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Magazine of Erdington Methodist Church Station Road - Dec 2017 / Jan 2018 GROWING GOD’S KINGDOM IN ERDINGTON, THROUGH WORSHIP, PRAYER, ACTION AND FRIENDSHIP 1

Contents From our Minister, Malcolm HELP!!

Thy Kingdom Come, 10th – 20th May 2018 Advent Bible Discussion Course A Christmas Hymn Advent Liturgy Do you collect Bibles ?

Christmas turkey Super Kitchen – Community Meals Prayer Meeting Camels How well do you know your Carols?

Wedding of Tanya & Lindon Christmas Activities – Erdington Methodist Church Sutton Park Circuit Missional Goals & At the heart of our community.

Church Community Survey Oldies (and others) Dan Snow makes an appeal on behalf of Polio victims Warning Remembrance Christmas presents Christmas Quiz Answers to Christmas Quiz Answers to How well do you know your Carols December & January 2018 Regular Meetings Tuesday Club Sunday Worship Weekly Church Activities 2

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From our Minister, Malcolm HOPE! Warmest greetings as 2017 draws to an end as we welcome 2018.

May you sense great HOPE in your travelling though the Advent season leading up to Christmas . . . and beyond.

Perhaps HOPE is inseparable from what we believe? I think it is true to say that most people are deeply influenced by the things they truly believe? Whether or not we believe in 'God’, our lives are shaped by HOPING for the fulfilment of what we do believe.

Through the ages people have expressed their belief(s) in differing ways. I am often asking myself: Can we be fulfilled and happy living life without believing anything about anything?

I have always liked the carol: Love came down at Christmas , Love all lovely, Love divine, Love was born at Christmas, Star and Angels Gave the sign.

This is my belief and my HOPE. What do you believe . . . what is your HOPE? John Wesley (Anglican Priest) who began the Methodist Movement drew up guidelines (printed below) for early Methodists to offer each other mutual pastoral support. These were based on his belief that ‘Love came down at Christmas’. Perhaps that’s why (intuitively?) he wrote his guidelines on Christmas day 1738?

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Months later on 24th May 1739 his heart was ‘strangely warmed’ by the love that he preached about for the rest of his life.

At this festive season, may you know the all important reality of things we hope for and believe: Love, Joy and Peace. Perhaps these are even more important than praying for our Health, Wealth and Happiness? Amidst the cold and darkness that can be so evident at this time of year, may you know the warmth and light of love which many find rooted in the birth of a little baby in an outhouse over 2000 years ago.

May you know blessings and Love, Joy and Peace in 2018.

Malcolm John Wesley’s Rules for the Band-Societies (drawn up Dec. 25, 1738) The design of our meeting is, to obey that command of God, "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed." To this end, we intend 1. To meet once a week, at the least.

2. To come punctually at the hour appointed, without some extraordinary reason.

3. To begin (those of us who are present) exactly at the hour, with singing or prayer.

4. To speak each of us in order, freely and plainly, the true state of our souls, with the faults we have committed in thought, word, or deed, and the temptations we have felt since our last meeting.

5. To end every meeting with prayer, suited to the state of each person present.

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6. To desire some person among us to speak his own state first, and then to ask the rest, in order, as many and as searching questions as may be, concerning their state, sins, and temptations.

HELP!!

To all the budding waitresses/waiters reading this - are you able to spare a few hours on a Wednesday morning about once a month to help in the kitchen at Luncheon Club. Recently, two people have had to hang up their aprons and it would be appreciated if you could consider filling their shoes. Luncheon Club meets on the 1st and 3rd week in the month and there is a rota system, (well, this is a Methodist Church).

The duties include: helping the cook to prepare vegetables; setting the tables; keeping the kitchen clean and tidy; serving the lunches; loading the dishwasher and putting away the clean pots; making tea or coffee at the end of the meal and anything else that needs doing. Did I mention you get a free lunch?

I have been volunteering since I retired and have found it an enjoyable and worthwhile team experience. Should you be interested you could speak to Elizabeth Livingstone for more information.

