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The Messenger Autumn 2013

Middle Wall

the magazine of

Dear Friends,

‘The lips of the righteous nourish many’ Proverbs 10v21

In a previous letter I spoke about the opportunities we have to refresh others, especially at crucial moments when they may feel particularly vulnerable. Continuing in that vein, I want us to think about how we maintain that ministry of encouragement, bringing on-going and substantial nourishment to those around us.

The book of Proverbs stresses that what we say with our lips may produce this wonderful beneficial result. Our words have the potential to feed and sustain far beyond what we might imagine. If our minds are soaked in God’s Word, if we are living close to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, if we are walking in ways that honour God, then our speech will have a tremendously positive effect, promoting spiritual health and fruitfulness.

If we ourselves are trusting in God and delighting in His mercy, forgiveness and goodness, this will be reflected in the content and tone of our conversation, bringing the blessing of life-giving sustenance to others. Sharing Scripture verses and words of reassurance that echo our first-hand experience of God’s faithfulness and love will communicate the hope that sustains faith and enables folk to carry on in difficult circumstances.

As Alison, one of our new deacons, pointed out in a recent children’s talk, our lips convey so much about us for it is from the overflow of the heart that we speak. Our tongues can have a very powerful impact for good and can greatly build others up and spur them on to achieve great things for God. Like a dedicated shepherd leading his flock to rich pasture, the preacher, Bible teacher, children’s worker and youth leader have very obvious callings to supply this kind of nourishment to those under their care. Yet we all can play a part in helping to address and satisfy the spiritual hunger in those we meet in various settings. What we say in a given situation might actually assist in rescuing a person in deep despair or inspire someone to have the courage to continue to do the right thing.

St. Paul urges us to ‘speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs’ (Philippians 5v19a), again reinforcing the importance of Scripture and also, rather interestingly, drawing attention to the power of

The Messenger

In this issue… Article Page

An Irish Blessing ........................................... 5

Beryl’s Back! ...............................................20

Birthday Greetings .......................................19

Contact Information .................................... ibc

Don’t Block The Blessing ..............................16

Faith ..........................................................17

Four Weddings And A Funeral?......................18

Is Religion Good For Your Pets? ....................14

I’ve Sure Got Old! ........................................13

Just a thought .............................................10

Just For Fun ................................................12

Keep Fit ......................................................13

Kent Life With CAMEO ..................................11

Leprosy Mission ...........................................18

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie ...................................14

Messenger Deadline ...................................... 2

Middle Wall Visit ........................................... 4

Minister’s Letter ............................................ 1

Mission Matters ............................................ 8

New Look Messenger .................................... 2

Paul Stark ...................................................17

Puzzle Answer .............................................19

Royal Visit.................................................... 3

Sailing With The Spirit ..................................15

Sticky Notes ................................................19

The Usher ...................................................13

What’s the Rush ..........................................10

Whitstable Castle .......................................... 6

Autumn 2013

Minister’s Letter

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PTO

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Christian lyrics. He is clearly indicating that we need to tap into such resources to find appropriate words to say to each other.

Above all it is God’s Word that can truly nourish the human soul over the years and the reality of His sustaining grace is also at the heart of our

celebration of Nora’s 100th birthday – something we are eagerly planning as I write this letter in mid-August. Nora’s long life, radiant contentment and gracious personality are certainly a striking testimony to God’s faithfulness, goodness and nourishing love. Personally I have always found her kindly and supportive words a source of great encouragement and nourishment too. We wish her every blessing in her 100th year and thank God for her!

Your pastor and friend,

The Messenger

Contd.

The Messenger

Welcome to the new look version of ‘The Messenger’. Well, I suppose ‘new look’ might be a bit of an exaggeration but for a long time this magazine has been

produced every two months. Now, starting with this issue, it will be quarterly and issued to coincide with the seasons – hence this is the ‘Autumn’ issue.

We hope to continue to carry your favourite features, although the ‘Diary Dates’ will no longer be included as it is quite likely that proposed events will have changed by the time the date arrives! So, to keep up to date with what’s happening at Whitstable Baptist Church, we encourage you to check out the ‘Calendar’ on our website regularly and, of course, keep a copy of the weekly ‘Fellowship News’ to hand. If you don’t have access to the internet (how do you survive!!) you can always get a copy of the ‘Future Dates’ which are printed each month by Margaret and Andrew. Ask them or Jean, our Church Secretary.

