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Edition Number 74
Amy Luce retires as Georgetown organist
A framed copy of the photo above, taken by Sheila Birch, was presented to Amy by David Coote at the end of the Christmas Eve service. She started in 1966 at the request of Donald Picot as a temporary measure ‘till they find someone else’!!. Now 40 years later, and having increasing hearing problems, she is retiring. A presentation was also made to her husband Cyril, her agent and invaluable helper. The Holmchase choir, which grew out of the Aquila Group choir, has been going for 48 years and will be continuing. Here they are singing at the Christmas Carol service at Georgetown.
From the Superintendent Dear Friends We enter 2007 in a spirit of hope. Across the Circuit there are new expressions of church life developing, spurred on I believe with a growing confidence in what God can do. It’s hard to believe that just a year ago the St Aubin congregation were poised on the brink of a major building project – a project which challenged the faith and commitment of the people. Praise God they rose to the challenge! But the support of other churches in the Circuit which recognised the mission opportunities that exist in St Aubin was a vital component in the project now completed. A fresh approach to Sunday morning worship at Ebenezer and Samaras’ café style worship together with a greater use of modern technology and worship leaders elsewhere has breathed new life into many a situation. I was delighted when I went to Philadelphie to preach one evening and saw the entrance area and screen. I said how good it was to see straight into the church and received the reply, ‘yes and we can also see out!' It is this attitude of looking outward rather than inward that will help our churches to be growing church communities. The up coming Exhibition of Modern Art will give a great opportunity to stimulate interest in faith. The Mission Statement provides a framework for our church life and decision making and as I move around the circuit I find in all our churches people who are not prepared to rest on the laurels of former generations but are willing to do new things and to pray in such a way as if their future depended upon it – which of course it does! Renewal is the Circuit theme between Easter and Pentecost. There will be a circuit service on each Sunday evening and included in the final service in the series will be an act of commitment. It is hoped that in this period also there will be a twenty four hour of prayer and on each Sunday prayers for renewal will be included in morning worship. I am not an incurable optimist and I do not underestimate the challenge which faces the Christian Church in the twenty first century and what we face here in Jersey but I dare to believe that when our wills and Gods grace combine great things can happen. So look forward in hope. And if you are feeling a wee bit weary remember the words of St Paul as he writes to the Corinthians. ‘Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly we are being renewed day by day’. Grace and Peace be with you David JERSEY METHODIST CIRCUIT MISSION STATEMENT Our purpose is to build confident faith in God, to encourage Christian growth so that all may know God’s love in Christ and to strengthen community life in Jersey. It will accomplish this by – Encouraging all circuit churches to be open to sharing with other circuit churches and ecumenical partners creative use of resources. Exploring the release of ministers and lay workers to work on the edge of church life, and supporting circuit wide and Island initiatives in prayer and evangelism Equipping people through training and teaching programmes to be more effective in discipleship, in leading inspiring worship and in sharing in other ministries within the church Engaging with and supporting all who work for better community relationships, respect for creation and the relief of poverty and need in Jersey and across the world. Enabling new ways of reaching and relating to young people in the church and in the wider community.
Sue De Gruchy - new treasurer
Just a few minutes conversation revealed that the circuit has gained an enthusiastic and capable servant in Sue De Gruchy. She is a qualified Chartered Secretary. One of several Sue De Gruchy’s, she is married to Owen and has two teenage boys, one now at university in the United States and the other studying for GCSE’s. Sue has worked as secretary for the Comité des Connétables for 11 years. Her office is now at the RJA & HS building at Trinity where she works for 25 hours per week. She is employed by the circuit for a nominal 6 hours per week, but clearly understands that there will be quiet periods and busy periods and also a time of getting to grips with Methodist procedures. She is a member at St. Paul's Church but the family has links with the Methodist Church as her husband grew up at St. Martin’s Methodist Church and their sons attended Boys Brigade there for several years. She will be meeting Church Treasurers in Jan/Feb and will present the new budget to the Circuit meeting in March but warns that there is little flexibility with stipends to pay and a formula to decide on assessments for each church. Ed Le Quesne The Manse at Croix au Lion was sold for £485,000 in October, a sum which will go a long way towards the cost of Malcolm Bailey’s new manse and ease our new Treasurer’s worries. St. Aubin celebrates
On Saturday November 4th the church at St. Aubin was crowded for a service of thanksgiving and dedication following the refurbishment of the buildings and the installation of the new organ. It was attended by the Lt.-Governor, Andrew Ridgeway and his wife, the Dean and his wife and Canon France as well as parish deputies and a congregation from around the Circuit. In his opening words of welcome, David Coote said he had asked a class of primary children the difference between Anglican and Methodist churches. One said “Methodists have double glazing!!” He thanked all who had contributed to the work and especially the good humour of the builders, Horn Bros, that considered the neighbours during the work. Early in the service, David moved into the Hall and using the radio mike, blessed it in words clearly heard in the congregation so we made our response. After H&P377 ‘Come to us, creative Spirit,” a group of young dancers., simply and gracefully performed a varied routine. The three different age groups, with scarves of different colours blended into a harmonious whole and drew loud applause.
