CHRIST CHURCH - Discovering new ways of being church
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CHRIST CHURCH April & May 2020 Discovering new ways of being church
From the Pulpit Dear friends, We are living in extraordinary times and CCN has already had to undergo several drastic rewrites as so many events have had to be postponed until further notice. The unprecedented decision by the Archbishops to suspend public worship and then subsequent Government lockdown in the light of the Coronavirus pandemic has led us to reassess what it means to be church in modern times. Undoubtedly it is not a building, that has always just been a meeting place, for as we all know we can worship anywhere - as indeed we are having to. Thus, it must be the people that identify with that meeting pace as a focal point for their local community. Also, church is not just its congregational members but everyone who draw on the support and encouragement that it offers. Consequently, we are needing to reach out to our local community in a new way, particularly as we face the prospect of not being able to celebrate Easter ‘together.’ The Ministry Team are continuing to say the daily office at home and anyone can follow this online and join us virtually https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer- and-worship/worship-texts-and-resources/common-worship/daily-prayer#na On Sundays the President will offer up a short home Eucharist on behalf of the parish. At the moment we intend that a weekly homily and reflection will be produced for the notice sheet emailed around and available online. Please keep checking the website for other updates and if you have social media follow us on Facebook and Twitter. We will be sharing resources for prayer, discipleship and growth virtually and hope to increase our digital footprint via weekly live broadcasts via Facebook and YouTube. Many of our business meetings are also continuing to take place via Skype or Zoom so hopefully we will all be more technology savvy after this crisis. The Pastoral Team has divided up the whole congregation into areas of oversight and they along with home group leaders or others with particular responsibilities are keeping in regular contact through email, text or phone calls. We have also identified those who are especially vulnerable due to age, living alone or have known health issues for an even more watchful eye. I know that many of you are also doing your bit for neighbours, relatives and friends. It is for our own protection that we adhere to strict social distancing not because we don’t want to see people but because we need to stop the spreading of this deadly disease. Although many of us feel this is a disruption to ‘normal’ life and our hearts break for those who are having to postpone weddings and family celebrations, we Christ Church News Page 2 www.christchurchepsom.org.uk
particularly weep with those who are unable to give their loved ones the funerals
they want and will be offering Memorials and rebooking’s at a later date. Perhaps
as well as being challenging (to say the least) this is also an opportunity to
reassess so much more than just Church. What does community, society,
generosity and kindness also mean in these times? We talk a lot about the need
for a proper Sabbath in life well here’s a chance to take it. To recharge tired
batteries and look at the whole of life in a new way. Isn’t that what the
resurrection is all about? I pray that the dawn of this Easter will bring new hope
and joy to all who have journeyed with Christ through these wilderness days.
Prophetically the #Live Lent booklets final two days explore ‘Suffering and
Lament, ‘Rest and Restoration’, concluding that the resurrection hope,
“strengthens to live in a world as it is – a world where there is great suffering, a
world which we are called to serve and sustain.”
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,
through the power of the Holy Spirit; and the blessing of God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit be with you and those for whom you
pray this day and every day. Amen.
Revd. Rosemary Donovan
Christ Church News Page 3 www.christchurchepsom.org.uk
Tribute for Colin Taylor I was deeply saddened by Colins death for I greatly admired and respected Colin for his contribution to this church and the wider local community. I first met Colin in 2011 not long after my appointment as Vicar. He rang me asking for a time to meet alongside his Lib Dem councillor colleague and friend Nigel Pavey, also sadly deceased. I was impressed at their willingness to engage with a local Vicar. Later when he had been elected Mayor designate for 2013, he phoned me to ask me if I would please consider being his Mayoral chaplain. It was of course a great honour to be asked and I greatly enjoyed and appreciated the opportunities to attend the local Council sessions to say opening prayers, officiate at several town centre acts of worship, and to host Colin’s official Civic service here at Christ Church. Throughout that year I got to know Colin and Jose well becoming deeply impressed by their faith and commitment to the borough. It was a full year with many other civic celebrations and fundraising events that when at the end of it Colin and Jose announced they would be making Christ Church their spiritual home I was delighted. Colin and Jose bought to Christ Church a breadth of Christian wisdom and experience and I would enjoy our frequent chats about why Anglicans did things a particular way. There have been times when we didn’t always see eye to eye, but a mutual respect and understanding was always achieved. We have been immensely grateful for Colin’s input into Premises matters and his oversight of after church hospitality. Colin also served as a Governor for two of the schools in our parish, Stamford Green and Southfield Park. Here I saw another side of his faith in action as he was passionate about improving standards and wellbeing for both pupils and staff. Colin’s commitment to faith and education saw him becoming a Mission Champion for Spinnaker, a charity that supports religious education in schools. Christ Church News Page 4 www.christchurchepsom.org.uk
He wanted young people to have the opportunity to learn about Jesus and make
decisions for themselves.
