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FROM THE EDITOR

JULY : Articles for this Issue to be handed in by SUNDAY17TH JUNE Publication: 1st JulyPlease e-mail your articles to parishmagstjohns@gmail.com, put them in the editorspigeon hole in the south porch, or post them to Lindsey Saunders at The Bungalow,Saint Hill Farm, Saint Hill Green, East Grinstead, RH19 4NG.

Cover photo :Dahlia By Peter Bateman

IF YOU dont read anything else in thismagazine read page 23. The poem by JohnStott really gives you something to think about. Going to church on Sundays andbeing part of the church community feelssafe and comfortable in a world wherehorrible things happen a lot of the time. Itseasy to deceive ourselves that we haventgot time to help because we are so busyworking to earn money so that we can livein a house which is probably bigger thanwe need, or that we need to protect ourfamily or perhaps we are busy organisingchurch teas and social events. It makes youwonder if youve got your priorities right.But it is easier to do nothing, isnt it?Easier to pretend that woman lying in thesleeping bag on the cold pavement isntreally there or that someone else with moretime will help her.

Well there is something you can do. Look at page 22 for details. I wonder how muchfood we all throw away without reallythinking about it, because we forgot it wasin the fridge. We could have given it tosomeone who needed it! And there it isrotting in the bin, adding to the landfillsites.

Incidentally, well be discussing how toreduce waste at our eco group meeting onthe morning of 9th July. Its at my house,please let me know if you are coming.

Lindsey Saunders

VICAR: The Rev Stephen Bowen(on sick leave)

ASSOCIATE MINISTER: Michael Peach5 Burns Way, East Grinstead,West Sussex RH19 1SATel: 01342 312406 michaelstevenpeach@gmail.com

Michaels day off: Friday

Stephen Bowen iscontinuing to make slowprogress at home. Heand Mandy are verygrateful for yourprayers and goodwishes .

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FELBRIDGE WILDLIFEFELBRIDGE WILDLIFEFELBRIDGE WILDLIFE

Heavy Plant Crossing.NOT A GIANT marrow but a signthat might warn of the disruptivemachinery that will continue to infestthe A22 and Imberhorne Lane untilnext month. A Lingfield sub-speciesis also reported. Both havecontributed to an unseasonal amount

of pedestrian traffic in the Felbridgearea. This has led to moreparishioners appreciating theflowering plants on the verge, whilethey feel to be on the verge of amore serious reaction.

The churchyard wallsupports the lovelypheasant's eye, blueflowers of germanderspeedwell of the veronicafamily, the deeper bluespikes of self heal, of theprunella family, the tinyflowers of eyebright andthe shining fronds ofsilverweed. Purple headsof knapweed attract a fewburnet moths, while whiteflowers on broad leavesindicate garlic mustard known tosmall boys as Stinking Willie.

Elsewhere, the lady's smock of lastmonth has been replaced by thewhite umbrellas of Queen Anne'sLace and beside Hedgecourt are afew six foot stems of the giant

hogweed and hemlock waterdropwort, both potentially deadly.

Bird song diminishes as nestingbirds wear themselves out withfeeding and breeding, but there isstill a respectable evening chorus.

A Story of Death and Life- A neighbour with a BirdCAM nest box sawseven tiny bluetits. Twodays later they foundseven fledgling blue titsdead inside the nest,with no apparent causeof death. It seemspossible that both theadults were taken by apredator. As I write, arobin is tending fiveyoung in a most

surprising nesting place here. Wehope for a good outcome!

Young animals, rabbits, deer, foxesand badgers are abroad and wouldnormally run the risk of becomingroad kills. Since British contractors

seem not to work at night, they maybe quite safe.

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PLEASE HELP!There must be some of you reading this who could find 1-2 hours once in twomonths to help clean our church. Many of our dedicated team have been serving inthis role for years and our numbers are dropping. Cleaning is not a popular task butit is one small way we can honour God - do join us. To find out more please speak toCarole Grainger or phone 325482.

If you prefer using a mouse to a mop or a keyboard to a vacuum cleaner then thechurch laptop projection team would be glad to hear from you. Further informationfrom any laptop operator or contact John Grainger on 325482 or email

john@malcolmgee.plus.com

VOLUNTEERS REQUIREDDo you have an hour or two to spare during the week?

Littlefair Care Home in East Grinstead would appreciate your time being partof the daily activities that take place here. Do you have a particular skill thatyou can offer? Flower arranging? Story telling? Baking? Open ears? Orsimply time to assist the activities co-ordinator in the different activities of theday.

If you are interested in being part of our voluntary team please contact

Hannah Taylor the Activities Co-Ordinator for more details.Email: activities@littlefair.netMob: 07742322612Littlefair Care HomeWarburton CloseEast Grinstead

Napoleon stated that an armymarches on its stomach. The bigblack slug goes everywhere on itsstomach, as do all othergastropods. A warm, damp June

evening will encourage all the slugsand snails to forage freely. Not onlythe moon shines in June.

