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The Parish Magazine of St John’s Church and St Andrew’s Church, Yeovil
FOCUS
FREE Please take one
You can read the Focus Magazine online at www.sjyeovil.co.uk
June 2018
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PARISH DIRECTORY For this month’s church diary see pages 26 & 27
CHURCH OPENING TIMES… MON-FRI 10.00am to 3.00pm SAT 10.00am to 1.00pm
PARISH OFFICE: Tel 427745 (Answer phone outside office hours)
E-mail address - [email protected] Website - www.sjyeovil.org.uk
PARISH ADMINISTRATOR available in the Church office: Monday and Thursday mornings 10.00am-1.00pm
Church activities...
Junior Church Crèche (0 to 2 years) Second, third and fourth Sundays in the St John’s Scramblers (3 years to 4 years) Schoolrooms. We leave partway through the morning Climbers (5 years & 6 years) service — Melissa Cary Explorers (7 years to 10 years) Pathfinders (11 years to 14 years) Footprints Toddler Group Mondays 10:00am (Term-time only) — Anna Putt & Doreen (For Mums and toddlers over one) Maitland
Bell Ringing Practice Monday Evenings 7.30pm — Roger Fox 862041
St John’s Music Group Practice Mondays by arrangement — Keith Ovenden 424780
SALT (St Andrew’s at Lunch Time) 2nd & 4th Tuesdays 12.30pm — Beth Farrington
A Craft Afternoon 2nd & 4th Tuesdays at 2.30pm – Sandra Warr
Together on Tuesday 1st & 3rd Tuesdays 2.30pm — Pat Legg 424354
Genesis Fortnightly on Wednesdays — Becky Dudley-Smith 475352 (For Mums with young children)
18-30's Wednesdays 7:30pm — Tom Putt 507964 [email protected]
Tiny Toes at St John’s Thursdays 10.00am (Term-time only) — Joy Neville 321672 (For Mums and babies under one)
First Wednesday Usually, the first Wednesday of each month 7.30pm at (Parish Prayer & Praise) St Andrew’s Hall
Friday Night Youth Groups Friday evenings 7.30pm Pathfinders (11yrs to 14yrs) James & Doreen Maitland CYFA (15yrs to 18yrs)
TCP 4th Saturday 9.00am — Roz Chatwin
Fellowship Groups These usually take place on the second & fourth weeks of each month — Contact James D-S 475352
Christians Against Poverty Centre Manager — Steve Hart 426771
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A Letter from... The Rector
Dear Friends Football has all the makings of a fine religion. Many will become faithful followers as the World Cup begins this month. It can take our hearts to places beyond the humdrum of life, it can thrill and absorb us, with expectation, commitment, hope, pain, disappointment, passion, and the longings for ultimate victory.
England last won the World Cup one month and a day before I was born, and since then we’ve had to learn not to raise our hopes too high. Certainly this year not many are really expecting to see Gareth Southgate on the final touchline, or Kane or Rashford score the final’s winning goal.
The Bible’s book of Revelation pictures a kind of football stadium atmosphere, with an uncountable crowd from every nation, tribe, people and language (chapter 7, verse 9). They watch and sing and celebrate and cheer the greatest victory of all. No dashed hopes here!
The victor is not a team, but an individual, Jesus Christ, who alone is worthy to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and praise (5:12). Heart-stirring words. He has won, by blood, sweat and tears, through suffering and death, the great final victory.
Christians are neither his team-mates, as if we could help him win, nor mere supporters who enjoy his victory but never get their hands on the prize. The amazing truth of Christian faith is that he alone accomplishes the win, yet we genuinely share in his prize and glory. He calls us ‘those who are victorious’ (21:7), and says ‘they will reign for ever and ever’ (22:5), with thrones and crowns, and all the spoils of victory.
Any football team will disappoint in the end; football itself turns out to be just a game. But Jesus wins, for us, against sin and suffering and Satan. ‘The Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings - and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers’ (17:14).
For Christ in the heart...
...of Yeovil
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These usually take place on the Second and Fourth weeks of each month
If you are interested in joining one of these groups CONTACT James Dudley-Smith on 01935 475352
Praise God for such a certain hope! (And enjoy a bit of football if you wish!).
With my best wishes - James
The Children's Society Thank you to everyone who has a Children's Society Box or who gave a donation to the Society at our recent box opening. This year we have been able to send £904.72p to the Society for its important work. Over the past year the Society has reached 20,128 children and young people through its children's centres as well as working with children and young people in the Society's at-risk services. The Society also campaigned and lobbied Government which helped to bring about 27 national and regional policy changes affecting children and families. There are almost 120,000 house box holders who last year raised £1.6 million to help children in this country fulfil their promise. If you would like to be part of this important work, then please contact Jenny or Robin Jones who would love you to have a box. They are quite small and will sit nicely by the side of the phone or on a window sill! Our phone number is 01935 422587. Thank you
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Family Announcements In Memoriam: We give thanks for the life of Jean Axten, a member of St. John’s for many years, who died in May at the age of 100. Please continue to pray for her family, and for all of us who will miss her. We give thanks too for the life of John Handcock and pray for Bridget and all the Handcock’s and Blake’s, and wider family, in their loss. Please also pray for Sandra Warr after the recent death of her
mother.
We extend our deepest sympathy to all those who have lost loved
ones and pray that God will comfort all who mourn
Quotes of the month
Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One who is leading.
We tend to use prayer as a last resort, but God wants it to be our first line of defence.
We pray when there’s nothing else we can do, but God wants us to pray before we do anything at all.
We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties.
We don’t want to wait for God to resolve matters in His good time because His idea of ‘good time’ is seldom in sync with ours. - Oswald Chambers
Sorry I couldn't choose between these great quotes so I chose them all
- The Editor
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St Andrew’s Chit - Chat
I am writing this on the day after the Royal Wedding – and I don’t think any of us can quite believe how perfect the weather has become. Windsor really looked like a picture story book – and with the establishments flair for these occasions, and the freshness of the approach by Meghan and Harry, it made for compulsive viewing. I was of the “I don’t think I’ll watch” brigade until I sat down at ten minutes to twelve with a cup of coffee, and thought, “If I put it on for a few minutes, I’ll see her dress “- and that was me for the next two hours!
Now, I must put this article in first, as it should have gone in last month! Apologies to Nicky and the fault was all mine. She sent it in plenty of time. It refers to Easter, so you can see that I am late!
