january highbury news

HighburyCongregational Church

Oxford Street. Cheltenham. GL52 6DU

www.highburychurch.co.uk

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Highbury News - 2 - January 2012

Highbury Congregational Church belongs tothe Congregational Federation and is in partnership with

the Council for World Mission and Churches Together

Minister: The Rev Dr Richard Cleaves

[email protected]

01242 522050

... to the first Church Meeting of a veryspecial year.At our Church Meetings we have beenlooking at some of the CongregationalFederation’s course, Growing Disciples.As we reach Phase 4, growing as alistening community, we areencouraged to rejuvenate our ChurchMeeting.That’s something we are going to do in2012.Our January Church Meeting is goingto be in three parts. The first part willfocus on what’s special here atHighbury. In the second part of ourevening we will give everyone anopportunity to look more closely atthree areas of the church life.

Carolyn will report back on a recentday event she went to with ‘Care forthe Family’ exploring ways we can useto keep children in church. It’s a greatto hear some of the thinking Carolynhas picked up on, one of the things atthe heart of what we have asked herto do as our Children’s Worker.Other groups will have an opportunityto plan our forthcoming Sundayworship, and to go a little more deeplyinto the environmental background toour look into Solar Panels.The final part of the meeting will thenlook at various plans we have in thepipeline for what promises to be avery special year. Do join us!

Richard Cleaves

An invitation ...

Deadline for February 2012 Highbury News:Sunday 8th January


Something SpecialA number of people have said it to mebefore I came.It was one of the things that drew mehere.A number of people have said it to memore recently.My guess is that it is what drew themhere to Highbury as well.“There’s something special aboutHighbury.”I could tell you what they have said.I could tell you what I think it is.But I won’t.I want to start this new year with aquestion. It’s a question for everyonewho reads Highbury News to reflect onand think over.And then it is a question I want us toreflect on together.It’s a question we will think about inour Sunday services.At our January Church Meeting we aregoing to focus on our question, andshare our responses to it.What’s special about Highbury?As we all share our thoughts andreflections, I feel sure we will be ableto identify some common strands.Then comes an even more importantquestion.If this is what’s special about Highburyand what has drawn us to be part ofthis church, how can we draw othersto experience this ‘something special’too, and share it with us?

On Sunday mornings we are going tobe looking at what it means to belongto God, to the church, to each otherand to Highbury.On Sunday 29th January we are goingto have another of our bring andshare lunches, with an opportunity forconversation around the table thatwill focus on what we have beenexploring, relating to what is specialabout ‘belonging’ here at Highbury,and what we can do about it.Look out in Highbury News, as theyear unfolds, as we reflect on what itis that makes Highbury special.There are lots of special thingshappening in 2012, not least theOlympics. All over the country, townsand counties are hosting all theinternational teams that will becoming to the UK for the Olympics.Gloucestershire is hosting the teamfrom Malawi. We have links with theChurches of Christ in Malawi throughthe Council for World Mission.At the end of last year a group fromthe Congregational Federation,including some people from the SouthWest Midlands Area, went to Malawito spend time with the churches thereand share in their work of mission.We are going to be inviting membersof that group to join us for our ParadeService on Sunday 25th March.We hope to have a Messy ChurchParade on Sunday 24th June, and planto invite some of the Malawi OlympicTeam to join us then.

Minister’s Memo


With the Queen’s Jubilee and so manyother things happening, it’s going tobe a really special year.And it couldn’t start better than withthe prospects of an FA Cup tie for theRobins against Spurs. As Darryl sowisely said, who knows if they get

through the next round they mightmeet one of the really big clubs next!A win at White Hart Lane would be areally special start to the year.

A Happy New YearRichard

Sue’s News ……A New Year .... 2012 .... and whatmight this year hold?It is a leap year, the year of the LondonOlympic Games, and the celebration ofthe Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. All arecreeping closer. The first day of 2012is on a Sunday (this phenomenon lastoccurred in 2006!) After the MorningWorship and coffee, we are againinvited to 10 Albert Road for a bringand share lunch, followed by post-prandial relaxation or an afternoonwalk. Thank you to the Gregorys forthe invitation. Everyone is welcome,including dogs for the walk. Theweather has traditionally been suitablefor walking so we hope for the samethis time.With this edition of Highbury News,members will find a letter from Richardabout the process for nominatingdeacons, prior to our Annual Meeting.Please participate prayerfully, as thelay leadership team at Highbury needsa variety of people serving with thesupport of everybody. Membersshould complete the nomination slip atthe bottom of the letter, and place it inthe box provided at church by thedeadline date.The Week of Prayer for Christian Unityis Monday 16th to Sunday 22nd Januaryand there will be several opportunities

to join other congregations. OnSunday 22nd January we join ourfriends at St Luke’s church for a unitedmorning service.We are grateful to Katherine Stanleyfor her years as Pulpit SupplySecretary, inviting preachers to lead orworship when Richard is away. Thisresponsibility has now been taken overby Shirley Fiddimore and we aregrateful for her willingness to do this.We don’t always realise that so muchgoes on ‘behind the scenes’ to see thatthings run smoothly at Highbury, notjust with preaching but with finances,maintenance, catering, magazine, etc.Maybe we should pause and givethanks more often.It was a special pleasure to welcomeJane Dixon into Highbury membershipon Sunday 11th December. She wasalso the same afternoon asshe took over all the washing-up aftertea, which was served before theevening Service of Lessons and Carolswith the Thames Head Singers. Whata beautiful service that was! Oursincere thanks to them all.So, 2012 gets underway, and I want towish everyone a Happy and HealthyNew Year, and may Highbury enjoyanother successful year.


