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FROM THE EDITOR

JULY: Articles for this Issue to be handed in by SUNDAY17TH JUNE

Publication: 1st July Please e-mail your articles to parishmagstjohns@gmail.com, put them in the editor’s pigeon hole in the south porch, or post them to Lindsey Saunders at The Bungalow, Saint Hill Farm, Saint Hill Green, East Grinstead, RH19 4NG.

Cover photo: Dahlia By Peter Bateman

IF YOU don’t read anything else in this magazine read page 23. The poem by John Stott really gives you something to think about. Going to church on Sundays and being part of the church community feels safe and comfortable in a world where horrible things happen a lot of the time. It’s easy to deceive ourselves that we haven’t got time to help because we are so busy working to earn money so that we can live in a house which is probably bigger than we need, or that we need to protect our family or perhaps we are busy organising church teas and social events. It makes you wonder if you’ve got your priorities right. But it is easier to do nothing, isn’t it? Easier to pretend that woman lying in the sleeping bag on the cold pavement isn’t really there or that someone else with more time will help her.

Well there is something you can do. Look at page 22 for details. I wonder how much food we all throw away without really thinking about it, because we forgot it was in the fridge. We could have given it to someone who needed it! And there it is rotting in the bin, adding to the landfill sites.

Incidentally, we’ll be discussing how to reduce waste at our eco group meeting on the morning of 9th July. It’s at my house, please let me know if you are coming.

Lindsey Saunders

VICAR: The Rev Stephen Bowen (on sick leave)

ASSOCIATE MINISTER: Michael Peach 5 Burns Way, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1SA Tel: 01342 312406 michaelstevenpeach@gmail.com

Michael’s day off: Friday

Stephen Bowen is continuing to make slow progress at home. He and Mandy are very grateful for your prayers and good wishes.

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FELBRIDGE WILDLIFEFELBRIDGE WILDLIFEFELBRIDGE WILDLIFE

Heavy Plant Crossing.

NOT A GIANT marrow but a sign that might warn of the disruptive machinery that will continue to infest the A22 and Imberhorne Lane until next month. A Lingfield sub-species is also reported. Both have contributed to an unseasonal amount of pedestrian traffic in the Felbridge area. This has led to more parishioners appreciating the flowering plants on the verge, while they feel to be on the verge of a more serious reaction.

The churchyard wall supports the lovely pheasant's eye, blue flowers of germander speedwell of the veronica family, the deeper blue spikes of self heal, of the prunella family, the tiny flowers of eyebright and the shining fronds of silverweed. Purple heads of knapweed attract a few burnet moths, while white flowers on broad leaves indicate garlic mustard known to small boys as Stinking Willie.

Elsewhere, the lady's smock of last month has been replaced by the white umbrellas of Queen Anne's Lace and beside Hedgecourt are a few six foot stems of the giant

hogweed and hemlock water dropwort, both potentially deadly.

Bird song diminishes as nesting birds wear themselves out with feeding and breeding, but there is still a respectable evening chorus.

A Story of Death and Life - A neighbour with a Bird CAM nest box saw seven tiny bluetits. Two days later they found seven fledgling blue tits dead inside the nest, with no apparent cause of death. It seems possible that both the adults were taken by a predator. As I write, a robin is tending five young in a most

surprising nesting place here. We hope for a good outcome!

Young animals, rabbits, deer, foxes and badgers are abroad and would normally run the risk of becoming road kills. Since British contractors seem not to work at night, they may be quite safe.

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PLEASE HELP! There must be some of you reading this who could find 1-2 hours once in two months to help clean our church. Many of our dedicated team have been serving in this role for years and our numbers are dropping. Cleaning is not a popular task but it is one small way we can honour God - do join us. To find out more please speak to Carole Grainger or phone 325482.

If you prefer using a mouse to a mop or a keyboard to a vacuum cleaner then the church laptop projection team would be glad to hear from you. Further information from any laptop operator or contact John Grainger on 325482 or email john@malcolmgee.plus.com

VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED

Do you have an hour or two to spare during the week?

Littlefair Care Home in East Grinstead would appreciate your time being part of the daily activities that take place here. Do you have a particular skill that you can offer? Flower arranging? Story telling? Baking? Open ears? Or simply time to assist the activities co-ordinator in the different activities of the day.

If you are interested in being part of our voluntary team please contact Hannah Taylor the Activities Co-Ordinator for more details.

Email: activities@littlefair.net Mob: 07742322612 Littlefair Care Home Warburton Close East Grinstead

Napoleon stated that an army marches on its stomach. The big black slug goes everywhere on its stomach, as do all other gastropods. A warm, damp June evening will encourage all the slugs and snails to forage freely. Not only the moon shines in June.

