CORNERSTONE NEWS FEBRUARY 2021
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CORNERSTONE
NEWS
FEBRUARY
2021
Let us
LOVE
one another
for love
is from
GOD
1 John 4 v 7
Hythe United Reformed Church
New Road, Hythe, Southampton SO45 6BR
Telephone 023 8084 5005
E-mail:
enquiries@cornerstonehytheurc.org.uk
Registered Charity No. 1141707
1 Hythe United Reformed Church
SECRETARY: Dr Richard Hall 023 8084 0191
secretary@cornerstonehytheurc.org.uk
TREASURER: Nick Tustian 023 8084 0296
treasurer@cornerstonehytheurc.org.uk
NEWSLETTER Diana Sandy 023 8084 2745
EDITOR: newsletter@cornerstonehytheurc.org.uk
ROOM LETTING Mike Garside 023 8086 1381
SECRETARY: bookings@cornerstonehytheurc.org.uk
PASTORAL Jan Sherlock pastoral@cornerstonehytheurc.org.uk
TEAM:
FAMILIES Joan Shewry 023 8020 7623
MATTER: office.fm.hurc@gmail.com
CHURCH Cornerstone office@cornerstonehytheurc.org.uk
OFFICE: New Rd, Hythe
CHURCH Roger Perkin www.cornerstonehytheurc.org.uk
WEBSITE:
SAFEGUARDING Nikkie Pullen 07903 885053
OFFICER: safeguarding@cornerstonehytheurc.org.uk
FURTHER INFORMATION
To join our email distribution list please email Joy Funnell at
joy@cornerstonehytheurc.org.uk
For pastoral care offers or needs please contact Jan Sherlock
(Tel 07928 819 300)
or email pastoral@cornerstonehytheurc.org.uk
For church information contact Richard Hall 023 8084 0191
secretary@cornerstonehytheurc.org.uk or Craigmore, Roman Road,
Dibden Purlieu SO45 4QJ
Please contact your home-group leader, Elders and Team Leaders or
any trusted Christian for any spiritual support and guidance at this time.
2
Birthdays 33
Christmas Nativity Parade 14
Excitement! 24-26
Families Matter 28-30
Fellowship and Social 12
Financial Support 13
IN THIS ISSUE
Flower Ministry 35
General Information 8, 9
Obituaries 15-16, 21-22, 23
Overseas Mission 27
Pastoral Letter 4
Prayer 17-20
Thanks and Praise 34-35
Vision Statement 7
Wednesday Thought for the Day 12
Wessex Synod 31-32
Worship Arrangements 5, 6
Youth Worker 10, 11
MARCH NEWSLETTER
The deadline for the March issue is 21st February
The Editor would be very grateful to receive items and messages which
will bless others in the church at this time that can be put in the next
edition of our newsletter, so please send such items to
E-mail: newsletter@cornerstonehytheurc.org.uk
Items can be sent by post to
Joy Funnell, 17 Fern Road, Hythe, Southampton SO45 5EG
Telephone : 023 8084 3404
3
Pastoral Letter
Written by Nick Tustian
It’s bad enough having to cope with the problems of
COVID-19 but it’s now also February which is, along with
January, traditionally thought to be one of the most miserable months of
the year. Christmas is over, Spring is a long way off, it’s cold and wet
etc. etc. So I feel I am quite justified in starting this letter by being
grumpy and having a moan. I suspect, like many of you, I love reading
books particularly at this time and often have three or four on the go at
any one time. In fact Wendy often says that my idea of a romantic walk
is to stroll around Waterstones!!
So here is the moan. Something that really annoys me is epigraphs!! An
epigraph is one of those silly little quotes you often find at the start of a
book or chapter that is supposed to add wisdom or humour to what you
are about to read. They don’t in fact; I think they are only put there by
the author to try and prove they are much more widely read than
perhaps the rubbish they are writing. I’m actually currently reading a
really good book by Robert Galbraith (the whodunnit name used by J K
Rowling) called “Troubled Blood” and each chapter starts with a quote
from The Faerie Queen written by Edmund Spenser. I’ve no idea why
this epigraph is there as it neither inspires nor amuses me. In fact it’s
just plain annoying!!
So during this time have you found something that inspires you? That
gives you comfort in these difficult times or even makes you laugh? It
could be music, a piece of art maybe or even a book. More than ever
we need something good in our lives to hang on to and I was very
struck by this verse from Philippians 4 v 8:
Finally Brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything
is excellent or praiseworthy - Think about such things.
I was reminded that, just as with that ancient Church of Philippi, a life
built on Christ is all of those things. It is indeed a wonderful thing to be
part of a Church family and be so loved by Jesus Christ our saviour
whose birth we have just celebrated, who came to earth and gave up
his life for each one of us. There is so much to be thankful for and even
4
during the darkest, most difficult, times those are the things I want to
think about. I do hope you are finding something to help you cope in
these times and perhaps, like me in this case, the answer lies within
the word of God. The Bible gives us all we need if we just open our
eyes and look for it. And do you know the great thing about the Bible,
There are no epigraphs!!
God Bless and Keep you well and safe
Nick
Worship in February
Online at 10.30 am via our YouTube channel
https://bit.ly/CornerstoneHytheURC
Date Speaker Theme
7th Revd Alison John Growth of the Church:
Reaching older people
14th Revd George Gibson Letter to the Church in Smyrna:
Revelation 2 v 8-11
Service includes communion
21st Revd Paul Stokes Gifts of the Spirit –
An introduction
28th Revd Brian Harley Gifts of the Spirit –
Wisdom & knowledge
Please note that Communion will be on Sunday 14th February.
