Burton Joyce Community Church has now closed
The final service was held on Sunday 12 June 2022
Monthly News
Prepared for Burton Joyce Community Church by Cynthia
Lord of life, help me to live it well today, and when the edges of my
understanding gets a little frayed, strengthen my faith. (Edie Askew)
Ecclesiastes
I find this book a hard read but there are some gems.
Try reading Ch. 3 a time for everything
A quote from Rev. Alfred Graham. I’m sure many will remember him from St Helen’s: Everything has its day, the wisdom is knowing when to let go.
Our Prayers
We have people to bring to you Lord for your comfort and your healing hand.
Many elderly are independent in many ways but also reliant on assistance with some daily living activities and companionship. Some able to get out, though the weather not kind at this time of the year and the body can become chilled when not able to move so quickly. Others isolated and feeling lonely, let them all know their worth and that they are thought of and loved. Lord we are all part of your family
There is Terry B, Joyce H, Pat C, Joyce J, Rev. Doug. W, Pat M experience difficulty sorting out health issues at this time, Phyllis S cared for in residential care at Southwell. Christine O since her fall and fractured hip Christine has had two strokes, cared for in Westwold residential home also there is Gloria N, keeping well at this time. Linda and Les N a bit isolated not able to get out and about, too cold for Les in the wheelchair. Vera also in residential care, not sure what is happening with her Dinah may have more news.
Betty S, unable to come to the door now. She is at home. I have telephoned and left messages hoping to have a return call but not as yet. Her daughter- in- law goes in every day. Dinah bravely marching on (perhaps not marching hey Dinah!) I think there are good days and not so good. She spends time shared with Sarah and we look forward to her ‘newsy’ paragraph each week attached to the Sunday Service. You are an example to us all. Prayers for Carole caring for her elderly mum. We bring to you Lord all these and for all who are suffering with illness and pain, waiting for hospital appointments and treatment.
We pray towards world peace equality for all peoples to share and love together, to feel safe, to have food and clean water, there is enough food for us all if only we could spread it evenly amongst us.
To realise the effect our way of life has on climate change, help us to strive to make, if only small, changes every day. Changes that will make a difference to countries experiencing devastating disasters believed to be triggered by climate changes.
For those of the Ukraine living with uncertainty and fear of threatening conflict; may God’s beacon of hope shine over them.
We stand to face the future:
God behind us in the past;
Christ before us in this moment;
Christ below us in our weakness;
Christ above to shield us-
Beneath the shadows of his wings, we are safe;
Christ between us to bind us to the unity of his love;
Christ in us, equipping us with his all-sufficient grace.
Ian Cowrie
AMEN
*Good news and blessings for Marie. She is to be a Great Grandma in the summer! She is so happy we share this joy with you Oh, I do like GOOD HAPPY NEWS to share, thank-you, Marie
Snowdrop Time
I am not sure how many of you are now making use of the paper Sunday service sheets. I know you are enjoying Dinah’s news each week. I do know some of you are able to access Sunday services on line, You Tube, television and radio or even attending church elsewhere i.e. St, Helen’s.
As we gradually, hopefully move away from restrictions of the past you may feel there is not the need for the weekly paper worship. There is not a problem with continuance of these deliveries either by e-mail or through your letter box, it would be really helpful to know how this service is being wanted and used.
Contact one of the stewards if you have a thought on this, could be by telephone, message in church letterbox or e-mail. My details are at bottom always. Thankyou
Our next service will be on Sunday Feb. 6th at 3pm
Led by Rev. Louise Gee
Psalm 121
I lift up my eyes to the hills-where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord.
The Maker of heaven and earth.