As a footnote to the wonderful Bible

By the Beach Conference, Joan and I took some very fresh air at the top of Beachy Head, where we heard the unmistakeable gruff, gutteral croak of a raven. After a hundred years' absence, ravens are back breeding in Sussex.

Peter Bateman.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING

Sunday Services

Next month 1ST JULY - FAMILY SCAVENGER HUNT - find out more about the amazing world God has made. Details still to be arranged. Contact Sharon Hoskins for further info on 313917.

3rd June 6pm Holy Communion with Frank Gough

10th June 8am Holy Communion with Alan Mathers

10am Morning Prayer with Don Ely

6pm Evening Prayer with Michael Peach

17th June 10am Holy Communion with Mike Walton

6pm Songs of Praise with Michael Peach

24th June 8am Service with Don Ely

10am Service with Michael Peach

6pm Service with Don Ely

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Felbridge and District Horticultural Society

21st June at 8.15pm Talk by Stephonie Clarke on the history of the Felbridge Horticultural

Society

THROUGH THE WEEK

Mondays Connections 2-4pm on 11th June in the Church Hall

Tuesdays WI 12th June at 1.30pm in the village Hall

Wednesdays Watercolour on Wednesdays in the Church Hall at 2pm

1st Felbridge ( St John’s) Brownies

Monthly Prayer on Wednesday (non-homegroup weeks) at 8pm

Monthly Afternoon Prayer meeting on at the home of Di Giles

Thursdays WIGS at the Old Pheasantry, Woodcock Hill at 10.30am (home of

June Clark)

Girls Bible Study in the Church Hall at 4pm

Fridays 1st Felbridge (St John’s) Rainbows

1st Felbridge (St John’s) Guides

Saturdays Prayer breakfast on 2nd June at 8am—9am

Men’s breakfast on 23rd June at 5 Burns Way from 8.30—10am

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Felbridge W.I. OUR RESOLUTION meeting began with fish and chips for 32 members, followed by trifle. After the Resolution decision we had a Beetle Drive which caused much hilarity and, possibly, some cheating!! Our Craft group are busy making bunting for the Jubilee celebration and also items for our Craft stall at the Felbridge Country Show on 16th June. We are also having a ‘fruit pie’ stall so lots of our members are going to be very busy. and we are looking forward to displaying our new W.I. banner. The National Federation of Women’s Institutes support countries that suffer from drought and poor harvests and the speaker at our next meeting on the 12th June will be Mr. Buckingham who will speak on the subject of ‘A cow for Africa’. We start at l.30pm – do come along.

Daphne Ayerst

VILLAGE ISSUES

Felbridge Village Store new opening

times:

Mondays-Saturdays 8am to 7:30pm

Sundays 8am to 4pm.

Lunch Club for the retired The Lunch Club meets the 3rd Thursday of every month in the village hall between 12-1.30pm.The 2 course meal costs £3.00 and changes every month. All retirees welcome. For more information please contact Mary Taplin on 01342 325548

There is a small upright piano in a medium brown wooden case, currently standing in the committee room at the village hall, which needs a new home. There is no price attached to it, just that the new owner must collect and a donation to village hall funds would be ap-preciated.

The piano does need tuning but otherwise looks in reasonable condition.

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FELBRIDGE COUNTRY SHOW NOT LONG to go now till the 16th June and Felbridge’s Jubilee Country Show. Everything is in place for a really great day out for all the family, and there are still some tickets left for the Family Disco in the evening. The weather for June is forecast to be hot and sunny, but even if it is not, you don’t need to be concerned as many of the events are either in the Village Hall or the three marquees in the grounds.

There will be displays in the Arena and in the Hall, sporting events at the sports fields, pony rides, a miniature train and plenty of delicious food and beautiful craft stalls. Our judges are standing by for the many competitions and you will have the chance to vote for your favourite entries. Will you win one of the coveted People’s Choice Jubilee Medals? The final date for entries to the competitions is June 1st, but – strictly between ourselves – if you pop it in my letter box at 8 Rowplatt Lane a little late, I’ll try not to notice the date!

The important thing now is to attract a good crowd. This is a BIG opportunity for us to come together and celebrate as a community. We all have a close interest in helping our local organisations to flourish and this Show gives us the chance to see all the valuable work being done. A good turn-out will help them all to raise much needed funds to secure their future.

So let’s all get together to make the 2012 Felbridge Jubilee Country Show a huge success - a Show this village can be really proud of.

