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Focus
Tottenham Baptist Church Magazine December 2002/January 2003
Dear Friends,
When I was a full time pastor I had my computer programmed so that when I first turned it on in the morning my diary appeared open at the day, with the week ahead before me. It was useful for planning a busy life, and a framework for my praying. When I first retired my diary was not so full, so I changed the format and my diary did not automatically appear. There was time to take life at a more leisurely pace. Recently, life has changed and now I am almost as busy as I when I was working full time. So I have returned to having my diary as the first thing I see in the morning!
Of course there are some dates for which we do not need a diary, of which Christmas is one. New Year, one week later, is another such date. The birth of Jesus and the coming of a New Year are only linked by accident, but for Christians, whenever Jesus comes it is the beginning of something new! The year 2003 will no doubt hold many new things for our church, but they are only of worth if Jesus is in the midst.
Whether it is at the beginning of the day, or the beginning of the year, make the contents of your diary a subject of prayer. That way Jesus will be able to have his way in each life, and in the whole life of our church.
Wishing you all a very happy Christmas, and a peaceful New Year.
In Christian love,
Roger Collins
PS. If you are coming to the Christmas morning service, try to bring with you an UNOPENED present. Then we can all open them together in the service.
CHURCH FAMILY NEWS
It is with regret for our fellowship that we bid good-bye and until we meet again to two revered members, Mrs Pearl Nevers and Mrs Eileen Wood, who have gone to rest and meet the Lord recently. Pearl was an example of faithfulness to her Lord in the midst of medical challenges and Eileen was always glad to extend a cheerful smile even in her late days when she fellowshipped with us. Please pray for Mr Nevers and family as well those who knew and loved Eileen.
Please pray for a safe operation for Mr Melvin Priam and a good recovery. The prognosis for the lung cancer is dim for Miss Vi Maddison's niece in Australia. Please support both of them in prayer and their family members.
As Mrs Clare Lee and Vanessa either have or are in the process of moving home, with thankful hearts let's remember them in our prayers in case of any trial that often comes with those times, as well as Jaap and Louise van der Weerd settling in their new home, and Mrs Hannah Kajue, on holidays.
We have been reflecting about the need for peace among many of our youth in our community and please pray for this, as Miss Lena Starling has recently been sligthly harassed in the presence of some of these.
Our Boys Brigades began staggered times for their meetings. Let us pray so that our BB continues to grow in numbers and that their boys get to appreciate the peace that the Lord is offering them! Please hold our officers in your prayers.
Be sure to join us in praying for the general needs of our Congregation, and for whichever Minister the Lord is grooming for us.
We have had fine mid-week meetings in prayer and reflecting on the Bible. Our own lay preacher and deacon, Mr Thornton Reid, is walking us through a study in Genesis: 'What is Man, That You Should be Mindful of Him?í It's a great time to compare notes and enrich each other's knowledge of Him. You know you are allowed and even encouraged to express your thoughts to interpret passages in order to clarify your understanding of the Word! Why miss out on these sweet times in Him?
Do remember our housebound, including Mrs Ward, Miss Mabel Johnson and please be mindful also of Mrs Hazel Whitehead.
Congratulations are extended to Allan and Janice Bennett as they became proud second-time grandparents through their daughter Debra, this time to Kieron Robert, born at 8 lbs. 8 oz.!
The Pastoral Care Team prays, visits, encourages and does what it can for anyone in our fellowship who may need it. Care for the congregation is shared by different Care Team members but anyone on the Team would be happy to help. If you have been ill or if anything is troubling you, they would be eager to hear from you. Just call!
Thornton & Leola Reid
George Wheeler
Grace Tyzack
Hilda Gosling
Clare Lee
Margaret McGlynn
Gloria Bipta
This magazine is your magazine! Help shape TBC whichever way the Lord leads you. Write, tell, e-mail or dictate to the editor any articles, quips, etc. that you want to share, or speak to him about any issues you would want in these pages!
Jose Jurado Aranda
E-mail: tbceditor@hotmail.com
You can also read Focus online at:
http://freespace.virgin.net/jamesimac.mcglynn/tbc.htm
COMING EVENTS....
White Webbs Silver Band
Please don't forget to come along and support us on Tuesday, December 3rd at 8 pm. We always have an enjoyable evening. There is no charge for admission but there will be a retiring offering to help with their expenses.
Vi Maddison
Prayers for Sunday School
You can join Sunday School teachers and others as they seek the Lord and His will together in this session, at 10:15 am on Sunday, December 8th. If you have burdens for any child, cast them onto Jesus and you can lift these people up in prayer, meeting in the backroom.
