join us this christmas - st marys church, west horsley · i was driving past a petrol station last...
TRANSCRIPT
MagazineChristmas 2016
Join us this ChristmasCarols by Candlelight
Try Alpha
West Horsley
... and lots more inside!
Village NewsThe WHIPS Pantomime
Christingle
Neighbourhood Plan
Horsley’s Advent Challenge Supporting local communities
Christmas Day Celebration
Welcome!My wife and I have marvelled at the blaze of gold, purple, red and orange that has swept across the hills around here. Autumn has been fantastic and we have enjoyed getting out into the woods, admiring the leaves on their trees. Yet sometimes we experience ‘darkness’ in our lives and, as we watch our television screens and read our newspapers, it looks like the world is in a ‘dark’ place too.
When Jesus was born, violence, oppression and injustice were rife. There was the abuse of power; slavery; refugees and homeless people; families were torn apart. Two thousand years later, it seems not much has changed. It all sounds so familiar, doesn’t it?
Here at St Mary’s, our theme this Christmas is ‘Light’. While the Bible looks straight at the world and the human heart, acknowledging its darkness without blinking, it also points us to the solution. It’s not more education, more science, more politics, more human effort or more ‘progress’. It’s not more religion, either.
The solution to darkness is light. Writing 700 years before Jesus’ birth, the prophet Isaiah noted, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light” (Isaiah 9: 2). In his account of Jesus’ life and ministry, the Apostle John describes Jesus as “the true light coming into the world.” Why not join us over the coming weeks as we explore what this means for us today and how Jesus is “the Light of the World”?
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St Mary’s Church Office: Pat Davis & Catherine Robinson Tel: 01483 281898 Email: [email protected] Office opening hours: Monday & Tuesday - 9-3pm Wednesday & Friday - 9-2pm Thursday - 12-2pm
Rector: Phil Herrington Tel: 01483 283821 Email: [email protected]
Children’s and Youth Minister: Edd Cope Tel: 01483 808709 Email: [email protected]
Communications Manager: Abby Cope Tel: 01483 808709 Email: [email protected]
Church Warden: June Bailey Tel: 01483 283372
St Mary’s West Horsley
@stmaryshorsley
Phil & Louise Herrington
Keep up-to-date with everything going on at St Mary’s:
Discover Christmas
Often we experience the Christmas period as a frenetic, stressful couple of weeks full of social engagements, school plays, last minute shopping, late night gift wrapping, the challenge of family gatherings, arguments, too much food and quite a lot of drink. By Boxing Day, we’re often glad that it’s all over for another year.
But this year, why not choose to stop and ask, “What is Christmas about?” If you join us for one of our Christmas Carol Services, we may well sing ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.’ It’s many people’s favourite, with a resounding, uplifting tune. But when we look more closely at the lyrics, we see that it gives a succinct explanation of the Christian faith.
Who is Jesus? He’s the ‘ever-lasting Lord’, who from ‘highest heaven’ comes down to earth to be the ‘offspring of the virgin’s womb.’ Why did he come? He came to see ‘God and sinners reconciled’. How was this achieved? He ‘lays His glory by,’ that we humans ‘no more may die;’ he was ‘born to raise the sons of earth’. How can this life be ours? Through an inner transformation so radical that the only way the early believers could describe it was like being born again: ‘born to give us second birth.’
It cost Jesus everything, including his life, to achieve that. But it won’t cost you a penny (or even £2). Discover Christmas for yourself at one of St Mary’s services.
I was driving past a petrol station last week, heading to the A3, when an advertising poster on the forecourt wall caught my eye. There was a picture of a big bottle of Pepsi, surrounded by other snacks, with the big, bold headline “Discover Christmas, for just £2” It made me wonder if that is really what people think Christmas is about.
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FIND OUT MORE ONLINE WWW.ALPHA.ORG
The next Alpha Course will be starting on:
Tuesday 31st January 20177.30pm Quaich Coffee ShopEast Horsley
We would love to see you!
We believe that everyone should have the chance to explore the Christian faith, ask questions and share their point of view; wherever they are in the world. - Alpha
Everyone Has Questions
B Y P A M E L A I R V I N GW I T H A B B Y C O P E
Alpha is a course that explores the Christian faith with sessions, typically running on a weekly basis, which always include great food, a talk, good conversation and discussion in a small group.
Each talk is designed to explore the big issues around faith, create conversation and unpack the basics of Christianity, addressing questions from Who is Jesus? And How can we have faith? to Why and how do I pray? and How does God guide us?
