Highbury News June 2011

New

sFebru

ary 20

09

HighburyCongregational Church

Oxford Street. Cheltenham. GL52 6DU

www.highburychurch.co.uk

New

sJu

ne 2

01

1

Highbury News - 2 - June 2011

Deadline for July Highbury News: Sunday 12th June

Highbury Congregational Church belongs tothe Congregational Federation and is in partnership with

the Council for World Mission and Churches Together

www.highburychurch.co.uk

[email protected]

... to quite a number of things that aregoing on at Highbury this month!And I wish I had thought of them whena reporter from the Echo caught me onthe hop and asked me whetheranything exciting was happening atHighbury that week! Thankfully,Felicity had the conversation later.She was able to speak of four thingshappening in those eight days thathappen regularly at Highbury, and theyare what we want to extend aninvitation to.If you live on your own, then we inviteyou to the Friendship Group simply tomeet with others on the first Saturdayafternoon of the month.

If you are around on the secondWednesday of the month then comealong to lunch at 12-30. Goodcompany. Even better food. And youcan follow it, if you want to, with a talkand tea at Hy-Way.On Thursday morning from 10-00 to11-30 there’s excellent coffee andcakes to be enjoyed at our CommunityCafé. Again, something to whicheveryone is invited.And this month on the 18th (but usuallyon the second Saturday) Hy-Speed,with its digital Scalextric, is a greatplace to bring your children if you area Dad, or to bring yourself if you are upfor a good men’s evening out!

An invitation ...


FacebookI don’t do Facebook.Not much anyway!Felicity does.On this occasion I was glad she did,otherwise she wouldn’t have drawn myattention to something that made methink, and I found it very helpful.When I heard the news that Osama BinLaden had been killed there was a partof me that breathed a sigh of relief.The architect of 9/11, the inspirationbehind Al Quaeda had been found andwas no more.The world would be a safer place.I well remember writing in HighburyNews shortly after 9/11, suggestingthat war, as was subsequently tohappen in Afghanistan and in Iraq, wasthe wrong response to terrorism.I remember suggesting that it wasbetter by far to use the intelligenceagencies to track down thoseresponsible and then take appropriateaction.I remain of the view that going to warin Afghanistan and Iraq, far frommaking the world a safer place, hasfuelled the flames of terrorism, and thevery kind of extremism those warshave endeavoured to counter.But what of this?A part of me breathed a sigh of relief.In Osama Bin Laden’s compound thediscovery was made, so we are told, ofa great deal of computer hardwarewith the kind of information that those

intelligence services need to trackdown those responsible for terrorism.And yet something still makes meuneasy.Terrorism thrives on the blood ofmartyrs.Will the world be a safer place?When I heard that Rowan Williams,the Archbishop of Canterbury had“spoken out” I found what he had tosay helpful.At the same time I was appalled atthe way he was misrepresented.He had not “spoken out”.It was in the course of a pressconference on domestic issues that areporter from the Daily Telegraphasked two very direct questions ofRowan Williams.He could have ducked the questions.Instead he gave a very measuredresponse.Subsequent reports and newsbulletins made out that he had chosento “speak out” and proceeded tomisrepresent what he had to say.More than one had the audacity tosay he had no right to speak on suchan issue.On two counts he had every right tospeak out.First, we should surely expect of ourchurch leaders a measured responseto difficult ethical questions, not to‘give us the answer’ but to help us allthink through the response we shouldourselves make.

Minister’s Memo


Second, he had every right tocomment because he was there. On9/11 Rowan Williams found himself ina building used by the staff of TrinityChurch, Wall Street, a couple of blocksaway from the World Trade Centre. Hewas very much caught up in all thathappened.His thoughtful reflection on whatshould happen next published within afew weeks of 9/11 remains, to mymind, one of the most helpful andthought-provoking responses to 9/11.

urged the powersthat be not to make an immediateresponse, but to pause as Jesus hadonce memorably done, and as it were‘write in the dust’. This was a time, hesuggested, for deep thought, notinstant re-action.That very moving reflection alsocounselled the powers that be not torespond in the same language ofterror, but to use instead a differentlanguage - the language of justice andpeace and love.It is worth quoting the questionsRowan Williams was asked on thisoccasion and the responses he gave infull. I, for one, found them helpful.Rowan Williams was asked by theTelegraph reporter: "Do you believethat the killing of Osama Bin Laden isjustice for the 9/11 attacks and indeedother attacks? And was the US morallyjustified in shooting him even thoughhe was unarmed, as the White Housenow admits?"He responded: "I think that the killingof an unarmed man is always going toleave a very uncomfortable feelingbecause it doesn't look as if justice is

seen to be done, in thosecircumstances."I think it is also true that thedifferent versions of events that haveemerged in recent days have notdone a great deal to help here."I don't know the full details anymorethan anyone else does, but I dobelieve that in such circumstancewhen we are faced with someonewho was manifestly a 'war criminal' asyou might say, in terms of theatrocities inflicted, it is important thatjustice is seen to be observed,"concluded the Archbishop.It seemed to me a measured,thoughtful response. I, for one,found it helpful.But something still niggles at me.And that’s where I find myselfwanting to come back to Facebook.We have a link to Facebook on thechurch web site. It’s good to see thenumber of friends of Highburygrowing, and that Becky has beenputting lots of news of Highbury on tothe Facebook group.It was Sharon Wallington who postedthe heart-felt response on Facebookthat Felicity drew my attention to.

That was it.


That is what had unsettled me somuch.Those scenes of jubilation thatgreeted the news of the death ofOsama Bin Laden were as profoundlydisturbing as the scenes of jubilationthat had in some places greeted thenews of 9/11.That is what is in danger of making ushurtle further down the spiral ofdestruction terrorism unleashes on us.Sharon went on to comment on thequotations she had posted“...