Although we try to be quite specificthat we support a local charity thereare some whose work is so specificthat it has to be centralised. This isthe case with this month’s charity, asSt Dunstan’s work is to provide anindependent future for blind ex-Service men and women. The locallink is that one of our members wasvery moved when she heard anaccount of how a Gloucestershire ex-serviceman had been helped by them.Sir Arthur Pearson, a newspaperproprietor who owned the EveningStandard and founded the DailyExpress, established St Dunstan’s in1915. Pearson, who lost his own sightthrough glaucoma, was shocked atsociety’s attitude to blindness. Hedecided to help those who had losttheir vision in the recent First WorldWar by giving them the care andrehabilitation they needed to leadconstructive, self-sufficient lives.Nearly a century later, St Dunstan’sstill cares for those blinded in action,but also supports blind and visually

impaired ex-Service men and womenwho have lost their sight throughaccident, illness, or old age. They alsohelp those who have served in theEmergency Services.St Dunstan’s gives invaluable physicaland emotional support to blind andvisually impaired ex-Service men andwomen. With the help of their uniqueexpertise, comprehensive range ofservices, and experience, they enablethem to lead independent fulfillinglives. Rehabilitation is designed tohelp regain confidence and self-sufficiency by teaching new skills andfostering optimism.Support from St Dunstans is availableas long as it is needed, to help themand their families adjust to the loss ofsight; and this support lasts a lifetime.Sometimes help is needed to resolvehousing issues and assist with thedifficulties of benefit claims. Socialactivities and access to sportingfacilities add to the sense of belongingto the St Dunstan’s family.

Mary Michael

Chosen Charity for January: St Dunstans

Christian UnitySharing ministers, some services and buildings, but not necessarily thesacrament, is the goal of a new agreement between the Methodist, UnitedReformed and Anglican Churches in Cumbria, creating what they hope will bethe first ecumenically united county. The Bishop of Carlisle believes the countyis best placed for such an agreement because it has distinct boundaries whichare the same for each of these three churches.The ‘Declaration of Intent’ is supported by the other five main Christiandenominations in Cumbria, who will be at the signing ceremony.The Moderator of the North West Synod of the URC says: "We have alwaysbeen passionate about the visible unity of the church. We are so encouragedthat in Cumbria this dream is being brought closer to accomplished reality."


The Word CaféBring and Share LunchSunday 29th January

Our Word Café started well in November and December, and it returnsagain this month.We have a long tradition of Bring and Share lunches - they are a greatopportunity to build up fellowship and make new friends, and they are fun.At our Word Café there’s all the fun of those Bring and Share lunches butwith an added dimension. With some conversation starters, the idea is to‘chew over’ the theme of the service we have just shared. If you came lasttime, do join us again. And if you missed the first of our Word Cafés do joinus this time.Through January we are looking at ‘belonging’. That day’s theme will beBelonging at Highbury. It will be a great opportunity to think through whatit is that makes Highbury such a special place!It’s for everyone ... so we will have some fun things to do for the childrenas well!We hope to start the lunch by 12-30pm if we can, and finish for 2-00pm.

An invitation to you all - Sunday 1st January 2012Please join us after our morning worship and coffee at church for a bring andshare lunch, at our home – 10 Albert Road. You are welcome to share a lazyafternoon or join in a walk (The walk will not be too strenuous, but stoutshoes or boots, warm/waterproof clothes are essential!)For more information please phone us.

Jean and Roger Gregory( 01242 526002

Church Annual Report Deadline DateThe March Edition of Highbury News will contain the Church Annual Report, andwill be made up of all the reports received from all the organisations connectedwith Highbury, outlining their activities throughout 2011.Please make sure that someone in your organisation is writing your report, andwill send it to me NO LATER THAN TUESDAY 31st JANUARY.Last March a record number of reports were submitted and put together tocreate the Annual Report of 2010 activities - can we beat it this year?I look forward to receiving all your reports during January.Thank you. Diana Adams


CONGRATULATIONS to- Brenda Lamb who celebrates her 90th birthday on Tuesday 3rd January- John and Joan Barnes, who celebrate their Golden Wedding on Thursday 26th

January – and we are pleased that John has made progress with his mobilityduring his recent stay in hospitalWELCOME to

