Nov 14 for web

1REV GAVIN HANCOCKS

Tel: 01803 615480email: [email protected]

MINISTER IN PASTORAL CHARGE

CORNERSTONE

NOVEMBER 2014

MAGAZINE OF

CENTRAL

ST. ANDREWS

AND

VICTORIA PARK

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CHURCH CONTACTS - CENTRAL

Secretary Barbara Lawton 01803 [email protected]

Treasurers John Coatham 01803 323212 Paul Sherriff 01803 298603Envelope & Gift Aid SecretaryOrganist & Choir Director Clive Bastin 01803 325142Magazine Editors Hazel Nightingale 01803 613345 Philip Kay 01803 323551

[email protected] Secretary Philip Kay 01803 323551

[email protected](Posters) Barbara Gissinger 01803 328407Caretakers Darrell Sanderson 07719 099901 Keith Read 07719 099901Website www.centralchurchtorquay.org

CHURCH CONTACTS – ST ANDREWS.

Church Secretary. Sue Jarvis 01803 [email protected]

Senior Steward Sue Masheder 01803 [email protected]

CHURCH CONTACTS – VICTORIA PARK

Lay Pastoral Assistant Irene Cochran 01803 [email protected]

Church Council Secretary Myra Wise 01803 [email protected]

Senior Steward Mavis Paul 01803 291895

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Dear Friends,

Mrs Patmore, the head cook in Downton Abbey, is asking some reallysearching questions as we head into Remembrance season. For those whoaren’t keen followers, her nephew was shot for desertion in the Great Waralthough he was a volunteer and a victim of post-traumatic stress as far asshe was concerned. As a result his name could not be included on any of thememorials that were being set up and she was greatly distressed by this.More so that Carson, the Butler, couldn’t see it that way perhaps, but,nonetheless struggling with the blurred lines between things that might notbe quite as black and white as we would like when it comes to the peoplecaught up in the bigger issues at stake.

Perhaps we do well to take time to ask ourselves the same question as wecome to Remembrance Day this year. Is it just about the ‘who’ or is it perhapsalso about the ‘what’? Maybe our real difficulty is that as long as it is mostlyabout the ‘who’ the ‘what’ takes on a different significance. You see I have ahunch that as long as we focus our remembering mainly on our loss we willstruggle to deal with the issue that resulted in that loss to begin with. It willremain difficult for us to deal with the deeply emotive issues at stake namelyour protection and our freedom. Perhaps we need a different way toremember.

Jesus also invites us to remember. He breaks bread and blesses the cup andinstructs us ‘…do this in remembrance of me.’ (1 Cor 11:24) Is he simply askingus to keep note of the fact that he died for us over 2,000 years ago? No, Idon’t think so. The Jewish concept of remembrance was much more thansimply a reminder, a memorial to aid not forgetting. It was a way of makingpresent to oneself in the here and now the reality of that event then. In thisway, we appropriate all of its import and significance for them then and forus in the here and now. Jesus, I believe, wants us to remember that, despitethe worst we could do to him, and by implication God, their love is muchbigger than that. When we break the bread and pour out the cup we needto remember that God’s power for healing and forgiveness opens the doorto a different reality, one in which transformation and renewal becomepresent realities. One in which enmity is turned to friendship, death is turnedto life. Perhaps that way of remembering can open the door to deepertransformation for us and for the world in which we live as we remember thisyear.

Gavin

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FAMILY & FRIENDSFamily News & other Bits & Pieces

THANKS· To all those members of Central Church who have been connected

with Eve Finlayson. Special thanks to all those who assisted withthe funeral on 4�� August, especially the Choir and the Stewardswho were so helpful. I know Auntie enjoyed her time at Centraland valued the friendships she made. God Bless, from JacquiSteggles, on behalf of Eve’s family.

· Pam Fulcher would like to say thank you to all members andfriends of Central Church for the prayers, love and care shown toher and Ray both before his passing and in the weeks since. Shehas received over 100 cards expressing sympathy and each oneis a great comfort. Pam rejoices in knowing that Ray is with hisLord and Saviour.

· From Yvonne & Bill Thorne a big ‘thank you’ to Central for prayerand loving concern shown in so many ways, by so many people,at this time.

· Hilda Bowden sends her thanks to Monica, Sheila and Margaretwho called with flowers and sermon notes while she was at homeunwell, and also the ‘get well’ cards. She sends thanks also forthe many cards, presents, and best wishes received for her 90��birthday. It was very much appreciated. With every blessing.

· We were asked by Harold Newman to record his thanks forremembering him with a gift from the Harvest, and to Mary forbringing it. Thanks also for all our prayers.

· From Konnie George who would like to thank all who sponsoredher for the ‘Colour Rush’ in aid of Rowcroft Hospice. £240 wasraised.

CONGRATULATIONS· Happy Birthday to Betty Peachey on the 7th

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RAY FULCHER.

It was with sadness that we learned that Ray had died. He had hadsuch a long time of poor health, and now he is with the Lord he servedso faithfully over many years.

Born in Dereham Norfolk in 1932, Ray was always proud of hisbirthplace, and his great love was to support Norwich City FootballClub – indeed in hospital on the final Saturday he was being told aboutthe score at the game being played that day.

