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MAY 2002

Dear Friends

Many of you will have attended our APCGM on 9th April 2002 in which I gave an interregnum report. John and Joy Cheeseman were still with us at the previous annual meeting and John underlined the following verse in his report ‘Ephesians 1:11 (Jesus Christ who) accomplishes all things according to the course of His Will’. We praise God for the firm foundation which John and Joy have laid and we have seen much to encourage us in the last few months.

As we look back, we can praise God for His faithfulness in providing for us in the preaching of His Word on Sundays and for the Bible Studies and Home Groups as well as the other activities that take place at St James.

We are also very aware of the encouragement God has given to us not least in the way He has chosen our new incumbent Robert Bashford. I want to mention for our wider readership the point I made at that meeting as I feel it is so important.

We look forward with great anticipation to the arrival of Robert and Barbara Bashford and their two children, Rachel and Sarah. The induction will take place on Thursday 25th July at 7.30pm. We know that Robert and Barbara will be different from John and Joy; but the Lord called away from us the Cheeseman’s for His work in Eastbourne. It is also our sovereign Lord who will bring us Robert and Barbara. In my Cover to Cover Bible Reading recently the following comments and verses were mentioned and I commend them to you.

When God called Joshua to lead the nation, He did not ask him to be another Moses; leading Israel into the Promised Land was a task for a Joshua. Joshua could not be Moses, nor Moses Joshua. You, too, have a place in God’s eternal scheme of things, but you can only fit into it as you are yourself. Romans 12:4-6 ‘Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us .....’

Let us prepare to welcome Robert, Barbara, Rachel and Sarah into our family and pray for them as we look forward to the next phase in the Church life of St James.

Peter and I extend our sincere thanks to you all for your love and concern for without God’s strength and your help, encouragement and forgiveness we would not have survived.

May God bless us all as we move forward together.

Roger Clarke



FROM THE CHURCH REGISTERS
Baptism: 21st April Ellie-Jane Mackenzie

APRIL SERMON TAPES
All tapes of the sermons preached on Sunday mornings and evenings in April are available on request from Elizabeth and Nigel Hadley (Tel: 831067) as usual.

EASTER FLOWERS
My very grateful thanks to all the generous people who gave so lovingly to the Easter flower fund. Also to the faithful few who gave of their time so unstintingly on Easter Saturday morning to arrange the flowers and decorate the Church so beautifully.
Thanks too, to the children of the Sunday School who made the beautiful Easter garden on the font.
Your help and interest is much appreciated. Bless you all.

DMD

“Flowers appear on the earth the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land”.

From The Song of Solomon


COOKERY CORNER

Date and Walnut Loaf

200g (8oz) self raising flour

1x5ml (1tsp) baking powder

50g (2oz) soft margarine

1x5ml (1tbs) golden syrup

50g (2oz) chopped dates

50g (2oz) chopped walnuts

6x15ml (7tbs) milk

Cooking time: 1 Hour Oven: 190°C, 375°F, Gas Mark 5

Well grease a 400g (1lb) loaf tin. Sieve the flour and baking powder into a bowl. Add all the remaining ingredients and beat well for 1 minute. Turn into the prepared tin and level off. Bake in a moderately hot oven for 1 hour or until well risen and a skewer inserted into the centre of the loaf comes out clean. Leave in the tin for 2-3 minutes, then turn out and cool on a wire rack. Serve sliced and spread with butter.


CHURCH GROWTH AND OUTREACH
Can we be of help to your group?

Part of our mission is to serve the various activities of the Church by providing a variety of attractive, well written and relevant leaflets, folders and booklets, designed to share the Christian faith.



* ‘Life’ is a pocket-sized booklet containing encouraging God’s promises from the Bible to meet every situation.

* ‘Life’s not Fair’ picks up the popular everyday complaint and shows how God turned injustice into the greatest of blessings through the death of Jesus.

* ‘Forgiveness Matters’ is a serious subject illustrated by humorous cartoons, explaining how God forgives guilty sinners – and how he expects those he has forgiven to forgive those who sin against them!

* ‘Ultimate Questions’ is an internationally useful booklet which raises eight of the most important questions anyone can ask, from, ‘Is anybody there?’ to ‘Which way now?’. Beautifully illustrated, it answers the questions raised from the Bible.

