Highbury News June

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News February 2009 Highbury Congregational Church Oxford Street. Cheltenham. GL52 6DU www.highburychurch.co.uk News June 2012

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News of Highbury Congregational Church, Cheltenham June 2012

Transcript of Highbury News June

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Highbury Congregational Church

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Highbury News - 2 - June 2012

Deadline for July Highbury News: Sunday 10th June

... to a lunch, a service and a weekend!

... to a Big Diamond Jubilee Lunch onSunday 3rd June after the morningservice.We’ll be joining with people all over thecountry in celebrating the Queen’sDiamond Jubilee by having a BigLunch. Do come and join us and takethe opportunity to invite someone tocome along too. Please sign up atchurch, or let Jean Gregory know youare able to come! 01242 526002Fathers’ Day is special this year atHighbury. We are inviting everyonefrom Hy-Speed to join us - the trackwill be ‘on the go’ over breakfast from9-00am. During our service we shall

share in giving out awards, and thetrack will be open afterwards too.Make a note of the last weekend inSeptember for Highbury @ Home (seepage 10). A special weekend when weshall meet together for a fun socialevening on Friday 28th September.There will then be a sleepover foreveryone in Years 1 to 6 at school.On Saturday we will be sharing ourdreams and vision for the church andits future, with lots of fun things to doduring the day. That night Hy-Tec willhave a sleepover.We will bring everything together onSunday in our Harvest services.Book now on the enclosed form!!!

An invitation ...

Highbury Congregational Church belongs tothe Congregational Federation and is in partnership

withthe Council for World Mission and Churches Together

01242 522050

[email protected]

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Highbury News - 3 - June 2012

A Hand of FriendshipWe’re more than half way there!Back in January’s church meetingpeople came up with well over 150words and phrases to describe what’sspecial about Highbury.In February, the Deacons grouped allof those words and phrases under sixheadings.In March, April and May we looked atthe way Highbury is a welcomingchurch, where worship and prayer isimportant and mission at the heart ofthe church life we share.In June, July and August we shall belooking at the Pastoral Care that is atthe heart of the life of the church, theopenness that makes us such aninclusive and diverse set of people andthe commitment we have to children.Six months reflecting on what it is thatmakes Highbury special.Then in September we have theopportunity to look to the future.What words and phrases are missing?What do we need to add into the life ofour church as we shape the futureahead of us.That’s where Highbury @ Home comesinto its own - a whole weekend whenwe can have fun together, but moreimportantly share our dreams and ourvision for the life of the church webelong to.We really do want as many people aspossible to come along for theweekend so that together we canshare the vision we have for the future

of our church. So make a note of thedates in your diary - Friday 28th toSunday 30th September, fill in thebooking form that’s with this issue ofHighbury News, and join us for theweekend.It should be a very special time.When we originally did that exerciseback in January a number of peoplecame up with the same words.One of the most popular of thosewords was the word ‘caring’.With other words like

many people put theirfinger on something that is very specialin the life of our church.We owe a big debt of gratitude to Philand Joyce Arnold, and to David andBetty Butcher, for all they do incoordinating pastoral care in the life ofthe church; and to Diana Adams forchairing our Visitors’ Group. And aboveall, to all those who share in the life ofthe church as Church Visitors.By dividing the town into twelvevisiting districts, and then dividingmost of those districts into two ormore, we try to ensure that churchvisitors have a manageable number ofpeople to visit.In the April edition of Highbury NewsDavid, Betty, Phil and Joyce suggestedsome ways we could strengthen whatwe do in that visiting scheme.Be a good neighbour! Look out forpeople who live near you in the churchfamily - that would be a great way ofbuilding up our pastoral care.

Minister’s Memo

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If you come regularly to church, havea word with your visitor and pick upyour copy of Highbury News from theMorton Brown Room, freeing them upto do more visiting of other people - ormeet up with them at church.David, Betty, Phil and Joyce will bedelighted to have any othersuggestions of ways we might build upand strengthen our visiting scheme.Maybe that’s something we can feedinto our planning as we dream dreamsand share our vision for the life of thechurch in September.If you feel in need of a visit or a chatwith someone from church, or indeedif there’s something you would like toshare with someone else then pleasehave a word with David or Betty on

01242 300581, or with Phil or Joyce on01242 285705. If you want to sharesomething for prayer on our prayerchain then contact Lorraine Gasside on01242 239838 or email LorraineGasside - [email protected] can also ring me on 01242 522050.As we share our concerns, so we canbuild up our Pastoral Care and be thesupport and show the care that is soneeded in our church family.As Paul said, how important it is thatwe ‘clothe ourselves with love thatbinds everything together in perfectharmony’.

Highbury Community CaféEvery Thursday 10:00am until 11:30am

Coffee, Tea and Homemade CakeBring your friends and neighbours

Flowers in the ChurchWhat pleasure we receive from the flowers, so beautifully arranged, when weare sitting in the Church.This is not the only benefit.On Monday morning, as part of our Pastoral Care, these flowers are arrangedin bunches and given to members of the congregation. If anyone is ill theseflowers are a lift to the spirits, and if in celebration it is good to know that othersare sharing the joy.The money for the flowers is given by members and friends of the Church andis greatly appreciated. If you would like to contribute, from time to time, theflowers cost in the region of £17.Please contact me, and I will explain exactly what happens.Thank you.