Christmas cards time...
Share your joy of Jesus with others in the community - distribute Christmas cards at homes on nearby streets, wishing our neighbours Seasons Greetings from TBC! Say a prayer, choose an area to distribute a set of cards and then why not set out with a friend!
In December, it's a great way to remind our neighbours about the Man Christmas is all about... And people check us out for it!
Carol Services at Almshouses
This is a great time to fellowship with others in the church as we visit senior citizens living at the Almshouses, near Bruce Castle. Just bring along your voices! We will bring some gifts to the residents on Sunday 15th December at 3 pm.
Nativity Play
DONíT MISS the Sunday School and Youth Group Nativity Service on Sunday 22nd December at 11 am. The children and young people will be leading the service, which is always a special occasion, and it will be great to see you there. What better way is there to start your Christmas celebrations?
Janette Whitehead
Carols by Candlelight
Catch the Christmas Spirit when we plan to light up rows of candles in the sanctuary and sing along to carols and other hymns for the season - and joining with the Music Group! - on Sunday, December 22nd at 6:30 pm.
Christmas Day
Come and open one of your gifts with others during this service so that we can rejoice together, giving thanks for His gifts and His love! We could give thanks for a long time but the service will be kept short and begins at 10:15 am!
Church Members Meeting 21st January
Let the Lord speak through you if He has put something in your heart to speak about: just ask any deacon if your item could be placed on the agenda. Come and help build your church, and ask questions if you have any queries! Note that we return to a Tuesday evening this month.
Sunday Preachers
1st Dec - am & pm: Mr J Field
8th Dec - am & pm: Mr David Binns
15th Dec - To be arranged
22nd Dec - am: Nativity by Sunday School
pm: Carols by Candlelight
25th Dec - Rev. Roger Collins - 10:15 am
29th Dec - am only: Mr Thornton Reid
5th Jan - To be arranged
12th Jan - To be arranged
19th Jan - am & pm:
Rev. Roger Collins
26th Jan - am & pm:
Cows for Kosova
You remember that it was agreed by the Church that in 2002 our special collection throughout the year would go to buy a cow and calf for a family in Kosova via the 'SMILEí Organisation.
It was slow going at times and it did not look as if we would reach the target by December 31st but I am pleased to say with a total of £545.00 by the end of November, it is almost sure we shall make it!!!
Thank you to all those that faithfully gave to this worthwhile cause.
Les Paskell
THANK YOU!!!
......to everybody who so kindly donated shoeboxes filled with presents and items to be given to the children in Kosova, Macedonia, Bulgaria and Montenegro. These will be sent by lorry via the Christian charity Smile International. We took between 45 - 50 shoeboxes plus sacks of knitted teddy bears and knitted clothing. Revds Clive and Ruth Doubleday, who run Smile Int., greatly appreciate your time and generosity. It's only a shame that we won't be there to see the children's faces when they open them!
Janette
Church Outing 2003
The date for the 2003 Church Outing is fixed for SATURDAY JUNE 28th 2003. We have a 49 seater coach from the same company as last year - so please book this date!!!
The Church will sort out a destination as soon as possible and let every one know how much this will cost.
100th Anniversary of GirlsÇ Life Brigade
October 19th was a very special day at Tottenham Baptist Church to celebrate and have a Thanksgiving service for 100 years of G.L.B. It seemed rather strange to me to celebrate something which is now non-existent but the organisation is still alive within the bounds of GirlsÇ Brigade since it amalgamated with The GirlsÇ Brigade of Ireland and The GirlsÇ Guildry of Scotland.
It was good that so many were able to respond to our invitation - but I must say that a good 75% of the people were from 3rd Tottenham. I circulated a letter to a lot of folk I could think of and also phoned many more, and Val Paskell did as well to add her support which was good.
The hubbub of voices in the Hall as people all greeted one another was quite astounding. I had asked for folk to bring along any old photographs and the pictures caused much conversation. Many had not met for 40 years or so!!
The buffet lunch had kindly been prepared by officers of the district and this was much appreciated, along with the teas, coffee and squash drinks which were supplied. It was then difficult to drag them away from chatting and to get into the church for our Service of Thanksgiving, which was very special.