As a footnote to the wonderful Bible

By the Beach Conference, Joanand I took some very fresh air atthe top of Beachy Head, where weheard the unmistakeable gruff,gutteral croak of a raven. After a

hundred years' absence, ravens areback breeding in Sussex.

Peter Bateman.

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WHATS HAPPENING

Next month 1ST JULY - FAMILY SCAVENGER HUNT - find out more about theamazing world God has made. Details still to be arranged. ContactSharon Hoskins for further info on 313917.

3rd June 6pm Holy Communion with Frank Gough

10th June 8am Holy Communion with Alan Mathers

10am Morning Prayer with Don Ely

6pm Evening Prayer with Michael Peach

17th June 10am Holy Communion with Mike Walton6pm Songs of Praise with Michael Peach

24th June 8am Service with Don Ely

10am Service with Michael Peach

6pm Service with Don Ely

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21st June at 8.15pm Talk by Stephonie Clarkeon the history of the Felbridge Horticultural

Society

THROUGH THE WEEK

MondaysConnections 2-4pm on 11th June in the Church Hall

TuesdaysWI 12th June at 1.30pm in the village Hall

WednesdaysWatercolour on Wednesdays in the Church Hall at 2pm1st Felbridge ( St Johns) BrowniesMonthly Prayer on Wednesday (non-homegroup weeks) at 8pmMonthly Afternoon Prayer meeting on at the home of Di Giles

ThursdaysWIGS at the Old Pheasantry, Woodcock Hill at 10.30am (home of June Clark)Girls Bible Study in the Church Hall at 4pm

Fridays1st Felbridge (St Johns) Rainbows1st Felbridge (St Johns) Guides

SaturdaysPrayer breakfast on 2nd June at 8am9amMens breakfast on 23rd June at 5 Burns Way from 8.3010am

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Felbridge W.I.OUR RESOLUTION meeting began with fish and chips for 32 members, followedby trifle. After the Resolution decision we had a Beetle Drive which caused muchhilarity and, possibly, some cheating!!Our Craft group are busy making bunting for the Jubilee celebration and also itemsfor our Craft stall at the Felbridge Country Show on 16 th June. We are also having afruit pie stall so lots of our members are going to be very busy. and we are lookingforward to displaying our new W.I. banner.The National Federation of Womens Institutes support countries that suffer from

drought and poor harvests and the speaker at our next meeting on the 12th June willbe Mr. Buckingham who will speak on the subject of A cow for Africa. We start atl.30pm do come along.

Daphne Ayerst

VILLAGE ISSUES

Felbridge VillageStore new opening

times:

Mondays-Saturdays8am to 7:30pm

Sundays8am to 4pm.

Lunch Club for the retired The Lunch Club meets the 3rdThursday of every month in thevillage hall between 12-1.30pm.The 2 course meal costs3.00 and changes every month.All retirees welcome. For moreinformation please contact MaryTaplin on 01342 325548

There is a small upright piano in a mediumbrown wooden case, currently standing in thecommittee room at the village hall, whichneeds a new home. There is no price attachedto it, just that the new owner must collect anda donation to village hall funds would be ap-preciated.

The piano does need tuning but otherwiselooks in reasonable condition.

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FELBRIDGE COUNTRY SHOWNOT LONG to go now till the 16th June and Felbridges JubileeCountry Show. Everything is in place for a really great day out for all

the family, and there are still some tickets left for the Family Disco inthe evening. The weather for June is forecast to be hot and sunny, buteven if it is not, you dont need to be concerned as many of the eventsare either in the Village Hall or the three marquees in the grounds.

There will be displays in the Arena and in the Hall, sporting events atthe sports fields, pony rides, a miniature train and plenty of deliciousfood and beautiful craft stalls. Our judges are standing by for the many

competitions and you will have the chance to vote for your favouriteentries. Will you win one of the coveted Peoples Choice JubileeMedals? The final date for entries to the competitions is June 1st, but strictly between ourselves if you pop it in my letter box at 8Rowplatt Lane a little late, Ill try not to notice the date!

The important thing now is to attract a good crowd. This is a BIGopportunity for us to come together and celebrate as a community. We

all have a close interest in helping our local organisations to flourishand this Show gives us the chance to see all the valuable work beingdone. A good turn-out will help them all to raise much needed fundsto secure their future.

So lets all get together to make the 2012 Felbridge Jubilee CountryShow a huge success - a Show this village can be really proud of.

Rosemary Archer

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THE FARMER will never be happy again; He carries his heart in his boots; For either the rain is destroying his grain Or the drought is destroying his roots.The Farmer by A P Herbert

As I write, I am gazing out of thewindow at lashing rain and strongwinds, the grass is so long that wecannot see the path and Im weeksbehind in the garden. Lets hopethat, by the time you read this, it willhave begun to feel like June!

