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October 2011 Page 1
From our Minister From our Minister From our Minister From our Minister
Dear Friends,
I’m just back from my holiday in Ireland; I
spent four days in Dublin then toured the west
and south coasts. The sun didn’t shine much.
however I didn’t get wet, although rain often
threatened. It rained when I was asleep,
travelling or inside a stately home or other
tourist attraction so I feel very blessed. I was
struck with the smoothness of modern day ferries too, not travelling on
one for many many years. Despite force 4 winds! The places I went and
stayed were full of mainly German tourists which surprised me, but the
evidence of recession was unavoidable, the overheard conversations in
the restaurants, trams and on the radio were all about the recession
something I fear is coming our way.
The highlight of my holiday was a visit to Trinity College Library in
Dublin, where the “Book of Kells” is on display. The book of Kells is a 7th
Century illuminated manuscript of the four Gospels written in the Latin,
(Jerome’s Vulgate), a masterwork of Western calligraphy illustrated by
Monks from Iona and taken to the monastery at Kell, County Neath to
save it from being destroyed by the Vikings. I thought it was more than
a coincidence that I should end up viewing in person one of the oldest
copies of scripture, after our recent series on the history of the King
James Bible. It was amazingly beautiful and I would have loved to have
touched it and turned the pages of such an historical document but of
course I couldn’t. (See some pictures on my letter page on website). The
book is kept in a very impressive security display case because it’s
‘priceless’.
Two questions to consider: Do we value the pricelessness of the
Word of God as our forerunners did? Do we realise the treasure we have
at our fingertips as the Monks of Iona and Kells did? Unless we read the
Bible often the we will never appreciate its true value. When we do, then
we can identify with the writer of Psalm 119 “I will rejoice in your words, as one that has found priceless treasure” (v162)
Ray ____________________________________________________________________
October 2011 Page 1
From our Minister From our Minister From our Minister From our Minister
Dear Friends,
I’m just back from my holiday in Ireland; I
spent four days in Dublin then toured the west
and south coasts. The sun didn’t shine much.
however I didn’t get wet, although rain often
threatened. It rained when I was asleep,
travelling or inside a stately home or other
tourist attraction so I feel very blessed. I was
struck with the smoothness of modern day ferries too, not travelling on
one for many many years. Despite force 4 winds! The places I went and
stayed were full of mainly German tourists which surprised me, but the
evidence of recession was unavoidable, the overheard conversations in
the restaurants, trams and on the radio were all about the recession
something I fear is coming our way.
The highlight of my holiday was a visit to Trinity College Library in
Dublin, where the “Book of Kells” is on display. The book of Kells is a 7th
Century illuminated manuscript of the four Gospels written in the Latin,
(Jerome’s Vulgate), a masterwork of Western calligraphy illustrated by
Monks from Iona and taken to the monastery at Kell, County Neath to
save it from being destroyed by the Vikings. I thought it was more than
a coincidence that I should end up viewing in person one of the oldest
copies of scripture, after our recent series on the history of the King
James Bible. It was amazingly beautiful and I would have loved to have
touched it and turned the pages of such an historical document but of
course I couldn’t. (See some pictures on my letter page on website). The
book is kept in a very impressive security display case because it’s
‘priceless’.
Two questions to consider: Do we value the pricelessness of the
Word of God as our forerunners did? Do we realise the treasure we have
at our fingertips as the Monks of Iona and Kells did? Unless we read the
Bible often the we will never appreciate its true value. When we do, then
we can identify with the writer of Psalm 119 “I will rejoice in your words, as one that has found priceless treasure” (v162)
Ray
____________________________________________________________________
October 2011 Page 2
from the Quizmaster
Thanks to everyone who came along
and took part in our International
Evening and Quiz. the food
was great and I think people
enjoyed the quiz. I would
like to say a special Thank
you to Henrietta, Maureen,
Cath and Peter who did
stirling work in the kitchen and didn't get to partake of much of the Quiz. It
wouldn't have happened without you. If I get asked to do it again I promise
to include more International questions!
from the Treasurer
In my other role as Treasurer I can report that August’s offertory giving
continued at a good level at £4,003. The average to date is still above budget
at £4,269 per month. Two more people have signed up for Gift Aid and also
to make their regular gifts to the church via standing order. This really helps.
At the end of August our total income to date was £68,452 and total
expenditure had reached £60,065. This is very good but of course we are
showing the benefit of the tax refund last month and still have more energy
bills and other expense items to go. You may have noticed the hall ceiling
has been stained by water and we had to get a roofer to fix a slipped tile.
