grapevine

Sandal Parish Magazine

January 2006

 

The Smile on the Face
of the Church - The Spring

There are all sorts of ways you could describe The Spring;  it is the church
midweek, the heartbeat of the Parish, the smile on the face of the Church, a place of hospitality and hope, where people feel welcomed, loved and appreciated as well as well fed.   It’s also a good place to get a bargain;  you could say that Discoveries is in the recycling business.   The Spring embodies the Love of Christ in a very down-to-earth, practical way.

 

 

Erick (right) and friends enjoy the hospitality of The Spring on Christmas Day

 

Jesus said that we should feed the hungry, clothe and help people, build relationships, proclaim good news, love our neighbour, serve others, show compassion, pray at all times.   I hope that we can live up to these standards through our service at The Spring.

There are only three images on the walls of The Spring.   Above the entrance is a cross, the sign of the loving sacrifice of Jesus, which enables us to receive the forgiveness of God and the right to become God’s children.    On the middle wall there is a painting of Jesus washing Peter’s feet.  You can see the face of Jesus mirrored in the bowl of water if you look closely.  This represents the servant heart of Jesus and of those who serve faithfully at The Spring.  Jesus said:   “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.   I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”     John 13:14-15

Finally, in the children’s corner is a beautiful painting by Gauguin of a girl praying.  This reminds us that The Spring downstairs is also a place of meeting for children and young people who are a vital part of God’s family.  It also reminds us of the centrality of prayer in the life of The Spring.   Every morning we gather for prayer and we also pray for people who ask us to.

Let us thank God for his presence with us in The Spring, for all those who work hard in Oasis and Discoveries and for all those who visit The Spring for whatever reason.  We aim to make everyone welcome, accepted and loved, just as we try to fulfill the church’s mission which is the same as that of Jesus
that:            the lost are found
            the found grow and
            the lonely are enfolded.

Let me end with the prayer which Rose Lee composed for The Spring when it opened in September 1997.

“Father of all we ask for your blessing on The Spring.  May your love abide within its walls and may all who enter feel the warmth of your presence.  Help us to give them the welcome we would give to you.  We pray that the door of The Spring be wide open enough to receive all who need human love and fellowship, and may it provide a refuge from the busyness of the day, a place of joy and laughter, where friends - old and young - can meet.  Grant that in every activity we may have the seal of your approval, so that The Spring continues to be a living witness to your unfailing love, giving you the honour and the glory.   We ask all these things in Jesus’ name.  Amen”

Rupert Martin -  Vicar

 

Table of Contents

Spring Questionnaire    

Letter from Discoveries    

Who are you?    

Joan Witts    

Terry Hollands     

News    

Audrey Pitchforth Retirement from Discoveries    

News from Erick    

A Christmas Gift from Terry    

Letter of thanks received from Noadia Makale..    

Racial & Religious Hatred Bill Update    

Our Bells May Become Silent..    

News from The African Connection    

Events    

Youth Leaders & Helpers Thank you Evening    

Invitation from John Walker & Margaret Palmer    

Parcevall Hall - Open Quiet Days 2006    

Marriage Course in 2006    

Leadership Training - 4th February    

Diary    

Provision for Children During Services    

Future Dates for Your Diary    

Prayers    

Prayers for Healing    

Prayers for those Recently Married    

Prayer Times ~ All Welcome    

Information    

 

Spring Questionnaire

We have been very encouraged by the questionnaire taken just before Christmas.  Thank you to everyone who took the time to fill it out.  I hope you will agree that the results give a resounding thumbs up to the work of the Spring.  The overall customer satisfaction level is very high at 91%. Here are the results from 70 questionnaires, including a selection of comments.

