The Parish Magazine of St John’s Church and St Andrew’s Church, Yeovil

FOCUS May

2015

FREE Please take one

You can read the Focus Magazine

online at www.sjayeovil.co.uk

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PARISH DIRECTORY For times of services see pages 26 & 27

CHURCH OPENING TIMES… MON-FRI 10.00am to 3.00pm SAT 10.00am to 1.00pm

PARISH OFFICE: Tel 427745 (Answer phone outside office hours)

E-mail address - stjstayeovil@btinternet.com Website - www.sjayeovil.co.uk

PARISH ADMINISTRATOR available in the Church office: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings 9.30am-1.30pm

Church activities...

Junior Church

Crèche (0 to 2 years) Second, third and fourth Sundays in the St John’s

Scramblers (3 years to 4 years) Schoolrooms. We leave partway through the morning

Climbers (5 years & 6 years) service — Jo-Anne Smith

Explorers (7 years to 10 years)

Pathfinders (11 years to 14 years)

Footprints Toddler Group Mondays 10:00am (Term-time only) — Joy Neville 321672 (For Mums and toddlers over one)

Bell Ringing Practice Monday Evenings 7.30pm — Roger Fox 862041

St John’s Music Group Practice Mondays by arrangement — Keith Ovenden 424780

St Andrew’s Friendship Circle 1st Tuesday 2.30pm — Beth Farrington

SALT (St Andrew’s at Lunch Time) 2nd & 4th Tuesdays 12.30pm — Beth Farrington

Together on Tuesday 1st & 3rd Tuesdays 2.30pm — Pat Legg 424354

Genesis Fortnightly on Wednesdays — Becky Dudley-Smith 475352 (For Mums with young children) or Jo-Anne Smith

18-30's Wednesdays 7:30pm — 07964 114001 christune@fsmail.net

Tiny Toes at St John’s Thursdays 10.00am (Term-time only) — Joy Neville 321672 (For Mums and babies under one)

First Wednesday Usually, the first Wednesday of each month 7.30pm at

(Parish Prayer and Praise) St Andrew’s Hall

Foam & Fellowship 1st Friday 9.00pm — Ian Croxford 415340

Friday Night Youth Groups Friday evenings 7.30pm Pathfinders (11yrs to 14yrs) Lin Hann CYFA (15yrs to 18yrs) James & Doreen Maitland

TCP 4th Saturday 9.00am — Roz Chatwin

Fellowship Groups These usually take place on the second and fourth

weeks of each month — Contact James D-S 475352

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A Letter from...

The Rector

Dear friends

The celebrations of Ascension, Pentecost and Trinity all fall within the

month of May this year, and they turn our minds to the glory and power of

God. Jesus ascended to the throne. The Spirit came in power. Our God is no

small deity but the great Creator, Redeemer and Comforter who commands

our worship.

We’ve made it through our Annual Meetings, and we’re about to make it

through a General Election. We are appointing a new Pastoral Care

Co-Ordinator; St. John’s has new churchwardens and a new treasurer. And

we have welcomed the Putt family as Tom makes a new start in our parish

team, with a new focus on Yeovil College where he is also chaplain. Many

new things all at once! But the reign of Jesus, the power of his Spirit, and the

glory of God carry on. And so does our mission and ministry here in Yeovil,

as we pray and work for the growth of the gospel here. May Jesus direct us,

may the Spirit empower us, and may our glorious God in his majesty fill our

hearts and minds in all we do.

The Annual Reports and the Annual Meetings remind us of how much goes

on in the life of our churches, and how many people are involved. The

ascended Jesus gave gifts to his church (Ephesians 4:7-11), and we often call

them gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). Thank God for the gifted

people he has given us in St. John’s and St. Andrew’s! And I would like to

thank everyone for the part they play in serving, leading, helping, caring,

evangelising, etc. etc.

Martin Warr has been treasurer of St. John’s for many years, and it is a big

job, which requires constant attention to detail and considerable expertise.

Thank you, Martin, for all you have done for us, in the Lord’s service. With a

change of wardens, we say thank you to Phil, Helen, Jennifer and Mike for

your leadership in recent years. At the St. John’s AGM I also thanked the

Croxford’s who founded our CAP Centre and got it going, giving their time

For Christ in the heart...

...of Yeovil

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Quote of the month

Ten ways to love.

1. Listen without interrupting. (Proverbs 18)

2. Speak without accusing. (James 1:19)

3. Give without sparing. (Proverbs 21:26)

4. Pray without ceasing. (Colossians 1:9)

5. Answer without arguing. (Proverbs 17:1)

6. Share without pretending. (Ephesians 4:15)

7. Enjoy without complaint. (Philippians 2:14)

8. Trust without wavering. (Corinthians 13:7)

9. Forgive without punishing. (Colossians 3:13)

10. Promise without forgetting. (Proverbs 13:12)

- Author Unknown

and energies and gifts so effectively. I also thanked Sally Chandler for her

long ministry running the crèche at St. John’s, Shirley Lee for her ministry

with T.O.T., Rob Dean for chairing the November Mission Committee, and

Roger Fox for overseeing and funding the project on the bells. I also want to

thank those who are picking up new responsibilities, and those who are

carrying on with ‘old’ ones, some high profile and some behind the scenes

where nobody much notices, in both our churches.

Thanks to all, and thanks be to God. The Scriptures tell us to overflow with

thanksgiving, and so indeed we should. Here in Yeovil we have every reason

to do so, and I continue to be humbled, delighted, and excited to be part of

this great ministry to which God calls us together.

With my best wishes – James

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Family Announcements Wedding: Congratulations to Steven and Stacey Tavener, who were married in St. Andrew’s on Easter Saturday.

In Memoriam: The funeral of Terry Bush’s Dad Jack took place on March 24th. We continue to pray for God’s strength for all the family.

A funeral service was held in St. John’s on Friday 17th April, for Brenda Drayton, a former Friend of St. John’s.

Prebendary Patrick Blake, former Rector of our parish, died on 9th April.