A big thank you to everyone who donated towards Easter flowers, also to the ladies who decorated the Church with me and to Beth and Grovelands
who provided floral arrangements to help brighten up our Church for Easter. It was lovely to see our Churchy decorated with Spring flowers and to have
our Easter Garden, which Jenny so kindly prepared. Even though we have had snow and colder weather than normal over the last few months, I have been busy in my greenhouse (even when it was
snowing!) sowing seeds for bedding plants. Thank you to everyone who has given me seeds, trays and flowerpots to
use. It is much appreciated. I am always on the lookout for trays, flowerpots, seeds and compost, I would be very grateful if anyone has any to donate. I am hoping to sell bedding plants in the early summer in aid of the St. Andrew’s Floral Group, which helps towards buying oasis, candles
and flowers as necessary. Thanks to everyone who supports us. - Nicky Pilton
Bridget and I went on a coach trip the other day to visit La Ronde, a National Trust property near Exmouth. It was originally planned and built at the wish of two remarkable ladies – Mary and Jane Parminter, cousins, in the 1790s. The house is built to a 16-sided design, inspired by a building they had seen on a nine-year Grand Tour. It was remarkable for ladies to go on such a tour and the house is startlingly original. To make the most of the natural light, the ladies arranged their accommodation so that they awoke to the morning sun in their bedrooms, and then moved around the house as the day progressed and the sun shone into a different side of the house. However, the main reason I embarked on this subject, was that they were very community minded – they built a small chapel a little way from the house, and a clergyman was installed to live there. Also, within that small building, there was a schoolroom for local girls, and 4 tiny alms houses for ladies in need. Our guide told us that she believed one was still lived in but the Guides had never seen the lady. There are now four newly built houses
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nearby. The cleric’s original accommodation was now the area where the congregation sit. It is beautifully maintained and arranged and in each place there is a small brass plaque which reads:-
Before the service be still and talk to God During the Service listen to God talking to you
After the Service talk to your neighbour Perhaps that is a reminder we all need from time to time. Our Guide told us that they are researching the lives of the women who attended the school room there over the years
The Annual General Meeting took place at the very end of April and did not make the May edition of Focus. Those of you who were able to attend will know that Les Jackson stood down as Warden after serving both as Treasurer and Warden for several years and David Maynard Griffin has bravely taken on the role after just one year’s rest! We are grateful to Sandra and David – and, of course, Les, who remains as Treasurer - for their commitment and their hard work on our behalf. I am also very grateful to Linda Jackson, who has taken on the role of Secretary. At the start of his Report, James asked us to think of something we really loved about St. Andrew’s. Beth said she loved the welcome that was always waiting for her and also the yellow colour of the Church! Ann loved the flowers and the friends she met there; Bridget and Betty loved the friends and the fellowship – which shows each one of us how important we are within the Church Community – and how a smile or a hand can enhance everyone’s experience. The new Sound system is underway and should be completed during this week. We are having a training session on its use on Tuesday, so hopefully by Sunday, we will have no excuse for not taking in every word of the Sermons! At long last the loop system should be working. We can only thank those – Sandra and Les mainly - who have followed this through for us, in spite of frustrations and difficulties along the way. It was decided to use part of Geoffrey Braested’s legacy to fund this important improvement, I think he would have liked his legacy to be used in a practical way that should help us all, especially as we get older, to improve our Church experience. The other piece of important news is that as you come into the porch to enter the Church, you will see 4 pictures proudly displayed! They are not perhaps what you would expect to greet you on coming into Church – 4 toilets! They are proof of our commitment to Tear Funds appeal to twin our toilet with one overseas in a region where such facilities are scarce or even unknown. We have managed to fund four now through our Christmas Card Board, our Lent Boxes, and a donation from Bridget from our After-Church Coffee fund. I hope I’ve not left out anything I should have put in – but if I have, please tell me, and I will try to do better! - Margaret Akerman
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Ruth Hulser Prayer Letter - April 2018
Name: Ruth Hulser Location: Tabora, Tanzania My call: To come alongside and walk with people not usually seen by all but who are seen by God, showing them that he cares My role: As a doctor at St Philip’s health centre, I help run it and organise outreach clinics as well as a holistic community project, reaching out to people with specific needs
Dear friends, In this Lent period, I have some news which is probable a surprise for you. I am “returning” to the UK and finishing my partnership with CMS.
I have really been thinking about how I can spend more time in Europe with my parents, getting around the issues thrown up by Brexit. I also need to pay more attention to pensions, health insurance etc., all demanding my time after 14 years of “neglect” while in Tabora. I had also recently been thinking about different ways on how to keep Tabora in my life (and my children and my large family) but at the same time reduce my time commitments in the clinic etc.
I have now come to the conclusion that after 14 years spent in the diocese, the health centre can be developed even further by others and three recent developments confirmed this to me. The bishop has brought in a new administrator (who started last September) and they have very capably taken over many of my jobs.
Secondly, for the first time in 14 years we were able to recruit not only one but two Tanzanian doctors (since January) and this is amazing as it means that no one needs now to rely exclusively on my medical expertise.
And lastly, after a two-year struggle of coping with financial deficits every month, I am glad to say that since January/February the clinic is back meeting its planned expenditure and so financially is back on track. Even though the thought of leaving my job is difficult after such a long time in place and with Juma and Geni The new MD at
work, Dr Khamisi
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here, because of the above-mentioned reasons (mostly Brexit), I feel strongly that I should be based full time in the UK.
So it’s goodbye to St Philip’s Health Centre and the Diocese of Tabora, although of course not goodbye to Geni, Juma and everyone else in my extended family here.
Now for some other news... Rain, rain, rain! Unlike last year, we have had some reasonable amounts of rain last year (well, since October) and since the end of February it has been
raining constantly! So in some places trees have fallen down and many roads are at least partly washed away. Our 10 holes (the last two dug in February) are now filled to overflowing and everyone is planting extra crops like potatoes.
Everywhere is muddy, which is absolutely brilliant, even if we get much dirtier. So thank you for all for your prayers – it has made and will make such a difference.
The clinic We are seeing many more patients now, not least because of a radio awareness campaign that we started last October and because of us holding health promotion meetings in different areas.
The rain has sadly seen more small children contract pneumonia, but we have been able to help them and so far all have recovered. We also have sadly started to see more cases of tuberculosis. One example of this is with little Maggie. She is the youngest daughter of a 30-year-old lady who ran away from her husband to her mother as he was drinking and not providing for his family and they were starving despite all the mother’s effort (who is also pregnant).
