This month “The Messenger” has been compiled by Wendy and Colin as an answer to John Lines’ request for someone to take it over from him.

Any comments or constructive criticism about the new layout would be gratefully received.

John’s Ramblings

Dear Friends,

Greetings in the name of Jesus!

I have left writing my thoughts for “The Messenger” to the very latest possible time this month! Why? Well, I wanted to be able to reflect on the meeting of the three Church Councils at St. Columba on 20 February. Now I feel a bit like a child in a toyshop with some money to spend, but everything is more expensive than the money I have!

I am really thrilled that God has moved the hearts of three congregations, with no coercion from outside, to think about coming together. It was heartening to hear people speaking their minds, also clapping when other speakers made points. Recent history has not been good for some of you but you are really prepared to put that aside and look to the future, a future that I believe is going to bring very rich rewards for God’s mission here in our part of Dover.

Yet, we must not forget that there are many hurdles to encounter, our denominations and Churches Together in Kent to name but a couple! The meeting appointed a committee of three people from each congregation to look at a sharing agreement and report back to a further meeting of the three Church Councils on 10 March. Will you please keep that little group in your prayers as they seek to see the way that God is pointing us all?

My vision is of a wonderful Christian Community Centre providing our area with a focal point for not only worship but for outreach to the disadvantaged, the old and the young. Just as the toyshop looked unobtainable, so perhaps some of my dream does at the present time! Yet, with God, everything is possible. Maybe our friends from Charlton Parish may feel called to join with us in this GIANT step of faith. Let us hope that this will be so.

I remember once someone saying to me “you haven’t seen anything yet” when I was admiring a particular motorcycle restoration. Now, I believe that we three churches have truly not seen the best. Let’s be sure that EACH of us puts his or her best into this exciting opportunity!

I am yours because I am His – John L. Lines

Circuit News

Coming to our Senses

By Linda Hayward

This was the title of the District Weekend led by Stella Bristow at Herne Bay Court in February. We were led to a deeper understanding of God through our five senses and fellowship with each other.

The first sense was that of Sight. Visual symbols were laid out in the main meeting room representing the spiritual life in the form of a textile river with stones, logs, statues, small candles, flowers, sea shells, pebbles and soft toys. This was a riot of colour and a feast for the eyes as well as a focus for our silent thoughts. As the weekend progressed the display was subtly changed to link in with the topic of discussion.

Each session involved a Bible reading followed by Stella leading us in her thoughts on it and then getting into groups of about eight people to tackle some questions. Each group had an enabler who helped our discussion keep on track. What was discussed was confidential and there was no reporting back to the whole assembly. As a consequence we got to know the members of our group at a deeper level and it was sad when the weekend came to an end and we had to part.

Finding our Place was an introductory session on Friday night in which we learned to relax and let the stresses of the day disappear and introduced ourselves to our group.

The first session on Saturday as entitled A Touching Place and the Biblical reading was Mark Chapter 5 verses 21 to 43. This was the story of Jairus’s daughter and the woman who touched the hem of Jesus’ clothes. Stella pointed out the differences of attitudes in the way Jewish society dealt with the woman and Jairus. Jesus exposed the injustice of the Law, and it was significant that the woman HAD faith but Jairus had to be TOLD to have faith.

A Fragrant Offering with the story of the jat of perfume being poured over Jesus by a woman as described in Mark Chapter 14 verses 3 to 10 was the next part to be explored. Perfume was a precious gift in the ancient world because it was extremely expensive. The woman gave all of it to Jesus and He accepted the gift despite protests from those present. It was the custom to provide scented oils for guests to anoint their head, hands and feet. At the end of this session we were invited to dip our finger into a bowl of perfumed olive oil and to write the initial of our Christian name on the palm of our hand as we left the room.

