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ENQUIRE WITHINJUNE 2012

MAGAZINE OF

CENTRAL CHURCHMETHODIST and UNITED REFORMED

TORHILL ROAD- TORQUAY

REV GAVIN HANCOCKSTel: 01803 615480

email: minister@centralchurchtorquay.org

MINISTER IN PASTORAL CHARGE

A donation of 50p towards printing costs would be much appreciated

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CHURCH OFFICERS

SECRETARY Barbara Lawton (01803 296990)TREASURERS John Coatham (01803 323212) Paul Sherriff (01803 298603)ENVELOPE & GIFT AID SECRETARY Harold Newman. (01803 526857)ORGANIST & CHOIR DIRECTOR Clive Bastin (01803 325142)MAGAZINE EDITORS Hazel Nightingale (01803 315561) Philip Kay (01803 323551)BOOKING SECRETARY Jean Baker (01803 550861)PUBLICITY (POSTERS) Barbara Gissinger (01803 328407)CARETAKER Darrell Sanderson (07522 620545)

CHURCH ACTIVITIES

SUNDAY Morning Worship + Creche 10,30am Sunday Club 10.30am Evening Worship 6.30pmMONDAY Women’s Fellowship 2.30pm Brownies 6.00pm Flexercise Fun 6.30pm Guides 7.30pmTUESDAY Prayer Meeting or Service 9.30am Coffee & Fellowship 10.00am Busy Bees 10.00am Guild 7.30pmWEDNESDAY Prayers for Healing 1.00pmTHURSDAY Central Tots 9.30amFRIDAY Coffee & Fellowship 10.00am Belleplates Group 11.00am Choir Practice 7.00pm

CHURCH COUNCIL – 3�� Thursday of January, March, April, May, June,July, September, October, & November.

CHURCH MEETINGS – 1�� Thursday of March, June, October, & December

For Details of Sunday Services, Messy Church, Housegroups,Bible Studies etc – see Diary

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THE MINISTERDear Friends,I don’t know if you, like me, find yourself wondering as to where all theviolence present in our world is going to lead us? Well, the other eveningI was watching one of my favourite TV series, CSI (Crime SceneInvestigators). For the uninitiated it is an American series focussing onthe work of the forensic bofs who fathom out what happened and whodunnit! This particular episode was rather profound as it focussed aroundthe theme of rape and murder, vengeance and justice. Mmmmm!A bloke wound up dead in suspicious circumstances and it was almostimmediately established that he was a serial rapist the police had beenhunting down without any success. The circumstances of his murderreplicated his modus operandi as a rapist, and now the police werelooking for the culprit and quite a few of the CSI staff weren’t quite surewhy! After all, hadn’t someone done them all a big favour?!? By the timethey tracked down who it was that had done this, a second rapist hadbeen murdered and, as you no doubt guessed, the perpetrators werethemselves victims of the murdered rapists.So why am I taking the huge risk of raising this mine infested field in thisshort page?Firstly, I think it reminds us all too clearly that taking the law into ourown hands is something we had better think more than twice about. Iam quite convinced that it matters not the level of the ‘crime’, when wedo this we fall into the trap of vengeance rather than justice and thatsimply sets off another spiral of violence at whatever level. RememberRomans 12:18-20.Secondly, more significantly, we are journeying on in the immediateaftermath of Easter and Pentecost. If nothing else, surely we have learntof the amazing, incredible, forgiving love of God? Surely, at least we ofall people, ought to be beginning to be able to turn the forgiveness wehave received into new life and new relationships, transforming life andrelationships, in our church, our community and our world today? MayGod grant us grace in the power of the Spirit to be those who break thespiral and not add to it.

Gavin

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CENTRAL’S FAMILY & FRIENDSFamily News and other Bits & Pieces.

CONGRATULATIONS· To Edna Schofield who now has a second great grandchild, Jake.

THANKS· From David & Pat Borrett who would like to thank everyone for

the wonderful ‘welcome back’ we have received since our returnto Central. You are by far the ‘best church in the Bay’ and we arevery lucky to have been re-admitted to membership. We wouldalso like to thank everyone for their prayers and good wishes forDavid as he recovers from his battle with cancer, and the ongo-ing problems that has left him with. God Bless you all.

· From the gardeners to all those who supported our Coffee Morn-ing when £160 was raised. Since then, several people havegenerously added gifts and the total is now £315. Thank you somuch. We’ll do our best to make the gardens beautiful onceagain.

· From Angela, who says....Dear Friends,I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all your kindwishes and cards I received for my birthday. It was also a greatjoy that so many of you were able to come and celebrate withme by coming for tea on the Sunday afternoon. Thank you formaking my day, and me, special. I felt very loved and spoilt andit meant a lot to us and for that we are grateful.

