MAy Grapevine

“When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch. When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid, from now on your will catch men.” Luke 5:v4,6,10b

Jesus was using fishing as a metaphor or evangelism. (In fact the original Greek means literally “from now on you will bring in people alive,”
implying that evangelism brings new life to people).

The image we often have is that of someone with a fishing rod out on their own. But the image Jesus had in mind was that of a net. Evangelism is not intended to be something we do on our own, but something we engage in together. After he had called the disciples he never sent them out alone. Most of the time they were together as a twelve and sometime in pairs, but never alone.

Jesus planned to mould the disciples into a relational net that would bring people alive into the kingdom. And in the early church, the believers would meet together and draw people in by their love and hospitality.

Jesus reinforced this image when he told one of his simplest parables:

“The kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish.” If we think of evangelism as a net rather than a fishing rod, there are many advantages. A network of people with different gifts are going to reach a greater variety of people. They will also be able to make people more welcome and meet different needs. In this kind of evangelism people often find that they belong before they believe.

Our Alpha course which we hold each year in the autumn, involves people discussing things that matter to them in groups, and enjoying good food and companionship while they wrestle with issues that affect them and ask questions that perplex them.

We need to change our perception of evangelism, being carried out by the lone, heroic evangelist defying the odds and winning souls, to one of a group of people with many problems and flaws, who can identify with the needs of others and gently nurture them into faith. There is an important role to play for those with the gift of evangelism but mainly as one of a group which also has gifts of teaching, pastoring, prayer, wisdom, compassion, hospitality and serving, all of which are needed for a person truly to be enfolded in the love of Christ. That means everyone can play a part in the process of evangelism.

As Mark Nysewender wrote in his book “No More Spectators”: “We are not only to present a message to seekers, we are also to present them with a community of the kingdom.”

Let’s all take this message to heart, as we prepare for our next Alpha course and work together to build a community of love that accepts and welcomes people into God’s kingdom. Rupert

Getting Our Priorities Right

“One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them.....

He went down with them and stood in the plain. A large crowd of His disciples was there and a great number of people, who had come to hear Him and be healed of their diseases.” Luke 6:12-13, 17-18

Henri Nouwen writes:

“You might really like to look at Luke, when Jesus chooses the twelve Apostles. It says, ‘At night he went up to the mountain to pray. In the morning he went down from the mountain and called his disciples together. In the afternoon he went out with them and preached the word of God and healed the sick.’ So, this is communion with God, community, ministry. That is the order of things - at night to pray, in the morning to form community and then with community to minister. Yet we turn it around; we want to do all sorts of things and if this doesn’t work, we have other people help from community, and if that doesn’t work we start praying.”

Too often we put the cart of activity before the horse of prayer. Whereas Jesus always put prayer first. Perhaps we can try to recover the priority of prayer, before we do anything for God, rather than turn to prayer as a last resort. How we do this will depend upon our different situations, but let’s try to pray first, make sure we are in harmony with our Christian brothers and sisters, and together work for God. Rupert

News

Rupert and Sally’s Sabbatical

Just a note to say we will miss you all. Our last service will be 4th May and we will then spend a few days preparing to leave. We will spend a few days with our parents before a five day conference in London. This will take place at Christ Church Fulham. A time of reflection and input.

We are then serving on a five day Alpha/Europe conference where we will be hearing what God is doing throughout Europe and will be pastorally looking after the delegates from Eastern Europe who we may well meet up with on our travels.

We are so grateful for this opportunity to travel, taking time to reflect and see life from a different perspective.

We would value your prayers for us all (including Sam, Tom and Hannah) and the health of our parents.

Where are we going?

Sally and Rupert: London, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Albania, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Albania, Croatia, Austria and France.

Sam: Camp America with the Salvation Army.

Hannah: Mission in Spain and then traveling to Morroco and Portugal.

Tom: Travelling through Vietnam, and Laos into China.

Practical Arrangements during the Sabbatical

Areas of responsibility have been covered by wonderful people...

The Parish Office: Bob Bailey & Carol Fairclough Tel. 259966

Pastoral & Ministerial Matters: Revd. John Walker Tel. 07747777457

The Spring: Catherine Heaton Tel. 07533996265. Joan Witts & Terry Hollands Tel. 01924 242593

St. Paul’s: Mavis Rowley Tel. 01924 256252

PCC & Finance: Derek Coombes Tel. 01924 259979

Portobello: Pam Payling Tel. 274366

Soul Portobello: Vicky Hannan Tel. 07818891947

Children’s Work at St. Helen’s: Julie Owen Tel. 257596

Children’s Church: Mavis Rowley Tel. 256252

11-14s Youth Work: Mel Neale Tel. 07800753193

15+ Youth Work: Bob Bailey Tel. 259966

Careforce: Roberta Hugman Tel. 07931537507

Please do pray for all those who are covering for us. Thank you for your continued support and prayers.

