WITHAM UNITED REFORMED CHURCH
CHURCH MAGAZINE MAY 2017
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PASTORAL LETTER
‘Be still and know that I am God’ Psalm 46:10
Dear Friends
It is almost ten years since I retired from teaching, a job I loved and when
retirement beckoned, I can remember attending a few classes on how to
cope with this new phenomenon. The definition of ‘retirement’ is ‘the act of
giving up full time work, gaining freedom, allowing you to be able to do
what you like, when you like after many years of daily toil. Why is it then
that when speaking to retired friends and looking at my own years of
retirement that life is busier than ever and can often be frenetic, exhausting
and cluttered? How often do we ask God for everything, but we don’t stop
to listen or to be still? The act of being still and quiet becomes more of a
challenge in our hectic world. The world asks us to be busy. Retired or
working, God asks us to make time to be still.
YES - we have to make choices. As Christians our faith is dead without
action but all of us whatever our circumstances and our calling by God,
must take time to be still and listen for that still small voice providing
sustenance in our daily life, giving us strength and guidance. We have our
work cut out to balance the Mary (the contemplative still side ) and the
Martha aspects ( the active doing side).
The Martha side is well represented in our fellowship. I am always amazed
at those who truly show their faith in action - taking time to drive an older
member to hospital, providing a meal when someone is ill, taking time to
phone a person who has not been seen for a few weeks on a Sunday or
speaking to a new person after a Sunday service or watching out for a
person on their own and speaking to them. Small acts but so
important.
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But we do need to acquire that balance between activity and stillness. Let’s
make up our minds to give our Father time in our daily lives - time to be
truly quiet and still, waiting on what God has to say to us and meditating on
what the Scriptures are telling us.
Here is a prayer for stillness from the National Retreat Association:
God of stillness and creative action, help us to find space for quietness
each day that we may live creatively, discover the inner meaning of
silence and learn the wisdom that heals the world. Send peace and joy to
each quiet place, to all who are waiting and listening. May your still small
voice be heard through Christ in the love of the Spirit.
Amen.
With great anticipation for what our Father has in store for us over the next
few months, may we all learn daily to be still and enjoy those quiet times
with Him as we go about being his disciples in our wonderful world.
Your friend in Christ
Audrey
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THEY TOUCH ONE ANOTHER - WAL BADA
Series: Jesus the Controversial King – Part 3
For she thought to herself, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be
healed-Mark 5:28
A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding.
26 She had suffered a great deal from many doctors, and over the years she
had spent everything she had to pay them, but she had gotten no better. In
fact, she had gotten worse. 27 She had heard about Jesus, so she came up
behind him through the crowd and touched his robe. 28 For she thought to
herself, “If I can just touch his robe, I will be healed.” 29 Immediately the
bleeding stopped, and she could feel in her body that she had been healed
of her terrible condition. 30 Jesus realised at once that healing power had
gone out from him, so he turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who
touched my robe?” 31 His disciples said to him, “Look at this crowd pressing
around you. How can you ask, Who touched me?” 32 But he kept on looking
around to see who had done it. 33 Then the frightened woman, trembling at
the realisation of what had happened to her, came and fell to her knees in
front of him and told him what she had done. 34 And he said to her,
“Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is
over.” (Mark 5:25-34)
Looking at this passage of the Bible can create many ideas about the
personality of Jesus which may led us to think more about his divine
nature, but until we embrace his human nature we will never grasp his
divine nature. Just like that woman in the story above she only heard about
Jesus, but she is willing to take the risk and pressed through the crowd even
though the crowd was the biggest hindrance for her in getting to Jesus. The
crowd in this story were:
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The religious leaders such as the Pharisees and the Sadducees who
see her as an “unclean person” that they supposed to be living
somewhere in the desert.
The unbeliever and the critics whom most of them had bought into
the teaching of the religious leaders.
The disciples who are playing the role of Body guards.
The “good people” who think it’s too dangerous for a sick woman
to be engaging in what she was trying to do.
We should all admire the braveness of this woman but it is unfortunate that
her name was never mentioned in the story, I think this has to do with the
fact that her circumstances have taken over her identity because she was
popularly known as “The woman with the issue of Blood”.
Are you not surprised by how Jesus reacted when he said “who touched my
robe?” What I learnt from this story is that not everyone following Jesus
were doing it for the right reasons. Some of these people saw Jesus as a
celebrity who in modern times could have given them a selfie while some of
them just wanted to see and feel Jesus for religious reasons and after a
couple of weeks they were all shouting crucify Him, crucify Him.
