CHRIST CHURCH URC

www.christchurchurcenfield.org.uk

Minister Rev’d David Atkinson

Chase Side, Enfield

December 2009 — January 2010

Saturday 16th January

Lunch Time Jazz @ Christ Church

11am to 2pm

CHURCH ACTIVITIES

SUNDAY

11.00 am Morning Worship

11.00 am Pilots

Holy Communion First Sunday Family Parade Service Third Sunday

12.30pm Church Meeting bi-monthly see diary

MONDAY

6.00pm –7.30pm Anchor Boys (5-8 years)

6.00pm - 7.30pm Junior Section (8-11 years)

7.30pm— 9.30pm Company Section (11-15 years)

7.30pm — 9.30pm Senior Section (15-18 years)

WEDNESDAY

9.45-11.15 am Combined Bible Study

at Lancaster Road URC Twice monthly

2.15 pm Friendship Club Twice monthly

THURSDAY

7.45-9.15 pm Bible Study Group monthly 7.30 pm Elders Meeting bi-monthly FRIDAY

5.00 pm Rainbows (5-7 years)

6.00 pm Brownies (7-10 years)

7.30 pm Guides (10-14 years)

Rangers (14-20 years)

MINISTERS LETTER Dear Friends,

Christmas is approaching once again. At Christmas it‘s good to give and receive cards and presents, to see family and friends, to enjoy some special meals and hopefully have a few days off work. Christmas is probably the most important time of the year for families getting together and spending time with one another. It‘s also a very important time for children when parents and families give them presents and specially show their love for them.

But let‘s also remember the reason for the season: the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem about two thousand years ago. Through Jesus God entered human life revealing himself to us in the clearest way yet. Through Jesus‘s ministry we are shown how God wants us to live and treat one another, through his death we are offered the forgiveness of our sins and through his resurrection we are assured of eternal life in him. But it all started with Jesus‘s birth in a stable in Bethlehem and this is what we remember and celebrate at Christmas.

Charles Wesley in his hymn, ―Hark the herald angels sing‖ describes the significance of Jesus‘s birth in these words:

―Veiled in flesh the Godhead see! Hail, the incarnate Deity!

Pleased as man with man to dwell Jesus our Immanuel‖

Changing the subject, in October I had a reading week which I spent in my study. The first book I read was John Ortberg‘s book, ―Everybody‘s Normal Till You Get To Know Them‖. I enjoyed this book which has the rather loose overall theme of community. It deals with a lot of important issues including sin, loneliness, friendship, conflict, anger, reconciliation, forgiveness, the outsider, the value of all people and finally heaven.

There is a lot of good and challenging teaching in this book. Subjects like befriending the lonely, resolving conflict and exercising forgiveness are often very difficult and challenging. But if we are serious about following Jesus then we need to tackle these issues. Very occasionally I didn‘t agree with what John Ortberg writes and very occasionally I had difficulty with some of his American words and illustrations. But this is a good book with a lot of helpful and challenging spiritual teaching which I would recommend to others.

The second book I read was Jessica Williams‘s book, ―50 Facts that should Change the World‖. This is a fascinating and informative book covering a very wide range of social issues. It tells us that the average Japanese woman lives to the age of 84 whilst the average Botswanan lives to the age of 39. In another chapter it estimates that in Russia about 13,000 women are killed each year by their husbands. Even in Britain a survey found that 1 in 5 young men and 1 in 10 young women think abuse or violence against women is acceptable! In another chapter it says that the World Health Organisation estimates that a million people died from suicide in 2000. Suicide is now the third biggest cause of death among people aged 15-34 worldwide and kills more people than all the world‘s armed conflicts. In another chapter it says that every hour British households throw away enough waste to fill the Royal Albert Hall. There is an estimated 25 million tons of litter scattered along Britain‘s streets and grass verges.

