Skegness Methodist Church - News Archive 2014

28th December 2014

Happy New Year to all our readers

New Year Resolutions : Eight reasons why I WILL go to Church :

1.Because the people there are so fascinating.

2.Because I might get coffee and biscuits.

3.Because worship is what I am made for.

4.Because there’s not much on TV on a Sunday morning.

5.Because it is good to ask the big, important questions.

6.Because I need to try all sorts of extreme sports.

7.Because seeing is believing.

8.Because Jesus is there.

Which of these will you make ?

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21st December 2014

Happy Christmas to all our readers

“Action for Children” – Christmas Cards.

As in previous years there is a board in the Community Hall for you to use to distribute internal “church” cards so that the money you save on postage can be donated to the charity.

The “Christmas Services” at Algitha Road :

Wednesday the 24th. 11.30pm. Midnight Communion.

Thursday the 25th. 10.00am. A Short Family Service for Christmas Day.

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7th December 2014

“Action for Children” – Christmas Cards.

As in previous years there will be a board in the Community Hall for you to use to distribute internal “church” cards so that the money you save on postage can be donated to the charity.

Christmas Fair.

The Fair on Friday 28th produced £464.55 for Church Funds while giving people a “fun” time, a chance to meet and talk and to enjoy a very pleasant Light Lunch. Thank You to all who worked so hard.

Chris South says “Thank You” for all the gifts donated for her Tombola Stall; and I say “Thank You” to Albert, and others, for

tidying the Car Park and the back of the Hall.

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30th November 2014

Please remember

Monday, December the 1st. 10.00am-4.00pm. The Hildred’s “Shop” for the Skegness Fellowship of Christian Churches to remind peoples why it is called Christmas.

Thursday, December the 11th. 10.00am-4.00pm. Back in the Hildred’s “Shop” for a second shift.

You should now have a “Christmas Services” Leaflet to show the following services at Algitha Road :

Sunday, December the 21st. 6.00pm. Carol Service.

Wednesday the 24th. 11.30pm. Midnight Communion.

Thursday the 25th. 10.00am. A Family Service for Christmas Day.

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23rd November 2014

Bill Paul has been ‘phoned by Marie Holland and she asks him to pass on her wish to be remembered to all at Algitha Road.

Please remember

Friday, November the 28th. 10.00am-1.30pm. The Algitha Road Christmas Fair.

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16th November 2014

As we approach the Christmas period there is much to interest us – and the following dates should be in your diaries :

Friday, November the 28th. 10.00am-1.30pm. The Algitha Road Christmas Fair, with Stalls and Coffee. There will be a Light Lunch of Soup and Rolls for a modest cost.

Be prepared to help selling, cooking or serving.

Monday, December the 1st. 10.00am-4.00pm. Spend some time manning the Hildred’s “Shop” for the Skegness Fellowship of Christian Churches and remind peoples why it is called Christmas.

Tuesday, December the 2nd. 12 for 12.30pm. The Algitha Road Christmas Lunch. Tickets should be purchased at a cost of £8.00.

Thursday, December the 11th. 10.00am-4.00pm. Back in the Hildred’s “Shop” for a second shift.

Sunday, December the 21st. 6.00pm. Algitha Rd. Carol Service.

Wednesday the 24th. 11.30pm. Midnight Communion.

Thursday the 25th. 10.00am. At Algitha Road -- a Short Family Service for Christmas Day.

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9th November 2014

News -- for Remembrance Sunday

Rudolf Binding, a German poet and novelist, was encamped in Passchendaele, West Flanders, when he wrote: “When one sees the wasting, burning villages and towns, plundered cellars, and attics in which the troops have pulled everything to pieces in the blind instinct of self-preservation, dead or half-starved animals, cattle bellowing in the sugar-beet fields, and then corpses, corpses, and corpses, streams of wounded one after another – then everything becomes senseless, a lunacy, a horrible bad joke of peoples and their history, an endless reproach to mankind … so that one feels that all human beginnings are doomed in this war.”

(and in all later wars ? GMG.)

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2nd November 2014

Algitha Road Church Council.

