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Shirley
Methodist
Matters
One of ‘Churches Together in Shirley’
Suggested price 30p
13 MAR 10.30 AM COMMUNION REVD CHOI
10 MAR 10.30 AM ALL-AGE BENNIE HARMS
6.00 PM COMMUNION REVD LESLIE GRIFFITHS
17 MAR 10.30 AM DOREEN RIDDEN
24 MAR 10.30 AM LOCAL ARRANGEMENT
31 MAR 10.30 AM MOTHERING SUNDAY MARGARET KING
Please contact us if you would like someone - or
yourself - to be prayed for by members of our
Prayer Chain. Names are only taken with the
consent of the person concerned and remain on
the chain for a week.
Margaret King 8777 3770 or Elizabeth Smart 8681 0057
Before morning service starts, from 10.15 am there is organ,
piano or recorded music. A crèche is usually available in the
lounge. Sunday Morning Club is held during the morning service
and provides young people with a chance to explore their faith
through a wide range of activities.
2All events at Shirley unless stated otherwise
SAT 2 TALENTS FESTIVAL - 10.30-5.30PM
MON 4 DAFFODIL RALLY (see p 27)
THU 7 LUNCHTIME CONCERT ROYAL RUSSELL 1.15PM
SAT 9 PRAYER BREAKFAST 9AM (see p 12)
SUN 10 MESSY STYLE CHURCH -CHRIST CHURCH 4PM
LENT WITH LESLIE 6PM (see p 11)
FRI 15 JUMBLE PREPARATION AND SET UP
SAT 16 JUMBLE SALE 1.30PM
SUN 17 LENT WITH LESLIE 6PM (see p 11)
TUES AM:PM MESSY STYLE CHURCH 3PM ADDINGTON
THU 21 GUILD 8PM TAU WEY ‘CONTEMPORARY MUSIC’
SUN 24 CAFE WORSHIP CHRIST CHURCH 5PM
LENT WITH LESLIE 6PM (see p 11)
THU 28 GUILD AGM 8PM
SAT 30 GUILD SUPPER 5.30PM
SUN 31 MOTHERING SUNDAY CLOCKS GO FORWARD
LENT WITH LESLIE 6PM (see p 11) MARCH 31
Future Events
See Lindsey MacFarlane for details of all these events
Social Media Training ‘The positives & the pitfalls’: Tues 2nd April, 7.30
Christ Church
East Localities Youth Network: Wed 3rd April, 10.30 am
Synod: Sat 6th April
LWPT Meeting: Tues 9th April
3Our Minister’s letter is written by Revd Andrew Letby
I have a copy of a book sent by assumed that it was because we
my mother to her new husband didn’t like being in London.
on active service in Italy at the Nothing could have been further
end of 1943. She and my dad from the truth and it is with
had married just a few months some relief and anticipation
earlier as he was about to set that we have been asked to
sail first for North Africa and service in new appointments in
then Italy. The book is entitled the London District of the
The Spell of London and is a Methodist Church.
collection of articles in homage
to London life which were I do have to note though that
originally printed in the Daily adjusting to church life here has
Express. A personal inscription had challenges and surprises.
reads; ‘In memory of our dear This leads me to another book,
old London’. Though my parents a much more recent publication
were proud northerners, much entitled The Desecularisation of
of their ‘courting’ had taken the City – London’s Churches,
place in London where my dad 1980 to the present.
had been posted during the It is a series of essays,
early years of the war. Their presented in quite a dry
fondness for London and the academic style, but the effort of
title of the book are testament reading it has been rewarded
to the draw of the wonderful with some fascinating insights.
place it is. We are more used to writing
I have visited many cities across about the increasingly ‘secular’
the world, but London stands nature of our society and as the
out from them all. When it title suggests this book seeks to
became known that Belinda and question whether that is true. In
I were leaving Croydon earlier doing so it highlights a series of
than anticipated, many people paradoxes.
‘The Desecularisation of the City –
London’s Churches, 1980 to the
present’ Goodhew and Cooper, pub.
Routledge 2019
4Church attendance is described numbers is that of those white
in terms of serious decline and British Christians who do
of massive growth. It is no declare a religious affiliation,
surprise that the decline is most the level of observance is much
clearly seen in traditional higher than the national
denominations and the growth average.
in new churches which have The chapter specifically about
grown up following patterns of Methodism could make difficult
migration. reading, as our decline is
Perhaps my favourite paragraph steeper than most and our
heading in the book reads: members have on average
‘More secular, but also more belonged to their particular
observant’. The following text church longer than in any other
refers to the religious belief and denomination, but they also
practice of Christians declaring tend to travel further to church
themselves to be white British. on Sunday. I leave you to
Numbers are lower than the ponder the implications.
national average, largely For me though, there is one
explained by a much younger fundamental problem with the
demographic. From my own book. It is largely focused on
perspective I was intrigued to Sunday church attendance and
learn that in the Borough of it passes over the vast reach of
Hackney where I will be serving midweek worship opportunities
from September, the number of and also the impact of the social
younger people declaring ‘no outreach of churches, in
religion’ in the last census was particular of Methodism. Our
the lowest of all London impact is vast but often
boroughs. The flip side of these overlooked. Locally, Parchmore
does however get a very
honourable mention for its
continuing work.