* ‘Christianity – a pocket guide’ which leads the reader through many questions and issues involved in becoming a Christian.

The first ‘Discovering Christianity’ Course is about to begin. In 6 sessions we will be covering the message of Mark’s Gospel and facing up to the claims that Jesus Christ makes of those who would be his followers.

Please let me know if I can help in any way.

Michael Toogood


FRIENDS OF KENT CHURCHES – SPONSORED BIKE RIDE
ADVANCE WARNING!

Saturday 14th September 10am – 6pm
Get ready now! More details from José Gibbs in July


HM THE QUEEN’S VISIT TO CANTERBURY TO DISTRIBUTE THE MAUNDY GIFTS
One hundred and fifty two men and women of East Kent have been honoured by HM the Queen by being recipients of the Royal Maundy in Canterbury Cathedral on March 27th 2002.

The Queen’s last visit to Canterbury to distribute the Royal Maundy was in 1965. This is believed to be the first time that a monarch has returned to a cathedral in the recorded history of the Royal Maundy Records which go back to 1210, the time of King John. It was Her Majesty’s personal wish to return to Canterbury in her Jubilee year. Canterbury was, however, visited once before on Maundy Thursday, in 1177, by Henry II when he placed a Charter on Becket’s tomb. Three versions of this charter survive in the Cathedral Archives.

About a month before the day my father had received a letter from the Dean informing him that his name had been put forward as a recipient. (He has been a steward for about 40 years). Also sent were details of a talk about the history of the Maundy gifts and what happens on the day, to be given by the Lord High Almoner (the Bishop of Wakefield). A recipient may take a “companion” to assist him or her (some might be wheelchair-bound), and two other guests. In the event, I was my father’s “companion”, and my mother now finding these long occasions too tiring, my son and daughter, Benjamin and Elizabeth, were his two guests.

In due course the tickets and details arrived in an envelope from Buckingham Palace. On the day the recipients were received at the new International Study Centre just completed in the Precincts, while the guests made their way to their seats in the Cathedral. We had to be there an hour beforehand in order for all to be seated in their appointed place. The Queen’s procession would be walking round the entire Cathedral to distribute the Gifts, so the recipients and their guests were in blocks throughout the Cathedral. This ensured that wherever you were, you could see the Queen distribute the Maundy gifts in two little leather purses.

Processions, coming through the west door of the nave, began some time before the start of the service proper. Our own choir led by a beaming David Flood was augmented by the Kings’ Scholars and the Children and Gentlemen of Her Majesty’s Chapels Royal. The Yeomen of the Guard marched in and took up their positions along the centre of the nave. The trumpeters of the Royal Artillery processed to the nave steps and on the arrival of the Queen’s procession, which included the Duke of Edinburgh, a fanfare was sounded. After a hymn, Versicles, a psalm, prayers and a further hymn, there followed the first lesson read by the Duke of Edinburgh from the nave pulpit.

The Queen’s procession then began to move along the south side of the Cathedral starting at the west end of the nave. My father, (with me behind him), was seated about halfway along. The Lord High Almoner takes the pair of purses from a large alms dish (there were five of them), and hands them to the Queen. She then gives them to the recipient. Noticing my father’s Old Choristers’ badge she asked if he was connected with the Cathedral. He replied that he had been a choirboy here, to which Her Majesty replied enthusiastically, “Oh, how interesting”.

During this procession, one of the anthems was a new work especially for the Maundy Service, of a setting of words by our new Dean, Robert Willis, to music by our also new Assistant Organist, Matthew Martin.

After a second lesson, the distribution of the Gifts took place along the north side of the Cathedral. During this time a setting of “O Sacrum Convivium” to music by Gabriel Jackson (a Cathedral Chorister in the early 1970’s) was sung. After further prayers and hymns, the Lord’s Prayer and the National Anthem, the Blessing was given by the Archbishop of Canterbury. The various processions then made their way out of the Cathedral. When they had gone, ushers led the recipients and their companions out of the Cathedral to the International Study Centre for a buffet lunch. Not surprisingly, many spent some time outside in the sunshine taking photographs. The sunshine was reflected in the Queen’s primrose yellow outfit and she seemed happy to be doing her duty. Who could know that two days later she and the nation would be mourning the death of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.