During the current Covid-19 restrictions, our Sunday worship services
are only available online, streamed on YouTube on Sunday mornings
at 10.30am and available anytime after that. The service can be
accessed via the YouTube website or using a Smart TV or Smart
digibox that has YouTube on it using our channel called ‘Cornerstone
Hythe URC’, which you are encouraged to subscribe to (no cost
involved). Alternatively you can access the Cornerstone YouTube
services at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?
list=PLP_2swInAag8uxW8e5_VH6P04PmfkYcpR
This is where you can also catch up on services you may have missed
or wish to view again.
5
Communion – Sunday 14th February
You are invited to share communion together on 14 th February, when
Revd George Gibson will be leading our worship.
Those on our email distribution list will be receiving a link to our
pre-recorded service. We invite those of you not on that list to join us
at approximately 10.40 am to share in the communion.
For communion, please have ready a piece of bread and some cups of
wine, fruit juice or squash or your own alternative drink.
At approximately 10.40 am please read 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 out
loud and then you are invited to join in saying: “We proclaim that
Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again - Hallelujah!”
Then say the words – “The body of Jesus was broken that we might be
whole” before eating the bread.
Then say the words – “The blood of Jesus was shed for us for the
forgiveness of our sin” before drinking from your cup.
Then please join in saying the Lord’s prayer:
Our Father in heaven hallowed be your name, your Kingdom come,
your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not
into temptation but deliver us from evil, for the Kingdom, the power
and the glory are yours now and for ever, Amen.
We want to feel connected by our faith and our church fellowship
even at a time of scattering and this is a wonderful way of doing it.
Please feed back any words of encouragement or responses to this
simple united worship.
6
Vision Statement
The Vision Statement below was developed by the Elders over several
weeks during the autumn of last year and was fully approved at the
Church AGM held in November.
* * *
“Transforming people’s lives through the power of Jesus Christ by
strengthening and equipping the church to serve Him”
We want the lives of as many people as possible to be changed
through coming to know and love the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour and
Lord. We want all members and friends to be excited to be part of
the church and to be involved in its life, outreach and service. Mission
is central and should drive everything we do.
We want to be a church where:
• Clear bible teaching through sermons, study material, youth
and children’s work and other opportunities will equip and
inspire us.
• Sharing the gospel through outreach and practical acts of
service is at the heart of what we do.
• Uplifting worship supports and enriches our walk with Christ.
• God’s healing will transform us, restore relationships and bring
joyful unity.
• Our people, young and old, will be encouraged to use their gifts
and talents in new ways.
• Pastoral care of others is a joyful natural response of us all to
God’s love and care for us.
• And every aspect is guided and sustained through prayer and
the moving of the Holy Spirit.
* * *
Together we now need to explore how it will be implemented
through all areas of the life and work of our church, so please pray,
reflect and discuss this over the coming weeks and months.
7
General Information & Opportunities
We continue to try hard to organise our congregational life and
communicate things to you. If you want to check anything, ask any
questions, seek clarification or make suggestions about the life of our church
at this time then the best person to contact is our Church Secretary Richard
Hall who can be contacted on telephone number 023 8084 0191 or by email
secretary@cornerstonehytheurc.org.uk. Any urgent or important
announcements will be distributed via our email list and also placed on the
front page of our website at www.cornerstonehytheurc.org.uk. If there is
any urgent news please do pass it on to anyone you know who cannot access
these methods.
Our online meetings
We have three weekly events on Zoom that you can also participate in by
phone. To participate in these you need to dial 0203 481 5240 (National call
rate) then when prompted for ‘meeting ID’ enter using the key pad the
meeting ID as below followed by # # (a ‘participant ID’ is not needed) then
enter using the key pad, the password followed by #
Our three current meetings are:
Sundays 12.15pm-12.45pm Get together and chat
Meeting ID 994 7778 1826 Password 845005
Mondays 10am-11am Prayer meeting for the life of our church
Meeting ID 820 9876 5671 Password: 496424
Wednesdays 7.19pm – 7.40pm Prayer meeting
Meeting ID 815 513 3399 Password 769022
Why don’t you try it and join us it would be great to hear you.
For those who do not have access to the internet there continue to be a
number of options for you to tune in to to replace Sunday worship at
Cornerstone for the time being: BBC radio worship, Songs of Praise, UCB
Radio, Premier Radio, TBN UK TV Freeview 65 and a host of other church
services and streams.
For those with internet access who would like something from the United
Reformed Church you will find daily devotions and a Sunday service at
https://devotions.urc.org.uk. You will also find lots of resources from various
Christian agencies on line e.g. Bible Society, Evangelical Alliance, HOPE etc.
8or you might just want to ‘be still and know....’ (Psalm 46.10) and go into
your room alone and pray…. (Matthew 6.5-6)
A reminder that the Waterside Self-Isolation Group can be contacted at
07782 951660 email watersidesisgroup@outlook.com and via Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/watersidesisg and has been set up in
our community to provide volunteers to help people isolated and in need in
a number of ways.
We recommend a new free phone
service set up by the Church of
England which offers music,
prayers and reflections as well as
full worship services. The phone
number is 0800 804 8044.
The Editor would be very grateful to receive items and messages which will
bless others in the church at this time that can be put in the next edition of
our newsletter, so please send such items to
newsletter@cornerstonehytheurc.org.uk .
Oh rest beside the weary road
and hear the angels sing
9Youth Worker - James Willett
A big ‘Thank You’
An outcome of the Church AGM held in November is that the
position of Youth Worker will not be further extended or renewed,
so James will be leaving the post at the end of February.
James has faithfully served the church in this role for 3½ years and
has been involved in all aspects of the children and youth work of
our church, including Light Years and Grid, Boys’ Brigade, Girls’
Brigade, and also Youth Club, which he has been leading. In
Addition, James initiated the Limitless youth service, which at its
peak attracted nearly 40 young people, lead some primary school
assemblies and helped lead the Applemore Christian Union,
engaging secondary pupils with the Christian faith. And as Leader
of the Youth & Children Ministry Team, James has provided
oversight and, where possible, assisted coordination of the
programmes and activities across the groups.
