Oxford Street. Cheltenham. GL52 6DU
www.highburychurch.co.uk
News
Congregational Church
January 2014
Highbury
An Invitation ... ... to Good News and the start of Good News People is a gathering place something new! for those with an interest in or have a It is many years now since Highbury passion for sharing their faith with their had a Brownie Pack meeting on the friends. premises, though we have very strong It is an opportunity to meet with other links with the Brownies who meet at people who are interested in sharing Holy Trinity School. their faith. With a growing waiting list and some very committed leaders they have decided to re-open the Highbury Brownie Unit. The first of their meetings will be taking place on Thursday 9th January. If you know of anyone who may be interested, please pass the word on! (See page 18)
To think through key issues on sharing your faith today.
Paula Gooder is a very thoughtprovoking speaker who will be speaking at the Good News People meeting in St Matthew’s Church on Monday 13th January at 7-30 (see page You can register an interest online at 13) and then sharing in a day with church leaders on Tuesday. www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested
Deadline for February Highbury News: Sunday 12th January
Highbury Congregational Church belongs to the Congregational Federation and is in partnership with the Council for World Mission and Churches Together
Richard.cleaves@highburychurch.co.uk 01242 522050
Highbury News
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January 2014
Minister’s Memo Hope and Healing A Happy New Year! As I sat down to write my contribution for the first Highbury News of 2014 In tribute after tribute it was Nelson news had just come through of the Mandela’s capacity to forgive that made him the remarkable world death of Nelson Mandela. leader he was. My thoughts immediately went back to the time ten years before, in November For the first time in human history the attempt was made to bring the 2003, when I visited Johannesburg. perpetrators of man’s inhumanity to I was one of a group of people man face to face with their victims. involved in theological education drawn from the 31 member churches As Desmond Tutu said it was no soft option, no easy alternative. But a of the Council for World Mission. tough way of seeking healing. We were not the only group to be using the Conference Centre on the As a new year starts and we seek outskirts of Johannesburg. That week hope and healing, maybe we should South Africa’s very first Children’s return to those words from the Lord’s Prayer and take them to heart ... Parliament was meeting. I kept a journal of the conference and Forgive us our trespasses as we all we did. On the night Nelson forgive those who trespass against us. Mandela died I looked up my journal.
The leaders of our conference made it It was moving to be reminded of one very apparent that I should have been particular part of that visit. What I in the second session that Monday shared then seem to me to speak morning. powerfully to us at the start of a New Year.
Highbury News
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January 2014
"Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika".
As the New Year begins those thoughts are very much thoughts for us to take to heart. What a responsibility we share to the children around us.
Another thought worthy of taking into the New Year. Sometimes it’s difficult to talk, difficult to share with others things that trouble us. But talking about them can be the first step towards the hope and healing we long for. Nelson Mandela had recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer and had cut down on his public engagements.
Highbury News
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January 2014
In this New Year let’s resolve to talk about things we would rather not talk about. I summed up how I felt in my journal back then ...
It was sobering to think how many of that vast number of school children gathering together for their Parliament were already affected by HIV and Aids.
Maybe ten years on, the key to hope and healing at the start of a New Year lies in that spirit of forgiveness, that commitment to children, to openness, Nelson Mandela clearly wanted them to caring. to talk about the things that troubled Every blessing for the New Year them and not bottle them up. Richard How we can take that to heart.
Highbury Lunch in January The next lunch will be held on Wednesday 8th January 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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January 2014
Sue’s News Happy New Year! 2014 will see the greatest changes in the Highbury leadership structure for many a year. At the December Church Meeting it was a joy to hear the presentations of four prospective new Ministry Leaders. All four were voted into their respective posts. May their talents and enthusiasm for the changes take us forward, and let us pray for guidance as they prepare for their commissioning in March.
an appetite for the bring-and-share lunch. This is always a fun social event, never yet cancelled due to foul weather. Do join in either or both parts of the day. (see page 12)
Before then we have to elect the new Diaconate, and a letter explaining the nomination process accompanies this newsletter. Suggestion slips must be returned by the deadline so please note the date. We continue to seek a new Secretary. The post is not as onerous as it may appear, and thanks go to the people who have offered to assist with administration, which should further lighten the load.
I may be running out of steam as my frequent errors in Sunday notices and News items have not gone unnoticed!! However, we are kept on track with Felicity’s recent Highbury e-news. Please keep them coming, Felicity!
