May 16 for web by Central Church Torquay

CORNER MAY 2016

S T O N E

MAGAZINE OF CENTRAL ST. ANDREWS AND VICTORIA PARK MINISTER IN PASTORAL CHARGE Tel: 01803 615480 REV GAVIN HANCOCKS email: minister@centralchurchtorquay.org 1

CHURCH CONTACTS - CENTRAL Secretary Treasurer Envelope & Gift Aid Secretary Organist & Choir Director Magazine Editors

Booking Secretary Publicity(Posters) Caretakers Website

Barbara Lawton 01803 296990 lawtonbarbara75@yahoo.co.uk Paul Sherriff 01803 298603 Paul Sherriff 01803 298603 Clive Bastin 01803 325142 Hazel Nightingale 01803 613345 Philip Kay 01803 323551 philipkay393@btinternet.com Hazel Nightingale 01803 613345 hazel_nightingale@hotmail.com Barbara Gissinger 01803 328407 Darrell Sanderson 07719 099901 Keith Read 07719 099901 www.centralchurchtorquay.org

CHURCH CONTACTS – ST ANDREWS. Church Secretary Senior Steward

Nicola Lindsay 01803 314292 nicola.lindsay@hotmail.com Sue Masheder 01803 873258 sue@masheder1.freeserve.co.uk

CHURCH CONTACTS – VICTORIA PARK Church Council Secretary Senior Steward

Myra Wise 01803 327145 myrawise456@btinternet.com Mavis Paul 01803 291895

Please Note - The articles in this magazine represent the opinions of the person submitting the article and are not necessarily representative of the opinions of the editors or the churches

THE MINISTER Dear Friends, At our recent Circuit Local Preachers Meeting the Revd Val Price led us in a stimulating Bible Study focusing on the Church between Easter and Pentecost. One of the questions Val asked caught my attention particularly: ‘Has the Western Church become too cerebral in its approach – have we replaced the intuition and immediacy of the Spirit’s influence with the dryness of intellectualism?’ Although that was not the main focus of her study, it has given me pause for thought. As we move towards the festival of Pentecost perhaps it would be good to be reminded at what is at the heart of the festival in both the first and second instance. In the first instance it was, in part, the celebration of the giving of the Law – Moses up the mountain receiving from God that which would invigorate and direct the People of God into becoming who God intended for them to be: the blessed blessing to the nations! It did not work out that way and even the prophets, most notably Jeremiah, looked forward to the day when what was an external force for change and good would become an internal one – Jeremiah 31:31ff ‘I will make a new covenant … I will write it on their hearts.’ Indeed, Pentecost marks the moment for Luke when just that happened. Instead of the ineffective, external guide that the Law was, God wrote the letter of God’s love large in our hearts with the gift of the Holy Spirit. Gone were the old uncertainties. Gone was the fear. Gone was the diffidence. In their place was the conviction necessary to tell the story of the love that was changing the world, one heart at a time. Touched by the flame of God’s love they burnt brightly in the darkness and drew others into the circle of that same love. I pray God will do the same again for us as we turn our hearts and lives towards him in faith and joyful expectation today. As we contemplate that, let me share two opportunities to shine for Jesus. Firstly, with the help of Youth Genesis(YG), we are exploring the possibility of establishing a Youth Club in Shiphay. YG will provide the leadership and training and they are looking to the Church to provide volunteers to help staff the Club which will run on a Friday evening from 7-9pm. If you are interested in helping

with this outreach, join us on Friday 20�� May at 7pm at St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Exe Hill Shiphay to find out more. The second opportunity I wish to share with you is an invitation to participate or invite a friend to participate in a Christianity Explored course. It is a seven week course which includes a meal and child care and will be run at Central Church on Tuesday evenings at 6:30pm commencing on the 10�� May 2016. Questions like ‘Who is Jesus?’ ‘Why did Jesus die?’ ‘What are we doing here?’ are all tackled in the course as we explore Mark’s Gospel together. Do join in and better still, bring a friend. Look out for posters and put your name down on the signup sheet. God Bless, Gavin

FAMILY & FRIENDS Family News & other Bits & Pieces

CONGRATULATIONS · Happy Birthday to Sylvia Penny on the 3��. · Happy Birthday to Jean Barrett on the 7�� · Happy Birthday to Beverley Earl on the 15�� THANKS · The Easter Offering Envelopes at Victoria Park raised £125 for the World Mission Fund. Thank you very much. · The Donations so far towards new carpet at Victoria Park have realised £80. The estimate for the new carpet is £400. So please keep on saving your small change. CHANGE OF ADDRESS · Rachel Evans’ new address is Flat 32, War Memorial Place, Harpsden Road, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 1EP

JOHN MICHAEL MARGETTS. Born in 1930, John was brought up in a Methodist home. When he was a young boy he was determined to join the Navy and at 17 took and passed the Special Entrance Examination and became a cadet at Britannia Naval College, Dartmouth. There followed a period of 30 years’ service in the Navy, with a speciality of Navigation, Cartography and then Hydrography, charting the oceans of the world. When his service years ended, John went to work at the Ministry of Defence, and the family were never told what he did there! John met Janet at a dance in London when he was based at the Royal Naval College, Greenwich and they hit it off immediately through an interest in the works of Plato! That aside, they married three years later and in due course Michael and Richard, the twins, started the family. Three years later Nichola arrived and Andrew completed the family two years later. During that time, John would be on deployment for 8 or 9 months of the year making the ‘at home’ time very precious. Ever the gentleman, he quietly felt his way back into the family situation, which never took very long, and these times were eagerly anticipated and thoroughly enjoyed. John always said that the most important things in his life were his family and the Navy, but for recreation he liked to play tennis with Janet and walking in the lovely British countryside. Following an early retirement and an eventual move to Torquay, he would still enjoy a stroll along the seafront. John started to attend Central, quickly feeling comfortable and ‘at home’ and also enjoying Tuesday evenings with the Guild, where he made some good friends. His stroke six years ago was unexpected and extremely debilitating. His journey through three care homes has been closely shadowed by Janet with her faithful visits and loving care. 5