National news coverage of the
initiative by Pret a Manger to
provide support for homeless
5people made only a passing the vibrancy of the cultural
reference to their link with the fellowships within Methodism.
West London Mission. On The chapter about the vast
another personal note, Belinda reach of the Roman Catholic
will be serving from September Cathedral of Westminster offers
at Hinde Street Church in the another take on the strength of
West London Mission Circuit a shared identity.
and be able to see and support
that work at first hand. There is much more in the book,
I and others of the staff will no
Many of the ‘success’ stories doubt share some of it in due
are of churches which have course. London is a wonderful
grown up around specific ethnic city and a paradox – its church-
groups, many African, but also es share the same characteris-
Russian and Brazilian. Their role tics.
in supporting and sustaining
particular groups is reflected in
On Thursday 7th March we shall be welcoming students
from Royal Russell School, who will be entertaining us with
instrumental and vocal solos. Concerts begin at 1.15 pm.
Admission is FREE and concert-goers may bring a packed
lunch with them. Tea, coffee and fruit juice will be available.
Church Offerings
2019
Jan £4,723.18.
Over the last few months the monthly
church offerings - have not been listed
We hope to be including the figures
each month from now on.
6they first arrived at Shirley.
Thank you Verona for that very
Elizabeth Smart writes: important pastoral care that
It seems like Spring you gave to so many of us.
has arrived as I Alison Hunt has just celebrated
begin to prepare the her 60th birthday! Steve, Jenny
family news. and Kate surprised her with a
Doesn’t it lift our party at THE SURPRISE! Family
spirits to see the spring flowers and friends - including
appearing everywhere – but I Gamesmakers from 2012 -
won’t be packing away my made it an evening to
winter coat just yet! remember.
So many memories were shared Irene Owens has recently
- as well as visions for the future celebrated her 100th birthday.
- at our 88th church anniversary The staff at Hall Grange helped
on 3rd February. We gave to make this such
thanks for all that has been and a special occasion.
what we hope to bring for the We send her our
future of Shirley Methodist love and every
Church. It was wonderful that best wish.
Verona Pendered, a founder We have been
member was able to come and saddened by the loss of Brian
share that day with us and to Robins on 29th January but our
meet everyone. She was memories of him are so
particularly delighted to meet precious; his loving and caring
some of the church family that nature touched all our lives as
have joined our he lived out his strong
congregation since Christian faith daily with
she moved to those around him. There
Nutfield. Verona are so many acts of
always was the first kindness that we
to welcome remember, many of
newcomers and which were told at the
many will remember Service of Thanksgiving
her kindness when for his life and would fill
7A book if we were write them and his family, Christine Elliott,
all down! May he rest in peace Roma Berthwick, Dennis Blount,
and rise in Glory. Alan Harper, Pat and John
Our thoughts and prayers are Pritchard, Lesley and Anthony
with Peter Gibbons (Lucy Vigurs, Margaret and John King,
Roger’s godson) and his family. Vicky Lynch-Shyllon, Jean and
Peter’s father Noel died Frank Brooks, Robert and
suddenly on 6th February. We Rebecca Dadzie, Charlotte and
pray that they will be comforted Robert Nisbeth and Charlotte’s
by God’s love in the days and mother, Emma Dawson-Hayfron
weeks to come. (Ruth Dodoo’s mother), Jose
Riddiough, Irene Owens, Jean
We think of members of our Cooper, Essie Green, Brian
church family and we pray for Reed, Alan Youngs, Margaret
Margaret Robins, Heather, Lloyd, Gwen Richardson and
Wendy, Carol and Jim and all Elaine.
their families. We pray for
Christine Gayle, Roy and Alma We pray for all the residents,
Pritchard, Adele and Ron Sluce, staff and volunteers at Hall
Bernie Vail, Revd Ivan Brindley Grange.
Margaret, Heather and all the family would like to
thank everyone for their cards, messages and
prayers over the last few weeks … it has been
wonderful to feel the love and support of the
church family. The send-off for Brian on
Monday was amazing and really special. (The
orders of service ran out so if you didn't
manage to get one - and want one - a few more
copies have now been printed just let Heather know.)
The art of hospitality is to make your guests feel at home - when you
wish they were. Lord Coggan
8Memories of Brian Robins
Shirley Methodist has always had such a
close relationship with St John’s Church -
and surely that relationship is personified
by Brian - and Margaret. We learned, when
we celebrated Brian’s life at St John’s on
February 18th, that his parents too had
alternated church attendance between
Anglican and Methodist churches.
Though Brian initially used his skills as a chemist by becoming a
rocket scientist, he changed tack and dedicated his life to cancer
research - spending most of his career at the Royal Marsden.