The mother was trying to earn enough money to be able to buy basic food stuffs. Maggie’s grandmother realised that Maggie was not well and brought her in for a check-up which showed that she was very sick –
A little girl with TB and sickle-cell anaemia
It’s been raining a lot and all the ponds are full
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underweight, coughing and with a long-term fever and the mother was the same. The mother had a chest X-ray which confirmed a likely diagnosis of tuberculosis and both mother and child were immediately put on a six-month course of drugs.
The child started to put on weight and is now losing her serious “old face” (a sign of malnutrition) and turning quickly back into a normal little girl. The new awareness campaign to diagnose more tuberculosis is beginning to also bear fruit as are many of the government’s new strategies to improve local health care.
The BIG Result Now campaign (BRN)* This finally came back to St Philip’s in January this year and we again scored three stars (after preparing intensively). So this is absolutely great! St Philip’s has now a year to build a theatre as per the new ruling which states that all health centres must have this. The diocese is applying for funds from the government to help pay for this.
Last but not least… Thank you! I am very sorry that I will not be your link mission partner any more. Your amazing and faithful support has made such a difference to me over the years. I wish that I had more words to write about this but let me at least say this. Without you, it would not have been possible to have achieved all that I did. I have always felt that I was unfairly privileged as I have been able to see first-hand what an amazing difference your support has made between (physical and spiritual) life and death. You have only seen me every three years and heard everything only second-hand through me.
For you to stay with me and support me up to now has impressed me, encouraged me and empowered me from the very beginning.
May God bless you all richly.
Ruth, Juma and Geni as well as the clinic and Familia
Moja team!
Moving my belongings...
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Contact details: [email protected]
Note from CMS: Ruth will be coming back to the UK in May and then be on final home leave. As normal with all mission partners, the leave will begin with a period of rest, so Ruth will be in touch with you concerning times to visit supporting churches in due course.
Note: The BIG Result Now campaign (BRN)* This was an
initiative launched by President Kikwete’s (president of Tanzania between
2005-2015) government in early 2013. BRN was a transformational
programme that sought to adapt the successful Malaysian approach to
economic development and improving service delivery. This involved a
switch to “business unusual”, operating in a new, more open and
accountable way and focusing on delivering tangible results in priority
sectors.
PLEASE PRAY FOR... - The rains this year and a good harvest for all of Tanzania and East Africa. - All our waterholes and that they will stay full and hold all their water. - Us to find better and cheaper, more mobile ways to dig rain water
collection ponds. - Mathayo and other patients like him, that they will be given a proper
diagnosis before they become “poorly”. Pray also that this will be sooner rather than later so that they can access better treatments like heart valve repairs etc.
Don’t forget to pray for...
- Marc, Hilary, Simon, and Eve Deneufchâtel
serving in Benin, West Africa and currently
on home assignment in the UK in June
and July.
- Muyunda Simangolwa in Zambia, Central Africa.
- for the rest of the world. Pray for what is going on in the news.
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Thy Kingdom Come… In the Focus magazine last month James wrote about the Church of England initiative called ‘Thy Kingdom Come’. This initiative encourages people to start praying for, and continuing to pray for, 5 people in their lives who do not yet know Christ as their Saviour. ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ was launched in 2016 and for the 3rd year churches and individuals have been encouraged to take up this challenge and start praying so that the greatest gift that we have been given as Christians can be shared. This year the initiative ran from 10th to 20th May but of course it does not have to stop with the 20th May. People come to have a personal relationship with God our Father because people pray for them. Back during Richard Inwood’s tenure with us as Rector, we had a mission and as part of that members of the congregation were encouraged to start prayer triplets (3 people meeting regularly together to pray for 3 people each, that they may come to faith). I think I can safely say that of the people who we started to pray for at that time, many have indeed become Christians. And that, brothers and sisters in Christ, is because prayer works. Praying for others to know Jesus is one of the most powerful things we can do because persistent prayer for others brings transformation to people’s lives. And so, 25 years on it seems a good time to pick up this mantle once again but this time upgrading to 5 people! During May our church Facebook page ran a series to coincide with ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ and within that series a number of ideas were suggested for how you might get into the habit of praying for your 5 people. Consistently praying for others takes discipline, and there are many ways that we can build up habits that will help us to pray for our friends and family. If you missed the Facebook posts here are some of those suggestions (you don’t need to do all of them!);
- Candles – make time to light a tea light or candle each day for 5
minutes to pray for your 5 friends.
- Small stones - Find five small stones (light
coloured ones are best) and write one name onto each of the stones. Place them on your desk, bedside table or fireplace as a reminder to pray.
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Alternatively, you could place the individual stones in different rooms of your home, praying for that person as you enter or leave the room.
- Business prayer card or book mark - Grab a piece of card
that will easily fit inside your wallet, purse or book. Write your list of five names onto the card before putting it in your wallet or book. Use this card as a daily reminder to pray for them.
- Prayer alerts - Add your list of five people to the alerts section of your phone and set reminders to pray for them. You could choose one name per day or pray for all five across your day. Remember to set alerts for a suitable time when you can stop to pray for your them.
- Post-its - Use five post-it notes and write one name
onto each, sticking them onto your mirror, above your bed or somewhere that you’ll see them regularly and will be reminded to pray.
- Wrist reminder - Tie a piece of woven thread or a ribbon around your wrist as a daily reminder to pray for those with whom you would like to share your faith and the love of Christ.
- Kitchen cupboard photos - Pin up a photo of each of
those that you are praying for on your kitchen cupboard doors and pray for God’s gifts to be bestowed on the individual in the photo every time you open the cupboard.
- Hand of prayer - Draw around and cut out a silhouette of your hand. Write one of your 5 names on each finger of the hand and blu-tack it by the handle of your front door. Pray for each one in their daily tasks, as you leave the house on yours.
- Prayer triplet - If praying on your own seems hard and you find
yourself easily distracted, how about inviting 2 friends to join you every 2-3 weeks for an hour of prayer during which you can each pray for your 5 friends/neighbours/ relatives. Pray for each other that you may find ways to share your faith and God’s love for those whom you are praying for.
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A prayer that you can use…
Lord Jesus, thank you for your love for me, and for all the people who have helped me to know that love. Please help V, W, X, Y and Z to know your love too. Make yourself known to them and help them to turn to you, trusting you for now and always. And if you want me to talk to them about you, or if you want me to invite them to church, please help me to do that. Amen.
