Knowle URC Magazine February 2008                                                      Home

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Minister’s Letter

I discovered this quotation on the internet about Lent which begins this year on 6^th February:

"Lent, those days before Easter that commemorate the 40 days Jesus spent out in the wilderness before his ministry began, invites us to contemplate our own Christian journey and consider the disciplines we need to become the people God intends us to become."

Some people will choose to give something up for Lent, others perhaps might decide to take up something positive that they wouldn’t usually do. But this quotation reminds me of the central purpose of Lent:  for us to examine our lives and ask the questions we don’t always think about – who we are, how we live, and how we can become more like the person that God wants and intends us to be.

This may seem inward looking, but that is not a bad thing! Of course it should not remain introspective but should be a challenge to us to put what we learn into practice. I am sure that prayer and action go together; they certainly aren’t opposites. God engages with us in prayer so that we can be strengthened and prompted to live out our faith in our everyday lives.

You still may choose to give up chocolate or take up more exercise for Lent. Please also take time to stop and reflect, to consider the fact that God invites you to join with him on a wonderful journey of discovery as each of us learns more about who we are, and about how, despite our failings, God still chooses us to be his companions, and also companions to each other as part of the people of God.

Kevin

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West Midlands Faith Forum

invite you to their Access To Resources event on Wed Feb 13^th, 09.30 am till 3.30 pm Lunch Provided, at Renewal  Conference Centre, Lode Lane, Solihull. It’s a day packed with Information and Resources to help you develop your Community Projects, meet local providers etc. further info. from Angelina Jetson on 02476 521326

Discovering the Hidden Stories of the Bible – Lent Course 2008

This year’s Lent course will run for four evenings at both Digbeth-in-the-Field (on Thursdays) and at Knowle (on Mondays).

The dates are as follows: (7.30pm to 9pm)

Knowle:                                   Digbeth:

Monday 11^th February              Thursday 14^th February

Monday 18^th February              Thursday  21^st February

                                                (it then skips a week to….)

Monday 25^th February              Thursday 6^th March

Monday 3^rd  March                  Thursday 13^th March

Everyone is welcome.

The idea of these groups is to discover some of the many great stories in the Bible that either we don’t know, or we only have a vague recollection of them. We will endeavour to re-tell these stories together and to discuss their meaning and implications for us today. I will be making a list of these stories and inviting individuals to look them up and re-tell them in their own words to the Lent group. This is not compulsory! However if you would like to be one of the “Story-tellers” then please do come and ask me for the reference to one of the Bible passages and then you will have the opportunity to tell the story to the group. If there is a less well-known bible story that you have discovered please let me know so that I can add it to my list.          Kevin

Plea from Mary, I would appreciate Prizes for the Raffles held during the year please, also it would be very beneficial in the preparation of the magazine to have the flower list filled in. Can I also ask everyone that generous donations for our Sunday morning Tea/Coffee/Biscuits would also be much appreciated.

BEN Articles:  Rev David Cornick who is at present General Secretary of the URC becomes the new General Secretary of Churches Together in England in the Spring.

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Pilgrimage to the Holy Land, 31 October – 9 November 2007

I heard about the pilgrimage through my daughter Nia who is an elder at Twickenham URC.  So I got in touch with the leader Stephen Thornton now semi-retired and the part-time minister of Fleet URC in Hampshire.  Being a bit of a risk taker he was prepared to take this unknown Welsh woman along!  I felt nervous too; knowing no-one, but I should have known how it would be after ten years at Knowle. They took me to their hearts from the moment of meeting.

This was Stephen’s forty third pilgrimage and he knew his way around in every possible meaning of the phrase.  We stayed in a Palestinian hotel in east Jerusalem and our guide, Ibrahim, was a Palestinian Arab Christian.  He reminded us that his roots went back to the first Pentecost.  Muslim Palestinians, he said were his brothers in their shared homeland.  Ibrahim was our companion for the whole of our stay and we learned so much from him. 

