STAINES METHODIST CHURCHNEWSLETTER JULY/AUGUST 2018

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Dear Friends,You may recall that last month I was looking at Obadiah, the shortest

book in the Old Testament. We do not know all that much about Obadiahthe man. About the only thing we do know is that the name means, “Theservant or worshipper of Jehovah”. The problem is that at least twelvepeople in the Old Testament are named Obadiah. One of them hid onehundred prophets in two caves to protect them from Queen Jezebel. Thesame person was looking for grass to feed the royal horses and muleswhen he met with Elijah who asked him to arrange a meeting with KingAhab which led directly to the confrontation on Mount Carmel with theprophets of Baal. Both this man and ten others can be discounted becauseof the other people they knew and the events that form part of their lives.With such limited information about the person we need to look at otherways to place the writings in an historical context. One way of doing thisis to look at the events that the author described. The main focus of thebook which he sets out in graphic detail is the sacking of Jerusalem andstraight away you might think that we have something that will give usan answer. The problem is however, that Jerusalem was sacked on fourseparate occasions. We need to determine which of the four events thatwe know about is the one that Obadiah was describing. To do this weneed to look elsewhere for supporting evidence. Only one of the sackingsof the city seems to have involved the Edomites and we read about this inPsalm 137: 7 where the Psalmist writes, “Remember, O Lord, againstthe Edomites the day of Jerusalem’s fall.” In 1 Esdras 4: 45 we discoverthe following passage, “You also vowed to build the temple which theEdomites burned when Judea was laid waste by the Chaldeans”. Piecing

From the Minister

Minister: Rev. A. Reed on sabbatical until Monday 3rd SeptemberSunday Services: 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.Sunday School: 10:30 a.m.

While our minister is on sabbatical please contactRev. Juliet Ushewokunze ( 020 8890 2783)

or Pauline Shilston (01784 452612)

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all this together historians have come to the conclusion that the events inObadiah refer to what took place in Jerusalem in the year 587 BC. Thatstory is recorded for us in 2 Kings 25 where the city and Temple aredestroyed and the people are taken off into captivity in Babylon whereonce again, Psalm 137 tells us that it was by the rivers of Babylon that thepeople sat down and wept. In September I will try to draw the threadstogether and come up with the reason why this book is in our Bible.Meanwhile, I hope that you have a very pleasant summer.

God bless.Andrew

News of the Church FamilyWe were very sad to hear of the sudden death of Janet Gardiner, wife ofRev. Gerald Gardiner on 11th June. Gerald Gardiner, was ourSuperintendent Minister and left in 2002. Our thoughts and prayers arewith Gerald and the family at this sad time.

Congratulations to Joan Gardam who celebrates her 80th birthday on25th August. We send our love and best wishes for an enjoyable day.

In case you were not already aware, Dave Price celebrated his 65thbirthday on 13th June and retired! Although two of the projects that heplanned were cataloguing his record collection — a task that was thereason for getting his first IBM compatible computer in the 1980s, andgot as far as one A4 page with about four entries on it — and digitisingand putting on-line previous Newsletters, people seem to be coming upwith plans to stop me getting bored; obviously unaware that Shirley hasalready got this covered!

May Church CollectionsHere are the figures for May and from the beginning of the MethodistFinancial Year that started on 1st September 2017.

Last year to 31st August 2017 the total was £17,102·93Average Weekly Collection last year (52 weeks) £328·90Total this year from 1st September 2017 (39 weeks) £11,840·36Average Weekly Collection from 1st September 2017 £303·60May 2018 Total Collections (4 weeks) £1,242·83Average May 2018 weekly collection £310·71Note: There was no evening service on 29th May 2018

John Bennett

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A Retirement – of Sorts!At our June meeting of the Church Council, Chris Gardam announced hisintention to retire as Bookings Secretary on 8th October 2018; afteralmost 30 years in the job. During that time Chris, ably assisted by Joan,has increased the bookings from small beginnings into the most majorsource of annual income for our church after the weekly collections.Those of us who have stood in for Chris and Joan, on the rare occasionswhen they have taken extended holidays abroad, are fully aware of allthe work which Bookings entails – not only keeping track of which roomis let to whom and when, and organising invoices, but fielding enquiries,seeking new potential clients and, above all, maintaining excellentworking relationships with all our hirers — both regular and occasional.Chris and Joan’s high levels of tact and diplomacy in dealing with thebookings, as well as their intimate knowledge of the individualpreferences and requirements of each hiring group, have enabled us tobuild up a regular and reliable client base over the years, which isconstantly being added to.

