For your Diary ….
St Edmund’s Autumn Fair – September 18th

Please put the date in your diaries. It would be appreciated if you could sort out some contributions for the various stalls including white elephant, books, children’s toys, gifts and jewellery.?The cake stall will welcome jams, chutneys and cakes. Many thanks. Sue and Richard Wragg.

StAR – St Antony’s Restoration Fund invite you to a ….

Race Night in All Saints’ Hall on Saturday 18th September at 7:30 pm Tickets £5 include Filled Jacket Potato. Licensed bar.

Barn Dance at St Edmund’s on Saturday November 27th -
details to follow
Tickets from Parish Office email

parish.office@sanderstead-parish.org.uk or telephone 020 8657 0665

St Edmunds Church Fellowship Meal

A chance for us to enjoy each other’s company over a meal 7 pm on November 20th.

Sunday 5th September 2010,
14th after Trinity

8.00 am Eucharist
Readings: Philemon 1-21; Luke 14:25-33

10:00 am Family Eucharist with Baptism
Welcome especially to Zachary & Oliver Green, and Chloe Lumiste, their parents, godparents, families and friends and on the day of their baptism
Gospel reading: Mark 10:13-16 (Tegen Clackworthy)
Prayers: led by the Bleach family

with grand distribution of the Autumn edition of our church & community magazine, On the Beeches – please do your bit!

6:30 pm Evening Prayer

The Collect, a special prayer for this week

Almighty God,
whose only Son has opened for us
a new and living way into your presence:
give us pure hearts and steadfast wills
to worship you in spirit and in truth;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen

Please pray for ….

those celebrating and preparing for Baptism, their parents and godparents:
Zachary & Oliver Green, Chloe Lumiste

for those who work to build peace

for schools, at the beginning of term

for our church, as we look forward to our patronal festival and Richard’s ordination later this month

for those in particular need,

for those who have died, and all who mourn them:
Douglas Edwards,former occasional organist at St Mary’s and resident of Florence Road.
Funeral at St Mary’s, 12.15, Monday, followed by committal at Croydon crematorium. No family will be present, so any support would be particularly appreciated.

John Hamblett, Catherine Heatley

The week ahead at St Mary’s

St Mary’s Open Porch, daily, through the day, every day

Midweek events this week

– Tuesday Home Group (45 Mayfield Rd),

– Wednesday Compline (night prayer) 7pm,

– Thursday Morning Prayer 9.15am & Eucharist 10am,

– Friday Choir practice 7.15pm
Next Sunday, 1st August 2010
The Blessed Virgin Mary,
our Patronal Festival

8.00 am Eucharist

10:00 am Festival Eucharist
Readings: Isaiah 61:10-11; Luke 1:46-55

Our Patronal Festival Eucharist will include an update on and opportunity for gifts to our Seven whole days project, and a BBQ to follow, hosted by St Mary’s Scout Group. Please come.

6:30 pm Evensong

Sanderstead Parish and St Mary’s Notices

St Mary’s Home Group

The St Mary’s Home Group will be meeting once again from Tuesday, September 7th at 8 p.m.at 45 Mayfield Road, the home of Bill and Oliver Jackson. We shall be looking at the Bible together, praying and enjoying each other’s company. If you haven’t been before, do come and give us a try, and find out more about the faith to which you belong! The full programme of dates for the autumn is:
7th & 21st September, 5th and 19th October, 9th & 23rd November, 7th December

Richard Ford

RICHARD’S ORDINATION AS PRIEST

Sunday 26th September, 11am, Southwark Cathedral
If you would like one of these tickets, please sign the list in the porch.
Richard will preside at the Eucharist for the first time as we celebrate Harvest in a Festival Family Eucharist on Sunday 3rd October, followed by a church lunch to celebrate this special moment.
If you are able to help with this, please let our churchwardens Debbie or Paul know, and, everyone, please put this special day for St Mary’s in your diary now, and join in. Thank you. James

Fresh Encounters

The theme for this year’s Fresh Encounters services will be
- God beyond all names.
These quiet, contemplative services held once every two months aim to lead in to prayer using scripture, silence and the arts.
The first explores the theme - Holy Creator.
It will be held on Sunday 12 September at 6.30 pm in St Catherine’s aisle at All Saints. Please note the change of venue. All are welcome.

St Mary’s project to transform the old vestry areas for wider use of our church building is moving forwards…

There will be an update at our Patronal Festival Eucharist next Sunday.
FUND-RAISING EVENTS– we have already had several offers of possible activities, from cake-making to an auction of promises. If you can contribute in this way to our effort, please let me know, or one of our churchwardens, Paul or Deborah. Thanks, James

www.sanderstead-parish.org.uk

Sunday 5th September 2010
Trinity 14

11:00 am Family Service
Led by: Susan Atkinson-Jones, Team Vicar

Readings Jeremiah 18:1 – 11
Luke 14:25 - 33

Collect

Merciful God,
your Son came to save us
And bore our sins on the cross:
may we trust in your mercy
and know your love,
rejoicing in the righteousness
that is ours through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Next Sunday – 12th September 2010
Trinity 15

11:00 am Holy Communion

6:30 pm Fresh Encounters at All Saints’

Flowers this week have been given by Bill and Caroline Giles
for their grandchildren

FOR OUR PRAYERS

If there is anyone for whom you would like us to pray,
please let Susan know, but make certain you first have their permission.