But in addition to the youth work, James has contributed well to the
life of the church in other areas, particularly music, leading worship
and since September the YouTube service video production.
So on behalf of all in the church “THANK YOU SO MUCH” James
for all that you have done and achieved during this time, and
particularly for the lives you have introduced to our Saviour Jesus
Christ. Thanks also go to Charlotte for her help and support for all
that has been achieved.
And we ask that God will continue to bless James, Charlotte and
family and guide them in all that they do in the months and years to
come.
We hope to be able to express our thanks to James as part of the
service on Sunday 14th February. This will be James’ last working
day, as he will be taking some leave due after this.
Richard Hall & Kevin Thatcher
10A LETTER FROM JAMES
Dear all,
By now, you will probably have heard that my employment at
Hythe Cornerstone URC will, sadly, come to an end in
February. On behalf of my family, I wish to thank you as a
membership for welcoming Charlotte, our boys and me into the
church family, three and a half years ago. It has been a
blessing to us to serve the local community with you. For me,
the time has gone very quickly, it feels like only yesterday that I
was being introduced to the church as the new Youth Worker.
During my time here, I have been involved in the existing
weekly groups, serving alongside church volunteers, and have
set up school Christian Unions, where churched and
unchurched young people have heard the gospel and been
encouraged to share at termly outreach events. I have been
invited to deliver assemblies and RE lessons at local primary
and secondary schools on subjects such as creation and
Jesus' resurrection. It was a joy to create the Limitless Youth
Service, with Cornerstone's young people, which ran from
March 2018 and has met twice online over lockdown.
I would like to thank the Youth and Children's Ministry Team
and each volunteer I have worked with, as they have supported
and worked tirelessly for the children and young people in our
community.
It has been fantastic to see the children and young people grow
in faith over the past few years and I will continue to pray for
each one and their individual faiths in Jesus. I pray that you as
a church would grow closer to and be guided by Jesus now and
into the future.
God Bless,
James
11Wednesday Thought for the Day
We are pleased that each Wednesday morning there is a podcast,
written message or item of encouragement sent out via email. We
warmly thank those who are willing and able to contribute in this
helpful way and to Joan for facilitating this. If you are not already
receiving our email messages and would like to please email Joy
Funnell at joy@cornerstonehytheurc.org.uk and she will gladly add
you to the distribution list.
The ‘Thoughts for the Day’ that have been sent out since the last
Newsletter are as follows:
2nd Dec: Pat Dudley – The Advent ring
9th Dec: Mike Garside – God’s bounty
16th Dec: Joan Shewry – What is Christmas all about?
23rd Dec: Andy Turnpenny – Christmas in focus
30th Dec: Marilyn Hood – The gate of the year
6th Jan: Suzanne Owen – Does God make resolutions?
13th Jan: Daphne Aldridge – Words for the diary
20th Jan: Sylvia Burman – 1 Timothy 6 v 6
If you do not have access to email and would like to receive a
printed copy of any Thought for the Day please contact Joy Funnell.
Fellowship and Social
Sadly we had to cancel the walk
arranged for New Year’s day, but
Richard and I did a lot of exercise
sorting out suitable non-boggy paths. So
as soon as we are allowed we will try to arrange another date for the
walk, maybe at Easter time, and possibly we will be able to sit
together and have a picnic. We can but hope and pray.
To look to the future, we are really hoping that we can have our
annual summer barbecue. At present we are praying that it can be at
the beginning of July, but no decisions can be made until much nearer
the time. If this event happens we will team together with the
Outreach Fundraising team so that we can boost their funds, which
are in need at this time.
God Bless you all and keep you safe Bev Hall
12Ongoing financial support
and giving to Cornerstone
We are very grateful to you for your continued financial
support to our church, its life and mission and here is a
reminder of possible ways of giving:
For those of you who use online banking the Church’s General
Fund bank details are as follows:
Account Name: Hythe United Reformed Church
Sort Code: 40 52 40 Account No: 00016303
If you wish to give to the Outreach Fund the bank details are
as follows:
Account Name: Hythe United Reformed Church
Sort Code: 40 52 40 Account No: 00021634
Nick Tustian, our treasurer, is very happy to accept cheques
for the General Fund made out to Hythe United Reformed
Church & sent to his address:
21 Atheling Rd, Hythe, Hants, SO45 6BS
Richard Hall is also happy to accept cheques for the Outreach
Fund made out to ‘Hythe United Reformed Church’ and sent to
his address:
‘Craigmore’, Roman Road, Dibden Purlieu, SO45 4QJ
If you're not sure what to do please give Nick a call
on 07554 443 254
13Nativity parade and Tableau Christmas 2020!!
The Parade got off the ground and into the Air!
On behalf of the Christmas parade coordinating team :-
Bev Hall, Sheila & Graham Thatcher and Maryanne Kitcherside
Handmade with Love! I would like to thank you so much for your
prayers and those taking part in our Christmas
Nativity parade, a lot of people were involved
in different ways and helped to get it off the
ground (and literally in the air). We would like
to say how much we appreciated everyone's
help and involvement. We were so pleased
with you and its success that we have decided
to do it all again - this year! And we hope you
will join us!
The Tableau
We started off from Cornerstone and, after signing in
at church, we walked around Hythe holding our
figures up in the air, these were all handmade with
love. Afterwards we made a Tableau at Cornerstone
with the figures. We also kept to the Covid-19
safeguarding measures keeping our distance and
wearing gloves and masks.
Smile! I have learnt so much by helping with the Nativity
Parade. One of the things I've particularly learnt is, if you
put a smile on a face of a character it comes alive. It's
the same with us we can encourage people in the same
way with a smile. Joyce Meyer says in one of her
devotionals, ‘Greet people with a compliment or a smile,
it makes them feel better and is the cheapest face lift you
can have as it's free’ (though when I do it people think
I'm up to something!)
