2014 dec
- 1. Catalyst THE MAGAZINE OF HAYES FREE CHURCH (U.R.C.) December 2014 - January 2015
- 2. HAYES FREE CHURCH 111, Pickhurst Lane, Hayes, Kent BR2 7HU Sunday Services. 10.30 a.m. & 6.30 p.m. We are a member of the United Reformed Church. We believe in Justice and Peace. Principal Contacts Minister: Rev. Sue Powell Tel: 020 8462 2212 Church Secretary: Mrs Mavis Righini Tel: 020 8462 1168 Treasurer: Mr. Simon Narracott Tel: 020 8462 2004 Lettings Secretary: Mrs Undine Connolly Tel: 020 8776 0108 Caretaker: Mr. Ian Jones Tel: 020 8313 1556 Church Website www.hayesfreechurch.com Catalyst Editor: Mr Richard Brown Contents : - Items not covered by the diary of events. Sunday Services; 2 Notes on preachers 3 Church Notices 3 - 6 HFC 80th anniversary notice 4 Women’s Fellowship; 6 Season’s Greetings 7 Women’s Contact Coffee Morning; Fairtrade stall 8 No room 8 & 10 Christmas Tree Festival 9 Christmas Day - Nash College 10 Website of the month - Burgess 11 This month’s website: - The website of the month, and for January, is the Burgess Autistic Trust. Go to: burgessautistictrust.org.uk Now, turn to Page 11 for more details. Ed Copy for the February 2015 edition needs to be handed in by Sunday, 11th January. Enjoy your Christmas & New Year, but don’t forget...... - Please submit items in good time - You can leave copy in the “B” Pigeon Hole for Richard Brown to collect, or hand it directly to him on a Sunday morning. You can also e-mail copy to richardmbrown6@gmail.com Thank You. Editor Notice Board 2 - 13 Christian Aid - John. Curry 14 Open House Day 2014; & Infill 15 Beckenham Corale 16 Turkey pilgrimage 17 Hayes Philharmonic Choir; A Christmas Cracker 18 URC Holiday Forum 19 The way things once were 20 Saints’ days in Dec & Jan 21 Church Organisations I B C
- 3. Letter from the Church Secretary 1 Dear All, It was so lovely to see the church full at Remembrance Parade; so many young people, really wonderful. I now am looking forward to the Christmas Tree Festival, Advent and Christmas. It is such a wonderful time of the year when children get so excited but let’s pray the real reason for all the celebrations is not forgotten. We celebrate Jesus’s birthday, a very special Baby who brought love and hope into our world. It would be lovely to see the church full on Christmas day, with lots of people putting Jesus back into Christmas. What better way to start the celebrations on the 25th. I’m also looking forward to welcoming Sue back to church after her 3 months sabbatical. To all those people who have taken on a few more duties to help me along, thank you. If there is something you would like to continue doing or you have been wanting to volunteer for, do please let me know. May you all have a happy and holy Christmas, Mavis
- 4. Christmas & Sunday Services December 2014 7th Sun 10.30 am - Morning Service - Rev. John Marchant 6.30 pm - Holy Communion - The Minister 13th Sat 6.00 pm - Compassionate Friends’ Service January 2015 4th Sun 10.30 am - Morning Service - Major Cliff Kent 6.30 pm - Holy Communion - The Minister 11th Sun 10.30 am - Morning Service - The Minister 6.30 pm - Evening Service - The Minister 18th Sun 10.30 am - Morning Service - Jim Holman 5.30 pm - Evening Service - CTH at The Rosary 25th Sun 10.30 am - Holy Communion - The Minister 6.30 pm - Evening Service - Judy Davies February 2015 1st Sun 10.30 am - Morning Service - Dr. Clive Timehin 6.30 pm - Holy Communion - The Minister 2 - The Minister 14th Sun 10.30 am - Parade & Gifts Service - The Minister 6.30 pm - Evening Service - The Minister 16th Tue 3.45 pm - Christingle Service - The Minister 21st Sun 10.30 am - Morning Service - Margaret Smith 6.30 pm - Evening Service - The Minister 24th Wed 6.30 pm - Holy Communion - The Minister 25th Thu Christmas Day 10.30 am - Morning Service - The Minister 28th Sun 10.30 am - Holy Communion with Beckenham URC - The Minister There will be NO evening service Some notes on the visiting preachers. See facing page
