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Dear friends
I have recently returned from an enjoyable short holiday with Barbara in East Sussex. This has given me a much-needed opportunity for relaxation, rest and reflection. (These three ‘Rs' are well known by ministers!)' One thing that came to me clearly was a feeling that the work identified at our Away Day needs now to start to be done.
I would also like to say again, that teamwork is the key to implementing that work. Thank you to those of you who returned the `talent audit' and that information helps to identify people willing to do some work. I hope others will also hand them in. I will therefore be approaching a number of you to see if you would be willing to serve on a team.
Initially, and in keeping with the priorities coming out of the Away Day, I shall be setting up three teams: a worship team; a church on the High Street team; and a children's/youth work team. These teams will share the work of Leading the church into a new future and each team will be accountable to the elders and the church meeting. These are exiting times, and provide both a vision and a working purpose for the future. I hope and pray that as many of you as possible will be a part of this, and remember these challenges in your prayers.
Every blessing
Jeff
Pat and I would like to thank everyone for their concern and prayers. It is at times like these that you realise how important it can be to have the love and support of the church fellowship behind you.
Prayer is very important in the life of the church. Through prayer, many powerful and wonderful things can happen. A small group of us meets regularly on a Wednesday evening for prayer and we have often seen prayer being answered. If as a church we want to grow both spiritually and numerically there has to be more emphasis on prayer both individually, but also collectively as a fellowship. So, please seriously consider attending the prayer meeting on a Wednesday evening. You don't necessarily have to pray aloud if you don't want to as many people feel self conscious or anxious about this and it is something that comes with time.
Prayer is particularly important when you are going through difficult times, as they do for all of us at some time or another. At times we may find it difficult to pray because we are so overwhelmed with fear, anxiety or grief. At these times, we need the support of other Christians more that ever to pray for us.
I know a lot of prayer has been said recently for Pat in particular but also for me and although still very concerned there is definitely a sense of peace and calm about the future weeks ahead that wasn't there when we first knew about Pat's impending surgery.
I have personally been very comforted and reassured from a piece I read recently in a Christian book when it quotes a passage in the Bible of Jesus' words, when He said, `Do not be afraid, just believe' .
God Bless
Dave Moore
I would like to say a very big thank you to all of you for your support, prayers and friendship as I have had to go through hospital consultations and a major operation. It was made so much easier for Dave and I because of you. Because of prayers, I experienced peace throughout the process. We have been looking at different types of churches in our Bible study on Tuesdays and my experience here is that we are a caring and loving fellowship and I am glad to belong to this fellowship. We are taught about having angels to take care and charge of us and I was also reminded of this by a member of the church. This I could take with me when going into hospital. Thank you once again - you really lift my heart.
Sometimes life is very challenging and I know that others are experiencing difficulties as well as myself and Dave so I thought it would be nice to be reminded of that famous writing that has helped so many.
One night a man had a dream, He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand; one belonging to him, and the other to the Lord. When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life. This really bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it. `Lord you said that once I decided to follow you, you' d walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me’.
The Lord replied, 'my precious, precious child, I love you and would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints in the sand, it was then that I carried you'.
As I expect you will know by now, I have taken over the preparation of The Link from Pat Moore. I don't know how long Pat has done this for, but I am sure that you would want me to thank her for all the work she has put in. She has done a great job and you will quickly notice that I am not as proficient as Pat when it comes to popping those little illustrations onto the pages. Perhaps next time I will have progressed to that stage.
I am also learning fast that material for The Link is slow to arrive by the deadline and slow to arrive at all, hence the delay in publication. Here are a few thoughts that I hope you will keep in mind that might prompt a contribution from you. Those of you who lead on particular work in the church, perhaps you could let me have a paragraph or two of information that would be of general interest, for example, it might be worth a snippet or two from the Bible study sessions and a brief summary of church meetings so that those who did not attend at least get the headlines. I am sure that you can think of other messages on these lines. Another source of material is other church magazines, so if you see any on your travels or when visiting other churches, please have a look at what might be shared with us. You might also think about sharing experiences that have made a particular impact on you or thoughts on particular subjects. You could start a discussion for example.
Anyway, if you can be aware that The Link is just that, a link between the members and others and it provides an opportunity to share things, then more material might start to appear.
Please contact the editor.
Louisa and Chloe have been regular attendees at church and on occasion Chloe has brought a friend and we have had visitors' children. Pat Woods has helped regularly and I am so thankful to her. i have also had help from Janet Mogford and Wendy. On Sunday 6th July i felt very unwell and was unable to do Sunday school, but a big thanks go to Anne Ashby and Coralie for stepping in as an emergency and of course Pat Woods.
When the weather has been good (yes it has been on occasions) we have sat outside in the front garden of the church and people going by have often stopped and made favourable comments to us. In a way, I have felt it is a witness to people outside that we can learn about God in a relaxed and fun way. Pat and I enjoy junior church as it involves making things and doing childish things, which as adults we don't have the excuse to do this. I don't think up aIl the ideas myself because I wouldn't have the imagination we use the resources of the Roots magazine, which presents Christian themes, which is supported by the activities they suggest. The children often come out with things that really make us think and although sometimes it is hard work and we wonder are things getting through when all of a sudden we are rewarded by small breakthroughs, however there is still a way to go.
As you are aware, I am away for some time and Pat Woods will have support by helpers to continue. She has already made plans for the first three weeks of my absence, so all she will need is a helper. If there is anything to make beforehand then I am willing to make this at home, so will not have to be artistic etc. Janet Mogford and Mary Hawkins have said that they will help but if you can consider offering for one Sunday then please let Dave Moore know and perhaps write your name on the rota. Please continue to pray for God's work amongst children and young people. Please also pray for the leaders
Thank you God Bless
Pat Moore
Boasting of our wealth and virtue rare
What are we but Earthenware,
Fashioned by the one Great Master hand,
Each one is marked by the Great Maker's Brand,
Some of us fashioned tall and fair,
Vases for mansions, Dresden ware,
Some of us as ornaments are prized,
Some are useful, yet despised,
Some of us are "big pots" lined with gold
Some of us are "mugs" and bought and sold.
Some of us are "broke"--ah, that's a fact,
Some of us are not "broke", only cracked.
Some of us are fashioned fair and true.
With every ray of sunshine gleaming through.
Some of us are coarse and chipped and stained,
Yet fragrant with the balm of love contained.
Earthenware, just Earthenware.
All made by one Great Potter.
Some of us are white as porcelain,
Some as brown as Terra Cotta,
Earthenware, just Earthenware.
Which the Great Master will repair
When we go to the clay we came from some day,
Broken Earthenware.
Taken from the booklet Brief History of the Pottery Industry of Crooksville, Ohio by Guy E. Crooks
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