Church News September 2011
1
News Kingston United Reformed Church September 2011 www.kinstonurc.org
Edited this month by David Richards
This edition has all the usual features, our Minister‗s letter,
notices, pastoral news, ―thank you‘s‖ and appeals for your help.
We feature the Youth and children's report and news of friends
and church members. Plans about a Child Contact centre.
The IBRA bible reading recommendations are listed and news on
Bible study and 400th anniversary celebration
Progress on the Kitchen refurbishment is included
Liz Cook asks about volunteering and Finlay Forbes sets out a
Doric poem. Ann MacFarlane enjoys the summer
Look out for free fitness sessions
Pilots is a non-uniformed Christian organisation, sponsored
by the URC and Congregational Federation. It has four age
groups Deckhands 5-6 year olds, Adventurers 7-10 year olds,
Voyagers 11-14 year olds and Navigators 15-18 year olds all
of whom can work for badges.
We are starting a Pilots here on a Friday from
23rd September.
Church News September 2011
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Church Diary
For regular Church Activities for Parents & Toddlers, International Friendship Café, Street pastors and Dancing see page 23
Sunday, 28 August 10:00 Traditional worship
Greenbelt 11:30 Interactive worship with communion
18:30 Reflective worship
Monday, 29 August Late Holiday
Wednesday, 31 August 10:00 Parents & Toddlers + older siblings
13:10 Lunchtime service
Saturday, 3 September Open gardens, Summer 2011 - Katie Frost
Sunday, 4 September 10:00 Traditional worship with communion
11:30 Interactive worship
18:30 Reflective worship
Monday, 5 September 10:00 Parents & Toddlers - toy washing
Tuesday, 6 September 19:30 Faith advancement
W e d n e s d a y , 7
September 10:45
Monthly Forum: Peter Ashdown -
'London you may not know'
13:10 Lunchtime service
19:50 Elders' meeting
Sunday, 11 September 10:00 Coffee available
11:00 11 o'clock service
12:00 Church Meeting
Copy deadline Church News for October;
editor: Bron Robinson
18:30 Reflective worship
Tuesday, 13 September 19:30 Faith advancement
Wed. 14 September 13:10 Lunchtime service
Friday, 16 September CHURCH WEEKEND
CHURCH WEEKEND
Sunday, 18 September CHURCH WEEKEND
10:00 Traditional worship
11:30 Interactive worship
18:30 Reflective worship with communion
Tue, 20 September 19:30 Faith advancement
Wed. 21 September 13:10 Lunchtime service
Friday, 23 September Pilots commence
Sunday, 25 September Publication date October Church News
10:00 Traditional worship
11:30 Interactive worship with communion
18:30 Reflective worship
Church News September 2011
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Minister’s letter
Dear All,
Since the beginning of our faith we
have always known that crowds were
dangerous. ‗Crucify him' echoes only
a week after ‗welcome Son of David‘
has been shouted loudly as Jesus
enters Jerusalem.
What makes the stories so powerful is that the people are like
us. It is not that they are the personification of evil. The crowd
was swept along unthinkingly. The individuals were going
with the group and going with the flow.
This temptation is all around. During August it was in the mix
of things that resulted in homes and businesses being
destroyed and looted. Saying ‗no‘ when everyone else is
shouting ‗yes‘ is the challenge for the most mature.
How are you to have a strong enough ‗moral compass‘ to
keep on doing the right thing? That is part of why we are part
of the church. It is not that we think we are superior. It is that
we know our weakness. We know that we are not the only
ones trying to do good. We know we need help to keep on the
straight and narrow..
At the best in our churches we are dominated by our desire to
be part of what is true. Not what is fashionable and what is
now. It takes time to work that out. It takes courage, energy
and resources to stick with it. People need help to do so. How
will we do that?
It also bears saying that Emily who is leaving us is heading
into North London. We know she will bring her many skills
and generous nature as she has shared them with us. Pray for
her as she makes this transition. We are going to miss her.
Yours Lesley
Church News September 2011
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Publication of September‘s Church News traditionally coincides more or less
with the date on which voting papers for elections to the following year‘s
eldership are sent out to church members. The papers go out at the
beginning of September and are due back by the end of the month.
Elders are elected to serve in three year terms. If re-elected at the end of
their first term, they may serve a second three year term before having to
stand down. They then have to wait a year before being eligible again for
election.
This year it is only Ray Erskine who will have completed six years as an elder
(2006 - 2008 and 2009 - 2011). We are indebted to her for all the time,
commitment and energy she has put into her work for the church over the
last six years. There seems to be little in which she has not been involved,
but her youth work – both hands-on and at the helm of the Youth Group –
stands out in particular. Tony Wenman too will be standing down at the end
of the year. After almost continuous service as an elder since KURC came
into being, he has decided to resign in order to avoid clashes with his
commitments to the work he does at King‘s College London on religious and
spiritual education. Our sincere thanks to Tony, too. And finally, Cathy
Seymour and Heinrich Niehaus, whose first terms come to an end this year,
have chosen not to stand for a second term. Thanks you, Cathy and
Heinrich, for all you have both brought to the eldership over the last three
years.
