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MARCH 2004

MARCH 2004

Dear Friends

Wednesday 25th February this year is Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent in the church-calendar. We may wonder: What is Lent all about?

We have to realise that there is no Bible teaching about Lent, and it is a man-made church tradition. The ashes and candles, and so on, mentioned in the article in last month’s magazine, are things that people have added in over a period of time – and the danger is always that the symbol can become more important than the truth it is supposed to be representing. It really is so much better, and healthier, to base all we do in church-life (as in all areas of our lives) on what the Bible teaches.

The 40 days of Jesus’ temptations in the desert at the beginning of his ministry are normally reckoned to be the reason for Lent lasting 40 days. But the fact that these 40 days in the church-calendar lead up to the Easter weekend make Lent, in practical terms, a helpful time for focusing on the central events of the Christian message: the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

So, on the one hand, we need to test everything by the Bible – that surely must be right. And we need to recognise that some traditions, even those practised in churches, are man-made and may need to be questioned. For example, no one should feel any compulsion to give up chocolates during Lent – and if they do, that is no ground for feeling virtuous!

On the other hand, though, as hinted above, Lent provides a useful opportunity for us to concentrate, in an unhurried way, on our Lord’s journey through all his earthly ministry towards the Cross in order to become our Saviour. If we do that, we can then come to the Easter weekend with an even greater sense of wonder, thanksgiving and joy. In today’s pressurised society, where time is so precious, we should be grateful for encouragements to focus on eternity and to consider the quality of our Christian discipleship.

Jesus says to each of us today: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Mk 8:34). All those who follow Jesus must die to self. Our whole lives belong to him. Jesus calls us to follow him in the way of sacrificial love and service.

This is a message for Lent – but also for the rest of the year.


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: 3rd February Rene Thompson, aged 87 years
9th February Mabel Cook, aged 87 years
11th February Kath Parry, aged 89 years
13th February Monica Mills, aged 81 years
18th February Irene Small, aged 62 years


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

SERMONS IN MARCH
7th March 8.00am “Betrayal and arrest of Jesus” (Mk 14:43-52)
10.30am “Entering the kingdom” (Lk 13:22-30)
6.30pm “Looking on the heart” (1 Sam. 16)

14th March 8.00am “Jesus before the Council” (Mk 14:53-72)
10.30am “Accepting the invitiation” (Lk 14:12-24)
6.30pm “David and Goliath” (1 Sam. 17)

21st March 8.00am “Jesus delivered to Pilate” (Mk 15:1-20)
10.30am “Home and family” (Mothering Sunday Family
Service)
6.30pm “The shadow of the Almighty” (1 Sam.18-19)

28th March 8.00am “The Crucifixion” (Mk 15:21-32)
10.30am “Counting the cost” (Lk 14:25-35)
6.30pm “Covenant spells security” (1 Sam. 20)


EASTER HOLIDAY CLUB – “THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE” – APRIL 20TH TO APRIL 23RD , 9.30am to 11.30am

Venue : The Old School Hall, Garlinge. For the ages Year 1 to Year 6 (school years) for fun, games, craft, activities and bible teaching. The parents will be invited to lunch on the Friday from 11.30am onwards. We would appreciate your prayers that God will bless our time. Emily Spanner


Abridged Minutes of the meeting of the 2003/04 PCC of St James Church, Westgate and Garlinge held on 13th January 2004 at the Church Centre
(Details available in printed magazine only - Web Ed)

HANNAH’S STORY – WHERE IS GOD WHEN LIFE HURTS?

Every Christian has a story to tell of God’s goodness. Some tell of God’s power to heal or help. Others can recall God’s love in rescuing them from dangerous situations or delivering them from sinful and degrading habits.

Such stories are true. God does help, save and show his mighty power to those who seek his help. His love is so great that he freely forgives those who have denied, disobeyed and rebelled against him. Through the death of Jesus Christ he pardons and restores all who take him at his word.

