Contact - July/August 2011

CONTACT

Magazine of Erdington Methodist Church Station Road - July/August 2011 1

Contents Minister’s Letter In CONTACT this month . . .

Scenes from my Sketchbook Eternal Light - Midland Hospitals Choir & The Phoenix Singers Bible Quiz (In God’s Garden) Places to visit Swimming Woes More than Gold E100 Bible Challenge Mary Jones Walk Action for Children Sunday - July 10th Christian Aid And in the other hand!

Open Day Children’s Pages - Joseph Willow Baskets Hymn Quiz Birmingham and District Carnation Society Conference is coming Sorry I missed you!

Marmite Prayers about issues in the news I have been both!

Amnesty Golf E100 Timetable - July & August Flight path Armchair Garden Quiz Heron or bicycle?

Answers to quizzes Life is a wonderful thing!

Bowls Honour July/August 2011 - Regular Meetings Weekly Church Activities 2

3 4 5 7 8 9 14 15 15 16 17 18 18 19 20 22 24 25 26 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40

Minister’s Letter Dear Friends I write this having just returned from South Parade Church where I attended the induction service for Margaret Gardner as the new District President for Methodist Women in Britain (the new name for Network).

I may be wrong but I don’t think I saw anyone from Erdington there and that is a shame because you missed a really inspirational service. The preacher was the Revd. Norman Grigg, past President of the Methodist Church of the Gambia. He told us that he had seen an advert in the window of a gym which talked about fitness being first about motivation and then about habit and then went on to apply that to our Christian faith. It was quite a challenge!

So what motivates us? How have we responded to the love of God and the realisation that it is for us, whoever we are? How have we responded to the call to serve others and especially those in need? How have we responded in worship, both in our attendance and participation and in the offering of ourselves to God? And what about the ongoing habits we have formed? Of course, there are good habits and bad habits. Is there a chance that our faith has become just “going through the routine?” Is it not as exciting as it once was or is God not so important in our lives as he once was? Or do we get up every morning praising God and wanting to serve him in any way we can? Do we come to worship prepared to meet with God and expecting to hear his word for us?

As a church we are planning an open day and beyond that we will be looking at how we make better contact with those who use our premises and those who live in the area around the church. There is also the exciting possibility of using the London 2012 Olympics as a tool for outreach. So let’s ask ourselves these questions, “Is our faith alive and is it important to us to share 3

God’s love with others?” And if the answer is yes then let’s get on and be enthusiastic about it!

Jane

In CONTACT this month . . .

Welcome to our joint July/August edition of CONTACT. As I type this we are having one of the hottest days of this summer (doesn’t look as if it will last though). The editorial team thought it would be a good idea if we asked you to recommend a good place to visit during the summer and we have a whole section of your responses starting on page 9.

Ann is yet again delighting us with a scene from her sketchbook - matchstick men are about as far as my artistic ability goes!

We have not one . . . . not two . . . . . but three quizzes to see how well you know your bible and your hymn book - or at least get you searching for the answers . . . .

In the children’s pages (centrefold) we learn about the story of Joseph . . .

We learn about Jan’s experience of basket weaving . . .

We have prayers from Christian Aid about issues in our world today . . .

We congratulate Reg on his life membership . . . .

We have our E100 timetable to keep you reading your bibles . . .

And we have a smattering of jokes to keep you amused . . .

Hopefully there is enough for you to while away an hour or so and maybe get you out and about visiting some interesting places.

Have a great summer everyone - Nick (Editor) 4

Scenes from my Sketchbook

During one of my forays into Cumbria, I came across this superb gem.

Huddled in a hollow, in the Troutbeck valley above Windermere, lies Townend, a National Trust Property with quite a history. The initial portion of the house was built in 1626 by George Browne, statesman (wealthy yeoman) farmer and his new bride, Susannah Rawlinson. It is believed that it continued to be extended by successive generations of the Browne family, which is why each part of the house is slightly different in style. It was in1943 that the National Trust inherited it. It is the most famous statesman’s house in Cumbria and has been kept as the Brownes had it throughout their long history at the house.

Much of the furniture was made especially for the Browne family and features remarkable examples of wood carving, some believed to have been done by one of the family members.

I was interested to note how the kitchen floor sloped up the hillside, yet the kitchen cupboards, all built of solid oak, were installed horizontally with the 5

gaps beneath being filled with wood. Thus, an early example of the original ‘fitted kitchen’!

Although rather a dark interior, all the fittings and furniture being of darkstained oak, it is full of intriguing nooks and crannies, which children love to explore. It is best viewed on a bright day, although there is a cheerful fire burning in the grate to welcome visitors.

The large, circular chimneys are a feature, and in one of them a ‘smoke room’ in the chimney breast enabled the family to preserve their meat and fish by smoking it.

It’s also interesting to note that there are proper toilet facilities for visitors, so no trips to the end of the garden for the privy, as would have been the case in days of yore!

I drew my picture from the footpath leading from the car park to the house, a narrow path winding down the hillside, I felt I was teetering on the brink.

(My chair was squeezed right to the edge of a deep drop into the garden).

Fortunately, I didn’t end up in the compost!

Ann Tomes

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Midlands Hospitals Choir & The Phoenix Singers (Birmingham) Present

Eternal Light A requiem by Howard Goodhall and other popular choruses Conductor Matt Beckingham

Adrian Boult Hall Saturday 23rd July 2011

Tickets ÂŁ12 (ÂŁ10 Concessions) Speak to any member of the choir if you are interested in going 7

Bible Quiz (In God’s Garden) 1.

