1REV GAVIN HANCOCKS

Tel: 01803 615480email: minister@centralchurchtorquay.org

MINISTER IN PASTORAL CHARGE

CORNERSTONE

OCTOBER 2014

MAGAZINEOF

CENTRAL

ST. ANDREWS

AND

VICTORIA PARK

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CHURCH CONTACTS - CENTRAL

Secretary Barbara Lawton 01803 296990lawtonbarbara75@yahoo.co.uk

Treasurers John Coatham 01803 323212 Paul Sherriff 01803 298603Envelope & Gift Aid SecretaryOrganist & Choir Director Clive Bastin 01803 325142Magazine Editors Hazel Nightingale 01803 613345 Philip Kay 01803 323551

philipkay393@btinternet.comBooking Secretary Jean Baker 01803 550861

j.baker75@btinternet.comPublicity(Posters) Barbara Gissinger 01803 328407Caretakers Darrell Sanderson 07719 099901 Keith Read 07719 099901Website www.centralchurchtorquay.org

CHURCH CONTACTS – ST ANDREWS.

Church Secretary. Sue Jarvis 01803 325501wheezy1@sky.com

Senior Steward Sue Masheder 01803 873258sue@masheder1.freeserve.co.uk

CHURCH CONTACTS – VICTORIA PARK

Lay Pastoral Assistant Irene Cochran 01803 842542leeathookhills@aol.com

Church Council Secretary Myra Wise 01803 327145myrawise456@btinternet.com

Senior Steward Mavis Paul 01803 291895

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THE MINISTERDear Friends,

As our journey together continues to unfold we are confronted with thespectre of the thing we like least in this world – change! Truth be told,very few of us relish change and most of us would happily do without it,but the reality of life means it is inevitable. Perhaps we might do well toremember the words of the serenity prayer: ‘God grant me the serenityto accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things Ican and the wisdom to know the difference.’

There is more to the prayer than these few phrases but perhaps theyhelp focus our thinking for now. The conversation we began 18 monthsago now has been broadened to include the membership of the threeCircuit Churches in Torquay. We will each have an opportunity on ourown and together, on the 1�� November at 2:30pm at Central, to reflecton the proposal that we become a single church operating out of multiplevenues before we arrive at a place of making a final decision. All I ask isthat we make every effort to listen carefully to what is being said andendeavour to set aside our own partialities in order that we might beable to embrace whatever the fresh opportunity is that God is seekingto lead us into. I have no doubt that God wants to do something new inour midst. I pray we will have the grace to embrace it.

Talking about change, there have been some changes in leadership overthe past months in the three Churches. At Victoria Park Pat Hawes hasstood down as a Church Steward and Ann Williams has been elected inher place. At St Andrew’s the Stewards remain the same and in bothChurches we have some new faces on the Church Councils. At Centralthere have been some changes also, most notably in the leadership ofthe Worship and Witnessing Mission Teams. Barbara Gissinger and PhilipKay arrived at the end of their tenures and we offer them our thanks fortheir leadership. We welcome Angela Hancocks and Sarah Ayresrespectively into the chairs of those two Mission Teams and I invite yourprayers for both of them and all the other members who have responded

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to the call to leadership in the Churches. Let us together pray them intobeing the leaders we need at this challenging time and let us commitourselves to being the people God wants to take His message forwardin faith, hope and love.

Gavin

LiNX

This amazing organisation continues its mission in Torbay.

If you would like to hear an update on its work last year there will bea meeting at St Pauls Church, Torquay Road Paignton at 7.30pm onMonday 6th October.  Come and hear about their work in the Baywith young people.  Coffee and cake to finish!!

If anyone would like a lift speak to Sue Coatham ( 01803 323212).

ALL SOULS SERVICE

This service will take place at Central on 1�� November, and is atime when we remember loved ones. This year it will be held at4pm. If you wish to have a loved one remembered please letBarbara Lawton or Gavin have their name(s) by 31�� October.

Now hear this?

My wife says I never listen, or something like that...

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FAMILY & FRIENDSFamily News & other Bits & Pieces

CONGRATULATIONS· To Dorothy & Jeff Carter who celebrate their Golden Wedding

Anniversary on the 3�� October· Hilda Bowden who was 90 on 21�� September· To Sue Norman who was 60 on 2ⁿ� September· To Nigel Stevenson who was 60 on 26�� September· To Victor & Hye Ok Wells son Lord Jason Wells of Wansley Manor

who was married at Thornbury Castle on 29�� August.· To Barbara & Bernard Gissinger who celebrated their Ruby Wed-

ding Anniversary on 31�� August· To Steve & Lucy Clark who recently took part in the Oddicombe

& Babbacombe Bays Swim, gaining Silver Medals.· Happy Birthday to May Royle on the 1��.· Happy Birthday to Myra Wise on the 4��· Happy Birthday to Edith Wells on the 5��· Happy Birthday to Barbara Pugh on the 5��· Happy Birthday to Dorothy Taylor on the 11��· Happy Birthday to Olive Corder on the 11��· Happy Birthday to Midge Larkworthy on the 18th

CHANGE OF ADDRESS· Sheila Denham has moved to Abbeyfield, Sanders Court, 4, Man-

or Road, St Marychurch, Torquay, TQ1 3JX. Her telephonenumber is now 01803 361691

Apples

MOTHER: “Bobby, last night I put two apples in this cupboard andnow there is only one. How do you explain that?”

