TALK - · PDF file05.07.2017 · of Blue Sky Thinking is ‘creative or visionary and unconstrained by ... to me that I talk with people who work voluntarily in MSBC’s café

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SSYour Faith Your Church Your News

July/Aug 2017

MANVERSSTREETBAPTISTCHURCH

MANVERS STREET BAPTIST CHURCH July—August 2017

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Love and power perhaps encompass the central themes of most books ever written, and they are woven into the tapestry of human history; the love of power, and the power of love. Love is a powerful thing. So much has been said about it over the years, from the great philosophers, from playwrights, from poets. It is a word that is at the centre of what we believe as Christians, and we see most clearly in the self-giving of God’s very own self in Jesus. God is love!

Sometimes we think that the law (as the Old Testament describes it) is different from love. Perhaps what needs to change is our understanding of the law, and our understanding of

love too. Because the law is really better understood as instruction, or

guidance, or simply “the way”… and if it is God’s way then it must be the way of love. When it fails to be, it is because we have taken the guidance out of the scope of God’s love. In Romans 13:8 - 10 Paul links them together like this;“Owe no one anything, except to

love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not covet”; and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, “Love your neighbour as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbour; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.”

OpeningThoughts


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Some of us might ask though, how can we choose love when we have experienced so little of it? We choose love by taking small steps of love every time there is an opportunity. A smile, a handshake, a word of encouragement, a phone call, a card, an embrace, a kind greeting, a gesture of support, a moment of attention, a helping hand, a present, a financial contribution, a visit ... all these are little steps toward love.

Each step is like a candle burning in the night. It does not take the darkness away, but it guides us through the darkness. When we look back after many small steps of love, we will discover that we have made a long and beautiful journey.

This week there will be opportunities to light candles in the darkness. To light candles in your family; in your workplace; in your places of learning; in your community; in your church. It might not feel like much… but when we commit to do that together, we take that beautiful journey as a community as well, carving a track of burning love in the places God has called us to.

And if you really are wondering where to start, think of the words of Mother Teresa;"Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love."

Pastoral News

Our pastoral concern must extend beyond ourselves to those who have lost loved ones or are suffering due to the terrorist attacks in Manchester and London. Revd Sunny George prayed in Leicester Cathedral ' Our world is beautiful yet broken, torn by strife and marred by violence and brutality. We pray all the more for peace, prosperity and goodness to dwell in our families and friends'.

We think of those affected by the tragedy of the fire at the West London tower block. Our prayers are with those families who have lost loved ones and the many critically injured in hospital.

We pray for the following friends of the fellowship of MSBC: David and Janet

Kemp, Pat and Frank North, Michael and Audrey Day, Honor White, Barbara Morrison, Val Hill and Alison Bull.

Joyce Beavan moves to 29 St John's Combe Park on 6th July.

We remember Doreen Wootten, Dawn Fluhrer and the family on the death of Tim. His funeral was on 15th. June. We extend our sympathy and love to them.

Congratulations to Ramya on gaining her certificate to practice as a doctor in this country.

Also congratulations to Vera and Don Froud who celebrate their Diamond Wedding on the 27th July and to Andy and Bex whose 10th Wedding Anniversary is on 14th July.


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Many of you will remember the Way Ahead Group which was formed some years ago during the period when MSBC was between ministers. On February 8th of this year the group met for the last time. It was agreed that the WAG should be officially wound up.

However, before that happened some of the group suggested that there was a need for a church group which dared to think ‘outside the box’: which would seek out views, ideas and visions for our church – wherever and from whomever they came. The Bluesky Group was formed to fulfill this remit and all were of the view that neither Andy nor any of the deacons should/need be members – especially as every other deacons’ meeting is ‘visionary’. There is to be no need for formalities such as an agenda or minutes, though any feed back is, in the main, to be channelled towards the Members’ Meetings.

According to Wikipedia the definition of Blue Sky Thinking is ‘creative or visionary and unconstrained by practicalities’. So there we have it: a group interested to hear your ideas/

On Sunday 16th July the whole of the ‘church family’ is invited to meet at 4pm in Alexandra Park. Please come along and join us for a time of relaxation and fun; bring a picnic and enjoy some shared time with the children.