This reminds me of what the prophet Isaiah said - And so the Lord says,
“These people say they are mine. They honour me with their lips, but their
hearts are far from me. And their worship of me is nothing but man-made
rules learned by rote. (Isaiah 29:13).
One can be a hypocrite before man but not before God, He knows our every
thought and intention. I totally agreed with Billy Sunday who said “Going
to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than standing in the
garage makes you a car”. People go to church for various reasons but are
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divided by motives. Our mental picture of God often determines how we
approach him but “the woman with the issue of blood” got it right even
though she had never met Jesus before. The Bible says “So faith comes from
hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ (Romans 10:17). The
question is what is your response to the Gospel? Will you allow public
opinion or pressure from family and friends keep you from giving your life
to Jesus?
I like to leave you with the reaction of the disciples after Jesus rebuked a
heavy storm “---- - -. “Who is this man?" they asked. "Even the winds and
waves obey him!” (Matthew 8:27).
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CYO - TARA RUSSELL
First of all, I want us all to think about ourselves. What is your history with
God? Can you remember when or how you first heard about Him? Did you
grow up in a church or Christian environment?
We have all come to this way of life differently. Some of us have a long
history with God, some of us don’t. Some of us were brought up in this life,
some of us were not.
It’s important for us to look at our experiences when thinking about the
work of CYO, or indeed the wider church. Life is different today to when we
were growing up. The generations in school today are living with a
completely different experience and environment than we did. They have
always been able to go to the shops on Sunday . They have always had
hundreds of tv channels to watch. They have always been able to access all
sorts of information about anything.
And for many church or God just doesn’t figure. They don’t know the most
famous stories in the Bible. They don’t know about Noah, Jonah, Easter.
And that’s not unusual - it’s the norm these days.
And then they meet CYO in school!
The Great Commission
Matthew 28:16-20 (NIV)
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had
told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some
doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and
on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all
nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the
Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
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These words that Jesus spoke are not just for those of us who work in a
Christian organisation, they are not any more relevant to me than they are
to you. This is our purpose - to make disciples. But we know that it is the
Holy Spirit that convicts a heart to turn to God, not our will. But, God has
given us the privilege of being the voice and body of Him, on earth.
Therefore, everything we do, everything we say, everything we think should
point to Him. That’s what CYO are doing in our local schools every week.
How?
Assemblies - in primary and secondary schools, once every Half Term. That
means 3,924 children and young people hear about God at least during that
time.
Star Clubs and CU’s - every week we see the same children and young
people and we have fun. In primary school we have a Bible story and then
do a craft activity. In the academies, we play games, eat snacks and chat
about our lives and how God can play a part in them.
Lessons, RE Days, Holiday Clubs, special sessions for girls, mentoring. But
CYO doesn’t and can’t operate in a vacuum.
At present we are funded by individuals from Churches in Witham
including some (a few) from Witham URC. We do not have enough funds
from individual giving to cover costs so we rely on financial support from
funds raised through Witham BB. As schools benefit from our provision of
Christian teaching and popular, fun activities we plan to encourage them to
contribute to our costs. We will approach schools with information
detailing the costs and indicating the level of donation that would make it
possible for our work to continue in the future. Here is an example of what
I intend to give to the schools.........Assemblies (suggested donation £25 per
assembly)
•
RE/PSHE/Life Skills Lessons (suggested donation £30-£60 per
lesson)
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•
Prayer spaces (suggested donation £50-80 per day)
•
Workshops (suggested donation £60-£80 per half day, £80-£100
per full day)
•
Advent Pageant, Christmas event in primary school (suggested
donation £30-£60 per school)
•
A-Cross the World, Easter RE Day in primary school (suggested
donation £30-£60 per school)
•
The Lords Prayer RE lessons in primary school (suggested donation
£40-100 per school)
•
The Big Step Transition Workshop for Year 6 (suggested donation
£40-£100 per school)
•
Christian Unions/Star Club(no cost)!
If you approve of the way we work and spread God's Word please consider
if you would like to support us" Contact Tara: [email protected]
or 01376 519640.
This article follows on from an interesting talk given by Tara on the work of
CYO at our last Church Meeting.
