The Open Door - February 2015 - Lymington URC

THE OPEN DOOR

STE

THE MAGAZINE OF THE LYMINGTON UNITED REFORMED CHURCH

FEBRUARY 2015

Our Open Door Vision Statement……

“Our vision is to be a church with an Open Door for all people to come in and for us to reach out, responding to the needs of the community and spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ.”

FROM OUR MINISTER Dear friends, No sooner has Christmas ended than we find Easter eggs and Valentine’s Day cards and gifts in the shops. The predominantly pink and red cards on sale for 14th February shout out about love and romance etc. in a particular way which can sit uncomfortably with our Christian understanding of love and which can be very unhelpful to those who do not have a partner with whom to share that particular day.

How is it that we use the same word to speak of the red hearts and red roses of Valentine’s Day and also the love of God displayed on the cross which we Christians use as our symbol of love? Well of course the Greeks did not use the same word, they had at least four different words: 1. Storge is the kind of love that we might best term “affection”, the love shown to and between people who are, as it were, thrown together by circumstances. It is that kind of love that includes the love between family members.

2. Philia is the kind of love that is expressed in friendship, the kind of love that can be shared by friends of all ages and both sexes, with no ulterior motives or desire for gain. It is enjoyment of each other’s company simply for what it is.

3. Eros, as you can probably tell from its association with the English word erotic, is the sexual sort of love or even lust, and is what has sullied much of what is today linked with Valentine’s Day. It need not have this negative kind of connotation, however, as it is also what describes being “in love” in its best sense.

3

4. Agape, on the other hand, is something completely different. It is a totally selfless kind of love, giving totally for the other person’s sake and is, I believe, what underlies the kind of love shown in the Basics Bank, Street Pastors and other groups trying to assist those most in need of help. In its ultimate form it is the love which Jesus Christ showed to the world when he died on the cross because of his love for you and me.

The Bible offers us at least one definition of love, “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (I John 4:10). It shows us that love is not dependent on what we buy for other people on one day of the year, it is not dependent on how well we do in serving God or other people, it is not dependent on whether we come from a loving family or not, it is not dependent on any of the erotic depictions which abound, it is totally dependent in the first instance on GOD. He loved us, he still loves us and Jesus died on the cross to demonstrate the extent of that love.

By all means join in the Valentine’s Day purchases and celebrations if you will but much more importantly, remember God’s love for you and try to share that with others.

Your friend and minister, Chris

At the start of the New Year Chris started a new series of sermons which are based on material from the Alpha course.

In the course of the first sermon she challenged members of the congregation to have as our banner and headline (alongside our Open Door) in all that we do in this New Year Jesus words, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life (John 14:6). So how can you ensure that is the case in what you are doing individually or as part of a church group?

4

SECRETARY' S NOTES FEBRUARY 2015 February possibly isn’t anyone’s favourite month, especially remembering all the awful storms we had last year, but at least it’s short and the days are lighter for longer and we can look forward to spring. It isn’t all bad news.

It’s a much quieter month after all the activity over Christmas, it was though an exciting time with so many people coming through our open Door to be part of the worship, to buy Christmas cards, visit the Christmas Tree Festival and be fed and watered in the Open Door café. Many children also enjoyed the pre Christmas craft afternoon.

Our sincere thanks to ALL the people worked so hard organising and helping out at so many activities. There’s been a very special atmosphere in church all through Christmas, we hope everybody felt welcomed and sensed Jesus’ love amongst us.

5

This month we welcome back Brenda McCarron of Iford URC and the Rev’d Bill McCrea to lead our worship. On the 15th our worship will include prayers for healing. It is not a healing service but we hope these prayers will be helpful.

A hopeful note—the snowdrops are out in the garden as I write!

Sandra

CHURCH FAMILY NEWS Sadly we record the death of Tom Stevenson on the 23rd December 2014. Tom and Chris were members of our Church from 1988 until they moved back to Scotland in 2004.

They both contributed in so many ways to the church, Tom served as an Elder and was an enthusiastic welcomer. There are many people who are members of our church today because they met Tom when they first arrived. He was determined to get people to church and with a small group of volunteers ran a very efficient service to ensure that elderly or infirm folk were able to attend worship or a social event at the church.

Before the refurbishment it was his idea to open up the church everyday for people to come in for prayers or reflection. During the Christmas Tree Festival there are memories of him standing at the gates, talking to passers by then linking arms with a couple of ladies and marching them across the forecourt and into church. He could be very persuasive!

There were difficulties too, and a great sadness for them both when their son died.

6

Tom was a great character and we miss him. Our love, prayers and thoughts go out to Chris and Fiona at this time. God bless you and all the family.

CHILDREN'S BIRTHDAY We wish Owen Chamberlain a very happy birthday for the 1st February, when he will be 10 years old and Valentine Chamberlain for the 16th, when he will be 5 years old.

