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DECEMBER 2000

Dear friends,

Christmas comes but once a year, but does it still bring good cheer? There is of course a certain amount of good cheer. What child does not enjoy receiving presents? Family reunions, visits to the elderly, lonely and sick, all bring happiness. Yet, there is still a "but". Many features of the modern Christmas give cause for concern.

First of all, there is the contrast between what we celebrate and the way we celebrate. The great words of the gospel – love, joy, peace – all have their real place in the birth of our Lord, and all this means that it is a festive season, a time for thanksgiving and happiness. But the cries of "But it’s Christmas", and "But it’s only once a year", often become the excuses for gluttony and drunkenness. That may have been the scene at the inn, but it was certainly not the scene in the stable.

Secondly, our whole idea of that first Christmas is covered with sentimentality. Pretty Christmas cards of the donkey, the hay and the manger convey little of the awful reality of that place. Unwelcome at the overcrowded inn, a smelly overfilled stable, darkness, animals, sweat and pain – these are the words which describe the scene for the young Jewish girl, bearing her first child.

And so amidst all the tinsel and the turkey, let us not forget what it cost the Son of God to rescue us from our sins. He who was the Prince of Glory was born in poverty and great humility. He who had looked into the face of God came to look into the faces of people like you and me, surely the most remarkable and astonishing thing that has ever happened in the history of the world? In the words of the apostle Paul, "Though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich" (2 Corinthians 8v9).

May the love which came down to this earth 2000 years ago come afresh in the power of the Holy Spirit to all our hearts at this season.

Joy joins me in wishing you all a very happy Christmas.

With warmest Christian greetings,

John Cheeseman

FROM THE CHURCH REGISTER

We extend our prayers and sympathy to the relatives and friends of those committed to God’s care:

Funeral: 3^rd November Adelaide Bamford Aged 81

NOVEMBER SERMON TAPES

November 5^th AM "Beware of false prophets" (Matt 7vv15-20)

PM "The emptiness of life without Christ" (Eph 4v17)

November 12^th AM "The Victoria Cross and the Victorious Cross"

(Remembrance Sunday)

PM "The State of the non-Christian world" (Eph 4vv18,19)

November 19^th AM "How to survive pressure" (2 Corinthians 1vv3-11)

PM "In the eye of the storm", Bill Turner, (Matt 14vv22-33)

November 26^th AM "Lip service without life service" (Matt 7vv21-23)

PM "Hearing Christ and Learning Christ" (Eph 4vv20,21)

Tapes are available on request from Nigel Hadley

THE HARVEST SUPPER

Many of us attended the Annual Harvest Supper, we met to enjoy food, fellowship and entertainment! We must thank the "Super Spanner Family" for the satisfying food and the courtesy with which we were served – as a bonus, the washing up was done as well!!

All age groups took part in entertaining us – we had poetry reading by grown ups and children – our very youngest made a shaky start, but managed to get through her ditty, in spite of her giggles!

One young lady violinist (aged 7 years) was accompanied on the piano by her father, David Ruddock. David also played for Fred Franks in the three well loved songs he sang for us! Three piano solos were very much enjoyed also!

"Two Fat Ladies" amused us very much with their ‘cookery demonstration’ and the intellectual quips which accompanied it. They came on a bicycle to the sounds of Nick Spanner trying to be a motor cycle – what a family!!

Four members of the same fraternity performed "Dancing Queen" as ‘ABBA’ dances it – leaping about the stage in an athletic way – they were splendid fun!

At the end of a very happy evening John reminded us how thankful we must be for material and spiritual gifts. BMB

THANET OPEN CHRISTMAS

Thanet Open Christmas will be held from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day, at Cliftonville Community Centre, St Pauls Road, Cliftonville between 10am to 5pm. It is aimed at people who are homeless or in very poor quality bed and breakfast accommodation. As usual we will be relying on support of churches around Thanet for presents, money, and most importantly, for people to help prepare food, serve, clear up, greet people, check for alcohol and to sit and talk to our guests. It is hard but very rewarding work and we believe is part of the churches’ witness in the area. Last year we gave about 500 meals.