The following eight elders will be continuing in office for 2012:
Experience suggests that 15 is an optimal number of elders (including the
Secretary) to aim for. This means that we shall be looking for a further seven
people to elect to the KURC eldership for 2012.
If you are a member of KURC, please don‘t miss this opportunity to influence
the future of YOUR church by voting.
Vaughan James
1st term 2
nd term
Alistair Borthwick 2011 - 2013
Janine Goddard 2010 - 2012
Teresa James 2010 - 2012
Vaughan James 2010 -
Rose Oming Bali 2010 - 2012
David Richards 2011 - 2013
Martyn Verge 2007 – 2009 2010 - 2012
John Watts 2011 - 2013 2011 - 2013
Vaughan’s view
Church News September 2011
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Out of care for people's privacy, Personal Concerns from will
be deleted from the web edition of Church News.
Anyone wishing to receive the full edition of Church News by
e-mail should send an e-mail to
and arrangements will be made to send them a pdf file of
each edition as it is published
Letter from Jo McGee Dear Lesley and everyone at KURC.
I would like to say a huge thank you for making Amelie‘s baptism such a
special occasion. It was lovely to come back and feel so welcome, I wish I
could transport you all to Guildford.
The Bible you gave Amelie is beautiful and will be really precious to her in
years to come. The boys love the books you gave them—Ben often asks
for the book about Jesus (I‘ve been trying to explain it is a story by Jesus!)
They also love Amelie‘s toddler bible which I trying to save for her.
I also want to write a very belated thank you for the Amazon voucher you
gave us when we first left Kingston URC. We use it to smarten up the boys
bedroom with fun accessories—including pirate hooks and an atlas for us
so we won‘t get lost – hopefully.
Ir was really lovely seeing everyone- we do keep up to date with reading
the news letter – a big thank you once again.
All the best from
Jo, John, Josh, Ben and Amelie PS
After lots of battling, Josh has finally had a grommets in and adenoids out and has now
started to say a few words. As you can imagine we are overjoyed
Pastoral News at 14th
September 2011
Church News September 2011
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Kitchen Refurbishment
What is happening with the kitchen project? Well, as you know we have
been doing a lot of fundraising, headed up by Bron Robinson.
I was asked to set up a group to plan the Kitchen Refurbishment and we
are now called The Kitchen Development Group (KDG). This group
consists of me Alison Holt, Bron Robinson, David Richards, Ray Charlton,
Murray Carnegie, Liz Cook and Sandra Scott.
Liz and Sandra are busy making applications to Trusts we think might
support this project.
The most recent event was the extremely successful Auction of Promises.
This was a great evening; our auctioneer set the tone for the evening by
keeping it light hearted. The audience were in good form and keen to
participate in the bidding process and the promises kept flooding in on
the night. We raised a staggering £4,170 with further donations arriving
afterwards. A big thank you goes to all involved, whether it was making
the promises, bidding or helping on the night with food etc.
Special thanks go to John Fisher who pulled together the exhibition of
Heirlooms and Archives. At present the Kitchen Fund is sitting at just
over £18,000, which is a great start.
Bron is heading up fundraising and more things are planned for the
autumn. We have also done some initial kitchen planning, questionnaires
have been completed by users of the kitchen, talking to other churches
that have recently refurbished their kitchens and made enquiries to
Kitchen Consultants to see what they can do to help us get the best out
of our kitchen.
Our hope is to get funds in place so we can carry out the refurbishment
in August 2012. I know this is a tight timescale, but we really do need to
get it done sooner rather than later. We need your support for this and
not just giving, we need your prayers that we make the right decisions.
It is a fabulous resource we have and it allows us to help others through
projects like Cook and Eat and the Homeless Shelter in the winter. We
will keep you posted on our progress, so watch this space!
Alison Holt
A break in the Auction for refreshments
Church News September 2011
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Kitchen Fundraising – dates for your diary!
Saturday 3rdSeptember from 2:30pm:
Open Gardens – the last chance for this summer is at Katie Frost’s
house.
Saturday 8th October from 7pm:
Harvest Supper and Autumn Show – get some friends together and
perform. Music, poetry, sketches.
The Summer Show last year was great fun last time and raised lots
of money too!
Saturday19th November from 7.30pm:
Cheese and Wine Evening and Christmas Fayre. Taste fantastic local
cheese and wine under the expert guidance of John Parrish.
There will also be a chance to buy seasonal produce donated by
church members and friends (we hope!) and local businesses.
If you can make cakes, puddings, decorations, cards etc, then we
want to hear from you!
Milk bottles full of small change Do you remember these?
Have you filled another one yet? Please bring them into church on
any Sunday and give to Bron, Alison, Alistair Borthwick or Dave
Richards.
Beyond The Welcome
Once a year the Pastoral Co-ordinators hold an ―open‖ afternoon for
Church Neighbours and anyone from the congregation who would
like to attend
This year the event is being held on Sunday, 9 October, at 3 pm
(tea & biscuits) for 3.15 pm.
The afternoon will be led by our own Elrika Erasmus on ‗Beyond the
Welcome‘. This theme fits in very well with the URC‘s national
campaign to be launched next year when we hope to welcome
more new people to KURC. Elrika is a Psychologist and wrote some
helpful articles for Church News a few years ago. We look forward
to hearing more.