My most important job now is tocatch up with the backlog after thewet weather. There is so much stillto do that I have to ignore the lushgrowth of weeds while I get on withthe planting that is running so late.Even so, I do try to remove theflowers before they go to seed and

create a worse problem later; therehas been an amazing crop ofdandelions this year and I dont wanta worse one next.

What we should be doing now isremoving the axil growth fromtomatoes and watering regularly toavoid split fruit. It is also time to plantbiennials for next year: wallflowers,sweet williams and bellis are all such

good value, flowering for weeks or

even months, and so easy to growfrom seed.

Courgettes, squashes and runnerbeans can all be planted out now andthe annual battle to protect yourproduce from pests starts. We dontneed to drench our crops in chemicalsif we use physical barriers such asinsect-proof netting; butterfly netting;gravel, or copper bands against slugsand more netting to keep the birds offthe fruit. Do remember though - youcant eat or make jam with everythingand it seems that the future of wildbirds is substantially in the hands of

gardeners, so leave some for thebirds.

I am sure you all know the gloriousearly summer herbaceous borders atNymans. On June 15th there is a walkwith some of the gardening team(11am, booking essential), whopromise to share some of theirsecrets. I cant get there myself, as Illbe too busy preparing for theFelbridge Country Show on the 16th.If you hear any good secrets there, docome and share them with me. Youwill find me on the FelbridgeGardening Club stand in theHorticultural Marquee for most of theday on Saturday.

Rosemary Archer

IN THE GARDEN

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TELL ME WHY?

Why are Christians so arrogant?

CHRISTIANS claim that they know thetruth about God and that other routes toknowing God dont work isnt this asupremely arrogant attitude? In acountry and an age that knows about many religions and spiritualties how canChristians claim to know the truth?

The instruction that we should betolerant is something that we have allbeen taught by our society. There ismuch that is good in this it is right thatChristians respect and care for all sortsof people with different backgroundsand beliefs. However, being tolerantcan sometimes lead on to saying thateveryones truth is right, or at least right

for them.The Bible presents quite a differentpicture to this. Peter was one of the firstdisciples, and when on trial before agroup of religious leaders he makes thisstatement about Jesus:

Salvation is found in no-oneelse, for there is no other nameunder heaven given to men bywhich we must be saved. (Acts4:12, NIV)

The Bibles clear message is that Jesusis the only way to God the only way tobe on good terms with our Maker.

Now if one day I decide that I know allabout God, and that I am right andeveryone else is wrong then that wouldbe supremely arrogant. Who am I to sayI know all about God?

However, this is not what Christians aredoing when they say that Jesus is theonly way to God the Father. Instead weare saying that God himself has said thatthe only way to him is through his SonJesus Christ. This changes everything,for surely it cannot be arrogant to simplypass on what God has said? Indeed,surely it would be arrogant if we claimedthat all religions are equally true forthat would imply that we knew betterthan God that he had said one thing butthat we knew better!

Paul, another of Jesus early followers,addressed a group of thinkers andphilosophers in Athens. Paul says that

people have followed all sorts of religions and beliefs, but that this shouldnot continue:

.. now he commands all peopleeverywhere to repent. For hehas set a day when he will judgethe world with justice by theman he has appointed. He hasgiven proof of this to all men by

raising him from thedead. (Acts 17:30-31, NIV)

Christians should always speak withrespect and concern with peoplewhatever their beliefs. However, Godhas said that the way to him is throughJesus and his death which can deal withall our wrongdoing before him.Wouldnt it be arrogant not to listen towhat God has said?

Michael Peach

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CURRENT ISSUES: POACHING

IN MID-APRIL, we listened toaward-winning wildlife photographer,Paul Goldstein from Wimbledon talk about tigers, cheetahs, leopards, polarbears, lions and other predators that arein serious peril, facing major problemsof survival as a result of habitat lossand poaching.

Poaching is having a major impact onmany endangered, threatened orprotected species. The main reason forpoaching is providing ingredients fortraditional Chinese medicines.

Some of these potions use rhinocerosor Saiga antelope horns, tiger or

leopard bones, musk glands from musk deer, or bear gall bladders. Otherprotected species affected by poachinginclude sea lions, macaques, pangolins,crocodiles, green sea turtles, freshwaterturtles, tortoises, water monitor lizards,cobras, rat snakes and giant clams.

Animals such as the tiger are worth afortune on the black market andconservationists are trying hard topersuade people that if we dont takeaction, some species will faceextinction within just a few years.

Goldstein is so passionate about savingtigers from extinction that he ran theBrighton Marathon, travelled toHeathrow and flew to Africa to climb

Mount Kilimanjaro, then got back justin time to complete the London

Marathon all carrying a 13kg tigersuit strapped to his back!

