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Magazine of Erdington Methodist Church Station Road - May 2013 1

Contents The way I see it : How are the mighty fallen!

Vision Project update Vision Quest Bread again The U in JesUs Lights in the main hall Are you a carer?

Why Girlguiding should keep God in its promise Dickens, Science Fiction, Family Sagas, Biography or Thrillers ?

An afternoon not to be missed Children’s Pages Mouse Makes ‘We work together, we share the land’ Two drops for life!

Bereavement Support Service Days to make a difference Chocolate Don’t stop fidgeting How to stay safe this Spring The Joy of Singing Cat in heaven Methodists encouraged to stay ahead in blood and organ donation May Regular Meetings Weekly Church Activities

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3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

The way I see it : How are the mighty fallen!

Three thousand years ago David said it about the deaths of the man who hated him and his son who loved him, Saul and Jonathan: ‘how are the mighty fallen!’ He resisted the temptation to gloat over Saul’s downfall, but the human race has generally been more than happy, down the long ages, to record with glee and satisfaction the fall of the mighty, whether they be politicians, sports stars, archbishops or entertainers. In the first couple of months of this year we had a positive spate of it, the red-top papers screaming their delight as yet another famous name bit the dust.

Most of us, I suspect, read these stories of the downfall of the powerful, famous and respectable with a mixture of guilt and satisfaction. Our guilt is that we know perfectly well that if the truth were told (and we were worth the column inches) we could stand alongside them. Not many of us would want all the details of out past lives, including out miserable little sins and failings, exposed to public view. Our satisfaction is summed up in the comment someone always makes about such cases: ‘See, they’re no better than we are!’. Let them - the pious, the mighty, the law-makers, the feted stars of screen and television - be revealed in all their tawdry fallibility. It makes us feel better.

The first reaction is at least honest. ‘There is none righteous, no, not one’ says the Bible. There is a fellowship of failure which embraces the entire human race. ‘There but for the grace of God go I’ is at least a truthful response to the trumpeted failures of others.

The second response - echoing the joy of the headline writers as another idol is shown to have feet of clay - is (let’s face it) judgmental and self-righteous, two things specifically condemned by Jesus in his Sermon on the Mount. We should not (the Bible again) take pleasure in the sins of others. Prayer for them would be more appropriate - for the grace of repentance, the gift of forgiveness and the possibility of a new start. Not a bad idea at the same time, of course, to include ourselves in those prayers.

Canon David Winter, a former Head of Religious Broadcasting at the BBC 3

Vision project update Just in time to meet the extra deadline for Contact we have very good news to report, having passed two important stages in the process. On Tuesday April 16th the church council agreed to the proposal to approve the project, including revised costs of ÂŁ245000. This meant that the proposal could then go to the Circuit Meeting on Thursday, April 18th. There was 100% approval for the project, and even better 100% agreement for the circuit to grant us 10% of the costs. You can work that out and realise what an immediate difference that has made to our funds. One of the benefits now is that we can apply for District Funding and from the Connexional Property Division. Applications to outside grant-funders will begin. This will be a long process as most of their trustees only meet quarterly, or even twice a year, meaning lengthy waits for answers.

Meanwhile we need to continue working hard at our own fund-raising. The savings boxes amounts are nearing ÂŁ1000 and we have only had half the number handed in, although many of these continue to be refilled. Thank you to all of you who have been so generous with those, and to those working hard to increase their talent money. I extended the date, for the quiz to be handed in, until May 26th giving a little longer for them to be completed. So it is not too late to buy one and have it entered for a (small!) prize.

There will be a coffee morning on MAY11th and then the next important event is the FESTIVAL OF TALENTS over the weekend of June 8th/9th.

Please tell your friends and family about this and buy a programme, which will be on sale in May. The proceeds will be shared between The Vision Project and Action for Children.

Hilary Price (Vision Group)

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A reminder that I am undertaking a sponsored walk for the Vision Project.

Thank you to all those who have already sponsored me and I hope those who haven’t will support me by filling in the tear off slip here and sending it to me at the Church address or putting it through the Church letter box.

