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32 1
The Magazine of the Beverley Methodist Circuit
Toll Gavel United Church
Norwood Methodist Church
Walkington Methodist Church
Tickton United Methodist/Anglican
2 31
From the ‘Cross’ Manse NORWOOD NITES
Dear Friends, Community Cinema
@ Norwood Church
In our stumbling attempt to follow Jesus, there will
inevitably be times when we find it hard or even impossible
to pray. This is a cause of great distress because we
Dates & film synopsis:
instinctively know that we need to pray, and we wish we th
Monday 11 March 2019 @ 7pm ‘The Mission’
could, but no matter how hard we try it doesn’t seem to British period drama film about the experiences of a Jesuit missionary in 18th-
work for us. The God we need so desperately seems way out
century South America.[4] Written by Robert Bolt and directed by Roland Joffé,
of reach. It might help to reflect honestly on a few possible
the film stars Robert De Niro, Jeremy Irons, Ray McAnally, Aidan Quinn, Cherie
reasons for this.
Lunghi, and Liam Neeson.
The first reason could be self-interest. We thirst for God,
but we know that there is a price to pay to receive him. Monday 8th April 2019 @ 7pm ‘Now is Good’ Tessa is
Something of self must go, maybe something precious, and seventeen and passionate about life. Diagnosed with a terminal illness, she de-
if either knowingly or unknowingly we are unwilling to let termines to use every moment, compiling a catalogue of what a normal teenag-
that go, then we evade and resist him – but still we thirst er would experience. With the help of her friend Zoey, she sets the list in mo-
for him! It is hard to allow God into your life unless you are tion. While her family deals with fear and grief, each in their own way, Tessa ex-
willing to trust him with everything.
plores a whole new world. Falling in love with Adam, her new neighbour, wasn't
Some people find it hard to pray because they cannot on the list, but it proves to be the most exhilarating experience of them all.
believe that God wants to be bothered with them. This
might be an expression of guilt which thinks “I’m too bad” Monday 13th May 2019 @ 7pm ‘Sweet Charity’
or humility which says, “I’m not worthy”. It is important to Charity Hope Valentine (Shirley MacLaine) always tries to look on the bright side
acknowledge that we need forgiveness and we are of life, despite working in a rundown dance hall and contending with a seeming-
profoundly unworthy of God’s love, but there is another ly endless run of bad dates. Determined to find love, Charity falls for suave actor
side to guilt and humility which puts up false barriers and Vittorio Vidal (Ricardo Montalban), but their romance is all too brief. However,
leads to a misunderstanding of the nature of God. God is when Charity finds herself stuck in an elevator with the reserved Oscar Lindquist
not like a Managing Director whose time is so precious that
(John McMartin), it turns out that she may have finally met her match.
he can only talk to very important people who have an
appointment, and certainly not to the office cleaner! God Films shown in the schoolroom to the rear of the Church
was revealed to us in Jesus Christ who actively sought out
the “bad” people and those whom the rest of society judged A chance to see a film again or, missed at the cinema! Make new friends!
to be unworthy, and deliberately interacted with them.
30 3
Toll Gavel Perhaps prayer becomes hard because we have clung on to the
ideas of God we learned about in Sunday School and not
Christine Burton allowed our faith and understanding to mature. If that is so,
Administration Officer then it becomes hard to pray to such a God when our lives
have become so much more complicated. This is not to say
Toll Gavel Office that God changes, but to realise that our understanding of
Toll Gavel Methodist/URC Church him does. It grows and deepens with the years – or at least it
Beverley HU 17 9AA should. If you do not nurture and develop your relationship
with God then one day he will become irrelevant. This can lead
Tel: (office) 01482 880 300 to another situation which makes prayer impossible:
Tel: (Home) 01482 881 363
Often people stop praying because they claim to have lost
All details for Sunday Notices before 6pm on Wednesday- their faith. Faith is not something you can lose like a car key
to Pauline Cross 01482 882325 or a wallet. Faith is something you can choose to lay aside if
email: paulinecross13@gmail.com
you want to. When a person claims to have lost their faith,
On Line what they mean is they have chosen to stop thinking of life in
faith terms and living according to faith. It’s a conscious
www.tollgavelchurch.org.uk
choice, not an unfortunate accident. There can be many
reasons why a person might choose to lay aside faith:
Norwood Methodist Church is on facebook as:
‘Norwood Methodist Church, Beverley’ Perhaps the most common cause is the difficulty of
reconciling our belief about God with the gritty reality of life
in the world. Disaster and suffering often lead to an end to
The Church in Tickton’s website is: prayer and even the decision to let go of faith completely. Of
www.ticktonchurch.co.uk course, I have no satisfactory answer to the problem of
suffering, but the Bible does give us hints of how to pray in
such situations. The book of Job and many of the Psalms give
Walkington Methodist Church has a web page at: examples of prayer as an argument, even a fight with God. Lay
www.walkington-news.org/the-Methodist-church.html aside our sentimental view of “Gentle Jesus” and we can
engage in a dialogue with God demanding to know why he has
the right to be called “Love”. The prayer of Jesus on the
Contact - is the magazine of the Methodist and United
cross is the paradigm of those prayers which are a heartfelt
Churches in Beverley Circuit (Yorkshire North & East District) cry of dismay at the way God does things. The poetry of
Please forward material for the next edition to: Colin Raynor people like Dylan Thomas and the literature of Tolstoy and
Dostoyevsky together with countless examples from Church
Tel: 873397 email: raynor69@raynor69.karoo.co.uk history all reveal a relationship of ongoing struggle with God.
