THE OPEN THE OPEN THE OPEN THE OPEN DOOR DOOR DOOR DOOR

Estrangelo EdessaEstrangelo EdessaEstrangelo EdessaEstrangelo Edessa

The Magazine The Magazine The Magazine The Magazine of the of the of the of the

Lymington United Reformed Lymington United Reformed Lymington United Reformed Lymington United Reformed Church Church Church Church

FEBRUARY 2013FEBRUARY 2013FEBRUARY 2013FEBRUARY 2013

2

FROM OUR MINISTER Dear friends, “Dogs are a man’s best friend” could be adapted to read, “Dogs are a woman’s best supply of illustrations”! For those of you who do not know, I have been the proud owner of

Max since last March – a four-year-old rescue dog who is a Labrador/ German Shepherd cross – quite large and strong but with a lovely personality and a real enthusiasm for people, other dogs, balls and water! He is very good company and ensures that I receive my daily exercise!

Max and I have seen slightly more of each other in the last few days than we normally do because he sustained an injury to his paw that means I have had to try to ensure that he doesn’t lick it, so have had him constantly by my side rather than leaving him to roam the house and garden as he chooses. As a result I have been reflecting on what I might learn from him in a way that in the normal course of events I may not do. I believe that it is, in particular, Max’s trust and enthusiasm which might teach us a thing or two. He trusts me to put his protective sock on his damaged paw, to take him to the vet and, when he’s well, to take him to stay in other homes. He also allows me to remove his food bowl when necessary and obeys me (on the whole!) when I say “no”. We as Christians are meant to trust our heavenly Father to look after us, to lead us and to discipline us – do we put that into practice when we are unwell, when life is

3

difficult, when we have done wrong3? As James wrote, “Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord” (James 5:13-14). Do, please, let me know when you would like anyone in the leadership team (minister and elders) to come and pray with you. Enthusiasm is something I have seen a lot of in Lymington URC as it has been demonstrated in getting the Open Door up and running. Now, however, is the time to move on to the next phase. Emil Brunner said, “The church exists by mission as fire exists by burning”, Bishop D.T. Niles said, “Evangelism is just one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread” and Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20). It is vital that we begin to think in a more organised way about mission and evangelism but as yet I have had no takers to form part of a new Mission or Outreach group, which saddens me. Historically outreach has been part of the Worship Group’s remit but that is too wide a brief and the elders have agreed that we should aim to set up a new group which would be responsible for considering our involvement in mission and evangelism at home, as well as our links with overseas mission, including our Ugandan links and perhaps also Christian Aid. If you have any interest at all in joining this group, which would probably meet about five times a year, please speak to me as soon as possible. If we do not continue to push the boundaries of the ways in which we look out we will begin to become inward looking and run the risk of stagnating, which is the exact opposite of our Open Door vision. Max has spent the last couple of days moping around the house as he has clearly felt under the weather because of his injured paw. Immediately I open the front door and rattle his harness, however, he is there, eager to go out and share his enthusiasm for

4

life with anyone he meets. Can we take a leaf out of his book and in God’s strength renew our enthusiasm for reaching out beyond our own four walls, trusting him to lead and guide us as we do so?

Your friend and minister, Chris

SECRETARY'S NOTES FEBRUARY 2013 Life has quietened down considerably. December and Christmas were very busy for everyone with the Cards for Good Causes (thanks to Helena and her team); the Christmas Tree Festival (thanks to Peter and Shelagh and their team) and all who organised Services. Thanks, too, to Norma Bell, who ferried all the toys and gifts over to the Phoenix Centre after our Nativity Service. This month, though, we look towards Easter as Shrove Tuesday falls on the 12th, and Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent on the 13th. Keep an eye open for the publicity concerning Churches Together plans for a Lent Course, as last year, based at one venue. Time doesn't stand still, does it, as we hurtle through another year!

Sandra

CHILDREN'S BIRTHDAY The Chamberlain brothers celebrate their birthdays this month. We wish a 'very happy birthday' to Owen who will be 8 on the 1st and to Valentine who will be 3 on the 16th. We hope you have a wonderful day!!

BASICS BANK New Forest Basics Bank would like to thank all the Volunteers who so generously gave their time to contribute to the Waitrose Trolley Drop. It was a great success, and overwhelmed our storage

5

capacity! However, this was a surprise feast. There are also times of famine, and your ongoing support, food and toiletry contributions remain the backbone of our service.

