church family news
   We continue to bring our weekly news via this page.  

Check individual organisations on the "What's On" page for latest updates

These have been a weeks of deep sadness for our brothers and sisters in Ukraine.
 Let's not forget that the Russian people are NOT the ones who are either initiating or supporting the war which Vladimir Putin is determined to wage, whatever the cost.
Many folk feel helpless and don't know  how to respond or what to pray so we offer you prayers to help you to

This week there has been news of a dreadful earthquake affecting thousands of people in Afghanistan and Pakistan 

Almighty God,

We pray for peace in Ukraine. We pray for Your peace to endure through wicked schemes, through upheaval and war. May the plans and actions of those who seek power by violence and suffering be brought to an end, and peace be restored.                            

We pray for humanitarian aid to be provided for the people of Afghanistan who have been hit by the Paktika earthquake, for emergency shelter, food and medical aid.

We pray for all who answer the call to help in disastrous circumstances – give them Your strength Lord, and the resources they need to provide the help so badly needed.

 Let Your peace that surpasses all understanding keep all the Earth in Christ.

Amen. 

Heavenly Father, hear our prayers for our brothers and sisters in Ukraine.

Lord we ask for peace for those who need peace, reconciliation for those who need reconciliation         
and comfort for all who don’t know what tomorrow will bring.

Lord may your Kingdom come, and Your will be done.

  

    Lord God, we ask for you to be with all – especially children who are suffering                                             
as the crisis in Ukraine deteriorates.
Lord for those who are anxious and fearful.
For those who are bereaved, injured or who have lost their lives.
And for those who have lost loved ones. Lord hear our prayers.                                                                        

Amen

May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.
The Lord be with all of you.(2 Thessalonians 3:16 )

 

       

         

………………………………

All we Can – Methodist Relief and Development fund have launched an

appeal for help for Ukraine. If you would like to make a donation, we are accepting donations to pass on to  

All we can to help the Ukrainian people who are in such desperate circumstances.

You can get more information from //www.allwecan.org.uk/ukraine-emergency-appeal/

A collecting box will be available on Sunday morning

See below for other ways you can support Ukraine

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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 these  strange times  some very special people have died but know
that they are NOT  forgotten.  Look for tributes and photos on the "Memories" page

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

We've created a 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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COVID 19

The Government has removed the remaining legal Covid-19 restrictions in England.​

                      There are still steps you can take to reduce the risk of catching and spreading COVID-19:                                                                             
get vaccinated             stay home if unwell            wear a face covering in crowded settings 
open windows if meeting indoors  and wash hands regularly

�� Remember HANDS FACE SPACE and...VENTILATION!

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

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If you  need (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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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 help them 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 
VENUE: 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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RECYCLING IS BACK !  

         
We now collect the following items ONLY:

• ·  Postcards for Mission Aviation Fellowship
• · Stamps for the Leprosy Mission
• · Used Ink Cartridges & Spectacles for the Emily Jordan Trust
• · Toiletries and school supplies for Black Country Wheels
• · Used pens and felt pens for Mary Stevens Hospice
•    And, of course, FOOD  for the Black Country Foodbank

  we DEFINITELY CANNOT collect plastic bottle tops

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The Prayer room will be open from 10.00 a.m.

WORSHIP AT HASBURY SUNDAY June 26th
led by Rev Peter Brown

 DO COME AND JOIN US

 

 is available in the main hall after  the service 

*** 

EVERYONE Welcome

NEXT WEEK'S   SERVICE

Mr Rocky Chan

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HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: June 25th  2022 

    Peter Beasley’s funeral will take place on  Friday 1st July. 11.00 am at Stourbridge Crematorium,

    returning to Hasbury by 12.15 for tea/ coffee and  biscuits.

   This will be followed at 12.45 by a service of thanksgiving and celebration for Peter’s life.        

   The afternoon will conclude with a buffet tea . Everyone is welcome to attend.

   Donations in memory of Peter will be accepted for Edmore House Care Home and may be

   passed to the family or to Marcus Adams, Funeral Director 21 Birley Grove, Halesowen B63 1EP

  We hold Peter’s family in our prayers and love 

  Sue Shakespeare’s funeral will take place at Stourbridge Crematorium

  on Tuesday July 12^th  at 12.20 pm and afterwards at Hagley Golf Club.

  Family flowers only please, but donations in memory of Sue will be accepted for
  Dementia UK and TIDE  (Together in Dementia Everyday) and may be sent to
  Marcus Adams, Funeral Director 21 Birley Grove, Halesowen B63 1EP

   We hold Chas and all of Sue’s family in our love and prayers

DIARY DATES

Mon  June 27th                 Church Meeting  7.30
                                       A meeting has been called  to discuss the future of our church.
                                  We hope as many people as possible will come along and share your                                                thoughts, ideas and vision

Tues June 28th           Boys Brigade  6.30-7.30 pm

Wed  June 29th                 Keep Fit with Sheila 7.15 pm

                                        Wednesday Fellowship 7.30 pm
                                    We'll be discussing "Science has made religion redundant". 
                                     You are welcome to join us

Thur June 30th             Toddlers  9.30 am

                                                    Girls Brigade       Awards Night 6.30 -7.30

Saturday July 1st         Grief Cafe  10.30 - 12.30  (see below)

                                                                         COMING SOON

Tues July5th                Boys Brigade Awards Night 6.30-7.30 pm

Saturday July 9^th     Summer Sounds        3.00 pm 

A musical afternoon with performances by Shenstone Singers, Shenstone Roses and Shenstone Music Students

Tickets £5 each (children free) available from shenstonemusic@gmail.comor you can pay at the door.

GRIEF CAFE:

This is the first meeting of Grief Cafe on July 2nd. We aim to provide a safe, welcoming place for people to come and share their experiences and to meet up with other people in similar circumstances. We are NOT intending to offer counselling.

We ARE offering a listening ear, support and fellowship for those who need support with their bereavement. We acknowledge that Covid has added to the pain of loss because of separation from family and friends who would normally offer support and because hospital visiting was rarely possible.

Light refreshments will be available. If you require further information please contact Joy Jones or Eileen Adams.  If you know anyone else who might be interested please give them this contact telephone number ONLY  07835 200939 

Our café is being supported by Churches Together in Halesowen and by Mary Stevens Hospice bereavement team

ALL are welcome….“because we care and because we're stronger together” 

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DEFIBRILLATOR

 We have sent in a grant application for a DEFIBRILLATOR to be installed at our church.

Should you wish to contribute to this project, you can put cash or cheque in an envelope and place in the Sunday collection (please make cheques payable to Eileen Adams), or use the fundraising page online.

Here’s the link to the defib fundraising page. They have given us a fantastic£400 start !

https://www.aeddonate.org.uk/projects/defibrillator-for-hasbury-methodist-church/

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this space is BLANK

because we were  hoping to fill in with the name of our new TREASURER and STEWARDS

PLEASE DO think hard and pray hard about ANYTHING you might be able to offer

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HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: June 11th  2022 

 

We had a grand Jubilee celebration on June 4^th – it was really good to be able to get together and share the afternoon. It wasn’t planned as a fundraiser, but at the end of the afternoon we had £46.05 from sales, guess the weight of the cake, and donations, and this has been paid into church funds.

