Sketty Methodist OnLine

Sketty Methodist Church
Newsletter
October 2008

Rev John Wiseman

church web site: www.skettymethodist.org.uk

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

Please note that Rev John Wiseman’s email address given in last
month’s Newsletter was incorrect. It is: jwiserev@hotmail.co.uk
Rev Howard Long’s email address has been changed to:
hdlong@btinternet.com
From the Manse

Fear of Transformation

Sometimes I feel that my life is a series of trapeze swings. I’m either hanging on to a trapeze bar swinging along merrily or for a few moments in my life, I’m hurtling across space in between bars.

Most of the time I hang on for dear life to my trapeze-bar-of-the-moment. It carries me along a certain steady rate of swing and I have the feeling that I’m in control of my life. I know most of the right questions and even some of the right answers. But every once in a while, as I swing along, I look ahead of me into the distance, and see another trapeze bar swinging toward me. It is empty, and I know, in that place inside me that always knows, that this new trapeze bar has my name on it. It is my next step, my growth, the new me.

In my heart-of-hearts I know that for me to grow, I must release my grip on the present, well known bar and for some moment in time hurtle across space before I can grab onto the new one. Each time I am filled with fear. Not fear of the unknown but the fear of losing what I do know. It doesn’t matter that in all my previous hurtles across the void of unknowing, I have always made it. Each time I am afraid I will miss, that I will be crushed on the unseen rocks in the bottomless chasm between the bars.

To the outside world it appears that there are no guarantees, no net, no insurance policy. But to me, well I do it anyway because somehow, to keep hanging onto that old bar, that old life, that old me is no longer on the list of alternatives. So I take that leap of faith and for an eternity that can last a microsecond or a thousand lifetimes, I soar across the dark void of “the past is gone, the future is not yet here.” continued…
This transition zone is often looked upon as a “no-thing”, a no-place between places, a scary, confusing, disorienting “nowhere” that must be rushed through as fast and as unconsciously as possible. What a waste!

I have a sneaking suspicion that these transition zones are the only real thing, and the bars are illusions we dream up to avoid where the real change, the real growth occurs.

Whether or not my hunch is true, it remains that these transition zones in our lives are incredibly rich places. They should be honoured, even savoured. Yes, with all the pain and fear and feelings of being out-of-control that can (but not necessarily) accompany transitions, they are still the most alive, most growth-filled, passionate, expansive moments in our lives. The moments when we are slowly but surely transformed into the people God knows we can be.

Transformation of fear has nothing to do with making fear go away, but rather with giving ourselves permission to “hang-out” in the transition between trapeze bars. Transforming our need to grab that new bar, any bar, by allowing ourselves to dwell in the only place where change really happens.

It can be terrifying. It can also be enlightening, in the true sense of the word. Letting go of our grip and hurtling through the void, who knows, one day we might truly learn to fly.

Are you ready to join me in simply “letting go?”

Love and light John

Mildred Husband’s husband Clayton, Tydwen Owen’s brother and Barbara Griffiths’ father, died on 27th August.
We send our love and condolences to them and all the family.

Jonathan Davies (Mary & Les’ son) is to marry Christina Bennett of NewYork on 18th October in Cetona, Tuscany, Italy This is the summer home of Christina’s parents. They will make their home in Brooklyn, New York.

From Rev Ken Griffin: James Murwithania sends greetings and would be glad to hear from any of those who knew him whilst he lived here. He says that Taai Methodist Church, Kenya, still remembers our help with their building fund and he hopes to send me photographs. There is at last harmony in the country after the long power struggle but there is a high rise in the cost of living under the Coalition Government. His father at Taai asks after us. James himself lives in Nairobi and goes to Ngong Methodist Church which is in Maasai land and enjoys assisting them to improve their education and make provision for clean drinking water.

YPF hopes to be meeting again on Sunday evenings – details in the weekly notices.

We send Birthday Greetings to
Bethany Hayman and Miriam Higgs (10th)
Rachel Higgs (12th)
Gareth Hopkins (15th)
Our best wishes to them all.

At the Church Council meeting on 17th September, it was agreed to establish a team to deal with urgent matters between meetings of the Church Council. The “Focus Team” will consist of Rev J Wiseman, Andy Vinstien, Janet Neilson, Ian Hartley, Robin Hancock, Les Want, Alan Jones.
The terms of reference are as follows:-
To meet as and when necessary between Council meetings, to discuss matters of detail regarding finance, property, mission and young people’s work, and circuit and procedural/administration issues.
To prepare reports/recommendations for the Church Council
To discuss urgent matters, without the need to call a special Church Council meeting.
To authorise expenditure on one item to a maximum of £1,000, with discretion from the Treasurer to a limit of £2,000.