According to John’s Gospel, who mistook Jesus for a gardener?

2.

Palm Sunday commemorates which event in the life of Jesus?

3.

In the Parable of the Sower, what happened to the seed that fell on the path?

4.

True or false? Abel kept flocks and Cain worked the soil.

5.

In Psalm 23, what type of pastures does the Lord make the writer lie down in?

6.

In Peter’s first letter, he wrote, “The grass withers and the flowers fall,” but what did he say would last forever?

7.

Finish off this sentence from Paul’s letter to the Galatians, “Do not be deceived. God is not mocked. A man reaps….

8.

Who asked, “Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?”?

9.

Who in the Garden of Eden called out, “Where are you?”?

10. Who sold a field and gave all the money to the apostles?

11. Which Old Testament prophet was appointed to uproot and tear down,

destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant?

12. What name is given to the last tree mentioned in the Bible?

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Places to visit At the last meeting of the Contact editorial committee we thought that we would ask you to tell us about worthwhile places for a day out. You did provide us with quite a few ideas, which are set out below.

Barton Marina A pleasant afternoon’s visit is Barton Marina, just off the A38 (the Burton Rd) at Barton under Needwood. It’s a well set up traditionally styled but modern centre with good quality shops and eateries. There is plenty of free parking, a short lakeside walk, birds to feed, the narrow boat marina and plenty of seating if you just want to sit and look at the boats and watch the ducks. Shops of particular interest are ’Gallery 3’ (art gallery), an award winning coffee shop, and an old fashioned toy shop. For the more adventurous, you can even hire a little narrow boat for the day!

If I remember correctly, wheel chair access is very good. Journey time is around 30 minutes from Sutton Coldfield.

Also, if you wish to travel about 2 or 3 miles up the road through Barton– under–Needwood (turn right at ‘Little India’ onto Forest Road / Rangemore Hill) to Byrkley Park Garden Centre. What more could you want ... birds, blooms, boats and ice cream!

Don Rawson

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The Barber Institute of Fine Arts Right on our door step is the Barber Institute of Fine Arts situated within the campus of the University of Birmingham. Not quite a full day out but we spent an enjoyable Sunday afternoon having been lured there by the current exhibition ‘Court on Canvas - Tennis in Art’. The exhibition started on 27th May and is running until 18th September and is free of charge. It features a wide variety of paintings , drawings & prints from the 1870’s through to the 21st century, by artists as diverse as LS Lowry, Eric Ravilious, Stanley Spencer, EH Shepard (of Winnie the Pooh fame) and David Hockney. There is also a display of historic tennis equipment, photographs and memorabilia tracing the origins of the game and the importance of Edgbaston as the birthplace of the game of tennis as we know it.

The Institute itself has 3 additional exhibition halls which include other major works by great artists such as Monet, Rubens, Delacroix, van Dyke, Gainsborough and Picasso. The Concert Hall also hosts lunchtime (free of charge) and summer chamber music concerts.

Opening hours:

Monday – Saturday 10am to 5pm Sunday – 12 noon – 5pm 0121 414 7333 www.barber.org.uk Christine Rankin

Coton Manor near Crick, Northants, especially in April/May as there is a bluebell wood.

Batsford Arboretum which is in Gloucestershire. Find out more on their website http://www.batsarb.co.uk/ Kiftsgate Court Gardens are also lovely although there is nothing much for children to do.

Birmingham Botanical Gardens in Edgbaston 10

Kingsbury Water Park An organic garden at Ryton signposted off A45. It has cafe and interesting stuff especially about compost!

Bletchley Park near Milton Keynes is a museum dedicated to the Enigma Machine which was used to crack german codes during the Second World War. Loads of stuff from the war. Not too technical and the cafe is OK. Croome Park A National Trust property which also has some Second World War stuff, walks, and a house that will be eventually furnished. You can find it near Worcester.

Ledbury is a lovely day out if you want a wander about with independent shops and nice cafes. There is also a small museum and the parish church is worth a visit.

Winterbourne House and Gardens in Edgbaston Park Road, just past the University, is a beautiful garden, very peaceful and there is a coffee shop that does light lunches. Outside seating is also available on the patio. The garden does have some steps and the steps down to the pool can be rather treacherous if it's been wet. The house is interesting as it was built by John Nettle (Guest, Keen & Nettlefold) and was built in the Arts and Crafts style.

His wife Margaret designed the garden. A real quiet garden in the middle of the city.

Take the train to Bourneville and get off either walk back to town along the canal, see the new QE hospital and the rebuilt canal, by the university or walk towards Kings Norton and turn left onto the Stratford on Avon canal.

Look at the A to Z but you can get to Shirley railway station and back to Moor Street. All free if you have an OAP pass!!

King’s Heath Park Television / Community Gardens The gardens are open to the public on Sundays (1.30 pm to 4.30 pm) on 17th July, 21st August, 18th September and 16th October. Fircone has two gardens with a seat which allows you to view these gardens and local wildlife.

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Baddesley Clinton Manor House National Trust Property Rising Lane, Baddesley Clinton, Knowle, Warwickshire B93 0DQ Telephone: 01564 783294 The house and gardens are open from 11.00 am to 5.00 pm every day except Mondays 1 Feb – 31 Dec. Costs to enter the house and grounds are £9.70 per adult, (£8.80), child £4.90 (£4.45), family £24.50 (£22.25). Admission is free to National Trust members.