BOBBY: “I expect it was so dark I couldn’t see the other one.”

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AROUND THE FAMILY AT ST ANDREWS.

The September ‘Cornerstone’ magazine was handed to me fordistribution on the same Sunday as requests were made for material tobe included in the October issue! How time flies!

So much has been happening that I felt quite overwhelmed by so manychanges. One of the hymns in the Radio 4 Daily Service today was “Onemore step along the world I go” with the line “From the old I travel tothe new” and surely that is where we stand as a church – organizingour future format and presenting our non-changing reasons for existence.

We rejoiced with Zoe over her Baptism in the sea and pray that herconfirmation at St Andrew’s will strengthen her resolve and our faith.

Please think around the congregations at our Sunday services and offera prayer to suit the particular needs of each individual as often aspossible during each week. A prayerful and concerned fellowship canmake all the difference to our growth in faith and zeal.

Liz Elliot is visiting relatives in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Australiaduring the early winter months. May joy and hope go with her.

Thank you to everyone who has asked about my recent home move. Ihope to continue my membership at St Andrew’s.

Blessings on us all. Sheila Denham

************

We wish Sheila every blessing in her new home.

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BIBLES LEAVE TRAVELODGE

The nationwide hotel chain Travelodge has removed Bibles from all ofits rooms, in a move criticised by the Church of England. Bibles providedfree by the Gideons have been taken away to avoid ‘discriminating’against any other religion, as Travelodge explains it.

The removals reportedly took place after refurbishment work across thehotel chain, which replaced the drawers where Bibles were being kept.

In response, a spokesman for the Church of England said: “It seems bothtragic and bizarre that hotels would remove the word of God for thesake of ergonomic design” or “economic incentive”.

Writing on the Telegraph website, commentator Tim Stanley describedTravelodge’s decision as “an act of cultural vandalism upon a traditionthat goes back 126 years”.

In an official statement Travelodge said: “Travelodge made the decisionto move copies of the Bible from its hotel rooms and place them atreception for customers to borrow in 2007.

“This decision was based on customer research and the fact that we livein a multicultural society. Therefore in order not to discriminate againstany religion, customers who would like a Bible can pick a copy from anyone of Travelodge’s 500 hotel reception desks across the country, whilststaying at the hotel”.

Travelodge is the only hotel chain in the country to have removed theBibles, despite having never received a complaint from a guest. BothPremier Inn and InterContinental Hotels, who own the Holiday Innchain, say that Bibles are being retained in their hotels.

(Feel strongly? – then send them a letter with your views!)

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THE WEEKLY SHOP

Trollies groaningChildren moaningAs we push through crowded aislesLoud pronouncements‘Staff announcements’Give us little cause for smiles

‘Three for two’ here‘Two for three’ thereOffers easy to be found!Bargains seekingBut critiquingMakes your head go round and round!

UndefeatedShop completedWe must find a place to payNow your smile’s goneQueues are miles longWe’ll be waiting here all day!

Try self-service?But we’re nervousOf that most unpleasant choice.It’s no quickerIt’s no slickerAnd that disembodied voice!

With a deep groanWe return homeIt has been a busy day!No time for drinksAs our heart sinks -We must put it all away!

By Nigel Beeton

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SOUTH DEVON SHOEBOX CAMPAIGNS.

Many thanks for your valuable help in making previous South Devoncampaigns, including 2013, a success.

We would like to invite you to join us in the Lymington Room at UptonVale Baptist Church on Thursday 2ⁿ� October 2014 at 7.30pm for a coffeeand cake, and a short presentation on the distribution of shoeboxes. Docome and see the difference the shoebox appeal has made in the livesof 4063 children in the past year.

RSVP please to ValderieAScott@aol.comor just turn up on the evening!

There are many opportunities to serve in this exciting ministry:promoting the scheme in groups/schools (training will be provided forthis), collecting the boxes from various destinations and processingshoeboxes at Central Church in November 2014.

We would love you to join us...we cannot do without YOU! We HOPE fora great response and lots of new volunteers! We will never turn anyoneaway!

God Bless. Elaine Forster

What would Jesus do?

While waiting in line to check out at a Christian bookstore, a man infront of me asked the clerk about a display of hats with the lettersWWJD on them. The clerk explained that WWJD stands for "Whatwould Jesus do?" and that the idea is to get people to consider thisquestion when making decisions.

The man pondered a moment, then replied, "I don't think he'd pay£17.95 for that hat."

