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
December 2013
Highbury
An Invitation ... ... to our Christmas Celebrations! Christmas is coming and there are lots of things going on at Highbury to look forward to! It has been great over recent months to have been part of the revival of our local Fairview Community Association. We have invited them to join us, together with friends from St Luke’s Church, for our Christmas Café on Saturday 7th December.
And then on the Sunday evening before Christmas, 22nd December, we will be inviting friends t hrough the FCA to join us for a Big Sing of all the favourite carols with mince pies and our very own mulled punch. Again another big event to invite people to!
A new event this year is at the invitation of the Highbury Club for people who are visually impaired when AgeUK Cheltenham Choir, conducted by Richard Sharpe, will be singing With quite a number of stalls from local carols on Wednesday 4th December. people, as well as from church, it promises to be a really good event. Be With a Choir Advent Service on Sunday st sure to come along ... and even more 1 December, and the Nativity on th importantly invite some friends along Sunday 15 December, the Christingle and Bethlehem Peace Light on as well! Wednesday 18th December, there’s lots
Deadline for December Highbury News: Sunday 8th December
Highbury Congregational Church belongs to the Congregational Federation and is in partnership with the Council for World Mission and Churches Together
01242 522050 Richard.cleaves@highburychurch.co.uk
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December 2013
Minister’s Memo A Christmas Embrace
Bible ... in Bethlehem itself, in other Rarely has a Christmas passed in the parts of Palestine and Israel, but also whole of my life-time without my using further afield in Egypt, in Lebanon and elsewhere too. one of them! At the village Christmases we enjoyed so much before moving here they would often get so soggy they had to be thrown away at the end of a cold and often wet round of carol singing through the streets of the village.
To support that work, mostly with children, with people with disabilities and in hospitals, they ran a child sponsorship scheme.
So it was that the Christian Union group sponsored a child in a school in Here at Highbury we have used them the Bequaa Valley in Lebanon. over the years, though not in church It was at a time of conflict in Lebanon on a Sunday. ... and the school we were linked with did not escape that conflict. Until last year. And when we used them in church last Each term young people in the school Christmas it was in a new edition and would write and send packages as we raised money to support this they looked entirely different. youngster. And each term we would You may have guessed by now that I receive greetings from the young am speaking of ‘the Bethlehem Carol person. As our young people Sheet’. progressed through the school so did Published year by year by what I grew the girl we were supporting. up knowing as ‘the Bible Lands Society’ I wish I could remember her name! I used to enjoy the colourful maps they produced of the Holy Land, which I wish I had kept some of those letters! were often to be seen in churches I As time passed the work of the belonged to, and churches I visited. organisation increased. The needs It was when I teamed up with a local magnified. But the organisation itself Baptist Minister and ran a Christian was stuck in what seemed a rather Union in our local secondary school in ‘quaint’ Victorian mould that was Shropshire that I discovered there was outdated and meant that it was losing more to the Bible Lands Society than support, especially among a younger simply publishing Carol Sheets and generation. maps.
So it was a couple of years ago that A Christian mission organisation going they completely re-thought the work of back to 1854 with a commitment to the charity and re-constituted it. Christian care and compassion in the They came up with a new name and a lands of the Bible, they ran all sorts of new look. mission ventures in the lands of the
Highbury News
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December 2013
But it wasn’t just a new name and a new look. It meant a whole new approach to the work they have been doing. They came up with the new title ... Embrace the Middle East. On the website it abbreviates wonderfully to www.embraceme.org And its logo is very expressive:
They explain the change: “We chose Embrace the Middle East because it described where we worked and we felt it reflected our Christian calling to welcome the stranger, feed the hungry and help the homeless (Matthew 25), and that the cross at the centre of our new logo emphasised our confidence as a Christian charity. We also felt that embrace was a very Biblical concept, one that invoked the inclusiveness that goes to the very heart of the Gospel. One paraphrase translation of Jesus’ comments in Mark 9:37 reads: "Whoever embraces one of these children as I do embraces me, and far more than me - God who sent me." We’ll be using those Bethlehem Carol Sheets once more this Christmas at our Big Sing of Carols on Sunday evening 22nd December. With our very own hot punch, mince pies and a lovely candle-lit atmosphere, the service promises to be special!