The most important part of the magazine is the part you, our readers, supply so many thanks to those of you who have contributed to this issue and we would encourage all of you to send in your stories, news and articles. Tell us about your holiday or a day trip, or some exciting event that you have enjoyed – we’d love to hear about it.

Ed.

Deadline for the Winter issue (Dec/Jan/Feb) is Sunday 10th November.

A Royal Visit

A couple of weeks ago my daughter Sara rang with exciting news! She had heard a rumour that the Prince of Wales and his wife were visiting Whitstable harbour the following day, to arrive at about 10:30am. Well, as true royalists we decided to make our way to the harbour to see if we could catch a glimpse of the royal couple, only to find on arrival that hundreds of people had the same idea. Many had union jacks to wave and I have never seen so many cameras, including a large number of press men and TV cameramen.

The atmosphere was ‘electric’ you might say....it certainly was cheerful and full of expectation. The Lady Mayoress, our M.P. and the Oyster Week Committee members were all smartly dressed and waiting for the royal party to arrive just opposite us, so we anticipated a good view of the proceedings.

By now the harbour was jam-packed and everyone lined up on each side without any barriers and only a few officials asking people to move back a little – very politely. The atmosphere was building and then two cars swung into the harbour gates… the first carrying the Prince’s security men, and the other Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. After the formal introductions and handshakes the royal couple moved immediately down the middle of the crowd, shaking hands with most people and chatting freely.

The Prince shook hands with us and we welcomed him to Whitstable, he thanked us and asked if we were local and, as I shook hands with Camilla, I asked about George, the new addition to the family, and she replied “Extremely well thank you, he’s enjoying life!” The royal couple moved happily through the crowds and talked to various harbour business people, then on to the Lifeboat Station and the Yacht Club before leaving us to visit Chatham Docks.

Well, what a happy and unexpected occasion. Thinking back on it made me wonder about the first Palm Sunday. The word spread that Jesus was coming and crowds of people gathered to see him, and I’m sure the disciples ‘managed the crowd’ on that occasion too. Exciting as our visit was, I doubt if it will still be remembered and celebrated 2000 years from now!

Marie Hunnisett

Prince Charles enjoying(?) a Whitstable oyster!

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The Messenger The Messenger

Middle Wall Visit

Once again I made a weekend visit to Whitstable to see all of you, my friends – Michael Hunnisett wondered when I really am going to be moving down here and, to be honest, with the amount of money I pay on train fares, I hope it will be soon.

I had left Norwich at 8:30am and, after a nice picnic lunch with my girlfriend Rebecca (yes, we are now back together), made it into Whitstable at 16:01 precisely, where I was met by Andrew and Margaret who had kindly agreed to host me for the weekend.

The weather certainly did bless us and, as it was the Oyster Festival and neither myself nor the Frames had ever been to it before, we had a real good Whitstable weekend. I have been told that most of the locals or natives avoid this particular weekend and I can see why as Whitstable was buzzing with a lot of DFLs (down from Londoners). We parked up near the Tankerton slopes on the Friday just after tea and wandered into town, where we had a cold diet coke from The Neptune, followed by the brilliant firework display.

Saturday was once again spent in Whitstable. We left home shortly after lunch and, being Harbour Day, we parked up on St. Anne’s Road and walked into the town centre first of all, seeing all of the local shops (how un-commercialised and lovely it was). Next, over a cuppa, we looked at the wonderful stained glass that adorns St. Alphege and embarked upon a ‘church crawl’, calling into Harbour Street Christian Fellowship for another cuppa. We then set off for the harbour, casting an eye over the many stands that were erected and having a nice kipper bun (highly recommended!) from the Crab & Winkle. Andrew and I went on the ‘Union Pluto’ and were surprised to see how seafaring gentlemen live in a luxurious way on board. We then found a bus shelter from which to watch the parade in the evening, seeing Miss Whitstable, Miss Faversham, Miss Dover… the list goes on.

