church family news
    Since the beginning of the first lockdown  in March 2020, we felt it was still necessary          to have a forum where we can share our joys and our sorrows. 
So, we continue to bring our weekly news ...     

In an attempt to make life a little easier, 

I'll leave recurring news at the TOP of this page
(which means I don't have to re-paste it EVERY week!) 
and it'll be quicker for you to look something up.             

If you need to get a message to anyone on this page please use the "Contact Us" page on this website.              

If you have any items you'd like us to include again please tell Maureen Jeavons or Eileen Adams                        

Sadly, during this very strange year (and more) some very special people have died but know
that they are NOT  forgotten.  Look for tributes and photos on the "Memories" page

In recent weeks we've been reflecting on the question: "What have I learned about God during the pandemic?"

We've created a new page on the website so you can view some of those testimonies

God bless you all                 
Stay Joyful

                Keep the Faith

                                 Do the Little Things

 

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Please also take note of the following from Dudley Council

  Dudley is experiencing a rise in cases of the new Delta variant of Covid️

although  the NATIONAL LOCKDOWN  has come to an end

PLEASE

Play your part - protect Dudley borough

for latest information (too lengthy for this page) check the Coronavirus page on this website
(updated 24.07.21)

�� Remember HANDS FACE SPACE 

Find out more ➡️ www.dudley.gov.uk/coronavirus

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CIRCUIT SERVICES

 Zoom services have now been suspended. 

please note that

 WORSHIP IN OUR CHURCHES  

  is beginning to resume. 

Crossway and Hasbury are currently open for worship.

 

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HELPING HANDS.

We ARE still here! Please, just ask if you need help.

 

Message Eileen Adams or Sarah Shaw if there’s anything at all we can help with.
If you need help with shopping orders, prescription collections, or anything else – maybe just a friendly voice,
message us. If you don't know our contact details please use the "contact us" page on this website.
We really
are 

 HAPPY TO HELP 

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If you  yourself needs (or you hear  of any one that needs) 
PASTORAL SUPPORT 
please  contact Maggie and Jon Jones who are our joint Pastoral Co-ordinators)  

via our "contact us" page  

They will then be able to contact Pastoral Visitors and our Minister as required. 

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                              HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS:JULY 24th                                             

Jean Graham is still in hospital  - we continue to hold Jean and Terry in love and prayers

 Audrey Beasley has had an infection and is to go into respite for a while to give her extra care.

We hold Audrey and Peter also in our love and prayers

 

GOOD NEWS!

James Mitchell, grandson of Audrey and Peter, 

is to marry Harriet on Thursday July 29^th after several postponements. 

We wish James and Harriet a blessed and happy future together.

 SAD NEWS

                                                                                                                                    

             Vera Parkes passed away at the age of 93 years,  on 13th July
following her courageous fight with numerous health difficulties since Christmas.
This lovely, gentle lady will be sadly missed at Open Door.

We hold Roger and all the family in our love and prayers at this time.

Vera’s funeral will be at Hasbury on Monday August 9^th at 11.00a.m.

(if you will be attending the funeral service,
please let Dave Raxster have your name and contact details for track and trace purposes)

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WORSHIP AT HASBURY SUNDAY JULY 25th 10.30 a.m.

 

Worship will be led by Rev. Peter Brown

Maureen Stanley is lead steward

Beth Rolinson is on tech duty

 

Tea and coffee will be served after the service on Sunday.

There won’t be tables and chairs or biscuits. Please collect (your) drink only.

Please remember the guidance on social distancing.

We’ll be wearing masks, but can sing (if somewhat muted) behind the mask.

Toilet facilities are open

Also, we are adding an extra 10 chairs to the main worship area,
so we can now seat 40 worshippers on Sundays.

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GENERAL CHURCH MEETING  

will follow worship at 12.00 noon. Please bring along your copies of the agenda,

minutes of previous meeting and finance report if  you have managed to print them off.

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LOCAL ARRANGEMENT FOR WORSHIP August 15th

 

August 15th is our next local arrangement.

 If you would like to help with planning or contribute in any way will you please contact Eileen Adams,

who has offered to co ordinate this service, asap.

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STOURBRIDGE BEREAVEMENT HUB

 

Mary Stevens Hospice Hub Offering Care Compassion and Kindness to those seeking a safe space for a supportive listening and friendship that offers a smile and a cuppa

Our Hub aims to offer a safe and secure environment for those who are bereaved. To feel supported and to improve health and wellbeing, reducing isolation. For more information contact The Patient and Family Support Services at Mary Stevens Hospice Call 01384 443010 Or Email pafss@marystevenshospice.co.uk The Stourbridge Institute Social Club, Market Street, Entrance via Bell Street, Stourbridge, DY8 1AE

Last Thursday of each month 10.30-12.00
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From Joy Jones -

                                                                       

SUSANNA WESLEY

an extraordinary hero of prayer and learning and mother of John and Charles

died on July 23rd  1742 (279 years ago this week)

 

Whenever Susanna Wesley wanted to pray, she would pull her apron over her head to assert a measure of privacy from her children. She endured a difficult marriage to a penniless preacher who was imprisoned twice. Their home was burned down twice. And tragically nine of their nineteen children died in infancy. Somehow Susanna raised their remaining ten children almost single-handedly, regarding motherhood as a vocation from God.

With nowhere at home to pray privately, Susanna’s children quickly learned that when her apron was over her head, their mother was not to be disturbed. In this unusual posture, she would pour her heart out to God, no doubt mourning her lost babies, interceding for her infuriating husband, and praying for each of her children by name.

Susanna took education seriously, home-schooling her children for six hours a day, teaching her seven daughters the same as her three sons. She also gave an extra hour of exclusive time to each child each week. “I look upon every soul under my charge,” she explained, “as a talent committed to me under a trust.”

Susanna was a formidable leader long before her sons John and Charles rose to fame. When her husband, the Rector of Epworth parish church, was imprisoned for financial mismanagement and his replacement in the pulpit failed miserably to preach the gospel, Susanna took matters into her own hands. 

She launched a Sunday school in the kitchen for her children, which began to attract so many of their neighbours that it had to be reconvened in the barn. Before long, 200 people were gathering every Sunday to worship, pray and listen to Susanna reading sermons. Meanwhile, the church building nearby languished almost empty.

Susanna was a world-class leader, educator and prayer warrior, but her mission field was her own tribe. She applied herself to this task tirelessly, praying faithfully for those ten children, and teaching them diligently. She was a housewife with a hard life from a small town in rural England, but she became the mother of some eighty million Methodists in more than 130 nations today.

                                                                                                              Extract from Lectio 365 Daily devotional

We Thank God today for her work and witness

and wonder what she would make of the latest decision of the Methodist Conference ?

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HOLIDAY CLUB @ HOME

                                          

 

Holiday club @ home will be available Mon 2nd August - Fri 6th August.

 via the Short Cross website and facebook page.

It is very much a joint venture with Hasbury, but we need to ensure we adhere to copyright rules. 

Please pray for this venture and that children and families will learn something of the love of God.

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All it takes is a phone call to Maureen Stanley or Jan Lear to order your special tea.

Cream Tea £10 .00. PP Posh Tea £ 15 .00.   PP .   

  All we need is a week’s  notice of your date please.        

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LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE  

A true story tells of an old missionary preparing to leave her home in Africa where she had lived for many years. She asked her ‘Diddy’, a house servant, if there was anything she would like to take from the house that would remind her of their friendship when she had gone.

‘Yes please’ replied the Diddy ‘I’ll take your false teeth please!’

‘No you don’t understand’ replied the elderly missionary. ‘Tell me what you would really like.’

‘I would like your false teeth please’ came the confident reply.

‘I’m sure you don’t want those. They wouldn’t even fit you.’

‘Yes I really would like them’ insisted the Diddy. ‘They do fit me very well!’

                                                                         Adapted from The Little Book of Heavenly Humour by Sid Little

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HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS:JULY 18th

 

Jean Graham is unwell and is in hospital at present. 

We hold Jean and Terry in our love and prayers.

Margaret Sweeting is still in hospital and not able to care for herself yet.

We hold Margaret in our love and prayers.

 

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WORSHIP AT HASBURY SUNDAY JULY 18^th 10.30 a.m.

 

Worship is a local arrangement and will be led by Joy Jones

Dave Raxster is lead steward

Emily Hemming is on tech duty

 

Covid restrictions still apply – face masks, social distancing etc.

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GENERAL CHURCH MEETING
Sunday July 25th.

 

A General Church Meeting will be held at 12.00 noon next 

Tea and coffee will be available (but no biscuits)

Agenda and details to follow.

 

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RECYCLING  UPDATES  from Eileen Adams

 

 

BOTTLE TOPS

We just phoned to arrange a collection of bottle tops (there are several bags in the church car port, our garage is full and the shed has a few bags too) to be told that they can no longer accept them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The company who have been buying them have said they can’t accept less than a container full!  “Go Green” doesn’t have room for a skip and neither do we! So, reluctantly we’ll have to stop the collections and ask people to just put them in their re-cycling. “Go Green” will miss this income but they can still accept old spectacles and ink cartridges, so we’ll happily pass them on. They also need bicycles but if you have any you can pass on could you please contact them directly on: 01562 861154. As we’re reluctant to take all of the tops we currently have to the tip could we ask if anyone (EVERYONE!) could take a bag home and put it in their re-cycling box. PLEASE

 

MORE RECYCLING NEWS…I just had a postcard pick up from Mission Aviation Fellowship  and , should you have any more I now have an address where we can send them direct

 

AND…. if you collect used stamps for The Leprosy Mission it would help if you could occasionally put them in an envelope and send them to: TLM Stamp Bureau, Goldhay Way, Orton Goldhay, Peterborough PE2 5GZ

 

 

CHURCH GARDEN

 

While Roger Adams is happy to continue to cut the grass at church he’s in need of some support.
Some of the edges need cutting or strimming and the kerbs need to be brushed to get rid of all the weeds.
 So, if you can spare an hour or two to help keep the front of the church looking neat and tidy please do what you can.

Please contact Roger  if you can offer to help

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                              LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE                

        

A Sunday school teacher told his tiny flock the story of the Prodigal son in very dramatic terms.
He told how the younger son had gone off with all his father’s money,
how this son had soon realised what he had done wrong
and how he decided to return to his father and beg forgiveness and how the younger son was jealous.

The children sat enthralled.

At the end of the story the teacher decided to test out the little one’s thoughts about the story.

‘So who do you think wanted the son back?’ asked the teacher.

‘His father’ came the reply

‘Very good ‘smiled the teacher. ‘So who do you think was unhappy to see the son return? he continued.

‘The fatted calf!‘ came the quick reply.

                                                                     Adapted from The Little Book of Heavenly Humour by Sid Little

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CREAM TEAS

                 
                                                                  

 

All it takes is a phone call to Maureen Stanley or Jan Lear to order your special tea.

Cream Tea £10 .00. PP Posh Tea £ 15 .00.   PP .   

All we need is a week’s  notice of your date please.        

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Holiday club @ home will be available Mon 2nd August - Fri 6th August.

 via the Short Cross website and facebook page.

It is very much a joint venture with Hasbury, but we need to ensure we adhere to copyright rules. 

Please pray for this venture and that children and families will learn something of the love God.

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The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,

He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul.      (Psalm 23)

 

 

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News from Jenny and John in Australia. 
Stable One Project

We have been so encouraged recently by the things people say. They remind us that our work has a far wider impact than we sometimes realise. It is easy to forget that it isn't just individuals who are impacted by homelessness. Those who love them may also feel helpless, hopeless, exhausted, inadquate, frustrated and a whole range of other things. Stable One can make a difference in their lives too. In the last month, we've had multiple messages of gratitude via email, phone or in person from family members of people staying at The Lodge.

 Each year, as winter approaches, we also often receive messages from people who have stayed with us at a winter shelter. The change in temperature is a reminder of nights they stayed in a warm church building - warm because of the heating, but also because of the people inside who cared for them. Two weeks ago a caller said "I really miss being with all of you." Yesterday, a guy rang from Queensland where he now lives. He's working full time and has "given up the grog". He rang to let us know how he was doing and told us he loved us before he hung up. Another called today to say hi and see how we were going at The Lodge. 

For some of our volunteers, Stable One is a place to belong, to be loved, to connect, to grow and to give. Someone recently told us "It feels like my family here". Another said "This is 'church' isn't it?" We value our volunteers so highly and honour them for the time they give to serving others.
These encouragements keep us going on the hard days.

In our Friday night 'God Spot', we have been focussing on the 'one another' sayings in the Bible. Last week was 'encouraging one another'. (Encouragement - to inspire with courage, spirit, or hope, to spur on.) We all need encouragement. Why not drop a line to someone you've been impacted by today to spur them on? 

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds

Hebrews 10:24

FOOTNOTE: John and Jenny and family had a polar hurricane to contend with recently which together with very cold temperatures, high winds etc took the power out as well for a number of days. We send our love and prayers for a more peaceful time.

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Laughter is the best medicine

Members of the Elim church were getting carried away in worship.  The tambourines were going, the drums were banging, the choruses were flowing in an everlasting stream and the prayers mounted to heaven like a thousand arrows loosed from the quiver.  Amidst the sighs and shouts of oy, one old man was overcome with emotion.

“O dear Lord” he called out. “Thou canst see we’re having a blessed time  here tonight, Lord, but this is nothing, Lord.  Thou shouldst have been at the meeting last Sunday, Lord !”

…………..

Someone had stolen the preacher’s bike. He felt sure that one of his church members was the thief, so he decided to preach a sermon on the ten commandments.  When he came to “Thou shalt not steal” he made a great deal of the commandment, preaching eloquently about the scourge of theft and the collapse of standards in our society, but when he came to the commandment “Thou shalt not commit adultery, he suddenly remembered where he’d left his bike.

                                                                                              From Preachers at large by Murray Watts

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Are you worried about the future of our church? 

Be bold, be strong for the Lord our God is with you

He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus

                                                                                                                                  Philippians 1:6

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Roy Parton will be “At Home” on Wednesday 23^rd June from 2.00 – 4.30 pm

to celebrate his 78^th Birthday.                                          

You are most welcome to pop in any say Hello

……………………………………………………………………………………………………...

 

WORSHIP AT HASBURY Sunday June 20^th 10.30 a.m.

 

 

Worship will be led by Rev. Peter Brown

Stewards are Mo Stanley and Jan Lear, Dave Raxster (lead steward)/ door with Margaret

 

Covid regulations apply with social distancing and face masks.

Doors/windows are open for air flow

Attendance is limited                                                                                              

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       OPENING UP                      

Happily with the end of Covid 19 lockdown in sight we look forward to welcoming unlimited congregations once again at our services.
Over the last few months we have had some wonderful inspiring services, and we shared as before a good time to chatter (on the car park afterwards) and get to know one another again, renewing friendships we thought we might never have again.

To that end I would like to restart the tea and coffee rota, (just teams of Three) I will continue to lay out the church and prepare it for worship, so all you have to do is bring a warm smile and make tea and coffee and bring biscuits and be prepared for a post COVID hug, which we have all missed. It will be so good to welcome everyone back to our worship and a natter and cuppa afterwards. If you feel you could volunteer for this please see David or Margaret Raxster  and I can start making a list for teams, or if you feel you could make a team of your own that will be good too, just let me know and we can start a rota for when we return.

In God’s service David Raxster..

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 Meanwhile ...you can always treat yourself to a

 

All it takes is a phone call to Maureen Stanley or Jan lear to order your special tea.

Cream Tea £10 .00. PP

Posh Tea £ 15 .00.   PP

We are cheaper than the internet and all delivered to your door. All we need is a week’s  notice of your date please.

We are COVID compliant and all profits are given to Church funds

Every Blessing, Jan   and Maureen 

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 God really DOES save our gracious Queen

(from Eileen Adams) 

 

Last Saturday the Queen’s Official 95^th birthday was celebrated at Windsor Castle with the traditional;
 “Trooping of the Colour.” Three times she stood as the band played “God save the Queen.”

Today I was preparing a devotional for the Hospice and I took out a book we distributed five years ago for her 90^th birthday, called “The Servant Queen – and the King she serves.” If you’ve still got your copy it’s well worth a read. Throughout its pages – covering topics like ceremony, service, strength in adversity (even James Bond!) – there’s a strong thread: God DOES save the Queen.

 Every Christmas she broadcasts to the nation. JESUS always features in that address.
In 2014 she said, “for me the life of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, is an inspiration and an anchor in my life, a role model of reconciliation and forgiveness, He stretched out His hands in love, acceptance and healing. Christ’s example has taught me to seek to respect and value all people of whatever faith or none.”
She often focuses on reconciliation and forgiveness, calling them the “greatest gifts.”

 And this V.I.P., this monarch, this most famous of all women in the 21^st century, goes to church as often as she is able. In the book there’s a passage about that:

“You can hear the car crunch to a halt from inside the old building. The driver is reputedly rather firm on the brakes. A minute or so later a 5’4” woman comes through the small side door and sits down in a pew. It is the Queen coming unannounced to join the local congregation of Sandringham Church for the Sunday Service as she often does when she is in residence at Sandringham. There’s no chauffeur, no ceremony, no fuss. She often doesn’t sit in the special seat that only she can occupy, but sits in one of the pews. She comes in the side door because she doesn’t want to draw attention to herself. But she DOES want to go to church. Not because she is expected to, not because she needs to be seen, because she wants to be there…. She doesn’t have to go to church every week, but she does."

 And, it goes on,  "on the day of Princess Diana’s death she didn’t have to take her two grieving grandsons to church at Balmoral, but she did. In fact, some criticised her for it.

 Still, in times of pressure, tragic loss, or death, if you are a believer in a living God, it is precisely to Him and to fellow believers, that you turn for strength and comfort, perspective and prayer.”

 

We know that, Hasbury, don’t we? See you in church ….SOON!

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                                            Laughter is the best medicine                                                                                            

 A teacher asked her pupils what loving-kindness meant. A hand shot up ‘Please Miss ‘came the response from a little boy at the back. ‘If I was hungry and someone gave me a piece of bread, that would be kindness, but if they put butter and jam on it that would be loving-kindness!!’

 

A bishop came to preach at a certain church and was disappointed to find a very small congregation. ’Did you tell them I was coming?’ he asked. ‘No‘ replied the vicar ‘but the news must have got out somehow.’

 

                                                           Adapted from The Little Book of Heavenly Humour by Sid Little

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                                         From the Methodist prayer manual                                                                       

In the darkness of the night, may we catch a glimpse of the distant light.

In the cacophony and clamour of life, may we hear the whisper of God’s voice.

In the anguish of death and disaster, may we feel the breath of hope.

In the convolutions and disagreements that weigh upon us, may the Word of God lighten our load.

In the loneliness and aloneness of a busy world, may we know the presence of our creator God.

For the earth is the Lord’s and so are we.

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FUTURE PLANS FOR OUR CHURCH

Can YOU offer to help fill the service gaps in -

OPEN DOOR – refreshments, transport, planning                           John Smith 

                                                                                                           Maggie & Jon Jones 

TODDLERS                                                                                       Maureen Stanley 

CRAFT GROUP                                                                                 Eileen Adams   or    Margaret Parton  

TEA & COFFEE ROTA and/ or SETTING OUT CHURCH for Sunday mornings,  MUSIC – if you’d like to be on the rota for playing for worship or TECH DUTY if you’d like to be on the rota contact Bill Austin or Dave Raxster

TREASURER Could you consider being church treasurer?                Alan Cummings 

STEWARDS Would you consider being a church steward?                Maureen Stanley 

PASTORAL CARE If you could keep in touch with a group of people

                                                                                                              Maggie and Jon Jones

MESSY CHURCH                                                                                Eileen Adams    

MEMBERSHIP

Some (not all) of these positions will require you to be a member of the Methodist Church.

If you’re not a member and would like to take membership or if you just want more information, contact Rev. Peter Brown 

If you are happy to continue in the service you already offer, please let us know.

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LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE

Little Girl: ‘Mummy who made Grandma?’                                                                                      

Mummy: ‘Why God did of course’

Little Girl: ‘Mummy who made you?’

Mummy: ‘God did.’

Little girl: ‘And who made me Mummy?’

Mummy: ‘Well God did.’

Little girl: ‘He’s getting better and better all the time isn’t he?’

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

 

The vicar asked all the children to come to the front of the church so he could pray for them. Having done that he said ‘Right what shall we sing now?’ ‘Baa baa black sheep’ came the swift reply

                                                                        Adapted from The Little Book of Heavenly Humour by Sid Little

                                          *****************************************************************************

 

From the Methodist Prayer Handbook

 O Lord of majestic mountain and roaring sea,

O Lord of astonishing beauty and outlandish loveliness,

O Lord of the miniscule, the overlooked and the never seen,

O Lord of the extraordinary and the everyday,

Open our eyes to see Your presence,

our ears to hear the whisper of Your voice,

and, realising You in every place and every moment of our existence,

may we live with justice, peace, care and hope.   Amen

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

 

17^th CENTURY NUN’S PRAYER

 

Lord, Thou knowest better than I know myself that I am growing older
and will someday be old.

Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something
on every subject and on every occasion.

Release me from craving to straighten out everybody’s affairs.

Make me thoughtful but not moody: helpful but not bossy.

With my vast store of wisdom, it seems a pity not to use it all,
but Thou knowest Lord that I want a few friends at the end.

 

Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details; 
give me wings to get to the point. 

Seal my lips on my aches and pains. 
They are increasing, and love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by. 
I dare not ask for grace enough to enjoy the tales of others pains,
but help me to endure them with patience.

 

I dare not ask for improved memory,
but for a growing humility and a lessing cocksureness
when my memory seems to clash with the memories of others. 
Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be mistaken.

 

Keep me reasonably sweet; 
I do not want to be a Saint – some of them are so hard to live with-
but a sour old person is one of the crowning works of the devil. 

