40 1

“Loving God, being His People”

The Vicars Desk

The Lounge and Youth

News

Jessie J on finding God

The Worship Band’s big

day out

DVD and Book Reviews

With Clem Jackson

Lent & Easter 2014

Lent

Reflections

The Hope of Easter &

50p

+

2

The Vicar The Revd. David Gillard

St Elisabeth's Vicarage, 11 Baldwin Ave.

649728

The Curate The Revd. Jill Preece

2 Osborne Road

638020

Churchwardens Vera Donnison 734252

Russell Langley 749235

Readers Mavis Relph 734252

David Carey 505240

Community Arts Workers Fenya Sharkey 430667

Clem Jackson 728571

Centre Manager Mark Jones 07582 470017

Brownies Jane Yeoman 723116

Caring & Sharing Christine Baitmansour 643307

Car Transport Rota Romy McCabe 643731

Children’s Society Sarah Doble 469272

CMS Jean Wright 639507

Family Support Worker Christine Baitmansour 643307

Group with no name David Gillard 649728

Julian Group Dorothy James 728721

Kidz @ 11 Ann Eyre 411470

Leprosy Mission Mavis Relph 734252

Magazine Editor Mandy Mulford 500070

Missions to Seafarers Ann Harris 723753

Mothers Union Verena Leppard 502712

Parche Group David Carey 505240

PCC Secretary Pam Yarnton 729102

Publicity Officer Mandy Mulford 500070

Rainbows Becca Miller

Scouts Bev Levett 749640

Totz on Thursday Jill Preece 638020

Treasurer Malcolm Preece 638020

US Representative Judy Williamson 731715

TNT Youth Group Jeanette Laing 731128

Working Party Bruce Williamson 731715

39

Our Mission statement

St Elisabeth’s is an expression of God’s Kingdom

We are a community which:

Worships God and seeks to both tell people about Jesus

and to share his love practically

Our Aims

To provide a broad mixture of worship styles which allow

people to meet with God in a way that is helpful to them.

To show practical expressions of God’s love to the wider

community.

To build community through various social events and

seeking to share our lives together.

To be a healthy church that is growing spiritually and

numerically.

Find us on

St Elisabeth’s, Eastbourne

www.sainte.co.uk

38

Traditional Pancake recipe

For the pancake mixture

110g/4oz plain flour, sifted

Pinch of salt

2 eggs

200ml/7floz milk

50g/2oz butter

To serve

Caster Sugar

Lemon Juice

Preparation method Sift the flour and salt into a large mixing

bowl with a sieve held high above the

bowl so the flour gets an airing. Make a

well in the centre of the flour and break

the eggs into it. Then begin whisking the

eggs incorporating any bits of flour from

around the edge of the bowl as you do

so.

Next gradually add small quantities of

the milk, still whisking (don't worry about

any lumps as they will eventually disap-

pear as you whisk). When all the liquid

has been added, use a rubber spatula to

scrape any elusive bits of flour from

around the edge into the centre, then

whisk once more until the batter is

smooth, with the consistency of thin

cream. Now melt the 50g/2oz of butter in

a pan. Spoon 2 tbsp of it into the batter

and whisk it in, then pour the rest into a

bowl and use it to lubricate the pan, us-

ing a wodge of kitchen paper to smear

it round before you

make each pancake.

Now get the pan really hot, then turn the

heat down to medium and, to start with,

do a test pancake to see if you're using

the correct amount of batter. Two tbsp is

about right for an 18cm/7in pan. It's also

helpful if you spoon the batter into a

ladle so it can be poured into the hot pan

in one go. As soon as the batter hits the

hot pan, tip it around from side to side to

get the base evenly coated with batter. It

should take only half a minute or so to

cook; you can lift the edge with a palette

knife to see if it's tinged gold as it should

be. Flip the pancake over with a pan slice

or palette knife - the other side will need

a few seconds only - then simply slide

it out of the pan onto a plate.

Stack the pancakes as you make

them between sheets of greaseproof

paper on a plate fitted over simmering

water, to keep them warm while you

make the rest.

To serve, sprinkle each pancake with

freshly squeezed lemon juice and

caster sugar, fold in half, then in half

again to form triangles, or else simply

roll them up. Serve sprinkled with a

little more sugar and lemon juice and

extra sections of lemon.

3

St Elisabeth’s Church

Services and other activities

1

4

Surprise, surprise!

When was the last time you had a

really good surprise? It is a nice

feeling. The envelope that is opened.

The paper that is ripped off to reveal

the gift. Those kind of surprises make

you feel valued and you enjoy the

moment.

Surprise, surprise… Take one man

who you have followed for the past

three years. You have watched him

perform miracle after miracle, have

listened to story after story that showed

the wonder of the Kingdom of God.

But then it all goes wrong. That man is

arrested, tortured and killed. Those

hopes for a better future lay smashed at

the foot of a cross. Jesus’ followers were

more than surprised, rather they were

shocked, fearful and broken by the

events that led to his death.

Death is so final. However much we

do not want to think about it, we all

know it is something we will experience.

It can be no surprise that Jesus’

followers thought that his death really

was it. The dreams they had built up

through the three years they had

followed him could be no more. Not

only did the disciples have to deal with

the death of their friend and leader they

also feared for their lives and had to

face the prospect of going back to their

old ways of living. The shame and the

sarcasm that

they would

have to face.

‘Oh, you want

to take up

fishing again?

Not that you’ll

stay long!

You’ll go and

follow some

other loser instead.’ In the time after

Jesus’ death his followers were

completely lost and broken. A most

unpleasant surprise.

Then came another surprise. How can someone who was most definitely dead,

his disciples had carried his crucified

and speared body to a tomb, suddenly

be alive again, able to eat and yet be

able to literally come and go as he

pleases? That was such a game changer.

That is what the disciples then

experienced. We cannot fully

understand the depth of surprise felt by

them. A shocking surprise. Those of

us who have sought to follow Christ for

many a year can overlook the big shift

the first disciples needed to make, from

seeing their leader killed to recognising

him as their risen Lord. Their surprise

was total and this time a joyful surprise.

Sometimes we need to recapture that

sense of joyful surprise for ourselves. To

realise that Jesus is truly alive, that the

Son of God has risen from the dead, is

to change the whole way we look at life.

