Issue No.82 

Camels at St. Aubin

Camile and Cyril are part of St Aubin's Children and youth ministry described below

Youthwork the Conference

                In November, five of us travelled to Eastbourne and attended the youth workers conference entitled 'Deepen.' The weekend focused on the soul and spirituality of the youth worker, rather than on programme and practice. Worship and prayer were a particular focus and the keynote speaker on Saturday night, Christ Curtis emphasised the point that 'we can't go deep with young people until we allow God to go deep with us.' We attended many different workshops, soul sessions, worship time, browsing resources, building networks but above all spending time in God's presence. We have all come back energised and filled with the Holy Spirit and eager to do more and even better youth work at St Aubin.. Matthew Speight, Sy Godefroy, Eleanor Lambotte and Helen Cooke went with me.

The Christian Apprentice

                I was very privileged to take one of our young people,Kara Le Blond, to the Christian Apprentice three day training course for young leaders held in Wolverhampton. It is a course specifically designed for girls aged 14 and over who are interested in developing leadership skills. There were seven girls who attended from around the UK. They were challenged with a great variety of team activities as well as looking closely at how leadership is portrayed through the Bible. The girls learnt about their strengths and weaknesses in a variety of situations, how to handle conflict and how important it is to relate to other members of a team.

                I am very keen to bring the Course Tutor over for a few days to run a similar course in Jersey. At St Aubin we have several girls within that age bracket who show potential for leadership and are interested in taking up the challenge. I would like to offer it to the Circuit as I am sure many churches have girls aged 14 and over who would benefit from leadership training. Please contact me as soon as possible if you are interested - mobile 07797 780 155 or email lizlambotte@jerseymail.co.uk.

Noah's Ark

St Aubin has been experimenting with different ways of encouraging children and young people to attend Sunday Club activities. We have concentrated on the story of Noah over a 5 week period. One Saturday afternoon the congregation and families were invited to watch the film Evan

 Almighty, a modern day version of the story of Noah set in America. We had a two by two party, and each week have built up a huge collage of an ark and beautifully painted animals of all descriptions, as well as discussing the significance this story has on each one of us today. This culminated in a family worship service where the altar table was transformed into an Ark and children were invited to bring a cuddly animal to place on board. Time was allowed to think about the part we have to play in life and to reflect on what God might be asking of each one of us regardless of our age. All our sessions were well attended and attracted both girls and boys. Next term we are going to look at some more Bible characters and the part they each played in spreading the Good News.

Mary Townsend, Jasmin and Sophie Cross, mum and daughter, who made the beautiful cake for our Noahs Ark party

Puppet Ministry (see photo above)

                October saw the launch of St Aubin's Puppet Ministry. We asked the congregation to adopt a puppet to help with the cost of the initial outlay and to help them feel part of the project. We have had an extremely good response and even had sponsorship from a local electrical firm who was working at the church and wanted to contribute to the scheme. We have been very busy preparing for performances over the Christmas period and are now looking to develop new sketches and dance routines for the spring and summer.

Liz Lambotte

Recognition service

                Every seat was taken for a special service on Sunday evening 2nd November for the recognition of a newly qualified local preacher Mr Nick Owen. The worship opened with 3 worship songs led by Steve Higginson, backed by Hugh Lince, John Noel and Menna and Jenna Treleven. Christine Legge led the service and Doreen Munro read the lesson from 1 Cor. 15 v. 1-14.. Rev David Coote preached on the importance of Christians being 'Resurrection' people rather than Good Friday people. After David had led Nick through the promises set out in the Methodist Worship Book, the Local Preachers' Secretary Mr Ed Le Quesne read a letter from the President of the Methodist conference addressed to Nick Owen confirming his appointment as local preacher. Then John Perkins led prayers of intercession and Rev. Liz Hunter,. local preachers tutor, made a plea for more people to consider starting the Faith and Worship course. The service ended with two more songs, Led like a lamb to the slaughter and Jesus, the Name high overall It is believed to be at least 50 years since a local preacher recognition service was held at St Ouen Methodist Church. Most people stayed to enjoy the ample refreshments provided by the congregation

Ed Le Quesne

 From the Super

Dear Friend

                If anyone ever lived with the illusion that the world is not connected then what has happened with the Finance industry across the world must have shattered the illusion. As stock markets plummeted variations on the dusty old theme were heard over and over again in the media and elsewhere, when America sneezes the world catches a cold. Connected we most certainly are. When Barack Obama sweeps into the White House this month the world will not change overnight but our hope and prayer will be that this person who has been described as the most exciting politician of the day will encourage people of goodwill across the world to possess the audacity of hope. Barack Obama frequently uses the images used by Martin Luther King who had a powerful vision of an America where divisions between black and white, rich and poor, Protestant and Catholic are swept away. Such images are ones I believe not only give a connected world hope but also are rooted in the good news that we celebrate in Christ. In the Bible we read how God made us, though different, to be as one race - the human race and gave to all dignity and worth. In due time God sent his Son Jesus to show his solidarity with us in our struggle to transform ourselves and the world. He sent his Son not just for me or you but for all.