The Church Council on Wednesday the 22nd was chaired by the Rev Phil Greetham who was warmly welcomed by the members, including those of us who had not met him before. Mrs Kath Riding was welcomed to her first council meeting. The need for the church to take note of the new “Safeguarding Policy” was stressed by Keith, Doreen and Neil. In the discussion of Financial Matters thanks were expressed for the legacy from Miss Rita Winn and for the grants from District toward our Hall and Projector expenses. The problems of the Car Park were discussed with many ideas but no conclusion. The dates for forthcoming services were given – our Carol service will be on Dec 21st, Christmas Eve Communion will be at 11.30pm, a short Christmas Day service will be at 10.00am. We were invited to enter a decorated, artificial Christmas Tree in the Wainfleet “Sleigh Day” festivities on Dec 6th, and to collaborate in the Christian “Shop” in the Hildred’s from the 1st to the 15th of Dec.

Our Christmas Fair will be on Friday November 28th. Chris South reminds us that she needs “prizes” for her Tombola Stall – if you would like me to draw attention to your stall, and its needs, let me know and I’ll see what I can do for you.

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26th October 2014

Mrs Anne May took some of the Harvest goods to Witham Lodge on Friday morning. They were very pleased to receive them and said a very big “ thank you” to all . They often need tins and other foodstuffs to give out to people.

Because I write this Newsletter on Tuesday I await the news from Wednesday’s Church Council Meeting – a report will be in next week’s News.

Are “Irish” jokes racist ? If so, pretend he was a Yorkshire man.

An old Irish farmer’s dog goes missing and he is inconsolable.

His wife says “Why don’t you put an advert in the paper?”

He does so but two weeks later the dog is still missing.

“What did you put in the paper?” his wife asks.

“Here Boy!” he replies.

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19th October 2014

Up-Dates as Promised :

Gift Day. Sue has informed me that the Gifts totaled £3,266.40 of which £2,950 is ‘Gift Aided’. She says “Thank You” to all who contributed.

“Stop Press.” Last week I reported on the fact that we had received grants totaling £3,190 – this does not mean that we are now rich because these monies are to help to reimburse us for money already spent. £1,690 goes towards the cost of the work done on the Hall floor and £1,500 to help pay for the projector system in the Church.

Harvest Festival. As a result of our excellent Harvest Festival Service last Sunday I have been asked to say “Thank You” to all who gave produce and who helped to decorate the Church, and a special “Thank You” to Mr Ivan Clough for leading us in our ‘Thanksgiving’. Lois and Mary ask me to pass on the thanks of Margaret Smith and Olga Pollock for cards, gifts and prayers, and both wish to send their love to all at Algitha Road.

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12th October 2014

Knowledge.

During the service last Sunday our Superintendent asked us what was the calling of our Methodist Church. The ensuing silence suggested that many of us did not know. So, for future reference, here is what we should have answered :

Our Calling - The calling of the Methodist Church is to respond to the gospel of God's love in Christ and to live out its discipleship in worship and mission. It does this through: WORSHIP, LEARNING, CARING, SERVICE, EVANGELISM.

Gift Day.

“Thank You” to all who contributed to our Gift Day – The amount received will be notified in the Newsletter when the Treasurer has had time to do her accounts. If you forgot to hand in your gift I’m sure Sue will be glad to receive it any time now.

Harvest Festival. Thank you for all the harvest gifts you see around you today. A fuller report will be in next Sunday’s Newsletter.

STOP PRESS. The Church has been given £3,190 in Grants – details when I have them.

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5th October 2014

Gift Day

If you are a Church Member you should, by now, have received a “Gift Day” letter from our Superintendent Minister, Rev David Newlove. If you have somehow been missed please ask a Steward for a copy and he/she will be glad to give you one. The actual Gift Day is Friday the 10th and the Gifts will be accepted at the Coffee Morning Service on that day; but if you do not / cannot attend that service your gift can be given to any Steward in the week before – or after – the 10th. If you are not a “Member” but would still like to read the letter and to contribute, don’t be shy – talk to a Steward.

Harvest Festival.

Your attention is drawn to the arrangements for the Harvest Festival Service next Sunday. Stewards will be at church on Friday morning and from 9.30 to 10.30 on Saturday to receive your gifts. Neil and Sue are bringing fresh vegetables so we need some flowers, some fruit and lots of tins and packets with reasonable ‘best before’ dates for us to donate to Witham Lodge’s store room. We do need people to decorate the Church on Saturday morning.

