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ENQUIRE WITHINDECEMBER 2013/JANUARY 2014

MAGAZINE OF

CENTRAL CHURCHMETHODIST and UNITED REFORMED

TORHILL ROAD- TORQUAY

REV GAVIN HANCOCKSTel: 01803 615480

email: minister@centralchurchtorquay.org

MINISTER IN PASTORAL CHARGE

A donation of 50p towards printing costs would be much appreciated

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CHURCH OFFICERS

SECRETARY Barbara Lawton (01803 296990)TREASURERS John Coatham (01803 323212) Paul Sherriff (01803 298603)ENVELOPE & GIFT AID SECRETARY Harold Newman. (01803 607984)ORGANIST & CHOIR DIRECTOR Clive Bastin (01803 325142)MAGAZINE EDITORS Hazel Nightingale (01803 315561) Philip Kay (01803 323551)BOOKING SECRETARY Jean Baker (01803 550861)PUBLICITY (POSTERS) Barbara Gissinger (01803 328407)CARETAKERS Darrell Sanderson (07719 099901) Keith Read (07719 099901)

CHURCH ACTIVITIES

SUNDAY Morning Worship + Creche 10,30am Sunday Club 10.30am Evening Worship 6.30pmMONDAY Women’s Fellowship 2.30pm Brownies 6.00pm Flexercise Fun 6.30pm Guides 7.30pmTUESDAY Prayer Meeting or Service 9.30am Coffee & Fellowship 10.00am Busy Bees 10.00am Guild 7.30pmTHURSDAY Central Tots 9.30amFRIDAY Coffee & Fellowship 10.00am Belleplates Group 11.00am Choir Practice 7.00pm

CHURCH COUNCIL – 3�� Thursday of February, May, August & November.

CHURCH MEETINGS – 3�� Thursday of January, April, July & October.

For Details of Sunday Services, Messy Church, Housegroups,Bible Studies etc – see Diary

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THE MINISTER

Dear Friends,

Well, here we are on the verge of Christmas, again! As we draw near toChristmas though, I would like to share some thoughts from one of myfavourite authors, Max Lucado.

In his book ‘When God whispers your name’ is a chapter entitled ‘God’sChristmas Cards’. In this chapter Max talks about mail. Mail we all geton a daily basis. I can identify with Max because, like him, I enjoy theanticipation of what comes through the letterbox. Here are a few Maxhopes he never gets:

Dear Max,

You know last summer when you broke the vase my Uncle Bill had leftme? Remember I told you a hundred bucks would be fine, but youinsisted I get it appraised? Well, boy, am I glad you did. I hope you aresitting down because the museum’s curator of thirteenth-century artsays….

Dear Mrs. Lucado,

Recently you purchased from us a home pregnancy diagnostic kit. Weare writing to inform you that there was a mistake in the instructions,and what you thought you were, you aren’t, and what you thought youweren’t, you are…

Ouch! I don’t know if like me you are amazed at the amount of junk mailthat finds its way in. This despite the fact that we check the box thatsays; ‘NO JUNK MAIL’, whenever we fill out various applications etc. IfI’m honest then I have to admit that our recycling box fills up veryquickly courtesy of Royal Mail. However, this time of the year is anespecially exciting one for us as we receive the greetings that cometogether with all the ‘catch up’ mail on how everyone has done this pastyear. One hears from almost long forgotten friends, from vague ac-quaintances from family far away and all sorts of others in-between.And of course there are the cards that come attached. One year, in

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particular, there was one from some friends in SA that came via theInternet – it was an African Christmas theme designed by their daughter,which really touched us. Max describes one of his unforgettable ones:

‘If our greatest need had been for information, God would have sent aneducator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would havesent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God wouldhave sent us an economist. But since our greatest need was forgiveness,God sent us a Saviour.

Christmas cards. Punctuated promises. Phrases filled with the reasonwe do it all anyway.

He became like us, so we could become like him.

Angels still sing and the star still beckons.

He loves each one of us like there was only one of us to love.

Long after the sender’s name is forgotten, the card’s message lingers.Words of promise. A handful of seeds and syllables flung on the fertilesoil of December with hope of fruit born in July. For that reason, I keepthe mailbox up.

My heart can use all the seeds it can get.’

Indeed, so does mine. As we celebrate the coming of the Christ Childmay we know again the joy that is ours in him and being renewed in ourfaith walk more steadfastly in a world bereft of hope bringing the goodnews of his coming to all who will hear.

From all of us at Oak Park Ave to all of you we wish you a blessed andhappy Christmas filled with hope and peace. As we celebrate thecoming of the Christ Child may he fill our lives again with his life givingpresence.

God bless you all,

Gavin, Angela, Desre & Richard

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CENTRAL’S FAMILY & FRIENDSFamily News & other Bits & Pieces

THANKS· From Jean Morton for the cards, phone calls and flowers that she

received after her recent fall. Happily, she’s back with us now.· From Sheila Nelson: “I would like to thank all friends at Central

for their prayers, flowers, good wishes, many kindnesses andconcern over the past year. I am grateful to so many friends, andto Mary and Susan who have supported me during particulardifficulties. May I wish you all a very Happy Christmas with everygood wish for the coming year.”

· From Roy Richards to all those who are collecting copper coinsfor Christian Aid. He is currently ‘out of circulation’ but on hisreturn he will be available to take the boxes back.

· From Joy and Peter Perry, who are so grateful to friends atCentral, especially Monica and  Barbara, for all the visits, phonecalls and kind enquiries with regard to Peter's continuing illness. Also for the Harvest gifts and visit from Philip and Barbara.

