Anstey Methodist Church

Rich towards God

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 15:40:03 GMT

In the following reading the issue is not ownership of possessions but ownership by possessions. Wealth is a hard taskmaster. The person who desires wealth is tempted to make its acquisition top priority. The person who has wealth is tempted to devote his or her life to guarding it and increasing it. We are tempted to believe that we can find true security in wealth. But faith in wealth crowds out faith in God. It is not wealth that is the problem, but the love of wealth (1 Timothy 6:10).

Who is my neighbour ?

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 15:39:26 GMT

The story of the Good Samaritan (the Biblical text is contained at the end of this page) may seem very ordinary to us in the 21st century. What would there be in it to surprise the teacher of the law ?

Well, the fact that the man who took pity on the injured person was a Samaritan was what made it surprising. Samaritan and Jews had been at odds with each other for many, many years, and there would normally have been no question of them even speaking to each other in the street, let alone helping one another. Here Jesus is saying in no uncertain terms that all men and women, boys and girls, are our neighbours, and as such are in need of our love and care.

Sick as a parrot

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 15:38:34 GMT

A woman bought a parrot, took him home, and then returned him to the pet shop the next day. "That bird won't talk" she told the owner. "Does he have a mirror?" asked the owner. "Parrots love mirrors. They see themselves and start up a conversation." So the woman bought the mirror. Next day she returned. The bird still wasn't talking. "How about a ladder? Parrots love walking up and down a ladder. A happy parrot is more likely to talk". The woman bought a ladder. Sure enough, she was back the next day;

iPhone/iPod Touch applications

Mon, 24 May 2010 13:05:22 GMT

The iPhone and iPod Touch hand-helds are becoming very popular, especially as applications, very often free, can be downloaded and used. There is an enormous number of applications available, many of them of a religious nature. I have tried many of them, and here are some of my thoughts. I do hope that this page will help you to select a suitable application to use in your Bible study or research. There are of course many more to download from the Apple app store. One word of warning. If you are proposing to use these applications to generate documents on your PC or laptop then you will be disappointed, as most, if not all, omit any kind of direct printing or copying. The most you can do is to copy the text and then email it to yourself.

Methodist iPhone/iPod touch application

Thu, 20 May 2010 20:10:57 GMT

Available from the App store

May 2010. The Methodist Church has announced the launch of their first app for iPhone and iPod touch. The Methodist App enables people to view daily bible studies, prayers and news from the Church.

Tabitha

Sat, 24 Apr 2010 09:48:39 GMT

In Acts 9:36 we are told that in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha, which is interpreted as Dorcas, and she was always doing good and helping the poor.

Tabitha was engaged in social service. She had the gift of sewing. Do you mean to tell me that sewing is a gift of the Holy Spirit? Yes, it was for this woman. A tunic was the inner garment of clothing, worn next to the skin. Sewing in those days was a difficult process. First the material had to be made (or purchased, if one had the money) then it had to be stitched together - all of which had to be done laboriously by hand. The whole endeavour was slow and tedious. Cloaks were difficult to make because again that had to be made by hand. They were made from animal skins, goat or camel hair or wool. If the cloak was made of animal hair the hairs had to be spun into thread or yarn and then woven into cloth before being sewn together by hand to form the cloak. Because they took so long to make they were considered to be valuable and a gift of one was an honour.

Thomas's story

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 20:22:33 GMT

It has been an emotional roller coaster of a week. First of all that wonderful entry into Jerusalem as the crowds hailed our Master. He had never been so popular, and we looked forward to a great holiday week. But then there was the increasing animosity of the authorities towards him. Then the Passover supper we shared together. It should have been an enjoyable meal, but we were devastated when he told us that he was destined to die.

Then followed his arrest. We weren't much help to him at all. One of our number, now gone, turned traitor and arranged for his capture. All but the youngest of us fled when the going got rough. The senior one among us followed at a distance as they dragged him off to the Chief Priest's house, but when questioned by a servant girl denied he had ever heard of our Master.

