From the Editor,

Recently I heard the Casting Crown’s song ‘We were meant to be courageous’ and it stirred something deep within me. I often imagine what life would be like if we were to lay down everything and live abandoned to being a devoted lover of God and others. The giving up of our rights and viewing the world through the eyes of God...what an adventure! Small catch though - I’m human as is everyone I live with and am around.

So, I along with everyone else are on a journey, learning to hear and following the inner voice, making mistakes and learning (hopefully) along the way. How does courage fit into this? Its the necessary ingredient to make and stand by our decisions along the way. Faith and courage combined allow us to continue when we just think we can’t, it gives us a reason to step out in a way that we wouldn’t normally, it helps us show God to others as we leave ourselves behind and become ambassadors, explorers...adventurers.

We wanted to honour ALL the Men of WBC in this issue, so you will find littered throughout articles from our men of all ages and how they live with faith in the workplace, their interests and their future aims. Keep an eye out for the messages that some of the children have sent in...see if you can recognise anyone that belongs to you! Some of them are qutie enlightening in that aceypacey kind of way...

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When August Basson was with us last year he used an illustration of a map and satnav. He talked about the various ways as Christians we have of being directed by God. In Oliver’s Battery there has been some discussion over a new sign to announce that one has arrived in the ‘village’. One day we may even get to see the sign! Even when the sign eventually arrives I doubt that most people will give it moremore than a casual glance. Some might think it looks nice and it may generate some more discussion. One thing I am certain of is that the sign is not Oliver’s Battery in itself, although it may represent it very well. Living in Oliver’s Battery is far more than just having a sign to show where it is.

God gives us many signs and pointers to his kingdom. Not least of these is of course, the Bible. In the New Testament Jesus used miracles to show people that he had the authority from God. They were, if you like, a sign or a pointer to the kingdom of God. We don’t know much about those he healed. What kind of lives did they go on to live? Of the ten lepers healed by Jesus we read of only one who returned giving praise to God. What was the rest of his life like? I wonder what he was saying when news of the crucifixion reached his town.

There is a danger that when God touches our life in some way we go on living just for that moment. This in effect puts God in a box and limits him to an event in the past. I’m not saying we should forget the things he has done, but I am saying that these good things should point to the possibilities of what he will do in the future and to how we might be a part of his plans. God is so awesome that whatever he has already done can be surpassed by him in the future. We must give thanks and praise to the almighty God for what he has done and allow him to use his signs and wonders to point us in the direction of his kingdom.

Living in the shadow of the sign is nothing compared to living in the kingdom of God. I believe that we get closer to the kingdom of God when we practice the greatest commandments: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength AND Love your neighbor as yourself. We’re not given the choice of either focusing on God or on others. Both are vital to a complete relationship with Him in his kingdom. Will you read the signs God gives and join me in showing those in darkness the light of God as we walk the path of life?

“People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.

If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.

If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.

The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.

For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.”

Mother Teresa

There is something good about bringing together brothers and sisters of different denominations, where the things that separate and divide us are set aside to being just brothers and sisters in Christ on the day on which He gave up his life for us, because He loves us and wanted to re-establish us to His Father, who also loves each one of us and desires to have a direct and intimate relationship with you and me.

Following a moving meditative service at Winbap during which we sang well known and loved hymns and choruses, many quietly left to walk to St Peters to join others who were waiting for the start of the March of Witness.

After a warm welcome from Canon Paul, who invited everyone back for a warm drink and see their new hall, we sang ‘O sacred head’ after which everyone filed out of the church to follow behind the cross which was carried by a volunteer down to the Buttercross. At St George’s Street crossing the police were in attendance to hold up the traffic until the crocodile of Christians crossed over.

On arrival at the Buttercross there were a number of people already waiting, some Christians from other churches, a few musicians (who had been playing to the public), and very possibly members of the general public who were curious to see what was going on.

Ewen welcomed every one and said how honored he was to lead the service as this was his last address before moving to Taunton. He also welcomed and thanked the Salvation Army band for their support in leading us in ‘There is a Green Hill’, ‘When I survey the Wondrous Cross’, and ‘Amazing Grace’. Roly Riem from the Cathedral read from Luke 23, Ewen explained why Good Friday was ‘good’ for everyone who is living, and encouraged those listening or walking by to seek a church if they were touched by what he shared. Nigel Hemming, new chair for Mission Winchester, led the prayers and ended the service by leading everyone in the Grace.

For me the service was a good opportunity to demonstrate the

significance of Good Friday to me, as a Christian and my relationship with our Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit while singing and listening in the lovely sunshine that we had been blessed with.

The comment that challenged me the most was when Ewen mentioned that in Winchester there were ~ 4000 Christians, and how he would have loved to see all 4000 fill the High Street! Next year, will you join in and be a witness for Jesus by joining the march as a ‘thank you’ for what He gave up?

Gwen Valentine

Happy Fathers’ day Huff-Daddy! Despite your weird obsessions (the compost bin, paper bricks, exercise machines...) you definitley fit the role! Thanks for everything! Much love, Mini Huff.

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Being a Christian in the Armed Forces, is in many ways no different from being a Christian in any other job; the temptations to live otherwise are just the same. The only thing that is different, is people’s perception of actually being in the Armed Forces in the first place, as they cannot see how a Christian can be a serviceman or woman being trained to take life should the situation demand it. I am often faced with the question of, “What about the command not to kill?” This is answered by saying that in the original Hebrew, it reads, “Thou shalt not murder” which is totally different. Nowhere in scripture is soldiering condemned, and as long as the British soldier sticks to the “Rules of Engagement” for that particular situation he or she finds themselves in, then, should they find themselves having to return fire and end up taking someone else’s life, then both in the sight of this government and in the sight of GOD they have acted honourably.

So, back to the question of how people find being a Christian in the Armed Forces? As hinted at earlier, the temptations they face are the same. The most important,

thing for a Christian to have, in order to stay strong in their faith, is a close relationship with GOD; both in prayer and in Bible study. For how else are we to have that relationship with GOD if we do not communicate? As the old BT advert used to say, “It’s good to talk”. The main way of keeping this up is in belonging to a Church which encourages this.

When I was a young Royal Engineer, I started to drift away from GOD because the church parades were few and far between, and as attendance ceased, so my relationship with GOD cooled. Gradually, without realising it, I was drifting from my GOD, being prepared by Satan, for the worldly traps he would put in my path. Knowing my fall and what it cost me, both spiritually and financially; the greatest burden on my heart is to encourage believers in the Armed Forces to fellowship with like-minded believers, whether in a Garrison Church or a local civilian one; the importance being GODly fellowship. Whilst in Winchester I have been blessed with the support I have received from the local churches, and have been able to encourage forces personnel to attend many local fellowships.

Other temptations are also ones that you will be familiar with. The drunkenness, the womanising, the gambling, are all evident, the only difference being is that the soldier will have more opportunity to participate in the above due to good rates of pay, and times of deprivation (for example when they are away on tour or on operations), so that on their return, they yearn even more for those things that they have not been able to do whilst away; this then, can quite often lead them to do things to the extreme. It’s a feast and famine mentality.

Please continue to pray for our Armed Forces and those who seek to minister to them.

Lee Philipson

Thanks for putting up with me and taking me places like cadetsloveHannah.

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Being a Christian in the Armed Forces

I was asked (or maybe I offered!) to write an article on how men in the church have been like a father to me. But as I sit, plodding along with another Masters essay at the speed of a canal boat, listening to some soothing guitar (Tommy Emmanuel, if anyone’s interested) I can’t help but think of my own Dad. Sometimes a melody, or a pleasing smell, or a colour thrown across the sky at sunset, causes these momentary reflections on the relationships we had with the ones who we wait to meet again at Heavens gate.

My dad was a witty, thoughtful, deep and passionately caring person. I feel blessed to be able to say those things about him, as I know many of you will read this and not feel such fondness about your own fathers. As a child I have many memories of spending time with my Dad, on my own and with the rest of my family. At the time, I never considered that the memories being made were of a limited number, and would soon run out – because as children we do not fear such tragedies. The trust we hold in our parents as small children is a precious gift that I have only experienced elsewhere in the father heart of

of God. I can’t help but wonder whether the trust Jesus had in his father on the cross was like that of a small child, or that of an adult who has become ‘acquainted with grief ’.

Losing my Dad as a teenager instilled in me for a time, a fear of future tragedies. How will I know? How can I prepare myself for pain such as this again? How can I possibly deal with so much pain again? But one day, on a rare occasion that I managed to sit down and read God’s word in silence, I stumbled across these verses in Psalm 112:

“Those who are righteous will be long remembered.They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly.” The trust I have in God as my heavenly father, is not that of an innocent child, unaware of the dangers and pains of life, nor is it one fully aware of the pains ahead, but somewhere in between. In a time of my life where I face the future without my earthly Dad around, I find myself surrounded by God’s fatherly love and care in

the men he has placed around me, in my church, in my friends’ fathers, in my education and work places. In my secondary school it was a much loved art teacher, in my church at home it was those in leadership, in my friendship groups it was my best friends Dad, offering me the hug that I might just miss now and then. In my adult life, it is the wise, caring and godly men, who are not afraid to show the pain in their hearts from their own life tragedies. It is in their humility and gentleness that God ministers his fatherly love to my soul. In a Kingdom where God says last is first, and weak is strong, I learn how to face my foes triumphantly, not ashamed of the scars that come from past battles, standing surrounded by those who are ‘acquainted with grief ’ knowing that it is ‘the price we pay for love’.

I once heard a sermon on gratitude, and how the best way we can thank someone for what they have done for us is to tell them that we thank God for them. And so men of WBC, along with many other people blessed by your love and care, I thank God for you. You are honoured and treasured.

Becca BaxterTO THE MEN OF WBC...

MeettheStudents

Age: 21

Studying: Sport Studies

Fav Bible verse: Proverbs 3:5-6

How long have you been at Winbap for?On and off for near on two years.

Why do you love Hockey and who do you play for/ what position do you play? I play for Winchester Uni first team, was Captain last year and decided to go for vice this year with it being my last year. I play right back. I love it as it becomes such a family. I have been with some of the girls for three years now and joining a team was the best decision I made when I joined Uni.