We are uncertain what this year will bring but one thing is certain, we can
cling on to the fact that: ‘Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever’.
Hebrews 13:8
It's less than a year to go before our next Christmas Nativity!
So please make a note in your new diaries for 3.30 pm Saturday
18 December 2021! Plus - if you have any ideas or suggestions email :-
mazkitcherside@btinternet.com. Thank you!
I would finally like to say a very happy 2021 to you all!
Maryanne Kitcherside
14Our Friend and URC Member, Jean Young
‘God saw the rugged pathway
was getting hard to climb,
So He gently closed her weary eyes
and whispered, ‘Peace be thine’’.
I feel privileged to have been asked to write a few words about Jean, who
passed quietly from this life on 4th December. She was a quiet, gentle person
who seemed to possess no malice or bitterness.
Her husband, Ken kindly copied out a short summary of her life for me to
browse, from which I will share.
Jean was born on 15th August, 1942 to parents, Gladys and Walter Alexander
in Stowupland, near Stowmarket. She had a younger sister, Hilary. Jean
passed her 11+ exam, so went to Stowmarket Grammar School, passing her
A level exams. She then took the Civil Service Exam, coming 5th out of 72
successful applicants. Jean hoped to go to the Foreign Office but went,
instead to the income tax department working in Cambridge and Ipswich.
After 5 years in that role, she took a brave decision to change careers and
was accepted at West Hill College of Education for teacher training. During
her time there, 1965-68, the course was turned into a B.Ed, so she now
had a teaching degree. With her friend Liz, she started teaching in Ilford,
London. Eventually, they moved to Southampton, sharing a rented bungalow
in Chandler’s Ford.
This was how Jean from Suffolk met Ken from Southampton. They first met
in 1972 and soon became friends. Ken was working as an Electrical Shift
Maintenance Engineer at the new Fawley Power Station. Jean and Ken
became engaged in December, 1972 and were married in August the
following year, settling in Hythe. Jean started teaching at Wildground Infant
School but went part-time after a while, to spend more time with Ken.
Jean joined the church in December, 1985 and was faithful and committed in
her modest, quiet way and a regular attender at worship.
In her younger days she was a member of Wives and Mothers and
sometimes used her craft skills. Although she was not a member of
Women’s Guild, she was always willing to help and was a hostess at their
Christmas Lunch on several occasions, and always gave a cake for the cake
stall at our Christmas Fayre.
15For several years Jean was also a teacher in Junior Church. She was always
very thorough in her preparations whether it was craft or telling stories,
which she was particularly good at, always getting on well with the
children.
She was treasurer of the Boys Brigade for many years up until 2016, while
Ron Shewry was captain. She was very thorough in the way she dealt with
the money handling and accounts. They were all so neat and well organised
in her lovely writing. Jean and Ken also helped with some of the badge
work with the Juniors, while Lawrence was the Officer in Charge.
Jean served for the last 10 years on the communion rota where she was so
reliable and committed. For many years, Jean and Ken were on the flower
delivery rota on a Monday morning and Jean also delivered a round of
Cornerstone News.
Jean liked her garden and Ken was happy to do house and car
maintenance. As a team, they helped one another as needed. They enjoyed
many holidays together, preferring quieter holidays. They joined the
National Trust, particularly for Jean because of her love of gardens.
In 2007 she underwent a hysterectomy for a tumour and recovered well.
She had no more problems until 2019 but the problem was not diagnosed
until early 2020 and treatment was delayed by Covid-19. She bore chemo
and radiotherapy very bravely but two mini-strokes at the end of October
made life very difficult for her.
With Christmas near, Jean felt anxious about getting cards written to family
and friends, but with Ken’s help, she completed them on 3rd December,
even managing to walk to the post box. On the way home, she was so
happy to have sent them. Jean cooked the evening meal but during the
meal, had a severe heart attack and died in hospital after a 2nd attack early
on 4th December.
I have shared many cups of tea, along with conversation and smiles with
Jean and Ken over the years. Those of us who knew her well will really miss
her humble, sweet nature – a lovely presence, now promoted to a
beautiful place in God’s glorious Kingdom.
Audrey Edmonds
16FEBRUARY PRAYER POINTERS
As we love the Lord our God and serve Him with all our heart and
soul, He guarantees us around-the-clock care. As we realise the
blessings that are ours; ‘Who (God) forgives all your sins (all of
them!) and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from
the pit and crowns you with love and compassion.’ it should be
easy to love Him and want to serve Him. So, as we walk with God
and honour Him in all we do, despite the virus and whatever else
may be going on in your life, this year can be one of the most
blessed years of your life.
Read Deuteronomy 11:13-15, spend time thanking God for all His
blessings that are yours each day, worship Him because of His
faithfulness and claim some of the many promises He makes us
in the Bible – all true and proved.
‘Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.’
Psalm 27:14
1st Lord, as we wait in a world of turmoil for an end to this
pandemic, help us to keep our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus.
2nd We pray for peace and protection for those who are
particularly vulnerable and isolated, at the same time thanking
You for the vaccines, for all who have worked for their
development and production and now, for those who are
vaccinating people.
3rd Give us grace to look beyond ourselves and remember others
in far more difficult situations, especially our brothers and
sisters in contexts of persecution or great poverty, where
coronavirus has been yet one more hardship to add to what
they already have to bear. Please bless them and provide for
them, we ask, in Jesus’ Name.
4th Pray that God will bless and protect our friends in Sierra
Leone. Pray that there will be a ‘right time’ for a team to visit
this year.
5th Through Romans 1:11 we heard in December, that there had
been a large second wave of Covid-19, which has seen over
700 cases registered in just one day, mainly in areas of
17Kampala and Kasese. Please pray for our brothers and sisters
around these areas, including Martin Sebuggo and Charity,
both concerned about the outbreak. Pray especially that food
remains affordable and for the orphans and school children
they care for that they remain safe from the virus and from the
lawlessness that is spreading with Covid-19 restrictions.