He said that in the past century thenumber of wild tigers has droppedfrom 100,000 to 3,200 and they nowonly occupy 7% of their historicterritories. There are less than 450Siberian tigers left in the wild

Practically every single part of a tigercan be sold: teeth (to treat fever), claws(for insomnia), bones (used as astimulant for fatigue), eyeballs (forepilepsy and malaria), brains (a curefor laziness and acne), the tail (to treatskin diseases) and fat (for rheumatism

and muscular ailments). The 25kg of bones in an adult tiger are wortharound $120,000, the pelt up to$50,000. There is no evidence that anyof these potions has any medical value.

Goldstein is trying to persuade peoplethat tigers are worth far more alive thandead - wildlife photography and otherresponsible ecotourism trips cangenerate over $100 million per tiger!The demand for alternative medicinesis rapidly increasing in the West, so if you buy any, please check the labelcarefully. Remember too that the Bibleinstructs us to protect the environmentand the animals of His creation.

Gordon Wilkinson

Tigers - worth more alive than dead

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THIS YEAR our World Mission Gift Day will be on Sunday 8th July do put the

date in your diaries and plan to be there!At our morning service we look forward to welcoming Gift and Kathryn Asiku ; Gift(what an appropriate name for the occasion!) is Ugandan, from the area where theLaceys are working; Kathryn comes from England, and they work with WycliffeBible Translators in Uganda. They are also friends of Chris and Lindsey Saunders,and have visited St John's with them! Do come along to hear more about the work they are involved in, as well as their life in Uganda.

After the morning service we are hoping to have a 'bring-and-share' lunch to which

everyone is warmly invited including families so it provides an excellent oppor-tunity for everyone to get together, meet Kathryn and Gift, and avoid cooking Sun-day lunch! At the evening service Andy and Joan Brown will tell us more about thetime they spent recently on the Mercy Ship a floating hospital while it wasmoored off the coast of Sierra Leone. Some of us have already heard somethingabout their experiences, and our appetites are whetted to hear more about the surgeryAndy was able to carry out, and the rehabilitation work which Joan was involvedwith during their month on board.

As usual, there will be envelopes in the pews (unmissable green ones!) to encourageus to make our offerings for God's work throughout the world. Since this is our mainannual source of giving for Mission, please be thinking and praying in advance abouthow much the Lord is prompting you to give. In these days of financial constraint,when we all have so many demands on our resources, the Societies and Agencies wesupport are feeling the pinch even more as donors feel unable to give as generouslyas before. For those who are tax-payers, Gift Aid increases the value of our gifts atno extra cost to us, and makes a big difference to the recipients. St John's supportsnine different charities and mission partners, both at home and abroad. As a church,we pledge to give away at least 10% of our income to Mission, most of which isgiven during Mission Gift Day. Last year we raised 10,306.00, which was very en-couraging. It would be wonderful if, despite this time of economic hardship, we wereable to do even better this year! As well as making a donation to Wycliffe and theMercy Ship this year, the rest of the money is divided between all nine organisationswhich we support, with the larger proportion going to our Mission Partners.

Perhaps you'd like to tear out and keep these pages as a reminder to pray for all ourMission links! Details about each of them are as follows; information can also befound on the church website, www.stjohnsfelbridge.co.uk, under 'outreach', and havea look at the noticeboard at the back of church, which highlights a different societyeach month.

Anne Butler (Mission Team Co-ordinator).

WORLD MISSION GIFT DAY

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LINK PARTNERS:

NATASHA KASPROWICZ Working with UCCF (Universities andColleges Christian Fellowship.)

Natasha is known to many of us, as she grew up at St John's. Havingworked for several years amongst students in Russia, she is now basedin London where she has the responsibility as Team Leader for co-ordinating the outreach to students in the various London universities,although she is based mainly at University College. Last year and thisthey held two Missions to students in London, and are now busy withfollowing up and encouraging those who committed themselves toChrist or expressed interest.

Dan and Suzy Callaway are the church reps for Natasha, and distribute her prayer letters.

ALLAN AND ANNE LACEY Link Partners with CMS (ChurchMission Society), working in NW Uganda. They are into their secondtour of service, having 'postponed' their retirement in order to use theircombined experience overseas. Allan is working with the Diocese to

improve training, educational facilities and resources for clergy andlay staff, and has recently had the honour of being appointed as aCanon of the Cathedral. Anne, a trained nurse tutor, is helping toimprove nurse education and community health in the surroundingarea. They have faced many challenges, including health issues andseparation from their family, but feel sure they are in the place of God's choice for them.Our church rep is Barbara Cottier, who also worked with CMS in

East Africa.

ANDREW AND MARIA LEAKE have worked in NorthernArgentina for many years, now under the aegis of CMS. They areengaged in the long-running campaign to support the rights of thelocal indigenous people in Salta Province, whose homelands andnatural resources are threatened by widespread commercialdeforestation and and agriculture. They are now in the process of buying up land to be protected and conserved for the Indianpopulation, to preserve their way of life and provide sustainability.