Highbury News
We will be exploring the story of Advent and Christmas Sunday by Sunday as we put together a Jesse Tree they have prepared for us. But most importantly of all we will be using their contacts to channel support to a part of the world that cries out for our support at the moment. The humanitarian disaster that continues to unfold in Syria is on a scale that beggars belief, and has spilled over into neighbouring countries. Through the International Congregational Fellowship, whose meetings Felicity and I attended in the summer, we have contact with Haroutune who pastors a congregational church in Aleppo, known as the Bethel Evangelical Church. He wrote to us recently urging us to give support to the work being done by the churches of Syria in seeking to bring relief to their communities. It’s moving to see what exactly they are doing. “Considering this inhumane and sad situation the Armenian Evangelical Bethel Church has established a polyclinic to serve the Armenian community, regardless of denominational affiliation, by assisting those in need of medical care, and especially trying to help patients with chronic diseases in need of long-time medical assistance.” Haroutune describes the 400 strong congregation meeting Sunday by Sunday for worship and says, “Our people will continue to work and pray for peace and safety.”
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December 2013
For our December Charity and for our Christmas Collection we are going to support Embrace the Middle East’s Syria appeal.
As we sing those carols and use those resources for Advent let’s support those churches in the vital work they are doing and continue to uphold the “Working through our Lebanese Middle East in our prayers. partners, we are empowering a Every blessing for Christmas network of Syrian churches to provide emergency food parcels to the most Richard vulnerable families.”
Sue’s News Who said that life was like a toilet roll ... the nearer it gets to the end, the faster it runs out? With my advancing years, I observe that it seems only a short time ago that we were singing carols and enjoying the services of Christmas 2012. So, here we are already with the 2013 Christmas programme in place and making the final adjustments to ensure its smooth running. It is always a joyous time in the Church but we should remember those less fortunate than us. The December offering will be for Embrace the Middle East (Syria) where the ongoing conflict is a great cause for concern. Closer to home, CCP will also be in need of our continued food donations, and Open Door always needs cast off clothing (especially men’s) for distribution to the homeless. Christmas is a good time to consider whether we can manage to maybe give a little more. Our Christmas calendar offers a full and attractive programme of events, starting on Advent Sunday 1st December! Richard Newton has organised the Christmas Meal on Tuesday 17th December, returning to last year’s venue of the Clock Tower. A large number is joining in the event, so our thanks to him for his care and enthusiasm in managing this. Again, we are implementing the cafe-style table arrangement in the church for part of the month. The tables are to be in place from 18th to 22nd December, so there will, no doubt, be an appeal for able-bodied people to help in the moving of furniture before and after these dates. On Saturday 7th December, there will be a commissioning service at Bethesda Church for the new recruits to the Street Pastors scheme. It is wonderful that there are those willing to give up time, at less than sociable hours, to help keep our street safe at weekends. It is two years since I became involved in the scheme, have met some wonderful, big-hearted Christian people and, hopefully, sowed seeds of Christian love in the hearts of the street users. The next edition of Highbury News will be the first of 2014 when we will be finalising the restructuring plans, selecting and appointing the new Diaconate and Ministry Leaders. The Annual Meeting in March will then be so-o-o-o close! Meantime, I wish all a Happy, Joyous and Meaningful Christmas, and may the blessings of that Christ Child be with us all.
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December 2013
Chosen Charity for December: EMBRACE the Middle East Embrace the Middle East is the exciting new name for BibleLands, a Christian charity which was set up in 1854. In its 150+ years of existence they have worked in many countries in the Near and Middle East. Currently Embrace supports projects in Israel, Palestine, Lebanon and Egypt. Although they do not routinely work in Syria, during the current crisis there, they have been supporting the work of local church leaders to bring food to internally displaced persons.
