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JUNE 2003

Dear Friends
Most of you will be aware that I preached on two Sunday mornings in May at the 10.30am services on “Christian Giving”. The Bible has a lot to say about this subject and we focused on 2 Cor. 8 and 9. I also preached on the subject at an 8.00am service. I hope you won’t mind a re-enforcement of the message in this month’s letter.

Our weekly income as a church is now less than our weekly outgoings. The main factor is the increasing level of the Parish Share: our contribution to the costs of ministry and other things in the Diocese. I know that some people have misgivings about money that goes to the Diocese – but most of it goes towards the costs of ministry, and that includes supporting me! In addition, our giving to St James’ needs to pay for our running costs, building maintenance – and approximately 10% of the giving to the church goes towards missionary work outside the parish.

But our giving to the church should not be just because of the need to pay the bills and to balance the books. The Bible’s teaching is that our giving should be a response to God’s grace to us, and an expression of God’s grace at work in us, so that we want to show grace and generosity in action. We have seen in Paul’s teaching in 2 Cor. 8 and 9 that our giving should be generous (not tight-fisted, as the Corinthians were becoming), cheerful (not reluctant or under compulsion), and considered (not casual or on impulse) – see 2 Cor.9:6-7. The pattern of our giving should be like God himself, who supremely has given generously, willingly and as a result of a considered decision. “Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift” (2 Cor. 9:15).

As has been announced at church-services, and as is explained in a separate article in this magazine, we shall be asking for giving at our Gift Day in July to a special fund (separate from our PCC money) to pay for an additional staff-member to head up outreach to families in Garlinge. This will be a real opportunity to give directly to Gospel-work in our own parish.

Billy Graham has said: “The kingdom of God is not built on finances, but it cannot be extended without them.”

Paul says: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich” (2 Cor.8:9).

Paul also says: “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work” (2 Cor. 9:8).
With warm Christian greetings,
Yours,
Robert Bashford

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

Funerals: 17th April Muriel Somers, aged 80 years
7th May Erika Kuettner, aged 75 years
7th May Gordon Chapple, aged 71 years

MAY SERMON TAPES
All tapes of the sermons preached on Sunday mornings and evenings in May are available on request from Elizabeth and Nigel Hadley (Tel: 831067) as usual. Tapes £1 each.

SERMONS IN JUNE

1st June AM “Water to wine” (John 2:1-12)
PM “God begins a work of grace” (1 Samuel 1:1-2:10)
8th June AM “The coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-13)
PM “Judgement begins at the house of God” (1 Sam. 2:11-36)
15th June AM “Three in one?” (Family Service)
PM “Prophets profit” (1 Samuel 3:1-4:1)
22nd June AM “Despair to faith” (John 4:46-54)
PM “What is success?” (Informal Service – speaker: Bill Turner)
29th June AM “Impotence to strength” (John 5:1-17)
PM “God cannot be manipulated” (1 Samuel 4:1-22)

As you will see, this month we begin two new sermon-series: a morning one on the seven “signs” of Jesus recorded in John’s Gospel – and an evening one on the first part of 1 Samuel, looking at the career of Samuel, “a prophet of God’s grace”.

There is an Informal Service on the evening of 22nd June, with Bill Turner as the speaker – an excellent opportunity to bring a friend along.

And there is the excellent Bible teaching at the Thanet Bible Week meetings as well (see further in this magazine for more details). This is the month to make the most of!

WOMEN TOGETHER
The next event is planned for Tuesday 24th June at 7.00pm in the Church Centre. Theme: “Creative Memory” – the art of preserving and displaying precious photographs in an attractive way. Please bring with you 4-6 photographs and a pair of scissors. We shall begin with Desserts and conclude with an Epilogue. Tickets £2.50 each. For further information contact Faith Smith on 295284.
NB: Please note change of date

AN EXTRA STAFF-MEMBER?
At its May meeting the PCC gave unanimous approval to a project, which is both exciting and one which will require major additional funding, on top of our giving to the work at St James’.