Now, let’s get praying! References: www.thykingdomcome.global
- Jennifer Matthew
Humility At any cost, O Lord, for any price
And may I never call it sacrifice
There is one grace, one thing I must
possess
Humility is what I need, I've none, I
must confess.
This wretched pride I fear possesses me
And keeps my Lord from drawing close
to me
It causes me to serve myself, and yet
Turn away when others cry, "Help."
This evil vice corrodes the soul within
We cannot call it less than godless sin
Too oft ignored in many Christian's life
It is the source and root of every strife.
Root out destructive tares that pride
has sown
I would possess a nature like Thine own
Wilt Thou not, Lord, to me, impart
This my prayer: A humble servant's
heart?
A heart with not a thought for me or
mine
No praise, or honour, which are Thine
Make me a lowly vessel in Thy hand
Ever waiting Thy command.
When others meet me, may they see
The meek and lowly Lamb in me.
Laying down his life again
To save the people from their sin.
As much as pride now possesses me
So make me possess, in full, humility
At any cost, O Lord, for any price
And may I never call it sacrifice.
- Author unknown
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SASRA – Tuesday 26th June 7.30pm
Over 200 years ago a Christian non commissioned officer was severely censured for putting up a notice in the barracks at Woolwich offering Bibles to any soldier who desired to have one. Providentially the news of this unjust treatment of Sergeant Rudd reached the ears of the powers that be and the story ends with cartloads of Bibles being placed in military establishments. Many soldiers of that era were illiterate and so former soldiers who were committed Christians were authorised to enter barracks to read the Scriptures to soldiers. In due course the work was formalised and developed into a missionary society eventually - after the formation of the RAF in 1918 - named the Soldier’s and Airmen’s Scripture Readers Association (SASRA). Although the style of this ministry has become more sophisticated, SASRA still employs Readers (as our evangelists are still called), who are enabled with the approval of Commanding Officers and Chaplains, to access army barracks and RAF stations in order to “gossip the Gospel” to today’s service men and women. This significant ministry is blessed by having The Queen as its Patron and General The Lord Dannatt as its President. Since it receives no support from public funds it is entirely dependent on the generosity of the Christian public. On Tuesday 26th June at 7.30pm SASRA will be holding a meeting in St John’s. The meeting will take place within the context of a service of the word and we will aim to explain how SASRA fulfils its ministry and how you are able to support us. In the course of the meeting you will hear from the Executive Director of SASRA Andrew Hill, the South West Area Representative, Matthew Glass and from a Reader, Meg Atkinson MBE. And Brigadier Ian Dobbie OBE, a Vice President of SASRA, will preach for us. Do please come and join us. Refreshments will be available from 7.00pm. - Edward Armitstead
“We are all faced with a series of great opportunities
brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.” – Chuck Swindoll
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My Aunt's house
My Aunty Daisy lived in Shropshire in a largish village, in a semi-detached,
two-bedroom house. She was a small, plump, cuddly lady with fair hair and
was always anxious or worried about something. She looked after her
father, my Grandy as he was called. We used to visit her and her husband,
Uncle Oswald, who was a butcher, whenever my grandfather appeared to
be about to die which was two or three times a year! Miraculously, he
survived for quite a few years, so I remember our visits well.
This was during the war as I remember my uncle having to come home
from the army as he had been wounded, and for quite some time after the
war ended. We would catch a train from wherever we were living at the
time and walk to their house from the station. The house in those days was
quite primitive. It had no indoor lavatory, just one outside at the end of a
brick paved, walled back yard. We had no toilet paper but cut up
newspaper or occasionally a magazine hanging from a piece of string. Inside,
the kitchen had a Belfast sink, with only a cold-water tap, but she did have a
gas cooker. She used to make the most wonderful pea soup with processed
peas on top of which she would put crispy bacon and all the bacon fat.
There were steps leading down to a basement which always smelt damp
into which I was somewhat reluctant to venture. In the back room leading
from the kitchen there was a table and chairs, and a black horsehair sofa
with a tear in it out of which protruded strands of horse hair, which I sometimes pulled out when no-one was looking!
There was a range on the back wall which was always lit, and which had a
large kettle, usually nearly boiling so handy for making a quick cup of tea.
Next to the range was a large cupboard full of all sorts of interesting things,
games and toys. This was where we sat. The front room had a three-piece
suite, with a gramophone on which we used to request The Laughing
Policeman. We never sat in there, it was hardly ever used and was rather
Victorian in that respect. There was no bathroom so baths, when taken,
would be in a tin bath either in the kitchen for ease of filling with hot water
from a saucepan, or in front of the range if very cold. Upstairs, there were
two largish bedrooms and a very small one. My grandfather had the small
one, my aunt and uncle the front one, and we all crammed into the back
one. My grandfather was convinced the house was haunted and used to
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want to tell us what he had seen or felt. I always left the room before he
said anything as I didn't like hearing about such things. My uncle loved
gardening and I remember helping him pick his precious runner beans,
which were my favourite vegetable and still are. He grew some flowers but I
can't remember what they were now. When it was time for us, my mother,
brother and I, to go, we children were taken round the neighbours to say
goodbye and if we were lucky we would be given a shilling or two which to
us was a small fortune. I remember my aunt with great fondness, she was
very gentle and kind.
My other aunt, Aunty Gertie was quite different, tough and independent,
was married twice, I didn't feel quite the same empathy with her as I did
Aunty Daisy.
Strange how different sisters can be. – Davida Lambert
St John’s Youth Group Big Truths About God
The Bible contains some BIG truths about God. Come along and find out what it has to say.
Fridays 7:15-9:00pm
8th June: The Truth About Christianity/ Ultimate Frisbee 15th June: The Trinity/ Bouncy Castle 22nd June: The Speaking God/ Rounders 29th June: The Sovereignty of God/ Ice Cream Night 6th July: The Love of God/ Races 13th July: The Wrath of God/ Water Fight 20th July: Evangelistic Talk/ BBQ
Thursday Night Bible Study Want more? If you are 15-18 years old, then come and join our Thursday night Bible study. 7:00-8:30pm (Term time). Wallaby House, Bristol Road, Sherborne.
