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Welcome to Hailsham Parish Church – an Annual Profile 2015

Jesus is the King,

ruler over everything, Jesus is the one,

promised one, the Son of God, Jesus is the Lord,

he's the one you can't ignore, Jesus, Jesus:

he is the King.

He commanded the fishermen, "Hey, come follow me!"

And they did, and they did, and they did! Because...

Jesus is the King...

He commanded the evil ones,

"Hey, come out of him!" And they did, and they did, and they did!

Because...

Jesus is the King...

He commanded the the wind and waves, "Hey, be still, be still!"

And they did, and they did, and they did! Because...

Jesus is the King...

He promised that three days after death

he'd rise again. And he did, and he did, and he did!

Because...

Jesus is the King...

Copyright 2003 Paul Sheely CCL 932

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Electoral Roll The Electoral Roll stands at 202. We note with sadness the deaths of John Hills, Reg Kent, Kevin Newton and Ann Waters. We thank God for their lives. We also said farewell to Dan and Jo Henderson and Val Stevens.

The Churchwarden’s Report 2014 was a year of Hello’s goodbyes and also being able to welcome back some good HPC friends, starting with Asha, Sangster & Timothy at the end of April to the middle of June. It was great that they were able to join us at many of the services, and also Bible by the Beach, enabling them to meet up with many friends old and new. It was exciting to hear all their news including the Church Plant in Bangalore, the goat farm and of course Sangsters progress with his ordination exams. We have now heard that he passed and been ordained. We thank God for their continuing ministries. Then in July it was time, after four years, to say goodbye to Dan, Jo, Lydia, Sophie and Emma as they moved west to St Andrew Old Church Hove for the next stage of Dan’s ministry. As David said we saw Dan grow as a preacher and a pastor of God’s people and, of course, he had great support from Jo and the family. At the beginning of September a group of us went over to Hove to join in the service for the Licencing of Dan as Curate in Charge, and a wonderful warm event we had the privilege of taking part in. It was also the first opportunity for most of us to hear The Right Reverend Richard Jackson, Bishop of Lewes, preach. The evening finished with refreshments being served in the church hall and a wonderful spread it was. In September we were able to welcome Chris, Emily, Reuben, Leonie and Joel. Chris joined HPC in the new role of Assistant Minister-Music. Chris had spent the last six years as a secondary school music teacher in Birmingham so this is quite a change of direction for him and he soon started to make his mark with various new initiatives including the very exciting Youth Band. It is also pleasing to see that Chris has a link with Marshlands School where he is in the process of putting a music group of varying abilities together. On Sunday 23rd November we welcomed Chris, Ros, Josh, Danny and Chloe Howles, our Crosslinks partners, for the day as they travelled round visiting various churches while back in England for a short break from their work at the Uganda Martyrs Seminary. Chris explained that the building is on the site where 25 Christians were killed on the 3rd June 1886 for rejecting to recant their faith in Jesus. How amazing that this same site is now used to prepare church leaders for the spreading of the Gospel that the country’s leaders tried to wipe out. Chris taught us a very appropriate chant: ‘God is good, all the time, All the time God is good, God is good and that’s his nature. Wow!’ It is so encouraging to have such close links with our mission partners and being able to feel that we are sharing, as friends, in their work of spreading the Gospel. We had a great time on the 24th August helping to celebrate David’s 60th birthday with a hog roast in the Vicarage Garden. It was very pleasing and special for David to have his son Hugh speak at the 10.30am service.

3 generations of the Bourne family at the Hog Roast: Hugh, Harry & David

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After all expenses there was a surplus of £1,100 which was divided equally between Uganda Martyrs Seminary and Release International. It seems a very appropriate split thinking that the Uganda Martyrs Seminary started as a result of Christian persecution and Release International now desperately trying to bring the plight of so many persecuted Christians around the world to our attention. Recently while I was helping at Bite In I spoke to a lady who was reading the magazine and she commented on being surprised at how much there was going on at the church, and for all different ages. You may like to look through a magazine yourself to see just how much is going on at Hailsham Parish Church and all the different ways that God is at work in so many people’s lives. Many thanks to the Wardens team and the Wellcomers who have been so supportive again over what has been another exciting if challenging year. Hailsham Parish Church is such a friendly and vibrant place with a real buzz about it and with the church and lounge being used and visited more and more by the community we all have so many more opportunities to make Jesus known in Hailsham. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

Roger Booth

P.C.C. Secretary’s Report The PCC met 5 times since the last Annual Parish Meeting. Julie Bell, Phil Luffingham and David Sinden were welcomed at the start of their 3 year term. During the year it was encouraging to hear of the appointments of an Assistant Minister: Music and a curate for 2015. Whilst plans for the next stage of the re-ordering were moving along the news of the Lynton property were rather slow. At our first meeting of 2015 a new Statement of Need was produced to update the proposed further reordering of the building setting out aims for the next 3 years. A new MAP (Mission Action Plan) was agreed to be delayed until September when we hope to have a completion date for the new kitchen on which some new initiatives depend and a new curate in post to bring a fresh perspective. Please continue to pray that the PCC will make decisions based on being faithful to the Gospel, putting Jesus at the centre of all we discuss.

Julie Coates

Buildings Report The extensive flooding events which occurred in the lounge and clergy vestry areas at St. Mary’s have now been concluded with the affected flooring completely dried out without any apparent long term damage and a successful settlement of the insurance claim for property damage, loss of income from the ‘BITE IN’ and additional expenses. However, we are now faced with another water problem with the re-occurrence of rain-water ingress from roof areas in the lounge and to a lesser extent in the main church building. A meeting has been arranged with our appointed inspecting architect to discuss a solution to this ongoing situation albeit that internal damage is, fortunately, limited at the moment. Roof repairs have also been undertaken on the Emmanuel building after the appearance of a damp patch in the ceiling of the main hall. Whilst working on the site, the contractor warned that further damaged mortar is deteriorating and will need to be renewed within the next 2-5 years. Monitoring of the internal and external structural cracks at the West end of St. Mary’s continues although the large Cedar tree and a Silver Birch ,the roots of which were thought to be the major cause, have now been felled on the advice of a structural engineer. Judging by the comments of both church members and the general public, this action seems to have received a very positive reaction,