This book was published in 2004 and so some of its information will be out of date. I also realise that you should not believe everything that you read. But nevertheless this book shows we have a long way to go to produce a just and peaceful society which cares for all human beings and for the environment. This is another book I recommend.

May the love and peace of God be with you this Christmas and in the New Year. David.

Christmas Services at Christ Church

Lessons and Carols 13th December 11am

Nativity Service

20th December 11am

Christmas Eve Communion At Lancaster Road URC

24th December 11.30pm

Christmas Day Service 25th December 10am

Breakfast Service

27th December 10.30am

CHRISTIANITY EXPLORED

We are holding a 'Christianity Explored'

course in February and March 2010.

Over 7 weeks we will explore three questions that are

right at the heart of Christianity:

Who was Jesus?

Why did he come?

What is involved in following him?

To help us answer these question we will use the

Gospel of Mark. Each week we will have the

opportunity to explore part of Mark's Gospel using

v i d e o s a n d d i s c u s s i o n q u e s t i o n s .

This is a course which will be interesting, exciting and

c h a l l e n g i n g f o r e v e r y o n e :

For people with little or no knowledge about

Christianity it gives the opportunity to ask questions

a n d s e a r c h f o r a n s w e r s .

For people relatively new to the Christian faith it

gives the opportunity to learn and grow.

For those already committed to following Jesus Christ

it gives the opportunity to deepen faith and be better

equipped to share faith with others.

The sessions will be held at the manse, 50, Churchbury

Lane, each Thursday evening for 7 weeks starting on

11th February from 8.00pm to 9.30pm and people are

invited to arrive about 7.45pm to start with a cup of

tea or coffee.

So, who was Jesus? Why did he come? And what

does it mean to follow him?

Join with us to explore these questions which are basic

to our Christian faith.

For more information contact the

minister Revd David Atkinson 020 8363 4571,

Sylvia Coombs - 020 8363 3543,

Rosemary Milns - 0208 363 6571

Lancaster Road URC

125th Church Anniversary Celebration

Sunday 14th March 2010

11am Family Service, led by Thames North Synod

moderator rev’d Dr Andrew Prasad, followed by 1pm

lunch in the church hall. Lunch cost £17.

For more information and tickets please contact

Graham Carlisle 020 8364 5672 by 31st January 2010

Saturday 16th January

Lunch time Jazz @ Christ Church

11am to 2pm

Christmas Nativity Service Sunday 20th December

11.00 a.m.

It‘s that time of year again - the annual Nativity Service! Budding angels, shepherds, wise men etc are required. There will be roles for adults and children, some speaking and some not. We also need people to help with the costumes and props. Rehearsals are on Sunday 13th December 2.30 to 4.00 p.m in the Hall and Saturday 19th December from 10.30 a.m. to 12.00 in the Church. Please let me know if you would like to take part.

Rosemary 020 8363 6571.

Wednesday 9th December

Christmas Festival With

Traditional Supper

Christ Church Hall

6.30pm — 8.30pm

Tickets Adult £2.50 Children £1.50 Ticket prices include supper of turkey

sandwiches, cranberry sauce & pickles,

Cakes and mince pies

With non-alcoholic mulled wine. Vegetarian option available if pre-booked

Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers

will be providing entertainment.

Everyone welcome

Come and celebrate with 9th Enfield

Tickets must be pre-booked

Tracey Mob. 07971 171511

CRISIS

At the Christmas Nativity on the 20th December

we are inviting everyone to bring a gift of food to the

church. These gifts will be brought to the front of the

church during the service and will be sent to ‘CRISIS’,

who provide accommodation, food, new clothes and

facilities like medical attention and expert advice for

the many homeless people who would otherwise sleep

rough or be forced to walk the streets during the

daytime at Christmas. The facilities which are available

to these men & women are often unavailable during the

Christmas period.

Although a lot of this work is done by volunteers,

there are many costs to be met, like fuel costs and

warehouse storage, and the loose offering on that

Sunday will be sent to ‘CRISIS’ to help with these

costs.

