COURT HEY METHODIST CHURCH
Clement’s Chat
The
Sacrament of Baptism
In the Methodist Church, there are two sacraments; Baptism and Holy Communion. Unlike in the Roman Catholic Church where there are 7 sacraments, Methodists believe in two sacraments. This article will focus on the sacrament of Baptism.
Although Baptism was used by John the Baptist, Baptism itself did not originate with Christians or, for that matter, with John. Jews practised Baptism as a traditional act of purification and the initiation of converts to Judaism long before the coming of the Messiah. The origins of Baptism might be found in the book of Leviticus where the Levite priests were commanded to perform a symbolic cleansing in water before and after performing their priestly duties.
In the New Testament the early Christians practised Baptism as it had been ordained by Christ, it marked the personal identification with Christ, and entrance into the Christian family while providing an opportunity for a public confessionof faith.
Water is the primary symbol of Baptism. John the Baptist used water, as did Jesus. The usual method is infusion, for water to be poured over the head. Baptism can also be done by partial or full immersion. Water is a symbol of divine life, grace, new birth, growth, power, deliverance, cleansing and the covenant.
The baptismal candle reminds us that the light of Christ has entered the person’s life (who is being baptised). Its flame symbolises the flames of faith which burn through the life. Baptism should take place in a public space. In the life of the Early Church, Baptism was done in public places like rivers, fountains, pools, sea, lakes and canals. However, in this modern world, a Baptism service is held in the church. Both sacraments, the Baptism and the Holy Communion are officiated at the front of the church at a place called the Communion Area (Altar).
There are three important rituals which mark the efficacy of Baptism; the request for Baptism, the thanksgiving prayer and other prayers, the affirmation of faith and the Baptism itself. In many protestant Churches including Methodist Church, these aspects are important to any Baptism service. Request for Baptism simply means an adult or parent/guardian of a child can make a request to the local minister for Baptism. During the Baptism, the prayer of Thanksgiving is central because it is through this prayer that water is transformed to cleansing power.
By pouring or sprinkling water in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit, symbolically, God will be cleansing inside the life of a person being baptised. During Baptism, an adult can say the name he/she wishes to be called while in the case of children, the parents/guardian will name their child. This is the reason Baptism is sometimes referred to as Christening. Finally, the candidate (adult) or parent/guardian (child) should respond to prayers of affirmation or promise.
These are prayers where individuals promise to God to do their part in terms of living a Christian life. The congregation receive the baptized person and affirms to offer their support as the individual starts a journey of faith.
There are also important aspects which should be observed like the presentation of a candle and Baptism Certificate by the Cradle Roll Secretary and congratulations by the church to the family and individual who will have chosen a new way of life.
In my next edition, I will look at the other sacrament, the sacrament of Holy Communion.
God Bless Clement
Meet The Minister
Reverend Dr Clement Matarirano
Hi, my name is Clement and I’m a Minister here at Court Hey Methodist Church. I moved to the UK from Zimbabwe with my family in 2020 to serve here at: Court Hey Methodist Church.
The Painting
A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection from Picasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art.
When the Vietnam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son.
About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands. He said, “Sir, you don’t know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life.
He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart, and he died instantly. He often talked about you, and your love for art.” The young man held out his package. “I know this isn’t much. I’m not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this.”
The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture. “Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It’s a gift.”
The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home, he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected.
The man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of his paintings. Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection. On the platform sat the painting of the son. The auctioneer pounded his gavel. “We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?” There was silence.
Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, “We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one.” But the auctioneer persisted. “Will someone bid for this painting? Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?” Another voice shouted angrily, “We didn’t come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Goghs, the Rembrandts. Get on with the real bids!” But still the auctioneer continued, “The son! The son! Who’ll take the son?”
Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the longtime gardener of the man and his son. “I’ll give $10 for the painting.” Being a poor man, it was all he could afford. “We have $10, who will bid $20?” “Give it to him for $10. Let’s see the masters.” “$10 is the bid, won’t someone bid $20?” The crowd was becoming angry. They didn’t want the picture of the son. They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections. The auctioneer pounded the gavel. “Going once, twice, SOLD FOR $10!”