Our Guest Speaker was Rev. Margaret Adams, who is Resident Minister at Miller Memorial Church in The Avenue, Tottenham. She started off by saying how lovely it was to be among so many G.L.B. 'girlsí as, although she is a Methodist minister now, she was born into and brought up in a Baptist Church and she too belonged to G.L.B. for very many years before marrying, becoming a mother and entering into the ministry. (I don't know in which order they each happened). It was a happy day, very tiring but oh so rewarding in many ways, I can tell you.
We trust the young people of today will have happy memories in the years to come.
Kath Hatchett
In the electronic mailbag is the following e-mail from an old TBC member, in his last year in full-time Christian service before retiring next October. He writes:
...As I enter this final year, I have many thoughts, all of them good, for which I thank God. Not least, I thank God that I was brought up in TBC, went through its Sunday School, this where some will not thank me for the reminder, because I was in their Sunday School class!
After service in the Boys' Brigade, becoming an officer, there was service as a Deacon, as my father and grandfather had served before me. Then the call to lay preaching and the ministry, and after training at Spurgeon's College, my ordination at TBC on July 19th, 1971. I know there will be only a few left at TBC who will remember me and that event, but I will never forget it, or my gratitude to TBC for all that it did for me.
I am delighted that occasionally names crop up in Focus and the years roll back and many happy memories are recalled.
May God be praised for all his faithfulness.
My love to you all,
John Waghorn
Happiness
Fill the whole heart
With the words of God.
They are The Living Water,
Quenching your burning Thirst.
They are The Living Bread
From Heaven
The religion of Jesus
Gives peace like a River.
It does not quench
The Light of Joy;
It does not restrain Cheerfulness,
Nor cloud the Sunny, Smiling face!
BAPTIST MISSIONARY SOCIETY NEWS....
DECEMBER
MS VICTORIA PLUNKETT 14th
JANUARY
EMMA PETTIT 1st
MISS OLIVE PERSSON 5th
MASTER ADAM HATCHETT 26th
Georgie and Stuart are Doing Something About IT
A BMS-supported couple in Brazil is launching a new initiative to give deprived youngsters a better chance in the job market at a pivotal point in the country's history.
Georgie and Stuart Christine and their mission team in São Paulo were slated to start 'PCi Plusí on 9th November. It's a church-based programme offering employment enhancing IT and life skills for some of the thousands of jobless and marginalised young people in the city's slums.
The PCi Plus programme involves many elements, such as publicity, equipment and financial back-up. Initial training and support for local church-based teachers ensure that the courses can function effectively. There are plans for an Internet Club, an interactive edition of the Bible and Life Skills Teaching Units, aiming to develop young people from a Christian perspective.
The project starts as Brazil celebrates its first left-wing government for over 40 years. The new President, Lula, seen as a champion of the poor, promises to bring greater economic prosperity, fairly distributed to all Brazilians.
Find out more on PCi plus and the ChristinesÇ other programmes at www.abiah- oasis.org.br
Prayer points:
· That good publicity will attract those with greatest needs and that the launch of PCi Plus will result in many more young Brazilians in stable employment.
· That local churches will catch the vision of the programme and that they be built up through involvement in it.
· For Georgie, Stuart and Project Co-ordinator, Décio, at a busy time.
Life in the Field for the Uganda Action Team
Rachel, Dave P, Fran and Dave L have been working in rural Kamuli for over two weeks. They are furnishing their house almost from scratch and have a number of uninvited pets, including lizards and frogs!
The team's chief tasks in Kamuli are to teach at the church school and take assemblies elsewhere. Lessons last well over an hour and the team is teaching maths, English and science. The two Daves get to teach some football too - when monsoons don't stop play. Assemblies involve the team doing dramas, talking about themselves, and holding puppet shows to as many as 1,500 primary school pupils. There's usually time for Christian action songs like 'Who's the King of the Jungle?í which go down really well!
On their first weekend in Kamuli, the team attended a four-hour introduction ceremony - the traditional Ugandan part of a wedding. Their language teacher, Iganga, was getting married and invited them along. The boys went in traditional 'kanzus', (white tunics) with suits and the girls wore Ugandan dresses.
The Uganda team is one of eight groups overseas for six months as part of the BMS Action Team programme. They include youth from Hockliffe Street Baptist Church, Chichester Baptist Church and Revelation Church, Chichester.
· For their teaching and leading of school assemblies - for boldness, confidence and wisdom, and that the material may remain fresh.
· That they will be greatly enriched through living in a new culture.
· That the team will continue to grow in God and learn more about themselves and each other as the experience continues.
