ENQUIRE WITHINNOVEMBER 2011

MAGAZINE OF

CENTRAL CHURCHMETHODIST and UNITED REFORMED

TORHILL ROAD- TORQUAY

MINISTER IN PASTORAL CHARGE

REV GAVIN HANCOCKS

Tel: 01803 615480email: gphancocks@btinternet.com

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

2

CHURCH OFFICERS

SECRETARY Barbara Lawton (01803 296990)TREASURERS John Coatham (01803 323212) Paul Sherriff (01803 298603)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 Prayers for Healing 6.30pm Guild 7.30pmTHURSDAY Central Tots 9.30amFRIDAY Coffee & Fellowship 10.00am Belleplates Group 11.00am Choir Practice 7.00pm

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

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

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

3

MINISTER’S LETTERFROM OUR MINISTER

Dear Friends,

I have a confession to make – I’m writing my column past thedeadline! The second Sunday comes around far too quickly but Iguess I’ll have to get to grips with it or else I’ll wear the editor’spatience out and I really can’t afford to do that!

However, there is a little advantage to being a little late. I partici-pated in a training day today which has given me opportunity toreflect on one of the more perplexing issues that confronts us in theChurch these days, Safeguarding! Being your Minister I was re-quired to attend the Leadership Training Module along with myother Circuit colleagues and the Safeguarding Officers of the vari-ous churches and some other Circuit bods. It was a very goodopportunity to reflect on this whole area in the life of the Churchand how we need to own it more comprehensively in the life of theChurch.

If you’re like me then you probably feel it’s all a little over the top.Yes, it is better than simply good practice to have everything that’sneeded in place and, yes, excellence can never be a bad valuewhen it comes to care of those who we seek to minister to, youngor old or whatever age in-between. Today, however, I was givenpause to reflect on a very different motivation for our embracingthis aspect of our life together. In fact, I would go so far as to say,that, if Safeguarding was not already in place, we should be invent-ing it!

If I you stop and think about it, Safeguarding is inherent in theGospel message, the whole Bible story. What is God’s intention forus if it is not that we can learn, discover, and grow to our fullpotential as God’s children? How else can we do that unless weafford a safe space in which to do so? Indeed, we, as God’speople, should have no hesitation whatsoever in embracing any-thing that helps create such a space and we should be workingtogether to do so. So, next time you are asked to take that CRBcheck or attend a Safeguarding Training course, remember it is justone of the ways we are allowing Christ’s ministry of care to be madereal in our midst. Gavin

4

Central’s Family & FriendsCENTRAL’S FAMILY & FRIENDS

(and other Bits & Pieces)

CONGRATULATIONS.

To Doreen Blackler on reaching her 80th birthday

To Eve Finlayson on reaching her 90th birthday

THANKS.

· From Cynthia Cole for all the prayers and support shehas received during her illness. Also for the kind giftsbrought after Harvest.

· From one of our most senior ladies who can no longercome to Church, for the continuing support she hasfrom Central in prayers, cards and visits.

· To Monica, Trevor, Venna and David for maintainingour gardens to such a high standard that this year wewere awarded a cup and gold medal for coming firstin the Large Public Building category in ‘Bay Blooms.’

CHANGES

· ‘Prayers for Healing’ are moving! From the beginningof November these will take place on Wednesday’s at1.00pm.

· Philip Kay has changed his email address tophilipkay393@btinternet.com.

5

Central’s Family & Friends

HARVEST GIFTS.

Grateful thanks to everyone who contributed in any waytowards the giving, packing and distribution of our HarvestGifts. I have received several telephone calls from our mem-bers unable to attend church. Each expressed their joy onhaving a visitor, receiving beautiful flowers and a goodiebag! The drawings by the Guides were also appreciated.

Thanks to Darrell for all his hard work. Some of the vegeta-bles were taken to the Cool House in Morgan Avenue wherethey were gratefully received. Joy Emerson.

HARVEST GIFTS (2)

I have received several calls from people receiving HarvestGifts. We must thank Joy Emerson for all she did to get thesegifts ready for delivery. Thanks too, to those who deliveredthem.

Mrs Lorna Lo was so pleased to receive her ‘bag of goodies’and sent thanks for your kindness.

Miss Georgina Johnstone was very delighted to receive flow-ers and goodies. She said the flowers had lasted well andshe was pleased to see the two members who deliveredthem.

Peter & Joy Perry wish to thank everyone from Central fortheir Harvest Gifts. It was good to be remembered. Theyhave missed coming to services for some time due to Peter’sillness. Monica Lansley.