***********************************

The food required should be non-perishable, or with a

use—by date beyond 15th January 2010

TINNED SOUP BAKED BEANS

TINNED VEGETABLES/BEANS

TINNED FISH PASTA

CHOCLATES, BISCUITS, SAVOURY SNACKS

TEA COFFEE

These memorial flowers were kindly donated by Andy & Claire Barnes his sister Marilyn and Family. Andy writes ‗ The flowers are in memory of my mother Dorothy and my father Ray, whose anniversaries are 8th & 18th November respectively. We are grateful to Christ Church for allowing us to remember them in this way. Please pass on our best wishes to Rev‘d David and those who knew my mother‖.

In memory of Dorothy Barnes

At Friendship Club on the 18th November we

enjoyed an afternoon of memorable experiences

from the Pacific, from Goldie College in the

Solomon Islands.

There were slides of college life and village life

and carvings and artefacts to look at plus a copy

of the Gospels translated into Solomon Island

Pidgin.

The Friendship Club

The pictures show Astrid modelling a grass skirt

made by the mother of a Goldie College student

and originally worn for dancing during a

Christmas celebration and friends having a look

at a large piece of 'tapa' cloth made from tree

bark and decorated with traditional designs.

Sylvia Coombs

I commit myself to prayer for the following this week

1. As we approach Christmas, we pray for peace on earth and

goodwill amongst all men.

2. Pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ Church who may

be ill and unable to come for worship services. Pray that

they may know God’s presence with them.

3. Pray for other Christians who are persecuted for their

faith, whether in this country or abroad. Pray that God will

give them courage to remain firm in their faith.

4. We pray for Christ Church and ask God to guide our

Minister and the Elders. Pray that we will continue to seek

God’s will at every juncture and commit our worship and

service to Him.

5. We pray for ourselves that we will learn to walk more

closely to Him. We want to be more committed disciples of

Christ.

Let prayer nourish your soul as your meals nourish

your body

―And whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight‖ – 1 John 3:22

PRAYER CALENDER FOR THE MONTH

Every Person Challenge 2009/2010

Going for Growth

Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun

6.00am

7.00am

8.00am

9.00am

10.00am

11.00am

12.00pm

1.00pm

2.00pm

3.00pm

4.00pm

5.00pm

6.00pm

7.00pm

8.00pm

9.00pm

10.00pm

11.00pm

High Leigh—Lancaster Road URC Weekend

Pictured here are those who opted for the Saturday afternoon walk....All gales and rain and the odd cow or so en-route.

The other is the end of conference group, less Roy and Janet Eames as Roy had become unwell on Saturday. He has now recovered.

Jim Holliday

Getting to know the Bible

Several members from Christ Church joined members

from other Thames North Synod URC churches for

Lancaster Road URC conference at High Leigh,

Hoddersdon from the 13th to 15th November which was

led by our minister.

A most interesting and enjoyable weekend was had

by nearly 40 people attending. There were talks by Rev.

Martin Camroux on ‘the Bible, a library not a book’ , ‘The

Bible a progressive revelation’ and ‘Bible Translations,

from the authorised to the Good News’ followed by lively

discussion groups. There were also sessions for prayer

and preparation for the Sunday Service.

Saturday afternoon was free—some went on a wet

walk around High Leigh’s grounds led by Brenda Brown

while others saw Jim Hollidays' pictures of his resent

visit to the Holy Land led by Rev. David Bradburn.

After the Sunday morning service, in which many

took part, there was a session for questions and a closely

contested Bible quiz organised by Maureen Prior.

I am sure that those who came examined their own

beliefs as they learned more about the Bible and

appreciated the time of prayer and fellowship as they

got to know better friends from their own and other

churches.

