The Minister's Letter

Dear Friends,

Greetings, yet another time, in the name of our Lord Jesus.

Holiday time is almost here, many of you will be thinking about packing your cases and exploring new parts of the world. This time of the year also reminds me that many Methodist manse families will be packing their homes up ready to move to pastures new. Two years ago, Christine and I were doing exactly the same, wondering what life in Dover would be like!

Well, I think after two years, I can say that life is quite busy, not always with actual Church activities, but with some of the other items that one seems to acquire: school governorships, police chaplaincy and refugee work to name but a few! On top of that, I have tried to contribute to the life of Dover by working within the Rotary Club and the Dover Transport Museum. To me this is important because I believe that the Church needs to be going out, not always looking inwards and worrying about buildings, holding numerous meetings and the like!

In a recent edition of the Dover Christian Chronicle, Michael Hinton wrote about the number of clergy changes that Dover is facing. Our Circuit will be involved in them, not least with Gordon and Elaine moving on after eight years amongst you. I hope that John and Eileen will feel as happy here as Gordon and Elaine obviously have. Then there is the exciting chance of conversations with our friends at St. Columba, and the move of Norman Setchell to the hospital chaplaincy at Margate.

All of this is about change, something that some folk find hard to accept. Yet change is part of our lives, after all Jesus totally changed the world! I worry about the future, especially as there are now generations in our society who do not regularly attend Church. Perhaps our holiday may be a good time to reflect on why, and, having reflected, what changes we need to make.

Every success for your times of refreshment and witness.

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

I am yours because I am His.

John

Prayer Tree

I am sorry to have to return to this, but I am still receiving complaints that some messages are not being passed on. Can I repeat my plea that you pass messages on as soon as you receive them. If the next person on your branch of the tree is not available, please jump a name and go to whoever is next. Sadly, what should be a great asset to our fellowship is becoming a bone of contention, something I obviously do not want.

Methodist Relief and Development Fund, Southern Africa Appeal

Grateful thanks to those of you who contributed to the retiring collection for the problems in Southern Africa. As I type this, the amount raised was £47.52

Midweek Holy Communion

I have put it into the notices, but this is an extra reminder that there will not be a midweek Holy Communion in July. The next one will be on Wednesday 14 August.

While thinking about Holy Communion, I would mention that I do take it to a number of folk in their homes. If you are aware of someone who would like to receive Holy Communion in this way, please let me know.

Bible Study

A number of folk have been supporting the Bible studies on the fourth Wednesday of the month, when we have been looking at the Beatitudes, and the fourth Saturday of the month, when we have been looking at miracles and parables. The Bible studies for these two months are on Wednesday 17 July, Saturday 27 July and Wednesday 28 August. I am hopeful, in September on one of these days, to start a series on prayer. More details as they become available.

Activity Holiday for Children in Need

Thanks to everyone who has made donations towards this year's District Activity Holiday for Children in Need which takes place from Sunday 28 July to Saturday 3 August at Carroty Wood Activity Centre. There is still time for anyone else who would like to make a donation to do so - please see Jill Tutthill.

Conversations with St. Columba United Reformed Church

Donald Beck and I had a preliminary meeting with the folk at St. Columba to get some idea of the way ahead for us all. The outcome is that, as a first step, we shall not have a service at London Road on the morning of Sunday 21 July, but we will all worship at St. Columba and share Holy Communion together. Can I ask you all to note this very important date in your diary and further remind you that their service starts at 10.30 a.m. Would mini-bus passengers please note that the bus will be calling for them half an hour earlier than usual, too. Then on Sunday 18 August, our friends at St. Columba will come to London Road for the morning service.

Late Spring Clean

I would like to express my grateful thanks to those folk who turned out for the Saturday morning Spring Clean. We got a great deal of tidying up and clearing away done, especially parts of the Church where there was a great amount of flaking plaster etc. Thanks, also, to Diane Smith for all her hard work, week by week, around the church. Without her efforts our worship would be the loser.

