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He is my light, my strength, my song; Townsend and Getty

Vol 77/5 JUNE 2020

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Dear Friends,

Writing this in week 8 of isolation, it is hard to think where the weeks have gone. I’ve been fortunate in having plenty to keep me occupied in the house and garden. And daily walks have been a chance to admire gardens and discover previously unknown local paths. For many others who thrive on social contact, this time of lockdown has proved very challenging.

We hear daily how many people have lost their fight against coronavirus, leaving families bereft and just wondering how they could have lost a much loved family member or friend so unexpectedly and really before their time. But we have also heard of amazing stories of survival against the odds, and of kindness, neighbourliness and devotion.

Towards the end of April, I’m sure many of you were as moved as I was watching Captain (now Honorary Colonel) Tom Moore walking to raise money for the NHS before his hundredth birthday. His aim to raise £1000 doing one hundred laps of his garden, using his walking aid, ended up raising around £33 million. Tom’s efforts were an inspiration to others and a real sign of positivity that we can always do something, no matter how small, for others. And wasn’t it amazing that whenever he was interviewed

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he always said, “Thank you very much” to everyone for supporting him. What a character! Many more people of all ages have found novel ways of raising money to support key workers who have given their all throughout this pandemic.

In isolation social media has been a great support for those with access to the internet. Like many of you, I’m sure, I’ve received humour in many forms, music being played by individuals and virtual choirs and thought-provoking items. One such item was a teacher asking a class of students to decide between them what they thought were the Seven Wonders of the World. Most of the students answered as you’d expect - the Taj Mahal, the Pyramids of Egypt etc. However a quiet girl didn’t answer until prompted when she said, “to touch, to taste, to see, to hear, to feel, to laugh, to love”. We have all had time to appreciate these senses. Let us hope that when we get back to some kind of normal we continue to value these most of all.

Whilst our buildings have been closed, the church hasn’t. More than ever people are turning to their faith or finding strength through prayer. We have had printed services sent out each week but those of us with Zoom have benefitted from services online or, without Zoom, using our landlines to hear the service. With around 100 people from URC churches all over Sheffield and a much wider area (Barbados and northern Scotland for instance) sharing in these services, the coffee and chat time has enabled us to get to know each other better. Similarly the Saturday morning coffee has been another opportunity to

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meet together whilst in our own homes. As the government has started talking about churches reopening eventually, we will still be a long way from getting back to normal. Church leaders nationally and in Yorkshire are working out how we might reopen and the many limits we will no doubt have.

Some of you will know of a hymn which I have found very helpful over this time and I will share the first verse with you now. It was written by Stuart Townsend and Keith Getty.

In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song; This Cornerstone, this solid Ground, Firm through the fiercest drought and storm, What heights of love, what depths of peace, When fears are stilled, when strivings cease! My Comforter, my All in All, Here in the love of Christ I stand. Let Christ be your strength, stay safe and keep well.

Elaine Ferguson

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Family News in Lockdown As I write this article, coronavirus restrictions are being relaxed slightly, but most of us must continue to stay away from others to protect our own health and to stop us possibly infecting others.

We think of Ann Rook who has experienced typical COVID-19 symptoms and is awaiting the results of tests, as she slowly recovers.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Carol and David Hudston. David is having palliative care in a care home near Ossett. Carol found she was unable to provide twenty four hour care for him as she herself is frail.

We think of Molly Webb who is awaiting further tests. It was good to hear that Vera Edwards is fine in The Glen and also that Cecily Swammy arrived back from Barbados on 19th May, tired from the journey but glad to be home.

Quite a few of us have seen each other at Sunday Zoom services, which have been very beneficial to our spiritual health, and have also met at Saturday Coffee Mornings.

If you should have any pastoral problems don't hesitate to ring me on 2361192 and I will do my best to help.

Jane Studd

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The copy date for the next Take Notice will be Monday 15th June.