Ray and Pam met in Torquay while Ray was doing his national serviceas a member of the RAF. They were married at Abbey RoadCongregational Church in 1956, and made their home in Torquay. Rayworked at a timber merchants. He was an excellent workman. He wasalways busy and his work had to be perfect – decorating, painting, andconstruction work both in his home and in the homes of family andfriends. I remember how much time he and Pam spent preparing theQuinta Road Manse before Glyn moved in.

Ray’s faith was strong, and one felt blessed to be with him and sharewith him. Ray & Pam have three sons and a daughter and theirChristian faith is evident. Ray was so proud of them all.

The Service of Thanksgiving helped us all to remember Ray, and to givethanks for his life of faithfulness and service. Many tributes have beenpaid to Ray – a gentle man and a gentleman.

We offer our loving thoughts to Pam, Ray’s children and grandchildren,and give thanks that we have known and loved him.

Monica Lansley

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ALL SOULS DAY

a time of reckoning with the past

The early Church was slow to dedicate a liturgical day to offering prayersand masses to commemorate the faithful departed. But in time prayerswere offered on behalf of dead monks, that they might attain ‘theBeatific Vision’ through purification, which the Church later described asPurgatory. Odilo, the powerful abbot of Cluny, (d 1049) decreed that AllSouls’ Day should follow the feast of All Saints’ Day.

At least four ancient English dedications are known, the most famous ofwhich are All Souls College, Oxford and the church in Langham Place inLondon.

In bygone centuries All Souls’ Day was certainly uncomfortable foranyone who had wronged a person who had then died. For it wasbelieved that souls in purgatory could appear on earth on this day, in theform of ghosts, witches or toads, to haunt anyone who had wrongedthem in life.

On a more cheerful note, it was also believed that you could help thedead on this day by almsgiving in cash or in kind. Some of these beliefsseem to have been caught up in the popular customs of Hallowe’en.

When the Reformation came, the Protestants disregarded the idea ofPurgatory, and this feast day remained with the Roman Catholic Church.

All Souls Day will be recognised in a service at Central

on 2ⁿ� November at 4.00pm

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Editors Note - With reference to articles submitted by individuals inlast months magazine the Editors wish it to be known that the viewsexpressed are those of the individual concerned and are notnecessarily those of the Editors or members of the church.

Turned into…?

The Sunday School story was about Lot’s wife who was turned intoa pillar of salt. One little boy’s arm shot up. “Yes, Jeremy?” said theteacher. “Please, Miss,” said Jeremy, “My Mum looked back oncewhen she was driving home – and she turned into a lamp post.”

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‘LEAF’ SOME GREEN STUFF IN THE GARDEN!

The clocks have gone back, and we are putting our gardens to sleep forthe winter. But this autumn, when you tidy up, do not tidy away toomuch. Many insects and wild creatures will be relying on some groundcover or hideaway to call ‘home’ for the winter. Several piles of twigs orprunings, left around your garden in discreet places, will provide greatwinter ‘snugs’ for toads, grass snakes and other small garden inhabit-ants. ‘Spent’ seed heads provide cover and food for birds over thewinter. Above all, before you light any bonfires on 5th November, takecare there are no hibernating hedgehogs inside!

POINSETTIAS AT CHRISTMAS!

We are ‘buying’ our poinsettiasagain this Christmas, so if anyoneat St Andrews, Victoria Park orCentral wishes to purchase oneat £3.50, would they please givetheir name, and the name of theperson they wish to beremembered to Marion Farley(01803 557679), or any of theFlower Committee of Central –and please before Sunday 16��November, along with theirmoney.After Christmas they may keeptheir flower, or we will give it toany housebound member orfriend.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR TABLET?Make it look like a Bible!

Here’s an unusual way to keepyour tablet computer just that bitsafer: slip it inside an iPad coverthat, when closed, looks like aleather-bound copy of the Bible.Any thief or burglar entering yourhotel room or home would be un-likely to grab that first.

Lifemac is the company who makesthe Bible iPad cover, and it saysthat customers who’ve had homes,cars and hotel rooms broken intohave found that their iPad dis-guised as a Bible has indeed beenleft alone. There is one danger,however: don’t take it into a li-brary. According to a report in TheNew York Times, librarians namethe Bible as among the titles mostlikely to be stolen.

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ST ANDREWS JUNIOR CHURCH NEWS

Jesus told a story about the workers in the vineyard to explain God’sunexpected generosity. In Junior church we heard that story and talkedabout things that are fair and unfair. We made a picture to illustrate thestory.

Jesus told another story; a king was having a banquet and invited severalnoble people to come but they all had an excuse as to why they couldn’tmake it. So the king told his servants to go onto the streets of the townand invite absolutely anyone to come. At Junior Church we heard how itdoesn’t matter who you are; God invites everyone to his banquet. Weplayed a game where we put on a piece of clothing if we rolled a six andwe made our own hats.

On 5�� October some of us enjoyed joining the crèche at Central duringthe joint service.