We extend our deepest sympathy to all those who have lost loved ones and pray that God will comfort all who mourn

Men’s Prayer Breakfast at St John’s

Men's prayer breakfasts are on the second Saturday in the month from 7:45am until 9:00 am

9th May - in the Church 13th June - in the Church 11th July - in the Church

For more information please see Keith Stevens

Yeovil Election Hustings Please come to the Hustings! The churches of Yeovil

are organising a hustings for the General Election,

which will be on Tuesday May 5th, at the Gateway, at

7:30 p.m. If you wish to ask a question, please come at 7:00 to submit it in

writing. The five candidates for Yeovil will all be there, and Jam Cary is going

to chair the meeting.

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St Andrew’s Chit–Chat Yesterday, 19th April, St. Andrew's held its Annual General Meeting after the morning Communion Service, and in the Church building. We also had coffee served in the Church, too – thanks to some extra work from Bridget and Jean Kirtland and a little extra help from Shirley Paine and a few others! Thanks to all those who helped – and to all those who joined us! It all worked very well and meant the meeting could start promptly but we had all had a little refreshment and social time first.. For those who were unable to stay, the AGM always follows the same structure, and gives an opportunity to hear reports from our Wardens, Treasurer, and the chairman of our Hall Committee and our representative on the Deanery Synod, as well as to appoint, or reappoint, our wardens and members of our council. David and Jenny work together to produce the Annual Report of the Church Council, which looks back on the previous year and gives an interesting review of all that has happened over the past 12 months. It is a very readable document and a copy will be posted on the Notice Board at the back of the Church and there will be some copies that you can take away to read if you wish. The Meeting also gives the Rector the opportunity to give his report of the year from his point of view. This year we had an extra piece of business to deal with. We have, for some years run as one Parochial Church Council for both churches, and two separate Councils (or committees) to deal with the business of each church. This is not in line with the preferred structure of the Church for churches in our situation. In future, the Parochial Church Council will deal mainly with St. John's business, with representation from St. Andrew's wardens and members of the Deanery Synod, and our Church will have a District Church Council to deal with matters relevant to St. Andrew's. It sounds complicated but from our point of view, it will make little practical difference but it does bring us into line with Church of England Guidelines. I will put a list of Council Members on the Notice Board.

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We were very pleased to welcome Jo Dodwell as a Council Member and sorry to see both Betty Sweet and Mike Rimmington leave as they had reached the end of their 3 years and did not feel they could seek re-election. We would like to thank them for all the time they have given over the years and the contribution they have made. Les Jackson also has been elected as a Warden, so that means that we will have at least 3 members able to attend the Parochial Church Council and keep us in touch with St. John's. We had a lovely Easter Day Service on April 5th. Nicky and the team had provided beautiful flowers, as always much appreciated, especially as there was a wedding in the Church on the Saturday. It was very good to have a group from Grovelands, including Iris, at the Service, and they had also contributed by making flower arrangements, which were displayed on the shelves at each side of the Church. We had a large congregation, with all ages represented, so the singing was joyful! Thanks to Derek, our organist, for his part in the Service and of course, to James and Beth. We were all given an Easter Egg as we left Church – thank you to Betty Sweet for that. After Church, a number went into the Hall for refreshments to find an array of biscuits and cakes with an Easter theme! Lunch Club started the new term with a good number present, although we missed Ted and June – and we do send them our love and our prayers. We have very flexible seating and we can always make room for one or two more. Just ring Beth (or me) if you would like to join us, their next meeting is the 5th May. We were very pleased to meet Tom Putt, the new assistant Minister, briefly at our Service on Sunday. We wish him and his family every happiness in Yeovil and look forward to seeing more of him, and meeting his family! We also wish him well in his work at Yeovil College. Make the most of the lovely weather we are blessed with at the moment – although by the time you read this, who knows what it will be doing.

- Margaret Akerman

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May 2015 .... the BYG suggests for your prayers.

Please pray for our mission links abroad...pray for boldness,

for open doors, for open hearts. Most of all, pray that our mission links will be empowered by God the Holy Spirit for fruitful service. (John 15:16).

Marc, Hilary, Simon, Benjy and Eve Deneufchâtel serving with

SIM in Benin, West Africa. - pray for the four couples in Pede preparing for marriage over the coming

two months

- pray for young Christian girls who, due to the scarcity of young Christian men, face the prejudice of remaining single

- pray for Marc, Hilary, Simon, Benjy and Eve as they prepare for their leave later this year and for those who will take on new responsibilities.

Dr Ruth Hulser serving with CMS at St Phillip's hospital, Tabora,

Tanzania, East Africa. - pray for the HIV and malnutrition groups where food is distributed to

mothers every Friday

- pray for Ruth and the staff as they set up new groups, deal with different needs and continue to give love, understanding and medical expertise.

- pray for the community and further afield that in times of distress and great need see the love of God through those who give help.

Rev Muyunda Simangolwa, deacon at St Peter's church Lusaka,

Zambia, Central Africa. - pray that Muyunda finds the space and time to seek spiritual refreshment

- pray for his driving lessons, for safety and that he may pass soon and make use of his car

- pray for his continued good training and personal relationships with his colleagues.

BYG... Points for prayer

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Alison Bush, a volunteer working with the IFES team in Belgium. - pray for Alison that she may receive the right guidance as she makes

decisions about her future

- pray she will see hope and encouragement in the valuable work she continues to do

- pray for Christian students in Belgium who find themselves in the minority.

Prayers for the rest of the world... - pray that solutions may be found to the tragedy and problems of migrants

fleeing war torn countries

- continue to pray for the safety of Christians throughout the world and for tolerance and understanding between different religions

- pray that following the elections in this country that all politicians may work together for the good of all people in the UK.

Don’t Forget the Parish Prayer Diary is available each month. It gives suggestions for people, places and events that you can pray for.

Deneuf' News - April 2015

The Deneufchâtel family serving the Monkolé churches with SIM in Benin, West Africa

Dear friends, Greetings from Benin, where the temperatures have been soaring as we enter hot season. Here is a summary of our latest news.