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28th September 2014

“Gift Aid”.

As Church Treasurer I would like to thank everyone who has pledged their offering and gifts through the 'Gift Aid' scheme. This has enabled Judith to claim back £4,630.75 from the Inland Revenue which will enable us to pay for the projection system now installed in our church.

Please continue to pledge your giving in this way and if anyone would like to know more about the scheme, please speak to Judith and be re-assured any discussions with her will be in strict confidence. Sue Baxter.

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21st September 2014

Lunch.

The Algitha Road Thursday Lunch on the 11th was, by all reports, a great success. The next Lunch will be from noon on Thursday the 9th of October. As with any catering enterprise knowing how many one is catering for is of paramount importance – otherwise there is a danger that someone will have to do without as all the food has been served – and she won’t be happy! So if you would like to go to the next Lunch PLEASE let Neil and Sue know in advance and they can buy in enough to feed the multitude. If one or two of you would like to offer to help with the preparation and serving I’m sure Neil would be glad to hear from you – let’s not leave everything to the willing Baxters.

Infant School Maths;

“I would like to be an accountant but you have to know a lot about

moths.”

“If it is less than 90 degrees it is a cute angel.”

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14th September 2014

Inauguration of the new East Lincolnshire Circuit.

On Monday the 1st of September 2014 an historic service was held at Mablethorpe Methodist Church to inaugurate our new Circuit. Our District Chair, Rev Bruce Thompson led the service and gave the sermon. During the service he presented, to the members of the Circuit, Rev David Newlove as our new Superintendent, Rev Phil Greetham as a Circuit Minister and Mr Keith Locke as Pastoral and Development Worker. We welcome all three to the Circuit and pray that God’s blessing will rest upon them. We, in Skegness, particularly welcome Keith and Pam as they settle into the Ida Road Manse,

This week’s Joke.

Two Eskimos sitting in their kayak were chilly, so they lit a fire in the craft. Unsurprisingly it sank, proving once again that you can’t have you kayak and heat it too.

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7th September 2014

Details of the new Circuit, and of the commissioning Service on Monday the 1st will be in next week’s Newsletter

Thanks.

Josephine asks me to pass on her grateful thanks for all the prayers and cards you gave her during her time in hospital.

A Few Places Left –

There are a few seats left on a Coach Trip for a “Day Out” at the Chatsworth Christmas Market on Saturday, the 22nd of November.

The cost is £20 and the money will go to the Wainfleet Methodist Community Centre. If you are interested contact Holly Butler on 079 002 318 45.

In Lighter Vein :

If you tried to kill yourself by jumping of a bridge in Paris, you’d be in Seine.

A Newsletter Editor used ten puns in his publications in the hope that at least one of the puns would raise a smile. No pun in ten did.

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3rd August 2014

Keith Locke.

We are pleased to welcome Keith and Pam into the Ida Road Manse and hope that their stay in Skegness will be happy and spiritually productive. Keith does not officially become our contact with the Circuit Leadership Team until September but if you urgently need pastoral / ministerial consultation before then his telephone number is 01754 229971.

Sunday 3rd.

Christian Fellowship Service to commemorate the First World War.

In the Tower Gardens at 11.45 +/-. With Christian & Charity Stalls.

For Future Reference :

The Christian Fellowship is looking to appoint a Workplace Chaplain; and it is hoped to have a Christian Christmas presence in the Hildred’s in December – both of these will need volunteers.

Thought for the Month – from Thomas à Kempis.

“From God, as from a living fountain, the small and the great, the poor and the rich, do draw the water of life; and they that willingly and freely serve God shall receive grace for grace.”

20th July 2014

Further News from Algitha Road Church Council.

When the Church Council met on Tuesday the 8th it had no Secretary – it has now. Anne May volunteered – and we did not have to twist her arm too seriously ! We still do not have a church Administrator – do you have an arm that could be twisted to encourage you to volunteer ?

Circuit Service – 27th at 6pm at Sutton on Sea.

