The COURIER - United Reformed Church New Road, Brentwood - October.November 2021 - Brentwood United Reformed Church
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
The
COURIER
October.November 2021
U ni t ed Refor m ed Ch ur ch
N ew Road , Br entw ood
2 BRENTWOOD URC - The COURIER – Oct.Nov.2021
BRENTWOOD UNITED REFORMED CHURCH
New Road, Brentwood, CM14 4GD
Church Office 01277 227556
Church Foyer 01277 217361
A Joint Pastorate with Ingatestone And Billericay
United Reformed Churches
www.brentwood-urc.org.uk
MINISTER Revd Barnabas Shin 07838790056
CHURCH Ms Sheila Maxey 01277 212357
SECRETARY
TREASURER Mr Kees Maxey 01277 212357
COVENANTS TBC
ORGANISTS Hymnal/virtual music
SERVING
ELDERS Mr Ian Davidson 01277 200095
Mr Kees Maxey 01277 212357
Mr Moses Tsingano 01277 410693
Jenny Mayo 01277 218459
HALL
STEWARD Gabrielle Crowther All bookings:
www.brentwood-urc.org.uk
BRENTWOOD URC - The COURIER – Oct.Nov.2021 3 Dear friends, On a recent driving journey, after attending Sacred Space at Brentwood URC, I heard the following words on Premier Radio; ‘You’re gonna believe in yourself.’ It reminded me of the recent Olympics and the athletes who might have come to the point with that belief, ‘I can do’ and their great effort for that. This faith in oneself wouldn’t necessarily guarantee the medals, but I believe that it is crucial to drive them to do their best in their own capacity, not giving up but carrying on. One of the most exciting stories in this Olympics for me was about a Korean rugby team, that qualified to participate in the Olympics for the first time ever, since rugby was introduced to Korea in 1923. Then, they lost all their games; 5-50 to New Zealand; 5-42 to Australia; 0-56 to Argentina; 0-31 to Ireland; and 19-31 to Japan, ending 12th among 12 teams. However, I was so amazed on hearing their belief, ‘we can do’ and their hard work and efforts. And it was a highlight to see their first score in their first Olympic game since then, against one of the strongest teams, New Zealand. In Matthew 9:27-29, Jesus said, ‘According to your faith let it be done to you.’ When two blind men cried out to Jesus,
4 BRENTWOOD URC - The COURIER – Oct.Nov.2021 ‘Have mercy on us, Son of David’, Jesus asked them, ‘Do you believe that I am able to do this?’ They said, ‘Yes, Lord.’ And that was when Jesus uttered those words. What would be the point of this message? If we look at the teaching of Jesus in Matthew chapters 5:3 to 7:27, the author describes several occasions of those who had faith, and which were quite extraordinary. There is a leper, who said, ‘Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean’ (8:1-3), a centurion, ‘Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only speak the word, and my servant will be healed’ (8:13), a leader of the synagogue, ‘My daughter has just died; but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live’ (9:18-19, 23-26), and a woman who thought, ‘If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed’ (9:21). Jesus responded, ‘I am willing’ (8:3), ‘Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would’ (8:13), ‘your faith has healed you’ (9:22), and one of the impressions Jesus had about their faith was that he was amazed, saying, ‘Truly I tell you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith’ (8:10). I strongly sensed that while Jesus draws closer to us with his compassion, he wishes that we would draw closer to him. As Jesus started his ministry, with teaching and showing his mercy to people, the eyes of their hearts were enlightened, their faith in Jesus had begun, and the crowds had built up their trust in Jesus by knowing him more. And it must have been their faith and trust in Jesus
BRENTWOOD URC - The COURIER – Oct.Nov.2021 5 with eagerness, longing hearts and a desire to come closer to him that amazed Jesus. Well, we might be required to have much more faith than those people in Matthew, because they could at least see Jesus with their own eyes, but we cannot. They could hear the powerful teaching of Jesus with their own ears, but we cannot. However, among the Jews, who actually saw and heard Jesus, many didn’t believe what Jesus said. In fact, you need to realise that, at some point, you need to make your mind up whether you will believe in the Lord or not. Nobody makes you believe. A Christian writer, Rebecca Manley Pippert says, ‘As far as David is concerned, life’s difficulties always present us with a choice. Do we trust in appearances or in the unseen living God? For David there was no contest, because he was convinced that beyond appearances lay the deeper reality of God.’ With all the challenges and burdens that we are facing in our lives, our own illnesses and weakening body, worries, anxiety, depression, complicated issues in relationships between family, friends, people in church and the global issue of Covid-19, injustice, climate change, etc., Jesus himself comes closer to us as he wishes us to come closer to him. And Jesus invites us, ‘Come to me’. It is a significant step of great faith that you invite Jesus with eagerness and a longing heart, trusting that Jesus is walking with us for every step of our journey, even through suffering. It is indeed a significant step because it is that
6 BRENTWOOD URC - The COURIER – Oct.Nov.2021
we miss often – somehow it is not a matter of course. It is
because we often believe more in the appearances of
troubles than the reality of Jesus dwelling in us.
