May 2015

CatalystTHE MAGAZINE OF

HAYES FREE CHURCH (U.R.C.)

Copy for the June 2015 edition needs to be handed in bySunday, 17th May.

Please submit items in good timeYou can leave copy in the “B” Pigeon Hole for Richard Brown to

collect, or hand it directly to him on a Sunday morning.You can also e-mail copy to richardmbrown6@gmail.com

Thank You. Editor

Principal ContactsMinister: Rev. Sue Powell Tel: 020 8462 2212Church Secretary: Mrs Mavis Righini Tel: 020 8462 1168Treasurer: Mr. Simon Narracott Tel: 020 8462 2004Lettings Secretary: Mrs Undine Connolly Tel: 020 8776 0108Caretaker: Mr. Ian Jones Tel: 020 8313 1556Church Website www.hayesfreechurch.comCatalystEditor: Mr Richard Brown

Contents : - Items not covered by the diary of events.

HAYES FREE CHURCH111, Pickhurst Lane, Hayes, Kent BR2 7HUSunday Services. 10.30 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.We are a member of the United Reformed Church.We believe in Justice and Peace.

This month’s website: -This month we have an online campaigning website. Users are

encouraged to sign or start petitions, all for good causes.The web address is Change.org.Now, turn to Page 9 for more details. Ed

Sunday Services; The Christ 2Church Notices 3 - 4Anecdote with a pinch of salt 3CHARS 5Events at the Manse 6Your page 7Lesson in Lying 8Website of the month 9Notice Board 10 - 11Seniorship 12 -13

Congrats to those born in the 1930’s - 1970’s 14 - 15Education 15The Morning that Death was killed; The way things once were 16Patron Saints’ Days 17Battersea Dance-off; Limerick 20Church Organisations I B C

1

Letter from the Minister

Dear Friends

I am breathing a huge sigh of relief,the final essay is handed in,the presentation given, and my course in Childhood Bereavement iscomplete.

It was quite something to decide to begin formal learning again and towrite essays, and I have loved it. I have really appreciated thecontent of the course, and all that I have gained from it.

But learning is something we all do, every day. There is alwayssomething new, something amazing to discover, a new way of seeingthat brings a greater and deeper understanding to life.

And so it should be with our faith.

In our relationship with God we should be open to discoveringsomething new, something amazing, and something that gives us adeeper understanding of how very much God loves us and calls us tobe in a closer relationship with Him each day; just as regularconversation is vital in our family relationships, so daily prayer isimportant in our relationship with God. That we have an open line toGod 24/7 is such a blessing, and a blessing we should be takingadvantage of each day.

Let us all be willing to learn anew our faith, to find newunderstandings; for it is when we are open to receive that God is ableto fill us with his love and gift us with his amazing grace.

I pray we may find newness in our faith that will encourage us all to beopen to new learning from the Word of God.

2

Sunday Services

v Tony Russell is very well known to us - He is a member of HFC.v Judy Davies is well known to us. She has conducted services at

HFC on a number of occasions.v Jim Holman is a Methodist preacher. He has conducted services

at HFC in the past.v Alan Kienlen is well known to us. He was church secretary and

an elder at HFC.

Some notes on the visiting preachers.

May 2015

3rd 10.30 am - Morning Service - Tony Russell 6.30 pm - Holy Communion - Judy Davies

10th 10.30 am - Morning Service - The Minister 6.30 pm - Evening Service - The Minister

17th 10.30 am - Morning Service - Jim Holman 6.30 pm - Evening Service - The Minister

24th 10.30 am - Holy Communion - The Minister 6.30 pm - Evening Service - Alan Kienlen

31st 10.30 am - Morning Service - 6.30 pm - Evening Service - The Minister

The Christ---------

The good intent of God became the Christ,And lived on earth - the Living Love of God,That men might draw to closer touch with heaven,Since Christ in all the ways of man hath trod.

From Bees in Amber by John Oxenham.

June 2015

7th 10.30 am - Holy Communion - 6.30 pm - Evening Service -

3

News of the Church FamilyAnnouncements are welcome :-BMD - Changes of address, etc.

Your prayers would be appreciated for: -Jim Pearson, Jessie Martin, Tony Atkinson

& Helen Hebbes.