Please note that this service will be the ‘Farewell’ service for Rev Cecil and Gwen and there will be the celebration of Holy Communion. Ellen Haestier will also be admitted as a Local Preacher. Donations of cakes are asked for as there will be refreshments after the Service.

Another chance to air your knowledge !

I have been privileged to see a “Young People’s Examination” paper from the United Methodist Church which was taken by a fifteen year old in December 1927. I shall be using some of the questions in the Newsletter – so get ‘swatting’.

“2. ‘Education is not filling the mind with knowledge, but turning the eye of the soul towards the light.’ If this is true, what things are necessary to give every child a good education ?”

As you think of an answer remember this question was asked of a fifteen year old girl. [And not of a Minister for Education.]

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13th July 2014

Algitha Road Church Council.

The Church Council meeting on Tuesday agreed to changes to the Officers for next Connexional year. Mary Lower and Michael Gray will no longer be Stewards. I’m sure that they will still try to be helpful, though not responsible. The processes of creating new stewards has started as Anne Foster, Anne May and Josephine Stancliffe have expressed a willingness to stand for appointment. The appointment of Sue Baxter as Treasurer was approved, and our failure to appoint an Administrator was regretted. As this was Rev Cecil’s last Council meeting he commended the Rev David as our next Minister and Keith Locke, who will move into the Ida Road manse, as our Pastoral Leader and first point of contact with the Circuit Leadership team.

It is natural for a wise man to do the right thing. (Prov.10:2.)

I have been privileged to see a “Young People’s Examination” paper from the United Methodist Church which was taken by a fifteen year old in December 1927. I shall be using some of the questions in the Newsletter – so get ‘swatting’.

“9. Is gambling an evil ? If so, why ?”

As you think of an answer remember this question was asked of a fifteen year old girl.

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6th July 2014

Algitha Road Church Council.

The Church Council meeting is at 3 o’clock on Tuesday.

Please pray for guidance, wisdom and right thinking.

Tennyson wrote “Knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers”.

“10. What lessons do you draw from the story of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet ?”

As you think of an answer remember this question was asked of a fifteen year old girl.

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29th June 2014

In lighter vein:

The fattest knight at King Arthur’s round table was Sir Cumference. He acquired his size from too much pi.

Two silk worms had a race. They ended up in a tie.

A backward poet writes inverse.

Two fish swim into a concrete wall. One turns to the other and says “Dam!”

[ Does anyone else remember Frankie Howerd’s song called

“Three Little Fishes”? ]

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22nd June 2014

Methodist Prayer Book.

Orders for next Year’s Methodist Prayer Book should be placed through Neil Baxter. The cost will be £3.75.

Jobs.

Reminder – The next Church Council meeting is at 3 o’clock on Tuesday the 8th of July. At that meeting it is possible that one or two of the present Church Stewards will be informing the Council that they do not intend to stand for re-appointment for the 2014 – 15 Connexional year. The Church will need some replacements – please give the matter your serious, prayerful consideration. And there is also a need for new Councilors to help appoint the new stewards. Could you be the one to do either of these jobs ??

Invitation.

I have received a letter inviting me / us to a meeting at St Matthew’s Church at 7pm on Thursday the 26th of June. It does not attract me – but you might be persuaded – if so the letter is at the back of the Church for you to read.

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15th June 2014

Jobs.

One ‘job’ that has to be done each Sunday after the Service is the counting of the Offertory. To eliminate any possibility of fraud this needs TWO people – when they are here, two of Sue, Heather and Irene do the job – but if there is only one of them she needs to call on a willing volunteer – is that you ? The job does not take long and is not difficult – please talk to one of the “Trusty Trio” above.

An early reminder – The next Church Council meeting is at 3 o’clock on Tuesday the 8th of July. At that meeting it is possible that one or two of the present Church Stewards will be informing the Council that they do not intend to stand for re-appointment for the 2014 – 15 Connexional year. The Church will need some replacements – please give the matter your serious, prayerful consideration.

Church Flowers.

“Thank you” to those who have offered to be responsible for the flowers on the Sundays that were ‘empty’ – the rota for this year is now full. [ You will be hearing about next year in good time !]