Best wishes, Sean Dunn

The last couple of months of 2012 were decidedly hectic!! We've tried to recover during January!! We became an official charity thanks to the hard work, persistence and patience of Peter Bassett. We can now collect Gift Aid on donations. The building is full to over flowing after 4 trolley drops at Waitrose, Lymington, organised by Sean Dunn, 2 trolley drops at Morrison’s, New Milton, organised by the Lions and a trolley drop at Budgens, Lyndhurst, organised by the Basics Bank reps at St. Michael's Church. Our thanks to all who organised these events and all who ferried car loads of goods back to the Basics Bank. We are grateful, too, to all the individuals who came with goods, some who'd never been involved before. We also had generous monetary donations from Lymington Rotary (over £460); Desmond Swayne M.P. who gave us £100 as part of his sponsorship during 'Movember' (We thought the moustache and side-burns suited him but his wife didn't agree!) and Waitrose, Lymington, who gave us £700 from their Community Fund. We were pleased to see food going out...to make a bit of space! Thanks to Peter and Clare Bassett and their team 146 special Christmas parcels went out and we also provided Christmas lunch for our two local women's refuges. December also saw 73 ordinary 5 -day parcels going out to feed 187 people! Thank you for all your support.

6

PRAYER CHAIN As part of our discussions within the Worship Group, it was felt that establishing a Prayer Chain within our congregation would enhance the Ministry of Prayer already taking place within our fellowship. An intercessory Prayer Chain consists of a group of people which has been called to the ministry of praying for others on a regular basis. They commit themselves to pray regularly and individually for the people and their concerns that are requested of them via the circulatory communication system set up through details given by telephone or email. Our Minister has asked me to coordinate the setting up of the prayer chain and I would be grateful for those who feel called to be a part of this to contact me. God calls us to pray for one another and in doing so we offer ourselves as channels for God’s grace. As intercessors we are forming a link in the chain through which the healing love of God flows and which may be directed to those for whom we are praying. I look forward to hearing from you.

Jane Saqui

18 NOVEMBER 2012 CHURCH MEETING Following discussion by the elders and research into numbers attending recent church meetings, it was agreed that we should introduce a 25% quorum rule for decision-making. It therefore follows that, if less than 25% of our total membership attends a future church meeting, decisions requiring a vote cannot be taken.

7

CHURCH FAMILY NEWS

We were saddened by the sudden, unexpected death of Margaret Dewing who passed away in her sleep on 27th November. Her son conducted her burial service on 7th December and this was followed by a Thanksgiving Service led by Chris at the Baptist Church. We send our sympathy and love to all her family and to her friends, especially those in our church. Many congratulations to Helen Scott, resident at Coombe Grange Retirement Home, who celebrated her 100th birthday on 5th January. Her son, Roger, and his wife, Julia, came over from their home in Johannesburg, South Africa, and made it a very special time for Helen. She enjoyed a tea party at Passford House Hotel with family, friends and carers and was much impressed by her card from the Queen and telegram from Ian Duncan Smith (Work and Pensions Minister).

8

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP We were delighted to welcome Laurence Reed into membership at our December Communion Service. Laurie is a regular customer at our Open Door Cafe and the friendship he has received there persuaded him join us on a Sunday morning. He has said that he feels close to God in our church and this has led to his decision to become a full member. We are so pleased to have you within our church, Laurie!

SPONSORSHIP APPEAL 1

Back in October my daughter Rachel did her first fundraising run by taking part in the Great South Run (10 miles round Portsmouth) and succeeded in raising £270 for her chosen charity Mind. Now she has set herself the far larger and more challenging target of running the London Marathon (over 26 miles!) and raising £2000 for Mind. She writes this (apologies for the “student-speak”!), which I would be really grateful if you would consider: “I'm raising money for Mind by taking part in 2013 Virgin London Marathon. Please sponsor me at www.virginmoneygiving.com/RachelVivian. Remember, £10 is the same as missing a takeaway, £4 is the same as missing your morning coffee. Every little helps!” If you are not sure about internet giving I would be willing to collect money on Rachel’s behalf and pass it on, although obviously that would mean you could not Gift Aid it which you could do on the website.