This beautiful, moated house dates back to the 15th century and for 500 years it was the home of the Ferrers family. During the Elizabethan era, it was a place of refuge for persecuted Catholics. Of particular interest are the three priest holes and also the blood stains on the floor in one of the rooms.

Thereby hangs a tale! The gardens and ponds are delightful.

Close by is another National Trust property – Packwood House, and it would be easy to visit both houses in one day. Furthermore, there is a discount for a combined ticket.

Food is available in the barn restaurant (nice but rather expensive). A variety of locally sourced plants and vegetables products can be bought in the gift shop and there is also a well stocked second hand book shop.

On a sunny day, this is a wonderful place to visit.

Barbara Rawson

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Canwell Show - 6th August 2011 I’m not actually recommending this for a day out as I’ve never actually been!

But as I live not far from Canwell I’ve always promised myself that one year I will make the effort to see what it is like. When we first moved to Walmley our next door neighbour used to go every year.

The Canwell Agricultural Society held its first show in 1925. Since that year the Canwell Show has grown to become the region’s largest one day agricultural show bringing in visitors and exhibitors from across the UK. The Society has had to cancel shows, firstly during the Second World War and more recently in 2001 due to the foot and mouth crisis.

A truly great English Summer day out, the show attracts families from both the farming community and the nearby town and cities with its mix of live stock, horses events, live music, trade stalls, craft - food - horticultural marquees, to name just a few of the wonderful sights and sounds that delight each year.

Again - not my recommendation - but from the website - sounds interesting to me though . . .

Here is their Programme Of Events Main Ring • Jamie Squibb Freestyle Stunt Team • Parade Of Hounds By Kind Permission Of The Master Of The Meynell & South Staffs Hunt • Working Shire Horse Display

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Village Green • Dog Agility Displays • Morris Dancing By Stafford Morris Men • Styling Marquee hosted By House Of Fraser (Sutton Coldfield) and Lisa Shepherd Hairdressing Salons (Incorporating Ladies And Gentlemen's Fashion & Beauty Shows) • The Sheep Show Playing On The Band Stand • Amington Band • Bleeding Hearts • Celtic Clan Around The Ground • Heart Of England "Gardening Question Time" • Craft & Shopping Marquee • Food Marquee • Home & Garden Marquee • Women's Institute Marquee • Agricultural Livestock • Horses • Working Gundog Display • Children's Amusements I Really must go this year and maybe I’ll feedback what it was like in September’s CONTACT Nick Riley

Swimming Woes If you know someone who tries to drown their sorrows, you might warn them sorrows know how to swim.

Anon 14

More than Gold I have had no response yet to the item about the Olympics in last month’s “Contact”. I went to a meeting at Villa Park last week to meet the More than Gold team and find out more about what is suggested for next year.

There are all kinds of ideas for churches to use to make contact with their local community through the Olympic theme – a sports quiz, an opening night party, a community festival, involvement in schools, hospitality, the torch relay which will be coming to Birmingham, and loads of other ideas.

There are resources, training and support available for any churches that want to join in.

All of this could be very exciting but only if we really throw ourselves into it.

Some people say they are not very interested in sport. I say it isn’t sport you need to be interested in but outreach! I tried to persuade people to come with me to the meeting, not just from Erdington but around the circuit, and couldn’t raise any interest. It is only twelve months away and we don’t want to be in the position where we look back and see what an opportunity we have missed. May I urge you to think and pray about this and if you have access to the internet then look at the website www.morethangold.org.uk Jane

E100 Bible Challenge.

Just a word of encouragement to keep up the good work! I hope those of you who have taken up this challenge are enjoying reading God’s word in this way and are learning new and exciting ways of understanding our relationship with God. By the time you read this we will have met with the other churches at Kingstanding and shared our experience so far. We are inviting the folk from Kingstanding and Nechells to join with us on Wednesday 28th September for the next update. Please put that date in your diaries now.

And don’t forget that David Hewitt’s bible study group are using the E100 material if you want to share with others more regularly.

Jane 15

Mary Jones Walk Four Oaks church are planning a walk and they are inviting anyone from the circuit to join them . . . details follow: One morning in 1800, Mary set out to buy her Bible. It was 25 miles to Bala, and she was barefoot, as usual. Her journey took her through valleys, across streams and around mountains.

On Tuesday 16th August we are planning a day trip to Bala, to walk together over the final 7 miles of Mary’s walk. The walk will take about 3.5 to 4 hours (includes 3 modest but not steep uphill sections) and we will stop for a picnic lunch. You will need waterproofs, packed lunch and sturdy walking shoes.

Coach will leave Four Oaks round about 8.00 am, and return 7.30 - 8.00 pm.

Cost of travel will be approx £15 (depending on numbers). We hope to start and finish our day with tea or coffee together. For those not wishing to walk, there is an option to do the 7 mile journey by steam train along the lakeside. (25 mins, cost £6.50). However, trains only run every hour, so you may need to enjoy an extended coffee together before picking up a train, and then spending the remaining day in Bala. There is a 15 minute level walk from Bala train station to Bala (this is the final part of the Mary Jones walk).

Further details or to book a place, speak to Anne Thompson 308 1589 or Sally Ellis 308 5115.

(As soon as possible please to help us to plan).

