I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD!" Psalm 122
November 2013
Jesus bids us shine with a clear
pure light, like a little candle
burning in the night
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HEAR THE CALL OF THE KINGDOM
21st Century Worship
At Crewe by Farndon
Friday 10th January 7pm
Absolutely everyone welcome from anywhere –
come and join us for an evening of modern
worship songs
Contact 07812 432205
Youth Club and activities – Crewe by Farndon, supported by the Cheshire South Methodist
Circuit, are planning to provide a youth club at the Chapel for the local communities of
Crewe by Farndon, Farndon and Holt. We would love to hear from you to help us decide
which night of the week would be best and what age range and times are required. Please
email teulumeredith@orange.net or visit our website and use the contact form to let us know
your thoughts. You can also ring 07812 432205.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------MUSTARD SEEDS - Autumn activities
In addition to our youth activites during weekly services we invite 4 – 16 year olds to
help us build another Maltese Crib for advent. Help us celebrate advent with our
external display.
8th November 6.30pm Bonfire at Springfield firework donations welcome
9th November music workshop 2-4pm, all standards age 8 – adult
22nd November Crib building 5-7pm
23rd November Crib building 2-4pm
29th November Crib building 5-6pm followed by pizzas
1st December Fr Brian Williams will bless the crib at our advent service 2.30pm
everyone welcome
All activities are free - Leaders are CRB checked
www.crewebyfarndonmethodistchapel.org
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November’s message from Pastor Bill Sterling our recent visiting preacher
In the fall, here on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, USA, the skies are filled with honking
geese, flying in “V” formations. The lead goose works the hardest, creating lift for the geese
behind it. Each goose contributes to the lift of the one behind it. The 2 geese at the end of the
arms of the “V” have the least amount of work to do. They can rest up. When the lead goose
gets tired, it drops to the back of the line, and another goose steps up to the point of the “V”
continuing the work of creating lift. You might say, the point goose is the “lift leader.” It’s a
great illustration of teamwork and shared ministry found in God’s creation. As I ponder the
noisy “V” formations of geese, I wonder about the goose at the end of the line. It has the least
exertion. It is carried along by the lift created by all of the geese in front of it. It flies in a
place of rest and renewal. What would happen if that goose decided it didn't want to step up,
or should I say, fly up when the opportunity came? What would happen if the goose said,
“I’m quite comfortable here. I don’t want to do the work of the line leader. It’s too hard.” The
lead goose would still need a place of rest. It would find another place in line. All of the other
geese would have to take up the slack and compensate for the goose that refused to fly at the
point. They would all have to work a little harder. The goose at the end of the line would still
coast along. The flight of geese illustrates two biblical principles. First, the need of Sabbath
time. Just as one goose cannot always be in front, leading the flight, one person cannot
always be in front, doing it all, never letting up, never being renewed. The result is burnout
and inability to lead the flock anywhere. I may complain about no one helping, or having to
do it all by myself. The question is, “Am I relinquishing my place in front so someone else
can step up? Am I creating the space for someone else to step up to the plate? Second, we all
have to share the load. Just as all geese are equipped for flight, you and I are equipped by
God for work in the kingdom. Sharing the work of the kingdom means there are times when I
am out in front, flapping my wings for all they are worth. There are times when I have to step
back and renew myself in Sabbath time. There are times, when I am in a low key position.
Here, I am to be ready to step up and take my place in or near the front for a season. We are
all called to work together, building one another up, sharing each other’s burdens. Sometimes
I wonder: “Am I like the goose at the end of the line that might not want to fly up to the
front?” “Do I hesitate to step up to the plate and help carry the burden for someone else? “Am
I content to let someone else do the real work, while just coming along for the ride?” “Do
others have to work harder to offset what I don’t do?” “Am I willing to leave my comfort
zone at the end of the line, and step up to use and share the gifts God has given me? Is my
“Honking” louder than my flapping?” Sometimes I wonder if I may be like a stubborn point
goose, not willing to relinquish the key position. Or am I part of the flock, stepping up to the
place where and when I am needed most? The “V” often signifies victory. It also stands for
“volunteer.” Blessings. Bill
(written by Pastor Bill Sterling United Methodist Church Minister, Ocean City Maryland)
“Do all the good you can . . in all the ways you can . . in all
the places you can . . .to all the people you can . . as long as
ever you can.” - John Wesley
www.crewebyfarndonmethodistchapel.org
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November Services at Crewe by Farndon:
Sunday 3 November
2.30pm Dr Geoff Dickinson
Sunday 10 November
2.30pm Rev Neville Pugh
Sunday 17 November
2.30pm Rev Jennifer Matthews
Sunday 24 November
2.30pm Michael Valentine
FAMILIES AT CREWE BY FARNDON – We welcome
children and young people on Sundays and want to grow
this area of our ministry to the community.
Children and families are most welcome at all our services, we are flexible to
accommodate everyone’s needs and are relaxed whether children stay in the
services or prefer activities in Mustard Seeds children’s club. Every service starts
with a session of modern worship led by members of the congregation.
All are very welcome at our services – Our purpose is to spread God’s word
through our Church to the community and we need new members to achieve
this.
Crewe by Farndon Methodist Chapel, Crewe Lane South, CH3 6PH
Musicians and singers young and old who like modern worship music are invited to join our regular
worship band for services and ‘Hear the Call’ – please contact 07812 432205. Free music workshops
from beginner upwards, music provided for any instrument.
www.crewebyfarndonmethodistchapel.org
this newsletter can be obtained online