Work in the churches After some discouragement over postponed meetings at the end of last year, Marc's Bible studies have been continuing regularly over the first weeks of this year, in both the Kandi-Fô and the Pèdè churches. It is good to see some new attendees joining the old faithfuls. He has also been able to start up a fortnightly discipleship course in both churches. The original aim was to reach the young people who were recently baptised, but some other people have obviously felt that this

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was a need for them too, and Marc has been happy to welcome them.

So far he has been presenting an overview of the Bible, looking at the way that God worked out His plan of salvation from creation onwards. He is then intending to look at how to read and study the Bible.

He is also still working on the next instalment of the family Bible reading guide for the Monkolé churches.

Translation, testing and literacy The translation team was able to check the books of Ecclesiastes and Micah during a week of work with our consultant in February. We have just finished working on the book of Isaiah in the team, getting it ready for checking (though this probably won't happen until we get back from our Home Assignment in 2016). We are also aiming to have all the books of the Old Testament completed in draft form by the end of May this year.

The translators have begun their outings to test our translation in different Monkolé villages. They read through the whole of the book of Jonah with quite a crowd of people on their first outing, which was real encouragement. The listeners were able to give some feedback on how they would say certain things, like how to say that the sea got rough or that the sun struck Jonah's head. On the whole they said that they understood the story very well, which means our work has not been in vain! The outings will continue once a week throughout hot season (when people have time to sit around and listen), and the translators will go out more frequently during hot season next year, during our absence.

The youth of the Pèdè church have recently got together to organise their own literacy classes so that they will be more confident about reading in Monkolé. This is a very encouraging initiative, and we pray that it will have positive results. Many of the youth already know how

Marc speaking at a youth meeting in Kandi on

"Christians and work"

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to read and write in French, but some are more or less completely illiterate.

August 1st… … is the date when Benin celebrates Independence Day, but this year it will have another significance for us, marking the beginning of our Home Assignment (aka missionary furlough). Our main aims during this time will be to evaluate our ministry with SIM France, to visit our supporting churches to share about our ministry, and to catch up with family and friends. We will be based in Nancy, in France, where our children will attend school, but we will be visiting the UK several times during the year. I will also continue to work for and coordinate the work of the translation team from afar. It is our intention to return to Benin at the end of July 2016 (God willing!).

We are looking forward to returning to Nancy for a while to be part of the worship and witness of our church there. Moving a family of five and setting up home from scratch for just a year is quite a challenge, so we would appreciate your prayers for good organisation and smooth transitioning for all the family.

Thank you so much for your faithful support.

With love and prayers,

Hilary, Marc, Simon, Benjy and Eve

We give thanks: - For very encouraging progress in the translation work

- For the enthusiasm of the youth for the discipleship courses - For the birth of a baby boy to Philémon and his wife Salomé

Please pray: - For the discipleship course to function well in the next few months - That we will get systems in place to enable the translation team to work well during our absence

- That we will trust God for the details of organising our move back to Europe for a year

- That no one in the family will find the transition too difficult and that it will be a time of growth for all

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Can a person lose their Salvation? Are there not indications in Hebrew’s chapter 6 that believers can lose their Salvation? 1) All true Christian believers are safe with God for ever. If you were the great Shepherd and Pastor, would you wish for your flock to live in uncertainty, anxiety and fear? You would not. And neither does Jesus. He says he will lose none of those the Father has given him. He says that ‘everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day’ (John 6:40). In John 10 the Good Shepherd says of his sheep: ‘I give them eternal life and they shall never perish, and no-one shall snatch them out of my hand.’ There are many other passages to read including Romans 8 and Ephesians 1; and the point is that God in his love and mercy wants to remove from our frail human existence that crippling uncertainty about life, death, and the future. He loves us enough to make promises to us, promises that he will absolutely keep, and therefore if we put our trust in Jesus we are born again to a new life, resurrection life, eternal life, which begins now and goes on beyond death with God forever. We are made new, and we shall not be unmade. If you are a Christian believer God wants you to be sure of this, and to live joyfully, confidently, and with real Christian hope, which is not a vague uncertain hope but a definite unwavering expectation of a glorious future based on the unshakeable promises of God. 2) Only those who persevere to the end are true Christian believers. Jesus said, ‘If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples’ (John 8:31-32) and ‘He who stand firm to the end will be saved’ (Matthew 10:22). Therefore Paul says that all the blessings of the gospel, present and future, are only yours ‘if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel’ (Colossians 1:23). So one way of showing yourself to be a true disciple of Jesus is that you carry on in faith all the way through your life until you die. You cannot and must not assume that because

Tough Questions

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you once made a profession of faith in your teens at an exciting Christian camp, that means you’ll get to heaven no matter how you treat God in your 20s, 30s, 50s, and so on. Such a person, who treats God carelessly through adult life all the way to death, was never a true Christian believer in the first place. 3) Some who look like true Christian believers may not be. Think of Judas – none of the disciples could tell which of them would be the betrayer. And in the Sermon on the Mount Jesus says: ‘Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven’ (Matthew 7:21). And in the churches Paul wrote to, there were false teachers and imposters inside the churches, looking like real Christians but leading people away from Christ. And this must be what Hebrews 6 is talking about: here the writer contrasts a field that produces a crop with a field that produces only thorns and thistles, and that metaphor reminds us of Jesus’ idea of fruitfulness as a sign and proof of real faith (‘by their fruit you will recognize them’ – Matthew 7:16). So those in Hebrews 6:6 who fall away and cannot be brought back to repentance were never true Christian believers in the first place. They may have understood the gospel (‘enlightened’), they may have had some experience of its power (‘tasted the goodness of the word of God’), and they may have joined in close fellowship with believers (‘shared in the Holy Spirit’), but they have never undergone the deep divine transformation from thorn-producing field to crop-producing field. The writer fears that there are some in the Hebrew Christian community he writes to, who are in this position. That’s why he keeps quoting from Psalm 95 in chapters 3 and 4 – he is urging them not to harden their hearts against God’s word, which they have heard and heard and heard. 4) So … some need assurance; others need warning. And that’s just what we find in the New Testament, assurance is given to all who are truly trusting Christ – for them there is now no condemnation, no separation from the love of God, no slavery to fear, no danger of being plucked from the hands of Jesus. But to those who are wavering, being lured away by the world or a false gospel, there must be warning. They are warned not that they might lose their salvation, but that they might not yet have received it. And hence these chapters

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in Hebrews (there are more such warnings in chapter 10); and hence the declaration that ‘we have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly to the end the confidence we had at first’ (Hebrews 3:14). So what about you? Do you need assurance, or warning?

