SPOTLIGHT - Hastings, Bexhill & Rye Methodist Circuit
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
SPOTLIGHT
ISSUE NO. 144 OCTOBER 2021
The Newsletter of the Hastings, Bexhill & Rye
Circuit of the Methodist Church, UK
www.hbrmethodists.org.uk
From the Editor ...
A slightly slimmer edition than most, but hopefully still full of
uplifting and inspiring stories.
As always, I am grateful to all of our contributors, and especially to
the small editorial team who meet in-between issues to exchange
ideas and suggest content to keep the magazine fresh and
relevant.
If you enjoy reading the
magazine, please consider
being a part of this team.
If every church in the circuit
were to send a representative
to just one meeting per year, it
would make such a difference
and help to ensure that the
content truly represents the
broad spectrum which is our
wonderful Methodist family.
Please discuss it at your
October Church Council
meeting, and see if you can’t
find a volunteer.
For the moment, happy
There is something strangely familiar
reading.
about this portrait of John Wesley …
Keith but I can’t quite put my finger on it..
Cover Picture Our Circuit Statement
Late afternoon sun at Pett Level Our mission is to enjoy and spread
Photograph by Adela Binns the good news of the love of God
as seen in Jesus Christ.
OCTOBER 2021 Spotlight Issue 144
From Philip’s Pen...
Each September we come into a
new Methodist year. Over the last
year, the pandemic has changed
how we have done some things
and we will continue to explore
ways that we might work together
as a circuit over the next twelve internet and this opportunity was
months. Coming into the circuit in taken up by the Pett fellowship
lockdown was something new for group on the first possible day!
me, and for others who moved During the year the Methodist
into and out of the circuit over conference also came to a mind
this past year. Covid 19 changed about the ‘God in love unites us’
the way that individuals and report which allows for the
groups worked together as human celebration of same sex marriages
interaction was limited. The in Methodist Churches, but which
effects of this will continue for is something that we as local
many years and how we support churches will explore as we agree
each other, and our communities. on how we will respond to the
Around the circuit we had to learn report during this year. The
how to use the internet and conference decision provides a
phone to communicate with each framework nationally and each
other and to share Sunday church council will decide how we
worship by Zoom. We all met will proceed with the report’s
each other from our own homes conclusions locally. Resources are
and shared conversation, coffee, being provided by the Methodist
worship, bible study and prayer. Church and when these are
One area of the life of the church available, we will be able to use
which was being reflected on them as part of our ongoing
nationally was sharing Holy conversation around marriage and
Communion live over Zoom. From relationships.
this September the Methodist We have also been exploring how
Conference agreed that we could to develop times of worship,
share communion over the prayer, and spiritual growth
Page 3
The Magazine of the Methodist Church, Hastings, Bexhill & Rye Circuit
across the circuit. This rightly has initiatives is an important aspect
developed in different ways in of our work, but so also is laying
different churches. What has some things down. The
emerged though is the way that Methodist people are perhaps
we have kept in touch with each better at one of these than the
other so as to build on the links other. We do need to be able to
that were already there across the stop some things in order to take
circuit. When we met in the chat on new things as we have a
rooms on Zoom after the morning limited capacity of time that we
services, we met people from can offer. But we offer that time
across the Circuit, which is an as part of our discipleship as we
important aspect of our growing reflect on our calling as the
together and something that it Methodist people in this circuit so
would be good to continue in one that, through learning and caring,
way or another. through evangelism, mission, and
We also had to explore what we service we may together find out
are to set down. Taking on new more of what God is sharing with
To every thing there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones
together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate;
A time of war, and a time of peace.
(Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8)
Page 4
OCTOBER 2021 Spotlight Issue 144
us in our 21st century world. As those around us.
the Fresh Expressions groups say, We are still living with the
‘look for what God is doing and uncertainties of the pandemic, the
join in’. effects of which will be with us for
But we can’t do everything on our many years to come. This will
own. Part of the opportunity that inform our thinking and action as
we have as a circuit is to join in we continue to support families
partnerships both locally across whose loved ones have died or
the circuit and more widely with whose lives have been changed in
our communities. How we do that many different ways. This
is for each church to discern but pandemic continues to shape our
sharing in partnership allows us to story and it will do so over this
broaden our experience, learn next year too.
from each other and develop a Another important aspect of our
way of mission that engages not conversation over the next year
just with our churches but with will be around Climate Change.
our communities as well. Through We have held a series of
our conversation we may listen to conversations on Sunday evenings
our community and offer our following on from our circuit
help, support and prayers for Climate Sunday service. A small
Page 5
The Magazine of the Methodist Church, Hastings, Bexhill & Rye Circuit
group has formed to explore this which will allow us to build on
further, and we will look at what Alan has so helpfully shared
different ways of approaching the with us over the years. As with
aspects of climate change which any new venture we will grow
are most affecting communities together both in confidence and
across the world. The group will in experience as time goes on.
