26th December 2010
The Seathorne Nativity.
On Wednesday the 15th of December some of our church members along with over one hundred parents, friends and grandparents were privileged to watch a novel re-telling of the story of the Birth of Christ. The School Nativity managed to portray the serious message of the Incarnation of the Son of God while giving some less well known social and biological insights. In an enthralling and entertaining presentation we learnt that shepherds were not concentrating on ‘watching their flocks by night’ – they were, in fact, playing poker; that it was ‘traditional’ to beat sons black and blue; that an angel capers across the world in danger of losing her halo; that a camel smiles sweetly and dances; that sheep sing, dance and moult; that there were three Kings and three wise men; and that school children can be enchanting, enthusiastic and energetic. The Staff at the school ( and their pupils ) must be thanked for their hard work, and congratulated on their results. GMG.
The “Kingfisher Group” wishes to thank all who supported their coffee morning in the inclement weather of Friday the 15th. Under the circumstances they were pleased to make £135.06. Thank you.
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19th December 2010
The Winter Fayre – December 10th 2010.
A very big “thank you” to all who helped to make the Winter Fayre a success. It was nice to see some new faces as well as our regular supporters. We raised the magnificent sum of £788.27 for Church funds. Thank you all for your support. Anne May.
The Carol Service – December 12th 2010.
The Carol Service this year followed the ‘traditional’ Lessons and Carols format. It was conducted in subdued lighting in front of our beautiful ‘Nativity’ and so it was a pleasure to see, to hear and to sing the story of Christmas. A big “thank you” to the Revd Nigel, to all who took part and to all who made the effort to come out on a cold night thus making the service such a meaningful experience. GMG.
Bill & Ida Paul wish all members a very blessed Christmas and a peaceful New Year. They wish to thank all of you for the Prayers and Good Wishes over the extended period of Ida’s Illness.
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12th December 2010
The Prentice Room.
During the communion service last Sunday the Revd Nigel Clements dedicated the new Hymn Number Board which had been given by Chris South in memory of Grahame Metcalf. With this Hymn Board, the Cross from Seathorne, the new Chairs and new heater, the Prentice Room is now a comfortable and spiritually inspiring space in which to
worship God; and for which we give thanks.
I have been asked to include News from Tom Ambridge.
'NEW' BLOG LAUNCHED. This is an INVITATION to READ ONLINE the fascinating HOME FRONT DIARIES of MAY HILL. Each Diary entry will appear exactly seventy years after the date on which the original was written. The blog can be found by clicking on the website address: www.ambridgebooks.co.uk/mayhilldiaryblog/
or simply GOOGLE: May Hill WW2
NB: For information: May Hill was the mother of Barbara Hayes and a loyal member of the Methodist Church in Chapel St Leonards.
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5th December 2010
Car Park. We must all be happy to see that the Algitha Road Eastern Car Park has been raked, improved and rolled so that we will no longer run the risk of twisting our ankles on the larger stones; stones that were such an eyesore, so dangerous and such tempting ammunition for some of our less civilized citizens. You will realize that the cost of the re-surfacing, though essential, has been an added burden on our finances so you will now be able to pay your Car Park Fees for 2011 with even greater pleasure.
History. It has been suggested that there should be a “History Corner” somewhere in the Algitha Road Church, or its environs, where we can display some of our archive material. When old photos were shown as part of our Anniversary Celebrations a couple of years ago they were seen to be of interest to many people. If you are a historian, or are just interested, and have views on this idea please communicate them to the Stewards who look forward to your input – and your help.
28th November 2010
The Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving for Eric Norman Green.
On Monday the 22nd of November the Church at Algitha Road was filled with some 350 people meeting together to remember the life of Norman Green. The service was conducted by Rev John Graham who had known Norman and his family for many years. The Bible passages were read by representatives of the Scouts and the Rotary Club – just two of the many organizations with which Norman had been connected. There were many kind thoughts expressed from the pulpit by the Rev Malcolm France and a variety of people all of whom had had their lives affected by Norman. Norman’s daughter Sally gave her appreciation of her Father and read her sister Jenny’s contribution. Three hymns were sung with enthusiasm and the service was ‘topped and tailed’ by a CD of some of Norman’s favourite pieces of music. The church was beautified by flowers from the Funeral Directors and from the Algitha Road Flower Committee.