P.S. On interpreting the Bible: Interpreting the Bible is both simple and difficult. It is simple because both the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit are God’s gift to all Christians, and so we should aim to believe and obey what seems to be the plain meaning. We trust that the Spirit inspired the original writers, and is with us today as we study, and we should assume that God does not want to set us a puzzle, but to tell us straightforward stuff we can understand. On the other hand, the task is difficult, because the texts come from a different era and a different culture. And because we are sometimes slow, sinful, and liable to misread things, especially when it suits us! For that reason, theologians come up with rules of interpretation.

One such rule is that when a passage seems to go against what the rest of the Bible says, we must assume that the rest of the Bible is right, and that we have not yet found the right way to make the tricky passage make proper sense, so that it fits with the overall message. In answering the above question, therefore, I have not just looked at Hebrews 6, but at the thrust of the Bible’s message more widely.

- James Dudley-Smith

Men about Yeovil. Our next Men’s Breakfast will be on Saturday 16th

May at 8.15 for 8.30am (to end at 9.45am) at the

Yeovil Court Hotel.

The speaker is Henry Olonga who was one of

Roger Carswell’s guests during our mission last

November.

There is no charge for the breakfast but donations

are much appreciated.

If you are able to attend please sign the sheet at the back of the

church. Any queries to Edward Armitstead (Tel: 862785)

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What is TCP?

TCP stands for Tea, Coffee, Croissants, Chat and Prayer.

The ladies fellowship has been meeting for a light breakfast in the upper schoolrooms 9-10.30 every fourth Sat of the month since Sept 2013 After several conversations with others it became evident that many ladies felt they were losing touch with each other due to there being two services. Also because, for some, their children were no longer a point of contact as they had grown up and moved on. There was a real need for some kind of meeting point; consequently TCP began in Sept 2013 and as many worked it was decided that Saturday would be the best day to meet

Who comes to TCP? Any lady of any age who wishes to come is most welcome, the only limitation being that it is not child friendly.

We generally number anything from 12 -20. Although there is a core of regulars who attend nearly every time and some folk do not come for the whole meeting. It is most certainly a “drop in when you are able to” arrangement.

What happens at TCP? It’s really very simple. We chat, drink tea or coffee, eat croissants and there is a great deal of laughter. We have a book for prayer requests and we spend the last 20mins of the meeting in prayer. It has proved to be a bit of an oasis in our busy lives and a great place for the women of our church family to get to know each other better and support one another. - Roz Chatwin

Creative Fellowship This group will be meets on alternate Thursdays.

If you would like to be creative or just chat, why not join us 7.30 -9.00pm in St John’s Schoolrooms?

All are welcome, no skills required, just bring your enthusiasm!

Contact Roz Chatwin 01935 433188 for further information.

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S A L T - Parish Lunch Club

I am sure some of our congregation are not aware of the importance of St

Andrew’s Lunchtime on Tuesdays, which is held twice a month, 1.00 –

2.00, although the organisers arrive at noon and finish when everything

has been tidied away.

Although the lunch happens at St Andrews Hall, it is a Parish event. Our

guests come from both churches and the local neighbourhood, and it is

more than obvious, that for many, the Lunch Club serves a need for

company and for sharing a meal with others.

The team, who make these meals possible, is very small and we need

some help please. If anyone feels able to come and help generally, or

come just to do the washing up for an hour, this would be wonderful. If

we had enough volunteers duty need not be done every single time we

meet, as is the case now.

There is a ‘Pudding Rota’ with several Parishioners kindly making

puddings for us. Reimbursement for the costs involved is offered, or the

donor can join us for their lunch.

If you feel you can help in any way, the few who carry this commitment

throughout the year could occasionally have a Tuesday off and will

welcome you with open arms.

If you wish to know more please speak with one of the following:

Margaret Akerman, Ann Beable, Beth Farrington, Bridget Handcock or

Jenny Jones.

CAN YOU HELP PLEASE? JOBS ON OFFER ARE:

SERVING THE FOOD PUDDING MAKING

WASHING UP LAUNDRY OF CLOTHS

- Ann Beable

“The fewer the words, the better the prayer.”

- Martin Luther

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The Rev. Charley Thomas, Dean of Lusaka's

visit and news of Rev Muyunda Simangolwa.

Charley had a very brief visit to the UK, partly for the farewell held at Wells

Cathedral for Bishop Peter Morris, where he gave greetings from Zambia

and, with great love and humour, a personal appreciation of Bishop Peter

and his commitment to Zambia.

He stayed with us for two nights between numerous meetings in Wells and

we were given up to date information on Muyunda. It seems that the

decision has now been made that Muyunda, after completing his year as a

deacon will stay in Lusaka for a further period to serve his curacy. He is

then likely to go to Livingstone in Southern Province before eventually

moving to his home area of Western Province.

Muyunda is working extremely hard and Charley particularly mentioned that

he never complains or asks for anything. After much discussion in Zambia it

was agreed he should buy a car rather than a motor bike, to which both St

John's and St Andrews have contributed. With a friend, Muyunda searched

for a suitable car and it has now been purchased and Muyunda, so pleased

and grateful, has sent over 20 photos that show every detail and every angle

of the car both inside and out! It means that he will now be able to visit

more parishioners, transport anyone that requires help and allow the family

to travel together. A great blessing for many. He is now learning to drive!

