Sketty Methodist Church
Location and Information about Church Building
Contact us
Sketty Methodist Church
Dillwyn Road, Sketty,
Swansea, SA2 9AH
Tel 01792-280209
February 2012 Newsletter
Short cuts to different sections in Newsletter
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Mumblings from the Manse February 2012 As you will know over the past month Sketty Methodist Church has been taking part on behalf of the Swansea and Gower Methodist Circuit, in the night shelter initiative offering a place to stay on a Saturday night for some of the homeless here in Swansea. We are one of six churches (Christwell URC, Bethel Mission, Elim City Temple, Linden Christian Centre, and Parklands Evangelical Church) who have been working together on this venture. It has been a wonderful experience, not just for those to whom we have offered hospitality, but also I believe to those who have taken part in this initiative in a variety of shapes and forms ...being on hand on Saturdays, donating clothes, buying the food, keeping this project in your prayers. Hopefully our involvement with the homeless will not stop once this initiative stops at the end of February, because I hope this will become an annual event in which the churches in Swansea can be involved. Below is a reflection on my experiences of this project so far. It is simply called 'Night Shelter 2012' |
We will often walk by them, out on our cities streets
Poor, hurt and neglected, alone, broken and beat.
See them asleep in shop doorways, all wrapped up in their pain
Trying to sell the Big Issue in the wind and the rain.
Often homeless to escape violence, often homeless through debt
Speak to a hundred different people, one hundred stories you'll get
Some are homeless through drink, some through substance abuse
Moved on from pillar to post, often with the same old excuse
Failed relationships, family issues, unemployment a common feature,
Refugees and depression, are you getting the bigger picture?
Then there's bereavement, peer pressure, children removed into care
Sometimes the first step to recovery is finding someone to share
But for a strange quirk of fate we could be standing in their shoes
For everything they once possessed, we could so easily lose
Often ignored and forgotten, trapped on that slippery slope
Do you think as a church we could offer them hope?
For if we looked really close, see past the grime and the dirt
If we looked below the surface, could we help unravel the hurt?
We might share in their discomfort, together send prayers to God above
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Instead of offering spare change, couldn't we offer them love?
A chance to change misconceptions, step out of our comfort zone
A chance to show to the unloved that they are not all alone
Sharing not with anonymous figures, but people with names
Stephen, Dean, Billy, Scott, Tracy, Vicky and Shane
Not just offering a place that is safe, or even somewhere that's warm,
But a taste of God's love with the rejected and scorned.
Giving a hand that's extended in friendship and love
Just being channels of grace that descends from above
For it isn't only these folks who spend their days forced to roam
For didn't Jesus once declare even he had no home!
John
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Church Family News
Our friend, Mary S born on 27th January 1923 at Tufton, Pembs. died on 30th December. Her family moved to Carmarthen for her father's work and she became a telephonist in the Carmarthen Telephone Exchange in 1941. She met Leslie when he was in the RAF stationed at Ferryside, and they were married in Carmarthen on 30th July 1945. After marriage they moved to Heckmondwike, Yorks, from where Les had come, and where he returned to work as an accountant in a wool mill. He subsequently had other work and they moved to other parts of the country where Christopher, Beverley and Anne were born. After Les' retirement, they moved to Long Oaks Court around 1987 to be near Mary's mother, Ceinwen, who was in a nursing home. Mary's eyesight deteriorated and after Les died in 1991 she eventually moved to Pantgwyn.
Mary enjoyed an active social life including bowls (she was in the team that won the National Blind Bowls Championship for Wales in 1995), and she took up other sports before and after her loss of sight. She joined U3A and was on the committees first of Swansea Friends of the Blind, then of the SandG Talking Magazine and of Vision Impaired West Glamorgan and was much valued on all. Mary had a strong faith and took an active part in church wherever she lived. She was loved by all her friends for her loving, warm personality and she is much missed by us all here at Sketty. We assure Chris, Beverley and Anne, and their children Thomas, Lauren, Benjamin, Luke, Eleanor and Zoe, and the rest of the family, of our prayers.