The drama of Easter

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 20:21:47 GMT

Luke 19:28-40
The central events of the Christian faith are the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. A famous theology professors used to say:

"Everything in the Old Testament points forward to the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Everything in the New Testament points backwards to the birth, death, and resurrection of Christ."

We celebrated Jesus' birth at Christmas. Next Sunday we'll celebrate his resurrection. Today is dedicated especially to remembering his crucifixion. It's not the only time that we do so. We remember Jesus' crucifixion every time we take communion. Every Sunday is a little Easter - a time to celebrate Jesus' death and resurrection.

Love one another

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 10:12:37 GMT

Text John c 13 v 34 "I am giving you a new commandment, love each other just as much as I love you".

Jesus, in his instructions to his disciples told them that they must love each other in the same way that Jesus loved them.

We are all loved by someone, even if we don't see them very often.

Gertrude Pollard

Mon, 1 Mar 2010 10:13:46 GMT

February 2010. Gertrude was born in the Belgrave area of Leicester in 1915 into a staunch Methodist family. Her father, Walter Ireland was a fine Local Preacher and Sunday School teacher and her mother was a hugely practical woman who always went the extra mile. She attended Catherine Street Chapel with her parents and her brother Dennis, a brother to whom she remained very close, he devotedly serving our Bishop Street Church for many years.

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 09:13:11 GMT

Bible reading Luke 4:14-21

A little girl attended a church service with her mother. All went well until the preacher commenced his sermon. After about 20 minutes the little girl became bored and whispered to her mother "If we give him the money now will he let us go ?"

I was reminded of this story when I saw on television a church whose walls were covered with beautiful paintings. I commented to my wife that at least the congregation had something to look at during long sermons.

I was further reminded of this when I read today's Lectionary Gospel reading. Here we have Jesus attending the synagogue and being invited to read from the scroll of Isaiah. After the reading Jesus said to the astonished congregation "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."

The Gospel of John

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 09:12:24 GMT

Bible reading John 1:1-12

The gospel of John is not a life of Christ, it is a powerful argument for the incarnation, a conclusive demonstration that Jesus was, and is, the very heaven-sent Son of God and the only source of eternal life.

The author of this Gospel was John the Apostle, son of Zebedee, and the younger brother of James. They fished on the Sea of Galilee with Peter and Andrew. Nicknamed the Sons of Thunder we would expect them to be powerful, loud, and unpredictable, with a tendency to explode.

Sure enough, when Jesus and the Twelve were rebuffed by a Samaritan village, these two rough fishermen suggested calling down fire from heaven to destroy the whole village. Just before that incident, John had told Jesus that he had tried to stop a man from driving out demons because he was not a disciple, and Jesus had to explain that he didn't have an exclusive club.

John The Baptist

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 09:11:19 GMT

Bible reading Matthew 3:1-12

Many years ago in Leicester there was a street preacher. He was a middle aged man, and as far as I can remember he had lost either an arm or a leg - I'm not sure which. But this did not stop him from being there in Market Square most Saturday mornings preaching the word, quoting from the Bible and exhorting people to repent. Most people of course passed him by. Some stopped for a brief and curious stare. A good many people smiled benevolently as they walked by, a few just laughed out loud.

People might have looked at John the Baptist in the same way the people in Market Square looked at that street preacher. He wore a camel's hair coat with a leather belt around his waist and he ate locusts and honey. His hair was long and unkempt.

Those who live in our hearts

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:07:19 GMT

Some time ago when I went to the cemetery to put flowers on my parents grave my eyes wandered over the memorial stones around me. One stone caught my eye, and I read the inscription. "Those who live in our hearts never die". I was very much struck by these words, and as I returned home I pondered on them. They seemed to me to be very appropriate to this Sunday, Remembrance Sunday.