Celebration cake Then the Lt-Governor and Miss Marian Dart, the longest-standing member of the church, but not the oldest!, jointly cut the special celebration cake. Dancers watch as Marian Dart and the Lt-Governor leave, after cutting cake The anthem ‘I was glad’ by Parry was sung by Cantabile, one of whose members is St. Aubin member Annette Blanchet Lessons were read by Di Toole, Senior Circuit Steward, and Derek Le Maistre.
Cantabile prepare to sing The Dean, Rev. Bob Key, used 1 Peter chapter 2 as the basis of his address after joking that seeing the refurbished building he felt that he coveted his neighbour’s church! He said that there are four needs if the congregation is not just to remain the same in smarter premises. From v.1 Strip off all malice and insincerity. What we are speaks louder than our words From v.2 Long for spiritual milk, gained by learning from the Word of God, studied and preached From v.4 Be a living stone, each with special gifts (he couldn’t dance, the girls could not preach) From v.9 You are God’s chosen people to proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out. You are always a witness, whatever you do, even on the golf course. After this inspiring address, David Coote moved over to bless the new organ. It was donated by Jeremy and Michael Herivel in memory of their parents, and played by Jeremy. It is no longer in a glass cabin and has behind it a structure nicknamed “the chimney” After another item by Cantabile ‘Christ is our cornerstone’, the intercessions were led by four members of the church family, Iris Le Feuvre, Jim Whittingham, Liz Lambotte and Paul Dwyer The service ended with H&P 566 ‘Now thank we all our God’, sung with Methodist enthusiasm.
View of the Hall from the upper room We moved into the newly restored Hall, much improved since the days of my Sunday School over 50 years ago with teachers Mavis Lucas (Mrs. Harry Baudains) and Christine Hamon (Mrs Geoffrey Fiott). It has a new floor and kitchen and, reached by a spiral staircase, an upper room, a haven for teenagers, with couch and DVD. Ed Le Quesne
St. Aubin’s Hall – my greatest dream Our hall is looking absolutely fantastic. It is bright, warm and immediately welcoming to anyone that comes through the door. It has seemed like an eternity waiting for the builders to move out and us to move in but we are now well established. The growth of our children’s and young people’s work has been a huge excitement and encouragement. The beginning of a Junior Church Council, the involvement of our young people as Church and Communion Stewards, the devotion and loyalty of our young families, teachers and leaders of Sunday Club and Youth Club astound me. We are privileged to have such a wonderful group of children and young people and we, as members of St. Aubin’s church and Circuit have a responsibility to nurture them in their faith. Discussions in the Upper Room It would be my greatest dream to see our hall at St. Aubin used on a daily basis to benefit our congregation and the community around us. We have a chance to open not only the doors of the worship area but also the hall, to reach out and serve the community, sharing with them our faith and being alongside them in their journey. On the youth side there is opportunity to forge links with the primary and secondary schools in the Parish, the offer of an after school club, a holiday club, more youth club nights are all ideas that can be developed further. The raising of the monies for the Church and hall was one part of our mission but I feel the real work, the exciting part of what God intends is only just beginning. I see an opportunity to make connexions between young and old, building relationships and walking a journey together. We at St. Aubin pray for guidance and for a listening heart to be able to hear and be open to what God intends for us. Liz Lambotte St. Aubin Youth Leader and member of St. Aubin Leadership Team The new Hall in use
The waiters are Paul Dwyer, David Coote, Jonathan Voak and - all members of the Leadership team. Ladies of leadership team cooked for the young people. It was a wonderful evening followed by ballroom dancing.
Building and Hall – Funding update After a tremendous effort from the many members and friends of St Aubin Methodist Church, our building project is complete and we have started to receive our Certificates of Completion. Our fund-raising has gone extremely well and we have already paid bills totalling £382,323 out of a total cost of just over £420,000. Now that the Completion Certificates are coming in we will soon be able to start claiming the money promised from sources such as the States of Jersey, the Rank Trust and the Connexion to name just a few. This will allow us to repay the loan provided by you, through the Circuit, for which we are so grateful. We will also borrow from Chapel Aid so are likely to have a small debt to clear over the next four years but this was factored into our budget from the outset and it is planned that this will be repaid from members pledges payable over that period as well as our continuing fund-raising events. In fact, if all goes as planned we only have about £15,000 left to raise over the next four years, in addition to money already promised, so a huge thank you for your prayerful and practical support which was so greatly helped by Hartigans and Greg Menzies who were able to keep the project so close to the original budget. We really are nearly there and look forward to getting back to the work of building up His church. Once again thanks again for your generosity, hard work and prayers. Helen Cooke, Treasurer
Second year studies It does not seem possible that I have already begun my second year studies for my diploma course in Youth Mission and Ministry at Cliff College. The October week away this time was somewhat strange. We were joined with a group of first years just beginning the course. It feels as if nothing has changed within myself and yet hearing these first years talking about their worries of whether they will be able to keep up with the pressure of work, and concerns about it being the right course made me realise, along with the others how much we second years had all grown. We reassured them that we had had exactly the same concerns in embarking on the course but could now say how much we had gained from it. Cliff College has enabled me to gain much confidence in learning about how our young people respond to the culture that is around them, some of the issues they face and how we as a church can support and nurture them in their journey of faith. Alongside my Cliff College course I have been following a course in the principles of Spiritual Direction and found learning about Ignatian spirituality invaluable in deepening my own relationship with Christ. I want to share some of these tools with the young people that I am in contact with. I am extremely grateful for the prayer and financial support that I have received from my own church and the Circuit as it affirms the calling that I feel God has put upon me. It has been hard work and the next few months are going to be demanding as yet more assignments are due, but the rewards are enormous as I watch our children and young people at St Aubin grow in God’s love. I look forward to completing my course in May 2007 and hope and pray that some time in the future there maybe a youth worker’s post available, enabling me to implement the many things I have learnt and to continue my development in youth ministry. Liz Lambotte
‘Miracle Man’ – a reflection on life following a traumatic experience.
