The Pulse - Cooperating Church At Ellesmere

The Pulse
“The heart of God to the heart
of the community”
Welcome to The Pulse
August 2015 Issue
The Pulse is a quarterly newsletter produced by the Ellesmere Cooperating
Parish. We are three congregations that make up a rural parish in the south
eastern part of the Selwyn District of Canterbury, NZ.
Our three congregations, Leeston, Dunsandel and Brookside, draw people
from all walks of life, with a high proportion involved in farming or associated
services. Our Brookside congregation has shared use of St. Luke's Anglican
Church at Brookside.
Purpose Statement: To spread the good news of Jesus by committing
ourselves to work and worship together, to love and care for one another,
and to be of value to God in our community.
Please take the time to visit us on line at www.churchatellesmere.org.nz
to find out more about the Ellesmere Cooperating Parish.
We hope you enjoy this issue of The Pulse.
Message from Paul
For several months now I have
been greatly encouraged by the
degree of ‘ownership’ that many
have in the parish as they dedicate
themselves to various areas of
ministry, from the property and
financial
issues
including
the
building project, through to the new
initiatives that have been rising up. I am constantly amazed at what God is
doing throughout the parish, often when I have not known what the way
ahead may be in a particular situation. We can trust God with his church –
he is faithful!
Recently I had a discussion with someone in the leadership of the Methodist
Church of NZ regarding his concerns about the state of many small rural
churches throughout the country that were at a point of not being able to
sustain paid ministry.
Since that discussion I have been reflecting on what I believe about small
rural churches. I believe that God loves his churches, has not abandoned
them, and wants to do good things in them.
I wonder about what happened to the original vision of each of these
churches. What is God’s ‘thumb-print’ on them. When did the vision get
lost? Why did the church draw people to worship together initially, but not
now? Sometimes it is important to ‘re-dig’ the original vision; uncover God’s
‘thumb-print’.
Some challenging thoughts need to be wrestled with such as …
Trusting that God inspires people with his vision for mission, creating
an atmosphere of permission to explore these visions – trusting
people in their initiative-taking.
A shifting of roles for each generation, passing the baton of control
on, trusting that the next generation will be faithful, as they were,
even though things may be done differently. In this process the
faithful older generation become the fathers and mothers of the faith
– a vital role in the maturing of a church.
-
-
-
-
Is the church still faithful to the Scriptures and the person of Jesus
Christ? What does the church believe? For God can only bless his
church if it remains the Bride of Christ.
How do we communicate the gospel to others?
The way of
communicating in the 1950’s is quite different to today. There needs
to be a variety of worship expressions that ensure good
communication to each age group.
Sometimes these can be
combined. Other times they need to be separate.
How do we, as followers of Jesus, meet the real needs of individuals
and families in the community, without losing sight of Jesus’ mission
mandate to take the Good News to the world?
How are we nurturing our own faith and relationship with God? We
can only lead as far as we have come ourselves!
These are just some of the thoughts going through my mind, as I am
passionate about the local church, especially in rural areas where there is a
great need for a life-filled and life-giving community of faith.
So again, thank you as you take the initiative in helping the Ellesmere
Cooperating Parish to be a life-filled and life-giving community of faith!
Blessings, Paul.
Message from Murray Doak of the Leeston Sector
Group
St. David’s Building Project Progress
A lot has been happening on the St.
David’s building project, but I am
aware that not everyone has been able
to keep up with it all. Here is a
rundown on what has happened and
what is coming up.
on Thursday 27th
The most important thing is for as
many as possible to come to the AGM
August at 7:30pm at St. David’s. There will be a series of
presentations on the plans, the church finances and the next steps, and then
discussions and questions. At this point, no decisions or commitments have
been made about whether to go ahead with the project.
The original concepts that we all discussed earlier this year have been
developed into a single plan by our architect. A series of engineers and
experts have seen the plans and made sure the building fits with Council
requirements. The bare minimum has been done to this point to price the
project and get through Council processes. Even so, this work has cost about
$40,000 of property funds.
