Highbury - a place to share Christian Friendship, explore Christian Faith and enter into Christian Mission with Christ at the centre and open to all
Oxford Street. Cheltenham. GL52 6DU
www.highburychurch.co.uk
News
Congregational Church
August 2013
Highbury
An Invitation ... ... to a Café Morning for everyone on And we will be sharing the message at Saturday 31st August from 10-00 to the heart of the Christian faith through 12-00. the fun and games of a Holiday Club. Yes, for everyone! It’s going to be a good morning in its own right, and one to invite friends to. But it’s also a very special morning for us as a Church Family.
On the Saturday morning we will be inviting all the parents of the children to come along for our special Café Morning. There will be coffee and cakes, things to do, stalls, Hy-Speed and if the weather is fine we will be able to spill over into the garden.
As I write before the summer holidays have begun children are signing up for It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet our Holiday Club from 29th August to the parents of the children at the 1st September. Holiday Club, get to know them a little That week there are going to be lots of and share something of the love that’s children not just from Highbury and St at the heart of our church life together. Luke’s but from families who aren’t So make a note in the diary and Come connected to our church or any church. to the Café on Saturday 31st August!
Deadline for September Highbury News: Sunday 11th August
Highbury Congregational Church belongs to the Congregational Federation and is in partnership with the Council for World Mission and Churches Together 01242 522050
www.highburychurch.co.uk Minister@highburychurch.co.uk
Highbury News
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August 2013
Minister’s Memo Anything worth doing ... How would you finish that saying? Think about it for a moment and read on.
change people: but he uses us as his facilitators. A wonderful thought! God’s Mission: Our Witness
It was great welcoming Jonathan That means we are called to be Rowe to our Weekend away at Brunel witnesses, living witnesses. Manor. The experience each of us has had, He helped us to think through one of while it may be different, is something those things we have decided to focus we can share. on as a Church family: Mission and How do you respond if someone asks Outreach. you why you go to church? How do you respond if someone asks you why God’s Mission: Our Mission you are a Christian? He explored the way in which the Bible as a whole maps out God’s mission. It’s so very easy to clam up. And even In the wonderful world of God’s easier to deflect the conversation on to creation humanity invariably makes a safer ground. mess of things. From the very It’s so very important that we are each beginning God is a God of Grace. willing to share our faith and tell our Throughout the Old Testament that stories. Grace is poured on God’s people as Jonathan gave us the opportunity to God shapes them to be a kingdom of ‘tell our story’ to one another. It was God’s people under God’s rule. a very worthwhile thing to do. I for The climax to that story comes with Jesus Christ as he brings in the kingdom, shapes us as his royal priesthood. From start to finish the people of God are called to be part of this mission of God: announcing the kingdom and bringing people under God’s rule.
one found it moving to listen to people’s stories in the group I was in, then over coffee, later in the weekend too, and since!
No one can convert someone else. But all of us are called by Jesus to share his good news, to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and facilitate conversions to Jesus Christ. It’s God who works to
to listen to Ian White as he told his.
Over the weekend quite a number of people were asked by the young people to tell their story ... you can find some of their responses later in That means people being changed. Highbury News - on page 6. Conversions come in many and varied When we came to our worship at the ways. For some in an instant, for some end of the weekend, it was moving to over a lifetime. hear Kate Blazey tell her story and then
Highbury News
The Sunday after Brunel Manor, Iain Wallington told his story at the HySpeed service; and it was great to hear
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August 2013
Sandra Dehn, who had spent a year What would you say if you only had with us fifteen years ago as a one minute to share God’s ‘Good News’ volunteer, tell hers. with someone? The following Sunday we were joined by Eric Burton, celebrating the 60th Anniversary of his Ordination, and he told us that his grandson had asked him effectively that very question, why are you a Minister? ‘Why are you a Christian?’ In the evening service he told us how he would answer that question.
No, Diana hasn’t made a mistake! The next page is deliberately blank. It’s for you to jot down your own thoughts. Go on, give it a try! Now’s as good a moment!
And once you have worked out what you would say, why not share it with In the morning Gwyneth Rattle told us someone. her story and the part that Eric had Practice, after all, makes perfect! played in it as a Hospital Chaplain. And that brings me back to that The following Sunday Ruth and Geoff quotation I invited you to complete at Wyatt, our Hy-Tec Leaders told their the start of my musings! story, following Hy-Tec’s sleepover on How would you finish off the following Bredon Hill. saying ... And the following Sunday Sue Cole was Anything worth doing ... joined by a fellow Street Pastor, and What caught my imagination was a they told us something of their story. quotation from a book by Brad The inspiration for Jonathan was the Kallenberg called very inspiration for Eric, indeed it was I think it’s worth pondering. a verse Eric had highlighted in yellow marker pen in the Bible given him at And worth putting into practice, not least when it comes to being prepared his ordination. to ‘give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have!’ ‘Anything worth doing is worth doing badly - until one can do it better.’
(I Peter 3:16)
So, go on, go to the next page and give it a try! Every blessing,
So that’s the question I am asking you to reflect on.
Richard Cleaves
Be prepared to give an answer Why not have a go at answering the question Jonathan asked us at Brunel Manor:
Highbury News
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August 2013
What would you say if you only had one minute to share God’s ‘Good News’ with someone?