Rachel George

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A REFLECTION FROM VICTORIA PARK

Matthew 5:43-48You have heard that it was said, "Love your neighbour and hate yourenemy.” But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those whopersecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven, He causeshis sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteousand the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward willyou get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet onlyyour brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even thepagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

The dictionary defines Love as, 'an earnest and anxious desire for and anactive and beneficent interest in the wellbeing of the loved one'! Love isthe highest expression of God and His relationship with humankind. AsGod has loved us, so we ought to love one another. In the family of Godit is easy to love only those people we like. We all have our so calledenemies, people against whom we hold a grudge and people we can'ttolerate. But Jesus tells us that we must ' love your enemies and pray forthose who persecute you' (v44). This is the special law of Christianity.This is perhaps the most difficult test for all Christians. What reward dowe have if we only love those whom we like? Even those who are not ofthe Christian faith can sometimes love better than those who areChristians. The only difference between Christians and those who arenot Christians is that Christians seek to love like God the Father ( v48);The Contemporary English Version translates this very well as 'But youmust always act like your father in heaven'). This is the distinguishingmark and badge of all Christians in the family of God

Lord, help us to speak of those things which we can commend in anenemy; or if there is nothing that we can commend, to say nothing abouthim or her. Lord, help us to bless and speak well of all human beings.Amen

I will reflect on this theme again next month.God Bless Irene Cochran

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SHOE BOX SUNDAY 2014 IS NOVEMBER THE 16TH

It’s that time again! If you have not received a leaflet with moreinformation and would like one speak to me at church or call me onTorquay 323212.

I have already received several bags of lovely knitted hats scarves andpuppets! Thank you

Last year we sent 4063 boxes to Eastern Europe from Torbay.

If you would like to help with packing and checking of boxes it will bedone again downstairs in the Youth room at Central on the followingdates

November 11�� – 14�� 10am – 4pm and 6pm – 9pm 18�� – 21�� 25�� – 26�� Last week depends on what is left to do!

All help will be very welcome, come and join us it is great fun!

Sue Coatham 07825 886 797

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Ever consider the factthat ….

A chicken crossing aroad is really poultry inmotion.

Every calendar’s daysare numbered.

Once you’ve seen oneshopping centre,you’ve seen a mall.

Ever consider the fact that ….

Some people are living waybeyond their seams?

Putting on weight is thepenalty for exceeding the feedlimit.

The best medicine forrheumatism is being thankfulit isn’t gout.

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CONTACT CENTRE

Our new extension has now been open for 8 months and with theincrease in accommodation and the extra families we are helping, we areactively and urgently seeking new volunteers.We require 4 at each session, with attendance required every 5/6 weeks.Training will of course, be given.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED OR IF YOU KNOW ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKETO JOIN US AND WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT

SUSAN NORMAN ON 07597 958185

Wanna do

When I was young my parents told me what to do. Now I am old, mychildren tell me what to do. When will I be able to do what I want?

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A DISTANT GRAVE

This is based on the story of one soldier, Alexander Rae, a Rotherham lad butserving with the Suffolk Regiment, who died near Overloon in Holland on 12thOctober 1944, at the age of just twenty.

A distant grave, a foreign land, kept neatly, with respect.

Though not at all what he’d have planned, yet what he did accept.

The Yorkshire lad, from Rotherham, just twenty short years old,

Like thousands of his fellow men fought up a beach, named ‘Gold’.

And he survived, though many died. He fought his way through France

And, though quite likely terrified, to Holland he advanced.

Then ‘Market Garden’ – a quaint name for brutal deeds of war -

But none heard those brave troops complain in darkest forty-four.

And there our soldier met his fate. His life cut short too soon;

A shell fell close, to detonate, at far-off Overloon.

And so he lays, so far from home, so far from kith and kin.

But he, with fallen comrades showed the way to fight and win.

For none of these have died in vain, he and his fellow men;

They died – but we have freedom gained. We must remember them.

By Nigel Beeton

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A REFLECTION FROM CENTRAL

How do you like reality shows? There certainly are a lot of them. Wewatch some, but certainly not all of them. We watched the final of TheGreat British Bake-Off . My goodness, what a creation the winner, NancyBirtwhistle made for her ‘show-stopper’. We are in the middle of theX-Factor, but I know nothing about that. Those of us who like dancingare glued to our television screens for Strictly Come Dancing.

I know that some of you could easily enter the Great British Bake-Off,and do well in it, with your sponges, scones and doughnuts. Havingbeen to the Tea Dances which we have at Central, there are a few whocould well get a S-E-V-E-N from Len Goodman. But, whatever realityshow we mention, it must take some courage to enter thesecompetitions, and perform in front of, not only an audience, but themillions watching on television.

Then, how would you like to answer questions on Pointless, Mastermind,The Chase or -- University Challenge. There, the contestants show howintelligent, or not, they are.

Some people are brave, but not everyone wants to show themselves upin front of the whole of BBC or ITV viewers.

All those who do enter these programmes have to impress the judges,and be better than their opponents.

Thankfully in the Christian Life, we do not have to impress anyone.When we become a disciple of Jesus, all we have to do is read God’sWord and have regular prayer times with Him. In quizzes and realityprogrammes, if someone makes a mistake, they are ‘out’, with no secondchances. With Jesus, if we make a mistake, we can go to Him and saywe are sorry, and He will forgive us, AND give us far more chances thanwe ever deserve.

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Reality Shows are entertaining, but when we see the next person leavingthe X-Factor, or Strictly, let us remember how fortunate we are to haveJesus as our Saviour, because He wants us to stay with Him, howevermany errors we make.