It was good to read the manyresponses Sharon had.One friend commented,

What challenged me further was thequotation Sharon then posted fromRomans 12

yo

Are those words of Paul, echoing asthey do the words of Jesus in theSermon on the Mount, simply piousplatitudes that have nothing to dowith the real world?Or are they fundamental principlesthat need to shape the response wemake in our hearts and the responseour leaders make in their actions.I for one will continue to pray forthose in the intelligence services inthe part they play in counteringterrorism. I will also pray for wisdomon the part of the political leaders asthey choose how to make use of theintelligence they receive.

Every blessing,Richard Cleaves

Forgive us our trespassesas we forgive those who trespass against us

Make us patient and sympathetic with the shortcomings of others,especially of those we love; and help us to be watchful over our ownshortcomings.

Let us never become insensitive to the acts of those whoseunconscious cruelty leads them to think they have excelled.

Keep our hearts uplifted so that we may be forgiving, because weknow how much there is of which we need to be forgiven.


From the Pastoral Assistant

So we’re in the run up to the Brunelweekend away, but it has made methink about the CF Youth weekend thatwe have just had.I first want to say a big thank you foreveryone’s hard work in having theyouth conference here at Easter. Itwas such a special time and a real joy(a tired joy, but a joy none the less) tohave the young people here and justdoing what they do. It’s been quiteinteresting to have a couple of emailsand other messages recently fromformer CF Youth people who are nowgrown up, remembering howimportant CF Youth was in theirspiritual journey. There were messagesfrom Jonathan Rowe who remembersmaking his personal commitment toChrist in 1990, and Neil Chappell, aFederation minister who remembersbecoming a Christian at one of theevents thirty two years ago.It is so easy to underestimate howsignificant these events are for theyouth. Maybe you can remember whenyou yourself became a Christian oreven started thinking about it. Maybeyou can remember a big decision youmade in your faith and where ithappened. I personally can alsoremember the event when I made acommitment and CF Youth has been ahuge part of my life and my faith.But as we know the initial decision isn’tnecessarily the most difficult, being aChristian can also be hard, trying tomerge what we know about God andthe Bible with the world we are livingin. Although this doesn’t stop as we

grow older, well, it hasn’t for me sofar, it is great to be able to be part ofan international Christian fellowshipwhere we can support each other,pray for each other and share ourworries and confusion.For some of those who were at theevent, this will have been a significanttime for them, but it will have evengreater significance as it was officiallythe last ever CF Youth event. Therewill be new things happening foryouth in the Federation. These arethings we need to pray about, thatsome of the youth won’t feel leftbehind as a new youth structureemerges. That those new people whoare part of it won’t feel left outbecause everyone else seems to knoweach other, and that those who thinkthey won’t be part of leadership, ormay not even see certain friendsagain, won’t be anxious and full ofworries, but challenged to be part ofsomething new.I doubt the new structure will beperfect, it is in its infancy and I knowas a kind of ‘children’s worker’ infantsare never perfect, but it needs ourprayers and support.CF Youth helped young peoplebecome Christians, churches havesupported them further in becomingthose serving God in their workplace,in churches, in mission. Let’s hopeand pray as a church that this newstructure helps to build the leaders ofthe future, that takes theCongregational Federation to new andexciting places, but that makes God


loving servants who will takeChristianity into the lives of theirfriends, locally and internationally.Let’s also remember to pray for ouryouth, those that were part of the CFYouth event and those that weren’t,let’s pray for the challenges they facein merging their faith with their world.Brunel is a bit like a CF Youth event forgrown ups, let’s also pray that this year

we are challenged, that we learnsomething new about Jesus and thatwe come home spiritually revived andthankful for all that we have.

Sue’s NewsIt is midsummer already and Beckymust be counting down through thelast few weeks of her employment atHighbury. She has been such an assetto church life for all of us. This timelast year, she said that she wanted herlegacy to be the Child Friendly ChurchAward. She has achieved that and somuch more! May we be blessed with aChildren’s Worker to continue herexcellent work.Easter was a particularly busy time forBecky, but her arrangement of thechurch through Holy Week,highlighting events from the whole ofJesus’ life up to the first Easter, wasinspirational for us, for drop-in visitors,and it was good to see children gettinginvolved too. Apart from the services,including Daybreak on Cleeve Hill, shewas involved with Holiday Club and theCF Youth weekend. What a livelycrowd they were, but really good-natured and helpful to kitchen staff.The beautiful orchid they gave inappreciation is currently located in thevestry for care and attention.

The second Sunday in June isCongregational Sunday when ourministers exchange pulpits. This yearwe welcome Rev Nick Gleich ofFrampton on Severn to MorningWorship, and Rev James Taylor ofFairford and South Cerney to theEvening Prayers. The congregation willbe depleted on that Sunday, but thewelcome should be none-the-lesswarm and friendly.That same weekend is our visit toBrunel Manor, long anticipated. Wehope that this visit will be as enjoyable,memorable and successful as previousones. The fact that so many of uschoose to attend must mean that wehave much pleasure from the event.The decision to not book for 2012leaves us with a blank canvas toarrange a possible weekend atHighbury and if, as suggested, itcoincides with the return of the AberValley Male voice Choir, it would bewonderful.

If you were on trial for being a Christian,would there be enough evidence to convict you?