We are also looking for more people to join the committee. If anyone has a heart for the homeless of Thanet, is good at organising, and is not afraid of hard work around Christmas, then we would be pleased to hear from them! The committee does jobs like ordering and storing food, decorating the hall, preparing the hall before the Open Christmas starts, co-ordinating donations, organising the volunteer rota and so on. It isn’t necessary for committee members to attend for all three days of the Open Christmas. For more information contact – John & Maureen Evans, 42 Radley Close, Broadstairs, Kent CT10 1BT or Jeremy Fisher, 12 Grosvenor Road, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 0AY.

LOVE IN A BOX 2000 – MUSTARD SEED RELIEF MISSION

Colin Spicer from Deal collected the Love Boxes, all 89 of them, with a donation from our coffee morning and others which totalled £111.92. I would like to thank you all in the many different ways you made this possible, including the readers of St James Magazine, WI and friends.

Please pray for the safe arrival of the Boxes and the children who will receive them. Below is the prayer list for the journey and distribution of the boxes:

4^th December Trucks leave Dover and travel through France, Belgium, Germany,

Austria, Slovinia, Croatia and Bosnia.

8^th December Distribution team fly out from Gatwich to Zagreb and travel down

into Bosnia to Gracanica

9^th December Distributions in Gracanica

10^th December Distributions in Tuzla

11^th December Distributions in Orasja and Odzak

12^th December Distributions Darda, Ceralija and Vocin

13^th December Distribution Okucani, Lekenik

14^th December Distribution Pokupsko (Croatia)

15^th December Distribution Zagreb

16^th December Head for home.

This is all subject to having enough boxes for the requested programme. A link up with the Royal Marines in Kosovo will probably take place after 14^th December.

ST JAMES HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE – APRIL 2000 – CONCLUSION

An alarm call at 5.15am, a hurried breakfast of tea and cake and by 6.25am everything and everybody was loaded on the coach. We left Bethlehem on a very grey and misty morning. An hour’s drive saw us at Ben Gurion airport only to find our plane was delayed by an hour and a half! We needn’t have got up so early! Long-winded security checks used up some of the time and then we were able to find some breakfast. Eventually, we were able to board our plane, a 747 with little screens in front of each seat that, besides videos, gave us a route map so that we could see where we had got to on our journey. Most of the time we were above the clouds, but as we crossed the Channel we had an excellent view of the coast of East Kent, including the Goodwin Sands and the Isle of Sheppey. Once everybody had collected luggage, it was on to our waiting coach and back to Margate.

When John asked me to write about the pilgrimage for these pages, I had no idea there would be seven instalments! Reading my diary and an excellent little guidebook in order to write fully about our experiences, I feel I have gained even more from the week. I hope it has been of interest both to those of you who went and those who stayed at home.

My diary ends with what is almost an under statement – "A wonderful experience, so much fitted in to such a short time". Jose Gibbs

Pat Bailey sums up the week in a far more eloquent way in the following lines:-

An exciting exhilarating experience full of interest, intrigue and inspiration.

We walked and got weary but – the sites were serene, spiritual and special.

We looked, listened and learnt.

We prayed and pondered feeling privileged to be pilgrims

as we worshipped and witnessed.

We marvelled at the majesty of the mountains, the monuments, the mosaics.

Flowers flourished in the fields.

The heat was hazardous – we needed stamina and stickability-

no time to linger or loiter.

We returned religiously refreshed and renewed,

mesmerised by many magnificent memories.

John, whose wonderful idea it was, has written the following conclusion.