CONGRATULATIONS

· To Mary Nankivell who is 80 on 4�� December· To Sheila Lawrence who is 80 on 16�� December· To Barbara Lawton who is 80 on 28�� January

If you like puzzles – try and see how many words you can make

from ‘CHOCOLATE.’ (Well it is Christmas). Allegedly the answer

is 88, but we won’t be publishing the answers next time!

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MARJORIE BROOK (1927-2013)

Marjorie as born in Wetherby on 17�� March 1927 to doting parents andwas to be their only child. She was educated locally, went to college andobtained a teaching degree.

Having taught in Morecambe for some years, she then emigrated toAustralia where she had an uncle, and taught in Sydney for several years,which she enjoyed. She loved the Australian life, especially the climate,and often said she was never warm in England, and longed for theAustralian sunshine.

Having got the travel bug, she then spent some time teaching in Kenyaand South Africa, coming back to England eventually, to look after herelderly parents. She always said her only reason for coming to Torquaywas to enjoy the sunshine and swim in the sea, which she did most days.

She was a life long Methodist and a member of Central Church for manyyears, and has been cared for and loved by many of the members duringher various illnesses and other problems.

Marjorie was a character, and as she got older, became quite eccentric,but kept her fierce independence until February 2012 when she waseventually persuaded to go into care. For the last 21 months she hasbeen well looked after in The Pippins, and this she enjoyed, and becamean ideal patient – much to everyone’s surprise.

She will be buried at Hebden Bridge with her parents, near to her cousinSteven Brook and family.

Her Pastoral Leader – Jean Baker.

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DOREEN ERSKINE (1918-2013)

Doreen died peacefully in Torbay Hospital having spent a long well-lived life; a life of sharing and caring. Doreen was born in Wales in aWelsh speaking family so she spoke the language fluently. She lovedmale voice choirs and she herself enjoyed singing – especially singinghymns in Welsh. Doreen and Robert were married in Swansea andduring the war they lived in Cheltenham. In the ‘50s Robert becamethe Parks Superintendent in Torbay and so Robert and Doreen came tolive in Torquay.

Doreen made a lovely home where she always welcomed both friendsand visitors. She was a good cook making lots of Welsh cakes andshortbread and quantities of jam with fruit grown in their lovelygarden. Robert and Doreen’s garden was a delight with many specialshrubs and plants. They grew large amounts of fruit and vegetablesand opened their garden to raise money for charity.

Doreen joined the Townswomen’s Guild where she helped with adrama group and a choir. She was also a member of Inner Wheel, theProbet Club and the Scottish Society (Robert was from Scotland). Hergreatest contribution perhaps was at Torbay Hospital as a member ofthe League of Friends. She helped as a guide and became a member ofthe Linen League which she later ran for 25years. She helped withmany fundraising events at the hospital and was presented with a longservice certificate of which she was extremely proud.

Doreen was a member of Central Church where she made manyfriends. She was one of the first members of the Moor Lane HouseGroup (now the Moors House Group). She was a regular attendee atthe Ladies Circle and later the Women’s Fellowship.

Doreen shared many happy times with her sister-in-law Rosina and hernieces Christine and Caroline and nephew Andrew. Those of us whoshared so much with Doreen will miss her. We offer our sinceresympathy to Rosina and all the family and we give thanks to God forDoreen. Monica Lansley

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REFLECTIONSCarols are playing in many of our shops and supermarkets. Restaurantsare raking in the money with special menus. Pubs are opening extrahours.

If we were to ask them ‘why?’, they would say ‘because it’s Christmas’.

But, how many of the proprietors of these businesses know the reasonWHY they are celebrating Christmas with all these extra festivities?

For so many, Christmas is just a time for eating more, and drinking toomuch.

BUTChristmas is the time for celebrating the Birth of Jesus, God’s only Son.Christmas is the time for celebrating the Birth of the Saviour of the world.Christmas is the time for giving thanks to God for His wonderful Gift tous.

We have often heard the phrase “Christmas has become socommercialised these days”. Why have we Christians let it become so?

In the October ‘Enquire Within’, our Editors (Hazel and Philip) put in anarticle entitled “Save Christmas’. I had already read something similarin the Methodist Recorder before that Magazine came out, and washorrified by the terrible statistics which they quoted. Let me repeatthem again. Only 12% of adults know the Nativity Story, and more thana third of children do not know whose birth is celebrated at Christmas.This is awful.

The ChurchAds.net campaign has the theme “Christmas starts withChrist”. What are we in Torbay; in Central; going to do about it.

We, as Christians, should be announcing to EVERYONE that Christmas isthe time when we celebrate the Birth of Jesus, and that ‘Jesus is theReason for the Season’. And ALL of us can do that in one very easy way.Let us all buy Christmas cards which depict the Christmas story, or have

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a Christian text inside, and send one to our NON-Christian friends, as wellas to our Christian friends.

Let’s promote the REAL meaning of Christmas this year. Let us, in Centralbegin to change those statistics.

Happy Christmas to you all, and may you take, not just the Baby Jesusinto the New Year, but may you take the Jesus who grew to be a Man,and who died and rose again to be our Saviour and our Redeemer.

So, wishing you a Joyous Christmas and all God’s Blessings for 2014.

We don’t have a Magazine in January, so I will write again in February.Margaret Newman.

ANODE

Just a note to thank everyone who is supporting the food bank of thischarity with the items you are bringing in each Sunday. The quantitiesare surprising! We seem to have to go over every 3 or 4 weeks to clearwhat we’ve collected. The people at Anode are very grateful indeed

The only feedback (oh dear..groan..groan) we’ve had, is that if it’s at allpossible, could we sometimes include tins of meat/chicken which can beheated to provide the centre of a meal.

Keep up the good work! God Bless.Witness Mission Team

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A FEW OBSERVATIONS ON LIFE...

The love of God is broader than the measures of man's mind.

Forget your mistakes but never what you learned from them.

I haven't lost my mind--it's backed up on disk somewhere.

