Knowle URC Magazine June 2008                                                      Home

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Minister’s Letter

With all the television programmes, adverts and magazine or newspaper articles which tell us how we should look and how we can have a “makeover” I think the following “beauty tips” are a very good antidote!

  1.  For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

  2.  For beautiful eyes, look for the good in other people.

  3.  To lose weight, let go of stress, hatred, anger, and the need to control others.

  4.  To improve your ears, listen to the word of God.

  5.  To improve your nose, smell the roses in your life and count your blessings, giving thanks for each one of them.

  6.  For poise, walk with knowledge and self-esteem. Rather than walk this earth lightly, walk firmly with determination and leave your mark.

  7.  To strengthen your arms, hug at least three people a day. Touch someone with your love.

  8.  To strengthen your heart, forgive yourself and others. Don't worry and hurry so much.

  9.  To strengthen your back, carry someone else's burden for them.

10. For the ultimate in business, casual or evening attire put on the robe of Christ; it fits like a glove but allows room for growth. Best of all, it never goes out of style and is appropriate for any occasion.

Beautiful people aren’t the ones who have the “right” bodies or wear the best clothes. Real beauty is a spiritual quality which comes from God.

Kevin

At our Church’s Together Service on Pentecost Sunday, at St Philips Dorridge, Kevin gave the address.  thank you.

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Church of North India/West Midlands Synod February 2008 Visit contd.

From May magazine Sharing the news & supporting each other There are a series of articles for church magazines which may be downloaded from the Synod web-site wwwMircwestmidlands.org.uk together with photos from the visit Can you help the work of our brothers and sisters in Christ in India amongst the poorest of the poor? This year we're appealing for the following: Young mothers Pre-natal and antenatal care for young women from poor backgrounds at the hospital in Serengar. The church is looking to raise £10 a month per woman, to be spent on medicines particularly vitamins and nutritional food. They're hoping to offer this support to sixty women a month for a period of up to six months. Ordinands training After our support for the first woman ordinand, and another ordinand from a tribal background, the church is asking whether we could support further training. The cost of training for one person for one year would be approximately £500. The length of training is four years. Durgapur is in great need of more ministers. Please send any money to the Synod office, made payable to the URC (West Midlands) Trust Ltd. The generosity of the West Midlands Synod over the past five years has amounted to £13,760.58 . One man can make a difference! Probal Kanto Dutta became Bishop of the neglected diocese of Durgapur in West Bengal in 2003. In 2003, 2006, 2007 and 2008 West Midlands groups have visited Durgapur. Each time we've seen changes: a peace centre built to develop work among the tribal people, a conference centre both to accommodate international visitors and to facilitate training and development within the diocese, child development centres, a new church, and improved office space for the diocesan officers. Running a large diocese with a range of activities and competing priorities for resources is a complex task, to which Probal brings drive, vision - and international links! ... With a little help from his friends Those of us who have been able to visit the CNI will tell you that your financial contributions and prayers have made a real difference in Durgapur - but so has your hospitality in welcoming visitors from the CNI to the West Midlands. So please continue to welcome our Indian friends to the West Midlands. But also consider joining the next group to visit India - you'll find that the experience is enriching. Peter Skerratt (Moderator's photographer & husband).

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Where there’s a will, there isn’t always a way to achieve what you want

If you are one of the few people in the UK who has made a will, no doubt you think you have protected your loved ones, charities and any other body you would like to benefit from your assets when you have gone. But here’s a warning tale. If you don’t update your will regularly, that document might be worthless. In fact, it could be worse than if you had never bothered to write it at all. Anyone in Knowle URC who met Jack Deakin knew him to be a good man – a stalwart Christian who was devoted to his wife. So when he died recently, the contents of his will came as no surprise to his friends within the church. He had left everything he owned to Marjorie. However, closer inspection of the will showed it to have been written 20 years ago. It was homemade – the type of document that can be bought cheaply in any stationer’s and written by “the man in the street”. So Jack had received no legal advice when he wrote his will, and none since. The will had never been updated. Not only had both the named executors died years before, but Jack, who knew that Marjorie was struggling with her memory and reasoning abilities some months before he died, had – probably out of love and loyalty – kept that knowledge to himself. So, when he died, all Jack’s assets – his share of their home, his bank account and his investments - passed to Marjorie: but she has been judged incapable of handling her financial affairs. So, while discussions about her future welfare take place, the marital home cannot be sold, the investments cannot be cashed and the money remains in the bank account. If Jack had taken advice from a solicitor, an enduring power of attorney could have been set up which would have allowed a family member to make decisions on Marjorie’s behalf. Last October, this process was replaced by a new legal document called a lasting power of attorney, which is similar, but designed to provide a greater degree of oversight and protection. There are two types of LPA: one governs financial affairs, including property sales, handling bank accounts, dealing with tax affairs and benefits, the other personal welfare, including living arrangements and medical treatment.