Brian was Sunday School Superintendent at St Johns for 30 years
and held so many other posts there. He was part of a wider Shirley
church life too; he was involved with the Shirley Group of Churches,
ran ecumenical house groups, was the Christian Aid coordinator, a
pastoral visitor, he helped run the Shirley Children’s Club at Shirley
Methodist, and in his role as Reader he took school assemblies,
pram services, and funerals. He was genuinely interested and
concerned for individuals and helped countless folk - befriending,
supporting, advocating, visiting. His sense of humour and optimism
shone through, and people felt encouraged and inspired.
Somehow despite all this he found time to be a devoted husband,
father, grand-father and great grandfather. He was proud of all his
family’s many achievements.
Everyone was sure of a warm welcome at Brian and Margaret’s
home … open door, open house, open curtains!
After Brian’s cancer diagnosis in 2006 he enjoyed his visits to the
Marsden - his old workplace, quizzing the doctors about the
medication they were giving him and, as always, showing an interest
in everyone and everything.
9Continuing ill-health meant that Brian reluctantly began to cut down
his activities but he remained on the local preachers’ plan, mainly
taking services at Hall Grange and the Whitgift Almshouses, but he
also led prayers at St John’s when his turn came up.
Hall Grange was Brian’s home for the last year. He and Margaret
have been loved and appreciated there as they had been
everywhere. Can there be anyone in Shirley who did not know
them!
There was so much more that Brian wanted to do … he loved this
world and the people in it … but his body was failing, and it was his
time to go. God bless you Brian.
aaaaaaaaaa
Mothering Sunday falls on 31st March this year. We give thanks for
our mothers - for those who are still with us - and for those whose
memories we hold dear.
Mother
God took the fragrance of a flower...
The majesty of a tree...
The gentleness of morning dew...
The calm of a quiet sea...
The beauty of the twilight hour...
The soul of a starry night...
The laughter of a rippling brook...
The grace of a bird in flight...
Then God fashioned from these things
A creation like no other,
And when his masterpiece was through
He called it simply - Mother.
Herbert Farnham
10Following the success of Friday Night is Thinking Night in November,
we are pleased to announce that Leslie Griffiths will lead another
set of discussion groups.
In the Friday night meetings, Leslie addressed the topics of class,
race, identity and gender. The highly stimulating talks challenged
everyone to think about how we can break down barriers.
The Lent sessions will be in the form of Bible study sessions, explor-
ing Luke chapters 22-23.
All are welcome to attend these meetings, and if you haven’t yet
made it to one of Leslie’s talks, do give it a try! He brings with him a
wealth of experience, having been superintendent at Wesley’s
Chapel and President of the Methodist Conference. He was a regu-
lar contributor to Radio Four's Thought for the Day and Radio Two's
Pause for Thought for many years. We look forward to hearing what
he has to say.
10th March, Luke 22:7-21 ‘This is my body’ (This session will incorporate
Holy Communion)
17th March, Luke 22:22-34 ‘The flesh is weak’
24th March, Luke 22:39-53 ‘The cost of leadership’
31st March, Luke 22:54-71 ‘The die is cast’
7th April, Luke 23:1-25 ‘Choices’ (led by Mr Bennie Harms)
14th April, Luke 23:32-49 ‘Jesus, remember me’ (led by Rev S. C. Choi,
this session will incorporate Holy Communion)
11Saturday 9th March at 9am.
We start with some quiet music and a short meditation followed by
a short period of quiet before we pray for the needs of the world,
our own church and our own personal needs. William Law in his
book ‘A Serious Call to a Devout life and Holy Life’ wrote " Prayer is
the nearer approach to God, and the highest enjoyment of him that
we are capable of in this life"
Ruth Dodoo has kindly prepared some new prayer request slips
which will be near the hymn book table in the Welcome Area. These
can be used for any situation; maybe members or friends who are
unwell, or about situations in our national life. Or you may wish to
simply give thanks.
Our April Prayer Breakfast will be on Saturday 13th
April. Instead of using the lounge the Church will be
open from 10am to 2pm for your own personal prayers
and for those of the world.
SPRING JUMBLE SALE
AT SHIRLEY METHODIST CHURCH
SATURDAY 16TH MARCH, 1.30 PM
ADMISSION: ADULTS 50P, CHILDREN FREE
Could you donate a cake for the Jumble Sale ? Just drop one off
on Friday 15th or on Saturday morning
12Jean Beecher writes: call for more sturdy shelters for
As you will remember from last others in the community, for
month’s magazine, Sue and Bill people like Marcelin who had
Gale have relinquished the job been living in a shower block
of running Christian Aid Week since the hurricane. Working
after many years. Our with local community partner
thanks go them for all KORAL Christian aid have been
the work they have put able to provide Marcelin and
into this. This of course his daughters with a storm-
leaves a vacancy (the job proof home.
could actually be shared). Vilia says ‘ A thousand times
If this ‘speaks to you’ please thank you’.
have a word with Sue - 0208
651 0717. On Sunday 19th May there will
be a chance to Circle The City
It is encouraging to find out once more. Incredibly this will
how the money we raise has be the 22nd time this sponsored
made a real difference to lives. walk has taken place.