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HALLOWE’EN – SOME ALTERNATIVES.

This month your children will be targeted by all the shops in an effort toget them involved in Halloween dressing up and party games. If youwould like to consider an alternative way that your children could havejust as much fun, the following list of websites may come in useful.

Children’s Ministry:

http://childrensministry.com/articles/five-halloween-alternatives/

Christian Halloween Alternatives:

http://christianity.about.com/od/holidaytips/ss/halloweenaltern.htm

Better than Halloween (Nick Harding):

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Better-Than-Halloween-Alternatives-Churches/dp/0...

Evangelical Alliance:

http://www.eauk.org/church/resources/halloween-resources.cfm

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A REFLECTION FROM CENTRAL

On 18�� October it is St. Luke’s Day. Luke -- yes, the one who wrote oneof the Gospels and the Book of Acts -- was a Doctor. Paul, in writingto the Colossians in Chapter 4 and verse 4 calls him the doctor.

You can detect Luke’s work as a doctor. He says more in his Gospel aboutthose who are ill than Matthew, Mark or John. He fills in little detailsthat the others don’t. So, this is why 18�� October is set aside as St. Luke’sDay. It is on that day that we think of our Hospitals, Doctors and theCaring Profession in general, and give thanks for all they do for us.

All of us, at one time or another, have had to visit the doctor, or, haveeven been an out-patient, or perhaps, an in-patient at the Hospital.Many of you may have been involved with a Caring Agency, or aResidential Home or a Nursing Home -- all of which are linked with theCaring profession.

It is interesting to note that our own Torbay Hospital League of Friendsis celebrating its Diamond Jubilee this year. On 28�� September therewas a Service at Upton Vale Baptist Church to acknowledge those 60years since the League was formed. They are one of the biggest andmost active Leagues in the Country. You may be one of its regular givers,or even one of their workers in the various Districts in the Bay.

Why do you give to this organisation? Because you CARE. Because youcare what happens in the life and work of our Hospital. The first gift thatthe League gave to our Hospital in 1954 was fruit bowls to put on thebedside cabinets of patients (at the cost of £12!). Since that time theyhave raised over £130,000 for the MRI Scanner, £200,000 for the EyeDepartment. The League gave a vast amount of money for the IntensiveCare Unit. Your money has helped so many patients (perhaps you)throughout those 60 years.

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In the last few years we, personally, have been so grateful toPhysiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Doctors, District Nurses,Nursing Homes, and the Caring Agency. These people and organisationshave been wonderful to us.

But, what about each of us? Do we care for each other? Jesus caredfor anyone and everyone with whom He came into contact. Do we, ordo we only care for those who befriend us.

“Jesus’ Hands were kind hands doing good to ALL; Healing pain andsickness, Blessing those who fall”

Caring is such a privilege, and we can all do it. A phone call; a letter; avisit to someone who is in need; and, above all, praying for those whoare struggling, is such a blessing. Trust me -- I know. So let us thankGod for St. Luke, and the day that has been set aside in his name. Andlet us thank God for Carers -- Professional ones, and those ‘ordinary’folk who help us in so many ways.

And, on a personal note again, may I thank all those who have helpedHarold, Jan and me over the last few months, in so many different ways.Bless you all.

Margaret Newman

WILSONS DISEASE SOCIETY

At Victoria Park Sylvia Penny has received a letter of thanks from theTreasurer of the Wilsons Disease Society expressing sincere thanksfor the amount of £472 raised at a recent coffee morning. Sylvia alsowishes to thank all at V.P. and neighbours for their continued support.

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ALL WE CAN

A response to humanitarian crises in Gaza and Iraq

All We Can, the relief arm of the Methodist Church, has beenresponding to the on-going humanitarian crises in Gaza and Iraq.

All We Can has made a grant of £25,000 to its emergency partner,the ACT Alliance, which works through local churches and church-based agencies to help those in greatest need, regardless of theirreligion or ethnicity. Any gifts sent to All We Can for these emergen-cies will also be directed through the ACT Alliance.

All We Can is also encouraging people to support the appeals beingmade “by our trusted colleagues in Christian Aid for Iraq, and theDisasters Emergency Committee (DEC) for Gaza. More detailsat www.allwecan.org.uk/

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ALL IN THE MONTH OF OCTOBER.......it was

175 years ago:- on 19th Oct 1839 that Bradshaw’s Railway Guide, theworld’s first compilation of railway timetables, was published in Man-chester.

100 years ago:- on 6th Oct 1914 that Thor Heyerdahl, Norwegian explor-er and adventurer, was born, He was best known for the ‘Kon-Tiki’ and‘Ra’ expeditions which were intended to prove that earlier civilisationscould have crossed the ocean.

Also 100 years ago:- on 27th Oct 1914 that Dylan Thomas, popularWelsh poet and writer; also known for his excessive drinking, was born.tim

60 years ago:- on 19th Oct 1954 that Britain and Egypt signed an agree-ment on the Suez Canal.