Originally founded in 1992 as ‘OpenDoor at Christmas’ the charitygradually expanded and developedtheir work, taking the new name ofCheltenham Open Door and becomingboth a registered charity and limitedcompany. They have been operatingfrom their Grosvenor Street basesince 1998.Cheltenham Open Door supportsvulnerable, disadvantaged and lonelypeople. They are working to relievepoverty, hardship, and social oremotional distress. Their guests aremen and women who have beendeprived of the comforts and securitymost of us take for granted and theyoffer them hospitality, warmth, foodand somewhere to relax. Some guestslost jobs through injury or sicknessand are not fit to work again. Someread and write only with greatdifficulty. Some are coping withmental health issues. Some are in aprogramme to get off alcohol ordrugs. Many come from brokenhomes, were in care as children orhave experienced brokenrelationships. Some are sleepingrough, or are among the hiddenhomeless in a temporary hostel, orsleeping on a friend's floor.Cheltenham Open Door does notjudge, and they make no charge forany of their services.It is their policy to never demandnames of their guests.Each year they run a ChristmasShelter at St Luke's Church Hall, thisis open to guests 24 hours a day from

midday on Christmas Eve until afterlunch on 27th December. All this iscompletely free. Teams of volunteersworking in shifts under experiencedshift leaders man the shelter and theyserve three hot meals a day, with hotand cold drinks continually on tap.They aim to provide companionship,food and warmth to those in need atthis special time of year making it areal Christmas for everyone.All year round they offer: hot mealsand drinks, a clothes store, a showerwith soap and towels provided, a TVroom for relaxation, access to atelephone and companionship andrespect. If appropriate, their guestscan receive visits from healthprofessionals, and links can be madewith expert agencies. The weekdayservice runs on Tuesdays,Wednesdays and Thursdays from10.30am to 1.45pm. Self-service hotdrinks are on tap and a meal is servedfrom 12 noon to 12.45pm. OnSundays they open from 9.45 to11.45am, to serve a continuous hotbreakfast, self-service hot drinks areagain on tap. Attendance variesbetween about 30 and 50. Additionalactivities for guests have included artand cookery classes, and a day trip toa wildlife park.Cheltenham Open Door: 39Grosvenor St, Cheltenham, GL52 2SQ.A Company limited by guarantee,registered in England and Wales No3379241. Registered Charity No1063434

Mary Michael

Chosen Charity for June - Cheltenham Open Door


Prayers for CheltenhamMonday to Friday12-30 to 12-45

St Mary’s Church in the Town CentrePeople from all the churches of Cheltenham are invited to join together inprayer for our town each lunchtime from 12-30 to 12-45. There is awelcome to join in those prayers each weekday in St Mary’s, the parishchurch of Cheltenham.

Richard Cleaves

Open the BookThe Lord’s Prayer

Thursday 16th June 7-30pm

It’s fascinating how familiar texts come to life in new and fresh ways whenlooked at from a different perspective. Kenneth E. Bailey spent his workinglife teaching and in ministry in the Middle East, for many years in Jerusalem.His recent book, (SPCK, 2008) draws onthat experience and on commentaries written down through the centuriesin Syriac, Arabic and other languages of the Middle East. With his help,through the summer we shall look at the way the Lord’s Prayer not onlyprovides us with a wonderful framework for prayer, but also goes to thevery heart of the faith we share. Do join us in the Morton Brown Room.

Thursday 9th June Heaven, Kingdom, Bread Matthew 6: 5-11Thursday 14th July Sins and Evil, Power and Glory Matthew 6: 12-13

Wednesday LunchWe are delighted that Wednesday Lunch is proving popular, so it is now aregular fixture in Highbury’s calendar, and will be served on the secondWednesday of the month at 12.30pm. Keep an eye on the notice board by thecar park door for all the information, and to book each month. Everyone is verywelcome to come along - the next date is Wednesday 8th June. Please speakto one of us if you have a question or a specific dietary requirement:

Jean Gregory, Mary Michael,Janet Rhodes, Lorraine Gasside

and Katherine Stanley


CONGRATULATIONS to- Dick Adams who has been awarded the Girlguiding UK Thanks Badge for hisvoluntary support and time given to help Girlguiding in Gloucestershire- Vic Lewis on becoming a nonagenarian on Thursday 26th MayWELL DONE to- Chris Hale on completing the London Marathon, in 2 hours 53 minutes and 40seconds, in aid of the Still-Birth and Neo-Natal Death charity- Elaine Schönbeck, for doing a marathon swim for Marie Curie Cancer Care- Tabitha Wallington who swam with her school to raise money for Comic Relief- Roger Gregory on a marathon swim for St Vincent’s & St George’s Association- Mary Michael, for undertaking a walk of 18 miles around Ross-on-Wye forLeukemia and Intensive Chemotherapy (LINC)OUR SINCERE THANKS to- Ruth Adams for the many years she has given to preparing the Orders ofService each week, and regularly finding the readers for our Sunday WorshipWE WERE PLEASED TO WELCOME INTO CHURCH MEMBERSHIP- Karen Haden, Lyn Horne, Patricia Kimber, and Joan Peirce on Sunday 15th MayOUR SYMPATHY to- the family of Brian Pearce who passed away peacefully on Friday 29th Aprilfollowing many years of ill health, especially his sister Christine Selvey in DartfordWE ARE PLEASED TO REPORT that- Gwyneth Rattle and Walter Kirstein have had their operations, following falls- Ann Jones is home after an extended stay in hospitalPLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS those mentioned above, and also- Dennis Rattle - Barbara Murrell - Margaret & Ray Morgan- Mark & Denise Evans - Charles Adams - Jonquil & Peter Harrison- Christine Lodge, Brownie Leader - Frank & Anne Guppy- Val Turner, who was a Curate in St. Luke's - Isobel James’ mother, Pat- Mark Read, lead Chaplain of Gloucester Hospitals- Jonathan, Hilary, Elizabeth and Benjamin Rowe as they relocate to Truro- other friends known to us personally, in need of our prayers and our support,with health, employment, family and other worries in these difficult days- those awaiting hospital appointments or the results of medical tests- those in need of our prayers and support long-term- the many people affected by recent events and natural disasters in the world

News of the Church Family


CHURCH FAMILY NEWS, AND VISITING REQUESTS contact:PRAYER CHAIN REQUESTS contact:

[email protected]

AN URGENT REQUEST!CCP stocks are very low

In the last couple of months, the service has been put under more pressure thanever before, and we are trying to meet an exceptionally high demand. Weurgently need to replenish stocks of non-perishable food, in particular meatbased products such as tinned curry, minced beef, tinned stew, Fray Bentospies, corned beef, tinned ham etc. We would also welcome donations of theusual staples such as rice, pasta and mash, packet and other tinned foods.CCP is an emergency food distribution service for people andfamilies in times of crisis. They may suddenly find themselves facing poverty andhunger due to loss of salary, changes in benefits, unexpected large bills, illnessor family breakdown. The scheme provides food parcels to cover the immediatecrisis or to give support in the intervening period before statutory agencies canbegin ongoing longer term assistance.CCP relies on donations from members of the public, churches,schools and businesses. We distribute over 500 food parcels every year. If youwould like to make a donation to , items can be dropped off atCheltenham 1st Stop, 301 High Street - or put in the CCP box in the Porchat Highbury.Alternatively, cash donations can be made at Cheltenham 1st Stop or 15 RoyalCrescent, or www.ccprojects.org.uk - and if you also complete a Gift Aiddeclaration for a monetary donation, we will be able to purchase 28% morefood.Thank you for your continued support of this appeal, it is greatly appreciated,but please only give non-perishable foodstuffs, and please NO toiletries orsecond hand items.

Lorraine Gasside

If someone were to pay you £1 for every kind wordyou have spoken about people,

and collect 50p from you for every unkind word,would you be rich or poor?


Open the Book at Oakwood School

The team of Bible story-tellers at Oakwood School need your help, please!Every Thursday morning in term time we go into Oakwood School at 8.30amto prepare for assembly at 9.00am.One of us takes it in turn to have prepared the session in advance, so the halfhour together involves upholding what we do in prayer, having a run throughof the story, which we try to act out, and co-opting children as required.The Open the Book material is easy to use with the Lion Story Teller Bible, thereare plenty of ideas to help the children follow the theme – often there areseveral stories linked over successive weeks.How can you help? Well, we need some more storytellers. None of us cancommit to every week, then there are holidays, and family things going on, soour team (of 6) really needs to be a bit bigger to give us that flexibility.Is this for you? Ideally you need a love of children and a love of Bible stories –and a free hour early on Thursday morning! But otherwise it’s a case of givingit a go.None of us had done this before we started at Oakwood about 18 months ago,and we’d love you to come along and see what’s involved – with no obligation.Please have a word with any of us.Meanwhile we’d appreciate your prayer support, especially between 9.00 and9.15am on Thursdays. Oakwood is not a church school and we feel it a realprivilege to be able to go in – and be made so welcome - each week.

Jean Gregory, Mary Michael, Phil Arnold(and Brian, Diane and Sylvia)

P.S. We are all delighted when we are out and about to be called to“Hello, Mrs Open the Book” - or in Phil’s case, “Hello, God”!

One day God was looking down at Earth and saw all the misbehaving thatwas going on.So he called one of his angels, and he sent the angel to Earth for a time.When the angel returned, he told God,“Yes, it is bad on Earth: 95% are misbehaving and only 5% are not.”God was not pleased. So he decided to e-mail the 5% that were good,because he wanted to encourage them and give them a little something tohelp them keep going.Do you know what the e-mail said? Oh, you don’t?Well, I was just wondering, because I didn't get one either .....


Chosen CharitiesCommunion offerings and money donated at coffeetime after morning worship will go to our chosencharity for June, which is Cheltenham Open Door(see page 8).The money raised by our communion offerings andby those who stayed on for coffee after the morningservices in April for Youth for Christ was £159.33

Welcoming Team for JuneSunday MORNING Sunday EVENINGTom Archer Diana AdamsLorraine Gasside Joyce ArnoldVic Lewis Lynda Ingram

Vestry DutySunday MORNING Sunday EVENINGJohn Pickles John Lewis

Hy-Way in June

Our meetings continue every Wednesday afternoonfor a time to worship, a time to listen,

and for our social time with refreshments and chatter,from 2.00 to 3.30pm in the Morton Brown Room.

All are invited to join us - do come alongand you will be assured of a very warm welcome

Marie Curie SwimathonOn Sunday 10th April I swam 1.5 kilometres in 37minutes and 34 seconds. I dideven better than I could have hoped, so obviously money is a very goodincentive! The total funds raised from my swim were £362. The company I workfor have agreed to 50% match anything I've raised, so the final total will be£543 - fantastic! Thanks so much for your support.

Elaine Schönbeck


Day Meeting Contact Tel. Number

Sunday 10-30am Morning Service Richard Cleaves

Sunday 6-30pm Evening Service Richard Cleaves

Sunday 7-15pm Hy-Tec Adrian Blazey

Monday 6-45pm Scouts Andy Sargent

Tuesday 9-45am Toddlers Felicity Cleaves

Tuesday 5-45pm Transformers Becky Hartwell

Wednesday 2-00pm Hy-Way Sue Cole

Wednesday 6-15pm Cubs Ian Miller

Wednesday 6-00pm Brownies Christine Lodge

3rd Wednesday 8pm House Group Sharon Wallington

Thursday 10 - 11.30 Community Café Felicity Cleaves

Thursday 7-30pm Church MeetingDeacons’ Meeting

Open the Book

Sue Cole

Richard Cleaves

Friday 7-00pm Guides Tania Ashdown

Friday 7-30pm Choir Mary Clifford

Saturday 10-00am Beavers Amanda Sargent

1st Saturday 2-30pm Friendship Group Olga Slack

2nd Saturday 6.30pm Hy-Speed Peter Tennant

Sunday 9-30 am Hy-Spirit Mary Buchanan

Cheltenham Young Gospel ChoirThe Cheltenham Young Gospel Choir, will be starting in September 2011.