-Open your bible and read on
All stay well and safe as recommended Covid restrictions are lifted,
do what feels right for you
Love and God’s blessing shared among us Cynthia
God, give us the grace to accept with serenity
The things that cannot be changed,
Courage to change the things that should be changed,
And the wisdom to distinguish the one from the other
Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971)
If there anything you would like to include in the notices, a prayer request, a bible reading, a quotation, meditation, we all like good news. Please let me know O115 9312704 or cynthia@route56.co.uk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Advent is a time which can so easily be lost with the business of Christmas preparation. We can look forward to Rev. Louise Gee leading our Advent service Sunday December 5th at 3pm. This will start us off and encourage us to reflect on the story of advent and the expectation of the coming of Jesus...
Hope, Joy, Peace and Love to All,
COME, thou long-expected Jesus,
Born to set thy people free,
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in thee Charles Wesley
However you may feel about Christmas hype, you can make Christmas your own, celebrating the way you wish, make it special to what Christmas means to you.
Something to brighten the coming days, the village lights and decorations can be a delight with almost childlike excitement. The illuminated Cross is a comfort a welcome as you drive into and through the village.
We plan to put Christmas trees outside the church on Dec. 1st ready for the village lighting event on Saturday 4h December also to have the nativity above the church door. A tree, crib scenes and knitted angels are planned for inside the church.
Prayer
Lord we bring to you those of our church family
Dinah, as she continues with her treatment, she makes the most of the good days and complains little on the not so good. Dinah is concerned for her cat Chloe, she has become a rather frail old puss cat; such a comfort to her, our pets become such a treasured part of our lives.
Vera now discharged from hospital has returned to the Grand Care Home, we pray for comfort and peace in her heart.
Marie is not in top gear since her fall and recent chest infections; we pray she may daily grow in strength and health.
Terry, life is tough for him with his visual and mobility problems.
May our church family feel cared for and loved. Help us all to be conscious of the needs of others, our friends and neighbours in our community, care we can show through your love for us.
Those who are unable to attend the church, due to ageing and health issues, and over the years have contributed invaluable service to church life. Phyllis S, Pat C, Vera, Linda and Les, Gloria N, Betty S and Rev. Doug W whom we were so pleased to see at church this month, but he can only come when family can escort him.
And those we have not seen due to the changes, Brian D, Jack T and Bob G but we have contact with this newsletter and Sunday Service sheets.
Thank-you to Phil who edits the Sunday Service for us to enjoy every week, since the beginning of Covid restrictions and continues to do so during our reduced church worship.
Christmas evokes many happy times with family and friends, loved ones no longer with us, only in our memories. My mind wanders back to those in our church family we grieve for Graham, Jack, Bernard, Sheila, Betty W., Janet M., Colin. I found myself going further back realising I am going back more than two or three years. Is that the effect of Christmas or that we are meeting less? Memories of happy fellowship shared.
Grant comfort and peace in the hearts of all who grieve at this time.
Then we remember those who have moved away, Christine made a happy move to be close to her family near London. She is settled and finding her way around Dulwich enjoying regularly the company of her granddaughter SIgi who lives walking distance from her home. Transport ie. bus and rail easy into central London and all that has to offer. She has also found a local URC church to attend and enjoys, she keeps in touch with letters, telephone chats. A visit to BJ this summer when one or two met her in the village and able to catch up. Christine does receive our newsletter so we say “we miss you, but also happy for you”
We think of Sheila A who has transferred her membership to a URC in Sherwood where she is active and occupied which she likes to be. We say thank you for her time shared with us especially the prayer group.
But there is joy, we are happy to welcome Kathie D who has transferred from Orston Methodist to us in BJ. A wonderful introduction when she read at our last Sunday worship.
Prayer for the Homeless.
Send your Holy Spirit to challenge us to ensure the hungry are fed, the destitute sheltered and to work towards the relief of poverty with justice for all. May we never judge them or their situation but offer the hand of friendship and compassion in whatever way we can.
Remember children caught up in poverty and support charities who respond to families, especially at Christmas delivering gifts.
A Prayer for Refugees
Lord Jesus Christ you had to flee from Herod’s wrath and become a refugee in Egypt.