Thanks 1 Brenda and family would like to say a big ‘thank you’ for all the lovely cards, messages and calls we had when Rod died. It was a difficult time as we were not able to visit during his last stay in hospital. He was diagnosed with sarcoma four years ago and was determined to just get on with living and being there for his family. Rod was part of the teenage group when Duncan was Minister and had his marriage to Ruth blessed at Dore and Totley. Their four children were all part of the Junior Church as they grew up. When Rod had to give up his job he used his skills to create various things made mostly from recycled wood and enjoyed setting up his craft stall with Ruth’s help. He was a caring, practical man who was always ready to help when needed - he would have a solution for so many problems! We love him and miss him.

Brenda Harrison

Thanks 2 Carol Hudston would like to thank all who sent cards and made phone calls. They have meant a lot to her.

Thanks 3 Thanks to all who have sent in items to be included in this newsletter which, of course, cannot report on meetings, advertise fund raising events or any future events. Hopefully you will enjoy these varied items.

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Shona’s heartwarming Azaleas seen by Elaine welcome

Laughter When God gave us laughter He meant it to be An outward expression of some inner glee, With a lift to the heart and a light to the eyes – That’s laughter – the sound of a happy surprise. The purpose of laughter is simple and sane, Not mocking or cynical, sour or inane, Not a hurt to the hearer, a snigger to sting, For God gave us laughter a blessing to bring. So let’s use this talent for what God intends, For helping and healing ourselves and our friends, It’s a fountain of fun, and a musical sound – God fully intends us to spread it around.

Rev’d Frank Duckworth (Sent in by Liz Walkden)

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Allegedly these notices were announced at church services or appeared in church newsletters. Some you may have seen before. [I had better be careful with my typing!]

The Fasting and Prayer Conference will include meals. The Scouts are saving aluminium cans and bottles to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children. The sermon this morning: ‘Jesus walks on the water’. The sermon tonight: ‘Searching for Jesus’. Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands. Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help. Miss Charlene Mason sang 'I will not pass this way again,’ giving obvious pleasure to the congregation. For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs. Next Thursday there will be try-outs for the choir. They need all the help they can get. Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married last week in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.

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At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?' Come early and listen to our choir practice. Eight new choir robes are currently needed owing to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones. The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility. Pot-luck supper Sunday at 5 p.m. prayer and medication to follow. The ladies of the church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon. This evening at 7 p.m. there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin. The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the Congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday. Low Self Esteem Support Group meets at 7 p.m. on Thursdays. Please use the back door Weight Watchers will meet at 7 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance. The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new campaign slogan last Sunday: 'I Upped My Pledge - Up Yours!'

Many members of the church seem to have been very busy de-cluttering, tidying, redecorating, spring cleaning and revamping their gardens. Someone is trying for the first time to grow beetroot and sweet corn but thinks

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there may be some very fat birds around! Those who are able to get out on walks have discovered new paths and seen lots of wildlife, mainly birds and butterflies but one lady is lucky enough to have a visiting hedgehog and is crossing her fingers for a sighting of hoglets.

I Like To Bake Lord, you know I like to bake, That velvety rich chocolate cake, Covered with icing, I never stop Until chocolate curls adorn the top.

Lord, you know I like to bake, Custard slices and biscuits make, With fruit, nuts and choc. chips, Though they all linger on my hips

Lord, you know I like to bake, (I say it's for my family's sake), Apple pies and cheesecake too, And dumplings in the Irish stew.

Lord, you know I like to bake, But I need to curb my intake, Pavlova, a delicious sugary fluff, I never seem to have enough.

Lord, a special favour I shall ask, It would only be a simple task, You who changed water into wine, Dissolve those calories when I dine!

Adapted from a poem by Vivien Wade (on the internet)

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Ministerial Exchange February 2020 – Part 2

Welcome to Whitehorse Whitehorse is the Yukon’s capital city. The rugged, beautiful and uncompromising landscape sets it apart from most places. The Yukon could easily have been the original inspiration for the word ‘wilderness.’ Whitehorse holds the Guinness World record as the city with the least air pollution in the world. We could vouch for that when we landed, the air was clean, fresh and crisp, so much so it took our breath away.