‘From Christ the whole body, joined and held together by every
supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each
part does its work.’ Ephesians 4:16
6th Faithful God, we lift to You our sisters and brothers in
countries where Christians are persecuted for their faith.
Please comfort those in prison, provide for those in need and
grant hope and courage to all who suffer. Strengthen us to
pray and give whatever support we can to help them.
7th The UN’s World Food Programme warned in November that
2021 would be worse than 2020. Lord, have mercy on our
troubled world, wracked by violence, hunger and disease.
8th Pray especially for Christian minorities living with pressure and
persecution that Jesus will fill them with His joy, peace and
hope as they face the unknown year ahead.
9th Give thanks for those who stand firm in the faith despite
persecution, and are even faithful unto death.
10th ‘I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient
times, what is still to come…..My purpose will stand……What I
have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that I
will do.’ Lord Jesus, the same yesterday, today and forever, in
Your mercy please strengthen us for the days ahead, direct
our ways and provide for our needs; that we might in turn be a
blessing to others, we entrust our bodies, souls and spirits to
You.
12th Thank God that the money difficulties ‘Hope Now’ was
having, have been resolved and we thank Him that He has
protected the Ukrainian Team in Cherkassy from the virus and
they have been able to continue handing out food parcels and
evangelising in the local villages.
1813th We thank You also Father, that the young pastors are
supported, not only spiritually but also financially for the first
five years of their ministries.
‘Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you
not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers
in the desert.’ Isaiah 43:19
14th Give thanks for and pray for the Bible Society and its works
across the globe, in Your name.
15th Almost 4,000 children’s Bibles and Scripture activity books
have been provided to churches in Malawi over the last 18
months, for use in Sunday schools. Pray these resources will
bring the Bible to life for children and they will understand
God’s Word in a new and meaningful way.
16th Please pray for African countries facing not only extreme
economic difficulties but also political instability brought on by
terrorist groups.
17th Pray specifically, for Mozambique, where killings by Isis are
increasing. Pray that God will intervene to put an end to the
killings and violence.
18th Thank God, for the health of Bible Society colleagues and
their families in Africa during these uncertain times. Please
give wisdom and alertness, as well as joy, creativity and
passion to continue doing God’s work.
19th Lord, please have mercy on our troubled world, wracked by
violence, hunger and disease. Especially, we pray for
Christian minorities living with pressure and persecution that
Jesus will fill them with His joy, peace and hope.
20th Thank God that we are now a United Kingdom, separate
from the other European countries but with a close bond, and
able to make and have our own laws. Lord, we ask that You
will have mercy on our nation as we humble ourselves before
You, please forgive our sins and heal our land.
1921st Thank You Father for our Queen and for her grace and
faithfulness. Please bless, protect and guide her and all
Royals who truly seek to serve.
22nd We pray that You will bless our Government and all
members of Parliament in these days. Please give them
wisdom and courage to lead this nation with justice and
righteousness.
23rd We pray for all the churches here on the Waterside, that we
will reach out with the Gospel of Jesus, both in prayer and
practice. We pray that this whole community will be blessed
by Your Holy Spirit at work.
24th We thank You for Cornerstone, for our Elders and all
members. Please grant us all humility and wisdom, as we
pray and read your Word, to grow in Spirit and Truth.
25th We pray for any for whom we have a particular concern,
family member or friend. If they don’t yet know You, Lord we
ask your Holy Spirit to draw them to come and ask You to be
their Saviour.
26th & 27th Pray for unborn babies and their mothers; the frail and
elderly; the trafficked victim; those with a gambling addiction;
and children at risk from degrading material online. Father,
may there be someone to whom they can go for help and
support.
28th ‘You have not handed me over to the enemy but have set
my feet in a spacious place.’ Psalm 31:8 Thank God that you
are in a safe place in the Father’s Hand. Whatever may be
going on in these days, we are safe with Jesus.
Please note that some of these prayers have
been lifted or adapted from current daily
prayers supplied by the Bible Society, CARE
and Barnabas Fund.
20Dr Derek Bryan Copley
9th August 1940 - 25 December 2020
Derek was born in Accrington, Lancashire, the
eldest of himself and Malcolm and spent time
in his early years as an evacuee at Stewkley
and some of his primary school days in
Bradford near his grandparents. His grammar
school years were spent back in Lancashire at the school
where his father was headmaster, not easy years as he was
singled out as the headmaster's son. A clever child, especially
in science subjects, Derek studied Chemistry at Manchester
University and it was there that he made a Christian
commitment which was to define the rest of his life. Derek
studied in the USA and subsequently worked for NASA: yes, he
really was a rocket scientist! During that time he met and
married Nancy, his first wife of over 50 years.
Unable to travel to Nigeria as missionaries, due to the war
there, Derek and Nancy found themselves unexpectedly in the
UK where they settled down to life in the north west and Derek
worked for Manchester University and the Atomic Energy
Authority and also began church planting. God had other plans
and by 1970 Derek had accepted the challenging offer to
re-found Moorlands Bible College at Sopley Park, Dorset.
Moorlands grew and developed, becoming a premier training
ground for evangelical Christians wanting to serve God at
home and abroad. At this time Derek also played a full part in
life at Cranleigh Community Church, becoming its senior elder
for some 25 years, and wrote or co-wrote many books, served
on the Council of the World Evangelical Alliance (eventually as
Chairman), on the International Council of the World
Evangelical Alliance and served as President of the European
Evangelical Alliance. He also began to be in demand as a
speaker in the UK and abroad.