Also at that December Church Meeting, Richard informed us that confirmation had been received from the Congregational Federation that our new Governance Document has been approved and sealed formally. If anyone is interested to peruse the document, copies are available. January will start, as in recent years, with the New Year’s Day walk on 1st January. At the invitation of the Gregorys, the Ramble of the Rabble will start from 10 Albert Road for a short walk (dogs included) to generate
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is, as usual, from 18th to 25th January. We are invited to join to join with other churches when we can, and it will be good to share a joint service with St Luke’s Church, as in previous years, on Sunday 26th January at 10.00am.
If you have not already bought your copies of the new anthologies to support Cecilia in Zambia, do so soon. A small purchase can help make a big difference to the future of a young girl. Likewise, your generosity in supporting those needy children in Kerala over Christmas will give them opportunities otherwise not available to them. Education is their means to turn their lives towards a new and better way of life. Please remember Highbury and all that goes on (and is to go on) in your prayers. I repeat my wish for all to have a Happy New Year with hopes for a year of peace, love and tolerance worldwide.
Beaver Biscuits Thank you to everyone who bought the biscuits the Beavers had made on their Scottish themed sleepover. The sum raised for Shelterbox was £48.
Highbury News
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January 2014
Chosen Charity for January: Listening Post “Listening Post is a professional voluntary counselling service, Christian in foundation, that was formed twenty one years ago to relieve emotional and psychological distress in Christians and non-Christians alike. We are an organisational member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy and work within their Ethical Framework. We provide counselling for anyone over 18, regardless of financial status, gender, religion, sexual orientation, race, colour or ethnic origin.
in need cannot afford. Unlike private practitioners we do not charge a set fee for our services. All we ask is that, based upon individual means, our clients make a donation per session.
If, as a client, you draw support from Christianity or any faith and want that to play a part in your counselling we work within the context of your faith. If you wish to work without reference to any religious beliefs, you are equally welcome. The professional concern of a Listening Post counsellor will be to gain an understanding of how you see Listening Post offers counselling to yourself and of what distresses you, adults in Gloucestershire suffering and then work with you to determine from emotional distress. There are how you can best be supported. many reasons why people seek We have three counselling centres in counselling. Sometimes a relationship Gloucestershire, located in Gloucester, has broken down or you have been Cheltenham and Stroud. You are bereaved. Sometimes the stress of welcome to contact any centre about hard working lives has become counselling; other enquiries are best unmanageable. Sometimes wounds made to our main office in Gloucester.” from much earlier in your life resurface Cheltenham 01242 256060; Stroud and haunt you. Sometimes you just 02453 750123; Gloucester 01452 feel you have lost your way and no 383820 longer know what to do. As with so many of the charities we We serve any resident of support Listening Post is struggling Gloucestershire, including those who with both the increases in their costs might otherwise be financially and the volume of clients needing their prevented from accessing professional help. They are very grateful for any counselling support. Private help we can give them. counselling can cost up to £50 an hour – a cost that many people desperately Mary Michael
Highbury Community Café Every Thursday from 10:00am to 11:30am except Thursday 26th December and Thursday 2nd January Coffee, tea & homemade cake - bring your friends & neighbours
Highbury News
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January 2014
A new future for Highbury in 2014 “We are well placed to move into the future together as a church family,” that was a comment made to me at the end of the excellent Christmas Café that followed hard on the heels of our December Church Meeting.