offer practical suggestions as how As we move into this New
we might be able to slow down Methodist year, there are some
the Global Warming challenge. changes that come about as office
So where might we go as a circuit? holders change. I would like to
Perhaps, as we continue to thank Elaine for her time as Circuit
emerge out of the Government steward, which has been
restrictions, we will explore and immensely helpful to us all. Elaine
find a vision for the future which has brought spiritual as well as
will allow us a framework for our practical insight into the role and
future work together. We will has allowed for the deeper
continue to work locally but the exploration of faith lived out
circuit is there as a support for within the life of the church as
local mission. Some churches are well as in the life of the
changing the way that they do community. We also said goodbye
things and others are picking up to Jennifer, who has given us a
from where we left off. There is good foundation for our work in
no right or wrong way of doing safeguarding. Again, I would like
things although we all need to to offer my thanks to Jennifer for
discern where God wants us to go her work over the years which has
and how we might get there. strengthened the way that
The last Circuit meeting agreed safeguarding takes place across
that we can set up a property the circuit. We now have a
team. We have been so fortunate safeguarding team which will take
to have Alan as property secretary on this aspect of the life of the
and having a team will help to church. To all office holders who
share the load so that each have given their time, experience
member of the property team will and expertise to the circuit and
lead on aspects of circuit who are now stepping down –
property. This is a new venture thank you for all that you have
shared in the life of the Circuit.
Page 6
OCTOBER 2021 Spotlight Issue 144
As we move forwards into this to be able to meet as we used to
new Methodist Year may we look when it is safe to do so, and when
back to see that God has been we do, to listen to each other and
with us and with our to God.
communities. As we develop the That will be a great way to go
spiritual and practical vision for through a new Methodist Year.
this circuit may we listen and
respond to each other and move Every blessing
forwards together. It will be good Philip
Farewell to Topsy Brice
We paid tribute to Revd Derek Brice in our last edition of Spotlight and
thank you all for sharing your memories.
Throughout his ministry in the Circuit, Derek was supported by his wife
Topsy. She has decided that the time has come for her to be nearer to
her daughter in the Stanstead Mountfitchet area of Essex, so she will be
moving away during October.
Having been accredited as a Local Preacher in 1966 Topsy exercised her
own ministry alongside that of Derek. Topsy’s preaching and leading
worship in the Circuit has been
greatly appreciated. She will be
particularly missed at Ninfield
where she and Derek were very
involved in the planning and
leading of Messy Church,
undertook pastoral work and
shared in the leading of many
services. We offer Topsy our
thanks for her commitment and
service to this Circuit and wish her
all the very best for the future.
Page 7
The Magazine of the Methodist Church, Hastings, Bexhill & Rye Circuit
Messy Church by Violet Newnham (Age 11) Ninfield
Whether it be arts or crafts,
Sure, we know Jesus is with us
Or singing about magic pennies,
Whatever we do,
It really does live up to its name,
But it wouldn’t be the same
You really do get messy!
Without the Messy Church crew!
Paintings to collages,
They teach us to love,
Bible stories and songs,
To be kind and forgiving,
They make everyone feel
They teach us that God’s love
Like they belong!
Is just the beginning.
They teach you to be creative,
To paint and to draw, although…
Most people I draw
Look like a potato!
I’m so glad they taught me
To be thankful I’m alive and free,
Because I’m absolutely crackers
And I’m glad God loves me!
I’ve learned so much
Over all this time,
About the creation story
And the bread and wine
And so much more,
But, to me,
The feeding of the 5000
Violet leading Is a complete mystery!
the singing at
Ninfield’s 150th But unlike Jesus, I’m not a miracle
Anniversary -worker,
celebration Just a poet, full-time,
I can’t make food from nothing
But at least I can rhyme!
Page 8
OCTOBER 2021 Spotlight Issue 144
with the aim of reaching Glasgow,
Relay to COP26 the host city of COP26, in
The climate crisis is a reflection, November.
and a cause, of deep injustice in YCCN invites people of all ages to
the world. This crisis arises from get involved – young, old or in
our abuse of God’s creation, and between – to help them campaign
our broken relationship with our for systemic change on a local and
neighbours worldwide who suffer global scale.
most from its consequences. We
are convinced of the biblical For further info see www.yccn.uk/
mandate to care for creation, rise-to-the-moment
and lament its exploitation.
We want to see systematic
change on a global and a
local scale.
The Young Christian Climate
Network (YCCN) has
embarked on an ambitious
relay across the UK to raise
the message of climate
justice ahead of COP26.
YCCN will carrying the sail of
a unique boat it has
constructed, inscribed with
the message “Rise to the
Moment”.
The relay, supported by
Christian Aid and many
others, kicked off in Cornwall
after the G7 Summit in June
and is gradually making its
way through Great Britain
Page 9
The Magazine of the Methodist Church, Hastings, Bexhill & Rye Circuit
to lockdown, we were able to
identify new ways of reaching out
to our local community that we
can explore.
We are pleased that Junior Church
has started up on some Sundays
for the younger members of our
congregation who wish to join in.
