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ENQUIRE WITHINMAY 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,The first half of the year is full to overflowing with significant festivals ofthe faith. We move rapidly on from Christmas into Lent and Easter andnow this month includes the forgotten festival of Ascension and givingof the Spirit at Pentecost.

These two festivals form a whole and tie in with the Jewish Festival ofShavout or, the Feast of Weeks. This is a festival in which the Jewishnation celebrates the giving of the Law to Moses on Mt Sinai. For themit is about the moment they are defined as a nation after their freedomfrom bondage in Egypt. The festival is also in celebration of the grainharvest in Israel and is counted as fifty days from the Passover meal. Thisis where the name Pentecost comes from, it is the Greek for fifty days.

It is within this period that these two Christian festivals occur. Again wehave that magic number 40 occurring. Jesus appears to his disciples andvarious other witnesses, numbering some 500 according to 1 Cor 16, over40 days before he ascends on high as recorded for us in Acts chapter 1.The significance of this moment is twofold for me. Firstly, it sets up theanticipation of the giving of the Holy Spirit in a few days’ time. Secondly,and more importantly, it places Christ at the right hand of the Father.The importance of that simply is that Jesus is now the one who fills thewhole of creation with his power and presence. To take his place at theright hand of the Father is to own the authority and power that is his ofwhich Paul speaks in Colossians 1. It is from this place of authority andpower Jesus, together with the Father, fulfils his promise and sends thegift of the Holy Spirit.

So, Pentecost arrives and with it the reshaping of the People of God. Nolonger are we shaped by an external covenant as reflected in the givingof the Law at Sinai. Now, as per Jeremiah’s prophecy, God writes his lawon the tablets of our hearts as we become a people shaped by Hisindwelling presence and power to live in grace and demonstrate love inthe world today.

Gavin

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

CONGRATULATIONS

· To Marga Brain who will be 90 on the 1�� May.· To Muriel Purse who will be 80 on 1�� May.· To Ray Fulcher who will be 80 on 5�� May· To Violet Caulfield who will be 70 on 23�� May.· To Leonie Tyas, who says “I am very pleased to be able to tell

everyone that my son Andrew and his wife Louisa now have alittle girl Eleanor Louisa Cox, born on the 16�� March. This is mythird grandchild, a cousin for Ben and Rebecca and I feel veryblessed.”

· To those who became new members on Easter Sunday morning– Diana & Alan Murray-Smith, Kayleigh Dale, Eileen O’Donoghue,Brian Hewson & Linda Clark, and Minako Cole. Pat & DavidBorrett were also welcomed back into Central.

THANKS

· From the Central Church Flower Arrangers to all those who gavedonations towards the cost of the Easter Flowers. Your generos-ity is much appreciated, and we all hope you enjoyed the designswe created in and around the church.

CHURCH DIRECTORY

· Arthur Beck asks that you delete his landline telephone number.

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LINDA ANNE DONNELLY (1954 – 2012)

Linda was the daughter of Iris & Julian Graff, long serving membersof Central. She had a brother, Tony. According to Tony, she had thereputation of being something of a mischievous child – he being thewell-behaved one! This may seem a little unjust, but she did get theblame for all kinds of things, which were really not her fault at all.

She attended a variety of local schools, and ended up at CoombePafford, where she was much happier and became more settled.

After meeting and marrying Steven, Linda became one of the sweetestnatured, and mildest people, who wanted to devote her life caringfor others. She worked in residential homes for elderly people andalso as a nurse in Torbay Hospital. She also cared for animals andsupported charities for their welfare. This led her to become avegetarian!

Overall, her main focus was her family, and as soon as her twochildren, Teresa and Trevor were born, Linda gave herselfwholeheartedly to being a mum. With Steven, the whole familyenjoyed many holidays together.

In spite of her long illness, she enjoyed the marriages of Teresa toLeaon, and Trevor to Karen.