6

REFLECTIONS FOR NOVEMBER

We have come to the month when we ‘remember’. Ourbrain stores all sorts of memories in its bank, and yet, as weget older it does not seem to function as well!Our brain can remember things which happened during ourschool days, and yet, sometimes, it is a job to rememberwhat we did yesterday! -- sound familiar?!

Remembering can be good for us, but it can also be bad forus. Cast your mind back to those school days of yours; thinkabout some of the children or teachers you knew then -- doyou remember good about them, or only the bad?

Now think about someone further back than your schooldays -- someone we remember this month. Guy Fawkes.Now, my knowledge of history is very poor, but, all I remem-ber about him, is that he tried to blow up the Houses ofParliament. Then think about the two World Wars which wecommemorate this month. What carnage there was. Manylost their lives. Many buildings were razed to the ground.And yet, we talk about the Dunkirk spirit. Also, so manycommunities were brought together, and people forgedsuch friendships in London, Plymouth, Exeter, and even here,during the blitz. They were terrible days, and yet there weresome good things which happened during those years.

Why do we so often remember bad things which someonehas done. Why don’t we remember the nice wonderfullykind comments or actions of that person, rather than the oneunkind comment they made to us. Think what Jesus did.He forgave. Also, in Isaiah Chapter 43 God says “I am Hewho blots out your transgressions, and remembers your sinsno more”.

7

Let us try to remember only the good in people’s lives. Letme close by reminding you of what Paul says to the Philippi-ans in Chapter 4 -- “whatever is true, whatever is noble,whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, what-ever is admirable --- think about those things”.Speak to you next month. Margaret Newman.

8

CALL MY BLUFF

Our Charity, Antiques ‘Call my Bluff’ Quiz was a new venturefor Central, and all credit must go to John Coatham. It washe who came up with the idea of an evening based onantiques and he approached Bearnes, Hampton Littlewoodfor their support. They suggested the format that our eventtook.

On ‘Special Events,’ we are charged with co-ordinating thesocial life of the Church, and raising much needed funds tokeep us going. We are very conscious of the many calls wemake on our Members, and so we are always on the lookoutfor events which we can sell to those who do not normallycome to Central, and this was such an occasion.

The hoped for numbers did not arrive, and indeed as thedate approached there were those of us who thought wemight have to cancel. Throughout however, John kept hisnerve! On the night, a very respectable number turned up,and most were from outside Central. The catering ladiesexcelled themselves and the buffet was first class. Sheila –our ‘Raffle Queen’ – put on a good display which provedvery lucrative. And finally, the layout of the hall and churchwas really conducive to a very sociable evening. The ‘quiz’itself was interesting and entertaining, and was enjoyed byall. On top of that, much needed money was raised! Welldone John. Philip Kay

AH !When I became a Methodist,The Minister was Hughes –Not Glyn or Dave or Kevin-These names we did not use.

We knew his initials ‘WG’But always he was calledMr, Rev, or Parson,For no one was so bold.

To call him William or George,We didn’t know just whatWG stood for (if anything).We didn’t know a lot.

Was he rich or was he poorOr even how to greet?Where had he preached beforeHe came to Union Street?

Many years and many talksHave passed since this was so.Now, when the ‘new man’ comesThere’s nothing left to know.

We call him Fred or Kenneth,His every interest known.Each foible we all comment on.He cannot have a moan

About Mr X or Mrs Y,Who are not very niceBecause someone will split on him(Now that’s a common vice!)

But I don’t think I’d change it.He’s a friend who’s true.He’s good for the Church congregationAnd best of all - for you. Anon.

10

11

RADIO HA! HA!

On behalf of the cast of Radio Ha! Ha! I would like to expressour thanks to Barbara and Philip for all their hard work in‘putting together The Show,’ which was such a success. Manyhours were spent researching the scripts, plus time spent inwriting additional material. We all do appreciate their efforts,and the end result was a magnificent £600 for Church Funds.Well done. John Lawrence

Want to be happy? Switch on the radio

If you want to feel positive and far more energetic, listen to theradio! A recent survey has found that our mood and energylevels soar when we tune in. By contrast, watching TV andbrowsing the internet, while also raising happiness and energylevels, come nowhere near what radio can do for you. Itseems that simply listening to media, as opposed to alsowatching it, stimulates very positive brain engagement levels.The study was ‘Media and the Mood of the Nation’.

12

NOVEMBER

The gloomy days of November are with us once again,Thirty days of grey skies, cold mist, and drizzling rain.It arrives as a month of darkness, without a sunshine ray,But it is the month, when, on one day, the nation comes to pray.