Cynthia and the girls are all well although Sibesco, away at school in Eastern

Province had all her bedding stolen. It is something that happens from time

to time but expensive and Muyunda had to make the long bus journey to

take new bedding to Sibesco.

Greetings come from Charley and Muyunda to both congregations - Flic

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Polar Explorers St John's & St Andrew's

Holiday Club 2015

The planning is underway for this year's Holiday Club. We'd

really appreciate your prayers, here are a few suggestions for

prayer topics:

Thank God for all those who volunteer to help at Holiday

Club. Pray that it might be a blessing for them and the children

who attend. Pray that the various teams will be able to work in

unity.

Thank God for Scripture Union and the material we will be using

which looks at a New Testament character each day. Through the

lives of these people, we'll discover that no one is too anything to

be part of God’s big expedition, that is, to be a friend of Jesus

and go out and help other people be friends of Jesus too.

Please pray that all the child protection paperwork gets

completed and the disclosure certificates arrive in time. Thank

God for Jane Maclean who is our Safeguarding Officer.

Pray for the whole of Holiday Club: for health, safety, good

weather and protection from the evil one as we reach out to so

many families. Pray that God is foremost in our minds and that we

will do everything in His strength and through the Holy Spirit.

Pray for those volunteers who are new to Holiday Club this year,

or taking on new responsibilities. We are blessed with a Young

Leader Team, please pray that they would have confidence in their

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Note the date

20th May, 7:30 p.m. at St. Bartholomew’s, Bath: a meeting of the D.E.F. with Andrew Atherstone (Tutor at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford) speaking. ‘Recruit, train, plant, send: Charles Simeon’s strategy for reviving the Church of England.’ Simeon is a great character of our history, with much to teach us for church life today.

We are privileged to have David Jackman with us in the parish for the

weekend of September 12th. He will be leading a teaching day on the

Saturday in the Schoolrooms, on the subject of ‘Life in the Trinity’. And he

will preach in St. John’s on Sunday. David is an author and speaker, former

President of the Proclamation Trust, and founder of the Cornhill Training

Course.

roles and enjoy the week.

Pray that we might find the right balance

between entertainment and helping the

children understand God's word.

Please pray for Jon Peace and the teaching

team as they prepare the teaching material

for the week.

Thank you!

Ros Bush, on behalf of the Planning Committee

God made you as you are,

in order to use you as he planned.

- S. C. McAuley

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NEWS OF YEOVIL CHAMBER CHOIR

On the evening of March 18th, the Chamber Choir performed

“Music for Passiontide” – an excellent concert and a very

appropriate prelude to the Easter season.

The new term started on Wednesday, 15th April - new members

are always welcome! - and our summer concert will be on

Wednesday, 24th June, at 7.30 in St. Andrew’s Church, Preston

Grove.

In the meantime, the Choir can be heard at the cinema! Two years

ago we were invited to record part of the soundtrack for the

remake of the film adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s “Far From the

Madding Crowd”. The singing was recorded in Melbury Osmond

Church and dubbed for the scene filmed in Sherborne Abbey

where one of our members was involved as an extra. The film,

starring Carey Mulligan, Matthias Schoenaerts, Tom Sturridge

and Michael Sheen, is on general release from May 1st, and

available on DVD and Bluray in June. - Robin Hutchfield

Christian Aid Week 10th-16th May St John’s Collectors Needed!

Last year we successfully collected over £1,040 from house-to-house collections. This year some of our team are unable to collect again. Can you help? Typically you would collect from 50 or so houses, taking about 2-3 hours of your time over the week.

Please contact Phil Juggins (421909) if this is something you could do. Many Thanks.

21

An ABC of Life

Although things are not perfect

Because of trial or pain

Continue in thanksgiving

Do not begin to blame

Even when the times are hard

Fierce winds are bound to blow

God is forever able

Hold on to what you know

Imagine life without His love

Joy would cease to be

Keep thanking Him for all the things

Love imparts to thee

Move out of "Camp Complaining"

No weapon that is known

On earth can yield the power

Praise can do alone

Quit looking at the future

Redeem the time at hand

Start every day with worship

To "thank" is a command

Until we see Him coming

Victorious in the sky

We'll run the race with gratitude

Xalting God most high

Yes, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but....

Zion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!

- Author unknown

Junior Church Breakfast

Sunday May 3rd at 10am. Continental breakfast and fun

together for children aged 3-11years before the Family Service. Parents, please bring your children to the

Schoolrooms at 10am. Junior Church leaders will bring the children across to join parents in church at 10.55am. Cost £1

per child. To book a place contact Jo-Anne Smith

22

My Dear Friends,

Perhaps it will sound strange to you but

I recall those days, many centuries past, before your known ancestors were

even a twinkle in their parent’s eyes. I remember as if yesterday the first time I surveyed the

town from my lofty vantage point. How proud I felt as I

stood tall and strong, receiving the pleasure and amazement of those around me, while encouraging them to lift their eyes

in praise of God.

Rather quieter in those days of course. No metal objects

rattling past my walls or screaming from the skies. How noisy you lot are! Still, that said there was plenty going on

both inside and outside my doors. Such occasions I’ve

witnessed and so many emotions seen and felt. Joy and sadness hope and fear. Sometimes I sigh with the pain I see

of those who enter me, and I hope I can in some way provide the space to bring comfort. At other times it is my

great delight and privilege to listen to the unmatchable sense of joy as God is praised within my walls, and that

indescribable whisper of prayers thought and spoken.

So many changes I’ve seen yet much remains the same. Even during those terrible days when fire was raging in the

streets, and later when bombs were dropping from the skies, causing me to fear for my life, still people came and shared

with me their hopes and fears. In recent days I’ve been a little afraid again as my body crumbled and groaned in

discomfort. What pleasure it has brought me to feel the security of those bars around me as friends restored my

tower. What timing too! How satisfactory to have this extra warmth in the cold season and to be able to throw of my

bandages in time for the summer. How I love the summer, relaxing in the sunshine while people sit around me. Better

23

still that glorious week when the children come in and my

doors are thrown open and there is so much fun. I do enjoy those smiling faces rushing in and around.