Highbury News
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August 2013
Interviews the children did with adults at Brunel Manor Kate’s Story
Richard’s Story
I became a Christian quite slowly. God I grew up going to church – junior had just always been there – as part of church first and then a youth group. As my life. a teenager I loved asking questions It means that I am accepted by God, about God and Jesus and what to do to make the world better. no matter what I do. Forgiveness is very special. It is important to remember that we must try to forgive and understand other people. But it’s OK because God helps us do that.
I went away from home to college, met lots of non-Christians and asked lots more questions.
I felt Jesus’ way of life, his teaching shows me how to live my life loving other people. Then I discovered how Laura’s Story God loves me, always, forgives and that makes me want to follow Jesus I know I can always talk to God and he more. will listen. God loves me and will never And when things go wrong I have let me down no matter what I do. discovered God is still with me in Jesus I have grown in my faith over many even when sometimes I think he isn’t. years, and accepted God into my life But actually he is. And that’s one of the as a teenager. most exciting things about being a Christian. Roger’s Story I became a Christian after Jean and I were married in a URC church. My conversion was very gradual but reinforced by raising a family of 3 boys within the support of Highbury Church. This gave my life a real meaning, before I just knew right from wrong, and without it I would now be drifting. The most important point is that it has given me a code to live by, a vehicle to drive and a knowledge and comfort to know that somebody cares for what I do and say.
Mary’s Story I stood up when I was 9 years old to show that I wanted Jesus to be my friend and saviour. It means that I feel as if God guides my life even in hard or sad times. I know that God helps me to do things that would be too hard for me on my own. It’s very special to me to feel part of God’s loving family.
Andi’s first impression of the Church Weekend at Brunel It was a lot of fun, we had a good laugh pulling the prank on the adults and it was a success. The time to mingle and do activities with different people I don't know very well was a good opportunity. I thought the Manor was a beautiful.
Highbury News
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August 2013
Sue’s News The August Highbury News always comments that there are so few Highbury activities while schools are on holiday, and so is the Minister and his wife! 2013 is the same. As usual, Richard and Felicity are taking their much-needed summer break, and this year we will welcome several different preachers to our pulpit (see the August Calendar on page 15). We hope you will come to meet them. Thanks are due to Shirley Fiddimore for arranging these visitors.
The August Bank Holiday again features the Greenbelt Festival at the Racecourse. (For details of discounted admission tickets, see page 12.) The following week sees the Children’s Holiday Club, only just in August. “The Adventure Cruise – Sailing the Cs” sounds very nautical, but there will be nothing maritime about the Saturday Café which again includes the HySpeed Scalextric Racing. This has become a regular Saturday Café inclusion and more adults should try it. The Holiday Club ends with the morning service jointly with St Luke’s on Sunday 1st September. Need I say that the prior Wednesday, 28th August, help to clear the church of chairs for the Club’s activities will be greatly appreciated. You know I hate to cause offence so I apologise for the misprint in my July Sue’s News. It should have read ’Sorry I was not present when Phil and Cindy were received into membership’.
Mid-July, Pete Mills and I gave a presentation on our work as Street Pastors. We were hoping to encourage others to think about joining the group. Maybe people will come forward after the necessary thought and prayer. Many whom we would consider perfect for the team were not present that Sunday. If any think that they might be motivated, please do ask me. I have been ‘on the streets’ once a month for over a year now and (Apologies from the Editor too.) still find the nights very worthwhile.
To ALL Highbury Church Friends Thank you, Richard and Felicity, also old and newer friends of Highbury, for all your prayer support and encouragement over sixty years of Christian Ministry, culminating in the fine congregations present on Sunday 30th June, and lovely surprise presentation of a Congregational Federation Anniversary Certificate of Ordination at Barking Congregational Church sixty years ago. The morning Communion, and the evening closing hymn sung by the fellowship of so many dear Christian friends, ended for me a very lovely memorable day - “O Jesus, I have promised to serve Thee to the end” sung to the tune ‘Thornbury’, the favourite hymn of my dear wife, Joy, and the name which we gave to our first Manse all those years ago. With my deepest gratitude. Eric Burton
Highbury News
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August 2013
Chosen Charity for August: Myasthenia Gravis Association A while ago now there were posters that invited you to smile. You may remember being puzzled by the fact that the faces on the poster seemed to show no emotion. It’s impossible to smile if your facial muscles have become weak. This is only one of the symptoms that can make Myasthenia Gravis an embarrassing condition to endure. Myasthenia Gravis is an auto-immune disease which is characterised by fluctuating, sometimes fatal, muscle weakness. The body’s immune system attacks and damages the nerve signal reception areas on the muscles so that the nerve is not able to cause muscle contraction and the result is apparent weakness.
The Myasthenia Gravis Association works through regional organisers and local branches to offer support to people suffering from Myasthenia and their families. The Gloucestershire branch meets every four months when they will aim to address any problems that have arisen, share news of national events and go out for a meal together. The aim of meeting as a group is to create links with other people who understand what the sufferer is going through. It is also a valuable opportunity to share experience of available treatment. A safe support network can offer that priceless service – someone at the end of a ’phone who really knows what you are trying to cope with.