Chris Vivian

MISSIONARY BOXES

Can you please bring your missionary boxes to church for Judith or Gill, by the end of February—it’s time for them to be emptied again!

Many thanks, Judith

9

LYMINGTON URC DIARY

EVERY WEDNESDAY the Prayer Group will meet in the Church from 9.15 a.m. until 10.00 a.m. Everyone welcome.

COFFEE MORNINGS: EVERY MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY, from 10.00 a.m.—12 noon, in the Open Door Café. Every Tuesday the Open Door Cafe proceeds support the Romans One Eleven Trust and local charities and groups. The Open Door Cafe will also open on Fridays and will be staffed by members of the Fellowship and Fundraising committee. EVERY SATURDAY, from 9.30 a.m.—11.30 a.m., in the hall. SUNDAY WORSHIP EVERY 2nd, 4th and 5th Sunday afternoons Lymington Salvation Army services. The 2nd Sunday will be a service in the Sanctuary and the 4th will be a Cafe service. 3rd: 10.15 a.m. Elders’ Prayer Time in Vestry 10.30 a.m. Worship including Communion led by Rev’d Chris Vivian 10th: 10.15 a.m. Elders’ Prayer Time in Vestry 10.30 a.m. Worship led by Sandra Jackson followed by Winter Warmer lunch 17th: 10.15 a.m. Elders’ Prayer Time in Vestry 10.30 a.m. Worship led by Mr. Tony Coghlan

24th: 10.15 a.m. Elders’ Prayer Time in Vestry 10.30 a.m. Worship led by Mr. Robin Watson

EVERY WEEK there will be Junior Church and coffee/tea after the service.

10

OTHER EVENTS EVERY FIRST MONDAY OF THE MONTH, New Forest Disability Information Service Outreach Session in the Open Door Café, 10 a.m. to 12 noon, with Jean Reece (not on Bank Holidays though). EVERY THIRD TUESDAY OF THE MONTH, from 10.00 a.m.—12 noon, Carers’ Café in the Open Door Café. EVERY 4th SATURDAY ON A BI-MONTHLY BASIS, (started on the 22/09/12) Cruse Bereavement New Forest will have an Information Table in the Open Door Cafe 9.30am to 11.30am. Cruse is committed to breaking the stigma around grief and ensuring that everyone, no matter how old or young can access the highest quality support following a bereavement. Trained Cruse Bereavement volunteers will be on hand in the Open Door Cafe to offer information, help and advice. Cruse will be in the church on: 26th January 2013, 23rd March 2013 & 25th May 2013. Tue. 5th 7.00 p.m. Elders' Meeting in Church Wed. 6th 2.30 p.m. Bible Study in the Open Door Cafe

Minister on holiday 15th - 24th Wed. 20th 2.30 p.m. Bible Study in the Open Door Cafe Thu. 21st 7.00 - 8.30 p.m. CTLP Lent Course 'Who is this man?' at the Baptist Church Thu. 28th 10.00 a.m. Elders' Away Day 7.00 - 8.30 p.m. CTLP Lent Course 'Who is this man?' at the Baptist Church

CLOSING DATE FOR MARCH 'OPEN DOOR’: 10th FEBRUARY

11

Free Wi Fi connection to the internet available in the Open Door Cafe, Balcony and Main Hall areas. Just ask for the required password!

LENT COURSE 2013, “WHO IS THIS MAN?” The course is being held at the Baptist Church on Thursday evenings at 7pm from 21

st February to 21

st March inclusive.

Each session begins with coffee and a chat before a 20 minute teaching session by DVD with speaker John Ortberg. We then break into small groups for discussion and aim to finish before 9pm. The cost is £5 for the whole series which will pay for all materials and refreshments. No need to sign up – just come along and join us!

SPONSORSHIP APPEAL 2 You may recall that our granddaughter, Jodie had a head cancer this past year and the treatment has resulted in her becoming blind (for the for see-able future). The Children's Cancer charity, CLIC Sargent, have been marvellous and will continue to support her until she is 18yrs old - she is currently 15. Because of their work in these cases, I have decided to try and raise some money for them. To do so I will perform a tandem parachute jump during my 66th year. The date will most probably be between the end of May and the middle of July at Old Sarum near Salisbury. I am looking for sponsorship, and would ask that anyone would like to sponsor me, would they please forward their details - every little helps in these cases.