Naturally the very poor summer weather showed this up! Thank you for the
gifts that you have all given so far to keep the church solvent, it really is
appreciated.
Steve Wise
____________________________________________________________________
October 2011 Page 2
from the Quizmaster
Thanks to everyone who came along
and took part in our International
Evening and Quiz. the food
was great and I think people
enjoyed the quiz. I would
like to say a special Thank
you to Henrietta, Maureen,
Cath and Peter who did
stirling work in the kitchen and didn't get to partake of much of the Quiz. It
wouldn't have happened without you. If I get asked to do it again I promise
to include more International questions!
from the Treasurer
In my other role as Treasurer I can report that August’s offertory giving
continued at a good level at £4,003. The average to date is still above budget
at £4,269 per month. Two more people have signed up for Gift Aid and also
to make their regular gifts to the church via standing order. This really helps.
At the end of August our total income to date was £68,452 and total
expenditure had reached £60,065. This is very good but of course we are
showing the benefit of the tax refund last month and still have more energy
bills and other expense items to go. You may have noticed the hall ceiling
has been stained by water and we had to get a roofer to fix a slipped tile.
Naturally the very poor summer weather showed this up! Thank you for the
gifts that you have all given so far to keep the church solvent, it really is
appreciated.
Steve Wise
____________________________________________________________________
October 2011 Page 3
Others
If it’s true that we are here to help others,
then what exactly are the others here for?
Broad Middle age is when broadness of the mind
and narrowness of the waist change places. ____________________________________________________________________
October 2011 Page 3
Others
If it’s true that we are here to help others,
then what exactly are the others here for?
Broad Middle age is when broadness of the mind
and narrowness of the waist change places.
____________________________________________________________________
October 2011 Page 4
MusicMusicMusicMusic The symphony orchestra had
little confidence in the person
brought in to be their new
conductor. Their fears were
realized at the very first
rehearsal. The cymbalist,
realizing that the conductor
did not know what he was
doing, angrily clashed his
instruments together during a delicate, soft passage. The music stopped.
The conductor, highly agitated, looked angrily around the orchestra,
demanding, "Who did that? Who did that?"
*************************************
StoriesStoriesStoriesStories As part of his talk at a banquet, our minister told some jokes and a few
funny stories. Since he planned to
use the same anecdotes at a
meeting the next day, he asked
reporters covering the event not to
include them in their articles.
Reading the paper the following
morning, he noticed that one well-
meaning cub reporter had ended
his story on the banquet with the
observation "The minister told a
number of stories that cannot be
published."
************************************
Blessed Blessed are the flexible, for they don’t mind it when the demands of
family and work tie them in knots.
____________________________________________________________________
October 2011 Page 4
MusicMusicMusicMusic The symphony orchestra had
little confidence in the person
brought in to be their new
conductor. Their fears were
realized at the very first
rehearsal. The cymbalist,
realizing that the conductor
did not know what he was
doing, angrily clashed his
instruments together during a delicate, soft passage. The music stopped.
The conductor, highly agitated, looked angrily around the orchestra,
demanding, "Who did that? Who did that?"
*************************************
StoriesStoriesStoriesStories As part of his talk at a banquet, our minister told some jokes and a few
funny stories. Since he planned to
use the same anecdotes at a
meeting the next day, he asked
reporters covering the event not to
include them in their articles.
Reading the paper the following
morning, he noticed that one well-
meaning cub reporter had ended
his story on the banquet with the
observation "The minister told a
number of stories that cannot be
published."
************************************
Blessed Blessed are the flexible, for they don’t mind it when the demands of
family and work tie them in knots.
____________________________________________________________________
October 2011 Page 5
Gardening helps your
health – in spadefuls!
As you put your garden to
bed for the winter, and perhaps
rake up endless leaves, there is
at least one very positive
advantage in all that work: you
are doing your health a lot of
good.
Research has found that only two and a half hours of gardening a
week can improve fitness levels and also reduce the risk of heart
disease, the risk of type 2 diabetes, lower blood pressure, improve
mental alertness, and encourage your children to get more active.
One expert says: “Gardening is a fantastic way to exercise. By
digging and weeding, every part of the body gets a workout.”
Certainly raking up leaves is great for toning your upper arms....
Progress is a tide. If we
stand still we will surely be
drowned. H Mayfield
Never report what may
hurt another, unless it be a
great hurt to conceal it. William Penn
Worry is the darkroom in
which negatives can
develop.