Rosemary Archer

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THE FARMER will never be happy again; He carries his heart in his boots; For either the rain is destroying his grain Or the drought is destroying his roots. The Farmer by A P Herbert

As I write, I am gazing out of the window at lashing rain and strong winds, the grass is so long that we cannot see the path and I’m weeks behind in the garden. Let’s hope that, by the time you read this, it will have begun to feel like June!

My most important job now is to catch up with the backlog after the wet weather. There is so much still to do that I have to ignore the lush growth of weeds while I get on with the planting that is running so late. Even so, I do try to remove the flowers before they go to seed and create a worse problem later; there has been an amazing crop of dandelions this year and I don’t want a worse one next.

What we should be doing now is removing the axil growth from tomatoes and watering regularly to avoid split fruit. It is also time to plant biennials for next year: wallflowers, sweet williams and bellis are all such

good value, flowering for weeks or even months, and so easy to grow from seed.

Courgettes, squashes and runner beans can all be planted out now and the annual battle to protect your produce from pests starts. We don’t need to drench our crops in chemicals if we use physical barriers such as insect-proof netting; butterfly netting; gravel, or copper bands against slugs and more netting to keep the birds off the fruit. Do remember though - you can’t eat or make jam with everything and it seems that the future of wild birds is substantially in the hands of gardeners, so leave some for the birds.

I am sure you all know the glorious early summer herbaceous borders at Nymans. On June 15th there is a walk with some of the gardening team (11am, booking essential), who promise to share some of their secrets. I can’t get there myself, as I’ll be too busy preparing for the Felbridge Country Show on the 16th. If you hear any good secrets there, do come and share them with me. You will find me on the Felbridge Gardening Club stand in the Horticultural Marquee for most of the day on Saturday.

Rosemary Archer

IN THE GARDEN

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TELL ME WHY?

Why are Christians so arrogant?

CHRISTIANS claim that they know the truth about God and that other routes to knowing God don’t work – isn’t this a supremely arrogant attitude? In a country and an age that knows about many religions and spiritualties how can Christians claim to know the truth?

The instruction that we should ‘be tolerant’ is something that we have all been taught by our society. There is much that is good in this – it is right that Christians respect and care for all sorts of people with different backgrounds and beliefs. However, being tolerant can sometimes lead on to saying that everyone’s truth is right, or at least right for them.

The Bible presents quite a different picture to this. Peter was one of the first disciples, and when on trial before a group of religious leaders he makes this statement about Jesus:

‘Salvation is found in no-one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.’ (Acts 4:12, NIV)

The Bible’s clear message is that Jesus is the only way to God – the only way to be on good terms with our Maker.

Now if one day I decide that I know all about God, and that I am right and everyone else is wrong then that would be supremely arrogant. Who am I to say I know all about God?

However, this is not what Christians are doing when they say that Jesus is the only way to God the Father. Instead we are saying that God himself has said that the only way to him is through his Son Jesus Christ. This changes everything, for surely it cannot be arrogant to simply pass on what God has said? Indeed, surely it would be arrogant if we claimed that all religions are equally true – for that would imply that we knew better than God – that he had said one thing but that we knew better!

Paul, another of Jesus’ early followers, addressed a group of thinkers and philosophers in Athens. Paul says that people have followed all sorts of religions and beliefs, but that this should not continue:

‘.. now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead.’ (Acts 17:30-31, NIV)

Christians should always speak with respect and concern with people whatever their beliefs. However, God has said that the way to him is through Jesus and his death which can deal with all our wrongdoing before him. Wouldn’t it be arrogant not to listen to what God has said?

Michael Peach

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CURRENT ISSUES: POACHING

IN MID-APRIL, we listened to award-winning wildlife photographer, Paul Goldstein from Wimbledon talk about tigers, cheetahs, leopards, polar bears, lions and other predators that are in serious peril, facing major problems of survival as a result of habitat loss and poaching.

Poaching is having a major impact on many endangered, threatened or protected species. The main reason for poaching is providing ingredients for traditional Chinese medicines.

Some of these potions use rhinoceros or Saiga antelope horns, tiger or leopard bones, musk glands from musk deer, or bear gall bladders. Other protected species affected by poaching include sea lions, macaques, pangolins, crocodiles, green sea turtles, freshwater turtles, tortoises, water monitor lizards, cobras, rat snakes and giant clams.

Animals such as the tiger are worth a fortune on the black market and conservationists are trying hard to persuade people that if we don’t take action, some species will face extinction within just a few years.

Goldstein is so passionate about saving tigers from extinction that he ran the Brighton Marathon, travelled to Heathrow and flew to Africa to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, then got back just in time to complete the London

Marathon… all carrying a 13kg tiger suit strapped to his back!