We want to be able to appoint a new additional paid staff-member, ideally someone ordained, who would head up outreach to whole families in the Garlinge area of our parish and build up a congregation, which would in effect be Garlinge church-plant. In addition, this new staff-member would oversee our youth-work in the parish as a whole.

We shall set up a separate Trust for this project, so that the fund is separate from our PCC accounts. We shall make this project the focus for our giving on our Gift Day in July. We shall also produce a letter soon with more information for all church electoral roll members and regular attendees.

Clearly this is a major project and will require a large sum of money to finance. The PCC won’t be rushing ahead on this project by advertising for the post until it knows that sufficient funds are in the Trust to allow us to proceed in a responsible way. One PCC member said quite rightly that, if this project is of God, then the money will be available. Can I pass on to you a saying of Hudson Taylor, the founder of the China Inland Mission (now OMF): “God’s work, done in God’s way, will never lack for God’s supplies.”

So please wait for further news both about the Gift Day and the name of the Trust to which giving can be made. In the meantime, please do feel welcome to ask me or any member of the PCC if there is any further information we can give at this stage.

And may I ask you to make the financing of this project a matter of prayer – and indeed our giving at St James’ in general? Giving starts with God.
Robert Bashford

THANET BIBLE WEEK (11TH – 14TH JUNE)
Wednesday and Thursday, 11th-12th June: Dr Ian Hamilton.
Theme: Our Communion with God.
Friday and Saturday, 13th-14th June: Rev. Tony Baker.
Theme: The Gospel in Europe.
All evening meetings in St James’ Church at 8.00pm.
Seminars for church leaders and workers:
Thursday, 12.00-1.00pm. Reach Christian living (Dr Ian Hamilton)
Saturday, 12.00-1.00pm. Firm but flexible in Gospel Work (Rev Tony Baker)
Drinks provided – please bring own lunch.

TEARFUND REPORT
On the first Sunday in Lent, we held our annual lunch to raise funds and awareness of situations which concern Tearfund. Thirty-three people enjoyed a lunch of soup and bread, followed by jacket potatoes, baked beans and cheese. Tearfund’s campaign this year highlighted the difficulties which can occur when education is not available. The video informed the viewer about what children can do whether they live in Ethiopia or Manchester when given the opportunity to be in school.


Ruth Flanders

THANK YOU
We would both like to say thank you to everyone at the Church for your prayers and support you have given us during the last few months. We would not have got through this time without your prayers and knowing that you are there for us all.

We would also like to say thank you for your cards and gifts you have sent Carrie-Anne and our baby granddaughter, Ella. God bless you all.
Steve and Margaret Todd

I would just like to say a big thank you to everyone at St James. The last few months have been very hard to cope with, but with all the support and prayers from you all, I have found it much easier to deal with.

I would also like to thank you all for your kind gifts for both me and baby Ella. They have been a great help to the both of us. Many thanks again. God Bless.
Carrie-Anne and
Baby Ella

MARGATE BIBLE SOCIETY ACTION GROUP

This group extends from Cliftonville to Westgate-on-Sea and it is their practice to have one major fund raising event each year. The Sponsored Bible Reading of the Psalms last August meant that £2,000 was sent to the Bible Society for the distribution of the Bible in the Middle East. We had a share in this excellent result.

This year it is intended to have a similar event in the continuous sponsored reading of the Epistles which will be held on Saturday 19th July 2003 from 8am to 6pm. It will take place on the green by the Clock Tower with alternative arrangements in hand if the weather is inclement. The focus this year is the getting of Bibles into Egypt.

The 2001 sponsored event has been finalised which was the writing out of Luke’s Gospel, when each church took a chapter and members wrote out a verse. It was the intention to put it into book form and this has now been completed. The bound presentation copy of Luke’s Gospel is being handed to the town via the Mayor on Civic Sunday, 6th July 2003 at 3pm, St John’s Church, Margate. It is hoped that it will be put on display in the Library and other public places.
Thelma Franks

SIN AGAINST THE HOLY SPIRIT?
One or two people have asked me about the verses that were printed below my letter in last month’s magazine: “I tell you the truth, all the sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven them. But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin” (Mark 3:28-29). Inevitably these verses trigger off the question: “Have I committed this unforgivable sin?”

