1 cheltenham united reformed church in touch may 2013 2013.pdf · welcome to in touch – the...
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Welcome to In Touch – the magazine of Cheltenham United Reformed
Church.
Cheltenham United Reformed Church is a joint Pastorate of the
3 United Reformed Churches in Cheltenham. This means that they share
a Minister – Revd Maz Allen – and indeed they work very closely
together in all respects. New readers, who may also be new to the area,
can be assured of a warm welcome at all 3 Churches:-
St Andrew’s United Reformed Church is situated in Cheltenham town
centre. It is a former Presbyterian Church built in 1885. Recent
renovations have retained its essential character whilst at the same time
delivering an impressive facility meeting the needs of the 21st Century.
Current membership is around the 100 mark.
Prestbury United Reformed Church serves the village of Prestbury to
the north of Cheltenham. It is a former Congregational Chapel built in
1866. Current membership is around the 20 mark. Services are normally
held at Prestbury on only the 1st, 3rd and 4th Sundays of each month.
The Church in Warden Hill is a Local Ecumenical Partnership (LEP)
between the Anglican and URC communities serving the large residential
districts of Hatherley and Warden Hill to the south of Cheltenham.
Sunday morning services currently alternate between St Christopher’s and
the URC Centre with a typical congregation of 85. Ministry is shared
between the URC Minister (Revd Maz Allen) and members of the
Anglican South Cheltenham Team Ministry of whom the Revd Jacqui
Hyde has particular responsibility for The Church in Warden Hill. The
Church in Warden Hill has its own church magazine – The Lantern – but
its activities and events are also publicised in this In Touch magazine.
The website of the Cheltenham United Reformed Church
(www.urcic.org.uk) and the website of The Church in Warden Hill
(www.tciwh.org.uk) are further sources of information about the
churches.
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Dear Friends,
As the investigation into the Boston bombings continues, there will be
many dazed, frightened, angry and grieving people wondering what the
future holds. Those who have been badly injured are, in effect, beginning
life again, adjusting to disability. For the bereaved there will be a vacuum
– a void – where once there was love.
For the first disciples there must have been similar feelings of standing on
the brink of the unknown. Although they had rejoiced in knowing that
Jesus had risen from the dead he was not physically with them. They were
all on their own. Or so they must have thought.
The revelation at Pentecost that they were being given the strength to
overcome fear and doubt and to witness to the power of God through the
love of Jesus Christ must have been an extraordinarily liberating moment.
How marvellous to be given the gift of the Holy Spirit! We read the story
as if it could only happen to those worthy first disciples. Yet of course we
know that the flame of committed faith has touched generation after
generation and that He now resides in us. We DO know that, right? We
DO know that each of us possesses the Holy Spirit, don’t we?
I pray that the Boston survivors will keep the flame burning brightly
within, not only to assist in healing but also to declare a victory over evil.
The blessing of God,
Father,
Son
AND Holy Spirit
Be with us all.
Amen. Maz
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CHELTENHAM UNITED REFORMED CHURCH
Our prayers: we hold in our prayers those for whom we are concerned:
Celia Hodges, Sandy Heaven, Jeane Combes, Alan Brown, Harriet
Wright..
Baptisms
Congratulations to the relatives and family of Mr and Mrs Whitehurst
whose daughter Molly Whitehurst was baptised at St Andrew’s on Sunday
21st April.
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Letters….
Seminar at St Matthew’s
On Sunday 5th May at St Matthew’s at 2.30pm, there is an afternoon's
seminar with Revd. Dave Bookless, author and co-founder of A Rocha
UK on the subject of 'Eco-Congregation'. You are all warmly invited.
Please let anyone know who you think may be interested.
Lynda McKeown
Kay’s Bookshop—Ann Standring
I recently bought a book from Kay’s Bookshop at St Andrew’s, and
thought I would like to share it with you.
‘Once Blind’ by Kay Marshall Strom – The life of John Newton.
The story starts with his early troubled childhood, His father was a naval
Captain and was away from home frequently. John eventually joined the
Navy but became a blasphemous troublemaker and no captain wanted him
on their ship disrupting the crew. He was eventually traded on a slave
ship. In the synopsis of the book it says ‘God pursued John Newton with
relentless love and amazing grace.’. John Newton himself testified his
transformation after reaching rock bottom in his life and in the writing of
‘Amazing Grace’.
He and his friend William Wilberforce worked tirelessly for the abolition
of the African Slave Trade.
