CENTRAL CHURCH DOVERCOURT

SPIRITUAL REFRESHMENT AND MINISTRY

BUY LESS LIVE MORE

a Lent initiative by the Methodist Church for 2008 in their Open to God section.

To find out more click www.buylesslivemore.org.uk

THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH:

"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." (Hebrews 13:2)

Increasing numbers of refused asylum seekers are being left without basic hospitality and the means of life. They are removed from their accommodation and financial support stopped two weeks after their case for asylum is deemed to have 'failed'. They frequently have no means to return home, or 'choose' a life of destitution rather than return to a country they fear.

Refused asylum seekers are still human, and deserve to be treated the same, as we would expect if we had to flee to another country. We should offer the respect to our neighbours that we expect ourselves. This is at the heart of the Christian faith, and of many other religions.

MINISTER'S MUSINGS:

MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER REV IAN H WALES:

MINISTERS MUSINGS

My dear Friends,

Welcome to the latest edition of the newsletter. And grateful thanks to all those involved in it’s production!

I suppose the word which comes to mind as I prepare an article for a Church magazine which will cover the Christmas period is the word ‘communication’. This magazine goes out to a wide readership who we greet warmly in Christ’s name. It will appear at a time when most of us are writing Christmas Cards. It is good to keep in touch. Christmas is all about keeping in touch, God keeping in touch with a broken and needy world. The babe of Bethlehem is the Son of God clothed in human flesh. His coming is God’s way of identifying with the needs of broken men and women. And in that coming he takes our needs, our brokenness, our loneliness upon himself and opens the way for us to lead fulfilled and meaningful lives in a daily relationship with him. Just think of it, the maker of the universe clothes himself in human flesh to open up the way for us to know and love him! Such love this Christmas demands a renewed response. When you gaze upon the Christmas scene at our crib festival, and it will be a breathtaking experience, take a moment to pause and give yourself afresh to such love. And pray that that amazing love will fill you afresh this Christmas.

But if the coming of Christ is about relationships, it is about relationships between people as well as their relationship with God. The coming of Christ declares that relationships can be healed, relationships between individuals and relationships within communities and between nations. When the maker of the starry skies takes human flesh for me and teaches me how to pray for forgiveness, how can I hold onto all that keeps me from loving my neighbour too.

There is so much going on in the life of the Church just now, the Family Friendly Churches Weekend, the Crib Festival and all our Christmas Services. Then we launch into a New Year with all the unknown possibilities that that will bring for us. One thing I know and that is that if God clothes himself in human flesh that first Christ Christmas he will not abandon us as we launch into the unknown future of 2008! We give ourselves in confidence and faith to that glorious truth. For all of us the New Year brings new challenges. Following the Family Friendly Churches Weekend we launch Messy Church as we seek to incarnate the Gospel in new ways. Some of us may be quite busy! But no one need live to be useless. I used to visit an elderly housebound lady in a former Church who still spent her days praying for all those who were still able to be active. She was housebound but happy and content in her close walk with God.

For some, this year has brought deep pain and sadness and you will especially be in our prayers as we approach this holy season.

May you all have a happy and peaceful Christmas and a new year filled with glorious new possibilities.

With love and prayers,

Your minister and friend,

Ian

DEEP QUESTIONS, PRAYERS AND MEDITATIONS, SERMONS AND BIBLE READINGS

Read the attached document (Guardian, Saturday 6 Jan 07) above. Doesn’t it make you wonder? With Davies I marvel, that I can slightly comprehend something of what has been going on. The writer of Genesis would have given a tablet or two to know this. He could just wonder when he looked at the sun, moon and stars, and think of the purpose for which mankind was on this earth with imagination, memory, understanding and a will to make the best of life on this wonderful planet (except he didn’t know he was on a planet). After 13 billion years we mere human beings have arrived at this wonderful knowledge about the Universe. Are we or are we not the only intelligent beings who have emerged with this knowledge? If we can know this much now, what will we as a species know in the next million years? But will we survive that long? Will global warming wipe us out? Will we wipe ourselves out? How did it all begin? How will it end? Eternal questions to continue to contemplate! Is it just a coincidence that we emerged from all that stuff out there, and arrived with this fantastic brain and understanding? Well, some of us need a lot of convincing to say that it is just coincidence. If it is, well, that is marvellous too. Meanwhile we live in the faith that God is Emmanuel. He is with us. Let us live in that knowledge too. From it we learn to be sociable, generous, loving and forgiving. We learn a little about reconciliation and peace. We sometimes even gain the strength (grace) to live as we believe. Wow!