- 5. News of the Church Family Announcements are welcome :- BMD - Changes of address, etc. Deaths: - We regret to record the passing of Ruth Rees on 8 November after a long illness. We send our deepest condolences to Christine, Andrew, Sarah and their families at this sad time. Ruth Rees and her husband joined HFC circa 1960 after they had moved from West Wickham to Hayes towards the end of 1959. Your prayers would be appreciated for: - Jim Pearson, Mike Duke, Jessie Martin, Tony Atkinson & Helen Hebbes. Change of Address:- v Madeleine, Mark and David Twydell have moved to 115 Oakdene Road, Poverest BR5 2AL. E-mail address twydellfamily@gmail.com phone number to be advised v John Curry moved to 23 Kingsleigh Walk, Bromley, BR2 OYE on 28 November. His telephone number and e-mail address remain unchanged. (Kingsleigh Walk is off Westmoreland Road and Stamford Drive). Some notes on the visiting preachers. v Revd John Marchant is the assistant minister at Coney Hill Baptist Church. He has conducted Sunday Worship at HFC on a number of occasions. v Mrs. Margaret Smith is a Methodist Lay Preacher. She has led services at HFC on a number of occasions. v Major Cliff Kent belongs to the Regent Hall Branch of The Salvation Army (the only church in Oxford Street, London). He was formerly from the Thornton Heath branch of The Salvation Army. He has conducted Sunday worship at HFC on many occasions. v Jim Holman is a Methodist preacher. He has conducted services 3 at HFC in the past. v Judy Davies is well known to us. She has conducted services at HFC on a number of occasions. v Dr. Clive Timehin is a local preacher who comes from Bromley Methodist Church. He is a member of the Methodist Council Medical Committee. He has conducted Sunday worship at HFC on many occasions.
- 6. Church Meetings The next Elders’ meetings will be at 8.00 pm in the small hall on Wednesday, 10th December, and then on Tuesday, 6th January. The next Church meeting, will be on Sunday 25th January at 12.00 noon – after the morning service. There will be NO Church meeting in December. Women's Contact Group We will be enjoying a lunchtime meal at The Conservative Club, 27 Elmfield Road, Bromley at 12.30 pm on the 1st of December . January arrangements to be advised. 4 Sylvia Mack Tuesday Prayer Meetings for December & January Held at 10.00am at the following homes:- December 2nd Martin Nunn’s. 9th Betty Coster’s. 16th Brenda Cordingley’s. 23rd & 30th NO meetings. January 6th Martin Nunn’s. 13th Betty Coster’s. 20th Brenda Cordingley’s. 27th The Church. Then in February: - 2nd Martin Nunn’s. Please address any queries to Martin Nunn. Saturday Fellowship The December meeting will be on the 6th at 2.30pm at Barbara Jones’ home, for a seasonal miscellany. In January we will be meeting on the 3rd at 2.30pm at the same place when Martin Nunn will lead a Bible Study. . You are welcome to join us. Men's Group There will be NO meeting in December. The next meeting will be on Thursday 15 January at 8.00 pm and will be a meal in the small hall arranged by Alistair Wilson. Hayes Free Church - 80 years on The very first Church meeting was held at the Hayes Parish Church scout hut in mid January 1935. Listen out / look for for announcements about celebrations of this anniversary on the 10th & 11th of January.