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They have three teenage children Tomas, Cecilia and Carolina. Barbara Cottier distributes their prayer letters, and further information can be obtained from Phil and Rosemary Tadman whohave long-standing links with South America.

OTHER AGENCIES:

CHURCH ARMY trains and sends evangelists to work in Anglicanchurches and in projects with children, homeless people and theelderly, both here in the UK and abroad. For several years we havesupported the Marylebone Project, which provides a safe centre forvulnerable women and helps them move back into the communitywhen they are ready.

Di Giles, ex-Church Army Sister, is our church rep.

CPAS (Church Pastoral Aid Society) aims to help local churches bytraining and advising leaders, and providing resources spiritual,practical and sometimes financial for the whole church, but

especially for Youth Groups like Pathfinders and CYFA. They alsoorganise activity holidays for young people during the summer. If you'd like to know more, or find out about the holiday camps, speak to our church rep Glen Jones.

SCRIPTURE UNION seeks to make God's good news known tochildren, adults, young people and families, and encourages people of all ages to meet with God daily through Bible-reading and prayer.

They publish a wide range of literature, including children's storiesand, more recently, a series of books to be used with dementiasufferers; and have set up an interactive website www.wordlive.org as well as offering training, support, and a variety of holiday events.

Bible Reading Notes, in various formats and for all ages, are available from Gill Matson.

TEARFUND works through local churches and Christian agencies toopen up a brighter future for the world's poorest communities, and tosee lives and situations transformed by God's love through the

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generosity of Christian people. It also campaigns for social justice andhuman rights, particularly the need for clean water and propersanitation in every community. Tearfund is best known for its rapidresponse to disasters, supplying vital supplies of food, water, shelter

and medical equipment. The charity is actively involved in long-termdevelopment work and helps educate communities in disasterpreparedness.Gordon and Brenda Wilkinson are the Southeast Reps, and also sell'Created' fairly-traded craft goods at local events. Prayer updates aredisplayed in the church porch each week.

WELCARE is a local charity, working with families who are in needthrough poverty, isolation, family breakdown or homelessness. Theyaim to help and support families by providing practical care such astoys, clothing, debt management advice, counselling and friendship,through volunteers and trained social workers. Recently we were ableto provide food items for distribution to those in real poverty, and eachChristmas we hold a 'Toy Service' to provide some happiness forfamilies who otherwise would have no cause for celebration.

Speak to our rep, Rona Bingham, for more information.ST. CATHERINE'S HOSPICE in Crawley is well-known to many of us, either because we have visited friends or family members there, orhave visited their Charity Shop in London Road! The Hospiceprovides palliative care to people with progressive, life-threateningillness, offering them the opportunity to live life as fully as possibleand to die with dignity. The Chaplain, Mike Neville, and the staff are

trained to care for the physical, emotional and spiritual care of eachpatient and their families, whether in the Day Centre or as in-patients.Hospices are not funded by the NHS, so our support is vital. InDecember we hold a 'Tree of Light' service at St John's, in memory of loved ones who have died, which attracts more people each year.

Jenny Young is a volunteer at the Hospice, and has plenty of information.

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FELBRIDGE HOTEL & SPA OFFERSFathers Day Lunch on Sunday 17th JuneTreat your Dad this Fathers Day by enjoying a 2 or 3 course lunch inthe Bay Tree Restaurant.2 course lunch just 19.00 per person or 24.00 for 3 courses. All theDads will receive a gift.For a real treat why not dine in the award winning Anise Fine DiningRestaurant for dinner? 2 courses in Anise are just 30.00 or 3 courses

just 37.50

Type in this link to see the menu:http://www.felbridgehotel.co.uk/fathers-day-lunch.htmlTo make a reservation in one of our superb restaurants please call01342 337700 or email events@felbridgehotel.co.uk

Connections is a new series of events for Seniors. We willmeet monthly for tea, coffee and cake, a short informal talkfrom the Bible about things that matter, and lots of differentactivities and games. Theres even a newspaper corner!

Hand massage is available too! Or you can simply spendtime sitting and chatting. A great opportunity to meet oldfriends and make new ones all welcome! Our next meetingwill be on

Monday , 11th June 2pm-4pm, in St Johns Church Hall.

For more information please do contact Don Ely orMichael Peach.

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A book for daily reading - available from East Grinstead library

THE BIBLE SPEAKS TODAYSERIES: GENESIS 1-11by David AtkinsonI have just finished using DavidAtkinsons book Genesis 1-11,which I started before I knew hewas to take the Confirmationservice at St Johns on 20th May. Ifound his book extremely helpful,

BOOK REVIEWS

CONFIDENTCHRISTIANITYI have only been a Christian forabout 6 years. When I was lookinginto Christianity I met someChristians that definitely did notseem to have committedintellectual suicide at the churchdoor. Being a bit of a 'funnysausage', one of my mainstumbling blocks to believing in theBible was that I did not believe thattwo things that were contradictorycould both be ultimately true.Specifically, if science was anobjectively true description ofreality, then the Bible could not betrue if it contradicted science.