Jenny Horsfield( 01242 519640

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Highbury News - 5 - June 2012

Sue’s NewsHave you found that if you turn yourback for a period, great changes canoccur?So it was with me, absenting myselffrom Highbury for a time!Room 1 was transformed with newchairs, window blinds and a clock tocomplete the look following theplumbing installation. and

to those responsible. It wasworth waiting for!Further plans are afoot for thepremises, with the attention to thekitchen units and also a fitted projectorfor the hall. These things can surelybenefit the many users of thepremises.It is now June and such a busy monthfor ...Sign up for the Jubilee Lunch onSunday 3rd June.Then, the 10th is CongregationalSunday when ministers in the Areaexchange pulpits.Fathers’ Day Special on Sunday 17th

will focus around Hy-Speed, which hasbeen such a successful outreachproject.The 24th is planned to highlight theChiks Charity with a visit by my friend,Robin Radley.

Have you acquired your tickets for thereturn of the Aber Valley Male VoiceChoir on Saturday 23rd June? Theirconcerts are always lively andentertaining and not-to-be-missed.Mary Michael is holding entryprogrammes, £10 each. The soloist,Sarah Griffiths, is John Lewis’ greatniece.There is an appeal for helpers on theday to arrange the church and providerefreshments for the choir, etc. (Seepage 7.)As we go to press, the AnnualCongregational Federation MayAssembly is taking place inDunfermline, and we hope to hearmore details of the proceedings soon,including the special award to Hy-Speed in recognition of its success.(See pages 16 and 17 for a brief reporton the Assembly.)It is good that the Hope (to make aDifference) Group is planning to startagain. It was originally formedfollowing the HOPE initiative of 2008and became an evening with a talk,then convivial chat and discussion. Onevery entertaining meeting has beenheld so far, and all are welcome to joinus on a future Tuesday evening.

CHURCH FAMILY NEWS, AND VISITING REQUESTS please contact:

Joyce and Philip Arnold ( 01242 285705

David and Betty Butcher ( 01242 300581

PRAYER CHAIN REQUESTS please contact:

Lorraine Gasside ( 01242 239838

[email protected]

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Highbury News - 6 - June 2012

Charity for June: BackUpBackUp was founded in 1986 by theformer British and European FreestyleSki Champion and James Bond stuntdouble Mike Nemesvary, whose lifewas devastated when he broke hisneck during a training session. Despitebeing paralysed from the shouldersdown, Mike was determined to getback to the life he enjoyed. BackUpwas initially set up to offer ski coursesfor those affected by spinal cord injury.In 1988, the charity formed apartnership with The Calvert Trust andbegan to expand its courses tochallenge and empower people to get“back up“ to a place they were atbefore their accident. Their support isnot solely for people with spinalinjuries who wish to participate insporting activities.“Our vision is:A world where people with a spinalcord injury can realise their fullpotential.Our mission is to:

Inspire people affected by spinalcord injury to transform their lives.

Challenge perceptions of disability.Deliver services to build confidence

and independence, and offer asupportive network.Our values:Driven by the needs of people withspinal cord injury, we are passionateabout transforming lives.

Through challenge and fun we openup possibilities to develop, achieveand get the most out of life.We respect individuality and embracediversity.We strive for quality and excellence inall we do. “Through their accredited mentoringservice an individual can be linkedwith a trained volunteer mentor whois a similar age and injury level, or afamily mentor whose relative has asimilar injury. The mentor, from anywalk of life, is usually a spinal cordinjured peer or relative whose lifeexperiences are relevant.Once matched with a mentor they willtelephone to arrange how often futurecontact is made and whether that willbe by telephone or, if possible, bymeeting up. Most mentoringrelationships take place over 10contacts.BackUp will be our chosen charity forJune, and we will also give half of anyprofit from the Aber Valley ChoirConcert to them.Our local link, and my reason fornominating this charity, is because myson is on the waiting list to train as amentor having suffered a spinal injurywhen he was 19.

Mary Michael

Loving God, we pray for all those who care for others, in hospitals, nursinghomes, hospices or in their own homes; through the work of charities; in thiscountry and worldwide; and for the Pastoral Care Team at Highbury, andmany other individuals who reflect your loving care through their daily lives.

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Out of the DepthsBack in April my fellow members of Cheltenham Poetry Society and I providedan evening of poetry and music at Highbury as part of the Poetry Festival. Ouraim was to express the themes of ‘doubt and despair’ but through the contextof ‘faith and the divine’.For the first part of the programme we read poems by John Donne, JaneKenyon, Henry Vaughan, Thomas Trahearne, Gerard Manley Hopkins andGeorge Herbert. (This last was of particular interest as we, and some ofthe  audience, had recently enjoyed Richard's talk 'Measuring Mountains' inwhich he used the poems of George Herbert to illustrate and explore therelationship between science and religion.)The musical interlude was provided by Roger Turner of the Poetry Society. Hehad written settings of two of George Herbert's poems - 'Sweet Day So Cool, SoCalm, So Bright' and 'Teach Me My God and King' as well as his own metricalversion of Psalm 130.  Roger played the piano accompaniment for these whileDavid Smith (the organist from St Mary's Church in Prestbury) sang them. Itsounded very moving and beautiful.After this it was back to poetry for the remainder of the evening.  This time weread some of our own poems on the same theme. We were pleased to learn thatdonations made on the evening amounted to £61.65 and this was passed on toMaggie's Cancer Care Centre which was Highbury's chosen charity for April.