I pray God’s Blessing on you wherever you are.

Margaret Newman.

Do good

Do all the good you can,

By all the means you can,

In all the ways you can,

In all the places you can,

At all the times you can,

To all the people you can,

As long as ever you can.

By John Wesley

FIRST AID AT VICTORIA PARK.

Following The First Aid course

organised by Mrs Maureen

Rippin, the following were

presented with their Certificates:

Revd Gavin Hancocks, Mrs Irene

Cochran, Pat Hawes, Margaret

Russell, & Ann Williams. The

congregation showed their

appreciation in the usual way.

ST ANDREWS MISSIONS

Sunday mornings coffee money raised £30 for Samaritan ShoeBoxes. The Saturday car wash & bacon butty morning raised£106.23.

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AROUND THE FAMILY AT ST ANDREWS

I always regarded November as the month for REMEMBERING.

There was All Saints’ Day on the 1��, Guy Fawkes Day on the 5��,Remembrance Day on the 11�� – the latter receiving specialRemembrance this year. There were family occasions to be rememberedtoo.

I wondered what the Bible said about Remembering, and thought of“Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy,” and “Remember ThyCreator in the days of thy youth.” Then the words “Praise the Lord, andforget not all His benefits” come to mind. Lastly I thought of Jesus atthe Last Supper – the command as He commissioned his closest followers– “Do this in remembrance of me,” and passed them the communioncup.

I was reminded too that our church is known as “St Andrew’s MethodistChurch” and that St Andrew’s Day is commemorated on 30�� November.Can we make a special effort to learn more about our name-sake, andremember the folk we meet here week by week?

Your prayers are asked for:- Mary and Jim Gill; Diana and Hugh George;Margaret and Alan Nicholls; Sue Jarvis; Beryl Stapleton, & The Dunbarfamily

Congratulations to Geoff and Rosemary Hayman on their 40�� (Ruby)Wedding Anniversary!

We also congratulate John Lipscombe on his 93�� Birthday.Blessing on us all.

Sheila Denham

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OPEN from 10.00am to 12.00noon

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SUNDAY SERVICES FOR NOVEMBER 2014.(HC) = Sacrament of Holy Communion (WG) = Worship Group

CENTRAL

Date Morning 10.30am Evening 6.30pm  2ⁿ� Revd Gerald Morris (HC) 4pm. Revd Gavin Hancocks. (Memorial) 9�� Revd Gavin Hancocks Jonathan Oliverio (WG)16�� Revd Gavin Hancocks Revd Adrian Phippen (HC)

(Shoeboxes)23�� Revd Dr Tom Bush (JMA) Mrs Vicki Bryan (WG)30�� Mr David Masters Revd Jerry Cook

ST ANDREWS

Date Morning 10.30am Evening 6.00pm  2ⁿ� Mrs Irene Cochran Revd Gavin Hancocks (CP) 9�� Mr David Welsh 4pm. Mr Adam Hills (MT)16�� Revd Gerald Morris (HC) Revd Gavin Hancocks (CP)23�� Mr Adam Hills Revd Gavin Hancocks (BS)30�� Revd Gavin Hancocks (US) No service

VICTORIA PARK

Date Morning 10.30am  2ⁿ� Mrs Helen Barrett 9�� Mrs Irene Cochran16�� Revd M Newell23�� Revd Gavin Hancocks (HC)30�� Mrs Irene Cochran

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CALENDAR FOR NOVEMBER 2014

ST ANDREWS. CENTRAL. VICTORIA PARK.

Saturday 1�� 9.30 Contact Centre10.00 Pop in for a Coffee 2.30 Torquay Town Churches Meeting

@ CentralSunday        2ⁿ� See separate page for Services – All ChurchesMonday 3�� 2.30 Women's Fellowship –

'Isn't Devon Funny', Brenda Loosemore 6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 Guides 7.30 Lydwell Park House GroupTuesday 4�� 9.30 Midweek Prayers

9.30 Toddler Group 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees

10.00 Belleplates 2.30 Sisterhood: Charley Hayward - LiNX

7.30 Guild – 'Exeter Cathedral'. Revd Val PriceWednesday 5�� 9.30 Toddler Group 10.00 Bible Study

10.30 Bible Study (coffee at 10.15) 6.30 Bonfire Supper at 13 Cadewell Park Road

7.30 Ladies Club: Bonfire, Food & SparklersThursday 6�� 9.30 Central Tots 7.30 Quiz at Brixham URCFriday 7�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplates 6.00 Messy Church Meeting 6.45 Choir PracticeSaturday 8th 9.30 Contact Centre

10.00 Christmas Fair 10.00 Murder, Mystery Rehearsal

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Sunday 9�� See separate pages for Services – All ChurchesMonday 10�� 2.30 Women's Fellowship Rally – Deacon Jane Verrall 6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 GuidesTuesday 11�� 9.30 Midweek Service - John Lawrence

9.30 Toddler Group 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees

2.30 Sisterhood: Mrs Isabel Taggart 7.00 New Life Housegroup 7.30 Festival of RemembranceWednesday 12th 9.30 Toddler Group 10.00 Bible Study

10.30 Bible Study (coffee at 10.15) 7.30 Ladies Club: Personal Memories of WW2

Thursday 13�� 9.30 Central Tots 2.00 Belleplates at the Memory Club 7.30 Moors HousegroupFriday 14�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 6.45 Choir PracticeSaturday 15�� 9.30 Contact Centre

