Newsletter
AUTUMN 2016
Shalom is such a lovely word,
and is as old as time.
Its meaning covers many things like,
“I hope you’re feeling fine”.
And, “Peace with God", or “Peace to you”,
what a lovely way to greet
those who cross your path in life,
or friends that you will meet.
And so I pray that God’s shalom
will surround you every day,
in all you do, where’ere you go
along life’s narrow way.
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver." Proverbs 25.11
PASTOR S PAGE
The Season of Mist and
Mellow Fruitfulness
Fruitfulness
In September 1819, John Keats wrote his poem "To Autumn"
with its opening line ‘Season of mist and mellow fruitfulness’.
A year later he died. It describes, in three stanzas, three
different aspects of the season: its fruitfulness, its labour and
its ultimate decline. There is a progression from early autumn,
to mid-autumn and then to the heralding of winter. We are
about to enter this season. We will soon see more and more
of the trees change colour and the leaves eventually fall. The
weather will turn colder, more misty and damp. We will
celebrate Harvest, we will remember those killed in wars. The
evenings will draw in and get darker. And this will continue
steadily but surely until we are in the midst of winter.
The writer of Ecclesiastes (thought to be King Solomon) wrote
about seasons: ‘There is a time for everything and a season
for every activity under heaven’ (Ecclesiastes 3:1) or as The
Message puts it, ‘There’s an opportune time to do things, a
right time for everything on earth.’ As Christians we also have
seasons in our lives. There are the Winters when nothing much
seems to happen and we feel cold, stripped down and a bit
empty. Then comes Spring with all its promise of new life, hope
and promise. There are new beginnings, new opportunities and
new challenges. There is work to be done. Then comes
Summer when we can bask in the warmth of God’s love and
provision. This is a time to enjoy, to grow and to prosper
spiritually. Autumn comes next. This is the time of the Harvest.
Jesus said ‘I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain
in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me
you can do nothing’ (John 15:5). Later in the same chapter,
Jesus also said, ‘I chose you and appointed you to go and bear
fruit – fruit that will last’ (John 15:16). And this is what we
work and pray for as the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in
Colossae, ‘We pray this in order that you may live a life worthy
of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in
every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being
strengthened with all power’ (Colossians 1:10,11).
As with individual Christians, so churches have their seasons
as well. We may be just about to enter ‘the season of mellow
fruitfulness’ but is this the case with us spiritually as a church?
I suspect we are just entering our Spring – a time of new
beginnings, new opportunities and new challenges. There is
work to be done. God has been speaking to us about prayer.
This has to be a priority. He is challenging us about the radical
nature of our faith. He is calling us to step out of our comfort
zone. It was the late John Wimber who suggested that ‘Faith
is spelled R.I.S.K.’ With God, unlike in the poem, fruitfulness
and labour do not lead to ultimate decline – quite the opposite
– see Acts 2:42-47!
Editor’s
Ramblings
Ecclesiastes 3
Do you…
Remember the first time you went to school? I was five and
the school was a five minute walk to the end of the road, but
my mother wouldn't let me go to that one, I had to go to
another school which came under a London borough (we didn't
live in London), which was just under two miles away.
I never found out why that school! I remember my first bike,
I was seven and my first pair of roller skates, I was nine.
I remember going to Sunday School when I was five. It was
run by the C of E in the school hall at the school at the end of
the road!
I remember going to hospital when I was ten, I spent three
weeks there. I was weak when I left hospital and was able to
change school to a new one built brand new just before the
war.
I remember meeting up with a boy called Eric and we became
good friends (and still are), and he lived opposite North Cheam
Baptist church. He invited me to the church youth club. I
remember being told that to go to the club I should attend
Bible class, I did but not for long.
I remember my first job in a printers at South Wimbledon.
I didn't go to church, but when I was fifteen I was asked to go
as it was the Young People's anniversary and would I go and
hand out the hymn books at the door (this was a ploy to get
me therel) (That's another story)
So why all this about remembering? Well, one Thursday at
Bible Study talking about prayer I just remembered the first
time I was asked to pray.
For three years I had a battle with God and in the end He won
and I went to see the minister about being Baptised and church
membership. We talked about it and fixed a date for April, and
then he said let's pray. He did and waited for me. A cry for
help - never done this before, what do I say?
I remember exactly what I prayed, I prayed for my Mum and
Dad. They weren't against in fact my Mother went to Cheam
Baptist Women's Fellowship and came to my Baptism.