____________________________________________________________________
October 2011 Page 5
Gardening helps your
health – in spadefuls!
As you put your garden to
bed for the winter, and perhaps
rake up endless leaves, there is
at least one very positive
advantage in all that work: you
are doing your health a lot of
good.
Research has found that only two and a half hours of gardening a
week can improve fitness levels and also reduce the risk of heart
disease, the risk of type 2 diabetes, lower blood pressure, improve
mental alertness, and encourage your children to get more active.
One expert says: “Gardening is a fantastic way to exercise. By
digging and weeding, every part of the body gets a workout.”
Certainly raking up leaves is great for toning your upper arms....
Progress is a tide. If we
stand still we will surely be
drowned. H Mayfield
Never report what may
hurt another, unless it be a
great hurt to conceal it. William Penn
Worry is the darkroom in
which negatives can
develop.
____________________________________________________________________
October 2011 Page 6
Bible Sunday is coming Bible Sunday is coming Bible Sunday is coming Bible Sunday is coming –––– 23 October 23 October 23 October 23 October Churches are being invited to celebrate the way the
Bible can transform lives and communities this.This
year’s theme, ‘The People’s Bible’, is based on
Nehemiah 8 and a key moment in the history of Israel.
The Bible was giving people new hope after returning to
their homeland from exile. They had begun re-building
Jerusalem, and Nehemiah and Ezra challenge them to reform society based
on their relationship with God.
This year, worshippers will be encouraged to think about how the Bible
is re-energising people today - changing lives and nations.
To help churches do this Bible Society has produced a set of free and
easy-to-use resources including sermon notes, prayers, drama sketches and
video clips for worship and discussion groups.
Tesfaye, 17, from Ethiopia, is featured in the resources pack. He used to
live on the streets of Addis Ababa, but now he's found shelter and friendship
at a street boys home. He listens regularly to an audio Bible, provided by
Bible Society, and takes part in Bible studies. “My life has been changed
totally,” he says, “God has a plan for me. I'm trusting in him now. I don't
know what's going to happen to me, but I believe that God has a plan.”
Also featured, is a church on the outskirts of Coventry where a better
understanding of the Bible has brought about radical change, after
churchgoers completed a pilot of Bible Society’s new H+ course. Vicar
Elaine Jones says, “People are engaging with the Bible far more deeply than
they have before; they've found a confidence and a thirst to read, to ask
questions and to understand it.”
Bible Sunday project manager Ben Whitnall says, “As we celebrate the
400th anniversary of the King James Bible and the impact it’s had on our
language and culture, we are encouraging people to think about the
continuing power of Scripture to inspire change. Just as in Nehemiah's time,
there is a place for the Bible in the public square today; amazing things
continue to happen when people hear God's Word.”
____________________________________________________________________
October 2011 Page 6
Bible Sunday is coming Bible Sunday is coming Bible Sunday is coming Bible Sunday is coming –––– 23 October 23 October 23 October 23 October Churches are being invited to celebrate the way the
Bible can transform lives and communities this.This
year’s theme, ‘The People’s Bible’, is based on
Nehemiah 8 and a key moment in the history of Israel.
The Bible was giving people new hope after returning to
their homeland from exile. They had begun re-building
Jerusalem, and Nehemiah and Ezra challenge them to reform society based
on their relationship with God.
This year, worshippers will be encouraged to think about how the Bible
is re-energising people today - changing lives and nations.
To help churches do this Bible Society has produced a set of free and
easy-to-use resources including sermon notes, prayers, drama sketches and
video clips for worship and discussion groups.
Tesfaye, 17, from Ethiopia, is featured in the resources pack. He used to
live on the streets of Addis Ababa, but now he's found shelter and friendship
at a street boys home. He listens regularly to an audio Bible, provided by
Bible Society, and takes part in Bible studies. “My life has been changed
totally,” he says, “God has a plan for me. I'm trusting in him now. I don't
know what's going to happen to me, but I believe that God has a plan.”
Also featured, is a church on the outskirts of Coventry where a better
understanding of the Bible has brought about radical change, after
churchgoers completed a pilot of Bible Society’s new H+ course. Vicar
Elaine Jones says, “People are engaging with the Bible far more deeply than
they have before; they've found a confidence and a thirst to read, to ask
questions and to understand it.”
Bible Sunday project manager Ben Whitnall says, “As we celebrate the
400th anniversary of the King James Bible and the impact it’s had on our
language and culture, we are encouraging people to think about the
continuing power of Scripture to inspire change. Just as in Nehemiah's time,
there is a place for the Bible in the public square today; amazing things
continue to happen when people hear God's Word.”