10.00 Pop in for a CoffeeChristmas boxes being assembled.

7.00 Murder, Mystery EveningSunday 16�� See separate page for Services – All ChurchesMonday 17�� 2.30 Women's Fellowship – Musical afternoon with Bill Bell 6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 Guides 7.30 Lydwell Park HousegroupTuesday 18�� 9.30 Midweek Prayers

9.30 Toddler Group

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Tuesday 18�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees

2.30 Sisterhood 7.30 Guild – Musical Evening with Clive BastinWednesday 19�� 9.30 Toddler Group 10.00 Bible Study

10.30 Bible Study (coffee at 10.15) 7.30 Special Events Meeting

7.30 Ladies Club: M & K Training (First Aid)Thursday 20�� 9.30 Central Tots 7.30 Council MeetingFriday 21�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 11.00 Belleplates 4.00 Messy ChurchSaturday       22ⁿ� 9.30 Contact Centre

10.00 Pop in for a Coffee 7.30 South Devon Choir ConcertSunday 23�� See separate page for Services – All ChurchesMonday 24�� 2.30 Women's Fellowship — Garden Birds, John Tucker 6.00 Brownies 6.30 Flexercise Fun 7.30 GuidesTuesday 25�� 9.30 Midweek Communion

9.30 Toddler Group 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 10.00 Busy Bees

2.30 Sisterhood: John Ayres. (B & B Stall) 7.00 New Life Housegroup 7.30 Guild – 'There's more to Peru than Machu Pinchu', Colin VosperWednesday 26�� 9.30 Toddler Group 10.00 Bible Study

10.30 Bible Study (coffee at 10.15) 10.30 Contact Management Meeting

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Wednesday 26�� 7.30 Ladies Club: John Risdon —Christmas in Victorian Torquay

Thursday 27�� 9.30 Central Tots 6.30 Contact Social

Volunteer Support MeetingFriday 28�� 10.00 Coffee & Fellowship 6.45 Choir PracticeSaturday 29�� 9.30 Contact Centre 10.00 Christmas Market

10.00 Pop in for a CoffeeSunday 30�� See separate page for Services – All Churches

ROSEMARY GARDENS HOUSEGROUPan explanation

As pointed out in our recent annual report, age, sickness and death hasdepleted our numbers very much. Only four of us remain, one of whomcame to us from Teignmouth each week to lead the study.

When Evelyn first went into the Christian Care Home Walmer House, theManager Mrs Rena Bell suggested to Eve she should continue her housegroup in the lovely bright room she had (the brightest room in the house).Which, to our joy, Eve did.

After Eve’s recent departure the Rosemary Gardens Housegroup cameto an end. Mrs Ena Bell suggested she would like us to continue to meetat Walmer, but without a spare room this was not practical.

As friends, it was my suggestion we meet at my home nearby, affiliatingourselves with the ‘Friends of Walmer House’ and giving them whatsupport we can, on behalf of their great kindness to Eve and others.Gavin already goes once a month to take Holy Communion to theresidents.

Love in Him – Joan Hughes

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VP NOVEMBER ROTAS.

DATE DOOR STEWARDS

  2ⁿ� Verna Stuckey & Sylvia Penny 9�� Betty Peachey & Margaret Collings16�� Verna Stuckey & Sylvia Penny23�� Betty Peachey & Margaret Collins30�� Verna Stuckey & Sylvia Penny

VP NOVEMBER FLOWERS

DATE DONATED BY IN MEMORY OF

  2ⁿ� Myra Wise Parents George & Susan Wise 9�� Poppies16�� Verna Stuckey Parents Charles & Ida23�� Verna Stuckey Parents Charles & Ida30��

There are a few vacant dates on the Flower list – if you please have aword with Verna Stuckey

VP PRAYER BOARDThis is where we remember in prayer those not well. It is available to all

and is used in every Sunday service and at Bible Studies.

Audrey Avery, Amy Bartrip, Jean Barrett, Muriel Colefax, EmmaCoombes, Sylvia Diamond, Olive Frost, Rob & Pat Hawes, Don & BarbaraPugh, Julie Pugh, Edith Wells, Clive Murphy, Sue Summers, Alan Randall.

We also remember the School Pastors, School Workers, our own MinisterGavin, and Lay Pastor Irene Cochran.

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ALL IN THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER.........It was:

200 years ago:- on 29th Nov 1814 that The Times of London was printed byrotary steam-powered presses for the first time. This made it available to amass audience and led to a huge increase in circulation.

150 years ago:- on 8th Nov 1864 that Abraham Lincoln was re-elected Presi-dent of the United States for a second term. He was assassinated five monthslater.

Also 125 years ago:- on 20th Nov 1889 that Edwin Hubble, American astrono-mer, was born. He confirmed the existence of other galaxies and discoveredthe degree of red shift of stars that are accelerating away from the Earth. TheHubble Space Telescope is named in his honour, as is an asteroid and a crateron the Moon.

Also 100 years ago:- on 27th Nov 1914 that Britain’s first female police officerswent on duty in Grantham, Lincolnshire. They were members of the WomenPolice Volunteers.