As any muscles can be affected the symptoms can vary greatly and can be triggered by the onset of infection or stress of any kind, physical or emotional. It can be difficult for family and friends to understand that someone can seem perfectly normal one moment but droopy and listless only a few hours or even minutes later.
Fundraising is important to raise money for research. Recent research has resulted in better understanding and management of the disease but there is not yet a cure. The Institute of Molecular Medicine in Oxford is hopeful of a breakthrough if the momentum can be maintained.
Approximately one person in every ten thousand may be suffering from this disease in the UK at any one time.
www.mga-charity.org Helpline: 0800 919922 Mary Michael
Money is also spent on producing and Simple things that we take for granted distributing leaflets in order to share and raise public like eating, seeing, talking and information awareness of this disease. laughing can become difficult or even impossible. Although it is rare under The web site is worth a visit and has a the age of 10, Myasthenia Gravis can short video which is very helpful in affect anyone of any age, sex or race. understanding this condition.
Highbury News
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August 2013
News of the Church Family CONGRATULATIONS to - Oliver Powell, who won the 1500m in the Under-13 in 4 minutes 59.2 seconds, breaking the 2006 record, at the Cheltenham and District Schools Athletic Association Boys Minors Championship at the Prince of Wales Stadium - Lukas and Franzi Schöps, on the safe arrival of Elias Timaeus on Wednesday 12th June, a brother for Nathanael - Emma Elliott on her engagement to Simeon - Joyce Jones, who celebrated her 80th birthday on Monday 22nd July IT WAS A PLEASURE to - see and hear Rev. Eric Burton again, on Sunday 30th June, as we with him celebrated 60 years since his ordination, and to welcome back to Highbury a number of ‘old friends’ for this very special occasion - see Elsie Williams and John Lewis, both looking much fitter again GOOD WISHES to David Marsh on his forthcoming retirement WE GIVE THANKS that - Richard Sharpe is recuperating at home after shoulder surgery - Helen Pennington is making a good recovery from shoulder surgery, and her husband Dave coping better with his ME - after a long wait Peter Tennant has received the exciting business news that Chelsea Academy has decided to buy ‘ ’ his software for improving the achievement of disadvantaged students OUR SYMPATHY to - the family of Dinah Norman - James, Olga, Alexei, and her brother Norman following the death of Dinah on Monday 8th July PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS - all those mentioned above, and - Ellen Baylis
- Lyn Horne
- Min King
- Joyce Moore
- Maurice Wilce, receiving further hospital treatment - Ray and Margaret Morgan, planning their move to Cardiff later in August - Iain Wallington who is due to have surgery this month, remembering Sharon, as well as Tabi, Murray and Gus - Brenda and Raymond Clarke
- Vera and David Williams
- Caroline and Christopher Gregory
- Ruth and Charles Adams
- Rev Robert Pestell’s sister Caroline
- Rob Lacey’s mother, Pauline
- Phil Davies’ mother Sue, grandmother of Jamie, Matthew and Ben - other friends known to us, with continuing health, employment, or personal concerns and worries
Highbury News
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August 2013
CHURCH FAMILY NEWS, AND VISITING REQUESTS contact:
( 01242 285705 David and Betty Butcher ( 01242 300581 Joyce and Philip Arnold
PRAYER CHAIN REQUESTS contact: Lorraine Gasside
( 01242 239838 - mail@lmgasside.plus.com
Chosen Charities Communion offerings and money donated at coffee time after morning worship will go to our chosen charity for August, which is the Myasthenia Gravis Association (see page 8). The total raised by our communion offerings and by those who stayed for coffee after the morning services during June, in aid of the Oxfordshire Vasculitis Support Group amounted to ÂŁ300
Welcoming Team for August Sunday MORNING Peter Harrison Sheila Grimes Janet Rhodes
Sunday EVENING Diana Adams Alan Marshall Anne Saunders
Vestry Duty Sunday MORNING Jean Gregory
Sunday EVENING Lorraine Gasside
CCP Thank you all for your ongoing commitment to this cause. Please could we ask you to leave your donations in the carrier bags, and not transfer the goods into the display baskets at the back of the church. If you would like to make financial donations in lieu of gifts of food please pass these directly to us for safety, or put them on to the offering plate, suitably labelled for our treasurer. The
scheme is now located at the rear of CCP HQ, Royal Crescent. Lorraine and Neil Gasside
Highbury News
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August 2013
Prayer Focus District 8 Alan and Valerie Berry Alice Brown Jack and Hilary Julyan Alan Marshall Darryl Mills Richard Newton Valerie Pimble Valerie Smith Deacon: Shirley Fiddimore Visitors: Alan Marshall and John Lewis
Prayer Rota for Sundays in August Sunday 4th August
Morning Janet Partington
Sunday 11th August
Karen Haden
Sunday
18th
August
Roger Gregory
Sunday
25th
August
Richard Cleaves
Evening Sunday 18th August
June Tremlett
S.W. Midlands Area of the Congregational Federation invites us to pray for ‌ Sunday 4th August
3C Community Church, Cam
Sunday
11th
August
Timsbury
Sunday
18th
August
Kingswood, Wotton under Edge
Sunday 25th August
North Nibley
Take my mind, and keep it active in your service. Take my heart, and keep it loving in your service. Take my body, and keep it pure and healthy in your service. Amen.