A well known story I am sure but I found it a compelling story and wasn’t
satisfied until I had finished the book.
By the way there are still copies on Kay’s Bookshelves!
Ann
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Wednesday Women
Bob Alger is the speaker at Wednesday Women on 1st
May. The illustrated talk will be on his recent trip to
Kenya.
The June meeting will be our reading group night. The
book to be discussed is ‘A Street Cat Named Bob’ by
James Bowen.
The meetings start with refreshments at 7 15pm. All are welcome.
Elspet Carter
Over 35 years of Volunteering
Sandra Jeans, wife of Tony Jeans, has been a volunteer for the
Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust for over 35 years. She has undertaken a
range of work from being a Secretary and Archivist to a nature reserve
management committee, to being editor of 'Wildlife News' for some 14
years. Recently her work was honoured by the Trust at its AGM when she
received the Armstrong Award for her volunteering. This was awarded
particularly for her most recent work on Wikipedia for Gloucestershire's
nature reserves and Sites of Special Scientific Interest. She has a guest
blog available on the Trust web site in which she talks about this work.
http://www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk/blog/
community/2013/03/13/wiki-ed-volunteer
Sandra
Christian Aid Week :12th to 18th May 2013
Volunteer to be a collector
Please consider volunteering to be a collector this year – the URC in Cheltenham
collects in several different areas and we can arrange for you to collect in your
own neighbourhood if you prefer. Please contact Andrew Veal (Cheltenham
515797) if you can spare a few hours in CA Week.
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C4 CHILDREN’S CHOIR begin rehearsals for the comedy musical Porridge on
Friday 26th April, 6pm – 7pm Prestbury URC.
Please encourage children/grandchildren to come along.
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What Sort of Music Attracts Spies
Do you ever shout at your television, even throw things at it; at that
mumbling actor, or that pretentious expert, or that blind and biased
football referee? Or is it that intrusive background music - you know, the
sort of noise that even a moggy out on the tiles would be ashamed of - that
interferes with your enjoyment of some big scene? Ah yes, background
music: by turns complementing, inspiring, maddening. What about film
music then? It’s always been there, and to be honest sometimes it’s more
memorable than the film. Well, the Tuesday Forum - see, I get you there
in the end - is looking forward to a treat on 14th May with Peter Meason
and “British Film Music of the Golden Age”. Get ready for a dose of
harmonious nostalgia. Talking of the cinema, have you ever wondered
who is sitting next to you? It could be a sleeper or a mole. That ordinary
looking cove noisily crunching his popcorn could be a secret agent, that
amorous couple in the back row could be exchanging secrets. Could all
be spies, but how would we know? Ann Grant might offer some help
here with her talk on “Spycraft” on 28th May. Secrets will be exposed!
We just need to keep a watch out for gatecrashers - spies, double agents
and the like (disguised as nuns or vicars or itinerant bishops maybe, you
never know!) picking up a few hints. But be warned, if Ann should
accidentally give too much away it may be necessary to eat you
afterwards. Oh yes! - we’ve got a bring-and-share tea as well. How can
you stay away!? Answers on a postcard please to - - - oh never mind!
What a marvellous way to finish the current season before the long hot
summer sets in (you heard it here first!).
The Forum’s most recent adventures have been with Geoff
Harmsworth, whose six month tour as a young RAF flyer at a
maintenance base revealed what some RAF flyers got up to when they
weren’t flying, and with Peter Roberts, who gave us a graphic account of
what happens when birds and aircraft come into abrupt contact.
The Forum meets at 2.30pm in the Garden Room at St Andrew’s
URC. See you there then on the 14th and/or 28th May: and don’t forget
the June 11th outing to Bourton House: Ian and Joan Thomson have all
the details.
Keith Norcott
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Cheltenham United Reformed Church
United Pastorate Service
on
Sunday 12th May
at St Christopher’s Church
at 10.30am
Please come along and celebrate our Unity
There will be no services at Prestbury or St Andrew’s on
this day
Ascension Day Service - Thursday May 9th.
There is going to be an Ascension Day Service at 8.00pm with our Town
Centre Ecumenical Cluster Group on the top of Leckhampton Hill. There
is a car park at the top for those who do not want to climb the hill and a
more energetic group meeting at Daisy Bank at 7.15pm for those that
want to walk up. See Kay Boulton for more information.
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The Lies We Tell Ourselves:
Ending Comfortable Myths About Poverty
“Churches have a special interest in speaking truthfully about poverty.