With this edition of Highbury News Church Members will receive a letter inviting them to suggest the names of those they feel would serve the church as Deacons in our new, smaller Diaconate. Please give this letter real It was at that Church Meeting that we thought and prayer and then return received confirmation from the your suggestion slip in the box at Congregational Federation that our church by the end of January. new Governance document has been It’s great to know that we are able to approved and sealed formally. put together a team of people to And it was at the Church Meeting that undertake the administrative and we appointed our new Ministry support work the church requires. We are also seeking someone who will Leaders: serve the Church as Church Secretary. Shirley Fiddimore for Worship, Karen Haden for Discipleship, Jean Gregory At the Annual Church Meeting in for Mission and Outreach and Mary March we will elect our new Diaconate and, we hope, our new Church Buchanan for Young People. Secretary. Please make a note of I am very much looking forward to these important dates in your diary. working together with our team of Ministry Leaders … but there are two Richard more pieces of our jigsaw to fill. Thursday 6th February March
Annual Church Meeting
16th
March
10-30am - we will welcome the new Deacons,
Thursday Sunday,
Last meeting of the Diaconate in its current format
6th
the Ministry Leaders and our Church Officers Thursday
3rd
Saturday
27th
Thursday
1st
April April
May
Saturday 17th May Thursday
5th
June
Highbury News
First meeting of our Ministry Leaders Ministry Leaders’ Day First meeting of the new Diaconate Deacons’ Day -to be confirmed Church Meeting
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January 2014
Chosen Charities Communion offerings and money donated at coffee time after morning worship will go to our chosen charity for January which is Listening Post (see page 7). The total raised by our communion offerings and by those who stayed for coffee after the morning services during November for the Langley House Trust amounted to ÂŁ266.29
Welcoming Team for January Sunday MORNING Peter Harrison Joan Wakeman Ron Wakeman
Sunday EVENING June Tremlett Rose Hayward Edwin Hayward
Vestry Duty Sunday MORNING Sharon Wallington
Sunday EVENING Mary Buchanan
Evening Service Readers in January will be: Sunday 5th January
Mary Michael
Sunday 12th January
James Martin
Sunday 19th January Sunday
26th
January
Rachel Jacques Stan Jones
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
01242 520522
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. Jenny Bartlett
01242 231644 - jennybartlett20@hotmail.com
Highbury News
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January 2014
Update on Moffat in prison in Zambia The most recent letter from Moffat was written on 4th November and has taken over a month to reach us. Some of the men in the Maximum Security Prison are very artistic and Moffat often writes on beautifully illustrated paper. This latest letter has a very fine picture of a bunch of red roses tied with a blue ribbon. There is also an open Bible. Years ago when we first began writing to Moffat he told us he wanted to be encouraged and nurtured in his faith - he had become a Christian since being in prison. In this letter he is asking how I would describe 'peace' - he says he has never had peace. He also asks about spiritual healing - do I think he needs it, how best can he have it, and is it an ongoing lifelong thing to get? If you have any thoughts on this that I can pass on to him, please let me know. The anthologies we are selling to raise money to go towards Cecilia's secondary school fees are now available. If you would like a copy please ask me or Shirley Fiddimore. (Please see the full details below). Moffat tells us that Cecilia was very excited about sitting her exams in October and by the time you read this the results will be out. Then it will be a question of enrolling her in a secondary school. Please pray that the right school will be found and that all will go smoothly. Also, please continue to remember Moffat in your prayers - that he will be blessed with the peace and spiritual healing that he seeks. Thank you. Judi Marsh
Anthologies This year Shirley and I have produced two anthologies to sell in aid of Cecilia's school fees. ‘Poems, Prayers and Promises’ is just that, with short poetry collections by Dee Brierley-Jones, Shirley Fiddimore, Judi Marsh, Malcolm Williams and Gill Wyatt. Pieces by Richard Cleaves and others in the Prayers and Promises section and a separate section by our Junior Church members. This anthology is £3.50. The other is ‘The Topsy-turvy World of Cats’ and features pieces about both domestic and wild cats. Again pieces by both adults and children. This anthology is priced at £2.50. Both anthologies are well-illustrated - our artists being Ros Stanley, Dee Brierley-Jones and David Marsh. If you would like a copy of either or both please speak to me or Shirley Fiddimore. Judi Marsh
Highbury News
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January 2014
News of the Church Family THANK YOU to - all the children and young people who contributed their art-work to the new 2014 church calendar; and thanks also to Carolyn Tennant and June Tremlett who coordinated the production of the calendars - Karen Wilkes and her team of talented flower arrangers for the wonderful arrangements they display each week, enhancing our worship, and to all who decorated the church window sills in Advent, depicting the different carols WE GIVE THANKS that - David Rogers is back worshipping with us, following his hospitalisation - John Lewis is also recovering well from his chest infection PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS - all those mentioned above, and - Trevor Needs who has broken his wrist, thinking of Sue too - Cindy Thomas’ son Julian, who has been very seriously ill in hospital - Laura MacLeod's father Bill, his wife Jane and all in their family, especially remembering Laura, Iain, Eilidh and Ceitidh - Claire and Matt Gasside, and Claire’s Dad and Mum, Maitland and Gill Cook - Dan Moses’ mother, also remembering Solu and Andrea - Grace Chiahata's father Max, recently diagnosed with cancer, remembering Grace, Sam and Angel in their concern for him - Elaine and David Kinchin
- Ann and Stan Jones
- Peter and Jonquil Harrison
- Vera and David Williams
- Brenda and Raymond Clarke
- Gill and Mike Downward
- Caroline and Christopher Gregory
- Anne and Malcolm Hopkins
- John Copeland (elder son of the late Ken and Margaret) following major surgery for cancer, his sister Chris, and her husband Dave recently diagnosed with cancer, but needing cardiac surgery before that treatment can begin - our older members in residential homes, care homes and nursing homes - Molly Sivyer
- Rene Nixon
- Joyce Marriott
- Maurice Wilce
- people not as strong or active as they were, and finding life more difficult day by day, especially in the winter weather and long chilly evenings - 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
Highbury News
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January 2014
APPRECIATION Cindy Thomas and family would like to thank all the Church Family for their kindness and prayers for Julian during a very worrying time. He is now at home, with visits alternate days, to the local hospital one day, and the next day the nursing staff from the Coronary Unit visit him. Thank you for your love and concern.