Tell us a bit about the difficulties of being a Christian Sportswomen and some of the excitements of being a Christian sportswoman.Being a Chritian within sports is hard work, the constant banter! It is often hard to get the balance. On my gap year I did the Christians in Sport Academy which really helped set me up for the start of Uni, learning what it would be like and how to deal with each situation I was faced with and knowing that God would be there through thick and thin. Wednesday nights are a struggle with team socials! And

a lot of consuming being carried out, but I have learnt that being yourself is the most valuable lesson you can learn. I may not drink as much as the other girls, but a lot of people respect me, and I have been given the nickname ‘Mother McGovers!’ as I will always make sure everybody is okay! Yes, it is a struggle but would I change it? No. If you live your life in a bubble, what use does that have? In this day and age actions speak louder than words and you never know when that opportunity to speak God’s word may come when I am with the girls both on and off the pitch.

Any secret hobbies apart from sports? I have to admit I do like doing a cheeky jigsaw when I’m at home!

How did you see in the New Year 2012? My housemates and I decided that as it was our last year all living together we would see in the New Year together. So I came down from London and we celebrated at our house which was lovely!

Big Year 2012, tell me about it? What are you looking forward to? 2012, is a big year! Uni will be over and the real world begins, but not before the excitement of the Olympics! where I will be a Games Maker, situated at the Olympic Village, star spotting I hope!

And also have tickets to see some events too, so can’t wait for them to come!

How early should easter chocs be in the shops? Well I do think they go on sale far too early...but I would be lying if I said I haven’t had a creme egg in the last week!

Perfect Sunday afternoon? Back home in Chiswick, having one of my Mum’s legendary roast dinners!! Followed by a walk in Chiswick House.

Leave a message for the congregation? Winbap is such a friendly church to come to, and you make a real effort to make us students feel welcome, so thank you very much for all you do for us. :)

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* Read Becky’s article ‘It’s all about Sport’ on page 18

Caroline and I had the joy of visiting the slums of Kisumu, Kenya recently to continue the work of Lullaby. It’s so exciting to be doing something that is on God’s heart, because we know the relationship that a mother or father has with his/her baby should mirror the relationship God wants with us. Being commissioned and sent out by the church was a powerful picture of that too - just as a baby can leave her/his mother when s/he is secure, so we were able to go out in peace from our secure church base.It was really exciting walking through the tracks and jumping over the open sewers into the slums! There are people, bikes and cows and goats, hens and children wandering everywhere. The rubbish is everywhere too but at least the smells come and go. With the help of our translator, Benson and Poline, the local community worker, we found eight of our original group of eleven women. They welcomed us warmly and told us what they had learned from our last visit which was six months ago. There were some very heartening replies; eg.‘I learned how to play with my baby. His brain and mind grows because I play with him.’‘You taught how we can make the baby happy by singing and playing with him.’

‘What she has learned is how a mother can be close to the baby, read the mind of the baby and then try to read what the cry means.’We filmed each of these mother and baby pairs in their homes for three minutes to see how they were relating to each other. Also we went to a different village [where they brew illicit alcohol] and visited and filmed a group of twelve new mothers.We held two programmes of four baby bonding sessions in the church hall, one for each of our different groups of women. We taught about the neurological basis for our understanding that simple behaviour like eye contact and talking to the baby can make important changes in the brain and that play is vital in developing both the relationship with the mother and the child’s ability to learn. Then we had lots of fun singing to, talking to, massaging and playing with the babies. It wasn’t always easy. One of our initial mothers was very sick with HIV-aids. When we visited she was very weak and we had to step over her husband who was lying prone in the dust asleep, drunk [?] and sick. Her four children were milling around including her thirteen year old daughter who also had a two month old. Initially the daughter was scared of us and ran away, but with much gentle encouragement from Poline and Benson she came to all our

sessions. She learned to look into her baby’s eyes and the baby smiled back at her. When the baby gurgled she ‘talked’ back to her, most likely for the first time. These were very moving moments that left us near tears! The mother also came to each session even though for the first one she was literally dragging herself there but she was too weak to carry her baby. She had been part of the church but had fallen away but was happy for Caroline to pray with her. She was delighted to see her daughter attend our sessions. Then she discovered that her baby was not HIV positive and was overjoyed. We have some lovely film of them enjoying each other.Another highlight was to see the original group animatedly discussing about how they wanted to continue the work once we had gone and share what they had learned with their friends. It was thrilling to see the way these women were empowered by knowing they could help other women.About ten of the new group came. At first they appeared to be less engaged [Sheila had a prophecy about hard coconuts falling] but they did join in and came up with a variety of difficult questions eg, ‘Does beating improve the character of the child?’ However, as Caroline says, all their questions were about what benefitted the child, rather than about how to make their own lives better. They

lack basic sanitation, a decent diet and violence and abuse are commonplace. So we found all of that really humbling.We have some encouraging film data showing mothers engaging more with their children, and being more responsive to them. As ever we return with hearts full of ‘What now Lord?’ This is a huge project and we need wisdom to know just how much input these women need to sustain this new way of living. We realise that by changing the babies’ lives we are impacting all sort of things, some of which won’t be easy. So we need to be responsible to support them as God leads us. Please pray for us in this.

Helen Howes

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I still love you even after all these years, even though it’s not always easy having a Dad that uses phrases like Acey Pacey, Absofruitly and refers to the internet as the ‘interweb’

Jess

What do we need courage for?...Some people might need it, if they’re in hospital and have to learn to cope when they go home; others, such as Philippe Croizon, a limbless man who decided to swim the English Channel, needed it to fight against the odds and overcome his restrictions. Some may say that I am courageous because I am going to Africa this summer - and not for an ordinary sort of holiday!

I will be building an extension of a primary school, to accommodate disabled children. It is the first of its kind outside of Kampala, Uganda. The children in Uganda need courage to survive because of their lack of food. In particular, disabled children are often viewed as “useless” as they cannot assist their families with work in the fields or look after their younger siblings at home. This is far greater than the courage I need, as my main worry is that I do not want to catch any deadly diseases which they have to face every single day.

Whilst I am out in Uganda, I dearly hope to see a lion. As my sister reminded me, the lion Aslan, in “The Lion and the Witch and the Wardrobe” represents Jesus. Jesus also needed courage because he knew he was going to die. Just as Jesus brings courage and new hope to all who believe in him, the project I will be working on, with Mission Direct, trusts it will bring new hope to those children in Uganda.

If you would like to encourage me on my quest to raise funds for this project, you can sponsor me, my sister and my mum on our half the Clarendon Way Walk next month ( June).

“http : // www . virginmoneygiving . com /

BarbaraKlampe” www . virginmoneygiving . com /

BarbaraKlampe

As I walk, I will be thinking of those children who have to walk many miles just to have one bucketful of water.

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By Joshuaand Babs

KLAMPE

Philippe Croizon - Joshua’s inspiration

Regardless of one’s views on the Monarchy, Queen Elizabeth’s

life is one of total dedication and service. Aged just 25 the mantle of responsibility was suddenly thrust upon her young shoulders, barely having time to breathe let alone grieve for her father. A young mum she was thrust into the public light like never before, and she has sought to keep her promises ever since. A year later the Coronation took place. According to the BBC...“In front of more than 8,000 guests, including prime ministers and heads of state from around the Commonwealth, she took the Coronation Oath and is now bound to serve her people and to maintain the laws of God. After being handed the four symbols of authority - the orb, the sceptre, the rod of mercy and the royal ring of sapphire and rubies - the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Geoffrey Fisher, placed St Edward’s Crown on her head to complete the ceremony.”Three million people lined the streets and many more watched the proceedings on the television. My mum, aged 3, remembers the family gathering around to watch the occasion and the street parties afterwards. Many of you will remember the Silver and Golden Jubilees, with street parties and royal processions. She addressed Parliament then too and spoke of having a hope in the future...In her address to Parliament in March this year she expressed a new hope ‘that the Diamond Jubilee will be an opportunity for people to come together in a spirit of neighbourliness and celebration of their own communities.’ It transpires that the people of Hampshire have taken on this call with gusto and many celebrations are taking place....

• Hampshire County Council’s major Diamond Jubilee initiative is to encourage the planting of thousands of commemorative oak trees across Hampshire as a lasting legacy to 60 years of The Queen’s reign. For more information checkout the website:

• Jubilate A showcase of local talent to start the Winchester weekend Jubilee party. Held at the Guidhall.

• For those energetic amongst you Kings Worthy Primary school are hosting a Jubilee Fun Run!

• A Service of Thanksgiving we be held in Winchester Cathedral on Sunday 27 May 2012. The County Council has been actively searching for and encouraging residents and organisations to nominate ‘diamond’ volunteers to join this special occasion. Like The Queen, they will have given 60 years of voluntary service.

• Thousands of Jubilee Beacons will be lit across the country. 3 are in Hampshire – Lepe, Butser Hill and Queen Victoria Country Park.

• There is plenty more information on theHants website: http://www3. hants.gov .uk/diamondjubilee

Are you hosting or attending a Jubilee Celebration? If so why not let us know (and if appropriate invite others) to come along on our Magazine Face Book page....

So amongst the celebrations and the BBQ’s, the bunting and the BBC 24hr coverage, let us take a

moment to give thanks for this remarkable woman who has dedicated her life to serve. Who promised that “Throughout all my life and with all my heart I shall strive to be worthy of your trust”.Here are some interesting facts...Over the reign, Her Majesty has given regular audiences to 12 Prime Ministers. They are: •WinstonChurchill1951-55•SirAnthonyEden1955-57•HaroldMacmillan1957-63•SirAlecDouglas-Home1963-64 •HaroldWilson1964-70and1974-76•EdwardHeath1970-74•JamesCallaghan1976-79•MargaretThatcher1979-90•JohnMajor1990-97•TonyBlair1997-2007•GordonBrown2007-2010•DavidCameron2010–present

There have been six Archbishops of Canterbury during The Queen’s reign (Archbishops Geoffrey Fisher, Michael Ramsey, Donald Coggan, Robert Runcie, George Carey and Rowan Williams). The Queen is currently patron of over 600 charities and organisations, over 400 of which shehasheldsince1952. The Queen has sent almost 540,000 telegrams to couples in the UK and the Commonwealth celebrating their diamond wedding (60 years) anniversary. In 60 years, The Queen has undertaken 261 official overseas visits,including96StateVisits,to116 different countries. The Queen also introduced a new breed of dog known as the “dorgi” when one of Her Majesty’s corgis was mated with a dachshund named Pipkin which belonged to Princess Margaret.