Also 60 years ago:- on 30th Oct 1954 that the first Rugby League WorldCup began in Paris, France. Great Britain beat France 16-12 in the final.

40 years ago:- on 5th Oct 1974 that the first episode of the TV comedyseries ‘Monty Python’s Flying Circus’ was broadcast in the UK.

Also 40 years ago:- on 9th Oct 1974 that Oskar Schindler, Austria-Hun-garian-born German businessman died. He saved over 1,100 Jewsduring the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. The story istold in ‘Schindler’s List’.

30 years ago:- on 12th Oct 1984 that an IRA bomb exploded during theConservative Party conference at the Grand Hotel in Brighton, killingfive people. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was apparently the pri-mary target, but she escaped injury.

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A MESSAGE OF ENCOURAGEMENT.from Geoff Dunbar

Hugh & Diana George's son is an MP down in Cornwall. His name is Andrewand he has been working towards trying to mitigate some of the unfairnessand distress caused to families because of the infamous bedroom tax. Iwould like to use our magazine to convey some words of encouragementfrom St Andrews, for the work he is doing to make life fairer for some ofthe most vulnerable people in society. My college tutor would havedescribed Andrew's efforts in bringing a bill to Parliament (and winningthe first vote) as a 'sign of the kingdom'. I'm sure it would be anencouragement to the whole family if we were able to recognise the goodwork he does.

SAINTS OF THE MONTH (3��)

Hewald the Black and Hewald the White– martyred because theywere different

With Islamic State’s current savage persecution of Iraqi Christians inmind, here are two saints for this autumn: Hewald The Black and Hewaldthe White (d.c. 695). These 7th century Anglo-Saxon priests were livingpeacefully in Frisia among the Old Saxons, worshipping the Christian Godby daily Mass on a portable altar, and reverently devoting themselves tothe Divine Office. Over time, the Old Saxons came to resent these twopriests who did not serve their gods. Then the Old Saxons began to fearthat Hewald the Black and Hewald the White might even manage toconvert some of their people to Christianity. That was unthinkable, andso they took brutal action: they killed them both and threw their bodiesinto the Rhine. Both bodies were recovered and then later enshrined inthe church of St Cunibert in Cologne, where they still remain. It seemsthat wherever Christianity shines out, there is always the danger ofattack from those who give allegiance to a different god.

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YOUTH GENESIS.

Cream Tea in the sunshine.

It was good to be with the hard working folks of Central Church onSaturday 26th July as they raised money for the work of Youth Genesis.There was lots of creativity, cream teas and people having a great timelistening to some live entertainment from a local amateur artist at thepiano! It was great to see so many people, even those who came as faras Dartmouth! A big THANK YOU to the folks of Central Church fororganising such a great event – we look forward to the next one… !!

Please pray for…

Young people who have recently started new terms – those who havebegun a new academic year at school or college. Also, young people whohave entered new employment and those young people whose futuresare uncertain.

The ‘Streetbase’ teams – as they venture out onto the streets after thesummer. That the challenges they face in some difficult areas will createopportunities to engage the community further.

The new drop-in – that starts at Gerston Chapel on Friday 26th Septem-ber at 7.30pm. For Mark Gridley and his team as they begin this excitingnew piece of work. We also thank the Police for their support in helpingus get this much needed drop-in off the ground.

Reconnecting young people – that the Holy Spirit will work through usand help to reconnect those young people who are in no way connected

with the churches of Torbay.

Jonathan Oliverio

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SUNDAY SERVICES FOR OCTOBER 2014.(HC) = Sacrament of Holy Communion (WG) = Worship Group

CENTRAL

Date Morning 10.30am Evening 6.30pm 5�� Revd Gavin Hancocks

United Service Revd Peter Killick12�� Revd Elizabeth Kniften

& Revd Gavin Hancock (HC) Revd Valerie Price (WG)19�� Mrs Jean Potter Revd Gavin Hancocks (HC)26�� Revd Gavin Hancocks (JMA) Mr Jonathan Oliverio (WG)

ST ANDREWS

Date Morning 10.30am Evening 6.00pm 5�� At Central Revd Gavin Hancocks (CP)12�� Mr D Stibbs 4pm.Revd Gavin Hancocks (MT)19�� Revd Gavin Hancocks (HC) Mr I Hills. (CP)26�� Mr David Welsh Revd Gavin Hancocks (BS)

VICTORIA PARK

Date Morning 10.30am 5�� At Central12�� Revd M Newell19�� Mrs Irene Cochran26�� Revd Valerie Price (BOM)

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CALENDAR FOR OCTOBER 2014

ST ANDREWS. CENTRAL. VICTORIA PARK

Wednesday 1�� 9.30 Toddler Group10.00 Bible Study10.30 Bible Study (Coffee at 10.15)