- Jane Dixon, received into Church Membership on Sunday 11th DecemberOUR SYMPATHY to- Robert Pestell and his family on the sudden death of his 26 year old niece,Rebecca, on Thursday 1st December - also remembering Robert’s mother,Betty, recently discharged from hospital, and in poor health- Karen Hayden on the death of her aunt- Gwyneth Rattle, Imogen, Helen and all in the family, on the death of DennisRattle, husband, father and grandfather, on Wednesday 14th DecemberPLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS those mentioned above, and also- Jonquil and Peter Harrison, as Jonquil is still facing a delay in treatment- Pat Kimber, recovering from surgery- Rachel Jacques and her dad, Ron- Ray and Margaret Morgan- Charles and Ruth Adams- Ian and Hilare Pulford- Ann and Stan Jones- Janet Brown - Lyn Horne- Gwen Taylor - Eric Burton- for all our older members during the winter months, for those who aregradually becoming more frail and losing their mobility, and for those who carefor them- others known to us personally, whose needs are perhaps not widely known,but with health, family, employment or other worries- all those who need our prayers, help and support in the longer term- those who are active and well, for the strength to continue, and for wisdomto know when to take a break or ask for help- we give thanks for our church family for everyone who works tirelessly tomake everything happen week by week, remembering especially, Richard,Felicity, Carolyn, our Deacons, Treasurer and Secretary

News of the Church Family


APPRECIATIONThis is a ‘thank you’ to all at Highbury for the prayers, cards, flowers and kindwords on behalf of myself and my family. It has been a difficult three monthswith Dad’s illness, suffering and death in November. Obviously I've been gonefrom Highbury for a while now but it has been great to see the care and loveshown by my Highbury family, and I know it has been greatly appreciated bymy Mum in particular. It was also lovely to have Richard and Felicity at thefuneral, bringing your sympathy with them, but also bringing their own love andsupport.For those who aren't sure what I'm up to at the moment, I'm currently workingat Gloucestershire College in the sixth form centre. For those super prayingpeople out there I'd also appreciate prayers for this role. Some days it is a bigstruggle, but I know God has a plan for me and I suspect he's trying to shareit with me, I've just never been good at listening. I'm miss you all, especiallythe children, and hope your celebrations of Christmas have involved lots ofexcitement and joy.

Love Becky (Hartwell)

CHRISTMAS MESSAGES OF APPRECIATION RECEIVED ...Lawrence Squires sends greetings for the New Year, and a hugethank you for the Highbury Calendar 2012 he has received.Laura and Iain MacLeod are pleased to report that £103.45 wascollected by Highbury at the Carol Singing event at Sainsbury’s onSaturday 10th December, for Christian Aid. Many thanks to all thesingers and supporters, and for the accompaniment.We would like to express our thanks to Richard Sharpe and all the‘Thames Head Singers’ and the organist, Timothy Ingold, for thebeautiful musical interpretation of the carols they sang on Sundayevening, 11th December, as they led the Service of Lessons andCarols, bringing alive the words of each item. It was a wonderfulstart to all the Christmas Carol Services held in Highbury in 2011.We would like to thank the ‘Cooking Team’ which has produceddelicious monthly Wednesday Lunches at Highbury during 2011,and especially for the fantastic Christmas Meal we enjoyed onWednesday 11th December. All these meals have been very muchappreciated, especially by those of us who live alone, as it gives usan opportunity to chat with friends, and to make new friends.The Carol Singing, following the December meal, was a lovelyaddition and also very much enjoyed - with thanks to Highbury Choirmembers for their contributions that afternoon too.


CHURCH FAMILY NEWS AND VISITING REQUESTS please contact:

Joyce & Philip Arnold ( 285705

David & Betty Butcher ( 300581

PRAYER CHAIN REQUESTS - please contact:

Lorraine Gasside ( 239838 - [email protected]

Highbury Book Swap SchemeThank you to those who have contributed books to our Book Swap scheme.However, can I ask that we now operate it as a swap scheme. If you add abook you take one away to read, though the reverse is not necessarily true.If you borrow a book you do not need to donate a book.Borrowed books do not need to be returned. If you wish to pass it to a friendor put it into another swap scheme / charity shop that is OK too.We now have the box in the passage and 2 shelves in the back of the Churchof swap-able books.This scheme is open to anyone - there are some children's books too.

Felicity Cleaves

This is your magazineIf you would like to make a contribution to the magazine, be it a report onan event recently organised, thoughts on something happening within thecommunity, events you want to publicise ... please send it to me!Book reviews are always welcome.Reminiscences of times gone by are interesting too.I am sure there is a lot going on at Highbury that others may be pleased tohear about.The deadline is always the second Sunday of the month, in preparation forthe following month.Contributions may be handed to me at Church, posted or sent by email.(I prefer not to have articles dictated over the telephone!)Please ensure that all articles bear the name of the contributor.If you have any questions you would like to ask me about Highbury News,please don’t hesitate to contact me.Thank you.

Diana Adams( 233663 - [email protected]


Women’s World Day of PrayerThe service on Friday 2nd Marchis from Malaysia on the theme

“Let Justice Prevail”

Our Cheltenham gathering, when we can collect service books andposters will be on Thursday 12th January from 10-30am until 12-30pmat the Friends’ Meeting House, Warwick Place.