In fact, you’re gonna believe in yourself that you CAN
make that step to trust in Jesus beyond appearances. You
CAN invite Jesus in your life’s journey. And we shall
clearly see that Jesus is with us always, according to our
faith.
Barnabas
Joint Pastorate Bible Discussion Group by Zoom
One of good things that we discovered from the lockdown
was that the Zoom is very useful for the group meeting of
the wider community.
We had Joint Pastorate Lent Group in 2021 by Zoom with
the URC Lent pack material. It was nice to see mixture of
people in our three churches.
BRENTWOOD URC - The COURIER – Oct.Nov.2021 7
We are planning to have another one in October and
November in 2021 for 5-6 weeks and more detail will be
informed when it is ready. It would be Thursday evening,
starting from 7:30pm. I am looking forward to seeing you.
Barnabas
CHURCH FAMILY NEWS
The sad news is that Bill C died on 22nd August at his
home in Chippenham. Jenny has written about him in this
Courier.
Rosalie is now having to care for David on an almost full-
time basis so she is not writing the pastoral news for this
issue of the Courier.
Jean N. is now in a Brentwood Care Home receiving end-
of-life care. Her son, Paul, has asked for our prayers for
her and the family.
Gabrielle C. has been unwell but is now on the mend.
Eileen B is working hard on getting fit enough to venture
out.
Margaret G is settled in Howard Lodge, especially enjoying
the grounds.
Peggy G is gradually more housebound, but it was lovely
to see her at Carolyn’s funeral.
The Van St family are moving to Wickford this Autumn.
We will miss them so much but send them our very best
8 BRENTWOOD URC - The COURIER – Oct.Nov.2021
wishes for the move.
Some of our church community have been, at last, getting
away for breaks and returning refreshed.
Margaret C celebrates her birthday on the 4th October and
will be 89!
Jack W will be 15 on 26th November and Theo T will be 13
on the same day!
Please hold all our church family in your prayers.
Sheila Maxey
Farewell to the Van Staden family
The Van Staden family, Corne, Johannes and Markus, are
moving to Wickford. They have been such an important
part of our church life since Markus was a little boy and we
will miss them very much indeed.
Particular thanks go to Corne, who has led Junior Church,
edited the Courier, and – above all – has been a wise,
pastoral, and thoughtful elder.
Thanks also to the whole family – to Markus for clearBRENTWOOD URC - The COURIER – Oct.Nov.2021 9
reading of the lesson, helping in Junior Church and
generally being so willing to lend a helping hand. Thanks
to Johannes who often counted the collection – and who,
with Corne and Markus, was at the heart of the Christmas
decoration of the church where his height was invaluable.
We hope our loss will be another congregation’s gain.
May God bless you all as you move on.
Sheila Maxey
Bill Crisp – a personal memory
I first met Bill after returning to Bentwood following five
years living away in London, to find that (as he told me) he
had become a church member, an Elder and Church
Secretary in very rapid succession. Of course, we had
known Pamela and Brenda through the Guides and
Brownies and their other church involvements for many
years but Bill had spent much of his working life travelling
the world and only became actively involved in church life
after his retirement. Then he certainly made up for lost
time!
Returning to the Eldership myself, I saw at first-hand how
much time and care he gave to our church life for his
remaining years in Brentwood before moving with Sheila to
Chippenham. As well as the routine responsibilities of the
Church Secretary, he steered us through changing
Ministers, always involving much more work and meetings,
Synod, Pastorate and links with other churches. On top of
all this he took over responsibility for all our building
matters, including the manse, and looked after a retired
minister’s house as well.10 BRENTWOOD URC - The COURIER – Oct.Nov.2021 All this was carried out with a smile and without complaint, even when his and Sheila’s health began to cause concern. Sheila was a great support, even though she must have sometimes wondered how often she would be able to spend some time with him herself. Bill loved the church social life and celebrations and many of us will remember he and Sheila demonstrating their dancing skills at one particular party. He would always appreciate the contributions of others to special occasions and letters of thanks would arrive from Bill. When I took over from him as Church Secretary, he could not have been more helpful or supportive, especially during my first year when I seemed to be phoning him almost every day with questions. No matter how early I arrived on Sunday mornings, his familiar briefcase would be on the office desk and he would be going through his usual ‘opening up’ routine that we all took for granted would happen and he would be the last to leave the building as well.