Remember Vilia Odina from We invite you to join us!
Haiti who sheltered 54 of her It is always such an enjoyable
neighbours when Hurricane event. As usual there will be the
Matthew battered her home? chance to visit some of
She used her voice during last London’s beautiful historic
year’s Christian Aid appeal to churches.
Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the
blind can see.
Mark Twain
13Ironically, the author of this beautiful and much-loved hymn deeply
disapproved of singing in church. John Greenleaf Whittier (1807-92)
was an American Quaker and much esteemed poet who firmly
believed that God was best worshipped in silent meditation.
Whittier deplored the histrionics associated with both the High
Church and the Evangelical movement. He wrote a long and very
eccentric poem entitled The Brewing of Soma. Soma is an
hallucinogenic plant, the juice of which was a fundamental offering
in Hindu Vedic sacrifices. He was shocked by the way religious
enthusiasm was whipped up by a drug.
Drink, mortals, what the gods have sent,
Forget your long annoy.
So sang the priests. From tent to tent
The Soma’s sacred madness went,
A storm of drunken joy.
He then continued by pleading with Christians to spurn such
behaviour.
Dear Lord and Father of mankind,
Forgive our foolish ways!
Reclothe us in our rightful mind,
In purer lives thy service find,
In deeper reverence, praise.
Breathe through the heats of our desire
Thy coolness and Thy balm;
Let sense be dumb, let flesh retire;
Speak through the earthquake, wind, and fire,
O still, small voice of calm!
The tune was originally written by Hubert Parry in 1888 for his
oratorio Judith. Then In 1924 George Gilbert Stocks, director of
music at Repton School, paired the tune with Whittier’s words - and
thus a much loved hymn was born.
14Whenever the And when it
rainbow appears in The way I see it, if you rains on your parade,
the clouds, I will see want the rainbow, look up rather than
it and remember the you gotta put up with down.
everlasting covenant the rain. Without the rain,
between God and all Dolly Parton there would be no
living creatures of rainbow.
every kind on the The soul would have
earth. no rainbow if the eyes May the sun always
Genesis 9:16 had no tears. shine on your
Indian proverb windowpane. May a
Be thou the rainbow rainbow be certain to
in the storms of life. follow each rain. May
Our flag is red, white
The evening beam the hand of a friend
and blue, but our na-
that smiles the clouds always be near you.
tion is a rainbow -
away, and tints May God fill your
red, yellow, brown,
tomorrow with heart with gladness to
black and white - and
prophetic ray. cheer you.
we're all precious in
Irish Blessing
Lord Byron God's sight.
Jesse Jackson
Have you spotted the Rainbow connection in every Shirley
Methodist magazine? Just take a close look each month at the
frames on the front covers.
We began in December 2017 with red - followed by orange , then
yellow … etc The intention being to continue doing this each month
(using the mnemonic RICHARD OF YORK GAVE BATTLE IN VAIN of
course). We have got this right most of the time!!
15Notes from Church Council
There was an Extraordinary Church Council Meeting after morning service
on January 6th and a full meeting on February 6th.
On 6th January, 3 financial matters were presented for the Church
Council’s authorisation: the curtailment of our current cleaning contract in
anticipation of appointing a Caretaker (which would require payment of a
penalty); the purchase of a new grand piano, using money from fund
raising and from a bequest; and the use of money the church had in hand
to complete our lighting project and the insulation of the church halls. All
these were approved by the Meeting.
At the meeting of February 6th, reports were received about the different
aspects of our church’s life and work. Some of the main points were:
The grand piano had arrived and would be used for the first time at the
Thursday Lunchtime Concert on February 7th;
Communion: there had been a request to have a Distributed Commun-
ion and it was decided that this could be offered on an occasional
basis. It was also decided to try out using a spontaneous approach
to the communion rail rather than the currently used guided ap-
proach;
Brownies: Church Council members were sad to hear that Julie and
Karen had given up running the Brownie pack for personal reasons
and the pack had now closed. The Meeting decided to write to
both leaders to thank them for all their years of service;
Jumble Sale: this will be on March 16th and Julie had kindly agreed to
once again master-mind it. There was a signing up sheet for volun-
teers in the Welcome Area;
Property: Work was progressing well with the insulation of the church
halls. New audio-visual equipment had been fitted into the Lounge
and was available for church meetings; there had been concerns
expressed about the quality of the sound system and loop system
in the church and these were being investigated and hopefully
could be improved;
16Caretaker post: Sadly, although 5 candidates had been interviewed, it
had not been possible to appoint anyone. The church would
therefore be continuing with our current cleaning and gardening
contracts. As we have not been able to appoint a caretaker, we
really need a small team of volunteers who will share the job of
overseeing the care of the church buildings – so that too much
work does not fall on any one person;
Lack of volunteers: Members of the Meeting were very concerned
about the lack of new volunteers coming forward to take on vital
jobs around the church. Many of the people currently doing these
jobs have been doing them for a very long time and now feel the
need to stand down. The church cannot continue to function
effectively unless more people are prepared to put their names
forward to help. It was thought that having a Stewardship drive
later in the year might encourage volunteers to come forward to
take on roles that need to be filled in the life of the church.
