Contact - April 2015

CONTACT

Magazine of Erdington Methodist Church Station Road - April 2015 1

Contents Minister’s Letter Meeting Jesus How will you vote?

Easter Events for Erdington, Stockland Green & Witton Walk Through the Old Testament Rev Paul’s sabbatical With regard to decorating . . .

National Churches Trust –Keeping church buildings alive Craft Club Cards Stall Out West Three remarkable women I WANDERED LONELY AS A CLOUD Erdington Methodist Church Safari Supper 45rpm or 33rpm Photograph Competition Update EVANGELISM - Beacon of the community With the coming General Election in mind…

IMMANUELS GROUND QUIRE Methodist churches to bring life and healing this Easter The Labyrinth and beyond Vision Project - Events and Updates April Regular Meetings Coffee Mornings Tuesday Club Sunday Worship Weekly Church Activities

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Minister’s Letter Dear friends Mostly it’s the rich, the powerful and the violent who get their way in the world. They are the ones who can buy influence, shape policy and force their will on others. We see that in our own nation where, too often it seems, there’s one rule for the rich and another for the poor. We see it in other parts of the world, where groups like ISIS seek to impose their will wherever they can.

As we approach Easter, it’s important to recognise that Jesus chose a different way. He could have used wealth, power and aggression, but instead he chose poverty, servanthood and meekness. He chose humility, vulnerability and faith in God. Look up 2 Corinthians 8:9, Mark 10:45, Matthew 26:53 and Isaiah 53:7.

That’s a radical and challenging course of action. It runs deeply contrary to the way the world works: the world encourages us to find our security in money, power and strength, and to make ourselves immune from poverty, vulnerability and weakness.

The world is impressed by those who wave money around, who stamp and shout and show ‘attitude’. But instead of trusting any of these things, Jesus entrusted himself to God. God achieved his most awesome work - the redemption of the world – through the frailty of Christ crucified. Jesus Christ trusted in God the Father, even to the point of surrendering his life. The Bible recognises that this is foolishness: it is ‘foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God’ (1 Corinthians 1: 18).

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God has always chosen the weak to shame the strong, the poor to shame the rich, the foolish to shame the wise. Perhaps that’s because the strong, the rich and the wise are too proud to entrust themselves to God. This is not just the way Jesus lived; it is the example we are to follow in the whole of life. So let’s not be seduced or intimidated by wealth, power or violence. Instead, let’s take Jesus as our model, entrusting ourselves to God and seeking to follow the way of Jesus Christ. And on Easter Sunday let’s celebrate the triumph of that way!

Your friend and minister Rev Paul

Meeting Jesus After Easter there will be a series of six Bible studies looking at some of the meetings people had with Jesus – the disciples on the road to Emmaus, the rich ruler, the woman bent double and others.

The meetings will be at Stockland Green Methodist Church on Wednesdays from 22nd April to 27th May, starting at 7.30 pm, and all are welcome.

Rev Paul

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How will you vote?

As a General Election draws near, what are the things that matter to you and who will you vote for as our MP? Churches Together in Erdington have invited the local candidates to answer your questions and hear your views. They will be at Six Ways Baptist Church on 21st April, at 7.30 pm, and Rev Paul will be in the chair.

Easter Events for Erdington, Stockland Green & Witton On Maundy Thursday, 2nd April at 7.30 pm we’ll share bread & wine to remember the night in which Jesus was betrayed. Venue: Stockland Green Methodist Church.

On Good Friday, 18th April we’ll join with Christians from other churches in a procession of witness. We’ll meet at 10.30 am in front of Erdington Co-op and walk slowly along the High Street for a short service at St Barnabas’. Then, at 7.00 pm at Witton Methodist Church there will be another service to reflect on Jesus’ death for us.

On Easter Sunday this year there will be a sunrise service at 6.15 am in front of Erdington Co-op. Then there will be a celebration at Stockland Green at 8.00 am, followed by breakfast. There will also be Holy Communion at Erdington at 8.00 am, followed by breakfast. Celebrations continue at the usual Sunday service times.