The Minutes of the Focus Team’s meetings and the Church Council meetings will be available in future in the Vestry. Please ask the Church Stewards if you would like to see them.

At the Church Council meeting, Les Want was elected to join Jon Hopkins as Gift Aid Secretaries, and Jane Higgs as the Cradle Roll Secretary.

City of Sanctuary: We were asked at the last Circuit meeting to consider whether we as a Church would support an initiative to make Swansea into a recognised “City of Sanctuary”. This is a national movement of local people and community groups who want to make their city a welcoming place for people seeking sanctuary from war or persecution.
The following resolution will be discussed by the Church Council at its next meeting on 22nd October:
“We support the initiative to make Swansea into a recognised ‘City of Sanctuary’, welcoming those fleeing violence and persecution in their own countries. We recognise the contribution of refugees and people seeking sanctuary to the City of Swansea. We are committed to taking practical steps to welcome and include them whenever we can. We are willing for Sketty Methodist Church to be added to a list of supporters of City of Sanctuary. We are also willing to be contacted by the Swansea City of Sanctuary group with further ideas for how we can turn this pledge into practical action.”
To find out more visit www.cityofsanctuary.org Win Hawkins

The Worship Consultation Team will meet at 7.30 on Tuesday 7th October and all members are welcome to attend. The meeting will include a discussion on the timing of the Christmas services to take to the next Church Council meeting.

Circuit Missions Weekend, 11th/12th October held at Murton:
On Saturday at 6pm Faith tea, at 7pm Come and hear about The Lightship in Cardiff Bay from Rev Monica Mills - Ecumenical Chaplain.
On Sunday at 6pm (note time) Circuit Service.

The Banner Group graced John’s first
Service on 7th September with a beautiful
new banner for which we thank them.

In need of Fellowship?
Too wet to go out? Fed up with being in the house? Come and join the banner making group on Tuesday afternoons 2-4 pm! For the next few weeks we are concentrating on making crafts for the Bishop Gore Craft Fayre on 25th November. We need as many people as possible. No experience necessary, just enthusiasm. We have something for everyone.
Also if anyone has Christmas fabrics in a cupboard we can find them a good home. Any questions contact Kath.

What do Property Stewards do on a Monday Morning? Answers on a post card please.
NO ! I will tell you.
We are for ever clearing up rubbish that is left on our premises!
You may say this is the job of the cleaner but it is not in her contract to remove things.
Can I give you some examples of items left around? Old weekly notices, notices that have been put up and are out of date, carrier bags left in the kitchen, tins left in the kitchen, items left on window sills, and many more.
You may think we stewards are moaning and you would be quite right! We are!! We feel that all of us as church members should be better at house-keeping.
So please can we ask everyone to be responsible for keeping the church and rear premises as clean and tidy as possible.
The answer to our original question would then be the opportunity to drink coffee!!!!!
Thank you from the Property Stewards - Alan & John

Our Harvest Festival 19th & 20th October We would like to decorate the church in a traditional way with flowers, fruit and vegetables. We would ask for these gifts to be brought to the church on Saturday 18th October from 10am please. If you would like to help with the decoration of the church on the 18th we would be pleased to have you join us. Rosemary Blyth

We will continue our celebrations with a Fish & Chip Supper on Monday 20th at 6.30pm, followed by an Auction of Harvest Gifts in aid of MRDF (Methodist Relief & Development Fund).
Adult: Large – fish or chicken breast £3.90
Large - spicy beanburger in a bun £2.90
Small - fish or chicken leg £2.15
Children: sausage, chicken nuggets or veg.nuggets £1.70
All with chips
Tickets available from 28th September from Sandra Cuthill

Wesley Club invite you to a coffee evening on Monday 27th October at 7.00 pm, when hand made items will be on sale (a chance to buy/order before the Bishop Gore Craft Fayre). Shop early for Christmas! Admission £1 including refreshments.

