weybridge united reformed church news€¦ · web viewtaking down the christmas decorations the...

25
Weybridge United Reformed Church News February 2019 Letter from the Minister Dear Friends, Taking down the Christmas decorations the other week it was going through my mind how bare the house always looks afterwards and how we are now in for the long slog of January and February. It’s not my most favourite time of the year. Cold. Long, dark nights. Cold. Potentially bad weather. Cold. (You may be getting the impression that I don’t like being cold.) It’s such a miserable contrast to the joy of the new birth we have just been celebrating; the story of God’s love for us and of God’s light shining in the darkness. As my spirits sank I gazed out of the window and saw something which brought me up short and made me realise how wrong I was to think like that. Back in the autumn I planted some spare pansies in a tub and put it on the patio. I suddenly realised that they were in flower – a delicate but cheering yellow, brightening a cold, grey Saturday afternoon. In the next tub some daffodils were coming up nicely and in my “Barbara planter” (the VW Camper van you planted up and gave me after my induction) another pansy was in flower. My mind started to wander. I thought of how, in my previous pastorate, some of the farmers would be beginning lambing. Sheds which have been cold and empty for months would again be places of light and possibly of warmth and of sound and of birth. Lambing sheds are quite noisy places, you know. Some farmers go for an early lambing in the hope of balancing potential 1

Upload: lekhue

Post on 29-Aug-2019

216 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Weybridge United Reformed Church News€¦ · Web viewTaking down the Christmas decorations the other week it was going through my mind how bare the house always looks afterwards

Weybridge United Reformed Church NewsFebruary 2019

Letter from the MinisterDear Friends,Taking down the Christmas decorations the other week it was going through my mind how bare the house always looks afterwards and how we are now in for the long slog of January and February. It’s not my most favourite time of the year. Cold. Long, dark nights. Cold. Potentially bad weather. Cold. (You may be getting the impression that I don’t like being cold.) It’s such a miserable contrast to the joy of the new birth we have just been celebrating; the story of God’s love for us and of God’s light shining in the darkness. As my spirits sank I gazed out of the window and saw something which brought me up short and made me realise how wrong I was to think like that. Back in the autumn I planted some spare pansies in a tub and put it on the patio. I suddenly realised that they were in flower – a delicate but cheering yellow, brightening a cold, grey Saturday afternoon. In the next tub some daffodils were coming up nicely and in my “Barbara planter” (the VW Camper van you planted up and gave me after my induction) another pansy was in flower. My mind started to wander. I thought of how, in my previous pastorate, some of the farmers would be beginning lambing. Sheds which have been cold and empty for months would again be places of light and possibly of warmth and of sound and of birth. Lambing sheds are quite noisy places, you know. Some farmers go for an early lambing in the hope of balancing potential losses consequential to harsh weather with the premium early lamb prices attract. Most will be starting lambing at the end of February/beginning of March, though, but there are often a few ewes giving birth rather earlier than they should be and normally referred to as “having been to a dance”!

As I wrapped up and put away the remainder of my Betjemanesque “tissued fripperies”, baubles and Christmas ”whigmaleeries” (ask the Scots for a definition) I realised that the joy of life and of new life is not actually something God’s creation ever allows us to forget. The story of God’s love for us doesn’t stop when we take down the Christmas decorations and then remain hidden until the horror of Good Fridayand the joy of Easter morning reveal it again. Writing on20th September 1822, John Keble affirmed, “New every morning is the

1

Page 2: Weybridge United Reformed Church News€¦ · Web viewTaking down the Christmas decorations the other week it was going through my mind how bare the house always looks afterwards

love.” “New mercies each returning day hover around us while we pray.”With mind more positive I embraced “the trivial round” (dusting) and “the common task” (hoovering). A tub of left-over pansies had just given me a valuable theological lesson. And then it was time to put the kettle on and make that cup of tea which also always cheers.With all good wishes