Margaret Chan Church Council Secretary
Here is part of an article in St George’s Church magazine .
It’s very easy to turn up for a service on a Sunday morning confident
that there will be someone to welcome you, someone to play the
organ, someone to give you a hymn book, someone to lead the
prayers, someone to whom you could turn in distress and someone
to make you a coffee afterwards.
You would be less than impressed if the floor was not clean, if there
were no toilet rolls or soap n the loos, if the monthly magazine
failed to appear and if the gardens were a mess.
So here are two ‘magic’ phrases: ‘ Thank you to whoever did ‘this'
‘Can I help in any way?’
The little jobs make all the difference!
17Jose Riddiough writes
I have waited until after World Leprosy Mission Day
(January 27th) to thank you for buying TLM Christmas
cards. We sold 24 packs and made £48 - and I have
already been able to buy quite a number for Christmas
2019. Selling cards is just one way of letting people know that
leprosy still exists. With your support missionaries are able to do
‘miracles’. A big thank you must also go to our Sunday Morning
Club who baked scones to sell at church and to Julie Hawkins who
made bread puddings. The proceeds of these sales was £50. As all
donations made between January 27th and April 27th are being
matched by government this means £100 was donated by this
initiative alone. If you felt you were able to give anything before
April 27th then your donation would also be doubled. Please let
Harvey Beck know and he will forward all monies to TLM.
Your gifts have helped people like Alina in Nepal - who had
developed signs of leprosy at just 10 years of age. She had to have
surgery on her clawed hands at Anandaban Hospital near
Kathmandu. Alina was also at risk of blindness as she became
unable to blink away dust and dirt. Her greatest pain though, came
from being abandoned by her father. Alina has been deeply touched
by the loving care and support she has received. The good news is
that she is healing emotionally as well as physically. Anandaban
hospital doctors also treat patients who have been referred from
satellite clinics throughout the district. Kumal was one such patient;
he developed a wound that would not heal and had been ostracised
and excluded at school. After being treated he is now able to
complete his education and to look forward to getting a job. Both he
and his elderly parents are being helped by your gifts of money.
I would love to have been able to be present at church on January
27th to see Jenny Hawke from TLM lead the service. Jenny’s father
was Eddie Askew who has done so much for TLM. I was grateful to
receive the CD of the service - what a proficient and remarkable
18speaker Jenny is! I have also been lucky enough to have Eddie
Askew’s interesting books of his encounters, including meditations
and prayers.
Last year’s TLM speaker Jarrat Wilson is to be married to a young
lady from his church on April 13th. I will send them a card from all of
us at church and will pray that they have a happy day and a wonder-
ful life together.
Please continue to collect stamps on behalf of The
Leprosy Mission. It would be a huge help if you
could trim them before giving them in. Just pop
them in the envelope in the Welcome area. Also
TLM collect foreign currency
Saturday 9th March
Shirley Parish Hall 81 Wickham Road
7pm for prompt start at 7.30 pm
Bring your own food, drink, plates, cutlery & glasses
Teams of 8 ideal but smaller numbers can be
joined with others
Raffle, games and brain-tingling fun
Tickets £7.50 each
Available from SNC Office Call 020 8662 9599
or email: info@shirleyneighbourhoodcare.co.uk
19The Light of the World
Every so often a work of art really captures the
imagination of the public. On a recent visit to St
Paul’s Cathedral I saw a painting which, in its day
was hailed as a masterpiece - both as a painting
but also as a portrayal of the risen Christ. Jesus is
knocking on the door of the human heart. The
artist, Holman Hunt took his inspiration from
Revelation 3 v 20. ‘Here I am. I stand at the door
and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens
the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he
with me.’ Hunt, a member of the Pre-Raphaelite
movement, painted this masterpiece in 1854.
Pre-Raphaelites painted things as they were, something considered
revolutionary in its day. When Hunt set to work he draped his
mother’s best table cloth around his model. He designed the brass
lantern, adding a special guard so that the light would not be easily
extinguished. Hunt chose to paint at night by candle-light. He had
travelled in Palestine and used his detailed knowledge of the flora of
the area; the crown is made from a particular thornbush that grows
there. The door is covered with long trailing vines, implying that the
door has not been opened for a long time.
When the painting was first exhibited at the Royal Academy it
caused a sensation - both from a religious and an artistic point of
view. It was bought by Thomas Combe, printer to Oxford University
and later donated to Keble College. Such was the effect on the
public and artist that 25 years later Hunt began to paint another
version, despite being nearly blind. On completion he insisted that
colour reproductions would be made and sold to the public so that
many could marvel at it, and to ponder on it. After travelling across
the world the painting was returned to London in 1904. Hunt was
moved to tears at the dedication service at St Paul’s Cathedral.
It is difficult not to be moved by this picture and by its message - as
full of meaning now as it was then.
