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The Messenger, October 2002, No. 598 The Minister's Letter Dear Friends, Greetings, once again, in the name of our Lord Jesus. Last month, Holly and Jessica, this month, Milly. The number of murders of young people, and others, in our society seems to be on the increase. I find this a terrible indictment of the way our society is going, especially when police officers seem to be involved in some of the less savoury aspects of life! Sadly, a number of leading members of our society act in a manner that does not give much of an example to others. Fame and position are great to enjoy, but bring with them a responsibility that some seem unprepared or unable to accept. On top of this, the number of young children who are abused, either by family or strangers, is also on the increase. The media recently highlighted the appalling death that a little one had suffered after months of terrible torture and abuse. On the occasions that I have the opportunity to share with our younger members at Girls' Brigade or Junior Church, I realise just what a wonderful gift young lives are for all of us. It is with these thoughts in my mind that I come to this month's message. Sadly, I have to confess that I am at a loss to see a way ahead in regard of the society we are part of. The more I reflect on that society, the more I see a future that is not very palatable! Yet, the Gospel that you and I are proclaiming is a living, vibrant thing that can, has and will change lives. Each of us, in his or her life, is a living testament to that fact. I am still excited about the chances that God is presenting us with, especially those that will challenge society to look at some of the things that I have mentioned, both last and this month. It is easy to bury our heads in the Church and not worry about the world around us, but that is not the Christian way. We are not a cosy members only Club, we are Christ's body here on earth, and, I am sure that He has plans for us. Let us be ever vigilant for the opportunities He will give us to care His love and care to those in need. Christine joins me in sending our love and best wishes. I am yours because I am His. John 3rd Dover Girls' Brigade to close!? One of the items that I value most at London Road is our Girls' Brigade Company. To me it is a real jewel in the crown! However, the above headline could become reality if we don't all contribute to the young ladies who join the Company and, therefore, our Church family. We have been richly blessed by the work of the staff, and past staff members, but times are hard now. We in the 3rd Dover need support, not only by word, but also in prayer, in people's help and ideas. I and other members of staff, believe in the Girls' Brigade and the work it does to help the Church's mission. My question must be: "Do you?" If you answer yes, how about giving the staff a hand or suggesting people that may be able to help? St. Columba I hope that, like me, you are all enjoying getting to know our friends at St. Columba. Obviously there are problems with moving between the churches, not least the earlier worship time there and the stairs to climb. But I am sure that the Lord is guiding our mission in this way. Please pray for the discussions that will be taking place in the next few weeks about the way ahead for all of us.
I have done the new Prayer Trees and all of you who expressed an interest to me should have received your personal copy. May I ask you all to read the instruction sheet and make sure you know who is next on the list after the person you would normally ring. REMEMBER, if you can not get through to the next person on the list, move to the next in line. I look forward to no more complaints! There I go again, ever the optimist!
I recently had to furnish our Superintendent Minister with details of Church workers and representatives for the Circuit Directory. I must admit that I was surprised when I realised how many vacancies we have! We need the following posts filled, hopefully very soon! LONDON ROAD Cradle Roll Secretary World Church representative on the Missions Committee Social Responsibility representative Ecumenical Liaison Officer (now there's a grand title!) Secretary to the Management Committee, formerly known as Property Secretary Representative to Circuit Bricks and Mortar Committee
Representative to Circuit Sharing the Gospel Committee Representative to Circuit Spiritual Maintenance Committee Please pray about these posts and see whether YOU are the ONE for ANY of them! LONDON ROAD WESLEY GUILD Please don't forget that Guild recommences on Tuesday 8 October at 7.30 p.m. The Guild is an open Christian fellowship for people of ALL ages, meeting weekly from October to May each year, apart from January. The Guild provides an interesting programme on various topics, Christian service, cultural, devotional, music and social, serving as a meeting point where folk can explore their faith and wider interests in an informal and relaxing atmosphere. In my previous Churches I took many Guild evenings and enjoyed them - I am not sure about my audience. PLEASE take up this invitation. I am sure that you will receive a loving welcome. Cycle Ride Many thanks to all who helped on the day of the sponsored cycle ride for Kent churches on 14 September. Perhaps next year we will have cyclists or walkers from our church. Clarice King
There will be a barn dance on Saturday 12 October at 7.30 p.m. at St. Columba Church Hall. Linda Hayward has tickets, price £3.50 which includes a ploughman's supper. Centenary Concert Our thanks to all those who took part in the church's centenary concert last Saturday, and thanks to everyone who attended, too. We were particularly pleased to welcome the Chairman of the District, the Rev. Harvey Richardson, who performed violin solos. Other items ranged from various instrumental solos and duets to songs, and from drama and comedy to monologues. Our thanks to the performers Sylvia Dolbear, Victoria and Elizabeth Beck, Harriet and Hannah Crowley, Peter Booth, Donald Beck, Andy Goldsack, Linda Hayward, Ken Vincent, Alan Sugden, Doris Friend, Gertie Nightingale and Lou Young. DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 6 October - London Road Harvest Festival. The River October alternative service led by Arthur Salisbury (normally on the second Saturday evening of each month) has been changed to the following week, 19 October, because of the Barn Dance on 12 October.