And so my friends thank you. Thank you for looking after me and enabling me to stand strong again. My dearest wish is

that once more the people of Yeovil will look at my outside and be drawn within, and to come with those same smiling

faces. I long to be what I was built to be, ‘The lantern of the

West’, and to hear you my current companions and the generations to come, sing God’s praise.

My very best wishes,

St John’s.

Book Review Honest Evangelism by Rico Tice Price—£7.99 Sharing the gospel is hard and wonderful. It is scary and exciting. This book takes a real and honest look at evangelism, encouraging us to take seriously the claims of Jesus and our love for others. It has challenged me to be more concerned about other peoples eternal destiny and be bold as I share the good news.

Here’s what it says on the back of the book:

“Hostility and hunger—that's the response to the message of Jesus. The first is painful, the second is wonderful, and Rico Tice is honest about both. Short, clear, realistic and humorous, this book will challenge you to be honest in your conversations about Jesus, help you to know how to talk about him, and thrill you that God can and will use ordinary people to change eternal destinies.”

- James Maitland Available from Keith Jones Christian Bookshop

- written by Anne Wicks

24

Children and Young People’s Groups

- May News

Junior Church - 3 to 10 year olds

The Explorers (7-10’s) have been…

Reading about Jesus in Luke’s Gospel. We

have read about the fishermen Simon Peter, James and John

leaving everything to follow Jesus. Also how some unpopular

people, Levi the tax collector and Zacchaeus became disciples

of Jesus. Not everyone wanted to follow Jesus - a rich young

man decided his money was more important than Jesus.

Interviewing our helpers about how they became followers of

Jesus. Lin Hann, Tim Neville, Gill Brooke, Jo-Anne Smith and

Helen Peace have told us how they became friends of Jesus.

Praying for our friends and families. We also pray for Felix who

lives in a children’s home in Western Kenya. We ask God to help

him at school and pray that he will have enough food to eat.

Giving to a treat fund for Felix. We have also collected money

to buy a mosquito net and chickens for people in Kenya.

Having fun together. Each week we have a game or activity

which fits with our lesson. We share our news and occasionally

have something to eat! - Mary Irwin & Ann Johnson

Pathfinders and CYFA - 11 to 13 and 14 to 18 year olds

We meet every Friday evening (term

time) at 7:30pm until 9:30pm in St John’s

School Rooms. We meet to hear God

speak in the Bible, pray, eat food and have fun.

For the Summer Term we are combining

Pathfinders and CYFA on a Friday evening.

What’s happening This Term?

Grab a term card from the back of church for more information

25

about what is happening this term.

Discipleship Explored

17th April Week 1: Confident In Christ - Philippians 1:1-11

- DISCO NIGHT

24th April Week 2: Living In Christ - Philippians 1:12-26

- PIZZA NIGHT

1st May Week 3: Standing Together In Christ - Philippians 1:27-2:1

- GAMES NIGHT

8th May Week 4: Transformed By Christ - Philippians 2:12-30

- PUBLIC SPEAKING

15th May Week 5: Righteous In Christ - Philippians 3:1-9

- GIANT HUNGRY HIPPOS

22nd May Week 6: Knowing Christ - Philippians 3:10-4:1

- WIND UP TOY RACING HALF TERM

5th June Week 7: Rejoicing In Christ - Philippians 4:2-9

- OUTDOOR GAMES

12th June Week 8: Content In Christ - Philippians 4:10-23

- ICE CREAM SUNDAES TRICKY

19th June If Jesus is real, why is there so much suffering?

- TEAM BUILDING

26th June What does Jesus really think about being gay?

- MAGIC NIGHT

3rd July Surely you don’t think there’s only one true religion?

- BBQ #1

10th July Doesn’t Jesus ruin your fun? - WATER GAMES

17th July Why should I bother with Jesus? - BBQ #2

Please pray this half term:

That we would love Gods Word and submit to what it says.

That the young people would be inviting their friends to CYFA.

That the word of God might make a real change to the leaders

and young people’s lives

For more information please contact James & Doreen Maitland:

Jamesanddoreenmaitland@hotmail.com - 01935 813244

26

SERVICES AND EVENTS IN MAY 2015

Friday 1st 7.30 pm Pathfinders/CYFA Schoolrooms

Fifth Sunday of Easter Sun 3rd 9.30 am Holy Communion St Andrew's 10.00 am Junior Church Breakfast Schoolrooms 11.00 am All-Age Holy Communion St John's

6.30 @St. John’s: Evening service St John’s

Mon 4th BANK HOLIDAY

Tues 5th 10.30 am Holy Communion St John's 2.30 pm Together on Tuesday Schoolrooms 7.30 pm Yeovil Election hustings Gateway Wed 6th 12.00 noon Lunchtime prayer St John’s 7.30 pm First Wednesday St Andrew’s Hall Thurs 7th 10.00 am “Tiny Toes” Mums & Babies group Schoolrooms 10.00 am CAP “Drop-in” St John’s

12.00 noon Lunchtime prayer St John’s 7.30 pm Creative Craft Schoolrooms 7.30 pm Friends of St John’s St John’s

Friday 8th 7.30 pm Pathfinders/CYFA Schoolrooms Sat 9th 7.45 am Men’s Prayer Breakfast St John’s

Sixth Sunday of Easter Sun 10th 9.30 am Morning Worship St Andrew's 11.00 am Holy Communion St John’s

6.30 @St. John’s: Evening service St John’s Mon 11th 9.00 am Staff Meeting St John’s 10.00 am Footprints Toddler Group Schoolrooms Tues 12th 10.30 am Holy Communion St John's 12.30 pm SALT St Andrew’s Hall Wed 13th 9.45 am Genesis 41 The Park Thurs 14th 9.30 am Ascension Day Holy Communion St John’s 10.00 am “Tiny Toes” Mums & Babies group Schoolrooms 10.00 am CAP “Drop-in” St John’s 12.00 noon Lunchtime prayer St John’s Fri 15th 7.30 pm Pathfinders/CYFA Schoolrooms Sat 16th 8.15 am Men’s Breakfast Yeovil Court

27

Details of events are as correct as possible at the time of printing

but please check weekly notice sheets for any necessary changes.