Despite physical frailty Colin’s mental capacity never wavered and he had a strong
work ethic. He was determined to see projects through and will be frustrated that
his earthly life has ceased, however I believe our loss is heavens gain. He will be
remembered fondly for his humility, good humour and faithfulness in politics and
discipleship. We will miss him.
Revd. Rosemary Donovan
A P C M
The Annual Parochial Church Meeting was originally scheduled for April, to take
place as part of a 10.00 am communion service. Due to the current safeguards
being put into place to combat the spread of COVID-19 the meeting is currently
on hold until such time as we can meet together once again for worship and
fellowship. This also means that anyone planning to stand down from PCC,
Deanery Synod or other church office will also remain in post beyond April.
In preparation for the meeting an Annual Report has been produced and
approved by the PCC covering many aspects of church life for the last year and it
is planned to release this in early April on our website.
We’ll announce publication on our Social Media platforms and via email where
appropriate and I would encourage everyone to download a copy to read.
The report includes all the things we would normally distribute at or before the
meeting: Worship & Discipleship, Church Development, Outreach & Missions,
Children & Young People, Safeguarding, Environment, Social Events, Finances
(which includes the Accounts for last year and the proposed 2020/21 budget)
Deanery Synod, Fabric of Church Properties and Church Governance.
Craig Donovan, Interim PCC Secretary
Christ Church News Page 5 www.christchurchepsom.org.uk
Vision 2020 Update
The big picture is based on our strapline
Christ Church as a Living Well
and Christ Church living well
and is a response to scripture, namely Isaiah 58:11-12 and John 4.
As a Living Well Christ Church (the building) is a place of resource, attractive,
inspiring and compelling.
Physically in terms of our premises; fit for purpose facilities for both
worship and events.
Spiritually in terms of a space ‘to be’, curating an atmosphere of awe and
wonder, encounter and meeting where people can find God and
experience love, joy and peace.
Intellectually in terms of activities, that people would want or find they need
to be here as Christ Church fuels and stimulates them.
Christ Church is a place of challenge and action. Involvement is not simply passive
but enabling and requiring people to live well. Thus, Christ Church (the people)
are called to live Christ centred holistic lives based on our Rule for Life (in its 4th
year now) which calls us to be healthy:
Physically in terms of diet and exercise.
Spiritually in terms of relationship with God and prayer life as well as
work/life balance.
Intellectually in terms of discipleship and stewardship as well as creativity.
This is because we believe Jesus has come to bring us life and life in all its fullness
(John 10:10).
In terms of fulfilling this Vision I feel we have done incredibly well and I am led to
believe from our annual reviews that the Rule for Life is having a deep impact and
we are also beginning to roll out the principle of living well into all aspects of our
corporate life, the annual Call to Pray, Discipleship and Mission programs seek to
build on the 7 holy habits as do our Ecological, Social and Evangelistic initiatives.
Obviously, we have now hit 2020 and so this Vision is not something we still
striving for at a certain point in time but an ongoing realisation of this prayerfully
discerned calling, therefore any reference to a date should now be dropped. We
have been blessed with some legacies which we have ring fenced for
Christ Church News Page 6 www.christchurchepsom.org.uk
developmental work. Full redevelopment of our premises would require grant
applications and fundraising on top.