Thus began quite a lengthy journeyof finding out more about whatChristians actually believe andwhat the Bible actually says (rather

than what people had told me), aswell as dipping in to other areassuch as science, theology and

philosophy. I subsequentlydiscovered that this area of study isusually referred to as 'apologetics',which means the defence of thetruths of the Christian faith.

Confident Christianity is a newly-released book by Chris Sinkinsonat Moorlands College. It providesan easy to follow and engagingoverview of the differentapproaches to apologetics, as wellas how apologetics have developedover the centuries to respond to thechanging intellectual environmentof the times, from Greek philosophyto post-modernism. It is particularlyinteresting to see how the apostlesthemselves used apologetictechniques in the spread of theearly church. The second half of

covering, as it does, a wide range

of current issues.It is not a straightforward academiccommentary in the old sense, but amuch more devotional read, withplenty of comment on issues whichare even more relevant today thanthey were when the book waswritten. I am looking forward to hisvisit to us this month. Incidentally Iam reading Joyce BaldwinsGenesis 12-50, also borrowed fromEast Grinstead library.

Frank Gough

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The Big Village Sports DayCelebrating the arrival of the London 2012 Olympic Flame

Grange Meadow, Bletchingley - Friday 20 July 2.30 - 4.30pm

Residents from across the district are invited to welcome the Olympic Flameand take part in The Big Village Sports Day organised by Tandridge Trust.This will be a celebratory sports event in Grange Meadow, Bletchingley,providing fun for all of the family. Entrance and Activities are all FREE OFCHARGE and there will be a huge host of exciting activities for young andold to try.

The event will be a chance to participate in sports you may not have had thechance to try before. We have teamed up with Pentathlon UK to providetasters in Olympic sports such as Fencing and Shooting hosted by eliteathletes from the GB squad. We will be joined by professional footballcoaches from Chelsea FC who will be setting up an inflatable-sided pitch forcoaching and fun matches.

Become a medal winner by participating in one of the sports challengessuch as timed rowing, cycling and our fun five ring Olympic challengesuitable for all ages. You can also try out ancient Olympic challenges suchas pottery, comedy and archery.

Get creative with the Olympic torch and ceramic medalmaking workshopsrunning throughout the afternoon. There will be a Junior Arts Station for allthings craft, face painting and even circus skills and a comedy corner jokechallenge for those brave enough. Surestart will be providing an excitingactivity zone for under 5s with sports, soft play and parachute games.

For more info please visit www.tandridgetrust.co.uk or call 01883 724599.

the book contains a chapter eachon four of the main topic areas thatare often controversial, dealing withhistorical evidence, science, humansuffering and the existence of other

faiths.I would recommend this book toanyone with an interest ininvestigating more about the truthsbehind the Christian faith, and howto defend them to non-believers inan intellectually honest way. It isalso really good for developing bothan overarching and underpinning

understanding of apologetics forthose that may have looked intosome of the topics in a piecemealway.

I personally find that the more Igrow in confidence in God and hispromises the more this helps myChristian life. Of course, there's noneed to have a sophisticatedunderstanding of God to have arelationship with Him. However itdoes help when dealing with life's'funny sausages'

Joe Clease

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13 MILLION PEOPLE live belowthe poverty line in the UK. Everyday people in the UK go hungry forreasons ranging from redundancyto receiving an unexpected bill on alow income.

Families in OUR area arestruggling. Local professionals saythat requests for food parcels haveincreased due to the currenteconomic climate. Wanting to helpaddress this need, Trinity iscurrently entering into partnershipwith The Trussell Trust(www.trusselltrust.org) a Christianorganization which empowers localcommunities to combat poverty,and we are very much hoping thatYOU will want to join us and makeit a truly ecumenical project.

The Foodbank Project Foodbanks show Jesus love inaction by giving food to people incrisis in the local area, providingshort term emergency relief.Church-based Foodbanks engagethe whole community in providingfood to local people going hungry.

Food is collected at SupermarketCollections: These are events heldat supermarkets where volunteers

give shoppers a Foodbankshopping list and ask them to buyan extra item or two for local people

EAST GRINSTEAD FOODBANK

Reaching out to people in need

in crisis. Food is also collected from

churches and through local groupsand schools.

The Foodbank stores or banksfood donated by the community,and can be drawn on by people incrisis. It is a simple and uniqueconcept designed to helpindividuals in crisis by providing freeemergency food for three days (10balanced meals). Three days is theperiod assessed as the minimumtime it takes for the appropriateagencies to be in a position toassist. This period can be extendedif necessary.