21st November 2010
From “More Prayers and Graces” by Allan M. Laing & Mervyn Peake
The guest was late for family prayers, and sat down as he entered, near the door, while his host prayed : “O Lord, before whom all are equal …” This prayer finished, and before passing to a reading from the scriptures, the host signed to his guest to come up and, when he approached, whispered to him : “You are sitting among the servants.”
Or possibly “Please move, that’s where I sit”.
From “Children’s letters to God.”
Although I don’t agree with him – I like “Hymns and Psalms” –
Barry writes –
“Dear God, Church is alright but you could sure use better music. I hope this does not hurt your feeling. Can you write some new songs? Your friend Barry"
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14th November 2010
A piece for Remembrance Sunday.
From Cymbeline, Act iv, Scene ii. By William Shakespeare.
Fear no more the heat o’ the sun, nor the furious winter’s rages;
Thou thy worldly task hast done, home art gone, and ta’en thy wages.
Fear no more the frowns o’ the great; thou art past the tyrant’s stroke:
Care no more to clothe and eat; to thee the reed is as the oak:
The scepter, learning, physic, must all follow this, and come to dust.
Fear no more the lightning-flash, nor the all-dreaded thunder stone,
Fear not slander, censure rash; Thou hast finished joy and moan.
Quiet consummation have; and renownéd be thy grave.
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7th November 2010
N.B. Please do not forget the AGM and Council Meeting at 6.30pm on Tuesday the 9th.
N.B. Please do try to come and help with the “Undercroft Clear-out” from 9.30am on Saturday the 13th.
N.B. Please do not forget that the Remembrance Sunday Communion Service starts at 10.00am on the 14th.
Books for sale. You will see that there are still books at the back of the Church which are for sale at the princely price of 50 pence. After a gap of three months I return to the book I bought called “Children’s Letters to God” from which I quote from Frank “Dear God, I am doing the best I can.” (Can we all say the same?)
Reserve. The Stewards (and Jayne) are pleased to announce that – as agreed at the last Church Council Meeting – we now have a “reserve” for Nigel Baxter. Andrew Walker will be doing Nigel’s jobs whenever Nigel is away, which saves Jayne having to scratch around for volunteers to open up, turn on, lift tables, switch off and lock up.
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1st September 2010
Thanks.
Kath Riding says “Thank You” to everyone for caring, and for their visits, cards and prayers –
a sentiment echoed by all those for whom you have shown concern.
Newsletters.
Owing to circumstances beyond my control I am forced to give you a “Portmanteau” Newsletter for this month and another for October. I apologize for doing this again but it is unavoidable – unless, of course, someone volunteers to produce the nine weekly Newsletters – and I don’t mean Jayne or Revd Nigel who are already overworked.
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1st August 2010
The Christian Aid Committee wish to thank all who helped to raise £1,930 this year.
Quotations for the Holiday Month
(and for a Newsletter Editor).
From Job11:18. You will live secure and full of hope; God will protect you and give you rest.
From Psalm 94:12/13. Lord, how happy is the person you instruct, the one to whom you teach your law! You give him rest from days of trouble….
From Mark 6:31/32. There were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his disciples didn’t even have time to eat. So he said to them, “Let us go off by ourselves to some place where
we will be alone and you can rest for a while.”
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25th July 2010
Books for sale. You will see books at the back of the Church which are for sale at the princely price of 50 pence. I bought one entitled “Children’s Letters to God” from which I intend to quote from time to time. Here is one from Kevin “Dear God. I know you are suposed to love thy neighber but if Mark keeps takeing my other skate he’s going to get it.”
(Kevin’s spelling is less than perfect but I’m sure God understands.)
Julia says “Thank You” for your support for her ‘Midnight Walk’. She raised £150 and the Ladies together pledged £5000 for the St Barnabas Hospice.
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18th July 2010
Before the Service on the 4th of July the Leader of the “Girls’ Brigade” camping over the week-end in our Hall brought two groups of a dozen or so girls into church, which they really enjoyed seeing.
In the second group a nine year old, who never goes to church, said “It feels nice in here; can we say a prayer?”