Throughout her illness, she never moaned or complained, and wasmore concerned about others, rather than herself. In the care thatSteven showed for Linda, and the support she had from her children,one could see the great love that united the family.

On April 1�� she was taken into hospital for only a few hours, duringwhich she continued to show concern for others, and she slipped awayat the age of 57.

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MEMBERSHIP EXPLORATION COURSE –March 2012A Review by Diana and Alan Murray-Smith

Diana and I were delighted to be asked to attend this course but did infact approach it with some trepidation as we did not know what toexpect. It turned out that we had nothing to worry about as from theoutset we were put at our ease by both our minister Gavin and MonicaLansley.

The first week was particularly interesting. Getting to know our fellowcourse members and understanding the reasons that motivated them tojoin Central; a discovery session (personal reflections) about how weunderstood the concept of the Church; and finally the Churchexpectations of being a member – summarized into the fivecommitments, a commitment to Jesus Christ, to regular worship, beingin a fellowship group, giving of time, talents and finance, and finally, tofaithful service of the Church.

The following five weeks were a more in depth investigation into eachcommitment. This was achieved through looking at and analysing variousreadings from the Bible and the onus being on group discussion of eachtopic.

Apart from looking at spiritual questions we also had a look at thepractical side of belonging to the Church. In particular, we had someexcellent handouts on the history and current structure of both TheUnited Reformed and Methodist Churches and how our own CentralChurch fits into that structure. A summary of the Statement of Accountswas also a particular eye-opener.

Diana and I enjoyed the course even though on a couple occasions wetouched on theological concepts which really stretched our minds. Weboth agreed that the course has made us think in a very different wayabout the Church, both in a spiritual sense – this opened some doors inour minds, and in the practical sense about what it really means to belongto the Church.

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CENTRAL CHURCH FINANCES

Below are the figures for the three months January to March 2012,showing that our receipts have not met our expenditure, and a deficit of£2,536 has resulted.

January to March 2012.Income:Offerings £14,589Other income including fundraising £12,657 £27,246Expenditure:Cost of ministry £12,893Church upkeep & maintenance £11,748Activities & administration £ 5,141 £29,782Deficit -£2,536

The course ended with a celebration meal organised by Monica and herhelpers for which we would like to say a big “Thank You”.We would recommend that anyone who has not attended this or asimilar course should do so – it was a good step on our journey intoFaith.

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HONEST ARTIST

The aspiring young artist tried to concentrate on his work, but theattraction he felt for his model finally became irresistible. He threwdown his palette, took her in his arms and kissed her. She pushedhim away. "So, do you kiss all your models?” she demanded.

"I've never tried to kiss a model before," he protested."Really?" she said, softening, "How many models have there been?""Four," he replied, "A jug, two apples, and a vase."

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REFLECTIONS

March winds and April showers bring forth May flowers. This is thelast of my trilogy.

Flowers are beautiful aren’t they. They have been showingthemselves from early February. Their vibrant colours really cheerus. The snowdrops, crocuses and daffodils have all battled their waythrough the cold earth, and the blossom on the trees has had toendure the wind, but they have all flowered and have lookedmagnificent. Despite everything, and against all the odds, the flowersin our gardens and parks have bloomed yet again.

We can compare ourselves to flowers. All that we have been through-- all the sadnesses; all the rough and tumble of life; all the joys thatwe have experienced, have made us into the people we are today.We might not think so, but we need the ups and downs of life. If wealways had good days, would we appreciate them? But, after a badspell, a good day is wonderful, and we blossom and flourish, and welook as good as a flower any day!!

Flowers battle through hard times and push up through the bleaksurroundings and look towards the sun, and reach out to receive itswarmth.

Despite all our anxieties and problems, why don’t we be like a flower,and be positive. Let us look up. Let us look towards Jesus. He willhelp us grow, flourish and bloom. Remember this chorus –

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful Face. Andthe things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His Gloryand Grace”.