 

Peter Beasley’s funeral will take place on  Friday 1st July. 11.00 am at Stourbridge Crematorium,

returning to Hasbury by 12.15 for tea/ coffee and  biscuits. 

This will be followed at 12.45 by a service of Thanksgiving and Celebration for Peter’s life.        

The afternoon will conclude with a buffet tea . Everyone is welcome to attend.

We hold Peter’s family in our prayers and love

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HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: June 4th  2022

Margaret Sweeting celebrates her 90^th Birthday on June 13^th.

Margaret is in Dingle Meadow Care Home, Golden Crest Drive, Oldbury B69 2DQ

Tel no of the home is 0121 552 9355

She has limited use of her arms and legs but is able to get around with the aid of a frame.

Her speech is fine, but she is now unable to look after herself at home – she has

accepted her situation and she likes the home where she now lives.

Margaret we wish you a very Happy Birthday.

 

Roy Parton is recovering at home following a hospital stay. Roy we send you our love and prayers for your recovery.

Sadly Peter Beasley has passed away and he is now safely with his Lord whom he served faithfully throughout his life.  We hold Michael, Audrey, Joy, Linda and all of Peter’s family in our love and prayers.

 

Sue Shakespeare has also sadly passed away, and is now safely with her Lord whom she served

faithfully throughout her life. We hold Chas, Rachel, Hannah and all of Sue’s family in our love and prayers.

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DEFIBRILLATOR

    We have sent in a grant application for a DEFIBRILLATOR to be installed at our church.
    The total cost will be £1999.00 of which we already have £700 and a grant of £400.   
    Please  PRAY that our grant application be accepted! Defibrillators DO save lives – and the more              there are, the more we can save.

    Should you wish to contribute to this project, you can put cash or cheque in an envelope and place              in  the Sunday collection (please make cheques payable to Eileen Adams),
         or use the fundraising page            online.

    Here’s the link to the fundraising page for the defib.
    They have given us a £400 start which is fantastic!

        https://www.aeddonate.org.uk/projects/defibrillator-for-hasbury-methodist-church/

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 Job Vacancies within our church.

STEWARD

to be part of a team responsible for making the church ready for worship

Please  speak with Rev  Peter Brown or one of the stewards for more information

You don't need to do anything technical !

TREASURER

   Alan has fulfilled this role of service for 23years and at the Circuit meeting on Tuesday,
   he resigned with immediate effect.

   We offer huge and heartfelt thanks to Alan for all his faithful service over so many years

   

The church cannot function without a treausurer -  No treasurer – no church

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and now for our.... 
HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: May 14th  2022

Emily Hemming and Anthony Gosling are to be married on Saturday May 21st

at St. Boniface Church, Quinton Rd West B32 2QD at 12 pm. (if you’d like to

share this special time with them, try to arrive a little earlier for parking)

We pray that God will richly bless your future together

Congratulations and Happy Birthday to

Pam Lane who celebrates her 80th birthday on May 20th.   

Brian Slade who celebrated his 80th birthday last week

 

 

Thank  you

to all who supported John Webber’s plant sale. £270 was raised for Mary Stevens Hospice

HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: May 5th 2022

Ken Tivey has been in hospital and is recovering from pneumonia

Fred Walker is at present in Yew Tree Care Home and has Covid, along with several other residents there.

David Eades is to have a hip operation in the coming week      

                         

We hold all of you in our love and prayers.

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HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: May 1st  2022

 F

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DIARY DATES

THIS WEEK

Monday                         

Tuesday                         
                                         6.30 – 7.30 pm     Boys Brigade 

   

 Wednesday                      2.00 pm               Grief Cafe meeting for anyone interested in volunteering.
                                          7.15 pm                      Keep Fit with Sheila  

                                                           7.30                                Mens Supper Club at Short Cross . SPEAKER:  John Smith

                                                                               On & Off the Beat & a few bits between".

                                                                               Contact Stephen Ward if you'd like to be there 

 Thursday                         9.30 – 11.00 am  Toddlers  NO MEETING THIS WEEK due to local elections

                                         6.00 -   8.30         Girls Brigade under 11’s 6.00–7.00 pm  over 11,s 7.30-8.30 
                                          7.30 pm                Prayer and Healing Service at Short Cross 

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ACTION FOR CHILDREN HOME COLLECTING BOXES  

         

 

If you haven’t recently done so, please let John Smith have Action for Children collecting boxes for empt

                                 

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and now for our.... 
HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: April 23rd  2022

LENT LUNCH

 We had a wonderful time of fellowship at the Lent Lunch with delicious home made soup – BIG THANK YOU to all who helped prepare, serve and clear away.

Thanks also for your donations which amounted to £100 - this has been given to Christian Aid for their Ukraine appeal.

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NEWS FROM TEAMS4U 

                                 

TEAMS4U LORRY ON ITS WAY   

                 We sent our first lorry on its way to help the people of Ukraine.                            

The lorry was loaded by Marcus on the forklift and in under 2 hours the loading was complete.In addition to the 26 pallets of aid that had been collected and sorted over the past few weeks there was an urgent call from our partners 3 days ago in Suceava University for pushchairs as they had just received nearly 20 orphan babies from Ukraine. We did a quick ‘shout out’ and within 48 hours were able to load 12 pushchairs onto the waiting lorry. The rest will follow soon.

We know from the shoebox appeal that, Teams4U have the experience and organisational expertise to distribute aid efficiently to where it is most needed in eastern Europe – which is exactly what is needed in Ukraine

Alan Cummings and John Smith are making regular journeys to the warehouse at Evesham to deliver donations. which can be passed to them to deliver   - they will be going next week on Wed or Thurs.

4131

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PLANS AND POSSIBILITIES

HELP NEEDED. We’re exploring the possibility of holding a Grief Café at church. Very early stages yet but some positive offers of help and support from Mary Stevens Hospice Bereavement team.  To run the café we would need a number of volunteers. MSH have offered to supply a mini training session for all volunteers. Mostly it would involve active listening and tea/coffee making skills. Pay will be non-existent but rewards will be priceless. If you are willing to “have a go” please talk with Eileen or Joy.

At the same time the Hospice is exploring the possibility of a (hospice-run) Bereavement Hub at our church . There is already one in Stourbridge but there’s an increasing need for one in our area. This would need volunteers to have a more advanced skill level and would entail more in-depth training. If you think you might be able to be involved in this venture please let Eileen know.

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HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: April 16th 2022

• Thank you from Short Cross to everyone who came and supported their Coffee and Craft morning last week.  It was lovely to be able to meet up and chat together.
• Roger and Eileen Adams, Godfrey and Margaret Willetts are pleased to announce the safe arrival of a second daughter for Daniel and Emily Willetts in Australia. Raeleigh Clara Willetts was born on 14th April
• Rev Dr Joseph Suray begins his sabbatical on April 17th

       We pray that this will be a time of spiritual refreshment and renewal for you Joseph

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HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: April 9th  2022

Maureen Moseley has had her operation  to repair her broken elbow  

and sends thanks for all prayers and best wishes.