Places are limited.

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Action for Children Sunday - July 10th I am sure that many of you have seen the recent advertising for Action for Children on the television. The advertising highlights the work of the organisation in supporting vulnerable, disadvantaged and neglected children and young people. AFC have a variety of resources nationally which support young people with a range of different needs. AFC disability services provide disabled children and their families with residential and short break care, help families deal with challenging behaviour, provide specialist education and leisure opportunities and offer innovative programmes such as Access to IT projects.

Many children cannot grow up with their birth family for a variety of reasons. AFC is a registered adoption agency and provides Fostering services too. They work in partnership with commissioners, professionals and families to support children to overcome the disadvantages of not living with their birth parents. There are also a number of residential units as well as residential schools providing a good education and social support for children with specialist educational needs.

Family Centres provide much needed support to those families finding themselves in difficult situations, low income & crisis due to relationship breakdown potentially putting children at risk. The family centres provide parenting advice, a safe place to develop play and the chance to learn new skills.

AFC use Independent Visitors to support young people leaving care. These young people are one of the most vulnerable groups in our society but by providing a safe and reliable relationship the Independent Visitors encourage a young person’s social, emotional, cultural and educational development.

AFC also has a high profile through Policy & Research. They work in partnership alongside other organisations, charities, universities and agencies to maximise the opportunity to make a difference. They present their expert knowledge and opinions based on their own research produce Publications and policy briefings and respond to government consultations to influence 17

and shape and policies that will improve the lives of vulnerable children & young people in the UK. What the adverts did not highlight was the history of AFC and its roots firmly established in Methodism. Thomas Bowman Stephenson, a Methodist Minister from the North East of England had a passionate commitment to social justice and campaigned on behalf of the vulnerable of the day and from the time he moved to London he challenged the Methodist Church to address the plight of homeless children on the streets. He established the first children’s home in 1869 and aimed to provide the same quality of care that other children received in a loving home. Action for Children’s ethos is deeply rooted in Methodist principles. The famous words of John Wesley to ‘go not only to those who need you but to those who need you most’ eloquently and simply describe their vision today. The links with The Methodist Church remain close – the council of trustees is appointed by the Methodist Conference to which they report annually.

The Methodist Church gives particular attention to Action for Children’s work during worship on the second Sunday in July each year when time is set aside to reflect on and celebrate the work of this organisation.

Christine Rankin

Christian Aid The total amount raised for Christian Aid Week is £591.36 For various reasons I had decided I will no longer be organising a door to door collection. All the monies raised was from events and donations within the church. I would like to thank you all for your generosity.

Norma

And in the other hand!

From the pulpit of a Methodist Chapel in West Yorkshire the following advice was given, "And so my friends, whenever I am up against it, I just take my courage in both hands and the grace of God in the other."

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Open Day As this is a July/August joint edition of CONTACT you won’t receive another before our Open Day is upon us.

Quite a few forms have been returned and it already looks as if it will be an interesting, involving and informative day.

So . . . to remind you

Erdington Methodist Church presents Open Day 2011 Saturday 3rd September 10.00 am to 3.00 pm Come and find out what goes on in our church building, during the week and at the weekend, both groups from within the church and external groups who make use of our facilities.

It’s shaping up to be an exciting day Refreshments will be available throughout the day.

Mark it in your diaries now!

Watch the church notices for further information closer to the day 19

Joseph You probably know the story of Joseph and his amazing coloured coat. It made his brothers very jealous. They were so jealous that when he came to see how they were ge?ng on looking a@er the sheep, they threw him into pit and told their father he was dead.

He was pulled out of the pit by some traders who sold him as a slave to an EgypDan named PoDphar.

Joseph had an incredible Dme in Egypt . He got on well in PoDphar’s house, unDl PoDphar’s wife told lies about him and he was thrown into prison.

While Joseph was in prison, the Pharoah had a dream. Joseph was sent for and he explained that the Pharoah’s dream was a warning that a@er seven years of good crops and plenty of food, there would be seven years of famine when everyone would be hungry. Pharoah put Joseph in charge of storing food in the good years so that they would have plenty to eat later.

Can you find your way through the cornfield?

When the famine came Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt in search of food. They thought Joseph had died years before and so didn’t recognise him. Joseph recognised them. He made them go and bring his brother Benjamin to Egypt. He sent them home with grain and the money that they brought to pay for the grain. This frightened the brothers in case the EgypDans thought they’d stolen the grain. They returned with Benjamin to buy more grain. This Dme Joseph hid a silver cup in Benjamin’s bag and threatened keep him as his slave when the cup was found. One of his brothers Judah said his father would die of grief if he lost 20

Benjamin as well as Joseph. Joseph couldn’t pretend any more. He broke down and cried . He promised to look a@er his brothers and his father during the famine.

Joseph forgave his brothers for what they had done to him.

Colour in the picture of Joseph and his brothers.

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Willow Baskets Sometime ago and without much consideration I agreed to join a group of cousins on a 2 day basket weaving course. Let’s be clear I have done basket weaving before in about 1957! Anyway the day arrived and I found myself

with 4 other ladies of a certain age plus a newly graduated archaeology student sitting in the garden of a beautiful Victorian house having a lesson on how to make a square round basket! (Those familiar with Tupperware may have some understanding of this description) The location was my home town of Leominster and the tutor lives in a house I had walked past every school week for five years so it was amazing to get inside. The tutor, Jenny Crisp makes baskets from willow that she grows and harvests herself.