The systematic misrepresentation of the poorest in society is a matter of
injustice which all Christians have a responsibility to challenge.”
1. ‘They’ are lazy and don’t want to work
Child poverty is most commonly blamed, by churchgoers and the general
public alike, on “their parents not wanting to work”. Yet the majority of
children in poverty are from working households. In-work poverty is now
more common than out-of-work poverty.
2. ‘They’ are addicted to drink and drugs
Churchgoers and the wider public cite addiction as the second most
common cause of child poverty. While addiction is devastating for the
families and communities touched by it, fewer than 4% of benefit
claimants report any form of addiction.
3. ‘They’ are not really poor – they just don’t manage their money
properly
Nearly 60% of the UK population believes that the poor could cope if
only they handled their money properly. The experience of living on a low
income is one of constant struggle to manage limited resources, with
small events having serious consequences. Statistics show that the poorest
spend their money carefully, limiting themselves to the essentials.
4. `They’ are on the fiddle
Over 80% of the UK population believe that “large numbers falsely claim
benefits”. Benefit fraud has decreased to historically low levels - the kind
of levels that the tax system can only dream of. Less than 0.9% of the
welfare budget is lost to fraud.
5. ‘They’ have an easy life
Over half the British public believes benefits are too high. Government
ministers speak of families opting for benefits as a lifestyle choice. Yet we
know that benefits do not meet minimum income standards. They have
halved in value relative to average incomes over the last 30 years. We
know the ill and the unemployed are the people least satisfied and happy
with life.
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6. ‘They’ caused the deficit
The proportion of our tax bills spent on welfare has
remained stable for the last 20 years. It is ridiculous to
argue, as some have, that increasing welfare spending is
responsible for the current deficit. Public debt is a problem
but why is it being laid at the feet of the poorest?
Read the new report from the Baptist Union, the Methodist Church,
the United Reformed Church and the Church of Scotland and find
more resources at www.jointpublicissues.org.uk/truthandlies
Cheltenham United Reformed Church
Open Church Council Meeting
On
Thursday 23 May at 7.30pm
At the Church in Warden Hill
United Reformed Church Centre
This is your opportunity to come along and
discuss the future of the CURC as we no
longer have a united AGM
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Reading Group
The next meeting of the Reading Group will take place at
7.30pm on Wednesday 22nd May at Prestbury URC,
Cheltenham. The novel we are reading and discussing next will
be ‘The Women in White’, a novel published in 1859 which is
generally considered to be the first ever mystery novel. It set new
standards of suspense and excitement and at the time outsold the works of
Charles Dickens, who was Wilkie Collin's friend and mentor.
New members and/or past members would be most welcome. For any
further information contact Mary Cummings
Knit and Chat Group - More information from Donna
Sutherland
The next meeting is on Thursday 16th May at St
Andrew’s at 1.00pm.
BIRTHDAY TEA AT THE MANSE
for April, May, June birthdays
SATURDAY 25TH MAY
3.30pm – 5pm
Please note amended time
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‘THE LIGHT GROUP’
will meet at St Andrew’s on Tuesday 7th and
21st of May from 12.15pm – 1.15pm.
Everyone is very welcome to come along.
Do bring your lunch if you would like to.
Coffee and tea will be available.
We are going to be looking at Philippians.
Any questions please contact:
Kay 01242 222005
Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
Psalm: 119:105
The Footsloggers walking group with a walk around the Sapperton area during April
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CHELTENHAM OPERA SOCIETY
ENGLISH TOURING OPERA
RECITAL
Thursday 2 May 2013
12.00 to 1.15 pm
St Andrew’s Church, Montpellier Street, Cheltenham
Charne Rochford Tenor Cozmin Sime Baritone
Carlos del Cueto Piano
Arias and duets for tenor and baritone
They will also talk about their careers and answer questions
Tickets £8 from the Tourist Information Office
77 The Promenade, Cheltenham (01242 522878)
or at the door
Tea and coffee will be served from 11.30 am
Light lunches will be available after the recital
www.cheltenhamoperasociety.org.uk
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Footsloggers:
Friday 17th May Footsloggers Walking Group.
Details of the walk to be led
by George and Marcia, are to
be found on Church Notice
Boards nearer the time.
