Sketty Methodist OnLine

DIARY DATES

“SING - A - LONG” of Songs we remember - see below for more details

SKETTY METHODIST CHURCH

OUR MISSION STATEMENT
Sketty Methodist Church exists to share with all
*the glory of God through worship
*the love of God through service
*the Spirit of God through friendship

The calling of the Methodist Church is to respond to the Gospel of God’s love in Christ and to live out its discipleship in worship and mission. It does this through
*Worship
*Learning and caring
*Service
*Evangelism

Serving the Community……. Sketty Methodist Church has existed at the heart of the community for over 130 years, acting as a beacon and sign of God’s embracing love for all.
For information about activities in the church, our redevelopment scheme or fund raising events, please telephone 01792 280209.

“BREW FOR YOU” - DROP IN FOR COFFEE/TEA AND A CHAT on the first WEDNESDAY of each month from 10 am - noon. There will be a short service between 10.40 and 11 am. Everyone is welcome for all or part of the morning.

Our services every Sunday are at 10.30 am and 6.30 pm.

Groups which meet during the week include - folk dancers; Wesley Club (women’s meeting); Beavers, Cubs and Scouts; Brownies. We also have a Drama Group and Craft Group among other activities

“SONGS WE REMEMBER” A good old fashioned SING-A-LONG, interspersed with poetry and memories. WHEN - Monday 29th June TIME - 7 pm WHERE - Sketty Methodist Church Hall. Admission is free. Refreshments available. SKETTY METHODIST CHURCH - SERVING OUR COMMUNITY

Sketty Methodist Church
Newsletter
July-August 2009

OUR MINISTER IS Rev John Wiseman
church web site: www.skettymethodist.org.uk
church office: 01792 280209

‘The calling of the Methodist Church is to respond to the gospel of God’s love in Christ and to live out its discipleship in worship and mission’

It does this through
• Worship
• Learning and Caring
• Service
• Evangelism

Our Mission Statement:
Sketty Methodist Church
exists to share with all
* the glory of God through worship
* the love of God through service and
* the Spirit of God through friendship

From the Manse

“What’s in a word…more than you imagine
What’s in a word…more than I can say.”

And the word for today is bible. What exactly do we mean and understand by this collection of books, written by different authors, in different languages, at different times, in different places, in different ways, for different audiences to convey different messages?
The bible is a collection of material that started out as oral stories and traditions, which over a period of thousands of years became written sources and texts that were distributed amongst faith communities, gathered into special collections, given authority by religious councils and gatherings, translated into a multitude of languages and which we here in Swansea in 2009 have to interpret and apply to our daily lives.
Yet when we say “it’s in the bible” what exactly do we mean?
Do we mean the Samaritan bible composed of just the five books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy? Do we mean the 24 books that make up the Jewish or Hebrew bible, the 66 books that are found within the Protestant bible, the 73 that the Roman Catholic Church recognizes or the 80 plus that can be found within the Ethiopian bible?
Whatever bible we approach and however we approach it, all human life can be found within its pages. From songs and poetry of love, celebration and grief to political and spiritual commentary on the behaviour of nations and leaders. From wisdom, philosophy and law to accounts of ordinary people encountering God and becoming his spokespeople. From records of the life, teaching, death and resurrection of Jesus to descriptions and letters covering the early struggles and successes of the movement that followed him.
And the common thread that links all these together is that all life has been created by a God who is present, who loves this world, who gets involved with us in our hopes and struggles and wants us to work with him and who made God’s self known to us most fully, via the incarnation as Jesus Christ.
A self revelation of God and God’s love for us, these documents reflect not just the personalities of many different writers and the context in which they were writing but also the sure sense that the authors were being divinely guided by the Holy Spirit to record what they did. Above all else it clear that God is interested in the whole of our lives, as individuals, communities and nations. As such, the Bible is the core text of all the different churches and denominations. The Bible is God’s book, God’s living Word.

What’s in a word…more than you imagine. What’s in a word…more than I can say.
But don’t just take my word for it. Why not discover it for yourselves!

Love and light John

The Exploration of the Bible study group led by John has started. The evening sessions are full, but there are still one or two spaces in the morning group. If you would like to take part, please contact John.

Catherine Rees-Jones, Simon’s wife, Linda & Alan Jones’ daughter-in-law, and mother of Rhidian (age 7) and Hâf (2 years in August), died on 12th June following a sudden short illness. Catherine died peacefully with her family at her bedside in Morriston Hospital. Please keep them all in your prayers in the coming days and weeks as they try to come to terms with this tragic loss.