Many of the baskets , trays, hurdles, Moses baskets and plants supports are sold at country fairs and agricultural shows and are works of art. She also teaches small groups.

The first job involved a very sharp knife which we used to slice about half the width of a willow stem off maybe about 6 inches in from the end. We had 60 or so to do. Sharp knife and inexpert fingers and thumbs . . . I wondered what Mr Elf and Safety might say! We then had to wind them around a small preformed square of wood across which we had to fix 3 stretchers and then we wove the willow under and over them and around 22

the frame. Like lots of things she made it look easy and we also discovered that once bent willow keeps it shape . . . not always where you want!

We sat at little tables and eventually fixed the base to the table by means of the bodkin through the floor of the basket and a hole in the table top (picture on previous page). Day one started about 11.00 am and finished at 4.30 pm. My sister made a fabulous lunch which we enjoyed, otherwise we worked solidly! Well there was lots of craic (chat), reminiscences as 3 of us had gone to school about 2 mins. down the road and 2 of the party live in Norway and we don’t meet that often.

Day 2 the weather was wet so we were indoors and we had to weave the sides about 4 inches deep. Every time you thought you were there you had to bash your weaving down and close the gaps. Really bash - it seems willow can take a lot. We then had to fold the stems over and make a rim. By about 5.00 pm 6 of us had a recognisable basket. Jenny gave them all a good bashing to make them square and showed us how to trim the ends neatly with secateurs.

We learnt a lot about willow but also that our tutor had been working with willow for 30 plus years and she had learned by watching and working alongside an expert. She also had very strong hands and arms to bend and shape the willow. It’s also very hard to make a living hence a bit of teaching now and then. Many of you will have seen Jenny’s work as she makes baskets for films such as Shakespeare in Love, Merlin and Harry Potter.

Most of us have a basket or two and and if they are looking a bit dull you can leave them outside overnight and the dew will refresh them.

At the end we did have a basket each and we learnt a lot. Several people will make stuff with willow in the future. The Norwegian has a smallholding and some willow as does my sister who lives in Willow cottage, so we shall a wait to see their future projects with interest. As for me I think I would like to make garden supports next year. Also, it has to be said if you see hand made baskets and check the price mine took about 9hrs to make and the price will not reflect the time or more importantly the skills required.

Jan payne 23

Hymn Quiz Only one of this series of 4 lines from the first verses of each hymn is correct. Circle that letter. All the hymns are from Hymns and Psalms.

1. Lo, He Comes With Clouds Descending a) Sing the praises of his name b) Let us all proclaim his name c) Swell the triumph of his train d) Alleluia! Christ now reigns 2. O For A Thousand Tongues to Sing a) He is the one to whom I sing b) Where now, oh, death is thy cruel sting? c) The Lord created everything d) The glories of my God and King 3. Great Is Thy Faithfulness a) As thou hast been thou for ever wilt be b) You are my God and forever wilt be c) Steadfast and glorious, our hope lies in thee d) Father, my God, your love poured out for me 4. Tell Out, My Soul! a) His steadfast greatness is forever sure b) His grace is sure, his promise ever firm c) Tender to me the promise of his word d) Jesus my God, his glorious name I praise 5. Think Of A World a) Think of the air without any breeze b) Think of the trees without any leaves c) Think of a sky ever dark, never light d) Think of a world without any colours

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6. Living Lord a) Help us to live our lives for you b) Seeking to save us all from sin c) Your loving power will set us free d) Pouring your love and goodness in 7. And Can It Be that I Should Gain a) Died he for me? who caused his pain! b) Died on the cross and conquered death c) And then, my God, I came to thee d) There on the cross, he died for me 8. Trust And Obey a) We will stay by his side, for he’ll be our guide b) While we do his good will, he abides with us still c) We will trust and obey, never more will we stray d) Let us do what he asks, and with joy meet the tasks Barbara Rawson Answers on Page 36

Birmingham and District Carnation Society On Saturday 16th July the Birmingham and District Carnation Society is holding its 52nd Annual Show at Erdington Methodist Church.

Exhibitors come from near and far with their prize blooms. So that you don’t miss this feast of floral beauty make a note of the date and come along between 10.00 am and 2.30 pm.

There is no charge for admission.

Plants will be on sale and light refreshments will be available.

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Conference is coming At the end of June hundreds of Methodists will be descending on Southport for the 2011 Conference.

The ministerial session begins on Thursday 30 June, and the representative session on Saturday 2 July.

Highlights of the Conference include the inductions of the president of the Conference, the Revd Leo Osborne, and the vice-president, Ruth Pickles on Saturday, and the ordination of presbyters and deacons on Sunday 3 July.

You can read Conference reports and keep up to date with all the Conference news at www.methodistconference.org.uk. The website will also be webcasting all the representative sessions, the president's pastoral address (about 2.30pm on Thursday 30 June) and the service of thanksgiving and remembrance (2.00pm on Friday 1 July). from the Methodist Church News Service

Sorry I missed you!

A minister who was involved in a minor accident with a cyclist, stopped his car and rushed back to apologise. Anxious to make amends, he gave the cyclist one of his calling cards, saying that if ever he could be of assistance the man had only to contact him.