The Hope Group 2013 has been an interesting time for our group; we have had a number of varied talks over the months. These talks have been taken by people within Highbury, along with outside speakers. Some of the topics have been on Angels, Open the Book, Hildegard of Bingen, Prisons, Katherine Parr, Irena Sendler, Chris’ films on Cheltenham, Utah and the National Parks in America, and Maureen’s Australian friends who spoke on mission in Ethiopia. We are a friendly group and invite you to come along and join us. We begin with a drink and biscuits, open with prayer and song, then begin promptly at 7.45pm and finish promptly at 9.00pm. None of us are late-nighters! We are having a planning session for the year in January, and beginning our first session on Thursday 27th February. If anyone is prepared to offer talks of interest to us we would appreciate it very much. All our talks have been on ‘people who make a difference’. You are most welcome. Shirley Fiddimore
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
January 2014
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 January - 13th January
Speakert:
Dr Paula Gooder
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
01594 529752
Open the Book from 7.30 - 9.00pm
9th January
The Poetry of Prayer The Psalms of the Bible offer a wonderful resource for prayer. Treasured by Jesus, treasured through the centuries they are a treasure trove to enrich the prayers of us all. We are going to take a look at some groups of Psalms and explore the way we can use them in prayer, individually and together as a church family. 9th January
Prayers of Pilgrimage - Psalms 120 to 134
27th
Prayers of Pain - the Psalms of Lament
20th
February March
Prayers of Praise - the Psalms in praise of God
Please note changed dates in February and March
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.
Highbury News
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January 2014
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 6 - 7.15pm
Brownies
Kate Fleming
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
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
Highbury News
( 01242 239838 - mail@lmgasside.plus.com
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January 2014
Calendar for January Wednesday 1st 11.00am 1.00pm
New Year’s Day Walk from 10 Albert Road Bring and Share Lunch at 10 Albert Road see page 12 for full details
SUNDAY 5th
10.30am 6.30pm
Wednesday
8th
12.30pm 2.00pm
Thursday
9th
Morning Worship Evening Prayers with Holy Communion Highbury Lunch - see page 5 Hy-Way - see page 9 11th Cheltenham (Highbury) Brownies first meeting of the re-opened Unit see page 18
7.30pm Saturday
11th
SUNDAY 12th
Open the Book - see page 13
6.30pm
Hy-Speed for younger members
8.30pm
Hy-Speed for older members
9.00am
Sunday Special
10.30am
Morning Worship led by Rev Nick Gleich from Frampton-on-Severn
6.30pm
Evening Prayers led by Rev Dr Dee Brierley-Jones
Monday
13th
7.30pm
Good News People at St Matthew’s see page 13
WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY SUNDAY 19th
10.30am 6.30pm
Wednesday
22nd
SUNDAY 26th
2.00pm 10.00am
Morning Worship with Holy Communion Evening Prayers Hy-Way - see page 9 Morning Worship at St Luke’s C of E Church
Thursday 30th
6.30pm
Evening Prayers at Highbury
7.30pm
HOPE Group planning - see page 12
Highbury News
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January 2014
Christmas Café Here are just some quotes from people following the Christmas Café: “A great atmosphere”
“relaxed”
“time to chat”
“the window sill decorations linked to Christmas Carols were lovely and thoughtfully done and the crafts for the children very good I would have loved to have had the time to take part in them” “I think you can measure the success of the event by the number of people who came and the buzz of conversation that filled our building” “everyone is so friendly” “The Christmas café was a great idea. I enjoyed being there.” There were several new faces; some reunions and the stalls reported good sales. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making it such a successful event which met the aims we had for it. Felicity Cleaves
Confection! the answers to pages 15 and 16 in December 2013 Highbury News Classic
Double Decker
Trio
Mars
Flakes
Club
Ace
Timeout
Allsorts
M & Ms
Nice