During the second half of the 1990's Derek was sad to leave
Cranleigh Community Church and Moorlands College and in
due course travelled extensively through Europe, especially in
the East, helping with the formation of Evangelical Alliances
21and, for the last 20 years, committed himself to ministry in
Central Asia helping with the formation of Evangelical Alliances
and in peace negotiations. He had many hairy stories to tell of
his travels including having to travel hidden under a blanket
and, on another occasion, of being arrested. Despite an
extremely demanding ministry, sometimes only being home a
couple of days before flying off again, Derek was also a skilled
gardener and in particular an experienced orchid grower with
up to 700 plants. He belonged to the Bournemouth Orchid
Society for 50 years and was Chairman for 17 years, only
stepping down towards the end of 2020. He was also a keen
football supporter, supporting Accrington Stanley and
Bournemouth.
Derek loved his family, Sara and Jason and their four children
Reece, Ben, Jack and Erin. Chris met Derek in 2014 at
Cornerstone where he was preaching and at which time Derek
was curtailing his overseas activities but still really keen to help
with missionary and counselling endeavours closer to home.
Derek became a member of our church in May 2016 and when
Chris retired and began worshipping at Cornerstone their
friendship grew and they married in December 2017. Although
they only had 3 short years together they made the most of
them, ministering together and supporting each other’s
ministries, enjoying lovely holidays, days out at NT properties
and walking with their dog Max. They enjoyed settling into their
new home in Hythe, especially its garden, and celebrated
Derek's 80th birthday there last year with Chris's family, Rachel
and Chris, Joanna and James. Sadly cancer became an
increasing part of their lives and Derek bravely and with
determination took every opportunity he could to overcome it.
Derek was a great encourager of people, a team player who
used his gifts to complement the gifts of others and has been a
real blessing and support to many at home and abroad. His
wisdom, discernment, grace and passion for God's word and
mission to the world will be greatly missed.
Derek is now in the perfect presence of our Lord Jesus Christ
in heaven and will have been welcomed with the words from
God himself "well done, good and faithful servant".
22 Jan SherlockCalled to Higher Service
Sadly there are two further dear friends that have gone to be with
our Lord in recent weeks.
Edwin Bowers died on 9th January, aged 90 years.
His funeral is on Friday 29th January at 2pm
at St Matthews Church, Otterbourne.
We particularly pray for Heather and family at this time.
Bill Irwin died on 25th January, aged 93 years.
Funeral arrangements will be made known in due course.
Please remember Clare and family in your prayers at this time.
Obituaries will appear in the March Newsletter.
TRUST HIM
Trust Him, when darkest thoughts assail thee,
Trust Him, when thy faith is small,
Trust Him, when to simply trust Him
is the hardest thing of all.
Thank you Clare for sharing these words.
23EXCITEMENT!
I wonder what excites you, especially at the moment when the weather
seems so grey and drab, and the news is filled with so much bad news
about the global pandemic and other difficulties?
I became increasingly excited during the service yesterday (Sunday
24th January), firstly as we listened to “Here for you” by Matt Redman
and then in particular as Ruth White (one of the Wessex Synod
Children’s and Youth Development Officers) spoke. This excitement
was so profound and was echoed by others at Coffee and Chat
afterwards that I felt a real prompt from God to share this with the
whole congregation and to challenge us to respond.
The words of the song are at the end of this article but notice in
particular the lines, “Let your Word move in power, let what’s dead
come to life!” That is an amazing prayer and I believe that God
honoured that as Ruth spoke. His Word was moving among us
yesterday and we must not lose sight of that fact. Our church has been
through very difficult times and it is extremely hard for our elders as
they try to lead us forward now in the midst of lockdowns, with all the
impact that is having on the fellowship of the church and people’s
mental and spiritual health. BUT God is speaking by his Word and is
asking us to let what is dead (dead within ourselves, dead within our
church, dead within our community) come to life. Wow!
At that point what God was saying to me was that what we need to
concentrate on is the church’s vision and to work together to bring
it to life. Richard has included Cornerstone’s new vision statement
within this issue of the newsletter, so please go to it, read it again and
in your heart claim it as your own.
As Ruth White began her sermon something else excited me. When
God says something once we should all listen and consider our
response; when he says the same thing a second time we realise
that he is emphasising it and we should definitely act on it;
when he repeats it a third time we really must sit up, take
notice and get on with that response! Well, in Ruth’s sermon we
heard something for a second time and we heard another phrase for
the third time. I have no doubt at all that God was using Ruth on
Sunday to get his message over to us at Cornerstone and to challenge
us for our rapid response. She felt that what she was saying echoed in
many ways what Kay Keen had said in her sermon back in November
(“How do and will we disciple each other”), to which I will return. And
24Ruth is the third person I have heard say that our current sermon series
on Growing the Church is Derek Copley’s legacy to Cornerstone
(because as George Gibson, Derek and I were working on the 2021
preaching programme Derek was insistent that this vital series was
where we should start, and most of the topics were his suggestions).
Put those two repetitions together and you have God saying to us, to
our church, that he is calling us, both individually and together, to grow
the church and to disciple one another within it. Or, as Jesus himself put
it, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of
the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to
obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20a).
Ruth then went on to address the particular subject that she had been
given for the first of her two sermons in this series, “Reaching Young
People”. She asked questions like “Where is God already working in
Hythe?”, “How much is Cornerstone part of the community or separate
from it?”, “Where are children and families found near us?”, “Where am
I during the week, rubbing alongside children and families?” She
reminded us that we could get very busy meeting needs but in that we
need to be distinctively Christian and intentionally evangelistic. We need
to help children, both those within the church and the 95% not yet a part
of it, to experience God and the gospel, to explore it for themselves and
to express and respond to it. She called this the Gather, Go and Grow
model which she likened to Kay’s Pray, Prompt and Walk with Others
model from November.
Ruth carried on, challenging all ages to be together (though she
acknowledged that there are also times to be apart). As she said, Jesus
put a child in the middle as a reminder of what our faith can and should
be, whereas we often remove them! She gave us lots of specific
examples of how we might work with these age groups. And then she
asked perhaps the most challenging questions that I have heard in a
long time: What does God want us to concentrate our time on? Who
(regardless of age) is being called to work with children and
families? Who is feeling their heart thumping like mad now because
the Holy Spirit is showing you again that is where you should be?