                This is good news for Jersey as we seek to build a community free of injustice and prejudice, where the rights of each of us, especially the vulnerable, child or adult, are protected and where all of us, recognising our connectedness, work for the good of all. It is often said by observers how good it is to see three Jersey church leaders, who represent three different areas of church life, standing side by side. I share with my Anglican and Catholic colleagues Monsignor Nick France and the Dean Bob Key the desire to see Jersey thrive and for all to be able to live dignified and useful lives. We, Jersey, cannot thrive in isolation from one another or from the world around us. We are connected.

                For Methodists who place much store on connexion, on the sharing of responsibility, this is not new news. God calls us to serve not our interests but the interests of all. The Covenant service is a reminder that we do not live for ourselves alone. I hope and pray that in the coming year there will be a huge response by churches and individuals to the initiative 'Is God calling you to a new area of ministry in Jersey'. The offer of financial support is not intended to downplay the value of voluntary service but to make it more possible for people who have family and other ongoing commitments to respond to God's call. The offer will make it more practical for churches to develop initiatives that require resources.

                There is no greater gift that we can give to God, than the gift of service. When Benjamin Franklin was asked by his mother why he devoted so much time to public service he said: I would rather have it said, He lived usefully, than, He died rich. It is useful service that will make the church buzz and grow. It is useful service that will make Jersey and our world the place that God wants it to be. I trust that 2009 will be for us all a happy and peaceful year.

                                                Yours as ever

David

A personal note

I would like to thank members and friends across the circuit for the enormous support and help given from the time I went into hospital and in the period of recovery after. I am deeply grateful for all the kindness shown and the practical support of staff and stewards. I will have to go back into hospital from time to time for check-ups but the operation to remove bladder cancer is thought to be successful. This was my first experience of going into hospital as a patient and the sense of being upheld by the love and prayers of so many, including of course Barbara and family meant a great deal. Thanks to everyone including Betty Brooke who advised me not to personally deliver the usual Christmas gift of a pot plant or box of chocolates from the circuit to Supernumeraries, supernumerary widows and Staff. David she said, whats the point of us praying for you if you do not help yourself. Well, what could I do. There was only one course of action. Do as Betty said. Thanks to David Le Seelleur, Jill Corbin and Barbara the gifts were delivered.

David Coote

 Liz Hunter in the USA

Holiday reflections

                I consider it a great privilege to be able to travel and in the past 12 months I have more opportunities than many to be able to visit parts of the world that Id previously only dreamt about or

read about in books. Trekking in Vietnam last autumn and visiting the Esperado Children's Haven in South Africa were both amazing experiences and then, last month, I was able to travel to Colorado in America to see my brother and two nieces. Whilst we are in fairly regular contact, though neither of us are as good at e-mailing or picking up the phone as we should be, we hadn't seen each other for 3 years so this was a really special time.

                Id only been to America once before and that was a very brief trip to California when Graeme (my brother) was living there, so this trip meant a great deal in many ways. Quality time with my family, opportunity to explore a new and exciting landscape, and a chance to rest (well that was the theory!). We actually did so much hiking and driving around to museums and places of interest that I was shattered!

                Colorado the Centennial State. So nicknamed because it became a state in 1876, one hundred years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. A place of contrasts the sweeping plains in the east running into the foothills that seem to cower in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. My brother and his partner, Judy, live in that in between area in a town called Fort Collins. It first appeared on the map in 1862 when a small military post called Camp Collins was established there to guard and protect the Overland Mail and the travellers and settlers who were transiting the area. The camp was destroyed by a flood in 1864 and a larger more permanent fort was built to replace it but within three years the fort was abandoned.

                By 1873 the Larimer County Land Improvement Company had taken over the site and employed a young surveyor from New York State, Franklin C Avery, to lay out the streets of the new town. Fort Collins has some of the widest roads in any town around because Avery planned them to enable horse and wagons to turn a full 180 degrees without having to manoeuvre.