Mother Nature in her wisdom has put her plants to rest,Fields have nothing to offer, whilst hedgerows are not at their best.Shivering in the coldness, stark, stripped of all their leaves,Trees no longer stand majestic, but dejected, in the breeze.

What is it about November, which creates this aura of woe,Is it the concept of long dark nights, with the prospect of snow?Frightened! That the weather, will trigger arthritic pain,Forcing you to stay indoors; driving you insane?

How can we combat this doom and gloom, in a positive way?Simply look ahead to Christmas and reflect on the Saviour’s Day.For this is a time of celebration, enjoyment for one and all,Time to forget your troubles, start, by giving our ‘God’ a call. JHD Lawrence.

13

BAY SERVICES (SOUTH DEVON)For Household and Garden Rubbish Clearance

- Houses and Flats- Sheds and garages- Gardens- Builders’ Waste- 7 day Service- Fully LicensedSecure Document Shredding

Contact: Paul for a free quotation on01803 843276 or Mobile 07973 226580

PETER GAYTON (EST 1956)SALES AND SERVICE CENTRE

16, Walnut Road, Chelston, Torquay TQ2 6HRTel: 01803 605658

We stock lamps, torches, telephones, hard disc recorders, toasters, irons, kettles,Braun Shavers, radios, DVD players, Hi-Fi, Casio Keyboards, & a large rangeof televisions from 14”/37” including satellites. Good range of LCD CTV.Short term TV rental. Prompt TV repairsAerial installation. NICAM STEREO

14

Changing Wesley’s tune

The echoes and connections between hymns can revealthought-provoking developments in our sung heritage.When Brian Wren began to write “Great God, your lovehas called us here”, he wasn’t setting out to replaceCharles Wesley’s “And can it be”. However, he did be-lieve that there was more to be said about the themescontained in what is, arguably, Methodism’s defining an-them.

Written in 1738, two days after his conversion experience,Charles Wesley’s verses take up the biblical story of Pauland Silas singing and praying in prison. Taking images fromthat story (“My chains fell off…”) Wesley expresses his aweat divine love and the personal grace Christians mayexperience despite themselves.

Two centuries later, Wren used Wesley’s ideas to help uslook beyond personal experience, reinterpreting Paul’schains as ‘social forces’ and ‘powers and systems’. This isnot a social justice hymn, Wren says, but he argues thatour Christian theology is broadened when such issues areaddressed.

And there’s one other connection between these twofine hymns. Wren’s text was written for Erik Routley’s popu-lar tune Abingdon – originally composed for “And can itbe”. In fact, says Wren, Abingdon fits Wesley’s tone andmeaning far better than the more usual tune Sagina.Might a change of tune reflect this heritage with greatersensitivity?

(This article by Laurence Wearing is taken from Heritage News. )

15

A ONCE-IN-A-CENTURY REMEMBRANCE DAY – 11-11-11-11

At 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month of 2011, thenation will pause to remember those who have given theirlives in fighting for this country.

This year is doubly special: 2011 is The Royal British Legion's90th anniversary, and also this is a once-in-a-century Re-membrance Day.

At 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month in 2011 -11-11-11-11 - we will be remembering those who were willing to laydown their lives for their country.

The British Legion is inviting people to be a special part of thisunique occasion, by leaving a message to go on a poppy tobe planted at Wootton Bassett. That is the town wherethousands of people have paid their respects during repatri-ations in recent years - you may have seen this on TV.

The British Legion explains: “Many people associate Remem-brance Day with heroes of D-Day or the Battle of Britain'sSpitfire pilots. Some people think of the deeds of the SASduring the Falklands conflict or, of course, Flanders Fieldsfrom World War I, carpeted in poppies growing where somany men lost their lives. But in the last few years it's alsobeen about the nation showing its support for the soldiersreturning injured and traumatised from current conflicts.” Soif you would like to put your name to a poppy, please visit:

https://donations.britishlegion.org.uk/RBLDonation/

16

FALLEN FLOWERS

Petal on petal, poppies pile;Blood-red fallen flowersIn Flanders field, on Falkland isle,Heligoland Bight,Helmland province;Military precision blown asunderIn the fog that is war.

Mists of time enshroudThe faces and embracesOf those who have gone.Their names live for ever,Chiselled in stone-cold grey.Cherished in beating hearts;Memories of yesterday.

Today.

Ninety three years since the ‘war to end all wars’ didn’t.11/11. Guns fell silent. A nation falls silent.Two Minutes. Silence for the freedom to speak.Two minutes. Stillness for the freedom to move.Two minutes. Reflection for the freedom to think.Freedoms paid for by fallen flowers.Still piling petal on blood-crushed petal.