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Many of you will remember Beverley and Martyn Dowsett’s eldest daughter
Laura, who was so desperately ill when born, that little hope was given for
her survival. Well, here she is with Matt on their wedding day on 9th April,
and what a beautiful bride she is.
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House Groups in Witham URC
Have you thought of joining one?
House groups meet to study God’s word together. These groups are made
up of a small number of people meeting in homes providing support and
encouragement to each other in their Christian lives. It is allows time to
form friendships with other members of the congregation so that we can be
there for each other.
HOUSE GROUP
DAY
TIME
FREQUENCY
Powershall Group
Tuesday
8-10 pm
1st & 3rd Tues
each month
Tuesday Morning
Ecumenical Group
Tuesday
10 for 10.30
am at The
Centre
Weekly
Christina Road Group
Thursday
7.30 – 9.30 pm Once a month
Kelvedon
Thursday
8-10 pm
1st & 3rd Thurs
each month
8-10pm
1st & 3rd Wed
each month
Moorfield Court Group Wednesday
Great Totham Group
No definite
8-10 pm
evening in the
week
Foster Court Group
Wednesday
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Once a month
7.30 – 9.30 pm 2nd & 4th Wed
each month
Youth and young Adult Groups
Day
Time
House group
Frequency
Monday
7-8.15 pm
School years 7-9
Every other Monday
Wednesday
7.45 – 9.30pm
School Years
10+
Every other Wednesday
For further contact details please speak to Audrey Kennedy
or Bob Stibbards
Charity Adoption for July 2017
The current, charity adopted for the first half of 2017 is
Victor Community College. If there is a charity which you
would wish to be considered for the period commencing July
2017, these can be either for a six or three month period, I
would be pleased to hear from you.
Bob Stibbards
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Address given by Rev Paul Ellis Minister
at the Terling Closing Service on 26th March 2017
“The United Reformed Church at Terling – and Edna Chalmers always
maintained it was pronounced “Tarling”, not “Terling” – has been one of
the oldest Non-conformist Churches in all Essex, dating its beginnings back
to 1624.
Essex, & not least the Terling area, had been a stronghold of nonconformity by the reign of Elizabeth I, lying close to Protestant Holland and
Germany and with the original Terling Place being in the ownership of
Elizabeth’s father, Henry VIII, & where he spent one of his many
honeymoons [with Jane Seymour]. By Elizabeth’s time, Terling was in the
ownership of the Mildmay family, who were mainly non-conformists and
tended to appoint priests who felt the same. Thus Terling came into conflict
with the Bishops, especially Bishop Laud of London, who was subsequently
Archbishop of Canterbury.
In 1624 Thomas Weld was given the living at All Saints by Robert Mildmay
and was soon in trouble. Like most of his fellow independent ministers he
was an ordained minister of the Church of England. Most held livings,
though some were more independent in that they held lectureships paid for
by their congregation or individuals. One such was Weld’s friend Thomas
Hooker, a preacher in Chelmsford.
When Laud became Archbishop, he decided to crack down on nonconforming ministers, including the three friends called Thomas: Thomas
Hooker, Thomas Weld and Thomas Shepherd. Hooker, deemed the leader,
was driven out of England, escaping to Holland and then to Boston,
America where he became known as a prominent Puritan colonial leader,
who was involved in founding the State of Connecticut.
Shepherd meanwhile lived with Weld in the Terling Vicarage before being
ordained, and subsequently had a living at Earls Colne, and it was on his
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behalf that Weld also clashed with Archbishop Laud. Shepherd also
eventually went to America, in October 1635. He was active in founding
Harvard, and instrumental in placing it at Cambridge, across the Charles
River from Boston, USA.
Rev. Thomas Weld was noted by Archbishop Laud as ‘unconformable’ on
the 25th November, 1630, and fined twelve months later. Weld was bound
over to appear at the High Commissioners’ Court but he too, with his wife
and sons, departed for Holland, and then on to America, arriving in
Roxbury, Massachusetts, with his family on June 5th, 1632.
The new Terling vicar following Weld was John Stalham, who was reported
to be ‘of strict congregational principles.’ The village had remained very
non-conformist and some parishioners were holding early morning
meetings - I mean 4 or 5 a.m! - at the home of the schoolmaster, with
preacher John Cutler attending. Stalham started his incumbency at Terling
as a conformist, re-introducing the Prayer Book ceremonies, but soon
found his parishioners ‘converting’ him. Despite being ejected from Terling
All Saints’ by the Act of Uniformity in 1662, and the Five Mile Rule
residency restriction, Stalham remained in Terling as the pastor of an
influential congregational church until his death in 1681. It seems that
Stalham lived at Rose Cottage, right next door to us & where our late Chapel
member Elaine Strutt lived latterly.
