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July logo

Click where underlined to read an article
(EXTRA – Not in main magazine)

HOLD THE FRONT PAGE!
New Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham announced

Regular features

Deadline for August/September 2009 issue
From your Editorial Team
On-line with God – July 2009
Prayer Focus: Stress Management
Pray for Waltham Forest LINC newsletter (June 2009)
Team Talk: 40 and still growing

Parish information

Big Ideas about Small Groups
Farewell to Ola Franklin – pictures
Mid Week at St Stephen’s – July
Sister Ann Moore (née Stowe) 1941-2009
Spend quality time with your kids: 11 & 18 July
St Mary’s School Summer Fair - pictures

Other pieces

A prayer for hard times
‘A Tale of Two Tea Sets’ – Vestry House Museum
Bèboos BBQ EXTRA
Before God and the watching world
Bishop John’s final report
Café Refresh – Art & Spirituality
Christian personality types
Contemplative Meditation: 15 August 2009
Faith Journeys
Haven House Summer Fayre
Humour – A sign…
Humour – Church Services
Humour – Doggy Nap
Humour – Hospital Technology
Joining the Liberation Movement
London 2012 – The legacy discussed
Love installation
Scargill House
Temper Control
Walthamstow Floral Art Society
Walthamstow Village Residents’ Association – London in Bloom EXTRA

(For more information about our staff, services and activities see the bar on the right hand side – click to contact our Parish Office)

Car Parking at St Gabriel’s

Car Parking at St Gabriel’s is very limited. We are only allowed to park on the right hand side, nearest the church. If you park on the left hand side, nearest Matthew Court, you will be liable to be clamped. The residents are very vigilant in watching out for transgressors. Please note the signage is ambiguous at the moment but we are discussing the situation with Matthew Court and hope that this will be made clearer soon. Please contact Nigel or St Gabriel’s Office if you have any questions.

BE AWARE!

Next issue: (info to follow - Aug/Sept 09)
Previous issue: June 2009

Welcome Message
Glitter Word Generator

Unfortunately just too late for the printed version as news was embargoed until today, 29 June, the editorial team are delighted to be able to pass on this exciting news!

Read more here

Paul Butler, currently Bishop of Southampton
formerly Team Rector of the Parish of Walthamstow (1994-2004)

Return to Index for the Parish of Walthamstow Magazine, July 2009

From your Editorial Team

Clipart meetingWelcome to the July issue of the magazine of the parish of Walthamstow!

First of all, an apology—especially to any of us feeling the financial pinch right now.  The June editorial included reference to: “. . . practical Christian action on debt, as more and more parishioners—and we don’t just mean those who worship at our churches—are affected by the continuing . . . financial crisis.”  Except that I missed out the crucial word ‘just’, thus completely altering the intended meaning (Christian responsibility for our neighbour) to imply that regular worshippers were immune to the current turmoil.  It was very late, and I was very tired …  (This online magazine was easily corrected even though the paper version had already gone to press!)

This seems to be the season for farewells.  Ola Franklin, our Reader and Pastoral Worker, has already moved up the M11, ready for ordination and a curacy in Dave Welch’s parish in Old Harlow.  There are a few photos of the ’Goodbye Ola’ lunch on 21 June.

Then, at St Mary’s at 10.30 am on Sunday 19 July, it’ll be time to say ‘Farewell’ to our Careforce Workers, Christian and Lucy, and also our Assistant Youth Worker, Domnique Strachan-Brookes. Do come and give them a Walthamstow send off they’ll really remember!

Before then, there’s another ’Farewell’ of a kind: we say goodbye to deacon Ken Ashton—but then welcome him straight back as a priest.  And he doesn’t even have to leave the parish for his transformation, since St Mary’s is hosting Bishop David and all of the Barking Area’s 2008 deacons as they are ordained priest.  It’s going to be great!  (And you wouldn’t believe the amount of old junk we cleared out of the gallery to make space for the turnout we’re expecting!) 

