West Street News
West Street News is the link between the members and friends of the United Reformed Church, West Street, Dorking and the community. We are one in Jesus Christ our Lord, in faith, love and service.
To submit contributions for West Street News contact Val Longhurst on 01306 883827
West Street News
March 2010 continued
PROGRESS OF A TLS STUDENT – PART FIVE
One of the greatest delights in doing my course is to read books I would otherwise never have encountered. One such example is ‘The Provocative Church’ by Graham Tomlinson. He argues that the church needs to be a body of people who because of their faith are both different and make a difference. In other words, a church that is different because Christian values are clearly lived by its members: and a church that makes a difference by putting faith into action and engaging in good works.
Tomlinson’s view is that by being different, a church can provoke people to sit up and take notice. Such a church has universal appeal as people are attracted to the values it espouses and to the way it exercises its love for others. Unfortunately he notes that many churches are little different from the secular world and fail to have any relevance to those outside our congregations. Jesus certainly urges us to be different. As His followers he proclaims we need to be like salt for the whole human race; like light for the whole world; a city set on a hill; doing good things for all to see.
As part of my course I have recently started an attachment to New Malden URC. As I learn more about their church life I wonder if I will find them to be a provocative church. Indeed I wonder if we at West Street would ever consider ourselves to be a provocative church.
Ted Bellingham
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A POINT OF VIEW (cont’d)
In answer to a question raised in the December issue of WSN ‘If Jesus had been at the front, where would we have wanted to be?’ – my response would be ‘sitting in the gallery so that I could see all that was going on’.
From one who has sat in the gallery for over 70 years as did my parents before me. (VL)
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ECHO
Echo is held on the third Tuesday of every month and provides a time for informal worship, reflection and fellowship, whilst also offering the opportunity to discuss key issues surrounding Christian faith today. Active participation or silent reflection are both equally embraced - everyone is offered a warm welcome and each valued for the wonderful uniqueness they bring.
Each month, we are hoping to expand on the responses to our questions, allowing us to dig a little deeper into the issues we feel are relevant to us as a community of followers of Christ. And, in so doing, we hope to grow in our understanding and faith. Echo is certainly on a wonderfully inspiring, challenging and fulfilling journey, for which we thank and praise God.
For January, we tackled the question "What does Church mean to you?" and there were some keen contributions and discussions. In particular, the following had been prepared –
Sandra Currie
WHAT IS CHURCH TO ME?
(Did you have an envelope from Echo asking this question?)
- To me, church is a mode of transport. A vehicle travelling closer to God, with God.
- A particular sort of vehicle, one of a number, for there are many ways of moving towards God and many vehicles – any of which an individual can travel in.
- But church is a communal vehicle. A bus, a train, a ferry, a plane if you like. However, more than these, to me, in its finest form, church is like a coach. A battered old coach – the sort you see in Third World countries – cases on the roof, kids hanging on the side and a crucifix hanging from the rear view mirror.
- A coach on a long distance journey of discovery, where those travelling know or are getting to know each other. Who seek a Kingdom – without being quite sure where it is, but believing it is there; equipped with a battered map, journals of those who have travelled before, a Compass and their combined gifts and energies.
- They are explorers.
- Some will leave on the way. Maybe to join another coach on a similar journey, maybe to go by a different route for a while in a different vehicle, perhaps re-joining later, perhaps finding another coach is following a route more suited to their needs or in greater need of their talents. And, some, maybe, leave because their destination has arrived. Others will hopefully join the coach. If too many people hop on and off too often progress will be slow.
- On the way the travellers get to see the views, can wonder at the beauty, and try to understand the wastelands and deserts. They can learn about the places they pass through, study the map together, read the journals, and constantly look to the compass – especially when nothing else makes sense, when the fog comes down, crossroads come along and the road signs disappear.
- They share meals together. Maintain the coach; push it up the steepest hills and fix it when it breaks down. Dig it out of the snow! The weary can sleep, heads against the window, but not for too long - they need to find ways to pay for fuel and supplies.
- They are workers.
- They can share the driving. When the journey gets hard, boring, uncomfortable, they help each other, share the packet of sweets, sing a few songs and help with the baggage at each overnight stop.
- They stop and help those in need they see along the way, the road accidents, the lost. They can tow broken down vehicles and change flat tyres. They can fill the potholes, clear fallen trees, empty blocked drains and mend broken bridges; they leave the road better than they found it - easier for anyone following them.
- They rejoice with the friendly they meet and smile disarmingly at the hostile, and always, always, always, offer lifts to each alike, even if it means a detour.