Guide us to look with compassion on all who are fleeing from violence, oppression or natural disaster today, may the resources be found to meet their needs. Inspire hope and faith, dispel hatred and fear and may all people share in your gift of peace.
Spirit of God, Breathe into our hearts
Peace that is content in your love. Amen
It has been a joy to have our monthly service to have real contact and sharing together. Many have attended worship and been made and felt welcome at St. Helen’s Parish Church
*Would anyone like to join me for a Christmas get together at the Willow Tree café 11am on a Friday 17th for coffee if enough wish to join me I can book tables. I need to know by Tues 14th Tel 931 2704 leave a message if I am out...
Community Church Services and meeting for December – January 2022
*Sunday December 5th 3pm
Advent and Gift service Led by Rev. Louise Gee
Money gifts only please, to be shared between the charities the Friary and Framework, as they work to towards ending homelessness. Unfortunately, a much-needed service especially during this season. I cannot imagine having no home to go to, no warmth, no bed, food and security. Please give generously.
*Christmas Eve we celebrate at 3pm
Candle Lit Service led by Rev. Richard Byass.
This service is usually well attended so we are asking for people to book a place: tel. 931 2704 from Fri. 17th – Mon 20th closing date.
Leave a message please if no answer.
2022
Sunday January 9th at 3pm
(NB this is the second Sunday of January)
Covenant Service with communion led by Rev. Richard Byass
Church Meeting
This meeting will be looking more deeply how we as a church move forward in view of the present climate.
Please do try and attend. Rev. Richard Byass will speak at this meeting to explain our situation and look at options for the future. Make sure you come warmly dressed and have hearing aids if required, we need full participation, please; you are all a major part of this church and all deciders in the path we take.
A little background as reminder.
Some I have talked to are confused about the history of BJCC
As you know we are a LEP- Local Ecumenical Partnership with Methodist and URC. We have been for past 7 years. For these 7 years we have been affiliated to both denominations, overseen in first 7 years by the URC, initially we had a URC minister Rev. Malcolm Fife. When he transferred to Liverpool, we received support for our Ministry from Rev. Louise Gee. Now at the end of 7 years we automatically become overseen by the Methodist and receiving ministerial support from Rev. Richard Byass, a superintendent of the Methodist Nottingham North East Circuit.
As you are well aware there are changes over the past 2 years and Covid has not helped, intervened unkindly for us and of course for many others. We are where we are and we need honest realistic talking to decide our future, and we believe Richard can help us to do this in a comfortable way for us all, an environment to feel hopefully free to ask questions and maybe receive reassurance. Rev. Louise Gee will also attend. Please do attend.
Happy Birthdays
December: 1st Joyce J, 22nd Carol McM, 30th Pat C
January 2022: 20th Christine C, 22nd Lynne Th
Eco Church a follow up to COP26, with Eco church in mind this Christmas- maybe we should think of supporting local shops and producers where we can.
Lead us to respect God’s world and inspire our stewardship
Services and events at St. Helen’s Church over Christmas period
Rev. Anna Alls will welcome you to any of these.
*Wed. Dec. 1st. 7.30pm Advent at The Hub Contemporary Worship with guest speaker
*Sun. Dec. 5th at 10.30 am Tree of memories with Advent Worship
*Sat. Dec, 11th 4pm. Tree of Memories with Carols at Bulcote Holy Trinity
*Wed. Dec. 22nd 7.30 pm Brass Band concert.
*Christmas Day Service 10.30 am Worship for All
The Birth of Jesus: Luke Ch.2 v, 1-20
Welcome to Christmas Day. JOY to the World
The Lord has Come and Heaven and Nature sing!
See him lying on a bed of straw,
Draughty stable with an open door,
Mary cradling the child she bore;
The prince of glory is his name
O now carry me to Bethlehem
To see the Lord of love again,
Just as poor as was the stable then,
The Prince of Glory when he came.
