THE MESSENGER

Incorporating news, views and information from Moulsham Lodge and Hall Street Methodist Churches

Chelmsford

www.moulshammethodist.org.uk

JUNE 2014

PENTECOSTPENTECOST

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Editor: Clive Pickett

cliveandgill@aol.com 01245 267459

The deadline for the July/August edition is June 17th.

MLMC MISSION STATEMENT

Our aim is to bring people into a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ, and to live a life of discipleship:

By being a Church which encourages Christian commitment and spiritual growth through inspiring and challenging worship

By providing means for people to develop their faith through appropriate opportunities for learning

By sharing the Christian message with our neighbourhood, and beyond, through words and actions

By being a welcoming fellowship which offers love, support, healing and encouragement

Church Information For information about baptisms, weddings and funerals please contact our Minister

Rev Stephanie Hibberd on 01245 262595 or e-mail shibberd450@btinternet.com

Important Editorial Information

Internet The Messenger will be displayed, in full, on our web site each month. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have obtained the correct permissions when including any personal contact details or photographs with your submission. We will always accept Christian names only of course.

When you send items for publication please ensure they are in Word (A4 size) as an attachment or embedded into an e-mail so I can cut and paste accordingly as other formats are not easily transferable.

Welcome to the Messenger with news, views and information about the activities of Hall Street and Moulsham Lodge Methodist Churches.

Service details and rotas will be found on pages towards the back of the Messenger

Message from the Editor.

Wow! ….. Thank you for all the items received this month, so varied, and how exciting to learn how our youngsters are getting on with life. I only just had room to fit it all in!

Please do not forget; our next issue will cover July and August, so let’s make it a bumper edition with all your views and news and articles of interest. Deadline ….. June 17th!

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From the Manse

Dear friends,

As a child I can always remember being told, ‘all good things must come to an end.’ How many times, I wonder, have we muttered those words, especially when the end of a holiday draws near or another thoroughly enjoyable occasion draws to a close.

This month the church worldwide celebrates two major Christian festivals. The first being the last of the Resurrection stories where something profoundly powerful happened. At Ascension we celebrate the movement of Jesus from a place of limitation to a place of power. The space that is set up by his departure is not empty, in Luke’s account, the disciples are urged not to hang around gazing into heaven, but there is work to do on earth. The space allows for the fulfilment of Matthew’s great commission, the gospel must be proclaimed to every creature (Matthew 28:19).

The Ascended Christ has risen to the heart of the universe itself opening the way to the Father offering God’s vision of the whole earth charged with hope, with a future of

healing and peace, in which we can play our part through our self-giving love. A future which is ultimately in God’s hands, for Christ was not just enthroned above visible clouds; he is far above all rule, authority, power, dominion, and above every name that is named. Christ is enthroned above the powers that operate, not only in this world but in all the worlds. Hence we have a Priest and a King who carries all that lays on our hearts to the heart of God (Hebrews 4:14). What confidence this amazing truth gives to our prayer life and praying!

Yes all good things do come to an end but they can be followed by something even better. Here in this month we celebrate something far greater and better, not only can

we now speak to Jesus without waiting in a queue but, with His help, we can do the things we thought impossible. It is in His departure that the Spirit is given to the church to continue His work of reconciling the world.

Celebrating Pentecost comes with all the shouts of delight, joy and expectation as we rejoice in the day the Holy Spirit’s transforming power descended on a baffled group of followers changing their lives and the lives of so many people through the generations.

Jesus calls us as we celebrate the two festivals to wait on Him, and pray for Him to fill us and clothe us with his power. So we come with our empty bowl asking, not as Oliver Twist did for more porridge, but instead come asking, ‘Lord fill me up again.’

Ordinary people we might be, but amazingly anointed with the same Spirit that came upon Jesus at his Baptism. The wonderful assurance that God not only believes in us but equips us to accomplish his task is for each and every one of us not a selected few. Praise God, ‘The Lord is here,’ and ‘His Spirit is with us.’ May that be a present reality for us all.

Surely this is as good as it gets!

God Bless Stephanie

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Congratulations………….

To Bruce Deppe and Leandi who were married in Pretoria, South Africa on April 12th. Erin and Gail describe the happy event as “an awesome garden wedding”.

Bruce and Leandi are shortly going to embark on their sailing adventures starting with a 38ft catamaran delivery from Cape Town to Brazil and the Caribbean!

Congratulations…………….

Lara Griffin and Tim Clapp were married at St Mary’s Church Little Baddow on Saturday May 24th.

We all wish them both every blessing for their life together. Pictures in the July/August issue!

Congratulations………

To Daniel Garratt, a member of our Boys Brigade who has been appointed Head Boy at Moulsham High School. Well done Daniel.

Norman Wood.

It is with much sadness that Norman passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday 5th May. A Thanksgiving service was held in a packed church at MLMC on Wednesday May 21st where his life and service to His Lord was celebrated.

Our prayers go out to June and all her family at this time.