"Whoever embraces one of these children as I do embraces me, and far more than me - God who sent me."
Embrace the Middle East is a nongovernmental, inter-denominational charity supporting Christian-led humanitarian projects in the Middle East. Embrace seeks to improve the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged people in the Middle East in partnership with local Christians, focusing on education, healthcare and community development – regardless Detailed research showed that the of their faith or nationality. previous name conjured up an old- Babies in the land of Christ's birth are fashioned image and led people to going without vital medicines and believe that they distributed Bibles or nutrition. An Embrace-supported Well were an overtly evangelistic charity. Baby clinic, run by Gazan Christians, is While Embrace believes in the working under extreme pressure to importance of the Word of God and its bring medicines and nutritional support dissemination, distribution of Bibles is to babies at risk. The clinic provides not part of their charitable purpose. milk, iron supplements and medicines Embrace the Middle East was chosen free of charge. The staff monitor because it described the work and growth and advise parents on how to reflected the Christian calling to make sure their children's food retains welcome the stranger, feed the hungry as many nutrients as possible. Please and help the homeless (Matthew 25). help reach them before it's too late. It was also felt that embrace was a www.embraceme.org very Biblical concept, one that invoked the inclusiveness that goes to the very Registered Charity 1076329 heart of the Gospel. Mary Michael One paraphrase translation of Jesus’ comments in Mark 9 verse 37 reads:
Highbury Community CafĂŠ Every Thursday from 10:00am to 11:30am Coffee, Tea and Homemade Cake Bring your Friends and Neighbours
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December 2013
Celebrating Christmas 2013 Saturday 30th November Sunday
1st
December
3.00pm to 5.00pm St John’s Christmas Fair Advent Sunday with the Advent Ring 6-30pm ‘A Gift from Heaven Above’ - Advent Service with Communion led by Highbury Choir
Wednesday 4th December
2.00pm Christmas Carols with Richard Sharpe and AgeUK Cheltenham Choir and Highbury Club for people with visual impairments
Thursday 5th December
12-30pm to 1-30pm Watching and Waiting – Advent Prayers for Cheltenham at St Mary’s, The Minster
Thursday 5th December
7.30pm Church meeting sharing our vision for the future of Highbury
Saturday 7th December
Christmas Café 10-30am to 1-00pm in partnership with the Fairview Community Association and St Luke’s Church - new stalls with something for everyone as we tell the Christmas story around the church - see page 8
Sunday 8th December
10.30am Morning Worship 6.30pm Evening Prayers
Wednesday 11th December
12.30pm Christmas Lunch and Hy-Way Carols
Sunday 15th December
10-30am A Nativity Service 6.30pm Evening Prayers
Tuesday
17th
December
1-30pm Belmont School Carol Service
Tuesday
17th
December
Christmas Dinner at the Clock Tower (for those who have pre-booked with Richard Newton)
Wednesday 18th December
11-00am Pittville School Year 7 Carol Service
Wednesday 18th December
6-30pm Christingle Service welcoming the Peace Light from Bethlehem
Sunday 22nd December
10-30am Christmas Communion Service
Sunday
22nd
December
6-30pm The Big Sing – Christmas Carols by Candle light – with mince pies and punch
Christmas Day
10-30am Christmas Celebration
Sunday 29th December
10-30am and 6-30pm the last Services of Christmas
New Year’s Day
11.00am Walk from 10 Albert Road and 1.00pm Bring and Share Lunch - see page 16
Highbury News
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December 2013
Christmas Café at
Highbury Congregational Church Saturday 7th December 10:30am to 1.00pm Fresh Coffee and Homemade Cakes Various Stalls provided by people from Church and from the Fairview Area Palestinian Goods Frasers Fudj Homemade cards and Decorations Usborne Books Gift Stall Poetry books Lace gifts Papercraft Cards Traidcraft Coasters and Calendars also
Hy-Speed 6 car digital racing Find the Donkey Floral Display Name the Bear Christmas Themed Activities Guess the Sweets in the Jar Neck and Shoulder Massage PCSO for Fairview St Vincent’s and St George’s Association plus fundraiser for CHIKS sponsorship
