ST JOHN’S CHURCH
NEVILLE’S CROSS
NEWSLETTER
October/November 2013
INSIDE:
The importance of being rested • Messy Church
Serving Africa Mission • Becca Dean
Congratulations • MU and more…!
Barney Writes…
I want to share some thoughts with you about our Church‟s life and
priorities.
Three years ago, following a process of congregational consultation,
the Parochial Church Council (PCC) identified 3 priorities for St John‟s
as we aspire to be more Christ-centred: to develop the way we
worship together, to engage more with our community and to establish
„area groups‟ to help Church life flourish. These priorities remain very
much in place.
1-2 years ago, in the brief time he was with us as Bishop of Durham,
Justin Welby set two goals for parishes across the diocese of Durham:
increased (financial) giving and increased growth. These priorities
likewise remain in place across the diocese.
The PCC has, in the past couple of years, been seeking to address
these two goals set for us by our former Bishop. Last month, the PCC
held an away-day inspired directly by Bishop Justin‟s focus on Church
growth. (We had previously met with Mark Tanner, Warden of Cranmer
Hall and part of our Church community, who helped shape our
discussion and approach).
The practical outcome of this (alongside various insights gained in the
course of the day) was that the PCC resolved to strengthen (with an
eye to growth) two current mission activities of our Church: Messy
Church and Second Saturday. At the same time we resolved to address
concerns about limited availability across our Church of people/time, as
compared to our levels of activity/aspiration, by looking across the
board at what people are asked to do in and around Church and
making better sense of how people‟s skills are offered to the glory of
God.
The PCC will work with the Shared Ministry Development Team (SMDT)
as we address Bishop Justin‟s challenge to us to grow as a Church; and
this will happen in the context of the SMDT‟s ongoing emphasis on
encouraging habits of prayer, study and hospitality at the hearts of our
lives, both as individual disciples and as a Church together.
God bless you always – Barney.
NEWS
David Thompson R.I.P.
We give thanks for the life and work of David Thompson whose funeral
took place on August 2nd at St. John‟s. David was a regular member of
the 8.45 congregation and will be sadly missed. Please keep his wife
Eileen and family in your prayers. May he rest in peace and rise in
glory.
Remembering Jill
Jill was involved in many aspects of church life, she had been a
member of the Mothers‟ Union for many years, a faithful member of
the 10 o‟clock congregation and of „Taste‟ and had a deep knowledge
and insight of the Bible and Christian teaching. She loved a glass of red
wine and will be sorely missed by her many friends in the church and
in the community.
Valerie writes „I personally miss Jill as a neighbour - someone whom I
regularly saw as she set out or returned home. She talked to me a lot
about her family - her mother, the two local great nephews, her
travels, her embroidery etc. Although she did not necessarily put it into
words it was her deep faith in Jesus that somehow defined her through
and through.‟
Book Club
Our next meeting is at 8.00 pm on Monday 11th Nov. The book is
"Unexpected Lessons in Love" by Bernadine Bishop and the venue is
48 St. Monica Grove (DH1 4AT). Please also come along with any ideas
for Christmas reads!
Sneaton Castle 21-23rd March 2014
The focus of our next parish weekend away will be worship, fellowship,
and learning about being a disciple. Revd. Canon Dr Stephen Cherry is
our keynote speaker and we hope the new Bishop will be able to join
us. Please look out for the booking form and book your room.
Shared Lunch: Sunday 13th Oct, after the 10am service.
Heart to Heart: Personality and Prayer
Does our personality have any bearing on our prayer lives? How does
personality influence our communication with God?
We all know that we are unique individuals but often we forget to take
this understanding a step further and appreciate that our spiritual
journeys and our prayer lives will also be unique. There is no blueprint
of how to pray, no right way to pray, there are as many ways as there
are individuals. I hope to share more about prayer in following
newsletters and to free us all to throw off any guilt pangs which easily
cripple us when we come to think about, and practice, prayer.
In recent years a lot has been learned about how our personality
influences our prayers. We all relate to others in different ways eg.
some are outgoing and talkative, others reserved and quiet. If we are
like this in how we communicate with each other we can see that this
will be significant in that most important of relationships, the one
between ourselves and our creator. Perhaps you‟d like to consider how
you relate to others. Forget about God for a moment and focus on
some recent meaningful time you have spent with another person.
How was your personality expressed and received? My guess is that it
was meaningful because you felt totally accepted for being exactly who
you are (your personality was accepted, your personhood was
affirmed). Our prayer life can be like this if we come to God in the
uniqueness of our being. He loves us exactly as we are - warts and
all!!
