Newsletter March - May 2017

God islove

D a v e n p o r t R o a dE v a n g e l i c a l C h u r c h

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T his year, churches around the world will be marking the

great significance of the 500th anniversary of the beginning of the Protestant Reformation in Europe. It all began on 31 October 1517 when Martin Luther wrote a document known as “The 95 Theses” questioning the Roman Catholic corrupt practice of selling “indulgences” to absolve sin. He had discovered from Scripture that God intended believers to seek repentance and that faith alone, and not good deeds nor money, would lead to salvation.

The following is a direct quote from Martin Luther following his own conversion – “I was seized with the conviction that I must understand [Paul’s] letter to the Romans. I did not have a heart of stone, but to that moment one phrase in chapter one stood in my way. I hated the idea, ‘in it (the Gospel) the righteousness of God is revealed’ . . . according to which God is righteous and punishes the unrighteous sinner. I lived without reproach as a monk, but my conscience was disturbed to its very depths and all I knew about myself was that I was a sinner. I could not believe that anything I thought or did or prayed satisfied God. I did not love, nay, I hated the righteous God who punishes sinners. Certainly, and with intense grumbling (perhaps even blasphemy), I was angry with God and said, ‘As if it were indeed not enough that miserable sinners who are eternally lost through original sin and are crushed again by every calamity through the Ten Commandments, God Himself adds pain to pain in the gospel by threatening us with His

From thePastor’s Pen Here I Stand

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righteousness and wrath!’ At last, meditating day and night . . . by the mercy of God, I gave heed to the context of the words, ‘In it the righteousness of God is revealed, as it is written, ‘He who through faith is righteous shall live.’ Then I began to understand that the righteousness of God is . . . a gift of God, namely by faith . . . Here I felt as if I were entirely born again and had entered paradise itself through gates that had been flung open. An entirely new side of the Scriptures opened itself to me . . . and I extolled my sweetest word with a love as great as the loathing with which before I had hated the term ‘the righteousness of God’. Thus, that verse in Paul was for me truly the gate of paradise.”

Our prayer this anniversary year, is that we each can testify to this saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are planning DV to hear more on this rich topic of church history as the year unfolds, to encourage us to stand firm in our day, as Luther and others stood firm in theirs.

It has been a particular joy and delight in recent months to have so many new people and families join with us on Sunday mornings. Coupled with that, the successful launch of the “Alcove Café” after the service allows us more time to get to know one another better and thank you to all who joyfully serve in this way.

We have such a rich mix of nationalities from Gambia, South Africa, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo, USA, Dominica, Jamaica, Latvia, Romania, Norway …. as well as the English, Welsh, Scottish and Irish!

It is like a foretaste of heaven when “every tribe, tongue, people and nation” will be represented around the throne of the Lamb singing praise and glory to His name.

The Lord bless you all as we worship and serve Him together

Andrew and Fiona

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February 2017From the Secretary’s Desk

The Bible urges us in Hebrews 2 with these words “We ought, therefore, to pay the greatest attention to the truth that we have heard and not allow ourselves to drift away from it.”

• Do come along to the Members’ Meeting on March 15th as this will feature reports by the Secretary and also the Treasurer, as well as the election of Deacons. This is open to all and starts at 7.45pm.

• The Biblical Ministry each week is building His church as God blesses His people. What an encouragement to see the numbers at the morning services increasing over recent weeks and to see so many of you enjoying a drink with fellowship and friendship at the “Alcove Cafe”. The input for the children and families both in the main service and by the faithful leaders “out the back” has also been great.

• We are again planning a series of “Summer Strolls”. If you have an idea of a great place to walk with a cafe please have a word with Paul or Rita – particularly if you feel able to lead one.

• The Elders have asked me to take on the responsibility for organising the programme of “Fellowship Evenings” on Wednesday nights. We thank God for the ministry that Stephen has faithfully arranged for many years and the aim is to build upon this for the future.