It will be a lovely time - weather permitting(!)

Alison Bull

Announcements

The Crafty Monday Group suggest that we celebrate … “All Things Bright and Beautiful” during August. This well known hymn, written approximately 50 years ago, is still happily sung today... even meriting a second tune. The words invite us to open our eyes and celebrate what we see.

The Crafty Monday group will be creating window displays in the church illustrating this hymn.

Come and bring others to meet together and enjoy all that is good at this time. It would also be lovely if you could come occasionally and just sit in the church to welcome visitors.

As part of this celebration a trip to Portsmouth has been organised. Please join us - see details on page 27. In addition, you are invited to join the group at their 'open meetings': 1:30pm - 3:30pm on 7th, 14 and 21st August.

For further details please contact Barbara Shrubsole via the church office.

All things bright and beautiful

Children's Gathering

Nothing but BlueSky!

vision for our church – however adventurous, challenging or indeed impractical! The WAG said that they’d particularly like us to follow up the idea of a church weekend away. Also pressing is a need to explore the subject of signage - particularly in relation to the internal entrances to the church sanctuary – or should it be called the church worship space? – come and discuss!!

There are four of us who have formed the basis of this group but membership is not the focus, as we exist to listen and explore your ideas - if it works out the way we’d like it to, we envisage a lot of bouncing! Please would you help to justify our existence?!

To get things going we will be in the café having several cups of coffee, and doing a lot of talking (we’re good at that!), on Wednesday 19th July from 10.30 – 12. Please join us for a chat because even if you don’t think you have any ideas we have some we’d like to bounce off you!

In anticipation,

Graham, Carol, Cally and Marjorie.


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Okehampton Holiday

January 29th – February 2nd 2018

Ladies, …the moment has come to secure a place on next year's holiday. A deposit of £50 (cheques payable to Barbara Shrubsole please) should reach Barbara early in July as the provisional booking must be confirmed before the end of the month. At this moment I am unable to give final cost details as this will depend on numbers re coach fare but it is likely to be in the region of £270 if interest keeps up. As I write there are still a few spaces so please ask if you are interested in joining the group. We look forward to another happy time together.

Contact Barbara Shrubsole via the church office.

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Open Meeting

August Garden Gatherings

On Tuesday 25th July at 7.15pm (in the café lounge) MSBC’s Members’ Meeting will be an ‘open’ one. ‘Open’ means that all are invited to attend – friends as well as members. As one of the discussion points is to be about the present/future café we would very much like the views of our much valued café volunteers and/or customers. Whilst visitors are unable to vote we would greatly appreciate any thoughts or points which you’d like to make.

Details will be given nearer the time.

See page 4 for details


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Cally Ford talks to...

Audrie & Barry Grant

It was suggested to me that I talk with people who work voluntarily in MSBC’s café. This was an especially good idea as I, being new to MSBC,

know very little about the workings of this vital piece of church out-reach. We are sitting here in the MSBC café and, Audrie and Barry, you have just finished your day’s shift – how was it?

A: We are nowhere near as busy as we used to be and if anything it’s more tiring standing around doing not very much, rather than being rushed off our feet. All this hoarding that we’ve had on both sides of the church buildings has made a difference –- Tuesdays used to be the busiest day of the week. The minute we’d sit for a cup of coffee there’d be a queue of people! When it’s like that we don’t really sit down until 2 o’clock!

What led to you working here?

A: Until 2001 I had been attending Widcombe Baptist Church but there were various things that I didn’t feel comfortable with. I didn’t know anybody here at MSBC but it was the nearest church for me to get to. I sat at the back – which I still do – at the end I left but John Rackley called to me from the steps and asked, “Are you a visitor to Bath?” It is because of his approach and welcome that I am now at Manvers Street. Probably if he hadn’t done that I might have thought I’d go somewhere else. He took the trouble - that’s why I’m still here - I’ve never forgotten.

Not long after that we popped into the café for a coffee. Barbara Shrubsole talked to us and I explained that I had helped in WBC’s cafe, which put on a midday meal for pensioners. (This wasn’t open to the public) “Oh!” she said, “Jane would be very interested in that”. So up she goes to Jane and says “I might have a volunteer for you!”