I wondered where those words had been taken from. When I got home I got out my concordance and tried to find out if any verse in the bible contained them, but without success. However I did find a verse containing the words "hearts" and "live" which seemed to be appropriate. Our text therefore is taken from this verse, Proverbs c 4 v 4, "Let thine heart retain my words.
Keep my commandments and live".

It just growed - a harvest study

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:24:38 GMT

You may have heard the story about Topsy. She was a little Negro slave girl who lived in America during the first decades of the 20th century. One day her mistress asked her how old she was. "Dunno", she replied. Then she was asked who her father was. "Never had a father", she replied. Then she was asked who her mother was. "Never had a mother", she replied. Lastly she was asked where she was born. "Never was born", she replied. "I just growed".

Now, as we all know, people do not just grow. And food does not just grow.

God's not finished with you

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 09:48:34 GMT

Isaiah and Nicodemus

This study “God's not finished with you”, is based on the call of Isaiah as found in Isaiah chapter 6 and Nicodemus meeting Jesus in secret as found in John chapter 3. I have no doubt that you are very familiar with these reading, but just in case you are not, or wish to remind yourselves again, the readings are available here .....

Action for Children

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 20:27:16 GMT

This is the text of a sermon I preached at Glenfield Methodist Church on 12th July 2009 which I would like to share with you. Gordon Tatler.

As you will know from your notices and the envelopes available this morning, today is Action for Children Sunday in this church. Another title for this charity is National Children's Home, or NCH.

Action for Children was established in 1869 by the Rev. Thomas Bowman Stephenson, a Methodist minister, and a group of fellow Methodists. The organisation is historically closely linked with the Methodist Church of Great Britain. Throughout its history, Methodist churches in the UK have taken a close interest in it and have organised fund-raising in support of its work, both within the church and directed to the wider public. Currently 50% of the trustees of Action for Children are Methodists.

Jesus prays for us

Sat, 23 May 2009 10:43:56 GMT

In this study I want to explore a prayer by Jesus as recorded in John’s Gospel.

John 17: 6 I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. 7 Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. 8 For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. 9 I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. 11 I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name- the name you gave me- so that they may be one as we are one.

Psalm 23

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:08:59 GMT

Psalm 23. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name' sake, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

If I asked you what was your favourite passage of scripture, I can almost guarantee that you would say either I Corinthians chapter 13, The Love Chapter, or Psalm 23.

Well, I’d like to take a few moments to think about the 23rd Psalm.

Squibb. Mary

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 07:26:28 GMT

On 31st March 2009 a Service of Thanksgiving was held for our friend Mary Squibb.

The service was one of celebration for a life of 85 years, lived entirely in her home village and associated closely with our church.

Quiet by nature, Mary taught in our Sunday School, played the piano in the Beginner's Department and was a member of the Ladies Social Hour.

Web site redesign April 2009

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 07:25:38 GMT

Yes folks, yet another fresh design of our web site, and we hope you like the nice clean, uncluttered display.

This latest design for 2009, available on site from 10th April, is based on an open source template by Arcsin, a site maintained by Viktor Persson, web developer and student from Stockholm, Sweden, but it has been considerably amended and enhanced by our WebMaster, Gordon Tatler. The design has been tested in IE7, Firefox, Maxthon, Opera, Google Chrome and Safari.

An Easter journey

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 07:24:48 GMT

Each year many thousands of pilgrims go to Jerusalem, just so that they can say "I walked where Jesus walked". I have no doubt that they find it a very rewarding experience. And during the period of Lent, Christians are able to join in a very special journey to Jerusalem as they ponder the events leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.

Join me now on an imaginary journey to Jerusalem. See some of the people whom those crucial hours surrounding the crucifixion and resurrection affected. Observe them carefully. Maybe you will see yourself.

Lent

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 07:23:55 GMT

Lent is the period of fasting leading up to the feast of Easter, recalling Christ’s 40 day fast in the wilderness. In the Western church Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on the morning of Holy Thursday. In 2008, Lent begins on February 6 in the Western Church.