He said that in the past century the number of wild tigers has dropped from 100,000 to 3,200 and they now only occupy 7% of their historic territories. There are less than 450 Siberian tigers left in the wild

Practically every single part of a tiger can be sold: teeth (to treat fever), claws (for insomnia), bones (used as a stimulant for fatigue), eyeballs (for epilepsy and malaria), brains (a cure for laziness and acne), the tail (to treat skin diseases) and fat (for rheumatism and muscular ailments). The 25kg of bones in an adult tiger are worth around $120,000, the pelt up to $50,000. There is no evidence that any of these potions has any medical value.

Goldstein is trying to persuade people that tigers are worth far more alive than dead - wildlife photography and other responsible ecotourism trips can generate over $100 million per tiger!

The demand for alternative medicines is rapidly increasing in the West, so if you buy any, please check the label carefully. Remember too that the Bible instructs us to protect the environment and the animals of His creation.

Gordon Wilkinson

Tigers - worth more alive than dead

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THIS YEAR our World Mission Gift Day will be on Sunday 8th July – do put the date in your diaries and plan to be there!

At our morning service we look forward to welcoming Gift and Kathryn Asiku ; Gift (what an appropriate name for the occasion!) is Ugandan, from the area where the Laceys are working; Kathryn comes from England, and they work with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Uganda. They are also friends of Chris and Lindsey Saunders, and have visited St John's with them! Do come along to hear more about the work they are involved in, as well as their life in Uganda.

After the morning service we are hoping to have a 'bring-and-share' lunch to which everyone is warmly invited – including families – so it provides an excellent oppor-tunity for everyone to get together, meet Kathryn and Gift, and avoid cooking Sun-day lunch! At the evening service Andy and Joan Brown will tell us more about the time they spent recently on the Mercy Ship – a floating hospital – while it was moored off the coast of Sierra Leone. Some of us have already heard something about their experiences, and our appetites are whetted to hear more about the surgery Andy was able to carry out, and the rehabilitation work which Joan was involved with during their month on board.

As usual, there will be envelopes in the pews (unmissable green ones!) to encourage us to make our offerings for God's work throughout the world. Since this is our main annual source of giving for Mission, please be thinking and praying in advance about how much the Lord is prompting you to give. In these days of financial constraint, when we all have so many demands on our resources, the Societies and Agencies we support are feeling the pinch even more as donors feel unable to give as generously as before. For those who are tax-payers, Gift Aid increases the value of our gifts at no extra cost to us, and makes a big difference to the recipients. St John's supports nine different charities and mission partners, both at home and abroad. As a church, we pledge to give away at least 10% of our income to Mission, most of which is given during Mission Gift Day. Last year we raised £10,306.00, which was very en-couraging. It would be wonderful if, despite this time of economic hardship, we were able to do even better this year! As well as making a donation to Wycliffe and the Mercy Ship this year, the rest of the money is divided between all nine organisations which we support, with the larger proportion going to our Mission Partners.

Perhaps you'd like to tear out and keep these pages as a reminder to pray for all our Mission links! Details about each of them are as follows; information can also be found on the church website, www.stjohnsfelbridge.co.uk, under 'outreach', and have a look at the noticeboard at the back of church, which highlights a different society each month.

Anne Butler (Mission Team Co-ordinator).

WORLD MISSION GIFT DAY

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LINK PARTNERS: NATASHA KASPROWICZ – Working with UCCF (Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship.) Natasha is known to many of us, as she grew up at St John's. Having worked for several years amongst students in Russia, she is now based in London where she has the responsibility as Team Leader for co-ordinating the outreach to students in the various London universities, although she is based mainly at University College. Last year and this they held two Missions to students in London, and are now busy with following up and encouraging those who committed themselves to Christ or expressed interest. Dan and Suzy Callaway are the church reps for Natasha, and distribute her prayer letters. ALLAN AND ANNE LACEY – Link Partners with CMS (Church Mission Society), working in NW Uganda. They are into their second tour of service, having 'postponed' their retirement in order to use their combined experience overseas. Allan is working with the Diocese to improve training, educational facilities and resources for clergy and lay staff, and has recently had the honour of being appointed as a Canon of the Cathedral. Anne, a trained nurse tutor, is helping to improve nurse education and community health in the surrounding area. They have faced many challenges, including health issues and separation from their family, but feel sure they are in the place of God's choice for them. Our church rep is Barbara Cottier, who also worked with CMS in East Africa. ANDREW AND MARIA LEAKE – have worked in Northern Argentina for many years, now under the aegis of CMS. They are engaged in the long-running campaign to support the rights of the local indigenous people in Salta Province, whose homelands and natural resources are threatened by widespread commercial deforestation and and agriculture. They are now in the process of buying up land to be protected and conserved for the Indian population, to preserve their way of life and provide sustainability.