Highbury News
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August 2013
Greenbelt 2013 Life Begins The Race Course August Bank Holiday Weekend Friday 23rd to Monday 26th August For discounted tickets, if you have a Cheltenham Postcode, take proof of residency to the Festival Box Office Greenbelt is an arts, faith and justice festival with a long and rich history, and will be 40 years old in 2013. That’s 40 consecutive festivals. Without a break. The Festival is all-age and multi-disciplinary in its programming. The roots in the Christian tradition, and the approach is inclusive and wide-reaching. Greenbelt is a Festival like no other – both in terms of the breadth and depth of its content and also its vibe. Since 1999, the Festival has made its temporary home at Cheltenham Racecourse each August Bank Holiday weekend. But increasingly the organisers are looking to do more than just host an annual event. Proud as they are of that. And wonderful though it is. The thread that has run throughout the journey so far – that the arts, faith and justice make for a heady mix of creativity and challenge – is now leading Greenbelt into new collaborations and ventures that will happen year-round and all over. And interestingly one of the new venues Greenbelt has recently discovered is the Congregational Federation’s very own Union Chapel in Islington! Hope you can make it!
Richard Cleaves
St.Vincent's and St. George's Association Ltd I am writing to update you following the successful completion of our plan to create a new accessible Centre in the heart of Cheltenham town centre. We are so very pleased with the building which is suitable for the needs of the people we currently support, as well as being large enough to allow room for expansion, and enable other local voluntary and community groups to use the premises. I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you, on behalf of all the people we support, for the very generous donation we received from Highbury Church which helped make this happen. We would look to provide you with a more detailed report in due course. In the meantime if there is any other information that you would like, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I would be grateful if you could pass on our thanks to all involved. Celia Kay and all at St.Vincent's and St. George's
Highbury News
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August 2013
Update on Moffat in prison in Zambia How good not to have to entitle this 'on Death Row in Zambia'! The latest letter from Moffat was written on 10th June. There seems to be a considerable delay in our letters reaching each other, as he says he received a couple of mine recently and one of them was dated January! Finally we have been able to send some money to pay half of his outstanding medical bill so that means that the hospital will resume treating him. (He suffers from the symptoms of an enlarged heart.) In my last update I wrote about finding a secondary school for Cecilia and was hoping to find a suitable one in Ndola where she lives with her grandmother (Moffat's mother). However, I have been in touch with Susan Carter of Penwork Ministries and she says that Cecilia will really need to go to boarding school. We are trusting God to provide. The sale of 'HOPE has been going well and there are just a few copies left. Sales of the anthology have raised £319.50 so a big 'thank you' to all those who have bought copies (we are hoping to produce another anthology this year - details to follow.) Also, thanks to those who make donations for Cecilia. Yesterday her head-teacher sent two photographs of Cecilia in her sports kit - she looks very healthy and happy, and is doing well in her classwork. Most important of all - thank you all for your prayers. Moffat is always much encouraged when I am able to tell him that people have been asking about him and are praying for him and Cecilia. Judi Marsh ****************************************
Update on Wheelathon 2013 At the recent Christian Aid committee meeting, the revised total for monies raised by the Wheelathon is £1,240 and £395.00 of this was raised by Highbury, which is a fantastic sum. A very big THANK YOU to everyone who took part, supported ‘en route’ and especially to those who sponsored our team of wheel barrow pushers. The money raised is to go towards the Christian Aid Middle East project which supports disabled people in this area. We more than reached our target of £713, which brought the total raised for this project to £5,000. The match funding by the government means that £20,000 will go towards this project from our local Christian Aid group. The excess £527.00 will be put towards our next project which is Transforming Women’s Lives in Afghanistan. This project is supported by the European Union, and the partner organisation in Afghanistan is the Afghan Women’s Educational Centre (AWEC). More information on this project can be found on the Christian Aid website and information sheets will be available shortly. The date of the next Wheelathon has been set for Saturday 5th April 2014 so please put this in your diaries and help us beat this year’s total. Once again many, many thanks for your support. Louise Middleton (on behalf of Christian Aid, Cheltenham)
Highbury News
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August 2013
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 9-30 am
Prayer Group
Katherine Stanley
Wednesday 2-00pm
Hy-Way
Jenny Bartlett
Wednesday 6-15pm
Cubs
Felicity Cleaves
Wednesday 6-00pm
Brownies
Christine Lodge
Thursday 10 - 11.30
Community Café
Felicity Cleaves
Thursday 7-30pm
Church Meeting
Sue Cole
Deacons’ Meeting Open the Book
Richard Cleaves
Hope Group
David Butcher
Friday 7-00pm
Guides
Tania Ashdown
Friday 7-30pm
Choir
Mary Clifford
Saturday 10-00am
Beavers
Amanda Sargeant
1st Saturday 2-30pm
Friendship Group
Olga Slack
2nd Saturday 6.30pm
Hy-Speed
Adrian Blazey
Sunday 9-30 am
Hy-Spirit
Mary Buchanan
There will be NO Highbury Lunch in August The next lunch will be held on Wednesday 11th September at 12.30pm when all will be welcome to come, and bring friends and neighbours too but just let the Cooking Team know you are coming, please!