In partnership with Fairview Community Association and St Luke’s C of E Church
Highbury News
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December 2013
News of the Church Family CONGRATULATIONS to - Jocelyn Bell who celebrated her 96th birthday on Tuesday 19th November BEST WISHES to - Isobel Lowicki who was Baptised in Highbury on Sunday 3rd November, daughter of Carlie and Ian, and sister of Jayden and Mckenzie - Dean Street and Lindsey Oakley on their wedding on Saturday 14th December OUR SYMPATHY to - Lorraine and Neil Gasside and family, remembering Lorraine’s cousin Rita whose partner Jim Curtis died in a tragic accident on the M25 in October, and also thinking of Jim’s parents Lena and Rob, and brother Bob PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS - all those mentioned above, and - David and Shirley Rogers, and David’s brother Jim - Simon Hayden and Roy Miller following cataract surgery - Laura MacLeod's father Bill, his wife Jane and all in their family, remembering Laura, Iain, Eilidh and Ceitidh too - Claire and Matt Gasside, and Claire’s Dad and Mum, Maitland and Gill Cook - Iain Wallington, Sharon, Tabi, Murray & Gus, as Iain continues his recovery - Grace Chiahata's father Max, recently diagnosed with cancer, remembering Grace, Sam and Angel in their concern for him - Maurice Wilce
- John Lewis
- Brenda and Raymond Clarke
- Vera and David Williams
- Caroline and Christopher Gregory
- Gill and Mike Downward
- Elaine and David Kinchin
- Ann and Stan Jones
- Peter and Jonquil Harrison
- Kathy and Mike James
- Robert and Sue Pestell, as Robert has been appointed Chaplain to the Sue Ryder Home in Leckhampton, and they will soon be moving to Winchcombe - all the children and young people making their preparations for Christmas - our older members in residential homes, care homes and nursing homes - some older people not as strong or active as they were, and finding life more difficult day by day, especially as the winter weather arrives - other friends known to us, with continuing health, employment, relationship or personal concerns and worries - many people who are very much in need of our long-term prayers, and those on your own hearts, but especially we remember those coping and managing on-going illnesses and their dedicated carers, and especially those coping alone with no carers ... may they know the love of the babe of Bethlehem is with them
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December 2013
Riding Lights Theatre Company presents … Only 80 Miles to Christmas Friday 13th December 7-00 pm St Luke’s Church Hall Tickets £6 / £4 Box Office 01242 527021 You’d think it was simple enough … one carpenter on his own, pops down to Bethlehem, registers for the census and nips back home again. No problem. But Mary wants to come too, so they’re going to need nappies, a travel cot and even some squeaky toys, and it’s not an easy route, especially carrying an extra passenger or two. Then there’s the risk of scally-wags and ruffians, to say nothing of bumping into terrifying traffic wardens, Persian philosophers and a wildly mischievous camel called Desmond (heaven knows where he’s going!). Luckily, Joseph plans a mad motorised marvel to remove some of the ‘donkey work’ from the trip. All that’s left is to count down the miles to Christmas … you’d think that would be simple enough! toured primary schools, churches and arts venues around Yorkshire, and this year the show is travelling nationally until 23rd December. The production lasts approximately one hour and is suitable for age five and up. CHURCH FAMILY NEWS AND VISITING REQUESTS contact: Lorraine Gasside Diana Adams
( 01242 239838 - mail@lmgasside.plus.com
( 01242 233663 - diana.adams@btconnect.com PRAYER CHAIN REQUESTS contact:
Lorraine Gasside
( 01242 239838 - mail@lmgasside.plus.com
Loving Father we seek your blessing on this publication which mirrors the life and work at Highbury, we trust it will give information and encouragement. St Paul tells us that Church members have differing gifts, but are bound together in one cause. May what we do to serve Our Lord Jesus Christ and His Kingdom help us to experience the peace and joy which he offers in His name. Amen.