LOST IN WONDER

An on-line labyrinth that leads the traveller along a meditative path. Through images, words and actions the site allows people to consider their spiritual journeys and be inspired and challenged

And all shall be well (Julian of Norwich)

In the division between rich and poor,

in the segregation of the haves and have nots,

when some live in magnificent mansions

and others on squalid streets;

as the wealthy West draws back

from engagement with injustice,

shutting out suffering humanity,

all made in the image of God.

In all this the crucified resurrected One is there -

at one -

at one with God,

with himself

and with all humanity,

bringing solidarity in suffering,

wholeness in brokenness -

For all shall be well

and all shall be well

and all manner of things shall be well.

EPIPHANY OF THE LORD -

THE GOVERNMENT OF GOD

Read: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7,10-14: Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12

The Gospel of Christ revolutionises the whole of life, including our view of kings and kingdoms, monarchs and monarchies, emperors and empires, nations and governments.

Christ, the Government of God shines in those who serve the people, radiates in those who refresh the land, glows in those who bring good news.

Let your glory shine in our hearts.

Christ, the government of God grants justice to the oppressed, brings prosperity to the people, delivers redemption to the poor.

Let your glory shine in our hearts.

Christ, the Government of god means everyone inherits the benefits, ensures everyone belongs in the body, insists everyone shares in the promise.

Let your glory shine in our hearts.

Christ, the Government of God challenges those who are corrupt, champions those who are underdogs, cheers those who seek peace.

Let your glory shine in our hearts.

Christ our Governor, you call us to give all in the cause of the Gospel guide those whom we elect to govern us, and inspire us when we exercise power to be truly wise and lovingly faithful.

PRAY WITHOUT CEASING
Celebrating Prayer
as a gift from God;
Affirming Prayer
that is already taking place;

Michaela Youngson
Connexional Secretary for Pastoral Care and Spirituality
Diane Foster
Administrator, Pastoral Care and Spirituality

The Methodist Church
Methodist Church House
25 Marylebone Road
London NW1 5JR Tel.No: 020 7467 5117

BIBLE LECTIONARY – JULY TO SEPTEMBER 2007

Readings in blue recommended for busy people

	Old Testament or Acts	Gospel	Epistle	Psalm
JULY
1 Pentecost 5	2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14	Luke 9:51-62	Galatians 5:1,13-25	77:1-2,11-20
8 Pentecost 6	2 Kings 5:1-14	Luke 10:1-11,16-20	Galatians 6:(1-6), 7-16	30
15 Pentecost 7	Amos 7:7-17	Luke 10:25-37	Colossians 1:1-14	82
22 Pentecost 8	Amos 8:1-12	Luke 10:38-42	Colossians 1:15-28	52
29 Pentecost 9	Hosea 1:2-10	Luke 11:1-13	Colossians 2:6-15,(16-19)	85
AUGUST
5 Pentecost 10	Hosea 11:1-11	Luke 12:13-21	Colossians 3:1-11	107:1-9,43
12 Pentecost 11	Isaiah 1:1,10-20	Luke 12:32-40	Hebrews 11:1-3,8-16	50:1-8,22-23
19 Pentecost 12	Isaiah 5:1-7	Luke 12:49-56	Hebrews 11:29 - 12:2	80:1-2,8-19
26 Pentecost 13	Jeremiah 1:4-10	Luke 13:10-17	Hebrews 12:18-29	71:1-6
SEPTEMBER
2 Pentecost 14	Jeremiah 2:4-13	Luke 14:7-14	Hebrews 13:1-8,15-16	81:1,10-16
9 Pentecost 15	Jeremiah 18:1-11	Luke 14:25-33	Philemon 1-21	139:1-6,13-18
16 Pentecost 16	Jeremiah 4:11-12,22-28	Luke 15:1-10	1 Timothy 1:12-17	14
23 Pentecost 17	Jeremiah 8:18 - 9:1	Luke 16:1-13	1 Timothy 2:1-7	79:1-9
30 Pentecost 18	Jeremiah 32:1-3a,6-15	Luke 16:19-31	1 Timothy 6:6-19	91:1-6,14-16

IPSWICH AND COLCHESTER DISTRICT, EASTERN SYNOD

PRAYER CALENDAR

January to March 2008

Please pray at home and in Church for:

Ø Training opportunities taking place throughout the District with their opportunities of ‘being the best that we can be’ in our service to God through our churches.