This is an exciting new venture for children aged 7 to 12 years.It is an opportunity for children to meet together weekly to sing,

worship and grow together in their faith.For further details please contact me.

Heather Charlesworth( 0 7842 138572 - [email protected]


Calendar for June

Saturday 4th 2.30pm Friendship Group for those who live alone

SUNDAY 5th 10.30am Morning Worship6.30pm Evening Prayers with Holy Communion

Wednesday 8th 12.30pm Highbury Lunch - see page 9

Thursday 9th 7 .30pm Open the Book - see page 9

Friday 10th to Sunday 12th Church Weekend Away at Brunel Manor

SUNDAY 19th 10.30am Morning Worship with Holy Communion 6.30pm Evening Prayers

SUNDAY 12th CONGREGATIONAL SUNDAY 10.30am Morning Worship with Holy Communion led by Rev Nick Gleich 6.30pm Evening Prayers led by Rev James Taylor

Saturday 18th 6.30pm Hy-Speed (younger members) * 8.30pm Hy-Speed (older members) * * N.B. change of date from 11th June

SUNDAY 26th 10.30am Morning Worship 6.30pm Evening Prayers

Highbury Community CaféThursdays 10:00am until 11:30amCoffee, Tea and Homemade Cake

Bring a friend or neighbour

Use what talents you possess. The woods would be silentif no birds sang there except those who sang best.


Prayer Focus - District 6

Gwen ClarkMalcolm and Anne HopkinsDennis and Gwyneth Rattle

Clive and Sue Sillence and Laura SillenceFrank and Barbara Smith

Carolyn CliffordRev Andy and Linda Grice, Benjamin and Charis Anna (Salem)

Dan and Solu Moses, and AndreaAlan and Gwen Taylor

Adrian and Kate Blazey, Grace and JoelJanet Partington

Peter and Carolyn Tennant, Ashley and FeliciaIan and Sharon Wallington, Tabitha, Murray and

Chris and Justine Hale, and Evan

Deacon: Darryl MillsVisitors: Jenny Bartlett, Dan Moses, Peter and Carolyn Tennant

Latest news on Moffat in ZambiaMoffat was in court in Lusaka, on Tuesday 3rd May, for his appeal againstthe death sentence.In his own words he says, “Unfortunately the judges could not proceedbecause they were not comfortable with me representing myself, and theyadvised me to find a learned person (lawyer) to represent me, hence theadjournment was made to July.”A Pastor, who had been a great support to Moffat when he was in prisonin Lusaka, was in court with him and a number of other prisoners.This must be a terribly anxious time for Moffat - please continue to pray forhim - that God will work very powerfully in his life and that Moffat willcontinue to trust him, and if it is God's will that Moffat should have a lawyerthat a way will be found.Thank you to all of you who are praying for Moffat, and have asked howthings are going with him.

Judi Marsh


Prayer Rota for Sundays in JuneMorning

Sunday 5th June Adrian or Kate Blazey Sunday 12th June Mary Buchanan Sunday 19th June Richard Cleaves Sunday 26th June John Lewis

EveningSunday 19th June Diana Adams

S.W. Midlands Area of the Congregational Federation invites us to pray for …

Sunday 5th June Hope Community Church, Bristol Sunday 12th June All Preachers on Congregational Sunday Sunday 19th June All Fathers Sunday 26th June South Cerney

Cheltenham Prayer for Schools Network

Quiet Evening AND Quiet Morning - a new venture!

Debra Legge has very kindly agreed to lead a Quiet Evening on Tuesday 14th

June, as well as a Quiet Morning on Wednesday 15th June, both following thesame theme 'Sustaining your spiritual life and using your God given strengths'.All those who have been previously have found these times refreshing andinspiring, so do consider attending one or other if you have not been before.Debra gives us plenty of ideas for using the short periods of quiet on our ownand the time of sharing at the end always reveals how helpful everyone hasfound them.

We would as usual value your prayers.Please pray for ...

Encouragement for Kingsmead staff in this final term before the schoolcloses and the new Academy opens on the site in September

prayer group members who have not yet attended a CPFSN meeting tocome - especially any who will be taking over leadership of groups nextterm


The Council for World Mission European Regionpresents

Window on the WorldA time for Christians of all ages, from all around the world,

to come together with friends old and new.

“Christians @ Work”at The Urdd Centre. Llangrannog. Wales

from Monday 15th to Sunday 21st August 2011

Fuller details can be found in April 2011 edition of Highbury News.

An application form can be downloaded from the CWM Europe website:www.cwmeurope.org and send it to CWM Europe (address below) along with anon-refundable deposit of £15 per person, or the full amount, and please make yourcheque payable to “CWM Europe.” You will receive an acknowledgement upon receiptof your booking, and a detailed programme within a few weeks of the event. If youhave any application queries call 01295 817621. If you require financial help, contact:

Rev Wayne Hawkins, CWM Europe Mission Enabler.Colin Sanders Innovation Centre. Mewburn Road. Banbury. OX16 9PA

OR email [email protected]

HOT NEWS - CWM General Secretary, Rev Dr Collin Cowan, has beengranted a visa permitting him to live and work in the UK. This means DrCowan, who took up his post as general secretary in January of this year,can move with his family from Jamaica to London, and continue his rolealongside secretariat staff at CWM's Ipalo House office.Dr Cowan’s official start to work in London, at the beginning of the year,was compromised following UK Border Agency delays in issuing CWM aCertificate of Sponsorship enabling him to apply for a three-year non-renewable visa. Since January, Dr Cowan has been carrying out his newrole from an office in Jamaica. These difficulties have sparked concernsover the wider issue of CWM's ability to effectively employ international staff- and honour its commitment to recruiting a secretariat that reflects itsmembership - in the future. CWM's trustees were asked to reconsider theissue of the location of the secretariat - despite having made a decision toremain in London at their extraordinary meeting in October 2010. They aredue to make a final decision on location when they meet in Durban in June.Dr Cowan said: "We are most grateful for the support of our ecumenicalpartners and initiatives of our UK-based churches, which have helpedconsiderably to bring us to this place. It has been a long process, but it isnow over and my family and I can settle in the UK."