We followed this with fish and chips from the Seychelles, after which we walked along The Street, a first for me - whether it’s man-made or not it was eerily nice to walk into the sea. We then continued our walk back to the car but were stopped by a little lady calling to us from the cliff above – it was Marie! I have adored the Hunnisett garden from the photos on the website so, when we finally reached the top, we were invited round for coffee and this was a splendid end to a perfect day, eating Marie’s

fantastic cake and drinking superb coffee, the highlight of the evening being the conversation between Andrew and Michael about the whereabouts of Michael’s cutters!

Sunday was spent mostly in church with Geoff leading in with the children’s talk, Jean leading the middle worship section, and Paul giving the sermon – it was a wonderful morning. Lunch followed with Kath Rowden. What laughs we all had at the Share & Coulter, followed by a trip to Reculver. Sunday evening we shared in the Lord’s Supper, Jim & Jean led in and Paul again gave a talk.

I’d like to say thank you for your welcome on that day, and also for allowing me to share in your worship by playing the piano, and also showing you what God has been doing in my home church in Norwich.

Well, enough of the running commentary, what about me? I got back together with my ex-girlfriend Rebecca as, discovering we have both matured in the area of relationships, we are giving things a go again – God obviously has plans for us. I am now working on my third module within my Access Course in Primary teaching, with another seven to go, followed in September 2014 (God willing) by entering university – my top favourite at the moment being Canterbury Christ Church, so I’ll be even closer then – just a bus ride away (no more train fares.)

Although we live miles apart, the work of God in our lives as individuals and as churches goes on and reminds me of the words of Mission Praise 709 – “with him we serve, his the work we share with saints everywhere near and far”.

May God bless you all and I hope to see you in October.

“To God be the Glory great things he has done.”

Tom Dodd

An Irish Blessing May the roof above your head never fall in

and may the people underneath it never fall out.

(From a ‘New Home’ card)

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Whitstable Castle

If you’ve ever taken a tour around Whitstable Castle, there is a good chance your guide was Andrew Frame. Andrew has been a tour guide at the castle for three years and his thirst to find out more about the historic structure has led to him publishing his research in his first book, ‘A Castle By The Sea’. Bitten by the history bug, Andrew has now started writing his second book and here he talks to Scarlet Jones of the Whitstable Times about how life after retirement is anything but quiet.

How long have you lived in Whitstable? We moved from London six years ago this August to retire.

Tell me about your background. I was born and educated in South London. I studied theology with the London Baptist Association and at Regents Park College, Oxford, and for some years undertook lay-preaching appointments. I was employed as a quality control inspector for British Gas for 21 years. I qualified as an assistant podiatrist with the NHS for 12 years, during which time I was co-writer of a paper on aftercare following nail surgery. I live with my wife Margaret, who worked as a nurse for 40 years in London. We have two children, a daughter who lives with her family in Surrey and a son with his family in Canada. We have three grandchildren.

What do you like about Whitstable? My grandparents lived in a small fishing village in the north of Scotland and it just reminds me of my school holidays there. My wife Margaret wanted to move and I was just glad to stop work. She said “let’s go to the seaside” so it was her choice to go to Whitstable. I love harbours and I like to wander around them. I guess I am drawn to them because it just makes me feel at home. Even though I was born in England, whenever I go back to Scotland I feel at home.

Tell us about your work with Whitstable Castle, how did that start? I am a Visitor Guide and have been for about three years. I was looking for a guide book on Whitstable Castle but couldn’t find one so I decided to write my own. I wanted to find out more. I went to the castle to take photos from the battlements and was asked to join the team. I like meeting the visitors when they come and I tell them the stories. Sometimes someone will say something has changed since the last time they came and it’s then I get to quiz them about the castle and learn more.

What is your favourite corner of the castle? I’m not sure I have one. I think each room has its own characteristics.

Tell us a lesser-known fact about the castle. My research led me to a playwright, Sir Arthur Wing Pinero, who rented the castle for a short time.

Is there a particular past occupant of the castle who interests you more? All the occupants are interesting in their own way. I think the one I would like to know more about is the Rev Arthur Graystone. He was illegitimate and an intriguing figure as there are lots of stories about him and it was a case of working out which were true.

Have you always been interested in history? No, not to the extent that the research for this book has taken me.

So you have published a book – what is it about? It is called ‘A Castle By The Sea’ and is published under the name J A Frame. It is the story of the castle from the beginning, noting the people who lived there.