9.30 am First Aid Course St Andrew’s Hall 7.30 pm Newcomers’ Evening The Rectory 7.30 pm SSAFA Concert St John’s

Seventh Sunday of Easter Sun 17th 9.30 am Holy Communion St Andrew’s

11.00 am Morning Worship St John’s 6.30 @St. John’s: Evening Service St John’s

Mon 18th 9.00 am Staff Meeting St John’s

10.00 am Footprints Toddler Group Schoolrooms Tues 19th 10.30 am Holy Communion St John’s

2.30 pm Together on Tuesday Schoolrooms

Wed 20th 7.30 pm 18 – 30’s group 49 Collingwood Rd

Thurs 21st 10.00 am “Tiny Toes” Mums & Babies group

Schoolrooms

10.00 am CAP “Drop-in” St John’s 12.00 noon Lunchtime prayer St John’s

7.30 pm Creative Craft Schoolrooms

Fri 22nd 7.30 pm Pathfinders/CYFA Schoolrooms

Sat 23rd 9.00 am TCP Breakfast Schoolrooms

Whit Sunday – Day of Pentecost

Sun 24th 9.30 am Together for Worship St Andrew’s 11.00 am Holy Communion St John’s

6.30 @St. John’s: Evening Service St John’s

Mon 25th BANK HOLIDAY

Tues 26th 10.30 am Holy Communion St John’s

12.30 pm SALT St Andrew’s Hall Thurs 28th 10.00 am CAP “Drop-in” St John’s

12.00 noon Lunchtime prayer St John’s

Trinity Sunday Sun 31st 11.00 am Together for Holy Communion St John’s 6.30 @St. John’s: Evening Service St John’s

28

Young SaintsYoung SaintsYoung Saints This month’s theme

Star Wars Day

May the 4th be with

you

Scripture: When the day of Pentecost came, they were all

together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Acts 2:1-4 (NIV)

In the Star Wars series, some of the movies'

heroes draw on a supernatural power called

The Force, which enables them to perform

feats that would normally be impossible. Did

you know that a similar power really exists?

God's Word describes a supernatural power, a

spiritual force that He makes available to His

believing and obedient servants. It enables His true followers to

resist the evil dark side, the pulls of our selfish, self-serving

nature. This real force is God's Holy Spirit.

Jesus Christ, in His last recorded words to His disciples, told

them they could have access to this power: “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8)

Christ made it clear that the Holy Spirit is connected with power.

That Spirit enables us to be like Jesus Christ, to have the same

29

Jokes Corner Jokes Corner

What would you get if all the cars in Britain were red? A red carnation

What is green and stands in the corner? A naughty frog

How do monkeys make toast? Stick some bread under the gorilla

What do you get if you cross a cowboy with an octopus? Billy the squid

What do you get if you cross a hen with a bedside clock? An alarm cluck.

Where are the Andes? On the end of the armies

power available to us that Jesus had in Him.

Then at Pentecost God’s Holy Spirit did come down, as tongues of

fire that rested on the heads of the disciples. They were then

able to go out and speak about God to people from different

nations in their own language.

God tells us that we, too, can receive the power of this unseen

force. And He tells us how: “Repent, and … be baptized …; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).

Dear Father, we pray that we will be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit just as the disciples were on the day of Pentecost. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

30

Something to make you smile A man bought a new fridge for his house. To get rid of his old fridge, he put

it in his front garden and hung a sign on it saying: 'Free to good home. You

want it, you take it.' For three days the fridge sat there without anyone

looking twice. He eventually decided that people were too mistrustful of this

deal. So he changed the sign to read: 'Fridge for sale £50.' The next day

someone stole it!

One day I was walking down the beach with some friends when someone

shouted..... 'Look at that dead bird!' Someone looked up at the sky and

said...'where?'

My colleague and I were eating our lunch in our cafeteria, when we overheard

an admin girl talking about the sunburn she got on her weekend drive to the

beach. She drove down in a convertible, but said she 'didn't think she'd get

sunburned because the car was moving'.

I couldn't find my luggage at the airport baggage area and went to the lost

luggage office and reported the loss. The woman there smiled and told me not

to worry because she was a trained professional and said I was in good hands.

'Now,' she asked me, 'Has your plane arrived yet?'...

While working at a pizza takeaway I observed a man ordering a small pizza to

go. He appeared to be alone and the cook asked him if he would like it cut into

4 pieces or 6. He thought about it for some time then said 'Just cut it into 4

pieces; I don't think I'm hungry enough to eat 6 pieces.’

A man was driving when he saw the flash of a traffic camera. He figured that

his picture had been taken for exceeding the limit, even though he knew that

he was not speeding. Just to be sure, he went around the block and passed

the same spot, driving even more slowly, but again the camera flashed. Now

he began to think that this was quite funny, so he drove even slower as he

passed the area again, but the traffic camera again flashed. He tried a

fourth time with the same result.. He did this a fifth time and was now

laughing when the camera flashed as he rolled past, this time at a snail's

pace.

Two weeks later, he got five tickets in the post for driving without a seat

belt.

31

PARISH PRAYER CHAIN

Please telephone any prayer

requests to:-

Shirley Lee 427070 or

Eileen Bangay 850452

These usually take place on the Second and Fourth

weeks of each month

If you are interested in joining one of these groups CONTACT James Dudley-Smith on 01935 475352

ADVERTS By inclusion in FOCUS an advertiser is not underwritten by the Editor or the

Church Council. We suggest always asking for a recommendation. If you would like to advertise in this magazine, please contact the Editor

A Touch of Glass

Glass and Metal Engraving Specialists

1 Church Street, Yeovil, Somerset, BA20 1HE

Tel 01935 411088

dawn.stevense@btinternet.com

Church member offering help with... housework, shopping, companionship,

experienced carer, self – employed. Contact Celia 01935 423868

32

Walter Wall

for Quality Carpets, Rugs and Vinyls.