Alpha gives you the chance to share your thoughts, ideas and questions. There is nothing you can’t say and you can also come and simply listen, there is no obligation for you to say anything. It’s simply an opportunity to hear from others and contribute your own perspective in an honest, friendly and open environment.
Over 29 million people have tried Alpha in 169 countries, and it has been translated into 112 different languages. I had the opportunity to have a chat with Pamela Irving, who has previously done the Alpha Course, and I was able to ask her some questions to find out first-hand how she found Alpha…
What made you do Alpha?I moved from Singapore to the affluence of Horsley seventeen years ago and had a very comfortable and happy life. As time went on however I had a growing sense of incompleteness, was there more to life than this? Was there a purpose for life? My next-door neighbour Marion invited me to an Alpha course to explore these questions.
What did you expect from Alpha?I expected the course to be presented in a very formal way, a bit like a meeting at the village hall but to my surprise, I was met by a glass of wine and a chatty supper. Most of the other people had come along on their own and we felt very welcomed and at ease.
So, what was Alpha like?It was fun! The course had a simple structure; supper, a short talk on a different aspect of Christianity each week and then lots of conversation flowing over coffee. I had not spent much time considering the basic questions the Bible raised before and hadn’t read the whole Bible. I had just skirted around its existence most of my life, assuming I suppose that it wasn’t relevant to me. I found the talks got me thinking and challenged some of the assumptions I had formed. There were no experts and no expectations, just the chance to have the main concepts presented to explore.
What was one of your highlights from doing Alpha?Friendship! I met new people from Horsley with whom I forged genuine friendships. I now call these people ‘family’ and we have muddled through the past years supporting each other and helping to support others in our village community who also face the challenges life can bring. We have grown in faith and shared BBQ’s, holidays and good times together.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing Alpha?You may have seen the Red Alpha banner before with the Alpha question mark logo. If you haven’t answered
those questions for yourself, then why not go along and give it a go. It’s a safe place to explore and to be honest, someone else has done all the hard work distilling the deep questions of life into a compact course. I doubt I would ever have found time myself to sit and think about why is there so much suffering in the world? You may not get all your answers but it’s a start to finding out whether your own life has a deeper purpose. I went with lots of questions, and that’s fine, the course isn’t for believers, it’s for the curious.
If you are waiting for a personal invitation, then I invite you to Alpha! There will be a friendly face waiting to meet you at the door!
You are invited to ‘Try Alpha’ for yourself at the next Alpha course that we will be running with St Martin’s, East Horsley and All Saints, Ockham in January 2017.
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The Salvation Army in Guildford is a mission partner of St Mary’s. There are volunteers from St Mary’s who serve and help with the community drop-in and food bank on a Friday and, as a church, they also collect food parcels on a weekly basis.
The Salvation Army is a Christian church and charity. In Guildford, we hold a service on Sundays where everyone is welcome and, during the week, we have lots going on for all ages including a Bible study, art and craft group, parent and toddler groups, a children’s club, a luncheon and an over 55s club.
The community drop-in and food bank helps those who are homeless or who are struggling on benefits or a low income. They can come for a meal and/or a food parcel which has enough food to last them for four days.
We believe this is an important part of our Christian service and is all part of our weekly programme ministered in Jesus’ name.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE SALVATION ARMY ONLINE WWW.SALVATIONARMY.ORG.UK
“Our vision for the future is to serve others as needs arise, preach the word of God and see people come to faith and have a personal relationship with God.”
The Salvation Army in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland is part of the wider international Salvation Army, which is at work in 127 countries, demonstrating Christian principles through practical support; offering unconditional friendship, and very practical help to people of all ages, backgrounds and needs.
The Salvation Army is well known in the UK for its music and, in particular, the brass bands. This enhances our worship on Sundays during our services but the music is also part of our outreach when we go out to other groups and areas, particularly into Guildford town centre at Christmas. Through this avenue of music, God’s love is shown to all people of all faiths and nationalities.
The Guildford Corps leaders are Major Kevin and Captain Catherine.They are very pleased to be living and serving God through The Salvation Army here in Guildford.
For a practical way to support The Salvation Army in Guildford this Christmas time, please read more about the ‘Horsley Reverse Advent Challenge’ on page 13.
You are invited to collect items during advent that will be distributed to local foodbanks and the Salvation Army in time for Christmas.
Some suggested items to donate include:
• Tinned vegetables• Tinned soup• Sugar• Tea bags• Coffee• Pasta/Rice• Pasta sauces• UHT milk• Long life fruit juice
• Baked beans• Tinned meat• Rice pudding• Packet mash• Cereal• Biscuits• Tinned fish• Tinned fruit
In the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, The Salvation Army has approximately,
• 50,000 members• 4,000 employees• 1,500 Salvation Army officers (full-time ministers)
The Guildford Salvation Army is located on:Woodbridge Road, Guildford GU1 4QQ
Email address: [email protected]: 01483 506763 / 01483 575128
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WHAT’S ON FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH
WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE
YOU!