Two weeks after this I was asked to take a Sunday School class
with eight year old boys. Been teaching ever since and soon
learnt the power of prayer very quickly.
We are currently looking at a Bible study called UNTAPPED
RESOURCES.
Ecclesiastes 3 A time for everything, doesn't mention a time
for prayer. I thought about this, in fact in one way it does on
the first verse EVERY ACTIVITY and that certainly in my
mind includes PRAYER.
Fellowship News
Pray for Mena that her move to the residential care hostel will
continue as planned.
Ruth Collyer who is in Frimley Park Hospital
Thanks to Linda for organising the outdoor events
(see later for her report). This picture was actually
taken at the first one in the village earlier on.
Thanks also to all those friends who helped at these
events.
My personal thanks to Julia who kindly took me to
Ashford hospital to have my cataracts done. The
eye is taking its time to heal.
Thanks to Lin Marsh who has had to resign from the
position of Church Secretary. She has served us well for some time
and has had to stand down through personal reasons. Our thanks
to Sohan who has taken on this responsible job for the church.
Friday Clear Out
Again out thanks to all who helped clear out and tidy the top room.
Officially now the Youth Room.
Our thanks to all those who are serving the Lord in bringing these
young people in to the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus.
Flower Ministry
Thanks to all who supply the flowers Sunday by Sunday. They are
much appreciated by all who receive them.
Eileen Webber who has still lost the use of her left arm but is more
hopeful following physio treatment.
Mick Dennison as he waits for an appointment to see the specialist
about his extremely painful ear infection.
Veronica Cook as her chest infection has returned again.
Please keep all these people in your prayers.
Birthdays
October
8th
Lisa Bates
November 13th Jim Binnie
16th Sohan Singh
New Year’s Resolution
- Why not join us if
you are not a member
18th Mr. D. Byde
A very happy birthday to all these folk
God Has a Plan for Our Lives
In my ramblings I mentioned a ploy to get me to church. Our Youth
Fellowship had a committee set up partly to welcome and to
encourage young people to come to church.
A certain person on that committee said that as Derek Byde was
rather shy - well as I said I plucked up courage and went to church
for the very first time.
I ENDED UP MARRYING THAT CERTAIN PERSON!
(And I am STILL rather shyl)
All the fun of the Summer Fairs
This summer we were one again out and about at two of the local
summer fairs. At the end of June a great afternoon was had by all
at the Bisley Strawberry Fayre. The weather was good (despite June
having been a very wet
month) lots of people went
along to the green at Bisley.
Craig (and others) provided
great
entertainment,
modelling balloons into hats,
dogs, ‘difficult’ dogs (which
Craig models with his hands
behind his back!) and other
wonderful creations. We also
had a free treasure hunt for
the children and had water
and sun cream on hand for anyone that needed them. The puppets
had an outing (they do like getting out of their cupboard at the back
of the church) and we were complimented by the organisers for
having a great stall. Lots of conversations were had with the visitors
and over 300 copies of the 2nd edition of the Crosstalk leaflet were
handed out
Then, on a sunny Saturday afternoon in July, we had a stall at the
Knaphill Village Show held at Mizens Miniature Railway. Events on
the stall were much the same as at Bisley (with a new version of
Crosstalk featuring 3 historical aspects of Knaphill village – the Mad,
the Bad and the Sad).
It was quite a musical afternoon with
performances being given by a number of local acts. Julia and Linda
entered into the swing when they were ‘encouraged’ to take part in
a dance with the Chobham St Lawrence Morris Dancers. The
puppets also enjoyed a ride on the trains!
Both of these were wonderful
afternoons, great opportunities
for us to be out in the local
community, talking to people,
and showing we care. Let us
pray for more opportunities for
us all to get out amidst the
people and businesses of
Knaphill
village,
and
our
neighbouring
communities,
and for us to see where and
how we can share God’s love with them.
Linda Parsons
Thank You
Thank You Lord for lovely clouds
that drift in skies of blue.
For stars that twinkle in heaven at night,
and sunset’s rosy hue.
Thank You Lord for fields so green
and lushness of the trees.
For the brilliant colours of the flowers,
and mighty shimmering seas.
Thank You Lord for purple hills,
and rushing mountain streams,
the sun which gives us warmth and joy,
for sleep, and pleasant dreams.
The world is such a beautiful place
and reflects Your generous love.
But we thank You most of all for Yourself
and our heavenly home above.