A man sitting on the second row shouted, “Now, let’s get on with the collection!” The auctioneer laid down his gavel. “I’m sorry, the auction is over.” “What about the paintings?” “I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings. The man who took the son gets everything!”
God gave his Son 2000 years ago to die on a cruel cross. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is, “The Son, the Son, who’ll take the Son?” Because you see, whoever takes the Son gets everything.
Prayer
Scientists in New York have found out that prayer doubled the chances of successful IVF treatment in a study. The Columbia University team say a group who had people praying for them had a 50% pregnancy rate compared to a 26% rate in others . The researchers admit the results seem incredible, but say unknown biological factors may be causing the differences. They are certain the study was error-proof because the women who took part in the study, didn’t even know they were being prayed for.
A total of 100 women were randomly assigned to a prayer group and 99 others to a non- prayer group. The prayer group were given pictures of the prospective mothers, but the women who were being prayed for didn’t even know of the prayer group’s existence. Dr.Rogerio Lobo, from Columbia University College for Physicians and Surgeons, carried out the study in Seoul South Korea, and published it in the journal of reproductive medicine.
He said “ we could have ignored the findings, but that would not help to advance the field.” He added , “we are putting the results out there hoping to provoke discussion and see if anything can be learned from it. We would like to understand the biological or other phenomena that led to this almost doubling the pregnancy rate.”
Patients admitted to hospital with heart problems suffer fewer complications if someone prays for them, according to scientists in the US . The study, carried out at the Duke University Medical Centre in North Carolina, found that patients who received alternative therapy following angioplasty were 25%to 30% less likely to suffer complications, and those that received Intercessory prayer, had the greatest success rate. The study, carried out between 1997-1998 involved 150 patients who had undergone angioplasty - whereby a balloon is inserted in a hardened and narrowed artery and inflated to force it open. This procedure was followed in all cases by coronary stenting - which involves a flexible mesh tube being inserted into the artery to keep it open.
Patients were chosen randomly to receive coronary stenting with standard care or coronary stenting plus one of four alternative therapies - guided imagery, stress relaxation, healing touch or intercessory prayer.
The intercessory prayer was provided by seven prayer groups around the world from various denominations. Neither the researchers nor the patients were aware who was being prayed for, but the results showed that of all the therapies, prayer appeared to have the greatest therapeutic benefits.
Suzanne Crater, a nurse practitioner and Co-director of the study said that clinical outcomes between treatment groups were not significantly different but those receiving alternative therapies “had lower absolute complications rates and lower hospitalisations.” Complications after angioplasty include death, heart failure, postprocedural ischemia, repeat angioplasty or heart attack.
Dr. Harold Kooning, associate professor of psychiatry, at Duke University Medical Centre said “some of the greatest scientific achievements have come from those who step outside the box and I believe that is what this study does. The results tend to lean towards prayer helping people.”
The Receiving & Handing on.
For I received from the Lord what I also I handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘this is my body that is broken for you. Do this in remembrance of me’. In the same way, he took the cup also, after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
How many of us really understand the Mystery of the Eucharist? In my years of leading confirmation classes for both children and adults, I have tried all sorts of ways to communicate the importance of this act, and, still at times find myself wondering whether I have grasped its meaning in any way. But despite the confusion and lack of understanding, always I hold on to two things.
First, that Jesus told us to do this, therefore this is what we must do, wherever we are and whatever situation we find ourselves in. I have celebrated ‘The Last Supper’ in fields and in houses, in churches and in cathedrals many hundreds of times. Each time is very different! Every time is very special! Sometimes I do not feel holy or particularly well prepared- I may be unwell or tired, dispirited or grief-stricken.
But this is where the second principle comes in. The efficacious nature of the Eucharist. That is the fact that the sacrament is a means of divine grace does not depend on the worthiness of the person administering it. We are ALL sinners; we can ALL be redeemed through Christ’s saving action on the cross. Celebrating Holy Communion together reminds us of this fact and emphasises God’s grace and forgiveness status. Hallelujah!!