For many Christians Lent can be a mystery. For some Lent is a period of going on a diet; for others Lent is a time when their Catholic friends wear ashes on their foreheads and eat fish on Fridays. Whatever your theological or denominational affiliation we highly recommend exploring the season known as Lent.

Who is this ?

Sat, 31 Jan 2009 10:39:03 GMT

Luke 7:36-50 Jesus was involved in conflict with the establishment of his day. By many he was shunned, whilst many tried to trip him up and get him to condemn himself with his own words. Some, however, invited him to their homes so that they listen to what he would say to them.

One such man was Simon the Pharisee, a strict religionist. He would have been so much more concerned with the outward appearance of his religion than with the inwardness of its spirituality that it is surprising to learn that he invited Jesus to have a meal at his house. We cannot tell just what prompted him to issue the invitation, whether it was concern, curiosity or hostility, but we do know that Jesus welcomed and accepted the invitation.

Close encounters

Sat, 27 Dec 2008 14:43:32 GMT

It's all over isn't it ? Ever since the middle of October, my wife has been busily preparing for Christmas. Mountains of food in the cupboard, mysterious parcels of varying shapes in every draw, surreptitious trips to the local shops, locked doors and the sound of rustling paper. All in preparation for that one day, Christmas day. And now it's all over.

And we wonder what all the fuss was about. There was plenty to eat, everyone received the gifts they always wanted, the children are out on their bikes and roller skates, Granny and granddad are tucking into their boxes of chocolates and biscuits, father is wondering what to do with 2 dozen handkerchiefs and 3 dozen pairs of socks, let alone 4 dozen bottles of after shave. Even the dogs had a good time, and now lie replete and satisfied with all the turkey which they managed to scrounge. Mum sits back with a satisfied smile. All the preparation was well worth while, it all went off very well.

Now it's all over. That's it for another year. Or is it ? Is that really the end of Christmas ?

Hudson, Lucy

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:30:03 GMT

We regret to report the death of our dear friend Lucy Hudson in hospital on November 11th 2008.

On Wednesday, 19th November, the Funeral Service.

Lucy lived at 94, Cropston Road for the whole of her life with all members of her large family, and was brought up to serve our church which she came to love so dearly and devotedly. Family and chapel were the pillars of her life.

Cooke, Albert

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 08:19:18 GMT

We were sorry to learn of the death of our dear friend Albert Cooke on Thursday 25th September 2008, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.

The funeral took place on Friday 10th October when many friends gathered to pay tribute to Albert, one who some of us had worked and witnessed closely beside over very many years.

Since the keen loss of his dear wife, Sylvia, Albert had continued to regularly attend morning worship and Saturday coffee mornings in his distinctive, quiet manner, our church being his spiritual home.

Ann Dybdahl

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 16:02:08 GMT

On 8th September 2008, we gathered to give thanks for the life of our friend and colleague Ann Dybdahl.

Ann had chosen the hymns for her service. Ann was born in Leicester in 1908 and attended Charnwood Street School followed by further education at the University of Life. We learned from her daughter, Christine, how she attended Wesley Hall Methodist Church for over 80 years and much enjoyed total involvement in that multicultural church, being a founder member of the Women’s Meeting. She was a leader in Youth Church and Boys' Brigade and immersed in all sections of the church's life and witness.

The Lord deal kindly with you

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:17:06 GMT

Ruth chapter 1 v 8

We live in a fragmented and divided world. Many things separate us from each other. Race, colour, creed, age, ethnic origins, prejudices, social standing, financial wealth or poverty, war, greed, selfishness ... to name but a few. And many of these things separate us from the love of God.

In the following bible reading, Naomi was grief-stricken. Her husband and both sons had died. She was now too old to re-marry and have more children. It seemed as if everything has been taken away from her. She felt great emptiness at losing her loved ones. She found it difficult to see Gods hand in what had happened to her. She was angry with God, and felt totally rejected by him. And her anger separated her from the love of God.

