Dear Friends, April 2018
In 2016 the Archbishops of Canterbury and York sent an invitation to Anglican Churches throughout England to join them during the eleven days from Ascension to Pentecost and focus on two prayers – The Lord’s Prayer and the three word invitation “Come, Holy Spirit”. They put everything under the heading “Thy Kingdom Come”.
From quite small beginnings the initiative has spilt over into the life of Anglican or Episcopalian churches throughout the world and many other denominations, including Methodism, also take part. This year some 85 countries will pray together.
The period between Ascension and Pentecost is about waiting and preparation and trust. We worship the risen Christ as he returns to the Father and we look afresh for the renewing power of the Spirit.
Some Methodist congregations took part in “Thy Kingdom Come” in both 2016 and 2017 and this year Methodism is sending an invitation to all Circuits to see if they would like to/encouraging them to take part from May 10th to 20th.
We are not being told to take part – I think that is a good thing – “only” to consider what I believe is an attractive invitation. The question before us is “does the nature of this initiative resonate with you”?
In recent months the form and content of our devotional life is something we have looked at in the pages of this magazine and this edition includes two more examples of helpful resources.
There is no prescribed format with regard to how these days should be used though there are a lot of interesting resources available and just as many examples of the ways worship and activities have been put together with large and small groups. We could do something in worship on Sunday, perhaps we could assemble something for the mornings the church is open for prayer or there could be a portable resource that was available to any group in the church. Alternatively, or as well, individuals could be invited to pray at the same time each day wherever they are.
This year, because Easter is so early, the days between Ascension and Pentecost overlap substantially with Christian Aid Week (May 13th-19th). Far from this being a difficulty I think it is a timely reminder of the link between prayer (“Thy Kingdom come”) and action (such as collecting for Christian Aid). If I have prayed “Come, Holy Spirit” what should I do next”? Another example of these two interwoven aspects is the invitation to pray for the General Church Meeting to be held on April 22nd and the question whether, in the life of the Kingdom, you are the person God wants to nudge into place as a congregational representative to the Church Council.
At the heart of the “Thy Kingdom Come” initiative is a longing to grasp more fully the values of the Kingdom and to know the power of the Spirit. All of this both in our own lives and in our witness to our neighbours and the world. If you would like to join me in helping Rustington Methodist Church respond to this invitation please let me know
With love
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
The calling of Rustington Methodist Church is to proclaim and affirm its conviction of God’s love in Christ, for us and for all the world; and renew confidence in God’s presence and action in the world and in the Church.
APRIL SERVICES
APRIL1st
8th / 9.00am
10.45am
9.00am / Rev Bob Sneddon
Rev Bob Sneddon
Roy Firth / Holy Communion
Holy Communion & All Age Worship
Morning Worship
10.45am / Deacon Phyllis King / Morning Worship
15th / 9.00am / Rev Bob Sneddon / Holy Communion & Healing Service
10.45am / Rev Douglas Graham / Morning Worship
22nd / 9.00am / Rev Kavula John / Morning Worship
10.45am
6.30pm / Rev Geoffrey Bell
Rev Bob Sneddon / Morning Worship
Sunday Celebration
29th / 9.00am
10.45am / Joy Barnes
Rev Bob Sneddon / Morning Worship
Holy Communion
Shoppers’ Services Fridays at 10:45.a.m.
Just 15 minutes (Coffee served before and after)
April
DatePreacherOrganist
6th Stephen WatersAnn
13th Mollie PriestColin
20th Lindsey TilbrookAnn
27thKate ColenuttColin
Minister: Rev Bob Sneddon
Address:60 Westlands, Rustington. Tel 717035
Church Office: 01903 776900
Church email:
Church Web Site:
Collection Envelopes and Gift Aid
Collection envelopes run from 8th April and will be available in mid/late March. It is our tradition; that every church member or couple will be given collection envelopes to use throughout the year.
Using envelopes does help the church to be able to budget a little better, and acts as a reminder that the church is there every week for us. The idea is that you put your money into the envelope whether you attend church that week or not. It can be quite surprising to find that one has missed several weeks and that money does make a difference. If you should find it more convenient you could make your donation by Standing Order on a monthly basis.
If you are not a church member, but would like to give using the envelope scheme or by Standing Order, please contact us and we will arrange for that to happen.
For those who pay tax; through Gift Aid, the church is able to reclaim that tax from the Chancellor, so, for every £1 that is given, we can reclaim 25p. As you can see, over the period of a year this mounts up.