It has been a privilege to know John and we will remember him as a gentle man with a gentle, mischievous humour who enjoyed and loved life, his family, his work and his Lord. TG !!! DEADLINE !!! The Editors would remind everyone the deadline for the magazine is, without fail, the 2nd Sunday in the month. Depending how the calendar falls, we often have only 8 days to have it ready for the printer. Of late, much copy has come in way after date, and caused problems. Please, please, be ready in time! Why wait for the deadline? You can write your article BEFORE then! If you are late we cannot guarantee inclusion. !!! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED !!! EU REFERENDUM - which way Christians should vote There is no ‘correct Christian view’ on how to vote in the EU referendum. So says the Archbishop of Canterbury. He also says that people are entitled to fear the impact that “enormous” numbers of migrants will have on our jobs, housing and the NHS. Speaking in a recent interview with The House magazine, Justin Welby said it was “outrageous” to condemn people who raise concerns as “racist”. Instead, their “genuine fears” needed to be addressed. “Fear is a valid emotion at a time of such colossal crisis. This is one of the greatest movements of people in human history. Just enormous. And to be anxious about that is very reasonable.” His comments are taken by many as the most significant concerns raised by the Church of England in the present migrant crisis. The archbishop went on to repeat his call for Britain to take more than 20,000 refugees. 6

A PROFILE OF...........LESLEY HEWITT Lesley is a Torquinian (not many of those at Central!). She was Educated at Audley Park School and then at South Devon Technical College. After this, Lesley trained to be a teacher at Rolle College in Exmouth – a college which has now closed. Married in 1966 she moved to Ashburton and then to Bickington where her daughter Theresa was born. In Bickington Lesley became involved in a local dramatic society which proved to be a great way of getting to know local people very well. Lesley continued to teach and also helped her husband in his business – chiefly with accounts, VAT and general administration. She also helped with a shrub nursery. In this, she described herself as a ‘Sunday weeder’ – weeding where she was put. Lesley became interested in Basic Adult Education, first as a volunteer and later running a class in Newton Abbot. Her husband often went too, - a good way to get away from the telephone. In the late 80’s Lesley joined the Education Department at Channings Wood Prison, and also, for a while, Exeter Prison. Here she helped set up the Basic Education Class. For almost 18 years Lesley worked at Channings Wood both in the main prison and in the Vulnerable Prisoners Unit. She says she learned that you can get through all kinds of difficult situations if you keep calm, look as if you know exactly what you’re doing and CARRY A FOLDER! Lesley retired in 2006 and returned to Torquay to care for her mother when she was housebound. It was when her mother died that Lesley met Glyn Millington who took her funeral service, and so she came to Central. She has been with us ever since – and we who know Lesley are so glad about that! Lesley has become involved in many things at Central but she does them in such a quiet, unassuming way that I guess many people have never 8

spoken to her. Until recently a member of the Council, Busy Bees, and a big involvement in the Contact Centre - using her talents in the financial area with great accuracy. She enjoys knitting, tapestry, crochet and embroidery. And if you ever see anything that she made, you might be amazed at some of beautiful things she produces. Lesley now lives in the house where she grew up – with (she says) some extra perks like indoor sanitation and central heating! She shares her home with two cats, which is why the furnishings have a distinctly ‘fuzzy’ appearance! Congratulations to Lesley for all she has done to help others in her working life, and for all she does in so many ways today. Thank you for letting us share something of your life so far. MML Adam and Eve Adam and Eve had an ideal marriage. He didn't have to hear about all the men she could have married, and she didn't have to hear about the way his mother cooked.

CHRISTIAN AID WEEK. Do watch out for the details of this special week which will occur in May 15th - 21st. As usual we will be supporting this charity, and envelopes will be distributed at a Sunday service. All donations, large and small will be gratefully received.

HIS GLORIOUS DAY. He’s the Ground of all being, The Spirit of life, The Father of faith And the Mother of love, He’s the Christ-child within Who fills darkness with light, He calms our worst fears With the peace from ‘above’! He’s the giver of comfort When our spirit is low And source of all courage When faith calls out – ‘Go: Go tell all the nations That peace truly comes When God’s voice is heard And God’s will is done. So follow the Christ-man, Hold fast on His way, Then one day we’ll all share His glorious day’! By Sam Doubtfire