Battle Those of us who are older have
On a beautiful September appreciated being able to
afternoon, we shared in a time of participate more fully in worship
conversation, quiet reflection and by singing behind our masks! It is
prayer led by Philip, who a joy to hear the organ being
challenged us to think about the played again and to have had
vision for our Church in the friends from Beulah Baptist
context of the community we Church band join us for a
seek to serve. The Emmanuel fellowship service so that we
Centre is now run entirely by could raise the roof in praise to
volunteers and whilst we God. It was also good to have the
acknowledged that we may not be Gardening Gang lead a local
able to do everything we did prior arrangement celebrating creation,
The Gardening Gang
Page 10OCTOBER 2021 Spotlight Issue 144
with a few helpful growing tips if you have not joined yet, there are
from our own rather special also three sessions in October.
Gardener's Question Time panel. When getting quotes for a new
Summer tea parties, hosted in boiler for the Church last year, we
lovely gardens, made a welcome looked at having an electrical
return this year too providing an heating system, but unfortunately it
opportunity for in-person wasn’t straightforward, and the
fellowship. Wednesday morning quote was prohibitively expensive.
coffee on the terrace is continuing However, there are many things
to prove a popular meeting point. that can be done that make a
We are aware that there are those difference without costing a lot.
in our Church family coping with Caring for the earth and all of God’s
bereavement, serious illness, and creation has always been
caring responsibilities. We fundamental to Christianity. What
remember them and our friends can we do as a Church? We can
around the circuit in our prayers. lend support to local like-minded
organisations, and audit areas of
Mary Collins
church life like Fairtrade,
sustainability, waste, recycling,
energy saving, insulation and
Calvert ethical investments.
Through the month of September, Calvert decided at an extra Church
our services at Calvert, along with Council at the end of August to
the evening reflections being led by delay restarting serving coffee after
Philip and Tricia, will be focusing on morning worship and not to restart
our world, the environment and the Wednesday drop in coffee
what we can do as individuals and mornings due to the recent rise in
as a Church to help in efforts to Covid cases in the area. However,
slow down and reverse climate we do now have the joy of
change. By the time you are everyone being able to sing again
reading this we will already have (albeit behind our masks) with 6 of
had the sessions for September but, the choir leading, unmasked, at the
Page 11The Magazine of the Methodist Church, Hastings, Bexhill & Rye Circuit
front of the Church. The zoom event and we are grateful for all
facility is still available most weeks those from the circuit who came
for anyone unable to come to in support. There were around
worship in person. All from the 180 visitors and, including a
circuit are welcome and, if you’d donation of £200 from the church
like access, please talk to your Fun and Friendship Group, the
minister or a steward. excellent total of £1,400 was
Our toddler group met up at local raised.
play parks through the early In addition, it was possible to
summer and is restarting in clear many cupboards of books,
person at the Church at the end of jigsaws, bric-a-brac etc. so it was a
September. double success! Churches are
Hopefully, in the next issue we rather notorious for hoarding all
will have felt safe enough to kinds of stuff and it leaves a good
reopen more and I will be feeling when it goes!
reporting on steps forward in our This issue covers our usual
re-emerging, enabling us to be a celebration of Harvest and
place of welcome, offering Christmas, and, like many
friendship to our friends and churches, plans are on course to
neighbours with a cup of coffee reflect upon these occasions and
and a listening ear on a particularly with special services.
Wednesday as well as on Sunday. We are also hoping that the
Adela Binns Christian Voices Drama Group will
be able to give a Christmas
presentation after a break of
Christ Church some two years.
Sadly, it has not been possible to Reflecting on this issue, it covers
hold our usual Festival of Flowers several months including
for two years, so it was decided to November – the month to
have a Mid-Summer Fayre. This remember. We have All Saints
proved to be a most successful Day, All Souls Day, Bonfire Night,
Remembrance Sunday, Christ the
Page 12OCTOBER 2021 Spotlight Issue 144
King Sunday (21st) Advent Sunday
(28th) and the patronal Festival of
Little Common
St Andrew (30th). Plenty for us to In the last edition of Spotlight,
think about before we embark on David told you all about our new
Advent and Christmas. garden project. Over the
The Christchurch Singers have just summer, plants and seeds have
resumed after a long break. Chris been donated and the garden is
Cox has kept all the members in now thriving.
touch, and it is so good to be back We have even had a visit from the
again. The next concert is planned Mayor – who presented us with
for Saturday December 11th at an award for our herb box in the
6pm in our church. This is a very Incredible Edible Project!
ecumenical choir who just love
singing and enjoying fellowship
together. Do try to come along
and there should be plenty of
carols to sing and others to listen
to. I will try to keep my
introductions as short as I can!!
All of our churches are delighted
to be back with regular worship,
although we have been very
grateful for services via Zoom.
Have a wonderful Autumn and
Advent, and hopefully we can
continue to make good progress
as we approach 2022. May God Work continues, and we hope to
bless you all. have an even better crop next
Barry Turnwell year to donate to local food
charities.
