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Magazine of Erdington Methodist Church Station Road - April 2016 1

Contents Minister’s Letter Erdington Foodbank needs you...

Spring Cleaning 177th Cubs get busy Refugee Crisis meeting Grand Organ Concert After Easter FIRCONE Golden Jubilee Celebration Why does the other queue move faster?

Cubs at Thinktank Springtime Melodies Why life now begins at 60!

Taliban bombs Polio Centre Where are all those Internet friends of yours?

Sleepover at London Zoo Ladies All! Mothers' Day Prayer Walking around your community April Regular Meetings Coffee Mornings Tuesday Club Sunday Worship Weekly Church Activities

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Minister’s Letter Dear friends Last month I wrote a little about the way we grow as Christian disciples. As we surrender to God and give our lives to him, he changes us as individuals. God’s Kingdom is established in us and the fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5: 22-23) – grows in our lives.

Christian discipleship isn’t just a personal thing, though. As we change, little by little the world is changed. As we shine more and more of Christ’s light, so the world is lit up. The resurrection of Jesus has the power not just to change individuals: it was an event that changed the course of world history. It still does today, because Jesus lives.

The Kingdom of God is not just a personal, inner experience for individuals. When Christians have been faithful to their calling, we have always worked to change the world for good. We have spread love and kindness. We have struggled for justice and reconciliation. We have confronted evil. We have insisted on freedom for the oppressed. We have sought healing and peace. In short, we have not only prayed; we have also worked for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.

We haven’t always got it right, of course, but we shouldn’t be afraid to celebrate the good that Christians have done in our world.

Today, as we think about our influence and how that can grow, a good question to ask ourselves is this: 3

What makes people in the neighbourhood say,’ We’re glad the Methodists are here! We’re glad they do what they do.’?

When churches ask this question, as well as celebrating the good work they do, they often find new ways to make a difference where they live. People take note when they see a church doing something for others and not just for itself, raising money for others and not just for itself, looking to give rather than to get.

By acts of loving, sacrificial generosity, such churches fulfil the will of God and bless their neighbourhoods.

So let’s all commit to make a difference for good where we are. Or, as Jesus said, ‘Let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.’

God bless Rev Paul

Erdington Foodbank needs you...

Every Tuesday from 10.00 until 12.00 to help sort and date donations of food. You need to be reasonably physically fit as the task involves bending, lifting bags of shopping and being able to stand for most of the time. We can promise you that at the end of those two hours you will feel pleased with a job well done and will have enjoyed chatting and getting to know some new people. If you think this sounds like an opportunity not to be missed contact Jean on 07474683927 or email wunnay@btinternet.com 4

Spring Cleaning After the service on Sunday 3rd April, we are planning to give the office and vestry a big tidy. Storage needs to be improved for items that must remain. We would like it to be a welcoming space where a visiting preacher can find a place to put a bag or coat, or even sit!

We will be ordering a skip to dispose of the rubbish we find so . . .

If you have items stored in these rooms, can you please sort through them:

• Clearly label anything that needs to stay. • Re-home items that really should live somewhere else, or are no •

longer required - but could be useful for someone, e.g. a charity shop.

Clearly label items to go in the skip

If you know who the items belong to, please ask them to label the items, as above.

Also There are lots of items stored around the building, particularly on the stage, which need to be cleared: re-homed, or put in the skip.

If you know who is responsible for these items, please let them know that we urgently need to have a 'Spring Clean' and that we will have a skip available for rubbish.

Offers of help will be gratefully received, or someone to make drinks will be appreciated!

Anne Churcher on behalf of the Stewards 5

177th Cubs get busy The 177th Cub pack had a busy couple of days one weekend in March. We started with our Thank You Party to thank the parents and past leaders for supporting our Cub Pack. This was part of our Centenary celebrations. We did some cub activities, decorated biscuits, and by far the most popular bit, we ate cake and drank hot chocci. As leaders, we would like to thank everyone who came along and joined in.

We followed that with the District Football Competition. We fielded a strong team under Mowgli's management, and in the scouting way, we did our best and WON!!!! It's the first time in living memory the 177th Cub Pack have won the football. The team now go forward to represent the District in the County Competition. We are very proud of them all.

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In a continuation of the sporting theme, 3 members of the pack represented the District in the County Chess Competition.

Although this time we didn't win, they all put in an excellent performance.

We finished the weekend with Faiths for Fun. This event has been running for 8 years, and the cubs, along with Beavers, Brownies and young people who aren't in Scouting, get together and learn about different faiths. It's a really great afternoon and the Cubs have a great time.

