Minister's*Message*
Dear Friends
Summer holiday time is here again (though as I write this I'm
contemplating putting the heater on in my study), and if you are having a
holiday away from home I hope you have, or have had, a lovely time.
A few years ago I was lucky enough to go on a cruise round the Adriatic.
Each evening as we left port I would go up on deck to watch the ship
leaving the harbour. On one side would be the activity on the quay -
casting off the thick ropes that held us, hauling in the gangplank, people
waving as with three blasts on the hooter we were off.
On the other side there might be a tug dragging us round, and bobbing a
little way off , the pilot boat. It was good entertainment to see this little
craft get up speed, come alongside and the pilot leap from an opening on
the ship into the pilot boat. In Trieste they did it with James Bond
efficiency, in Venice the boat's helmsman found it more difficult to keep
close to the ship, there was quite a lot of white water between us that at
one point sprayed up and over his cabin and in through the sun roof (or
whatever the nautical term is)! He did get near enough eventually and the
pilot jumped aboard and was powered back down the lagoon waving to
the applauding crowd on deck.
August 2008
The Messenger
July 2008
Minister Rev. Jane Hamblin
24 Glenville Avenue, Glenfield, LE3 8BE.
Telephone 2876244
Church telephone 2364489
Church web site www.ansteymethodist.org
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It reminded me of a Sunday School chorus of yesteryear :-
Do you want a pilot?
Signal then to Jesus;
Do you want a pilot?
Bid him come on board;
For he will safely guide,
Across the ocean wide,
Until you reach at last
The heavenly Harbour.
I think E H Swinford who wrote it must have been a landlubber since
pilots don't guide you across the Ocean, that is the job of the Captain. A
pilot guides you through the tricky local waters that need specialist
knowledge. That's being finicky though. We know what he meant and it
is true that having Jesus in your life makes negotiating the tricky and
stormy parts of life that bit easier and gives clear direction.
As I watched the pilot, though, I also considered that getting on and off
the ship to do his job was a risky exercise and that similarly Jesus'
coming to Earth was a risky business. Indeed on that first Good Friday it
must have looked as if the whole enterprise had failed as Jesus hung on
the cross.
Today the church and the name of Jesus is often the subject of ridicule or
blasphemy. But daily people do invite Jesus into their lives. He risks
himself to make the leap and we would do well to listen to his guidance.
God bless
Jane*
Thank*You*Jane*
I am sure, like me, readers have enjoyed and been challenged by Jane's
messages over the past months. Sometimes a bit of prodding needed to
meet the publication deadline, and even panic some months, but always
worth the wait. Thank you. Editor
July/August 2008
www.ansteymethodist.org
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Ladies*Social*Hour*Report*
On June 4th we were transported to Egypt with Mr. Peter Lowe as our
very efficient guide showing holiday slides, ably assisted by Carolyn
dealing with the electronics. Peter was most enthusiastic and
appeared dressed for the part in his red fez and flowing robe. We
visited the sphinx, the pyramids and sailed up the Nile and it was a
very enjoyable and amusing afternoon.
June 18th was our AGM and it was good to have Jane with us as our
speaker after the business side was dealt with. She spoke about
responsibilities and read from a very modern version of The Prodigal Son
posing the question "What if his father hadn't welcomed him home, just
didn't want him back at all? What then?" Quite a thought to ponder on.
June thanked Jane for all her support and presented her with a wedding
photo album and we all wished her and Mike many happy years together.
June celebrated her 80th birthday in June and after being S.H. secretary
for twenty years has decided to stand down. She had been an excellent
secretary all that time, and Mary gave a vote of thanks on our behalf and
presented her with some attractive notelets. Well done June!
(We welcome Edith as the new Ladies Social Hour reporter Editor)
Wednesday, 17th September @ 2.45pm is the beginning of our new
session when our speaker will be Mrs. Carol Thomson and a warm
welcome is extended to all. Until then enjoy the Summer. Edith Hall
It's*Strange,*Isn't*It*?*
Isn't it strange how a £20 note seems like such a large amount
when you donate it to church, but such a small amount when
you go shopping ?
Isn't it strange how 2 hours seem so long when you're at church,
and how short they seem when you're watching a good movie ?