They knelt at the Communion Rail while their Leader said ‘Thank You’ for everything they’d been doing, and ‘Thank You’ that God was always with them and everyone back home in Newark.
It was unexpected and quite moving. Mary Lower.
During the week-end the Girls’ Brigade Camp brought enough food to feed an army but broke the switch on the cooker so roasting the beef was a problem – big “thank you” to the Church ladies who took the meat home and roasted it for them. As they left they broke a tap in the ‘Ladies’ – big “thank you” to the kind husband who mended it. And “thank you” to the GB who cleaned up so thoroughly before going – they are looking forward to coming again next year! Michael.
Sunday August 1st – In a fortnight’s time the preacher at our morning service will be the Rev Mrs Rosemary Wakelin. We are pleased, and honoured, to welcome her to Algitha Road for a fifth time. With her experience on the Mission field in Africa, as a Minister in a Norfolk circuit and as Prison Chaplain at Norwich she is an outstanding preacher, and splendid personality – facts you will be able to check for yourself as you are invited to the service and then to an informal chat with her over a cup of tea/coffee after the service. It may not be a coincidence but her visit to us falls on the birthday of her dear friend Margaret Addey.
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11th July 2010
Consultation.
Circuit have asked the Stewards to ascertain the views of this congregation on a certain matter so please be kind to them and give them a few minutes of your time if you are approached. You can be assured that your views will be un-attributable and totally anonymous.
Update on World Vision Sponsorship.
A letter has arrived from Malawi written on behalf of Grace Honde.
It says: ‘Grace would like to thank you for offering to support her through her education’. She says she likes school very much. Her house is 1 kilometre from the school. She would like to be a doctor.
She lives in ‘a muddy house floored with muddy too and roofed with grass’ Her drawing of her house is in her letter which I have put on the ‘World Vision Notice Board’ in Church.
I will let you know when I get any news of Omondi. Kenya is still having problems so information is taking a long time to reach us.
Thank you all very much for your continued support for Grace in Malawi and Omondi in Kenya. Heather Gray.
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4th July 2010
Mr and Mrs Vickers. We have received a card from Elsie thanking us for including our good wishes for Frank’s Birthday in our Newsletter. He has difficulty walking and so does not get out much and it meant a lot to him that we still think of him. Meanwhile Elsie has to act as his ‘carer’ to the best of her ability – which is somewhat limited by her having broken her back and a hip in the past few years. Luckily they are aided by Agency Carers who come every morning and evening. The Card is on a table at the back of the Church..
Jack Joslin. He is rather ‘wobbly’ and having difficulty with his eyesight so will not be coming to Church for a while and he says “Thank You” for the card from the Pastoral Team.
Kath Riding. Is out of Hospital but is still having problems with her heart and lungs.
Joan and Ray Cross have sent us photos of their Church in Ely – the pictures are on a table at the back of the Church.
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27th June 2010
On a recent visit to Seacroft Court Mary Lower talked to Jeanie Millar and Jeanie asked for a notice to be put in the Newsletter letting you all know that she is well settled in the home and that she misses you all and that she sends her love to her friends at Algitha Road.
A very big “Thank You” to Jenny and Tom for once again providing a cream tea at their house. The weather was glorious, as was the garden. Thanks also go to those who helped and supported this event. £344.11 was raised for Church Funds. Anne.
Following on from last week’s news item Mavis Coley would like to express her thanks and appreciation to those members of the Church who have donated ‘extra’ flower money that has enabled her to buy materials for the splendid new cloth and for the fountain – both of which have revitalized this well used area of the church –
The Remembrance Table. Mavis would also like to remind you that flowers, plants, etc can be left on the Table to commemorate and remember friends and relatives.
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20th June 2010
Dedication. I’m sure you have all noticed the new Cloth covering our ‘Remembrance Table’ and have thought how much more reverent and beautiful it makes that corner of our church. Now that the Cover has been dedicated during last Sunday’s service it is time to thank Jenny and her two ‘girls’ for designing and making such an inspiring addition to the furniture of the Church.
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13th June 2010
“Happy Birthday” to Mrs Anne Short.
Congratulations to Ellen on the birth of her 24th great grandchild.
A big “Thank You” to all who helped with the Kitchen Clean-up.