BRENTWOOD URC - The COURIER – Oct.Nov.2021 11
We were all sorry when he and Sheila decided to move to
Chippenham to be nearer the rest of the family. The
photograph that goes with this tribute, found by Sheila
Maxey, sums up Bill so well – taken at his and Sheila’s
farewell gathering, surrounded by friends and enjoying
laughter together.
Thank you for everything Bill and now rest in peace.
Jenny Mayo
Church Secretary report
Despite the poor statistics on COVID infections we are
lifting some of our restrictions in relation to Sunday
worship. From 19th September the offering will be
collected in bags as before COVID: there will be
refreshments after church – thanks to Eileen G. We still
come into church with masks but may take them off once
seated, and we can sing the hymns.
During the coming months we hope there will be
opportunities for us to talk together about the way forward.
After church on Harvest Sunday, 26th September, please
bring a packed lunch (bringing your own is better in the
light of COVID) so we can sit round a table together and
chat and take stock on where we are as a church. On
Sunday 17th October our new synod moderator, Revd
Lythan Nevard will be leading our worship and I have
asked her to spend a little time with us after the service,
over tea and coffee, to share how she sees her new job,
the way forward for the URC, and perhaps help us a little
in trying to find our way forward.
Saturday 30th October promises to be a very special day
in our church. See a separate item in this Courier.12 BRENTWOOD URC - The COURIER – Oct.Nov.2021
On Saturday 4th September Kees and I attended the
induction of Revd Lythan Nevard as our new synod
moderator. She is a very lively 50 – something. The
service was in Stowmarket, a long way to go – but it was
so good to be part of a large congregation, coming from all
over East Anglia. We are very privileged to have her
leading our worship so early in her new role.
As many of you know, the Methodist Church in
Brentwood has sold its building and is looking for
somewhere to rent for Sunday worship. We offered them
12.30pm on a Sunday but, very understandably, they felt it
was not a good time for many of their members.
Sheila Maxey
SOMETHING FOR THE JUNIORS
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY
Remembrance Sunday 2021 in London Remembrance
Sunday is the second Sunday in November, the Sunday
nearest to 11 November. This year it falls on 14
November.
Remembrance Day (sometimes known informally as
Poppy Day owing to the tradition of the remembrance
poppy) is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth
member states. Remembrance Day has been observed
since the end of the First World War to remember armed
forces members who have died in the line of duty.BRENTWOOD URC - The COURIER – Oct.Nov.2021 13
14 BRENTWOOD URC - The COURIER – Oct.Nov.2021
BRENTWOOD URC - The COURIER – Oct.Nov.2021 15
‘For all the saints who from their labours rest’
SATURDAY 30TH OCTOBER AT 2.30 there will be a
service of thanksgiving and remembrance in our church.
This service is, in the first place, for the families and
friends of those in our church community who died during
the COVID lockdown times and for whom there could not
be a church funeral. They are Jim Norton, Stan Francis,
Jill Colby, Tony Cheer and Paul Freshney (his wife, Rose,
has helped in Coffee Shop for many years). We have also
included Bill Crisp in this group.
We have also taken the opportunity at this service – with a
date so near to All Saints Day – to put up on the screen a
roll call of all those from our church community who have
died since 2000 – a list of about 34. This will be a
significant opportunity for us to remember, to give thanks,
and to praise God in the company of those who have gone
before us.
I will try to contact the families of those names in that list in
case they would like to come, and can send me and
Barnabas a photo. I may need your help in tracking some
of them down.
As there is likely to be quite a large congregation, we are
getting in caterers for the refreshments. How can you
help? By being there to welcome and steward those who
come – some who will be old friends of the church
returning after many years.
Sheila Maxey16 BRENTWOOD URC - The COURIER – Oct.Nov.2021
Prayer suggestions for October and November
October
People suffering from natural disasters
The cancelation of debt in poorer countries in the wake of
Covid 19
The URC Eastern Synod and our new Moderator (Rev.