From: Lou Henderson Editor, Shirley Anstey, David Baker, Tony Cant,
Ruth Edwards, Khadisha Gerald, Gwyn Williams, Jim Wright & Wendy Wright

PS        The next issue will be the usual two-month summer edition.  So if you need to publicise any event taking place before the beginning of October, you’ll miss the bus if we haven’t received your material by Sunday 19 July

Deadline for August/September 2009 issue

Clipart date for diary SUNDAY 19th July 2009

On paper to your church Editorial team member, please, or by e-mail to the walthamstow_editors email address.

(Contact details can be found towards the bottom of the ABOUT US tab at the top of this page.)

Return to Index for the Parish of Walthamstow Magazine, July 2009

duddridge-robertRobert Duddridge reached a significant milestone earlier this year.  40 years old. 

Some say life begins at 40. For others, it is the entry into mid-life crisis. So far, I have managed to resist the temptation to dye my hair, pierce my ears and tattoo my intimate regions… 

40 is, though, a time for reflection. A time to look back at where life has taken me so far, and to look forward to what lies ahead. A time to contemplate new possibilities as well as to learn from what has already been.

The one thing I have been discovering this year is that we keep on growing. Turning 40 does not mean becoming set in our ways. God diligent gardenerOur character is not finally and irreversibly formed by the time we reach middle age. No, far from it, there are new opportunities for growth and for grace every day for as long as we live.

Being naturally introspective (too much so!) and self-critical, there are bound to be aspects of my character that I perceive to be poorly formed and in need of growth and change. But I have had the joyful realisation that continued growth and change are not merely possible. For the Christian, they are inevitable. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we cannot fail to experience constant transformation, as we co-operate with God in our own growth.

I use the word “co-operate” deliberately. “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” is a command. We are not alone in seeking this renewal; but we do have to take steps to bring it about. I9 essential fruit of the spiritt is significant that Christian character is described in the Bible as the “fruit of the Spirit”. Fruit can grow in the wild; but the best fruit is carefully cultivated. Whilst God is the master gardener, the skilled vine-dresser who knows exactly where to prune, where to fertilise, where to support and protect the tender plant, we also need to abide in Him, to yield ourselves to Him, and to work with Him in our own development. Spiritual growth requires commitment and responsibility. Replacing old, unhealthy, habits and thought patterns with new and healthy ones can be painful and confusing, and require effort on our part.

Journey of GrowthAnd yet, for all that, it is both joyful and liberating to know that we are not stuck, like broken records, with the characters and thoughts we now have. To realise that we can change the thoughts, habits and character traits that need changing. To yield ourselves to the Spirit and know that we cannot fail to grow in grace, as we daily receive more and more of the grace that He so extravagantly pours out upon us.

Robert Duddridge

Return to Index for the Parish of Walthamstow Magazine, July 2009

A very short history of small groups!

heathfield-simonOver the last 20 years small groups have been a vital part of church life. Some of us will remember Pilgrim Groups, and Root & Branch Groups, and most recently Mid Week Groups. Each name described a way of meeting in small groups that fitted church life and growth at a particular time.

What they all have in common is the idea that meeting with a small group of other Christians is an essential part of growth. We can’t grow alone, yet the congregation is too big to get to know people 1-1. So the small group has always been the way to ask questions, pray and get prayed for, explore doubts, discover new insights, serve and support each other . . . and a whole host of other things.

All through the Bible we can see this happening: Isaiah and other prophets had small groups or ‘schools’ where they learnt and understood their prophetic role, the first disciples lived and worked in a small group, the first churches were small groups which met in people’s homes.

Last year we decided that it was the right time to think again about how we do small groups. As times change, so our needs and focus change.

As part of developing new ideas we asked people what they thought of our current groups, and why they were, or were not, part of the network.

So what did we say?

questionnaire yes no dontknowFirstly: we said a lot! Over 100 people responded on paper and on-line. This is brilliant, so THANK YOU for taking the time to express your thoughts. Every one was interesting and insightful. Thanks also to Helen Bowden, who gave much time and work to analysing and summarising the responses for us.

In what follows, I have tried to summarise the results. Behind these simple comments are the many pages of personal comments which we have kept confidential as promised.

So, many hours of analysis later here are some of the things we discovered . . .