There are copies of the plans at St. David’s and at Trinity in Dunsandel so
have a look at those when you can. These plans are currently being costed
out at full commercial rates, including the site works such as the car parking,
building removal, etc. A full report will be provided by the Project Manager
on 20th August, and copies will be available at the AGM.
No more money will be spent until the approval is given for the project to go
ahead. The next phase is to secure as much of the funds from the Methodist
church earthquake insurance funds as we can. These, plus our own property
funds, and the information from the cost report will provide clarity on the size
of the shortfall. It is at this point that a final decision will be made, hopefully
within a few months.
To reduce the size of the shortfall, Parish Council would like to hear from
anyone who would be prepared to donate or loan funds (at a low interest
rate). All such offers will be treated entirely confidentially. Please contact
Peter Withell if you are in a position to do this.
This is the most potentially exciting but also daunting undertaking for our
parish for some time. The existing hall, particularly the toilets and kitchen,
need significant upgrading in the near future. Our congregation is growing,
and there are opportunities to earn some income from office space and new
facilities. The Parish’s current funds can only be reinvested in buildings, and
the earthquake insurance funds are a one-off opportunity to add to our own
funds. It is a massive investment however, we may have a shortfall of funds,
and whatever happens, we will need to raise more income annually to make
up for the interest we will no longer get from the funds currently invested.
It’s time to get involved in this big decision, and also to pray for guidance
and wisdom. Please seek answers to your questions over the next few
months, as whatever is decided needs to be supported by the vast majority
of parishioners.
Message from Mavis Barnett of the Trinity
Community Church Dunsandel
It has been two months of the
coldest winter we have had for a
very long time, but from now on we
should be on the upward curve!
At Trinity we have enjoyed some
special times: Café church with the
topic “Jesus, bread of life”, which
wafted the yummy scent of baking
bread throughout the hall. Michael
and Mandy Lotter, combined with the artistic skills of Jill Lemon, gave us a
timely reminder of all our “senses”, what they add to our lives and how
grateful we should be for these gifts. It’s great to see how the informality
and interaction on these 4th Sundays continues to grow.
At our July communion service Robbie led and John Titlow preached – a good
morning and we thank you both.
We held a congregational meeting after Paul and Jo’s return from their sunny
holiday, at which we reaffirmed most of the Sector members for the coming
year. With three resignations and two of our church families leaving, some
newcomers to the district and to Trinity would be a boost. Everyone present
agreed that Café Church should continue.
Several people represented Trinity at the Anglican Quiz Night at Leeston. We
didn’t know all the answers but we learnt a lot and took comfort and a teensy
bit of pride in coming out on top in the Bible Question section.
One Saturday in July Heather Gullery managed to entice 42 enthusiastic
women to a ‘Fire Party’ featuring inspirational speakers and song. Although
no smoke was visible, we knew the 5 hour event went with a bang!
done, Heather.
Well
We were pleased to welcome back Frank and Adele Morgan (now residing in
Rolleston) so that we could acknowledge, with a presentation, the huge
contribution they have made to the Boy’s Brigade movement in general and
to the local young men and boys in particular. Frank had calculated that,
between the two of them, they had clocked up 99 years of service. How’s
that for duty to God, King and country!
On a sadder note we farewelled Colin Parr, a long-time resident in the
district, and for the last 8 years the next-door neighbour of the church. His
funeral was held at Trinity on 5th June. Our loving sympathy goes out to
Helen and their family.
The first little snowdrops have just popped their flowers up, so Spring is
definitely out there waiting!
If you would be happy to receive your copy of The Pulse via
email or link to our website please get in touch with Paul Eden
on [email protected]
We have a group of people who have indicated that this would be
their preferred way of receiving this publication. The added
bonus is you get to view The Pulse in full colour.
Free Table
At Leeston Cooperating Parish we
now have a free table, with new and
used goods donated to us on a
regular basis.
If you have something you would like
to give, give Janice a call on 324
2567 or just bring it to church on
Sunday.
Veges,
fruit,
baking,
sewing,
magazines, or anything in your cupboards you no longer use would be most
acceptable.
