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In Contact

Jan-Feb 2015

www.thatchambaptist.org.uk2

The next issue of In Contact will be out on 1st March. Please let David Taylor,Susan Deering-Punshon or Roger Potter know of any items you would likeincluded, e.g. articles, news, events for the Spring edition covering themonths of March, April and May. Deadline for submissions is 15th February.

In ContactJan-Feb 2015Published by:Thatcham Baptist ChurchWheelers Green Way,Thatcham RG19 4YFTel: 01635 867054www.thatchambaptist.org.uk

Pastors:Rev. David Taylor,07922 [email protected]

Rev. Ken Franklin,07968 [email protected]

Secretary:Rob Sneddon,01635 [email protected]

Treasurer:Ian Andrews,01635 [email protected]

Deacons:Robin ApplebyIan BraithwaiteSusan Deering PunshonMike LivingstoneChrista McCormick

3 Pastor's Pen

4 Women’s World Day of Prayer

5 Claire-Lise and David Judkins

6/7 Profi le On… / Notice board

8/9 TBC Small Groups

10/11 The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

12/13 Where Are They Now?

14 Winter Recipe / TBN TV

15 JAM Sandwich

16 What goes on at TBC?

Cover: Snowdrops at Welford Park,Newbury, Berkshire.Open from Wednesday 28th Januaryto Sunday 1st March 2015.http://www.welfordpark.co.uk

Contents

Printed by:The Alpha Xperience, Newbury


www.thatchambaptist.org.uk 3

Pastor's Pen

Dear Friends

One card I received thisChristmas wished me and my family“a truly AWESOME New Year”. It’san over-used word, but it set methinking. For me the turn of the yearmeans a relatively clear diary, thenovelty of writing the new date, and areal sense of excitement about plansfor the year ahead. But an awesomenew year – what would that look like?

Paul’s letter to Titus, which we arenow looking at on Sundays, contains apassage I find truly awesome. Here itis, with my comments added:

“The grace of God has appearedthat offers salvation to all people.”How awesome is God in his grace,to offer salvation to every singleone of us sinners through Christ!

“It teaches us to say ‘No’ toungodliness and worldly passions,and to live self-controlled, upright andgodly lives in this present age”. Howawesome is the church, whenwe dare to be different from theworld around us, when we dare tofollow Jesus even when it hurts.

“while we wait for the blessed hope– the appearing of the glory of ourgreat God and Saviour, Jesus Christ”.How awesome will be that day,when we see our Saviour face toface, and receive his appraisal ofour lives. No-one knows when,but 2015 is one year closer.

So yes, I join with my friend to wishyou a truly awesome New Year.

With LoveDavid

www.thatchambaptist.org.uk/

Coffee Morning / Tuesdays 10am-noonEveryone is invited to come along, graba cuppa and a piece of cake. So pleasepop in for a chat, and make new friends.Donations optional.


Women’s World Day of PrayerMarch 6th 2015 service will be heldat Thatcham Methodist Church, inChapel Street, opposite Waitrose’scar-park, at 2pm. Men, women andyoung people are all welcome. Therewill be refreshments afterwards,including Bahamian Carrot cake!

The Christian women of the Bahamashave prepared this year’s servicebased on John 13 verses 1-17: ... Jesussaid to them: “Do you know what I havedone to you?” ... For I have set you anexample, that you also should do asI have done to you.”

Did you know that only a few of the700 islands that make up the Bahamasare inhabited? Grand Bahama,New Providence (where Nassau issituated) are the main ones. On thesparsely populated “out” or “family”islands, most women live in poverty;they have few rights and are oftensingle parents with only low paidjobs available to them. The churchesprovide practical help in street andsocial programmes, a Crisis Centreand in work with people with

HIV and AIDS. It is aprivilege to supportthem in prayer thisyear.

Influences on theseislands have come from Englishcolonists, West African slaves andScottish Presbyterians! There isa wide culinary variety and a richheritage in music, dance and the arts.

The WW2 airfield, constructed inNassau is vital for tourism, whichprovides about half of all jobs in TheBahamas.