Alan, Linda, Simon, Rhidian and Hâf wish to thank everyone for the prayers, cards, flowers, phone calls, and gifts of an edible variety, that have sustained them over the past few days following the very sudden death of Catherine.
We have felt surrounded by a wall of love. We will be grateful for your continued support whilst we come to terms with our new situation.

Pat and Neville Jones say:
We wish to express our sincere gratitude for the thoughts and prayers during Neville’s recent surgery and subsequent problems, also the gorgeous flowers delivered by dear Pat Thomas and her following visit which we both so much appreciated. Sincere thanks also to Rev John for his very uplifting visits. At last there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel and we hope to be with you all very soon. May God bless you all for your kindness and concern.

Avril Evans says she would like to thank everyone for the concern shown to her recently. All the flowers, gifts, visits were very much appreciated by her and all the family too. She says she is feeling a lot better and hopes to be in church again soon.

Joy Dyer would like to say thank you for all the care shown her, and to say the donations in memory of Ron for the Parkinson’s Disease Society totalled £1,060.

Ruth Coleman has gained a 2:1 MSci degree in Materials Science from Cambridge University – many congratulations Ruth.

Dulcie Hayler has passed on good Gallagher news: Sam has his NVQs as a plumber; Beth is now a physiotherapist in Swansea; and Amy has qualified as a Doctor.

Aubrey Bidder is now in the Old Vicarage Nursing Home and we hold him in our prayers.
The Methodist Conference will be held this year at Wolver-hampton from 2nd-9th July. The President for 2009-2010 will be Rev David Gamble, and the Vice-President Richard Vautrey.

Traidcraft at the Methodist Conference - to help mark its 30th Birthday, Traidcraft will be making its first appearance at the Conference. Around 120 guests have been invited to join Traidcraft Chief Executive Paul Chandler for lunch when they will hear how churches and churchgoers can share in the mission of fighting poverty through trade. During the afternoon delegates and church leaders will share in a special birthday cake.
I would like to say ‘Thank You’ to everyone who supports the monthly Traidcraft stalls and also all who buy fairly traded goods from other sources.
Special thanks also to Gary & Jackie who are so ably looking after ‘the shop’ whilst I am physically incapacitated and to Miriam who is invaluable as our shop assistant!
The next Traidcraft Stall will be on 19th July. As is usual there will not be a stall in August but if anyone needs anything please contact either Jackie or myself. Pat Thomas

Our Birthday Greetings in July go to
Morgan Brown and Thomas Whitehouse (20th)
Harrison Brown and Emilia Toland (23rd)
Angharad Hopkins (28th)
Osian Webber (30th)
Hannah Surman (31st)
And in August to
Laura Humphries (6th)
Samuel Toland (15th)
Alex James (16th)
Lily Hayman (18th)
Rhian Evans (28th)
Special greetings to Peter Coates on his 18th birthday on 28th July

A flower-arranging workshop will be held on Friday 3rd July at 2.30 when the flowers for the 5th will be arranged.

Penlan Methodist is, we hear, delighted with the new banner – thanks to the Banner-making Group.

Open Day: 17th June Thank you to all who worked so hard to make the Day a success and for those who came to support it. It was inspiring to see the variety of activities which take place in the church building. The weather was stormy but those who did venture out expressed very positive comments about what is currently being done in the building and made helpful observations about our redevelopment proposals.
We asked all who attended, as well as those who use our building, our congregation, as well as others, to fill in a questionnaire so that we have people’s opinions - positive and negative - about the proposals and the activities we run. We need this information for our grant applications. Thank you if you have filled in the questionnaire. If you have not done so, please do. Spare copies of the questionnaires are at the back of the church and boxes are at the entrance of the church or in the hall in which to return them by Sunday 5th July. Thank you. Heather

FOOD FOR THOUGHT & FUN FOR AFTERS
In his message on our programme, John Wiseman referred to each person in MADCAPs having different and individual tasks but all working together to ensure the whole was greater than the sum of the parts.
Never has that been more true than this past week. Sharing Linda and Alan’s pain sometimes it seemed impossible to go ahead. However, I reckoned without the strength of our members and our family the church. This week, not only have MADCAP members supported and cared for one another, they have in turn been supported and cared for by other members of our church family. Without such fellowship and practical assistance we would not have been able to go ahead with our evenings and the message from Linda and Alan was very plain: “the show must go on”.
I won’t name names for fear of leaving someone out but sincere thanks, from me and all at MADCAPs, for our family the church. You surrounded us with all we needed to go ahead and, if comments from our audience are to be believed, then most were very satisfied, particularly those who were from outside and therefore not aware of our sadness
All expenses were met by MADCAP members which means the takings of £936 will prove a pleasant boost to our church Redevelopment Fund. Additionally, of course, once again it was an opportunity to open our church to our community.
Thank you to everyone for your support. Jan Chaplin