 

Give me the ability to see good things in unexpected places,
and talents in unexpected people. 
And, give me, O Lord, the grace to tell them so.

                                                                                                          AMEN

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HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS:JUNE 5TH

Roy Parton is able to sit out of bed for a time now and is able and happy to have visitors

Please continue to hold in prayer all of our church family who are finding life difficult.

 

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WORSHIP AT HASBURY JUNE 6th 10.30 a.m.

Worship including Holy Communion will be led by Rev. Peter Brown  

Lead Steward Maureen Stanley

Tech John Austin

 

Covid regulations apply with social distancing and face masks.

Remember to wrap up warmly as doors/windows are open for air flow

Attendance is limited

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PRAYER MEETING                       

 

We have a prayer meeting on zoom on Wednesday 9^th June 7.00 p.m. 

Please let MAUREEN JEAVONS know if you would like to join us and she will send you the invitation link

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CHURCH WEB SITE https://www.hasburymethodist.org.uk

 

Check the church "What God has taught me during the pandemic".

You will find testimonies which have been given in zoom worship. 

Three new testimonies have been added.

 

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ON LINE HOLIDAY CLUB

Following the success of our online holiday club last year, Steve and I are in the process of working out what we could offer again this year. Unfortunately we are not going to be able to do a face to face holiday club, but would love to put something together to go on our circuit facebook/website at some point over the summer holidays.  At this stage, we are just wanting to get an idea of who would like to be involved. Like last year, the plan would be to pre-record all the material. We have had an offer from someone to help us edit all the videos which is amazing. If you would like to be involved in someway this year, whether it be being part of a drama, recording a prayer or reading, maybe a challenge or story telling, please let us know asap. We will then look to start putting some ideas together.  Please hold this event in your prayers.

 

God bless,

Rachel Charlton     

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from Maureen Jeavons who prepares our weekly notices...

WHEN WE GET BACK TO NORMAL ……………       (and no, we don’t have a date yet)

How we all long for that time….

Remember when we looked forward to going to church worship… to Open Door…… to Craft Group……

to Toddlers………..to Messy Church to singing and being together………...?

 

Won’t it be great to get back to all that?

Yes  BUT…..

the last 12 months have changed a lot of things.

We’ve all got a year older and some of us are no longer able to do the things we did

We’ve lost much loved members of our church family.

 

SO things have changed in many ways

We have a chance to look at how we do things – do we want to change anything??

 

AND  whatever we do can only happen if we have people to  make it happen

 

At some point we’ll need to have a big meeting to discuss our present and our future – until then……...

PLEASE think and pray about your discipleship and your service.

Can YOU offer to help fill the service gaps in -

OPEN DOOR – refreshments, transport, planning                  contact John Smith,  Maggie & Jon Jones 

TODDLERS –                                                                          contact Maureen Stanley 

CRAFT GROUP –                                                                   contact Eileen Adams   or  Margaret Parton  

TEA & COFFEE ROTA and/ or SETTING OUT CHURCH for Sunday mornings

                                                                                                contact Bill Austin  or Dave Raxster 

MUSIC – if you’d like to be on the rota for playing for morning worship  contact Bill Austin or Dave Raxster

TECH DUTY if you’d like to be on the rota for this                 contact Bill Austin or Dave Raxster

TREASURER Could you consider being church treasurer?  contact Alan Cummings 

STEWARDS Would you consider being a church steward?  contact Maureen Stanley 

PASTORAL CARE If you could keep in touch with a group of people  contact Maggie and Jon Jones 

MESSY CHURCH                                                                 contact Eileen Adams 

MEMBERSHIP

Some (not all) of these positions will require you to be a member of the Methodist Church.

If you’re not a member and would like to take membership or if you just want more information,
contact Rev. Peter Brown 

What is Membership?

Basically, it  is making a commitment to your Christian discipleship.

                                                      We serve Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, 
                                                      He who lived a life of service and suffering for our sakes
                                                      He  who gave His life for us, died and was resurrected for us.

                                     Now, as His church,  we are His body in the world – His hands and feet, His voice.
                                                    We gladly do what we are able to serve Him.

 

Maybe you are hesitant about making a commitment to any of the service areas above – maybe you don’t know if you can do it.

Can I (Maureen) just say that in my Christian life I’ve had a go at various things that I didn’t know if I could do.     I made lots of mistakes, but Hasbury helped me to learn, forgave my mistakes, loved me through them and helped me to get it right. And just when I thought I couldn’t learn anything else, I found I could zoom !!!!!

I’m sure there are other things I haven’t thought of where there is a need and someone will tell me !!                     If you’d like to do something I haven’t listed talk to Maureen Stanley or any of the stewards – Jan Lear  Dave Raxster, Dilys Ward, Maggie Jones

If you are happy to continue in the service you offer, please let us know as that will help with rotas etc.

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Do you have a special Birthday or Wedding Anniversary

or would like to share something special for tea?
If so , you’re  in the right place.  Hasbury shop can provide you with a cream tea or a posh tea for your special events
All it takes is a phone call to Maureen Stanley or Jan Lear to order your special tea.
Cream Tea £10 .00. PP
Posh Tea £ 15 .00.   PP
We are cheaper than the internet and all delivered to your door. All we need is a week’s  notice of your date please.
We are COVID compliant and all profits are given to Church funds
Every Blessing. Jan Lear  Maureen Stanley 

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Laughter is the best medicine

 

Holy blunders!!   -

 

‘When Mary heard she was to be the mother of Jesus she sang the Magna Carta’

 

‘Jesus was born because Mary had an immaculate contraption’

 

‘St Paul cavorted to Christianity. He preached Holy acrimony, which is another name for marriage’ 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                             ‘Our Sunday School lesson was about Jordan baptising Jesus in the John’

                                            Adapted from The Little Book of Heavenly Humour by Sid Littl

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From Paul writing to the Philippians 4: 6-7

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you

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 HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS:MAY 29th

Marcus Raxster is out of hospital and is recovering at home.

Ken Tivey has had a nasty fall

 

We continue to hold  Marcus, Ken, Tom and all of our church family who are having a difficult time just now, in our love and our prayers.

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WORSHIP AT HASBURY  MAY 30^th 10.30 a.m. Trinity Sunday

Worship will be led by Mr. Eric Collins

Lead steward Maureen Stanley

Covid regulations apply with social distancing and face masks.

Remember to wrap up warmly as doors/windows are open for air flow

Attendance is limited to 30 people

A Prayer for Trinity Sunday

May the Great One who is both mother and father bless you

May the Suffering Servant who is both brother and sister bless you

May the Great Spirit who is neither male nor female bless you

The blessing of the Trinity, the Great Mystery, be yours now and always

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Eileen Scanlon sends this reading from her Daily Readings:

 

A GOOD LIFE

 

A young boy sat on the stairs putting pebbles in his mouth.  His mother took the rocks out, but he resisted going to the dining room where dessert awaited.  Finally, when he saw a chocolate cake on the table, he stopped screaming and his eyes widened with joy. I wonder if I might be that boy…..

As we grow older, we are increasingly reluctant for our lives on earth to end.  We rejoice in each day God gives us, and we want to stay here as long as we can.

 Easter assures us that eternal life awaits us in heaven.  Old Testament prophets and the book of Revelation describe it glowingly, but we are not ready yet.  We want to continue enjoying each other, our loved ones and the joys and beauties of earth.  But the boy in the meditation may be a good reminder for us.  Maybe all the joys and beauties of earth will pale in comparison to what awaits us in heaven

 The gifts God offers us do  not end with this life.

Read Revelation 21: 1-5

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BOOK AND PLANT SALE -
SATURDAY JUNE 5^th 10.00 a.m. - 12.00 noon

 

Maisie’s sale in aid of Air Ambulance at 14 Mayfield Road

Come along and buy your fuchsias and a book to read in the garden whilst you are watching them grow.

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CREAM TEAS

Ken and Barbara Tivey send this message -

 

For Ken's birthday we invited our next door neighbour and had High Tea delivered which was

 ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS

and we would highly recommend it for birthdays, special occasions or just to spoil yourself.

It comprised 

   4 different types of crustless sandwiches

    meringues with strawberries and cream

    strawberries dipped in chocolate

  cream tea with butter, scones, jams and clotted cream

   large assortment of homemade cakes

    breakfast and camomile teas.

 

We wish to thank both Jan Lear and Maureen Stanley for making a special belated day for Ken, Margaret and myself and for l their hard work all undertaken for boosting our depleted church funds caused mainly due to the covid situation.

Prices are -

Cream Tea £10 .00. PP

Posh Tea £ 15 .00.   PP 

use "Contact Us" page if you want to order

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SCALEXTRIC TRACK

 

Do you have a scalextric and would like more track ?    if so contact Madge Smith 

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BOYCOTT YOUR BED FOR ACTION FOR CHILDREN          

 

On Friday 9 July, Action for Children is challenging you to raise money by  spending  the night in the most unusual place you can think of.   

Will you camp out under the stars or under the stairs? Bunk down in the bathroom or the back garden? Wherever you choose to lay your head, you’ll be helping vulnerable children and families in desperate need.  

Before you settle in for the night, join us for a star-studded evening of virtual entertainment.  

Boycott your Bed and bring hope to vulnerable UK children hit hardest by the pandemic.  

Check https://boycottyourbed.actionforchildren.org.uk

Children’s Drawing Challenge  - Outer space or under the sea? On safari or up a tree?                   Draw a picture of your dream bed and you could win a brilliant prize!

If you’re aged 12 or under, get doodling! Ask a parent or guardian to email your drawing to: boycottyourbed@actionforchildren.org.uk and include a name and age.

Draw the most fantastical, imaginative, exciting place to boycott your bed. You could draw a den, create a new world, design a sleeping pod that would let you sleep in outer space – let your imagination run riot.

Drawings will be shortlisted and sent to our four fantastic judges. They are children’s illustrators and authors Rob Biddulph and Sue Cheung along with ‘Boy in a Tent’ Max Woosey and Action for Children Ambassador, Jess Hynes.

Entries close on Friday 25 June. We’ll let you know the winner on Friday 9 July.

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DUDLEY AS ONE

You may have noticed the lovely banner outside our church

provided by Dudley Council. We are encouraged to look at ways of keeping a

community spirit going in our streets.

It’s a great opportunity to reach out to our church neighbours. 

Jesus asks us to love our neighbour as we love ourselves.
Put on your thinking caps and  let us know of any ideas you may have to bring people together. 
One suggestion is that we hold a memorial service for those who have died  during the pandemic year. Many families have been distressed that they couldn’t gather at funeral services for their loved ones,
so maybe this is  one way we could show our care for them
by giving them the opportunity for a special time to remember.

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                     Laughter is the best medicine                                                                           

•   The men who followed Jesus were called the 12 decibels
•  Question: What excuse did Adam give to his children as to why he no longer lived in Eden?                                                   Answer: "Your mother ate us out of house and home" (Genesis 3:6).
• Question: The ark was built in 3 stories. The top one had a window to let in light. How did the bottom two stories get light?                                                                                                                                                                                   Answer: They used floodlights.
  
  
• Question: Who is the greatest baby-sitter mentioned in the Bible?

                     Answer: David -- he rocked Goliath to sleep. 

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 Last Sunday we celebrated Pentecost.  Maureen Stanley sends us her Pentecost poem

Many days after you rose to Heaven
Your friends were gathered, again
Lost, confused, dejected
Wondering how to preach to men ?
When, suddenly you came through wind
You came in flames of light
Speaking once again from Heaven
To guide them in their plight
They gazed about , received your word
And spoke in tongues -
So quite absurd
Your purpose was once more fulfilled
Upon our Earth - for us to yield
You gave them power to do thy will
You showed them how you love them still
Your Holy Spirit set the seed
For men to follow at a speed
To spread your word to all they met
Catching souls within their net
The word was out , and many heard
And told your story - every word
So Christianity then grew fast
For all to know your love at last
Thy will was done , and still today
We spread your word from day to day., 

 

 

 

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HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS:MAY 22nd

 

Margaret Vercoe had her shoulder operation on Monday and is now recovering at home.

Tom Hadley had his long delayed pancreatic operation on Monday. Following the very lengthy operation Tom was in a lot of pain and had anaphylactic shock reaction to medication.  He is now improving thankfully and is hoping to be out of hospital soon.

Jon Jones has had a varicose vein operation . 

Marcus Raxster developed septicemia in one of his feet and has had to have the big toe and part of his foot removed.

Roy Parton has been able to sit out of bed in a special chair for a while

 Idris Williams has an infection needing antibiotics. He is quite keen to get out of bed.

 Ken Tivey is still having trouble with his leg wound, which is taking a long time to heal and Barbara is having a lot of pain with her hip

 

We  hold all of you in our love and our prayers.
May you know the strength of God’s love holding you and know His healing touch and His peace in your hearts.

                                                                         Some words from Psalm 34                                                                                                                           

Taste and see that the Lord is good;  blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.

Fear the Lord, you His saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing. 

The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack for no good thing.

Prayer from "Thy Kingdom Come"  -

Loving God, our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you.
Hold me, for the storms are raging and the waves crash over.
Be my rest and my security.
And even though human touch and human love is so beautiful and so longed for,
help me to know today that it comes from you and,
like everything that is good and beautiful, will return to you in the silence of your eternal and never changing love.
Be with me as I hold myself and hold others in your embrace.
  Loving God, our hearts are restless till they find their rest in you.
Hold me, for the storms are raging and the waves crash over.
Be my rest and my security.
And even though human touch and human love is so beautiful and so longed for,
help me to know today that it comes from you and,
like everything that is good and beautiful, will return to you in the silence of your eternal and never changing love.
Be with me as I hold myself and hold others in your embrace.

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WORSHIP AT HASBURY MAY 23^rd    10.30 a.m.                

 

Worship will be led by Rev. Peter Brown

Covid regulations apply with social distancing and face masks.

Remember to wrap up warmly as doors/windows are open for air flow

Attendance is limited to 30 people

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BOOK AND PLANT SALE  JUNE 5^th 10.00 a.m. - 12.00 noon

 

Maisie’s sale in aid of Air Ambulance at 14 Mayfield Road

Come along and buy your fuchsias and a book to read in the garden whilst you are watching them grow.

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   Do you have a special Birthday or Wedding Anniversary?

or would like to share something special for tea? If so , you’re  in the right place.  

Hasbury shop can provide you with a cream tea or a posh tea for your special events

All it takes is a phone call to Maureen Stanley or Jan lear to order your special tea.

Cream Tea £10 .00. PP

Posh Tea £ 15 .00.   PP

We are cheaper than the internet and all delivered to your door. All we need is a week’s  notice of your date please.

We are COVID compliant.

All profits are given to Church funds

Every Blessing. Jan Lear  Maureen Stanley 

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                                                          Laughter is the best medicine                                                              

 

 A mother was trying to teach her 3-year old to say the Lord’s prayer. For several evenings at bedtime he repeated it after his mother. One night he was ready to try on his own with a little guidance here and there from his proud mother. ’Lead us not into temptation, but….?.’ she prompted towards the end of the prayer

‘But deliver us some e-mail. Amen’ the little boy quickly responded.    

 

Another day the same prayer went  ‘Our Father Harold be Thy name,…. Lead us not into Penge station’                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

                                                                          Adapted from The Little Book of Heavenly Humour by Sid Little

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 HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS:MAY 15th

 

Margaret Vercoe is to have a shoulder operation next week.

We pray all goes well for you Margaret.  We hold you in our love and prayers

 

We continue to hold in our prayers with love, Roy and Margaret Parton and Idris Williams and his family.

 

Jean Graham is recovering from her knee operation

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WORHIP AT HASBURY METHODIST CHURCH SUNDAY MAY 16^th  10.30 a.m.

 

                                                 Worship will be led by Mr. Eric Collins                                                                

 

Covid regulations apply with social distancing and face masks.

Remember to wrap up warmly as doors/windows are open for air flow

Attendance is limited to 30 people

 

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CIRCUIT SERVICE

 

You are invited to join the scheduled Circuit Sunday Worship Service at 10:30am

Time: May 16, 2021 10:30  Please use the contact us page for more information

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HELP  NEEDED PLEASE

Dave and Margaret Raxster are having a break

Please can someone offer to “do” the church any day during the week beginning May 31st in preparation

for the service on June 6^th.

If you can offer  to help out, please contact Dave  - tel: 07748757343

 

Enjoy the break Dave and Margaret – we’re very grateful for all you do.

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GOD IN THE MIDST OF A PANDEMIC!

Over the time that we’ve been watching Zoom worship each Sunday, different people have talked about

“What I’ve learned about God during the pandemic.”

If you’ve missed any of these, the plan is to put them on our website, starting this week with Mo Stanley.

If you haven’t been able to take part and would like to contribute, please let Eileen know,

by telephone, email or by post

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CHRISTIAN AID WEEK 10TH – 16TH MAY

 Tea is the most consumed drink in the world besides water - and demand is increasing. But climate change threatens its future through temperature rise, drought, floods, hail stones and pest increase.

This Christian Aid Week (10-16 May), we’re highlighting the threat of climate change on tea producers in Kenya. Pray with us to see God's creation healed and restored.

Tea-time prayer

God of all life,

waiting for the water to boil,

we confess and lament the rise of temperature

that has led to a climate crisis across this beautiful planet.

We wait, impatient for change.

                                        Pouring out hot water on loose-leaf or tea bag,                                      

into teapot or favourite mug,

we pour out our intercessions

for a change of heart by politicians

to put planet and people first.

Stirring teabag, leaves or sugar

we ask that you would stir in us a passion to take action,

to do all we can at this ciritical hour

to take care of our common home

and amplify the call for climate justice.

Drinking that first satisfying sip

we give thanks for the day when “they will hunger no more, and thirst no more” *

Infuse us with a strongly brewed vision of your creation healed and restored.            Amen

*Revelation 7:16

For more information see  https://www.christianaid.org.uk/

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LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE

 

 A mother took her little girl with her on a pastoral visit to an older lady member of the church. During the ensuing conversation, and much to her mother’s embarrassment, the little girl suddenly butted in asking the old lady how old she was!

The old lady smiled ‘Ooooh, I don’t know sweetheart, I’m so old I can’t remember.’

‘Oh well you need to look in your knickers then’ came the quick reply ‘Cos mine say age 4-6!’

                           Adapted from The Little Book of Heavenly Humour by Sid Little

 

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 HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS:MAY 8th

Roy Parton is very poorly. He is out of hospital and is now receiving further palliative care at home

Roy we hold you and Margaret in our love and prayers

Idris Williams has also returned home to receive care. Idris we hold you, Peter and Carol in our love

and prayers

Jean Graham is to have a knee operation on May 10^th

The Families of Joseph and Nutan Suray in India need our prayers at this very difficult time

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WORSHIP AT HASBURY METHODIST CHURCH MAY 9th

 

Worship including Holy Communion will be led by Rev Peter Brown

Worship begins at 10.30 a.m. and you are invited to arrive from 10.15 a.m

onwards to have temperature taken, be registered and be seated as before, singly or in family/bubbles

Numbers are restricted to 30.          

Please wrap up warmly as doors/windows have to be opened for air flow, and wear a mask

and a big smile (even if we can’t see it behind the mask!!)

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CIRCUIT SERVICE       Sunday May9th 10.30 am

Janice Smith is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Zoom meeting with Janice

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PRAYER MEETING

 

We have a zoom prayer meeting on Wed. 12^th May.

Please let Maureen know if you would like to join us and she will send you the link

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                                                       BOW DOWN PRAYER FOR THY KINGDOM COME

 

Vineyard Churches are organising a virtual prayer event.

You may like to join in the collective moment of prayer at 9.00 pm on  Thurs. 14^th May

Light a candle to symbolise Jesus the Light of the World and pray for 15 minutes .

Include the Lord’s Prayer and pray for our communities, for our nation and the nations of the world,

especially those suffering from the Covid pandemic.

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RE-CYCLING

The Emily Jordan Foundation (recipients of our bottle tops, spectacles and ink cartridges) would welcome any donations of bikes (or bike parts). If you want to know more about their amazing organisation check their website:www.theemilyjordanfoundation.org.uk

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Over the time that we’ve been watching Zoom worship each Sunday, different people have talked about

“What I’ve learned about God during the pandemic.”

If you’ve missed any of these, the plan is to put them on our website, starting this week with Mo Stanley.

If you haven’t been able to take part and would like to contribute, please let Eileen know,

by telephone, email or by post

 

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 News from India

(from Rev Joseph Suray and his wife Nutan)

 

Dear Friends, Greetings to you all. I hope you are keeping well and looking after yourselves. Thank you for enquiring about CRHD and our families in India. I am sure you are aware of the impact of the second wave of Corona virus on the Indian people, which worsens day by day. The current variant is spreading more rapidly than the original. This has crushed the vulnerable families, who are paying a price in attempt for survival, more than ever before.

 The hospitals all over the country have faced an unprecedented challenge due to the shortage of oxygen, beds and medication. There is panic, chaos, confusion, anger and also fear among people. People are not sure once they visit a hospital whether they will come out alive or dead.

 The infection rate in Raichur is rising at an alarming rate. At the moment there is a 15 day lockdown period,but it is very difficult to educate people about social distancing! The school is shut due to the lockdown. I have been cautioning the school staff and the Indian trustees that they need to be careful and protect themselves and their families. So far, all children and staff are safe in the school. Sadly though,  elsewhere there have been several cases of infection  and more than 200 have died in our town. Many of our friends and families are affected due to Covid and have lost their livelihood. There is no prospect of job opportunities for our own young people,and therefore they live hand to mouth.

Just like last time, we are planning to provide basic food grains  and some raw materials for their shelter.

We appreciate your ongoing prayerful support for them in this crisis.

 Sadly, Nutan’s sister Nomita, her husband and her eldest daughter are Covid positive. Nomita’s husband Rashan is in the ICU as his blood oxygen was very low. Thankfully, Nomita has not shown any of the symptoms yet, but the eldest daughter Selah has a high temperature, headache and body ache, which they are treating at home. Rashan lost his older brother and sister-in-law within 6 days of each other in the last week. We also heard that Nutan’s uncle has sadly died. We would appreciate your prayers for all our family who are in crises at the moment.