Refugee Crisis meeting There's an important meeting at Stockland Green on Monday 4th April at 7.30 pm about how we can respond to the refugee crisis.

It's a very important meeting and all are welcome, so please be there if you can.

Restore is an organisation set up by Churches Together in Birmingham to support refugees and asylum seekers. There's a link below which you can copy into your browser to find out more about Restore's very good work, and how we can help. http://www.restore-uk.org/get-involved/take-action-on-behalfof-refugees-ass God bless Rev Paul 7

Grand Organ Concert at Erdington Methodist Church Saturday April 9th at 7.30pm

The evening’s music will feature our splendid church organist, Nick Riley, who will be playing a selection of ‘old ones, new ones, loved ones, neglected ones", (quote from Semprini). In addition, we welcome Catherine Mason who has established a remarkable reputation as an outstanding soprano.

The variety of music that we will hear during the evening should provide everyone with something to enjoy. For example, Nick will treat us to Mendelssohn’s Wedding March and Catherine will almost certainly prompt a few smiles when she sings Wouldn’t it be loverly.

Do come along, relax and enjoy an evening of fine organ music and song. Light refreshments will be served during the interval and 8

these will be included in the price of the tickets which cost £6.00 each. There will be a raffle too with some ‘interesting’ prizes.

If you have not bought your tickets yet, Nick will be happy to sell them to you.

Barbara Rawson

After Easter (John 21) Resurrection reality – for Thomas, through the door, for Peter, on the shore, for me, right here where I am, in this situation that I didn’t choose.

Resurrection reality of living love – Jesus walking with me, forgiving, restoring, sustaining, strengthening and gently calling again that original call that makes sense of it all, Follow me, I am the Way, I am alive.

By Daphne Kitching 9

FIRCONE Golden Jubilee Celebration at Erdington Methodist Church Saturday 9th April 10.00 am until 4.00 pm

Display of Art in the church:Paintings in various media including oil,watercolour and pencil.

Quilts and other needle crafts, wood carvings, paper crafts and photos will all be on show.

10.00 am until 1.00 pm ' Coffee Morning' with stalls in the hall and refreshments on sale from the kitchen.

The Lord Mayor of Birmingham is coming to open the Exhibition.

The Exhibition will remain in the church until Sunday 17th April giving you the opportunity to visit or revisit with a friend or neighbour any day during the week between 10.00 am and 4.00 pm. However on Sundays 10th April and 17th April it will only be open between 2.00 pm and 4.00 pm.

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During the week there will be some activities and demonstrations taking place, e.g. Tuesday12th April a painting group in the morning and The FIRCONE Ladies Choir in the afternoon. The Photo Group will be there on Friday.

Saturday 16th April The 'Coffee Morning' will again be from 10.00 am until 1.00 pm with stalls in the hall and refreshments on sale while the display in the church will stay open till 4.00 pm.

Admission is Free, so please come and support us. I'm sure you will enjoy yourself.

Please visit our website www.firconebirmingham.org.uk or phone 0121 643 1032 for more information.

Why does the other queue move faster?

You know the scenario - you are stuck in one checkout queue, which is crawling along, and meanwhile you are watching the other queue, which seems to be flying by.

According to David Andrews, an American researcher who has written extensively on the subject, it seems that the answer is that we experience time differently when waiting, as opposed to when we are engaged in a process. That means that if you have finally chosen the fastest queue at a checkout, you are too busy unloading your trolley to notice your blessing. from Parish Pump Website 11

Cubs at Thinktank The Cubs had an exciting night sleeping at the Thinktank.

We got to explore the Thinktank after everyone else had gone home, watch a fascinating show about space with daring experiments and find out what it's like to be in space.

We had to try and put things in a jar wearing several pairs of gloves (the equivalent to space gloves,) wear space goggles, and use mini robotics to build a space centre.

We then got to sleep in the upper gallery.

Amazingly the cubs slept, I think our final activity of a planetarium show helped.

After breakfast, we got to play in the Science Garden and induct Tim Peake into the 177 Cub Pack.

Akela

Springtime Melodies The Vaughan Singers are presenting a programme of spring music at Pype Hayes United Reformed Church on Saturday 23rd April at 4.30 pm. Refreshments will be available and tickets cost ÂŁ6 (children ÂŁ3).

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Why life now begins at 60!

The baby boomers are postponing old age. Many of them are instead embracing new life events, and carrying on with middle age until their 68th year.

A recent study has found that older people are simply refusing to slow down, and instead are making ambitious plans for their 60s, including changing careers and moving home. The study reexamined the premise of Walter B Pitkin, the psychologist who coined the phrase ‘life begins at 40’ in 1932, and who said that the machine age had freed many workers from back-breaking labour.