Today was going to be busy. As I walked into Winchester

from the Park and Ride, I prayed through the day’s plan. My first engagement was at Starbucks, where a small group of Council staff meet each month for a short Bible reading and prayer over coffee and bacon rolls. Four people turned up today, and we read the account in John’s Gospel of the risen Jesus having breakfast with his friends. Then we prayed for our day’s work ahead. Soon after 9 o’clock, I started my regular workplace visiting programme at M&S, and then at Debenhams. Visiting staff at the workplace varies according to the time of day, but it’s easier to visit early rather than later. I’d hoped to see the store managers as part of this, but they were otherwise occupied today, so I spoke to staff and supervisors who I’ve met before, and introduced myself to several new ones, with whom I left chaplain’s visiting cards. Mostly just friendly talk, though I met one whose birthday it was, and one who’d just returned from paternity leave. He proudly showed me a picture of his baby son on his i-phone. Mid morning, I had a 1-to-1 meeting in Costa Coffee with Jessica, an office worker, which I’d arranged last week. (Names and details in this account are changed so that people are not identifiable). Jessica wanted to talk through her work situation,

which included the possibility of voluntary redundancy. I listened attentively, and asked a few open questions. I could tell she found it helpful to talk about her hopes and fears. When we finished coffee, I offered to say a prayer for her there that God would bless her and her family and help her make wise decisions. When I pray in coffee shops I like it to be part of the conversation that God is already in; eyes open, ordinary language. I could tell that Jessica felt released from some of the stress she’d been feeling. As I came away, I called our three volunteer ‘associate’ chaplains on my mobile, to arrange a team meeting at the Slug & Lettuce next week. As Lead Chaplain, I meet and encourage these volunteers regularly, talking through their own agreed visiting plans and situations. We couldn’t fulfil this ministry without them. And we could really use two or three more volunteers (especially men) to spend an hour or two per week visiting staff in assigned shops and offices in the city, which would help us do the job even better and cover more. I’d planned to visit established contacts in some of the smaller shops just off the High Street, and was pleased to find them in, and to meet several new staff too. One shop assistant, Mandy, began to talk about the recent breakup of her relationship with her partner. Then a customer came and we had to stop. I’ll visit again earlier tomorrow when it’s quieter. At another shop, I asked about business and Jake, the manager, spoke with frustration

about the sales targets he’s supposed to meet. I listened and we made a date to talk over a cup of tea during a lunch-break next week. Before lunch, I had time to do a couple of new visits. I try to visit somewhere new each week to grow our ministry. Today I visited two smaller shops I haven’t been to before. One was really welcoming, so I met the three staff on duty and left visiting cards. I’ll visit again next week. The other was really busy, so I didn’t pursue the visit. (A key chaplain’s rule is not to interrupt custom). Made a note to try again another time. I decided to have my lunch at the Council common-room, so began to walk downtown. I said hello to Derek, who sells the Big Issue mag, and asked him about his son who he’s mentioned to me before, and who is finding it hard to settle at his new school.

“Then came one of those ‘God appointments’ that I wasn’t expecting, but which seem to happen quite often to a chaplain.”

Just outside Boots, a mum with a buggy stopped me and I realised it was Judy, a contact who I’d met in an office visit several months ago when she was pregnant, and who’d asked me to pray for her family as as she approached maternity leave. She excitedly introduced new baby Lewis, who I duly admired, and she told me all about her new status as mother. God bless that family. When I got to the Council Offices, I ate my sandwiches with Jason, a friendly contact I’ve known for some time, who plays guitar in a rock band and imagines what it would have been like if he’d ‘gone professional’ as a musician years ago. We talked about all sorts of stuff, and then at the end, he told me he’s got to have an operation soon to remove a growth, and asked me to ‘remember him’ over the next few weeks. I said I’d put him on my chaplain’s prayer list, and he looked pleased. Said a silent prayer for him right then and made a note to visit him at his desk when he returns. Then I made several desk visits to follow up specific situations I knew about from my last visit to the Council. I had a significant conversation with Sara, whom I’ve known through my visits for several years and who always welcomes me. Her job is moving well outside her comfort zone because of funding issues. I suggested she consider talking it through in greater depth with the employee counselling service she has access to. I think she’ll do that, but I’ll visit her regularly myself too, so she can unload on me when that helps. My last port of call today was to visit North Walls Police Station (I’m happy to say this was a chaplain’s visit!). Even police officers need to talk sometimes, and I checked

out several established contacts, as well as calling on the Safer Neighbourhood Officer, who I know from the Street Pastors scheme. I talked with one officer who was applying for another post, and to a civilian staff-member about her forthcoming wedding plans. As I walked back to my car at the Park and Ride, I looked back through my notebook on the day’s visits and recalled the people I met. Not every day is as full as today was. I’d met some old contacts and some new, some happy contacts and some unhappy ones. I thank God I’ve been able to help build his kingdom in people’s lives here in Winchester workplaces. Listening, supporting, encouraging; being good news as often as possible, and speaking good news from time to time. As I walked, I committed the people and situations I’d met to God, and left them with him, so I don’t need to take other people’s troubles home. Thank you, God for this city and its people!

You can contact Howard Rowe, Winchester City Centre Chaplain by email at chaplain@winccc.org.uk

We were made to be courageousWe were made to lead the wayWe could be the generation that finally breaks the chains

We were made to be courageousWe were made to be courageous

We were warriors on the front lines,standing unafraid.But now we’re watchers on the side lines,While our families slip away.Where are you men of courage?You were made for so much more.Let the pounding of our hearts cry,We will serve the Lord.

We were made to be courageous,and were taking back the fight.We were made to be courageous,and it starts with us tonight.The only way we’ll ever stand,is on our knees with lifted hands.Make us courageous,Lord make us courageous.This is our resolution, our answer to the call,We will love our wives and children,and refuse to let them fall.We will reignite the passion,that we buried deep inside.May the watchers become warriors,let the men of God arise.

Seek justice, love mercy, walk humbly with your GodSeek justice, love mercy, walk humbly with your God

In the war of the mind I will make my stand, In the battle of the heart, in the battle of the hands.In the war of the mind I will make my stand, In the battle of the heart, in the battle of the hands

We were meant to be courageous

CASTING CROWNS

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“Could you write something for the magazine about your hobbies – perhaps the sports you enjoy playing?” our magazine editor asked me. Clearly she hasn’t noticed my lack of sporting prowess! But I’m happy to pen a few words about a more sedentary pastime. Now that I’m retired I’ve got more time to devote to my interest in the history and the architecture of Winchester. History as a subject never really gripped me at school: it didn’t seem to have any direct relevance to me. But a quarter of a century working in Whitehall made me realise the importance of learning lessons from the past. And nearly 40 years of living in Winchester, where almost every building has a story to tell, has made history come alive.

I’m a keen member of WARG – the society for Winchester archaeology and local history. I was hooked from the moment I joined. The highlight of their activities is their annual summer excavation. On my very first day digging I unearthed a Roman clay hearth still clearly bearing the fingerprints of the person who moulded it some 1700 years earlier. It’s that human

connection across the centuries that makes archaeology special for me. Several years ago we mounted an excavation at St Cross Park, just south of the Hospital, which extended over four summers. Amongst many other items we found a lot of fragments of medieval encaustic tile, very similar to those that you can still see on the floor of the Retrochoir of the cathedral. There was nothing particularly special about the tiles themselves but exciting thing for me was the connection with the man who made them: we know from the St. Cross archives that the Hospital ordered them from William the Tiler of Otterbourne on a particular day in the 1370s. And as William’s wooden moulds became chipped and broken over the time so the patterns on the tiles changed slightly, so it was not difficult to sequence the fragments by age. (We think we’ve identified the site where William made his tiles – in Kiln Lane, naturally – but the current owner of the land is not keen on the idea of us digging up his garden!)

Between our annual summer digs there’s a lot to be involved with. In March, for example, I took part in some work with the University,

trialling a new assessment technique for cataloguing human skeletal remains, using bones excavated from the site of the Winchester leper hospital on Magdalen Hill. And in April I helped to carry out a geophysical survey of the site of the 14th century College of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, opposite Winchester College’s New Hall, which WARG will be returning to for a second summer dig this year. Come and see how we’re getting on at our Open Day on Sunday 5th August.

I’m also currently involved in a two year research project with other volunteers to identify historic routes that, if reinstated, would help to fill gaps in the rights of way network around Hampshire and improve access to the countryside. I’ve been concentrating mainly on the area around Winchester. We start by examining 18th and early 19th century Enclosure maps and Tithe maps, together with the first edition large scale (25” to the mile) Ordnance Survey maps from the 1860s, and then investigate other sources that we can track down, such as maps drawn up when the canal and railways were being proposed. These are all

fascinating documents to study, and many of the 17th century ones are particularly impressive just as works of art.

Over the years I’ve amassed a lot of information about the city and its buildings and have led the occasional themed walk for friends. More recently I’ve become an official ‘Visit Winchester Greeter’: eight of us volunteers make ourselves available to give free guided walks to visitors to the city, introducing them to the things that make Winchester special for us, and focussing on the visitors’ particular interests. From time to time I’ve also led walks for groups from the church; it’s probably about time that I offered to do so again. There’s a huge amount of interest to see even within just a few hundred metres of the church buildings. So if you’d care to join me for 90 minutes on the evening of Friday 15th June we could stroll around the immediate vicinity of the church, taking a look at part of the oldest man-made structure still visible in the city, finding out how the ‘White Swan’ got its name, standing in the middle of a Roman cemetery, hearing the sad story of why the North Gate was demolished, discovering what lies beneath the church buildings, seeing where pilgrims came to venerate the head of St Valentine, and more besides. Please contact me if you’re interested. For the sake of other pedestrians we’ll need to put a limit the numbers.