Isn't it strange that you can't find a word to say when you're praying,
but you have no trouble thinking what to talk about with a friend ?
Isn't it strange how difficult and boring it is to read one chapter of the
Bible, but how easy it is to read 100 pages of a popular novel ?
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Israel/Palestine*
Extracts from an interview with Rabbi Ascherman, human-rights
activist, who is the executive director of the Jerusalem based
Rabbis for Human Rights. He is 48, a Zionist and humanitarian
living in Jerusalem with his wife, Einat, also a Rabbi, and their two
children: Adi, 8, and Ayal, 5.
"When I look at the suppression of the Palestinian people - I ask myself:
'Is this what Zionism has come to? Is this what we created the state of
Israel for? To be demolishing the home of this or that person to whom we
never gave a fair chance to build legally?' This is not what Zionism is
about. And it is certainly not what Judaism is about. For me, the real
Zionism today is creating an Israel that is not only physically strong, but
morally strong, and which reaches our highest Jewish values.......
Only I, as an Israeli, can break down the stereotypes so many
Palestinians have about Israelis - thereby empowering Palestinian
peacemakers to be listened to by their own people. And only Palestinians
can empower me to be heard down my street. We are thereby totally
interdependent. And almost every day, when I or any of our volunteers
are out there in the field, (helping Palestinians with their olive harvest),
exchanging views with Palestinians and sometimes with settlers - a
process I call 'the dialogue of the olive groves' - we build bridges of
peace between us."
Courtesy*Times**ewspapers*
Joseph* (Again)*
Following the two performances at the Junior Church Anniversary
the children and choir performed JOSEPH at Martin Court, Anstey,
on Friday 20th June. The residents enjoyed it very much and gave
us a donation of £50. for our church funds. Thank you Martin
Court, and a big thank you to the children who again did us proud.
We will be performing it again at the Circuit service on 10th August at
4pm. Come and join us. It is well worth seeing and hearing.
Doreen*Smith
July/August 2008
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The*Family*Bible*
They lie on the Table side by side
The Holy Bible and the TV guide
One is well worn and cherished with pride
No not the Bible, but the TV guide.
As the pages are turned, what shall they see.
Oh, What does it matter turn on the TV
So they open the book in which they confide
No not the Bible the TV guide.
The word of God is seldom read.
Maybe a verse before they fall into bed.
Exhausted and sleepy and tired as can be.
Not from reading the Bible, from watching TV.
So then back to the table side by side,
Lie the Holy Bible and the TV guide.
No time for prayer, no time for the word.
The plan of salvation is seldom heard.
But forgiveness of sin, so full and so free,
Is found in the Bible, not on the TV.
Christian*Aid*Week*
'Churches together in Anstey' collected a total of £1146.09,
which included the street collections. Many thanks to all who
helped in raising this magnificent sum.
Housegroup*
The next two meetings at the home of June and Norman
Daniels, "The Laurels", The Drive, Anstey, are on Monday 7th
July and Monday 4th August, both at 7.30pm. All are welcome.
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Circuit*Men's*Summer*Outing*
This year's trip is on Saturday, 2nd August, when we shall be
visiting MABLETHORPE
We have been unable to make any meal arrangements, so each
can make your own plans, either taking your own food, buying
meals out, or a combination of the two !
We shall leave from The Square, Glenfield at 9.30 a.m. with a second
pick-up at St. Andrews Methodist Church, Glenfield Road East at 9.45
a.m. The coach fare will be £12 each and as it has to be pre-funded
we are asking for a deposit of £7 each, with names of travelers, to be
in Peter's hands by Wednesday 16th July.
For further details contact Peter Brown, or Brian Bradbury on
0116 2872009.
Jesus is the truth to be told. Jesus is the life to be lived. Jesus is the
love to be loved. Jesus is the light to be lit. Let us love Jesus with an
undivided love, and others as He loves us.
Mother Theresa 1992
Leprosy*Mission*Coffee*Morning*And*Quiz*.ight*
Many thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the
coffee morning on Saturday 31st May when the sum of £133
was raised. Also many thanks from us all at Jigsaw to those who
kindly supported the Leprosy Quiz Night on Tuesday 17th June.
