April 2007

St. Helen’s, Sandal  •  St. Paul’s, Walton

 

 

 

By Emmanuel Were

I came across the story of a 747 jetliner that was halfway across the Atlantic when the captain came on the loudspeaker and said “Ladies and gentlemen, we have lost one of our engines but we can still reach London with the three we have let.   Unfortunately this will make us one hour late.”   An hour later the captain came on the PA and said “I’m sorry to let you know, but we’ve lost another engine.   This will make us two hours late.”  A short while later, the passengers heard the captain’s voice again “Guess what folks?   We have lost our third engine, but please rest assured - we can fly with one but we will now arrive in London three hours late.”   At this point one impatient passenger became furious and shouted out “For Pete’s sake, if we lose another engine we’ll be up here all night.”

Now - even though this story makes us chuckle, it does illustrate the sad fact that so often in life we do feel powerless.   I mean, we all know what it’s like to feel as if all our engines have failed and there’s nothing we can do to stop our descent.   You know what I am referring to.   From time to time, we face problems or wrestle with issues that are so great.   Well, no matter how hard we try we can’t gain enough ‘altitude’ to get over them.  And the fact is, we never feel more powerless than when we are faced with the grim topic of death.   We don’t at times even like to talk about it because to do so reminds us  of one of life’s most uncomfortable facts.

To deal with this inevitable fact of life, we desperately need someone who is more powerful than death itself.   Let me put it this way:  we need someone who is truly omnipotent.   This brings us to the attribute of God that I want us to discuss the rest of this month because one of the Bible’s clearest teachings is that... to people like you and me who are powerless in the face of death, the greatest proof of God’s omnipotence came on Easter morning.

When we respond to God’s omnipotent Easter power by giving Him our life and our death - when we receive His work on the cross, we too have this sure hope.

Each of us has the Holy Spirit.   Everyone of us can be witnesses where we are.   In fact we may be the only person who can point some people to Christ.  So this course will help us see how much God can do through us, if we take those few tentative but spirit-prompted steps to engage with people we come across in life.   The course will consist of four sections:

1.    9 May        The single greatest gift

2.     23 May        Life in 3D     Develop Friendships
                    Discover Stories
                    Discern Next Steps

3.    6 June        The Power of Story

4.     20 June        Grander Vision Living

The course will be in the Barnabas Rooms 7.30-9.30pm with coffee and dessert.  There will also be a four part sermon series to tie in with the key themes:

So do make a point of attending the course if the Holy Spirit gives you a nudge, and let me or Sally know.

 

We started this year focussing on the themes of the Lent Course, “Better Together”.

After Easter we will be pursuing three interweaving tracks.  

The first will be an extensive exploration of the Book of Revelation following the recent sermon on chapter six which met with such a positive response.

The aim is to show how relevant John’s apocalyptic vision is to our contemporary world, as well as to explore its original context.   The structure of the series is based on the book by Eugene Peterson, who translated The Message, entitled Reversed Thunder:  The Praying imagination of John.

The second track will look at spiritual disciplines for contemporary life, and is based on John Ortberg’s book, The Life You’ve Always Wanted.

The third track will focus on simple steps pointing people to the faith.   It will be an attempt to encourage us in our personal witness.  Based on Bill Hybel’s book Just Walk Across the Room, the four part series will tie in with a course with the same name, which will be run in the Barnabas Rooms on 16 and 23 May and 6 and 20 June, which anyone is welcome to join.

 

Wakefield is in the throes of a dramatic transformation with new schemes being developed for the areas around the station, Marsh Way and the Waterfront.   The arts, architecture and design are at the forefront of this regeneration, with the planned Barbara Hepworth Museum leading the way.

The arts have always played a significant role in the area with Castleford being the birthplace of Henry Moore, and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park celebrating its 30th anniversary with an exhibition of Andy Goldsworthy’s work in the landscape as well as the gallery.   Wakefield has also nurtured the talent of the Community Arts organisation, Faceless and the local drama company, the Little Theatre, not forgetting the Public Arts organisation, Beam, and the central role of the Theatre Royal and Opera House, soon to be redeveloped.

