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“Where all are welcome – all the time” Castle View FEBRUARY 2020
“Where all are welcome – all the time”
Castle ViewF e b r u a r y 2 0 2 0
2 | February 2020
United prayer time is daily throughout the day. Unite by using the notice sheet for activities that need prayers, through using the Methodist Church Prayer Handbook, and also via Castle View as a guide to the Church life.
You are very welcome to participate in any activity within the life of the church.
For more details see the weekly notice sheet.
All people of this church are a part of the ministry.
The Reverend Alison Walker may be contacted by email: [email protected] or telephone on 01223 872862.
Join the conversation online:
twitter.com/CastleStChurch
facebook.com/CastleStreetMethodist
instagram.com/CastleStreetMethodist
www.castlestreet.org.uk
If you would like to subscribe to the electronic version of this diary in PDF format send a blank email [email protected]
In this issue-From the Minister
-Marriage & Relationships
-Les Misérables
-Dates for your Diary
-Church rotas
-From Baby Simon
-Joint service Nov ‘19
-An editorial update
-Notes from church council
-Circuit House Group
-World Social Justice
-The Back Pew
Front Cover InspirationIn a world of injustice, and for the hope and prayers of the UN’s work in social justice, we look for Good News.
Get in touchHave an article, picture, notice, or just an idea you want us to feature in the next Castle View? You can get in touch via email : [email protected] or [email protected]
Please ensure all submissions for Castle View March 2020 reach our editorial team by 19th February 2020
February 2020 | 3
it. Holiness is about spirituality but it is not found in the abstract or otherworldly but in the Bible is always embodied and rooted in the needs of our neighbour and of the world. Holiness and Justice always go together.Holiness looks like God: glory, goodness, radiance, joy, love and self-giving power. We are holy when God calls us close enough to reflect God’s glory and joy and love. Holiness too often is equated with morality vs immorality and purity vs impurity, and those binaries imply that holiness can be eroded or negated by the opposite of holiness. God’s holiness is more enduring and more powerful – whatever our deficits, God’s holiness is good enough and powerful enough to deal with them all.
There is nothing we can do or say, however unholy it really is, that can prevent God’s holiness reaching us and keeping us.
Let us make 2020 and the whole decade a time for holy living and holy adventures with God.
Yours in Christ, Alison
Dear Friends,
W ith another New Year truly underway
and the Covenant Service with its annual sense of new beginnings and resolutions now completed, do you feel more holy than last year?
Does the idea of being holy sound strange, impractical or unattractive? Who embodies for you the idea of a holy person? Perhaps a famous Christian saint? or someone known to you who holds up Christian virtues of love and peace and practices of prayer and service? And does it feel possible that you might also be holy? We are called to grow in holiness – something that assumes that we are already a little bit holy and have the potential to be more holy.
Do you remember starting a new school year with new school uniform – everything a bit too long and baggy? Your parents probably looked at you and reassuringly, hopefully said “you’ll grow into it”. How impossible it felt to imagine being taller, being older, actually fitting clothes deliberately bought with
growing room. Perhaps growing into holiness feels a bit like this – I’m wearing someone else’s clothes, I’m just pretending that I will grow into holiness and it will be a good fit for me.
Of course, by the end of the school year those same clothes looked a bit short, a bit restrictive, trousers now hitting the ankle line rather than flapping around the soles. Perhaps holiness feels like this – impeding rather than helping, or we worry that being holy will cause people to laugh at us as we fear looking and feeling faintly ridiculous.Holiness means being more like God and in particular Christian holiness means being Christlike. And yes, sometimes that feels daunting and impossible and restrictive. But holiness isn’t dependent on our efforts, instead it is God who makes us holy.
it is God who makes us holy.
We know we cannot create holiness in ourselves, we know we cannot earn
From the minister’s deskwords by reVd alison walker
4 | February 2020
G od in love unites us was presented
to the Methodist Conference in July 2019.
The Conference received the report and commended it to the Connexion for study and prayerful discussion. It did this recognising the significance not only
of the resolutions that follow the report, some of which are provisional and will be voted on in District Synods, but also of the different areas which were explored by the Task Group that produced the report.