Wilkommen!

We welcome a group of young people from Germany who are worshipping with us today during their weekend stay in Dover. We hope they have an enjoyable visit to Britain.

Operation Sunshine

Our Women's Own had a speaker from Operation Sunshine last week and it was thought that perhaps other people in the church might like to respond to the appeal she made. There is a desperate need for cheap rice and cup-a-soup.

The organisation only sends it to countries where they know it is needed and where they have a representative who will ensure that it reaches the people in need. Anyone who wants to help is asked to give these items to Daphne Gretton.

Open House at the Sheasby's

This year, David and Nancy Sheasby are holding Open House on Friday and Saturday 9 and 10 August at 100 London Road, River. Ploughman's meals (fruit juice, a choice from cheese, ham, pate or tuna salad, dessert and tea or coffee) will be served at 12 noon and 1.15 p.m., and from 5 to 8 p.m. Prior booking of tickets is necessary. Afternoon tea will be available from 3 to 5 p.m. as will coffee in the evening until 9 p.m. when no tickets will be required. All proceeds will be divided between Christian Aid and World Mission.

Centenary Concert

The Centenary Celebration Variety Concert will take place on Saturday 28 September at 7p.m. Admission will be £1, and the programme will, as the title suggests, be very varied. We will also be joined by the Chairman of our District, the Rev. Harvey Richardson, and his wife Carol. Harvey has agreed to play for the concert, too. Watch out for posters in the next couple of weeks. The concert will be publicised to all other CTD churches so that they can "Come and Join The Celebration".

However, prior to the concert, at 5 p.m., there will be a Faith Tea in the Church Hall for London Road members so that we can have some time together, socially, as a Church before we welcome, hopefully, lots of other Christians to join in our celebrations.

European Methodist Festival at Postdam, Berlin (30 July to 3 August 2003)

Looking ahead to next year, this unique event will celebrate the 300th anniversary of John Wesley's birth and is being organised by the European Methodist Council. The Hermannswerder Peninsular is an idyllic setting for this Methodist celebration, surrounded by the Havel Lakes. Nearby are many historic places and numerous beautiful parks and gardens.

The event will draw Methodists from many east and west European countries and it is an opportunity both to share our common heritage and to look forward. The programme reflects the all-age nature of the event, with a choice of Bible studies, Wesley Groups, creative art and other workshops.

More information is available from Colin Ride at the World Church Office, 020 7467 5101/5164.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

14 July - 3 p.m. Port Sunday service at the Lifeboat Station, Cross Wall Quay.

20 July - Hospital Fete at Pencester Gardens.

4 August - 6.30 p.m. Circuit Service at River Methodist Church to say farewell to Elaine and Gordon Newton. There will be no Holy Communion service at London Road that evening.

11 August - 6 p.m. Churches Together in Dover "Songs of Praise" at De Bradelei Wharf. No Holy Communion service at Tower Hamlets that evening.

4 September - Welcome service for Eileen and John Johnson.

28 September - Centenary tea and concert.

Church Family News

During the past month we have seen two lovely, loving members of our fellowship promoted to glory. Both had been ill for some time, so while our thoughts are tinged with sadness, we need to rejoice that for both of them the suffering is over and they are with our Lord

Anne Kennedy

Anne, who died on 8 June aged 81 years, was a very special lady, full of faith, down to earth and knocked about a bit by life. She was in many ways one of life's favourite grannies. I certainly consider myself richly blessed to have been part of her life.

She served in schools, loving children, as indeed she did her own family. One of her interests was the hospice shop in London Road where she worked for 20 years, ironic that she herself had need of the hospice in her closing years. She didn't bear grudges, forgave easily and loved greatly. Her faith was deep; I shall certainly miss her physical presence in my life. We send our love to her family as we all mourn our friend Anne.

