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Letter from Paul Brooks

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Interview: David and Gwen Phillips

5-6

Sharing Gifts

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Youth Alpha

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Missionary Offering – poem

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The Sword of Truth – book review

10-11

Martha and Mary – poem

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Danube Cycle Tour

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Everyday Hospitality – book review

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Bank of Heaven

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Choices – poem

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Royal Giving

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Hand of Prayer and Praise for God’s Gift

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Paws for Thought

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Word Search and To a Fish

“Freely you have received… Freely give.”

Matthew 10:8

Theme for this issue:

“GIVING”

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Paul’s Letter

Dear Friends,

How can we be generous when life is

hard? A tough question.

The theme of this magazine is Giving,

tying in with one of our seven values,

“Giving: Committed to generosity in

response to God’s love”. Yet, the

question remains, how can we remain

generous while things are tough? – collapsing stock markets,

disappearing banks, fear for the security of our savings, rising prices,

costlier mortgages and so on.

The New Testament gives us a range of teaching on this issue, but

three points to help us.

1. In Luke 21:1-4 Jesus commends a poor widow who puts in two

very small copper coins, worth very little. He says that she has put in

more than the rich who give vast amounts as she, out of her poverty,

gave all she had to live on. Here Jesus recognises the heart is more

important than the amount – I remember when visiting a rural church

in Uganda a few years ago that the offering did include money (but

very little), but was mostly items such as vegetables or the odd

chicken. Like the widow, some of the poorest Christians on the face

of the earth were giving of what they had, from their hearts –

generously.

2. In addition to giving to the Lord, the New Testament is clear about

giving to those in need. Paul says in Acts 20, “In everything I did, I

showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak,

remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: „It is more

blessed to give than to receive.‟” In 2 Corinthians he commends the

church in Macedonia for their amazing generosity to poor Christians

elsewhere (2 Cor. 8:1-4) and challenges the Corinthians to do the

same, as they had promised (2 Cor. 9:2-5). Supporting the brethren is

part of what Christians should do (e.g. Galatians 6:10, “Therefore, as

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we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those

who belong to the family of believers.”). Giving is part of the

privilege of being a follower of Jesus, but clearly we should only

give according to our means and as the Lord directs (2 Cor. 9:7).

3. Thirdly, we have to acknowledge that sometimes we are the people

in need. Paul‟s collection in Macedonia and Corinth was for needy

Christians in Jerusalem and elsewhere. Who knows when those who

were generous would need others to be kind to them? The family of

believers is there to help. One of the reasons we support the Barnabas

Fund us that it takes this very seriously indeed.

And as we help others, so we might find ourselves one day in need of

help. In the Church this is seen as normal. Acts of kindness, of grace,

are what the Church family does for other parts of that family. The

Bible is full of this. At St Paul‟s, help is available in terms of advice,

the Help Fund and the ministry of Grace Trust, to name but three

things.

So what about us? How can we be generous when life is hard? In

summary, as you read through this magazine and reflect on “Giving”,

it seems to me that giving is part of what we do as Christians, in all

its various ways: money, time & talents. Whatever life is like, we are

invited to give generously to God and to those in need, as we are

able. But – a big but – there may also be times when we are in need

and should be welcome recipients of the kindness and generosity of

God through our fellow believers.

It is too easy to see giving as one-dimensional – God doesn‟t allow

us that luxury.

Yours brother in Christ

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An Interview with David & Gwen Phillips by Tania Bearryman

David is taking his new role as Centre Manager in both hands and is prepared to squeeze the most enjoyment and creativity out of the role as possible... with lots of humour thrown in for good measure!

David has the capacity to fill any room immediately and his energy and excitement precede him into any conversation. He tells it like it is and this can be very refreshing when all you want is a straight answer, not necessarily the answer you’d like to hear!

David was adopted into a Christian family and has great insight into being a Christian – he has lived the life of being adopted and chosen by someone to be theirs and so fully understands God’s decision to choose us to be part of His family.

Both David and Gwen have always known God in their lives. David’s faith has been with him as a comfort since a young age and he’s had signposts along the way showing him that he’s heading in the right direction. Gwen’s upbringing was similar, with a recommitment to God at 18 after a fairly critical analysis of the devil vs God relationship. They met at a youth club when David was 17 and Gwen 16 and have been together ever since.