The title of the report has been carefully
chosen. God in love unites us because we are all beings who are created to love in many and various ways. But God in love unites us in redemption because we abuse the gift of love and use it to our own selfish ends. And we pray that God in love unites us when, as so
God makes human beingsto enjoy life in all its fullness
Marriage & Relationships
February 2020 | 5
often, we find aspects of human love to be divisive and some of the issues that this report explores – divorce, cohabitation, and same-sex relationships – have been issues on which Christians have passionately disagreed.
we are all beings who are created to love in many and various ways.
This report was the product of lengthy discussions in the Task Group, which built on the work of other working parties before them. So thank you for engaging with the report and being part of the prayerful conversation that those groups have
A prayer for
the Marriage &
Relationships
Study
Merciful God,
help us
to speak in love what
is in our minds,
and to hear in love
what is said by others;
to feel in love what is
in our hearts, and to
sense in love what is
in the hearts of others;
to confer in love to
discern your truth,
and to be open in love
to your guiding Spirit.
Through our
disagreements guide
us; in our agreements
direct us.
Together may we
share the mind of
Christ, in whose name
we pray
had and which the Conference continued.
It is a conversation to which many have brought their own sometimes painful experience of love, acceptance and rejection, of questioning, finding answers and changing minds, and of learning to live with, to learn from and to respect those who read the Bible and the world differently.
Castle street will be hosting the Cambridge Circuit Marriage & Relationships report study evening on Wednesday 5th February 2020 at 19:30 (lasting approx two hours)
6 | February 2020
would be at the center. His Spirit empowered role was to make it possible for that new world to come into being. Incidentally, you’ve probably worked out from the Bible passage above that Jesus’ God wasn’t the hard, nasty, punishing kind of god. His God was full of understanding love and restoring grace. Just the kind of god you couldn’t help but like if you bumped into them at a party!
Jesus invited people to realign their mind-sets and lifestyles in order to bear witness to this new way of being. He called them to be disciples, people who would commit their lives to him; learn from him and put his ideas into practice. His undying belief in those ideas would lead him to the cross but also to an ultimate vindication of his vision. And his parting words were for his disciples to continue their mission by going global; spreading the message of discipleship and teaching
W ithin the customary excess of the
world we live in the word ‘phenomenon’ is regularly over-used. Yet, in the case of the musical Les Misérables, it seems well-justified. It has played to tens of millions of people worldwide since its first performance in 1980 and, in movie form, garnered three Oscars at the 2013 Academy Awards with Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Russell Crowe et al. Its success becomes all the more remarkable given that the musical’s subject matter originates from a vast, sometimes rambling book published in 1862. What usually happens is that such works become more and more obscure until they drop off the horizons of all but the very literary. Why then does this story continue to capture so many hearts?
Some 2000 years ago, a carpenter’s son from Nazareth stood in his hometown synagogue and
read from what we now know as the Old Testament book of Isaiah. “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” He added: “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4: 18-21).
the Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor
His message was simple. Jesus envisaged a society in which all wrongs would be righted because his God
Les Misérable - A Studywords by steVe Mann
February 2020 | 7
retelling of those familiar events from Jesus’ life.
A three month sabbatical followed the following year, the fruits of which you now have before you. In writing this book I have sought to let Les Misérables and the Gospels spark off one another in the conviction that, at heart, they are one and the same story. My prayer is that Les Misérables does for you as much as it has for me.
Lent Study CourseCastle Street is running a Lent Study Course based on the story of ‘Les Misérable’. Full details as yet to be confirmed but are scheduled to run:• 4th March• 18th March• 1st April• 15th April• 29th AprilKeep an eye on twitter, castlestreet.org, Castle View, and the weekly notice sheets for more information as plans evolve.
others as Jesus had taught them.
Why are people so captivated by Les Misérables? Could it be that, at its heart, it’s nothing less than the dream articulated by Jesus. As we enter into Valjean’s struggles to conscientiously live a new life. As we rejoice to see his role as protector of the poor and downtrodden. As we weep at the cruelties heaped upon Fantine by uncaring people. As we resonate with the students’ ideal of a better world to come. Are we not simply seeing the world through God’s eyes and connecting with the God-given hope planted within us and all humanity?