• There is always lots to do at church and we thank each of you who work so hard sometimes behind the scenes week by week in service for the Lord. If you would like to volunteer in any way please speak to one of the leadership team and we will discuss with you possibilities. Stewarding, cleaning, serving refreshments, young people’s work, maintenance etc.... We would love everyone to be committed and involved in the life of DPR

• Many event dates have been fixed for this year already:

- Members Meetings - March 15th, June 14th, October 18th (Please note change of date from Sept 20th), - Derby Bible Week - 24th to 27th April with Jonathan Lamb- Big Church Day Out - June 2nd and 3rd - Fun Day - June 10th- Harvest Thanksgiving - October 1st and the Supper on September 29th.- Midlands Ladies Convention - October 7th - Away Day - October 14th (date to be confirmed)

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- Bible Exhibition - for the local school; November 7th and 8th

• We will let you know any more dates as soon as possible so you can organise your diaries! But in the mean time... Please check the church calendar which is updated frequently on the website at.... http://www.davenportroadchurch.org.uk/diary.html None of these will mean anything without your prayerful support and active involvement as we work together as a family. Acts 2v42-47 “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

Blessings to all - Paul

NEWS – INFORMATION – UPDATES

CHRISTMAS GIFTS – as Phill has mentioned in his article elsewhere in the newsletter, we have been able to send a gift of £500 to “Hope Haiti” – this was from donations given in lieu of sending cards at Christmas. Many thanks to all who gave in this way.

GOOD FRIDAY COMMUNION SERVICE and PICNIC-AMBLE - We will celebrate Good Friday with a Communion Service at 11am at church. This will be followed by a picnic together and an amble or time in the café if you wish at Shipley Country Park, leaving church after the service.

- Please let Paul or Rita know after the service if you are going- If the weather is good we will gather together at about 1pm near the Visitor Centre and Café at Shipley Country Park – Slack Lane, Heanor DE757GX, (parking is pay and display)- The Country Park is signed off the Derby Road A608- Lifts will be available from church to the park- Please bring your own picnic- Do not worry if it is wet as we will eat together in the “Alcove Café” and put the coffee machine on! We can then still enjoy fellowship on this special day.

PRAYER DIARY – a new edition has recently been produced and copies are available for you to make use of. Please take one so that we can be praying on a regular basis for all who are part of the fellowship here. We recognise that even in the time since this was put together, there have been some “comings and goings.” So if you are relatively new to the church and

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your name has not been included we apologise and will make sure this is put right for next time – with the diary now being produced “in-house” it will not be so long before another update can be printed off. In the meantime, there is space in the diary for extra names to be written in.

TWO SPECIAL FELLOWSHIP EVENINGS - are planned celebrating Easter together as a church on Wednesday April 12th and Wednesday April 19th either side of Easter weekend. These will be titled “in the garden of Gethsemane” (Luke 22v39-62) and “on the Road to Emmaus” (Luke 24v13-49).

DERBY BIBLE WEEK – “TRUSTING GOD IN TURBULENT TIMES” – following Habakkuk’s journey from Why to Worship. Monday to Thursday, 24 to 27 April. Morning sessions at Christ Church, Great Northern Road – 10.30am, OR Evening sessions at Woodlands Evangelical Church – 7.30pm. The speaker this year is Jonathan Lamb, one of the leaders of Keswick Ministries. Please do plan to get along to these sessions, and if you need more information or a lift please ask!

STENSON FIELDS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP – FAMILY WEEK, REAL LIVES - Every evening, 19 – 24 June, with special guests being interviewed and Roger Carswell speaking. More details to follow.

