IN FOCUS
September 2007
Safe and Sure
On Sunday 4th August three friends from Central URC and myself set off on our annual holiday at The Windermere Centre in The Lake District. The theme was ‘walk and talk’. During the week, as in previous years, there was a choice of guided walks, one easy and one more challenging. This year there was a unique and exciting opportunity to “walk on water” which I took up. This was a walk of eight and a half miles acrross Morecambe Bay Sands from Hest Bank to Kents Bank. This crossed several river channels with water up to our knees and is along an old coach route. We joined an organised group led by Alan Sledmore, who is an experienced guide across these sands. Tractors accompany the walk should anyone get into difficulties.
During the walk there was a cockling demonstration. We also passed by where the cocklers died and stopped to remember them. From this position the sands stretched in both directions to the horizon and made me realise that to cross these sands in safety an experienced guide is needed. There were 150 walkers – adults, teenagers, children and dogs - and we all got across safely because of our guide who knew the way.
As on this walk so in life we need guidance. Remember Jesus said “I am with you always”.
Jean Shaw
Philip
On Tuesday 21 August Philip died. He’d been poorly for most of this year but had managed to get to church for about 3 months prior to his death. All the time he had been ill he had still felt a part of the fellowship because so many friends came to visit or telephoned, keeping him in touch with what was happening.
We were both so very grateful for all the love and support that was being given to us and it helped us cope in a very difficult situation. We often talked about this and likened the church fellowship to the TV programme – “Bread”. A regular saying was “we’re family” and so is Central! When one of the flock is hurting, then so are many of the others.
Last month I wrote an article “Who is in Control?” I still believe that God is in control of my life – he saw that Philip was weary and failing and knew it was time to call him home. He can’t now say “thank you” for all your love and care but on his behalf, I can – and do. Central does indeed have a big heart.
Ann Hammond
Preaching through John's gospel
The themes for September will be as follows:
9th September John 11 : 1 – 44 The raising of Lazarus
16th September John 11 : 45 – 12 : 11 Mary anoints Jesus
23rd September John 12 : 12 –50 Jesus in Jerusalem
30th September Stewardship Sunday
7th October Dedication Sunday
Bob
Autumn Alpha Course
This starts on Sunday October 7th, at 7pm, and we will start with a light tea and then have the Alpha presentation followed by a discussion. It is hoped to attract some students from Sheffield Hallam University but it is not exclusively for students. If you wish to join this course please contact Bob, Elaine or Hilary. We have invitation cards available for you to give out to family and friends so please take them and use them.
Bob
The Rise, Fall and Regeneration of Sheffield’s Economy
a bus tour which gives an insight into where Sheffield has come from, by showing the sights of Sheffield present, and by visiting the sites of regeneration in its different forms.
This bus tour was fully subscribed with others ringing up at the last minute to ask for seats. For those unable to join this tour it is likely that another one will be arranged in the not-too-distant future and by special request this will take place on a Friday, subject to Bob Warwicker being available. Please either watch the notice board or listen out for announcements.
Student Minister on his major placement
This month we welcome Philip Baiden to Central and we look forward to helping him prepare for full-time ministry at the end of this training period and we also look forward to receiving from him as he ministers to us and as he shares stories of his experience in Madagascar.
Bob
Church Holiday At Rhos-OnSea 24 – 26 September
A small group of us will be heading west on the 24th to spend a few days by the sea in North Wales. We will be staying at St Winifred’s Christian Holiday Centre and while we are there visiting Llandudno, Betws-y-Coed, the foot of Snowdon, and also venturing onto the island of Anglesey. We are hoping and praying for good weather and safe travelling.
Stewardship Sunday 30 September 2007
Stewardship Sunday is the week before Dedication Sunday when we, in this church, have traditionally dedicated our work of the coming year to God. Stewardship Sunday will start with a service at the usual time. At the conclusion there will be a little quiz about our current activities to take us into a Faith Lunch*. This will be followed by some presentations on what is needed to run our church and the challenges that face Central in the future. We should conclude by 2pm at the very latest.
Being part of the URC means that we take responsibility for ourselves. We do not wait for things to be done for us or for other people to organise our future. It is our joint responsibility to work for the Christian faith in this place at this time.
We shall be looking at all aspects of the work of the church to give everyone time to think and pray about their personal response to the issues raised about the stewardship of our church and its future. This is a vital time for all people who attend Central not just members or those who turn up to church meetings, this is an issue for every one who sees Central as their church. It doesn’t matter if you come every Sunday or only Tuesdays, whether you have been involved in the past or not. You are part of this church.
Please make sure that you come to listen to the presentations and talk to people who organise our activities and our finances. If you truly cannot attend this session then please have a word with your Elder (if you are not sure who your elder is please see Bob or Elaine) about arranging an alternative presentation and getting a Promise of Service form beforehand that can be returned by Dedication Sunday and presented to God within the service.
*If you have never heard of a Faith Lunch before it only means that everyone is asked to contribute some food or drink and we have faith that there will be enough to share out to all who come.
Simply Summer Snax
Well this year’s Snax are over, and have been an outstanding success. How do I judge that, you may say?