It is with some sorrow that I write this next paragraph, but I really feel the time has come for me to relinquish the editorship of "The Messenger". As you can imagine, it's not something I have decided to do lightly. This newsletter, in its current form, was started by my grandfather in 1950, and I helped him produce it for some time in the early 1970s before he retired as editor and I took over in November 1973. Those of you who notice such things will have realised that the edition which is due to be produced in December this year will be number 600, and that seems an appropriate time for me to call it a day. In addition, it seems to me that part of the function of "The Messenger" has been taken over by the weekly notice sheet, which now contains as much (if not more) detail of events and happenings as this newsletter does. Perhaps someone else will be able to give "The Messenger" an injection of new life. So, the time has come. I am sorry to add to the list of "Situations Vacant" our Minister
mentioned earlier, but I would be pleased to hear from anyone who would like to
take on the production of "The Messenger" in the hope we can work together
during the next two months to enable a smooth change-over in
January.
This month we have a very special event in our church family. Ken and Ruby Nye are celebrating their Golden Wedding anniversary. It was 50 years ago on 18 October that they were married in our church here at London Road. We would all like to join in congratulating them, and wishing them well for their celebrations. Several birthday congratulations this month, too. Evelyn Fuller was 98 yesterday (Saturday, October 5), and Miriam Knights will be 91 on 18 October. Both these ladies were connected with our Circuit Ladies Choir in years gone by. I'm sorry we missed a few special birthdays last month which should have been mentioned in the September edition of the newsletter. Sonny Mills was 93, Gwen Bates was 95 and Doris Barker was 91. Happy birthday to one and all! Sarah Atkins has been chosen to go to a Community Service Volunteers' conference in Bonn, and we hope she has an interesting and enjoyable time. Chris Tutthill returned from a three-week holiday in Canada having had a very enjoyable time, and having achieved one of his ambitions - a freefall/parachute jump from 11,000 feet! Paul Tutthill flew out from Heathrow on Thursday to spend two weeks with Sid and Jayne Robbins and their family in America before going on to Australia where he plans to spend up to a year, working and travelling. We wish him well in his travels. Talking of Australia, Angela Fabian (Ken and Ruby's niece and Jill's cousin) gave birth to Luke on Tuesday. We congratulate Angela and her husband John. Hilda Driver's son Andrew has just completed 25 years working with Elkington Gatic (formerly Dover Engineering Works) and we congratulate him. He has expressed his thanks to Jack Ash for all the help and support he gave him in the course of his job. Jack would also like to thank everyone for their good wishes while he was poorly following his fall. Timothy Johns has recently undergone surgery and has asked us to pass on this message: "On behalf of Emma, Rebecca, Benjamin and Alexander I would like to thank everyone at London Road for the expressions of concern, prayers and best wishes which Mum has passed on to me. It really has been a support to know that so many people care during what has been a worrying time. The prognosis is good and I have one more visit to the hospital in the near future, which will hopefully be the final hurdle. We look forward to seeing you all next time we're in Dover." We remember the families of Mary Bond, Maud Green and Anne Kennedy as they mourn their loved ones. Hilda Driver is still in William Harvey Hospital. Margaret Craven and Ossie Hodgson have both had appointments for surgery cancelled and await new dates; hopefully this will be sorted out during the coming weeks. Hilda Welburn is due to have eye surgery this week, and we are sorry to hear that Ruby Nye has not been feeling too well in recent days. We keep Sadie Gledhill, Molly Hodgson, Margaret Machin, Margaret McKenzie, Betty O'Connell and George Craven in our prayers