Death suddenly is not the end. For Jesus

to arise from the dead demonstrates

he is the Son of God.

From The Vicar’s Desk

37

Praying for yourself

From time to time I hear a comment

along the lines of – “I can pray for other

people but I could never pray for

myself.” This is rather sad, but more

importantly it is being disobedient to

Jesus. Nowhere in the scriptures does it

say that say that it is wrong to pray for

yourself or for the things that you need.

In fact the opposite is true. Jesus said,

“Ask and it will be given to you, seek

and you will find, knock and the door

will be opened to you. For everyone

who asks receives; he who seeks finds;

and to him who knocks, the door will be

opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8).

There is one occasion when we definite-

ly know that the Lord prayed for him-

self.. In the Garden of Gethsemane he

prayed. “My Father if it is possible, may

this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I

will, but as your will”. (Matthew 26:39)

St Paul was willing to pray for himself –

viz:- Three times I pleaded with the Lord

to take it away from me – 2 Corinthians

8. Then there is the amazing passage in

1 Chronicles 9-10 – “Jabez cried out to

the God of Israel. ‘Oh, that you would

bless me and enlarge my territory! Let

your hand be with me, and keep me

from harm so that I may be free from

pain’. And God granted his request.” So

God granted what seems to be a selfish

prayer.

The truth is that God loves you and me

far, far more than we can possibly know

or imagine. Time after time he likes to

give us good things, just like any loving

parent. Yet a kingdom principle is that

we should ask Him for those things.

After all every time we say the Lord’s

Prayer together we say, “Give us this

day our daily bread.” Perhaps it is time

for all of us to be bold before almighty

God and ask him for those things that

are on our hearts! We may all be

surprised at how He responds.

Colin Crook

St Elisabeth’s Church

LIVE music every

Sunday at 11am!

36

A History of

Shrove Tuesday

by Ron Shotter

Before the Reformation the populace of towns and villages went on the day before the start of Lent for their parish priest to shrive them. No not a medieval punishment; shrive derives from an Old English word meaning to impose a penalty and to offer absolu-tion. Members of the congregation; would go to their parish priest to make confession of their sins before the start of the Lenten season. The past tense of shrive is to shrove, hence the name of the day. The priest would have imposed a penalty and after absolution the person would be said to have been shriven. The priest must have been busy on that day, because although populations were less, there would still have been quite a few people for the priest to hear the confessions of. In France and some

other countries the day is known as Fat Tuesday, or Mardi Gras; because on this day all fatty foods, eggs, milk and cheese and any other such food would have been consumed before the start of the Lenten fast. Lent is an Old English word meaning lengthen, Lent coming during spring when the days begin to get longer. A fast would have been observed through Lent, which may have been no food eaten during the hours of daylight. The meals would have been what today are called vegan; so no animal products would have been eaten. In the west probably not originally, Sunday was excluded from the days of fast as was Mothering Sunday.

St Elisabeth’s link with

Chichester Cathedral

As you may be aware, Jean Wright has been

our link with the Cathedral for many years - for

which, thank you Jean. She has now handed

over the reins to David Carey and so he’ll now be receiving news of services,

lectures, talks and events happening at the Cathedral. If you want any

information about what’s on there, or feel like you’d like to join The Friends

of Chichester Cathedral.

Please see David in church or call him on 505240. Also, as part of

St. Elisabeth’s 80th anniversary year David is organising a coach trip to the

Cathedral on Saturday 21st June. Please contact David if you’d like

to be included.

5

(cont…) To believe that is to accept we

must positively respond to the

complete Bible story. As we journey

through Lent and celebrate Easter may

we think afresh about how big a life

changing event Jesus’ resurrection from

the dead was to the first disciples and

how much of wonderful surprise it

should continue to be for us.

One of my hopes for our 80th

anniversary year is that we will help

others to see the wonderful surprise

that Easter brings. It may be for some

within our community that to consider

afresh the wonder of that first Easter

will enable them to communicate this

more freely. A sense of individual

renewal that stokes the desire to tell

others of this surprising news. That is

my prayer for us all, that as we journey

through Lent and celebrate Easter there

will be a renewal in understanding how

wonderfully surprising Jesus’

resurrection is and that it will empower

us to share this with others throughout

our anniversary year. I hope you will

join me in making that your prayer too

throughout the Lent and Easter as well.

Question!

What are your 3 favourite hymns or worship songs that we currently

sing at St Elisabeth’s?

1.

2.

3.

Write down your answers, cut out this bit of the magazine (make sure

you’ve written down the Lent & Easter service times first from pg 6) and give them

to Mandy Mulford.

6

LENT & EASTER SERVICES

Ash Wednesday 5th March

10am Holy Communion

8pm Holy Communion

Palm Sunday 13th April

9.30am Holy Communion

11am Sunday @11 All Age Worship

7pm Sanctuary

Maundy Thursday 17th April

8pm Holy Communion

Good Friday 18th April

2-3pm Reflective Worship

Easter Sunday 20th April

9.30am Holy Communion

11am Sunday @ 11 Communion

6.30pm Evening Prayer

35

Why are you a Christian? This article was written by Aaron

Hanson the production manager of The

Williston Herald, a local newspaper for

Williston in North Dakota, USA. It is

re-printed here with his permission.

Editor, Mandy Mulford asks the

question “What are your thoughts after

reading this article?”

Many of us point to a problem that has been

resolved, the happiness we receive, the joy we

feel. Testimony after testimony is all about a

changed life from misery to fulfilled

happiness.

Many of us, like myself, feel left out because

we don’t have that sort of testimony. We

don’t have a story to share that shows how

we went from spiritual rags to spiritual

riches. So it’s hard to answer this question

because we don’t have a single point on our

life where we became regenerate.

It’s like Christianity is being marketed as a

product. To solve any problem in life, all you

have to do is become a Christian.

A relationship with Jesus will weather away

any problems be it poverty, illness or war.

The price is a prayer and a good church

attendance. Reading your Bible and doing the

Christian thing is a plus. Do this, and all you

problems will magically disappear.

I’d be a terrible poster child for Christianity.

My testimony just doesn’t fit with the

marketing scheme that a majority of

Christians praise.

Don’t be a Christian because it makes your

life better or you get a joyous feeling inside.