Lesley Morgan

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Thy Kingdom Come, 10th – 20th May 2018 Sisters and brothers in Christ, We are delighted to invite you and your churches and communities to take part in Thy Kingdom Come, a global, ecumenical call to prayer between Ascension and Pentecost 2018.

As many of you will know, Thy Kingdom Come began in 2016 as an invitation from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York. Today, Thy Kingdom Come aims to equip individuals, families and churches to pray, so that through prayer, people will be empowered by the Holy Spirit, finding new confidence to be witnesses for Jesus Christ.

Methodists are already involved in Thy Kingdom Come in a number of ways, but we are delighted to say that the Methodist Church is now a formal partner in the initiative, as an expression of the Church’s commitment to personal and social holiness and to paying attention to God through prayer.

There are many ways to get involved. A number of churches across the Connexion will host Thy Kingdom Come Beacon events in 2018, and we will be seeking to identify Thy Kingdom Come ‘champions’ who will promote the initiative across the Connexion.

A wide range of resources are already available through www.thykingdomcome.global for use by churches, including materials for prayer walks, prayer stations and service templates.

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Further resources are currently being developed with particular reference to Methodist contexts and charisms.

Further information, along with suggestions and resources for prayer, will be available on the Methodist Church’s website and at www.thykingdomcome.global. We do hope that you and your churches and communities will join us in engaging with Thy Kingdom Come and in uniting in prayer between Ascension and Pentecost 2018.

Yours in Christ, Jill Baker Vice-President of the Conference Loraine N Mellor President of the Conference Gareth J Powell Secretary of the Conference

Advent Bible Discussion Course On Thursdays 30th November, 7th, 14th and 21st of December from 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm at Stockland Green we will be holding an Advent Bible discussion course : 'So what are you waiting for?

(Based on York courses) Even though by the time you read this you may have missed one or more you are all welcome to join anytime - ed 7

YMCA BIRMINGHAM

You are invited to YMCA Birmingham Christmas Carol Service 1:30pm – 2:30pm

@

YMCA Erdington Chris Bryant Centre Sports Hall 301 Reservoir Road, B23 6DF On Wednesday 20th Dec. 2017

RSVP: rotimi.benjamin@ymcabirmingham.org.uk or 0121 477 4644 Refreshments will be provided

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A Christmas Hymn A Christmas Hymn was originally a poem written by Richard Wilbur (1921-2017), a highly regarded American poet.

The composer, Michael Larkin, set it to music.

Wilbur’s inspiration for writing this beautiful poem springs from St Luke 19, verses 39 to 40. The cross casts a shadow over the birth of Christ while the stones cry out that Jesus Christ is Lord.

And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, “Master, rebuke the disciples.”

And he answered and said unto them, “I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.”

A stable-lamp is lighted Whose glow shall wake the sky; The stars shall bend their voices, And every stone shall cry.

And every stone shall cry, And straw like gold shall shine; A barn shall harbor heaven, A stall become a shrine.

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This child through David’s city Shall ride in triumph by; The palm shall strew its branches, And every stone shall cry.

And every stone shall cry, Though heavy, dull, and dumb, And lie within the roadway To pave his kingdom come.

Yet he shall be forsaken, And yielded up to die; The sky shall groan and darken, And every stone shall cry.

And every stone shall cry For stony hearts of men: God’s blood upon the spearhead, God’s love refused again.

But now, as at the ending, The low is lifted high; The stars shall bend their voices, And every stone shall cry.

And every stone shall cry In praises of the child, By whose descent among us, The worlds are reconciled.

Barbara Rawson

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Advent Liturgy It has been suggested that this Advent Liturgy is included in our church notices each week but here it is in its entirety for use in your personal prayers.

Introduction: Advent is a time of longing – when we revisit the story of waiting for Christ’s birth and the reality of living in the in-between time of anticipating his return. We are still a people dwelling in darkness, living in a world where there is pain and sorrow. But it is also a time of celebration because through Jesus’ birth, God has already comforted God’s own people. As we focus on (and prepare our hearts more fully for his return) we can be newly strengthened by the promise of how wonderful God’s kingdom fully present with us will be. We are – and will one day be still more – a people living in the light.