Michael Perry
One of my favourite carols, I think it is also the calypso rhythm that attracts me
Can really get into the swing of carol singing
Blessing of the Christmas crib
Loving Lord Jesus, on this holy night angels sang in praise of your birth
Shepherds knelt to adore you and Mary cradled you in her arms.
May this crib scene remind us that you are always with us
and bring us to worship you today and every day. Amen
Ian Black
What can I give him, Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a wise man, I would do my part;
Yet what can I give him-give my heart.
Christina Rossetti
Don’t forget the carol booklet, which was a gift last year.
Fish it out and start singing and enjoy the goodness of Christmas.
Many favourites are there.
Enjoy time with family and friends and exchange gift’s, let the wonder of what God has done for you sink into your heart and mind.
Love, Hope and Kindness wished for all this Christmas and throughout the coming New Year
Love and God’s blessing shared among us Cynthia
HAPPY CHRISTMAS!
If there anything you would like to include in the notices, a prayer request, a bible reading, a quotation, meditation, we all like good news. Please let me know O115 9312704 or cynthia@route56.co.uk
‘We are united with all life that is in nature.
Man can no longer live his life for himself alone’
(Albert Schweitzer 1875-1965)
What do the next two months hold?
November 7th 3 pm. Remembrance Sunday service. Led by Rev. Richard Byass (Methodist Superintendent) communion service.
December 5th 3 pm. Advent and Gift Service. There will be a money collection donated to the Friary, working locally to end homelessness. Where has the year gone? So fast- we are talking Christmas!
Dec. 24th Christmas Eve Service.
On the Sunday we do have a service there will not be an order of service delivered. We are aware that getting to church is a real challenge for some and we will continue to deliver a weekly order of service to those if they wish it. It has become a way of life a connection each week. If you are no longer using the printed Sunday Worship, please let me know I can then pass this on to our printers and delivers. It maybe you are worshipping at St. Helen’s or elsewhere, I know there is still available zoom, television or Facebook worship.
Let us know what you want to do either:
1) Stop receiving the delivery of the weekly service
2) Continue receiving the weekly service.
The monthly Newsletter will continue, remember it is your Newsletter and it is your news I would like to receive, please contribute in any way.
Prayer Requests
Dinah is in need of our prayers and thoughts A bit of a tricky time for her with more surgery, a bonus for her is she didn’t need a skin craft which she had been told to expect. Hurrah! She is hobbling around bravely. Keep in touch, she may be enjoying a snooze with Chloe and may not get to answer the phone in time, leave a message and phone number & she will get back, nothing worse when there is no message and left to “wonder who that was?”
Doug and Pat C at home with care and loving family support, less able to get out meeting others.
Les and Linda have not seen their family for a while, getting out can be a challenge also missing pop-ins and the stroke club as a meeting hub.
Terry not well, finding it hard to manage, being in an upstairs flat doesn’t help he is getting so breathless. His good friend Joyce keeps in touch, Sylvia regularly makes telephone contact and meets up with Terry and Joyce at ‘Hugo’s’ café, a real busy village hub.
Joyce H keeps regular contact with her friends Terry and Christine, amazing care and love for others shown by her. Thank you, Lord, for Joyce, an example to us all.
Betty S is at home managing with help, I pop in when I deliver Sunday service, she does feel very lonely and enjoys a chat.
In heavenly love abiding.
No change my heart will fear;
And safe is such confiding,
For nothing changes here:
The storm may roar around me,
My heart may low be laid;
But God is round about me,
And shall I be dismayed?
We are sorry and saddened by the death of Sir David Amess the politician killed doing his job. A pointless cruel act causing such devastation and hurt in the lives of many, those that love him, his family and friends, the community he served valued and respected.