____________________________________________________________________
October 2011 Page 7
Stay trimmed and balancedStay trimmed and balancedStay trimmed and balancedStay trimmed and balanced
‘Do not let this Book... depart from your mouth; meditate on it
day and night,... be careful to do everything written in it. Then
you will be... successful.’ Joshua 1:8
Any flying instructor will tell you that aeroplanes need to be ‘trimmed’ or
‘balanced in flight’ on a regular basis. After flying through storms and hitting
air pockets, they get knocked out of line. That’s true of us, on our path
through life. We face bad storms of sickness, redundancy, divorce and
disappointment, which can knock us off balance, too.
It’s worth stopping to take stock of ourselves. Is our attitude towards God,
ourselves and other people in proper alignment? What are we encountering at
the moment that is putting pressure on us to veer off course, to become
angry, bitter, jealous, worried? So as long as we live, we will always need to
look to God, to stay ‘trimmed and balanced’.
The best way to stay balanced is to read God’s Word. It gives a true map of
the world around us, and shows us where we are on that map. Here a simple
idea: every week, choose a Bible verse and write it down on a small card.
Carry it with you wherever you go and in one year you’ll know 52 new
Scriptures. More importantly, your attitudes will be more naturally in line
with God’s Word, your faith will be strengthened, and your life will be
moving in the right direction.
Children need to learn about giving
Children should be taught that ‘there is more to life’ than buying the latest
iPod or mobile phone, if we are to create a happy society. So warns one of
Britain’s most senior civil servants. Sir Gus O’Donnell, the Cabinet
Secretary, suggests that both children and adults wrongly believe that
happiness comes from acquiring material goods, when studies actually
indicate that doing things for others is far more satisfying.
A recent report tracking Britain’s ‘well-being’ found that the most important
elements of life for well-being and happiness are health, relationships, work,
education and training, along with the principle that everyone should be treated
fairly. The first results showing how ‘happy’ the nation is will be published next
year.
____________________________________________________________________
October 2011 Page 7
Stay trimmed and balancedStay trimmed and balancedStay trimmed and balancedStay trimmed and balanced
‘Do not let this Book... depart from your mouth; meditate on it
day and night,... be careful to do everything written in it. Then
you will be... successful.’ Joshua 1:8
Any flying instructor will tell you that aeroplanes need to be ‘trimmed’ or
‘balanced in flight’ on a regular basis. After flying through storms and hitting
air pockets, they get knocked out of line. That’s true of us, on our path
through life. We face bad storms of sickness, redundancy, divorce and
disappointment, which can knock us off balance, too.
It’s worth stopping to take stock of ourselves. Is our attitude towards God,
ourselves and other people in proper alignment? What are we encountering at
the moment that is putting pressure on us to veer off course, to become
angry, bitter, jealous, worried? So as long as we live, we will always need to
look to God, to stay ‘trimmed and balanced’.
The best way to stay balanced is to read God’s Word. It gives a true map of
the world around us, and shows us where we are on that map. Here a simple
idea: every week, choose a Bible verse and write it down on a small card.
Carry it with you wherever you go and in one year you’ll know 52 new
Scriptures. More importantly, your attitudes will be more naturally in line
with God’s Word, your faith will be strengthened, and your life will be
moving in the right direction.
Children need to learn about giving
Children should be taught that ‘there is more to life’ than buying the latest
iPod or mobile phone, if we are to create a happy society. So warns one of
Britain’s most senior civil servants. Sir Gus O’Donnell, the Cabinet
Secretary, suggests that both children and adults wrongly believe that
happiness comes from acquiring material goods, when studies actually
indicate that doing things for others is far more satisfying.
A recent report tracking Britain’s ‘well-being’ found that the most important
elements of life for well-being and happiness are health, relationships, work,
education and training, along with the principle that everyone should be treated
fairly. The first results showing how ‘happy’ the nation is will be published next
year.
