CROSS – SECTION  

November 2009.

The Newsletter for Radcliffe on Trent

and Cotgrave Methodist Churches,

and The Church at Gamston

Minister:  Revd.  Janet Tanner

Telephone:  0115 933 2509

E mail:  revjantan@aol.com

Ministers Letter

January brings the snow, and the white world glistens; I’m a child full of love, speak Lord, and I’ll listen. March means sun and wind and rain, springtime flowers dancing. I am young, growing fast, wanting all the answers.

 

Dear Friends,

November can be a bit of a damp squib of a month don’t you think? Damp grey pavements and cold grey days; shortening day length and ever-increasing ‘to do’ lists. Perhaps the best that can be said about November is that it only has 30 days and so it won’t be too long till Christmas!

But then we get the odd day of blue skies and sunshine; fresh days that somehow blow away the cobwebs and the damp. And there are all the small pleasures of winter to settle back into: warm jumpers and cosy fires, hot soup and hot-water bottles.

Richard and I like to watch DVD’s, especially late in the evening after long church meetings! We have plenty of old favourites where we know the dialogue off by heart. There is nothing more comforting about winter for us than to curl up with a hot drink, a candle or two and a good movie. The fact that we are now officially middle-aged means that we usually wake up just before the end these days. So it’s just as well the stories are old friends.

The different ‘feel’ to the months of each year are good reminders of the bigger have ‘moved on’ or grown up or grown older and, hopefully, wiser. We can give thanks to God for the cyclical nature of our lives, with its opportunities to enjoy the familiar and also the way our lives can take a different turn. From birth to old age we can be excited by the new and surprising things that are there for us, just waiting for us to open our eyes to all the immense possibilities of being alive in God’s good world.

Estelle White wrote a beautiful folk-style song that expresses this rhythm of familiarity, of growth, and of change that is our common experience:

With love,

Janet

Technology and the Church

Information & Communication Technology

What is ICT?

Information & Communication Technology, or ICT is any technology that is used to communicate information, which can be images, text, sound or video. It has been around for a long time - inventions like the telephone and television count as ICT. But it has really come to the fore in recent years with the rapidly expanding use of computers, fax machines, mobile phones, and of course the internet. This has led to a lot of new possibilities for churches, not only in day to day communication, but also in services, study groups, and spreading their message to the outside world. 

What about the wider impact on society? 

Some people have argued that the growth of ICT could be seen as creating a gap between the 'information rich' and the 'information poor'. Technology to receive e-mails and access the internet costs money. This could also be seen as exacerbating inequality between rich and poor countries across the world.
But in its favour ICT is leading to some positive changes. ICT training and jobs are booming in places like India and China, helping development in those countries, and helping to raise the general standard of living.

Here in the UK the government has invested effort to make ICT available to as many people as possible. Now you don't even need a computer to access the internet, it is possible to use mobile phones and Digital Televisions. 50% of homes are now connected to the internet, and as many as 96% of the population are aware of a place where they could get on line if need be. See the UKonline Annual Report 2003 into the spread of internet use.
http://www.e-envoy.gov.uk/assetRoot/04/00/60/69/04006069.pdf

What about spam, computer viruses, and the darker side of the internet?

These are some of the disadvantages that can put people off getting connected to the internet. But there are now several easy ways to block out the unwanted from your computer screen and e-mail inbox.

On the whole the advantages of speed, convenience, and long term savings mean that the new technologies are set to become a fact of life for everyone in the future.

In the end the technology is just the medium. It's there to spread the message, to be used for God's purposes - as John Wesley did in the days when information & communication technology had four legs and a tail...

autumn fair Saturday 7th November 10.30-12.30

COTGRAVE

Sunday services for November  2009

(Services start at 10.30am unless otherwise stated)

Open Door

The first Saturday of every month. Coffee and chat 10.30-12.00. Sat 7^th Nov: Autumn Fair

Breakfast with God

Every Sunday morning from 9am – 10.15am for all young people aged 10 and over. Share breakfast, Bible readings, thoughts and prayers together before worship.

Junior Church

Our Junior Church meets every Sunday morning (except for the third week of the month when we all worship together). All children under 11 are welcome to join. (Over 11s come to Breakfast with God and then join the whole church for worship).