Mobile: 07940 814640 The prayer of question, accusation and even hostility to God
is a genuine prayer and a true sign of an honest relationship
and an honest search for faith and truth. Often the only
next CONTACT deadline April 15th, please answer received from God is “I am here – your struggle with
me has proved that – Trust Me!”
4 29
Perhaps the saddest reason that makes prayer difficult, is Dates for your diary
when we stop feeling as if we need to pray. As science and March
knowledge progress, there is less and less that we feel we
need God for. God is glad when his children grow up but it is 1st World Day of Prayer service 2pm at Toll Gavel Church
sad when our attitude of self-sufficiency leads us to 6th Lent Reflection at Toll Gavel at 10.30am
believe that we can do it all without him. We never can. New Manse Bible Study begins at 7.30pm at new manse
9th Charity Coffee & Crafts 9.30 – 11.30am at Walkington
Perhaps one or more of these thoughts has resonated with
you. Prayer is hard, but God encourages us to keep trying, 13th Lent Reflection at Toll Gavel at 10.30am
and if there is nothing you can say, you can always resort to 20th Lent Reflection at Toll Gavel at 10.30am
silence and stillness. In Revelation 8, at the opening of the 23rd “All we Can” coffee morning at Toll Gavel 10—11.30am
seventh seal, the potential suffering is so profound that 26th Pastoral Visitors meeting 7.30pm at Toll Gavel
the whole of heaven falls silent for half an hour. Faced with 30th How to go Greener Day 10am—4pm at Toll Gavel
Job’s terrible plight, his friends just sit with him and keep
quiet. The problems begin when they start to speak! April
Perhaps we should learn from that. Sometimes a situation is 3rd Lent Reflection at Toll Gavel at 10.30am
so charged that there is simply nothing to say. If you can’t 7th Lent lunch at Norwood 12noon
pray, you can always direct your life to the grateful 10th Lent Reflection at Toll Gavel at 10.30am
enjoyment of goodness and beauty and the search for 14th Lent lunch at Toll Gavel 12noon
truth. Acknowledge that we struggle to understand God’s
ways and wait quietly for his grace. You will find that May
without words you are led into the presence of God. The 10th “Cadenza” Choir concert at Toll Gavel 7.30pm
words may come later. 11th Coins in drive for Christian Aid from 9.30am
18th Malawi Meal and Presentation 6pm
God Bless
Peter Holy Week and Easter services
Wednesday 17th 2.30pm Service at Norwood
Maundy Thursday service at 7.30pm with Communion at TG
“Last Supper” service with Holy Communion 7pm at Walkington
The power of love is always the same:
Good Friday Circuit service at 9.30am at Toll Gavel
Easter Sunday 8.00am – Communion
be glad, give thanks, rejoice in God’s name.
at Toll Gavel 9.00am – Breakfast , with Butty Band
10.30am – Service with Communion
StF 184
(The cross will be decorated at the beginning of the Service)
Sung at Christingle Service on 3rd February Walkington at 9.30am with Communion
Tickton at 10.30am with Communion
Norwood at 10.45am and 6.30pm with Communion28 5
Coffee Mornings at Toll Gavel
From the ‘Clark’ Manse
March—May 2019
March
2nd Toll Gavel
9 th
Tickton
16 th
99 Club
23 rd
TG Partner Project “It is with the heart one sees rightly; what is essential
30th Newbald YP Project is invisible to the eye.” Antoine de St Exupery
April
6th Toll Gavel My Dear Friends,
13 th
Foodbank
When I was a boy in Northern Rhodesia a song by the
20 th
Scouts American singer Jim Reeves called “A Stranger's Just a
27 th
BMVC Friend You do not Know” made it onto the local hit parade.