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Walk Through the Old Testament Do you struggle to follow the Old Testament and to work out how the different parts of it fit together? If so, help is at hand! ‘Walk Through the Bible’ will be running a day of lively and enjoyable seminars that will give us an overview of the people, times and places of the Old Testament, helping us to understand God’s message to us through it. It will take place on Saturday 30th May, 9.30 am – 5.00 pm. More details to follow, but put it in your diary now!

Rev Paul’s sabbatical Ministers are required to take a three month break every seven years, as ‘a time for renewal, study, reflection and recreation’.

Rev Paul’s next one is June-August this year, and will be using the time to study Black Theology and Spirituality, as well as having quality time with Alex and their families and friends. He’s also intending to refresh body, soul and spirit with some fell-walking!

During that time, if you need a minister urgently you’ll be able to contact any of the other Circuit ministers. Carole McSheen is chairing the ‘Sabbatical Support Group’, whose job it is to arrange cover for Paul. Please pray for Paul & Alex, that the time will revitalise them and equip them for the next stage of ministry, especially as Alex prepares to take her place as minister at Castle Bromwich.

With regard to decorating . . .

Why do they call it a drop cloth when the paint usually drops where the cloth ISN'T? 6

National Churches Trust –Keeping church buildings alive including Erdington Methodist Church!

Just before Christmas we heard that we had been awarded £10,000 from the National Churches Trust.

We were very grateful, but felt that we had worked hard for it. The first application, a long, detailed form, was sent early in 2013. We were rejected but invited to apply again. We didn’t have to complete another application form but send in updates.

Unfortunately further information was needed but I didn’t receive the emails (what is it with me and emails!!!) and so we were rejected again as required information was missing. I contacted them, found out what they wanted and applied for the third time.

It was third time lucky and we were pleased to receive a promise of the above amount. There is still work to do to actually receive the money, but this is what often happens with the bigger funders, such as Veolia.

The reason I am writing this, is that the NCT want as much publicity as possible, and an article in a church magazine was one of their suggestions. So this is it.

Here is a little of their history In 1953 the Historic Churches Preservation Trust was founded when the state of repair of parish churches was a serious problem, due to years of neglect with social changes after WW1, and complete neglect during WW2. After fifty years of hard work, helped by trustees including Winston Churchill and John Betjeman, the HCPT changed its name to the National Churches Trust, with a 7

wider remit to promote all church buildings and to provide support, advice and information.

The National Churches Trust exists to support churches, chapels and meeting houses so that they remain at the heart of the communities for which they were built and can continue to play an integral part in all our lives. It is a non-profit making organisation dedicated to promoting all church buildings whether they are of historic value or community value across the UK. At the end of the project the church will be asked for a donation and also they would like some members of the church family to contribute, in a small way, to be able to help other churches in need.

Hilary Price

Sunrise Service on Easter Sunday 6.15 am at the Village Green 8

Craft Club Cards Stall Members of the Craft Club would like to thank everyone, whether from our Church family or from an organisation who uses our premises, for supporting us and buying the cards we make.

You may be interested to know that in the past few years we have raised money to buy - amongst a number of other smaller items : Curtains in the Foyer 10 Go Pak Tables for use in the café area/hall Back Gate

£492 £500 £350

We would not be able to do this without your support, and we would really appreciate it if you would take time to browse through the cards when you can. We meet monthly to make the cards, and try to keep the store well stocked and ring the changes .

Once again, thank you.

Out West A devout cowboy lost his Bible while he was mending fences out on the range. Three weeks later a cow walked up carrying the Bible in its mouth. The cowboy couldn't believe his eyes. He took the book out of the cow's mouth, raised his eyes heavenward, and exclaimed, "It's a miracle!” "Not really," said the cow. "Your name was written inside the cover.”

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Three remarkable women Have you ever felt duty-bound to attend an event but really didn’t wish to go, yet when you have attended you have had a really good time and were immeasurably glad you went in the end?

Well that’s how I felt approaching last Tuesday Club in February when Annie Allman was scheduled to speak. Her subject was entitled “Ladies of the Bible” which she performed with great skill and vision. What a remarkable talent she has, she could have been a professional actress!