6.30 Contact Centre Meeting7.30 Ladies Club: Bingo

Thursday       2ⁿ� 9.30 Central TotsFriday 3�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplates 6.00 Messy Church Meeting 6.45 Choir PracticeSaturday 4�� 9.30 Contact Centre 10.00 Murder Mystery Rehearsal

10.00 Pop in for a Coffee 2.30 Tea DanceSunday 5�� See separate page for Services – All ChurchesMonday 6�� 2.30 Women's Fellowship – Harvest,

John Lawrence 6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 Guides 7.30 Lydwell Park Housegroup 7.30 Southfield HousegroupTuesday 7�� 9.30 Midweek Prayers

9.30 Toddler Group 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship

2.30 Sisterhood 7.30 Guild: Devotional –

Revd Gavin HancocksWednesday 8�� 9.30 Toddler Group

10.00 Bible Study10.30 Bible Study (Coffee at 10.15)

7.30 Ladies Club: Meal at Devon Dumpling

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Thursday 9�� 9.30 Central Tots 7.30 Special EventsFriday 10�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplates 6.45 Choir PracticeSaturday 11�� 9.30 Contact Centre 9.30 Christian Healing Explored

10.00 Special Coffee MorningSunday 12�� See separate page for Services – All ChurchesMonday 13�� 2.30 Women's Fell–'Storybook Dads',

Brian Smith 6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 GuidesTuesday 14�� 9.30 Midweek Service: John Jeffries

9.30 Toddler Group 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Flower Committee 10.00 Busy Bees

2.30 Sisterhood 7.00 New Life Housegroup 7.30 Guild: More Tales of a Police Officer– Ian CooperWednesday 15�� 9.30 Toddler Group

10.00 Bible Study10.30 Bible Study (Coffee at 10.15) 7.30 Ladies Club: Scottish Dancing

Thursday 16�� 9.30 Central Tots 7.00 Church MeetingFriday 17�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplates 6.45 Choir PracticeSaturday 18�� 9.30 Contact Centre

10.00 Pop in for a Coffee 7.30 Riviera Sound Concert for

League of Friends.

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Sunday 19�� See separate page for Services – All ChurchesMonday 20�� 2.30 Women's Fellowship –

'Message from India', Jill Ghanoun 6.00 Brownies

6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 Guides 7.30 Lydwell Park Housegroup 7.30 Southfield HousegroupTuesday 21�� 9.30 Midweek Prayers

9.30 Toddler Group 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees

2.30 Sisterhood 7.30 Guild: Hospital Chaplain for

New York Street People – Revd W WhelanWednesday  22ⁿ� 9.30 Toddler Group

10.00 Bible Study10.30 Bible Study (Coffee at 10.15)

7.30 Moors Housegroup 7.30 Ladies Club: Film Show by Jim Gill

Thursday 23�� 9.30 Central Tots 2.30 Pastoral Leaders MeetingFriday 24�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 4.00 Messy Church 6.45 Choir PracticeSaturday 25�� 9.30 Contact Centre 10.00 Murder Mystery Rehearsal

10.00 Pop in for a CoffeeSunday 26�� See separate page for Services – All ChurchesMonday 27�� 2.30 Women's Fell – 'Barking Tricksters', Jeni 6.30 Flexercise FunTuesday 28�� 9.30 Midweek Communion 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees

2.30 Sisterhood

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Tuesday 28�� 7.00 New Life Housegroup 7.30 Guild: Free & Fair Elections – Rod TuckWednesday 29�� 10.00 Bible Study

10.30 Bible Study (Coffee at 10.15) 7.30 Ladies Club: Christmas Make by

Janet HelmoreFriday 31�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 6.45 Choir Practice

ANODE

Anode is looking for volunteers!As Anode grows and hopes to reach more and more people in need,we are looking for volunteers to help with our different programmesand in the office.  Have you got a few hours to spare to help us withour CASS (Community Advice and Support Service) and/or LEAP(Learning, Education, Assessment and Personal Development)programmes? Perhaps you might have a skill to share on one of ournew courses starting in the Autumn: ‘Cook 4 Life Skills’,  ‘Bake it,Make it, Sew it, Grow it’, ‘Personal Budgeting’. Volunteers need tohave a warm, caring, non-judgemental attitude towards helpingpeople whilst understanding boundaries, good communication skillsand in the office we would need volunteers to have basic computerskills and a pleasant phone manner.

Please contact Sue Garner on 556571 or emailsue@anodecharity.org.uk for more information.

Working

First friend: “Whom are you working for nowadays?”

Second friend: “Same people. The wife and four kids.”

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VP OCTOBER ROTAS.