Fancying Sheep
On the 2nd November Sketty MADCAPs are performing this play as the main part of the Sunday morning service. I have to admit that the group are humouring me in this one as we read the play at one of our meetings and I was struck with the very powerful message which I think it gives. It is a play set in the Welsh valleys in the 1930s and its humour and pathos is something I hope members of the congregation will enjoy.
Please support this service (and bring a friend) as I am sure the play can offer something to us all.
I should add that although the play is not really suitable for children there will be Adventurers for the under-10s as usual.
Jan Chaplin

Fair Trade. Pat’s article was helpful on this but there is a further point to consider. The main aim of Traidcraft and the Fair Trade movement is to pay the producers fairly. This will only happen on a wider basis if the normal channels of trade, shops and supermarkets, stock Fair Trade goods. They will only do this if they find that they can sell them. Whenever possible I therefore buy in the shops. By doing so we ‘Become Salt to the World’ (Matt 5.13) – helping to give a taste for fair trade to the general public! Ken Griffin
Traidcraft Christmas Catalogue is now available from me. Just ask me for a copy - but please get those orders in early to avoid disappointment! Pat Thomas 539521

Communion Offertory for October will be to support the new Circuit Project for 2008-9 – Project 541
This Project is to help Swansea’s homeless, asylum seekers and refugees. Why 541 ? Because the proceeds from the fund-raising will go: 50% to Swansea Cyrenians, 40% to Asylum Justice (a local charity set up by lawyers to provide adequate legal repre-sentation to asylum seekers), and 10% to the Swansea Bay Asylum Group, this latter is the group which meets at Brunswick on Fridays from 5-7pm.

We raised £95 for the Anthony Nolan Trust from the Communion Offertories in August, and £150 for Tong Len in September.

Redevelopment:
We have now had approval for our scheme from both the Wales District Synod and The Methodist Property Office. The Project teams are in the process of applying for grants from as many places as possible. If there is anyone who knows the names of particular bodies who give grants for work such as ours please speak to me, Robin Hancock, Win Hawkins or Anne Whitehead.
Alan Jones

Further, we now need to set up a marketing and publicity group, in order to produce leaflets, a logo, and a slogan. If anyone has expertise to offer in this area, please contact Win Hawkins or Anne Whitehead.

And Redevelopment Fund-raising:
We would be glad of help with distributing our events adverts locally, also organising raffles and re-instating the Bi-Monthly quizzes, please contact Anne. You would not be expected to attend our committee meetings - unless of course you’d like to and then you’d be most welcome! Anne Whitehead
The Book Sale on 20th September raised £240 for the Redevelopment Fund. Many thanks to those who organised it and to those who helped in whatever way.

Saturday 4th October 10-noon: Table Top Sale at Victoria Hall, Mumbles. This is a Circuit event and there is a combined cake stall. The proceeds of this cake stall, the raffle and refreshments will be shared amongst all participants. Heather Coleman would be glad to receive donations for the cake stall, and these can be left with or collected by her, if you ring by Friday 3rd
We will have a table for the sale of preserves and craft items and these can be left in the kitchen during the week from 28th Sept. for Pat Thomas (539521).

Saturday 25th October:
It’s that time of year again!……………..go on, you know you want to….. get up on stage and do something entertaining.
The WOW factor……….Sketty Methodist has got talent!
Keep Saturday 25th October @ 7pm free and join us in the audience and/or preferably on stage for an evening of fun and laughter.
Application forms and tickets available from Jacqueline Brown

Saturday, 15th November: We have a stall in the Bishop Gore Craft Fayre, from 10-4pm, the proceeds from which will boost our fundraising. We can sell anything “hand made” so people have been busy making cards, jams, pickles, Christmas gifts/novelties.
Please contact Anne Whitehead if you are able to contribute items for our stall as she would like to compile an inventory in order to plan our sales display.
Items can be left in the kitchen during the week beginning 9th November, or can be collected from you by car. Thank you everyone for all your support and hard work!
continued…

Saturday, 29th November at 7.30pm
The Boxwood Consort early music quartet presents music by Bach, Handel, Telemann and others played on period instruments.
Details in November Newsletter.

Clare Kirk is taking part in the New York Marathon on
2nd November and is being sponsored for Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centre. Maggie’s Centre is in the grounds of Singleton Hospital and helps people adjust to living with cancer.
Their aim is to provide:
emotional and psychological support
relaxation and stress management
advice and information
Clare says: my close friend Ann Kemp has the misfortune to require the help that Maggie’s can offer. I have witnessed first hand the good work they do and the help they have offered Ann. It is very difficult for the lucky ones, like me, to know how best to help a friend and to do something constructive in circumstances such as these. The feeling of being powerless is strong and the only way I can think of reducing this is to raise funds for the centre by taking part in the New York marathon.
Clare Kirk