Shoeboxes
IT’S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR AGAIN
TO DUST OFF THE CHRISTMAS WRAPPING PAPER,
FIND SOME EMPTY SHOEBOXES
AND START FILLING THEM WITH GIFTS FOR A CHILD
WHO MAY OTHERWISE RECEIVE NOTHING THIS CHRISTMAS!
Since 1990, more than 100 million boys and girls in over 130
countries have experienced God’s love through the power of simple
shoe box gifts from Operation Christmas Child. Shoeboxes are
given to children who live in poverty, regardless of their
background or religious beliefs. It’s an unconditional gift of love.
However, the shoeboxes are delivered by the local Christian
churches in the various countries who are often able to use the
opportunity to share the life-changing Good News of Jesus Christ.
Never done a Shoebox before or need a reminder? Here’s
how it works:
1. Wrap an ordinary, standard sized shoebox
with Christmas wrapping paper or buy an OCC
“Ready to go” box for 50p at the back of the
Church (doesn’t need wrapping).
2. Collect a leaflet from the back of the
Church. Decide whether your box is for a
boy or girl and which age group. Find the
correct sticker in the leaflet and stick it
securely on the outside lid of the box and tick
the appropriate age. The ages are 2-4, 5-9, & 10-14.
3. Fill the box with new gifts as suggested in the leaflet.
Try to include at least one thing from
each of the following categories:
1.Something to play with; 2. Something
to love & cuddle (for all ages, boys and
girls); 3. Some toiletries; 4. Some
stationery items; 5. Something to keep
warm (hat, scarf, gloves, etc.); 6. Some
sweets (not chocolate) with an “eat by” date beyond March
2016 (no one likes to eat stale sweets!).
4. Put your £3 donation (or more if
you can) in the envelope attached
to the leaflet and put it in the box
(or pay online). Secure the lid on
your shoebox with a rubber band
around the outside. The £3
donation is very important as it helps
to pay for the transportation costs –
sadly last year there was a shortfall in donations of around
£170,000.
5. Bring your shoebox (or, better still, your boxes) to our
very special “Shoebox Service” which is being held in
November.
If you are unable to get out-and-about anymore and don’t feel up
to doing a Shoebox (or if it simply isn’t your thing!) there are other
ways in which you can still be an important part of Operation
Christmas Child. Please speak to Ruth Moore or Linda Parsons or
check out the display which will be appearing at the back of the
Church.
The local area launch event is taking place at St Saviour’s Church,
Guildford on Monday September 29th at 7 for 7.30pm. It is a
great evening when you can find out more about the actual
distribution and meet other keen ”Shoeboxers”. (Is that a word?)
“It is difficult for one person to change the world, but you can
change the world for one person”
My Windband Tour to Venice
By Stephen Moore
I went on my School Windband tour to Venice in July, and
enjoyed it. We started with a 28-hour long coach journey
from school down to Venice, stopping in Verona for two hours
for dinner. We arrived just after midnight on the Sunday,
after leaving at 20:00 on the Friday evening.
We had a day in Venice, visiting St Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s
Palace, as well as having a boat ride along the Canal Grande.
In Venice, our lunch was extremely expensive, as they have
to bring in all the food onto the island, and there are lots of
people on the island.
On another day, we went into Jesolo, the town near where
we were staying on the Lido di Jesolo in Cavallino, to do
some shopping. We played three concerts in the area,
including two in the centre of Jesolo, that started at 21:00. It
was nice that my parents had come out to Venice (and
stayed on the island) and came to one of the concerts, even
though it meant they got back to their hotel at 01:00 in the
morning!
As well as this, we were able to spend time in the hotel pool
and on the beach. Adriatic Sea was nice and warm, and if it
is possible there was too much sun! I really enjoyed it and
was pleased that I didn’t have to go home on the coach, but
instead were able to get my parents to take me home on the
plane, as well as getting some extra time in Venice!
FINAL THOUGHTS
In Mission Praise there is a song "Seek Ye first the Kingdom
of God"
The final verse has three important words ASK SEEK KNOCK
You will find a reference to these words in Matthew 7, v 7.
Some interesting points came up about these three words in
our recent Bible study: The untapped resources of prayer.
"Ask" has reference to anything material - physical strength,
health, wherever necessary, provisions, etc.
"Seek" speaks of our Spiritual need, our fellowship with Him,
the power of the Spirit, etc.
"Knock” refers to our ministry to others.
Ruth’s Page
For my quiz this time, see if you can work out who said the following quotes from the Bible – some are quite easy, some may be a bit trickier.