For the first five days we were in and around Jerusalem.  On our first glorious morning we walked down from the top of the Mount of Olives to the Garden of Gethsemane where they were harvesting olives.  Half way down is a church built in the shape of a tear drop?  Luke describes Jesus standing there and looking across the narrow Kidron valley to his beloved city and the Temple Mount and weeping and saying: If only you knew today what is needed for peace.  But no, you cannot see it.’  (19.41-2) His words ring as painfully true today.   In the garden of the church we sang a hymn, one of us read the passage from Luke and Stephen prayed.  That was the pattern of our pilgrimage.  The purpose of our worship was not to dwell on the past but to reflect on how the gospel narrative should guide our living and thinking today.  Over and over again, in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Bethany and by Galilee, Stephen reminded us that it is to us the living Jesus speaks.

Wherever we went and worshipped there were other pilgrims too, of every race and colour.  We made room for each other; there was no impatience, no jostling.  Except perhaps in a few of the most famous sites such as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and to a lesser extent the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.  These places are tainted by the mistrust that exists between competing branches of Christendom and I found it hard pray among the crowds and the glitter. 

To reach Bethlehem we had to go through the Wall built, the Israelis say, to protect them from Palestinian suicide bombers.  It’s a 25 foot monster, made of hideous blocks of concrete.  It encroaches everywhere on Palestinian lands, dividing Palestinian families, cutting off villages from their agricultural lands and children from their schools.  Meanwhile the Israelis build their fortified settlements deep within Palestinian territories.  From Bethany, to which Jesus regularly walked from the Mount of Olives, less than two miles away, it is no longer possible even to see Jerusalem because of the Wall.  The villagers have to make a detour of about eight miles to find a check-point that will allow them to enter their city.  But after climbing up out into the light from the darkness of what is known as ‘The Tomb of Lazarus’ we found hope in Bethany too.  Just up the road is a Home and school for children in need, many of them orphans, a place bursting with life and energy.  It’s run by Alice Sahar, a ninety plus year old Palestinian Christian.  The difficulties she encounters in keeping the work going are formidable.  She trusts that ‘The Lord will provide’.  There are Jewish, Muslim and Christian children all living together under the care of Alice and her daughter.

On the sixth day we drove north through the beautiful, lonely Judean wilderness or desert, past the ‘Inn of the Good Samaritan’ to the great oasis of Jericho and then on, following the Jordan valley to Tiberias.  The landscape here is green and fertile and our hotel was beside the Sea of Galilee.  The fishermen are still there casting their nets in the traditional way.  Violent storms sometimes blow up in mid-afternoon whipping up enormous waves.  The wheat and the tares still grow in the fields around the lake and in the springtime there is a mass of wild flowers to remind us of the ‘lilies of the field’.  The outline of the hills remains unaltered.  We visited Nazareth, Cana and Capernaum.  We celebrated our final communion in the place where tradition has it that Jesus cooked breakfast for his disciples after his resurrection and commissioned Peter with the words, Feed my sheep. It was late afternoon; the air was still and we could hear the waves breaking gently on the shore.         

The above article was submitted by Jean Porteous who was our organist for many years.

Thank you Jean

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Walkers from Digbeth in the Field

On Sat 12th Jan, Chris & I joined the walkers from Digbeth in the Field for a walk along Kixley Lane joining the canal towpath to the Black Boy where we relaxed and enjoyed a pub lunch before our return journey, it was a very pleasant day but very muddy underfoot. We will have details of more walks soon if anyone else would like to join us let me know.     Mary.

You should, of course recognise the building the walkers are standing in front of.  Mary sent me two photos, the other at the back of the Black Boy.  There is only space for one photograph here, so I cheated and cut Chris out of the other and added her on the left – Chris was presumably the photographer in this instance!         Graham

Womens World Day of Prayer 

Dorridge Methodist Church @ 7.30 pm

Prepared by the women of Guyana, theme being God’s wisdom provides new understanding.