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December 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 December - 9th December
Subject:
Good News People Invitation Christmas Meal
Where:
St Matthew’s Church, Clarence Street, Cheltenham
For more information, visit the website at: www.goodnewspeople.org or email office@goodnewspeople.org or
Thursday
12th
01594 529752
Open the Book December from 7.30 - 9.00pm
Faith, Hope and Love The Kairos Palestine Document In 2009 the churches of Palestine and Israel invited the churches of the world to think through what is at the heart of the Christian faith and how that speaks into the current situation in Palestine and Israel. They take as the inspiration of their document 1 Corinthians 13:13 and focus on Faith, Hope and Love. In our Open the Book evenings we are taking a look at their statement and reflect on what it means for us and the response we can make. Thursday 12th December
Love
Richard Cleaves
Quiet time before morning worship The Prayer Parlour in the Morton Brown Room is open from 10.00am to 10.15am each Sunday morning for a time of quiet prayer. There is an open invitation to all who wish to pray for the day’s worship and for the total life of the Church.
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December 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
A Prayer from New Guinea At Advent we must try the key to our heart’s door, because it may have gathered rust. If so, this is the time to oil it, in order that the door to our heart may open more easily when Jesus wants to enter at Christmas time. Lord, oil the hinges of our hearts’ doors, too, that they may swing gently and easily to welcome your coming.
Highbury News
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December 2013
Chosen Charities Communion offerings and money donated at coffee time after morning worship will go to our chosen charity for December which is Embrace the Middle East’s Syrian Appeal. (see page 6). The total raised by our communion offerings and by those who stayed for coffee after the morning services during October for the St Vincent’s and St George’s Association amounted to £156.65
Welcoming Team for December Sunday MORNING Iain MacLeod Janet Rhodes Tricia Stone
Sunday EVENING Darryl Mills Rachel Jacques
Vestry Duty Sunday MORNING Jean Gregory
Sunday EVENING Diana Adams
Evening Service Readers in December will be: Sunday 1st December Sunday
8th
Sunday
15th
December
Highbury Choir Martin Evans
December Phil Arnold
Sunday 22nd December Marion Taylor Sunday 29th December John Lewis Thank you to all those who have helped with reading, both morning and evening. Volunteers are always welcome. Please see me in church, or ’phone me: Jonquil Harrison
Hy-Way We usually meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays each month in the Morton Brown Room at 2:00pm, and all are welcome to join us.
Highbury News
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December 2013
Prayer Focus - District 12 Tom and Nicky Archer, Eleanor, Harry and Poppy Phil and Joyce Arnold Tania Ashdown (Guide Leader) David and Betty Butcher Richard and Julie Gilpin, Ruby and Poppy Christopher and Caroline Gregory Vera Januszczak
Stan and Ann Jones
Brenda Lamb
Mary Michael
Joyce Moore
Barbara Murrell
Claire Mortimer-White, Megan, Esther and Dulcie Matt and Ruth Noonan and Jessica Edna Price
John and Angela Pickles
Heather Pickles
Paula Rea
Janet Rhodes
Anne Saunders
Diane Seabourne
Cindy Thomas
Ron and Joan Wakeman and Megan Neil and Elaine Williams, Aimee, Jessica and George Deacon: John Pickles Visitors: Betty Butcher, Joyce Arnold and Janet Rhodes
Prayer Rota for Sundays in December Morning Sunday 1st December
Sharon Wallington
Sunday 8th December
Adrian/Kate Blazey
Sunday
15th
December Children’s Nativity
Sunday
22nd
December Mary Michael
Sunday 29th December June Tremlett
S.W. Midlands Area of the Congregational Federation invites us to pray for ... Sunday 1st December
Amnesty International
Sunday 8th December
Street Pastors
Sunday
15th
December
Those Without a Home
Sunday
22nd
December
The Expectation of Christ’s Birth
Sunday
29th
December
Refugees and Asylum Seekers
Highbury News
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December 2013
Confection! Hidden in this Christmas story are the names of forty two delicious (but bad for you!) sweets, chocolates and biscuits! Can you spot them all before the children do? This story is a classic which is told every Christmas. It has nothing to do with reindeer, flakes of snow, robins or home-made cribs decorated with tinsel. It’s the story of a baby who was born so that all sorts of people, like you and me, might know how much God loves us. Many people, young and old, are in need of refreshers of one kind or another. We need a message of hope, something to give us a boost. Are you sitting comfortably? Then I’ll begin ...