The Yukon’s name originated from the great river which flows through its territory. The City of Whitehorse gets its name from the rapids which used to be on the fast-flowing Yukon River which curves its way around the city and covers 1,980 miles across the territory. The tops of the waves looked like the mane of horses. The river has now been tamed by a dam and hydro-electric plant which supplies the city with electricity.

Whitehorse is unique as it is the Wilderness City, offering a gateway to the mountains, lakes, parks, wildlife, the world’s smallest desert and many places where one can experience a northern way of life, affording numerous opportunities to experience a solitary wilderness wonder on the city’s edge.

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The population of the territory is 40,000 with approximately 35,000 living in the capital city. For those of us who live in a high-density populated area, it would be hard to grasp how much of the territory is uninhabited. To give you a sense of what this is like – we wanted to visit Dawson City – the base of the gold rush, about the same distance as travelling up to Fife (Scotland) from Sheffield.

The journey was longer than we expected as the roads were covered in snow and ice, but the weather was good and we did not have any new snow fall. We also kept on stopping to take photos as the scenery was out of this world. Unbeknown to us some of the congregation were worried about us making this journey. We did tell a few people we were intending to make this trip, but clearly not the right people.

On some parts of the journey we travelled for one and half hours without seeing another vehicle or a building. Most people said that they would not have attempted to travel to Dawson City in this weather. If they did, they would have taken the ‘kitchen sink’ with them. There is also poor to non-existent mobile phone signal, so even if we wanted to ring someone to let them know we had arrived safely, it would have been somewhat difficult.

With hindsight I would agree, but I just had a feeling that if we did not go then we would not have made it. It was beautiful and well worth the journey, which was exhilarating, extremely beautiful, exciting and cold. We arrived in Dawson City when the temperature was minus 230. Overnight the temperature dropped to minus 400.

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The vehicles all have a plug sticking out of the grill at the front. This is to plug your vehicle in if it is outside and the temperature drops below minus 20 degrees. We did not realise that the temperature would plummet overnight so we did not plug our car in. However, after breakfast while other vehicles had their bonnets up with jump leads from other vehicles trying to get started, I got in our car, prayed and it started first time. God is good!

The history of the area is linked to the gold rush and Dawson City. It is like stepping back in time and is a reminder of the hope which the rush inspired. The idea of striking gold led people to take one of the most dangerous journeys but covering some of the most beautiful places in the territory. In 1896, the gold rush started and while it gave the economy a boost, it would be fair to say that it had a devastating impact on the environment and the First Nation people.

The rush for gold brought few people riches and for most this was a temporary solution to their situation. The hope which we have in our relationship with Christ, is one that will last a lifetime. So although we stepped back in time, our prayer along with the Psalmist is for God to guide us, teach us, the truth as our hope rests in God all day long (Psalm 25:5)

With blessings Zaidie Orr

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Something Old, Something New If Totley Open Gardens are up and running next year, you will have a chance to enjoy this lovely recycled seat. Isn’t it amazing!?

Although we no longer have flowers in church for these

occasions, this month we would have been remembering

Andrew Rae (Helen Miller’s loving father), Allan McLeod (Liz

Keech’s father) and Eric Land whose birthday was in June.

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The Way We Were On 10th May, had circumstances allowed, we would have celebrated our 132nd Church Anniversary at Dore and Totley URC. As that weekend coincided with the 75th Anniversary of Victory in Europe I thought I would look back at “The Way We Were” 75 years ago with some help from the archives. Did a previous generation of church members cheer wildly in the streets on 8th May 1945? No. Were there pop-up street parties and union flags flying from the church windows? No again. At least, there is no mention in the Minute books of any celebration, although Dorothy remembers a great bonfire taking place for all the neighbourhood on the field that subsequently became Mercia Drive. Whatever the natural relief that the war in Europe was ended, there was a consciousness that the war with Japan was not yet over. [Totley History Group notes that Totley did not celebrate the end of WWII until after VJ Day, 15th September 1945 when a group of residents joined together in an 'end-of-war' celebration which included the burning of a 'stuffed' Hitler on the actual night. Crowds came from all parts of Totley to join in the celebration and the traffic on Baslow Road was stopped. Editor]