  • 100% of people thought that groups were key to Christian growth . . . members and non-members alike!
  • Most of us think that 8-12 is the best size of group to be part of.
  • Nearly two thirds of us think that Bible study is the most important role of our small groups, with almost half saying that prayer was the next most important role.

These three simple, but important, headlines tell us that as a church we believe in small groups. Of course that does not mean we all act on those beliefs! Over half of those who responded were very positive about groups, but are not part of one themselves!

So what else did we say?

1.   The 7 things we most value

  • fellowship_groupFriendship/fellowship
  • Support
  • Bible study
  • Prayer
  • Safe space/ encountering different people/perspectives
  • Discipleship/exploring how to live as Christians together
  • Being in a smaller group

2.   Focus and satisfaction

  • 80% of people who are in groups think that they provide good Bible Study and pastoral care
  • Variety with clarity of focus. Whilst most people feel that prayer and study are key needs for our groups, many wanted a clearer focus, which might be different for each group. We could have groups clearly aimed at: people of different faith stages, particular ministry or interest (eg social justice)
  • The majority of people thought that groups should focus on either a specific task or ministry, or be centred on a particular geographical location, or both!
  • The keys to successful groups were thought to be: (a) mature Christian leadership; (b) good study material; and (c) being committed to being with the group for the long term.

3.   Joining Groups
Bible study & prayerA number of people identified things that prevented them from joining.

  • Not knowing the Bible well
  • Groups being cliquey or ‘closed’ to outsiders (often because they have been established for a long time)
  • Shyness
  • Fear of praying in a group of others
  • Lack of publicity and information about groups
  • Almost one third of people who don’t currently attend groups felt that our groups were hard to join.

Many of these and other responses seem to indicate that there is some fear around being able to join a group. In the responses people commented that the following make it much easier to join:

  • A personal invitation from someone you know
  • Good, clear publicity about the groups
  • An open hearted welcome when you go
  • A clear focus for what the group is about

4.   Organising things
Various comments were made about how we should organise our network.

  • Nurturing faith in communityGroups to be connected together to make sure they don’t become isolated or inward looking. It would also build bridges across the church.
  • Weekly is best for continuity, care and making the group work
  • A central meeting would be good as part of the pattern which would offer a chance to communicate ‘whole church’ information, mission support and prayer, or a specific social, teaching or worship focus.

5.   What hasn’t worked?
It was clear that there were some areas where we need to improve our work!

  • Publicity needs to be present, clear, available, interesting and highlighted in our churches and events.
  • We need more support and training for group leaders so that they feel enabled, empowered and enthused about the role.
  • Groups have not been good at drawing new people towards church or faith. There are some complex questions about how groups should fit into an overall evangelistic strategy

Where does this all lead us?

It gives us some challenges and questions that we should all be thinking about. The material has been looked at in some depth by staff, midweek group leaders and others and there has been much prayer and thought about what we should do next.

There were some good practical ideas to address some of the challenges we face, such as having group welcome evenings or using photos of groups in church so you can see before committing!

Perhaps most importantly we need to continue to seek God’s guidance for us as individuals and as a church. The survey was not intended as a democratic exercise to decide a new shape by committee, but the insights are very important and any new plan needs to take account of those.

If you have any reflections on reading this then please contact Simon as we would be glad to hear them. Next months magazine will have the outline of the way forward, so make sure you get the next instalment!

Some questions for us all to think about…

  • Where do you fitWhat has God been doing in your life in the last two weeks?
  • How are you growing as a Christian?
  • If you’re part of a small group, what contribution do you make to the group, and what do you like about it?
  • If you’re not part of a small group, why not? How will you grow by yourself?

Simon Heathfield

Return to Index for the Parish of Walthamstow Magazine, July 2009

Humour – Doggy Nap

An old, tired-looking dog wandered into the yard. sleeping dogI could tell from his collar and well-fed belly that he had a home.

He followed me into the house, down the hall, and fell asleep in a corner. An hour later, he went to the door, and I let him out.

The next day he was back, resumed his position in the hall, and slept for an hour. This continued for several days.