Meanwhile, our Summer Fair was
a great success, bringing friends
Page 13The Magazine of the Methodist Church, Hastings, Bexhill & Rye Circuit
together from across the circuit chosen. We used eight hymns for
for a coffee, and raising £320 for our Songs of Praise worship – so
church funds – funds which are still have some way to go to get
needed as our roof project gets everyone’s favourite included.
underway. As I write, plans are underway for
In other news – Friday this year’s Harvest Festival. John
Rendezvous is back and thriving Troughton will be leading our
and always pleased to welcome service and this year it’s a little bit
guests – so if you are in Little different. As well as giving thanks
Common on a Friday morning why for all God’s bounty on the land –
not drop in and say “hello”? we will remember the harvest of
On 20th August we held a special the seas as well. The Brownies
morning for Christian Aid. This are busy painting wooden fish to
was well supported and just over be used in the service and there
£120 was raised. The charity has may even be a magic trick or two!
provided much needed relief to all Carolyn Lapping
those suffering in Afghanistan and
Haiti in recent weeks, and we pray Ninfield
that they may bring relief where it After many months of planning,
is most needed. our special 150th Anniversary
Our weekly prayer circle went ahead on Sunday 4th July.
continues to bring comfort and, This date was chosen as it was
week on week, we remember near to the date of the laying of
those closest to us who are most the foundation stone on 6th July
in need of our prayers. 1871 by Mrs Catherine Booth,
And we are singing again!! To accompanied by her husband,
celebrate the return of hymn William. The Church, originally a
singing to our Sunday morning Christian Mission Hall, was built in
worship, Dave Williams put just five weeks and opened for its
together a stirring Songs of Praise. first service on 10th August that
By voting for our top five hymns year!
individually, 69 hymns were As was the case 150 years ago,
Page 14OCTOBER 2021 Spotlight Issue 144
members and friends
from the village and
across the Circuit
came together for the
Anniversary to
celebrate the
Christian witness and
outreach of our
Church. The morning The Salvation Army
service was led by entertain in-between
showers.
Rev. Philip Wagstaff
when we gave thanks for the life accompanying the communal
of our Church over the years and hymns and songs – so good to be
looking forward with hope for the able to sing God’s praises once
future. Bet made an Anniversary again! Thanks also to Maureen for
cake which she was invited to cut, reading our lesson, and to Tricia,
and it was then shared with the Philip and the Rev. Paul Frostick,
congregation. Priest in Charge at St Mary’s, who
In the afternoon, after a few led our worship time.
nervous moments regarding the Refreshments were served
weather, a good crowd of people throughout the afternoon and
gathered on the Recreation were thoroughly enjoyed, just as
Ground for an informal worship they had been in 1871! Thanks to
time. We were delighted to Tim and Sarah, Paul, Bet and Lisa
welcome the Salvation Army Band for all their hard work organising
from Hastings and musicians from this aspect of our celebration. We
Christian Voices. David led some have had some lovely comments
Messy Church musical items from people who enjoyed the
assisted by Violet Newnham, aged fellowship, togetherness and
11, who also read her own poem catching up with old friends.
about Messy Church (see page 8). Families with connections
We were grateful to Keith for stretching back to the late 1800s
Page 15The Magazine of the Methodist Church, Hastings, Bexhill & Rye Circuit
were able to look at photographs In September we enjoyed our first
and documents showing their Café Church worship, with
ancestors’ involvement with the breakfast, for over 18 months,
Church. Many of these have been which was special. We are also
included in our ‘Telling Our Story’ looking forward to a Communion
booklet, a History of Ninfield celebration with Alan Hurrell. Our
Methodist Church 1871 Harvest-time will then
– 2021. If you would be on Sunday 3rd
like a copy for a October when we will
donation of £5.00, be having an outdoor
please contact Paul or singalong from 10am.
David. and then our service in
At the end of August, Church at 10.30am. -
we then enjoyed a local Harvest gifts will be
arrangement service given to the Bexhill
when we reflected on Foodbank.
the above day, praised Our new Messy Church
God, & saw lots of new re-launch session for all
photos of July 4th. ages is scheduled during
Thanks be to God. the school half term
We are encouraged that our Hall is holiday week, on
now back in use with many local Wednesday 27th October. There
groups returning from September. will be an outdoor activity and we
The programme of activities are planning to provide light
includes our local History Group, refreshments.
Book café, Art, Exercise, Children’s Finally, we are pleased that the
Dance, Christian Women’s Reverend Dr. David Hinchliffe is
Fellowship, Band practice, Parish taking our service at Ninfield on
Council etc. It is so good that we are Sunday October 24th. Do come
seen as an important Community along if you would like to.
resource and our Church is actively Paul Burson
used by the village.
Page 16OCTOBER 2021 Spotlight Issue 144
Other good news, our building is
Pett now the base for the Archive
Greetings from Pett Resource Centre, a fairly new group
Having just sold my house and with dedicated to collecting, collating
nowhere yet to go apart from a and managing local history for
temporary residence, I have felt Fairlight, Pett and Guestling. Wendy
somewhat lost and uncertain as to has been busy organising the
what the future holds. I am learning decoration of the rear hall for their
to understand that things aren’t use and they successfully held their
always under my control and that a first meeting this month.
little patience and faith are
necessary.