Jean Thompson on behalf of the Pastoral Co-ordinators
Church News September 2011
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Golden Wedding THANK YOU
WE would like to thank you all very much for the beautiful flowers
given to us for our Golden Wedding Anniversary. They came as a
lovely surprise and the kind thought was much appreciated.
Rita and Eric Lavender
Do You Have a Spare Room?
Kingston University needs more lodgings in private homes for its
international exchange students. These students (mostly from Europe and
the USA) come to Kingston for one semester only to have an experience of
life and study in the UK. Staying in a local lodging is an important part of
the exchange experience for many students. Students self-cater whilst in
lodgings.
You would be asked to provide:
a furnished bedroom, including bed, desk, chair and storage;
access to the kitchen for the student to prepare their own meals;
access to the bathroom; and
bedding and cooking utensils/equipment
Rent is typically £85-£100 per week, and the commitment is for one
semester only (half the academic year).
More details can be found at: http://www.kingston.ac.uk/accommodation/
landlords/lodgings/
Or contact: Kingston University Accommodation Service: 020 8417 3829
Rev. Stan Brown Kingston University Chaplain
Flower Rota
Sept 4th Fran and Phil Bevan
Sept 11th He Jung Kim and Suk In Lee
Sept 18th Evelyn White
Sept 25th The Clegg Family in memory of Kathleen and Alan
Church News September 2011
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International Bible Reading Association
IBRA, a part of Christian Education, is an international organisation work-
ing to encourage regular Bible reading around the world, by publishing Bi-
ble reading schemes and notes and by funding organisations in develop-
ing countries through our International Appeal.
Each year, IBRA produces a scheme of daily Bible readings. This is linked
to the readings in the Revised Common Lectionary, which is used by most
churches, and forms the basis for all IBRA's annual
publications of Bible reading notes, house group ma-
terials and notes for speakers.
You can see the reading on their web site.
http://www.christianeducation.org.uk/ibra.htm
Here is the list for the next month
Text for the week: Matthew 20:18-19
Monday 29 August Matthew 20:1-16
Tuesday 30 August Matthew 20:17-28
Wednesday 31 August Matthew 20:29-34
Thursday 1 September Matthew 21:1-17
Friday 2 September Matthew 21:18-32
Saturday 3 September Matthew 21:33-46
Text for the week: Matthew 22:8-9
Monday 5 September Matthew 22:1-14
Tuesday 6 September Matthew 22:15-33
Wednesday 7 Sept. Matthew 22:34-46
Thursday 8 September Matthew 23:1-12
Friday 9 September Matthew 23:13-28
Saturday 10 September Matthew 23:29-39
Text for the week: Matthew 24:36
Monday 12 September Matthew 24:1-14
Tuesday 13 September Matthew 24:15-31
Wednesday 14 Sept Matthew 24:32-51
Thursday 15 Sept Matthew 25:1-13
Friday 16 September Matthew 25:14-30
Saturday 17 September Matthew 25:31-46
Text for the week: Psalm 91:11-12
Monday 19 September Psalm 103:19-22
Tuesday 20 September Genesis 16
Wednesday 21 Sept. Genesis 28:10-17
Thursday 22 September 2 Kings 6:8-17
Friday 23 September Daniel 10:4-21
Saturday 24 September Psalm 91
Text for the week: Luke 22:43
Monday 26 September Luke 1:26-38
Tuesday 27 September Luke 22:39-43
Wednesday 28 Sept. John 1:47-51
Thursday 29 September Acts 12:1-11
Friday 30 September Revelation 5
Saturday 1 October Revelation 12
Editor,s note. At least one church member has said how much they
value the list which provides them a discipline for Bible study.
Church News September 2011
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Kiva
About 3 years ago my grandson gave me a Christmas present of a loan
certificate to Kiva.
I ―spent‖ the certificate on a loan to a woman in Peru. She wanted to
enlarge her small chicken business. After 6 months the loan was repaid
and I then loaned it again to a man in Tanzania who was starting a new
business. Half that loan has now been repaid.
You may wish to provide a loan yourself??
So what is Kiva
Kiva is a non-profit organization with a mission to connect people through
lending to alleviate poverty. Using the internet and a worldwide network of
microfinance institutions, Kiva lets individuals lend as little as $25 (about
£16) to help create opportunity around the world.
Learn more about how it works at http://www.kiva.org/about/
how
Since Kiva was founded in 2005 in America there has been:-
607,731 Kiva lenders . $232 million (£145) in loans 98.79% Repay-
ment Kiva works with: 135 Field Partners, 450 volunteers around
the world 59 different countries
Why do Kiva do what they do ?
They dream of a world where all people - even in the most remote areas of
the globe - hold the power to create opportunity for themselves and oth-
ers.
How they do it
Making a loan on Kiva is so simple that you may not realize how much
work goes on behind the scenes. Kiva works with microfinance institu-
tions on five continents to provide loans to people without access to tradi-
tional banking systems. One hundred percent of your loan is sent to these
microfinance institutions, which we call Field Partners, who administer the
loans in the field.