June sends this message: It is a real blessing being part of such a loving, caring, supportive Church family, your care and prayers over a long time have helped us so much and I know Norman was very aware of your love surrounding him. I cannot thank you enough, God bless, June.

See obituaries on pages 7 and 9.

Margaret Finch

We were saddened to hear of the death of Margaret on Thursday May 1st. Margaret had been a local preacher in our Circuit since 1990 following many years in the mission Field in Kenya. Her funeral service will be held at Maldon Methodist Church on May 27th at 10am. She will be greatly missed.

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From the Gideons………….

A letter received following our recent Tithe fund gift…..

Dear Paul,

I trust this email will suffice by way of an acknowledgement, also thank you for saving us the postage.

On behalf of Mid Essex Gideons I am delighted to be writing again to thank you for the kind gift of £220 that was received in the post today.

Please convey our sincere thanks to all at Moulsham Lodge Methodist Church who made this gift possible; the money will of course be used for the Purchase of Scriptures. I would also like to mention that 30% of all receipts are used to purchase Scriptures for countries that can't afford to buy for themselves.

With our grateful thanks for your gift once again, it is much appreciated and may God bless you and all

at Moulsham Lodge Methodist Church. Every Blessing Ian Warnock Treasurer of Mid Essex Gideons

MRDF has a new name!

On April 8th 2014 MRDF changed its name to All We Can.

This new name reflects its Methodist roots and heritage, with echoes of John Wesley and includes their vision and future role which is to help the world’s poorest communities to become all they can. When a disaster strikes, such as a major tsunami, earthquake or famine for instance, All We Can will continue to work with local partners and church organisations to bring relief direct to those most in need.

Aluminium etc.

Another £25.00 has just been sent to ‘RP Fighting Blindness’ (the British Retinitis Pigmentosa Society). This has been raised as usual from the sale of scrap aluminium cans and foil (plus an elderly TV aerial).

Thank you once again to the depositors of scrap aluminium and other non ferrous

metals who use the tea chest in the cleaning cupboard opposite the double doors into the church hall. Wally Rook

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News from the Chelmsford Foodbank

The search for new premises in central Chelmsford continues, but we have had notice that we can now stay at Waterfront Place at least until the end of July, and maybe even a little bit longer?

Food supply is coping with current demand and we are forever grateful for what you donate each week.

Paul recently received the following from the Treasurer of the Foodbank following our Tithe Fund donation ………

Dear Mr Eagar

On behalf of Chelmsford Foodbank I would like to express the sincere thanks of the whole team for your very kind donation of £250 and ask that these thanks go to all at Moulsham Lodge Methodist Church as we work together on this project. Roy

The shopping list, copied opposite, remains as for last month, and we continue to take food items to the Foodbank virtually every week both from the church and the Co-op in Gloucester Avenue. Again, thank you all so much for your help to reach those less well off and I shall keep you informed as

to when a move might be on the cards.

Clive Pickett (MLMC Foodbank Co-ordinator)

Current Shopping List

Long Life Milk (Blue or Green) Sugar

Fruit Juice (carton) Tinned Meat

Tinned Carrots Mixed Veg. (no pulses)

Sweetcorn Rice Puddings

Packets & tinned custard Sponge Puddings

Tinned Fruit Instant coffee (small and

medium) Instant Mash Potato

Pasta Sauce Jam

Snack bars Shampoo and Shower Gel Deodorants (male & female)

Washing up Liquid

Version 04/04/2014

Easter offering

Moulsham Lodge Methodist Church's Easter Offering gift this year was £205 (including £24 from Gift Aid.)

Thank you to all those who gave.

Paul Eagar.

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The Leprosy Mission

There was a good attendance at the Leprosy Mission thank you meeting on May 9th.

Mike gave an interesting talk on his recent visit to Nepal. He showed slides of the shoe making and prosthetic limb centre and also the very popular clinic minibus which travels to remote villages to give medication and advice. Some of the patients would take 1 1/2 days to arrive at the Anandaban hospital for treatment.

95 % of the worlds population is immune to the air droplets which trigger the disease. Puberty and pregnancy are often the times when the immune system is low and the leprosy begins. Sometimes it is dormant for 20 years and then the skin patches will appear.

Every 2 minutes a person is diagnosed and, of course, many hide their symptoms for as long as possible because of the stigma attached to it, resulting in this silently destructive disease causing life-long disfigurement and disabilities. Many communities in India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Niger consider leprosy as a curse from God and therefore should not be treated as that is against God’s wishes. Many hospitals turn patients away for fear of other patients going elsewhere for their treatment.

The Queen has kindly given permission for the Leprosy Mission to be the recipient of one of the three charity days held at Frogmore House each year. The other chosen charities for 2014 are The National Gardens Scheme and Parkinson’s UK.

The Open Day is June 4th and all the ticket price and half of the refreshment takings will go to the charity.

Please pray for the ongoing work of this charity as it continues to hold out a Christ-like hand to some of the world s poorest and most destitute people.