Male: 31%    
Female 69%

 

        

 

Age

 

 

 

Frequency of Visits

The following charts show the percentage of people who agreed with the statement

 

General Statements - customer satisfaction 90% (1% did not know)

Discoveries Shop - customer satisfaction 87% (2% did not know)

          

Oasis Café - customer satisfaction 94% (less than 1% did not know)

      

A selection of comments:

A pleasure to visit.  Everything good.
Very friendly place to be.
Lovely environment - good service, smiling people who raise spirits.   A wonderful idea providing an excellent service for us.   Thank you.
The Spring is fantastic - we love coming here and the children’s food is healthy and great value.
Staff are always friendly, helpful and polite whenever I have visited.
Good fellowship can be enjoyed here.
Many thanks for the service.   I am willing to help.
A very nice welcoming environment.
Grandson (two and a half) loves the chocolate cake!!
Lovely soup.
All my visits have been very pleasant and welcoming.   Thank you.
The selection of veg given with a meal is wonderful.  It is nice to have a home cooked meal in such a nice, friendly smoke-free environment.  Thank you.
Continues to be a community asset.
The atmosphere is always warm and welcoming and we really enjoy coming;  the meals are excellent value and the cakes are delicious.

Letter from Discoveries

I have been asked to write a short article, as Discoveries Manager, on my work at The Spring.  Where do I start?  The Spring has revolutionised my life in the past eight years.  I took early retirement from teaching nine years ago, feeling quite jaded and disillusioned with my job, not knowing that God had something really exciting in store for me.  I was quite surprised when Rupert asked me if I was interested in being Discoveries Manager as I had never considered doing anything other than teaching from about the age of 4!   However I took to the job like a duck to water - in fact it’s not really a job, more an all-consuming passion!  I can’t adequately describe the buzz I get from coming to work.  I actually look forward to getting up in the morning nowadays.  There is never a dull moment and it is such rewarding work.
My priority in serving in The Spring is to facilitate the wonderful ambiance and welcome which we offer to all who come through our doors.  Our customers do not just come to buy food at the cafe or bargains at the shop.  They come to a place where they are welcomed with a smile, listened to and made to feel special.  We hope they see God’s love in our service and, for some, it is their only experience of church.  I have heard on more than one occasion a customer telling someone on her phone, “I’m up at church at the moment!”  It is sometimes hard to greet all our customers with a smile but, remembering that we are serving Christ in gratitude for all he gives us, does help us to keep going on occasions.  We are more than rewarded by seeing that we are making a difference to many, many lives.  I must finish by saying a great Thank You to all our volunteers, without whose hard work and dedication all this would not be possible.

                                 Joan

Who are you?

Each month we will be profiling different people from the church and community.  This month our focus is Terry and Joan from The Spring.

Joan Witts

News

Audrey Pitchforth Retirement from Discoveries

Audrey Pitchforth will be retiring as Assistant Manager at Discoveries Shop at the end of March this year, having served at The Spring since it opened in September 1997, first as a volunteer, and for the last seven years as Assistant Manager.  We are immensely grateful to her for all that she has contributed to the life of The Spring and the growth of Discoveries and we wish her every blessing in her retirement from paid employment.  We will be saying a proper farewell at our Spring Volunteers’ Tea 3-5pm on Monday 23rd January, and at our Spring Commissioning Service and Joint Parish Communion at 10am on Sunday 29th January at St. Helen’s.

In the meantime we would like to advertise for someone in the church who senses God’s calling to serve as Assistant Manager at Discoveries, beginning in April of this year.  Please would you submit a letter of application, enclosing a CV, to Derek Coombes, at the Parish Office by 31st January.

News from Erick

Sadly, after the third attempt, Erick has been refused a visa by the British High Commission.  Only one out of seven Kenyans who applied for visas through Careforce have been admitted to the UK. this year.  Careforce have decided not to pursue Erick’s application any further.   We still have strong links with Erick and George through the charity African Connection and fund raising for George’s education.  Please pray for Erick as God prepares new work for him to do.  If you would like to be in touch with Erick here is his email:   omondi_erix@yahoo.com

Or text using the telephone number:  00254735827661

A Christmas Gift from Terry

To all those friends, family and customers as well as all my church family who could reasonably expect a Christmas card or present.  I have sent via Arthur (our Mara Link Officer in Musoma) £100 to Bunda Parish to Noadia Makale as my Christmas expenditure.  So instead of your card or pressie, please know that the M.U. will use it to hold a service in the New Year to teach God’s Word.   It will enable them to provide refreshments and resources and I have received a card of thanks.  I hope you all approve!