If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.

Drive carefully. It's not only cars that can be recalled by their maker.

Advertising: The science of arresting the human intelligence longenough to get money from it. - Stephen Leacock

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SERMON NOTESAnother year has gone and once again it is time to say “Thank You” tothose who week by week précis the sermon so that some of our memberswho are ill and those in homes and not able to get to Church can keep intouch by receiving the notes of the service. It is very much appreciatedby those members.

We have a very dedicated group of people who undertake this task everyweek, a job done so quietly that others are not aware of it happening.A very huge Thank You on behalf of Central Church to those “Scribes”,your new list will be with you shortly. If anyone else would like to joinin with this we will be delighted to hear from you.Many thanks

Sheila

Police officers arrest a man for selling bottles of a liquidhe claims slows the aging process. The one officer turnsto his partner and says “Frank, check his record. Myinstinct tells me this boy has done this before.” Frankreports back “You’re right! He’s got form! He wasarrested for the same thing in 1955, 1898 and 1721.”

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CHRISTMAS 2013.

Over 2000 years have come and gone,Since the day when God sent us his son.Born to a virgin, who received God’s grace,The site of his birth, a very humble place.

A star had guided many to witness the birth.The Son of Man had arrived here on earth.They came to pay homage to the new born King,The promised one, salvation for us, to bring.

But Christmas’s have changed over the enfolding years.Many filled with joy, many filled with tears.Hijacked for profit and an excuse to feast.A time of great hardship for those with the least.

With Jesus at the centre, we can recover what’s lost.Forget about the razzmatazz, what it will cost.We must focus on the child, and why it was meant.For his birth, the most precious gift that could be sent.

So let’s start anew, this season of hope,When half the world is struggling to cope.Pray that God’s people, wherever they may be,Can fulfil the promise of peace and unity.Let’s put down the weapons of corruption and greed.Simple love, faith and hope, is all that we need.

Have a peaceful Christmas – David Manley.

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THE PRINT ROOM

There are changes in the print room! Tony Zaple and I have spent manya long hour in the print room. It was fifteen years ago that we were boththrust into operating the print requirements of the Church. Starting fromalmost scratch, we gradually (albeit mainly by trial and error) managedto acquire knowledge of the then machine, and a rather obsolete paperfolding machine. But through team work, Tony and I fulfilled that function.

Tony in his wisdom has now decided to retire, mainly due to his diabetesproblems. I would like to personally say a huge “thank you” to Tony forthe help he has given me in pursuit of ensuring that together, weprovided an efficient service to all concerned.

We witnessed many changes (having to learn two new machines), whiledaway the hours putting the Church and the world to rights, and had funextricating ourselves from unenforced errors and paper jams! We learntfrom our mistakes, and enjoyed a camaraderie which money can’t buy.

Hazel and Sarah have kindly offered their services to cover for Tony, andare welcomed to the rigours of the Print Room. Already I’m beginningto think that the Apprentices are better than the Master, but I will keepa fatherly eye on them both!

John Lawrence

TOP SIX THINGS TO SAY ABOUT CHRISTMAS GIFTS YOU DON’T LIKE.

6. Well, well, well ...

5. This will be perfect for wearing around the garage.

4. If the dog buries it, I'll be furious!

3. Sadly, I am allergic to whatever this is made of.

2. To think - I got this the year I vowed to give all my gifts to charity.

1. What have I done to deserve this?

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A CHRISTMAS PRAYER OF THANKS.

Loving Father of Christmas, in this year when we have welcomed thebirth of a baby, born to be King of this country for a generation, wethank you for the everlasting gift of your precious son, Jesus, King of allKings, whose reign will last for ever and ever.

Thank you that he became one of us; that he lived and died and roseagain so that we might be offered the gift of eternal life. Please open oureyes and ears and hearts this Christmas, by the power of your HolySpirit. May we see, hear and experience the peace and joy, comfort andlife, which is your Christmas present to us, wrapped up in the presenceof Jesus. Emmanuel, God actually with us, today!

Thank you, thank you Lord. Amen.

By Daphne Kitching

Stuck in traffic I noticed the personalised number plate of the carin front – BAA BAA. Then I looked at the car – it was a black jeep!

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Home and Garden Repairs

Want a builder or gardener?Call HOWARD POKE

Mobile: 07835 756380 Call anytime!Or E mail: howardpoke@hotmail.com

“Let HOWARD do it!”

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A NEW BEGINNING

The coming together of the Torquay Methodist Churches continues. Atthe latest meeting it was agreed that one magazine should be createdto cover all the churches, and that this new arrangement would comeinto force with the February 2014 edition. It was also agreed (in ourabsence, since we are not part of Central’s steering group!) that we –Hazel & Philip – would be the editors!

We are already giving thought to this, and there will undoubtedly bemany discussions to arrive at how best to serve everyone.

HOWEVER, there is one thing we need YOU to do. It has been decidedthat the NEW magazine needs a NEW name.

SO IT’S UP TO YOU! ALL SUGGESTIONS IN THE FIRST INSTANCE TOHAZEL OR PHILIP – AND BEFORE THE END OF DECEMBER TOO !!!

PLEASE!