When they arrived after days of travelling, they were desperate to find a place to stay. The owners of every club, inn, hotel, guest house and bed & breakfast told them they had “no room”. Finally, they were offered a place to sleep in a stable behind one of the local pubs, called M & M’s because it was owned by another Mary and her sister Martha. There was a donkey there, and a little yorkie barked at them when they went in, but it was there that the baby was born.
A long time ago a lady called Mary heard a wispa from an angel that she That night, a group of shepherds and drifters were looking after their sheep was going to become a Mummy. on the hillside nearby, when an angel The news very soon became a topic of appeared and said “Don’t be afraid. I conversation in the small village where bring you good news! Let’s have a she lived. When she told Joseph about celebration!” Then the shepherds the angel’s message he said he’d heard tunes in the sky. Heavenly already read it in the local paper (like minstrels were singing! the Gloucestershire Echo, here in The shepherds said, “Come on, let’s go Cheltenham.) to see what’s happened down in the Before the baby was due to arrive they town.” had to set off on a very long journey, because the king had ordered When they arrived at the stable they everyone to go and register themselves found the trio, Joseph and Mary, and a in the town where they were born. It new baby lying in a cattle feeding was a marathon journey, but Joseph trough! It was ace to see, but it wasn’t thought that the break away would do at all a nice place for a baby. They couldn’t take their eyes off the baby. them good. They were united in knowing that the It was a long way and they were tired baby was very special. when they stopped to picnic, there were no double decker buses to ride It was getting rather late, in fact it was on, or trains to catch and they had to after eight, so the shepherds set off back to their sheep on the hillside. walk all the way.
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December 2013
Meanwhile, in a far off county, some They travelled on, following the star, smarties (wise men to you and me!) until they came to the place where were busy scanning the galaxy. they found Mary, Joseph and the baby. There were some millions of stars in orbit, but suddenly they spotted a starburst near the milky way. Was it Mars? No, it was an extra bright, special star that would lead them to where the new prince had been born. So they took time-out to make the long journey and follow the star to the king’s palace.
They presented the baby with their bounty - gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Soon afterwards an angel warned the wise men not to return to tell the king, because he was up to his twix again (he was known as a bit of a teaser) and so they went home another way.
The really good news about this story is that the baby was Jesus, and he was These wise men were not afraid to born to be our friend. He helps us live hob-nob with royalty. The king was out lives in the quality street of joy, very interested in what they had to tell hope, love and peace. him. He tried to fudge the issue and So let’s use the airwaves to tell pretend he wasn’t worried about a new everyone! prince coming to take over his kingdom, but he asked the wise men to report back to him with the results of their travels.