Some years later the congregation was described as numbering two
hundred, a sizeable proportion of the village, although in truth there is
record of non-conformists walking from Witham to worship here.
Anyway, religious life was becoming more relaxed under Protestant King
William & Queen Mary, and by 1714, under George I, the local congregation
of Protestant Dissenters no longer had to worship in secret. Their
headquarters were then at the Manse, in the Street, which was the Manor
House of the Manor of Owls Hill. The name ‘The Manse’ remains on the
house today, next door to where our former member Edna Chalmers lived.
The minister was Nathanial Wyles, ministering until his death in 1748 aged
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88: no Ministers’ Pension Fund in those days! He was followed by
Benjamin Stennet and it was during his ministry that the present building
was decided upon, probably because the Manse was now too small for the
size of congregation. In 1752 land was purchased on the north of Church
Green and a year later this building was opened, built more in a 17th than an
18th century style.
It is possible that the 17th century pulpit, the candelabra and George III
clock were moved from the Manse to the new chapel. In 1987, when repairs
to the roof and electrical fittings were essential, the clock was sold at
Sotheby’s for £4,800, probably equivalent to £13,000 today.
The original building had the pulpit on the north wall with steps leading to
the gallery around the other three sides. (You can see that the upper
windows were made to be opened.) The ground floor pews at least were
box pews, with doors, and lighting was of course from the candelabra.
By the way, Terling was in the forefront of the foundation of ‘The
Congregational Union of Essex and its Vicinity’ at a meeting in Dunmow in
1798.
Little is recorded of Victorian ministries here, but by 1895 the building
needed major repair. Work was undertaken to remove the gallery and move
the pulpit, and the building was made safe and redecorated and the porch
added onto the front. It was reopened in Advent 1896.
But the confidence of the 18th century builders in providing so great a
seating capacity for a village Chapel proved over-optimistic in the long
term. Following the trend of so many chapels, congregations dwindled
during the 20th century.
Yet it seems to me that the recent history of Terling Chapel has been one of
remarkable resilience. In 1972 the members voted, along with many other
Congregational Churches, to become part of the United Reformed Church.
I say ‘members’: in 1972, the Chapel had a membership of just three souls
[and the Church Secretary was Pam Palmer; do the 1 serving Moderator and
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two former Moderators here today know of any other URC that has been
loyally served by the same Church Secretary continuously since 1972?] For many other local United Reformed Churches that were several times
larger than Terling back then have long since shut, such as Rayne, Stebbing,
Tolleshunt Major, Little Maplestead, White Roding and Heybridge Basin.
But Terling had sufficient confidence in the future to have major work done
here, right from a new floor prior to my arrival up to a new roof within my
time, when God provided handsomely through the ‘Friends of Essex
Churches’.
Latterly, Edna Chalmers had done so much for the life of the Chapel that
her death in 2012 looked ominous, but we carried on, and two new
members were added to the roll of three – not bad growth in percentage
terms! Indeed, I calculated that a typical congregation of 9 here
represented 1% of the population of the village: the equivalent in Witham
would mean a congregation of 260.
But in truth the faithful membership here was not only small but becoming
elderly and, in most cases, more infirm. Last year two of those five
members, both well into their 90s, passed to glory. The remaining
members met in April to consider the future and decided to give it six more
prayerful months and to publicise the Chapel around the village. But
nothing changed and maintaining weekly worship became an unrealistic
burden, so the decision was made last October for this Chapel to close, after
nearly 400 years of worship and witness.
Allow me to close by quoting from a booklet written by our 18th century
minister Nathaniel Wyles entitled “A few short hints, left by a dying pastor
to his people, grounded upon the Word of God etc, by way of counsel and
direction.”
“My dearly beloved in the Lord. I have taken some pains among you the
time I was able to serve you, and I hope not altogether in vain. Some of you
have been convinced, and I hope converted, the Lord carry on the good
work in your souls, till the Day of Christ. Amen to that.”
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50 Years of Fellowship Afloat - Gerry Moscrop
Have you ever said ‘Where have all the years gone’? Well those of us who
have been around Fellowship Afloat for a long time, are saying just that!
