Lanesfield Craft Group
at Lanesfield Methodist Church
Tuesdays 1pm till 3pm
We have now been meeting on a weekly basis for eight years. It seems only yesterday that a few of us turned up for the first class and we now have 20 regular members. Not all of the members belong to the church, but they all support the work that we are doing at Lanesfield. In the last two years we have had several projects on the go, some of the ladies were knitting blankets for the Hamlyn Fistula Hospital for women which was built in Addis Ababa by two doctors from Birmingham some years ago. They do good reconstructive surgery on young girls who have given birth at an early age causing injury to themselves.
Another project is knitting small garments/hats/booties and blankets which we started to make when our friend Janice Sealey worked at New Cross Neo Natal Unit. We continue to do this in memory of Janice, however our ladies have been even busier as we now supply Russell's Hall Neo Natal in Dudley and City Hospital in Birmingham. We have even sent some to a hospital in Scotland where a contact of mine told of a relative in Strathclyde who had given birth eight weeks early. They had no clothes small enough to fit the baby of their own. So keep up the good work ladies!
We were lucky sometime ago to receive a grant from the National Lottery which was used to buy sewing machines and equipment. A range of goods are being made including peg bags, tea cosies, aprons etc.
A small group of ladies have also turned their hand at gardening and have been very busy weeding and planting the borders. They did this without any prompting and have brought along a selection of plants which it is hoped will spread and reduce the need for constant weeding, WELL DONE LADIES!
We have a teddy bear project started by Margaret Whitehouse, the knitted teddies
are donated to the Air Ambulance and are given to children involved in accidents
to keep their minds occupied. This project has now grown and local football team
mascot teddies are also being produced, keeping Margaret very busy.
The money that we raise from sale of work, is used to fund new materials e.g. wool, filling, threads etc. Items that we sell at the Gala and Autumn Fair raise funds for the church.
Our group is very friendly and informal and members work on one of the projects or
a piece of work from home. There are no set rules and everyone works at their own
pace. We have been very fortunate, and individuals have given materials, patterns
etc for us to use. Sometimes if they are not suitable we pass them on to someone
who can use them, e.g. local schools, and any wool that is not suitable for babies
or blankets gets knitted into squares and given as animal blankets for the PDSA.
We are working on Christmas ideas at the moment for our stall at the Autumn Fair on the 19th November. We acknowledge the fact that we are very fortunate to be part of Lanesfield Methodist Church, and thank them for their support of our group which will hopefully carry on for many more years.
Janet Massey
Laburnum Road,
Lanesfield,
Wolverhampton
WV4 6PG
Telephone: 01902 662136
CLICK HERE TO PRINT OUT MESSENGER
Dear friends,
The leadership team is pleased to announce that at the last Church Council we welcomed two new stewards onto our team. You can now look forward to seeing Catherine Waddison and Linda Meese reading our notices as well as reading from the Bible. Barbara Watkins has also kindly offered to ‘step up’ and help out whenever she can. We would like to express our thanks to these three ladies for taking on their new role and we pray you will all support them.
We would also like to thank everyone who has helped to improve and maintain the church buildings. You may have noticed there have been quite a few jobs done around church by various people. This includes paintwork within the church, the church gates, broken windows replaced, the flower borders kept tidy and the lawns manicured. We also have a team of people who have done some extra cleaning. You may have seen on the notices recently that we are asking for ‘cleaning teams’ to help out, on a rota basis. If you feel you could be part of a team, please see Sally, Rob or one of the stewards and we will make the necessary arrangements together. It would be a shame to let all the hard work that has gone into improving our church building, go to waste. Remember the story of the young boy and the star fish in the previous Messenger!
We would also like to invite people to come forward and become Bible readers in the service. If you feel you would like to become part of the reading team then please come and speak to any of the stewards – age is no barrier. We would welcome your contribution and it’s always lovely to see a new face at the lectern.
What a wonderful team of people we have within our church! However we must not become complacent. Please do not leave the many jobs that need to be done to the few …….. If we all do a little to help, God will be very happy with us all!
Please take the time to consider what you can give to your church and to God’s work within the church family and the wider community. You really can make a difference.
Yours in God’s service,
The Leadership Team
We remember the house-
We pray for Harold and Jeremy Newell, Mary Davies and Sylvia Griffiths, Stephen Podmore, Ann Whitehouse, Anna Clutton, Alan Crowe, Rachael Meese, Barry Showell, Neil Harris, Betty Bowen, Gemma and Jodie Simner, Vera Stuchfield, Ken Nash, Sheila Tucker, Dorothy Roberts, Alan Barker, Andrew and Roland Jones, that they may know God’s healing power. We remember too John Wilkes and Eric Marson in their struggle to keep well.