May At first glance it may seem, despite being a little smaltzy,
4th Toll Gavel that there is truth in the statement that a stranger is a
11 th
Trefoil Guild friend you do not know. It certainly expresses a nice
sentiment; one that would appear absent in the current air
18 th
Foodbank of isolation and increasing xenophobia. The welcoming of
25 th
Beverley Community Lift strangers is a fundamental characteristic of any society
or community that considers itself to be based on Christian
and also other major religions’ principles.
Samuel, who had just got his driving licence, asked his
father, who was a Minister, if they could discuss the use of However, as far as I understand and have experienced,
the car. friendship, genuine friendship, requires far more than the
Dad said “Improve your school grades, study your Bible a casual acquaintance of a stranger. The African writer
little, get your hair cut, and then we’ll talk about it”. Albert Camus said, “Do not lead, I may not follow; do not
follow, I may not lead. Walk beside me and be my friend.”
Walk beside me, accompany me on the journey of life.
A month later, the exam results were good, the Bible study Friendship requires intimacy, sharing, honest exchange and
approached, but the hair was longer than ever. Dad said perhaps the most difficult of all, the acceptance of the
“ exam results – yes, but hair .....?” other with all their quirks and foibles, for we all have these
don’t we?
Samuel said “Samson had long hair, Moses had long hair, even I have taken it upon myself in my letters to address you as
Jesus had long hair...”. “Yes”, said Dad “and they walked friends. Many of you are yet strangers to me and I address
everywhere they went!” you as friends, not presuming upon your acceptance of me as
a friend, but rather an offer as a minister to be available to
Borrowed from a Lancashire Church Magazine6 27
accompany you on a portion of your life’s journey. It is a
Bible Society
model of ministry I have only come to in the latter part of
my life, having come to realise that the model of relationship A letter has been received from the Bible Society saying
that Jesus offered was one of Carl Roger’s “unconditional, that the Beverley Action Group, over the years, has raised in
positive regard” or, in other words, acceptance of the other excess of £19,700. Many thanks to those who have support-
person with all their quirks and foibles. ed and continue to support the work of the Bible Society.
Over the years I have been gifted with friendship of many One of the many current activities of the Bible Society is to
people; people who have given me their unconditional positive be found in the work being done in Guatemala. This is a coun-
regard. I particularly value those friends who have gone try with one of the highest rates of violent crime in the
further than passive unconditional positive regard, and who world.
have had the courage and care to speak some uncomfortable Eduardo as a youth was caught up in crime and drug deal-
truths to me which have caused me to pause, take stock of ing. At one stage he considered suicide. He ended up serv-
my life and move off in a different direction. True friends! ing a four year prison sentence. It was here where he came
Without them my life’s journey up to now would have been in contact with a Bible Society team working in the prison,
very lonely and deeply unfulfilled. I thank God for my meeting weekly, providing Bibles and running Bible Stud-
friends and occasionally remember to thank them for their ies. This is where Eduardo gave his life to Jesus. In Edu-
friendship and for the opportunity on my part to be a friend ardo 's own words, "When no one cared for me, Christ came
to them. and took me in. My past has been erased. I was able to
know Jesus and my life was saved. " When Eduardo was re-
Warm wishes, leased he trained as a pastor and is now a church leader.
Peter Copies of the Bible Society magazine "Word in Action " are
to be found in the Centre at Toll Gavel and on the magazine
table at Norwood. If you would like to know more about the
work of the Bible Society please contact Geoffrey Stephen-
Thank you! son. (881297)
At Christmas half the proceeds from Toll Gavel’s Festival of ‘99’ Club (evening meetings start at 7.30pm)
Christmas event went to the Rotary Club’s ‘Feed a school for Friday 8th March— Pauline Barlow will tell us about being a
a day’ appeal for Aisha Memorial School in Tujering, The City of Culture Volunteer at 7 West Close
Gambia. We received this thank you
Saturday 16th March—Coffee Morning for Dove House
“Please pass on to all involved our thanks for adopting our Hospice at Toll Gavel
school as part of your charitable activity. This is greatly Tuesday 9th April—Tanya Wilson will talk about Dove House
appreciated by us, our staff and pupils. This will be a great at 13 Queensmead
help in paying for the maintenance programme we are
Thursday 9th May— Liz Hallett will talk about ‘Life as a
currently undergoing. District Nurse at 7 West Close
Best wishes to all, Mike and Sue Garnett”26 7
CREATIVE LADIES HOUSEGROUP
Our group has grown in friendship and spirituality since its
formation several years ago, we would now like to be
recognised as a Church House group.
Easter Offering 2019 Creative Ladies is a diverse group of Church members and
others, who want to help Toll Gavel Church join with the
Community to continue to be a welcoming place of
friendship and mission in the heart of Beverley.