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THE OLD MANEscaping from the pouring rain I ran into a roomWhere thought to be one other. A conversation quickly bloomedFor he had travelled the whole wide world Where I indeed had not.So as the storms raged outside the door His world became my lotAs he took me through the Americas, Africa’s and beyondThe world was shown in colours ‘But’ not for very longFor then he spoke of the Holy land, and how he walked the walkOf Christ upon that terrible day. The walk he chose and taughtBut the picture that he painted, although so very preciseWas only sadly given in the colours black and white.Until that is, a broken voice from corner rang,Spoken by an old man and slowly he began‘The Holy Land’ my lad, he said is here beneath my feet!I’ve walked a path through life for sure where my Saviors love is deepHe’s shown me the entire world lad, Its hurts, its love, its hatesWe’ve danced, we’ve cried, we’ve even laughed along the wayAnd as I sat and listened to the travels far and wideRegrets I’ve none lad. For when the world has passed me byI’ve seen The rich, the poor, the lost, the lonely and the hurt.The hungry and the homeless Go right passed my doorI know  of the eternal promised, Lad.And with tears in his eyes he faltered as the next few words were spokenQuietly by the old man as he sat there. He simply quietly said‘I have come to the end of my journey lad .I have travelled the whole of Gods world And I know my journeys endMy lad, is beyond this broken world.For though I may not have travelled the mile of this rich manI have seen the world lad, And now I travel on a path to paradise LadWhere my Lord is waiting on. and indeed I will find LadA Holy land for all. And as the traveler stood to leaveHis lifestyle how dark to me His stories had lost its color.For more I wanted to seek And so I stayed and listened to this old man formore, and came to know his Savior and  as I closed that  doorI  opened up  new life a life forever moreWith that old man’s father who had taken me onboardAs, as I left he gave me his old and tattered bookAnd it and its stories  treasured now and ever more

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CYBER MONDAY.....BRACE YOURSELF!

Monday 2 December is Cyber Monday – set to be the busiest onlineshopping day of 2013. Cyber Monday is a marketing term originally usedin the US for the Monday following Thanksgiving, and refers to the surgeof shopping people do as the frenzy of buying Christmas presents getsunderway. This year Cyber Monday will coincide with people just havingbeen paid their salaries, and so is set to be as busy as ever. CyberMonday is recognised from Chile to the USA, from Portugal and Japan tothe UK.

What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire? -Frostbite.

What's red and white and red, red and white, and red andwhite? Father Christmas rolling down a hill.

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CHRISTMAS IS A’COMING

Christmas is a’coming and the goose is getting fat!We’re planning celebrations, with a bit of this and that.We’ve bought a tree, got presents wrapped,Made a cake, and sent cards too.Put all the decorations up, and done what we must do.But as the 25�� comes near, again, this cold December,It’s good to pause a while, and think of things we should remember.There’d be no celebrations, if 2,000 years agoAn Eastern star had not appeared, and set the heavens aglow.If there, among the animals, had not appeared a stranger,And LOVE had not come down to earth, and lay there in the manger.

No Shepherds behold Him, no wise men from the east.No Virgin Mary Mother, no Jesus and no feast.No Saviour sent to live on earth, to teach the reasons why –To save our souls, the Son of God should suffer and should die.

So as we sing our carols, raise our hearts in Christmas cheer,Let’s say our prayers to Jesus – because of Him we’re here.Let’s follow his example, live our lives to spread our love,And thankfully, acknowledge His blessings from above.For Christmas Day’s HIS BIRTHDAY, and it’s that we celebrateAnd not just a Bank Holiday, as ordained by the state.

Nora Horwell. December 1993.

(Note from Marion Farley: Nora, an old friend of ours, frequently sent averse she wrote to Mike in his Christmas cards. This was received whilehe was serving in the Gulf during the conflict in 1993)

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SUNDAY SERVICES FOR DECEMBER 2013 / JANUARY 2014.

(S) = Sacrament of Holy Communion (WG) = Worship Group

Date Morning 10.30am Evening 6.30pmDEC1�� Revd G Hancocks (S) Mrs Wendy Hugonnet8�� Mrs J Potter Revd G Hancocks (WG)15�� Mrs M Newman (Nativity) Revd Jerry Cook (S)22ⁿ� Revd G Hancocks Revd G Hancocks (Carols)29�� Mr I Hills Mrs M Newman (Carols)JAN5�� Revd G Hancocks (S) Revd R Richards12�� Mr Jonathan Oliverio (All Ag) Revd G Hancocks (S)19�� Mr David Welsh At St Lukes26�� Revd G Hancocks Revd G Hancocks

SUNDAY MORNING COFFEE ROTA.DECEMBER 2013/JANUARY 2014

DATE GROUP DATE GROUPDEC1�� Guides 8�� Catering Committee15��  Flower Committee    22ⁿ� Flexercise Fun29�� Church CouncilJAN5�� Busy Bees 12�� Women’s Fellowship19�� Church Council 26�� Contact

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CALENDAR FOR DECEMBER 2013/JANUARY 2014DECEMBERSunday 1�� 10.30 Morning Communion –

Rev Gavin Hancocks 3.00 Rowcroft 'Light Up A Life' Service 6.30 Evening Worship – Mrs Wendy HugonnetMonday         2ⁿ� 10.30 Rosemary Gardens Housegroup 2.30 Women's Fell: Denise Lawrence, Advent 6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 GuidesTuesday 3�� 9.30 Midweek Prayers 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees 10.30 Pulpit Meeting 7.30 Guild – Rev Valerie Price – Characters Round the CribWednesday 4�� 12.00 URC Advent Bible Study

at Furrough CrossThursday 5�� 9.30 Central Tots 2.30 Belleplates @ Memory Club - Paignton 7.30 Moors HousegroupFriday 6�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Catering Meeting 7.00 Choir PracticeSaturday 7�� 9.30 Contact Centre 7.30 South Devon Choir ConcertSunday 8�� 10.30 Morning Worship – Mrs Jean Potter 6.30 Evening Worship –

Gavin & Worship GroupMonday 9�� 10.30 Rosemary Gardens Housegroup

12.30 Women's Fellowship Christmas Lunch 6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 Guides 7.30 Lydwell Park Housegroup