I think it would be fair to say that we have experienced several frustrations with
the building side of our strapline that we tend to forget how well we are actually
doing with the second and arguably more important part. As a Church we need
to hold onto this and give thanks for a variety of dreams fulfilled such as the
employment of a Youth and Families Worker; the successful worship review and
creation of new working groups to particularly target growth and outreach.
So, what is next?
In some senses keep on doing what we are doing particularly the things that are
going well and keep on reflecting and evaluating those things which could be
better.
There are many new initiatives and partnerships springing up – our schools
ministry remains strong and there are closer ties with LH, CCUFC and Uniformed
Groups. The re-establishment of Scouting at CC this year is something else to give
thanks for. The Knitting and Crochet Group is going from strength to strength
reaching non church goers as are the many new members of the Youth Group.
Our networks with CTIE, civic and conservation groups are also positive and there
is lot of good will towards us due to the increase of social media and personal
contacts.
If we go back to Isaiah the foundations have been strengthened and walls rebuilt,
and we have been faithful to our Vision.
What else remains?
• The website is a source of anxiety with a disappointing lack of progress into
its upgrade.
• The poor state of our office and hospitality facilities are frankly
embarrassing.
• The lack of daily fellowship and focus on site does not facilitate the
overflowing spring of water welling up to eternal life.
When the Project Team visited other churches way back in 2017, they identified
5 key aspirations that were the basis of our draft architect’s brief:
1. Improve lighting and audio visuals including future proofing for link -
this became known as Phase 1 and with a few irritating hiccups has
almost been fully realised. But it was complicated, the company
appointed going into liquidation and the discovery of asbestos were
particular setbacks and a few people have been put off doing anything
Christ Church News Page 7 www.christchurchepsom.org.uk
else by it. However overall, it has been a hugely successful venture
leading to increased opportunity for letting and outreach.
2. Increase kerb appeal, visibility & accessibility of church i.e. be open
more and look at landscaping and obvious entrance.
3. Link Church and Hall providing reception and ground floor parish office
4. Increased community facilities for groups to meet securely and
simultaneously
These 3 points were grouped together into Phase 2. A community
consultation was done, and the architect has produced draft plans for us
to respond to. However, the Project Team learning from Phase 1 has
identified that this might need breaking down further and at the moment
the only commitment into this area has been to do a PID on a possible
office in the church.
5. Integrate whole site, add increased car parking – this was called Phase
3 and is dependent on the termination of the Scout lease at the end of
2021, but we have felt we needed to take this into consideration with
our thinking now.
Having taken 5 years to get here It feels to me we are at a bit of a crossroads. We
can keep on going recognising it’s going to be a long and bumpy road or cut our
losses and move onto something else. Obviously 2020 was not realistic with
hindsight particularly knowing how full on church life is and seeing how cautious
many individuals can be. As a PCC we need to realistic about what is achievable
in these aspirations and identify new steps to get there, hence the recent
congregational survey to help us identify priorities. The results of this are still to
be reflected upon and reported in a future edition. Please keep praying for this
process.
Revd. Rosemary Donovan
om Epsom Christ Church
@CCEpsom
Christ Church News Page 8 www.christchurchepsom.org.uk
Christ Church Mission Committee
MISSION NAME: Christian Solidarity Worldwide
MISSION CHAMPION: Anne Fraser
https://www.csw.org.uk/latest.htm
Everyone Free to Believe
CSW’s vision is a world free from religious persecution, where everyone can
practise a religion or belief of their choice.
It's a right we must protect, defend and restore.
CSW seeks to challenge and change the laws, behaviours and policies which lead
to abuses of the right to freedom of religion and belief. They have over three
decades of experience advocating for such freedom around the world. The work
of CSW is rooted in the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
and they have specialist advocates working on over 20 countries across Africa,
Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. CSW works closely with the UN and the
British Government, often producing reports or bringing abuses to the attention
of government.
Started in its present form in 1997, CSW’s head office is in New Malden and it
has offices in London, Brussels, Casper WY, Edinburgh, Washington DC and
Kaduna. Mervyn Thomas, its founder, has been Chief Executive since 1999.