Highbury News
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August 2013
Calendar for August to September Saturday 3rd
2.30pm
SUNDAY 4th
10.30am
Friendship Group for those who live alone Morning Worship led by Rev Marion Hartwell
6.30pm
Evening Prayers with the Lord’s Supper led by Rev Dr Diana Brierley-Jones
SUNDAY 11th 10.30am 6.30pm SUNDAY 18th
10.30am
Morning Worship led by Judy Holloway Evening Prayers led by Martin Evans Morning Worship with the Lord’s Supper led by Rev Barbara Bridges
6.30pm Friday
23rd
to Monday
26th
Evening Prayers led by Rev Robert Pestell Greenbelt Festival Weekend at Cheltenham Racecourse (see page 12)
SUNDAY 25th Wednesday Thursday Friday
10.30am
Morning Worship
6.30pm
Evening Prayers
28th
29th
30th
Saturday 31st
Holiday Club Preparations 10.00am
Holiday Club (for children)
10.00am
Holiday Club (for children)
10.00am
Summer Café with Hy-Speed (for families)
SUNDAY 1st SEPTEMBER 10.30am Thursday
5th
Holiday Club Worship with St. Luke’s
6.30pm
Evening Prayers with the Lord’s Supper
7.30pm
Deacons’ Meeting
Highbury Community Café Every Thursday 10:00am until 11:30am Coffee, Tea and Homemade Cake Bring your Friends and Neighbours
Highbury News
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August 2013
Good News People … This a gathering place for those who want to learn how to share their faith with others. Each gathering is an opportunity to … Meet with other people who are interested in sharing their faith Think through key issues on sharing your faith today Keep people up to date with what you are doing Learn about new resources for faith-sharing Pray together Time:
7-30 till 9-00pm
When:
2nd Monday of the month but not in August: 2nd Monday of September - 9th September
Subject:
Spirituality and the Movies: Stephen Finemore
Where:
St Matthew’s Church, Clarence Street, Cheltenham
For more information, visit our website at: www.goodnewspeople.org
Brunel Manor It was a very enjoyable weekend stay, with excellent food. On Saturday evening everything was fine - until some chose rice pudding! It looked very appetising, decorated with red sauce. To some it was enjoyable, but others had a different idea, with various comments about it being a paste, sticky, overdone with spices – possibly coriander. There was much discussion on the rice pudding, so I thought I should commemorate this delightful dessert. Ode to Rice Pudding Oh to be in Cheltenham Where Rice Pudding is often made With milk and cream displayed A touch of nutmeg adds enjoyment To the creamy, delicious moment When Rice Pudding is an event No need for extra spices that spoil the taste Nor a gluey mixture that makes a lovely paste. Hurrah for Cheltenham Rice Pudding where Its creamy goodness is beyond compare. Jonquil Harrison
Highbury News
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August 2013
Transformers Following the Hy-Speed Service in June Lewis, Joel, Joe, Eathan, Eilidh, Bethany, Damien and Murray tried writing their own traffic light prayers. The RED prayers were things we wanted to STOP. The YELLOW prayers were things that concerned us. The GREEN prayers were things we wanted more of! RED People dying from bad stuff War Bullying Riots Fighting Smoking YELLOW Pollution Global warming Moving on at school Detentions Family arguments Mums and dads to get along GREEN Playtime More snow this winter Kindness Christian faith Let the world flow with kindness and more people becoming Christians
Highbury News
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August 2013
News from the Kürle Family in Brazil Dear Friends We ourselves have wondered how well our return to Brazil went. To us the transition almost seemed a little too smooth. Maybe it was because we could take some time to prepare mentally for the new culture change ahead of us, and of course we were away only for half a year. We are glad that our everyday life shows again some marks of normality – there is a rhythm that does us well and helps us to address our primary responsibilities. At the seminary my entry was very smooth. I was assigned to teach the subjects that I had taught previously. One of the courses, however, didn't come together, since there were not enough students enrolled. This was the course on “Introduction to the Old Testament” for interested people who have no ambition to study for a formal degree. But, it is planned that I shall teach “Introduction to the Study of the Old Testament” in the next semester for undergraduate students in the freshly redesigned programme. While we were in Europe, the Bachelor programme was reduced from four to three years and thus adapted to conform to other Bachelor degree programmes in Brazil. This of course entails a lot of changes. The hope of our seminary is that this will increase the willingness of graduates to continue their studies towards a master degree later on.
