IN FOCUS
October 2006
October
October is my favourite month. The fact that my birthday is at the end of it may have something to do with it. But I love the misty days when dew or mist leave droplets of water to make spiders’ webs beautiful. I like the way mist seems to remove the sounds from close by and makes them seem distant and unworldly. I love to see the beautiful colours that the leaves turn and to walk in the leaves once they’ve fallen and listen to the crunch of them beneath my feet.
October 1st is Dedication Sunday. Dedication Sunday is special to me as it is the first anniversary of my becoming Church Secretary. I was worried about the responsibility of the job and my ability to do it. I thank every one, not least Geoff, for making my first year not quite as traumatic as I’d feared. With God’s help I have risen to the task and hope to continue improving in the future.
October is special in other ways. It holds our Harvest Festival this year. A different style of Harvest from the traditional, one that is inspired by Christian Aid’s campaign to make a difference in a broken world. Thank God for all your treasures, monetary or otherwise. However, please do your bit and fill your bags of treasure and bring them on October 8th to fill the treasure chest so that we can send real treasure to the poor in the world. Give them the means of working their way out of poverty.
Let yourselves be October people. Give yourselves time in prayer that takes you away from the everyday hurly burly of life. Treasure moments of beauty wherever you find it, thanking God for his world. Have fun and laugh at simple pleasures. Dedicate yourselves to Jesus again and live out this commitment with work in and for his Church. Don’t wait to be asked - volunteer. Love your neighbour, whether in the next house, street, and town or on the other side of our planet. God loves you so enjoy this month of October and trust in his peace.
Elaine Flaherty
From our Minister
Dear Friends
It is now more than two years since we moved from Harrogate to Sheffield but in some ways it just seems like yesterday. I am still trying to get to know Sheffield and I have just taken part in the “getting to know Sheffield” one-day course which is put on by IMSY (Industrial Mission of South Yorkshire) which has helped me appreciate something about various Christian agencies in the city. This whistle-stop course made me appreciate just how much is going on and how diverse it all is. It served to remind me what a progressive and enterprising community we live in but one which has the same sorts of issues as any other town or city in this country.
Sheffield is a city with a lot of history and I know that many of you have told me that its not like it used to be yet I also know that most of you are very proud of belonging to this city and remembering the status Sheffield had when every knife and fork would have ‘made in Sheffield’ proudly stamped on it. Things may be different now and some things might not seem as good as they were but in many other ways the city is a much more pleasant city in which to live. It is cleaner than it used to be and even the notorious river Don now has fish breeding in it where not many years ago it was lifeless and filthy. The air quality is much improved and the buildings are brighter and cleaner than they were. I was told by one of the industrial chaplains that there is more steel produced in Sheffield today than there ever was when that pall of yellowish smoke hung over Meadowhall and Tinsley, but nevertheless I know many people still look back to those ‘good old days’.
We in the United Reformed Church have a habit of looking back to those ‘good old days’ when we had large Sunday Schools, when the pews were full each week, when there were lots of young families involved in all the activities of the church, when we had church picnics and we needed two coaches to take us there. We look back to when each church had a minister to itself and when we had a choir and a team of organists. We look back and wonder why things aren’t the same as they were.
I imagine that Christians have always been the same - the Jews certainly were in biblical times. When the children of Israel were being led through the wilderness there was a lot of talk about what they had left behind and about the good old days when they were under the control of the Egyptians. They had conveniently
forgotten that they were constantly under threat and were beaten if they didn’t work hard enough. When times seem hard there is always a tendency to hark back to the past for we all know life was much better then – don’t we?!
Putting our faith to work is probably the hardest thing we ever have to do and believing that our future is safe in God’s hands is not the easiest thing in the world to do, but that is the challenge which is put to us all. God has never wanted us to stagnate and stand still – history has shown us that life has a progressive force drawing us on to something new – and for us it is God who is doing the directing and who is drawing us on to somewhere very special.
The URC is engaged in this ‘Catch the Vision’ process part of which involves imminent structural changes and none of us yet know how things will work out but we are asked to step out in faith and make it work. But more than that we are asked to ‘catch the vision’ of how God is leading us and what he is saying to us. Maybe we are being led to do things differently, to cast aside some of those things which we hold onto too tightly and maybe to search deeper into some of those areas which we skirt past too lightly.
We have a history of which we are justly proud and all our beliefs and practices have been shaped by history – both biblical history and church history – but we are more than something just based on history. We are a living faith community which experiences God at work in our every-day lives and which believes that Jesus leads us forward to the ultimate destination which he has described to us and which he offers to us. Jesus himself knew all about the ‘good old days’ and he was well versed in the Hebrew scriptures and his ministry was to build on what had gone before and then to lead people onward to what God has in store and that, I believe, is what he is still doing with the likes of us.
May we continue along the journey of faith, the pilgrimage journey, seeking guidance and looking forward, and may we use the good memories of the past to be our constant reminder that God has even better things to come.