Kiva relies on a world wide network of over 450 volunteers who work with
our Field Partners
How they funded
100% of the money you lend via Kiva goes directly towards funding loans;
Kiva does not take a cut.
They are incredibly thankful for the support that has enabled them to do
the work that has touched the lives of so many people.
David Richards
Church News September 2011
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Activity Days We have held 12 Activity Days this year with 122 children and young people attending in total and approx 35 at each session. This is similar to 2009/10 After spending last year going around the world for our morning activity day themes for 3-9 year olds, from September 2010 we have been working through the A-Z of Bible Characters. We have looked at Adam, Abraham, Bartimaeus, Christ and Christmas, David, Elijah, etc. and will continue through the alphabet. The older group have contributed a major insert in Church News including an interview with the new church secretary, been climbing at Chessington Community College, been to the cinema, cooked, watched films and many other things. Brigades Numbers have been highly variable particularly in the younger age range where we have lost a lot of children, but have gained a number in the older sections. Over the course of the year 53 children and young people have attended with a core of approx. 25. Last summer for the first time we held a summer programme with activities on Wednesday afternoons for Juniors and Fridays for Seniors. These were mostly outdoors and included trips to Bushy Park and kite flying, cycling, treasure hunts, a visit to Vauxhall City Farm in the rain, a visit to the seaside, to the Science Museum and to the Imperial War Museum.
During the year, we have met and thought about how different animals are cared for, worked on the Christmas gift service, made dinner for the night shelter, and learnt about Joseph and Moses. We have been cycling and night hiking, and are looking forward to a trip to Chessington World of Adventures. We have welcomed a new volunteer Daniel, an 18 year old from Tolworth and celebrated both his and
Megan’s 18th birthdays. We are about to say ‘Good bye’ to Jason who leaves us to join the army. Both Jacob and Jason completed their BB officers training this year. In 2011 we began exploring the option of Pilots and whether that was a better ‘fit’ for Kingston URC than Brigades and after discussion with the children, parents and two church meetings it was decided to take the step of moving from Brigades to Pilots from September 2011. Cook and Eat We have held two courses this year in partnership with the NHS and RBK. The
Kingston URC Youth & Children
Report 2010—11
Church News September 2011
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first in the autumn was for a slightly younger group of 16 year olds and the second was a group of 17-19 year olds. Both groups enjoyed the course, learnt new skills and for a few this was a rare opportunity for them to complete and achieve something. We even celebrated a 16th birthday at the course, with a cake which the young people baked. RBK are intending to run their drop in, in our building from June and to do cooking in some of their sessions.
Greenbelt Last summer 6 intrepid girls plus Jacob, Jayne and Emily joined the Synod group at Greenbelt for the usual mix of ridiculous hats, music, art, drama, swimming and worship with 3D glasses. In order to raise some funds they had washed cars and taught people to use computers. This summer we are once again joining forces with the synod group and the hats are already being aired.
Parents and Toddlers In Parents and Toddlers the numbers have been up again this year to the extent that we had to close the Monday list to new people. Tuesday and Wednesday have as a consequence also been very busy. During the year we have bought some new toys including a highly popular green and blue scooter and some prams. Singing remains popular and we have held services at Christmas, Easter and at the end of the Summer Term. We have a number of children leaving us and hope to be able to welcome some new families in September. Stay and Play Stay and Play meets on the third Saturday of the month. Numbers have remained small, but the group is valued by those who attend. We made a Christmas cake in December, decorated tiles and have enjoyed the Scalextric and a light-up ball. Some of the mums have learnt a new skill too as Christina and Ray taught a few to knit. The important stuff (Bible Study) Three of the original ALF group wanted to continue to meet so in the Autumn and Spring terms we held a bible study called The Important Stuff. The Scripture Union materials provided us with animations to watch, computer and other games to play, craft and prayer ideas as well as actually reading the bible! Pat, Sue, Sally and Emily have been involved and it has been an interesting and enjoyable experience for all. YPSG (Young People’s Sunday Group) We’re still here! Every Sunday there are activities during the 10:00 service in room 14 for children of any age who are happy to leave their parents (although parents are welcome to come and help their children settle). This usually involves a bible or
(Continued from page 11)
Church News September 2011
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related story, some craft, games and a prayer. For the 11.30 service we provide activities for children in the church and other activities as requested by the worship leader. For the 11:00 service on the second Sunday of the month we provide activities in the worship space. There are always quiet toys, colouring and books at the front of the worship space behind the pulpit for anyone who would rather stay with their parents. Child Friendly Church Award This year we have again completed an internal review of our Child Friendly Church
Award in readiness for the external re-accreditation in 2012. Children and young people have been involved in the discussions about Pilots, have presented their thoughts to church meeting, attended the church day. Lara has been involved in the Synod Youth Executive.