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A Note from St. Ninian’s “Refugees”!!

Back Row: Terry D.,   David St.,                       Ian R.

Front Row: Diane D., Greta S.,         Jenny B.,                 Bruce H.

Every change of work-place, home or habit usually involves stress of varying degree and finding ourselves without the place of worship which most of us had known for a large part of our lives was no exception and in most cases led to a “lost” feeling.

This was quickly rectified by the warm, genuine welcome we received right from arriving at the door at Knowle and soon we were made to feel at home, getting used to the small differences in worship. We are even getting used to the loss of 30 minutes lie-in on a Sunday morning and if we feel homesick we can always have a quick sit-down on the familiar blue plastic chairs now in your Hall.

Thank you for making us so welcome in sharing your worship, we look forward to the future together.                                              Ian M.

Knowle now has an enhanced congregation which in addition to the seven in the above picture regularly includes Pam H., Ian and Margaret M., Roger and Martha M. and sometimes, Stan and Joan H. and Rosina and Tim F..  But we have not just received from St. Ninian’s  additional future members.  They did not come empty handed.  In addition to the chairs mentioned above, we have received two fire extinguishers, small tables, a large tea set, a large notice board, a

           Communion set, 3 large chairs AND, a cheque for £6000.  

          So we too have grateful thanks to offer     Mary K. & Graham T.

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Kath's Best Hat Occasion

As many of you already know, Kath Vale is going to see the Queen to be presented with her M.B.E. this spring.  Our other famous M.B.E. holder is Clive Griffiths and he has suggested a preparation evening for Kath,

when he will show a video of his presentation to church folk on the evening of the 5th April.  Now Kath is a lady of many hats and to help her choose /the /hat, it is also suggested that all folk attending on that evening should design and wear the hat /they /would choose to visit the Queen!  This should include the men as well!  Hopefully, Kath will be inspired and  there will be a  couple of prizes for the best efforts.  So, look out the

Easter bonnets and retrim, ready for the 5th April.          Pat

Church Family

Congratulations to “Our Kath” on receiving an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List.  She is also accredited with a B93 Award.  Congratulations to Jenny & Gordon Scott on the safe arrival of their first grandchild Philip, and to the proud parents Irenie & David.  Belated congratulations to Helen Jones for completing the Spectrum Christian Youth Work Training Course.  Happy Birthdays to Judy, Edna, Harry and Daniel Tall.  Our get well wishes to Rosemary, Phyllis, Derek and Graham who have been “under the weather”.  Thanks: to Junior Church for the Festival Service, for the Carol Service, Kenneth’s Christmas Day Service, Billy for providing a new bolt for the  front door, and for mending the large noticeboard in vestibule.  We give thanks for all those who have led our services during 2007, and last but not least to Kath & Edna.   Thank you both.

Refugee Council and Save the Children allotment project for asylum seekers.

If you have anything gardening-related to give away, then I would be absolutely delighted to hear from you!  It could be anything from wheelbarrows, trowels, forks, spades, wellies, books, vegetable plants, any kind of plants, compost, top soil, gravel, wood-chip.....absolutely anything! I can also collect. Also if you have any expertise in the gardening field or you are interested in getting involved, then please get in touch!    Helen Clare  from Community Service Volunteers   

email:   wm@comcats.org.uk   tel:   01215676017

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A Declaration of Hope for 2008

www.Hope08.com

Go to their website for ideas and information

Look out for their £2.99 resource book.

available from Wesley Owen

With God's help,

We affirm that in 2008,We intend to bring:

H  armony in place of discord

O  pportunities out of challenges

P  raise instead of criticism

E  ncouragement to replace despair.

We affirm that in our Church, 2008 will be a year of: Holiness and wholeness One purpose for many people

Prayer that leads to action Everyone finding a place to belong.