Susan Wade

I'm alright - it's them others

Whenever I saw Norman I always asked how he was. Despite all his medical problems, he invariably said "I'm alright - it's them others". I shall miss hearing Norman say those words, I shall miss his thoughtful listening and wise advice, I shall miss the quiet companionship, I shall miss his straightforward trust in Jesus. Norman was a true gentleman and I feel very privileged to have known him for so many years. Norman was my friend and I miss him. But I know, as I write this and as you read it, that Norman is with our Saviour Jesus in Paradise and that some day I will see him again and hear

him say with a twinkle in his eye - "I'm alright - it's them others".

Jim Lowe

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Ladies Club at 50!

50 years of attending Ladies Club. I visited a friend in Harlow to find that she had joined a woman’s group aimed mainly at people at home with a family. I then somehow found out that something similar had been suggested at Moulsham Lodge Methodist Church.

Initially Gene Kitchen had 5 or 6 of us meeting at her house once a month for about 1 to1/2 hours. I presume we chatted, supporting each other through problems we may have had or celebrating at other times with good news within our families and friends.

This club grew considerably in the early days and apart from some committee members it was never solely for Church members but for the fellowship and friendship of women living nearby. In the early days Mums didn’t return to work following the birth of children, so a club such as this was a way of meeting others away from the home.

We have only two original members still attending; Mrs Pauline Evans and myself.

In spite of decreasing numbers we still have very interesting speakers and enjoy a friendly meeting, with tea and biscuits, once a fortnight. Perhaps you, or you know of somebody who might like to join us, to sometimes be informed, to have fun, but most of all to enjoy a very friendly atmosphere.

I know I value greatly the friendships I have made over the past 50 years.

Barbara Bennett Further Reflections……

I am a relative newcomer to Ladies Club having only been a

member for about 30years!

I was a newcomer to Chelmsford from London, having married and moved here two years earlier. Once I left work and started a family I found that I did not know many people in the neighbourhood and Rev Guy Goodall suggested that I try Ladies Club.

I am quite a shy person so was apprehensive about going along. However I should not have worried as I was warmly welcomed and soon found people who lived near to me to walk home with.

Numbers of those attending have fluctuated over the years and as Barbara has said in her article, numbers have declined as club members are getting older ; I am one of the younger ones. However we pride ourselves on our friendly, welcoming atmosphere and wide range of speakers we have each fortnight. To give a flavour of the topics covered this year we have had talks on the history of pantomime, the secret life of a wood, how to make bags and carnival time in Venice. I echo Barbara’s invitation to come and join us.

I have made some great friendships within the Club over the last 30 years as have many others.

Sue Storey

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Norman Wood 1932-2014

I don't think that in the time that I've known Norman, I have ever heard him complain!

In spite of all the many and varied hospital visits and procedures that he had for his many health problems he always remained cheerful and if you asked him what he was going to have done at any of his appointments, he would answer “I don't know. I don't want to know. I just tell them to get on with it and tell me when it's done!”

This was typical Norman. A quiet man of simple, solid, and enduring trusting faith, known and loved by so many.

Norman was born in Hastings in 1932; fifteen minutes after his twin brother, Douglas. At some stage the family moved to Maldon and during the war his Dad was in the Army in India; Norman and Douglas living with his Mum and Grandparents in Maldon. They were evacuated to Hoddesdon, enjoying country life with an abundant availability of local grown fruit and veg. On returning to Maldon Norman joined the Sunday School and Youth Club at Maldon Methodist Church, where Margaret Finch was the leader (sadly Margaret passed away on May 1st)

It was at the Youth Club that Norman met June, who says that when she saw Norman she decided ”He's the one for me!” They were married in 1953; being together for just about 61 years.

Norman worked for Crompton Instruments at Witham in Quality Assurance. until his retirement.

During their Church life, both Norman and June have been active members at Rainsford Rd Methodist Church (now Trinity), Maldon, Broomfield, Hall Street and in these latter years at Moulsham. For many years Norman was Circuit Treasurer for Methodist Homes for the Aged. His twin, Douglas, is organist at Little Waltham U.R.C but Norman's musical talent was limited to pumping the organ at Maldon Church in his younger days!

June and Norman became involved with many of us in the Walk to Emmaus ministry and one of my abiding memories is of when Norman was partaking in his Walk to Em-maus weekend at Crich in Derbyshire. On the Saturday evening the whole group were

taken from the centre where they were staying to a service in a local church. Because it was raining hard, they were taken by various cars. It was only when they walked up the path to the church, in the pouring rain, that Norman discovered he still had on his carpet slippers!

It's wonderful that for all of us , we will only have great memories of a kind, quiet and loving man; a man of Faith.

Peter Robb.

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Another thank you……………

Further to Tithe Fund donation acknowledgements, below is a letter received from Street Pastors ………….