17

THE GUILD

Welcome to the following meetings of the Guild! Wemeet on Tuesdays at 7.30pm.Nov: 1st . 400th Anniversary of King James Bible,

with Revd Gerald Morris.Nov. 8th. A day in the life of a Hospital Chaplain,

with Revd Martin Manby.Nov. 15th. Amusing Experiences of a Police Career,

with Ian Cooper.Nov 22nd. ‘Steaming Ahead,’ with Andrew Hamilton.Nov. 29th. Devotional “Angels” with Revd Valerie Price.

We finish with ‘a cuppa’ and a voluntary collection.

WORLD MISSIONS

Lord Jesus Christ, you lived under Roman occupation.We pray for all who live under occupation today.You had nowhere to lay your head.We pray for all who have lost their homes through eviction.You prayed for your oppressors.We pray for soldiers, police, for administrators, that theymay dispense justice with mercy.You preached the gospel of peace and justice.We pray for Israeli, Palestinian, and all internationalpeace keepers, and peace makers.May all learn that it is only through sacrifice that Peace willcome. Amen.

From “Run the Race” May Grace.

18

CROSSWORD SOLUTIONFrom October Magazine

19

Funeral for a dog

Muldoon lived alone in the Irish countryside with only a petdog for company. One day the dog died, and Muldoonwent to the parish priest and asked, 'Father, my dog isdead. Could ya' be saying' a mass for the poor creature?'

Father Patrick replied, 'I'm afraid not; we cannot have ser-vices for an animal in the church. But there are some Bap-tists down the lane, and there's no tellin' what they believe.Maybe they'll do something for the creature.'

Muldoon said, 'I'll go right away Father. Do ya' think 5,000euros is enough to donate to them for the service?'

Father Patrick exclaimed, 'Sweet Mary! Why didn't ya tellme the dog was Catholic?’

Observations....Can an atheist get insurance against acts of God?When a clock is hungry it goes back four seconds.Local Area Network in Australia : The LAN down under. The short fortune teller who escaped from prison: a smallmedium at large.When she saw her first strands of gray hair, she thoughtshe'd dye.Bakers trade bread recipes on a knead to know basis.With her marriage she got a new name and a dress.When you've seen one shopping centre you've seen a mall.No matter how much you push the envelope, it'll still be sta-tionery.

SMILES (Part 1)

20

S>K>W

Stuart Walker

PAINTER &DECORATORProperty Maintenance

Quality work at reasonable prices.NO JOB TOO SMALL. ESTIMATES

FREE.TELEPHONE:01803 605925

MOBILE: 07759524732

S.K.W.

SERMON NOTES

Once again another year is nearly over and on behalf ofCentral, I would like to say “Thank You” all for the veryworthwhile job you do. It is done very quietly and efficiently.For those who do not realise about this very commendabletask, a number of people concentrate on the sermon eachweek, so they can précis it to send to the sick and housebound. It lets them know they are not forgotten, and mostlythe flowers are taken with them. So if you see people writingduring the sermon, they are not doing crosswords, but arecompiling the notes to go out.

I am always looking for new scribes so if you feel you canhelp in any way, please get in touch – it only means threetimes a year if I can keep the same number of scribes.

My sincere thanks to you all, for all the effort you put it in. Sheila Lawrence.

21

STEWARDS ROTA

NOVEMBER

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

Hymns & Book Stewards – Front Door – Morton & Lawrence

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

Hymns & Book Stewards – Front Door – Bolt

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

Hymns & Book Stewards – Front Door – Wells

27th 1. 2. SHERRIFF 3. LANSLEY 4. RICHARDS 5. NEWMAN 6. KAY 7 GISSINGER

Hymns & Book Stewards – Front Door – Heather & Venna

URGENT! If any member would be willing to act as a Steward,please see Jeff Carter (Tel: 10626 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.

22

CALENDAR FOR NOVEMBER 2011

Tuesday 1st 9.30 Midweek Prayers 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees 6.30 New Life Housegroup 7.30 Guild : 400th Anniversary of King James Bible – Revd Gerald MorrisWednesday 2nd 1.00 Prayers for HealingThursday 3rd 9.30 Central TotsFriday 4th 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplate Group 6.00 Messy Church Planning Meeting 7.00 Choir PracticeSaturday 5th 9.30 Contact Centre 9.45 – 12.00 Maintenance Day for Church Local Preachers/Worship Leaders

