Harvington
Baptist Chapel

What's new

It always surprises me that after eight editions of this newsletter, I am never stuck for something to put in this section. This time, as you may be aware from the posters outside the chapel, it is the fact we have a web site. Take a look if you have time, [ http://www.harvington.org.uk/HBC/ ] and let us know what you think, if you are wondering what its all about, speak to one of the deacons and we'll arrange for you to see it.

Born in Bethlehem - to bring Peace on Earth
Peace can be confused with possessions and power.
Peace is not found in some ivory tower of privilege
Peace is not swayed by comfort, nor by inconvenience.
Peace has to do with the heart, not worldly status.
Peace comes from a stable, in a humility which will pause and stoop to care for those in need.
Peace needs to be worked for, but it is never earned.
Peace recognises the difference between right and wrong.
Peace does not harbour resentment or revenge.
Peace isn't naive, yet is innocent of wrong.
Peace comes to those with an inner godliness, like Jesus.
From his peace springs a joy which spreads to all around.

From Chris

For your diary

• 6 December Pudding Club outing to Three Ways Hotel, Mickleton. Those who put their names down should have received details by the time they read this.
• December 22 morning service as usual in the chapel followed in the evening by a Christmas celebration at the village hall Further details in notices.
• 25 December 10.30 am Christmas morning service led by James.
• Christmas holiday club for 10+, dates and times to be confirmed, but will run between Christmas and new year.
• 2003 starts here!
• 5 January communion service
• 11 January New year Party at the chapel 6pm. Such a success last year, more fun and food called for. Look for the 'list' at the back to sign up for edible and other contributions in the new year!
• 18 January Fun Day in the village hall for primary school aged children. If you feel able to help with either this or the holiday club, please see Neil. This is a great group to work with, and helping could be as simple as making drinks and chatting to the children, you will not be asked to do anything you feel uncomfortable with. Currently the 10+ group have no regular slot, hence the holiday club which will run on similar lines to that held over half term (2 mornings).
• Coming soon youth alpha course!

Something for one end of the congregation . . .

A CHILD in CHURCH

My Aunties each side of me are kneeling in a line.
I wonder if their hassocks are as full of pins as mine.
I think they must have asked the hens to teach them how to perch.
I'd love to rub my knees but that's called fidgeting in church.
I found a fly in church today, a fly who'd broke his wing.
It happened just as everyone was standing up to sing
'There's a friend for Little children above the Bright Blue Sky'
I might have been so very good if they'd let me keep that fly.
I'd thought of such a lovely game, I didn't fidget then.
The fly must walk across my page before I'd counted ten.
And just as he was nearly there, the man said 'Let us pray!'
And aunties shook their heads at me and brushed the fly away.
I think the window's open where the glass is painted red.
'Cos I can see a tiny patch of sky above my head.
O Friend of little children, you were once a child like me.
You know how very, very dull a child in church can be.
So if You're listening up above that tiny patch of sky
Take pity on this little child, and send another fly!

Anon.

Or maybe the other . . .

The Versatile Age

The old rocking chair is empty today, for grandmother's no longer in it
She's off in her car to her office or shop and she's buzzing around every minute.
No-one shoves Grandmother back on the shelf, she's versatile, forceful, dynamic.
That isn't a pie in the oven my dear, her baking today is ceramic.
You won't see her trundling off early to bed from her place in the warm chimney nook,
Her typewriter clickety clacks through the night, for Grandma is writing a book.
She will not look backward at what there has been to slow age's steady advancing,
No longer tends babies for you anymore, for grandma is taking up dancing.
No longer content with crumbs of old thoughts, with meagre and second hand knowledge
Don't bring your mending for grandma to do, for Grandma has gone back to college!

Focus on Sue

Life in a Village

As many of you will have already gathered am not a local person. I was born in Birmingham and spent the first thirty years of my life there (growing up, meeting my husband and starting a family).

Due to my husbands work we found it necessary to move house and finally ended up on the outskirts of Redditch. Then our family outgrew our home so we made this last move here.

We had always dreamed of living in a small village but never thought it would turn into reality (even when we put in an offer for our house). But then we had the best news we had hoped for - we had got the house - within 9 weeks of selling our previous home we were moving.

Living in a big city and a large town I found it difficult to get involved with the community as it is so big, but once we had settled into Harvington I decided I was not going to shut myself away behind four walls. So I slowly got to know people and when offered the chance to join certain clubs and committees, I teach swimming at Evesham Leisure centre and am treasurer for the local scout troop, I took it. I started to find out aspects about myself I never knew existed and thoroughly enjoy the activities and company I was and am involved in.

I have quite a full life what with work, my family and my hobbies, I belong to the village choir and am a member of HATS, but am always ready to take on new challenges - as you will soon witness!

My husband and I often say to one another how lucky we feel to have found such a wonderful place to spend the rest of our lives.

Sue

Trucker could share $500,000 reward

The trucker, Ron Lantz, of Kentucky, reported to the police that he heard a description of the sniper suspects' car on the Truckin' Bozo radio show and then noticed the car, a blue 1990 Chevrolet Caprice with a New Jersey license plate, parked at a Maryland rest stop.

Lantz, who works for Bass Transportation, arrived home around 4 p.m. Thursday to a bevy of news reporters and photographers and all of their gear -- cameras, satellite trucks and more.

"I'm no hero. I just want people to think what I did is what I should have done," Lantz told 9News. "[Helping to capture the suspects has] been a wonderful experience, but it's been a sad experience because of what has been done in the last 21 days."

"I called 911 and they told me they'd be there as soon as possible. They said 'you stay right where you're at.' It was a long 15 minutes," Lantz said, noting the time between his call to 911 and the police's response.

Lantz parked his truck sideways to help authorities block off the rest stop while they made the arrests. It is not clear if Lantz is the only person who called police to notify them about the location of the car.

Just last Thursday, Lantz had a prayer meeting with approximately 50 other truck drivers to pray for the capture of the sniper. The meeting took place just 20 miles from the truck stop where police captured the suspects.

Lantz said he is not very interested in the reward money. "If I had the money, I'd probably take it and give it back to the people who were shot," he said.

Red Letter Day

This past 15th September was a red letter day in our Church, when we welcomed Neil as our minister in training. From this day Neil has not only been the youth worker for the Harvington Youth project, but has also been undertaking ministerial duties. He has preached on a number of occasions, acted as worship leader, led bible studies and made pastoral visits. Neil is more than happy to spend time with anyone who has a pastoral need and if you would like a visit please speak to him.

Neil is also studying part time at Bristol Baptist Bible college so the time he has available in Harvington is limited and therefore we must not assume he is there to do everything.

Neil has a number of ideas on new incentives, including outreach. He has a support group of three deacons, Peter, Hugh and Mel who work together with the church and are keen to support Neil in his challenging ministerial work.

As a church we pray for Neil's ministry in Harvington and for Vickie as she supports him.

Conclusion

Can I say an especially big THANK YOU to everyone who has made a contribution to this newsletter over the past year.