- 7. Ministry of Flowers Thank you to those who will be providing flowers in November. A big thank you to those who kindly arrange the flowers when needed. December 7th - Janet & John Moren 14th - Ann Barker 21st - Margaret After the Sunday evening services, the flowers are distributed to members and friends, bringing joy to the recipients. Mavis Righini Hayes Mothers’ & Toddlers’ Club We welcome all babies and children under school age, accompanied by their parents, grandparents or carers, to our club on Friday afternoons between 2 and 4pm during term time. The fee is £1 per family – tea, squash and biscuits are provided. This is a time when adults can meet up, while the children in their care are busy playing with toys and activities in the company of other children. Our CHRISTMAS PARTY and last meeting of term is on December 5th at 2.15 pm. We meet again in the New Year on January 9th at 2.00pm. We look forward to seeing you. May we wish everyone a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Judith Stoner - Secretary. Bible Study Group This Group will next meet in January. Worship Group The Wednesday Reflections Group will NOT be meeting in December. We will then meet at 6.30pm on the 4th Wednesday of January. Linda Michie 5 - i.m.o. Nell & Syd Williams 28th - Sue Powell January 4th - Gill & Chris Wood - i.m.o Matthew who would have been 40 11th - Sue Powell 18th - 25th - Ruth White - i.m.o her mother
- 8. Book Club We meet on the first Thursday of the month at 8.00pm in the small hall. Wendy Smith will be taking the lead. In January we will NOT meet. Notice Sheets – December & January December 7th & 14th Joan Smith 8462 3920 21st & 28th Brenda Cordingley 8462 3867 January 4th &11th Pamela Collison 8658 0748 18th & 25th Joan Smith February 1st Brenda Cordingley If you require items to be included in the notice sheets, please contact the appropriate person by the previous Tuesday. Women's Fellowship Meetings are in the small hall at 2.00 p.m., unless otherwise stated, on Tuesdays and finish about 3.30 p.m. 6 December 2nd Visit to Emmanuel Church (subject to confirmation) 9th Mark Ellison talks about Age UK 16th Christmas Tea, or Outing - (To be decided) Details of further meetings were unknown at the time of going to press. MINI-AMBULANCE Members who use this service are asked to phone Marion Swanborough on 8462 3981 by 9.00 am on any Tuesday when they are unable to come to the meetings. As always, we welcome all ladies to our meetings. Please come along for a pleasant afternoon. We do have a very varied programme with plenty to interest everyone. Marion The Women’s Fellowship completed their shoe-box project in November and with the help of June Fox sent ten completed boxes to Smile International. This was a very good result which was enhanced by contributions from the Church congregation. Thank you to Diana Elvin who provided the initiative and to everyone who contributed. June wrote “. . .my thanks for responding so enthusiastically to my plea given during my talk. You have seen the happy faces via my photographs and you can be assured that your gifts will raise many more smiles this year.”
- 9. Greetings John and Margaret Robinson wish all their friends at HFC every blessing for a 7 Happy Christmas with peace and joy in the New Year. We wish everyone at HFC a Merry Christmas and best wishes for a Happy New Year Judith and David Stoner Kate and Philip Sheardown wish everyone at Hayes Free Church a very happy Christmas and a healthy New Year. Denise Benbow wishes all friends at Hayes Free Church a Happy Christmas & New Year. Richard Brown wishes everyone at HFC a Merry Christmas and a happy and peaceful New Year. With many thanks for your contributions to Catalyst throughout the year
- 10. Women’s Contact Coffee Morning We will be holding the next coffee mornings from 10.00am to 12.00 noon in the Small Hall on the 13th of December and the 10th of January. We are continuing to raise monies to contribute to disaster relief funds in different parts of the world. Thank you for your support throughout 2014. We hope to see you at the Coffee Morning, and why not bring a friend? Please note that the monies raised from the coffee mornings are separate from those raised through the refreshments trolley after Sunday morning services. Barbara Jones The Fairtrade Sunday Stall We hold a fair trade stall after the morning service on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month. The stall will be held on the 14th of December. This will be the ONLY time we will hold the stall in December. Then in January there will be a stall on the and 11th and 25th. Please continue to support your fair trade stall. Your support throughout 2014 has been tremendous Thank you. 8 Richard and Barbara. No room Walter was just 9 years old and in the second year of primary school. He really wanted to be a shepherd, with a flute, in the school nativity play. His teacher, Mrs Smith, had other ideas however, and Walter was not pleased. On the afternoon of the performance the usual large audience of Mums and Dads and assorted relatives had gathered in the school hall, with the usual excitement. Will the children remember their lines? Who will be sick before the end? Will the scenery keep up? The moment arrived when Joseph came to the door of the inn, and knocked on the door, fitted into the backdrop. Walter, the innkeeper, answered gruffly, ‘What do you want?’ and opened the door. ‘We are looking for somewhere to stay’. “Look somewhere else’, said Walter, in a strong voice, ‘this inn is full up‘. “Please, sir, this is my wife, Mary. She is pregnant and needs somewhere to rest. Surely you have a small corner somewhere for her’. Continued on page 10 .........