This is a title I have received due to my recovery since the accident which occurred on the 1st October 2005. As the news started to filter through (via the Jersey grapevine) that I had fallen from the balcony at Seawood House in what only I can describe as a freak accident, many people were horrified to hear of the terrible news. Nicky was told that my life was being held in the balance as x-rays and tests were done to diagnose the extent of my injuries – they were not sure what internal injuries had been caused or whether or not I would be able to walk again. The first few hours at the A & E department were very hard for Nicky and the family as they awaited news. On the Sunday after being moved onto the Critical Care Unit I underwent a four hour operation to repair my fractured jaw which had broken in three places, the surgeon did an amazing repair to the fractures and tidied up the facial cuts I also received. My teeth had to be wired together in order that the jaw would mend and obviously eating was a great challenge – I lost two and half stone in weight – but not I suggest a suitable way if you want to lose weight! I then spent a further two weeks first on the CCU and then moved to Chevalier Ward as the recovery process began. On the 19th October, Nicky and I travelled over to Southampton Hospital to the Neurological Unit for further surgery to repair my cracked skull. The operation on the following day lasted ten hours. As the neurosurgeon discovered the cracked skull to be a lot more compressed than first expected, they had to use bone graft in order to make the repair and I also had to have the eye sockets rebuilt. We then spent a further eight days in the hospital as I slowly recovered from major surgery returning to Jersey via the boat on the 28th October – almost a month in hospital and some fourteen hours of surgery later – I was rebuilt. I then stayed with Nicky, the boys and her parents in St Martin and had just six weeks to recuperate in order that we could get married on the 10th December. I always wanted to get back to ‘normality’ quickly and in the early stages of recovery often got frustrated but I found within myself a determination to recover which was something I had not experienced before. Our wedding day was just amazing (as it should be) but even more so because of what Nicky and I had been through together. During my time in hospital and recovery since then, I have not worried about how successful the operations would be, or if I could do all the things I used to be able to do before the accident. I simply learned to rest in God’s presence because I knew that he was with me and that he loved me. I said I had to learn to do this because I found myself in a place where really I had never been before – because of the accident I no longer had control – there were many other people and machines doing that for me – controlling the pain as one example. All I could simply do at the time was ‘be’, to accept what the medical profession was doing for my recovery, of knowing that Nicky and I were being supported through the love and prayers of many people – both within the life of the churches here and beyond. God asks us to call to him, I believe, in the realities of our lives, not in the cleaned pretence of life. There are things that we cannot do, there are things that we each have to go through – what we need to do is learn to trust him by placing them into his hands. Martin Luther was once quoted as saying, “I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all, but whatever I have placed in God’s hands that I still possess.” My recovery rate and progress as been truly remarkable – this is why many people have seen my recovery as nothing short of a miracle. All I know is that there is a God who loves me dearly – that through his divine healing grace, alongside the expertise and care of the medical profession I am alive and living a ‘normal’ life today. In the words of a well known song that Nicky and I sung in the hospital chapel in Southampton – we each must place our lives, our families, those matters that concern us into “his hands” and learn to trust him for he will guide us in the way we should go. Deacon Malcolm Salmon
Nyalkinyi Project 2006 The Project started two years ago when a young Kenyan working in Jersey was invited to talk about his village to The Christian Unity group in St. Helier at one of their meetings. The village pond, still used by some From this meeting it was decided that a priority for the village was clean water, as they were only able to get water from a very muddy pond used for every purpose by cattle as well as the population. Enough money was collected together to provide a deep borehole from which the water was tested and found to be satisfactory. We then asked the villagers in what way we could help them further. They were keen to have some sort of health facility and the Nyalkinyi Health Centre was born! Months of preparation and fund raising, getting to know the rest of the team and finally packing and repacking our weight allowance culminated at Jersey Airport on November 3rd. The Christian Unity group were sending off eleven of their members of town Churches to help to build a Health Centre. The journey went smoothly, the odd suitcase flinging open and a couple of “hiccoughs” at Security were our only problems! We stayed in Nairobi overnight before starting a drive which took about fifteen hours to get to Nyalkinyi. We had been expected early afternoon but arrived in pouring rain at 10 p.m.. The local Church was full of singing villagers waiting to greet us. This was our first experience of a lovely people who could not do enough to make our visit a happy one. Our formal welcome, postponed from the previous day, was performed the following morning with speeches singing and dancing for their” honoured guests”. The dancers Nyalkinyi is a scattered village on a hillside and the school on a plateau at bottom. The school had agreed that the Clinic could be built on their land, which made it a focal point. We could not wait to get started on the building work. We had hoped that the foundations would have been completed but due to all the work they had done on our living accommodation, which