as they recover from their hospital treatment. We continue to pray for all those who are unwell in their own home, or in residential homes, especially thinking of Margaret Craven, Mary Page, Edie and Winnie Seelly, John Bates, Ossie Hodgson and Colin Thompson at this time. In your personal prayers, please also remember . . . Kay and Mark Hammond, who were married in our church last Saturday; Alan Sugden, Daphne Gretton, Marion Scrivener, Margery Bones, Ruby Nye, Eileen Ward, Gwen Bates, Ruby Wahlers, Rosemary Richards, Sonny and Vi Mills, David Morris, Hilda Welburn, Eileen Smith, May Griffin, Olive Morris, Ron and Irene Sutton, Doris Barker, Eileen Tolhurst, Anne Taylor, Myra Strelow, Doris Greenfield, Wally Watts, Jessie West, Keith Button, Eva Buttifint, Peggy Heritage and May Lancaster; those away from Dover, including Vron Tutthill, Paul Tutthill, Sarah Atkins, Lisa Speakman, Andrew Booth, Robert Dunstone, Hazel Griffiths, Gordon and Elaine Newton, 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. TOWER HAMLETS Win Moon has been away, looking after her sister and brother-in-law. Sylvia has been in hospital and we wish her improving health in the near future. Our Sunday School meets each Sunday at 11 a.m. We have been pleased to welcome Caroline and Christopher who have just recently moved to this area from Margate, and also their parents. Any children wishing to join us will be made very welcome. The Womens League meets on Mondays at 2.30 p.m. and a warm welcome awaits any ladies who wish to join us. The programme for October is 7 Rev. John Lines; 14 Mrs. Sue Brockman; 21 and 28 to be arranged. The Fellowship will meet on Tuesday 29 October at 7.15 p.m. at the home of Sheena Evans.. Anyone wishing to join us will be very welcome. We are starting a study on The Way of Jesus, based on St. Luke's Gospel. Other dates: 14 October Circuit Meeting 7.30 p.m. 3 November Gift Day SHEPHERDSWELL
On 20 October, Village Praise will be conducted by the Rev. Andrew Way. The coffee morning is at 2 Church Hill from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on 16 October and is in aid of the Afghan Educational Trust. Everyone is welcome.
LOVE IN A SHOEBOX Last year we helped in this scheme to send parcels to children in poorer countries. If you would like to help again, please contact Shirley Dowle in the hall after the service, or phone her on Dover 204373, for a form and to ask any questions. Let's see if we can supply more boxes than last year to help less fortunate children. ________________________________________________________________________________________
MINI-BUS: Sunday 6 October Colin Hadden; 13 David Galley; 20 Graham Tutthill; 27 Shirley Carr; 3 November Colin Hadden.. FLOWER ROTA: Sunday 6 October Harvest Flowers; 13 Mrs. Sue Moat; 20 Mrs. Rosemary Richards; 27 Mr. Jack Ash; 3 November Mrs. Hilda Driver. SERVICES: Sunday 6 October Harvest Festival 11 a.m. Rev. John Lines; 6 p.m. Holy Communion with the Rev. John Lines; 13 Mr. Arthur Salisbury; 20 when we welcome our friends from St. Columba, Rev. John Lines; 27 Mrs. Sue Brockman; 3 November 11 a.m. Rev. John Lines; 6 p.m. Rev. John Lines (including Holy Communion). WOMENS OWN: Mondays at 3 p.m. 7 October Harvest Service; 14 Phyl and Doris; 21 Rev. John Lines; 28 Sue Brockman. MINI-BUS DRIVERS FOR WOMENS OWN: 7 October Peter Hogg and Brian Jacobs; 14 Colin Hadden and Ken Vincent; 21 Judith Jacobs and Brian Jacobs; 28 Ruth Edwards and Valerie Bowes; 4 November Judith Jacobs 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. 8 October Holy Communion in the Church; 15 Vice-Presidents Evening; 22 Music in the hall, Scottish Dancing; 29 Christian Service, Miss Kay Edmundson who will talk about the Youth Hostel Association. MOTHER AND TODDLER GROUP: The group meets every Wednesday at 1.15 p.m. SOUP AND SANDWICHES: Wednesdays at 6 p.m. 9 October Linda and Derek Leach; 16 Peter Hogg, Nora Watson and Clarice King; 23 Shirley Dowle, Rae Smith and Tessa George; 30 Jill and Ellie; 6 November Louise Gilbert and Lisa Dawn. 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 October edition of "The Messenger" should be sent
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