Many thanks,

Ken Lane.

12

Ken’s contact details are:

Ken and Jan Lane

May Time (Zmien Mejju) 53A Woodlands Park, Stopples Lane Hordle, Nr New Milton Hants, SO41 0JB

Home: 01425 626413

Mobile: 07966806987

Email: jankenlane@hotmail.co.uk

CHURCH INFORMATION

Please read the fire information on the next page to refresh your memories! Helena's holidays 2013 - Friday 19/04 & Monday 22/04 - Monday 13/05 to Fri 17/05 - Thursday 24/10, Friday 25/10 & Monday 28/10 - Bank Holidays. Spare wall clocks? If anyone has a couple of wall clocks they no longer want or need - they can be used in the cottage. Please let Helena know if you can help.

Many thanks as ever, Helena.Helena.Helena.Helena.

13

14

IN THE EVENT OF FIRE

KEEP CALM! DO NOT PANIC! DO NOT RUN!

IF YOU DISCOVER FIRE CALL 999 FOR THE FIRE BRIGADE and

RAISE THE ALARM BY INFORMING YOUR GROUP/ACTIVITY

LEADER OR THE NEAREST CHURCH/STAFF MEMBER.

THE FIRE ALARM WILL SOUND.

LEAVE THE BUILDING CALMLY BY THE NEAREST SAFE EXIT.

DO NOT STOP TO COLLECT PERSONAL BELONGINGS.

YOU SHOULD GO TO THE “ASSEMBLY POINT” LOCATED BY THE

SMALLER GATEWAY AT THE FRONT OF THE CHURCH

GROUNDS. AVOID BLOCKING THE PAVEMENT AREA OR OB-

STRUCTING THE MAIN GATE WHICH ALLOWS ACCESS FOR

THE EMERGENCY VEHICLES.

YOU SHOULD NOT LEAVE THE CHURCH SITE UNTIL YOUR

GROUP/ACTIVITY LEADER OR CHURCH/STAFF MEMBER HAS

TAKEN YOUR NAME AND KNOWS YOU HAVE LEFT THE SITE.

(This is important so that the Emergency Services do not attempt

to find you in a burning building.)

DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES RE-ENTER THE BUILDING.

FIRE OFFICER CHECKS;

CALL FIRE BRIGADE/EMERGENCY SERVICES ON 999

CHECK ALL ROOMS/TOILETS

ENSURE EVERYONE EVACUATES CALMLY TO THE ASSEMBLY POINT.

RECORD ALL NAMES.

ROTAS FOR FEBRUARY COMMUNION SUNDAY: 3rd COMMUNION ELDERS: John and Margaret DUTY ELDER READING IN CHURCH 3rd: Catherine Bowell Glenys Bradshaw 10th: Maureen Kerr David Bywater 17th: Gerry Copperi Ken Lane 24th: Sandra Jackson Jill Haslett

STEWARDS SOUND SYSTEM 3rd: Ron Parker and David Bywater WD/MC 10th: Janice Perkins and Jenny Henderson DB 17th: Ken and Jan Lane MS/GC 24th: Ann Longney and Kate Noon MC

COFFEE MORNING ROTAS Saturday Sunday

2nd Judith Baker 3rd Janice Perkins 9th The Salvation Army 10th Margaret Clark 16th June Copperi 17th Junior Church 23rd Ann Webber 24th Shelagh Richardson

15

Whilst every care is taken to ensure information in the magazine is accurate, Lymington URC does not accept, and disclaims, any liability to any party for loss or damage caused by errors or omissions which results from negligence, accident or any other cause. Lymington URC does not officially endorse any ad-vertising material included in the magazine.