Her first lady was Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist, whom you will remember had a visit from Mary the mother of Jesus after hearing the angel’s message telling her she would give birth to the Son of God. Annie threw a pink scarf around her head and shoulders and was transformed into Elizabeth telling of Mary’s visit, her joy and of her unborn child leaping within her on hearing Mary’s voice. The dialogue was spoken in her own words, with no script, and brought to life the emotions of Elizabeth.

She then proceeded to throw a black scarf around her, transforming her into Mary Magdalene at the foot of the cross. Annie, as Mary, portrayed her immense sadness at her Lord having been tortured then crucified. She described the scene in tremendous detail - the crowd’s taunts, the soldiers casting lots, words spoken by Jesus in his agony, the sponge soaked in vinegar being offered to him and upon his dying, the temple veil being rent in two and the sky turning black. Her tears were almost visible, so real was her performance. It was most moving. We could have been there had we had the noise of the crowd along with it – but you could have 10

heard a pin drop. And yet Annie is a most bubbly and extrovert person, warm and lovely.

I entitled this article “Three remarkable women”, two of them were portrayed by Annie – the third was Annie herself – her enthusiasm for life was so infectious. I hope that she will return to be with us again in the future bringing more of her skill and drama.

Ann Tomes

Good Friday (3rd April) Walk of Witness Assemble For brief service outside the Library/Village Green at 10.30 am. followed by a walk to St. Barnabas Church for an outdoor service.

Soup to follow at Six Ways Baptist Church, in aid of Christian Aid.

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I WANDERED LONELY AS A CLOUD Written in 1840 - William Wordsworth (1770-1850) I wandered lonely as a cloud That floats on high o'er vales and hills, When all at once I saw a crowd, A host of golden daffodils; Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine And twinkle on the milky way, They stretched in never-ending line Along the margin of a bay: Ten thousand saw I at a glance, Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced; but they Out-did the sparkling waves in glee: A poet could not but be gay, In such a jocund company: I gazed--and gazed--but little thought What wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie In vacant or in pensive mood, They flash upon that inward eye Which is the bliss of solitude; And then my heart with pleasure fills, And dances with the daffodils.

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Love it or hate it, this poem is undoubtedly Wordsworth’s most famous. Now I must confess that the first time I was introduced to it at the age of ten, I soon got bored to tears. Why? Because my teacher instructed the class to learn it by heart and as far as I was concerned learning poems was sheer hard work. I could always think of things I would rather do. What’s more, the subject matter – dancing daffodils - was not my cup of tea! With the passing of the years, however, I have learned to appreciate the delight experienced by Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy when they first glimpsed that host of golden daffodils.

The poet spent his childhood years in his garden. i.e. playing near the River Derwent which flowed past the back of the garden in Cockermouth. This was his stomping ground which he loved and never forgot. From an early age he worshipped nature.

In ‘Daffodils’ (as it is often called) we see how the healing power of nature lifts his spirits. Nothing affected his well-being more. For him, nature and God were essentially the same.

He recalls the joy of gazing at a vast crowd of daffodils beside a lake - Nature in one of its many beautiful forms. His beloved sister Dorothy, who witnessed the scene, wrote in her journal, “I never saw daffodils so beautiful …… the rest tossed and reeled and danced and seemed as if they verily laughed with the wind that blew upon them from over the Lake, ……”.

“I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud” is a poem celebrating the unity between nature and man. It offers all of us a taste of life’s natural gifts.

Barbara Rawson 13

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Erdington Methodist Church Safari Supper Saturday 4th July 2015

For anybody unfamiliar with a safari supper it is about having a three course meal in different locations with different people. The idea is that you are told whose home to go to for starters. From there you will be informed where to go for your main course where you will meet a new group of people. Following that you then move on to yet another host for pudding with everyone getting back together at Church for coffee.

The idea is that you meet up with different people whilst enjoying the hospitality of your host. It is not a competition about who provides the best food but rather the easiest and most convenient meal should be provided.

This is a fund raising event for VISION and the tickets will be ÂŁ10 each, which we consider quite reasonable for a 3 course meal.