We hope you both have a great day!!

LYMINGTON URC DIARY EVERY WEDNESDAY the Prayer Group will meet in the Church from 9.15 a.m. until 10.00 a.m. Everyone welcome.

COFFEE MORNINGS: EVERY MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY, from 10.00 a.m.—12 noon, in the Open Door Café. Every Tuesday the Open Door Cafe proceeds support the Romans One Eleven Trust and local charities and groups.

The Open Door Cafe will also open on Fridays and will be staffed by members of the Fellowship and Fundraising committee.

EVERY SATURDAY, from 9.30 a.m.—11.30 a.m., in the hall.

7

SUNDAY WORSHIP EVERY 2nd Sunday afternoon Lymington Salvation Army service in the sanctuary or main hall.

1st:

10.15 a.m.

10.30 a.m.

Elders’ Prayer Time in Vestry Worship including Communion, led by Sandra Jackson

8th:

10.15 a.m.

10.30 a.m.

Elders’ Prayer Time in Vestry Worship, led by Mrs. Brenda McCarron (Iford URC)

15th: 10.15 a.m.

10.30 a.m.

Elders’ Prayer Time in Vestry Worship led by Rev. Chris Vivian

22nd: 10.15 a.m.

10.30 a.m.

Elders’ Prayer Time in Vestry Worship led by Rev’d Bill McCrea

EVERY WEEK there will be Junior Church and coffee/tea after the service.

OTHER EVENTS EVERY THIRD TUESDAY OF THE MONTH, from 10.00 a.m.—12 noon, Carers’ Café in the Open Door Café.

Tues. 3rd

7.00 p.m. Elders Meeting

Wed. 4th

2.30 p.m. Bible Study group meets in the Open Door Cafe.

Wed. 18th

2.30 p.m. Bible Study group meets in the Open Door Cafe.

CLOSING DATE FOR MARCH 'OPEN DOOR': 8th FEBRUARY 2015

8

Free Wi Fi connection to the internet available in the Open Door Cafe, balcony and main hall areas. Just ask for the required password!

MISSIONARY BOXES Pleas can you bring your missionary boxes to church for Judith or Gill, by the end of February—it’s time for them to be emptied again!

Many thanks, Judith

OPEN DOOR MAGAZINE SUBS A small envelope should be enclosed in your magazine with a request for your annual donation towards the cost of producing the magazine. We’d be grateful for the suggested amount of £5.00. Please return your envelope as soon as possible.

Thank you.

BIRD FOOD DONATIONS If anyone can help with donating bird seed etc. to replenish our bird feeding station in the garden they would be appreciated.

Please give any donations to Helena.

GLASS JARS & BOTTLES RECYCLING00.

Just a reminder re the above - as we all have a NFDC recycling container for glass, please can you help by taking any empty jars and bottles home.

Many thanks.

9

CARDS FOR GOOD CAUSES SHOP, R1:11 & TRAIDCRAFT0..

Thank you to everyone who supported the CFGC Shop again in 2014. The shop sales were; CFGC total = £5461.83 R1:11 total = £250.55 Traidcraft = £235.00 Amazing totals, so many organisations and people helped through these purchases. And 2015 again – watch this space!

Kate, Margaret & Helena.

10

MEMORIES LINEER We met, we married, a long time ago; We worked for long hours, wages were low; No telly, no radio, no bath - times were hard, Just a cold water tap, and a walk up the yard.

No holidays abroad, no carpets on floors, We had coal on the fire ~ and we never locked doors Our children arrived, no ‘PILL’ in those days And we brought them up without 'STATE AIDS'.

No valium, no drugs, no LSD We cured our pains with a good cup of tea, If you were sick you were treated at once.

Not fill in a form and "COME BACK IN SIX MONTHS" No vandals, no muggings - there was nowt to rob In fact we were rich with a couple of BOB People were happier in those far-off days, Kinder and caring in so many ways, Milkman and paper boys used to whistle and sing, And a night at the flicks was our one mad fling Oh, we all had our share of troubles and strife, But we just had to face it - "THATS LIFE" But now we are old and look back through the years We don't think of the bad times, the troubles and tears.

WE REMEMBER THE BLESSINGS, OUR HOME AND OUR LOVE! WE SHARED THEM TOGETHER AND WE THANK GOD ABOVE.

11

THE HAPPINESS COURSE

LEAF Affiliate Organisation Counselling Together is running The Happiness Course at Cornerstone Hythe URC in February 2015. This course is written by Dr Andy Parnham and led by local Counsellor and Wellbeing Trainer Elaine Arthur. The course looks at what makes life happy, successful, relational and meaningful.