Felicity Cleaves

Open the BookOn Being the Church

Thursday 12th January 7-30 to 9-00pm

On the second Thursday of January and February, and the third Thursday ofMarch it’s good to get together and ‘open the book’ as we take a look at theBible.As the New Year gets under way we are exploring what it means not just tobelong to church but to be the church.We will begin with Jesus, and move on to look at the insights of Peter and Paul.Do join us if you can! Thursday 12th January Jesus ... On being the Church Matthew 18 Thursday 9th February Peter ... On being the Church I Peter 2 Thursday 15th March Paul ... On being the Church 1 Corinthians 12

Richard Cleaves

Wednesday LunchThe next Wednesday Lunch will be on 11th January.

Everyone of any age is very welcome –so why not bring a friend or neighbour?

Sign up on the board if you'd like to join in.

The Cooking Team!


Chosen CharitiesCommunion offerings and money donated atcoffee time after morning worship this month,will go to our chosen charity for January which isSt. Dunstans (see page 5).

The money raised by our communion offeringsand by those who stayed for coffee after themorning services in November, for the LangleyHouse Trust, amounted to £186.47

Hy-Way in January

Our weekly meetings reconvene on Wednesday 11th January.

We enjoy a time of worship, a time to listen,and a social time with refreshments and chatter,from 2.00 to 3.30pm in the Morton Brown Room.

All are invited to join us then - do come along -you will be assured of a very warm welcome!

Welcoming Team for January

Sunday MORNING Sunday EVENINGSharon Wallington John PicklesPhil Arnold Rose HaywardKatherine Stanley Edwin Hayward

Deacons on Vestry Duty

Sunday MORNING Sunday EVENINGDarryl Mills John Lewis


Disorganised Religion -Reading The Bible after Christendom

“In an age of disorganised religion Jesus’ followers often find themselves on themargins of society. During a day on the Bible we will explore how alternativeways of understanding the Bible might help us rediscover how we can livedistinctively in 21st Century Britain”. One of Sharon Wallington’s lecturers,Lloyd Peterson, will be getting people thinking in a special day at HorfieldBaptist Church, Bristol on Saturday 21st January that looks exciting. We arehoping to fill a car to go down.It’s great having Sharon studying at the University of Gloucestershire andhearing about the studies she is doing. She reports that the first of the lecturesexploring spirituality with Ursula King was excellent. Here are the dates of thenext lectures, which will be held in the Lecture Theatre at Francis Close Hallfrom 5-30 to 7-00pm ...

Wednesday 18th January 2012 - Dr. Mark Vernon‘What has Philosophy got to do with Religion?’

Thursday 15th March - Rev. Rob Merchant‘Spirituality and Dementia’

Thursday 19th April - Prof. John Cottingham (Reading University)‘Spirituality, Self-Discovery, and Moral Change’

Richard Cleaves

Where did our Shelterbox go?

In response to the Japanese earthquake 1st Cheltenham (Highbury) ScoutGroup raised £590 for a Shelterbox. Since then we have been waiting to hearwhere our Shelterbox, number 5046, has been sent.Our box has been sent to Thailand which is nearly 10,000 KM fromCheltenham, possibly to a place called Ratchuburi which is near Bangkok. Itarrived on Tuesday 22nd November and may be one of those used at Scoutcamp near Ratchuburi. It has been sent there because over a third of thecountry has been flooded, it is the worst flooding for 50 years and they needshelter and food. The rain has now stopped but there is lots of flooding stilland people need lots of help. Over 400 hundred Shelter Boxes have beensent to Thailand.

Corinna Youngs (Beaver Scout) and Thomas Morris (Cub Scout)


'The Loss of Innocence'

This is an exhibition regarding Gaza which is on display in Gloucester Cathedral South Transept

(near the prayer stand)

from Tuesday 3rd January to Tuesday 10th January inclusive

It is a series of paintings and drawings depicting peace in Gaza,mostly created by the children of Gaza,

following the 22 day Israeli military operationcalled ‘Operation Cast Lead’ in early 2009.

The exhibition supported by the UNESCO Gaza office was collated by RodCox who went to Gaza in early March 2009 with a British humanitarian aidconvoy. He stayed through March and April to work with school childrenon this project. Younger children, taking part in the psycho-social therapyproject, and older children at a Girl’s High School were asked to illustratewhat they had actually experienced and what they hoped for in the future.The exhibition contains DVD interview footage with two of the youngartists, 12 year old children, Mohammed and Ibrahim, who both witnessedthe destruction of their own homes. In Mohammed’s case he saw his fatherkilled and 5 younger siblings and uncles buried alive under the rubble oftheir home. The interviews serve to personalise the reality of the experienceexpressed in their artwork.