Contact: James and Doreen Maitland 01935 813244
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“Human life is sacred and should be protected and preserved at all cost, even when doctors, patients and parents of patients disagree.” Really? From time to time a really sad and hard case hits the news, and the names of precious children like Charlie Gard and Alfie Evans become known to us. Alfie Evans died at the end of April, after his life support machine was switched off, following a legal battle between his parents who wanted further treatment for him in Italy, and the courts who ruled that further treatment was not in his best interests. It is often said that hard cases do not make good laws. These children suffered from rare conditions, and the modern combinations of legal process, media interest, and advanced medical technology create complicated situations, in which it is difficult for the outside onlooker to know what is really true, or really right. I am certainly not in any position to make judgements on hard cases. But yes, human life is sacred in the eyes of God, and Christian faith has things to say. God is unique. He is the only giver, sustainer, and taker-away of life. Paul said in Athens, ‘He himself gives all men life and breath and everything else,’ and ‘in him we live and move and have our being’ (Acts 17:25,28). Psalm 104 says ‘When you take away their breath, they die and return to the dust.’ To decide when a life should end is God’s duty not ours. He is the source and Lord of all life. Human beings are unique. No other being in all creation is said to bear the image of God. Genesis 9:6 says, ‘Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man.’ Our blood is not to be shed because we are granted a particular dignity and value by being made in God’s image. In addition, God sanctified human life by wearing our flesh in Jesus, by dying for us, and rising to life in a renewed human body. Humanity is special. So we naturally use all the means we can to cure and not to kill. But
Tough Questions
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the point arrives when it is plain no cure is possible, and life is no longer feasible. The trouble is that by this stage our technology (e.g. life support machines) may well be maintaining a life that cannot maintain itself, and to switch it off becomes an option. The question then is whether switching off the machine counts as a deliberate action to end a life, or is it merely the acceptance of the fact that this life is no longer able to be lived? There is a very tricky distinction between causing someone to die and allowing someone to die. We have to accept that human life, though sacred, is not meant to carry on for ever. Some lives are long, some are short. That is in God’s hands. And when it is clear that a life is no longer liveable, it should be allowed to end. To switch off a life support machine – when there is no reasonable hope of recovery - is allowing a life that is ending to end. And that is different from causing the life to end, for example by giving a lethal injection. Jeremiah declared, ‘I know, O Lord, that a man’s life is not his own’ (Jeremiah 10:23). This is the key thing we as Christians need to remember, and the key thing around which our laws should be built. It would not be right to build our laws around the hard cases, but when those cases come along, our hearts should reach out in compassion and prayer.
- James Dudley-Smith
News of Yeovil Chamber Choir Our Summer Concert this year celebrates the achievements of the Suffragette movement, and all the music is by female composers, including Ethel Smyth, Janet Wheeler, Judith Bingham, Elizabeth Poston, Imogen Holst and Mrs H. A. A. Beach. The concert will take place at 7.30pm. in St Andrew’s Church, Preston Grove on Wednesday, 27th June. Tickets, to include refreshments after the concert, will cost £10 and are available at the door or from any choir member. For further information please contact our Secretary, Elizabeth Gowers, on 01935 425383, by e-mail at [email protected], or go to our website at www.yeovilchamberchoir.org. - Robin Hutchfield
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Bookstall - Books for June
Philippians For You RRP: £9.99 £8
The book of Philippians is about how to live with great joy and firm faith even when circumstances are hard. Written by Paul from his prison cell, it calls us to rejoice together as we shine gospel hope in a generation that does not know Christ.
Dr Steven Lawson brings his trademark faithfulness, precision and passion to this wonderful letter.
Joseph RRP: £7.99 £6
Any regular attendee at school concerts will have heard countless renditions of ‘Any dream will do’! Andrew Lloyd–Webber and Tim Rices’ musical ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat‘ has certainly brought awareness of Joseph’s name to contemporary society – but has it contributed to our understanding of the historical Joseph, and his role in the Bible’s big picture?
Any glance at the first book of the Bible will show that, in terms of sheer space, the story of Joseph is of some considerable importance.
Although no tribe is named after him, and the Messiah is not descended from him, Joseph nonetheless occupies a crucial role in the Bible’s drama of redemption. Ultimately Joseph’s story is about God’s intention to save, not just Joseph’s family, but bringing through Judah a saviour for the world.
Jesus taught us that the key to unlocking the whole Bible is to see it as a book about himself. Every story whispers his name.
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Good News! The Yeovil CAP team have so much to be thankful to God for, with the Debt Centre in Yeovil starting its 8th year and helping the Church in Yeovil throw a lifeline to people with unmanageable debt. We currently have 50 people on our list of those who are either on their journey out of debt (paying their creditors) or we will be visiting over the next few months. This is good news for people in our area. We find that people particularly with anxiety, depression, and other psychological conditions more often find themselves in financial difficulty. In May, CAP head office in Bradford, had their first visit from money saving expert Martin Lewis who has said, “There are a few free services that will help you go debt free, but if you want someone to hold your hand, I cannot recommend CAP highly enough.” This is good news for those with mental ill-health issues. We appreciate the fabulous work the Lord’s Larder has been doing for well over 20 years and the vital contribution Mat Callaghan and his team make to our CAP clients, when they ask for help. Over the past 12 months we’ve delivered 90 food parcels, with top ups of fresh food where and when necessary. This is good news for CAP clients. We don’t see much good news in the media but when we hear of stories where people’s lives have been transformed when organisations like Christians Against Poverty have stepped in, the Good News the bible speaks of is that while ‘everyone has sinned and fallen short of God’s glorious standard’ (Romans 3:23) ‘if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth, that you are saved’ (Romans 10:9,10). ‘God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us’ (Romans 5:8). This IS Good News!
GateWay Coffee Shop Charity Day We are so thankful to Yeovil Community Church in allowing us to have another CAP Charity Day in their GateWay coffee shop. This will be on Monday 25th June from 9am to 4.30pm, where instead of customers paying the appropriate amount for their food and drink, customers are requested to make donations for all food and drink they order. All the donations made on that day will go towards the work of the Yeovil CAP Debt Centre. Last year we raised £1,400 and this year we are hoping to raise even more. So please put this date in your diary and why not come with some friends and enjoy your time over coffee in the morning, have lunch or afternoon tea. There will be debt coaches and befrienders there all day who you can speak to and find out more about how CAP reaches out into our community and helps those in poverty to journey out of debt. The service is free, where debt coaches visit people in their homes. Do come up and say hello and I look forward to an amazing fundraising day. Thank you.
- Steve Hart – Centre Manager
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In the Spotlight
Name? Edward Armitstead
Where were you born? Hampstead, Middlesex
Tell us a bit about yourself, who you are, what you
do – that sort of thing?