Why did you write it? I wanted to know the history of the castle, but couldn’t find a concise one. Geoffrey Pike wrote about the castle in ‘Copperas and the Castle’ but I wanted something more in-depth so I did my own research. I have gone deeper into the history with my book and looked at the lives of the occupants. Napoleon once said: “History is a myth agreed upon”. He may or may not be right, but the fact remains that history is one of the most essential pillars of the firm building of knowledge. History is important and we are losing it. We are losing our link with the past. We all have a story to tell and if things are not written down for future generations we will lose that story. The story of the castle is linked not only to Whitstable but to the world. If it hadn’t been for Whitstable Castle, the world may have been a different place.

That is an interesting point. So where can people buy the book? At the moment, it is available at Swalecliffe Newsagents and Post Office, the castle, and the WIT shop in Whitstable’s Harbour Street. It is also available online at www.lulu.com. It has already gone into reprint. I am hoping to get it on the list of a major bookshop chain. Oh, and you can always get a copy from me!

What do you do in your spare time? I am the fabric manager of Whitstable Baptist Church, in Middle Wall, where we attend. And I work with the Pilgrims Hospices as a driver, taking patients in for treatment. I also work with the charity team, marshal events and ‘shake the can’. I am also researching another book so I don’t have a lot of hobby time.

What is the new book about? It’s in connection with the pilgrims, and I am starting to look at the old turnpike roads and particularly the roads to Canterbury. When I started to write the first book, I thought, “what am I doing with it?” It’s that old idea that everyone has a novel within them, so you sit there and write it, but what will you do with it after? It’s important that your writing is passed on to people.

With thanks to Andrew, Scarlet Jones and the Whitstable Times

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FUNDRAISING AND FOOD COLLECTIONS Thanks to the generosity of local people, Canterbury Food Bank is now receiving regular monthly donations, as well as one-off contributions.

Saturday 15th June saw our latest supermarket collection day at ASDA, Canterbury. We have other collection days planned at Tesco Whitstable on Friday 11th and Saturday 12th October.

Please get in touch if you would like to help collect on either of these days.

*...SO WHAT’S IN A FOOD PARCEL? Here’s an example. All foods are long life and carefully selected for nutritional balance: breakfast cereal, sugar (500g), milk (long life), spaghetti (tinned), meat (tinned), vegetables (tinned), tuna/fish (tinned), fruit (tinned), dried pasta (500g), pasta sauce, baked beans (tinned), jam, biscuits, tomatoes (tinned), disposable nappies/wipes, baby food, rice pudding (tinned), sponge pudding (tinned), custard (tinned or carton), tea bags/coffee (small jar), fruit juice (long life), soup (tinned), cup-a-soups, dried rice (500g).

WHITSTABLE GOES LIVE On 15th May, Whitstable volunteers attended training, which was kindly run by the St Vincent de Paul Society. On 21st June, Whitstable held its first café for the distribution of food parcels at St Alphege (in the town). A café will be held there every Friday between 12:30pm and 1:30pm.

SAVE THE DATE Praise, thanks and a good old get together!

We would like to celebrate all of CFB’s achievements and thank you for all of your help. Sunday 15th September at 7pm at Seasalter Christian Centre, Whitstable

If you wish to come just for the refreshments, and not the praise, this will be from 7:45pm.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Website: www.canterburyfoodbank.org Email: info@canterburyfoodbank.org Tel: 07718 108875

Not an easy thing to do when both our warehouses needed to be vacated and with nowhere to move to… regardless of trying to find a suitable place and willing to pay some rent!

With 10 days left, The King’s School, in Canterbury, heard about our plight and stepped in with a very generous offer, allowing us a rent-free space of 1,000 square feet.

This District-wide warehouse has great storage, good parking and easy access to Canterbury, Whitstable and Herne Bay.

Many thanks to Graham, Fiona, Phil and all volunteers for their hard work and many hours spent setting it up ready to go live from 1st July.

WHAT HAVE WE ACHIEVED? Well the answer is “so much!” Thanks to the wonderful support that CFB has received across the district, the following has been achieved since February 2013:

♦ Over 500 Emergency Food Parcels* given out

♦ well over 100 individuals and families helped

♦ more than 3 tonnes of food collected

♦ 70+ volunteers signed up

♦ 100+ person hours spent packing food parcels

♦ A further 100+ person hours spent sorting food

♦ 60+ agencies working with CFB to date

♦ 1 new warehouse

♦ 2 distribution cafés

♦ Charity Status applied for

A VERY BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE

Canterbury Food Bank Update

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)

(and Whitstable!) V

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What’s The Rush? I got up early one morning and rushed right into the day

I had so much to accomplish that I didn’t have time to pray.