Preachers and preaching

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:51:48 GMT

A tongue in cheek look. In this article I thought I would try something completely different to my normal bible studies and stories. After all, I am sure that God is not always serious, and I can imagine him sometimes having a quiet chuckle at the things some of his servants get up to - so - here is my tongue in cheek look at preachers and preaching, a subject dear to my heart as I am a Methodist Local Preacher.

NOTE. Please feel free to quote any of these illustrations.

Methodist services are usually very well attended, despite the inclement weather we sometimes experience. Such was not the case for a minister who, standing in for a colleague, said to the steward "The congregation was a bit thin this morning. Did you tell them I was going to preach?" "No, I didn't" replied the steward, "but you know how things get out".

AMC toolbar

Sat, 23 Aug 2008 10:24:50 GMT

Specially created by our WebMaster.

Our WebMaster, Gordon Tatler, has created a toolbar specially for Internet Explorer and Firefox browser users which is specifically designed to give easy access to various parts of our web site.

<a href="http://ansteymethodist.ourtoolbar.com/" target="_blank">Here</a> is the link to download and install it.

The light of the world

Sun, 03 Aug 2008 09:38:56 GMT

My parents were both Salvation Army Officers, and this study is based on some of Mum & Dad's sermon notes.

Text John c 8 v 12. "I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. HE THAT FOLLOWETH ME SHALL NOT WALK IN DARKNESS, BUT HAVE THE LIGHT OF LIFE".

Day was dawning on a battlefield in Northern France during the first world war through a fog so thick that none could see more than a few yards from the trenches. During the night the Germans had drawn back their lines a little, and the French had moved forward, but between the two positions a lonely farmhouse was still standing amongst the devastation.

All things new

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 14:44:45 GMT

In July 2005, the firm which had employed me for almost 30 years started to have serious financial problems, and eventually in October our main suppliers in Japan took over the firm with a promise that all personnel's jobs would be safe. Within just a couple of weeks we started to hear rumours that the firm would be relocated, possibly in Leicestershire, possibly in the Midlands, possibly in Slough.

In December we were each handed draft contracts with the new company, and one clause caused considerable concern to many of us. The clause stated that we should be prepared to work anywhere as the business dictated, even abroad.

Hindered, helped, healed

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 12:03:34 GMT

Jesus very often, if not always, demonstrated the significance of his words by the miracles that he performed. For example, his claim to be the bread of life was amply demonstrated by his feeding of the great multitude with just a few loaves and fishes. His claim to be the light of the world was amply demonstrated by his giving sight to the blind.

His claim to be the resurrection and the life was amply demonstrated by his raising of Lazarus from the dead. In many ways, by both words and deeds, Jesus demonstrated that his claims were valid. In Mark chapter two, we see a marvellous example of what I mean.

Prepare to meet thy God

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 15:23:24 GMT

Text Amos c 4 v 12. "Oh Israel, prepare to meet thy God".

I suppose that we have all seen cartoons of elderly gentlemen carrying placards containing our text. "Prepare to meet thy God". It seems almost as if this prophecy, first spoken by the prophet Amos, has become a joke. The end of the world is at hand, so, just in case there is a life after death, and just in case there is after all a God, we had better prepare to meet doom.

But today I want to rescue our text from the realm of amusement, and try to discover a more hopeful and beautiful meaning in the words.

Knocking down walls

Thu, 22 May 2008 18:33:38 GMT

Now it might not be obvious at first where I got that title from, but a television program I was watching recently was about renovating old houses and one in particular had to be almost demolished before being renovated. I had also been watching a vey important football match on televison. Thinking about that old cottage and the match brought to mind a little story. The story is about a ...

Pentecost

Sat, 10 May 2008 14:05:10 GMT

A sermon for Pentecost Sunday based on Acts chapter 2.