There are other Christians who have a different story to tell. These rarely hit the headlines because their story is not dramatic – and may not have the ‘happy’ ending which most of us expect. Yet, in their own way, such stories of God’s help are as wonderful as any other…..

Jackie and Jon met while members of a central London Church. They married in 1994, and lived in Jackie’s one bedroomed flat in Holborn. Being near to their work in the West End the home was adequate and ideally placed. Three years later, their first child was born – a beautiful little girl, named Hannah. With a buggy to store, and 38 concrete steps to climb with a baby plus shopping, Jackie and Jon eventually began to feel the need for a more convenient home.

A request made to their landlord, a local Housing Association, indicated that they were not regarded as overcrowded. Two years later, a second daughter was born – Chloe, and the two girls were settled in the only bedroom, while their parents made up their bed in the living room. By this time, Hannah was showing signs of what was eventually diagnosed as Myoclonic Epilepsy – a rare and incurable condition. Other problems began to show themselves. Jackie and Jon had the heartache of watching their daughter lose her ability to talk, walk and learn normally like any other healthy child. Her regular ‘drops’ threatened serious damage both within and outside the home. The 38 stairs were a cause for concern – Hannah needed help in climbing up the stairs – and total help getting back down again!

A diagnosis of Hannah’s condition having been made, the home was once again assessed. The family was given maximum points, qualifying them for a more suitable home. Once again the Association failed to respond, although some flats in the block were being illegally sub-let by absentee tenants. When a two- bedroomed home did become available, it was let to a single mother with one child! When other homes were offered, they were either impractical (too many stairs) or outside the catchment area for Hannah’s special school.

The years were passing and the two girls continued to grow. An attempt was made to enlist the help of the local MP – a Government Minister. He listened attentively, expressed his concern – but eventually said he could do nothing. A transfer to the Borough Housing list was investigated, but the family was not accepted. Meanwhile, asylum seekers were being housed, stayed for the legally required period, and then selling their council home at astronomic central London prices!

Where was God in all this? Jackie and Jon had not lost heart, nor lost their faith, although it was hard to see what God was doing about their increasing need. They didn’t know it then, but there was still a long way to go.

A year ago, Hannah’s special School decided that they were no longer able to provide for her education and welfare. An even more specialised School was needed, and discussions began with the appropriate authority. Meetings were arranged but no decision was reached. Either the Agenda was too long, or notes were not available; or a medical expert had not sent his report on time; or a key worker was on holiday; or Hannah’s notes were mislaid in someone’s tray. Of course, a decision to move Hannah out of the area would require extra funding, long-distance travelling, a chaperone etc. It seemed that money was getting in the way of adequate provision being made for this special-needs child.

Hannah is now 7 years old. She still falls and hurts herself. She still has to be helped up and carried down the stairs. There is still no cure, or effective medication. Yet she is a bright, happy, lively child (too lively at times!) who enjoys life to the full. She badly wants to run and climb like other children. She also wants to go on the ‘big’ children’s swings and climb the steps up the slide. Without a miracle she will never be able to ride a bicycle, enjoy roller skates, or read and write to any kind of standard.

But where was God in all this?

Often it has been hard to know where God was and to detect what on earth he was doing – if anything. Naturally, there have been tears and times of desperation. There certainly seems to have been no miracle. Even the prayers of the parents, the local church and circle of family and friends don’t seem to have helped resolve any of the problems.

Yet, looking back over these years, (and that’s usually how we are able to gauge what God has been doing for us) there are signs of divine intervention. True, the family is still waiting for a more suitable home, space enough for the children to play, and parents to sleep in a proper bed at night. They are still struggling to get a growing, disabled child to negotiate 38 stairs morning and evening. Still waiting for the local authority to get its act together and provide for Hannah’s educational needs. Still wondering what the future prospects are for Hannah. Still waiting, seven years on ….