Safeguarding We continue to keep the Safeguarding policy and associated risk assessments up to date. The big change this year has been thinking through taking groups out cycling. In the next year we will have to look into a Facebook policy as the young people reach 13 and want to use this technology. Turning the Tide Funding After 10 years our funding from the synod Turning the Tide fund ceases in December 2011. This means that we have lost £10,000 per year funding for our youth work, on the other hand we no longer have an obligation to provide support for synod youth and children’s work activities. In the future… Supported Child Contact Centre ** This year we have been exploring the need for a Child Contact Centre in Kingston. Having spoken to solicitors in the area, to Welcare and CAFCASS (Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service) we have begun to recruit volunteers, are affiliating to the National Association of Child Contact Centres and are working towards opening on Sundays from October. (**see the notice on page 15 ed)
Pilots Pilots is a non-uniformed Christian organisation, sponsored by the URC and Congregational Federation. It has four age groups Deckhands 5-6 year olds, Adventurers 7-10 year olds, Voyagers 11-14 year olds and Navigators 15-18 year olds all of whom can work for badges. We are starting this on a Friday from September. Volunteers
Volunteers are what make all of this happen. We would have no youth and
children‘s work without them. We always need more. At present our need is
for people to help with Parents and Toddlers, Activity Days, Pilots
opportunity for you! A big thank you to all our volunteers. You are stars!
Emily
Church News September 2011
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Our friend Mike Simpson
Mike Simpson revisits his gold Duke of Edinburgh Expedition after 50
years
Many Kingston URC members will know Mike Simpson, the Environmental
Health Officer who frequently acts as a consultant for the Church on
Health and Safely issues.
Mike and with his friend Graham
Sheppard recently completed a
venture to re-trace the steps of
their original Duke of Edinburgh
gold expedition on Exmoor. They
initially completed this expedition
together 50 years ago when they
we re bo t h Ar my Me d i ca l
Apprentices. This time the aim of
the expedition was to raise money
for two charities: the Prince‘s Trust
and Help for Heroes. Mike said ―It is our way of saying thank you for the
gateway the army gave us to good careers in an era when the military
threat was low.‖
The pair used Mike‘s original log of the expedition which involved an 80
mile trek over rugged Exmoor terrain in 72 hours. Mike, now in his 60‘s,
said before he started, ―Recent training runs over the route have
confirmed our fears - it‘s even tougher now.‖ Arriving at the start of the
expedition in Minehead on the 28th
May by steam train, as they had done
50 years earlier in 1961, they were given a good send-off by press and
supporters. Despite wet weather the pair completed the challenge
successfully.
They have raised almost £6000 for their chosen charities so far – a
tremendous achievement. The Duke of Edinburgh Organisation has
confirmed that this is the first time anyone has ever repeated their original
expedition 50 years on. In fact the expedition caught the attention of the
Organisation who invited Mike and Graham to receive a special ―Use Gold‖
award from the Duke himself at St James‘
Palace.
You can read about the expedition at
www.goldenoldies.blog.co.uk
Lizzie Cronin
Church News September 2011
15
Wheat and weeds
On Sunday 17th
July the gospel reading was the story of the weed and the
crops (Matthew 13 v 24- 30), and in the sermon I discussed some possible
interpretations of the story. I asked members of the congregation to
consider their interpretation/ideas about the story. Here are some that
reached me:
* Note that although the 'wheat' is harvested, that is not the end of the
story, because there is the promise of eternal life. A few verses on,
Jesus himself interprets the parable and explains that the wheat/
righteous will shine in the kingdom of Heaven
* The wheat and corn are but carefully selected and nurtured cousins of
the weeds and share not-so-very distant common ancestors of wild
grasses.
* The message of the story is less that we cannot tell the difference
between weeds and corn as Lesley suggested, more that it is not for
us to judge.
* The message is that wheat/good and weeds/bad can and should live
and grow alongside each other till 'harvest time'. Each nourishes each
other ..... perhaps neither can thrive and grow without the other?
* Further there's a risk that 'good' wheat gets lost/destroyed, as the
'bad' weeds are removed although not sure what that means.
What do you think? Church News editors would be happy to publish your
thoughts on the subject.
Lesley Charlton
CHILD CONTACT CENTRE
Things are moving ahead with getting our Child Contact Centre off the
ground. Kathy Bayne, Regional Support Manager (Greater London) for
the National Association of Child Contact Centres (NACCC) has visited
the premises and considers them ideal.
We already have some volunteers and have arranged a meeting with
Kathy on Sunday, 25 September, at 3 pm at the church to which the
volunteers are being invited. Of course, we need more, and if you feel
you could help, even in a small way, please come along on the 25th
.
Kathy is very experienced in this field and has a wealth of knowledge
to pass on.
Jean Thompson (Admin)
Church News September 2011
16
Link Romania were delighted with the response to last year's appeal for
boxes of gifts for people in Romania, Bulgaria and Moldova. A record
45,379 boxes were collected from the UK and delivered to families in these countries last Christmas.
The photos show some of the recipients: a prisoner and his family in a high security
prison in Sophia, Bulgaria, a 47 year old
lady in Moldova who is unable to walk and a family in Romania who share a single
small room. All were delighted with the
gifts they received.
KURC's appeal will begin shortly. Shoe boxes will be available in the
Hall from the second week in September. Please take one (or more if you wish) together with a leaflet which is returned with the wrapped
box and £2 towards the cost of transport to eastern Europe.
A reminder that the boxes are for families, so ideally gifts will be suit-
able for men and women as well as children, and for a range of ages. The shoe boxes will be collected in on Sunday October 23rd at the 10
and 11.30 services. They can be dropped at
the church before that if you are unable to at-tend on the day.
