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FROM THE EDITOR

JUNE: Articles for this Issue to be handed in by

SUNDAY 13th May. Publication: 27th May

Please 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:Irises at Wisley

By Malcolm Francis

I WAS disappointed not to be able toinclude any book reviews in this edition of

the Felbridge Parish News. Please do letme .know of any books you have read,which you would like to recommend. Theydont have to be Christian books. We oftenlisten to audio CDs on long journeys in thecar, which weve borrowed from thelibrary. Weve just finished listening toCosmic by Frank Cottrell Boyce. Its reallya childrens story, but I found it both funny

and gripping. I would find myself sitting inthe car and listening to it when I was bymyself, then Id have to rewind it to theplace where the boys had been listening toit. Its also actually quite a good parentingguide in an odd sense. It makes you reflecton your own motives and actions as aparent and shows you in a comic way someof the traps that parents can easily fall into.

Also by the same author: Framed-definitely worth listening to if you aregoing on holiday to Wales! We listened toit two years ago on our holidays and wouldoften just sit in the car at the end of the

journey to continue listening - it was thatgood! So, I look forward to hearing yourrecommendations.

Im looking forward to the FelbridgeCountry Show next month. There are lotsof competitions to enter, so youd better getstarted now! See page 9 for details.

Lindsey Saunders

VICAR: The Rev Stephen Bowen(absent on sick leave - please contact

associate minister or church wardens.

ASSOCIATE MINISTER:

Michael Peach5 Burns Way, East Grinstead,

West Sussex RH19 1SA

Tel: 01342 312406

michaelstevenpeach@gmail.com

Michaels day off: Friday

VICAR UPDATE

Since the last magazine and theEaster leaflets were distributedwith the news of our Vicar,Stephen Bowen's illness, thediagnosis has been changedsomewhat. He is currentlyin King's College Hospital,London, where he has undergonetwo major operations and is now

recovering slowly. He and Mandyare very grateful for your ongoingprayers and concern.'

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all that God has called them to

do, both locally and furtherafield, and to provide a relaxedenvironment to introducefriends and family who havelittle or no experience of church.

Tim Jupp, formerly of Delirious,heads up the BigChurchDayOut

team. Our partners include theWiston Estate, other numerousorganizations and localchurches and supporters fromacross the UK and beyond, whoshare a common desire toserve the church. Individuals,church leaders, whole churchesand other Christiancommunities give their time andexpertise to bring theBigChurchDayOut alive.

We are not a money makingevent, and are blessed withdonations from generous

donors who have investedheavily in the vision of theBigChurchDayOut. That visionsees us reaching out to asmany of Gods people as wecan, which is why ticket pricesare heavily discounted. See

www.bigchurchdayout.com/tickets for prices.

THE BIG CHURCH DAY OTHE BIG CHURCH DAY OTHE BIG CHURCH DAY OUTUTUT

THE BigChurchDayOut isall about us coming together

to celebrate our faith, nomatter what our church orbackground. TheBigChurchDayOut is aboutpeople and faith, music andworship, activities, families,and just being together.Theres something foreverybody, from a nice cup oftea with a ChamberOrchestra, to high energyworship, and some of thebest Christian music theworld has to offerits allabout being church together.

Our aim is to encourage andinspire people to press in for

2nd & 3rd JuneIn the beautiful groundsof Wiston House, Steyning

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FELBRIDGE WILDLIFE

Gathering Gnats in May

OUR BAT has emerged from thetorpor that enabled it to survive theWinter and has flown a couple ofsorties over the garden, snatchingthe small flies that dance at dusk. Itis a pipistrelle and came from thedirection of The Glebe.

The lengthening days haveencouraged those easily identifiablebutterflies, the orange tip and theholly blue, to Felbridge gardens andhedgerows and also a remarkablebee fly which hovers in front of ourgrape hyacinths, sucking nectarthrough its long proboscis.

Among the hairy woodrush which

infests our lawn, some dog violetshave surprisingly appeared, withtiny heart-shaped leaves and blueflowers, paler than those of thescented sweet violet.