A Fairtrade Recipe

Fairly SweetIngredients

125 gm unsalted butter 250 gm Self-raising flour150gm raw cane sugar * 1 tsp ground nutmeg2 eggs, lightly beaten ¼ tsp ground cinnamon1 tsp vanilla essence ¼ tsp ground allspice2 tbsp honey * ¼ pint milk25gm desiccated coconut *

Honey and cream cheese icing125gm cream cheese, softened100gm cup golden caster sugar *1 tablespoon honey * * are all Fairtrade products

MethodPre-heat oven to moderate 180°C/350°F/Gas 4Brush a shallow 28x18x3cm oblong cake tin with melted butter or oil, line baseand sides with paper; grease paper.

1. Beat butter and sugar until light and creamy. Add eggs gradually, beating thoroughly. Add essence and honey; beat until combined.

2. Add coconut. Fold in flour and spicesalternately with milk. Stir until justcombined and the mixture is almostsmooth. Pour mixture into prepared tin;smooth surface.

3. Bake 30 minutes or until skewer comes outcleanly when inserted in the centre of thecake. Leave to cool for 10 minutes beforeturning onto wire rack.

4. To make the icing. Beat cream cheese insmall mixing bowl until creamy. Add siftedicing sugar and the honey, beating until themixture is smooth and fluffy. Spread overthe cake using a flat-bladed knife.

Yummy, yummy,Fairtrade honeyIn my tummy!


The variety of weather outside duringthe day at Edgbaston Cricket Ground,equalled the variety of the programmeindoors at the May Assembly of theCongregational Federation.There was an excellent attendance atthis annual event, and it wasparticularly good to see so manychildren and young people present.After coffee and socialising withfriends, old and new, the proceedingsbegan with a time of worship led bythe outgoing President, SandraTurner, and a welcome from theoutgoing Chair of Council, David Gent.The children and young people left thehall for CF-Extra and other groups.COMMUNITY BUILDINGThe new Mission Development Officer,Judith Mbaabu, introduced thespeakers, firstly Chris Gillham, whospoke about the work of theCongregational Charity ‘ChristianRebuild’ in Albania, and in othercountries, including Lebanon, Greece,Hungary, Poland and Egypt.The Community Project Awards2011 were presented by MargaretSlater. This new and exciting initiativeis sponsored by the Congregationaland General Insurance Company,which offered two prizes of £3,000each to projects run by our churcheswhich featured impact in thecommunity, community and churchvolunteer involvement, and anexpression of the gospel. Twenty threechurches had applied, and threereceived Highly CommendedCertificates. The winners were Knowle

Green, Preston, for their “BikersBreakfast and Brew” project; andTabernacle Church Rhiwderin,Newport for a “Silver Surfers” project.Christian Aid has very much valuedthe relationship the CF has built upwith them over the three year projectsupporting Onè Respé in theDominican Republic. This partnershiphas now come to an end, havingraised £31,000. But a new project fora further three years was agreed bythe Assembly, for the CF to work inpartnership with Christian Aid tosupport work done in Nicaragua. Apledge of £30,000 is suggested, butwith a target of raising £50,000.Andrew Croggan from Christian Aidoutlined some of the projects that willbe helped in Nicaragua. A visit toNicaragua is being planned in 2012and if you are interested in being partof that group, contact Michael Heaney- [email protected] 2007 a youth group visited Malawi,and the CF is now planning to renewthat partnership, but this time with anadult group. The purpose of the visitwill be friendship, partnership andmutual support, and it will be awonderful opportunity to learn moreabout the work of the churches inMalawi – for more information contact- [email protected]

IDENTITY AND IMAGEThanks were expressed to Ian Gregorywho has retired as Editor of TheCongregationalist. The new editor isto be David Kinchin who emphasisedthat “the magazine is yours, and

Congregational Federation May Assembly


without your contributions it won’twork!” Look out for the new format ofthe magazine in June, and order yourown copies which in future will bepublished quarterly.The proposed new CF logo wasshown to the Assembly. This is beingtrialed by CF-Extra and views on thislogo are invited.There were only two questionssubmitted for Question Timeconcerning the Assembly Review. TheCouncil Recommendations werethen agreed, prior to the lunch breakwhen once again it was good to meetwith friends and to visit the differentdisplay tables / exhibition / resourcearea around the main hall.THE AFTERNOON SESSIONA warm welcome was extended to theinvited guests, and Roberta Rominger,General Secretary of the URC spoke onbehalf of all the visitors, referring tothe 40th Anniversary of the formationof the CF and the URC.“What is God saying to us?”The Incoming President, Brian Grist(North West Area Minister and recentlyinducted Minister at Blackpool)addressed the Assembly, saying wehave the greatest revivalist of all timesin our midst – the Holy Spirit. Hisvoice must be heard in our churchmeetings. God may well say the sameor different things to each church, butwe need to listen. We must be led bythe Holy Spirit, and not by financesand buildings, which after all aresecondary at best

Revelation2 v 17.