Letter of thanks received from Noadia Makale..

My dear friend Terry, Greetings in Jesus Christ! My family and I are well.  Thank you for the money you sent. I have put it in the bank and at the beginning of next year 2006, we will have a Mothers’ Union service to teach God’s Word.  Greetings from M.U., the Christian Miembeni students, and Sunday School. May God bless you, love from Noadia Makale.

Racial & Religious Hatred Bill Update

As The Times stated in it’s 10th June editorial, with this Bill “...it is extremely difficult to create an adequate distinction between what would constitute legitimate criticism of faiths and what would constitute a stirring up’ of ‘religious hatred’, without diminishing free speech.”

Whilst proponents are stating the Racial and Religious Hatred Bill would not curtail religious speech, in its current form the Bill will do exactly that - even if there is no intention to do so.

There was quite a heated debate in the House of Lords on 11 October.  Lord Carey made abundantly clear, this bill was opposed, “not for a lack of sympathy, affection for those of other faiths or for what the Government want to achieve, but because the bill is unclear, endangers civil liberties and raises unrealistic expectations.” In the end, the House of Lords voted by a majority of 149 in favour of an opposition to the bill.... and the bill will soon be referred back to the House of Commons where MPs will be working on amendments.  We must not allow MPs or Lords to believe the action of the House of Lords is sufficient.   We must continue to make it clear we oppose any bill that will limit religious expression.  If you have not already done so, please take a moment to complete and return the Statement of Objection (located on the welcome desk in St. Helen’s).  It is so important to make your voice heard.      
To see how your MP voted please visit:   www.premier.org.uk/bill .

Our Bells May Become Silent..

.. if no-one volunteers to learn to ring them and progress to Sunday ringing for the call to worship!  In addition to giving a great deal of service to St. Helen’s, you could be helping keep alive a wonderful 400 year old tradition of change ringing in England.  Our team is shrinking, and it is often difficult to raise enough ringers for the one per rope/bell needed, and we only manage to ring for weddings with the help of ringers from other towers.  In spite of last year’s positive press coverage (and lots of visits during the celebration weekend) no-one showed further interest, although Kieran Moxham has since started learning, joining his dad, Clive in the tower as a ringer instead of a watcher.  I’m told that in the U.K. there are more than 40,000 bellringers (we only need a few more).  They come from all walks of life, in all shapes and sizes, can be musical or non-musical, church-goers or non church-goers, aged from about 10 to 80+ (Sandal’s oldest in my memory was over 90).  So come on, please give us a try, every team needs enough players whatever sport or activity they take part in and it is good exercise!  Once you can ‘handle’ a bell there are lots of interesting developments to follow so you won’t get bored, and the company’s not bad either!  Contact John & Margot Cutt, Tel. 255918

News from The African Connection

Dear Friends,
It gives us great delight to bring you news of The Village Project (Komenya East Africa).  Jackie (volunteer unofficial teacher), Joseph (sponsored secondary student) and Lillian (college student Nairobi based) have returned home to assist in Christmas events.  These young people would not be in education today if it were not for you.  Today we have a library where children can come and study after school with a bright kerosene lamp instead of a candle.  Thanks to you, 30 children (one child per family) are in school and at this moment in time a local lady and her assistants are busy making uniforms for the new January school year - shirt/blouse, trousers/skirt, socks and for the second Christmas, each child will be kitted out with a good pair of second hand shoes.  They will start the school year with a good strong school bag and be provided with a pen, pencil and exercise book for school work.  In  Peter’s words “the families will indeed celebrate the joy of Christmas” and provision has been made by the project for each child to take home with them on Christmas Eve:  1 kilo maize flour, 1 kilo sugar and cooking fat to share with their families.  Two of the project’s youngsters have just sat their final examinations and are awaiting the results but secondary education will not come automatically for them, as in England.   School fees would cost approx. £500 per year per student (including uniform and school books) so we will have to think about how we can move forward in that field and it would probably entail consideration of scholarships for the brightest children.  Thank you for your continued support, your great ideas, your “bums on seats” when we are having a do,  baking and cooking skills, and your card-craft making, to name but a few.  If you have a desire to sponsor a child, it is now possible to subscribe to the project using a standing order facility.  If you wish you could have the money collected from you personally - this can be monthly or annually.  £2 per week (minimum) is what is need to sustain a child in Africa, ie uniform, shoes and basics.   Please contact the contribution co-ordinator Jean Ramswell on 01924 257171.  
Standing order details are as follows:      