When the cyclist arrived home he found the card and read,

The Rev J Smith is sorry he missed you today

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Marmite I understand that Marmite is no longer available in Denmark. Apparently foods, which have added vitamins, such as Marmite, can only be sold by retailers, which have been licensed, so to do, by the Veterinary and Food Administration. In May the company, which imports the product to Denmark revealed that it wasn't licensed and had therefore stopped selling the product. The local ex-pats are, apparently, getting up a campaign to have the situation reversed.

I find it amazing the way that some foods that we regard as staples are not available in some countries. Golden syrup and Bovril are not freely available in Canada/USA. For syrup read Maple. In Holland it is Lime marmalade (again) and Bird’s custard powder. Whilst in Switzerland the English have to do without self-raising flour and Bramley apples. Even Marmite suffers in a small way. New Zealand Marmite has added sugar so would taste quite different to the brown gloop that we know and love.

Marmite was one of those serendipitous discoveries that almost happen by themselves. In the late 19th Century a German scientist, Justus Liebig, discovered that brewer's yeast could be concentrated, bottled and eaten. In 1902 the Gilmore family built the first factory for The Marmite Food Extract Company in Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire, where the yeast was a byproduct of the extensive local brewing. The product took its name from the "marmite" a French term for a large, covered earthenware or metal cooking pot, as illustrated on the label.

Whether you love it or hate it Marmite is good for you. The added B vitamins are very helpful for people who don’t have a good diet. The Folic Acid and B12 levels are 50% and 40% of the recommended daily allowance.

On a lighter note urban myth has it that extra B vitamins are a good way of repelling mosquito bites whilst away on holiday. Also, fortunately, the salty taste is not just down to the salt content but also the glutamate, which is formed as part of the manufacturing process. Love it or hate it, we invite you to tell us about how you plan to use it in food for the long autumn evenings.

Peter Farley 27

Prayers about issues in the news from the Christian Aid Website In times of revolution Dear God of all, nations and peoples come and go amidst the eternity of your good purposes, governments and dictators, presidents and prime ministers, military juntas and civilian administrations, all are weighed in the balance of your history, tested by your demands of covenant justice, and found wanting.

For we struggle to govern and build with a big enough span of hospitality.

We who know so much about self-interest find is so much harder to foster safe welcome for everyone.

We who long for life and liberty find the construction of hope so elusive.

At our best we have managed greatness, at our worst we have managed the almost unimaginable.

So now the tide turns in parts of the world grown larger in the media atlas: More countries join the unfolding list of nations whose history shudders across a new threshold.

Watching, we pray for all who live in uncertain times.

We remember that the journeys towards hope are fraught with difficulty and risk.

We pray for people taking to their familiar streets in the less familiar guise of revolutionary.

We pray for families striving to keep track of one another amidst chaos and terrible rumour.

We pray for those within whom passion burns and those who tremble in fear of what a new day might bring.

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We pray for those who find their businesses burning and their bodies broken.

We pray for the dying and those who mourn a loved one.

We pray for police and army who have taken sides and now find themselves tested by the spirit of their neighbours.

We pray for leaders watching from behind the gilded cages they have built for themselves.

We pray for those who have great power behind the scenes, that they might be touched by the deep longings of their people for a better life and let change be.

We pray for those who have done well under an old regime and who now contemplate awful things to ensure their survival.

We pray for the United Nations in its faltering watch over our world; may its corridors and meeting rooms be the places for urgent conversation that averts violence and brutality.

We pray for the governments of watching nations who have collaborated with the past and now call for the future.

We pray for our government, that we might be part of a better dawn for people of a distant land.

We pray for ourselves, that we might be more than watchers of news.

God of the nations and all their peoples, hear our prayer, in the name of he who knew and loved a nation, but embraced all creation with redeeming love.

Amen

I have been both!

An English church publication received the following reply to a 'Help Wanted' advertisement: "I am applying for the advertised position for an organist and choirmaster, either lady or gentleman. I have been both for many years..."

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Amnesty Isn’t it amazing how the impression and ethos of an organisation can change with time? Amnesty International is a case in point. When it first appeared on the collective conscience of the world it appeared to me to be radical and more than a little extreme. I used to rank it alongside ‘Ban the Bomb’. Well away from the mainstreams of Christian Aid and Oxfam. Though I suppose that they were relatively radical at first. Suddenly, however, Amnesty is 50 and you can hardly listen to the news without someone quoting an Amnesty report about one country or another In 1961 Elvis Presley had just released G I Blues, Spurs topped the League and Kennedy had just promised to send an American safely to the moon and back. On May 28th of that year Peter Benenson, a lawyer, filled half a page in The Observer Review with an article about ‘prisoners of conscience’. He asked that those who agreed with him should write letters to people who were imprisoned for their beliefs. Amnesty International was formed to coordinate the letters that arrived.

Since then, like life, Amnesty has moved on. Originally it was prisoners of conscience. Then in the 80’s it expanded its remit to include refugees and human rights education. Most recently in 2001 it took in economic, social and cultural rights, paving the way for global campaigns on maternal mortality, slums and corporate accountability.

Originally I may have thought that Amnesty was too esoteric and too radical.

Now its work is more important than ever. There are governments and regimes in the world clinging to power to the overall detriment of their people; Libya, Syria and Burma immediately come to mind, but there are obviously others too numerous to mention. Similarly there are corporations around the world, whose power and wealth exceeds that of many small nations and who see their role as the civilized but ruthless elimination of competition as their route to greater profitability. Everyone needs watching even those with Super Injunctions.