“We believe in the power of prayer to bring change.”
Prayer Diaries are published online and sent by email on a weekly basis. For
example, the diary for the week beginning 15th February is for China. CSW also
publishes regular updates online. On 10th February, we learnt that Coptic activist
Rami Kamil has had his detention extended after his court hearing was postponed
for a second time.
CSW and Christ Church
We want to help you help your church grow in its practical understanding and
application of “doing justice” (Micah 6:8). CSW are very keen to be prayerfully
and practically engaged with Christ Church and its members. They would like to
build a two-way relationship with us to enhance God’s work in the field of justice
and human rights. How can we do this?
Wells Prayer Group – meets in Epsom on the first Monday of the month (10.30
am -12 noon) to pray for Christ Church concerns. The members of the group have
Christ Church News Page 9 www.christchurchepsom.org.uk
now also kindly agreed to pray for a selection of CSW prayer concerns from the
weekly prayer diary and monthly magazine. If you are a member of Christ Church,
please do feel free to come along. I can give you the address if you contact me.
Otherwise, please consider signing up to the prayer diaries or find copies at the
back of the church.
Connect and Encourage magazine
https://www.csw.org.uk/connectencourage.htm
It is online or available as a paper copy. You are asked to write letters of
encouragement and hope to people suffering for their faith (or none). All cases
are carefully assessed so that nobody is put in danger by receiving a card. There
will be copies of the magazine at the back of the church if you would like to take
one home. If anyone would like to write and pray with me over coffee, let me
know.
Campaign: I will also advertise campaigns, such as Love Letters – sending a
message of Hope. There is also a CSW Campaign to Free Leah. (Leah Sharibu was
kidnapped by ISWAP, linked to Boko Harum in Nigeria. She has refused to
renounce her Christianity and remains in their hands two years later.)
Please do look out for the CSW on the Missions Board in May. There will also be
either a speaker or a short introduction from me.
If you would like to ask me anything, my email is anne.o.fraser@ntlworld.com
And of course, I would ask you to pray for the work of CSW.
Anne Fraser
Christ Church News Page 10 www.christchurchepsom.org.ukHerald of Spring Christ Church Youth was delighted to enter The Great Scarecrow Competition as part of the Herald of Spring event at Bourne Hall on Saturday 7th March. The competition was to create a scarecrow as part of this year’s theme - Bourne Hall being 50 years old - to go back to the 1960s! Christ Church News Page 11 www.christchurchepsom.org.uk
CC Youth decided on television programmes from this period. We researched
this and found that there were many that we familiar to our young people, but
some totally alien such as The Clangers.
This programme provided the inspiration for our scarecrow – The Soup Dragon!
Her scales were painted and decorated with images of characters from
programmes. Some were hand drawn and some printed. This also added an
additional competition for those looking at our scarecrow Soup Dragon – How
many programmes can you name from the images?
She was completed using donated and recycled items from Christ Church and
charity shops. She also had to contain plant material, and these formed her
spikes on her back and her toes in her wellington boot feet! The display was
finished off with a bowl of blue string pudding, Yum!
The Mayor of Epsom and Ewell, Cllr John Beckett judged the entries and we wait
to see how we fared.
Jen Sadler, Youth & Families Worker
Worship Team Update
In addition to the weekly staff session the Worship Team meets 3 times a year
and reports at least annually to the PCC. The team includes the Vicar, Curate,
Associate Minister, LLM and Youth & Families Worker, alongside a designated
Church Warden and musical representation, specifically the Band Leader and
Organist/Choir Director.
Provision of worship is the sole prerogative of the Incumbent in consultation with
the PCC, however standard practice at Christ Church has been to have a wider
group supporting the Incumbent in this role. The ultimate aim of this team is to
prayerfully reflect upon and develop the spiritual life of Christ Church as to cater
for the broad theological position of its members.