3 generations of the Bourne family at the Hog Roast: Hugh, Harry & David

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contrary to what was expected beforehand. The whole vista from the High Street and the Vicarage Field precinct has been enhanced. Repairs to footpath surfaces within the churchyard have been made on Health & Safety grounds, after several reported falls. There has been no further progress in the discussions with Wealden District Council over responsibility for closed churchyard maintenance. Whilst the brownies and guide groups have now relocated to the Emmanuel building, adequate storage space for materials and equipment used by the other children’s groups is still at a premium despite additional shelving being added in the lobby area behind the clergy vestry. With the redevelopment of the whole extension building to accommodate a much larger kitchen facility and increased toilet facilities this situation will not improve so a short term option is being considered in the main church areas although this, in itself ,may cause logistical problems as we continue to grow. Vandalised windows have been repaired in the South Porch, South aisle and the outside lounge entrance. Repairs have also been made to damaged perimeter fencing at the Emmanuel site. Health & Safety issues posed by the risk assessment initiatives are continually under consideration and guided by our insurance company’s guidelines. A recent meeting with the Ecclesiastical Insurance Co. surveyor confirmed that we are responding adequately to their requirements. Finding suitable funding for maintenance of our Grade 1 Listed building has always and will continue to be a challenge but please be under no illusions, our Heavenly Father has always listened to our prayers and provided resources to enable us to proclaim the Gospel here in Hailsham.

Terry Evenden

The felling of the Cedar Tree

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Deanery Synod Report The Deanery Synod met three times during the year and each meeting was held in a different deanery church. Reports on meetings of the Diocesan and General Synod were given as appropriate, relevant notices were given by the Rural Dean and at each meeting members were updated about life in one of the deanery churches. In March the meeting was held in St. Richard's Church, Heathfield. A report was given about life and church development at Christchurch Horam. The main speaker was Ali Campbell, the Diocesan youth officer who addressed 'The Challenges and Opportunities of work with children and young people in a rural context.' The June meeting was held at St. John the Baptist Church Netherfield where a report was given into life at St. Mary's Salehurst and also Hurst Green Church. The main business of this meeting was the appointment of officers and there was no visiting speaker. In November the meeting was held in Christ Church Horam with a report on life at Waldron Church. The Bishop of Lewes, Rt. Revd. Richard Jackson outlined the ‘Diocesan Strategy for Growth’ and the results of the Diocesan wide consultation. It may be of interest to know that the deanery now has its own website: dallingtondeanery.org

Pam Brooks

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Safeguarding At Hailsham Parish Church, we are committed to safeguarding the children, young people and vulnerable adults in our care. All adults who work with children and young people are required to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. We currently have 82 people who hold a current DBS certificate and some pending as more volunteers come forward to help in the growing groups. In June 2014, a number of us attended a Safer Church training session which was organised by the Diocese of Chichester. These training sessions help us to regularly review our strategies and practices to ensure that our children remain safe and that the people working with them are more informed as we seek to provide a fun, safe and caring environment in which we can teach them about Jesus. Lyn Gooding Alan Baldock

Safeguarding Officer Deputy Safeguarding Officer

Little Diggers Little Diggers is our Sunday group for babies and pre-school children. This group benefits both parents and small children as it gives the youngsters a fun and safe place to play while parents can listen to God’s word without distractions and interruption. Last September a group of older children moved into Seekers leaving a smaller number in Little Diggers but that means more room to play! Some new faces have recently joined the rota of willing volunteers to look after the children. Although the children in Little Diggers are very young we still want them to learn about our amazing God, and so each week they have a short story from the bible or teaching time and a craft activity before they find the toys. Recently they have been learning how God looks after us while we play/sleep/travel and how he knows each one of us. Please pray that these little children would grow up knowing and loving our Lord Jesus.

Little Diggers Team

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Seekers We are the group for 4 to 7 year olds, the Reception and Key Stage 1 at Primary School. Most weeks we have 7 or 8 which is really encouraging and with the TnT ministries Mustard seed material following on each week it is very helpful when the children can come regularly. It is lovely to watch the children as they grow in confidence and are happy to join in and to answer our questions.

It is so encouraging to see a survey showing that well over 80% of adult converts had contact with the church during childhood. Our prayer is that the children will carry on in the Christian faith and year by year learn more about Jesus, and we will have the privilege to teach them and watch their faith grow. We always value and thank you for your prayers and encouragement. Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. (Proverbs 22:6)

The Seekers Team

Discoverers The material we are using in Discoverers is from TNT Ministries. We alternate between the Old and New Testaments and, so far this academic year, have covered Genesis, Exodus and Acts, taking a slight break before our Nativity on 21 December to study the “King of Christmas”. We thank God that we still have around 15 children attending the Discoverers’ Group. This has proved a challenge at times. A decision was made to have two helpers per session and this has proved to be beneficial. Since Christmas we have seen a change in leadership and thank Cori for her help as she moves to a new and older group. Jazz has been a helper since last Easter and has now taken over as joint leader. We have more helper volunteers and would like to thank Abi, Diane and Hayley for joining us. Please pray for our team: that we all may teach God’s word well so that the children will be led to a personal faith.

The Discovers Team

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Quest A group of Year 7 – 9’s meet in The Link on a Sunday morning to study the Bible and learn about Jesus. During 2014 we have looked at “Beginnings” where we discussed mankind’s place and purpose in God’s world, how sin entered God’s perfect world and how it corrupts all people everywhere and how we can be rescued from the power of sin and its corruption. We then spent several weeks looking at Joseph’s story and this was followed by a “Mission Unstoppable” where we learnt about Jesus’ ascension and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Acts 2:21 It is always a pleasure to teach this group of children and we always learn together.

The Quest Team

SALT – 14+ Youth Group Salt's seen a lot of changes in the last year. Since Dan's departure, the group now meets at the Vicarage, and is led by David, Kim and myself. Several of our young people entered Year 9 in September and have started joining us, along with a few other new faces, and we've been encouraged with a real answer to prayer in how many people come along. Since September, we've studied a youth version of Christianity Explored, enjoyed a Bible study with

Chris Howles, been meeting people Jesus met and are now discussing church, the Bible and prayer. Our studies have sparked some fantastic (and challenging) questions. Please join us in giving thanks for the number of people who come along each week, and praying that will continue. Pray that the group will be a safe environment to ask questions and that, ultimately, God will be growing His kingdom through our meetings.