                                         We hold you in prayer Maureen as you begin recovery                                            

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As things are getting back to a new normal, people’s needs are changing. So here is a list of who to contact if you need something:

PROPERTY: Dave Raxster (in order to make his Sundays less stressful can you please use the notebook in the pigeon holes to report any problems. Obviously if they’re urgent, contact Dave  directly )

NOTICEBOARDS: If you need to display a new poster (or even if you’d like to give us a new version of an old poster) or need a space for your organisation   please contact Maggie Jones or Eileen Adams. And… could you please remove out-of-date posters. If you want to display something OUTSIDE, please contact Mo Stanley

BANNERS: We’re looking to make some new banners for the church. If you’d like to be involved  contact Joy Jones, Mary Welsby or Eileen Adams.

ROTAS: PARTICULARLY FOR TEA/COFFEE,  please contact Bill or Marie Austin. 

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HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: APRIL 3rd 2022

 Since last week's Notices,

 Maureen Jeavons has tested positive for Covid,

 Maureen Mosley is still waiting to have her elbow set and

 Brenda Webb is recovering from her second shoulder operation 

 Joy Jones is recovering well from her hip operation and we're hoping that

                                              Alison Price is resting following her recent operation

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March 26th  2022

we also remember in prayer those we know who are struggling with Covid infections. Don't forget to use the "Helping hands" group if we can support you in any way. Use the contact us facility or phone Eileen Adams

Geoff Moss sadly lost his battle with motor neurone disease and died last week. Geoff was a former Halesowen Town footballer and was the son-in-law of Arthur and Dora Yates. Many of you will remember Arthur and Dora, and will know his wife Marian who, together with her sister Diane, keeps in touch with us at Hasbury. We hold Marian and all of the family in our love and prayers.

Geoff’s funeral will be held on Friday 8th April at 12.20 pm at Stourbridge Crematorium

Love, prayers and best wishes for recovery to -

Maureen Moseley who has a badly broken elbow.

Alison Price following her hospital stay.

We hold Veronica in our prayers as she is still in Nigeria and we have lost touch with her.

Congratulations to Pam and Fred Rhodes who celebrated

               their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on March 24th                       

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HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: March 5th  2022

'I really want to express my sincere thanks to everyone in our church family for their  prayers, cards, messages phone calls and general loving support during my ongoing recovery from hip surgery. I have really felt upheld by you all,  you are all so caring. Thank you so much .

 Joy

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                                                                    CHURCH COUNCIL NEWS                                                                                            

       

You will be delighted to know that refreshments will be served after worship from March 13^th

As government restrictions are now lifted we will no longer register names of those coming into the church. The existing records will now be discarded and shredded.

It is no longer mandatory to wear face masks, but if you feel more comfortable wearing one, please feel free to do so.

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OPEN DOOR NEWS

Open Door is resuming with one session a month (to begin with) between 2-4pm on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, starting at 2pm on the 12th of April

                                

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HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: February 20th  2022 

GET WELL SOON

Joy Jones is recovering from a hip operation                                      

Brenda Webb is recovering from a shoulder operation 

We hope you will both soon be feeling more comfortable and hold you in love and prayer

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from Maureen Stanley

Just wanting to let you all know that I am unable to contact Veronica - who is  still in Laos , Nigeria .

Whatts app messages are not going - or text . I have tried telephoning her mobile and that is now unobtainable too !!

I am praying that all is well , but unsure what has happened now I have lost the contact .

The last contact I had was December . Please pray for her safety.

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THANK YOU

 

Dear Friends thank you all for my lovely bird bath - it did take me by surprise. You are so kind thoughtful and generous I will treasure it always as I’m sure the birds in my garden will do

Thank You
Every Blessing. Jan Lear

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Just to say a huge thank you to the Hasbury family for all the care and kindness shown to our Mum Madge Smith over the past year following the loss of our Dad , David Smith.

It has been a difficult time and a period of great adjustment especially because we don't live locally to Mum , as many of you know. The friendship and support given to Mum by the family of the church has meant a great deal to us. Mum knows she is only a kind phone call or text message away from many of you and I'm sure that has helped fight off loneliness, especially over the winter months. There are many people we know and also those of you we haven't met. To everyone - we really appreciate all the kindness you have shown – Thank you

Allison and Stephen  

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e

                                  

Mon     Mar 7^th               7.30 pm              1st Lent Study 

                                 We will have a series of Lent Studies leading up to Holy Week

                               on the theme of The Way, led by Rev Peter Brown

                               There will be 6 studies beginning on Monday March 7^th at 7.30 pm

                                                               All are welcome  

      

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HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: February 20th  2022 

 Margaret Bissell sends this reflection from her daily reading notes

The Glorious Sunset

It is wonderful to be young, with clear sight, acute hearing, elastic step, pulses drumming to the march of exhiarating health.  But old age has glories that youth cannot know.  It is a blessed old age indeed if it ends brightly at evening time.

Old age celebrates the harvest – youth the sowing.  Like fruit in the fall, the harvest of old age will either dry up and wither, or grow mellow and sweeter as it ripens.

You cnnot escape the advancing years.  Youth stays long enough only to strengthen our shoulders for the burdens ahead.  Life leads inevitably to the evening time.  But the best things are the oldest things – things that have endured and stood the test of time.  God Himself – though not bound by time – is called the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:9)

So don't be ashamed to own your age.  Everything that abides must become old, mountains, rivers, oceans, stars.

But the evening time of life can be bright only if we have the One who is the Light as our evening Sun.  Nothing is sadder than an aging person facing eternity without |Jesus.

And nothing is sweeter than a gently mellowing Christian still growing and resting in Christ as he faces God's tomorrow with confidence.

So I journey with rejoicing

Toward the city of God's light.

While each day my joy is deeper

and the pathway grown more bright

                                                                                    (M.R. De Haan M.D)

Psalm 71 vv14b-18

As for me, I shall always have hope.

I will praise You more and more, my mouth will tell of \your righteousness, of Your salvation all day long,

though I know not its measure.

I will come and proclaim Your mighty acts, O Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteousness, Yours alone.

Since my youth, O God, You have taught me, and to this day I declare Your marvelous deeds.

Even when I am old and grey, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare y\our power to the next generation,

Your might to all who are to come.

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News from Jenny and John Willetts in Australia  

   

A new project

At the beginning of the year Stable One received an invitation to apply for a significant grant that would enable us to begin work on a new initiative. This was exciting news! So what did we do with this information? 
We set aside an afternoon for prayer. We again asked God – what would He have us do? 

And we listened.
Over the past 5 years we have researched different housing models in both Australia and overseas. All of our research, our projects, the lives changed, the experience gained, and the learning and dreaming we have done have led us to this point. In response to this grant invitation, we are now in the early stages of developing a pilot program that will provide long-term supported self-contained accommodation for people without stable homes.

 

We are now talking with local churches about partnerships to develop their vacant land for housing. We believe that the opportunity to do this is imminently achievable. Our goal is to develop a model which can be replicated by other churches. 

 

Picture a small village of one and two bedroom homes (a significant gap in available housing) with a diverse group of residents who are given secure tenure and even the potential for some degree of ownership. This village encompasses community spaces for the benefit of both residents and the local community – perhaps a playground, community gardens, BBQ facilities etc. With close proximity to the church building, an existing meeting place, there is a natural link and opportunity for connection with the church community and their existing or future activities. One home may be made available for crisis accommodation for, as an example, a woman with children escaping domestic violence. One home is occupied by ‘placemakers’ who are placed specifically to build community and oversee village life. 