AROUND THE FAMILY AT ST ANDREWS. As the weeks proceed we remember our Easter Sunday Service with our thanks to Mrs Irene Cochran for conducting it. We also thank the Ministers, Rev. Mike Newell and Rev. Gerald Morris, who have been here to take services on our recent Sunday mornings. For the remaining Sundays in April we look forward to our Minister, Rev. Gavin Hancocks, being with us and administering the Sacrament, and to welcoming Mrs Irene Cochran again on the final Sunday in April. An important date for St. Andrew’s in May is our Annual General Meeting. This year it will be on Sunday, May 15�� and will take place after the Morning Service. As usual it will be followed by a Bring and Share Lunch. No doubt all reports will be handed to Nicola Lindsay in good time, as all will recall she has requested this. Our gratitude to Nicola for her assiduous attention to all her duties, including that of Church Secretary. Sue Masheder, our much appreciated Senior Steward, has come back from what must have been a glorious holiday with her husband in New Zealand. We welcome her return and hope the effects of the cold weather shock of arriving back here will soon have worn off and she will be feeling much better. Birthday Wishes go to Gill Porter on May 4��. No doubt Saul and Isaac will enter wholeheartedly into the celebrations on that day. Our Door Stewards create a warm welcome each week as worshippers enter the Church and our thanks go to them – in strict alphabetical order – Liz Elliot, Bill Freemantle, Jean Jarvis, Alan and Margaret Nicholls and last, but by no means least, Doris Schofield. Moving the table, holding information about what is going on in the Church, to the vestibule is such a good idea. It means that all friends who use the premises are able to become aware of events here within the church. Well done to those who put this into practice. Take a bow, Nicola Lindsay. Diana George

YOU – AND YOUR GOLDFISH’S ATTENTION SPAN! How long can you concentrate on any one thing? According to a now infamous study by Microsoft (http://time.com/3858309/attention-spansgoldfish/) our digital lifestyles have had such a detrimental impact on our concentration levels that our average attention span has fallen to below that of a goldfish. Humans now stay focused for just eight seconds, before being distracted by news alerts, social media and so on – while even a goldfish can concentrate for nine seconds. And it is not just the endless stream of information that hits us, but the type of information that is so distracting. Violence and endless conflict can leave you distressed and unsettled. Medical experts recommend regular non-digital breaks such as a walk, a chat, or even just staring out the window. Meanwhile, try these tips to calm your mind: 1. In the evening, reverse the settings on your device, so that you have white writing on a black background. This reduces the blue light that affects your brain’s cyclic rhythm, disrupting your sleep/wake cycle. 2. Get moving. Exercise takes time, but it also sharpens your mind and increases your concentration. So in the end you will get more done in less time. 3. Eat well. Avoid sugar and too much caffeine which make your mind busier. 4. Seek company. Anxiety levels rise after six hours, due to the changes in your brain hormones caused by social isolation. So if you work from home, take your laptop to a coffee shop for an hour, or see a friend for coffee. 5. Fill the final half hour of your day with one simple task, rather than flitting from task to task.

ASCENSION DAY – 5�� MAY. Surely the most tender, moving ‘farewell’ in history took place on Ascension Day. Luke records the story with great poignancy: “When Jesus had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands –and blessed them.” As Christmas began the story of Jesus’ life on earth, so Ascension Day completes it, with his return to his Father in heaven. Jesus’ last act on earth was to bless his disciples. He and they had a bond as close as could be: they had just lived through three tumultuous years of public ministry and miracles – persecution and death – and resurrection! Just as we part from our nearest and dearest by still looking at them with love and memories in our eyes, so exactly did Jesus: “While He was blessing them, He left them and was taken up into heaven.” (Luke 24:50-1) He was not forsaking them, but merely going on ahead to a kingdom which would also be theirs one day: “I am ascending to my Father and to your Father, to my God and your God...” (John 20:17) The disciples were surely the most favoured folk in history. Imagine being one of the last few people on earth to be face to face with Jesus, and have Him look on you with love. No wonder then that Luke goes on: “they worshipped Him - and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.” (Luke 24:52,53) No wonder they praised God! They knew they would see Jesus again one day! “I am going to prepare a place for you... I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:2,3) In the meantime, Jesus had work for them to do: to take the Gospel to every nation on earth. 13

WORDS OF WISDOM – are ageless! We have received this from Alan Murray-Smith: “I found this page in the school magazine in 1939 that my father went to in North Point, Darjeeling, India.” Things we have noticed........ · · ·

· · · · · ·

That people who boast they always say what they think, have some mighty mean thoughts. That the man who persistently neglects to live within his income, will one day be trying to live without it. That the world is divided into two classes – those who are ambitious to ascend above mediocrity, and those who are ambitious that everybody shall descend below their own mediocrity. That the man who barters health for riches is never satisfied with the bargain. That the man who has a large principal in the bank, frequently shows no principle in anything else. That honesty is the best policy – in fact that all rare things are reckoned the best. That learning is a powerful auxiliary to the fool who is bent on displaying his folly. That the strongest horse is generally placed between the shafts. That the married man wonders why the bachelor does not marry, and the bachelor wonders why the married man married – in fact that this is a world of wonders. That the things that Christ pronounced ‘blessed’ are the only things that give true happiness.

Just the man Small boy: “Please, sir, my Dad says you are a Doctor of Music.” Famous pianist: “That is quite right, my little man.” Small boy: “Then I wonder if you’d be so good as to mend my trumpet?”