There will obviously be a need to travel from house to house so 16

therefore if drivers could pair up with non drivers that would be helpful so as not to exclude anyone.

In order for this to be successful we will need volunteers to host either a starter, main or pudding who will also move around for each course. (reimbursement can be offered for ingredients) For offers to host and for further information please speak with Christine Rankin

45rpm or 33rpm I was surprised recently when I heard that vinyl records were apparently making a comeback. The same article went on to question whether they were being bought to play or just to have the sleeve for display purposes. However the question which sprang into my mind was why were records sold as 78rpm then 45rpm and 33rpm? A few minutes with a search engine revealed that all is serendipity. But how much of this is urban myth and how much is verifiable, who knows. I did find one site, which suggested that 33 + 45 = 78. Alternatively 78 – 33 = 45 see later?

The recording of sound started with Thomas Edison’s phonograph which was hand cranked, therefore the speed could be varied to what the listener required and seemed appropriate. The speed at that time was a compromise between sound quality and the length of recording required. The faster the speed the better the quality of the sound but the shorter the length the recording could be on one Edison cylinder.

The disk that we know now was invented by Emile Berliner in 1888 and the specification for the original disks was similar to the one in 17

place for the Edison cylinders i.e. about five minutes playing time, with acceptable sound quality, 70 to 80 rpm. It is suggested that the final standardisation just happened with the marrying of an electric motor to the turntable. One of the common electric motors at the time did 3,600rpm and by using another commonly available part, a reduction gear of 46:1 the outcome was 78.26rpm. This allowed about four minutes of acceptable sound on a 10” record and about five minutes on a 12” record.

Throughout the 1930s the move to 33⅓ was delayed by the ongoing success of the radio. RCA made one attempt and failed. In 1948 Colombia launched a new high quality sound system using 33⅓, which they aimed at the classical music market because it was possible to play at least one movement of an orchestral work on each side of a record. There was no love lost between RCA and Columbia because of their earlier failure so they tried again with another variation, the 45rpm 7” record. Apparently the engineers at RCA had been told any speed you like as long as its not 33.

However, a bit like the scrap between VHS and Betamax, the practicality of classical music on 33⅓ eventually won the day. Both speeds survived in different segments of the market until the arrival of the CD and downloads. And now it looks as if, at least, the 33⅓ is making a resurgence.

All of this concentration on rotation speed versus quality of sound was of course a red herring. The speed of the needle along the groove decreases at a constant rate from the outer track into the centre.

That's the magic of physics!

Peter Farley 18

Photograph Competition Update By request there have been a few adjustments to the Photo Competition. If you are planning to take part then please make a note.

There are now 8 classes! We had already added an extra one and have been asked for another to be added. This is the final list : Landscape Macro (close- up) Animals Portraits

Winter Buildings Night pictures Action shots

Prices are 50p per entry and £3.50 if all 8 are entered. All entries must be on 6 X 4 photo paper, and these will not be returned, unless you ask for yours back. Most of you who have computers will have a copy anyway.

All photos must be taken in 2015 – or from late 2014 for ‘winter’ shots. (They don’t HAVE to have snow in them!)

There will be entry forms available and each entry will need a separate form. You can give these in whenever you are ready, but

by Sunday September 6th at the latest.

Children 10 years and under : The same rules apply except that they can choose what they want to photograph. We expect that most will fit into the above classes anyway.

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The cost will be 20p each entry or 2 for 30p (i.e. all 8 would cost £1.20) On the entry form we shall require an adult’s signature to the effect that it is the child’s own work!

Members of the Fircone Photography group will be the judges.

There will be a photo display during the coffee morning of October 17th and the results will be announced with a presentation to the winners.

Hilary for the Vision Group

EVANGELISM - Beacon of the community Erdington Methodist Church - Sutton Park Circuit Erdington Methodist Church in the Sutton Park Circuit has celebrated the completion of the major part of its vision project.

The church's two-fold aim was to transform the drab 1970's building where no one could find the front door, into one that stood out, proclaiming the Christian message and welcoming everyone in the community.