                As with all of America I was especially struck by how recent the history I was seeing actually is. That, of course, being the history of the settlers. What fascinated me was the history of the Native Americans the Indians and many of the places I visited just brought back images of those black and white Westerns that I used to watch on wet Sunday afternoons, or at the Saturday morning pictures, as a child. The scenery, the names .....Cheyenne, Ute, Sioux....it was another world in so many ways. The Native American Indians, their spirituality and way of life has always interested me and here I had the chance to read more about that and to experience something of their history and tradition. Judy is the descendant of the Cherokee tribe and listening to her remember stories her great-grandparents had shared with the family was both interesting and very moving.

                And, of course, I was able to engage with events that are much more up to date, namely the American election campaign. I don't want to get into politics in this particular forum but it was again interesting as an outsider looking in to see how the candidates and their supporters were responding to the various issues that were being raised....I know who I felt will be the next President of the United States. Ask me after November 4th if I was right!

                So there is a brief, potted account of why I wasn't around for three Sundays. I have met some interesting people, including an ex-Jersey resident in a restaurant in the San Juan mountains. I've seen mountain scenery that has left me breathless both by its sheer beauty and the strain of walking up it! I've had some precious moments with my nieces and reminisced for hours with my brother. Now I'm waiting with some anticipation for the two boxes of books and goodies that I had to post home because there was no room left in my suitcase! Travel truly is a privilege. It opens a window on Gods created world and can lead to a greater understanding between people. I now know more about the USA then I did before and perhaps over the next few months I can share something with you about the many facts I discovered about the Native American Indians.

Liz Hunter

The Next Journey

                Standing on platform 8 at Kings Cross railway station was the first step in leaving noisy London and arriving in Royston, Hertfordshire just 45 minutes later. We had forgotten how relaxing a train journey can be and noticed the sheep on the cold winter landscape.

                Royston is a market town close to Cambridge with just one Methodist Church of 135 members, employing a full-time youth worker and part time administrator. We were told that on Sunday there are 3 groups of children (28) with a rota of 8 teachers. Yet this is a church without a car park where people walk or park at the nearby railway station.

                The other two churches in the section are Foxton(15 members) and Orwell(28). Foxton had to leave their original building when the repair costs became impossible and they now worship in the new village hall. This costs them only 10 a week and offers a worship room, storage, a kitchen and a vast car park. Sunday school is shared with the Parish Church with whom shared worship takes place once every month.

                Orwell is a traditional rural chapel with architecture which has remained unchanged for some 130 years. It has a small music group and midweek shared service with the Parish Church. With a largely elderly congregation it is considering the way ahead with some determination.

                We received a warm welcome in this section and stayed almost 3 days in order to get a feel for the area. Having accepted the invitation we will move sometime in August 2009. Thank you to all who have prayed for us and been source of encouragement. Special thanks go to Mrs Gladys Renouf who attended the stationing committee on our behalf and did an excellent job! Times of uncertainty are always helped by the thoughtfulness of other people.

Chris and Lynn White

New Minister for Jersey

                Graeme, Elaine and Margaret (Graeme's mother) are delighted to be coming to Jersey next summer and look forward to meeting and getting to know you all. Elaine and I met at Ministerial Training College andI have served in 3 circuitsin South Walesover the last 17 years, the last 12 as a Superintendent, before that we both served as ministers in Lancashire. During my time in WalesI have been Synod Secretary, deputy Chair and acting Chair of the District                I have reopened two churches this year after major building projects.

Graeme Halls

                Graeme and Elaine spent a day in Jersey in November to meet Circuit stewards and some members of Georgetown, Sion and La Rocque. The Circuit Stewards are looking for a new manse for them, preferably in the Georgetown area.

Esperado Part 2, ( written in October)

Nolly, Felicity Shaw, Charlotte Hunter, Amanda, Morwenna Treleven, Jenna Treleven, Cassandra at Esperado            

                We have now been back from South Africa for over a month yet the reality of what we saw and heard whilst at the Esperado Childrens Haven is still as immediate in my thoughts and especially in my heart as when we first arrived home. I can still hear Sophias voice as she told me about how, when she first felt that she should be helping black South African children orphaned because of HIV/AIDS, her own church family shunned her. No-one could understand how she could want to do this work a sad reflection I suspect of the feelings of that time, the prejudice and lack of understanding between ethnic groups. Fortunately not every church was the same and Sophia found support elsewhere but the issue of being excluded because she was a white South African helping black South Africans is one that has never totally gone away.

