DIARY DATES
May 2016
1st
1st
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
8th
10th
11th
12th
13-15
15th
22nd
23rd
Circuit Easter Offering Service tea 5pm, service 6.30pm at Central
Polyphant Chapel Anniversary 10.30am
Lifton Special Family Service 10.30am.
Communion Service at Pendruccombe 2.15pm.
Communion Service with prayers for healing, Dingley Hall. 10.15am.
Coads Green Sunday School Anniversary to be followed by tea. 4-30pm
Coads Green Sunday School Anniversary 11am & 6-30pm.
South Petherwin Chapel Anniversary celebrations 3pm
League of Prayer Dingley Hall 7.30pm.
MWiB Spring District Rally Tamar Valley Methodist Church.
Service at Cedar Grange 2.15pm.
Yeolmbridge “Everything Stops For Tea” celebrations
Central Sunday School 200th Anniversary 10.30am.
Wesley Day Celebrations
South Petherwin Lunch Club 12.30pm
The magazine of the
Launceston Area
Methodist Church
May 2016
Edition 159
Editorial Team:
Viv and Evelyn Sandercock, Mary Cole, Glennis Tunbridge,
Marion Allen, Catherine Jones-Bastard and Pauline Daniel.
Collator: Richard Wright.
All articles for the June issue to the Circuit Office
no later than 15th May 2016.
Items submitted after this date may be withheld or used in a subsequent edition.
Please ensure items are clearly marked for Spotlight and include contact details.
Whilst every effort is made to print forwarded material, its inclusion cannot be
guaranteed. All items are printed at editorial team discretion.
Websites: www.lamc.org.uk www.central-methodist.org.uk
Launceston Area Methodist Circuit - Registered Charity no: 1138314
Contact Information:
Revd Malcolm Jones Tel: 01566 776603. Email: [email protected]
Revd Jo Smart Tel: 01566 782921 Email: jcsmar [email protected]
Circuit Youth Pastor Sam Beazley Tel: 07540 107655
Circuit Office, Richard Wright, Dingley Hall, Castle Str eet, Launceston, PL15 8BA.
Tel./Fax: 01566 772797 Email: [email protected] Office open Tue.and Thur 9.30 am to 1pm
24
1
Pastoral Letter
Dear Friends
"Dear God, Are you real? Some people don't believe it, so if you are
you better do something quick" - Harriet Ann "Dear God, Instead of
letting people die and having to make new ones, why don't you just
keep the ones you got now?" - Jane "Dear God, My Dad is smart;
maybe he could help you" - Margo.
Some of you may recognize these quotes from a book I was
surprised to discover was first published forty years ago entitled
Children's Letters to God. In sorting out some boxes from our loft I
have found letters written by our children many years ago, and we are
very fortunate to have grandchildren who still write to us, though they
only live around the corner, to say thank you for presents we have
given them. Mind you, I have to say that we have given many presents
to adults at various times and not received any indication of
appreciation or thanks. Obviously saying "thank you" is no longer
"cool", to use the modern jargon. If we have stopped saying thank you
to family and friends no wonder so many have also stopped saying
thank you to God. How can people look around us at the spring
flowers and not be grateful?
I am fortunate in being given the opportunity to go into one of our
Junior Schools each week to listen to the pupils read. As I look at their
record books sometimes it is several weeks since anybody at home
listened to them read. I suppose the reason is that parents are too
busy, and each of us has to be responsible for how we use our time.
Before I used to go out to evening meetings I tried, but often failed, to
listen to our children read and chat about their day at school. That was
a real privilege and a joy. It's fascinating what I learn now in a few
moments of conversation with a 7 or 8 year old, after he/she has read
to me in school; only my commitment to confidentiality prevents me
from sharing some real insights into home life today!
I was not surprised therefore, to discover very few modern houses
have a Dining Room, if they have one it's called a Reception Room;
because fewer families sit around a table at meal times and if they do
adults and children are often using the time to catch up on messages
received on their mobile phones or checking for information on the
internet. Perhaps this is why a recent report has discovered a declining
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Delarre ended her message with the song ’Don’t assume God has
dismissed you from his mind.’ After prayer we again sang together of
God’s love for us all.
The next meeting will be on Tuesday May 10th at 7.30pm in the
Dingley Hall. The speaker will be Revd. Paul Smith and all are
welcome.
Pat White
THE LITTLE RED BUS EXCURSIONS
May 2016
Sun 1st
Wed 4th
Thur 12th
Sat 14th
Wed 18th
Sat 21st
Organ Festival at Dingles Fairground, Lifton
Truro ( arrive 11am leave 4pm)
Lanhydrock House (NT) Nr Bodmin
Moretonhampstead (Dartmoor town)
Bude
Dance at St Giles on the Heath, Coronation Hall
(Bring & Share & raffle)
Our AGM at Trethorne Leisure Farm 7pm
Lunch at Halfway House St Neot (A38)
Thur 26th
Sun 29th
£5
£14
£8
£10
£8
£8
Information from www.littleredbus.org or 01566 777960.