Hilary Price, Trustee of Erdington Methodist Church in North Birmingham, said: "There is more to be done but we have a new, visible entrance, disabled ramp and path with lighting up to the entrance. The red brick wall is rendered in cream and a new cross and large signage tell everyone who we are. Inside, an extended foyer will provide a café area to be able to offer refreshment and friendship in a social setting to all who want to visit during the week."

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The church held a Community Day to celebrate the refurbishment with free teas, coffee and biscuits. The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Shafique Shah, opened the event and a group of Scouts helped him cut the ribbon.

"The number of people who came overwhelmed us," said Hilary Price. "The cost of the bacon baps meant that they were very popular! We were also pleased to welcome Erdington MP, Jack Dromey and local councillors who had helped us with an award from Community First."

The Veolia Environmental Trust made a contribution to the project.

Derek Goodenough, Chair of the Veolia Environmental Trustees, and his wife, Pam, were also there to enjoy the day. from ‘The Buzz’ News stories from across the Connexion

With the coming General Election in mind…

There are two sides to every question, and a politician usually takes both!

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More about

IMMANUELS GROUND QUIRE At Erdington on April 18th at 7.30 pm Immanuel's Ground is a Quire based in Warwick which was formed in the Autumn of 2001, and draws members from the "Heart of England", which, generally speaking, is Oxfordshire, Northants, Worcestershire and Warwickshire. We also have members from further afield.

As a costumed quire, we sing music from the West Gallery period, i.e. roughly between 1725 and 1850, this including not only the sacred music sung in rural parish churches, so well recorded by Thomas Hardy in "Under the Greenwood Tree", but also secular part-songs, glees and catches, and the popular music of the period, with especial emphasis on local composers and musicians. This is accompanied by a small number of instruments such as would have been found in any village band of that time. ( Look out for the serpent!).

The other part of our repertoire comes from a parallel and living singing tradition in America and especially New England, that of shapenote music with its exciting and sometimes unexpected harmonies kept alive since the time of the earliest settlers. We also include some of the new compositions still being written today. We take part in concerts, church services (usually a form of evening service), carols - concerts, services and pub sessions - and are happy to share the music with local choirs by workshops and other participatory events, either on their own or as a prelude to a shared service. Local historical material is included wherever possible. 22

We do still need additional players of appropriate instruments (strings, possibly a bassoon, flute etc), and one or two singers particularly MALE TENORS in order to strengthen the lead lines. Much of the music is tenor-led, i.e. the tune is sung by the Tenors, and the Trebles have a very important counterpoint.

This promises to be a super evening, but different from other concerts that we have held. By the time you read this, tickets will be on sale at £7.00 each inc refreshments. Proceeds to the VISION. project PLEASE come if you are free.

Hilary Price

Methodist churches to bring life and healing this Easter

The 2015 Easter Offering dedication service draws inspiration from the prophetic vision of the Tree of Life that produces leaves for healing (Revelation 22:2).

All of the funds raised in the service offerings will go towards the work of the Church’s World Mission Fund, to support work with people all over the world.

The recommended service includes Bible passages, music and prayers. There is a slot for an address, if required, although the service can be used without one. There are also stories from Partner Churches that are engaged in healing, healthcare and reconciliation around the world.

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The service has been written by a small task group of Methodist Women in Britain (MWiB), led by former MWiB President, Jill Baker. “It has been exciting to work on this year’s service,” said Jill. “ We have three stories of remarkable work of healing and reconciliation going on around the world, enabled through the World Mission Fund, coupled with a mixture of old and new hymns and stirring Bible passages. It would be wonderful if every Methodist was able to share in this act of worship, which will also be shared through Twitter in the week after Easter.”

MWiB has also produced a series of reflections for each week in Lent, linked to the Easter Offering and each based on the image of a different tree at www.mwib.org.uk.