I’d be happy to lead another walk during the summer, perhaps focussing on a topic like the city’s royal and ecclesiastical palaces or the importance of water in shaping the way Winchester looks today. Again, let me know if you are interested.

Ed

Your tip f inds never cease to amaze, and you ’re stuck in your old fogey ways. Y our clocks may never chime on time but I love you Pops ‘coz you are mine!

Becki, Sam and Millie

“

“

On the Ball City! Love you lots Dad. with love from Tuckerxxxx

“ “

My Dad is kind and nice, he helps me when I’m down.

Ari

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“

Dear Father of mineThe job that you do can bedescribed as sublime!

Dan(Haiku)

“

Thanks for being there Dad.

Anon from Edge

Thank you for being shorter than me!

Anon from Edge

“ “

“ “

Always up for some fun.

Rebekah

“

“

“

I think my Dad is lovely because he helps me to do things but the most thing he does is look after me.

Lily S

Before you go to University, when people tell you what

University is like, what the sport is like, what the socials are like, you never really grasp it until you actually experience it. It is at this point your Christian faith is challenged beyond what many are prepared for. Christians in Sport, who I did an academy programme with on my gap year, direct a lot of their work towards the passage in Colossians 4: 2-6, and this can be related to any Christian involved in sport with three simple words, ‘Pray Play and Say’. Pray, Play, Say can be understood as praying for your friends in sport, playing your sport in a way which honours God; and saying something of the good news of Jesus Christ. This in essence seems easy but in reality is a constant struggle. Being a Christian at University is no easy thing, and this is especially the case within sports teams. It doesn’t matter how much Bible training you have had to prepare you for what is to come, the test is when you are there; on the pitch with the girls, or on a Wednesday evening. A lot of the time it is not what you know which demonstrates the person you are but it is by the actions you portray, and this is a continuous test and one

which is a ongoing struggle to be Godly in. With the continuous sexual banter, foul language, and encouragement to become inebriated, in particular this was experienced in great extremes on extremes on my two occasions on the Uni Sports Tour. With the right thing being to not go along with the crowd, it becomes so easy to get caught up in the moment and to mirror the actions of your team mates, however much you know it is wrong. You yourself as a Christian have to know what behaviour is appropriate and what is not. From the beginning you have to be strong in what you believe; yes it is hard and yes you may have times when you fail but if you plant the seed early it will grow. I was petrified about telling my social secretary that I didn’t want to get drunk on my ‘welcome drinks’, I was worried about what people may think of me, that people wouldn’t like me for being different. How wrong I was, if you are honest with people, a lot of the time they will respect you for standing up for something you believe in; and I have since been both Captain and Vice-Captain of my team and have built amazing friendships with some of my best friends being on the team. I was the only Christian

in the two hockey teams, and this was hard, but as the years went on the respect people had for me grew; the fact that I didn’t have to go out and get drunk or sleep around to have fun. People in other teams started to realise that there was something different about me too but the respect I gained was amazing, the football boys would give me banter, but then nicknamed me ‘Mother McGovers’ summing up the role I play a lot of the time whilst at Uni. Being one of the only Christians I know involved in a sports team at the Uni adds a great deal of pressure as there is not the support basis which is present in many other Uni’s through Pray Play Say groups. I am aware that I have not made an effort with going to either the CU or cluster groups at the Church and this again has placed more pressure on myself as I am on my own in an environment which can be so very often an unholy one. This has often led to a detachment from the Christian grounding which I spent six months in particular working towards, ensuring that all I do both within my sport and out is to honour Christ. It has been a tough three years, and my faith has been challenged numerous times; you find yourself asking why to God a lot of the time. In my first year I

realised how comfortable I was in the academy with 15 other sporty Christians, to then being placed on my own knowing no other actively sporty Christians. The reality was scary but through persistence I have come out the other end being a stronger person, who has had the opportunity to share God’s grace. Uni is a hard environment to be in, but one I would never change, and I have grown to not be ashamed of what I believe but to stand tall in the faith I have.

Christians in Sport exists to reach the world of sport for Christ. To do this we are working daily to see Christians in every one of the UKs 150,000 sports clubs, representing Christ and building the local church.

Firstly, we train Christians in sport to represent Christ by praying for their friends in sport, playing in a way that honours God and saying something of the Good News of Jesus Christ. This is done through training events, resources, youth and university groups scattered across the UK as well as Sport Networks connecting people to others from their sport.

Secondly, we support and help Christians in sport share their faith with their friends by hosting sports events that they can invite their friends along to, where they can hear the Christian message. These include sports quizzes, dinners, tournaments as well as university and school missions and our youth camps Sports Plus.

For more information about Christians in Sport visit their website www . christiansinsport

..org . uk

ML’sMusic Review

Have you ever listened to Switchfoot before?I’ve never listened to this CD before but I think it is really good, be-cause it includes a range of different really great songs. Some of them have a loud rocky aspect to them, but some are quite gentle like the song Souvenirs, Restless and Thrive. Personally I prefer the rocky ones but that doesn’t mean I don’t like the gentle ones. 

Favourite Songs and Favourite lyrics?I have three favourites: Afterlife, The war Inside and Selling the news. I also like Thrive because recently I felt a bit down but then got over it again and afterwards I listened to this song and realised that was exactly how I had been feeling. I don’t really know what my favourite lyrics are but I like these:

“Put your hands up, open wide. Put your hands up, side by side, age don’t matter like, race don’t matter like, place don’t matter like what’s inside.”

 I like these lyrics because they seem to be saying it doesn’t matter how old you are,where you are or what race you are, what is more important is who you are inside. I’m not sure if that’s what they actually mean but I think of it like that. : )

What is this music good for?I think that this CD is good for singing along to, e.g rocky songs, and good for relaxing when you are by yourself, e.g calmer songs. Some of the calmer songs sound like some others I’ve heard recently, but I can’t remember which, which isn’t very helpful really, but I don’t think that I have heard anything too similar to many of the others. 

Rating out of 5?All in all I think this CD is awesome and I would recommend it to anyone. If I had to rank it out of five it would definitely be five! : 0 )

ML

winbap youththe edge - fresh - friday club

NEWSInside this issue

Socials this term Praise & Pray with us...

EDGE RESIDENTIAL INFO

An update on the youth work at WinbapWell, it has been another very busy term for Winbap Youth, which consists of Fresh (11-16’s, Sunday Mornings) and The Edge (14-18’s Thursday Evenings). The Edge have just finished a fantastic term of studying the gifts of the Spirit, which has been a learning experi-ence for all of us. Tom, Melissa, Tim, Ewen and Joanne all came and delivered some fantastic, fun and faith filled sessions on various gifts, and we have had some amazing God-filled conversations about what it really means to long for the gifts. My personal favour-ite was our week on Wisdom, where Harry (year 10) shared an amazing summary of what is means to fear God in the context of Proverbs 2. It was something along the lines of... “If you ask God for understanding and insight, you will come to understand how BIG God is, and from that, you’ll be in awe of how amazing he is.” (Paraphrased from memory...!) Totally mindblowingly, beautifully simple. I love that God teaches me most through the young people I work with, and the conversations that linger in my mind are always ones where the young people have given me a new perspective on God’s word and what it means to follow him.

This term in the Edge, we will be meeting at each others houses, as a break from exams and revision, to pray for each other and take a brief look at different ways of praying. We’ll be meeting with Cliff Turner to pray, think and chat about what we think we’d like to be as a church in the future. We’ll also be having a night of Worship in May, with the Sinnotts joining us to speak to us about what-ever it is God has put on their heart for us as a youth congregation. We’ll have the usual joint socials thorughout the term and, of

course, the Edge Residential trip to the Brecon Beacons.

In Fresh, we have spent another great term looking at various topics, such as the Psalms, Prejudice and Discrimination & Fasting (we tried it for some of the session...very hard when Wayne has bought chocolate biccys!), which some of the young people then used as a basis to explore Lent and what they might give up for it. This term we’ll be looking at another wide range of subjects, all accompa-nied by lots of healthy and unhealthy snacks. We will, similarly to Edge, also be having a session with the Future Directions group, to have a chance to think, pray and discuss what sort of church we think we’d like to be...

Becca Baxter

winbap youththe edge - fresh - friday club

NEWSInside this issue

Socials this term Praise & Pray with us...

EDGE RESIDENTIAL INFO

An update on the youth work at WinbapWell, it has been another very busy term for Winbap Youth, which consists of Fresh (11-16’s, Sunday Mornings) and The Edge (14-18’s Thursday Evenings). The Edge have just finished a fantastic term of studying the gifts of the Spirit, which has been a learning experi-ence for all of us. Tom, Melissa, Tim, Ewen and Joanne all came and delivered some fantastic, fun and faith filled sessions on various gifts, and we have had some amazing God-filled conversations about what it really means to long for the gifts. My personal favour-ite was our week on Wisdom, where Harry (year 10) shared an amazing summary of what is means to fear God in the context of Proverbs 2. It was something along the lines of... “If you ask God for understanding and insight, you will come to understand how BIG God is, and from that, you’ll be in awe of how amazing he is.” (Paraphrased from memory...!) Totally mindblowingly, beautifully simple. I love that God teaches me most through the young people I work with, and the conversations that linger in my mind are always ones where the young people have given me a new perspective on God’s word and what it means to follow him.

This term in the Edge, we will be meeting at each others houses, as a break from exams and revision, to pray for each other and take a brief look at different ways of praying. We’ll be meeting with Cliff Turner to pray, think and chat about what we think we’d like to be as a church in the future. We’ll also be having a night of Worship in May, with the Sinnotts joining us to speak to us about what-ever it is God has put on their heart for us as a youth congregation. We’ll have the usual joint socials thorughout the term and, of

course, the Edge Residential trip to the Brecon Beacons.