So, if you would like to give using the envelopes; if you pay tax, and have not completed a Gift Aid Form, or equally have completed a Gift Aid Form in the past and no longer pay tax, or if you would like to give by Standing Order, or have other queries about Gift Aid or the envelope scheme, please contact:
Bob or Elizabeth Slatter on 01903 776707.Joint Gift Aid Envelope Secretaries
Pastoral Care
Over the past month we have prayed and cared for many people including
Geoff Mullineux, Joyce Cocks, Doreen Stanzl, Cicely Carpanini and her daughter, Yvonne, as well as others not named who have been unwell at home or in nursing homes.
We have joined together in prayer for Sue Clevett and her family following the death of George, for the family and friends of Margaret Cutler following her funeral and for the family and friends of Margaret Banfield as they attended her Thanksgiving service.
We have remembered those affected by the weather and struggling to keep warm and on Mothering Sunday we thought of those who find this day especially hard.
And finally, we rejoiced with Doreen and Cliff who were married on
Saturday 3rd March.
Remember
last year the year of the stars?
You came up trumps and
knitted a whole galaxy!
Well, could you be an angel
this year?
If you can knit or crochet can
you help us makeenough
angels to ‘yarn bomb’
Rustington for Christmas?
We could leave surprise angels all over the village with a Christmas message and decorate the church and………
You can get a pattern for the ‘Really Easy Christmas Angel’ from Chris on 782 458, or pass on your email and it will mysteriously appear.
Do you know someone who knits, a group, a friend, a family member who could be persuaded to help? Ask them all!
General Church Meeting -April 22nd 2018
At our annual General Church Meeting we share reports and conversation about the life of our church. Allare welcome. This year’s meeting is on Sunday April 22nd - please pray for the preparations for this year’s meeting.
The General Church Meeting appoints congregational representatives to the Church Council. Unlike the Church Stewards, Treasurer, Church Council Secretary, Pastoral Secretary or Junior Church Representatives, congregational representativesdo not automatically have a place on Council. Those with automatic places carry important responsibilities and are valuable members of the Church Council. Congregational representatives are just as valuable as they have a freedom from specific tasks whilst still bringing knowledge, prayer and experience to the life of our church. All Church Council members are Trustees.
The General Church Meeting on 22nd April will appoint new representatives to join those already in place. Council can have ten (ormore) such representatives. If you would like to know more please contact me.
Representatives must be Church Members and need to be nominated and seconded. Please use the forms in church or contact the office. If you wish to nominate someone please obtain their permission first.
Please consider being a Congregational Representative on Church Council.
Rev Bob Sneddon
Mondays
9.30-3.30Rascals Pre-School Playgroup
Contact Emma-Jane Merrett07546 584314
During Term Time Only
2.30pmHome Group for bible study and friendship (fortnightly)
at 23 St Mary’s Close, Littlehampton
Contact John and Hazel Bell724451
7.45pmMonday House Group at 143 Worthing Road
Contact John & Val Baker787922
Tuesdays
9.30-3.30Rascals Pre School Playgroup
Contact Emma-Jane Merrett07546 584314
During Term Time Only
10.00amDrop in for Coffee & a Chat
2.30pmMonthly Activities Club for the Visually Handicapped
Contact Brenda Bennett782275
24thAGM followed by a talk about Voice of Progress
8:00pmHouse Group for Bible Study & Fellowship
4th Tuesday of the month (ring for dates & venues)
ContactElizabeth & Bob Slatter776707
7.30pmStepping Stones
Contact Sue Clevett786753
10thLittlehampton Food Bank
24thA talk on Honey Bees by Michelle Drernoult
Wednesdays
9.55amMod Mums
ContactBec Richards772214
18thCake & Chat
25thGood Enough Women
10.00amHouse Group for Bible Study and Fellowship
Meets fortnightly - call to check dates & venue
ContactAnne Bound 771537
Wednesdays (continued)
2.30pmWomen’s Fellowship
ContactJenny Ludwig770083
4thMembers’ Afternoon
11thMore clever things with flowersplus raffle of flower arrangements with Marion Davis
18thFire Service Visit
25thVisit by Rev Bob Sneddon
Thursdays
9.30-12.30Rascals Pre School Playgroup
Contact Emma-Jane Merrett07546 584314
During Term Time Only
Fridays
9.30-12.30Rascals Pre School Playgroup
Contact Emma-Jane Merrett07546 584314
During Term Time Only
9.45amBible Study
Contact Mrs Doreen Straw770372
12.00noonChristian Aid Souper Lunches
19th
2pmTable Tennis Group - in the Main Hall
Contact Norman Peck731356
Saturdays
10.00amCoffee served in the Lounge
April 2018
April 1stEaster J BishopTeam
April 8thL TylerM Barker
April 15thM BrownM Cocker
April 22ndJ & T SmithA Waters
April 29thE HarveyM Barker
May 6thD & C StrawD Straw
Christian Aid Week2018: Together we’re stronger than the storms
In Haiti, Marcelin Abellard raised his three daughters alone. They’ve endured some of the worst natural disasters on earth. They’re not just survivors. They’re fighters. But they’re only so strong. They won’t survive the next hurricane without your help.
