February 2021 GLENFIELD METHODIST CHURCH. Glenfield Methodist Church Newsletter

GLENFIELD METHODIST CHURCH

Next Church Council ……….

Treasurer’s Report (December 2020) ….………..

Cancer Research UK Leicester Branch ………

Discipleship ……….

20-20 Finance Report (December 2020) ………..

20-20 News ………..

20-20 Vision ……….

The Stage Area—In The Church Hall ………..

The Ages Of Life ………

Winter Treats? ……….

Portrait ……….

The Very First Valentine Card - A Legend ……….

Shrove Tuesday - Whose For Pancakes? ……….

Ash Wednesday - A Good Time To Admit You Are Sorry ……….

National Nestbox Week ……….

Smart Bird ………...

A Prayer For The Pandemic ………..

News From St. Peter’s ………...

Fairtrade Fortnight ……….

Christian Aid ………..

Thankyou ………

Miscellaneous Observations On Modern Life ……….. Falcon Support Services ………

The Birds And Bees ………

Children’s Pages ……….

Crossword ………...

Word Search & Games Pages………

Puzzles Answers ………...……….

Preaching Plan ………

Our Regular Church Activities ………

THE MINISTER’S LETTER

Tel. 0116 287 0356 email: helenbell136@btinternet.com Dear Glenfield Friends,

For those with whom I have not yet connected this year I do send my New Year greetings for what I hope will eventually be a brighter, happier year for us all. As cases of Covid-19 rise dramatically and deaths increase it is wonderful to think that the vaccine is being rolled out with such speed. What a light at the end of a very long tunnel! I have just met with our Bible Study group in our first session on John’s Gospel during which we looked at the Prologue and reminded ourselves that “the light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it.” (John 1 v.5) How important it is for all of us to hold fast to that at the moment.

I have been reflecting on the Christmas that has just past with some of my colleagues, and we all said that despite the fact that it was not the Christmas we expected or hoped for, nevertheless there was still great power in the story of Jesus’ birth. Somehow, when all the peripheries are stripped away, the strength of the story increases. During our Zoom Christingle services those candle flames seem to burn more brightly than ever. That “the word became flesh and dwelt among us” remains an eternal miracle.

The Methodist Prayer handbook for this year takes as its title, words from Psalm 24 “The earth is the Lord’s” and has a special

emphasis on prayers for the prevention of more climate change. I wonder if you, like me, have been marvelling at David Attenborough’s new “Perfect Planet” series with all the amazing animals, birds and insects it shows us. Perhaps it is because none of us are going anywhere much that we are inspired to see the beauty and interconnectedness of the earth and its creatures. But we are also shocked and saddened at the damage we have caused. How challenging it is to reflect on the part each of us must play in the healing (in all senses of the word) of this awesome planet.

As we continue to long for the day when we can throw open the doors of our new manse and garden and invite new friends and old in, we live with the knowledge that we are held in God’s love and care.

God bless you, Helen

Just a little reminder that I am still holding my weekly Coffee Mornings every Thursday at 10.30am. It is an important opportunity for us to get to know one another and connect mid-week. I look forward to “seeing”

you sometime soon. Bring your own coffee!! Zoom invitation on the notice sheet.

It is not too late to join our weekly Bible Study either. Each week on Monday at 1.15pm and we are currently looking at John’s towering Gospel. Email me for the Zoom invitation on helenbell136@btinternet.com

Christmas Church Services

On Sunday December 20th _{at 10.15am Sunday Club presented}

their Nativity, which was viewed as a Zoom service. We were 'invited' into a number of different homes where children and their families presented the various aspects of the Christmas story. Drawings and narration were interspersed by music and singing which conveyed the joy, delight and wonder in the birth of our Lord. It was a wonderfully uplifting experience and our thanks go to everyone who took part, especially to the members of Sunday Club and their families, also their leaders (Linda York and Celia Davis) and to Wally York and Alison Blane for providing the musical accompaniment. Our thanks also go to Rev. Helen Bell who introduced the service and to Fred Bell for hosting the Zoom presentation.

On the evening of Sunday 20th _{December we took part in our}

Circuit Carol Service also presented via Zoom, led by Rev. Helen Bell. The service of carols interspersed with Bible readings, read by various people from their home computers, was a joyous occasion. Although we missed the 'carols by candle light' service, which usually takes place in our festive church, we appreciated being able to celebrate this very special time together.

The Christingle service took place via Zoom at 4pm on Christmas Eve, led by Rev. Helen Bell from the manse. Packs containing items to make a single Christingle had been made available a couple of weeks before the service, so that adults and children could make them at home. It was a different experience this year, but the joy of Christmas was still experienced by all who took part.

On Christmas morning Rev. Helen Bell led the morning service via Zoom from the manse at 10.15am, there were representatives from various churches in the circuit. This was an occasion of joy and thanksgiving. Our thanks go to all who made our Advent and Christmas worship occasions of joy during the trials and tribulations of lock-down, especially to Rev. Helen Bell and also to her husband, Fred, who stage managed the Zoom technical side quite splendidly; also to Wally York and Alison Blane for providing the music to accompany our services; to Geoff and Liz Clarke for their help in inviting and looking after those people who had asked to attend the Zoom services inside the church building, before the total lock down was imposed. Those people who did not have access to the online services from home were offered paper copies of each service on request, thus enabling them to share in the celebration of our Lord's birth. In Appreciation

Peter Sowler recently announced that he is stepping down from his role as the 20-20 Project Manager and also as a Church Steward. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Peter and his wife, Jane, for their hard work, enthusiasm and the huge contribution they have both made to the progression of our church building project, right from its conception back in 2016/17.