As Jan says, this was a difficult time for all concerned but the evenings were carried off with great aplomb.
The Madcaps provided us with a thought-provoking first play, and an hilarious second. In addition, the food was excellent and again served very efficiently during the interval.
Jan is such a marvellous producer and it is clear the Madcaps are a great team. Lynne Want’s scenery backdrop was superb. Janet Neilson provided appropriately atmospheric music. The lighting was efficiently dealt with by Robin Hancock, as were all front of house matters by John Dumelow.
Alan and Linda’s work Backstage and with Costumes was, as usual, very evident and those who volunteered to help in the tragic circumstances are most warmly thanked.

Future events:

“Songs We Remember”
7pm Monday 29th June in the hall:
a community event to which we
hope you will invite your friends and neighbours.

Brew for You Coffee mornings:
10-noon Wednesdays 1st July and 5th August,
short act of devotion 10.40-11am.

Trip to National Botanic Gardens Wednesday 19th August: Coach £2,
Entrance £7 adults, £5.50 concessions (free to Garden Members).
Pick up outside church at 10am, arrival back to church 4.30pm.
The coach is being subsidised by the church as part of our community-outreach. There are still a few places available – sign up on list in the hall, or contact Heather

For the Redevelopment Fund:

Saturday 4th July at 7.30pm
A Barn Dance with the Bear Band
at Sketty Park Social Club
Tickets: adults £7.50, children £5 -
Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) £20
Bring your friends!
Tickets from Heather and others.

Mumbles Methodist is holding a Book Sale on our behalf at their church on Thursday 29th to Saturday 30th July to help with our Fund raising. Spread it around!
continued…
Wednesday 12th August Summer Fayre 10am-3.30pm at Victoria Hall, Mumbles.
We are holding this event in Victoria Hall Mumbles, rather than at our own church as, potentially, we will have more people passing (Greater Potential Footfall!). It is also a bigger hall. We hope that this will be a big fund-raising event for our Redevelopment Fund.
We NEED people to help on the day. We know some people will be away, or at work. This leaves it up to the rest of us to do our bit! If you are able to come and sit by a stall, for a couple of hours, WE NEED YOU. One of the redevelopment team will be approaching you to find out at what times you can help.
We will also need plants, cakes, bric-a-brac, books, and ideas of other things we could do to raise money at the Summer Fayre.
We are relying on all of you to help us on this day.
Heather Coleman

Wesley Club:
At the AGM on 1st June, Wesley Club reviewed its year’s activities. Thanks were expressed to all the committee for their hard work during the past year. Donations were made from our funds to our Church, Circuit Project, Network, and LWPT.
The following officers were elected: President - Audrey Griffin
Chairperson - Pam Tucker Vice chairperson – Jan Chaplin
Secretary – Enid Ponsford Assistant secretary – Beryl Gedrych
Treasurer – Rosemary Blyth Assistant treasurer – Linda Jones
Registrar – Avril Evans and Anne Greenough
Social secretary – Chris Hartley Publicity – Lynne Want
Outings – Beryl Gedrych Cards – Beryl Richards
Network representative – Janet Neilson

Meetings resume on Monday 7th September with a Social Evening, and a warm welcome is offered to anyone who would like to come along.

Here is the first two of a series of articles written by Church
Members to help us know each other better. The first is
by Maggie Crawford and the second by Gary Coates.