Today, Women’s World Day ofPrayer is celebrated by more than tenChristian denominations in most ofthe inhabited islands of The Bahamas.Over a period of 36 hours, 170countries will have taken part; over5,000 services will have been held inEngland, Wales and Northern Ireland;while in Thatcham, the MethodistChurch will have hosted all thechurches for this wonderful service,at 2pm on Friday 6th March.

Susan Deering-Punshon

http://www.wwdp.org.uk/

“Informed Prayer; Prayerful Action”


Claire-Lise and David Judkins

bmsworldmission.org/partners or call 01235 517617 - 24:7 partners

Much has been written about thetragic events of the last few days

that invaded our daily lives. Picturesand Charlie Hebdo caricatures havebeen flying around. Many questionsand opinions have been sharedamongst friends, colleagues, familymembers and indeed with strangers.And many tears have been shed.

Here in Brive, a couple of marchestook place: a spontaneous one onFriday, and a planned one to join inwith the national initiative on Sunday,January 11. Some friends have beenprofoundly distressed by the events,and have needed to talk. The boys’schools along with all the schools inthe country held a one-minute silenceon Friday morning. We receivedenhanced security procedures fordropping off and picking-up children.

France is mourning. Yes, because ofthe callousness, cold-blooded natureof the crimes and loss of lives. Butmore so because those targeted werehousehold names, journalists theFrench had grown-up with. Elderlyjournalists, predominantly, who weresought after by name. But also becauseof the way the attacks hit at the heartof French identity, expression andway of life.

So, we weep with those who weep.We listen, and where possible, withutmost caution and sensitivity, weventure to offer hope in the only placeit can be found; in the arms of Jesus,

the one who was murdered becausehe upset the religious status quo.

Above all, we pray: detecting behindthese events many forces, bothhuman, and supernatural. We prayfor comfort for those grieving, forwisdom for those in authority. Thatthe outcomes would be God-leading,and not God-forsaking. That theidols of division, racism and hatredwould be toppled. But that the idolsof humanism, self-sufficiency andaggressive secularism would alsobe rejected. We pray that God’sKingdom of peace, justice and lovewould come, in Brive-La-Gaillardeand in France, as it is in heaven.

We urgently invite you to join us in prayer.

For the latest news or more informationabout Claire-Lise, David and the boys, goto www.bmsworldmission.org/cdjudkins.To partner inprayer and/orgiving visit orcall the detailsbelow.

Brive -11.01.15


Pro le On…Margaret Wyatt

What is your full name?Margaret Helen Wyatt, nee Cox.

Where were you born? In the BaptistManse in Nottingham in 1932.

Do you have any brothers or sisters?Yes, one sister who lives in Blackpool.

When and where did youget married? I met Arthur at a missionin Shipston on Stour; we married inAugust 1955.

In which countries have you livedand what work did you do there?England: I taught for 30 years, ofwhich 10 were spent in a social priorityschool in London; Arthur was a vascularsurgeon with the Greenwich HealthDistrict; then I worked with asylumseekers, giving practical help andteaching English. We also gave ahome to two Chinese lady doctorsand a Yi surgeon.China: voluntary work with MedicalServices International teaching Englishto secondary school classes of up to 70;Arthur led medical teams to Fengdu onthe Yangtze;

with Evergreen in North China, at anorphanage, while Arthur lectured at theShanxi Tumour Institute.

Have you any children orgrandchildren?3 grown up sons on earth and an infantson in heaven.John, who is moving to Baltimore, hasfour children: three at University andone who boards at Downe HouseAndrew, who lives at Woolton Hill, hastwins, a boy and a girlRobert who lives in London.

Favourite Pastime(s):Gardening: I love caring for plants allyear round; Cooking new recipes fromaround the world; In the past I enjoyedBookbinding and Upholstery, takingclasses in both.

Favourite Food(s): Mangoes, becausethey are so prevalent in China; andShanxi noodles.

Favourite hymn: W Y Fullerton’s“I cannot tell why He whom angelsworship…” sung to the Londonderry Air.The refrain “But this I know… “ is sucha statement of faith. (Mission Praise266).