Indoors,creatures thatare apt toattack the

fabric of oursociety areheadingoutdoors. Onemember of ourhome groupbrought alongseveral larvae of the case-bearingclothes moth. This insect cunningly

camouflaged itself with particles ofthe carpet which was its flavour of

the month. We took as our textMatthew Chapter 6 verse 19, Donot store up for yourselvestreasures on earth, where mothand rust destroy.

A walk on Ashdown Forest hasrevealed a new information panelexplaining the 'pillow mounds' thatare relics of the time when rabbits,introduced for food and fur by theNormans, were strictly the propertyof the Lord of the Manor andpoaching was rigorouslydiscouraged. Seven such warrensare still identifiable and the oneappealing most to this punster isheaded WARREN PEACE.

On Palm Sunday, the waters ofBeaver Lakes were covered bysilver-grey catkins blown from thebordering pussy willows. Thesehad been boarded by shiny silverwater beetles indulging in a freneticaquatic game of Bumper Cars.

This month, the delicate blue

damselflies will appear and thelarger, faster-flying dragonfliesclimb out of their nymphal larvalskins to take to the air, as theyhave done for the past 300 millionyears. Makes me feel quite young.

Peter Bateman.

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WHATS HAPPENING

Sunday Services

St Catherine's Sussex WealdBike Ride

St Catherines Hospice will be holding the9th annual Sussex Weald Bike Ride onSunday 20th May 2012. Routes range froma fun 10 mile circuit that all the family canenjoy, through to a hilly 44 mile challengefor the more experienced cyclist. All routesare on-road and fully marshalled with clear,frequent route signs.

6th May 10am Family Service, 6pm Evening Service

13th May Holy Communion at8am, Morning Service at 10am &Evening Service at 6pm

20th May Confirmation Service with Holy Communion at 10am,Raise the Roof at 6pm

27th May Morning Services at 8am & 10am, Evening Service at 6pm

Ascension Day Service

On Thursday 17th May at 8pm in the Chancel

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Felbridge and District HorticulturalSociety17th May Plant and produce sale anddemonstration of how to plant up your hanging

baskets.

THROUGH THE WEEK

Mondays Connections 2-4pm on 14th May in the Church Hall

Tuesdays WI 1st May at 1.30pm in the village Hall

Wednesdays Watercolour on Wednesdays in the Church Hall at 2pm

1st Felbridge ( St Johns) Brownies

Prayer on Wednesday (non-homegroup weeks) at 8pm

Afternoon Prayer meeting on at the home of Di Giles at 2.30pm,4th Wednesday of the month

Thursdays WIGS at the Old Pheasantry, Woodcock Hill at 10.30am (home of

June Clark)

Girls Bible Study in the Church Hall at 4pm JAFFA Plus in the Church hall on 5th April at 5pm - 7pm

Fridays 1st Felbridge (St Johns) Rainbows

1st Felbridge (St Johns) Guides

Saturdays

Mens breakfast on 26th May at 5 Burns Way from 8.3010am

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GOD AND THE ENVIRONMENT

THE ENVIRONMENT Agency

declared this week official drought

zones in numerous English counties

and warned that water shortages could

last until Christmas. Farmers are

rethinking the management of planting

root crops and water provision for their

cattle.

In several regions, poverty, drought,

and war prevent access to safe water.

Mostly women and children spend agood part of their day hauling water.

Contaminated drinking water is a daily

health threat for millions of children.

Water is described as the oil of the

future and it is likely that wars will be

fought over it. So beyond

environmental, health and social

factors there is a moral and politicaldimension. Water provision in much of

the world is a matter of justice.