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Moulsham Lodge Men's Club

Our last meeting on Thursday May 1st included an item called Two Hats, where audience participation was a must! Paul Eagar led an evening of where names were pulled out of one hat whilst the subject they had to talk about for 2 minutes came out of the other hat. Each member present had to nominate a subject on a piece of paper in the second hat! A great “parlour game” which caused quite a bit of fun. Thank you Paul, we must do that again!

Our meeting on Thursday June 5th will be an outdoor bowls evening at Chancellor Park with Wally Rook at the helm. This will

not include our usual fish n’ chip supper of course! Please meet at Chancellor Park in Chelmer Village by 6pm or let Peter Robb (250610) know if you need a 5.30pm lift from the church car park. All men welcome.

Our meeting on Thursday July 3rd will be Pitch and Putt at the Waterhouse Lane “links”! Meet there at 6pm or let Peter Robb (250610) know if you need a 5.30pm lift from the church car park. Our usual cost

of £6 per member should be sufficient for 9 holes. Again this will not include a fish n’ chip supper. All men welcome.

On Thursday August 7th we shall have our BBQ in the garden of Clive’s home, 1a Winchelsea Drive, Great Baddow. We shall start promptly at 6pm. Members, you may invite your wife but please bring chairs to sit on! There will be a cost of £6.00 per member but, wives can come free! Please sign up or let Peter Robb know if you are coming so that we can burn enough sausages and burgers!

Congratulations………..

Recently at the Christian Resources Exhibition, Sandown Park, Andy, Peter and Joyce’s son was awarded the prestigious "Speaking Volumes Christian Book Awards 2014"

Andy is the winner for Children’s Christian book of the

Year category for his book Professor Bumblebrains Bonkers Book of Parables.

This is one of a series of his published by CWR books which includes Professor Bumblebrains Book of Creation; Jesus; Bible Heroes; God; Prayer and now 'Parables' available from CWR or Amazon!

The award was presented by Pam Rhodes.

“Of course we are not really proud” says, Peter and Joyce!!!!!!!!!!!

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D of E

Over the Easter break 18 of us (10 young people (pictured opposite), 6 staff and 2 youngsters) spent 4 days at the 1912 Youth Centre in Harwich. We have used this venue (a converted fire station) before and it is an excellent base for us to use for expeditions and expedition training. After a Friday practice walk for both groups and a manic equipment packing session lasting quite late into the evening, the 7th Chelmsford BB group of 4 members were ready to start their assessed qualifying expedition on Saturday which lasted 2 days and included an overnight camp. They all did extremely well and the assessor was extremely pleased with them.

Whilst the 7th Chelmsford BB were doing their expedition, looked after by Heather and Philip, the girls were getting some further training to ready them for their practice expedition which started on Sunday. Saturday saw us putting up tents (in very blustery weather) and then we were off for another practice walk in the afternoon to hone their navigational skills. It turned into an eventful walk when we had to cross several connected fields full of slightly frisky cows who were very interested in us. Thanks to Farmer Mike”, as he is now known, who did a sterling job of shouting at the cows constantly to stop them coming near us, we made it across and out of the fields. It proved to be good training though as the girls encountered a field of cows during their expedition so were able to put this newly found skill of “cow herding” to the test!

After dinner on Saturday, a rather competitive game of spin and shout was played before the girls took themselves off to bed for a good night’s sleep.

The next day, a hearty breakfast was consumed and it was time for them to set off. The girls were dropped at their starting point (see picture), given a last briefing and they set off. An hour and a half later when we saw them at the first checkpoint, quite a lot had happened! Some nettle cream and a plaster was administered and Michael and I set off

back home to Colchester to collect a spare set of boots and socks!

By the time the girls arrived at the campsite, they were all looking a bit weary. The weather hadn’t been great, they were tired from walking and hungry. Some of them admitted afterwards that they were really grumpy at this point!

Day two dawned and was a much better day with lots of sunshine. Spirits were much higher on the second day and the group finished more or less at their scheduled time. (Michael, Liz, Martin and I even got to spend an hour in the garden in a tea room in St Osyth at lunchtime which was a bonus J). The group did really well though considering it

was their first expedition together and we hope to arrange their qualifying expedition in October time.

Other news: Tom and George have both been presented with their Bronze Awards over the past couple of months. Two Silver expedition presentations on their expedition aims and experiences are happening over the next month or so, one at a 9.30 am service and one at the GB Award Evening. Once these have been signed off, we should have at least three Silver Awards to present to participants. The Gold group have scheduled a week in August to do their qualifying expedition in the Isle of Man and are in the throes of planning it. Several of the existing Silver group have asked to sign up for Gold. Its all go at D of E! Alison Smith 2nd Chelmsford BB D of E Group

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2nd Chelmsford Boys Brigade

Well it is quite some time since the magazine had an article from me; thanks Clive for making my excuses last month

As mentioned in his “covering” note, there hadn’t really been much going on at BB between the previous month and the last issue. So I guess I need to try and make up for that this time…....hmmm let’s see how that goes!