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They have three teenage children – Tomas, Cecilia and Carolina. Barbara Cottier distributes their prayer letters, and further information can be obtained from Phil and Rosemary Tadman who have long-standing links with South America. OTHER AGENCIES: CHURCH ARMY trains and sends evangelists to work in Anglican churches and in projects with children, homeless people and the elderly, both here in the UK and abroad. For several years we have supported the Marylebone Project, which provides a safe centre for vulnerable women and helps them move back into the community when they are ready. Di Giles, ex-Church Army Sister, is our church rep. CPAS (Church Pastoral Aid Society) aims to help local churches by training and advising leaders, and providing resources – spiritual, practical and sometimes financial – for the whole church, but especially for Youth Groups like Pathfinders and CYFA. They also organise activity holidays for young people during the summer. If you'd like to know more, or find out about the holiday camps, speak to our church rep Glen Jones. SCRIPTURE UNION seeks to make God's good news known to children, adults, young people and families, and encourages people of all ages to meet with God daily through Bible-reading and prayer. They publish a wide range of literature, including children's stories and, more recently, a series of books to be used with dementia sufferers; and have set up an interactive website – www.wordlive.org – as well as offering training, support, and a variety of holiday events. Bible Reading Notes, in various formats and for all ages, are available from Gill Matson. TEARFUND works through local churches and Christian agencies to open up a brighter future for the world's poorest communities, and to see lives and situations transformed by God's love through the

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generosity of Christian people. It also campaigns for social justice and human rights, particularly the need for clean water and proper sanitation in every community. Tearfund is best known for its rapid response to disasters, supplying vital supplies of food, water, shelter and medical equipment. The charity is actively involved in long-term development work and helps educate communities in disaster preparedness. Gordon and Brenda Wilkinson are the Southeast Reps, and also sell 'Created' fairly-traded craft goods at local events. Prayer updates are displayed in the church porch each week. WELCARE is a local charity, working with families who are in need through poverty, isolation, family breakdown or homelessness. They aim to help and support families by providing practical care such as toys, clothing, debt management advice, counselling and friendship, through volunteers and trained social workers. Recently we were able to provide food items for distribution to those in real poverty, and each Christmas we hold a 'Toy Service' to provide some happiness for families who otherwise would have no cause for celebration. Speak to our rep, Rona Bingham, for more information. ST. CATHERINE'S HOSPICE in Crawley is well-known to many of us, either because we have visited friends or family members there, or have visited their Charity Shop in London Road! The Hospice provides palliative care to people with progressive, life-threatening illness, offering them the opportunity to live life as fully as possible and to die with dignity. The Chaplain, Mike Neville, and the staff are trained to care for the physical, emotional and spiritual care of each patient and their families, whether in the Day Centre or as in-patients. Hospices are not funded by the NHS, so our support is vital. In December we hold a 'Tree of Light' service at St John's, in memory of loved ones who have died, which attracts more people each year. Jenny Young is a volunteer at the Hospice, and has plenty of information.

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FELBRIDGE HOTEL & SPA OFFERS Fathers Day Lunch on Sunday 17th June Treat your Dad this Fathers Day by enjoying a 2 or 3 course lunch in the Bay Tree Restaurant.

2 course lunch just £19.00 per person or £24.00 for 3 courses. All the Dads will receive a gift.

For a real treat why not dine in the award winning Anise Fine Dining Restaurant for dinner? 2 courses in Anise are just £30.00 or 3 courses just £37.50

Type in this link to see the menu:

http://www.felbridgehotel.co.uk/fathers-day-lunch.html

To make a reservation in one of our superb restaurants please call 01342 337700 or email events@felbridgehotel.co.uk

Connections is a new series of events for Seniors. We will meet monthly for tea, coffee and cake, a short informal talk from the Bible about things that matter, and lots of different activities and games. There’s even a newspaper corner! Hand massage is available too! Or you can simply spend time sitting and chatting. A great opportunity to meet old friends and make new ones – all welcome! Our next meeting will be on

Monday , 11th June 2pm-4pm,

in St John’s Church Hall. For more information please do contact Don Ely or Michael Peach.

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A book for daily reading - available from East Grinstead library

THE BIBLE SPEAKS TODAY SERIES: GENESIS 1-11 by David Atkinson

I have just finished using David Atkinson’s book Genesis 1-11, which I started before I knew he was to take the Confirmation service at St John’s on 20th May. I found his book extremely helpful,

BOOK REVIEWS

CONFIDENT CHRISTIANITY I have only been a Christian for about 6 years. When I was looking into Christianity I met some Christians that definitely did not seem to have committed intellectual suicide at the church door. Being a bit of a 'funny sausage', one of my main stumbling blocks to believing in the Bible was that I did not believe that two things that were contradictory could both be ultimately true. Specifically, if science was an objectively true description of reality, then the Bible could not be true if it contradicted science.