CHARLES & JOHN WESLEY - 21�� & 24�� May 1738 John and Charles Wesley were the founders of Methodism. Two of nineteen children born to Samuel and Susannah Wesley of Epworth Rectory in Lincolnshire in 1703 and 1707, their father was the local rector, while their mother was a spiritual inspiration to her many children. Both John and Charles went to Christ Church, Oxford (1720 and 1726). John was ordained, and Charles and some friends formed a “Holy Club” while still at college. It consisted of men who dedicated themselves to Bible study, prayer, fasting and good works. Such regular disciplines soon earned Charles the nickname ‘Methodist’. The name stuck. Both Charles and John felt called to the mission field, and so in 1735 they sailed to Georgia. Their time among Indians in America was not a success – they struggled for any real spiritual authority in their ministries. Feeling failures, they returned to England in some depression. John summed it up: “I went to America to convert the Indians; but, oh, who shall convert me?” Then the Wesleys made friends with some Moravians. They stressed that salvation cannot be earned, but must be received by grace through faith in Christ. Charles was the first to experience this ‘true’ conversion, when on Pentecost Sunday , 21st May 1738, he wrote that the Spirit of God “chased away the darkness of my unbelief.” Only three days later, on 24th May, 1738, it was John’s turn. As he wrote in his journal: “In the evening I went very unwillingly to a society in Aldersgate Street, where one was reading Luther’s preface to the Epistle to the Romans. About a quarter before nine, while he was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed.” John and Charles Wesley then devoted the rest of their lives to sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ – and turned England upside-down. When the established Church threw John out, he took to the fields, preaching 16

to coal miners and commoners. His itinerant evangelism took him 250,000 miles on horseback and to preach over 40,000 sermons. His small “societies” attracted some 120,000 followers by the time of his death. Charles became the most prolific and skilled hymn-writer in English history, writing hymns that are sung widely today, such as “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling.” In all, he wrote nearly 7000 hymns. The legacy of the two brothers lives on. As well as Methodism, their teaching has widely impacted the holiness movement, the Pentecostal movement, and the charismatic movement.

JOHN and CHARLES WESLEY

SHARING IN WORSHIP 22nd May

10.30am Revd David Grosch-Miller Moderator of the General Assembly of the URC 12th June 10.30am Revd Ruth Whitehead - Moderator of the SW Synod of the URC 10th July 10.30am Revd Glyn Millington 7th August 10.30am Revd Vikki Bunce 2nd -4th Sep 10.30am Revd Paul Smith (Mission Weekend)

OTHER ANNIVERSARY EVENTS 2nd July

9.00am Men’s Breakfast – with guest speaker Kevin Foster MP and Kingsman Singer’s Barbershop Quartet. 10th July Re-union Lunch - Welcoming old friends 2nd - 4th Sept Church Mission weekend with Revd Paul Smith

Happy Never miss an opportunity to make others happy, even if you have to leave them alone in order to do it. 18

Revival families After the local mission outreach had concluded, the three ministers were discussing the results with one another. The Methodist minister said, "The mission worked out great for us! We gained four new families." The Baptist preacher said, "We did better than that! We gained six new families." The Anglican priest said, "Well, we did even better than that! We got rid of our 10 biggest trouble makers!"

SUNDAY SERVICES FOR MAY 2016. (HC) = Sacrament of Holy Communion (WG) = Worship Group CENTRAL Date Morning 10.30am Evening 6.30pm MAY 1�� ** Revd Dr Tom Bush (HC) Revd Gavin Hancocks 8�� ** Revd J Haley Mrs Vicki Bryan (WG) 15�� ** Revd Gavin Hancocks Revd Doug Rix (HC) 22ⁿ�** Revd David Grosch-Miller Revd Gavin Hancocks Revd Gavin Hancocks (WG) 29�� Revd Gavin Hancocks Revd Mike Newell Dates marked ** indicate contemporary worship at 9.15am. ST ANDREWS Date Morning 10.30am MAY 1�� Mr David Welsh 8�� Mrs Margaret Newman 15�� Mrs Barbara Vond 22ⁿ� Mrs Irene Cochran 29�� At Central (US) VICTORIA PARK Date Morning 10.30am MAY 1�� Revd Gavin Hancocks 8�� Mrs Irene Cochran 15�� Revd Peter Williamson (HC) Church Anniversary.* Coffee after service 22ⁿ� Revd Gerald Morris 29�� Revd Mike Newell

* Please find a Gift Envelope enclosed - should you wish to use it on our Anniversary Day. Thank you. 20

CALENDAR FOR MAY 2016 ST ANDREWS CENTRAL VICTORIA PARK

Sunday Tuesday

1st 3rd

Wednesday

4th

Thursday

5th

Friday

6th

Saturday

7th

Sunday

8th

Monday

9th

Tuesday

10th

9.30 9.30 10.00 10.00 2.30 7.30 9.30 10.00 10.30 2.30 6.00 7.30 9.30 6.00 10.00 11.00 7.00 7.00 9.30 10.00 3.00

See separate pages for services-all churches Midweek Prayers Toddler Group Coffee & Fellowship Busy Bees Sisterhood-Fisherman’s Mission + B&B. Bring boxes Quiz at Kingsteignton URC Toddler Group Bible Study Bible Study (coffee at 10.15) Healing Group Beavers Ladies Club – Open Night Central Tots Cubs Coffee & Fellowship Belleplates Choir practice Scouts Contact Centre Pop in for a coffee Kairos See separate pages for services-all churches LAST DATE FOR CORNERSTONE

2.30 6.00 6.30 7.30 9.30

Women's Fellowship: Irene Cochran Brownies Flexercise Fun Guides Midweek Service - Rev Adrian Phippen 21

Tuesday

10th

Wednesday

11th

Thursday

12th

Friday

13th

Saturday

14th

9.30 10.00 10.00 10.00 2.30 6.30 7.00 9.30 10.00 10.30 6.00 7.30 9.30 5.30 6.00 7.00 10.00 11.00 7.00 9.30 10.00 2.00 2.30