Jean Beecher
20BENNIE’S
Did you see that!!! Steve Peters spoke about his
This is more a statement of fact book ‘My Hidden Chimp’. It is
than a question. And what written for parents and children
prompted me to exclaim – “Did on how children can be taught
you see that!!” well it was quite 10 habits that will help them
simply a driver suddenly understand and manage their
changing their mind at the top emotions and behaviour and so
of Gravel Hill and swerving in develop healthy habits for life.
front of me to go down Shirley He is also the author of the
Hills Road instead of Coombe million copy selling The Chimp
Lane. And then when I Paradox.
expressed my disgust at their It was written as a companion
actions, both driver and to The Silent Guides – a book
passenger give me which explores different aspects
‘the _ _ _ _ _ _!’ As if I was in of developing the mind: helping
the wrong. adults understand where some
So, how often do YOU change of their destructive learnt
your mind during the course of behaviours and beliefs might
a single day? William James, an have come from.
American philosopher and This has really got me thinking
psychologist once said – If you and after some searching I
can change your mind, you can found a verse in Numbers 23 vs
change your life. 19 which reads; God is not a
Well, I’ve changed my mind. man that he should lie, nor a
Yes, as I’ve been sitting here son of man that he should
trying to get this blog done and change his mind. The word
dusted, I’ve changed my mind. change here, can mean ‘to
comfort, show compassion, be
I was going to write about an grieved; to relent, to repent’.
interview I saw on Breakfast TV
this week, where Professor Does God, then, change his
mind?
21Psalm 110:4 and James 1:17 tell If you should ever be interested
us that God is consistent, not in finding out more about
whimsical or fickle. God does ‘changing your mind’ and I can
not change His mind if we be of help, please do not
persist in following our own hesitate to make contact with
way. Yet ‘If we humble ourselves me. My details are
and pray; seek his face and turn b52harms@gmail.com
from our wicked ways, then He Mobile: 07900890384
(God) will hear from heaven, Let me repeat what William
forgive our sins and James wrote – If you can
heal our land!’ change your mind, you
2 Chronicles 7:14 can change your life.
What an incentive to Looking forward to
change our minds! hearing from you.
Especially for God to
change His mind! God Bless,
Bennie Harms
What’s on at the Guild?
On March 21st , Tau Wey will be sharing his musical expertise by
way of exploring ‘Contemporary Music'. Tau's evenings are always a
joy - you are warmly invited.
On March 28th we shall be holding our AGM and revealing details of
next year’s programme.
We shall be celebrating the end of another successful series of
meetings with our Guild Supper at 5.30pm on March 30th
22Why not visit this new local attraction. It tells the story of Britain’s
most famous fighter station through the personal experiences of
those who served there, and the community that supported them.
There are so many varied exhibits, all set out in a modern and lively
way. You can borrow an ipad and headphones if you want to delve
deeper. Children are well catered for too!
The museum is situated on the same site as St George’s RAF Chapel
of Remembrance, so simply turn in there and park. The Chapel
forms part of the museum tour and is safeguards the future of this
important building. There is a cafe , shop and a memorial garden.
Opening times: Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm.
Adult £8.50 Child £4.50 Under 5s Free
www.bhmm.org.uk
Lent Lunches
Tamberlin Room St John’s 12 - 2pm
Each Saturday in Lent these lunches are hosted by volunteers to
raise money for a charity of their choice. Do come & join us
and enjoy excellent food and good company while raising
money for charity.
Sat March 9th - NSPCC
Sat March 16th - Christian Aid
Sat March 23rd The Orpheus Centre
Sat March 30th - Kidney Research
23Reg Young writes
My grand daughter, Jennifer Loomes is running in
the London Marathon next month - and this is why!
My brother Dave is ill. He has been unwell since
he was 19, he is now 44. There is no tablet, no
treatment that can make him better but your sponsorship may. Dave
has Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) and the cause of the illness
remains unknown despite there being a quarter of a million sufferers in
the UK. There is very little government funding into discovering its
cause and treatment.
This year I will be completing the London Marathon on behalf of the
charity CureME which is based at the London School of Hygiene &
Tropical Medicine. CureME has a simple mission: to understand ME
through clinical & biomedical research for recognition, diagnosis and
for treatment.
For those of you not familiar with ME, it is a fluctuating neurological
illness and its effects are quite frankly life altering. My brother says the
easiest way to describe it is like having one bar of battery left. It could
be compared with a bad dose of flu, but that description doesn’t even
scratch the surface of symptoms that range from joint pain, migraines,
total sleep disturbance, dizziness, hypersensitivity to light and sound,
loss of balance, inability to concentrate, memory loss, severe nausea
and depression. The list is extensive!
Frankly put, Dave and other ME sufferers can’t run a marathon - but I
can. So on April 28th, I’m going to be running for my brother. He is my
motivation and every mile I cover will be for him.
So now that I’ve tugged at your heartstrings, I’m hoping that I can pull
on your purse strings too! All I ask is that you please spare a penny, a
pound or whatever you can to sponsor me and help to fund this vital
research.