Church MeetingsThe next Elders’ meeting will be at 8.00 pm in the small hall on Tuesday,5th May.

The next Church meeting, the AGM, will be on Sunday 24th May at12.00 noon – after the morning service.

Women's Contact GroupThe Contact lunch in May will be held on the second Monday (11th) asthe first Monday is a Bank Holiday. It will again be held at theConservative Club in Elmfield Road, Bromley at 12.30pm.

Sylvia Mack

Tuesday Prayer Meetings for MayHeld at 10.00am at the following homes:- 5th Martin Nunn’s. 12th Betty Coster’s. 19th Brenda Cordingley’s. 26th The Church.Then in June: - 2nd Martin Nunn’s.Please address any queries to Martin Nunn.

Saturday FellowshipWe will be meeting on the 2nd of May at 2.30pm at Barbara Jones’

home, for a Bible study, lead by Martin Nunn.You are welcome to join us.

Men's GroupThe next Men’s Group Meeting will take place at 8.00pm on Thursday21st May at 8.00 pm in the small hall when Chris Fitzgerald willorganise a Quiz evening.

Anecdote with a pinch of saltGeneral Montgomery to his Staff Officers at a briefing:

“Now, gentlemen, as our Lord said, and in my opinion quite rightly . . . “From Bishop’s Brew by Ronald Brown Bishop of Birkenhead

4

Ministry of FlowersThank you to those who will be providing flowers in May.

3rd - 10th - Gill Bran17th - David & Undine Connolly i.m.o. our father

24th - Janet & John Moren Wedding Anniversary (Golden)

31st -

A big thank you to those who kindly arrange the flowers when needed.After the Sunday evening services, the flowers are distributed tomembers and friends, bringing joy to the recipients.Mavis Righini

Hayes Mothers’ & Toddlers’ ClubWe welcome all babies and children under school age, accompanied

by their parents, grandparents or carers, to our club on Fridayafternoons between 2 and 4pm during term time. The fee is £1 perfamily – tea, squash and biscuits are provided. This is a time whenadults can meet up, while the children in their care are busy playingwith toys and activities in the company of other children.

Half term is on 29th May, when there will be no meeting.The new Leader of the group is now Wendy Smith - tel: 020 8462 1779.

Wendy Smith

Messy ChurchThis meets on the 4th Wednesday of every month in the church from3.30 - 5.00pm, and children from 2 to12 years are welcome.

Book ClubWe will be meeting at 8.00 pm on Thursday, 7th of May.

Notice Sheets – May3rd Brenda Cordingley 8462 386710th & 17th Pamela Collison 8658 074824th & 31st Joan Smith 8462 3920

June7th Brenda Cordingley

If you require items to be included in the notice sheets, pleasecontact the appropriate person by the previous Tuesday.

5

Women's Fellowship

M eetings are in the small hall at 2.00 p.m., unless otherwise stated,on Tuesdays and finish about 3.30 p.m.

May5th An illustrated talk by Andrew Dunsmore, photographer for

Westminster Abbey.12th Betty Coster talks about her experiences in Australia.19th The Shortlands Singers entertain.26th Joan Smith will tell us about this year’s Holiday From Home.

June2nd Flower arranging with Jean.

MINI-AMBULANCEMembers who use this service are asked to phone Marion

Swanborough on 8462 3981 by 9.00 am on any Tuesday when theyare unable to come to the meetings.

As always, we welcome all ladies to our meetings. Please come alongfor a pleasant afternoon. We do have a very varied programmewith plenty to interest everyone.Marion

CHARSCharitable Help and Recycling Services

-----------This is a list of friends and members of HFC who recycle items

or give vouchers and tokens to worthy causes.This list will be published here in May, July, Oct, Feb.

-----------Here are the first entries...

ü Ink cartridges for Deaf Access - David Connolly - Tel 8776 0108ü Sainsbury’s School Vouchers - Brenda Petts - Hand to her at

May Church Parade.-----------

Please give details to the Editor if you wish to be included in thenext list.

6

Buy Sale & Coffee MorningIn support of Christian Aid Week

This event will take placeon Thursday, 14 of May

Between 10.00 and 12.00At

My home, 133 Pickhurst Lane.You are most welcome to come along.