To read more about this inspiring and uplifting course please log onto the LEAF website on the link below where you can download an information sheet/A4 poster for the 2 date event. http://www.leaforest.org/events/the-happiness-course.php

FAIRTRADE BREAKFAST AT ST THOMAS ON SATURDAY 28 FEBRUARY AT 8.30AM A Fairtrade breakfast with Guest speaker Rt Hon Desmond Swayne MP will be held at St Thomas Church Hall on Saturday 28th February. Everyone will be very welcome but preBooking is essential. Tickets are available from St Thomas church office or Maureen Harris on 01590-674458.

Maureen Harris - St Thomas Church 12

ROTAS FOR FEBRUARY COMMUNION SUNDAY: 1st COMMUNION ELDERS: Margaret and John DUTY ELDER 1st: Margaret Clark 8th: Jenny Henderson 15th: David Bywater 22nd: John Wiseman

READING IN CHURCH Barbara Waite Margaret Holmes Evans Wyn Davies Jenny Henderson

STEWARDS 1st: David and Ann Hooper 8th:Ron Parker and Janice Perkins 15th:Peter and Shelagh Richardson 22nd:Ann Longney and Kate Noon

SOUND SYSTEM WD/MC KL MS/GC MC

COFFEE MORNING ROTAS Saturday 7th Judith Baker 14th June Copperi 21st The Salvation Army 28th Ann Webber

Sunday 1st Jenny Henderson 8th Ann Hooper 15th Kate Noon 22nd Ann Longney

13

Fancy a cuppa and a chat?

Our Open Door CafĂŠ opens Mon - Fri 10 a.m. to 12 noon & Saturday Mornings 9.30 -11.30 a.m!

(We use and sell Traidcraft products.)

Lymington United Reformed Church, High Street, Lymington, SO41 9AG. T. 01590 676306 W.www.lymurc.org.uk

THE PIANO AGENCY Martin J Wilson M.I.M.I.T (Accredited) Piano Tuning and Repairs New and Used BlĂźthner Pianos Brochures and information now available New Irmler Pianos Fantastic Pianos at a budget price Wide range of Used Pianos for sale Visit our website for current availability Steinway Pianos Purchased For further information please telephone 01425 270040 or visit our website at www.thepianoagency.co.uk

14

Whilst every care is taken to ensure information within the advertisements and posters on display in the magazine is accurate, Lymington URC does not accept any liability to any party for any errors or omissions. Lymington URC does not officially endorse the advertising material included on any external organisations’ adverts/posters.

“ If you wish to advertise in The Open Door magazine (10 issues per year), please contact the Lymington URC for more details.

Competitive rates, both mono and colour adverts accommodated in quarter, half and full page sizes!�

15

LYMINGTON UNITED REFORMED CHURCH HIGH STREET

LYMINGTON HANTS

SO41 9AG

T. 01590 676306 E. adminurclym@btinternet.com W. www.lymurc.org.uk

United Warblers!

Do you love singing?

Do you like fun?

But perhaps you don’t qualify for the Luton Girls’ Choir?

United Warblers meet fortnightly on MONDAYS in the main hall from 10.00am to 11.30am just to enjoy “singing together”.

(Please see Kate Noon for more information.)

PS!.......EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

16

17

18

19

20

21

Christian aid week

OPEN DOOR FELLOWSHIP AND FUNDRAISING Forthcoming events: Thank you to those who have supported our fundraising activities.

Activities that are already planned are: •

•

Winter Warmer Lunch, February 15th after Church, Church Quiz and fish and chip supper, probably 27th March.

Other events are in the pipe line so watch this space for details.

For information, Christian Aid will be holding a Pudding Party, planned for Saturday 9th May. Look out for details in a future magazine.

PLEASE NOTE: This magazine is printed on paper from renewable sources out of our concern for the environment.

22

23

CONTACT DETAILS Minister:

Rev’d Chris Vivian. Tel 01590 675633 e-mail: chrisvivian@btinternet.com

Church Secretary: Sandra Jackson. Tel 01590 676306 e-mail: secretaryurclym@btinternet.com Magazine Editor: Wyn Davies. Tel 01425 616384 e-mail: WynBDavies@sky.com Church web site: http://www.lymurc.org.uk/ Tel 01590 676306 e-mail: adminurclym@btinternet.com Other web sites that list the church: http://www.joinmychurch.com http://www.findachurch.co.uk http://www.searchchurch.co.uk Centre Manager: Helena Carr. Tel 01590 676306 Helena’s 2015 Holiday Dates; Thursday 9th & Friday 10th April.

Thursday 23rd April.

Plus all Bank Holidays.

Revised: On site Monday-Friday 8.30am to 1.30 pm.

The church office is in the cottage. If the main hall doors are locked during the office open times, please proceed to the cottage which is a separate building at the rear of the church main hall.

Basics Bank web site: http://www.basicsbank.org.uk/ Tel 01590 610008 e-mail: nfbbsecretary@gmail.com