In Fresh, we have spent another great term looking at various topics, such as the Psalms, Prejudice and Discrimination & Fasting (we tried it for some of the session...very hard when Wayne has bought chocolate biccys!), which some of the young people then used as a basis to explore Lent and what they might give up for it. This term we’ll be looking at another wide range of subjects, all accompa-nied by lots of healthy and unhealthy snacks. We will, similarly to Edge, also be having a session with the Future Directions group, to have a chance to think, pray and discuss what sort of church we think we’d like to be...

Becca Baxter

EDGE RESIDENTIAL 2012...THE EDGE RESIDENTIAL PLANNING IS WELL UNDERWAY!

Ifyouhaven’tyetsigneduptotheEdgeResiden-tialtoWernWatkinBunkhouse,nowisthetimetodosobycontactingBeccaonbecca@winbap.org.uk Thetripcosts£260andisopentoallcurrentyear8-year13’s.Thecostcoversalltransport,food,accomo-dationandactivities.(Saturday21stJuly-Friday27thJuly)

Activitiesinclude: RockClimbing Absailing Gorge-Walking RaftBuilding Caving Canoeing TriptoGowerPenisula QuadBikingLaserquest(optional@extracost)RIBdaytrip Pony-trekking

PlusawholeweekofEdgefunandgames,timestochillandhopefullySOMEtimetosleep....well,maybe!)

PRAISEGodformoreBaptismscomingupthisterm!

PRAISEGodforhowHeisempoweringandequippingour

youngpeopleinthemaincongre-gation,withmanyofthemserv-ingintheworshipbands,COGsgroup,welcometeams,prayer

ministryteams,andprojectionandsounddesks.Ouryoungpeople

lovetoserve!

PRAISEGodhowwelltheSpringtermofstudyingthegiftsoftheSpirithasgone.TheEdgehavebeenlookingattheGiftsforthedurationofthetermandtherehavebeensomegreatconversationsandtimeswithGodasagroup.PRAISEGodfortwofantastic

teamsofvolunteers,whoyetagainhavedoneasplendidjobofrunningevents,sessionsandsmallgroupsforouryoung

people.

PRAISEGod2fantasticsocials,withover25youngpeopleateach,includingagoodnumberoffriendsofthosewhocometoourchurch.Wedidaverycold,butfunnightwalktreasurehuntinthesnowinFebruary,andwealsohadabrilliantnightoutLaserquestingandBowlingattheendofMarch. PRAYformore!Ofallthegreat

stufffromlastterm.Particularlymoreconfidenceforouryoung

peopletoserveandgrowintheirgiftsandtalents.

PRAYforTomGuy,leavingusinJunetogohometoOxfordtocontinuehisstudies.HehasbeenanincredibleencouragementtolotsoftheyoungpeopleandotherleadershereattheEdgeandwearegoingtomisshimalot!Hewillbeahugeblessingtowhoeverheworkswithnext.

PRAYforthosepreparingforBaptismthisterm,andforthosewhohavealreadybeenBaptised,thatthey

bothwouldgrowintheirfaiththisterm.

PRAYforALLouryoungpeople,school,collegeanduniversitystudents,whohaveexamsandbigcourseworkdeadlinesthisterm.Prayforgoodrevisiontimes,goodsleepandforpeaceduringexams.

PRAYforourwonderfulleaders,whovolunteertheirtimeandenergy toinvestinouryoungpeople weekafterweek

Next joint Socials...FRIDAY 18th MAY 2012detailstofollow-keepaneyeout!

FRIDAY 13th JULY 2012Huffmansleavingdo,comealonganytimefrom4.30pm-9.30pmforsomethingtoeat,somewidegamesandofcoursetosayafondfarewelltoEwen,Pam,AliceandourveryownMini-Huff,Charlie.Held@LittletonMillenniumMemorialHall,Littleton.

WINBAP YOUTH OVER THE SUMMER HOLIDAYSEDGE AND FRESH PAUSE OVER THE SUMMER FOR A BREAK, WE’LL BE BACK ON... - 13th SEPTEMBER 2012 for EDGE - 9th SEPTEMBER 2012 for FRESH

One Saturday morning in April I had the wonderful opportunity to meet with Sally Ratcliffe and chat about her job as Deputy Manager of The Boaz Project.For those who might not know what is the Boaz Project?

The Boaz Project a Christian based charity started in 2007 to meet a need in the care for vulnerable adults, members (adults with learning disabilities) either still living with their families or are in supported living. They are referred by care managers and other professionals. Based at a farm on the outskirts of Winchester it provides day facilities for up to 12 members a session, from the Andover, Basingstoke and Winchester areas. Boaz Project’s aim is to give its members a sense of purpose, nurture skills and interests in a family atmosphere of approximately 40 members who are all in supported living.

What kind of activities do you provide?

There is a kitchen area were we make cakes, biscuits, jam and chutney using produce from the twenty-four vegetable beds and

eggs from one hundred chickens. The grade A eggs are sold at Barton Stacey Post Office. There is also a wood workshop making items such as bird boxes to order and items for use by Boaz Project. You may have seen cards for sale at church which are made in our craft room. The cards are made by some lovely volunteers. We make various items in the craft room such as bunting, decorated lanterns and tiles. Other sales include village fetes and a monthly stall at a church coffee morning in Andover.

100 Chickens wow!

We also have two rabbits and four sheep. Between them they make quite a lot of manure which is used on the Vegetable Beds! The farm has Donkeys which we sometimes borrow and take for a walk. It is a great way for members to get exercise and to talk as there is always something interesting to see.

So what does a typical day look like?

We’re open to members Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday with Tuesday being an admin and preparation day.

My day starts by matching volunteers to members and depending on the jobs that need to be done and that day’s staff skills deciding what activities we will do and getting them ready. Between 9 and 9.30 members arrive either by taxi, Dial-a-ride, or with a carer. The day is split into two morning and one afternoon sessions, members do a different activity in each session, maybe Cooking, Gardening and Craft. The day is very full on and can be tiring. Working in the Vegetable Beds or the workshop can be very physical, barrowing, lifting and carrying. Lunch time and Tea breaks are a very important, particularly at the end of the day when members share and a record is made of what

they have done, enabling members to engage in group social interaction. It is especially nice for those who are not able to get outside to hear what is happening in the Vegetable beds or was seen on a walk.

We have an arrangement with Arqiva, a company in Crawley, to run a lunch time sale of produce about every three months; members who are able to help a volunteer run this.

How many volunteers do you have?

Between twenty and thirty in total. They do either half or a whole day once a week and there are three or four at any one session. We have one retired couple who share their time between the UK and South Africa so support us in three month blocks!

How is the Boaz Project funded?

A few members/sessions are sponsored but on the whole members pay to come (£22 per half day) and this come from their DLA (Disability Living Allowance). With the changes in Government funding this could change in the future.

What has been your personal highlight from the last six months?

The Carol Service, when we spent that week preparing the Tithe Barn which the farm let us use for the occasion. There were live sheep at one end and the Salvation Army Band at the other, members dressed up, read lessons and sung enthusiastically. It was a wonderful evening retelling the Christmas story. It is open to the

public and family friendly so look out for the publicity in December.

What else should we look out for in the next few months?

There is a barn dance on the 12th May and an open day on 15th September, both great opportunities to find out more about the Boaz Project and support its work.

What else could we do to support the Boaz Project?

Attending events like those above or buying fresh produce and cards when they are on sale after church. Praying for the project its staff, volunteers and members. Offering to lead an occasional or one of five minutes ‘Thought for the Day’ type session, or becoming a volunteer and helping this great project bring a greater sense of purpose to vulnerable adults.

For more information talk to Sally on a Sunday or contact her at:

The Boaz Project Hill Farm Sutton Scotney

www . boazproject . com

Being Toby is a very hard job (unfortunately I don’t get paid either!) However after New Wine a few years ago I became a Christian, which has made being Toby a lot easier!

I have grown up in a Christian family, which I have to say has helped me a lot. Sometimes it is hard to find time for it all, but just hearing other people’s experiences at Edge and Winbap has really encouraged me and I have found it is the easiest place for me to meet with God. I like going to my CU at school because I think it is always important to meet other Christians and share how God has been acting in our lives. It’s also a good testament to my non Christian friends and there has started some good conversations.

Toby

“Reading the Bible regularly really keeps me going. My favourite bit of the Bible is Luke 12:22-34 which tell us that God has already given us plenty, but He has a treasure in heaven for us, which is so encouraging.”

I am going through GCSE’s right now (loads of fun!) but it’s important for me always to keep finding time for God. This summer I hope to help at New Wine where my own journey began.

Hello, I’m Toby, I’m fifteen and have been coming to Winbap for about a year now.

This year the Basics Bank has launched its new ‘loaves and fishes’ logo, designed by Sophie Hacker, which aims to emphasise our ecumenical Christian roots. We have also made use of the logo in new aprons to be worn by our volunteers.

Thanks to the generosity of Winchester people, we have been able to give people enough food to see them through five days of the year.

We have been actively involved with schools in the area, attending assemblies not only at harvest time. Westgate School recently collected food for us as part of their charity work.

At our recent AGM we welcomed the Rev Philip Cochrane of St Barnabas Church, Weeke, who

has agreed to take on the role of President of our board for at least a year. Jane Lunn-Rockcliffe who has served as Chair for the last four years has now relinquished that role, but will remain as a trustee. Moira Knapman has taken the role as a temporary measure.

We could not function without our wonderful band of about 40 volunteers who regularly make up food parcels and sort clothes.

Thank you to all who support our project. If you are interested in helping in any way please contact the Basics Bank on 01962 855774 on Tuesdays or Fridays 10am - 3pm.

In 2011, numbers of clients using Winchester Basics Bank increased by 15% to 2150. It was notable that the number of children supplied with food increased by 25%, meaning that more Winchester families are experiencing the effects of the recession. Statistics show that 55% of clients only visited once in the year, and only 30% visited four times.

The church has made financial donations to the Basics Bank for a number of years, but it was not until February 2011 that I became convinced that we could do more. This was after reading an article in the Winchester News Extra of a huge rise in the demands placed on the charity.