Since then, life expectancy has extended by 20 years.

So – no surprise that baby boomers approaching retirement have far more ambitious plans for their future than any previous generation. 60 year-olds these days have a similar outlook and lifespan as 40 year-olds did in the 1930s.

The report, commissioned by Cigna Insurance Services, found that people over 50 are expecting at least five more significant life events, and more than half of 65 year olds are enjoying life more since passing 50. “This is a generation that views maturity as empowering, and retirement as liberation.”

from the Parish Pump Website

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Taliban bombs Polio Centre Suspicions surrounding Polio vaccinations have reached boiling point in Pakistan. A suicide bombing has left 15 people dead, 14 of whom were police officers, and a further 20 wounded. The Pakistan Taliban has taken responsibility for the attacks in the name of militants who oppose Polio vaccinations.

It is due to continuing fears of some militants who believe that vaccinations are a guise for biological weaponry or surveillance from Western forces, suggesting even that the vaccinations are an attempt to sterilise the Pakistani population. This scaremongering is creating hostile environments for Polio workers who have had to employ armed guards to accompany them on their mission. It has become increasingly dangerous for them to continue door to door vaccinations. Pakistan which reported approximately 300 Polio cases in 2014, the highest since 1999, is now seeing drastic drops in the number of cases because of immunisation efforts (there were around 70 cases globally in 2015). Acts of such violence are discouraging the attempts to wipe out the Polio virus.

It is tragic that such acts affect very brave people with a humane plight to protect people in less affluent areas of Pakistan from Polio.

Most of the people endangered are volunteers, with many being local women from the area who have experienced the disease themselves or through their children.

Pakistan and Afghanistan remain the only two countries where Polio remains endemic, since in Nigeria the virus was considered eradicated in October 2015 following a year of no new cases. The World Health Organisation even suggest it could see the complete 16

elimination of the disease globally in 2016, an enormous achievement considering the anxiety surrounding the disease from 1950s to its large scale suppression in the early 1990s.

These international efforts to eradicate Polio are extremely valiant, brave and well-intentioned and the British Polio Fellowship support them. In Britain we continue to look for ways in which we can improve the treatment of those with Post-Polio Syndrome, which can be extremely destabilising for those who have already experienced it.

Ann Tomes (compiled from a report in The British PolioMagazine)

Where are all those Internet friends of yours?

Oxford University researchers say the idea that people have thousands of Internet friends is an urban myth. In fact, the average Facebook user has between 150 and 180 friends. But many of these are far from close - and on average we have only four real friends we can count on in times of crisis.

3,500 Britons were surveyed. The average number of friends on Facebook was 169. Women and younger people were particularly sociable. However, when asked how many of these they would ask for support when times were tough, the number dwindled to just four. 
 Source: Royal Society Journal 17

Sleepover at London Zoo

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During the weekend of 16th January, Akela, Mowgli and 4 cubs went to a sleepover at London Zoo for the Launch of Cub 100.

Cub Scouts are 100 years old this year, and we have a year of amazing activities to look forward to to celebrate our birthday.

The 177th Cub Pack were picked to represent the Midlands Region, so we were very honoured. Altogether there were 11 other packs from across the UK. We had the privilege of being able to sleep in the bug house, and also got to walk around the zoo in the dark, which was pretty exciting.

We were filmed doing various activities and also interviewed for the TV. Some of you may have seen us.

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Our Cubs were brilliant. They had a lot of walking to do carrying their kit, and never once did they complain or moan. They were cheerful throughout, and so well behaved - a credit not only to the 177th Scout Group, but to the Region.

Below are a few of their thoughts: My favourite part was the Penguins because they tried to eat our fingers. Also I made my own t shirt.

Harry Howes My favourite thing was the game that we played because we got to meet new people. My favourite animals at the zoo were the gorillas and the monkeys.

Eleanor Reid My favourite part was feeding the lamas because they licked our hands.

Daniel Hayes I liked the rainforest the best because whenever you got cold you could just go inside the rainforest to get yourself warm. We saw lots of animals but the penguins were the best because sometimes when you put your finger on the glass they followed it.

Ama Okyere

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It was a great experience for the cubs. They met other cubs and leaders from around the UK. A great event to promote what cub scouting is about and to get Cubs 100 up and running!

Matt Sambrook

Ladies All! I have recently noticed that Erdington Methodist Church do not have a Ladies Meeting. Maybe none of you wish to meet others and hear good speakers in a friendly environment.

If you do, however, like that idea, then why not catch the train from Erdington on a Monday afternoon, alight at Four Oaks and walk the short distance to the church which you can see from the Station Car Park. There you will receive a warm welcome at Four Oaks Methodist Monday Fellowship.