Loving God, quicken our hearts that we may receive your word afresh. Send the refreshing wind of your Spirit upon us Lord, so that your voice may be heard, and your loving presence seen in all that we say and do. In the name of Christ our Lord. Amen.

Everyone loves a gift. I remember that when I was a youngster my father used to be just s little bit envious when Mothers Day came around. All well and good to remember mothers, but what about fathers? After all, fathers are just as important as mothers. When Fathers day was instigated he was tickled pick - but I'm afraid he soon got rather fed up with receiving socks and handkerchiefs every year - still - it was the thought that counted and I am sure that really he was cheered up to think that his children specially remembered him each year.

Death of Eddy Hughes

Sat, 10 May 2008 12:55:30 GMT

It is with deep regret that we record the death of our dear friend Eddy Hughes in hospital on Friday 9th May 2008.

Let not your heart be troubled

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 08:22:48 GMT

Eric Clapton, arguably the greatest living rock guitarist, wrote a heart wrenching song about the death of his four year old son. He fell from a 53rd-story window. Clapton took nine months off and when he returned his music had changed. The hardship had made his music softer, more powerful, and more reflective. You have perhaps heard the song he wrote about his son's death. It is a song of hope, and it contains these words:

Time can bring you down, time can bend your knees.
Time can break your heart, have you begging, please.
Beyond the door there's peace I'm sure,
And I know there'll be no more tears in heaven.

The raising of Lazarus

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 21:47:23 GMT

John chapter 11

The raising of Lazarus which is contained in John chapter 11 is very much part of the recurring theme of life, or eternal life, in the Gospel of John.

The miracle story of the raising of Lazarus, as with other materials in John, is not arbitrarily placed in the Gospel. John clearly says in his statement of purpose in that he carefully and intentionally decided what miracle stories to include in the Gospel. The selection is not arbitrary but fits perfectly his stated purpose, "so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and through believing you may have life in his name."

Jesus wept

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 21:46:42 GMT

John chapter 11

The other day I was reading some interesting facts about the bible, including that it contains over 3/4 of a million words in its 66 books. That certainly gives preachers a lot of scope for choosing a text. I also read that the longest verse in the bible is contained in Esther c 3 v 12 which contains no less than 66 words, yes 66 words.

However, today I want to go to the other extreme and choose the shortest verse in the bible as my text. And that verse contains just 2 words. John c 11 v 35 reads “Jesus wept”.

The Woman of Samaria

Sat, 23 Feb 2008 14:34:19 GMT

There she goes ... the Woman of Samaria. Visualize her in your mind's eye. She is wearing a loose dress, somewhat like a long potato sack. It reaches down to a few inches above her sandaled feet. She is wearing a headpiece. It falls in folds halfway down her back. On her right shoulder she is balancing a water jug, rather large. Surely it will be heavy when it's full.There she goes ...

Obituary - by Mel Cartwright

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 21:42:32 GMT

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who was with us for many years. No one knows for sure quite how old he was, since all records were lost long ago in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm, that life is not always fair and .....

The wilderness experience

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 17:27:58 GMT

Text. "Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil".

Address. What can we make of this? We, who pray each day as Jesus taught us “Lead us not into temptation”. We are so used to soft language about the Holy Spirit – so used to speaking about how we have felt when “led by the Spirit”.

So, what are we to make of the fact that the Spirit “drove” Jesus into the wilderness? That the Spirit compelled Jesus to go – alone – to where wild beast prowled and howled, where the forces of evil tested his every resolve and purpose?

Lent

Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:03:15 GMT

Death of Ivy Allen

Sun, 06 Jan 2008 19:10:32 GMT

We were very sad to learn of the death of Ivy Alan during December 2007.

Ivy, together with her late husband Ernie, was a member of our church for very many years, and they were both very much involved in youth work, Ernie also doing stirling work in many other areas of church life.