The small words “thank you”, inhowever many languages, canhardly express the huge debt ofgratitude which we owe to Chris(and not forgetting Joan) for theenormous amount of work whichthey have both put into this areaof our church’s life, work, and

mission since 1988. Juliet led the heart-felt expressions of appreciationat the Church Council meeting, and we, as Stewards, would like to addour own special thanks on behalf of everyone — both in ourcongregation and our wider fellowship, including all our hirers — to youboth.We know that you’ll still be there to help and guide when required, butwe appreciate that there comes a time to step back and take more timefor yourselves. Enjoy your ‘retirement’ — it’s been a long time incoming and couldn’t possibly be more well-deserved. And thanks againfor everything…With our love, and God’s blessings on you both;Avril, Pauline, Roz, Charlotte and Helen (Church Stewards)

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Prayer Diary for the month of July 2018“Come Holy Spirit”

Please pray/give thanks for:Sun our minister Rev. Andrew Reed and Pat, his wife; may his

sabbatical be a time of refreshment. 2nd those who are mourning. 3rd European Union talks about the refugee crisis. 4th Mr. Ian Lister and Rev. Juliet Ushewokunze as they and prepare

to lead our worship on Sunday. 5th Local Preachers and Worship Leaders as they meet tonight. 6th “Minnows” leaders, helpers, toddlers and their carers. 7th our Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.Sun Action for Children Sunday. 9th Thank God for all those who were recently ordained, and their

families. 10th all those who have given, and will give, evidence at the inquest

about the Grenfell Tower fire. 11th Mrs. Sheila Hassan and Rev. Juliet Ushewokunze as they prepare

to lead our worship. 12th for our police, firefighters, and ambulance crews. 13th Foster Parents and the children in their care. 14th “Messy Church” leaders, helpers, and those who participate.Sun Thank God for Local Preachers and Worship Leaders. 16th those who are persecuted for their faith. 17th local shopkeepers. 18th Rev. Juliet Ushewokunze as she prepares to lead our morning

worship. 19th the Thursday Lunch team as they take a break after today. 20th those with HIV, and unable to get treatment. 21st those affected by the terrorist attacks.Sun Rev. Juliet Ushewokunze and Mrs. Pauline Shilston as they have

additional responsibilities during Andrew’s sabbatical. 23rd Ministers and Pastors in our circuit 24th the Armed Forces. 25th Mr. Terry Lewis and Rev. David Priddy as they prepare to lead

our worship. 26th people at risk of death from starvation.

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27th those organising the “Three Rivers” Holiday at Home. 28th peace in the Middle East.Sun All You Can. 30th those living on the streets. 31st Thank God for your blessings.

Prayer Diary for the month of August 2018“Come Holy Spirit”

Please pray/give thanks for:1st - 3rd “The Three Rivers” – Holiday at Home. 2nd Mrs. Shirley Price as she prepares to lead our worship 3rd those affected by the terrorist attacks around the world. 4th the Junior Church as they take a break this month.Sun Methodist Women in Britain. 6th our Church, Communion, and Door stewards 7th the house-bound. 8th those preparing to lead our worship. 9th our Minister, Rev. Andrew Reed, and Pat, his wife, who are on

sabbatical. 10th our local hospitals, and the staff who run them. 11th a time of refreshment for those holidaying and home or abroad.Sun for those living in war-torn areas of the world, with no peace in

sight. 13th The President of Conference, Rev. Michaela A. Youngson. 14th The Vice President of Conference, Bala Gnanapragasa. 15th Miss Rudado Ushewokunze as she prepares to lead our worship. 16th all those who receive their “A” level results today, and those who

do not receive the grades needed. 17th Christian marriages. 18th young people seeking their first employment.Sun Ministers and their families who are changing circuits. 20th young people who carry and use knives and guns, their victims

and the families. 21st the Wendover Road congregation as they prepare for the closure

of the Church. 22nd Rev. Juliet Ushewokunze as she prepares to lead our worship.