We meet between 2.00 pm and 3.00 pm and then linger a while.

You can arrive any time from around 1.45 pm The April programme is as follows: 4th Liz Holmes It shouldn’t happen to a therapist 11th Rev. Alan Smithson 18th Kris Gough Greyhounds 25th Hilary Jefferies Quiz Join us for any meeting you can make, only £1.50 per meeting.

A friendly greeting will await you.

Diana Bosman 20

Sing in Spring A Gospel Workshop

Never sung Gospel, or in a Choir? Love singing?

Have fun learning with others from experienced Gospel songwriters and performers

Sarah Jeanmaire and Scott Sontag Directors of

Emmanuel gospel choir, paris At: George road Baptist church George road, Erdington b23 7ry

On: Saturday 23rd april, 1:30pm—6:30pm (6:00pm performance for friends and family) Cost: £5 (includes light refreshments)

Don’t miss out Book a place now! tel:

07591089104 Email: grcgc14@hotmail.com Online: www.ticketsource.co.uk/gospelchoir 21

Mothers' Day On a trip to Covent Garden Becci found out what they do, A French patisserie teashop With great style and good food too.

Not only in their teashop But also - joy of joys - who knew?

In an original, red, London bus Converted - like brand new.

Inside were seats and tables, Ready laid with afternoon tea, And served by uniformed waiters, Polite, attentive - just as it should be.

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And so we rode through London Seeing the famous sights, Hyde Park, Marble Arch, The Palace From the top deck's dizzy heights!

The journey took an hour and a half No schedules to keep.

Other sightseers photographed and waved at us As we travelled through the streets.

The food was perfectly delicious, Dainty bites and sumptuous sweets, And as much tea as you wanted On the comfy, renovated bus seats.

I've had some lovely Mothers' days But when all is said and done, This is the best I can remember, A great surprise and lots of fun.

Thanks Becci!

Lesley Morgan

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Prayer Walking around your community On 22nd May, Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York, will have completed a 6-month pilgrimage in which he will have walked and prayed the length and breadth of the Diocese of York. He offers these tips…

Prayer walking is as simple as it sounds - praying as you walk.

When we prayer walk we are stepping out as God’s children to bless people and places in Jesus’ name.

The core of prayer walking is conversing with God; ask Him to show you what He sees; to know His heart for your community.

Agree a place and time to start prayer walking and talking to God together. Explain why you’ve gathered to pray, and how you are going to do it. If splitting into smaller groups, then agree a place and time to end together.

Jesus sent his disciples out in pairs. It’s not as intimidating as a large group, and is safer than people going on their own.

You can plan ahead to ensure that you pray for specific places, or simply ask the Holy Spirit to guide your time - just make sure you don’t get lost! Know the places and people that make up your local community. What jobs do people do? Are there particular needs?

As you prayer walk, be aware of your surroundings: what you see, smell, hear and touch. But also be aware of what God is saying to you as you move around your community; if any Bible verses pop 24

into your head or if you have any pictures, visions or words of knowledge. Turn these into prayer.

The point of prayer walking isn’t about being seen praying; it’s about seeing and praying. You can pray quietly together or in silence if it makes you feel more comfortable.

As you prayer walk, the focus is on those who are living in your community so be intentional about praying for God’s blessings on what you see and feel. Even in difficult areas, try to pray positively.

Focus on God’s plans and purposes for the place and people that live there. “Your Kingdom come, your will be done…” is an excellent start.

If you’ve prayed in different places, meet up at the end to share what you’ve prayed and heard from God. Write down what you share so that you can keep track of how to pray for your area.

After your prayer walk, keep praying for your community. You might like to arrange specific prayer meetings or further prayer walks for your area. As you keep praying, continue to ask for God’s blessing in your area; praying for God’s kingdom to come and His Will to be done in your area. If you feel that God is highlighting specific needs or challenges, think about how to take action; how could you and your Church be part of God’s solution practically, as well as prayerfully?

This is an abridged version of an article on the Archbishop of Canterbury’s website.

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Fundraising Concert

George Road Community Gospel Choir Saturday 16th April 7.30pm Six Ways Baptist Church,
 Erdington, B24 8AD entry free – donations invited towards the church redevelopment for more information contact 07775465062 26

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.

3rd

HOLY COMMUNION - Rev Alan Smithson

10th

Lynn Crowe

17th

ALL AGE WORSHIP - Sue Hall

24th

Worship Group

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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 (2nd)

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 2016 at the latest please or alternatively email me: nickriley@blueyonder.co.uk with the word ‘CONTACT’ in the title.

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