A few years ago, as part of a study tour (Eastern Synod Minister’s Spring School), us ministers spent 5 days in France and Belgium. (NB Somewhat bizarrely spending a week in northern France including coach and tunnel and accommodation is significantly cheaper than anywhere in UK!). The theme was titled ‘In Flanders Field, through mud and blood to green fields beyond – sites of peace and reconciliation on the western front’. I like short snappy titles!Over the week we visited significant WW1 sites in northern France and Western Belgium. We reflected on the issue of war and peace both in the past and the issues that arise in the present day. Our facilitators were two Mennonites, who are pacifists, and a former Air Force chaplain who is a URC minister. The lectures and discussion where supported by excursions to sites in and around Ypres in Belgium.Of the many impressions and encounters during the week, I think the one that made most impression on me was the visit to Tyne Cot Cemetery. Though there are about a 100 British and Commonwealth military cemeteries in the area, Tyne Cot is the largest. In fact it is the largest WW1 commonwealth cemetery in the world. Almost 12,000 servicemen are buried there, 8000 unidentified. Around the edge is a wall with 35,000 names of soldiers whose bodies were never recovered. These all fell defending Ypres 1914-18, and their names couldn’t fit on the Menim Gate in Ypres. The row on row of thousands of white grave stones was incredibly moving. The cemetery was both beautiful and horrific all at the same time.It was beautiful because the manicured lawns, flowers, headstones and memorials have a picturesque appeal. It was horrific as behind every headstone and name lay a person whose God given potential was cut off, frequently at an exceptionally young age. It was moving, it was saddening, it reminded me again of why we celebrate Remembrance Day.It was interesting in the discussion both informal and guided, that we all agreed that war is wrong, that it is evil and causes evil. Where the discussion became impassioned was over the issue of whether war can be used to stop even greater evil, and if that is the case if it can ever be called ‘just’.We live in a messy, fallen world, and though we would like to think so, there is no easy answer. Jesus did say, however ‘Blessed be the peacemakers’. And whether we are pacifists or believe that sometimes war is a necessary evil, we need to seek a true and just peace between neighbour and nation. And making and sustaining peace is frequently harder work than anger, guns or war. In this uncertain world, I pray that we can do the hard work of peace-making and if we do, God will bless us.David
Photos including cover taken by Rev David Rees
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CHRISTIANITY EXPLORED
Church Secretary’s NotesThese are difficult times, but it’s good to hear that some of the groups that use our building have been in touch to let me know how they are getting on. The AA are looking forward to when they can meet again in our building and they are meeting on line but that is not as beneficial. They send their regards. The Brownies are ‘Zooming’ too and the Preschool are well organised and enjoying meeting, although with fewer children. Members of Improvisations have been making masks and another group has been taking it in turns meeting every Saturday morning armed with gloves and sanitizer spray to make sure the church is safe for Sunday services.Great. Well done to you all!If you would like to help in any way, let me know. The Elders held an extra meeting to consider if we could safely hold a communion service at St Johns. After a thoughtful discussion, with all elders expressing their view, itwas decided, sadly, that in the light of the worsening virus situation, we should not hold a communion service in the church for the rest of the year. We will revisit this topic early next year.Elders elections are due to take place soon. John, Kathleen, Peter and Andrew have all come to the end of their period in office and are due to stand down. This means weneed nominations for replacements. Nomination forms are available in the church or Advance (see last page) and need to be given to me by 15th November. Please make sure the person you nominate is happy to stand! These are tricky times for elections so you can always email or phone me with nominations if you can’t get to Church. Keep Safe.AdrianThe start date has been moved to Wednesday evening 13th January via Zoom.Can I nevertheless ask you to continue to pray for this
initiative. It is vital that we allow people on the fringe and those with questions to explore and hopefully discover the meaning of life as revealed by Jesus.Also if there are friends, relatives, neighbours or contacts that you feel would welcome an invitation, please let one of the ministry team know.David
Treasurers Report You are thanked for your Offerings:September £1,668.00August £1,743.50.You will have read last month that Angie and Brian Savage, having returned to the U.K., will not be returning to continue their work in Tanzania. We are grateful to all those who have made donations / knitted toys etc to assist in their work over many years, we know they have been very appreciative of St Johns help over this lengthy period.Elders will be deciding on the destination of this year's Christmas donations in due course.Our Annual Gift Day this year is on 1st November We will not be distributing the usual envelopes as in previous years, as due to current situation, would present too many difficulties for us.We would be grateful, therefore, for all donations to be by bank transfer or cheque (preferably not cash), gift aided where you can.If donating by cheque - please ensure payee is stated in full: ST JOHNS UNITED REFORMED CHURCHthis is a requirement of our Bankers -- Thanks. They can be sent to either of us or to the Church.St Johns is extremely grateful for your continued financial support, particularly in these difficult days Many thanksMary A and Richard WServices in November 2020
Christmas Gift Collection Ideas 2020Lighthouse have agreed with St John’s for us to take toys etc., from our Toy Service on 13 December to them but you can make your own arrangements, like getting someone to bring them to the service or sending them yourself. Below is what they have asked for. Please can all gifts be donated unwrapped.Gift Cards in £5 dominations are extremely useful, these can be from any local store such as Primark, The Works, Argos, B&M Store, Sports Direct and any supermarket. These are wonderful for last minute gifts for arrivals just before and in between Christmas and New Year.