Sunday Monday

Tuesday

15th 16th

17th

2.00 2.30 6.00 6.30 7.30 7.30 9.30

Toddler Group Coffee & Fellowship Busy Bees Stewards Meeting Sisterhood:Chit, chat, tea & Cake Bring poem or reading Christianity Explored New Life Housegroup Toddler Group Bible Study Bible Study (coffee at 10.15) Beavers Ladies Club – Birthday Meal at Devon Dumpling Central Tots Contact Management Cubs Contact AGM Coffee & Fellowship Belleplates Scouts Contact Centre Special Coffee morning – Church Funds. Bring Flowers URC District Meeting Tea Dance See separate pages for services-all churches Church Council (note time change) Women's Fellowship - Music with Cynthia Arscott Brownies Flexercise Fun Guides Lydwell Park Housegroup Midweek Prayers 22

Tuesday

17th

Wednesday

18th

Thursday

19th

Friday

20th

Saturday

21st

Sunday Monday

22nd 23rd

Tuesday

24th

9.30 10.00 10.00 2.30 6.30 9.30 10.00 10.30 12.30 6.00 7.30 7.30 9.30 6.00 7.30 10.00 11.00 7.00 7.00 7.00 9.30 10.00 2.30 6.00 6.30 7.30 9.30 9.30 10.00 10.00 6.30 7.00

Toddler Group Coffee & Fellowship Busy Bees Sisterhood. AGM Christianity Explored Toddler Group Bible Study Bible Study (coffee at 10.15) St Andrews Lunch Club Beavers Ladies Club â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Lindy Hingley Brixham Sea Watch Riviera Concert Brass Concert Central Tots Cubs Council Meeting Coffee & Fellowship Belleplates Choir Practice Scouts Youth Club Meeting Contact Centre Pop in for a coffee See separate pages for services-all churches Women's Fell:-John Lawrence 'Fact or Fiction' Brownies Flexercise Fun Guides Midweek Communion Toddler Group Coffee & Fellowship Busy Bees Christianity Explored New Life Housegroup 23

Wednesday

25th

Thursday

26th

Friday

27th

Saturday

28th

Sunday Tuesday

29th 31st

9.30 Toddler Group 10.00 Bible Study 10.30 Bible Study (coffee at 10.15) (last for season) 6.00 Beavers 7.30 Ladies Club – Musical Night by the Banjo Boys 9.30 Central Tots 6.00 Cubs 7.30 Moors Housegroup 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 7.00 Choir Practice 7.00 Scouts 9.30 Contact Centre 10.00 Pop in for a coffee See separate pages for services-all churches 9.30 Midweek Prayers 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees 6.30 Christianity Explored CENTRAL’S WELCOME ROTA.

DATE 10.30am MAY 1�� Mary Fradley & Cynthia Arscott 8�� Tessa Goodwin & Leonie Tyas 15�� Judith Holmwood & Hye-Ok Wells 22ⁿ� Gerald & Joy Morris 29��

6.30pm Sue Coatham & Paul Sherriff Monica Lansley & Philip Kay Celia & David Bolt Barbara Gissinger & Margaret Newman Monica Lansley & Philip Kay

Sheila & John Lawrence 24

MAYC WEEKENDS In our March edition there was a profile of Hazel Nightingale and reference was made to MAYC London Weekends – with the comment “anyone remember those weekends?” We’ve received a response from Sue Burnham – and here it is. Yes, I remember MAYC London weekends especially one particular one I went to in 1960 or 61, which was memorable for 2 reasons. As a teenager I belonged to the Youth Club at Palace Avenue Methodist Church. Our leader was Miss Gladys Smith (anyone remember her?) She was also a Local Preacher, probably in her 40s but seemed ancient to us because she wore her hair in 'earphones' and suffered with arthritis. A group of us went to London by train and were given accommodation in their homes by church members at (I think) Chatham where Miss Smith had a cousin. For the show we had seats upstairs in a gallery. I was sitting alone in the interval while the others went for refreshments when I was approached and asked if I would take part in an item. Members of the audience were being invited to take part in a team contest so off I went to make my one and only appearance on stage in the Royal Albert Hall, much to the surprise of my friends. Oddly enough, only a few weeks ago, when my husband and I were sorting through the loft during the wet days of January I came across a copy of that Show in a box marked 'Memories'. It was a memorable weekend for another reason. In the late 1950s/early 60s the Church Youth Club was where many romances began. Several times I had been walked home from Club by a blue-eyed charmer called Frank. Alas, on the train on the way home from London he sat holding hands with someone else - a girl called Barbara Ladley. In December 2013 Frank and Barbara Vond celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary. Also in the Youth Club were two girls who were best friends - Judith Warwick and Janet Watson. Judith married another Club member, a boy called Brian Hunt who I think worked for the Civil Service at that time. Janet was more adventurous and married a boy from Totnes Methodist Church called George Courtenay whom she'd met when they both worked 25

at the Harris Bacon Factory at Totnes. Now, does anyone remember where that was? And me? I married a boy from the Club too, and we celebrated our Golden Wedding Anniversary in 2014. Sue Burnham Editor’s Note: Brian, as the Revd Brian Hunt, was Minister at Central from 1997 to 2004, and as part of Central’s Anniversary Celebrations, returned to preach on Sunday 17�� April 2016. George, as Revd George Courtenay, became Minister at Palace Avenue, later Superintendant.

WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP This month sees our final meetings before we have our summer break, although we will be able to meet for our summer get-togethers on 13th June, 11th July and our AGM & Tea on 15th August. Three meetings will take place this month when we have an afternoon with Irene Cochran on 9th, music with Cynthia Arscott, one of our own members on 16th and a 'Fact and Fiction' time with John Lawrence on the 23rd. We remember those of our fellowship who are unwell especially June in hospital. Also the family and friends of Marjorie West and Betty Smedley who have both died. Betty, for a short time, was a member of the fellowship until infirmity affected her getting out-and-about. To all our ladies (and men) we hope you have an enjoyable summer. Barbara Lawton 26

VICTORIA PARK MAY DATE MAY 1�� 8�� 15�� 22ⁿ� 29��

DOOR STEWARDS

DATE MAY 1�� 8�� 15�� 22ⁿ� 29��

NAMES

Sylvia Penny & Stephanie Withers Pam Cloke & Pat Howes Connie & John Sims Margaret Collings & Betty Peachey Sylvia Penny & Stephanie Withers

VP FLOWER ROTA IN MEMORY OF

Myra Wise May Royle Iris Keay

Her Parents George & Susan Wise Her Husband Tony

Betty Peachey

Her Husband Harry & her Son

VP PRAYER BOARD This is where we remember in prayer those friends who are not well, and those friends who are not able to attend Church. Audrey Avery. Amy Bartrip. Jean Barrett. Doreen Moore. Iris Kaey. Margery Vaughan. Carl. Barry. Virginia. Don & Barbara Pugh. Torbay Winter Night Shelter. Youth Genesis.

A REFLECTION FROM CENTRAL. May and June are important months this year in the local and national calendar. And they involve us. You and I have great decisions to make. -- Are we going to stay in the European Union? Who are we going to suggest becomes the new Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall? Are we going to continue having an Elected Mayor in Torbay? And Who do you wish to serve as our councillors on our Torbay Council? It is all up to us. What a responsibility it is. Whether we say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to staying in the European Union will affect the whole of Europe, our trade, and our beloved British Isles. The ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote for an Elected Mayor will determine whether we have one person to make final decisions in the Bay, or a group of people. What huge decisions we have to make. Decisions have to be made throughout our lives. Even young children, at school, are now asked which meal they would like at lunch time. When they become 11 years old, they wonder which secondary school they should choose. Then they have their GCSE ‘Options’ to mull over -- which University they should try for, and ultimately, where will they work. Etc. Etc. But there is one decision we have to make that affects our hearts and our souls. Are we going to obey God’s commandments? Will we follow Jesus? Joshua was Moses’ assistant, and then God told Moses to make Joshua his successor. Joshua had as much trouble with the Israelites as Moses did. The Children of Israel were so often disobedient to God’s commandments, and to God’s leading. Joshua had a hard job with them.

Just before he died, Joshua gathered together all the leaders and officials of Israel, and reminded them of all that God had done for them. He showed them the wonderful love of God. He also pointed out to them, all the wrong things that they had done which had disappointed God. Joshua asked them if they still wanted to do the things that disappointed God. He said “do you still want to follow ‘other gods’?” Joshua then really confronted them. Joshua said to them, “Choose for your selves this day whom you WILL serve”. And he went on to say “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord”. We too have to choose. Do we want to do things which continue to disappoint God, or will we choose to do what the God who loves us, wants us to do? Do we want to follow His Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ? A ‘yes’ vote for Jesus is the vote God wants. Margaret Newman.

METHODIST WOMEN IN BRITAIN (Plymouth & Exeter District) QUIET DAY At Bovey Tracey Methodist Church Saturday 11�� June 2016. Cost £5. Booking to be received by Saturday 28�� May. Pat Hawes (V.P.) has booking forms

ST ANDREWS JUNIOR CHURCH NEWS Happy birthday to Chloe Hayman who will be 17 on 4�� May On Palm Sunday in Junior Church we played pin the tail on the donkey, our younger members had fun making donkeys. Some of our older members became roving reporters and recorded the events of the day in their own newspapers. What is your favourite breakfast and what did you have for breakfast today? These were questions we asked one Sunday. We were discussing breakfasts because we heard about the time some of the disciples had breakfast on the beach at Galilee with Jesus. Jesus appeared to the disciples while they were fishing. At first they didn’t recognise him but soon they knew who it was and were sharing a breakfast of fish and bread together. On that Sunday we had fun trying to flap paper fish across the hall. We decorated card fish and, thinking about the disciples not recognising Jesus, we had fun drawing disguises on pictures of famous people. Don’t forget you can see much of our work displayed on the hall, where among other things you can read the Palm Sunday editions of our newspapers and take a look at our disguised famous people to see if you recognise them. Rachel George

ST ANDREWS MISSIONS Thank you to everyone who donated to the Easter Offering. A total of £56.50 was raised through the envelope collection which will go to the World Mission Fund and help to help support people and projects around the world. Rachel George Sunday Coffee money for March raised £15 for church funds. Jean Jarvis 31

SAINT OF THE MONTH – (15��) MATTHIAS THE APOSTLE Have you ever happened to be in the right place at the right time, with certain qualifications, and suddenly realise that God is singling you out for a special task? If so, Matthias is a good patron saint for you! In Acts 1 (15 – 26) the apostles had a task to do: Judas had committed suicide, and a new apostle needed to be chosen. He had to have been a follower of Christ from the Baptism to the Ascension, and also a witness of the Resurrection in order to qualify. In the event, the choice fell to one of two: Joseph Barsabas and Matthias. Lots were drawn, and Matthias was chosen. How confident he must have felt in his calling: what encouragement that would be when the going got rough in later years! Matthias is thought to have ministered in Cappadocia and even Ethiopia. His emblem is usually an axe or halberd, regarded as the instrument of his martyrdom. His supposed relics were translated from Jerusalem to Rome by the empress Helen.