MOTHER’S UNION PRAYER CIRCLE
When you are in need of prayer, for yourself or for someone else who has given you permission to do so, please phone Carol or Jan . The Mothers’ Union at St Antony’s has a Prayer Circle – all are contacted and all pray.

We pray today for Cecil and Janet Heatley as we have recently heard that their daughter Catherine died on 9 June

We continue to pray for the land of Zimbabwe;

Bless its people in the struggles of their daily life.
Give wisdom to the bishops and clergy
as they lead the Church.
Help those in positions of authority to seek the common good
so that there may be freedom from fear and violence,
justice in the life of the nation
and a return to peace and prosperity. Amen.

Notices

Reminder: The DCC meets on Wednesday 8th September at 7.45 pm at The Vicarage.

ST EDMUND’S AUTUMN FAIR – SEPTEMBER 18TH

Please put the date in your diaries. It would be appreciated if you could sort out some contributions for the various stalls including white elephant, books, children’s toys, gifts and jewellery. The cake stall will welcome jams, chutneys and cakes. Many thanks. Sue and Richard Wragg (8660 5240).
NB St Antony’s are having a stall at St Edmund’s Fair we hope to be selling cards made by our card making team in aid of StAR and publicising the various fundraising events. Can you help to staff the stall? Please speak to Susan

SUNDAY 26 SEPTEMBER

11 am Harvest Festival followed by Back to Church lunch

IS ANYONE INTERESTED IN A PUB QUIZ?

I have recently established a friendship with Mark and Emma the proprietors at the Good Companions in Hamsey Green and have found them both very sociable. Every Tuesday from 8.00 pm they have a general knowledge quiz night which they are trying to grow. It’s a very relaxed and informal evening and more of a social thing than a serious full on quiz. They currently have around 25 to 30 people involved and its slowly growing. It costs £1.50 per person. It is a great way to mix with local people and develop relationships in a low key way, plus it’s a bit of fun too! So, is anyone interested in joining me in making up a team? I won’t necessarily be able to commit to being available every week, although I would hope to be able drop in for last orders! Contact Andrew Watson on 020 3252 2045 or andrew.email@btopenworld.com for more details. (Please note I am on leave from Sat 4th to 18th September but do drop me a mail and I’ll get back to you on my return)

SANDERSTEAD MOTHERS’ UNION: RED LETTER DATE

MONDAY 13th SEPTEMBER at 8 p.m. All Saints’ Church Hall. This is your opportunity to discuss ideas and suggestions for not only the MU programme, but the future of our branch. If you are unable to make that evening, please pass on your thoughts to a Committee member. Ann Turner

FRESH ENCOUNTERS

The theme for this year’s Fresh Encounters services will be - God beyond all names. These quiet, contemplative services held once every two months aim to lead in to prayer using scripture, silence and the arts. The first explores the theme - Holy Creator. It will be held on Sunday 12 September at 6.30 pm in St Catherine’s aisle at All Saints. Please note the change of venue. All are welcome.

StAR – St Antony’s Restoration Fund invite you to a ….

Race Night in All Saints’ Hall on Saturday 18th September at 7:30 pm Tickets £5 include Filled Jacket Potato. Barn Dance at St Edmund’s on Saturday November 27th -
details to follow
Tickets from Parish Office email parish.office@sanderstead-parish.org.uk or telephone 020 8657 0665

In It Together

Worship Resources for 5th September 2010
Trinity 14

Almighty God,
whose only Son has opened for us a new and living way into your presence:
give us pure hearts and steadfast wills to worship you in spirit and in truth;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

8:30 am Holy Communion (said)
President & Preacher: Simon Butler, Team Rector
Theme: In It Together (Sharing Faith)

1st Reading 1 Kings 19:1-18 (Bible page 361)

Psalm 139

1 O Lord, you have searched me out and known me;
you know my sitting down and my rising up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
2 You mark out my journeys and my resting place
and are acquainted with all my ways.
3 For there is not a word on my tongue,
but you, O Lord, know it altogether.
4 You encompass me behind and before
and lay your hand upon me.
5 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
so high that I cannot attain it.
12 For you yourself created my inmost parts;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
13 I thank you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
marvellous are your works, my soul knows well.
14 My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was made in secret
and woven in the depths of the earth.
15 Your eyes beheld my form, as yet unfinished;
already in your book were all my members written,
16 As day by day they were fashioned
when as yet there was none of them.
17 How deep are your counsels to me, O God!
How great is the sum of them!
18 If I count them, they are more in number than the sand,
and at the end, I am still in your presence.

Gospel Luke 10:1 – 12, 17 - 22 (Bible page 1041)
10:00 am Parish Eucharist with Prayer
for Healing & Wholeness
President & Preacher: Simon Butler, Team Rector
Theme: In It Together (Sharing Faith)
Readings as for 8:30 am

Sunday – 12th September 2010

8:30 am Holy Communion (said)
President & Preacher: Simon Butler, Team Rector
Theme: Encourage, Exhort, Rebuke
Readings: Colossians 4:2 – 3; Luke 11:1 -13

10:00 am All Saints’ Praise
Leader & Preacher: Simon Butler, Team Rector
Theme: Encourage, Exhort, Rebuke
Readings as for 8:30 am

11:30 am Holy Communion (Traditional Language)
President & Preacher: Simon Butler, Team Rector
Readings as for 8:30 am

6:30 pm Fresh Encounters
Theme: God beyond all names – Holy Creator

Special Events Coming Soon

Sunday 19th September Harvest Thanksgiving at 8.30 & 10
A Concert for Pakistan at 3pm
Sunday 26th September Back to Church Sunday (Morning)
Please invite friends back to church!
A Harvest Lunch Follows (£6)
A Green Service at 6.30pm Our Greening All Saints Group lead a special service which includes a talk from Bishop David Atkinson, who has recently published a book on a Christian response to climate change.