Barbara Jones

Bank Holiday Rambles-------------

On both of the Bank Holidays in May, a Wealden ramble will be held.We will set off from the Rosary car park at 10.15 am on each day -

Monday 4th, and Monday 25th of May.We will enjoy lunch at a researched hostelry.

-------------The Easter Monday ramble was blessed by good weather.A party of 12 plus 1 dog enjoyed the outing.(By the way, no meadows were mown!)

Martin Nunn

Forthcoming Events at the Manse------------

On Saturday 27th June, there will bea Children’s Fun Afternoon

between 3.00 pm and 5.00 pm.

On Saturday 25th July, there will bethe Two Churches Bar-be-que

from 3.00 pm.

7

This page will be kept for YOUR contributions - NOTHING ELSE will go on this page.Hopefully, you will be inspired to share some pictures, poetry or stories.

Your Page

Thank you~~~

I would like to thank my H.F.C. Friendsfor all their loving thoughts and prayers,cards, telephone calls, offers of help andpractical help in recent weeks which havebeen invaluable in encouraging me alongthe road to recovery after my falls.We are so blessed to have such a caring

Church community.

Thelma

8

Women’s Contact Coffee MorningWe will be holding the next coffee morning

from 10.00am to 12.00 noon in the Small Hallon the 9th of May.

We are continuing to raise monies to contribute todisaster relief funds in different parts of the world.

We hope to see you at the Coffee Morning, and why not bring a friend?

Please note that the monies raised from the coffee mornings areseparate from those raised through the refreshments trolley afterSunday morning services.

Barbara Jones

The Fairtrade Sunday StallWe hold a fair trade stall after the morning service on the 2nd and 4th

Sunday of each month.The stall will be held on the 10th and 24th of May.Please continue to support your stall.Thank you.

Richard and Barbara.

Lesson in LyingA minister told his congregation, "Next week I plan to

preach about the sin of lying. To help you understandmy sermon, I want you all to read Mark Chapter 17."

The following Sunday, as he prepared to deliver hissermon, the minister asked for a show of hands.

He wanted to know how many had read Mark, Chapter17 and every hand went up.

The minister smiled and said, "Mark has only sixteenchapters. I will now proceed with my sermon on the sinof lying."

9

Website of the month: -

Change.org is the world's largest petition platform, empoweringpeople everywhere to create the change they want to see.

There are more than 70 million Change.org users in 196 countries....We live in an amazing time, when the opportunity to make a

difference is greater than ever before .... - technology has made usmore connected than ever.

We're working for a world where no one is powerless, and wherecreating change is a part of everyday life. We're just getting started,and we hope you'll join us.

Do’s & Don’t’sAs an open platform, anyone can use our platform no matter who

they are, where they live, and what they believe. This is why you’llsee an extremely wide range of petitions, as they’ve all beencreated by people in the community.

Our role is to make sure the platform is a powerful vehicle for changewhile remaining as safe as possible for our users. That’s why we’veput together these Community Guidelines which, along with ourTerms of Service, outline the rules for using Change.org.

Do’s - First, here are few things we love to see you do on Change.org:ü Speak out on any issue you want to change.ü Choose the decision maker who can give you what you want.ü Mobilise your friends, family and community by sharing your

petition to raise awareness.ü Be open to disagreement and listen to other people’s opinions.ü Update your supporters with developments.

Don’ts - Now, here are the things we don’t like to see on Change.org.Î No hate speechÎ No violenceÎ Don’t impersonate othersÎ Don’t violate others’ privacyÎ Don’t bullyÎ Don’t be unnecessarily graphicÎ Don’t cause harm to childrenÎ Don’t spamÎ Don’t break the law

10

NOTICE

The Christmas Tree Festival - 2014-----------------------

The final figure for last year's Christmas TreeFestival was £6324.49.This increased figure was due to recentdonations coming in over the last few months.A further donation will come from the VIPASgroup, as a result of the Quiz Night held on the17th of April.

John Moren

A Most ImportantSummertime Occasion.

Holiday at Home for the elderly

will be taking place between the 3 - 7 August.

Please publicize this to your friends.

Further information can be obtained from

Joan Smith - 020 8462 3920.

11

BOARD

Churches Together in Hayes --------------------

We have decided to hold a Social Supper, Quiz andRaffle(instead of the Agape meal)

on Friday 15th May at 7.30pm.The event will be held in our small hall.