The Labyrinth and beyond Each year, in the ten days preceding Easter Day, Malmesbury Abbey hosts its Holy Week Festival. There are many things that you might expect: a daily rhythm of prayer at 9.00 am, an outdoor Palm Sunday service, devotional services centred on the cross on Good Friday and joyous celebrations of the resurrection on Easter Day. But the Abbey also hosts jazz, blues, drama, scientific debate, comedy, poetry, classical music, café church and a Stations of the Cross Art Exhibition created by A-level students at Malmesbury School.

This year the festival begins on Tuesday 24 March with The Garden Labyrinth, a circular maze-like journey on the floor of the Abbey which takes us from the Garden of Eden to the Garden of 24

Gethsemane to the Tree of Life in the new heavens and the new earth.

Read full details on the Malmesbury Abbey website – a brochure will be available to download shortly.

Vision Project - Events and Updates Immanuel’s Ground - details earlier in this Contact This takes place on April 18th at 7.30 pm and tickets are £7.00 MAY 9th 10.00 – 12.00 is a Vision Coffee Morning. The main point of this is that it is a Gift Day. This is an opportunity for all of us to make an extra effort and make a donation towards the rest of the project. We haven’t planned other details yet, but there will be the usual refreshments with bacon baps. Please keep this date in mind.

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Photograph Competition - details earlier in this Contact Sponsored Events - By this time there will be a sign up list in the foyer. Nothing is binding in this, simply write your name and what you propose doing – and collect your sponsorship money!

Book Stall - In the time this has been running we have raised £660.

Thank you to all who have bought books and brought some in as well. We welcome books that are in very good condition, but will not accept multiple boxes, and any in poor condition will be thrown out. We are soon to have a second bookcase and hope to have a larger section of children’s books and others.

Money Boxes - Yes some of these are still coming in! So far we have made £2450 which is an amazing amount. Thank you to all who have contributed in this way. If you have not had a box and would like one please speak to one of the group or the Treasurer!

What next? TOILETS!!!

Finally thank you to everyone who has contributed financially and in other supportive ways. We have raised £243,000 of the original predicted amount and this is wonderful. However, some extras have been added and costs have risen and we need another £20,000. We are still applying to charities, some of them for a second time, and are confident of reaching the amount we need.

Hilary – for the Vision Group

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April Regular Meetings Coffee Mornings Each Saturday 10.00 am to 12.00 noon

Tuesday Club Every 4th Tuesday in the month at 2.30 pm

Sunday Worship All worship starts at 10.30 am unless stated otherwise below. 
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EASTER SUNDAY HOLY COMMUNION - Rev Paul Dunstan - 8.00 am EASTER MORNING SERVICE - Lynette Jones

12th

Alex Dunstan

19th

ALL AGE WORSHIP - Sue Hall

26th

VOCATIONS SUNDAY - Nikki Murcott

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Weekly Church Activities Sunday

10.30 am

MORNING WORSHIP and Young Church

Tuesday

9.30 - 12.30 pm 2.00 pm

Pre-School : Karen Homer Tuesday Afternoon Meeting : Margaret Hillman (4th)

Wednesday

9.30 - 11.30 am 9.30 - 12.30 pm 12.30 pm

Stay and Play Pre-School : Karen Homer Luncheon Club - (1st and 3rd)

Thursday

9.30 - 12.30 pm

Pre-School : Karen Homer

Friday

9.30 - 12.30 pm 5.00 - 6.15 pm 6.15 - 7.45 pm 7.45 - 9.15 pm 7.45 - 9.15 pm 5.30 - 6.30 pm 5.00 - 6.30 pm 7.30 - 9.00 pm

Pre-School : Karen Homer Beavers : Lynn Turner Cubs : Elizabeth Baizon Scouts : Lisa Porter Explorers : Lucy Porter Rainbows : Debbie Barnett Brownies : Lesley Carter Guides : Helen Rainsford

Saturday

10.00 - 12.00 noon 10.30 - 11.30 am

Coffee Morning : Lesley Morgan Church open for prayer : Margaret Curzon

Please hand any items for the May CONTACT to any of the Editorial Team (Peter Farley, Christine Rankin, Ann Tomes & Nick Riley) by 15th April 2015 at the latest please or alternatively email me: nickriley@blueyonder.co.uk with the word ‘CONTACT’ in the title.

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