THE WEEK AHEAD in CHURCH & PARISH

Housegroups commence this week

Monday 6th September
Revd. Andrew Watson on holiday until 18th September
10am Rector & Wardens’ Meeting
2 & 8 pm Handbells in Choir Vestry

Wednesday 8th September
10:00 am Holy Communion
9am – 4 pm Interviews for post of Parish Administrator
8.00pm All Saints’ Ministry Team meets at 100 Croham Valley Road

Thursday 9th September
10:00 am Holy Communion at 5 Cedar Court
2.30pm Funeral Service for the late Don Stokes in Church

Friday 10th September
12 noon Funeral for the late John Hamblett in Church

Sunday 12th September
1:30 pm Marriage of Karl Wilson & Tierah Kargbo

WEEKLY NOTICES
CHURCH FLOWERS

The flowers at the Pulpit are in loving memory of Ron Hamlin who died 4th September 1994, with love from Joan.
The flowers at the Altar are given in loving memory of Jack Walder who died 8th September 1991 from Kathleen, Jeremy and Elizabeth.

DON STOKES RIP

It is with sadness that we announce the death of Don Stokes, after a short period in hospital. Please remember Joyce and the family in your prayers. Don’s funeral will be this coming Thursday 9th September in church at 2.30pm.

LANGLEY OAKS CARE CENTRE

Following a complete demolition and rebuild, Langley Oaks Care Centre has reopened. All Saints’ has been warmly invited to recommence our regular communion services in the near future. If you would be interested in being part of a small team to join a rota to help lead and assist the residents, please let the Parish Office know very soon. This is an important opportunity for serving local vulnerable people.

SANDERSTEAD MOTHERS’ UNION: RED LETTER DATE
MONDAY 13th SEPTEMBER at 8 p.m. All Saints’ Church Hall.

This is your opportunity to discuss ideas and suggestions for not only the MU programme, but the future of our branch. If you are unable to make that evening, please pass on your thoughts to a Committee member. Ann Turner

CIRCLE DANCING - THURSDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER

Please note the change of date for the next dancing evening. Newcomers are warmly welcome - 8 p.m. in St. Catherine’s Aisle. Details from Ann Turner.

ST EDMUND’S AUTUMN FAIR – SEPTEMBER 18TH

Donations of including white elephant items, books, children’s toys, gifts and jewellery all welcome. The cake stall will also welcome jams, chutneys and cakes. Many thanks. Sue and Richard Wragg. If anyone has any tinned groceries they would like to donate for the grocery stall at St. Edmunds’s fair, it would be very much appreciated. Many thanks. Pam Rees.

MEMORY WALK

Lionel and family are taking part in the Memory Walk in Eastbourne on 19th September for The Alzheimer’s Society. Any sponsorship would be very much appreciated. Form will be at the back of church. Thanks. Amy Atkinson

THANK YOU FROM ST MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDS

I would like to thank everyone who sponsored me on the 73-mile pilgrimage. The amount raised was £600. Rena Gray

PHOTO COMPETITION

There is only one month left to submit entries for the Justice and Care
Calendar 2011. All photographs taken in and around Sanderstead will be
considered. Please send your entries to justiceandcare@sanderstead-parish.org.uk. Full terms and conditions
available from either Lynne Davison or Corrie Hibberd and can be found on the www.sanderstead-parish.org.uk website.

IS ANYONE INTERESTED IN A PUB QUIZ?

I have recently established a friendship with Mark and Emma the proprietors at the Good Companions in Hamsey Green and have found them both very sociable. Every Tuesday from 8.00 pm they have a general knowledge quiz night which they are trying to grow. It’s a very relaxed and informal evening and more of a social thing than a serious full on quiz. They currently have around 25 to 30 people involved and its slowly growing. It costs £1.50 per person. It is a great way to mix with local people and develop relationships in a low key way, plus it’s a bit of fun too! So, is anyone interested in joining me in making up a team? I won’t necessarily be able to commit to being available every week, although I would hope to be able drop in for last orders! Contact Andrew Watson on 020 3252 2045 or andrew.email@btopenworld.com for more details. (Please note I am on leave from Sat 4th to 18th September but do drop me an email and I’ll get back to you on my return)

THE ROBIN HOOD MARATHON, NOTTINGHAM

Thomas Worthington, the 19 year old son of Jackie and Tony, will be running his first marathon - The Robin Hood Marathon in Nottingham, where he is at University - on 12 September. Thomas is running on behalf of Christian Aid. He would very much appreciate your sponsorship to spur him on so that he can raise as much as possible for this very worthy charity. You may sponsor Thomas on line at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ThomasWorthington or see him at All Saints’ today.

StAR – St Antony’s Restoration Fund invite you to a ….