Each Church will submit 2 sets of questions. We will have foursets of questions before the Supper and the other four setsafter the Supper.Please bring your own drinks and glasses.The admission price will be £5I do hope that people will support this event, especially as it Isto be held in our Church.

Sylvia Mack

Church Telephone Directory --------------------

An updated Telephone Directoryhas just been produced and is

available from your Pastoral Elder.Any queries:

please contact John Curry.

12Continued on the next page .....

“Seniorship”-- * --

Old age affects us in many ways, and it's important that we lookafter ourselves both physically and mentally as we get older.Dementia and depression can develop, but there are ways in

which you can help prevent mental health problems - here's how tostay mentally and emotionally fit and well in later life.

Plan aheadGetting older can lead to all sorts of worries, including concerns overfuture healthcare, your financial situation, housing, independence, oryour will or funeral. And what might start as a nagging doubt can endup as a major concern that can lead to depression and anxiety.Planning ahead will help you to think things through carefully andalleviate those worries. For financial concerns, do as much researchas you can about pensions, pension credits, and benefits you may beeligible for. You can do this via the government's website, or discussyour situation with Citizens Advice, who will be able to help.Alternatively, speak to an independent financial advisor aboutplanning for your financial future. If your worries are related to health,future care or end of life, then it can help to talk things through withfamily members. Though it can be an emotional conversation forboth yourself and your relatives, putting plans in place for the futurecan really lift a weight off your shoulders.

Keep busyRetirement can negatively impact your mental health, particularly ifyour career formed a major part of your life. Leaving work can affectyour sense of self-worth and self-esteem, as well as your social life, ifyou developed friendships within the workplace. If the latter is thecase, make an effort to maintain those strong friendships, or look toestablish new bonds by taking up a new hobby. Learning a new skillor volunteering not only provides social interaction, which is essentialfor maintaining your wellbeing, but it can help to keep your mind andbody active, so think about those things that you've always wishedyou had time for, and research how and where you can get involved.Of course, it's equally important to relax, so do make time for yourselftoo.

ExercisePhysical activity is great for body and mind, and it doesn't mean youhave to sweat it out at the gym. Gardening, walking and household

13

... Continued from the previous pagechores all have their physical benefits, and help to releaseendorphins to keep you feeling happy and healthy. Or why not trygentler forms of exercise, such as tai chi, Pilates, yoga, or even danceclasses to maintain energy levels and mental wellbeing. Your mindalso needs a little activity, so get reading or doing puzzles, crosswordsor Sudoku to keep it in tip top shape.

Sleep wellJust as activity can help you to stay fit and well, a good night's sleepcan do the power of good. It gives both body and mind time to restand repair, and not getting enough shuteye can lead to memoryproblems, irritability, a weakened immune system and general lowmood. In the long term, lack of sleep could even lead to more seriousissues of anxiety, stress and depression. Though you will probably findyou need less sleep as you get older, particularly if you have recentlyretired, if you have trouble sleeping, try some simple lifestyle changessuch as reducing caffeine or alcohol intake, to help you drop off. If itbecomes a serious problem, visit your GP for further advice.

Get helpIsolation in old age can cause real problems in terms of mental health,so having support can make a huge difference. Open up to friendsor family if you have particular worries, and try to keep in touchregularly, whether that's by phone, email, Skype or even good old-fashioned snail mail. If you need help with something that you feelfamily and friends aren't equipped to help you deal with, look forspecialist advice. That could be via Age UK, Citizens Advice, localcouncils, or even counselling services such as the Samaritans or atonline forums, again, such as Age UK. Talking to others who havebeen or are in a similar situation can help not only physically butmentally, and provides another source of social interaction, so don'tbe alone if you're struggling to cope.

---------------------------------------Footnote

We find our freedom passes a blessing. Thank goodness the schemehas been extended for 5 more years. Don’t forget to renew yours ingood time. Apply for your pass when you reach the age of 60.

I have just started on my next decade age-wise. (It was super toreceive birthday greetings by email or electronic card from family &friends overseas). I feel 15 years younger than I am and try to enjoylife with my loved ones and friends.

Editor

14

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE KIDS WHO WERE BORN INTHE 1930's, 40's, 50's, 60's & 70's !!