Can you picture this with us? Please join us in praying for Stable One as we prepare the details of this important grant application.

A new winter shelter

As the year kicks off, we are in touch with the coordinators of the different shelters in the network to provide support and advice as needed.  Frankston are in the early stages of planning for their first winter shelter.  They are currently identifying churches who will be host venues, and will borrow Stable One’s triler, stretcher beds and other equipment.  Please join us in praying for Frankston and the other shelters as they prepare to provide “more than a place to stay” for those in their communities experiencing homelessness this winter.

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HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: February 12th  2022

Sadly Carol Brown's father Idris passed away on Saturday 11th February   

We hold Carol, Peter and the family in our love and prayers at this time
and remember a wonderful godly man
                            

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 HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: February 5th  2022

Message from Jean Graham Thank you for the church flowers sent for me. It was a very kind gesture. Love Jean xx Jean we’re so glad you are home and send our love and our prayers for your continued recovery

The funeral of Doreen Hall (nee North) will take place at Hasbury on Monday February 7th at 1.15 pm. We hold Doreen’s family in love and prayers.

Jan Lear’s M.B.E. was awarded to her this week by H.R.H Princess Anne.
We look forward to seeing your award Jan and hearing about your wonderful experience

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HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: January 29th 2022 

Letter to  you all

 

Dear Hasbury Methodist Church,

By happy chance I came across a recent item of Family News telling me that my aunt Mollie Cole is now in Victoria Lodge Care Home, Brierley Hill. I hadn't heard from her for some time and this information enabled me to contact her by phone. I was very happy to hear how well she sounded and how content she seems to be in her new surroundings. It made my day!

My dad was Fred Cole, son of Sidney Cole and an older half-brother to Eric, Mollie's late husband. Fred became a Local Preacher at Hasbury Chapel at the age of 22 in 1928. He was 'on the plan' for 70 years until he died at the age of 92 in 1998. In 1936 he married the Methodist minister's daughter and moved to Corby in Northamptonshire to work at Stewarts & Lloyds iron and steel works. He was one of a band of flourishing Local Preachers and was also Sunday School Superintent for a number of years.

Fred and Joan spent all their married life in Corby, where I still live. Many families from the Halesowen area were among those 'Pioneers' of the thirties, and some of my current friends still have relatives in your part of the world.

I now attend Cornerstone Methodist Church in Corby from where I send you greetings for 2022. I will follow your newsletter with interest from now on. Thank you for enabling me to get in touch with Aunty Mollie.

God bless you!

Wendy Mead (nee Cole)

 

How lovely to hear from church families who have moved on. Wendy, we loved hearing from you and are so glad we played a small part in your contacting Mollie. Please give our greetings to Cornerstone Methodist Church. The pandemic years have raised many difficulties for churches. We send you our love and pray that you will look forward and step into the future in the strength of our Lord.

 

To anyone else out there who has been part of Hasbury Church family – we'd love you to get in touch, and share your memories.

If you still live in the area – come back and see us. Families have many branches but one root, and we'd love to re-connect

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HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: January 22nd 2022

 Audrey Bayliss who attended Open Door, has been living with her daughter.
She recently  had a bleed on the brain and is very ill. We hold Audrey in our love and prayers.

We also remember Jan Bridgewater from Craft Group who has fractured her hip.

We send love and prayers to all of you who have fallen prey to the Covid virus  

and wish you all a speedy recovery.

Prayer from Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Gracious God,

When we only know one way and think we must return to it,

when we think that all roads are blocked, and we fall into despair

we always find You there creating a new unexpected path before us.

If we search our maps and find no route, nonetheless we always find You,

who lead us by a yet more excellent way,

trusting that You will always lead us back to You

and forward in unity together.  Amen

                                      

Thursday     4^th Feb      7.30 pm Prayer and Healing Service at Short Cross led by Martin Filsack

 

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BLACK COUNTRY FOOD BANK

Dear Friends

First of all, yet again, a huge thank you for everything you do to support the BCFB. We are now channelling al your gifts through our church which saves the FB having to collect from me. But, with food prices and fuel bills rising the need is getting greater by the day. So, if you can think of anyone you could forward this message to, please do.

I’m attaching a “most wanted list” for January. Unusually, one of the things they’re asking for is strong carrier bags! And, if you have any unwanted toiletries or other Christmas gifts I will happily take them to Mary Stevens Hospice for their on-line auction.

Again, my sincere thanks, 

Eileen x

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HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: January 15th 2022

 TODDLER GROUP  IS BACK!!!

 

                

and  is now meeting on Thursday mornings 9.30-11.00 am  

HASBURY CRAFT GROUP

Life has changed a great deal for all of us in the almost two years since we were able to meet as "normal"   so, on Wednesday January 26th at 2.30 p.m.  

we plan to meet to share our news, show our lockdown creations and to see if we can find a way forward for the group. Everyone welcome.

 

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 Prayer from the Methodist Prayer Handbook 

Jesus, guest and host,

may our tables be safe spaces where everyone feels at home.                       

Jesus, friend and brother,

help us to practise the hospitality we teach.

Jesus, who washed the feet of the disciples,

teach us afresh the sacrament of service.

Jesus, generous giver,

show us the abundance of love where we see only scarcity.

Jesus, in whose name is found salvation,

help us rejoice in the kingdom banquet prepared for all.

Jesus, you prayed that we might be one, just as You and the Father are one,

we pray for the unity of your Church, of all communities, of all creation and of all things in You.     

Amen

 

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                                                                                        SCRIPTURE READINGS                                                                                     

Would you like to offer to read a passage of scripture during worship?

Dave Raxster would like to update the list of readers. Please could you confirm  you are happy to remain on the list if you are already on it.

If you would like to be added to the list, please let Dave Raxster know

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Thank you for your donations to M.H.A which amounted to £90.  If anyone would like to add a donation, please could you pass it to Alan Cummings who will be sending our donation to Methodist Homes shortly.

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FLOWER ROTA  

It's so lovely to see fresh flowers in church during worship. They really do add something special to our worship.

Maybe you would like to provide the flowers for a date that has some special meaning for you, or maybe you'd just like to offer for any date. There is a rota with lots of blank dates on it.

If you can, please choose a date and add your name and indicate if you would be happy for the flowers to be taken to someone after worship to let them know we are thinking of them

The rota is in the church entrance, or see Jan Lear or one of the stewards.

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WEBSITE

From Eileen Adams

I’ve just gone through the last year’s “news” on the website.  I have to take things off from time to time else it overflows and jams up! But it’s so very interesting to see what has been happening in this last year – from saying goodbye to Troy and his family last year and congratulating Jan on her New Years’ Honour  to the latest news from Action for Children. Take a look and see for yourself just how much has happened! It’s not too late either for you to let me have any information, photos or tributes for our Memory Page.

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HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: January 7th 2022

Prayer remembering Epiphany

 

Almighty God, your Son Jesus Christ is the Light of the world

May your people shine with the radiance of His glory,

that He may be known, worshipped and obeyed to the ends of the earth: who is alive and reigns with You

in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.   Amen 

 

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ACTION FOR CHILDREN

Thank you for the invite to the Gift Service at Hasbury and all the lovely gifts and donations. There were also £170 monetary donations which is amazing.