I would also like to thank you for your continued prayers andsupport for my father in South Africa. As many of you are aware,he is in very poor health, suffering from lung cancer. I recentlyhad opportunity, together with my younger sister (who lives inLondon), to visit the family in Cape Town. It was good to be ableto spend the time with my parents and in some small way be of

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assistance and support to him and my mother during this verydifficult time. He has asked me to also extend his thanks for yourprayers for which he is very grateful and takes great comfort frombeing part of the wider church family.God bless you all, With love, Angela

CENTRAL CHURCH FINANCES

Below are the figures for the four months January to April 2012,showing that our receipts have more than met our expenditure,and a surplus of £1,620 has resulted.

January to April 2012.Income:Offerings £19,664Other income including fundraising £18,585 £38,249

Expenditure:Cost of ministry £13,400Church upkeep & maintenance £17,751Activities & administration £ 5,478 £36,629

Surplus £ 1,620

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REFLECTIONS

‘Sixty Glorious Years’! Since 1952, Elizabeth II has been our Queen. Allthose years, every day, wherever she has been, she has opened thosefamous ‘Red Boxes’, which contain Cabinet documents, State papers etc.With her husband, she has visited numerous Countries. In fact shecarries out around 430 engagements a year. She has to smile on allthose occasions; and has to eat all sorts of food! Her day doesn’t endat teatime either. At about 7.30 p.m. she receives a report of the day’sParliamentary proceedings, which she will read that evening. And, now,in this Jubilee year, at the age of 86, she, together with Prince Philip, whois the grand age of 90 (almost 91), she is touring many towns and cities-- when you and I, at those ages would prefer to sit with our feet up!Haven’t they done well.

In the fullness of time, be it Prince Charles, or Prince William, we shallhave a King as our monarch. And, whoever it will be, we hope that hewill be as good an ambassador for our Country as our Queen has been.Our Queen, and her father before her, King George VI have done us proud.

But, we are even more fortunate. We have a King of Kings -- Jesus.And He is our Lord and Saviour. Our Queen cares for all her subjects --but she does not know each one of us. Jesus does. He knows each oneof us personally. Jesus watches over us. Jesus guides us. Jesus leadsus and protects us. Jesus knows all our needs, and knows exactly howwe are feeling.

It is unlikely that many of us will talk to our Queen -- some of us mayhave had that privilege, but not many. However, we can talk to the Kingof Kings. And He will listen to us night or day. The Queen has visitedmany disaster areas, but then goes on to another engagement. The Kingof Kings is with us every second of our disasters.

The Queen deserves our respect and thanks for 60 Glorious Years. Shehas been a wonderful Monarch.

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The King of Kings, who is sat at the Right Hand of God, deserves our totalallegiance . We would bow or curtsey if we met the Queen. We needto ‘get on our knees’ to the King of Kings.

I hope you enjoy all the celebrations which are going to take place inLondon for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. But, the King of Kings is withyou at this moment, in your room -- enjoy His company at all times. Margaret Newman.

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The end of an era in

THE CRECHE

To most people, Hilda and Margaret have been looking after the veryyoung ones who come to Sunday Club forever – well at least as far asanyone can remember! As far as Central is concerned they were certainlythere when it opened, and since then have quietly gone about their taskweek by week.

But we’ve found out that their dedication goes back much further thanthat. Both were at Union Street before Central. Hilda says she startedin 1960 – for a three week stint only! So that makes a service to thelittle ones of 52 years, broken only for a period of five years to care forher husband. She’s not shy about her age now – she’ll be 88 next birthday.Margaret tells us she went in to help at the age of 15, and that’s 63 yearsago!! What a phenomenal record for the two ladies.

But now they’ve decided the time is right for them to ‘retire.’ So we arefaced with a problem. We clearly need someone to step into their shoes– and we are appealing for everyone to give this serious thought andprayer. Age is not important, but you obviously need to relate to verylittle ones - and have the patience to meet their demands! Detailedinformation can be gained by talking to Jenny Price.

Hilda and Margaret are not rushing away next week as it were, butnevertheless are looking to leaving fairly soon. So the matter is reallyquite urgent. And another thing – Margaret is the Treasurer of SundayClub, so someone might like to take that on.

Talk to us – please.