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Diana P born on 16th March 1925 in Bonymaen, died on 6th January. She was known to us all as Nina - as a child she had abbrieviated her name to a pronunciation she could manage. Nina had various jobs after leaving school but found her vocation working as a clerical officer within the medical records department first in the old Swansea hospital and then at Singleton where she gained great respect for the professional nature of this work. Nina met her husband, Kenneth, on a holiday and they married at Mumbles Methodist in 1988 but, sadly, Ken died very suddenly six months later - a devastating loss. Nina was then living at West Cross and had lived in different places in Swansea, attending the local churches, and about eight years ago moved to Parklands Court when she joined us at Sketty Methodist. Following a fall, she moved to Swn y Gan Nursing Home at Penclawdd where she was cared for very kindly. She was a much-loved sister, aunt and friend and will be remembered fondly by all who knew her.
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A message from Eric and Joan:
"Following the unfortunate hospital stay in Tenerife as a result of Eric sustaining a Deep Vein Thrombosis, Eric and Joan wish to thank John very much for his efforts to contact people in Tenerife who would be able to give us support. We also thank John and the members of the Church for their prayers, good wishes and get-well cards, which we are sure contributed to my recovery".
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Dulcie's brother, Peter, has been awarded an MBE. She has also been blessed with a second great-grandchild, Brooklyn (PJ's sister), born to Laura and Scott in New Zealand. Best wishes all round!
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A message was received from Rev Ivan Corbin (Florida):
'Janet N sent us photos of your grand reopening and I just wanted to say congratulations on this amazing project that Sketty Methodist has accomplished. It is hard to believe it has been almost ten years since our pulpit exchange with the Hall's in 2002. It really is our hope to get back over in the not too distant future.'
Janet has just heard from the Corbins that Rachel has graduated in Inter-national Affairs, Christopher is engaged and graduates in May from Divinity School - as Ivan says: 'Imagine four Corbins each a Master of Divinity!'
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Birthdays
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Our Birthday greetings for February go to |
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SPRING INTO ACTION
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On Friday 16th March our church will be open from 11 am until 3 pm. This is another event we are holding to open our new premises to the wider community. Please tell your family, friends and neighbours about it. Light refreshments will be served all day. Admission is free. |
At 7.30 pm there will be a Classical Guitar Concert by Russell Lloyd.
The admission charge will be £5 (including refreshments).
Posters and fliers will soon be available for distribution to local shops, businesses etc. Contact Janet N if you can help in any way.
SPRING INTO ACTION @ SKETTY METHODIST CHURCH ON 16th MARCH
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Lenten Studies
Cytun in Sketty - Lent house groups for 2012
This year we will follow the CTBI Course: 'Pathways on the Way to Freedom'. We will be taking our cue from the poem 'Stations on the Way to Freedom', written by Dietrich Bonhoeffer in 1944, whilst he was imprisoned. The German theologian was executed in 1945 for his part in resisting the regime of Adolph Hitler. Bonhoeffer`s thoughts continue to challenge us on what it means to have faith and be church in today's world.
There will be six weekly sessions to be held on Monday evenings, Thursday afternoons (two sessions: one for Welsh and the other for English speakers) and Thursday evenings.
Please sign up by 5th February for one of these groups. The sheet is on the notice board in the vestibule beside the main door.
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Our own Lent Bible Study this year will be one using the TV series "Rev". Each week we will watch an episode of the series (30 minutes) and then discuss the issues raised as they relate to faith and church life (60 minutes). Each week will be a stand-alone session, so please come to those episodes you can manage.
The course will run on Friday evenings from 2nd March to 30th March at 7.30pm.
An alternative day/time will be found for Friday 16th March as this is the Spring into Action classical guitar concert evening.
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Thinking Aloud
Rev John is considering starting a monthly mid-week service here in Sketty. Due to other commitments this will take place, most probably, on the first Thursday of each month at 12 midday. It will be a short service that lasts approximately thirty minutes.