Felicity Cleaves

Christmas CaféThanks to everyone who supported this event on Saturday 10th December. Itwas a huge success with over 30 children having a go at the Digital Slot Carracing plus quite a few adults.The Café was buzzing and we took £123. Heather, Simon and Joanne weredelighted with the sales at their stalls - Fairtrade stall took £82.40 -Palestinians crafts raised a brilliant £228 which will be used to help familiesin Bethlehem in various ways.It was wonderful to have quite a number from the Community with us thatmorning, some regulars at Hy-Speed and some at our Community Café, plusothers who we may not have met before. We were also pleased to welcomefriends from St Luke's (in addition to Heather and Simon on the Fairtradestall).

Felicity Cleaves and Carolyn Tennant


Day Meeting Contact Tel. Number

Sunday 10-30am Morning Service Richard Cleaves

Sunday 6-30pm Evening Service Richard Cleaves

Sunday 7-15pm Hy-Tec Adrian Blazey

Monday 6-45pm Scouts Andy Sargent

Tuesday 9-45am Toddlers Felicity Cleaves

Tuesday 5-45pm Transformers Carolyn Tennant

Wednesday 2-00pm Hy-Way Sue Cole

Wednesday 6-15pm Cubs Ian Miller

Wednesday 6-00pm Brownies Christine Lodge

3rd Wednesday 8pm House Group Sharon Wallington

Thursday 10 - 11.30 Community Café Felicity Cleaves

Thursday 7-30pm Church Meeting

Deacons’ Meeting

Open the Book

Sue Cole

Richard Cleaves

Friday 7-00pm Guides Tania Ashdown

Friday 7-30pm Choir Mary Clifford

Saturday 10-00am Beavers Amanda Sargent

1st Saturday 2-30pm Friendship Group Olga Slack

2nd Saturday 6.30pm Hy-Speed Peter Tennant

Sunday 9-30 am Hy-Spirit Mary Buchanan

Highbury Community CaféEvery Thursday

10:00am until 11:30amCoffee, Tea and Homemade CakeBring your friends and neighbours


Calendar for January

SUNDAY 1st NEW YEAR’S DAY 10.30am Morning Worship Bring and Share Lunch at 10 Albert Road followed by a New Year’s Day Walk

6.30pm Evening Prayers with Holy Communion

Thursday 5th 7.30pm Church Meeting

Saturday 7th 2.30pm Friendship Group for those who live alone

SUNDAY 8th 9.00am Sunday Special10.30am Morning Worship with the Sacrament of

Baptism of Jessica Noonan 6.30pm Evening Prayers

Wednesday 11th 12.30pm Highbury Lunch - see page 10

Thursday 12th 7.30pm Open the Book - see page 10

Saturday 14th 6.30pm Hy-Speed for younger members 8.30pm Hy-Speed for older members

SUNDAY 22nd 10.00am Morning Worship at St Luke’sNO morning service at Highbury

6.30pm Evening Prayers at Highbury to which we welcome members of St Luke’s

SUNDAY 15th 10.30am Morning Worship with Holy Communion led by Rev Dr John Samson 6.30pm Evening Prayers led by Rev Robert Pestell

Monday 16th Start of Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

SUNDAY 29th MISSION FOCUS - NICARAGUA10.30am Morning Worship12.30pm Word Café – Bring and Share Lunch 6.30pm Evening Prayers


Prayer FocusDistrict 1

Richard and Felicity CleavesWayne HarvellJocelyn Bell

Edwin and Rose HaywardMargaret Wright

Steve and Janet BrownJacqui Brown

Neil and Lorraine GassideTed and Jenny Horsfield

Martin and Elaine Schönbeck, Adam and Philip

Selim Smith & Co.Ltd. (advertiser)

Deacon: Peter HarrisonVisitors: Angela Pickles, Edwin and Rose Hayward

Prayer Rota for Sundays in DecemberMorning

Sunday 1st January Roger Gregory Sunday 8th January Richard Cleaves Sunday 15th January Iain Macleod Sunday 22nd January (service at St Luke’s) Sunday 29th January June Tremlett Evening Sunday 15th January Mary Buchanan

S.W. Midlands Area of the Congregational Federation invites us to pray for …

Sunday 1st January Refugees and Asylum Seekers Sunday 8th January Stapleton Road, Bristol Sunday 15th January Witness of denominations working together Sunday 22nd January Sherston Sunday 29th January Longney


The Power of Prayer If a prayer can move a mountain, if a prayer can stop a war, If a prayer can foster love and peace, where hatred ruled before, If a prayer can conquer hunger, if a prayer has the power to heal, If a prayer can mend divisions, why are we so slow to kneel? Offering prayers up to our maker throughout each brand new day Should change the world for better in every kind of way.

Thoughts for the New Year

“God so loved the world that he gave his Son ...”

Jesus was a man of the people.He knew when they were happy, and knew when they we sad, because helived with them, as one of them.He learnt life working as a carpenter, alongside Joseph in Nazareth.The crowded cities of Galilee were his home.His heart went out to the helpless people, to those who were sick ordisabled, to the poor, to rich people who were starved of real friendships;to those who thought they were better than everyone else, and whose coldhearts separated them from their fellows and from God.He wasn’t afraid to love the people he met, and he took their problems onboard in order to help them;those who opened their hearts to him and shared their troubles, came toknow him, and an overcoming love came into their lives.When people refused him and crucified him, he still loved them deeply.This is how Jesus lived and died, and still lives on among us.This is how God lives among us, and how we are asked to live among peopletoo.