Day at GoodringtonSunday 6th 10.30 Morning Communion – Revd Chris Haines

6.30 Evening Worship – Revd Gavin HancocksMonday 7th 10.30 Rosemary Gardens Housegroup 2.30 Women’s Fellowship Rally :

Revd Val Price 6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 GuidesTuesday 8th 9.30 Midweek Service: Mrs Margaret Newman 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees 6.30 New Life Housegroup

23

Tuesday 8th 7.30 Guild: A Day in the Life of aHospital Chaplain –Revd Martin Manley

Wednesday 9th 1.00 Prayers for Healing 7.30 URC Quiz at Furrough CrossThursday 10th 9.30 Central TotsFriday 11th 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplate Group 7.30 Festival of Remembrance Service with Riviera Concert BrassSaturday 12th 9.30 Contact Centre 10.00 Table Top Sale 3.00 Baptism –

Poppy May SandersonSunday 13th 10.30 Morning Worship –

Revd Gavin Hancocks 6.30 Evening Worship – Gavin &

A Worship GroupLast Date ‘Enquire Within’ details for

December/January 2012Monday 14th 10.30 Rosemary Gardens

Housegroup 2.30 Women’s Fellowship –

Norway - John Tucker 6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 Guides 7.30 Southfield Housegroup 7.30 Lydwell Park HousegroupTuesday 15th 9.30 Midweek Prayers 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees 6.30 New Life Housegroup 7.30 Guild: Amusing Experiences in a Police Career – Ian Cooper

24

Wednesday 16th 1.00 Prayers for HealingThursday 17th 9.30 Central Tots 7.30 Council MeetingFriday 18th 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplate Group 7.00 Choir PracticeSaturday 19th 9.30 Contact Centre. 10.00 Bacon Butty Coffee Morning 7.30 Caldicot Welsh Male Voice ChoirSunday 20th 10.30 Morning Worship – Revd Dave Martin 6.00 Circuit Service at

GoodringtonMonday 21st 10.30 Rosemary Gardens

Housegroup 2.30 Women’s Fellowship: Old Records – Richard Lumsden 6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 GuidesTuesday 22nd 9.30 Midweek Communion 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees 6.30 New Life Housegroup 7.30 Guild: Steaming Ahead – Andrew HamiltonWednesday 23rd 10.30 Contact Management Meeting 1.00 Prayers for Healing 7.30 CTT MeetingThursday 24th 9.30 Central Tots 12.15 Fr.O.G.S. 7.30 Moors Housegroup

25

Friday 25th 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplate Group 4.00 Messy Church 7.00 Choir PracticeSaturday 26th 9.30 Contact Centre Council Away – Day 7.30 South Devon ChoirSunday 27th 10.30 Morning Worship – Shoe Box Service. Revd Gavin

Hancocks JMA 6.30 Evening Worship – Gavin & A Worship Group (S)

Monday 28th 10.30 Rosemary GardensHousegroup

2.30 Women’s Fellowship:Leprosy – George Horn

6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun 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 Housegroup 7.30 Guild – ‘Angels’

Revd Val PriceWednesday 30th 1.00 Prayers for Healing

LAST DATE FOR ITEMS FOR THE DECEMBER/JANUARYENQUIRE WITHIN IS SUNDAY 13TH NOVEMBER

26

SUNDAY SERVICES FOR NOVEMBER

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

Date Morning 10.30am Evening 6.30pmNov6th Revd C Haines (S) Revd G Hancocks13th Revd G Hancocks Revd G Hancocks. WG20th Revd Dave Martin Circuit at Goodrington27th Revd G Hancocks Rev G Hancocks.(S)WG

SUNDAY WELCOME ROTA FOR NOVEMBER

Date Morning 10.30am Evening 6.30pmNov6th Mary Fradley & Celia & David Bolt

Cynthia Arscott13th Monica Lansley & Barbara Gissinger

Philip Kay & Jean Baker20th Joy & Gerald Morris Christine Sherriff

& Philip Kay27th Barbara & Tony Zaple Monica Lansley &

Mike GriffithsDec4th Celia & David Bolt Margaret Newman &

Paul Sherriff

27

CENTRAL CHURCH FLOWERS

The draft rota is now on the notice board in the front porch.If you wish to make a donation towards the cost of the flowersfor a particular date please put your name by the appropri-ate date and the arranger for that date will contact you.

We will be decorating the church for the Christmas servicesduring the morning of Saturday 17 December. Again we havechosen the theme of carols, hopefully we will have betterweather than we did last year. The cost of flowers is constant-ly rising, and if any church member or friend would like tomake a donation towards the cost of the Christmas arrange-ments would you please contact Wendy Badcott, the FlowerArranger’s Treasurer.

With many thanks for all your donations and support in thepast.

