in touch booklet JULY - AUGUST 2016 NO 18

JULY / AUGUST
2016
EMMANUEL METHODIST UNITED
REFORMED CHURCH,
ORMSKIRK
Message from the Manse
Friends,
So this is “Goodbye”!
After 15 years as a minister in the Circuit and as the minister in pastoral charge of
two of the Circuit’s churches I have been involved since September in leading and
attending (or will be soon) a number of “lasts”: the last Carol service, the last
Christmas midnight communion, the last Lent course, the last Holy Week and
Easter services, the last baptism, the last wedding, the last funeral (hopefully), the
last communion service, the last Church weekend, the last Church Meeting and
Church Council, the last collective worship in school.
And now, with this July and August issue, the last Newsletter and so a “Goodbye”
Sometimes that word seems so final. Indeed, I have sometimes heard the
word used in a manner reminiscent of the slamming shut of a door! Other
languages have expressions that seem more hope-filled and open:
The French have “au revoir”, the Italians – “arrivederci”, the Germans –
“auf Wiedersehen”, in Afrikaans there is “totsiens”. All of these
expressions seek to emphasise that the parting is simply “until we see each
other again”. So much less final sounding than our own “Goodbye”.
Other expressions of farewell are more prayerful. The French again say
“adieu”, the Spanish – “adios”, the Portuguese – “adeus”, and the Italians
again – “addio”. These parting words all translate as “to God” and are
prayerful farewells committing the one leaving or the one being left into
the safety of God’s love and care.
It was in the context of a funeral service held here at Emmanuel a few
years ago that I came to realise that in fact our word “Goodbye” is not so
final as some would make it sound. It means, of course, simply: God be
with you. It is a prayer like the French “adieu”. It is fitting for a funeral
conducted in the Christian hope of resurrection and of being safe with God
even in death.
It is fitting too for this newsletter because, since the Kingsford singers
were here the other week, I now hear the word with an added ellipsis.
“Goodbye” means “God be with you…”
1
“…till we meet again.”
So as Karen, Naomi and I say our “Goodbye” to you all please hear it as an
“adieu” and an “au revoir”.
And hear it, as well, as that rich word of greeting and farewell that we
borrow from the Hebrew heritage of our Christian faith: “shalom”.
“Peace!”
Goodbye and Peace be with you!
With our love and prayers,
Melvyn, Karen and Naomi
Pastoralia
Baptisms
On Sunday 17th July Mike and Katherine Parr will bring their daughter
Caitlin May to be received into the family of the Church by baptism.
Weddings
On Saturday 25th June James Champion and Hannah Green were
married here. We send them, Alfie and their families all good wishes for
the day itself and for the future. We shall uphold them in prayer as we
welcome them back into the Church family as newly-weds!
Funerals
On 26th May, after a service of committal at the West Lancashire
Crematorium, we gathered here at Emmanuel to celebrate the life of our
dear friend Gordon Kingston. We remember Gordon fondly and with
gratitude for his many years of dedication to the life of our church. We
continue to hold in our love and prayers Barbara, Graham, Fiona and the
wider family.
On 15th June I led a funeral service at the Crematorium for Lesley
Warner. We remember in our prayers her husband Reg, her son Antony,
her sister Margaret and all the family.
2
God and Poetry
Poetic responses to the call of God upon our lives.
This one from Rabindranath Tagore. It isn’t a Christian poem. Tagore
was not a Christian writer but his heritage was in the spirituality of
Hinduism.
I found the again in a book of poetry that I recommend to you called
“Poems that make Grown Men Cry”. It is an anthology of poems chosen
by various men in the public eye.
This poem was chosen both by the Secretary General of Amnesty
International Salil Shetty and by the film director David Puttnam. In
making his choice Setty reflects that the final words could just as well
read “let the world awake”.
Let my country awake
Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high;
Where knowledge is free;
Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by
narrow domestic walls;
Where words come out from the depths of truth;
Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection;
Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the
dreary desert sand of dead habit;
Where the mind is led forward by thee into ever-widening
thought and action –
Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.
As you read this you will recently have been to the polls we shall know
which campaign has prevailed. Whatever the result, this poem can be, I
think, a commentary on the way the world is in contrast to the way God
calls us to make it. Let’s never forget as Christians that Jesus calls us to
love our neighbour as ourselves and to seek first his kingdom.
3
Vision for Worship – Refurbishment scheme approved by Committee.
In January the Listed Building Advisory Committee considered our revised
plans and approved in principle what is proposed. This was the first sign we
had had in a long time that our plans for refurbishment of the worship area
might soon receive full approval from them. Our architect has been working
tirelessly on our behalf to amend our proposals so as to be acceptable to the
Committee.