Liz Clarke is taking over the role of the 20-20 Project Manager, but will step down from her post as Senior Church Steward and we are pleased to welcome Viv Limb, who has volunteered to become the new Senior Church Steward.

In Sorrow

Our sincere condolences go to Michael Withers on the loss of his girl friend, Tara Bostock, who passed away on Thursday 21st

January. Our sympathy also goes to Tara's family at this sad time. May the Lord bless and comfort you all.

In Tribute

Our thoughts and prayers go to all who loved Janet Kirk, who passed away peacefully at Woodlands Care Home on Wednesday 20th _{January. Janet was the beloved wife of the late}

Peter, loved mother of Matthew and Chris, mother-in-law to Kerrie and Heather; loved grandmother to Thomas, Victoria and James, Ethan and Caleb, also great grandmother to Elsie and Ottilie.

Janet and Peter were very active members of Glenfield Methodist church for many years. Janet served as a church steward and senior church steward but will be especially remembered for her long service as a gifted and inspiring Local Preacher. Janet and Peter hosted a Bible Study group for a number of years and later she continued leading the group alone. She had an impressive knowledge of the Bible, also a sharp wit and a wonderful sense of humour. More recently, Janet assisted with the teaching of young people in Sunday Club, an interaction which both she and her 'pupils' enjoyed. Janet was a very enthusiastic supporter of Leicester City Football Club, she also enjoyed watching cricket and was an

Next Church Council Meeting

Wednesday 24 February 2021, 7pm

on Zoom

Here is the latest picture of the new Hall doors

-now painted.

The pink area (above the chair) is where the hatch to the new kitchen will be.

enthusiastic tennis fan; visiting her was 'off limits' during Wimbledon fortnight!

Janet and Peter enjoyed travelling abroad, especially to the USA, where on one visit they met Roy Rogers and Dale Evans! In recent years she still managed to have holidays with Heather and Chris in Florida.

Despite suffering from Parkinson's disease for a number of years, Janet was a very sociable lady and on Sunday 9th

December 2018, she hosted a celebration of her 80th _{birthday in}

the church hall with 70 guests. This was a very memorable and happy occasion, even including a video link-up with her family in Florida (Chris, Heather, Ethan and Caleb). Janet supported fund raising for Parkinson's UK and on the occasion of her birthday, £455 was raised from donations.

Treasurer

’

s Report —

December

Weekly & monthly offerings amounted to £3,526 in December, including gift-aid. The cumulative total this year to date is £14,152 which is £15 short of the £14,167 required to date for our annual Circuit Assessment plus Connexional Funds contribution (a total of £42,500 per year). Thank you to all those who have continued to make your offering by whatever means

-standing order, bank transfer, cheque or cash.

During December, our charity of the month was Cancer Research (UK) which is also our charity of the year. A magnificent total of £825 including gift-aid has been raised through your donations and this amount has been transferred to the local (Leicester) Cancer Research branch. You may be interested in the research carried out for this charity in our local area and Glenise Bowyer, who is chair of their committee, has written an article on some of this work which is printed in this Newsletter.

In January, our charity of the month has been Menphys, which is a local Leicestershire charity that aims to provide services that support local disabled children, young people and their families. Their ambition is for a future full of equal choices and opportunities for disabled children, young people and their families, empowering them to live as ordinary lives as possible and aspiring for the extraordinary.

In February, our charity of the month is Falcon Support

Services. Based in Loughborough, it works throughout the county with the homeless, vulnerably-housed and the marginalised in our community. See article on page 31. If you would like to donate to this or any of our other charities of the month, please put your cheque payable to Glenfield Methodist Church, or cash, in a plain envelope marked ‘(month) charity’ (with your name and address on if you can gift-aid it) and keep it safe until you are next able to bring it to church. Or you could post / bring it round to me at 8 Faire Road, Glenfield, LE3 8EA, or let me know and I can collect it from you. Alternatively, why not contact me to get the church bank details to make either a donation, or even a standing order for each month?

Thank you once again for your generous support to our charity of the month scheme.

Geoff Clarke geoff.liz@outlook.com GMC Treasurer 07790 564889

Hello everybody,

My name is Glenise Bowyer and I am chair of the Leicester Local Committee for Cancer Research and we have been formed for 27 years. During that time we have raised in excess of £1.2 million pounds. First of all, I would like to say thank you very much for the fantastic amount of £825 raised by GMC donations for our local branch of the charity. It will help tremendously with our work and I give below some information of that research in Leicester:

1) Professor Jacqui Shaw is studying fragments of cancer DNA found in patients' blood. She is looking at changes in this DNA that make cancer cells grow faster. This could be used to develop a blood test for people with breast cancer and would give a real-time 'snap shot' of genetic faults in their cancer. This could then be used to monitor how the disease changes over time, allowing doctors to give patients the right treatment at the right time.