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8th June 2014

World Vision Update

Omondi Kevin in Kenya is now 15 years old. He is doing well at school especially in Social Studies. After school he enjoys looking after the family’s cows which were bought with some of our sponsorship money.

Grace Honde of Malawi is now 10 years old. She, too, is doing well at school, with maths as her best subject. She hopes to be a teacher when she leaves school. She and her family are grateful for the clean water they now have thanks to our regular gifts. We have had letters of thanks from both children which are on the “World Vision” board in the church corridor.

The sponsorship for each child is £22.80 a month so I send a cheque for £45.60 to World Vision monthly. In addition money is sent for Birthdays and Christmas cards and presents. We can be very proud that the gifts from Algitha Road have been able to help these young people, their families and communities and I am very grateful for your continuing generosity. Thank you. Heather Gray.

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1st June 2014

As I prepare this Newsletter for printing on Tuesday there is always the possibility that, when you read it, the “News” I include is already known to you all, is out of date, or is wrong –

bearing that in mind I have been informed of the following :

Kate Sykes has had a stroke, has been in hospital, but is now recovering at home.

David Cook, who was so helpful to Seth and Kate Sykes, died suddenly while with them on holiday in Scotland.

Mrs Philippa Hewitt has been taken to hospital as the care home staff were unable to treat her successfully.

Algitha Road Bible Study.

It has been suggested that, before we take a July / August Summer break, we have a short, four week, session from 5 to 6 pm on the Tuesdays in June. If you have a view as to what we should study please discuss your ideas with Neil, Julia or Michael.

Church Flowers.

“Thank you” to those who have offered to be responsible for the flowers on some of the ‘empty’ Sundays – the remaining dates are September 28, December 7 and December 21.

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25th May 2014

Flowers in Church.

The Flowers in Church last Sunday were put there by a Steward who merely bought two bunches from the shop on the corner of Beresford / Lumley and put them in a vase –

if he can do that – so can you !!

The Flower Rota has “missing” Sundays for which you may bid.

The dates are :- June 8, September 28, December 7, 21 & 28.

I look forward to hearing from you. GMG.

Algitha Road Bible Study.

Action for Children.

I am asked by Julia to include the following : “A big ‘thank you’ to those of you who took part in the ‘Action for Children – Count Your Blessings’ donations. I have sent £154.48.” Julia.

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18th May 2014

Door Stewards.

It will soon be time for the next “Door Stewards” list to be drawn up. This is one of the most important, and easiest, jobs we do as it involves welcoming worshippers – and little else. We can always do with more volunteers and if you would like to try – please see Heather Gray or any member of the Pastoral Committee.

Action for Children.

I am asked by Julia to include the following : “A big ‘thank you’ to those of you who took part in the ‘Action for Children – Count Your Blessings’ donations. I have sent £154.48.” Julia.

Pilgrimage.

Our District Chairman, the Rev Bruce Thompson, is to lead a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land from October 26th to November 2nd. The tour will fly from Heathrow and will cost £1,350 for four nights in Jerusalem and three nights in Tiberias. There will be visits to many Biblical places – including Bethlehem, Nazareth, Galilee, Gethsemane, the Mount of Olives, the Garden Tomb and others. For details, a brochure and / or to book your place contact the Chairman on 0152 804 011.

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11th May 2014

Door Stewards.

A Thought.

Now that my “strike” is over I can admit that I have been on holiday. Ten days ago I was in Wells Cathedral being shown round by a vey good Guide. The Cathedral is famous for its medieval “Scissor Arches” put in by the stone masons to strengthen the pillars supporting the weight of the tower. Our guide told us that when they were recently studied by an eminent engineer he said that they did nothing for the building, they had no structural value, they just looked beautiful but were otherwise useless. My comment was, “Does being beautiful do nothing for the building ? Do we have to worship God ‘in the beauty of holiness’ (Ps.29.v2.AV ) and not in the beauty of architecture ?” This led to Heather and I having a long, friendly discussion with the guide who took us on an extra tour after the group had gone – being awkward can have its advantages !

Seen on Church Notice Boards.

“Church Parking – Trespassers will be baptized.”

“What is missing from CH_ _CH ? UR.”

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27th April 2014

Circuit Changes.