Doing this would make any faith a viable

option. This is the wrong way to go about

Christianity. Jesus never promised paradise in

this life. Just ask the early Christians who

were burned at the stake. Even today, many

Christians are being tortured. Their product

seems to be broken. Should they exchange it

for another? One of the few guarantees of

being a Christian is persecution.

Don’t get me wrong. Living a God centred life

does have its benefits. There have been many

times I’ve avoided trouble simply because I

asked “What would Jesus do?” Furthermore,

it’s great that people who are at their lowest

point in life find the grace of God. But over

emphasis can be a problem because we miss

the whole point of Christianity.

The problem is, if you present Christianity like

this, an all-purpose-problem-fixing agent, the

customer can look at his own life and say, “I

don’t need that. My life seems to be just fine

without Christianity.” If this is the only thing

Christianity is about, then why be a Christian

if you feel life is fine without it?

If you’re unhappy, eat a bowl of ice cream. If

you’re having relationship problems, find a

counsellor.

If someone were to become a Christian for

this reason, false hopes will arise. Thorns will

grow in their life and they may soon wither

away.

Yes, there are problems with making our

happiness contingent upon temporal things

like food, sports teams and relationships.

Ultimately our happiness shouldn’t be

contingent upon such things.

The only eternal being is God.

Why should you be a Christian? Be a Christian

because it’s the truth. Jesus really lived, he

really died, and he really rose again. All for

the purpose to save us from our sins, to be

united back with God. If that’s not true, then

don’t be a Christian. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthi-

ans, “if Christ has not been raised, our

preaching is useless and so is your faith.”

Christianity isn’t a fashion trend you choose

because it’s what you like. Don’t choose a

faith the same way you would pick your

clothing. Pick the faith that’s true.

If you have opinions you’d like to

share email Mandy at mandymulford@gmail.com

34

Recording the Jesus film

in Madagascar

In Madagascar, MAF pilot Josh Plett

says he was ‘privileged recently to

bring home the Campus Crusade for

Christ team, after a successful trip

recording the Jesus film into yet

another Malagasy dialect’.

MAF dropped the team off late last

year, in the remote south-eastern

village of Vangaindrano. The village,

which occupies an area of dense

rainforest, has few roads—most of

which are totally

unusable during

the wet season.

The team spent

nine days there

recording the Jesus film in the

Antisaka dialect, whose speakers

represent one of the most unreached

people groups in Madagascar.

Thanks for Campus Crusade for Christ

and MAFs flights, local churches now

have a new tool to help present the

Good News to people living in the

remote mountains of south-eastern

Madagascar.

It is hoped that further flights will

facilitate many more translations of

the Jesus film.

Totz @ St Elisabeth’s

Toddlers on a Thursday Every Thursday in term time for pre-school age

children

10am - 12 noon

Ride on toys~crafts~books & jigsaws~climbing

cube and slide~role-play & dressing

up~refreshments~Church Mice~songtime

£1 per family

7

Lisa and the team at Caffé Corró would like to congratulate St Elisabeth’s

on 80 years of serving the spiritual needs of Old Town’s Christian community.

Lisa Corro says: “We have been serving coffee,

cakes, pastries and panini's since October

2012. Opening my business here has been a

dream come true and we are truly delighted

at how Old Town’s residents have embraced

us and given us such a warm reception. Old

Town is a thriving community that we are

extremely proud to be part of. From day one

our threshold has been graced with a variety

of wonderful customers and we look forward to

seeing our regular customers and welcoming

new faces during 2014.“

What our customers say:

“A gem in the Old Town!”

“Excellent coffee in a most unexpected location”

“Cheese scone heaven.”

“Caffé Corró just gets better and better.”

“How lucky to have such an Oasis on one's doorstep.”

149 Green Street, Albert Parade, Old Town

Tel 01323 431616

8

Church Chortles Thank you Colin Allcorn for these corkers!!

“I have been waiting two weeks for a delivery of German sausage, I am

expecting the wurst.”

“I was thinking about joining an expedition to the South Pole but I got cold feet.”

“A man who correctly guesses a woman’s age may be smart, but he is not very bright”

The Atheist and The Bear

An atheist was taking a walk through the

woods, admiring all that evolution had

created. "What majestic trees! What

powerful rivers! What beautiful animals!",

he said to himself. As he was walking along

the river, he heard a rustling in the bushes

behind him. When he turned to see what

the cause was, he saw a 7-foot grizzly

charging right towards him. He ran as fast

as he could. He looked over his shoulder

and saw that the bear was closing, He ran

even faster, crying in fear. He looked over

his shoulder again, and the bear was even

closer. His heart was pounding and he

tried to run even faster. He tripped and fell

on the ground. He rolled over to pick

himself up, but saw the bear right on top

of him, reaching for him with his left paw

and raising his right paw to strike him. At

that moment, the Atheist cried out "Oh my

God!" Time stopped. The bear froze. The

forest was silent. Even the river stopped

moving. As a bright light shone upon the

man, a voice came out of the sky, "You

deny my existence for all of these years;

teach others I don't exist; and even credit

creation to a cosmic accident. Do you

expect me to help you out of this

predicament? Am I to count you as a

believer?"

The atheist looked directly into the light "It

would be hypocritical of me to suddenly

ask You to treat me as Christian now, but

perhaps could you make the bear a

Christian?" "Very well," said the voice.

The light went out. The

river ran again. And the

sounds of the forest

resumed.

And then the bear dropped

his right paw. Brought both

paws together. Bowed his

head and spoke: "Lord, for

this food which I am about

to receive, I am

truly thankful."

33

Prayer before Partying

for Jessie J

Pop star Jessie J is choosing prayer over partying as

she’s recently revealed, she’s found God. The

committed Christian opened up about her religious

beliefs for the first time in an interview with The Mirror in November 2013. In fact,

her most recent single, “Thunder” is all about her faith.

Jessie, 25 revealed “’Thunder’ is a dedication to God. That’s why, In the video I’m

levitating - that feeling of being lifted to the light. I remember I prayed a lot when I

was working on this album. It’s not something I’ve ever spoken about openly. I’m just

more confident and feel more comfortable to be open about my beliefs and feelings

on the world now. I thank God very day for my blessings and my talent.”

