Margate Grapevine March 2003

For All

Ecumenical Spring?

It is good to hear that there have been new signs of life stirring in the ecumenical scene in Margate Recently.

The daily morning services for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in Westgate and Garlinge were well attended and we hear that a good Spirit is developing between the ministers (some recently arrived), which is rekindling friendships across the churches that may have lapsed.

In Central Margate, five joint services have been held since last Easter, and two events for young people – low key Fun day on the Beach, and a rip-roaring and well attended Variety Show in the St. John’s Centre – have shown the advantages of working together. Now plans are afoot for weekly evening get-togethers in Lent – under the title “Face to Faith” and a corporate Act of Witness on Good Friday, beginning at St Austin & St Gregory, and passing through the town, to end up at the Salvation Army in Union Crescent. This is partly because local Ministers have been meeting together, but even more because of the enthusiasms of those who work with Young people in our Churches. Who have formed a Central Margate Youth Forum, and those who have turned out in force to worship together.

Is it now the time to formalise these links in organisations for Central Margate – “Churches together” and “Ministers Together”? We know such structures can sometimes dissipate energy rather than create it, but as Christians we are called to build – the Body of Christ, the Spiritual Temple, and the Kingdom of God.

Harry

 

“Leave it”, they said,

“There nothing you can do.”

“It’s not your responsibility.”

“It’s always happening.”

“You can’t help those sorts of people.”

 

So I started to go – then I remembered.

“She only touched the hem of his garment.”

“He was a busy man – an important person.”

“She shouldn’t be in the crowd with that complaint.”

“Who does she think she is?”

 

Christ turned to her

 

So I went back

Betty Whyat

 

THE GREAT PHYSICIAN IS ALWAYS ON CALL

 

“Have you ever driven a car?

The lady applicant was asked. “2,000 miles” said her husband – “and never a hand on the wheel!”

 

God is love –love is patient and kind. It is not jealous, or conceited or proud; is not ill mannered or selfish or irritable. Love does not keep a record of wrongs. Love is not happy with evil – but with truth. Love never gives up. Its faith, hope and patience never fail. ‘Corinthians1 Pray that we may give out love to others.

Betty Whyat

 

Contentment isn’t getting what you want – it’s enjoying what God has given you.

 

Anglo-Methodist Covenant

The Methodist Conference in June voted by a substantial majority to seek the opinion of each district synod and circuit meeting on the proposals.

An introduction is available at www.methodist.org.uk/news/covenant.htm.

A theological workbook at ( www.methodist.org.uk/news/0141.htm ) by Dr Marti.

Davie attempts to look objectively at some pf the theological issues deserving serious attention by people of God if they are to fulfil their calling to be obedient to God in thought and action.

 

Garlinge

Alpha

The Alpo group has been going through a quite period lately, mainly because of other commitments the Alpha team have had. All should be up and running again later this year when we hope to run courses at times suitable to all.

Bob Buchanan

 

My Lord

 

Sitting, thinking of you, while I’m alone

A greater friendship and love never before to me shown

You mean so much to me

My shackled and chained heart you set free

When I pray to you, you bring light and hope to my once dark and cold soul

I know without you in my life there is a black hole;

Which sucks all happiness and joy from inside

Pain and sadness before I let you in my life, with you as my

guide tears of joy not sadness I cried

I don’t know if you know how much you really mean to me

My future praising you forever I see

 

Ann Marie Davis

 

St Valentines Day Gods Love

 

We have recently celebrated St Valentines Day. A time when couples declare their love for one and other with gift of flowers chocolates and cards anonymously.

But there is a greater gift that is for all. Gods love, a gift that is told so many times, and not anonymously.

We read in John 3:16

“God so loved the world

That he gave his only Son that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life”

On Good Friday we remembered Gods gift that he gave, declaring his great love for the world, his only Son Jesus Christ.