I believe without a shadow of doubt that God is calling us, members of
the Cornerstone congregation, to commit to working where God wants
us to be within the developing outreach work of this church. For some of
us it will be, as Ruth spoke about specifically, with children and young
people, for others it will be with other age groups, or by responding to
other sermons there have been or that are still to come within this
series. Please do not let these moments go, please do not let these
repetitions of God’s message go. Please pray, please read again our
25vision statement and please become involved in what the Holy Spirit
shows you is your sphere of service.
To ensure that you do not sweep this under the carpet, I feel it would be
good if you could indicate your response to one of the elders, a member
of the pastoral team, to myself or to anyone else in Cornerstone with
whom you feel comfortable sharing.
Chris Copley
Here for You by Matt Redman
Let our praise be Your welcome
Let our songs be a sign
We are here for You, we are here for You
Let Your breath come from heaven
Fill our hearts with Your life
We are here for You, we are here for You
To You our hearts are open
Nothing here is hidden
You are our one desire
You alone are holy
Only You are worthy
God, let Your fire fall down
Let our shout be Your anthem
Your renown fill the skies
We are here for You, we are here for You
Let Your Word move in power
Let what's dead come to life
We are here for You, we are here for You
To You our hearts are open
Nothing here is hidden
You are our one desire
You alone are holy
Only You are worthy
God, let Your fire fall down
To You our hearts are open
Nothing here is hidden
You are our one desire
You alone are holy
Only You…
26MISSIONS REPORT ON SIERRA LEONE
It has been an exciting
few days and I have been
developing a new skill in
getting a drill rig set up by
advising over Whatsapp,
text and phone. Exciting
because the drill rig was
up and working but not
without a lot of challenges. The decision was made to continue with
the project even though I was unable to get to Sierra Leone. We
achieved this by employing an engineering company with drilling
experience to train our two teams of complete novices. We are
thankful for the £1,000 from the outreach fund that enabled this
project to keep moving. James from Practical Tools initiative flew out
to Freetown on the 15th January and took on this project for us at
short notice. Pastor John and the drill team met up with him and the
contracted engineers in Freetown. They rigged up the equipment
and on the 21st fired up the engine on the drill at almost midday
sending me a short video so that I could help them correct the
rigging errors. The next day was a full days training but on the
evening of the 22nd the Sierra Leone Government announced a
lockdown to take effect on Monday the 25th, The plan was changed,
the rig dismantled on the 23rd and Pastor set off into the capital to
try and hire a truck to move all the equipment up country to Kafanta
before the lockdown stopped all movement. James left for the
airport to try and get a flight back to the UK before the airport
closed. As I write he should just be getting to Lungi Airport. I
neither know at this point if James managed to get a flight or if
Pastor John got the Truck. Meanwhile our faithful friend Amadu is
waiting miles away in the south to come up to Kafanta and carry out
the WASH training.
The much awaited Churches conference due to start on Monday in
Kafanta has been postponed until the restrictions change, We have
consistently seen God open doors as we work together with Pastor
John and Divine Grace Ministry. This is another time of Faith. Faith
that God will shift the obstacles. Please continue to pray for this
challenging work.
Steve Baker
27FAMILIES MATTER
28Some of the thanks we received are shown here:
Thank you so much for the gifts and food.
They are so much appreciated! The
children loved their presents. H
What a wonderful thing to do!
You brought happiness to a lot of people
which is amazing! L
Thank you so much to Families Matter for my
wonderful hamper delivered by Jen on
Thursday. It was a particularly difficult day so
it was a very well timed gift to remind me that I
am not alone while my husband is so ill. God
bless, C
My parcel was such a lovely surprise, so
unexpected! Thank you for all the
wonderful work you do. H
Thank you very much for the surprise
yummy delights received via Julia last
week. We feel very blessed and thank
you for your kindness. V & F
Thank you for the gifts you delivered to
my home. God bless, M
29Families Matter news
Our latest newsletter is available on application to the
office at office.fm.hurc@gmail.com.
Once again, if you or your family are struggling whether emotionally or
financially, please remember that we are here to help and can direct you to
other organisations if more help is needed.
The help lines are listed again below. If you want someone to talk to, please
do use them.
Waterside Self Isolation support group are still available to help with getting
shopping or prescriptions if you are self isolating. Call 07782 951660.
Visit www.thehelphub.co.uk for free counselling by phone or videochat
or Solent Mind 02380 179049 Monday-Friday 10am - 4pm if you need
someone to talk to.
On the internet you can look at www.coronavirussupport.uk or phone the
Red Cross helpline 0808 196 3651, open daily 10am-6pm.
If you are struggling financially or in need of food or other help, please
phone Families Matter on 02380 207623 or email us on
Julia.fm.hurc@gmail.com and we can arrange for a foodbank voucher or
similar help for you. You can join us on Facebook at Families Matter for news
and inspirational or helpful posts.
We also have a new support group for parents via Zoom, on Wednesdays at
1pm. Please see separate poster for details of this.
Julia Cross
30Wessex Synod February 2021 Area Gatherings
These will be taking place online again and will use the same
zoom link each evening. You are welcome to attend any or all
of them.
6.30pm for a 6.45pm start - finishing by 8pm.
Join Zoom Meeting with link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86716262994?
pwd=LzVsZVFRY0ZMYTlPVHp4WUlnNVNUQT09
Meeting ID: 867 1626 2994
Passcode: 866343
Date Topic
Monday Church Secretaries Surgery
22nd Feb (Clare Downing and Karen Bell)
• How are you coping during this increasing
technological age?
• Where can you go for advice?