Rev John is unsure as to the level of interest in this and so would appreciate some feedback from the congregation.
It is anticipated that the first of these services will be on Thursday 1st March (St David's day)
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Offering Lifts
As more of our congregation become increasingly less mobile and as new members join who do not have access to a car, we are in need of more people who are able to be part of the existing rota offering lifts to and from church each week. If any of you feel able to be part of this service, could you please contact Rev John
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Women's World Day of Prayer 2nd March:
This year the Sketty Service will be at 10.30am at Bethel URC when the speaker will be Rev Jill Hailey-Harries, Minister of the interdenominational pastorate of Trinity Welsh Presbyterian and Bethel Welsh Congregational Churches. The Service of this annual global ecumenical movement of prayer held on the first Friday in March, was written this year by women of Malaysia, and the theme is 'Let Justice Prevail'. All are welcome - men, women and young people.
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Lindors 2013:
The next weekend at Lindors will take place from 19th to 21st April 2013. Gwen is happy to take names, but not deposits at this stage; the total cost for the weekend has not yet been confirmed.
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Traidcraft
A recent article in the Methodist Recorder said that, despite the economic situation and the need to cut back, whatever else people have given up to pay for Christmas, it hasn't been their principles. Although the value of orders has dropped overall the number has gone up, with Traidcraft having its busiest Christmas in its 32-year history. Thank you to everyone who supports Traidcraft, be it through our monthly stalls or Christmas orders.
This month's Traidcraft Stall will be on 19th February and don't forget Fairtrade Fortnight which starts on 27th February. Look out for events throughout the City.
Pat T
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The Communion Offertories:
In November for Healing the Wounds - £194.
In December for Friends of Stepping Stones - £165.
The Carol Service for Swansea Night Shelter - £187
Methodist Fund for World Mission (Envelopes in the pews over Christmas) - £252.
In January for Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed in Dhaka, Bangladesh - £231.
In February the Offertories will be in aid of the newly opened Maggie?s Cancer Centre at Singleton. Maggie's Centres are for anyone affected by cancer. They are places where people are welcome whenever they are needed - from just being diagnosed, or undergoing treatment, to post-treatment, recurrence, end of life or in bereavement. Family and friends are welcomed, as they are often deeply affected by cancer too.
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A window for India
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Tong-Len is a charity which provides basic services, medical help and education for people who live in a squatter camp in Dharamsala, Northern India. The charity helps to improve conditions at the camp and offers hostel accommodation for the most vulnerable children. A new, purpose built hostel has been constructed in a very peaceful area in the nearby countryside, in memory of Michael Blakey, a young man who was tragically killed in 2006 while helping to set up the charity. Michael and some of his friends worshipped in Sketty Methodist Church when they were students and Mary H has made a stained glass window for the new hostel, using drawings by the Indian children as inspiration. The window was dedicated to Michael's memory in a special ceremony in November and one of the children gave a very heartfelt, moving speech. The building was officially opened by the Dalai Llama, when a great day was had by all. Mary held a fund-raising event in Port Eynon last autumn to support her trip, and this was well patronised by Sketty Methodist folk. She much appreciated this. |
On Saturday 25th February at 7pm a fish and chip supper will be held in Sketty Parish Hall to raise funds for the work of Tong-Len. Mary will be showing photographs of the project. Everyone is welcome!!
For tickets (including supper £10) contact Mary H
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Samaritan Christmas Boxes
Thank you to everyone who contributed in whatever way to the above. Swansea dispatched 14,400 boxes from our warehouse. This was 2,000 down on last year but I guess that in the current economic climate we can't complain. Anyway at Wesley Club we had a lovely evening preparing our boxes with love and care and, as a church, we contributed 65 boxes to the total. In addition lots of us females spent time at the warehouse checking and assisting - it would be wrong to mention anyone by name. However, I think it is fair to mention our "fellows". Alan J and Ian H spent virtually all day, every day, for several weeks packing, stacking and loading. I for one was very proud they belong to "our church" and thank them and all of you on behalf of the children who will feel God's love as they open their boxes.