The last Church Meeting before VE day was on 10th April 1945 and it was surprisingly ordinary. For example a decision was made to purchase a new coke boiler for the church with a special fund being set up for the cost (estimated at £50). But there were two items that showed that a hard-won peace was thankfully on the horizon. One item was a brief report from the Rehabilitation Committee.

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The other item informed church members that the following arrangements had been made in the event of Victory in Europe being declared:

Church to be opened at once for private prayer and meditation. A United Service with Methodists and Anglicans at St. Johns, at 7.30 p.m. on the day Victory is declared and a Service in our own Church at 11.00 a.m. on the following day. If either day is a Sunday, Services as usual.”

I don’t know any more about this service, but I did discover what the Rehabilitation Committee was about. This group first met in March 1945 with the aim of giving practical assistance and personal support to returning members of the Armed Forces in this area, for example, with employment and housing. An unassuming little notebook records the work of this Committee, how they began with a personal letter and a questionnaire to each member of the Forces, and recorded some details of the help given. I noted with interest that they soon thought better of the name and changed it from the Rehabilitation Committee to the “Friends of the Forces” Committee.

The final task of this group was to organise a home-coming celebration for Forces personnel, called the Reunion, in September 1947. There was to be a Treasure Hunt in the afternoon, followed by a High Tea catering for 100 people, and a dance and entertainment afterwards.

This wasn’t for the church members, although some were invited, it was for the returning members of the Armed

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Forces. This wasn’t a spontaneous event - a great deal of thought and planning went into it. It wasn’t a pop-up street party, it was a thoughtful act of Welcome Home.

So, yes, Dore and Totley Union Church did celebrate, but it was in this very special and considered manner.

Happy Anniversary.

Anne Dale

VE Day Celebrations Anecdote re lockdown On Rushley Drive we have got to know our neighbours better during our Thursday evening clapping for keyworkers, and in seeing people walking up and down the road. We have had time to stand and chat, no longer rushing from one thing to the next in our cars. As a result of this we held a “socially distanced” street party for VE day. We shared cakes from our driveways, had 1940s music and got to know each other even more. The highlight was our elderly neighbour, previously a violinist with the Sheffield Philharmonic Orchestra, who was persuaded to play his violin for the first time in ten years. As he played a medley of Somewhere Over the Rainbow, There’ll be Bluebirds over the White Cliffs of Dover and We’ll Meet Again, you can imagine how moving this was. This simple act lifted everyone’s spirits and we heard from his daughter how much happier he seemed after that day.

Relaxing at a distance Although it was not possible to celebrate the 75th

anniversary of VE day with a street party, it did provide an

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opportunity for sociable-social-distancing in Abbeydale Park Crescent. As this is a cul-de-sac with virtually no traffic, many of us were able to sit out in our front garden or on the verge and chat to our neighbours over a drink. I’m not sure that “chatting” is quite the right word, given that a significant degree of volume is needed to converse over more than two metres, but it was possible to talk with people that we usually only pass. We had some Glenn Miller music to give background atmosphere and lots of Union flags on the hedges and bushes. It was a little oasis of relaxation in a stressful season. And the sun shone.

I found this in the Sheffield Telegraph’s pages about the original VE celebrations in Sheffield, obviously not in S17! It was entitled ‘Knickers to the Nazis!’

Jeanne Clark

Christian Aid Week: 10th – 16th May 2020 Well, Christian Aid week has been and gone. Sara Millard from Oughtibridge URC did a sponsored event, as did Kate Pinder who organises the envelope distribution for our area. Simon put on a Christian Aid quiz which was very

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entertaining and enjoyable for those who took part. My team didn’t come anywhere near winning, but we weren’t bottom either!

