PARISH MAGAZINE
MAY 2004


A MESSAGE FROM THE CLERGY


I write this following our first 10.00am Parish Communion Service during the refurbishment of St Cedd's and just have to say how FANTASTIC it was to see so many people there, not least because everyone had to compromise on time, so the fact that so many were there at 10am means that they have been willing to make that compromise!!! It seemed to me that the Holy Spirit was truly present in our worship and fellowship together and it is one of my prayers that this time when we are all worshipping together will be a time of growing together for all of us, that we may truly become one Parish rather than as it sometimes seems, two churches.

That sense of fellowship was also apparent in our Lent Bible Study course this year. On that first Tuesday in Lent Liz and I debated how many chairs to put out - based on our monthly Bible Study meetings ten would have been ample - but we thought twelve might be like the twelve the disciples and fifteen would be a major miracle! What a joy then to watch as more and more people came through the doors of the annexe, we had to collect chairs from the choir stalls and wherever we could find them to give people a place to sit. In all of the five sessions we were never less than twenty- five and sometimes closer to thirty. Participants from across the Parish and representative of many of our church groups and church activities - as was demonstrated during our first session when our flip chart paper was completely covered with the different areas of church life that people present were involved in. I think that those present were amazed and pleasantly surprised by quite how much is going on within our church community here in Shrub End.

As the weeks went on it was obvious how people started to relax with each other and to offer thoughts and comments. We were truly blessed both by those who preferred to sit quietly to offer their support to the group through simply being there and through their empathetic listening and also by those who were willing to make themselves vulnerable by sharing something of themselves for the group to consider. Another good thing about the evenings was the amount of laughter - it`s official, Bible Study can be fun! It is obvious to me that simply being there with each other and sharing thoughts of how different people viewed different issues and enabling those present to develop a sense of feliowship and mutual support was as important as studying the gospel of Mark and what its different passages might mean for us and for our church community.

Fellowship is part of our being Christian. God desires that we are in relationship with Him and also in relationship with others. Fellowsnlp or developlng community are both ways of describing that relationship with others. We know that there are always tensions in relationships whether within our personal families of within our Church family - God, after all, made each of us unique with our unique ways of thinking and being! But it is very upiifting to see OUi ChUiCh family coming together in different ways and sharing in fellowship across the whole Parish.
MOTHER`S UNION

Pat Playle very kindly delayed her holiday, so she could come to our meeting in April. Prayer was Pat's subject which was very appropriate, especially as the meeting fell in Holy Week. Pat spoke about the importance of Prayer and how it can be done anytime, anyplace or anywhere. She highlighted one particular story, about herself and other M.U. members on their way to a conference. They were praying for a bicycle to be bought for an M.U. worker in one of our Overseas Link Dioceses and lo and behold, on the return journey, nearly enough money had been raised. Thank you Pat for a very thought provoking afternoon. We extend our sympathy to Ethel Munson and family following the sad loss of her husband Eric. Please note that our May meeting will be on Tuesday 4th May at 7.30pm. when Tanya will be leading a Reflection Evening for us. Please ring Brenda on 522957 if you would like a lift.

Brenda
MANY THANKS TO YOU ALL
I wish to thank you all for the kindness given to Win during her long illness. A special thank you for the many years you included Win in all your Sunday Service prayers. Also to those who attended Win’s funeral and gave donations to the Alzheimer’s Society. God bless you all.

Leslie Clayden

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY
I really mean that. You, the congregation of All Saints’, have given so generously for the flowers in our church, that we were able to put some 300 flowers in arrangements to make the church look beautiful in readiness for our celebration on Easter Day. As usual, we had our faithful band of flower arrangers without whose help so much could not be achieved. We enjoy doing what we do but I really do appreciate and thank you all. Without donations of money and helpers, none of this could happen.