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I AM THANKFUL

For the wife who says it’s cottage pie tonight,Because she is home with me.For the husband who is on the sofa being a couch potato,Because he is home with me.For the teenager who is complaining about dishes,Because it means she is at home, and not on the streets.For the taxes I pay, because it means I am employed.For the mess to clear up after a party,Because it means I have been surrounded by friends.For the clothes that fit a little too snug,Because it means I have enough to eat.For my shadow which watches me work,Because it means I am out in the sunshine.For the lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning,And gutters that need fixing, because it means I have a home.For all the complaining about the government,Because it means we have freedom of speech.For the parking spot I find at the far end of the car park,Because it means I am capable of walking, & I am blessed with a car.For my huge heating bill,Because it means I am warm.For the lady behind me in church who sings off key,Because it means I can hear.For the pile of laundry and ironingBecause it means I have clothes to wear.For weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day,Because it means I have been capable of working hard.For the alarm that goes off in the early morning hours,Because it means am alive.And finally for too much e-mail,Because it means I have friends who are thinking of me.

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ORDINATION SERVICE.

Over the end of the last week in June the Methodist Conference comesto Plymouth, and this will conclude with the an Ordination Service fornew Presbyters and Deacons. On Sunday 1�� July Central will be one ofthe churches in the area to hold such a service, and we have beenadvised we will have four Ordinands – all Presbyters.

So what’s ordination all about?

Every Christian is called to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and to live outthat discipleship in ways which make the most of his or her unique blendof gifts, personality and situation. However, for some this is expressedin a call to ordained ministry within the wider church. A key to under-standing this is found in Paul’s words to the Ephesians:

‘So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, thepastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so thatthe body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith andin the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to thewhole measure of the fullness of Christ.’ (Eph 4:11-13).

The role of leadership is to equip and enable all God’s people to beactively engaged in the work of ministry, rather than simply the leaders.The Presbyters work is to build up the Body of Christ in the Church andin the world through the celebration of the sacraments, teaching,preaching and pastoral care. It is a ministry of leadership and mission,enabling all Christian people to realize their potential as they witness toChrist in the world.

It is a challenging and significant role within the life of the church. So dopray for those who are preparing for this major step in their own lives inthe near future.

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SUNDAY CLUB.

Sunday Club is embracing the spirit of the year and putting on their ownSports Spectacular on Sunday 24�� June. You may remember sucha day a few years ago, (although then we were able to call it our O......s)which proved most successful and enjoyable.

We want to encourage as many people as possible to get involved – youdon’t have to be a member of Sunday Club to take part, and there is noage limit!!!!! If people can’t take part in the activities they can supportthe event by sponsoring others, or helping to supervise activities/counttotals etc.

Entrants will be sponsored to complete as many activities as possible ina time limit. Activities include hopscotch, magnetic darts, throwingbeanbags into buckets, step ups, shuttle runs, jumping, penalty shootout, to name but a few. The event will culminate with some kind of finalesimilar to the bouncy hopper extravaganza!

Final details are yet to be arranged as we are trying to source a lot of theequipment that the Millingtons provided in the past. If anyone has anyother ideas for an activity they could resource and run, please speak tome asap.

Since this amazing event will follow the morning service, we hope thatmany more than those taking part, will stay and watch. This will reallyencourage the participants, and give a great sense of occasion. This maymean you want to bring your own refreshments to keep yougoing! We will ensure that drinks are available.

Jenny Price

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SPORTSSPECTACULAR

Sunday 24th JuneFollowing Sunday Morning Worship

Please support this eventANYONE can take part in any of the activities,

ORPlease SPONSOR someone who is taking part.Volunteers to help are also needed.

Bring a packed lunch andstay on after the Service.Drinks will be provided.

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SPECIAL WEEKS & DAYS IN JUNE

World Environment Day 5�� June.This year the WED, as it is known, turns 40. It is billed as the singlebiggest day for positive action on the environment worldwide. Peopleacross the world will be challenged to pledge an environmental activityfor 5 June 2012. Is this something to which your church could respond?Visit: www.unep.org/wed/

Refugee Week 18 – 24 June.Refugee Week is billed as a unique opportunity to “discover and cele-brate the contributions refugees bring to the UK”. If you have a numberof refugees in your local community, would this be of interest to yourchurch? Visit www.refugeeweek.org.uk/

Carers Week 18 – 24 JuneYou are bound to have some carers in your congregation. Would theyappreciate your church commemorating this week in any special way?The theme this year is ‘In sickness and in health’. Visit:www.carersweek.org

National Bike Week 16 – 24 JuneHere is annual opportunity to celebrate cycling. Would some folk in yourchurch be interested in a sponsored cycle ride for a favourite charity?Visit: www.bikeweek.org.uk

Wrong Trousers Day 29 JuneThe Wallace and Gromit children’s foundation are this year urging thenation to “join in the Olympic fun and support their favorite team andby donning their weirdest, wackiest legwear in their national coloursand donate £1 for the right to look wrong.” Visit:www.wallaceandgromitfoundation.org/wrong-trousers-day

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AND

9.30 am –1.30 pm

Tables @ £5.00 Customers 20pIn aid of Central Church Funds

Refreshments will be on sale.Please call Barbara G on 07773 987670 to reserve a table.