Office open Monday to Friday 10am - 12noon
C())** M(+,-,./
May 2016
3rd
4th
4th
10th
11th
14th
17th
24th
31st
Central 10.00 - 12noon. Hosted by League of Friends
Trebullett 10.30 - 12noon
Lifton 10.30am
Central 10.00 - 12noon. Hosted by St Luke’s Hospice
Polyphant with Book Club 10.00 - 11.30am
South Petherwin 10.30am
Central 10.00 - 12noon. Hosted by Broadwood Church
Central 10.00 - 12noon. Hosted by Broadwood Chapel
Central 10.00 - 12noon. Hosted by Lifton Chapel
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Our speaker for the April meeting was Delarre Irvin who brought
her message in beautiful songs and in spoken word. Her reading was
from John 21 vs 1-19, the appearance of Jesus on the shore of Lake
Galilee while they were fishing. This story, she said, was about Jesus’
love for his disciples, and she sang ‘Love reached out to me’,
accompanying herself on her guitar.
She said the disciples had waited in Jerusalem, after the
resurrection, but that Simon Peter (Simon the name from his old life
and Peter the new name Jesus gave him for his new life), confused
and not really knowing what to believe or do, decided to go back to
his old life for a while and go fishing. Sometimes we are unsure about
the way ahead in spiritual things or in other areas of our lives and
wonder if we should go back to what we know.
He and the other disciples fished all night but caught nothing. This
is a picture of how we sometimes do things the way we know, in our
own strength and the results are disappointing. We may set up good
things but if they are not Spirit led, we labour in vain. The disciples
needed to change, to fish in new areas. Jesus had called them to be
fishers of men.
The disciples were ready to give up and go home, but heard the
voice tell them to cast the net on the right side of the boat where
they found so many fish that they could not haul them into the boat.
They had fished all night in the dark with a small light to attract the
fish, but the presence of the Light of the World had produced
amazing results. When we are ready to give up Jesus tells us to try
again and leave him to bring results. When Jesus is involved, whether
it be a family problem, illness or Church situation, he brings peace
and leads us through. Many may feel they have laboured for a
lifetime with few results but Jesus calls us to try again, with him.
The disciples had cast their nets into the dark waters of the lake,
but now Jesus cast into the depths of Peter’s life and dealt with the
problem of his denial. He asked if Peter loved him and then showed
that he loved Peter, not by dwelling on his failures but showing him
that his redemptive love would set him free and transform his life,
giving him work to do as an out pouring of Peter’s life for Jesus.
So Jesus says to us ‘Do you love me?’ If we do, his love for us will
similarly make us useful in his service.
The end of this passage about Peter, as an old man, being led
where he didn’t want to go, signifies to us that there are times when
we have limitations on our willingness, but we need to submit every
part of our being to him. He pushes us further than we want to go,
but whatever our age, situation or gifts, he will take us on one step at
a time. If we love him we will then be able to show his love to others.
22
standard of conversational skills in young people. It indicated that
this was not something governed by the economic or social status
of the family but the direct result of fewer parents listening to their
children. Surprise, surprise!
Listening to children is for me, a Gospel imperative. The only
incident in Christ's childhood which is recorded in the Gospels
concerns Jesus, at the age of twelve, giving his parents the slip in
order to converse with men five times his age in the Jerusalem
Temple. The record is quite specific, "They were amazed at his
questions and at the answers he gave"; a clear indication that the
conversation was two-way.
In my opinion, many of the happiest families are not those
where overworked parents watch the clock as they spend a few
minutes "quality time" with their offspring; but homes in which
parents and grandparents engage with the questions their children
are asking and are amazed at the "wisdom" of those so young.
They learn with them and from them.
Despite our labour saving device filled homes, we still have
problems managing our time, but when we do the rewards are
incredible. Make time for letter writing, remember to say "Thank
You" and listen to young people, you will be amazed how these
little things can make such a big difference to your life, whatever
your age.
Every best wish,
Keith
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Sunday 8th May at 3.00pm
To be led by Revd. Jo Smart
Followed by a cream tea
All are welcome
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Wednesday17thAugust,7.30pm
Tickets£10fromBeckyStephens
on01566782824,
priceincludesapasty
Proceedsforchapel,
schoolandvillagehall.
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Thursday2ndJune3.00-5.00pm
VictoriaHouse,thehomeofLes&MargaretBaker.
Price:£4.00
AlsoaBring&BuyStall.
3
Around The Churches
Within the Methodist Church there are two types of Minister, Presbyteral
Ministers and Diaconal Ministers. These are both of equal status and receive
identical training. The difference being that Diaconal Ministers are part of a
Religious Order. This Order is a dispersed Community of both men and women.
We meet together in small area groups regularly and once a year we meet
together for a week’s Convocation in Derby.
As an Order we live by the Rule of Life. This governs our devotional life and
as such our lives are centred on prayer, fellowship, worship and Holy
Communion. Being part of an Order we carry out similar duties to our
Presbyteral colleagues but we don’t preside at Holy Communion.
P
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Our Lent lunch was held on 4 March this year when a choice of
several homemade soups were served by ladies from the Chapel.
Although we were few in number we raised £113 for Christian Aid.
We welcomed Revd Jo Smart to lead our Easter Sunday
celebrations. It was a family service so we were pleased to
welcome several members of Revd. Jo’s own family and many of our
friends from the village. Thanks must be given to Rita, Pam, Pat and
Di who decorated the chapel with a lovely display of Easter flowers,
also to Pam Sobey who donated Easter eggs which were much
appreciated by adults and children alike. Communion was taken and
all present enjoyed celebrating together this special day in our
Church calendar. Tea and coffee was later served.