There followed a time of quiet andprayer, as the Assembly “listened tohear what God was saying to each ofus, and to ask what he wants us to do.”YOUNGER GENERATION MATTERS

The children and young peoplereturned to the main hall, and theChild Friendly Church Awardswere presented to five churches.These churches all

have a current Keep SafePosterprovide child friendly worshipmake church spaceswelcoming for childrendedicate time and resourcesto help children growspiritually

Firstly, Becky Hartwell went on to theplatform to receive the special plaqueto be displayed outside Highbury,taking with her a large board of thechildren’s own pictures.Then representatives and childrenfrom Knowle Green, Long Itchington,Narborough and Paraclete, Swanseawent to receive their awards anddescribe their work with the children.They were followed by Felicity Cleaveswith grandson Lake in her arms,accompanied by Eilidh and CeitidhMacLeod, and together they toooutlined something about ourchildren’s work at Highbury.Rachel Billington then describedhow the face of youth work ischanging in the CF with the imminentlaunch of a new youth provision thatwill be accessible to every youngperson from the age of 10 in CFchurches across Britain.


CF-Xtra is a united initiative thatplans to provide young people withopportunities to meet closer to theirhomes, and it takes over from theprevious youth programmes Go-fritand CF Youth.Go-frit has stimulated young people tobe agents in mission with a hugelyimaginative programme running forover 20 years. CF Youth has been runsuccessfully by young people foryoung people for even longer, andoffered young Christians life-changingopportunities for growth, friendshipand responsibility. But most of theyoung people in Federation Churcheswere not being reached by these twoprovisions. Being scattered thinlyacross three nations, saying 'everyoneis welcome' at a national event is notthe same as making participation areality for all.Under the new scheme, every youngperson in CF churches will belong toCF-Xtra.Rachel asked “What is our vision forour young people?” and she quotedfrom Mark 2. 21-22

She explained how they plan to takethe best of the old Go-frit and CFY and‘put new wine into a new wineskin’ …namely CF-Xtra. But it will take time.

And she quoted an old Chinese saying– “Walk fast, walk alone; walk far,walk together.”Everyone can belong – and a group ofelected youth members is chargedwith making that belonging a reality.To achieve this they will use everymeans at their disposal - including theinternet and a programme of regionaland national activities.There followed a countdown to theLaunch of CF-Extra – 10 – 9 – 8 – 7– 6 – 5 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1 and all theyoung people launched paper rocketsinto the gathered Assembly, each witha message written on it for people totake back to their churches, withofficial greetings from the newlylaunched CF-Extra.The Director of Youth and Children'sWork, Stephen Haward has previouslysaid: "Churches will have a key role toplay in enabling their young people tobenefit from this wider Congregationalcommunity. New information andcontacts will be asked for in thestatistical return in the summer, butwe can all start supporting and prayingfor this new venture straight away."COMMISSIONING & RECOGNISING

The day drew to a close as theAssembly accepted a number ofpeople on the Roll of Ministries, inthe Categories of Minister, Preacher,Chaplain or Tutor.Stephen Haward, with his wife Jane,is being seconded for six months toZambia to help develop their ministrywith children, and the Assemblywished him every blessing during thistime.


The Assembly also wished KatieSpencer well, as she leaves UK tospend time working in Zambia.Martin Spain from CF Wales nowsucceeds David Gent as Chair ofCouncil, and David was thanked forthe years he has Chaired the Council.Martin is a CF minister, who hasrecently retired as an officer withDyfed Powys Police. His spare time istaken up with membership of charityand voluntary organisations, notablyScouting.

The President Elect 2012-2013Malcolm Muir was welcomed. He hasbeen the minister of Eyemouth UnitedCongregational Church, Berwickshire,Scotland since 2000.At the invitation of the CongregationalFederation in Scotland, the MayAssembly in 2012 will be north of theborder, in Scotland! Put the date inyour diary now! Saturday 12th May![

]

Still no roomBethlehem could not find a place for apregnant unmarried woman. Todaythe church in Taiwan is finding roomfor those that society would prefer toforget.As the world celebrated Easter withlaughter and friends, there was agroup of people whose Easter was alonely one. These folks – 10 adults,three youths, and 10 infants – had twothings in common: they are HIV-positive and homeless.At the Home of Mercy - a residentialcare facility set up by the Garden ofMercy Foundation for HIV patients inTaiwan - only four out of twenty threepatients have family members whocome and visit them occasionally. Therest have literally been forsaken bytheir own families and they needed ourcompassion and care.To help us understand, Chiu Shu-mei shares the story of an elderlywoman who discovered she had AIDSafter a stroke landed her in a hospital.The first year the woman lived in

Home of Mercy and her family wouldvisit her occasionally.The following year, her family visitedher two or three times, but after thatnever visited again. Though thewoman eventually tried calling her son,the voice on the other side of the linewas cold and aloof. With time, thewoman stopped speaking to peoplealtogether, though she would oftenfind a secret place to hide and cry.Aware of the plight people with AIDSface, because they’re still ostracised bysociety, many business organisations’leaders have in recent years visitedHome of Mercy during holidays or sentvolunteers.The Garden of Mercy Foundation wasofficially founded in September 1999and its residential care facility for HIVpatients (The Home of Mercy) wasestablished in 2000. It aims to offer, inthe spirit of Jesus Christ, homelessterminal AIDS patients a secluded andquiet place to live in and be cared for.The home also strives to combat the


public fear and rejection of AIDSpatients that has led to many beingunjustly treated and ostracised inTaiwanese society. Visitors will try tomake the residents smile and feel lesslonely and miserable, even if only for alittle while.Sharing the gospel with theforsakenIn another part of Taipei, Chang-Yi, anelderly man in his 70s wearing a navy-blue military uniform, recounts how hecame to Taiwan with the army in 1948as an 11-year-old boy duped bygrownups into coming to Taiwan withthe promise that he’d get to see agreat movie.Chang was discharged from themilitary in 1972 and suffered a strokein 1989 due to work-related stress. Henever married and has since wanderedthe streets of Taipei withoutemployment. He almost died ofexposure once but was saved byparamedics. Until recently, Changspent his days and nights inside thecorridors of Taipei Train Station as ahomeless man.