was far too good for aid workers, excellent in fact, this was not so. However undaunted we all plunged in, with more enthusiasm than finesse, and, guided by the three builders who had been employed, put the foundations in. This was a united effort for the villagers had not realised we had come to work and not just “inspect” where the money was being spent, decided not to be outdone and they lent their hands too! There was a lovely atmosphere on the site as we all worked together. They are a very Christian Community and their was much joy and singing as we worked. When it came to making the concrete pad we wheeled hundreds of barrow loads of sand, cement and shale but the actual mixing and laying of it was left to the experts who worked at amazing speed to get it finished in a day. While they were doing this we had the opportunity to visit the primary school. In the last two years attendance at primary school has been free and made compulsory, but school uniform is essential. No matter how old, torn or ill-fitting this was the children’s most important possession! The children spend a long day at school and very few had the opportunity to have lunch and were Maureen tries to get the hips moving consequently not very attentive by the afternoon. We decided to send some money for the children to have food at lunch time for a couple of months. The attendance at school increased! And some children were taking some food home in little bags for siblings at home. That was something we noticed, older children always looked after the younger ones. There are 315 children in the Primary School and 5 classrooms! In one class there are 72 children, and of course there are only 5 teachers. The classrooms are solid walls but no windows or doors, and mud floors. The school benches are made by the parents. There are very few books and what they have, have to be locked away at night! The age range is very wide 4 years to 14 years or even higher as they cannot go on to secondary school until they have passed their exams. The children love going to school. I wonder what they do in the school holidays! The Secondary school in the village is fee paying; £105.00 per school year. This may seem very little to us but not many can afford it, nor is it always possible as their parents need them to do things at home or trying to sell what produce they can grow. The school has no electricity so of course no computers and no science laboratory, though some basic equipment is kept in the Headmaster’s study. However they take the National Exams and their standard seem to be quite high. We saw some Certificates which the headmaster was about to present and there were many A, B+, B and C results.
Maureen and Charlotte greet some pupils
We did not work on Saturday or Sunday which gave us an opportunity to visit places around the village. There are many small churches around the village but the largest and nearest was a Seventh Day Adventist so we had the opportunity to go to Church both Saturday and Sunday. We were awakened each morning in our first week at 4 a.m. by their bell calling the people to worship- it was their annual week of prayer! How’s that for timing! When we attended the Service on Saturday I think we had the whole week summed up for us, for the Service lasted 3 hours and the Preacher went from Adam to Revelation in that time. We visited Paul’s home in the afternoon. They are a very hospitable people and when you enter a family home they pray for you and bring a bowl of water around for you to wash your hands. They offer you drinks (pop) and food whatever the time of day. Prayers are also said before you leave. These actions make you think of biblical times, (at least they do to me) They are really lovely people. On the Sunday we visited the Roman Catholic Cathedral, St Paul’s, in Homa Bay, the nearest town Here we were once again welcomed as “honoured guests”. Both the pastor in Nyalkinyi and Father Tom at the Catholic Church were impressed by the fact that we were a Christian Unity Group. It was a new conception to them that Catholics Methodists, Presbyterian and Anglican Christians could work together on one project It definitely gave them food for thought and they indicated that such groups should be encouraged. The team by the notice board It reads ‘Jersey Nyalkinyi Health Services sponsored by Jersey Overseas Aid and Christian Unity Group Jersey Nyalkinyi Health Centre Nyalkinyi Water Project Nyalkinyi School Feeding Programme’ Team members from the left: Betty & Dave Ellis (leaders), Dr. Jon Osmont, Alain Aoutin, Charlotte Hunter, Maureen Rayson, Geoff Houghton, Cesare Omissi, Elizabeth Mullane, David Hicklin, Simon Lewis. This service did not last 3 hours! But we were impressed by their collection, again reminiscent of biblical times, they brought not only money but also produce, maize, beans and even livestock. Once the foundations were dry and set we were able to get to work with the bricks and we all took great satisfaction in our contribution towards the building of the walls. While some of us were building others worked on the ring beam, bending steel. This was quite a tedious but encouraging when the deputy chief of the village tells you that you are doing a very important job. Unfortunately we did not have the time to put in up before we left, but we felt we had achieved a lot more than helping to build a clinic in our time in Nyalkinyi. We have made a bond with these lovely people who welcomed us so generously humbled us by their gratitude and gave us so much. We now have friends we will be keeping in touch with and many of us hope to back at a later date. Building approaches ring beam level We will be continuing the feeding programme for the children by buying a farm so that they can be self sufficient once it is up and running . We have a very dedicated team led by Raphael who will keep us informed on the progress of this particular project. This was a wonderful experience of a united Christian group and blessed by God. Maureen Rayson