For further information contact Jean Ashdown (020 8297 2781) or Liz Bartlett (020
8974 5453)
Romania Shoebox Appeal
Johnson Simpson reports regularly on events in Zimbabwe and Jamaica
Johnston is an Elder at St Andrews Walton on Thames and a regular at the
KURC Wednesday Forum.
Read his latest report on the St Andrews web site at:-
http://standrewsurc.org/home.html
Johnson is responsible for bringing the Art Peace sculptures
to the UK from Zimbabwe
Read and see what is available to purchase to
support the artists in Zimbabwe
Church News September 2011
17
CYCLE in SEPTEMBER
The Surrey Churches Preservation Trust‘s annual
―Ride or Stride‖ takes place on Saturday 10th Sep-
tember – last year we raised nearly £1000, of which
half went to the Kitchen Project.
Most counties hold a Bike Ride on the second Satur-
day in September, to raise money for special appeals
at their churches. Cyclists and walkers follow their
own route around participating churches (we always
host visitors at KURC), and they seek sponsors for each church visited.
The money that is collected is divided into two; half goes to the
church of the cyclist‘s choice (ie. KURC), half to the SCPT for churches
in need. Bike Riders in Surrey have raised over £200,000 in ten years.
Kingston URC received a grant from SCPT when the church roof was
mended eight years ago.
We will be cycling again this year, to raise money for the Kitchen Pro-
ject. It will be a fun way to spend Saturday September 10th whilst
supporting this cause – can you find some sponsors and join us?
Or decide to walk, and visit a few churches on the list? Sponsor forms
will be available shortly. Speak to Liz Cook as soon as you like, let her
know you are hoping to join in. . Liz can be contacted on 020 8549
1373, and [email protected] This event is very well organ-
ized, with safety as a key issue.
Four of us did the cycle ride last year, raising funds for the kitchen,
and the welcome at a number of churches was really heart-warming;
the exercise was good, and we discovered some parts of Kingston
we‘d never seen before!
Liz Cook.
Church News September 2011
18
Kew Gardens, bathed in sunshine
It‘s a Sunday afternoon in July and the 65 bus from Eden
Street has taken me right to the Victoria Gate at Kew
Gardens. On the journey I reflected on the morning
worship theme focusing on the tiny seed, the priceless
pearl, the importance of ‗small things‘ that make a
difference. (Matt.13 vv19-23 and 46). On arrival I headed
for the cafe, enjoying tea in sunshine. On my ride through the trees to
the lakeside at Sackler‘s Crossing a child ran ahead of me, laughing,
delighting in the long grassy space that stretched endlessly before him, a
parent chasing from behind. The boy, in his excitement laughed louder as
he tried to catch sight of his father and almost fell. He ran on and on until
his energy expended, stopping to grip his father‘s hand.
The smell of pines and firs floated on the breeze and couples contentedly
swung their arms as they walked, their hands clasped together. On the
water, swans splayed their wings and Canada geese warded off coots
encroaching on what they deemed to be their territory. Trees stretched
upwards and outwards in summer growth towards a tapestry of azure and
white. A child, her face framed in dark ringlets, clothed in a lilac sundress,
pretended not to hear her mother‘s plea, ‗Don‘t get your feet wet.‘ The girl
tentatively dipped her toes in the water while plucking at daisies. Nearby a
family spread a tablecloth on the grass, their hamper revealing summer
fruits, rolls, cheese, meats, juice and wine. Sun hats and sunshades
shielded hot heads and people quietly engaged in conversation as they
leaned over the bridge observing the wildlife in the water below. The
Mother crouched beside the lilac clad child who gazed in wonder as a swan,
its wings wilding flapping, propelled itself across the lake. As I moved
away, I spied a peacock preening itself on an overhanging branch
belonging to a huge cedar tree.
For groups of people from across the world whose journeys may have been
long and arduous, or for others, like me, who have come a short bus ride,
it was a time of harmony, of exploration, of delight in the seemingly ‗little
and unimportant things.‘ For me, and others, it was a time of refreshment,
a space to think, to be at peace with the ‗now‘ in what seems for much of
the time a hostile world. Here, all my senses were engaged in what
appeared to be those ‗small and unimportant‘ things. I think not!
Ann McFarlane
Something else enjoying the sunshine.
This grass snake was found on our back
doorstep one sunny morning in July. It
was looking for a good home! David Richards
Church News September 2011
19
Free 6 week Healthy lifestyles courses starting Sept 2011
Nordic Walking: Hawker Centre, Tues 13th Sept, 10.30 am
Aquacise: Kingfisher Leisure Centre, Wed 14th Sept, 9.30 am
Body Balance: The Malden Centre, Thurs 15th Sept, 11.45 am
Fit as a Fiddle!
Are you over 50, live in the Borough of Kingston, and
want to lose weight, get fit, and improve your physical and mental
wellbeing?
Did you know that exercise can help reduce stress, depression, and
improve mental health?
So why not come and join us?