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Tuesday 10�� 9.30 Midweek Service – Rev Jerry Cook 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees 7.00 New Life HousegroupWednesday 11�� 12.00 URC Bible Study at Teignmouth 2.30 Belleplates @ Walmer House 7.30 Riviera Concert Brass ConcertThursday 12�� 9.30 Central Tots 2.30 Belleplates @ Lincombe Manor VillageFriday 13�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 7.00 Choir PracticeSaturday 14�� 9.30 Contact Centre 10.00 Mince Pie Coffee Morning/decorating Church - With Angela, Paul & CliveSunday 15�� 10.30 Sunday Club Nativity–

Mrs Margaret Newman 6.30 Evening Communion – Rev Jerry CookMonday 16�� 10.30 Rosemary Gardens Housegroup

2.00 Celebration Tea 6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 GuidesTuesday 17�� 9.30 Midweek Prayers 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy BeesWednesday 18�� 7.30 Clive Bastin & The Cameo Singers ConcertThursday 19�� 9.30 Central Tots 12.30 URC Ministers' LunchFriday 20�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplates 4.00 Messy Church 7.00 Choir PracticeSaturday 21�� 9.30 Contact Centre

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Sunday         22ⁿ� 10.30 Nine Lessons and Carols –Rev G Hancocks

6.30 Candlelight Carol Service –Rev G Hancocks

Tuesday 24�� 4.00 Children's Carols at St. Andrew's7.00 Carol Singing round the Hotels

11.30 Midnight CommunionWednesday 25�� 10.30 Family Service – Rev Gavin HancocksSaturday 28�� 9.30 Contact CentreSunday 29�� 10.30 Morning Worship – Mr Ian Hills

6.30 Carols Round the Crib Mrs Margaret NewmanJANUARYFriday 3�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 7.00 Choir PracticeSaturday 4�� 9.30 Contact CentreSunday 5�� 10.30 Covenant Service –

Rev Gavin Hancocks 6.30 Evening Worship – Rev Roy RichardsMonday 6�� 10.30 Rosemary Gardens Housegroup 2.30 Women's Fellowship – Epiphany 6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 GuidesTuesday 7�� 9.30 Midweek Prayers 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees 7.00 New Life HousegroupThursday 9�� 9.30 Central Tots 7.30 Moors HousegroupFriday 10�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Messy Church Meeting 11.00 Belleplates 7.00 Choir PracticeSaturday 11�� 9.30 Contact Centre

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Sunday 12�� 10.30 All Age Worship –Mr Jonathan Oliverio

6.30 Evening Communion –Rev Gavin Hancocks

Monday 13�� 10.30 Rosemary Gardens Housegroup 2.30 Women's Fellowship–

'Now & Then'- Jim Gill 6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 Guides 7.30 Lydwell Park HousegroupTuesday 14�� 9.30 Midweek Service – Mr David Welsh 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees 7.30 Guild – Water Aid, Steven PotterWenesday 15�� 6.30 Contact Centre MeetingThursday 16�� 9.30 Central Tots 7.00 Church MeetingFriday 17�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplates 7.00 Choir PracticeSaturday 18�� 9.30 Contact Centre 2.30 Tea Dance

3.00 URC Post-Christmas Get-Together at KingsteigntonSunday 19�� 10.30 Morning Worship – Mr David Welsh

6.30 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Service at St. Luke'sMonday 20�� 10.30 Rosemary Gardens Housegroup 2.30 Women's Fellowship:

Clive Bastin at the organ 6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 GuidesTuesday 21�� 9.30 Midweek Prayers

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Tuesday      22ⁿ� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees 7.00 New Life Housegroup 7.30 Guild – An Evening with John JefferyThursday 23�� 9.30 Central Tots 7.00 Finance & Property MeetingFriday 24�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.30 Belleplates 12.00 Burns Lunch 4.00 Messy Church

Sunday Club Meeting 7.00 Choir PracticeSaturday 25�� 9.30 Contact CentreSunday 26�� 10.30 United Service –

Rev Gavin Hancocks JMA 6.30 Evening Worship –

Gavin & Worship GroupMonday 27�� 10.30 Rosemary Gardens Housegroup

2.30 Women's Fellowship – 'Trust MeI'm A Volunteer'-Brenda Loosemore

6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 Guides 7.30 Lydwell Park HousegroupTuesday 28�� 9.30 Midweek Communion –

Rev Adrian Phippen 10.00 Celebration Coffee Morning 7.30 Guild – 'On the Road', Raymond BrayThursday 30�� 9.30 Central TotsFriday 31�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplates 7.00 Choir Practice

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STEWARDS ROTA - DECEMBER 2013 / JANUARY 2014DEC. ‘131st 1. Lesley 2. Sue M 3. David 4. John C 5. Judith 6. Trevor

7. MarionHymns & Book Stewards – Jean & Sheila

8th 1. Alan. 2. Paul 3. Douglas 4. Roy 5. Margaret 6. Philip 7. Barbara G

Hymns & Book Stewards – Front Door - Bolt15th. 1. Lesley 2. Sue M. 3. David 4. John C 5. Judith 6. Trevor 7. Marion

Hymns & Book Stewards – Front Door – Wells22nd 1. Alan 2. Paul 3. Douglas 4. Roy 5. Margaret 6. Philip 7. Barbara G

Hymns & Book Stewards – Front Door – Heather

29th 1. Lesley 2. Sue M 3. David 4. John C 5. Judith 6. Trevor 7. Marion

Hymns & Book Stewards – Jean & Sheila

JAN ‘145th 1. Alan. 2. Paul 3. Douglas 4. Roy 5. Margaret 6. Philip 7. Barbara G

Hymns & Book Stewards – Front Door - Bolt12th. 1. Lesley 2. Sue M. 3. David 4. John C 5. Judith 6. Trevor 7. Marion

Hymns & Book Stewards – Front Door – Wells19th 1. Alan 2. Paul 3. Douglas 4. Roy 5. Margaret 6. Philip 7. Barbara G

Hymns & Book Stewards – Front Door - Bolt

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26th. 1. Lesley 2. Sue M. 3. David 4. John C 5. Judith 6. Trevor 7. Marion

Hymns & Book Stewards – Front Door – Wells

URGENT! If any member would be willing to act as a Steward, pleasesee Jeff Carter (Tel: 01626 363069) or Graham Davey (Tel: 07966 260505)

Would Stewards unable to be in attendance on their rota dates pleasenotify either Jeff or Graham before the Sunday involved, and if at allpossible, try to arrange a mutual swap with any colleague.