We can hardly believe that the small venture started in 1967 with one Youth
group and one boat has developed into Fellowship Afloat Charitable Trust
(FACT) where, every year, over 2000 young people, adults, and those with
special needs, can come for a weekend or a week to enjoy a waterside
adventure and learn about God’s love. In the early years, a group of
enthusiasts provided the help and it was a ‘do it yourself’ setup and now a
team of 20 staff provide an assortment of outdoor activities. Schools and
youth groups, painting groups and bird watchers as well as individuals and
those with special needs can enjoy sailing, climbing, canoeing, archery and
team games and have a program tailored to suit their needs. The programs
always present a Christian challenge and many people have come to know
Jesus or have grown in their faith and personal lives.
Our accommodation and staffing has changed over the years and now is
provided by the ex ‘Trinity House’ Lightship, aptly named ‘Trinity’ and the
staff team includes full time staff and a team of ‘gap year volunteers’,
several of which have come from WURC and include Emma King this year.
In the past Clare Rowden, (Bill and Jennifer Watson’s daughter), and
Judith Stagg have given a volunteer year to FACT.
"
Early days 1967
2017
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Under girding everything we do is the knowledge that God has been central
to the development and for 50 years has provided, guided and amazed us
all.
This year we celebrate our Golden Jubilee and have a special day organised
for all those who have been part of the journey. Our aim is to thank
everyone who has been involved over the years and we will hold a
Thanksgiving and Celebration service to thank God for His faithfulness and
sustenance over the years. This year we have started a revamp of Trinity as
FACT is still growing and we feel the need for more accommodation. We
have a plan to upgrade the ship to provide more cabin space and we trust
God for these new plan
"
Having fun at FACT
There’s always plenty of food
Keith and I would like to thank Witham URC for the interest they have
always had in FACT and for the financial support and prayer support that
has been given.
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CHRISTIAN AID WEEK - 14th to 20th MAY 2017
Thanks to you, Christian Aid has been there for refugees since 1945.
Christian Aid began 60 years ago to support the work the churches of
Britain and Ireland were doing with refugees in Europe in the aftermath of
the Second World War. Today, tens of millions of people across the globe
are fleeing their homes because of war conflict and disaster making
dangerous journeys in search of safety in the biggest movement of people
since that time.
The vast majority of today’s refugees seek sanctuary in poor countries, but
more than a million refugees have crossed into Europe. Many have
endured years of conflict. As one said, “anything and everything in our
country was a threat………the trees and the cars and the motorcycles. They
were putting bombs in the trees and on the roads”. With borders across
Europe currently closed such refugees are now stranded in camps in urgent
need of help.
Christian Aid has seen this before. Sixty years ago the situation seemed to
be every bit as challenging as the refugee crisis now. But people, just like
you, responded in their thousands, giving money, organising events,
lobbying their politicians and inspiring others to do the same. You can
continue to do so, playing your part in this massive movement of the
churches working together for God’s justice.
All of us know that the conflict that drives these crises is not what God
wants for the world and that he wants each one of his children to have a
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safe place to call home. But until that day - whilst Christian Aid is needed
and while you continue to support them they will be walking with refugees.
WHAT ARE WE DOING
Witham URC is aiming to raise awareness, fundraise and pray for the great
work Christian Aid is doing around the world through the following events.
1. Witham Tesco Collection on Tuesday, 25th April - we are
looking for at least 18 people who could cover 9am to 5pm, an hour each
in pairs.
2. Afternoon Tea on Monday, 15th May 3-4pm in Meeting Point,
Witham URC.
3. Street Collections Sunday, 14th May - Saturday, 20th May collecting
door to door. If some of you would like to do the collections, but are
concerned about going out alone, we would suggest that you go in pairs
or even as a family. Please make sure that you display the
Christian Aid identification clearly. Collection boxes will be
available in Meeting Point on Sunday 14th May.
4. Forecourt Sale on Saturday, 13th May to start of the week. This will
have the same format as previous years with a number of stalls selling
everything from plants, bric-a-brac to books and cakes and will run
from 9.30m to 12 noon. We need helpers to set up early in the
morning and take down after the event. Whether or not you have
helped before your contribution will be welcome. Please let Muriel
Heppinstall or Rocio MacDonald if you would like to organise a stall.
Items for sale can be brought to the church on Friday, 12th May from
9.30 am until 3pm, but if you have cakes to offer please bring them on
the day.