80 years ago:- on 30th Nov 1934 that the British steam locomotive

30 years ago:- on 12th Nov 1984 that the British Government announced thatEnglish pound notes would no longer be printed from the end of 1984 andwould cease to be legal tender from the end of 1985.

25 years ago:- on 9th Nov 1989 that the Berlin Wall was opened. East Germanyreopened its border with West Germany, allowing its citizens to pass freelythrough the checkpoints. Workers began demolishing the 28-year-old wall thenext day.

Also 20 years ago:- on 14th Nov 1994 that the first fare-paying passengerstravelled through the Channel Tunnel linking England and France.

Also 20 years ago:- on 19th Nov 1994 that the first National Lottery draw washeld in Britain.

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RANDOM THOUGHTS

Helicopter

Sometimes people think of church as being like a giant helicopter. Theydon’t want to get too close in case they get sucked into the rotas. - MiltonJones

Response

Evil is not effectively resisted with hatred and guns. The only responseto evil that has ever worked is the response of Jesus…. And that is to leada life of love. That means what it has always meant: visiting the sick, givingto the poor, helping those who need help. - Jeffrey Burton Russell

Live

There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is amiracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle. - Albert Einstein

Shut

The two best times to keep your mouth shut are when you’re swimmingand when you’re angry.

Thought for Food

John Paton brought Christianity to the people of the Pacific Islands. Hetaught them about the love of God and faith. Years later somecommunists arrived and told the people they had been listening to merefables and lies. “There is no God.”

You should thank the God that you do not believe in, the Chief retorted.For if you had arrived before John Paton, we would have eaten you! -From The Link, Seer Green Baptist Church

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DO YOU HAVE A PROMISE WE CAN AUCTION?

In February we are hoping to hold an ‘Auction ofPromises’. An evening of food and drink to include theauctioning of peoples gifts in aid of Church funds. Weare asking all of you to have a think about what youcould maybe give to be auctioned, but we are notlooking for your old furniture or bric-a-brac, we arelooking for your talents and gifts that you can ‘Promise’ to fulfil. Forexample, we have already had offers to auction off ‘Full Oven Cleaning’,and ‘An hour of computer tuition’, and a ‘Celebration Cake’ decoratedfor your specific celebration.

If you can spare time to maybe ‘Mow a Lawn’ or ‘Give a Car ride’, ‘Knit aScarf’ or ‘Provide an hour of Ironing’ or anything that may be of use tosomeone else please get in touch. The more ‘lots’ we have to auction thebetter our evening will be and obviously the more funds we can raise,but it all depends on you and what I know is your gracious generosity.

If you have any ‘promises’ you could give to be auctioned please contactSarah on 01803 613345 or [email protected]

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THE TWELVE WEEKS OF HARINGAY 1954

Sailing across the Atlantic in the Queen Mary in 1954, Billy Graham wasthe biggest religious phenomenon to hit our shores since an earlierevangelist D.L. Moody of Chicago, 100 years earlier. Moody was tobecome a national figure in Britain through his whirlwind campaigns. Myown grandfather, Tommy Bewes, attributed his call at the age of four-teen to Moody’s sermon in Plymouth on Tuesday night, 26th September1882. That one evening began a biblical line that has run through ourfamily ever since. Yes, mission decisions can last!

It was in 1949 that 31 year-old Billy Graham first went to Los Angeles foran eight week nightly campaign which – with its massive national impact– gave Billy to America. But the twelve weeks at London’s HarringayArena gave him to the world. Harringay was to open the door to him andhis team for the next sixty years, across 148 countries.

I was still in my teens during Harringay. Those twelve weeks were thesingle most formative three-month period of my life. In a trip to Americain September 2012, my wife Pam and I went to visit Mr Graham at hishome in Montreat. “I was only seven, when I first heard you!” she toldhim. “I was always wanting to ‘go forward!’”

As for me, one of my regular responsibilities in the family was gently toencourage my deeply devout grandmother (Tommy Bewes’ widow) notto go forward! “I think not, Granny,” I would whisper. “This is for thosewho want to give their lives to Jesus; let’s be praying for them as they goforward…. No, Granny!” Our instinct was that once my grandmother gotdown to the front, we would be lucky to see her again that night.

For me, listening to Billy among the 12.000-strong turnout night afternight, was like a series of hammer blows in my mind: You are going to bea preacher too, for the rest of your life.

In the still-stark days of post war Britain, these were thrilling weeks tobe alive. On the London underground, there would be singing from one

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end of a tube train to the other: Blessed Assurance….To God be theGlory - and all the way up the escalators to the ticket barrier.

I am for ever meeting people who one way or another were touched byHarringay 1954. I wonder whether you were one of them?

By Preb Richard Bewes

Sin

A very earnest member of the local church was praising the obviousspiritual gifts of the new vicar, adding, “We never knew anythingabout sin until he came.”

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LEST WE FORGET

One of the most amazing sights in London this year has been the art installation'Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red' at the Tower of London. The dry moat hasbeen filled with 888,246 ceramic poppies, each representing a British or Colo-nial soldier killed in the First World War and commemorated in this centenaryyear.

‘In Flanders fields, the poppies grow between the crosses, row on row, thatmark our places; and in the sky the larks, still bravely singing, fly scarce heardamongst the guns below.’