The scarcity of water asks questions

about our individual and communal

stewardship. Professor Arjen Hoekstra

created the idea of the water

footprint, an indicator of both direct

and indirect water use of a consumer or

producer. For example, the water

footprint of a soy burger is about 160

litres, whereas that of a beef burger isabout 1,000 litres. Professor Hoekstra

said: Water problems are often closely

tied to the structure of the global

economy. Many countries have

significantly externalised their water

footprint, importing water-intensive

goods from elsewhere. This puts

pressure on the water resources in theexporting regions, where too often

mechanisms for wise water governance

and conservation are lacking. Not only

governments, but also consumers,

businesses and civil society

communities can play a role in

achieving a better management of water

resources.

Water was a precious commodity in the

region where Jesus lived. Interestingly,

his conversation with the woman at the

well is the most extensive recorded

dialogue. The introduction that he

had to go through Samaria, does not

refer to a geographical route but ratherto his missionary thrust. Samaritans

were among the marginalised groups in

society; ethnic and religious outcasts.

Subverting the gender, social and

religious dynamics, he engages this

Samaritan woman in a conversation

about living water. She may have

expected Jesus to point her to anunderground stream, which would have

What is your Water footprint?

Beyond our borders, water

scarcity affects more than 2.7

billion people.

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The Friends of the College

Invite you to

Music for a Summer Evening

with

The Sussex Cantorum Chamber Choir

Conductor: Simon Austin

and

The Wealden Recorder ConsortOn Sunday 10th

June 2012, 7.30pm

at

The College of St Barnabas, Blackberry Lane,

Lingfield RH7 6NJAdmission: Free. Advance booking required. Please contact:

The Bursars Office, The College of St. Barnabas

Tel: 01342 870260 or

Mrs. C. Taylor Tel: 01342 322494.Refreshments will be available.

been an invaluable source. However,

he speaks of the living waterthat will

become a spring of water welling up to

eternal life (John 4:4-26).

The prophet Jeremiah refers to God asthe spring of living water. Yet, the

people have forsaken him and have

dug their own broken cisterns that

cannot hold water. The effects of such

brokenness are all around us. In this

season of drought and leakage, we see

a call for the living water of God to

flow into conversations acrossboundaries and borders.

Gods promise that He will pour water

on the thirsty land and streams on the

dry ground is reflected in Jesus

encounter with this woman. As their

conversation progresses, he describes

the true worshipers who will worship

the Father in Spirit and in truth. The

well of life in Christ affects all aspects

of life, restoring the individual and

communal cisterns. Beyond the

spiritual life, it will address hosepipe-

bans, consumption, global markets,

boycotting of products and effective

international diplomacy. It causes

justice to roll down like a river,

righteousness like a never-ending

stream.

As we follow in His footsteps may we

leave an alternative water footprint

and see a well of salvation spring up.

Friday night Theology

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SEVERAL of our memberswent to hear auditions fromprospective speakers and werevery entertained by them, so we,hopefully, will have a reallywide range of interests coveredfor our next year.

Some of our members enjoyedthe day taster at Denman and arealready planning which coursethey would like to go on.

Our competition was an unusualeggcup and it was amazing thevariety of entries that were ondisplay a hard task for thejudge who was also the speakerfor the afternoon. Mr. Carringtonexplained how fingerprints can

VILLAGE ISSUES

be easily recognised and that

even though one criminal hadhis fingerprints removed bysurgery they, in fact, came backafter four years as the growthcomes from the bone. We heardstories of individual burglarswho were well known and

whose jail terms were noted sothey would know who and whenthey were likely to re-offend.

Our next meeting will be aResolution debate with a fishand chip lunch and followed bya Beetle Drive. We meet on thefirst Tuesday of the month inFelbridge Village Hall atl.30pm. For more details ring322302.

Daphne Ayerst

27 New Homes in Felbridge?

Countryside Properties have announcedplans for 27 new homes in Felbridge in anew development in Copthorne Roadopposite the Mulberry Gate Development. Ifyou are concerned /interested or for moreinformation phone 01293 272819 or emailcopthorneroad@bidwells.co.uk

Felbridge W.I.

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Felbridge VillageStore new opening

times:

Mondays-Saturdays

8am to 7:30pmSundays 8am to 4pm.