Although there are provisions in place under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 for court-appointed deputies – who may be a friend or relative - to make decisions on your behalf, there is no guarantee that your first choice of person would be selected. And we all know how slowly legal processes can work.

None of us knows when or if we will become incapable of making decisions for ourselves. If it happens, it could be a slow process. Or we could suffer a sudden stroke.

If you want YOUR estate to be passed on to your loved ones, make sure you write a will. Update it regularly. Take advice on setting up a lasting power of attorney. Find out how much you can give away each year to keep your inheritance bill as low as possible. Give donations in your lifetime – to your family, your friends, your church.

All these suggestions will prevent what will probably happen in the Deakins’ case – most of your money being handed over to the State. That wasn’t what Jack wanted – do you?                            Rosemary Hillyard

Bloomsbury Urgent Appeal

Can anyone supply the following please?  Household items, Chest of Drawers, Rugs, Lamps, Bric a Brac, Book Cases, Chairs, Hi Fi Units, Electric Items, Bedding, Cots, Childrens Clothing, Toys, Pushchairs, High Chairs, Coffee Tables, all these items are urgently needed to help people in our community who are in very desperate need.  

Thank you     Jane Whitmore   Administrator     

Contact Mary if you can help.

A Handy Guide to Prayer

But I don’t know any prayers  What should I say   Its easy if you use your hand.

Your thumb is the strongest finger.                                  Thank God for all the strong things in your life - home, family...

Your first finger is your pointing finger.                            Pray for people who point you in the right direction. -teachers, parents....  

Your Middle finger is the tallest.                                      Pray for people in the world who have power - world leaders, parliament, bishops..

The ring finger is the weakest on your hand.                    Pray for those who are poor, weak, helpless, sick, unhappy.

Your little finger is the smallest and last finger on your hand.    Pray for yourself

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Church Family

Happy Birthday’s to Marjory Evans, Ian Miller, Gordon Scott, Fiona Kellond and David McMillan. This month’s stone is Pearl, usually silvery pink or cream.  Pearls are formed by molluscs as a protective barrier around a foreign body, such as a tiny parasite or grain of sand which has invaded the mollusc’s shell. The iridescence of pearls is thought to be due to the many thin uneven layers of which they are formed.

Congratulations to Judy and Lucilla on their recent appearance in Me and My Girl, it was a wonderful show.

Congratulations to Fiona Kellond who completed the Knowle Fun Run, and she would still accept sponsorship for the three Charities she is supporting.  Please sponsor Ian Rogerson on his 5 mile walk on June 28^th on behalf of The Solihull Bible Society Action Group.

We remember in prayer Les Bridgewater, Marjory Evans, a 12 yr old, Olton and Hobs Moat on June 15^th as they welcome a prospective new Minister who will “Preach with a View” at their church.

 The one hour Parking restrictions on Station Rd have been lifted from Lodge Rd to St Johns’ Close.             

Has anyone got a Piano Stool they would donate to us please? 

Mary

Holy Island

We recently had a holiday in Northumberland and spent a few hours on Holy Island or Lindisfarne as it is also known.  It is famous for the ruined Priory, the causeway, the Castle and the bird life.  But you may not know that there is a small United Reformed Church there.  When we have visited in previous years it has been closed but it has transformed itself to become St Cuthbert’s Centre.

The small multi-purpose building is a light and airy space which offers opportunities for prayer and worship, a kitchen for social gatherings and a gallery.  It is surrounded by a pretty garden and is open most days.   It is a daring and adaptable use of the building for the residents and visitors to Holy Island.  There are a couple of leaflets pinned up on the notice board if you would like to read more about the church or go to www.holyisland-stcuthbert.org       .                           Thanks for this “The Langs”

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Open Day

We had a lovely day started by Kevin’s Welcome, his Story and Prayer and our Choir completed the opening musically.  The day’s entertainment took place throughout the morning and after-noon.  On the right is an example from the Art Display (the display is in the Hall section of our web site: www.knowleurc.org.uk) The web site was demonstrated to non-computer users by Graham. There were interesting displays by Hall users.  In addition to the Art display and one by Tap dancing,  SOSage entertained us by allowing us to observe a practice session.  Scottish Country Dancing gave a practical display.  We were given a talk by Pilates.  There was also plenty of opportunity to chat and have a Ploughman’s lunch.   Thank you Hall Users  for showing visitors and Church members            how you  use the Hall.                          Kath Vale & Graham Tall     Right:     Jean Mauger    Charcoal study of    bottles and mirror

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A Ploughman’s meal is prepared by Edna and her granddaughter Laura.