Unfortunately the main things to note since last time are that we lost the drill competition and were unable to compete in the Cross Country/Cycle Cross so have had to surrender two trophies this year. Hopefully we can re-capture some next year with the new blood coming through. We also held our joint recruitment morning with the GB organised by our Queensmen. Despite mine and some of our other officers’ worries beforehand, the displays and potential activities for visitors were excellent and all set up ready to go. Unfortunately we had nobody come through the doors which is a real shame for the lads. It just shows that it is harder than maybe all of us thought to try and recruit “cold” and that it is going to be a long and slow process building numbers back up. Having said that, our Badgers (the youngsters who came up in September) brought a new lad along

this Friday so we’ve at least started the long journey.

The first week back after Easter was a “special” where we had two teams completing the National BB Top Team Challenge. We’ve done this before and in fact came third in the country last year. The older lads were very keen to better this result and completed everything in their usual highly competitive manner. The younger team were just as keen and Steven Mortimer who came down to impartially adjudicate and fill in the forms for us to send off to HQ had his hands full keeping tabs on what they were all up to. A big thank you to him for giving up his time to come down. Now we just have to wait and

see how we’ve got on.

Following on from that we’ve substituted Christian Education into the slot where we would normally practice drill and Stephanie is leading this on a theme of prayers from the Bible. This is followed by a swapped set of participants in the classes we did before Easter. The younger lads have now moved on to bugling having completed their Movie Masterpiece which you would have seen displayed at the recruitment morning if you came down. Maybe we can arrange for it to be shown at the next Church Parade after the service? Or possibly the next recruitment event??? They have likewise picked up the bugle very quickly and I’m trying to persuade some of them along with the older lads to go to a Brigades Band day in Sudbury in October but more about that nearer the time. The older lads are filming but not sure that it is a stop motion and so wait with bated breath to see the result of their endeavours next week; our last in uniform for this year except of course the awards evening in July.

After half term we are into the Summer Session and then of course heading to our annual camp which this year is in Freshwater on the Isle of Wight. Myself, Philip and Martin from 7th Chelmsford went over there last weekend to make contact with various suppliers and activity centres plus planning the ever popular night hike route. Whilst we were doing this on the Sunday there was an island activity going on called Walk The Wight which was a sponsored walk from one end of the island to the ………...

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…….. other a distance of some 26.5 miles raising money for the island’s only hospice. I

have to say I found it quite a humbling experience seeing so many hundreds of people of all ages and abilities streaming over the downs in an almost continuous line all day. A true example of community spirit and lovely to see.

Finally congratulations this month go to George (pictured right) on attaining both his President’s Badge and Bronze DofE which were both presented to him at the last Church Parade; well done George!!

Mike Smith (Captain)

2nd Chelmsford Girls Brigade

All the girls have been completing their badge work for this year. The Explorers and Juniors have been looking at a badge “Our Planet”, where we have been thinking about water, endangered species and recycling.

The Seniors and Brigaders are doing a badge about children’s games. They have been playing a variety of games including Happy Families, Spin and Shout, Twister and Uno. The girls have then thinking about

what young children learn from the games.

Our Open Morning in April, held with the BB, did not produce any new members but the morning did give us an opportunity to join together and think about new ideas for recruiting within both organisations. Thank you to the group of young men who put in a great deal of hard work to organising the morning.

On Saturday 10th May, 7 of us from GB plus Katie and Hudson (from BB) completed the “Walk for Water” in Chelmsford. The walk was a route of 3km which we walked twice and highlighted the walk that girls and women walk every day in Rwanda and other countries to collect water from the wells. We carried 6 litres of water each, which demonstrated the amount carried one each trip to the well. It was really quite heavy. Well done and thank you to those who took part.

After half term we will be starting our summer sessions. This will start with our Award Evening which will take place on Tuesday 3rd June 2014, to which all are welcome.

This year, our summer camp is being held from 2nd to 9th August, at Freshwater, Isle of Wight. Please remember the leaders at this time as they continue their preparations for

the camp.

Jacky Wilson, Team Leader

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John Greenleaf Whittier 1807 – 1892

John Greenleaf Whittier, author of the hymn Dear Lord and Father of Mankind (StF 495) was born to humble farmers in Haverhill Massachusetts in 1807. Named Greenleaf after his Huguenot forbears he suffered ill health as a child and could not help much on the farm. But he became an avid reader and soaked up his father’s books on the Quaker life with its emphasis on compassion and social responsibility. He was introduced to poetry by a teacher and, unbeknown to him, had his first poem published in a local newspaper soon after.

The editor of the newspaper, a Mr Garrison, encouraged him to attend school and gave him a job when he completed a high school education in only two terms!

As editor of a Boston newspaper he became an outspoken critic of President Andrew Jackson which led him to stand for Congress but he wasn’t elected. He then had a nervous breakdown but his friend Garrison encouraged him to join the anti-slavery movement. His experience in politics led him to be a useful lobbyist and, having formed the American Anti-Slavery Society, badgered Congressional leaders into the anti-slavery

camp.