Christine Downes

28

Once again it is time to start thinking of ordering the RE-FORM magazine for 2012. If you wish to receive Reform, thedenominational magazine of the United Reformed Church,highly valued and used by many other denominations, thesubscription for the year is £20.00. Names should be givento me by 13th November, along with your subscription(cheques payable to Central Church). Unless I hear differ-ent, I will re-order for the present subscribers. New subscrib-ers will be most welcome. Barbara Lawton

29

24 HR AMBER LOCKSMITHS24 Hour Locksmiths. Security Products

Mobile Key CuttingDomestic and Commercial

UPVC Specialist Contact: Jamie Burrows Telephone 01803 664418 Lower Yalberton Farm Mobile: 07881 870390 Long Road Paignton, TQ4 7PQ Credit/Debit cards accepted

SAINT OF THE MONTH - ILLTUD

Not many people have heard of Illtud, but perhaps we shouldmake him the patron saint of all Christian NGOs (Non-GovernmentOrganisations) who work in emergency and famine relief.

Illtud did not set out to be an action hero – he was a gentle andlearned abbot heading up a monastery in Glamorgan. Illtudspent his days reading the Scriptures and philosophy. Yet the yearthat famine struck the coast of Brittany, Illtud put down his parch-ments and became a man of action.

Illtud issued what must have been one of the earliest ‘emergencyrelief appeals’, and was able to collect a great deal of corn. Illtudloaded this corn onto several small ships, and set off across theperilous Channel in order to save the people of Brittany. Perhapshe had in mind the words of Christ: “I was hungry and you fedme...” (Matthew 25:35)

Certainly the people of Brittany never forgot Illtud’s kindness to-wards them: even today some Breton churches and villages bearhis name. Many churches in Wales are also dedicated to thiscompassionate man.

30

31

Helping you ………….. Helping your business.

Home and Hospital visits can be arranged

12, Tor Hill Road TORQUAY TQ2 5RBTel: 01803 403403Fax: 01803 214876

E mail: mail@boycehatton.co.ukwww.boycehatton.co.uk

WALMER HOUSEChristian Care Home

6, Ash Hill Road, Torquay. TQ1 3HZ

Walmer House is a Christian Care Home, providing firstclass care for the elderly in a family-like environment.

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

32

BUSY BEES

Bee of the month – Linda

Linda is a Torquay girl, born and bred. She wentto Ellacombe Primary where she became aChristian at the age of eight. She went on to Torquay Girls GrammarSchool and then to what was Caerleon College of Education,Newport. Her career in teaching was at Oldway Primary School.

Linda went to Union Street Sunday School and became a SundaySchool teacher there. She is one of the few remaining foundermembers of Central Church. Although she has been in the Choirsince she was fifteen, Linda has served God in many ways includingChurch Council, Vestry Steward, Communion Steward, Circuit Mis-sion Secretary, Minstrels, Pantomimes and Central Players (dramagroup) and Choir Secretary.

Since retiring, Linda has taken on the roles of a Women’s Fellowshipleader, Messy Church worker, Pastoral Leader, Shoe Box checker,flower arranger (!!) and a Busy Bee. She has always loved stitchingespecially embroidery, tapestry and knitting. She used to make toysfor the Bazaar stall and now makes dozens of hats, scarves, puppetsand dolls clothes for shoe boxes.

At Busy Bees she has enjoyed the new crafts that she has beenintroduced to, and has discovered a love for card making. She nowspends hours making cards including iris folding and tea bag tech-niques. Many of these are sold for Church funds and Busy Beescharities.

Linda is also an avid reader, loves music, travelling and, of course,her beautiful Labrador Retriever “Oakley.”

Busy Bee News: We thank Val for bringing a selection of her lovelyhand crafted jewellery. The Bees enjoyed choosing items for Christ-mas gifts. Joy Emerson

33

FORGIVENESS

Recently, from Gavin and from a Worship Group, the theme of‘Forgiveness’ has been very prominent. It’s interesting that thisarticle was spotted recently. It was secular research discoveringa biblical principle – that forgiveness is vital to our lives.

Beware of bitterness

Have you had a failure somewhere in your life that has left youfeeling very bitter? Beware - bitterness is a bitter pill for YOU toswallow. Researchers have now found that if you go through lifein an attitude of blame and bitterness, your overall anger andhostility levels are raised. Over time, this puts such stress on YOUthat it can lead to ‘biological dysregulation’ which damages yourmetabolism, immune response and organ functions. Prof CarstenWrosch of Concordia University in Montreal, who carried out thestudy, urges people to ‘disengage from a fruitless endeavour’,and search for another way forward. The Bible teaches us thatwe can ‘cast our burden’ upon the Lord, and that he will sustainus. He will deal with the person who has wronged us; we canleave that person to him. Once we forgive, the past loses itsdestructive power over us, and we are free to move on.

and could we perhaps link that withthis next little survey we found?