The gentlemen singing a carol at the New Year’s Day Sunday Morning Worship

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TREASURY MATTERS Our 2016 annual accounts have been audited by Steve Spare and signed off. The details will be reported at the AGM on March 15th, but we are grateful to God and His people that we ended the year with a surplus of £7,900. Thank you Lord.Since the start of this year we have sent gifts as follows:• £500 to Hope House Haiti from gifts in lieu of Christmas cards. Jess Carter and Jo Brewer from Holmgate Church (Clay Cross) spent 10 days there in January with the medical team. They are coming on Wednesday 1st March to report on their work

• £1,000 our annual gift to Derby City Mission in support of Neil Toomey and the Jubilee project• £260 to the Christian Union at Newcastle University where Grace Knox is part of the group. They have a great programme of outreach planned up to the summer break which we want to encourage. £100 of this was from our missionary fund and the remainder from individual gifts• £100 to the Christian Institute. They do a great work in raising Christian concerns with government, opposing anti-Christian legislation and supporting Christians who have legal action against them for their faith and beliefs.I have been privileged to serve as church treasurer for over 12 years having taken on Gerald Nottingham’s mantle. For the last 5 years I have been very ably assisted by Mikk Campbell. I can honestly say I have enjoyed serving the Lord in this role and been amazed at how God has provided all we need, exceeded our finite minds and taken us through some searching times.

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For the last 2+ years I have also been Finance Officer for Good News Fellowship who publish the Good News paper. Through a critical illness of a colleague who managed the prison ministry side of this work, I was asked 18 months ago to take that finance work on as well. Being “retired” now meant I had the time and joy of being part of another branch of God’s work. In October last year our chairman, Rev. John Mutton announced he would be stepping down from Good News work at our team meeting this March. John does a lot more than just chair meetings and already a lot of his workload has been taken on by others, including me. There is still more for him to pass on this March and it is very likely I will be asked to take on more responsibility. Having shared this with the elders, I asked if Mikk and I could change roles – he take on the Treasurer role, with me assisting. If Mikk agreed I would take it as part of God’s guidance; if he declined, again I would continue as treasurer and not be free for other Good News responsibilities. Mikk, after much prayer and searching has agreed. I am grateful that God has been guiding, that we have Mikk able to take on the role and that all the 2016 accounts are audited. I will continue to give Mikk my help, support and encouragement going forward.

MISSIONARY GIFTSAs Phill has explained in his item above, the church fellowship at DPR is very committed to the support of Christian missions and missionary work – this is both in terms of regular prayer support and also through giving financial support. Each Sunday in our news sheet there is a list (in the centre) of missionaries and Christian workers to pray for and many of these receive financial support from the church. Many Christian workers receive no regular salary or payment, but live “by faith,” trusting that God will provide for their material needs. It is a great privilege for those who do have a regular source of income to give towards this important part of God’s work, and this is something which we are encouraged to do through the teaching of the Bible. The monetary gifts which are received in church are of course used to finance the work of the church here in Derby – our pastor, all the different activities, the maintenance of the building etc. However, a significant proportion is given away to Christian workers and missionary organisations – some very local to us (eg: Derby City Mission), and others worldwide (eg: Barnabas Fund). Some gifts are “one-off’s” (eg: to the Christian Union at Newcastle University, as Phill mentioned), while others receive support on a regular basis. It may be that some of you are not aware of the people and organisations who are supported through your giving, and how this is appreciated, so we will be featuring some of them in the newsletter from time to time to keep you better informed. This time we have included a letter which has recently been received from Keith and June Percival, who have worked for many years with the Faith Mission. Keith’s letter explains their link with DPR and tells us of the work they have been involved with.

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Keith Percival-Testimony-Dear Friends,

June and I have been grateful for the wonderful support we have had from the Davenport Road Church over very many years. We have been increasingly conscious that many of you have never really met us or heard us take part in a meeting. In correspondence with Nigel I suggested that it might be helpful if I wrote something of my background and contact with DPR and previously with the Railway Mission in Bateman Street. So here goes!