Cori Bromfield

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1st Hailsham Guides Spring 2014 marked 10 years since we reopened our guide unit and during our summer camp at Bull River we celebrated with an inflatable obstacle course and a big chocolate cake. The camp was an opportunity to obtain my camp licence. Having gained my residential licence during a snowy sojourn at Crowborough guide headquarters a few years ago I decided it was time to complete my under canvas module. ‘Festival’ was the theme of our camp with lots of craft, a disco and campfire. We also partook of the usual camp activities such as outdoor cooking, toasting marshmallows and bailing out tents after heavy rain! Though numbers dropped this year it is still heartening to be part of the wider guiding movement and as I write our unit is growing again with three new members set to join us after Easter. At the end of last year we were very pleased to welcome back one of our old guides to do her leadership training with us. Whilst membership numbers remain high it is very difficult to recruit new volunteers and provide spaces for all of the girls wishing to join so it is encouraging to nurture the next generation of leaders. This summer our guiding county will play host to guides from across the world at our Olave international camp. We have four guides attending and hope they will really enjoy the experience. We continue to attend the monthly all age services and are on the rota to read the prayers.

Katie Allcorn

4th Hailsham (St Mary’s Brownies) We had a special year last year trying to fit as much as possible into the special Brownie celebrations for 100 years of brownies. We attended the special event at Knockhatch where we got soaked at the water slide and by the thunderstorm. We had a fantastic day at Herstmonceux Science centre celebrating the past present and future, which included activities. From the funfair rides, to caving, to stargazing and Bollywood dancing! We ended our celebrations with a big Brownie birthday party sleepover at Pax Lodge, our London World Girl Guiding centre which was fabulous. The year was truly memorable and will be hard to beat in terms of fun and magic memories.

Claire Bishop – Snowy Owl

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ABC Playgroup ABCs is our mid-week group for babies, pre-school children and the parents/carers. Each Thursday many local families are welcomed into HPC to enjoy a morning of fun and friendship. Last summer we lost 16 children to full time school and were concerned how this would affect our numbers, but new families just keep on coming, which has been amazing! The children love to climb, paint, create, build, ride, dress-up, slide, play and eat! While the adults like to drink coffee and chat (and also eat!). The craft table is very popular with both adults and children. The craft is linked to the bible story each week and particular favourites have been making gingerbread men (God made Adam and Eve) and Easter gardens. We end the morning by gathering together to listen to a bible story and sing lots of action songs.

Each year we hold 3 parties for the children – Easter (with an Easter egg hunt), summer (mini graduation for those leaving) and Christmas (with a visit from a certain chap in a red suit!). Each of these gives us the opportunity to give the children a Christian book or bible, which is another fantastic opportunity to share the gospel with both child and parent. As you continue to pray for ABCs please:-

Give God thanks for his provision – the building, ABCs team and the families that come along each week.

Ask for wisdom and boldness as we build relationships with these families and seek to make Jesus known.

ABC’s Team

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Who Let The Dads Out? Who Let The Dads Out? has been meeting for a year now and we have a fun packed morning on the last Saturday of the month in the church lounge. We run on the same lines as a traditional parent and toddler group but it’s specifically for fathers, granddads or male carers and their children. It’s an opportunity for dads to have quality time with their child and to socialise with other fathers. It’s a chance for mums to have some deserved time off. The session is very relaxed and there are lots of toys available for the children to play with, a craft activity, plus tea/coffee, great food for example bacon butties and refreshments and biscuits for the children. It would be great to see lots more Dads, Granddads, carers and their children come along.

WLTDO? Team

Pulse Pulse is our new after school club which began in September 2014 and runs from 3.15 – 5.00 most Tuesdays during term time. We wanted to set up an outreach programme which would appeal to parents that had children who had left ABCs to go to school, and so enable us to maintain contact with them. We carried out a survey which showed interest in three areas - an after school club, a drop-in café for parents and messy church. We put the three together and came up with Pulse! We have been greatly encouraged by the response from local families – we currently have 50 children (22 families) on the register. Although the church buzzes with voices and activity, there is a relaxed atmosphere as the children come in from school and enjoy board games, books, drawing, Lego, table football and a messy craft linked to the bible teaching. The ladies in the kitchen are kept busy with endless requests for toast and chocolate spread or jam! Towards the end of each session we clear away and have a bible story time and song. For the first ten weeks we did a bible overview and made the banner which now hangs in the church. The banner helped them to remember God’s plan and how Jesus is God’s promised King. This term we have been doing a junior Christianity Explored course which has involved lots of dressing up and acting for Chris, Cori and Lyn! The once-a-term family meals have proved to be very popular – a great opportunity to share a meal together and get to know each other better. Pulse gives us the fantastic opportunity to build relationships with local families, teach the bible and invite them along to any events or church services. Please give thanks for the encouragement of this new venture and the families coming along each week. Please pray that through the teaching and conversations people will be challenged to think about Jesus.

The Pulse Team

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Youth Zone We’ve had some new children joining us during the past year. Some from church, who are now old enough to come along, friends of church families and some from Holiday Club. The weather last year allowed us to do quite a few outdoor activities including a treasure hunt, bike ride, wide game in Park Wood, BBQ, bush-craft cooking and campfire and a night-time walk. It’s great now the Youth Band is up and running that we can guide any budding musical talents we discover in Youth Zone in that direction. Do pray for opportunities for us to invite those families who don’t come along on a Sunday to events and other activities at the church.

Youth Zone Team

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Music The music team at Hailsham Parish Church aims:

a) with the church leaders, to select hymns and songs whose words, when we sing them, build us up in Christ, serving the purposes of church (such as teaching and reflecting on Biblical truth; encouraging one another in the faith; praying to and praising God); and b) to make good use of the musical gifts with which Christ has blessed our church, using them for its edification and to God’s glory.