To date we have knitted angels, sewn the Creation which
Longer Tables, Lower Fences was used during the Lent reflections, made poppies to raise
Celebrate God’s mission as we hear stories of shared funds for both Toll Gavel and the Royal British Legion,
hospitality across the world. made all types of stars to decorate the Church for
Be inspired to share what we have and connect with our Christmas and put together the Christmas table
neighbours by building longer tables, rather than higher decorations for the Church Centre. Our next project is
fences, in our communities. making hearts and with the help of David Jackson we will
The Easter Offering 2019 dedication service 'Longer Tables, be creating a display for the front windows.
Lower Fences', features stories of shared hospitality across
Ongoing we continue to knit squares to make into blankets
the world.
for Jacobs Well, and we would welcome gifts of any spare
The worship encourages us to consider how we might build wool you may have. Knitters and stitchers are always
longer tables, rather than higher fences, as we share
whatever we have and connect with our neighbours. needed to help with the project, many thanks for your
continued support.
This service provides an opportunity for churches, circuits
and districts to gather and celebrate God's mission activity If you have any questions or would like to help in any way,
in the wider world. It includes the dedication of the Easter please contact Christine (863558) or Sally(07907843778).
Offering, all of which goes to the World Mission Fund of the
Methodist Church in Britain.
We have two Easter Offering Services in the Circuit again
this year. The first is at Toll Gavel at 10.30am on Sunday
12th May and then at Norwood at 10.45am on 19th May. If
you would like to go to either one you will be most welcome.
Thank you for your generous giving last year. £563 was sent
to the World Mission Fund from Toll Gavel, £123.65 from
Norwood and £60 from Walkington.
Envelopes for this year’s gifts will be given out in April.8 25
Christian Meditation So how can we improve our scores? Holding the ‘How to Go
Greener Day’ on March 30th will tick many boxes, especially
A Christian Meditation group meets every Monday morning at if it becomes an annual event. Keynote speakers include Dr
St John of Beverley Catholic Church, North Bar Without, Philip Bennion, arable farmer, ex-MEP and farming consult-
Beverley from 10.15 – 11.00am. The group is listed on the ant to both UK and European governments;
World Community for Christian Meditation (WCCM) website. But there are simple things we can all do to become greener
WCCM is a global and inclusive contemplative family founded – we can all ensure we used LOAF principles when buying
in 1975 by the Irish Benedictine Monk John Main. food i.e. it is Locally sourced (to support local producers and
reduce transport costs and GHG emissions; Organic where
The roots of the World Community lie in the desert tradition possible (as the use of chemicals and unnatural products can
of early Christianity dating back to the 4th century. In pollute water-courses and affect indigenous animals
Christianity, the tradition of contemplation, or the prayer of breeding cycles); Animal-friendly (ensure animals, fish and
the heart, gradually became marginalised but in recent times, fowl used for meat, dairy or eggs are treated humanely – or
a major recovery of the contemplative dimension of Christian choose vegan options) and Fairly-traded (if a foodstuff
faith and prayer has been happening. cannot be sourced locally, ensure it has the fair-trade logo
to ensure producers get a fair price for their labours – the
Fairtrade premium also enables farmers to invest in their
Meditation is a universal spiritual wisdom and a practice farms and communities).
found at the core of all the great religious traditions, leading
from the mind to the heart. It is a way of simplicity, silence Another easy way to increase our green credentials is for
and stillness. Silence means letting go of thoughts. Stillness each of us to support a lifestyle audit. How to do this? Come
means letting go of desire. Simplicity means letting go of along to our study day to find out!
self-analysis. Simple isn't easy – hence the benefits of being Toll Gavel Church would love to see the other churches in
part of a group practice. the Circuit begin their Eco Church journey. Which church
will be first to get their Bronze Award!
Meditation has the capacity to open up the common ground Linda Johnson
between all cultures and faiths today. But why 'Christian
Meditation'? There are some key principles:
The Buzz
• the faith with which Christians meditate is based on an
openness to the Spirit of the Creator, the Spirit of love;
The Buzz is a monthly e-mail that goes out to subscribers
throughout the Methodist Church (and beyond). It’s free!
• meditation is part of the historical scriptural and theo- The Buzz brings all members of the Methodist Church in
logical tradition of the Church;
Britain together by sharing your good news from across the
Connexion. Your stories tell of the many different ways that
• it leads to a sense of community: ‘when two or three
pray together in my name, I am there among them.’ the Church is working out the four aspects of “Our Calling”
Worship, Learning and Caring, Service and Evangelism.24 9
Toll Gavel’s Eco Score Improves Christian Meditation does not replace scripture, sacraments
and worship. However these are enriched and their meaning
revived through the practice of Christian Meditation.
We meditate in order to take the attention off ourselves.