For Margaret Cresswell and Jane Reynolds we continue to thank God for their ongoing improvement.
Our church family is deeply saddened by the death of our dear and gracious member Dorothy Baines. A wonderful long life lived alongside her Lord. To Cecil, Jeff and all the members of her family we pray for God’s strength and care. Our sympathies too go to the family of the late Gladys Pearson, a lady who tirelessly served the local community.
Through baptism we welcome into fellowship of our church Jake James Hockley and Jahmar Joseph Brown.
In August we were delighted to share in the wedding ceremonies of two of our young church members, Jonathan and Beth. On 6th August Jonathan Davis was married to Sara Hall, and on 19th August Beth Meese was married to Adam Reynolds. To both couples we send our loving wishes and pray God will richly bless their future lives together.
Toy Service
As you are aware we had to cancel the Toy Service last year, because “The Haven” who had previously had our toys could not accept them, unless they were brand new!
I have been in contact with “The Good Shepherd” at Darlington St Methodist and they are only too willing to accept any toys, children’s clothes or tinned food, so this year we look forward to another successful toy service.
Thanking you all in anticipation.
Glynis Davis
BB News
Our guest of honour at our awards night was
Mr Matt Murray the ex Wolves Goalkeeper.
We had a great time and he took interest in all of the lads. A good time was had
by all.
Sunday Services
During the next Methodist year we will be short of preaching appointments. This is due to the replacement minister for Bilston and East Park turning down the appointment at the last minute and three of our existing ministers having sabbaticals during the winter and spring of 2012.
A letter from the circuit is available at Church from the stewards (see also page
3). Please see if you have any ideas or suggestions that will help.
Our Girls’ Brigade meets on Monday evenings
and is appealing for help!
Could you spare a couple of hours each week,
or even occasionally?
If so, please see Julia Rivett.
Each week we commence our evening with devotions, lasting about ten minutes.
Would you like to lead this one Monday evening?
If so, please see Ann Latham.
If you would like to give regularly either through the envelope scheme or directly
through the direct debit scheme please see Catherine Waddison.
You do not have to pay tax to have a box of envelopes or give through direct debit.
Do you have news to share with others?
Please give any items for the December edition
of The Messenger
no later than Sunday 13th November 2011
to Ann Latham
annlatham@lanesfieldmethodist.co.uk
Written by a 90 year old
This is something we should all read at least once a week!!!!!
Make sure you read to the end!!!!!!
To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written.
My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come...
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."
Submitted by Sally Parker
NEW ERA FOR METHODIST WOMEN
History so far
1858 Women’s Work came into being as a movement of women in Methodism supporting the training and care of women missionaries and raising awareness and money for work overseas.
1945 Women’s Fellowship in the Methodist Church was formed out of a concern in the wake of the Second World War to focus on welfare issues, fellowship and the training of women for leadership roles.
1987 Women’s Work and Women’s Fellowship came together to form Women’s Network of the Methodist Church.
2008 As part of the Team Focus process, Women’s Network became a charitable organisation independent of the Connexial Team.
2011 Women’s Network and the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women (British Unit) came together to form Methodist Women in Britain.
You are all invited to join in our meetings with other women in the circuit -
Please give this work your deepest thoughts and pray for the success of the M.W.I.B. as we begin a new Methodist year. The first meeting is at Beckminster at 2.30 pm Monday 12th September with a harvest bring and buy. If you need transport please see Pat Arnold.
Pat Arnold
Well done to all who made the Flower Festival another success with the theme ‘All things gold’ to celebrate the 50 years in this church building. Once again some wonderful arrangements and ideas. On the Sunday morning we welcomed Rev. Michael John for the first time and Rev. Ian Heath for our evening service. The choir once again sang five new pieces, which I hope you enjoyed. Our usual ‘Songs of Praise’ on the Monday evening was led by Rev. Roger Hides, when once again the choir repeated their music and also I hope the congregation were able to have a good sing. This service was very well attended I am pleased to say. It was very unfortunate that Rev. Jean Spragg had to cancel her visit this year, as she had to have a knee replacement and was off work for three months. After all the hard work that was put in, it was very disappointing that at 10.30 am on the Saturday when Rev. Steve Singleton took the opening service there was hardly anyone in church, and this pattern followed the whole day as very few visitors came to view the displays. This will obviously raise a few questions as to what happens in future!