Ø Week of Prayer for Christian Unity - 18 to 25 January, in its 100th year and focusing on the apostle Paul’s advice to ‘pray without ceasing’

Ø Homelessness Sunday - 27 January which starts Poverty and Homelessness Action Week. Remember that while our homes may be the heart of family life and places of comfort and safe refuge, thousands of people in our country suffer the injustices of homelessness.

Ø Fair Trade Fortnight - 25 February to 9 March. Pray that the Fair Trade message of ‘making a positive difference’ will be widely spread and that we will each be challenged to do our part in promoting it.

Please submit information about special events or topics for inclusion in future issues to the editor, Daphne Savage.

Tel: 01394 671043 Mob: 07747 389 600 or

Email: [email protected]

Our Father, which art in heaven

Father of Humankind, help we ask of You, holy Lord, You who are in heaven.

Hallowed be thy name

Be it sanctified, secure in our memories, Your name now, Saviour Christ, and in our hearts hardily confirmed.

Thy kingdom come

Now let come among mankind Your kingdom, mighty ruler, righteous Judge, and may our belief, in our lifetimes, in our minds, marvellously endure.

Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven

And let Your will be worked out among us in this inhabitance of the earthly world, as wholly as it is in heaven’s glory splendidly enacted for ever and ever.

Give us this day our daily bread

Give us now today, God of All Men, Heaven’s High Lord, our loaf, which you provided for the advantage of our souls, in this mid-earth of mankind; such is the sheer Christ, Lord God.

And forgive us our trespasses

Forgive us, Guardian of Mankind, our guilt and sins and remit our wrong-doings, wounds of the body and ill-deed, for we often must, almighty God, anger You.

As we forgive them that trespass against us

So we shall overlook those earthly transgressions of those who often offend against us, nor think of blaming them for bad deeds if [we would] earn eternal life.

And lead us not into temptation

Do not lead us into harm, into suffering’s sorrow nor into temptation, Christ, our sustainer, lest we fail, forfeit all Your mercies by our malice.

But deliver us from evil

And from evil also deliver us, and from all our enemies; we keenly confess in our hearts, Lord of Angels, thanks and admiration, True God of Victories, because, in Your gentle power, You freed us from the imprisonment of hell’s punishment.

Amen - So be it

from the Old English version of the Benedictine Office/Service of Prime

Pointers for Prayer on Sunday

6th January	On this first Sunday of the year, pray that as we plan for the future we will not lose sight of our mission to serve God in our communities and reach new people with the Gospel.
13th January	Members of the District Council as they meet (14 Jan) at St John ’s URC, Ipswich , anticipating and planning for a time of great change.
20th January	Remember also all those who faithfully serve as elders and enable the life and work of our churches to continue - ask for continued inspiration and guidance to be given to them.
27th January	St John’s (Ipswich) & Felixstowe URCs as they continue to plan for their new joint pastorate and look forward to being able to welcome a new minister.
3rd February	Revd Kenneth Forbes and his ministry at Chappell and Lion Walk URCs, Colchester .
10th February	Revd Peter Peirce and his ministry at Stowmarket, Stowupland and Mendlesham URCs
17th February	Revd David Dones and his ministry at Clare, Wickhambrook, Cheveley & Stetchworth URCs
24th February	Revd Heather Kent and her ministry at Emmanuel, Walton-on-the Naze & Christ Church , Colchester
2nd March	Children’s work and youth activities in our churches - that we may attract, nurture and retain children and young people within the Christian faith and to ensure future generations continue to proclaim the Gospel
8th March	Synod meeting on Saturday 15 March as our representatives gather to consider the future direction, ministry and mission of our church
16th March	Christ Church , Needham Market, and Debenham URCs and their outreach into their communities.
23rd March	Castle Hill and Saxmundham URCs and their outreach into their communities as they continue to develop their joint pastorate.
30th March	Revd Chris Woods and his ministry at Christ Church URC, Clacton-on-Sea

Please submit information about special events or topics for inclusion in future issues to the editor, Daphne Savage.