I have been encouraged in
this respect by the way
things are turning out for our
Chapel at Pett. During
lockdown, there was quite a
bit of anxiety about when
and how we would reopen
our doors for worship again,
also a big question mark over
how many people would
come back after such a long
time. As it turns out, after
much prayer and a shaky
period of masks and no
singing, we have reverted
back to near normal, in fact
better than normal, our
numbers are consistently up,
and our Church family is
From our own archive - Pett Chapel as it
closer than ever. appeared, probably in the late 19th century.
Page 17The Magazine of the Methodist Church, Hastings, Bexhill & Rye Circuit
Looking forward, the Jonathan Veira indoor spaces. This may have a
concert, which has been cancelled bearing on the number of visitors
twice, is now scheduled for Friday that we are seeing, or more
October 22nd at Pett Village Hall (see correctly not seeing in church at
back cover). It will be an amazing this time of year.
evening so please join us if you can,
We were especially pleased to
tickets are available from Wendy welcome our friends from Pett
Hatch and Fairlight post office. Methodist Church to morning
We are thrilled to be back worship here in Rye on Sunday, 16th
worshiping together again and we August. They joined us for a service
look forward to going from strength with Holy Communion, led by the
to strength in the coming months. recently retired rector of Rye,
With love from us all. Canon David Frost. It was good to
have a larger than usual
Laura Busby
congregation. I believe that,
following the service, our friends
from Pett enjoyed lunch together,
Rye picnic style, in the Gun Garden by
Greetings from Rye! the Ypres Tower Museum.
We are pleased to report that As I write, in a couple of days, on
regular Sunday morning worship Tuesday, 7th September, there will
has continued in our building in Rye be a Thanksgiving Service for
since I wrote for the previous Clifford Foster, who passed away
edition of Spotlight. Unfortunately, last October. He gave so much of
this summer, we have not had the his talents and time to the church in
number of visitors joining us for Rye and will obviously be greatly
worship as we may have had in missed. We expect a large number
previous years. I think there are still of people will want to attend,
a significant number of people who because he was well regarded and
are not comfortable with being respected within the town and
together with others, with whom community in Rye, in addition to his
they are not familiar, particularly in connections with the church and
Page 18OCTOBER 2021 Spotlight Issue 144
the Christian community locally. of topics and some intriguing
One part of the service will give sounding presentations, such as
people an opportunity to “Rye Spy Day – Spies, Espionage
remember him and speak of their and Codebreakers” and “Wild
own memories of him. We trust Nights Out”. Thus, we will
that we will manage to give him welcome people to our building
the good “send-off” that he who may not see it in the normal
deserves. course of events.
In a few days’ time, the Rye Arts I am sure that, by now, many of
Festival is due to begin its two- our readers will know that Rye
week run and Rye Methodist Methodist Church (the people)
Church has been chosen as a will be moving out of our current
festival venue once again and will building after our final service on
host around a dozen or so events, Sunday, 26th September. We have
including talks on a wide variety a Local Arrangement service in the
Page 19The Magazine of the Methodist Church, Hastings, Bexhill & Rye Circuit
morning and there will be a
Ghostly goings-on in Rye Circuit Service celebration in
I am grateful to Barry Turnwell for the the evening at 6.30pm. From
loan of a booklet written to Sunday, 3rd October, we will
commemorate the 250th Anniversary of meet at our new “home”, the
Rye Methodist Church in 2006. St. Mary’s Centre (next door
In it, I found a delightful story about to the Kino cinema), meeting
Clifford Foster, which I couldn’t resist at the usual time of 10.30am.
sharing.
You may be aware that the building that This move to a new location
we know as Rye Methodist Church will mean that there are many
(pictured on the previous page) was things to do and to consider.
originally built to house the Sunday We have already spent time in
School. The main chapel stood on a site planning and reviewing what
now occupied by St Mary’s Rectory. is required. During the past
Suffering extensive damage during week, four of us began the
WWII, it proved too costly to repair process of considering what
both buildings, and so the 1814 chapel
we should do with two large
was eventually demolished.
cupboards full of sheet music
For a while, the old chapel stood
derelict and unusable. However, inside and books of anthems etc. We
it the organ was still serviceable. Clifford have also begun the process
Foster, just a boy at the time, would of deciding what we would
occasionally slip into the war-torn like to take with us and what
premises and play the organ. Passers-by we will physically be able to
heard ghostly music emanating from the include. There will be items
damaged and deserted building, and that we will need to leave
tales of haunting behind or reluctantly say
soon began to
goodbye to. We will be
circulate.
pleased to offer these to other
Well done Clifford
… it’s a story that congregations, who may be
ought to live on in able to make use of them. This
local folklore for is often a painful yet necessary
generations. Ed. decision, as I am sure many of
Page 20OCTOBER 2021 Spotlight Issue 144
you will realise. We look forward congregation with an immediate
nevertheless to a new chapter in change of room for holding
the life of Rye Methodist Church. services; seating is now in
Please continue to pray for our traditional church formation, i.e.