- 11. HAYES FREE CHURCH CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL IN AID OF DEAF ACCESS FROM FRIDAY 28th NOVEMBER to SATURDAY 13th DECEMBER The Festival will be open each day from 2.00 pm from 1 December to 6 December. The Church will be open at service times each Sunday (10.30 am and 6.30 pm) Programme of Entertainment for the Festival NOVEMBER Friday 28th Opening Concert - The Kaos Signing Choir For Deaf & Hearing Children They sang at The Opening Ceremony at The London 2012 Olympic Games, and have appeared at the Royal Albert Hall. Plus items from Hayes Free Church performers. 9 All money raised will go to Deaf Access in Bromley. Registered Charity l050990 Admission charges: - The Silver Lane 7 Jazz Band £8.00 and The Velvet Harmony Choir £6.00. Tickets from John Moren 020 8460 6726. Father Christmas film & tea. Children £2.00 Adults £4.00. Tickets from John Curry 020 8249 3663. 7.30 pm Saturday 29th The Silver Lane 7 Jazz band 7.30 pm Sunday 30th Pickhurst Junior School 6.30 pm DECEMBER Monday 1st Bishop Justus School 7.30 pm Tuesday 2nd Velvet Harmony Ladies Choir 7.30 pm Wednesday 3rd Wandle Ringers 7.30 pm Thursday 4th Sing Choir (a Cappella Choir) 7.30 pm Friday 5th Film “A Man Called Peter”. A true story starring Richard Todd and Jean Peters. 1955 7.30 pm Saturday 6th Beckenham Concert Band 7.45 pm Sunday 7th Churches Together in Hayes with musical accompaniment by Hayes School musicians. 6.30 pm Saturday 13th Film Raymond Briggs “Father Christmas” followed by tea for children 3.00 pm HAYES FREE CHURCH 111, Pickhurst Lane Bromley BR2 7HU www.hayesfreechurch.com Cheques should be made payable to: - HAYES FREE CHURCH TREE APPEAL Deaf Access
- 12. CHRISTMAS DAY It was agreed at the October Church meeting that the gifts received on the Christmas Day offertory should go to Nash College of Further Education which is a day and residential college based in Croydon Road, Coney Hall. It caters for over 80 young adults with physical and/or mental disabilities including autism. Originally the Shaftesbury Society ran Coney Hill School - a Nursery, Pri-mary and Secondary school campus for children with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus. In the 1980s there was less need for young chil-dren to be in boarding school but a great need for continuing educa-tion for some post 16 year olds. Nash House is now over 30 years old. It is administered by “Livability”, a National charity formed from the Shaftesbury Society and John Grooms, and does extremely valuable work in its 3 year course of “Learning for Living”, including excellent facilities for information tech-nology personalised for each student. Extra funds are always needed to help pay for specialist equipment and the “Friends of Nash” is a great support here. Your donations to this College will be greatly appreciated. Walter relaxed his stern features, and rigid posture, and looked at Mary. There then followed a long pause. ‘No, clear off!’ whispered the prompter from behind the scenery. “No,’ Walter echoed, ‘Clear off!’ Sadly Joseph put his arm round Mary, and with bowed heads they made as if to continue their journey. Walter remained in the doorway, gazing after the desolate couple, with his mouth open and clearly visible tears in his eyes. “Hold it, Joseph!’ Walter cried out. ‘Bring Mary back here’. A huge smile spread all over his face. ‘You can have my room’. Some people thought that Walter had ruined the play, but most thought it the best nativity play they had ever seen. ----------------------- Thou didst leave thy throne and thy kingly crown when thou camest to earth for me, but in Bethlehem’s home there was found no room for thy holy nativity: O come to my heart, Lord Jesus! There is room in my heart for thee. Emily E.S. Elliott, Rejoice & Sing 192 10 ......... Continued from page 8
- 13. Website of the month: - The Burgess Autistic Trust has been adopted as the Christmas Post charity. The trust has also been highlighted as the website for the months of December and January. Jean Ritchie was “so pleased to visit this little known charity ... In Holmesdale Road and to learn of their unique approach and aims.” The following is taken from brochures and the trust’s website. Here are some ways in which we can help: - ü Post diagnostic support - Including a personal meeting. ü Family Information Pack - Giving helpful written information. ü Parent Training - learn more about the Autistic Spectrum. ü Family Training - Including immediate and extended family. ü Communication Support Service ü Support in applying for Disability Living Allowance tor a child. ü Follow on sessions - Giving information about related subjects. 11
- 14. Christmas Post The September Church meeting decided that the Christmas Post would be re-instated. PLEASE note the LAST POST will be on Sunday 14 December at 10.30 am. The post will be distributed after Carols by Candlelight on that evening. Collections will start on Sunday 7 December. It’s earlier this year. John Curry 12 NOTICE Thank you! Grateful thanks to everyone who helped to make the Christmas Fair and Christmas Charity Card Sale such a success. An amount of £2,300 was raised.