Good neighbours are good for your health!

How do you feel about your neighbours? In a recent survey, it wasfound that people who can say ‘my neighbours can be trusted’reported better health on average than those who felt uneasyabout their neighbours.

If you trust the people next door, it seems that this can helpprevent negative emotions such as hostility and shame, and gen-eral unease and stress. The survey, carried out by a team from theUniversity of Missouri, concluded that an increase in communitycohesion might well help to promote an increase in personalhealth and well-being.

34

Tearfund responds to Himalaya quake

Tearfund is supporting partner agencies in north east India as theyrespond to a strong earthquake that struck the Himalayan regionin September, with a magnitude of 6.9. The quake’s epicentrewas in the state of Sikkim causing damage to roads and knockingdown thousands of houses.

Dozens of people have been killed near the epicentre, with furtherloss of life across the Nepalese and Tibetan borders. A trail ofdestruction has left many more people homeless.

Tearfund has released emergency funding to partner relief teamswho are assessing immediate needs.

'Our partner teams in the region will be doing all they can to helpthe communities affected,' says Robert Schofield, Tearfund Disas-ter Management Director.

'Temporary shelter, warm clothing, food, water and other essen-tials are vital, as exposure at altitude in the remote terrain is theirbiggest concern.'

With roads and bridges destroyed and vital communications andpower lines down, many areas will be hard to reach. Landslidesremain a threat to hastily built new buildings in the state’s moun-tain towns and villages.

Please pray for safety and wisdom for the Tearfund partners asthey bring help and comfort to those affected by the earthquakein this region SC

35

Hospital Chart Bloomers

Don’t be alarmed, but these are actual writings from hospi-tal charts....~ The patient refused autopsy.~ The patient has no previous history of suicides.~ Patient has left white blood cells at another hospital.~ Patient has chest pain if she lies on her left side for over ayear.~ On the second day the knee was better and on the thirdday it disappeared.~ The patient has been depressed since she began seeingme in 1993.~ Discharge status: Alive but without permission.~ She is numb from her toes down.~ The skin was moist and dry.~ Occasional, constant infrequent headaches.~ Patient was alert and unresponsive.~ I saw your patient today, who is still under our car for phys-ical therapy.~ Skin: somewhat pale but present.~ Patient has two teenage children, but no other abnor-malities.

Which man won?

Little Charlotte was at her first wedding and was enthralledby the entire ceremony. When it was over, she asked hermother, "Why did the lady change her mind?"

Her mother asked, "What do you mean?"

"Well, she went down the aisle with one man, and cameback with another one."

SMILES (Part 2)

36

37

OPEN DOORSServing Persecuted Christians Worldwide.

Be a world changer.....You don’t have to travel across theworld to encourage a Christian brother or sister in need – youcan do it from your kitchen table! All you need is a pen, apiece of paper or colourful card and a passion to communi-cate God’s love to the persecuted church.

There are many names and stories in the new letter writingguide published by Open Doors. These can be obtained byemail inspire@opendoors.uk.org or through myself. There aresimple letter writing guidelines to observe. See the Octobermagazine on the table in the vestibule for more information.

When in prison, Paul received a message of support from thechurch at Philippi. He rejoiced that ‘you have renewed yourconcern for me.’ (Philippians 4.10).

Then as now, one of the hardships faced by prisoners is thefeeling they have been forgotten, and to those who mournthe death of their loved ones for their Christian faith, a lettercan make all the difference. Please think about it, prayabout it, and then do something about it! Peggy Douglas.

Source: Open Doors with Brother Andrew, PO Box 6, Witney, Oxon OX29 75PTel: 01865 301033. e-mail: info@opendoorsuk.org. Reg. Charity no: 260600

38

SUMMARY OF OCTOBER CHURCH MEETING.

Church Family News.Remembered in silence and prayer were those who had diedsince the last meeting – Betty Glanfield, Reg Cooper and EdieBowling (former members), also John Lawrence’s brother andPat Borrett’s mother. Unwell: David Blackler (now in RowcroftHospice), Elaine Brooks, Barbara Rook, Peter Perry, MargaretPemberton (surgery). Improving: Cynthia Cole and DorothyCarter. Baptisms: Francesca May Mortimer (21st August), PoppyMay Sanderson (12th November). Birthdays: 80th SheilaPamphlion (26th September) and Doreen Blackler (9th October).Celebrated recently: Joan Sorrill 93 years, Kathleen Round 97years.Thanks: Gavin expressed his and Angela’s thanks for the warmreception they had received.