The table is now open three times a week, Wednesday morning for preschool music group, Filipino service Saturday night and Sunday church time.
Thank you for your support.
Janice Speirs
Home Groups
St. David’s Fellowship
In May we combined with Afternoon Fellowship members to hear Margaret
Richardson tell us about ‘Hearing Dogs’ – a most interesting and informative
talk. Margaret was accompanied by Jean and her Hearing Dog – Heidi – a
dear little King Charles spaniel in her yellow ‘Hearing Dog’ coat. Jean told us
how Heidi was able to help her by alerting her to various sounds e.g. phone
ringing, door bell, etc and what a wonderful companion she is and what a
difference she has made to her everyday life.
In June we held our Annual Meeting in Jan’s home with Hilary leading
devotions – ‘You are my Servant’. Jan led the business part of the meeting
when all ‘Officers’ and convenors etc were re-elected.
Our July meeting was held in Lois Birkett’s home – with Hilary leading the
meeting and Lois taking devotions. Our speaker this afternoon was Marion
Dixon who told us about her trip to Cuba illustrated with a video – a poor
country the size of the North Island. It was like stepping back in time, no
modern cars, no advertising, no cheese or milk but Marion told of the lovely
wooden carving and beautiful fancy work, showing members some articles
she had brought home.
St. David’s Afternoon Fellowship
We were joined by the Evening Fellowship in May, to share a finger food
luncheon and to hear Margaret Richardson speak about ‘Hearing Dogs’.
Joining Margaret were Jean and her hearing dog Heidi.
Margaret’s
involvement is with ‘Hearing Dogs for Deaf People’, and she spoke to us on
the difficulties deaf people experience every day and how a dog can improve
their quality of life, companionship, security, less stress, carefree walking and
responsibility and care of the dog. Dogs are now accepted in public as
service dogs and wear a distinctive yellow jacket. Jean gave us some
interesting insights as to how her life had changed since getting Heidi.
Our A.G.M. was held in June: Officers elected and programme for 2015-2016
discussed and organised.
President:
Janice Spiers
Secretary:
Margaret Clearwater
Treasurer:
Marie Johnson
It is always a privilege to meet at Ruth Cridge’s home, and in July we met to
share a finger food luncheon and fellowship together. We were joined by
Paul Eden, just back from his holiday. “Thanksgiving” was the theme of
Faye’s devotional and we were again challenged by her words.
Upcoming events:
August:
September:
October:
Joining with Dunsandel fellowship
Margaret Brown: Myanmar reflection
Lois Birkett: Save the Children
Southbridge Home Group
On the first Tuesday of each month a group of friendly interdenominational
people meet at Ruth's home at 83 High Street, Southbridge.
We are led by Paul in prayer, song and interesting topics from the bible, after
which we have a cup of tea. There are four men attending and there is still
room for you to join us.
Home Group Resources
(Available from Paul 3243315)

DVD “Furious Love”
Note: This movie is not for the timid!
“Sometimes you must go into the darkness to show the light. Join
film maker Darren Wilson as he travels the world to some of the
darkest spiritual climates on the planet. His one goal: to put the love
of God to the test.”

DVD “Holy Ghost”
Another film by Darren Wilson.
“Can the Holy Spirit direct a movie? This fast-paced documentary
reveals a God who is far more alive and active than you ever
imagined.”

DVD “God, the Master Artist”
By Daniel Kolenda.
“Discover why you are a one-of-a-kind masterpiece!”

DVD “How Great is our God”
By Louie Giglio.
“Your life is a miracle, and the Creator of the universe knows you by
name.”
Ellesmere Intercessory Prayer Group
Hello everyone!
When I sat down to write about our group, I
thought it best to start with somewhat of an
explanation
of
what the
meaning
of
“intercessor” is and what we do every Tuesday
evening.