A: So I was working in the café and attending church regularly and soon after John asked if I would consider

Cally Ford

becoming a church member. I said yes. Barry later joined me in the café.

B: We’ve been doing shifts for about 15 years: I have been welcomed and I feel very much part of the fellowship. Have things changed much in those 15 years?

B: It was a very different operation back then.

When things were set up (long before our time) – about 24 years ago, it

was a very simple coffee/tea place down in a room in the basement – it was called The Coffee Shop. It developed from there to a proper café/restaurant that served cooked meals. There was a paid chef; two paid manageresses and a paid dish washer. There was a choice of cooked meals which came up from down below. There was a bain marie on the counter and we served from there.

A: It was then I started serving food.

So all was going nicely.

B: Well yes, but in 2008, when Southgate was being developed, they moved the bus station temporarily over to Avon Street so we had a big

drop in footfall and trade was falling. A: Of course quite a lot of cafés opened in the new Southgate.

B: It was decided that we’d have to close as we could no longer afford paid staff. When the café area was created in 1993 a limited company was set up called ‘Open House’ to oversee the Café, Off the Record and Julian House. This company was wound up when The Coffee Shop closed in March 2009. But everybody wanted to carry on with a café.


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A: And the out-reach that went with it.

B: So the coffee shop was closed but by the beginning of May we opened again in the present form - serving light lunches under the direction of Margaret Hopkins, whose brilliant organization set up the routines which are still followed today. She was the Church Administrator and took on the duties of café management in addition to her other tasks. Dave Twine took over the café after Margaret retired.

Footfall improved because the bus station came back. However, as part

of the changes they moved the Railway Station exit round to the side so people were (and still are) crossing straight into Southgate Shopping Centre. It was noticeable that there were not the same numbers of people walking up and down Manvers Street.

It is wonderful that the café is run purely by volunteers.

B: Many people have been doing the job longer than us. We have in the past been helped by volunteers from other churches such as the URC.

A: They were very happy to be called on at short notice – we miss them.

B: Some volunteers are referred to us and Dave (Twine) ensures that they will be able to cope with the demands of the job: we are glad to have a number of people, in particular, who are extremely committed and reliable.

A: We have a serving staff (behind the counter) and a front of house staff. Barbara does sterling work as ‘welcomer’ and she looks after the table staff. Everyone plays their part and is able, willing and committed. Also, we are very pleased to have John down in the kitchen making the soup. He sends up what is needed and freezes the rest.

I understand that the café facilities are in need of an ‘update’.

B: During August we might be having some improvements: replacement of the dishwasher is particularly needed, as this task is currently extremely hard and onerous work.

A: We are much indebted to one particular volunteer who has done so much of this exhausting work, as well as some extensive cleaning for us which was above and beyond the call of duty. We are badly in need of many pieces of equipment and the space is extremely cramped. The work here in the café is vital to the church so we remain hopeful that things will be improved.

B: Phase one can’t come soon enough.

A: It can’t! We’re also short of staff at the moment and that means that we’re all having to press ourselves even further to cover all the shifts. All these things are affecting adversely the morale of the staff.

Is everybody’s role clearly defined?

B: There’s a team leader for each day – someone’s got to be in charge! The day begins: buy newspaper; open doors; move trolley and rubbish bins;

prepare kitchen machines; check stock; prepare cloths; milk; salad and sandwich stuff; cakes; water; glasses and check freezer temperatures.

A: People get used to the routine but a lot of us are adaptable and can do anything that we’re called to do.

B: We have got regular teams and within these, jobs are allocated: one person will be on sandwiches and salads; another on jacket potatoes and if we’re lucky we have two people dealing with orders, drinks and the till.

I’ve been looking at some of the comments left in the visitors’ book.

B: Those help us realise that the whole thing is worthwhile – clearly the café generates a huge amount of goodwill.