The Quiz held on 23rd March at St Andrew’s in aid of Church
Funds
Thank you to all who turned out on a very, very cold evening. Everyone
seemed to enjoy themselves as there was much laughter, especially
among the Warden Hill team (who won). We especially appreciated the
help of the group who helped tidy up at the end of the evening, thank
you. The grand amount of money taken for the church was £111. Watch
this space there will be another quiz happening in the future. Thank you
all again, Lyn and Peter Ricketts
Smoke Alarms
The fire service offers free home safety check and fits smoke alarms free
of charge. To nominate someone, with their permission, or yourself,
contact 0800 180 4140. It really could save a life.
Insurance
Before your insurance is due, be it for house or car insurance it may be
worth you checking different sites on the computer, if you cannot do it
or do not have a computer do ask a friend. We had been with our
insurance for many, many years and naively thought they were taking
care of us. We decided to check ourselves and saved nearly £1,000.
Don't be a naive as we were. Lyn and Peter
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Safe At Home, Gloucestershire works in partnership with the County
Council and local authorities together with NHS Gloucestershire. We
provide a vital service that helps older or vulnerable people and people with
disabilities to remain living in their homes by ensuring they are in good
repair and adapted for their needs.
Our services include: information, signposting and practical help with
housing repairs, improvements; renovations and adaptations which support
independent living at home; small repairs service for minor adaptations to
help people to live more safely.
We also offer confidential advice, and support –
advice on housing options and helping you decide which is best for
you
advice and information about grants and benefits and funding for
works
Help accessing other local support services
On your behalf we can manage any works carried out in your home, for
example drawing up plans, obtaining estimates and liaising with
contractors, council grant officers and occupational therapists.
To request a free home visit, or to talk to any member of our team, call us
on FREEPHONE 0800 0323139.
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Emails….
On Saturday 6th April: The Scottish Society Highland Dancers
“Dancing Through Life” at Balcarras School at 6pm
Congratulations to Laura Stagg for creating a memorable event,
celebrating the work of the Highland Dancers who meet each Saturday at
St Andrew’s and especially the leadership of Pat, leader and trainer for
many years
This was an excellent programme showing how a dancer’s skills are
developed. The commentary was illuminating and entertaining and the
dancing varied and exciting. The participation of dancers of all ages was
most impressive.
The “cabaret” style with audience sat at tables and with refreshments
available at the end made for a relaxed and informal evening.
It was good to see the awards of certificates to dancers who had been
successful in the various examinations with Douglas MacGregor as
Society President making the presentation.
Laura carried a huge load in production, training, choreography, writing
and presentation and she can be very proud of the outcome. I know she
appreciated the support of her family and friends, especially from her
mum, Alison.
If the Highland Dancers decide to make this an annual event, get it in your
diary!
Tony Jeans
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Pensioners’ Forum
at
St Andrew’s United Reformed Church (near Queen’s Hotel)
Programme for 2013
Meets on the 1st Wednesday of the Month
You are invited to the following Talks 11am – 12 noon
Wednesday 1 May Ovarian Cancer
Maggie Morris & Jeni Craig
Wednesday 5 June Victim Support
Christine Nicholson
Wednesday 3 July Which Hearing Aid?
Hidden Hearing
FREE ENTRY – ALL ARE WELCOME
Coffee Bar open from 10.00am – 12 noon
Coffee/Tea 50p
www.urcic.org.uk
Thought for the day:
If you see someone without a smile,
give one of yours.
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Pensioner's Forum
At the Pensioner's Forum at St Andrew’s which took place on April 3rd,
we were told about "The Gloucestershire Villages and Community
Agents". Cheltenham agent Amanda Wragg, described how the service
worked; agents provide a free service to the over fifties by providing
direct help with a variety of problems or referral to an appropriate agency.
So far any problem that may arise you can contact Amanda on
07534064181 or her colleague Caroline Sharp on 07534064163. They
also cover the Shurdington area and would offer advice on where to get
help for those in other areas. Further information is available on
www.villageagents.org.uk.
Perhaps due to the freezing cold weather or continuing Easter holidays,
only a very small number turned up for this event, which was a pity as the
talk was very informative and interesting raising many important issues.
Ann Lewis has organised plenty of future events on the first Wednesday
of each month. Please tell your friends about these mornings as we are
sure you will find them friendly and informative. Come in for a hot drink
and biscuit from 10.00am.
Lyn and Peter Ricketts (standing in temporarily for Ann Lewis)
Pensioners’ Forum – Wednesday 1st May – Ovarian Cancer
This month we have two health professionals Maggie Morris and Jeni
Craig, coming to give us a presentation on Ovarian Cancer.
Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer in women in the UK.
It usually affects women who have reached their menopause – about
85% of women diagnosed are over the age of 50, though it can occur
in younger women.
Most women with ovarian cancer are treated with a combination of
surgery and chemotherapy.
So don’t bury your head in the sand, come along find out the truth.
As usual the coffee bar will be open from 10.00am and the talk will begin
at 11.00am. Please invite your friends and neighbours.
Ann Lewis
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Community film show dates in Warden Hill, the dates in Brackets are
Tony’s Classic Film Shows:
May 11 - (18), June 15 - (22).
Classic Film Show
The screenings will be one a month from January to June on a Saturday
afternoon, fitted around Community Film. We will be at the Warden Hill
URC Centre, showing at 2.15pm with the doors open at 2.00pm.
Classic Films Listings: Saturday afternoon in Warden Hill URC
Centre at 2.15pm (doors open at 2)
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Plus Another Classic Film Extra on Tuesday 4th June 2013 at St
Andrew’s at 7pm
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St Andrew’s News:
St Andrew’s Charity for May - The Westminster College Appeal
We can do no better than repeat this short edited update from the appeal
convenor, Brian Long.
The building works necessary to carry out our project will occupy about
14 months, during which the College must continue to operate. So the
only practicable time to start work is during the long summer vacation,
beginning at the end of June. Accordingly, we have been hoping to begin
work in June 2013, in order to avoid the higher costs that would be
entailed were we to delay for a further year. The sum raised to date (5th
April) by the appeal is £6,704,562: so we are close to our £7,000,000
target; but we are not yet there and it would be irresponsible to commit to
expenditure that we could not meet. The College Governors have
therefore agreed to sell certain property not forming part of the College, to
a value sufficient to cover the current shortfall, although we shall continue
our efforts to raise that money through the appeal, in order to replenish the
reserves represented by the property.
During February we presented an up-dated business plan to the Finance
Committee of the United Reformed Church, and consulted the United
Reformed Church Trust, which owns the freehold of our site. The Finance
Committee approved the business plan, and the URC Trust authorised the
Governors to proceed with the project. Accordingly, on 18th March the
Governors delegated two of their number to sign a building contract and
that is likely to happen later this month (April), leading to construction
work beginning on 24th June. In short, we have secured the funds
necessary to fund the project, preparations are in hand to start work in
June and we expect the work to be complete by August 2014.
Our annual Open Day will be held on Saturday, 25th October 2014: I
invite you to put the date in your diary, for we hope that St Andrew’s,
Cheltenham (and all those other churches who have supported the appeal)
will be represented here on that day.
Brain Long
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Eco Church
Freecycle: Have you any useful items you no longer need that might be of
use to someone else - please let Ann Lewis know with full details of the
item and please leave your telephone number so we can get back to you.
A Yogurt Maker and Coffee Maker - Electrical, (2 items). Carol
Drummond - E-mail: [email protected]
Gents Bicycle and Office Supplies (folders & guides) (free of
charge). Phone Tony Jeans
Baby Belling Cooker 120RMk6 - 2 rings, grill and oven. Phone
Avril Haseler
Electric Trouser Press - Phone Avril Haseler
Wanted
The laptop at St Andrew's is now very old and we are seeking a
replacement. Has anyone bought a new laptop recently and would like to
donate their old laptop to the Church. We need one with 4GB of memory.
Please contact Ann Lewis if you can help.
Ann Lewis
Herbs for the garden
Over the next few weeks, Marcus Dann will be helping us create an area
for herbs in the church grounds. Herbs have many uses – culinary,
medicinal and cosmetic and have a long history . We hope the addition of
some herbs will provide an attractive feature which not only looks good
but can be tactile and fragrant. Once we have the patch ready, we will be
looking for cuttings and plants to help us get started e.g. basil, chives,
mint, rosemary. So if you have anything you can spare, please put aside
and we will let you know when we're ready to start planting.
Carol Drummond
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*****************************************
Prestbury News:
Coffee Morning – Saturday 4th May 10.30am to 12.00noon
Please join us for our monthly coffee morning at the Church on Saturday
4th May from 10.30am to 12.00noon. There will also be the usual mix of
teas, coffees, cakes & good company!
It would be great to continue to see the familiar faces but also to see some
new ones.
Spring Fayre / Coffee Morning – Saturday 1st June 10.30am –
12.30pm
Please do join us for our annual Spring Fayre – there will be cakes and
refreshments, a tombola and a raffle with books, jewellery, plants, cards,
and much more for sale.