 Rachel (Action for Children - Sandwell Working with Families Project)

Thanks also for the £80 Christmas Morning offering/donations given for Action for Children

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THE LEPROSY MISSION

If you have been cutting the stamps from envelopes, they can be posed to the following address:

The Leprosy Mission, Goldhay Way, Orton Goldhay, Peterborough, PE2 5GZ

Please ensure  when posting, that your envelope is weighed and the correct postage paid.  Even if your envelope is small, please send it as a Large 2^nd Class item as the stamps move during transit and may not pass the Royal Mail size test otherwise. 

 

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January,January
Brings in a New Year
New beginnings ahead
To fill us with cheer!
A time to reflect
A time to resolve
Put past cares behind us
And a new life evolve
Look forward to changes
To new starts afresh
With friends by your side
You’ll be happily blessed 

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If you read through the book of Samuel, you’ll find a theme running through the book that faiihfulness to God brings success!

As we look back on 2021 (a year none of us will forget!) have we, I wonder, been faithful? Have we seen God at work in our lives? I wonder if we can identify times when we can say, “God has been my helper?” Or do we just see the things WE got wrong? If so, confess them and know that God has already forgotten our failures, our wasted opportunities. This IS a NEW YEAR.

Is looking back good? In some circumstances it’s vital! I know if I’m driving my car I need to keep looking back! But that needs to be a quick glance in the rear view mirror. If I KEEP looking back I’ll end up in a ditch or wrapped round a lamppost!

Some folk say we should forget the past  but we do need to learn from it. If we don’t learn from our mistakes, then we’re doomed to repeat them.

As we grow older it’s so much easier to be excited about the past than we are about the future. One lady wrote to a newspaper editor to tell him his paper wasn’t as good as it used to be. His reply to her was, “It never has been!”

So we have a blank canvas ahead of us. This is a NEW YEAR! God told Jeremiah

(and all of us) “I know the plans I have for you….they are good.” (Jeremiah 9:11)

So let’s go into this New Year, excited that God already has plans for us, let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work!  And hear again those words, faithfulness to God brings success Expect GREAT THINGS FROM GOD!

                                                                                                                                    From Eileen Adams 

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HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: December 19th

A time for giving…

was the title of one of our Advent studies and, for me, it sums up Hasbury Methodist Church.
In recent weeks the Foodbank trolley has been overflowing every week, we again sent a lot of shoeboxes and the response to the toy service for Action for Children last week was wonderful.  This week we’ve sent off 38 goody Bags to Wheels as well as  a lot of extra toiletries which appeared in the basket at church. The boys all had hats, gloves and warm socks, a box of chocolates, a packet of Pringles and another of chocolate biscuits,  writing pads, pens and felt pens   and a toiletry set. In addition we were given Christmas bags and a big box of crackers. In all (to date) I have received donations of £457.00 and I have spent (wait for this!) £457, 68!!!! Should any more donations come in, Jan will pay them into a fund to give the lads a day out in the new year. (They love to go “Paintballing” but have to raise the money themselves). Let’s not forget that we are still raising money for Methodist Homes with our Christmas card collection( so it isn’t all about children). And this week I’ve taken 8 new quilts from our craft group ladies to Mary Stevens Hospice for their inpatient unit.

 

So, once again, on behalf of all the lives we have blessed this Christmas,

thank you Hasbury, you are amazing x

                             p.s. don’t forget to cut the stamps off your Christmas cards for The Leprosy Mission                                                                                                                                                                                                
Eileen Adams

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

 

Pause for prayer

 

God of promise,

you have given us a sign of your love

through the gift of Jesus Christ, our Saviour,

who was promised from ages past.

We believe as Joseph did

the message of your presence

whispered by an angel,

and offer our prayers for your world,

confident of your care and mercy for all creation. Amen.

 

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In this season of Advent as we prepare for the coming of Jesus

 

 Each day, take time to know the Lord...

SLOW DOWN

Take time to pause and rest in God's presence

BLOCK OUT TIME

Spend time with God in nature, reading, writing or getting creative.
Invite the Holy Spirit to speak; and be still and listen

REFLECT AND REMEMBER

Take time to reflect on what God is doing in this season of your life. Ask God how to respond to what you're being shown or taught.

 

 

                      Be still and know that I am God

 

1 Be still my soul the Lord is on your side                2.Be still, my soul! For God will undertake
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain                    to guide the future surely as the past.

Leave to your God to order and provide                   Your hope, your confidence, let nothing shake;
In every change He faithful will remain                     all now mysterious shall be clear at last.

Be still my soul your best, your heavenly friend      Be still, my soul! The waves and winds still know Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end              the voice that calmed their fury long ago.

 

3 Be still, my soul! the hour is hastening on
when we shall be forever in God's peace;
        when disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
            love’s joys restored, our strivings all shall cease.
             Be still my soul! when change and tears are past,
all safe and blessed we shall meet at last

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HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: December 12th

 Margaret Sweeting’s address if you would like to write to her is

Dingle Meadow Care Home, Goldencrest Drive, Oldbury B69 2DQ (B69, not D69 as printed last week)
Audrey and Peter Beasley’s address is
Edmore House Residential Home, 20 Oakham Road, Dudley, West Midlands DY2 7TB.
 
I’m sure they will be delighted if you would like to send a card.

 We continue to hold in prayer Jean Graham and all of our friends who are in care or unwell.

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HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: November 28th

ROBERT’S MARATHON CHALLENGE

Thank you to everyone who supported and encouraged Rob’s running three marathons on consecutive days in early November, in memory of his Mum Sylvia, and to increase awareness and raise funds for Action for Children

All went to plan including completing his 100th marathon to much cheering from family, friends and fellow competitors

Sponsorship and donations so far amount to £3,620, with Gift Aid of over £500, bringing the total raised for Action for Children to in excess of £4,100 

Thank you again for all your support, and THANK YOU Rob!                                            John Smith

A big THANK YOU to everyone involved in the Memorial Service. It was a very special time which all of the Hasbury Church family really needed and treasured, to remember and reflect and hold in our hearts those who have passed on. It was so good to share this time in a way which wasn’t possible during lockdown.

Mo Stanley and Jan Lear put so much time, effort and love into planning it. Peter led our worship with special time for reflections. Thank you, we really appreciated it.

 

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HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: November 20th

• Margaret Beasley celebrates her 80^th birthday on November 20^th                              

           Congratulations and Happy Birthday Margaret

 

• Funeral of Dave Hartle. Dave’s funeral will be held at Hasbury on November 26^th at 11.45 am.

         (please note change of time) Donations in memory of Dave will be accepted for

          Black Country Food Bank and may be given direct to the family or sent to

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

 

• Mary Weston’s funeral will be held at Stourbridge Crematorium on November 22^nd at 1.30 pm

 

• Beverley Pettit.  We heard from Eddie Pettit that his Mother Beverly Pettit has died this week

        As many of you will know Beverly lives in Canada. Our prayers are with Eddie and the family

 

We hold all of these families in our love and prayers

 

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PRAYER SEEN IN A CHURCH IN HAWKSHEAD

FAMILY PRAYER

 

God make us a family

We need one another

We love one another

We forgive one another

We work together

We play together

We worship together

Together we use God’s word

Together we grow in Christ

Together we love all men

Together we serve our God

Together we hope

for Heaven

These are our hopes and ideals

Help us to attain them

O God, through Jesus Christ our Lord 

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HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: November 13th 

• Funeral of David  Hartle.