Stephen Gilburt

Do You Remember Me? Ah, it‘s November, and for many of us, this month will forever be about Remembrance Sunday, Armistice Day, the annual parade past the Cenotaph, the memories of the two World Wars and about the sacrifices made by so many men and women. As we know, this year is the year when the last known First World War veteran finally joined his comrades into the pages of history. Harry Patch, I‘m sure, didn‘t want to be remembered as a ‗hero‘ or ‗survivor‘ or ‗courageous soldier‘. He would have wanted to be remembered as an ordinary man, who tried to live his life doing what was asked of him and when that life was coming to an end, tried to remind us of the horrors of war, any war and that hatred never solved anything. This message was Harry Patch‘s legacy. Legacies – we are constantly reminded of this. Politicians worry about what their legacy will be (what they probably mean is, ―How will history judge me?‖). The rich man worries about how his heirs will spend their legacy and in these current economic conditions, charities worry that people will stop giving and therefore remind us not to forget to leave them a legacy. So, what do we want to leave behind? What do we want to be remembered for? Our friend, Les Moody, in his message to us on Remembrance Sunday, spoke of Leonard Cheshire. Despite a distinguished war record, he will be forever remembered for the sanctuary he provided to the poor and sick and as a result of that simple act of love, God multiplied his efforts and throughout the world, a Cheshire Home is a byword for relief, a safe haven, a sanctuary. What a legacy!! The question of a legacy and what lives on after us is not something new. The Bible records so many people thinking about the after life and what it means for them and their reputations. The rich young ruler approached Jesus with that issue. He had lived, by any man made standard, a good life. Yet he was concerned about what his legacy was. What had his life amounted to? Was it good enough to secure eternal life? Nicodemus was another. Here was a man, a Pharisee no less, a ruler of the Jews and yet he sensed there was something else he needed to find out and that the answer can only come from Jesus. So he came to Him by night and was shocked to be confronted with the sad truth that he needed to be born again. No, his social standing, his

wealth, his age and experience weren‘t the kind of legacies God was looking for. John Stynes, from Ponders End URC, gave us an interesting snippet this morning. Did you know that the word ‗Minster‘ is an Anglo-Saxon word meaning ‗Witness‘? Isn‘t that a good reminder to us of what we as a church, not just collectively but also individually, is all about – being a witness to the transforming power of God’s grace. What is a Christian? I remember a simple Sunday School lesson many years ago which said, take the Christ portion away from the word Christ-ian and the balance ‗ian‘ means ‗I am nothing‘. A Christian is one who is not ashamed to say, ―I am nothing without my Lord‘. The Christian is one who says, ―Lord, I will be who you want me to be‖. The Christian is one who says, ―Lord, if my life is only to be a footnote to your life story, then I am contented to be just that‖. Sometime ago, there was a great debate in the papers about the empty plinth in Trafalgar Square. Whose statue was worthy of being on that last plinth? It was generally agreed that the person who should be accorded that honour, must by definition, be worthy, have left a lasting legacy, did great things. The debate continued on and nobody could agree on whose legacy was worthy enough to merit the last spot in Trafalgar Square. Romans 6:23 tells us that sin‘s legacy is death while John 3:16 tells us that CHRIST‘S LEGACY IS LIFE. That legacy is free and yet costly at the same time. Christ had to give His life in the most painful and humiliating way, in order that we can have life as a free gift from God. Just as a new born child can do nothing but accept the care that its parents provide, so Nicodemus had to learn just that about the accept-ing the gift of eternal life. We are dependent on our loving Father. So what will our legacy be? It may not be measured in bricks and mortar. It may not be counted in monetary terms. Those are man made yardsticks. In a way, it does not matter. Deuteronomy 10:12 tells us ―…. what doth the Lord thy God require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him and to serve the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul.‖ Let us live our lives such that, like Paul, we are able to say as in 2 Timothy 4:7 ―I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course. I have kept the faith‖. Leave the legacy to God.

