Colchester Christ Church News – September 2018

Christ Church Anglican Congregation Vision Statement “Through our worship, mission, nurture and service we want to enable all

people to enter into a living relationship with Jesus Christ”

In this month’s news:

• The Rector writes – September 2018

• Prayer of the month

• New Adventures

• Crib Festival

• Beacon House Harvest Gifts

• New Wine

• Stewardship 2018

• Roman Christian Church

• Cartoons

• Knights Quest Holiday Club

• Practicing the way of Jesus

• Barn Dance and Fish & Chips

• Messy Church

• Time 4U

• Fairtrade Raspberry and Coconut Cakes

• Traidcraft News – Latest in the Brexit trade campaign

• Support in Loss

• What’s on

• September diary

The Rector Writes September 2018 ‘New Wine – A New Wine Skin!’

Trying something new can often be a challenge.

While on holiday in Cornwall Glyn and me tried out a new water sport; paddle boarding. It’s a cross between kayaking and surfboarding. The instructions were clear, start off in the kneeling upright position, head for calm water then stand to paddle bending your knees with each stroke. Simple! The instructions were fine but putting them into practice was a much more challenging reality. While Glyn serenely glided along completely confident, I wobbled, and fretted and…fell in! Her answer was to relax, look ahead and enjoy. Sounds like a good model for most things in life! It was great fun and a brilliant new experience.

For the past 27 years the Nozzer family have made the 200 mile journey to Shepton Mallet and the New Wine Christian Conference. Just one week in the year has proved to be the most life challenging, changing and formative time in our lives. The NEW in wine has annually shaped our thinking and growing with new experiences of God, His love, power and majesty. The WINE has always been refreshing both in its outpouring of God’s spirit into our hearts and

literally in sharing happy festivities with friends old and new! New Wine United 2018 was no different with wonderful worship, moments of intense learning and most of all the humbling of hearts in the sharing of stories from people whose lives exuded grace amidst challenges that we could hardly comprehend.

As we head into a new autumn season there is much of the ‘New’ to celebrate. Many congratulations to our young people who have passed exams and will be moving into new educational situations. I am delighted that Dan Cant will begin his new ministry amongst us as an ordinand in training. Dan, Leanne and the children will be with us for the next three years where we will share in a new adventure of learning and growing together. We continue to give thanks for the arrival of Emma, Jon, Anna and Jo as they begin to take on their new responsibilities and family life with us. There is more ‘New’ for us to be thankful for. Sue Bennett, Paul and Katherine Wakefield and Emma Jarratt all begin the Mission Shaped Ministry course in September. This is a wonderful gift for them as they serve God at Christ Church but more so for our

community which will benefit from their learning and sharing together.

Then a big thank you to everyone who has brought new life to our gardens and refurbished our reception and balcony areas – wonderful! There is more ‘New’ to come - watch this space.

Lastly New Wine is being poured into a ‘New Wine Skin’. After 30 years of worship and ministry at the Bath and West Show Ground, New Wine is moving to Peterborough. I hope that many of us might consider joining me, Glyn and others in ‘trying something new’ next year by spending time in worship and learning together at New Wine United 2019. I am sure you will hear more about this as we start the new autumn season together.

What new thing might God be leading you to this autumn. God is the author and creator of every new thing. Let’s be open to his challenge, encourage the many new things that are happening in our church family and those new things that are as yet unseen but of God’s plan and purpose.

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19

With every blessing

Paul

Prayer of the month

Time to Pray

I got up early one morning and rushed right into the day; I had so much to accomplish that I didn't have time to pray.

Problems just tumbled about me, and heavier came each task.

“Why doesn't God help me?" I wondered. He answered, "You didn't ask."

I wanted to see joy and beauty, but the day toiled on, grey and bleak; I wondered why God didn't show me. He said, "But you didn't seek."

I tried to come into God's presence; I used all my keys at the lock. God gently and lovingly chided, "My child, you didn't knock."

I woke up early this morning, and paused before entering the day;

I had so much to accomplish that I had to take time to pray.

Morning Prayer

Take my hand Lord and lead me through this day, step by step.

Help me to remember that I cannot do everything,

Neither can I do anything perfectly.

Only You are perfect, and only with Your help will I do my best.

Help me to remember to ask for that help.