Exalted manna, gladness of best, Heaven in ordinary, man well dressed, The Milky Way, the bird of paradise, Church bells beyond the stars heard, the soul’s blood, The land of spices; something understood.
(George Herbert,1593-1633)
(Written by Sally Welch. Taken from New Daylight BRF)
Finding Faith
Team GB’s Adam Peaty has opened up about his faith after winning a silver medal in the men’s 100m butterfly at the Paris Olympics.
Fresh out of the pool, a breathless but beaming Peaty told BBC Sport: “I gave my absolute all there. In my heart I’ve already won.
“These are happy tears. I’m not crying because I’ve come second, I’m crying because it took so much to get here.
“I’m a very religious man, and I asked God to show my heart, and this is my heart. I couldn’t have done more.”
Escaping gold by only two-hundredths of a second, Peaty tied with Team USA’s Nic Fink for second place. He maintains the world record for breastroke, of 56.88 seconds at the World Aquatics Championships in 2019.
The swimming star has been open about his struggles in recent years, and, having battled “three years of hell” with depression and alcoholism after the Tokyo Olympics, Peaty turned to Christ.
He was introduced to a pastor Ashley Mull in Melbourne, who works with elite athletes and encouraged him to attend church.
On his first visit to the Nottingham church which he is now a regular member of, the sermon’s theme was the Olympics.
“No one knew I was coming,” Peaty said: “I was just at the back and I was like, ‘if this isn’t meant for me, then what is?’ I don’t think society has the answers I’m seeking, especially as a young man, and it’s nothing to do with being an athlete.”
Now bearing a cross tattoo across his chest, Peaty declared after Sunday’s race: “Everything I’ve done to this point has happened for a reason. I said to myself I’d give my absolute best, and I have! That’s the victory for me.”
The Shoe Man Poem
My alarm went off It was Sunday again. I was sleepy and tired My one day to sleep in. But the guilt I would feel The rest of the day
Would have been too much So I’d go and I’d pray.
The shoe man said a quiet “Amen.”
I tried to focus on the prayer
But my thoughts were on his shoes again. Aren’t we supposed to look our best When walking through that door? “Well, this certainly isn’t it,” I thought, Glancing toward the floor.
Then the prayer was ended And the songs of praise began. The shoe man was certainly loud Sounding proud as he sang. His voice lifted the rafters His hands were raised high. The Lord could surely hear The shoe man’s voice from the sky.
The sermon really bored me To tears, and that’s no lie It was the same for the shoe man For tears fell from his eyes. At the end of the service As is the custom here
We must greet new visitors And show them all good cheer.
But I felt moved somehow And wanted to meet the shoe man
So after the closing prayer I reached over and shook his hand. He was old and his skin was dark And his hair was truly a mess
But I thanked him for coming For being our guest.
He said, “My name’s Charlie I’m glad to meet you, my friend.” There were tears in his eyes
But he had a large, wide grin “Let me explain,” he said Wiping tears from his eyes. “I’ve been coming here for months And you’re the first to say ‘Hi.’
I know that my appearance Is not like all the rest But I really do try To always look my best. I always clean and polish my shoes Before my very long walk. But by the time I get here They’re dirty and dusty, like chalk.”
My heart filled with pain and I swallowed to hide my tears As he continued to apologise For daring to sit so near. He said, “When I get here I know I must look a sight. But I thought if I could touch you Then maybe our souls might unite.”
I was silent for a moment Knowing whatever was said Would pale in comparison I spoke from my heart, not my head.
“Oh, you’ve touched me,” I said, “And taught me, in part; That the best of any man Is what is found in his heart.”
The rest, I thought, This shoe man will never know. Like just how thankful I really am That his dirty old shoe touched my soul.
- Leanne Freiberg
Church Notices Bloomers 3
“The church is glad to have with us today as our guest minister the Rev. Ralph Green, who has Mrs. Green with him. After the service we request that all remain in the sanctuary for the Hanging of the Greens.”
“When parking on the North side of the church, please remember to park on an angel.”
“Pastor is on vacation. Massages can be given to church secretary.”
Men’s Prayer Breakfast. No charge, but your damnation will be gratefully accepted.”