Particular responsibilities of the team include.
a. Planning an overview of the year using the lectionary and other resources
b. Identifying themes for the Source and Essence and any special sermon
series
c. Producing bespoke Sunday services and seasonal celebrations
d. Overseeing music provision
Christ Church News Page 12 www.christchurchepsom.org.uke. Identifying resources required for worship
f. Providing opportunity for quiet days, retreats, prayer installations etc.
At the January PCC meeting we shared a SWOT analysis that we had done recently
based on our evolving services pattern arising from our desire to ensure that a
missional approach is at the heart of all our worship and proposed that we
continue with the weekly 10 am Parish Communion and monthly 11:45
Traditional Holy Communion; 4pm The Source and 6:30pm Essence. In addition,
on 5th Sundays no 10am service but one whole church café style celebration. We
are also monitoring attendance at Essence and may consider discontinuing it in
the future except for special occasions.
Specific reflections included that the main
Parish Communion now had a good mix of
music which ties in well with themes of
readings and sermon. The consistent liturgical
format was helpful yet had room to adapt for
special occasions. It is still time and people
heavy in resourcing and we need to ensure
more room for the Spirit and keeping a sense
of awe and wonder.
The 11:45 traditional service in contrast is low maintenance and could provide
space for those who are ‘busy’ during the 10am. It does however tend to appeal
to a particular demographic which is declining and lack of critical mass leaves it
under threat of review.
Our new family friendly service ‘The Source’ brings in a different congregation
and is non-threatening to the unchurched. It is intentionally focused on children
with a short regular format. There is however little integration and lack of support
from the wider congregation. It also requires a lot of effort to set up and sadly
relies on the same small but dedicated team.
Essence has fantastic scope for creativity and diversity and is a place to
experiment, but its lack of clear identity has left it vulnerable in terms of numbers
and resourcing. It is favoured by ‘doers’ and clashes with Youth Club hence the
desire to trial 5 @ 5 as an alternative evening option and see how that goes
throughout the next year.
The Worship Team
Christ Church News Page 13 www.christchurchepsom.org.ukPCC Update
The PCC has remained in close contact despite the increasing restrictions placed
on meetings and movements.
The meeting planned for the 16th March was replaced but the sharing of reports
by email – in particular approving the draft COVID-19 policy (which will continue
to evolve in line with Government and Church of England instructions and
recommendations). Plans are underway for the APCM Annual Report which is due
to be published (on the Christ Church website) in early April, and progress is being
made on a new website design. Members of the PCC also agreed to continue in
role pending the rescheduling of the APCM.
A further meeting was held via Zoom (video conferencing) on 23rd March to
specifically consider the ongoing response to COVID-19, especially in regard to
the church building being closed for the time being. There was consideration for
vulnerable members of the congregation and the work already undertaken by the
Pastoral Team was acknowledged (they are endeavouring to contact every church
member every week – at least).
Everyone is encouraged to ‘follow’ the CC Facebook (Epsom Christ Church) and
Twitter (@CCEpsom) accounts as these will have regular updates for worship and
other important announcements, we are also trying to reach as many members
as possible via email so if you think we may not have your details please send
them to the office to receive regular communications
(office@christchurchepsom.org.uk). It would be great to receive any images of
‘church at home’ as families continue to worship so we can share them.
There are a number of technology options under consideration / investigation to
see how we can reach more people. Rosemary’s first video shared on our
Facebook page was viewed by more than 4,000 people!
The PCC also discussed the recent vision consultation noting that the most
popular preference was for a connection between the church and hall although
obviously we cannot move forward at this time.
Everyone is encouraged to keep in touch, to call friends and relatives and to
continue to pray for the wellbeing of others.