We now look forward to our Chapel Anniversary service on 1st
May led by Mr D Wenmoth from Callington and a Sunday School
Anniversary service on 3rd July led by Mr J Langston from Saltash.
Alix Watt
S
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On Friday 18th March we held our Lent Hunger Lunch. A choice of
homemade soup and rolls were served, followed by cheese and
biscuits, tea and coffee, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all those
who attended. As a result a donation of £90 was sent to Christian
Aid.
A series of half an hour prayer meetings are being held regularly
for the life of the chapel. These are being led by Revd Jo Smart. All
are welcome as we pray together to discern God`s will for the chapel
and the community in which we have been placed. These are
normally held on Mondays between 6:30–7:00 pm, the dates of
which are confirmed in our weekly notice sheets.
Mary Stoneman
4
Our calling as Deacons is to bridge the gap between the Church and the
community. We follow the discipline of upholding our communities in prayer and
serving them where needed. Our ministries are to work both within the Church
as a Minister as well as within the community. This leads to a rather fluid and
sometimes misunderstood ministry. The simplest way to explain it is that
Deacons are Ordained Ministers who have a call to bridge the gap between the
established Church and the communities in which they’re stationed.
For the past year I have been living in Birmingham during the week and
traveling back to Launceston to work within the Circuit at the weekends. This
hasn’t always been easy and I have appreciated your prayerful support as
myself and my family have made the necessary adjustments to this rather
chaotic way of life! God has been good and I have coped well with the heavy
workload and the constant travelling which isn’t always easy when suffering from
multiple sclerosis.
Why am I doing it? Because I feel this is where I’m meant to be. God
sometimes calls you to do crazy things, if we obey he will be the strength we
need. For me I have been taken completely out of my comfort zone but we are
all on a journey. The journey for me has been exciting, scary, frustrating and so
interesting .It’s been a real voyage of discovery and I am constantly amazed at
God’s goodness. I can honestly say that when God calls, God equips. I also
know that I couldn’t be doing this without the love and support of my family and
friends and I’m grateful to all of you.
This Summer I will be working in Lambeth, London. I will spend six weeks
there learning on the job. I’m looking forward to the challenge and to gaining
fresh experience. I just hope I don’t get too lost on the underground!
This time next year, God willing, we will know where I will be stationed for the
next two years as a Probationer. This will obviously be a huge change for all of
us. Your continued love and support would be appreciated as we, as a family,
prepare to leave what has been both our physical and spiritual home our whole
lives.
Love and prayers, Jenny.
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W
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Wear Love Out is a Christian project set up last year to serve and reach the
community of Launceston. With a heart for demonstrating love to others and
taking the church into the community, our aim is to show God’s love to the
community through practical acts of kindness.
Over the past year, we have seen God’s provision in the projects we have
completed by providing resources, finance and practical support from
volunteers to undertake a range of projects. Wear Love Out has received great
support from local organisations and members of the community, many of
whom are not yet linked with a church community; we have also been
overwhelmed with the positive impact the projects have had on the Launceston
community and the encouraging way people have talked about the church and
the work of Wear Love Out.
Some of the WLO projects during 2015 included: a cake delivery to all public
services staff and staff at residential homes in Launceston, clean and freshen
up the site for the Lanstephan play area, paint and clean the Bridge Community
Centre during the renovation and support a Christmas event in Central
Methodist on the eve of late night shopping. Alongside the larger community
projects, we have also provided meals and supplies for families and helped a
family move house. Most recently we have partnered with the Bridge
Community Centre to deliver Easter eggs to residents in an area of Launceston.
As we continue to identify ways to show love to people in Launceston,
please pray for the work of Wear Love Out within our community, that it would
continue to positively impact our area.
We are always looking for ways to show God’s love in Launceston, so if you
know of someone who you think would benefit from an act of kindness or know
of a project Wear Love Out can support, please contact us using the links
below.
You can find out more or contact us via the website: wearloveout.org.uk on our
Wear Love Out Facebook page or send us an email: [email protected]
Naomi Thomas
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Each Sunday during lent we dressed the cross, adding a different
symbol each week as we thought about the days leading up to Good
Friday.
On Maundy Thursday Revd Jo Smart led us in a reflective evening.
This involved several of the congregation as they read passages of
scripture depicting the Easter story from the Passover right through
to the arrest of Jesus. At the beginning of the service candles were lit
for Jesus and his disciples and were extinguished at the appropriate
times as the Easter Story was unfolded. After the last candle was
extinguished the congregation remained silent for a while and then
each one left the chapel in silence reflecting on the sufferings of
Jesus.
Revd Keith Roberts led our Easter Sunday service with
communion. During the first hymn each person present placed a
spring flower in the empty cross to remind us of that first Easter day,
when Jesus rose from the dead and the new life he offers to each of
us. Easter & the love of Jesus continued to be the theme as the
children went into the parlour for Messy Sunday School and the
youth group met for their time together.
Margaret Venning
On Friday 15th April, an enthusiastic gathering of all ages met in
the village hall for what turned out to be a very enjoyable evening.
Under the expert tuition of Jo and Andi Smart, many found out they
were natural salsa dancers (some were not!) but without exception,
everyone had a go. Little did we think that this traditional dance
could be interpreted in so many different ways! After an hour's
tuition everyone sat down to a hot Latin meal, expertly cooked and
served by Andi Smart, Oliver Stephens and Mike Hooper. The hall
had been colourfully decorated for the evening which all helped to
create an ambience and a quiz had been prepared for those who
couldn't stand the pace!