Thanks Lesley Morgan 5

Name

The registered charity walk organiser - Just Walk - provide all the usual marshalls and route support but all the money raised will go to Vision

address and/or name of circuit church/or group attended at Erdington

phone number and/or email

On May 11th I will be walking 20km (about 12 miles) around the Goodwood Estate near Chichester.

sponsorship amount per km or total for whole amount

Vision Quest!

Bread again Surprisingly, someone took me up on my offer of visionary bread so I thought that I would tell you more about what my bread machine and I could do for you.

I have a selection of flour, white, French, wholemeal, rye or spelt.

Obviously white is white. 100% wholemeal doesn’t rise very well, which gives it a wholesome texture. For myself I generally make 50:50. However there is an extra-strong wholemeal flour, which makes acceptable bread and which I would buy for you if that were a deal maker.

Regarding the machine, this has an ordinary baking program, which with white flour has the option of a light, medium or dark crust. It also has a French bake program, which is crustier. I have just acquired a second machine so if you want two at a time that would be OK but they would be a different shape.

Wherever possible the ingredients are organic. The wholemeal loaves contain ascorbic acid/vitamin C because I understand that it helps the bread to rise.

Additionally, I use sunflower/olive oil rather than butter to avoid any dairy content but you could have butter if you want it. I can make it during the day for an evening or over night for the morning. The challenge is getting the bread to you!?

The flour and other ingredients for three loaves, which each start out at about 750g cost me between £2.50 and £3.00 depending upon the flour.

“So for you my friend, three bespoke loaves for a fiver, now I can’t say fairer than that can I?” “If you want it with fruit, spice, nuts or malt, just come and talk to me.” Of this at least £2.00 will go into the Vision fund. Alternatively I will make you a loaf, any loaf, for £2.00.

Peter Farley

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The U in JesUs Before U were thought of or time had begun, God even stuck U in the name of His Son. And each time U pray, you'll see it's true You can't spell out JesUs and not include U You're a pretty big part of His wonderful name, For U, He was born; that's why He came.

And His great love for U is the reason He died.

It even takes U to spell crUcified.

Isn't it thrilling and splendidly grand He rose from the dead, with U in His plan?

The stones split away, the gold trUmpet blew, and this word resUrrection is spelled with a U. When JesUs left earth at His upward ascension, He felt there was one thing He just had to mention.

"Now go into the world and tell them it's true That the love I have shown is not just for U." So many great people are spelled with a U, Don't they have a right to know JesUs too?

It all depends now on what U will do, He'd like them to know, But it all starts with U. from the Parish Pump Website

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Lights in the main hall As everyone will know the lights in the hall were in a poor old state with a number of fittings having seen better days and causing the electric circuits to trip when switched on. The Finance and Property Committee decided that the time had come to replace them all with more modern fittings and LED lights. These have now been installed and so far, appear to work brilliantly (in more ways than one!). The bad news is that the cost was a little over £4000 but the good news is that Birmingham City Council Community Chest donated £2500 towards it. The photo taken by Councillor Gareth Moore shows Councillors Robert Alden and Robert Beauchamp presenting the cheque to Anthony (he's the one in the middle!).

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Are you a Carer?

Then you may be interested in this service The Emergency Service for Carers A carer is someone of any age who provides unpaid support to family or friends whose health or wellbeing could suffer without this help. This could be caring for a relative, partner or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or substance misuse problems.

Would you need support in an emergency?

Then you need to register with the Carers Emergency Response Service the FREE emergency service for Carers in Birmingham. CERS support Carers by providing a free back up service which ensures the person they care for is looked after in an emergency for up to 48 hours (72 over Bank Holidays) after which the longer term care may be arranged.

Carers who sign up will have peace of mind because CERS will: • Register them on a data base to receive support in an emergency • Draw up an Emergency Action Plan with the Carer and cared for which will determine what type of care will be needed if an emergency takes place • Provide the Carer with a card and key fob with a 24 hour emergency phone number • Put the action plan into motion when a call is received on the emergency phone number.