Samaritan Christmas Child Boxes
How is it that every year seems to pass by more quickly than the last? Already I am here asking you to consider taking part in this special Christmas appeal. Last year Wesley Club saw a film which showed the joy these boxes bring, and to say that there were tears in the eyes of most of us, was an understatement! How can we believe that some teenagers have NEVER had a present of any sort? continued….
In addition to the Christian love we send with our boxes, they are great fun to fill - it is amazing how much you can cram into a shoe box!
For anyone who feels they cannot take on a box by themselves but would like to make a contribution, there will be a box in the porch for items which I can use to fill boxes. Or donations for me to use to buy items, would be appreciated.
There will also be the usual leaflets available explaining the process and what items to include. If you do have any queries please do give me a ring.
This year our boxes have to be at the despatch station by early November, and I am happy to have them throughout the month of October. The final date for receipt will be Sunday 2nd November (so at least that bit of your Christmas preparations will be finished early!)
Many thanks on behalf of all those children whose Christmas will be made the more real by our efforts. Jan Chaplin.

4th Sketty (Wesley) Brownies’ numbers at the moment are fairly low, but we are looking forward to a boost in January.
This term we will be doing Hostess and Agility Badges, and we look forward to a ‘funday’ in October at the Guide Activity Centre in Parkmill.
We also look forward to decorating a window for the Harvest Festival. Elspeth Rose

36th Swansea (Sketty Wesley) Beavers, Cubs and Scouts
The Beavers, Cubs and Scout groups are held on Tuesday evenings: Beavers (ages 6-8) 5.15-6.15pm
Cubs (ages 8-10½) 6.15-7.30pm
Scouts (ages 10½-14) 7.30-9pm
The number of boys and girls attending the groups steadily increased last year, and they enjoyed a range of activities including a trip to Oakwood, indoor climbing, and Scout camps in
continued…
Parc Le Breos. This year we plan to build on this success by introducing more exciting and challenging activities, and concentrating on badge work.
This term they will all work towards their Hobbies, Chef and Creative Badges. We need to raise funds for the Groups, and one way of doing this is to organise a Christmas Show. As
part of their Creative Badge, the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts will write the scripts, make the props, do all the advertising, and of course will star in the show! Tickets will be on sale nearer the time.
We do need assistance each Tuesday evening for each group. An extra pair of eyes, ears and helping hands will allow the youngsters to get more out of the activities. If you are interested in helping on a regular basis, or if you could even lend a hand for a particular badge or activity, please let me know. Details of the badges and activities the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts are working towards are on the notice board in the Church Hall.
If you require any further information about the groups, please contact me.
Many thanks Paul Webber

Action for Children renamed from NCH Cymru: The house-to-house collection was held in September and we will report on it in November. This Methodist charity will hold its Annual Wales Supporters’ Day at Brangwyn Hall, Swansea, on Saturday 4th October 10am - 2pm, and would like to invite you to join in. This annual event sees Action for Children volunteers and supporters from across Wales gather together to find out more about the charity’s work and closes with a buffet lunch and opportunity to meet Action for Children staff. They say “We do hope that you will be able to join us and would be delighted if you would like to bring a friend”.
Network News
The Circuit Women’s Network Coffee
Morning held on 1st September raised
£210. Thanks to everyone who helped
and came to support us. This money
will be given to the District Project to
provide agricultural training for women in the Cameroon.
Margaret Bizzell has been commissioned as WN President for South Wales for the next three years. Please support Margaret in your prayers, as we are not completely sure in which direction Network will go in the future.
There are still places available at the District Conference at Lindors next March. Contact Margaret if you wish to attend. The next WN Circuit committee is on Friday 17th October at 2.30 pm at Brunswick. Janet Neilson

Autumn
As the carpet of flame coloured leaves rustled beneath our feet,
The shouts and laughter of the children echoed through the woods
Squealing with delight, and splashing her boots in muddy puddles,
She suddenly called to me and reached for my hand,
‘Are all the trees dead now that they have no leaves, and
Where have all the flowers gone?’
Smiling down at her crestfallen face, I said
‘Summer has gone and nature needs to rest now.
We’re in Autumn, a season full of promise.
Soon we’ll see winter’s flowers peeping up through the earth.
Then the trees will have new leaf buds to welcome in the Spring.”
‘Oh! That’s all right then’ she said, holding my hand in hers.
Anne Whitehead

How many lightbulbs does it take to change a Christian?
Transport:
There have never been such opportunities to travel around the world as there are today. Aeroplanes burn vast amounts of fossil fuels and emit carbon dioxide directly into the upper atmosphere. They are the fastest-growing contributors to global warming. Using containers, goods move around the world easily. If goods are made in China, they can be transported easily and cheaply all over the world.