When I first contemplated the idea of taking a party to Israel, it seemed an exciting idea. However, as the day of departure drew ever closer, I became more and more apprehensive! Being a naturally anxious person, my mind dwelt on all the things that could go wrong, especially in a volatile place like the Holy Land. Recent events in that part of the world seem to have borne out my foreboding. However, I can honestly say that it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Although the itinerary was strenuous and demanding (we were only there for six full days), there were few, if any, complaints, and a very positive attitude on the part of all the members of the party. What made the visit particularly meaningful from a spiritual point of view was the fact that we had appropriate readings from the Bible and prayers at the various sites. We also had a get-together each evening after supper, when we had the opportunity to review the day, share our experiences, study relevant Bible passages, and pray together. I would like to thank my colleague Bill Turner for the help he gave me in leading these sessions, as well as for his wise counsel throughout the trip.

For me personally, two of the highlights were the Garden Tomb and the Holocaust Memorial. Although I had visited Israel 21 years beforehand, I had never actually set foot inside the tomb itself. This was a most moving experience. And the children’s section of the Holocaust Memorial had not been built at the time of my previous visit. Peter Reed has ably written about this in an earlier article.

In conclusion, I would like to thank all those who came with me for playing their part in making the visit what proved to be, without any exaggeration, "the journey of a lifetime". Where shall we go next?!

John Cheeseman

THOUGHTS ON PRAYER

With the Home Bible Study Groups studying prayer, perhaps the following article, republished by kind permission of United Christian Broadcasters, may be of help to all. "Pull up a chair" – "HE IS CLOSE TO ALL WHO CALL ON HIM SINCERELY" – Ps 145:18 TLB

The old man was very ill, so his family called the pastor. When he came in, he noticed an empty chair near the bed and said, "I see I’m not your first visitor today." The old man looked puzzled. Then he realised that the pastor had noticed the chair by his bed. "Let me tell you about that chair," he said. "Years ago I found it difficult to pray. A friend told me not to worry about it. He said, ‘Just sit down, put a chair in front of you, imagine Jesus sitting in it and begin to talk with Him as you would to a friend.’" Then he added with a smile, "I’ve been doing that for the last 50 years and it’s been wonderful; it really works."

Later, when the old man went home to be with the Lord, his daughter called the pastor again. She said "When I left him this morning, he was sleeping comfortably. But when I came back he was gone. Then I noticed something; his hand was on the empty chair beside the bed. Isn’t that strange?" "No," the pastor replied. "The One in the chair just took him by the hand and they left together."

If it helps, pull up a chair today and spend some time talking to the Lord. Come to Him confidently, for He couldn’t love you more than He does at this moment – and that will never change. Listen: "Let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy and we will find grace to help us when we need it" (Heb 4:16 NLT) WAM

DECEMBER DIARY DATES

Please check the diary to note changes due to the holiday period. In particular, please note that Parent & Toddlers’ last meeting in December will be on the 14^th (Christmas Party) and will start again on 11^th January 2001.

CHRISTMAS FLOWERS

This year decorating the church for Christmas will take place from 9.30am on Friday 15^th December. Once again, your help would be very much appreciated particularly in the dressing of the tree, flower arranging, supplying flowers and foliage or helping on the day. Thank you.

DMD

CHRISTMAS CARDS

Just a reminder that the St James in-house postal box will be in operation this year as usual for sending and collecting cards amongst fellow worshippers.

In addition, there will be one large Christmas card for people who wish to send one greeting to all by signing the card and making a donation to Tear Fund, in the box provided.

Of course there is no restriction on those who wish to send individual cards and make a donation as well!

WATCHNIGHT SERVICE – NEW YEAR’S EVE

Following the success of the Watchnight Service last year to celebrate the millennium, it has been decided to hold another service at the start of another new year, starting at 11.15pm on Sunday 31^st December

CHRISTINGLE SERVICE, CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL

Please note that there will be a Christingle celebration in Canterbury Cathedral on Thursday 28^th December 2000 at 3.00pm in support of The Children’s Society.

YOUNG FOLKS’

ETIQUETTE FOR THE TABLE

(Food for Thought)

In silence I must take my seat,

And say my grace before I eat;

Must for my food with patience wait,

Till I am ask’d to hand my plate.