Problems just tumbled about me and heavier came each task

“Why doesn’t God help me?” I wondered He answered, “You didn’t ask”

I wanted to see joy and beauty, but the day toiled on grey and bleak

I wondered why God didn’t show me He said “But you didn’t seek”

I tried to come into God’s presence I used all my keys at the lock

God gently and lovingly chided “My child, you didn’t knock”.

I woke up early this morning, and paused before entering the day

I had so much to accomplish that I had to take time to pray.

Submitted by Pam Devine

Kent Life with CAMEO We had lunch at the church – four kinds of sandwiches, sausage rolls, crisps, tea and coffee, and left at about 12.30. On the coach I sat next to Beverley’s mother-in-law, Daphne. There were 32 of us, from Middle Wall, Harbour Street, Hamilton Road and Swalecliffe, with two Ministers – Paul Wilson and Alan Mitchell.

Everyone was very happy and we arrived safely. At 2 o’clock we boarded the tractor to take us up the hill where there were pigs and horses. We walked around and saw Lenham Cottage with its old-fashioned kitchen sink, boiler, gas stove and bathroom. The Anderson Shelter was erected inside a 3ft deep hole, then covered with earth. These shelters were designed to hold 4 to 6 people. Apparently some people even covered the roofs of the shelters and used them as vegetable patches.

A number of us went into Cuxton Chapel which was built in 1897 and was originally a Mission Hall. In 1972 it became part of the United Reformed Church. While we sat in the church I came to the front and said, “We will now sing ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful.’” Nearby was a notice which said that a Lucy Gambrill had been Captain of their Girls’ Brigade!

We walked down to the tea room which was above the gift shop. There were some who couldn’t manage the stairs so had their tea downstairs. It was a lovely clean place with the tables laid out nicely with scones, cream and jam. Our teapot had a broken spout so when we poured the tea it went all over the tablecloth! We asked for more tea and they brought the pot back without adding any teabags so we just had hot water to drink, which caused great hilarity! After our tea we went down to the gift shop where there was lots to buy.

We had a look in the hoppers’ huts – the beds were made of straw and were very small.

A lovely day was had by all, with lots to see and plenty of friends to talk to. Thank you everyone.

Note: Hops are the ingredient that adds aroma and bitterness to beer. They are the female flowers of a climbing plant of the botanical family Cannabidaceae. The pale green flowers known as ‘cones’ are the parts that are used in brewing. Traditional varieties, ‘Goldings’ and ‘Fuggles’ are grown at Kent Life. I thought you might like to know that!

Kath Rowden

Just a thought... In life, things turn out for the best for those who make the best of how things turn out!

Target QuizTarget QuizTarget QuizTarget Quiz Using the central letter of the target below, and at least three other letters, how many words can you find ? (no plurals)

Just For Fun!

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Keep Fit I felt like my body had got totally out of shape, so I got my

doctor’s permission to join a fitness club and start exercising.

I decided to take an aerobics class for seniors.

I bent, twisted, gyrated, jumped up and down, and perspired for

an hour. But, by the time I got my leotard on, the class was over!

I’ve Sure Got Old! I’ve had two bypass surgeries, a hip replacement and new knees.

My eyesight is going, I can’t hear anything quieter than a jet

engine, take 40 different medications that make me dizzy, and

windy. I have poor circulation, can hardly feel my hands and feet

anymore, and I can’t remember if I’m 89 or 98.

But, thank goodness, I still have my driver’s licence! Submitted by Margaret Hunnisett

The Usher An elderly woman walked into the local country church.

The friendly usher greeted her at the door and helped her up

the flight of steps, “Where would you like to sit?” he

asked politely.

“The front row please,” she answered. “You really don’t want to

do that,” the usher said “The pastor is really boring.”

“Do you happen to know who I am?” the woman inquired..

“No” he said. “I’m the pastor’s mother,” she replied indignantly.

“Do you know who I am?” he asked.

“No” she said.