2) Another research project entails how cancer and heart disease interact. As treatments for cancer and heart disease improve more people are living longer. But there is limited data on how, or if, these conditions interact with each other. For example, heart disease can limit available treatment options for cancer, and some treatments for cancer increase the risk of heart disease. Dr David Adlam is collecting a national dataset, derived from linking UK cardiovascular audits and cancer registries, to address important questions about how these

Leicester Branch

patient care.

3) Professor Dean Fennell is testing new treatments for people with mesothelioma, a type of lung cancer usually caused by exposure to asbestos. He is particularly interested in immunotherapy drugs, which work by boosting the body's immune system to recognise and kill cancer cells. Improving lung cancer survival is a key priority and clinical trials like Professor Fennell's are urgently needed to bring new treatments to people with this disease.

Cancer Research UK is the world's leading cancer charity and funds approximately 50% of the total research into 200 different cancers in the UK. In the past 40 years survival rates have doubled, 2 in 4 people will survive their cancer for 10 years, this has been made possible through the work of 4000 scientists, doctors and nurses. This past year, due to the impact of Covid-19 a drop of £160 million pounds in income is forecast as no fundraising has been possible. This will obviously cost jobs and patients' lives.

Glenise Bowyer

Editor’s Note: If you would like to know more or would like to donate either monetary or items for the shop or volunteer please contact : -Leicester | Cancer Research UK

After the people of Israel returned from exile to their own land with Ezra, they rebuilt the Temple and held a reading of the Law by Nehemiah. Between them they lead a ‘back to basics’ revival of faith in the one true God: God.

What are we to do as church as we recover from Covid 19? The leaders of our church have been wondering what the Lord is saying to us through this pandemic. They are calling for a return to what always was distinctive about Methodists. The challenge is to be new people in new places, but clear and confident to reassert our starting points, as people with a personal relationship with The Lord Jesus, a sound knowledge of the Bible and clear sense of responsibility for each other. This is renewal by a checking with our starting points before moving on; another spin round the Earth before the satellite slings into space toward another world.

The first steps are discernible in a new booklet, to be given out this year with membership tickets in the first place. Methodist way of life takes the four principles of Our Calling which we have embraced for our church: Worship, Learning and Caring, Service and Evangelism. It develops the ideas into personal commitments we can all make and questions we can answer. I hope you all find it as useful as I do in setting my bearings for this new year, and beyond...well beyond.

That is my prayer.

Discipleship Enabler

Spent To Date - £313,078

GLENFIELD METHODIST CHURCH

Finance Report —

December 2020

Where Are We?

£0 £100,000 £200,000 £300,000 £400,000 £500,000 £600,000 £700,000 £162,651 Phase 1 £157,007 Phase 1A £430,342 Phase 2 & 3 #Target-£750,000 *Confirmed to Date - £646,272 Amount Received - £447,772

£0 £100,000 £200,000 £300,000 £400,000 £500,000 £600,000 £700,000

Our Thanks to :

• Members of the Steering Group and the Sub-Group who are working with the architect and builders on Phase 1A, with plans being made to progress on Phases 2 and 3.

• Everyone who has continued to contribute generously with their donations and prayers to the 20-20 project.

Dear Friends,

You will have seen, above, Peter's note to say that he is stepping down as 20-20 Project Manager and as a Church Steward.

I wanted, on your behalf, to say a huge thank you to Peter and Jane for the wonderful work they have done on the Project and for the way Peter has managed the Project, during these challenging times of having to create a Covid-safe building site,

20

-

20 News

From Peter Sowler Dear Friends

I am sorry to say that I am stepping down as project leader for 20-20 Vision. Some of you may know that I had to leave active circuit ministry in 2002 because of stress related illness and those problems have come back over the summer. As Phase 1A is very nearly completed and the next phases not yet ready to start, it seemed the right time to make a decision. Thank you all for your prayers, help, and support over the duration of the project. Please continue to pray for Rev. Helen Bell and Fred, and for the other members of the Steering Group as they begin to plan ahead.

working alongside the Playgroup staff and families.

Now that Phase 1 and 1a are all but complete we owe them both a huge debt of gratitude.

However, we were left with some challenges going forward and worked very hard last week to re-structure the Steering Group and prepare for important meetings with the architect, as we prepare to go out to tender for Phase 2 and 3. So, Liz Clarke will step up to be Project Manager, but will relinquish her role as Senior Steward. Again we say a huge thank you to Liz for her work leading the team, particularly with all the extra pressures of re-opening our church for worship and handling the mixed economy of worship events. I am delighted that Viv Limb volunteered last week to become Senior steward and we have just had a very helpful Stewards meeting to find a way forward, with two fewer stewards in the short term. Thank you to all who are working so hard during these difficult days.

Please stay safe and well, and don't hesitate to be in touch if you need a chat or a time of prayer over the phone. Try to keep focused on the hope that is in the light and love of our Saviour Jesus.

God bless, Helen

20

-

20 Vision

The Covid-19 pandemic may have delayed the completion of building work but the vision is still alive. Peter Sowler has led us through the last few difficult months, supported by Jane, and we are so grateful for all they have achieved. As we move into 2021, Peter and Jane have stepped down and I have taken over the role of Project Manager, with support from Trevor Davies and Wally York. Together with our minister, Helen, we form the Project Team which is the main point of contact for Simon Bird, our architect. Decisions are taken by the wider Steering Group which, in addition to the Project Team, includes Mary Squires, Andy Cereseto, Geoff Clarke, Siew Hoon Brewin, Viv Asher with Alison Asher as minutes secretary.