Judi Marsh

Highbury Church presentsABER VALLEY MALE VOICE CHOIR

SoloistSARAH GRIFFITHS

SATURDAY 23rd JUNE at 7pm

Entrance by programme £10Programmes available from Mary Michael 01242 677897

Offers of help will be gratefully accepted. The main aim is to share an enjoyable evening,

any profit made will be shared betweenthe work of Highbury Church

and the spinal injuries charity BackUp.(See Chosen Charity report on the previous page for more details)

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Highbury News - 8 - June 2012

CONGRATULATIONS to- Justine and Chris Hale on the arrival of a bouncing baby boy, on Tuesday 15th

May, a brother for Evan- Alan and Gwen Taylor who are celebrating their Golden Wedding Anniversaryon Saturday 16th June- Graham Adams, who has been appointed as the Tutor in World Christianity(including Mission Studies) and World Faiths, at Northern College in Manchester(where he completed his training for the Ministry 10 years ago.)BEST WISHES to- Zach who was baptised on Sunday 22nd April, and his parents Denise and John- Shauna Marie and Landon-Lee, baptised on Sunday 29th April, and theirparents Kelly and ShaneBEST WISHES to- Andrew Horsfield and Emma for their marriage on Friday 22nd June- Jacqui Brown and Jon for their marriage on Saturday 23rd JuneGOOD WISHES to those settling into new homes- Ron and Joan Wakeman, as they move to Station Road, Bishops Cleeve- Neil and Elaine Williams, Aimee, Jessica and George, now living in BishopsMeadow, Bishops CleeveIT IS A PLEASURE TO REPORT that- Chris Hale and Ron Wakeman are both home again after spells in hospitalOUR SYMPATHY to- Chris and Deborah, and all in their families, after their mother, Joan Barnes,died peacefully in her sleep on Saturday 28th April, reunited with John after onlytwelve weeksPLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS all those mentioned above - and- Sharon Wallington, Sue Pestell, Sue Garcia and Christine Lodge on the missiontrip to Cochabamba, Bolivia, with Latin Link- Ron Jacques in hospital, and his daughter Rachel- Ray and Margaret Morgan - Caroline and Christopher Gregory- Raymond and Brenda Clarke - Laura MacLeod- Ann and Stan Jones - Joyce Moore- Joan Lee - Ivy Sadler- Ian and Hilare Pulford - Vera and David Williams- Justine Hale’s parents, as her father is in hospital in Wales

News of the Church Family

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Highbury News - 9 - June 2012

- Marguerite Brown recovering from surgery to her broken shoulder- all our near neighbours with homes in Rosehill Street, and in the adjoiningstreets, following the explosion on Thursday 10th May- those affected by the ongoing issues in the Up Hatherley area of Cheltenham- Stefan and Birgit Kürle, as they look for suitable family accommodation, andfor education for Marit, Simeon and Jakob during the six months they plan tospend back in Europe later this year- others with a variety of problems – personal, family, health, work, education- or simply feeling down, and in need of our love and prayerful support

APPRECIATION ...Thank you for the prayers and good wishes from members of Highbury, theywere an immense support while I was in hospital. This support continues todayas I attempt the exercises to get my knee working after eight months in a splint.My appreciation, too, for the flowers and magazines, the latter particularly keptmy brain working with the variety of puzzles. Also, appreciation for the supportPeter received at this difficult time.

Jonquil and Peter Harrison

A GENERAL THANKSGIVING …“In everything give thanks”, wrote the apostle Paul. All my family want ourfriends to know how very much we appreciate the many greetings, cards, andvisits, especially Richard’s, after my recent stroke and stay in the Royal DerbyHospital. The caring of the staff there and that of the Harmony Team of carersis deeply appreciated. It is good to heed the place given to gratitude in theGeneral Thanksgiving, “We bless Thee for our creation preservation, and all theblessings of this life; but above all, for Thine inestimable love in the redemptionof thy world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace and for the hopeof glory.”I recall the faith and discipleship of a young teenager girl in the Youth Club ofone of my churches. In hospital after amputation of her right leg Gloria told meher favourite hymn was the one that included the verse she liked to sing ...

“I thank Thee, too, that all our joyIs touched with pain;That shadows fall on brightest hours;That thorns remain;So that earth’s bliss may be our guide,And not our chain.”

Such exemplary faith.Thank you all for your help and kindness .

Eric Burton

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Highbury News - 10 - June 2012

Open the BookOn Being the Church

Thursday 14th June 7-30 to 9-00pmIn June and July we are going to continue our look at what it means to be thechurch. We began with Jesus, moved on to look at Paul and Peter, and nowturn to James and to John the Divine.Do join us if you can...Thursday 14th June On being the Church ... JamesThursday 12th July On being the Church ... The seven letters of Revelation

Richard Cleaves

Weekend Away at HomeFriday 28th to Sunday 30th September

We’ve been calling it ‘a weekend away at home’ so that we can think of itas a weekend with all the fun, fellowship and stimulating thinking of a BrunelManor Weekend, but without any of the traveling!It really is going to be a weekend away ‘at home’, because when we visitedthe 3C church in Hatherley it became apparent that the facilities therewouldn’t meet with what we needed.So we are going to have the weekend at Highbury!It will begin on the Friday evening with an introduction to the weekend, afun social evening and some worship. The younger children will then haveall the fun of a sleepover.On Saturday we will take up the thinking we have been sharing on ‘what’sspecial about Highbury’ and ‘what it means to be church at Highbury’, andsee if we can come up with those words that describe what we hope andpray Highbury can become.During the afternoon there will be fun to share, and in the evening a QuizNight. On Saturday night Hy-Tec will invite all who are in Year 6 and overto join them in a sleepover. We will then meet on Sunday for our HarvestCelebrations, with news of the Christian Aid Nicaragua partnership.I very much hope the weekend can be for everyone. Wouldn’t it be great tohave a good mix of people from our morning congregation and from ourevening congregation, of children and youngsters, families and older peopletoo!Fill in your booking form now - and look out for more news to follow.