Jennifer

SHRUB END LADIES GROUP
Geoff Pettit was our speaker at our All Fools Day meeting. (Sorry, Geoff, it was pure coincidence – honest!) and he took us on a nostalgic trip down memory lane. At least, the first few pictures (not taken by Geoff) went a bit further back than our memories – Shrub End village in the 1920’s, with the Church surrounded by deep snow and Straight Road devoid of houses! The rest were Geoff’s own excellent photographs (projected onto a screen) depicting events and people of the Parish down through the years. Geoff kindly donated his “fee” to our current charity – Liz and her minibus. Unfortunately, a few days later Geoff had to go into hospital for an operation and we sincerely hope that, by this time, he is on the way to a good recovery. Our next meeting, on Thursday 13th May, will again be in the Annexe (probably for the last time). Our speaker is Joy Fattori (better known to us as Joy Carter) on the subject of her work with the Navajo Indians. Sounds intriguing! Tea hostesses are Sandra and Linda. The annual May Fayre at All Saints’ Church will take place on Saturday 29th May, albeit a scaled-down version, from 2 till 4 in the afternoon. However, there will be the usual stalls in the churchyard, including the Ladies Group cake stall, and we’ll be very grateful to receive contributions for it. Inside the church, the Art Exhibition will be in progress – as will the tea room! Our evening outing is on Thursday 17th June, leaving St Cedd’s at 6.15pm (with further stops as far as Five Ways) and probably returning to Colchester round about 11pm. We think it will be a nice outing, visiting St Nicholas Church at Harwich (which we’re told is interesting) and having a hot or cold meal of our choice. The cost, inclusive of coach fare and meal, is £11 per person and we can now throw it open to anyone who would like to join us. Just have a word with Brenda, Jane or any of the committee and we’ll be pleased to take names (and money!) Jane’s “garden party” is on Saturday 19th June, 2pm at St Cedd’s (which should be looking very smart by ten). Admission is £1 and everyone is welcome.

Sheila May

MACMILLAN MILES CHALLENGE
From 23rd – 30th May thousands of people over the country will be taking part in the Macmillan Miles Challenge. By taking part you, your family and friends, or local club have a great incentive to get together to complete a “mile” challenge and raise some sponsorship money for Macmillan cancer Relief. There are masses of different ways to join in - by walking, hopping or skipping a mile – but if you are not a sporty person, why not create a mile of coins? Get a team to eat a mile of spaghetti? Or even knit a mile? You can do anything you please. This is a very versatile challenge, but please do consider raising some cash for such a worthwhile cause, whilst having a bit of fun. If anyone, or group, is interested in meeting the challenge, you can register on-line at www.macmillan.org.uk/miles. Alternatively, there are some registration leaflets at the back of All Saints’ church. More leaflets and registration forms can be obtained from Leslie Hall on Colchester. Once registered, a helpful, fundraising pack will follow! Thank you for your support!

ANOTHER LETTER .....
Following my letter in last month’s Parish Magazine, I write to thank all those people who have written, telephoned or spoken to me personally regarding the question of flowers or, as it happens, no flowers in the church during Lent or Advent. In all cases, the people who have contacted me agree that this man-made rule is now very much out of date. To come to church should be a joy and the presence of a small arrangement of flowers in the porch is a very welcoming sight. Could there not be a compromise – no flowers in the church but always some in the porch? I’m sure there would be many volunteers who would be prepared to place them there. One must also remember that many people lose a loved one during Lent or Advent. They also have anniversaries and would dearly like to remember these occasions which at present they are unable to do. These days of remembrance don’t stop because of the season.

Richard Cooper

REQUIRED .....
Unwanted gentlemen’s ties to be created into a piece of work for an art textile project! Any condition, style, size or design accepted. All colours accepted but preferably lighter colours (as they are easier to dye later if needed). Please give all donations to Frances Goodall (Junior Church) or leave in the porch of 57 Oaklands Ave by the 10/05/04.