We are pleased that phase 1A is at last complete and we are currently working hard with our architect to finalise the tender documents for phases 2 and 3. We are doing all we can to get the invitations to tender out as soon as possible with a view to starting work in March and finishing in the summer.

Unfortunately, Covid-19 precautions have meant that very few of us have been able to see what has been done over the last few months. It will be some time yet before we can even resume Sunday services and the next few months will inevitably entail more disruption. However, I really believe that it will all be worth it as we realise the Vision and start looking at the opportunities for outreach and growth our improved facilities offer.

I aim to report more fully on progress and include some photos in the next newsletter but welcome any queries you may have in the meantime.

The Stage Area in the Church Hall

Editor’s Note: You may look at this and say to yourself, “I thought this was in the January issue of the Newsletter” and you would be correct but it was cut short after point 5. This was due to me adding the picture at the beginning of the article and not extending the text area so the last part was lost. Here is the full text—Sorry Andy!! For some time now the 20-20 Steering group has been considering what to do about the stage which we have agreed is currently not fit for purpose and not in a safe condition. We recognise that this is a valuable asset to the church, the Drama group and the village community, and we need to take steps to bring it up-to-date and back into use.

The stage, in its present form, has been in existence for a good number of years and, before going any further, it is vital that we first consider what part it could play in the life of the church. We need to establish our priorities and what we would like to do with it in the future. With this in mind the Steering group, in conjunction with the Drama group, have developed and agreed a document entitled “The church’s aims and aspirations for the stage area” (See below).

There are now four or five of us taking a radical look at what a new concept could look like and then report back to the Steering group early this year.

It is important that we tread carefully and ensure that decisions which are made are sound and take account of our mission as a church. If you have suggestions which you feel could help us towards this please let us know. Please pray for us as we move forward.

The church’s aims and aspirations for the stage area

The 20-20 Steering group have spent quite some time considering a way forward to bring the stage area up-to-date, safe and fit for purpose. Below are our fundamental aims and aspirations - some with regards to the Drama group and others are general direction for all groups/individuals using the space: 1. As the Methodist Church in Glenfield our mission is both to

spread the Christian message and increase our outreach and effectiveness in this growing community hence the 20-20 project. The hall with the stage area are valuable assets which need to help us achieve this. At present the stage area is significantly under-utilised.

2. All groups and users need to be mindful of the fact that first and foremost we are a church, and all group activities need to respect and take this into account.

3. All users need to respect the premises and facilities provided and leave them in a condition for others to use both before and after an event.

4. The hall with the stage could have many more uses, and we need facilities which cater for a greater variety of events and activities throughout the year:

• We would like to be able to invite other companies to present Christian plays, or even people from within our own congregation to do so.

• Concert events could be an option.

• We constantly have requests from various agencies - e.g. social services and NHS to use our Premises.

5. We would invite the Drama group to participate in church activities further, as they have already started to do – It would be great to have them supporting some of the church

events and vice versa there may be an overlap in the drama group putting on shows suggested by the church if they felt this was doable.

6. We have a strong desire to work far more closely with the Drama Group - we value their talent, experience and expertise which contribute significantly to the community. Equally we would seek a more inclusive participation by the Drama group in the life of the church and we would like at least one representative of Drama Group to be on Church Council, to ensure good communications throughout the year

7. Drama can be a powerful influence, apart from entertainment, as a Methodist Church it is important that productions are compatible with the Christian message, ethics and traditions. The Church Council wishes to be consulted in advance of all productions by the representative so that conversations can take place where the church may reserve the right to ask for amendments to the content if felt necessary.

8. The drama group is called the ‘Glenfield Methodist Drama Group’ and as an internal organisation operates under the authority of the Church Council, which exercises oversight and direction. The stage together with all other assets belong to the church, and Church and Drama Group share a number of responsibilities which include insurance, finance, health and safety, fire risk, maintenance and repair work, and other compliance issues such as production licences. Therefore it would be useful for the discussions to take place when and where things may need alterations, given that the aim is for the stage area to be used more often and by other

groups, it is important that the space is respected and each person leave the stage as it was found.

9. Storage on the premises must be limited to essential and permanent needs. Additional requirements for an event must be brought on site within an agreed time frame, to support the use of the stage by the drama group and others utilising the space. The church is aware that these requirements may depend on the type of show being staged by an amateur Drama Group.

10.We recognise that at present the stage is not fit for purpose

-it is not in a safe cond-ition and the aim is that this be recti-fied for all those who intend using it.

Old Age

On the outside: why so faded, Colours chipped and hair awry? Ageing’s price has been exacted, Hope extinguished, love gone by.

Middle Age

Halfway there with lines appearing, Self-help books are piling high. Dreams still beckon; future yearning, Life has not yet passed me by.

Adolescence

Teenage daring, risk unflinching; Health and vigour promise more Every passion lurks, so tempting All sensations to the fore.

The Ages Of Life —by John Barton

Childhood

Child amazement, world untested; Safely kept in others’ care.

Now emerging, trusting, fearless Stain-free soul to taste the air.

Moral

Cast off now your stubborn pride. Liberate the child inside.

(See Matthew 18:3)

WINTER TREATS?