Felbridge Country ShowMore and more organisations are coming on board for the Country

Show on 16th June, so there will be much to see and do andno charge for entry: a great day out for all the family.

Tickets are now available for the Family Disco in the evening, fromthe website at www.show.felbridge.org.uk or from Stephonie Clarkeon 715830.

ART CRAFT COMPETTION

There are both adult and under 14 competition classes covering many

areas of art and craft do enter something you have made or perhapstry something completely new and enter that. Our new WI craft groupis trying all sorts of new skills, including our entry for the BuntingCompetition. Not difficult to make, the buntingentries will all be decorating the show and shouldlook wonderful. Remember that the most importantrule in all our competitions is that you must havehad FUN doing them!

PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION

Have you got a camera? Most of you will have, even if it is only theone on your phone. This is your chance to see one of your pictures onshow; have a look at the photography classes and have a go.

Full details of events and entry forms for competitions on the websiteor at the village shop.

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

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Let no man boast himself that

he has got through the perils of

winter till at least the 7th May.Anthony Trollope (Dr. Thorne)

I WAS always taught that our

gardens are not safe until at least the

17th May, but the 7th would be a

start. I get cross every year when I

see Garden Centres tempting theircustomers with tender bedding

plants weeks before it is safe to plant

them out. Do resist! It is so

disheartening to go to all that

expense and put in all that hard

work, only to lose them all to a

sudden frost. What we can be getting

on with is planting up summer

baskets and containers, which can

be moved into shelter if a frost

threatens. Permanently planted

containers need some TLC now too;

theyve survived all winter but are

getting hungry now and need top

dressing. Just remove the top two or

three inches of compost, loosen up

the compacted layers beneath and

top up with new potting compost.

This year I am determined to stake

the tall perennials before they need it

but then I am determined every

year and still I leave it too late! There

always seems to something thatneeds to be done first.

Not only our gardens, but our ponds

are really coming to life now. Webuilt a new one last autumn

possibly the heaviest task I have

ever undertaken! Most of the plants

rescued from the old pond have

made it and even the frogs, which I

had feared might desert us, came

back, so we have been overrun with

tadpoles. Unfortunately, and despiteall our best efforts, the blanket weed

seems to have also survived the

move to new premises. Like all

weeds, it is growing faster than

anything else!

The gardening highlight of the year,

Chelsea, is approaching fast; it willbe from 22nd 26th May. This year

there are Chelsea Fringe events

across London from 19th May to

10th June just Google it for details;

it sounds like an exciting

development, run entirely by

volunteers.

The Felbridge highlight of the year,the Country Show is also on its way,

with plenty of opportunities for

everyone to enter the various

horticultural competitions, so have a

look at the classes you dont have

to be an expert for this show. Why

not give it a try and join in our fastest

growing leisure activity, Grow Your

Own?

Rosemary Archer

IN THE GARDEN

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TELL ME WHY?

The Bible says Judge not so why do Christians go on

so much about right and wrong?EVEN AMONG those outside the church, one very well known snippet of a Bibleverse is the instruction Judge not. This is taken by many to mean that Christiansshould not say anything or anyone is wrong, particularly in the realm of personalrelationships and morality. So are Christians who speak about right and wrongdisobeying the Bible?

As always when thinking about a Bible verse, the context of what is said is veryimportant. Here is what it says:

Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you

will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. (Matthew7:1-2 NIV)

The phrase Judge not or Do not judge is an instruction against being judgemental.It is warning us that the same standard we use with others will be used against us.This verse is a warning to Christians against a self-righteous or judgemental attitude.However, it is not a command against exercising judgement in the sense of speakingabout right and wrong.

These verses come in part of Matthews account of Jesus life, in a talk Jesus gavewhich is often called The Sermon on the Mount. In it Jesus speaks of what is rightand wrong in many areas of life: in our relationships with others, in our relationshipwith God, and even in our inner thoughts and attitudes. Jesus clearly says somethings are right and others wrong.