So often we limit our understanding of prayer to lists of requests and
lots of words. These are valid but what about listening to a song,
walking in the country, lighting a candle, dancing, writing, soaking in a
warm bath, creating a picture, tending the garden...all can become
prayer. They could be mere activity, but when approached differently
they become expressions of our unique personalities to God, and as
such we delight His heart! What kind of a personality has God given
you? How will you express your personality to God through prayer?
(For further reading if you want to explore more, “Personality and
Prayer” by Ruth Fowkes and “Pray your Way” by Bruce Duncan.)
An opportunity to gather with others in prayer continues every second
Saturday 9.30 – 10.30am. Our focus is on prayer for the church and
the community. Come and join - all personalities welcome!!
Joy Cook
Mothers‟ Union…
At our September meeting, Baroness Maeve Sherlock spoke to us
about being a member of the House of Lords. She found faith in her
forties and came to Durham to do an MA in theology to strengthen her
faith. She has worked for one parent families, Refugees and Children in
Poverty before she was awarded a peerage in the Working Peers
Honours List when Gordon Brown retired. In the House of lords, she
continues to speak forcefully for those who are marginalised in society.
Prayers are said at the start of the day in the House and Maeve
belongs to a prayer triplet, praying for guidance as topics for legislation
are debated. She has a great respect for the elder statesmen, from the
professions who speak out passionately based on life experiences. The
problems of the North East are well presented by her in the House, as
she speaks about the under-privileged. She is a worthy representative
of our region.
At the end of the meeting, Maeve chatted to a Foodbank volunteer and
as a result, a working lunch was arranged with Peter McClellan,
director of Durham Foodbank as well as a visit to the Distribution
Centre in North Road and the Food Store in Chester-Le-Street. This will
enable Maeve to speak first hand in the House of Lords, from her
knowledge and observation of the Foodbank in action and
conversations with clients and volunteers.
The next meeting is on October 14th, when the speaker is Claire
Wakefield, Durham Deanery Leader.
Margaret Harper
Mothers’ Union Advance Notice: Monday January 13th 2014 –
1.45pm Corporate Communion and Wave of Prayer. This will be
followed by our AGM
From the Serving Africa Mission in Ghana…
While I was in Ghana this year Anita and the fellowship of women of
Blessing church, which is only four years old, were interested in our
Church activities here. They devoted their whole meeting to listening
and praying for our church of St John‟s which included the Prayer
Meeting, Food Bank, Young People, Youth Leaders, Messy Church, Eco
Festival, outreach etc. Strong Tower church with its four members
prayed for the team‟s Churches in England. Our missionaries went to
Africa and now their church families are praying for the parent
churches that sent them.
Betty Cooper
“...he who walks in wisdom is kept safe.” Prov.28:26.
We need wisdom in all areas of our life- in relating with people, in
parenting, in running our home, in business, in decision making, in all
our responsibilities - Let us remember to ask God for it. How
encouraging it is to know that we can count on Him to give us the
wisdom we need.
Sometimes when we come to God with our requests, we are not sure
that what we are asking is in line with His will for us. We‟re not sure
that our requests really corresponds to what would be best or right
under the circumstances. However we can approach the Lord on this
matter. He will give us the wisdom we ask for. James writes in his
letter: “If any of you lacks wisdom he should ask God ... and it will be
given to him.” and Prov. 2:6 tells us that “... the Lord gives wisdom.”
What a blessing!
In the Scriptures - and in life - wisdom and understanding go hand in
hand. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” we read in
Prov. 9:10 and the verse continues “and knowledge of the Holy One is
understanding”. To know God‟s will is surely what every believer
desires. The Lord says, “I will guide you in the ways of wisdom and
lead you along straight paths” (Prov. 4:11).
Joan King
Congratulations … Congratulations …Congratulations
…We join with Her Majesty the Queen in sending our congratulations
to Jack and Margaret Harper who celebrated their Diamond Wedding
Anniversary on 8th August.
„Lord for the years Thy love has kept and guided,
Urged and inspired us, cheered us on our way.
Sought us and saved us, pardoned and provided
Lord for the years, we bring our thanks today.‟
…To Joan & Keith Twomey as they celebrate the birth of their first
grandchild, Evangeline Sophia, to Richard and Lisa on August 11th.
Thanks be to God for this wonderful gift.