 Have a good day knowing our lives are in God’s hands. We believe that His faithfulness and compassion are new every morning,for us to know that He cares for us. Thank you for your prayers. May I request you all to include the charity and India in your fellowship’s prayers

God bless you.   Joseph and Gill

Reg Charity no:1116524, UK; SOR;129 Karnataka State, India, http://www.crhd.org.uk

Below is a further message from Joseph:-

Joseph further sends his thanks for remembering the dire situation in India, the school and their families in your prayers. The school and Joseph and Nutan’s families are aware that we are praying for them and send their love and prayers for you all.

For those who feel they would like to send financial support to our brothers and sisters in India, here are bank details:

Cross Roads for Human Development

HSBC Bank plc

Sort Code: 40-28-40

Account number 00004723

 

Or you may send a cheque payable to CRHD to Rev. Joseph Suray 2 Wall Close, Birmingham B67 6 PG

A standing order form and gift aid form is available if you wish to make regular payments

 

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This is just to say a heartfelt thank you for your continued support for our Foodbank collections. As life begins to return slowly to something approaching “normal”, it’s easy to think that everyone’s life will be the same as it was before the pandemic. However the sad truth is that some people’s lives have been so badly affected – whether through illness, furlough, job losses, mental health problems – the need for the Foodbank continues to rise.

So we’re sending out the latest list of “most needed” items and hope that you will feel able to continue to help bring some relief to these people in need. Every contribution is very much appreciated. As the advert says, “every little helps”.

SHORTAGES/REGULAR USE: FOOD ITEMS APRIL 2021

1L CARTONS LONG-LIFE FRUIT JUICE                       1L CARTONS LONG-LIFE MILK               

MICROWAVE QUICK COOK RICE PACKETS              TINNED SPAGHETTI

BOTTLES (1L) SQUASH/CORDIIAL                                SMALL BOXES TEABAGS (40's)

JARS OF JAM                                                                      TINNED MEAT, e.g. ham, Fray Bentos pies

QUICK COOK NOODLES

 

SORRY, BUT WE CANNOT ACCEPT ITEMS THAT ARE OUT OF DATE OR CONTAIN ALCOHOL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP WITH THIS.

SHORTAGES/REGULAR USE: NON-FOOD ITEMS APRIL 2021

SOAP                                     SHAMPOO                SHAVING FOAM                              TISSUES

If you would like to join in the collection and would like copies of this information to give to friends and neighbours please give Eileen a call.

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      Laughter is the best medicine

 

 Six year old Angie and her four year old brother were sitting together in church but Joel was making too much noise and not behaving himself as well as his older sister would have liked. He giggled and talked out loud much to her embarrassment. Finally she had had enough and whispered sternly ‘You’re not supposed to talk out loud in church or make a noise’

‘Why? Who’s going to stop me?’ Came the cheeky response,

Angie turned round and pointed to the back of the church and said with great superiority

‘Those men at the back by the door, they are hushers

                                                                               Adapted from The Little Book of Heavenly Humour by Sid Little

                                                                                               ******************************************************************************

3 words that make you happy. 

Here are some which you have sent in-

 

            You sit down                         I’ll wash up                Sun is shining              Have a chocolate

 

I’m sure there must be more – send them in. It’s good to remember what makes us happy

 

 

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 HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS:MAY 1st

Chloe Jeavons celebrates her 18^th Birthday on May 4^th

Congratulations and Happy Birthday Chloe

 ******************************************************************************

Roy Parton is in hospital with pneumonia

Idris Williams may be coming home from hospital.

Please pray that a care package will be in place, also for Carol who is unwell.

Ewart Lane has been ill with shingles but has recovered and feeling much better.   

We hold Roy, Idris, Carol and Ewart in love and prayers

  ******************************************************************************

WORSHIP AT HASBURY METHODIST CHURCH MAY 2^nd

Worship is a local arrangement and will be led by Maureen Stanley

Worship begins at 10.30 a.m. and you are invited to arrive from 10.15 a.m

onwards to have temperature taken, be registered and be seated as before, singly or in family/bubbles

Numbers are restricted to 30.          

Please wrap up warmly as doors/windows have to be opened for air flow, and wear a mask

and a big smile (even if we can’t see it behind the mask!!)  

 

………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

CIRCUIT SERVICE

 

Topic: BLACKHEATH & HALESOWN CIRCUIT SERVICE

Time: May 2, 2021 10:30 AM London

to join Zoom Meeting send a message via the "contact us" page

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RE-CYCLING NEWS!

 

First of all we continue to collect:
spectacles, ink cartridges, used biros, felt pens, stamps and postcards.

THIS WEEK we’ve heard we can again take BOTTLE TOPS! That’s the good news.
The down-side is that we can’t take any of them to church so you will have to let Roger and Eileen have them, either by leaving them under their porch  or putting them in their car boot after Sunday Worship. (Please can you keep the items separate)

(if you want to leave them at Maureen and John Jeavons', we’ll pass them on – if we’re not in, leave them in the porch)

Foodbank collections continue too. .. Wendy, Maisie, Stephen & Dilys, Roger & Eileen continue to accept your gifts.

Donations of toiletries or school stationery can still be given to Jan Lear for the Wheels youngsters.

 ****************************************************************************** 

HAPPY WORDS from Eileen …...

 Saw this on Facebook this week:

Therapist to client; “tell me three words which make you REALLY happy”

Client’s response (and I had to explain this to hubby!)
“The three words which make me really happy are SAVE TO BAG.”

Someone else had commented “I brought wine”

What 3 words make you really happy ???– send them in and we’ll share them

 ******************************************************************************

Laughter is the best medicine

 

A Sunday school teacher was telling her class that Jesus was a carpenter.

 “Do you know what a carpenter does? “ she asked her young listeners. 

 “He lays carpets “came the small reply.

………………………………………………………
 ‘Were the epistles the wives of the apostles?’

………………………………………………………

“Does God get pins and needles in his hand?” asked a little boy.
“What a funny question, why do you ask?” said his Sunday school teacher.
“Well in church the minister said that Jesus was forever sitting on God’s right hand”

                                 Adapted from The Little Book of Heavenly Humour by Sid Little

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PRINTER CARTRIDGES

FREE TO A GOOD HOME (or a donation to charity if you prefer)!

Re-cycled printer cartridges 2 x black H-301XL and 1 x tri-colour H-301XL.

Contact Eileen Adams if you’re interested

  ******************************************************************************

 

                           Do you have a special Birthday or Wedding Anniversary

or would like to share something special for tea? If so, you’re  in the right place.  
Hasbury shop can provide you with a cream tea or a posh tea for your special events
All it takes is a phone call to Maureen Stanley or Jan lear to order your special tea.
Cream Tea £10 .00. PP
Posh Tea £ 15 .00.   PP
We are cheaper than the internet and all delivered to your door. All we need is a week’s  notice of your date please.
We are COVID compliant.
All profits are given to Church funds
Every Blessing. Jan Lear  Maureen Stanley                                                                       

 

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 HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS:April 24th

Brenda Webb is recovering from  a hip replacement operation.  

Brenda we hold you in love and prayer and wish you a good recovery.

Idris Williams out of hospital and is in Tiled House Care Home, Pensnett for a time.

Dave Hartle has been very poorly with an infection                              

Roy Parton has also been poorly with an infection

We hold Idris, Dave and Roy in our love and prayers

Stan Tonks passed away on March 20^th. He had been in Bartley Green Lodge care home for a while and passed away at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.  Stan was a member of Short Cross and was part of the printing team for many years, also a member of Men's Supper Club. His funeral will be on April 29^th at 12.15 at Rowley Regis Crematorium. Attendance is restricted to comply with Covid regulations. We give thanks for Stan’s faithful service and hold his family in our prayers.

 

Please also hold in your prayers the congregation of Hurst Green Methodist Church.  Sadly Hurst Green is  likely to close at the end of August this year. This will be such a difficult time for our brothers and sisters there and we send them our love and our prayers as they come to terms with the closure of what has been their spiritual home. We pray they will find comfort, love and hope wherever they decide to make their new home church.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

 CIRCUIT SERVICE

Alan Darby is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Circuit Service doors open 10:00 service starts at 10:30

Time: Apr 25, 2021 10:00 AM 

 

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HASBURY METHODIST CHURCH IS OPENING FOR WORSHIP ON MAY 2^nd

The service will be at the usual time of 10.30 a.m. and the following restrictions will apply to comply with government regulations -

1. Attendance is limited to 30 and you will be seated apart (singly or in family/bubbles)

2. Masks need to be worn

3. Registration will be taken on entering

4. Hand sanitiser to be used and temperature to be taken on entering

5. Sorry but no singing

6. The disabled toilet facility only will be open

7.  There is a one way system in and out.

Please maintain 2 metres social distancing and avoid lingering in close groups to chat.  Also please wear warm clothing (some windows will be open) and a big smile

 ******************************************************************************

From John Smith -

Thank you for all your support during the past year.  The amount given through the Home Collecting Boxes and miscellaneous donations is £996.01

An additional £685 was raised by donations made in lieu of the November Coffee Morning and the offering from the Christmas Morning service which has become custom to pass onto Action for Children

Action for Children are blessed to have so many kind and generous friends supporting them through Hasbury Methodist Church

Please speak with Brenda Webb or John Smith if you would like a collecting box

                                    ******************************************************************************

 

Over recent weeks our Circuit’s online (Zoom) Sunday Worship has included a short testimony by someone of how the pandemic has impacted on their lives and/or the work of our churches

Two of those who have spoken were Jan Lear and Maureen Stanley, both separately emphasised the outreach and vital pastoral support that continued, and in some ways has become quite innovative, amongst the church family that we affectionately and simply know as ‘Hasbury’

For some of us, the start of lockdowns in March 2020, was an added inconvenience on what were already difficult journeys, whilst others have had to come to terms with new ways of coping with illness, caring, the loss of loved ones as well as any number of personal crises as the past year progressed

Pastoral calls (and visits when allowed), collective and individual prayer times, fellowship groups and bible study, unexpected expressions of love (sometimes including cake, flowers, gifts, etc) have allowed some of the distress to be shared.  All were and continue to be strengthened through knowing God’s love for them and the ministry, prayer, fellowship of their Christian family and friends at ‘Hasbury’.   Importantly however, it has not just been about caring for the immediate church family, as there has also been outreach and serving in the wider community

So, as we approach a time when we may be able to start and plan the future mission for ‘Hasbury’, including resuming worship and other activities in the building, it is essential that we look forward positively and build on the strong Christian faith and call to service that has been nurtured and grown during the worst days of lockdown and Covid-19

John Smith

                          
                          

  ****************************************************************************** 

 

Do you have a special Birthday or Wedding Anniversary or would like to share something special for tea?
If so , you’re  in the right place.  
Hasbury shop can provide you with a cream tea or a posh tea for your special events

All it takes is a phone call to Maureen Stanley or Jan Lear to order your special tea.
Cream Tea £10 .00. PP
Posh Tea £ 15 .00.   PP
We are cheaper than the internet and all delivered to your door. All we need is a week’s  notice of your date please.
We are COVID compliant.
All profits are given to Church funds
Every Blessing. Jan Lear  Maureen Stanley 

  ******************************************************************************

OUR AWESOME GOD

 

One of the readings at the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh was from Ecclesiasticus.

Ecclesiasticus is one of the books of the Apocrypha. The Apocryphal books were written in the time between the Old and New Testaments and the writings are not quoted in any of the New Testament books. They are not generally recognised as divinely inspired authoritative scripture and not included in most of our Bibles. However readings may be included as lectionary readings during worship. The words in the passage chosen by Prince Philip powerfully  portray our awesome God, and as I guess you probably don’t have them in your printed Bible, here they are.

 

Ecclesiasticus 43. 11–26

Look at the rainbow and praise its Maker;

it shines with a supreme beauty, rounding the sky with its gleaming arc,

a bow bent by the hands of the Most High.

His command speeds the snow storm and sends the swift lightning to execute his sentence.

To that end the storehouses are opened, and the clouds fly out like birds.

By his mighty power the clouds are piled up and the hailstones broken small.

The crash of his thunder makes the earth writhe, and, when he appears, an earthquake shakes the hills.

 At his will the south wind blows, the squall from the north and the hurricane. He scatters the snow-flakes like birds alighting;  they settle like a swarm of locusts.

The eye is dazzled by their beautiful whiteness, and as they fall the mind is entranced.

He spreads frost on the earth like salt, and icicles form like pointed stakes.

A cold blast from the north, and ice grows hard on the water, settling on every pool, as though the water were putting on a breastplate.

He consumes the hills, scorches the wilderness, and withers the grass like fire.

Cloudy weather quickly puts all to rights, and dew brings welcome relief after heat.

By the power of his thought he tamed the deep and planted it with islands.

Those who sail the sea tell stories of its dangers, which astonish all who hear them;

in it are strange and wonderful creatures, all kinds of living things and huge sea-monsters.

 By his own action he achieves his end, and by his word all things are held together

 

 **************************************************************************************

 HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS:April 17th

 

Jackie Parkes celebrated her 75^th Birthday on April 11^th       

Congratulations and happy birthday Jackie

 

Idris is still in hospital. We hold Idris and Peter and Carol in love and prayer                                                 

 

Ken Tivey has a leg injury which is taking a time to heal, and Barbara has a painful hip

We hold them in our prayers

 

We hold in prayer all those who are  having to wait for hospital treatment / surgery, which has been delayed because of the pandemic and those who are finding life difficult during this time. We pray that we are on the way back to life as we knew it.

We hold in our prayers all those who are bereaved and we pray for The Queen and the Royal Family as they say their farewells to Prince Philip.  We join with them in giving thanks for his remarkable life and service.

******************************************************************************

HASBURY METHODIST CHURCH IS OPENING FOR WORSHIP ON MAY 2^nd

The service will be at the usual time of 10.30 a.m.

and the following restrictions will apply to comply with government regulations -

1. Attendance is limited to 30 and you will be seated apart (singly or in family/bubbles)

2. Masks need to be worn

3. Registration will be taken on entering

4. Hand sanitiser to be used and temperature to be taken on entering

5. Sorry but no singing

6. The disabled toilet facility only will be open

7.  There is a one way system in and out.

Please maintain 2 metres social distancing and avoid lingering in close groups to chat. 

Also please wear warm clothing (some windows will be open) and a big smile

 

****************************************************************************** 

  APRIL CHALLENGE FOR STABLE ONE HOMELESS CHARITY in Australia

 

Eileen and Sarah have now both completed their sponsored walk / run (guess who was doing which) for the Stable One Homeless charity which Jenny is involved with.
Your sponsor money can be given to Eileen or Sarah via Terry and Jean. Maureen Jeavonswill happily pass on any sponsor money if you want to leave it with her 

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………       

  Laughter is the best medicine     

         

 

A Sunday school teacher was discussing the Ten Commandments with her five and six year old children.
After explaining about ‘honouring’ your father and mother she asked the children:
 “Now which commandment do you think shows us how to treat our brothers and sisters?”
One little boy raised his hand, eager to answer.
“Well Jonny?” the teacher asked
“Thou Shalt not Kill” answered little Jonny!

 Adapted from The Little Book of Heavenly Humour by Sid Little

 

*****************************************************************************************

 HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS:April 10th

 

Rebecca Williams funeral

Dear friends...

Rebecca/Bocca’s funeral will be held on Thursday 15th April. 2pm at Short Cross Methodist Church, Halesowen, followed by committal at Stourbridge Crematorium  at 3.30pm.

Numbers attending the service are restricted by Covid regulations. If you  wish to stand along the route – the cortege  will leave from 12 Furnace Hill about 1.30pm and will go along Shelah Rd, into Fairmile Rd, then along Carol Crescent, and finally along Attwood St. to Short Cross .

The church service is being recorded as so many, sadly cannot attend. It will be available to view from 5.30pm.

If you would like to have the private link, please send us your email addressprior to the 15th April.
(The access to this link will not be time-limited).

Gill says: " As a family we are very slowly coming to terms with immeasurable void that is now part of our daily lives. Frank and I have lost our beautiful daughter, Simon has lost his companion of a sister, and Dylan has lost his partner for life. So many plans and dreams have been cut short.

The overwhelming support from Bocca’s friends  is helping us to cope. Your messages are comforting, and make us realise that she touched so many lives in her 30 years.

The fundraising has literally blown us away. Thank you all so much for your donations to help find a solution to this deadly disease. 

“Bocca’s Legacy” will live on and it helps to know that something good can come from her death and our loss."

Gill Williams

The facebook link to Rebecca’s fundraising page for ovarian cancer is

https://www.facebook.com/donate/262878855506579/?fundraiser_source=external_url

We hold Gill, Frank, Simon and Dylan in our love and prayers as they mourn the loss of Rebecca

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

His Royal Highness Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh

The death was announced on April 9th of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. We give thanks for  his amazing lifetime of dedicated service to the life of this nation. Many of our young people have been involved in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and have treasured memories of working to achieve their awards and of times spent on expeditions with friends. Prince Philip was involved in so many innovative plans and has enriched and changed so many lives. We hold Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and all of the Royal Family in our love and prayers as they mourn his loss. If anyone wants to sahre their DoE memories there's a specail memorial page on the DoE website.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

"Memories" from Pam Turbutt

As I read Hasbury news every week I was reading Hazels  memory page. Thankyou Margaret Bissell for the photo of Hazel the Sunday School teacher with me Pam Weston  (Dunn, Turbutt) and Joan  Harris (Moseley )

We started  Hasbury aged 5   1948.     Looking back, as one does living alone in these Covid time,   it was a Happy time.  Hasbury St Margarets school,  then Halesowen  Grammar School and the Guild.  First romances,    teenage years. I was still involved with Hasbury till 1990s.   Happy days.   Pam

Thanks for the message Pam –still part of the Hasbury family - good to hear from you and we send our love

PRAYER MEETING WEDNESDAY APRIL 14^th

 

We have a prayer meeting on Wednesday April 14^th at 7.00 pm on zoom.  Please contact us if you would like to join us and we'lI will send you the zoom link.  

   ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

News from Eileen Adams

  APRIL CHALLENGE FOR STABLE ONE HOMELESS CHARITY in Australia

 

 We (Roger and I)  started our sponsored walk really well this week I spite of freezing temperatures! 
We've seen some wonderful spring flowers on our walk and happy to report we’ve done half of it!
Thank you to everyone who’s sponsored us and we will keep right on to the end of the road!
Someone who I won’t name thinks 40 kms isn’t far and has challenged us to do it in miles(25)!
Still thinking about that.

……………………………………………………….

 

                                                                                                                                           

Thanks to everyone who helped to deliver our Easter HOPE magazines  

and to all those who came to decorate our CROSS of HOPE.

It looked beautiful  and lots of people posted pictures on-line of their visit.
Lovely too that people were able to meet one another and have a little catch-up

………………………………………………………

Following an article in this week’s Express and Star there’s been a marked upsurge in donations to our collection. So much so that I had to call for a collection!

If anyone would like to join in with those of us who’ve been collecting during lockdown I have several posters and can provide flyers for your neighbours.

If not, please keep your donations coming. The need is increasing by the day.

……………………………………………………….

In these strange times, we lose track of days and weeks – this poem sent by Eileen reminds  us of how precious time really is……….

 

Barely the day started and... it's already six in the evening.

Barely arrived on Monday and it's already Friday.

... and the month is already over.

... and the year is almost over.

... and already 40, 50 or 60 years of our lives have passed.

... and we realize that we lost our parents, friends.

and we realize it's too late to go back...

 

So... Let's try, despite everything, to enjoy the remaining time...

Let's keep looking for activities that we like...

Let's put some colour in our grey...

Let's smile at the little things in life that put balm in our hearts.

And despite everything, we must continue to enjoy with serenity this time we have left.

 

Let's try to eliminate the afters...

I'm doing it after...

I'll say after...

I'll think about it after...

We leave everything for later like ′′ after ′′ is ours.

Because what we don't understand is that:

Afterwards, the coffee gets cold...

afterwards, priorities change...

Afterwards, the charm is broken...

afterwards, health passes...

Afterwards, the kids grow up...

Afterwards parents get old...

Afterwards, promises are forgotten...

afterwards, the day becomes the night...

afterwards life ends...

And then it's often too late....

 

 

So... Let's leave nothing for later...

Because still waiting see you later, we can lose the best moments,

the best experiences,

best friends,

the best family...

 

The day is today... The moment is now…

none of us can afford to postpone what needs to be done right away.

So let's see if you have time to read all of this message …

…Or maybe you'll leave it for... ′′ later "...

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Laughter is the best medicine

Two little boys were arguing over who would have the first piece of chocolate cake their mother had just made. Seeing an opportunity to teach a Christian message the mother said ‘ If Jesus were sitting here he would surely say “let my brother have the first slice and I’ll wait” Quick as a flash the youngest child looked at his brother and announced  “ You can be Jesus then ! ” 

                                                                                      Adapted from The Little Book of Heavenly Humour by Sid Little

                                                                                             

 

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EASTER SUNDAY

Hallelujah, he is Risen !
He’s triumphant once again
He lives on to dwell amongst us
A true leader of ALL men

He has conquered death and evil
And walks with us every day
Let all Nations pay him homage ,
Bowing down to him to pray

May all mankind hear the story
Of his life and sacrifice
May the whole world now accept him
As their Saviour - Jesus Christ.

He has risen up triumphant
He lives on eternally
He’s our friend and blessed Savour
And he died for you and me !!
                                                           

                                                                                    Mo Stanley  

                                                         

 HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: April 3rd

Will Plant celebrated his18th birthday on March 29^th                            .
Congratulations and Happy Birthday Will

……………………………………………………….

 

Veronica is still in Lagos. She is well and has had her vaccination. We hold her in our prayers

………………………………………………………………….