We pray that for our community, 2008 will be a year of:

H  ealing for those who are broken

O  rder where there is chaos

P  rotection for the vulnerable

E  nterprise for all.

We pray for our nation, that 2008 will be a year of:

H  ealth of body mind and spirit

O  penhearted attitudes

P  assion for justice and mercy

E  xpectations and visions fulfilled.

We pray for our nation, that 2008 will be a year of:

H  ealth of body.

We pray that The God of all Hope will give us the faith and courage to live lives that will release HOPE this year. I/we make this declaration and pray this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ our Saviour and Lord. Amen.

Birmingham Mission Network As a network we are interested in serving as advocates for Hope08. We are an interdenominational network of church leaders across the Birmingham area.

For more information contact Jane Jackman by phone:  0121 262 1853

                                                              or by email at:   jane.jackman@birminghamcathedral.com

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Dear Friends

What a lovely surprise I had on my Eightieth Birthday, to receive your Card, Flowers and Cake. They were very much appreciated and I do sincerely thank you. I am sorry I have not felt able to be with you in church for some time but perhaps one of these days!  Thank you again.

                                                     Marjory

Thank You
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for the 'congratulatory wishes on my 60th Birthday, a special thank you to Sue & Fiona for the lovely cake which we all enjoyed, and of course to all of you for the card and wine.  I understand I am now entitled to free prescriptions and free public transport together with a pension in 5 years time.  I think I'll pass on these, for now anyway - I really don't feel that old and what is age, it's just a number.

May I take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy New Year.

Kind Regards,                                  Derek

Notice

Please note that if People call at our Church for offers of monetary aid, they should be referred to either Kevin or serving Treasurer.

Before our AGM

Please forward suggestions for the International, National, & Local Charities along with clear and concise information about them  to the Church secretary.  The Charities will be selected at a later date after Elders and members have been able to read the information provided and considered the various nominations.

Please indicate areas of concern for improving buildings and facilities to either Ron or Graham as long before that meeting as possible.

Prayer for Peace

Lead us from death to life, from falsehood to truth,

Lead us from despair to hope, from fear to trust,

Lead us from hatred to love, from war to peace.

Let peace fill our hearts, our lives, our world, our

universe.   Amen

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Bloomsbury Mission Trust send their grateful thanks for all the gifts received from us during Toy Service Sunday.

Pushers Please

A team of people from the Solihull URC Churches takes it in turn, with other denominations and churches in Solihull, to help at Solihull Hospital. Every Sunday morning there is a service for the patients, Volunteer “Pushers” collect the patients from the wards and push them in wheelchairs to a day-room where the Church Service takes place and then, when the service has ended, return them to the wards.  We are now in need of more helpers. We do this about three or four times a year, so it is not too arduous, but very rewarding, since the patients who make use of this service are very appreciative. Please, seriously consider whether you could help to provide this assistance.  More information can be obtained by contacting Trixie on 01675 442 859.

Prayer Fellowship

Dec 2007  Present were Kath, Mary V. and Edna

Apologies:    Mauvine, Eileen, Chris H.

Those remembered in prayer were Julie, David K., Wayde, Gill, Tony P.’s Family, Pauline B., Keith, John of Leeds, Pam R., Jenny’s Family, Diane of Devon, Jack, a 14 yr old  boy with an inoperable brain tumour, Joanne and Joanna in Yorkshire, Chris & Hugh H.g, Isobel, Derek, Brian, May’s 85 yr old Aunt awaiting surgery, Andrew, Craig H. a 5 yr old with a heart problem, and the family of Phil & Judy G..   Next meeting is Jan 13th  ’08                                             Kath

January 2008  The following were remembered Rev. John G. rare cancer, Joanne and Joanna in Yorkshire, Julie, Pam R.y, John of Leeds, a 14yr old boy with inoperable brain tumour, surgery for May’s 85yr old Aunt, Joan Singleton, Vera’s Uncle Tommy bereavement, and thanks for the safe arrival of Philip William Gordon S..                Kath

CANOLDIR CHOIR’S 42^nd Annual Concert is at Symphony Hall on April 19^th 2008, Special Guests Sirenian Singers and the National Children’s Choir of Great Britain. Not to be missed!!!