The Basics Bank have much appreciated the contributions donated by WBC over the past year, but these have fallen to a monthly average of only 8 to 10 items. I know that some people make contributions via the trolleys at Sainsburys, but l would encourage anyone who doesn’t to make a donation in the box provided at the back of the church. This is a really practical way in which we can help the disadvantaged and needy in our City.

B A S I cB A N K

S

& Winbap

Moira Knapman

Ann Heppell

Treasure Hunting is an exciting activity where ordinary Christians like you and me get to see God work through us as we go out in search of His highlighted treasures. Treasures are those individuals God has led us to. They may need encouragement, healing.

It is a way of bringing people outside of the Church, into a personal encounter with the living Lord Jesus.

How does it work practically?

‘Hunters’ meet together and are given a blank ‘map’ . We pray and wait for God to give words and pictures which will help us to fill in the blank spaces on the map. All members share what they have been given with other group members and we then go out in search of our Treasure.

Where do I find this model in the Bible?

In Acts chapter 9 we see this modelled to us in the story of Ananias. We read that Ananias didn’t immediately respond with enthusiasm and confidence questioning whether Paul would reject, persecute or even kill him. I don’t think any Winchester Treasure Hunters have been concerned about being killed but certainly worried about the response they would receive when walking up to strangers. I can honestly say we have not a ‘bad’ encounter and this is because we only approach those individuals God has led us to.

A Testimony to whet your appetite

Clues on map:

Green tee shirt White tee shirt Letter boxLibrary Red Car Shoulder pain

We set off to the Library car park passing the letter box, we walked around for a while and then a lady wearing two tee shirts a white on over a green one came toward us pushing a man in a wheelchair. We approached them and showed them our maps pointing out that we were on a Treasure Hunt, which had led us to them. The lady said she had a frozen shoulder and was in a lot of pain. We prayed and the pain left immediately, much to her surprise and delight and she could lift her arm above her head. Then a red car arrived, it was the taxi for the man in a wheelchair!

Please feel free to come and join in any of the Treasure Hunts, with times and dates are on the notice board. Kevin Dedmon wrote an excellent book on Treasure Hunting entitled The Ultimate Treasure Hunt, published by Destiny Image, which you might like to dip into.

Rena’s Review January 2011

I loved this book. It was so much fun to read. The things those Bethel people get up to! I so admire their courage and feel like such a mouse next to their amazing faith. This book led to my siblings and I praying for a Muslim man in a wheelchair. Yikes! How did I ever manage that? Maybe I should read this book again!

Reviews from Goodread.com...

THE ULTIMATE TREASURE HUNT0768426022Kevin Dedmon

Amy’s Review February 2010

What a powerful and thought-provoking book. I’m not sure yet how I fit into this idea of evangelism but I am motivated to prayerfully change my former way of thinking about this. At the very least it has me passionate about finding the Ultimate Treasure, no matter what Treasure Hunt looks like. It has me thinking outside the box - and liking it!

Family. I suppose we all rank it fairly high on our list of what’s important. Family is what brought us to Winchester nearly four years ago. We had lived in Hertfordshire for 7 years but Nick’s Dad and my parents were all getting on in years. A number of episodes of ill health on their part, and a distance of 2 hours between us started to make us think about what was important to us. It seemed like a good solution to move nearer to them, although the reality took a lot longer than we bargained for (jobs and house hunts, etc). Sadly Nick’s Dad died soon after we moved here, and although my parents have enjoyed reasonably good health over the past 3 years, my Mum is currently undergoing

chemotherapy which is starting to prove a strain on them both. Boy, am I glad we are here to help out.

We also love spending time with our girls, but it takes effort sometimes and we have to protect it in the diary. Nick is often walking in the door just as Megan and Polly are winding up their day so I’ve made a conscious effort to keep Saturdays as clear as possible to give us space to do things together. Of course things crowd in but we do say no to things sometimes.

We love heading to the New Forest with the bikes, and a bbq and some friends if we can persuade anyone! The beach is another fave thing to do. If its too cold for sitting about on the beach, we’ll do a walk. And if we’ve only got an hour to spare together over a busy weekend, we try and get out to some local woods, or by the river or up the hill. It’s not always easy mobilising a family of 5 to tog up and get out. The girls have all got a default button on the bottom left hand side of the computer and TV, (and Nick and I have no shortage of reasons for getting things done at home) but getting out for a short while gets us away from distractions and connecting with each other. When we first moved here Nick was under some huge pressures, both at work and personal life following his Dad’s death. He began walking the South West coast path, which was a good stress reliever at the time. He’s still doing it 3 years on! (Well it is 625 miles!). But now it has become a family challenge. He’s taken the girls off and done bits of it with them (whilst muggins does the drop off and pick up in the car!)

This Easter we spent a week in the Lake District. Inspired by the thought of Winchester Churches Together having communion on St. Catherine’s Hill, on Easter morning, we decided to do our own version on top of a mountain. Nick was going to read something relevant from the Bible at an appropriate point, only to find the app had been wiped from his itouch!I expect in a few of years things will change as the children get older and set their own weekend agendas. That will bring it’s own set of challenges. For now we’re making the most of the years when we make most of the decisions!I don’t think we’ve got it all together, when it comes to family life. There’s lots I get wrong. Just ask the girls (and Nick) I’m sure they will find plenty of examples! I suppose we have done our best to forge an identity and create memories as a family, which I hope will hold us together through bad times as well as good. Each family has it’s own identity. We like the outdoors but other activities are equally good. Kids need challenge and if you can take up a challenge as a family, it’s a great way of building relationship. It doesn’t have to be costly. Finally, we left the Lake District this Easter, challenging ourselves to get to the top of Helvelyn next time - when it’s not covered in snow!

Carol Allenson

I love my Dad very much because he always helps me when I’m stuck and he always looks after me as well as possible. I find that eh keeps me safe if I am worried about something.

Danielle

“

“

Martin Smith is one of the most successful Christian songwriters and performers of our times. Tunes such as “I Could Sing of Your Love Forever” and “Thank You for Saving Me” became anthems that allowed both him and Delirious to become professional musicians, and the rest, as they say, is history. Delirious could have been a hugely successful mainstream band, but stuck to their principles producing high quality and worshipful music. Live they were loud, powerful, and every gig was worship, pure and simple. Then they suddenly spilt in 2009, following the excellent and challenging “Kingdom of Comfort” album.Since the break up, Martin Smith has spent 2 years seeking the future and, apart from a few appearances leading worship, had not performed live until recently. So, this EP, containing 4 songs, is his first output as a solo musician.

It begins with Back to the Start, a commentary on his new begin-ning, and a strange and compel-ling mix of styles. This is a song about reinvention of self, a new start not driven by ego, but by surrendering all to God, and going back to the promises we made when discovering the Lord. Starting with a repetitive piano hook, simple solo lyrics mark the first 3 minutes of the song, before acoustic strumming builds up to a lively bridge. Instruments gather before some electronic trickery announces the upbeat chorus, with chiming electric guitar riffs. Then, cut to a second bridge relying on synths, before launching into the eponymous ending and, a dance phase, synthesised backing, great drums, ending with some great Latin trumpet. A great start to the EP.

Onward Christian Soldiers.A new take on an old song, but for me this doesn’t work at all!

Waiting Here For You.Waiting on the Lord is a term we hear often, and maybe this song is a perfect way to do this. A gentle ballad that praises the Lord’s faith-fulness, imploring Him to join us as we wait in an attitude of praise.

This is a softly sung duet, with vocals so carefully crafted you can hardly tell them apart at times. Nice electric guitar in a Stu G kind of style.

You Carry Me (Psalm for the broken).Another gentle song and not surprisingly, very Delirious. Is that birdsong I hear? Well I guess it just about works, but apart from that a song about the strength of the Lord to carry us through whatever troubles we have, to the other side. The lyrics then reverse the sentiment, and praise God, lifting him up as our Lord and Saviour.

Overall this is a good safe return from Martin Smith. The power and energy of Delirious has been replaced by a willingness to step out alone and write some emotional and gentle songs, whilst also hinting at a more lively future direction.

Download the EP (£5) and get more information from:http://www.martinsmith.tv/

Wayne’s World

verdict: 7/10

God has no phone

but I talk to Him.He has no facebook,

but He is still my friend.

He does not have Twitter,

but I still follow Him.

Will Smith

From the library....The Power of a Whisper - Hearing God0310591961Bill Hybels

Kindle

The Power of a Whisper is a very personal book written by a pastor of many years and is a great testimony of how God is talking to us today, and more specifically an encouragement to listen when God speaks. The main theme of the entire book is that God is a relational God who always has an ear to listen to our praise, prayers, and petitions, but a God who also wants to speak to us.

To illustrate this, Hybels provides a concise overview of the many references in the Bible of God communicating with man, starting from Genesis (God spoke...and it was done) through the Old Testament Leaders, Kings and Prophets, right through to the New Testament. Of course Jesus is the greatest and most complete revelation of God - described as ‘the Word’ - and through Jesus God speaks to us throughout eternity. That word continues to be made known to us through the Holy Spirit who Jesus says... ‘will remind you of everything I have said to you’ ( John 14:26).

In light of all this evidence, Hybels concludes that ‘The issue isn’t whether or not God is speaking; it’s whether we will have ears to hear what he says’. And I find this to be true in my life. It is so often the case that whilst I try and discipline myself to make time to pray and read the bible, I don’t often spend time just waiting, listening, mulling over what I have read, giving God the time to speak to me. Hybels covers certain areas that God can and does speak to us - finances, relationships, assurance - and provides a useful chapter on how to discern if what you have heard is from God - five ‘filters’ as Hybels describes them to help tune out the background noise and to hear what God is saying. These include asking whether something is scriptural; considering if what we are hearing is wise; in tune with our character; and seeking the second opinion of someone we trust.

The book is interspersed with testimonies of the many situations where God’s whisper - His direction - has brought about breakthrough, resolution, and encouragement in many different ways. I found that the balance between the personal testimony and the practical biblical teaching on listening to God (and obeying!) to be very helpful in making the book both easy to read and encouraging me to start giving more of my time to listening to God’s whispers.