Further comments from the MinisterA word of appreciationThis Christmas saw a few changes and a few developments at church and I was truly delighted with the results. I thought the building set a far better atmosphere and I am delighted to tell you that we have received some very positive feedback and comments about how well the church looked from people who came to things and who are not members of the congregation. We tried some new things which have generally worked well and I’d like to say a very big ‘thank you’ to everyone for all the hard work and the effort put in. It was so worthwhile – well done. We have also learnt a few things along the way which we can address or bear in mind next Christmas but last Christmas we upped our game rather and I think it’s been extremely successful.As you all know, as December progressed, we suffered a number of technical issues at church with just everything deciding to go wrong at the same time. None of it was foreseeable: it’s just one of those things. They do say that things come in threes and we certainly had our three (and a few more). Behind the scenes a lot of time was selflessly given trying to mitigate, patch up, repair or replace as best we could and so sincere thanks to those who made heroic efforts. Somehow we managed to get through without having to cancel anything which was little short of a miracle itself.I know that I have some happy memories of Christmas 2018 at Weybridge and I am pleased that many of you do, too.

The Prayer CornerFollowing comments made at a recent Church Meeting the transept opposite the choir has been undergoing some significant changes to develop it from being just a place where a prayer board was and

2

Page 3: Weybridge United Reformed Church News€¦ · Web viewTaking down the Christmas decorations the other week it was going through my mind how bare the house always looks afterwards

somewhere to put the piano to become a prayer corner which can also accommodate a small service or prayer group meeting in a more intimate environment. The hope is that it can become a place where people are able to go and be still and be quiet. There are some different resources there as well including a prayer tree and some blank prayer cards which look remarkably like coloured luggage labels! The idea is that instead of writing a prayer request and pinning it on the wall you can now write it on a coloured tag and tie it loosely to the prayer tree. Like the old prayer board the tree will be cleared once a month freeing up space for fresh requests.Some people find lighting a candle helpful. Leaving lighted candles burning unattended is not a good idea in our church but there are some battery-powered ones which you can turn on and leave shining instead.Undoubtedly this area will be developed and more things added but I hope that this will turn a rather dead area of the building into a useful asset. You will also see that a table and the book recording people who gave money for the new church door has also been moved there for a trial. I know it moves it away from the door but, again in response to comments and observations, the idea is to try to create a bit more space where people come into church. The area isn’t large and can be quite busy and congested so we are trying to see if we can address that, make a bit more space and create a better first impression.

News of the Church FamilyFrom the Church RegisterBaptism23rd DecemberWilliam Patrick Anthony O’Neill

Reception of New MemberGrant Whittle was welcomed into membership at the service on13th January.

Christmas Greetings from our Partner Church at KiskunhalasThis Christmas card from the members of the congregation of our partner church at Kiskunhalas, Hungary shows a photo of their beautiful church building. For some members of our congregation it brings

3

Page 4: Weybridge United Reformed Church News€¦ · Web viewTaking down the Christmas decorations the other week it was going through my mind how bare the house always looks afterwards

back memories of their visits to Kiskunhalas and the warm welcome they received. Please remember the Minister and the congregation in their outreach in the community – particularly their work with children and among the poor. Remember them also in their responsibility for the Grammar School and Primary School associated with the church.

Catching up with the young onesCupid has had a busy time recently with some former members of our Junior Church:WeddingsEdward Snaith and Kate Mellor were married on 31st December in Chipping, LancashireTrewan Bashford and Emily Forster were married on 12 th January in Fittleworth, West Sussex when the Revd Cecil Macaulay, our former Minister, took part in the service.EngagementsChrista Wagner and Eduardo Aramayo (Pennsylvania, USA)Elizabeth Moore and Jonny OatesLiz and Jonny’s wedding will take place in August in Altrincham, Cheshire.Our congratulations go to all these young people and we wish them every happiness in the future.