Most Christians when they hear the words “intercessor” or “intercessory
prayer” think it describes a person or persons with a very special gift or
ability to get God to listen to them or twist His arm. Not so! An intercessor is
like yourself, first and foremost a beloved child of God who speaks to him on
behalf of His Creation – and that includes all people, the world we live in and
the circumstances we find ourselves in. The reason why God listens to his
children (that's all of us) is because He loves us and He has taught us in His
Word to come and talk to Him about everything that concerns us. In fact, as
in everything, Jesus is our example. We are told in Scripture that He is
talking to our Father (interceding) for us in Heaven, right now. The fact that
Jesus is speaking to His Father, and ours, on our behalf is very comforting
because we know He only wants the best for all of us.
Praying together as a group is a very powerful way of experiencing the
Presence of God. After all, Jesus did say if 2 or 3 were gathered together in
His Name, He would be with them and we know this to be true! We usually
start off by worshipping God through song and Scripture, thanking Him for all
He is doing and has done for us as His people. There is no “formula” because
we rely upon the Holy Spirit to direct our prayer time and this is where the
evening can get quite exciting. Often the Holy Spirit will prompt us to pray in
a certain direction by highlighting a specific part of Scripture, inspiring a
particular song in worship, or giving someone a picture that has a particular
meaning. Praying alongside or co-labouring with Him like this is very
satisfying as we know He enjoys hearing us pray and delights to answer our
prayers.
You will have noticed that the prayer group includes the name Ellesmere.
This is because we serve all the churches, Christian spiritual leaders, people
groups, businesses, schools, organizations and governmental bodies in our
area. We also travel to Dunsandel Trinity Church once a month to support the
Church and community there in prayer.
As always, the door is open to anyone who would like to join in with what
God is doing in our community through prayer.
The Ellesmere Intercessory Prayer Group
Chatting with Ruth Cridge
The early years
I was born in Lyttelton and lived in Purau until I was three. Dad then bought
a farm up Hanmer Road and I lived there until 1944. The farm was sheep
and crop, we never used any artificial manure, all the stubble was sown down
in grass which was the grazing part and the other paddocks were worked up
for crops.
At Brookside we used to go to church in the horse and gig. Church was on a
Sunday afternoon. Some of the men went to sleep because they had eaten a
midday dinner. When we got older we all had bikes, we didn’t have a car, we
just biked everywhere, rain, hail or snow, if you wanted to go you got on
your bike and went. We had shingle roads and bikes with no gears.
Later Dad sold the farm and bought a house in Leeston. When I went to
Leeston I thought it was so lovely to be able to walk to church instead of
having to get on my bike.
When I left High School I worked in the Guardian Office which was the local
paper that was printed twice a week. It was the building where Poppita
Pizzas is now. I worked there from when I left school until I was married
which was six years later. I wanted to go nursing but as the enrolments
needed to be in the November and I didn’t leave school to December I
couldn’t apply. I was offered the job at the Guardian Office and I took it and
said I would be there for a year and then I was going nursing.
Doug and I were really good friends and then starting courting. We had
known each other since I was sixteen but we had actually only gone out
together in 1939 for about nine months.
Wartime
When war was declared in 1939 newspapers were deemed essential industry
and I wasn’t allowed to leave. I was a book binder and in the first year when
war was declared two of the men from the office went into the army and we
only replaced one of them and therefore I learnt to use some of the smaller
presses in there for printing ball tickets, invitations etc, and we shared
between us the work of the person who was missing. The Guardian was
printed on a huge machine in large sheets that had to be folded, interleaved
and folded into four manually. The papers that went out in the rural mail had
to be wrapped with plain wrapping paper every Tuesday and Friday ready to
go out the next morning. It was quite a busy life and I was the only girl
there; there was Mr McMillan the boss, a reporter Mr Barker, the printer Mr
Gallagher and the linotypist Mr McKenzie. I did enjoy the job.