AMEN

New Adventures Over the summer holidays in the Chapel, we have been exploring together as families, what it means to Journey with Christ and each other. We also shared the journeys and adventures each week we were having. If you missed the summary (and Lego display) from last Sunday, then this is a brief summary of what we learnt about together. Preparing for the Journey – as with all journeys, we prepare to take what we need. I brought in my suitcase which I had packed and unpacked several times, and we looked together at what items I had remembered and what I had forgotten to pack. One I had forgotten was a map. When going on a new journey it is advisable to take a map, directions (or sat nav) or guide to the place we will explore. The Bible is this guide for us to navigate our way through life’s journey. We also learnt this at September’s Messy Church. Also we looked at who would journey with us, family, friends, teachers. It is great to share in the memories of new places we discover. Jesus is our guide, friend and companion on life’s journey. The Bible story we looked at was Joshua Chapter 3, when Joshua led God’s people to their new home. They had to trust God and Joshua to lead them across the Jordan River. They also had

a time of preparation in the desert before this, which enabled them to be ready to move to the promised land. Expect the Unexpected - it is great when we have a surprise or a new discovery on our travels. We shared what surprises we had over the summer. The story we learnt about was when Jesus surprised his friends on the road to Emmaus and how their journey was transformed from confusion to hope, when they realized Jesus had been travelling and eating with them. Making Memories – We talked about how special it is to communicate with loved ones, either whilst on our journey’s, via postcard, or phone messages. Or writing a diary or blog, for us and others to read. We learnt that the Gospels are like Jesus’ friend’s diaries that have been passed down to us, to discover who Jesus was and meant to them and still is today to us. Coming Home – In all journey’s, there is a coming home time (or reaching a destination, which may be a new home). We talked about our mixed feelings of coming home after a holiday. The friends we made and miss we can keep in touch with. The feelings of getting back to routine’s of

work and school. But also thankful we have homes to come back too, and hopefully we appreciate our homes more when we have been away. We spared a thought for those who do not have a home or a holiday. In John 14:2-3, we also looked at the time when Jesus was telling his disciples he was going home. He explained why he was going to be with the Father, to prepare a place for all of us to live with him one day, forever. The disciples were sad to say bye to Jesus, but he promised to still be with them and us through his Holy Spirit, and that one day he will come back for us and take us to our eternal home with him.

So I hope like us, you have had a good summer of rest, making friends, exploring, learning and having fun together. May you start this new term refreshed and looking forward to the daily adventure Jesus has in store for us all with him. God bless you all Emma Jarratt - Families and Youth Minister – Christchurch, Colchester emma@colchesterchristchurch.org.uk – (look out for my blog you can follow soon on the church website)

That is when we are holding a Christmas Crib Festival at Christchurch! I first put an article in the magazine a few months ago – I wonder if you have had any time to ponder what crib you might put in ? I was in Amsterdam and saw a little Delft pottery Crib scene – It wasn’t very expensive – but it was very Dutch! So I bought it to display at the Festival Perhaps you have something similar you have bought somewhere? Like a Flower Festival or a Christmas Tree Festival, we will have a church full of crib scenes but no flowers or trees. Stable scenes can be knitted, sewn, carved, ceramic, large, small - tiny! Every club, group, school, nursing home, as well as individuals will be asked if they would like to display a

crib. Some people will have cribs in their homes already that they may be willing to display. Other people may like to make a set. We are planning a grand ‘turning-on of lights’ at the opening of the Crib Festival, with hot dogs and hot chocolate on offer, on Friday evening. We will be open from 10-4.00 on Saturday and hopefully have an evening concert and then on Sunday we will have worship focussing on Baptism.. Watch this space for more information and in the mean time – Get thinking and working!!! ) Please pass this on.. ….members of the wider community are very welcome to enter a crib. Rev Pat Prestney

DECEMBER 7th/8TH/9TH 2018

Harvest Holy Communion

23rd September 2018

Our Harvest offering this year is going to Beacon House.

Beacon House Ministries is a Christian charity that was established to help homeless people, those in insecure accommodation and those at high risk of homelessness. Beacon House offers a wide range of support services providing a necessary and vital lifeline to people who are homeless or in vulnerable tenancies. They provide practical support: showers, food, clothing and a nurse-led clinic.

If you are able to donate any of the following items, they would be gratefully received.

Any fresh produce Custard

Biscuits Cooking Oil

Tinned Vegetables Fruit Squash

Tinned Meat Cook In Sauces

Mayonnaise White Pepper

Tomato/Brown sauce Coffee

Sugar

Alternatively, a gift of money would be most welcome.