ThanksBelow is a letter for you all from the Revd John Whitton.“I hope everyone in the congregation at Weybridge URC had a very happy and blessed Christmas. Please thank them on our behalf for the most generous gift card and the lovely basket of plants. It is very kind and exceptionally generous. I am making steady progress but am finding the sedentary life frustrating. I have been assured that if I behave myself and do what I am told all will be well in the end. Please pass on my best wishes to everyone involved in the church at Weybridge.”John and Marion are thrilled to welcome their second grandchild into the family. Alexander Peter was born on 18 December – in time to join in the family’s Christmas celebrations!

PrayersPlease remember those who have been in hospital and are recuperating at home and everyone who is undergoing tests or receiving continuingtreatment including David Cheeseman, Olive Davies, Chris Goddard,

4

Page 5: Weybridge United Reformed Church News€¦ · Web viewTaking down the Christmas decorations the other week it was going through my mind how bare the house always looks afterwards

John Langdon, the Revd John Whitton and Henry & Nancy Pauls in Canada. Remember, too, those who live in care homes includingBetty Brown, Judy Dudeney, Jean Smith, Doris Stables,

Barbara Websterand Tricia Weight.Wessex Synod – Prayer Calendar for February 3 St Andrew’s, Reading; Andover10 Swanage; Christ Church, Milton, Portsmouth;

Twyford (Berks) 17 Peachcroft Christian Centre, Abingdon;

Bishops Waltham 24 High Cross, Camberley; Fovant; Hayling Island

A Night to Remember On the Friday evening before Remembrance Sunday members of my family and I shared in a most memorable occasion at St John the Baptist Church, West Byfleet. The evening began with a Concert of Music and Readings for Remembrance, which was followed by the main purpose of the occasion: A Service to Receive into the Parish Church of St John the Baptist the Standard of No 8 Squadron, Royal Air Force. Formed at Brooklands on 1st January 1915, 8 Squadron has an interesting history of service in many parts of the world and is now based at RAF Waddington near Lincoln, providing an airborne early warning platform. A large congregation joined officers from RAF Waddington and other placesto share in what was undoubtedly a unique act of worship for aParish Church. During the service the Commanding Officer of8 Squadron, Wing Commander JG Batt, supported by the Colour Party paraded the Standard which was then taken and placed on the altar.A moving sermon was preached by the Padre of 8 Squadron, theRevd Squadron Leader Rachel Cook, and at the end of the service the Standard was removed from the altar and placed in the Memorial Chapel of the church where it will remain. We were reminded of words bySir Edward Hamley (1824-93) who, on seeing some old Colours in a church, wrote:

“A moth-eaten rag on a worm-eaten pole,It does not look likely to stir a man's soul;Tis the deeds that were done 'neath the moth-eaten ragWhen the pole was a staff and the rag was a flag.”

5

Page 6: Weybridge United Reformed Church News€¦ · Web viewTaking down the Christmas decorations the other week it was going through my mind how bare the house always looks afterwards

Roy Bones (RAF ex Cpl!)LOOKING BACK AT CHRISTMASWeybridge URC has long since had a reputation for ‘putting on a good Advent/Christmas‘ with a fine balance of innovative, imaginative and traditional services and Christmas 2018 certainly ensured this reputation continued. It all began with the lighting of the first Advent Candle and as the weeks progressed these candles reminded us of the coming of light into the world. This time ‘the lighters’ ranged in age from a senior member of the congregation (Chris Goddard) to 4 month-old William O’Neill on his baptismal day (albeit with some help from his father).In the ever-popular Gift Service the children from our uniformed organisations made their own contributions to making everyone aware of the meaning of Christmas with a Bible reading (Brownies), prayers (Cubs), presentations of ‘The diaries of Theodore and Joseph’ and ‘One solitary life’ (Scouts), a special piece about gifts was linked to a certain Mr Scott – guess whom – (Beavers) and a Christmas tableau (Rainbows). The bringing of gifts for local children who might otherwise not have any Christmas presents was, of course, central to the service and this urgent need brought a good response from the children, their families and other members of the congregation.Then we came to the Lessons and Carols when we had been promised a Victorian theme – and so it was. The front of the church had beenre-arranged to resemble Charles Dickens’ home. The service began with the processional carol “Once in royal David’s city”. Along with further carols and the flowing prose of the traditional Bible readings came something different – readings from “A Christmas Carol”. Now we had an explanation for those somewhat unusually dressed people scattered through the congregation. A unique service in the perfect setting of our lovely church.

