The Parish Church of St Andrew's, Medsteadwelcome | faith | services | events | news | archive | people | church | village | friends | location |
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The Parish Church of St Andrew's, Medsteadwelcome | faith | services | events | news | archive | people | church | village | friends | location |
|
July-September 2005
Harvest
PCC Meeting: 21st Sept
Historic Churches Ride
Service Raises The Roof
PCC Meeting: 20th July
Submission
Hog Roast
Journeys Of Faith
Church Survey Results
Harvest Thanks
Harvest Flowers
Confirmation
Ben & Kathryn's At Home
Abridged Too Far?
Sponsored Hymn Singing
Church Ministry
Quo Vadis?
Church Maintenance
Church Flagpole
Prayer For Reconciliation
Refectory Duty
Bridge Tea
Births, Deaths & Marriages
April-June 2005
January-March 2005
October-December 2004
July-September 2004
April-June 2004
January-March 2004
November-December 2003
Focus: Diocese Of Winchester
Anglicans Online
The Church of England Newspaper
The Church of England Gazette
Church Times Online
BBCi: Christian News
Ship of Fools
Ekklesia
St. Andrew's website is:
Our traditional village celebration supper and harvest thanksgiving was enjoyed by over one hundred people in the Village Hall, on Friday, 23rd September.
A splendid feast of cold meat, sausages, baked potatoes, a variety of salads, fruit pies and fruit crumble was provided, to the obvious enjoyment of all!
The supper was accompanied by an inspired selection of music, provided by the Four Marks Folk Group.
Three hundred raffle tickets were bought during the supper, bringing a selection of splendid prizes to the lucky few.
All this meant we were able to raise £236.67 for WaterAid to provide village water supplies in third world countries. Thank you to all who contributed.
Many thanks also to everyone involved in organising and running the event, particularly Kerry and her team, for a really great evening.
On the following Sunday we held our Harvest Festival, led by Ben.
The Church was beautifully decorated by the Flower Team, as the congregation heard readings from Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32 and Matthew 21:23-32, a rousing sermon from Ben, and a selection of traditional Harvest hymns.
All produce collected will be donated to the Winchester Night Shelter. If you would like to add to the harvest, please deliver your produce to Ben, at the Rectory, by Friday, 30th September.
And finally... it is also time to gather in the harvest of our talents.
Please bring your talents money to Church on the last two Sundays in November for Mary Spinks to collect.
The Parochial Church Council met on Wednesday, 21st September. As well as the usual business, your PCC discussed the following:
Our next meeting is on 23rd November. If you have any matters you would like discussed, please let our Secretary, Chris Tew, know by 9th November.
On Saturday, 10th September, between 10am and 6pm, Hampshire and the Islands Historic Churches Trust will be holding their annual sponsored cycle ride. It is an opportunity to discover ancient churches and to raise funds for your favourite place of worship and the Trust.
The Trust raises funds to assist with the preservation, maintenance and improvement of churches in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and the Channel Islands, for the benefit of the public.
Participants gain sponsorship and visit as many churches registered for the event as possible. Riders visit and sign in at each church, which boosts their funds.
An enjoyable day is had by individuals, families or groups of all ages, interest in historic churches like St. Andrew's is promoted and Christians of all denominations are brought together.
Funds raised are split equally between the Trust and the church(es) of the individual's choice.
Please do join in or be generous with your sponsorship. St. Andrew's received a grant towards the restoration of our church roof.
For more details, email gillian.d.coles@btinternet.com.
Within hours of the end of the Evening Praise Service on Sunday, 21st August, we received a report that part of the nave ceiling plaster had fallen to the floor.
Fortunately Ian Jurd had just returned from his holiday in France and he offered to use his skills to repair it, so by Wednesday evening the damaged 2ft x 4ft area of the ceiling adjacent to the Chancel was as good as new. (Well, better actually).
Mindful of the extensive work that was done to the roof last year, you may be interested to know that the only connection between the two problems is that, as the roof is now weatherproof, this small area of plaster has dried out and become loose.