Margaret Newman

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ASCENSION DAY40 Days with the Risen Christ

(A lesson for us now)

40 days after Easter comes Ascension Day. It may seem crazy to call itEastertide when Easter is clearly over! - but these are the 40 days duringwhich the Risen Christ appeared again and again to his disciples, follow-ing his death and resurrection.

The Gospels give us little of Christ’s teachings and deeds during thoseforty days. Jesus was seen by numerous disciples: on the road toEmmaus, by the Sea of Galilee, in houses, etc. He strengthened andencouraged his disciples, and at last opened their eyes to all that theScriptures had promised about the Messiah. Jesus also told them thatas the Father had sent him, he was now going to send them - to allcorners of the earth, as his witnesses.

THE RECIPE

A teenage girl was complaining to her grandmother how everything wasgoing wrong for her: she hated school, she was fighting with her sister,her mum was driving her crazy, and a friend at school had let her down.

Meanwhile, her granny was baking a cake. She asked her granddaugh-ter if she would like a snack, which of course she did. "Here, have somecooking oil." "Yeuch" says the girl, horrified. "How about a couple raweggs? " "Grannie, that is disgusting!" "Would you like some flour then?Or maybe baking soda?" "Grannie, they’re horrible!”

To which her grandmother replied: "Yes, all those things seem bad all bythemselves. But when they are put together in the right way, andallowed to change in the oven, they make a wonderfully delicious cake!"She continued, "God works the same way in our lives. Problems canbring you blessings of growth in your life. But you need to let himchange you on the inside."

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WOW WHAT A CHURCH!From Linda Taylor

Our Son, Joe Taylor, who attends Sunday Club, has been very poorly. Itstarted off with chickenpox, but then he ended up with a severe skininfection. He was in hospital for a week, but thankfully he has made afull recovery and is back being the active cheeky little boy we know!

This was a very stressful, emotional, worrying time for us all. It has givenus so much comfort to have such a caring, spiritual church family behindus. Your concern, prayers, phone calls and cards have been wonderfulto have.

Special thanks to my dear friend Monica, she is the busiest person I knowcommitting herself to others – yet she continued to visit us. Also to familyfriend Cynthia Arscott – she kept us close in her thoughts and prayerscontinually phoning either Mum or myself.

Thank you all again so much, when the ‘chips are down’ it’s wonderfulto know you are all there for us.

Much Love...Lin & Family

AH - BUT WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

The children had been grouped together around the minister topose for the annual Sunday School photograph, and the ministerwas smiling encouragement.

"Just think how nice it will be to look at it when you are all grownup,” he said. “You could point to each other and say: 'There'sJennifer; she's a lawyer,' or 'That's Michael, he's a doctor.'" Asmall voice at the back rang out, "And there's the minister – hopehe made it to heaven...”

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SAINT OF THE MONTH PACHOMIUS. d 346

Pachomius should be the patron saint of administrators everywhere!For back in the 4�� century, without a computer or even a mobile, hemanaged to run eleven separate monasteries like clockwork.

Pachomius was born into a pagan family in Upper Egypt at the end ofthird century, and as a youth conscripted into the army. On his releasein 313, he became two things: a Christian and a hermit (probablycraved some peace and quiet!). But Pachomius was no loner, andwhen other monks gradually sought him out, he did with them whathe did best: he organised them. By 320 he had founded his firstmonastery.

Pachomius seems to have had exceptional powers of administration,no doubt perfected by his years of disciplined army life. By the timeof his death in 346, he presided over nine large monasteries for menand two for woman. Each monastery was divided into houses, accord-ing to its craft, such as agriculture, tailoring or baking.

Pachomius knew how to delegate: each house had its own leader. Heknew how to keep in touch: he held team leaders’ meetings twice ayear. Pachomius knew about supply chains: food and drink never ranout. Pachmius knew about marketing: he found buyers for theirproduce in Alexandria. Pachimus knew about delivering a vision: adaily pattern of work and prayer and sleep was set in place to makesure that the monks and nuns could devote themselves to God forhours each day in prayer, and in memorising the Psalms and otherBible passages.