Race Night in All Saints’ Hall on Saturday 18th September at 7:30 pm Tickets £5 include Filled Jacket Potato. Licensed bar.
Barn Dance at St Edmund’s on Saturday November 27th -
details to follow
Tickets from Parish Office email

parish.office@sanderstead-parish.org.uk or telephone 020 8657 0665

FOR OUR PRAYERS

Morning Prayer is said in church at 9.15am on Monday, Wednesday & Friday. Evening Prayer is said at 4.45pm Monday-Thursday. All are welcome.

St Catherine’s Aisle is set aside for quiet prayer and reflection before the service on a Sunday. You can light a candle if you wish, and other prayer resources are available. Prayer requests can be placed in the request box and will be prayed for at Morning Prayer on Mondays.

Prayer Ministry is offered at the end of each Parish Eucharist.
All of us need more of God’s love and strength in our lives. To assist each one of us, we have a trained team of Prayer Ministers who are available to pray quietly with you. Such prayer – for healing, for forgiveness, or simply to get through the challenges ahead – is always offered in confidence, and in love. Simply go to St Catherine’s Aisle and someone will be there for you.

Prayer Chain: If you would like people to pray for you or for someone else who has asked for prayer, in an emergency or for an ongoing problem, there are 2 Prayer Chains. Prayer will be offered urgently and then regularly for 2 months. To talk about putting a confidential message onto a chain please contact the Parish Office 8657 0665, Julia , or Penny .

For Your Prayers
Church members are asked to remember in their prayers:

Individuals mentioned in the printed notices. All those who are in hospital or recovering at home. For the recently departed, including Don Stokes, John Hamblett and Lois Lorenc.

In the wider world: For the negotiations taking place in Washington between Israeli & Palestinian leaders; for efforts to combat the abuse of alcohol in our society and for those suffering from alcoholism.

Church Groups & Needs: For our housegroups meeting again this week, and especially for the new groups being formed; for our curate Andrew, as he takes holiday, that he would find refreshment and rest; for the Ministry Team as it seeks to find a set of proposals about worship to take to the wider congregation.

In Sanderstead: For the residents of Mitchley Hill, Mitchley Grove and Village Way

“One, Holy, Catholic and APOSTOLIC church”

Ephesians 2:11-22
John 20:19-32

You’ve probably heard of the apocryphal conversation between Jesus and Gabriel after Jesus returned to heaven. When the joyful welcome back was over, Gabriel asked “So, what’s the plan now?” “Well, replied Jesus, I’ve shown them and I’ve taught them and now I’ve left them to pass the good news to one another. I’ve left the Holy Spirit to encourage them.” “Right ….” Gabriel sounded doubtful. “So, what’s the back up plan?” Jesus looked astonished. “There isn’t one!” He said.

Today we are thinking about what we mean when we say that the church is apostolic.

Jesus said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

Our word ‘apostle’ comes apparently from the Greek apostello = I send so it could be applied to all those sent out by Christ, but usually it is applied more narrowly to those who received a personal commission from the risen Lord whom they had actually seen. It was this qualification, which was carefully emphasised when the Eleven were trying to find a successor to Judas (Acts 1:21-26). When Paul’s apostleship was challenged (2 Corinthians 11: 5-13) he defended his claim to it on the grounds that he too had seen the risen Christ and had received a personal commission from him. (Acts 9 : 1-9)
But the apostles were not only, messengers and witnesses, they were also the depository and interpreters of Christian doctrine and in this sense, together with the prophets they are described in our first reading as ‘the foundation’ of the Christian church (Ephesians 2:20).
Strictly speaking therefore there are no apostles today, and what is called the ‘apostolic age’ ended with the death of the first generation of Christians; but the apostolic message has been permanently enshrined in the New Testament and in the doctrine of the church. The apostolic work is carried on by successive generations of Christian men and women empowered by the Holy Spirit.

It is one of the features of the Anglican church, that we believe our bishops have been ordained in the apostolic succession, by hands that touched hands that touched those of the apostles. One of the problems that those, who do not believe that women can properly be ordained priests, have with the consecration of women as bishops in our church, is that if women bishops then begin ordaining priests and joining in with the consecration of other bishops there will soon be no guarantee that anyone has truly been ordained in the apostolic succession without what they see as the taint of a woman in that succession. I can’t agree with their thinking but I do see their problem.

For some this is complicated further by the issue of what is called ‘sacramental assurance’. There has been considerable recent correspondence in the Church Times about this. For some people the apostolic succession guarantees the validity of the eucharist, and other sacraments such as reconciliation – the forgiveness of sins, so that only a priest ordained in the apostolic succession can validly administer them. To quote briefly form Simon Killwick’s article which started the controversy in the paper; “The problem for traditional Catholics in the Church of England is that we do not believe that in ordaining women the C of E is continuing the orders of bishops and priests as the church has received them.”
Several subsequent letters pointed out that from the point of view of the Roman Catholic church the continuity was broken when the Anglican church refused to accept the authority of the pope in the time of Henry VIIIth.

These are serious matters and in thinking about them we need to remember that the Anglican church bases the faith on three things, scripture, tradition and reason. These need to be carefully balanced when we are thinking theologically and we also need to listen afresh in each generation and each culture to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.