The hymns and songs we sing are chosen by me and David Bourne, often with input from others, including staff and musicians. The team, incorporating those involved in sound reinforcement and visual projection, currently consists of fifty-five people, of whom forty-one serve on a regular basis. Fifteen people serve regularly as singers in the choir, twelve as instrumentalists, seven as audio technicians and eight as visual technicians. Five adults have begun serving as musicians since September. Roger Tipping, our organist, plays for 6.30 p.m. Sunday services (as well as several 10.30 a.m. services). Colin Dadswell co-ordinates the audio and visual technicians. In addition to serving the regular Sunday congregations, musicians lead songs at Pulse, at special services at church and in the community (e.g. at Christmas), at meetings such as the monthly evening Meet and Pray and at events such as Holiday Club. The Carols by Candlelight service last December was a wonderful occasion, in which thirty-two musicians took part. I am very grateful to Michael Tanner for his advice relating to special choral services. Youth Band began in October and meets weekly on Tuesday evenings. Our sessions include a brief Bible study as well as a longer practice, broken by a break for refreshments. At present, nine young people (aged 11+) belong to the band, which taught and led Christmas Calypso at two morning services in December. The band has learned a further four songs to date and is working on an Easter-themed song to be aired in April! Jazz Dixon, Sylvia Robinson and Susan Smith support the group, including by singing as part of it. Another initiative that began in the autumn is the weekly after-school music club I run, with the help of Margaret Booth and Jazz Dixon, at Marshlands Academy. Children aged 7 to 11 have so far enjoyed a mixture of Brazilian samba (using untuned percussion), singing and handbells. Recorders and Indonesian Gamelan are next on the agenda! This activity is helping to strengthen links with the school. Termly Sussex Gospel Partnership musicians' training events are a helpful resource for our music team. In addition, I attend London Music Leaders Termly, a meeting for church music staff that provides a forum for relevant theological reflection and discussion. Thank you to all those who help with church music in any way. If you are interested in serving within the team by singing or playing an instrument, please contact Chris Taylor. If you are interested in helping with sound reinforcement or visual projection, please contact Colin Dadswell. At present, instrumentalists' rehearsals for Sunday mornings normally take place on Friday evenings (7.45–9.15 p.m.) and the choir practises immediately before the morning service (from 10.00 a.m.). My family and I are very grateful for the enormous welcome we have received at HPC during the initial months of my role – thank you! Please pray for the music team, especially that we would be focused on serving the church and glorifying God with the gifts that he has given. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you…sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16)

Chris Taylor

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Bellringing Bell ringing continues but we have now lost some of our young ringers who have gone off to university and college, or with new jobs, and older members who are no longer able to ring. In the autumn we did not have enough ringers to enable us to ring the bells for a number of Sunday morning services which was very disappointing. New members would be particularly welcome and if you think it is something you would like to do, please speak to me or Christine, we would love to hear from you. New ringers are made aware that it is expected that, as soon as they are able, they will ring for services which we aim to do every Sunday, morning and evening. At the morning service we get as many of our ringers as possible to attend and they all ring. For the evening service we get six or eight ringers and ring a “quarter peal” – this, in layman’s terms, is ringing in a set pattern(s) (called a method) and lasts for about 40 minutes, non-stop. “Peals” are also rung at other times, to celebrate special events, and these last for around 3 hours non-stop. Our practice evenings here at St Mary’s are a happy and friendly time and we are particularly lucky to have a few ringers from other towers who are willing to come regularly to make up our numbers and enable us to practice more advanced methods. Also, in the last year, some of our ringers have helped Ashburnham church to start up a completely new team of ringers at their church and also with them coming to Hailsham to join our practices. This year we have arranged two evening outings, ringing on the bells of other churches and having a meal together afterwards. Our Tower at St Mary’s is a Ringing Centre, one of a number spread around the whole of England. This is used to hold courses where ringers from other towers around Sussex (and beyond) come to learn, improve their ringing or learn more complex methods, or to learn how to teach others. This is run by Christine Baldock.

Elizabeth Munday

Creative Craft Group We are now 17 members, and meet every Wednesday in the Church Lounge. We begin the meeting with a prayer and tea or coffee and then proceed to try and become creative! On the first Wednesday of the month we have a do-it-yourself morning when we sell unwanted gifts and make items for the charities we support – for example, the children in Malawi, orphaned through Aids – and also nearer home, Great Ormond Street Hospital and the Demelza Trust. Last summer, on the hottest day of the year we had an afternoon at Ashburnham Place – some of us had a good walk and finished up with a cream tea in the Orangery. We enjoyed it so much so we decided to go for coffee and mince pies at Christmas – this was not such a good idea as the main road was closed for repairs and we had to make a large detour, sadly some of us did not make it at all. We make all the usual items from ideas brought in by members, but most of all we work happily and enjoy laughter and friendship, which with God’s help, we pray will continue through the coming years.

Valerie Bulgin

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Crafty Companions We thought we were having to close the group as our leader had to stand down. Luckily three members came forward to take over as a trio group leader. This means all the responsibility does not fall on one person. At present this appears to be working well. We started our first term with rock painting. Since then we have made various cards using quilling, embroidery and wax painting. We tried a new skill using ribbons to weave spectacle or phone holders. A talk was given by Pauline Graham on Quilt Making. She brought examples of her work and showed photos of others on the laptop. The members really enjoyed the talk. We also had Julie & Tim, stallholders from Hailsham Market, attend a meeting. They brought most of their stock so we could shop for craft items. They have agreed to come to a meeting in February for Julie to demonstrate making paper flowers. Recently Jazz Dixon attended to help us make glass ornaments. She helped us mould in wax and took these away to make into moulds for us to add the ground glass. She told us she had run the same class for the Guides, and as we suspected, we were more trouble. We have planned a Cream Tea for March, flower arranging and paper making. We always enjoy our sessions as we do our chats and the craft. All the members support each other through good times and bad times using our initial prayer in support.