The Circuit Social Responsibility Group is delighted to report (Jesus said, leave self behind). If we find we become more
that Toll Gavel is moving slowly but surely towards a Bronze loving people as a result of meditating this will express
Eco Church Award! What, you may ask, is Eco Church and what itself in all our relationships, our work and our sense of
is a Bronze Award? service to others.
Toll Gavel Trustees and the Toll Gavel members of the Circuit
Social Responsibility Group, (Walkington and Tickton Christian Meditation can be practiced by anyone, wherever
representatives would be warmly welcome to the Circuit Social you are on life’s journey. It is only necessary to be clear
Responsibility Group meetings every 3rd Monday of the month), about the practice and then to begin – and to keep on
were keen to sign up to Eco Church to improve its green beginning.
credentials. Eco Church is a joint venture between the
Methodist, United Reform and Anglican Churches, Tearfund, The Beverley Group aims to offer mutual support and
Christian Aid and A Rocha, (which is a Christian movement encouragement to people who wish to embark on or
working to restore God’s natural world) which awards points strengthen their contemplative spiritual journey.
for a church’s eco-friendliness and recognises it with different
award levels. Just making subtle changes to the way in which
the church, its members and users behave can change the For further information contact
scores in the five key areas:- Worship and teaching; christianmeditation.beverley@gmail.com.
management of church buildings; management of church land;
community and global engagement and lifestyle. Can you believe it?
The first survey which Toll Gavel undertook last March
resulted in some poor scores. But as more people have become Toll Gavel’s social group was founded on the 9th day of the
concerned by the threat of Climate Change, so the scores have 9th month in 1999 and decided to call itself the 99 club. We
changed meet in member’s homes on the 9th of each month to listen
Worship & Teaching 108/110 (Gold Star! – up from 84) to a speaker followed by a drink and a biscuit. We are called
a club but there is no formal membership, everyone is
Buildings 201/413 (up from 95 mainly due to the purchase of a
welcome to come when they can and it is an opportunity to
Manse with better eco-credentials – which Norwood,
get to know each other better.
Walkington and Tickton can also claim!)
On September 9th we will have been meeting for 20 years
Land Use 65/110 (up from 45 due to the drive improvements, and so we are planning to celebrate this anniversary. The
vegetable beds and bug hotel) lounge of the Ferguson Fawcett, Walkington has been booked
Communications and Global 115/230 (up from 111) for an evening meal. If you would like to register interest in
this event please get more details from Hilary Simpson
Lifestyle 73/160 (no change) 870169.10 23
the focus for that year. Believe me – it’s not easy trying to
pin down 2 busy ministers to agree on a time, date and place.
“All We Can” partner Once the focus has been agreed, then the minister puts it
project in Malawi into practice and eventually seeks feedback on this area of
their work. This is where you come in – you may have already
been asked to be part of a feedback team – perhaps verbally
We have 2 events planned. The first is on Saturday March
23 when we take one of the regular Coffee Mornings at Toll or by filling in a questionnaire. The lay contributor then
Gavel. The committee would appreciate some help as we are collates the feedback and communicates it to the ordained
not large enough to run the event on our own. We will have contributor and the minister before the final meeting, when
all the usual stalls. discussions decide how things have gone and to identify what
The second will be on Saturday May 18 in the church hall at subsequent action needs to be taken.
Toll Gavel. A Malawi meal will be prepared and served at
6p.m. followed by a talk to give an insight into the country, This is an important part of a minister’s work. It is not line
its people, landscape and the issues it faces. This will be management, nor is it imposing, but a support to ministers so
given by Gillian Mason from York. Along with her husband that their ministry can flourish.
she ran a charity in Malawi for 10 years until her husband
died. She will be making a 2 week visit to the country in I spent a few years as part of the District training team for
April this year so will be able to give us a very useful insight
Lay Contributors and met many wonderful people willing to
into the country.
give up their time and expertise. I have now retired from
I met Gillian when I was invited to take a service at Acomb
that, but am still available to work as a Lay Contributor if
church last September on behalf of All We Can, and I used
the partner project as a theme for that service. All kinds needed to help in MDR. I have learnt so much about
of unexpected treasures from Malawi were on display. Methodism in the 13 years I have been involved and it has
Gillian will be very pleased to share her experience with us. been an honour and a privilege to work with many different
We hope you will be able to support this extra special Ministers, Deacons and Lay Contributors across the District
event. John Turner and in our own circuit.