- They should be ready to share tales with those they meet, of where they have been and where they are heading – which of course, until they find it, is right here, over there, somewhere and everywhere, but always better for their passing through.
- They are servants, encouragers, missionaries and healers
Chris Currie
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ICE SKATING
The "ice" skating at the church in December was really good fun. I went along with my Rainbow unit and all of them loved sliding around on the "ice" tiles. Later I watched older children and teenagers all take to the rink and enjoy themselves as much as my five-year-old Rainbows. The music and bubble added well to the experience. I think everyone involved had a great evening.
Kathryn Wigley
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PAUSE FOR THOUGHT ON GOOD FRIDAY
FOR OUR HEROES AND THEIR FAMILIES
A boy was born at Bethlehem
that knew the haunts of Galilee.
He wandered on Mount Lebanon,
and learned to love each forest tree.
But I was born at Marlborough,
and love the homely faces there;
and for all other men besides
‘tis little love I have to spare.
I should not mind to die for them,
my own dear downs, my comrades true.
But that great heart of Bethlehem,
He died for men he never knew.
And yet, I think, at Golgotha
as Jesus’ eyes were closed in death,
they saw with love most passionate
the village street at Nazareth.
(HMS Iron Duke, 1914 - E Hilton Young)
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CHRISTMAS POST
Our Christmas Post raised over £400 this year, including a donation from Open Doors and this was sent to ‘Help the Heroes’ with a specific request that this amount should be for Headley Court. Grateful thanks are extended to both Rhona and Barbara and for all those who made donations.
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PASTORAL CARE COURSE
In September last year a small group of eager, but rather apprehensive, volunteers (Pauline Selley, Katherine Walker, Fiona Yeomans, Janice Brown, Fergus Walker, Chris Currie and myself) started on a Pastoral Care Course, facilitated by Jane Bellingham and Liz Roger. We were made aware at the outset that this would be a commitment both of our time, energy and emotions, but we all thought we were up for the challenge.
So each Monday evening throughout October and November, as well as one whole weekend, we met in the Little Chapel to undergo our training. Every session started with an appropriate bible or other reading and prayer and ended with reflection on what we had learned. Our Aims and Objectives were presented to us weekly as well as resource materials for future reference.
Each week we were presented with a different topic from ‘Active Listening’ (quite a challenge for some of us!) ‘Constructive Feedback’, ‘Differences’ ‘Personal Boundaries’, to name but a few and discussion, group work and role play were used as learning tools (the latter really challenged our acting skills!). A whole weekend was spent exploring situations in our own lives which had caused us hurt or pain and how we or others had dealt with these. As you can see this was not for the faint hearted. Throughout this time we were skilfully guided and supported by Jane and Liz who opened up our minds and hearts and broke down our prejudices so that we could look at people and their difficulties through different eyes and with greater compassion.
However, it is important to emphasise that we do not see ourselves as a ‘Jim’ll fix it’ programme; just a group of people who, at the end of the sessions, agreed that we had all got to know each other much better; had jelled very well as a group and had learned new skills which will, in the future, give us the confidence to be alongside those in our church and, hopefully, our wider community, who find themselves in difficulties. The needs may vary from a listening ear, transportation to hospital or doctor appointments, to collecting prescriptions and if anyone has such a need they should first make contact with Peter Flint or Jane Bellingham.
So what now? We will continue to meet monthly as both a support group for each other as Pastoral Carers, and in order to co-ordinate and match our individual skills, abilities and time to whatever needs are presented to us. We feel this is one way that The United Reformed Church can be seen to be involved in local mission projects and currently BESOM has made contact with the group with this in mind. If anyone would like to join this group in order to provide practical support to local people, then please contact Jane Bellingham.
Lynn Price
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COLLECTION OF PLASTIC MILK BOTTLE TOPS
Are your plastic milk bottle tops ending up unloved and unwanted in your black bin because recycling depots can only use the bottles? No longer!. A “green” future awaits any you put in the plastic bottle saying “FEED ME” which you will find on the kitchen hatch in the large hall. I have found a company on the south coast that will give a donation to charities that register with them.
We have to collect a great many - 500 kilograms for a payment of £25. But as the saying goes, “many a mickle makes a muckle” and the more we collect the quicker our target will be reached. I check the tops before I pack them in sacks provided, please make sure they are clean, as one reject means the whole sack is discarded by the company.
I hope the information I have given you is helpful and look forward to finding more tops to take home in the basket on my mobility scooter.