I had been brought up in a very strict Church of England home attending Church and Sunday school each week and yet I do not remember much joy or celebration. I rebelled when at 14 years of age I was to be confirmed and could not accept all that I was supposed to accept…the vicar told me I should be confirmed anyway as my faith would eventually return. It did but 30 years later!
I had always wanted to nurse and started my career in 1963 in Birmingham but after 3 years I found it difficult to accept the death of some of the patients and this fact further distanced me from any faith that I may have had. I continued to nurse at Singleton Hospital as a Ward Sister and then became a Nurse Tutor.
In 1987 my brother-in law died unexpectedly and, as I lived nearby in Sketty, I was able to help my sister at this particularly difficult time. One very special visitor left an impression on me… Rev Jack Kaye. His kind words and caring manner were so genuine and sincere that my sister was comforted and able to discuss with him her distress about her life changing events. Jack’s offer of help with the funeral arrangements were accepted. Our church was full of family, friends, colleagues and school children paying their respects and the service conducted by Jack was thoughtful and relevant. This was the time when I realised the true values of Christianity and I wanted it to be a part of my life too.
I started attending Sketty Methodist Church and found that, opening my eyes and heart to what Jesus taught 2000 years ago, helped me and gave me courage and strength particularly when my widowed father came to live with us shortly afterwards in the terminal stage of his illness. I was no longer afraid of death and dying. My personal prayers were answered and my father’s last 6 months were on many occasions very happy and contented times. In 1990 our Minister, Rev John Atkinson, asked if I would like to become a Church Member and I felt able to confirm my faith at Church one Sunday morning. In 1991, Nurse education went into the University and I followed… but lecturing was not for me as I missed teaching at the bedside and involvement with the patients and their families. What was I to do? By chance (or was it Divine intervention?) I saw an advert for Matron at Sancta Maria Hospital, an Independent Charitable Trust Hospital. I applied and got the job spending 14 very happy years in a truly Christian environment working with nuns from the Ursulines of Jesus, a Catholic Order. Each day started with a prayer together to ask ‘teach me to receive the sick in Thy name’ and the Christian ethos of care was practised in all aspects of the hospital’s work especially in the staff’s attitude towards each other. My faith enabled me to manage all aspects of the hospital’s needs and I frequently found the answers to work related problems listening to our weekly sermons and Bible readings. Since retiring 3 years ago my faith has continued to open many windows for me, although a few doors have been shut too! I continue to value Christianity in so many ways and believe that my actions of trying to be a good Christian may help others to understand how life can be contented and joyful in spite of the sadness and hardship that is a natural part of our human life. I sadly have no birth children to influence and enlighten in our Christian ways but I know I have been blessed, and continue to receive blessings, in my everyday life thanks to my faith and trust in the opportunities that God has given me. Maggie Crawford

From agnostic to fellowship:
I was born to a family of sworn atheists. Despite this, throughout my youth, I was always drawn towards faith, but never had opportunity to explore this calling further. On meeting Jackie, this opportunity was given me. Her family had a long history of Methodism, and her father was, and is still, a Local Preacher. We met in Physiotherapy College in Cardiff and, after qualifying, lived near London for a while before moving to Swansea in 1987. During our engagement, we settled in Morriston Methodist Church. At this stage Christianity was a new and unnerving experience for me, and at the first I felt very much an outsider. I was unfamiliar with church customs and routines – Where do you sit? When do you stand up and sit down? Do all Christians talk in parables?!
I have never had a sudden ‘eureka moment’ in the Christian faith, but my first stage of deepening faith occurred prior to our marriage after a series of pre-marital meetings with Jackie’s family’s minister. These discussions made a deep impression on me.
My faith was further deepened during the first three years of married life after we joined an ecumenical Young Adult Group. Over fellowship meals, we held deep philosophical discussions on topical issues, relating our faith to these issues. The group developed a close bond, and even developed its own cricket team! Jackie and I spent many hours sitting in the car following meetings, discussing issues raised and relating our growing faith to everyday life which helped to consolidate understanding.
We eventually took Church Membership in Morriston under the guidance of Rev Douglas Williamson.
We moved to Killay and joined Sketty Methodist Church in 1991. We were soon after blessed with our first son, Peter, and three years later, Ian. Pete is now in the process of taking his A-levels and Ian is in year 10 of Olchfa school - time flies!
My faith was further deepened and challenged during my 4-year stint as Church Steward - deepened by my greater involvement with church life, and challenged by difficulty with juggling the responsibilities of growing kids and a very demanding job.
My faith has particularly supported me in my career as a Chartered Physiotherapist. I am currently working in 3 jobs -firstly Mental Health, working with people with severe dementia helping them achieve their maximum physical potential; secondly independently in the Community, offering physiotherapy care mainly for people who are unable to get out of their homes due to their physical problems; thirdly in a training role, teaching physio staff issues to do with lifting and handling people. My faith has helped me to care for people in all aspect of my work, and has helped me see ways forward in these fields where others have only seen walls. Within my Mental Health and Community work, I particularly come across many people in acute need, both physically and spiritually. The work can be very challenging and also very rewarding, and my faith helps guide and support me significantly. The work has taught me much humility and respect for people who cope with much suffering and pain.
In summary, I am afraid no blinding flashes of light, but a gradual and continued development of faith, with inspiration from the fellowship of members of our Church and all the people I meet.
Gary Coates