Circuit staff and the Leadership not (un)socially distanced, with
Team, as they seek to find the face coverings removed, lots of
path forward for our Circuit. good ‘stand up, full volume’
Please pray also for all those who singing, and a resumption of teas
seek to do the same in all our and coffees after the services.
Circuit churches. Yes, we do provide hand sanitiser
and maintain test and trace
Please remember that friends
recording, but thankfully services
from around the circuit will
are as good as back to ‘normal’
always be welcome to visit us at
and that is undoubtedly
our new home in Rye. In the
appreciated by everyone. And it is
meantime, take care, stay safe
so good to be back together again
and well and God bless.
and able to communicate with
Paul Martin. each other without having to raise
our voices.
St. Helens In August one of our Local
Arrangement services was held as
Greetings to every Spotlight a Songs of Praise led by Diane,
reader from all at St Helens. with hymns chosen by the
We may not agree with the edicts congregation and this was a truly
and actions by our national uplifting service, attended by a
government very often, but the total of twenty-one, with some
news that from the end of July we wonderful singing.
would be permitted to relax most We have also been delighted to
of the restrictions imposed to help welcome back to worship a couple
control the pandemic was of members who have had to
particularly welcomed. have surgery but are now
This news was greeted by the recovering and have sufficient
Page 21The Magazine of the Methodist Church, Hastings, Bexhill & Rye Circuit
mobility to come on Sundays.
St Leonards-on-Sea
Our Baby and Toddler Group
starts afresh this week Greetings from SLMC. Things are
(Wednesday 8th September) now back to near pre-pandemic
meeting in the main hall at Ore arrangements apart from the
Centre, so we are hoping that this wearing of face masks and social
will be well received within the distancing continue.
community. Our Church Anniversary held on
We are also looking forward 27th June was led by the Rev.
positively in planning special Malcolm Peach from Canterbury.
services, how and when we can The service was well attended and
restart JUMP Club and Messy enjoyed by all. Coffee after church
Church, as well as thinking about recommenced in August and has
fundraising events. been welcomed by most, with at
least 75% of the congregation
The joint jumble sale with Ore staying on. Russell records the
Centre at the end of July was a weekly service, and it is sent out
success. We only had about half via email most weeks.
of the usual numbers attending
and thankfully it did not result in a Friday Club, now meeting on
spike in Covid cases, so further Tuesdays in the hall to allow more
fundraising events can now be space for social distancing, have
considered. changed their name to
‘Seenagers’ (Senior Teenagers).
We look forward to a future with This followed the printing of a
hope and some expectation. May poem in our church magazine.
God bless you and your church Their programme continues to be
community as our respective post varied, including “Last Night of the
-covid mission takes shape in the Proms” with singing of the usual
weeks and months ahead. patriotic songs, waving of flags
Mike Lambourne and a lovely tea! On Saturday
October 2nd from 10.00am they
will be hosting a coffee morning
Page 22OCTOBER 2021 Spotlight Issue 144
for MacMillan Cancer Support. All were only nine in attendance, and
welcome. it was decided that it had run its
The Toddler Group reopened on course. Started as “Sisterhood”, to
7th September and will meet each give the ladies of Hollington a
Tuesday from 10.00am during weekday meeting, the first
term time. We have yet to meeting was held on 11th
consider Messy Church. November 1926. We will go out
with a bang, we hope, on 4th
On a down note, after 95 years,
November, and would like all who
Thursday Fellowship, which
have been connected with the
transferred from Hollington when
Fellowship to send their
the churches merged in 2016, will
memories to us.
close its doors. At the Annual
Meeting on 2nd September there Dawn Novis.
My Mum - the
Law-breaker
Many of you will know
that my Mum sadly passed THE FIRST SCHEDULE
away in January.
before referred to …
In dealing with the sale of 16. Not to hold or permit
her flat, I came across an to be held any political or
intriguing provision in the religious meeting in the
terms of the lease, which
Demised Premises nor
use the same for the
effectively means that my
purpose of practising
mother was breaking the singing or musical
law every time she hosted instruments or giving
a prayer meeting in the singing music or dancing
flat. lessons.
Isn’t that exciting?!
Keith
Page 23The Magazine of the Methodist Church, Hastings, Bexhill & Rye Circuit
not only has the Post Office
Trinity successfully opened, but has had
Greetings from Trinity! its first holiday. Prital Moskal has
In the previous edition you may now returned from a family
have read ‘It will be a great day holiday in Barbados, and will once
when we can freely lift up our more welcome customers, as we
voices as well as our hearts in also welcome folk coming to Book
praise.’ That day has come, and Swap and Knitters and Natters.
we are enjoying doing just that! This latter really needs a new
Currently we sing some to name, as both crocheting and
Angela’s playing on the painting have been added to the
harmonium - a welcome return! - activities!
and some to recorded videos. Then 15th September sees the
However, we are continuing with restart of ‘Open Door’, our
several cautious approaches as friendly informal get together.
the rate of infection, seen in the Sadly, there are three regulars
three-month trend, continues to who will no longer be with us.
rise. Drina Hampson
Our Harvest Service at the end of
September will, as usual, be an
(Wesley’s
opportunity to support local Food Winchelsea Chapel)
Banks, an increasing need.