“If you would like to make a donation, fill out a form, enclose a cheque, and drip in the collection basket.”
“The sermon this morning: ‘Contemporary Issues #3 - Euthanasia.’ The closing song: ‘Take My Life.’”
“For those of you who have children and don’t know it, we have a nursery downstairs.”
“Bilingual Chicken Dinner this Sunday at Noon.”
“The visiting monster today is Rev. Jack Bains.”
“There has never been a better time to invite your fiends to church.”
During the absence of our pastor, we enjoyed the rare privilege of hearing a good sermon when J. F. Stubbs supplied our pulpit.”
“The Pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday morning.”
“Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.”
A-Z of Knowledge Letter L
Leadership
It’s skill not strength that governs a ship. No one is fit to command another that cannot command themselves. What makes a leader - intelligence, skill or statecraft? None of these. It’s the fact that a person has a following.
Life
There are two ways to live your life. One is though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.
If you want the final opinion on the mystery of life and all that, I can give it to you in a nutshell. The universe is like a safe to which there is a combination, but the combination is in the safe.
Longevity
An old man was relaxing at his hundredth birthday party when a reporter asked him “Sir, what is the secret of your long life”. The man considered this for a moment, then replied “Every day at 9.00pm I have a glass of whisky. Good for the heart” The reporter replied “That’s ALL?” The old man smiled and said “That, and cancelling my voyage on the Titanic”
Love
Love cures people: the ones who receive love, and those who give it. The supreme happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved.
What’s On:
Sunday
10.30am. Morning Worship Rev Clement Matarirano
0151 216 1170
Monday
9.45am Tai Chi Liz Lloyd 0151 489 8076
11.00am Line Dancing Margaret Sharp 07727 682 610
1.00pm Wriggles + Giggles Alisha McGinn 07754 534 252
2.00pm Craft Group Contact Jenny Rayner 0151 428 0205
4.00pm AJM School of Dance & Drama. Alisha McGinn 07754 534 252
Tuesday
10.30am -12.40pm Sing & Sign. Beth Kophamel 07841 446 247
5.30pm Rainbows www.girlguiding.org.uk 07599 431 195
6.30pm Brownies www.girlguiding.org.uk
6.30pm Guides www.girlguiding.org.uk
Wednesday
10.00am - 11.00am Qi Gong Barbara Shields 07944 662 109
1.30-3.30p.m. Tea Dance Margaret Diggle 0151 421 1794 07516 814 013
4.00pm AJM School of Dance & Drama. Alisha McGinn 07754 534 252
7.30pm Connected Voices Anthony Seaman info@connectedvoices.co.uk
Thursday
9.30am Toddler Group Sue Canavan. 07746 407217
4.00pm AJM Alisha McGinn 07754 534 252
6.30pm Boys Brigade Liz Lloyd. 0151 489 8076
1.30p.m. Mamafit Rob Lunn Email rob.lunn@mamafituk.com
Friday
10.00am - 12.00 noon Place of Welcome Andy Sproston 0151 208 9518
1.00pm Wriggles + Giggles Alisha McGinn 07754 534 252
4.00pm AJM Alisha McGinn 07754 534 252
Fortnightly
Monday 2pm Philatelic Society
Peter Williams
0151 280 1482
Thursday
7.30pm Scottish Dancing
Sandra Piper 0151 724 4966
Monthly
Saturday 1st & 2nd Saturday in Month
10a.m. - 12 Art4kids&co
Paul Trubshaw 07947 591 746
Third Saturday in Month
10.00am Table Sale
Joan Rutledge. 07984 894 597
Court Hey Church Room Hire
Looking for a Function Room in Liverpool for your Club or Society? A cost effective venue for a Business Meeting or Conference? Somewhere for a Children’s Party?
We have the ideal function room for you, conveniently located close to the end of the M62 with good public transport links and on site parking for 40+ cars. The majority of facilities including: Kitchen & Toilets are all fully wheelchair accessible.
To Enquire About Hiring A Rooms, Please Ring; 07453 358 157 or Use The Enquiry Form Upon Our Website: www.chmc.co.uk