Dawn Kimpton

Meeting Point Another year has passed with a great variety of speakers at our monthly meetings. Some folk have, unfortunately, been unable to meet with us due to age or ill health, but others have joined and we average about 30 each month. We have an active committee meeting regularly who try to provide a variety of speakers including A Cambodian Adventure; Eastbourne Gilbert and Sullivan Society; Cats Protection League and an outing. We continue to support Sulait, our Ugandan teenager, now on a vocational training course. We were so grateful to God for the good attendance at the Carol Service and the donations received going towards Sulait’s sponsorship, which has more than doubled this year. Holiday at Home was greatly enjoyed again with an outing this year on one day to Michelham Priory courtesy of a grant from the police charity. We thank God for His continued blessing and look forward to another year of fellowship, friendship and God’s provision

Pam Brooks & Margaret Surrey

A day in Rosie and Alan's garden

50p Challenge Flower Arrangements

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Bite In A couple of accidents and some illness gave a few staffing problems but thanks to our second team, the stand-ins, thank you all, we were able to cope. Summer though (remember that?), was great for more positive reasons. We were able to staff Open Church for a full three months. Many visitors took advantage of this time, some sad, some glad, but

all grateful that the church building was open. A Team Member exchanged apron and name badge for a 30 minute slot in church in order to give full attention to any visitor who wanted to talk, pray or celebrate. A very enjoyable period of further outreach. We look forward to repeating Open Church during this coming year. Thanks too to all regular and casual customers who make it possible for Bite-in to make a monetary contribution to the work of HPC.

Psalm 34 v 8 says ' O Taste and see that the Lord is good.' May we serve up a sandwich of thanksgiving with a filling of grace.

The Bite In Team

Men @ HPC We meet on a regular basis, to encourage one other in our walk with Jesus, to get to know new men at HPC and also to invite friends along to the varied events that we hold. We have a varied programme of events; during 2014 these have included discussing quite challenging subjects, such as assisted suicide, while eating hot potatoes and pudding of course. Other events include walk followed by a hearty breakfast, a visit to Brighton football club and a walk and barbeque (plus a very large thunderstorm) at the Hooks Farm. It is always great to spend time with men from HPC in a relaxed atmosphere, form friendships and learn about Jesus.

Stan Tomalin and David Gooding

Enjoying watching Brighton at the Amex The famous BBQ at the Hook Farm, before the thunderstorm!

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Men’s Book Group At the beginning of last year we have looked at ‘The Ordinary Hero’ by Tim Chester. Having previously been reading a book looking at the historical foundation of the cross and resurrection, this book followed it up by looking at what all that means for our daily lives as Christians. So, the book was subtitled: 'living the cross and resurrection'. Moving on from Easter to Pentecost, our next book was entitled 'Experiencing the Spirit' by Graham Beynon. Having been challenged with the many challenges that leading a Christ-like life brings upon us - especially our inability to be very good at it! This book reminded us that this is where the Holy Spirit is meant to come in our Christian theology - he is God's help to his people as they seek to live the godly life.

Stan Tomalin

Women2Women Reaching out & building up; encouraging Christian women to share their faith. For our Pimms, Pudding and Proof evening in July, Martin Povey (evangelist from All Souls Eastbourne) met every challenging question with a robust explanation, ‘proof’, of our living Christian faith. In addition, on the lead up to Christmas, ladies invited friends to create pottery gifts, jewellery and felt stitching whilst Kim Bourne unpacked John 1 to explain the wealth of ‘proof’ given by God to believe in Jesus with an appeal to check it out further. Through the year we have been woken up over a breakfast healthy for both the body and the soul; we had an opportunity to pray for women in the workplace, Margaret Surrey opened up the Bible and encouraged us to ‘look up at the hope in Christ’ and Julie Coates shared some of the challenges and joys of working at the Foodbank. In May we introduced our visitor from India, Anne, to a traditional Cream Tea while she shared what it was like to be a Christian in the Indian context. Most recently 34 ladies enjoyed a wonderful evening meal in February at the Kings Head, Horsebridge. The food was plentiful and delicious and all enjoyed chatting and having fellowship together. All were enthralled listening to Cori interviewing Michelle who gave a testimony to God's goodness and leading in her life. Please be praying that God might mercifully take His word spoken at these events and bring new life to friends, neighbours and family brought along.

Kim Bourne

Anne Jacob spoke of her faith and life in Kerala at the Cream Tea

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Oasis ‘And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard

from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.’

1 Thessalonians 2:13

We are a group of women, meeting weekly to study the Bible, pray together and support one another as Christian women in the world. We meet every Tuesday

morning, often gratefully accompanied by our superstar crèche ladies! After finishing 1 Thessalonians we were encouraged and challenged as we studied the short Book of Jonah; we saw God’s sovereign plan work through sin and judgement, grace and mercy, to wonderfully save pagans and help his servant Jonah to grow in his understanding of grace. As God’s character was so amazingly put to us in Jonah we carried on looking at aspects of His character to lead us up to the summer break. We said a sad but fond farewell to Jo Henderson (and Sophie and Emma) as we prayed for their move to new ministries in Hove. We welcomed Michelle (and Elijah) and Lyn last year, and in September Cori and Emily (and Joel) joined the group. Titus has challenged us to consider that being saved by Christ means Jesus has equipped us to do good works for

Him, in the wider world, and in our church

family. This lead helpfully on to following the Six steps to Loving your Church DVD course. Lots of good discussion and a greater appreciation and love for our church family resulted. The present challenge for this term is the book of Esther! God is not mentioned but is he absent??? Does it have anything to teach us as God’s people?? More in the next profile or come and join us if you are female and free on a Tuesday morning and want to get to know the Lord Jesus better (crèche provided).

Kim Bourne

Homegroups At the beginning of last year, in preparation for the Passion for Life outreach event, we studied the ‘Uncover’ material – a course covering the basics of the Christian faith. After Easter, we continued studies in John’s Gospel, this time looking specifically at chapters 14-17, as Jesus prepares his disciples for what would inevitably be the traumatic events of the first Easter weekend. The studies challenged us to re-examine what we think it means to be one of God’s people, living in the midst of this fallen world, having been given the task of taking God’s good news to his world. In the autumn, we used a series entitled ‘Loving your church’, in which we were encouraged to do just that – to think through what it means to be part of the church, challenging us to think through how we can be more actively involved in being members of the ‘church family’, rather than sitting on the sidelines.