‘JUMP4JOY’
at St Andrew’s URC
Sunday 19th May 2013
Informal Short Service for all the family at 9.30am to 10.00am
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Easter at Prestbury
Prestbury URC celebrated Easter by again hosting the village Parish
Cross. Several years ago the Bishop of Gloucester suggested that as a
Christmas Tree was the universal symbol of Christmas then churches
might display the universal symbol of Easter – the Cross.
In Prestbury, the URC is on the main road through the village and the
most prominent church and so it was decided that we should host the
Cross. One of our members, Mike Aldridge, made it to attach to the
Church railings so that there was no chance of it being blown over or
removed. On Palm Sundays we lash large palms to it and on Good Friday
they are replaced by a Crown of
Thorns and a blood-red
winding sheet. One of the
ladies from the Parish Church
(Dee Graham) makes the circle
of spring flowers which is put
on the Cross on Easter Sunday
to represent the Resurrection.
Throughout the two weeks the
Cross is also floodlit in the evenings making a bold statement to the
public.
This year the Bishop joined in the Palm Sunday procession between the
two C of E Churches and as the procession passed the URC, he and the
Rector, Revd Canon Michael Cozens, came up the path to the URC to be
met by Maz and members of our congregation. He then led members of
the three congregations in a short hymn and a prayer and blessed the
Cross. On such a special occasion it was fortunate that the main road was
temporarily closed for nearby road works and so the procession could halt
in the road in total safety!
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The Church in Warden Hill News:
St. Christopher’s Gardening Club meeting, Thursday 28th March
2013
Our spring show took place with 20 members in attendance (numbers
were down due to church commitments) and a surprisingly good number
of entries considering the cold weather.
….
Floral arrangement Spring Flowers
1. Margaret Scott 1. Margaret Scott
2. Angela Ford 2. Pauline Butler
3. Jacqui Ackhurst 3. Mavis Tickell
Five Mixed Daffodils The Daffodils the same variety
1. Angela Charman 1. John Ford
2. Margaret Scott 2. Jacqui Ackhurst
3. John Ford 3. Angela Charman
Potted Plant
1. Dorothy Baker
2. June Knight
3. Mavis Tickell
4. Margaret Scott
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Notices
The club trip will be to Bowood House on Friday June 28th.
The overall cost will be £33.50, £8.50 for the coach and £25 for a private
tour of the gardens and a two course lunch.
The coach will leave St. Christopher’s at 09:30am and return at 18:00pm
(6pm).
Please contact Barbara for further details.
Two other gardens were mentioned by members as possibly being of
interest:
Mill Dene, near Blockley, is an RHS recommended garden.
Ashton-under-Hill in Worcestershire runs open gardens day with the next
events scheduled for the 8th/9th June with over 20 gardens likely to be
opened in the village over the two days.
Duncan Combs entertains us on May 30th with the “Magic of the Flowers”
in Yunnan, China.
Frank Massoon (plant hunter) in the Cape is the subject of a talk by Jan
Broadway for the June meeting on the 27th.
Shaun Colvin
Community Film Show -Is it a film or not?
You may have noticed recently that we have taken the name of the film to
be shown at the URC centre off the posters outside the building. This is
because the law says that we can publicise the films name on inside
posters, in ‘In Touch’, in ‘The Lantern’ and on our Sunday handouts but
not where the general public can see the name from outside the
premises. Sorry about this but the law is the law! I will aim to have small
flyers available at the shows naming the next show.
The next Community Film Show is on 11th May and the film will be
‘Brave’ - it is cert. PG, 2.30pm start.
The following film is Quartet (12) and will be shown on 15th June.
Hope to see you then.
Brian Miles
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St Christopher’s Senior Club
On the 20th February, Mike Stratford reminded us of the olden days of the
Great Western Railway. Parliamentary approval was given on the 31st
August 1835 to Isambard Kingdom Brunel to construct a broad gauge
railway from London to Bristol, the estimated cost being about £2 million.
However, the final cost amounted to £8 million. In 1892, this type of
gauge was abandoned and the narrow gauge designed by Stephenson took
its place. Brunel was only 27 when he designed this railway line and he
died aged 53 from overwork. The presentation was extremely informative.
We learnt that the Swindon Railway Works by 1920 employed 14,000
workers; the last steam engine called “The Evening Star”, was built there
in 1960 and the works closed on the 27th March 1986. The site is now the
Great Western Retail Outlet Shopping Centre.