Transform

meets every Wednesday during term time in the Methodist Community Hall (behind the church) from 3.30pm – 5pm for year 6 children. Further details are available from our Youth Evangelist, Gareth Baron (07988 152 468)

the_group

meets every Wednesday during term time in the Methodist Community Hall (behind the church) from 5 – 6.30pm for anyone aged 11 - 14. Further details are available from our Youth Evangelist, Gareth Baron (07988 152 468)

ClaYFroG

 Cotgrave Youth Fellowship Group meets on a Monday evening from 6 – 8pm for all Christians aged 11 – 16 years. Further details are available from our Youth Evangelist, Gareth Baron (07988 152 468)

Fellowship @ Grannies

The ALPHA Course continues on a Thursday evening at Grannies. For more information on this basic introduction to the Christian Faith contact Louise Beaumont 0781 5803 837

Fellowship @ 48

Informal worship, prayer and Bible study led by Lynda Blyth at her home, 48 Broadmeer. All are welcome on Tuesdays 10^th & 24^th Nov beginning at 7.30pm.

Bible Studies

Led by Mike Chadderton at 7.30pm on Tuesday evenings 3^rd and 17^th Nov continuing studies at 30 Mill Lane, the home of Jean Rutherford. For more information / lifts, contact Jean on 989 0355. A warm welcome is extended to all.

Women’s Group

Meet each Wednesday at 2pm for fellowship, discussion and prayer with a variety of speakers in the vestry. There is always a welcome for new members.

For further details contact Ruth Okrafo-Smart on 989 2270.

Prayer Walking

November’s prayer walk will be on Monday 23^rd  beginning at the Methodist Church at 1.30pm. All are welcome to meet to pray and then walk or remain in church for an hour of guided prayer.

Prayer Chain

Prayer messages are passed down this chain of church friends by phone. To ask for prayer please contact Jean Rutherford. If you would like to join the Prayer Chain please speak to any member.

The Prayer Chain is:

Jean Rutherford   989 0355

Eileen Taylor                 989 3784

Elaine Hanby                 989 4378

Lynda Blyth                   989 4670

Margaret Wood    989 0092

Christmas tree Festival Saturday 5th December

Maureen Pedlar    989 3198

Rev Janet Tanner 933 2509

GAMSTON

Sunday services for November  2009

(Services start at 10.00am unless otherwise stated)

5211 Club

The club meets from 3.45 – 5.15pm every Thursday in Gamston Village Hall.  5211 is for 5 – 11 year olds and includes craft activities, singing and Bible-based fun.  Everyone is welcome.

Anyone who is willing to help in any way, no matter how infrequently, please contact Andy Harris (845 7511)

Poppy Appeal

The Royal British Legion has obtained permission, again, to sell poppies in the foyer of ASDA and Morrison’s stores, in the week leading up to Remembrance Sunday. I would be most grateful for all offers to stand and sell poppies, for a two hour 'shift' during the week lst - 7th November inclusive, Offers of help to Judith Booth, 923 2515, please. l will endeavour to fit you in to the rote at a time convenient for you.

RADCLIFFE-ON-TRENT

Sunday services for November 2009

(Services start at 10.00am unless otherwise stated)

Door Stewards

Nov.1                   Gillian Walls and Elaine Upton

Nov.8                   Thelma and Mal Akers

Nov.15        Maureen Dolby and Alwyn Brown

Nov.22        Jan Sanderson and Betty Greenhalgh

Nov.29        Mary Martin and Mary Wilson

Flower Rota

Nov.1                   John Buck

Nov.8                   Betty and Joe Greenhalgh

Nov.15        Jean Roberts

Nov.22        Elaine Upton

Nov.29        Margaret Ann Dickie

Coffee Rota

Nov.1                   Helen and Bob Weir and Margaret Elliott

Nov.8                   Jean Roberts, Pam Priestland and Barbara Penistan

Nov.15        Alwyn Brown, Eileen Threadgold and Angie Albury

Nov.22        Jane Enoch, Rachel Brown and Gillian Walls

Nov.29        Chris and Dave Morley and Rae Goddard

M.E.G. (Monday Evening Group – worship, Bible study, prayer and friendship)

MEG meet on Nov 2nd at 8pm at 26 Water Lane, the home of the Layhe family.

C.A.M.E.O. (Come And Meet each Other)

[A group for working women]

The next meeting will be on Tuesday 10^th Nov. 

‘Criminal Justice Drugs Intervention’                            Talk about local work with Offenders.     Venue;  Sue Gregory’s,  33 Woodland Close

Ladies Tuesday Group 7.30 pm

3rd November   Mr Peter Hammond will be giving a talk on 'Lotions, Potions and Cure-Alls'.

November 17th  Mrs Jean Smith (a Tuesday Group member) will be giving a talk on her visit to Kenya entitled 'Kari Buni - Welcome to Kenya'.

Quiet Day

Thursday 12th November from 10am to 4.30pm, at 35 Clumber Drive, led by Jean Smith.  Many people have already found these days of quiet reflection to be helpful and relaxing as we meditate, pray, read, do craftwork, or nothing at all, just be, as we make space for God in the rush of our everyday lives.  Morning coffee, a simple lunch, and afternoon tea are provided, with an optional donation to charity.  Please contact Jean on 933 4407 if you are interested, as numbers are limited, but other dates can be arranged.