We hope you all enjoyed both the supper and the quiz. A total of
£344.50 was raised. Carolyn Lowe (Jigsaw Group)
Prayer*:*We*Really*Want*To*Know*You,*Lord*
Even the prophets, so close to God, so tuned to God's voice,
learned faith one small step at a time. We should not expect
God to lay an encyclopaedia of explanations in front of us. But
prayerfully ask for daily insight, and God will answer, one step at
a time. Seen on the Internet
July/August 2008
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A*Pebble*
Drop a pebble in the water: just a splash, and it is gone;
But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on,
Spreading, spreading from the center, flowing on out to the sea.
And there is no way of telling where the end is going to be.
Drop a pebble in the water: in a minute you forget,
But there's little waves a-flowing, and there's ripples circling yet,
And those little waves a-flowing to a great big wave have grown;
You've disturbed a mighty river just by dropping in a stone.
Drop an unkind word, or careless: in a minute it is gone;
But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on.
They keep spreading, spreading from the center as they go,
And there is no way to stop them, once you've started them to flow.
Drop an unkind word, or careless: in a minute you forget;
But there's little waves a-flowing, and there's ripples circling yet,
And perhaps in some sad heart a mighty wave of tears you've stirred,
And disturbed a life was happy ere you dropped that unkind word.
Drop a word of cheer and kindness: just a flash and it is gone;
But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on,
Bearing hope and joy and comfort on each splashing, dashing wave
Till you wouldn't believe the volume of the one kind word you gave.
Drop a word of cheer and kindness: in a minute you forget;
But there's gladness still a-swelling, and there's joy circling yet,
And you've rolled a wave of comfort whose sweet music can be heard
Over miles and miles of water just by dropping one kind word.
James W. Foley
Read*The*Bible*
When in sorrow - John 14 When people fail you - Psalm 27
For security - Psalm 121:3 For assurance - Mark 8:35
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Mary Squibb writes "Many thanks for the lovely flowers brought by
Dorothy and Peter, and for all your kind thoughts and prayers".
Margaret Tatler has been very touched by the calls, cards and
flowers received following her operation at the beginning of June. After a
very nasty few days she is now out of hospital, progressing satisfactorily
and hopes to be back at church in a few weeks time. Once again many
thanks to all friends for their concern and good wishes.
Mimi Hughes writes "Thank you very much for the beautiful flowers
from the church, and for the many, many cards from friends on the
passing away of Eddy. They were very much appreciated".
June Daniels wishes to thank all friends for their cards and good wishes
on her 80th birthday (sorry to let the cat out of the bag, June Editor).
Well done June, and may you have many more happy years.
Anne and Terry Holt write "Thank you for the lovely flowers which
Winnie and Vince brought on the occasion of our Golden Wedding
Anniversary. It has been such a lovely time celebrating with family and
friends. After 50 years we are not sure who deserves the medal most!"
Congratulations to Anne and Terry.
People*
Coffee*Evening*For*Cheshire*Homes*
We are having a coffee evening in our church for The Cheshire
Home in Anstey on Tuesday 19th August 2008 from 7pm to 9pm.
We look forward to seeing you when you will be able to get to
know some of our friends who live there. We hope they will join us
with some of their families.
We will be having a raffle. If you have anything you can donate please let
me know. Thank you. Doreen*Smith*and*Family
July/August 2008
www.ansteymethodist.org
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What*If*
What if we never saw another flower bloom because we
grumbled when God sent the rain, or what if God took away his
message because we failed to listen to the messenger?
Jesus*Of*.azareth*
Jesus of Nazareth, without money and arms, conquered
more millions than Alexander, Caesar, Mahomet, and
Napoleon.
Without science and learning, He shed more light on things
human and divine than all philosophers and schools
combined.
Without the eloquence of schools, He spoke words of life such as
never were spoken before or since, and produced effects which lie
beyond the reach of any orator or poet.
Without writing a single line, He has set more pens in motion, and
furnished themes for more sermons, orations, discussions, learned
volumes, works of art and sweet songs of praise, than the whole
army of great men of ancient and modern times.
Born in a manger, and crucified as a malefactor, He now controls the
destinies of much of the civilized world, and rules a spiritual empire
which embraces one-third of the inhabitants of the globe.
There never was in this world a life so unpretending, modest, and
lowly in its outward form and condition, and yet producing such
extraordinary effects upon all ages, nations, and classes of men.