Evening Services Extended Provision

It was agreed at the Annual Meeting that provision would be made for a regular monthly evening service at 6pm on the 1st Sunday of the month. This could be either sung or said depending on the resources available.

2nd Sunday at 6pm will be ‘The Sunday Night Project’ (Youth Church), and 3rd and 4th Sundays at 6pm will be for Slow Space.

Thank You from Peter Moulding

Peter and Margaret Moulding wish to thank all the many church members who upheld them during Peter’s three recent spells in hospital (just after our 60th wedding anniversary).
Your prayers, kind messages and the many ‘get well’ cards helped to give us the extra strength we required to keep going through what was rather a rough patch. God was always present with us, giving his healing touch to all that the doctors and nurses did for us.
Peter now seems well on the way to complete recovery and hopes that after a short period of taking things easy, he will be able to take up his ministry again. It’s wonderful to be part of the loving Christian family of Sandal Magna.

Annual Meeting

At our Annual Meeting three Church Wardens were elected for the coming year: Derek Coombes, Richard Hay and Roger Parker.

Sue Parkin was thanked for her time as Church Warden. Also retiring from the P.C.C. were Paul and Felicite Dodd whose contribution has been much appreciated over the years.

Seven P.C.C. members were elected to stand for the next three years:
Viv Buckley, Helen Gill, Catherine Heaton, Perry Morton, Craig Orr, David Parkin and John Walker.

They will join or rejoin those in the middle of their three year term:
Paul Brough, Eileen Calkeld, Liz Morton, Mavis Rowley and Peter Moulding.

We are still short of Deanery Synod representatives, so if anyone is interested in representing the church in the larger area of Wakefield, then do get in touch with our P.C.C. Secretary, Helen Gill.

Everyone who has contributed to the life of the church in the past year was thanked and especial tributes were paid to the faithful service of four men:
Peter Moulding, Paul Dodd, John Manners and Derek Coombes.

Rupert spoke of a year of Growth, Growing Pains and Gratitude, and looked forward to a year of renewed vision, discipleship and misson, with gratitude in our hearts for all that God is doing through us to serve and bless others.

Terry’s Trip to Africa

10th - 27th June. As you may know I am going to Africa for George’s Graduation Ceremony from Nairobi University, and to represent our churches on the 20th anniversary of our diocesan link to Mara (Tanzania). I hope to travel to Bunda to meet and spend some time with their new pastor. Time and money permitting I also hope to catch up with Emmanuel in Uganda.

If anyone has any jobs I could do to earn some extra cash (catering, gardening, baby sitting etc.), please let me know on 01924 242593 (The Spring) or 07504027930.

Obviously I would also be very grateful for any donations. I will be bringing cards round for people to sign nearer the time, to give to George, Erick and Emmanuel as well as our link church in Bunda.

Thank you Terry

‘Tribute’ - to Celebrate 60 Years of Bellringing

On Sunday 30 March during the morning Family Praise service at Sandal Magna, St. Helen’s Church, a presentation was made to John Cutt to celebrate his 60 years (and continuing) service as a bellringer at this church. The service opened with the Bellringers Hymn sung to the run of ‘Belfry Praise’. During a short interview and presentation by the Vicar, Revd. Rupert Martin, of a card signed by members of the congregation and a specially made working model of a Tower bell, a slide show of John’s ringing life was shown. Afterwards six of the bellringers demonstrated change ringing on 12 handbells, a great challenge to those used to ringing one tower bell each.

When John, aged 13 started as a learner in 1948, his father, George, had already been a bellringer for 20 years, and Uncle Ernest for 22 years. So for 80 years there has been Cutt family members ringing at Sandal! In the early 1950s, in addition to the established team there was a group of younger ringers, joined in 1955 by Margot who married John in 1961, and eventually their daughters Elisabeth and Alison also became bellringers.