Jessie, who hasn’t touched alcohol for nearly two years went on to say “I’ve very

much enjoyed bringing my beliefs to the new album. I think it’s important, whatever

your beliefs are, you use them in your day-to-day life.”

Top 3 Christian Apps

If you have a smartphone or a tablet

and are looking for some spiritual

accompaniment here are our Top 3

Christian apps for you to download for

free!

1. JESUS FILM - Missionaries

show this film in countries

all around the world to

introduce people to Jesus,

but now they can just show it on their

smartphone! This free app has the

Jesus Film and several others translat-

ed into tons of languages. It’s a great

tool to have when you’ was to share

the Gospel

2. YOUVERSION - Probably

the most used of all Christian

apps, a completely free Bible reading

program that gives you multiple

versions of the Bible in both text and

audio. YouVersion also includes

hundreds of daily Bible reading

programs to choose from. Select one,

and the app will give you the assigned

reading every day, send you emails of

encouragement, and even reschedule

the list if you fall behind.

3 . F A M I L Y B I B L E

ADVENTURES. THE GOOD

NEWS - is an interactive

Bible experience that uses

videos, songs, quiz ques-

tions, games, and colouring activities

to teach your child about the Good

News of Jesus Christ's life and sacrifice

for our sins.

32

7 go mad in Stubbington!!!

The St Elisabeth’s Worship Band

had a bit of a “jolly” recently

when they attended a worship

training day at Holy Rood

Church in Stubbington near

Fareham in Hampshire. The day

consisted of a number of semi-

nars focusing on all aspects of

playing in a worship band, ranging from Band Skills to Creating

the perfect sound mix and Vocal Workshops to Improvisational

Skills. Vicki, Alison, Elisabeth and Ann concentrated their time on

the vocal workshops; Mandy on

Band Skills and Drums and

Percussion and Clem and

Malcolm did a wider range of

seminars covering rehearsals,

guitar master classes and

orchestral

instruments. Everyone agreed the day was

very informative, extremely well organised

and lots of fun. I am sure it won’t be long

before you

see all they’ve

learnt put in

practice!!

9

Spotlight on Local Traders

Focus Interiors and Bathrooms

Back in 1980, Mr Tony Maynard and Mr Des Prowles opened up a kitchen and bedroom studio in Gorringe Valley Road under the name of Kitchen Focus.

Moving from there in 1986 to the present address in Old Town they have now been trading for 34 years. Present owner Martin Stringell, who has been with Focus for 18 years has expanded the business into a quality bathroom, shower and tile studio to compliment the already established kitchen and bedroom business.

Their trading name, of Focus Interiors and Bathrooms reflects this expansion.

Focus are proud to put their name forward as a quality supply only or supply and installation team with a comprehensive back up and after sales service. Customers regularly comment that Focus is an “Aladdin's Cave”!!

Focus specialises as a main dealers for Neff appliances and Colonial & Eco kitchens and bedrooms. They are also main dealers for Imperial bathrooms, Aqata showers, Kermi & Porcelanosa, Utopia & Decotec furniture to name but a few.

Focus pride themselves on their uniqueness and their quality.

10

8 8

The Joy of Easter

What joy does Easter bring?

Is it the excuse to eat chocolate and hot

cross buns? Or the flowers, chicks and

lambs that decorate the shops? Or is it the

extra 2 days tacked on to the weekend,

giving you the chance of more family

time?

Or does it come from the words that we

use to begin our service on Easter Sunday:

“Alleluia. Christ is risen. He is risen indeed.

Alleluia.”

These words are at the heart of what we

celebrate at Easter. Yes, we pass through

Lent with its tones of self-denial, and

through Good Friday, with the haunting

story of Jesus’ death on the cross. But

now, on Easter Sunday, we break out of

the sorrow and into the bright and

glorious light of a new beginning.

Christ is risen! Jesus has died, but he has

risen, he is alive again, and in that rising,

that return to life, he has overcome death.

This is the news that brings joy at Easter

and throughout the rest of the year: the

promise that by dying and rising again

Jesus can offer us a new life. This is a new

life of knowing that God loves us and that

we can be close to him because of Jesus.

This is a new life that gives us the peace of

knowing that God is on our side, even

when life throws bricks at us, and of being

part of a new family in the church. And it

is a new life that knows that death is not

the end: we have the promise of new life

forever.

That surely will bring us more joy than

chocolate and flowers! Jill Preece

31

Families for Autism [FFA] started in August 2010 after another charity who provided services for children and young people facing the challenges of living with autism, came to an end due to a lack of funding. A small group of parents got together, headed up by Julie and Mark Jones, to see what they could do to support their children, and to support one another. In May 2011 FFA gained charity status. Families for Autism’s main focus is in running its two clubs, meeting two Saturdays a month. The clubs are run by a team of experienced staff, and aim to develop life skills and social skills for the youngsters, whilst giving their parents and carers a much needed break. The Youth Club encourages young people aged 11+ to take part in a range of activities including crafts, games, music, cooking and sports. The Saturday Club is for children aged 5 to around 13, and gives them opportunities to enjoy activities including cooking, soft play, craft work and multi-sensory play. Both clubs also offer outings during the year, such as swimming, bowling, trips to the cinema and local farms. As well as the children’s clubs, FFA also runs fortnightly Support Groups in Eastbourne and Newhaven for parents, carers or professionals who

have a connection to autism. Alongside this, FFA has a Family Liaison Officer, who can offer support to families experiencing specific challenges. The charity also hosts social clubs for parents and carers. Susan’s Club is for the girls and they have recently en-joyed cream teas and pampering ses-sions, whereas Terry’s Club (for the fellas) prefer to go out for a curry! Families for Autism has a clear vision of how it wishes to grow. During its 3 year history it is now supporting around 75 families across the East Sussex area. FFA believes that the clubs and groups it runs really do make a difference to the families of autistic children and young people. Throughout the year FFA hold fundraising events. If you would like to get involved with these or you would like to know more about the work FFA does please go to the web-site www.familiesforautism.com or find us on Facebook or Twitter.

30

HOW EASTBOURNE FOODBANK WORKS

Food is donated

Schools, churches, businesses and individuals donate

non– perishable, in-date food to the Foodbank. All food given out by Foodbanks is

donated. Eastbourne Foodbank also has a donation 'dump' bins in all of the major

supermakets. Shoppers can donate food immediately after paying for it at the till

Food is sorted and stored

Volunteers sort food to check that it’s in date and pack it into boxes ready to be

given to people in need.