Thanks to all concerned, a good profit was made for chapel funds.
What next? Watch this space.
Becky Stephens
A Letter from Jenny Parnell…….
T
Greetings friends,
I thought it was time to give you all an update. A lot has happened since I
left for Birmingham in September. So a few facts about what I’m doing and
why I’m doing it…..
First of all what I’m doing. I’m training at Queens Foundation Theological
College in Birmingham. I’ve nearly completed my first year of training to be an
Ordained Diaconal Minister within the Methodist Church.
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Easter for the Chapel started on Good Friday, 25th March, when
Revd Jo Smart with the help of her husband, Andi, led a thought
provoking and moving service. Over 60 people attended and then
stayed with us for the Lent Lunch. After the service the bare cross
was taken from the chapel to the green outside.
This year’s Lent Lunch was most successful with not only those
5
who had attended the morning service but several other friends from
around the circuit coming to join us for the soup, bread and cheese.
Easter Sunday was celebrated with a joyful service led by Mrs
Mary Hills. The Cross had been brought back into the chapel and all
present helped to decorate it with flowers. Small Easter Eggs were
distributed by the children before they left us for Kids Aloud. The
children made a wonderful Easter Garden which was displayed at the
front of the chapel after the service. The decorated cross was taken
out to the green as a symbol of the new life that Jesus gave us when
he died on the cross.
On Sunday 10th April Trebullett wasn’t planned for a local
preacher or minister – it was time for another “own arrangement
service” when our stewards arrange the service. However, on this
occasion the date coincided with a weekend away for Launceston
Male Voice choir so that our numbers were very much depleted and
only Jill as steward was left to plan the service. As it seemed
unlikely that there would be many attending that morning, we
decided to have an informal service in the Hall, café style with
coffee, tea and croissants. The service was based on prayer and
psalm 100. We had 13 attending including one visitor and all
enjoyed our hymns, prayers and readings and, of course, the coffee
and croissants. A new friend of Trebullett, Sheila Burt, played
beautifully for us – thank you Sheila. Perhaps we will have more
services like this in the year to come.
The Bible Study sessions during Lent were most successful and a
second course started in April and will continue through May. This
time we are using another York Study, Faith under Fire. The sessions
are on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month at Trebullett Hall starting
at 1.45. Please come along and join us – there is no requirement to
attend each session.
Our next event is our annual Strawberry Tea on Sunday 26th June
when you are welcome to join us for strawberries and cream,
delicious cakes and tea. Tickets will be available at the beginning of
June from Trebullett Chapel members.
Jill Price
police tear gas attack and we had to leave the camp quickly. Tear gas
attacks are frequent - most often when someone is trying to get onto a lorry
going into the port. The atmosphere in the camp changed very quickly - people running everywhere. We left safely, unharmed and thank Jesus for His
protection over the team.
Jill, summarised it so beautifully for us: The weekend was heart breaking
but a total privilege to be useable by God.
Despite all the trials and tribulations God is in that place and in the
refugee crisis. We might not really see but our team experienced it during
the church service and ultimately God’s Word says so. In Psalm 46 it says
He is a very present help in trouble and that “God is in the midst of her, she
shall not be moved. God shall help her, just at the break of dawn”. His Word
fails not. We are thankful for serving a God that is faithful, never changing
and always keeping His promises.”
Blessings,
Edme Brink
Cornwall District Methodist Women in Britain
SPRING DISTRICT DAY
Wednesday 11th May 2016
Tamar Valley Methodist Church, Drakewalls
10.00am to 3.45pm
HOSPITALITY AS A GIFT OF THE SPIRIT
With Mrs Margaret Smith
Followed by a Cream Tea
Please bring a packed lunch. Tea and coffee will be provided
All welcome to what will be an interesting and enjoyable day.
C
The Tuesday Group met on 15th March and President
Jacqueline Robbins welcomed everyone, read out the notices and
handed around a letter of thanks and a photo of Shenbagam from
India, who we sponsor for school in a Goodwill Home. She had
enclosed a lovely picture of herself in a new dress which she had
bought with the money sent from us.
Mrs Janet Barriball, our speaker, called her talk “Images of
Easter”. After a hymn and prayers, she spoke of the meaning of
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Epiphany Retreat House Truro
29th September-2nd October Fabric Art
Tutor Claire Watts fabric artist and creative arts facilitator
& Revd Canon Roger Clifton.
Beginners and experienced people welcomed.
Cost £195 full board. Contact no. 01872 242279 or see website.
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The Church with no walls reaching out to Calais…
When Creation Fest started to plan our second trip to Calais, opening it up
so that more people could join, our prayer was that God would build the team
and send the right people. As always, He is faithful and answered our prayers.
God put together a team of 8 from 7 different churches and denominations
across Cornwall – all loving Jesus and stirred by the refugee crisis. Every one
of them ready to do what is needed in Calais. Having spent 3 days in one of
the distribution warehouses and in the camp with the refugees, the generosity
of people were remarkable. Claire and John who have put their own lives on
hold to run one of the distribution warehouses, Care4Calais. The number of
volunteers who work so hard sorting, distributing and are all there at their own
expense. Hilda who does amazing things with 2 small electric rings to produce
a hot lunch for sometimes up to 90+ volunteers. The people from across
Europe who have donated goods. The 70 year old pastor who comes over from
England to minister to the church and sleeps in the camp and the much needed
medics who are there offering vaccinations and medical care (especially
against the current measles epidemic). The list is endless.