CENTRAL’S WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIPinvite you to aCOUNTRY CREAM TEA

at Central Church onMONDAY 11TH JUNE AT 2.30 PM

Tickets available @ £3.00 from Sheila LawrenceProceeds to go to the Street Pastors

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CONTACT CENTRE.

As part of an annual programme of charitable giving DevonshireFreemasons have distributed nearly £20,000 to 26 local charities andworthy causes. The donations were presented by the Provincial GrandMaster of Devonshire, Right Worshipful Brother Michael Penny, at theMount Edgcumbe Masonic Hall, Plymouth on Friday evening 20�� April.

The Contact Centre was included in this distribution and received adonation of £ 750. This, added to an amount previously received,brought the total gift to £1,000. On behalf of the volunteers at the Centrebut particularly the children and families who use the Centre, SusanNorman, expressed thanks for this generous donation and said this wouldbe put towards furnishing and equipping the new extension to thepresent Centre.

The picture on the back of the magazine shows Susan receiving thecheque from R.W. Bro. Michael Penny, Provincial Grand Master andW.Bro. Colin Wright the representative from The Lodge of St. Mary, St.Marychurch, Torquay

No need for prayer

Little Sam and his family were about to have Sunday din-ner at his grandmother's house. Everyone was seatedaround the table as the food was being served. WhenSam received his plate, he started eating right away."Sam! Please wait until we pray over the food," said hismother. “Like we do at home.”

“But we don’t need to pray here,” Sam objected. “This isGrandma's house, and she knows how to cook.”

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ON SAFARIBeryl Coker gives some impressions of her life in Kenya 1958-1962.

It has been my privilege to teach in that beautiful land, and some ofthe things that struck me were the greatness of our God, the vastnessof His Kingdom, the variety of people He calls to be His followers, andthe amount of evangelising still to be done before our Lord returns.Everywhere I travelled I met His children, African, Asian and European,many from other denominations and other Missionary Societies. Allwere evangelical Christians, all one in Christ.

I especially enjoyed fellowship with the Africa Inland Mission, whoworked in East Africa, and also brethren who had been forced to leavetheir mission stations in the mass exodus of 1960. The stories ofhardship and terror some had faced before leaving were heartrending, and yet they all told it with love in their hearts towards theirpersecutors, glad to be counted worthy of suffering for their Lord.Their radiant up-to-date testimonies of God’s keeping power in allsituations, were a real challenge and made one wonder how onewould react in similar circumstances.

I met some grand folk of the M.A.F. (Missionary Aviation Fellowship),who did and still do, an amazing job of transporting people andsupplies where they are most needed – however remote thedestination.

The first Baptist Church was opened in Nairobi on Whit Sunday 1961amidst great rejoicing. From then on, week by week, people from allraces were being baptised, and built up in their faith. Prayer meetingswere times of great fellowship. During my stay I had the joy of hearingsome of God’s chosen servants, Billy Graham, Alan Redpath, GeorgeDuncan and Alistair Smith to mention a few. Gathered round His tableit was such a joy and blessing to share the bread and wine with somany of God’s followers of many races, but all as one in our RisenSaviour.

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STEWARDS ROTA - JUNE 2012

3rd. 1. HEWITT 2. MILSOM 3. BOLT 4. COATHAM 5. HOLMWOOD 6. BADCOTT 7. FARLEY

Hymns & Book Stewards – Front Door – Wells

10th 1. 2. SHERRIFF 3. LANSLEY 4. RICHARDS 5. NEWMAN 6. KAY 7 GISSINGER

Hymns & Book Stewards – Front Door – Heather & Venna

17th 1. HEWITT 2. MILSOM 3. BOLT 4. COATHAM 5. HOLMWOOD 6. BADCOTT 7. FARLEY

Hymns & Book Stewards – Morton & Lawrence

24�� 1. 2. SHERRIFF 3. LANSLEY 4. RICHARDS 5. NEWMAN 6. KAY 7. GISSINGER

Hymns & Book Stewards – Front Door – Bolt

URGENT! If any member would be willing to act as a Steward, pleasesee Jeff Carter (Tel: 01626 363069) or Graham Davey (Tel: 07966 260505)

Would Stewards unable to be in attendance on their rota dates pleasenotify either Jeff or Graham before the Sunday involved, and if at allpossible, try to arrange a mutual swap with any colleague.