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5. Christian Aid collection envelopes. Please remember to put
something in the envelope daily during Christian Aid Week as you
remember those in need around the world.
6. United Service at Witham Methodist Church on Sunday, 14th
May at 6pm where we will reflect on Christian Aid’s work.
How can you help
Offer your time in volunteering to organise or support any of the events
Witham Tesco Store Collection - sign the list.
Street door collections.
Bring and donate any unwanted items for sale.
Make cakes and bring along on the day for sale.
Donate any unwanted bedding plants.
Rod Gayton - Local Christian Aid Organiser
Advance notice -Hilary Lawrence
CHRISTMAS FAYRE
On the 25 November I will be running a fundraising Christmas Fayre at the
church with all profits going to The Amazing Aiden.
I know we are blessed in our church with some extremely talented and giving
people, so if you can make chutneys, jams, craft items, etc please let me know or
I will need helpers on the day.
(Father Christmas and elves have yet to confirm!)
I plan to have Cakes, homemade food items, Father Christmas in his grotto,
homemade sweets, homemade gift items, books, decorations, bric a brac, teddy
tombola and anything else anyone we'd like to do.
I know this is very advanced noticed but I know some things will take time to
make.
If you have any questions or wish to talk over some ideas please call me on 01376
583600 or email [email protected]
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You should have been there - Wendy McWhirr
The Social Committee recently organised another successful event. It was a
Pudding Party. Eleven different puddings were anonymously sneaked in
and we were invited to taste them and vote for our 1st, 2nd and 3rd choice.
To do this, we were given coloured discs which were placed into a sealed
box beside each pudding. This was really challenging as there was such a
variety of delicious ones to try. We also enjoyed chatting with each other
and had a really good social time.
After all the votes had been counted and verified, Sarah Campbell and Julia
McCall were both Highly Commended but were pipped at the post by KatyJane MacDonald who was declared Star Pudding Maker and awarded a
trendy apron for her Chocolate Brownies.
Thank you to everyone for a lovely evening.
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Aiden’s next NAPA Adventure
From May 22nd to June 9th Aiden will be undertaking another 3 week
intensive session with the NAPA team. However this time we won't be
travelling to America, we'll be heading to Upminster (practically down the
road) as the Team are coming to Essex!!
Aiden will be doing 4 hours a day comprising of cme therapy, neurosuit and
speach and language. As the team are coming to the UK we won't be able to
have all the therapists that Aiden is used to but he will be seeing at least 3
familiar faces so we're really excited about that.
As the sessions are local Aiden's nursery 1:1 and his NHS physiotherapist
are going to come along to see if they can incorporate any of the exercises
into his daily routines.
Other news on the NAPA front is that the centre are holding some pop up
sessions on the East coast of America. As you may know we have been
unable to secure Aiden a spot back at the LA Centre this year but with the
release of these new pop up sessions we may be able to get him over there
for another 3 week intensive later in the year, fingers crossed.
As yet we don't have the funding to support another trip to America, this is
something we are continually working on and looking for opportunities for
fundraising and local support. If you happen to know of anyone looking to
sponsor a child/local cause please do speak to us.
On a weekly basis Aiden does a minimum of 4 therapies including cme,
riding, swimming (where he received his first swimming badge) and physio,
this is all on top of his daily therapies at home and nursery. It's clear to see
that Aiden's head control and core strength has improved. Weight bearing
is continuing and we're working on coordination.
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In March we took a day trip to Coventry to attend a disability roadshow.
Aiden had the opportunity to try out an eye gaze, this is a screen which
Aiden can control with his eyes, he managed to play games and make
choices straight away. This reaffirms that Aiden is very bright and needs an
outlet to express himself. These machines come in at about £5,000.00.
After speaking to a Aiden's speech team we are waiting on an assessment
referral on the NHS who maybe able to supply Aiden with one and if not we
will look to secure charity funding.
Aiden's future is looking bright and as always we thank you for your
support, positive thoughts and prayers.
The Mitchell 3
"
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Alpha 2017 - Eve Murfitt
I would like to say what a joy it has been to co-ordinate and lead the Alpha
Course this year. It has been a privilege and joy to be a part of it.
I would like to thank all who talked, cooked, washed up, and a big thank
you to Jo and Bob Stibbards and Keith Mitchell for all their help and
support, but most of all to those who came to Alpha to learn more, or for
the first time to learn about Jesus. It has been a delight to see people grow
as the ask and learn more.