We are not able to do this
For
W
omen
Scarves & Gloves, Perfume/body Sprays/Deodorants Lipstick Hair Stylers i.e. Hair Dryers, Straighteners, Curling Tongs Hair brush, Handbag, Crafts i.e. Sewing, Tapestry, Painting Nightwear, Dressing Gowns/Slippers, Chocolates/Sweets,Body Lotions/Body Butter, Nail Polish/ Pamper/Manicure Sets, Face Masks, Diaries/Calendars, Fleecy Throws, Make Up or Make Up Sets, DVDs (non violent) Chocolates!Wrapping paper, gift tags and sellotape are also extremely useful.
For Children
Outdoor Toys, Early Years Shapes, Stackers, Baby Teething Toys,Friction Engine Type, ToysDolls/Barbie/Action Figures, Dressing Up Clothes, Bath Toys, Happy Land Play Sets, Board Games, Cars & Trucks, Lego/Duplo, Electronic Games, Craft Sets/Play Dough, DVDs (under 15s), Roller skates/Scooters, Chocolate/Sweets,Dressing Gowns/Slippers/Nightwear, Footballs/Balls/Hoola Hoops
What are the best items to donate to FIND in the run-up to Christmas?Tubs of sweets, chocolates and biscuits for its Christmas hampers; Biscuits, crisps, nuts, tea, coffee, sugar, long life UHT milk,long life fruit juice, cereal; Toiletries such as soap, body wash, deodorant.Items they don'tneed at the moment are: pasta, soup, baked beans, porridge.
Our Harvest donations this year went to FIND, for which they were very grateful and send their thanks. Lighthouse were unable to accept food items at this time but I am sure we will make donations to them in the future. Mary Aldous
OpenMonday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday9 am to 12 noon
Just to let you know we have placed the collection boxes for FIND just by the door into the Worship Area. Over the last eight months FIND have been very busy supporting those in need and I know they will appreciate us restarting our collections. If you are not able to get to church at the moment but would like to contribute, please give me a call and I will be happy to collect from you.Mary Aldous
For Freedom The sky is blacked by cannon smoke, the smell of cordite fills the air. The soldiers duck as shells speed by, still moving forward, no time to stare.Their fallen comrades left behind, half buried in mud and mire. The plaintive whine of horses as they try to free the wire.Then suddenly the sun breaks through, Peace has come at last, and the Killing fields of No-Man's-Land, now filled with Poppies Red,In Memory of the fallen who gave their all and bled.
S Johnson
News of Members and Friends Friends will be sad to learn of the death of Cynthia Havell. Cynthia was 98 years old. She came into membership at St John's in 1939 and was a very active member of the church. She served as President of the Women's Fellowship for several years and will be remembered by many for her active role in the Church.Adrian
Thought for the Day To live in hearts we leave behind Is not to die.(From ‘Hallowed Ground’ by Thomas Campbell)
St John’s United Reformed Church, Ipswich. Nomination of Elders 2020.Nominee’s Name………………………………………………………….I confirm that I have spoken to the above candidate who is willing to stand for election.Signed: Proposer………………………………………………………............Seconder…………………………………………………………………Please return this form to Adrian Cubitt (secretary) By Sunday 15th November 2020(or contactsecretary@stjohnsurcipswich)
Reform magazine 2021Time to start thinking about next year! If you currently subscribe to Reform (the magazine of the United Reformed Church), I will shortly be putting in an order for the paper copies. The cost for 2021 is £29.50 for 10 editions usually issued monthly. I need to know if you want me to order a paper copy. As I’m currently not able to attend Church in person, can you contact me direct so I can arrange this for you. I would also encourage anyone interested in receiving Reform to contact me. The digital copy is also available for £17.99, but I suggest you contact Reform direct to arrange this, if this is how you wish to receive the magazine.Andrew Walker2021 Prayer Handbook and URC diariesChristmas must be coming! Time to decide if you want to order either the Prayer Handbook or a diary for 2021. The Prayer Handbook is £4.99 + p&p and the diary is £6.99 +p&p. The diary is available in either teal or purple, so let me know your colour choice. As I’m currently not able to attend Church in person, can you contact me direct so I can arrange this for you. Andrew Walker