Advent Sunday - (3 December 2017) Lord Jesus, Light of the world, just as Abraham and Sarah yearned to hold a living promise in their arms, so we long for the true comfort that is your presence.

We need you; many are lonely, frightened and lost.

We wait for you; come quickly.

Comfort the people living in darkness, oh glorious Lord of light.

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Second Sunday in Advent - (10 December 2017) Lord Jesus, Light of the world, just as Isaiah and your other prophets spoke out boldly of your redeeming arrival being close at hand, so we announce the true comfort of your coming presence.

We need you; many are confused and searching for the truth.

We wait for you; come soon.

Comfort the people living in darkness, oh glorious Lord of light.

Third Sunday in Advent - (17 December 2017) Lord Jesus, Light of the world, just as John the Baptist lived a life of discomfort to prepare the way for you, so we ready ourselves for the disruptive comfort your presence brings.

We need you; lead us beyond our safe walls.

We wait for you; go before, alongside and behind us.

Comfort the people living in darkness, oh glorious Lord of light.

Christmas Eve - (24 December 2017) Lord Jesus, Light of the world, just as your young mother Mary risked everything to nurture your growth, we say “yes� to carrying the comfort of your presence to others.

We need you; strengthen us to draw alongside others with you.

We wait for you; fill us with love for those you lead us to.

Comfort the people living in darkness, oh glorious Lord of light.

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Christmas Day - (25 December 2017) Lord Jesus, Light of the world, with the global Church, the saints throughout history and the whole company of heaven, we welcome the transforming comfort of your presence.

We praise you: baby Jesus born in a stable today!

We exalt you: risen, ascended King who will one day return!

We rejoice in the ultimate consolation – when there will be no more darkness and we will enjoy full union with you, oh glorious, glorious Lord, God of light.

Do you collect Bibles ?

I have an old Bible if anybody would like it. It is a bit tatty ,bit dirty but interesting.

Please see Jenny Hill if you are interested.

Christmas turkey A gentleman walked into a restaurant and asked the maitre d', ‘Can you please tell me how you prepare your Christmas turkeys?’

The maitre d' solemnly replied: ‘Yes. Well, we let them know right up front they're not going to make it.’

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Super Kitchen – Community Meals Churches Together are introducing an idea called ‘Super Kitchen’ meals to Erdington. The Super kitchen Meals will be on the first Wednesday of every month at The Café on the Green and then in January 2018 George Road Baptist Church will begin to offer meals on the 2nd Saturday of every month. The YMCA and Six Ways will also be starting Super Kitchen meals in the near future.

The cost is £2 per adult and £1 for children, however, if people cannot afford to pay then that will not stop them attending. The meals are low priced because they are cooked using food that has been provided by Fareshare.

Fareshare is a charity that receives food that Supermarkets have ordered but don’t want. It is well within its use by date. The meal will be two or three courses and there will be a meat and vegetarian option.

It is not possible to say what the menu will be as it depends what fareshare has available on the day.

The idea of Super Kitchen is Social Eating - it creates a place where different members of the community can sit down and eat together and get to know one another.

Here is a quote from their website: We call it #socialeating because we all eat a delicious meal together and by #socialeating people can make a positive impact on food waste, food poverty and social isolation.

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Here is a link to the Super kitchen website if you want more information http://superkitchen.org/

I do hope you and some friends will be able to come along.

Jean Morton Chair of Churches Together in Erdington

Prayer Meeting Every third Sunday of the month there is a prayer meeting specifically to pray for the work of Erdington Foodbank. If you or other members of your congregation would like to join us that would be great.

We meet at Six Ways Baptist Church from 6.30 pm – 7.30 pm.

Hope to see some of you there.

Jean Morton Erdington foodbank Co-ordinator

Camels In a little girl’s Christmas drawing, two of the camels were approaching the inn, over which was pictured a huge star.

The third camel and its rider were going directly away from it.

‘Why is the third man going in a different direction?’ her mother asked. She replied, ‘Oh, he’s looking for a place to park.’

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How well do you know your Carols?