John followed his father as Tower Captain 32 years ago, and is still serving in this capacity. During this time he has also carried out much of the maintenance on the bells, and until recently wound the clock and taught many learners both at Sandal and nearby Towers. He often tells beginners and those with some experience that he is still learning after 60 years! In addition to giving service to the church, his enjoyment from bellringing comes from passing on the skills needed to ensure that this ancient English tradition of ‘Full Circle’ change ringing continues. Margot Cutt

Volunteers Required at the Spring

Are you looking to develop – new friendships, creativity, new skills, a sense of purpose and links with your own community…. then look no further than volunteering at The Spring. As we continue to develop and grow, we are always looking for new volunteers to work with us in the Spring, in both the Oasis Café and Discoveries.

What will it entail ?

How much time would I need to Give ?

If you are interested or would like to know a bit more information then please do contact me, Catherine Heaton, available every Wednesday at the Spring on 242593

Thank you for your time and May God Bless You Catherine Heaton

Bible Society Thank you

The Bible Society have sent their grateful thanks for the gift of £1,427., from St. Helen’s and St. Paul’s, to support the work they do to make the Bible heard all over the world.CMS (Church Missionary Society) CMS send their grateful thanks for the gift of £2,379. from St. Helen’s and St. Paul’s for the support of our missionary link in Taiwan, Catherine Lee.

Events

Christian Aid Week 11-17 May

Thank you to all who have kindly offered to help with this important work. However, we do need more people to spread the word, collect the money, put up posters in the community and count the money. If you can spare an hour that week we and many others would be most grateful. If two people team up together it makes the work much more fun.
If you can help please contact Bob in the Church Office (259966), Mavis Rowley (256252) or Charles Elliott (258951). Thank you
Mavis Rowley and Charles Elliott

Christian Aid Coffee Morning

There is a Christian Aid Coffee Morning on Saturday 10 May 10.00 am to 12.00 noon at the Walton Methodist Church. If you need any further information please contact Mavis Rowley (256252).

Mission Prayer Meeting

Mission prayer meeting followed by Mission & Mara group on 14 May in St. Helen’s at 7pm., the first of what we hope to be a regular quarterly event.

Please come and pray about any mission concern you have. Prayers will last for half an hour, followed by the Mission & Mara group meeting. For more details contact Felicite Dodd 01924 253755 or the Parish Office 01924 259966. Felicite Dodd

Women’s Fellowship

Women’s Fellowship have organised a Fashion Show in aid of Wakefield Hospice by “Labels” of The Ridings, Wakefield. This will be at The Spring on Monday 12 May at 7.30pm. Tickets (or pay at the door) are £2.50 and include a glass of wine and nibbles. Garments will be available to buy and there will be car parking at the rear of the hall.

Flower Demonstration in Aid of Hospice

The Sandal Fundraising Group are to hold a Flower Demonstration in aid of Wakefield Hospice, by Margaret Kingswood in the Emmaus Room, St. Helen’s Church, Barnsley Road, Sandal on Tuesday 13th May 2008 at 7.30pm. The entry fee is £5 and will include refreshments.

The Joseph Winter Lecture

The Joseph Winter Lecture will take place on Thursday 15 May at 7.30pm in the West Wakefield Methodist Church, Horbury Road, Wakefield. Angela Tilby a Theologian and Broadcaster will speak on ‘Deadly Sin - A Theme and Variations in Early Christianity.’ The Chair will be taken by the Rev. Terence Keen BA. Hons, Methodist Church Circuit Chairman.

Quiet Days at the Mirfield Centre

May 17th The Colour Blue: Mary in the poet’s imagination, Saturday 17 May 10.30am to 3.30pm. Leader: Revd. Elaine Dando,
fee £8 (take a packed lunch). June 14th Saturday 14 June 10.30am to 3.30pm. Reflections and thoughts from the writings of Thomas Merton. Leader: Keith Griffin, fee £8 (take a packed lunch). For more information please contact Rachael Salmon 01924 481920.

Hold My Hand Concert

The Hold My Hand Concert will be held on Sunday 18 May 2008 at 7pm in St. Peter & Paul’s Catholic Church, Sandal, Wakefield (opposite Asda) in aid of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign. The performing artists will be Ti Amero, the award winning male harmony quartet, North Stars Steel Orchestra as seen on Blue Peter, Wakefield Metropolitan Brass Band and the Rodillian Singers. Tickets are £10 adults, 12 and under free (donations welcome) and this includes refreshments. For more details contact Richard or Gill Atkinson on 01924 253261, Tickets are also available from the Tourist Information Office in Wakefield. Please support this concert: Gill and Richard have brought Austin to Boogie Woogie Tots Toddler Group at St. Paul’s with his sister Esther. Austin was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy and his mum and dad have vowed to raise money for research into this little-known condition. Do enjoy a great concert and support this lovely family.
Boogie Woogie Tots

CAP Coffee Morning

Walton Lent Group of 2007 are organising a Coffee Morning on Saturday 7 June 10am-12noon in aid of CAP. Tickets are 50p and are available from St. Paul’s Church.