* * *
TBC Baptist Missionary Society Report 2002
We were able to send the record-breaking amount of £872.47 to the B.M.S. last December, which was the total collected during our annual B.M.S. appeal during the Nativity Service. This money went to Angola to help develop the work and Christian witness in the shantytown of Terra Vermelha so that a new clinic, school and church could be built and lives changed for the better.
It was a special time for our church on Sunday 4th August, as we were able to welcome John and Maria Dyer, our World Link missionaries, and their son, Joao Marcos, for the day. We had the opportunity to find out about their work in Natal, north-east Brazil, and to hear about the exciting outreach projects in which they and their church are involved, as well as their lay leadersÇ and pastorsÇ training and literacy work. During the evening question and answer service it was interesting to hear how Joao Marcos was getting on - especially now, as he has to face the discipline of home schooling!!
The sum of £232 has been sent to develop medical work overseas during the past year through the contributions of those who support the B.M.S. birthday scheme. Thank you very much for your donations - they really help to make a difference.
Sunday School / Youth Group Report 2002
The Sunday School and Youth Group ended 2001 very positively by presenting the Nativity Service, as usual, on the Sunday before Christmas. The Sunday School depicted the events around Bethlehem from the viewpoint of a roving news reporter, which was well received. The Youth group performed a rap (after considerable laughing during rehearsals) and a play highlighting the commercialism of Christmas. All the youngsters worked hard and performed well.
The Easter Pageant was a new venture for us and the Sunday School and Youth Group combined to retell the events of Holy Week and the Resurrection during the Palm Sunday morning service. Despite a lot of trepidation on behalf of the leaders - well me anyway - the children acted brilliantly and portrayed these scenes in a moving and memorable way.
There was hardly time to catch our breath as the next day the Holiday Club started, which was organised by Malcolm. The club was entitled "Spy Kids" and this year we had a more evangelistic theme. We used "The Story of Jesus for Children" video (Camp Crusade for Christ International) and investigated the truth behind the stories of Jesus. The number of children attending was lower at the start of the week but the numbers increased as the week went on. Not all the children who attended were church children and one mother saw the poster in the alley and brought along her two children: who says that advertising doesn't work? The children listened well during Bible story time and asked a lot of questions which was encouraging. Each child received a copy of the video to take home. The games and refreshments, as usual, were the firm favourites! Thank you to everybody who supported us in many different ways and helped to make the week a success.
We enjoyed a financial boost during the year, for which we were very grateful, as we were awarded a grant of £350.00 from The Tottenham Grammar School Fund to buy an overhead projector and cassette player for use with the children.
An exciting development for us, since September, has been the establishing of an extra Youth group. This group includes children from 11 to 13 years who are in their first year of Secondary School. They have just moved upstairs into their newly decorated room after "hiring" the DeaconsÇ Room for a few weeks. Huge thanks to Rochelle, Junior, Lena and Les for their decorating skills. Kath and Leola lead this group whilst I lead the Juniors, Ivy takes the Primary and Les teaches the older Youth group.
Since April, we have been holding occasional prayer meetings on Sunday mornings before the church service commences. I would like to thank those of you who have come along to support us and pray for the children, young people and adults who are involved in all the children's work - Brigades and Sunday School.
Looking back, we have a lot to thank God for - as always. He has been very faithful. Please keep praying for us that we will seek and find His wisdom as to how we can best respond to these youngsters in our care and lead them to Him.
"...I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God... For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline."
2 Timothy 1:5-7
Remembering Pearl
'Please share this poem with me:'
What more can we ask
God's love endureth forever -
What a wonderful thing to know
When the tides of life run against us
And our spirit is downcast and low....
God's kindness is ever around us
Always ready to freely impart
Strength to your faltering spirit,
Cheer to our lonely hearts...
God's presence is ever beside us,
As near as the reach of our hands.
We have but to tell him our troubles,
There is nothing He won't understand...
And knowing God's love is unfailing,
And His mercy unending and great.
We have but to trust in His promise -
God comes not too soon or too late...
So wait with a heart that is patient
For the goodness of God to prevail -
For never do prayers go unanswered,
And his mercy, and love, never fail.
Submitted by Pearl Nevers
By Helen Steiner Rice
The Music Group Report 2002
We are a group of about five to twelve members playing either with our voices or with other musical instruments. We may play along with the congregation or, when singing in parts, we may play on our own for the congregation. We plan to try a variation on this at Christmas, with parts of a hymn being sung in parts on our own, and where we will invite the congregation to sing along on other verses. The group's musical styles vary from traditional hymns to spirituals to modern arrangements, with singers sometimes accompanied by an acoustic guitar, pianist, drummer and bassist.