Jan C
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And following on from that -
Operation Christmas Child - next year!
For a few weeks before Christmas we had a table in church selling items to be able to buy extras for the Christmas Boxes. Linda J decided that the Table Top Sale on 4th Feb would be an ideal opportunity to start the Christmas Boxes early. So, if you have any unwanted gifts - toiletries or small items of bric a brac - please will you pass them to Linda or any other member of MADCAPs. We can then use the money to purchase the items that we know are always in demand to provide that box of love for children who otherwise have nothing.
Thank you as always for your willingness to help.
Jan C
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New Initiative
During the last few months the Mission Team have been exploring the idea of setting up a weekly drop-in centre/club, for people with dementia and those who care for them. This will be set up and run under the umbrella of an organisation in the Swansea Area called the "Forget-me-Not Dementia Day Clubs" which already has three clubs up and running. We have met with people from Siloam Baptist Church, Killay, who are on the Steering Group of this organisation, and we have visited the club on a couple of occasions. We feel we would be able to fit in with the ethos of this organisation and we certainly have the facilities ! We would be working closely with them but would need a regular group of volunteers to help with refreshments, running small quizes, playing board games, organising music-based activities etc - nothing strenuous. We are still exploring the idea but think it would be good for the church to consider supporting such a venture. If anyone would like to know more, or can offer to help, please contact Sandra C
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Shrove Tuesday Pancake Party with Quiz:
Come and enjoy Shrove Tuesday with us on 21st February at 6-8pm. Tickets £2.50 for one savoury and one sweet pancake, (extra pancakes 50p on the night). Tickets available from Jacqueline B
Any donations of pancake ingredients/fillings will be gratefully received.
All profits raised will be in aid of the Cubs and Beavers who will be joining the fun on the night.
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Redevelopment Fund-raising
Some of the funding we have been granted to assist with the building project, in order to improve facilities for community use, require that we should show the sponsors' logos on certain documents including newsletters.
Funded by
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Big Lottery Fund | |
There have been several generous donations to the Redevelopment Fund over Christmas/New Year, both from present and past members, for which the church is grateful. We all much appreciated the 'behind the scenes' efforts involved in the December fund-raising. Just Desserts raised £236.
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Your last chance to Buy a Brick towards our re-development will end on 29th February. If you have not bought a brick (£5) either on behalf of yourself, for someone else or in memory of someone and would like to do so, please contact Pat T or Judith as soon as possible.
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Saturday 4th February 10am to 1pm Table Top and Second Hand Books Sale when we will be selling books kindly stored by John in the Manse Garage - Admission 50p. Refreshments will be available.
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MADCAPs ready to MOVE
This always seems a good time to have a clear out and MADCAPs are organising another "BAG COLLECTION" for the beginning of March. You remember we did a very successful collection last year, collecting the following items:
| Bedding (not duvets) Curtains Towels Other Textiles |
Clothes (men's, women's, children's) Shoes Handbags Belts |
In case you have forgotten, the process is that you let Alan J, Ian H or me know if you have bags that need collecting, Otherwise, bring your contributions to church. It doesn't have to be a full bag - every little helps. All profits will go toward paying off our church debt so do look in your cupboards and boxes. There must be something you are not using or wearing!
Thank you for your support
Janet C
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Pickle in Paradise by Sam Bate on 1st and 2nd December:
I appreciate that, with all that has happened over recent weeks, MADCAPs' production seems a lifetime away. Nevertheless, I would not want it to pass without a "thank you" from me to our audiences. A drama group can only come alive when it (eventually) gets to perform in front of an audience and for this, our first three-act play and back "at home", it was a delight to have super audiences on both evenings. The aim was for people to enjoy themselves and leave with that feel-good factor. However, we had an added bonus in that we have been able to pass £850 to Jeff as a contribution to the church. Thank you, one and all, for the part which you played in this. We trust we can look forward to seeing you again when we tread the boards later in the year.