Ben Clifton

I just love my kindle (after being fined 36 euros for having a case over- loaded with books!! ) and was able to have a rich variety of books on holiday with me.I recommend “Lion of Babylon” by Davis Bunn given 5 star reviews.

This is more than just a great thriller as it delves into crucial issues with great sensitivity. Alex Baird has gone missing in war-torn Baghdad…three others have also dropped out of sight, a nurse, an aid worker and a wealthy young Iraqi. Are these cases connected? Marc Royce is recalled by the U.S. State Department.

He had been dismissed because of personal issues…but he is a changed man…

One reviewer said“I loved the thread, throughout the book, even though it was subtle, that Jesus was present in and touching these men’s lives. How refreshing to read a book which allows its readers to have a sense that in the darkest times, even in war, Jesus, as Emmanuel is there, beside his faithful, bringing peace where there once was enmity.”Davis Bunn is Writer in Residence at Regent’s Park College, Oxford.I have read two others of his novels and look forward to discovering more.

Happy reading!

Sheila McAulay

Recently the young people at the Edge were challenged with ‘What is Faith?’ Do they have it? Do they trust in Christ?

We looked at three different types of Faith: Salvation Faith - The moment when you open up your heart, accept Christ as the ruler of your life and thanks to his Death and Resurrection on the cross, you are now in an everlasting relationship with God and have the hope of Heaven awaiting you. This life is a finger click in time. Everyday Faith – Can you remember to have Faith in the little things everyday, to remind yourself daily that God, has it all under control, your burden is light (Matthew 11:28-30) Charismatic Faith (The Gift of Faith) – This is an unshakeable faith where you are so certain of God pulling through and delivering something, it could be a healing, a friend’s salvation, or providing food and money at the last minute.

All of us have read the famous stories of missionaries who find it so easy to have that unshakeable faith that God will deliver when he sees fit (therefore you may be sweating on it!). The missionaries who needed money (or Visas James Findlow!), and the anonymous cheque comes through the letterbox or the Christian Charity that prays for the food to be increased like the feeding of the five thousand and it does! Barry and Heather I hope God gives you this gift of Faith in Lesotho. I challenged the young people, have you got your own faith? If

not, why not? Are you only saying you’re a Christian because you are living your Christian life through your parents, looking to please them because they brought you to church from the age of 0 and surrounded you with good Christian role models and a helpful diet of Veggietales! Go away today and in Faith begin to have a relationship with Christ. The Christian life isn’t an easy journey. God tells us this in the Bible (pick up your cross and follow me). There will be times whether you are young or old when life and the devil will seek to challenge your faith by throwing a curveball, an obstacle at you that you could not plan for, I don’t need to list examples here as I’m sure for many something can spring to mind.

This may result in temporarily losing faith, being angry at God or deciding that you are in charge of your own life and want to do things your own way. The great thing about God is He won’t let go of you, He will always be there welcoming you back like the father of the prodigal son as He desires a relationship with you.

Edgers, I pray that both male and female, you continue to grow in your faith, discovering it, test it and pursuing it in order to ride the rollercoaster that is the Christian Journey. Challenges will come your way but be assured that you can become people who have FAITH.

Tom Guy

“I am a man of faith because I trust God and I will continue to do so. However, I personally prefer the description of a broken man, redeemed by Christ to sustain me. I have the privilege and joy of every Thursday thinking through some big issues about Christianity and life with the inspirational young people at Edge.”

Wow, it’s amazing to think that this time last year we were preparing for August’s visit to the UK and now a year on we are in the final stages of our preparations to go out to Lesotho for 2 years!

It’s been a couple of months since our last update & so much has happened. In fact it feels like we have been caught up in a whirlwind for the last five weeks.

It started in March when we attended the Kairos Course, a week’s residential course all about mission. To say that the course was intense would be an understatement, but it has given us a really good grounding in the history of mission, the biblical principals of mission & working cross culturally.

The course finished on Friday afternoon and the following Monday we were faced with our final interview with AIM (Africa Inland Mission) up in Nottingham. Having taken the weekend to recover from the

Kairos course we possibly felt a little under prepared for the presentation that we had been asked to do on, “The Needs and Opportunities in Africa and How God has Called us to Respond”, but as with our first interview we felt God’s peace about the whole process and it went really well.

Well as most of you will know we were accepted by AIM, which was yet more confirmation to us, if we needed it, of God’s calling on our lives. God certainly didn’t close the door and judging by the comments we received afterwards it seemed that nobody was surprised by the outcome!

Both Ewen & Tim came with us as they were involved in the interview process and it was a real blessing for us to be able to spend 6 hours of uninterrupted time with them both together, not a chance you get often. It was obviously such a stressful experience for them that they both fell asleep on the way back!

We feel this is very much the start of the next stage in our journey as we work towards leaving the UK at the beginning of July to go and work with the Growing Nations project in Lesotho. As you can imagine it is all rather crazy trying to fit everything in now that we have a definitive leaving date.

The week before Easter we attended our first AIM training course, their European Based Orientation (EBO) course at Cliff Bible College in the Peak District. This taught us about AIM as an organization and introduced us to the team and gave us some useful insights into some of the things that we may face whilst we are serving in Africa, including Spiritual Warfare, Transition & finances. Most importantly though, it was a great time meeting others who will shortly be heading off to Africa, building up friendships with them and learning how God is working in their lives too. We even met another family who will be heading out to Lesotho early

next year to work amongst the shepherd boys.

The weekend after Easter we were asked to speak at AIM’s ‘Celebrate Africa’ conference at Emmanuel Church in South Croydon. This was again a great opportunity to meet AIM supporters, introduce ourselves, the work we will be doing and to raise awareness of the Growing Nations project in Europe. This will no doubt be the first of many presentations we do for AIM and Growing Nations over the next few years.

So where are we now? Well, the day after our AIM interview, Heather had an interview for a temporary accountancy job in Winchester, which she got and started two weeks before Easter. It seems likely that she will be working there until mid May which fits well with us (God’s sense of timing and his provision are amazing). Building work on our extension has also started and, if all goes according to plan, this should be finished around mid June. So our last couple of months will be busy decorating the house, preparing it for letting, packing everything up and saying our goodbyes. In the meantime we have the balance of our funds to raise and there is lots more training and reading to done in preparation for our departure.

Some of you may also know that WBC have bought a Land Rover for our use whilst we are out in Lesotho and this will be a vital piece of equipment to enable us to carry out our roles there.

As we have spent time over the past few weeks meeting and talking to others about their home churches it has reminded us of what a truly fantastic supportive, generous and loving church WBC is. We would like to take the opportunity to thank you all for your continued prayers and for the support that you have shown to us in so many different ways. It is a privilege to be in partnership with WBC.

It is amazing to see how God has changed us as individuals over the past 14 months. We are viewing our lives very differently and are far more reliant upon God’s prompting and provision. He has challenged us to assess what we place our faith in and how we can live lives that honour Him. He is helping us to develop existing skill sets as well as equipping us with new ones, so that we can be confident in the knowledge that as we make ourselves available to Him, he will use us to bless others.

Blessings

Barry & Heather&

As we approach the final countdown and planned July departure, we would really value your prayers in the following areas:

• ThatGodwillcontinuetoprepare our hearts and minds for the journey that lies ahead;

• Leavingwell,sayingourgoodbyes over the next 2 months to family and friends;

• Forthepracticalthingsthat need to happen: Completion of building work, finding good tenants, dealing with all the admin, paperwork, packing, etc;

• FindingabuyerforpartofBarry’s business;

• Godwouldreleasetheremaining funds that we need.

“He’s everything a Dad could be

He looks after Mum and us three

He’s loving and caring

He’s great at sharing

And his favourite son is me!!”Andrew

“Love the original Coronation Chicken - yum yum!”

“An absolutely fabulous evening! God working his magic once again! Thank you for sharing your evening”

The Alresford Chocolate lady

“Some really good ideas. Can’t wait to try the lemon meringue ice cream!”

“Very nice evening, very enjoyable. Nice straigh forward recipes.”

“Loved the demonstration on the Jubilee Cake.”

“A lovely evening. Good food, good company and an easy, effective way to fold a napkin. Thank you.”

“Like the Jubilee idea - thanks”

“Brilliant, fun, informative & filling!”

Janet Sparkes & the rowdiest table.

Friday 20th April, W2W held a Summer Celebrations, Snacks and Supper evening with Chef Lorna producing mouth watering treats from the front for everyone to eat. Carol Bailey wandered from table to table bringing her prowess in napkin folding to anyone that wanted to take on the ‘dark art’ of table origami. The evening was a success with everyone leaving full on food and laughter.

“All very delicious - thank you!”

“Lots of good hints and bright ideas”

what you’ll need:

• Wholechicken• ¼ptRedwine• 1/2Onion• 1tbsCurrypowder• 1tbstomatopuree• 500gMayonnaise• 2TinsApricots• SquirtLemonjuice

how you do it:

1. Placechickeninlargestockpotwithwater.(Eventastierifyouaddsomeparsley,thyme,bayleaves, peppercorns&acarrot).

2. Boilfor1½hoursoruntilcooked.Oncecoolremovemeatfrombones.

3. Fryonionuntilsoft,addcurrypowder,tomatopuree&redwine.4. Bringtotheboil&seasonwithsaltandpepperandlemonjuice.Simmerfor10mins.

5. Oncecooledstrain.Totheliquidaddequalquantitiesofmayonnaise&apricotpuree

6. Mixwithchicken

WithTheQueen’sDiamondJubileeinmind,IthoughtitwouldbegoodtofindtheoriginalCoronationChickenRecipe.

YoucouldmakeittotakealongtoyourStreetpartiesorjustenjoyitwithyourfamily.WemadeitforourW2Weventanditwentdownatreat.

Enjoy!

As Isla approached her first birthday Luke and I decided now was the time to give thanks for her safe arrival, the wonderful year we’ve had so far, and to look to our hopes for our future as a family. So we decided to have a dedication service inviting many of our friends and family, some of whom know God personally but also many who don’t. It was really important for us that this be a public declaration of our intention to bring Isla up in an environment where Jesus is Lord, to give her the best example we can of a life walked with God.