Many thanks
Jen Goodall

ALUMINIUM FOIL
As you have probably seen, Colchester Borough Council has announced the reorganisation of its recycling arrangements with effect from 25 April and aluminium foil is now included fortnightly in its collections. Up to now, Jennifer and I have been collecting and selling this foil. Thank you to all who have contributed in this way. In fact this labour-intensive activity has been barely profitable and to date we have only raised £6 for church funds, although with a further batch to dispose of this may reach £8! Consequently we are discontinuing our efforts in this regard and ask you all to add any foil to your metal recycling bin for collection and disposal by the Council

Antony Southorn PRIORITIES
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous "yes." The professor then produced two cans of beer from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed. "Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things; your family, your health, your children, your friends, your favorite passions - things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, your car. The sand is everything else - the small stuff." “If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal." "Take care of the golf balls first, the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand." One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the beer represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of beers."

THE JOYS OF COMMUTING
This is to remind you of the joys of travelling in London, or what you have to look forward to if you decide to keep it on your list of 'things to do'.

A LIST OF ACTUAL ANNOUNCEMENTS, THAT LONDON TUBE TRAIN DRIVERS HAVE MADE TO THEIR PASSENGERS.....
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I do apologise for the delay to your service. I know you're all dying to get home, unless, of course, you happen to be married to my ex-wife, in which case you'll want to cross over to the Westbound and go in the opposite direction". "Your delay this evening is caused by the line controller suffering from E & B syndrome, - not knowing his elbow from his backside. I'll let you know any further information as soon as I'm given any." "Do you want the good news first or the bad news? The good news is that last Friday was my birthday and I hit the town and had a great time. The bad news is that there is a points failure somewhere between Stratford and East Ham, which means we probably won't reach our destination." "Ladies and gentlemen, we apologise for the delay, but there is a security alert at Victoria station and we are therefore stuck here for the foreseeable future, so let's take our minds off it and pass some time together. All together now....'Ten green bottles, hanging on a wall.....'". "We are now travelling through Baker Street, as you can see, Baker Street is closed. It would have been nice if they had actually told me, so I could tell you earlier, but no, they don't think about things like that".

CHRISTIAN AID WEEK 2004 (9th – 15th May)
THE THEME THIS YEAR IS “ WE BELIEVE IN LIFE BEFORE DEATH”

Yes ! It’s that time of the year again. The materials were delivered last evening (6th April) and over the next few weeks I shall again be contacting volunteers for this annual collection. Although, looking at the dates, by the time this magazine has dropped through your letter box, the deed may have been done. Never the less, your help is essential and much appreciated. Last year over £1800 was collected as a result of YOUR ENDEAVOURS. Hopefully your calendar or diary has already been marked with the date but if not please add the dates now. Everybody’s circumstances can change year by year, on grounds of health, family commitments or holidays that have been booked. I shall therefore consult existing collectors AND try to obtain additional people to help. My philosophy is that old saying, “many hands make light work”. In past years there have been some willing collectors trying to cover 250 houses, but that is far too many for most folks. It is better to have more collectors and bring that down to (say) 50 to 100 houses. If there is anyone reading this, who can offer some help, who did not collect last year, please contact me on Colchester 549865. If I am not at home, there is an answer phone and if you will leave your name and number, I will return your call. For the wider knowledge of those who are considering helping, the job entails distributing envelopes that I provide at the beginning of the week and collecting them at the end of the week – usually at times when most people are at home. The Chairman of the Colchester Christian Aid Group, Geoff Casey, has asked me to bring to your attention, the town centre and store collections that will take place this year on May 15th, to support Christian Aid. The organisers are (like me) seeking collectors. The store collections are at Co-op Fiveways and Abbotts Road commencing at 9.00am. If you are able to offer assistance, which usually consists of a one hour duty, the contacts are these :- Town Centre, - Yvonne Lee on Col 729279 or Geoff Casey on Col 549539 by no later than the evening of 13th May. You will need to give your name and the times that you can collect. The collecting tins are picked up from Eld Lane Baptist Church about 10 minutes before the time you collect. This has not been made clear, but from my own experience organising the Parkinson’s Disease Society’s town centre collection, I believe they will tell you the actual location at which you will be collecting and may ask if you can adjust your timing. (I find that everybody wants to collect at 9 o’clock and that just can’t happen). Stores, - Peter or Anita Lee on Col 571583 Again, they ask the time(s) you can collect but they have to arrange a rota, so please give them some notice. Tins are provided at the store.