He travelled around Northern States speaking in public, writing newspaper articles and continuing his poetry. Often at meetings he was mobbed, stoned or run out of town in violent response to his message. He carried on despite ill health and formed the Liberty Party in 1839 which gained its first Senator in 1850. The 13th Amendment to the American Constitution in 1865 ended slavery and brought an end to Whittier’s campaign.

In his poems he often used slavery as a theme to symbolise all kinds of oppression, physical, spiritual, or economic, and one such poem written in 1872 gave birth to this

hymn.

The poem was called The Brewing of Soma which is about, of all things, an ancient sacred ritual alcoholic drink brewed perhaps by Vedic priests (c 2000 BC) in an attempt to experience divinity!

Whittier likened this to Christians who might mistakenly use “music, incense, vigils drear, and trance to bring the skies more near, or lift men up to heaven” Of course all such would be in vain; it is all intoxication!

The second section of the poem compares some of the worship of Whittier’s fellow Christians to the pagan worship of ancient cultures. It asks God to “reclothe us in our rightful mind” and find true joy in quiet service and reverence. It is this section that became popular in England and America as a hymn.

Here it wasn’t until 1924 that the hymn was set to a tune composed by Hubert Parry now called Repton; so called because it was first adapted from Parry’s oratorio Judith of 1888 by the director of music at Repton School for use in the school chapel.

In America the hymn was already being sung to a tune called Rest by Frederick Maker.

Malcolm Lees

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Dear Friends around the Churches

I trust this finds you well and yourself and the Churches very blessed. I have listed below the various meetings coming up over the next few months all of which are ecumenical and no doubt you will hear about each individually as they arise. We seek only to bring the Lord Jesus to His people and to bring Churches together in a unity of purpose. Celebrate Jesus. Wed.4th June North Springfield Baptist Church, Chelmsford Wed.2nd July United Reformed Church, Witham. Wed.20th August Church at Great Notley Souling and Healing Wed.25th June Hall Street Methodist Church, Chelmsford. Wed.30th July Hall Street Methodist Church, Chelmsford Praise and Worship Wed..11th June Our Lady Immaculate Church Hall, Chelmsford Wed.9th July Our Lady Immaculate Church Hall, Chelmsford

Wed.13th August Our Lady Immaculate Church Hall, Chelmsford

All meetings meet at 7.30 for refreshments and worship starts at 8 o'clock.

If you have any questions do please email back or call 01245 601478.

Thank You and Every Blessing. Mike Shelbourne.

Thank you…………

As you will all be aware, the last few weeks have not been the easiest in the Crockett and Walker households! Someone referred to the events as “rollercoaster” and, although I understood the meaning of that expression, I had never before fully realised just what an apt description that was.

The arrival of young Thomas was the most exciting and euphoric time, and the plight of Sarah was unbelievably frightening. Thomas was beautiful, and perfect, and everything we had hoped for while Sarah was extremely unwell. While we were celebrating Thomas’s birth, we were praying desperately for Sarah’s return to full health.

However, we do know that when things are difficult, we are carried and we know that the care, the concern, the love and the prayers from so many people saw us through that very difficult time.

We have always said what a caring church Moulsham Lodge is and it is proved again and

again and again. Thank you to all of you. For the cards, the gifts and the flowers but, most of all, for all your prayers. Jane

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What makes you human?

It all started on 16 September 2013. I took a tentative first step and was instantly hooked; besotted even. In the space of a couple of hours, my life was transformed, flooded with joy and laughter - and my poor, long-suffering friends have had to put up with me going on about it ever since.

I had discovered dance. Specifically, I had discovered Ceroc, a mix of modern jive, salsa and lots of other kinds of partner-dancing. I've learned and participated in several other forms of dance before, from ceilidhs to line dancing and Filipino bamboo dancing to Jewish dance, and have enjoyed it all, but Ceroc has been by far the most fun - and perhaps the best exercise!

In the seven months since that first, nervous foray I have made new friends, learned new skills, lost some old weight, and laughed a lot. What's not to love?

Vince Cable, writing for the New Statesman's series in conjunction with Radio 2 recently, goes a step further: a love of dance, he says, is what makes him human. "On the dance floor," he explains, "age, colour, nationality, status and education are of no consequence, only a shared ability to respond to the rhythms of music."

Is dancing a purely human instinct? I don't know. Bees perform a complex 'dance' to communicate the location of food. Birds often appear to be flying in a playful yet co-ordinated manner that perhaps owes more to pleasure than efficiency, and I'm sure those with more than my tiny grasp of the natural world can give more examples of birds, beasts and bugs performing dance-type movements. Perhaps moving your body in time to music isn't a solely human pursuit after all.

Yet if to be human is to be 'in the image' of God, then dancing, though it may tell us little about ourselves, must tell us something about our creator.