We think of those in our community grieving loss of loved ones from their lives. Sometimes we feel weighted down with sadness for others and lost for words of consolation, there can be a fear of upsetting them but don’t stay silent, be brave reach out in whatever way you can, a smile and just saying ‘hello’ to someone you know is suffering can be so uplifting and comforting and may lead to conversation which they may need, the chance to talk about their loss and share memories. If you are a ‘texter’ texting is a good way to just say in the middle of a busy day ‘Thinking about you’ your timing could be spot on- just a little comfort to know others care and are thinking or praying for you.
Life can change suddenly for people in many ways
Help them Lord to cope with life in a new way and enjoy life in a new way.
And help us to offer comfort and support in any way we can
We know the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives, may all in special need at this time feel the comfort and peace of the Holy Spirit surrounding them. Amen
Living God, breathe your Spirit upon us,
Loving Jesus, grant us your compassion
Healing Spirit, come and give us peace
Amen
* Traidcraft catalogue for Christmas cards and gifts available from Hilary,
orders in by 7th November please Tel. 0115 931 4301
Birthdays to remember in Nov. Phyllis S 2nd and Sheila 13th
Have you Church Keys not required by you now? If so please let us know
and we can arrange collection. (my contact at bottom of sheet)
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those that bring Good news
Who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation
Who say to Zion “Your God reigns” Isaiah 52. V.7
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness and self-control Galatians 5. V. 22-23
(I thought that’s a big ask, we can but try)
There are many verses in the bible which can inspire, comfort and surprise us but taken out of context of a story; reading before and after the verse is worth doing, often more than ten minutes on you are still reading, often stories forgotten or not visited before.
Love and God’s blessing shared among us Cynthia
Accountant’s hymn: “Count your blessings; count them one by one…”
If there anything you would like to include in the notices, a prayer request, a bible reading, a quotation, meditation, we all like good news. Please let me know O115 9312704 or cynthia@route56.co.uk
There have been birthdays enjoyed, Janet the same day as Marie who celebrated her 90thbirthday in style with her family. Congratulations Marie, you are an example to us all (a good one, of course!) there are other birthdays in Sept but I am writing this early and they haven’t taken place - Douglas, Val and David.
The church meeting was well attended with 24 people. I know one or two feel we are being too cautious and I do understand from talking to many of you that there is some disappointment, especially in not recommencing Pop- ins, which many feel are a much-needed community service.
The positive to me was the attendance and contribution from many of you, also the fact that we will be having a monthly afternoon church service at 3pm, the first Sunday of each month starting on October 3rd at 3pm and we welcome Rev. Louise Gee to lead this service. This will be a Harvest Service with cash donations only, (no goods) to be given to support the work of Emmanuel House.
These past months almost 2 years have been strange and difficult times. This to me marks a beginning, we need to meet together to worship, and we have to begin our journey somewhere, let’s see where it leads and takes us and keep faith alive and look forward with hope and trust. Keep us, our church in your daily prayers; remember we are the church without us there would be no church just an empty building.
Prayer Requests
I have not received any but I am sure you will have some not shared and we can be assured God knows all our needs and anxieties, our joys and love for each other. Let us quietly sit and meditate on anything you wish, maybe think of the needs of the world all living creatures who populate the earth, how we contribute or not to sustaining a healthy environment.
Our family, friends and our community; how we can help others feel good about themselves cared for and happy. Good life is about the little things we can do for each other a smile, a wave, a hello, a birthday card, a neighbour who brings a slice of cake because she/he has just baked it. You can add to this list, insignificant deeds maybe, but make a difference.
Some of you will have met Christine when she visited a friend in Burton Joyce prior to them going away on a holiday together. Lovely surprise for you, she looked well and is settling to what seems a busy life in Dulwich; also enjoying the proximity of family. She can be in central London under the hour! Life seems quite varied and interesting. She is able to attend a URC church within walking distance. A good move for her and life is good and I know you will share her joy.