____________________________________________________________________
October 2011 Page 8
(Services will be conducted by our minister, the Revd Ray Coates,
unless otherwise indicated)
Oct 2 10.30am Family Service -
Oct 9 10.30am Morning Worship:
“Hearing the voice of God) Part 1
Luke 8:4-15
Oct 16 10.30am Family COMMUNION
“Hearing the voice of God) Part 2
Luke 8:4-15
Oct 23 10.30am Morning Worship
Tom Cook will be leading our worship and
bringing us God’s Word
(Ray is at Caversham Baptist Church where he is Moderator)
Oct 30 10.30am Morning Worship
“Hearing the voice of God) Part 3
Luke 8:4-15
____________________________________________________________________
October 2011 Page 8
(Services will be conducted by our minister, the Revd Ray Coates,
unless otherwise indicated)
Oct 2 10.30am Family Service -
Oct 9 10.30am Morning Worship:
“Hearing the voice of God) Part 1
Luke 8:4-15
Oct 16 10.30am Family COMMUNION
“Hearing the voice of God) Part 2
Luke 8:4-15
Oct 23 10.30am Morning Worship
Tom Cook will be leading our worship and
bringing us God’s Word
(Ray is at Caversham Baptist Church where he is Moderator)
Oct 30 10.30am Morning Worship
“Hearing the voice of God) Part 3
Luke 8:4-15
____________________________________________________________________
October 2011 Page 9
Regular Weekly events:
(see back cover) 2011
Tuesday Fellowship
2.00pm
There’s a space for you!
Oct 6 Fellowship afternoon
Oct 11 John Coleman
Oct 18 Mary Ludlow
Oct 25 Gwen and Peter Davis
Deacons’ Meeting
Monday October 3rd
at 7.30pm
Church Meeting
Tuesday October 18th
at 7.30pm
Special pre–Christmas Sale!
Saturday October 29th at 11.00am Can you help? - serving behind the tables, bringing new and mint condition gifts
for Christmas to sell, coming to be available to pray with the folk who ask for it?
If you feel you can, then please speak to Cynthia Streames
____________________________________________________________________
October 2011 Page 9
Regular Weekly events:
(see back cover) 2011
Tuesday Fellowship
2.00pm
There’s a space for you!
Oct 6 Fellowship afternoon
Oct 11 John Coleman
Oct 18 Mary Ludlow
Oct 25 Gwen and Peter Davis
Deacons’ Meeting
Monday October 3rd
at 7.30pm
Church Meeting
Tuesday October 18th
at 7.30pm
Special pre–Christmas Sale!
Saturday October 29th at 11.00am Can you help? - serving behind the tables, bringing new and mint condition gifts
for Christmas to sell, coming to be available to pray with the folk who ask for it?
If you feel you can, then please speak to Cynthia Streames
____________________________________________________________________
October 2011 Page 10
Our genuine thanks go to Norman and Ruth for their love and faithfulness.
They are an example to us all. See further on Page 12) - Ed.
____________________________________________________________________
October 2011 Page 10
Our genuine thanks go to Norman and Ruth for their love and faithfulness.
They are an example to us all. See further on Page 12) - Ed.
____________________________________________________________________
October 2011 Page 11
We offer our sincere congratulations to Betty Westall, seen here
cutting the cake on her 90th birthday, which she celebrated with
friends and neighbours. God bless you, Betty, and thank you for the many
ways in which you serve the Lord at Tyndale.
We are pleased to know that the chemotherapy medication has made
you feel so much better and your breathing is so much improved. May you
know God’s richest blessings. With the love of all of us at Tyndale
____________________________________________________________________
October 2011 Page 11
We offer our sincere congratulations to Betty Westall, seen here
cutting the cake on her 90th birthday, which she celebrated with
friends and neighbours. God bless you, Betty, and thank you for the many
ways in which you serve the Lord at Tyndale.
We are pleased to know that the chemotherapy medication has made
you feel so much better and your breathing is so much improved. May you
know God’s richest blessings. With the love of all of us at Tyndale
____________________________________________________________________
October 2011 Page 12
Keep the Fire Burning
Since April 2010 Rita Langridge and I have been
meeting regularly almost every Tuesday morning to pray
particularly for Tyndale. We have also been doing the
Prayer Ministry for the Sales, and Jayne has also come along from time to
time. This began in March 2009. From the beginning I made it plain that these would both be on a temporary
basis, as Rita, Jayne and I are all involved with other ministries in the
town. As we have prayed and shared, we have felt that the Lord has a special
place for Tyndale in Reading, and He wants this Beacon on the Hill to
shine so brightly that it will draw the community to it. This is already
happening to some extent through the Sales, which, through the Prayer
Ministry,many prayer requests have been asked for and some answers have
been amazing and lately we have seen two miraculous answers to prayer. God IS at work but we believe that He wants to bless this Church with
much more; but the outpouring of the Holy Spirit will not fall until each
member of this church take these on board and own them for yourselves. A
few weeks ago, Sylvia spoke on intercessory prayer and asked for the
church to start meeting together in 2’s or 3’s to pray and to share. This will
help you to grow and develop a greater love and zeal for Jesus, but I
believe that, sadly, not many have taken this challenge up. Rita and I know that God wants to pour out His blessing on you, but He
won’t until you are ready to receive, and this means action by all of you.