He is a God who, contrary to many people's belief, enjoys pleasure. He enjoys self-expression. He enjoys community (dancing; although it can be done alone, is much better in a group), and he enjoys the different roles that different members of the group take on. In order to make the whole thing work, for each person moving forwards, there needs to be an equal and opposite person willing to move backwards, or you end up with a lot of bruised toes. In Ceroc in particular, each couple comprises a leader and a follower and, as the teacher of my class often points out, each is equally important.

You may have been born with a tin ear, two left feet, and no sense of rhythm. If that's you, don't worry; contra Vince Cable, dancing isn't what makes you human, or even what makes you valuable to a God who created dance, created music and delights in those who worship him with these talents.

What makes you human is that you are created in God's image, and nothing can add to or detract from that essential truth. Your abilities, aptitudes and …………….

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………...attitudes don't change it. Your tastes, temperament and theological stance don't

affect it. In Vince Cable's words, "age, colour, nationality, status and education are of no consequence". You are the pinnacle of God's creation from the moment your DNA fused and formed that unmistakeable homo sapiens pattern, and you will remain so until the last breath leaves your body.

And that's worth dancing about, surely?

Jennie Pollock is a freelance writer and editor

Clare Calling

They say one is even busier in retirement than when working, and it’s true. We were actually at the eye clinic today when Clive emailed Colin to find out if I had anything for the Messenger this time. I was two days late and had completely forgotten about the deadline! (The eye specialist informs me that the reason why I haven’t seen clearly for months, and have had such difficulty trying to get specs is because I have

cataracts in both eyes. So now I’m on the cataract surgery waiting list.)

A couple of weeks ago, we, in Clare, hosted a mission team through the organisation Through Faith Missions. Although it was a town-wide effort, most of the support and entertaining came from the Baptists. The team knocked on doors, talked to people in the streets, called in to the pubs, and generally tried to spread the Word. There were also special events. There was a barbecue and bouncy castle at our church, over fifty older folks had a fish and chip lunch, there was a ‘Hot Potatoes’ evening in the pub, a ladies’ evening meal, a men’s breakfast, all free for non-members, and a well attended and well received Wholeness and Healing service in the parish church.

Last week, Colin was at the Primary School helping with the SATS exams, which involved him reading out questions to some of the less able/dyslexic children. Picture Colin helping a tiny girl with spina-bifida and dyslexia, who has to use a chair on blocks with her feet on a stool under the table. Can you imagine him not giving her just a few pointers to the answers? (Denied! – CMB).

An update on the Blue tits in the camera box…...Seven eggs were laid. Six chicks hatched, are currently being fed, and seem to be doing well. Meanwhile, the pigeons and doves are still driving me crazy! Anne Barrable Editor. Sorry to chase you Anne, but as one of our several regular contributors, enjoyed by many of us, we did not want to miss you out.

Advance notice…….

Just a reminder, the planned CTIC Pentecost event at St Luke’s on June 8th is cancelled.

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Hall Street Methodist Church

Hall Street, CM2 0HG Contact Val Shelbourne 01245 601478

Services for June 2014

May 25th 10.00am Rev Stephanie Hibberd

June 1st 10.00am Mr Jim Lowe

June 8th Pentecost 10.00am Mr Mike Shelbourne

June 15th Trinity Sunday 10.00am Rev Stephanie Hibberd (HC)

June 22nd 10.00am Mr David Drewett

June 29th 10.00am Mr Andrew Mussell

July 6th 10.00am Mr Mike Shelbourne

Weekday meetings

Afternoon Fellowship 2.30 to 4 pm each Thursday and alternating weekly between a Bible Study and a fellowship meeting with a speaker.

All are welcome

Giant Two Day Christian and General Book Sale

Friday & Saturday June 7th and 8th: 10am till 5pm at Hall Street Methodist.

Light Refreshments available.

Over 3,000 Christian books and Bibles covering most areas of devotion and Christian life. and

Over 500 general books: novels, general interest and children’s books: £0.50 to £1.50p

All proceeds to Syrians Children’s Relief.

Enquiries to Dave Cushion, tel: 01245 611528.

Email David/cushion@icloud.com

Please contact me if you would like me to try and find a particular author or type of book or to offer book donations.

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What goes on at MLMC during a usual week?

