Newcastle-under-Lyme Congregational Church
King Street, Newcastle, Staffs, ST5 1EJ
“This church exists to worship God and to bring people to know Jesus Christ”
Minister: Rev’d Martin Hill B.A (Hon’s)
18 The Avenue, Basford, Newcastle,
Staffs, ST5 0LY  01782 624269
 the_avenue@tiscali.co.uk
Secretary: Mrs Pam Kelsall
8 Stuart Grove, May Bank, Newcastle,
01782 621097
 pamkelsall@onetel.com
Newsletter for May 2005
Dear friends
The earliness of Easter this year has been commented on by many people. This was not
helped by the loss of an hour on Easter morning for the beginning of British Summer Time.
On the summit of Bunny Hill at 6.45am it all seemed far too early. Yet the resurrection life
Jesus gives cannot come too soon for us. The life of the Christian is no life at all without the
resurrection hope and Christ’s call to live out our lives through Him.
At Easter too we celebrated twelve months living and working in Newcastle. An enjoyable
time that has flown even without an early Easter. It has not been a time without challenge or
change for me. King Street is certainly a church of diverse character. I have been cautious in
these twelve months, taking stock and seeking a balance between more up to date and
traditional in our approach to worship. This might surprise some for whom the introduction of
a guitar in morning worship signifies a very great change. The greatest change, I am sure, is
that of the person regularly leading worship. I know that for some this difference is proving
very difficult. I am conscious of the tension felt by many, whether it is that you have found
the last twelve months of my leadership an enjoyable and refreshing experience or an
unwelcome change in emphasis, a tension about our future together exists.
For me this time has been one of observing a church that has difficult choices to make. Your
deacons were valiant in maintaining the worship of the church during the interregnum. They
have provided considerable support to me as I seek to bring my gifts and vision to the
culture of King Street. I have the insight and the education in ministry not to expect an easy
ride or acceptance by all. We have unavoidably entered a period of movement towards
change for everyone and your deacons have accepted this and are seeking to work with me
despite any rumblings or disquiet. The deacons are determined to give our church the
opportunity to meet the future in ways that will give our church a future. It is clear from the
declining state of the Christian religion nationwide that our direction needs to be toward an
active local mission. Away from the “come to us and be like us” assumptions of traditional
family churches to a response to Jesus’ call “Therefore go and make disciples … teaching
them to obey everything I have commanded you. “ (Matthew 28:19-20)
I am called to serve and lead your church. We are called to serve and lead others to Jesus.
It is our purpose and our potential as a church today. We can only succeed if we will take
the call of Jesus to our hearts and the pain-filled path of sacrificing self for the sake of others
that is the way of the cross. Yet, just like Easter morning, the resurrection life that Jesus
gives cannot come too soon. Dying to self may seem the hardest part of Christian
discipleship but trusting God to lead us into His resurrection life is the certainty of our future.
Together this is the salvation of God for His people. We cannot have the one without the
other, it is not Christ’s way. This path of surrender to the will of God and transformation in
the resurrection power of Christ is our key to the unity of the Spirit.
May we follow the path of our saviour!
Affiliated to the Congregational Federation
Family News
April has been a busy month amongst our church family. It has been good to see
Pam back amongst us with some sparkle back in her eyes - we have missed you
Pam.
We congratulate Sangeetha and John on their engagement to be married.
Martin was on holiday, the Sunday after Easter, and the Reverend Margaret
Blakemore was our Preacher. It was great to see you again Margaret and thank
you for a lovely service.
Sunday April 24th was the DIAMOND Wedding Anniversary of Mr. and Mrs Odium
- many congratulations to you both. Walter and Mary Ryles also celebrated their
52nd Wedding Anniversary on April 5th.
Allen Slater has undergone a quadruple heart by-pass. He was in hospital for just
6 days and is now home being looked after by Hazel. He is making wonderful
progress and we trust that he will continue to improve. Love to you both.
David Fulton is now out of hospital and making some progress as is Margaret
Mills who has now completed her course of Chemotherapy. Peggy Kelly has had a
problem with her leg but she is also much better.
It is always sad when people leave, so it was even worse this month when we
lost two families. Roy and Kath Jones have retired and gone to live near to
Falmouth and Andrew and Rose Pearman and their four lovely children have gone
to keep a B & B near to Newquay. Cornwall's gain is certainly our loss but we
wish you all every happiness in your new homes.
Agnes Carr has been doing a tour of the local nursing homes and hospitals. After
a time at Wilbram House in Audley, she was taken to the North Staffs into the
orthopaedic ward, from there she had a time at Longton Cottage Hospital and
then went back to Silverdale to Brighton House where she is now preparing to go
back home. We wish you luck Agnes – please take care.
Olive Kelsall is having a problem with a very sore knee. The doctor has sent her
for an X-ray and has given her an injection to give her some relief.
Our love and condolences go to Sue Ray on the death of her cousin after a long
and painful illness. Amanda leaves a husband and two young boys to whom we
send our thoughts and prayers.
Lou Wareham has had a nasty fall resulting in a cut to her head that needed 6
stitches. We trust that the ensuing tests will mean that she will soon be able to
drive again.
We were delighted for our dear friend Nancy Hall when she announced the arrival
of her 7th GREAT grandaughter. We wish all the family love and good wishes.