Food is drawn as a result ofreferrals from registered Care

Professionals such as SocialServices, Health Visitors, ProbationOfficers, Church Pastoral Workers,schools, CAB and others working infront line services.

Vouchers redeemable at theFoodbank, which will operate out ofTrinitys Welcome Caf, will allowclients to exchange their voucherfor 3 days of tinned and dry food fortheir family. This enables volunteersto come alongside those in need,offer them a cup of tea or coffee,provide a safe non- judgmentalplace in which to sit and be heard,and to find out about possible areasof help.

This is where you come in! We willneed volunteers to help in thefollowing areas.

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To collect food - with enoughpeople on a rota this may onlyrequire a commitment of acouple of hours once or twice ayear.

To sort and pack the food.

To meet clients in TrinitysWelcome caf when they cometo collect food parcels.

If you think you would be ableto offer some time to supportthis project or would simplylike to know more, pleasecontact Trinitys Administrator

on EG 302862 or send anemail headed EG Foodbank toadmin@trinitymethodist.org.uk

I was hungry and you formed a humanities group to discuss my hunger.

I was imprisoned and you crept off quietly to your chapel and prayed for my release.

I was naked and in your mind you debated the morality of my appearance.

I was sick and you knelt and thanked God for your health.I was homeless and you preached to me the spiritual love of God.

I was lonely and you left me alone to pray for me.

You seem so holy, so close to God,

But I am still very hungry and lonely and cold .This poem, based on Matthew 25, is written from the point of view of

a homeless woman, written by John Stott in Issues facing Christians today

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COLLEEN REDIT , now in her mid-seventies, was called to do missionwork in Chennai forty years ago. Fromsmall beginnings, teaching a few girlsto sew and do embroidery work, shenow has a large team of peoplereaching out and helping threethousand poor people every day.

Colleen realised that helping people toearn a living gave them self respect andimproved their lives, but she soon sawthat they had other needs. Through theChristian Missions Charitable Trust(CMCT) she is meeting many of theseneeds. Gordon and I were fortunate tobe able to visit some of the projectsearlier this year and were inspired andhumbled by what we saw.

The Haven of Hope Handicraft Centreprovides training and work for at least30 women at the Centre and manymore in the slum areas of Chennai andin Leprosy villages to the north of thecity. Every day at the Headquartersstarts with worship and bible teaching.

Colleen set up a crche for their babiesand then saw the need for their childrento be educated. CMCT now has 500children in its Nursery and PrimarySchool and 1,000 in the SecondarySchool. There is an adult educationscheme and a Vocational TrainingUnit. CMCTs city centre headquartersalso houses a Hospital and an Eye andDental Department.

CALLED TO SERVE THE LORD

The Women and Childrens Home

provides a safe haven, much as Welcaredoes here in Surrey. There is also anOrphanage and a Child SponsorshipProgramme.

It was a real joy to visit one of thefeeding programmes in the slums - atotal of 400 elderly folk are given anutritious meal every day and a regulardistribution scheme provides hundredsof families with basic foods. The SocialService Team get to know the familiesand we were deeply moved to see thelove, kindness and genuine concern thatthey show to the people they arehelping.

When the Tsunami struck SouthernIndia, CMCT adopted one of the worst-

hit villages, rebuilt over 100 homes andreplaced their fleet of small fishingboats. The village now has a school,health centre and sewing andembroidery training centre.

It was truly inspiring to see what onewoman can achieve with Gods help.We are not all called to do great things,but we can all pray for projects like thisone and show Gods love to ourneighbours through small acts of kindness. Some of the Haven of HopeHandicraft items are available throughTearfunds Created catalogue of fairly-traded craft goods - so that isanother way we can help.

Brenda Wilkinson

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A GROUP of us went to Bible by

the beach again last Bank Holidayweekend. Although the weatherstarted off wet, it by no meansdampened anyones spirits. Wefound it a very uplifting experience,but the best bit was coming hometo listen to Benjamin praising Godwith arms outstretched in thegarden!

Here are a few comments fromothers who came with us:

A wonderfully uplifting experience. Marvellous opportunity to worship The Lord Jesus in company with many hundred other Christians and receive such a depth of sound Bible teaching from so many

gifted speakers and musicians. I'm still waking up singing the songs in my head. Roll on May 2013. - Peter and Joan.

The sun was not with us but the love of Gods son shone all around in the praising, the teaching and the fellowship totally refreshing and encouraging. Oh we do love to be beside the seaside! - Gill

At Bible by the Beach I've been refreshed, encouraged and stimulated by brilliant

BIBLE BY THE BEACH 2012

teaching, amazing music and a much deeper knowledge of Jesus Christ in all the Scripture. Wherever

you find yourself to be Bible by the Beach is the best fuel

you can get on the pit stop of life !!!. Absolutely

memorable. Don't miss it next year!!" - Gaby

'Ponder anew what the Almightycan do.' We sang these words on the first evening, and for me they set the

theme of the weekend. The great teaching and amazing worshipenabled me to 'ponder anew'. Being away for the weekend allowed me to really give God space, and made me focus on themessage of the gospel. If you havenot been to Bible by the Beach,think about coming next year. Its atreat not to be missed!