After a full career in the army and having undergone two major
operations for cancer, the Lord led me into voluntary Christian
service. For 15 years I was able to give my time to chairing the
Council of Oak Hill Theological Council. I was also a member of
the General Synod throughout this time. And this was all made
possible by Caroline running a B&B business in our home. I am
now fully retired – if, indeed, that can ever be said of a
Christian!
What family do you have?
A wife, four married children and eleven and a bit
grandchildren. How long have you worshipped at St John’s?
Eleven and a half years
How did you become a Christian?
Nearly 40 years ago Caroline and I were invited by friends to
join them on a Christian house party. We accepted - against
my will! - but during the week I heard the Bible taught,
explained and applied for the first time in my life and God in his
mercy opened my blind eyes and rescued me.
What are you involved in at St John’s?
I am a Deanery Synod representative and so have a place on
the PCC. And occasionally I preach, lead prayers and lead
services. I also organise men’s evangelistic breakfasts which are
open to all in the Yeovil area.
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Describe yourself in three words?
A redeemed sinner – although others may have a different
three words to apply!
Tell us about a part of your life which you think has been
significant in shaping your character or your faith?
Meeting and marrying Caroline 45 years ago. Caroline came to
faith before me and prayed for me. Throughout our lives
together she has been a huge encouragement to me as well
as being a wonderful partner in Christ.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of the church?
Trees – I love trees; we planted a seven-acre wood – 2000 trees
- in 2004. And I love gardening and I am almost idolatrous
about cricket (watching now rather than playing!).
Favourite film?
The Queen’s Guards (1961 – can still be viewed on YouTube!)
Favourite hymn/Christian song?
Hark! The herald angels sing. The line, born that we no more
may die, always brings a lump to my throat.
Favourite verses from the Bible?
Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:
while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
What was the last book (Christian or Secular) you read?
A chance to die – the Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael by
Elizabeth Elliot. Amy Carmichael was an Irish missionary who in
the early 20th century founded the Dohnavur Fellowship in
South India, a refuge for underprivileged children. We visited
Dohnavur in 1980 and were greatly moved by the way that
God was using the ministry started by Amy.
After my death I would like to hear God say to me …
Well done, good and faithful servant! … Come and share your
master’s happiness!
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Seven Marks of a Healthy
Church Taken from the Healthy Churches Handbook, by Robert
Warren, this list identifies common characteristics of
healthy churches.
1. Energized by faith
- rather than just keeping things going or trying to survive
- worship and sacramental life: moves people to experience God’s love
- motivation: energy comes from a desire to serve God and one another
- engaging with Scripture: in creative ways connect with life
- nurtures faith in Christ: helping people to grow in, and share their faith.
2. Outward-looking focus
- with a ‘whole life’ rather than a ‘church life’ concern
- deeply rooted in the local community, working in partnership with other
denominations, faiths, secular groups and networks
- passionate and prophetic about justice and peace, locally and globally
- makes connections between faith and daily living
- responds to human need by loving service
3. Seeks to find out what God wants
- discerning the Spirit’s leaning rather than trying to please everyone
- vocation: seeks to explore what God wants it to be and do
- vision: develops and communicates a shared sense of where it is going
- mission priorities: consciously sets both immediate and long-term goals
- able to call for, and make, sacrifices, personal and corporate, in bringing
about the above and living out the faith.
4. Faces the cost of change and growth
- rather than resisting change and avoiding failure
- while embracing the past, it dares to take on new ways of doing things
- takes risks: and admits when things are not working, and learns from
experience
- crises: responds creatively to challenges that face the church and
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PARISH PRAYER CHAIN
Please telephone any prayer requests to:-
Helen Peace 414464
community
- positive experiences of change: however small, are affirmed and built on.
5. Operates as a community - rather than functioning as a club or religious organisation
- relationships: are nurtured, often in small groups, so people feel accepted
and are helped to grow in faith and service
- leadership: lay and ordained work as a team to develop locally appropriate
expressions of all seven marks of a healthy church
- lay ministry: the different gifts, experiences and faith journeys of all are
valued and given expression in and beyond the life of the church.
6. Makes room for all - being inclusive rather than exclusive.
- welcome: works to include newcomers into the life of the church
- children and young people: are helped to belong, contribute and be
nurtured in their faith
- enquirers are encouraged to explore and experience faith in Christ
- diversities: different social and ethnic backgrounds, mental and physical
abilities, and ages, are seen as a strength.
7. Does a few things and do them well - focused rather than frenetic
- does the basics well: especially public worship, pastoral care, stewardship
and administration
- occasional offices: make sense of life and communicate faith
- being good news as a church in its attitudes and ways of working
- enjoys what it does and is relaxed about what is not being done
So how do you think we are doing?
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SERVICES AND EVENTS IN JUNE 2018
Fri 1st 7.30 pm Pathfinders/CYFA Schoolrooms
The First Sunday after Trinity
Sun 3rd 9.30 am Holy Communion St Andrew’s
10.30 am Together for Worship St John’s
6.30@St John’s
Evening service St John’s
Mon 4th 9.00 am Staff Meeting St John’s
9.30 am Footprints Schoolrooms
7.30 pm Bell Ringing St John’s
Tues 5th 10.30 am Holy Communion St John’s
2.30 pm Together on Tuesday Schoolrooms
Wed 6th 9.45 am Genesis 41 The Park
7.30 pm First Wednesday St Andrew’s Hall
Thurs 7th 10.00 am Gone Fishing cafe St John’s
10.00 am Tiny Toes Schoolrooms
12.30 pm Lunchtime Prayer St John’s
7.30 pm Creative Craft Schoolrooms
Fri 8th 7.30 pm Pathfinders/CYFA Schoolrooms
7.30 pm Fellowship Group Leaders The Rectory
The Second Sunday after Trinity Sun 10th 9.30 am Morning Worship St Andrew’s
10.30 am Holy Communion St John’s
6.30@St John’s
Evening Service St John’s
Mon 11th 9.00 am Staff Meeting St John’s
9.30 am Footprints Schoolrooms
7.30 pm Bell ringing practice St John’s
Tues 12th 10.30 am Holy Communion St John’s
12.30 pm SALT St Andrew’s Hall
2.30 pm Craft afternoon St Andrew’s Hall
Wed 13th 10.00 am Ladies’ Bible study tbc
7.30 pm 18 – 30’s 9 Park Gardens
Thurs 14th 10.00 am Gone Fishing Cafe St John’s
10.00 am Tiny Toes Schoolrooms
12.30 pm Lunchtime prayer St John’s
Fri 15th 7.30 pm Pathfinders/CYFA Schoolrooms
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Details of events are as correct as possible at the time of printing but please check weekly notice sheets for any necessary changes.