Please forgive me for being so direct but Rita and I are feeling that we need
to be freed up as God wants us to be involved in a wider level with
intercessory prayer for Reading as a whole but we are reluctant to leave
without prayer ministry happening here. Please prayerfully ask the Lord what YOUR role is in all of this. Each
member of this church has a role to play as part of the Body of Christ.
Each of you is very important and precious to God. He loves and cherishes
you all very, very much and He is longing to bless you all.
Averil Dudgeon ____________________________________________________________________
October 2011 Page 12
Keep the Fire Burning
Since April 2010 Rita Langridge and I have been
meeting regularly almost every Tuesday morning to pray
particularly for Tyndale. We have also been doing the
Prayer Ministry for the Sales, and Jayne has also come along from time to
time. This began in March 2009. From the beginning I made it plain that these would both be on a temporary
basis, as Rita, Jayne and I are all involved with other ministries in the
town. As we have prayed and shared, we have felt that the Lord has a special
place for Tyndale in Reading, and He wants this Beacon on the Hill to
shine so brightly that it will draw the community to it. This is already
happening to some extent through the Sales, which, through the Prayer
Ministry,many prayer requests have been asked for and some answers have
been amazing and lately we have seen two miraculous answers to prayer. God IS at work but we believe that He wants to bless this Church with
much more; but the outpouring of the Holy Spirit will not fall until each
member of this church take these on board and own them for yourselves. A
few weeks ago, Sylvia spoke on intercessory prayer and asked for the
church to start meeting together in 2’s or 3’s to pray and to share. This will
help you to grow and develop a greater love and zeal for Jesus, but I
believe that, sadly, not many have taken this challenge up. Rita and I know that God wants to pour out His blessing on you, but He
won’t until you are ready to receive, and this means action by all of you.
Please forgive me for being so direct but Rita and I are feeling that we need
to be freed up as God wants us to be involved in a wider level with
intercessory prayer for Reading as a whole but we are reluctant to leave
without prayer ministry happening here. Please prayerfully ask the Lord what YOUR role is in all of this. Each
member of this church has a role to play as part of the Body of Christ.
Each of you is very important and precious to God. He loves and cherishes
you all very, very much and He is longing to bless you all.
Averil Dudgeon
____________________________________________________________________
October 2011 Page 13
I wonder how this letter from Averil makes you feel? Of course, we are
grateful to Averil and Rita for their ministry among us, but why haven’t we
caught the vision and prayed with them for the people of our church and
community? Do we not care? Are we really too busy? It has always been my
conviction that ‘a praying church is a growing church’. It’s not that the
opportunities are not there. We have set aside the weekly 30 minutes before
Sunday worship and the last Weds evening in each month from 7.30pm—
8.30pm. There is also the expectation that our two house groups would spend
some time in intercessory prayer. We have had teaching on prayer during
Sunday Worship. It is certainly true that many people pray during their own
personal daily ‘Quiet Times’, but there is something special and ‘different’
when individuals pray together. There has been no response, as far as I
know, to the public challenge to make up numerous small groups of two or
three friends who covenant to pray together regularly for our church and our
ministry to those in the neighbourhood. We have been called to be a beacon
of light at the top of Cressingham Road. I fear the light is very dim at the
moment.
It would be truly shameful if we were to rely on other churches to do
our praying for us. We must take a really good, long hard look at ourselves.
What is God asking of us individually and collectively?
The monthly Sales have become a vital ministry in prayer to many of
those who come. They have requested prayer; our friends have prayed; the
delighted recipients of God’s answers come back the next month for more!
There must be some person or persons in our church who could do this
wonderful ministry! Who are you? Are you listening to God’s call? Speak to
Averil and she will tell you all about the current arrangements.
The very life blood of Tyndale needs to be ‘oxygenated’ by prayer.
Let’s get to it.