Curious, I pinned a note to his collar: “Every afternoon your dog comes to my house for a nap.”

The next day he arrived with a different note pinned to his collar:

“He lives in a home with ten children – He’s trying to catch up on his sleep. Can I come with him tomorrow?”

Christian Voices Worldwide

Return to Index for the Parish of Walthamstow Magazine, July 2009

StM Fair 09-2Saturday 13 May dawned very dull and threatening.

‘It always rains on the day of the Summer Fair,’ said Mrs Editor, as we headed for Morrison’s.

‘Unless it clashes with the Cup Final,’ I responded gloomily.

But we were wrong – by the time the Fair opened at 12 noon, it was a glorious day.

Everyone had a great time in the sunshine, as we hope these few photos prove. 

LH

StM Fair 09-1

 

 

 

 

 

 

  StM Fair 09-3 

Return to Index for the Parish of Walthamstow Magazine, July 2009
 

 

 

 

 

 StM Fair 09-4

London2012 logoOn Tuesday 9 June, Walthamstow Town Hall was full as a panel including Boris Johnson (Mayor of London), Lord Seb Coe (chair of LOCOG), Baroness Margaret Ford (chair of Olympic Park Legacy Company), John Armitt (chair of Olympic Development Agency), Jules Pipe (mayor of Hackney), Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson (gold medal paralympian) and chaired by Jennette Arnold (Labour Assembly member for North East London met local people to talk about the legacy of 2012 and beyond, David Baker St Mary’s reports.

The meeting got off to a bad start as some of the panel members arrived late! The meeting began by each panel member introducing themselves in three minutes—a task most stayed within except Boris who took around 10 minutes! In this, general items regarding the legacy of the London Olympics were raised and afterwards, questions from the floor were invited and answered.

General comments:

  • 75p in every £1 spent will be available for the physical legacy that is expected to remain for the next 200 years
  • Trips around the Olympic site are being offered to all school children in Waltham Forest who apply to see the progress being made.
  • 5 London boroughs are involved
  • Sport is seen as an anchor point for young people, with athletes being good role models.

The following questions were raised by the audience:

  • What will the traffic links from Walthamstow/Leyton be like in 2012?
  • Why not develop the local pool and track facility for local people to enjoy.
  • Question about the use of sustainable materials in building the venues.
  • How many affordable homes will be available to local people afterwards?
  • How many houses will be available for use by the athletes?
  • Are there any schemes to coach young athletes in E17 for free?
  • What does the legacy mean for local people?
  • Will there be additional jobs created locally to support the Games, especially amongst the healthcare community?
  • Will there be opportunities for local residents to participate as volunteers? (note: to date 300,000 people have volunteered to help!)
  • Are there opportunities for local school children to take part?
  • When will the rail link between the Central station and Queen’s Rd be restored?
  • How can children who are not good at sport be involved!

Jennette Arnold told the audience that she has made notes of all the questions and will follow up on all the answers given, especially those assurances given by Boris Johnson!

It was a good event, with relevant questions, lively local debate and good attendance. The meeting was well organised, with a well informed panel to address questions and concerns. If repeated, I would want to go again and hear what is being said by those responsible for the delivery of the Olympic Games in our own backyard.

David Baker

Return to Index for the Parish of Walthamstow Magazine, July 2009

Hospital cleaner - machineA lady came to the hospital to visit a friend. She had not been in a hospital for several years and felt very ignorant about all the new technology. A technician followed her onto the elevator, wheeling a large, intimidating looking machine with tubes and wires and dials. “Boy, would I hate to be hooked up to that thing,” she said.

“So would I,” replied the technician. “It’s a floor-cleaning machine.”

net153.com

Return to Index for the Parish of Walthamstow Magazine, July 2009

Farewell to Ola Franklin

Ola farewell 1 - 21.6.09We said farewell to Ola Franklin on Sunday 21 June as she prepares to leave our parish and live in Harlow following ordination on Sunday 5 July. 

If you need to contact Ola please contact the parish office for details.

Return to Index for the Parish of Walthamstow Magazine, July 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ola farewell 2 - 21.6.09

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