                My own tears well up when I remember the emotion surrounding Sophias account of the fire that destroyed the Haven six years ago. Thankfully no-one was hurt but there was nothing to be done other than to let the building burn out. It took three days during which time the children dispersed, leaving Sophia wondering if she would ever see them again. In the fire they lost all the materials which they used for making craft items to sell at local markets, a fund raising resource which has never been restored, as well as all their clothes, books, food etc. Sophia lost her Bible and had never replaced it we were able to give her a new one at the service we shared together on our last Sunday there.

                After the fire Sophia was left feeling very lost, afraid and guilty. There was an inquiry into the cause of the fire which proved to be a faulty electrical item, but Sophia remembers vividly how she felt she was being accused. She also remembers getting angry with God and how one morning as she asked Him what he was thinking of they weren't quite her words!......she heard God say that she had her health, and she realised that that was Gods strength and she looked forward not back from that point and the Haven was rebuilt and the children all came back because she is the best mama in the world.

                Whilst we were digging in the garden one day, preparing the ground for the fruit trees, we were joined by a young man from the local community who Sophia watches out for and helps in whatever way she can. He's 16 and spoke quite good English. He explained how he'd been at school for 3 years and that when He was 13 he'd seen his friends getting an education and had asked his mother if he too could go to school. He is very keen to widen his horizons and to make something of his life. I wonder if the opportunities will arise or if he will be one of the many who never get the chance to fulfil their potential and don't ever get to do the many things we take so much for granted. He worked hard as we dug the impossibly hard earth and he confessed to being glad to have some physical work to do because it took his mind off other things. Those other things being the fact that his father had died just a few days before another victim of HIV/AIDS. If he didn't keep busy he explained then he just sat and thought and that was when he cried. He didn't want to keep crying. Later on Sophia told us that the lads parents had split up some years before and that it was his natural father who had died, they had got on well. The boys mother had remarried and his stepfather drank too much and beat him it was a common story. For this young man the Haven is just that, a haven.

                The stories go on and I hope that within the next few weeks we will be able to share some more of the trip with you by way of an evening during which we can perhaps show some of our photographs and retell more of the stories that make this such a special place. As time goes on the fund raising will continue with cake sales and other events. The needs of the Haven are ongoing and it would be wonderful if we could help some of those young people to live out their dreams in the future.

We all felt very blessed and privileged to be able to spend a couple of days at the end of our trip in the Kruger National Parkmuch needed rest and relaxation time and an essential buffer between the reality of life at the Haven and the materialistic pressures of life here. Watching elephants washing in the river, the thrill of seeing a leopard in the beam of the flashlight when on a night safari drive, to hear the deep, rasping voice of a lion and wonder at how giraffes even stay upright on their long and spindly legs. It was another side of Gods creation and we couldnt help but ponder over the incongruity of beauty and ugliness, of dry vegetation and colour, of poverty and abundance, of wealth and deprivation, all living together in the wonderful country that is South Africa. Please pray with me that there, and across the world, the balance of Gods creative love will be restored so that all peoples whatever their creed or colour may live in peace and all nations may know what it is to have an abundant harvest.

Liz Hunter

From a Church newsletter (not in Jersey?)

Thursday at 5 p.m. there will be a meeting of the Little Mothers Club. All ladies wishing to be Little Mothers please meet with the pastor in the study

 More thoughts on Esperado

Jane and baby Warrior

                We have been back for some time now but I am still finding myself mulling over how I felt about the trip. I did not know what to expect from the trip. I have come back bowled over by what I saw of Africa, frustrated by various aspects of the Haven but with a determination to carry on trying to make a difference.

                Originally I had anxieties about the amount of violence in South Africa, especially because w were taking other peoples children. Thankfully we did not experience any of this although when Trevor enquired where we could buy some cheap clothes to paint in we were given directions to a Mall and told not to go into the town as we would be robbed.

                I was concerned about experiencing any racial prejudice and how I would cope with it and felt that I wanted to protect the young people from this or any ill feeling toward the group. However, without exception, all the people we came into contact with were friendly and helpful. From the outset there were niggling thoughts that we may be more of a hindrance than a help at the Haven and that the money we had raised would be better spent by the Haven rather than a large part funding our trip out. It was soon very clear that being there confirmed to Sophia and the children our support. Our presence fostered an immediate closeness with the community and the group proved to be of immense practical value

                Travelling, working and living with a mixed group with a high proportion of young people, had the potential to be emotionally interesting. I am pleased to say that after the usual group storming, norming and reforming we proved to be a very effective team. Sophia said she loves the English coming (an old Boer war refrain, the English are coming) as the English try to make a difference.