A Feast of Good Things dealt with the wedding at Cana and Jesus’ first miracle as described in John Chapter 2 verses 1 to 11. There was wine in abundance because of Jesus’ action. When we went into our groups we were given a plate of bread and grapes to share and we were told to tell each other an experience of a significant meal. Then we were to expect two strangers from another group to arrive, while we dispatched two of our group to move on to another group. The visitors then told their stories and we extended our hospitality to them.

Listening to our Rhythm was the first session of Sunday morning. It took the form of listening to many pieces of music to try to identify them, then experimenting in partnership with another person to produce musical notes and see whether we could be in harmony, concord or discord. We heard different versions of hymn singing and playing on a CD, using original instrumentation used in the churches at the time of Thomas Hardy, and a CD of Maddy Prior and the Carnival Band.

The last session before lunch was Seeing Beyond. The Biblical reference was John Chapter 20 verses 1 to 18, the story of Mary at the empty tomb and her encounter with Jesus. Groups met for the first time in discussion. We were invited to inspect a stone or pebble collected during the free time on Saturday, having become familiar with our stone from that time. Then we passed our stone to someone else to look at, before receiving it back and putting on the visual display as we left the room. We were also invited to light a candle for anyone or anything that was on our hearts.

The closing session took the form of the Holy Communion service under the title A Place at the Table. The Rev. Harvey Richardson led this.

Saturday night involved great fun and laughter, when we entertained ourselves by way of a home-grown concert. Our circuit performed as a choir singing a well-known hymn tune to some unusual words. Other contributions included music, drama, anecdotes, recitations, jokes, poetry and much more.

God blessed us abundantly in so many ways. Although we were there for a serious purpose there was a lot of humour along the way. For myself it was a time of growing in my relationship with God. I hope everybody experienced the same thing.

Christmas Quiz

The Christmas Quiz raised £65 for the Church Funds. It should have been £75 but one entry and a kind donation of £10 has been lost in the post. I would like to thank everyone who took part and the winner was Mrs. Margaret Atkins with all correct answers and Mrs. Betty Dutton of River Methodist came 2nd with just one incorrect answer.

Phyl Gay

DOING ANYTHING ON SHROVE TUESDAY?

If not, why not get a ticket from Don Beck or your church representative for the Circuit Network Barn Dance and Pancake evening at River!!!!! Tickets are only £3 and you are assured of a convivial evening. Just think of all the dieting after those delicious pancakes!

So 4th March is a date for your diary!

DOVER DEANERY MEN’S FELLOWSHIP

I have mentioned this in the weekly messages at London Road, but thought that it ought to go to a wider readership! I received a letter from our Superintendent Minister, the Rev. John Johnson, as a result of a letter had received from Mr. W.E. Parkinson, the secretary of the Dover Deanery Men’s Fellowship. The Fellowship was founded 35 years ago and meets five times a year in different parishes in the Deanery. They meet at 7 p.m. for a service of Holy Communion followed by a meal and a guest speaker, finishing at 10 p.m. Cost of the meal is £3 per person.

Apparently a couple of men from the circuit already attend regularly, the invitation is now open to all men. If you are interested please speak to the Rev. John Johnson as soon as possible.

Tower news

When the Church Council met on 4 February, it was regret, owing to our financial situation, that we voted to hold the last service on the premises on Sunday 31 August. To close a church after 153 years of existence and mission in the area is a very sad event. But as one door closes, another is opening when we will join London Road for our worship, the first step in a new ecumenical project which we hope will soon be in place.

It was agreed to hold the church and Sunday School Anniversaries on Sunday 25 May when the preacher will be the Rev. Michael Walling.

The Sunday School meets every Sunday at 11 a.m. and a warm welcome awaits any children who wish to join us.

The Women’s League meets every Monday at 2.30 p.m. The programme for March is: 3 – Rev. John Lines; 10 – Mrs. Sue Brockman; 17 – Mrs. Liz Hibell; 24 – Mrs. Joyce Welch; 31 – Mrs. Sylvia Dolbear.