Lythan Nevard leading our worship on 17th October)
The diverse people of the world (One World Week 17th-
24th October)
The worldwide Church and our links to it
Migrants and asylum seekers searching for peace and a
better life
The homeless and those facing eviction
Disabled people and their carers
November
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY – 14th November
Those who suffer physically and mentally because of war
and its after-effects
Peace and reconciliation between nations
The United Nations and its agencies
Those suffering domestic violence and abuse
The National Health Service and all those caring for the
sick and vulnerable as winter begins
The challenges of climate change and the need for
International action (Climate change conference in
Glasgow)
ADVENT SUNDAY – 28th November
The Church worldwide as it prepares for Christmas
Those struggling with faith in difficult times
Jenny MayoBRENTWOOD URC - The COURIER – Oct.Nov.2021 17
Calendar for October
Sunday 3 October - Sheila Maxey: duty elder – Jenny
Sunday 10 October - Ian Davidson: duty elder – Moses
Sunday 17 October - Lythan Nevard: duty elder – Jenny
Reader: Margaret Cheer Intercessions: Jenny
Meeting with Lythan over tea/coffee after church
Sunday 24 October – Barnabas Shin: duty elder –
Sheila Communion
SATURDAY 30th OCTOBER 2.30pm ‘For all the saints’
A service of thanksgiving and remembrance
- See Courier article
Sunday 31st October – Ian Davidson: duty elder – Moses
Sacred Space every Wednesday morning at 9.30am
Calendar for November
Sunday 7 November – Sheila Maxey: duty elder – Ian
Sunday 14 November – Faith Paulding: duty elder –
Sheila Remembrance Sunday
Sunday 21 November – Beryl Hunt: duty elder – Jenny
and Sheila
Sunday 28th November – Barnabas: duty elder – Moses
Communion18 BRENTWOOD URC - The COURIER – Oct.Nov.2021
Moving stories
Prayer Time Supporting | our global
All of creation praises you, O partners | in Occupied Palestine &
God! You fill us with love and the
good things of the earth. Help us
share your legacy of love with
the whole world, through Jesus.
Amen.
Harvest Service
Commitment for Life has
produced a lovely harvest
Service, focussing on leaving
legacy. Watch out for Roo
Stewart’s brilliant children’s
song! You can download the
Israel
video and full service text on our We don’t get enough good news from
website. Look under ’Worship’ the Middle East, especially from Gaza.
here
https://urc.org.uk/commitment- Christian Aid’s Middle East Team is
for-life/worship-commitment- seriously proud that long-standing
for-life.html partner, Raji Sourani, CEO of
Palestinian Center for Human Rights,
Leaving a Legacy based in Gaza, was awarded France’s
The wonderful Kerry from highest honours for the service of
Christian Aid asks us to think
about what we hold dear in life:
human rights in Palestine. The French
family, congregations, and our Consul General said, "As the Director
commitment to justice in the of the Palestinian Centre for Human
world. Can we make sure that Rights, you contributed to Palestine's
our wills reflect our love for
justice? By leaving a gift to
accession to the Rome Statute of the
church, Christian Aid or to International Criminal Court. As a man
Commitment for Life, we can of peace, you have worked tirelessly in
make a difference. Watch Kerry favour of justice and endeavoured all
here:
https://youtu.be/sGomfM1DnGI
efforts to achieve reconciliation."BRENTWOOD URC - The COURIER – Oct.Nov.2021 19
Communion Alms Fund Collections
The retiring offering for October 2021
is for London City Mission
London is a City that is constantly
changing, nothing stays still for long.
Yet the Steadfastness of the Mission's
core purpose to share the gospel in
London has been unwavering. Their support is vital to
ensuring the gospel reaches the most needed in London.
The retiring offering for November 2021
is for Brentwood and District
Crossroads
Crossroad's primary objective is to relieve
stress in families or persons responsible
for the care of the sick or disabled people. They aim to
supplement and compliment, not replace, existing statutory
services.
They support carers in the Brentwood area by providing:
• Care in the home giving carers a few precious
hours to pursue their own interests.
A young carers club offering carers of 8 - 18 years of age,
a wide range of leisure activities.
THE COURIER
The next issue of The COURIER for December ‘21/January ‘22
will be available on Sunday the 28th November 2021.
All articles and content for publication of the COURIER
should be sent to Corne Van Staden email:
hcvstaden@gmail.com20 BRENTWOOD URC - The COURIER – Oct.Nov.2021
If you have articles for inclusion please ensure that these are
emailed to Corne as early as possible during the week
commencing Monday the 15th November and before the final
deadline of Sunday the 21st November.
EDITOR Corne Van Staden 07740196882
PRINTING Kees Maxey
COLLATION & DISTRIBUTION Jenny Mayo
BRENTWOOD UNITED REFORMED CHURCH
New Road, Brentwood, CM14 4GD
SUNDAY WORSHIP
10:30 am Family Worship
Holy Communion is usually celebrated at Morning Worship on
the last Sunday of each month.
Details of preachers and special events are given in the
COURIER and below media sites.
http://ww.brentwood-urc.org.uk/
Brentwood United Reformed ChurchYou can also read