Perhaps I could point out that if we go back to the definition of apostle as one who received their commission from the risen Christ whom they had seen, then the very first apostle was Mary Magdalene, to whom Jesus’ words in John’s gospel chapter 20 were,” Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, “I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” So, the commission to ‘go and tell’ was given first to a woman. Why then should we say that women can’t be apostles?

But is that all we mean when we say that our church is apostolic? Far from it. We as a church are sent as the apostles were sent. We, like them are called to be witnesses to those who have never heard of Jesus and what he has done. We are not all called personally to be evangelists, but we are all called to play our part in witnessing. It is about our mindset. What is our purpose? What are we for? We need to let go of the notion, which we may not acknowledge but which is there in most of us, that church is there to meet my needs. How often does the thought ‘It should be the way I like it’ underlie what we hear ourselves saying?

If we are apostolic our main purpose is to share the good news of Jesus with others. We are sent, so we must go to where we will find those who have never heard. A good proportion of our resources of time, energy and money should be spent encouraging and enabling this. It is not just the job of one committee of the DCC but is central to who we are.

If you are finding this challenging then let me tell you clearly, so am I! I wish I could stand here and tell you I’ve led many people to Christ. I haven’t. One occasion I can think of was ten years or so ago, when I was working at the Refugee Day Centre. I was called out from my cosy stock room and asked to take a young refugee into the church and pray with him because he wanted to become a Christian. I had no idea what to do. It was one of those arrow prayer moments. I don’t remember what I said. If anything useful was said it was entirely due to the Holy Spirit. I felt totally inadequate. On that occasion I had just a few minutes. In another instance I had several years but I really fear looking back I may have done more harm than good in my eagerness to offer precepts rather than modelling the gospel. I’ve helped to lead Alpha and Emmaus courses which have encouraged people’s faith to grow, but it is often impossible to measure what influence we have. Now I am grateful that much of my ministry is in listening and in helping others to listen to God. My guiding principle is never to get in the way between an individual and God but to facilitate and encourage as much as I can.

In the epistles we find Paul able to point to his way of life among the people of his emerging churches, to his single minded devotion to the work Christ gave him, to his ability to discern the will of the Spirit and his willingness to follow wherever he was led, in spite of beatings and persecution. He says he was determined to set aside all wisdom and learning and any other qualifications he might have had and to rely entirely on Jesus Christ, the crucified saviour.

But it is hard to be apostles in Paul’s image, though we may aspire to it. What we are called to do is to pray that we may be fully ourselves, as God intends us to be, and fully open to take the opportunities God puts before us. A change of job, a new set of colleagues, a new neighbour in your road, a new member of your club, a new friend, any of these may be the person to whom you are called to be an apostle. Only if you are praying, reading the bible regularly and allowing God to shape your faith, will you have something to share that may be just the right word they were longing to hear. I am grateful to those who have done that for me.

I think we need to remember that we are not sent to bring people into church. We are sent to bring them to Jesus. When I’m giving the bread at communion and I’m asked to pray for children, I say “The Lord Jesus bless you and keep you and may you know him as your friend.” That is what I pray for and long for, for my grandchildren and for everyone. There is only one way to build a relationship with someone – spend time with them and pay attention to them. When I look at a very busy diary, I remember Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s word, “I’m too busy to pray for less than 2 hours a day!” His infectious laugh and magnetic personality, his deep compassion and unshakeable resolve, came from spending time close to Jesus. When we read the gospels we notice that Jesus frequently withdrew to a quiet place to spend time with the Father. If they needed to do it, how much more do we! It is, in my experience, in prayer that we begin to be able to see what is really important and what is just urgent or clamouring for our attention. In prayer we differentiate between worry, which is wasteful of time and energy and careful thought, which weighs a problem allowing God to show us what is life giving. In prayer we receive God’s forgiveness and can lay down burdens of shame, which hamper us. In prayer we are strengthened and encouraged by the Holy Spirit. In prayer, most wonderfully, we can co-operate in God’s healing work in the world, as we bring our concerns to God and offer ourselves to be part of the solution. Our love joins with God’s in releasing life and energy, joy and hope.

As members of an apostolic church we’d like to play our part. How might we begin? Perhaps by thinking of one person you see regularly whose faith you’d like to encourage. Start by talking to Jesus about them every day for as long as it takes for you to feel heard. Then just watch and wait until you have an opportunity to say something small, a first step. It may simply be. “I really enjoyed church last Sunday.” It might be “I thought of you when I was praying last night.” It could be, “You sound really concerned about that, shall we pray about it?” Every journey begins with a single step. We don’t necessarily know where it will lead but Jesus relies on each one of us to do our little bit. Let me just say that the Holy Spirit really does help us. Knowing I was going to preach this I was wondering who my ‘one person’ would be. I found it hard to know until an encounter yesterday. As I said ‘goodbye’ to that person the ‘holy nudge’ was unmistakeable, and not a little surprising! So let’s encourage on another, and let’s begin to think of our church as truly apostolic.
Remember the tag line Simon gave us a while ago now, “It is not the church of God which has a mission in the world, but the God of mission who has a church – us - in the world.” One holy catholic and apostolic church.
Amen

St Edmund’s Autumn Fair – September 18th

Please put the date in your diaries. It would be appreciated if you could sort out some contributions for the various stalls including white elephant, books, children’s toys, gifts and jewellery.?The cake stall will welcome jams, chutneys and cakes. Many thanks. Sue and Richard 8660 5240.