New Table Tennis Table

We are delighted to have received a gift from Reg Hochkins for use in ouryoung people’s work. We have replaced our old dilapidated table tennis tablewith an excellent new one on wheels, which will be greatly appreciated byHy-Tec and Transformers. I am happy to demonstrate it after church oneSunday if anyone is interested or wishes to challenge me!

Adrian


Update on Moffat on Death Row in ZambiaSince December's Newsletter I have heard from Moffat twice. Now he is onmedication for his enlarged heart he is feeling much better and is certainlysounding much brighter. As yet there has not been any news about his appeal.Please pray for a good and just outcome. He's concerned about Cecilia as hehasn't heard from his mother recently, and he had asked her to send himCecilia's most recent school report - but so far no reply.Some of the prisoners where Moffat is held are good at painting. Moffat writeson beautifully illustrated paper and has sent us a Christmas card painted by afellow inmate.Moffat has been busy studying for exams. He is waiting for results of the GCEsthat he has taken in Maths, Geography and English. His pastor paid for hisexam fees. This pastor is due to retire, but he will stay until the right person canbe found to take over from him. Please pray that the new pastor will have sucha good heart for the prisoners in his care.As another year in prison draws to an end I would like to thank those who havebeen supporting Moffat in prayer, financially, and also for the Boney M tracks.Moffat sends his thanks and greetings.

Judi Marsh

A Prayer for the New YearSlow me down, Lord. Ease the pounding of my heart by the quieting of mymind. Give me amid the confusion of my day the calendar of the everlastinghills.Break the tension of my nerves and muscles with the soothing music of thestreams that live in memory. Help me to know the magical restorativepowers of sleep.Give me the art of taking minute vacations, of slowing down to look at aflower, to chat with a friend, to pat a dog, to read a few lines of a goodbook.Remind me each day of the fable of the hare and the tortoise, that the raceis not always to the swift, that there is more to life than increasing its speed.Let me look upward into the towering oak and know that it grew slowly andwell.Slow me down, Lord, and inspire me to send my roots deep into the soil oflife's eternal value that I may grow toward the stars of my greater destiny.Slow me down, Lord.

Sent to Judi Marsh by Susan Carter of Penwork Ministries(Author unknown)


The word serendipity owes its origin to an Englishman called Horace Walpole,the son of Prime Minister, Robert Walpole. Walpole was probably the greatestletter writer of his era, or of any other for that matter. On a winter’s morningin 1754, he composed a letter in which he committed to paper for the first timethe word that has contributed much to the English language, serendipity. Inthe letter he resurrected a strange Oriental tale that would otherwise havebeen condemned to obscurity. The tale he rescued from literary oblivion was

. Serendip was the old name for the country werecently called Ceylon, now Sri Lanka. The letter - to Sir Horace Mann, anenvoy in the service of King George II stationed in Florence – was written toacknowledge the safe arrival of a portrait of Bianco Capello, a 16th centurybeauty and Duchess of Tuscany. Walpole tells of a chance discovery that theCapello family have two coats of arms – a very odd occurrence. These areWalpole’s words:

Hundreds of items that make everyday life more convenient, pleasant, healthyor interesting have come to us as a result of serendipity. As the Oxford EnglishDictionary puts it: “the faculty of making happy or unexpected discoveries byaccident”. The term was rediscovered in the 1950s and is now commonplacein the history of science.It is true that most of the people who have been blessed by serendipity are notreluctant to admit their good fortune. Far from being defensive about the rolethat chance played in their discoveries, they are usually eager to describe it.Louis Pasteur, who made so many breakthroughs in chemistry, microbiologyand medicine, recognised it in his well known phrase “

Intranslation this is usually

.

Serendipity


William Shakespeare expressed the same sentiment 250 years earlier in Act4 of Henry V: “ More recently, NobelLaureate for Chemistry, Paul Flory, said:

The statements by Pasteur and Flory show that they understood what Walpolemeant, when he described serendipity as discoveries made by “accident andsagacity” - the two factors being of roughly equal importance.

Peter Petrie

The HaircutA teenage boy had just passed his driving test and inquired of his father asto when they could discuss his use of the car.His father said he'd make a deal with his son: “You bring your grades upfrom a C to a B average, study your Bible a little, and get your hair cut. Thenwe'll talk about the car.”The boy thought about that for a moment, decided he'd settle for theoffer, and they agreed on it.After about six weeks his father said, “Son, you've brought your grades upand I've observed that you have been studying your Bible, but I'mdisappointed you haven't had your hair cut.”The boy said, “You know, Dad, I've been thinking about that, and I'venoticed in my studies of the Bible that Samson had long hair, Johnthe Baptist had long hair, Moses had long hair ... and there's even strongevidence that Jesus had long hair.”Dad replied, “Did you also notice they all walked everywhere they went?”