If you were shipwrecked on a desertisland and could take one book apartfrom the Bible, which one would youchoose? Isobel Kuhn’s ‘By Searching’,published by China Inland Mission

Favourite Biblical sections and why:Colossians 4:2-6: for graciousness andwhen to speak. Reminder of time with


a study group in China; Ecclesiastes 12:preparation for old age: the Bible canhelp at all times of life.

When did you give your life toChrist? After a time of real struggleand questioning everything about 1949.I was baptized in 1950 by my father inWalsall, Staffordshire.

How long have you been attendingThatcham Baptist Church? We came

in 2006 (so 9 years this year). After 40years at Bromley Baptist Church.

What activities are you involved inat TBC? I am a Welcomer at the Dooron Sundays; helper at Creche andToddlers; and a member of the FridayBible Study Group. I am also one ofTBC’s representatives on the Women’sWorld Day of Prayer committee inThatcham.

TBC Notice Board for January – February

Thursday 19th February, 7pmSt Laurence’s Church, Reading

To Book: Sign the form in theChurch foyer or contact

Greg Smith on 860811 beforeWednesday 28th January

Plenty of warning, you’ve got no excuses!

Church Meeting(s)Thursday 22nd January, 7.30pm& Thursday 26th February, 7.30pm

A L L O R N O T H I N GT O U R

W I T H PE T E JA M ESAND GAVIN CALVER


TBC Small Groups January 2015 – Find out where you can fellowship during the week

We encourage everyone to bepart of a small group in orderto deepen our faith and makestrong Christian friendships.Please contact David Tayloron 07922 170503 formore information

Tuesday 7.30 pm, 43 Rotary WayLeader: Adam Pollard (01635 866275)

Tuesday 8 pm, 8 Church GateLeader: Ian Andrews (07717 275056)

At TBC, Wheelers Green Way RG19 4YF

Wednesday 7.30 pm, Church loftLeader: David Taylor (07922 170503)

Friday 9.15 am, Church loftLeaders: Mary Appleby (01635 873726) and Kathryn Pollard (01635 866275)

(Term time only and we offer a creche.)

Friday 1.00 pm, Church caféLeader: Julia Ashwell (01635 869347)

www.thatchambaptist.org.uk


Find out where you can fellowship during the week

Monday 7 pm,5 Jedburgh CloseLeader: Ken Franklin(01635 871547)

Monday 7.45 pm, 28 Mallow GardensLeader: Nick Richmond (01635 741426)

Wednesday 7.30 pm,38 Fuller Close. Leader:Christa McCormick(01635 860977)

www.thatchambaptist.org.uk


The Well is Deep: John 4 v 7“Give me to drink”

The theme this year comesfrom Brazil and reflects on the

experience of Jesus and the Samaritanwoman at the well. Water offered andsought by Jesus and by the woman:water from the well of her ancestors,and His Living Water. Hospitalityand care for each other is a nationalcustom all over Brazil, despite the highrate of violence to women and also thegrowing division among the churches.

We can benefit greatly fromrecognising each other’s differencesand experiences; to approach ourjourney as a shared journey.

“The local group in Brazil invites usto reflect on these initial questionsthat give shape to the celebration:

* Which is the path of unity, the routewe should take, so that the world maydrink from the source of life, Jesus Christ?

* Which is the path of unity that givesproper respect to our diversity?

On this path of unity, there is a wellfilled with water: both the watersought by Jesus, tired on the way, andalso the water given by him, springingup to eternal life. The water drawn bythe Samaritan woman in her daily taskis the water that quenches thirst, thewater that makes the desert bloom.The water that Jesus gives is the

water over whichthe Spirit of Godhovered, the livingwater in which wewere baptized.”The passage fromJohn 4:1-42 is atthe heart of thisWeek of Prayer forChristian Unity.

In Thatcham each church is hosting alunchtime or an evening service basedaround the daily worship bookletprovided by the Churches Togetherin Britain:

Monday 19th 7.30pm St Mary’sTuesday 20th 12.30pm URCWednesday 21st 12.30pm BaptistThursday 22nd 7.30pm MethodistFriday 23rd 12.30pm St Barnabas at St Mary’sSaturday 24th 12.30pm Free Church, Green Lane

On the morning of Sunday 18th Janour church leaders swap pulpits:

Mark Bennet at the Baptist ChurchAlec Gill at the Free Church, Green LanePat Jones at the MethodistJohn Lee at St BarnabasDavid Taylor at U.R.C.