Many of you will have heard various reflections from this year's New Wine. Perhaps you have heard us talking about it and are interested in coming along to United 19 next year. Emma Norrington has put together a short video of highlights from United 18 which gives a taster of our week away. Watch the video at www.colchesterchristchurch.org.uk/newwine New Wine United is moving next year from Shepton Mallet to the East of England Showground in Peterborough. As United, the wider Church family gathers in the summer to celebrate everything God has done in our lives, and to encounter Him afresh together and take His blessing back to our churches and communities – to see the nation changed through the local Church. United is a space for people to spend quality time together, sharing, receiving and experiencing & being

challenged by God. Enjoy great teaching, worship and a full and varied programme. Several of us from Christ Church have already booked for 2019. We will be going to week 2: Sunday 4th August - Saturday 10th August 2019. There is the opportunity to camp in tents or caravans or stay locally off-site - the choice is yours. A typical day at United looks something like this, although you can go to as little or as much as you wish.

07.15-08.00

Early morning worship and Bible teaching

09.15-10.30

Morning celebrations and Bible teaching

11.15-12.15

Morning seminars

14.30-15.30

Early afternoon seminars

16.00-17.00

Late afternoon seminars

19.00-20.30

Evening celebrations with guest speakers

21.00 After hours entertainment including live music and comedy

There is a full programme of activities for children and youth, tailored to their age group. Tickets cost: Adult = £169 Student 18-23 = £155 Age 12-17 = £141 Age 5-11 = £123 Age 0-4 = £86 Age 0-2 (Non-Gems) = Free Prices include entry to all venues, use of facilities and a camping pitch (no discount for staying off-site).

For more information and to book a place at New Wine United 19, please go to https://united.new-wine.org/week-2 . When booking you will be asked for a camping Church - please choose "Christ Church with St. Mary at the Walls Colchester". Alternatively speak to any of us who went this year - Paul, Katherine, Beth, Tim, Naomi, Paul, Glyn, Emma and Sheila - for more details.

Stewardship 2018 Giving has increased by about £11,000 per annum as a result of the latest appeal. Your church received gifts of £1,400, increased regular giving of £8,000 in a full year.Gift aid is added to this which gives the total of £11,000. Thanks to the Lord forHis blessing and to you all for your generosity. Judith Cronshaw Rod Green Church Wardens

Roman Christian Church Some of us attended the special commemorative service for St. Helena’s Day at the Roman Christian Church by the police station. At the end of the service Bob Russell talked about his desire to see greater care taken of this ancient site. To this end he hopes to set up a “Friends of Colchester Roman Christian Church”. The following is a copy of his letter, in case any of us feel like helping with this project

Thank you to everyone who helped with this year’s holiday club!

Fairtrade Raspberry and Coconut Cakes Ingredients: Makes 12 small cakes

1x 400g 1in of coconut milk (Fairtrade)

200g softened unsalted butter, plus extra for

greasing

150g coconut sugar or light brown sugar (Fairtrade)

4 medium organic eggs 1teaspoon vanilla extract a pinch of flaky sea salt

The zest of 1 unwaxed lemon

150g white spelt flour

176g ground almonds (Fairtrade)

2 teaspoons baking powder 160g raspberries

2 tablespoons set honey (Fairtrade)

a handful of coconut flakes, toasted

Method

First put your tin of coconut milk into the freezer for 20 minutes to cool. Once

cool, open it carefully, without disturbing the contents. Scoop out the set cream

on the top and put it back in the fridge. Keep the more watery coconut milk for

later in the recipe.

Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6. Butter a 12-hole muffin tin.

Beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add the eggs one by one,

beating as you add each one. Add the vanilla, salt, lemon zest, flour, almonds,

baking powder and 4 tablespoons of the watery coconut milk from the bottom

of the tin and mix until you have a thick batter.

Fold in the raspberries, then divide the mixture between the holes of the

buttered muffin tin. Bake for 25 minutes, until risen and golden brown.

To make the icing, use an electric whisk to beat the set coconut cream with the

honey in a metal bowl at full pelt. Put it straight back into the fridge to cool.

Allow your cakes to cool completely before generously icing them with the

coconut cream and scattering them with the coconut flakes.