A: A lot of people say that they like the fact that we do not have music playing - people do appreciate a quiet place to just chat to whoever they’ve

Visitor Book

Wonderful cure for loneliness, Holy Spirit is so present here. God Bless - Los Angeles

What a lovely place, great welcome – Praise the Lord!- Plymouth, Devon

Excellent food, very friendly staff, lovely place to eat.- Avonmouth, Bristol


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come in with. We have a number of regular customers (who know that we give value for money) who know Barry by name and he knows them by name – they will be in no doubt that they’re welcome.

B: I know what they want!

A: Yes he often ‘tells’ them what they’re going to have!

B: Then they decide that they’re going to have something different and you’re totally up the spout!

Do you enjoy your time in the café?

A & B: Oh goodness me yes - otherwise we wouldn’t do it.

A: We would have gone a long time ago if we hadn’t fitted in and been of some use.

B: It is something well worth doing: you need something like this when you retire.

A: It’s a challenge and a very important job: we all need a sense of achievement.

Do visitors to Bath find our café?

A: Oh! They find the café alright – probably

better than the locals! We’ve had people here for the Christmas Market who want somewhere off the crowded map.

B: We’ve had visitors from all over the world. – Asians, South Americans, Americans, Taiwanese, French, German, Belgians, Scandinavians………...

A: When Barry hears the sound of an accent that’s not an obvious one, he always goes over to their table and asks them where they are from – ever hoping to practise his Spanish!

I know, Audrie, that until very recently you were one of MSBC’s deacons. When you were asked were you unsure whether to stand?

A: I was, but not for very long. I was surprised – I had been here barely two years. At WBC they would never ask anyone to be a deacon unless they’d been there half their lives and it wouldn’t have been a woman! I thought about it and hoped that I might be of use in some way or another: I’ve just finished after 13 years.

Most of your time as Deacon was during John Rackley’s time at MSBC. Did you find the job onerous?

A: No! In a way I quite enjoyed being at the hub of what was going on. Sometimes the business meetings were long with lots of discussion but hopefully I made some useful contributions. I found my years as a deacon fulfilling and I think that my faith grew stronger through being able to share things that I wouldn’t have

Visitor Book

Always our first stop when visiting Bath. Fantastic staff and lovely food. - Pontypridd

First time in Bath what a lovely place to stop and have tea and eats. So friendly here – lovely. - Berkshire

Been a joy to come to you this year. You all do such a good job. May God bless you for it and through it.- Vendee, France

Lovely to come back again – as usual. - South Wales. had I not been there in that circle.

How do you feel about change at MSBC?A: I’m happy for it to go forward – if we don’t have change the Church will die – we can’t stand still. There are some people who want it back as it was when they were children: that’s not going to work. I don’t think we should be disapproving of the modern songs – some can be uplifting. You can tell a lot by the way people are singing can’t you? I think that this is very important as we hope to get some younger people to carry on.

B: There’s a saying ‘Not to go forward is to go back”.


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Cryptogram

15 Anagrams of the Old Testament

A B C D E F G H I J K L M

G J D

N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Each letter in a cryptogram stands for another letter e.g A=M, B=Z, etc.Can you solve the code to find the bible quote?

I P I K J F P N H

EA S I K

A P C H J N V Y F

E H J J H M

E E

W R

K J G N IA K P F J

E AES A S F F

R P Y N I J F F P V G F F

E A

I K G C Z M

AS A S F F D S U J

G E

Answers on page 32

Burns meChair hazeEds jugEvil is cut

Hail MacHurtI jam hereOn gloom of sons

Our needy TomRich clonesSee signSelect as ices

ThreesTom anneals itUsed ox

Next year the Café will be celebrating its 25th anniversary. 25 years is a great achievement in longevity but the café is so much more than just a number of years.

Right from the start the café was a response to the issue of loneliness. It is a place of relationship. It is the very presence of the church community throughout the week. It has seen celebrations and sadness. It brings people together from all backgrounds, it blurs the edges between helper and helped. The café is host to many groups who demonstrate love and care for one another. This has come about due to the example of the inclusive nature of those who offer their time and effort in serving within the café.Each weekday there is a Foodbank distribution point, some days see the Depression Support Group, New Beginning (bereavement support), Thursday People.