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23rd all those who get GCSE results today, and those who do notreceive the grades expected

24th Child carers and those they care for. 25th local Doctors and other local health professionals.Sun Pastoral Leaders. 27th those whose relationships are going through a difficult time. 28th the Churches in our Circuit, as we seek Gods guidance for the

future. 29th the wounded, injured, and sick, service men and women training

for, and hoping to be chosen for, the Invictus Games to held inSydney in October.

30th young people as they change schools, go to college or university. 31st the end of the Connexional year.

The Church Prayer ChainThe Prayer Chain exists for the benefit of anyone in need of prayer.Michael & Barbara BaggJim BrodieBarbara LownsbroughIf you have a prayer request, please contact any one of the above.

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BOOK NOW for The Three Rivers - our Holiday At Home!Wed 1st, Thurs 2nd & Fri 3rd August 10am – 4pm daily

Are you of retirement age andwondering what to do duringAugust when travel prices arehigh and everywhere is busyand full of holidayingschoolchildren? Or have youjust not yet given August apassing thought? Either way,why not book in for “The ThreeRivers”, this year’s Holiday atHome? After the huge success

of last year’s “Flights of Fancy” — when we took off in hot air balloons, jetliners, and Concorde — this year it’s three days of gentle cruising down adifferent river each day.Our “Holiday at Home” is designed to give you fun, companionship, andsome unusual opportunities, as we cruise the rivers of the world from thesafety and security of our very own church hall. What do you see on theposter? Sphynxes, paddle steamers, romantic buildings, famous bridges,maps… all these are clues to which continents we’ll be visiting, and whatour activities (including an exciting afternoon outing) will be.All sorts of things to do are planned, but everything is optional! You mightjust prefer to sit in our First Class passenger lounge and read the morningpapers. If so, that’s fine. It’s your holiday so it’s up to you… Every day there will be a variety of refreshments and a hot lunchwhich reflect the day’s travels. From the morning welcome to the end-of-the-day briefing, our Captain and Crew will be there to meet your everyneed. Your holiday price of £40 for 3 days includes all outings, activitiesand food. Transport to and from church can also be arranged for thosewho need it.Where else can such a travel bargain be found? This special offer is opento anyone who uses our church, plus any of your friends and neighbourswhom you think would enjoy this exceptional Mini-Break. For furtherdetails and bookings, see Joan Gardam, Roz Sendorek or Pauline Shilston,or e-mail roz.sendorek@btinternet.com.

But do book early, as places are strictly limited.

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The “Giving Hundred”Between now and 31st December2018 we are aiming to increase ourworshippers’ regular giving by £100per week.So far we have reached an additional£35 per week. Please help us to fill inthe next £5 segment….

This year marks the 30th Anniversary of the “New Church”, as I stillthink of it. I have gone through the Newsletter archive and thought thatthe following “timeline” of events may be of interest; bringing backmemories for some, and offering an insight as to what was going on at thetime, to others.

The month/year headings in capitals are the Newsletters that theoriginal information appeared in.

The line drawings of the old and new churches are those thatappeared on the October 1987 and November 1987 Newsletter coversrespectively. At the time these were produced using a typewriter andhand-driven duplicator; I believe by Margaret Jackson and Daphne Arden(although please tell me if I am incorrect).

…From the Old we travelled to the New…

METHODIST CHURCH

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NOVEMBER 1986The Stone Laying ceremony will take place on Saturday 25th April 1987.Mr. Eric Goldhawk laid the stone using the same mallet that hisgrandmother had used when she laid the stone at the Kingston Roadchurch.OCTOBER 1987All the services in October had to be held in the hall, as the Church wasbeing demolished and was unusable. The last service in the old buildingwas held on 27th October.