See Avril for Tickets

Solihull Operatic Society is presenting Me and My Girl @  Solihull Arts Complex from Mon Apr 28^th – Sat May 3^rd.

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A Journey through the Bible with Tiglath.

3. Continuing our journey through Genesis Chapters 16 to 21

As Sarai was becoming old and had borne Abram no children, she suggested that he found a family through her Egyptian slave girl who was named Hagar.  This was quite a common custom at that time and marriage contracts could have contained such a provision.  Once the child was born it would become the wife's.  Hagar must have mocked Sarai, who complained to her husband.  Abram told her to deal with her slave girl as she wished.  Sarai ill-treated Hagar who ran away into the desert. There the angel of the Lord found her.  The angel instructed her to go back to her mistress; also, he told her that her descendants would be too many to be counted. Later, Hagar bore Abram a son who was given the name Ishmael.

They arrive during the afternoon siesta. True to the tradition of Middle Eastern Hospitality, Abraham provided a lavish meal. Women did not eat with the men, but Sarah was outside the tent listening to the conversation. She certainly pricked up her ears when she heard one of the strangers tell Abraham that next year his wife would bear a son. Sarah laughed to herself at this but; unknown to her, the stranger who spoke was the Lord God who asked why she laughed and who also said  ‘Is anything

impossible for the Lord?’  What a text for a sermon! Sarah was very frightened and denied that she had laughed, but the Lord knew that she had.  The second part of the chapter finds Abraham and the strangers overlooking the Jordan Valley where there were two wicked cities, Sodom and Gomorrah. The Lord states that he intends to destroy them and it is very interesting to read how Abraham pleads for cities to be saved. His pleading was in vain. Lot, his nephew, lived in Sodom and he was visited by two angels. Chapter 19 verses 5 to 11 tell of the reaction of the citizens of Sodom to the visit of the angels. The angels instructed Lot and his family to leave at once and not to look back. The Lord rained fire and brimstone and destroyed the cities. Lot's wife, however, looked back as they fled and was turned into a pillar of salt. This pillar is supposed to be still there.

In Chapter 21, as foretold by God, Sarah has a son whom she names Isaac. In our next episode, we shall discover what happens to Hagar and Ishmael now that Sarah has a son of her own. A little later, Abraham's faith is severely tested by God.

Supplied by Mauvine

When Frost was spectre-gray,

And winter’s dregs made desolate the weakening eye of day...,

At once a voice arose among the bleak twigs overhead

In a full-hearted evensong of joy illumined;

An aged thrush, frail, gaunt, and small,

In blast-beruffled plume, had chosen thus to fling his soul

Upon the growing gloom. ... .there trembled through

His happy good-night air some blessed Hope,

whereof he knew And I was unaware                     Supplied by Mauvine

Birmingham Art Gallery publicised a Nativity Trail from Dec 5th till Jan 4th 2008.  Brenda, Mary and I decided to go on Mary’s birthday. We didn’t know what to expect!  The trail went from room to room, each containing beautiful paintings about the Nativity – but they were not together, you had to search for them. I felt this was a bit like life. You have to search for what you want and sort it out yourself.                 Kath

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Rotas

Vestry and Communion Elders

Door Stewards

Flower Rota

The New Flower List is now on display, Please fill in all the dates ASAP.

Mary K.

Many thanks to everyone who helped to decorate our church for Christmas and to all who took down and put away again on Jan 6^th.                        

Kath V.

Lectionary Readings

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Church Diary

Dates for your Diary

Articles for March Magazine to be with Mary by Feb 10^th please

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