All Prices—Immediate Delivery

Fitting by Experts

34 Princes Street, Yeovil

Tel: (01935) 478100

33

David C Rivett

Family owned Funeral Directors. All office staff, family members

Ample free parking Offering a caring but professional service

DAVID C RIVETT 30 LYDE ROAD

YEOVIL BA21 5AT 01935 433737

www.davidcrivett-yeovil.co.uk

36 Preston Road,

Yeovil,

BA21 3AQ

This well established home in

the centre of Yeovil, offers full

nursing care in a warm,

friendly environment.

Do call and have a look round

or telephone 01935 472102.

Prop. Chris Wharton

G. H. Cook & Son

FUNERAL DIRECTORS AND MONUMENTAL MASONS

24 Hour Service

Private Chapel of Rest

8-11 Bond Street, YEOVIL Tel: 423463

34

BARTLETTS Removals, Containerised Storage, and Transport. Packing materials available.

www.bartlettsremovals.co.uk

36 Buckland Road, Yeovil. BA215HA.

Tel: (01935) 423932 Fax (01935) 433713.

THE PARK SCHOOL YEOVIL SOMERSET

Christian foundation Established 1851 - Day and Boarding

Co-education : 3-18 Years “Pupils’ personal development is a strength of the school” I.S.Inspectorate.

Very competitive fee structure throughout the key stages

Early years grants accepted in our Nursery

Sixth Form offering a wide range of ‘A’ level courses

Small classes: pupils/students work in a happy & supportive atmosphere

Scholarships available in academic subjects and in music, art and drama

Bursaries awarded to those in full time Christian work

Floodlit sports facilities

Why not come and visit us?

You will always receive a warm welcome

For a prospectus or further details please visit our website or telephone 01935 423514; Fax 01935 411257

Web site address www.parkschool.com E-mail address admin.parkschool@ukonline.co.uk

WATERLOO PLUMBING PLUMBING HEATING ENGINEER

PLUMBING BOILER REPLACEMENT SERVICING

AGA-RAYBURN SERVICE AND REPAIR

OIL/LPG/GAS SAFE REGISTERED TEL:07765211025

waterlooplumbandheat@gmail.com

No

50668

B015

Keith Jones Christian Bookshop, YEOVIL

Tel 01935 426253 Email: kjyeovil@btconnect.com

Web: www.keithjones.co.uk

Over 7000 Books and 1300 CD’s in stock. We also have a wide range of DVD’s, Greeting Cards, Magazines, Posters,

Gift Products and much more. If it’s not in stock we will order it in for you.

2 Park Road, Yeovil, Somerset, BA20 1DZ

35

Building Contractor Extensions. Alterations. Maintenance &

repairs. Patios.

Internal & external decorating

Tel: 01935 428176

GEOFF BRYAN

60 West Coker Road, Yeovil, Somerset BA20 2JA

Tel: 01935 472793 Email: info@beechwoodcarehome.co.uk

Set in large gardens, we pride ourselves on a very high standard of 24hr residential

care. With trained, caring staff, we put the interest of each individual at the heart of

everything we do. A family-run home, we aim to provide a welcoming and homely

environment for up to 28 residents, each with their own room and ensuite facilities.

Please do call or visit us, you will be made most welcome.

Beechwood House Care Home

A. J. Wakely & Sons FUNERAL DIRECTORS & MONUMENTAL MASONS

Advice & Consultation without obligation:

24 Hour Service: Private Chapel of Rest.

contact...Clive Wakely 33 Sparrow Road, YEOVIL. Tel: 479913

“Golden Charter” Pre-payment Funeral Plans

JIM ALLEN

BRICK LAYING, CARPENTRY, FENCING, PATIOS,

ROOFING GUTTERING,

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE, ETC

Email: alljm996@aol.com

Tel: 01308 863809 Mobile: 07976 372045

www.jimallenbuilding.co.uk

No job too big or

too small

36

WHO’S WHO?

Rector

Associate Minister

Revd. James Dudley-Smith

Revd. Tom Putt

475352

Email: james@sjayeovil.org.uk

507964

Email: tom@sjayeovil.org.uk

Readers

Reader Emeritus

Keith Stevens

David Upton

Beth Farrington

Ted King

428142

424270

Ex Directory

421921

Facilities

Co-ordinator

Terry Bush 427745

St John’s St Andrew’s

Wardens

Rob Dean

Jennifer Matthew

389780

862190

David Maynard-Griffin

Les Jackson

424605

425343

Treasurer John Brookes 478862 Les Jackson 425343

PCC Secretary Janet Dean 389780 Margaret Akerman 422474

Organist Ray Willis

07880 918697

Derek Wood (01460) 75680

Gift Aid Officer Roger Fox 862041 Les Jackson 425343

Captain of the Bell

Ringers

Roger Fox 862041

Music Group Leader Keith Ovenden 424780

Children’s

Team Co-ordinator

Jo-Anne Smith

Floral Group Chair Mary Brooks 425147 Nicky Pilton 822422

Child Protection

Contact

Jane Maclean 862140

Envelope Secretary Roger Fox 862041 Jo Dodwell Ex-Dir

Focus Magazine

Editor

Elaine Mitchell 476097 Margaret Akerman (liaison)

422474

Traidcraft Contact Pauline Kibblewhite 841510

Parish Administrator

& Schoolrooms

Bookings

Kath Upton

Home 424270

Office

427745

Diana Rose

(Hall Bookings)

476801

Please submit any articles or items for the Focus Magazine to the Editor via e-mail

or pigeon hole in St John’s by the 3rd Sunday in the month

Focus Editor email address: focus@sjayeovil.org.uk

Elaine Mitchell is a member of

The Association for Church Editors