Minutes of the meeting held 21st June were agreed and signed.Matters arising: Constitution still being finalised, but hoped to bepresented to the Charity Commission by the December Churchmeeting.Enquire Within Survey. Feedback indicated need for interest foryounger age group.Finance Report: John Coatham reported the figuresJanuary/August were on budget, except that some Fund rais-ing events had not raised as much as we hoped, and one hadto be cancelled. There will be a shortfall at the year end.Harold Newman reported Freewill Offerings down £67 per weekcompared to last year. Quinta Road manse nearly ready forletting, to bring in income. Gavin suggested that in the NewYear we discuss a new approach to giving.Property: Clive Brooks reported that some of the £60,000 Quin-quennial jobs have been done, but there is a long way to go.Stage curtains damaged by water - an insurance claim to payfor their cleaning. Anyone noticing problems with the premisesshould report them to Clive.

39

Contact Centre. On 1st October the 20th Anniversary of theCentre had been celebrated. Contracts signed for the exten-sion, work should start soon, and the contract would last around12 weeks. Two spaces in car park to be reserved for contractors.Special Events: Monies had been raised from several eventsrecently, but there is a need to sell tickets for all events outsideCentral. Radio Ha! Ha! On 7th/8th October, Tea Dance 15th

October.Circuit News: Report from Margaret Newman. Christine Carteris our Circuit Representative. Circuit Meeting by a narrowmargin (25-23) had agreed to replace Revd Chris Haines whenhe left in 2012. Invitation process now started. Dolphin Crescentmanse still not sold – looking to rent out.Christmas Events in December: 4th- Rowcroft Service; 11th Nativ-ity at 10.30pm; 17th- Mince Pie Coffee Morning & decoratingthe Church; 18th-Carols by Candlelight 6.30pm; 24th-Children’sCarols 4.00pm, carol singing round the hotels, & Midnight Com-munion service; 25th – Family Service 10.30am (no eveningservice); 1st January – morning & evening services; 8th January –Covenant Service 10.30am.The Gardens: Monica Lansley reported that we had beenawarded a cup and gold medal in ‘Torbay in Bloom.’ Congrat-ulations were expressed to our gardeners Monica, Trevor,Venna and David.Conversations on the work of God. Members divided intogroups to discuss ‘the one thing I would most like to happen atCentral in the next twelve months.’ Ideas were shared andrecorded. Further discussion will take place at the CouncilAway Day at the end of November.Members’ Items: Peggy Douglas informed the meeting that on6th November we will be celebrating the International Day ofPrayer for the Persecuted Church. Revd Chris Haines will beleading our worship at 10.30am.

40

41

CROSSWORD

Solution in December/January Enquire Within

42

JOHN SHAMBROOK22, WALNUT RD,

CHELSTON,TORQUAY TQ2 6HS

Tel:01803 605309

High Class Family and Catering Butcher

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP

Our new session started in the middle of September whenour ladies were welcomed back after the summer break.John Lawrence shared his poems with us and the followingweek we welcomed the Revd Adrian Phippen who gave usa thought provoking devotional message. How different on3rd October!! Brenda Loosemore entertained us with storiesof Murder, Mystery & Mayhem. Brenda is a member of theCandlelight Theatre Group who perform at dinner parties(and even on the steam train) entertaining the guests with‘Who Dunnit’ mysteries. She certainly entertained the ladieswith her anecdotes and props.

Attendance at meetings is very encouraging, but we do misssome of our ladies who aren’t always well enough to ventureout on a Monday afternoon. Sadly, at the end of August, ouroldest member Betty Glanfield, passed away. Over severalmonths Betty’s health deteriorated and she moved to live atWalmer House. Our thoughts are with Margaret, Harold &Jan. Barbara Lawton

43

The NightingalesFurzehill Road, Torquay.

TQ1 3JG

Specialist ResidentialDementia Care

Person centred care delivered respectfully in a friendlywarm atmosphere by fully trained and caring staff.

We provide a range of daily activities tailored to suit indi-vidual needs and preferences.

We offer…….Permanent,Respite,and Day Care services

For Private and Social Service funded residents

Come and visit us, pop in for a cup of tea, and meet the friendly staff team,

or Contact…

Daimon FestorazziRegistered Manager

Tel: 01803 294674

E mail: thenightingales@btconnect.comWebsite: www.devoncarehomes.org

Part of the Margaret Rose Care group

44