Cross word Solution from April Cornerstone

Situations Vacant… ¹ So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, ¹² to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up ¹³ until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. ¹⁴ Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. ¹⁵ Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. ¹⁶ From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. In being part of the worshiping body at Central we have a number of ways you can be of service. Please pray and ask God to show you how you can be of service even in the smallest capacity helps us build each other up. You do not have to have a degree or be a professional, just faithful to God’s calling and He will equip you. Here are a few ways that Central Church can help you do just that …. Door steward Welcoming Steward Musician/Singer-choir Multi-media (Projecting Hymns/Songs/Prayers onto the wall) Sound Steward – Operating Sound Desk/Microphones Bible Reader Welcome sheet compiler

Please contact Angela Hancocks on 01803 615480 (Worship Mission Team chair person) or one of the church leadership team - Hazel Nightingale, Margaret Newman or Richard Mason if you wish to be involved.

Walking out "I hope you didn't take it personally, Reverend," said an embarrassed woman after a church service, "when my husband walked out during your sermon." "I did find it rather disconcerting," the preacher admitted. "It's not a reflection on you, sir," insisted the church-goer. "Ralph has been walking in his sleep ever since he was a child."

NATIONAL SMILE MONTH – MAY 16�� – JUNE 16��. National Smile Month is 40 years old this year. It is the UK’s largest and longest-running campaign to promote good oral health, aiming to encourage people to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, to cut down on sugar, and to visit the dentist regularly. Organised by the British Dental Health Foundation, the web site offers the following snippets: Some fun facts about your smile that you may not know: - It takes 43 muscles to frown, but only 17 to smile. - Some people admit to picking their teeth with keys, earrings, bank notes and even screwdrivers! - The going rate given by the tooth fairy these days is £1 - 61% of us have been attracted to someone by their smile alone - 24% of us would share our toothbrush with our partner, but only 6% of us would share our toothbrush with a celebrity (?!) - Two thirds of us have less respect for a boss with bad breath. http://www.nationalsmilemonth.org/

Join in? “Well, well,” said the old gentleman to some boys who were playing cricket. “I wish I could join your game, but I’m too old.” “Not at all,” replied one of the boys politely. “In fact, we need you. Our ball has just gone through that window. You can go and ask for it back.”

ALL IN THE MONTH OF MAY.......it was 90 years ago:- on 3rd May (to 13th) 1926 that the General Strike occurred in the UK. About 1.7 million workers went on strike in support of miners who faced pay cuts and worsening conditions. The strike was unsuccessful. 80 years ago:- on 7th May 1936 that British aviator Amy Johnson made the fastest-ever solo flight from Gravesend, England to Cape Town, South Africa. 70 years ago:- on 11th May 1946 that the first CARE packages arrived for Europe to help people starving after WWII. (The first CARE packages were surplus US Army rations.) 65 years ago:- on 3rd May 1951 that the Festival of Britain and the Royal Festival Hall were opened. 30 years ago:- on 9th May 1986 that Tenzing Norgay, (Sherpa Tenzing), Tibetan/Nepalese mountaineer, died. He and Sir Edmund Hillary were the first people to reach the summit of Mount Everest in June 1953. 25 years ago:- on 16th May 1991 that Queen Elizabeth II became the first British monarch to address the US Congress. 20 years ago:- on 21st May 1996 that BSE (mad cow disease) led to the British Government adopting a policy of non-cooperation with the European Union, when it refused to ease a ban on British beef. 15 years ago:- on 6th May 2001 that Pope John Paul II became the first pontiff in history to enter a mosque when he visited the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus during a visit to Syria. He prayed there and gave an address promoting peace between Muslims and Christians.

ECHOES OF SPRING The Evenings are getter lighter and that can only mean one thing, That Winter is drawing to a close, and we can welcome Spring. The Flowers of Spring are appearing, with Crocus leading the way, Sides of the fields and in hedgerows, Primroses are in full display. Spring is the Season of New Life when what seems dead comes alive, It is God’s way of reminding us, saying ‘His created World will survive’. Bathed in a kaleidoscope of colour, as Mother Nature repaints her display, Gardens and countryside become havens of beauty, each and every day, Trees, their branches stark during winter, new buds are now to be seen, In a very short while they will all be covered, in shades of various green. What a wonderful Season is Springtime, bringing fresh hope to all, With the Sun climbing higher in the sky giving warmth a call. J.H.D. Lawrence

OPEN DOORS SECRET CHILDRENLAOS – Please pray for 17 teenagers who were driven out of their homes by their parents for their faith in Jesus. Pray that they would find comfort and refuge in the Lord. Pray too that they remain strong in their faith despite their families’ opposition towards Christianity. VIETNAM-La (11) recently received an Open Doors children’s Bible and loves sharing the stories with her friends: “At first, they like my story. I try to invite them to church but because of their parents, they can’t attend (because they don’t like God). Ask God to bless La’s witness and pray that more children will hear about God through these Bibles. INDONESIA-Ruli (17) came to know Jesus through a dream. When his uncle found him reading the Bible he was forcibly enrolled into an Islamic boarding school, where he now faces pressure to renounce his new faith. Pray that Ruli will have courage to hold fast to Jesus until he is 18 when, under Indonesian law he is free to choose his own faith. SYRIA-Pray for the children of Syria. Ask God to protect those who are still able to go to school and continue their studies. Remember also those who aren’t able to go. Pray that this young generation will be healed from trauma and hatred after five years of violence and war. MIDDLE EAST-Open Doors is initiating a new social media project in the Middle East to enable young Christians from Iraq, Syria and Lebanon to share the love of Christ online in the Arab world. Pray that it will help believers like Asmaa (16) who had to flee her home in Mosul, Iraq, and may never be able to return. Facebook is the only connection she has with her friends. Information taken from the April prayer diary for Open Doors. Ask Sue Coatham for a copy 01803 323212 39