Terry Poulter

HOLIDAY TO TRIER
Full payment for the holiday is now due and Geoff Pettit would appreciate it if you could make your payment before the middle of May. Cheques should be made out to “The Friends of All Saints’ Church.”

Mystery Tour
This will be a full day’s outing and there is a booking sheet at the back of All Saints’ Church. Please add your name to the list if you would like to come. We shall have a stop for coffee and also lunch although this is not included in the cost. You can, of course, bring a picnic or we shall stop where a lunch can be bought. There will also be a stop for afternoon tea. The date is Saturday 26th June. This should be a lovely day out.

May Fayre Needed for this event are good quality bric-a-brac, books, CDs, videos, DVDs and also cakes. Most importantly, please come and support this event. You never know – you could find a bargain! Helpers are also needed, including volunteers to man a stall as well as to set up and down afterwards.

Geoff Pettit

Forthcoming Events
May 27th – 31st
Art Exhibition at All Saints Church

May 29th
May Fayre at All Saints Churchyard

June 7th – 12th
Holiday in Trier, Germany

June 26th
Saturday all day Mystery Tour

July (date not known as yet)
Family Fun Day at St Cedd’s

September 27th – October 1st
Holiday in Folkestone

Thank you
After having spent such a lovely time at The Oaks Hospital last January, I was “thrilled” to have an invitation to go back, and to have the same operation was an extra bonus! I always did like a bargain – “buy one, get one free”! My very many thanks for all the cards, flowers, letters, prayers, phone calls and visits. I really do appreciate them all.

Geoff Pettit

CHILDREN`S SOCIETY
Many thanks to all box holders. I have much pleasure in announcing that we raised the magnificent sum of £942-65 this year. Well done to all of you - all those odd coins and the odd note here and there in your boxes do really make a difference. Added to that figure are the collections from our Christingle service and the Nativity Service on Christmas Eve of £167-71. This means the total that the Parish has given to the work of the Children’s Society this year is £1110-36 - a tremendous effort, for which I thank you on behalf of all the Children helped. Thank you also to the team who helped me count all the boxes, I couldn’t do it without you. The fact that we had a very pleasant evening counting is a bonus. If you would like to know more about the work of the Society, please ask me. I can let you have the current newsletter, covering some of the many different projects. There are still some uncollected boxes in All Saints’ Church so if you have not had your box back as yet, it may be there. If you do not have a box, please let JUlie Hinchliffe know.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Mariette Gildersleeves who won first prize in the pairs section at a dance competition at Lowerstoft on Sunday, 18th April. Do you have some good news to share with the Parish? Or an achievement that we would all like to know about? Let me know and I’ll spread the word in the magazine!

Gill Wilson
THE FRIENDS OF ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH


The Friends of All Saints’ are a group of people who are dedicated to preserving the church building as a place of tranquillity, and a source of inspiration in which all the people of the parish may feel a sense of pride. They lend practical and financial aid to the fabric of the church, and have already having donated funds to clean and repair the east window as well as repairs to the spire and tower. Friends have a meeting each year, usually with a speaker on a topic relating to churches; a newsletter to keep them in touch with the latest developments; an Opera Gala Concert and an invitation to the opening night of the Annual Art Exhibition. Your help is need in maintaining our Parish Church, Which stands at the crossroads of our parish. Please consider joining The Friends of All Saints’ Church!


SUBSCRIPTION RATES
Annual Membership (Minimum)
Individual £ 15 Joint - (husband and wife) £ 20 - Family £ 25 - Corporate £ 50 - Life Membership (Minimum) Individual - £100 Joint - £150

GIFT AID
If you pay Income Tax and would like to make a donation to Friends all you need to do is complete a Gift Aid declaration. Friends will then be able to recover the tax paid on the donation. Please ask the Membership Secretary for more information.

LEGACIES
Have you considered making a legacy to the Friends for the benefit of the Church? Legacies are particularly welcome and can be simply arranged with your solicitor.




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