Georgetown, Jersey - Kenya project 2007 A team of people, led by Ed Le Quesne, and supported by Georgetown Church are going to Kenya in August to help with the building of staff accommodation at the Le Quesne Medical Centre. The Centre was built at Ombeyi, 15 miles outside Kisumu, by OGRA, the Kenyan charity started in 2000 by Dr. Hezron Mc’Obewa with much of the funding raised by WASOT-UK It is the only medical facility serving 25,000 people in an area where 28% of people are HIV + and many children have been orphaned. The community suffered severe drought for 9 months to March 06 and now are suffering flooding from two months of heavy rainfall, far more than normal. The changing climate has been much kinder to us with our warm summers than it has been to them We hope for good support for our fund-raising events over the next few months and that the personal friendships made by Ed Le Quesne in his two previous visits can be extended to a wider group. A parable of the love of God As most of you know I have three teenage daughters. Over the past ten years or so as they have become more involved in various activities, I have found myself running around to Guide huts, music classes, riding stables, trying to make sure that they all arrived at the right place, at the right time, with the right things! On more than one occasion I would get home from those mad drives, make a cup of tea and just sit, enjoying the quiet, my own company and the thought that it wasn’t going to be like this forever. One day the girls will all have left home and my life and my time will be mine again. Well, the time has come when this is beginning to happen and suddenly it doesn’t seem so appealing anymore. Charlotte has moved into a flat with friends, preparation for going away to university next year. Becky has a wide circle of friends and often she stays overnight with one or other of them. Emma is busy forging her own path in life – Guides, friends, after school clubs. Little by little they are each becoming independent, individual people, making their own decisions and moving out into the world. And that’s how it should be and it’s all I’ve ever wanted for them. But I wasn’t prepared for the feelings I have!! I’m immensely proud of my daughters as they are showing care and concern for others in their decisions and they are prepared to live with the consequences of what they decide. But more and more I feel that I’m not needed – and in many ways I’m not, and that’s good, but at times it hurts, especially when I see mistakes being made but know I mustn’t step in to help because my children are grown, or growing, up and need to work things through for themselves. Nothing will diminish my love for them and I will always be here but they must live their own lives and I have to give them the freedom to do that. I have noticed that this suits them, though they come running very quickly when things go wrong or they need money!!! I don’t mind. But oh, how special it feels when one or other of them says ‘Mum, guess what….’ And shares some excitement or good news. How my heart leaps when one of them rings up and says ‘Mum, I’m in town…fancy a coffee?’ No agenda, they just want to have some time with me. Now project all of that to the parent who loves each one of us more than anything and despite everything – God. God, who is always there for us. God, who showed the intensity of his love for us in Jesus. God, who is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. God, who feels the pain of separation as his creation moves away from him or seems to forget his presence. We run to him quickly when things go wrong but do we just sit and share – the spiritual equivalent of a chat over a cup of coffee. Every area of our lives are special to God and he longs for us to share all that we are with him. Try it…..go and make a cup of coffee, find somewhere quiet to sit and just talk to God. God’s heart leaps every time that happens. May He bless you and all those whom you love. Liz Hunter (November letter in SHMC magazine) Testimony Below is an slightly edited version of Russ Reed’s personal testimony at SHMC on Sun 25 June
Russ Reed, Donna and James I want to take you back 98 weeks, to Sunday 8 August 2004. The first time I attended this church. I had arrived in Jersey two days before, and I was due to start working the following week for a Law Firm, for a six month contract. My wife and son were still in the UK, and I knew nobody in Jersey. I had decided that whilst in Jersey I wanted to do something, or two things actually, with my life. In a sense I had made New Year Resolutions in the middle of the summer. One was to go to a gym, which I did albeit for only a couple of weeks, and the other was to attend church on a regular basis. Other than for Weddings, Funerals and Christenings, I hadn’t been in a church since I was a child, yet I had decided that I wanted to “try church” again. I didn’t know why I wanted to go to church, but I did feel the need to go. I wanted to go to a church within walking distance of my flat, and I found this church on the Saturday, whilst doing shopping in town. I arrived here on that first Sunday with trepidation. I honestly did not know what to expect. The first person that I met was Roy (Picot), who I believe was handing out the Service Sheets. I was touched by how friendly and warm Roy and others were to me. It clearly stands out in my memory how I was welcomed into the church. I enjoyed the service, and decided to return the following week. Before I knew it I was attending this church every Sunday, and I was enjoying it. After about six weeks I told Donna, whilst speaking to her on the phone, that I was going to church. She was surprised and shocked. We had been married for nearly three years, and had never been to church during that time. I now want to take you back 61 weeks, to Saturday 23 April 2005. I was now in a permanent job here in Jersey, and Donna & James had also moved to Jersey. However, I was over in England for a couple of days, by myself. It was whilst in England that I had my first experience of the Holy Spirit. I was driving from Bristol to Southampton Airport on my own. Part of the journey involves driving from Newbury to Winchester on a 25 mile stretch of the A34 dual carriageway. That part of the trip on that Saturday in April last year changed my life. I had been listening to the radio in the car, but had got bored with it, so I