I was born at 12 Valley Road, Littleover a few days prior to the outbreak of the Second World War. My earliest memories are of the war and especially the anti-aircraft gun at the junction of Colwyn Avenue and Warwick Avenue. At the age of 9 my life was shattered by the death of my mother. My father endeavoured to look after me and my brother who was three years older but home was never the same again. My father became ill and had to give up his work and when I was 15, I left school to get work and care for my father. My Headmaster kindly managed to get me a job as a clerk in the Council’s Estates Office in the Council House. I firmly believe this was all in the plan for my life as it brought me into touch with real Christians for the first time. Ken Lewis and Gordon Lister were amongst several who worked there. I had not been to Sunday School or Church and cannot remember ever having Christian teaching at school and I also rejected the approaches of one of these keen Christians at work. One Sunday, almost by accident, I found myself sitting in the Central Hall at what I now know was a Youth for Christ Crusade. It was the first time I heard the gospel and was deeply touched by the theme song ‘Burdens are Lifted at Calvary’. I was deeply convicted of my need of Christ and returned on the Tuesday and sought Him to be my Saviour. I had no Bible and knew nothing of being a Christian but the Lord had already put a ‘safety net’ for me in place, through the Christians at work!

Initially I could not get to church regularly but was introduced to two meetings which were weekly, the Young People’s Meeting on a Monday night at the Railway Mission and the Young Life Campaign’s Friday Night Bible Study in Charnwood Street. I remember the Monday nights very well, sitting fumbling through my Bible trying to find John’s Gospel or petrified that I might be asked to say something. My new friends at Bateman Street meant much to me - often I would walk home with Alice Whittingham and she would invite me into her home for a cup of tea with her father. I well remember too Ken and Joyce Lewis inviting me to their Christmas Party

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- probably the first party I ever went to. A year after I became a Christian, I was at work when I received a phone call telling me my father had had a heart attack and died. Those were dark days and the only positive thing I remember is a visit from Andrew Mailer who said that I would always be welcome at his and Marion’s home or the home of Mr and Mrs Lee, Marion’s parents. This was a tremendous comfort and blessing. I was 17, my brother was away at University and many times I accepted that offer. I also needed a home and this was provided by a kind family in St Giles Road, they went to the Methodist Church and already had two boys. The room was very small but was a haven to me, and my home for the next few years.

Not all that long after my father’s death, Andrew Mailer said to me that he was responsible for the evening service and that he wanted me to be one of the three young people preaching the sermon! I wanted to be of use to the Lord and said yes but I dread to think what it was like on the night. I spoke on ‘Jesus said - I am the Way’. It was perhaps only five minutes long but in a very significant sense, it was the launch pad for my future work. The Railway Mission in Derby was not only my spiritual home but very much my family for those first six years.

During that time I began to take services in the Methodist Churches in the villages around Derby. I enjoyed it but also saw something of the great need there was in the villages. I became interested in the work of the Derbyshire Village Mission but they only had lady workers. At the same time I became aware of The Faith Mission whose ministry was devoted to preaching the Gospel and ministering to Christians in the UK and Eire. I sensed their great passion for this work and felt that I should go to their Bible College in Edinburgh. This call of God was confirmed in my heart and I left Derby in September 1961. I thank the Lord for the two years in College with its Biblical teaching, practical training and fervour to reach out to the lost. Prayer was a very important element of the course and these were often times when the Lord drew near. During the course I was involved in open air campaigns in Oban and Troon which gave me a great desire to be involved in the work full time but I did not think then that I would be in the Mission for the next forty-four years! The first two years I spent doing evangelistic missions. I loved it, especially one mission where we saw nineteen folk seeking the Saviour. I was then moved to work which involved ministry to Christians, administrative work and lots of travelling throughout the UK and Eire. It was hard to move from the evangelistic work to the more administrative side but I recognised it was needed if others were to be free to do the outreach. My first seventeen years were spent in Ireland, both North and the Republic. I was based in Belfast for three years, Londonderry for six years and then Omagh for six years. In 1980 I moved to the Headquarters of the Mission in Edinburgh and became its General Director in 1983 until my retirement in 2004.

Whilst in Londonderry I met up again with June who had been at the Bible College with me for a year. She had spent five years working in India as a missionary nurse and was now visiting

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friends in the area! That was February 1972. We were engaged in May and married in September. Our first child John was born in Londonderry in 1973 and Stephen in Omagh in 1975. John is now a Pastor in Hong Kong, married with three children and Stephen works with Standard Life here in Edinburgh, also married and has two children.