We spent some time in the camp where we observed, listened, talked and
shared some laughs with the refugees. With more than 6000 people living in
“the jungle” from more than 10 countries, the stories are endless. Each has a
unique story for leaving or fleeing their home country but most of them have a
common goal - to get to England. We met:
• Saboor, our Afghanistan friend that we met during our previous trip, fleeing
his country because he was being threatened by the Taliban. A qualified
engineer with about 10 years work experience with good English and hoping to
come to England.
• Harry, a 24 year old Iranian, well-educated and with good English. He
travelled on a boat with 2000 other people to reach Greece and then by bus to
Calais. He spoke of the fear that was in the boat. Now living in a tent he was
wearing clothes that had been given to him. He was a delightful young man,
who although desperate to get to England, was prepared to wait for the right
legal documents.
On the Sunday we joined the church, and a group from London, for morning
worship. The time of worship was beautiful, once again in multiple languages.
The pastor spoke from John 14:1 and Psalm 27 exhorting everyone that peace
and joy is not in our circumstance or in a country… but it is where God is!
We were really saddened by the news that less than 24 hours after we
attended the church, the church and “houses” of the believers around it were
bulldozed by the French police with very little warning. Much of the church
equipment and personal belongings being destroyed. Please continue to pray
for the group of believers in the camp.
One of our continued prayers was for safety because we know the camp in
Calais is very volatile. Our trip and visit to the camp were cut short due to a
18
Easter. Children might say it would be chocolate eggs, rabbits and
fluffy chicks, but she would think of purple cloth, hammer and nails,
coins, orb and the plain wooden cross.
She told the story of the boy and the boat he made, it sailed so
fast down the river he lost it, then years later he saw it in a shop
window and used his savings to buy it back. After another hymn we
were each given a picture of a passion flower and its story. It has 10
petals to represent the apostles in Christianity excluding St. Peter
and Judas, or the 10 commandments; the corona represents the
crown of thorns; the 5 anthers the 5 sacred wounds; and the 3
stigmas the 3 nails used during Crucifixion. We will certainly look at
them differently in the future. Tea and biscuits were served
by Rosemary O’Brien, Sheila Barriball and Joan Uglow.
Easter Services began on Maundy Thursday with an early evening
meeting in Dingley to remember the Last Supper with communion.
On Good Friday the Walk of Witness around town with other
churches was followed by a service in church, which was simply
decorated with a closed tomb, the cross with the crown of thorns,
purple robe, nails and 30 pieces of silver. We heard of events
leading to crucifixion. Despite the sadness and desperation of
disciples there was hope to follow the dark time. The disciples had
been told of the hope but did not understand or believe.
Easter Day began with a Sunrise service at 6am in Coronation
Park. It was dark but the birds were singing the dawn chorus. The
resurrection was celebrated with singing, meditations and readings
and a walk to talk and pray and greet each other.
For the Easter Morning Family Service the church was full with
families and friends for a joyful, lively, interactive time of worship.
The singing was accompanied jointly by Ali and the band together
with the organ. The church was beautifully decorated with flowers
on the window sills, large stands and around the cross as well as the
empty tomb.
The children blew bubbles to signify new life rising all around. We
heard how Mary was called by name and although she didn’t
recognise Jesus in person, she knew him when he spoke her name.
Mary then went to tell the disciples the good news, reminding us
that when Jesus calls us by name it is so that we too can go out and
tell others that he is alive.
Vera Ellacott and Pat White
Books of the Bible – The Answers
Mark; Luke; Kings; Acts; Revelations; James; Ruth; Numbers;
Job; Amos; Esther; Judges; Titus; Lamentations; Hebrews; Peter.
7
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Tea Party and Skittles and Pasties. The first was a venture into
the unknown. Whilst obviously we could have dealt with more
people, it was a great success. Some of the best china was brought
out for the occasion which included cake stands from a bygone era.
As always the food at Tregadillett did not let the occasion down. So
the atmosphere was set for a special afternoon. As well as most
regular worshippers being present, it was good to welcome some
fresh faces. It was good to hear that a few were intending to join us.
Thanks have to go to the members of Launceston churches lead by
Tim Everitt who managed the kitchen. After the expressions of
delight it will probably happen again.
Our recently published leaflet about the Church has been met
with surprise and great approval. Basically it is saying that we have
a purpose. It was from this, that our recent events have blossomed.
Skittles and Pasties. Again the emphasis of enjoyment is a
required element. So it was. Again we could have managed more
people but the success is always based on customer satisfaction`.
Rev Malcolm was in a class of his own, not only winning the highest
individual male skittler but also won the paper quiz along with Jude.
They have not been beaten in that category yet- but we will try at a
future date—we promise. Perhaps some obscure country customs?
We shall see!
Terry Jones
Yeolmbridge Methodist Church
presents
‘Everything Stops for Tea’
A Celebration of Hospitality
portrayed in flowers and artefacts.