“Good,” he answered. Submitted by Sidney Hearne

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Solution elsewhere

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The Messenger

Is Religion Good For Your Pets? Do animals benefit – or suffer – thanks to religion? That is the subject of a new research project at Oxford.

Inspired by Baptist Preacher Charles Spurgeon's claim that a person cannot be a true Christian if his dog or cat is not the better off for it, the Centre will explore whether religious traditions are animal-friendly. Do religious people and religious institutions benefit animals? Are they more or less likely to be respectful to animals – either those kept as companions or those used for other human purposes?

The project is being organised by the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics. It will be multidisciplinary, multifaith, and draw in not only theologians and religious thinkers, but also other academics including social scientists, psychologists, historians, and criminologists. “We want to know whether religion makes any difference for animals”, says Oxford theologian, Professor Andrew Linzey, who is Director of the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics. “We often hear of how religion is detrimental to human rights, but is it also detrimental to animal protection?”

© Parish Pump

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie An old, tired-looking, dog wandered into my garden one day. I could tell from his collar and well-fed tummy that he had a home and was well cared for. Calmly, he came over to me and then followed me into the house. Slowly he walked down the hall, into the sitting room, curled up on the hearthrug and fell asleep. An hour or so later he went to the door and I let him out.

The next day he was back, greeted me in the garden, walked on passed and slept for an hour or so in the sitting room.

This routine continued for several weeks. Curious, I pinned a note to his collar: “I would like to find out who is the owner of this wonderful sweet dog and ask if you are aware that almost every afternoon he comes to my house for a nap”.

The next day he arrived for his nap, with a different note pinned to his collar. It said “He lives in a home with six children, two under the age of three – he is trying to catch up on his sleep. Can I come with him tomorrow?”

Sailing with the Spirit It was a calm, windless day. Despite the weather, members of the sailing club were hopeful they would be launching their boats. Their sails were ready but, with no wind and only calm waters, no-one was going anywhere!

Some sailors tried to manoeuvre their crafts by paddling into the open water and propelling with their hands but soon realised their efforts were being wasted. They decided to join the people in the club house and wait for the wind. It was only after a good while that a gentle breeze began to blow and soon people were in their boats. Now, with full sails, they skimmed out towards the open sea.

This scene is a reminder of how the Holy Spirit can work in our lives. The Bible sometimes describes the Spirit as wind and sometimes, like the sailors, we may have to wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit. There are occasions, from a spiritual standpoint, when nothing seems to be happening – for weeks and months on end. During these waiting times we may wonder what purpose God has for us.

The impatient sailors are a reminder to us that we can do nothing without the Holy Spirit. Those sailors soon discovered that, without the directing power of the wind, they were wasting their time and energy. It can be tempting for us to think we can go it alone and not be guided by the Spirit.

The people in the sailing club might have left their boats to do other things, but they were also watching for signs around them of the coming wind. No one was packing up and going home! They were waiting with a purpose.

In our times of stillness and waiting, we can watch for the signs of God as he works in the Church, in the community and in the world. We pray and worship together, and enjoy social times with each other, in readiness for God to move us into the course he has planned for us.

Our waiting times may have come on us due to various circumstances. The outlook may not be encouraging. But God is with us and he knows what we need now and how he can use us in the future.

Those sailors on the shore anticipated their time afloat. Similarly, in our waiting times we anticipate to do the things of God! The season may soon come when we are guided, prompted, incited and directed by the ‘Wind of God’ who will move us in the right direction.

Let’s put up the sails to let God blow afresh into our lives!

© Parish Pump

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Don’t Block The Blessing! “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race that is marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1)

The imagery is clear enough. The Christian is like a highly trained athlete – not unlike Jessica Ennis, Mo Farah, or indeed Wimbledon champion Andy Murray. The surrounding ‘stadium’ is filled with champions and heroes of the past. They watch US – and we draw inspiration from THEM.

Because we are in training spiritually, it is obvious that every ‘sin’ is to be treated in the same way as by a modern athlete – for whom drug-taking, indeed any form of cheating or breaking the rules, is out!

But Christ’s athletes are also to be careful to shun ‘everything that hinders.’ The wrong running shoes? A faulty diet? In the Christian’s case, if the problem area is not an actual sin, what is it? It is anything that, in itself, may be legitimate but which nevertheless is a weak point and ‘hinders’ progress.