                On the other hand when the Americans come they try to change her and often their patronage includes conditions. I suspect I am feeling more like an American now as there is so much that needs doing, if only there was someone on the ground who was able to take charge. The children and young people of the Haven were wonderful, and some are very able and with our help hopefully will be able to succeed in life, but the majority, especially the boys I fear, have not much future as there appears to be no employment for them and certainly nothing like an apprentices scheme.

                The farm is not thriving because again it appears to be without management, but with leadership I am sure some of the young people would be able to become a great deal more self sufficient.

                Our young people were fantastic, the girls and Bakhona proving themselves to be very able painters under the watchful eye of foreman Trevor. Liz, Simon, Charlotte and Alex dug the field and planted 22 fruit trees, they worked extremely hard and Alex was amazed at how strong Liz is! I helped both with the painting and one day in the field after which I slept very well.

                The service Liz took was thought provoking as well as moving, it left me with a feeling that we must do more, more in the way of fund-raising, more in the way of sending others out especially those who have practical talents and a hope that maybe one of our young people may wish to take a gap year in the Haven and will then really be able to make a difference, or come to think of it as Trevor said at the end of the service maybe those of us coming up to retirement should spend some time there. Who knows what the future may bring, but please keep eating your Smarties and collecting your 20 pences.

Jane Pointon

Potluck Supper: Prayer and medication to follow

 The 12 Cs of Christmas at Georgetown

                Different groups in the church interpreted each of the 12 Cs, put forward by Operation Noah. At the front of the church was a simple nativity scene, made by the Friendship Group *

The first CChrist: on whom all our waiting is centred. In the simplicity and modesty of his birth, we find Gods word among us with a clear message: Live simply

A model of the Church, made by Roy Le Plongeon, a photo of the members and cards showing our activities illustrated Community: a true focus outside of ourselves and immediate families directing us to be mindful of those in need around us.

Covetousness: the envy that drives so much materialistic pursuit and which is expressly singled out in the Ten Commandments for special attention, was well illustrated by Gladys Renouf.

Carols: with their many joyous references to the humility of the Christ-child, were illustrated by Network, with a number of popular musical scores.

Candles: Four, one for each week of Advent, signifying the coming light that will shine in the darkness and which darkness cannot overpower John, chap.1. The candles represent hope, peace, joy and love and were prepared by the G. B.

Commercialism: that which sees the price of everything and the value of nothing and sees, in Christmas, one sole opportunity: profits (and not prophets!) In the centre of a display of all sorts of adverts and money saving offers was a simple message from the Activity group Gods love costs nothing, it is FREE FOR EVERYONE

Reclaim Christmas:

put the waiting into wanting

Shop less, live more, save the earth

Climate Change: our great uncharted experiment with the biosphere. Threats to creation loom large if we dont awaken ourselves to the call to go back to basic principles and live more simply, more sustainably. The display by pupils from Plat Douet School featured two polar bears. Classes of pupils came to see the displays.

Covenant: Gods faithfulness pledged first to Noah and then through Abraham, resulting in the coming of God-with-us, Emmanuel, promised to Israel. The Friendship group showed a rainbow and a handshake.

There is no Planet B

Carbon: 18% of our body is carbon and carbon dioxide, a by-product of so much of our modern over-consuming lifestyle, drives global warming

Consumption: the engine of economic growth which enslaves us and treats creation as a mere commodity there for our use.

The displays in this section included a photo of the Earth taken 40 years ago from Apollo 8 as it circled the Moon and were prepared by the Boys Brigade. It included this reminder.

Shop like there is a tomorrow

Creation: Gods marvellous work, of which we are a small, but key, part. God works ex nihilo creating out of nothing. Even before the advent of humans in the Genesis creation story, God looks at each passing days work and declares all that he sees as good.. This was displayed by the Toddlers group.

Operation Noah is Faith-motivated

            Science-informed

                                    Hope-driven

We celebrated further Cs as we made Christingles in an all-age worship involving the Children and adults together on the 3rd Sunday of Advent.

Operation Noah is not just for Christmas but should become part of the life of Churches and Christians as we face challenges of 2009 and beyond. Website www.operationnoah.org.

Ed Le Quesne

A New Year Thought

God grant us this year a wider view,

So we see others faults through the eyes of You.