Peter Benenson’s article was the epitome of ‘united we stand, divided we fall’; it was true then and it is still true today. He appeared to believe, like me, 30

that in the end, regardless, the truth will out. He just felt the need to help it along a bit.

You can find out about joining Amnesty at http://www.amnesty.org.uk. If such a thing is a step too far then Amnesty and those it supporters will tell you that even sending the Amnesty post cards helps to improve the life of those imprisoned and tortured. Because those who are imprisoning and torturing are suddenly made aware of the fact that someone, somewhere knows what is going on and will eventually call them to account. Did I hear the name Ratko Mladic somewhere?

I think, collectively, we should remember this this Christmas.

Peter Benenson believed “that it is better to light a candle than curse the darkness" and so the internationally recognised symbol of amnesty shines on - a candle in the midst of a coil of barbed wire.

Peter Farley

Golf There was a clergyman who was an avid golfer. One Sunday was a pictureperfect day for golf, and the minister could not resist the temptation. He rang his assistant and told him he was too ill to attend church. Then he packed up the car, and drove three hours to a golf course where no one would recognize him. Happily, he began to play the course. But an angel up above was watching the minister and was quite perturbed. He went to God and said, ‘Look at the minister. He should be punished for what he's doing.’

God nodded in agreement. The minister teed up on the first hole. He swung, and the ball sailed effortlessly through the air and landed right in the cup three hundred and fifty yards away. A perfect hole-in-one. The minister was amazed and overjoyed. The angel was a little shocked. He turned to God and said: ‘Begging your pardon, but I thought you were going to punish him.’ God smiled and said, ‘Think about it - who can he tell?’

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E100 Timetable - July & August  Week 9

03.07.11

The Law and The Ten Exodus 19:1 the Land Commandmants 20:21 The Golden Calf

Week 10

Week 11

10.07.11

17.07.11

Exodus 32:1 34:35

Joshua Succeeds Joshua 1:1 - 18 Moses

The Judges

Crossing the Jordan

Joshua 3:1 - 4:24

The Fall of Jericho

Joshua 5:13 - 6:27

Israel's Disobedience

Judges 2:6 - 3:6

Deborah Leads Israel

Judges 4:1 - 5:31

Gideon Defeats Judge 6:1 - 7:25 the Midianites Week 12

Week 13

24.07.11

31.07.11

Samson Defeats Judges 13:1 the Philistines 16:31

The Rise of Israel

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The Story of Ruth

Ruth 1:1 - 4:22

Samuel Listens to God

1 Samuel 1:1 3:21

King Saul

1 Samuel 8:1 10:27

Week 14

Week 15

Week 16

Week 17

07.08.11

14.08.11

The Fall of Israel

21.08.11

28.08.11

Psalms and Proverbs

David and Goliath

1 Samuel 16:1 18:16

David and Saul

1 Samuel 23:7 24:22

King David

2 Samuel 5:1–7:29

David and Bathsheba

2 Samuel 11:1 12:25

King Solomon

1 Kings 2:1 - 3:28

Solomon's Temple

1 Kings 8:1 - 9:9

Elijah and the Prophets of Baal

1 Kings 16:29 19:18

The Fall of Jerusalem

2 Kings 25:1 - 30

The Lord is My Shepherd

Psalm 23:1 - 6

Have Mercy on Me

Psalm 51:1 - 19

Praise the Lord

Psalm 103:1 - 22

Flight path Windsor Castle, outside of London, is directly in the flight path of Heathrow International Airport. While a group of tourists was standing outside the castle admiring the elegant structure, a plane flew overhead at a relatively low altitude, making a tremendous noise.

One particularly annoyed tourist demanded: "Why did they build the castle so close to the airport?"

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Armchair Garden Quiz All the answers may be found in the New International version of the Bible.

Items found in the garden, but not all are plants.

1. Matthew 23 v 23

____

2. Genesis 1 v 11

_____

3. Job 38 v 27

_____

4. Hosea 14 v 8

____

5. Matthew 4 v 21

____

6. Exodus 12 v 8

_____

7. 1 Kings 7 v 26

____

8. Ezekiel 47 v 9

____

9. Romans 14 v 2

__________

10. 2 Samuel 17 v 28

_____

11. Psalm 37 v 35

_____

12. Luke 19 v 4

________

13. Job 31 v 40

_____

14. Isaiah 28 v 1

______

15. Luke 12 v 35

_____

16. 1 Corinthians 10 v 4

____

17. Zechariah 14 v 21

___

18. Exodus 7 v 19

_____

19. Psalm 144 v 12

______

20. Luke 9 v 58

_____ 34

____

____

____ _____

Heron or bicycle?

The other day I had to take my bike into the repair shop in Boldmere. It needed a new set of cogs on the rear wheel. When Adam and I were young I used to remove these sprockets with a hammer and coal chisel, trying hard to avoid inflicting too much damage to the spokes in the process. Anyway I had to wait a while for the spare parts; apparently rear cassettes are in short supply at the moment, presumably like everything else from Japan. My bike is now back and working well and this morning, on my ride, I came as close as it is possible to stumbling across a heron. As I arrived at the beach on Bracebridge Pool it flew about 10 yards along the shore and landed. Then when I stopped and leant on the lifebuoy stand it took fright and flew away down the lake.

It was a beautiful sight and I was thankful that I had the opportunity to see such beauty and grace.

All this made me think about the history of the bicycle.