If you read last month’s newsletter, you will have seen the amazing amount of money we raised from the sale of produce during 2020. Thank you for your custom.

The stall in my porch is still open - with Jams, Marmalades and Pickles for sale. No need to ring the bell, just take what you wish to purchase and put monies into the envelope provided.

If you would like lemon curd it is usually available in the fridge but, to save disappointment, phone and order. I can deliver anywhere in Glenfield during my one hour’s daily exercise. If you have any specific requirements, please phone and I will let you know if it is in stock or whether I can make it for you.

Perhaps you would like a little homemade treat during these colder darker days of lockdown? Fruit or cheese scones, Victoria Sandwich, Coffee Cake, Cupcakes? These are all freezable.

Or maybe Chocolate brownies, Shortbread or Flapjack?

These items can be ordered and delivered. Please phone Celia on 0116 2873896

Portrait

A primary teacher was observing her classroom of children while they were drawing. As she got to one little girl who was working diligently, she asked what the drawing was.

The girl replied, "I'm drawing God."

The teacher blinked: "But no one knows what God looks like." Without missing a beat, or looking up from her drawing, the girl replied, "They will in a minute."

The very first Valentine card, a legend

The Roman Emperor Claudius II needed soldiers. He suspected that marriage made men want to stay at home with their wives, instead of fighting wars, so he outlawed marriage.

A kind-hearted young priest named Valentine felt sorry for all the couples who wanted to marry, but who couldn’t. So secretly he married as many couples as he could - until the Emperor found out and condemned him to death. While he was in prison awaiting execution, Valentine showed love and compassion to everyone around him, including his jailer. The jailer had a young daughter who was blind, but through Valentine’s prayers, she was healed. Just before his death in Rome on 14th

February, he wrote her a farewell message signed ‘From your Valentine.’

So, the very first Valentine card was not between lovers, but between a priest about to die, and a little girl, healed through his prayers.

Shrove Tuesday: Who’s for pancakes? by David Winter

Why do we have pancakes on Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Day, as we call it today? And what is Shrove Tuesday? And why do thousands of people feel it rewarding to race along a street somewhere tossing pancakes from their frying pans as they go? Well, the answer to the first question is that it is the day before Lent begins and for well over a thousand years that has meant it was the last chance to enjoy meat, fat and other tasty dishes

until Easter Day. The ‘Lent Fast’ was widely and strictly observed. The food in the larder wouldn’t keep for six weeks so it had to be eaten. With all these rich foods no wonder the French call it ‘Fatty Tuesday’ –Mardi Gras.

So, what have pancake races got to do with all this solemnity?

‘Shrove’ is an old word for ‘forgiven’ and in those days to prepare for the rigours of Lent people would want to confess and seek forgiveness –not quite what you want at a party. The answer is quite simply enjoying yourself while you can! So, on Shrove Tuesday this year let’s have some fun and make it last as long as possible.

The most convincing (and amusing) of the explanations of pancake races is of outwitting the Sexton who rang the curfew bell that marked the start of Lent. He was reluctant to do it while the race was unfinished. So, the revelry caused by dropped pancakes, postponed the inevitable.

Since the Reformation it has not been so rigorously

observed in Britain, but still people will resolve to ‘give up something for Lent’. Six weeks is about right as a duration and Sunday has always been exempt but make the most of those pancakes. They may well not reappear until April 12th_!

17th Feb: Ash Wednesday, a good time to admit you are sorry

Have you done something which haunts you? Which makes you feel restless and defensive, every time you think of it? Why not deal with it this month, and put it behind you? Whatever your mistake has been, consider what the Bible has to say to you:

‘I have not come to call the virtuous but sinners to repentance’ (said Jesus). (Luke 5.32)

‘Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. (Isaiah 55.7)

‘Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the Lord, your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing.’ (Joel 2:12-13)

God is inviting you to come to Him this Ash Wednesday. What a wonderful offer! Make the most of it and remember how the prodigal son was welcomed back by his compassionate father.

National Nestbox Week –time to help your garden birds

Our birds are short of nesting holes, and no wonder: gardens, parks and woodland are much neater than they used to be, and modern homes offer few crannies for nest building.

National Nestbox Week, which is celebrated from 14th _February

each year, aims to encourage us to put up more nestboxes, and to consider planting shrubs or trees with fruit that birds eat. These can make all the difference to birds struggling to survive, especially blue tits, great tits, house sparrows, robins and starlings.

The British Trust for Ornithologiy (BTO) offers a variety of ideas for building and placing nestboxes.

Go to: https://www.nestboxweek.com

Smart bird

Ravens have been found to be among the cleverest animals in the world. These largest members of the crow family can even score as high on intelligence tests as chimpanzees.

Ravens can remember where food is hidden, can use tools to get at it, follow human faces with their eyes, and understand what people mean when they point. All in all, researchers praise their “general, sophisticated cognitive skills.”

A prayer for the pandemic

Dear Father God,

You promise to hear us when we come to you in prayer, thank you! We so need Your listening ear at this time – and your help, Lord. Winter always brings challenges, but this winter is exceptional as the effects of the pandemic continue. When we are afraid, or lonely, or grieving, or in despair, help us to trust You and to know that You are with us in the middle of it all, sustaining us. You are not social

-distancing, You are very, very close, full of love and compassion.