The CERS service can assist carers if • They cannot get home because a vehicle breaks down, or a train is delayed • They have an accident • They are suddenly admitted to hospital • They are needed elsewhere urgently for another crisis 9

And for young carers, the above plus if • They need emergency support to attend urgent health appointments • They need support with school and exam attendance • There is an emergency to the person they care for which may affect attendance at school or health appointments Please contact the service if you require further information CERS Monaco House 118 – 156 Bristol Street Birmingham. B5 7AS

Telephone: 0121 622 5521 E-Mail: info@cers.org.uk Website: www.cers.org.uk

There are some Leaflets in the foyer of the Church

Why Girlguiding should keep God in its promise A majority of girls and young women recently surveyed by Girlguiding UK say they believe in a god. As the organisation's open consultation on the Promises made by new members drew to a close in March, a senior Church of England priest said it is important that the promise to "love God", retains its place. 70% of 7-11 year olds believe in ‘a god’, according to the survey of 1,200 7-21 year olds in the UK, conducted by Girlguiding UK. The figure for 11-21 year olds is 55%.

"Girlguiding UK has always been an organisation that has held the spiritual development of girls at the heart of its activities," says Canon Sheila Bamber of Sunderland Minster and a former Faith Adviser for Girlguiding UK. "In a society where it is increasingly 'uncool' for young people to believe in God or any 'higher power', it is important that there are still places where they can be encouraged to explore and develop their own beliefs.”

The survey may be viewed at: http://girlsattitudes.girlguiding.org.uk/ home.aspx 10

Dickens, Science Fiction, Family Sagas, Biography or Thrillers ?

I imagine that if our church members were asked about reading, most people would say they enjoyed it, but not everyone would be reading the same genre of books. For a while we had a book spot in Contact and I think it would be good to revive this. I have belonged to a Book Group for several years, which has been very enjoyable – not least because we add food and wine to the mix!

We meet every 4 – 6 weeks and read a book that someone has previously chosen. I wonder, if you are an avid reader, if you always go for the same sort of book and shy away from anything you think you would find boring, frightening or that simply doesn’t appeal to you. If so then, like me, you may find belonging to a Book Group a cultural shock! I never expected to tackle ‘Dracula’ and when I reluctantly started it I certainly didn’t think I would enjoy it, but I did! For the next meeting it is ‘Lord of the Flies’! I have put off starting it until there really hasn’t been time to finish it. Never read it before and decided it was horrible and not for me. Well it isn’t a pleasant story, but William Golding is a good writer and crafted the story well. I have three days to go and am determined to finish it, eager (or maybe morbidly fascinated) to find out how it ends! I certainly didn’t expect, or even intend, to finish it!

I have mentioned extremes of books, but in between we have read some wonderful, exciting and moving stories. I am going to suggest that some of our members write about some of the books we have read, for Contact, over the next few months, but this is something that most of you can contribute to. Have you a favourite book you would like to write about, or a particular author that you would like to recommend. It would be good to hear from you.

Hilary Price

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An afternoon not to be missed Saturday June 29th Any time between 2.00pm and 5.00pm At 15 Braemar Road, Boldmere.

Don and Barbara Rawson and Peter and Moya Farley would like you to join us for an enjoyable get together while helping to raise funds for our Vision project. For ÂŁ4.00 per adult (ÂŁ1.00 for children) we are offering a strawberry tea while wallowing in those catchy party tunes banged out by the irrepressible Mrs Mills on her slightly out of tune piano.

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AND there is more ‌ a run round the block for anyone who is interested in Barbara’s

Classic Citroen 2CV Dolly (The Tin Snail!)

Should you decide to experience the joy of travelling in this unique, stylish car, please bring an umbrella with you. You may need to put it up inside the car if it is raining. It will protect you from an assortment of leaks!

Everyone is welcome 13

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‘We work together, we share the land’ This Christian Aid Week (12th -18th May 2013) we’re standing with poor communities to help them bite back at hunger. If a community has land to live on and farm, it can provide enough food for its people. In the Beni region of Bolivia, one community faces a much more secure future, thanks to a Christian Aid partner organisation helping them acquire land rights, previously under dispute for decades.