St Edmunds Church Fellowship Meal

A chance for us to enjoy each other’s company over a meal 7 pm on November 20th.

Barn Dance
November 27th at St Edmund’s. All proceeds to StAR (St Antony’s Restoration Fund).

Sunday 29th August 2010
Trinity 13

10:00 am United Service of Holy Communion
at St Edmund’s Riddlesdown
Led by: Susan Atkinson-Jones, Team Vicar

Readings Jeremiah 2:4-13
Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16;
Luke 14:1, 7-14

Collect

Almighty God,
you search us and know us:
may we rely on you in strength
and rest on you in weakness,
now and in all our days;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Next Sunday – 5th September 2010
Trinity 14

11:00 am Family Service
Led by Susan Atkinson-Jones, Team Vicar

FOR OUR PRAYERS

If there is anyone for whom you would like us to pray,
please let Susan know, but make certain you first have their permission.

MOTHER’S UNION PRAYER CIRCLE
When you are in need of prayer, for yourself or for someone else who has given you permission to do so, please phone Carol or Jan . The Mothers’ Union at St Antony’s has a Prayer Circle – all are contacted and all pray.

We continue to pray for the land of Zimbabwe;

Bless its people in the struggles of their daily life.
Give wisdom to the bishops and clergy
as they lead the Church.
Help those in positions of authority to seek the common good
so that there may be freedom from fear and violence,
justice in the life of the nation
and a return to peace and prosperity. Amen.

Notices
ST EDMUND’S AUTUMN FAIR – SEPTEMBER 18TH

Please put the date in your diaries. It would be appreciated if you could sort out some contributions for the various stalls including white elephant, books, children’s toys, gifts and jewellery. The cake stall will welcome jams, chutneys and cakes. Many thanks. Sue and Richard Wragg.
NB St Antony’s are having a stall at St Edmund’s Fair we hope to be selling cards made by our card making team in aid of StAR and publicising the various fundraising events. Can you help to staff the stall? Please speak to Susan

SUNDAY 26 SEPTEMBER

11 am Harvest Festival followed by Back to Church lunch

StAR – St Antony’s Restoration Fund Invite you to a ….

Race Night in All Saints’ Hall on Saturday 18th September at 7:30 pm Tickets £5 include Jacket Potato (with fillings). Licensed bar.
Barn Dance at St Edmund’s on Saturday November 27th
Tickets from Parish Office email parish.office@sanderstead-parish.org.uk
or telephone 020 8657 0665

www.sanderstead-parish.org.uk

Sunday 22nd August 2010
Trinity 12

11:00 am Holy Communion
Led by: Susan Atkinson-Jones, Team Vicar

Readings Jeremiah 1:4 – 10
Hebrews 12:18 – end
Luke 13:10 - 17

Collect God of constant mercy,
who sent your Son to save us:
remind us of your goodness,
increase your grace within us,
that our thankfulness may grow,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Next Sunday – 29th August 2010
Trinity 13

10:00 am United Service of Holy Communion
at St Edmund’s
Led by Susan Atkinson-Jones, Team Vicar

FOR OUR PRAYERS

If there is anyone for whom you would like us to pray,
please let Susan know, but make certain you first have their permission.

MOTHER’S UNION PRAYER CIRCLE

When you are in need of prayer, for yourself or for someone else who has given you permission to do so, please phone Carol or Jan . The Mothers’ Union at St Antony’s has a Prayer Circle – all are contacted and all pray.

We continue to pray for the land of Zimbabwe;

Bless its people in the struggles of their daily life.
Give wisdom to the bishops and clergy
as they lead the Church.
Help those in positions of authority to seek the common good
so that there may be freedom from fear and violence,
justice in the life of the nation
and a return to peace and prosperity. Amen.

Flowers this week have been given by Fred and Sally Smith, who are celebrating their Golden Wedding.

Congratulations Fred & Sally!!!!

Notices
29th August

No service at St Antony’s. We have a Joint Service 10 am at St Edmund’s
N.B. the back page of Cornerstone is incorrect

St Edmund’s Autumn Fair – September 18th

Please put the date in your diaries. It would be appreciated if you could sort out some contributions for the various stalls including white elephant, books, children’s toys, gifts and jewellery. The cake stall will welcome jams, chutneys and cakes. Many thanks. Sue and Richard Wragg .
NB St Antony’s are having a stall at St Edmund’s Fair we hope to be selling cards made by our card making team in aid of StAR and publicising the various fundraising events. Can you help to staff the stall? Please speak to Susan

Sunday 26 September

11 am Harvest Festival followed by Back to Church lunch

StAR – St Antony’s Restoration Fund Invite you to a ….