We hold in our prayers Idris who is very unwell,  and Peter and Carol as they care for him.   

****************************************************************      

BEREAVEMENTS

Clive Busby’s funeral: the DVD of Clive’s funeral is ready if anyone would like to see it.
Please note that it is in  MP4 format and may not be compatible with older DVD players or computers.
Please contact Alison  Ponter or Maureen Jeavonsif you would like to see it and we can get one to  you.

…………………………………………………………….

 Madge, Allison, Stephen and family would like to thank everybody who contributed to the donations in memory of David which totalled  £1,245 and is to be shared by Action Heart and Cancer Research UK.

………………………………………………………………………….

 Audrey Smith’s funeral is on April 9^th. Webcast details ar

Website:  https://www.obitus.com/                                                           

 

Username:  jeju5330   Password:  707011   Service date:  Friday 9th April 2021  Service time:  1.30pm

Viewing time:  1.26pm - 2.15pm

If you wish to view the service at a later date it will be back online on 16^th April

Donations in memory of Audrey will be gratefully accepted for Parkinsons UK and may be sent to

Marcus Adams, 21 Birley Grove, Halesowen, B63 1EP

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WHEELS at Easter

Dear friends
Thank you to you all for the kind donations for Easter eggs and hot cross buns for the girls and boys at Wheels
It is very much appreciated by everyone

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all Happy Easter  from everyone at Wheels

God Bless you all for your continuing support ,care ,and prayers that means so much to the children and staff at Wheels                         
Every Blessing. Jan Lear

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 HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: March 27th

Lydia Parkes celebrated her 18^th Birthday on March 24^th .                         

Congratulations and Happy Birthday Lydia.

 ****************************************************************

Clive Busby -

We would like to say thank you to all those who kindly contributed to the donations in memory of Clive which is currently £1,140 and will be shared between Blood Cancer UK and Action Heart.

Blood Cancer UK has supported research into blood cancers, such as leukaemia, at the University of Birmingham and QEH. Some of you will remember Barbara and Norman Bunce - their son Chris is Head of a Lab there and we have been in touch with him.

Thank you all for your generosity and kindness and for your continued prayers and support.

Alison, Joan & Family

Clive's eulogy is now on the Website under Memory Page

**************************************************************** 

Audrey Smith passed away on March 14^th. Some of you will remember Audrey and Sam from days of the Guild, and Audrey joined the Craft Group for a while as long as her mobility allowed. She has been in a care home for some time. Her funeral will be on April 9^th at Stourbridge Crematorium. I will hopefully be able to let you have the link to the service on next weeks newsletter together with information on donations.  We hold Adrian and family in our prayers.

****************************************************************  

CLOCKS GO FORWARD 1 HOUR ON SUNDAY   

     ****************************************************************  

A huge thank you to everyone who volunteered to give out the booklets for Easter. Happy to say they have all gone out now (300) . I’ll attach the greetings card we sent out with them as not many church members will have seen them. We will be putting the Easter cross at the front of the church this year. A number of neighbour s commented last year that they’d missed it. So it will go out on Easter Saturday. Please feel free to add a flower or two if you are passing by.

And a MASSIVE “thank you” for the generous contributions which have been made to our Easter Appeal for Wheels.  If you would still like to donate please give to Jan Lear or Eileen Adams.

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EILEEN AND SARAH’S  CHALLENGE

 

I’ve just signed up for a 40 km sponsored walk in April. Most people will know that Jenny Willetts has spear-headed (and is now CEO of)the  Stable One charity in Victoria. John has also recently joined the team full time. What started as a joint church project in their home town of Lilydale has now spread to other towns in Victoria and Jenny offers training to churches wanting to start new projects.. Stable One offers a safe place to say for homeless people during the three months of winter. Guests are given accommodation, food, support and help to find permanent places to stay and hopefully jobs too. To raise funds for the project they have challenged folk to walk or ride the 40 km Warby Trail. This trail is a leisure trail on what used to be a railway line between Lilydale and Warburton and we’ve had many lovely walks along parts of it. Sarah Shaw has already signed up to RUN 40km along the canal towpaths and I’ve signed up for the Adams family to Walk (OK, amble) 40 kms from our house in April.  We would be so grateful if you’d sponsor us (as the ad says, “every little  helps”) and also PLEASE PRAY for us . For more info take a look at stableone.org

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EASTER SHOP UPDATE

 

Sold out on Birthday cards ....But a new item...

.

 Pretty Teabag Gift Pouch with Easter message card   £3 each

 Don't forget Easter Chicks with Cadburys Cream Egg.

Going cheep cheep at £2.50

 

Please keep buying  contact:      Maggie and Jon
 **************************************************************** 

HOLY WEEK and EASTER

As we approach this Holy Week

Let us not forget

The trauma that faced our Lord, who knew his fate - and yet -

He faced the trials

That came his way

Leading to that awful day

‘Who do you say I am ?’he said

To those who ridiculed with dread

He suffered cruelty and abuse

Such treatment offers no excuse

The soldiers mocked with cruel crown

And whipped him fiercely to the ground

And yet , and yet , he stood the pain

For our future lives to gain

He suffered badly; paid the price

To be the final sacrifice

So, as we enter Holy Week

Let us pray to him and seek

The love our Father gave, and more -

Let’s worship him who we adore

                                                                       

Mo Stanley



 **************************************************************** 

 

HASBURY EASTER CROSS

 

Our Easter Cross will be

outside the church at Easter.

Please come and add your own

flowers to this symbol of HOPE

 

  ****************************************************************    



A message of HOPE from Rev Peter Brown

The Easter story is a great beacon of hope.  Recent developments have given us grounds for optimism that restrictions will be eased, that the storm of this pandemic is passing and we can look to the future with a greater sense of hope and a clearer sense of purpose.  After the rigours of lockdown millions are clutching desperately at this kind of hope for a new beginning.

 

This raises a number of vital and important questions.  What is the ground of our hope?  What is the basis of our confidence as Christians?  The Easter hope is not man made; it is not derived from a vague human hope of survival after death.  Our Easter hope is God-given.  In the story of the death and resurrection of Jesus, we have real ground for hope: evil is confronted and defeated, love overcomes hate, suffering is vindicated, and death is vanquished.  After the greatest ever storm – the judgment of the cross – Jesus sailed through to the far shore beyond death, hell and the grave to the glory and triumph of his resurrection.  He says, “Because I live, you also will live.”

 

If this is true then it has huge implications for our understanding of our own lives and personal challenges.  We are understandably tempted to despair when confronted with the challenges and complexities of life, the problems and perplexities of the current pandemic and, of course, our own personal anxieties and fears.   We are tempted to lose heart, to cry out “my God my God why have you forsaken us”.  We wonder if God is real or have we just lost touch with him.  It is certainly not easy at times to find him in the confused cynicism of the modern world.

 

The Christian faith, however, insists that the God we think we have lost is revealed to us in the crucified figure of Jesus who was exposed to public ridicule on a cross.  We look at the cross and we only see failure but God sees it differently and in the event of the resurrection failure is transformed into triumph.  To those who say “Not possible,” Jesus says: “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

 

Easter is God’s gift of a living hope, a hope that is real for our personal lives at the present moment whatever circumstance you may be facing.  This living hope is the gift of God’s presence and peace, giving freedom, forgiveness, and wholeness to us.  If you do not yet know Jesus, you can know him.  Open your heart and receive his gift of love and new life today.

 

Have a blessed and hope filled Easter.

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Tuesday 23rd March has been designated “National day of reflection.” 

 There will be a minute’s silence at midday to remember those losses.

If you have been bereavedyou might like to use this prayer

A PRAYER FOR THE ONE WHO IS LEFT

 

Lord, I seem to have all the things which don’t matter and lost all the things which do.

I’m alone and sometimes I feel nothing can make up for that.

Lord, help me to see the meaning of my faith and life;

To realise that I have hope as well as memory;

That the unseen cloud of witnesses is around me;

That you meant it when you said you would always be with me;

That as long as I’m here there is something I’m meant to do;

And in doing it, help me to find the comfort and courage I need to go on.

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HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: March 21st

Roy Parton has been in  hospital this week.
We hold Roy and Margaret in our love and prayers and hope you soon feel much better Roy.

Idris is also unwell, and has had several falls. We hold you in love and prayer Idris

In our love and prayers we also hold Gill and Frank Williams, Simon and Dylan as they mourn the loss of  Rebecca. We pray you will feel God’s strength and comfort in your sorrow.

Jade Loxton is out of hospital and feeling much better

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MOTHERS DAY

                                                                       

I would like to thank those involved with resourcing the Daffodils and putting them into bunches for Mother’s Day. Ali Price and family, Mo, Dilys, Maggie who delivered the daffodils to you with our love. It was so good seeing you all even though it was a doorstep call we hope you had an enjoyable time we have many blessings to be grateful for - our Families friends and our Church family. We all hope that we shall be together in worship soon
May the love of God be with you always                          Take care Be safe
Jan Lear

On behalf of all of us who had such a lovely daffodil gift – a big THANK YOU. You brought us a smile

Maureen x

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we're happy to report that all the magazines and flyers are ready to distributebut still need a couple of roads to be covered:

     Summit Gardens.

     Albert road (from the junction with Elizabeth Road to the end of Wall Well, just past the church)

     High Farm Road, again from Elizabeth Road. Please let me know if you can help(Eileen)

And……

TESTING THE WATER…for the last 10 years or so we’ve sent Easter Eggs and Hot Cross Buns to the “Wheels” students and would like to do so again this year.  If you’d like us to go ahead and feel you could make a monetary gift to enable us to purchase a little bit of Easter Hope for them could you, please let Eileen know as soon as possible. Every blessing to you all.

Eileen and the H.O.P.E team

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From Mary Stevens Hospice….

Tuesday 23rd March has been designated “National day of reflection.” Since lockdown began last year over 3 MILLION people have been bereaved and, whatever the cause, every death has been devastating for those left behind. The day of reflection is a special time for us all to come together, a time to reflect on those who lost their lives and for us to think of all the effects the last year has had on each and every one of us.. It will be a time to find ways to support each other and a chance to feel hopeful about the future. There will be a minute’s silence at midday to remember those losses.

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Mo Stanley has completed a sponsored walk, walking 121,000 steps in 10 days for Centre Point (Homeless charity for young people aged between 16 – 20)

She has raised £655 so far.  If anyone would like to sponsor her you can contact her on 07903616171 or visit her page on “Just Giving campaign” Move in March                                        Thank You

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“National day of reflection.”

From Mary Stevens Hospice

Tuesday 23rd March has been designated “National day of reflection.” Since lockdown began last year over 3 MILLION people have been bereaved and, whatever the cause, every death has been devastating for those left behind. The day of reflection is a special time for us all to come together, a time to reflect on those who lost their lives and for us to think of all the effects the last year has had on each and every one of us.. It will be a time to find ways to support each other and a chance to feel hopeful about the future. There will be a minute’s silence at midday to remember those losses.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Mo Stanley has completed a sponsored walk, walking 121,000 steps in 10 days for Centre Point (Homeless charity for young people aged between 16 – 20).
Contact her via our "contact us " page  or visit her page on “Just Giving campaign” Move in March                                        Thank You

 

A HOMELESS PLEA

Come hither, help me in my plight                            To turn disgust into “pity”

To find some comfort in this night                          To turn all judgements of the past

For right now I can’t be sure                                  To finally realise at last

How much more I can endure -                                That I hurt behind this mask

Of this cold and weary life                                     And need some help to solve the task

That brings me misery and strife.                           Of getting off the streets to live

Not my choice, I tell you now                                  I’m really asking you to give

But I’ll survive this life somehow                            Not just money – clothes or food

With a little help from those                                 But time to change your attitude

Who see the man behind these clothes                   Towards a fortune bad as mine

Who see the inner soul of me                                 Please spare a moment of your time

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Hasbury Easter Shop update…..

 9. Flower Easter cards.  Sold out

But  new item  13. Bunny Easter Card. £1.50 each

Only 2 weeks left for your Easter goodies…. Don’t forget to get your orders in.  

 Thank you for your continued support (See blow in last week's news for details)

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ACTION FOR CHILDREN

 

Around this time in previous years Sylvia and Hazel would have been offering to empty Action for Children ‘Home Collecting’ boxes; this year it’s John and Brenda who will be happy to receive (or collect) the boxes or any donations

Either drop your box off or contact either of us  John     Brenda 

Please use the "contact us" page if you need to know their contact details)

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                     HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: March 13th

We have filmed the service and at some stage once it has been edited if anyone would like to view it we can put it on a DVD for you.

The end of the Eulogy said

As mentioned, Clive was a thinker, and always prepared. Now God has prepared a place for him and as it says in John 14 '"There are many rooms in my Father's house and I'm going to prepare a place for you'

A much loved Husband, Father and Grandpops, he will be truly missed, but we are peace with the knowledge that he is now in his room that God has prepared for him.

Our love and thanks to you all.     Alison, Joan and Family

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Jade Loxton (Ben Hanna's fiancee)has been very unwell and has spent a few days in hospital having tests.
She is back home now on medication and feeling more comfortable. We wish you a good recovery Jade.

We hold all our church family who are facing difficult times in our love and our prayers.

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NOTICE FROM THE MINISTER AND HASBURY STEWARD’S TEAM

Dear friends,

We are still in lockdown but recent developments including the successful roll out of the national vaccination programme has given us grounds for optimism that restrictions will be eased.  Although there are tests to be met and a degree of provisionality about each stage I want to inform you that we are looking ahead and putting in place plans for a possible Easter Sunday reopening for worship at Hasbury if events continue to move in the right direction and we have the proper human resource in place to open safely. We will keep you regularly updated and informed and ask for your continued prayerful support and understanding as we move forward with our preparations.

 

Every blessing in Christ Jesus,

Peter and the Stewards Team.

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       EASTER HOPE MAGAZINES

                                                           
                                                                  

 

These have now arrived. We’ve had some offers to deliver them to houses in the streets around the church. If you can offer to help with delivering them please contact Eileen Adams  to arrange which street you can deliver.

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ACTION FOR CHILDREN

Around this time in previous years Sylvia and Hazel would have been offering to empty Action for Children ‘Home Collecting’ boxes; this year it’s John and Brenda who will be happy to receive (or collect) the boxes or any donations

Either drop your box off or contact either of us

John: 132 Mendip Road (501 1020)      Brenda: 19 Naseby Drive (550 6613)

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TIMELY WARNING

Just a warning – I’m told there are bogus gas engineers in the area. Gas Board say they will not visit you without prior notice. If you get a visit from a gas engineer, don’t let them in or give any personal information unless you are expecting them. Make sure they are genuine.

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use the down arrow to scroll down this page

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               Laughter is the Best Medicine                          

                  Seeing the funny side of some church notices

 

‘The preacher for next Sunday will be found hanging on the notice board in the foyer.’

 

‘As the Minister is going on holiday next week, could all missionary boxes please be handed in to the manse by Friday evening at the latest.’

‘Jumble Sale Next Saturday.

Ladies this is your opportunity to get rid of anything you don’t want.

Don’t forget to bring your husband.’

‘We regret to announce that the Ladies Fellowship was unable to raise any money during their Sponsored Silence last week .’

 

‘Due to the Ministers illness the weekly healing service will be discontinued until further notice’

 

 “He will Fill your mouth with laughter” Job 8 v 21

( From  The Little book of Heavenly Humour by Sid Little)

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                     HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: March 6th

THE FUNERAL OF CLIVE BUSBY will be held on Wednesday March 10th at 11.30 a.m.

at Hasbury Methodist Church, followed by burial at Quinton Cemetery at 1.00 p.m. 

Attendance at the service has to be limited in number by invitation only, due to current Covid regulations.

Donations in memory of Clive will be gratefully accepted for Blood Cancer UK and Action Heart and may be sent to H. Cope Funeral Directors, 123 Reddal Hill Rd, Cradley Heath B64 5JG or directly to the family. The funeral cortege will leave the house at 11.00 am and drive up Hazeldene Road, turning left into Foxhunt Road, then right into Bassnage Road. At the end of Bassnage Road it will turn right into Huntingtree Road, then right at the island into Elizabeth Road. It will then turn left into High Farm Road and left to arrive at Hasbury Methodist Church.

We hold Joan, Alison and all the family in our love and prayers at this time.

 

Jenny Willetts has fallen and broken her shoulder. We pray for a good recovery for Jenny

 

We also hold Roy Parton and Barbara Tivey in our love and prayers. Both are unwell at present.

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EASTER HOPE MAGAZINES  

Voluntary contributions have enabled us to order 500 Easter Hope magazines to be delivered to houses around the church. Wall Well and Loughton Grove are covered. Could you offer to deliver these messages of Easter Hope to any of the other streets round the church?

Please contact Eileen Adams if you can.

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                                                WOMEN’S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER 2021

 

Friday, 5^th March was Women’s World Day of Prayer and as many of you can guess this was another occasion that could not be held due to the Covid 19 pandemic and it’s affect on the lives of our churches and ourselves.

 

We have been joining with other churches in Halesowen to participate in this global event for many years now (though not since 1887 when the idea of this mission first started!).   The service for 2021 was prepared by Christian women living on the South Pacific island of Vanuatu.  The theme they chose is based on Matthew’s Gospel, Chapter 7 v 24, and Psalm 127, entitled “Build on a strong foundation”.

 

This is a truly international opportunity to share in worship, and is said to be the world’s largest prayer event celebrated in many countries, offered by people of many cultures and languages all through a single day from sunrise to sunset, hence the choice of the traditional closing hymn each year, “The day Thou gavest Lord is ended”.

 

If you are interested, and are able to do so, it is possible to access an Introduction to Vanuatu (thanks with the generosity of the Christians in Canada who prepared the video) and also follow the service with contributions of prayers, readings hymns and testimony by the ladies who live and work on the island.  I found it quite a thrill to be able to participate on some way, though not in the usual way. Check the

WWD of Prayer website homepage, and follow the ‘service 2021’.   

 

Following the reflection, it was suggested we meditate for a while on two key words, HEAR and ACT.  It may be that we would all like to take part and think about this.   We have heard a lot said in the last year and there has been a lot of action, despite lock-downs.  Words and deeds of kindness have been shared in abundance enabling us to help each other and serve others during very difficult times, and so, thanks be to God for His many blessings and His love protection now and in the days to come as we continue to go forward treading the path He has set for each one of us,

love in His name, Pam Lane                                                         

 

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CHRISTIAN AID

"'When I learn about countries where not one person has been vaccinated how can I help but give thanks for my own privileges and for the courage and endurance of others. I ask that they may be kept safe and know that they are not alone."(messsage from a Christian Aid supporter)
Many supporters have wanted to donate in thanksgiving  for their coronavirus vaccine and if you would like to join them to help protect the most vulnerable people  please consider donating to Christian Aid  So many of the communities they serve are feeling the devastating effects of the pandemic and the vaccine is still out of reach for them. Many families lack the essentials like soap and clean water for handwashing.

 

Your donation will directly help vulnerable families protect themselves against coronavirus.

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CHRISTIAN AID invite you also to join in this prayer with today:

God of Hope, sustainer of all life, we give You thanks for the coronavirus vaccines, for the skill and wisdom of scientists, NHS staff and key workers. 

By the power of Your Spirit, may we overflow with hope and joy as we see our friends, families and neighbours protected. 
Move us to give, act and pray to challenge the injustices that anger You. 
May we seek to protect all Your children, particularly those for whom the vaccine is out of reach. With hope and trust we pray,     Amen
 http://www.christianaid.org.uk/

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THE REAL EASTER EGG                        

 

 

The UK's top supermarkets will NOT be stocking The Real Easter Egg in 2021. For the past ten years Tesco, Waitrose, ASDA and Morrisons have made room on their shelves for The Real Easter Egg. 

However, the pandemic led to the supermarkets having a disastrous Easter  as people stayed away from high streets.  This year, supermarket buyers were told to cut brands, reduce the volumes and in some cases ask for stock to be supplied at a loss or cost price. It means there will be fewer brands, including the Real Easter Egg, on their shelves this Easter. 

So if you are one of the 80,000 people who usually buy a Real Easter Egg from a supermarket or have friends who do then spread the word: Buy online.

• The Real Easter Egg has been on sale since 2010 and involves thousands of churches, schools and groups. Out of the 80 million chocolate Easter eggs sold each year in the UK, The Real Easter Egg is the first It crosses all denominations and offers individuals a simple way to share the Easter Story while supporting Fairtrade and charitable projects.
• To date more than a million eggs have been sold and more than £300,000 has been donated to charitable causes.
• In 2013 The Real Easter Egg was voted 'Gift of the Year' by Fairtrade supporters.
• Reviewers have placed The Real Easter Egg above eggs from Hotel Chocolat, Green and Black's and Ferrero Rocher.
• All Real Easter Eggs come with an Easter story in the box. The stories range from simple guides to a 24-page activity book version with a prize competition worth £200. They provide an opportunity to share the joy of Easter with friends and family. The 2021 Original Real Easter Egg includes a new 24-page Easter story activity book
  You can order direct from www.realeasteregg.co.uk.
  It costs £4.50 and is delivered in multiples of six or as singles.
  
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MARCH                                                  Happy New month.       From Veronica
In this month of March,
I decree into Your life today that:
You will march into blessings.
You will march into good health.
You will march into favour.
You will march into mercy.
You will march into fruitfulness.
You will march into joy.
You will march into greatness.
You will march into abundance.
You will march into God's goodness.
You will march into honour.
You will march into progress.
You will march over poverty.
You will march over retrogression.
You will march over depression. (Deuteronomy 28:6); Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out in Jesus name        

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HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: February 27th

THE FUNERAL OF CLIVE BUSBY will be held on Wednesday March 10^th at 11.30 a.m.

at Hasbury Methodist Church, followed by burial at Quinton Cemetery at 1.00 p.m.