The fourth Sunday provided the strongest possible link across the centuries when we celebrated the baptism of a baby boy born in 2018 whilst remembering the baby boy born over 2000 years ago. TheCrib Service on Christmas Eve with its real donkey and, this year real baby, was once again a crowd-puller as excited children along with their parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles flocked into the church. When Mary appeared on the donkey one small boy, gripped by the scene, puzzled over the question of whether or not she was the real Mary but decided ultimately that she was just ‘pretend’ and acting the part. Darkness fell and much later many people came to the floodlit church to share in the Midnight Service – singing carols and taking communion

6

Page 7: Weybridge United Reformed Church News€¦ · Web viewTaking down the Christmas decorations the other week it was going through my mind how bare the house always looks afterwards

with that special experience of being in church at the very beginning of Christmas Day.The Joint Service with our friends from St Andrew’s URC on Christmas morning was another joyous occasion and we were pleased to be joined (as is usual on this day} by visiting family members and local residents. The service was led by the Minister and the three Lay Preachers fromthe two churches. The Christmas Day candle was lit by 2 year-oldOlivia Withers who blew out the taper with great aplomb! There was the annual ritual of the ‘showing of presents’ (always an amusing moment) and after the final carol, “Joy to the World”, and The Blessing everyone joined in a festive greeting by singing “We wish you a merry Christmas”. Then it was time to go home and contemplate the prospect of Christmas lunch!Our thanks go to the Minister and our own two Lay Preachers,Alex Henham and Thelma Roberts, who between them prepared and led all our Advent and Christmas services. Thanks as well to the choir and organists, the people who decorated (and de-decorated) the church, the ‘furniture movers’ and those who prepared all the refreshments.

Mollie HenhamTweeting for ChangeWhen Claire and I took the service on the last Sunday in December as an activity for the ‘Time with the Church Family’ we got the congregation into groups and asked them to write a tweet on the subject of “The change we would like to see in 2019”. We then read out the results which are shown below. They provide us with a snapshot of things which are weighing on the minds of some of the congregation! I have long since decided that New Year's Resolutions are futile.

If something needs doing – do it now; don't wait until 1st January! People (eg politicians) should work together and practise free

speech and tolerance" President Trump should accept climate change as a fact. People should put an end to war. More people in this country should repent of their sins and come to

church. People criticise the Church very easily but do nothing to help it.

People should put others before themselves and accept when they are wrong. All political parties should unite to make a non-party-political decision in Parliament as to our future relationship with the EU.

7

Page 8: Weybridge United Reformed Church News€¦ · Web viewTaking down the Christmas decorations the other week it was going through my mind how bare the house always looks afterwards

We should see more respect and tolerance between those with different views. Jem Ward

Church and CommunityChristmas Offertory – Elmbridge RentstartThe retiring collections at the Crib Service and Midnight Eucharist on Christmas Eve and the family service on Christmas Day raised £514.33 including Gift Aid for Elmbridge Rentstart. The October Church Meeting chose this charity, which is dedicated to helping local homeless people, as the church’s charity for Christmas 2018. Jem WardShoebox Sunday

Thank you to everyone in the congregation who filled a shoebox. In all 13,914 shoeboxes were sent from theGU and KT postcodes with the KT area totalling 5,769. 20% of the shoeboxes were sent to Romania and the rest to Bulgaria. The boxes are sent to a distribution centre

and then passed on to the various churches in the area. In Bulgaria some of the people are very suspicious of the church and the shoe boxes will go a long way to forging links. Thelma Roberts