Last year £42,764 was raised during Christian Aid week in Sheffield, mainly through house to house collections, so this year’s cancellation of all events will have been a huge blow to their work throughout the world. If you haven’t already done so and are able to give a donation this can be done via the Christian Aid website or by telephoning 020 7523 2493.

Elaine Ferguson

In Christ We Stand Stuart Townend (born 1963) is an English Christian worship leader and writer of hymns, including In Christ Alone, co-written with Keith Getty. He is the youngest son of Rev’d John Townend, a Church of England vicar in Sowerby Bridge who died in a motor accident in 1985. Townend started learning to play the piano when he was 7 and he studied literature at the University of Sussex where he met his wife, Caroline.

In Christ alone was created as a congregational hymn to be loved and sung, not as an academic piece to find a home in an anthology of verse.

The drama of a turbulent wind whipping the landscape suddenly stilled to a breathless hush and tranquillity is painted in this verse. Alliteration, “firm/fiercest”, carries us through the drama, through the drought. Thirst can be fierce, whether in a person or a land. There are reasons why this hymn was sung by military personnel in

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Iraqi foxholes so soon after its release. The opposite of a storm is stillness. The opposite of turbulence is also a Rock, a cornerstone, the massive stone outcropping amid endless, shifting desert sands that is our Foundation, our Christ.

“When fears are stilled” reminds us of Christ’s miraculous stilling of the storm at sea, and of Psalm 46: “Be still and know that I am God, I will be exalted among the peoples, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Putting Things In Perspective Sometimes it is hard to discern between what’s a real threat and what is just panic and hysteria. To put things in perspective, imagine you were born in 1900.

On your 14th birthday, World War I starts, and ends on your 18th birthday. 22 million people perish in that war. Later in the year, a Spanish Flu epidemic hits the planet lasting until your 20th birthday, killing 50 million people in two years.

On your 29th birthday, the Great Depression begins when unemployment hits 25% and the World GDP drops 27%. That runs until you are 33. The country nearly collapses along with the world economy.

When you turn 39, World War II starts. Between your 39th and 45th birthdays, 75 million people perish in the war.

Smallpox was epidemic until you were in your 40s, and it killed 300 million people during your lifetime. From your birth until your mid-50s you dealt with the fear of polio epidemics. You saw friends and family contracting polio and being paralysed and/or dying.

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During the Cold War, you lived each day with the fear of nuclear annihilation. On your 62nd birthday you have the Cuban Missile Crisis, a tipping point in the Cold War. Life on our planet, as we know it, almost ended.

Think of everyone on the planet born in 1900. How did they endure all of that? Yet they did survive. Perspective is an amazing art. Refined and enlightening as time goes on. Let’s try and keep things in perspective. Your parents and/or grandparents were called to endure all of the above – you are called to stay home and sit on your settee.

Wordsearch (answers)

Y K J T N K H J G A M A Z E D

T Q B F F P E N T O C O S T U

L P I Q H C I D Q I E S T R G

H R J C I W D F B E Q V C O G

H E A R O S T F I L L E D A R

P W S L G T P O C C K R X X S Y S B P P F H I N U W I P F L

L V C D E N D E R G U I J C W

K A Z Z I A U W R I U L N R Y

I W N M O L K X Q U T E D D U

C F H G H E A V E N C I S A D

J O I O U E Z A E X G H T N O

R E Q R L A D E W E E N U Y Y

C H J P E Y G H I N T O H F H

F A H T I M L E U Y S T R G B

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Across 1 An ancient weight (6) 4 Seemed (8) 10 New Testament book (9) 11 Unit of length (5) 12 ‘it is a _____ thing the king requireth [Dan 2:11] (4) 13 Contemplation (10) 15 Abigail supplied David with 100 clusters of these (7) 16 A son of King David (6) 19 Concurred (6) 21 Light sources (7) 23 Propitiations (10) 9 Bread makers (6) 25 A false god (4) 27 Gather (5) Nebuchadrezzar’s reign 28 Abimeiech was hit by this (9) 29 Instructors (8) 30 Hastily (6)