H
Contact: Grace Shorthouse, Tel: 020 8942 8256
Email: [email protected]
Write: Raleigh House, 14 Nelson Road, New Malden KT3 5EA
Age Concern Kingston upon Thames
Two exhibitions focussing on religious works of art:
Devotion by Design: Italian Altarpieces before 1500 6 July – 2 October 2011
at the National Gallery (Sainsbury Wing) Admission freerpieces in context
Using the Gallery’s own collection, this exhibition investigates the development of altar-
pieces. It examines not only the evolution of their physical structure but also their rela-
tionship to their frames and to the monumental architecture that surrounded them.
The parts of an altarpiece ‘Devotion by Design’ showcases altarpieces by well-known artists such as Piero della
Francesca, but includes many which are less familiar. It revisits works in the National
Gallery Collection in a fresh and innovative light, drawing on the wealth of scholarship
undertaken in this field in recent years.
AND
Treasures of Heaven: Saints, Relics and Devotion in Medieval Europe
23 June – 9 October 2011 at the British Museum Adults £12, This major exhibition brings together for the first time some of the finest sacred treasures
of the medieval age. It features over 150 objects drawn from more than 40 institutions in-
cluding the Vatican, European church treasuries, museums from the USA and Europe and
the British Museum’s own pre-eminent collection.
Church News September 2011
20
VOLUNTEERS
Should we look for volunteers from beyond the church:
In the June Church News, an article
raised the issue of seeking
volunteers from beyond our
Members and Friends, to support
our work. This has been discussed
in the Community Ministry Group
and with Church Members:
At a meeting after morning worship
on 14th
August, Lesley talked of
our own Members as ‗disciples’
carrying out Christ‘s work in all
aspects of Church activity and
beyond. There is also a small
group of volunteers from outside
the Church who support our
activities, and we need to build on
this. The term ‗volunteer‘ helps
identify such people, who may
belong to other faith communities
and none but who, nevertheless,
are vital in our activities in
furthering Christ‘s ministry. The
need for help in providing a
‗Welcome‘ for all who come
through our doors is becoming
ever greater. The time is now!
To increase our outreach to
maximise the potential within the
life of this Church, and to co-
ordinate this effort, we need a Co-
ordinator for all our activities, to re-
establish a ‗Listening Service,‘ and
to give meaningful opportunities to
people who wish to offer their
talents and skills.
If you are uncertain about this way
of working, please read June
Church News and think about what
is happening world-wide and what
has recently occurred in some
areas of London and beyond, with
people expressing their frustrations in
ways that have left many people bereft.
Add to this, some of the frustrations
that have been vented by people
coming into our foyer who feel life is
unfair and where we know that there is
a huge gulf between those who ‗have‘
and those who ‗have not.‘ Many need
our prayers and many ask for them and
we have noticed this need growing as
Lesley has prayed in Sunday worship .
In the Community Ministry Group, we
have given serious thought over the
years to funding a paid Co-ordinator
who would have spiritual and practical
oversight of needs and would ensure
training and support for volunteers and
disciples. This would ensure that all
who offer to help will feel valued and
can undertake roles that strengthen our
ministry. This includes all who currently
work in the foyer and beyond. As a
Church, we have many privileges and
opportunities and we need to share our
resources with others who also have
much to offer and to teach us. We can
create an environment where we can
grow together and serve the broader
community even more than we do
already.
What do you think? Is this a good idea?
Does it meet needs? Will it further
Christ‘s work here on earth? Please
share your views on this proposal so
that we can gather constructive support
in planning and action. Please respond
either by email, leave a note in the
letter rack to Liz Cook, or speak with
her. We appreciate you reading this
article and responding.
Liz Cook
on behalf of the Community Ministry
Group.
Church News September 2011
21
URC SOUTHERN SYNOD
GETTING TO GRIPS WITH THE BIBLE
Workshops for exploring the scriptures
A Study Day for –
―Getting to grips with the Bible‖
For students, Bible Study Leaders
Occasional or regular preachers
Those considering further study
Any who wants to explore the subjects simply out of interest
Date: Saturday 19 November 2011, 10 a.m. – 4.30 p.m.
Venue: Crawley United Reformed Church, Worth Park Avenue, Pound
Hill, Crawley RH10 3DF. (1/4 mile from Three Bridges Railway Station
– frequent trains to London, East Croydon, Brighton, Arundel, etc.
2 ½ miles from M23 Junction 10: ample parking available)
For more information speak to Lesley or Vaughan.
Church News September 2011
22
This short poem I believe captures the essence of the season. The title trans-
lates as "One More Harvest".
The poem is in Doric but as a native speaker of that language I should have no
problem translating it into something comprehensible to those unfamiliar with
the linguistic glories of Scotland's North East Lowlands.
Even Her Reverence, hailing as she does from the South West, would struggle
with the lingo. (Her Reverence = Lesley M Charlton ed. )
By the way, the last word in the first line is what the French would call a faux
ami. It refers to the crop itself rather than to one of its propagating agents!
Kind regards
Finlay Forbes Ae Mair Hairst by: Garry, Flora
She promised weel aneuch — a heavy crap.
Bit a dull, mochy Simmer it wis, wi afa little drooth.
Some o‘s, ye‘ll min‘, gey forcey, cuttit ower green,
An syne the widder broke.