Maud Green

Maud, who died on 29 June aged 94 years, was another one of those special ladies of London Road, full of life with a wonderful faith and the most beautiful smile that one can imagine. To be in her presence was really to feel the love of God in action. I shall treasure my visits to her lovely home, especially her wonderful sense of humour and obvious delight in sharing her life with you.

Maud was married at London Road in September 1935. She had survived two World Wars, lost her husband who she dearly loved, but never let it get her down. Her family was important to her, she was always there for them. Quiet by nature, her final illness was borne with courage, dignity and faith. Again, let us send our love to her family as we all mourn our friend Maud.

I know that I speak for all of us when I say that Anne and Maud will both be greatly missed from our church family, especially the Women's Own meeting. Personally, I shall certainly miss the love and support of both of them. Visits to their homes were treasured moments. Can we make our tribute to them by encouraging others to join us?

Ruth and Ron and Sheila have asked us to pass on their thanks to everyone for all their cards of condolence and for all the support they have received. "Special thanks to Graham for playing the organ - it couldn't have been the same without the organ, and also extra special thanks to Peter for singing the Old Rugged Cross. Mum always loved to hear Peter sing and we know how touched she would have been - it was very favourite hymn," said Ruth. "A big thank you to John Lines who has been a tower of love and support to us throughout Mum's illness, and thanks to everyone who came to the service or who has supported us. God bless you all."

Betty Allen

We were also sorry to hear that Betty Allen had died. We treasure the times she shared in the worship with us here at London Road, and how she travelled on the mini-bus to the services and meetings.

We send our sympathy to Mervyn Flecknoe and Christine (nee Ruffell), following the death of Mervyn's father at an LPMA Home at Grange Over Sands,

We remember the families of Maud Green, Anne Kennedy, Betty Allen, Naomi Sharp, Doris Smith and Cyril Hopper as they mourn their loved ones. Sadie Gledhill from Tower is back in the William Harvey Hospital, and Hilda Driver has had another spell in hospital. We keep Molly Hodgson, Margaret Machin, Betty O'Connell Rae Smith, Ruby Wahlers, George Craven, Cliff Evans (Tower Hamlets), and Brian Jacobs in our prayers as they recover from their hospital treatment. Leslie Tutthill was not too well the other day but has recovered now, and we remember him in our prayers as he prepares to go into hospital this Friday for an eye operation. We continue to pray for all those who are unwell in their own homes, or in residential homes, especially thinking of Margaret Craven, Edie and Winnie Seelly, John Bates, Ossie Hodgson and Colin Thompson at this time.

Colin Thompson would like to thank everyone who has prayed and still is praying for him after his stroke in February. These prayers are much appreciated.

Those of you who have been reading of a trial at the Old Bailey concerning a professional snooker player accused of attacking a 21-year-old student in the Savoy Hotel may have noticed that the prosecution case is being presented by barrister Irena Ray-Crosby. That name will probably ring a bell with some of our older members as Irena is the daughter of our former Minister the Rev Geoff Crosby and his wife Wyvis. We watch the progress she is making in her legal career with interest and affection.

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 Alan Sugden, Evelyn Tutthill, Daphne Gretton, Marion Scrivener, Ossie Hodgson, Margery Bones, George Craven, Eileen Ward, Gwen Bates, Ruby Wahlers, Rosemary Richards, Sonny and Vi Mills, David Morris, Mary Bond, Hilda Welburn, Sue Moat, Peter Burton, John Bates, Eileen Smith, May Griffin, Olive Morris, Ron and Irene Sutton, Doris Barker, Eileen Tolhurst, Anne Taylor, Myra Strelow, Doris Greenfield, Wally Watts, Jessie West, Edith and Winnie Seelly, Keith Button, Eva Buttifint, Peggy Heritage and May Lancaster;

those away from Dover, including Vron Tutthill, Sarah Atkins, 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, Edna Tutt, Christina Edge and Reg Payne;

those who mourn including the families and friends of Anne Kennedy, Maud Green, Gwen Goff and Doris Smith.