…To Charlie, known to many as the cellist in our music group at the
10am Service, who was married to Sam in Hull on 24th August. We
wish you God‟s richest blessings as you begin a new chapter of your
lives.
…To Paul & Sarah Chandler and family, who have quickly settled into
their new home 20 The Peth, Durham DH1 4PZ. Their new phone
number is 0191 384 2765.
…To Douglas Pocock on the publication of his book 'The Story of
Durham' which traces the story of Durham from pre-historic times to
the present day. It is published by The History Press. Rumour has it
that another well-known author in our midst will be publishing before
Christmas!!!
…To Dr Tim Marjoribanks who gained a PhD in Geography this
summer. His thesis was entitled „High resolution modelling of flexible
submerged vegetation in rivers” which Tim says is something about
vegetation and rivers!! Well Done Tim!
Introducing our PCC
Pam Thomas
I first came to St John‟s when I was a young girl and was subsequently
confirmed here. In my late teens I moved away and then went to
college to train as a teacher. Later I married and settled in Yorkshire
where I had two children.
Then life came full circle and my husband‟s job brought us full circle to
Durham in the 70s and I began to worship again at St John‟s. When
the children were school age I began teaching at various schools in the
area until my retirement.
As some of you may know by the time you read this, I have decided to
move to Yorkshire to be nearer my family, and the first thing I shall do
is find a church like St John‟s.
Ken Garbett
Anne and I have belonged to St John's since 1976 when we moved to
Durham with our two daughters. During that time I was Church
Warden for nearly eleven years, (two stints with a six month break in
between and two interregnums) serving Colin Rogerson, Stuart
Hasker/Ian Hoskins (when St John's became a Conventional District)
and then Michael Rusk. In addition to this I have been a member of
the PCC many times.
My working life has been divided into two stages, twenty five years
with an Engineering Company as a Technical Manager and then
Director, followed by a complete change in direction which lead to my
involvement in the setting up of St.Margaret's Centre in 1991 where I
was the Manager until retirement in 2009. This change was a deeply
satisfying challenge of caring for people, instead of the more mundane
aspects of 'nut and bolt' production. Retirement has brought many
blessings in itself, including lots of involvement with our four
grandchildren.
Where did you go for your summer holiday?
Sue & Chris Massey
both reached the top
of Kilimanjaro in July.
This was a second
time for Chris and an
opportunity for me
(Sue) to put aside the
disappointment
of
2009, when I was too
ill to make the ascent.
Since then, I have learned to manage insulin, and exercised to improve
my fitness. Acclimatisation is a challenge and fortunately we both
avoided symptoms of mountain altitude sickness. However oxygen is
about half that at sea level and causes extreme weariness. A mixed
age and ability group of seventeen, we all summited, due to the
encouragement of our wonderful guides and portering team. Nothing
can diminish a sense of achievement, in spite of trekking and camping
for seven days with very basic hygiene standards!
A huge thank you to members of St Johns who helped us raise £600 as
part of a group contribution of £3500 to Amani Children‟s centre in
Moshi, Tanzania. In addition, youngsters from our group presented
sports equipment, and engaged with the children in football and other
activities. This was our thank you for the wonderful hospitality of
Tanzania.
Our web site is still open if you would like to contribute.
http://www.justgiving.com/Susan-Massey1
The Importance of Being Rested
I use an app on my phone for writing to-do lists. It was part of my
New Year‟s Resolution this year and I‟ve found it really helpful in
organising my life. The problem with it is that often it feels as though
my life is being controlled by this little tick list on a little electronic
device that is never more than a few metres away from me and
without which I simply cannot function.
The summer weeks were truly wonderful for me and my list. At its
longest I think the list only had 3 items on it. We haven‟t done any
planning, we haven‟t had any responsibility, we haven‟t had to change
rotas, we haven‟t entered dates into diaries and wondered how we will
manage all the clashes and I‟ve actually sat on the sofa more than
once and read a book for a whole evening. Something that is usually
only reserved for snatches of 3-4 minutes here and there.
This has really made me think.
How do I want to live my life?
My every day, normal, getting
up and going to work life.
Holidays
are
beautiful,
refreshing flashes of light and
they are so important for
keeping the mind, body and
soul functioning and flourishing.
But how do we bring that spirit
of resting and being refreshed
into normal life?
There was a Twitter campaign a few months ago entitled „I‟m not busy‟
aimed at precisely what I‟ve just described. If I‟m honest, I scoffed at
it a little bit when I saw it because I thought to myself: it‟s ridiculous to
have a campaign about not being busy. If you‟re too busy then do
something about it, don‟t just do around saying „I‟m not busy‟. But the
lovely weeks over the summer have made me retract my thoughts and
words. I am too busy, or at least I don‟t take care to rest and relax
enough in between the things that I do.