- 15. 13 BOARD BROMLEY ROCK CHOIR on 20TH DECEMBER at Hayes Free Church from 7.30pm with mince pies and mulled wine during the interval. (Event advertised in September’s Catalyst) How about buying a ticket as a Christmas present. The cost of a ticket will be the same as last year - £10 and the money collected will go to provide equipment which will enhance the lives of the students at Nash College who join us in Church on Sunday Mornings. I will have tickets for sale so please see me. Margaret Tannock. Giving to Charities. A lot of us receive many requests through the post asking us to support this , that and the other charity. It can be quite galling when we already have charities we like to sponsor in one way or the other. I suppose ‘Commitment for Life’ where the URC supports a number of projects each year throughout the world can be considered in the same light. If you wish to make a donation and have forgotten to do so please make use of the envelope stapled to the rear page of the November Catalyst or if unable to find it see me and I will provide you with one. Many thanks -Mike Duke
- 16. From the supplement to the Christian Aid London Newsletter for autumn 2014 14 Keep calm and Curry on, John When John Curry volunteered to be his local Christian Aid coordinator, he had no idea that he would be doing the job for the next 34 years. As a long time Christian Aid supporter, John felt that taking on the role was something he was willing to do. And after three decades of organising, envelope delivering and door knocking, his dedication has been rewarded with a Christian Aid Long Service Award. This new award was launched at this year's annual post-Christian Aid Week Thank You Tea, in recognition of the hard work of our volunteers. Along with two other Supporters, whose stories we will feature in future editions, John was presented with the award to acknowledge his service, and to inspire others to get involved. John's involvement with Christian Aid goes back even further than his 34 years as a coordinator. In 1967 and 1968, while an elder of Hayes Free Church in Bromley, he organised successful sponsored walks for the Upper Norwood Council of Churches, raising more than £1,000 - a huge amount of money in those days. The annual Christian Aid Week collection in Bromley is a huge logistical operation, involving 21 churches. John personally organised 30 collectors in 28 roads, covering more than 1,000 homes, and raising nearly £1,200. ... John has seen a shift towards more event-based fundraising, such as a quiz night and coffee mornings. ... John said that, motivated by his belief in helping those less fortunate, he will continue to post that famous red Christian Aid envelope through the doors of Bromley for as long as he is able to do so. If you would like to nominate someone for a Long Service Award, please contact your regional coordinator, Julia Wensley, on 020 7523 2321.
- 17. Open House Day September 2014 ------------------ Open House Day is a great opportunity to visit many buildings that are not usually open to the public. This year we thought we would concentrate on Westminster We wanted to visit the old Admiralty Building in Whitehall, which included entry to the Admiralty Arch at the end of the Mall, but there was a very long queue there. After we had called in at the Banqueting House in Whitehall for refreshments, we proceeded to Bridge Street by Big Ben to visit Portcullis House. We found the entrance round the corner on the Embankment, where the queue was not unduly long and seemed to be moving steadily. Portcullis House is a large modern building above Westminster Underground Station. It was officially opened by the Queen in 2001. Hopkins Architects had the difficult task of designing a building that would fit in with the Gothic style of the Houses of Parliament and also blend with the old Scotland Yard building on the other side. Hopkins was also responsible tor designing the Underground station below the building. Portcullis House contains offices, committee rooms, restaurants etc. for MPs and is not usually open to the public. The rooms are arranged around a glassed-over courtyard with fig trees. On the walls of the galleries are portraits of famous politicians like Ian Paisley, Tony Benn, and Tony Blair. The outside of the building is distinctive with tall chimneys which are part of the air-conditioning system. In one of the committee rooms we heard a fascinating talk by the clockmakers who are responsible for maintaining and winding over 700 clocks in the Houses of Parliament (including Big Ben). Portcullis House struck us as a very successful modern building. Not surprisingly, Hopkins Architects have received many important commissions, like Glyndebourne Opera House and the Olympic Velodrome. We recommend you put it on your list for Open House Day 2015. 15 Judith and David Stoner A couple of news headlines. · Stolen Painting Found by Tree · Stadium Air Conditioning Fails--Fans Protest