Craig Donovan, Interim PCC Secretary
Christ Church News Page 14 www.christchurchepsom.org.ukGrace Dutt (1909-85) For the Easter season at Christ Church, the purple altar frontal, vestments etc used during the penitential season of Lent will be replaced by our white set – white (or gold) being the relevant liturgical colour. Very few people are aware that the white altar frontal is dedicated to the memory of Grace Dutt who, just short of her 75th birthday, died on 7 April 1985 after 30-odd years of valued service at Christ Church in various capacities – not least as a member of the PCC and Fete organiser – culminating in four years as Christ Church’s verger. (The picture here is from an early 1980s press cutting about her selling woollen toys in aid of the Organ Fund.) Grace was born in Bethnal Green on 4 May 1909 as the second (and last) child of Laurence and Grace (née Stubbles) Dutt. The 1911 Census records the family living at 3 Benson Buildings Bethnal Green, with Laurence working as a “Grocer’s Packer”. The family later moved to Beckenham where Grace began her life-long involvement with Guiding: from the age of 17 she was Tawny Owl to a Brownie Pack in Beckenham and graduated to running Guides, Rangers and Cadets. Guiding was also her paid employment. She began work in the retail side of the Guide HQ in Buckingham Palace Road, London, became a buyer and, eventually, Sales Manager coping with invasions of Brownies and Guides from all over Britain and the world. During the 1930s, Grace – who never married – moved with her parents to Leatherhead. This was perhaps to be near Grace’s older sister, Daisy, who had married Leonard Heaton in 1930 and set up home at 38c West Hill, Epsom. (The Heatons moved away from the district post-war.) Anyway, the September 1939 Register records Grace and her parents (now in their late 50s) living at 18 Bridge Street, Leatherhead. Her father was listed as a “Shop Keeper (Tobacconist & Confectionery)” and her mother with the conventional "Unpaid Domestic Duties". The 30-year-old Grace is listed as “Buyer (Girl Guide Equipment)”. Sometime during the 1940s, Grace’s father retired and, by 1951, the three of them had moved to their final home of 46 Eastdean Avenue, Epsom – and Grace began her years of involvement at Christ Church which became more extensive after her retirement in 1969 – shortly before which both her parents had died. Christ Church News Page 15 www.christchurchepsom.org.uk
Grace’s death in early April 1985 came rather out the blue. As the then Vicar, the
Revd Mark Wilson, said at her memorial service on 16 April, “Grace’s illness,
decline and death caught us all by surprise. She was always so dependable, never
taking a Sunday off; it seems very strange not to see her sitting behind her desk,
keeping an eye on us all, making sure the Vicar’s sermon isn’t too long, or the
children too noisy.” After paying tribute to her faith, her organising abilities and
her sometimes wicked sense of humour, the Vicar concluded by saying, “Grace
was utterly reliable and gave unswerving loyalty and service. She leaves an
enormous gap, not only in the many tasks she performed, but also in our hearts
and affection. She will be greatly missed by her many friends at Christ Church and
in the local community. We thank God for her.”
The May 1985 edition of the Parish Magazine reported that “A Church Fund in
memory of Grace has been opened and already funds have been given by
neighbours in Eastdean Avenue and by those who came to the Memorial Service.
The Fund will be used to provide something specific for the Church in memory of
Grace.” That something specific in Grace’s memory was the “white” altar frontal
illustrated below.
It was designed by Evelyn Jennings of the Hampton School of Needlework and
made by then Christ Church members and skilled needlewomen, Brenda Elliott
and Alison Hewitt. It is a nice touch that discreet reference is made to Grace’s life-
long involvement with Guiding by the small trefoils at each corner of the centre
panel, of which I’ve enlarged one. Inset on the bottom left below is the (not to
scale) dedication to Grace that is stitched on the back of the frontal.
Roger Morgan
Christ Church News Page 16 www.christchurchepsom.org.ukReduce Reuse Recycle...
being the first and, arguably, the most important, led me to
think more carefully over the last 12 months about how I could
replace items that had plastic ingredients and/or packaging with
alternatives.
is an amazing way to recycle plastic waste but they
don’t take everything so the challenge was on! Below
are ten things that I have managed to swap over
to. Please contact me if you would like further details
of which companies I have bought from and where I
have sourced items.
Washable Sanitary Pads
Recycled Foil
Solid Deodorant
Biodegradable Baby Wipes
Compostable Cutlery, Plates and Cups
Solid Shampoo Bar
Solid Body Wash Bar
Tooth flossers
Biodegradable plant-based cleaning wipes
Vegan Soap
Solid Hair Conditioner Bar
However, the challenge continues!