Bank - The Royal Bank of Scotland

Sort Code - 16-33-27
A/c Name -    African Connection

A/c number - 10120318

Please ensure you give your name to the bank for our reference when deciding the amount you wish to pledge monthly.  Once again, thank you on behalf of the children for taking the time to read this information and we look forward to any comments and advice you feel able to offer along with practical help.            African Connection

Events

Youth Leaders & Helpers Thank you Evening

All leaders and helpers in our children’s and young people’s groups are invited to meet on 14th January, 6-8pm in the Emmaus Rooms at St. Helen’s for cheese, wine and inspiration.   Thanks for all you have done and every blessing for the New Year.     Sally

Invitation from John Walker & Margaret Palmer

Everyone is welcome to join us at the Dedication of Marriage Ceremony at 3pm on 28th January at St. Helen’s.  Mulled wine and shortbread will be available after the service until 4.30pm.

Parcevall Hall - Open Quiet Days 2006

Monday 20 March        ‘The End is the Beginning’ - Watching & Waiting
Monday   3 July        ‘We Walk and We Stumble’ - Doing & Being
Monday   4 September    ‘Failure & Faith Hold Hands’ - Faithing & Failing
Monday 13 November    ‘Who Will Listen’ - Hearing & Heeding

Gently aided Quiet Days led by Rev. Paul Booth 10am - 4pm.  Plenty of quiet space to enjoy the ‘beauty of holiness’ that Parcevall Hall and gardens offer;  corporate worship at noon.  Drinks provided:  please bring your own lunch.

Freewill offering for the work of Parcevall Hall,  Appletreewick, Skipton BD23 6DG.   Tel. 01756 720213 or email: Parcevall@bradford.anglican.org .

Marriage Course in 2006

Following the success of our first Marriage Course last summer in our new Emmaus Rooms, we will be holding a second course beginning on 8th May 2006 in St. Helen’s, and running for seven sessions until 10th July.
Wherever we are in our marriage, we can benefit from a course that gives each couple time together to share and enjoy each other’s company.  For further details please contact Rupert and Sally Martin, 255441.

Leadership Training - 4th February

In October last year, Sally and I and several members of the Staff Team, Mavis Rowley, Pam Payling, Joan Witts, Terry Hollands and Bob Bailey went to a Leaders’ Conference in Bracknell, where we heard some inspirational talks on different aspects of Christian leadership.  We have brought back some DVD’s of these talks which we would love to share with anyone who has any kind of leadership responsibility in the church.  I am so grateful that we do have about seventy two gifted leaders in a huge variety of ministries, and I would love everyone to join together, as we did when we launched 40 Days of Purpose two years ago, and receive some inspiring input to help and bless us in our different leadership responsibilities.  We aim to meet on Saturday evening 4th February in the Emmaus Rooms.   The evening will begin at 6.00pm with the first session, followed by a meal together and the second session, ending at 10pm.  If you have any leadership responsibility, do make a note in your diary, and we will be in touch nearer the time.

Yours in our shared leadership in God’s Church,  Rupert

PS:  These talks would also inspire people who have leadership responsibilities          in the workplace, or who are considering taking a leadership role.

Diary