JOINT BIBLE STUDY GROUP Our Wednesday Morning Joint Bible Study Group held its first meeting Wednesday 21st April 1999. Since then we have met fortnightly and covered various subjects/topics including the following: From the Old Testament Jonah—God's compassion; Daniel—Faith under fire; Exodus—Mission of God; From the New Testament Acts—Building the people of faith; Revelation—Letters to the Churches; The Gospels—Peter, Learning to be like Jesus. Other topics shared together: Passion—Finding an Unshakable Faith; God‘s Amazing Gift—Grace; Living Out God's Story—One people; A Personal Journey—One Hope; The Holy Spirit, One Good God; Women of the Bible; Meekness and Majesty; Suffering; Parables; Sermon on the mount; The power of God‘s Promises; Humanity; Apprentice—Walking the Way of Christ. Some comments received from those attending: ―I find it a great help to share this time with others. We share the meaning of our reading together. It is useful to hear often new interpretations of familiar passages. We all enjoy our singing, friendship and relaxed atmosphere created by our leaders Terry and Graham.‖ ―Studying and discussing Bible passages in a relaxed way, leading to a greater understanding. Praying together for the world and Church situations. Praying and sharing in the highs and lows of our own lives and those around us. Fellowship, interested? Then join us.‖ ―Its really good to delve and discuss a passage in a way you can‘t do in Sunday Worship. It‘s also good to share different views and therefore gain greater understanding. My understanding of the Bible has increased so much because of the Bible study group. The Holy Spirit is clearly at work and present as we meet on a Wednesday morning.‖

―Nobody is critical or judgemental of anything we say, and if we don‘t say anything at all that‘s OK too.‖ ―We both enjoy the fellowship of the Bible Study on Wednesdays—It‘s a good time to talk about readings and share our feelings. Kath makes a lovely cup of coffee!‖ ―A friendly, welcoming group of people who are encouraged to express their own views on the bible and the Christian life because everyone‘s ideas are listened to and respected by the other members of the group. We learn from each other—and we have a lot of laughs too!‖ ―We have had a very happy time at our bible Study. Sometimes we are quite serious and go very deep into the Bible reading, other times we have more light-hearted talks. But which ever way the talks lead it is good to have a fellowship in which to hear other people‘s view, and also express ones own views and thoughts. I find it helps to understand parts of the Bible more clearly.‖ We hope that the above comments will encourage you to come along in the New Year when we will be starting a new series based on : 1 Thessalonians January 6th The Faith of the Thessalonians 20th Paul‘s Ministry to the Thessalonians February 3rd Paul‘s Prayer for the Thessalonians 17th Instructions on Holy Living March 3rd Children of Light Do come along if you can, you will be made very welcome. We meet at Lancaster Road URC Church Lounge at 9.45 for tea & coffee before we commence at 10am. We finish at 11.30am. If you would like more information about our group, please contact Terry Silvey 020 8366 0178. Wherever you spend your Christmas may God‘s blessing be with you. Terry & Graham

The Friendship Club

We give a very warm welcome to all our friends to join us

on December 2nd at 2.15pm in the church hall when we will

be celebrating the coming of Jesus to this earth.

There will be Christmas hymns and readings followed by a

tea to which all are invited.

Mr Jack Williams, the local representative from ‘CRISIS’,

will tell us of their latest work among homeless people and

a collection will be made to help this wonderful work

We warmly welcome all our friends to celebrate the Birth

of Jesus with us.

********************

The New Year 2010 first meeting will be held on

January 13th and our minister the Rev’d David Atkinson

will be speaking to us.

We wish all our friends a very Happy Christmas and may we

all know that Jesus is walking with us through another year.

Lily Smith

Articles intended for inclusion in the February

issue should reach the Editor by 2nd Sunday of January

Please contact me, Pamela Fisher, with any items to be included

in future issues. I can receive them either in paper copy at

Sunday worship or by email.

020 8482 4610 A/M please leave me a message

Location of Christ

Church URC

WHAT: Pilots are a group for boys and girls aged five

upwards. They meet for games, drama, craft activities

and fun, based on a bible theme.