Since ‘retiring’ we have kept busy being involved with the Mission and our church ‘Charlotte Chapel’. June has been especially committed working with mainly overseas students who come to Edinburgh, some from non Christian backgrounds and others young in the faith who need encouragement and help. I continue to help in the Mission Bookshop and also with ‘Happy Hens. We see our ministry also as one of hospitality as we have many needy folk through the door each year.’ This is a great privilege and joy to us.

I will ever be grateful to the Lord for all that The Railway Mission and DPR has meant to us even though I have not lived in Derby for the last fifty-five years. It has been humbling to have such support and faithful friends when our contact has been confined to the occasional weekend and sometimes less than that.

Nigel asked me for some Points for Prayer:

- That in ‘retirement’ we will seize the opportunities there are to help and minister.- That Keith in the Bookshop will have the time and wisdom to minister to customers who share their problems and needs.- That at the Happy Hens farm he will be a good witness to the young folk and that there will be good opportunities to present the Gospel.

For June’s ministry to the overseas folk:

- She recently attended a Weekend Away for International friends when there were about seventy present.- Each Friday she shares in an International Fellowship Bible Study at our Church.- Her involvement in ‘one to one’ Bible Studies each week, mainly with Chinese people

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Every month the church receives the latest edition of the Good News paper. These are provided by the church

for all of us to use with family, friends, neighbours, work colleagues etc. I hope you are making use of them. They are given out at the toddler group, café and lunch club as well as generally available in each foyer. Margaret Johnson is taking 95 each month to some of the new build homes around Glossop Street, Elton Road and Hawthorn Street. I have been taking the spares at the end of a month in Davenport Road. There are still new homes not reached!

As from this March we have increased our order and will have 220 copies. Both Andrew and Phill have invited or challenged others to be involved in this means of personal evangelism. We now have 4 teams covering over 190 homes so thank you to Joe and Stephen for taking this on. Please pray for all the conversations wherever they take place, that we can point folk to the Lord.

• 100 Margaret – Glossop, Hawthorn, Crowshaw Streets and Elton Road (both sides) new homes, Nightingale Road new homes• 15 Joe – Cotton Lane new homes plus a Glossop Street new block• 24 Stephen – Whitney Close new homes• 50 Phill – Davenport Road, Handel Street, our neighbours

We would welcome others being involved, either helping Margaret or taking on other routes. Do you have a burden for the area? Could you spare 1 or 2 hours per month? If so, please talk with Phill Bounds.

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Capital – MogadishuPopulation – 10 097 180 Languages – Somali, BantuReligions – Muslim (99.95%), Christian (0.05%)

Somalia is one of the most lawless countries in the world, and has no formal economy.Violence, anarchy, death and suffering have become a “normal” way of life, but many Somali’s are desperate for peace. Christians have to meet secretly, and many have been martyred for their faith. It is estimated that there are only some 2000 Christians in Somalia and the “Open Doors” organisation now list the country as one of the most difficult and dangerous places to be a Christian. Prayer points:• For a faithful and relevant witness to Somalis• For those who have fled to other countries for protection, that they may have freedom to witness and share the gospel message• For a good and stable government, that will respect human life and establish a fair and formal economy

Typical Somali/Kenyan Recipe - for Ugali balls2.5 cups maizemeal2 cups waterSalt

Cook maizemeal in boiling salted water until the water is absorbed. Add a knob of butter. Shape into balls, dip into beaten egg, and fry until golden. Serve with chicken and vegetables. Ugali balls are used as a “spoon/ladle” for moist foods. Poor people will just eat maizemeal boiled in salt water. Even the poorest people will serve it to guests, as part of their hospitality. (Margaret J)

M i s s i o n a r y Fo c u s :Somalia(North-East Africa)