        Dave’s funeral will be held at Hasbury on November 26th at 11.45 am.

        Donations in memory of Dave will be accepted for Black Country Food Bank                                                          and may be given direct to the family or sent to
        Marcus Adams Funeral Director 21 Birley Grove, Halesowen B63 1EP

• Mollie Cole is now in Victoria Lodge Care Home, Brierley Hill.
• Mary Weston’s funeral will be held at Stourbridge Crematorium on November 22nd at 1.30 pm

We hold all of these families in our love and prayers.

• Elena (circuit administrator) will be leaving the circuit on November 18th .
  She’s going to spend a little time with family in U.S. before starting her new job.

       We send you our best wishes for your future Elena.

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REPORT FROM THE FELLOWSHIP/VISION OPEN DAY

Our  first ‘ Fellowship / Vision Day ‘ was  held in Saturday 6th November , and was attended by approx 25 members. Fellowship was shared , people sat informally over refreshments and were able to chat , shar feelings with others regarding themselves and the life of our church . Everyone was very chatty  and engaged in the activities. Informal ‘ fun’ stuff took place as well as thoughtful discussions and craft.

The following responses were made to the questions asked :

          1. Where are we and what are our concerns?

•    Most felt a feeling of isolation and  weariness due to COVID.
•    They felt as though we are at a standstill and are anxious about the aging congregation,               about  money and our  ability to mix and care for others.

•    Many felt broken by the pandemic and are desperate for renewed fellowship and growth.
•   They felt the need to encourage more diversity (especially of age groups)
     and ‘ hunger’ for re-grouping   and different styles of Worship to    encourage inclusiveness .

2. What are our priorities ?

• Most felt that our priority is to develop and become more open to new ideas and different styles of Worship and Fellowship.

• There is a need to ASK people / groups what they want and
• all feel the need to spread the word of  God and to build his Kingdom.
• They  also felt the need to strengthen and support each other, to re-establish faith and to encourage more members to help out in roles and worship.

3. Where are we in our faith journeys?

• Many felt ‘ flat’ and ‘in need ‘of fellowship.
• The need for motivation was apparent and all felt affected by the decline of fellowship after the pandemic. 
• People felt there was not a need to respond / revert to routines but to be open to new ideas to move forward and to trust that God has a plan.

4. How do we communicate ? How can we communicate more?

• All mentioned the use and success of  the newsletter and thanked Mo Jeavons for her commitment to this.
• People felt that there is a need to listen more to what groups within our church  want and to make more use of Pastoral teams .
• They felt that 1:1 conversations were needed and that things needed to be shared more.
• To reach out to the community more and to groups hiring the building - having a power point  screen of information in the  foyer was suggested , the use of newspaper adverts for special events / services, developing a new Face Book page to advertise events at Hasbury / post daily prayers
•  providing space ( garden and benches ) at the front of the  building were all suggested.

5. How do we want to exist/ worship/ build fellowship ? Where is God leading us ?

• All felt that small steps of support and encouragement were needed.
• People felt that there is a growing need to become more inclusive and to look at how the use of language / style of worship can change to encourage younger members to feel more welcome
• The suggestion of more ‘ informal ‘ approaches were discussed , with music, singing, shorter worship time.
• The need to include GB / BB etc was mentioned alongside the need to encourage younger members to have more ‘hands on ‘ with activities / roles.

Peter closed with prayer and a hymn before people ate lunch .

During the time together, people coloured in pieces of a picture to build, which turned out to be a picture of our church with the message reminding us that we ‘ Belong’ and ‘ Work Together’ .

It reminded us how important each one of us is to make our church!!

Let’s hope and pray we will continue to work together and look forward to seeing many more when the next  Fellowship Day is arranged.

Every Blessing Maureen Stanley ( on behalf of everyone at Hasbury)  

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HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: November 6th 

Mary Weston passed peacefully away at Yew Tree Home on Tuesday 3rd November

Rest in peace Mary. We hold Pam, Jennifer and all of the family in our love and prayers

 Dave Hartle’s funeral will be held at Hasbury on Friday 26th November at 11.45

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HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: October 30th

Dave Hartle’s funeral will be held at Hasbury on Friday 26th November at 11.45.

Audrey and Peter are in respite care at Edmore Care Home, Oakham Road, Dudley where there is limited visiting.                Peter has had a fall and had a head wound which required stitching.                                                                                                           Ken Tivey is to have a vein operation on his leg on Wednesday Nov. 3rd                                                                                                     Richard Westwood, whom some of you will have known for his faithful service at Bethel Mission, died recently.                   His funeral will be held on Wednesday November 24th at 11.00 a.m. at Quarry Bank Congregational Church, High Street, Quarry Bank.

We hold all of our church family who are having a difficult time in our love and prayer

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CIRCUIT MEETING AT CENTRAL At the meeting at Central on October 26th, concerning the position and future of the circuit Rev. Ian Howarth, Chair of the District advised us that many churches in the UK are in a similar position to us, as are Birmingham West and Oldbury which includes Quinton. Ian has met with them and it would be possible for us to share a Finance Manager and Operations Manager – 2 posts. Our share of the cost could come from the sale of our empty buildings. This would take time and meanwhile the District will give a loan to help until the sales are complete. District will get an agency which they know of to advertise the 2 posts, which are not full time. For now we stay as one circuit. The motion was passed unopposed. The meeting which was an open meeting was well attended

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HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: October 23rd

Dave Hartle’s funeral will be held on Friday 26th November at 11.45.                     

We hold Jo and Sally and all of Dave’s family in our love and our prayers.       

 

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HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: October 16th

                                 David Hartle passed away on Thursday morning, October 14^th.                                             

Dave is now safe with the Lord whom he has served faithfully for so many years.

We give thanks for all his faithful service and we hold Jo, Sally and all of the family in our love and prayers.

 

We continue to hold in prayer all those who are in poor health in body, mind and spirit at this time.  

Phillippa Marshall (GB)and James Watkins were married recently.                       

Congratulations to you both. May God richly bless your future together

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APPOINTMENTS

 REVEREND PETER BROWN’S RE-INVITATION

(These notes are from the Circuit Meeting of 13.9.21.)

 Joseph reminded the meeting that members are here to agree to the process of the re-invitation. Peter has offered to stay on for two more years from September 2022. The recommendation of the Invitations Committee was unanimously accepted. The meeting applauded this decision.

Peter thanked the meeting and said that he believes that we have the resources in our Circuit to move forward. This will be a challenge but we must do this. There is a lot of work ahead but with love and support this can be achieved. Joseph thanked Peter and reminded the meeting that our churches need to work with our Ministers as a team. Ministers are here to serve and churches are responsible for their care and we need to pray for them.

Circuit Stewards

Maureen Stanley and Jill Rushton (Central) have agreed to offer themselves as Circuit Stewards

As we return gradually to normality, minutes of the Circuit Meetings and Church Council Meetings will be available for you to read. They will be found in the folder in the church side entrance

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HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: October 9th

Mary Weston celebrated  her 100^th Birthday at Yew Tree Care Home on 3^rd October

Pam Turbutt (Dunn) sent these lovely photos of her Mum on her birthday

                                    

The home were wonderful for mums birthday  - they decorated the summerhouse in the garden for us.  