LAST DATE FOR ITEMS FOR THEFEBRUARY 2014 MAGAZINE

IS SUNDAY 12�� JANUARY 2014.

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SUNDAY WELCOME ROTA - DECEMBER 2013/JANUARY 2014

Date Morning 10.30am Evening 6.30pmDEC1�� Celia & David Bolt Monica Lansley

& Paul Sherriff8�� Christine & Paul Sherriff Monica Lansley

& Philip Kay15�� Tessa Goodwin & Celia & David Bolt Hazel Nightingale22ⁿ� Barbara & Tony Zaple Barbara Gissinger

& Judith Holmwood

24�� 11.30pm Monica Lansley & Philip Kay

25�� Sheila & John Lawrence29�� Sue & John Coatham Barbara Gissinger

& Judith HolmwoodJAN5�� Barbara Gissinger Judith Holmwood

& Judith Holmwood & Paul Sherriff12�� Marjorie West Celia & David Bolt

& Paula Bastin19�� Marion Powell Monica Lansley

& Hye-Ok Wells & Philip Kay26�� Jacky Little Jean Baker & & Rachel Evan Barbara Gissinger

A father gave his daughter a young puppy for Christmas. Anhour later, he found her in the kitchen, looking sadly at a puddlein the centre of the floor. “Look Dad,” she said, “My pup runnethover!”

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CHRISTMAS STARHigh in the Heavens, invisible to the naked eye,A Star was being fashioned to fly through the sky,After months of honing and polishing to a very high degree,This brightly lit Star was released, for the Wise Men to see.

These Wise Men were awaiting a sign, to find a new King,For each carried a present with a message to bring.As they gazed up into the sky and saw the new Star,They knew they had to follow, no matter how far.

Bathed in bright starlight to help show them the way,They started their journey, travelling by night, resting by day.For many a long month over deserts and plain,Their Camels carried them across the torturous terrain.

The Hills around Bethlehem, were glowing in a silvery light,Angels appeared in bright raiment: a wonderful sight.Shepherds, bewildered, frightened, fell down to the ground,Hiding their faces not making a sound.

The Angels told them about the Good News they were bringing,Glorifying God: Peace and Goodwill to all men they were singing.Shepherds left their flocks; to travel to Bethlehem to see the new King,They made haste to the City of David, as the bells began to ring.

The Star continued its journey: the Wise Men still following its way,Suddenly stopping: hovering over a poor Stable – not a place for a King tostay!Inside the Stable, Angels singing a lullaby: the Baby in a manger bed,With Joseph and Mary, proudly looking on, remembering what Gabriel said.

The Wise Men bearing their gifts of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh enter,They kneel, offering their ‘Presents’ placing Gold at the centre.They pause, look at the Christ Child: recognize the power of his love,Smiling, they leave, to journey back home: thanking God in Heaven above.

J.H.D. Lawrence

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HEXAGON PUZZLE

Can you place digits in the empty triangles, so that the numbers ineach hexagon add up to 25? Only single digits between 1 and 9 can be

used, and no two numbers in any hexagon can be the same.

Solution in February Magazine

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ALL IN THE MONTH OF DECEMBER.........it was....

100 years ago:- on 21 Dec 1913 the first crossword puzzle was published.It was invented by British-born puzzle creator Arthur Wynne, who calledit a ‘Word-Cross Puzzle’, and it was published in the ‘New York World’.

90 years ago:- on 31 Dec 1923 the BBC broadcast the chimes of Big Benfor the first time, to welcome in the New Year.

70 years ago:- on 22 Dec 1943 Beatrix Potter, British writer and illustra-tor who created enduring animal characters such as Peter Rabbit, Squir-rel Nutkin and Jemina Puddle-Duck, died.

65 years ago:- on 10 Dec 1948 that the United Nations General Assemblyadopted its Universal Declaration on Human Rights.

Also 50 years ago:- on 21 Dec 1963 that the Daleks made their firstappearance on the British science fiction TV show ‘Doctor Who’.

30 years ago:- on 6 Dec 1983 that the first heart and lung transplant inBritain was performed at Harefield Hospital, London by renowned sur-geon Magdi Yacoub.

Also 20 years ago:- on 15 Dec 1993 that British Prime Minister JohnMajor and Irish Taoiseach Albert Reynolds issued the Downing StreetDeclaration, aimed at achieving lasting peace in Northern Ireland.

.

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CROSSWORD SOLUTION from NOVEMBER MAGAZINE

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Walking with widows and orphans

The journey is not far. Just to the well to fetch water. But when youreturn, everything will have changed. Men will come to murder yourhusband and take away your daughters. Bullets will fly and blood willbe spilled and you will lose utterly the life you have known. It is not along journey from wife to widow, a matter of moments.

BUT IT CHANGES EVERYTHING.