Pachomius knew how to help people get things done. No wonder hisRule went on to influence that of Basil and Benedict. Certainly admin-istration is listed by St Paul as a genuine gift of God, and prudence andclear forward planning are highly prized in the Proverbs.

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Bump

A man was trying to pull out of a parking place, but bashed thebumper of the parked car in front of him. Witnessed by a handfulof pedestrians waiting for a bus, the driver got out, inspected thedamage, and proceeded to write a note to leave on the wind-shield of the car he had hit. The note read: "Hello. I have just hityour car, and there are some people here watching me who thinkthat I am writing this note to leave you my name, phone number,and driver's license number, but I am not."

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CATCHING OYSTERS

A story is told about Wesley and one of the early Methodist lay preach-ers, a man with little formal education. On one occasion, the laypreacher took as his text Luke 19:21, "Lord, I feared thee, because thouart an austere man."

Not knowing the word ‘austere’, the simple lay preacher thought thatthe text spoke of "an oyster man." So he spoke about the work of thosewho retrieve oysters from the sea-bed. He described in detail how thediver must plunge down from the surface, cut off from his naturalenvironment, into cold water. He gropes in the dark, cutting his handson the sharp edges of the shells. When he has the oyster, he kicks hisway back up to the surface, up to the warmth and light and air, clutchingin his torn and bleeding hands the object of his search.

So Christ, declared the lay preacher, descended from the glory of heav-en into the squalor of earth, and sinful human society. His purpose wasto retrieve humans, and bring them back up with him to the glory ofheaven. His torn and bleeding hands were a sign of the value he hasplaced on the object of His quest.

Twelve men were converted to faith in Christ that evening. Afterwards,someone complained to Wesley about the inappropriateness of allow-ing preachers who were too ignorant to know the meaning of the textsthey were preaching on. Wesley simply said, "Never mind, the Lord gota dozen oysters tonight."

FINDING

The shin bone is a device for finding furniture in the dark.

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HAPPY 250�� BIRTHDAY, DEAR SANDWICH

As you munch your way through your next sandwich lunch, considerthis: 12�� – 19�� May is British Sandwich Week. Seriously. And not onlythat: this year the humble sandwich turns 250 years old. (Hope the onein your lunch box is a bit more recent than that.)

According to the British Sandwich Association’s website, it all beganback in 1762 when one John Montagu, the fourth Earl of Sandwich andan inveterate gambler, called for his manservant to bring him some cutsof beef between slices of bread so that he could eat while continuing toplay cards. Soon his friends were asking to have the “same as Sandwich”and – before you could say: “do you want that on seeded or white?” thesandwich was born.

No one really knows what prompted the Earl to come up with the ideaof the first ‘sandwich’. All we know is that in calling for a conveniencemeal, John Montagu sparked a trend that would become a worldwideindustry, until today it employs more than 300,000 people in just the UK,and is worth more than £6 billion.

Meanwhile, you may not have heard of the British Sandwich Association,but they are taking good care of you. Their stated aims include: “tosafeguard the integrity of the sandwich”, which must be a good thing.

GOLIATH

If Goliath is resurrected, would you like to tell him the joke aboutDavid and Goliath? No, he already fell for it once.

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WE ARE ALL MORE CUDDLY NOW!

Whatever happened to the British stiff upper lip? It seems these daysthat we cannot stop hugging each other. In fact, we hug each otherabout 13 times a day, and each hug lasts for almost 10 seconds, accord-ing to a recent poll.

A clinical psychologist suggests that this may be a reaction against ourincreasing reliance on remote communication. “Human beings needphysical contact – the sight, sound, smell and touch of someone else.”Our laptop-based lives, despite Twitter and Facebook, leave us muchmore alone than in the past.

It seems that nothing replaces direct physical human contact. Nivea,who conducted the poll, found that the main reason people want to hugsomeone is for simple comfort. So if on Sunday in church, the exchangeof the ‘peace’ goes on and on, don’t be surprised!