DATE DOOR STEWARDS VESTRY STEWARDS

5�� Verna Stuckey & Mavis Paul & Ann WilliamsSylvia Penny

12�� Betty Peachey & Roz Payne & Maureen RippinMargaret Collings

19�� Verna Stuckey & Margaret Russell & Mavis PaulSylvia Penny

26�� Betty Peachey & Roz Payne & Ann WilliamsMargaret Collings

VP OCTOBER FLOWERS

DATE DONATED BY IN MEMORY OF

5�� Margaret Collings Her husband, Richard12�� Sylvia Penny Her Mother & Aunt19�� Ann Williams Her Husband, John26�� Ann Williams Her Mother, Mrs Hall

VP PRAYER BOARD

This is where we remember in prayer those not well. It is available to alland is used in every Sunday service and at Bible Studies.

Audrey Avery, Amy Bartrip, Jean Barrett, Muriel Colefax, EmmaCoombes, Sylvia Diamond, Olive Frost, Rob & Pat Hawes, Don & BarbaraPugh, Julie Pugh, Edith Wells, Clive Murphy, Sue Summers, Alan Randall.

We also remember the School Pastors, School Workers, our own MinisterGavin, and Lay Pastor Irene Cochran.

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NIGHT OF MIRACLESThe Christmas story in words and music

The Choir at Central has been asked to sing John Peterson’s Night ofMiracles again this year. This is a work we haven’t sung for a very longtime but it remains popular. We would love you to come and join theChoir for this special service although you will need to have sung thepiece before. You also will need to attend the one practice. Scores willbe provided and a recording of our previous production may also beavailable. The dates for your diary are:

Practice – Saturday 13th December at 10.00 am.Presentation – Sunday 14th December at 6.30 pm.

If you are not able to be part of the Choir, do please still come along andjoin with us for this special occasion. You will be most welcome. We hopeto see you on the 14th at 6.30!

Clive Bastin

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THE STORY BEHIND THE HYMN

COME YE THANKFUL PEOPLE COME

You may well have sung this well-loved hymn at Harvest time. It waswritten by the Rev Henry Aldford, DD, a Victorian clergyman who hadbeen a fellow student at Trinity College, Cambridge with Alfred Tennys-on, and whose transparent goodness and friendliness seem to havemade him liked and appreciated wherever he went.

His ministry began as vicar of Wymeswold, a tiny village in Leicestershirewith a badly neglected church. Over 18 years, Henry rebuilt the falteringChristian community, faithfully visiting every person in his parish, andpreaching his way through the Bible in sermons that were so clear thateveryone could understand him. He then moved on to the incumbencyof Quebec Chapel in London for four years, before moving to the Dean-ery of Canterbury, in 1857, where he lived until his death in early 1871.

Henry was one of life’s good people; gentle, kindly, grateful for every-thing he had (he used to say ‘grace’ before AND after each meal), andeager to encourage all those whom he served. He was prodigiouslyproductive: writing something like 50 books. The best known of thesewas a four volume exposition of the New Testament, which took himnearly 20 years.

His famous hymn draws upon two of Jesus’ parables: the story of thewheat and tares (Mt 13:24-30) and also the story of the seed that growsunbeknown to the sower (Mark 4:26-29). Both are parables draw fromagriculture; both are about the ultimate harvest of our souls before God.During this lifetime we properly give thanks to God for our harvest of hisgifts of creation, but we should also reflect on what seed we are sowingin our lives, and what harvest we may expect; as one day God will gathertogether only his own for the eternal heavenly harvest.

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A REFLECTION FROM VICTORIA PARK

Dear Friends,                              Philippians 4: 8-13

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -if anythingis excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Whatever you havelearned or received or heard from me,  or seen in me -put it into practice.And the God of peace will be with you. I rejoice greatly in the Lord thatat last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed you have beenconcerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying thisbecause I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever thecircumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is tohave plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and everysituation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or In want.I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

I have recently been listening and reading about what it is like to be heldhostage. I am referring to all those people being held against their willby the Islamic State terrorists in Syria. Quite obviously their surroundings,conditions and their mental and physical pain are very much part of theirstories. Even more harrowing is the news that two Americans have beenbeheaded and a British aid worker is being threatened with the samefate.

When I read Philippians I am always amazed because I have to keepremembering that Paul wrote this letter while in prison or being closelyguarded under house arrest. The very real threat of execution was neverfar away. Yet the whole of the letter speaks of joy and peace. Thisexperience of the presence of God goes far beyond his immediatecircumstances.

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In most of the letter we are more aware of Paul's spiritual freedom, andthe joy of his faith, than of the limitations of his situation. In Verse 8 heis not just suggesting we make a list of our favourite things to cheerourselves up; it seems rather that we are to deliberately focus on Jesusand his character. Jesus, who suffered is able to be with us in his risenpresence, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

The promise is that God is with us whatever situation we find ourselvesin. I earnestly pray that all those hostages in the World may feel Jesus'presence with them and know the freedom in their spirit that only hecan give. May I also ask you all to hold them in your prayers at this time.

God Bless. Irene Cochran

ST ANDREWS JUNIOR CHURCH NEWS.