News from the Lincoln And Grimsby District.
There is to be a “Network” District Quiet Day at Mablethorpe Methodist Church on Thursday 17th June starting with coffee at 10.30am and closing with farewell drinks at 3.00pm.
The day will be led by the Revd Liz Childs on the topic of the “Personal Pentecost”
More News from the Lincoln And Grimsby District.
There is to be an Ordinands Testimony Service on
Friday June 18th, 7 pm in the Bailgate Church, Lincoln.
The preacher is to be the Revd Dr David Perry – the District Chair.
Come and hear the testimony of those about to be ordained and send them on to Conference with our blessing.
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6th June 2010
“Happy 90th Birthday” to Frank Vickers.
And Happy (other) Birthday to Bess Wise.
News from the Lincoln And Grimsby District.
There is to be an Ordinands Testimony Service on Friday June 18th at 7 pm in the Bailgate Methodist Church, Lincoln. The preacher is to be the Revd Dr David Perry – the District Chair.
Come and hear the testimony of those about to be ordained and send them on to Conference with our blessing.
Christian Aid.
The Sponsored walk by ladies from Skegness & Chapel St Leonards made £282.50. The Envelopes collected from Chapel totaled £178.14.
Information for Algitha Road Church.
Owing to the shortage of Stewards since Simon’s move to Shropshire and the unavoidable absence of Neil on many Sundays as he undertakes his Local Preaching role you will notice that there is now only one steward on duty each Sunday Morning. Please be as patient and helpful as you can under these circumstances.
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30th May 2010
The Charity Coffee Morning for Prostate Cancer on the 21st raised £200. Jayne says “Thank You” to everybody who supported her efforts.
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23rd May 2010
From the Treasurer – “Thank you” to all who supported our Annual Gift Day on Friday the 14th – the amount raised for Church Funds was £708.53.
At the Circuit Meeting on Tuesday May 11th the budget for 2010/2011 was circulated. We were told that the Circuit Assessment had not been increased last year but that, with effect from September 1st 2010, there would be an increase of 5% per Church. Skegness will pay £22,050.00 per annum, an increase of £1,050.00 (£87.50 per month)
We are able to meet this if we continue to fund raise and be vigilant about our outgoings, especially our heating costs! Anne
“Thank you” to all who sponsored Jayne and Mary’s walk on Saturday the 15th. The amount raised for
Christian Aid will be in a future Newsletter when all the Sponsors have brought in their money.
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16th May 2010
“Thank you” to all who supported our Annual Gift Day last Friday – the amount raised for Church Funds will be in the next Newsletter.
“Thank you” to all who sponsored, or are about to sponsor, Jayne and Mary’s walk last Saturday – the amount raised for Christian Aid will be in the next Newsletter.
Circuit News.
From the 23rd of May the name of our Circuit will change to “The East Lincolnshire Methodist Circuit”.
Circuit Quiet Day.
On Sunday May 23rd the Sutton on Sea Methodist Church celebrates its Centenary. The Circuit Service will be led by former President of Conference – Revd Tom Stuckey. On Saturday May 22nd he will be leading a Circuit Quiet Day at Alford. (Probably from 10.00am, for 10.30am, until about 2.00pm – I have received no information about the provision of Lunch. GMG) It is hoped that there will be a good attendance at this event with people from all round the circuit. Please come and support this event and enjoy the fellowship of this special day.
Anne Foster.
9th May 2010
Gift day 2010.
Greetings, in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, to all members and friends of Algitha Road Methodist Church, on the occasion of our annual Gift Day.
I recall as a child singing this simple grace before mealtimes at school,
“All good gifts around us, are sent from heaven above.
then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord for all his love”
At Christmas we celebrated one of the greatest gifts God could have given, the birth of his son, Jesus. The fulfilment of the purpose of the birth of Jesus was seen at Easter in the Death, Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus and because of this we see the love of God restoring us to a right relationship with him as our Heavenly Father. This is the good news of the gospel, the free gift of God’s love to you and me, to every woman, man and child, a gift we are commanded by Jesus to share whenever and wherever we can with those around us.