Traidcraft News Latest in the Brexit trade campaign Trade has been making headlines in the past weeks – but what’s the deal for people in poorer countries? If you’ve followed Traidcraft Exchange for a while you’ll know that we’ve campaigned on making sure that Brexit works for people in the poorer countries. In short, we’ve been calling for the UK to offer trade arrangements that support job creation, manufacturing and better conditions for farmers and workers in countries like Bangladesh and Tanzania – to enable more people to work their way out of poverty. Making this a government priority wasn’t an easy task, but thanks to thousands of people who signed petitions and got in touch with – or even met – their MPs, we got their attention. In June last year, Trade Secretary Liam Fox announced that the UK will offer the least developed countries ‘preferential access’ – a type of trade arrangement that supports development by enabling products from poorer countries to enter our market duty-free while asking for nothing in return. This was a big campaign win, which will secure the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of producers

in the world’s poorest countries. But the story doesn’t end here. Trade goes to Parliament In January, the government presented two Bills to Parliament which set the rules on how the UK will conduct trade after Brexit. Commonly referred to as the Trade Bill and the Customs Bill, these two Bills include principles that will guide our future trade, the way trade agreements are negotiated, and what kind of relationship the UK will have with the EU. On the positive side, the Customs Bill included the government’s commitment to the preference schemes mentioned above. However, there were also big gaps. Notably, the Bills don’t require the government to consider sustainability when setting tariffs and deciding future trade policy – or anything else to ensure that future UK trade policy supports development.

And more worryingly, the Bills don’t give our elected MPs the right to vote on future trade deals, or those copied from the EU, nor do they guarantee transparency or give the public a say. Without these democratic mechanisms in place, it will be much harder to make sure the voices from people in poorer countries are taken into account. Done and dusted in a few hours After months of uncertainty and back and forth, MPs finally got a chance to debate the Bills in July. But the debate took just a few hours – far from sufficient given the range of difficult decisions and contentious topics that were covered. Many of you contacted your MPs about the Bills, and behind the scenes Traidcraft Exchange’s policy experts were busy talking to MPs and civil servants and presenting evidence for our case. One of our two main asks was about sustainable development. While the government didn’t agree to put it in the legal text, both ministers and civil servants acknowledged the importance of this issue and we will continue to press for it as new trade agreements are negotiated. The other ask was about democracy in trade. Green Party Leader Caroline Lucas put forward an amendment that would have ensured that MPs get to vote and scrutinise trade

agreements. Unfortunately – and rather ironically – MPs voted against this amendment which would have given them a say over trade after Brexit. Two steps forward, one step back Our campaigning has yielded some important results, but the lack of democratic accountability in the Trade Bill is worrying. Yet there is still scope for change. This autumn, the Trade Bill will move to the House of Lords where peers will debate and vote on amendments. While Caroline Lucas’ amendment didn’t win a majority in the House of Commons, it was backed by 284 MPs and lost by a small margin of just 30 votes. It also gained a lot of public support, with a range of organisations campaigning for it, including the Fairtrade Foundation, Global Justice Now and Global Citizen. Members of the House of Lords will be aware of this public and parliamentary support. If the amendment passes it will go back to MPs for another vote and opportunity to ensure democracy in trade. We will keep working behind-the-scenes and keep you updated on any changes and new actions on the Bills. Emilie Schultze is Traidcraft Exchange’s Campaigns Officer

September 2018 Diary Sunday 9th September 9.30 am Holy Communion Traidcraft 6.30 pm Practicing the way of Jesus Monday 10th 10.00 am Coffee + Tuesday 11th 9.00 am Morning prayer 10.00 am Time Together 3.15 pm Messy Crafts Wednesday 12th 10.00 am Holy Communion Thursday 13th 9.00 am Breakfast Café Friday 14th 9.15 am Time 4U 7.30 pm Splodgy Youth Sunday 16th

9.30 am Café Church 6.30 pm Practicing the way of Jesus Monday 17th 10.00 am Coffee + Tuesday 18th 9.00 am Morning prayer 10.00 am Time Together 3.15 pm Messy Crafts Wednesday 19th 10.00 am Holy Communion Thursday 20th 9.00 am Breakfast Café Friday 21st 9.15 am Time 4U 7.30 pm Splodgy Youth

Saturday 22nd 7.00 pm Barn Dance and Fish & Chips Sunday 23rd Harvest 9.30 am Holy Communion 6.30 pm Practicing the way of Jesus Monday 24th 10.00 am Coffee + Tuesday 25th 9.00 am Morning prayer 10.00 am Time Together 3.15 pm Messy Crafts Wednesday 26th 10.00 am Holy Communion Thursday 27th 9.00 am Breakfast Café Friday 28th 9.15 am Time 4U 7.30 pm Splodgy Youth Sunday 30th 9.30 am Morning Worship

www.colchesterChrist Church.org.uk 01206 542307

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