The Christmas Concert held in the churchon 8th December was a great success. The large audience enjoyed the programme of carols, readings and Christmas music

presented by the A Cappella Singers and St James’ Handbell Ringers. One fun item was the singing of “While shepherds watched their flocks by night” to the tune of “On Ilkla Moor baht ‘at” which is not as easy as you might think – try it! For me the title of one reading had a particular resonance – “Christmas is more than a day in December”. The event raised £1,350 for Macmillan’s work in Surrey. The concerts have been a fixture of the Weybridge Christmas scene for many years but, sadly, this one is likely to be the last. Macmillan is re-structuring its local network and the Walton & Weybridge Fundraising Committee is being merged with Woking. Pat Jones, the local co-ordinator, and her fellow committee members are very grateful to the church for its support in hosting the concert for so many years enabling them to add thousands of pounds to their fundraising efforts for this important charity. Alex Henham

North-East Surrey Children’s Services8

Page 9: Weybridge United Reformed Church News€¦ · Web viewTaking down the Christmas decorations the other week it was going through my mind how bare the house always looks afterwards

After our Gift Service on 9th December this letter was sent to the church by Helen Gartside of the Family Support Team at Surrey County Council.“Well 2018 seems to have gone very quickly and here I am writing again to thank you all at Weybridge United Reformed Church for the presents you have given to families who are open to Children’s Services. Once again there were many really lovely gifts given at your Christmas Gift Church Service and these gifts have been given out to the families that the team have considered are ‘Children in Need’. The families are very appreciative of the gifts, a lot of families have very low incomes and, as we all know, Christmas is an expensive time. So, once again a very big ‘thank you’ to you ALL from Children’s Services and I wish you a very Happy Christmas and a Happy 2019.”After we had packed Helen’s roomy car outside the church there was very little room left for her to drive! The next day she sent a message to say that she and the other members of the team were overwhelmed by the number and quality of the gifts this Christmas. Gwenda Cochrane

Manby Lodge School Carol ConcertOn Friday 14th December the church was once again filled with Year 2 Manby Lodge children, their parents and their teachers for their Christmas Carol Concert. The children led the nativity and sang several carols which helped to tell the story. We heard that Mary and Joseph had to travel to Bethlehem to get their ‘taxis’, closely followed by a lively rendition of “Little Donkey” with percussion. “O Little Town of Bethlehem” was accompanied by enthusiastic hand actions and Mary urgently stating “Please find me a room, I think my baby is coming!” “Away in a Manger” was sung beautifully and without accompaniment – and so it continued. The concert ended with acrostic poems forming the word CHRISTMAS. The children wrote and read out the poems themselves, which completed the service beautifully. At the end of the service the Minister said a blessing and wished the children, staff and parents a very Happy Christmas. As in past years we were delighted to welcome many families back for the Crib Service on Monday 24th….. with a real donkey andreal baby! Rachel Snaith

Ian Engelmann SingersThis choir of 17 voices – Shirley Morley among them – held its Christmas concert, “Carols for Choir and Audience”, in the church on 21st December. Its faithful followers were once again treated to an

9

Page 10: Weybridge United Reformed Church News€¦ · Web viewTaking down the Christmas decorations the other week it was going through my mind how bare the house always looks afterwards

evening of outstanding music. Alongside well-known carols for everyone to sing the choir performed pieces across a wide range of composers and stylesincluding JS Bach’s uplifting “Break forth, O beauteous heav’nly light”, Benjamin Britten’s “Hymn to the Virgin”, Peter Warlock’s “Benedicamus Domino”, Richard Rodney Bennett’s “Balulalow” and Bob Chilcott’s “Remember, O thou man”. The concert was free but a collection was taken from which a contribution was made to the Sam Beare Hospice.

THE Hymn of 2018Every week, once I have put the service sheet details together and found a suitable illustration for the theme, I record the hymns chosen on a spreadsheet, so I know how often we sing each hymn. Yes, I know, you would think I would have more than enough to do on church matters without also doing this but I find it very interesting to see how often our Service Leaders choose certain hymns, especially the popular ones. So, dear reader, here is a question for you: Which hymn was sung most frequently in our church in 2018? Answers, please, to me on pieces of paper, by email, by ‘phone or even verbally over coffee (as long as I have something to hand on which to scribble down your suggestion before I forget it!) I look forward to hearing from you.