Race Night in All Saints’ Hall on Saturday 18th September at 7:30 pm Tickets £5 include Filled Jacket Potato. Licensed bar.
Barn Dance at St Edmund’s on Saturday November 27th
Tickets from Parish Office email parish.office@sanderstead-parish.org.uk or telephone 020 8657 0665

A warm welcome to
All Saints’ Sanderstead
sanderstead-parish.org.uk

Worship Resources for 22nd August 2010
Trinity 12

Almighty and everlasting God,
you are always more ready to hear than we to pray
and to give more than either we desire or deserve:
pour down upon us the abundance of your mercy,
forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid
and giving us those good things which we are not worthy to ask
but through the merits and mediation
of Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen

8:30 am Holy Communion (said)
President & Preacher: Simon Butler, Team Rector
Theme: Becoming What We Are: Catholic

1st Reading Ephesians 2:11 - 22 (Bible page 1174)

Psalm 71
1 In you, O Lord, do I seek refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
2 In your righteousness, deliver me and set me free;
incline your ear to me and save me.
3 Be for me a stronghold to which I may ever resort;
send out to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.
4 Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked,
from the grasp of the evildoer and the oppressor.
5 For you are my hope, O Lord God,
my confidence, even from my youth.
6 Upon you have I leaned from my birth,
when you drew me from my mother’s womb;
my praise shall be always of you.

Gospel John 10:11 - 18 (Bible page 1078)

10:00 am Summer Eucharist with Prayer
for Healing & Wholeness
President & Preacher: Simon Butler, Team Rector
Theme: Becoming What We Are: Catholic
Readings as for 8:30 am

Worship Resources for 29th August 2010
Trinity 13

Special Prayer for the 13th Sunday after Trinity
Almighty God, who called your Church to bear witness
that you were in Christ reconciling the world to yourself:
help us to proclaim the good news of your love,
that all who hear it may be drawn to you;
through him who was lifted up on the cross,
and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

8:30 am Holy Communion (said)
President: Diana Gamble, Honorary Assistant Priest
Preacher: Penny Bird, Licensed Reader
Theme: Becoming What We Are: Apostolic

1st Reading Ephesians 2:11 - 22 (Bible page 1174)

Psalm 81
1 Sing merrily to God our strength,
shout for joy to the God of Jacob.
2 Take up the song and sound the timbrel,
the tuneful lyre with the harp.
3 Blow the trumpet at the new moon,
as at the full moon, upon our solemn feast day.
4 For this is a statute for Israel,
a law of the God of Jacob,
5 The charge he laid on the people of Joseph,
when they came out of the land of Egypt.
6 I heard a voice I did not know, that said:
‘I eased their shoulder from the burden;
their hands were set free from bearing the load.
7 ‘You called upon me in trouble and I delivered you;
I answered you from the secret place of thunder
and proved you at the waters of Meribah.
8 ‘Hear, O my people, and I will admonish you:
O Israel, if you would but listen to me!
9 ‘There shall be no strange god among you;
you shall not worship a foreign god.
10 ‘I am the Lord your God,
who brought you up from the land of Egypt;
open your mouth wide and I shall fill it.’
11 But my people would not hear my voice
and Israel would not obey me.

Gospel John 20:19 - 32 (Bible pages 1089/90)

10:00 am Morning Worship (in Church)
Led by: Penny Bird, Licensed Lay Minister
Readings as for 8:30 am
Theme: Becoming What We Are: Apostolic
Or Sanderstead Light (in the Halls)
Led by: Erin Palmer & Andrew Watson
Theme: What if I could live a simpler life?

Sunday – 5th September 2010

8:30 am Holy Communion (said)
President & Preacher: Simon Butler, Team Rector
Theme: Less a Club, More a Church: In It Together
Readings: 1 Peter 3:8-18a; Luke 10:1-12, 17-22

10:00 am Parish Eucharist with Prayer
for Healing & Wholeness
President & Preacher: Simon Butler, Team Rector
Theme: Less a Club, More a Church: In It Together
Readings as for 8:30 am

For Our Prayers

Church members are asked to remember in their prayers:

Individuals mentioned in the printed notices. All those who are in hospital or recovering at home. The family and friends of the late Jean Farr.

In the wider world: For the ongoing relief effort in Pakistan after the devastating floods; for all receiving exam results and for the many who will not get a university place this year.

Church Groups & Needs: For preparations for all of the autumn term’s activities: House Groups, Worship Review, Mission & Fundraising Events and much, much more…!

In Sanderstead: For the residents of All Saints’ Drive & Barrowsfield.

THE WEEKS AHEAD in CHURCH & PARISH

Housegroups are now on their summer break
and recommence week commencing 6th September

Tuesday 24th August
12 noon Funeral of the late Jean Farr in Church

Wednesday 25th August
10:00 am Holy Communion in St Catherine’s Aisle

Monday 30th August Parish Office closed for Bank Holiday

Tuesday 31st
9.30am Shortlisting Meeting for Parish Administrator
8.00pm Sanderstead Light Planning at 38 Norfolk Avenue

Wednesday 1st September
10:00 am Holy Communion in St Catherine’s Aisle
10.45am Burial of Ashes of the late Mary Myers
11.00am Burial of Ashes of the late Edith Smith
1.00pm Team Clergy meet at 85 Purley Oaks Road
7.45pm District Church Council meets in St Catherine’s

WEEKLY NOTICES

CHURCH FLOWERS

The flowers at the Pulpit on Sunday 29th August are in memory of my beloved husband Norman who died 15th March 1992 and also my beloved son Alan who died 1st August 2005, with love from Elaine (Davies).

LANGLEY OAKS CARE CENTRE

Following a complete demolition and rebuild, Langley Oaks Care Centre opened again ten days ago. All Saints’ has been warmly invited to recommence our regular communion services in the near future. If you would be interested in being part of a small team to join a rota to help lead and assist the residents, please let the Parish Office know very soon. This is an important opportunity for serving local vulnerable people.