The artist Rubens in the seventeenth century created a painting of Thetis – the mother of Achilles in Greek mythology – dipping her son into the supposedly protective waters of the river Styx. But, because she held him by his heel, this single part of him was untouched by the water. Achilles grew to be a mighty warrior and yet, during a fateful battle, an arrow that pierced his vulnerable heel was the means of his downfall.

The Achilles heel factor affects every single one of us. Indeed, some of the prominent Bible characters were brought down, not even at their weakest point, but at their strongest!

There comes a moment when those who mean business with Jesus Christ become aware that the Holy Spirit is quietly speaking within: ‘You’re blocking the blessing at this weak spot of yours…. by holding onto this object… by entertaining this objective… by persisting in this relationship… by continuing this activity. Let it go.’

What is this ‘thing’? No one else can spell it out for us. It is between us and Christ alone. There need be no sudden crisis, no emotional surge. But the thing that ‘hinders’ is firmly – deliberately – to be discarded, no longer to have any part in our Christian living. And the sunshine of heaven smiles down upon us as we run on.

© Parish Pump

Paul Stark It is with sadness that we received the news of the passing away of Paul Stark.

Paul was a member of Whitstable Baptist Church for many years. His wife Margaret was very interested in children’s work and was an Officer in Girls’ Brigade. Their daughters Hazel, Wendy and Yolande grew up in Sunday School and Girls’ Brigade.

Paul was always singing the praises of the achievements of his children and grandchildren as was evident in his regular items for The Messenger.

Paul was a deeply committed Christian – a Prayer Warrior – and never missed an opportunity to share his faith. He served for many years as Home Mission representative and was also a Deacon. He will be remembered as a founder member of the Prayer Chain, which is such an important part of our church ministry today. He was also well known for leaving Christian text messages and the ‘War Cry’ in public places such as doctors waiting rooms, telephone boxes and on public transport!

On moving to Llandudno 13 years ago he at first attended the Baptist Church but more recently became a member of the local Methodist Church, which was also attended by other family members.

During the last few months of his illness he was known to share his faith with many of the medical staff caring for him and although a very sick man, he prayed with and for the local minister on her regular visits. Faithful to the end!

We extend our sincere sympathy and prayer support to Margaret, their daughters and all family members.

Lucy Gambrill

Faith Faith is not about being able to understand everything. At times, it is about

peering through the fog, being baffled by the complexities of life, and yet trusting in God anyway.

Jeff Lucas

Birthday Greetings to:- Jean Parker 8th September Beryl Harris 9th November

BMS Birthday Scheme

Supporting the work of the Baptist Missionary Society

See June Gluning for details

May God

richly bless

you on your

special day!

Target Quiz (page: 12)

Here’s 45 - how many did you get?

beep, beeper, beer, beet, beret, berm, beset, best, ember, erst, esteem, meet, mere, merest, mete, meter, metre, peer, perm, pert, pest, pester, prese, preset, reset, rest, seem, seep, seer, sept, SEPTEMBER, sperm, spree, steep, steeper, steer, stem, step, teem, temp, temper, tepee, term, terse, tree.

The Messenger The Messenger

18 www.middlewall.co.uk www.middlewall.co.uk 19

Introducing... Martin Pitman, Regional Coordinator

I am delighted to be joining The Leprosy Mission as your Regional Coordinator and look forward to meeting as many of you as possible. Having previously worked in a similar role for Barnardo’s and prior to that as a primary school headteacher for many years, I welcome the opportunity of being part of The Leprosy Mission team.

My original connection with the Leprosy Mission goes back a number of years to Mali Browne who was a member of my church in Ashley, in the New Forest. Her time spent with her husband, Dr Stanley Browne – serving people affected by leprosy in Africa, had a real impact on me. Recently, I have been fortunate to spend time with Dr Ruth Butlin, who is leaving for Bangladesh shortly to serve the Mission as a volunteer medical advisor. She is inspirational and fills me with a determination to do as much as I can, with your help, to support The Leprosy Mission.

Four Weddings and a Funeral? The local news station was interviewing an 80-year-old lady because she had just got married for the fourth time. The interviewer asked her questions about her life, about what it felt like to be marrying again at 80, and then about her new husband’s occupation. “He’s a funeral director,” she answered. “Interesting,” the newsman thought...