Jan C
Jan says the audiences were super. Well, this was because it was a thoroughly entertaining show, played for laughs with great aplomb, guided by Jan with her usual flair.
Chris H (Annie, the maid) chatted away to herself distractedly.Ian M (Rev Bird) never stopped talking whenever he was on stage. Angela (Amelia Potts) gave a verbal blasting to anyone in her way. Beryl G (Hepzibah) was somewhat of a contrast as a delightfully vague lady. It was difficult to imagine Pam T (Penelope) had evil intent until she turned into a matter-of-fact blackmailer toteing a gun.Ceri (Peter) became quite unscrupulous, Allan A (Henri) was very naughty - until the arrival of Linda J (his wife) !The back stage crew were, as ever, efficient and hard-working: Alan J, Ian H, Robin and John D, and the programme team of Thomas and Judith M and Pat T were especially so. Congratulations to them all.
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Recycling
So far I have taken 56 pairs of spectacles to a local optician. The lenses will be reused in developing countries. The used stamps have been sent to the local branch of the RSPB. I've been able to send 12 envelopes of used printer cartridges to the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign and all the used batteries have gone to the "tip"! Many thanks to everyone.
Janet N
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Faith Journey
Another contribution from a member to help us know each other better
My faith journey by Pam T
I was always going to be a Methodist. Mum (Paddy) was a local preacher and her family were staunch supporters of Broadway Methodist Chapel in Cardiff.
I was born in Weymouth, as my father was serving in the Royal Navy and was stationed at Portland Bill. When war broke out, Mum and I went to live in Cardiff but we were bombed out so went to live in Garndiffaith, a little mining village near Blaenavon.
My earliest memories of Sunday School are of Earl Street Methodist. There was a wonderful man in the congregation who built models of Noah's Ark or The Temple and various other things and at Sunday School Anniversary the children would be given a few lines to say or sing, holding a piece of the building and then we had to hang or slot the piece into place like a 3D jigsaw.
I also remember the whole church taking part in a walk of witness around the village - singing hymns as we walked. Mum started a Guide company there and when we had the very bad winter and the village was cut off for a time, mum took the services.
When I was 8 we moved to Rumney, Cardiff, and we attended Rumney Methodist. Brownies and Guides became part of my activities and Mum led the Young People's Group. Friendships were made there that are still going strong today. Sadly during that time my parents were divorced.
When I was 12, Mum remarried and we moved to the Heath, another part of Cardiff, and Birchgrove Methodist, which changed its name to St. Andrews when the new church was built, became my new spiritual home. Junior Choir, Sunday night at 8 and Sunday School teaching were my next ventures, but it was at a service taken by the Rev. Kenneth Greet - aimed at young people - that I made my commitment to Christ. I also took on the role of church organist for a year 'the highlight' playing for a friend's wedding. (NEVER AGAIN)
Some wonderful people in Rumney and St. Andrews strengthened and encouraged my faith, not least the Rev. John Mountford who married Howard and me in June 1961.
Howard and I moved to Bridgend in 1962 and Sundays seemed to be spent visiting both families back in Cardiff so church-oing became sporadic.
It wasn't until Mike and Andy were born and started going to Sunday School that I took up church life again and became a Sunday School teacher once more. Mum by this time was widowed and lived with us for 4 years. She became youth leader at Bridgend with a young man called David Maidment (who went on to start the Railway Children charity). During our time in Bridgend we became friends with Avril and Tom E. They moved to Swansea and shortly after, so did we. My mum had re-married and moved to Weston
I knew of Sketty Methodist because my aunt and uncle, May and Norman S were members there before they moved to Bristol, so I knew 'Auntie' Mildred E, who was organist, had met some of the Muxworthy clan and of course Avril and Tom worshipped there, so I joined Ivor Mann's congregation and there I met Enid J, my great friend and partner-in-crime!!
