The Minister's Letter

Dear Friends,

Another chance to send you greetings in the name of Jesus!

I hope that, like me, you were thrilled to see last month's "Messenger" - Graham certainly deserves our thanks for the hard work he had put into making it a very memorable edition to recall 100 special years! He must have spent a great many hours researching all the items that he provided for our delectation. History is a fascinating thing, especially when you are able to see the vision of others!

It was also good to have our Chairman and his wife, the Rev. Harvey and Mrs Carol Richardson, with us for our special celebration day. I hope that the Covenant Service meant something to you all. Sorry about those new membership cards - not my idea I am pleased to say!

One of the highlights of the Circuit Service in the afternoon was the dedication of the Centenary Scrapbook. Linda Hayward has worked so hard to gather it all together, a fitting keepsake for those generations who are to come. Please make sure you book your turn to take the scrapbook home and peruse its contents.

One of the things that struck me, in reading about those who built the church, was their total commitment to what they felt God was calling them to.

No doubt we are facing problems now, not only in terms of the building, but also in terms of numbers. My prayer is that each of us, in his or her own way, will renew their commitment to witnessing for God through our fellowship at London Road.

Although our building may be time expired, no way do I believe that God has given up on us. There is much to do - are YOU ready to take on your share of God's work?

Christine joins me in wishing you all every blessing for the times ahead.

I am yours because I am His.

John

Bible Study

Once again, I take the opportunity to remind folk that London Road is having Bible Study sessions on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. and the third or fourth Saturday at 10 a.m. We are looking at the Beatitudes on Wednesdays and Miracles/Parables at the Saturday sessions. ALL are very welcome. Please watch the notices for dates.

Lent Studies

Talking of Bible studies reminds me that last year we had a joint series with folk from St. Columba United Reformed Church. The Rev. Norman Setchell has approached me about a similar grouping this year. I hope that we shall be able to arrange something together. Last year, we tried to alternate between the two churches in the evenings. Is anyone happier for us to meet during the day? Please watch the notices for dates, times and venues.

Guild

Don't forget that the Guild re-commences its meetings this Tuesday, 5 February, at 7.30 p.m. Members are always delighted to welcome new friends to these very interesting evenings. Please speak to Brian Jacobs, the secretary, if you want further details.

Centenary Pens

Evelyn Tutthill has some pens for sale to mark the centenary of the church. She would be delighted to sell you one - or more - at 50 pence each.

Midweek Holy Communion

May I remind you that the February Holy Communion will be this Wednesday, 6 February, not the 13th. This is due to the Ministerial Synod being on the 13th. I know where I would rather be!

David Sheasby

It is not often that we have the pleasure of welcoming a new Local Preacher into the ranks of accredited Local Preachers in the Circuit. On Monday 11 February we will be welcoming David Sheasby in this way. The service will be held at River Methodist Church at 7.30 p.m. when the preacher will be David's son, the Rev. Peter Sheasby. Please come and support David at this special act of worship.

Welcome to the new Minibus

The new church minibus is being dedicated at this morning's service (Sunday 3 February), and it will be on show after the service for anyone who wants to have a closer look at it. It will make its first journey tomorrow (Monday) afternoon to pick up the Women's Own members. It has seat belts for every passenger, and we hope it will be more comfortable than the previous vehicle. Our thanks to Keith for arranging the purchase of the new mini-bus, and also to the drivers who not only give up their time on Sundays and Mondays, but have also spent some time - most of them yesterday (Saturday) - taking the new bus out to get used to it, again, arranged by Keith. Unlike the previous mini-buses, this one is owned by the church. We are grateful to the Stephen Lewis Benevolent Fund which has financed all the previous mini-buses for the past 30 years, and to the Lilian Pelham legacy, the interest from which has been used to buy this vehicle. Perhaps now is a good time to ask those who use the mini-bus to remember that the vehicle does cost a considerable sum to keep on the road and run. Please be realistic in your donations to the mini-bus fund.

Bibles for Africa

Phyl Gay would like to thank the members of London Road and Tower Hamlets who sent Bibles and donations following the appeal by the Bible Society for the collection of "Bibles for Africa".

Hymns and songs

Don't forget that we are planning to produce our own hymn book, so that we can include some of the old and new hymns and songs that we would like to sing at our services. Do you have any suggestions for what you would like to be included? Please let Graham Tutthill know.

Church Family News

We have been sorry to hear this weekend that Maud Darch has died. She had been very ill in St. Thomas's Hospital in London following a minor operation. Please remember her family in your prayers.

Winnie Seelly is now back at Tregarthen after her sojourn in Buckland Hospital, Sadie Gledhill (Tower Hamlets) is now home after her operation, and we remember her, Rae Smith, George Craven and Cliff Evans (Tower) as they recover from their surgery. Hilda Driver is back in hospital again. We still have to remember our broken bones brigade. Daphne Gretton has now had the plaster removed, Mollie Hodgson is still not free of pain - and Ossie isn't too well at the moment - while Evelyn Tutthill is continuing to regain her mobility. Sonny Mills has been feeling a little under the weather after a fall, although we have been pleased to see him back at church in the past couple of weeks. Naomi Sharp is still feeling sad after George's death, and has now gone into hospital.

Eileen Ward (Ruby Nye's sister) has not been well recently, and she is currently taking a break in Maidstone House. We wish her well.

Myra Strewlow and Doris Greenfield have written from St. Mary's Residential Home to thank the church for the hyacinths which were sent to them at Christmas. "It was a kind thought and much appreciated," they said.