With every blessing,
Bob
Annie Charlesworth
During this summer we have all felt a great sense of loss first with the sudden death of Betty Gallimore, and then with the news that Annie had lost her struggle, but we have had the opportunity to celebrate both their lives and to remind ourselves of all that was special about them and of the lasting memories which they have both left us with.
Annie joined the fellowship at Central when the church at Park closed down and she was determined not to get involved at Central but we all know how she became an integral part of the life of Central in many ways. We know how loyal and devoted she was to the church and how she threw herself whole-heartedly into those things she could do and enjoyed doing. We know how important it was to receive a card, a letter, a phone call or a visit from Annie when we have not been well. We know how welcoming and encouraging has been her smile and her positive approach to life. We know how she could be relied upon and how she would just get on and get things done.
But we also know Annie for her joviality – for ‘having a laugh’ – for making you feel important – for not dwelling on her own difficulties. We know Annie for her chatter – for her ability to talk to anyone – for her determination to get things done properly – for her sincerity and her sense of justice.
Annie, to me, seemed very content with life and ‘her lot’. She can’t have had a particularly easy life but she seemed at peace with God and with what he had provided her with. She had a loving family whom she cared for and who cared for her, she was part of a church family which she cared for and which cared for her, and I believe she knew that she was part of God’s family and knew what it was like to be loved by him.
Latterly Annie struggled because her health deteriorated quite rapidly but I never heard her complain or let it get her down. She seemed to accept that if this was how it was to be then she would just get on with it, with concern for others still as her priority.On the 8th September when we said farewell to Annie we paid tribute to someone who had endeared herself to so many and the large congregation was a source of great comfort and support to Peter, Denise, Stuart and Charlotte. It seemed very appropriate that we sang ‘God is love, let heaven adore him’ as this summed up the resolute faith that was Annie’s.Bob
Operation Christmas Child
We shall again act as a drop off point for OCC. Boxes will be collected from 4th to 20th November.
Leaflets will be available shortly and we shall seek to have a supply of empty boxes for you. It is important that you pick up a leaflet. This will give you ideas of what you might wish to include in your box – and just as importantly, what not to include. Do read the leaflet carefully.
Boxes should be medium adult shoe boxes. I know you may think it more generous to fill a large box but this complicates matters when thousands of boxes have to be packed in special crates for shipment by air.
Your gift will bring a time of joy into the lives of children in various parts of the world – meeting critical needs of victims of war, poverty, famine, disease and natural disasters, while sharing the Good news of Jesus.
Thank youGeoffrey W Wood
Words of wisdom?
In April, Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah Whinfrey on her 70+ birthday. Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older. And, there on television, she said it was "exciting." Regarding body changes, she said there were many, occurring every day...like her breasts. They seem to be in a race to see which will reach her waist first.
The audience laughed so hard they cried. She is such a simple and honest
woman, with so much wisdom in her words!
Maya Angelou said this: "I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way
he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled
Christmas tree lights.
I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll
miss them when they're gone from your life.
I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as "making a
life."
I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on
both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back.
I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually
make the right decision.
I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone.
People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.
I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget
what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Fiddler on the Roof
I have now reserved 30 seats for Friday evening 12th January and 10 seats the Saturday matinée at £16 each. Would you please let me have payment as soon as possible to confirm you want the tickets.
Thank you
Sylvia
Publications: 2007
This really is a final call for anyone to order copies of REFORM, the Bible Reading Notes, the prayer Handbook and Diaries. If you do wish to order any of these please have a word with me as soon as possible. If you wish to see a copy of REFORM or look at the current Reading Notes please ask. You will be aware that copies of the Prayer Handbook are in the church.
Geoffrey W Wood
Christian Resources Exhibition
This year the autumn exhibition takes place at the Harrogate Showground 19th – 21st October and brings together a wide variety of Christian organisations, agencies and speakers who have something to share with other Christians. There are already nine who have expressed an interest in attending and a minibus has been booked for Friday 20th. If anyone else wishes to go to the exhibition please tell Elaine, and if anyone would like to take up any of the spare places in the minibus for a day out in Harrogate please tell Bob.
‘A Life Worth Living’
This nine-week course shows how Paul’s letter to the Philippians gives clear and powerful answers to many of the questions and needs of those living in today’s society. It is designed to be used as a follow-up course to Alpha and I hope that we will find this helpful in our bible study and discipleship.
The course starts on Wednesday 4th October with a meal at 6pm and will then follow the pattern which has proved successful with the Alpha courses. Please contact Bob or Elaine if you intend to come along.
Whirlow
What a weekend! I’m feeling a bit exhausted but quite refreshed. Those of you who went felt Whirlow was a super place. We had fun and fellowship, quiet times and laughter, walking, singing and dancing, creative times and times to just be together. It was good to be together with time to enjoy one another’s company, the food was very nice too. Thank you to Janet for organising the crafts and everyone who helped with worship and the children, who had a whale of a time in the garden and thanks to Bob who pulled it all together in a lovely service.