In 1981 a group of volunteers started to rebuild the Gloucestershire and
Warwickshire rail line. To date 12 miles have been reopened from the
Racecourse station to Laverton and they eventually hope the line will
reach Broadway. Over 400 volunteers work from Toddington Station. In
2011 part of the embankment collapsed and an appeal was set up. In only
two years one million pounds was raised.
Fr Brian Torode treated us on the 27th February to a delightful,
informative and interesting talk with slides on the Holy Wells of
Gloucestershire and beyond. Long ago people worshipped pagan Gods.
One of these was the God of water, as they believed water to have healing
properties as well as being essential to life. Eventually when Christianity
arrived, people worshipped God at these shrines and wells, naming some
of them after a favourite Saint. We saw numerous Wells, including ones at
Painswick, Stroud, the Forest of Dean, Glastonbury and St. Kenelm’s at
Winchcombe. Some wells had carvings; others were behind railings as
they had been sadly ill treated by the public. Some villages however still
hold decorating ceremonies where flowers are brought and prayers said.
The village of Bisley in the Cotswolds holds such a ceremony every
Ascension day at 2 pm.
Bingo was enjoyed on March 6th. The following Wednesday the Wide
Valley Singers came to entertain us. We always look forward to musical
afternoons. They started their programme with “Chitty Chitty Bang
Bang”, followed by “Dream, Dream, Dream”. Next from a book entitled
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“Senior Jokes” we heard a hilarious reading about two elderly ladies and
their driving. The tempo changed dramatically and we listened to “Jesu
Joy of Man’s Desiring” by J. S. Bach. Our turn came next and we joined
the choir to sing [very enthusiastically] “Swing Low Sweet Chariots” and
“Down by the Riverside”. Music from Oliver followed, “Food glorious
Food” and “Consider yourself at home”. Songs from musicals are always
popular. A soothing Welsh Lullaby followed, the English title being
“Sleep my dear One”. All too soon, the last two songs were sung, “Look
at the World” by my favourite choral composer John Rutter and the
choir’s signature tune “Mr Blue Sky”.
Sam Quinson from the Gloucestershire Deaf Association visited us on the
20th March. She showed us many helpful gadgets, including telephones,
flashing doorbells, an alarm clock that has a pad that is placed under your
pillow which vibrates when the alarm rings! We viewed a TV listener that
plugs into the TV, with either a neck loop or head set. These are just a few
of the many interesting articles she showed us. Sam also spoke about
hearing aids saying that they should be checked every few months. She
holds clinics to help people who cannot do this for themselves. We were
told it often takes several weeks to get used to a new hearing aid, only
wear it for about 10 minutes at first, gradually building up to all day. Sam
explained that hard of hearing people can feel very isolated and lonely.
She then answered many interesting questions from the members,
explaining that many of us don’t realise our hearing deteriorates as we get
older.
Do join us for interesting talks, refreshments and friendship every
Wednesday afternoon at 2-15 pm.
Sheila Parry
St. Christopher’s Senior Club Programme
for May 2013 at 2.15pm
Date Subject Speaker
1 May Bingo
8 May Songs & Monologues Barry Woods
15 May Uncle Ron? Ian Thomson
22 May Humour in the Church John Beardsley
29 May Bletchley Park Mike Stratford
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Administration:
For many months now, the In Touch and other interesting articles are
made available for you to read on the church website:
www.urcic.org.uk, thankfully uploaded each month by our webmaster,
Fiona Hall.
Should you wish not to receive your paper copy of In Touch (to save
paper) and / or would like the Church notices sent to you by email,
please feel free to Email: [email protected] with your request.
The In Touch Coordinators currently for respective churches are as
follows:
Prestbury URC
Please see Ian Brooks directly or forward contributions via e-mail
([email protected]). . Contributions most welcome.
The Church in Warden Hill
Please see Carole Pennington or Brian Miles directly or forward
contributions via e-mail: [email protected] Likewise
contributions very welcome.
St Andrew’s
Please see John Standring directly or forward contributions via e-mail:
***************************************
31
TAI CHI QI GONG
Lida - telephone 01242 233949 e mail: [email protected]
QI GONG
At St Andrew’s
with
LIDA VLČEK
NEXT SESSIONS
at 12.15pm
Thursday May 9th
NOTE LATER START TIME
Cost £5.00 per session
Future sessions to be announced
Gentle exercises especially geared to the needs of older people
Based on Chinese traditional practice Promoting self healing and self regulation of the body
New members welcome – call Lida for information
32
Cheltenham URC - Prayer contd
The Oasis - St Andrew’s
Come and spend some time in the prayer area this month. It’s open from
10.00am - 2.00pm each day.