Each day we offer an oasis in the city, a place where someone will listen to you, or you can put a prayer request, or you can sit and chat with a friend (or someone who will become a friend).There is a wealth of individual stories: the one who asked to do some washing- up to say thank you for a friend who had received a food parcel; the wife who was going through a rough time in her marriage and left a message to say meet me where we first met if you want to make it work. He came! The customer who commented how happy the volunteers looked and became one the following week.

This is mission. This is breaking down the barriers, giving release to those trapped, feeding the hungry, helping people see worth where before there was despair.You can join in this mission.

- Dave Twine (Café Manager and Outreach)


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Services JulyDe

acon

s'M

eetin

gs

10th

11th 12th September (Business)

None in August October (Vision)

July (Business)

In loving memory of Vera and Alf Jane from all the family.

Marjorie Alcock and family in loving memory of Don.

Phylis Hams in loving memory of Gordon and her dear friendDoris Smith.

John Ward in loving memory of Mary.

In memory of Marjorie and Bob Rowe and Betty Bell lovingly remembered by Valerie and all the family.

Flower Rota

2nd

9th

16th

23rd

30th

Morning Gathering10:30am

Second Gathering6:15 for a 6:30pm start

2nd Communion Cafe Church

9th Rev Dianne Tidball (President of BUGB) preaching

Reflective Communion

16th CommunionRev Craig Gardiner leading

Picnic with Children’s Group in afternoon

23rd Revelation Churches Letter: Ephesus

Fellowship Lunch - No evening Gathering

30th Revelation Churches Letter: Smyrna

Healing Space

Mem

bers

'M

eetin

gs 25th 26thJuly* (open meeting)

None in August

September

Services August

In loving memory of Peggy and Roy Wheeler from all the family.

In thanksgiving for the life of Dudley Thomas from Beth and allthe family.

In loving memory of Graham Tarrant, a much loved husband and father, from Sue and Matthew.

Pam and Peter Melbourne in loving memory of their parents andPam’s brother.

Flower Rota

6th

13th

20th

27th

Morning Gathering10:30am

Second Gathering6:15 for a 6:30pm start

6thCommunionRevelation Churches Letter: Pergamum

Garden Gathering 1*

13th Revelation Churches Letter: Thyatira Garden Gathering 2*

20thCommunionRevelation Churches Letter: Sardis

Garden Gathering 3*

27th Revelation Churches Letter: Philadelphia Garden Gathering 4*

None in October

* Garden Gatherings: detailsto follow

*At 7:15 in the Cafe lounge, please see announcements page 6.


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Weekday Events

...(formerly known as ‘Book Group’ and ‘Book Appreciation’) takes place on the fourth Monday of each month.

A small, friendly group talks about books they are reading, listens to others and passes books around. Invariably this will prompt all sorts of ‘sideways’ conversation and ensure a happy opportunity to meet people. New members are always welcome.

Barbara says "it was through meeting in this group that I felt challenged to read all 7 of C.S Lewis’

Book Swapping

‘Chronicles of Narnia’, which was in no way as daunting as it sounds. (Previously my knowledge was limited to ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’.) I was subsequently given ‘A Year with Aslan’, which gives daily references to short passages from one of the books and is accompanied by challenging thoughts and questions".

Crafty MondayHow about joining one of these gatherings in the Café? A warm welcome is assured, plus a cup of tea. 1:30pm-3:30pm

July3rd Knit &Natter,10th Writing17th Knit & Natter24th Book Swapping31st Window displays

The Church Sanctuary

The Church Sanctuary is open Monday to Saturday 10am - 2pm. Candles are available if you would like to light one in prayer to remember those who have passed.

AugustWe are having ‘open’ sessions on 7th, 14th, 21st – come and try something new which relates to the ‘All things Bright and Beautiful’ celebration. (See announcements page 4)

- Barbara Shrubsole

30s-50s Exploring Faith Group

We meet once a month on Wednesday mornings 9:15am - 10:15am in the Café. New members are always welcome. For more information please contact Domini, via the church office.

Upcoming dates:27th September 18th October29th November20th December


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‘Open the Book’ serves to bring the Bible alive. We lead one assembly each week during term time for Widcombe Junior School. The story presented on a Wednesday starts the theme that the pupils continue until the following Tuesday.