Caul‘, roch shooers drave doon on a nor‘east win‘.
The cattle oot on the girss
Wannert wi their backs up roun‘ the dykes,
Nivver ristin‘.
Aye the onding, aye the clorty dubs.
I‘ the howe a Ythan week efter weary week
The stooks steed tasht an water-loggit.
Mornin efter mornin yon fite haar
Cam‘ blawin in fae the coast.
Bit ae foreneen the win‘ swang roun‘ to the west,
The cloods were heich an licht,
The sky wis blue-er gin we‘d seen‘t a Simmer.
The howes firmt up. The strae began to reeshle.
Shaef efter shaef, we turn‘t the stooks wi wir han‘s
In tull the face a a strong sunshiny breeze
I‘ the cornyards, the smell o the ripened grain.
We workit hard, fyles by the licht o the meen,
Fyles on the Sabbath day,
An we got aff the grun‘, ae mair hairst!
An noo fae Mormond Hill as far‘s Bennachie,
The raikit stibble parks lie teem an quaet,
Wytin‘ for the ploo.
--------------------------------
The Estate of Flora Garry 1995
Flora Garry‘s Collected Poems are available from Steve Savage Publishers Ltd.
http://www.savagepublishers.com
Finlay Forbes looks ahead to Harvest
Church News September 2011
23
Regular weekly activities at our church
Monday:
10.00 Parents & Toddlers
(during school terms)
Tuesday:
10.00 Parents & Toddlers
(during school terms)
19 30 Faith Advancement
Wednesday:
10.00 Parents & Toddlers
(during school terms)
10.45 Wednesday Forum
(first Wednesday monthly
except August)
13.10 Lunchtime service
19 30 Line Dancing
Thursday:
19.00 International Friendship
Café
Friday:
14.00 Not Strictly Dancing
(Ballroom & Latin American
Dancing)
22.00 All night prayers and
Street Pastors (until
04:00)
Saturday:
14.30 Not Strictly Dancing
(Ballroom& Latin American
Dancing)
22.00 Street Pastors (until
04:00)
How to contribute to Church
News
Contributions on matters of
reflection and opinion as well as
reports of activities are welcome.
Copy for Church News must reach
the editor no later than midday on
the second Sunday of the month.
Electronic copy is preferred, by e-
mail or on CD. Typed or hand-
written copy (not more than 700
words if possible) should be left in
the editor‘s pigeon-hole opposite
Room 6.
The next copy deadline is 12
noon on Sunday, 11 September
2011.
Editor: Bron Robinson
Thank you to Mail Boxes Etc,
22 Eden St, Kingston, KT1 1DN, tel: 020
8547 1547
for printing Church News
Our web site blog
Did you know you can make a
comment and see what others are
saying on the KURC web site?
Click ―Follow us‖ at the bottom left
of the opening page — then
general—then comments.
Please add your comment or tell us
all about something you want to
www.kingstonurc.org
You can keep in touch with worship and activities at our church
through our website. Log on and subscribe to regular e-updates !
Listen to the Sermon and service
Church News September 2011
24
Kingston United Reformed Church - Information A warm invitation is given to all who read this magazine to come and
share in our services and activities.
Our Sunday Services:
Minister: Rev Lesley M Charlton
2 Regent Rd, Surbiton, KT5 8NL
Tel: 020 8399 4423
10:00 – Traditional Worship
(with communion first Sunday
monthly)
11:30 – Interactive Worship
(with communion on the last
Sunday monthly)
Email: [email protected]
Associate Minister: Rev Suk In Lee
144 Malden Rd, New Malden, KT3 6DS
Tel: 020 8949 2070
Email: [email protected]
Church Secretary: Vaughan James
18:30 – Reflective Worship
(with communion on the third
Sunday monthly)
114 Cardinal Avenue
Kingston, KT2 5SA
Tel: 020 8549 9967 E mail: [email protected] Church Treasurer: Robin Hoar
76 Langham Rd, Teddington, TW11 9HJ
Tel: 020 8977 1524
On the second Sunday of each
month a combined service at
11:00 replaces the 10:00 and 11:30
services.
Church Organist: Tony Wenman
7 Common Rd, Claygate, KT10 0HG
Tel: 01372 464709
Tea and coffee are served between
the 10:00 and 11:30 services,
before the 11:00 service on the
second Sunday and after the 18:30
service.
Premises Manager: Michael Brennan
Tel: 020 8549 1888
Email: [email protected]
Premises are open from 08:00-18:00.
During the 10:00 service there are
group activities for children of all
ages. Children go to their group at
the end of the second hymn.
Visiting children are welcome to
join them.
Private Prayer: The Sanctuary is open all day (entry via foyer if main door shut). Coffee and Tea: Our foyer is normally open every weekday and Saturday from 11:00 until 14:00 for coffee and tea.
Kingston United Reformed Church
is a member of the Local Ecumenical Project in Kingston Town Centre with its partners All
Saints Parish Church in the Market
Place and Kingston Baptist Church, in Union Street.
A Listening Ear: If you would like to talk with someone about a matter of concern, speak to the coffee-server or get in touch with the Minister.
Charity No. 1131880