Reflection by Rev. Geoffrey Clarke URC
I enjoyed reading this and the prayers, I hope you will also
Breaking Free
Were he still alive Freddie Mercury would be celebrating his 75thbirthday on Sunday 5 September. Given the breadth of music tastes embodied by the readers of this E-Letter I am not assuming that everyone will recognise the name. Mercury was the lead vocalist for the band Queen, whose distinctive music delighted many of us from their 1973 debut album onwards. From among the many titles that I could have chosen, I want to break free … Oh how I want to be free is playing in my mind as I write.
The desire to be free features prominently at the moment: images of people desperate to break free from the oppression of the Taliban after its conquest of Afghanistan, crowding the airport at Kabul and taking huge risks in order to be among those flown out of a country in which they no longer feel at home or safe. In particular, women and children, who have for the past two decades tasted greater freedom to play their part in society, appear now to be destined to have such freedoms denied. Oh, how I want to be free.
What it means to be free is likely to differ from person to person. But most if not all of us might well long for the chance to be free from being forced to do another’s bidding; free from responsibility or expectation; free from what or who holds us back; free from pain and distress … One of Cranmer’s prayers, known as The Collect for Peace, suggests that it is in service that we find freedom:
O GOD, who art the author of peace and lover of concord, in knowledge of whom standeth our eternal life, whose service is perfect freedom…
(Book of Common Prayer, liturgy for Matins)
Cranmer’s assertion, at first glance, is counter-cultural. Service can feel like being compelled to do what we might otherwise not choose to do but at the heart of our faith is the invitation to take up our cross and follow the Crucified One, who came not to be served but to serve.
As we ponder the images from Afghanistan and perhaps hear Mercury’s lyrics, I want to break free, may we be advocates for hospitality for the refugee and offer our prayer that all may know perfect freedom. I commend a couple of prayers.
The first is by the former Secretary for Church and Society, Grace Pengelly-Beckett: her Prayer for Afghanistan:
For those who are fleeing: sanctuary.
For those who are staying: safety.
For those who are fighting: peace.
For those whose hearts are breaking: comfort.
For those who see no future: hope.
And with his characteristic honesty and clarity, Thom M. Shuman writes:
God, where are you?
Afghanistan has gone beyond falling apart,
as groups seem to be having contests
to see who can hate better and kill more,
and you seem to be found nowhere
when we are looking for you to take our side
in blaming this politician or that one,
in picking sides based on criticism
rather than compassion for those
who can’t even find a middle to be caught in.
God, where are you? … God, where are you,
when we want quick responses,
simple answers, solutions which cost us nothing?
And the answer is what it has always been . . .
you are doing your best (through us)
to protect the vulnerable in crumbling nations,
you are speaking before school boards
and working in overwhelmed hospitals (through us),
you are filling sandbags, boarding up stores,
driving folks to safety, opening up shelters,
stockpiling food and water and meds (through us)
for those who will need them most
and if we would just stop digging in our heels
and holding our breath until we turn blue
waiting for you to answer the age-old question
where are you, God?
you might be able to use us as you always hope you can.
© 2021 Thom M. Shuman
Prayer is not magic. You don’t have to know key phases that ‘work’
Prayer is the genuine pouring out of the heart to the Great Listener.
(Little book of encouragement)
Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers…..
Ephesians Ch.6 v18
Love and God’s blessing shared among us Cynthia
If there anything you would like to include in the notices, a prayer request, a bible reading, a quotation, meditation, we all like good news. Please let me know O115 9312704 or cynthia@route56.co.uk
Ladies, don’t forget the rummage sale. It’s a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands (!)
I look around
And you are there beside me
Telling me that when the storm clouds gather
And wind whips up,
To blow me in directions I would not choose to go,
I have no cause to fear.
You are beside me,
Yes, but strange,
Ahead of me as well.
Beacon blazing,
Beckoning me on,
And promising safe anchorage. (E. Askew)
No comments:
Post a Comment