Shirley Morley

Out and AboutThings to do – People to meet

Weybridge Society Lecture 7.30pm for 8.00pm 7 February“The Amazing Dr Eric Gardner” (1877-1951)St James’ Parish Centre (entrance from Churchfields Car Park)When this incredible man came to Weybridge in 1906 no one could have predicted the profound effect he would have on the town and its people. His areas of interest and expertise were wide and varied. He was a GP and surgeon, forensic pathologist, Brooklands medical officer, inventor of the crash helmet, soldier, archaeologist, map collector and map expert, rower, hospital governor, local councillor, mayor, local historian, founder and honorary curator of Weybridge Museum and a ‘family man’. Not surprisingly he is regarded by many people as Weybridge’s greatest polymath. The lecture by Steve McCarthy will not only explore the story of Eric Gardner but will also give an interesting insight into life in Weybridge in the early 20th century. The lecture is free to members of the Weybridge Society but there is an admission charge

10

Page 11: Weybridge United Reformed Church News€¦ · Web viewTaking down the Christmas decorations the other week it was going through my mind how bare the house always looks afterwards

of £3 fornon-members.

Ladies Who Lunch 12.30pm 8 FebruaryAlthough this group is primarily for members ofour congregation together with that ofSt Andrew’s it also welcomes people who are not connected with either or any church. If you know of anyone who is lonely or if you have friends who would like to share in this social occasionplease encourage them to come. Book your place (and theirs) with Margaret Faultless – £4 for soup, roll, dessert, cheese and biscuits and coffee.

Wessex Synod – NE Area Gathering6.30pm for 7.00pm 19 FebruaryFleet URC, 25 Kings Road, Fleet, Hampshire GU51 3AFThe Area Gathering is an open forum and attendance is not limited to ministers or elected representatives. Anyone from the churches in the NE Area who is interested in the work of the wider church is welcome to attend and on this occasion the meeting is particularly appropriate for those working with children and young people..A Concert for Conservation: 7.30pm 23 February

Performers Against PlasticSt Mary Oatlands Church, Oatlands Avenue, Weybridge KT13 9TSCome along and hear Weybridge Male Voice Choir, Walton Voices and the Surrey Super Steel Pan Band perform everything from Mozart to Disney! This concert aims to raise awareness of the plastic crisis our oceans face as well as treat you to an absolute feast of musical gems. By attending you will be helping to raise money for The Marine Conservation Society – so what are you waiting for?Tickets: £13 in advance, £15 on the door

(students £5.50, under 11s free)Advance purchase by email at: [email protected] online at: www.ticketsource.co.uk/a-concert-for-conservation)

Jonathan Kilhams Musical Director: Weybridge Male Voice Choir and Walton Voices

11

Page 12: Weybridge United Reformed Church News€¦ · Web viewTaking down the Christmas decorations the other week it was going through my mind how bare the house always looks afterwards

Women’s World Day of Prayer 2.00pm 1 MarchWeybridge Methodist Church

This year the service to be used around the world has been prepared by the Christian

women of Slovenia. Their chosen theme is based on the story related in

Luke 14 vv15-24 and is entitled “Come – Everything is Ready”

The local service is being arranged by Weybridge Methodist Church and representatives of all the other churches will be taking part. After the service everyone is invited to meet up over refreshments.

The Editor’s brief guide to SloveniaSlovenia is located at the heart of southern central Europe. A relatively small country (about the size of Wales) it borders Austria, Croatia, Hungary and Italy where it juts into the Adriatic Sea at the Gulf of Venice.Its history is extremely complicated. There is evidence of human habitation in pre-historic times (250,000 years ago) through the Iron Age to the Roman occupation when roads and trade-routes were constructed. There followed another 10 or so dynasties/rulers until World War ll when, having been occupied by Germany et al, it became part of the Eastern Bloc. After a few more name changes and separation from Yugoslavia it became the Republic of Slovenia in 1991 being established as an independent parliamentary democracy; later joining NATO, the European Union and the OECD. Its currency is the Euro.Slovenia is a very beautiful country with many different scenic areas (mountains, lakes, plains, and coast) and, consequently, it has a varied climate. Over half the land area is wooded and its rivers and terrain ensure there is always an adequate supply of water. Manufacturing is