The Fellowship meets on Tuesday 18 March at 7.15 p.m. All who wish to join us are very welcome.

London Road

GIFT DAY

Those avid plan watchers amongst you will have realised that March is a busy month! So our Gift Day Service will be part of the Young People’s Service on Sunday 2 March. Please make sure that this date is in your dirary NOW! Thank you in advance for your care, love and support.

CHRISTIAN RESOURCES EXHIBITION

This exhibition will be operating under the theme “World of Worship” for this year. There will be over 320 exhibitors, plus 96 seminars on a great variety of subjects.

The 19th Annual Christian Resources Exhibition is at Sandown Park, Esher, Surrey, from Tuesday 13 to Friday 16 May 2003 and will be opened by the Rev. Joel Edwards, General Director of the Evangelical Alliance at 10 a.m. on Tuesday 13 May. Tickets are priced at £6 for adults, £4.50 for Senior Citizens, students or 16s to 18s. A weekly pass is £9. Under 16s get in free. Substantial discounts are available if you book in advance. All details available from 01844 271476.

If enough people are interested, perhaps we could take the London Road minibus with a party?

NEW NEIGHBOURS AT LONDON ROAD

I guess that, like many of you, I have cast envious eyes at the garage site opposite the church at London Road. It would have made a superb car park for the church, thus alleviating the problems of parking on Sundays but more especially at funerals and weddings! However, it would not appear that plans are being made to erect a block of flats on the site, so we shall have new neighbours in the not too distant future. Homes are obviously far more important than car parking, but one can dream!! An I being too hopeful when I dare to further dream that they will move in a find a brand new Christian Community Centre opposite them?

WESLEY GUILD

Ever the optimist, I am hopeful that someone will read this little note!

London Road is richly blessed with a very active Wesley Guild but it could do with more attendees! I am sure that all the members will be delighted to welcome new faces and explain the working of the Guild. Why don’t YOU give it a try?

The meetings will recommence on Tuesday 4 March at 7.30 p.m. and YOU owe it to yourself to be there!

The programme for March is as follows: 4 – Women’s Network; 11 – Devotional with the Rev. John Lines; 18 – Home Missions; 25 – Mr. W. Fraser on Arthritis Care.

Now, surely, there must be something for everyone there!!

Family News

THANK YOU

I would like to take this opportunity of saying thank you to all those who wrote, sent cards and gifts or telephoned after my recent accident. I am now home, plastered and having to take things easy for a time. The care, love and support expressed is greatly appreciated.

Thank you again – Nigel Lines

CONGRATULATIONS

Dorothy and David Morris will celebrate their Ruby Wedding Anniversary on 23 March. We wish them great blessings on this special day and all the years that stretch out in front of them.

HILDA DRIVER

Hilda is now settling into room 14 at Maison Dieu. I am sure that Ann, Doris and Myra will be looking out for her! I do enjoy the Holy Communion services there. Now it will have yet another participant!

MARGARET McKENZIE

Margaret is now out of hospital she has spent a few days away with her son but, by the time you read this, she should be back in Dover.

JOYCE STACEY

Joyce is still in hospital but has moved nearer home and she is in bed 11 on Ramsey Ward at Buckland Hospital.

LATE NEWS

Ruby Whalers has had a fall and Phyl Gay has had a car accident. We understand that Phyl is badly shaken up, unlike the car which is more worse. We would like to send our congratulations to Mrs. Dorothy Noel who will be 95 on 15 March and to Mr. Fred Pidduck who will be 90 on 16 March. We have just heard that Joyce Norman, one of our previous Superintendents, has taken a turn for the worse and has had a relapse. I am sure, like Colin and myself, you will pray for her health to return. Norman Stanley has passed away and leaves a wife and son. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this sad time.