I will continue to pray for all of them daily and watch as the grow in the love
of our Lord.
God bless you all.
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COMMITMENT FOR LIFE
John West - WURC Commitment for Life Link Person
Following the decision to cease our support for Commitment for Life at the
end of last year I inform you of the correspondence that I sent and the reply
that was received in response to it.
“New challenges have been entrust upon us in the last year with our
Minister Rev Paul Ellis having moved to another church leaving us with the
challenge of going through the process of looking for a new minister.
With this development our commitment to Commitment for Life has been
reviewed and at our church meeting* in was decided to terminate our
current engagement due to a less than favourable supporting vote to
continue with this.
The WURC is fully committed to supporting Christian Aid and the
supporters for Commitment for Life have been encouraged to continue with
their support on an individual basis.
Our best wishes for the future of Commitment for Life and possibly a reengagement in the years to come.
With best regards
John West”
* November 2016 Church Meeting 27
An extract from the response receivedfrom Commitment for Life is detailed
below.
Thank you for your email letting me know of the church's decision. I am
sorry it feels the way it does.
Commitment for Life has been a success story of the United Reformed
Church for 25 years and enabled a Christian viewpoint to be given at many
external meetings. Without the financial support of the churches there will
come a time when the United Reformed Church will not be represented at
many external meetings - the Fairtrade Foundation, Trade Justice, Climate
Justice, One World Week, Jubilee Debt, World Week for Peace in Palestine
and Israel and many more. Looking at our history of social justice, this
would indeed be a great loss.
Please thank the church for their support in the past
Linda Mead
Commitment for Life | Programme Co-ordinator | United Reformed Church
86 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9RT
01702 315981 | [email protected] | www.cforl.org.uk
Should anyone feel the need for further information or need to have a chat
about Commitment for Life please feel free to contact me and this can be
arranged.
A big thank you for the support and interest shown towards Commitment
for Life over the years and should anyone feel inspired to follow what is
happening now and in the future of Commitment for Life then the web site
is www.cforl.org.uk
28
Mark Anthony Williams
Many of you will remember Mark who was often seen around Witham and
in Meeting Point. The following is the address given at his funeral service
on Thursday, 13th April which was attended by so many people to celebrate
his life.
“Mark was born in Hackney on the 7th July 1958. He was the first born to
Albert and Rita. He was always strong, fit and healthy and the apple of his
Nan's eye.
He lived in London till he was 9, then with his 2 younger sisters Cheryl and
Kim, the family moved to Witham. When he was younger Mark would
always work hard to earn money. When he was 11 years old he decided he
would rather spend his days working at the farm looking after pigs. No-one
knew he was skipping school, not even the farmer as he thought Mark was
16!
At 13 he got a job on the Fruit and Veg stall on Witham Market. He would
carry 56Lb bags of potatoes like they were feather pillows - he was very
strong. He worked on the market until he was 18. At 19 he got married to
Anne, and they had 3 children - Kevin, Lisa and Russell. The marriage sadly
didn't last. He then met Jane and had 2 more children - Daniel and Jake.
Mark struggled with responsibility and sadly found comfort in other forms.
He spoke very highly of the church and how they helped him and gave him
hot meals daily, for which we are very grateful.
29
Mark worked in the chicken factory at Witham, and every year at Christmas
he would earn some extra money catching and plucking turkeys. He always
seemed happy doing this type of work. After this, he had his own window
cleaning round and would always do odd jobs for people.
He would get his son Daniel and nephew Kalum to collect tin cans for him,
they would stamp on the cans and he would take the cans to the scrap yard
and get 1p per can. He would always make money somehow!
In his younger days - he always worked on the fair in the Maldon Road Park
on Carnival Day. His nickname was Bazil, due to his moustache!
Mark knew a lot of people in Witham, and never had a problem letting you
know he was there. He would call out "Alright, how you doing, Have you got
a fag, darling", and more often than not he would get his fag!
Many people helped Mark over the years; he would always be on the
benches around Witham. From the train station, to the river walk, to the
town. I am sure if you look close enough he will still be there!”.
30
Date for Princess Ball 1st July 2017
in aid of Victor Community College
and it is still not yet raining men
Situations vacant for:Chefs
Sous Chefs
Waiters
Washer Uppers
Helpers to clear away after the ball
Applications to Eve Murfitt please.