Frontline care professionals identify people in need

Care professionals such as doctors, health visitors, social workers, CAB and many

other agencies identify people in crisis and issue them with a Foodbank voucher.

Over 100 agencies in Eastbourne hold our food vouchers.

Clients receive food

Foodbank clients bring their voucher to a Foodbank centre where it can be

redeemed for three days emergency food. Volunteers meet clients over a cup of tea

and are able to signpost people to agencies able to solve the longer-term problem.

Be like the children Called to His knee -

Untainted by the world Pure in heart, Humble in Spirit,

Recognising that the Love He brings Is given unconditionally

Unquestioning of source the why and the wherefore. After all, the Kingdom of Heaven

Is for such as these. And, is it not there that all long to be?

11

Old Town Children’s

Centre

Ocklynge Junior

School

Monday-Thursday

9am until 3pm

All Children's Centres can provide help or advice on a range of services for children up to age five and their families. Old Town Children's Centre

can also help you with:

-Swimming groups

-Baby club

-Breastfeeding peer support

-Young parents' group

-Grandparents group

-Emotional health

-Speech and language

They offer training on a

wide range of topics,

including regular sessions

on:

English as a second

language

First Aid

Cookery

In the Community

9

Farmers Market at Community Wise

Last Saturday of month

10-12pm

———————————————————————-

March 29th

April 26th

May 31st

12

Church Diary

29

28

Springtime Showcase @ St E’s St Elisabeth’s Church has a long association with local arts groups, both visual and performing arts. Indeed the building in which the church now meets was originally designed as a fully functioning arts centre – including a stage, dressing rooms and a projection room for films. At present a number of arts group meet in the centre, both visual arts (painting, quilting, photography etc.) and performing arts. As St Elisabeth’s is celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2014 a number of events are being planned throughout the year. One of the first is Springtime Showcase, a concert designed to showcase three of the musical arts groups who meet regularly at the building: Eastbourne Gilbert & Sullivan Society, The Eastbourne Rock Choir, and the very talented young people who meet at the arts café - The Lounge. Community Arts Worker, Clem Jackson says, “The concert provides an opportunity for the people of Old Town and beyond to come along and get a glimpse of some of the activity taking place in the building on days other than Sunday and will hopefully encourage more people to get involved with the community arts projects available.” The Springtime Showcase concert takes place at St Elisabeth’s on Saturday 22nd March at 7.30pm. Tickets for the event are priced at £5.00 in advance and £7.50 on the door (Children and students £2.50 and £3.50).

To book your tickets call the church office on 01323 430667 leaving your

name and number on the answerphone, or email clemajackson@googlemail.com with your contact details.

Easter Competition

To win 2 tickets to this fantastic show simply answer this question.

What are the names of the 2 Community Arts Workers at St Elisabeth’s?

A………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Email your entries to mandymulford@gmail.com or post your entry in the

box in church!

13

March & April

14

Easter Highlights Clem Jackson picks his way through mountains of product available to offer his personal Easter highlights for this year.

I like Easter. In many ways I like Easter more than Christmas. Despite the hordes of chocolate eggs assailing us in super-markets from early January, it somehow seems less commercialised than the mid-winter ‘commercialfest’ of Christ-mas. Certainly it’s much more spiritually thought-provoking for me, as I reflect upon the death and resurrection of Jesus and the hope which accompanies that. Easter also feels like it points the way to new life in more ways than just spiritually. At Christmas we celebrate a new life; at Easter we celebrate New Life for all. The days get longer, the sun gets stronger and the dark, dreary, days of winter once again seem to be behind us as we look forward to summer. For many Christians, Easter is time of reflection, as well as celebration. So that got me thinking about what might there be around in my local Christian bookshop to help me and others reflect and celebrate the gift of salvation? Here are a few ideas I’d like to offer as my own personal Easter highlights.

Approaching Easter Let’s start in the backlist with The Longest Week by Nick Page. This was

published in 2010 but I used it last year as a reflection during Holy Week in ‘real time’ and, although I’d read it before, the book took on a new life for me. I found myself transported back to the gritty reality of first century Jerusalem at festival time with all the politics,

corruption clamour and violence of an occupied nation. Read it, as I did, and see that week in a new light. Next there’s Ten by John Pritchard, the

Bishop of Oxford. I like lists, I don’t always get through them but they’re useful, especially when deadlines approach. So the fact that this book consists of a series of lists intrigues me. It’s a catalogue of lists of ten things – such ‘things’ as ‘Ten things I believe about God’, ‘Ten things I don’t believe about God’, ‘Ten Commandments for today’, ‘Ten ways to enliven your faith’ and many more. Each section is concise but insightful and this would be a good book to give to new Christians as well as established ones. Staying with the senior ranks of the clergy there’s an intriguing new fiction title just published which, given the recent Synod deliberations might, or might not, be prophetic. Archbishop by Michele Guinness is set at the start of

the next decade and sees the first female Archbishop of Canterbury in post. In her first novel Guinness explores issues around women in leadership in the church and the battles which might ensue as a result of such an appoint-ment. I’m eagerly looking forward to this one. Having a resource to guide me through Holy Week is something I find useful. This year I’m going to try reading another book which focuses on the last days and hours of Jesus’ life on earth and how this impacts our lives today. Passion by Mike McKinley has the

subtitle ‘How Christ’s Final Day Changes Your Every Day’ which is what attracted me to the book. I’ve had a quick look through and although there are ten chapters I reckon it will work well across the eight days. It could be quite thought-provoking but that’s no bad thing in Holy Week.

27

King’s Faith / Nicholas Dibella / Provident Films:Authentic / 602341006194 / 108 mins / £12.99

The subtitle of this film ‘18 Foster Homes, 9 Arrests, 1 Life-Changing Moment’ sets the scene. Brendan King has had a tough ride in his young life so far. But turning his life around involves more than just making a commitment to God. It’s

about making a commitment to leave the past behind, move on and fulfil his God-given potential. This is no ‘sugar coated’ story of redemption; it’s gritty, dirty and painful at times. But the message of forgiveness, of hope and, yes, redemption does power through. As with all good films there are other stories intertwining with that of the lead character. The foster mother who can’t let go of her grief at losing her only son; the ‘homecoming queen’ with the dark secret and the hold Brendan’s former gang mates have over him. I’d be interested to debate this story with a group of older teenagers but the level of violence at times makes it somewhat unsuitable for under 13’s.