Highbury News
Because the one course didn't take place, I have more time for other tasks. I now look after five Bachelor theses and thus can relieve my colleagues in this area. The subjects here in Brazil are always more on the practical side and thus for me as a foreigner a special challenge. One of my students develops an analysis of the ethics of a large traditional Pentecostal denomination here in Brazil (Assembleia de Deus). Another examines why his own church has so little social impact in their community. These are obviously not issues that are central to my area of expertise, which is Biblical studies, hence there is a lot to learn for me. Another area that forms part of my job description drawn up by the Seminary, is the publishing of articles or even books. Luckily, in writing, one has at least plenty of time to hone the language. But this 'plenty of time' is still quite necessary for me. In the mean time I was able to publish a little book review and am currently working on an article on the relevance of the Old Testament law for Christian readers. Then there is a very exciting project where we are working with three teachers and 7-1 0 students on a single topic. We have set ourselves the goal to contribute to a hermeneutical issue. It's about the influence of the different contexts of the reader to his interpretation of the Bible. Maybe we can develop this in a more concrete way applying it to historical and
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August 2013
contemporary readings of the But these efforts will certainly imprecatory Psalms of the Hebrew contribute to the further quality of our Bible. courses. All of these areas of work are exactly why we were sent to Brazil. It was put to us the goal of supporting the development of an independent and well founded theology in Brazil. I think my small and much limited contribution is done at the right place. There are very talented students who are most likely to become later on leading figures in the Protestant world here in Brazil. It always is about sowing small beginnings, encouraging individuals and engaging in conversation opening up new horizons. A big thank you to all who prayed every now and again for the official recognition of our distance learning course by the ministry of education. Now it's all official: the FTSA (Faculdade Teológica Sul Americana) may offer a Bachelor's degree in theology based on the internet. There is still a lot to be done to get it working properly, since we need to organise the examinations differently and also need to offer on-campus sessions.
As a family, we are doing very well. Marit, Simeon and Jakob still continue in their old private school because if they had switched now (to a state run school), there would follow a whole rat's tail in future school changes. This we did not want for them. How has Andrew Reed said so fittingly: “A good education is a fortune a child can never spend.” Birgit continues to teach English and now is also starting teaching German. So she gets to know many people with whom we otherwise wouldn't get into contact with. All in all, our days are filled very well and we look forward to the holidays, especially the children as they are quite exhausted towards the end of the longer first semester without any significant holidays. We do hope that you are getting some more sunshine in the weeks to come. We wish you God's strength for each new day! Every blessing, Birgit and Stefan Kürle
News from the Schöps Family in Germany Dear friends at Highbury, We’re very happy that our second son Elias Timäus was born on Wednesday 12th June! (Dear June, I’m very sorry, I told him he should arrive 15th June but he wouldn’t listen). Elias is very easy-going, eating and sleeping all day long. Nathanael is quite excited about his little brother, he thinks he is very cute. Lukas and I are very much in love with little Elias. It’s quite a change to have two children but we’re getting used to it. Lukas is at home for Elias’ first month so we have enough time to settle down. Lots of love from Franzi, Lukas, Nathanael and Elias Schöps
Highbury News
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August 2013
Joint Summer Holiday Club with St Luke’s 2013 ‘The Adventure Cruise’ When?
Thursday 29th August Friday
30th
Saturday Sunday
Where? Who?
August
31st
1st
10am-12noon (children) 10am-12noon (children)
August
10am-12noon (families)
September
10.30-11.30am (everyone)
Highbury Congregational Church Children who are entering Reception class – to those finishing year 6
What?
Fun, themed activities; Bible stories, crafts, singing, games, puppets and snacks based on
‘Sailing the C’s of CHOICE, COURAGE, CALL, COMMITMENT and CHALLENGE’. A Saturday Morning Social for all the church family, with our Café and Hy-Speed digital Scalextric racing, as well as a chance to show mums and dads our crafts and themes. A Sunday all age service for everyone to share the Holiday Club themes. The registration form is available from Carolyn Tennant: children@highburychurch.co.uk. Please fill it in and return a.s.a.p. to allow for planning.
Holiday Club Saturday Morning Social Café Saturday 31st August 10.00 until 12.00 Offers of help would be appreciated to make cakes and/or to run the Café. Please contact me by e-mail or leave a message. Thank you. Felicity Cleaves felicity.cleaves@highburychurch.co.uk
(01242) 522050
May I live this day for you, heavenly Father; may I use rightly the gifts you have given me, and not throw them away as if they were not worth having.
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August 2013
The Bi-centenary of the Birth of Dr David Livingstone 19:03:1813 to 01:05:1873 David Livingstone was born into a poor but deeply religious family on Friday 19th March 1813, the second son of Agnes and Neil Livingstone, a tea salesman, living in a one-room tenement in Shuttle Row, Blantyre, Lanarkshire. Despite working 14 hours a day in a cotton mill from the age of ten, he completed his education, and saved enough from his earnings at the mill to enrol as a medical student at Anderson’s College, Glasgow. He also felt a calling to become a missionary. After qualifying as a Licentiate of the Faculty of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, and having also been ordained as a missionary in London, he sailed for South Africa at the end of 1840. Apart from two return visits to Britain, he spent the rest of his life in Africa, and became the first European to travel extensively across the continent. He hoped that his exploration would pave the way both for missionaries and for the legitimate business which he believed would eliminate the slave trade – Africa’s great rivers and lakes were to be the highways for ‘Christianity, commerce and civilisation.’ At the same time, his observations contributed significant amounts of geographic, medical and scientific information. On 2nd January 1845 he married Mary, eldest daughter of missionary Robert Moffat, at Kuruman (now in South Africa’s Northern Cape province) where he was originally based.