The group ministers on special occasions and rehearses for about 1.5 hrs either once a month, or weekly in the run-up to an event. This past year, these included Carols by Candlelight, the farewell service for Malcolm, Easter, Sunday School Anniversary, Harvest and Church Anniversary. We have also had a musician (drummer or bassist) on his own accompanying a visiting preacher with his own guitar on two occasions.
It is good to see the volunteering spirit on the part of members of our congregation, with Jaap and Louise van der Weerd having taken over leading the music group since October, thereby relieving me as a co-ordinator. We are happy to hear of new musical talent and are fortunate that singers are often eager to join us.
The Girls Brigade Report 2002
This year we have 3 Brigaders, 4 Seniors, 16 Juniors, and only 1 Explorer, making a total of 24 girls and 6 Auxiliary workers. Unfortunately, a lot of the older girls have now gone their own way, but they do pop back from time to time.
Last year we held our usual Christmas fair. This was followed by the GB/BB party, to which we invite the Sunday School too - this was for the under 11s. The following week we held the older onesÇ party where, again, the favourite game was Murder in the Dark.
On 4th June, Victoria, Danielle Flood-Coleman and myself took part in the Queen's Jubilee Parade. What a wonderful experience this was, and we saw ourselves on TV! The following Saturday, we had a sleepover at Chelsea, and went to Trafalgar Square to see the GB & BB bands and gymnastic team.
In August, we were off to camp at Littlehampton Baptist Church from the 17th to the 24th. Along with the 1st Chelsea girls, we had a good week, which included a trip to Arundel Castle, a visit to Hastings to see the caves and underwater world, and the highlight was a trip on a speedboat out along the coastline.
In October, we hosted the G.L.B. 100th Anniversary, which I am pleased to say was very well supported by ex-3rd Tottenham girls. Those who came had an enjoyable time catching up on old memories.
This year, we are not holding our usual Christmas Fair, as we were to have a stall at the Barn Dance, in aid of funds for Cows for Kosova. As this has been cancelled, the Brigaders are working on where and when they can hold this.
We will, of course, be having our Christmas parties: the younger ones on 13th December and the older ones the following week.
Belinda Plunkett
Captain
The Boys Brigade Report 2002
I wish I had a more robust picture of our Company to give you, but at least we are keeping going, being one of only just five Companies in Haringey now. We now have 5 Anchor Boys, 3 Juniors, 5 Company and 1 Senior.
At the start of the new Session we made a few changes; one, that we are gradually changing over to the new uniform (which you will have noticed if you were at the recent church parades). Unfortunately, this is more expensive for the parents - approximately £27 - but the boys are keen for it, and we do take weekly payments to help.
Secondly, the Anchor Boys now come at 6-7pm, and the Juniors and Company Section 7-8:15pm followed by Club Night until 9pm, when they can play table tennis, badminton, dominoes or whatever.
We had an enjoyable joint Christmas Party with the GB, to which we again invited the Sunday School. As in previous years, we shall be wrapping the small gifts for the Sunday School to distribute when we go round to the Almshouses on December 15th at 3pm.
At the 175th Church Anniversary on October 13th, led by the Rev. Peter Wortley, the BB Officers together with the GP Officers and Sunday School Teachers rededicated themselves to the work that God has called us to do amongst the young people in our Church and neighbourhood.
Please pray for us, that our numbers may increase and our influence grow.
Vi Maddison, Paul Ambler, Stephen Cook, John Bambridge
The office holders were elected by the church at the AGM as follows:-
OFFICE OFFICE HOLDER
Secretary Miss V Maddison
Treasurer Mr L Paskell
Church mtg minute Sec Mr A Bennett
DeaconsÇ mtg minute Sec Mr L Paskell
Auditor Mrs V Elsden
GB Area Treasurer
Church Registrar Mrs V Paskell
Focus Editor Mr J Jurado Aranda
Prayer Calendar Mrs K Hatchett
Sunday School Leader Miss J Whitehead
Sunday School Teachers Mr L Paskell
Mrs K Hatchett
Mrs L Reid
Miss S Starling
Mrs I Legore
Crèche Mrs G Tyzack
Organist Miss O Persson
Music Group Mr & Mrs Jaap van der Weerd
Flower Rota Miss O Persson
HMF Publicity Mrs G Tyzack
BMS Sec & YP Rep Miss J Whitehead
BMS Birthday Scheme Mrs H Whitehead
Bible Society Mr T Reid
GB Captain Mrs B Plunkett
BB Officer-in-Charge Miss V Maddison
BB Lieutenants Mr P Ambler
Mr S Cook
BB Warrant Officer Mr J Bambridge
Churches Together in Tott. Mrs M Richards
Woman's World Day of Prayer Mrs G Tyzack
Health & Safety Officer Mr N Honor
Especially for young people
Wordsearch - Respecting Widows and the Fatherless
When we obey God, we can know that we love Him. The Bible tells us so. He teaches us to be especially careful with people like widows and those who don't have a father. In the book of Jeremiah, Chapter 7 verses 9 and 10, God tells us one of the things He expected His people to do:
'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other.'