We pray for our National Health Service and ask for Your special strength and protection for all staff. Thank you for the skills You have given to scientists all over the world. Thank you for the hope which the vaccines bring. Most of all thank You for the hope which Jesus brings. This earthly life is a whisper in the light of eternity and Jesus is the key to that eternal life. Thank You, Father, for meeting all our needs in Jesus.

Amen.

By Daphne Kitching

News

From

St. Peter’s

How are you doing? It’s a question I ask most times I meet people, and most times the answer has (historically) been the quintessentially British, ‘fine’. I still get that a bit, but the last 10 months have seen a change. I think most of us realise we’re not doing ‘fine’.

It’s been a very long slog since last March, and we’ve been through a few ups and a lot of downs. It’s been challenging beyond anything most of us have experienced in our lifetime and the impact on our wellbeing has been profound. Some of us are facing financial issues, as businesses have struggled and livelihood suffered. Many of us have suffered physically, if we’ve been fortunate enough to escape infection then through the loss of sports, exercise and normal activities. Almost everyone, I suspect, has struggled emotionally with the effects of isolation and separation from our friends and family.

In the face of all that, I want to offer you an opportunity in this new year to join me for the Wellbeing Journey.

The Wellbeing Journey is a new series exploring holistic wellness: body, mind and spirit.

It’s based around seven key areas of wellbeing – the wellbeing mindset, physical, emotional, spiritual, relational, financial and vocational – to help you discover how to run on a full tank. Presenters on the course include Simon Thomas – himself well

acquainted with the challenges of personal grief and disappointment –and experts in their fields.

Everyone is welcome to take part in this online course to help you assess life and increase your capacity to flourish. There is a clear Christian perspective to the journey, as you might expect, but I believe it would be helpful to people of any faith or none. Email me for more information or to sign

up :-

richard@stpetersandallsaints.org.uk

Richard Trethewey

Rector of St Peter’s, Glenfield, and All Saints, Newtown Linford 0116 287 1604

Fairtrade Fortnight: 22nd _{February – 7}th _March

It has been a terrible year for farmers and workers in the global south.

In 2020, on top of the pandemic, they had to deal with the growing impact of climate change: more droughts and crop disease, locusts, floods, fires, and heatwaves. No wonder their harvests were shrinking.

Yet with the help of Fairtrade, many of these producers of food, drinks and cottons can be equipped to meet more everyday needs, and to deal with the challenges facing them.

So this month, why not visit www.fairtrade.org.uk and see how you can send some support.

Global Strategy

Our Story (Part 1)

We have successfully provided practical support to meet the social and economic needs of the most vulnerable and marginalised; responded to the emergency needs of people and communities displaced by conflict and disasters; exposed and challenged the root causes of poverty; and supported the building of local agency. We have done so standing in solidarity with others across the world, alleviating suffering, saving lives and restoring dignity, and building a movement for justice for all.

Christian Aid’s groundbreaking work began in 1945, when we were founded by British and Irish churches to help refugees following the Second World War. For more than 70 years, we have provided long-term development support and humanitarian relief for affected communities worldwide, while highlighting suffering, tackling injustice and championing people’s rights.

These aims have always been central to our identity. Our history is marked by being there to support people in the long term. We have always understood that we must provide practical, long-term support to achieve sustainable development and help affected communities to be free from want and fear. Today, we deliver development and humanitarian programmes in over 37 countries, alongside more than 450 local, national and international partners.

We have supported communities affected by exclusion and extreme poverty: indigenous people in the Amazon, women and girls experiencing genderbased violence in Malawi, farmers in Kenya and Burundi. Through our contracts with major donors, we are often able to reach the most marginalised communities at even greater scale – for example our DFID funded PACS programme which ended in 2017 reached 9.6m socially excluded people through civil society organisations, empowering them to claim their rights. In all this, we

have sought to make a deep, lasting difference to the lives of those in poverty.

Our history is also marked by being there before, during and after an emergency to save lives. We have been committed to locally led response since our formation. In recent years, this way of working has been recognised across the sector as critical in responding effectively to humanitarian crises. The leading role we have played in the Charter for Change movement is the most recent manifestation of this commitment. We have been at the forefront in developing innovative ways of working in emergencies and assisting communities by improving their emergency preparedness.

We have played a leading role in the development of accountability to affected populations over the past 10 years; this is central to our belief in putting the agency of people at the centre of our work. We were one of the first organisations to be certified by the Humanitarian Accountability Partnership and, more recently, in line with the Core Humanitarian Standards.

Over the past 20 years we have responded to countless disasters across the globe. This has included our largest-ever response - to the Asia Tsunami in 2004 which affected millions in India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Somalia. We provided immediate relief and followed this up with support for communities to recover and rebuild their lives. In Afghanistan after 9/11, we again provided immediate assistance, but also publicly challenged policies that deepened the plight of those caught. We have successfully provided practical support to meet the social and economic needs of the most vulnerable and marginalised; responded to the emergency needs of people and communities displaced by conflict and disasters; exposed and challenged the root causes of poverty; and supported the building of local agency. We have done so standing in solidarity with others across the world, alleviating suffering, saving lives and restoring dignity, and building a movement for justice for all. Our story Christian Aid Global Strategy Our story 5 up in the conflict. In Haiti,

following the devastating earthquake in 2010, our support was again both local and international: we were one of the first organisations to provide livelihood support to women street vendors, supporting them to provide food for people left homeless by the earthquake; we also campaigned to drop Haiti’s international debt. Today, as part of the response to the Rohingya refugee crisis, we are site-managing Jamtoli camp, which shelters over 50,000 people.