Be Still     (by Ann Lewin, used by permission of Methodist Publishing House)

You do not have to look for anything; just look.

You do not have to listen for specific sounds; just listen.

You do not have to accomplish anything; just be.

And in the looking, and the listening, and the being,

Find ME.

Food for Thought

Thursday 5^th Nov 12.15pm .  All are welcome - anyone of any age - to come along and enjoy a simple lunch and a pause for thought.    Further information from Jean Smith

Be Still and Know...

Friday 27^th Nov. 9.30 - 10.30am.  A time of quiet reflection; on people who need our prayers, or on our church, our community, and the world at large, or just to be still, and know the presence of God.  Drop in for as long as you like, and feel the peace.       

Parent Support Group (TAG)

Group for mums with young children – creche available

Thursday 12^th & 26^th November. 1:30 – 3pm

Here is an opportunity to meet up with others and look at some of the challenges in caring for young children.  Through a course of discussion sessions, we will share experiences and think about some of the things we can do in balancing the pressures of parenting today.

Further details from Rachael Glover (9335 283)

This is proving so popular that we are desperate for more helpers for the crèche. If you can give 2 hours once a month please contact Rachel Brown (07906057977)

*Community Cafe*

Saturday 14 November 9:30 – 12:30 (every 2^nd Sat of the month)

Something for all the family: fun crafts for the children – good quality fair trade coffee - homemade cakes –different local crafts on sale each month – trade craft stall – and most importantly friendship and good company.

 Footsteps on the Fifteenth

This group meets every month on the 15^th.   There is a varied programme of visits and events. For details of the next 15^th  watch the weekly notices or ring Helen Hancock  Tel. 933 2217

New Club

For all children aged 5 – 7 years with craft and Bible based activities led by a dedicated team.  This month’s club date is 10^th Nov from 3.45 – 5pm.

Tuesday  Club

For all children aged 7 - 11years with games, craft and Bible based activities.  This month’s club date is 3^rd Nov from 3.45 – 5pm.

Friday Morning Communion service

We will gather in the Prayer Room at 9.30am on Fridays 13^th Nov led by the Rev Janet Tanner to share in worship and quiet reflection together around the Lord’s Table.  All are welcome.

Religious freedom in Cuba  01/09/2009

Executive summary

Cuba has yet to ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights despite signing both, to much fanfare, in 2008. While there have been a few positive developments in regard to religious liberty for a small number of religious groups, they are not reflective of any overall improvement in the general religious liberty situation. Instead, over the past two years there has been a sharp increase in reported violations of religious freedom, including harassment and imprisonment of church leaders and the forced closure, confiscation or destruction of church buildings. These violations have been systematically carried out across the country suggesting that they are part of government policy and not isolated abuses by local or provincial authorities.

Church leaders who have openly called on the government to respect religious freedom or criticised government interference in internal church matters, those who have refused to work on behalf of the government (as informers or by publicly endorsing government initiatives), and church groups which refuse to register have been targeted for particularly severe harassment. The six-year sentence handed down in July 2009 to one pastor, the most lengthy prison sentence given to a religious leader in decades, and the ongoing political persecution of another major church leader who resisted government pressure on the organisation he led, gives great cause for concern. All of this indicates that, rather than moving toward a more open society, the government under the leadership of Raul Castro still views religious organisations, and in particular their leaders, as potentially dangerous and as a result continues to attempt to exert as much control as possible over their activities.

PASTORALIA

Radcliffe:

Rita Daniel, Clifford and family

Ivor Klucinskis and family in their bereavement

Barbara and Clive Marshall and family

Mrs  Gudgin

Ian and Betty Wood

For all volunteers with the Youth Project

Cotgrave:

Eileen and Mick Taylor, their daughter and family

The Alpha Course at Grannies

Gamston:

The work of the Gamston Parish Council and Leader Diane Kidger

The Connexion and District:

Rev  David Gamble, President of Conference

Dr Richard Vautrey, Vice President

Rev Dr Martin Atkins, General Secretary of the Methodist Church

Rev Wes Blakey, Nottingham and Derby District Chair, in his retirement year

Pray also for the people who live in your street

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Items for the December  Newsletter to be submitted to Joe Greenhalgh by

15^th November  at      joseph.greenhalgh@ntlworld.com

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Women's Network

The Women's Network of the Methodist Church aims to encourage, enable and equip women to participate fully in the life of the Church and in society.

It does this through:

• Training in specific skills
• Conferences and events on issues and themes
• Different styles of worship and ideas for worship
• Campaigns in which women may be actively involved
• Provision of information about other groups and resources
• Mutual support through all of the above