David worked in Jersey for a year (commuting home at weekends) in his chosen career as an Environmental Health Officer a few years ago. When he was asked if he would like to

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move to Jersey to take on his current role, it was an easy decision – bar the need to downsize from their large home in the UK to their two bedroom flat in Jersey. A few sacrifices had to be made, but it seems as though God has plans for the Phillips’ and he won’t let them get out of it! Gwen is more than happy to be so close to the sea again, something she missed where they lived in the UK.

David has great ideas for the Centre and its use. He would like to encourage more Christian groups to use the Centre. He has ideas for inter-house group games evenings, film and pizza evenings for the youth as well as the adults with discussion of the film as a part of the evening. Even a book review group so that the books we review can be read and commented on by a wider audience. He would like to encourage us to book the Centre well in advance, he’s already taking some bookings up to October 2009!

It has been a big change to move to Jersey, leaving their children and grandchildren behind as well as their friends. Being faced by the challenge of managing the Centre so that it thrives and being able to bring new ideas and views on the use of the Centre is all part of the challenge. David and Gwen would appreciate prayer for the successful letting of their UK property, for establishing long lasting friendships, for their family in the UK and for new ideas from the St Paul’s family as to how the Centre can be utilised and for these to be in keeping with what God wants for the centre, where David firmly believes that Jesus is the cornerstone.

Finally, on a more practical note, if anyone has a smallish corner of a barn or similar available, David could do with somewhere undercover to store and work on his motorbikes and Mirror Dinghy.

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SHARING GIFTS

For some time now the Men‟s Growth Group that meets in the

Centre on Tuesdays has been talking about how they might

corporately make a greater contribution to the life of the

Church. We have talked about practical matters like painting

or gardening, fetching or carrying but then, sadly, reality has

set in and we have had to accept that, unlike a good wine, our

strength is diminished by age and we do not have the physical

resources to complete such enterprises. However, as always

there is inspiration in God‟s Word.

“Now you are the body of Christ and each one of you is a part

of it. And in the church God has appointed… those able to help

others, those with the gifts of administration…” 1 Corinthians

12:27-28

Strength may be diminished by age, but not experience. In our

group, if we can‟t do something ourselves we probably know

somebody who can. Within the wider Christian community

there are brothers and sisters with skills and experience that we

can all draw on to help those who can‟t help themselves. We

like to think that we may be able to bring those resources to

bear on the needs of members of our family at St Paul‟s.

Are you frightened and concerned at what is happening in the

financial crisis? Do you need somebody to talk to about the

implications so far as your savings or pensions are concerned?

If so, we know Christian brothers and sisters who you can talk

to and who might be able to help you to make decisions about

what is best to do.

Are you having problems with income tax and “20 means 20”,

or social security and the new income benefits, or are there

rates or housing forms that are just too complicated? If so, we

can put you in touch with somebody who can help you.

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Are you having trouble in making ends meet and do you need

to be able to budget better? If so, we would be pleased to come

alongside you to help to try and work out what needs to be

done to balance your books.

Life is full of paperwork and the need for decisions that we all

find very difficult. There is help available. You just need to

ask.

We men of a certain age have been doing these sorts of things

for our own families for many years. You can give us the

opportunity to do the same for our brothers and sisters in

Christ.

This issue of the magazine is all about giving – so give us a

call. All matters raised will be treated in confidence. Please

telephone me on my mobile, number 07797 719983 and if I

don't answer, as I will be out of the Island for a while, leave me

a message and somebody will get back to you.

Peter Lewin

While Peter Lewin is away, alternative numbers to ring are:

Peter Le Seelleur on 855163 or Ray Speck on 634987.

Cartoon by

Jill Allnutt

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Youth Alpha Recently, St. Paul’s youth group has somewhat increased in number which is absolutely great. I think that part of the reason for such an influx of young people is the success of the youth alpha course taking place on Wednesday evenings at Cliff and Sarah’s house. It encourages youngsters from 11-18 to enquire further into Christianity and what it’s all about. As well as having a meal with friends of course!

Indeed, youth alpha takes a similar form to the adult course, starting off with a meal for everyone together (many thanks to Rose and the team) followed by a talk from one of the leaders about an aspect of Christianity through video clips and slides. We then split off into various groups according to age which allows for a time of discussion centring on the previous talk. Finally, we all come together again to play games including the much loved ‘aliens’!