You can donate directly or through Reg Young:
www.justgiving.com/Jennifer-Loomes
24Andrew Letby writes:
Are you a ‘giver up erer’ or a ‘taker on erer’? Pretty much half of the
Circuit Plan covers the period of Lent. I must confess to have never
been particularly good at sticking to a Lenten discipline of either the
abstinence or the commitment variety. Part of the reason for my
reluctance may be that there doesn’t always seem to be a ‘reason’
behind what I set out to do. I try for the sake of trying rather than with
any plan to make a real difference either to myself or the world around
me. This year the Joint Public Issues Team (JPIT), an ecumenical body
bringing together social justice responses from the Methodist, United
Reformed, Baptist Churches and the Church of Scotland is encouraging
us to use Lent as a time to make a big gesture which will help change to
come about on a big scale. The call to climate action is getting louder
and louder, with research showing that our window of time to change
predictions of the future is getting smaller and smaller.
So, this year, over the season of Lent (beginning 6th March) we are
invited to become part of the 'Living Lent' community, together making
significant, personal commitments to changing our lifestyles for the
climate. We are invited to take on one of six challenges, each designed
to stretch and challenge us:
What do you rely on most? What would be something that would
change your daily habits? Could you take on one of these challenges?
Go meat free
Leave your car on the drive - use the bus, walk, cycle or car-share
Give up single-use plastics
Have an ‘electricity-free’ hour every day
Buy only locally sourced food
Commit to only buying essentials - buy nothing new
Go to the JOINT PUBLIC ISSUES TEAM to find out more
www.jointpublicissues.org.uk
25Musical Notes
There is little doubt that the and I have posted details of
closure of the Fairfield complex these on the concert notice
has left a large gap in the board in the Welcome Area.
cultural life of the Borough. This Tickets for these concerts are
gap has been partially filled by priced at £10 with students and
Trinity School. pupils getting in for nothing.
Some months ago the School Anyone who has children or
opened a new recital hall which grandchildren learning a
is designed as a performance musical instrument might find
area for smaller groups of these concerts of interest in
performers and soloists. The showing younger students what
School has a close relationship is possible.
with the Steinway company Whilst on the subject of Trinity
who are amongst the top (if not School those who like big band
the top) manufacturers of dance music and jazz might be
pianos in the world. This has interested in the annual concert
meant that artists playing both given in the School Concert Hall
in the recital hall and the main by the Len Phillips Big Band
concert hall have access to under the direction of Joe
some of the finest pianos in the Pettitt. This highly professional
country. As well as regular group supported by the school
concerts given by the Croydon big band specialise in the music
Symphony Orchestra in the of Glenn Miller, Count Basie,
main concert hall, the School Stan Kenton and many others.
Music Department has arranged Their concert will take place on
a series of celebrity recitals Friday 29 March at 7.30pm and
given by internationally full details are again posted on
renowned artists. the concert notice board.
Two such Tickets are priced at £16 with
recitals are concessions for seniors at
scheduled for £14.50 and children at £10.00
early March
Paul Davies
26"Journey of the Soul" Led by Jane Hoskins
An opportunity to reflect on your own journey over the weekend
19th -21st July
WYCHCROFT Retreat Centre near Bletchingly, Surrey
Cost £160
We will be keeping silence over most of the weekend.
There are two separate eating areas with one for conversation.
To make a booking please contact Brian Sherrell
brian-car@hotmail.co.uk
Methodist Women in Britain
Daffodil Day Rally
Monday 4th March 1.40pm
Methodist Central Hall ,
Community Singing
Special guests including
Pam Rhodes
Please wear a daffodil
Invite your family and friends
Scriptural Reasoning
Methodist Central Hall Wed 6th March 6.30 - 8.30pm
Scriptural Reasoning sees Jews, Muslims and Christians come together to
read and discuss their scriptures providing a wonderful opportunity to
discover more about the Qur’an, the Hebrew Bible and the Christian
New Testament through the eyes of other believers.
This is a free event, but please email michael@michaelwakelin.co.uk
27It is a sad time of life when you run by the
start a sentence with ‘Do you London District
remember when …?’ but I am old Youth &
enough to remember the launch Children’s Co-
of the Green Cross Code! The ordinator, Brian Smith on 2nd
number of cars on the road grew April. The session aims to equip
during the seventies …. so did the attendees to better engage with
number of toy vehicles! Trip young people on issue’s
hazards increased - a floor full of surrounding social media. We
toys was a luxury previous shall be using resources provided
generations hadn’t experienced. by Child Exploitation and Online
My Dad would reminisce that his Protection Command (CEOP) This
only toy had been a football. How organisation promotes awareness
times have changed. and aims to reduce danger (rather
Alongside the Green Cross Code like RoSPA), but as it is a Police
was the development of ‘Stranger unit it can also prosecute. Brian
Danger’, a more sinister threat to Smith is an ambassador for CEOP
children because of the speed of and should lead a very interesting
abduction through the use of cars. session. All are welcome, you can
Society changed as a result; the just turn up, but it is helpful to
general public trusted each other know if you are coming in order to
less but also realised that make you most welcome.
information needed to be shared Whilst I remember when TV was
to keep each other safe. only in black and white, I am
Whilst RoSPA continue their work grateful that I can ‘Google’ all
to help us prevent accidents and sorts of information at any time of
the Police help us stay vigilant, the the day. As times change and we
current child safety worry is the embrace the bad with the good
rapidly rising use of the Internet. may we work together to share
People feel disorientated and the caring love that Jesus showed
fearful of on line threats. us in His life with us.