Stan Tomalin

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Tuesday SGP (weekly) I had wanted to go on this training course for some time but it was not until September, when, having given up the regular day job left me free to attend this much recommended course. In fact it was the first firm commitment to go into my new diary. SGP gives an opportunity to dig deeper into God’s word with the aim that it might equip Christians with a better understanding of the Bible, build stronger convictions about the truth and power of God’s word and give a greater confidence in communicating the Bible message to others. Those that participate in the course come from a wide variety of ages and backgrounds. It has been very interesting getting to know people and hear about why they are on the course. Each Tuesday we have four one hour sessions looking at the Bible in greater detail, both as an overview and book by book; we do group work and have to individually prepare and give short talks to each other and sometimes we examine ministry issues. The main speakers, Jon Hobbs and Nick McQuaker, are knowledgeable and inspirational. There has been an opportunity to go to the British Museum to check out the archaeological evidence to support the historical accuracy of the Bible and look at time lines. Also, more recently, we heard personal testimony about the exciting work of Missionaries abroad. I really look forward to each Tuesday with an anticipation of discovering new ways of looking at the Bible and making all sorts of different connections between Old and New Testament

Sylvia Robinson

Pastoral Care Team ‘This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.’ 1 John 3 v 16 ‘Knowing Jesus and making Jesus known’ as the family of God at HPC is loving and caring for one another by reaching out to those around us with a smile, an encouraging or comforting word or a hug and praying for one another. It may be by visiting, listening or doing some shopping or offering a lift to visit a loved one in hospital or for an appointment. We give thanks and praise to God for the pastoral care that goes on day by day in the Church family and in our community. This includes regular services in four local care homes, visits and home communion to the housebound and also through our home groups and other groups that meet regularly. As we welcome new folk among us there are opportunities to build relationships and form new friendships. May we encourage one another to trust Jesus in whatever the circumstances and share the good news of His love for us with all those we meet.

Margery Luffingham

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Open Church 2014 What a privilege it is to have such a historic and attractive building right in the heart of Hailsham and people have commented since the tree in the grounds was removed that visually the church building is now more prominent in the town centre. We have certainly had plenty of opportunities of welcoming visitors over the past year. During the summer months Open Church ran Tuesday, Wednesday from 12 to 2pm in June, July and August (except during Holiday at Home and Holiday club weeks) and on Street Market Thursdays outside term time. During this time a team of volunteers (including musicians) welcomed 266 visitors and there were many conversations and we pray that gospel seeds are sown from this great opportunity. Visitor Profile:

- Hailsham locals - Visitors from surrounding area – most interested in church history/ architecture. Many made specific comment on how delighted they were that the building was open. - Overseas visitors (mainly Dutch) and those from UK on holiday - Visitors with children

There was a range of free Christian literature including a selection of tracts for visitors to take away with them and the new church leaflet, two reference booklets on Church history, display board showing an overview of church activities, children’s Activity trail and colouring sheets. Refreshments were also offered free of charge. Betty Holyoak kindly organised an art exhibition during the October half term which attracted a steady number of visitors during the week. Open Church also ran on other dates, mainly Saturdays, to coincide with other events going on in Hailsham organised through the Town Council such as during the Charter Market in August when Open Church ran from 10 – 4pm with 36 visitors. There was a helpful powerpoint slide show running during that time, kindly prepared by Julie Coates, showing photos of church activities and events. Hailsham Arts Festival in September is always a busy time and it was made even more so this year as on its opening day on Saturday 13 September the Tour of Britain cycle race whizzed through during lunchtime (did anyone actually spot Bradley Wiggins?!) and this day also coincided with the annual Ride and Stride event! The town was buzzing and it was great to be open to welcome visitors. On Bonfire night 120 visitors came through the doors between the main processions and there were games and refreshments and it was great to have time to chat with so many families. The Hailsham Christmas light switch on took place on Saturday 22 November and after the main switch on we welcomed 147 people (including one dog!) to come and enjoy a hot chocolate and spend time listening to a great mix of live background music provided by Chris & Emily Taylor and team. There was a great atmosphere and people didn’t want to leave! The town Christmas market on 6th December attracted a large crowd in the town and Open Church ran on this day too welcoming over 90 visitors. It is important to add that Bite In continues to run each Friday from 9.30 until 12 noon and visitors are now able to come in via the main church entrance (in the warm weather!) with Bite In volunteers manning the church as well as serving in the cafe. People come, people go and we pray that they will be touched by the gospel leading to lives changed as they come to know Jesus. A very big thank you to all those involved in so many ways in what has been a very varied Open Church programme over the past year. There will be lots of opportunities in 2015 to be part of Open Church so please look out for notices in the notice sheet/magazine and sign up. Thank you so much.

Denise Sinden

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The Link Coffee Shop & Southerden Books In 2014 we celebrated our 20th birthday. We are thankful to God that we see his hand at work throughout Sheriff Place during these years. We are again sad to lose some of our volunteers this year, but have been pleased to welcome new staff. There is still a waiting list for volunteers with learning difficulties and our current helpers are doing a great job! We were able to bring many of them to both Christingle and the pantomime and they enjoy meeting once a month at Sampson Group at the Free Church. Christmas Day saw 55 people come for Home Alone Christmas dinner, some at the Methodist Church. The bookshop is, on the whole, busier and customers seem to come from greater distances. Unfortunately this is often because their local bookshop has closed. We seem to be a dying breed! Thank you to all who help and pray for the Link. We look forward to your support through the year.

Kay Timms

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Hailsham Foodbank It’s been a busy year since I started managing the foodbank last April. We have fed over 1,150 people since April 2014. A large proportion of the people we see are in the 25-64 age group and over 40% of all vouchers given out are for single people. Low income has been the main reason for people using the foodbank this year followed by benefit delays and changes. We were challenged in December when we fed over 150 people – 47 of those in one day. There are a couple of satellite distribution centres in the pipeline to make it easier for people to access the foodbank and to ease the busyness of the distribution centre behind the Link. Trussell Trust aim to offer ‘More Than Food’ which, apart from offering clients a cup of tea, a listening ear and signposting, we have been able to offer through links with Computers for Charities and Hailsham Trust. To keep the foodbank in Hailsham open we are completely dependent on the time given by our 50+ volunteers, the use of the distribution centre behind the Link, the use of warehouse space at Computers for Charities as well as food and monetary donations from the local community. All this time and space amounts to far in excess of our income so give thanks to God for his generous provision. On this note, we are launching our 200 Club which encourages individuals to give a regular donation to the work of the foodbank to enable us to keep helping local people in crisis. We thank God for all the conversations we have with people who come into the foodbank and thank Him that through the foodbank these people will come into contact with a Christian. We pray particularly for the circumstances foodbank users find themselves in and ask that we may give them some hope in their troubles. At a recent conference James Milton (Foodbank Network Manager, South of England) likened The Parable of the Lost Son (Luke 15: 11-31) to what is currently happening in our country and peoples’ reactions to it. Take a look and see what you think!