Do you remember the 1st line in which these lines are included:1. But in this world of sin 2. Watching long with hope and fear 3. Late in time behold him come 4. Love is smiling from thy face 5. Low lies his head with the beasts of the stall 6. By thy face so meek and mild 7. Who have winter but no Christmas 8. Where Joseph and Mary together did pass 9. Pure and free from sin’s alloy 10. Show where Jesus in a manger lies 11. Now ye need not fear the grave 12. With a kiss 13. But wherewith for sacred sign 14. Thy son shall be Immamuel 15. From the poor manger to the bitter cross 16. Begotten not created 17. Born is the King of Israel 18. So may we with willing feet 19. Gaze in wonder at the Son of God who lay before them 20. And open wide our heavenly home - (Advent hymn)

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Wedding of Tanya & Lindon I was honoured to share those sacred and joyous moments with Tanya and Lindon as they made their marriage vows on Saturday 28th October 2017.

We had to wait for the service to start, no not for the bride but one of the Flower Girls delayed by the volume of traffic in the area that day.

The three Page Boys held hands as they led the bridal procession into the church, then came the two pretty Flower Girls in yellow dresses. Behind them was the elegant Matron of Honour. She turned to await the arrival of the Bride who walked at the side of her father with her hand resting on his, as he slowly guided his mobility scooter down the aisle towards the eagerly waiting Groom.

Rev Malcolm Oliver took the service wearing one of his vibrant coloured shirts at the request of the bride and groom. The vows were made, rings exchanged and the register signed.

Joy, happiness, celebration and above all love shone out through the whole service. The joyous smiles on everyone’s face as Mr and Mrs Campbell-Rochester led the way out of the church showed how much we all enjoyed being part of their special day.

May God bless Tanya and Lindon as they continue their life together.

Margaret Curzon 17

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Christmas Activities – Erdington Methodist Church 3rd December – 10.30 am – Joint service at Erdington with Stockland Green, Nechells and Witton Churches.

3rd December – 4.00 pm – Christingle Service 9th December – 11.00 am – Carol Singing opposite St Barnabas Church – Churches Together in Erdington 17th December – 6.00 pm – Candlelight Carol Service – led by Worship Group and Young People 23rd December - 10.00 – 12.00 – Carol Singing for ‘All we can’ outside church followed by lunch 24th December – 10.30 am – Morning Worship 24th December – 11.30 pm – Christmas Eve Communion Service 25th December – 10.00 am – Christmas Morning Service 31st December – No worship at Erdington – choice of joining our friends at: Kingstanding – 11.00 am Witton – 11.00 am Four oaks – 10.30 am

14th January 2018 – 10.30 am – Covenant Service 19

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Sutton Park Circuit Missional Goals & At the heart of our community.

Last year the Sutton Park Circuit Team set out a number of Missional Goals which are planned to be achieved over the next five years.

The first of these is: To understand the needs of each community served by our thirteen churches and respond with at least one new initiative.

To help us in understanding how this goal impacts our church at Erdington. Hilary Price & Nick Riley have been attending a number of sessions which aim to help us to establish what the needs of our community actually are.

These sessions have been called: At the Heart of our Community Session 1 was called ‘Starting Points’ It asked us to seriously consider what community was – it could be an online community, or the community who use our church building or the area around the church.

From the beginning the leaders emphasised that our meetings and this particular part of our Missional Goals wasn’t about Door Knocking or Street Preaching, handing out tracts or aiming to convert 100s of people by Christmas!

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They did specify that it would be about talking and praying together, meeting some people from the area, listening and learning from others and trying to see what God wants us to do!

We talked to each other and we were challenged to think about our community and exactly what kind of places were in our community and how we can be ‘the heart of our community’.

Session 2 was called ‘Laying the foundation’ We were asked to think about what issues affected our neighbourhood both good and bad. We were offered a number of examples of people who might live in our neighbourhood and although these varied greatly all churches agreed that any of these people could be our neighbours. We were asked how we saw our communities and then challenged with how God sees community.

We were asked to go for a walk around our community and feedback at the next meeting.

Session 3 was called ‘Building Bridges’ We began this session by feeding back what we had found during our walk around. Details are at the end of this article if you are interested.