Many thanks to Ian for carrying out this work, and to Malcolm Duckett for his vigilance in spotting this problem when he opened the church on Monday morning.
Our Church Council met on Wednesday, 20th July. As well as our standard business, we discussed the following:
Our next meeting is on 21st September. If you have any matters you would like discussed, please let our Secretary, Chris Tew, know by 7th September.
In the late 1970s and early '80s, I worked in London, commuting each day along with what felt like half England's population. For part of that period, terrorists were exploding bombs; in cars, in litter bins (since removed), threatening our way of life almost daily for a while. I was sitting at my desk in Westminster and both heard and felt the car-bomb which killed Airey Neave in the MPs' underground car park. In part, at least, the bombers claimed links with the Christian faith, following an ancient tendency to state "God on our side": German uniform belt buckles in WW2 proclaimed Gott mitt uns, but the tradition is far older than that.
Today, some say that Islam is that latest to use the divine tag. I have in my library a fascinating book first published in 1990 entitled The Pillars of Islam - an introduction to the Islamic faith jointly written by Frances Gumley and the late, entirely wonderful, journalist and broadcaster Brian Redhead, from which I quote: "It is time for some facts. Only rampaging Muslims (sic) are on the rampage - the vast majority of them are not. It is as foolish to judge Islam by its excesses as it is dishonest to portray the West only by its successes... How can mainline Islam avoid being kidnapped by its extremists - or is it already too late?... Is Islam on a collision course with the modern world?"
There is a debate being held currently because of recent events, as to Islam's origins. Born, we are told, out of violence and the sword, advocating the use of the sword, especially from the Prophet's later writings, for example: "Fight for the sake of Allah those that fight against you, but do not be aggressive. Allah does not love the aggressors. Kill them wherever you find them." [Sura 2, 190] This extract is from the copy of the Qur'an in my library, which is "approved by the Supreme Sunni and Shii Councils of the Republic of Lebanon".
But, before we get too carried away, let's not forget some of the violent and bloodthirsty texts to be found in our own Bible. Have a look at Numbers 31, for instance, or Deuteronomy 7 not to mention the Book of Joshua or parts of the Apocrypha.
Jesus' teaching, however, is in complete contrast with all this. The only life Jesus 'took' was his own, freely given and as far removed from a suicide bomber as it is possible to be. True, in Matthew's gospel (10.34) he says, "I have not come to bring peace, but a sword" but that is a clear reference to divine action, on the Day of Judgement, not any kind of call to his followers to arm themselves. His command to us (John 13.34 and 15.12) rather is "love one another as I have loved you."
There, then, is the challenge: to love after Jesus' example. This is a self-giving love which offers up only itself on the altar of life. This is the hardest way to live! To some degree, all of us are selfish, however hard we try. Jesus calls us to put self to death and live for others, doing this in love. Our concern should be more for others' wellbeing than our own, in short, to love by submission.
"Submission", by the way, is the English translation of the Arabic word "Islam" - we have more in common than just Abraham as a common ancestor. That brings us back to where we began. So never mind finger-pointing or sitting in judgement on the acts of others: our call is to follow Christ in the Way of the Cross, self-sacrificially loving others as he loves us.
Ben Flenley
Comments? email Ben
The annual St. Andrew's Hog Roast took place on Saturday, 16th July, in the garden of the Castle of Comfort.
Thanks to the many people who turned up on a lovely summer's evening to spend a most enjoyable time in the Castle's garden. Everyone seemed to enjoy the occasion and there didn't seem to be much food left at the end!
Special thanks must go to Adrian and Patrick, for manning the roast throughout the day and then doing all the carving, to Richard of the Hinton Arms for the free loan of the spit, to Sue for the free use of the Castle's garden and to Reids for providing the hog at a special price.
In all the Church's funds were increased by £420.