Janice Brown
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WOMEN’S OWN ANNUAL REPORT TO THE CHURCH MEETING ON 28 TH JANUARY 2010
The Women‘s Own Group, here in Dorking, was formed in 1914 and continued to meet week by week, despite two world wars. We meet in the Follett Hall, at 2.30 p.m. on Mondays with an average attendance of 36 members each week.
We have a variety of speakers from organisations such as Cherry Tree Foundation, Tadworth Court, S.O.S. Children’s Villages, all of which look after disabled or disadvantaged children, both in this country and also abroad in some very deprived areas. We make as generous a donation as funds allow (usually £25 or £30.)
Our only Fund Raising events are our Spring Sale in March and Autumn Sale in October. The members provide items for sales of - Cakes and Provisions, Gifts, Books, Tapes, Jigsaws, Bric-a-Brac etc. Members then buy items, therefore, being doubly generous. The sales usually give good financial results.
I heard that Brian and Ruth Bowyer were to be staying with their daughter in Dorking just prior to last Easter so I contacted them to ask if they would like to visit us for a “Palm Monday” afternoon. They readily agreed and it was nice to see them again.
In June each year we have our half-day outing to a pre-determined venue - last year we went by coach to Worthing. Members spent about two hours doing “their own thing” then we met up again for a lovely cream tea before making our way back home. On the last Monday of June we have our end of session Summer Tea.
We don’t meet during July and August.
In September we hold our Harvest Service - which Peter takes for us. Members are asked to bring an item to put on the decorated table - as usual members were so generous and a well laden table resulted. After the service members are asked if they would like to purchase any of the goods. When we did this in 2008 we raised £55.00 which we sent to “Help for Heroes”. In 2009 the amount raised by selling the produce was £95.00! A further £5.00 was added from funds and £100.00 was sent, again to “Help for Heroes” asking that it be allocated to Headley Court Rehabilitation Centre, in our locality.
Our Autumn Sale in October raised another goodly amount to supplement our funds. During October we had a visit from S.O.S. Children’s villages, which was truly inspiring. Peter gave us a wonderful “trip” around New Zealand, from his sabbatical time. Frances Harber spoke very movingly about Conquest Art and some members tried their hand painting on silk! Frances is a lovely lady who gives of her time and talent.
In November we spent a wonderful afternoon touring Canada - thanks to Ted Bellingham. The year ended with our “lunch” on 14 th December, with some 40 members gathered for the meal and this was followed by Carol singing and readings.
Forthcoming meetings for our Summer session will include our Spring Sale on the 8 th March, 22 nd March will be ‘Butterflies in Pictures and on the 17 th May we will have a visit from the Brockham Hand Bell Ringers. All our meetings are detailed on the Sunday leaflet and any visitors (male or female) are always welcome).
Doreen Howes
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NEWS ABOUT SMALL FRY ……….
…… because we believe not everyone knows exactly what Small Fry is, and that those who do, will also be interested. In the large hall every Wednesday during school term time Small Fry, the church’s Parent/Carer Toddler Group meets. The morning session is from 9.30 a.m. – 11.30 a.m. and usually is the larger, with a variable number of children on the register. The afternoon session is from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. and it is often quieter and where mothers with new babies come, particularly with a first child. The numbers of children on the Small Fry register changes week to week.
We have a great supply of toys and, therefore, a good variety for the children to play with. We have a craft table that is looked after by Linda who has brought her own children through Small Fry.
We have a time for drinks and biscuits when the children sit as a group. Coffee or tea is delivered to the adults from the kitchen by those who have signed up to do that duty. At the end of the session we encourage both adults and children to congregate in the Roy Currie room for about 10-15 minutes of singing, usually the nursery rhymes that we were also taught as small children, led by a group of people prepared to do the lead
Three times a year, at Easter, Harvest and Christmas we go as a group, into the church for a short service. The children are encouraged to dress up and perform a tableau about what we are celebrating. There is an outing in the early summer to an open farm such as Tillgate Park at Crawley. We have a Christmas party and a Teddy Bears’ party which is held in the summer.
Small Fry is led by Kae Wicks, with Joan Thomson and Janice Brown regularly on duty. There is, of course, a committee behind this group who meet a number of times a year to make sure all runs well. It is hard work getting people to join us, and some of the committee have been there since the beginning nearly 30 years ago
When the church held the skating evening for Gala Night in December the first session was set aside for Small Fry - this session was sold out - and it brought back older siblings of current Small Fry children. Many parents said how good this was and the children said how often they fell over! They are still asking, “Can we do it again?” We were two weeks late starting in January because of the snow.