I can confirm that today (June 22nd) I received a copy of signed approval from
the LBAC subject only to the need to submit and receive approval for design
details for various stages of the work that we have not yet finally agreed on.
This is great news!
Most of those matters that will require involvement of the Conservation
Officer relate to standard matters like the specific details of redecoration,
heating and lighting scheme, of the replacement chairs, of any new doors and
the sliding screen, of the audio visual equipment, of the floor construction
and of the ventilation. We shall also be required to create a photographic
record of the way the Church looks now and we shall be required to offer the
pews that come out for sale or reuse elsewhere.
In January the Conservation Officer concluded her letter giving limited
approval in this way:
“We hope this now gives the church confidence to proceed with the next
stage of their project, and we wish them well with their fundraising for what
is a very exciting scheme.”
As you now embark on the hard work of moving the scheme forward you
should hold on to these words. There is still much hard work ahead of you
but at last you have been provided with a green light to move the scheme
forward! I am sad that I will not be with you as Vision for Worship finally
comes to fruition but Karen, Naomi and I will eagerly await our invitation to
the grand opening!
4
Ormskirk Methodist United Reformed Church exists
to promote the worship of Almighty God, to spread
the gospel of Jesus Christ and, in the power of the
Spirit, to serve neighbours in Christ at home and
abroad. It seeks to play a part in transforming the
unjust structures of society and promoting strong
communities based on Christian values. As part of
the World Church, it will strive to safeguard the
integrity of creation and sustain the life on earth.
‘O God, make the door of this house wide
enough to receive all those who need
human love and a heavenly Father’s
care, and narrow enough to shut out all
envy, pride and hatred. Make its
threshold smooth enough to be no stumbling block
to children or straying feet, but rugged enough to
turn back the tempter's power.
Make it the gateway to Thy Eternal Kingdom,
through Jesus Christ. Amen.
Taped Services
If you would like to receive a taped copy of the
Sunday morning service, then please contact Ynyr
Jones on 423474.
5
Barbara and family would like to thank friends at Emmanuel for their
kindness and support, for donations and the many cards of sympathy they
have received during the sad loss of Gordon.
Barbara Kingston
You are invited to a Coffee Morning
on Thursday, 18 th August, 10.30 – 12.00
in the Church Lounge
Come along to meet with friends
and bring friends with you
Organised by Emmanuel Fellowship
Proceeds will help us to pay for speakers, support the work of Emmanuel
and various charities.
6
BOYS' BRIGADE
We are facing an exciting time of change and challenge. First of all we are
preparing to go to our Summer, week long, Camp At Dyffryn Arduddwy.
Once again we will be running the Camp at a loss. We expect to take 10
teenage boys for an uplifting and inspirational week’s Camp with nightly
epilogues.
This year two of our stalwarts, Rob Langdon & Ron Mathers, are unable
to come with us. Rob because he is off to Africa with his Africa rewired
project, and Ron because of work commitments. So our young Officers are
going to have to step in and fill the void, which I am confident they will do!
Secondly we are restructuring our Staffing. I have decided that it is time
for me to relinquish the role of Captain. I have done this job for many
years now and, having reached the age of 82, feel that we should organise
the future of the Company in an orderly manner.
Accordingly at the Company AGM at the end of August, I will resign as
Captain. Rob Langdon has agreed, subject to ratification by Church
Council, to take on the role of Captain, and Ron Mathers has agreed to
take from him the role of Officer-in-charge of Company Section. Keith
Graham has agreed to become Treasurer. A number of other duties which
I had formerly performed have been shared out between the officers. I will
remain an officer in the company and help with the Company Section.
I would ask you to give Rob and the other officers the kind of support you
have given me. Please pray for them as they undertake their changing
roles.
I am sure the changes we are making will enable the Boys' Brigade
to do a more effective job in future of maintaining their work of
Mission to Boys.
Bob Graham
7
Services for JULY / AUGUST 2016
3�� July
10.30 a.m.
6.30 p.m.
The Revd Melvyn Kelly - Holy Communion
The Revd Melvyn Kelly
10�� July
10.30 a.m.
4.00 p.m.
Mrs. Joyce Cundall
Afternoon tea service led by Melvyn
17�� July
10.30 a.m.
6.30 p.m.
The Revd Melvyn Kelly - All age worship
The Revd Stephen Foster
24�� July
10.30 a.m.
6.30 p.m.
The Revd David Reynolds
Circuit Service of farewell to Melvyn here at Emmanuel
31�� July
10.30 a.m.
6.30 p.m.
Mr. Malcolm Roxburgh
The Revd Michael Tindsley
7�� August
10.30 a.m.
6.30 p.m.
The Revd Sylvia Jacquest - Holy Communion
The Revd Barbara Banton
14�� August
10.30 a.m.
The Revd David Reynolds
4.00 p.m.