If you are interested in coming or would like further

details please contact Rosemary Milns 8363-6571

** PILOTS **

WHEN:

Sunday

mornings from

11am to 12 noon

WHERE:

Pilots meet in

the Church Hall

Church contacts

MINISTER Rev’d David

Atkinson

Tel 020 8363 4571

SECRETARY Mr Stephen

Gilburt

Tel 020 8363 0031

TREASURER Mr David

Fisher

Tel 020 8482 4610

PILOTS Miss Rosemary

Milns

Tel 020 8363 6571

BOYS’

BRIGADE

Mr Adrian

Bullock

Mob 07951 223 634

RAINBOWS/

GUIDES/

RANGERS

Mrs Tracey

Rainbow

Tel 01992 307450

Mob. 07971 171511

BROWNIES Kathleen Brown Mob .07958153066

FRIENDSHIP

CLUB

Mrs Lily Smith Tel 020 8363 3788

HALL

BOOKINGS

SEC.

Mrs Pamela

Mansley

Mob 07936 798722

NEWSLETTER Mrs Pamela

Fisher

Tel 020 8482 4610

Mob. 07775505999

pjf_40b@hotmail.com

http://www.3rdenfieldbb.co.uk

Wed 2nd 2.15pm Friendship Club—Preparing for Christmas. Talk on Crisis by Jack Williams. Devotions and a Tea.

Sun 6th 11am

The Rev’d David Atkinson Holy Communion offering for the Bible Society Duty Elder— Pamela Mansley

Wed 9th 9.45-11.15am

Joint bible study with Lancaster Road at Lancaster Road URC

Sat 12th

Christ Church Christmas Bazaar 10.30pm—2.30pm

Sun 13th

11am Service of Lessons & Carols Duty Elder—Ron Smith

Wed 16th

9.45-11.15am

Joint bible study with Lancaster Road at Lancaster Road URC

Sun 20th

11am The Rev’d David Atkinson Family Service Christmas Nativity Gifts of food and loose offering to ‘CRISIS’ Duty Elder-Pamela Mansley

Sun 27th

10.30am

The Worship group Breakfast Service Duty Elder— Stephen Gilburt

December Church Diary

Sun 3rd 11am

The Revd David Atkinson Holy Communion offering for the Communion Fund Duty Elder— Pamela Mansley

Wed 6th 9.45-11.15am

Joint bible study with Lancaster Road at Lancaster Road URC

Sun 10th

11am Mrs Jill Nugent Duty Elder—Ron Smith

Wed 13th

2.15pm Friendship Club Revd David Atkinson will be speaking.

Sat 16th

11am—2pm

LUNCH TIME JAZZ @ CHRIST CHURCH

Sun 17th

11am The Revd David Atkinson Family Parade Service Duty Elder-Stephen Gilbert

Wed 20th

9.45-11.15am

Joint bible study with Lancaster Road at Lancaster Road URC

Sun 24th

11am Mr Terry Silvey Duty Elder—Pamela FIsher

Sun 31st

11am

The Revd David Atkinson Duty Elder— Sylvia Coombs

January 2010 Church Diary

February 2010 Church Diary

Advance dates for 2009/2010

Church Meetings 12.30pm 7th February tbc

7th March tbc

4th April AGM tbc

2nd May tbc

6th June tbc

4th July tbc

1st August tbc

5th September tbc

3rd October tbc

7th November—election of

elders tbc

5th December tbc

Sun 7th 11am

The Revd David Atkinson Ordination and Induction of Elders Holy Communion offering for Shanthigramam (A home for leprosy patients) Duty Elder— Ron Smith

Wed 3rd 9.45-11.15am

Joint bible study with Lancaster Road at Lancaster Road URC

Sun 14th

11am The Worship group Duty Elder—Pamela Mansley

Christ Church Christmas Bazaar

12th December

Elders Meetings

8pm 2nd December 8pm Manse

4th January 8pm Manse