Doug and I had nine months together in 1939 and he sailed with the First
Echelon on the 6th January 1940 and we were married on the 6 th January five
years later. We grew up very quickly I was only 18 when he went away and
23 when he came home. When the men left they thought they would be
home by Christmas – but they didn’t say which one, did they. They believed
that that they would only be away for a best part of a year. Doug was in
Egypt through all the campaigns up through to Tripoli. Then Germany came
into Greece and they were shipped over to Greece which was an absolute
debacle. They only got out of Greece with what they stood up in which broke
their hearts. Doug was in the ASC (Army Service Corps) with trucks and the
workshops. He went away a Private and came back a Captain. He had at
least 100 trucks under his command. They were a mobile workshop and
anything that they repaired was repaired with items salvaged from vehicles
that had been written off.
I wrote every week but Doug couldn’t always write every week.
We
numbered out letters from 1 and then continued on each time, you might get
six letters at once and with the numbering you knew which ones to read so
they were in order. Sometimes we didn’t hear from them for six weeks and
all you knew was what was in the papers because the radio was not allowed
to broadcast anything about the war because the enemy could listen in;
that’s why newspapers were an essential industry.
Every so often there would be a whole list in the local and the daily paper of
all those who had been killed or wounded. Even a cable would take three
days to come through. People who use texting these days don’t know what it
was like.
Life after the war
Both Doug and I had grown up in five years apart. Sadly some of the men
that came back were no longer compatible with their partners but Doug and I
more of less carried on from where we left off. I have often thought with all
the counselling services that are available these days, those boys had spent
five years with only male company and been though we will never know what
and were expected to pick up civvy life and carry on. It was a lot when you
think back, at the time you just did it and some of them didn’t adapt and it
was put down to shell shock and all sorts of things but I think it was just that
they needed a bit of help to readjust.
Doug came back on the 2nd November and we were married in January. The
Guardian Office closed down from Christmas Eve for a fortnight, so I stayed
on and told Mr McMillan that I would be finishing at the end of the year
because married women didn’t work.
Doug was a mechanic and worked for his brother-in-law Roy Batt at
Doyleston before the war and after the war he went back there for two years.
A lot of people from Southbridge asked Doug to start up a business down
here so we leased the building they have just pulled down at the corner
where the new Fire Station is along with the little cottage next door and
started up a business with £20 in our bank account.
Doug and I had three children David, Anne and Peter. Sadly Peter died of
stomach cancer having previously survived a liver transplant.
Our children went to Primary and High School in Southbridge. Doug was
involved in lots of community things and I was involved in Plunket and am
the last Foundation Member of the Garden Club which has been running for
65 years this year.
After Doug passed away I lived on my own for a while. At the end of 1987 I
married Ken Cridge who I started primary school with. I have three stepchildren Lynette, Carolyn and Stuart. Ken and I were very happy together.
Church Life
The church groups are important, I have gone to church for as long as I can
remember. I was involved with Sunday School and Bible Classes. In those
days you attended Bible Class until you were about 18 or 19. There was one
at Brookside, Leeston and Killinchy. In the three months of winter they all
had a combined evening and each group had to put on a skit or some
entertainment, it was good fun.
When we shifted to Southbridge we went to a church here but the three
churches that I have belonged to are no longer churches. We then went to
St. David’s where the St. David’s flats are now until it was demolished and
since then I have fellowshipped at St. David’s (ECP).
Right from when Doug and I were married our house was always been an
open home, always has been and it still is. It’s just something that I suppose
was a gift we were given and especially now that I can’t do things like church
fairs, etc I can still find other ways of helping out including meetings in my
home.
Note from the Editor: The purpose of the ‘Chatting With’ segment of ‘The Pulse’ was for us to get to
know other people in our Parish better. Chatting with Ruth was a special time and as we were
finishing I asked Ruth what she thought was the key to being a great lifelong friend; she replied
“You need to be with them through the good and the bad, just walk alongside them”. Wise words.
Upcoming events
Parish Sectors meet ...
Leeston Sector
Thurs 10 Sept 7.30pm
Dunsandel Sector
Thurs 17 Sept 7.30pm
Men’s Group
at Leeston church hall ...
7.00pm
Thursday 3 Sept
Thursday 1 Oct
Parish Council
meets ...