The purpose of this session was to move from talking to action.

We were asked to think about how we can build bridges by listening and learning, sharing our time / our lives and putting our faith into action.

We were challenged to speak to someone in our community to ask what they think the needs of our community are – emphasising that this isn’t what we think but what people in the community’s 23

opinions are. We weren’t expected to do this during this one week but to take the next few weeks formulating a plan and speaking to someone / or some people. We talked and shared what kind of questions we should ask.

Session 4 – was entitled ‘Building Communities’ Our final session this year asked us to feedback what progress we had made if any and we then took some time to do a short bible study about community and how God sees community.

It really was a very encouraging and uplifting time. It was challenging too and took some of us ‘out of our comfort zones’ Our next steps are twofold: 1. To engage with Malcolm and YOU. This is an initiative for the whole church - not just those who attended the meetings so we will be asking you to get involved at some point in the new year.

2. To Talk to people in our community - I have decided to contact those who run the Erdington Foodbank and ask how they and their clients see our community and whether they are aware of needs that maybe we can help with.

So What Next?

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Session 5 – Reporting Back & Planning for the future This session will be sometime in January 2018 and will be an opportunity to share what we found talking to people in our communities and what we intend to do about it.

Nick Riley Senior Church Steward

Church Community Survey I thought you might be interested in just what I found when I did my community walk about – I was quite surprised by the diversity and variety in our immediate neighbourhood. All I did was walk from the top to the bottom of Station Road taking in about 100 yards on either side. I must admit that I was surprised – see how many of these you know about . . .

14 takeaways 11 household shops (carpets, furniture etc) 8 hairdressers 6 pubs/bars 5 religious meeting places 5 Education establishments 5 Cafes/Restaraunts 4 Nurseries 4 Car related 4 Markets 3 Leisure activities 3 sellers of alcohol 3 financial related 3 Public Services 25

. . . and loads more (119 in total).

I have the full list if you are interested – just ask Nick Riley Senior Church Steward

Oldies (and others) This morning in church we were treated to the Worship group. I was already planning these few words and thought that David’s opening prayers demonstrated the wisdom that comes with age and that this would perhaps be a good place to start. But as the service unfolded I thought that this would be unfair and so I amended the title to include all of those who led a wonderful thought provoking worship.

Sometime last week there was something in the media about changing one of our long-established health messages, that as you get older you should take it easy. We oldies are now being exhorted to maintain activity. This is exactly the message that my colleagues at work give to their patients with chronic pain ‘use it or lose it’ is their constant cry.

This was reinforced by a recent piece about the 85-year-old engineer who is designing the Bloodhound jet/rocket propelled car. This is set to make an attempt upon the world land speed record in 2019. The aim is 1,000mph (1,609km/h). ‘Slow speed’ (200mph) trials are currently on-going at Newquay airport.

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When patients question what I am saying about the medicines that they have been taking for years (and are still not getting any analgesia) I sometimes reply “knowledge changes, we now know ….”. The health messages that need to be given to older people is no different.

Forty years ago, patients who had suffered a heart attack were nursed flat on their backs for weeks, ‘to allow their heart muscle to repair without undue stress’. Similarly, patients with a bad back were instructed to put a board under their mattress and retire to their bed.

Sometimes the popular press makes hay at the expense of research scientists because they have changed their minds. ‘How come eggs were bad last year and yet this year they are the best thing since toasted cheese?’. Unfortunately, this is how knowledge advances.

Scientists start with a ‘null hypothesis’. This is a question for which no one really knows the answer, they may have an opinion but there are no facts to back up the answer. Researchers then spend a lifetime trying to find out the facts which will answer the question.

• No one now doubts that smoking causes lung cancer.

• Most people now believe that vaccination is a good thing.

• Probably a majority believe that the sugar that we eat in our diet, without recognising it as added sugar, contributes to obesity.

• Lastly, by and large only those with a vested interest, don’t believe that the climate is changing and that in some way humanity is to blame.

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Working to answer these questions, with skills that are God given, is how we improve ourselves and our sum of knowledge grows.