Malcolm & Diane

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CHURCH FAMILY NEWS

News and Thanks

Stephen and Mandy would like to express their gratitude for all the love andconcern expressed by the family at St John's over the past 8 weeks or so.The practical help and messages of encouragements have been amazing. Ithas meant a great deal to us to know that people have been praying and tosee God at work. We know it has really made a difference, so please don'tstop now!

Thank you too for the beautiful orchid that Ann delivered to us at Easter -another reminder of your care for us both. It was wonderful that he finallycame out of hospital on 8th May. There is a long way to go for Stephen inhis illness and as he recovers, with more trips to Kings to come. But we aregrateful for God's goodness in all of this and continue to pray that He will behonoured and glorified. Thank you all.

Congratulations and best wishes to Jane Judge and Paul Matthews whowere married in St John's on Saturday May 12th.

Congratulations to Rosie Archer, Amy and Oliver Marshall, RowanSaunders, Hannah Jones and Alice Medlam on their Confirmation on 20thMay and to Adam Grimwood, on his Confirmation and Baptism. BishopDavid Atkinson led the Service. Our love and prayers are with them all.

Congratulation to Rona on the presentation of her Girlguiding UK longservice award for 50 years service, From all at 1st Felbridge ( St John's )Rainbows, Brownies and Guides.

Weddings

Jane Judge married Paul Matthews on Saturday 12th May .

BaptismsAdam Grimwood was baptised on 20th May.

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PEST CONTROL SERVICESWasps, flies, fleas. All types of rodents and vermin 01342 321373

When you contact any of our advertisers, don't forget to mention that you sawtheir advert in Parish News. For advertising enquiries, contact

Gordon Wilkinson on 01342 311516 or John Dabell on 01342 317745.

KOINONIA COUNSELLINGMarriage problems, bereavement, depression, eating disorders etcJackie Lake 01342 718948

TV SALES, SERVICE & INSTALLATIONSPanasonic Specialists. Plasma, LCD, Multiroom Systems, Aerial & Satellite.Scott Brothers, 178 London Road, East Grinstead. 01342 321117

For Fairtrade gifts and jewellery that help lift people out of poverty, call Brenda Wilkinson on 01342 311516 for acatalogue and to place your order, or log on towww.createdgifts.org.

GARAGE & CAR REPAIRS, MOTs & COACHES

Woodcock Hill Service Station, London Road, Felbridge01342 32554401342 326213

BUTCHERARTHUR FRY, Lingfield Road, East Grinstead 01342 323225

CHIMNEY SWEEPMILBORROW CHIMNEY SWEEPS, The FlueologistsAll Flues and Appliances Swept and Serviced. Pots, Cowls,Caps, Birdguards, Fireplace Repairs, Stacks Repointed 01342 717900

FUNERAL DIRECTORSR MEDHURST, Vine House, HartfieldCaring family firm; home visits; 24 hour service.Memorials arranged: Golden Charter pre-paid Funeral Plans

01892 77025301342 315880

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USEFUL CONTACTS

Churchwardens: Phil Tadman 01342 322835e-mail: philandrosemary@sky.com

Andy Brown 01342 314267e-mail: brownemail@btinternet.com

Treasurer: Chris Saunders 01342 325662e-mail: treasurerstjohns@gmail.com

PCC Secretary: Sheila Drury 01342 323865e-mail: sheila.drury1@hotmail.co.uk

Magazine Editor: Lindsey Saunders 01342 325662

e-mail: parishmagstjohns@gmail.comCleaning Rota: Carole Grainger 01342 325482

Ministry of Flowers: Ann Morley 01342 714645e-mail: annmorley@aol.com

Church Hall Bookings: Sally Hobbs 01342 410929e-mail: hobbsfamilysja@gmail.com

Village Hall Bookings: Lynda Railton 01342 322205

CHILDREN/YOUNG PEOPLE ACTIVITIES Stars (3-6 yrs): Sally Hobbs 01342 410929

e-mail: hobbsfamilysja@gmail.com

Comets (Year 2-4): Diane Francis 01342 714575e-mail: d iane_francis@tiscali.co.uk

Meteors (Year 5-6): Gabye-mail: gabriella.cicala@gmail.com

The Rock (Year 7-9): Michael Peach 01342 312406e-mail: michaelstevenpeach@gmail.com

Parish Safeguarding Officer Chris Ely 01342 311614e-mail: c hristineely2@msn.com

Rainbows, Brownies & Guides Ann Tucker 01342 317283e-mail: ann_tucker@btinternet.com

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