GIRLS’ BRIGADE

Calling all gardeners. The time has come to choose all those lovely seeds and plants for your garden, before you go to those expensive garden centres try our catalogue first. In the book you will find every plant and seed you will ever need. Also, for every pound you spend you will be helping the Girls’ Brigade because we will receive twenty pence. So just give our book a look. Marilyn Smithard has the books and she will gladly give you one. Thank you all in advance. Wendy.

PRAYERS

We remember those who are unwell or recovering from hospital treatment, especially thinking of Margaret Craven, Eve Dewhurst, Sadie Gledhill, Molly Hodgson, Margaret Machin, Betty O’Connell, Hilda Welburn, George Craven, Brian Gammon and Ossie Hodgson in our prayer times. We continue to pray for those who are unwell at home, or those in residential homes, thinking of Gwen Bates, Vera Coombes, Mary Page, Edue and Winnie Seelly and Colin Thompson at this time.

FLOWER ROTA

2 March – Mrs. D. Cloke; 9 – Mrs. P Gay; 16 – St. Columba; 23 – Mrs. S. Moat; 30 – Mrs. M. Hodgson.

A GIFT OF GRACE

Please make a note in your diaries of the above event at Rochester Cathedral on Saturday 21 June between 2.30 and 3.30 p.m. This is to celebrate the Tercentenary of John Wesley’s birth and our Chairman, the Rev. Harvey Richardson, will lead the service. The preacher will be the Rev. martin Turner, the Minister at Westminster Central Hall. Hopefully there will be an exhibition of John Wesley’s life and work in the crypt of the Cathedral for folk to look at. There is also the chance that there will be a District Choir, for which there will be a rehearsal from 1 to 2 p.m. ADVANCED DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

March

Sunday 2 Gift Day and Youth Service at London Road Monday 3 Circuit Meeting Tuesday 4 Circuit Pancake Bash at River! Saturday 8 Working in the Health Service at Westminster Central Hall Monday 10 Meeting of three Church Councils, St. Columba at 7.45 p.m. Wednesday 12 May have a special meeting of London Road Council Sunday 16 United Service London Road/St. Columba Saturday 22 Circuit Discovery Day Sunday 23 Songs of Praise rehearsal Saturday 29 District Synod

LONDON ROAD SUNDAY MINIBUS DRIVERS

2 March – David Galley; 9 – Colin Hadden; 16 – Graham Tutthill; 23 – Shirley Carr; 30 – Margaret Tutthill.

Forthcoming Events

CHRISTIAN AID

3 – 16 March Fair Trade Fortnight

Most of us think of shopping as a practical rather than a moral act. Yet there is a way in which we can show our Christian allegiance every time we go into a supermarket. Many of the goods we buy week by week originate in poor countries. They are grown by poor farmers who barely scratch a living, who can often not afford to feed and educate their children, and who can almost never find the extra funds needed to improve production. The profits from their products accrue to the middle men who buy them, and to the manufacturers and retailers in the rich world. But there are some goods which carry the fair trade mark. In these cases the primary producer has been paid a decent price for his work: enough to keep his family in minimal comfort, and with something over so that he or she can improve his or her farming methods. These products usually cost a little more but that is a small price to pay for buying with an easy conscience. The principal fairly traded products are coffee, tea, chocolate, cocoa products, honey, sugar, fresh fruits (especially bananas) and juices, snacks and biscuits. During Fair Trade Fortnight these goods should be prominently on display. Please buy them now, and please get into the habit of buying them in future. Michael Hinton, for Dover Christian Aid Committee.

St. Mary’s Parish Centre – Wednesday 26 March

Lent Coffee Morning 10 to 11.30 a.m.

Christian Aid Walk – Saturday 10 May

Two courses, the usual one of 10 miles and a shortened version. Please put the date in your diaries NOW! I will be looking for volunteers, walkers and sponsors.

Items for the next edition of "The Messenger" should be sent to messenger@londonroad.ukf.net