This is the first stanza of John McCrae’s poem, first published in Punch maga-zine in 1915. Within months, it came to symbolise the sacrifices of all who werefighting in the First World War. Today, the poppy remains a tangible symbol ofall those who have sacrificed their lives in war. But why do we remember?

‘They will beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruninghooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for waranymore.’ (Micah 4:3). Writing about 700 years before Christ, Micah’s wordshave to be seen against a background of violence with the fall of Samaria andthe instability created by the aggression of Assyria. However, he prophesied afuture of hope, a world where nations come together in peace instead of war.His vision saw a time when the arms of war would be turned into farming toolsand people would live in peaceful community.

Our understanding of peace is more than the avoidance of war or the absenceof conflict. It’s about building relationships between people, communities andnations, which positively creates a love and care for others founded on justicefor all. As we remember the sacrifice of those who died in the First World War,our response must be to look practically at how we can build relationships ofpeace and justice in our world, starting with our own families, colleagues andneighbourhoods. As Micah says, ‘we will walk in the name of the Lord our Godfor ever and ever.’ (4:5). We always need God’s presence and power to changeus into the people who have a passion for peace and justice, and compassionfor everyone.

Revd Paul Hedingham

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WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP

We look forward to Brenda Loosemore’s visit on 3�� November. Shealways gives us a very entertaining afternoon. On the 10�� we will bewelcoming friends from other churches to our Rally when the speakerwill be Deacon Jane Verrall. Bill Bell will be ‘tinkling the ivories’ on the17�� – another enjoyable afternoon, and we look forward to John Tucker’svisit on the 24�� with his visual presentation of ‘Garden Birds.’

Barbara Lawton

Graham Deasey as a representative from The Children's AirAmbulance receiving a cheque for £550. This brings the total raisedby the Ladies during the year to £700.

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP FUNDRAISING

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NOVEMBER REMEMBRANCE2014 AD commemorates one hundred years of the start of ‘ The Great War’,It was the bloodiest ever to be fought and casualties began to soar.Regiments became weakened, due to their numbers being reduced.To sustain the strength of the Army, conscription was introduced.

Adapting to ‘Trench Warfare’ in which thousands upon thousands died.Fighting and living in conditions which can hardly be described.Given no respite from the heavy shelling, and withering machine gun fire,Men were ordered to advance but heavy casualties forced them to retire

After four exhausting weary years, thankfully ‘Peace was Declared ’. Survivors returned home, loved ones thanking God they were spared.The War had taken its toll, the Country had fresh challenges to meet,Like finding jobs for the ex- veterans as they, marched down the street.

Armistice was signed on the 11�� November, 1918 at 11a.m. involving all whoserved.The Nation then decided that in future, this date, time and month will be ob-served.A National Monument was erected : a ‘Cenotaph’ to those who died,Standing proudly in Whitehall, built of Portland Stone, and suitably inscribed

The Country would keep a ‘Silence of Two Minutes’ to pay Homage to thosewho died,Each year Royalty and Politicians attended the Cenotaph, Veterans marchedwith pride.This was to be the War to end all Wars, sadly this promise was not to be,The face of evil once more reared its head, and the World suffered terribly. **2014 The Cenotaph still proudly stands as a tribute to those who have Fallenin War,Every November Britain continues to pay ‘Homage’ : the Veterans makesure.Tradition is maintained the Queen and Royal Family lead the Nation to hon-our the dead,After the Service of Remembrance , Survivors ‘March Past’ with a steadytread. J.H.D. Lawrence

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NIGHT OF MIRACLESThe Christmas Story told in words and music

‘Night of Miracles’ is a composition written by John Peterson. Althoughhe wrote many well-known hymns, songs and thirty-four other worksover the last half century, it seems that this piece continues to be themost popular. It is not a lengthy work, lasting only some 35 minutes but,at suitable points in the text, we shall be incorporating appropriatewell-known carols for us all to sing. We are grateful to Paul (Zaple) whohas kindly agreed to sing the tenor/baritone solos.

I hope that you will be able to join with us onSunday 14�� December at 6.30

for this special occasion.

If you know the work and would like to sing as part of the Choir, do letme know soon. Scores are now available for you to look through beforehand and, if necessary, I can let you have a copy of the recording whichyou could sing along with in preparation at home! There will be onerehearsal which will take place on Saturday 13�� December commencingat 10 am in the church.

This invitation is to everyone throughout the Circuit andbeyond!

Clive Bastin

CROSSWORD SOLUTION FROMOCTOBER MAGAZINE

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WITNESSING MISSION TEAM RELAUNCH

The Witnessing Mission team here at Central has taken a number ofblows in the last years, and had eventually dwindled to being justMargaret Pemberton (who took your gifts to Anode), and Philip, who, asalways, did sterling work. Then, as their term at Council ended, theWitnessing Mission Team was extinct, but only for a moment! We wantto take this opportunity to thank all of the previous members of this teamfor their work and commitment. Three of our new Council members havestepped up and the new Witnessing Mission Team consists of SarahAyres, Hazel Nightingale and Richard Mason.