Liz Ellis
Charity Coffee & Crafts “Called to Proclaim—
9.30-11.30am Saturday 9 March 2019th
Sharing God’s Blessings”
Walkington Methodist Schoolroom Quiet Day at Barlby & Osgodby
Stall holder enquiries welcome Led by Deacon Denise Creed
Contact Emma Hobson 07701078760
In aid of “All We Can” Tuesday 21st May Contact Elaine Turner (867573)
for more details22 11
MDR THERE ARE TWO WAYS OF LOOKING AT THINGS
Don’t you just hate acronyms – when you haven’t got a clue Refugees
what the letters stand for? And yet many of you could have They have no need of our help
been involved in it…!
So do not tell me
So…. Ministerial Development Review; It is Methodist
These haggard faces could belong to you and me
church policy that every minister (ordained Presbyters and
Deacons, whether full or part-time), should undergo Should life have dealt a different hand
Methodist Development Review once a year. This is an We need to see them for who they really are
opportunity for them to reflect on their ministry in context, Chancers and Scroungers
identify targets, goals and any learning and development Layabouts and Loungers
needs for the coming year. With bombs up their sleeves
Ministers are encouraged to choose an area of their ministry Cut throats and thieves
on which to focus, in order for the process to be both They are not
manageable and productive. They are helped in this by 2 Welcome here
people – an ordained contributor (usually a superintendent or
We should make them
in the case of superintendents, the chair of the District)
Go back where they came from
and a lay contributor – usually, but not exclusively, someone
from within the circuit. They cannot
Share our food
This is where I come in. In 2005, I was asked if I would
Share our countries
consider being trained for the role of lay contributor and so
spent a weekend in Scarborough, along with several others Instead let us
from different parts of the district and at least 3 others Build a wall to keep them out
from Beverley, being trained. Many of the skills involved are It is not OK to say
the same as I needed in my work as teacher in a pastoral These people are like us
role and in my own appraisals when I was working. The big A place should only belong to the people who are born there
difference being that in Methodism, the minister chooses
Do not be so stupid to think that
her/his own focus for the coming year and may only
The world can be looked at another way
occasionally need a gentle nudge if they try to get away with
choosing the same focus 2 years running! NOW READ THIS FROM BOTTOM TO TOP
A lay contributor normally only works with a minister for a This poem was written by Brian Bilston the author of
maximum of 3 years, so that the relationship remains fresh. A book of poems entitled “ You Took The Last Bus Home”
The work involves setting up the initial meeting to discuss (with the author’s permission and from Holmfirth Methodist Church magazine.
Submitted by Colin Raynor)12 21
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
Fairtrade Fortnight 2019 (A WOMEN LED, GLOBAL, ECUMENICAL MOVEMENT)
February 25 – March 10
Come – Everything is Ready!
Crisis in cocoa
Friday 1st March at Toll Gavel Church
at 2pm
Only eight percent of UK chocolate bars are Fairtrade
certified. And in the past two years, a catastrophic drop in Everything is ready and the invitation is for everyone - men,
world cocoa prices has pushed many farmers further into women and children of all ages to join this Day of Prayer.
poverty. In Côte d’Ivoire, the world’s biggest producer of Women of Slovenia, one of the smallest and youngest
cocoa, where only six percent of the output is sold on countries in Europe, have prepared this year's service and they
encourage us to reflect on the barriers they have faced since
Fairtrade terms, farmers have seen their income fall by 30- the end of the Second World War when their country was a
40 percent from one year to the next. Despite cocoa part of Yugoslavia, a Marxist socialist republic. They share the
farmers’ incomes falling, the price we pay for our chocolate challenges they have met and the hopes they have for the
has remained steady, which means the value of a chocolate future.
bar is being shared amongst others in the supply chain, the
World Day of Prayer is an international, inter-church
share going to farmers continues to slide. organisation which enables us to hear the thoughts of women
We know that buying more Fairtrade cocoa can catalyse from all parts of the world: their hopes, concerns and prayers.
The preparation for the day is vast. An international committee
transformative change for farming communities. But we also
is based in New York and there are national committees in each
know that we need to encourage others to do more to truly participating country. Regional conferences meet to consider
overcome the injustice at the heart of this much-loved the service and then local groups make their plans. Finally, at a
product. And it won’t happen unless the chocolate-consuming church near you on Friday March 1st 2019 people will gather to
UK public demand it. Fairtrade supporters and community celebrate the service prepared by the women of Slovenia.
groups, along with companies and other decision-makers, are
The Day of Prayer is celebrated in over 120 countries. It
the key to making this happen. That’s why we’re launching a begins in Samoa and prayer in native languages travels through-
three-year campaign which will concentrate our efforts to out the world --- through Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe
go further and faster for farmers to achieve living incomes. and the Americas before finishing in American Samoa some 38
We’ll start this journey in Fairtrade Fortnight this year by hours later.