LAST DATE FOR ITEMS FOR THE JULY/AUGUST ENQUIRE WITHIN IS SUNDAY 10�� JUNE 2012.

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CALENDAR FOR JUNE 2012

Friday 1�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplates Group 7.00 Choir PracticeSaturday    2ⁿ� 9.30 Contact CentreSunday 3rd 10.30 Morning Communion Service–

Revd. Gerald Morris 6.30 Evening Worship – Revd Gavin HancocksTuesday 5�� 7.30 Exploring Membership CourseWednesday 6�� 10.00 'Glad You Asked' course 1.00 Prayers for Healing 7.30 'Glad You Asked' course – at the manseThursday 7�� 7.30 Church MeetingFriday 8�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplates Group 6.00 Choir AGM 7.00 Choir PracticeSaturday 9�� 9.30 Contact CentreSunday 10�� 10.30 Morning Worship –

Mr Jonathan D’Oliverio 6.30 Evening Worship – Worship Group

& GavinLast date details for July/August 'Enquire Within'

Monday 11�� 10.30 Rosemary Gardens Housegroup 2.30 Women's Fellowship -

'Country Cream Tea' 6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 Guides 7.30 Lydwell Park HousegroupTuesday 12�� 9.30 Midweek Service –

Revd Roger Whitehead 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees

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Tuesday 12�� 7.00 New Life Housegroup 7.30 Exploring Membership CourseWednesday 13�� 10.00 'Glad You Asked' course 1.00 Prayers for Healing 7.30 'Glad You Asked' course –

at the ManseThursday 14�� 9.30 Central Tots 2.30 Belleplate Group at

Memory Club - PaigntonFriday 15�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplates Group 7.00 Choir PracticeSaturday 16�� 9.30 Contact CentreSunday 17�� 10.30 Morning Worship –

Revd Gavin Hancocks 6.30 Evening Communion –

Revd Gavin HancocksMonday 18�� 10.30 Rosemary Gardens Housegroup 6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 GuidesTuesday 19�� 9.30 Midweek Prayers 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees 7.00 New Life Housegroup 7.30 Exploring Membership CourseWednesday 20�� 10.00 'Glad You Asked' course 1.00 Prayers for Healing 7.30 Pastoral Leaders' MeetingThursday 21�� 9.30 Central Tots 7.30 Council MeetingFriday        22ⁿ� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplates Group 7.00 Choir PracticeSaturday 23�� 9.30 Contact Centre

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Saturday 23�� 9.30-1.30 Table Top Sale & Craft Fayre 10.00 Walk to Emmaus 2.00 Walk to EmmausSunday 24�� 10.30 Morning Worship –

Revd Gavin Hancocks JMASunday Club Olympics

6.30 Evening Worship – Worship Group& Gavin

Monday 25�� 10.30 Rosemary Gardens Housegroup 6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 Guides 7.30 Lydwell Park HousegroupTuesday 26th 9.30 Midweek Communion 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees 6.00 Property & Finance Meeting 7.00 New Life Housegroup 7.30 Exploring Membership CourseWednesday 27�� 10.00 'Glad You Asked' course 1.00 Prayers for Healing 7.30 'Glad You Asked' course –

at the manseThursday 28�� 9.30 Central Tots 2.30 Special Events Meeting 7.30 Pulpit Team MeetingFriday 29�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 4.00 Messy Church 7.00 Choir PracticeSaturday 30�� 9.30 Contact Centre 12.00 Olympic Fair –

Circuit Event at Goodrington 7.30 South Devon Choir Concert

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SUNDAY SERVICES FOR JUNE 2012.

(S) = Sacrament of Holy Communion (WG) = Worship Group

Date Morning 10.30am Evening 6.30pm

3�� Revd G Morris (S) Revd G Hancocks10�� Jonathan D’Oliverio Revd G Hancocks.(WG)17�� Revd G Hancocks Revd G Hancocks (S)24�� Revd G Hancocks Revd C Haines (WG)

SUNDAY WELCOME ROTA FOR JUNE 2012.

Date Morning 10.30am Evening 6.30pmJune3�� Barbara & Tony Zaple Monica Lansley & Philip Kay10�� Celia & David Bolt Margaret Newman & Paul Sherriff17�� Tessa Goodwin & Marion Powell & Hazel Nightingale Doreen Head24�� Sheila & John Lawrence Celia & David BoltJuly1�� Sue & John Coatham Ordination Service

SUNDAY MORNING COFFEE ROTA. JUNE 2012

DATE GROUP DATE GROUP

3�� Belleplate Group 10�� Southfield Housegroup17�� Moors Housegroup 24�� Guild

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BELARUS (Shoe Box Distribution).