The Shortest Way Home: C S Lewis & Mere Christianity / Tom Dallis / Vision Video:JTD / 501563D / 56 mins / £9.99

This documentary style presentation, featuring three academics, is not as dry a watch as it might be. It’s an introductory review of Mere Christianity, Lewis’ classic work on issues of faith and reason/ Questions such as ‘Where do we get our sense of right and wrong from?’, ‘Why does God allow suffering?’ ‘Why is there injustice?’ This would make a good video companion to a small group/book club exploration of a book which was written for a nation (and world) at war but has so much to say to us today – which is why it is still a bestseller. Some glorious scenery shots help to break up the talking head scenes but the American pronunciation of the word ‘mere’ as ‘mare’ was a bit wearing. Extras on the DVD include a four-part study version with discussion questions and the complete film script in PDF plus further insights from Lewis scholars. Well worth consideration as a useful study aid.

Angus Buchan on Following Jesus / Angus Buchan / Shalom

Ministries:Authentic Media / 5060256821038 / 93 mins / £9.99

Angus Buchan is best known for his book Faith Like Potatoes which became a global bestseller and spawned a film with the same title. He’s a farmer turned preacher who attracts massive audiences at his Mission events and thousands of men to his Mighty Men conferences globally. A man with no theological training, in this DVD we have four sermons from Buchan addressing Christian lifestyle issues, bringing

biblical truths into everyday situations. His no nonsense, straight-talking uncompromising approach, albeit delivered in a friendly and non-threatening style may nor sit comfortably with some. However he would no doubt say it’s not about being comfortable, it’s about being true to God and his ways. He is speaking to believers and non-believers here and is challenging us to live Godly lives. As he says, “The only way to live this life is by following the King of kings and the Lord of lords,” and when he says ‘only’ he means ‘only’ – no compromise.

These reviews originally appeared in Together magazine, published by Cedar Tree and are published here with permission.

26

Book and DVD Reviews with Clem Jackson

The Question That Never Goes Away / Philip Yancey / Hodder &

Stoughton / 9781444788556/ paperback / 147pp / £9.99

At only 138 pages (plus appendix) this is not a long book, but then it doesn’t need to be because Yancey isn’t trying to beat us with the academic and theological arguments here as to why there is pain, suf-fering, disaster and tragedy in the world. Rather he is laying out a simple, honest and reasoned look that everyone can understand. In that respect it is filled with honest consideration and insight. It’s a personal book filled with Yancey’s own stories and reflections from tragedies such as Japan’s Tsunami, the shooting at Newtown and many other horror stories. In true Yancey’s style he doesn’t ignore the complexity of the issue but he does work through it, using insight from both theologians such as Bonhoeffer & biblical characters such as Job to show how there can be things found in turmoil, terror and pain that we might not otherwise see. This book is great for anyone wanting something easy to read but deep to consider.

Barefoot Prayers / Stephen Cherry / SPCK / 9780281071258 / paperback /

144pp / £8.99

Eight weeks of daily poem prayers that are short but filling and would fit perfectly into anyone’s quiet time or day as they journey through Lent and Easter. A great opening chapter that looks at what prayer is, plus a look at what the author terms ‘barefoot prayer’ i.e. prayer in and after the

silence, a place of humility where we meet our vulnerability before God, makes this an excellent personal resource. It’s also one which could be well used by a minister or small group leader looking for material to use during the season, or indeed after it. As the author is keen to tell us, these barefoot prayers were not originally meant as a Lent/Easter resource but were written honestly and openly at all times after his own time of barefoot prayer.

Another Story Must Begin / Jonathan Meyer / DLT / 9780232530278 /

paperback / 96pp / £5.99

A great little Lent course utilising the current passion for Les Miserables with each week focusing on looking at individual characters and from them pulling and teasing out the ideas that are incorporated into them. Finally in week five it looks at the issue of Redemption and Salvation as played out in the book and film. The good thing about this course is that it is designed to work with the film, stage production and book, so there are suggestions for the film clip to be watched or alternatively for one of the songs from the stage production to be lis-tened to, or the lyrics read. Each week there is a comprehensive overview in ad-vance of the actual studies, and each study is very well designed with a good pull in of actual biblical references and reflection too. A very good study that I would think would be very popular indeed.

15

Easter gifts I like historical connections and so a new book published to coincide with 1400th anniversary of the birth of a key figure in British church history, and a woman too, attracted my attention. Hilda of Whitby: A spirituality for now by Ray Simpson

tells the story of a remarkable woman and a dominant figure in the life of the church in the 7th century. Given that the church today is still wrestling somewhat with the idea of women in leadership roles here’s an example of a woman who occupied a key place, presiding at the famous Synod of Whitby where Celtic and Roman Churches came together. As the Archbishop of York says in his foreword: “Hilda's example of self-sacrificial leadership, and of courageous acceptance of what the gathered church discerned as the will of God, is a particular challenge to us today.” The Bible Mini-Series was aired on prime

time TV in December, and whilst it may not have made the impact it did in the States in 2013 it did stir up some media interest. Given that Easter figures prominently in the ten-hour epic I thought it was worth a mention as a possible Easter gift having arrived just too late to slip into a stocking at Christmas. It is good to have high-quality biblical materials like this available and we should be encouraging the church at large to engage with such products. I have to declare a personal interest in this next one. A few years ago I visited the Moffatt Mission in Kuruman in South Africa and since then the Scottish missionary has been a particular favourite of mine. Father-in-law of David Livingstone, Moffat completed the first translation of the Bible into an African language – Setswana. Robert Moffat: Africa’s Brave Heart, by Irene Howatt is

another in the successful Trailblazer Series

and is certainly a story worth sharing outlining as it does the difficulties of spreading the good news amongst the people of the dark continent. I will happily share this one with my grandchildren.