Hobnob
Refreshers
Yorkie
United
Fudge
Boost
Drifters
After Eight
Bounty
Wispa
Good News
Smarties
Gold
Topic
Celebration
Galaxy
Twix
Echo
Tunes
Orbit
Teaser
Marathon
Minstrels
Starburst
Good News
Breakaway
Go
Milky Way
Quality Street Airwaves
Picnic
Nobody has told me that they have found them all! Editor
Highbury News
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January 2014
Prayer Focus - District 1 Chris and Charlotte Armstrong, Will and Grace Jocelyn Bell Steve and Janet Brown Grace Chiahata, Samantha Wilson and Angel Richard and Felicity Cleaves Suzie Ganniclift, Beatrix and Charlotte Matt and Claire Gasside
Neil and Lorraine Gasside
Wayne Harvell
Alex and Cynthia Hawkins
Edwin and Rose Hayward
Ted and Jenny Horsfield
Vicki Paterson and Phil Davies, Jamie, Matthew and Benjamin Martin and Elaine SchĂśnbeck, Adam and Philip Selim Smith & Co. Ltd. (advertisers) Margaret Wright Deacon: Peter Harrison Visitors: Neil Gasside, Angela Pickles and June Tremlett
Prayer Rota for Sundays in January Sunday 5th January
Morning Roger Gregory
Sunday 12th January
Iain Macleod
Sunday
19th
January
Janet Partington
Sunday
26th
January
Service at St Luke’s Evening
Sunday 19th January
Richard Cleaves
S.W. Midlands Area of the Congregational Federation invites us to pray for ... Sunday 5th January Sunday
12th
Sunday
19th
January
Stapleton Road Bristol The witness of denominations working together
January
Sherston
Sunday 26th January
Longney
Highbury News
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January 2014
11th Cheltenham Brownies are re-opening at Highbury on 9th January 2014 just in time to celebrate the Big Brownie Birthday (100 years!) Brownies are aged 7 to 10 years Through regular meetings, special events, day trips, sleepovers, camps and holidays, Brownies learn new hobbies, play music, explore other cultures and take part in adventurous outdoor activities. Girls can also extend their knowledge and abilities by working towards Interest Badges covering many different hobbies and activities from Science Investigator to Circus Skills. The Brownies will meet on Thursday evenings in the church hall from 6.00pm to 7.15pm. If you are interested ... please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/interested or email us at highburybrownies@live.com Kate Fleming - 07875 564723
In 2014 Brownies will be 100 years old. To celebrate they are having The Big Brownie Birthday which will bring exciting opportunities and events to the nearly a quarter of a million Brownies in the UK.
The Big Brownie Birthday celebrations will start on 1 January 2014 and finish at the end of the 2014 school summer holidays. Opportunities available will include: Challenge - badge Star Quest - one-day event Stay Away - residential (overnight stay) World Centres - international experience in the UK Euro Hop - international trip
Highbury News
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January 2014
Challenge A resource designed for Brownies to make their own decisions, develop new skills and celebrate 100 years of the biggest Section in Girlguiding, while achieving a specially designed badge. There will also be a Challenge for Rainbows, Guides, Senior Section and adult members too! Star Quest A one-day event that is all about celebrating Brownies and highlighting the fun and excitement of being a Brownie. During the day Brownies will star in their very own cosmic story, travelling through three time zones to take part in challenges and enjoy new and exciting adventures. Stay Away A residential (staying away overnight) event that will give Brownies a fun, unique and memorable experience that will encourage them to remain in Guiding and look forward to Guides. World Centres A chance for Brownies to have an international experience without leaving the UK. World Centres is a series of organised weekends at UK Training and Activity Centres that will be transformed into three of the four World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) Centres: Sangam in India, Our CabaĂąa in Mexico, and Our Chalet in Switzerland. Sincere thanks to the Leaders who have volunteered to re-open the 11th Cheltenham (Highbury) Brownie Unit. They are already leading other Units in Battledown District, and if you would like to offer to help, please contact Kate Fleming - or tell Richard Cleaves.