(To be continued in next month’s newsletter)

I am just wanting to say, once again, thank you to all

the people that sponsored me to do my Sponsored

Walk around Ellis Park. I have now received all the

sponsor money and I have raised a tremendous total

amount of £810.00, which has now been passed on to

my sister, Teresa.

Thank you once again

Michael Withers

Miscellaneous observations on modern life

As any member of a church committee will tell you, after all is said and done, there’s a lot more said than done.

I used to eat a lot of natural foods until I learned that most people die of natural causes.

If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything. A closed mouth gathers no foot.

I really don't mind getting older, but my body is taking it badly. I thought getting old would take longer.

Cleaning is just putting stuff in less obvious places.

Our Charity of the month

Falcon Support Services

Let me first say how thankful we are to all those of you who sacrificially gave to us the last time Falcon was our charity of the month – it really does make a difference.

Some twelve months have passed since I wrote the first letter on behalf of Falcon and as I read what I said then about our aims and what we seek to achieve, nothing has really changed. The vision of Falcon is still to help vulnerable and homeless people transform their lives and enabling them to live independently and positively contribute to their community. That is simple to put into words, but the reality and practice of making it happen is quite another matter.

What is different now is that the issues we are dealing with in our society have increased, there are more demands on available funding, and we are now in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic –all of which makes what we are seeking to do much harder.

But there is good news so let me touch on some of the things that are happening – here’s a snapshot of just some of the testimonials where lives have been changed:

“If it wasn’t for the safety and support I received, I wouldn’t be planning a positive future”

“I owe my life to Falcon Support Services and the support I received there.”

“They helped me turn a house into a home.”

“The support made me feel like I was worth something.”

Tim had spent years in and out of prison, homeless or living in hostels or on the street. Fuelled by a previous drug addiction to heroin he found it hard to break the cycle of his offending behaviour. With fluctuating mental health and challenging relationships with his family he decided to move out of the area where he was known and start afresh, turning his back on negative influences. The space enabled him to address his mental health issues and he was able to reduce his drug use. Working with Turning Point he got on a Methadone script programme and managed to go from daily to weekly pick-ups. Moving to one of our projects in a different area meant Tim was able to break the cycle of crime, drugs and homelessness. He eventually was successful in securing a flat and used his savings towards furnishing it to make it a home. Tim continues to receive support to ensure he maintains his tenancy and continues to make a brighter new future.

Other matters which are cause for encouragement:

We are now successfully running Drop In centres in Loughborough, Coalville, Syston, South Wigston, Hinckley, and Market Harborough – these are attended by the homeless, lonely and those with other social issues. They can receive support and counselling on a one-to-one basis by qualified and experienced staff.

Even though we all live in difficult days we have been able to strengthen the charity by increasing training for both staff and volunteers in Mental Health issues, First Aid, Universal Credit and Housing Benefit matters, and Housing Law. We have also been able to increase training for Managers in leadership and management in Adult Social Care.

we are so often grappling with ‘red tape’ and bureaucracy, but we are still able to maintain good working relationships with the local authorities and other agencies which respect and value what we are doing.

We are working with Charnwood Community Safety Team in implementing a Substance Misuse Strategy

Caring for the poor is so central to the nature of God, and indeed Jesus made himself a friend of tax collectors and sinners. Last time I mentioned the verse in scripture where it says “He (the Lord) has chosen me to bring good news to the poor, to heal the broken hearted, to announce release to the captives and freedom to the imprisoned.” And this still registers so strongly with me and why I’m involved with Falcon.

Falcon Support Services is our charity of the month and this is an opportunity for us as a church or as individuals to support this vital work in the community by our prayers or giving as we are able.Do look at our website and gain a fuller picture of what we’re about and if you would like further information please contact Andy Cereseto.

https://www.falconsupportservices.org.uk

The birds and bees

Here is some good news: all new major roads will have wildflower

-friendly verges that could boost our numbers of birds and bees.

Highway England has said that vibrant road verges will be created as standard on new roads over 300 miles in England, using low nutrient soils which will be seeded with wildflowers or left to grow naturally. A staggering 97 per cent of our meadows have been destroyed since the Thirties, due to modern agriculture. This means that the 238,000 hectares of road verges across the UK could become a vital habitat for pollinators. The Government has pledged to build 4,000 miles of new road by 2025.