Afternoon tea service led by Joyce Cundall
21�� August
10.30 a.m.
6.30 p.m.
Mr. David Allen
Evening Circuit Celebration Service at Upholland
28�� August
10.30 a.m.
Own arrangement
6.30 p.m.
The Revd Michael Tindsley
8
Re-Wired Project in Zambia
As you may be aware this Summer I will be joining a team from Rewired Africa to work on computer projects in and around Lusaka, Zambia.
Rewired Africa focuses on enabling African children to share in the Information Technology revolution which has transformed society here in Europe. My
skills will be put to use setting up computers in the local schools and training
local people to use and maintain them. The Re-Wired Project works in partnership with Mission Direct who support a variety of local projects helping to
alleviate the poverty in and around Lusaka. We will be guests of the local
churches and during the trip and I will be invited to see some of the local
projects in action and they have suggested some practical things I could bring
with me to help out.
I’m not asking for donations but rather your prayers and practical items. Here is a
list of things I could take, if you feel like contributing please feel free (I have a
large luggage allowance!):
·
Wool, knitting needles, crochet hooks, patterns and material of any length
for the tailoring class to use.
·
School supplies such as pencils, rubbers, pencil cases (they have large
classes of about 60 pupils)
·
Shoes and trainers for teenagers.
·
Balls, Bubbles and skipping ropes.
Thank you for your continuing support.
Rob Langdon
9
Boys Brigade recycling
I have found 2 new outlets for used printer
cartridges and old mobile phones.
Original manufactured cartridges only but not
copies or remanufactured.
Last collection raised £44.00, these cartridges are the ones
collected over the last year or so while finding the other
outlets.
Please pass your cartridges/phones to Ian Price or place
them in the church porch recycle box.
Kindest regards,
Ian Price
Boys Brigade recycle.
10
11
Sunday Tea services:July 10th led by Melvyn
August 14th led by Joyce
LUNCH CLUB
Second and fourth Wednesdays of each month
12.45 p.m.
A home-cooked lunch - 2 courses plus drinks
Additional drivers and helpers also needed
A recent delicious meal was: Hotpot with
red cabbage or beetroot, followed by
fruit crumble and custard
Please contact Bob (576703)
or Roy (573372)
12
Guild
Queen’s Birthday Celebration
When 14 ladies dressed up in all their finery, we celebrated the Queen’s
birthday in Sylvia’s garden. We had a delicious tea and such fun.
Tuesday July 5th 2pm AGM with a surprise item All are welcome to
come and help us to plan for the future. We are considering changing to
Monday Guild if the meeting agrees.
Tuesday July 12th at 12.30 Summer Lunch please see Les to book a place
Guild will start again on September 12th (all being well)
Joyce Cundall
Les Eves
GARDEN SUMMER PRAISE !
Saturday 9th July at Holmeswood Methodist Church at 6.30 with Holmes
Brass Band
Faith Supper
Collection for ALL WE CAN
This circuit event will replace the Safari Supper
All welcome
Joyce Cundall
SUPPORTING CHARITIES THROUGH RECYCLING
POSTCARDS - for Missionary Aviation Fellowship Picture postcards - old or
new, used or unused are welcome. Please retain at home until September when
the collecting box will again be in the foyer.
STAMPS - for Methodist Homes. This is an ongoing collection. Stamps should
be trimmed 1/4 inch (not from the postcards) and can be given to Elizabeth at
any time.
Thank you
13
Saturday Coffee Shop
10.30 to noon
Closed during August
Volunteers wanted for a Few Saturdays per year Please contact Pat Loch
ROOM AND HALL HIRE
AVAILABLE
AT THE CHURCH
Contact :- Lyn Jenkins 01695 422573
Items for the September edition by
5p.m. 17th. August please to
Nigel Cann 24 Dyers Lane,
Ormskirk L39 4RW
Tel: 01695 580270
Email – [email protected]
Closing date for material with photographs one day earlier.
Any material containing artwork/graphics in pdf format please.
14
REFURBISHMENT FUND - January to June 2016
As we are almost halfway through the present calendar year I give the
situation as it is for the middle of June.
During the 5 1/2 months the fund has increased by £4,185 to a total of
£237,748. This figure is made up by :
Donations - £480, Efforts - £1,951, Interest - £556, Monthly envelopes £1,099, Copper jar - £99
The “Efforts” have been gratefully received and the four main
contributions have come from :
Saturday morning coffee - £843, The Tea Dance afternoon - £410, the
Aughton Male Voice Choir - £476 (net) and a “Brunch” morning - £177.
We thank all who have contributed financially and all who have helped
in any way.
(I would point out that we have not had any account from the architect
for his work, so there must be a large bill waiting somewhere!)