Thus began quite a lengthy journey of finding out more about what Christians actually believe and what the Bible actually says (rather

than what people had told me), as well as dipping in to other areas such as science, theology and philosophy. I subsequently discovered that this area of study is usually referred to as 'apologetics', which means the defence of the truths of the Christian faith.

Confident Christianity is a newly-released book by Chris Sinkinson at Moorlands College. It provides an easy to follow and engaging overview of the different approaches to apologetics, as well as how apologetics have developed over the centuries to respond to the changing intellectual environment of the times, from Greek philosophy to post-modernism. It is particularly interesting to see how the apostles themselves used apologetic techniques in the spread of the early church. The second half of

covering, as it does, a wide range of current issues.

It is not a straightforward academic commentary in the old sense, but a much more devotional read, with plenty of comment on issues which are even more relevant today than they were when the book was written. I am looking forward to his visit to us this month. Incidentally I am reading Joyce Baldwin’s Genesis 12-50, also borrowed from East Grinstead library.

Frank Gough

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The Big Village Sports Day Celebrating the arrival of the London 2012 Olympic Flame

Grange Meadow, Bletchingley - Friday 20 July 2.30 - 4.30pm

Residents from across the district are invited to welcome the Olympic Flame and take part in The Big Village Sports Day organised by Tandridge Trust. This will be a celebratory sports event in Grange Meadow, Bletchingley, providing fun for all of the family. Entrance and Activities are all FREE OF CHARGE and there will be a huge host of exciting activities for young and old to try.

The event will be a chance to participate in sports you may not have had the chance to try before. We have teamed up with Pentathlon UK to provide tasters in Olympic sports such as Fencing and Shooting hosted by elite athletes from the GB squad. We will be joined by professional football coaches from Chelsea FC who will be setting up an inflatable-sided pitch for coaching and fun matches.

Become a medal winner by participating in one of the sports challenges such as timed rowing, cycling and our fun five ring Olympic challenge suitable for all ages. You can also try out ancient Olympic challenges such as pottery, comedy and archery.

Get creative with the Olympic torch and ceramic medalmaking workshops running throughout the afternoon. There will be a Junior Arts Station for all things craft, face painting and even circus skills and a comedy corner joke challenge for those brave enough. Surestart will be providing an exciting activity zone for under 5’s with sports, soft play and parachute games.

For more info please visit www.tandridgetrust.co.uk or call 01883 724599.

the book contains a chapter each on four of the main topic areas that are often controversial, dealing with historical evidence, science, human suffering and the existence of other faiths.

I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in investigating more about the truths behind the Christian faith, and how to defend them to non-believers in an intellectually honest way. It is also really good for developing both an overarching and underpinning

understanding of apologetics for those that may have looked into some of the topics in a piecemeal way.

I personally find that the more I grow in confidence in God and his promises the more this helps my Christian life. Of course, there's no need to have a sophisticated understanding of God to have a relationship with Him. However it does help when dealing with life's 'funny sausages'…

Joe Clease

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13 MILLION PEOPLE live below the poverty line in the UK. Every day people in the UK go hungry for reasons ranging from redundancy to receiving an unexpected bill on a low income.

Families in OUR area are struggling. Local professionals say that requests for food parcels have increased due to the current economic climate. Wanting to help address this need, Trinity is currently entering into partnership with The Trussell Trust (www.trusselltrust.org) a Christian organization which empowers local communities to combat poverty, and we are very much hoping that YOU will want to join us and make it a truly ecumenical project.

The Foodbank Project

Foodbanks show Jesus’ love in action by giving food to people in crisis in the local area, providing short term emergency relief. Church-based Foodbanks engage the whole community in providing food to local people going hungry.

Food is collected at ‘Supermarket Collections’: These are events held at supermarkets where volunteers give shoppers a ‘Foodbank shopping list’ and ask them to buy an extra item or two for local people

EAST GRINSTEAD FOODBANK

Reaching out to people in need

in crisis. Food is also collected from churches and through local groups and schools.

The Foodbank stores or ‘banks’ food donated by the community, and can be drawn on by people in crisis. It is a simple and unique concept designed to help individuals in crisis by providing free emergency food for three days (10 balanced meals). Three days is the period assessed as the minimum time it takes for the appropriate agencies to be in a position to assist. This period can be extended if necessary.

Food is drawn as a result of referrals from registered Care Professionals such as Social Services, Health Visitors, Probation Officers, Church Pastoral Workers, schools, CAB and others working in front line services.