Meet every Wednesday during term time.

Enquiries: Dave Twine.

Open the Book

New Beginnings...continues to meet on Friday mornings in the coffee shop from 10:30am - 12pm. We are a friendship group for those who are bereaved, whether recently or a long time ago. Where those in the same situation can meet and enjoy each other's company over a cup of coffee.

The group is very informal, and if you feel that it may be of help to you please contact me for more information.

Contact: Penny Dole 01225 466749

CAFÉ AT THE CENTRE

Opening times: Mon-Sat 10am-2pm.During August there will be times when the café is closed for some essential maintenance. Please check for details nearer the time.

The coffee and welcome is good; the old friends meeting up; the new friends made; the real need met; this is what sets us apart.

‘A homely place with food served in a personal and loving way’ (posted on trip advisor)

We are fundraising for the Alzheimer’s Society during July, August and September.

If you would like to join the team at the Café or find out more information about opportunities to make a difference please contact Dave Twine. (Outreach Worker at Manvers Street Baptist Church):

[email protected] 4691600

We open from 10am each Tuesday morning during term time. Drinks and biscuits are served. We finish with a song time from 11.30-11.45We will continue to meet throughout August - older siblings welcome.Return to Babies & Toddlers after summer: 5th September.We look forward to many happy Tuesday mornings together. With love from Dave and all the Team.

Babies & ToddlersDepression Support Group, Bath

Depressed? Need support? Join Friends in Need to connect online with people who understand. Find friends who share your interests. Join local meet ups and activities.

Meet every Wednesday at midday in the Café (occasionally in an allocated room, please check the board in the hallway if you can’t find us). Contact: [email protected] 07495 579 251

Depression allianceregistered charity no: 1096741

COFFEE WITH COPS

Come and speak to your local beat team in the Café at the Centre on the first Wednesday of the month between 11:30am and 12:30pm. Follow us on Twitter @aspbath.

Short Mat BowlsDue to redecoration of the room we are taking a prolonged summer break.

We look forward to meeting again on the 8th September.


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David’s prayer is a challenge to us. We believe that God does not cast us out of his presence, or allow anything to take us out of his hand, but does that at times lead us to think that there is no need for us to experience transformation and renewal?

The world we live in is a world full of beauty and vibrancy and bears the mark of its creator who speaks over it that it is good. You and I are part of that good creation.

But the exhaust fumes and smog of sin and death pollute our world, and if we are genuinely honest, our lives too.

It can be easy to think that the solution is to withdraw from the world; but even if that was what God wanted (and I am convinced he does not), it still does not solve the problem of the pollution inside of us. David knew this well, and so he prays the Psalm of which the above quote is just a part.

Over the next few weeks, think of David’s words, and reflect honestly on what the areas of your life might be that need a clean-up, or need purifying. It might seem to some of you that this would take a miracle – if so, then perhaps this Celtic prayer is for you…:

Prompt for Prayer

O Son of God, perform a miracle for me: change my heart.You, whose crimson blood redeems humankind, whiten my heart.

It is you who makes the sun bright and the ice sparkle; you who makes the rivers flow and the salmon leap.

Your skilled hand makes the nut tree blossom, and the wheat turn golden; your Spirit composes the songs of the birds and the buzz of the bees.

Your creation is a million wondrous miracles, beautiful to behold.I ask you just one more miracle: beautify my soul.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me.Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.”

Psalm 51:10-12


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This is a “thank you” letter…..

I was brought up in the 40s, 50s and 60s in the Baptist Church and enjoyed singing – especially those tunes with “a decent bass line”. It was wonderful to visit, say, Westminster Chapel in London and join with hundreds of others in the congregation singing some of these old favourites. Or join in the singing at a Billy Graham rally with its modern contribution.Recently, I was looking through the old Baptist Church Hymnal and it was significant that the vast majority of my favourite hymns tunes were written by Victorians. Whilst I appreciate jazz (especially good New Orleans Jazz), my favoured idiom is classical music (especially early music). I was never really “into” rock ‘n’ roll or folk music.