When Elmy Ymarnarlico lists the things that she is most proud of, her woolless sheep and chickens come in close to the top. But it is the sense of ownership of her homeland that has really changed Elmy’s life.

Elmy lives in the community of Alta Gracia, deep in the Bolivian rainforest.

But despite making up the majority of the population, indigenous communities like Elmy’s have struggled for years to have reliable access to their own land.

Threats and intimidation from prospective landlords were common, and many fathers and young people left to search for work elsewhere because 16

they couldn’t make a living from their land. This left families to struggle with the other perils of drought, floods, forest fires and hunger.

Christian Aid partner Centre for Research and Training of Peasants (CIPCA) has since helped to secure land for more than 1,000 families. CIPCA has also given the community training in crop diversification and how to improve their harvests. It has provided woolless sheep to breed from, sell on and eat, and chickens to produce eggs to eat and sell.

Now the men can stay and farm their own land without the threat of cattle ranchers and big businesses taking it, and people like Elmy can provide more nutritious diets for their families.

There is now a future for young people, too. ‘We are now the owners of our land … we work the land together, we share the land,’ Elmy explains.

The community of Alta Gracia has also discovered the value of the wild cocoa trees around them, thanks to CIPCA. Owned by the whole community, the trees are now lovingly looked after. Locals work in 17

protective clothing provided by CIPCA, and CIPCA buys the cocoa from them for a fair price.

‘CIPCA helped so much,’ Elmy says. ‘It has got people inspired to look after, protect and get the best from the cocoa trees.’

Please give generously when you receive your envelopes this Christian Aid Week Key costing £125 could provide one male and two female wool-less sheep to a community in Bolivia, providing them with meat when food is scarce and income when lambs are sold.

One in eight people in the world are desperate for food. Bite back at hunger and show your support for Christian Aid Week (12-18 May).

Two drops for life!

In the Richard Dimbleby Lecture on BBC1, Bill Gates spoke eloquently and passionately of his determination to rid the world of Polio. He explained what Polio was, its effects and the vaccine available, in detailed, yet simple ways so that everyone could understand.

At last one of the world’s richest men is putting his money and influence to such good use. It is said that money can’t buy health or happiness but sometimes it can. Gates is proving beyond doubt that his money can help people worldwide.

I just wish that more of the rich people in the world would follow his example. To Bill Gates, thank you so much. from a letter in The Bulletin, the British Polio Fellowship’s magazine.

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Bereavement Support Service

The Bereavement Support Service helps those who have been bereaved in the last twelve months to come to terms with their loss, adjust back into life and society more smoothly without the deceased and helps them to deal with the emotional turmoil that may ensure and in time move on.

The service is free of charge and is available across the city How do I access the service?

Anyone over the age of 60 who has been bereaved in the last twelve months can access the Bereavement Service but it is advised that you also contact your GP, who may be able to support your immediate health needs.

CONTACT AGE CONCERN: Telephone 0121 271 0088 email: bereavement@ageconcernbirmingham.org.uk Check out the Age UK website for information about other ways that the organisation support older people. www.ageconcernbirmingham.org.uk

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Days to make a difference (Mt 27:51, Lk 23:45, Acts 2) On the day Jesus died The sun stopped shining, The earth shook, The curtain of the Temple was torn in two, The power of sin cancelled, Death defeated.

What a difference that day made.

On the day Jesus rose Stones rolled away.

In the opening of scripture And in the breaking of bread Eyes and hearts were opened To life in all its fullness.

What a difference that day made.

And on the day of Pentecost The Spirit came, Empowering Peter and the others, Present then - and promised to all who repent and believe, The Spirit of Jesus!

And he comes to us now, So that we can make a difference every day.

Holy Spirit, welcome.

By Daphne Kitching 20

Chocolate After Easter I came across one those trivial facts that you notice now and then. You can now buy 100% cocoa chocolate on the High Street, which set my mind wondering about the delights of cocoa. On occasions I have bought a 99% Lindt cocoa bar, but it is only occasionally. Generally when I am away skiing and have the need for a few extra calories! Green & Black’s say that they are unlikely to make a 100% bar because then there is no room for anything in the recipe other than the cocoa, not even a little vanilla.