When Messy Church began on the first Wednesday in October, following our afternoon session, several Small Fry stayed on, and each month since there has been a growing group, including older sibling, (who it is nice to see again), enjoying the fun with older friends at Messy Church
I will leave it now by saying I have enjoyed being involved with Small Fry from its birth, and now I meet with some adult helpers, once mothers who brought their children, now bringing their grandchildren, and some original Small Fry who bring their children. If you are interested in finding out more that goes on come and talk to us we will be happy to give you any information you may require.
Janice Brown
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MORNING PRAYER
Dear Lord,
So far today am I doing alright?
I have not gossiped, lost my temper, been greedy, grumpy, selfish or self-indulgent.
I have not whined, complained, cursed or eaten any chocolate.
I have charged nothing on my credit card......
But I will be getting out of bed in a minute, and I think that I will really need your help then.
(Submitted by Pam Currie)
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GOMSHALL CHAPEL
I write these notes just after we have had our annual Festival of Favourite Hymns and Readings. It never ceases to amaze me that the service, made up of so many disparate, individually chosen elements, nevertheless blends into a united, meaningful whole, with a clear message and another new revelation of the power of God's Word. We came away from our time of worship strengthened and encouraged, very aware of the presence of Our Lord in our midst and joined together in a Fellowship Lunch at Bluebeckers that seemed a very natural extension of our hour of worship. We may be small in number but we are strong in the Spirit, especially when dear friends join us from Dorking to be part of our worship.
"Bright Hour" this month ( 2.30 pm Wednesday, 17 th March) will be a talk by Robin Radley about Children's Homes in Kerala State. The following month ( 2.30 pm Wednesday, 21 st April) will be a visit from my nephew, Edward Tothill, relating his experiences as a teacher of English in Japan. His enthusiasm will capture all who hear him. On Wednesday, May 19 th at 2.30 pm the subject will be ‘Holy Land Pilgrimage’ with A. Gibb. I offer you an open invitation to all these meetings. Do join us if you can.
As always we send our love and our prayers for your continued witness in Dorking. On a personal note I look forward to meeting friends at "Women's Own" to share more of my favourite music - and, of course, to June when, God willing, I shall be taking the morning service once more.
In love,
David Beard
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Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery,
Today is a gift of God.
That is why it is called "The Present"
"Jesus Christ, the same, yesterday, today and forever"
(Hebrew 13 v8)
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GIVE AS YOU EARN
This is a scheme operated by some employers which can benefit donations to West Street. The company I work for, Telereal Trillium, recently arranged for a consultant from the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) to come and speak to staff about payroll giving. This is the same charity that we bank and invest with. Give As You Earn is the UK’s number one payroll giving scheme. It’s one of the easiest ways for employees and pensioners who are paid through PAYE to give regularly to charity.
How does it work? Employees choose how much they want to give each month to West Street or indeed any other charity. The donation then comes off your gross pay, before the taxman touches it. CAF distribute the money directly into our Church bank account. This would mean the money reaching our bank account quicker as there would be no need to claim money from the taxman as it will already come free of tax. The employee only then has to change their donation to a gross amount to continue giving the same amount of money each month. There is however a 4% fee that CAF claim from your donation for administration. In my case this has been paid by my employer and everything I donate comes to the Church. In addition some employers, including mine, match the funding of employees, sometimes up to 100% which is a real bonus. Why not mention this to your employer to see if they already run a scheme or would consider creating one as a service to staff. For more details contact http://www.cafonline.org or just ask and I’ll see if I can help!
John Quincey
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Faith hears the inaudible
Sees the invisible
Believes the incredible
And receives the impossible
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PAUSE FOR THOUGHT ON PALM SUNDAY
The Donkey
When fishes flew and forests walked,
And figs grew upon thorn,
Some moment when the moon was blood
Then surely I was born;
With monstrous head and sickening cry
And ears like errant wings,
The devil’s walking parody
On all four-footed things
The tattered outlaw of the earth,
Of ancient crooked will;
Starve, scourge, deride me: I am dumb,
I keep my secret still.
Fools! For I also had my hour;
One far fierce hour and sweet;
There was a shout about my ears,
And palms before my feet.
(G K Chesterton)
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PAUSE FOR THOUGHT ON EASTER DAY
Verses from John ch. 20
Mary stood crying outside the tomb…. Then she turned round and saw Jesus. “Woman, why are you crying?” Jesus asked her. “Who is it that you are looking for?” She thought he was the gardener, so she said to him, “If you took him away, sir, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and get him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!”