Sometimes Christians can come across as judgemental or self-righteous but weshould never be like this! Reading this part of Matthews Gospel makes us all realisehow far short we fall of living Gods way. Every Christian must recognise that we

have frequently failed to live as God would have us do. However, we must still speakof right and wrong, as the Bible says these things really matter. In particular ourattitude to Jesus is crucial. A few verses after the ones we have been looking at, Jesussays this:

Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads

to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road

that leads to life, and only a few find it. (Matthew 7:13-14 NIV)

Jesus says that there are two paths: one is right and one is wrong. One path leads to

eternal death, but the other to life forever through trusting Jesus. You can judge foryourself which is best!

Michael Peach

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FELBRIDGE HOTEL & SPA OFFERS

Fathers Day Lunch on Sunday 17th June

Treat your Dad this Fathers Day by enjoying a 2 or 3 course lunch in

the 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 coursesjust 37.50

Type in this link to see the menu:http://www.felbridgehotel.co.uk/fathers-day-lunch.html

To 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 14th May, 2pm-4pm,

in St Johns Church Hall.

For more information please do contact Don Ely or MichaelPeach.

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coming to Chequer Mead

on June 14th and 15th - at

7:30pm.Tickets are available from the Chequer

Mead box office, telephone 01342-302000.

Made famous by the multi award-winning film 'Chariots of Fire', thisbrand new dramatisation brings to lifeon stage the incredibly inspiring lifestory of Eric Liddell. He was so muchmore than merely one of Scotland'sgreatest Olympians, as in all areas of hislife he ran with a purpose, a desire towin for his country and to behonourable to God.A brilliant new production to coincidewith the run up to the 2012 OlympicGames.

GIRL GUIDING IN FELBRIDGEAt St Johns church we have very active Rainbow, Brownie and Guide units,

We are looking for women aged 18-65 who want to have fun. Being a helpercan be a rewarding experience all round, every woman brings differentinvaluable skills to being a helper, and that is what makes Guiding Great!!

We have lots of opportunities for adults, from helping within a unit witheither Rainbows age 5-7 Brownies 7-1O or Guides 1O-14, on a weekly

basis or help with activities a couple of times a term, to helping onweekends away, plus much more The possibilities are endless

Want to find out just how resourceful you are? Try new activities and learnnew skills whilst helping the girls to do the same, join the fun and gameswhich comes with helping at Rainbows, Brownies and Guides and meetnew people? Then .....Being a leader or helper with 1st FelbridgeRainbows, Brownies or Guides is for you!

Please contact Ann and Louise Tucker on 01342 317283 or by email

felbridge_rbg@hotmail.co.uk for more details of how you can help at ourweekly meetings or if you have a daughter who would like to join us or beput on our waiting lists

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AT THE APCM Andy Brownreported that the church centreproject while scaled back was stillin progress. Followingconsultation with thecongregation, the feeling was thatour urgent need is to improve thetoilets and the kitchen. With this

in mind the PCC have reviewedwhere we are and how we mightimmediately address theseissues.

Wardens Phil Tadman and AndyBrown reported that they had meton site with the church architect and a builder who thought that the workcould be done in the school summer holidays, thus minimising disruption togroups using the hall. The kitchen and toilets can be addressed within theexisting footprint of the building though this will reduce the size of the hall.The solution is to extend the hall to the South. The PCC felt the timerequired for obtaining local authority planning permission plus approval fromthe DAC would delay the work at the north end, but the rest of the workcould hopefully be completed without delay. The first phase of the work willinvolve a new entrance, kitchen, toilets and remedial work in the crche andvestry (approx. 130,000 if a new roof is included).

The PCC felt that we should probably still continue with plans to extend at

the north end in a second phase. It is important to keep up the momentumas there have been a lot of delays. The main decisions involve the layoutand design of the new kitchen; Lis Woolley will lead a group consisting ofCecilia Bliss and Carole Grainger to decide on the layout of the new kitchen.Richard Poole and others will be consulted for specialist advice.