Attendance is limited in numbers by invitation only, due to current covid regulations

Joan, Alison and family send their grateful thanks for cards, flowers expressions of support and tributes to Clive

We hold Joan, Alison and all the family in love and prayer

Margaret Bissell sends a big thank you for cards and good wishes on her birthday. 

She had a lovely day in spite of restrictions with many doorstep visitors, phone calls and texts.

Mark Jones celebrates his 50^th birthday on March 3^rd   Happy Birthday Mark

 

Veronica sends a prayer for us from Nigeria - that God will be with you, God will strengthen you, God will bless you, God will neither leave you nor forsake you. God will not fail you, God will protect you, God will provide for you, God will empower you, God will answer you whenever you call Him. Above all, His loving care will always incubate your life     Amen

Black Country Foodbank send grateful thanks for your continuing support.

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CURRENT SHORTAGES are :-  
Small boxes of teabags

Long life milk (1L cartons)               Tinned potatoes                    Long life fruit juice (1L cartons)

Microwave rice packets                   Packets instant mash          Tinned rice pudding or custard           

Tinned meat e.g. corned beef          Tinned vegetarian ready meals eg veg stew    
Small jars of coffee

Food bank cannot accept out of date items or items containing alcohol

Non-food shortages

Shampoo                   Toilet rolls                              Washing up liquid

You can drop off your donations with

Dilys & Stephen, Maisie Newman, Wendy Tether or Roger & Eileen

 

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MARY STEVENS HOSPICE

Mary Stevens hospice will be hosting a series of zoom meetings to help people to deal with bereavement issues during the pandemic. Use the link below to register your interest

Ask a Funeral Director: Discuss Funeral Arrangements

This free Zoom session will take place on Tuesday 2nd March at 12:30pm GMT.

Ask a Solicitor: Power of attorney’s and probate

This free Zoom session will take place on Tuesday 16th March at 11:30am GMT.

Ask a Social Worker: Emotions during Covid pandemic and focus on post-traumatic stress disorder

.This free Zoom session will take place on Tuesday 30th March at 12:30pm GMT.

Ask a Pharmacist: The Covid pandemic from a medical perspective

This free Zoom session will take place on Tuesday 13th April at 11:30am GMT.

Ask a Social Worker: Secondary trauma for frontline workers –  A narrative perspective

This free Zoom session will take place on Tuesday 27th April at 12:30pm GMT.

Ask an Admiral Nurse: Dementia care during the pandemic 

This free Zoom session will take place on Tuesday 11th May at 12:30pm GMT.

Ask a Bereavement co-ordinator: How do I deal with the Covid pandemic, with loss and bereavement

This free Zoom session will take place on Tuesday 25th May at 12:30pm GMT.

Just Ask Series - Mary Stevens Hospice

Just Ask Series. Our 'Just Ask' series allows you to ask questions to a variety of professionals about things you may be curious or concerned about during the Covid-19 pandemic.

www.marystevenshospice.co.uk

 

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MAUNDY THURSDAY

From A Calendar of verse by Maureen Stanley

The scene is set

as friends are gathered for a final meal

The scene is set

in preparation for our Lord’s  ordeal

 

The scene is set

As Jesus feeds them all with broken bread

 

The scene is set

as all join in this precious, final mass

 

The scene is set

as wine is shared and minutes pass

 

The scene is set

as future acts are told in simple words

 

The scene is set

and Jesus waits the soldier’s swords

 

The scene is set

at sunrise, and Jesu’s wide awake

 

The scene is set

with kisses given- that are fake

 

The scene is set

friends disappear quick to hide

 

The scene is set

as Jesus leaves with soldiers at his side

 

The scene is set

and all is quiet in this place

 

The scene is set

with Jesus now  - His death to face.

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A huge ‘Thanks’ to everyone who helped raise money for the church by purchasing A Calendar of Verse.. They have been sold across the country and have raised £625 for church funds. Thanks to Jan ( for suggesting the challenge to me) and to ‘Wheels ‘ office manager for printing and Garry for assembling them . There are still books available (£5 per copy)-  it’s not too late to get your hands on a signed copy to post to a family member or friend as a gift.
Contact Maureen Stanley (Tel  07903 616171) if you would like to order a copy.

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HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: February 20th

Dave Smith’s funeral  Thursday February 25^th  at 1.45 at Rowley Regis Crematorium.

Donations in lieu of flowers will be accepted for Action Heart and Cancer Research and may be sent to

Mark Roy Timmins, Funeral Directors, 36/38 Windmill Hill, Colley Gate, Halesowen B63 2BZ   Or directly to Madge.

David spent most of his life being an active member of various organisations.

His wishes were to help two charities that will bring hope to others.  Following his heart attack he had always been grateful to the cardiac rehab team at Russell's Hall for giving him back his health and confidence. Half of the donations will be given to Action Heart a local charity that delivers comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation.

David battled against various cancers over the past few years and he wished that we could contribute to combat these diseases. The other half of donations will go to Cancer Research UK ; the world's leading independent cancer charity dedicated to saving lives through research, influence and information.

 

Thankyou for your support and we hope that you hold onto the lovely memories of David that help you remember a generous man.

With love from Madge, Allison and Stephen

 

The link to the on line service is 

 

 The webcast can be watched again (after up to 3 days) for 28 days

 

The cortege will take the following route:

Cortege will leave 182 Broadway Avenue at 1.00 p.m. Left into Pershore Road

Left into Blakedown Road, continuing to the end of the road,   turn right into Uffmore Road towards Hagley Road                                                                              

Turn right into Hagley Road then left into Albert Road Turn right and then left following Albert Road to Hasbury Methodist Church then  round the horseshoe drive in front of the church and pause briefly before continuing to Rowley Regis Crematorium

We hold Madge, Allison, Stephen and all of the family in love and prayer

We hold Joan Busby, Alison and all of Clive’s family in love and prayer in the coming days

Pauline Apperley has tested positive for Covid and has to isolate in her room. She’s not showing any symptoms and we pray she will not be badly affected.

Anne Jordan has had a heart attack. She has had a stent fitted and is recovering well at home.

 

We hold all of these people and their families in our love and our prayers

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Margaret Bissell celebrates her 85^th birthday on February 23^rd.   

                                                              Happy Birthday Margaret                                                                           

 

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CREAM TEAS

                       

Thank you to everyone who bought a cream tea - friends at Hasbury, family and friends

 of friends all helped to raise £580 for Church funds  - Amazing!!!!

If you missed this time around there’s always next time.
 A great effort from all concerned

Special thanks to Mo Stanley, Gemma and Phil, Chris Raxster and Sons

Every Blessing

Jan Lear

 

 

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HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: February 13th

Clive Busby passed peacefully away in hospital on Tuesday February 10^th with Joan and Alison at his side.
He will be sadly missed by us all, but we know that he will be joyfully received by his Lord whom he served faithfully all of his life.                  Rest in Peace Clive.

We hold Joan, Alison and all of the family in our love and our prayers.

 

Dave Smith’s funeral. February 25^th. 

We don’t yet have details of the route of the cortege and link to the service, but  will let you know when I have them, also the order of service.

We hold Madge, Allison and Stephen and all of the family in our love and our prayers

 

O God, from whom to turn is to fall, to whom to be turned is to rise, and in whom to stand is to abide for ever,  grant us in all our perplexities your guidance, in all our dangers your protection, and in all our sorrows  your peace;  through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen       (prayer of St. Augustine)

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  VALENTINE 'S DAY

              


‘ And the greatest of all is Love’

Love each other and love fellow man
Love each other as much as you can
Love conquers all - love is so true
Love can give everything - to me and to you
Take time to tell all your loved ones you care
Take time to hug them and take time to share
Give friends a phone call , take time to say
‘I love you dearly ‘ and not just today
Loves bears no burdens
No grudge from the past
Love conquers sin and forever will last
Give flowers , give greetings ,
Give kisses and show
To all those you love ,
Please - just let them know!

 

                                                                                                         Mo Stanley

And now I will show you the most excellent way…

 And now these three remain, faith, hope and love                 

 But the greatest of these is love       (1 Corinthians 13)

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   Laughter is the Best Medicine

                                                                         

There were two little boys who were constantly getting into mischief  and causing trouble in their neighbourhood. The parents knew that if anything untoward happened in the town their two boys would somehow be involved.

The parents in despair decided to ask their local vicar for help and so it was that the youngest boy sat in trepidation in the vicar’s study, not knowing what to expect.

The vicar started gently hoping to make the child realise that God sees all things and asked
“Do you know where God is?”
The boy looked shocked but made no attempt to answer so the vicar asked again  
“Do you know where God is?”

The boy’s jaw dropped open but he still made no response,
so the vicar decided he had to get serious and demanded
“Where is God?”
Still no reply came from the wide eyed child.

Becoming ever more frustrated the vicar raised his voice, pointed his finger at the boy and bellowed
 
“WHERE IS GOD?”

at which point the boy screamed and bolted from the room and ran straight home and upstairs to hide in the airing cupboard slamming the door behind him.

When his elder brother found him he asked “whatever happened?”
The younger brother gasping for breath, replied
“We are in BIG TROUBLE this time. God is missing - and they think we did it!”

(from A little book of heavenly humour by Sid Little)


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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

ENGAGE FELLOWSHIP GROUP

MONDAY FEB 15TH

Over the last year we have continued to hold our Engage fellowship but over zoom. If there is anyone in the 18s -40s age group that would like to join us our next one is on Monday at 7.30pm...let us know (VIA THE "CONTACT US" PAGE)  and I can give you the login details. Rachel and Steve x        

 

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 Wednesday February 17th is National RAK Day.

When H.O.P.E. began some 13 years ago now we encouraged people to join in a campaign called ”ARK”  - same letters, same idea just arranged differently. So it’s a day for everyone to do at least ONE

ACT of RANDOM KINDNESS.

It doesn’t have to be a huge gesture, just something to make someone’s day a little brighter. Could be as simple as a phone call, a word of encouragement or a card to say I’m thinking about you. Let’s share our ideas but above all, let’s share some kindness.

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  LENT RESOURCES

"  With Lent just round the corner and many people wanting to come closer to God during this time, it's worth launching out and Catching The Wave. Catching The Wave is available in the UK for £4.50 (with discounts for quantities) and globally via daily emails popping in to your inbox."

 To order copies,  or sign up for daily emails  go to   https://thereishope.co.uk/40-days/

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ALL WE CAN 

is conducting an online Lent Group Change begins at Lent running at 8.00pm every Wednesday

 We are invited to Join them online every week at

https://www.allwecan.org.uk/event/lentgroup/that would guide you to register. DownloadororderacopyofyourChangeBeginsLentdevotionalhere.

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SCRIPTURE UNION 

has Footsteps of Jesus: a Lenten Journey

 “During the season of Lent, join us as we follow the footsteps of Jesus as he sets his face toward Jerusalem and to the Resurrection. The 40 Bible readings and reflections begin on Ash Wednesday, February 17, and finish on Resurrection Day, Sunday, April 4.”You can join them beginning February 17 https://scriptureunion.org 

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and a message from Maureen Jeavons

"Whilst self isolating, I’d eons of time (well, slight exaggeration) to think  up this little quiz

Have you treated yourself to your favourite food in lockdown to cheer yourself up?

Like, for instance Cornish pasties – yummm. If you cross the Tamar, that will take you into Cornwall – home of the authentic Cornish pasty.  (Or you can get a Ginsters from the supermarket)

If you like cheese and crackers try eating a brie - lovely flavour.

If you enjoy nachos, easy recipes are available on the internet – have a go !  Or are you a coffee lover and do you have a favourite blend? Arabica, indeed seems to be very popular.  I’m a tea drinker myself and I enjoy a herbal tea.  I imagine herbalists must be pretty healthy people as many plants have health benefits.  Take rue for example. Rue benefits are claimed to ease toothache and also it can be used as an insect repellent.  We seem to have more mosquitos about now, so rue could be useful as a mosquito repellent.

We treated ourselves to a take away Sunday lunch (delivered to our door from Jimmy Macks). In China a take away is called tapau – likely you won’t need to know that though, unless you are thinking of going to China.

Keeping motivated is pretty hard isn’t it as all the days seem to blend into each other.  John said earlier today “I’m finding it hard to convince myself that it’s Saturday today”. I did point out to him that’s because it’s Friday !!

Oh for a magic word to grant a wish – how exciting that would be -

Abracadabra – ham and eggs with chips

Abracadabra – Covid has been annihilated

Abracadabra – normal life is resumed

 

Stay Joyful ... Keep the faith

                           Do the little things

 

                                                                                        ...God bless you all

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HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: February 6th

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FUNDRAISING FOR CHURCH

Calendar book of Verse

A poetry / verse book has been written by Maureen Stanley and is being ‘ published’ by staff at Black Country Wheels. It will be on sale in February .
Cost £5 minimum . All proceeds going into church funds. Orders please to Mo Stanley 

 
Cream teas

                                   

Order your cream teas to be delivered for Valentines for just £5 per person.
Cream teas can ordered and delivered to your door for any special occasion - birthdays , anniversaries or why not just to treat yourself?
Cream teas cost £5 per person (feel free to offer more if you wish).

Orders please to Jan Lear 

Orders for Valentines Day need to be in by Thursday February 11^th.

place orders please  via our "contact us" page 

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Laughter is the best medicine    

A vicar bought a horse from a local farmer, who gave him instructions to get the best out of the animal

‘If you shout “Praise the Lord” the farmer explained, the horse will move off at great speed. To get it to stop you just have to shout “Amen”.’

The vicar thought this was great and paid for the horse before climbing aboard and shouting the command ‘Praise the Lord’ The horse set off at breakneck speed. They climbed hills, sped along valleys and jumped fences.

When they drew near to the village where the vicar lived,  ‘slow down‘ the vicar commanded. Nothing happened. ‘Whoa there’ he ordered. Nothing! With a panic the vicar realised he had forgotten the command to bring the animal to a halt. Faster and faster they, went the new owner hanging on for dear life!

Suddenly he realised they were heading for the coastal pathway and the cliffs beyond. Panicking he started shouting all manner of commands to try to stop the horse in his tracks. ‘Open Sesame! Thanks be to God.’
He screamed as the cliffs came in sight.

 
Suddenly he remembered.‘Amen!’ he shrieked and the horse stopped two inches from the edge of the cliff. Thankfully he took out his handkerchief and mopped his sweat laden brow and exclaimed

‘Praise the Lord….’  

(from A little book of heavenly humour by Sid Little)

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A cautionary rhyme following John's walk in Uffmoor Wood

                            

A countryside walk is just great, as my husband is keen to relate.

  But the mud is so thick, and also quite slick.
  If you slip, you’ll go home in a state!!              

(and with a sore shoulder

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 HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: JANUARY 30th

 

Dave Smith sadly passed peacefully away on Wednesday January 28^th in Russells Hall Hospital, with Madge at his side. We know that Dave is now is the hands of his Saviour whom he served faithfully throughout his life. He will be very deeply missed by us all.

We hold Madge, Allison, Stephen and all the family in our love and our prayers.

Rest in Peace,  Dave.

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Clive Busby has had a brace fitted and is hoping to be home soon, when care help is arranged
We continue to hold Clive and Joan, and Roy and Margaret in love and prayer.

 

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WHEELS  from Jan Lear    

 

Hello Everyone,

I have good news to share A person has read our Facebook page and has donated 14 laptops to Wheels for the students to use
A big thank you to all those at Hasbury who have given IPads and laptops for our children to do their work on.  Bless you all for your kindness

(Wheels are still happy and grateful to accept any laptops, Ipads etc if anyone is able to offer them

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FUNDRAISING FOR CHURCH

 

 Calendar book of Verse

A poetry / verse book has been written by Maureen Stanley and is being ‘ published’ by staff at Black Country Wheels. It will be on sale in February .
Cost £5 minimum . All proceeds going into church funds. Orders please to Mo Stanley via our "contact us" page

                                   

Order your cream teas to be delivered for Valentines for just £5 per person.
Cream teas can ordered and delivered to your door for any special occasion - birthdays , anniversaries or why not just to treat yourself?
Cream teas cost £5 per person (feel free to offer more if you wish).

Orders please to Jan Lear via our "contact us" page

Orders for Valentines Day need to be in by Thursday February 11^th.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………...

Two poems we've seen this week...

Today, I dared to let myself dream

            That the world will one day open again.              

That the locks will loosen, the walls will fall,

The doors will fly open and reunite us all.

I dared to imagine the warmth of a cuddle,   

A group of my friends all locked in a huddle.

I felt all the heartbeats, drumming with mine,

 I heard all the laughter, I tasted the wine.

   I thought of the feelings I’ve missed for long,

The room full of music, united by song.

The freedom to roam, to plan and to meet

To hold someone’s hand, to meet, to greet.

Just for a moment I dared to dream of,

The flights I would board to the places I love.

    The moment those eyes would meet mine at the gate,

The feeling of joy after so long a wait.

Today, I dared to let myself dream,

That the life we once had would happen again.

That we’d no longer fear the danger of air,

That our lives would not depend on such care.

They say that we mustn’t wish time away,

But it’s hard, my friend, when faced with a day,

So long in blank hours and so wiped of laughter,

It’s tempting to drift away to thereafter.

So yes, I dared to dream just a while,

Of life coming back, it brought me a smile.

                        One day I know, this will be in the past,

                        And hugs will be free, again, at last.

 

 Donna Ashworth

 

POSTSCRIPT from Philippians 4 v 6 -7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God. 
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 

 

 

 

This poem was  on Radio WM morning worship last Sunday.

 

The Creed

The hand that spins the galaxies brought me into being.

The One who holds the stars has made me his own.

I am God’s child. My life is rich, my days are sacred.

I am held by a love that’s wider and higher than the farthest
edges of this expanding universe.

I am a pilgrim in this world, in search of wisdom and wonder.

I will take new adventures.

And follow God into the unknown.

What I achieve is not as important as the person I become.

So I will seek to imitate the Nail-Pierced One.

I will step in the direction of my strengths and talents.

They are Spirit-given tools for my God-given tasks.

I will pay attention to my persistent aspirations.

They could be the whispers of God.

I will serve all I can and walk deeply with a few.

I will aim for great things but leave my legacy to God.

The path is long and the terrain at times hard.

Still:

I will not wish for another’s life.

I will take my place, play my part.

Something important will be missed if I don’t.

For the hand that spins the galaxies wants me here.

Sheridan Voysey  (who led Radio WM worship last Sunday)

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             Stay Joyful ... Keep the faith

                           Do the little things

 

                                                                                        ...God bless you all

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 HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: JANUARY 23rd

Clive Busby is in hospital following a fall at home last weekend. Clive has a fracture to his lower spine, and has obviously been in a lot of pain.  He will be fitted with a brace to support his back during his recovery.

 Roy Parton has been hospitalised with very low blood pressure whilst his heart rate was very high. 

Roy is back at home now with a care package for support as he is bedbound at present.

 

We hold Clive and Joan, and Roy and Margaret in our love and our prayers at this difficult time.

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HASBURY CHURCH FINANCE

Before we update you on the state of our church finances it needs to be said that  we owe Alan an enormous THANK YOU for his work as Treasurer, which is putting a great burden of stress on him at this time. However, we also need to be aware that Alan is not a magician, and cannot make money appear from nowhere.   (I'll create another page for "finance" and hope that you will  read the full report and spreadsheet prayerfully.) so...
FINANCE NEWS FROM ALAN CUMMINGS
Following on from my report at the beginning of December I have updated the figures and extended the forecast to the end of the current financial year (31/8/2021). However, the basic position is that as things stand we will just have enough finances in the general account to pay our dues to August but we will then be seriously troubled to continue at the same level during the church year 2021/22. Over the current year our balances will have reduced from £18,844 to £7,313 – a drop of £11,531.

Further to the letter from Alan concerning church finances:

The income which the church receives from lettings from various groups is £9156.00 per year

Most groups pack up during the summer so it’s around £218.00 a week while they are meeting.(spread over the year it’s £170.00 per week)

As you can see, we are losing this considerable amount each week the church is closed during the coronavirus situation.

Financially it’s disastrous isn’t it?

I know that for those of you who are losing time and money by being unable to continue working, it’s going to be a struggle for you. Could those of you whose income isn’t compromised, maybe consider putting more aside for the church to cover as much as possible of the shortfall.If you can pay donations into the church account the details are the following:

 

If you can help please consider making payments direct to our TSB account. Details are:

                        TSB:    Sort code:  77-85-18      Account No:   38194768

 

If you would like to make a regular standing order, please use the form on the next page for
Transfer authorisation to CFB

 

 

 If you gift aid your donations, please could you let Alan know when you pay an amount into TSB so that he can claim an amount for Church funds.

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We Should Be Proud to be Methodists

Seventy Five years ago  Sunday January 10^th, was the anniversary of the very first meeting of the
United Nations General Assembly following the end of the catastrophic WW 11.

President Franklin D Roosevelt and Winston Churchill were instrumental in setting up this meeting of 51 national leaders with the aim of preventing any other future wars across the world. The meeting was held in London but as so many buildings had been destroyed by bombing the only place left that was big enough to hold this momentous gathering was, ….wait for it…..   METHODIST CENTRAL HALL WESTMINSTER!!! The members were asked to vacate the premises for two weeks which caused some controversy at the time as they couldn’t meet for worship!! They had to meet in local theatres. Dr William Sangster was the minister at the time.

A Plaque on one of the exterior walls of Central Hall bears testimony to that event and annually on this day the Church  Members of Central Hall still celebrate and remember the part Methodism was privileged to play in the pursuit  of global peace in 1946The Prayer of Resolve used in that service begins ….  Almighty God It is our resolve to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war which brought so much suffering to human kind. It is our resolve to reaffirm our faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women, and of nations large and small

Living Lord, Help us……

The Four main purposes of the United Nations

·         To keep peace throughout the world                   
·         To develop friendly relations between nations
·         To help nations work together to improve the lives of the poor and to conquer hunger, disease and illiteracy and to encourage respect for each-others rights and freedoms
·         To be the centre for harmonising the actions of nations to achieve these goals

A Methodist Way of Life

The calling of the Methodist Church is to respond to the gospel of God’s love in Christ and to live out its discipleship in worship and mission and as far as we are able, with God’s help:

 Worship

We will pray daily.
We will worship with others regularly.
We will look and listen for God in Scripture, and the world.