There are those amongst my older friends for whom these ongoing changes are not for the better and the world becomes full of nostalgia. I fall into that trap myself sometimes. But none of us knows what the future holds for us, by worrying can we change one hair on our head? Therefore, give no thought for the morrow, the morrow had cares enough of its own.

Which brings me back to this morning’s service. We sang all manner of new hymns from Singing the Faith and there were those in the congregation who would have us beat out the rhythm with our hands. But we don’t do that, because of what???

Over the last number of years, we have gradually embraced sharing ‘the peace’ and no longer shy away from physically welcoming people in the Lord’s name. Then this morning we sang a joyful song whilst we did it, ‘haste ye back’.

But we sang two songs in particular which I noted on my phone, because the words that I was going to write had already changed.

The first was a communion hymn, and communion can be a problem maybe for nostalgics like me? ‘Come my table is a meeting place’ – ‘Come my table is a feeding place’ – Come my table is a touching place’ – ‘Come and meet me at this moment’.

This gave me pause for thought. We go to communion and meet the Lord but this enjoinder should also be about each other. Do we meet and feed our friends and acquaintances at that special place?

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Then at the end we sang our Blessing (unheard of for nostalgics) and I remembered what had gone before ‘The peace of the Lord be always with you, I greet you in his name’, and I really couldn’t manage to sing ‘Until we meet again, may God hold you in his hand.’

Peter Farley

Dan Snow makes an appeal on behalf of Polio victims Having just received my latest copy of the British Polio magazine ‘The Bulletin’, I discovered that in August of this year, historian and TV presenter Dan Snow gave up his Bank Holiday to film an interview for BBC’s Lifeline Appeal on behalf of British Polio.

It came as a great surprise to learn that Dan’s mum’s family were almost wiped out in the 1950s by the disease. He said, ‘Growing up, my great aunts and uncles were living with the lifelong effects of Polio and it restricted a lot of their activities; so I remember that very well, but it’s such an important disease that’s shaped my family history and it’s such an important thing to remember those who are still dealing with the effects of such a devastating illness.’

When asked if he felt there is any stigma attached to Polio?

His answer, ‘I suppose there is a stigma attached to having had Polio and surviving with its effects. You can’t escape it. I remember my great aunt was in a wheelchair and as kids we thought that was a bit strange. I’ve now learnt from engaging with the BBC Lifeline 29

programme that we have to challenge those historical misconceptions, people can and do live extraordinary full and normal lives and that’s something to be celebrated. If people are given the support they need, they can manage their PPS (Post-Polio Syndrome).

Dan admitted he knew little about PPS but on looking back on his great aunts and uncles lives, they must all have been dealing with the effects of having had Polio and probably had developed PPS. He was asked how he had reacted when he discovered that 120,000 people in UK are now facing PPS. His reaction was that like many people, he thought Polio had been confined to history, but it hasn’t and people in the UK are still dealing with its effects. It’s a huge number and they deserve our support.

The interviewer then asked, ‘What do you think is the most eyecatching thing about the Polio story?

DS says, ‘what’s so fascinating is how it was so rampant but how the advances of science have managed to turn it into an avoidable disease in the vast majority of places. We are so lucky to live in an era that young people can be inoculated against it. It’s a thing we should give great thanks for. As a historian I’m often asked, when would you have liked to be born? My answer is absolutely today.

We are so lucky to live in the modern world. People get down often about insignificant things, we’re so lucky to live today, and you just have to look at the Polio story for that to be really brought home.

I think history will look back incredibly kindly on organisations like The Gates Foundation, Rotary International and UNICEF, who have all played such a pivotal role in trying to eradicate Polio and 30

will deserve a special place in history. We are given a very short time on this planet, the vast majority of us don’t make any impact, but for those people who have made such a huge impact, they will have managed to strike a blow against a brutal disease like Polio – well, they will be remembered for a long, long time.’

Dan is asked, ‘Around 40,000,000 people worldwide may end up being affected by PPS. What do you make of that?

‘It’s an incredible number. Polio isn’t dead, there are millions around the world today surviving the initial disease and then coping with the lifelong symptoms of PPS. It’s important for us to remember that while we pat ourselves on the back and think we have eradicated Polio, we really haven’t. This disease’s legacy will last for generations, even if Polio is eradicated tomorrow.