I must not speak a useless word,

For children should be seen – not heard

I must not talk about my food,

Nor fret if I don’t think it good.

My mouth with food I must not crowd,

Nor while I’m eating speak aloud;

Must turn my head to cough or sneeze,

And when I ask say "If you please."

When told to rise then I must put

My chair away with noiseless foot,

And lift my heart to God above,

In praise for all His wondrous love.

FROM THE MOUTHS OF BABES

The Sunday School teacher was telling the story of the Nativity, and had just finished the part about there being ‘No room at the inn’. A small voice piped up, "I blame Joseph, he should have booked".

At a school Nativity Play in Derby, three six year olds were cast as the Kings. Presenting their gifts at the stable, the first said: "Gold", the second: "Myrrh", and the third: "And Frank sent this."

Taken from ‘Christian Crackers’

LIST OF NAMES ON ELECTORAL ROLL

A suggestion has been made that a list of all those on the electoral roll be printed, including addresses and telephone numbers, and possibly sold for £1 each to enable church members to contact each other. If you have any views on this suggestion, then please contact the PCC Secretary, Mrs Elaine Jaquiss.

THOUGHTS ON EPHESIANS 4:14-16 BY WILLIAM BARCLAY

In every Church there are certain members who must be protected. There are those who are like children, they are dominated by the desire for novelty and the mercy of the latest fashion in religion. It is the lesson of history that popular fashions in religion come and go but the Church continues forever. The solid food of religion should always be found within the Church.

In every Church there are certain people who have to be guarded against. Paul speaks of the clever trickery of men; the word he uses (kubeia) means skill in manipulating the dice. There are always those who by ingenious arguments seek to lure people away from their faith. It is one of the characteristics of our age that people talk about religion more than they have done for years, and the Christian, especially the young Christian has often to meet the clever arguments of those who are against the Church and against God. There is only one way to avoid being blown about by the latest religious fashion, and to avoid being seduced by specious arguments of clever men, and that is by continual growth in Christ.

Paul uses still another picture. He says that a body is only healthy and efficient when every part is thoroughly co-ordinated. Paul says the Church should be like that, and it can be only when Christ is really the head and when every member is moving under his control, just as every part of a healthy body is obedient to the brain.

The only thing which can keep the individual Christian solid in faith and secure against seduction, the only thing which can keep the Church healthy and efficient, is an intimate connection with Jesus Christ who is the head and the directing mind of the body.

Printed by Kind Permission of St Andrews Press, Edinburgh.

JESUS SAID: "So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matt 6:31-33

SATURDAY SHOP

Once again it is a great pleasure to report that the Saturday Shop in November raised the magnificent total of £362.71. All praise and glory to God and thanks to Anne for all her dedicated work throughout the year (not forgetting her helpers and all concerned of course).

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

A quick reminder – decorating St James’ Church Hall Friday afternoon, 1^st December. Stall holders Friday evening from 7pm. The Bazaar starts at 10.00am on Saturday 2^nd December 2000.

AND FINALLY........

I would like to thank everyone for the many articles, reports, poems and humorous pieces sent in during the year. Not all have been used but without them there would be no magazine – so please keep them coming. Please do not wait to be asked to write "a little something" – all contributions, as it is often said, are gratefully received.

In addition, I cannot close without thanking Mrs Margaret Luton and all her distributors for circulating the magazine and Mrs Elaine Jaquiss for typing, setting out the magazine and for arranging the printing.

Ed

ON THE FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS THE LORD GOD SENT TO ME

1 Baby in a manger full of hay

2 truths to guide

3 that abide

4 side by side

5 signs of love

6 wonders of creation

7 gifts of inspiration

8 joys o’erflowing

9 seeds for sowing

10 rules for knowing

11 faithful followers

12 lights to hallow us

December Diary

CHURCH WEBSITE: www.callnetuk.com/home/stjames

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