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STEWARDS ROTA - MAY 2012

6�� 1. HEWITT 2. MILSOM 3. BOLT 4. COATHAM 5. GRIFFITHS 6. BADCOTT 7.

Hymns & Book Stewards – Front Door – Wells

13�� 1. 2. SHERRIFF 3. LANSLEY 4. RICHARDS 5. NEWMAN 6. KAY 7 GISSINGER

Hymns & Book Stewards – Front Door – Heather & Venna

20�� 1. HEWITT 2. MILSOM 3. BOLT 4. COATHAM 5. GRIFFITHS 6. BADCOTT 7.

Hymns & Book Stewards – Morton & Lawrence

27�� 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 JUNE ENQUIRE WITHIN

IS SUNDAY 13�� MAY 2012.

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CALENDAR FOR MAY 2012

Tuesday 1�� 9.30 Midweek Prayers 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees 7.00 New Life HousegroupWednesday   2ⁿ� 1.00 Prayers for HealingThursday 3�� 9.30 Central Tots 7.30 Messy Church Planning MeetingFriday 4�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplate Group 7.00 Choir PracticeSaturday 5�� 9.30 Contact Centre 10.00 Jemma’s Craft FayreSunday 6�� 10.30 Morning Communion Service Revd Gavin Hancocks 6.30 Evening Worship – Revd Gavin HancocksTuesday 8�� 9.30 Midweek Service with Mr Michael Mann 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees 7.00 New Life HousegroupWednesday 9�� 1.00 Prayers for HealingThursday 10�� 9.30 Central TotsFriday 11�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplate Group 7.00 Choir PracticeSaturday 12�� 9.30 Contact CentreSunday 13�� 10.30 Morning Worship –

Revd David Grosch-Miller, Moderator of the South Western Synod of the URC

6.30 Evening Worship - Gavin & Worship GroupLast date for details for June Enquire Within

Monday 14�� 10.30 Rosemary Gardens Housegroup 2.30 Women’s Fellowship:

Flowers with Marion Farley 6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 Guides 7.30 Southfield Housegroup 7.30 Lydwell Park Housegroup

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Tuesday 15�� 9.30 Midweek Prayers 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees 7.00 New Life HousegroupWednesday 16�� 1.00 Prayers for Healing 7.30 Special EventsThursday 17�� 9.30 Central Tots 7.30 Council Meeting (Mission Groups)Friday 18�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplate Group 7.00 Choir PracticeSaturday 19�� 9.30 Contact Centre 2.30 Tea DanceSunday 20�� 10.30 Morning Worship – Mrs Linda Haines

6.30 Evening Communion – Revd Gavin HancocksMonday 21�� 10.30 Rosemary Gardens Housegroup 2.30 Women’s Fellowship: Jubilee Year 6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 GuidesTuesday    22ⁿ� 9.30 Midweek Communion Service 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees 7.00 New Life HousegroupWednesday 23�� 1.00 Prayers for HealingThursday 24�� 9.30 Central Tots 7.30 Moors HousegroupFriday 25�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplate Group 4.00 Messy Church 7.00 Choir PracticeSaturday 26�� 9.30 Contact Centre 10.00 Trefoil Guild Coffee MorningSunday 27�� 10.30 Morning Worship –Revd Gavin Hancocks JMA

6.30 Torbay Church Unity Commission ServiceMonday 28th 6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun

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Monday 28�� 7.30 Guides 7.30 Southfield Housegroup 7.30 Lydwell Park HousegroupTuesday 29th 9.30 Midweek Prayers 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees 7.00 New Life HousegroupWednesday 30th 1.00 Prayers for HealingThursday 31st 9.30 Central Tots 5.30 Contact Management Meeting 7.00 Contact Centre AGM

SUNDAY MORNING COFFEE ROTA. MAY

DATE GROUP DATE GROUP

6th Busy Bees 13�� Women’s Fellowship 20th Church Council 27th Contact Group

CHRISTIAN AID

Christian Aid week begins on 13�� May and ends on 19�� May. Envelopeswill be distributed at the morning service on 13�� May and if you wish tomake a donation please place it in the envelope and return it to me thefollowing week. Let us try to help to alleviate poverty in so many, manycountries in our world.