The 236th Chapel Anniversary was
During September, we will also
held in July on the day before
have opportunities to reflect on
‘lockdown’ was removed.
the theme of creation and our
However, we were all in the open
role in this world. That is clearly a
air so there was some excellent
hugely important concern, with
singing from the group of around
climate change affecting so many
twenty people. We started with
more people and places, and it
the customary usual hymns under
could even get worse.
the Wesley Tree, followed by the
On a more cheerful note, again service (also under the Tree) led
referring back to May’s edition, by the Rev Philip Wagstaff. In a
Page 24OCTOBER 2021 Spotlight Issue 144
little over an hour, we had sung Christmas Praise on Saturday
15 hymns! December 4th. Both celebrations
It was a pleasure to welcome the start at 11am.
Rev. David Hinchliffe, the The number of folk who have
Chairman of our South-East renewed or joined as ‘Friends’ of
District who read the lesson. the Chapel has been a little
It was felt that this was a disappointing. Please consider
newsworthy occasion, and it was helping out in this way – an
a delight to see an article (plus annual donation of a minimum of
two photographs) in the following £5 is all that is required – plus
issue of The Methodist Recorder. your support for events when
This is the weekly national possible.
newspaper of the Methodist I will be delighted to send you a
Church and they do appreciate Newsletter and application form
receiving news about interesting and hope that I may hear from
local events. you.
Now we look to the future with Barry Turnwell (01424 216456)
our Harvest Festival on Saturday Publicity Officer and Membership
2nd October, and then our Secretary.
Page 25The Magazine of the Methodist Church, Hastings, Bexhill & Rye Circuit
3Generate is the Children and on a venue within our 3Generate
Youth Assembly of the Methodist Town. Children and young people
Church and a strategic part in how can explore venues and become
the church listens to the voices of completely immersed in the
the children and young people. 3Generate Town that has
3Generate aims to create an something to offer everyone.
inclusive and diverse space for the Join the 3Generate team
prophetic voice of children and
For the wider church please
young people to emerge and be
consider joining the team that
heard. It enables them to speak
courageously and listen to God and makes the event happen.
each other. Volunteering at 3Generate can be
an exciting and rewarding
Through the 3Generate process,
children and young people are challenge. There are a whole range
equipped to become participants in of roles for different abilities, ages,
advocacy, change and growth and and skills. People can volunteer for
have an impact in their local a day or the whole weekend,
Methodist communities. 3Generate there’s plenty of flexibility.
calls the Church to listen to, and be
It’s going to be an incredible
in relationship and dialogue with
weekend to remember. Join the
and amongst, children and young
people, so that change can happen Children, Youth and Family Team as
together as a community. we continue to pray that God will
be at work in mighty and
This year, there have been satellite
groups meeting throughout the extraordinary ways in the lives of all
year to plan a full and exciting our children and young people.
programme, each group focusing Google “3Generate” for more info.
Page 26OCTOBER 2021 Spotlight Issue 144
Fairtrade Christmas As usual, we will be selling
Christmas Cards, Advent Calendars,
We are planning to display our Appointment calendars, Christmas
Fairtrade as we did last Christmas, gifts, including Biscuits, Chocolate,
in our conservatory, accessed by
and other culinary delights. Many
our side entrance. Friends came by
appointment, they used hand people also buy their Bamboo socks
sanitiser, calculated the price of from our fine collection of patterns.
their purchases and put their We thank you for your kindness and
money in the till and their support, and look forward to
purchases in their bags. We invite welcoming long term and new
you to make an appointment by friends.
phone 01424 460727 or e-mail
wardcandm@gmail.com Best wishes,
We shall be open for business Christine and Michael.
between 10am and 7pm from
Wednesday to Saturday from
November 10th until the middle of
December. Catalogues for Traidcraft
and The Leprosy Mission are
available now. Ring to collect.
The Acorn Project - A New Dawn for Zambia?
The Project opened again on August 30th, still with a
limited intake for safety reasons, and children and
staff continue to wear masks. We really hope that a
fourth wave will not cause us to be closed down
again. Meanwhile it is great to be functioning again.
I am still in the UK and in touch with the teachers
every day.
There is a new Government in Zambia, voted in during August, and we all
have high hopes that the theft and corruption that has almost
bankrupted the country will, over the coming months, be sorted out.
Education, health and jobs are a priority for the incoming government.
Please hold us in your prayers.
Ann Rudy (Project Co coordinator.)
Page 27The Magazine of the Methodist Church, Hastings, Bexhill & Rye Circuit
CENTENARY HOUSE CIRCUIT
CHURCH & COMMUNITY CENTRE LUNCH
After an enforced break the House CLUB
is beginning to become a little
busier. The circuit Administrator We have been unable to meet since
remains in situ and weekly users February 2020 because of all the
Coronavirus regulations, and many
include the Al-Anon Group and the
have missed meeting together.