The Third Sunday after Trinity Sun 17th 9.30 am Holy Communion St Andrew’s
10.30 am Morning Worship St John’s
6.30@St Evening Service St John’s
Mon 18th 9.00 am Staff Meeting St John’s
9.30 am Footprints Schoolrooms
7.30 pm Bell ringing St John’s
Tues 19th 10.30 am Holy Communion St John’s
2..30 pm Together on Tuesday Schoolrooms
7.30 pm PCC St Andrew’s Hall
Wed 20th 9.45 am Genesis 41 The Park
7.30 pm 18 – 30’s 9 Park Gardens
7.00 pm Wednesday Kitchen Live Schoolrooms
Thurs 21st 10.00 am Gone Fishing Cafe St John’s
1 0.00 am Tiny Toes Schoolrooms
12.30 pm Lunchtime Prayer St John’s
7.00 pm Model Railway Group Schoolrooms
7.30 pm Creative Craft Schoolrooms
Fri 22nd 7.30 pm Pathfinders/ CYFA Schoolrooms
Sat 23rd 9.00 am Ladies’ Prayer Breakfast TCP Schoolrooms
The Fourth Sunday after Trinity Sun 24th 9.30 am Together for Worship St Andrew’s
10.30 am Holy Communion St John’s
3.00 pm Civic Service St John’s
6.30 am Evening Service St John’s
Mon 25th 9.00 am Staff Meeting St John’s
9.30 am Footprints Schoolrooms
7.30 pm Bell Ringing St John’s
Tues 26th 10.30 am Holy Communion St John’s
12.30 pm SALT St Andrew’s Hall
2.30 pm Craft Afternoon St Andrew’s Hall
Wed 27th 7.30 am 18 – 30’s 9 Park Gardens
Thurs 28th 10.00 am Gone Fishing Cafe St John’s
10.00 am Tiny Toes Schoolrooms
12.30 pm Lunchtime Prayer St John’s
Friday 29th 7.30 pm Pathfinders/ CYFA Schoolrooms
Saturday 30th
Holiday Club Art Day Upstairs Schoolrooms
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This month’s theme
It All Depends on the Dirt
Scripture: But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. Matthew 13: 23a Have you ever planted anything? Perhaps you took some packets of seeds and planted a garden of vegetables. If so, you know that the type of soil that you have is very important to the success of a garden. If the ground is too hard, or full of rocks and weeds, you probably won't have a very good crop of vegetables. In our Bible lesson today, Jesus told a story about a man who went out and planted some seeds. This story that Jesus told is usually called "The Parable of the Sower," but actually, the story is more about the soil than it is the sower or the seed. Some of the seed that was planted fell on the path where the ground was
very hard. The seeds just lay on top of the ground and the birds came and ate the seeds. Some of the seed fell on rocky ground. The seeds sprang up quickly, but when the sun came, the plants dried up because they didn't have good roots. Some of the seeds fell among weeds and plants grew for a little while, but the weeds took over and choked them out.
Fortunately, some of the seed fell on good soil and the plants grew strong and healthy and produced a good crop. In Jesus' story, the Word of God is the seed, and we are the soil. Often, when we come to church, the preacher is preaching the Word, but we aren't really paying attention. Perhaps we are thinking about what we are going to do that afternoon or about what we did yesterday. We are hearing the Word, but we are not listening. That is like throwing seed on the top of the ground. It
29
Jokes Corner
What do cats eat for breakfast? Mice Crispies! Why can't a leopard hide? Because he's always spotted! What do you give a dog with a fever? Mustard, it’s the best thing for a hot dog! What do you get when you cross a cat with a lemon? A sour puss! Why do birds fly south for the winter? It’s easier than walking! What did the M&M go to college? Because he wanted to be a Smartie. What kind of key opens a banana? A monkey! How do you know that carrots are good for your eyesight? Have you ever seen a rabbit wearing glasses? Why does a hummingbird hum? It doesn't know the words!
won't ever grow into anything in our life. There are other times when we hear the Word and we get excited about it, but then our excitement fades and we drift away. That is like the seeds that fall on the rocky ground. The plants spring up, but then die because the roots are too shallow. Sometimes we hear the Word and we believe what it says, but we want to keep on doing the same things we have been doing. That is like planting the seed in with a bunch of weeds. I can tell you what will happen, the weeds will soon take over! When we hear the word, and we listen and try to understand what it says and put it into practice in our daily life, then we are like good soil. We are like soil where the seed takes root and grows and produces a plentiful harvest. That is the kind of soil that Jesus wants us to be. What kind of soil are you? Dear Jesus, we want to be like the good soil. Help us to listen to God's Word and put it into practice in our daily lives. In your name we pray. Amen.
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Something to make you smile Packed job in at the scissor factory… not cut out for that kind of work. I'm in a band called 9999MB. We still haven't got a Gig. Somebody has stolen all the Digestives from my local supermarket…that really takes the biscuit I washed my car earlier with one of those big sponges. Total waste of time!! Jam, cream and icing sugar, everywhere. I have a Polish friend who's a sound engineer. I have a Czech one too. The police pulled me over because I had a giant pack of cards in my car. They didn’t arrest me, just dealt with me at the side of the road. Next year I'm releasing a Christmas record called Duvet Know it's Christmas? It's a cover. I was once told by an old Arab that it is impossible to starve in the desert, because of the sand which is there. A man was arrested today trying to steal a combine harvester, he's due to be bailed tomorrow. I could never be a car mechanic, it would be too exhausting. I just heard Winalot has gone bankrupt. They've had to call in the retrievers... I've just got a Colouring Book of Devon... It's called Paignton by numbers. Of all the Seven Wonders of the World, my top 3 are… 1) Stevie 2) Woman 3) Golden I can't believe there has been an explosion at the alphabet spaghetti factory… that’s only going to spell disaster I told my doctor I can't stop singing ‘Green Green Grass of Home’. He told me I had Tom Jones Syndrome. When I asked him if this was a
31
common complaint he said it's not unusual. A friend of mine asked me, "Do you ever get 'Total Eclipse of the Heart' stuck in your head?" I replied, “every now and then”. I was offered a job in a fish and chip shop yesterday. I turned it down as I didn't want to fritter my life away... I couldn't undo the buttons on my jumper, so I tried pulling it over my head but got it stuck. I'm in A&E now waiting to see a cardyologist. After the Pope came back from his tour of Ireland, someone asked him what he thought of County Down. He said, "it's nowhere near as good now that Carol Vorderman isn't on it"! A girl agreed to go out with me after I gave her a bottle of tonic water. Schwepped her off her feet. A big thank you to my neighbour for lending me that large sheet of plastic covering. Ta Pauline. PC World. You've got to be very careful what you say in there. I went to buy a digital watch and the fella tried to sell me an analogue one. I said to him, "What is this, a wind up?" Remember when plastic surgery was a taboo subject! Now mention Botox and no-one raises an eyebrow... Just finished waxing the car. I don't know how it gets so hairy. Doctor. I feel like a mouth organ. "That's strange. We had a woman in yesterday with the same complaint." That'll be our Monica. Do workers at Land Rover at the end of their shift say, "I've just made a Discovery"? My daughter told me she needs my help getting over her addiction to ABBA music. I said, “Does your mother know?” After a recent operation I found one of my kidneys had been removed. I think it was an inside job. I wonder what the turnover is at Apple.