--------------------

First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drankwhile they carried us. They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing,

tuna from a tin, & didn't get tested for diabetes. Then after that trauma,our baby cots were covered with bright coloured lead-based paints.We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets &when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets, not to mention, the riskswe took hitchhiking. As children, we would ride in cars with no seatbelts or air bags.

Riding in the back of a van - loose - was always great fun. We drankwater from the garden hosepipe & NOT from a bottle. We shared onesoft drink with four friends, from one bottle & NO ONE actually diedfrom this. We ate cakes, white bread & real butter & drank pop withsugar in it, but we weren't overweight because ......

WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!!We would leave home in the morning & play all day, as long as we

were back when the streetlights came on. No one was able to reachus all day. & we were O.K. We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps & then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgotthe brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned tosolve the problem. We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's, X-boxes,no video games at all, no 99 channels on cable, no video tape movies,no surround sound, no cell phones, no text messaging, no personalcomputers, no Internet or Internet chat rooms.........

WE HAD FRIENDS & we went outside & found them!We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones & teeth & there were no

lawsuits from these accidents. We played with worms & mud piesmade from dirt, & the worms did not live in us forever. Made upgames with sticks & tennis balls & although we were told it wouldhappen, we did not poke out any eyes.

We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house & knocked on the door orrang the bell, or just yelled for them! Local teams had tryouts & noteveryone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal withdisappointment. Imagine that!!

Continued on the next page .....

15

Education-------------------

The most necessary task of civilization is to teach people howto think. It should be the primary purpose of our publicschools.

The mind of a child is naturally active, it develops throughexercise.

Give a child plenty of exercise, for body and brain.The trouble with our way of educating is that it does not give

elasticity to the mind. It casts the brain into a mold. It insiststhat the child must accept. It does not encourage originalthought or reasoning, and it lays more stress on memory thanobservation.

Thomas Edison

The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of.They actually sided with the law!

This generation has produced some of the best risk-takers, problemsolvers & inventors ever! The past 50 years have been an explosion ofinnovation & new ideas

We had freedom, failure, success & responsibility, & we learnedHOW TODEAL WITH IT ALL!And YOU are one of them!CONGRATULATIONS!

You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to growup as kids, before the lawyers & the government regulated our lives forour own good.

Forward it to your kids so they will know how brave their parents were.PS -The BIG type is because your eyes are shot at your age. Dave Langford

...... Continued from the previous page

16

The way things once wereTaken from a long email from a contact in Australia. The senderexplains that the statistics may only refer to UK, although there aremany sayings from New Zealand.

EditorEATING IN THE UK IN THE FIFTIES

* Figs and dates appeared every Christmas.* Coconuts only appeared when the fair came to town.* Jellied eels were peculiar to Londoners.* Salad cream was a dressing for salads, mayonnaise did not exist* Hors d'oeuvre was a spelling mistake.* The starter was our main meal. Soup was a main meal.* Only Heinz made beans.

The Morning That Death Was Killed-------------------

I woke in a place that was darkThe air was spicy and stillI was bandaged from head to footThe morning that death was killed.

I rose from a mattress of stoneI folded my clothes on the sillI heard the door rolling openThe morning that death was killed.

I walked alone in the gardenThe birds in the branches trilledIt felt like a new beginningThe morning that death was killed.

Mary, she came there to find mePeter with wonder was filledAnd John came running and jumpingThe morning that death was killed.

My friends were lost in amazementMy father, I knew, was thrilledThings were never the same againAfter the morning that death was killed.

Apol

ogie

s fo

r not

incl

udin

g th

is w

ith th

e

April

edi

tion

of C

atal

yst.

Tim

e &

spac

e w

orke

d ag

ains

t me!

17

Patron Saints’ Days.---------------

Note: Last month, The patron Saint of England, England - St Georgewas included. So, for May, The Patron Saints of the remaining UKcountries are covered here.