We got involved in a lot of activities, Brownies, Young Wives, Drama, Wesley Club and started the Flower Festivals. My faith was strong all through those years but I didn't start growing in faith until Howard died while we were on holiday in Italy in 1996. Then I discovered the power of prayer - not answered in the way I had hoped for but supporting me, opening different doors for me, upholding me and surrounding me and the wave of love that met me when I came home to Swansea and Sketty Methodist Church has lived with me ever since. Jack Kaye was my rock in a sea of bewilderment, grief, rage and disbelief and through him and House Group, Bible Study, Reel to Real and the love and fellowship and worship of this church I have come to know my Lord better, to know the meaning of Grace and I hope to carry on learning as I try to serve Him to the best of my ability.
Pam
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Books for the journey.
'The Testament of Gideon Mack' by James Robertson. (1 penny plus postage from Amazon) Simply the best book I have read all year! For Gideon Mack, faithless minister, unfaithful husband and troubled soul, the existence of God, let alone the Devil, is no more credible than that of ghosts or fairies. Until the day he falls into a gorge and goes missing for three days. Upon his return, hailed by some in the local town as a miracle, Gideon claims that he has been rescued and healed by someone who might just be the Devil himself. What's more he has proof. The Testament of Gideon Mack is a compelling blend of memoir, legend, history and, quite probably, madness which recounts one man's journey of faith, emotional crisis, disappearance, resurrection and death, transporting the reader into an utterly mesmerising exploration of the very nature of belief. This was a book I found difficult to put down.
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'Are we nearly there yet?' By Ben Hatch. (£5 from Amazon). A wonderfully humorous moving book that describes a family's 8,000 mile trip around Britain in a Vauxhall Astra. Recommended for anyone with a family, a car and a sense of adventure. It made me laugh out loud and moved me to tears.
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'Toast' by Nigel Slater (1 penny plus postage from Amazon). The TV chef's memoirs provide a poignant and sumptuous delight of a book. A feast for anyone who has ever enjoyed food and anyone who has ever had a childhood.
"Have a little faith" by Mitch Albom. (1 penny plus postage from Amazon). What would you do if the most pious, saintly person you have ever known asked you to write the eulogy for their funeral? Mitch Albom's journey to honour this last request of a beloved clergyman ultimately leads him to rekindle his own long-ignored faith as he explores churches and synagogues, the suburbs and the city, and the "us" versus "them" of religion. Slowly, he gravitates to an inner-city pastor of a crumbling church that houses the homeless, and is stunned at how similar belief can be. As his own beloved rabbi slowly lets go, Albom writes his final farewell, having learned that a faithful heart comes in many forms and places. Written by the author of 'Tuesdays with Morrie' one of the first books I recommended in this series.
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This year's BigBible book for Lent is "Lent for Everyone Mark" by Tom Wright. This has a different reading from Mark's gospel for each day of Lent with a short reflection written by Tom Wright. Additional resources to accompany this book are available from the BigBible website which is www.bigbible.org.uk
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PENLAN PAGE
Our Christmas Carol Service for the community was a wonderful occasion. The church was beautifully decorated and there must have been something like eighty people in attendance. Morristn Ladies Choir joined us with two slots of three songs/carols. There were thirty of them and many brought their husbands (members of the Phoenix Choir) so it was lovely to sing five rousing congregational carols together. Equally effective was Penlan Tots rendering of 'When Santa Got Stuck in the Chimney', and 'Twinkle,Twinkle Little Star' whose words we modified to include 'leading Wise Men from afar' since it came after the reading of the Magi's visit. Stephanie's Jomo however was the star of the afternoon, singing about faith on his own to a hall full of people.
The building echoes with equal enthusiasm on a Thursday evening once a month for a Blue Light Disco. This is organised by the local Community Police Officers and attracts sixty or so 7-11 year olds from the local area. It is lovely to see and be recognised by some of the pupils for whom we have been reading 'Open the Book' in school assemblies. One lad said to me "Sir. Will you be reading God?s book to us next week?"