Let me say straightaway that it was not me who asked for the verses to be included, even though it might appear like that, with the verses immediately under my monthly letter! However, as the inclusion of these verses has caused some concern, let me quote the answer given by Richard Bewes in his excellent book, “The Top 100 Questions”, published by Christian Focus. As a former Vicar of mine, I am sure he will be delighted for one of his books to be commended in North East Kent.

Richard Bewes imagines someone asking the question: What is the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit? Why is it unforgivable? I am very nervous that I may have committed this sin. Richard Bewes replies:

People wonder, What made Jesus say this? But the answer comes in the next sentence: “He said this because they were saying, ‘He has an evil spirit.’” What is frightening is that it was the religious leaders, who had made the accusation that Jesus, in his casting out of demons, was in league with Satan. They were attributing the works of God to the power of evil. This revealed their character.

Jesus doesn’t go so far as to say that these teachers of the law were guilty themselves – yet – of such blasphemy. But they were undoubtedly in the danger zone. He shows, first, the suicidal absurdity of Satan casting out Satan (mark 3:23-26). Secondly, he argues that if he was able to expel demons, it could only be by a superior power to that of the Devil (v27).

Then, thirdly, he highlights the possibility of individuals who – in face of the goodness of God, revealed in Christ by the Holy Spirit – wilfully refuse such evidence, and call good evil. What hope have they?

The point is that it’s the Holy Spirit’s work to illumine people’s understanding. Jesus’ name for the Spirit was “The Spirit of truth” (John 14:16). He went on to say that the Spirit’s work was to convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgement (John 16:8). In his next sentence he explained “sin” in its essence – “because men do not believe in me” (v9).

The principle of judgement upon those who have been privileged with the truth – but deliberately stamp on it – is basic Bible teaching. Read John 9:40-41. There can come a point of no return.

This is not rigid legalism, then. It would be a denial of the Gospel of grace to attach a terrifying penalty to an isolated offence. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is neither a carelessly spoken word nor a one-off action. Lifelong blasphemers and fraudsters have known the experience of forgiveness in late life. No, the “eternal sin” is the outworking of a character that stands the truth on its head and treats as diabolical the wonderful things revealed by the Holy Spirit. In such a case there’s nothing more to be done. Such are in danger of sinning against the Holy Spirit. Especially if you are a teacher of others.

The people who worry about sinning against the Holy Spirit don’t need to ask your question. And the people who should be asking such a question never do.
Robert Bashford (with the help of Richard Bewes)

BOOK REVIEW - Travel with Spurgeon by Clive Anderson
Published by DayOne ISBN 1 903087 11 2 price £9.99

Are you looking for ideas for days out or a holiday? This pocket-sized volume could provide you with many ideas. Charles Haddon Spurgeon was known as the ‘Prince of Preachers’. He held the pastorates of two large London churches for 38 years. His sermons were published weekly until the paper shortages of 1917 and they are still in print today. He also started orphanages and a college to train preachers/pastors and preached far and wide in some surprising places like a Music Hall and the Crystal Palace.

The book describes all the places where he has connections from birth in Essex to his death in Mentone in the South of France, so you can find out and visit where he was baptised, courted his wife, see his grave, visit the churches he pastored or preached in. The closest place to us is Maidstone where he was at school.

The book contains a short biography of the man with references to the people who influenced him. There are maps, details of public transport, opening times, names and contact telephone numbers, places for refreshments and suggested books for further reading. Everything to help you plan your outing and get the most from it.

It is part of a series and so far John Bunyan and William Booth as well as Spurgeon are published. John Newton is being advertised and others are in the pipeline.
Marion Clarke

NEWS FROM COLIN AND JANE FIDLER

“We enjoy reading the St James parish magazine and finding out what’s going on. Sorry I haven’t replied sooner, no excuses except we seem to be so busy. I don’t know how we had time to work. We’ve been enjoying some glorious dry sunny weather which has prompted work from dawn till dusk to try to get the land ready for planting. Colin had difficulty ploughing initially because the soil is clay with flints. The flints that come up are incredibly large and the clay very claggy, his mini tractor was finding it hard going. Now after 2 weeks with heat it has turned to concrete, he has been trying to rotivate it, but the machine just bounced off, so he’s had to plough it again. We have brought 4 chickens and built them an arc. No they’re not able to swim. Unfortunately, to date they have cost so much (the wood for the arc, the food, equipment and for them) that when they eventually lay (if they ever do) the eggs are going to be gold plated and I’m not sure whether we will eat them or put them on display.