Friday 13th and Saturday 14th May, 11am – 6pm
Sunday 15th May, 11am – 6.30pm
Programme and Cup of Tea £2.50
Sunday 15th May Service at 6.30pm
led by Rev. Cathy Arscott
with music by Shelley Jeffery and Bel Canto
the Tea Room will be serving
Morning coffee and cakes,
Light lunches and
Afternoon teas
throughout the weekend.
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Friends met at the Chapel on Maundy Thursday evening for a
contemplative time to symbolise the Last Supper when communion
was shared - this was led by Revd’s Howard and Anne Curnow.
On Good Friday we joined St Mary’s Church for a United Service
when many met at the Strawberry Fields for a Walk of Witness to the
Church.
Rev Anne Curnow led the Easter Sunday Service and communion
was shared. The service was well attended and it was lovely to see
so many children–eleven in all–who all went home with Easter Eggs.
Coffee and biscuits were enjoyed afterwards. The organist for the
morning was Christine Balsdon.
Coffee Mornings:
Our next monthly coffee morning will be on Wednesday 4th May at
the chapel at 10.30am with Rev Keith Roberts: ‘A Minister on the
move’.
Wednesday 1st June - coffee morning – 10.30am with Mrs Anne
Rowe.
All are welcome
Diane Northey
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TALA VALLEY UPHOLSTERY
Antique and Modern Upholstery
Footstools, Headboards and Ottoman Boxes
Handmade to Order
Alan Lewis 01566 785532
Mobile 07778 910322
Border Villa, Boyton
PL15 8NW
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A STEP BACK IN TIME
We at Polyphant are looking forward to a Sunday School
Anniversary with a difference.
We hope to recreate an Anniversary Service from the 50’s and 60’s
using Hymns and tunes from the ‘Dewsbury Sets’ which some of you
may remember were obtained from Peace Brothers, in Dewsbury,
Yorkshire. The idea came about when friends were turning out drawers
and came across some of this music. They thought it was a shame to
throw it out and asked me if I would like it.
‘’Last summer, we took Auntie Rita out on a mystery trip around
Cornwall and in the process called on David Cowling a past Sunday
school scholar and church member at Polyphant. He was very pleased
to see us and said I was the very person he had been thinking about
lately, “you will never guess what I found when clearing out Mum’s
bungalow”, he continued, “Sunday School Anniversary music! ”It was
dated 1956 used by Ann Baker (now Ann Moore) and also his own
copy”.
As I had recently been thinking of such past events I felt it was a
sign from the Lord telling me to recreate a Sunday School Anniversary
before I was much older.
It’s all going to happen on Sunday July 3 starting at 3pm. Followed
by an Anniversary Tea. We are welcoming back Julian Langston from
Saltash as our special preacher for the service who has his own
information on such occasions to add to the event.
We would love to hear from any children who would like to take part
and Ladies feel free to dig out your hats to wear on this special
occasion!
May all roads lead to Polyphant on 3rd July. If you would like to take
part or need more information please PHONE ME ON 01566 86525 I
would like to hear from you.
God Bless
Pam Harris.
News and Views
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An account of a visit to a Circuit by the Rev. Steve Wild during his
Presidential Year condensed and extracted from View from the Pew by
Christine Kinch in The Methodist Recorder.
Earlier in Lent, my circuit had a visit from the President, and I will confess
here that I was not looking forward to it at all. Sorry if that sounds churlish, but
I come from a very different way of ‘doing Methodism’ from his.
I would need anaesthetising before I would ever dream of ‘coming to the
front’. Yet I found his message both challenging and stimulating and I found
his sheer energy completely infectious!
Steve Wild’s message was simple-that not one is beyond the pale-exactly
the same message of the earliest Methodists and indeed of Jesus himself.
This was not couched in theological niceties, but spoken from the heart in
a language we could all understand, with stories from real life-many of which
had the congregation chuckling out loud at Steve’s sense of humour, mixed
with a profound love of people.
I lost count of the times he used the word ‘unconditional’- a word that is
burning into the heart of every Methodist. As he spoke, I found myself rejoicing in how broad a Church Methodism is and how we have always found
strength in diversity.
And Steve Wild’s visit reminds me that the Church is like a prism
reflecting the pure light of God but separating it into a spectrum of colours –
each with its own understanding of mission and each with its job to do, fired
up with all the energy it needs.
Energy–that great Easter gift from God, dramatically reinforced at
Pentecost.
With acknowledgement and thanks to Christine Kinch and The Methodist
Recorder.
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Every month there is a service at Cedar Grange, led by a small group of
volunteers from Central. It is held on the second Thursday of each month,
and begins approximately at 2.15pm (Approximately, because it takes some
time to get frail residents from far flung parts of the building!) We are indebted
to the staff who go to so much trouble to get them there and kindly stay to help
when needed, as well as preparing the room beforehand. Sometimes
numbers have been small but recently they have increased considerably, I
think because of the quality of the staff overseeing social activities.
This enterprise was begun about 25 years ago by Ivor and Pauline
Metherell at Miller House. When that closed and Cedar Grange was opened
the services continued there with various helpers, including Cathy Arscott,
Marguerite Smith, Mike and Angela Noakes, Pat Mogford, June Davey and
Jack Levis. I stepped in shortly before Cathy Arscott left.