New Year’s Day Walk An invitation to you all Wednesday 1st January 2014 Please join us for a walk, then bring and share lunch, and a lazy afternoon! Meet at our house, 10 Albert Road, at 11.00am. The walk will not be too strenuous, but stout shoes or boots, warm/waterproof clothes are essential! Lunch will be at 1.00pm non-walkers welcome! For more information please ’phone us: Jean and Roger Gregory
Highbury News
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01242 526002
December 2013
Update on Moffat in Prison in Zambia I've had two letters since I last wrote about Moffat - and they both arrived on the same day! Neither though had much news. He tells us how grateful he is for our love and support, and how he appreciates our help. (He remains concerned about Cecilia and I hope that the photo I sent him recently showing Cecilia looking very well and happy will reach him very soon and allay his worries.) So on Moffat's behalf 'thank you' to all who support him/Cecilia in prayer and/or financially. Please look out for our two anthologies which we are selling to raise funds to help Cecilia go to secondary school - these will be on sale at the Christmas Café on Saturday 7th December. Judi Marsh
Highbury Lunch in December The next lunch will be held on Wednesday 11th December at 12:30pm when all will be welcome to come, and bring friends and neighbours too as long as the Cooking Team know you are coming, please! It will be a Christmas menu of roast turkey and all the trimmings £4 per head - just sign up on the list on the notice board. Jean Gregory
Church Family Christmas Greetings Instead of buying and exchanging charity Christmas cards with church friends who we see on a regular basis to exchange seasonal greetings, from Sunday 1st December hand-made Christmas cards will be available in the porch for you to write greetings to the church family. The cards will be hung on a garland along the windows of the porch so they are visible from both sides and will be displayed throughout the Christmas period. Children will take turns to help you choose a card, make a donation to CHIKS, and hang your card. Many thanks to Elaine Schönbeck for creating the lovely cards. Carolyn Tennant
Highbury News
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December 2013
The Gift - by Ann Macfarlane The list is longer than ever this year, So many gifts to buy, Father, mother sisters, brothers, Aunt Jane and tall cousin Guy. What does it say at the end of the list, Something extra special for a King. A King on my list! What gift could I buy for a King? Usually they have everything! I donned my coat and rushed for the train, I even managed to laugh at the rain. From noisy station I walked to the store, Stacked with gifts from ceiling to floor. There was a computer inside the door So I thought I would feed in some facts. Out tumbled the answer cards, Perfume for mother, hankies for father, A game for John, and for cousin Guy some slacks! A computer is all very fine, But would it know what would befit a King? As I thought, I wandered through the store. A crown for his head, a blanket for his bed, A cushion for his feet, passion fruit to eat. In the end I went to the computer, And fed in all the facts I knew, A King, a very special King, Something worth a pound or maybe two. My positive facts were all too few. The machine then gave a dreadful jolt, And came to an untimely halt. I said, “You can’t do this right now; Where is the manager anyhow?” When I had found him, I said, “Why has the computer come to a halt?”
Highbury News
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December 2013
He replied, “Your question was too difficult. I suggest you go home and ask your family. I am very clever, but your question is too complicated, Even for me!” I wandered on through the store, Past beads and bangles, and toys that jangled. Costly scents, lovely clothes; bicycles and tents. Oh, where would I find my gift for the King, This crowded store has not one thing! I came to Pet’s Corner, there were cats and dear little dogs, And even a gathering of frightened frogs. And then I espied in a beautiful cage, a dove! The wonderful symbol of peace and love. At last I had found the answer To what I would give the King. And I ran out of the store, into the rain, Just caught the train, splashed down the lane, Back to my family again. I asked my father, “What would you give to a King?” I asked my mother, and Jane and sister Sue, Cousin Guy and Grandad too, And then I asked Gran, and she said, “He is a special King, Who came to the world without a thing. I would give him love.” And just to think, I had been out in the rain, Caught a train, racked my brain, Walked every floor inside the store, Walked out of the store, into the rain Onto the train, back down the lane, Home to my family again. All my family knew what gift to give the King, Now I, too, would bring that gift of love to him. And share that joy of love with every friend, For it is a gift that none can buy ... and has no end.