Sylvia
"God does nothing except in response to believing prayer." John Wesley
"One should never initiate anything that he cannot saturate with prayer." "Men may spurn our appeals, reject our message, oppose our arguments,
despise our persons, but they are helpless against our prayers." Sidlow Baxter Satan trembles when he sees the weakest Christian on his knees." William Cowper
____________________________________________________________________
October 2011 Page 13
I wonder how this letter from Averil makes you feel? Of course, we are
grateful to Averil and Rita for their ministry among us, but why haven’t we
caught the vision and prayed with them for the people of our church and
community? Do we not care? Are we really too busy? It has always been my
conviction that ‘a praying church is a growing church’. It’s not that the
opportunities are not there. We have set aside the weekly 30 minutes before
Sunday worship and the last Weds evening in each month from 7.30pm—
8.30pm. There is also the expectation that our two house groups would spend
some time in intercessory prayer. We have had teaching on prayer during
Sunday Worship. It is certainly true that many people pray during their own
personal daily ‘Quiet Times’, but there is something special and ‘different’
when individuals pray together. There has been no response, as far as I
know, to the public challenge to make up numerous small groups of two or
three friends who covenant to pray together regularly for our church and our
ministry to those in the neighbourhood. We have been called to be a beacon
of light at the top of Cressingham Road. I fear the light is very dim at the
moment.
It would be truly shameful if we were to rely on other churches to do
our praying for us. We must take a really good, long hard look at ourselves.
What is God asking of us individually and collectively?
The monthly Sales have become a vital ministry in prayer to many of
those who come. They have requested prayer; our friends have prayed; the
delighted recipients of God’s answers come back the next month for more!
There must be some person or persons in our church who could do this
wonderful ministry! Who are you? Are you listening to God’s call? Speak to
Averil and she will tell you all about the current arrangements.
The very life blood of Tyndale needs to be ‘oxygenated’ by prayer.
Let’s get to it.
Sylvia
"God does nothing except in response to believing prayer." John Wesley
"One should never initiate anything that he cannot saturate with prayer." "Men may spurn our appeals, reject our message, oppose our arguments,
despise our persons, but they are helpless against our prayers." Sidlow Baxter Satan trembles when he sees the weakest Christian on his knees." William Cowper
____________________________________________________________________
October 2011 Page 14
Eric Horner - is holding his own at the moment. He con�nues to bless so
many people, with his warm smile, ‘thumbs up’, even in his own weakness.
Bill Mearing - is not feeling at all well at the moment and is rarely able to
come out. Please pray for him, and Sheila at this difficult �me.
Jack and Elsie Clark - Our two friends are really struggling at the moment.
Elsie is now home a$er a stay in hospital and Jack is finding it harder to
keep mobile with advanced arthri�s. Surgery has had to be ruled out
because his general health is not strong enough.
Bella Aus�n - unfortunately she is now suffering from painful legs swollen
with celluli�s and unable to get out.
Absent members: Don’t forget to include these friends who through age
and frailty are no longer able to come to church: June Moulden, Rose Ager
Ina Mu�on and Vera Gigg.
Our young people:
They are now se+ling into their new classes and schools. Pray especially for
those who are off to University and College this month.
Jonathan Tagoe is going to Farnborough for his Sixth Form studies.
It has been good to welcome the older young people into the morning
service during September. We assure them of our love and prayers as they
study hard. We pray that they will grow into commi+ed and mature men
and women of God.
If you learn of any new pastoral needs
please be sure to let Ray or one of the deacons know
____________________________________________________________________
October 2011 Page 14
Eric Horner - is holding his own at the moment. He con�nues to bless so
many people, with his warm smile, ‘thumbs up’, even in his own weakness.
Bill Mearing - is not feeling at all well at the moment and is rarely able to
come out. Please pray for him, and Sheila at this difficult �me.
Jack and Elsie Clark - Our two friends are really struggling at the moment.
Elsie is now home a$er a stay in hospital and Jack is finding it harder to
keep mobile with advanced arthri�s. Surgery has had to be ruled out
because his general health is not strong enough.
Bella Aus�n - unfortunately she is now suffering from painful legs swollen
with celluli�s and unable to get out.
Absent members: Don’t forget to include these friends who through age
and frailty are no longer able to come to church: June Moulden, Rose Ager
Ina Mu�on and Vera Gigg.
Our young people:
They are now se+ling into their new classes and schools. Pray especially for
those who are off to University and College this month.
Jonathan Tagoe is going to Farnborough for his Sixth Form studies.
It has been good to welcome the older young people into the morning
service during September. We assure them of our love and prayers as they
study hard. We pray that they will grow into commi+ed and mature men
and women of God.
If you learn of any new pastoral needs
please be sure to let Ray or one of the deacons know
____________________________________________________________________
October 2011 Page 15
A RIDDLE
Congratulations to the three people who gave me correct answers to last
month’s riddle; Sue pond (1st); Peter Davis (a close 2nd) and Joshua Bethel
(3rd). A small prize is on its way to each of them. Statistically, they have
done better than the 5% of the Stanford University graduates!