“Will you give me a drink?”Prayer for Christian Unity

Jan 18th – 24th 2015

www.ctbi.org.uk/weekofprayer


Pulpit Swap Sunday and Week of Prayer Programme

Pulpit Swap for Sunday Services on 18th January 2015David Taylor to United Reformed Church

John Lee to St BarnabasMark Bennet to Baptist Church

Alec Gill to Free ChurchPat Jones to Methodist Church

Week of Prayer Daily Meetings: Monday 19th to Saturday 24thMonday 19th: at St Mary’s, led by Alec Gill, at 7.30pm

Tuesday 20th: at United Reformed Church,led by John Lee, at 12.30pm

Wednesday 21st: at Baptist Church, led by David Taylor, at 12.30pmThursday 22nd: at Methodist Church,led by Maree Farrimond, at 7.30pm

Friday 23rd: at St Mary’s for St Barnabas,led by Pat Jones, at 12.30pm

Saturday 24th: at Free Church, Green Lane,led by Elizabeth Oxbury, at 12.30pm

Note: Congregations are encouraged to bring apacked lunch and stay after the midday meetings.Each church holding the daily midday or evening

meeting is to provide refreshments.

TBC Notice Board – EARLY WARNING


Where Are They Now? . . . Lesley Hart

Are the family there? “No” if I livein Leicester I will be 80 miles, in

various directions from each of myfamily. But – I had been praying aboutwhere I should move to as I had tomove. God provided the answer andI was certain the new Pilgrim FriendsSociety assisted living apartmentswere His provision for me.

“For this God is our God for ever andever; He will be our guide even to theend.” Psalm 48 v 14

My friends at TBC will recognise thistale so far.

I moved into my apartment at PilgrimGardens on July 12th 2013. Good ac-commodation, spacious, good out-

look, within walking distance of thevillage and the bus service into the city.

I don’t think I was prepared for theoverload of new information I wouldhave to deal with. I wanted to get toknow the area using my car so I setmyself targets and gradually with theaid of maps ventured further afield.Contrary to expectations this area ofthe Midlands is not entirely congestedthere are many rural parts and Rutlandis very close. Really appealing. I wasgreatly helped in my exploring byfriends from Church who offered totake me out.

Oadby Free Evangelical Churchhas been a great blessing to me. Idescribed TBC as God’s bonus for mein my old age and I can only say theOFEC has added to this. It is good tobe able to attend activities outside ofPilgrim Gardens.

I hoped to find a suitable Church forme within walking distance but in factsettled at OFEC, about 10 mins by car.It is a vibrant fellowship, well groundedin the scriptures and friendly to newcomers. When I decided this was theChurch for me I was approached tobe a “granny figure” at Jelly Tots – thetoddler group attended by many localfamilies of various nationalities. I said“yes” but wondered how they knewthis wouldn’t be my first connectionwith toddlers!

Through this group I have made oneof my many new friends. A Christian


Why go to Leicester? – Continued from page 12mum with a baby then 3 months old,also new to the area. This friend is aprofessional violinist and has been toplay to the residents here at PilgrimGardens on several occasions.

Apart from benefitting from theSunday services I attend Coffee Breakon two Tuesday mornings a monthand have been able to take otherswith me. On the other two Tuesdaymornings I go to an art group – I havelittle talent but I enjoy it! I also attendtwo sewing groups run by a Churchmember.

All of these groups are open to anyoneso along with other one off events wereach out to the local community.

When I first found OFEC there wasno resident pastor but we have calleda new man who is now in residencelocally and starts officially in January.He has a wife and two small boys andalthough the Church knew Brandonand Julia in the past when they werestudents they were serving in BurkinoFaso when they were consideredfor our pastorate. The church has astrong student work as there are manyresidences for Leicester University in

Oadby and the Church supports astudent worker. Students attend themorning services, are offered lunchand can attend the “World VisionCafé” on a Friday evening.