CCP Firstly, thank you to everyone for your on-going commitment to this cause, and especially to the before Christmas. County Community Project’s programme is an emergency food distribution service for people and families in times of crisis. There is a continual urgent need for all non-perishable food, not just at Harvest time and Christmas, 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. Lorraine and Neil Gasside
Highbury News
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January 2014
Volunteering in The Philippines Alison Herbert is a Guide Leader in Churchdown, and also the International Adviser for Girlguiding South West England Region. Using her skills in nursing and teaching, earlier this year she spent three months on the ship ‘Africa Mercy’ in Guinea, and then later in the Republic of Congo. Samaritans Purse invited her to train in USA as a member of their Disaster Assistance Response Team. In November she went to South Sudan with their ‘cleft lip team programme’, and she is now in The Philippines helping to set up a mobile hospital in Tacloban. I am currently in the Philippines working with Samaritans Purse. I responded to an urgent call for help after Typhoon Haiyan (or Yolanda) hit land and destroyed large swathes of land. I am working with the medical team. We have erected three tents, or more precisely a small team from the United States Air Force erected 3 tents for us, in the grounds of a hospital that specialises in schistosomiasis. They have a small emergency room that deals with minor injuries. The roof of the hospital was ripped off and so the upper floor which had all the inpatient wards was rendered unusable. The tents have meant that the out patient department could be moved to the tents along with the treatment room. The third tent has become a paediatric ward. The other spaces downstairs have become wards and even the main corridor has beds along its length. There is still a small delivery room and space for a few beds for new mums. The babies simply share the bed with mum. There have been several new arrivals this last week but as one new proud father said whilst holding his new son 'we have a new life but no home to share with him'.
Highbury News
Even the staff members have lost their homes. One nurse had climbed into the roof of her home and held into telephone cables for 20 minutes while the sea surge was at its peak. Yet she still has a smile on her face when she is at work. We talked about her experiences and she shared how she has now become completely dependent on God. She lost everything materially, but she still has God. This same nurse came with me as we walked around the slum area vaccinating children under 5 for measles and polio. So apart from helping the hospital staff run their out patient department, which is more like a GP’s surgery we have also been taking out small medical teams and visiting remote villages and helping with a mass vaccination programme. I headed up that team in name and spent 4 days/afternoons vaccinating a lot of children. It was organised jointly by WHO and UNICEF and run from a base at the regional hospital in Tacloban. The first two days we visited local communities and had the children brought to us. The next two days we were asked to walk around areas which had been covered in the same way, but without the children being brought to us. These areas were the slum areas of Tacloban.
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January 2014
By walking around, climbing over fallen timber, rubble, taken down corrugated metal roofing and piles of rubbish, we managed to vaccinate over 140 children.
We went to two communities and gave out both to the smaller community (about 165 families) and then into the second community to give out just hygiene kits. The WASH team had It was a real eye opener for me. installed a large water filter system in Seeing the pictures is one thing, but the second community earlier in the seeing and smelling it are quite week. We had also had a mobile medical team there in recent days. another. Yet there is hope. I also heard and saw men trying to What stands out in the communities straighten old nails to keep two pieces here is the welcome and thankfulness of wood together, working with each of the people. One community gave us other to rebuild their homes with a plaque to say thank you for the food distribution that Samaritans Purse whatever material is available. completed. Yesterday the medical team, of which there are about twelve of us, joined We are here as the hands and feet of with the water and sanitation (WASH) God, but really these people are giving team and went to distribute buckets us an opportunity to serve our Father. with small water filters, and hygiene kits that come in buckets too.
Ali Herbert
O for a heart to praise my God This hymn was written by Charles Wesley some four years after his conversion. It took as its starting point Psalm 51:10 - “Create in me a pure heart, O God” O for a heart to praise my God,
A heart in every thought renewed,
A heart from sin set free;
And filled with love divine;
A heart that always feels Thy blood,
Perfect, and right, and pure, and good,
So freely spilt for me:
A copy, Lord, of Thine!
A heart resigned, submissive, meek,
Thy nature, gracious Lord, impart,
My dear Redeemer’s throne,
Come quickly from above,
Where only Christ is heard to speak,
Write Thy new name upon my heart,
Where Jesus reigns alone:
Thy new best name of love.