HOUSEGROUPS – AUTUMN TERM

Our housegroups are now on their summer break and will recommence in the week beginning 6th September. New groups are being formed alongside some of the continuing groups. Everyone can benefit from belonging to a small house group, growing in faith and fellowship alongside regular Sunday worship. Please speak to Andrew Watson for more details.

MEMORY WALK

Lionel and family are taking part in the Memory Walk in Eastbourne on 19th September for The Alzheimer’s Society. Any sponsorship would be very much appreciated. Form will be at the back of church. Thanks. Amy Atkinson

80TH BIRTHDAY

Those of you who remember the Woods who used to live in Onslow Gardens may like to know that it is Jennifer’s 80th birthday on 29th August and their Golden Wedding Anniversary on 3rd September. Anyone who would like to send them cards can get the address of their Bexhill nursing home from the Parish Office.

ST EDMUND’S AUTUMN FAIR – SEPTEMBER 18TH

Please put the date in your diaries. It would be appreciated if you could sort out some contributions for the various stalls including white elephant, books, children’s toys, gifts and jewellery. The cake stall will welcome jams, chutneys and cakes. Many thanks. Sue and Richard Wragg.

GREEN TEAM COLLECTION

CORKS (not plastic stoppers) are being collected by All Saints’ Green Team from Sunday 19th September. Please bring them to church. Thank you.

PHOTO COMPETITION

There is only one month left to submit entries for the Justice and Care
Calendar 2011. All photographs taken in and around Sanderstead will be
considered. Please send your entries to
justiceandcare@sanderstead-parish.org.uk. Full terms and conditions
available from either Lynne Davison or Corrie Hibberd and can be found on
the www.sanderstead-parish.org.uk website.

SANDERSTEAD MOTHERS’ UNION: RED LETTER DATE

MONDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER at 8 p.m. All Saints’ Church Hall. This is your opportunity to discuss ideas and suggestions for not only the MU programme, but the future of our branch. If you are unable to make that evening, please pass on your thoughts to a Committee member. Ann Turner

CROYDON REFUGEE DAY CENTRE

Having lost our Council Grant, the Centre is desperate for help, particularly with foodstuffs. Most urgent needs are tinned fish, dry pasta, tinned fruit, baked beans and biscuits, although anything is gratefully accepted. Please use the box in the church porch or call Paul James.

Ministry to Children During the Autumn Term

A lack of both children regularly attending church and available leaders has led the Ministry Team to temporarily suspend our Sunday morning ministry to children this term while we consider the best way to serve them in the future. Rest assured, this matter is going to be dealt with during the forthcoming worship review, which will be published in early September.
In the meantime, for those children who find it hard to sit through a service, additional Christian resources will be available for them in St Catherine’s Aisle, which they are welcome to bring into the body of the church if they would prefer. Please feel free to supervise your own children in St Catherine’s; alternatively the leaders in the Children’s Area are happy to keep an eye on them.
We fully appreciate that this is not an ideal solution but would ask everyone to understand that we are working hard to make sure that children and their parents remain as welcome at All Saints’ as they have always been.
More details will be available in early September

TEDDY PRAISE

A short informal service for pre-school children and their carers on Friday 3rd September at 9.30am in St Catharine’s Aisle.

CIRCLE DANCING - THURSDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER

Please note the change of date for the next dancing evening. Newcomers are warmly welcome - 8 p.m. in St. Catherine’s Aisle. Details from Ann Turner

A LOAD OF RUBBISH - or is it?!

Reminders:
1. All Saints’ has two Biffa bins outside the parish hall for our use. One is for dry mixed recycling - cardboard/paper/newspapers, plastic films & empty plastic bottles, empty steel and aluminium drinks cans and the other bin is for rubbish which cannot be recycled. Please check on our recycling sheet before putting anything in this one.
2. Any dead greenery or flowers may be put on our compost heap in the corner of the graveyard, near Cedar Court entrance. Flower arrangers please note! If grass is too wet to walk on, leave in a bag or sack on the grass by the church vestry door steps and I shall deal with it when possible.
3. Our next LITTER PICK DAY is on Saturday 9th October at 10 a.m. I should be most grateful for any help to improve the area around the church and restore it to its former glory! Ann Turner

StAR – St Antony’s Restoration Fund invite you to a ….

Race Night in All Saints’ Hall on Saturday 18th September at 7:30 pm Tickets £5 include Filled Jacket Potato. Licensed bar.
Barn Dance at St Edmund’s on Saturday November 27th -
details to follow
Tickets from Parish Office email parish.office@sanderstead-parish.org.uk or telephone 020 8657 0665

St Edmund’s Autumn Fair – September 18th

Please put the date in your diaries. It would be appreciated if you could sort out some contributions for the various stalls including white elephant, books, children’s toys, gifts and jewellery.?The cake stall will welcome jams, chutneys and cakes. Many thanks. Sue and Richard 8660 5240.

St Edmunds Church Fellowship Meal

A chance for us to enjoy each other’s company over a meal 7 pm on November 20th.

Barn Dance

November 27th at St Edmund’s. All proceeds to StAR (St Antony’s Restoration Fund).

Service times for 29 August

(N.B. The back page of Cornerstone is incorrect)8.00 am Morning Prayer, 10.00 am Holy Communion at St Edmund’s united with St Antony’s