With this specific plan we will go to tender. Now is the time for yoursuggestions as we paint in the details. Please talk with Lis and her teamabout how you wish to use the new kitchen. Please talk with the Wardens onany other issues.

Malcolm Francis

WHATS COOKING.?

Plans for a bigger kitchen

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CURRENT ISSUES:CORRUPTION

Fraud, embezzlement, bribery how it affects the poor

WITHIN the past month, you may haveread about cricketers Danish Kaneriaand Mervyn Westfield being chargedwith corruption and Hong Kongproperty owners Raymond and ThomasKwok being arrested on suspicion ofcorrupt activities.

Corruption appears to be everywhere.The 2011 Corruption Perceptions Indexfrom Transparency Intl. shows that noregion in the world is immune to thedamages of corruption. The majority ofthe 183 countries and territories assessedhad a score below five on a scale of 0(highly corrupt) to 10 (very clean.) NewZealand, Denmark and Finland were at

the top of the list, while North Koreaand Somalia were at the bottom.

In Russia, president Dmitry Medvedevis crusading against endemic corruption.Kickbacks from state contracts areestimated to cost the country 2% of itsGDP.

Despite the financial crisis in Greece,

hospitals, tax offices and constructionlicence bodies still rank top for pettybribery. At public hospitals, patients orrelatives are expected to pay from 30and 20,000 to ensure faster treatmentthan normal.

In his Tearfund report, The Cost ofCorruption, Bryan Evans says that inSouth Korea officials take bribes to help

the sons of influential people avoidmilitary service. In Haiti, Finance

Ministry inspectors found that 23% ofnames on the government payroll werebogus. In Nigeria, the family of theformer military ruler General SaniAbacha is alleged to have stolen over$5 billion from the treasury.

It is usually the poorest people in the

world that suffer when aid money issiphoned into private bank accounts, orbribes distort public spendingpriorities. It is the poor who are mostdependent on good public services, forthey have few alternatives. Whereendemic corruption sparks civil unrestit is the poor that suffer. And whenenvironmental rules are breached, it issocietys poorest that are most affectedby climate change.

Our magazine designer Jon Toogoodmentioned to me The Mo IbrahimPrize, awarded annually to a formerAfrican head of state who hasdemonstrated excellence in leadershipto develop their country, lift people outof poverty and pave the way for

prosperity. Its to be hoped that thiskind of approachacknowledging andrewarding good governancewill helpmake a difference. The Bible is clearon the matter (Proverbs 17:23): Awicked man accepts a bribe in secret topervert the course of justice.

Gordon Wilkinson

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Celebrating

SpringYou are invited to join usfor a walk and worshipCome and go as you

please -join us for the whole dayor for any part of the walk

Bank Holiday Monday 7 May 2012

10 am 5 pm

Starting at St Stephen, South Godstonevisiting St George, Crowhurst, St John Blindley Heath,

and St Marks Chapel, South Park

Prayers in the churches we visit throughout the day

(some with royal connections in the Diamond Jubilee year, andending with tea at the home of HM Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey)

Lunch and refreshments provided

This years walk is through rolling countrysidewith some stiles but no steep hills.

For more information and additional booking forms, contact Ann Wright. 11Parkhurst Road, Horley, Surrey RG6 8EU

Tel 01293 821322 Email wright@btinternet.comAn event arranged by the Southwark Diocesan Faith in theCountryside Group

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A LITTLE over five years ago

Stephen asked if I would take over aswarden from Margaret Malcolm as shewas moving. My immediate andemphatic response was, No, thankyou; that is NOT a position I wouldfeel comfortable with or which I feelgifted to do! I did, however, promiseto pray that God would provide the'right' person..... which is always a

dangerous thing to pray! To his greatcredit, Stephen never mentioned it tome again, although when I asked himtentatively whether he had foundanyone else, the answer was negative.But, as the date for the APCM drewever closer, I began to feel more andmore uncomfortable. Suppose Godwasn't providing anyone else because I

was the answer to my own prayer?!Eventually, after much prayer andheart-searching, and after talking to afew friends, I decided to phone Stephenand say I would be willing IF hecouldn't find a better alternative! Iadded that I would take it on for oneyear only, until he could find areplacement!