I started with chocolate and so I’ll end with chocolate, The Real Easter Egg. This has been around now since 2010 and this year the range has expanded. The Original Real Easter Egg still retails at £3.99 and this year includes a 24-page Easter story book. There is also the Special Edition Real Easter Egg which has an olive wood holding cross inside the Belgian chocolate egg and a bar of chocolate. Completing the range is the Sharing Box Real Easter Egg containing 20 chocolate eggs and 20 copies of the 8 page Easter story booklet. Over 80 million chocolate eggs are sold in the UK each year. If you want to give chocolate eggs at Easter then surely, for Christians, this is the one to choose. Don’t forget, all these and more are available at Eastbourne Christian Resource Centre in Seaside Road. Why not drop in to browse and buy.

Happy Easter! The full version of this article first appeared in the March/April 2014 issue of Together magazine published by Cedar Tree and is reproduced with permission.

16

So how did it all start?

The observance of Lent as we know

it is down to Theodulph, Abbot of

Fleury-sur-Loire. In 798AD he was

made Bishop of Charlemagne and

committed himself to the reform of

the church and to encourage holy

living. Then he set out some

precepts in which to observe Lent:-

It should include giving alms

to the poor

It should not involve missing

lunch and then having a dou-

ble portion for dinner

It should include prayer

It should include abstention

from pleasure

It should include chaste and

sober living

It should include abstention

from eggs, meat, cheese, fish

and wine, but fasting and

abstention should be sensible (Theodulph recommended a little wine

at the end of the day to restore the

body)

The sacrament should be

received every Sunday

There should be no quarrels or

lawsuits, but all should

continue to praise God and

doing necessary work

It is amazing how much of that

ninth century advice still makes

sense in the twenty-first century.

What Theodulph wanted was for

Lent to make a difference to the

people. Lent should not be taken

lightly but should be a time when

we review our walk with Jesus.

Whatever you find helpful from that

list then why not put it into action.

If you do not find it helpful then if

nothing else resolve to spend more

time in the presence of our Lord

Jesus throughout the period of Lent

Colin Crook

.

Reflecting on……..

25

Hope grows in Hull

A patch of rough ground strewn with shopping trolleys and overgrown with seven-foot high brambles has been transformed into a community garden for residents of Hull to grow fruit, veg and hope in uncertain

times.

This transformation is the realisation of a long-held dream for mission partners Anna and Chris Hembury "As reliance on welfare benefits is dismantled, it is vital that communities like ours find new ways of overcoming their vulnerabilities together," Chris said. "Having borrowed tools and blagged soil,

membrane and scaffold planks off a

local building contractor, children, young people, parents and grandpar-ents have all mucked in to help redeem the space, said Anna. Local young people came up with the name Hope Grows for the garden The Hemburys have been sharing Jesus' love with children and families

in Hull for more than a decade.

No to coffee, YES to Jesus!

Giving coffee to people in the streets of Santiago, Chile is proving to be an effective way to share Jesus - even when people refuse the coffee. A 50-year old man named Blas recently encountered a team from St James the Apostle church, where Timothy mission partner Cristobal Ceron serves as a pastor Cristobal said, "Blas told us that on that particular Wednesday morning, something serious happened to his family and he called out to God in desperation. He left work early and on his way home, someone from our church offered him a coffee. Blas turned down the coffee, but agreed to receive prayer."

As the team member prayed, Blas began weeping. He

later said, "I felt like God was holding onto me."

Blas started attending the weekly Question Club that Cristobal runs for seekers and he gave his life to Jesus. "He takes great joy in the word of God," said Cristobal. "His family situation is improving and he's hoping God will use him to serve others."

24

Esuubi is a young charity with a big vision: “For every child in Uganda to know the love of a mother, the support of a family and the hope of a future...” Our mission is...

To build communities and change lives in Uganda by giving the neediest children a family, a home, an education and the chance of a better life.

We believe every child has the right to be loved...

We believe every child has the right to access water, food, shelter and education...

We believe in the difference that can be made by improving one life at a time...

Our main work in Mityana is building and supporting Ekiwumulo Orphanage Village and Primary School, which is linked to other secondary schools in the area. We are setting up a Vocational Education Centre, supporting students through higher education, as well as constructing sustainable in-country incomes in the form of Esuubi Cafe. There are currently over one million orphans in Uganda our work is only just beginning!

During Simon and Ann’s last visit in November they were very moved when they were taken on a trip to make 2 visits. The first was to a grandmother of a teen-age girl who had ended up on the streets

in Mityana because of abuse by an Uncle. She had sickle cell anaemia and was being cared for by the Pastor who leads Esuubi in Mityana. She was a pupil at Ekiwumulo Primary school. Sadly last October she became seriously ill and despite being taken to hospital, she died. Simon and Ann were taken to visit her grave on her grandmother’s small area of land in a rural area. It was very moving and again brings home just how much more health care we have in this country than in Uganda. They continued from there to make a happier, but still very moving, visit to a lady who, a couple of years ago had found a tiny baby in a rubbish bin in Mityana. This lady was a single mother at the time but looked after the baby and nursed her back to health which took a lot of time, effort and emotion. She is now a very happy little girl and pictured in this article. The lady has since married and has other children. However the family is poor and so the “baby” who is now nearly 3 will be educated and live at Ekiwumulo during the term time and live with her adoptive family in the holidays.

If you would like to help here are a few ideas: Sponsor a child - £20 a month helps pay for that child’s school fees as well as supporting the community at E k i w u m u l o V i l l a g e . Sign up to Give as you Live and raise funds for Esuubi for free every time you shop online:

www.giveasyoulive.com/join/esuubi-trust

or for more info go to the esuubi website

www.esuubi.org.uk

17

What would you say

‘Lent’ is about?

Fasting, or ‘giving something up’? Perhaps you might see it as an opportunity to give up an unwanted habit (such as smoking), or to try that long-intended diet . Traditionally, Lent has been seen as a time of self-denial, and sobriety. Of course, ‘giving things up’ can be a very useful discipline - but one that doesn’t necessarily enhance or enrich our spiritual life, because it encourages us to only think of our own relationship with God, and doesn’t necessarily help us to

encourage or help others.