Teach us to judge not with hasty tongue,

Neither the adult ... nor the young

Give us patience and grace to endure

And a stronger faith so we feel secure.

Instead of remembering, help us forget

The irritations that caused us to fret.

Freely forgiving for some offence

And finding each day a rich recompense.

In offering a friendly, helping hand

And trying in all ways to understand;

That all of us whoever we are...

Are trying to reach an unreachable star.

For the great and small.... the good and bad,

The young and old ... the sad and glad

Are asking today; Is life worth living?

The answer is only in, loving and giving.

For only Love can make man kind

And Kindness of Heart brings Peace of Mind.

By giving love, we can start this year

To lift the clouds of hate and fear.

Helen Steiner Rice

(taken from an Advent and Christmas Devotions Book, by St. Helier Parish Church)

Excerpts from a Dog's Diary"

8:00 am - Dog food! My favourite thing!

9:30 am - A car ride! My favourite thing!

9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favourite thing!

10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favourite thing!

12:00 pm - Lunch! My favourite thing!

1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favourite thing!

3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favourite thing!

5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favourite thing!

7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favourite thing!

8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favourite thing!

11:00 pm -Sleeping on the bed! My favourite thing!

"Excerpts from a Cat's Diary"

                Day 983 of my captivity. My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

                Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

                Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs. I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, So he is safe. For now...

from SHMC magazine

B.C. (before computers)

An application was for employment

A programme was a TV show

A cursor used profanity

A keyboard was a piano.

Memory was something that you lost with age

A CD was a bank account!

And if you had a broken disk,

It would hurt when you found out!

Compress was something you did to garbage

Not something you did to a file

And if you unzipped anything in public

Youd be in jail for a while!

Log on was adding wood to the fire

Hard drive was a long trip on the road

A mouse pad was where a mouse lived

And a backup happened to your commode!

Cut you did with a pocket knife

Paste, you did with glue

A web was a spiders home

And virus was the flu!

I guess Ill stick to my pad and paper

And the memory in my head

I hear nobodys been killed in a computer crash

But a few machines play dead!

Anon, in SHMC magazine

BOOK REVIEW

East of the Sun by Julia Gregson

                Its the 1920s, much of the world map is still swathed with the pink of the British Empire, but things are changing. Attitudes to colonial rule are becoming more forcefully expressed by local peoples and India is no different. Gandhi is a name that is becoming more widely known and more and more the people are being encouraged from within their own culture to think about their position.

                Into this scenario come three girls, Rose, Tor and Viva. Rose is off to India to marry, Tor is to be her bridesmaid but is hoping for romance herself, and Viva is employed to act as their chaperone. The book is about their relationship with one another, with the men who cross their paths and with the society in which they find themselves living. Its a story that draws you in, throws up one or two unexpected twists and which draws a colourful picture of India at this point in her history.

                Great reading. thoroughly recommended.

Liz Hunter

Vicars tale             

                A new vicar came to town. He went out one day to visit his parishioners. All went well until he came to this one house. It was obvious that someone was at home, but no one came to the door even after he had knocked several times. Finally he took out his card and wrote on the back: Revelation 3:20 and stuck it on the back of the door. (Revelation 3:20 says: Behold, I stand at the door and knock, if any man hear my voice and open the door I will come in to him and I will dine with him and he with me.)

                Later in the week, as he was counting the offering he found his card in the collection plate. Below his message was the notation: Genesis 3:10. (Genesis 3:10 says: And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden and was afraid, because I was naked. So I hid myself.)

from SHMC magazine

Coffee mornings at Georgetown

                When she retired from her role as lunchtime assistant at St. Lukes School in July 2007, Joyce Noel had the vision of holding a regular drop-in coffee morning on Thursdays from 10 to 12. Each month a special charity is chosen for donations and there is a small stall. A wide range of people call in and find a friendly welcome and enjoy Joyces delicious cakes. In the year to September 2008, 2183.75 has been raised but more importantly more links have been built with people in the neighbourhood.

John Le Cornu

                We are sorry to record the death of John on Tuesday, December 9th at the General Hospital. He had only recently left his home at Avalon for Silver Springs Nursing Home. John has in recent years been a stalwart member of Samares Church, while before that he was a member at Wesley Grove. He was an enthusiastic supporter of the Bible Society and of Christian Aid, whom he served as Treasurer for a number of years. These two organisations were chosen by his family for donations in lieu of flowers.

                There was a family funeral at Samares on December 19th and a public service of Thanksgiving to celebrate his life at St. Helier Methodist Centre on Sunday, December 28th. A fuller tribute to John will be printed later.