From Rev Ken Griffin: Have you discovered the benediction on Day 22 in the Prayer Manual? ‘May the hearts of the young be filled with the joy of God, May the lives of older people be filled with the glory of God, May our whole life together be filled with the presence of God, May the blessing of Father, Son and Holy Spirit be upon us, Now and always. Amen’ The Donald who wrote that is a very different man from the rebellious teenager who came into our youth club 57 years ago, and who then came to our Manse Fellowship on Sunday evenings. Donald came from a dysfunctional family - his eventual call to be a Local Preacher came when he had to hit his drunken father to protect his mother the night before he was to go to National Service. He had been taken from Grammar School at 15, but he eventually obtained a B.A (Hons) degree. Finally, pray for Geoff, his fellow rebel and life-long friend. The last I heard he was suffering from terminal cancer.

Communion Offertories in July will be donated to the SKSN School in Jodhpur, northern Indian about which we have heard from Simon Whitehead, Mike & Anne’s son.
SKSN is a charitable school (http://www.sksn.org) which provides education and care to physically challenged children from Jodhpur and rural surrounds in the Rajasthan region of northern India. Established in 1991, the school cares for over 500 students aged from 4 to 18 years who without the help of SKSN would be unlikely to receive any formal education. Originally, most students suffered the effects of polio although, due to more widespread immunisation programmes, this number is reducing and SKSN now also assists children with genetic disabilities, amputees and burns victims.
Through Myakka (www.myakka.co.uk), Simon has been supporting SKSN since January 2008 having donated £6,200 to the school. Using their Indian furniture manufacturer, Myakka is currently funding £2,400 towards the cost of materials for new desks which are due to be delivered to the school on 1st July 2009. Myakka has also established a trade link with the school’s vocational training unit, who are manufacturing cushions to be sold by Myakka in the UK. Having provided a loan to cover the set up costs, this project offers employment opportunities for older students coming to the end of their studies and enables profits from the manufacture to be fed back into the school.

Communion Offertories in August will be donated to The Cath and Ben Mullany Fund 2008 (Reg.Charity No. 1126302), in memory of Cath and Ben who (as surely everyone in Swansea remembers) were murdered in the Caribbean in 2008. The charity was launched by their family and friends to support UK students wishing to study medicine or physiotherapy. As a country, we lost a well-respected doctor and a promising young physiotherapist. The Mullany Fund will help to preserve their memories and ensure that their dreams live on.

15 Years Ago: July-August 1994 Caroline Crimp In his final letter Rev John Atkinson said how happy they had been at Sketty and hoped to be able to keep friendships alive. He expressed gratitude for all the support they had received. He commended Rev John Jones and Sister Margaret Crompton to us as they share care of Brunswick and Sketty. Congratulations: to Gabrielle Smith & Stuart Crowther and Caroline Rees & David Jackaman on their forthcoming weddings; Eluned & Cliff Austin on the birth of Jonathan – their seventh grandchild; John & Lynda Atkinson on their coming Silver Wedding anniversary; and Mary Strawford on her 102nd birthday. Welcome: to Ed & Emily Blackburn on exchange from America with Ken & Audrey Griffin; and Harry Olive, Susan Fish and Kenneth Lam on their reception into membership. Wesley Club AGM: Pat Gore, retiring Secretary, reported a very successful year and she was thanked for all her work. Donations were made to the Church, Stepping Stones, LPMA, and the Circuit Project. Committee - Mary Kaye (President), Avril Evans, Averil Lewis, Anne Greenough, Doreen Lewis, Joyce Jones, Marion Topliss, Marion Watts, Queenie Cooper, Gladys Richards. 8 o’clock Club AGM: Retiring Secretary Barbara Goodhand was thanked, and Enid Ponsford elected in her place. Dulcie Hayler, Maureen Porter, and Rosemary Blyth were reappointed officers. Future events: the last service to be held at Wesley Memorial Church, Townhill on 7th August; a Barn Dance to celebrate John & Lynda’s anniversary and to say Good-bye to them; NCH (now Action for Children) Swansea Support Group Mansion House Buffet to celebrate 125th Anniversary; Circuit Project: Gahini Hospital, Rwanda - Alison Campbell described her 15 months there, working as a physiotherapist with the only doctor. They were very grateful for the Circuit’s support. 15 years ago (i.e. 1979) by Reg Crimp: The circuit meeting invited Rev. Ron Dyer for a further 4 years ….. Pam Tucker and Enid James received presentations on their retirement from leadership of the Brownies.
Coming Events
Services: 10.30am & 6.30pm Adventurers: 10.30am
At 6.30pm we are joined by our friends from Bethel URC

Please stay and have coffee with us after the morning service.
There is an induction loop for those with hearing aids.
There are large print versions of hymns at the door.
At evening service the collection plate is placed in the vestibule for your offerings as you enter church.