When we look at our own lives we can see that while our parents had (and continue to have!) a great impact, they weren’t the only ones to influence us, helping to shape who we are today. Luke and I know that we won’t always have the answer and will make mistakes along the way and we are very grateful for our wider family both biological and spiritual. We want to say thank you for the support many of you have been not onnly in this last year but also in the great adventure that lies ahead.

With Love and Thanks

Joanne, Luke

&and Isla

On the 24th March Abi Bettle, Clare Gregory and Luke Meharg were commissioned as Street Pastors at a Commissioning Service at Christchurch.

New Addresses to take note of:

Joanne, Luke and Isla Meharg26 The DellKings WorthyWinchesterSO23 7SZ

Don & Eli Stewart287 High StreetEastleighS050 5JN

Roz was the recipient of the Mayor of Winchester’s Community Award for her role at the Winchester Churches Night Shelterwhich she recieved at an award ceremony on March 20th.

roz gearon

BMS Birthday SchemeMay June1st Peter Davis 6th Heather Jealous5th Chris Jealous 30th Barbara Pratt30th Jean Davis31st Trevor Gray

He may have gone off to University, but Jonny Breakwell is still a Winbap boy. He’s releasing his EP ‘Emily’ on iTunes May 13th, however feel free to pop over to his site www. jonnybreakwell.com to catch up with all his news!

Winbap Family News...

Rejoice with your family in the beautiful land of life - Albert Einstein

Can you tell us what year you’re in?

Roseanna: Year 11

Andy: I’m in lower sixth at Peter Symonds College, just about to take my AS level exams.

How do you find being a Christian amongst your friends and within your schooling environment?

Roseanna: There’s defiantly a clash of priorities, but on the whole my friends are very accepting of me, and always curious about my faith.

Andy: Especially during the start of the year, I found that I had more Christian based conversations with friends. I think this is due to the nature of College, there are some frees when you don’t have lessons and can be talking with more different people than usual or with the same friends, just longer conversations. Also everyone is slightly older at College and respects each other’s opinions but is also interested in them.

Have you ever come across any challenges being a Christian teenager?

Roseanna: I’m certainly not a stereotypical teenager, but I think all teenagers find they’re judged on face value by both adults and their peer group. Every teenager’s self-conscious and it hardly makes it easier!

Andy: I don’t think so, I’ve only had one throw away comment that I remember, about how Christianity is irrational, but the guy that said it didn’t want an argument so I just ignored it.

How much are you involved in your CU?

Roseanna: Very much so, as the only year 11 that attends, I’ve ended up running it by default! However I’ve been blessed with some talented speakers in the younger years, who are always up for running some sessions, so I don’t have to do all the hard work.

Andy: I attended many sessions towards the start of College to meet new Christians, and helped out the week before Easter in the College’s Christian Union Mission week. I didn’t help organise the events but I was there for support for the Christians that were heavily involved. During Mission week there was an Easter Egg hunt for all students with over 1000 Creme eggs hidden around the College! There was also lectures on “Why is their suffering?”, “Are we just big bags of chemicals, Where is the love?” and also a Question and Answer lecture. There was also a drama sketch that five Christians performed on the field to explain a bit about God and to prompt questions which I and others answered as we handed out flyers advertising the week.

Do you find having access to CU a help and if so, how?

Andy: I found it useful at the start of term to meet new Christians, and it was very encouraging to see how many Christians there are around College. I also met many Christians

over mission week as I helped out with that.

Is there anything that others can be praying for you?

Andy: It would be great to pray for Christians at college, that their friends would ask about what they saw over mission week, also that exams go well for me and others as they are about to start and that we can have calm and peaceful minds for the exams. After my exams I will start looking at Universities to study Medicine, I would like prayer that I would find the right university and that God will guide me there.

I like how he paints a smile on his face even when

I’m grumpy with him at 7 o’clock in the

morning.

Elena

“

“

PINK, women of all ages, support, memories, PINK, Janet Jones, nationwide, running, celebration, PINK, courage, walking, PINK, Woman 2 Woman, medical research, determination, PINK, jogging, chatting, teamwork, PINK, fun, goody bags, running shoes, tracksuits, PINK, Sunday 10th June, Cancer Research, fund-raising, achievement, PINK.........Worked it out yet?

That’s right, Cancer research UK are holding their annual race For Life here in Winchester on Sunday 10th June and there will be a lot of pink on display! Women of all ages, sizes and levels of un/fitness will come together to raise money for research into and the treatment of cancer. Many will themselves be /have been cancer sufferers, some will be taking part in memory of someone who lost the battle against the illness, others will be there in celebration

In fact, we enjoyed it so much that we are doing it all again this year!!

Remember Paul’s call to “Finish the race, complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace” (Acts 20 v.24) - this is a really practical way of showing God’s love and compassion for others and of being able to offer hope where there may be despair.

If you would like to join us, please contact Janet Jones on 01962 777567 or email aj25@btopenworld.com for more details of how to take part.

Race for Life in Winchester will be held on Sunday 10th June at 11am, The Garrison Ground, Bar End Road, Winchester, SO23 9NP. This course is suitable for wheelchair users with assistance.

of someone who has overcome the disease while others will simply be showing their support and desire to help. But whatever the reason for taking part, it is great fun and a way of helping others while also having to make a bit of an effort yourself !

Woman 2 Woman entered a team of around 20 ladies last year and raised in excess of £700. We ranged in age from 14 to 84 and worked our way around the 3 mile course with varying degrees of enthusiasm, fitness and speed but all felt a real sense of achievement at the end of it.

In fact, we enjoyed it so much that we are doing it all again this year!!Remember Paul’s call to “Finish the race, complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace” (Acts 20 v.24) - this is a really practical way of showing

Janet Jones

MAY SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT

1

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31

D A T E S F O R Y O U R D I A R Y

Prayer Meeting 7-8am

Prayer Meeting 7-8am

Prayer Meeting 7-8am

Prayer Meeting 7-8am

Silver Service

Friday Fun

Friday Fun

Friday Fun

The Edge

The Edge

The Edge

PM Communion Service

AM Communion Service

Re:store -Ladies Group

Re:store -Ladies Group

2 3Church Prayer Meeting 8pm

JUNE SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT

1 2

3

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25

Prayer Meeting 7-8am

Prayer Meeting 7-8am

Prayer Meeting 7-8am

Friday Fun

Friday Fun

The Edge

The Edge

PM Communion Service

AM Communion Service

Re:store -Ladies Group

Prayer and Praise Meeting8pm

4 5 6 7 8 9

May

1st May - All Stars teachers and helpers meetinglounge 8pm

6th May - Evening Baptismal Service for Jack Beaumont, Faith Myers and Jemima Revans.

15th May - CAP course begins for three weeks

21st -MAG prayer meeting

23rd May -AGM and church meeting

25-27th May - Worship, Presence & Intimacy with God conference

June

7 - 8th June - Holiday at Home

9th June - Jen Pringle Fundraiser Event

10th June - Morning service with Operation Mobilisation (OM)

17th June - Bring and share service

18th June - MAG prayer meeting

19th June - CAP course begins for three weeks

26th June - Children’s and Youth Workers Thank You Invitation meal

4 5Silver Service

Re:store -Ladies Group

26 27 28 29 30Re:store -Ladies Group

“Thanks for being there Dad” Anon from Edge

“Thank you for being shorter than me!” Anon from Edge

Whats on.... Sunday

10am - Tea & coffee provided afterwards Creche - up to 3 yrs Sparklers - 3 to Yr R All Stars - Yr 1 - 3 Trailblazers - Yr 4 - 6 FRESH - Yr 7 upwards

6.30pm - Tea and coffee provided afterwards

Monday

Re:store - 10am creche provided Helen Revans

Tuesday

2.15pm - Tuesday Afternoon Women’s Fellowship alternate weeks - Jean Davis 8pm - Church Prayer Meeting (first Tuesday in the month) 8pm - Teg Down Small Group (Favour Cluster) Jo May 8pm - Location Cluster (2nd & 4th) David & Ann Hook 8pm - Favour Cluster South Winchester (Gareth & Catherine Bartlett) 8pm - Kings Worthy Small Group (Connect Cluster) Ben Clifton (Connect Cluster) Rachel Dawson Wednesday

7-8am - Prayer Meeting in Tweedley Room 8pm - Chandler Ford Small Group (2nd & 4th - Favour Cluster) Carol and David Bailey 8pm - Stanmore Small Group Luke & Jo Meharg

Thursday

1.30pm - Silver Service (1st in the month) David & Hannah Strutt 7.30pm - The Edge (Yrs 9 and above) Becca Baxter 8pm - Badger Farm Small Group (Honour Cluster) Jean Sweetenham

Friday 9.45am - Real Life Cluster Tony Mundy 10am - Friday Fun (2 ¹/2 - 5 year olds) Diana Wills

t

PastorRev Ewen Huffman ewen @ winbap . org . uk

Associate Pastor (Youth)Rev Tim Williamson tim @ winbap . org . uk

Mission to SeniorsHannah and David Strutthannahanddavid @ winbap . org . uk

Children’s Ministry WorkerEli Stewart eli @ winbap . org . uk

Associate Youth WorkerBecca Baxter becca @ winbap . org . uk

Pastoral WorkerEunice Nicholsoneunice @ winbap . org . uk

EldersSheila McAulay 01962 868770Andy Marshall 01962 868770Carol Bailey 01962 858770

SecretaryJames Dawson churchsec @ winbap . org . uk

TreasurerPeter Howes churchtreas @ winbap . org . uk Deacons

Small GroupsGareth Bartlett 01962 868770

Wayne Isaac 01962 868770

MissionJoanne Meharg 01962 868770

Ops ManagerJudy Marshall 01962 686770opsmanager @ winbap . org . uk

Winchester Baptist ChurchSwan Lane

Winchester SO23 7AA01962 868770

office @ winbap. org . uk