 Nic Balbutski was my host for this last week. He was my guide and wemet church leaders and visited the Gomel regional team, which is not allthat far from the Chernobyl 'dead zone'!

Samaritan's Purse sends in around 300,000 shoebox gifts to this country,and they could use even more!

'The power of a simple gift' is a catchphrase we use, and I have seen fromthis trip that it is not just simply a bit of marketing, it is the truth. Orperhaps it should be said 'The power of a prayer-covered simple gift' sowe give God the glory, as the power is evidently not in the gift but in thereal Giver!

Over and over again, the reports coming back in from our volunteerteams in Belarus are: there are too many stories of transformed lives totell them all!

Whether it's the little girl who was regularly beaten and was unloved,who cried in amazement at being given a gift. Whether it's the girl whoseparents wouldn't let her go to church, but after seeing the shoeboxdistribution changed their minds and let her go.

Whether it's the two children who wrote about how much their mother,a former alcoholic has changed since being contacted by people fromthe church where she saw the distribution. Whether it's the teenagersin youth detention whose frosty exterior melted when a Christian musicgroup played for them and gave them gifts.

Whether it's the border guards whose respect for evangelical churcheshas grown immensely as they watched the churches work together togive gifts in very poor communities on the Polish border. Whether it'sthe amazement  of a village  'lost' out in the forest at which a churcharrived to distribute gifts, and who invited the church to hold a regularSunday school there.

One Pentecostal church in Minsk has a youth group that presents aChristmas drama at distribution events. This season they performed theirdrama a total of 112 times, sometimes four times a day! The biggest

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Pentecostal church in Minsk had a special Christmas service/performancewhich was held for 7 nights and attracted over a thousand people eachtime, half of whom were kids.

There is so much to be thankful for. Humbling to see people workingtogether across denominations (not that it's all wrinkle-free!) and incircumstances where it can be risky to stick your neck out as anevangelical Christian (the KGB is still alive and well....not imprisoningpeople but watching, and with the power to close churches).

Let me pass on to you the heartfelt greetings and thanks from thevolunteer teams in Belarus!

Mark (A Samitan’s Purse worker)

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP

During this last month we have seen two Bank Holidays when we donot meet, but we were entertained at one of our meetings by ourown Belleplate Group. On St George’s Day we were very traditionalwith stories, poems and songs relating to St George. John Ayres’ visitgave us a very informative talk on the history of the Babbacombe CliffRailway from the days when it was first built until the present day,and how the Friends of the Railway became involved.

We were saddened to hear recently that one of our members haddied. Dorothy Lawton, until her illness made her virtuallyhousebound, was a regular attender at our meetings, supportedCoffee Mornings and other social occasions at Central, and althoughunwell last Christmas, managed to attend our Christmas Lunch. Weshall all miss her, and remember her family at this sad time.

Barbara Lawton

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SERMON SERIES AT CENTRAL

For the month of June at our evening services I will be focusing on thesubject of dealing with our regrets. Some years ago I was deeplychallenged by a book by David Seamands entitled If Only…Moving beyondBlame to Belief. I used the book to develop this four part series and wewill be exploring the following:

3�� June – A lifetime of Regret for a Life of Gratitude: God wants to makea marvellous exchange, are we ready to receive it? John 11 & Genesis3:1-13

10�� June – If Only – Pigging Out on the Past: Does your past confine you?Are you stuck at the trough of what might have been? Come and findout how. Genesis 19:15-26 & 2 Corinthians 5:19-20

17�� June – If Only – Precluding the Present: There is only one place wecan live, in this moment. Do your If Only’s prevent you from doing so –how? John 5 & Numbers 21

24�� June – If – The Power of Prevailing Faith: So you know the game of‘What if?’ – how about let’s play the game of IF and join Jesus in theresurrection! Genesis 37:1-11 & John 15:1-17

Please do feel free to come and join us. Gavin Hancocks

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WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?

What does it take to make you happy? Getting into bed betweenfreshly washed sheets, or finding £10 note in our jeans is enough to setmost of us off, it seems. We also feel happy when people tell us theythink we have lost weight. Praise from our boss, or even waking up toa sunny morning, can also bring a surge of simple joy.

The Top 20 Things that make us happy include: sitting in the sun, gettinga nice message from a loved one, listening to our favourite song, findinga bargain, getting a promotion, and even the smell of the Sunday roast.A recent research concluded: “It would seem that it does not take muchto lift our spirits. Small gestures from friends and family can workwonders. Simple things can make such a positive difference.”