And so I am resolved, and over the past 2 or 3 weeks I have made
myself take the time to have a bath, or read my book. It feels a little
bit like I‟m now organising relaxing time into my lists and schedules,
but I am reminding myself that resting is important. Actually, I don‟t
think that. I think resting is vital. Our minds, our bodies and our spirits
need time and space to rest and relax.
I can‟t guarantee I‟ll be very good at it, but I think I‟ve come to a place
where I have realised how important it is to try and be good at taking
the time to be me and for me.
“Come to me all who are weary… and you will find rest for your souls.”
Matt 11:28-29
Katherine Marjoribanks
HOST: can you help?
Could you offer someone a home far from home for just a day or two?
HOST, a well-established charity, is hoping to hear from people who
enjoy making others feel at home, and who would love to meet
interesting young adults from other parts of the world who are
currently studying at universities in the UK, and who want to
understand this country better.
One host wrote: „It is a great to welcome these students and make
them feel wanted. They get to see a good side of life in Britain in
contrast to what they might learn from the media. It is also fun getting
to know someone from another country.‟
Invitations can be for a day, a weekend, or 3 days at Christmas.
Sharing Christmas with someone who has little idea what Christmas is
can be really special – and for the guest, much better than being on a
deserted university campus. Invitations are urgently needed from
volunteer hosts, no matter how far they live from a university.
To find out more, please see www.hostuk.org or contact local
organiser Graeme Davies 01661 834449. Thank you.
In Christ we are not divided
Recently I was in Glasgow. I visited St. Mungo's Cathedral. It has
changed very little since the 14th century, despite the Reformation.
Before the Reformation, the worship was medieval Roman Catholic;
after, it was that of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland. Two quite
different faiths or one? I think that the same cathedral housed the
same faith.
Yet suppose - as has happened - that an ex-Nonconformist Chapel is
sold to the local Muslim community. Does it then follow that Islam and
Christianity are one religion because they have been housed in the
same building?
Think again of Glasgow. St. Mungo was a Dark Age Saint. He
worshipped and followed Jesus Christ. At the Reformation the faith of
St. Mungo was reformed and is still practised by the citizens of
Glasgow today, as in past ages. The Creeds and Sacraments
continued. Thus it remains the same religion as before. As the
reformers used to say, where was your face before you washed it?
Messy Church
David Attfield
Messy church in mid-September was well attended by 21 children, 13
parents and 16 helpers, including Ross from the Lindisfarne Gospels
Education team. Our theme was the Gospels and Ross brought monks
costumes of various sizes, quill pens, a timeline and a facsimile of the
gospels which was utterly amazing!
To help families remember the purpose of the Gospels, we have
bought them a copy of St. Luke‟s Gospel. Many thanks to all who
helped to make our visitors feel at home in our church, and to all who
pray for the ministry of Messy Church.
Joan Twomey
Messy Church meets again on
Sunday 17th November, 4-6pm
„I am living in a home‟
A poem, written by St. John‟s youthworker,
Becca Dean, reflecting on her first month
living in an intentional Christian community
on Whinney Hill. Hopefully we‟ll hear more
from her in a future magazine, but in the
meantime, check out their house website
http://numbertwentyfive.org/
Cups of tea, my preference known
Mung beans that are being co-grown
Movie nights, duvets on top
Conversations that are safe to stop
Magic dishes conjured while playing with spice
Troubles softened with friends’ advice
Guests who draw out our merry best
Give us permission to stop and rest
Tops that once were mine, now ours
Iced tea experiments served in jars
The ease of sitting on your bed
Our biscuit tin spray painted red
And yet more tea with preference known
I am living in a home.
Becca Dean
SERVICES IN OCTOBER
MORNING PRAYER Mon & Tues 9.15am
MID-WEEK COMMUNION SERVICE 7pm THURS
Sunday 6th October 19th after Trinity Sunday
8.45
10.00
6.30
Eucharist (Book of Common Prayer)
Eucharist Service, groups for children 0-14
„TASTE‟ – Informal service with food beforehand.