Can you find these underlined words in the grid?
Look for them by reading down and across and then circle them out!
Be careful not to circle other words you might find...
Tithes and Levites
Did you find all the underlined words? If you did, then some letters will remain. Try putting those letters in the blanks below in the order that they appear.
"When _ _ _ have _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ setting _ _ _ _ _ a _ _ _ _ _ of _ _ _ your produce in the _ _ _ _ _ year, the _ _ _ _ of the tithe, _ _ _ shall _ _ _ _ _ _ to the Levite, the alien, the _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ and the _ _ _ _ _, so that they may _ _ _ in your towns _ _ _ be satisfied."
Solutions next page
This text is a commandment God gave to the nation of Israel many years before Jesus was born. You can find it in the Bible in the book of Deuteronomy, Chapter 26 verse 12. Do you know what a tithe is? That is something like money which we have, but which God expects us to give back to Him at the right time! He doesn't expect us nowadays to do it like He commanded Israel though... When we're grown up we should be careful to pay our tithes!
Have you ever learnt who the Levites were? The Levite men were priests who were born into certain families. They were required to take care of running God's tabernacle on Earth until the time when Jesus died on the cross. Jesus is a high priest whom all of us who believe in Him have! ... It says so in the book of Hebrews (You can check it out for yourself in Chapter 9 verse 11 or Chapter 8 verse 1).
Did you notice from the commandment in Deuteronomy how much God expects us to be careful about the fatherless and widows? God loves to take care of guiltless, helpless people through us!
WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCHED
Nahum Tate (1652-1715)
While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
All seated on the ground,
The angel of the Lord came down,
And glory shone around
Nahum - a good old Biblical name for the author of a good old Biblical hymn, that must surely be among the most well known, if not the most well loved of our Christmas Carols.
Nahum Tate was the Poet Laureate of 1692, and some say that this was his finest work, and these verses have indeed stood the test of time (I am sure everyone knows the words and I can recall some of the parodies sung when I was in the RAF during the war. - V.M.) Nahum's father was an Irish clergyman who had written some poems, so perhaps this started his interest. He was a clever boy who graduated from Trinity College, Dublin, and then looked for work in England.
One of his original poems had the fascinating title 'Panacea' - a poem on tea! It's rather a pity that he didn't stick to tea, because his liking for more than a drop of 'the hard stuff' led to his downfall and he fell deeper and deeper into debt. From a man who had been described as 'good natured but fuddling', he now became 'intemperate and improvident' and he saw out his last days in a refuge for debtors.
In his better days he had published 'A New Version of the Psalms of David' working with a fellow Irishman, Nicholas Brady. The other famous hymn he wrote was 'Through All the Changing Scenes of Life', and also 'As Pants the Heart for Cooling Streams.'
'While Shepherds Watched' is a paraphrase of Luke Chapter 2, verses 8-14 and it first appeared in a supplement to Tate's psalm book in 1700, along with five other hymns, two for Easter and three for communion.
For most people there is only one tune and that is Winchester Old, but its association with this carol only goes back to 1861, although the tune itself is much older.
Submitted by Vi Maddison
(taken from 'More Hazel's Hymnsí)
Meeting Nicodemuses today
Wouldn't it be good to set out as a church in groups to witness? Here are some tips on witnessing which we can use and pass on, posted at http://www.giovannidavila.com/christiancorner/28tips-witnessing.htm
- Pray before, during, and after our testimony.
- Memorize scripture. The Spirit can use only what we know.
- Witnessing is our responsibility (1 Peter 3:15 - ed.); the results are God's.
- Always present Christ; only He can save.
- Try to get a decision. People respond to gentle persuasion.
- We witness most effectively to those to whom we relate best.