Exciting times in the West

                The first four months of my ministry in Jersey have disappeared in a blur. Being launched into Harvest Festivals almost immediately and Church Councils following close on their heels meant a challenging time of getting to know the interesting idiosyncrasies of Jersey Methodism. Advent, with its anticipation and preparation and Christmas with the wonderful celebrations of Candlelit Carols and Christmas Day worship brought the joys of sharing together the Wonder of God Immanuel and seeking to allow Christ to be Born in us.

                And now exciting things are ahead. A Christianity Explored course will commence Tuesday 24 February at The Mermaid, St. Peter and will conclude shortly after Easter further details from Christine Legge. This is a stimulating and exciting course which uses the Gospel of Mark to discover the truth of Jesus Christ and enables participants to make their own exploration and (hopefully) commitment of faith. It is hoped that Bethlehem will again be involved in another Island-wide Alpha Course.

                There are early plans for joint Section activities with Worship, Witnessing and Walks being the focus. Using social events and worship to encourage our congregations and enable family and friends together and get involved too.

                At St. Marys the Rector, Rev. Bob Naylor and I work well together We led a United Remembrance Service and we lead Assembly on alternate weeks at the school. They also have the Open The Book team taking assemblies fortnightly. A different Open the Book team takes Assemblies at St. Peters and Les Landes schools. These are wonderful opportunities to enable people, young and old, to hear the Message of Gods love for them more members of the teams are always welcome.

                The bicentenary celebrations at St. Ouens will soon be underway, culminating with a service in December, each month social events and worship events will take place to give thanks and celebrate the 200 years of mission and service which have taken place and to build ourselves up for the future work. We hope that work on Chapel Cottage will be able to start soon and, when completed, will enable other hopes and dreams to come to fruition.

Christine Legge

A new person given a note to preach

Jo, Steve and Freya Spybey

                I have recently requested to be put on note as a Local Preacher and as a result I have been asked to write a short extract about myself. I was lucky enough to be raised in a Christian family, the Quenaults, and have attended Bethesda since I was a baby. The first time I can remember making a commitment to God was in a kids' club at Easter People and I have recommitted my life many times since. I became a member of Bethesda aged around 13. Although I have lived away from the Island and attended other Churches, Bethesda will always be my Church home.

                I felt the call to become a Local Preacher at University and God has reinforced this call a number of times since, including through Derek Poole. My husband Steve and I have recently been blessed with our daughter Freya and although I have my hands full, I feel that now is the right time to start this venture. I will be going back to work part-time for three days a week. I am pleased to have the support of the circuit and John Perkins as I begin my training. I feel nervous about the responsibility of becoming a Local Preacher but I know that God has supported me so far throughout my life and will continue to do so on this new path.

Jo Spybey

Live simply - a Catholic initiative

                The work of the Livesimply network was celebrated in Manchester in March with a day-long gathering of sixth formers and a separate adult event which brought together around 900 people in all. A number of high-profile speakers gave talks and led debates on faith issues and climate change during the two days, which also featured liturgies, live music and drama.

                Livesimply is a network of 60 Catholic organisations and ecumenical partners including CAFOD, Progressio, Pax Christi and the National Justice and Peace Network - which calls on people in the UK to live simply, sustainably and in solidarity with those living in poverty. Most were represented in Manchester, and the event was also well supported by Catholic bishops, including Bishop Crispian Hollis of Portsmouth.

                On Saturday the Anglican Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, gave the keynote speech during which he told the audience to think about the way they lead their lives, putting the emphasis on sharing with others. "God has graciously given everything on earth that we might share it with others" he said; "What I'm talking about is an attitude to life".

                Fr Jim O'Keefe, a Newcastle pries who chairs the Livesimply network, called for participants to continue to identify those forces which destroy balance and harmony in the world. He suggested we seek ways to learn more from other parts of the world.

                Catholic environmentalist Mary Colwell, who works for the BBC Natural History Unit in Bristol, suggested Christians need to recover their intimate relationship with the natural world and develop a religious system which supports this. "Some of my colleagues see the rise of large-scale religion as part of the problem" she said; "who cares about molluscs when we have our eyes on heaven!" Pat Gaffney, General Secretary of Pax Christi, felt society should move away from seeing security in a purely militaristic way, and spend resources on protecting life, whether vulnerable humans or damaged ecosystems.