A bicycle is defined as a vehicle for human transport, which has two wheels and requires balancing by the rider. The first such machine, which can be verified, was the velocipede or hobby-horse built by Karl von Drais in 1817.

The rider sat astride the machine and pushed it along, a bit like a sit on scooter. It was steerable and had a brake on the read wheel. Unfortunately because of the environment on the roads at the time it was prone to accidents and it was banned in many places.

There followed a number of years when again verifiable design claims were sparse. There are examples of quadra-cycles and bikes powered by treadles, an example of which is held in the Glasgow Museum of Transport. The in about 1863 a Frenchman built a machine, which had peddles powering the front wheel. The bicycle as we know it today had arrived and small factories offering similar machines sprang up in many places across Europe and America. As it is difficult to pedal the wheel used for steering the craze for the use of these ‘bone shakers’ was short lived. They had all but disappeared again by 1870, except maybe in the UK: an early mark of our eccentricity?

The world still awaited the first true modern bike. During this interregnum 35

the penny-farthing came and went, again because it was too dangerous to be commonly accepted.

The first, real, bicycle the ‘Rover’ was produced by John Kemp Starley in 1885. It had equal sized wheels and a chain drive to the back wheel. It was relatively cheap, easy and safe to ride and, most importantly, could be ridden by a lady. The arrival of the Dunlop pneumatic tyre was the final bonus.

Suddenly the pushbike had arrived.

But not all of those thoughts passed through my mind as I stood and watched the heron gracefully flap away towards the ‘Boathouse’ Peter Farley

Answers to Bible Quiz (In God’s Garden) Mary Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey Birds took it True (Genesis 4:2) Green Pastures The Word of the Lord “what he sows” Jesus God Barnabas Jeremiah The tree of life

Answers to Hymns Quiz 1.c 2.d 3.a 4.c 5.a 6.d 7.a 8.b

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Life is a wonderful thing!

We all have our own definitions of life when asked for mine, then I say, That Life is a treasure that’s given to you, to use as you choose every day, So live it and love it, and make the most of it For life is a wonderful thing.

Take every minute for all there is in it and live for the joy it can bring, Don’t try to borrow too much from tomorrow or risk all you have in one fling, Just live it and love it, and make the most of it For life is a wonderful thing.

There always seems to be someone who is there in time of need to help you along the journey with a word or a kindly deed.

The friends that I’ve made along the way have saved me from many a fall, I have found that the friends you have are the greatest possessions of all.

I have learnt that life expects us to work and play a little bit too, And whatever you give to the world - the world will give back to you, I have learned that man can’t be measured by what he may seem to be, He can’t be measured by colour or creed, or his nationality.

Life is as good as you make it, as good as the part you play, It’s up to you just what you do with every precious day.

And may I say very humbly I’m grateful to God for his blessing and the opportunity to live as I do in this beautiful world that has been so good to me.

So live it and love it and make the most of it.

For life is a wonderful thing, Yes, Life is a wonderful thing.

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Bowls Honour An Erdington bowls player is stepping away from the green after 47 years with his team. Reg Hacker has been a member at Erdington Court Bowls Club for nearly five decades, representing the club at every level.

He played for Warwickshire County and was in their Middleton Cup team and won the National Fours title in 1978 along with teammates Ken Dodd, Russell Robinson and Keith Robinson.

Reg became Bowls Coach at the club in 1976 and has been responsible for many new members joining the club Even when his health began to deteriorate he continued playing and coaching despite having to use a chair to bowl from. He attended Stoke Mandeville and won Gold Medals in their Wheelchair Championships on two occasions.

At a special event held by the club earlier this month Reg was given a decorative glass bowl at the club’s presentation dinner and was made an Honorary Life Member of Erdington Bowls Club.

Well done Reg! - ed

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July/August 2011 - 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 July 3rd

Angela Constantine

10th

UNITED SERVICE - Mrs P J Hope

17th

ALL AGE WORSHIP - Mr A Du Plessis

25th

John Harrison

31st

HOLY COMMUNION - Rev Jane Ashplant

August 7th Bob Dauncey 14th

HOLY COMMUNION - Rev Jane Ashplant

21st

WORSHIP GROUP - David Hewitt

28th

UNITED SERVICE - Nechells (11.00 am)

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Weekly Church Activities Sunday

10.30 am

MORNING WORSHIP and Young Church (with crèche : Margaret Hillman)

7.30 pm

House Group : Hilary Price (3rd Sunday)

Tuesday

9.30 - 11.30 am 9.30 - 12.00 noon 2.00 pm

Stay and Play Pre-School : Karen Homer Tuesday Afternoon Meeting : Valerie Long (4th)

Wednesday

9.30 - 11.30 am 9.30 - 12.00 noon 12.30 pm

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

Thursday

9.30 - 12.00 noon

Pre-School : Karen Homer

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 : Lisa Porter Explorers : Caroline Joyce Rainbows : Louise Rawson Brownies : Lesley Carter Guides : Helen Rainsford

Saturday

10.00 - 12.00 noon Coffee Morning : Lesley Morgan 10.30 - 11.30 am Church open for prayer : Margaret Curzon

Please hand any items for the September CONTACT to any of the Editorial Team (Elizabeth Baizon, Peter Farley, Christine Rankin, Ann Tomes & Nick Riley) by 15th August 2011 at the latest please or alternatively email me: nickriley@blueyonder.co.uk

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