Tonight we are going to join the local commune in a special meal for the carnival. This is in aid of the school. We just can’t keep away from schools. This is our first encounter with the commune and an attempt to become integrated. Colin is already having both second and third thoughts about going. He’s got to come or go without a meal.

We are becoming more integrated into the life of the chaplaincy. Its challenging too because there are many types of church-manship within the church. Our Vicar, Michael Hepper, is married to a French lady and has 4 children, he is a good preacher. There is plenty of congregation involvement in the services. We have just had to fill in a questionnaire to find out the needs of the congregation to try to address the different types of worship preferred. We will find out in due course how this will effect the services. Our congregation is growing all the time.

Well enough from me. Best wishes to you and our greetings to the congregation of St James. Jane & Colin Fiddler. PS I still have some vacancies for my gite in September/October.

An e-mail received by Pam and Michael Toogood.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY SONG”
About 5/6 years ago, I found in a magazine the second verse of “Happy Birthday to you”. I and many more didn’t know that this existed. Since then, I have used it many times. Just recently, I used it again, amazing those who were with me and wanted to know about it. It suddenly occurred to me that it’s time I shared this with everyone. So here goes:
With friends old and new,
With Pals good and true,
May God’s love go with you,
Happy Birthday to you!
Frances Kidd

THANET BIBLE WEEK

As mentioned elsewhere, Thanet Bible Week runs from Wednesday 11th June to Saturday 14th June.

Remember that this event is not solely for St James, but is organised by local churches and provides:-

An opportunity to hear the preaching of God’s Word by men the Lord has called, gifted and used.

An opportunity for encouragement in being part of a larger congregation.

An opportunity for fellowship with other Christians who live and worship in and around the area.

Editor


SUMMER FETE

A reminder that our fete, “St James in Bloom” takes place on Saturday 12th July at 1.30pm in the grounds of St James and the Church Centre.

A list for volunteers will be in the porch and any help in the form of live music would be very much appreciated.

We are bombarded from all sides these days for giving to different appeals, many of which appear to be genuine, that it is difficult to know where to start or when to stop.

However, the summer fete helps to fund the work of St James and so donations of full bottles for the bottle stall, books, cakes, toiletries, toys and puzzles, bric-a-brac, garden produce, plants and jewellery etc would be appreciated.

If you can help or have ideas or suggestions please let me know on 833128.

Wally Merry

DEADLINE FOR JULY MAGAZINE
Please note that articles for inclusion in the July magazine is 19th June 2003.

SATURDAY SHOP
The Saturday Shop in May included our traditional annual sale of plants and vegetables and raised in total £238.

Almost half this amount came from the sale of the said plants and vegetables and whilst our thanks go to all involved in the usual activities of our monthly shop, special thanks must be given to those who contributed so generously to our “mini garden centre”. The quality of the various plants was of the highest order and the range quite extensive catering for most tastes.

The many weeks of careful preparations certainly bore fruit and we pray that the plants etc will flourish where they are planted and will serve as a little reminder of God’s goodness to us all.
Wally Merry

JESUS SAID: “Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked. Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.” Mark 3:33-35

NB: I am grateful to the Vicar for explaining (elsewhere in the magazine) the words of Jesus which appeared in last month’s magazine when Jesus spoke about blasphemies against the Holy Spirit.

It is also encouraging that the magazine is read and a reminder that Jesus challenges us all in our daily lives.
Ed.

If our greatest need had been information,
God would have sent us an educator.
If our greatest need had been money,
God would have sent us an economist.
If our greatest need had been technology,
God would have sent us a scientist.
If our greatest need had been pleasure,
God would have sent us an entertainer.
But our greatest need was forgiveness,
So God sent us a Saviour.

June 2003 Diary

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