Solomon agreed: “I know that there is nothing better for men than tobe happy and do good while they live.” (Ecclesiastes 3:12)

Ground

Long ago when men cursed and beat the ground with sticks, itwas called witchcraft...Today, it's called golf.

Good Samaritan

A Sunday school teacher was telling her class the story of theGood Samaritan. She asked the class, "If you saw a person ly-ing on the roadside, all wounded and bleeding, what wouldyou do?" A thoughtful little girl broke the hushed silence, "Ithink I'd throw up.."

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YOUR BIBLE

A few Sundays ago Gavin stressed the importance of reading our Bibles.Here are some things that have been said about this great treasure.

“Hold fast to the Bible as the anchor of your liberties. Write itsprecepts on your heart and practice them in your lives.” President SGrant.

“There is but one question of the hour: how to bring the truth of God’swords into vital contact with the minds and hearts of all people.”William Gladstone.

A man has deprived himself of the best there is in the world, who hasdeprived himself of this.” Woodrow Wilson

“I have only to say it is the best gift God has given to man.” PresidentAbraham Lincoln.

“The Bible is a book in comparison with which, all other books are ofminor importance.” Robert Lee.

“It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible.”George Washington.

“This is a book worth more than all other books ever printed.” PatrickHenry.

Monica Lansley.

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SAINT OF THE MONTH – BARNABASPaul’s first missionary companion

Are you going to Cyprus on holiday this year? If so, spare a thought forthe Cypriot who played such a key role in the New Testament.

He was Joseph, a Jewish Cypriot and a Levite, who is first mentionedin Acts 4:36, when the early church was sharing a communal lifestyle.Joseph sold a field and gave the money to the apostles. His support sotouched them that they gave him the nickname of Barnabas, ‘Son ofEncouragement’.

Barnabas has two great claims to fame. Firstly, it was Barnabas whomade the journey to go and fetch the converted Paul out of Tarsus,and persuade him to go with him to Antioch, where there were manynew believers with no one to help them. For a year the two menministered there, establishing a church. It was here that the believerswere first called Christians.

It was also in Antioch (Acts 13) that the Holy Spirit led the church to‘set aside’ Barnabas and Paul, and send them out on the church’s firstever ‘missionary journey’. The Bible tells us that they went to Cyprus,and travelled throughout the island. It was at Lystra that the localsmistook Barnabas for Zeus and Paul for Hermes, much to their dismay.Much later, back in Jerusalem, Barnabas and Paul decided to partcompany. While Paul travelled on to Syria, Barnabas did what he coulddo best: return to Cyprus and continue to evangelise it. So if you goto Cyprus and see churches, remember that Christianity on thatbeautiful island goes right back to Acts 13, when Barnabas and Paulfirst arrived.

In England there are 13 ancient church dedications and not a fewmodern ones. Barnabas the generous, the encourager, the apostlewho loved his own people – no wonder he should be remembered withlove.

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A WORLD OF DREAMS

In life’s many ‘twists and turns’ plus ever changing scenes,Do you go chasing rainbows in your daytime dreams?

Whilst watching birds on a wing as you see them fly by,Wistfully making a wish, to soar high in the sky?

Or sail the seven seas to a paradise yet unknown,To find some buried treasure in a jungle overgrown?

Perhaps, climbing Mount Everest to its highest peak,Reaching out for the summit, as the goal you seek?

Maybe an explorer, hoping to cross the wastes of ice and snow,Experiencing the vastness of the Arctic, surviving temperatures way below?

To dream the dream of achieving an Olympic Gold,Basking in the glory as the story is retold?

Daydreams are a wonderful release, from the pressures of life,Sadly, when waking up, reality resumes to face the daily strife. J.H.D.Lawrence.

May Crossword Solution

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In aid of

At

Goodrington Methodist ChurchOn Saturday 30th June

From 12.00 noon - 4.00 pm

Cream Teas

PLEASE SUPPPORT THIS EVENT.CENTRAL’S COLOUR WILL BE YELLOW.

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OPEN DOORSServing Persecuted Christians Worldwide

Eddie Lyle, in his editorial reminds us that, sometime in the mid-thirtiesAD, a man went to destroy the church in Damascus. Jesus knocked himdown and asked a life-changing question “why are you persecuting me?”The story reminds us that there were Christians in Syria just a few yearsafter the resurrection of Jesus, and there have been Christians there eversince. It’s one of the oldest Christian communities in the world.