Highbury News
In 1849 he and his companions became the first Europeans to visit Lake Ngami, and he grew convinced that lakes and rivers were the best route to the African interior. In 1856, weakened by fever, he and his party arrived at Quelimane at the end of a three year trek, first to Africa’s west coast and then across the continent to the east; and the Royal Geographical Society awarded him the prestigious Gold Medal that year. Living with his family back in Britain in 1857, he wrote With vivid descriptions, humour and wellinformed observations, it became a best seller and built his reputation. After two years in Britain he returned to Africa with government backing to explore the Zambezi. Though well equipped, the expedition was dogged by problems and quarrels. Mary joined her husband in Africa in 1862, having left their children in Britain. Already suffering from health problems, she died of malaria on 27th April. However, Livingstone resolved to continue, but the government recalled the expedition the next year. Back in Britain again, he produced his second book in 1865, , written with the help of his brother Charles who had accompanied him on the journey. In 1866 he returned to Africa, this time to lead a smaller, cheaper expedition.
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Its main aim was to try to identify the His obvious Christian piety and intrepid source of the River Nile once and for penetration of places where no white all. man had ever walked before was a In poor health and short of supplies, story that provoked great interest in Livingstone was at Ujiji (in modern-day Victorian Britain. He was celebrated for to fame from humble Tanzania) when he was found by rising beginnings, and was elected a Fellow Welsh/American journalist and of the Royal Society in 1858. He was explorer Henry Morton Stanley, who also seen as a very ‘modern’ figure greeted him with the now famous quotation “Dr Livingstone I presume?” because he was both a man of science and a man of God. On Thursday 1st May 1873, at a village named Chitambo, near Lake A celebrity in his own lifetime, but it Bangweulu, Livingstone died of was his final years and death that malaria and dysentery. He is said to sealed his legend. Firstly, Stanley’s have breathed his last while kneeling sensational account of tracking him down; and then the gruelling trek of in prayer. the expedition party, led by two loyal Victorian Britain was thrilled by servants, to bring his mortal remains accounts of the long, dangerous back to Britain. A man who inspired journey his servants Abdullah Susi and such loyalty was clearly remarkable. James Chuma undertook to bring his body home, and he was buried at Although the memory of most figures Westminster Abbey on Saturday 18th associated with the British Empire has faded, that of Livingstone lives on. April 1874. Monuments to him remain in Africa, The interior of sub-Saharan Africa had along with educational institutions been a mystery to the Victorians. For bearing his name. Places such as Livingstone, exploration was never Livingstone in Zambia, or Livingstonia merely about curiosity or the pursuit of and Blantyre in Malawi – and Victoria fame. His habit of travelling without an Falls – still attest to his influence. He is armed entourage meant he was rarely also commemorated across Britain, considered a threat. He respected local and on the site of the former tenement cultures and his skills as a doctor building where he grew up, the David meant he was trusted. He never tried Livingstone Centre in Blantyre informs to force his religion on people, and people of today about his life and work. indeed is said to have made only one single convert in his entire career. In 2013, the bi-centenary of his birth, Through his well-documented and this celebrated missionary, explorer, eventful experiences, he greatly naturalist and doctor, so admired for increased the world’s knowledge of his tireless determination to better Africa, and his extensive writings are himself by education and hard work, nowadays a valuable primary source remains an authentic Scottish hero for the 21st century. for African historians.
Highbury News
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August 2013
Council for World Mission (CWM) European Region Encouraging and enabling local congregations and leaders to be more mission focused CWM are committed to being a ‘partnership of churches in mission’ and one of the ways we can work towards that is in sharing ideas and resources together. Youth Programme CWM believes in equipping and enabling young people to participate in God’s mission. Within CWM Europe we believe that the Youth Programme is part of the equipping and enabling missional leaders in the broadest sense of the term ‘leadership’, and one element of that is … Mission House in Amsterdam - a 10 month volunteering project in Amsterdam. Participants live as a Christian community, sharing their lives together and working in a range of projects throughout the city of Amsterdam. Projects include working with terminal hospice residents, homeless shelters, children’s and young people’s clubs, asylum seekers and the seaman’s mission. The programme includes opportunities to engage in mission with local congregations, to think about the volunteering projects and their faith, and to develop spiritually. The season runs from September to June. The 2012 - 13 Mission House year concluded at the end of June, so we give thanks for the young people who have headed home from Amsterdam. The four CWM Europe participants have each been a blessing to the communities and projects in which they have worked, to each other and to the wider group. We wish them every blessing for the future and thank them for all their hard work this past year. We pray that as they return home they will find a place and ways to continue to serve and use their new skills. Looking to the 2013-14 session, CWM Europe is supporting 2 participants, both from the URC, who will be starting in September. We ask your prayers: for them as they prepare to take on the challenge and blessing of being part of the Mission House story; for the staff and leaders of the Mission House, that the next year be as blessed as all the previous ones; and for the people with whom the Mission House works, that they may know love and peace through the volunteers.
Highbury News
Evening Service Readers The readers in August will be: 4th August
Phil Arnold
11th August
Marion Taylor
18th August
John Lewis
25th
Mary Michael
August
If you would like to be included on the rota please let me know.