Richard Cleaves

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Highbury News - 11 - June 2012

Chosen CharitiesCommunion offerings and money donated at coffeetime after morning worship will go to our chosencharity for June, which is BackUp - see page 6.The total raised by our communion offerings and bythose who stayed for coffee after morning services inApril, for Maggie’s Cancer Care Centre amountedto £261.93 and the Poetry Evening for Maggie’sraised £61.65

Hy-WayWould you be able to help out from time to time at the lovely Hy-Way groupfor older people? The group meets every Wednesday afternoon from2.00pm to 3.45pm and enjoys a short time of worship, some form of‘entertainment’ – a talk, DVD, quiz or anything else that takes our fancy!We need help to provide transport, preparing the room, hosting theafternoon, leading prayers, providing some kind of entertainment, makingmugs of tea, washing up and clearing away.Any amount of help welcome. It’s a great group and fun to be with.Please get in touch to find out more.Have a chat with Janet Rhodes or Joyce Jones.Or contact me:Jenny Bartlett.( 01242 231644 - [email protected]

Our meetings continue on Wednesday afternoons in Junein the Morton Brown Room  and all are welcome to join us!

Welcoming Team for JuneSunday MORNING Sunday EVENINGJean Gregory Iain McLeodKate Blazey Lynda IngramKatherine Stanley

Vestry DutySunday MORNING Sunday EVENINGJohn Pickles John Lewis

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Highbury News - 12 - June 2012

Prayers for CheltenhamMonday to Friday12-30 to 12-45

St Mary’s Church in the Town CentrePeople from all the churches of Cheltenham are invited to join together inprayer for our town each weekday lunchtime from 12-30 to 12-45 in StMary’s, the parish church of Cheltenham.

Abbeyfield Awareness WeekYou are invited to a Garden Party

at

Heathercroft, St Luke’s Roadon

Saturday 9th June from 3.00pmLight refreshments will be served and there will be a Bring & Buy Stall

Do come, whatever the weather!This is an opportunity for you to learn more of what the Abbeyfield Society,with its many branches, actually does throughout the UK.Some of you might be interested in offering your services on the committee,whilst others might well benefit from the accommodation.

Olga Slack

Advance Notice – date for your diarySaturday 27th October at 7pm

UKEBOX JURYPlease join us for a fun evening of music with this Ukelele Band

- more details will follow nearer the timeLorraine Gasside

An elderly man was stopped by the police around 2:00am and was asked wherehe was going at that time of night.The man replied, "I'm on my way to a lecture about alcohol abuse and theeffects it has on the human body, as well as smoking and staying out late."The officer then asked, "Really? Who's giving that lecture at this time of night?"The man replied, "My wife."

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Highbury News - 13 - June 2012

Prayer Rota for Sundays in June Morning

Sunday 3rd June Sharon WallingtonSunday 10th June Mary Michael

Sunday 17th June Richard Cleaves Sunday 24th June June Tremlett

EveningSunday 17th June John Lewis

S.W. Midlands Area of the Congregational Federationinvites us to pray for …

Sunday 3rd June Hope Community Church, Bristol Sunday 10th June All preachers on Congregational Sunday Sunday 17th June All fathers Sunday 24th June South Cerney

Prayer Focus - District 6Adrian and Kate Blazey, Grace and Joel

Gwen ClarkCarolyn Clifford

Andy and Linda Grice, Benjamin and Charis Anna (Salem Baptist Church)

Chris and Justine Hale, Evan and his new baby brotherMalcolm and Anne Hopkins

Dan and Solu Moses, and Andrea

Janet PartingtonGwyneth Rattle

Clive and Sue SillenceLaura Sillence

Richard and Rebecca SillenceFrank and Barbara Smith

Alan and Gwen TaylorPeter and Carolyn Tennant, Ashley and Felicia

Iain and Sharon Wallington, Tabitha, Murray and AngusDeacon: Darryl Mills

Visitors: Jenny Bartlett, Dan Moses, Peter and Carolyn Tennant

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Highbury News - 14 - June 2012

Day Meeting Contact Tel. Number

Sunday 10-30am Morning Service Richard Cleaves

Sunday 6-30pm Evening Service Richard Cleaves

Sunday 7-15pm Hy-Tec Adrian Blazey

Monday 6-45pm Scouts Andy Sargent

Tuesday 9-45am Toddlers Felicity Cleaves

Tuesday 5-45pm Transformers Carolyn Tennant

Wednesday 2-00pm Hy-Way Sue Cole

Wednesday 6-15pm Cubs Ian Miller

Wednesday 6-00pm Brownies Christine Lodge

3rd Wednesday 8pm House Group Sharon Wallington

Thursday 10 - 11.30 Community Café Felicity Cleaves

Thursday 7-30pm Church Meeting

Deacons’ Meeting

Open the Book

Sue Cole

Richard Cleaves

Friday 7-00pm Guides Tania Ashdown

Friday 7-30pm Choir Mary Clifford

Saturday 10-00am Beavers Amanda Sargent

1st Saturday 2-30pm Friendship Group Olga Slack

2nd Saturday 6.30pm Hy-Speed Peter Tennant

Sunday 9-30 am Hy-Spirit Mary Buchanan

Highbury LunchThis month the lunch will be held onWednesday 13th June at 12.30pm

All are welcome to come along,bring your friends and neighbours -just let us know you are coming!