How would you feel if someone took something that belonged to youwithout asking or if they drew on your work? Would you forgive them?What about if a player in your favourite football team scored an owngoal meaning the other team won and your team was knocked out ofthe cup or if someone borrowed some money from you but didn’t payyou back. Would you forgive them? We discussed this at Junior Churchrecently and found out that Jesus said we should forgive people not seventimes but seventy seven or more.

On another Sunday we heard that Simon said that Jesus was the Son ofGod, the Messiah and so Jesus named him Peter - meaning rock. JesusSaid to him “on you I will build my Church and I will give you the keys tothe kingdom of heaven.” We talked about the meaning of differentChristian names on that Sunday; We also decorated keys and made awanted poster for the Messiah.

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A NONSENSE RHYME

When I was young and in my prime,I never cared about the time.Each hour, each day, were there for me,I had so many things to see.

But now I find to my dismay,That time is passing fast away.I used to glide across the Ballroom floor,Now I slip and slide, legs, no longer sure.

Though ‘Aches and Pains’ are friends I greet,I need a Chiropodist to look after my feet.They say there’s life in the old bones yet,Using a ‘ Can of WD40’ might be a safer bet.

When meeting familiar faces in the street,To remember their names is quite a feat.Happens later, when they’ve said goodbye,On my little grey cells I can no longer rely

I still dream dreams of joys to do,But find them difficult to pursue.Now that I’m getting old and grey,To climb the stairs takes half a day!

J.H.D. Lawrence

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CROSSWORD SOLUTIONfrom SEPTEMBER MAGAZINE

Auction of Promises.

Yes, it's an old idea, but one that gave us all a sense of fun andsatisfaction when we last did it. It's going to happen in February 2015.Everyone can join in - everyone can think of doing something forsomeone else, and getting paid for it! And it could give a boost forChurch funds. Start thinking now of what YOU could do!"

Watch the next magazine for more details.

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THE GUILD

Our meetings start again on Tuesday 7�� October at 7.30pm in room 1.

On that occasion Gavin will be leading us in a Devotional evening, whilston the 14�� Ian Cooper returns to tell us more stories of a Police Officer.We are looking forward to hearing from the Rev W Whelan on the 21��when he will be talking about his role as a Hospital Chaplain to the NewYork Street People. Finally on the 28��, Rod Tuck will be with us to talkabout ‘Free, Fair Elections.’

All are welcome – do come along. Margaret Dustan

WOMENS FELLOWSHIP

Our new season started on the 15th September when one of our ownmembers Pat Bishop was the Speaker.  The ladies always enjoy EricWalkham's illustrated talks and Clive Bastin's afternoon of music.

We now look forward to holding our Harvest meeting with JohnLawrence, Jill Ghanouni with her 'Message from India' and Jeni with hergroup of dog owners known as the 'Barking Tricksters'.Our charity for this coming year is 'Story Book Dads' and we look forwardto Brian Smith's visit to hear more about this charity based atDartmoorPrison.

Barbara Lawton

VICTORIA PARK’S BOOK OF MEMORIES

On the 26�� October we shall be holding our Book of Memories’Service at 10.30am. The Revd Valerie Price will be leading worship,and all the names recorded in the Book will be read out. It is anoccasion when we can give thanks for their witness and vision.

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ST ANDREWS MISSIONS.

Our World Mission service will take place on Sunday 26�� October whenthe preacher will be Mr David Welsh. This service will include the JMAawards. Envelopes will be distributed for your gifts to the World MissionFund. Please give as generously as you can. The World Mission Fundsupports things like; Nationals in Mission Appointments (NMA) -supporting local people in key mission in their own countries and MissionPartners - People trained in this country to serve in partner churchesaround the world.

The World Mission Fund also gives grants to partner churches around theworld enabling them to decide where best to spend the money and givesgrants to particular projects. Last year one project that was helped byWorld Mission Fund money was the Matthew Rusike Children’s Home inZimbabwe. Money was raised to enable the home to buy a generator toovercome the problems of Zimbabwe’s erratic electricity supply.

Rachel George

Sunday mornings coffee money: for August this was £29 which is goingto the Benevolent Fund.

Jean Jarvis

TORBAY HOSPITAL LEAGUE OF FRIENDS

On Thursday 16�� October from 2.30pm to 4.00pm the BabbacombeDistrict of the League of Friends will be holding a “Tea & Cake” afternoonat in the church hall at Victoria Park. Admission is £3 to include the teaand cake!

A selection of Christmas cards, giving a varied choice, will be on sale atreasonable prices, as well as a Raffle

Come and join us!

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ARE YOU OFFENDED BY TV?

Do you find sex, violence and swearing on TV bothers you much? Itseems that fewer of us find it offensive than we did even five years ago,according to Ofcom.

A big part of the reason seems to be a new generation of more ‘relaxed’pensioners who do not complain to the broadcasting watchdog. Expertssuspect that viewers have become ‘desensitised’, with many popularshows now including scenes of sex and violence that might once havebeen thought of as too graphic. St Paul urged Timothy to “avoid irrever-ent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness...” (2Tim 2:16)

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A MEMORABLE MARCH

I recently joined a group of people who are worried about the way theNHS is being privatised. We were retracing the steps of the 1936 JarrowWalk, but this time to deliver a message to Parliament that we would notlet them destroy the NHS, which belongs to us all.