Chris Gibbs


DAILY READINGS BY BISHOP J C RYLE
That day when evening came, he said to h is disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to h is disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!” Mark 4:35-41 (Matt 8:21-27; Luke 8:22-25)

Suggested further reaching: Isaiah 42:1-9

Our Lord Jesus Christ is exceedingly patient and full of pity in dealing with His own people. We see the disciples on this occasion showing great lack of faith and giving way to most unseemly fears (v38). They forgot their Master’s miracles and care for them in days gone by. They thought of nothing but their present peril. They awoke our Lord and accused Him of lack of concern. We see our Lord dealing most gently and tenderly with them. He gives them no sharp reproof. He makes no threat of casting them off because of their unbelief. He simply asks a question (v40).

The Lord Jesus is full of pity and of tender mercy (Ps.103:13). He does not deal with believers according to their sins, nor reward them according to their iniquities. He sees their weakness. He is aware of their shortcomings. He knows all the defects of their faith, hope, love and courage, and yet He will not cast them off. He bears with them continually. He loves them even to the end. He raises them when they fall. He restores them when they err. His patience, like His love, is a patience that passes knowledge. When He sees a heart right, it is His glory to pass over many a shortcoming.

Let us leave these verses with the comfortable recollection that Jesus is not changed. His heart is still the same that it was when He crossed the sea of Galilee and stilled the storm. High in heaven at the right hand of God Jesus is still sympathising, still almighty, still full of pity and patience towards His people. Let us be more charitable and patient towards our brethren in the faith. They may err in many things but if Jesus has received them and can bear with them surely we may bear with them too?

Let us be more hopeful about ourselves. We may be very weak, frail and unstable, but if we can truly say that we come to Christ and believe on Him, we may take comfort. The question for conscience to answer is not ‘Are we perfect?’ but ‘Do we really repent and believe?’

For meditation: Christ is ever so severe with the blatant sinner and hypocrite but there is no harshness in Him towards those who are seeking to please Him, yet fall.

Printed by kind permission of Evangelical Press


SUMMER FETE
A meeting to discuss the Summer Fete was held on 16th April and the following suggestions were made, all of which have to be approved by the PCC:-

The Fete will be held on 6th July at St James Church Hall (Old School Hall) starting at 10.30am. This is earlier than usual and we hope, thereby, to attract more visitors.

The theme would be based on a “Jubilee Hat Competition” open to stall holders, visitors, men, women and children (entry free of charge). Judging will take place in the afternoon but it is not certain if Mrs Gertrude ? will be able to attend to decide the winners!

Unfortunately, the Cubs and Scouts will be attending activities of their won on the 6th July and so we would appreciate help from Pathfinders/Petros groups or other younger members of the Church.

In addition, volunteers are always required so please do not hesitate to come forward with offers of help or suggestions for stalls. All our old favourites shall be there, so please start collecting for the bottle stall, books, cakes, toiletries, toys and puzzles, bric-a-brac, garden produce, groceries and jewellery etc.

We hope to have a Jubilee Fete Quiz which will be available at the back of the Church a few weeks in advance of the fete. Any suggestions or queries please contact us on 833123.

WAM & TAM


JESUS SAID: “The time has come. The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” Mark 1:15


TEARFUND – UPDATE ON IAN STILLMAN
Ian Stillman (50) is deaf, one-legged worker in India with an international agency. He was recently unjustly sentenced in India to ten years for possessing drugs. Sue is Ian’s wife and co-worker. Lennie is their son. Elspeth is Ian’s sister married to Jerry Dugdale who are co-ordinating action in England. Nambikkai is the foundation for deaf adults pioneered by Ian and Sue.

Since the beginning of March, a lot has happened to Ian. He was allowed to go to the hospital in Chandigarh (3-4 hours by taxi) for a check-up and Lennie went with him together with three senior guards. On arrival Ian was immediately admitted and the doctors asked very specific questions either using Lennie as an interpreter or on paper.