The Cooking Team

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Highbury News - 15 - June 2012

Calendar for June 2012

Saturday 2nd 2.30pm Friendship Group for those who live alone

SUNDAY 3rd 10.30am Morning Worship 12.30 for 1.00pm Big Jubilee Lunch Party (see page 21) 6.30pm Evening Prayers with Holy Communion

Saturday 9th 6.30pm Hy-Speed for younger members 8.30pm Hy-Speed for older members

SUNDAY 17th FATHERS’ DAY SPECIAL 9.30am Hy-Speed Breakfast and Racing

10.30am All Age Service and Hy-Speed Awards 11.15am Hy-Speed Café and Racing 6.30pm Evening Prayers

Saturday 23rd 7.30pm Aber Valley Male Voice Choir Concert (see page 7)

SUNDAY 24th 10.30am Morning Worship with Holy Communion 4.00pm Messy Church Parade 6.30pm Evening PrayersMonday 25th 8.00pm Junior Church Leaders' Meeting

SUNDAY 10th CONGREGATIONAL SUNDAY 10.30am Morning Worship led by Adrian Wyatt, the Minister of Kingswood, Wotton-under-Edge & Mission

Enabler in the South West Midlands Area 6.30pm Evening Prayers led by Barbara Bridges, Minister of Moreton-in-Marsh, and the Area Church Support WorkerTuesday 12th 7.30pm HOPE GroupWednesday 13th 12.30pm Highbury Lunch (see page 14)Thursday 14th 7.30pm Open the Book (see page 10)

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For Such a Time as This

The CongregationalFederation AnnualAssemblyThe highlight of this year’s annualassembly came part way through themorning when Pete Tennant joinedrepresentatives of two other churchesand went on the platform to receive aCommunity Project Award on behalf ofHy-Speed. It was great to see thepromotional film that had been puttogether telling Hy-Speed’s story, andto feel that our initiative was receivingwider recognition. Congratulations toeveryone in the Hy-Speed team for agreat achievement.This year marked the fortiethanniversary of the CongregationalFederation. Felicity and I joined otherpast presidents and many other friendsfor a weekend of celebrations thatbegan with a fringe meeting in Stirlingon the Friday evening.I joined Roberta Rominger, GeneralSecretary of the URC and DavidRichards, pioneering a freshexpressions Studio Church inManchester, on a panel. We lookedforward and dreamed dreams aboutthe future of the church.That afternoon CongregationalFederation Ministers from Scotland hadmet for the first time with URCministers in Scotland in a fellowshipmeeting. It was great to sense acoming together in friendship 40 yearson from the parting of the waysbetween the URC and theCongregational Federation.

After the fringe meeting, twenty-five ofus returned to the city centre hotelwhere we were staying, and made ourway to the historic observatory on topof the roof. As the skies cleared wedelighted in catching a glimpse ofSaturn and its rings!Saturday’s Assembly began with anaddress from Malcolm Muir, theincoming President, challenging us toreflect on the times we live in, beforemoving on to some inspiring reports ofthe mission our churches are involvedin ... from Nicaragua to Zambia, froma breakfast club in rural Devon to ourvery own Hy-Speed.In the afternoon I had been invited toreflect on the new look the Federationhas, and it was particularly excitingthen to take a look at the newdevelopments in training, that is verymuch going from strength to strengthat the moment.The Assembly saw the launch of a newintroduction to Church Membershipthat Suzanne and John Nockels haveput together. ‘Christ in all Things’ is anexcellent introduction to what churchmembership means in theCongregational Federation, andsomething I very much hope to use inthe autumn.Alan Argent had published a primer onCongregational Principles, called ‘TheHousehold of Faith’. Although brief, itis a substantial look at ourCongregational way of being thechurch and its historical background.Well worth a read.

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Highbury News - 17 - June 2012

There was a very positive feel to theAssembly and a sense of fellowshipand shared purpose in all we weredoing.Running alongside the Assembly, andoverlapping with it in part, CF-Xtrawere meeting.It was great to see Ruth and Sweepfrom Hy-Tec playing a leadership rolein the new work that is being done byCF-Xtra among the young people ofthe Congregational Federation.Having hosted the first and last CFYouth Easter Conferences at Highburyit was great to see two people fromHighbury playing a key role in the startof CF-Xtra.On the Sunday, Felicity and I joined adozen others at the CongregationalChurch in Perth where we listened toBruce Anderson from South Africapreaching on the challenge of our faithto our churches today.Our weekend came to an end with atime of worship on the Mondaymorning.

It was good to be there with friends,old and new.  And great to feel thatwhat we are doing at Highbury is notonly part of our Congregational Familyof churches, but also honoured byothers as well!Put Saturday 11th May 2013 in yourdiary and join us at the next Assembly.It is to be held at a Conference Centrenear Tonbridge, in Kent, and againthere will be an opportunity to make aweekend of it, with a fringe meeting onthe Friday evening and worship toshare on Sunday.

Richard Cleaves

For such a time as this ...comes to Highbury

Fathers’ DaySunday 17th June

In a special service on Father’s Day weshall be receiving the CommunityProject Award Hy-Speed won.With the Hy-Speed track set up overbreakfast, and a special service forFathers’ Day, it’s something not to miss!

Inner PeaceIf you can start the day without caffeine,if you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,if you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,if you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it,if you can understand when your loved ones are too busy

to give you any time,if you can take criticism and blame without resentment,if you can conquer tension without medical help,if you can relax without alcohol,if you can sleep without the aid of drugs,then you are probably …… the family dog!