NOAH’S ARK TODDLER GROUP
Thursday mornings (term time only) at 10am The Wheelhouse, 82 East Lane
ROOTS, CONSTRUCTION ZONE AND I.D.SUNDAY MORNING GROUPS
Sunday mornings for all children and young people aged 0-15 years old at our 10.45am Contemporary Service at East Horsley Village Hall
RECLAIMSunday evenings during term time
6.30-8pm, school years 6-13 CYM Minister’s house
We have a great time learning about God from the Bible together and looking at topics relevant for young people today. We play games, have drinks and food and
spend time getting to know each other better. Come along and meet some friends as we look at the difference that God can make in our lives!
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For more information, please contact: Edd Cope – Our Children’s & Youth Minister
01483 808709 or [email protected]/children-youth
Heart + Soul at Quaich Our get-together for local women to connect, build stronger and deeper personal friendships and explore our Christian faith together. Join us at 7.30pm for a hot drink or glass of wine, with the evening starting at 8pm. We meet on the first Thursday of every month. We would love to see you in 2017!
What’s On at St Mary’s?
FIND OUT MORE ONLINE WWW.STMARYSWESTHORSLEY.CO.UK
Join us on SundaysA warm welcome awaits you at our two main services:
9am Traditional Service at St Mary’s Church 10.45am Contemporary Service with children’s groups for 0-15 years
at East Horsley Village Hall
Men’s Stuff Our get-together with drinks and nibbles for local men to connect, build stronger and deeper personal relationships and explore our Christian faith together. Join us on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 8pm. For the location each month, visit our website or call our church office on 01483 281898.
Meeting Point at St Mary’s Church Join us for a Service & Ploughman’s Lunch for our senior members. Third Thursday of the month at 11.15 am.
Small Groups A big part of St Mary’s life! They are the best places to get to know other people, study the Bible together, learn how to live the Christian life and be cared for. Happening at different times across the week. Contact our church office.
New! Deeper Prayer Meeting An evening of informal, Spirit-led prayer, as we seek God’s face and presence. Fourth Thursday of the month, 8-9.30pm.
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It is funded entirely by donations and run by local volunteers. In 2015, the Wheel of Care was awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. This is the highest award available to voluntary groups in the UK and is the equivalent of an MBE.
The majority of our work involves transporting West Horsley residents to a variety of appointments – medical, dental, opticians, hairdressers etc. We assist with shopping rotas, relieving carers for a couple of hours and other small jobs.
VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.WESTHORSLEYWHEELOFCARE.CO.UK
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Getting to Know Saroj B Y S A R O J K H A D K AI’ve been a part of St Mary’s church family for about 13 years
since marrying my wife Sarah and moving into the village.
There is a saying in Nepal and most Asian countries: ‘if you are born into a Hindu or Buddhist family, you are what you are born into.’ You are given no choice - it is who you are and what culture you are.
If you have ever been to Asia, it’s amazing to see how much religion is a big part of the culture, along with the vibrant colours, food and festivals. But I also experienced the other side of this and the unforgiving religions when I was growing up in that part of the world.
Looking back on my past, I can see God’s plan at work throughout my life. My parents sent me away when I was very young to a good boarding school in India at the foothills of the Himalayas, which also happened to be a Christian mission boarding school. It was amazing that my Hindu parents should allow me to go to a Christian school. God has had a hand on my life, from very early on, even though I didn’t know it at the time! I started to hear about Christianity at the school and the wonders of the guy called Jesus. I always loved reading the Bible stories and I was very inspired and blessed to learn more about the Bible, which I believe is so true in every way.
After my schooling, I went back to my family in Nepal but I started to question my country’s religion – there are hundreds of different gods, of all different shapes and sizes, some of stone, some of metal, some of wood and some carved into the mountains. There is even a god with no name just in case one was left out! There is a god for everything.
I have witnessed one of the worst sides of the Hindu religion when Indira Ghandi (who was the prime minister of India at that time) was assassinated by her own Sikh bodyguards one morning and there was disaster
everywhere. I witnessed people being torched alive with their families and homes. There was no forgiveness. It really broke me and I started to question myself about my beliefs and the religions which have no love for humanity. I started to think about what the Bible says about love, forgiveness and peace. The thing that broke me most was seeing starving people in front of the temples begging for basic food and being ignored by other people taking food to sacrifice to the gods of stone, who obviously couldn’t eat the food! Plates of lavish food and sweets would all go to waste. But the starving and disabled outside were left hungry and were not allowed to touch the food.