Regeneration can mean different things to different people.   In Manchester, for instance, they are hoping that a supercasino, with hundreds of slot machines, will bring regeneration to the east of the city.   I would have thought that such excessive gambling opportunities would only bring degeneration.

Regeneration is also a word that has a Christian connotation.   It means literally, ‘born again’, and can be applied to anyone whose life is transformed by an encounter with Jesus Christ.   Jesus said, “Unless you are born again, you cannot enter the Kingdom of God.”   He was using a metaphor to say that we need to make a fresh start, to begin again with God, recognising how much we tend to make a mess of our lives and how much we need the love and forgiveness of God to enable our lives to be spiritually regenerated.

The church is in the business of regeneration.   As well as renewing buildings for greater accessibility and usefulness in worship and community life, the churches in Wakefield all share in the regeneration of human lives giving people the opportunity to meet with God and start again.   As it says in Psalm 23 about God:

                “He shall refresh my soul and guide me
                in right pathways.”

There is also a dimension of social justice in the work of the churches among deprived communities and in the world, with projects such as Urban Space, pioneering the Fairtrade movement and the Street Angels project in the city.   The campaign against the sex slave trade in Europe was the focus of a performance of “Dignity” in the Cathedral on 25 March, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Wilberforce’s bill outlawing the slave trade.

Regeneration is a wonderful blessing which can provide jobs and pride in our city, and which can also give people spiritual freedom to realise their true God-given potential.

At Easter especially we celebrate the power of God to bring new life, with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.   So do join in the worshipping life of the church and the joint services on Good Friday.

                                Rupert Martin

Over this last year, with the introduction of the Single Payment Scheme and the serious delays and errors in payment to farmers in England, our farmers have faced high levels of stress and anxiety.

One concrete way in which we can show Christian love, care and concern is through our support of farmers’ markets and farm shops.   These aim to help farmers sell goods to the public which are grown or baked locally, such as fresh vegetables, fruit, meat and eggs, bread, cakes, jams, fruit juices and dairy produce.

The benefits are both to us and the environment.   As everything is produced locally there are less transport miles, food is fresh and very little packaging is used.   This all comes to us at very affordable prices, as the middle-man is removed.

The price you pay goes straight to the farmers, helping them to further develop their businesses.  Small farmers in particular benefit greatly from this;  it gives them the opportunity to survive and keep our countryside alive for us to enjoy through our visits and recreational pursuits.

So why not search out a farmers’ market or farmers’ shop near you?   Enjoy not only the freshness and quality of their produce, but also deepen your understanding of farming communities.   At the same time through your visit develop friendships and understanding by standing alongside the rural community.

Over the coming months, please keep a look out for the Government’s new initiative: “Year of food and farming in education”.   This aims to give a much clearer idea of the contribution farming makes to the economy and the environment, and how it can help combat climatic change.

Home Communion’s are available on-request.  Please contact Rupert on 255441, or the Parish Office on 259966.

 

Church schools play a key role in the Church’s ministry and mission in the Diocese of  Wakefield.    The Diocese is seeking to appoint a visionary Director of Education, who will lead their expanding education team in providing high quality support to their 102 schools, in further developing their strong links with the local authorities, and in equipping their churches to deepen their commitment to the schools in their parishes.

Remuneration will be on the diocesan scale (£40,290-£44,210), including a non-contributory pension.

Their new Director will be a practising Christian, who is able to move with confidence in the worlds of education and the Church.

The successful candidate will have experience at a senior level of educational management, have a passionate commitment to the distinctive nature of Church of England schools, be an innovator, able to make things happen, and have a proven track record of inspiring and enabling staff.

The closing date for applications:  12 April 2007
Interview date: 24 April 2007

The post is subject to CRB enhanced disclosure.

See the diary for a full list of events during Holy Week and Easter.

The Choral Evensong at 6pm on 1 April will be a Passion Service.   The morning services will reflect Palm Sunday so that the two services will provide a fitting preparation for Holy Week and Eastertide.

On Sunday 22 April at 4pm we will be holding our bi-annual Memorial Service at St. Helen’s Church.   This is a service where anyone who has recently lost a loved one is invited to light a candle in their memory, which is then placed on the altar.  The service is one of thanksgiving and many find it to be a comforting way in which to let go and hand over their loved one to our Heavenly Father.