Pilgrim Gardens is fully occupied anda good proportion of the residentscontribute to the shared activitiesthat together we have developedhere. We have three short times ofdevotions each week often led by aresident and an informal time for teaand a chat on three afternoons. OnSaturday afternoons some of us spendtime playing games and nattering inour communal lounge.

As I reflect on my time in Leicester I cansay that I’m pleased God led me here.There have been many challenges, andsignificant disappointments. “Snags”which became evident in the buildingwork have taken a long time to beput right but perseverance paid off inthe end.

The widespread location of my familyhas not limited our contact even if wesee one another less.

I have valued contact with friends atTBC and for your prayers.

T h e A r c a d e , M a r k e t P l a c e , N e w b u r y , B e r k s h i r e R G 1 4 5 A DP h o n e : 0 1 6 3 5 3 7 8 3 6 - w w w . c h r i s t o p h e r s h o e m a k e r . o r g . u k


Winter Recipe Christa McCormick

Ingredients:1 kg green beans; 500g potatoes;1 parsnip; 1 carrot; parsley, (somechopped, some for decoration);2 bay leaves; 100g Bacon lardons;2 Vegetable stock cubes;1 teaspoon Bohnenkraut*;Salz und Pfeffer/Salt and Pepper;Frankfurter Sausages 1 per person(or however many you arecomfortable with)

Method:Wash and cut green beans. Peeland cube potatoes. Prepare parsley,parsnip and carrot. Mix the vegetablestock in 2 litres of water.

Fry bacon bits until soft, add onionsand fry until soft and then add thebeans, potatoes and parsley, parsnip andcarrot. Pour on the vegetable stock andbring to boil. Add 2 bay leaves.

Cook soup on low heat for 20/30 min.

Season with salt and pepper andBohnenkraut (dried marjoram).

Add sliced Frankfurter Sausages tohot soup and heat for a few minutes.

Add some fresh parsley to decorate.

Mahlzeit!* The nearest to Bohnenkraut is dried marjoram.

Leckere grüne Bohnensuppe or Tasty Green Bean soup withmit Frankfurters Frankfurter sausages

Christian TV − Freeview 65US-based religious channel TrinityBroadcast Network (TBN) launchedin the UK on the Freeview platformon January 5, this year.

Previously available here on cable andsatellite, it’s now available on Freeviewchannel 65, 24/7. TBN broadcastsfrom studios in West London, airing amix of religious programmes, family-oriented movies, kids programmesand religious music shows.

“Something exciting is happeningacross the United Kingdom. A newgeneration is taking a deep interestin faith and spirituality, and here atTBN we’re thrilled to help fuel thatinterest with a network that bringssolid Bible teaching, passionateworship, relevant messages, andmuch more to viewers across theUK,” said TBN vice-presidentMatthew Crouch, the son of the lateTBN founder Paul Crouch Sr.


The SandwichValent ines Wordsearch

© A Kid’s Heart – akidsheart.com

Valentines in the BibleSolve the puzzle by writing the “Valentine’s”

name for each person given in the clues

Alcoholics Anonymous Aster Living Baptist Men’s Movement Berkshire Autistic Society

Berkshire Youth Care for Christian Aid Cooperative Guitar Orchestra the Family

CTIT Family Placement Team West Berks Foodbank Footsteps

Francis Baily School Kennet School Christian Union Mencap Music with Mummy

NAS Navigators UK Network Partners for Active Vineyard Church Leisure Scheme

Parents of Autistic Remarkable Rock Choir Southern Counties Children Workshop Group Baptist Association

Spurcroft St Anne’s Opportunity StageAbility Thatcham Primary School Centre Ltd Town Council

Tiny Talk Tricordant Ltd U3A Vodafone Ltd

Wantage Youth Band War Gamers (Thatcham) Watership Brass West Berks Council


Serving the communityWe have great facilities here at TBC, but apart from ourselves who else makesgood use of them?Here are most of those who have in the past twelve months.

If you have an interest in, or want to know more about any of the above;please telephone TBC on 01635 867054 and we will try to give you some help.

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