A humble, lowly, contrite heart,
Charles Wesley
Believing, true, and clean; Which neither life nor death can part
(1707-1788)
From Him that dwells within: Submitted by June Tremlett
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January 2014
The King’s Speech: The Gate of the Year 1939 George VI (Albert Frederick Arthur George) was King of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth from 11th December 1936 until his death. He was the last Emperor of India, and the first Head of the Commonwealth. It was Christmas 1939, and Great Britain was at war with Nazi Germany. Like his father before him, King George VI would continue the holiday tradition of addressing the British Empire in a live radio message. That year, he would broadcast from Sandringham, where he and his family would spend Christmas. King George VI was not a man comfortable with public speaking. His struggle to overcome a debilitating stutter was immortalised in the 2011 Award-winning film “The King’s Speech.” A shy, nervous man, a heavy smoker and drinker, King George VI would have preferred to remain the Duke of York, living a quiet, out-ofthe-public eye life with his sturdy wife and two rosy-cheeked daughters. King George VI never wanted to be king. He wasn’t supposed to be king. He was only king because his brother David had abdicated the throne in 1936 and he, Bertie, was next in line. Nevertheless, unwillingness aside, this unlikely monarch would rise to the occasion and be the very king the British people so sorely needed in a time of great trouble. It was 25th December 1939, the day of the broadcast. Dressed in the uniform of the Admiral of the Fleet, the tall, thin sovereign approached the table where two radio microphones were set
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up. Taking his seat, and a few deep breaths, he began to speak, slowly yet solidly. Measuring his words carefully, he spoke from the heart: “A new year is at hand. We cannot tell what it will bring. If it brings peace, how thankful we shall all be. If it brings us continued struggle we shall remain undaunted.” Toward the end of his nine-minute broadcast, he said: “I feel that we may all find a message of encouragement in the lines which, in my closing words, I would like to say to you” and he then read from a poem given to him by his 13-year-old daughter, Princess Elizabeth: “I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year, 'Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.' And he replied, 'Go into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way!’” He finished, saying “May that Almighty Hand guide and uphold us all.” For a king not known for compelling speeches, this one would be a landmark. It united King and Country in common cause and inspired the people to hold fast. After all, at this point in history, no one knew that the Allies would triumph. Britain was to face five more years of war and brutal bombing by Hitler before the day of liberation would arrive. The end of 1939 was a shaky time and great leadership by King, Queen, and Prime Minister Winston Churchill would hold Britain steady against the Nazi aggressors.
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January 2014
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Is Christ divided?
for each of the daily reflections Is Christian disunity a scandal before linking into the important work of God? Or is it something we have Christian Aid in the relief of poverty grown accustomed to, as though it and advocacy of justice. were a creaky door that we never This year’s theme from the seem to get around to fixing? St Paul's Churches of French Canada. words challenge us as we reflect upon Canadians live in a country marked by this question. To suggest that disunity diversity in language, culture, and is something acceptable is declaring even climate, and it also embodies that Christ himself is divided - and that diversity in expressions of Christian really is a scandal! faith. Living with this diversity, but 2013 was the year in which churches from all inhabited continents of the world gathered in Korea for the 10th General Assembly of the World Council of Churches, for no other reason than to declare to the world that our disunity is a scandal and that we will go on praying for and working for that unity which is God's gift to the church and to the world.
being faithful to Christ’s desire for the unity of his disciples, has led them to a reflection on Paul’s provocative question in 1 Corinthians, “Has Christ been divided?” In faith we respond, “No!” yet our church communities continue to endure scandalous divisions. 1 Corinthians also points to a way in which we can value and receive the gifts of others even now in The Churches of French Canada have the midst of our divisions, and that chosen for us a key Biblical text of the encourages us in our work for unity. ecumenical movement and have The Churches of Canada have a strong invited us to think about what our history of co-operation and mutual divisions say to the world and to each support, which includes examples of other about the Christian faith. They common efforts, shared ministries, have also suggested that we use the and even the union of several Millennium Goals as a focus for our churches. Where organic unity of prayers for the world. churches has not been possible, they The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity have often achieved agreements and is traditionally observed from the 18th shared ministries that witness to to the 25th January - the octave of St. growing unity in Christ. The churches Peter and St. Paul. However, some have acted together on issues related areas observe it at Pentecost or some to poverty and social justice, and together many of the churches are other time, in fact any time of year. beginning to take responsibility for Christian Aid what they see as their un-Christ-like This year we are continuing our attitudes towards indigenous peoples partnership with Christian Aid which in their country. And yet, despite these has provided action points encouraging movements towards the
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January 2014
unity that Christ desires, disunity prevails. A consequence of this disunity is revealed in behaviour towards neighbours and the planet.