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Joan Eileen BarnesJoan was born on 1st July 1921 inTwyford near Shaftesbury, in Dorset.She had three older brothers, bornbefore World War I, and four youngersiblings. Her early life was very rural,with no modern conveniences, and shewalked one and a half miles to schooleach day, and to the Methodist Chapelat Compton Abbas. Between the agesof 11 and 17 she had a free place atShaftesbury High School for girls.After leaving school she worked in achildren’s convalescent home inBognor, as a Nursery Nurse, untilWorld War II when they wereevacuated to Bournemouth.Joan then did he general nursingtraining from 1940 to 1943 followed byMidwifery, at the West MiddlesexHospital and Luton Maternity Hospital.From 1946 to 1947 she did a HealthVisiting Course in Birmingham, when itwas a very cold winter and Joan hadher first experience of treating babieswith hypothermia.Throughout those years Joan gave animmense amount of selfless service insome very harsh conditions, throughthe blitz in Bournemouth when shewould have to get patients out of thebed and under the beds for safety; andthen the squalor of post-warEdgbaston and Birmingham where sheworked among people who themselveswere working in the heavy industry ofchain factories; and as a Health Visitorwhen she rode a bicycle at all times.Joan then returned to Bournemouthand worked with a friend at hermother’s Maternity Nursing Home; andshe met John, who described how he

“spotted this apparition in a whiteuniform and fell for her straightaway!!” They had a wonderfulrelationship, a shared love, a sharedpartnership; they always discussedeverything together - before Johnwould have the last word!They attended Richmond HillCongregational Church (now URC)where they were married on 26th

January 1952 during the ministry ofTrevor Davies. Both already belongedto that big church, which was so full ona Sunday evening you had to be thereearly to find a seat.John and Joan came to Cheltenham,becoming members of Highbury whenRev Harold Hilary was the minister,and they would either cycle or walk tochurch from their home inLeckhampton. Joan joined the YoungWives group, did Scottish dancing, andtook part in Ruby Cole’s concerts.She worked at Sunnyside and St Paul’s(Cheltenham Maternity Hospital) untilshe and John were fortunate inadopting Christopher and Deborah.When they were settled in school Joanworked part time at BerkhampsteadSchool, but would contain her hoursinside the school day so that she wasalways there for them when they camehome. Joan and John made sure theyhad a family holiday each year – butafter the school holidays when it wascheaper! It was usually a week inBournemouth, and it was all about‘family time’ with lots of fun and afocus on the youngsters. John wouldpractice loading the car – Joan wouldsmile, and be much more laid back!

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Highbury News - 19 - June 2012

One treat Joan enjoyed was to go toCavendish House with a friend on aSaturday afternoon. She would dressup, complete with her hat, and theywould have a cup of tea and a fancycake – all served in the best china.The family moved to Prestbury Roadand later to Warden Hill, and this waswhen they were asked by RevLawrence Squires to attend WardenHill Congregational Church (now URC),which was in the process of being built.Meanwhile a small group would gathertogether for worship at the home ofDick Adams’ aunt and uncle, Nanceand Irving Tiffen. When the newchurch opened Joan helped in JuniorChurch with Arthur Berry as the leader,and Alan Berry played the Harmonium.Before Warden Hill Church joined theURC John and Joan and othersreturned to Highbury, and Joan againhelped in Junior Church, with JeanneDavies as leader. They were veryhappy but hectic times with a numberof disturbed children from Barnardo’sHome and Hallaton House children’shome in Sydenham Villas Road. Joanregularly went to Hallaton House toread, play and do crafts with thechildren in an evening.Joan also taught adult literacy, havingpeople at her home in the evening,teaching them to read the simplest ofbooks.Retiring at 60, Joan and John moved toGodwin Close, and shared wardenduties in that very pleasant area.About ten years ago Joan told a little ofher life story in Highbury. Grapplingwith the issue of euthanasia, Joandrew on her wisdom in nursing,

recognising that there are some severeillnesses where palliative care isimportant, even if it should riskshortening life. She spoke movingly ofsome of her experiences in nursing andof the way there were times whenpneumonia could be regarded as‘nature’s way’, a friend not a foe … andthen she quoted the couplet: “Thoushalt not kill but need’st not striveofficiously to keep alive.”Joan loved all her family. She was avery gentle loving person who wasalways there for her children,supporting them in music lessons,encouraging them to go on trips,welcoming French exchange students- and she even helped to choose herdaughter-in-law’s wedding dress. Shemade wonderful scones and Christmaspuddings, and the grandchildrenremember always having Ribena in aglass with a straw!John and Joan spent a life time inserving others – organising lunches, atthe Senior Citizens Club in Hester’sWay, attending the blind club at StMichael’s and the Cornerstone Centre.Joan never complained about anyillness or anything. She never thoughtshe had less than anyone else, andnever envied anyone. (She and Johndidn’t like throwing things away andkept nine suitcases of treasures in theloft!)It was always lovely to meet with Joan,and to share in prayer with her. Shewas someone who, in her gentlenessand quiet faith, was very special.Joan summed up her own life saying,“I have had a very happy life, helpedby my faith, family, friends and music.”

Page 20: Highbury News June

Highbury News - 20 - June 2012

Recently there have been some problems with my letters reaching Moffat - Ihave received another two from him, but he expresses concern of what hedescribes as 'your silence of late.'  This is a particular worry for him as he hasheard that Cecilia's school fees have not been received.  I am trying to find outwhat has caused the delay, but please would you pray about this because it isso important for Cecilia to continue to receive an education.  There seems tohave been a breakdown in channeling the money through.Better news in his second letter though - he has now heard from me.  The otherpiece of good news is that in March his cardiologist expressed satisfaction at thestate of his health.  (Moffat is having treatment for the symptoms of an enlargedheart and is responding well.)  Unfortunately he does need to eat sensibly andhealthily - not easy in prison.  We have been sending quarterly payments to himto help with this, but there is at present a problem in getting the money throughto him.  Please pray for this worrying situation to be quickly resolved.Also, in your prayers please remember Moses Chansa (an ex-prisoner, now anevangelist) who is finding life very challenging with financial, health andaccommodation problems.There are a number of prisoners desperate for penfriends - they need tocorrespond with Christians who can encourage them in their faith.  If you wouldlike to know more, or consider the idea please let me know. (I have receivedfour requests just recently.)