Let me make you a confession. I am not normally a great fan of musicals; nor of French literature. The only reason I went to see the musical, back in 2006, was because my son was taking part in
a school production. Like many others I came away a convert. Not only was I humming all the melodies but a Christian message seemed to leap out from virtually every line.
a Christian message seemed to leap out from virtually every line.
Soon, I was working through the unabridged English translation of the book (which weighs in at well over 1000 pages). Not surprisingly, I found much that had been omitted in order to keep the musical to a manageable length but again the Christian themes, so evident in the musical, were there before me. My reading spread through the days leading up to Good Friday and the story seemed a perfect complement to the
8 | February 2020
date aCtiVity
Sun 2nd Prayer Topic: For those living in fear of persecution10:45 Rev Dr Stuart Jordon18:30 Mr GeoffLing
Wed 5th 10:00-10:30 Time to be prayer and fellowship10:30-12:00 Coffee morning12:00-13:00 Strength & balance exercise class19:30-21:30 Marriage & Relationships Report Study Evening
Thurs 6th 10:00-12:00 First friends baby & toddler group
Sun 9th Prayer Topic: For justice10:45 All Age Worship Led by Rev Alison Walker18:30 Holy Communion Service led by rev Alison Walker
Wed 12th 10:00-10:30 Time to be prayer and fellowship10:30-12:00 Coffee morning12:00-13:00 Strength & balance exercise class
Thurs 13th 10:00-12:00 First friends baby & toddler groupFri 14th Global Climate Change School StrikeSun 16th Prayer Topic: For ecumenical partnership
10:45 Mrs Valu Bullen19:00 Iona Service at St Luke’s
Wed 19th 10:00-10:30 Time to be prayer and fellowship10:30-12:00 Coffee morning12:00-13:00 Strength & balance exercise class
Thurs 18th 10:00-12:00 First friends baby & toddler groupSun 23rd Prayer Topic: For our Lenten journey ahead
10:45 Holy Communion service led by Rev Alison Walker18:30 Rev Colin Smith
Wed 26th Ash Wednesday10:00-10:30 Time to be prayer and fellowship10:30-12:00 Coffee morning12:00-13:00 Strength & balance exercise class
Thurs 27th 10:00-12:00 First friends baby & toddler group
Dates for your diary
February 2020 | 9
2nd Feb 9th Feb 16th Feb 23rd Feb
MORNING STEWARD Simon
Chris & Jessica
Edwin Yaa & Yaw
WELCOME TEAM Kirk
Williams/Mensah
Bobby & Sarah B
Yaa & Yaw
READERS John Boocock
Sarah B Lisa Yaa & Yaw
COFFEE John Boocock
Sarah B Mike & Joyce Chris & Lisa
EVENING STEWARD Mike
John Boocock
Iona at St Luke’s
Mike
9th Feb 23rd Feb
COMMUNION STEWARD Mike Eileen
5th Feb 12th Feb 19th Feb 26th Feb
WEDNESDAY COFFEE MORNING
Pam EileenMake Do & Mend
Joyce
Interested in helping? Contact Chris Rayson or see the sign up sheets at the back of the church
Church rotas - February
10 | February 2020
m any thanks to all who helped with
Simon’s baptism service, with the refreshments and washing up and clearing up on Sunday 19th January.
It was a big job and we are grateful. We also thank those who worked with the children and the thought and preparation they put into that
Simon Burchell-Levine Baptismwords by Joy & GeoFF leVine
b ack in November, Castle Street
welcomed another joint service with the Korean Church who also worship in Castle Street.It was wonderful to see the church full of celebration as we shared in the breaking of bread, singing the faith, and gave thanks together.Thanks to the choir and all those who participated with the lunch after the service.
24th November ‘19words by kirk baillie
February 2020 | 11
In the Christmas Issue for December 2019/January 2020 we ran an article about Castle view through the ages entitled Castle View - Issues Past,
Present, & Future which told of the church magazine’s change in format and appearance over the years.
On the 18th January I received an email from Sheila Himsworth (wife of Revd Frank Himsworth) who wanted to shine a little more light onto the longevity of the straplines used throughout the years. Her message read:
Greetings,
May I first say how much I enjoy reading 'Castle View' and admire its presentation, with gratitude to Bev and John Baker, who send it to me.