COLD WEATHER Care endorsed by Local Care Pro-vider, BLUEBIRD CARE Director Bernadette Mills and registered Care manager Miriam Long from Bluebird Care (New Forest) welcome the initiative from the Department of Health regarding The Warm Homes Healthy People Fund. The aim of the fund is to support local district au-thorities to protect the most vulnerable people in their councils from the effects of colder weather. The fund was established after 2010, what was the coldest December for the last 100 years. The Department of Health and the Health Protection Agency teamed up with the Met office to provide the Cold Weather Alert Service. This Service will alert NHS Trusts and Age UK to falling tempera-tures, snowfall and icy conditions. This year again, the Local au-thorities can submit for financial support from The Warm Homes Healthy People Fund in order to improve the situation for the vul-nerable in our society. Over the past 10 years, there have been on average 26700 excess winter deaths a year in England and UK, the vast majority among older people. Cold weather also causes a massive increase in health problems such as heart attacks, strokes and breathing difficulties. It causes untold distress to the vulnerable and their relatives and it is a huge burden to the NHS. We, in the community, can help with prevention as well, said Ber-nadette Mills, Managing Director from Bluebird Care (New Forest). Be vigilant with your neighbours and relatives once the weather turns. It does not take much time to keep an eye on them. If you have an elderly, vulnerable neighbour or relative, sometimes do pop in to see whether they need a hand with shopping, getting re-peat prescriptions, walking their dog or even just a little chat. Rain, snow, icy roads, wintery circumstances have the effect that the elderly may not be able to get out at all as they are not confident. Also if someone has had an accident in their home, fallen or in-jured themselves or have been taken ill, they may not be able to alert their friends or neighbours about their situation. As a commu-nity member, be alert on signs such as milk bottles left outside on the door step, newspapers stuck in the letterbox, curtains drawn

16

the whole day and night or even pets such as dogs howling or barking. There is also a lot of useful information on the website of Age UK. (www.ageuk.org.uk). Bluebird Care New Forest based in Lymington offers a range of

customer care visits tailored to the individual need in the comfort of

their own home. The areas they cover range from the area from

New Milton, Lymington, Beaulieu, Dibden Purlieu Hythe, across to

Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst. Bluebird Care offers the alternative

to residential care and provides a service in the security of your

own house with services ranging from 15 minutes to full live-in

support. Contact Bernadette Mills or Miriam Long on 01590 678

340 for more information.

17

18

19

Professional and Quality Contract Cleaning and Facilities Management Service Carpet and Hard Floor Cleaning

Full Hygiene & Nappy Waste Service For a free no obligation quote please contact

01425 613860 Email enquiries@twocountiescleaning.co.uk

20

21

PAINTING AND DECORATING

DULUX APPROVED

All interior and exterior decoration Wallpaper hanging specialist.

Quick, reliable, tidy service with an experienced team of decorators.

Fully insured: 2 year guarantee

Call LEE ROBERTS

Mobile: 07801 525 130

OPEN DOOR FELLOWSHIP AND FUNDRAISING

Forthcoming events:

The Fellowship and Fundraising Committee has a pro-

gramme of events which we hope will receive your usual

enthusiastic support:

• Winter warmer lunch, a Valentine’s Day meal after

church on the 10th February

Occasions for fellowship and fundraising in 2013 may

include:

• Quiz night, with fish and chips, March 22nd.,

• Pimms, Pasty and Pudding on Saturday evening, May

18th.,

• Grand opening BBQ for our garden,

• Beach BBQ at Ann W’s beach hut, 15th June, weather

permitting!,

• Cream Tea.

• Strawberry Tea,

• Anniversary lunch,

• Salvation Army concerts.

22

PLEASE NOTE: This magazine is printed on paper from re-newable sources out of our concern for the environment.

CONTACT DETAILS

Minister: Rev’d Chris Vivian. Tel 01590 675633 e-mail: chrisvivian@btinternet.com Church Secretary: Sandra Jackson. Tel 01590 676306 e-mail: secretaryurclym@btinternet.com Magazine Editor: Wyn Davies. Tel 01425 616384 e-mail: WynBDavies@sky.com Church web site: http://www.lymurc.org.uk/ Tel 01590 676306 e-mail: adminurclym@btinternet.com Other web sites that list the church: http://www.joinmychurch.com http://www.findachurch.co.uk http://www.searchchurch.co.uk Centre Manager: Helena Carr. Tel 01590 676306 On site Monday-Friday 8.30am to 2pm. The church office is in the cottage. If the main hall doors are locked during the office open times, please proceed to the cottage which is a separate building at the rear of the church main hall. Basics Bank web site: http://www.basicsbank.org.uk/ Tel 01590 610008 e-mail: info@lymurc.org.uk