At the Circuit Meeting earlier this month it was decided that Rev David Newlove as the Superintendent Minister for the new combined Louth / East Lincs Circuit will be the Minister for Skegness. Keith Locke will be responsible for Wainfleet School as he is now, but will also be the first point of contact for the Skegness, Wainfleet, Burgh le Marsh and Thorpe Fen Dykes churches. To help him in this wider area he will move into the Skegness Manse.

All these changes will come into force in September when more details will be available.

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20th April 2014

Christ is risen -- Alleluia !

The Peace Quilt comes to Alford.

I am informed that the “Peace Quilt” commemorating innocent civilians killed by “Drones” which has been on display in Coventry Cathedral and Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford is to be displayed in Alford. It will be on show in Askew’s Furniture and Mobility Shop ( the old Methodist Church in West Street) between 9am and 5pm Monday to Saturday until May 6th.

Youthful Memories.

A member of our congregation tells me that he remembers his first day at Infant School. When he arrived the teacher said, “Come in. Will you just sit on that chair for the present.” After school he went home very upset and told his Mother, “I sat on that chair all day and they never gave me the present!” But, he told me, he was proud that he did know, even then, what made the Swiss Roll – it had seen the Apple Turnover. ( Of course, he could have been telling me a tale !)

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13th April 2014

Last Sunday.

Last Sunday was a memorable day in the history of our church.

The morning service led by Miss Dot MacMillan, to her usual high standard, allowed Neil to play with our (his?) new toy, and the projected images added interest and information to the service.

The afternoon service saw the church full with the great and the good, and the rest of us, all there to accept Neil as an Accredited Local Preacher, allowing him to continue in the work he does so well. At the same time we were able to acknowledge the sixty years since Jim Dodsworth had his Accreditation Service, and to thank him for his valued contribution to the churches in this circuit.

Please Note : Although we no longer have a designated month for giving provisions for the needy we are still contributing what we can whenever it is convenient. The ‘collection’ box is now in the Entrance Hall next to the Hymnbook trolley. When there is a delivery to be made the Stewards will decide whether to take the provisions to the Salvation Army, to Witham Lodge or to the Storehouse Community Larder – if you have strong views which of these you would prefer please let a steward know.

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6th April 2014

It is with great pleasure that we can now announce that Mrs Susan Baxter has accepted the post of “Lettings Secretary” and Mrs Sue Baxter is our new Treasurer. We welcome them to their important jobs, and we must offer them what help we can, as and when they need it.

Technology.

You will have seen last Sunday that we now have the ability to project Power Point Presentations in Church – luckily Neil knows what that sentence means – I don’t. As Neil has duties as a Local Preacher in other Churches he will not always be here to work his magic – any computer literate volunteers will be welcomed with open arms.

Puns to make you think !

Atheism is a non-prophet organization.

When cannibals ate a missionary, they got a taste of religion.

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30th March 2014

A Letter from Jayne Hopps :

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for the flowers and Gift Token that was presented to me at the last Church Council Meeting. It was a lovely gesture and I really appreciate your thanks and thoughts.

I arrived in Skegness in December 2004 to enjoy an extended holiday before looking for some work. However, my fate was secured when I came to The Skegness Methodist Church in January 2005. I could instantly remember attending the Church occasionally with my Granddad sometime during the early 1960’s when we had a family caravan on the Richmond Drive Caravan Park.

I became your Church Council Secretary in the March and the Letting Secretary from the July following Margery Shaw’s retirement. This was followed the following year by becoming the Church Administrator and a paid member of staff.

I have thoroughly enjoyed myself, but it is now time to concentrate on looking after myself and my family who have considerable health problems to deal with.

Again, many thanks for your continued support.

Love to you all, Jayne.

The Skegness Parkinson’s Support Group are having an ‘Unlock Parkinson’s’ fundraising campaign this year which is being supported by Sid Dennis. They are collecting all your old metal keys. A bucket is in the Church or you can contact me (Jayne Hopps) and I will take them from you. Please help us to support those in our local community who suffer from this incurable illness.

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16th March 2014

Next Sunday there is to be a Circuit Service at 11.00 am at Sutton on Sea when Rev Tom Stuckey will celebrate Holy Communion, and to which all members are invited. There will not be any other morning services in the Circuit.