Jill & Bill Davis
On the 24th July, the Bishop of Basingstoke will come to St. Mary's, Bentworth, for a Confirmation service. There are currently 8 young people and 4 adults attending preparation classes in separate age-groups on Tuesday evenings at The Rectory. I very much enjoy the opportunities provided amongst Confirmation candidates to explore the Christian Faith and our individual responses, and look forward to bringing them all to Confirmation in due course. One candidate will be on holiday, so Confirmation for her will be arranged at a venue to suit.
This is an important step in anyone's journey of faith. Amongst those churches, like ours, which practice infant Baptism, Confirmation offers an opening for people to make for themselves the decision taken, on their behalf at Baptism, to follow Christ. The service also affords the gathered church community the chance to reflect upon our own discipleship, as well as welcoming new communicant members into our fellowship. This is an important step for those coming to be confirmed, hence it follows that they should be fully supported on the day by the community.
Please pray for all the candidates from our benefice as they prepare for their confirmation:
On Sunday, 10th July, we were delighted to welcome one of the confirmation candidates, Susie Foden, into St. Andrew's as she took her baptismal vows.
Because Confirmation is such a significant step, there will only be one service in the benefice on the 24th July, so I would very much hope that you will all come to encourage them. The service will begin at 10.00 a.m. - please be there!
Attention all churchgoers in Bentworth! Your fourth-Sunday-in-the-month, lay-led service of Mattins is, in the main, attended only by those who are there because they have a 'job' to do: worship leader, lesson readers, organist, sidesman, &c.
The feeling reflected in recent discussion at the PCC is that, without a greater level of support from those who attend just to worship rather than because of being 'on duty', the service should be changed from BCP Mattins to something more popular, or simply cancelled. Which way would you like this to go? The PCC will review this service at its next meeting on 14th September. A sudden and sustained rise in popularity - or evident lack thereof - could have quite an impact!
The Church of England has just announced its new Archbishop of York. Inevitably, the reporting has focused very much on the fact that Dr. Sentamu is black: I long for the day when colour of skin becomes irrelevant, and such reporting informs us that he is, as I have no doubt, simply the best person for the job.
Related News:
Confirmation
Ben Flenley
Comments? email Ben
The results of a nationwide survey into the causes of declining Church attendance in Britain have now been published.
The resulting report, 'Let the People Speak', produced by the Ecumenical Research Committee, is full of ideas and suggestions on how to reverse this decline. It describes how people find faith in a secular society, identifies what people want from their church, and concludes only when churches discover what 'the people want' and provide for those desires will church attendance become appealing again.
The report can be downloaded free from the Church Survey website. Chris Tew also has a copy which members of St. Andrew's may borrow. It can also be purchased for £3.50 from The Ecumenical Research Committee, 19 Glenfield Road, Betchworth, Surrey, RH3 7HR.
14,000 people responded to the survey, which was conducted between September 2003 and September 2004, and asked:
Related News:
'Let The People Speak'
I have received lots of positive comments and "Thank you's" about the Harvest Supper. I would like to say "Thank you" to all the people who helped me!
Mum for the wonderful floral decorations, Chris and Dad for setting out the tables and chairs, my husband Paul and parents for all their help in the kitchen.
Also Sarah, helped by Diane, Katherine and Emma for organising the games and activities for the children in the Wiltshire Room.
Kerry
The Church was beautifully decorated by the Flower Team, for our Harvest Festival on Sunday, 25th September:
If you enjoyed the floral decorations and would like to join the team, please contact Gill to find out more.
New members of the team are always very welcome.
Please pray for Emily Magennis-Prior and Gemma Haigh, who were confirmed at Odiham Church on Sunday, 25th September.
Kathryn and Ben Flenley would like to extend an open invitation to the Rectory on Saturday, September 24th. We should love to see as many people as possible. Come at 3.30pm and stay as long as you like.
So we have some idea of numbers, free tickets will be available from the beginning of September in all four churches.
Come and enjoy a family afternoon - there will be games for those feeling energetic. For the not so energetic, it will be an opportunity to just sit and chat and we may even rustle up some entertainment!
