Our Vision
Is to Aspire … to Inspire… a Desire… in JESUS!
April 2004 No 34
Well it’s off the drawing board and we are in!!
After some 3 years of plans, change of plans etc… we have finally completed the last part of a circuit wide logistical shake up, with in effect two new sections, the Bolsover section, and the Staveley and Brimington section. Or east and west sections, or any other titles you may wish, with answers on a postcard to the Circuit Administrator !!
We now have a fully refurbished manse in Bolsover, and a new manse at 5 Juniper Close Holingwood Chesterfield S43 2HX – tel: 01246 472488. Both are a credit to the circuit a joy to live in, and a real positive dimension to any prospective new ministers coming to our circuit, for the foreseeable future.
That does not mean all is finished, in my manse at Hollingwood, there is still some eternal work fencing, shed etc, and a study to create in one of the two garages. After moving in I found that the re-connection of phone line took nearly a week thanks to BT !! The internal phone extensions had to be re- connected, a leaking pipe repaired, some redecoration, but all was done promptly by Wimpey. I am still awaiting a final fix of the TV antenna.
That being said, the move has generally gone well, with me borrowing a van on the 10th of March and moving myself, doing lots of trips with my parents in tow, to move all the big items we needed. The house at Cromford Drive is now more or less empty with just the items for storage remaining…. Oh and my study. This I will have vacated by the end of March.
For the past few weeks my dad has been coming up to help me with DIY in the house, which has included thus far, laying a laminate floor in the conservatory, building storage units, putting up shelves, building a working surface and cupboards in the garage, as well as some gardening. To do is a loft ladder and floor in the loft, and a few more odd jobs.
So in many ways this is a new beginning for myself and the family. Thanks to all those who have sent cards and gifts !!
It must be said that, Naomi and Jacob, for the first time, have children of a similar age (and who attend the same school) to play with, and seem to be a very popular pair of children with a whole host of visitors !!
PS when the study is completed we will have an open day !!!
New Beginnings
On the theme of new beginnings, as I look towards Easter, I look to time when God in Christ, offers us New Life. For through His love shown to us in the passion of the cross, we can know our sins forgiven. In an age where so often grudges are held for long time and forgiveness so rarely displayed, God offers us unconditional love, acceptance, and forgiveness as we put our complete trust in Him. In the resurrection of Jesus we are offered eternal life. But, have we received these gifts for ourselves, is Easter Time, a time of new beginning for us as individuals, or a event just to be remembered ??
I do hope that each of us has a most blessed Easter Time, and that we look to new beginnings and personal renewal in Christ Jesus, as Our Saviour Lord and King.
I very much look forward to celebrating it with each of you !!
Yours In Christ, Mark Coles
THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST
For those of you who haven’t already heard of Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ”, it is a vivid portrayal of the last 12hours of Jesus’ life. It has been the subject of controversy in the United States from Jewish and Christian communities alike and is also beginning to stir up a fuss here in the UK.
In preparation for the UK release of this film, Premier Radio set up a small number of private viewings of the film for church leaders and representatives. The purpose of these viewings was to allow the Church to formulate an independent response to this film and to advise and equip church congregations in preparation for its general release. I attended the Sheffield screening of this film and the following is not presented as a “film review” but as general advice and information to allow you can make your own decisions about the film.
The film begins in the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus is captured and follows Jesus as he is brought before Pilate and then crucified. The film does not portray the “wonderful” story of Jesus we all were taught in Sunday School. It is a long, hard, dramatic and sometimes disturbing look at the 12 hours before Jesus’ crucifixion. The scenes where Jesus is flogged and crucified are brutally portrayed encouraging all kinds of emotions, pain, anger, pity, love. Maybe it takes something shocking for the world today to relate to the Crucifixion?
It is more an experience than just a film and although it is uncomfortable to watch at times it really gives a glimpse into the reality of the Jesus’ crucifixion and reminds me the scale of the sacrifice God made. Not all will be able to watch the film as the violence is very detailed (the film is worthy of an 18 certificate) but I would really encourage you to watch the film if you are able.
I do not imagine the film will cause thousands to be immediately converted as they leave the cinema, but what I hope it will do is provoke questions. It is important that we, as Christians, be in a position to answer these questions and to use this opportunity effectively. Controversy has already been displayed on the television from America as Jews claim the film to be Anti-Semitic. Such arguments can never be fully resolved as human views will always differ. In answer to these claims we should remind the world that Jesus did not die just as a result of an angry mob shouting “crucify him”, it was always part of God’s plan to show his love for us. Jesus died to save us all, so if somebody asks you why all the violence displayed in the film, we can answer “because Jesus loves you”. Never has that love for us been portrayed so graphically.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me for more details (07779 793540 or e-mail: dave.buckley2@btinternet.com). Your comments after seeing the film are also welcome so I can feed them back to Premier Radio.
David Buckley
THE LAST JOURNEY OF JESUS
DRAGGING His cross, along the road
The frenzied crowd scream and goad
A crown of thorns, pierced His head
No mercy was shown, no prayers were said
They forgot this man, taking the blame
He healed their sick, the blind, the lame
He came in love, from His kingdom on high
Destined to suffer, willing to die
No greater love could there ever be
Than to lay down His life for you and for me
Do not weep, the Spirit says
I will be with you
To the end of your days.