However Algitha Road Church will be open for Bible Reading, Prayer and Meditation at the usual time for those unable to travel from Skegness to Sutton on Sea.

Celebrations at Sutton on Sea.

Wednesday 19th. 7 pm. Social with "Faith Supper".

Friday 21st. 7.30 pm. Louth Male Voice Choir.

Saturday 22nd. 3 pm. Celebration/Thanksgiving Service & Tea.

Sunday 23rd. Service as above.

Sunday 23rd. 6 pm. Songs of Praise with the Alford Silver Band.

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9th March 2014

If you are interested in Lightning and Redevelopment at Sutton on Sea there is a good article in the March edition of Lincolnshire Life.

I have been asked to include the following in this week’s Newsletter.

“I cannot believe that I have been Treasurer since 2006. Where have the last 7 years gone? It will be strange not to have to worry about the finances!! I would like to thank you for all your support over the years and for the lovely flowers and gift voucher given to me at my last Church Council as Treasurer. It was such a surprise. I am looking forward to worshipping with you all as a “normal” member of the congregation!! Thank you once again.”

Anne.

History (by a child) : In wartime children who lived in big cities had to be evaporated because it was safer in the country.

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2nd March 2014

Retirement.

One of the most significant things that happened at the Church Council Meeting on Tuesday the 25th was the presentation by our Senior Steward of flowers, cards and vouchers to Jayne and Anne. Jayne started to administer us on the 1st of May 2006, and Anne, began looking after our money in October 2006. These two ladies have been responsible for making sure that we have all benefited from a well run church; run with efficiency and vision, though occasionally, when we needed it, with some firmness. We are sorry to see them “retire” from their onerous jobs but we fully understand that there comes a time when other things need doing; and we wish them all the best for the future. We look forward to seeing them in church when they can now enjoy worry-free worship.

Replacements.

In view of the facts above we need some new blood in our organization. Nigel Baxter’s wife, Sue, has agreed to be responsible for the “Lettings” of the church premises. We will need a new Treasurer; and we were lucky to have two people offer to do the job – one was delighted to withdraw and leave the field to the other – who has not yet been finally appointed. Should there be anyone who thinks that this is the job for them please let the Rev. Cecil ( or any Steward ) know that you are volunteering – then we won’t have to twist arms.

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23rd February 2014

The Good Samaritan.

A Sunday School teacher was telling her class the story of the Good Samaritan. She asked the class, “If you saw a person lying on the roadside, all wounded and bleeding, what would you do ?”

A thoughtful little girl broke the hushed silence. “I think I’d throw up!”

[Probably most of us would agree with her.]

Did Noah Fish ?

The Sunday School teacher asked, “Johnny, do you think Noah did a lot of fishing when he was on the Ark ?”

“No,” replied Johnny with total conviction, “How could he with only two worms.”

Being Thankful.

A Rabbi said to a precocious six-year old boy, “So your Mother says your prayers for you each night ? That’s very commendable. What does she say ?”

The little boy replied, “Thank God he’s in bed !”

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16th February 2014

Words of Wisdom by Rev James Gray M.A.

“The great majority of us spend the greater part of our time in doing our job, and another large part of it in leisure activities. We naturally expect to have before us the Lordship of Christ when we gather in church for worship; but it is equally important that we should acknowledge Him as Lord in our daily life and work. Unless we do so we come under His own condemnation: “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father.” We have our Lord’s own guidance about priorities in our activities. We shall be judged at the Last Day, not by the correctness of our theological views, nor by the precision of our sacramental rites, but simply by our attitude to the needy.”

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9th February 2014

Skegness Fellowship of Christian Churches.

Neil asks me to draw your attention to the “Fellowship Breakfast” on the 19th. He also wishes to pass on the request from the Fellowship for any of our members who might wish to be considered for the posts of Chairperson and of Minutes Secretary. If you are interested you should talk to Neil who has all the details.