The annals of history produce no other example of such complete
and astonishing success in spite of the absence of those material,
social, literary, and artistic powers and influences which are
indispensable to success for a mere man.
Philip Schaff
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Services*For*July*
Date 10.30am
6.15pm
6th Mr S Wadsworth
Service at Markfield
13th Rev J Hamblin
Mrs M Freeman
20th Mrs C Thomson
Mr D Parkins
27th Mr A Jobling
Mr H Pollard
Due to the reduction in the number of young people attending morning
worship, none have been allocated for door / collection assistance. Door
stewards on the day are asked to request volunteers. If you are unable to
attend, please arrange a swap. If you would like to join the rota please contact
Mel Cartwright or one of the church stewards.
Door*Stewards*For*July*
Date 10.30am
6.15pm
6th Mr & Mrs Cope
Mr & Mrs Brown
13th Mrs J King & Mrs Bryant
Mrs Norton & Mr Cartwright
20th Mrs Bennett & Mr B King
Mrs Cartwright & Mrs Swidenbank
27th
Mrs Hall & Mr Bird Mr & Mrs Jones
Ministry*Of*Flowers*For*July*
Date
6th Mrs C Thomson *
13th Mrs J Willett *
20th Mr A Cooke *
27th Mrs I Rice *
* denotes in memoriam
July 13th to 27th morning services will be all age worship.
July/August 2008
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Services*For*August*
Date 10.30am
6.15pm
3rd United Service
Mr G Clarke
10th Rev J Hamblin (HC)
Circuit Service
17th Miss J Patti
Local Arrangements
24th Mrs E Cobley
Mr A Biggins
31st Mr W Stephens
Rev J Hamblin (HC)
7th Sept am Mrs Bennett & Mr Bird pm Mr Cartwright & Mrs Norton
Due to the reduction in the number of young people attending morning
worship, none have been allocated for door / collection assistance. Door
stewards on the day are asked to request volunteers. If you are unable to
attend, please arrange a swap. If you would like to join the rota please contact
Mel Cartwright or one of the church stewards.
Door*Stewards*For*August*
Date 10.30am
6.15pm
3rd
Mr & Mrs Cartwright Mr & Mrs Brown
10th
Mr & Mrs Lowe Mrs Norton & Mr Cartwright
17th
Mr & Mrs Cope Mrs Cartwright & Mrs Swidenbank
24th
Mrs J King & Mrs Smith Mr & Mrs Jones
31st
Mrs Bryant & Mr B King Mr & Mrs Brown
Ministry*Of*Flowers*For*August*
Date
3rd Mr & Mrs B Kibble
10th Mrs M Bryant *
17th Mrs J Cole *
24th Mrs C Thomson
31st To be arranged
* denotes in memoriam
We are sorry for slight misprints in the June Messenger services list.
STOP PRESS* The*next*issue*of*The*Messenger*will*be*for*the*
month*of*September*2008.*Items*for*this*issue*will*
be*required*
no*later*than*Sunday*24th*August.*
*
Contributions*should*be*handed*or*sent*to*Gordon*Ta
tler.*
email*:*gordon.tatler@ntlworld.com*
Church*Membership*
A reminder. Sessions have been arranged for those who are
considering church membership, and those who wish to further
explore their faith. Each session is a "stand alone", commencing at
7.30pm in our church, so come when you can, and come as you are.
The dates of the final two sessions are : - Monday July 7th and
Wednesday July 16th.
Anstey*Holiday*Club*2008*July*28*>*August*1*
Once again we are offering all the Primary school age children in
Anstey the opportunity to join our Annual Holiday Club. We are
looking for volunteers from our churches to help with the groups
and other jobs. Training evening 10th July at the URC.
There will be a Holiday Club Service at the URC on Sunday 3rd August.
Volunteers required for: Group Helpers, Refreshments & Musicians
Please contact :- Richard & Veronica 2202343, Carol 2363927 or any
steward.
For*Your*Diary*
Date
5th August
Ways & Means 7.30pm
19th August Coffee evening in aid of Cheshire Homes 7pm to 9pm
23rd September Israel/Palestine talk by Richard & Veronica at 7.30pm
8th November Autumn Fair 10.am to 12.30pm
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