Ro Stretton
on behalf of Christ Church Eco-Church Committee
Christ Church News Page 17 www.christchurchepsom.org.ukChrist Church Mission Committee MISSION NAME: OrphanAID, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa MISSION CHAMPION: Greg Edwards MISSION BACKGROUND: OrphanAID has been operating for the past 13 years as a small outfit, supporting young children who have been orphaned as a result of losing one or two parents – primarily from the HIV/AID’s virus. Usually, the grandparents struggle in a country with no social welfare system to raise these children – and that’s where OA steps in to assist by: 1. OrphanAid supports 200+ AIDS orphans, amongst other destitute families 2. Feeding & Clothing Orphans 3. Buildings for Orphans / families 4. Life skills training and discipleship 5. Medicine and Clinics 6. Schooling 7. Providing a Place of Safety & Refuge 8. Christian principals & living 2020 UPDATE: The end of 2019 culminated in OA’s Annual Christmas party, which was held on the 11th – 14th Dec 2019 in Embo and Molweni, and was a big success. With the help and support of their local sponsors, they were able to bless over 200 orphans, underprivileged children and teens in the Valley of 1000 Hills area. As part of their Children’s Outreach program, OA have started a Smart kids club. Its main aims is to grow children into being aware of the importance of spiritual growth, academic achievements and matured independent individuals. Christ Church News Page 18 www.christchurchepsom.org.uk
Unfortunately, not much has taken place regarding the Embo Community Centre
building except the installation of electricity and the new revised building plan
done last year (December). It's a bit costly to finish the whole building and so the
plan is to do it in stages . This means the hall will be the first priority early into
2020.
We need to continue to prayer for them to make steady progress with the
continuation of their Embo Community Centre development.
Once again, Elias and the OA volunteers want to thank ChristChurch for the
continued support and charitable giving.
Greg Edwards, Mission Champion
Due to COVID-19 the planned house to house collection during Christian Aid
Week from 10 - 16 May has been cancelled.
As a parish we usually send well over £2,000 and in previous years getting on for
£2,500 to Christian Aid, so it's a great shame that this won't be happening this
year.
If any of you would care to learn what Christian Aid have been doing lately, you
might like to look at their website. Google Christian Aid, then About Us, and What
We Do.
https://www.christianaid.org.uk/our-work/about-us
If you would like to make a donation, there's an option to donate money on their
website.
Jenny Power
Christ Church News Page 19 www.christchurchepsom.org.ukAlpha at Christ Church
Christ Church plan to run an Alpha Course later this year (subject to the ongoing
COVID-19 reponse). Alpha is an 11-week course that creates space where people
can bring their friends for a conversation about faith, life and God. The
atmosphere is authentic and unforced.
Each session is interactive beginning with food, then there is a talk by DVD
followed by discussion in small groups. In the discussion the guests ask the
questions and the group tries to provide the answers. Other members in the
group share their own thoughts and difficulties and everyone should feel that
they can share their deepest thoughts without being embarrassed.
The course talks on DVD usually last about 30 minutes and explore the basics of
the Christian faith and engage with the guests, some of whom may well be people
who do not normally go to church.
Why not consider whether you should experience for yourself the
benefits of the course?
We are team building!! We need people to join the Team who are enthusiastic to
reach out to our community, and whoever you are you can help. We hope the
whole congregation will be involved – so this is how you can help:
• PRAY for the Team; and that the community will respond; Prayer cards will be
available.
• TALK about the course to family, friends, neighbours;
• SPREAD the word on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc;
• DISTRIBUTE invitations;
Christ Church News Page 20 www.christchurchepsom.org.uk• PREPARE FOOD for each session – even if it is only cake, tea, coffee if we have
an early week-end afternoon start;
• CLEAR UP after the meal so that a group can meet there after the DVD
presentation;
• SET UP - there will be work to do to get the hall ready for each session;
• CARE FOR CHILDREN – if guests bring children, look after them so that parents
can relax and fully take part in the course;
• BE A GROUP LEADER for the discussion groups;
• BE A HELPER for the discussion groups to back up the leader;
• BE A BACK UP - because the course lasts 11 weeks, with a double session on
the 8th week, we need backups for all the above.