Mum had a sash and a silver100 tiara.  Sadly she had no idea what was going on but was happy.
Jen and John, Jane and Rachel, me and Jonathan  were there and we linked on Jon's laptop to Andrew in USA and Philip in Selby. Thank you to all at Hasbury who put messages on Facebook. Pam

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Dave Hartle is very weak and is receiving palliative care Valley Court Home,               

Roger Adams has had a very stressful time and been undergoing tests at Russells Hall

“A massive thank you to our church family for all your support during  really stressful week. We appreciate your messages and  flowers but, most of all, your prayers. What began with what seemed to be a life-threatening situation looks as if it can be managed with medication. Instead of Roger’s heart failing it’s beating too often!  We’ll be for ever grateful to the staff at Russells Hall. They are working under unimaginable pressure ( 6 doctors for around 200 patients in A & E at one time it seemed). They have been unfailingly kind, polite and supportive and once again we’re indebted to the NHS. With love from Roger and Eileen xx”

Barbara Tivey out of hospital, though still with a very painful shoulder

We continue to hold in love and prayer all of those who are in special need of prayer just now,
and those who are caring for them

From Veronica:

May God go before you this week. And make the rough roads smooth

May His joy be your strength and His peace fill your heart.

                        We send Veronica our love and our thanks for this message

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HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: October 2nd

Wendy Tether sends her thanks for all the cards, gifts and good wishes on her 80^th Birthday.

Barbara Tivey is in intense pain and is undergoing tests at the Queen Elizabeth hospital.

Jean Graham is back in hospital  

David Hartle's family have asked that you are told that Dave is currently receiving end-of-life care at Valley Court Care Home. They are able to visit but he is largely unaware of their presence. He appears to be comfortable and is receiving 24 hour care.                                                                                     

 

We hold  all of these dear friends in our love and prayers.

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Psalm 8

O Lord, our Lord,

How majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory above the heavens.  From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?

You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honour.

You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: all flocks and herds,  the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.

O Lord, our Lord,

How majestic is your name in all the earth

 

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HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: SEPTEMBER 25th 

Wendy Tether celebrates her 80^th Birthday on September 29^th                   

Happy Birthday Wendy

 

We continue to hold in our love and prayers:                           

Jean and Terry Graham as Jean’s health is still very fragile

David Hartle and  his family as he is cared for at Valley Court Care Home                        

 

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HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: SEPTEMBER 19th 

 

Dave Hartle is now in Valley Court Care Home. 

We hold Dave and also Joanne and Sally and all of the family in our love and prayers.                                    

Please hold in your prayers all those of our church family who are struggling with

health problems at present.

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Loving your light, O Lord, may our hearts rejoice in Your goodness. Living in your light, may our lives reveal Your grace.  Walking in Your light, may our works reflect Your glory.        Amen

From the Methodist Prayer Handbook

 

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GROUP MEETINGS AT HASBURY

 

Hi everyone. Some time ago I asked people who are group leaders if they would like to edit their own page on the website. As yet, NO –ONE  has taken up my generous offer! But people in the community are looking at it and it’s a great way to stay in touch. I often get asked questions about your groups which I have to rub my crystal ball to find an answer (or make a lot of phone calls)! It would be so much easier if you updated your own pages. Let me know if you would like to do this, then I’ll give you the password and, if you need it, guidance on what to do.

Thanks everyone in advance

Eileen

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HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: SEPTEMBER 12th 

• Anthea Adams is unwell and is awaiting test results
•  Ken Tivey has polymyalgia which is very painful
• Maggie Jones is in a lot of pain with her hip
  
• Jean Graham is now out of hospital. Jean we’re so glad you’re back home and pray you’ll feel a little better day by day.

 

We hold all who are unwell just now, in our love and prayers

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News from 'Dudley's Weekly Pause'                                       

COATS FOR KIDS!

Coats for Kids are a community group who collect donations of coats and distribute them to families who need them.

Every child needs a warm winter coat and as children return to school many families may be worried about buying uniforms and other school essentials. Coats for Kids can help with their free and confidential service. If you would like to donate or request a coat, please contact the group at coatsforkidsdudley@outlook.com

 Find out more on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/coatsforkidsstourbridgeanddudley/

Joy Jones is happy to take coats to the centre if you have any which you can pass on. 

  

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HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: SEPTEMBER 4th 

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PRINTING

There is no printing team at present.

Dave Hartle is in very poor health and unable to continue

Jean Cooke is waiting for a hip operation and needs Rod’s help.

A big THANK YOU to Rod, Jean and Dave for all the work they have done in the printing office over the years.

 

If anyone thinks they may be able to take up this task, please let Rod Cooke know and he can give you all the information you need.  

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Life is very uncertain just now. If you are feeling troubled about world events, about the future of society, of the health service, the future of our churches, anxious about what you can safely do and where you can safely go – read these words from 2 Corinthians 4 vv 8,9, 16-18

 

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair: persecuted, but not abandoned, struck down, but not destroyed.

Therefore we do not lose heart.  Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.  For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

 

We have an anchor that keeps the soul, steadfast and sure while the billows roll

Fastened to the Rock which cannot move, grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love

 

COME ON HASBURY  -  WHATEVER IT IS, WE CAN DO IT – TRY PRAYING  -  READ ON...

                                                                                                        

 

In the last 12 months :-

• Number of trypraying booklets sold. 33,500 (750,000 all time).
• Number of orders from churches and individuals 630.
• Number of perspex boxes for booklets - 230. Number of churches ordering materials - 320.  
• Number of people seeing a banner in a two week period - 10,050,000.*
• Number trypraying banners sold - 150.
• Number of people seeing a banner in a two week period - 10,050,000.*

* This is the number of 'Likely to see' impacts in a two week period calculated by Route, a research company used by advertising agencies. It is averaged across a variety of locations where banners have been bought this year and it excludes the 1000+ banners bought and still being used from pervious years.
The impact has been amazing. How many people have become Christians as a result?
If 1 in 10 people who received a trypraying booklet became a Christian it would be a lot of people!
But  nobody knows - except God who sees the hearts of each person.

End of story? not quite

Two months ago in the fishing port of Lochinver in the far north of Scotland a conversation took place between a visitor and two fishermen who were mending their nets (sounds Biblical!) After talking about fishing, life in general and Brexit the conversation changed and the visitor had a great witnessing opportunity. He shared very openly with the two guys who showed real interest. A trypraying booklet was given at the conclusion and readily received. End of story? Not quite...

 This came into our office two weeks later from someone who ordered 10 copies of the trypraying booklet.

"I heard about try praying through my son who is a fisherman. He fishes out of Lochinver on the
north west coast of Scotland. While working on his boat in port he met a gentleman who shared
about trypraying. He left a copy of the trypraying booklet with my son who passed it to me. I was
very impressed with its simplicity and the depth of its message. I want to share the book with
others in my family. The booklet is uplifting and I noticed a change in myself after reading it and
taking action." We just never know what story develops when we share our faith or pass on a booklet to someone!
The story continues -

11 years ago at the outset of trypraying someone said, “This is huge.’
In a prayer meeting a few weeks later someone else said, “Trypraying is for the nation”; and then corrected herself and said
“No. It’s for the nations.”
Over these years we have seen some amazing things take place. There are significant developments in America, we have a Spanish translation now, it is being translated into French and there is interest in Germany. The prisoners booklet is in Sri Lanka and trypraying materials are available in Australia and New Zealand. However, the real story is about inviting people who don't know God to become those who do.