Crowngap told Rev. Kenneth Garlick that we would be able to take overthe new Church as from Monday 26th October and would be able to holdour first services there on Sunday 1st November as planned. We hadpromised to vacate our old Church by 23rd November.A letter had been sent to all parents of children attending the SundaySchool warning them of the danger of the river being so close to our newChurch. A firm rule was to be made that no child was allowed to leavethe Church without a parent.DECEMBER 1987It is thought that it will be necessary to give names to the various roomsin our new Church premises and suggestions are invited – any of theChurch Stewards will be pleased to receive your suggestions forconsideration.JANUARY 1988The Church will be officially opened and dedicated by the president ofthe Conference, Rev. William R. Davies, at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday 30thJanuary. This will be followed by tea and a rally in the evening at6:30 p.m. The last time a President of the Conference, during his year ofoffice, was in Staines was on July 3rd 1890, when Rev. Charles B. Kellypreached at the opening of our Kingston Road church. To see theprogramme for the Opening Service click the link belowhttp://fliphtml5.com/utgr/fletEditor’s Note regarding the naming of the rooms:The room at the back which houses the photocopier was originally theMinister’s Vestry (in the Kingston Road Church his vestry had his ownprivate W.C. leading off it; containing a very ornate Victorian toilet). The

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What a Strange World!Not so long ago, we were told about “greenhouse gasses” which werecausing “global warming”; one of these was Carbon Dioxide. This gas,which is caused by burning fossil fuels, amongst other causes, was sucha dangerous problem. Now we are being told that there is a CarbonDioxide shortage! As well as putting the fizz in drinks, we are now toldthat it is being used in food packaging to preserve food. Does this meanthat every time we open a fizzy drink or some food packaging we arereleasing more of this gas into the atmosphere? Obviously it is not asimple case of using all the Carbon Dioxide that we are trying to get ridof, to put into fizzy drinks: if only it was that simple! There is help at handthough. Trees and some other plants, absorb Carbon Dioxide, and arecent piece on television said that the trees in London are as effective asthe Amazonian Rainforest at improving air quality.

Although our friends the trees are helpful, there are some councilsthat are destroying their trees; and to generate electricity we are burningwood pellets that result in thousands of trees being destroyed abroad,shipped thousands of miles in polluting ships (diesel powered; causingmore Carbon Dioxide) before being burnt in our power station (moreCarbon Dioxide generation)! This, in spite of the fact that we are sittingon tons of coal which has a shorter distance to travel, would haveprovided jobs for miners, and would not have resulted in massdeforestation (we are told that trees are renewable; but it takes minutes todestroy one but many decades or more to grow a replacement).

I just thought that I would give you something to read while you areenjoying this marvellous weather.

Dave Price

Vestry was moved to the front (where the Circuit Office is now) as it wasthought that the Minister was not very accessible, tucked away at theback, if people wanted to talk to him.The Choir Vestry was originally the area where the Choir has its musiccupboard, but obviously it is too small for the Choir to meet in for prayerbefore a service.The upstairs rooms were never officially named (except for the “UpstairsKitchen”); although Room 3 was briefly called the “Prayer Room” whenit was furnished to provide the young people with a place to relax withtheir thoughts; and Room 2 was generally known as the Billiard Room,due to the fact that it housed the Billiard Table.

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South East Methodist District (Western Area): Study Day

“Worshipping Altogether: An Intergenerational Community”

led by Bob Bartindale and Gail AdcockMethodist Discipleship and Ministries Learning Network

Saturday 14th July 201810am – 4pm

(Coffee available from 09 30, sandwich lunch : provided)

at Trinity Methodist Church, WokingBrewery Road, Woking GU21 4LH

http://www.trinitywoking.org.uk/

To book your place and for general enquiries please contact:

David Morgan: 4 Purslane, Wokingham RG40 2DD

ddv_morgan@hotmail.com / 0118 977 1269

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Are you aged between 18 to 23and a Member of the Methodist Church?*

Then you can apply to become ourMETHODIST YOUTH PRESIDENT

One Year Fixed Term Contract from 1st August 2019 – 31st August 2020A full time role offering a salary of: Circa £18,800 - £22,000 per annum.