Roy Cumberlidge
Looking ahead to Autumn :
As you enjoy your summer holidays or break you are reminded that we
will,once again be supporting the Shoe-box Appeal. It is not too soon to
be looking out for suitable gifts for the children.
Details will be given in the next In Touch
15
November 2014
Colour it
16
Dear Melvyn,
When you and Karen arrived at Emmanuel back in 2001 there were
two in your family. The arrival of Naomi changed all of that. We
remember well Naomi's first visit to Emmanuel, at a Christmas
Carol service, as a baby in Karen's arms.
At the start of your ministry at Emmanuel, you were promised the
support of a lay assistant. However, within 2 years of your
appointment, circumstances changed and regrettably, that support
was no longer available for you. Your meticulous planning and
excellent administration skills came to the fore. This has been
evident in many ways; at the annual Church weekend away, you
withdrew from the fun activities on a Saturday evening in order to
quietly prepare for worship on the Sunday which reflected the
content and events of the weekend. The worship that followed has
always inspired us. There have been so many Emmanuel meetings
that you have attended over the years; we have appreciated your
adept skills at chairing those meetings and allowing everyone to
have their say.
This attention to detail contributed to sermons which stirred and
challenged us.
We will miss your Bible studies which have strengthened our faith
and provoked us to broaden our thinking.
The many people, of all ages, associated with Emmanuel and the
local community have appreciated those skills and your care for
them. This includes work with young people at Edge Hill
University, Greetby Hill school, the Brigades and your involvement
in holiday clubs. Some of us recall the occasion when you arrived at
the holiday club dressed as Postman Pat!
There have been many services of celebration such as baptisms and
weddings.
Sadly, over 90 members of Emmanuel Church have passed away
since Melvyn's arrival in Ormskirk. Melvyn has led the majority of
the funeral and thanksgiving services for those members. They have
been conducted with great sensitivity.
In your first Pause for Thought in October 2001, you told us that
you were settling in. You also reminded us that discipleship is about
17
moving and journeying is at the heart of the Christian church's
story.
Your hope was that Emmanuel would be a Church that is moving.
Indeed it is. Soon after your arrival, you were greeted by members
of the property committee who shared their vision for the
refurbishment of Emmanuel. You have been with us through that
long process but it will not be complete before you leave. We look
forward to inviting you back to share in the fruits of that vision.
The journey continues for you and us. As you anticipated at the
start of your ministry at Emmanuel, you would be called again to
move on in your ministry. Now that time has arrived. As you are
looking forward to fulfilling your calling in another place and role,
we thank you for all that you have given to Emmanuel over the past
15 years, a lot of which is unseen, we will miss you, Karen and
Naomi and we pray that you will all soon "settle" in Leeds whilst
continuing to journey.
From all your friends at Emmanuel Church
FAREWELL TO MELVYN - SOCIAL EVENING
An invitation to everyone come along
on Saturday 23rd July
with bring and share supper
18
Welcome
There will be a circuit service led by
Sheryl Anderson the chairman of the District
In which we welcome
Sue Guenault
as our minister.
Saturday 3rd September at 7:30pm
This will be preceded by a bring and share tea.
19
AND FINALLY…..
The Sunday School teacher was describing that when Lot's wife
looked back at Sodom she turned into a pillar of salt, when Bobby
interrupted. "My mummy looked back once while she was driving,"
he announced, "and she turned into a telephone pole."
Another Sunday School teacher said to her children, "We have
been learning about how powerful the kings and queens were in
Biblical times. But there is a higher power. Who can tell me what it
is?" Tommy blurted out, "I know, Aces."
20
SYLVIA’S GARDEN PARTY
to celebrate the Queen’s 90th. birthday
On a sunny June afternoon thirteen Guild ladies enjoyed Sylvia’s
hospitality in her beautiful garden. It was a pity the Queen could not see
us in our posh frocks and hats!
There was plenty of relaxed chatter before a lovely afternoon tea with
Sylvia’s best china. A birthday cake was lit with 9 candles and we sang
“Happy Birthday your Majesty”.
After tea we were surprised with ice-lollies, thoughtfully provided by
Sylvia to cool us down.
HALL / ROOM HIRE
AT
EMMANUEL
Langham Hall
Is available for hire and has tables and chairs which can comfortably
accommodate approximately 95 people. In addition we have a wall
projector screen ready for your talks and such like in the hall. There is
also a kitchen which can be used by arrangement, next to the hall, that is
well equipped and for many years has received the 5 star award for
hygiene .
Lecture room
Has seats for some 40 people, is set up with a wall projector
screen and is carpeted.
Lounge
24 seats are kept in the carpeted lounge which is ideal for a
small meeting.
Enquiries to:Lyn Jenkins
01695 422573
Or
Bill Jones
01695 574268