Some years later I came to the UK and was working in London when I met my great friend Jermaine who became my best man when I got married. He was a Christian and kept inviting me to his church in Notting Hill Gate. I resisted a few times but eventually went along and, from that point on, everything in my life just clicked into place.
I committed my life fully to Jesus and was able to draw upon all the experiences of my life to that point to know that I had made the best decision to follow Him.
I’m originally from Nepal, a very small country on the borders of India and China, which is famous for its mountains and more recently for the major earthquake of 2015.
West Horsley Wheel of Care
B Y A M A N D AD E H A A S T
The Wheel of Care, set up in July 2000, is a Good Neighbour Scheme meeting the needs of West Horsley residents of all ages, enabling them to lead independent, fuller and richer lives and preventing social isolation.
We also run four clubs, all open to residents of West Horsley and neighbouring villages – a weekly Scrabble Club, two weekly exercise classes (Seated Dance and Movement to Music) and a monthly Film Club. The Wheel of Care is unique in that it is the only Good Neighbour Scheme in the area to provide one club, let alone four!
In 2015, Wheel of Care volunteers provided over 2,600 hours of help and drove over 6,800 miles.
We are fortunate to have a good pool of volunteers but as demand on their time from family and other duties increases, their availability decreases. We are constantly looking to add to our numbers so if you are looking for some flexible, straightforward and rewarding voluntary work, then please call us to discuss how we can help each other! Our details and further information can be found at www.westhorsleywheelofcare.co.uk or call the Wheel of Care on 01483 281703 (Mon-Fri 10am to noon).
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Superheroes Party
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On Saturday 29th October, we had a great time at our Superheroes Party in East Horsley Village Hall. It was our alternative to Halloween, where we celebrated everything that is good! Here are a few photos of what we got up to ...
FIND US ON FACEBOOK AND KEEP UP-TO-DATE WITH NEWS AND EVENTS ST MARY’S WEST HORSLEY FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @REVERSEADVENT
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Join us in 2017! Saturday 28th October
Reverse Advent Challenge B Y A B B Y C O P E
As we start the countdown to Christmas you are invited to take part in the Reverse Advent Challenge, to do something for people for whom Christmas holds little hope or expectation.
From 1st December, you are invited to keep a box where each day an item of food or toiletries can be put aside for a local foodbank organisation. Please ensure items are non-perishable and have a reasonable shelf-life. You can fill a box on your own or it could be shared by members of a family, neighbours, friends or colleagues in a local workplace.
We will then distribute the gifts to the North Guildford Food Bank, Cobham Area Foodbank and The Salvation Army in Guildford, where they will be handed out as a blessing to people in time for Christmas.
Many of our local shops in Horsley are participating with the project, so look out for collection boxes in the village where you can donate your items. Choose a box of chocolates from the newsagent, groceries from Horsley Village Store, stuffing mix from Conisbees or some toiletries from Lloyds pharmacy.
You are invited ...Join us for Christmas Carol Singing at Horsley Train Station on Tuesday 20th December, between 5-7pm. There will be mulled wine, hot chocolate and an opportunity to make a cash donation for the organisations we have nominated.
This project is led by a joint team of local churches - St Mary’s, St Martin’s
East Horsley, All Saints Ockham and St Saviour’s in Guidford.
For any more information, please email [email protected]
Donations will be collected at the Wheelhouse, East Lane, West Horsley on Saturday 17th December, where you can drop off your boxes and items between 9am and 12 noon.
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B Y A B B Y C O P EWe Will Remember Them
The WHIPS
The WHIPS are the local West Horsley amateur theatre group performing at the West Horsley Village Hall. Every year, WHIPS stage a spring and an autumn production by the adults and a junior’s production by their 8 to 14 year olds, known as the Whippets.
Recent shows include Ayckbourn’s Absurd Person Singular and We’ll Always have Paris by Jill Hyem, performed by the adults, and Oliver, The Wizard of Oz and Peter Pan, performed by the Whippets. In 2017 (23rd to 25th March) the Whippets are presenting Seussical Jr which is a musical extravaganza featuring the characters of Dr Seuss.
In alternate years the WHIPS produce the WHIPS pantomime (most recently Ali Baba, Cinderella and Dick Whittington).
The pantomime for 2017 will be Treasure Island. This will run from 12th to 14th and 19th to 21st January 2017 with a supper night on 12th January and a charity night on 19th January. All productions are at West Horsley Village Hall and tickets can be booked online via the WHIPS’ website at www.horsleyamdram.org.