There most popular line is 70% with vanilla, a little sugar and no doubt one or two other flavour enhancers as well.

Easter is generally a time for chocolate quantity rather than quality.

Cadbury’s Dairy Milk has 26% and Cadbury’s Bournville 36% cocoa solid.

For as long as I can remember I have been a CDM man, rather than a Galaxy driver (25%). However the arrival of Divine chocolate changed all of that, too extreme to say it changed my life. The Divine Dark Chocolate Bar at 70% was a revelation and I have never looked back, only onwards into the dark(er).

Apparently Divine is even more FairTrade then I thought. Not only do the cocoa plantations receive a better price for their beans, but also the company Kuapa Kokoo is 45% owned by the farmers. With the support of Twin Trading, the company that puts the coffee into Cafedirect the farmers decided that they would aim for the mass market rather than a niche market, as had other Fair Trade products. So in 1998 they set up the Day Chocolate Company with the assistance of The Body Shop, Christian Aid and Comic Relief. Amazing where the television money goes. Apparently the Department of International Development underwrote the original loan and NatWest offered them preferential banking terms. Since then the BodyShop shares have been donated to Kuapa Kokoo.

Which brings me back to the humble chocolate bar. Purveyors of high class chocolate would have you believe that you can detect taste overtones in the their products along the line of wine. I must admit that I am not quite attuned to such sophistication as yet, however I do notice that I prefer some 21

70% bars to others. I am reliably informed that this is down to the quality of the beans!

Apparently originally cocoa was only a drink and the earliest records are in South America about 500AD where it was drunk unsweetened with vanilla.

The Conquistadores pinched the secret from Montezuma and via the London coffee shops the rest is history.

The invention of a machine, which separated cocoa butter from cocoa powder in 1828 in Holland, facilitated the move from exclusivity to the mass market. Because it was then possible to independently vary the quantity of cocoa powder and cocoa butter it became possible, with the addition of a little sugar, to manufacture chocolate bars.

I can’t imagine that I will be thinking about any of that the next time that buy a Divine bar. I will just be rolling it around my mouth thinking this really is divine.

Peter Farley

Don’t stop fidgeting Fidgeting could help prolong your life. Watching television or working on computers for hours on end can actually shorten your lifespan and raise the risk of conditions like heart disease and stroke. Experts advise that we break up our ‘sitting time’ throughout the day by walking around to stretch our legs, or bounce on our heels, or stand and sway and wiggle our hips (though perhaps not all at once, in the middle of the office!). Try and get more than 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise a week. So advises medical experts from the NHS, who recommend you move about every half hour or so. from the Parish Pump Website

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How to stay safe this Spring 1. Avoid riding in automobiles - they are responsible for 20% of all fatal accidents.

2. Do not stay home - 17% of all accidents occur in the home.

3. Avoid walking on streets or pavements - 14% of all accidents occur to pedestrians.

4. Avoid travelling by air, rail, or water - 16% of all accidents involve these forms of transportation.

5. Of the remaining 33%, 32% of all deaths occur in Hospitals. So, ... above all else avoid hospitals!

BUT , .... You will be pleased to learn that only .001% of all deaths occur in worship services in church, and these are usually related to previous physical disorders. Therefore, logic tells us that the safest place for you to be at any given point in time is at church! ... And ... Bible study is safe too. The percentage of deaths during Bible study is even less.

So, attend church, and read your Bible IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE! from the Parish Pump Website

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The Joy of Singing On Saturday evening The Davies Singers and their pianist (that would be me) gave a spring concert at South Parade Methodist Church.

Our guests, on this occasion, were the Four Oaks Cluster Choir. This was a choir made up of around 50, yes 50! young people from Four Oaks schools. They sang wonderfully, lead by two experienced conductors.

What struck me most was the enthusiasm of their music making.

When you have been making music for many years there is always the possibility that music just becomes something that you do! Some of that enthusiasm is replaced by the ‘everyday-ness’ of singing.