30th November: - Saint Andrew’s Day - the feast day of Saint Andrew,Simon Peter’s brother, is the national day of Scotland. (From Wikipedia)CollectAlmighty God, who gave such grace to your apostle Saint Andrew thathe readily obeyed the call of your Son Jesus Christ and brought hisbrother with him: call us by your holy word, and give us grace to followyou without delay and to tell the good news of your kingdom; throughJesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in theunity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

1st March: - Saint David’s Day - the feast day of the patron saint ofWales & Bishop of Menevia. This day was chosen in remembrance ofthe death of Saint David. Tradition holds that he died on that day in 569.The date was declared a national day of celebration within Wales inthe 18th century. (Information from Wikipedia)CollectAlmighty God, who called your servant David to be a faithful and wisesteward of your mysteries for the people of Wales: in your mercy, grantthat, following his purity of life and zeal for the gospel of Christ, we maywith him receive the crown of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ yourSon our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the HolySpirit, one God, now and for ever.

17th March: - Saint Patrick’s Day - the Feast of Saint Patrick, is a cultural& religious celebration held on the traditional death date of SaintPatrick bishop and missionary (c. AD 385–461), the foremost patronsaint of Ireland. (Information from Wikipedia)CollectAlmighty God, who in your providence chose your servant Patrick to bethe apostle of the Irish people: keep alive in us the fire of the faith hekindled and strengthen us in our pilgrimage towards the light ofeverlasting life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive andreigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

-------------------------------------Text from The Book of Common Prayer, the rights in which are vested in the Crown, is reproduced

by permission of the Crown's Patentee, Cambridge University Press.--------------------------------------

All information (unless otherwise stated) taken from the Church of England websitewww.churchofengland.org

18

May 20151st Fri 2.00 pm - Hayes Mothers’ & Toddlers’ Club Page 4

2nd Sat 2.30 pm - Saturday Fellowship Page 3

3rd Sun 10.30 am - Morning Service - Tony Russell 6.30 pm - Holy Communion - Judy Davies

4th Mon May Day Bank Holiday10.15 am - Bank Holiday Ramble Page 6

5th Tue10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 3 2.00 pm - Women’s Fellowship Page 5 8.00 pm - Elders’ Meeting Page 3

6th Wed7th Thu 8.00 pm - Book Club Page 48th Fri 2.00 pm - Hayes Mothers’ & Toddlers’ Club Page 4

9th Sat 10.00 am - Women’s Contact Coffee Morning Page 8

10th Sun10.30 am - Morning Service - The Minister Followed by Fairtrade Stall Page 8 6.30 pm - Evening Service - The Minister

11th Mon 12.30 pm - Women’s Contact Group Page 3

12th Tue 10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 3 2.00 pm - Women’s Fellowship Page 5

13th Wed14th Thu 10.00 am - Buy Sale & Coffee Morning Page 6

15th Fri 2.00 pm - Hayes Mothers’ & Toddlers’ Club Page 4 7.30 pm - CTH Social Supper Page 11

16th Sat

17th Sun10.30 am - Morning Service - Jim Holman Catalyst Press Date IFC 6.30 pm - Evening Service - The Minister

18th Mon

19th Tue 10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 3 2.00 pm - Women’s Fellowship Page 5

20th Wed21st Thu 8.00 pm - Men’s Group Page 3

22nd Fri 2.00 pm - Hayes Mothers’ & Toddlers’ Club Page 4

19

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 27 June at 3.00 pm - Children’s Fun Afternoon at the Manse.25 July at 3.00 pm - Bar-be-Que at the Manse.3rd - 7th August - Holiday at Home.

May 201523rd Sat

24th Sun

10.30 am - Holy Communion - The Minister Followed by Fairtrade Stall Page 812.00 noon - HFC AGM Page 3 6.30 pm - Evening Service - Alan Kienlen

25th Mon Spring Bank Holiday10.15 am - Bank Holiday Ramble Page 6

26th Tue 10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 3 2.00 pm - Women’s Fellowship Page 5

27th Wed 3.30 pm - Messy Church Page 428th Thu29th Fri

30th Sat

31st Sun 10.30 am - Morning Service - 6.30 pm - Evening Service - The Minister

June 20151st Mon

2nd Tue 10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 3 2.00 pm - Women’s Fellowship Page 5

3rd Wed

4th Thu

5th Fri 2.00 pm - Hayes Mothers’ & Toddlers’ Club Page 4

6th Sat

7th Sun 10.30 am - Morning Service - 6.30 pm - Holy Communion -

20

Limerick

MEANING:noun: A humorous, often risque, verse of three long (A)and two short (B) lines with the rhyme scheme AABBA.