Highbury News
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December 2013
Life Affirming Communities and CWM Strategy The Council for World Mission (CWM) has agreed for the next phase of its work to concentrate on enabling member churches to develop missional congregations. The four units: mission enabling, reflect and research, justice and witness and capacity building will all work towards the same objective – supporting missional congregations. Programmes and events facilitated by Programme and Regional Secretaries will continue to support member churches face the challenge of developing missional congregations in their specific contexts. People have asked about the nature of a missional congregation, and in answer to their questions CWM has developed this understanding which we seek to share with member churches: A missional congregation Lives a spirituality of engagement, that is reflected in its worship, and in the nurture and support of its members Is attuned to the communities in which it is set and alert to the needs of the world, so that it is willing to stand alongside and speak out with those who are suffering or are marginalised Does not work alone, being in active partnership with other groups who share similar concerns Is a learning community, with its members taking seriously their reading of the Bible and their reflection on their experience, both as individuals and as a community.
Highbury News
All of which leads the congregation to be a community of transformation, manifesting the reign of God in its midst as lives are made new and justice is realised for those who have been denied fullness of life. CWM continue to make available member church mission support programmes but these will be focusing on missional congregations. In addition, CWM will be working with member churches to consider develop capacity development plans – the other element of mission planning. Member churches will be encouraged to develop capacity development plans which reflect the churches mission support plan and priorities, which CWM will seek to resource and support. The first steps towards developing missional congregations was to hold a workshop in the European region where member churches came together to consider missional congregations, mission planning and capacity development. A series of peer team visits over the next years will help churches to support each other and see how to further develop missional congregations.
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December 2013
CCP
at Christmas
County Community Project’s programme is an emergency food distribution service for people and families in times of crisis. There is continually an urgent need, especially at Christmas time, for all non-perishable food, in particular meat based products such as tinned curry, minced beef, tinned stew, Fray Bentos pies, corned beef, tinned ham etc.. Donations of staple foods such as rice, pasta and mash, cereals, packet and other tinned foods are also needed. If you would prefer to give financial donations, please could we ask you to pass these directly to us for safety, or put them on to the offering plate, suitably labelled for our treasurer. Sincere thanks to everyone for your ongoing commitment to this cause. Your wonderful support at Harvest was very much appreciated, but please do your best to remember there is still a great need. Many parents in need of this help would be particularly grateful if they could provide their children with a tasty meal on Christmas Day, and on into 2014. Lorraine and Neil Gasside Light looked down and beheld Darkness, “Thither will I go” said Light. Peace looked down and beheld War, “Thither will I go” said Peace. Love looked down and beheld Hatred, “Thither will I go” said Love. So came Light, and shone; So came Peace, and gave rest; So came Love, and brought Life. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.
Highbury News
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December 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 Age is a quality of mind. If you have left your dreams behind If hope is cold If you no longer plan ahead If ambitions all are dead then you are old. But if you make of life the best And in your life you still have zest If love you hold No matter how the years go by No matter how the birthdays fly You are not old
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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December 2013
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Highbury News
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December 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
Christmas Prayer May May May May May
your peace of Christmas fall upon all new-born, your peace of Christmas fall upon all families, your peace of Christmas fall upon all communities, your peace of Christmas fall upon all nations, your peace of Christmas fall upon your world! That lasting peace throughout the year! Shirley Fiddimore in ‘Hope for Cecilia’
Two new anthologies are being published as Christmas approaches that will once again go to support Cecilia, the thirteen year old daughter of Moffat. whose death sentence was commuted so he is no longer on death row but is now in the ‘ordinary’ part of the Maximum Security Prison in Kabwe. David and Judi Marsh have been writing to Moffat for five years and are part of a group who help to support Cecilia at school. Proceeds from the sale of these anthologies will go towards her fees, and will be sent via Penwork Ministries. ‘The Topsy-turvy World of Cats’ and ‘Poems, Prayers and Promises’ will both be available at Church.
Highbury News
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December 2013