Property Work

May has been a dramatic month.  Firstly, the bushes and most of the trees bordering the parking area have been removed.  The car park has been much improved by widening and re-tarmacking.  Secondly, the Apse and door area has been re-plastered – decoration to follow. Graham Tall

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The Lord's My Shepherd

Psalm 23 has been a much loved favourite of mine since childhood.  In Sunday school we had to learn to recite many of the psalms and paraphrases by heart. A psalm or paraphrase always started our Sunday worship.  Only in later life did I come to appreciate the message of God's faithfulness contained within it. Recently whilst reading our daughter's church magazine I came across the following article which I thought worth sharing.   What Psalm 23 is all about

Below, is a modern version written by a Japanese writer

The Lord is my Pace setter- I shall not rush.  He makes me stop for quiet intervals.  He provides  me with images of stillness which restore my serenity.  He leads me in ways of efficiency through calmness of mind, and his guidance is peace.  Even though I have a great many things to accomplish each day, I will not fret, for his presence is here.  His timelessness, his all importance, will keep me in balance.  He prepares refreshment and renewal amidst of my activity.  By anointing my mind with his oils of tranquillity, my cup of joyous energy overflows.  

Truly harmony and effectiveness Shall be the fruits of my hours,   For I shall walk in the pace of my Lord And dwell in His house for ever.

These are two interpretations of the same psalm and I am sure there are many more! I looked up the computer to find more information and was surprised by the following HYMN STORY

“The Lord's My Shepherd, I'll not want” first appeared in print in the Scottish Psalter of 1650. This Psalter was assembled by the Westminster Assembly, which also gave us the Westminster Confession and the Book of Common Prayer. In it, portions from various sources were combined to create the beautiful hymn we know today. Though it was well -loved in Scotland, the 23rd psalm did not enjoy popularity outside the Church of Scotland for nearly 300 years.   It finally appeared in the Methodist Hymnal of 1876 and later the Congregational Hymnal of 1916. But it wasn't included in an Anglican hymnbook until 1965.

The hymn version remains faithful to David's psalm. Its popularity in England grew in part because of its use during the 1947 marriage ceremony of our Queen and Prince Phillip. Since that time, it has become a well known hymn, often requested at weddings and funerals today.

Greta Stewart

Knowle Festival in the Park

The festival is on the 28^th  June this year, , and we are hoping to repeat the big success of last year when we have our church stand and paint the soles of people’s feet!  (Pun on “soles” is intended!)  Once painted, they walk along a strip of wallpaper and make lovely murals, which are signed by the owners of the feet! 

I have a problem, though, because I have run out of wallpaper, so if you have a couple of spare rolls left over from decorating, perhaps you could bring them to church and give them to me.  I would be very grateful and will paint your feet if you turn up in the park to support us on the day!

Pat McKee

                        DO ALL THE GOOD    YOU CAN

BY ALL THE MEANS  YOU CAN

IN  ALL THE WAYS    YOU CAN

IN  ALL THE PLACES YOU CAN

TO ALL THE PEOPLE YOU CAN

                        AS LONG   AS EVER   YOU CAN

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A Journey through the Bible with Tiqlath.

7. Genesis Chapters 37 through 41: Joseph and his brothers.

In Chapter 37 we find Jacob living in Canaan. His sons looked after the herds which constituted their wealth (goats, camels and sheep). This involved much travelling about in that dry area looking for pasture. Joseph, seventeen years of age and the youngest but one of Jacob's sons, used to accompany his brothers from time to time. The brothers must have found Joseph something of a trial because he reported their doings to their father in an unfavourable light. They were jealous of Joseph because he was his father's favourite and had been given a very fine seamless robe. Another thing that made Joseph unpopular was the fact that he had dreams. In these dreams (verses 5 to 11) we find the whole family bowing down to Joseph.

Right: Joseph is sold by his brothers Now we come to the time when Joseph was sent by Jacob to his brothers at Dothan, to see how they were getting on. When they saw him coming they plotted to kill him. Reuben, the eldest brother stopped them. Reuben then went away, and the remaining brothers stripped Joseph of his robe and threw him into a pit. Then they sold Joseph to some passing Ishmaelites who took him to Egypt. Reuben was distraught, on his return, to discover that Joseph had disappeared. A new problemnow presented itself to the brothers. How were they to explain all this to their father? Verses 31 to 35 describe the very cunning way in which they did this. Meanwhile Joseph had been sold as a slave in Egypt to Potiphar, captain of Pharaoh's guard. We are now journeying through Chapter 39.