If you fancy joining in with these or any future productions, please contact the WHIPS via their website or contact their secretary, June Bailey, on 01483 283372.
West Horsley Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group is holding an Open House on Sunday 29th January 2017 at West Horsley Village Hall (12-3pm) as part of an informal community consultation on the first draft of the West Horsley Neighbourhood Plan (“the Plan”). This is the result of many months of hard work by residents of the village who care deeply for the future of our community.
The Open House will give you, the residents of West Horsley, an opportunity to see a visual display of the Plan illustrated with maps and photographs, talk to members of the Steering Group and Parish Council who have been involved in its preparation, learn more about the evidence considered and tell us how it can be improved.
It is vital for us to engage with the community throughout the drafting process and we welcome your contributions. There will be two further opportunities for you to have
your say, the first being a statutory six-week consultation which will hopefully take place in March/April 2017. Then, if the Plan passes an independent examination, Guildford Borough Council will arrange a referendum for you to decide whether to accept it. If a simple majority of you vote ‘Yes’, then the Plan will become part of planning policy for the village.
We look forward to welcoming you to our Open House.
West Horsley Neighbourhood PlanB Y P A U L D O D G S O N , C H A I R M A N , W H N P S G
TO JOIN OUR MAILING LIST PLEASE VISIT WESTHORSLEYNEIGHBOURHOODPLAN.ORG OR EMAIL [email protected]
On Sunday 13th November, St Mary’s held a Remembrance Service to honour and pay respect to all the service men and women of all conflicts up to and including those currently taking place.
It was a way of thanking them and the many others who gave their services and, in some cases, their lives to preserve the peace and freedom which we all enjoy today. We were very pleased to welcome to the service the Royal British Legion and the local Horsley Cubs and Scouts.During the service we marked a two-minute silence at 11am because the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918 was the exact moment at which the first of the two World Wars ended.
As we remembered the sacrifice of these men and women, it pointed us to the ultimate sacrifice that was made for all of us when God sent his Son, Jesus, to die for us in our place. He did this so that we could be forgiven for our sins, live in freedom and have a relationship with God.
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13
It has been 72 years since the D-Day landings and we have veterans here in Horsley who served in World War II and
other more recent times of conflict. There were originally 28 Horsley veterans but, sadly, we now only have 14. After the Remembrance Service, a lunch was organised for our veterans and their partners (very kindly subsidised by the Horsleys Community Fund) at the Drift Golf Club, where we took the time to pay tribute to our veterans and armed forces and enjoyed a two-course lunch altogether. A great time was had by all!
When you go home, tell them of us and say,“For your tomorrow, we gave our today.”
Interest has been gathering pace to have a recognisable, new war memorial for West Horsley and for it to be in place for 2018 to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. There was one located about 400 yards to the east of St. Mary’s Church but it was dismantled when the A246 became a main road many years ago. Two wall plaques at St Mary’s church record 28 names of people who died in the two World Wars.
A group of people, chaired by Jen Powell, met in October 2016 to consider the options available. A number of dominant sites were discussed. The favourite proved to be the grass area at the beginning of Silkmore Lane conveniently placed for access to the Village Hall and
A New War Memorial for West Horsleyclose to the oak tree, which was planted in 1918 by the women of West Horsley to commemorate the men who had fallen in the Great War. The recommendations of the War Memorial Trust proved helpful and it was felt important to view their website for guidance.
Planning permission must be obtained by the Parish Council which has agreed in principle to help with initial funding but other financial support will be needed. The next meeting in the New Year will begin to consider the nature and design of an appropriate memorial and give thought to the community feedback. If you would like to comment, please email [email protected] or contact her on 07850600117.
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01483 281898office@stmaryswesthorsley.co.ukwww.stmaryswesthorsley.co.uk
St Mary’s Church Epsom Road, West Horsley, Leatherhead, Surrey KT24 6AP
St Mary’s Church Office The Wheelhouse, 82 East Lane, West Horsley, Surrey KT24 6LQ
East Horsley Village HallKingston Avenue, East Horsley, Leatherhead, Surrey KT24 6QT
Join us for ChristmasSunday 18th December
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day Family Carol Service at 10am Carols by Candlelight at 7pm
Christingle Service at 3pm (Children can come dressed as an angel, shepherd or wise man)
First Communion of Christmas at 11.15pm
Family Christmas Celebration at 10.30am
All of our Christmas Services will be taking place at St Mary’s Church, Epsom
Road, West Horsley KT24 6AP
We would love to see you!