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- 19. ISTANBUL AND THE SEVEN CHURCHES OF ASIA with the Revd Bill & Mrs Marion Bowman 5-15 May 2015 For further information: Tel: (020) 8777 1150 wfbowman@hotmail.com 11 days visiting lstanbul and the Seven Churches of Revelation, departing from Gatwick ---------------------------------------------------- It is now only 6 months until our pilgrimage to Turkey takes place from 5th to 15th May 2015. There are still some places left so if you have been considering coming but have not as yet booked now is the time. Please ask either of us for a booking form and brochure or any other details you may wish. Did you know that the majority of Paul’s epistles were written either to or from churches in what is now present day Turkey? Did you know Paul’s home town, Tarsus, is in Turkey? Did you know that much of the story of the Acts of the Apostles takes place in Turkey? v Did you know that Luke, the writer of the Third Gospel as well as the book of Acts, was a doctor from the city of Troas in Turkey? v There is much more to learn of Turkey’s place in the nurture of the Christian Gospel and spread of the early Church. We would love your company on what we are sure will be a memorable trip. 17 Marion and Bill Bowman Emmanuel URC West Wickham
- 20. HAYES PHILHARMONIC CHOIR Christmas Celebration As well as our own Christmas Tree Festival, another great Hayes tradition is the Christmas Concert given by Hayes Phil, taking place this year in Hayes Parish Church on Saturday 20th December at 7.45pm. There really is something of the feel of a village celebration, such as might have taken place in the years running up to the First World War. This will give you another chance to sing some well-loved carols in the immediate run-up to Christmas, as our carol service will have taken place by then – and also to enjoy the choir’s mix of unusual carols, many of which deserve to be better known. Amongst these there may be carols that were once sung widely in this country; perhaps one or two of the wonderful jolly eighteenth century village-church pieces known as West Gallery music, and maybe carols from overseas. This is a very special kind of Christmas celebration and here it is in Hayes, right on your doorstep – don’t miss it! You can also do your bit for Churches Together in Hayes by attending, since the charity to be supported this year is the Stewardship Challenge of the Parish Church. Tickets cost £7 (£2 for children) and are available on the door, or by ringing 07989 192928. Thank you and Merry Christmas! Bromley Central Library presents A CHRISTMAS CRACKER with THE NEW ENGLISH SINGERS and SPECIAL GUESTS directed by ADRIAN BOYNTON A wonderful programme of seasonal music spanning six centuries THURSDAY 18 DECEMBER 12 noon Tickets £5 from the Information Desk on Floor 1 of the Central Library For more information please call 07961 348697 -------------------------------------- Adrian Boynton introduces some very talented young musicians who put a lot of work into making these concerts so enjoyable. Do come and support this special "Christmas Cracker." Ruth White. 18
- 21. URC HOLIDAY FORUM Sat 22nd– Fri 28 thAugust 2015 Fun, faith and fellowship The Christian Church in a world of many faiths Theme leader Revd. Peter Colwell Deputy General Secretary of Churches Together in England and Wales Worship and music led by Revd. Ray Stanyon and Mrs Vicky Piggott-Genge Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick, Derbyshire Book via bookings@urcholidayforum.org.uk or direct to Colin Ferguson, 20 Matlock Road, Caversham, RG4 7BS. Main cost is £440 (all meals etc) but we do have a bursary fund to help and children are on a sliding scale. There is an early booking discount of 5% for bookings and full payment received before the end of January 2015. Any questions contact Colin colindf@btinternet.com or see our website www.urcholidayforum.org.uk If you can’t come yourself, could your church sponsor someone who needs a holiday? 19