The theme of our Church this year is “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God” and we do this various ways. Firstly, individually, in our life as a disciple of Jesus as we learn to apply his teachings on a daily basis. Secondly, in the times that we join together to worship and praise God, and thirdly as we learn to love and serve one another, both in the Church and the Community. Jesus has given us another gift, the gift of the Holy Spirit to strengthen, help and guide us at all times in our discipleship journey and in the fulfilment of Jesus’ command to ‘go and make disciples of all people’.
We have an opportunity on our Gift Day to come and give thanks for the goodness of God’s love to us and to share in the work of the Kingdom of God. So on Friday 14th May we come together in faith to make our offering to God during a devotional time to be held in the coffee morning. Please come and join us between 10am and 12noon as we give thanks for God’s love and bring our gifts for the continued work of the Church here in Skegness.
May God bless you and those whom you love with the fullness of his grace and love.
Shalom, Nigel Clements. Revd
Holy Mail.
One day God looked down at Earth and saw all the rascally behaviour that was going on. He called one of his angels and sent him to earth on an inspection.
He returned and told God, “It’s bad; 95% are misbehaving and only 5% are not.” God was shocked, so he sent a second angel to check the figures. He returned and said, “Yes, it’s true. The earth is in decline; 95% are misbehaving, but 5% are good.”
God was not pleased – but he decided to send letters to the 5% to award them and to encourage them.
Do you know what was in the letter?
No? Oh, I didn’t get one either!
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2nd May 2010
Woodhall Spa Mail. We have received a letter from Seth, Kate and David thanking us all for the kind words of ‘farewell’ as they moved to their pastures new.
Re-naming. The “Ladies Fellowship” held its last meeting on Wednesday, April 21st, as its Annual General Meeting. The most important thing on the Agenda was to discuss the format of the meeting for the future. It was unanimously decided that the name of the meeting be changed to “The Wednesday Fellowship”, and that it will no longer to be an exclusively women’s meeting. Men will be very welcome to join the meeting, both to swell the numbers and to widen the fellowship; fellowship which is so enjoyed by all who already attend the meetings. The opening meeting of the new “Wednesday Fellowship” will be on September the 15th.
Caretaker. We are blessed in having Nigel Baxter as our Caretaker – he not only cleans the Community Halls and prepares the rooms but calls in at all hours to open and lock the premises; however he does deserve to have Holidays and it would be very helpful if we had a ‘reserve’ caretaker – do any of you know anyone who would like the job? Please let Jayne have your list of possible applicants.
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25th April 2010
Marie Curie. “Thank you all who gave donations of Soft Toys for the Marie Curie Stall over the Easter Week-end. Their sale raised £145 for the ‘Daffodil Fund’”.
Chris Rushworth.
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18th April 2010
A story passed on to me by ?????, I’d better not say – his mother-in law might read this!
“A boy comes home from school and tells his Dad that he has been studying the Bible. The boy asks his Dad the name of Adam’s mother-in-law. Dad thinks for a moment and tells his son that Adam didn’t have a mother-in-law as he lived in Paradise.”
My mother-in-law was, of course, beautiful, charming, intelligent and generous – my wife might read this!
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11th April 2010
The Service this afternoon at Spilsby Methodist Church is to launch the new East Lindsey Methodist Partnership in Mission. This is a partnership between our circuit, the Louth circuit and the Mid-Lincolnshire circuit, enabling the three circuits to share resources, training and events. The Revd David Perry will share this celebratory service and will be the speaker. A ‘Faith Tea’ will follow the service. It is hoped that all the churches in the three circuits will be represented. If you are going to be there will you please let one of the Stewards know.
Anne Foster.
Jenny and Tom thank all who attended their Coffee Morning Celebration thus helping to raise £325.30.
Circuit News.
On Thursday April 22nd Revd Cecil is to organise a Stewards’ Training Day at 7.00pm at Wainfleet Methodist Church. If you wish to attend please let Cecil or the Circuit Office know.
From the 23rd of May the name of our Circuit will change to “The East Lincolnshire Methodist Circuit”.
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4th April 2010
Church Council. At the Council Meeting on Tuesday the 23rd it was agreed to proceed with obtaining a fixed sound amplifying system for the Prentice Room. There should be no problem with hearing every word of every Preacher when we worship downstairs next winter.