Yet, the blessings are unmistakable. Hannah is a lovely child, full of fun. Sister Chloe, now 5, is as bright as a button, and doing so well at school. She is devoted to Hannah, and has been ‘mothering’ her since she was 18 months old – helping to take off her coat, doing up the zip, saving her from the dangers of climbing etc. She also copes with the pinching, biting and hard knocks she receives without complaining. Jackie and Jon continue to enjoy a happy marriage – in spite of the strain, which too often wrecks marriages and whole families. God has given them patience to persevere, faith to believe that God loves and cares for them, and confidence in Him that enables them to live one day at a time.

Jackie and John still wait to see what God will do for them. They know nothing about the future and what it holds – but they know God – and that is good enough for them. The lesson is clear: ‘They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.’ Isaiah 40:31.

STOP PRESS! STOP PRESS!
There has been a significant development since this article was written for Challenge Newspaper last autumn. In December, Jon and Jackie exchanged contracts on a small, 1930’s terraced cottage, in the village of Charlwood, Surrey and moved into their new home on December 16.

Chloe is happily settled in the small village school, but Hannah’s future schooling remains uncertain. The family’s removal from London has meant beginning the process all over again with the new Local Authority. This will probably mean Hannah attending a school for children with special needs in Redhill before she can be considered for St Piers, the National School for Children with Epilepsy, in nearby Lingfield.

The Lord has been so good in a variety of ways – not least in providing the family with a quiet and attractive environment in which to live – and a loving and supportive church at St John’s, Felbridge.

Thank you to all at St James’ who have shown such loving care and given so much encouragement over these many months of waiting – it is much appreciated!
Michael and Pam Toogood


ANNUAL CHURCH MEETING AND CHURCH ELECTORAL ROLL

This year’s Annual Church Meeting will take place on Tuesday 6th April at 7.30pm. I do hope that as many members of the Church Electoral Roll as possible will make a point of being at this meeting. As the term “Electoral Roll” indicates, the main purpose of being on the Church Electoral Roll is to elect Churchwardens and PCC members. At the meeting we receive reports, which enables us to thank God for his mercies in the past. This year the reports will be published in writing before the meeting, which will enable us to move through the business of the meeting more effectively – because the meeting is also a time to look forward to where God may be leading us in the time ahead. The Annual Church meeting is therefore a very important occasion in the life of the church: it is certainly not an optional extra for just a few! Please do put the date in your diaries and aim to be there.

If you are not on the Church Electoral Roll but would like to be, in order to indicate that you are a member of St James’ church-family and to be able to vote at the Annual Church meeting, you can obtain a form from Roger Clarke, Graham Joy or José Gibbs (Church Electoral Roll Officer). You will need to return the form to José Gibbs by Tuesday 9th March, if you want to be able to vote at this year’s Annual Church Meeting – you can return the forms via one of the Churchwardens or me.

In order to qualify for the Church Electoral Roll, you have to be baptised, be 16 or over and either (a) live in the parish, or (b) (if you do not live in the parish) have habitually attended at St James’ during the past six months.

Robert Bashford

NB: Please let Elaine Jaquiss have your written reports by 14th March 2004.



WOMEN TOGETHER

On Friday 19th March at 7.00pm in the Church Centre, Women Together will be holding a chocolate party. The evening will commence with Desserts and Drinks, followed by games, quiz and fun with chocolate, concluding with Easter Thoughts.

Tickets available from Faith Smith (Tel: 295284) at £1.50 each. Ladies are asked to invite a friend or neighbour.

A HERB FOR LENT

CHERVIL is an appropriate herb for this season, being one of the so called Lenten herbs. Probably brought to England by the Romans, it is thought to have blood-cleansing properties. Traditionally, it is eaten in quantity during Lent, particularly on Maundy Thursday.

SCARLET MARTAGON LILY (Lilium chalcedonicum)

This is an example of one of the many kinds of lily found in the Holy Land. About half the size of the cultivated tiger lily, it is one of the most spectacular of Palestinian flowers. It blooms in April and May and is more common in the region of Galilee and may well have been in sight of the people when Jesus urged them to trust God who clothes the lilies of the field in a glory excelling that of Solomon – Matthew 6:28.