He then asked her if she wouldn’t mind telling him a little about her first three husbands and what they did for a living. She paused for a few moments, needing time to reflect on all those years. After a short time, a smile came to her face and she answered proudly, explaining that she had first married a banker when she was in her 20’s, then a circus ringmaster when in her 40’s, and a preacher when in her 60’s, and now – in her 80’s – a funeral director.

The interviewer looked at her, quite astonished, and asked why she had married four men with such diverse careers.

She smiled and explained,

“It was one for the money, two for the show, three to get ready, and four to go!”

Submitted by Tricia Price “As I get older, I find I rely more and more

on these sticky notes to remind me!”

Bible Study Groups: Terry Rees 275261 biblestudy@middlewall.co.uk

BMS Birthday Scheme: June Gluning 771187 birthdays@middlewall.co.uk

Children’s Advocate: Pam Tyler 791559 advocate@middlewall.co.uk

Children’s Representatives: Contact Minister 273849 minister@middlewall.co.uk

Choral Group: Ray Jones 772997 juneray@orpheus.fsnet.co.uk

Deacons: Alison Oliver 262464 a.l.oliver@kent.ac.uk Andrew Frame 794489 andrewframe6@aol.com Janet Payne (Treasurer) 264186 treasurer@middlewall.co.uk Jean Rothery (Secretary) 265276 secretary@middlewall.co.uk Julian Freeman 020 8302 9369 jcfreeman@ntlworld.com Tony Harris 780969 asharris@talktalk.net

Messenger: Tony & Beryl Harris 780969 messenger@middlewall.co.uk

Minister: Rev Paul Wilson 273849 minister@middlewall.co.uk

Minister’s PA: Margaret Frame 794489 pa@middlewall.co.uk

Secretary: Jean Rothery 265276 secretary@middlewall.co.uk

Treasurer: Janet Payne 264186 treasurer@middlewall.co.uk

Website: Tony Harris 780969 webmaster@middlewall.co.uk

Worship Group: Jean Rothery 265276 stirot@tiscali.co.uk

Young People’s Groups: Anne Wilson 273849 ypf@middlewall.co.uk

If the person or organisation you want is not listed please contact the Secretary.

Useful Contact Details

Beryl’s Back! Beauty Therapy

I know I am not alone when I say that the beauty of nature never fails to amaze and enthral, relax and calm: a ramble in the woods, a stroll by the sea, a clear starry night, the dawn chorus, or a huge, beautiful butterfly resting on my hand, which I had the thrill of experiencing on a recent visit to The Eden Project.

Put beauty and therapy together and what do you get? Michael and Marie’s garden! Furthermore, if you have been to their annual fundraising coffee mornings, you’ll see the ultimate teamwork in action. What a combination of gifts and talents. Here you have it all: Tricia’s tireless work in the kitchen, making and serving coffee and generally ensuring that everyone is eating and drinking; Marie’s amazing hospitality and socialising skills (together with her infectious laugh and jaunty smile); and the evidence of Michael’s imagination and hours of hard work as you walk, chat, sit and relax in the Hunnisett garden.

Roses, cosmos, dahlias, sweet peas, geraniums/pelargoniums, petunias, nasturtiums, fuchsias, clematis, busy lizzies….the list is endless. What I really found so fascinating were the beetroots, onions, lettuces and the like, dotted around amongst the flowers, growing and thriving in the vibrant floral patchwork. Seeing them all live and grow together in prolific harmony resulted in a schmaltzy senior citizen who just couldn’t get out of her head the relevant spiritual lesson.

So, whether we are a sweet pea, a busy lizzy or a petunia in an onion patch, here we are, all in the same garden, living side by side. It shouldn’t be a problem should it? We all have days when we experience the heat, others when we need talking to, times when we hang our heads in weariness and others where we lift our faces to the sun and smile but together we can make this world a beautiful place. Another thing we can learn from the flowers is to spread seeds of love that will grow and flourish as they are watered by God’s almighty hand. Like the flowers and veg, we are very different from each other but if we can live together in harmony, not let the snails and slugs get to us and be willing to be pruned when necessary, we will grow into the people that God wants us to be.

Beryl Harris

The Messenger

20 www.middlewall.co.uk