Lord, as the New Year unfolds, we ask you to bless the Ministry at Highbury.Strengthen and encourage all Church Leaders and fill them with your Spiritso that they may proclaim the Good News and tell of your Love. Amen.


Brunel Manor and our Church Weekend Away

You will recall that we decided to take a break from our annual weekendaway in 2012, however, please can I ask you to give some thought to 2013.We have a date booked, Friday 14th to Sunday 16th June 2013, and theywill soon ask for a commitment and deposit, therefore it would be good togauge the level of interest and if anyone else would like to arrange it. Havingdone it for five years I feel someone else could maybe offer new ideas?I am happy to co-ordinate responses and offers of help and report myfindings to the Deacons.Brunel have asked for our prayers, as the building is expensive to maintainand they need a new boiler (see their letter below). Obviously they are notgetting as much business in the current economic climate, therefore I feel itis doubly important that we commit ourselves properly or not.Certainly our children find it a very enjoyable experience. I was in theX-stream group with Judi Marsh recently and it came up in naturalconversation from the children who see it as ‘the coolest and best’ (which isa great compliment, I think!)But it is the adults I need commitment from, to make it happen. Offers ofhelp in all sorts of ways are always needed, not least sharing transport.Thank you for your support and for reading this. I look forward to hearingfrom you.

Lorraine Gasside -( 239838 - [email protected]

The trustees and staff look back on ayear where we know many of youhave been richly blessed through theministry and service of the WoodlandsHouse of Prayer Trust at BrunelManor. We hope that this was yourexperience during your visit and wewould like to thank you for yourcontinued support.Looking ahead to 2012, this highmaintenance building presents

considerable challenges and, inaddition to ongoing maintenanceexpenses we are currently having toreplace the boiler and carry outessential fire safety work, whichtogether will cost more than £10,000How might you help?Firstly and most importantly, we wouldask you to pray specifically that, astrustees, we will continue to knowGod’s wisdom and guidance.

A Letter from the Trustees of Brunel Manor -Christian Holiday and Conference Centre -

A Place for Physical and Spiritual Refreshment


Then, if the Lord leads you tocontribute, please send your donation/ gift to the Trustees at Brunel Manor,specifying that it is for carrying outthese necessary improvements. If youare a UK taxpayer, please use Gift Aidto help us maximise your gift.We also encourage you to tell yourfriends, family, work colleagues andother churches or groups about theManor, and inspire them to come.The trustees believe that, even inthese difficult days of recession, there

is a future for the work at BrunelManor. Please be assured we aredoing all we can to raise additionalrevenue as well. We want to see theministry to churches, groups andindividuals continue to develop but wecannot do it in our own strength. Wefeel even more that there is a need inthese days for people to find, Peace,Hope, Rest and Spiritual Refreshmentin this special place.Our God is a faithful God, and wecontinue to trust and rely on him.

Are you baffled by ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’?What do milkmaids, turtle doves and laying geese have to do with Christmas?From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted topractice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as acatechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surfacemeaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Eachelement in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the childrencould remember.

The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus ChristTwo turtle doves were the Old and New TestamentsThree French hens stood for faith, hope and loveFour calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and JohnFive golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the OldTestamentSix geese a-laying stood for the six days of creationSeven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit- Prophecy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, andMercyEight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudesNine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit - Love, Joy, Peace,Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self ControlTen lords a-leaping were the ten commandmentsEleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciplesTwelve drummers drumming symbolised the twelve points of belief in theApostles' Creed

Remember, the Christmas Season runs until Epiphany on 6th January


The head of Tuvalu's national disaster committee, Pusinelli Laafai, has said arecent survey of the country’s outer islands shows the situation is not critical onmost atolls, but there are major issues with water storage.Tuvalu is now recovering after a prolonged severe drought required aid donorsto fly in desalination units.The assessment mission, also mounted with international help, visited the outerislands to make sure water, health and food needs were being met.Mr Laafai says the survey showed a lot of stress on crops and the islands'residents will be dependent on imports for some time. "The crops and theagriculture, the assessment of the crops, a lot of stress on some islands and notmuch on the others - but four of the six islands surveyed were under heavystress on the crops."Mr Laafai says there has been rain recently, but collection and storage systemsare inadequate and improving this is the government's focus. CWM hasprovided the CWM-member Ekalesia Kelisian Tuvalu with a shipment of food fordistribution among the most needy.

The Three Fingers PrayerThe Guide or Scout three finger salute is also a guide to prayer.

The finger furthest from the Guide or Scout (the ring finger)reminds her / him to pray for others, and for the world.

The middle finger of the salute is the tallest, pointing upwardstowards God, leading the young person’s thoughts towards God.

The finger nearest the Guide or Scout (the index finger) remindsher / him of their own personal need for prayer.

Do you subscribe to The Congregationalist?It is a quarterly magazine of information and comment onmany aspects of the work of the Congregational Federation,including work with children and young people, on theconduct of worship, mission outreach and many otherinteresting subjects.