Ann Tomes (With thanks to British Polio magazine, The Bulletin)

Warning A local priest and a pastor stood by the side of the road holding up a sign that said, ‘The End is Near! Turn yourself around now before it's too late!’ They held up the sign as a car approached.

‘Leave us alone, you religious nuts!’ yelled the driver as he sped by.

A moment later, from around the curve, they heard a big splash.

‘Do you think,’ ventured the priest, ‘we should just put up a sign that says “bridge down” instead?’

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Remembrance I have just been to a super Remembrance service where we remembered those who have died fighting wars but avoided celebrating war itself, always a tricky balance. Thursday last week there was a piece in the paper by Simon Jenkins, one time editor of the Times entitled ‘Too much remembering causes wars. It’s time to forget the 20th century, which given that it was half a page encouraged me to sit down and read.

The premise of the piece was that in the end we all have to move on otherwise what went before takes over our lives, which is what we always say to friends or colleagues after personal tragedy. I went on to wonder whether some atrocities were too significant or too gross to allow them to be forgotten along with the lessons for succeeding generations that almost inevitably go with such events; Ypres and Auschwitz come readily to mind. But history is always written by the victors and the destruction of Dresden by Bomber Command and the brutality of the treatment meted out by British forces during the Mau Mau uprising have faded away. Such was the brutality of the British action in Kenya that some were emboldened to ask how could the British so readily use concentration camps so soon after the liberation of Belsen.

Unlike some Governments some people do move on. I remember the case of the Vicar’s daughter Jill Saward who was raped in her father’s vicarage. The sentences meted out to perpetrators was small and led to later changes in the law. In addition, on his retirement the Judge apologised to Jill saying that his judgement was a blemish on his career.

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But the point of this story is Jill’s response after the event;” Of course, sometimes I thought it might be quite nice to be full of hatred and revenge. But I think it creates a barrier and you're the one who gets damaged in the end. So, although it makes you vulnerable, forgiving is actually a release. I don't think I'd be here today without my Christian faith. That's what got me through". We had similar sentiments expressed at this mornings’ Remembrance service. I paraphrase (because I cannot remember the exact words) ‘forgiveness is unlocking the door of the prison, and realising that you are the prisoner’.

Where did all of this leave me with forgetting? The world is full of conflicts where people seem unable to forget. Two thousand year ago God promised Abram ‘All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever’. Six hundred year later Mohammed died without appointing a successor, which lead to the Sunni Shia schism. Where have those events led us?

On 30th October 1517 Martin Luther published his ’95 Theses’, which led to the reformation and the formation of the Protestant Church. How many people were killed in the ensuing internecine warfare, because of an inability to move on.

A little later we have the origins of the problems in Ireland, which came to a head with the troubles and the IRA bombing campaign.

The Peace Process brokered by John Major and Albert Reynolds led to unprecedented changes in that province. Then under the leadership of Ian Paisley, Martin McGuiness and George Mitchell the devolved government flourished, I would suggest, because these three individuals could see that the future was the future and that the past would only hold them back. Unfortunately, the 33

present leadership are not in quite the same mould and they appear not to be able to forget and move on.

Then lastly, we have Donald Trump’s attitude to Islam and Islamic countries. I have seen it reported that this is his response to the 9-11 attack on the Trade Centre. A while ago now I remember discussing the effect of 9-11 on the US psyche and my discussee, who has some knowledge of North America said ‘you must never underestimate the effect that 9-11 had on the American people’.

I don’t know the answer to what we should remember and what we should forget. But this mornings’ service contained the following affirmations In the midst of oppression and tyranny – we celebrate the promise of service and freedom.

In the midst of hatred and death – we celebrate the promise of love and life.

In the midst of death on every side – we celebrate the promise of the living Christ.

Peter Farley

Christmas presents Catching her in the act, I confronted our three-year-old granddaughter. ‘Are you opening your little sister’s presents?’ I demanded. ‘No,’ she innocently replied, ‘I'm just helping her learn to share.’