Learning and Caring

We will care for ourselves and those around us.
We will learn more about our faith.
We will practise hospitality and generosity.

Service

We will help people in our communities and beyond.
We will care for creation and all God’s gifts.
We will challenge injustice.

Evangelism

We will speak of the love of God.
We will live in a way that draws others to Jesus.
We will share our faith with others

 May we be a blessing within and beyond God’s Church, for the transformation of the world 

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AN UP-DATE FROM MARY STEVENS HOSPICE

Last year MSH , with three other local organisations, took part in a monthly community bereavement HUB pilot scheme. that has now come to and end... 

BUT...

the facilty will continue
in the Meeting Room as St Thomas Church, Stourbridge (opp Waitrose) 

on the LAST Tuesday of the month from 10.30 - 12.30.

It's open to everyone who needs advice or support with issues with bereavement - practical or emtional 

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UP-DATE FROM

With your help Teams4u managed to collect and export 48,756 shoeboxes!

Last week the final lorry was loaded up with 8,811 shoeboxes and headed off to Dover. As we know just before Christmas, Dover port ground to a halt due to Brexit and Covid restrictions which made it impossible to send them in December.

Thankfully I have just heard from our partner Alex, that the lorry has arrived at the Romania Moldova border this evening and tomorrow it will pass through customs before heading off to be unloaded.

 

Ities that needed them the most.

 

In Romania all the shoeboxes have now been distributed in Bihor and Arad counties which are both in the northwest of the country.
Our partners Raul in Oradea and Alexandra in Arad have worked tirelessly to get the boxes to those communities that needed them the most.

Alin receive his shoebox in Uileacu de Criș, Bihor, Romania

In Arad, Alexandra has sent back the following pictures whilst distributing shoeboxes.

                                        

At the moment boxes are being distributed in Belarus where weather conditions are very cold down to -20

A big thank you to everybody that has made this campaign so successful in very difficult times! ******************************************

HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: JANUARY 16th

From Jan Lear:

 

Mareike, Joel and myself wanted to email all of you to say thank you for the love, support and prayers during our time with you. 2020 was not an easy year for any of us, and we faced many challenges. However, what we did in the Circuit, [especially online] I believe will continue to grow within the future. I would personally like to thank everyone for rising up to the challenge that we faced. Especially since what we did reached so many people, and I am sure brought hope and comfort to families who felt isolated during this  time. 

I would also like to say thank you for all of the messages, cards and gifts. It was a lovely surprise and we will treasure them always. And even though we are moving to Europe, the Circuit will always have a special place in our hearts. We will continue to hold everyone up in prayer, and one day I will look forward to seeing what the Circuit is doing outside of Lockdown. 

 

May God richly bless all of you. 

Troy, Mareike and Joel

A message from Veronica (in Lagos)  : -

"Now I exhort you to be of good cheer; for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you" (Acts 27:22a).
As you and your entire family journey to and fro in this season of uncertainty, you will suffer no loss of life, property and finances.
Everything under your care, whether living or non living is secured and divinely preserved.
He with God is a majority, you will not be an abandoned project in God's hand in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.
I wish you a beautiful morning, a blessed day and a successful week. Shalom! 

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Wednesday 20^th January.  Please pray for 20 minutes at 20.00 p.m.

Here’s a prayer from the Week of Prayer resources:

Lord, you invite us to abide in You who are the vinedresser who cares for us with love.

You call on us to see the beauty of each branch united to the vine, the beauty of each person

And yet, so often the differences in others make us afraid.

We withdraw into ourselves and our trust in You and one another is lost.

Come and direct our hearts toward You once again,

That as one family we may praise Your name                                         Amen


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   Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: Mon 18th to Mon 25th Jan. 

 

 

An online United Service for the Sunday is being prepared for this , more details to follow

There will also be a Halesowen Day of prayer across all the churches – again.
I’ll send details out when I have them

Hasbury will host a 30 minute zoom prayer meeting on Wednesday 20^th Jan 7.00 pm, led by Rev. Peter Brown

 

 Here’s the link if you’d like to join in:

Topic: Maureen Jeavons' Zoom Meeting Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Time: Jan 20, 2021 07:00 PM London

 Join Zoom Meeting

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/76345008907?pwd=UnBaaGtpb3ZZRnRIQVRZNGJQWnBwZz09

Meeting ID: 763 4500 8907

Passcode: wNUi9P

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From Eileen Adams

Earlier this year I put an item on our website about the Coronavirus pandemic.
Today I re-read that and hope that this might help people in this latest chapter in the on-going saga of Covid 19

We hope and pray, that we will soon find a vaccine for this disease(!), and that it will be made widely available for everyone who needs it, rich or poor.

 But in the meantime, we can reflect on our shock.                                                                 
It’s a reminder to us that we are never in total control of our lives,  that we can never eliminate every misfortune or heal every illness.                                                                                               

Ultimately, our trust has to be in something more solid than we can ever find here on earth.                                    Ultimately, God alone is our security.
God is our refuge and our strength, a helper close at hand in times of distress’ (Ps.46:1). 
So, really, all we can do is follow the rules, stay home, stay safe and ..

TRUST HIM and remember The hardest part of Hope is waiting

If you  have  thoughts and ideas for H.O.P.E. in 20201 please let me know

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                        Getting the jab                                

 

• If you have any severe allergies to eg penicillin, mention this when booking your appointment
• If you need transport to your local appointment, please contact one of the Helping Hands numbers.

 

PLEASE NOTE: 

• A  number of us have had a letter inviting us to book an appointment at Millenium Point.
  These are  automated letters from the Government giving the option to have the vaccine earlier at the large vaccination hub. You don’t have to take this option – you can wait a little longer to be contacted by your local GP practice to have the vaccine locally if you prefer.

• There are companies trying to set up private vaccination centres – please ignore any requests that don’t come from your own doctor of from the NHS
•  We have offered our Hasbury Church premises for use as a vaccination centre, but it’s not felt appropriate to move from the present premises at Feldon Lane at present – but the offer is there if needed.

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SAFER FAMILIES                          

You may remember some time ago, we had a visit during worship from someone from Safer Families to talk to us about their organisation. They give support to disadvantaged and vulnerable families.

Here’s a message from them

Birmingham and Black Country Stories of Hope – Join us for half an hour of hope!

 We are holding a 30-minute zoom call sharing stories of hope. Can you help me by sharing this opportunity with your church, family or friends please? If you are a family friend or a host let us know if you would like to share a story with others on the call. Last time we held this event we all came away encouraged! Sign up here! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/stories-of-hope-from-safe-families-tickets-133755958673 The zoom link is on the Eventbrite. 

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   God bless you all                                                                             Stay Joyful

    Maureen x                                                                                                 Keep the Faith

                                                                                                                             Do the Little Things

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                             HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: JANUARY 9th

Michelle Mills and Tim Baker  are pleased to announce they have  grown their family by adoption.

They say....On December 15th. we brought home two little girls – Lili aged 4 and Rosie aged 2. It’s been a long, hard road to get to this point but we look forward to a future as a family. 

                                 Congratulations to you all on your happy news. 

Welcome Lili and Rosie

                                                             

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Margaret Raxster celebrates her 70th Birthday on January 17th.

   

Happy Birthday Margaret

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Troy, Mareike and Joel will be leaving for their new life in Germany on January 15^th. 

We wish  you God speed and pray that your journey 

and your plans go smoothly in these troubled times. 

************************************** 

Tony Trevithick is to have a knee replacement operation on January 16^th. 

We remember Tony in our prayers and pray for a successful result

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and finally....

                                   Covid 19 – getting the jab                                       

Hint from someone on the front line – please make sure that you have a copy of your NHS number
to hand when you go for your vaccination, as this will help to cut time and speed up the process of vaccination
to as many as possible...

...and don’t forget to pick up your certificate of vaccination.

Above all, STAY SAFE!

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Stay Joyful
Keep the Faith

   Do the little things

God bless you all in 2021

Maureen x

 
                                                 FOR THIS WEEK'S QUIZ SEE THE "JUST FOR FUN" PAGE
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                       HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWSJANUARY 2nd

May we move into this New Year with hope

CONGRATULATIONS 

                                                    

Jan Lear has been awarded an M.B.E in the New Years Honours List  in recognition of her work with young people over the past 20 plus years through the success of the Black Country Wheels project.

Jan’s citation reads "Founder and Head Teacher, Black Country Wheels School, Stourbridge. For services to education in the West Midlands."

Jan, we know that you put your heart and soul into working with these young people and your M.B.E is richly deserved.  Love and Congratulations

……..……….……….……….……..……………….……………………………………..…………………...

Joy Jones sends these    
Thoughts and Prayers for 2021 based on Lectio 365 daily prayers

Listen to the following words from Hebrews, think about what you want to leave behind other than Covid19 and Brexit as you step into the New Year. 

Pause to still yourself

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.            Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)

 

Pause to reflect on those words….. read them again.
Pray

Heavenly Father, I ask you to help me throw off the things that hinder me and hold me back. The way I compare myself with others. My reluctance to ask for help when I need it. My critical nature. The hurt I’m holding inside. My disregard of the needs of others. I want to be free of these things in 2021. And I ask for your forgiveness too as I consciously turn away from the sin that has so easily entangled me. Help me to fix my eyes firmly on Jesus and run the race marked out for me. Jesus, I lay everything about the coming year before You. I fix my eyes on You and You alone Lord God. Amen

 We all have lots of hopes and aspirations for the coming year, but let us choose to make just one ‘New Year’s Resolution’ above all the others, and it’s simply this...

 Lord I resolve to love You with all my heart, and all my soul, and all my mind this year.
I surrender all that I have and all that I am to You at the start of this New Year. Amen

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for this month's Pastoral letter see the "from our ministerial team" page

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As ever, “thank you” is too small to say!  But thank you is what we must say to every who donated food to the Foodbank during our Reverse Advent.

The need this year is greater than it’s ever been…
more families with a reduction in earnings, or redundancy, or illness, the need to self-isolate etc,
(it’s a long, long list. 
So we shall continue to accept donations for the foreseeable future,
and to pray for the day when it won’t be needed any more.

CURRENT SHORTAGES

Small bags of sugar                                          Small packets of breakfast cereals

Tinned meat (eg ham & corned beef)              Veg & meat ready meals (unrefrigerated) 

Tinned fish                                                        Bottles of cordial / squash

1 litre cartons of long life fruit juice                   1 litre cartons of long life milk

Tinned potatoes / Instant mash packets         Toiletries

Washing up liquid

SORRY BUT WE CANNOT ACCEPT ITEMS THAT ARE
OUT OF DATE OR THAT HAVE ALCOHOL IN.        
THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP WITH THIS             

and  three “thank you’s"  from people who have been thrown a life-line by the foodbank

 

We’re actually fine normally, but last year when my daughter left school to go to college I forgot to tell the DWP. My benefits stopped and it took 4 weeks to sort it out. I didn’t know what to do, and it was only when a friend suggested Foodbank that I even considered it. I hope we never need it again but it did help until we got sorted.”- Connie

“I finally got a job last month, but my Job Seekers stopped as soon as I started work. I don’t get paid for another two weeks, so it’s left me really short. Foodbank has provided a few essentials to keep me going. Thank You!” - Phil

“I had to use Foodbank a few times. I didn’t want to, but I did it because I needed to feed my kids. I did it for them. Now, things are better and I can give something back. It’s not much, but I know it meant a lot to me when I needed it.”-   

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                                             SHOEBOX APPEAL                                             

Thank you to everyone who supported the recent Teams4U Shoebox campaign.

The Shoeboxes and donations from Hasbury & Short Cross were taken to Teams4U’s warehouse at Evesham where they were checked and packed ready for export.  A total of 20,001 Shoeboxes were received at Evesham

Further Shoeboxes were received at warehouses in Wrexham and Burton upon Trent

Thanks to a great deal of planning and negotiations, five lorries reached their destinations and Shoeboxes were distributed to children before Christmas Day

Lorry 1 - Romania 8542 shoeboxes                    Lorry 2 - Belarus 7878 shoeboxes
Lorry 3 - Romania 8375 shoeboxes                    Lorry 4 - Bosnia 9160 shoeboxes
Lorry 5 - Belarus 5990 shoeboxes

Despatch of a further lorry that was destined for Moldova was delayed due to disruption at the Channel Ports before Christmas and subsequent travel restrictions

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COFFEE MORNING AT HOME               

Thank you to everyone who supported the Virtual Coffee Morning in aid of Action for Children 

- £705 has been forwarded to the charity

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Stay Joyful

 Keep the Faith

   Do the little things

God bless you all in 2021

Maureen x

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                                 HASBURY NEWS DECEMBER 19th

CHURCH FAMILY NEWS

 

Brian, Stephen and Rachel
send their thanks for donations for Action for Children received in memory of Hazel,
which have amounted to £580.

 

Audrey Beasley celebrates her 85^th birthday on December 22^nd.     

Happy birthday Audrey

 

Troy Dohnahue will be leaving his position as Circuit Family Worker in early January.

Troy we will be sad to lose you and we pray God’s blessing on your future plans for you,  Marieka and Joel

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ADVENT LITURGY

 TO FOLLOW THE WHOLE SERIES THERE'S A SEPARATE ADVENT LITURGY PAGE ON THIS WEBSITE where you'll find this week, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 

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The decision has been made not to re-open Hasbury until at least the 2^nd week of January

but we DO have

CIRCUIT SERVICES

Please try to find time to pray for 20 minutes at 8.00 pm on Sunday 20^th December

You may like to use this prayer:

God of life and hope,we pray for our nation and for the guidance of your Holy Spirit, that you will give wisdom and courage to our leaders, that together we may work for the common good.

Lord, come to bless us,and fill us with your Spirit.

We thank you for the peace that your Holy Spirit brings:  in these days of change protect us from anxiety 

and keep us confident of your love.

Lord, come to bless us,and fill us with your Spirit.

We thank you for the healing of your Holy Spirit:  where there is division or discord in communities,    
we ask you to bring reconciliation and peace.

Lord, come to bless us,and fill us with your Spirit.

We thank you for the gifts of your Holy Spirit: 
as we move into a new chapter in the life of our nation  we ask you to equip us for all that lies ahead.

Lord, come to bless us,and fill us with your Spirit.

 The Parish Church in Halesowen will be open on Christmas Eve from 2pm - 7pm for anyone wishing to go for a quiet time of personal Prayer and the opportunity to light a candle.

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SHOEBOX UPDATE

Just over 20,000 shoeboxes have been received at the Evesham warehouse so far this year

The first consignment of 8542 left Evesham on Saturday November 28 and were distributed to children near Oradea in Western Romania earlier this week

A few of the shoeboxes from Hasbury or Short Cross may have been included amongst them

These are pictures of some of the Romanian children receiving & opening their Shoeboxes earlier this week 

The remaining shoeboxes are currently expected to be shipped to either eastern Romainia or Moldova, paperwork and arrangements for a Covid-19 secure distribution network are currently being negotiated.  The bulk of the 40 (approx.) shoeboxes from Hasbury and Short Cross will be in these shipments I will let you know when details of decisions / permissions are available         
John Smith 

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see the Christmas Greetings page for all the messages

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS

 

                        Chris & Leigh Webb wish all our friends at Hasbury a Happy Christmas 

        and a healthy New Year. 

We miss seeing you all and thank you 

         that we have kept in touch during these strange  times.           

God bless and keep you all safe xxx

 

 

Compliments of the season to all our friends at Hasbury

                                                              Love from  Roy & Margaret Parton

 

 

Merry Christmas ,Merry Christmas

To my Hasbury family,

Hope you’re keeping safe and well - to worship merrily!

I’m missing all your faces ( not really - ha ha)

And our ‘ unique ‘ Nativity

But remembering the past ones 

That we acted out with glee !!

Take care and enjoy Christmas 

With reverence, peace and love

We’ll meet up soon, I’m sure

To praise the one above !

                           God Bless                             
Mo Stanley

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I have a list of folk I know, all written in a book

And every year at Christmastime I go and take a look.

And that is when I realise their names are all a part

Not of the book they’re written in, but of my very heart.

For each name stands for someone whose path touched mine and then

Left such a print of friendship that I want to touch again.

And while it sounds fantastic for me to make this claim,

I really feel that I’m composed of each and every name

So never think my Christmas cards are just a mere routine

Of names upon a Christmas list, forgotten in-between

For when I send a ~Christmas card that is addressed to you#

It’s because you’re on that list of folks \I am indebted to.

And every year when Christmas comes, I realise anew

The biggest gift that life can give is meeting folk like you.

So may the Christmas spirit that each season still outpours

leave its richest blessing in the hearts of you and yours.                      

From Marjorie Homer         

 

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Answers to last weeks quiz:

1. What shall be our token?  Love  (Love came down at Christmas)

2. What is veiled in flesh?    The Godhead (Hark the herald angels sing)

3. Who had harps of gold?     Angels (It came upon the midnight clear)

4. Where was the lowly cattle shed?         In royal David’s city (Once in royal David’s city)

5. When sin departs what comes in it’s place ?  Life and health (Good Christian men rejoice)

6. What shall the tide of time never remove?  His covenant  (Hail to the Lord’s annointed)

7. Who was “filled with fear”?         Herod  (Unto us a boy is born)

8. Who were “guided by a beauteous star?   Wise men  (Wise men seeking Jesus)

9. Why was the stable draughty?  The door was open  (See Him lying on a bed of straw)

10. Whose hearts believed again for the peace of men?  Shepherds (It was on a starry night)

 

 

Here are some questions based on The 12 days of Christmas

12 drummers drumming -

Who are these people who all  have 12 letters in their names – in fact 6 in first name and 6 in second name:

1. 40^th president of the United States

2. Male singer supposed to be worth 380  million Canadian dollars

3. Her official job title is “bundeskanzlerin der bundesrepublik Deutschland

4. Star Wars cast member whose Mum was Debbie Reynolds

5. Only member of Take That eligible to be in this questions

6. Scored “the other” goal in the 1966 world cup final

7. Stage name of John Lennon

 

11 pipers piping -

These answers all have 11 letters in the answer:

8. My wife is called Michelle and I was president of the United States

9. I have my own theme part and I wrote “I will always love you”

10. I am friends with Sue and you’ll still get a point if you spell my surname incorrectly

11. Before me, all apples fell upwards

12. I am an Olympic gold medallist and a contestant on this year’s “Strictly”

13. I once cut a shark in half and won a prize for it

14. Charles Dickens wrote that I wanted more

15. I’ve presented Blue Peter, Crufts and Junior kick start

16. I’m an Oscar winner who met my husband on Richard Branson’s private island

17. When asked what I would  be if I wasn’t a footballer, I replied “a virgin”

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           (Please note I won’t be sending news on December 26th)

I pray that you will all have a safe, peaceful and Happy Christmas

God bless you all 

Maureen

                               Stay Joyful

                                                                Keep the Faith

                                                                Do the little things 

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HASBURY NEWS DECEMBER 12^th

 

CHURCH FAMILY NEWS

Brian, Stephen and Rachel send their thanks to everyone for your kind wishes and messages of support, and also for your donations to Action for Children in memory of Hazel.

Roger Adams has been in hospital for a couple of days with very low blood pressure, but is home now. Good to know you are ok Roger.

 

COFFEE MORNING THANK YOU from John Smith

I must start with a special thank you to Maureen Jeavons from the whole Hasbury family for keeping us up to date with news from around our fellowship and further afield; sometimes it is sad, at other times, interesting, humorous or emotional, but always perceptive and uplifting, delivered to us with compassion and love (I have to say I enjoy doing it, and it only works because I get sent info, news and suggestions -it’s a church family joint effort - Maureen)

As readers of this newsletter, you will probably have spotted that Maureen has become quite adept at using online technology (Zoom) to host fellowship bible studies and prayer meetings. And so, I immediately agreed when she suggested a ‘virtual coffee morning’ to bring folk together from their homes for a social get together coinciding with when we would normally have held our annual fundraiser for Action for Children

 Apart from a couple of missed connections, all went well, and everybody seemed to have a good natter and catch up, in fact at times it was difficult to get a word in

 One of the strange things about the morning for me was not sweating over sizzling frying pans and actually being able to see people eating their bacon sandwiches, toast, cake, etc. I also missed the questions and debates with Alan & Roger about how many people were ‘in the queue’ waiting for their sandwich and confusion about who wanted brown sauce or ketchup, or even no sauce at all!

 We have been able to forward the wonderful sum of £630, received in donations for the coffee morning, to be shared between Action for Children’s local Family Partners project in Sandwell and the national fundraising effort.  We are also aware that some people have made donations direct to the charity

     Thank you once again for your continuing, kind and generous support                   

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REVERSE ADVENT CALENDAR Reminder

 It’s been our tradition to bring extra food for the Black Country Foodbank each Sunday during Advent

 Dilys & Stephen, Maisie, Wendy and Eileen are happy to continue their collections at home…… so please encourage folk to take their contributions to them.

 OR you could make a financial gift by text, by bank transfer or,  if you can’t do either of those but still want to support their work, by cash via Eileen

 TEXT BCFOODBANK TO 70085 TO DONATE £5 (PLUS STANDARD NETWORK CHARGES) 

 Our bank details are:     HSBC.  ACCOUNT NAME: BLACK COUNTRY FOOD BANK LIMITED. ACCOUNT NUMBER: 30116548. SORT CODE: 40-11-55  

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MARY STEVENS TREECYCLE 2021                           

Anyone having a real Christmas tree this year? And wondering how you’ll dispose of it afterwards? Worry not!! Mary Stevens Hospice will collect it and  recycle it for you. The response so far has been amazing but there’s still time to book your slot -

There are still over four weeks until we will be busy around the Borough collecting all of your real Christmas trees.  So thank you to everyone that has already signed up and if you are yet to sign  your real Christmas tree up, you can do so in the link below

https://MSH.formstack.com/forms/treecycle_2021

Thank you to our fabulous sponsors

Brooks Forgings

WHY DO WE EAT MINCE PIES AT CHRISTMAS?