It is therefore understandable that the advent of “worship songs”, based on current pop culture with its easy to pick up melodies, repetition and familiar chord progressions didn’t fit into my musical preferences. And, what’s more, it rendered redundant my contribution of a bass part!

The quality of much music is questionable: Many of these “new” worship songs are appealing and good to sing, but some are, in my opinion, of poor musical quality. But, I think it’s also fair to say, so is the quality of many more of the Victorian hymns.

A huge number of “new tunes” were introduced in the Victorian era and it is to those members of the congregations of MSBC during that time that I am directing my sincere thanks: If they had rejected these

A Belated Thank You

innovations and stuck to the old practice of singing hymns to metrical chant-like tunes, I would never have been privileged to enjoy, and be uplifted by, those “new” hymns they embraced.

But now it’s my turn: I’ve got to move on. If I visit a church where there is a large presence of younger people – young families, the music will be of the modern idiom.

It follows that, if MSBC is to attract such a congregation, one of the things we must do - and indeed are doing - is modernise the music and emphasise the modern but without completely rejecting the old of good quality: as did our Victorian forebears. It’s up to me to accept and become familiar with the new songs so that I can enjoy them.If no changes were to be made, it

would suit me to an extent: I could continue to enjoy the old ways until I fall off my perch! Then it will cease to matter. To me at least.

If most of my contemporaries have also departed, there will be no congregation to replace us - and the church at MSBC will be unsustainable. All because we did not do anything to attract the young during our watch.

Let us hope that, one day in the distant future, another old man will be moved to write a “thank you” letter to us, appreciating our acceptance and adoption of up-to-date forms of worship and music.

- Graham Ford


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There have been links with this school over many years. Several church members regularly go there each week for 'Open The Book'. The school recently took 40 children to Liverpool & Chester on a tour. They performed in a couple of concerts and made a very good impression.

The 'Rebel Robotics' team of ten represented Widcombe juniors as one of only three English schools competing in the finals of 'First Lego League international competition' at

Widcombe Junior School's Budding Engineers

Bath University. There were around 90 + teams from around the world with members aged between 9 and 16. They spent four days having fun; presenting their projects; competing with their robots; touring Bath and making new friends.

Widcombe were very surprised to win a Judge's Award cup - made from Lego!

Perhaps this is the beginning of ten future engineers!!

- Janet Kemp

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See page 4.


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As many of you already know, last October our family was devastated with the news that Dave had pancreatic cancer on top of his serious heart condition. Eight months on - despite being very ill on a couple of occasions - he has bounced back to continue on the rollercoaster ride.Not surprisingly our family has found it hard to cope with this diagnosis and has decided to do something that could possibly help others. On Sunday 11th June at 9 am we watched our daughter Adelle & 9 year old granddaughter Abigail dressed in 'Pink' run the 10 k approx 6¼ miles - Race for Life in Victoria park.They completed it in 1 hour 12 mins. A great time - especially for Abigail who had run that distance only once before.

So far they have raised over £550 for Cancer Research; hoping that one day a cure can be found for this dreadful disease so that no more

families have to go through what we are living with now.

Apart from family & friends, who have been a great support, we are getting help from the Dorothy House Hospice and their fantastic Macmillan nurse service. Although the church has raised money in the past and has had talks about the charity it is not until you use the service that you realise what a fantastic organisation it is: always there to help even in the early hours over a weekend.

Our daughter Natasha & the 'girls' from the shop - Bath Spa Florists - are taking part in one of the Dorothy

So much to share...

Some of Bath Spa Florists Team, taken Christmas 2016

House fundraising events called a ' Bubble Rush' on Sunday 25th June at Castle Combe.

The photo above is of our grandson Jake in Queen Square when they were promoting the Bubble Rush Day - so the 'girls' will have lots of fun when running in the bubbles for this great charity used by so many in the Bath area. If anyone wants to support this team to raise money for Dorothy House then please go to:

www.justgiving.comSearch for - Bath Spa Florist - Natasha Nolan-Kemp

Hopefully by supporting Cancer Research, eventually a cure can be found!! Also, by raising Money for Dorothy House Hospice & Macmillan Nurses etc. this amazing service can carry on helping all those in need.