No CV required, just a willingness
to take part.
31
Wordsearch
King George VI
The coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth took place at
Westminster Abbey 80 years ago this month, on 12th May 1937. It should
have been for Edward, of course, but he abdicated. That occasion marked
the BBC’s first official TV outdoor broadcast. It was the first coronation to
be filmed: the 40-strong camera crew inside the Abbey had to wear evening
dress. As in the film The King’s Speech, there was concern about the King’s
stutter, but he delivered his speech without a problem. He later wrote to the
Archbishop: “I felt I was being helped all the time by Someone Else, as you
said I would.”
Coronation
King
George
Queen
Elizabeth
Westminster
Abbey
Eighty
Edward
Abdicated
BBC
Outdoor
Broadcast
Filmed
Camera
Delivered
Problem
Helped
Someone
Else
32
Crew
Evening
Dress
Speech
Stutter
33
34
May
Sunday Services
Week
Times
Services
7th
10.30
12.30
6.30
Family Worship, Communion
Ignite
Evening Worship
14th
10.30
12.30
6pm
Family Worship
Fellowship Lunch
Christian Aid at Methodist Church
21st
6.00
10.30
12.30
5.30
Sunrise Service
Family Worship
Ignite
E-Quip
28th
10.30
6.30
Family Worship and Baptism
Evening Worship
Tuesday Praise led By
May 2
9
16
23
30
Jo Wright
Father David
Sue King
Alex Jeewan
Jo Wright
35
Diary Notes :
May 2017
Meeting Point and
The Centre Shop
Monday to Saturday inclusive
from 9.30am to 12.30pm - closed 14th and 17th
Daytime Bible Study
Tuesdays 10.30 - 12.00
Tuesday Praise
Tuesdays 12.30 - 12.50
Small Talk
Wednesdays 10.00 - 11.30am
and 1 - 2.30 pm in term time
Friday Fellowship
Fridays 10.30 - 2.30pm
Ladies Group
Thursday 4th May 2-4pm
Elders’ Meeting
Tuesday 9th May 7.45pm
Afternoon Tea
Monday 15th May 3.00 - 4.00pm
Child Contact
Saturday 6th and 20th May
1.30 - 4.30pm
Curry Banquet
Saturday 13th May 6.30 pm
in aid of Victor Community College
Forecourt Sale
Saturday 13th May 9 am - 12 noon
for Christian Aid
Church Meeting
Tuesday 23rd May 7.45pm
36
Minister
Revd
Lorna Bantock
571757
Youth Pastor
Mrs
Viv Sollis
500958
Pastoral Elders
Mrs
Gerry Moscrop
Kelvedon and
Hatfield Peverel
Mrs
Rose Reader
South
Mr
David Wellings
South
Mrs
Maureen Barry
North
Mr
Doug Sandles
East & Wickham Bishops
Mr
Billy Kennedy
Property
Mrs
Muriel Heppinstall
Centre Pastoral Team
Co-ordinator
Mrs
Eve Murfitt
500958
Centre Director
Mrs
Deborah Robinson
500958
Centre Managers
Mrs
Rocio MacDonald
500958
Mrs
Bridgit Eichbaum
500958
Outreach/Mission
Mr
Bob Stibbards
Church Secretary
Mr
Tony Deighton
Church Treasurer
Mr
Ian Hardie
Discipleship/Growth
Mr
Audrey Kennedy
Worship
Mr
Chris Lawrence
Youth/Children
Mr
Gavin McCall
Prayer Chain
Co-ordinator
Mrs
Rosemary Stinson
Magazine Editors
West
518866
Jo & Bob Stibbards
37
516602
01621 891102
It was a wonderful sight to see the back hall so full and noisy for
Messy Church on Good Friday. Well done to all who enabled
this to happen.
38
We are most grateful for your contributions
please keep them coming.
If you would like to receive the Magazine by email
please let us have your details
Please note that the
deadlines for items for the
June 2017 Church Magazine are
MORNING SERVICE : 14th May
articles can be sent by e-mail to
[email protected]
up to Wednesday, 17th May
39
An evening not to be missed
Curry Banquet
In aid of Victor Community College
Date: Saturday, 13th May 2017
Venue: Witham URC
Time: 6.30 pm
Tickets: Adults £10 per person
Children £5 each
Available from the Centre Office or Shirley Ratnage
Featuring our very own Super Chefs Moe and Laura
40