April 25 was just a normal day. In northern Nigeria, Deborah returnedto her home to find her husband Shettima preparing a children’s Biblestudy for the church that night. Her two young daughters aged 7 and 9came out to meet her. Her son was away.She went to the well to get water so her husband could take a bath.But when she returned there were people waiting.“They followed me into the compound” she told us. “I tried to alert myhusband but they overpowered me and forced me to lie on the floor.Then I heard the voice of my husband who was watching through thewindow. He prayed ‘Father today I will come to you, please receive myspirit’” There were four gunshots and Shettima was dead.Her two daughters burst out of hiding and came running to her; theattackers grabbed the girls and dragged them out of the compound.“I cried and begged them to leave my girls” Deborah said. She stilldoesn’t know what happened to her daughters.Three months after losing her husband extremists forced their way intoDeborah’s home and killed her son.

PRAY- That God’s love will comfort and restore Deborah andothers like her in their time of grief.

For Open Doors workers providing practical help andspiritual support to the families of those who have madethe ultimate sacrifice for their faith.

Source: Open Doors magazine Nov 2013.

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FRAZZLED FRIDAY – 27�� DECEMBER.

Beware the Friday after Christmas. Apparently it is the day when all thefestivities will finally catch up with us. Suddenly we may feel over-fed,over-drunk, and overwhelmed with too many people in the house. Theonly thing we still want more of is money. Many of us will choose thisday to have a peep at our bank account, which will only increase ourunhappiness.

Statistically, it seems that by 27th December the average adult will haveput on 4lb in weight, and one third of men over 40 will not be able to fitinto their favourite jeans. New Year’s diets, here we come!

A young actor was very excited about getting his first role, andtold his father he was to play a man who’s been married for30 years. “Never mind, son , I’m sure you’ll get a speaking partnext time.”

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BLACK MAGIC

Does black magic exist? Well certainly in parts of Africa superstition andbeliefs in magical powers do exist.

Since 2002 we have been visiting Tanzania on a regular basis to supportthe development of services in support of blind and partially sightedchildren. Working with a teacher training college near to Arusha we haveestablished a resource for producing Braille, audio and large printmaterial. Then just before leaving one year to travel to Tanzania we wereasked to extend our visit as colleagues had located a school near to LakeVictoria accommodating 75 children with albinism. As albinism, as wellas causing a lack of pigmentation in hair, skin and eyes, causes poor visionwe were asked to advise on specialist resources.

This for the first time brought us face to face with the terrible tragedyfacing children with albinism. The reason for 75 children coming to oneresidential school was for their own safety. These children are targetedby thugs working for witch doctors because it is believed that body partsfrom persons with albinism, will bring good luck to a business. A yearlater we were asked to visit another school, this time across Lake Victoriaat Bukoba. It was here that the brutal reality was evident.

We met a small boy called Emmanuel. He had been dragged from his bedat night and one arm, the fingers of his other hand and his teeth removed.He was lucky to survive and now lives away from his family in the securityof Bukoba special school. Emmanuel was the inspiration for a children'sstorybook, "Please help me " written for us by St Andrew's author,Margaret Ryan. 4,000 copies of the book were produced and are beingdistributed free of charge to schools across Tanzania.

In a small way it is hoped that by educating children through thisstorybook that belief in magical powers is very wrong, will help to bringabout real change for children with albinism in East Africa. We alreadyhave a translation in to Swahili and it is planned to have this produced

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locally during 2014. The better news for Emmanuel is that a visitingAmerican doctor has carried out operations to provide him with a fingerand thumb that allow him to hold a pencil and write.

Janet & Alan Suttie (former members of Central, now working with the blind in Scotland

and further afield)

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THE GUILD

The last meeting of 2013 will be on Tuesday 7�� December. The RevdValerie Price will be talking about “Characters around the Crib.” Therewill be tea, coffee and mince pies.

The 2014 programme will start on 7�� January when Mrs MargaretNewman will be the speaker, her subject being “New Beginnings.” Thiswill be followed on the 14�� with Stephen Potter talking about Water Aid,and on the 21�� we will be having an evening with John Jeffrey. January28�� will see Raymond Bray giving his talk “On the Road.”

All meetings are in room 1 at 7.30pm, and all are welcome.

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WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP

The Revd David Luce is a regular visitor to our fellowship and we alwaysenjoy his musical expertise, especially when he plays the accordion andwe can sing-along to the Sankey hymns. John Jeffery's slide presentationof flowers from around the world, some in their natural habitat, madeus realise what a beautiful world we live in. Unfortunately due to a fallJackie Smith couldn't be with us for one of our meetings but our ladies'rallied round' with poems and memories for all to enjoy.

Our Rally this year was well supported with over 60 ladies enjoyingfellowship and food and we thank Barbara Vond for her inspiring talk,also our own Linda for her solos contribution to the service. Through ourprevious Harvest stall and the collection taken at the Rally we have beenable to send £150.00 to The Children's Air Ambulance, our charity forthis year.

It is with sadness that we record the passing of one of our members,Doreen Erskine.

We now look forward to our Christmas lunch when entertainment willbe provided by the Ukulele Group. Our Christmas tea this year is a jointcelebration for one of our leaders. Sheila Lawrence will be celebrating a'special' birthday. Congratulations Sheila and we pray your recent healthproblems will have improved.

We remember all our ladies who have been 'under the weather' recently.

Christmas blessings to you all, and good wishes for the coming year.

Barbara Lawton

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CROSSWORD

SOLUTION IN FEBRUARY MAGAZINE

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SAINT OF THE MONTH. DANIEL THE STYLITE (409-93)

Do you know any odd Christians? People with hearts of gold, who wouldnever harm anyone… but who are also just plain ODD…. Well, Daniel theStylite should be their patron saint. Perhaps he is the proof that God canbless and use any one of us – no matter how batty some of our ideasmay be.

Daniel was born in Mesopotamia in 409 into a devout Christian family.He seems to have been an intense sort of child – when he was only 12he became a monk. Some years later Daniel visited Antioch, and saw thefamed Simeon Stylites, the wild, hairy monk who lived his life perchedhigh on top of a pillar, dropping his fleas and lice on the people below.