It would be great to see some more people from Toll Gavel
focusing on the themes of cocoa (chocolate), women’s
attending. It is always an uplifting service and is for everyone.
empowerment and a living income. You can expect petitions,
pledges and other actions over the course of the campaign. All are welcome
But to kick things off this year, the main message to share
in your community is -BUY more Fairtrade chocolate.20 13
Women are central to the cocoa story. Many farmers – both
men and women – are underpaid and exploited. That means
they can’t earn enough for the basic human rights that many
of us take for granted, including food, education and housing.
For the women who work in the fields and in the home, it’s
even worse. They may plant and harvest, look after children,
Lent Lunches 2019 carry water and transport the cocoa beans to market. But
despite all that hard work, they are likely to see even less of
the money for their crop. They deserve more. Here in the
March 10 St Mary’s UK, there’s a growing movement calling for equal pay and
March 17 Minster respect for women. Ideas like living incomes, fairness and
dignity are already at the heart of the public conversation.
March 24 Friends Women everywhere deserve respect, dignity, rest, relaxation
and appreciation. Fairtrade supports women’s empowerment.
March 31 NO LUNCH – Mothering Sunday So, we’ll be featuring the voices of women cocoa farmers at
April 7 Norwood the heart of Fairtrade Fortnight to help us spread the
message this year. By recognising those special women
April 14 Toll Gavel around us during Fairtrade Fortnight, we can create a
Everyone is invited to come along and share in food and platform for the amazing and inspiring women farmers
fellowship. Proceeds from each lunch are donated to across the Fairtrade network. They are leading the way in
Christian Aid. We have been running these lunches for changing attitudes, behaviours and, ultimately, their commu-
nities. Let’s get more people choosing Fairtrade chocolate
over 40 years and last year they raised over £1000. Hope
and signing our Fairtrade Fortnight petition to support
to see you there.
them. They deserve Fairtrade, and a living income.
Other events coming up in Beverley:
Saturday April 27. We are organising a sponsored walk or John Turner
cycle ride around the circuit’s 4 churches. All the
churches have agreed to organise a refreshment stop for Calorie Counting
those taking part. More details about the event will be Most people who know me know that I like to watch my weight
released by the start of April along with sponsorship but once a month I relax on the fourth Tuesday. I meet fellow
forms.
Methodist ladies for a lunch club at the Kingston Theatre hotel
Saturday May 11 coin collection in Toll Gavel Church drive. in Hull where we have a beautiful three course meal followed by
This is to publicise the start of Christian Aid Week a talk given by an interesting speaker. If anyone would like to
sample this event be my guest and get in touch for the
details. Hilary Simpson 870169.14 19
News Our plans for the Spring include an “All We Can” weekend
– baking with the Friday Night Club, a coffee morning on
from the Churches
the Saturday and related worship, including the Sunday
Club theme on the Sunday. Your support at the coffee
morning would be appreciated – 9th March.
Toll Gavel Our weekly Tea and Toast continues to thrive and we hope
it provides a friendly place for villagers on a Monday
Senior Steward, Elaine Turner, 01482 867573
morning – particularly those living alone.
Sunday Worship—Services at 10.30am & 6.30pm (See Plan)
Our Little Angels continues on a Friday morning when
Helen organises play, singing, a story and a craft . The
The Christmas season went well at Toll Gavel. Our children sit down for a snack together and carers have a
contribution to Beverley’s Festival of Christmas saw the very welcome coffee!
church filled to overflowing as hundreds of people came in
for a drink and mince pie and to be entertained by a Our Friday Night Club [once a month] is attracting
variety of musical items. Beverley Male Voice Choir had children from the village – curious to see what’s on offer!
their usual successful Christmas concert the following Last month was pizza and a film evening.
week. The Church was decorated with hundreds of stars, You are welcome to join us for what has become our
all sizes, and made from a wide variety of materials by traditional Maundy Thursday Supper – soup and a roll,
people of all ages. It looked very festive. We also had an Holy Communion and worship for the night of the betrayal.
excellent Christingle Service in February. Some of our friends from All Hallows join us for this
Service.
We are pleased that the wall next to church has now been
completed and looks very tidy. Soon part of the side drive
will be resurfaced and that will make it much safer to walk
on as well as looking smarter.
But in your hearts set apart Christ as
Our lunch club now meets on the first and third Tuesdays Lord. Always be prepared to give an an-
in the month. There is no age limit so if you would like to swer to everyone who asks you to give the
have a delicious cooked lunch please get in touch with reason for the hope that you have. But do
Christine Milburn (863558) to book your place. this with gentleness and respect.