- 22. The way things once were This year’s theme covered sayings or poetry from the First World War. I felt that Perhaps was a suitable item with which to end the theme. I am looking for a theme for 2015. I leave the floor open to you, the reader, to suggest something for the year. Please send suggestions to me by the New Year. Many thanks in anticipation. Editor PERHAPS Perhaps one day the sun will shine again, And I shall see that still the skies are blue, And feel once more I do not live in vain Although bereft of you. Perhaps the golden meadows at my feet Will make the sunny hours of spring seem gay, And I shall find the white May blossoms sweet, Though you have passed away. Perhaps the summer woods will shimmer bright, And crimson roses once again be fair, And autumn harvest fields a rich delight, Although you are not there. Perhaps some day I shall not shrink in pain To see the passing of the dying year, And Iisten to the Christmas songs again, Although you cannot hear. But though kind Time may many joys renew, There is one greatest joy I shall not know Again, because my heart for loss of you Was broken, long ago. V.M.B. August. 1916. In a book entitled “St. Monica's School Notes.” This item, part of the Vera Brittain Archive, is from The First World War Poetry Digital Archive. (www.oucs.ox.ac.uk/ww1lit/gwa); © University of Oxford 20
- 23. Saints’ Days in December & January. --------------- There are few days for major saints in these two months. However, there are a number of crucial events which took place, and these have been included. December 25 CHRISTMAS DAY 26 Stephen, Deacon, First Martyr. Patron of altar servers and bricklayers, stonemasons and general builders. 27 John, Apostle and Evangelist. Patron saint of friendship 28 The Holy Innocents. According to the Gospel of Matthew, Herod ordered the execution of all young male children in the vicinity of Bethlehem, so as to avoid the loss of his throne to a newborn King of the Jews whose birth had been announced to him by the Magi. (Taken from Wikipedia) January 1 The naming and circumcision of Jesus 25 The conversion of Paul December 26. Saint Stephen's Day THE COLLECT GRANT, O Lord, that in all our sufferings here upon earth, for the testimony of thy truth, we may steadfastly look up to heaven, and by faith behold the glory that shall be revealed; and, being filled with the Holy Ghost, may learn to love and bless our persecutors by the example of thy first Martyr Saint Stephen, who prayed for his murderers to thee, O blessed Jesus, who standest at the right hand of God to succour all those that suffer for thee, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen. THE EPISTLE - Acts 7.55-end. THE GOSPEL - St. Matthew 23.34-end December 27. John The Evangelist's Day THE COLLECT MERCIFUL Lord, we beseech thee to cast thy bright beams of light upon thy Church, that it being enlightened by the doctrine of thy blessed Apostle and Evangelist Saint John may so walk in the light of thy truth, that it may at length attain to the light of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. THE EPISTLE - 1 St. John 1.1-end. THE GOSPEL - St. John 21.19-end ------------------------------------- Text from The Book of Common Prayer, the rights in which are vested in the Crown, is reproduced by permission of the Crown's Patentee, Cambridge University Press. -------------------------------------- All information (unless otherwise stated) taken from the Church of England website 21 www.churchofengland.org
- 24. December 2014 1st Mon 12.30 pm - Women’s Contact Group Page 4 2nd Tue 10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 4 2.00 pm - Women’s Fellowship Page 6 3rd Wed 4th Thu 8.00 pm - Book Club Page 6 5th Fri 2.15 pm - Hayes Mothers’ & Toddlers’ Club Page 5 6th Sat 2.30 pm - Saturday Fellowship Page 4 22 7th Sun 10.30 am - Morning Service - Rev. John Marchant 6.30 pm - Holy Communion - The Minister &CTH Page 9 The Christmas Tree Festival ends today 8th Mon 9th Tue 10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 4 2.00 pm - Women’s Fellowship Page 6 10th Wed 8.00 pm - Elders’ Meeting Page 4 11th Thu 12th Fri 13th Sat 10.00 am - Women’s Contact Coffee Morning Page 8 3.00 pm - Children's Film “Father Christmas” Page 6.00 pm - Compassionate Friends’ service - The Minister 14th Sun 10.30 am - Parade & Gifts Service - The Minister - Followed by Fairtrade stall Page 8 10.30 am - HFC Christmas Post LAST POST Page 12 6.30 pm - Evening Service - The Minister 15th Mon 16th Tue 10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 4 2.00 pm - Women’s Fellowship Page 6 3.45 pm - Christingle Service - The Minister 17th Wed 18th Thu 19th Fri 20th Sat 7.30 pm - Bromley Rock Choir Page 13 7.45 pm - Hayes Philharmonic Choir concert - Hayes Parish Church Page 18