CAP cares for the homeless, vulnerable and lonely people of Wakefield and beyond. A presentation given by Mr. Ernest Hibbert outlined the setting up of CAP from the first idea to the present day, where they offer meals, a change of clothes and a shower to many hundreds of visitors to their facility each week. Funds, volunteers, and donations of clothes and toiletries are always welcome. The organisation is Christian based, and offers their support unconditionally. The plight of those less fortunate makes the rest of us thankful for our blessings of home and family, employment and incomes. So please remember this section of our society in your prayers. Elizabeth Smith

Retreat weekend

St. Oswald`s Pastoral Centre, Sleights, Whitby. Shirley Frank who led our retreat weekend last year is leading the Advent Retreat from Friday November 28th to Sunday 30th November at St. Oswald`s. I know it seems very early to be thinking of Advent and it is! However there are only 10 single rooms and 3 twin and will no doubt fill up very quickly. If you would like to go please get in touch with me on 01924 274366 and I will reserve a place for you or you can book direct. Pam Payling.

The Wakefield West Riding Operatic Society

The Society are to present a production of the classic, fast paced “42nd Street”. The performance will take place at Wakefield Theatre Royal and Opera House from Tuesday 13 May to Saturday 17 May 2008. The show promises to be a very lively and enjoyable production. Tickets can be booked at the Theatre box office by calling 01924 211311 directly. You may also contact Catherine Berry on 01924 849110 who will take group bookings.

Diary

May 4	9.15am	Holy Communion	St. Helen’s
	10.45am	Family Praise	St. Helen’s
	11am	Holy Communion	St. Paul’s
	6pm	Evening Prayer	St. Helen’s
5	6pm	Beaver Group	St. Paul’s
6	9.30am	Toddle-In (toddler group)	St. Helen’s
	3.45pm	Children’s Church	St. Paul’s
7	11.30am	Holy Communion	St. Helen’s
	7pm	Bellringing Practice	St. Helen’s
8	9.15am	Boogie Woogie Tots	St. Paul’s
11	Christian Aid Week Starts
Pentecost	9.15am	Holy Communion	St. Helen’s
	10.45am	Morning Praise followed by Second Sunday Soup	St. Helen’s
	11am	Morning Praise	St. Paul’s
	6pm	The Sunday Night Project (youth service)	St. Helen’s
12	9am	Staff Prayers	St. Paul’s
	7.30pm	Walton MU	St. Paul’s
	7.30pm	Women’s Fellowship	St. Helen’s
13	9.30am	Toddle-In (toddler group)	St. Helen’s
	3.45pm	Children’s Church	St. Paul’s
	7.30pm	Flower Demonstration in aid of Wakefield Hospice	St. Helen’s
14	11.30am	Holy Communion	St. Helen’s
	7pm	Bellringing Practice	St. Helen’s
	7pm	Mission Prayer Meeting	St. Helen’s
15	9.15am	Boogie Woogie Tots	St. Paul’s
18	9.15am	Holy Communion	St. Helen’s
	10.45am	Morning Praise	St. Helen’s
	11am	Holy Communion	St. Paul’s
	6pm	Slow Space (meditative prayer)	St. Helen’s
19	2.30pm	Sandal MU	St. Helen’s
	6pm	Beaver Group	St. Paul’s
20	9.30am	Toddle-In (toddler group)	St. Helen’s
	3.45pm	Children’s Church	St. Paul’s
21	11.30am	Holy Communion	St. Helen’s
	7pm	Bellringing Practice	St. Helen’s
22	9.15am	Boogie Woogie Tots	St. Paul’s
25	9.15am	Morning Prayer	St. Helen’s
	10.45am	Holy Communion	St. Helen’s
	11am	Morning Praise	St. Paul’s
	6pm	Slow Space (meditative prayer)	St. Helen’s
26	6pm	Beaver Group	St. Paul’s
28	11.30am	Holy Communion	St. Helen’s
	7pm	Bellringing Practice