All in all, youth alpha is a great experience for young people at all different stages of their faith and it is a place where anyone can feel really welcomed and encouraged in their walk with God. Thank you so much Cliff and Sarah and everyone else for putting youth alpha on!

Ruth Brooks

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MISSIONARY OFFERING

“It’s time to take an offering,” the Vicar said one day, “So give, as you are able, for people far away. Now do not be reluctant, for you should do your part; If God has really blessed you, give with a willing heart.” As I got out my wallet, prepared to give a pound, Among the close-packed bank notes no single could be found. No note less than a twenty? I said, “O Lord, now what?” Then I heard Jesus whisper, “Why don’t you give the lot!” I looked down at the bankroll that I held in my hand, A token contribution was all that I had planned! “I gave you that,” said Jesus, “And now you ought to share, For sacrificial giving will show you really care.” “What, give all this?” I spluttered, “Lord, you don’t understand!” But then I saw in vision his outstretched nail-pierced hand. He said, “My hand I emptied; held nothing back from you.” And as I heard that whisper, I knew what I should do. Not merely a collection to help to meet a need, It had to be an offering, a sacrifice indeed. The contents of my wallet alone would not suffice, I faced a harder challenge to deeper sacrifice. For Jesus left the glory of his Father’s home on high, To live on earth a stranger and for me to die; “I want to be like you, Lord, whate’er the cost may be: I give you more than money, Lord. Here I am, send me.”

Clarence Schofield

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A book review by Tania Bearryman What a daunting task, but well worth the effort of wading through this epic journey as you follow a family’s life through generations and across countries.

The story is told from the various points of view of the family members and although this is unusual, it adds a great new dimension as their lives unfold. It contains all the things you would look for in a really good read; there are times of joy and sadness, mystery, love, hate and hope. There’s greed, generosity, kindness and revenge and of course, the happy ending!

It’s like an award winning movie that every time you see it, something else is revealed that you missed the last time you saw it. This is a book that will keep you coming back for more. I took my time and read it over the course of a full year, each day unravelling a bit more of the story and the characters involved.

Now that I have the full picture and the complete life story, I’m going to go back in and read the parts that really appealed to me and seemed to speak to my life at the moment. There are some excellent examples of living the life we’d all like to lead and how we can achieve it, as well as some simple guidelines that seem so obvious when you think about them.

Why don’t you try reading The Bible like I did, in one year from start to finish? I read most of it online. At www.ibs.org/bibles/dailyreading you’re guided through a little part of the Old Testament, New Testament and either the Psalms or Proverbs each day. I also bought a handy travel size Bible in its own zip up case from the bookshop in the market for when I travel on business or holiday so I wouldn’t miss out on the next exciting instalment.

The Sword of Truth

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MARTHA AND MARY by Stella Heard

In Praise of Martha

Martha of the pots and pans

Serving You with holy hands.

Always thinking You would need

To stop, Yourself, to feed.

Martha of the broom and brush

Always in a state of rush.

Had the house all spick and span

For You, this very special man.

Martha in her family nest

Always thought that this was best.

Yet You and sister seemed to say

There was indeed another way.

Martha knew she could not just

Sit so still – she had to dust.

How could Mary shirk her chores

With so much to do indoors?

Martha thought You were a friend

Who would not hesitate to send

Her sister rushing to her aid;

But no; “Come” is what You said.

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In Defence of Mary

I know there is so much to do

But Martha does not have a clue.

I know I have to sit and hear

These words, which ring so very clear.

There was a time when I would “do”;

But then You came. I heard. I knew,

I had to sit, to hear, to look.

When You’ve gone I’ll clean and cook.

You changed my life that day You came

I knew I’d never be the same.

My heart was touched; his life renewed

Since then my values I’ve reviewed.

Oh Martha, if you would only see

To “do” is fine, but best to “be”.

He’ll give you time to do the chores,

To bake the bread and wash the floors.

He knows you don’t know where to start

But He will help you give your heart.

He’ll listen while you scream and shout;

You will – of that there is no doubt.

But when you stop and sit, you’ll smile;

You’ll know these times are so worthwhile.

You’ll wonder why it took so long

To “be”; to hear, our Father’s song.