Please be involved somehow!
The Evangelisation and Outreach Team will run the course. The team includes
Rosie Blacoe, Jackie Brazier, Denise Chamberlain, Peter and Ruth Grint, Chris and
Penny Purdy, Jen Sadler, Martin Virgo and John Warburton. Speak to any of us if
you need more information.
Peter Grint
Services and Diary
Shortly after the copy date for this magazine we received the instruction from the
Church of England that in order to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 we can no
longer offer public worship for groups of people to attend together and so all
services have been postponed until further notice.
Equally all business and social meetings are postponed (including the Good Friday
procession). Some meetings are proceeding (see PCC section) however these are
being held remotely via telephone or video conferencing.
We have therefore decided that, to avoid creating confusion, to omit the regular
Services and Diary listings for this edition of CCN.
Please continue to monitor our website and Social Media platforms for more
details.
Craig Donovan, Editor CCN
Christ Church News Page 21 www.christchurchepsom.org.ukNews from your Social Committee First and foremost a very big Thank You to all those that helped with the setting up/tidy up for the Bertie Pearce evening together with those that purchased tickets, bought family and friends for what turned out to be a very good evening with lots of laughter and merriment! The event, after costs, raised a magnificent £2,050 which has gone into church funds. Our first “Swishing Event” or Clothes Swap is postponed. It is our hope that in hosting such an event we will encourage people to start thinking about our use of the environment and how we can by small steps start to think about our purchases, the use and eventual recycling of clothes and products we use. If you have been sorting out your wardrobes, please hold onto those new or nearly new items for this event later in the year. Dates for your diaries (all dates now subject to change!) On Saturday 23rd May (from 12 noon until 3 pm) we are holding a Spring Fayre, once again to raise funds for the Church. There will be a wide variety of stalls from crafts to clothes and lots of fun activities so please do invite family and friends. Plans are already afoot, but we do need you to start thinking about: Plants for our plant stall so when you are sowing your seeds or reducing clumps of plants think about putting some aside for us. This stall always proves very popular. Bric a Brac and Raffle. Have you got some unused Christmas Gifts that you don’t really want but are too good to throw away? Items that others may find a use for. Do put them to one side for us as they will be greatly appreciated. Children’s Books and Toys: These were another hit last time but please make sure that Items are complete and in good condition. Children’s Tombola: (We are looking for small items that can be wrapped) the children love these types of events and if we keep the children amused the parents can also enjoy themselves. Bottle Tombola: This stall is always a great hit so when you put your orders in at Majestic, Sainsbury’s Waitrose or the like maybe find a bottle that you might like to donate (and it doesn’t necessarily have to be alcohol!). More information will follow in the church weekly news sheets and we will ask for donations to be brought in once dates are confirmed. Christ Church Music Evening 4th July A fun filled music night is being planned so please put this date in your diary! More details to follow. Christ Church News Page 22 www.christchurchepsom.org.uk
m Epsom Christ Church
@CCEpsom
Copy date for the next edition 15th May
Submissions to donovancraig8@gmail.com
The Revd. Rosemary Donovan (Day off Friday)
Vicar
vicar@christchurchepsom.org.uk (01372 720302)
(OLM) The Revd. Sue Curtis
Associate Minister
sacsac@ntlword.com (01372 210492)
The Revd. David Fox Branch (Day off Friday)
Curate
curate@christchurchepsom.org.uk (01372 726225)
Youth & Families Worker Jen Sadler yfw@christchurchepsom.org.uk (07734 258421)
John Warburton jwarburton1@gmail.com (01372 372855)
Churchwardens
Andy Hards andrewhards@clara.co.uk (01372 273165)
Parish Office office@christchurchepsom.org.uk (01372 743133)
Hall bookings via our website
Registered Charity No: 1127945
www.christchurchepsom.org.uk
Please note that Christ Church News is uploaded to the Christ Church website and therefore will be available via the Internet.
Christ Church News Page 23 www.christchurchepsom.org.ukYou can also read