Barbara Lawton.

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SUNDAY SERVICES FOR MAY 2012.

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

Date Morning 10.30am Evening 6.30pm

6�� Revd G Hancocks (S) Revd G Hancocks13�� Revd D Grosch-Miller Revd G Hancocks.(WG)20�� Mrs L Haines Revd G Hancocks (S)27�� Revd G Hancocks Torbay Church Unity

Commission Service

SUNDAY WELCOME ROTA FOR MAY 2012.

Date Morning 10.30am Evening 6.30pmMay6�� Christine & Marion Powell Paul Sherriff & Doreen Head13�� Mary Fradley & Celia & David Bolt Cynthia Arscott20�� Monica Lansley Barbara Gissinger & Philip Kay & Jean Baker27�� Joy & Gerald Morris Christine Sherriff & Philip KayJune3�� Barbara & Tony Zaple Monica Lansley & Mike Griffiths

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OPEN DOORS.Serving Persecuted Christians Worldwide.

Millions of Christians in the Arab World are crying out for freedom.They are marching, voting, raising their voices. They know how crucialthis time is. For example, in Egypt, despite the fact that permissionhad been given by the authorities, a peaceful demonstration wasattacked by extremists, and this was followed by military vehiclesdriving straight into the marchers. 11 were crushed beneath theirwheels, 5 appeared to have been shot by roof snipers, and altogether27 people died.

Brother Andrew makes the plea “Every day in the news we arehearing about major upheavals in the Arab World. People are risingup in protest, dictators are being toppled and elections are beingheld. All of this creates uncertainty for the church. On the one handthere are forces that would attack and destroy the church. On theother hand, there are historic opportunities for the advance of thegospel. I urge you to pray fervently with your sisters and brothersthroughout the Arab World. Every time you hear news from Egypt orSyria or another Arab nation, remember there is a church there. Andthey need our prayers.”

As a news vendor would cry “Read all about it” in the Open Doorsmagazine on the table in the vestibule.

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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EASTER

Looking back a little, Easter was amazing. Maundy Thursday there wasa CTT service at St Lukes, which included the Washing of Feet, a trulysymbolic act, a sermon from Gavin and Communion.

Good Friday followed a now familiar pattern, but was no less meaningful.The morning service at Central included the nails being driven into ourcross. The walk of Witness that followed was this year very well attended– when we set off from the junction of Market Street and Union Street,the front was almost at Smiths as the end began to move! All thecrossings were negotiated with safety (no harassment from traffic) andwithout a police support! The service on the quayside gathered togetherthose walking and those in the adjacent restaurants, enjoying thesunshine. Upton Parish church provided the music group, which wasexcellent.

And to round off, our usual gathering at Kingskersxwell church. Theservice had a different structure this year, with a series of Bible readingsbeing at the heart of it.

Easter Sunday was memorable. Early communion, breakfast and thenat the morning service several new members being brought in. Reallyjoyous singing, and the usual amazing appearance of the Cross, bedeckedwith flowers, completed the picture. At all these services we receivedsome really meaningful messages from Gavin. And to finish off – theWorship Group at the evening service gave an alternative way of tellingthe story of the Resurrection.

The whole time was something to be treasured, and if you didn’t thisyear, why not next year think about joining in an event you haven’t triedbefore.

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FOREST OF DOUBT

Have you ever wandered through the Forest of Doubt,Where you feel you want to scream and shout?Moving into the deeper undergrowth, Mind in disarray,Tearing at the branches to try and find the way,Frantic in your efforts, exhaustion making you weak.Crying out in confusion as to which path to seek.