In May we have the opportunity to learn more about our 1 Peter 3:15
“All We Can” partner project in Malawi when Gillian Mason
from York will be the after dinner speaker following a
Malawian style meal at 6pm. Look out for more details.18 15
church was asked to provide music and an M. C., in this case We will soon be requiring new Church stewards so please
Jonathon Baker, the vicar. Not only was this a socially give it your prayerful support and see if it is something that
successful event but we raised £275 for Action for you could volunteer to do. If it is please speak to either
Children. We are reliably informed the hall has already Revd Peter Cross or Elaine Turner.
been booked for next year.
COMING SOON Norwood
Following our plans last year to open our buildings for the Senior Steward – John Eldon 07734 408252,
community to use as places of rest ,reflection and comfort
jeldon@hotmail.com
the following has been planned.
Worship
• We will continue opening our church building at St.
Pauls during daylight hours in special seasons. This Sundays – 10.45am (unless stated otherwise see plan).
happened during Advent and is planned for Lent when We also host the Circuit evening service on a rotating basis –
we will provide reflective readings for those who visit. see plan for when this is at Norwood.
• Drop in coffee mornings will start at the end of Creating Space For God - alternative, non-traditional
February. These will be every Thursday morning from worship, usually held on the first Friday of the month (not
9.00 to 11.00 in the Methodist church. August). Refreshments are served from 6.30pm in the hall
behind the Church, and worship begins at 7pm. A chance to
• As the weather improves we are planning on providing step out of the busyness of life and experience something
an additional quiet space in St. Pauls’ churchyard with different – an excellent way to start your weekend.
seating and areas to encourage wildlife.
1st March – Death Defying Deeds
• Last but by no means least, the Scarecrows of Tickton 5th April – Sing A New Song
are stirring from a years hibernation! Look out for
posters for our early summer Scarecrow Hunt. 3rd May – Scriptural Reasoning
Equal Rites Service for Passiontide – Friday 12th April, 7pm
Walkington Equal Rites continues online on Twitter and Facebook. If you
use Facebook or Twitter make sure you like/follow Equal
Senior Steward, Kathryn Knox, 01482 861164 Rites so that you can access worship that recognizes the
Sunday Worship—All Services at 9.30am (See Plan) presence and faith of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
(LGBT) people, and actively seeks what God is bringing into
Greetings from Walkington! everyone’s faith journey through the LGBT perspective. You
Is it already the middle of January? Well Christmas is well can find Equal Rites on Facebook @equalritesnmc and on
and truly behind us and we move on into another year. Twitter @Equal_Rites16 17
Easter Tree Festival
We’re having an Easter Tree Festival! At the time of writing
Tickton
the details were not yet finalised so look out for separate Sunday Morning —Services at 10.30am (See Plan)
information about this, and save the day when we announce
Steward/Church Warden, Kate Powell, 01964 524189
it!
Norwood Nippers REFLECTIONS ON THE CHRISTMAS SEASON
Norwood Nippers meets every Wednesday morning in term As always the Christmas season contained something old
time from 9am for babies, toddlers and their carers, and and something new.
now meets in the Church to accommodate the number of
Our traditional services of Nine lessons and carols and par-
families who attend. Different and varied activities are pro-
ticularly the Christmas Eve Christingle were well attended.
vided each week, including Messy Church from time to time,
and a lot of fun is had by all! The Christmas play, a young people’s musical nativity,
attracted 17 young performers with a village hall again at
The Nippers can always use more volunteers to help things
full capacity to watch the show and then be led by Peter
run smoothly – if you can help (doesn’t have to be every
Clark for communal carol singing in the second half.
week) please contact Karen Eyre on 07517 710591 or email
her on karen36eyre@btinternet.com Our two ‘new ‘ traditions were much appreciated by the
village. Advent windows, which were started last year, grew
As well as practical help it is particularly valuable for church
in number as more people enjoyed the idea of joining
members to come and share faith stories, life experience or
something communal that they could do at their own pace.
just be a listening ear with the mainly young families who
Several days leading up to Christmas unveiled more than
use the group – again please contact Karen if you wish to
one advent window and the people walking round to view
discuss this, or just turn up – if you do just turn up please
them grew. A number of families commented on their
ensure you make yourself known to Karen on arrival.
delight in something Christmassy they could all enjoy
together while getting some fresh air and not spending a
Leisure Day fortune. Maps showing where all the advent windows were
displayed were sold in the village shops and £171 pounds
Leisure Day meets on Mondays, 10.30am to 1.30pm. There is
was raised. This went to the food bank who we understand
a chance to take part in activities, games and quizzes, listen
to talks and enjoy a light lunch. So why not give it a try? If used the money to distribute food to more outlying families
you would like more information, would like to come for a in need.
‘taster’ session, or would like to help run this activity then Our other new activity came about as the result of the
please contact Christine Milburn on 863558. (A small charge changes to village pubs leaving nowhere for a community
applies to cover expenses and transport).
carol singing event. The village hall was hired and theYou can also read