In term-time:
Monday 2pm Folk-dancing (finishing on 13th July)
Tuesday 2pm Banner-making Group
5.30-6.30 Beavers (ages 6-8)
6.45-8 Cubs (ages 8-10½)
Wednesday 6.15-7.30 Brownies
7.30 Sketty Madcaps (restarting on 15th July)
Friday 7pm-8.30 Scouts
Sunday YPF (watch notices for details).

June
28 Sun 10.30 Rev John Wiseman: Family Service
3.30 (note time) at St Paul’s: Cytûn Songs of Praise Service.
29 Mon 7pm Songs We Remember

July
1 Wed 10-noon Brew for You Coffee Morning
3 Fri 2.30 Flower arranging class
4 Sat Barn Dance
5 Sun 10.30 Rev John Jones: Communion
6.30 Rev Muduma Francisco
6 Mon 7.30 Pastoral Committee meeting
9 Thu 7.30 Church Council meeting
12 Sun Action for Children Sunday
10.30 Alice Rutter
6.30 Rev Johnn Wiseman
19 Sun 10.30 Rev John Wiseman Traidcraft Stall
6.30 Rev Kim Fabricius: Communion
22 Wed 2.30 Network cream tea Cresswell Quay, near Carew
in aid of the Cameroon Project: details Janet Neilson
26 Sun 10.30 Rev John Wiseman: Family Service
6pm (note time) Circuit Service at Murton
29-30 Book Sale for us at Mumbles Methodist

August
1 Sat Murton Summer Fete
2 Sun 10.30 Rev Malcolm Guest: Communion
6.30 Rev Alf Austin
5 Wed 10-noon Brew for You Coffee Morning
6 Thu 7.30 Horton Mini Market & Coffee Evening
8 Sat Penlan Community Summer Fete
9 Sun 10.30 Rev Peter Dolling
6.30 Sketty Worship Group
12 Wed 10-3.30 Summer Fayre Victoria Hall Mumbles
16 Sun 10.30 Rev John Wiseman
6.30 Rev John Jones: Communion
19 Wed 10-4.30 Coach Trip to Botanic Gardens

23 Sun 10.30 Margaret Hancock
6.30 Clive Jones
30 Sun 10.30 Rev John Wiseman: Family Service
6.30 Rev Kim Fabricius
September
10 Thu 7.30 Church Council
17 Thu 7pm Circuit Meeting

Our Sketty website: www.skettymethodist.org.uk
Church office: 280209

Church Stewards:
Ian Hartley

This Newsletter is available on tape for the vision impaired, and some of our services are recorded for anyone unable to attend whether regularly or on a particular Sunday. For either or both, please contact Jean Kirkwood

REMINDER ! We need your help on Wed 12th August (p.10)
We are grateful to our friends at Mumbles Methodist for the use of Victoria Hall for our Summer Fayre. We need help to fill the stalls with

Cakes
Plants
Bric-a-brac
Books
Toys
Craft items

And finally, by the Dali Lama:
If you think you are too small to be effective,
you have never been in bed with a mosquito.

Visit our local Christian Bookshop - the Lamplighter in Bishopston.

Have you read the books of Paulo Coelho? Why not try “THE ALCHEMIST”?
This is the story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy, who dreams of travelling the world in search of a treasure as extravagant as any ever found……..Why not read it to find out what happens?
Coelho has also written - The Pilgrimage; The Valkyries; The Fifth Mountain; The Zahir….. and more.

From the Leprosy Mission’s Easter Catalogue why not try…..
Hallelujah Chocolate!
Humour me, I’m over the hill
Laughter from the Pearly Gates
Regional Recipes and Reflections
Baking, Making and Sharing

FILMS WORTH WATCHING -
The Shawshank Redemption; Whale Rider; The Straight Story; Patch Adams; About Schmidt…………What do these films have to do with Christinaity/Religion? Why not watch them to find out…. They will really make you think and open your eyes to new ways of looking at films…………………………………………….Watch this space for more recommendations… coming soon….