Across

8 Interrogated (Acts 12:19) (5-8)

9 ‘Burn it in a wood fire on the —heap’ (Leviticus 4:12) (3)

10 Tobit, Judith, Baruch and the books of Esdras and the Maccabees are part of it (9)

11 Science fiction (abbrev.) (3-2) 13 Clay pit (anag.) (7)

16 Went to (John 4:46) (7)

19 ‘Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to —your bodies as living sacrifices’ (Romans 12:1) (5)

22 David’s plea to God concerning those referred to in 14 Down:

24 Royal Automobile Club (1,1,1) 25 How the book of Ezekiel refers to God more than 200 times (Ezekiel 2:4) (9,4)

Down

1 Seas (Proverbs 8:24) (6)

2 One of the sons of Eli the priest, killed in battle by the Philistines (1 Samuel 4:11) (6)

3 Specialist in the study of the Muslim religion (8)

4 ‘Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but — him as if he were your father’ (1 Timothy 5:1) (6)

5 One of Esau’s grandsons (Genesis 36:11) (4) 6 Taking a chance (colloq.) (2,4)

7 God’s instructions to the Israelites concerning grain offerings: ‘

—salt to —your offerings’ (Leviticus 2:13) (3,3) 12 Confederation of British Industry (1,1,1)

14 ‘All day long they twist my words; they are always — to harm me’ (Psalm 56:5) (8)

15 The crowd’s reaction to Jesus bringing back to life a widow’s son in Nain (Luke 7:16) (3)

16 Disappear (Psalm 104:35) (6)

17 How Jeremiah was likely to die if he wasn’t rescued from the cistern where he was imprisoned (Jeremiah 38:9) (6)

18 What the prophets do to a wall, with whitewash (Ezekiel 13:10, RSV) (4,2)

20 Made by a plough (Job 39:10) (6)

21 Noah was relieved when the flood waters continued to — (Genesis 8:5) (6)

23 Jesus gave the Twelve the power and authority to do this to diseases (Luke 9:1) (4)

Answers on page 40 Answers on Page 40

Wordsearch for February 2021

February opens with Candlemas – the naming of Jesus in the temple. Simeon and Anna praised God to see the promised Messiah, sent by a loving God to save his people. February also celebrates the love between a man and woman: Valentine cards and romance abound. ‘Love’ as in social compassion is also remembered: Fair Trade fortnight, Holocaust Memorial Day, World Leprosy Day, and National Nest Box Week.... Love is truly needed by everyone!

Words to find:-

Naming, Christ, Candlemas, Simeon, Anna, temple, love, Valentine, romance, Matthias, fairtrade, fortnight, coffee, bananas, chocolate, justice, poverty, nest box, marriage, wedding, holocaust, leprosy

Easy Sudoku Grid

All answers on page 40

Intermediate Sudoku Grid

T

H

E

M

A

Z

E

G

A

M

E

S

P

A

G

E

S

Vivienne Limb 0116 224 3505 Andrea Bird 07555166140 Mary Bothwell 0116 231 3224 Trevor Davies 07514048224 Mary Squires 0116 291 2330

Answers to the crossword on page 36 Answers to the wordsearch on page 38

Answers to the Sudokus on page 39

GLENFIELD METHODIST CHURCH PREACHERS FOR :

-February 2021

THE NEWSLETTER EDITOR :-

Wally York Tel. 2314151

NEWSLETTER DISTRIBUTION:-

Peter Tyers Tel. 2871070

Room Bookings: Roger Davis Tel. 287 3896

Church Treasurer: Geoff Clarke Tel. 287 9183

Church Secretary: Jane Sowler Tel. 289 1657

Senior Steward: Vivienne Limb Tel. 224 3505

Weekly Notices: Jane Sowler Tel. 289 1657

Items for the next edition to be with the editors by :

-Friday 19

February 2021

Why not visit the Church website?

glenfieldmethodistchurch.org

Follow us on

Facebook @ Glenfield Methodist Church

10.15 am 6.00 pm.

Circuit ZOOM Services

Feb. 7 * LA Rev. Joy Langford

Feb. 14 * Rev. Helen Bell Rev. Helen Bell

Feb. 21 * Tom Limb Rev. Novette Headley Feb. 28 * Rev. Helen Bell Rev. Judith Lincoln

LA = Local Arrangement

* = These services may also be via Zoom

SUNDAY

8.30 am Prayer Meeting (Zoom) Margaret Almey 233 2610 10.15 am Morning Worship

6:00 pm Circuit Evening Worship (Zoom)

10.15 am Sunday Club and Crèche Linda York 231 4151 2.30 pm Open Door (Monthly) Audrey Holmes 287 3415 6.00 pm Evening Worship (Last Sunday of the month)

MONDAY

8.30 am - 3pm Playgroup Kathy Freeman 233 0100

glenfieldplaygroup@yahoo.co.uk

TUESDAY

8.30 am - 1:00pm Playgroup Kathy Freeman 233 0100 1.00 pm –2.15pm Toddler Group (0-4 years) Liz Clarke 287 9183 (1st, 3rd & 5th Tuesdays)

2.30 pm Ladies Fellowship (2nd & 4th Tuesdays) Ruth Griffiths 287 2260 6.00 pm Girls’ Brigade Donna Jobling 278 7152

1stglenfieldgb@gmail.com

WEDNESDAY

8.30 am - 3pm Playgroup Kathy Freeman 233 0100 7.30pm Drama Gillian Edwards 233 4234

THURSDAY

8.30 am - 3pm Playgroup Kathy Freeman 233 0100

FRIDAY

8.30 am - 1:00pm Playgroup Kathy Freeman 233 0100 7.30 pm Music Group Wally York 231 4151

SATURDAY

10.00am - 11.00am Church Open for Prayer Rev. Helen Bell 287 0356 10.00am - 11.45am Coffee Morning Mary Squires 291 2330

Weekly House Fellowships

Thursday Zoom details Alison Blane 287 0454

Church Website: glenfieldmethodistchurch.org