started to play a CD which had come free with that day’s newspaper. It was whilst I was listening to the CD, and driving on the A34, that for the first time, I felt the Holy Spirit inside me. I felt an overwhelming warm glow inside me, and I was crying. In actual fact I was sobbing, sobbing with joy; there were tears running down my face and I clearly wasn’t in full control of the car. I instinctively knew that it was the Holy Spirit inside me, and I also knew that a life defining event was happening for me there and then. At Eastleigh I stopped for a coffee and a cake, yet I couldn’t drink or eat them, and I was desperately trying to hold myself back from crying any more, as I was now out of the confines of my hire car and in a shopping mall. My legs felt weak, and I felt different to how I had ever felt before. I had let God into my life, and I wanted to be close to Him then and there. I can remember that the only physical way I could think of being close to God, was by going into a bookshop and looking at and holding the Bibles in the store. I did this and it did give me a sense of feeling close to Him. I did manage to get to Southampton Airport on time to catch my flight back to Jersey. I knew that my life would never be the same again after my experience with the Holy Spirit, and I was happy with that because I was ready to change, even though I didn’t know how I was going to change. Nine weeks later, or a year ago from now, on Tuesday 28 June 2005, I attended my first Membership class with Liz, David and Wilma. These classes were inspirational to me, and they helped me to re-evaluate my life. I had arrived in Jersey nearly eleven months before with my focus being on money and status. Yet suddenly that no longer seemed important to me. My whole philosophy and outlook on life was changing. When my life on this earth is over, money and status will not matter, but I must be ready to face God. Thirty-one weeks ago on Sunday 20 November 2005, David, Wilma and I became Members of this church. During the same service I was baptised by Liz. That day of my baptism, is one of the four most important days in my life; the others being my Wedding Day, the birth of James, and the day that I first felt the presence of the Holy Spirit. Since my Baptism I have been attending Disciple classes at Georgetown. The classes have helped me tremendously to develop my faith life, and to understand the Bible. I pray that I can grow closer to God each day, and that with God’s help, I can influence the people around me, and that they may also find the Lord in their lives. I believe that the Lord has mapped out my life for me. In prayer to Him, I have said that I will go where He wants me to go. All I have asked of the Lord is for Him to give me direction and faith. It is scary at times to go into the unknown, to do things outside of my “comfort zone”, but I know the Lord is guiding me. It’s difficult to find the right words to explain how the Lord is now an integral part of my life. However, when I have to “think twice” about my faith, I often think of the words of the Modern Worship song, Jesus Be The Centre. The words sum up how I want my relationship to be with the Lord.
JESUS BE THE CENTRE Jesus be the Centre Be my source be my light Jesus Jesus be the Centre Be my hope be my song Jesus Be the fire in my heart Be the wind in these sails Be the reason that I live Jesus Jesus Jesus be my vision Be my path be my guide Jesus Michael Frye Copyright © 1999 Vineyard Songs (UK / Eire) Russ Reed
Russ has now returned to England. He said before leaving “I am going to miss Jersey, but I am especially going to miss this church. I felt warmth the first time I attended this church. I still feel that warmth every Sunday. I also feel something that I’ve never experienced before from a group of people - something which can be summed up in one word - fellowship. I am going to find a Methodist Church close to my new home in England, but this church is always going to remain important to me in my heart. It was through this church that I found the Lord. It was through this church that I was born again.”
Christmas trends There was a growing trend for goats or donkeys or trees to be given as gifts this Christmas, using the catalogues from Christian Aid, Oxfam, Cafod and others. Personally I e-mailed a letter, including photos of the grandchildren, to all our ‘once a year’ friends overseas for whom I had an address, . Then I bought school desks, chairs and textbooks from the Oxfam Unwrapped catalogue as a sort of exchange for the cost of cards and stamps. For local cousins and friends, who we somehow don’t seem to see from one year to the next despite living in an island only 9 miles by 5 a phone call and a brief exchange of news made a good alternative to a routine card. However you do it, maintaining contacts with friends old and newer, is an important part of our Christmas, as is the time spent with family. Each year is precious as you change from the excited child to the busy parent to the proud grandparent. I hope you celebrated again this year. Ed Le Quesne
Christmas cards I have a list of folks I know, all written in a book And every year when Christmas comes, I go and take a look, And that is when I realise that these names are a part Not of the book they are written in, but really of my heart.
For each name stands for someone who has crossed my path sometime, And in the meeting they’ve become the rhythm in each rhyme. And while it sounds fantastic for me to make this claim, I really feel that I’m composed of each remembered name.
And while you may not be aware of any special link. Just meeting you has changed my life a lot more than you think. For once I’ve met somebody, the years cannot erase The memory of a pleasant word or of a friendly face.
So never think my Christmas cards are just a mere routine Of names upon a Christmas list, forgotten in between. For when I send a Christmas card that is addressed to you, It is because you’re on the list that I’m indebted to.
For I am but a total of the many folks I’ve met, And you happen to be one of those I prefer not to forget. And whether I have known you for many years or few, In some ways you have a part in shaping things I do.