But we have a question for 2022.
Join the story?

 Would you like to be part of extending the story among your friends, your church and your
town/city in 2022 ? In April next year we are looking for hundreds of churches and thousands of people who will be part of a ‘Use It and Lose It’ initiative culminating on Palm Sunday - a good date to make some noise about Jesus. Would you like to be part of this? Let us know. We will be sending information and ideas over the coming months

 

NOTE: We’ll be putting some TryPraying booklets out shortly for you to take

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HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS: AUGUST 28th 

Roy and Margaret Parton are now out and about having recovered from Covid

Chris Webb, Cara, Cameron and Charlotte have been on holiday and contracted Covid. They are now recovering, though not quite back to normal fitness yet. Leigh and Cara’s husband Ian both managed to escape the virus.

Barbara Tivey has had a cararact removed, and Ken is still suffering a lot of pain in his leg.

Dave Hartle is very unwell                                                                                                            

We hold all of these people in our love and prayers

 

Eileen and Roger Adams have a new great grandson                       

Elliot Michael Waite was born on 18^th August. Congratulations and prayers for Elliot and his family

 

We hold our brothers and sisters at Hurst Green our prayers as they have their final  meeting together this weekend. May they find a welcome and a new spiritual home wherever they decide to worship

 

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HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWs

Dave Raxster celebrates his 70^th Birthday on August 16^th

Happy Birthday Dave

 

Margaret and Roy Parton have both tested positive for Covid and are isolating. 
We hold them both in our love and prayers

 

Roy Rolinson’s funeral will be at Hasbury on Tuesday August 17^th at 12.15.

Family flowers only please.

 Donations in memory of Roy will be accepted for Dementia U.K. and may be sent to

Mark Timmins Funeral Director 36/38 Windmill Hill, Colley Gate, Halesowen B63 2BZ  

   

 

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HURST GREEN METHODIST CHURCH

 Saturday 28th August 

Dear Friends of Hurst Green Church

To celebrate the life of the church and its impact on the Hurst Green community, we would like to welcome you to a very special open day between 10.00am and 2.00 pm on Saturday 28^th August where memories and displays of the work that the church has been involved in will be on display.

 You will be most welcome to come and share your own memories and anecdotes of the church.

 You may have photos of special events that you would like to share or can recount events and celebrations that have a significance to you and your family.

 Perhaps you attended one of the many clubs that have taken part at the church -  Toddlers group, Sunday School, Boys Brigade and Shell Group to name but a few.

 Whatever your involvement with the church we would be very interested to hear your stories.

 Light refreshments will be served, please come and join us in this very special event.

 Kindest regards and Gods Blessings to you

Hurst Green Methodist Church Council Members.

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STATEMENT TO THE BLACKHEATH AND HALESOWEN CIRCUIT OF THE METHODIST CHURCH

FROM THE MEMBERS OF CROSSWAY CHURCH CENTRE

 

Following the decision taken at Methodist Conference 2021 to adopt the report “God In Love Unites Us” the members of the Fellowship at Crossway Church Centre have unanimously agreed that the departure from fundamental Biblical principles applicable to personal relationships outlined in this document leave us unable to remain as a worshipping community within the Methodist Church.

 

All Members of the Methodist Church in our Fellowship will shortly be formally resigning their Membership and we will step out in unity and faith in the direction we feel God is calling us to follow. Our decision has not been taken lightly and follows weeks of prayerful consideration.

 

We wish our Ministers Joseph and Peter well in their future journey with Christ, our leaving the jurisdiction of the Methodist Church is in no way a detrimental reflection on their personal Ministries.

 

With God’s Blessings on you all.

Every blessing        Stephen Williams

We hold the Crossway Church Family in our love
and pray that as they journey forward,
they will know God’s blessing on their journey of faith

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                           BOTTLE TOPS                                           

 

We haven’t been able to find another place to take bottle tops so we 

DEFINITELY won’t be able to collect any more sadly

Your love O Lord, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains. Your justice like the great deep….with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.   (Psalm 36 :5-6, 9)

 

These are difficult times for the Methodist Church. Let us hold each other and our ministers, Joseph and Peter in our prayers as we move forward, putting our faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and holding fast to our faith 

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HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS:AUGUST 7th

                                                                                                                                               

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

and afterwards at Quinton cemetery at 12.00 noon.

If you will be attending the funeral service, it would help if you can let Dave Raxster have your name and contact details in advance to save time on entering - for track and trace purposes

Donations in memory of Vera will be passed to Hasbury Methodist Church / Open Door

 

Roy Rolinson’s funeral will be at Hasbury on Tuesday August 17^th at 12.15. Family flowers only please.

 Donations in memory of Roy will be accepted for Dementia U.K. and may be sent to

Mark Timmins Funeral Director 36/38 Windmill Hill, Colley Gate, Halesowen B63 2BZ    

 

Margaret Sweeting is still in hospital until arrangements can be made for her after-care.

 

Jean Graham is still in hospital. If you would like to send a card to Jean, you may pass them on to Joy Jones who will arrange delivery.

 

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

Also all the young people who are awaiting exam results just now – we know how stressful it is, but remember you are loved beyond whatever results you get xx

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DAILY BIBLE READING NOTES

 

Thank you to Mary Smith for her service in distributing Daily Bread notes. However Mary is no longer able to carry on with this, so  Joy Jones is ordering some copies of Every Day with Jesus Bible reading notes.

If you would like to have a regular copy of these notes please could you contact Joy  Jones

 

Every Day with Jesus daily readings are free of charge.  (Occasional donations are welcome)

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                                         HASBURY CHURCH FAMILY NEWS:JULY 31st                                          

Roy Rolinson passed peacefully away at home on July 26^th

We hold Jan, Beth, Nic and all of the family in our love and prayers.

Roy’s long struggle is now over and he is safely with his Lord. 

Rest in peace Roy

Roy’s funeral will be at Hasbury on Tuesday August 17^th at 12.15. Family flowers only please.

 Donations in memory of Roy will be accepted for Dementia U.K. and may be sent to

Mark Timmins Funeral Director 36/38 Windmill Hill, Colley Gate, Halesowen B63 2BZ                                                                                                                

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

and afterwards at Quinton cemetery at 12.00 noon.

Audrey and Peter Beasley are in respite care for a while at Allenbrook Nursing Home

 

Please hold all of these families and all who need special care just now in your love and prayers.

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ROMSLEY METHODIST CHURCH

 

Romsley no longer has sufficient members to continue  and sadly will have to close.

We hold our brothers and sisters at Romsley in our love and pray that wherever they choose to make their new spiritual home will give them peace and hope.

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CHURCH GARDEN  -  HELP NEEDED PLEASE

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

(Roger takes his own mower to mow the grass as the church does not currently have a mower).

                                                                                

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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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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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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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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…. 

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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

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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

 

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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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                                         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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