We are looking for our next Youth President to work with the ConnexionalTeam to:

• Enable, encourage and enthuse young people both inside andoutside the Church.

• Represent the Children’s and Youth Assembly• Be a spokesperson and a primary link between youth voices and

lead staff decision-making.This is an exciting and rewarding opportunity to travel and work aroundthe Connexion and overseas, supporting young people and leadingworship. You will gain experience of operating in a complex organisationand influencing the decision-making processes within the governancestructures of the Church.For more information about the role visit: http://www.methodist.org.uk/about-us/connect/jobs-volunteering/jobs-with-the-connexional-team/and www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXF8AZE18Y4You can also contact childrenandyouth@methodistchurch.org.uk

Candidates will be invited to attend a day at Methodist Church House,London, on Thursday 27th September 2018 to explore and discuss therole more fully.Candidates must be available to attend 3Generate, the Annual Assemblyof Children and Youth in the Methodist Church held from 23rd - 25thNovember 2018. It is here that the Assembly will vote in elections for thenext Youth President.Closing Date for applications: Friday 24th August 2018 at noonFor an application pack please go to www.methodist.org.uk/about-us/connect/jobs-volunteering/jobs-with-the-connexional-team/ or E-mailrecruitment@methodistchurch.org.uk*There is a genuine occupational requirement for you to be aged between 18 and 23 and amember of the Methodist Church by the 1st August 2019. Only completed application forms willbe considered. CVs will not be accepted.

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Services for the month of July 2018

1st 10:30 a.m. Chaplain J. Wasley 6:30 p.m. Mr. P. Murphy

Action } 8th 10:30 a.m. Mr. I. ListerFor Children} 6:30 p.m. Rev. J. Ushewokunze [Communion]

15th 10:30 p.m. Mrs. S. Hassan 6:30 p.m. Rev. J. Ushewokunze

22nd 10:30 a.m. Rev. J. Ushewokunze [Communion] 6:30 p.m. At Egham or Ashford Common

29th 10:30 a.m. Mr. T. Lewis 6:30 p.m. Rev. D. Priddy

“Preparation in Worship” is now every week from 10:20 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.— a chance to take a few minutes to prepare ourselves for worship

Services for the month of August 2018

5th 10:30 a.m. Mrs. S. Price

12th 10:30 a.m. Own Arrangements

19th 10:30 p.m. Miss R. Ushewokunze

26th 10:30 a.m. Rev. J. Ushewokunze [Communion]

Please note that there are no evening services at Staines duringAugust, but you will be most welcome at Ashford Common

“Preparation in Worship” is now every week from 10:20 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.— a chance to take a few minutes to prepare ourselves for worship

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Items for inclusion in the September Newsletter to David Price(Staines 462204 or dave@shirleyanddave.me.uk)

by Sunday 19th August at the latest please

Dates for your Diary

Friday 6th 10:00 a.m. “Minnows”Tuesday 10th 10:30 a.m. Tuesday Fellowship at the home of

Barbara Lownsbrough.Thursday 12th 7:00 p.m. Curry Evening in aid of FACT at St.

Peter’s Church Hall. A sit-down mealsupplied by “School of Spice”,Shepperton. Tickets are £25 for a coupleor £15 per person, and can be bought bycontacting the FACT office(01784 457601 or office@thefact.co.uk)no later than Monday 9th July so weknow numbers for catering purposes.

Saturday 14th 9:30 a.m. Study Day for Local Preachers andWorship Leaders at Woking (p.13) .

Saturday 14th 10:30am to 12:30pm. Last Messy Church of theacademic year.

Thursday 19th noon Last Thursday Lunch (ticket only)before the summer break.

Thursday 26th 2:30 p.m. Afternoon Tea at Laleham (p.12)

Wed-Fri 1st - 3rd “The Three Rivers” — Holiday at Home(p.8)

From Monday 4th June 2018 to Sunday 2nd September 2018 ourMinister, Rev. Andrew Reed, and his wife, Pat, will be on sabbatical.

Please contact Rev. Juliet Ushewokunzeor Pauline Shilston in his absence.