- Begin now. You do not need a diploma to start witnessing.
- Try to get the person to read Bible texts for himself.
- Be a missionary in the place where you live.
- A witnessing church is a growing church.
Let's encourage each other to witness and share the Good News of the Lord! You are welcome to tell your witness stories or thoughts!
Bible Society News
Chinese Visit Gives Opportunity for Christian Message
Asked why the Chinese government might support the publication of the Bible there, the Minister of the State Administration for Religious Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Mr Ye Xiaowen says, "Culturally speaking, the Bible is a classic and so it is not just for Christians. However, we want to help meet the needs of Chinese Christians in our society." He spoke through an interpreter at the end of a visit having led a high-powered ten-strong delegation to look at the role of religion in British society.
The Reading-based United Bible Societies - the global co-ordinating office for the world's 130 Bible Societies - organised the week-long visit to England and Scotland. The Bible Societies in England and Wales and in Scotland prepared busy programmes of meetings and visits for the delegation, which also included a second government minister, Madam Chen Hong. Meetings also provided opportunities to encourage greater distribution of Bibles as well as exploring the current situation of religious freedom in China. The delegation also met church and civic leaders, parliamentarians, and academics among others.
Of particular interest to the group was that "Christians make good citizens". In Cambridge, the group met with Revd Dr Bruce W Winter, from the University Divinity Faculty and author of the book Seek the Welfare of the City: Christians as Benefactors and Citizens. When he explained his view that the Gospel demands a Christian obligation to seek both the physical and spiritual welfare of society, he gained a ready audience. Having also visited the Bethany Christian social work project in Edinburgh, Mr Ye said, "We saw how much the Christian organisations are doing in society here. We will bring the things we have seen back to China and see what we can learn from this visit."
Mr Ye insisted that, despite China being an atheist state, its respect for religious freedom is genuine. He noted that the Church of Scotland service they attended on Sunday was "a first" for about half of the delegation. "It was interesting," said Mr Ye. He was also somewhat guarded about his participation in a conversations group Scripture-sharing session, led by Professor John Riches and Brother Stephen Smyth. "But we were interested to know of your respect for the Bible and its contents and were grateful that you allowed us to see how you carry out study," said another of the delegation.
A joint statement by the executive directors of the UK Bible Societies, Revd Douglas Campbell and James Catford, says, "It was marvellous to be able to share with the Chinese delegation some of our insights into religion and society in Britain. The Bible Society was chosen to host the visit because we have no particular denominational affiliation, servicing the whole of the Christian community. They also recognise our contribution to the religious life of China in raising money to help fund the printing of Bibles at the Amity Printing Press in Nanjing. With nearly 30 million copies having rolled off the presses, our commitment to that country cannot be in doubt."
The Changing World - The Changing Church
How the church can become an agent for change in society is just one of the questions that Bible Society will be encouraging church leaders to explore in early 2003. The Changing World - The Changing Church is the title of three-day events in the New Year to help them think creatively and practically of ways to make relevant and credible connections between biblical faith, belief and contemporary culture - and enable their churches to be more effective in mission. Topics will include stimulating thinking about gospel and culture issues and insights on the interface of the church with contemporary spirituality. The Revd Dr David Spriggs, Head of Church and Mission, will share from his experience of working in three full-time pastorates and engaging the church on national and local levels with the Bible.
The events will be held in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire on 28-30 January 2003 & 6-8 May 2003, and in Swanwick, Derbyshire on 18-20 February 2003. Contact Bible Society for further details.
Where are you now?
Saturday 19th October, when we celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the GirlsÇ Life Brigade, was a Red Letter Day here in Tottenham. It was great to meet so many old friends (I won't say "old girls" in case you misconstrue my meaning!) after, in so many instances, so many years.
Some had travelled long distances to be with us. HELEN FODDERING's journey was probably the longest. She left her home in Cheshire early that morning to drive via Bedford, where she picked up her sister JEAN. She was staying overnight at Jean's to break the homeward journey.
A number of "girls" had their husbands with them, several with health problems.... ROBERT GOULBOURNE (LESLEY ANDREWESÇ husband) was his old cheery self, though he obviously finds walking extremely difficult as he waits for two hip replacements. Several of the men-folk were using walking sticks, while DAVID AKERMAN (MARGARET HALLSÇ husband) has an eye problem which is restricting his ability to read...