Knob of butter1 egg (beaten)Oil for frying

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CalvaryIt is enough that I shall seeThe nail-pierced hands that beckoned meBy saving grace I trembling came – to Calvary

My Saviour hung upon that treeBy faith I saw it was for meHe suffered in my room and stead – at Calvary

He came to set the captive freeAnd died for sinners such as meSharp thorns did pierce that blessed head – at Calvary

Just as you are without one pleaHe calls aloud, “it is for thee,I’ve suffered scornings, sweat and pain – at Calvary

It is enough, mine eyes shall seeChrist on His throne, not on a treeHe bore my sins and paid my debts – at Calvary

Oh sinner, to this refuge fleeStill there is room for you and meHis work’s complete, He finished it – at Calvary

Such wondrous love shall never beExhausted in eternity

And all because our Saviour came – to Calvary (by Alistair Grewer)

Easter Meditations

forGood Friday

Easter Sunday PrayerO Lord, How amazing is your love, A love that overcomes, endures and redeems.How astounding is your life, A life that sustains, heals and creates.How awesome is your hope, A hope that promises, restores and inspires.How absorbing is your truth, A truth that releases, changes and rebuilds.

How we worship you, as we remember the moment when your love conquered. When out of the cave of sorrow Jesus arose to release forgiveness to the world. And each time we encounter this resurrection day, we are again lifted to an eternal place. Our sin, brokenness and darkness fall away and your light and peace flood our lives. How we thank you for this incredible celebration we call Easter. Amen.

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Baby Clinic

Spo t l i ght on . . .

Every Wednesday afternoon, from 1pm till 3pm, Davenport Road Church hosts a Baby Clinic. This is run by the NHS, and we usually have two nurses who do the weighing and the six monthly health and development checks. We see a lot of different nationalities, and it’s not just mums who turn up with their child to have them weighed, dads and grandmas turn up as well.I am the first person these people see, and if they have never been before I guide them into the hall where the weighing takes place. The numbers fluctuate, and some weeks we can be very busy, others not so busy.The Baby Clinic gives me the chance to tell people what the church can offer. I have been able to encourage mums to come to the Parent and Toddler group on a Thursday morning, from 10 till 11.30am. A few have taken the chance and are still coming. Other mums have older children and I have told them about the Kids’ Club held on a Tuesday evening from 6.30 to 7.30pm. We have had a lot of children turn up because of this. Sometimes the nurses have parents with financial problems that are then affecting the family, in this case I am able to tell them about the Debt and Advice clinic also held on a Thursday in conjunction with a free drop in cafe from 12noon till1.30pm. Quite a few families have been helped at this clinic, and still come to the cafe, even though they no longer need the help.On the occasion of the Queen’s Birthday Celebration Party held in the Church Hall I invited the nurses who were available on that day to join us in the celebrations, I’m pleased to say that one of the nurses was able to come and she brought her daughter as well. Unfortunately due to staff shortages, from March 1st the baby clinic will only be held on the 1st Wednesday of each month.By Marg R

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Sunday Services10.30am Communion Service11.15am Morning Service (with groups for primary school age children and creche)

6.15pm Evening Service

Mar 5 Stephen Walker (am) Nigel Jones (pm)

12 Andrew Knox (am) Richard Lee (pm)

19 Andrew Knox (am) Andrew Knox (pm)

26 Mothers’ Day Family Service (am) – Paul & Rita Crowe Andrew Knox (pm)

Apr 2 Nigel Jones (am) Daniel Howson (pm)

9 Andrew Knox (am) Jim Titterton (pm)

16 Easter Family Service (am) – Andrew Knox Edwin Baker (pm)

23 Andrew Knox (am) Nigel Jones (pm)

30 Stephen Walker (am) Peter Pitt (pm)

May 7 Dalton King (am) Nigel Jones (pm)

14 John Todd (am) Andrew Knox (pm)

21 Andrew Knox (am) Graham Penny (pm)

28 Andrew Knox (am) Jem Hudson (pm)

Jun 4 Andrew Knox (am) TBC (pm)