Day 2 - Together…we give thanks for God’s grace in one another (1 Corinthians 1: 4) We celebrate God’s grace and the many ways in which it is In considering the many blessings and manifest in our diverse Christian gifts of God, the Canadian Churches communities. have begun to recognise that they Day 3 - Together...we are not must treat one another, and the very lacking in any spiritual gifts (1 land from which they derive their Corinthians 1: 7) We recognise we living, with dignity and respect. We have been given abundant gifts and can share this recognition and how we that together we have everything are also called to confession and necessary to do God’s work. repentance, and to seeking new and Day 4 - Together...we affirm that sustainable ways of living on the earth. God is faithful (1 Corinthians 1: 9a) It raises our consciousness about how God’s faith and love for us calls and God has blessed us all, and that no one inspires us to strive for justice and group can decide how to use the unity. world’s resources without hearing and including the voices of our fellow Day 5 - Together...we are called into fellowship (1 Corinthians 1: 9b) human beings. We consider our need for friendship The 8 days of the Week of Prayer and togetherness, with each other and As well as the main worship service with Christ. you may want to observe the Week of Day 6 - Together...we seek to be Prayer for Christian Unity on each of in agreement (1 Corinthians 1: 10) the “8 days”. We acknowledge disagreements are The resources for this can either be painful and divisive but that, with shared in small groups or used by God’s guidance, we can reach out to individuals for personal devotion. each other in peace and unity. Each of the days begins with the word Day 7 - Together...we belong to “Together…”. This is to emphasise that Christ (1 Corinthians 1: 12-13) the Body of Christ is not divided, even Recognising and rejoicing in the gifts if we, as Christians, are. “Together” of different church traditions is a step reminds us that in Christ we are one towards Christian unity. and that in all aspects of our Christian Day 8 - Together...we proclaim living we should seek to discover that the gospel (1 Corinthians 1: 17) We unity which is God’s gift to us. have journeyed through the Week of Day 1 - Together...we are called to Prayer for Christian Unity reflecting on be saints (1 Corinthians 1: 2) We and celebrating how we are bound reflect on how God calls us to be ‘a together as Christians through God’s chosen race, a royal priesthood’ and abundant gifts to us. Our response to consider our attitudes, and behaviour his outpouring of endless love is to and action as saints. unite in sharing the Good News.
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January 2014
This prayer by St Ignatius Loyola (1491 - 1556) is familiar to millions, who have found inspiration in his call for selfless service in the name of the Lord. Teach us, good Lord, to serve Thee as Thou deservest; To give and not to count the cost; To fight and not to heed the wounds; To toil, and not to seek for rest; To labour, and to ask for no reward; Save that of knowing that we do Thy will; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Submitted by June Tremlett
Home Communion in Community Care Homes In May 2013 Mary Michael invited a colleague from the Hospital Chaplaincy team to Highbury, and she mentioned to me that Dee Brierley-Jones was available to lead services. This was music to my ears as I had had two cancellations to preach within the month. I approached Dee instantly and was delighted to find she was extremely willing to stand in. Since then we have shared much about our Christian lives and realised that we both had the same vision; to take a short Service with Holy Communion to Community Care Homes. Dee and I felt it was necessary to bring Church too, and encourage these people who had lived active lives in the community sharing their talents. We felt they now needed our support. Dee and I discussed our vision, and with prayer, planned how we could take a shorter service with Holy Communion that was suitable for Homes in Cheltenham. We decided to take a mobile altar along with us, upon which a cross is placed and lighted candles each side. We consulted with Richard who was very supportive. I was pleased to share at the December Church Meeting that we had jointly taken Communion to four Homes, and the managers had requested a regular monthly visit. As I explained, some already have cover by their local church, but there are very many that do not have a service and would like to. So if you know of any Home that might be interested in a Highbury visit, please let either of us know. Shirley Fiddimore
Highbury News
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January 2014
W.S. TRENHAILE FUNERAL DIRECTORS Apostle House 175 London Road Charlton Kings GL53 6HN
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Letting go … I was talking with a friend about how parents feel when youngsters leave home for the first time, and I was reminded of the following poem. This was the winning entry in the Women’s Hour poetry competition at Christmas 1971 on ‘the birth of a baby’. With love, joy, fear and pain I bore thee and tend thee For a little while, then send thee out into the world. Dark angel stay with me, Love only follow thee.” “
This was published shortly before our first daughter was born and meant a great deal to me. In fact I read it at her wedding. Gwyneth Rattle
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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January 2014
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January 2014
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
Be of Good Cheer When you are lonely Think of Jesus in his glorious crown, Of the golden sun through the colourful trees, Of nature’s bright hues, Of the warm summer breeze, Of happy times past, Of those special friends, If you think hard enough The list never ends. So stop a while to think of good things You’ll then feel lifted Upon angel’s wings. Shirley Fiddimore in
‘Poems, Prayers and Promises’ ‘The Topsy-turvy World of Cats’ and ‘Poems, Prayers and Promises’ are now available from church and are being sold to raise money for the education of Cecilia whose father, Moffat, is in prison in Zambia
Highbury News
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January 2014