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“Good on ya ma – it won‟t be worthwhile without a bit of a

struggle. Keep going, we‟re proud of you!” That was a text my

daughter sent me after I

messaged her after one hard

day of cycling. We were very

cold, soaking wet, we had

been battling a head wind, it

was almost dark and we

couldn‟t find our guest house

for the night. We were

whacked and rather fed up!!!

Whose idea was this anyway?

We‟ll, we‟ve done it!! All

326km from Passau in Germany to Vienna! It was a

wonderful experience and we thoroughly enjoyed it, although I

admit we did find the unexpected cold quite difficult to cope

with.

Thank you so much to everyone who so faithfully prayed for us

– we had virtually no wind all week (except as above), and we

had no mishaps or sickness, nor any sores where people seem

to think that we ought to have had them!!! God is gracious

indeed. Many thanks also to those of you who texted us – it

was so encouraging knowing that people at home were thinking

of us and urging us on.

We had a great sense of achievement when we finally reached

the place in Vienna where we had to hand back our cycles. We

were really sorry to say „goodbye‟ to them!

We decided to give ourselves a treat and took a day‟s boat ride

further down the Danube to Bratislava. To our delight the sun

shone for the first time and we sat on top of the boat wrapped in

blankets!

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The total amount of money raised is just over £2,600 to be

shared between the Jersey Hospice and the work of Nicky

Bailhache with Luz y Vida

Many, many thanks to everyone who so generously sponsored

us – I know the money will be used wisely.

I would just like to say one other thing. Several people have

intimated that they would love to do something like we did.

It‟s so easy to come up with reasons why you can‟t and we

went through that process too. After all, none of us was a

Spring chicken, there were health and fitness issues, and what

happens if we fail? It takes courage but I would urge you to

give it a go – and preferably, don‟t wait until you‟re in your

60‟s, although it‟s possible even then!! A favourite saying of

my lovely husband was

‘JUST DO IT’.

My sister Marj, friend June and myself on the ferry across the Danube at Mathausen

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CHOICES

Ode to Drunkenness

I am dad, as you were dad

I see dad, as you saw dad

I live dad, as you lived dad

Forgive me dad, I am sad too dad!

Ode to Matey

I am sad Matey, like you Matey

I live like you Matey, and hurt like you Matey

I see no future Matey, and drink like you Matey

The end is near Matey. HELP ME MATEY!

Ode to Sobriety

I am not dad, as you were dad

I no longer see dad, as you saw dad

I no longer live dad, as you lived dad

I am happy now dad, not sad dad!

Ode to God

I am weak God, you are strong God

I am sad God, you are love God

I am lost God, you are searching God

I am found God, you‟re all I need God!

KR/JR

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BOOK REVIEW by Yvonne Coppock

EVERYDAY HOSPITALITY Simple steps to cultivating a welcoming heart by Thea Jarvis

A comment on the back describes this book as “a

clear reminder that practising hospitality is not

only a gift to those we encounter, but a path to

spiritual growth for ourselves”.

Maybe that makes it sound a bit scary - one of those spiritual disciplines that

perhaps we‟d rather not be called to! But the book is also about fun and

enjoyment, and not taking the whole thing too seriously. It‟s an easy read

and not too long.

Using examples from her own experience, as well as from the Bible and

from present-day Christian writers, Thea Jarvis shows that true hospitality

isn‟t about inviting guests into a perfectly decorated room for a five-course

dinner. Nor is it about wanting to relieve universal poverty and suffering. It

begins with our own families and neighbours and is only perfected by

practice.

Don‟t be put off by the puzzling first paragraph of Chapter One (all becomes

clear on the next page), or by the occasional Americanisms. This book is

well worth reading if you want to learn how to be hospitable in ordinary

everyday situations.

If, like me, you find hospitality difficult, reading this book might be a good

way to round off our Year of Hospitality. The author‟s description of

“Christmas Soup” – which evolved as her family‟s way of coping with

Christmas – might not be your solution, but it is one of many examples

showing how hospitality, though sometimes costly, doesn‟t have to be

complicated.

One copy of the book is available to borrow,

on the magazine table in the Fellowship Area.

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ROYAL GIVING Contributed by Clarence Schofield

On the Thursday before Easter 2008, the Queen and the Duke

of Edinburgh attended the Royal Maundy Service in St

Patrick‟s Cathedral in Armagh. This was the first time the

service, which commemorates the Last Supper and the action of

Jesus when he washed the feet of the disciples, has been held in

Northern Ireland.