For those of you who couldn’t work it out, or were too shy to admit that you
had done it, here, as promised, is a repeat of the riddle and the correct
answer:
The Riddle is: One word
The Answer: is NOTHING!
Please feel free to try this out on your friends and family—Ed
1. The word has seven letters....
2. Preceded God...
3. Greater than God...
4. More Evil than the devil...
5. All poor people have it...
6. Wealthy people need it....
7. If you eat it, you will die.
1. NOTHING has seven letters
2. NOTHING preceded God
3. NOTHING is greater than God
4. NOTHING is more evil than the devil
5. All poor people have NOTHING
6. Wealthy people need NOTHING
7. If you eat NOTHING you will die
“God made the moon as well as the sun; and when he does not see fit to grant us the sun-light, he means us to guide our
steps by moonlight.”
Richard Whately
____________________________________________________________________
October 2011 Page 15
A RIDDLE
Congratulations to the three people who gave me correct answers to last
month’s riddle; Sue pond (1st); Peter Davis (a close 2nd) and Joshua Bethel
(3rd). A small prize is on its way to each of them. Statistically, they have
done better than the 5% of the Stanford University graduates!
For those of you who couldn’t work it out, or were too shy to admit that you
had done it, here, as promised, is a repeat of the riddle and the correct
answer:
The Riddle is: One word
The Answer: is NOTHING!
Please feel free to try this out on your friends and family—Ed
1. The word has seven letters....
2. Preceded God...
3. Greater than God...
4. More Evil than the devil...
5. All poor people have it...
6. Wealthy people need it....
7. If you eat it, you will die.
1. NOTHING has seven letters
2. NOTHING preceded God
3. NOTHING is greater than God
4. NOTHING is more evil than the devil
5. All poor people have NOTHING
6. Wealthy people need NOTHING
7. If you eat NOTHING you will die
“God made the moon as well as the sun; and when he does not see fit to grant us the sun-light, he means us to guide our
steps by moonlight.”
Richard Whately
____________________________________________________________________
October 2011 Page 16
From the Editor:
The November edition of Contact will appear on October 30th. Copy, in
whatever form, should reach me by the previous Sunday, October 23rd.
Sylvia
"Don’t pray
when you feel
like it.
Have an
appointment
with the Lord
and keep it.
A man is powerful on his knees." Corrie ten Boom
********************
When you cannot pray
as you would, pray as you can.
Dean M. Goulburn
Spurgeon's "boiler roomSpurgeon's "boiler roomSpurgeon's "boiler roomSpurgeon's "boiler room Five young college students were spending a Sunday in London, so they
went to hear the famed C.H. Spurgeon preach. While waiting for the doors
to open, the students were greeted by a man who asked, "Gentlemen, let me
show you around. Would you like to see the heating plant of this church?"
They were not particularly interested, for it was a hot day in July. But they
didn't want to offend the stranger, so they consented. The young men were
taken down a stairway, a door was quietly opened, and their guide
whispered, "This is our heating plant." Surprised, the students saw 700
people bowed in prayer, seeking a blessing on the service that was soon to
begin in the auditorium above. Softly closing the door, the gentleman then
introduced himself. It was none other than Charles Spurgeon.
____________________________________________________________________
October 2011 Page 16
From the Editor:
The November edition of Contact will appear on October 30th. Copy, in
whatever form, should reach me by the previous Sunday, October 23rd.
Sylvia
"Don’t pray
when you feel
like it.
Have an
appointment
with the Lord
and keep it.
A man is powerful on his knees." Corrie ten Boom
********************
When you cannot pray
as you would, pray as you can.
Dean M. Goulburn
Spurgeon's "boiler roomSpurgeon's "boiler roomSpurgeon's "boiler roomSpurgeon's "boiler room Five young college students were spending a Sunday in London, so they
went to hear the famed C.H. Spurgeon preach. While waiting for the doors
to open, the students were greeted by a man who asked, "Gentlemen, let me
show you around. Would you like to see the heating plant of this church?"
They were not particularly interested, for it was a hot day in July. But they
didn't want to offend the stranger, so they consented. The young men were
taken down a stairway, a door was quietly opened, and their guide
whispered, "This is our heating plant." Surprised, the students saw 700
people bowed in prayer, seeking a blessing on the service that was soon to
begin in the auditorium above. Softly closing the door, the gentleman then
introduced himself. It was none other than Charles Spurgeon.