Circuit News.
Sunday April 11th at 4.00pm there will be a Service of Celebration at Spilsby Methodist Church to launch the new East Lindsey Methodist Partnership in Mission. This is a partnership between our circuit, the Louth circuit and the Mid-Lincolnshire circuit, enabling the three circuits to share resources, training and events. The Revd David Perry will share this celebratory service and will be the speaker. A ‘Faith Tea’ will follow the service. It is hoped that all the churches in the three circuits will be represented. If you are going to be there will you please let one of the Stewards know. Anne Foster.
From the 23rd of May the name of our Circuit will change to “The East Lincolnshire Methodist Circuit”.
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28th March 2010
Message from the Manse
Palm Sunday, a day of great celebration, 'Hosanna to the King!!' the crowds cheer as they wave their palm branches in recognition of Jesus as a King, the chosen Messiah, the one to lead them and save them. And yet within the space of a few days that same crowd were jeering and shouting 'crucify him, crucify him!' How easily human emotions and natures swing from one extreme to the other. It reminds me of the words in James ch3 v10 "out of the same mouth comes praise and curses", and how true those words are nearly two thousand years later. How easy it is for us to act in the same way in a short space of time. Surely this is a part of our human nature we can reflect on during Holy Week as we move towards the crucifixion, and as we do we will realize that the reason Jesus hung and died on the cross, it was for you and me! But of course Good Friday was not the end, we await in eager expectation for the dawn of Easter Day and the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus. In the meantime we continue to reflect on the meaning of the cross as we move through Holy Week, and so on Friday evening there will be a quiet meditation on 'The 7 sayings of Jesus from the cross, please come and join in, 7.30pm at Church.
Every blessing in Christ.
Rev Nigel.
SPRING SING. There was a wonderful atmosphere in a flower filled Church on Sunday afternoon when 90 plus people sang for Phakamisa. Thank you to all who took part but a very big thank you must go to Jayne who organised the whole event, including a delicious lunch, in her usual efficient way! Anne and the Stewards.
I am informed that we made £320 for Phakamisa and £204 was raised by the Lunch. GMG.
STOP PRESS. “We have been awarded a grant of £9,900.00 from the Big Lottery Fund towards refurbishment of the Community rooms”. Anne.
AND: Congratulations to Jean and Jim Judd on their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on the 30th of March.
MARIE CURIE. “Thank you all who came to the Coffee Morning and for donations given; and many thanks to the helpers whose work raised £305.00”. Chris Rushworth.
(Please remember Chris would be pleased to receive donations of Soft Toys for the Marie Curie Stall next week-end. GMG.)
THE CHURCH RECIPE BOOK is now available from Jenny at a bargain price of £2.50. Why not buy two then you can treat a friend or relation?
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21st March 2010
Consultation.
Five or six people have responded favourably to my suggested changes to the “We hold before God” section of the Newsletter.
If you have views to express please do so by Monday 29th of March.
Other’s News – from a Church that still has an Evening Service.
“At the Evening Service tonight the sermon topic will be ‘What is Hell’. Come early and listen to our choir practice.”
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14th March 2010
Reg & Lily Fern wish to thank everybody for their kind thoughts and prayers and to let you know that they are happily settled – Lily into her Nursing Home and Reg into his Apartment in Burton upon Trent. If you want their address ask a member of the ‘Pastoral Team’.
Sunday Services will continue in the Church until the autumn and Anne, the harassed treasurer, says “Thank you for helping to reduce the heating bill by worshiping in the Prentice Room”.
Consultation.
It will soon be one year since I took over the task of preparing, printing and distributing this Newsletter. In that time the “We hold before God” section has become ever longer, and some names have been on the list for the whole of that time. This is not the place to start a theological debate as to what that implies, though I am happy to discuss it with anyone wishing to do so. From the first Newsletter in April I would like to change the form of this section to a general prayer for all those known to us, but not named, in trouble of body, mind or spirit, and with individuals named for only one or two weeks when the person in question is having tests, or test results; going into hospital, or coming out; or starting long term treatment. If this is acceptable it can only work if people tell me their health news in time for me to put it in the Newsletter – i.e. the Sunday or Monday before the due date of the Newsletter. Let me know what you think about this suggested change. Michael Gray.