• The role of Church Secretary
Tuesday 'Buildings and the Use of them' Surgery
23rd Feb (Property Offices & DSO's)
• What questions do you have about your
building, what can the church do, who can you
talk to, where do you get help?
• Share ideas of how you have used your building
during Covid-19, and what your mission might
need going forward.
Wednesday 'Youth and Child Friendly Church'
24th Feb (CYDO's)
• Come and hear about the new Scheme from
our two CYDO's.
• A chance to ask questions and talk to others
about how this would work in your church
31Date Topic
Thursday Misconception of Mental Health
25th Feb
(Revd Maria Hooper - Synod Health and Healing
Link)
• How can you keep yourself well at this time?
• Dealing with grief in all its forms both for
yourself and those you support.
Wessex Synod Newsletter
Sharing the Vision
The Wessex Synod Newsletter ‘Sharing the Vision’ is
published in the middle of each month and provides news and
information about events, courses, activities, churches and
much more. The link for the January edition is:
https://wessexsynodurc.org.uk/sharing-the-vision-january-edition/
You can subscribe to it and each month receive the link to the
copy on the Synod website for downloading. To subscribe,
please send an email request to Deborah Walker in the Synod
Office at office@urcwessex.org.uk
Wessex Synod Big Day Out
This has now been postponed until 2022
URC Wessex Synod - Big Day Out
Date: 7th May 2022
Time: 11am till 5pm
Venue: Hollycombe Steam Fair and Museum near Liss
(Wessex Synod will have sole use of the whole site)
Theme: Heroes and Villains
More details to follow.
32BIRTHDAYS IN FEBRUARY
Congratulations to:
Marjory Spencer who will be 89 on 3rd
Anne Sanders who will be 89 on 4th
Anne Lester who will be 96 on 27th
ONE PAIR OF HANDS
One pair of hands made the mountains
One pair of hands made the sea
One pair of hands made the sun and the moon
Every bird, every flower, every tree
One pair of hands formed the valleys
Those hands are so strong, so when things go wrong
Put your faith in one pair of hands
One pair of hands healed the sick
One pair of hands raised the dead
One pair of hands calmed the raging storm
And thousands of people were fed
One pair of hands said I love you
And those hands were nailed to a tree
Those hands are so strong, so when life goes wrong
Put your faith into one pair of hands
Put your life into one pair of hands.
Thank you to Maggie Troman who submitted this poem.
33Stina and Jonathan Russell say “Thank
you very much to whoever brought us the
church flowers. Their timing was
impeccable. I had just come back from a
funeral and saw them on the doorstep. They
certainly brought a smile to my face.”
Glynis Davies writes, “Thank you for the
lovely flowers which I received on Monday
7th December and to Sylvia who delivered them. We celebrated
my youngest daughter’s wedding on the 5th so the flowers
brought so much pleasure and rounded off a lovely weekend.
Happy New Year to you all.”
Ken Young writes: “I would like to thank everyone at
Cornerstone for the flowers, cards, prayers and best wishes I
received after the death of my wife, Jean. I would also like to
thank Eddie for taking the service at the crematorium and Richard
Hall for organising everything for me.”
Lynda Swatridge writes: “Thank you so much for the newsletter
with Christmas greetings. It was so lovely to receive it, with the
bright and cheerful illustrations. It is what we all need to read at
this time. I would like to wish everyone a very happy New Year
and a healthy one, with my prayers and best wishes.”
Mary Turner would like to thank all her friends at Cornerstone for
the parcel of gifts she received before Christmas. It was very
thoughtful of you all and very much appreciated.
Jean Mills writes: “Please accept a big thank you for the flowers
I received in December from my friends at Cornerstone. They
were lovely and lasted very well. The lady who delivered them
(whose name escapes me, sorry) gave me a cheerful greeting as
well as a lovely smile and so it was a very
welcome visit on yet another long and
lonely day. New Year greetings to one
and all.”
34Diana Sandy says “Thank you for the
flowers received after my MRI scan,
and thank you too for all your
prayers.”
Linda Dore says “Thank you for the
lovely flowers received, they are very
much appreciated.”
Pamela Bridge writes “Thank you for the flowers received after
Derek’s funeral. They were very much appreciated.”
CHURCH FLOWER MINISTRY
The flower ministry at Cornerstone is continuing even though the
church building is closed during lockdown periods. Each Monday
morning, flowers are being delivered by one of the flower ministry
teams to bring joy and good wishes to a few members and friends in
the area.
Thanks to Pamela Bridge for organising the following flower rota:
7th February Ben Pearce for his birthday.
14th February Helen Roissetter for her family.
21st February Mike and Sylvia Burman for their family.
28th February Bev and Richard Hall for all the family.
FLOWER ROTA
If you would like to support this flower ministry by making a donation
towards the cost of the flowers for a particular Sunday please let
Pamela Bridge know on 023 8084 3249.
There are still some dates available.
FLOWER DELIVERY
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
If anyone can help with the delivery of the bouquets of flowers
on a Sunday or Monday as part of a rota,
could they please get in touch with me.
Jen Mansbridge 023 8084 3008 or 07766 522 602
35THE KING OF LOVE
The King of Love my Shepherd is,
Whose goodness faileth never;
I nothing lack if I am His
And He is mine forever.
Where streams of living water flow
My ransomed soul He leadeth,
And where the verdant pastures grow
With food celestial feedeth.
Perverse and foolish oft I strayed,
But yet in love He sought me,
And on His shoulder gently laid,
And home rejoicing he brought me.
In death’s dark vale I fear no ill
With Thee, dear Lord, beside me;
Thy rod and staff my comfort still,
Thy cross before to guide me.
Thou spread'st a table in my sight;
Thy unction grace bestoweth;
And O what transport of delight
From Thy pure chalice floweth!
And so through all the length of days
Thy goodness faileth never;
Good Shepherd may I sing Thy praise
Within Thy house forever.
Henry Williams Baker
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