GOOD MORNING

I am God, and today I will be handling all your problems. Please remember that I do not need your help. If life happens to deliver a situation that you cannot handle, do not attempt to resolve it. Kindly place it in the ‘something for God to do’ box. All situations will be handled in my time, not yours. Once the matter is placed into my box do not hold on to it worrying about it. Instead focus on all the wonderful things that are present in your life now. If it is a situation you think you are capable of handling, please consult me first to make sure it is the proper solution. Remember I neither slumber nor sleep – so there is no need for you to lose any. Rest in peace and remember I am only a prayer away.

Anon


STUDIES ON MARK’S GOSPEL

DISCOVERING THE TRUTH ABOUT JESUS CHRIST!

Reading the Gospel of Mark could be the most important thing you have ever done.

Why Mark?

John Mark wrote his record of Jesus Christ about 35 years after His death and resurrection. Since Mark was probably an eye-witness of what Jesus said and did, and knew the apostles personally, his gospel provides reliable evidence for those who want to know the facts about Jesus for themselves.

Mark’s Gospel is ideal for our purpose – it is brief, to the point, and races from one exciting activity to another. He is also great on detail.

If this record of Jesus Christ was considered reliable enough for Christians in the second half of the 1st Century, then it will meet out needs in the 21st!

Why Jesus Christ?

Christianity is not a cult, nor are the followers of Jesus members of a sect. Rather, Christians regard Jesus Christ as the fulfilment of all God promised through the Old Testament prophets. He is central to all that Christians believe. His teaching is the foundation of our faith, and the supreme guide for our lives.

Since Jesus Christ claims to be the Way, the Truth, and the Life, it makes sense to check out such claims for ourselves.

Next month: So who is this Jesus?

Michael Toogood




JESUS SAID: “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written:
“These people honour me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
They worship me in vain;
their teachings are but rules taught by men”

You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men.” Mark 7:6-8

MOTHERING SUNDAY
There is an old Jewish saying: God could not be everywhere, and therefore He made mothers.

Mother Church, Mother Earth, Mother of the Gods – our human mothers – all of them have been part of the celebration of ‘Mothering Sunday’ – as the fourth Sunday in Lent is affectionately known.

In Roman times, great festivals were held every Spring to honour Cybele, Mother of all the Gods. Other pagan festivals in honour of Mother Earth were also celebrated. With the arrival of Christianity, the festival become honouring Mother Church.

During the Middle Ages, young people apprenticed to craftsmen or working as ‘live-in’ servants were allowed only one holiday a year on which to visit their families – which is how ‘Mothering Sunday’ got its name. This special day became a day of family rejoicing, and the Lenten fast was broken. In some places the day was called Simnel Day, because of the sweet cakes traditionally eaten on that day.

SATURDAY SHOP - The Saturday Shop in February was busier than usual of late and, as a consequence and with God’s Blessing, the excellent amount of £257 was raised to further the work of St James. Our thanks to all who donate the various items for sale on such a regular basis, to all our customers and to all who set-up and look after the stalls and the tables.

PLANT SALE REMINDER – Our traditional plant sale is scheduled for May. For this to be a success we rely, as ever, on the generosity of our green fingered friends to supply all the necessary produce. With Spring in the air please feel encouraged to venture down the garden path and start filling those seed trays and pots. Please let Anne Clark (831558) know if you are planning to help in this way.

4 DRAW FILING CABINET – Mrs Betty Hall has a wooden cabinet with 4 metal drawers which is now surplus to her requirements. If you are interested please contact Betty on 832306 for further details. A contribution to Church funds would be appreciated.

COPY WANTED
Do you have a story to tell? Do you have something to sell? Do you want to air your views? Do you want to share your news?

If the answer to any of the above is ‘YES’, then please let me have your stories/articles for inclusion in YOUR magazine. They are urgently required and would be gratefully received. Thank you. Ed

DEADLINE DATE: Please may all articles for the April magazine be given to the Editor by 19th March 2004. Thank you.

MARCH DIARY

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