TEARFUND - taken from Tearfund’s Prayer Diary Spring 2016 What does the Lord require of you? But to act justly and love mercy and walk humbly with your God’ Micah 6 v 8 May 1-7�� PERSEVERANCE IN THE PHILIPPINES –Two and a half years on from the devastation that Cyclone Haiyan wreaked across the Philippines, Tearfund and our partners are still working to rebuild livelihoods in one of the most severely hit regions, the Western Visayas. This week, pray for those who continue to suffer the consequences of the cyclone. May 8-14�� NOT FORGETTING SUDAN – embroiled in conflict, the humanitarian needs of Darfur continue to be driven by displacement and instability. Eleven years on, 3.5 million people are in desperate need of lifesaving assistance. Many have died and continue to die from the combined effects of conflict, disease and malnutrition. This week we pray for hope and peace to be restored. May 15-21�� MANY OF TEARFUND’S partners are calling on their governments to act, speaking out for change. This week -we pray for them, as they advocate for government ministers and local officials to create and implement laws that work in favour of people living in poverty, and to be transparent in spending public money. May 22-28�� NEPAL’S ROAD TO RECOVERY-Nepal was rocked by two significant earthquakes in April and May 2015. More than 8,500 people were killed, with millions more left devastated and vulnerable. This week -pray for our partners as they help people to build back better homes.

TORQUAY COMMUNITY LARDER - latest! The following has been received from Lee Bray of Christians Together in Torquay. Progress is continuing well towards the launch of the Torquay Community Larder. Ÿ Seven churches were represented at a recent meeting all keen to lend their support to the project Ÿ Grant aid and giving of over £1,000 already will ensure an effective launch Ÿ Rooms are ready to be shelved out (any volunteers for a bir of DIY please?) Ÿ Sainsbury’s and Lidl have agreed to give their support and we expect others to join in. Ÿ Nigel Williams of Anode says “Fantastic! Any help we can be in supporting you we would be more than willing….” Last year well over a million families in the UK were supported by the work of foodbanks and there is no doubt of the need in Torquay. Ÿ Isaiah said: “If you spend yourselves for the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness and your night become like the noonday.” Ÿ Jesus said: “I tell you the truth, whenever you fed one of the least of my brothers and sisters, you did it for me.” Ÿ Mother Theresa said: “If you can’t feed one hundred people, feed one.” To get behind this project: Ÿ PRAY - prayer moves mountains! Ÿ SPREAD THE WORD - tell everyone at your church (and elsewhere). Ÿ GIVE - donations to and through “Torquay Salvation Army” can be gift aided. Ÿ VOLUNTEER - There will be training for all volunteers and the project will run, initially for two days each week, on well-tried and tested lines based on agency referrals only. For more information contact Lt Andy Toby at the Salvation Army Market Street (01803 329007) or see Christine Sherriff (01803 298603)to add your name to the volunteer list for Central Church. 41

CROSSWORD

Clues on opposite page

Across 1 One who owes money, goods or services (Isaiah 24:2) (6) 4 ‘A good measure, pressed down, — together and running over’ (Luke 6:38) (6) 7 Continuous dull pain (Proverbs 14:13) (4) 8 This bread contains yeast (Amos 4:5) (8) 9 ‘But take heart! I have — the world’ (John 16:33) (8) 13 And the rest (abbrev.) (3) 16 What Paul was accused of by Tertullus, the high priest’s lawyer, in his trial before Felix (Acts 24:5) (13) 17 Rap (anag.) (3) 19 Founder of the Jesuits in 1534 (8) 24 ‘For where your — is, there your heart will be also’ (Luke 12:34) (8) 25 The first word written on the wall during King Belshazzar’s great banquet (Daniel 5:25) (4) 26 ‘We all, like sheep, have gone — ’ (Isaiah 53:6) (6) 27 One was given in honour of Jesus in Bethany (John 12:2) (6) Down 1 ‘The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the — hear, the dead are raised’ (Luke 7:22) (4) 2 Conduct (Colossians 1:21) (9) 3 In the Catholic and Orthodox

traditions, the body of a saint or his belongings, venerated as holy (5) 4 ‘Like a — of locusts men pounce on it’ (Isaiah 33:4) (5) 5 Very old (Genesis 44:20) (4) 6 In Calvinist theology, one who is predestined by God to receive salvation (5) 10 How Nicodemus addressed Jesus when he visited him one night (John 3:2) (5) 11 Sea (Psalm 148:7) (5) 12 ‘I will — you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever’ (Psalm 145:1) (5) 13 One of the groups of philosophers that Paul met in Athens, who disagreed with his teaching about the resurrection (Acts 17:18) (9) 14 Barred enclosure (Ezekiel 19:9) (4) 15 ‘Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in — with the Spirit’ (Galatians 5:25) (4) 18 Cares (anag.) (5) 20 Garish (Ezekiel 16:16) (5) 21 ‘So God said to Noah, “I am going to put — — to all people”’ (Genesis 6:13) (2,3) 22 Just (2 Corinthians 6:13) (4) 23 ‘The — of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge’ (Proverbs 1:7) (4)