Most of us would have walked on by, but in that moment Daniel’svocation was born. He climbed a ladder in order to talk to Simeon, andsoon after that set out on pilgrimage. At Constantinople he came acrossa disused temple, reputedly inhabited by devils. Most of us would havewalked on by, but Daniel moved straight in. He bolted the door, andstayed inside for the next nine years. With the help of some localadmirers, Daniel came out of his temple and set himself up on a pillarjust outside the city. Kirstie Allsopp of TV’s Location, Location, Locationwould have approved of the view over the Bosphorus, but not theamenities. When Daniel nearly froze to death one night, the Emperorwas so worried that he built Daniel a new, more spacious home: TWOpillars close together, with a little shelter on top.

Daniel spent the next 33 years on top of his double pillars. People cameto him with their problems, and he comforted and advised them. Hepreached every afternoon, on the love of God. He urged people to showhospitality to each other. He prayed for people. People loved him for it,and God blessed him, even though he did live on top of a pillar. So nexttime you meet a good-hearted but eccentric Christian, take comfort –they could be far worse!

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SUMMARY OF CHURCH MEETING MINUTES 17�� OCTOBER 2013

Church Family.Gavin wished the following to be remembered in prayer -DIED: Lilian Allen, Joan SorrillUNWELL: Cath Dunlop, Jeanne Sherington (hospital), Peter Perry, JeanMorton (fall), Peggy Douglas moved to Primley House, GeorgieWatmore, Joan HughesNEW MEMBERS: Richard & Sue Mason, Paul Zaple, Michael & BeaulahMann.NEW MEMBERS to be welcomed on 3�� November, David & Pat Manley,Sarah AyresREMOVED FROM MEMBERSHIP: Joy Emerson, Carl AdamsCONGRATULATIONS to our gardening team, Trevor, Monica and David.1�� prize award in the “Torbay Best in Bloom” Public Buildings Category.

Matters arising from previous Church Meeting

Changes to the Constitution – Gavin informed the meeting that anadditional amendment to the Constitution was required in order tocorrect an error in the original Constitution. The name of Market StreetMethodist Church needed to be removed from clause 4 of the schedule.Weekly Welcome Sheet. A few members said they would like the oldsheet back. Gavin replied that the change was to enable a Bible noticefor the week and to create more space inside. He didn't understand whypeople did not like the new format. It was pointed out that the choir stillhad a service sheet and could this be produced to go insidethe new service sheet, that would please everybody. This was put to thevote and a majority accepted this proposal.

Conversation on the Work of God:Chelston – Having a membership of only 14, it was unable to sustain itslife. They had requested to become a Class of another church, whilstremaining an independent gathering. They asked that Central take themon and run their affairs. Agreed. This does not mean we have taken any

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financial responsibility or a final say on their future. Our Officers willmanage their finances and the hall bookings etc. Ultimately, Chelstonwill decide their own fate.Torquay Town Churches – This initiative continues to unfold.Conversations continue as to how to bring the 4 churches under a singleCouncil. Each church to be represented on the new body.Communication was key. Discussed the idea of one single magazine tocover all churches. The United Harvest Service was a success, and didnot have any negative feed back. 26�� January 2014 for the next UnitedService. This was agreed. Thanks to the organisers for the successfulHarvest Supper at St. Andrew's.Youth Genesis – Sue Coatham reported on their Street Pastor role. Sheand Christine Sherriff, had been out onto the streets on a Tuesday nightto meet young people who might need help. Brixham have made greatstrides with their youth work under Jonathan Oliverio. She asked forprayers on Tuesday nights when they go out onto the streets. Otherareas of the town were going to be covered.Membership Report – Gavin reported that there were 151 members atpresent and that since the 1�� September there were 5 new members.Two members had lapsed.Mission Team and Other Reports. (some written reports circulated)Witnessing – Thanks for all the food contributions to Anode.There was an opportunity for the town churches to have a more visiblepresence during the run-up to Christmas. The Town Council has offeredto site stalls at the Town Hall, and in the area of Primark during theperiod 7��- the week prior to Christmas. This was an opportunity to singcarols or any activity relating to the Christian message of Christmas,including handing our presents to passers-by.Contact Centre – Susan Norman reported the Centre was very busy atthe moment and thanked everyone for their support.Special Events – Jean Baker said that since the last meeting, a Table-Topsale netted over £350. The Military Wives Choir concert was a greatsuccess. The Harvest event at St. Andrew's was well attended and theMichael Wooldridge concert, although having a low turnout made quitea lot of money. The Christmas Market will follow the same format as last

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year. Youth Cantabile, a youth choir will be coming to sing and also inpartnership with Teignmouth URC, the Maesteg Male Voice Choir. Datesto be notified.Catering – Rachel Evans gave notice of the Christmas Women'sFellowship lunch, also the URC Retired Ministers Christmas lunch. A newmicrowave had been purchased.Messy Church – Continues well with an average of 20 children.Denominational;Methodist – Saturday 19�� October, Training Day open to everyone atGoodrington Methodist Church 10am – 4pm.URC – New Moderator now in post. Road Show in Exeter was veryworthwhile.Property – Clive Brooks reported more work is needed to solve theproblem of the leaking roof. The grand piano needed attention.

Christmas Events – December:

1��. Rowcroft Light up a Life service 3pm.14��. Mince Pie Coffee Morning & decorating the church15��. Children’s nativity.20��. Messy Church.22ⁿ�. Candlelit Carols – 6.30pm24��. Children’s Carols at St Andrews. 4pm24��. Carols round the hotels – evening.24��. Midnight Communion. 11.30pm25��. Family Service. 10.30am29��. Carols round the crib. 6.30pm

Next Meeting 16�� January 2014.

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