Julie Coates

Just one of our community links: Christmas parcels from Computers for Charities with funding from Hailsham Lions

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Caring and Sharing We are very grateful for the 22 folk who have continued to support Caring and Sharing financially and prayerfully so that we can carry on John Hills’ hard work. HPC supports four projects: Little Flower Leprosy Village (India): treating, rehabilitating and employing sufferers. Street educator in Medellin (Columbia): rescuing street children from drug gangs. Holy Trinity Nursery in Lima (Peru): caring for and educating toddlers in a shanty town. Chernobyl Children (Belarus): victims of the horrific nuclear power station explosion. The motto: “Live simply that others may simply live” encourages us to make a small regular sacrifice of a ‘luxury’ and donate the ‘saving’ to Caring and Sharing. If you would like more information about the projects or how to come a supporter by praying and giving please speak to Roger Booth or myself. Thank you.

Michael Partridge

Winners of 2013 Football Cup – presented by the Reverend Pastor

Martin, a street educator with one of the children

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Other Mission Partners We continue to support in prayer and giving…….. Meg and Dave Northcote working as area reps for Kent and Sussex for WEC International (Reaching the Unreached) encouraging supporters in prayer for world mission. Release International works with persecuted Christians across the world. The Children’s Society works with vulnerable young people in the UK.

Testimony – Michelle Canning It was an easy decision for me to accept Jesus into my heart at six years old. I grew up with authentic Christian parents. After hearing the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15: 11-32) in Sunday School, I wanted the same God who could love as the father did in that story to be in my life, in my heart. I suppose home and church life were quite idyllic and I remember my early school years as being quite happy. I had what I believed to be a typical upbringing which included Jesus being real and his life being an example to follow. When I reached secondary school, it became clear that most of my classmates did not live this way. It showed in their language, their attitude towards teachers and authority and their behaviour when

adults weren’t around. I was seen as a “goody two shoes” and a Jesus freak because I didn’t take part (most of the time). So I didn’t really fit in and that wasn’t really a problem until I left high school. I moved onto a rigorous three year career course in Early Childhood Education. It was full of beautiful, confident young women and I did not see myself as one of them. Many of them made it clear they thought so too. At this time, my eyesight began to fail, I started to suffer from depression and I had other issues I was trying to deal with on my own. It was a difficult and dark time, but I had a tiny, tiny glimmer of hope. And though it was small, it was strong. It was Jesus. I felt unaccepted by my peers but I knew

Jesus accepted me. My failing eyesight made me fearful for my future, but I had a verse that spoke to my future, “For we know that all things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28. The hope I was able to have in my late teens and early twenties came from seeing Jesus as real when I was a child. My parents gave me the example of trusting in a real and loving God. If not for that start, I don’t believe I would have been able to take part in my church’s music ministry, which drew me even closer to the Lord. I would not have accepted the help of Godly friends and family. I would have believed the lies that depression would win. I would have continued to see myself as less than as a young woman. My challenges drove me to Jesus for comfort and hope. And he was so faithful. He is so faithful. How can I not trust him? How can I keep that quiet? So I now take the example of my parents and use it to guide me and a parent and wife. My husband John and my boys Samuel and Elijah have a wife and mother who is quick to take problems to the Lord and trusts Him with the future. I am so thankful that John and I get to give our boys Jesus in their early years. I have no doubt it will see then through any challenges they may face in their lives.

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Overview – Looking Back - Looking Forward Last year was the year when the wind blew – and the wall fell, when the floods came – and the vestry steamed! This year it was more – hello and goodbye. Goodbye to the cedar tree – and what a difference that has made opening up the churchyard and the south west corner of the building. Of course much more significantly it was ‘goodbye’ to Dan and Jo Henderson in July. They’d been with us for 4 years, multiplied their family and made a huge contribution under God to so many of us. We’d also said a ‘hello and goodbye’ to Asha, Sangster and Timothy. What a joy to welcome them back and to encourage them as they now begin a new phase of ministry – Sangster becoming one of the pastors of the New City Fellowship in Bangalore. A briefer, but no less informative, visit from Chris and Ros Howles and their growing family gave us the chance to get to know them a bit better and get a first-hand update on their missionary work. However, come September, it was time for ‘hello’s’ again and a welcome to Chris and Emily Taylor and their family from Birmingham, and Chris joining us as Assistant Minister with responsibility for music and already we are reaping the benefits. There were other changes too – Lyn Gooding moved up a gear to work fulltime as Assistant Minister with responsibility for Children and Families while Julie Coates growing her role as Administrator took on the additional challenge as Manager of the Hailsham foodbank. We also said ‘goodbye’ to Val Stevens – a faithful servant among us first at Emmanuel, then at HPC – she moved to pastures new in Oxfordshire. Of course let’s not forget we’re also about to say ‘hello’ again to our new curate James Isaacs and his family Monica and Rebecca. There were also other highlights. It was a great joy for Kim and I to welcome Liam Goligher as our preacher during Bible by the Beach. He’d been Kim’s ‘boss’ while at Duke Street Church in Richmond now serving as Pastor of Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, USA. We also enjoyed a fantastic birthday weekend in August. Over 180 of us crammed into the Vicarage garden for a Hog Roast celebrating my significant birthday, my son Hugh preaching on Sunday morning (he’s due to be ordained with James in June and moving to Lindfield) and as Roger has pointed out producing a tremendous gift to send to the Uganda Martyrs Seminary and Release International. A more sombre occasion in June saw us marking the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War. A great opportunity for me to do some history again and to speak alongside fellow pastors Andy Johnston and Glen Scrivener, to honour those who fought and died and to share the good news of the Prince of Peace. (If you’re interested those talks are still on our website under ‘Resources’). There are of course many other things we could report and celebrate, in all things giving thanks to God who has so richly blessed us and I hope you will read through this profile with that in mind – thank you, LORD. Indeed, we should be noted for our sense of celebration, celebrating the astonishing grace of God, celebrating the victory of our Lord Jesus. There are no other people in all the world who have anything worth celebrating that even comes close to what we have been given in Jesus Christ! Rejoice! So what of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for 2015/16. 1. Staffing This time last year I wrote of our concerns, the uncertainty over future staffing. However, God has answered our prayers and given us a full staff team for June. A staff of 6 had been our target, with the encouragement of Martin Warner the Bishop of Chichester, emphasizing the strategic significance of Hailsham for mission. We need to make the most of that provision, not for the staff to do everything but for them to be a catalyst to enable all of us to grow and serve. We are also delighted to report that we are able to help Cori Bromfield take up a part-time training course in Youth and Children’s ministry at Oak Hill College in London from September. As I write just one component is still needed, somewhere for James, Monica and Rebecca to live! 2. Money It is always a challenge to God’s people to learn to give, to be converted to the overwhelming generosity of Jesus and we all share that responsibility. The challenge to give generously and sacrificially according to what God has given us. In particular as a church we need to be able to support the day to day mission and ministry of HPC for which we need to increase our giving. We have, however, been remarkably blessed by the legacy of Ruth Deacon – Lynton. Although that continues to be the subject of negotiation with lawyers and potential promoters for the