- 25. December 2014 21st Sun 10.30 am - Morning Service - Margaret Smith 6.30 pm - Evening Service - The Minister 22nd Mon 23rd Tue 24th Wed 6.30 pm - Holy Communion - The Minister 25th Thu Christmas Day 10.30 am - Morning Service - The Minister 23 26th Fri Boxing Day 27th Sat 28th Sun 10.30 am - Holy Communion with Beckenham URC - The Minister There will be NO evening service 29th Mon 30th Tue 31st Wed January 2015 1st Thu New Year's Day 2nd Fri 3rd Sat 2.30 pm - Saturday Fellowship Page 4 4th Sun 10.30 am - Morning Service - Major Cliff Kent 6.30 pm - Holy Communion - The Minister 5th Mon 6th Tue 10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 4 8.00 pm - Elders’ Meeting Page 4 7th Wed 8th Thu 9th Fri 2.15 pm - Hayes Mothers’ & Toddlers’ Club Page 5 10th Sat 10.00 am - Women’s Contact Coffee Morning Page 8 Hayes Free Church was founded in 1934 Page 4 11th Sun 10.30 am - Morning Service - The Minister - Followed by Fairtrade stall Page 8 6.30 pm - Evening Service - The Minister 12th Mon
- 26. January 2015 13th Tue 10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 4 14th Wed 15th Thu 8.00 pm - Men’s Group Page 4 16th Fri 2.15 pm - Hayes Mothers’ & Toddlers’ Club Page 5 17th Sat 18th Sun 10.30 am - Morning Service - Jim Holman 5.30 pm - Evening Service - CTH at The Rosary 19th Mon 20th Tue 10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer 21st Diary Wed here Meeting Page 4 22nd Thu 23rd Fri 2.15 pm - Hayes Mothers’ & Toddlers’ Club Page 5 24th Sat February 2015 1st Sun 10.30 am - Morning Service - Dr. Clive Timehin 6.30 pm - Holy Communion - The Minister DATES FOR YOUR DIARY There were no further dates at the time of going to press. 24 25th Sun 10.30 am - Holy Communion - The Minister - Followed by Fairtrade stall Page 8 12.00 Noon - Church Meeting Page 4 6.30 pm - Evening Service - Judy Davies 26th Mon 27th Tue 10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 4 28th Wed 6.30 pm - Worship Group Page 5 29th Thu 30th Fri 2.15 pm - Hayes Mothers’ & Toddlers’ Club Page 5 31st Sat
- 27. CHURCH ORGANISATIONS Day Organisation Contact Phone Sunday 10.25am Sunday Club Mike Duke 8462 5103 Weekdays 9.15 -12.15pm Pre School Group 12.15 -12.45pm P/School lunch club Jayne Carvell 07913 299773 Monday 5.45pm Brownies Sarah Humphrey T.B.A. 6.30pm Cubs Brenda Petts 8325 3956 8.00pm - 1st Women's Contact Group Sylvia Mack 8462 1938 Tuesday 10.00am Prayer Meeting Martin Nunn 8462 5918 2.00pm Women's Fellowship Marion Swanborough 8462 3981 7.00pm Scouts Paul Hasling 3236 0083 Wednesday 3.30pm - 4th Messy Church Mavis Righini 8462 1168 5.15pm Rainbows Jenny Longman 07730 574962 6.00pm Beavers Brenda Petts 8325 3956 6.30pm - 4th Reflections Group Bill Michie 8658 4167 8.00pm Explorers Tom Strachan 07745 813 295 Thursday 5.30pm Brownies Stevie Blair. 8325 3469 7.15 - 8.45pm Rangers Georgina Chappell 07983 471308 8.00pm - 1st HFC Book Club Wendy Smith 8462 1779 8.00pm - 3rd Men's Group Bruce Tannock 8325 6264 8.00pm - 2nd, & 4th Ignatian Spirituality Group David Hawthorn 8249 7188 Friday 9.00 - 12.00pm Coffee morning during term times 2.00pm Mothers & Toddlers Judith Stoner 8462 3023 6.30pm Guides Teresa Cheyne 8777 6042 Saturday 2.30pm - 1st Saturday Fellowship Martin Nunn 8462 5918 NOTE: - Some of the organisations meet once or twice per month. This is indicated by 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th. The numbers relate to which week day of the month, NOT the calendar date.
- 28. Final Thought George’s Christmas Card George MacLeod (Lord MacLeod of Fuinary) was the founder of the Iona Community. George died some years ago, but I still have with me the Christmas card which he sent to his family and friends in 1989. It was an unusual card to say the least, ..... a plain postcard on which was printed a short message. The words reflected a great deal about George MacLeod — one of the truly prophetic Christian voices of the twentieth century. These were the words on the Christmas card: IF YOU WISH TO GO WELL IN JANUARY THEN: A EVERY SUNDAY MORNING READ ST MATTHEWS GOSPEL CHAPTER 5. B EVERY SUNDAY EVENING READ ST MATTHEWS GOSPEL CHAPTER 6. C EVERY MONTH TAKE COMMUNION AT THE NEAREST CELEBRATION OF COMMUNION REGARDLESS OF THE DENOMINATION OF THE CHURCH. CHRIST HAS ONLY ONE CHURCH AND YOU ARE A MEMBER OF ITS BODY BY REASON OF YOUR BAPTISM. D READ NOW COLOSSIANS 3.1-17. Have a good Christmas GEORGE