June Jones (Brimington Common)
BRIMINGTON
In the week up to Easter the Brimington section are holding a community outreach week. Nel has produced a plan of action under the title “Images” and it includes many events – starting with a community meal at 5.30 pm at Hall Road on Friday 2 April. The three Brimington churches are all venues for events through the week, and anyone from the area will be welcomed to any or all of the meetings.
See church notice boards for full programme details.
NETWORK NEWS
Again this year, the district is holding quiet days of retreat at Whirlow Grange and Bawtry Hall. The days are to be led by Revd Helena Harbottle from Doncaster and will be on 27/28 April from 10.00 am until 4.00 pm. For more details contact either Rita Sawyer or Gwen Cushing.
BROKENNESS
Brokenness isn’t a popular subject, especially in a world that applauds bravado. Yet it’s usually the price of success – check the record: in most of the Bible’s great success stories there is a chapter on breaking.
· How did Moses, prince of Egypt, become the meekest man who ever lived? (Meekness depicts a wild horse that has been broken and is responsive to even the slightest tug of the rein). Forty years in the wilderness will do it every time!
· How did Saul, a proud pharisee, become Paul, a slave of Christ and servant of every believer? Listen “Our light affliction... is working for us” (2 Corinthians 4:17)
Now there’s a new concept for some of us – affliction… working for us. It is one thing to be broken like the prodigal – because you have disobeyed your (Heavenly) father. It is entirely another thing to be broken in doing His will!
· Gideon’s three hundred men had to break their pitchers before the light within could shine out, and the enemy could be defeated.
· Elisha had to break his plough, sacrifice his security, and follow Elijah, before he could qualify for a double portion.
· Mary had to expose herself to ridicule and break her alabaster box of oitment over the feet of Jesus in order to receive one of His highest commendations – “wherever the Gospel is preached, what she has done will be told of her” (Matthew 26:13).
If you want to accomplish anything for God, you must be willing to be broken in all areas of your life – including your ambitions, reputation, desires and self-will. Just as grain must be ground to make bread.
Reprinted from Word for Today 20 May Mother Teresa said: |
FOR YOUR DIARIES
For those of you who missed recent circuit business meetings, the dates of the next meetings which have been fixed are as follows:-
Circuit Meeting – at Hillstown at 7.30 pm on 9th September 2004
Circuit Property Meeting – at Staveley on 25th November 2004
Circuit G P Meeting – still to be arranged
GOOD FRIDAY at DUCKMANTON
A faith tea at 4.00 pm will be followed at 6.00 pm by a service led by Revd Peter Cross.
BARLBOROUGH METHODIST CHURCH CONCERT
The folk at Barlborough will be presenting an “Old Time Music Hall” on 13th, 14th, 15th, 21st and 22nd May 2004. Tickets are £3.50 (£2.50 for children) and are now available from Peter Widdowson, Audrey Greaves, Jennifer Seston (or any other members at Barlborough!)
CIRCUIT OFFICE
Please note: As from mid March, the opening hours at the office have been revised. Over the months I have found it more and more difficult to merge the Clowne fellowship and the office on Thursdays. So to make the coverage more even through the week, the office will be open on Monday morning, Wednesday morning and Friday morning until further notice. (Morning = 9.00 am until noon – although you will probably be able to contact me there until 1.00 pm most days!)
David
On behalf of myself, Betty and our family, a very big “THANK YOU” for the enormous number of cards, for practical help, phone calls, visitors, enquiries, and especially the prayers offered during my recent major surgery for two aneurisms. I felt quite overwhelmed at times by the affection and concern shown. This “THANK YOU” through “Our Vision” is probably the only way I can be in touch with so many people to express my gratitude. The prayers, particu larly, I feel have given me “God’s peace which passeth all understanding” through the various difficulties of recovery. At the time of writing, I am improving slowly, a day at a time. Again – a very big heartfelt “THANK YOU”, Yours in Jesus’ name Cedric Oldfield |
Circuit DIARY
Meetings and Other Church Events for the forthcoming months.
To have your meeting/event included in this listing – Please leave a message at the circuit office – 01246 470859. (I would rather hear the same message many times than miss it because everyone leaves it to someone else! - David)
April
8 Maundy Thursday meetings 7.00 pm Staveley
Rev G Fisher 7.30 pm Clowne
Rev P Cross 7.30 pm Bolsover
8.00 pm Brimington
9 Good Friday Witness 10.00 am Staveley
United : Rev M Shaw 10.30 am Bolsover
(meet at Salvation Army) 10.30 am Clowne
11.00 am Inkersall
12.00 noon Brimington
(in the market place) 1.00 pm Staveley
Rev P Cross 6.00 pm Duckmanton
11 Band Praise evening 7.30 pm Brimington
17 Men’s Fellowship Breakfast 8.30 am Staveley
19 Circuit Prayer Meeting 7.30 pm Hillstown
19 Deadline for material to be included in next newsletter
26 Sisterhood Rally 3.00 pm Clowne
26 Churches Working Together in Chesterfield – Prayer Meeting
for Youth, Youth Workers and Youth Work TBA
27 District Quiet Day (Network) 10.00 am Whirlow Grange
28 District Quiet Day (Network) 10.00 am Bawtry Hall
30 Circuit Prayer Meeting 7.30 pm Barrow Hill
May
10 Circuit Prayer Meeting 7.30 pm Brimington Common
15 Men’s Fellowship Breakfast 8.30 am Staveley
21 Circuit Prayer Meeting 7.30 pm Brimington
24 Deadline for material to be included in next newsletter