the largest employer after services but agriculture (including meat and milk production) and wine-making – it boasts the oldest living vine in Europe – are still important. Since independence tourism has become increasingly valuable to the country’s economy – in particular theski resorts pull in a large number of winter visitors

while other regions attract visitors throughout the year but especially in

12

Page 13: Weybridge United Reformed Church News€¦ · Web viewTaking down the Christmas decorations the other week it was going through my mind how bare the house always looks afterwards

the summer months.

The population is just over 2 million of whom 280,000 live in the capital city of Ljubljana and roughly 96,000 in its second city of Maribor. Overall 83% are Slovenian, 2% Serbian, 1.8% Croatian, 1% Bosnian, 12% other ethnic groups. Slovene is the major official language although Italian and German have recognised status and other minor languages areused within families. Pre-school education is voluntary, followed by compulsory school attendance from six years old. The matura examination is required for admission to one of the four universities (three public, one private) where degrees meet European and international standards. Parallel ranges of vocational courses and qualifications are provided by other institutions. The standard of education is rated fourth in the EU.

Historically Roman Catholicism was the dominant denomination along with a smaller Protestant representation but during years of religious persecution by the Communist regime in the post-World War II period it became a largely secularised country. This situation remains much the same today although the Catholic Church has regained some of its previous authority. Although Protestants (Lutherans) are low in number their historic influence on the culture and identity of the nation is still apparent today. Islam is practised by a small number of the immigrant Bosnian population and a small Jewish community is established around the only remaining synagogue in Ljubljana.

A Cappella Singers’ Spring Concert 7.30pm 9 MarchWeybridge URCOnce again we look forward to welcoming this popular local choir to the church. Book the date – programme details will appear in the March issue of the News.

Organ recitalsThe church is hosting a further series of the popular lunchtime recitals on the second Wednesday of the month from 12.30pm-1.30pm.

13 March Geoff TusonOrganist, The Garrison Church, Aldershot

10 April David P OldfieldOrganist, Examiner, Choir Trainer

13

Page 14: Weybridge United Reformed Church News€¦ · Web viewTaking down the Christmas decorations the other week it was going through my mind how bare the house always looks afterwards

8 May Anthony GrittenHead of Undergraduate Programmes,The Royal Academy of Music

12 June Martin BarnesOrganist, St John’s Church, Hartley Wintney

10 July David MarkbyJoint Organist, High Cross Church(Methodist/URC), Camberley

14 August Christopher BeecheyOrganist, St Margaret’s Church, NorthamHead of Performance, Kingsley School,Bideford

11 September Alan RapleyOrganist, Church of St Mary the Virgin, Horsell

Make a note of the dates and come along. Thelma Roberts

Prayer CornerThis poem, written in 1983 by George Rayner, may be interpreted as a prayer of thanksgiving. Many of you will remember George – his fund of stories and irrepressible sense of humour, his strong faith and love of this church where he was a member for almost 60 years. For other people this will be the first time you have heard his name so, for you, here is some background information. As a young soldier in World War ll George had an adventurous life being captured twice and escaping twice from POW camps even though the second time he was badly injured. Recovering in hospital in Paris at the time it was liberated he was carried from hisbed by two American soldiers to witness the exuberant celebrations in the Champs-Elysées! He was later deployed on active service in the Far East and when the war there ended he returned to England, married his beloved Freda and settled down to family life in Weybridge. He served this church well – as a steward, youth club leader, house group member, magazine distributor, gardener and with Freda he regularly visited the shut-ins, the sick and those going through difficult times taking them the church flowers and cheering them up by his sheer presence.