Sunday 13th October 20th after Trinity Sunday
8.45
10.00
Eucharist
Eucharist Service, with groups for children 0-14
Sunday 20th October 21st after Trinity Sunday (with
Fairtrade Stall)
8.45
10.00
Eucharist (Book of Common Prayer)
Eucharist Service with groups for children 0 – 14
Sunday 27th October Bible Sunday
8.45
10.00
6.30
Eucharist
All-Age Eucharist
„Shalom‟ ecumenical service with quiet prayers for healing
Prayer Pointers - please pray for
 Our new Bishop of Durham designate, Paul Butler, currently
Bishop of Southwell, as he prepares to move to the Diocese.
 Barney our Rector, our Clergy, Lay readers, Churchwardens,
PCC and the Church family, including the elderly and
housebound, that we all may grow in faith and experience the
richness of God's grace and love.
 Our LOL partnership youth groups, Dive (for 11-13yrs) on
Mondays, 7-8:30, and Deeper (for 14-18yrs) on Wednesdays,
7-9pm.
 'Second Saturday' with the Fairtrade Stall, that people will „drop
in‟ and feel welcome.
 NEPACS Visitors and Volunteers at HM Prison Monday 11-4pm;
 Clients and Volunteers at Durham Foodbank: Monday,
Wednesday and Fridays 1.00-3.30pm.
SERVICES IN NOVEMBER
MORNING PRAYER Mon & Tues 9.15am
MID-WEEK COMMUNION SERVICE 7pm THURS
Sunday 3rd November 4th before Advent
8.45
10.00
6.30
Eucharist (Book of Common Prayer)
Eucharist Service, groups for children 0-14
„TASTE‟ – Informal service with food beforehand.
Sunday 10th November Remembrance Sunday (with
Fairtrade Stall)
8.45
10.00
Eucharist
All-age Service of the Word
Sunday 17th November 21st after Trinity Sunday
8.45
10.00
4.00
Eucharist (Book of Common Prayer)
Eucharist Service with groups for children 0 – 14
Messy Church
Sunday 24th November Christ the King
8.45
10.00
6.30
Eucharist
Eucharist Service, groups for children 0-14
„Shalom‟ ecumenical service with quiet prayers for healing
CALLING ALL BUDDING WRITERS…
We would love to include any articles (500 words MAX), poems or
other creative pieces that you would like to share. Please speak to Joan
Twomey (386 7921) or Tim Marjoribanks (373 9154). The deadline for
articles for the Dec/Jan newsletter is November 15th.
Newsletter Editorial Team:
News, services and contacts:
Joan Twomey
Articles, pictures and cover photos: Tim Marjoribanks
Cover photo credit: Durham Cathedral during the flower festival,
© Tim Yarborough
CONTACTS
Baptism and marriage enquiries: Barnaby Huish 375 0770
Book Group: Pippa Bell 383 0544 [email protected]
Church Centre bookings: Jane Holmes 384 2433 [email protected]
Electoral Roll membership: Derek Corner 386 5741
Flowers: Dorothy Terry 384 4986
Health and Safety Officer: Lavinia White 378 9708
John’s Juniors (Sun 10am) Becca Dean [email protected]
Mothers’ Union: Dorothy Terry 384 4986 or [email protected]
Music Group co-ordinator: Katherine Marjoribanks 373 9154
News-sheets: send items for sheets/website to [email protected]
Weekly: Jane Holmes 384 2433; Monthly: Joan Twomey 386 7921
Pastoral contacts: Barnaby Huish 375 0770, Dorothy Terry 384 4986,
Margaret Jefferson 384 8385, Ken & Anne Garbett 386 4517
Youth and Chn’s Worker: Becca Dean [email protected]
Staff: Rector: Barnaby Huish 375 0770 [email protected]
Associate clergy:
Nicky Chater 383 1869 [email protected]
Judy Hirst 370 9505
Ruth Jagger 384 7534
Gillian Pocock
Lay Ministers:
Mike Chater 383 1869 [email protected]
Douglas Pocock
Rector’s Secretary: Jane Holmes 384 2433 [email protected]
Churchwardens [email protected]
Paul Jefferson 384 8385, Paul Chandler
Communications & PCC Secretary: Joan Twomey 3867921
[email protected]
Treasurer: Adriel Yap [email protected]
Regular giving: Lavinia White 378 9708
Deanery Synod: Mike Chater, Tim Marjoribanks, Adriel Yap
PCC: Diane Barthel, David Budgen, Stephen Cheffings, Joan Curry,
Ken Garbett, Fiona Parker, Pam Thomas,
SMDT: Elizabeth Budgen, Jo Chandler, Steve Cheffings, Judy Hirst,
Barney Huish, Robert Song, Patrick Steel, Joan Twomey