Where the funeral has taken place recently at St. Helen’s the relatives will be contacted by a member of our Bereavement Visiting Team to see if they would like to be part of this special service.  You will also be very welcome to take part if you have someone whose funeral was conducted elsewhere.   Please contact the church office so that a candle can be prepared for them.

Members of the team are always available to talk to anyone about their bereavement, either over the ‘phone or by visiting.   Please contact the church office on 01924 259966 if you feel we can be of help to you.

An opportunity to thank God for His Grace and Goodness over the last year, to elect Church Wardens, P.C.C. Members and Deanery Synod members and to look ahead with Vision.

The Castleford branch of the Salvation Army are to hold A Unique Occasion.   Music for ‘Grace” (Project to build a 250 place school in Ghana).   The St. Aidan’s High School Choir (BBC Songs of Praise Senior Choir 2006/7) and the Rothwell Temperance Band (All England Masters Champions 2006) will perform in The Salvation Army Hall, Booth Street, Castleford WF10 1SA.   The event will take place at 7pm on Saturday 21st April, 2007 and tickets are priced £6 (Concessions £4).   To order tickets contact or send an SAE to Derek Baxter, Flat 25 Ings House, Ings Road, Kinsley, Pontefract WF9 5EP Tel. 01977 618647 or 07779 182748.

invite you to a fundraising Italian Meal on Saturday 21st April in Wrenthorpe Methodist Church Hall.   Meals from 6pm (tables can be booked until 8pm).   You need to ‘phone to book a table and to make your menu choices.   Selection of main courses at £5 - starters, puddings, soft drinks and coffee also on offer.   Contact Gwyneth Dixon on 01924 370302 to book a table.   More information from CROSS office 01924 215588.

The Seminar takes place on Saturday 12 May at 10am in The Thornbury Centre, Leeds Old Road, Bradford, BD3 8JX.   Revd. Dr. Chris Baker, Research Director of William Temple Foundation in Manchester will speak on Reflections on Faithful Cities and Revd. Canon Professor Ken Medhurst, Canon Theologian of Bradford Cathedral will speak on The City in the Bible and History.   Arrivals and coffee at 9.45am, Seminar begins at 10am and lunch is at 1pm-2pm.   Please take your own lunch, tea and coffee provided.

For further information contact Paula Wood, Bradford Diocesan Office on 01535 650555.

Dr. Peter Vardy, Vice-Principal of Heythrop College at University of London will speak on ‘Being Fully Human:  The Purpose of Education Today,’ on Monday 14 May 2007 at 7.30pm at Silcoates School, Wrenthorpe, Wakefield.   The chair will be taken by Rev. Michael Townsend, Methodist Church District Chairman.

Sing and sign (for 7-18 months) shows you how to  help your baby communicate BEFORE speech.   It’s easy!   Learn the fun way with traditional and original songs, nursery rhymes, puppets, props and instruments.   For details of classes in Castleford, Pontefract and Wakefield contact:  Ruth Knowles on  01977 516405.

At St. Oswald’s Pastoral Centre, Sleights, Whitby- 1st/2nd June

We have booked St. Oswald’s Pastoral Centre for a weekend, for anyone wishing to spend some quiet time with God.   The centre is in beautiful countryside.   It has 10 single rooms and 3 twin.   If you would like to spend a little time away from the busyness of everyday life, where you can enjoy having time to be with God and Jesus coming closer to Him and allowing Him to come close to you, why not think of coming on this weekend away.

We shall arrive at about 4.30pm on Friday 1st June and leave after lunch on Sunday 3rd June.   The cost is £78 per person for full board and part of the time we shall have some input from one of the nuns at the centre.   These sessions are entirely optional and if you just wish to be away in a quiet atmosphere that is fine.

Please don’t be put off if you haven’t experienced a led retreat before as this is tailored for those whose first time it is as well as for those who have already been away like this before.   I really want to encourage anyone to take this opportunity of having time to “spiritually sunbathe” - and receive what God has for you on a break away with Him.

Any questions please have a word with me - Tel. 274366.   I do need to let the centre have the numbers fairly soon so don’t delay too long if you think you would like to come.