Not quite so noisy, but certainly not silent, are the Ring Craft sessions. This is not, as you might think, an evening of happy craft activities for elderly ladies. It is a dog training session that uses our premises! Now we have a puppy perhaps I shall send Win and Alfie to it while I have a quiet evening at home! But I am not sure that either of them is well enough behaved to be enrolled.
Quentin
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Banner/Craft Group
The banner/craft group will be meeting on Tuesdays during term time from 2-4pm in Room 8.
The emphasis of the group is changing from group work to individual work. This will give you an opportunity to complete all those unfinished projects, knitting or other work hidden in the cupboard! You may just want to come and see what we get up to and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, fellowship and a cup of tea. Everyone is welcome.
Kath
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Time Out
Time Out on Wednesdays from 2-4 - an informal two hours. Have a cup of tea, play a game of cards or dominos, or simply chat with friends'.
Have you a jigsaw with fewer than 400 pieces you could give us?
Come and join us!
Pam T
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'ZUMBA' at Sketty Methodist
Feeling the effects of the festive season and those few extra pounds, I ventured with some trepidation to the new ZUMBA class being held at Sketty Methodist. The instructor, Caroline, was very patient and encouraging, even if you did not know your left from your right ! It was good fun and not too strenuous. You go at your own pace and should not need the services of the physiotherapists in the church membership afterwards! Also, you do not need the latest lycra creation - just grab a baggy tee-shirt , trousers and comfy shoes and join in. It was very sociable, suitable for all ages and just the thing to shake off the winter blues. Why not come along?
The ZUMBA class is held every Friday morning between 10 and 11.
Judith
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University Theology free public lecture:
Thursday 9th February
7pm James Callaghan Lecture Theatre
The Very Revd Dr Jeffrey John (Dean of St Albans)
'The Meaning in the Miracles'
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15 Years Ago: February 1997 -by Caroline
Rev Robert and Sister Margaret's letter reminds us that, as through the darkness of winter, so throughout life we experience periods of feeling forsaken in the darkness. As Jesus literally hung on in faith amidst the doubt and struggle to be brought to a place of resurrection, so must we ask for strength to hold on in faith. When you come to the end of your rope, remember that God is at the other end and he refuses to let go!
Congratulations: Caroline and Allan A's grandchild Sophie was born to Jenny and Matthew; John T was welcomed into church membership
Prayersfor members of the Chinese Fellowship returning to China under the new regime in Hong Kong
Events and News: Agreement at Church Council Meeting to reduce the number of committees in line with general Methodist restructuring policy, also that the Youth Club commence in Feb - with a request for sports/games equipment, and helpers to assist Nigel K and John T; Student Open Door Group and Anglican Society combined into University Chaplaincy Group; Sketty was one of 14 Sunday School floats taking part in the Lord Mayor's Christmas Parade; copies of Gren N's booklet on the preachers of the Swansea and Gower Circuit available.
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30 Years Ago: February 1982
Memories of the 1981/82 winter - volunteers clearing snow from around the Church - and from the Manse loft to save the ceiling below!
JMA Sec.Dulcie reported 13 collectors raised £271. Simon P's amusing account of MAYC 5-a-side football match which they didn't win but enjoyed. The team: Simon, Gareth W, Simon R, Robert and Andrew P, Neil J.
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Forthcoming events
Services:Sundays 10.30am and 6.30pm Adventurers: 10.30am
Please stay and have coffee with us after the morning service.
There is an induction loop for those with hearing aids.
There are large print versions of hymns at the door.
At evening service the collection plate is placed in the vestibule for your offerings as you enter church.