As your struggles cease, and quietness fills the air,You are suddenly reminded, perhaps it is a time for prayer.Spending awhile in meditation, to ease the burden of pain,Praying to God for help and direction, to restart life again,A sense of peace enfolds you, look! There is a clearing just ahead,The Sun is shining brightly. Suddenly all your doubts have fled.

J H D Lawrence

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BUILDING A CATHEDRAL

A splendid new cathedral was being built and the Bishop came to visit,just to see how things were going.

As he walked round he spoke to the various workmen and asked themwhat they were doing.

A mason, chiselling away at a huge lump of stone said ‘ I’m shaping thisblock of stone so that it fits in that window arch over there’.

A glazier said ‘I’m cutting this piece of coloured glass to fit in that stainedglass rose window in the end wall’.

The Bishop next saw the man who was sweeping up the mess made byall the other workmen and, although it was quite obvious what he wasdoing, the Bishop said ‘And you, my man, what are you doing?’

The man leant on his broom, looked the Bishop in the eye and said,‘My Lord, I am building a cathedral’

We should never forget that whatever we do in the name of the Lord,however small and mundane it may be, it is still a vital part of buildingGod’s kingdom on earth. Paul Sherriff

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TRAVEL PLANS 2012.

My inconclusive travel plans 2012.

I’ve been in many places , but I’ve never been in Cahoots. Apparentlyyou can’t go alone – you have to be in Cahoots with someone. I’ve alsonever been in Cognito. I hear no one recognises you there.

I have however, been in Sane. They don’t have an airport, you have tobe driven there. I have made several trips there, thanks to my friends,family and work. I would like to go to Conclusions, but you have to jump,and I’m not too much on physical activity any more.

I have been in Doubt, but it’s a sad place to go, and I should try not tovisit there too often. I don’t remember if I’ve been in Flexible, but otherssay only that dementia may have set in. Sometimes I’m in Capable, andI go there more often as I’m getting older.

One of my favourite places to be in is Suspense! It really gets theadrenalin flowing and pumps up the old heart! At my age I need all thestimuli I can get.

Life is too short for negative drama and petty things. So laugh insanely,love truly and forgive quickly.

Chris Downes

How high?!

Winging his way to America from Ireland, Father O'Learyasked a stewardess, "How high is this plane, Miss?" Thestewardess replied, "About thirty-two thousand feet, Fa-ther." The priest’s jaw dropped in amazement. "Who'dhave believed it? And could ye tell me how wide it is?"

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There are 17 residents in a tastefully decorated, elegantbuilding with peaceful gardens.

For more details, or a brochure, please contact……….

The Manager, Mrs Ena Bell. Tel: 01803 292734

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WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP

The Ladies enjoyed another very interesting presentation from BrianMaddocks with his illustrated talk on the beauty of Dartmoor. Becauseof Brian’s professionalism with his photography he was asked to producea DVD for the Dartmoor Countrywide Trust. This DVD is available fromthe various Information Centres on Dartmoor at the reasonable price of£4.00. Margaret Newman gave us an afternoon of ‘Musical Memories’and ‘Life in Canada’ was the topic when Tricia Stokes visited us.

At our meeting in Holy Week we welcomed Isobelle Taggart with herspecial message revolving around dreams – our own dreams and the onethat Pilate’s wife had that first Easter. A truly relevant message for us totake away and ponder during Holy Week.

Three of our members celebrate special birthdays this month. MargaBrain will be 90 on the 1�� May, and Muriel Purse celebrates her 80�� on1�� May. Violet Caulfield celebrates her 70�� on 23�� May.Congratulations ladies, we hope you enjoy your special milestones.

Barbara Lawton.

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Action for Children (N.C.H.)Home Collecting Boxes

Thank you very much to all those who contributed to the work ofAction for Children (N.C.H) by saving money in their collecting boxes.The total raised was £383.85.

