of annual stationing by the Conference. In the normal scheme of things, ministers will remain in an appointment for the number of years initially agreed, but occasionally they can be asked to move due to exceptional needs within the wider church. It is part of that covenant relationship mentioned above.
So, whatever your particular calling we wish you well in this new year. For many of you, it will be a continuing of your own journey of discipleship in well-trodden paths of service; may God bless you in those roles. For others, the new year will bring different, maybe surprising opportunities; thank you for rising to those challenges and may God bless each of you especially in times of change.
Every blessing, Stephen Burgess
Welcome
This month we begin a new Methodist year and a fresh chapter in the life of the Beverley Circuit, as we welcome Revd Stephen Caddy, and Mrs Christine Caddy. Stephen writes:
Dear friends,
Christine and I are very happy to have come to live in the Beverley Circuit - a new part of the country for us to explore and appreciate. A change of appointment or change of minister is always an exciting time - the minister has new hopes and plans, the members of the congregations have their expectations and dreams.
So what is top of the agenda? What scheme is to dominate our conversations?
In a Communion Service the Great Prayer of Thanksgiving begins with a retelling of God's Story from before Creation until the coming of the New Kingdom and it comes to focus on the story of God in Jesus the Son. We have all been drawn into that story of God. Our stories, our testimonies, are part of that God Story and how the light of his love dawned on us and drew us in and gladdens our hearts today as we continue to be more deeply part of the story of what God's doing and so share in his mission of reaching out in compassion. As we get to know one another we will get to hear each others' stories, we will become part of each others' stories, we will be part of the story of what God is doing together. In this way we will strengthen one another's faith and desire for God.
Top of my agenda is to listen to what God has done for and through you and to have the opportunity to tell others how God has blessed me.
Every blessing,
Stephen
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