With the lawyers, we have been working on the bail and appeal applications to the Supreme Court in Delhi. We are still waiting for comments from Ian and the medical report. We hope the paperwork will be completed and filed quickly so that the bail application can be heard before the court closes for its holiday in May.

Also the MP Sandra Gidley, has secured a half hour debate in the House of Commons on Thursday 11th April on Foreign Office support for Ian. At the last count, 211 MP’s have signed an Early Day Motion supporting Ian. This does not include our MP, Roger Gale, who does not sign any Early Day Motions but he is supporting Ian Stillman’s case.

The following addresses are the current contact points for Ian, Lennie and Sue:

Ian Stillman, Central Mordel Jail, Kanda, District Shimla 171011, Himachal Pradesh, India.

Lennie Stillman (son), Spars Lodge, Museum Road, Chowra Maidan, Shimla 171 004, Himachal Pradesh, India

Sue and Anita Stillman (wife and daughter), Mambikkai Foundation, Palavoor 627 121, Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu, South India.


Ruth Flanders


CHILDREN’S PAGE

Hidden Names: In each of the sentences below there is a name of some Bible character hidden, and there is a hint in the line as to who the character might be:

1. He seemed to slay the big Philistine.

2. Do be diligent and loyal as your mother was to Naomi.

3. He came quickly an drew his net to the shore.

4. Yes, I last saw him with the apostle,

5. Was it in the lea he saw Laban’s daughter.

6. Hello, is your grandmother in, Timothy?

7. At her request her husband the king spared her people.

8. Truly, Diana of the Ephesians would not charm this convert of Paul’s.

9. Agrippa, ultimately it seems, would have wished to release him.

10. Will you have sauce with the pottage?

11. You might be strong enough to carry the flotsam and jetsam, son.

12. He could have little comfort in his sons as priests.

“DARE TO BE A DANIEL”

D _ _ _ _ _ _ Nebuchadnezzar did this (Dan 2:1)

A _ _ _ _ _ _ One of Daniel’s friends (Dan 1:6)

R _ _ _ _ _ _ Declined. Daniel _______ to eat the king’s meat.

E _ _ _ _ _ _ The ________ God is thy refuge (Deut 33:27)



T _ _ _ _ _ _ Shake with fear (Dan 6:26)

O _ _ _ _ _ _ . . . for man looketh on the ______ appearance (1 Sam 16:7)



B _ _ _ _ _ _ Where Daniel lived in exile

E _ _ _ _ _ _ Foes (Dan 4:19)



A _ _ _ _ _ _ Refrain voluntarily, as Daniel did



D _ _ _ _ _ _ Set free (Dan 3:17)

A _ _ _ _ _ _ Power (Dan 1:4)

N _ _ _ _ _ _ What happened to Daniel in the den of lions?

I _ _ _ _ _ _ Blessed are the meek; for they shall ______ the earth

E _ _ _ _ _ _ Daniel is a good _____ of steadfastness and courage

L _ _ _ _ _ _ Freedom (Ps 119:45)



SATURDAY SHOP
The Saturday Shop in April raised a total of £177.34. Praise to God for His continual encouragement and to Anne and all her helpers as usual.

The Saturday Shop in MAY will be held on the 11th. This should be of particular interest to all gardeners, be they young or old, green – or not so green – fingered, as it will include our annual sale of plants and vegetables at best possible prices.

Remember it will be held in St James Church Hall (Old School Hall) Garlinge on 11th May starting at 10.00am.


MAY NOTE
Churchwardens, Sidespersons and members of the PCC are reminded that the Archdeacon’s Visitation will be held on Thursday 16th May at 7.30pm in Canterbury Cathedral.


EVERYTHING I NEED TO KNOW, I LEARNED FROM NOAH’S ARK

1. Don’t miss the boat.

2. Remember that we are all in the same boat.

3. Plan ahead. It wasn’t raining when Noah built the Ark.

4. Stay fit. When you are 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something big.

5. Don’t listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.

6. Build on high ground.

7. For safety’s sake, travel in pairs.

8. Speed isn’t always an advantage. The snails were on board as well as the cheetahs.

9. When you are stressed, float a while.

10. Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.

11. No matter the storm, when you are with God, there’s always a rainbow waiting.

May Diary

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