Shirley Fiddimore will be pleased to take orders for more people to receive thispublication, and it only costs £12 for four issues.If you would like to see a copy, please ask.

While most of us complainabout our rainfall -

Tuvalu has rain at last


The 2012 Assembly Celebrating the 40th Anniversary

of the Congregational Federation

will be held on Saturday 12th May 2012

at The Vine Venue.

131 Garvock Hill. Dunfermline. Scotland. KY11 4JU

There will be a significant fringe event the night before.A range of accommodation options and a full weekend package

will be available in due course.

Why not make plans to be in Scotlandon Saturday 12th May?

God's WingsAfter a forest fire in Yellowstone National Park, forest rangers began their trekup a mountain to assess the inferno's damage. One ranger found a birdliterally petrified in ashes, perched statuesquely on the ground at the base ofa tree. Somewhat sickened by the eerie sight, he knocked over the bird witha stick. When he gently struck it, three tiny chicks scurried from under theirdead mother's wings. The loving mother, keenly aware of impending disaster,had carried her offspring to the base of the tree and had gathered them underher wings, instinctively knowing that the toxic smoke would rise. She couldhave flown to safety but had refused to abandon her babies. Then the blazehad arrived and the heat had scorched her small body, the mother hadremained steadfast ... because she had been willing to die, so those under thecover of her wings would live.

(Psalm 91:4)

Being loved this much should make a difference in your life.Remember the One who loves you, and then be different because of it.

CONGRATULATIONS - to the members of the Hy-Brains Quiz Teamwho once again won first prize at the Quiz Night in St Mary’s CongregationalChurch, Gloucester, in December [although one team member thought BobMarley was a friend of Scrooge, in Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”!!!]THANK YOU - for sharing your prize chocolates with your Highbury friends!


‘Helping Hands Catering’for all your catering needsSpecialists in funeral catering

Buffet tailored to suit all occasions

and dietary requirements

o Christenings o Wedding Anniversaries

o Birthday Parties o Celebrations

We can provide a full waitress service for your event,including hire of crockery, cutlery, table linen

and flowers for tables,

either at your own home or chosen location.

Delivery only also available.

Contact: Julie Miller 01242 701127

mobile: 07909 917805

[email protected]

or Julia Howse 01242 861301

mobile: 07971 246431

Anxiety is calm's greatest destroyer, when we are agitated or frightened byevents in our lives, let us learn to let God be God and accept his direction andleading.When you cast your burdens on the Lord, he will not only sustain you but willreplace them with the sweet experience of calm.

HighburyMaintenance Day

Saturday 4th February 2012 Put the date in your new diary now!

There is a job for everyone!


W.S. TrenhaileFuneral Directors

Private Chapels

of ReposeApostle House

175 London Road

Charlton Kings

GL53 6HN

Tel: 01242 224897

Mason & StokesFuneral Directors

David MasonRichard Mason

Joy MasonA Family BusinessProviding a Caring

Day and Night Service

Tudor Lodge54 Hewlett Road

CheltenhamGL52 6AH

Tel: 01242 224877

Help and Advice onPre-Arranged Funeral Plans

Words For TodayThis is different from other dailyBible reading notes:

The book contains a wholeyear's readings in one volume

Its writers are drawn fromaround the globe and from manydifferent traditions

It presents a lively, freshand often radical approach to thetext

challenges readers to act in thelight of the readings

It combines systematicreading of texts with wide-rangingthemes.

or from me:Jenny Bartlett( 01242 231644

DJLMAINTENANCE

Danny James-Locke

All aspects of propertymaintenance

Telephone 01242 233921

Mobile 07901 852536

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For further details / enquiries please ring Jenny or Lisa on 01452 526150


Highbury Congregational Church

Toddler Group / Transformers for school years 3-6 / Hy-Tec for 11s & overChoir/ Music, House and Prayer Groups / Alpha: exploring faith / Hy-Way /

Friendship Group / Scouting / Guiding / Hy-Speed etc.For a chat, or to find out more, ’phone Richard Cleaves on 01242 522050

Countdown to the Olympics with More than Gold

Arise, shine! For your light has come,And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you

In this Olympic Year may your presence so shine in our hearts that othersmay see in us the light of your glory and know your love in their hearts.

For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples;

As the year begins the days are at their shortest, the nights are at theirlongest, and we are all too aware of the darkness there is in our world,

but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you.

And yet the days are lengthening slowly but surely, and the light of yourpresence is dawning in our world of darkness.

Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

We pray for the nations of the world who will be gathering in our countrylater this year - may the friendship of the games seep out into the lives ofthe nations. May your people wherever they may be be a channel of yourpeace bringing your presence anew into a world of darkness.

Sundays at 6.30pmquiet, reflective evening prayers

with a focus onBiblical teaching

Sundays at 10.30amA time for all the Church family

to share in worship -groups for children and young people

A place to share Christian friendship,explore Christian faith andenter into Christian mission

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