Fans of Mr Gareth Malone will know that recently he did a programme where he encouraged people from different businesses to join a choir and then enter a competition against one another. There was Manchester Airport, a hospital trust (afraid I forget exactly where from), a post office sorting depot and Severn Trent Water (where I happen to work).

So . . . . I didn’t get in the choir (think I was a bit too boring!)

Since the programme finished Severn Trent’s choir has continued singing and recently they went on a recruitment drive and guess what? Now I am singing with them!

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So far I’ve been to half a dozen rehearsals and we have our first concert at the end of this week.

The last time I sang regularly in a choir is back in my early twenties and I’d forgotten just how much fun it is. The choir is lively and I admit to leaving rehearsals feeling so much better than when I went in - even after a hard day at work. I find myself eagerly anticipating the next rehearsal and I’m really looking forward to the concert - even if I do have to memorise eight pieces

by Friday!!

I can only commend singing to you. There are loads of choirs to join where you don’t have to be an expert. Why not give it a go - you won’t regret it.

While on the subject of choirs The Circuit Choir will be singing at Nichola’s farewell service in July - they really could do with YOUR HELP! Details will follow in the next magazine.

Nick Riley

Cat in heaven A cat died and went to heaven. God met her at the gates and said, "You have been a good cat all these years. Anything you want is yours for the asking."

The cat thought for a minute and then said, "All my life I lived on a farm and slept on hard wooden floors. I would like a real fluffy pillow to sleep on."

God smiled and instantly the cat had a huge fluffy pillow.

A few days later, six mice were killed in an accident and they all went to heaven together. God met the mice at the gates with the same offer that he had made to the cat. The mice said, "Well, we have had to run all of our lives: from cats, dogs, and even people with brooms! If we could just have some little roller skates, we would not have to run again."

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God answered, "It is done." All the mice had beautiful little roller skates.

About a week later, God decided to check on the cat. He found her sound asleep on her fluffy pillow. God gently awakened the cat and asked, "Is everything okay? How have you been doing? Are you happy?"

The cat replied, "Oh, it is WONDERFUL! The Meals on Wheels you have been sending over are delicious!" from the Parish Pump Website

Methodists encouraged to stay ahead in blood and organ donation A new survey suggests that while individual church members may have a significant interest in donating blood and organs, the bigger picture shows that it is not encouraged by UK churches as part of their committed Christian giving.

The survey was conducted by Christian Research on behalf of Kore as part of the fleshandblood campaign launched earlier this year in partnership with NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT).

The survey shows that close to 10% of Christians have given blood in the last year compared to 4% of the general population who have given blood in the last two years, and almost half of all Christians are registered on the NHS Organ Donor Register compared with 31% of the general population.

Sponsored by Give.net and in association with denominations, organisations and festivals including the Church of England, Salvation Army, Methodist Church, United Reformed Church, Baptist Union of Great Britain, Hope and Evangelical Alliance, the fleshandblood campaign marks the first time NHS Blood and Transplant has worked alongside the Church on a national initiative of this kind. from the Parish Pump Website 26

May 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 5th

Rev Jane Ashplant

12th

CHRISTIAN AID WEEK - Nick Murcott

19th

PENTECOST - Rev Jane Ashplant HOLY COMMUNION

26th

Rev John Rowe

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Weekly Church Activities Sunday

10.30 am

MORNING WORSHIP and Young Church

Tuesday

9.30 - 11.30 am 9.30 - 12.30 pm 2.00 pm

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

Wednesday

9.30 - 11.30 am 9.30 - 12.30 pm 12.30 pm

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

Thursday

9.30 - 12.30 pm

Pre-School : Karen Homer

Friday

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

Pre-School : Karen Homer Beavers : Lynn Turner Cubs : Elizabeth Baizon Scouts : Lisa Porter Explorers : Caroline Joyce Rainbows : Debbie Barnett 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 June CONTACT to any of the Editorial Team (Peter Farley, Christine Rankin, Ann Tomes & Nick Riley) by 15th May 2013 at the latest please or alternatively email me: nickriley@blueyonder.co.uk with the word ‘CONTACT’ in the title.

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