Maybe it is time for Christians to think about Lent as a time for ‘taking on’ something; I don’t mean taking on more tasks. I mean taking on a new resolution: resolving to follow Jesus Christ more faithfully, being determined to give him our

wholehearted attention. This might

involve ‘taking stock’ and reflecting on the health – or otherwise – of our faith; or it might mean that we resolve to make more time to be still before God, to read our Bible a bit more often - especially, perhaps, the gospels as they tell us so much about Jesus and what he taught and did. As we do so, can we discern what he is saying to us, today? Is he calling us to make a change in the way we live, the way we interact with others, the way we allow God to be

the priority in our lives?

Lent is when we consider what lay at the heart of Jesus’ message. Questions such as “What do we make of Him?”, “What do we make of His message?”, “How do we or can we respond?” are all part of our Lenten reflection. May that reflection

aid our listening and our response.

Sallyanne Attwater

Lead us on our journey

from who we are to who you want

us to be;

so that patience is built into us,

kindness is assumed in us,

gentleness is part of us,

compassion flows from us,

truth is second nature to us,

and the commitment of love is

part of us.

Let us go gladly on the journey

towards Easter –

the journey towards death and

resurrection.

Let us journey in the peace and

power of the Spirit.

(Taken from a prayer by Ruth Harvey/

Iona )

18

by Mary Atter

The Mothers’ Union here at St. Elisa-beth’s continues to enjoy friendship and fellowship, and when you see us together you will realize what a mixed bunch we are. Some have matured like fine wine, others are in their prime, and the rest of us potter along quite happily. This diversity is reflected in the variety of topics covered at our monthly meetings.

The New Year started with an item called Memory Box where we were encouraged to bring along an article or subject with memories attached, which proved imaginative and interesting.

We extended a very warm welcome to Sylvia Fennell, who was enrolled by David Gillard in February. We also had a talk on the Old Wannock Tea Garden, now long gone, but remembered fondly by many. In March the AGM and a quiz feature; and in April Sally Attwater will lead us in a Lent meditation .

A very special invitation is given to everyone to come to our meeting on the 1st May, to hear a personal account of Surviving the Holocaust by Dorit Oliver-Wolff, a very worthwhile subject to learn more about.

In June we shall hear more about how the Family Support Work functions, and in July there is an outing to the Stone Cross Windmill.

Besides our activities at home, we have continued to engage with other Mothers’ Union Branches in the area at the monthly District Prayer Meetings, held in a different church each time, with a good representation from us. So on the 15th July it will be our turn to host the meeting at our Church, at 10.30am. Verena is already well advanced with the preparations, the subject being ‘Water of Life’. “We always enjoy our visit to St. Elisabeth’s,” said one visitor, “the subject is always so interesting, and the chairs so comfortable!”

We celebrate our Church’s 80th birthday this year, but the earliest reference to the Mothers’ Union was a United Service for all Branches of the Mothers’ Union held at St. Elisabeth’s Church on the 25th March 1938. If you have any information about the early history of our Branch, Verena would be delighted to hear from you.

Details of all our meetings are shown in the Programme 2014 on our notice board and also mentioned in the Sunday news sheet. You are always most wel-come to join us.

Give me the strength to meet each

day with quiet will

Give me the faith to know you are my

Shepherd still

Give me the light to find my way

when shadows fall

Be my steady guiding star, Father of

all.

Amen

23

The View From

The Basement

Hard to believe that just

over a year ago the church gave us permission to explore how we could use

the Summergood Hall as a venue for young people interested in the arts and

music. Since those early days the young people

of The Lounge have already had lots of fun times,

be it dancing the evenings away (even to songs

us adults tapped our

feet to!), eating a

mountain of ice

cream, performing

their own songs at

open mic nights, making new friendships, a live

broadcast on Eastbourne Youth Radio, or learnt

new skills – who ever thought teenagers would

want to learn ballroom (!) – many good memories have been banked.

We also had a really enjoyable Open House over the Christmas period –

thanks you to all of you who came to support this.

And thanks to the Arts @ St E Community Workers – Clem & Fenya – The

Lounge will also be part of some bigger

events over the next few months that will

help the young people take another step in

their journey. The first of these will be a slot

in the Spring Concert on 22 March, a great

night of music with Gilbert & Sullivan and

the Eastbourne Rock Choir. The second will

be a visit from a nationally renowned artist

who is giving up his time to share his

experiences. We should also be recording a charity single at a local studio.

Plenty going on and much to be thankful for, but without the support, generosity and patience of the church this simply would not have happened. In a year when St Elisabeth’s is celebrating 80 years, it is not a church that is looking back on what has been, it is a church that has a strong heart and love for its community that will see it prosper for the next 80 years. It is good to be part of it

www.thelounge.org.uk

22

Y@11 & TNT By Jeanette Laing

Youth Reflections

In the previous edition of the

magazine I talked about the various

changes that have happened to our

group. New members are joining

and the older youth taking time to

develop their faith within the service.

I thought it

would be nice

to reflect on

past and

present

members and

to update you

on their journeys.

Matthew Jones

Taking his GCSE in May and June

and then hoping to go onto further

education at Sussex Downs College

Ellie Clayson

Started her first year of

Teacher Training at

Sussex University in

Falmer and going to

start her first school placement.

Luke Evason

Finishing his maths

degree and preparing

for Teacher Training.

Ross Feldmesser

Hoping to go into

Graphic Design and

has designed some

posters for Elim

Family Church for a worship event

and also been working with People

Matter to help develop

their website

Ruby Brunsdon

Lloyd Taking her

GCSE exams in May

and June and then

hoping to study further at Bhasvic

Abbie Ward

In final year of A

Levels and applying for

physiotherapy degree

Every day they are growing in

their faith and I hope that they

achieve everything they want to in

life.

19

20

From March to June Recording memories and hopes for a video

presentation

Flash Mob Cupcake Run!

For regular hall users to celebrate anniversary

and to advertise contribution to events in June

and September

Easter Saturday (April 19th) Hot Cross Buns

On Albert Parade from 10am to include a ’pop-up

prayer shop’ for prayer requests

May Special Anniversary

Magazine Delivered across

the parish

The worship life of the parish

begun on 18th February 1934

which means that this year WE ARE

80! Here are some of the key dates

to put into your diary as we

celebrate this landmark anniversary.

21

Saturday 7th June

Big Summer

Fair

Sunday 2nd November Patronal Festival September 27th

& 28th Harvest Flower

Festival including Evening Harvest Bring and

Share Meal and entertainment