Vouchers redeemable at the Foodbank, which will operate out of Trinity’s Welcome Café, will allow clients to exchange their voucher for 3 days of tinned and dry food for their family. This enables volunteers to come alongside those in need, offer them a cup of tea or coffee, provide a safe non- judgmental place in which to sit and be heard, and to find out about possible areas of help.

This is where you come in! We will need volunteers to help in the following areas.

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To collect food - with enough people on a rota this may only require a commitment of a couple of hours once or twice a year.

To sort and pack the food.

To meet clients in Trinity’s Welcome café when they come to collect food parcels.

If you think you would be able to offer some time to support this project or would simply like to know more, please contact Trinity’s Administrator on EG 302862 or send an email headed EG Foodbank to admin@trinitymethodist.org.uk

I was hungry and you formed a humanities group to discuss my hunger.

I was imprisoned and you crept off quietly to your chapel and prayed for my release.

I was naked and in your mind you debated the morality of my appearance.

I was sick and you knelt and thanked God for your health.

I was homeless and you preached to me the spiritual love of God.

I was lonely and you left me alone to pray for me.

You seem so holy, so close to God,

But I am still very hungry –and lonely –and cold. This poem, based on Matthew 25, is written from the point of view of

a homeless woman, written by John Stott in Issues facing Christians today

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COLLEEN REDIT, now in her mid-seventies, was called to do mission work in Chennai forty years ago. From small beginnings, teaching a few girls to sew and do embroidery work, she now has a large team of people reaching out and helping three thousand poor people every day.

Colleen realised that helping people to earn a living gave them self respect and improved their lives, but she soon saw that they had other needs. Through the Christian Missions Charitable Trust (CMCT) she is meeting many of these needs. Gordon and I were fortunate to be able to visit some of the projects earlier this year and were inspired and humbled by what we saw.

The Haven of Hope Handicraft Centre provides training and work for at least 30 women at the Centre and many more in the slum areas of Chennai and in Leprosy villages to the north of the city. Every day at the Headquarters starts with worship and bible teaching.

Colleen set up a crèche for their babies and then saw the need for their children to be educated. CMCT now has 500 children in its Nursery and Primary School and 1,000 in the Secondary School. There is an adult education scheme and a Vocational Training Unit. CMCT’s city centre headquarters also houses a Hospital and an Eye and Dental Department.

CALLED TO SERVE THE LORD

The Women and Children’s Home provides a safe haven, much as Welcare does here in Surrey. There is also an Orphanage and a Child Sponsorship Programme.

It was a real joy to visit one of the feeding programmes in the slums - a total of 400 elderly folk are given a nutritious meal every day and a regular distribution scheme provides hundreds of families with basic foods. The Social Service Team get to know the families and we were deeply moved to see the love, kindness and genuine concern that they show to the people they are helping.

When the Tsunami struck Southern India, CMCT adopted one of the worst-hit villages, rebuilt over 100 homes and replaced their fleet of small fishing boats. The village now has a school, health centre and sewing and embroidery training centre.

It was truly inspiring to see what one woman can achieve with God’s help. We are not all called to do great things, but we can all pray for projects like this one and show God’s love to our neighbours through small acts of kindness. Some of the Haven of Hope Handicraft items are available through Tearfund’s ‘Created’ catalogue of fairly-traded craft goods - so that is another way we can help.

Brenda Wilkinson

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A GROUP of us went to Bible by the beach again last Bank Holiday weekend. Although the weather started off wet, it by no means dampened anyone’s spirits. We found it a very uplifting experience, but the best bit was coming home to listen to Benjamin praising God with arms outstretched in the garden!

Here are a few comments from others who came with us: A wonderfully uplifting experience. Marvellous opportunity to worship The Lord Jesus in company with many hundred other Christians and receive such a depth of sound Bible teaching from so many gifted speakers and musicians. I'm still waking up singing the songs in my head. Roll on May 2013. - Peter and Joan. The sun was not with us but the love of God’s son shone all around in the praising, the teaching and the fellowship – totally refreshing and encouraging. Oh we do love to be beside the seaside! - Gill At Bible by the Beach I've been refreshed, encouraged and stimulated by brilliant

BIBLE BY THE BEACH 2012

teaching, amazing music and a much deeper knowledge of Jesus Christ in all the Scripture. Wherever you find yourself to be Bible by the Beach is the best fuel you can get on the pit stop of life !!!. Absolutely memorable. Don't miss it next year!!" - Gaby

'Ponder anew what the Almighty can do.'

We sang these words on the first evening, and for me they set the theme of the weekend. The great teaching and amazing worship enabled me to 'ponder anew'. Being away for the weekend allowed me to really give God space, and made me focus on the message of the gospel. If you have not been to Bible by the Beach, think about coming next year. It’s a treat not to be missed!