From the start, the Syrian church was familiar with persecution. Homs,another city in that country, has been very much in the news in pastmonths. It has been the target of a savage bombing campaign. There isnew evidence of intimidation and persecution of its Christian citizens.Before the conflict, there were over 40,000 Christians in Homs, but manyhave fled not only because of the bombs and shells, but becauseextremist groups who have been visiting Christian families and tellingthem to leave or be killed. Can you imagine the trauma and fear thesethreats bring to a family, especially the children? There are now less than5,000 Christians in Homs.

To return to Eddie Lyle, who writes that Open Doors has launched a majorappeal to get relief supplies of food to the homeless, and also a safe placeto stay. If anyone in Central feels they can join me with monetary gifts,I should be most pleased – and please read the May magazine for moredetails.

Source: Open Doors with Brother Andrew, PO Box 6, Witney, Oxon OX29 75PTel: 01865 301033. e-mail: info@opendoorsuk.org.

Reg. Charity no: 260600

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2012Many thanks, once again to all those who supported therecent quiz during April. Another £40 was raised for ChurchFunds. I am told that the quiz sheets are proving to be lot offun, and I have had requests to make them more often, so therehas been one on sale during May. Remember, every copy soldraises money for Central.The winner of the April Quiz drawn by Lynda Taylor was SueCoatham. There were many more correct entries this time, sokeep trying and better luck next time! If you haven’t tried oneyet, then see Barbara G and HAVE A GO!The correct answers for the Bird quiz were…….1. ROBIN 2. OWL 3. KITE 4. KNOT 5. ROOK 6. CRANE7. HOBBY 8. QUAIL 9. CROW 10. CURLEW11. GROUSE 12. TURKEY 13. WAGTAIL 14. FLAMINGO15. PUFFIN 16. PIGEON 17. BLACKBIRD 18. STORK19. KITTYWAKE 20. RAZORBILL 21. SPOONBILL22. KINGFISHER23. SWALLOW 24. BUNTING25. CROSSBILL

Did Noah fish?

The Sunday school teacher asked: "James, do you thinkNoah did a lot of fishing when he was on the Ark ?""No," replied James. “How could he? He only had twoworms."

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SIXTY YEARS AS OUR QUEEN.

A dozen tenants of Number TenAnd twelve the White House has seenSince fifty-two, for that was whenBegan the reign of our Queen.

And so they come, and so they goThe Dame, or titled Knight,Some shone, it seems, an age agoShort as a mayfly’s flight.

Some were good, and some were poorIt seems she’s met all sorts!The Queen smiles on, but to be sure –You’ll never guess her thoughts!

“My Government shall this enact”,The Queen’s Speech – sixty times!At Christmas, too, she’s never lackedEncouraging seasonal lines.

Through times of peace and times of strifeShe’s stood there at the helm,For she has lived her whole long lifeFor the peoples of her realm.

Of this one fact we may dependThat few would be the tearsIf God should choose her life to extendTo reign for lots more years!

Well, you can't but admire her. God save the Queen!By Nigel Beeton

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CROSSWORD

Solution in July/August Enquire Within

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TRINITY SUNDAY– how do you explain it?

Trying to explain the doctrine of the Trinity has kept many a theologianbusy down the centuries. One helpful picture is to imagine the sunshining in the sky. The sun itself – way out there in space – unapproach-able in its fiery majesty – is the Father. The light that flows from it, andwhich illuminates all our lives, is the Son. The heat that flows from it,and which gives us all the energy to move and grow, is the Holy Spirit.You cannot have the sun without its light and its heat. The light and theheat are from the sun, are of the sun, and yet are also distinct inthemselves, with their own roles to play.

The Bible makes clear that God is One God, who is disclosed in threepersons: Father, Son (Jesus Christ) and Holy Spirit. For example:

Deuteronomy 6:4 ‘Hear O Israel, The Lord our God, the Lord is one..’Isaiah 45:22 ‘Turn to me and be saved… for I am God, and there is noother’Genesis 1:1-2 ‘In the beginning God created…. And the Spirit of Godwas hovering…’Judges 14:6 etc ‘The Spirit of the Lord came upon him in power…’John 1:1-3 ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God,and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through himall things were made; without him nothing was made that has beenmade.’

Luke 24:49 actually manages to squeeze the whole Trinity into onesentence. Jesus tells his disciples: ‘I am going to send you what myFather has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothedwith power (the Holy Spirit) from on high.’

In other words, the sun eternally gives off light and heat, and wheneverwe stand in its brilliant light, we find that the warmth soon follows.

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Sue Norman receiving a donation cheque from theFreemasons on behalf of the Contact Centre