I have received the following message from Action for Children:

“Thank you – right now, every penny we receive is much needed.That’s one of the many reasons we are so grateful for the £383.85donation collected by all the box holders at Central Church.”

Unfortunately, this year’s figure is over £100 down on previousdonations which used to average about £500 two or three years ago.The main reason for this is that we have lost some very generousdonors.

Please read the article on the opposite page about there-launch of ‘League of Light’ and consider if you could become a boxholder – or give an annual donation (in February each year). Some ofour donors contribute to their collecting boxes regularly, others fillthem with their small change. It all helps a very worthy cause.

Please give this your prayerful consideration. Linda Duckworth

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The League of Lightis relaunching

In today’s challenging economic times, one in ten children suffers neglect– the most common form of child abuse. Millions of children and youngpeople are growing up without decent food, clothes and the love of afamily.

· The League of Light was born in 1932, when Action for Childrenwas known as the National Children’s Home.

· It was a nationwide campaign to raise money for the UK’s mostvulnerable and neglected children.

· The campaign asked for members to fill lantern-style homecollection boxes with change.

· By the 1950’s, there were 110,000 members.· In 2010, home collection boxes raised £500,000 for Action for

Children.

We are very grateful for whatever amount you are able to raise, as everypenny will make a difference to the childrenwe support.

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BUSY BEES

News of our activities was last mentioned in the November magazine.Through illness, all has been quiet on the Busy Bee front! Now most ofus are back, except for dear Wendy. We hope she will soon be well andreturn to her place at the top table. Judith returned to the hive, and wewere thrilled to see her. She continues to be outrageous and full of fun.

We lost one our busiest bees in November – Lynette Brown. Lynettejoined us soon after the club was formed and attended regularly. Sheloved coming to Central on Tuesday mornings and was a popular andproductive bee. Her favourite craft was card making, with needlepointand cross stitch coming a close second. Her work was displayed at ourcoffee morning /craft fayres, so some of you will have seen her beautifulWinnie the Pooh quilts. Always willing to help, she would be the firstbee to take on work for any event. Her favourite expression was “Alrightmy lovely!” Yes we are alright, but we do miss you – our lovely, dearLynette.

At the beginning of this year we welcomed a new member, Claire Francis.No, not the Claire Francis that sailed around the world single-handed,but Claire, Judith’s friend. It’s good to have her with us. She enjoysknitting, but did actually arrive with a rug she is creating! A lass with manytalents.

Our thanks this month go to Marion Farley for gold and silver fabric, andHazel Tuck for a huge bale of wool.

We are busy creating and dressing key figures from the Bible plus animalsfor Sunday Club. The work is almost completed and will be on displaysoon.

If you are interested in learning a craft, do join us on Tuesday morningsbetween 10am and 12 noon, and enjoy coffee, cake and fellowship. Allare welcomed.

Joy Emerson.

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CROSSWORD

Solution in June Enquire Within

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LANGUAGE PROBLEM

A group of lads took a trip to France and decided to attend Mass ina small town, even though none of them understood French. Theymanaged to stand, kneel and sit when the rest of the congregationdid, so it wouldn't be obvious they were tourists. At one point, thepriest spoke and the man sitting next to them stood up, so they gotup, too. The entire congregation broke into hearty laughter.

After the service they approached the priest, who spoke English,and asked him what had been so funny. The priest said he hadannounced a birth in the parish and had asked the father to standup.

SPORTSMANLIKE

During a game, the coach asked one of his young players: "Do youunderstand what cooperation is? What a team is?" The little boynodded yes. "Do you understand that what matters is winningtogether as a team?" The little boy nodded yes. "So," the coachcontinued, "when a strike is called, or you are out at first, you don'targue or curse or attack the umpire. Do you understand all that?"Once more, the boy nodded and said “Yes.”

"Good," said the coach. "Now go over there and explain it to yourmother."

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APRIL CROSSWORD SOLUTION

36

THE EASTER SUNDAY WALK OF WITNESS