It is customary for the Sovereign to distribute small quantities

of silver coins to retired pensioners. In 2008 the Queen was 82

years old, and 82 male and 82 female pensioners each received

sets of Maundy money, to the total value of 82 pence.

This demonstration of humility and generosity provides an

example for all of us. We are reminded that Jesus commanded

us to love one another as he himself loved us.

Until 1822 ordinary silver coinage was used for the Maundy

money, but since 1822 special coins have been minted in values

of 1, 2, 3 and 4 pence. The 4d coin was also known as a groat.

Each set of Maundy money therefore contains 10 pence, and

recipients are given an appropriate number of complete sets,

plus a part-set when appropriate.

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THE HAND OF PRAYER An aid to prayer contributed by Flora

Halsey

THUMB = Those nearest to you. Pray for your family and friends.

FIRST FINGER = The pointer: teachers and healers. Pray for doctors, nurses and teachers.

TALLEST FINGER = Leaders. Pray for the Jersey States, world leaders and those in business.

RING FINGER = Your weakest finger. Pray for those who are poor, weak, in trouble or unhappy.

SMALL FINGER = Yourself. Pray for yourself.

______________________________________________

Praise for God’s Gift of Life

You take care of the earth and water it,

Making it rich and fertile.

The river of God has plenty of water,

It provides a bountiful harvest of grain

For you have ordered it so.

You drench the ploughed ground with rain

Melting the clods and levelling the ridges.

You soften the earth with showers

And bless the abundant crops.

Contributed by Eddie Le Conte

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PAWS FOR THOUGHT “Possessions are not given that we may rely on them and

glory in them but that we may use them and share them

with others... our possessions should be in our hands, not

in our hearts.” Martin Luther

“You can give without loving, but you cannot

love without giving.” Amy Carmichael

“I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore there

be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to

any fellow being, let me do it now, for I shall not pass

this way again.” William Penn

“There are two key principles for the

compassionate person – giving and forgiving.”

J John

WHAT MONEY CAN’T BUY

It can buy a bed, but not sleep;

A house, but not a home;

A clock, but not time;

Medicine, but not health;

Food, but not an appetite;

Entertainment, but not happiness.

It's mid November and almost the end of our Year of Hospitality. The key lesson that we've taken from all of the submissions for the magazine over the

year is how creative we can be in providing hospitality as a church, as a family, at work and at

home. We hope you will feel encouraged and enthused by

the ideas that we've published and carry them with you in 2009. This final edition for the year is full of

creative contributions about giving as a form of hospitality.

Perhaps your best gift this year for Christmas will be the opportunity to receive kindness or give

hospitably to someone you know - it's the gift that lasts a lifetime!

Tania Bearryman

St PAUL’S CHURCH

New Street, St Helier, JE2 3RA Tel: 887887

SUNDAY SERVICES 10am and 6.30pm

Editorial Team for this issue:

Tania Bearryman, Yvonne Coppock and Clarence Schofield

DIARY DATES NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

Thu 18th 6pm Joint Church Carol Service Royal Square

Sun 21st 10 &6.30 Carol Services Church

Wed 24th 4pm Christingle Service Church

Wed 24th 11pm Midnight Communion Church

Thu 25th 10.30am Christmas Day Communion Church

JANUARY

Wed 21st 7.30pm Alpha Dinner, Nigel Skelsby

Mon 26th 7.30pm Growth Groups leaders mtg

FEBRUARY

Sun 1st New Wine Celebration St Matthews

6th-8th Plumbline Course Centre

Wed 25th Half-Night of Prayer Church

MARCH

Wed 4th 7.30pm School of Theology: Bishop of Winchester

St Paul’s Church

20th-21st School of Prophecy

Thu 26th 7.45pm St Paul’s Church AGM Centre

APRIL

Sat 18th New Wine Celebration St Andrews

MAY

1st - 4th New Wine Channel Islands

Sun 16th 7pm JEA Service, Gerard Le Feuvre & King’s Orchestra

St Helier Methodist

Thu 20th 7pm Portuguese Fellowship Meal Ambassador

Wed 26th 6-11pm Half-Night of Prayer Church

Thu 27th 8pm New Wine Celebration St Matthews