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Jonquil Harrison 01242 520522
August 2013
John Bell in Dursley Tabernacle Saturday 2nd November and Sunday 3rd November ‘For All The Saints’ John Bell was born in 1949, in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire. He is a hymn-writer, a Church of Scotland minister, a member of the Iona Community, a broadcaster, a former student activist when studying at the University of Glasgow, and he works throughout the world, lecturing in theological colleges. After a period in the Netherlands and two posts in church youth work, he became employed in the areas of music and worship with the Wild Goose Resource Group. He is a past convener of the Church of Scotland’s Panel on Worship and also convened the Committee to revise the Church Hymnary. In 1999 he was honoured by the Presbyterian Church in Canada and the Royal School of Church Music which bestowed a Fellowship on him, and in 2002 he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Glasgow. He has produced many collections of original hymns and songs and two collections of songs of the World Church. He is a frequent broadcaster, and often presents programmes on the BBC, majoring on contemporary religious songs from various parts of the world. He is quite a regular contributor to ‘ , part of Radio 4's ‘ programme. John returns to Dursley Tabernacle to share over the weekend in which the church celebrates All Souls and All Saints. With John’s extensive experience and travels around the world he will share some stories of how the Global Church is responding to the issues of the world. He will share how the ‘Saints of God’ are campaigning for justice, working alongside the poor, making a difference in their localities, sharing good news, reshaping faith, forming community, being disciples of Christ in different contexts.
Saturday 2nd November The afternoon will feature two seminars and in the evening a Big Sing. If there is enough demand we may be able to provide paid child care for the afternoon sessions. Please contact us a.s.a.p. if you would appreciate this provision, as we will require a clear idea of the number of children, their ages and requirements if we are to provide appropriate care. 2.00pm
Receiving Gifts from Strangers
A reflection on what the affluent Western Church has to gain from the experience of Christians across the globe. 3.15 - 3.45pm
Refreshments
3.45pm
Re-Imagining God’s People
Looking at the Biblical pigmies and giants through different lenses.
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August 2013
5.00 - 7.00pm
Break
For those from a distance who cannot return home for an evening meal, we can direct you to nearby take-aways, pubs and restaurants. The church halls will remain open with hot and cold drinks available for those wishing to consume their own picnics or take-aways on the premises. 7.00 - 8.30pm Saturday Evening Big Sing - singing with the World Church ... songs from many countries all suited to British voices.
Sunday 3rd November 10.30am
Sunday Morning Worship - John will preach.
6.00pm
Sunday Evening Big Sing
The Counter Cultural Nature of the Church’s Song ... examples old and new. There is no charge for these events, but an offertory will be taken to cover costs. More details contact
01453 542344
or website and email via www.dursleytab.org.uk ***************************************
An invitation to
Abbeyfield Garden Party on
Saturday 17th August from 2pm to 4pm at ‘Heathercroft’ 37 St Luke’s Road. Cheltenham Table top sale, plants, cakes, crafts, afternoon tea and cream scones Further details: 529534
Olga Slack
Highbury News
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August 2013
W.S. TRENHAILE FUNERAL DIRECTORS Apostle House 175 London Road Charlton Kings GL53 6HN
INDEPENDENT FAMILY BUSINESS EST 1933 24 HOUR CARE AND PERSONAL ATTENTION Tel: 01242 224897 Email – wstrenhaile@yahoo.com
Mason & Stokes Funeral Directors David Mason Richard Mason Joy Mason A Family Business Providing a Caring Day and Night Service Tudor Lodge 54 Hewlett Road Cheltenham GL52 6AH Tel: 01242 224877 Help and Advice on Pre-Arranged Funeral Plans
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Highbury News
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August 2013
‘Helping Hands Catering’ for all your catering needs Specialists in funeral catering Buffet tailored to suit all occasions and dietary requirements o
Christenings
o
Wedding Anniversaries
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Birthday Parties
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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 juliedianemiller@hotmail.com or Julia Howse
01242 861301
mobile: 07971 246431
A Sympathetic and Understanding Service We’ll take care of all the arrangements with care and sensitivity Call us 24 hours a day
Selim Smith & Co Funeral Directors 01242 525383 74 Prestbury Road Cheltenham. GL52 2DJ
Highbury News
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August 2013
Highbury Congregational Church A place to share Christian friendship, explore Christian faith and enter into Christian mission with Christ at the centre, and open to all Sundays at 10.30am A time for all the Church family to share in worship groups for children and young people
Sundays at 6.30pm quiet, reflective evening prayers with a focus on Biblical teaching
Toddler Group / Transformers for school years 3-6 / Hy-Tec for 11s & over Choir/ Music, House and Prayer Groups / Alpha: exploring faith / Hy-Way / Friendship Group / Scouting / Guiding / etc. For a chat, or to find out more, ring Richard Cleaves on 01242 522050
HOPE an anthology of poems and prayers Judi Marsh and Shirley Fiddimore have brought together a collection of poems and prayers written by folk from Highbury and other friends too.
The Power of Prayer It was a miracle; She had the faith, She drew a bird in flight, Her hands awoke Her gifting spoke, You are alive Come Spirit rise Above the clouds into the sky; Re-energised - the soul now free, Limbs released, restrictions ceased; It was a spiritual and physical Awakening from God himself; Creator and restorer of all good things. Shirley Fiddimore
Highbury News
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August 2013