Oasis prayer time takes place every 2nd and 4th Tuesday (and possibly 5th
Tuesday) of the month from 12 noon to 12.30pm in the Sanctuary.
Let’s encourage one another as we meet together to bring our prayers to
God.
The Church in Warden Hill (St Christopher’s)
Every Weekday: Morning Prayer at 8.00am.
Tuesday: Holy Communion & Morning Prayer 10.30am.
5 May Easter 6
Acts 16.9-15
Tewkesbury Road area, Churches and
Schools Samaritans
St Andrew’s coffee bar
Prayers for the World
12 May Easter 7
Acts 16.16-34
Carlton Road area, Churches and Schools
Highbury Church including day centre St Andrew’s Pensioners’ Forum
Prayers for the World
19 May Pentecost
Acts 2.1-21
Charlton Kings area, Churches and Schools
Glenfall house conference centre Adult Christian Education
Prayers for the World
26 May Trinity Sunday
Romans 5.1-5
Dowdeswell, Andoversford areas, Churches
and Schools Care of the environment
CURC Covenant with Oggersheim
Prayers for the World
2 June
Proper 4
Galatians 1.1-12
Hospital area, Churches and Schools
St Paul’s wing, Cobalt unit, Chaplaincy Medical, surgical and maternity care
CURC Team ministry
Prayers for the World
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MAY DIARY
1 Wed 11.00am SA Pensioners Forum
7.30pm SA Wednesday Women
2 Thur 12noon SA English Touring Opera Recital
4 Sat 10.30am P Coffee Morning
Visit to Prom Praise
5 Sun 10.30am P Julie Jefferies Family Worship
10.30am URCC Family Worship with Val Hobbs
11.00am SA Reverend Maz Allen Communion
6.00pm SC Holy Communion
2.30pm StM Seminar on Eco-congregations
9 Thur 12.15pm SA Qi Gong
11 Sat 2.30pm URCC Community Film “Brave”
1.00pm Glos Synod Training Day, Abbeydale
12 Sun 10.30am P No service
10.30am SC United Pastorate Service Communion
11.00am SA No service
6.00pm SC Evensong
14 Tues 2.30pm SA Tuesday Forum
7.30pm SA Elders meet
15 Wed 7.30pm URCC ECM
16 Thur 1.00pm SA Knit and Chat
18 Sat 2.15pm URCC Classic Film “The 49th Parallel”
19 Sun 9.30am SA Jump4Joy and Breakfast
10.30am P Worship Group
10.30am URCC Reverend Nick Davies Communion
11.00am SA Reverend Maz Allen
6.00pm SC Evensong
22 Wed 7.30pm P Reading Group
23 Thur 7.30pm URCC Open Church Council meeting
25 Sat 2.00pm SA Wedding Blessing
3.00pm Manse Birthday Tea
26 Sun 10.30am P Reverend Maz Allen Communion
10.30am SC Reverend Jacqui Hyde Communion
11.00am SA Kay Boulton
6.00pm SC Evensong
28 Tues 2.30pm SA Tuesday Forum
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JUNE DIARY
1 Sat 10.30am P Coffee Morning
2 Sun 10.30am P Family Worship
10.30am URCC Dr Rachel Tarling Family Worship
11.00am SA Reverend Maz Allen Communion
6.00pm SC Holy Communion
5 Wed 11.00am SA Pensioners Forum
7.30pm SA Wednesday Women
Weekly Meetings
Mon 9.30am SA Mah Jong
10.00am P Urchins (not summer holidays)
4.30pm WH SC Rainbows (term time only)
5.30pm WHCC Brownies (term time only)
Tues 10.00am SA Parents and Toddlers
8.00pm WH SC House Group
Wed 9.15am SC Little Shepherds (term time only)
2.15pm WH SC Senior Club
7.00pm WH SC Bellringing
Thur 10.00am SA Coffee Bar
3.30pm URCC “Toast” (term time only)
5.30pm WH SC Beavers (term time only)
6.00pm WH SC Brownies (term time only)
6.45pm WH SC Cubs (term time only)
Fri 10.30am Bible Study House Groups (term time only)
Sat 10.00am SA Coffee Bar