Browsing again John Boocock's piece on the story of 'Castle View' in the Dec/Jan issue and its predecessors I just want to say the strapline 'The Ministers are all the people of this church assisted by...' , which John dates 'by 2006' , was already in use when my late husband,Frank, became Minister at Castle St in September 1993. Sure that is much earlier than John thought! I always admired that strapline and have often quoted it here in Evesham.
Best wishes, Sheila
Thank you, Shiela, for adding some information to our growing story of the View’s past and for getting in touch.
I’m sure all those who have helped with this magazine (or any sort of publication) over the years can testify as to how much it means to hear from readers enjoying and wanting to add to articles featured.
An editorial updatewords by kirk baillie
12 | February 2020
able to help. Further details to follow.
Easter Sunday 12th April we will host our popular easter breakfast at 09:00, hopefully preceded by the 08:00 service on Castle Mound.
Church Council meetings:
23rd April and 7th JulyGeneral Church meeting
Sunday 17th May.
On the 14th February some members of the church and local community will be taking part in the Global Climate Change School Strike, which marches right past Castle Street. We would like to participate and show our support with a display and perhaps music. Please speak to Anna, Kimberley, Denise or Alison if you have any ideas.As seen on page 6, our
Lent Course based on the film “les Misérables” will be taking place 4th and 18th March and 1st, 15th and 29th April. Location and exact timings in evening to be confirmed.
We will be celebrating mothering Sunday (22nd March) by starting the day with church breakfast at 10:00 before the all-age service. Please speak to Chris or Denise if you are
Notes from Church Council Meetingwords by reV alison walker
26 March
Psalm 137, bruce birch
2 AprilPsalms 42-43,
Morna hooker-stacey
9 AprilPsalm 22, brian beck
A series of seven House Group sessions will be held on Thursday mornings at 10.45 at 35 millington Road, Cambridge with coffee from 10.15, aiming to start at 10.45. Finish by 12:00. All are welcome to attend any or all of these meetings. Please contact Mary and Michael Rycroft on 01223-353839 or [email protected] for further information, or to arrange a lift.
27 FebruaryPsalms 1-3, Colin smith
5 MarchPsalm 139 (v1-18), Catherine dixon
12 MarchPsalm 139 (v19-24),
stephen burgess
19 March Psalm 122, bishop alice
Circuit Lent 2020 House Groupwords by steVe Mann
February 2020 | 13
coexistence within and among nations. The ILO estimates that currently about 2 billion people live in fragile and conflict-affected situations, of whom more than 400 million are aged 15 to 29.
Job creation, better quality jobs, and better access to jobs for the bottom 40 per cent have the potential to increase incomes and contribute to more cohesive and equitable societies and thus are important to prevent violent conflicts and to address post-conflict challenges.
S ocial justice is an underlying principle
for peaceful and prosperous coexistence within and among nations. We uphold the principles of social justice when we promote gender equality or the rights of indigenous peoples and migrants. We advance social justice when we remove barriers that people face because of gender, age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture or disability.
For the United Nations, the pursuit of social justice for all is at the core of our global mission to promote
development and human dignity. The adoption by the International Labour Organization of the Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization is just one recent example of the UN system’s commitment to social justice. The Declaration focuses on guaranteeing fair outcomes for all through employment, social protection, social dialogue, and fundamental principles and rights at work.
Social justice is an underlying principle for peaceful and prosperous
World Day for Social Justicewords by un.orG
14 | February 2020
the back peware you ready to CoMe and Play?Code-breakerFollow the arrows to spell out the phrase
Example: starting from F = Q
1. S2. G3. L4. O5. F6. J7. V8. Z9. P10. Q11. M
Jesus said
“I am
. . . “
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11
I G E C X DK H P W V YH X R Y M TF L Z E K CD T Q H O EN J W S U B
= = = = = = = = = = =
February 2020 | 15
#ZERODISCRIMINATION
Zero Discrimination Day 1 March 2019
ACT TO CHANGE LAWS THAT DISCRIMINATE