A new Bible which, it is claimed, can be read from cover-to-cover in under two hours was launched on 21st September by it's author, the Rev Michael Hinton, at Canterbury Cathedral.
Written in an accessible style, with broad appeal, the publishers of The 100-Minute Bible hope it will attract "people who have an interest in Christianity but not the time (nor tenacity!) to read the whole Bible."
A licensed CD containing the text is also available for Churches to use in their ministry, costing £10.
At the 6pm Evening Praise Service on Sunday, 18th September we held a very successful sponsored hymn singing.
The choir were sponsored to sing hymns, from the 571 in Hymns Old & New, during the Service by the congregation who pledged an amount per hymn.
It was a wonderful evening of musical praise: in all 29 hymns were sung, supported by 3 organists, with well-deserved refreshments after the Service.
In total £200 was raised for St. Andrew's Music Committee funds.
There are now fewer priests ministering to a greater number of parishes! How do you see the future of ministry both at St. Andrew's and in the Anglican Church?
Kerry will be attending a conference on the subject in the near future and we would like to hear your views.
Please contact Kerry, Chris, or Stephen.
On Wednesday, September 21st the PCC next meets and one of the most important items to be discussed relates to the Aims and Objectives of our Church here in Medstead.
If you have views on the future of St. Andrew's now is the time to express them. Your views are welcomed and all will be considered.
What do you think the role of the Church is in the village? Where do you think the priorities of our Church should lie? Where would you like to see our ministry going in the next few years?
Please contact the PCC Secretary, Chris Tew, with your thoughts and he will ensure your voice is heard at the meeting.
The first Saturday of each month is Maintenance Day at St. Andrew's. Starting at 9.30am at the Church Hall, we strive to maintain and improve the grounds and fabric of St. Andrew's, the Church Hall and the Church Room.
Every little bit of help is most welcome either to assist on Saturday or to take on a personal responsibility for some aspect of the maintenance.
Please contact Stephen Blackshaw for more details.
Maintenance also took place on Saturday, 10th September, during which welcomed and offered refreshment to those on the Historic Churches Sponsored Ride.
The next Maintenance Day is on Saturday, 1st October.
Following the decision at the PCC meeting on 20th July, Stephen, Noel and Chris collected the flagpole from Alton Community Centre and transported it to the church.
Special thanks to Noel for using his classic Rover and supplying the trailer to enable this task to be simply, and elegantly, executed.
The supports for the old flagpole have also now been removed, clearing the way to put in place support for the new pole.
The next stage is installation, and we will be looking for volunteers in due course!
Following the recent London terrorist attacks, a prayer for reconciliation:
Gracious God, ruling earth and it's people
not by terror but in love;
we worship you;
We confess that too often our words hurt others
and our deeds are selfish;
forgive us.
In this time of uncertainty and fear, help us to love our enemies
and do good to those who hate us,
in the name of Jesus our Lord.
Amen.
Many thanks to the St Andrew's team who spent the day at Winchester Cathedral Refectory on Thursday, 25th August, serving a steady stream of the thirsty and hungry public.
This is an important contribution to the Cathedral's activities and if you would like to join the team for our one of our next sessions, please ring Mary on 561440.
The Friends of St. Andrew's held a very successful bridge party on Monday, 22nd August which raised over £500 for the St. Andrew's Fabric Fund.
FOSAC are planning to hold another Call My Wine Bluff in February, 2006.
It is with great sadness we announce the death of George Cooper. George, who had been in hospital since having a stroke in May 2003, died of a further stroke on 18th August. His funeral is to take place later in September.
George contributed significantly to our Church life having been PCC secretary, and even in his 80s carried out a great deal of the work on the Church Room when it was refurbished in 1999.
The funeral of Mary Florence Cray (1911-2005) took place on 20th July.
She will long be remembered as a benefactress of the Village.
May she rest in peace.
On the 12th July the funeral took place of the late Albert Howard Stanley Goodall, 1918-2005.
May light perpetual shine upon him.