July 2006 - Sandal Parish Magazine

Five years ago, we launched the St Helen’s Youth Project, serving Portobello, Walton and Sandal. In that time we have continued many groups and grown new groups in the community which have blessed and encouraged young people in their faith. None of this would have been possible without the support of our loyal SHYP mates, who give a small amount regularly to sustain SHYP in collaboration with the PCC. As we continue to invest in this vital ministry we are always looking for new SHYP mates to join the crew. So come aboard me hearties, and help us keep sailing the high seas of faith, and fighting the pirates of the Carribean!

 

 

Above - Some of the Confirmation candidates from May, left to right, Louise, Mark, Lisa, Tom and Rosie.
Top - Pathfinder Weekend Away.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How can we best do this as we lead busy lives? I think that the passage from Deuteronomy gives us some clues. There are four opportunities mentioned:

A group of 26 young people 11-14 set off in the mini buses driven by Julie Hay and Rupert on Friday 26th May for our annual weekend away.   There were a group from Pathfinders, a group from God’s Gang, a few from UC’s, a couple of lads from Children’s Church and a brave young man from the youth group at St. John’s.  Liz, Perry and I were delighted to know we were being met at The Oakes by a whole team who would take care of this special group whilst we enjoyed being with them, not actually organising anything!  Hannah Martin joined the team of young people most of whom are on a gap year sharing their faith in this way.   The Oakes is a wonderful Georgian house set in acres of woods and lawns.  All the holidays and weekends are action packed with a clear and relevant explanation of the Christian Message.  The dorms had leaders who took care of the young people.   There were others who led the rope course, the archery, the climbing wall, the random games and the craft room.  There were the kitchen team and the worship team.

It was a full and fun programme from the moment we arrived.  Lovely food, dorm times, clear and challenging teaching and small group discussions.   Endless football, basketball, board games and tuck shop in between.  Points scored for your team from the moment you arrived.  Memory verses learnt, kind actions and perseverance were the high scorers.  Camper of the day for the highest number points gained was Josh Brighton (Sat), Sadie Godwin (Sun).   Well done!  We had a fantastic bonfire on Saturday night around which we sang some loud mad songs and had hot chocolate.   Two wide games which went on for ever - one included wet mop heads, socks filled with left over lunch, water bombs!! etc.  The young people were really great and here are some of their comments:

What they learnt about...

I am so thrilled with all the Lord is doing.

Please, if you would like to come and help as a SHYP worker with any age 0-18, do talk to Sally 249923.   We always need more helpers and leaders.

 

Every year, members meet for the Wave of Prayer Service in our Lady Chapel during the first week in September, where we join in a world-wide Chain of Prayer for the work of the Mothers’ Union, and especially we pray for members of our linked Dioceses in South Australia, Uganda and West Africa.   We give a monthly donation together with fundraising at our summer and Christmas meetings to support Mothers’ Union work overseas.   With other branches in the Diocese, we take our turn in serving coffee and refreshments on a Friday morning at the Treacy Hall.

 

After a year without a Careforce worker, there's good news.  From September, we are hoping to welcome Emanuel from Uganda (pending him receiving a Visa).  Emanuel is a graduate and currently feels that God is ultimately calling him to be ordained.  Like Erik and previous Careforce  Workers, it is envisaged that he will share his time between SHYP activities and The Spring, while in addition working with the Portobello project.  As you are no doubt aware, Careforce workers are volunteers and it is the hosting church's responsibility to provide food and accommodation.  This is where we need YOU!  Emanuel will need a home between September 2006 and July 2007.  If you feel that you could assist with this, please speak to Sally Martin or me.  If you would  be happy to host Emanuel for half of this time, let us know and we could divide his time between a couple of homes, as we have done in previous years.  We also need volunteers to provide a meal for Emanuel one evening each week.  If you are able to do so on the same night each week for part or whole of his stay with us, again speak to Sally or me.  Early indications of your support would be much appreciated.  Contact number for Sally:  242593.  Contact number for Julie:  865559

 