Malcolm & Diane

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CHURCH FAMILY NEWS

News and Thanks

Stephen and Mandy would like to express their gratitude for all the love and concern expressed by the family at St John's over the past 8 weeks or so. The practical help and messages of encouragements have been amazing. It has meant a great deal to us to know that people have been praying and to see God at work. We know it has really made a difference, so please don't stop now!

Thank you too for the beautiful orchid that Ann delivered to us at Easter - another reminder of your care for us both. It was wonderful that he finally came out of hospital on 8th May. There is a long way to go for Stephen in his illness and as he recovers, with more trips to Kings to come. But we are grateful for God's goodness in all of this and continue to pray that He will be honoured and glorified. Thank you all.

Congratulations and best wishes to Jane Judge and Paul Matthews who were married in St John's on Saturday May 12th.

Congratulations to Rosie Archer, Amy and Oliver Marshall, Rowan Saunders, Hannah Jones and Alice Medlam on their Confirmation on 20th May and to Adam Grimwood, on his Confirmation and Baptism. Bishop David Atkinson led the Service. Our love and prayers are with them all.

Congratulation to Rona on the presentation of her Girlguiding UK long service award for 50 years service, From all at 1st Felbridge ( St John's ) Rainbows, Brownies and Guides.

Weddings

Jane Judge married Paul Matthews on Saturday 12th May.

Baptisms

Adam Grimwood was baptised on 20th May.

PEST CONTROL SERVICESWasps, flies, fleas. All types of rodents and vermin 01342 321373

When you contact any of our advertisers, don't forget to mention that you sawtheir advert in Parish News. For advertising enquiries, contact

Gordon Wilkinson on 01342 311516 or John Dabell on 01342 317745.

KOINONIA COUNSELLINGMarriage problems, bereavement, depression, eating disorders etcJackie Lake 01342 718948

TV SALES, SERVICE & INSTALLATIONSPanasonic Specialists. Plasma, LCD, Multiroom Systems, Aerial & Satellite.Scott Brothers, 178 London Road, East Grinstead. 01342 321117

For Fairtrade gifts and jewellery that help lift people out ofpoverty, call Brenda Wilkinson on 01342 311516 for acatalogue and to place your order, or log on towww.createdgifts.org.

GARAGE & CAR REPAIRS, MOTs & COACHES

Woodcock Hill Service Station, London Road, Felbridge01342 32554401342 326213

BUTCHERARTHUR FRY, Lingfield Road, East Grinstead 01342 323225

CHIMNEY SWEEPMILBORROW CHIMNEY SWEEPS, ‘The Flueologists’All Flues and Appliances Swept and Serviced. Pots, Cowls,Caps, Birdguards, Fireplace Repairs, Stacks Repointed 01342 717900

FUNERAL DIRECTORSR MEDHURST, Vine House, HartfieldCaring family firm; home visits; 24 hour service.Memorials arranged: Golden Charter pre-paid Funeral Plans

01892 77025301342 315880

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USEFUL CONTACTS

Churchwardens: Phil Tadman 01342 322835 e-mail: philandrosemary@sky.com

Andy Brown 01342 314267 e-mail: brownemail@btinternet.com

Treasurer: Chris Saunders 01342 325662 e-mail: treasurerstjohns@gmail.com

PCC Secretary: Sheila Drury 01342 323865 e-mail: sheila.drury1@hotmail.co.uk

Magazine Editor: Lindsey Saunders 01342 325662 e-mail: parishmagstjohns@gmail.com

Cleaning Rota: Carole Grainger 01342 325482

Ministry of Flowers: Ann Morley 01342 714645 e-mail: annmorley@aol.com

Church Hall Bookings: Sally Hobbs 01342 410929 e-mail: hobbsfamilysja@gmail.com

Village Hall Bookings: Lynda Railton 01342 322205

CHILDREN/YOUNG PEOPLE ACTIVITIES

Stars (3-6 yrs): Sally Hobbs 01342 410929 e-mail: hobbsfamilysja@gmail.com

Comets (Year 2-4): Diane Francis 01342 714575 e-mail: diane_francis@tiscali.co.uk

Meteors (Year 5-6): Gaby e-mail: gabriella.cicala@gmail.com

The Rock (Year 7-9): Michael Peach 01342 312406 e-mail: michaelstevenpeach@gmail.com

Parish Safeguarding Officer Chris Ely 01342 311614 e-mail: christineely2@msn.com

Rainbows, Brownies & Guides Ann Tucker 01342 317283 e-mail: ann_tucker@btinternet.com