So, five years later, I am delighted tobe able to hand over to Phil Tadman,knowing that St John's is in the safeand capable hands of Phil and AndyBrown, under God's guidance, for thisnext challenging phase in Stephen'sabsence; and I can be confident thatthey will do a far better job in thesecircumstances than I would be able to

do....

At the end of those five years, do I

HANDING ON THE BATON......

have any regrets? By God's grace, I can

honestly reply with a resounding No!I have certainly felt challenged; oftenout of my depth; and there have beentimes which I have found extremelydifficult and when I have felt verylonely. But in spite of those times ormost probably because of them! Ihave had to trust in the Lord's help andguidance more than ever, and learn to

commit everything to Him in prayer asI went along. As a result, these fiveyears have been a wonderfully positiveand enriching experience which Iwouldn't have missed, as I have seenprayers answered and problems solvedin a way which has strengthened anddeepened my own faith.

One of the best parts has been the

opportunity to get to know more of thechurch family better, and that issomething I shall continue to enjoy inthe less demanding role of DeputyWarden! I couldn't have managed at allif it hadn't been for the support andencouragement of so many - thank youall! - and I am very grateful for thetolerance shown by Stephen and others

when I've made mistakes. I can nowlook forward (from a more back-seatperspective!), with the rest of thechurch family, to all that the Lord hasin store for us in the future, as we buildon the solid foundations which havebeen laid down through Stephen'sministry over these past years; and Ican look back with gratitude at all I

have learnt in the past five years.

Anne Butler

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CHURCH FAMILY NEWS

News and Thanks

CONGRATULATIONS to Jessica and Peter Stopp on the birth ofanother granddaughter!

Sheila Drury would really like to thank all those who have so kindlybeen praying for their grandson Jenson. He is now home after almost8 weeks in hospital. Wonderful!

Would anyone like to visit the Chichester Cathedral Festival ofFlowers on Friday, 8th June? We have a provisional booking on asixteen seater, air conditioned Mini Bus to leave St. Johns at 10am,returning from Chichester at 3pm. The cost with a full coach is18.60 each plus 9 entry fee. Please speak as soon as possible toeither Thelma Manning on 01342 327587 or emailThelma.manning@homestall.co.uk or Ann Morley on 01342 714645or email ann.morley935@btinternet.com

Come and enjoy

The music and songs from the West End TheatresSung by Sam, Naomi and Friends from the London Stage

Sunday 6th May 2012 at 7pm

At the Church of St. John the Evangelist,High Street, Dormansland, RH7 6RA

Tickets: 12.50 available from

Mrs Wendy Rose: 01342 870681

Please make cheques payable to Friends of the College of

St. Barnabas.Refreshments Available

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PEST CONTROL SERVICES

Wasps, 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 COUNSELLING

Marriage problems, bereavement, depression, eating disorders etc

Jackie Lake 01342 718948

TV SALES, SERVICE & INSTALLATIONS

Panasonic 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 ofpoverty, 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 325544

01342 326213

BUTCHERARTHUR FRY, Lingfield Road, East Grinstead 01342 323225

CHIMNEY SWEEP

MILBORROW CHIMNEY SWEEPS, The Flueologists

All Flues and Appliances Swept and Serviced. Pots, Cowls,

Caps, Birdguards, Fireplace Repairs, Stacks Repointed 01342 717900

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

R MEDHURST, Vine House, Hartfield

Caring family firm; home visits; 24 hour service.

Memorials arranged: Golden Charter pre-paid Funeral Plans

01892 770253

01342 315880

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USEFUL CONTACTS

Churchwardens: Phil Tadman 01342 322825e-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 410929e-mail: hobbsfamilysja@gmail.com

Comets (Year 2-4): Diane Francis 01342 714575e-mail: diane_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: christineely2@msn.com

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

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