... Busy in training for the London Marathon
Craig Orr is running the 26.2 miles on the 22nd of April to raise money for Oasis Academies. Oasis is in the process of developing ten new secondary schools around the UK – each one unique – but all sharing one clear vision; to raise aspiration, unlock potential and work to achieve excellence and inclusion.

Each Oasis academy will be working to turn around some of the most challenging schools in the most challenging areas, creating new opportunities for pupils and new hope for whole communities.

In 2005 Oasis Director Steve Chalke ran the London Marathon and raised just over £1.25 million.  In doing so he established a new Guinness World Record for the most money ever raised through a marathon. In 2006 Sir Steve Redgrave ran the London Marathon to break Steve Chalke’s record; raising a total of just over £1.75 million. This year Steve Chalke aims to reclaim the world record and make history by breaking the £2 million barrier all moneys raised by Craig will go towards that record breaking activity.

Craig said:  “Last year due to injury I hopped round the marathon in pain on one leg - this year my plan is to halve my time by using both legs!” 

 

 

The RC Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle Youth Team are hosting an    extra-ordinary conference with Sr Helen, the nun behind the book and the film, speaking about the power of Jesus’ ministry today.  This will be a truly remarkable event.

Ideas and activities to encourage and engage all the family

Thursday    26 April    Meet at Cafe for trip to St. Helen’s Church and bell-
                ringing tower with Buffet afterwards.

Thursday    24 May    Merrie City Singers
                Karaoke, Bingo, Beetle Drive, Prizes Galore

Don’t forget! - every Monday at Rainbow Cafe - Lunch Club 12-1.30pm.

April 1	9.15am	Holy Communion	St. Helen’s
Palm Sunday	10.45am	Family Praise	St. Helen’s
	11am	Morning Praise	St. Paul’s
	6pm	Choral Evensong	St. Helen’s
2	9am	Staff Prayers & Meeting	St. Paul’s
	7pm	Inner Wheel	St. Helen’s
	7.30pm	House Group Leaders’ Meeting & Meal	St. Paul’s
4	11.30am	Holy Communion	St. Helen’s
	7pm	Bellringing Practice	St. Helen’s
5	7.30pm	Café Style Communion	Sandal Methodists
6 Good Friday	9.45am	Procession starting from Brook Street, Wakefield Market arriving at Wakefield Cathedral 10.30am. Preacher Bishop John Flack.	Wakefield City Centre
	12-3pm	Labyrinth - Experience God in this interactive meditation which takes 30mins to complete. Come and go as you are able.	St. Helen’s
	2-3pm	An hour of Devotion	St. Paul’s
	5.30pm	Three Crosses Procession in South Wakefield beginning from: • Portobello Rainbow Café • Sandal Methodist Car Park • St. Peter & St. Paul, R.C. Church	Sandal
	6pm	Devotional Service	Sandal Castle
9	8pm	Vigil at Belleview Christian Centre	Baptist Church
8 Easter Day	9.15am	Family Communion	St. Helen’s
	10.45am	Family Communion	St. Helen’s
	11.45am	Fairtrade Stall	St. Helen’s
	11am	Family Communion	St. Paul’s
11	7pm	Bellringing Practice	St. Helen’s
15	9.15am	Holy Communion	St. Helen’s
	10.45am	Morning Praise	St. Helen’s
	11am	Morning Praise	St. Paul’s
16	9am	Staff Prayers & Meeting	St. Paul’s
	2.30pm	Sandal MU	St. Helen’s
	6pm	Beaver Group	St. Paul’s
	7.30pm	Women’s Fellowship	St. Helen’s
17	9.30am	Toddle-In - (toddler group)	St. Helen’s
	3.45pm	Children’s Church	St. Paul’s
18	11.30pm	Holy Communion	St. Helen’s
	7pm	Bellringing Practice	St. Helen’s
19	9.15am	Boogie Woogie Tots	St. Paul’s
22	9.15am	Morning Praise	St. Helen’s
	10.45am	Holy Communion	St. Helen’s
	11am	Holy Communion	St. Paul’s
	4pm	Memorial Service	St. Helen’s
	7pm	Youth Church	St. Helen’s
23	6pm	Beaver Group	St. Paul’s
24	9.30am