Well firstly, by the skin of our teeth and some shuffling of private arrangements 27 different people kept us open each day that we had hoped to open. And still a week left at the end of the month to close down totally and let Luis, Gillian and June Machin get everything ship shape for September. Secondly, the words of gratitude, thanks and wonderment that we could get some volunteers to serve them from some of our regulars. When I pointed out to a regular lady customer that we would be closed Bank Holiday week, she hadn’t spotted my notice explaining this fact and was most effusive in her thanks to all the people who serve her and her husband all year long. And she wasn’t on her own.
They enjoyed the fare which we offered, were willing to pay 50p for a piece of home made cake when it was offered, and now look forward again to the sandwich availability in September. It is clear that our opening fulfilled a need for somewhere to go for many people, inside and outside the church, and that is something about which we should think carefully when we consider whether someone will volunteer to continue to organise the service next year. I have officially retired from the task, as we now say!
Of secondary importance to me personally is that we shall have made a financial profit during August which we would not have otherwise made. Either Peter or Michael will be delighted to tell you how much. And many of the regular kitchen staff will also have had a rest during August too.
Albert RN (Retired Now!)
“The Church in the Dale”
The Church in the Dale is a recently formed grouping of churches in Nidderdale and it is hoped that this will develop into a much more meaningful association than the usual ‘Churches Together in…..’.
Frank Dean, a local poet, and John Belderson, a local artist, have joined their talents in word and paint to say why they love Nidderdal and the book will be entitled ‘Nidderdale Praise’. This is to be a private publication and profit from the sale will go to The Church in the Dale.
Many members will know of John, who was until retirement minister at Dacre URC.
In order to keep costs of publication and secure a profit for the Church in the Dale sponsors are being sought and if you are willing to support the venture please contact John on 01423 780205 or Frank on 01423 711289.
(Those of you who read Reform will see a note in the September issue with a picture taken when the 21 churches in Nidderdale came together to celebrate)
Harvest 2007
Our Harvest Thanksgiving is on SUNDAY 14th October at 10.45am.
This year we are supporting the campaign for clean water called TURN ON THE TAP which is being run by Samaritan’s Purse. This is the charity which runs Operation Christmas Child.
Our aim is to raise money to buy water filters for people in the developing countries.
Small bottles are already available for you to collect loose change. The filled bottles can be brought to church at any time.
AND….
On Sunday 23rd September we shall have available for everyone a special envelope for you to make your Harvest Gift. This may be what you would have otherwise spent on harvest produce – or you may wish to be even more generous. The envelopes with your harvest gifts will be gathered up during the Service on 14th October.
(our display in the church will include some traditional produce but you do not need to bring fruit, vegetables or flowers for the display)
There are displays already in the building which relate the message of the need for clean water. Do take a look at these.
We hope you will support the campaign through your Harvest giving…..
…….remember…..
One child dies every 20 seconds from
diseases related to drinking water.
Forward Planning Group
Heritage Open Weekend at Trinity URC
Trinity URC is involved in the Heritage Open Days on the weekend of 8th and 9th September. This will have involved the members and friends in a grand clear-up but will give them the opportunity to put on show something of the church’s background and heritage. Hopefully many who usually just pass by and comment on the frontage will go inside to see how beautiful is the sanctuary.
Throughout Saturday there will be presentations of the work of the many community groups who use the church premises. During the week-end things on offer include: demonstration of botanic art, pre-school music group, singing master- classes, tea/coffee and cakes, white elephant stall, card stall, preserves stall, and a Traidcraft stall.
Admission is free and there is disabled access.
Saturday 8th September from 10.00am to 3pm
Sunday 9th September from 12.00noon to 3pm
Information on this and other Heritage Open Weekend activities can be found on
HYPERLINK "http://www.heritageopendays.org.uk"
www.heritageopendays.org.uk
Prayer Focus
Week One
Back to it! - This week sees the recommencement of the Soup Run. This is a great chance for us to work together for a while on a regular basis with members of the other city centre churches, but more importantly, to spend time with those people who either are homeless or living in very straitened circumstances. Pray for them, that the poor summer has not made their lives too difficult and that they can find a way to move on from their situation. Remember, too, those who spend an hour or so of their Friday evenings meeting with them and those who prepare the sandwiches beforehand.
Week Two
Racial Justice Sunday – Continuing this year’s theme of the commemoration of the abolition of the slave trade, think of those who even today are still enslaved and can see no future for themselves or their families.
Week Three
UN International Day of Peace is on Friday 21st September.
The World Council of Churches joins the UN International Day of Peace by inviting congregations worldwide to pray for peace on that day, or the preceding or following Sunday. We are constantly made aware of the areas of the world where there is conflict. Because of our involvement, Iraq and Afghanistan are uppermost. But there are so many others where there is ethnic, tribal or despotic problems which cause conflict. Pray for peace in our world in our time.
Week Four
As you have read through In Focus you will, hopefully, have noticed that we have a few challenges and opportunities facing our fellowship. What will be our individual and collective response to these? Pray that we will give serious thought to what we can do. Next Sunday is Stewardship Sunday, when we plan to focus in various ways on how we may use our time, talents and finances for God’s work in this place.
Week Five
Next Sunday evening we begin the Alpha course again. This is an opportunity for those of you who haven’t tried it to come and be stimulated, in good company following a light meal! We will have invited students from Hallam University to join us. Pray that there may be those who feel this is an opportunity for them to find out more about Christianity.