GORDON AND ELAINE'S FAREWELL

As you know, Gordon and Elaine's last Sunday with us will be 4 August. At 6.30 p.m. there will be a circuit service at River, led by Stephen Robinson and with Gordon preaching. This will be followed by tea and coffee in the lower hall, and then at about 8 p.m. by a more informal gathering in the church when we shall be joined by friends from other churches in Dover, and by representatives of groups and organisations Gordon has worked with during his eight years here. We hope you will be able to join in this thanksgiving for Gordon and Elaine's ministry among us.

We are pleased to say that Elaine will still be coming back to Dover three days a week as she has accepted a part-time appointment as a pastoral worker with Cross-Links.

TOWER HAMLETS

Our Sunday School meets each Sunday at 11 a.m. and are always pleased to welcome any children who wish to join them.

The Women’s League is on Mondays at 2.30 p.m. and a warm welcome awaits any ladies who wish to join us. The programme for July is 8 – Mrs. V. Donne; 15 – Tea party at 15 Eric Road. We then adjourn for the summer and meet again on 2 September.

The Fellowship will meet on Tuesday 9 July at 7.15 p.m. at Flat 3, Gregory House, East Street.

It was lovely to see Emma Evans at morning worship looking so well and bonny. Sadie Gledhill is in hospital recovering from yet another major operation and is in considerable pain. Please remember Sadie in your prayers as well as Mary Page and our members in residential homes, May Lancaster and Edie and Winnie Seelly. Congratulations to Hilda Johns who celebrated her 80th birthday on 18 June.

SHEPHERDSWELL

We were very sorry to hear that Marion Youngman's mother died when she was on holiday - we send her and all her family our deepest sympathy.

Next Sunday, 14 July, the preacher for the Sea Sunday service will be the Rev. John Lines.

On 21 July, Village Praise will be held at the railway, and this will be Gordon's last time at Shepherdswell.

The coffee morning is at 2 Church Hill from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on 17 July and is in aid of the Aspen Unit at Whitfield. Everyone is welcome.

JULY AND AUGUST ROTAS

MINI-BUS: Sunday 7 July – Margaret Tutthill; 14 – Colin Hadden; 21 – (30 minutes earlier than usual) Graham Tutthill; 28 – Shirley Carr; 4 August – David Galley; 11 – Colin Hadden; 18 – Margaret Tutthill; 25 – Shirley Carr; 1 September – David Galley.

FLOWER ROTA: Sunday 7 July – Miss Andrea Waters; 14 – Mrs. Vi Mills; 21 – Service at St. Columba U.R.C 28 – Mrs. Nell Stevens; 4 August – Volunteer needed, please; 11 – Another volunteer needed please; 18 – Mrs. Dorothy Noel; 25 – Mrs. Gertie Nightingale; 1 September – Mrs. Doris Friend.

WOMEN’S OWN: Mondays at 3 p.m. 8 July – Tessa George; 15 – Rev. John Lines; 22 – Party. There are then no more meetings until 9 September.

MINI-BUS DRIVERS FOR WOMEN’S OWN: 8 July – Peter Hogg and Ken Vincent; 15 – Colin Hadden and Brian Jacobs; 22 – Ruth Edwards and Valerie Bowes.

CUBS: Mondays from 6 to 7.30 p.m.

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

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

SOUP AND SANDWICHES: Wednesdays at 6 p.m. 10 July – Peter Hogg, Nora Watson and Clarice King. 17 – Shirley Dowle, Rae Smith and Tessa George; 24 – Jill and Ellie; 31 – Blossom Wright, The Ark; 7 Aug – Jill and Ellie; 14 – Louise Gilbert and Lisa Dawn; 21 – Brian Wimsett and Ken Hammond; 28 – Linda and Derek Leach, 5 September – Peter Hogg, Nora Watson and Clarice King.

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 September edition of "The Messenger" should be handed to Graham Tutthill by Sunday 25 August, please.