This Christian Aid Week, you can be in their corner. You can help them build a home that will weather the next storm, so they won’t need to fight to survive anymore.
Christian Aid Week unites kingdom builders like you from all walks of life. We step out in mission for our neighbours like Marcelin, because we believe in life before death. We believe God’s kingdom is stronger than the storms.
It’s over a year since Marcelin and his daughters lost their home, but they’re still living in a 2x2m windowless concrete block : Marcelin and his daughters Ketia, Linda and Keshna still haven’t recovered from Hurricane Matthew. Marcelin doesn’t expect them to survive if another hurricane hits.
I have used Silence and Stillness in Every Season – readings for every day of the year from John Main edited by Paul Harris - for twenty years to support my practice of silent prayer with a mantra which I try to practice morning and evening.I use a candle and hold a special stone at this time.
I have a private book of intercessions for each day of the week.
I follow the daily lectionary readings for Morning Prayer – this often causes me to read portions of the Bible I haven’t encountered before.
Ann Bound
Some years ago I became a member of The Fellowship of Contemplative Prayer. Moving to Rustington I was no longer able to enjoy a monthly meeting nor a day’s retreat but have remained a member. Each month we have a different biblical verse which we contemplate upon, and I continue to use this method of prayer in the morning.
I start with short time of relaxation in body and mind alert and ready to listen to God speak. This exercise is divided into three parts. The first part is listening to the biblical verse in your mind asking yourself the meaning of the context in which it was spoken at the time. Who was there? What was going on at the time? .Try to imagine yourself being there then listening to the verse being spoken to you in your mind.
The second part is listening to the same verse again letting the words run through your mind in the context of your own life today.What is my situation? Have I any worries? Then have some moments of silence, cease thinking and listen to the verse spoken to you in the depths of your heart
Thirdly use your will in intercessions. Use the same verse and allow God to speak through you to the person, group or the world. Finish this quiet time with some moments of silence. Be still and know that I Am God.
Sheila Jacobs
It’s only a toilet
I read with interest the Minister’s letter in the last edition of “The Link” and the toilet twinning that is happening through the Circuit.
Readers might be interested to know that The Friends of Mombasa Children have also been building toilets at our School in Mombasa.
Four holes in the ground and a trench are being replaced by a block of twelve girls toilets, six for the boys together with urinal. The teachers too will have their own toilet block. This is costing the charity £3500 with an equal sum contributed by our contractor, who is now completing the ground floor block of five new classrooms.
Our hope was to build a two-story building that would replace most of the corrugated iron huts that have been our classrooms for some time. Available funds meant that we would have to be content with just one story for the time being. However, a recent visit to Mombasa by some of our Charity Trustees resulted in an alternative plan for the second story, which could be affordable with the help of our supporters. If you can access the internet, please look at
There is a short video of the building work in progress explained by the Headteacher and, of course, an appeal for funds to complete the work. Nearer home, though, is our next fundraising event:
.
The Great Spring Sale of Everything
at The Methodist Church Hall, Rustington
On Saturday 7thApril 9.30am - 1.00pm
China and glass, Jewellery, Toys and Games, Books, DVDs, Cosmetics, Bric-a - Brac and refreshments. Admission is free.
Phone me on 01903 718070 for more information or if you could help at the sale. There’s more on our website: mombasachildren.org.uk - where you can also see our latest newsletter.
With thanks
Chris Azzaro, Treasurer to the Friends of the Mombasa Children
Rated by Ofsted as GOOD in 2017
Opening hours:
Mondays & Tuesdays: 9.30am – 3.30pm
Thursdays & Fridays: 9.30am - 12.30pm
Term time
Managers:
Emmajane Merrett – Qualified Teacher
Tracey Hubbard – BA Hons
or more information visit our website:
Call Emmajane on 07546 584314
or
Email Tracey at
Rustington Methodist Church Hall
Claigmar Road, Rustington, BN16 2NL
THE LINK
Editors
Geoff & Margaret Mullineux
Production Team
Jan Elliman, Margaret Rudlin,
John Whitehead & Andie Cankalis
Contributions for the MAY 2018 issue to reach the Editors by 12 noon on Friday 13th April by email to:
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