And every year when Christmas comes, I realise anew, The best gifts life can offer is meeting folks like you. And may the spirit of Christmas that forever endures Leave its richest blessings in the hearts of you and yours. Anon. Submitted by Pam Marett
Disciple Course Liz with a gift of flowers from students From January to December the ‘Disciple’ group met weekly at Georgetown on Wednesday evenings, to study selected Bible passages under the inspiring leadership of Rev. Liz Hunter. We soon discovered that it wasn’t a course for the faint-hearted. Two and a half hours of study on Wednesday was followed by much Bible reading and question answering at home, in preparation for the next week’s session. We began with Genesis. We marvelled at the obedience and courage of leaders and prophets who fearlessly proclaimed God’s word to His people, the Israelites. We wrestled with Job over the problem of suffering. We moved onto more familiar territory, the New Testament. We studied afresh the riches of the Gospel story, followed by Acts, the Epistles and, finally, Revelation. Over the months we saw the Jews’ progression of faith, the growing understanding of God in the Old Testament until, in the fullness of time, God sent His Son Jesus Christ, the climax of His plan of salvation for mankind. It has been a great experience being tutored by Liz and sharing fellowship with the other 15 members of the group. All of us are pilgrims on the same journey, seeking to grow in faith and to discover more of the unsearchable riches of grace showered on us by our almighty unchanging God. Daryl De Gruchy
A training course will be held on Sat. March 3rd for people who would like to be able to lead Disciple, even single sessions in conjunction with someone else. Contact Rev. Liz Hunter if interested. Beach, Baguettes and Bibles Bar terrace Since 2003 Spring Harvest holidays have owned and run a holiday park, situated in the beautiful Vendée region of western France. It has a superb riverside setting, just outside the rural village of Le Fenouiller, making it an ideal place for a peaceful break. And it’s less than 5 miles away from the bustling market town and port of St-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie with its shops, hypermarket and many restaurants. We asked Jersey based Ian Slack, four-times visitor with his family to Le Pas Opton, what keeps him coming back year after year. “We all just love it. Our two daughters (aged 5 and 7) have a great time at the morning clubs. With the children happy and occupied in the mornings, it gives my wife and I a chance to relax together as a couple. We will often go to the morning talks together but there is no pressure to do so. In the afternoons, there is lots to do both on and off the park with some excellent beaches near by, and the beautiful river Vie for canoeing.”. Le Pas Opton opens it all to you - and much more. Not only do you have the choice of a wide range of mobile homes - some with three bedrooms and two en-suites, but on site there's a dazzling array of activities for the family. And the word you hear over and again is that it's safe. Best all of, Channel Island residents only have to make the short hop across water and within four hours you can be wandering amongst the mass of flora and fauna on site. This makes a long weekend break very do-able. www.springharvestholidays.com or call 0870 060 3322 Network The Channel Islands were asked by ex President Alison Judd if we would send a representative to a special service at Westminster Central Hall to celebrate ‘New Beginnings’. Unfortunately our District President Pam Le Poidevin was unwell and our Jersey President Lynn was also unable to go. So as Jersey Vice President and District Vice President I went to ensure that the Channel Islands were represented. The service was a start of the 20th Year Celebrations for Area 1 of which we are part and also the beginning for some newly established districts now that London has its own District. The service was led by Alison Judd and the singing supported by Walworth Methodist Choir which was all black with their natural rhythm and singing. Addresses were given by Rev. Jenny Impey and Rev. Michaela Youngson. The highlight of the service for me was a very moving individual ‘Mime’ called ‘Watch the Lamb’ by Steve Murray. He had such an expressive face and the whole presentation about taking his children to Jerusalem for celebration only to find he was there when Jesus was being taken to the Cross. How he was dragged into carrying the cross and then finding his children again. I have to admit that I was nearly in tears because it was such a moving drama. There was a moment at the end as the congregation were moved to silence followed by murmurings of praise by those who had been touched by his performance. It was an honour to represent the Channel Islands which was so very much appreciated and noted by the leaders and congregation. On behalf of the District I was presented with a candle to commemorate the 20 years of Network only to nearly have it confiscated at Gatwick Airport. After showing the Supervisor the Order of Service and pleading my cause they agreed to let me take it through as it was only small. At the end of the service we exchanged ‘orders of service’ with our name and address written on it. My exchange was a young lady called Nada Okoanor from SW London and I look forward to communicating with her. Barbara Coote Reel Issues Where film, faith and life connect What’s it all about A group open to all that enables Christians to make connections between the Bible and the stories and values in popular films. The agenda is to discuss life’s big issues as they are treated in popular films and to see what the Christian faith has to say about them. There will be opportunities for all members to share from personal experience and their individual perspectives if they wish. It’s an opportunity for friendships to grow and beliefs to be shared in an atmosphere of respect and trust. A different up to date film will be discussed each week using some clips from the film. The programme will be available in the New Year. WHERE; St. Aubin Methodist Church refurbished Hall WHEN; During LENT on Wednesday Evenings commencing 21st February 8.00 p.m.