I wonder how many of our regular Sunday congregation noticed the beautiful new velvet curtains, pulpit cushion and embroidered pulpit fall that appeared in the church in time for our 175th Anniversary on 13th October? They were made by BRENDA OTTAWAY, another of our former G.L.B. members who joined our Centenary celebrations.... and it was then that I discovered that she had made them all by HAND!! What patience! I was stunned..... Next time youÇre in the Sanctuary, take a closer look and see what you think!
To all our friends - "old" and new, male and female! - we send our very sincere greetings for a happy and blessed Christmas!
SJ Starling
"Jesus: to know Him is to love Him"
net-burst.net
Prayer Calendar for December 2002
I wait patiently for God to save me I depend on Him alone. Psalm 62 v.1 Pray for or about: Sunday 1st Communion-- come and give thanks to the Lord Monday 2nd Members of Pearl Nevers family mourning her death Tuesday 3rd Whitewebb's Band entertaining us tonight Wednesday 4th Miss Starling recently attacked in Chapel Stones Thursday 5th Remember Janette and all she does for young people Friday 6th BB Boys wrapping gifts for Edmonson Alms House residents Saturday 7th All practicing for Nativity Play Sunday 8th Early Prayer Meeting for all Sunday School Groups Monday 9th Family of Vi Maddison living in Australia Tuesday 10th Give thanks for Chemo and Radio Therapy Wednesday 11th All attending Prayer and Bible Study Meeting Thursday 12th GB Girls and Officers meeting tonight Friday 13th Young people from S/S, BB & GB at Christmas party tonight Saturday 14th Fairness in all sports Sunday 15th Children, Teachers & Helpers singing at Alms Houses Monday 16th Music Group practicing Christmas songs Tuesday 17th Thanks for all CCTV cameras -- especially ours Wednesday 18th Children practicing for Nativity Play Thursday 19th Hazel Whitehead our BMS Birthday Sec. Caring for her mother Friday 20th Older children attending Christmas party Saturday 21st Young people & Leaders involved in Nativity Play tomorrow Sunday 22nd Nativity Play & Carols by Candlelight Services Monday 23rd Remember homeless people -- many are hungry Tuesday 24th Keith White & 'The Family' at Mill Grove Wednesday 25th UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN' give thanks for JESUS Thursday 26th Give thanks for the love of your own family Friday 27th RNLI give thanks for all they do all year Saturday 28th Give thanks for the guidance of Revd Roger Collins our Moderator Sunday 29th Thornton Reid as he conducts morning service Monday 30th All LCM Speakers & their gift of communication Tuesday 31st Give thanks for all the Blessings of the past year
I praise God, because he did not reject my prayer or keep back his constant love from me Psalm 66 v.20
Prayer Calendar for January 2003
God is our shelter and strength always ready to help in times of trouble. Psalm 46 v.1 Prey for or about: Wednesday 1st Pray that God will be your friend and guide this year Thursday 2nd Our link missionaries John & Maria Dyer Friday 3rd Olive Persson who is house bound Saturday 4th Visiting speaker tomorrow Sunday 5th Come to the Lord's Table and give thanks Monday 6th Pray for anyone recently bereaved Tuesday 7th Moderator & Deacons as they meet tonight Wednesday 8th One parent families Thursday 9th May Richards and all she does for Sickle Cell & Thalassaemia Friday 10th BB Officers & Boys meeting tonight Saturday 11th All Emergency Services 24 hours all year Sunday 12th Our visiting speaker today Monday 13th Janette & SS Teachers meeting tonight Tuesday 14th All who suffered in recent flooding Wednesday 15th Thornton Reid as he leads Prayer & Bible Study Thursday 16th GB Officers & Girls starting new session tonight Friday 17th Andrew Kilby now resident in Cambridgeshire Saturday 18th Under privileged children at special party tomorrow Sunday 19th Revd Roger Collins bringing God's Word today Monday 20th John Akerman now living in Norfolk Tuesday 21st Church Members meeting and matters to be discussed Wednesday 22nd The Samaritans and the special help they give Thursday 23rd Christian Jews Association Friday 24th Our Pastoral Care Team and their projects Saturday 25th Fishermen working sometimes in danger Sunday 26th Re dedication & welcome to new Deacon Monday 27th Wisdom to our Leaders in Government & Council ~ Tuesday 28th Marriage Guidance Council and all they help Wednesday 29th Andrew Persson & other Bible translators in Africa Thursday 30th Wild life preservation, especially endangered species Friday 31st Give thanks for Gt Ormond Street Hospital
Give thanks to the Lord, because He is good, and His love is eternal. Psalm 118 v.1