At present we are rehearsing for the Harvest Festival on 25th September when we shall be singing three new items: ‘Creation Hymn’ by Beethoven, ‘The glory of the Lord’ and ‘Praise, O praise the Lord of harvest’. This is always a difficult time of the year for rehearsals due to holidays etc, but I am pleased to welcome John Rowley who has been with us since May and Angie Lancaster more recently. I do hope they enjoy singing with us.
On Remembrance Sunday, 13th November, we shall be singing a piece written by the Salvation Army called ‘Tomorrow’s people’. The words speak of a people wanting to shape a world as God would want it to be.
The Church Anniversary follows on 11th December when in the morning at 10.30 am we welcome Rev. Barry Smart, the Chaplin from Compton Hospice, and at 6.00 pm Rev. John Barrett will lead us. The choir will be singing five items, one of which is ‘The Bilston Carol’. I hope you will support your choir on these 50th celebrations.
Barrie Shinton
Update regarding the Memorial Fund
Thanks to all those who have donated
since the last Messenger:
Table Top Sale
McCains Foods
Harold Newell
The family of the late Ray Whitehouse
Sandra Harrington and Rose Reznik
Gala Day
Pat McFadden M.P.
Mr. Mohan Singh in memory of his son Amandip Maheru
Sue Smith
Councillor Mike Heap
Brenda and Roland Jones
and all who have donated to the 20p jar.
We have now reached £2,511 but we still need your help.
Sandra Harrington
WEIGHT WATCHERS IS COMING!!!
EVERY WEDNESDAY
LANESFIELD METHODIST CHURCH
10AM – 12PM
STARTING WEDNESDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER 2011
IF YOU WOULD LIKE SOME HELP AND INCENTIVE
TO LOSE WEIGHT
THEN COME ALONG
FOR A CHAT AND A COFFEE.
For more information see
church noticeboard
or contact
Alison Jefferies on
01902 747612
Mobile 07973890879
TRADITIONAL
SHOTOKAN KARATE CLASSES
at Lanesfield Methodist Church
RESPECT BALANCE
FLEXIBILITY
SELF DEFENCE
CONFIDENCE CONTROL DISCIPLINE
Every Tuesday and Friday 7pm – 8.30pm
Beginners classes 6pm – 6.50pm
(By prior arrangement only)
Class prices £5 per student
£4 per student (family Discount)
Classes taught by
SENSEI PAUL CONNOR
3RD DAN BLACK BELT
Contact Paul on 07734489626
BB/GB Band Fundraisers
Soul Survivors Live Band and Disco
60s, 70s 80s Classic Soul Years
Saturday 12th November
7.30 pm till late
Springvale Sports & Social Club
Millfields Road
Bilston
Adults £15
Children under 16 yrs £10
Family ticket £40
(2 Adults and 2 children under 16 yrs)
Food options also available
Telephone:
Lisa 07948 400378
or
Martin 07982 197224
MINISTER
Rev. Steve Singleton
Tel: 01902 681281 Email: minister@lanesfieldmethodist.co.uk
SENIOR STEWARDS
Mr. Rob Fownes and Mrs. Sally Parker
Tel: 01902 678621 Email: robfownes@lanesfieldmethodist.co.uk
Tel: 01902 838651 Email: sallyparker@lanesfieldmethodist.co.uk
PASTORAL SECRETARY
Mrs. Pat Arnold
Tel: 01902 495478
LAY WORKER
Mrs. Glynis Davis
Tel: 07761 725184 Email: layworker@lanesfieldmethodist.co.uk
ADMINISTRATOR
Mr. Steve Parker
Tel: 01902 662136 Email: office@lanesfieldmethodist.co.uk
ORGANIST AND CHOIR MASTER
Mr. Barrie Shinton
Tel: 01902 895005
BOYS’ BRIGADE CAPTAIN
Mrs. Jean Clemson
Tel: 01902 333741 Email: bb@lanesfieldmethodist.co.uk
GIRLS’ BRIGADE CAPTAIN
Mrs. Julia Rivett
Tel: 01902 458907 Email: gb@lanesfieldmethodist.co.uk
BAND MASTER
Mr. Neil Woodberry
Tel:
01902 829410 Email:band@lanesfieldmethodist.co.uk
NEWSLETTER EDITOR
Dr. Ann Latham
Tel: 01785 710866 Email: annlatham@lanesfieldmethodist.co.uk