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The Fellowship Evening ProgrammeWednesdays 7.45 (unless otherwise indicated)

Mar 1 DPR: Focus HOPE HOUSE Haiti 8 DPR: Studies in Amos - Vic Green 15 DPR: AGM - all are welcome (featuring reports from the

secretary and the treasurer and election of deacons)

22 Home Groups: John 11v1-27 “I am the Resurrection” - Eternity 29 DPR: Rob Burrell

Apr 5 Home Groups: John 14v1-14 “I am the Way” - Peace 12 DPR: Easter Focus “in the Garden of Gethsemane” Luke22v39-62 - Paul Crowe 19 DPR: Easter Focus “on the Road to Emmaus” Luke24v13-49 - Stephen Walker 26 Derby Bible Week: Jonathan Lamb

May 3 Home Groups: John 15v1-8 “I am the True Vine” - Purpose 10 DPR: Musical “Wildfire” with the Living Faith Choir This special Fellowship Evening starts at 7.30pm 17 Home Groups: “I am the Alpha and Omega” - Confidence 24 DPR: Roger Cresswell 31 Home Groups: new series

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Ladies Fellowship– Tuesdays, at 2.00pm (please speak to Marion Mailer for more information)

Mar 14 Stephen Walker 21 Don Hinchcliffe 28 Phill Bounds

Apr 11 Osmaston School Choir 18 No meeting (Easter Week) 25 Peter Leyshon-Jones

May 9 Ralph Coleman 16 Joan Holmes 23 Glenys Butler 30 No meeting (Bank Holiday week)

Women TogetherMondays at 7.30pm(please speak to Wendy Walmsley or Joy Campbell for more information)

• 27th March – Easter Crafts• 24th April – Beauty Evening• 22nd May – Barbeque

Ladies’ Prayer Network(please speak to Kate Burrell for more information)

• Mondays at 7.30pm – 6th March, 3rd April and 8th May • Fridays at 10.15am – 17th March and 19th May (not in April)

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Lunch OutreachTuesdays, at 1.00pm (please speak to Sue Bounds or Marion Mailer for more information)

• 7th March, 4th April and 2nd May

Hospital ServicesSundays at 4.00pm, London Road Community Hospital (please speak to David and Louise Pearson for more information)

• 19th March, 16th April and 21st May

OTHER DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – see list in the item from Paul, our Secretary

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Flower RotaMar 5 Marion Mailer 12 Fiona Jones 19 Joy Campbell 26 Avis CresswellApril 2 Olive Walker 9 Sarah Throssell 16 Mary Young 23 Rita Crowe 30 Joyce LewisMay 7 Joan Auguiste 14 Kate Harrison 21 Loretta Marshall 28 Fiona KnoxJun 4 Wendy Walmsley 11 Kate Burrell 18 Linda Cornfield 25 Marion Mailer

If you cannot provide flowers on your allocated week, please arrange to swap with someone else, or speak to Joyce Lewis. Thank you

Cleaning Team RotaThe Rota:Mar 3 Stephen 10 Sarah 17 Paul 24 Nigel 31 JoeApr 7 Trevor 14 Stephen 21 Paul 28 SarahMay 5 Nigel 12 Joe 19 Trevor 26 StephenJun 2 Sarah

The Teams:Trevor M: Loretta, Sue, WendyStephen W: Margaret, Pearl, RolandPaul C: Rita, EdahSarah T: Fiona K, Louise W, Joy, MikkNigel J: Fiona J, Marg, Rob, Joe A: David, SimonIf you are unable to do the allocated week, please arrange to swap with another team, or speak to Paul and Rita Crowe, thank you.

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Book Title: HEAVEN - What Will it be Like?Author: Joni Eareckson Tada

In the beginning I was searching the church library for a book on angels - I came away with this book about heaven.

When Joni became paralysed she asked God the two big questions we have all asked at some point in our lives i.e. why are we here and where are we going? Over time God graciously answered her, enabling her to put pen to paper.

