July / August Newsletter
Minister: Rev Peter Catford
Tel: 020 8942 0333
Associate Minister: Rev Joan R Edwell
Sunday Services 10.00am
Family Services – 10.00am 13th July and during August
MINISTER'S MESSAGE
Dear Friends
Many people have asked "Are you looking forward to going to Andover?" Until the boxes arrived recently, I have not really thought about it. There have been moments when my mind has wandered, but I realise that I am seeing Andover through 'Rose-Tinted Spectacles' – those that come from lack of knowledge.
The arrival of the boxes has meant that the sorting has begun, so my mind is beginning to look towards the move and as it does so, it also looks back over the last five years.
It is so easy to forget what has happened, but as I sort through the stacks of paper, I begin to remember how far I have travelled since September 2003. It has been a time filled with many joys, sorrows and challenges. I have learnt a lot from being Superintendent of the Kingston upon Thames Circuit – for one thing I have had to understand what I believe about the future of this Methodist thing called Circuit. I have learnt how a Superintendent relies on colleagues both lay and ordained to do the job they have been called to do. I have seen glimpses of Circuit working well together, and hope that I can take these ideas forward to Andover.
Secondly, there has been the privilege of being a minister which always leaves me amazed at the graciousness of the people in the church and community. The lessons I have learnt through having pastoral responsibility at New Malden and Chessington are too numerous to mention. As I look through orders of service that I have prepared, I am conscious of the importance of the worship life of God’s people.
It is not just the things that have been produced that are helping me to reflect but also the things that have not been used, and I am left to wonder what to do with them. Am I to let go of them now, or will their time come again?
The packing process can be an opportunity to review things, rejoice over what God has done, repent of what is left undone or incomplete, retire those things that have seen their day, and reconnect with things that give energy and hope for the future. To do this requires energy and commitment and can easily just be passed over because it requires decisions and letting go.
It is hard to move on; however I am filled with hope for the churches and circuit. Jesus has entrusted us with the work of helping to make God’s love visible here in New Malden and Chessington. His story shows us it is not easy to live lives of faith, but we can be assured that God does not leave us. Jesus teaches us that God will provide through the Holy Spirit the gifts, if we have the courage to use them.
So I invite you as churches to review, rejoice, repent, retire and reconnect and get ready for the ongoing journey, for if the last five years are anything to go by, it is going to be a challenge.
BETWEEN FRIENDS
BIRTH CONGRATULATIONS to Kathleen (nee Wn) and David V on the birth of Amy Elizabeth (7lbs 13oz) on 2nd June, a first grandchild for Celia and Gerald.
Muriel H thanks all those who sent her birthday cards and messages. She is settling in well.
Gillian H is continuing her treatment, and is grateful to all friends for their concern and prayers. Rosemary H is recovering after being bitten by a dog, and Bob E is also feeling better following a set-back. We assure Gillian, Rosemary and Bob of our continuing prayers, together with all other friends who are not well, confined to home or otherwise unable to be with us at this time.
Our thanks for all they have done during the last five years and our best wishes go with Peter, Suva, Rebecca and Elizabeth as they move to Andover in August. We also thank Joan Edwell as she and Jim retire to the South coast and we wish them well in their new home. Tony and Enid have spent nine years in Kingston, and we thank them and wish them God speed as they take up a new appointment at Ossett and Horbury.
THANK-YOU
to all those who contributed in any way to the success of our 60th Church Anniversary. The display of memorabilia proved very popular, the Garden Party at the Manse was very much enjoyed by all those who attended, and it was good to have Bill and Jenny Prince back with us on the Sunday. The lunch was well-attended, and gave us all a chance to catch up. Our thanks to Gillian, John and Mark for arranging the display, Dong, Miwah, Sharon and Duncan for the Garden Party, and everybody who brought the lovely food for the lunch.SUNDAY SCHOOL
are in urgent need of teachers and support staff. Please consider if you can help them in any way. More details from Ian W or the Church Stewards.Children’s CHAT
week – 28th July to 1st August – see Sharon H for detailsLADIES OPEN GROUP
2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 8.00pmJuly 8th American Supper;
July 23rd Bring & Share lunch at Jenny’s.
Next meeting 9th Sept
WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP
- Wednesdays 2.00pmJuly 2nd Keith Harman – Dowsing;
July 9th Joan Manwaring "The Meeting Room";
July 16th 60th Anniversary Buffet Lunch – Special Guest: Peter
Catford.
DIARY DATES
July 5th 7.00pm Farewell Event for Peter, Suva and family. Bring your
own
nibbles and your performing talents – or just come and watch
July 13th 4.30pm Cream Tea 6.30pm Peter’s last service at Chessington
July 20th 6.30pm at New Malden – Circuit Farewell Service for Rev Peter Catford
July 27th Rev Joan Edwell’s farewell service at Surbiton Hill 10.30am
August 3rd Rev Tony Walton’s farewell service at Kingston at 10.45am
Saturday 6th September - 6.00pm at Surbiton Hill. Circuit Induction Service, led by our District Co-Chair, Rev Jenny Impey, for our new Superintendent, Rev Bonni-Belle Pickard, together with Rev Dr Angela Shier-Jones and Rev Dr Donghwan Kim.
Harvest Festival – Sunday 28th September
The next Newsletter will be the September one. Copy date - 19th August. Material should be delivered to the Editor, Pat Watson, by this date to ensure publication on the 28th August. Please forward Diary Dates for the rest of 2008 as soon as possible to ensure maximum publicity. Thank you.
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