The Wisdom of Socrates (470-399BC)

He generally ate as long as he found pleasure in eating, and when he sat down to table he desired no more sauce than a sound appetite. All sorts of drink were alike pleasing to him, because he never drank but when he was thirsty; and if sometimes he was invited to a feast, he easily avoided eating and drinking to excess, which many find very difficult to do in those occasions. But he advised those who had no government of themselves never to taste of things that tempt a man to eat when he is no longer hungry, and that excite him to drink when his thirst is already quenched, because it is this that spoils the

stomach, causes the headache, and put the soul into disorder.

(And causes obesity ! GMG..)

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2nd February 2014

Mrs Margaret Lyon.

You will have heard of the sad death of Mrs Lyon. This Newsletter has details of her Memorial Service. I met her when I took a service at Seathorne and, as the organist, she was most welcoming and encouraging. As I did not know here well I have asked Neil to give me a short eulogy as he knew her from his boyhood. GMG.

“Mrs Lyon was the Junior Sunday School leader for as long as I remember and took great interest in all her 'boys and girls' as they grew up. Seathorne was her life and, whilst she was very disappointed when Seathorne closed, she accepted it had to happen. However, we had a super memorable last service which many of us 'old' members attended; and were able to worship with a wonderful 'Christian' lady, who did a lot to inculcate the basis of faith in the lives of many young people”.

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26th January 2014

Jobs.

Last Sunday information was given about jobs that will need to be done in the church during this year. If you did not get one of the sheets ask Neil (or any steward) and one will be found for you.

Mission.

Would you accept that the five marks of mission are :-

To proclaim the good news of the kingdom. That is to tell people about God’s love.

To teach, baptize and nurture new believers. That is to help new Christians to grow in the faith.

To respond to human need by loving service. That is to love your neighbour as well as you love God and yourself.

To seek to transform the unjust structures of society. We can, and should, change the world.

To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation. We should be the leading “Environmentalists”.

And if not – what would you add ?

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19th January 2014

John Shaw.

Catherine, Stephen and Martin have asked me to pass on

their heart-felt thanks to all those who supported them at

John’s Memorial Service, and later in the Hall.

The Family and the Treasurer say “thank you” for the £290.00 contributed at the service.

Action for Children.

Julia asks me to thank all who contributed to the charity over the Christmas period. £32 was donated for the Christmas Card Board, £20 was donated by “Network”. £210.04 was collected at the two Christmas Services. Producing £262.04 – for which we thank you.

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

The Week started yesterday at St Paul’s and ends next Saturday here in our Church. It has been suggested that we use the eight days to join with Christians around the world to pray for the “Eight Millennium Goals” of the United Nations – goals which have not yet been reached after 13 years.

1.Pray for all in poverty and hunger.

2.Pray for all seeking universal education.

3.Pray for all striving for equal dignity and rights for all.

4.Pray for all young people and those working for child health.

5.Pray for all mothers and their maternal health.

6.Pray for all researchers and doctors fighting diseases.

7.Pray for all seeking environmental sustainability.

8.Pray for all striving for fair trade in global partnerships.

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12th January 2014

I Have Been Asked to Include the Following Poem.

Father let there be peace on earth, The peace that was meant to be.

Turn man’s dark side to light and truth, Only truth can set us free.

May this new year be reconciled in love for brother, sister, parent, child.

All over the world your word endures for ever,

let us rejoice – in Jesus name we pray, Amen.

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5th January 2014

Matthew 21 : 16.

At an Infant School Christmas Celebration a class had practiced the song “Christmas Love”. Their presentation included thirteen children holding up cards with each letter of the title. The seventh little girl got it wrong and held her card upside-down. So instead of “CHRISTMAS LOVE” the cards read “CHRIST WAS LOVE”. That girl was not wrong – she had it right then and she is still right.

Visitors.

A week ago Neil had the pleasure of showing two visitors round our Church. They were Martin Smyth and his niece Leila who had read about the Church on the Web Page. The reason that they were interested was that Martin’s great grandfather was Mr W. S. Smyth who was Choirmaster here sometime in the 19th century and who has a plaque to this effect on the wall to the side of the old pipe organ. On the other side of the organ is a plaque to Miss E. Smyth, the organist who was (I think) Martin’s great aunt. It is nice to hear that Martin and Leila thought that what we had done to modernize the church was a great success and had produced a beautiful worship area while maintaining the over-all character of the building – and preserving their relatives’ plaques.

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