May you have a blessed Lent,
In the Circuit we are hosting an Lindsey Macfarlane
education session called Social Croydon Circuit Youth Development &
Media: The Positives and Pitfalls, Safeguarding Officer 2018 Faith &
Belief Forum Community Award
28Recently Maurice Graham entertained
the Guild by reading this letter from Grandma.
It seemed just too good not to share.
The other day I went to the local religious book store where I saw a
bumper sticker. I bought it and put it on
the back bumper of my car and I'm really glad I did. What an uplifting
experience followed. I was stopped at the lights, lost in thought about
the Lord, and didn't notice that the lights had changed. That bumper
sticker really worked! I found lots of people who love Jesus. Why, the
guy behind me started to honk like crazy. He must really love the Lord
because pretty soon he leaned out his window and yelled, "Oh my God" as
loud as he could. Why, it was like a football match with him shouting, "Go,
Oh my God, just Go"!
Everyone else started honking too, so I leaned out my window and
waved and smiled to all those loving people. One man was waving in a
funny way with only his middle finger stuck up in the air. I had recently
asked my two grandsons what that meant. They kind of squirmed, looked
at each other, giggled and told me that it was the Hawaiian good luck
sign, so I leaned out the window and gave him the good luck sign back.
A couple of the people were so caught up in the joy of the moment that
they got out of their cars and were walking towards me. I bet they
wanted to pray, but just then I noticed that the lights had changed, and
I stepped on the accelerator. It's a good thing I did, because I was the
only car to get across the junction. I looked back at them standing
there. I leaned out the window, gave them a big smile, and held up the
Hawaiian Good Luck sign as I drove away.
Praise the Lord for such wonderful folks!
Grandma
29The next editor will be Jenny Crook
Articles for the April magazine should be submitted by
Sunday 24th March.
This issue will be available on Sunday 31st March
Articles can be placed in the box in the Welcome area, or sent to
Jenny Crook jenny.crook@blueyonder.co.uk
Kate Marsden katemarsden747@gmail.com
Margaret Chan clockie68@gmail.com
Please note that this magazine will be available on the
Croydon Circuit website
www.croydonmeth.org
The weekly service runs on alternate Tuesdays &
Wednesdays to either
Tesco in Elmers End or Sainsbury’s in W. Wickham.
RETURN FARE: £7.00
The bus will pick you up from home and return you there.
Volunteer escorts will be on hand to help you on and off
the bus, and carry shopping to your home.
The minibus is adapted for wheelchairs.
Please indicate your mobility when booking.
Early booking is recommended!
Call 020 8662 9599 to book your seat.
30Revd Soon Minister 8654 5481 choi_sc@hotmail.com
Cheol Choi
Lay
Bennie Harms Pastor 07900 890 384 Bennieharms@croydonmeth.org
Tau Wey Senior 07779 581 816 ttwey@yahoo.com
Steward
Elizabeth Smart Pastoral 8681 0057 bandesmart@btinternet.com
Care
Ruth Tayler Guild 8651 0085 RUTH.L.TAYLER@gmail.com
Lindsey Youth 8653 2424 Lindsey@croydonmeth.org
Macfarlane Develop-
ment
Margaret King 8777 3770 margking3770@btinternet.com
Prayer
Chain
Elizabeth Smart 8681 0057 bandesmart@btinternet.com
Brian Cantrell Keyholder 07468 618 553
Ruth Dodoo Weekly 8777 1987 ruthdodoo@outlook.com
notices
Rosemary Sunday 8656 1915 jonesrabarnfield@virginmedia.com
Jones Morning
Club
Margaret Chan Church 8655 4343
Council clockie68@gmail.com
Secretary
Suzy Stoyel Shirley 8662 9599 sncs1970@gmail.com
Neighb’d
Care
Ruth Tayler Lettings 8651 0085 RUTH.L.TAYLER@gmail.com
Secretary
Sukhvinder Treasurer 077420 41318 sukikalsi@hotmail.co.uk
Kalsi
Juliet Smith Circuit 020 8774 9356. office@croydonmeth.org
admin
31Shirley Methodist Church
one of ‘Churches Together in Shirley’
As followers of Jesus Christ, our mission is:
to honour God by our daily living as individuals
and our corporate life as a church
to offer God worship which is both lively and
dignified
to offer welcome and care to all, regardless of
age, status, gender, ethnicity, social class, sexual
orientation, ability or disability
to stimulate one another to grow in our faith
and develop our discipleship
to work with our fellow-Christians in Shirley to
serve our neighbours and share with others our
experience of God’s love
32You can also read