ETYMOLOGY:After Limerick, a county in Ireland. The origin of the name of the verse issaid to be from the refrain “Will you come up to Limerick?” sung aftereach set of extemporized verses popular at gatherings. Earliestdocumented use: 1896.

NOTES:Here’s how someone has described a limerick:

The limerick packs laughs anatomicalInto space that is quite economical.But the good ones I’ve seenSo seldom are cleanAnd the clean ones so seldom are comical.

From Wordsmith

Bust a move with the Battersea Dance Off!

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is asking schools to hold a BatterseaDance Off in June. Funds raised will help the lost and abandoneddogs and cats that arrive at Battersea’s centres in London, BrandsHatch and Old Windsor.

The idea is simple: Pupils create a dance using dog and cat inspiredmoves and donate £1 to take part. Dance Offs can be as compact asa Chihuahua, or as massive as a Mastiff! Participants receive a freepack, including a dance DVD, posters, event guide and lesson plans.

If you know a school that might liketo take part, ask them to call Victoriaon 07590 173456,email danceoff@battersea.org.ukor register atbattersea.org.uk/danceoff.

Schools that register by 15 May will enter a prize draw to win a tourof a Battersea rehoming centre (Terms & Conditions apply).

CHURCH ORGANISATIONSDay Organisation Contact PhoneSunday10.25am Sunday Club Mike Duke 020 8462 5103Weekdays

9.15 -12.15pm12.15 -12.45pm

Pre School GroupP/School lunch club

Jayne Carvell 07913 299773

Monday5.45pm Brownies Sarah Humphrey 020 3539 8113

6.30pm Cubs Brenda Petts 020 8325 39568.00pm - 1st Women's Contact

GroupSylvia Mack 020 8462 1938

Tuesday10.00am Prayer Meeting Martin Nunn 020 8462 59182.00pm Women's Fellowship Marion Swanborough 020 8462 39817.15pm Scouts - 1st troop Paul Hasling 020 3236 0083Wednesday3.30pm - 4th Messy Church Mavis Righini 020 8462 11685.15pm Rainbows Jenny Longman 07730 5749626.00pm Beavers Brenda Petts 020 8325 39568.00pm Explorers Tom Strachan 07745 813 295Thursday5.30pm Brownies Stevie Blair. 020 8325 34697.15 - 8.45pm Rangers Georgina Chappell 07983 4713087.15pm Scouts - 2nd troop Julia Hart 07518 3610388.00pm - 1st HFC Book Club Wendy Smith 020 8462 17798.00pm - 3rd Men's Group Bruce Tannock 020 8325 62648.00pm - 2nd,

& 4thIgnatian Spirituality

GroupDavid Hawthorn 020 8249 7188

Friday9.00 - 12.00pm Coffee morning during term times2.00pm Mothers & Toddlers Wendy Smith 020 8462 17796.30pm Guides Teresa Cheyne 020 8777 6042Saturday2.30pm - 1st Saturday Fellowship Martin Nunn 020 8462 5918

NOTE: - Some of the organisations meet once or twice per month.This is indicated by 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th. The numbers relate to which

week day of the month, NOT the calendar date.

Final ThoughtWhen I say, ‘‘I am a Christian”

By Carol Wimmer------------------

When I say, “I am a Christian” I’m not shouting, “I've been saved!”I’m whispering, “I get lost sometimes - That’s why I chose this way”

When I say, ‘‘I am a Christian” I don’t speak with human prideI’m confessing that I stumble - needing God to be my guide

When I say, “I am a Christian” I’m not trying to be strongI’m professing that I’m weak and pray for strength to carry on

When I say, ‘‘I am a Christian” I’m not bragging of successI’m admitting that I’ve failed and cannot ever pay the debt

When I say, “I am a Christian” I don’t think I know it all I submit tomy confusion asking humbly to be taught

When I say, ‘‘I am a Christian” I’m not claiming to be perfectmy flaws are far too visible but God believes I’m worth it

When I say, ‘‘I am a Christian” I still feel the sting of painI have my share of heartache which is why I seek God's name

When I say, ‘‘I am a Christian" I do not wish to judgeI have no authority - I only know I’m loved.

©1992-2014 Carol Wimmer All Rights Reserved