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7th March 2010
A Story from LINC-IT. A very sick man visited his doctor. “I’m frightened to die. You go to church – tell me what’s on the other side.” The doctor said simply that he didn’t know. “You’re a Christian and you don’t know!” shouted the sick patient. The doctor was holding the consulting room door handle. There was the sound of scratching so the doctor opened the door and in leapt the patient’s spaniel, tail wagging. The doctor said: “Think. Your dog’s never been here before; he didn’t know what was here. All he knew was that his master was here so in he came, without fear. Me, I don’t know what lies the other side of death but I do know that my Master is there – and that’s enough. When that door opens I shall pass through without fear and with gladness.”
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28th February 2010
It was a sad day for us all last Sunday when we said farewell to Kate and Seth Sykes, and David Cook. Kate has provided the piano/organ music for so many of our Services. We will miss her Music, Seth’s Local Preaching and David’s Door Stewarding but our loss is Woodhall Spa’s gain and we wish them “all the best” in their new environment. Anne May, representing us all, presented Kate with flowers at the end of the service.
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21st February 2010
Our Treasurer has asked me to pass on some good news. As part of his distribution of his “Community Grants” allocation Councillor Dick Edginton (Conservative, Seacroft Ward) has given the Algitha Road Church £350 towards a new heater for the Prentice Room as the one we have in there now is so noisy.
Mary informs me that all the Churches Together in Skegness collected £892.16 for the Haiti Appeal; while Anne has been informed that The Methodist Church in Britain, to whom we sent our money, has so far sent £250,000 to the Methodist Church in the Caribbean for their work in Haiti.
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14th February 2010
We continue to offer support and prayers for Val and Nigel, and thank Cecil for coming to officiate at Holy Communion last Sunday.
Neil asks me to say that Val is making steady progress at home; and they thank you all for the love, care, concern and cards given while Val was in hospital, they have really appreciated the support and flowers that they have received.
There being a shortage of Church News this week I offer for consideration a selection of headlines from one day’s National Newspaper. (Saturday, February 6th)
“Booted out: Terry pays the penalty” for his infidelity. “MPs facing theft charges” for their Parliamentary Expenses. “Carnage in Shropshire as man slaughters his family”. “Lawyer jailed over £6m airline scam”. “Heroin user infected with anthrax”. “Art set to fetch £20m at auction” while thousands are in poverty. “Bombers strike, then target hospital”. “Terrorists gaining upper hand”. “Shia pilgrims killed by car bombs”. “BAE Systems pays $400m to settle bribery charges”.
And there are people who say that the Commandments are irrelevant in today’s world and our society does not need “redemption”!
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7th February 2010
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
The early morning prayers at the different churches were well enough attended, though, as always, it would have been nice to see more people there. Those who had not previously seen our Prentice Room were favourably impressed with it as a Worship Space and, on a cold morning, as a warm space. They were also impressed with Mary’s interesting refreshments after the prayers as everyone stayed to eat, sup and chat. The Saturday Evening ‘Fun’ event was attended by some forty people who enjoyed the entertainment provided by our comedienne and reverend magician as well as the “Church” Beetle Drive and quiz. Other churches did their bit with recitations and jokes and the Addlethorpe Puppets were on their usual good form. The Faith Tea was a great success with food provided by all the churches. The churches owe a great debt of gratitude to all those who work so hard to keep us “alive in the community”.
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31st January 2010
News from Northern Ireland:
Those of you who remember David Foster speaking, four years ago, of the start of the Integrated Primary School in Moira, Northern Ireland, will be interested to learn of its progress.
According to David 15 new pupils were required for the Reception Class this year. After two ‘Open’ evenings at the school 24 have registered. That means that, having begun with 13 pupils, the school starts its fourth year with 91 pupils.
Land is available on the temporary site and a permanent school will be built there in due course. Anne Foster.
News from the Treasurer:
The Haiti Appeal.
The following contributions were received:-
Coffee Morning £146.25. Retiring Collections £310.10.
Church donation £50.00.
A cheque for £506.35 has been sent to The World Mission Fund.
Thank you all for responding so generously to this appeal.
Anne May.
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24th January 2010
From the Manse – One Church, One Faith, One Lord.