The very first mince pies were actually filled with meat that had been shredded into little strips, called shred pies, and were often shaped to look like Christ’s manger. After 1660 the pies became more like those enjoyed today, and often carried a star in the pastry, after the star of Bethlehem.

JUST A TRADITION THEN, JUST LIKE CHRISTMAS?

Yes, except that Christmas, far from being just a story, marks a turning point for mankind – the birth of god’s son Jesus. His life, death and resurrection have changed human history. 

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The Parish Church in Halesowen will be open on Christmas Eve from 2pm - 7pm 

for anyone wishing to go for a quiet time of personal Prayer and the opportunity to light a candle.

 

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                  See the CHRISTMAS GREETINGS page
                                    to view cards from friends at Hasbury.

                                    If you want to add one please contact Maureen Jeavons and......

 

..........YOU CAN ZOOM A GREETING

We have a 40 minute zoom session on Wednesday 16^th December 7.00 pm

                                                     Join in to say Happy Christmas                                                                                                                     Here’s the link:

Topic: Maureen Jeavons' Zoom Meeting

Time: Dec 16, 2020 07:00 PM London                                                      

 Join Zoom Meeting

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/72161374376?pwd=K0tWZzRDTXJkMG1DNW5yVEVXeng1QT09

Meeting ID: 721 6137 4376

Passcode: 80MLkL

 

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            Daily Hope, bringing comfort to those isolated and lonely

                                                  For Christmas there is a range of festive content including Bible                                                             readings, and Christmas carols      available on the line

                                                   The phone number is freephone 0800 804 8044

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HELP  NEEDED  PLEASE

Since the beginning of the COVID 19 virus Margaret and I have cleaned,sanitised, and checked the security of the church every week, So I have a request for willing volunteer to come forward and please do the job for us the week beginning 21 December.

It won’t take long but it is important that we inspect the building at least once a week. This because with the services and other users not in the building many things have the potential to happen.

If you can fulfil role for us so we can have a week off we would be grateful. There is list of things to check and it is not so onerous, but essential they are checked. We will be there on the 16th so I can show you the ropes.

Regards David Raxster.                 
If you can help please phone Dave 0121 602 3954

 

Thank you to Dave for this photograph of our lovely Hasbury

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AWAY IN A MANGER  The Back Story

For many years, it was thought that AWAY IN A MANGER was written by the great reformer, Martin Luther, to sing his own children to sleep – but we now know it was actually written in America four hundred years later in the 19th century. Martin Luther was born in 1483, and this carol was written in 1843 by members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in North America, for their children to sing during the celebrations marking the 400th anniversary of Martin Luther’s birth. Not long after that, the world first got a glimpse of the words of this much-loved carol when the first two verses were published in a collection of Sunday School hymns, called A LITTLE CHILDREN’S BOOK FOR SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES. I think if Martin Luther HAD known this carol all those years ago, he would definitely have loved to sing AWAY IN A MANGER to rock his own children to sleep!  (this is one of the stories on the phone line)

 HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR CAROLS?

 

1. What shall be our token?

2. What is veiled in flesh?

3. Who had harps of gold?

4. Where was the lowly cattle shed?

5. When sin departs what comes in it’s place ?

6. What shall the tide of time never remove?

7. Who was “filled with fear”?

8. Who were “guided by a beauteous star?

9. Why was the stable draughty?

10. Whose hearts believed again for the peace of men?

Stay Joyful

                                                        Keep the Faith

                                                                Do the little things 

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HASBURY NEWS DECEMBER 5^th

 

CHURCH FAMILY NEWS

  

                                                                       

This week sees the final Messy Church session for 2020.
It was born ,for us at Hasbury, out of our H.O.P.E. team and we’ve chosen HOPE as the theme for this month’s focus.  I really pray that you’ll take time to watch it – not for what we’ve done but because the “Nativity” at the end is worth watching. It’s not like any nativity you’ve seen before.

Folk are saying that Christmas won’t be the same this year but actually it’s been the same for over 2000 years! It’s a shocking story really – young girl, unmarried, gets pregnant. That would have been shocking in society at that time but the BIGGEST shock (then and now) is that GOD…chose...to…become…human… and what’s more, he’s promised to do it again!                                                                                                                                                                
He IS the HOPE of the world. One of my favourite Christmas carols ends with this:  
“Hope of the world, Mary’s child, you’re coming soon to reign;
King of the earth, Mary’s child, walk in our streets again.”

Eileen & all the Messy team

You can take part  through our Facebook pages Blackheath and Halesowen Methodist Circuit  https://www.facebook.com/BHMC.U.K or the B&H Family Hub https://www.facebook.com/BH-Family-Hub-112438643791937/ or on our Website https://www.bhmethodist.org.uk/familyworkerpage.htm

Contact Eileen if you need a craft pack pack

……………………………………………………………………………………………….

 

PRAYER MEETING ON ZOOM 

We have a zoom prayer meeting on Wednesday December 9^th At 7.30 pm.
Let Maureen know if you would like to join us and she’ll send you the link


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From Jill and Terry Green

A big thank you to all our Church family for your thoughts, messages and prayers during the past few months.  Back at the beginning of May when Terry was rushed into hospital for an emergency operation and came out a week later so poorly, I didn't know which way to turn!  Caring for him was traumatic and a big learning curve and I certainly couldn't have coped without the care package that was speedily put into place, social services providing necessary equipment, district nurses and the wonderful support of our own family.

In addition, the support of our Church family with your prayers certainly lifted us and we felt God's Amazing Grace carrying us through a very difficult time.  Fortunately Terry cannot remember much about the time he was very ill but here we are over 6 months later and Terry has made such progress.  His mobility has improved remarkably and he is walking very well with his stick again.  He is still struggling with his speech but during the summer we have learnt to count our Blessings each day and enjoy the simple things in life that we so often take for granted. 

We were so thankful for the beautiful summer weather (rather too hot some days) and being able to enjoy our garden. It's been a really tragic year for so many people and our church family has had it's share of deep sadness and all our thoughts and prayers go out to those families that have been bereaved, particularly over this Christmas season which is going to be so very different from usual for us all but so very sad for some. We pray for the time when we can all meet up together again at Church for Worship with some element of normality returning. God Bless you all.                   

 With our thanks and love Jill and Terry XX

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From Jan Lear

  

Dear Friends at Hasbury 

I will never be able to thank you enough for kindness and understanding towards the young people at Wheels.

We are having a difficult time with some of our more needy students please keep praying for us.

Your very generous donations makes sure that all our young people will have a Christmas gift. 

I thank you all for your ongoing support to our young people the staff team and me without your prayers and continuing support I’m not sure how we would manage to do everything we do for the young people in our care   thank you for caring.

God Bless you all and keep safe 

Happy Christmas and A Healthy New Year 

From Everyone at Wheels 

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ALPHA ON LINE

The Eleventh session of the Alpha Course is now available on our Website at https://www.bhmethodist.org.uk/thealphacourse.htm to watch.  If you have any questions in regards to the theology of the course you can contact me via email  at methodistchurchresource@gmail.com   and I will be happy to help.  Or if you feel that the Alpha course is something that you would like to run via Zoom, or in groups in the future, I will be happy to help there too.          Blessings         Troy

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CHRISTMAS GREETINGS

We can’t put our greetings cards on the notice board in the foyer this year, but if you’d like to send greetings to our church family – send a little greetings message and I’ll put it in the news letter (either email Maureen or Eileen )

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2020   

 

As you are no doubt aware, all the various charities this year have suffered financially as a result of the Covid crisis, charity shops have been closed and many fund raising events have not taken place so that donations are well down.  Christian Aid is no exception.  House to house collections in Christian Aid week in May could not take place and although our church no longer collects house to house we do usually have a special church collection and also raise money with our Good Friday Lent Lunch, neither of which we were able to do.  

It has been such a difficult year for everyone and tragic for many but we can still count our blessings each day, we have a roof over our heads, somewhere comfortable to sleep at night, clean water, food in our cupboards, sanitation, heating, hot water, medical facilities and so much more.  Many of our brothers and sisters across the world have little or none of these a basic commodities and in addition, climate change, wars and now the pandemic have taken away what little livelihood they had. 

As Christmas approaches, we are all making plans to send cards and presents to family and friends.  If you haven't already given to Christian Aid this year, maybe you would like to consider sending a donation as part of your Christmas giving.  You may like to consider giving a charity gift to a family member or friend if you are struggling to think what to buy, for instance:-

 

£9 will provide antibiotic medicines which can be life-saving for vulnerable children in conflict zones and refugee camps.

£9 will pay for cocoa saplings to help farmers in Nicaragua to diversify from coffee to a crop which is more suited to the changing weather patterns.

£15 will ensure that an orphaned or vulnerable child in Kenya affected by or living with HIV/AIDS can continue to go to school.

£15 will provide mosquito nets for children to sleep safely in Nigeria, where a child dies every 60 seconds from deadly malaria

£30 will help ensure that a family affected by a disaster is still able to access clean water every day.

 

For further ideas and information visit charity-gifts.christian aid.org.uk

 

If you prefer to simply make a donation to Christian Aid you can do so online at caid.org.uk.  If you would rather post a donation, I have some Emergency Appeal Christian Aid envelopes with a gift aid form attached.  If you would like one, let me know and I will get one to you. Cheques should be made out to Christian Aid and sent to:-            

Free post RSUR-YSTS-KJUL, Christian Aid, 35-41 Lower Marsh, London, SE1 7RL.

 

'Love came down at Christmas', when God sent his Son, Jesus, into our world, let us help to spread His love across the globe to our neighbours in desperate need.

 

THANK YOU,

Jill Green (use the "contact us" page if you want to get in touch with Jill)

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NEWS FROM OUR FRIENDS at 

MARY STEVENS HOSPICE

Sadly this event had to be cancelled but there is a video available

https://youtube//XxarGc4_n7e

 We hope that this service will still bless people and don’t forget the Bereavement Hub will  still be open in St Thomas’s Church in Stourbridge on the last Wednesday of each month for anyone who needs support. 

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HASBURY NEWS NOVEMBER 28TH
CHURCH FAMILY NEWS

                                                                                                         

Funeral of Hazel Parsons                                   

Hazel’s funeral will be held on Tuesday December 1^st at Rowley Regis  Crematorium at 1.00 p.m.

Covid restrictions will apply, so only a limited number of people may attend the service

There will be family flowers only.
Donations in lieu of flowers will be accepted for Action for Children
and  may be sent to H.Cope(CH)Ltd. Funeral Directors,  123 Reddal Hill Rd, Cradley Heath B64 5JG

Please make cheques payable for Action for Children.

 

The cortege will leave the house at 12.15. The car park will be open for anyone who wishes to stand outside the church  -  please leave the driveway clear for the funeral vehicles.

On leaving the house, the cortege will turn left onto Stourbridge Road, then left into Alexandra Road.

It will contine along Elizabeth Road and turn left into High Farm Road, and left into Albert Road, driving past the church, where it will pause for prayer.

It will then go onto Hagley Road, to drive past St. Margaret’s Church and continue down Hagley Road on it’s way to Rowley Regis Crematorium

Service order for Hazel Eileen Parsons        You can login to our website at any time to view a test connection (and we strongly          recommend you do this) but you'll only be able to view the Live Webcast approx. 5 mins          before the service start time. Please be aware this is a public building and the timing o            the Live webcast is semi-automated to allow for services running early or late –                                please use your discretion if you can see activities not applicable to the service you are here to watch.  1st Dec 2020 at 1.00 Rowley Regis Chapel https//:www.obitus.com/ Zixa 1647 428110 Live Webcast   *   ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

CIRCUIT SERVICE

Our Service for Sunday 29th November 2020 is now available. The video is on our  website:

 https://www.bhmethodist.org.uk/reflections.htm    and on our 

Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BHMC.U.K 

May God richly bless all of you this week.     

 

Advent Liturgy 2020: Journey to Bethlehem

Sunday November 29^th – Joseph

 

Reading: Matthew 1: 19 – 24 (light 1 Advent candle)

 

Reflection: When a messenger from God came to tell Joseph that his future wife Mary was going a have a very special baby it was a big surprise as he had not been expecting this news! Mary who he was planning to marry, was pregnant, and he was not the baby’s father! What should he do? He knew people would point the finger and criticise Mary because they would not understand what was going on, However, Joseph had the strength to do what God was asking of him and he agreed to stick by Mary even though he knew it would not be easy.

 

Joseph knew God would always be there to give him a helping hand. Standing up for others is not always easy, especially if others are pointing a finger. Have you ever been in a situation when friends have been picked on by others or wrongly accused, someone is upset because they are struggling with their school work or home life and others are making fun of them or you see someone in the street being picked on because they are poor or homeless…what did you do? Did you feel you could stand up for them or stick by them?

 

Response:
Think of someone that needs you to stand by them or to stick up for them. You may want to make a print of your finger on a small piece of card and write the words ‘Be bold, be strong for the Lord

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TOYS for CHRISTMAS

                                

We can’t have our usual Toy Service this year,                  

but if you have toys you would like to donate, 

Dudley Council  Voluntary Services has a toy collection. 

You can take toys to Brierley Hill Market, 

where a stallholder just inside the entrance has offered to collect toys to pass on.

Brierley Hill Market is open on the following days:  Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

 

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• WHEELS All the Wheels money has been spent and all the gifts collected ready to be sorted and distributed. If you would like a peek at what we got take a look at the H.O.P.E. page on the website.
•  REVERSE ADVENT  Maureen Stanley has offered to be a “collecting point” for the foodbank during Advent, along with Stephen & Dilys, Wendy and Maisie and Roger & Eileen. 

        The Foodbank have offered to collect from Eileen as often as needed so it would be good if all our                        contributions went in one or two deliveries.

•  CHRISTMAS LEAFLETS

NONE of the roads highlighted in red are yet covered. PLEASE let Eileen know as soon as you possibly can if you’re able to do any of those roads (or if, you’d prefer, your own road).

There are 200 unclaimed leaflets just waiting for volunteers to push them through doors       

     PLEASE HELP IF YOU CAN

Albert Rd

Red Leasowes Rd

Wall Well

Wall Well Lane

Elizabeth Rd

Summit Gardens

Instone Rd

High Farm Road

Grove Avenue

                                             

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"THY KINGDOM COME"  -
calling the Nation to daily prayer at 6.00

This prayer is one of  the daily prayer initiative from “Thy Kingdom Come.” 

If you would like to use these prayers you will find them on the website on the “Prayer Page.”  

There are some prayers for each day  ( different topic every day) or some very simple one-liners! 

All very powerful. 

Lord Jesus Christ,

in these dark and difficult days, we turn our hearts to you.

In ages past, you have delivered our nation from disaster.

Do it again, we pray.

Give wisdom beyond human wisdom to our leaders,

Give strength beyond human strength to the NHS and all our frontline workers.

Give comfort beyond human comfort to the elderly and all who grieve.

Lord Jesus Christ,

in these dark and difficult days,

turn your face towards us,

have mercy upon us,

                                                   and heal our land, we pray.                                                 
Amen

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HASBURY NEWS NOVEMBER 21^st

CHURCH FAMILY NEWS

                                                                                                                                                                           

Funeral of Hazel Parsons

Hazel’s funeral will be held on Tuesday December 1^st at Rowley Regis Crematorium at 1.00 p.m.

Covid restrictions will apply, so only a limited number of people may attend the service

There will be family flowers only. Donations in lieu of flowers will be accepted for Action for Children and  may be sent to H.Cope(CH)Ltd. Funeral Directors,  123 Reddal Hill Rd, Cradley Heath B64 5JG

Please make cheques payable for Action for Children.

 The cortege will drive past the church at approx. 12.30. The car park will be open for anyone who wishes to stand outside the church  -  please leave the driveway clear for the funeral vehicles.

Hazel specified that she didn’t want anyone to wear black.

we don’t have the route as yet for the cortege – we’ll hopefully be able to put it on next week news

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

GOOD NEWS

Steph and Dave Kemp are happy to announce that  Alfie is now fully and officially a Kemp.                       
We are absolutely delighted for you all.
Alfie you are a star.   

  

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

ALPHA ON LINE

 

 

The Seventh session of the Alpha Course is now available on our Website at https://www.bhmethodist.org.uk/thealphacourse.htm to watch.  

If you have any questions in regards to the theology of the course you can contact me via email  at methodistchurchresource@gmail.com   and I will be happy to help. 

Or if you feel that the Alpha course is something that you would like to run via Zoom, 

or in groups in the future, I will be happy to help there too.    

 

Blessings   Troy

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SATURDAY NOVEMBER 28TH

COFFEE MORNING AT HOME - ACTION FOR CHILDREN      

 

 

 

Hasn’t it turned into a funny old year?                                                      
We’ve all had to adapt and learn new ways of doing things,
 indeed for some of us, there has been a lot more adapting and learning than others

Some things haven’t changed though, particularly the disproportionately greater impact of illness and increased poverty has on those in our communities that are already more vulnerable than most

Thankfully, friends at Hasbury and around the circuit have remained incredibly loving and generous, in their continued support for individuals and families, as well as projects and organisations in desperate need of support

In particular, your wonderful support for Action for Children has continued throughout the year, both with money donated as well as numerous ‘useful items’ which have ensured the garage at 132 Mendip Road has remained as Sylvia always insisted - a temporary storage facility, not for a car!

Sadly, the coronavirus pandemic and restrictions introduced to curtail its spread mean that we aren’t  able to hold the annual coffee morning and feast of bacon sandwiches at our home or church this year

                                                   

We had hoped to be able to provide a doorstep delivery service just like ‘Deliveroo’ but the latest national lockdown has scuppered that idea - Oh what fun we could have had!

Fortunately, all is not lost and  you can join up with friends using the marvel of a smart phone or computer and catch-up, sharing time together having a cup of tea/coffee and munching on a bacon sandwich, round of toast, cake or bun.  I will even keep my windows closed so that I am able to enjoy the wonderful smell of bacon frying, that lingers long after people have left (usually until mid-December!). Simply decide what time suits you to join us and click on the appropriate link below

We don’t take your generosity for granted but as we are not going to be able to have the annual Toy Service or forward the offering  on Christmas Morning to Action for Children we will happily pass on any monetary donations to Action for Children

John & Maureen Jeavons  

Duncan & Susan Jeavons 

Stephen & Dilys Ward 

Joy & Peter Jones 

If you need someone to collect your donation, please contact Maureen 

if you need a contact number please use the "contact us" page

         …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...

Did you know you can raise free donations for Hasbury Methodist Church when you shop online  and 4,300+ shops will donate to us for free every time you shop with them using #easyfundraising!
Visit: https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/hasburymethodistchurch/payments/64/

If you’re doing some Christmas shopping on line, try signing up to easyfundraising – you can give money to the church without it costing you anything.

This month Hasbury Methodist received £3.97. Altogether, so far we have received £374.72

       …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...

CLOCKS – a poem from Maureen Stanley

If we could really turn the clocks back,

                                                    I’d turn it back to be…                                                                      

A safer time within the world

When we were ‘virus’ free

A time when we could hug our friends

And closest family

And drop in to a neighbour’s

For a friendly cup of tea.

If we all follow guidelines

Wash hands , wear masks , give space

We will return to ‘normal’

And go from place to place

And hug , and kiss and shake a hand

To greet the ones we love

We will be safe, we will survive

Just trust in him above

                                                                                                            

I’m sure our prayers are heard by him

I’m sure he’ll answer the plea

Of wanting the World to be rid if this 

So we can wander free 

We need to stick to guidelines

We need to play our part

And pray, and stay away from harm 

Until we all can start -

To mix again and hug and kiss

All those who need our care

So keep on praying , every day 

We know God answers prayer.

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 HASBURY NEWS NOVEMBER 14th

CHURCH FAMILY NEWS

 Hazel Parsons passed peacefully away on Thursday Nov. 12^th.                    

 
                                                           


                                      Hazel was a friend to so many of us and she will be sadly missed,   

but we know that she is now with her Lord 

whom she served so faithfully throughout  her life.

Rest in peace Hazel

We wrap our prayers and love around Brian and family.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

 

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS TO Peter Jones (junior) who celebrates his

40^th birthday on November 15^th.  Happy Birthday Peter

 

………………………………………………………

 3.     REVERSE ADVENT CALENDAR

         You’ll be Amazed to hear it’s now FOUR years since we began our REVERSE ADVENT CALENDAR.   

         It’s been our tradition to bring extra food for the Black Country Foodbank each Sunday during Advent –
         and   place it in our festive shopping trolley.

         Sadly we’re not going to be able to do that this year but……. Are we defeated? NOT LIKELY!

         Dilys & Stephen, Maisie, Wendy and Eileen are happy to continue their collections at home……
         so please   encourage folk to take their contributions to them.

        OR you could make a financial gift by text, by bank transfer or,  if you can’t do either of those but still want            to support their work, by cash via Eileen

 TEXT:  BCFOODBANK TO 70085 TO DONATE £5 (PLUS STANDARD NETWORK CHARGES) 

 Our bank details are:     HSBC.  ACCOUNT NAME: BLACK COUNTRY FOOD BANK LIMITED.
                                       ACCOUNT NUMBER: 30116548. SORT CODE: 40-11-55  

   MOST W ANTED ITEMS at the moment

  TINNED MEAT, e.g. ham, corned beef     
  READY MEALS (unrefrigerated)
  TINNED VEGETABLES
  TINNED RICE PUDDING/CUSTARD    
   SMALL PACKETS OF BREAKFAST CEREALS   
   BOTTLES OF CORDIAL/SQUASH 
  JARS OF JAM / MARMALADE
  TINNED POTATOES / INSTANT MASH PACKETS   
  1L CARTONS LONG-LIFE FRUIT JUICES 

  SHORTAGES/REGULAR USE: NON-FOOD ITEMS NOVEMBER 2020

  DEODORANTS , SHAMPOO, SHOWER GEL,   CAN OPENERS

 

SORRY, BUT WE CANNOT ACCEPT ITEMS THAT ARE OUT OF DATE OR THAT HAVE ALCOHOL IN. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP WITH THIS.