The answers are at the bottom of the page:
1.
“Go back and tell John what you are hearing and seeing”
2.
“Lord! do not remember this sin against them!”
10. “With the jaw-bone of a donkey I killed a thousand men.
With the jaw-bone of a donkey I piled them up in piles.”
3.
“O God, put a curse on the day I was born. Put a curse
on the night when I was conceived”
11. “What do you want with us, you Son of God? Have you
come to punish us before the right time?”
4.
“Even the Israelites will not listen to me, so why should
the King, I am such a poor speaker”
12. “My Lord and my God”
5.
“Listen sir! I will give half my belongings to the poor and
if I have cheated anyone, I will pay him back four times
as much.”
6.
7.
8.
9.
“Now Lord, you have kept your promise and you may let
your servant go in peace”
“O my son! my son Absalom! Absalom my son! if only I
had died in your place my son! Absalom my son!”
“But you, O Lord my God, brought me back from the
depths alive”
“Make tassels on the corners of your garments and put a
blue cord on each tassel”
13. “Let it be so for now. For in this way we shall do all that
God requires”
14. “I can’t fight with all this on”
15. “Speak your servant is listening”
16. “See here is water; what doth hinder me to be
baptised?”
17. “All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down
and worship me”
18. “Certainly this was a righteous man”
19. “Here am I, send me”
20. “Thy people shall be my people and thy God my God”
1. Jesus to John’s disciples (Matthew 11:4); 2. Stephen about the people stoning him to death (Acts 7:60); 3. Job (Job 3:2-3); 4. Moses to the Lord (Exodus 5:12);
5. Zacchaeus to Jesus (Luke 19:8); 6. Simeon on seeing baby Jesus (Luke 2:29); 7. David about the death of his son, Absalom (2 Samuel 18:33); 8. Jonah inside the
large fish (Jonah 2:6); 9. Lord commanded Moses to instruct the people of Israel to do this (Numbers 15:8); 10. Samson (Judges 15:16); 11. Demons in two men which
were sent into the herd of pigs (Matthew 8:29); 12. Thomas to the risen Jesus (John 21:28); 13. Jesus to John before being baptised by him (Matthew 3:15); 14.
David to Saul before defeating Goliath (1 Samuel 17:39); 15. Samuel (1 Samuel 3:10); 16. The Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:36); 17.The Devil (Matthew 4:9); 18.The
centurion at the crucifixion (Luke 23:47); 19. Isaiah (6:8); 20. Ruth (1:16);
From The Treasurer’s Calculator
ones from the weeks you’re not here and put them in
when you’re back?
I wrote in the last magazine about how (at the
beginning of June) it felt like Autumn.
Fortunately, we have since had a little summer,
but now it really is Autumn, and as we head into
a new exciting season, here’s a few thoughts on
the church’s finances.
Following the church meeting in May, it has been
wonderful to see the response. Thank you to all
who took the opportunity to review your giving.
The numbers below have been slightly reworked
to include all giving to the church, rather than just the offering,
as this better reflects our position. Just don’t try looking back
through older magazines and comparing! As usual, when
attendance is little lower through the summer, the numbers
are down, but overall, we are in a very healthy position.
I’ll take this opportunity to remind you that apart from the
heating bill, our costs don’t actually reduce in the summer, so
perhaps you might think about how you can maintain your
giving even if you’re not in worship. Could you put it through
the bank each month? Could you use envelopes and store the
And of course, there is Gift Aid. I make no excuse for
banging on about this at every opportunity. If you give
to the church and pay Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax,
there really is no excuse not to Gift Aid your giving. It
adds a quarter to your gift, and currently contributes
about 15% to our total finances.
So now perhaps our thoughts should turn to how we
use the money? What openings do you see in the area
that we could use to spread the Good News? I know not all
opportunities need money, but if we can help your efforts to
spread the gospel with resources material, training, hospitality
events, etc, then speak to Julia or the Deacons about your
opportunity.
And please continue to pray for the finances of the church. It’s
only through our giving that the Lord’s work in Knaphill can
grow
Eric
Our recent offering figures…Thank you.
Actual
Target
Feb ‘16
£1,640
£813
Mar ‘16
£692
£813
Apr ‘16
£1,113
£813
May ‘16
£685
£813
Jun ‘15
£665
£714
Jul ‘15
£763
Aug ‘16
£738
£714
£813
YTD
£ 899
£ 813