We send our sympathy to all the family.

Repent and prepare

Sat, 08 Dec 2007 11:00:46 GMT

Can you imagine complete silence? It’s hard to in our culture today in which televisions, radios, etc. are constantly blaring. But in this morning’s text a silence of 400 years is broken. Don’t misunderstand me, not everyone was silent during this period. Men and women were talking. Boys and girls were talking. But there was no prophet speaking the Word of the LORD. No one was truthfully saying, "Thus says the LORD…"

Be prepared

Sat, 01 Dec 2007 11:27:31 GMT

A full Methodist service based on the 4 lectionary themes for Advent, with hymns, prayers and an address in 2 parts.

All hymns are from the Methodist Hymn Book, Hymns & Psalms.

19 With gladness we worship

Opening prayer

Loving God, in many and various ways you have visited and redeemed your people, finally sending your Son, Jesus.

Because

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 14:25:58 GMT

God's answers are the right ones ...

Because He is all-wise and all-knowing ...

Because He is all-powerful ...

Because He is truth ...

Because He is love ...

Because He is eternal ...

The hands of the master

Fri, 26 Oct 2007 13:08:44 GMT

Rev, John Lampard tells the story of a visit to some friends during which time he went to a concert given by the local choir which was celebrating its 50th anniversary.

The packed hall buzzed with excitement as the choir filed onto the stage, immaculately dressed in their white shirts and black trousers. They stood in three curved and serried ranks before the conductor's podium. Unusually for a male voice choir their recently appointed conductor was a young, vivacious woman, most attractively dressed in a long ball gown. She conducted the choir with verve and confidence ...

Email security

Wed, 24 Oct 2007 08:58:15 GMT

Our web site enables you to email us by using a form accessible from the menu item "Contact us".

This has been available for several years, but in recent weeks spam bots have discovered the page, and regularly flood our email account with spurious emails.

In an endeavour to stop this spam email ....

Humour

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 13:30:31 GMT

A light hearted look at how the spoken or written word can be interpreted in ways that were not really meant, culled from various sources.

Visiting preacher to the duty steward - "I was a bit disappointed at the attendance today. Did you tell them I was coming ?" Steward - "No sir, but you know how things get around".

Church magazine

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 13:36:55 GMT

Our WebMaster, Gordon Tatler, has recently taken over editorship of our church magazine, The Messenger, from Eddy Hughes. As from the November 2007 issue, these will be available online in PDF format. To read these magazines you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader, which most computers already have installed. If you ...

Web site design 2007

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 13:36:18 GMT

Yes folks, yet another fresh design of our web site, and we hope you like the nice clean, uncluttered display. This latest design for 2007, available on site from 16th November, is based on an open source template by well known web designer Andreas Viklund. It is worth noting that the basic template does not use any images, ....

Elsie Caborn

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 13:35:26 GMT

We are sorry to report during October 2007 the death of one of our older members in the demise of Elsie Caborn. When Mimi and I came to Anstey more than forty years’ ago, Elsie was already in the church, at that time a middle-aged lady living at Cropston with her husband, Harry, one of our very valued local preachers. From that time Elsie was always here, a stalwart of ...

The missing will

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 17:53:05 GMT

The house, which had been sombre and silent for months, was filled with a murmuring throng; yet the air of tragedy remained. The auctioneer's voice rose and fell, and the bargain hunters hurried from room to room. The ancestors on the walls seemed pensive and sad, for their happy descendants had been ruthlessly overwhelmed by a series of disastrous catastrophes: the family was now extinct.

Lectionary readings

Mon, 03 Sep 2007 14:17:05 GMT

As a service to our visitors, we are pleased to display the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) readings for the current week. The Lectionary is organized into a three-year cycle of readings. The reading cycle is denoted by letter as A, B, or C and changes each Advent 1. The gospel used in each year also changes. Year A. Most Gospel readings from Matthew. Year B. Most Gospel readings from the Mark. Year C. Most Gospel readings from the Luke. The Gospel of John is always read at Easter, and is used for some other liturgical seasons including Advent, Christmas and Lent where appropriate.