Thurs 27 Aug
7.30pm Parish
A.G.M.
at Leeston
Thurs 24 Sept
7.30pm Parish
Council at Brookside
Thurs 22 Oct 7.30pm
ParishHome
Council
Southbridge
Group ...
at 9.30am
Dunsandel
Tuesday 1 September
Tuesday 6 October
Service details Aug 15 to Oct 15
AUG
Sat 8 Aug
Sun 9 Aug
Sat 15 Aug
Sun 16 Aug
Fri 21 Aug
Sat 22 Aug
Sun 23 Aug
Fri 28 Aug
Sat 29 Aug
Sun 30 Aug
SEP
Sat 5 Sep
Sun 6 Sep
Sat 12 Sep
Sun 13 Sep
Sat 19 Sep
Sun 20 Sep
Sat 26 Sep
5.00pm Dunsandel Saturday @ 5
10.00am World Mission Group meeting
7.30pm Leeston Lifetouch Fellowship
9.30am Leeston & 11.00am Dunsandel services
Leeston Congregation meeting after service
7.30pm Leeston Lifetouch Fellowship
9.30am Leeston & 7.00pm Brookside services
Leeston Sector meeting after service
11.00am Dunsandel – Anglican service
7.30pm Friday Worship Time
7.30pm Leeston Lifetouch Fellowship
9.30am Leeston Service & 10.45am Dunsandel Café
Church
7.30pm Dunsandel Evening with Bev Johnson – Trip to
Gallipoli
7.30pm Leeston Lifetouch Fellowship
11.00am Dunsandel Combined Parish service
- Please bring finger-food to share for lunch
7.30pm Leeston Lifetouch Fellowship
9.30am Leeston & 11.00am Dunsandel Communion
services
(Father’s Day)
5.00pm Leeston Youth Café
7.00pm Brookside – Anglican service
5.00pm Dunsandel Saturday @ 5
7.30pm Leeston Lifetouch Fellowship
9.30am Leeston service
& 11.00am Dunsandel Spring Flower service
7.30pm Leeston Lifetouch Fellowship
9.30am Leeston Family Spring Flower service
& 7.00pm Brookside Communion service
11.00am Dunsandel – Anglican service
(End of school term 25 Sept)
7.30pm Leeston Lifetouch Fellowship
Sun 27 Sep
OCT
Sat 3 Oct
Sun 4 Oct
Sat 10 Oct
Sun 11 Oct
Sat 17 Oct
Sun 18 Oct
Sat 24 Oct
Sun 25 Oct
9.30am Leeston service & 10.45am Dunsandel Café
Church
(Daylight saving starts)
7.30pm Leeston Lifetouch Fellowship
9.30am Leeston & 11.00am Dunsandel Communion
services
5.00pm Leeston Youth Café
7.30pm Brookside – Anglican service
5.00pm Dunsandel Saturday @ 5
7.30pm Leeston Lifetouch Fellowship
9.30am Leeston & 11.00am Dunsandel services
7.30pm Leeston Lifetouch Fellowship
9.30am Leeston & 7.30pm Brookside services
11.00am Dunsandel – Anglican service
7.30pm Leeston Lifetouch Fellowship (4th anniversary)
9.30am Leeston service & 11.00am Dunsandel Café
Church
(‘The Pulse’ contributions due)
11.00am Ecumenical service at St. James - Southbridge
150th ann.
CONTACT DETAILS
Minister
Paul & Jo Eden
Email
Website
Lifetouch Pastor
Teena Dela Cruz
Anton Ortiz
Senior Laypersons
Paul Birkett
Robbie Stewart
Pastoral Care
Lois & Paul
Janice
Phone
324 3315 or 021 0829 3546
[email protected]
www.churchatellesmere.org.nz
324 2240
022 324 9463
324 3884
325 4535
324 3884
324 2567
Robbie
Noel
School Chaplain
Linda
325 4535
329 1877
Deadline for next newsletter
Contact person
25th October 2015
Julie Taylor, Ph: 324 2347
324 2166
CHILDREN’S PAGE
NAME:
AGE:
Once coloured we would love to see your artwork on our Church noticeboard.