In term-time:
| Monday | 2pm | Folk-dancing | Church Hall |
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| - | 7pm | Wesley Club | - |
| Tuesday | 2-4pm | Banner/Craft Group | Banner/Craft Group |
| - | 5.30-6.30pm | Beavers | Church Hall |
| - | 6.45-8pm | Cubs | Church Hall |
| Wednesday | 10-11.30am | Sunbeams | Church Hall |
| - | 2-4pm | Time Out | Time Out |
| - | 6.15-7.30pm | Brownies | Church Hall |
| - | 7.30pm | Sketty Madcaps | - |
| Friday | 10-11am | Zumba Class | 'Zumba' at Sketty Methodists |
By Thursday, weekly notices to Lynne
Property Stewards Alan J and John D
| 29 | Sun | 10.30am | Rev John J | Family Service |
| - | - | 6.30pm | Rev John Wiseman | Grace@6.30 |
| 30 | Mon | 7pm | Wesley Club | Those were the Days - an evening of special memories and nostalgia |
| 4 | Sat | 10am-1pm | Table Top Sale | Redevelopment Fund Raising |
| 5 | Sun | 10.30am | Rev John Wiseman | Communion |
| - | - | 6.30pm | Rev Howard | - |
| 6 | Mon | 7pm | Wesley Club | Fairtrade Coffee tour - Alan C |
| 12 | Sun | 10.30am | Rev Alf | - |
| - | - | 6.30pm | Win | - |
| 13 | Mon | 7pm | Wesley Club | Food, Fact and Fiction -Maggie Cornelius |
| 16 | Thurs | 7.30pm | Killay/Dunvant House Group | - |
| 19 | Sun | 10.30am | Ken A | Traidcraft Stall |
| - | - | 6.30pm | Rev Pam | Communion |
| 20 | Mon | 7pm | Wesley Club | Therapeutic Massage-Ken Rowe |
| 20 | Shove Tuesday | 6-8pm | Pancake Party | Shrove Tuesday Pancake Party with Quiz |
| 22 | Ash Wednesday | - | - | - |
| 25 | Sat | 7pm | Fish and Chip Supper | at St Paul's Parish Center in aid of Tong Len A window for India |
| 26 | Sun | 10.30am | Rev John Wiseman | Family Service |
| - | - | 4.30pm | Service at Parkway Home | - |
| - | - | 6.30pm | Rev John Wiseman | Grace@6.30 |
| 27 | Mon | - | Start Fairtrade Fortnight | Traidcraft |
| 2 | Fri | 10.30am | Womem's World Day of Prayer | Sketty Service at Bethel Women's World Day of Prayer |
| 16 | Fri | 11am-3pm | Spring into Action | A Community Event Spring into Action |
| - | - | 7.30pm | Classical Guitar Concert by Russell Lloyd | Spring into Action |
Items for the March 2012 Newsletter out on 26th February to Jean by Wednesday, 15th February, please.
This Newsletter is available on tape for the vision impaired and some of our services are recorded on tape for anyone unable to attend whether regularly or on a particular Sunday - please contact Jean.
Church Stewards:Mike, Win, Les and Pam
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Rotas
If you are unable to fulfil your place on a rota, please make other arrangements or contact the organiser.
| - | January 29th | February 5th | February 12th | February 19th | February 26th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Door: Myrddin. | - | - | - | - | - |
| morning | Ian and Susan, Chris L, Anja | Ian and Judith | David and Beryl | Harry, Anne G and Pat G | Joyce W, Allan and Joe, Caroline, Andy E |
| evening | Andy V | John K | Bethel Member | Myrddin | Sandra C |
| Flowers: Rosemary | - | - | - | - | - |
| - | Jean K | Jan C | Maisie | Anne and Mike W | Pat T |
| Arranger: | Enid | Beryl | Enid | Lynne | Rosemary |
| Sunday Morning Coffee: Gwen | - | - | - | - | - |
| - | Laurie and Jane | Chris and Ian H | Kath and Bill | Gwen and John | Clare and Nigel |
There are still a few spaces on the flower rota for 2012 which is now on the notice board in the porch. If you would like to give flowers one Sunday to decorate our church please put your name against your preferred date. Many thanks.
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