P.S. If you can do any better than these jokes please let the Editor know
32
ADVERTS By inclusion in FOCUS an advertiser is not underwritten by the Editor or the Church Council. We suggest always asking for a recommendation.
If you would like to advertise in this magazine, please contact the Editor
A Touch of Glass
Glass and Metal Engraving Specialists
1 Church Street, Yeovil, Somerset, BA20 1HE
Tel 01935 411088
Independent Examiners for St John the Baptist Church.
Partners Paul Gilbie and Craig Howes specialise in advising small and medium sized local businesses.
Why not call in for a chat? 1 Church Terrace, Yeovil. BA20 1HX, Tel: 01935 426811
33
DAVID C. RIVETT FAMILY OWNED AND RUN FUNERAL DIRECTORS
30 LYDE ROAD YEOVIL SOMERSET BA21 5AT
01935 433737
A family run and owned funeral directors aiming to offer a friendly, caring but professional service. On site manager. With just one office, we aim to dedicate ourselves to our clients from the first call, offering help and advice on all aspects, including pre-payment funeral plans. Client parking on site with disabled access.
NAFD member. 24-hour service
G. H. Cook & Son
FUNERAL DIRECTORS AND MONUMENTAL MASONS
24 Hour Service
Private Chapel of Rest
8-11 Bond Street, YEOVIL Tel: 423463
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Walter Wall
for Quality Carpets, Rugs and Vinyls.
All Prices—Immediate Delivery
Fitting by Experts
34 Princes Street, Yeovil Tel: (01935) 478100
AJ Wakely & Sons Independent Family Funeral Directors and Monumental Mason
- 24 Hour Service - Private Chapels of Rest
Website :www.ajwakely.com
33 Sparrow Road, Yeovil, BA21 4BT Tel : 01935 479913
16 Newland, Sherborne, Dorset, DT9 3JQ Tel : 01935 816817
Please contact Clive Wakely, or a member of their dedicated team for any advice or guidance
Last Saturday of each month
10:00 - 1:00pm
31 March
28 April
26 May
30 June
At Church of St John the Baptist Yeovil, BA20 1HE
Free Legal Clinic
Simply walk in for a FREE chat with one
of our Solicitors. Refreshments also
available.
01935 382680 www.pardoes.co.uk Bridgwater Bridport Poundbury Taunton Yeovil
35
Building Contractor Extensions. Alterations. Maintenance &
repairs. Patios. Internal & external decorating
Tel: 01935 428176
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BARTLETTS Removals, Containerised Storage, and Transport.
Packing materials available.
www.bartlettsremovals.co.uk 36 Buckland Road, Yeovil. BA215HA. Tel: (01935) 423932 Fax (01935) 433713.
60 West Coker Road, Yeovil, Somerset BA20 2JA Tel: 01935 472793 Email: [email protected]
Set in large gardens, we pride ourselves on a very high standard of 24hr residential care. With trained, caring staff, we put the interest of each individual at the heart of everything we do. A family-run home, we aim to provide a welcoming and homely environment for up to 28 residents, each with their own room and ensuite facilities. Please do call or visit us, you will be made most welcome.
Beechwood House Care Home
B015
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- New Builds
- Brickwork, Stonework, Blockwork and Rendering
- Carpentry & Property Maintenance
- Roofing/Re-roofs and Repairs
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No job too big or too small
Tel: 01308 863809 Mobile: 07976 372045
Web: www.jimallenbuilding.co.uk E-mail: [email protected]
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WHO’S WHO?
Please submit any articles or items for the Focus Magazine to the Editor via e-mail
or pigeon hole in St John’s by the 3rd Sunday in the month
Focus Editor email address: [email protected]
Rector Associate Minister
Revd. James Dudley-Smith Revd. Tom Putt
475352 Email: [email protected]
507964 Email: [email protected]
Readers
Keith Stevens Beth Farrington
428142 Ex Directory
Facilities Co-ordinator
Terry Bush 427745
Pastoral Care Co-ordinator
Helen Peace 414464 Email: [email protected]
St John’s St Andrew’s
Wardens
Rob Dean
Jennifer Matthew
389780
862190
David Maynard Griffin
Sandra Warr
424605
Treasurer John Brookes 478862 Les Jackson 425343
PCC Secretary Janet Dean 389780 Linda Jackson 425343
Organist Ray Willis
07880 918697
Derek Wood (01460) 75680
Gift Aid Officer Roger Fox Alan Irwin
Anne Wickes
862041 471963 432535
Les Jackson 425343
Captain of the Bell Ringers
Roger Fox 862041
Music Group Leader Keith Ovenden 424780
Children’s Team Co-ordinator
Melissa Cary
Floral Group Chair Mary Brooks 425147 Nicky Pilton 822422
Child Protection Contact
Ros Bush 479549
Envelope Secretary Anne Wickes 432535 Jo Dodwell Ex-Dir
Focus Magazine Editor
Elaine Mitchell 476097 Margaret Akerman (liaison)
422474
Traidcraft Contact Pauline Kibblewhite
841510
Parish Administrator & Schoolrooms Bookings
Kath Upton
Home 424270 Office 427745