The services are kept short, simple and informal, and the hymns are
usually the kind that are well-known by the older generation. Each hymn, in
large print, is handed out on a single A4 sheet at the point of usage; Hymn
books would be too hard to handle, and even the sheets tend to be dropped
quite often! Mike and Angela produce, bring and store these hymn-sheets, as
well as producing visual aids and taking charge of many of the services. For
many years, June Davey was our cheerful and faithful pianist; then she broke
her leg and was unable to come. Now Marion Allen has stepped into the
breach. We are very grateful to both for their invaluable help. When the
concentration span is limited, music, and especially hymns remembered from
the past, can have more lasting impact than a spoken message.
Once a quarter, the service is a Communion service, led by Revd Malcolm;
the remaining services are shared by the volunteers. For reasons of health
and age, our numbers have decreased. It would be lovely if there were more
of us. Don't fear that you'll have to "take a service" if you volunteer. Chatting
to residents before and after, handing out hymn-sheets, singing cheerfully
(and hopefully tunefully!), all helps.
Elizabeth Rodgers
COADS GREEN
SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY
Saturday 4th June at 4.30pm
To be followed by tea
Sunday 5th June
11.00 am Chris Harding
6.30 pm Jude Jones
Sunday School & Young People's Produc%on
At all three services.
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The Bible Society rally was held in the Dingley Hall on 16th March. Mrs
Christine Balsdon welcomed everyone and she then read an article about some
who helped to share the Bible with some of the refugees who are fleeing from
violence, war and persecution. Practical aid is also distributed to those in need.
Revd Anne Brown was then introduced. She told us how the Bible had a
great influence in her life. She was offered training for lay-reading and at first
rejected the opportunity but later, reluctantly, accepted and became a regular
lay-reader. Eventually Revd Anne had a change of heart and became an
ordained minister. She is moving shortly from Launceston and will be living and
working in west Cornwall. We wish her all the best in her new appointment.
Tea and refreshments were served and a collection was taken for the Bible
Society amounting to £103. Thank you to everyone for their support.
Jenifer Butler
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
PRAYER BEFORE AN EXAMINATION
Dear Lord, as I take this exam, I thank you that my value
Is not based on my performance, but on your great love for me.
Come into my heart so that we can walk through this time together.
Help me, not only with this test, but the many tests of life
that are sure to come my way.
As I take this exam, bring back to my mind everything I studied
and be gracious with what I have overlooked.
Help me to remain focused and calm, confident in the facts and in my ability,
and firm in the knowledge that no matter what happens today
you are there with me. Amen
It's exam time again and with that in mind, let us not forget the young people
in our community who are sitting tests and exams over the next few weeks. This
can be a stressful time for both students and teachers and it would be good if
we could support them with our prayers. God loves us all so much and is
concerned about every aspect of our lives including tests, exams and career
choices. He knows the plans he has for us. So...let us remember to pray for
our local schools and all who study and work there.
PRAY FOR SCHOOLS - If you would like to join with others to pray once a
month for the schools in this area, why not come to Launceston College from
8-9 pm on a Monday evening. The 3 remaining meetings for this term are as
follows: 9th May, 6th June, 4th July. For further information contact Rita Prout
on 01566 776926
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Wesley Cottage, Trewint
Launceston Street Pastors
Some good news concerning the Wesley Cottage Development Project. On
25th January the workmen arrived and the physical work commenced. Paul
Melling, a member of our project team writes; “The first phase has been to
strengthen the upper floor and demolish the partition walls that once formed two
bedrooms. Removing the flat ceiling revealed three probably original trusses
and these have become a feature in the open plan upstairs room which now
has a vaulted ceiling. Downstairs the woodchip wall paper has been removed
and a complete redecoration carried out. The main rooms have been rewired
with LED lighting and a new heating system is being installed. Once the new
timber windows are fitted this listed building will be well equipped as a meeting
space for study days and as a museum and visitor centre.”
Summer Opening
Wesley Cottage reopens for the summer on Tuesday 3rd May. Opening
hours until 31st October are Tuesday to Saturday 10am-4pm. If you would like
to bring a group to visit please arrange well in advance. Groups often come at
times when we are not open to the public. The popular lunches hosted by our
friends at Altarnun Parish Church will be available each Thursday from 12th May
until 15th September (except 28th July- Launceston Show)
2016 Wesley Day Celebrations on Sunday 22nd May
The programme will be as follows:
4pm Wesley Cottage Preach from the Porch. Preacher: Rev Liz Smith;
Service led by Rev Danny Reed.
Followed by Tea at Altarnun Parish Church Hall
6.30pm Launceston Male Voice Choir will sing at Altarnun Parish Church
7pm Evening Worship at Altarnun Parish Church. Preacher: Rev Andrew
Hill; Service led by Rev Deryn Roberts and Mr John Hogarth
Study Days
The work of Wesley Cottage continues in many ways, our study days continue to be popular with the following coming up in the next few months:
Monday 9th May 10am-3pm “Screwtape and the Church Today”
Led by Mr John Hogarth and Mrs Janey Fisher
Monday 6th June 10am-3pm “Discovering Acts: The Adventure Begins”
Led by Rev John Wiltshire
Monday 18th July 10am-3pm “Wesleyan Spirituality” led by Rev Paul Smith
There is no charge but places are limited so contact Wesley Cottage to book:
Telephone 01566 880265 or email: [email protected]
John Hogarth
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Street Pastors are volunteers from Churches in
and around Launceston who patrol the town on
Saturday nights from 10pm – 1am, caring, helping
and listening to anyone who needs assistance or a
sympathetic ear. We, famously, give out flip flops
to girls that can’t manage their high heels and
lollipops that help to diffuse situations, working
alongside the Police and CCTV. Street Pastors are
supported by a Prayer Team at the base and
others committed to praying from home. Team
members not only come from the town but also live in the local villages up to 8
miles away.