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Down 1 Skilled animal workers (8) 2 Inspiring (9) 3 Compass point (4) 5 Intense emotion (7) 6 The words of Jeremiah said not to listen to these (10) 7 Jewish leader (5) 8 He is proud, knowing nothing, but _____ about questions… [I Tim 6:4] (6) 9 Bread makers (6) 14 In this year of King Nebuchadrezzer’s reign Nebuzaradan arrived in Jerusalem (10) 17 Ancient city of Og, King of Bashan (9) 18 Stringed instrument (8) 20 Joseph perhaps? (7) 21 Tiny amount (6) 22 Jesus did this with authority (6) 24 Last letter of the Greek alphabet (5)

26 Province of the Roman Empire (4) These are some words from Susan Jeffers’ book, Feel the fear and do it anyway. Choose Love and Trust Give away — Thanks Give away — Information Give away — Praise Give away — Time Give away — Money Give away — Smiles Give away — Love

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Directory Phone

Ministers Reverend Simon Copley 01709 814471

Email: whiteknight_copley@hotmail.com

Reverend Zaidie Orr 348 4155

Email: zaidieorr@aol.com

Reverend Jamie Kissack 438 1887

Email: Jamie.kissack@gmail.com

Deputy Joan Memmott 289 1753 Chair 4 Field Close, Dronfield Woodhouse S18 8YJ Email: joanmemmott@gmail.com

Secretary: Elaine Ferguson 07929 720977

32 Rushley Drive, Sheffield S17 3EN

Email: elaineferg32@yahoo.co.uk

Treasurer: Rob Studd 236 1192

5 Devonshire Road, Sheffield S17 3NT

Email: janeandrobstudd@talktalk.net

Pastoral Care: Jane Studd 236 1192

5 Devonshire Road, Sheffield S17 3NT

Email: janeandrobstudd@talktalk.net

Editor: Jeanne Clark 236 7390

8 Abbeydale Park Rise, Sheffield S17 3PD

Email: Jeanne.clark@btinternet.com

www. doreandtotleyurc.org.uk

A Member of the Sheffield Group of United Reformed Churches

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Mon T’ai Chi 11.30–12.30 p.m.

Age UK Fitness Class 2.30 – 3.30 p.m. Dore Performance Arts 4 – 6 p.m. Aerobics 6.30 – 7.30 p.m.

Tues Lunch Club 10 – 1.30 p.m.

Yoga 1.15 – 2.45 p.m.

Martial Arts 3.45 – 5.45 p.m.

Term-time Beaver Scouts 6.15 – 7.15 p.m.

W.E.A. Abbeydale Writers 7 – 9 p.m.

Shine On: Ladies’ choir 7.30 – 9 p.m.

1st Tues Totley Brook Quilters 6.30 – 9 p.m.

2nd Tues Service for Help and Healing 7 - 8 p.m.

1st Wed Carers’ café 10 – 12 noon

Wed Pilates 9.15 – 11.15 a.m.

Coffee morning 10 – 12 noon

Mid-week Service 11.30 – 12 noon

Talented Tots Dance Class 1.45 – 2.45 p.m.

DSPA Dance classes 4 – 7.30 p.m.

1st Wed Ladies’ Group - not often in church

8 p.m.

Thurs Hastings Road Art Group 9.30 – 12 noon

The Rock Choir 11.30 - 1.00 p.m.

Pilates 1.30 – 2.30 p.m.

5.15 – 7.15 p.m.

1st & 3rd Social Club 2 – 4.15 p.m.

Age UK Fitness Class 2.30 – 3.30 p.m.

3rd Thurs Photography Group 7.45 - 9.45 p.m.

Friday Pyjama Drama 10.30 – 12 noon Stretch & Tone Dance class 2 – 3 p.m.

Contemporary Dance class 4 – 5 p.m.

Ella Lawrie has contact details: tel. 236 6294

Activities will recommence as soon as it is safe to do so.