We continue to have at least 12 very enthusiastic ‘would-be chefs’ on a Tuesday at 4.45pm at the Rainbow Cafe.  The most memorable evenings recently, which went down incredibly well with all 7-11 year olds, were the kebab evening and our traditional meal night.   The kebabs were loaded with colourful veg, such as corn-on-cob, courgette, tomatoes and mushrooms, which we griddled on the hot plate served on a bed of basmati and wild rice.   The youngsters also loaded all manner of colourful exotic fruits onto sticks to produce fruit kebabs.  Our traditional toad-in-the-hole meal was thoroughly enjoyed.  Each child made their own sausage in batter pudding served with mashed potato, carrot, swede, parsnip, cauli, spring green, peas and onion gravy.   Followed by rhubarb crumble and custard.   The faces of some children was a picture when presented with peas in pods.   All in all it is reassuring to find that most youngsters absolutely love veg and fruit, especially if they have peeled, chopped and cooked them all themselves.

To celebrate our 650th birthday, we are having a bridge party with stalls, including Refreshments:  bacon butties, cream teas, icecream, cakes and plants;  Fair Trade goods and clothing,  African Connection and sweets.   Flower displays in the Chantry.   Opening by the Mayor, African dancing and drumming, a live music group, dance display and a service at 12noon.   History talks in the Chapel and much, much more!!   Entrance free!!!!

Sizzling sausages and succulent chicken and more.  Bring drinks and a pudding).  £4 per head and £2 for children.  Games out the back - table tennis, footie, Jenga, Connect 4 etc.  All proceeds for George at Nairobi University.

You are invited to the Barnabas Room in St. Paul’s Church, The Balk, Walton, to celebrate the 90th birthday of Phyllis Shotbolt between 2pm and 4pm on Saturday 12 August 2006 where a light buffet will be available.   If transport is required, please call Pat on 862827.   Although not essential a telephone call to the above number would also assist in determining numbers.

 

 

In a moment of weakness (some might say madness!) in February, Margaret and I signed up to Christian Aid’s ‘In the Footsteps of Moses’ trek, a 45 mile trek through the Sinai desert. I realised that I had to do some serious work to get fit and lose a lot of weight! At present, I (John) walk over 6 miles most days and we walk that plus some when we go out together.  We had a great week in St David’s, Pembrokeshire, a couple of weeks ago when we walked 60 miles of the Coast Path. We will have walked 45 miles many times by the start of our trip on 4th November 2006!

 As you know, Christian Aid is an agency of the churches in the UK and Ireland.  It works wherever the need is greatest and irrespective of religion. Christian Aid believes in strengthening people to find their own solutions to the problems they face. This can take many forms, many of which may seem inconsequential to us.  Listen to the words of one mother of six children called Sara Makram who received help to buy a water buffalo:

“The water buffalo has helped us a lot. It's like the kitchen of our house. Before we got the buffalo, we had to buy butter and cheese from the shops, and sometimes I had money and other times I didn’t. But the buffalo provides us with food at all times. Cheese is the main food in this village.  Now I have nutritious food in the house for my children”.  By taking part in this walk Margaret and I want to raise funds for Christian Aid’s Egyptian partners who work to help the 44% of people who, like Sara, live below the poverty line.

Wakefield Hospice is attempting their first mile of coins challenge.   They are asking supporters to help them achieve a mile of £1 coins, which if successful, will raise £63,360 for the benefit of their patients.   The challenge will run over the next few months leading to the final countdown on Sunday 16 July 2006, when the coins will be laid out around the athletics track in Thornes Park Stadium.   For more information please contact Terry Rigg or Keeley Harrison on 01924 213900.

Pugneys Picnic will be held in Pugneys Country Park, off Denby Dale Road on Sunday 16 July 2006 at 1pm.  A Churches get-together:  bring a picnic for lunch and share fellowship.   There will be a short family service afterwards.   Everyone welcome.  As the picnic takes place near the lake (in front of the car park), please ensure that children are supervised and bring an umbrella in case of showers.  The event will be cancelled if it is very wet.

The AGM will be held on Wednesday 5 July 2006 at 7.30pm in the Treacy Hall,  Wakefield Cathedral.   After elections, reports and questions, there will be a talk and discussion on FRESH EXPRESSIONS led by Rev. Beverly Hollings.   Everyone welcome.