Here we are, at the beginning of another new year, and I’ve now completed my first quarter with the Alford, Skegness and Wainfleet circuit, and well into the next one. In many respects it feels like we have been here a long time, and in others we are still finding out and getting to know you all. Hopefully this year will see us building on the foundations and relationships we now have. Talking of foundations, that reminds me of the Hymn, “The church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord” and it has been good that this week is the week of prayer for Christian Unity. The various churches in the Skegness area have been able to get together for prayer each day and the fellowship has helped us realize that it is indeed Jesus Christ who is our common foundation, and as that other well known Hymn puts it there is “One Church, One Faith, One Lord”. We have also had the Covenant Service where we are reminded of what God in his love, mercy and compassion, through Jesus Christ, has done for each and every one of us, regardless of who we are, or how insignificant we feel we are. The fact remains, God loves us all, and he calls us into that covenantal relationship with him as our Heavenly Father. Jesus said that basically there are two commandments, to love God, and to love each other. So, as we have started this new year with the Covenant Service and the week of prayer for Christian Unity, my prayer is that we can go through this year with a fresh vision and hope that declares there is indeed, ”One Church, One Faith, One Lord”. God Bless you all.
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17th January 2010
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
During this week there are prayers, services and social events to which you are invited. We hope you will be able to attend some of these to meet up with some of the fellow Believers of our town.
The Lectionary.
I have just been informed that the Lectionary Readings detailed on Plan 40 (the blue one which many of you have) are all wrong! In this, and future, Newsletters I will give the “Wrong” and the “Right” readings and let you choose which ones to read. Governments and Supermarkets are always telling us that we want more choice (I don’t – not always) so now you have choice – and so have I (see - Worship with us).
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10th January 2010
From the Treasurer :
The offering on Christmas Eve raised £55.40 for Action for Children and the offering on Christmas Day raised £126.70 for Help for Heroes with a further £51.04 being donated via the ribbons on the Christmas Tree. A cheque for £177.74 will be sent to the organisation. A big thank you to all who contributed to these very worth while causes. Anne
I have been asked to share this poem with you –– sorry it is a bit late.
All Hearts Go Home. By Lucille Boesken.
All hearts go home for Christmas across the miles and years.
To live again the age-old joys that passing time endears,
To find familiar faces and to view the changing sights,
The kitchen warm from baking and the tree bedecked with lights.
To listen to the laughter, and songs of long ago,
To dream beside the fireplace and watch the Yule Logs glow.
All hearts go home for Christmas, the lonely and the far,
For home is where the love is found and where the memories are.
A Final “Thank You” to all the people who helped to work on the Christmas Tree Festival and the Winter Fayre, particularly, today, we thank the people who took down the trees, the tables and the trestles last Monday while replacing all the chairs in Church. Now that the Christmas festivities are over we will make the treasurer happy by worshiping in the Prentice Room – thus increasing ‘togetherness’ and decreasing heating costs.
3rd January 2010
The Christmas Eve Communion Service at Algitha Road was a spiritually uplifting service which, unfortunately, was attended by a small congregation. In view of the treacherous conditions of the pavements and side roads it is almost a miracle that anyone was able to make their way to the Church, and one painful fall was reported. Our thanks go to the un-named “Santa’s Little Helpers” who re-arranged the Nativity and who gritted/salted the front steps. The flower arrangement was beautiful – as it usually is, but that does not mean that we should take it for granted – the members of the Flower Committee deserve our gratitude for their weekly efforts. Three visitors to our Church commented on the beauty of our nativity, flowers and Christmas trees – people do notice these things.
Christmas Day Service. Was well attended by members, visitors and children.
Neil and Sue Baxter wish to say “Thank You” for all the kind thoughts, cards and prayers bestowed on them lately. Sue is progressing, walking slowly around the bungalow, but rather bored that she can not yet do all she would like.
A Post-Christmas thought: “When the song of the angels is stilled, when the star in the sky is gone, when the kings and princes are home, when the shepherds are back with their flocks, the work of Christmas begins: to find the lost, to heal the broken, to feed the hungry, to release the prisoner, to rebuild the nations, to bring peace among people, and to make music in the heart.” Howard Thurman.
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