Fresh eyes bring new ideas and initiatives. One of the things that wasdiscussed at our first meeting was the feeling that our welcome for newpeople and visitors to our Sunday services can sometimes be lost aftertheir initial handshake at the front door. When new people come throughthe second door of the church they can sometimes look a little lost andwe would like to urge all of our members to watch for the lost lookingand maybe extend the warm hand of greeting and show them to anavailable seat, say hello and introduce yourself. Invite them to stay forcoffee after the service and show them the warm welcome that thepeople of Central are famous for! We would like to avoid the need todevelop a ‘Welcoming Team’ to take up this task as we know that all ofour members here are friendly and sociable and we don’t think thingssuch as name badges and coloured hats are necessary!

Sarah Ayres

OK to Pray

Poster in a public school in South Pasadena, California: “In theevent of atomic attack, the rule prohibiting prayer in school willbe temporarily suspended.”

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YOUTH GENESIS

Developments from the StreetsIt’s been twelve months since we launched the ‘Streetbase’ detachedyouth project in Torquay on Tuesday nights. Detached youth work is aprocess that requires a little patience and a good deal of observation,not unlike Moses and the Israelites and their wanderings across thedesert for forty years! Often, it’s a process of exploring relationships andopportunities with the local young people and community to see wherethe process leads.

After a summer break, the Torquay Streetbase team (Katie, Sue andChristine) came back with some inspiration in September… While walkingdown Union Street and thinking about ways of doing mission and beingchurch in the community, the team found themselves standing outsideCosta at the bottom of Union Street. Suddenly the thought ‘wouldn’t thisbe a great place to do church…’ jumped out!

After some initial contact with the Shop Managers at Costa, a meetingwas arranged on Tuesday 30�� September with the management teamwhere Katie and I (Jonathan) shared our vision for a Youth Drop-in at theCosta Coffee shop at the bottom of Union Street. The managers weremore than enthusiastic and have invited us to setup a ‘pop-up’ youthdrop-in on Tuesday evenings from 6.30-7.30pm at the Union Street CostaCoffee Shop starting on Tuesday 4�� November.

If you would like to get involved with this new venture either as avolunteer or prayer partner, please get in touch with Jonathan Oliverioon 07528 412596.

Jonathan and the team look forward to giving you the updates as theycome!

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CROSSWORD

SOLUTION IN DEC/JAN MAGAZINE

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OPEN DOORS

The third worst place to live if you are a Christian is......03 SYRIA.

Leader: President Bashar al-Assid.Population: 21.8 million. (1.3 million Christians).Main religion: IslamGovernment: RepublicSource of persecution: Islamic extremism.

As the civil conflict in Syria becomes more and more sectarian, targetedviolence against Christians has escalated.

The Syrian opposition is increasingly ‘Islamising’ and Christians arebecoming more vulnerable in all spheres of life. Many Christians werereported to have been abducted, physically harmed and killed, and manychurches damaged or destroyed.

On October 21��, Islamist militias invaded the ancient Christian settlementof Sadad, killing at least 45 people and injuring many more.

PRAY· For protection for the many believers who have chosen to stay

in Syria to serve their communities.· For workers and partners bringing relief to thousands of dis-

placed Christian families.· For a peaceful end to the conflict that has torn this country apart.

Information taken from Open Door World Watch list.

The evening service on November 9�� will remember our brothers andsisters around the world in situations of conflict. Do join us to add yourvoice in quiet prayer.

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PUT TOGETHER A MEMORY BOOK

Do you have grandchildren? Then this winter, during those long darkdays, why not spend some time putting together a sort of scrapbook ofmemories to pass on to them? Things you might include could be: whereyou lived when you were a child; what your school was like, what gamesyou most enjoyed, who your best buddies were, what pets you had,what your first job was, and how you met your partner. What was yourfirst car, and where was your first home as an adult? Add a selection ofphotographs that you have from the past. Websiteslike www.blurb.co.uk has lots of ideas to help you create your memorybook.

GUILD

The first meeting of the Guild in November is on the 6�� and is a talk bythe Revd Valerie Price on Exeter Cathedral – it is always a joy to haveValerie lead our meeting. On the 11�� the Festival of Remembrance willbe led by the Riviera Concert Brass. Come and thank God that we are stillhere to give remembrance.

On the 18�� there is to be a musical evening with organ and piano. CliveBastin as always, will supply the enjoyment of music and add to that, hisknowledge of music. Finally, on the 25�� a talk entitled ‘There is more toPeru than Machu Pinchu.’ Obviously, we will hear ‘what’ under theleadership of Colin Vosper!

Margaret Dustan

God bless

Thora Hird told this story on a BBC1 programme ‘Praise Be’ about alittle girl saying her prayers: “God bless Mummy, God bless Daddy,God bless my brother Tommy, God bless Granny – and God lookafter yourself, ‘cos if anything happens to you, we’ve had it!”

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Helping you ………….. Helping your business.

Home and Hospital visits can be arranged

12, Tor Hill Road TORQUAY TQ2 5RBTel: 01803 403403Fax: 01803 214876

E mail: [email protected]

WALMER HOUSEChristian Care Home

6, Ash Hill Road, Torquay. TQ1 3HZ

Walmer House is a Christian Care Home, providing firstclass care for the elderly in a family-like environment.

There are 17 residents in a tastefully decorated, elegantbuilding with peaceful gardens.

For more details, or a brochure, please contact……….

The Manager, Mrs Ena Bell. Tel: 01803 292734

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