If anyone wants to donate to any of the above please see Janet or David.

We would like to say a huge 'thanks' to all you friends at Manvers Street for your continued support.

- Dave Kemp


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SAW THIS—

THOUGHT YOU’D LIKE IT...

GAFFES

These sentences appeared in church bulletins or were announced in church services (thankfully not ours!):

The sermon this morning: ‘Jesus Walks on the Water.’ The sermon tonight: ‘Searching for Jesus.’

Ladies, don’t forget the rummage sale. It’s a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.

Don’t let worry kill you off – let the Church help.

Miss Charlotte Mason sang ‘I will not pass this way again’- giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.

Ian Benson and Jessica Carter were married on the 24th October in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.

AGAINST THE ODDSWhen Zoe North was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, at the age of four, doctors said she would never walk unassisted. But 14 years later, she defied that prognosis when she completed the London Marathon. Zoe, from southwest London, suffers from muscle weakness and balance problems, which make everyday tasks a huge challenge. Yet she set off five days early from Greenwich to walk the 26.2-mile route, in order to finish alongside the other marathon entrants on the Sunday. Zoe’s efforts raised almost £100,000 for the charity ‘Sparks’.

Dear readers, We recently received this letter from Children in Distress: "Thank you so very much for posting the Box for Romania full of knitted blankets. Please thank the busy knitters at Manvers Street for giving up their time to knit these lovely warm blankets and let them know how much we appreciate the amount of work that goes into making these blankets. The blankets will help cheer up the wards in the hospice as well as keeping the children nice and warm over the winter months"

They also appreciated the monetary contributions from the 5/2/1 penny fund (loose cash from your shopping!) Naida

Letters

Doreen, Dawn and families would like to thank everyone very much for all their kindness and prayers at this very sad time. It was a great comfort to us all knowing that you were keeping our family in your thoughts and prayers.God bless you all.

Dear all at MSBC,

The Open Space Postnatal groups received a donation of £1000 from the David Fogwell Charitable Trust, which is fantastic.

Many thanks!Domini x

Please contact the church with your news and views. (Naturally, the editorial team reserves the right to edit and exercise discretion.)


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The deadline for the September/October issue is Monday 14th August. This issue has been compiled and edited by Cally and Graham Ford with support from David and Janet Kemp. Designed by Chloe Ford. Cover photograph and others by David Kemp.

Cross Talk magazine is published by Manvers Street Baptist Church.

Answer to the Cryptogram

Answers to the puzzles on page 15

Manvers Street Baptist Church, Bath, BA1 1JW

www.manversstreetbaptistchurch.org.uk

The office at the church is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday AM.Email: [email protected] Tel: 01225 461 600

Minister: Revd. Andy Percey, 01225 461 600, [email protected]

Church Secretaries: Tom & Nancy Winsborough, [email protected]

Treasurer: Alison Bull

Open House Administrator: Vacant

Open House Worker: David Twine

Pastoral Coordinator: Elaine Bull

Fabric Resource GroupIf you have any concerns regarding the fabric of the church building and the Open House Centre please either add a note to the book found in the café under the counter area, or contact one of the following people:

Brian BullTerry GaleJanet RedfernPeter Shrubsole

BookingsFor Open House Centre Hall bookings please contact Lucie Palma: [email protected] 01225 461 600.

Sessions are morning/afternoon or evening up to a maximum of 3 hours.

Phone numbers for people listed on this page can befound in the Church Directory.

Answers to the anagram

NumbersZechariahJudgesLeviticusMalachiRuthJeremiahSong of SolomonDeuteronomyChroniclesGenesisEcclesiastesEstherLamentationsExodus

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.Psalm 9 : 1 NRSV

facebook.com/msbcbathfacebook.com/cafeatthecentre

twitter.com/msbc_bath

MANVERS STREET BAPTIST CHURCH

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MANVERSSTREETBAPTISTCHURCH

Documents

TALK - · PDF file05.07.2017 · of Blue Sky Thinking is ‘creative or visionary and unconstrained by ... to me that I talk with people who work voluntarily in MSBC’s café