 The Bible tells us that “The Lord was with Joseph and he prospered”. He was put in charge of Potiphar's household. At this point, Potiphar's wife comes into the story. She had a roving eye which alighted on the young Hebrew. She asked Joseph to make love to her. He refused, but she persisted. Then one day she caught Joseph by his cloak; he ran away leaving the garment in her hand. She told Potiphar, when he came home, that Joseph had attempted to rape her but that when she screamed he left his cloak in her hand and ran off. He believed her and was furious. Joseph was arrested and thrown into the Round Tower where the prisoners of Pharaoh were kept. Continued on next side

A Journey through the Bible with Tiqlath continued

Joseph was a most capable young man and the governor of the Round Tower soon realised this and placed him in charge of all the prisoners. Joseph had a gift, which now becomes very useful to him. He could divine the meaning of dreams. At this point in our story, in Chapter 40, Pharaoh's butler and baker appear in the Round Tower having offended their master. Both have dreams which you must read about in this chapter; as you do, you will realise what remarkable powers Joseph possessed. The reaction of the butler shows man's ingratitude to man.

Joseph remained in prison for another two years until Pharaoh, no less, had two dreams that no-one could interpret. At this point the butler remembered the young Hebrew; he told Pharaoh and Joseph was sent for. Notice he had a shave before appearing before the ruler!  To see what happens next read Chapter 41; you will enjoy it.  It contains a very good example of someone being at the right place at the right time.

While all this was going on, Jacob was in Canaan with his sons.  The drought had hit them hard and they had very little to eat.  It is interesting to note that Canaan depended on rain-bearing clouds from the Mediterranean while in Egypt the Nile flooded for a great distance on either side with the water which came from the melting snows from the Ethiopian Highlands far to the south. Jacob tells his sons to go to Egypt to buy corn. Benjamin will not be allowed to go with them.

In our next instalment we shall discover how the brothers were received in Egypt. This is a wonderful and interesting part of our journey.

Prayer Fellowship

Those remembered in prayer were Sue & John Heatley’s Daughter Sally & Son-in-Law David, Richie, Marjorie Deaken, Julie, David Kellond, Wayde, Keith, Tony Parrot’s Family, John of Leeds, improving, Pam Lowery, Jenny’s Family, Joanne & Johanna in Yorkshire, May’s 85 yr old Aunt awaiting surgery, our 14 yr old with a brain tumour has died and we remember his Family.    Next Prayer Fellowship is on Sun Jun 8^th.  

Kath & Edna  

Thanks

We are pleased to say that Gill has finished her course of chemotherapy and is very well , she will continue to take tablets for the next five years, and wishes to thank everyone for their prayers and support.              Chris & Mary        

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Moderator of the West Midlands Synod

The next Moderator of the West Midlands Synod of the United Reformed Church will be the Revd Roy Lowes MTh, who will take up his role after the Revd Elizabeth finishes her term on 31^st August 2008.

Roy has been a United Reformed Church Minister since 1978. Previously he was a Religious Education Teacher in a Comprehensive School in his native North East of England.

He was in pastoral ministry from 1978 to 1996 in Knaresborough and Harrogate in Yorkshire and then Kingston upon Thames in London. From 1996 to 2001 he was Director of Training for the United Reformed Church's South Western Synod and since then has been in his current post as Secretary for the Education and Learning (formerly Training) Committee of the General Assembly of the United Reformed Church. He has worked closely with ecumenical partners and their parallel policy developments - particularly the Church of England and Methodist Church - and has been on the wider governing body of the Queen's Foundation.

His theological interest is in the area of overlap between salvation and anthropology and has some interest if not great expertise, in the work of the Roman Catholic theologians such as Dom Sebastian Moore and James Alison.

He is married to Avril and they have two adult daughters: Helen married to Jon living in Swindon and Sarah living in Canning Town. They also have a matching black dog and cat! He jogs a little to keep fit, and likes hill walking. He enjoys cooking, the theatre and as much reading as he can fit in, with particular interest in History, Theology, Psychology and Spirituality as well as novels, catching up on classics such as Dickens or 20th Century writers such as Le Carre or Peter Ackroyd.

Roy looks forward with excitement and enthusiasm to this new phase of his ministry in the West Midlands.

Congratulations

Elizabeth Johnson who, as a teenager was Christened in our church some years ago, has just completed her University studies off in Canada and her Mom, Lynn Johnson who is a Beaver leader on a Monday evening joined Elizabeth for her last week in Canada.  When they returned  they had the wonderful honour of going to St James’ Palace where Elizabeth was presented with her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award by HRH Prince  Philip.  We are doing well here!    Kath Vale

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Rotas

Vestry and Communion Elders

Door Stewards

Flower Rota

Lectionary Readings

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Church Diary

 Further Dates

Christian Aid    Thank you

Please put a big thank you into the next  mag to all those who collected for Christian Aid. We raised £345 which is a good total and, looking in the Present Aid catalogue, this could buy an emergency shelter and a greenhouse or six bicycles for health workers or ... half a water buffalo!

    Pat McKee

 Articles for Double Issue July/Aug Magazine to Mary by June 18^th please.

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