Bexhill Chess Club. Now Covid restrictions are lifted we
More enquiries are being made and have recommenced with our first
with restrictions being lifted there meal taking place on September
will be an increased need for the 29th. Meals remain at £15 and
rooms. annual membership of the group
£6. We meet at the Fairlight Lodge
The normal charge is £9 per room Hotel from 12.00 noon for a 12.30
per hour. This is waived for circuit meal. We have a speaker following
churches and groups. There is also a some meals, others give time for
lovely sunny garden – ideal for tea catching up with friends from
and cakes as we had at the recent around the circuit. If anyone is
Mid-Summer Fayre! If you would interested in joining, please speak
like to know more do give me a call. to me or phone 01424 423071.
Dawn Novis.
Barry Turnwell (Bookings Officer)
Page 28OCTOBER 2021 Spotlight Issue 144
There is story in the Bible gaffer tape and fished around in
about a woman who lost a coin – the mud at the bottom of the
a very special coin. It was part of drain. At first, they only seemed
her dowry. She searched and to be stirring mud but then
swept, and all her neighbours something shiny appeared and
knew about it. In the end the coin was gently lifted up through the
turned up in a place she had grill. It was duly delivered to the
looked many times. She called daughter. Oh! You should have
together all her neighbours and seen her face! She was overjoyed.
friends saying, “Rejoice with me I The moral of the story. Don’t
have found what was lost.” throw anything away that might
Jesus said, “There will be more be useful in 30 years’ time! How
rejoicing in Heaven over one much clutter do we need? All of it!
sinner who repents….” Michael Ward
Our friend’s daughter was
helping her elderly mother
out of the car to come to
Friday Club, when her car
keys slipped out of her
hand, down into the gutter,
sliding into the drain at the
side of the road. Panic!
What do you do? Who
would you go to for help?
Eventually word got to
someone who had had a
magnet on a stick in their
tool cupboard for over 30
years! They lengthened the
stick with another stick using An alternative solution? Ed
Page 29The Magazine of the Methodist Church, Hastings, Bexhill & Rye Circuit
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
The ecumenical World Day of Prayer
service, organised by the Hastings Modern technology…..
Committee of the movement, which Adam and Eve—the first people
would normally be held in March, who did not read the Apple terms
was hosted on 1st July by St
and conditions……
Leonards on Sea Methodist Church.
This was led by Rev Tricia Williams, Prayer is the world’s greatest
Dawn Novis and 6 other ladies from wireless communication.
Anglican, Salvation Army and URC Technically, Moses was the first
churches, plus Helen Bird on piano. person with a tablet downloading
The service was prepared by the
data from the cloud.
ladies of Vanuatu, an Island group in
the South Pacific with the theme Tweet others as you would like to
‘Build on a strong foundation’. The be tweeted!
bible reading was from Matthew God has no phone, but we can still
7:24-27. The service was attended
talk to him, No Facebook page, but
by 42 people and included the
Deputy Mayor of Hastings, he is still our friend.
Councillor Ruby Cox. God answers knee-mail.
This photograph was taken
afterwards by Colin Dann of the
Deputy Mayor with members of the
Committee.
Next years local
service is scheduled
to take place at the
Salvation Army
Citadel in St Andrews
Square on Friday 4th
March, and is based
on Jeremiah 29:11.
An extract from a song especially written for the service by Lucy Hole is
reproduced on page 87 in the new Methodist Prayer Handbook.
Dawn Novis
Page 30The Duckworth-Lewis-Stern Method ...
is a formula which calculates the Fortunately, our admission is not
number of runs needed to win a determined by any formula or
limited overs cricket match which algorithm, but simply by the grace
is interrupted by the weather. of an endlessly merciful God.
It is not simply a case of In life, we may have scored a
calculating the average run rate metaphoric duck - worth nothing
as, with less overs to play, and in the world’s eyes (sorry, I
the same number of wickets couldn't resist it).
remaining, a team can afford to But, as God’s
take more risks. This, and other children, the prize
factors, are taken into account by was ours before
this fiendishly complicated system. we even buckled
This got me thinking, what if God up our shin-pads.
used something similar to DLS to Fortunate since,
determine admission to heaven? for somebody
We know not the day nor the hour who was named
when our final score will be tallied. after a famous
And if we did, what risks would we cricketer, my form
take to score a few boundaries to with a bat was
make sure that we win the famously erratic.
trophy? Keith
Please note - the next issue of Spotlight is due to be
published on 9 January 2022
Contributions for inclusion in this issue must be received
by 12 December 2021
Where possible, please send articles to the Editor,
Keith Miller by e-mail at contact@pettchapel.org.uk
Handwritten or typed items should be posted to
Pearl Page, 226 Battle Road, St. Leonards-on-Sea, TN37 7BA
And don’t forget to send us your pictures.
We will always try to include a selection if they will reproduce satisfactorily.
Spotlight is printed and collated by
Hastings Voluntary Action
01424 444010You can also read