We were a motley bunch. Hand-picked we most certainly were not. Whatwas clear from the off was that we all had found the NHS to be anincredible institution, that had served the people of this country well andnow this shining beacon of a civilised society was in real danger ofdisappearing. This was not some blind devotion. We all knew that theNHS is about people, and capable of great highs and lows. It is not byaccident though that over the years it has been recognised as the bestpublic health care system in the world. Now it is being dismantled andsold off to private profit making companies. Our journey only served tostrengthen our resolve as we heard story after story of how the NHS andits staff had literally saved people’s lives. And even when the stories hada bitter tinge to them, they still spoke of the compassion they hadexperienced in some of life’s darkest places.

As we left Durham we met a diminutive elderly woman and her husbandwaiting for us in a small hamlet. She was 86, a daughter of one of theoriginal Jarrow marchers. She walked with us for about a mile, pushingher 87 year old husband now confined to a wheelchair. Their humourwas infectious and poignant. For them, ‘Every day was a bonus for them,thanks to the care they had received from the NHS’.

At one rally a young lad aged about 10 was handed the microphone. Thehall fell silent. Then the silence was broken as the lad said that he justwanted to tell us that he was only there because the NHS had saved hislife. He had had cancer but he was well now.

Time and time again, these personal testimonies sometimes shared at apublic meeting, sometimes in the thousands of conversations thathappened continuously from Jarrow to London raised the spirits.

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We were aware of the difficulties facing staff because of Governmentpolicies. We walked through a PFI hospital in silence. It cost £300 millionto build, but will cost £1.5 billion before the hospital is paid for.

In London, we were reminded of the devastating effects of the cuts, andclosures. In January this year, a distraught mother took her 2 year oldson in the early hours of the morning to her local A&E in Chase Farm, butshe hadn’t realised that Chase Farm A&E had been closed. Staff had toget an ambulance to take the child to North Middlesex Hospital 5 milesaway, where staff were unable to save him.

If you want to know more about what is happening or would like to jointhe fight to save the NHS, please contact me. I’ll leave the last word toone of the mums from Darlington. ‘The NHS belongs to the people, it isthe people who must save it. Together we can do it’.

Geoff Dunbar (01803 327732 or geoff.dunbar1@btinternet.com)

A fuller text of the walk is available. These websites below contain awealth of information about what is happening to the NHS. There is alsoa very readable resume of the situation in the NHS edited by Jacky Davis& Raymond Tallis, called ‘NHS SOS’

http://999callfornhs.org.uk/welcome-999/4583609406

http://www.nhsforsale.info/

http://www.keepournhspublic.com/index.php

Geoff Dunbar

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OPEN DOORS

The second worst place to live if you are a Christian is:- 02 SOMALIA.

Leader: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud .Population: 10.3 million (a few hundred Christians).Main Religion: IslamGovernment: Federal RepublicSource of Persecution: Islamic extremism.

Pressure is increasing on the tiny Christian community in this Muslim-majority country.

Islamic leaders and government officials publicly reinforce that there isno room for Christians, and there is a strong drive to purge Christianityfrom Somalia. The militant Islamist group al-Shabaab, targets Christiansand Radicalises local communities. Ten believers are reported to havebeen killed by members of al-Shabaab in 2013. There is a high level offear and mistrust among Christians, who have to hide their faith for fearof betrayal.

PRAYPraise God that, despite the pressures, He has preserved a Christianwitness in Somalia for the very few, often isolated believers. Ask Godto provide ways for them to mature in Christ. That Christians would havemore freedom to Worship Jesus.

(Taken from Open Doors World Watch list 2014)

Watch out for a special service on Sunday evening Nov 9�� when wewill remember Persecuted Christians with a Special Service- Come andlearn more about Christians around the world.

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CROSSWORD

SOLUTION IN NOVEMBER CORNERSTONE

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RANDOM THOUGHTS

Serenity is not freedom from the storm, but peace amid the storm. Anon

“Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I maynot follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.” Albert Camus

Exercise daily - walk with the Lord.

We don't change God's message - His message changes us.

One thing all nations have in common is the ability to see each others’faults.

In giving until it hurts, some people are extremely sensitive to pain.

Some people are born great, some achieve greatness, and some justgrate.

God’s biggest problem with labourers in his vineyard is absenteeism.

We are saved not by our deeds but by Christ’s sacrifice for our mis-deeds. Fred Catherwood.

If Christians praised God more, the world would doubt him less. C EJefferson

The Bible has a great deal to say about suffering and most of it isencouraging. A W Tozer

Some people treat God as they do a lawyer; they go to him only whenthey are in trouble.

A clear conscience makes a soft pillow.

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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

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