Tel: 01394 671043 Mob: 07747 389 600 or

Email: [email protected]

God of the long summer days

O God of the long summer days, we thank you for the hours of light, for the gentle caress of the sun, for the scream of the swifts as they circle the air in search of food, for the chime of the church clock in the evening air, for the scent of the flowers as dusk falls, and for the warm enfolding darkness of the night. We pray that we who enjoy these gifts may value them and be willing to share. We pray also for the long summer days that bring heat and noise, smells and disturbance. May your presence be with us all in city, town, village and hamlet; in beauty and in squalor and may our communities reflect the light of your love. Jean Mayland

A Prayer for Justice

Bring liberation in. Root out the sin of prejudice and power. Plant seeds, grow flowers.

Destroy unjust structures. Cause dissent and disruption until people put down can wear a gold crown.

Till they claim their place in the human race sitting round the table, not the Tower of Babel ,

sharing Pentecostal grace, reflecting God’s face in all the diversity discovering divinity.

Sandra Ackroyd

God who waits for us

God who waits for us …

Forgive our lethargy, as we criticise those around us,

But wait for others to take your message of love and hope

To an unknowing generation;

God who waits for us …

Forgive our complacency,

as we ignore the wrongs of the world,

But wait for others to bring justice to the disadvantaged;

God who waits for us …

Forgive our narrow vision as we cling to the ways of the past,

But wait for your kingdom to come

Forgetting that we must change to make that happen;

God who waits for us … to respond, help us to hear your call. Amen

Brian Hudson (From various issues of ‘All Year Round’)

A Nicaraguan Lord's Prayer

Don't say 'Father' if you don't like his child each day.

Don't say 'our' if you only ever think about yourself.

Our Father, who art in heaven.

Don't say 'Hallowed be your name' if you don't honour that name.

don't say 'Your Kingdom come' if you only ever think of earthly matters.

Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Don't say 'Our daily bread' if you have no concern for the hungry or the sick.

Give us this day our daily bread

don't say 'Forgive us our sins' if you remain angry with your brothers.

Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.

Don't say 'Lead us not into temptation' if you intend to continue sinning.

Don't say 'delivers us from evil' if you don't make a stand against injustice.

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Don't say 'Amen' without considering the words of your prayer.

For the Kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and for ever, Amen.

Pray with the Guyana Congregational Union (CWM) Caribbean Region).

Updated 24 March 07

IPSWICH AND COLCHESTER DISTRICT, EASTERN SYNOD

PRAYER CALENDAR

January to March 2008

Tel: 01394 671043 Mob: 07747 389 600 or

Email: [email protected]

Our Father, which art in heaven

Hallowed be thy name

Thy kingdom come

Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven

Give us this day our daily bread

And forgive us our trespasses

As we forgive them that trespass against us

And lead us not into temptation

But deliver us from evil

Amen - So be it

Pointers for Prayer on Sunday

Members of the District Council as they meet (14 Jan) at St John ’s URC, Ipswich , anticipating and planning for a time of great change.

Remember also all those who faithfully serve as elders and enable the life and work of our churches to continue - ask for continued inspiration and guidance to be given to them.

St John’s (Ipswich) & Felixstowe URCs as they continue to plan for their new joint pastorate and look forward to being able to welcome a new minister.

Revd Kenneth Forbes and his ministry at Chappell and Lion Walk URCs, Colchester .

Revd Peter Peirce and his ministry at Stowmarket, Stowupland and Mendlesham URCs

Revd David Dones and his ministry at Clare, Wickhambrook, Cheveley & Stetchworth URCs

Revd Heather Kent and her ministry at Emmanuel, Walton-on-the Naze & Christ Church , Colchester

Children’s work and youth activities in our churches - that we may attract, nurture and retain children and young people within the Christian faith and to ensure future generations continue to proclaim the Gospel

Synod meeting on Saturday 15 March as our representatives gather to consider the future direction, ministry and mission of our church

Christ Church , Needham Market, and Debenham URCs and their outreach into their communities.

Castle Hill and Saxmundham URCs and their outreach into their communities as they continue to develop their joint pastorate.

Revd Chris Woods and his ministry at Christ Church URC, Clacton-on-Sea

Tel: 01394 671043 Mob: 07747 389 600 or

Email: [email protected]

God of the long summer days

God who waits for us