Monday Friendship Club 2 till 4pm Weekly (over 60’s) Ladies Club 8pm Alternate weeks Games Club 8pm Alternate weeks

Tuesday Ladies Keep Fit 10am Weekly (for over 40’s) Girls Brigade 6 - 9.30pm Weekly Prayer Group 9.15pm Weekly

Wednesday Soaking Prayer 8pm 2nd & 4th Wednesdays

Thursday Prayer Group 9.30 - 10.30am Weekly Coffee Shop 10.30 - noon Weekly Art Group 1.30 - 3.30pm Weekly Men’s Club 7.15 - 9.30pm First Thursdays

D of E 8 - 9.30pm Last Thursdays

Friday Boys Brigade 6.30 to 10pm Weekly

For more information and contact details go online at www.moulshammethodist.org.uk

or call Clive, our Editor, on 01245 267459

Jane, our Senior Steward, on 01245 258809

Or please ask for a Welcome Pack

Readings & themes for 9.30 & 10.30 Services, June/July 2014

June 1st 10.30 family (no Parade) Acts 1:6-14 Ascension. June 8th 0930 Acts 2:1-21 Pentecost

Three weeks with a mission theme

June 15th 0930 Café Service Matthew 28:16-20 The great commission June 22nd 0930 Matthew 10:5-20 To boldly go June 29th 0930 Café Service Matthew 10:40-42 Mission as welcome

July 6th 1030 Parade Service Matthew 11:25-30 Come to me and rest July 13th 0930 Matthew 13:1-9 & 18-23 Parable of sower July 20th 0930 Café & Communion Matthew 13:24-30 & 36-43 Parable of weeds

Thank you to all the Christian Aid collectors and donors. The final total will be included in the July/August edition. Gillian

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Moulsham Lodge Methodist Church

Lime Walk, CM2 9NJ Senior Steward Jane Crockett 01245 258809

Rota for June 2014

Date Flowers Reader Door Stewards

May 25th Mr & Mrs Johnson 9.30am Mrs Goodall/Welham 11.00am Mr Storey Mr & Mrs Wade 6.30pm Mrs Marsh Prayer Road: Sycamore Way

June 1st Mrs Brown 10.30am Mrs Cleland Mrs Cleland/Tofts 6.30pm Mr Rook Prayer Road: Orange Tree Close

June 8th Mr & Mrs Withnall 9.30am Mrs Bennett/Partner 11.00am Mr Hancock Mrs Hughes/Burdge 6.30pm No service at MLMC Prayer Road: Lilac Close

June 15th Mrs Marsh 9.30am Mrs Sweeting/Ms Shelley 11.00am Mrs Withnall Mr & Mrs Rodwell 6.30pm Mrs Cooper Prayer Road: Poplar Close & Lime Walk

June 22nd Mr & Mrs P Smith 9.30am Mrs Goodall/Welham 11.00am Mr Lees Mr & Mrs Wade 6.30pm Mrs Marsh Prayer Road: Hawthorn Close

June 29th Mrs Giles 9.30am Mrs Reynolds/Mr Brown 11.00am Mr Johnson Mrs Dowding/Manson 6.30pm Mrs Johnson Prayer Road: Laburnam Drive

July 6th Mr & Mrs Hancock 10.30am Brigades Mrs Cleland/Tofts 6.30pm Mr & Mrs Hancock Prayer Road: Bus services

Please note for July …………. July 20th: 10.30 service only, Stephanie’s last service with MLMC. (Plan change) July 27th: 3.00pm Circuit Farewell service at MLMC for Stephanie

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Moulsham Lodge Methodist Church Lime Walk, CM2 9NJ

Senior Steward Jane Crockett 01245 258809

Services for June 2014

May 25th 9.30am Mr Peter Robb 11.00am Mrs Sue Johnson 6.30pm Mrs Val Carter

June 1st Parade 10.30am Rev Stephanie Hibberd 6.30pm Mr John Clemo

June 8th Pentecost 9.30am Rev Stephanie Hibberd 11.00am Mrs Elizabeth Hobbs 6.30pm No service (CTIC AGM at St Lukes)

June 15th Trinity Cafe 9.30am Mr Jeff Hosking 11.00am Mr Jeff Hosking 6.30pm Rev Stephanie Hibberd (HC)

June 22nd 9.30am Mr Peter Robb 11.00am Mr Mike Shelbourne 6.30pm Mr Peter Robb

June 29th Cafe 9.30am Mr David Burton 11.00am Rev Stephanie Hibberd (HC) 6.30pm Rev Stephanie Hibberd July 6th Parade 10.30am Rev Stephanie Hibberd

6.30pm Mr David Songer

Service info for MLMC

9.30am Contemporary &/or Cafe Worship 10.30am Parade or Family Service 11am Traditional Service 6.30pm Contemplative Service

A warm welcome awaits you !

The Hive

June 1st Chill out evening June 15th Modelling competition June 29th Cookies ….Masterchef style July 13th Treasure Hunt then BBQ at Esther & Dave’s home.

For Year 7 and older, all welcome.

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Stop Press……………

Andrew Lovelock awarded Police Bravery Award…….. “They won't mind at all, and it was for a gas explosion in the village of Takeley near to Stansted. A man had been thrown from the building by the explosion and suffered extensive burns to his body. We administered immediate first aid and assisted in landing the Heli-med so he could be taken straight to St Andrews. He has survived the incident, however unsure on the extent of his injuries. Its fair to say it was pretty hectic...just another day in the office!” Editor. Andrew, ex Sunday School and BB lad, is on the far right…… I am sure many of you will remember him. Well done Andrew!