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CHRISTMAS IS COMING.........!
 

CAROLS @  HOME                       

 

 

 

 The idea of 'carols @ home' is that people across our churches record themselves singing their favourite carol, either on their own or with their family or just the children. It doesn't matter how well you can sing, we just want lots of people to get involved! If don't want to record yourself, then find a video of your favourite carol or suggest one and we will see if we can get someone else to sing it on their behalf. Troy will then help us to edit the videos together and it will come together as a wonderful carol service to go out mid December!  Please could you advertise this across Hasbury and ask people to let Steve or I know if they would like to be involved! 

 

We are also going to put together a family Christmas service in a holiday club kind of style which will go out via the circuit website on Christmas eve so if anyone would like to help with this please let us know.

 

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 HASBURY NEWS NOVEMBER 7^th

CHURCH FAMILY NEWS

 

• Hazel Parsons is very poorly and has been taken back into hospital.
  We hold Hazel and Brian and the family in our prayers.

       We hold Hazel and Brian and the family in our prayers.

 

• Donations to Mary Stevens Hospice in memory of Pam

       The final(?) amount donated to the Hospice in memory of Pam was £2,010 of which a further £152.50 can           be claimed by the Hospice for Gift Aid. 
       My thanks to everyone at Hasbury who helped to raise this wonderful amount.

      Alan

 

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 2020

 

Prayers for Remembrance

God of justice and peace, 

we pray for those who have been injured or disabled through war.

For those who have lost homes

and security through conflict;

for those who have lost loved ones in wars;

for those who face danger and take risks for peace;

for all those caught up in current conflicts;

for refugees and all those in need of aid and other help.

God of encouragement

and Saviour of the despairing, 

comfort those who remember past sacrifices 

and guide us in building 

a just and peaceful community for all.

 

Gracious God, on this day, 

when we remember past and present conflicts,

we pray for the divided peoples of the world,           

that leaders, governments and each one of us 

may use our resources, 

our opportunities and our lives 

in the service of reconciliation, 

for the sake of future generations 

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.

 

We entrust to you, eternal God, those times when we can see only shadows

and lose sight of the hope to  come; the times when suffering seems so senseless, 

Bless us with the assurance that you are in all things, 

the tragic and the beautiful, the nightmare and the dream, the light and the darkness. 

This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, the peace of the world, today, tomorrow and forever.

 

 

At 11am on Remembrance Sunday (which is Wednesday,8 November this year),

 we are encouraged to stand on our doorsteps for a two minute silence.

This will honour those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, while ensuring that everybody stays safe.

 

CIRCUIT SERVICE

 

Our Service for Remembrance Sunday is now available.
The video is on our Website: https://www.bhmethodist.org.uk/reflections.htm 
and on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BHMC.U.K 

May God richly bless all of you this week. 

In His Name. Troy

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

 

WHY WE WEAR POPPIES

 

The resilient red poppy was the first flower to appear from the Northern France and Flanders battlefields after the First World War.

After losing a friend in Ypres, Canadian doctor Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae was moved by poppies growing in battlefields to write the famous In Flanders Fields poem. Inspired by his poem, American Moina Michael started making and selling silk poppies to raise funds for ex-service personnel.

IN FLANDERS FIELDS

 

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

 

We are the dead.  Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved, and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

 

Take up our quarrel with the foe;

To you from failing hands, we throw

The torch, be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

John McRae 1915

 

 

Visit British Legion Website to see who the Legion helps and ways in which the help is given

           

                     ……………………………………………………..

   

PRAYER MEETING

We have a zoom Prayer Meeting on Wednesday November 11^th at 7.30 pm.  

Let Maureen Jeavons know if you’d like to join us and I’ll send you the link

 

The fifth session of the Alpha Course is now available on our Website at https://www.bhmethodist.org.uk/thealphacourse.htm to watch.  If you have any questions in regards to the theology of the course you can contact me via email  at methodistchurchresource@gmail.com   and I will be happy to help.  Or if you feel that the Alpha course is something that you would like to run via Zoom, or in groups in the future, I will be happy to help there too.    

 

Blessings           Troy

…………………………………………………

 

           
COFFEE MORNING    November 28^th

 

We won’t be able to have our usual Fundraising Coffee Morning this year for Action for Children   -    
But are we defeated? 
– NO!!!!!!

We’ll have a COFFEE MORNING AT HOME It’s a do- it- yourself job.

 

We invite you to have a bacon sandwich or a toasted teacake or whatever you fancy, 

and make a donation to Action for Children

If you want to chat whilst you are eating it, and if you are into zooming, 

you can join a zoom session and  share the enjoyment with friends – more details later.

…………………………...

CAROLS @  HOME                       

 

 The idea of 'carols @ home' is that people across our churches record themselves singing their favourite carol, either on their own or with their family or just the children. It doesn't matter how well you can sing, we just want lots of people to get involved! If don't want to record yourself, then find a video of your favourite carol or suggest one and we will see if we can get someone else to sing it on their behalf. Troy will then help us to edit the videos together and it will come together as a wonderful carol service to go out mid December!  Please could you advertise this across Hasbury and ask people to let Steve or I know if they would like to be involved! 

 

We are also going to put together a family Christmas service in a holiday club kind of style which will go out via the circuit website on Christmas eve so if anyone would like to help with this please let us know.

 

Contact Rachel and Steve Charlton to join in with either of the above exciting plans using the "contact us" page

…………………………………………………………………………..

 

PRAYER FOR THE NATION

 

  "Thy Kingdom Come" thykingdomcome@lambethpalace.org.uk invite you to join us over the next 4 weeks of #PrayerfortheNation
  Every day we will pause and pray at 6pm for those impacted by the pandemic. You can set an alarm, light a candle or use a light on your mobile phone as a prompt to pray, or you may even hear a church or cathedral bell ring as a reminder.
Follow us on social media for daily prayers, and you can find an easy to use, printable prayer booklet here, to help you as you pray over the next 4 weeks. You can also explore the Church of England’s website for further resources

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HALLOWE'EN

Whether we like it or not, lots of people will be celebrating and "trick and treating" this weekend.
We know, though that it's the eve of All Saints Day,
a time we give thanks for all those saints who have gone before us
spreading the Good News of Jesus' love for all of humankind.

If you would like to underline that knowledge, here's a poster.
 If you want to print it off and put it in YOUR window, please message Eileen and I'll email a copy to you.




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REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 2020

Once again Covid restrictions mean that we have to  come up with a new and creative way of remembering the sacrifices of our Armed Forces - past and present. 2020 has seen the military  joining in the fight against an invisible enemy - Covid - and we want to say a big THANK YOU  to them. For Christians the Cross is a powerful symbol of sacrifice - so  we invite you to say your thank you by placing a poppy on our 

POPPY CROSS of REMEMBRANCE

 

when we wanted to thank the NHS we put rainbow pictures in our windows. 

Now we invite you to place a poppy picture alongside your rainbow.
You can download form the British Legion website or, hopefully copy this one.
If that doesn't work, message Eileen and she will email you a copy

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 HASBURY NEWS:    OCTOBER 31st

WORSHIP AT HASBURY  SUNDAY  NOVEMBER 1^st 10.30 am

Worship this Sunday will be led by Rev. Peter Brown with Holy Communion

Maureen Stanley is lead steward  and John Austin is on tech duty

Worshippers will be welcomed from 10.15 a.m. to allow time for stewards to prepare.

Please ensure you wear a face covering and observe the guidelines.

                 (you might want to wear warm clothing as windows & doors are open for air flow)

"Come, NOW is the time to worship"

  and...  

CIRCUIT SERVICE

Our Service for Sunday 1^st November 2020 is now available. 

The video is on our Website: https://www.bhmethodist.org.uk/reflections.htm 

and on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BHMC.U.K  

May God richly bless all of you this week.                    

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Message from Veronica, who is still in Lagos

Today and always, wherever you go, wherever you are and whatever you do, you will see the miracle working hand of God Almighty performing signs and wonders in your life and family in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.
May the riches that money cannot buy Grace, Good Health, Peace plus absolute Love of God be your portion on daily basis.
May all God's promises in Psalms 91 regarding safety find fulfilment in your life and family.
Shalom!

 

There have been scenes of  violent unrest in Lagos in the news recently,  in protests about the way Nigeria is governed. We pray for the people of Nigeria, and pray that Veronica is in a safe place. We send you our love and prayers Veronica.

 

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ALPHA ON LINE

 

The fourth session of the Alpha Course is now available on our Website  at https://www.bhmethodist.org.uk/thealphacourse.htm to watch. 
If you have any questions in regards to the theology of the course you can contact me via email  at methodistchurchresource@gmail.com   and I will be happy to help. 
Or if you feel that the Alpha course is something that you would like to run via Zoom,
or in groups in the future, I will be happy to help there too.    

Blessings   Troy

                    ****************************************************************

 

WHEELS

The response to our request for donations for the Wheels students has been truly amazing. I’m writing this on Wednesday and I already have £500. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH. What  a wonderful thing to be able to bring a little joy into their lives. Should anyone still want to contribute donations can also be passed to Joy Jones ( I may not be at church on Sunday). Again, THANK YOU    -  Eileen xx


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MESSY CHURCH   1

 

The theme of this month's Messy Church  is: Let your light shine! 
While preparing for it the words of an old hymn kept playing in my head -
we chose a newer song for the MC families but I thought I'd share mine with you 

Jesus bids us shine, with a clear, pure light, like little candle burning in the night;

In this world of darkness, we must shine,
You in your small corner,
And I in mine.

Jesus bids us shine, first of all for Him
Well He sees and knowsit if our light grows dim;
He looks down fromHeaven to see us shine
You in your small corner,
And I in mine.

Jesus bids us shine, then, for all around,
Many kinds of darkness in the world abound;
Sin and want and sorrow, so we must shine,
You in your small corner
And I in mine.

Jesus bids us shine as we work for Him,
Bringing those that wander
from thepaths of sin;
He will ever help us if we shine,
You in your small corner,
And I in mine.

so, dear friends,  as we find ourselves facing another lockdown, as we have to withdraw from making contact with family and friends, fill you small corner with light  - and  go and SHINE!

MESSY CHURCH   2

Today myself (Troy) and our Minister Peter Brown had a meeting with Eileen and Michelle in regards to Messy Church. After years of hard work and dedication, Eileen is now stepping down, and Michelle has to step back because of a new adventure in her life coming soon. This means that they will complete the online Messy Church for us until the 1st December. 

Going forward, beginning in February 2021, we will need to look into developing a new Team to take Messy Church forward. What we thought is that it would be a blessing to raise a team across the Churches. This way Messy Church could be developed by the Team, and run from each Church (taking turns) on a Monthly basis. This would allow for a wider scope of families and children to take part. 

If you might be interested in taking part, or have any questions can you please let us know. Eileen and Michelle have a lot of resources that we can look at. I have a couple of the packs they created for us to look at. And we can investigate together the online videos to see what is and can be achieved. We can also set up a meeting via Zoom if required.

Blessings, Troy 

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AMBIGUOUS GRIEF

For a number of years now I’ve been part of a team of people at Mary Stevens Hospice who offer support to people who have lost loved ones. We’re not counsellors but we are good listeners.
Sometimes it helps to tell your story – as well as your hopes and fears- to someone who doesn’t know you or your family. If you need that kind of help do check out the information from last week’s Family News about the Bereavement Hub ( and, don’t worry, you won’t see ME there!). If you haven’t kept it , you’ll find it on our website.

 Yesterday I was chatting on-line to a friend who’s been battling her way through a very difficult time with one of her adult children. You don’t need to know the details of that particular story but during our conversation I said, “sounds to me like you’re grieving for someone who hasn’t actually died.” For her, she says, that was a light bulb moment so she googled it (don’t we all!)  and found the most amazing article. It’s called “Ambiguous Grief” and is on a website called whatsyourgrief.com.

Ambiguous loss occurs when people have a basic personality change. Your spouse, your parent, your child, your friend might have dementia, addiction, a brain injury, a mental illness. They’re still the person you love but in many ways, they’re not. There’s a section which tells you how to deal with such a situation. There’s also another article  which deals with “anticipatory Grief”   - when someone you love has a life a terminal illness. If you want a copy of either of these articles, message me and I’ll send you a copy.

Every blessing, Eileen

 

You can also find help and support if you are struggling with a loved one with addiction problems from the following:-

Al-Anon  for families and friends of alcoholics al-anonuk.org.uk  Helpline 0800 0086 811

Adfam  for families affected by addictive behaviour of a family member. Adfam.org.uk

Smart Recovery for families affected by addiction problems of a family member

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WATCH FIREWORKS SAFELY ON YOUR DOORSTEP  THIS BONFIRE NIGHT              

A free firework extravaganza will light up the sky on Bonfire Night across the borough as a thank you to the heroes of the coronavirus pandemic.

People will be able to see the seven minute “Light Up Dudley” display - which will be accompanied by music played on Black Country Radio - from their doorsteps at 8pm on Thursday November 5.

It comes after the popular Himley Bonfire, which attracts up to 20,000 people every year, had to be cancelled for safety reasons due to Covid-19.

Key buildings across the borough, including Russells Hall Hospital, will also be lit up between 6.30pm and 8.30pm to pay tribute to the work of NHS and frontline staff in the fight against coronavirus.

Councillor David Stanley, the Mayor of Dudley, said:

We are aiming for full borough coverage, so hopefully people will be able to step outside their homes, wherever they live, and see a free firework display safely.

The display will also be streamed live on social media to make double sure we don’t miss anyone out.

The fireworks will be let off at six unspecified locations across the borough. We won’t be publicising where they are, as we don’t want people to travel to the sites and watch them.

It is our way of saying thank you to the incredible people in the NHS and on the frontline, who have risked their lives to save others. It’s also a thank you to every resident in the borough.

It’s been a difficult period for everyone and hopefully this will provide a bit of joy and an escape from our current difficulties. 

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The people walking in darkness have seen a great light:
on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned

       JESUS LIGHT OF THE WORLD

May God bless you all , Maureen  

                         STAY JOYFUL

                                                             KEEP THE FAITH                            

                                                                                             DO THE LITTLE THINGS       

  

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                                       HASBURY NEWS:    OCTOBER 25 th
                                                     
                                                   FAMILY NEWS

 

• REMEMBER CLOCKS GO BACK at 2.00 am on Sunday 25th         

 

 

WORSHIP AT HASBURY  SUNDAY OCTOBER 25^th

Worship this Sunday is a Local Arrangement. 

Maureen Stanley will be reflecting on the Lord’s Prayer.     

Beth Rolinson is on tech duty

Worshippers will be welcomed from 10.15 a.m. to allow time for stewards to prepare.

Please ensure you wear a face covering and observe the guidelines.

                 (you might want to wear warm clothing as windows & doors are open for air flow)

"Come, NOW is the time to worship"

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GOOD NEWS from Elena, our circuit administrator, who passed her citizenship exam this week

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NEWS FROM CHURCHES TOGETHER IN HALESOWEN     From Joy Jones

 

Representatives from the various churches had a Zoom meeting on Wed evening and shared all our church news and activities over this lockdown season.  Many of the churches have been streaming services on line and making sure that those without internet access have copies of the service (I wonder how good we at Hasbury have been at doing that?)

Most churches have now returned to Sunday meeting for Worship and some are sharing limited forms of communion.

The Catholic Church in Halesowen have had a new Priest in the last few days since Father Bruce has retired. We welcome him into the community of faith in our town and wish him well in his ministry.

Christian fellowship are holding their usual alternative to Halloween in an alternative way this year on line. A Treat or Treat Party is available on Sat 31^st Oct for any children to join in. Details on their web site   www.hasbury.org.uk .Our own Messy Church follows similar lines on Nov 1^st  and several churches locally are putting up a large picture of a lighted pumpkin with the words’ Jesus is The Light Of The World.’ Is this something we could do? Offers to organise welcome but please speak John S. or Dave R. first. 

 CHURCHES TOGETHER NEWS   continued…..

 CTH will not be able to hold our normal act of witness in the town this Christmas but we are still trying to think of ways we can offer the Hope we have as Christians in these troubled  times when so many people feel the situation they and the country, the world even, are in is hopeless. “We have message to proclaim” as the hymn goes.

 Helen Bryan (member of O.L.O.S.K. Catholic Church) gave a report on THE WELCOME GROUP activities. Throughout Lockdown they have tried to keep in touch with their members by phone and by personal contact at times.

We were told of one family who are currently living in a ‘hotel’ in one room with only a microwave to cook meals for themselves and their 4 children! If anyone has an electric hob to offer it would be gratefully received.

Another contact has to travel twice a day from Oldbury on two buses each day to take her children to school in Birmingham, so bus passes are essential. Phones are also needed as a means of communication and these have to be ‘topped up’ regularly. Welcome group aims to support where they can and the need is very great but their funds very low!! Usually they would hold Christmas parties and give gifts to the children and a ‘Christmas Box’ of £5 to each adult. If you feel able to support this effort financially your gifts would be so very much appreciated. Cheques made payable to Welcome Group Halesowen and handed to Elizabeth Lacon via myself or Dilys Ward .

Any unwanted toys would also be most welcome.

 There is lots still going on in the and through the churches of Halesowen.
 Praise the Lord!
lease pray for the work and witness of all our Churches

Thanks for reading all this!!!!

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BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT
News from Mary Stevens Hospice

during the Covid pandemic and subsequent lockdown many newly bereaved folk have had to struggle along as best they can without the support of those who would in more "normal" times be able to offer it. So the hospice is pleased to announce the re-opening of the Bereavement Hub in Stourbridge. It's there for ANYONE who needs support - practically or emotionally.  Everything is treated with the strictest confidence. You won't be judged or told what to do but you WILL be listened to. Everyone copes differently and there is no "normal" way to deal with bereavement. So, come along and have a chat. It's a sign of STRENGTH to ask for help when we most need it. 

 

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                                       don't forget to look at this week's QUIZ on the Just for Fun page

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God bless you all

Maureen x                                                                   Stay joyful

                                                                                                Keep the faith

                                                                                                            Do the little things

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                                             OCTOBER 19TH - HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PAULINE

                   we were able to take several bags of gifts and cards to Wychbury Care Home in time for
                                                       Pauline's 90th birthday
                              and judging by these pictures she has had a lovely day.
                Rather than send flowers we sent an "orchid" on behalf of the church family

                                                       


                             

 


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                             HASBURY NEWS:    OCTOBER 18th
                                                     
                                             FAMILY NEWS

                                                     CONGRATULATIONS TO:
      

                                       Pauline Apperley who will be 90 on October 19^th. 

Pauline is in Wychbury Residential Home, 350 – 352 Hagley Road,  Pedmore, Stourbridge, DY9 OQY  

Happy Birthday Pauline.

 

Susan and Duncan Jeavons  

 

who celebrated their Silver Wedding Anniversary on October 14th

 

PRAYERS AND GOOD WISHES TO

Hazel Parsons after a few weeks in hospital with pneumonia. 

She is back home and now needs rest and recovery time. 

Hazel, it’s good to know you are home and we hold you in our prayers

Barbara Tivey who is very unwell at present. 

Barbara we hold you in our prayers and hope you will feel much better soon

 

Prayers also for Sarah Shaw who has Covid 19. We hope you get well soon Sarah.

                                      
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MORNING WORSHIP 
SUNDAY OCT 18TH 10.30 am

 

Worship will be led by Troy

Maggie Jones is lead steward and Emily Hemming is on tech duty

Worshippers will be welcomed from 10.15 a.m. to allow time for stewards to prepare.

Please ensure you wear a face covering and observe the guidelines.

                 (you might want to wear warm clothing as windows & doors are open for air flow)

"Come, NOW is the time to worship"

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On Tuesday Oct 20^th please take 20 minutes at 20.00 p.m. to pray.  

Here’s a prayer from the Methodist Prayer Handbook  which you may like to use in your prayer time.

A prayer for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic

Dear God,  the virus did not respect borders.  It spread from place to place and person to person.  It has brought grief, fear, hardship, suffering and isolation.

Dear God, Your love does not respect borders.  It flows from place to place and person to person.  It brings comfort, hope, justice, wholeness and community.

Dear God, we pray for all those around the world whose lives have been impacted by coronavirus.

We pray for our churches as we rediscover community and learn new ways of being.

We pray in the name of Jesus, our peace and our Saviour.  Amen

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2020/2021 is  A Year of Prayer for the Methodist Church

Districts, churches and individuals are invited to pray for the Methodist Church as we deepen our commitment to be a growing, evangelistic, inclusive, justice seeking Church of gospel people.

Simple guidance around different ways to pray is available at www.methodist.org.uk/yearofprayer as well as information for a weekly online Church-wide prayer meeting. This will draw on the rich diversity of Methodist traditions and leadership to help the whole Church journey deeper into prayer together.

You can join the All-Church Prayer Meeting each Tuesday at 12.45 pm

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A message from Joseph to pray for our brothers and sisters in the London District

 

“The chairs of the London District encouraged churches to cease having services.

In our case we hope  that we will be able to continue with our services until it's no longer safe to do so.

We continue to uphold each other in prayer for such a time as thiis

 

                      From Thessalonians 5: 11                            

 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing

Be assured of my prayers. God bless you.  With much appreciation. 

Joseph Suray

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and WHEELS

       

Unfortunately we won’t be able to put up our H.O.P.E. Christmas tree this year. 

Howe