I am with you always

Mon, 30 Jul 2007 10:56:17 GMT

"I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world".

In the 28th chapter of the gospel according to St Matthew we read of Jesus bidding a final farewell to his followers. However, he did say that he would not leave them alone, and in one of the greatest promises contained in the bible he said "Lo, I am with you always". And that is the text around which I want to base our thoughts for the next few minutes.

"I am with you always".

Knowledge or wisdom

Mon, 30 Jul 2007 10:24:35 GMT

In this study I want to think about a text contained in Proverbs chapter 29 verse 18.

WHERE THERE IS IGNORANCE OF GOD, CRIME WILL RUN WILD, BUT WHAT A WONDERFUL THING IT IS FOR A NATION TO KNOW AND KEEP HIS COMMANDS.

We live in an age where communications have reached such an advanced stage that we see on our television screens events ...

Death of Hilda Aiers

Wed, 25 Jul 2007 17:31:12 GMT

We regret to learn of the death of Hilda Aiers on Sunday 22nd July 2007.

Hilda and husband Oliver were members of our church for many years, and were deeply involved in the Leprocy Mission, raising many tens of thousands of pounds over the years.

After Oliver died Hilda moved to Nottinghamshire to be near to one of her daughters, but still retained her friendship with many members of our church.

Although not a current member of our church Hilda will be sadly missed and we hold the family in our prayers.

Death of Basil Andrews

Sat, 07 Jul 2007 20:43:01 GMT

We regret to learn of the death of Basil Andrews on Tuesday 19th June 2007.

We send our love and sympathy to Carol and family, and uphold them in our prayers, asking God to enfold them in the warm embrace of his everlasting love.

An appreciation of Basil's life will be posted here in the near future.

Emergenct telephone numbers

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 09:00:15 GMT

Have you ever needed to call the emergency services ? Maybe your water pipes are leaking, your electricity has failed ? And have you ever been at a loss to find the correct emergency telephone number ? Christians also sometime need emergency telephone numbers. The Bible is so large that it may seem impossible to find a text to suit the emergency.Fear not.

The love chapter

Sun, 10 Jun 2007 08:04:38 GMT

1 Corinthians chapter 13. And now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. (King James Version)

Listen - I want you to put your name into this Corinthians where love is described. I want you to think about yourself - and see just how much your life agrees with it - and just how much more travelling along the road of spiritual growth and understanding you need to do.

Listen - this is about you – read this paraphrase of St. Paul’s message to the Corinthians, and ask yourself if it is true in your own lives.

I am patient. I am kind.
I am not envious or boastful, arrogant or rude.
I do not insist on my own way.
I am not irritable or resentful.
I do not rejoice in wrongdoing but rejoice in the truth.
I bear all things
I believe all things.
I hope all things.
I endure all things.

It’s quite something isn't it? And I have to admit that very often I fail the test. Do you?

Death of Phyllis Leech

Tue, 29 May 2007 11:46:41 GMT

We regret to learn of the death of Phyllis on Sunday 27th May 2007 in Loros.

We send our sympathy and love to Gordon and the wider family, and uphold them in our prayers.

Lord, we thank you for Phyllis' life.
As in sadness we mourn our loss,
Help us with joy to remember her life.
As in grief we recall our parting,
Help us with faith to look to our reuniting,
Trusting in the gift of eternal life
Through Jesus Christ. Amen.

About our new RSS feed

Thu, 10 May 2007 13:37:29 GMT

Our web site now has an RSS feed. To gain access to this feed and be advised of all new pages added to our web copy the link attached to the graphic at the top of our pages and paste it into your news reader. Not sure about RSS ? Read on. What is RSS?RSS (Rich Site Summary) is a format for delivering regularly changing web content.