Launceston Street Pastors are approaching their 3rd Anniversary and are an
established part of the town’s nightlife but now need new recruits, due to
existing team members, either moving from the area or having home
commitments. We are in need of both male and female Street Pastors and
Prayer Pastors.
The criteria for a Street Pastor: Aged 18 years (no upper limit), be a member
of a local Church for at least 12 months, be prepared to take part in training
and undertake a DBS Check.
Prayer Pastors may join the team at any time.
We will be holding an
Open Evening
On Saturday, 18th June 7.30pm
at the Salvation Army Hall
(Street Pastors Base).
Please come along and see for yourself the role of Street and Prayer Pastors
in the town, have an opportunity to go on the Streets with an existing team
and ask questions. Refreshments will be provided.
For more info, please contact Rachel Bate (Co-ordinator): 01566 781429 or
email: [email protected] or speak to members of your own
churches that are Street or Prayer Pastors.
It is a wonderful privilege to be able to serve God in this way in our community, to be His Church in action on the streets.
www.lamc.org.uk
Your Circuit website - have you checked it out recently?
The circuit website at www.lamc.org.uk is a great way for the Launceston area
to keep up to date with everything that is going on in the circuit’s churches and
chapels. To take advantage of the site please send items to David Rogerson,
Glebe House, Lezant, Launceston PL15 9PP (01579 370412). Better still, if you
have access to email please send them to [email protected]
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And the building work continues–but there is an end in sight with everyone
working hard to get the main building work done. We have had our planning
permission change of use granted which is amazing and we are really excited
about that. I’m reminded of the verse in Romans 8 v 28 'And we know that for
those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called
according to his purpose.' As we continue to work in the Church building we
believe that this is God’s will and vision.
Sunday mornings have started with the core team meeting to be encouraged,
excited and become passionate about the vision of the church. This team is
really bonding together well and it is fair to say everyone is really stirred up to
see the lost saved.
EXCITING NEWS!
We are launching an Alpha Course. It starts on the 9th of May and is focused
on the people that come through the doors of the Bridge that have questions
about Christianity. But if you think of anyone that might really benefit from being
part of an Alpha course then call the Bridge and speak to Chanel and sign them
up. Spaces are limited! Also if you would like to help then please email
[email protected]
Costs:
The purchase of the new building was £800,000 of which we have loans
outstanding. The cost of repaying those loans are currently based over 20 years.
Year 1 - £982 per month
Year 2-20 - £1340 per month
Our current giving is just over £1,128.75 per month which is amazing. We are
praying for more people to give to this project monthly so we can start allocating
budgets for Children's work, Youth work, Outreach etc.
What to look out for in May!
The development of the new website.
Pictures of all the finished rooms and descriptions of each.
Sam Beazley
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Yeolmbridge Methodists opened their pipe organ at their chapel on
Thursday, replacing the harmonium which hitherto had led the singing.
Some Updates
We wanted to update people as to who is on the core team (leadership team)
of the Bridge Church:
Malcolm & Jude Jones; Sam & Mandee Beazley; Tim & Tiffany Hibbins;
Phil & Jo Parsons; Luke & Naomi Thomas; Ali Bunkum; Dave Banks;
Sarah Bellamy; Kat Lewis; David Lewis; Toby Lee.
Within that team we have Children's Team Leaders, Youth Team Leaders,
Worship Leader, Prayer Ministry Leader, Circuit Steward, Superintendent.
If there are concerns over what is happening within the Church building then
please see one of the team members or pop in and have a look around.
We have such an exciting opportunity to reach out in a completely new and
fresh way and we are already seeing people coming to Christ. Last Friday
during Shift we had two young people give their life to Christ whilst worshiping in
the new church.
Prayer
1. The cost of having boilers etc. we will find favour with people supplying
quotes;
2. The spiritual aspect of the church will be blessed and not hindered;
3. That we may take on the challenge of sending this newsletter to at least 1
person you think might be interested in reading about what's happening;
4. Thanks giving that we as a circuit are a part of something new and exciting;
5. Share this so everyone and anyone knows what's happening and can pray.
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God has a way of taking the most unlikely things and of somehow
fitting them into His purposes and using them for His plans.
In everything God works for good (Romans 8:28).
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Our group started by taking assemblies in St. Catherine’s and Egloskerry
schools. Up until Easter we visited St. Catherine’s every week and Egloskerry
every other week, following that we will now be at both schools every week.
We were given a very warm welcome at both schools and they seemed very
pleased with our presentation: it takes the form of an introduction, reading and
acting the Bible story, then a conclusion and a prayer- and the whole thing lasts
about 12 minutes. Then after that we went back to Launceston to practise for the
following week, using the rest of the week to make props and costumes.
We are grateful to God for the enormous privilege of going in to schools to
read Bible stories- we don’t preach or ad-lib, the head teacher has a copy of the
“Lion Storyteller Bible” and our handbook, so they know exactly what we are
going to say. Please continue to support all the different groups with your prayers.
Thank you.
Rosemary Paxman
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