I found the book an “easy” read, Joni knows how to tell a story, and she interprets the chapter headings clearly and concisely. We are left in no doubt that, as a child of God, to be in His presence constantly while on this earth is our goal but that to be with Him in heaven will be our ultimate consummate joy.

Joni covers questions we may have with regard to heaven in a straightforward manner, quoting many helpful Bible verses and relating life’s challenges that may get us thinking about eternity. Subjects such as suffering, hell, time, angels, rewards, worship etc are all given an airing.

So, I was looking for a book on angels and found one on heaven - not a coincidence! By the end of the book I had a smile on my face, joy in my heart and a wonderful sense of peace in the knowledge that the journey does not end here on earth but will go on and on as we experience the delights of the celestial city; and if a book can do all that, it must be worth reading!

Kate B

Book Review

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5 minutes with... Inta

Inta is Latvian and came to DPR a few years ago with her husband Mareks. She is a busy mum to two young children and has a great interest in table tennis...

Who has inspired you in your Christian life?I have had a lot of ups and downs in my Christian life and I have had a lot of people around me, I believe sent by God, who have inspired and encouraged me in my Christian life. I can not name just one.

How would you describe yourself in 3 words?Dynamic, honest, shy.

What verse are you contemplating at the moment?I have couple of favorites but these ones keep me going at the moment Ps. 17:8 John 3:16

How has being a Christian changed your life?I cannot imagine where I would be if I had not known Jesus as my Saviour. It has not made my life easy, but I know whatever situation comes, God will be by my side.

What song would you recommend?Lauren Daigle - Trust in you Letting go of every single dream

I lay each one down at Your feet Every moment of my wanderingNever changes what You seeI’ve tried to win this war I confessMy hands are weary I need Your restMighty Warrior, King of the fightNo matter what I face, You’re by my sideWhen You don’t move the mountains I’m needing You to moveWhen You don’t part the waters I wish I could walk throughWhen You don’t give the answers as I cry out to YouI will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You!Truth is, You know what tomorrow brings There’s not a day ahead You have not seenSo, in all things be my life and breathI want what You want Lord and nothing lessYou are my strength and comfortYou are my steady handYou are my firm foundation; the rock on which I standYour ways are always higherYour plans are always goodThere’s not a place where I’ll go, You’ve not already stoodWhen You don’t move the mountains I’m needing You to moveWhen You don’t part the waters I wish I could walk throughWhen You don’t give the answers as I cry out to YouI will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You!

Picture by John Upham

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23

Step out of life for a momentOut of the shout and the glareInto that silent sanctuaryInto the peace of prayer

Turn your back on the tumultLet the world’s din slow downForget the crowds and the laughterForget life’s ugly frown

Stand in that still white hushThat is �ooded with life and peaceWhere the soul can seek refreshmentAnd the body get release

Tell Him the things that hound youTell Him the things you fearSpeak to Him of your troublesFor in prayer, He is very near

Tell Him the �ght you are havingTo keep your life set squareTell Him the things that mean so muchThat you feel you cannot bear

Tell Him you’re frightened of what’s aheadThat you wish you knew the endTell Him those things – for He aloneWill help you as a friend

Prayer is not only askingFor things that we badly needIt’s talking to one who understandsOne who will always heed

One who will give us courageTo go on once again, one whoHowever much we askWe never ask in vain.

(Anon – contributed by Joan A)

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www.davenportroadchurch.org.uk • dprchurch@gmail.com • 01332 298300Davenpor t Road Evangel ica l Churc h , Davenpor t Road, Derby DE24 8AX

Easter@ DPR

Wednesday 12 April 7.45pm

Fellowship Evening: Easter Focus

Good Friday 14 April

Communion 11.00am

Picnic Amble 12.30pm

Easter Sunday 16 April

Special Family Service 11.15am

Evening Service 6.15pm

Wednesday 19 April 7.45pm

Fellowship Evening: Easter Focus

God is love1 John 4 v 16