Judi Marsh

Update on Moffat in death row in Zambia

Page 21: Highbury News June

Highbury News - 21 - June 2012

On Sunday 3rd June we are holding a Big Jubilee Lunch at church tocelebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.You are all invited to join in – it will begin after we have had coffee followingmorning worship, and if the weather is kind, we shall accept Richard andFelicity’s invitation to use the Manse garden. Alternatively we shall use thechurch hall.To help with the catering please add your name to the list which can befound on the corridor notice board by the car park door.The cost is £3 per head, or £10 per family. Please see me if you have anydietary requirements, or if you need any further information.

Jean Gregory( (01242) 526002

Big Jubilee Lunch Party!Sunday 3rd June

12.30pm for 1.00pm

Message from the Queento holders of Big Jubilee Lunches

I am delighted that the organisers of The Big Lunch arehelping people from across the United Kingdom andfurther afield to hold Big Jubilee Lunches as part of thecelebrations to mark my Diamond Jubilee in 2012.I send my very best wishes to you and all of those whowill be present for what I hope will be a mostmemorable and enjoyable event.

ELIZABETH R.

Page 22: Highbury News June

Highbury News - 22 - June 2012

2012 SummerOlympic Games

The 2012 Summer Olympic Games will beheld in London from 27th July to 12th August,followed by the 2012 Paralympic Gamesfrom 29th August to 9th September.

How many times has Londonhosted the Olympics?London hosted the Olympic games in1908 and 1948.How many countries are expectedto take part in the London 2012Olympics?It is expected that 205 nations to takepart in 300 events at the OlympicGames in 2012.147 nations will take part in theParalympic Games.The RingsThe Olympic Rings are five interlockingrings that stand for the five originalcontinents, (Africa, America, Asia,Australia, and Europe) and the athletesfrom around the world.The colours of the rings are blue,yellow, black, green, and redrespectively. They were chosenbecause at least one of these coloursis found on the flag of every nation.The FlagOn the Olympic flag, the rings appearon a white background.At the Olympic Games, the flag will bebrought into the stadium during theopening ceremony. After its arrival, theflag will be hoisted up the flagpole. Itmust fly in the stadium during thewhole of the Games. When the flag islowered at the closing ceremony, it willsignals the end of the Games.

MottoThe motto of the Olympic Games is"Swifter, Higher, Stronger". Thesethree words encourage the athlete togive his or her best during competition,and to view this effort as a victory initself.To better understand the motto, wecan compare it with the following well-known phrase:The most important thing is not to winbut to take part!The FlameThe Olympic flame is one of the best-known features of the Games.From the moment the flame is lit to themoment it goes out, a very preciseritual is laid down:The lightingIn memory of the Olympic Games’origins, the flame has already been litin Olympia, Greece, and is now beingcarried by relay runners, around theUK to London, the host city of 2012.Arrival at the stadiumOn Friday 27th July the flame will enterthe stadium for the opening of theGames. With the lighting of thecauldron by the last relay runner theflame will be transferred from the torchto the place where it will continue toburn for the entire length of the 2012Games; and it will be extinguished onthe final day at the closing ceremony.

Page 23: Highbury News June

Highbury News - 23 - June 2012

Malawi is situated in central Africa. It is landlocked, but is largely bordered onone side by Lake Malawi. This huge body of water is 365 miles long by 52 mileswide, making it one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world.The country is one of the most densely populated countries on earth withapproximately 15 million inhabitants.Most of Malawi’s income is derived from agricultural products, including tobacco,tea, coffee, sugar, corn and spices.Education is improving, and since 1994 children have been able to access freeschooling, which has vastly improved literacy rates within the young people.Sport is a very popular pastime, with football, which was brought to Malawiwhen it was a British Colony, being the sport of choice to most Malawians.Since independence in the 1960s, volleyball, basketball, athletics, rugby, squashand cricket have all grown in popularity, and the more recent growth oftelevision within the country has further encouraged these.This may not be news to you, but others may wonder why they are readingabout Malawi!Well, the Malawian Olympic Team will be based in Gloucestershire prior to andduring the London 2012 Olympics. This will undoubtedly be a wonderfulexperience for the County, providing an opportunity to see some of the world’sbest athletes, and getting to know more about their beautiful country.Malawi has sent a team to the Olympics on eight occasions in the past.Unfortunately they have not had any medal success to date. However, perhapsthis will change at the London Olympics.Malawians generally compete best in athletics and swimming events. This yearit is expected that Malawi will send a team of about 35 who will compete inathletics, boxing, cycling, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo and weightlifting;and about 15 coaches and officials.The team will be staying at the University of Gloucestershire, and will have fulluse of all the great facilities in Cheltenham, including Leisure@Cheltenham,Sandford Park Lido and the Prince of Wales Stadium. The University will providea base for the team to reside, socialise and do some last minute preparationsfor the gruelling Olympic tests that will follow.It’s great news that the Spirit of the Olympics will be in evidence so close tohome, and it will provide an opportunity for members of the community towatch world class power-house athletes – a great way to be involved in theOlympic Games!

Olympiansfrom Malawi

The 26 sports of the LondonOlympics will be taking place in 28different venues.

The 20 sports of the LondonParalympics will be taking place in 21different venues.