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Christmas Quiz Here's a Christmas Quiz with 20 questions for you to try!

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19.

20.

What's the name of the period leading up to Christmas?

How many Wise Men brought gifts to Jesus?

How does Good King Wenceslas like his pizzas?

What was the name of John the Baptist's Mother?

Who brings presents to children in Holland on the 5th/6th December?

How many letters are in the angelic alphabet?

In what town was Jesus born?

How many presents were given in total in the 12 Days of Christmas?

In what decade was the first Christmas Card sent in the UK? What country did the family escape to?

How many of Rudolph's eight companions names start with 'D'?

What country did Christmas Trees originate from?

Who was the 'King of the Jews' who ordered the babies to be killed?

What's the second line of "I'm dreaming of a white christmas"?

What was Joseph's job?

Who started the custom of Wassailing?

Who were first people to visit the baby Jesus?

What's lucky to find in your Christmas Pudding?

What Angel visited Mary?

Where did the baby Jesus sleep?

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God’s Kingdom Railways

Living Station Part of the CGK II Line

Sunday morning

22nd April 2018 Bishop Walsh Catholic School Save the date & join us on the journey ...

All Aboard the CGK II Train

CGK II

Needs

Unique

Empower

Faith

Voice

Children

Link

… C G K i s ‘C e l e b r a t i n g G o d ’ s K i n g d o m’ …

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Answers to Christmas Quiz 1. Advent 2. More than one, the Bible doesn't say how many!

3. Deep pan, crisp and even!

4. Elizabeth 5. St. Nicholas 6. 25; 'no el'!!!

7. Bethlehem 8. 364 9. 1840s - 1843 by Sir Henry Cole 10. Egypt 11. Three - Dasher, Dancer and Donner 12. Germany - it was Latvia but it was part of German then!

13. King Herod 14. Just like the ones I used to know 15. Carpenter 16. The Anglo Saxons - it means 'good health' 17. Shepherds 18. A six pence 19. Gabriel 20. In a manger

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Answers to How well do you know your Carols 1. O little town of Bethlehem 2. Angels from the realms of glory 3. Hark the herald angels sing 4. Silent night 5. Brightest and best 6. See amid the winter’s snow 7. Cradled in a manger, meanly‌.

8. A virgin most pure 9. As with gladness 10. See him lying on a bed of straw 11. Good Christian men rejoice 12. In the bleak mid-winter 13. Love came down at Christmas 14. The Angel Gabriel from heaven came 15. Christians awake!

16. O come, all ye faithful 17. The first Noel 18. As with gladness 19. Come and join the celebration 20. O come, O come, Immanuel

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December & January 2018 Regular Meetings

Each Saturday 10.00 am to 12.00 noon

Tuesday Club Every 2nd Tuesday in the month at 2.00 pm

Sunday Worship All worship starts at 10.30 am unless stated otherwise below.

See Page 19 for our special Christmas services & activities 3rd

10th 17th 24th 31st

Joint service at Erdington with Stockland Green, Nechells and Witton Churches. - Rev Malcolm Oliver & Rev Andrew Brazier HOLY COMMUNION - Rev John Ingyon ALL AGE WORSHIP - John Rutherford Lynn Crowe No Worship at Erdington - See page 19

January 2018 7th 14th 21st 28th

Rev Malcolm Oliver COVENANT SERVICE - Rev John Ingyon ALL AGE WORSHIP - Local Arrangement HOMELESS SUNDAY - Colin Topliss 39

Weekly Church Activities Sunday

10.30 am

MORNING WORSHIP and Young Church

Tuesday

2.00 pm

Tuesday Afternoon Meeting

Wednesday

9.30 - 11.30 am 12.30 pm

Stay and Play Luncheon Club - (1st and 3rd)

Friday

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

Beavers : Lynn Turner Cubs : Elizabeth Baizon Scouts : Paul Harris 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 February 2018 CONTACT to any of the Editorial Team (Peter Farley, Christine Rankin, Ann Tomes & Nick Riley) by 15th January 2018 at the latest please, or alternatively email me: nickriley@blueyonder.co.uk with the word ‘CONTACT’ in the title.

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