As Christians we know who gave this wonderful gift it is not anonymous to us, so let us not keep the joy of knowing God to ourselves and of receiving gods love into our lives. Let’s tell all of his love for the world. Let the love of God flow through us to all bring peace to a troubled world.

Loving God and our neighbours as ourselves.

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

This is Gods great gift. A gift he gave for all.

Let us not be afraid to share his love, as he wants us too.

God Bless EDDIE.

 

 

Please pray for those of our church who are unwell, in pain or lonely and all who are in need of prayer.

For Geoff Boxer our minister and the family as they struggle with the pain of the loss of his mother. Let us thank God for her life and ask that Gods blessing be with Geoff and all the family, that his loving arms will enfold them comforting them and giving them happy memories of their love one.

Jan and Eric Harris, Jan who was taken ill in Malta has flown back to England and is now in Margate Hospital very poorly. Both in need of our prayers.

Margaret Dudley who has been on a well-earned rest in Malta that she now feels refreshed and feeling better.

Eunice Blackstock although now at home, is still in pain and finding life difficult.

Marion and Ken Stephens and Betty Whyatt and all who battle with ill health.

Let us all pray for peace in our troubled world especially at this time when the threat of war is so great, and that the world leaders will work together for peace and for the welfare of those countries where so many are in need of shelter, food and water.

 

The latest social event at Garlinge was a Burn’s night Garlinge style, were tattes neps and haggis were on the menu and most present tried the haggis. There was one thing missing we could not find any one to play the bagpipes.

Still a good time was had by all those present and £119.50 was raised for the new notice board which has been ordered and should be up soon.

 

Six members of Garlinge church attended a men’s breakfast held at the Swan Hotel Westgate by the Westgate Garlinge and Westbrook churches together. Over fifty men enjoyed a full English breakfast forgetting their weight and cholesterol, after which they enjoyed a talk by a member of the Gideons.

 

The Garlinge choir recently held their Christmas lunch at the Bell Inn St Nicholas, there was some fourteen present including Pear Mora and Douglas from Union church. All present had an enjoyable time of fellowship and enjoyed the food that was put before them.

 

Buckingham Road

Many of our members need our prayers. It’s good to see Dorothea back to church again. At least we have one of our walking wounded – but still needing our prayers!

Ellen Wells still has a lot of pain after her operation.

Bert Lillott is not too good at the moment.

Ivy Blogg is being cared for in a nursing home.

Pauline Hawes is still unwell.

 

Although somewhat delayed due to certain circumstances, I would like to than all my friends both at Buckingham Road and the Union church for your thoughts and prayers which I know sustained me both in hospital and after my return home. Also, thanks to those kind folk who sent me flowers, cards (both birthday and get-well) and other gifts. I was also lucky to receive visitors even though it was a long way to come and was surprised to see Gillian and Brian Harris, Pam, Ruby and Sylvia and some other friends who came to my birthday. It was a relief to be allowed to walk again after 8 weeks, even though still with crutches. I am glad that I have managed to get back to church again but not, unfortunately, my daily visit to Bert lilliott. On his behalf I would like to thank you all for the enquires and his cards etc. many thanks again to all.

God bless you.

Dorothea Mosley

Family News and Prayers

We send our love and sympathy to Geoff and Angie and the family on the passing of Geoff’s mother.

Alistair still has a long way to go.

Judy Stolton is now receiving physiotherapy and making slow progress.

Liz and Mick. Mick has had two more operations.

Lucy Nash and her niece Tamara. Tamara is hoping to have a short holiday.

Lynne Allen would value our prayers.

Daisy Taylor has had a spell of being poorly but is about again.

Margery Moon has suffered a fall.

Shelia Everett is still having tests.

Jill and Tom Slack – having appointments.

Jean Manton is still awaiting a hospital appointment.

Debbie and John Baynes are hoping to be rehoused shortly.

We remembered all these friends in our prayers and those who are unable to attend worship. They are prayed for regularly at our weekly prayer meetings. Congratulation to Debbie on her placement in Taunton. We wish Debbie and Freddie every blessing in the future.