Slavery and Methodism 1807-2007 Imagine having to travel in the hold of a wooden slave ship where the deck is just four feet and one inch in height, it’s dark and you are unable to move because of the person next to you. Such appalling conditions led to the abolition of the Slave trade on 25th March 1807 by an act of British Parliament. John Wesley was an abolitionist and the influence of the Methodist Church helped to play a part in finally bringing the slave trade to an end. It is fitting that 25th March 2007 falls on a Sunday when we will hold an ecumenical service to mark this 200 years of freedom. At the time of writing, discussions are looking positive for a public evening venue in St. Helier. More details will be made available in the spring of 2007. One of our speakers is Head of Community Learning based at the Jersey Museum, Mr Doug Ford. In Heritage Magazine 2006 he writes about Jersey shipping involved in the slave trade. “In July 1761 the Neptune of Jersey, a 280 ton ship, was commissioned as a privateer. In her letter of marque she was described as being square sterned, three masted with a lion head figure and painted yellow. She was owned by James Lempriere and her master was Philip Mauger. She also had 18 cannon and 40 crew. Local records in March 1762 show that she had left London bound for Senegal and Guadeloupe but that the French had taken her. It is probable that she was the same Neptune (272.3 tons) that is recorded by Lloyds as leaving the Downs on 5th October 1761 under the command of Captain Mauger bound for Senegal where she picked up a cargo of 189 slaves from Senegambia and which Lloyds List in March 1762 reports as having been captured and then retaken.” Heritage Magazine comes out of the Jersey Heritage Trust who are aware that this is a part of maritime history hidden in the archives of the Museum, which was once no.9 Pier Road, home to Philippe Winter Nicolle. This same man inherited the wealth of Josue Mauger who “is described as a resourceful and ruthless opportunist who built his fortune in the West Indian Slave Trade”. If you would like to read the full article, copies are free in the foyer of the Jersey Museum. Other resources available can be obtained from The Racial Justice Office of Methodist Church House in London, tel. 020 7467 5277/8, or website: www.methodist.org.uk Rev Chris White. Convenor Church & Society
MHA JERSEY- Quarterly newsletter
We held our 40th Thanksgiving Service at Georgetown on the 29th October. There was an excellent turnout and the residents that were able to come from both Homes enjoyed meeting each other after the service as we enjoyed the refreshments very kindly provided by Georgetown. The magnificent sum of £411 was raised for NCH, another aspect of the Church in action within society, and also marks the long association that Mr. Reg Jeune CBE who is retiring as a Director of MHA has also had with that association. This was a wonderful occasion to celebrate and after a VERY busy and interesting year for the company Stuart Court- Matron Jan Robinson 726936 At long last the dining room extension is under way and hopefully should be completed for Easter. This will give much more room for the residents and bring them together when eating their meals. As with La Corderie this will enable The Directors to give the lounge and dining room a complete makeover, improving the décor and lighting, bringing it all up to date. The upper car park extension into the front garden of Denehurst has also been completed and makes a big difference in the number and ease of parking. With the new granite roadside walls and the resiting of one of the pillars, this has made a big visual improvement to the whole frontage of both properties. We also had two further 100th birthday celebrations. Both Mrs. Lucille Downer and Mrs. Marjorie Robins celebrated their 100th birthdays within days of each other during December. The Lieutenant Governor paid a visit and a grand party was held for all. Maison La Corderie - Matron, Liz Booth 872454 Except for all the Christmas activities MLC has had a quiet quarter. With the completion of the two bathrooms and the main lounge we are now turning our attention to the small lounge. We have been very fortunate to receive a large donation in memory of a previous resident, and the family have agreed that this money can be used towards this project. Matron has suggested to the Board that as more residents are spending the majority of their time within the Home that we should now create an activities area in this room, and also improve the lighting and other minor changes. We hope to start this latest project next quarter. Denehurst- Administrator, Michael Picot 852954 The plans for Denehurst are still out to tender and we therefore; unfortunately, do not have a start and completion date. Hopefully by Christmas 2007 the new occupants will be able to move in! The lower car park can therefore not be completed until the building work on the house has been finished, as the builders will use this area for the storage of their materials. Michael Picot- Administrator Mabel Underwood Mrs. Mabel Underwood was thanked for her years of service as a visiting preacher at the December local preachers meeting. Her clear voice and thoughtful services have been much appreciated. Joint Lunch club Peter Lewin, who holds the ancient post of Receiver-General, addressed the December joint meeting at the Mayfair. He acts as the Queen’s agent in Jersey, a position taking 2 or 3 days of work each week. While the Ladies lunch club continues to have a strong membership, the Men's club failed to elect a new chairman to replace Billy Slatter and faces an uncertain future.
Exhibition of Modern Christian Art Stewards are needed for this important exhibition, in Jersey from Mon. 15th Jan to Sun. 11th Feb. There are 3 slots each day at St. Helier Methodist Centre, 9 to 12, 12 to 3 and 3 to 6 pm. Please volunteer for one or more slots, by ringing Pauline on 877517. Jersey Girls Brigade dates: Aquasplash January family swim Saturday, 20 January 2007 7pm – 9pm The Girls Brigade have hired the Aquasplash at The Waterfront and tickets are available at £3.00 per person. Floatables, wave machine, swim outside in the warm lazy river, sauna, Jacuzzi, flumes. Come along to our ‘family fun’ evening. All welcome. Tickets Ann 862447, Beverly 731002 or Maureen 608015 or ‘jerseygirlsbrigade@jerseymail.co.uk’ Walker trophy - inter Company competition 16 Feb 2007 7pm at Georgetown.
Training Evening for people working with 4 – 7 year olds We are organizing a training session with best practices and up to date school information on working with this age group. All welcome. Volunteer workers in uniformed organizations, Church activity clubs/ Sunday School are most welcome. Training session to be led by a member of the Jersey Early Years Foundation Department. To be held late Jan/ Feb at Georgetown. More details ‘jerseygirlsbrigade@jerseymail.co.uk’.
Joint Boys' & Girls' Brigade Parade and Dedication Service 4th March 2007 at St Martin Methodist Church, 10.30 am. Led by G B & B B Chaplain, Deacon Malcolm Salmon
Ebenezer In October, a thanksgiving service for the birth of a baby was held during the Family Service rather than a traditional Christening at the request of a new family introduced by Rev. Billy Slatter. Music Maker sessions, a singing group led by Pauline Slatter, and including Sion, Eden and St. Martin, continue in the New Year. United services with Sion and Eden will continue in 2007, as each church gained from the experience in 2006.
Items for the April issue should be sent to Ed(itor), 16, Millais Park, St. Helier, JE2 4RU by March 25th E-mail edleq@jerseymail.co.uk
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