Page 24: Highbury News June

Highbury News - 24 - June 2012

The best is yet to come …There was a young woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness andhad been given three months to live. As she was getting her things 'in order,'she contacted her Minister and asked him come to her house to discuss certainaspects of her final wishes.She told him which songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures shewould like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in. Everything was inorder and the Minister was preparing to leave when the young woman suddenlyremembered something very important to her.“There's one more thing,” she said excitedly …“What's that?” came the Minister’s reply.“This is very important,” the young woman continued. “I want to be buried witha fork in my right hand.”The Minister stood looking at the young woman, not knowing quite what to say.“That surprises you?” the young woman asked.“Well, to be honest, I'm puzzled by the request,” said the Minister.The young woman explained. “My grandmother once told me this story, andfrom that time on I have always tried to pass on its message to those I love andthose who are in need of encouragement. In all my years of attending socialsand dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course werebeing cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say, 'Keep your fork.' Itwas my favourite part because I knew that something better was coming ... likevelvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie, something wonderful, and with‘substance!' So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork inmy hand and I want them to wonder 'What's with the fork?' Then I want you totell them: 'Keep your fork ... the best is yet to come.”The Minister's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the young womangood-bye. He knew this would be one of the last times he would see her beforeher death, but he also knew that the young woman had a better grasp of heaventhan he did. She had a better grasp of what heaven would be like than manypeople twice her age, with twice as much experience and knowledge. She KNEWthat something better was coming.At the funeral people were walking by the young woman's casket and they sawthe cloak she was wearing and the fork placed in her right hand.Over and over, the Minister heard the question, 'What's with the fork?'And over and over he smiled.During his message, the Minister told the people of the conversation he had withthe young woman shortly before she died.He also told them about the fork and about what it symbolised to her.

Page 25: Highbury News June

Highbury News - 25 - June 2012

He told the people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told themthat they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either.So the next time you reach down for your fork let it remind you, ever so gently,that the best is yet to come.

You know you are living in 2012 when...1. You accidentally enter your PIN on the microwave2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of three4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that theydon't have e-mail addresses6. You pull up in your own driveway and use your mobile ’phone to see ifanyone is home to help you carry in the groceries7. Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen8. Leaving the house without your mobile ’phone, which you didn't even havethe first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic, and youturn around to go and fetch it10. You get up in the morning and go on line before getting your coffee11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile : )12 You're reading this and nodding and laughing13. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to show this article14. You are too busy to notice there was no 9 on this list15. You actually looked back to check that there wasn't a 9 on this list

Did you know that ….

Each king in a deck ofplaying cards represents agreat king from history:

Spades - King David

Hearts - Charlemagne

Clubs - Alexander,the Great

Diamonds - Julius Caesar

Page 26: Highbury News June

Highbury News - 26 - June 2012

W.S. TrenhaileFuneral Directors

Private Chapels

of ReposeApostle House

175 London Road

Charlton Kings

GL53 6HN

Tel: 01242 224897

Mason & StokesFuneral Directors

David MasonRichard Mason

Joy MasonA Family BusinessProviding a Caring

Day and Night Service

Tudor Lodge54 Hewlett Road

CheltenhamGL52 6AH

Tel: 01242 224877

Help and Advice onPre-Arranged Funeral Plans

DJLMAINTENANCE

Danny James-Locke

All aspects of propertymaintenance

Telephone 01242 233921

Mobile 07901 852536

Evening ServiceReaders’ Rota

The readers in June will be:

3rd June Phil Arnold10th June John Lewis17th June Mary Michael24th June James Martin

I am using the names I alreadyhave, but if there are otherswho would like to be includedon this rota please let me know.

Jonquil Harrison01242 520522

Please support our advertisersand tell them you saw it here

Christ has no hands but your hands to do his work today.He has no feet but your feet to seek out those who stray.He has no eyes but your eyes to shine with God’s great love.He has no lips but your lips to lift men’s hearts above.

Page 27: Highbury News June

Highbury News - 27 - June 2012

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Page 28: Highbury News June

Highbury News - 28 - June 2012

Toddler Group / Transformers for school years 3-6 / Hy-tec for 11s & overChoir/ Music, House and Prayer Groups / Alpha: exploring faith / Hy-Way /

Friendship Group / Scouting / Guiding / etc.For a chat, or to find out more, ring Richard Cleaves on 01242 522050

Sundays at 10.30amA time for all the Church family

to share in worship -groups for children and young people

A place to share Christian friendship,explore Christian faith andenter into Christian mission

Sundays at 6.30pmquiet, reflective evening prayers

with a focus onBiblical teaching

Highbury Congregational Church

Countdown to the Olympics and Paralympicsin Prayer

More than Gold have put together a prayer calendar for the Olympics andParalympics ... here are some of their prayers ...Security Pray for all the security arrangements being made for the Gamesand the activities of the churches. For the protection of people, buildingsand open-air venues, and for the security personnel involved.Athletes Family Homestay Christian families will soon be hosting peoplecoming to the UK to watch their loved-ones compete in the Games, whowould otherwise not be able to afford to come. May warm hospitality speakvolumes about the love and kindness of God.Games Pastors Pray for those getting ready to serve as Games Pastor,meeting the practical, emotional and spiritual needs of people passingthrough the major transport hubs. Pray the Lord will open their eyes toneeds and opportunities and give them the wisdom to respond.Team GB Pray for our home-grown athletes, that they will be kept frominjury. Pray that they will work together as a team and be a greatinspiration to our young people, as they compete with integrity and grace.Pray they will know how to handle media attention.

www.morethangold.org.uk