                Sixth-form students from around the country had the opportunity to work out the size of their carbon footprint in a climate change gym, watch an eco-friendly fashion show and find out how to lobby their MP about climate change. They pledged to become local leaders and share the messages they had learnt with fellow students at their schools and colleges. Stephanie Clieve, aged 17, from Carmel College in St Helens, said: "Today has been so informative because you always think: 'I can't make a difference, I'm just one person' but, actually, today I have thought: 'I can do something'."

                CAFOD director, Chris Bain, said: "Many people came wanting to share their experiences of the Livesimply challenge and they have been rewarded with an amazing, inspiring and energising two days. They have realised through Livesimply that they need to look at how they live their lives in the future, in a world of poverty and potential climactic disaster."

                Livesimply was set up to mark the 40th anniversary of Pope John Paul VI's encyclical, Populorum Progressio. To find out more visit www.livesimply.org.uk.          

Report by Ellen Teague

A similar initiative can be seen at the following address; http://www.livinglightly24-1.org.uk/

This is run by the international Christian organisation A Rocha

 Christian Aid, Oxfam, MRDF and many other agencies are also making the same point. See Operation Noah. in this issue.

A prayer in the face of Climate Change

Jesus Christ, tempted to turn stones to bread

in the wilderness:

teach us that when we change time

for our convenience:

night to day in our living,

patience to speed in our journeying,

winter to summer in our eating,

we change God's calendar which brings

the hatchling to the caterpillar,

the bee to the nectar,

the rains to the farmer;

to the one which brings you to the cross.

Give us grace in our simplest actions

to choose the life which breathes

in the beautiful complexity of creation,

to conquer death,

and to fit us to be Easter people. Amen

Jersey Womens Network

The Year of the Child

Saturday 10.0 12.00

31st January 2009

at Ebenezer Methodist Church Hall

Please make a note in your diary for our next very interesting event, based on the Year of the Child, when we shall be looking at care of our children in Jersey.

To introduce the subject and give information on his experience we are very pleased to have Ian Le Marquand. This will be followed by our own Youth Worker Liz Lambotte on Children and Spirituality and then to give us information on helping families and promoting a balanced family life and what we can do to help is Fiona Vacher Director of Child Care Trust.

Barbara Coote

District Womens Network President

An Invitation to Life in Reel Time

Coming again to St. Aubin Methodist Church Hall

When? Commencing Tuesday 10th March for four weeks. Refreshments @19.30

Reel Time film and discussion @ 20.00

Whats it all about? A different contemporary film will be used each week. Clips from the film will make real life connections between the stories and values portrayed and the Bible. The aim s to discuss lifes big issues - love, power, sex, money, trust and faith in an informal atmosphere. 

For further information contact Mrs Barbara Coote 743933 or e-mail Barbara@cooteonline.com

Visit of Rev. Dr. Mike Bossingham of the Family Friendly Churches Trust

Provisional programme, all at SHMC

Fri. March 6th 7.30 to 9.30 Effective use of technology

Sat. March 7th, Morning workshops

Principles of Family Friendly Worship (1 hour) and Trends in worship (2 hours)

Bring and share lunch

Afternoon Worship workshop and / or All age worship ideas explosion including preparation for the Sunday worship

Sun. March 8th Worship at 10.30 as prepared on Saturday.

Jersey Methodist Circuit

Training for pastoral visitors and all who offer care in the church and community

Encircled in Care

is a resource provided by the Methodist Church. 3 Sessions will be held at

St Aubin Methodist Church

May 6th Children, Young People and Pastoral Care

May 13th Across the generations

May 20th Loss and Bereavement 

Refreshments from 7.30

Session 8 pm - 9.30pm Led by Rev David Coote

To attend please contact Jill Corbin Tel 728900

Circuit.office@jerseymail.co.uk

Friday, February 13th

Circuit Quiz challenge

Teams of 4 or more from churches round the circuit are invited to a quiz at Georgetown Methodist Church at 7.30. Entry fee of £5 per person to raise funds for work among AIDs orphans in Kenya Also up to date information on progress of the project in Kisumu run by OGRA Foundation and supported here by WASOT-UK.

Entries to Ed Le Quesne, 730131.

Kisumu, on Lake Victoria, has become a focus of world interest recently as Barack Obamas father came from a village about 30 miles away and his grandmother still lives there!

 All contributions for the 83rd issue and offers of help by March 21st, to: Ed(itor), 16, Millais Park, St. Helier, JE2 4RU. or to edleq@jerseymail.co.uk Also see the website www.ci-methodist.org.uk