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development of the land it has already allowed us to move forward with Chris Taylor’s appointment and in plans for the future development of the building. It is a wonderful gift that allows us to contemplate what otherwise would be impossible – we thank the Lord for Ruth’s legacy. 3. Building The building is, as you know, both a great opportunity, welcoming people at the heart of the town but also an enormous challenge. A beautiful late medieval building is a great attraction to many but brings with it serious difficulties and not insignificant costs! It was of course never designed with the needs of 21st century mission in mind! Our most immediate challenge is to provide new toilets and an up to date kitchen capable of providing hot meals when needed while meeting the latest food hygiene regulations. This will involve the redevelopment of the present kitchen, office area and the clergy vestry. It doesn’t come cheap – approximately £150,000. We have launched a kitchen/toilets fund with about £10,000 to date, we are applying for grants (extensive community use makes us eligible to apply for a wide range of grant funding) and we anticipate some further legacy funding. However, do please pray – getting these basics in place is really important to our mission strategy of welcoming people at the heart of Hailsham. Beyond that, as you will see from the newly agreed Statement of Need for the building, we are working now on detailed plans for the rest of the building, focused on the west end. This aims to increase our seating capacity with a gallery, give us a new wheelchair friendly access and large welcome area. The final detail and timing will depend on the progress and final value of Lynton. Increasing our capacity is a really important part of our plans. I have written before of the dangers faced by churches when the building is regularly 80% full – the tendency for whatever reason to stop growing and eventually decline. We must not allow this to happen. 4. Discipleship Discipleship or growing up into Christ, becoming more mature, more confident, more effective followers of Jesus. Interestingly since 2010 our average Sunday attendance has increased by 8% while the numbers of those attending at least once a month has increased by 15% - incidentally that now numbers just short of 300 people. Alongside Sunday other areas have also multiplied, especially numbers coming to ABC’s and Pulse and of course we are still overflowing at Christmas. However these figures illustrate the challenge that while many of us are happy to come along, many of us are equally reluctant to go for growth, to aim for maturity – looking for ways to learn, to serve, to develop as leaders. One simple example – around 250 adults coming along at least once a month but only about 110 of those are meeting together regularly in small groups to help one another to learn and grow in the Bible and prayer. So let’s encourage one another, be proactive in helping one another to take the next step as disciples of Jesus. It will be different for everyone but if we all took a step, beyond our comfort zone, to join with others to learn or to serve or to pray, what a difference that would make. 5. Growth – Mission to Hailsham Lastly of course our challenge is to announce the good news to our town, to engage with our community so by word and deed we can share with them the reality of King Jesus. It remains a great encouragement to see that happening week by week in so many ways. ABC’s as ever is bursting at the seams; Pulse, the new group has attracted a solid number; Bite In retains its’ place in serving mainly seniors. Our holiday club attracts lots of children and more widely through the Link and the Foodbank we engage with our varied community. There are also specific opportunities to present the gospel – Quiz evenings, pudding evenings and of course opportunities for younger people through Youth Zone, SALT or Youth Band programmes. However, it is also worth noting that most people in recent years have been attracted to the gospel through our ‘shop window’ on Sunday mornings. Rarely a Sunday goes by without someone new appearing – they may be visitors to Hailsham, those moving to the town and looking for a local church or those coming to find out more. That all makes what we do on Sundays really important especially how we welcome others. Encouragingly the most regular comments we get from newcomers are that they value the quality of the welcome, the Bible teaching and the music. So we need to keep doing the basics well. However, do remember ‘mission Hailsham’ involves all of us –

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don’t leave it to the staff, don’t wait for someone else, - start the conversation, encourage the visitor, invite a friend, pray for a neighbour, join one of the teams that serves or welcomes. One new step for our own growth, one new step to help someone else come to know Jesus. Then again as we consider those challenges, let’s not forget whose church it is, whose mission it is, whose people we are – JESUS. I love that new childrens song we’ve just learned

- Jesus is the King, ruler over everything. He commanded the fishermen, He commanded the evil ones, He commanded the winds and the waves and they obeyed Him. Then, just as He promised, He died for us and rose again – sins forgiven, death defeated, life eternal proclaimed – the victorious, conquering King Jesus

- “and He did, and He did, and He did” ! So, as those who are, as a rather older hymn puts it, “on the victory side” let’s commit ourselves afresh to grow up more and more into Christ and to make Him known wherever He has placed us. Confident in Christ, our mighty King and all He has done…

…let us draw near to God let us hold unswervingly the hope we profess… let us consider how we may spur one another on… let us not give up meeting together. but let us encourage one another” Hebrews 10: 19-25

David Bourne As ever a big ‘thank you’ to all who contributed to this Profile 2015 and especially to its’ producer, Julie Coates.

The staff team