Our Church

14

Page 15: Weybridge United Reformed Church News€¦ · Web viewTaking down the Christmas decorations the other week it was going through my mind how bare the house always looks afterwards

Our church so beautiful and small does standa haven of tranquillity; abovethe ceaseless flow of traffic’s noisy band,a home for sympathy and holy love.Its slender steeple peeps beyond the treesa glowing beacon to the Christian tribewho, through the winter snow and summer breeze,attend their weekly pilgrimage with pride.

Our church, no edifice of towering gracewith thrusting spire that parts the passing cloudor lofty pinnacles from which to facethe adulation of the gaping crowd.But rather more dependently does stand,a proclamation in a busy street,where always congregates a happy bandof joyful people who on Sunday meet.

Our church has stood a hundred years or morethrough war and peace and economic strife;its pulpit served by those who’ve stood in aweand striven to lead us in a better life.No mouldering mounds or ancient stones decaywithin the precincts of its hallowed ground;for those who long ago have gone their wayare still with us in spirit all around.

Our church by deeds done does to the worldproclaim its steadfast faith in God whom we adoreand resolutely, in his holy name,bids welcome to all who venture to his door.For loud inside its sturdy walls still ringthe echoes of a thousand anthems raisedby those of yesterday and still we singtoday our hymns in which the Lord is praised.

Rotas – FebruaryDuty Elders 3 Margaret Faultless10 Mike Snaith17 Liz Grimsey24 Rachel Snaith

15

Page 16: Weybridge United Reformed Church News€¦ · Web viewTaking down the Christmas decorations the other week it was going through my mind how bare the house always looks afterwards

Readers Audio 3 Jem Ward 3 Julian Sergeant10 Vivien Sergeant 10 Rick Gardner17 Margaret Faultless 17 John Keenan24 Brian Ashfield 24 Margaret Faultless

Junior ChurchLeader: Margaret FaultlessChildren join in the first part of the church service and activities for them are then provided for the remaining time in the hall.

Church Flowers 3 Shirley Morley (in memory of my brother)10 Val Cave (in memory of Margaret)17 Caroline Gardner (in memory of my father)24 Val Cave (in memory of my father)

Communion Preparation10 Caroline Gardner17 Sarah & John Keenan

Sunday Coffee 3 Dorothy Edney John Keenan10 Diana Clarke Pete Duncombe17 Shirley Morley Anne Nicholas24 Margaret Faultless Caroline Gardner

Wednesday Coffee 6 Lilian Smith13 Margaret Faultless20 Margaret Drennan27 Dorothy EdneyDiary – FebruarySun 3 10.30am Family Service Mrs Thelma RobertsTue 5 10.15am Bible Study Group

(details: Claire Ward)Thu 7 7.30pm Weybridge Society Lecture (p10)

16

Page 17: Weybridge United Reformed Church News€¦ · Web viewTaking down the Christmas decorations the other week it was going through my mind how bare the house always looks afterwards

for 8.00pm ‘The Amazing Dr Eric Gardner’St James’ Parish Centre

Fri 8 12.30pm Ladies Who Lunch (p10)Sun 10 10.30am Family Service with Holy Communion

The MinisterTue 12 10.15am Bible Study Group

7.30pm Elders’ MeetingSun l7 10.30am Family Service with Holy Communion

Dr Alex HenhamTue 19 10.15am Bible Study Group

6.30pm Wessex Synod (p10) for 7.00pm NE Area Gathering

Fleet URCSat 23 7.30pm Concert for Conservation (p11)

Weybridge Male Voice Choir & Walton VoicesSt Mary Oatlands Church

Sun 24 10.30am Family Service The Minister2.00pm Weybridge District Girlguiding

Thinking Day ServiceWeybridge URC

Tue 26 10.15am Bible Study Group

For details of the regular activities of church organisations please see the inside front cover of the News. Details of all other organisations meeting on church premises are given on the internal and external

notice boards.Any unattributed articles are written by the Editor.

PRESS DATEItems for the News are welcome providing they do not contraveneany copyright regulations. The March issue will be published on

24 February. Please send your contributions to the Editor by10 February by email: [email protected] or hard copy.

17