Being together is so important. Here at Central we have a different role from Christians who live and work for their churches in the same area. We serve the people who come into the city centre. We work very hard at it. This year we didn’t even give ourselves August off from the catering. We work hard at committees, getting displays right, sorting the many problems of keeping Central an attractive place to welcome people and to worship in. We need time together, time just for us. Time to talk to people who we don’t often get the chance to just sit and chat to. Time to allow discussions to move to deeper levels than immediate issues.
Jesus didn’t work on his own. He called the twelve disciples to be with him, not only when he was working hard, but when they just needed time together. They went away together for a while. They regrouped, rested, ate and prayed together. They need time away from the pressures of the work. It was then, away from the crowds, that Jesus explained the parables to them, and when inspirational things happened to them, like the transfiguration.
Next year’s weekend is already booked for 7-9 Sept 07. It’s away this time, at Willersley Castle, a 200 year old grade 2 listed building set in 60 acres of grounds, situated on the outskirts of Cromford just south of Matlock Bath, overlooking the River Derwent. It’s got an indoor swimming pool, putting, angling, snooker room and its own coffee shop. Bob and I are starting the planning process so if you feel that there is something you really want to include in the weekend please have a word with Bob or me a.s.a.p. I look forward to spending some time with you there.Elaine
Harvest Thanksgiving 2006
Our Harvest Thanksgiving Service is on Sunday 8th October and you should be aware that this year we shall be supporting Christian Aid.
Harvest bags were distributed after the Service on 24th September but if you did not receive one please see Marion Ogden.
We are asking you to make a contribution rather than bringing various produce. You might wish to contribute (in the bag) what you would have spent on fruit or flowers – or you may wish to be even more generous. Please bring the bag containing your contribution to church on 8th October. These will be collected during the Service by our young people and put into our ‘treasure chest’. If you will not be in church on Harvest Sunday please give your contribution to Marion, Rosie Hawksworth, Margaret Dale or myself.
The funds will be used to buy ‘Present Aid’ for people living poverty in the Third World.
We have so many ‘treasures’ and we take for granted the things which the poor in the world treasure e.g. clean water, healthcare, food, shelter education and ways of earning a living.
So please think about Harvest and those in the world who need our help to be able to help themselves.
Can you help to change a broken world - by giving?
Geoffrey W Wood
Operation Christmas Child (An idea)
Whilst trawling through their website I have discovered two easy knitting patterns for making glove puppets that would be eminently suitable to go into shoe boxes. I have made copies so if you would like to do some 'organised fidgetting' over the next few weeks please get yourself a copy. Also do pass one on to anyone you know who would be willing to knot one or two. They can always be sent separately to go into another box.
Circle Dancing
After the success of the circle dancing at the church weekend, some members of the church wanted to do it on a regular basis. Hilary has very kindly agreed to run a class on Tuesday afternoons for alternate months when the Tuesday Fellowship is not running. The first class will be next Tuesday 3rd October 1.30 pm until 3 pm. It will cost £2 each. If you would like to know more please contact me or just come along on Tuesday and have a go. It is fun and not strenuous. Looking forward to seeing you next week.
Sylvia
Post Script - It may be that this could be the time when those of us who would like be part of a weight loss support group could come and get some 'light exercise' and also get weighed!!!
Ed
Prayer Focus
Week One
This is celebrated as Dedication Sunday in the URC - the Sunday close to when the URC was inaugurated in 1972. It is a good opportunity to think about what we as individuals and a fellowship have achieved over the past year; but also to consider what we have failed to do. Pray that in the coming months we will look outward to the city and see where we can be useful, and inwards to discover how we can strengthen our faith and prayer life together.
Week Two
I hope that we have all been excited and motivated by the original idea for celebrating Harvest this Sunday. As we focus on the Third World with all the problems faced by its inhabitants, may we remember that they are not faceless people about whom we need not be concerned. They are part of our world, for whom we must care in a practical way, by helping to provide them with all that we take for granted. Pray for them.
Week Three
I read an article in my newspaper today which explained why schools would no longer have an excuse for not holding daily acts of collective worship - which is the law. A Christian education charity, the Damaris Trust, is launching a website with material to down-load. This linked with this week's focus, which is CaSS, (Christians and Sheffield Schools). Their aim is to make connections between church and school. Many children can work their way through the education system with little knowledge of Christianity and the Bible as I discovered when I taught. Pray for this dedicated group of people who try to give children and teenagers some understanding of what Christianity is all about.
Week Four
This coming week is One World Week. Its theme this year is Mind the gap, with the idea of exploring the way trade talks have failed the world's poor, the gap between words and actions on the environment and levels of violence around the world - the gap between friends and enemies. Pray that this will focus those, who have the power to change things and make a difference, to become more active. (www.oneworldweek.org).
Week Five
Today is Bible Sunday. The theme is The way the Bible shapes lives; it uses St Paul's commendation to Timothy to explore the powerful chain reaction that Scripture created in the life of Timothy, his family and beyond. Perhaps a reading of his epistle would be a good way to think of this. (www.biblesunday.org). Bible Sunday celebrates the work of the Bible Society which works to make the Bible available to all.
Headlines
Headline full story...
Central URC runs Alpha courses for those who wish to find out more about the Christian Faith. All are welcome to join them. 