He said he considered returning toChina and boarded a plane to gohome. But when he arrived to hishometown, he realised everything hadchanged, and his relatives weren’texactly thrilled to see or entertain him,so he returned to Taiwan.Because of his stroke, Chang’s speechis slurred, “I don’t have a home,” hesaid. “I wasn’t born in Taiwan. When Ireturned to my homeland, I found outthat everything had become foreign tome. But I’m grateful that the churchaccepts and welcomes me.“The church is my home,” he said,recalling that his days as a wandereroften meant going several dayswithout a bath, and his body odourwould often scare people away, so noone was willing to offer him a place tostay the night.But Christians and churches havewelcomed him, given him a good bath,washed his clothes, and have evenadmonished him not to wanderoutdoors anymore. All of thesegestures have gone a long way incomforting his lonely heart.

The four points of the Toc H compass –to think fairly, to love widely,

to witness humbly and to build bravely

Highbury’s New Children’s Worker

At our special church meeting on Sunday 22nd May, we decided to invite CarolynTennant to be our new Children’s Worker.It’s great that we will be able to build on the work that Becky has started withus as Carolyn takes up her post in the Autumn. Please remember Carolyn andBecky in your prayers.

Richard Cleaves


May the light of God surround you The love of God enfold you The power of God protect you The presence of God watch over you

Poverty is an outrage against humanity.It robs people of dignity, freedom and hope and of power over their lives.

Christian Aid has a vision – an end to poverty –and we believe that vision can become a reality.

We are looking for brave Christian Aid supporters to go over the edge and raisemoney for the world’s poorest communities in the Christian Aid Abseil at StBarnabas Church, Gloucester, on Wednesday 15th June 2011.Experience the thrill of abseiling 100 feet down the church tower to raise moneyto help end poverty.

Registration is only £15 per personRaise a minimum of £30 per person to make a huge

difference to the lives of people in poverty.

To register NOW simply go to www.christianaid.org.uk/abseilor contact me for more information.

Helen BurgessChristian Aid Events Fundraising Officer - South West

35a The Parade. Exmouth. Devon. EX8 [email protected]

Skype: CAID-hburgess Twitter: @ca_events Telephone: 01395 222 308

Are you up for a challenge?


W.S. TrenhaileFuneral Directors

Private Chapels

of ReposeApostle House

175 London Road

Charlton Kings

GL53 6HN

Tel: 01242 224897

Mason & StokesFuneral Directors

David MasonRichard Mason

Joy MasonA Family BusinessProviding a Caring

Day and Night Service

Tudor Lodge54 Hewlett Road

CheltenhamGL52 6AH

Tel: 01242 224877

Help and Advice onPre-Arranged Funeral Plans

If you would like to be part of this eventplease contact

Carol Cross on 01242 775172or [email protected]

For more information about the dayand the planned activities visit:www.midsummerfiesta.com

Midsummer Fiesta in Montpellier GardensSaturday 9th July from 12 noon to 9pm

We are looking for volunteers to help steward our event which is being held inMontpellier Gardens, Cheltenham.It promises to be an enjoyable day and stewards will handle a variety of taskswhich can include: setting up the park prior to the event, car parking, workingwith stage managers and performers, assist with organising the market place,marshalling, meeting and greeting, information tent, litter picking, reliefsupport and floaters, assisting activities, directing attendees to activities,requesting feedback from attendees or packing up at the end of the day.A series of events will entertain visitors. There will be live music from somegreat local bands and performers, dance troupes from across the town, stallsfrom voluntary organisations, arts and crafts, fun fair and children’s village.The community can also picnic with the kids, have a drink and enjoy a wideselection of global cuisine.There will also be sports activities, including Gloucester Rugby Clubshowcasing the work of the club, with personal appearances from topinternational players, coaches and some mini rugby matches.Entrance is free and everyone is invited to come along.


Please support our advertisers and tell them you saw it here

A Sympathetic andUnderstanding ServiceWe’ll take care of all the arrangements

with care and sensitivityCall us 24 hours a day

Selim Smith & CoFuneral Directors

01242 52538374 Prestbury RoadCheltenham. GL52 2DJ

We are a local, Gloucester, family run company,

based in Brockworth

WE OFFER RELIABLE AND CONSISTENT CARE IN YOUR HOME

Care can be full time live-in, or short periods from ½hour, to suit you

We can assist you with:

Personal Care – Bathing / Showering

Preparation of, and help with, Meals

Light Household Tasks – Dusting, Cleaning,

Washing, Ironing, Shopping.

For further details / enquiries please ring Jenny or Lisa on 01452 526150


Toddler Group / Transformers for school years 3-6 / Hy-tec for 11s & overChoir/ Music, House and Prayer Groups / Alpha: exploring faith / Hy-Way /

Friendship Group / Scouting / Guiding / Hy-Speed etc.For a chat, or to find out more, ’phone Richard Cleaves on 01242 522050

The Glory of GodThe heavens declare the glory of God;and the firmament sheweth his handywork.Day unto day uttereth speech,and night unto night sheweth knowledge.

The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul:the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart:the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.More to be desired are they than gold,yea, than much fine gold:sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.

Let the words of my mouth,and the meditation of my heart,be acceptable in thy sight,O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Sundays at 6.30pmquiet, reflective evening prayers

with a focus onBiblical teaching

Psalm 19abridged

taken fromthe

AuthorisedVersion

First publishedin 1611, theAuthorised

Version has,thanks to the

genius ofWilliamTyndale,

shaped theEnglish

language asmuch as

Shakespeare.

It has shapedmany lives

Sundays at 10.30amA time for all the Church family

to share in worship -groups for children and young people

Highbury Congregational Church

A place to share Christian friendship,explore Christian faith andenter into Christian mission

Documents

Highbury News June 2011