US
• Walk : slow down and enjoy the journey

• Cycle and enjoy the health benefits
www.sustrans.org.uk www.ctc.org.uk

• Do you really need to drive your child to school?
Tests show that often the most polluted air in our
communities is around schools! This cannot be good.
www.school-run.org www.saferoutestoschools.org.uk

• Use public transport – who knows, you might make new friends! www.transportdirect.org.uk

• Why not rent a car just when you need it? www.smartmoves.co.uk

• Buy a smaller, more fuel efficient car. Check how green it is on www.vca.gov.uk

• Give your car at least one day off each week

Janet Neilson

Swansea University Theology Public Lecture:
7pm Tuesday 21st October Faraday Lecture Theatre
Dr Penny Sartori (Intensive Care Staff Nurse at Morriston and Singleton, leading researcher into “Near death experiences”)
Will speak on “After death, then what? Near death experiences in a hospital context”.

15 Years Ago: July/August 1993 by Caroline Crimp
Rev John Atkinson looks forward to the Flower Festival and expresses gratitude to all those who have put so much time and effort into it. He also welcomes those who have recently started attending our church and become members, and offers an opportunity for those who would like to do so. The Worship consultation meeting had suggested a rota of bible readers. Congratulations: Gabrielle Smith and Stuart Crowther on their engagement ….. Andrew Blyth & Ceri Chaplin on achieving their Queen’s Scout award News: Heather Cox invites parents interested in forming a playgroup to a meeting; Gwen Dumelow asks for help for the Sunday morning coffee rota; Beryl Gedrych for NCH collectors. Forthcoming events: Peace vigil for One World Week arranged by Cytun, open meeting of Wesley Club ‘An Evening in Latin America’ led by Alice Rutter, a workshop for bible readers at services, a Lenten house groups get-together with Rev Peter Hart, and a circuit missionary week-end at Brunswick.
15 Years Ago (i.e. 1978): Reg Crimp reports that Rev Ivor Mann was welcomed for the Church Anniversary services; Kevin Parry wrote about his experiences in USA with the Rotary Youth Exchange; Geraldine Rees, Christine Leahy and Marguerite Skuse had all had babies.
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
Tuesday 2pm Banner-making Group
5.15- 6.15 Beavers (ages 6-8)
6.15-7.30 Cubs (ages 8-10½)
7.30-9 Scouts (ages 10½-14)
Wednesday 6.15-7.30 Brownies
7.30 Sketty Madcaps
Sunday YPF watch notices for details.

September
28 Sun 10.30 Rev Howard Long: Family Service
6.30 Rev Muduma Franciso
October
2 Thu 7-9 Wesley Club visit to Dylan Thomas Theatre and Swansea Museum.
4 Sat 10-noon Table Top Sale at Mumbles (see p.11)
5 Sun 10.30 Rev John Wiseman: Communion
6.30 Rev John Jones
6 Mon 7pm Wesley Club: Andy Edwards “Info-Nation - Information Support and Advice for Young People”
7 Tue 7.30 Worship Consultation (see p.7)

11/12 Circuit Missions Weekend (see p.7)
11 Sat 6pm Faith tea, 7pm The Lightship at Cardiff Bay
12 Sun 10.30 Anne Gregson Traidcraft Stall
6pm (note time) Circuit Service at Murton
13 Mon 7pm Wesley Club: Mary Hayman: The Art of Stained Glass
16 Thu 7.30 Pastoral Team meeting
19/20 Harvest Festival
19 Sun 10.30 Rev John Wiseman
6.30 Bruce Sawyer
20 Mon 6.30 Harvest Supper (see p.8)
22 Wed 7.30 Church Council meeting
23 Thu 7.30 Killay/Dunvant Hse.Gp.
25 Sat 7pm WOW Factor (see p.11)
26 Sun 10.30 Ann Beynon: Family Service
6.30 Rev Muduma Francisco
27 Mon 7pm Wesley Club Coffee Evening (see p.9)

Items for the September Newsletter, due out on 26th October, to Jean Kirkwood
Jean’s email: jeankirkwood@aol.com

Our Sketty website: www.skettymethodist.org.uk
Church Stewards:
Andrew Vinstien 582569, Ian Hartley
Sandra Cuthill Mike Whitehead
Win Hawkins

This Newsletter is available on tape for the visually 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.
A Footnote (!) found by Janet Neilson:
How smart is your right foot?
Next time you get bored, just try this. It will prove that your right foot isn’t as smart as you thought it was.
1. While sitting, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles. 2. While doing this, draw the figure 6 in the air with your right hand. What happens?