We congratulate Mrs. Olive Morris who is in her 90s and celebrates her birthday on 15 February, and Mrs. Joyce Stacey who is 90 on 29 February (even though there isn't one this year!)

In your personal prayers, please remember...

those of our church family who are ill, suffering the problems of age, and those who are housebound or in residential care, including Evelyn Tutthill, Margery Bones, George Craven, Eileen Ward, Gwen Bates, Ruby Wahlers, Rosemary Richards, Sonny and Vi Mills, David Morris, Mary Bond, Hilda Welburn, Maud Green, Sue Moat, Peter Burton, John Bates, Naomi Sharp, Eileen Smith, May Griffin, Olive Morris, Ron and Irene Sutton, Doris Bailey, Doris Barker, Eileen Tolhurst, Anne Taylor, Myra Strelow, Doris Greenfield, Wally Watts, Jessie West, Edith and Winnie Seelly, Gwen Goff, Betty Allen, Keith Button, Eva Buttifint, Peggy Heritage and May Lancaster;

those away from Dover, including Vron Tutthill, Lisa Speakman, Andrew Booth, Robert Dunstone, Hazel Griffiths, Sid and Jayne Robbins and Henry and Sterling, Joyce and Alan Norman, Alan and Stephanie Warrell, Malcolm and Jennifer Cleaver, David and Rachel Cloke, Angela and Neil Baker, Andrew and Cath Powell, Joan Walker, Edna Tutt, Christina Edge and Reg Payne;

those who mourn including the family and friends of Maud Darch, and William Ferguson, of the Guston farming family, whose funeral service was held at our church last Monday.

TOWER HAMLETS

Please pray for Sadie Gledhill and Cliff Evans, both recovering from operations, and Mary Page still far from well. Winnie Seelly has now returned to Tregarthan.

Our Sunday School meets each Sunday at 11 a.m. and a warm welcome awaits all children.

The Women’s League meets on Mondays at 2.30 p.m. All ladies wishing to join us will be very welcome. The February programme is: 4 - Members' Afternoon; 11 - Rev. John Lines; 18 - Scripture Market; 25 - Mrs. Sue Brockman.

The Fellowship meets on Tuesday 19 February at 7.15 p.m. at Issy Bailey's home. A warm welcome awaits anyone wishing to join us.

The Church Council meets on Tuesday 5 February at 7.15 p.m.

SHEPHERDSWELL

The preacher at the morning service on 10 February, at 10.15 a.m. is the Rev. Gordon Newton. Village Praise is at 6 p.m. on 17 February, also conducted by the Rev. Gordon Newton.

The coffee morning at 2 Church Hill from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on 20 February is for the Red Cross.

The Rev. John Johnson has been appointed Circuit Superintendent from September, when Gordon and Elaine move to the Plumstead Circuit.

FEBRUARY ROTAS

MINI-BUS: Sunday 3 February - David Galley; 10 - Colin Hadden; 17 - Shirley Carr; 24 - Margaret Tutthill; 3 March - David Galley.

FLOWER ROTA: Sunday 3 February - Mrs. Doreen Hallybone; 10 - Mrs. Jan Goldsack; 17 - Mrs. Ruby Wahlers; 24 - Mrs. Phyllis Galley; 3 March - Mrs. Dorothy Cloke.

PREACHERS: Sunday 3 February - 11 a.m. Family Service with the Rev. John Lines; 6 p.m. - Rev. John Lines, including Holy Communion; 10 - Mrs. Elaine Newton; 17 - Rev. John Lines, including Holy Communion; 24 - 11 a.m. Mr. Arthur Salisbury; 3 March - 11 a.m. Rev. John Lines; 6 p.m. Rev. Gordon Newton, including Holy Communion.

WOMEN’S OWN: Mondays at 3 p.m. 4 February - Scripture Market; 11 - Mrs. Betty Davey; 18 - Rev. John Lines; 25 - Rev. John Churcher.

MINI-BUS DRIVERS FOR WOMEN’S OWN: 4 February - Colin Hadden and Valerie Bowes; 11 - Ruth Edwards and Ken Vincent; 18 - Peter Hogg and Brian Jacobs; 25 - Ruth Edwards and Valerie Bowes; 4 March - Ruth Edwards and Ken Vincent.

CUBS: Mondays from 6 to 7.30 p.m.

METHODIST AMATEUR DRAMATICS (MAD): Mondays at 7.45 p.m.

GUILD: Tuesdays at 7.30 p.m. 5 February - Devotional evening with the Rev. Gordon Newton who will be speaking about the Hymns of Fred Pratt Green; 12 - Home Missions; 19 - Musical evening with Linda and Ken; 26 - Christian Service with the Rev. John Churcher talking about Christians Together in Dover.

MOTHER AND TODDLER GROUP: The group meets every Wednesday at 1.15 p.m.

SOUP AND SANDWICHES: Wednesdays at 6 p.m. 6 February - Peter Hogg, Nora Watson and Clarice King; 13 - Shirley Dowle, Gertie Nightingale and Tessa George; 20 - Jill and Ellie; 27 - Blossom Wright (Ark); 6 March - Brian Winsett and Ken Hammond; 13 - Louise Gilbert and Lisa Dixon.

GIRLS’ BRIGADE: Thursday evenings - 6 to 7 p.m. Explorers (aged 5 to 8 years); 6 to 7.30 p.m. Juniors (8 to 11 years); 7.45 to 9 p.m. Seniors and Brigaders (11 to 14 plus).

LADIES KEEP FIT GROUP: Thursdays at 7.15 p.m.

Items for the March edition of "The Messenger" should be handed to Graham Tutthill by Sunday 17 February, please.