Margaret Yates
Affiliated to the Congregational Federation
WHO’S DOING WHAT, AND WHEN
COFFEE ROTA
May 1st Hazel Slater, May 8th Dianne and Gary Comer, May
15th Sylvia and Maurice Clark, May 22nd Marie and George
Dunn, May 29th Rachel Billington
WELCOME TEAMS
May 1st Gary Comer Dianne Comer, May 8th Brian Linford
Mary Linford, May 15th Clive Hillier Jo Hillier, May 22nd
Jean Avis Malcolm Avis, May 29th Eric Bradley John Dyson
FLOWERS
May 1st Dorothy Bell, May 8th The Dunn Family in memory
of Cynthia, May 15th Junior Church Anniversary, May
22nd Mrs Elsa Wooley, May 29th Mrs Hazel Slater
Let us be more loving, more indulgent towards each other - we
are all so much in need of mutual love and help, and all our
difficulties and sorrows are so insignificant in the face of
eternity.
Father Alexander Elchaninov.
Father, give to us and to all your people,
In times of hardship, courage;
In times of uncertainty, patience;
And at all times a quiet trust in your wisdom and
love.
Anon.
Truly my heart waits silently for God; my deliverance
comes from Him. In truth He is my rock of deliverance,
my tower of strength, so that I stand unshaken.
Psalm 62 verses 1 and 2.
Through the use of silence, we not only drive out our desire
to dominate and control but also we learn to listen to one
another.
Lechman.
Unless one takes time to turn inward and be silent,
meditation and spiritual quest will not get very far.
Tom
Kelsey.
Aim at peace with all men, and a holy life, for without
that no one will see the Lord.
Hebr
ews Chap.12 verse 14.
Minister: Reverend Martin Hill (624269)
Secretary and room bookings: Pam Kelsall (621097) Treasurer: Maurice Clark.
Director of Music: Sue Ray. Caretaker: Tana Powell (624102).
Junior Church Leader: Hazel Slater. Youth Leader: Vacant
THIS CHURCH EXISTS TO WORSHIP GOD AND BRING PEOPLE TO KNOW JESUS CHRIST.
Affiliated to the Congregational Federation
.
Weight Watchers will meet at 7p.m. at the first
Presbyterian Church. Please use the large
double doors at the side entrance.
Berta Belch, a missionary from Africa, will be
speaking tonight at Calvary Methodist Church.
Come and hear Berta Belch all the way from
Africa.
The peacemaking meeting scheduled for
tonight has been cancelled due to a conflict.
Ladies, don't forget the Rummage Sale. It's a
chance to get rid of those things not worth
keeping around the house. Don't forget your
husbands.
The following invitation has been received from the President of the Congregational Federation. Many people
knew Graham, who was well respected and had many friends.
Congregational Federation
An Invitation from Val Price - CF President
On behalf of the Congregational Federation I invite you to attend a service of thanksgiving for the life of :Graham M. Adams B.A., M.B.A., M.A.(Theol)
1939 - 2004
at Nottingham Centre Church, 4 Castle Gate, Nottingham NG1 7AS.
Saturday, June 18th. 2005 at 2p.m.
Graham served in many differing capacities including that of General Secretary of the Federation from 1989 2000.
The service will be followed by light refreshments.
Please tell either Hilary Biggin or our Minister Rev.Martin Hill if you wish to attend.
Replies must be in by 31st. May please, all are most welcome to attend.
Affiliated to the Congregational Federation
Affiliated to the Congregational Federation
E.T.
COFFEE CLUB
Our speaker for April was Mrs. Goodwin of Mow Cop - a member of Tunstall Methodist Church,
she spoke on the life of Kathleen Ferrier. This was most interesting and was in interspersed with
recordings of this most wonderful Contralto voice. She was perhaps best known for her recording
of 'Blow the Wind Southerly'. Next month we are to have the first outing of the summer season
with a visit to the Dorothy Clive Gardens. I will book lunch for 12-15pm, I am also taking names
for our trip to Gawsworth Hall. This is for a picnic tea followed by a concert by the Grimethorp
Colliery Band. The price of £16.50 also includes entrance into the hall which is very beautiful.
This promises to be a very enjoyable trip. I will book a coach if there are enough people.
GO-TECH
March 15th, many thanks to our friend Reay Pearman for his very interesting talk and video on
‘Mail by Rail’. Reay was feeling unwell on this evening but insisted on carrying on and this was
much appreciated by us all.
April 19th, Work of the Air Ambulance was the subject presented by Bob Lee from the Ambulance
Service at Stafford. Bob explained the running costs and organization of the Air Ambulance
together with incidental stories of some call-outs and how helicopter crews deal with situations.
Biggles is alive and well! Thank you to the ladies who joined us and together we were able to
send a donation of £110 which we hope will help provide a few gallons of aviation fuel.
Tuesday May 17th, an evening stroll with Tony, please meet at the Potter’s Lodge P/H on the
Audley to Gastry Road at 7.20 pm. The walk commences at 7.30 pm. All welcome.
NORTH STAFFS FELLOWSHIP OF WOMEN
The annual spring meeting will be held on Saturday 21st May at Clayton U.R.C at 2.30pm when
the speaker will be Mrs G Cartwright. There will be tea after the meeting followed by a short
epilogue. There will not be a coach this year as Clayton is local, but anyone wishing to go, please
give your name to either Dorothy Fulton or Jean Avis. Please do your best to make this a happy
and successful event by meeting together with ladies from other churches.
Prior Notice of Meeting
The Church meeting on Monday April 25th was sad to receive notice of our Director of Music, Miss
Sue Ray (effective from November 27). This has been a long and hard thought out decision by
Sue. We all wish her well in her continued life with the church fellowship but carrying an easier
burden from then.
This exceptional change, after thirty-two years of service, understandably places the church in a
difficult position. Along with the deficit in the Organ fund and an approaching bill from the
restorers, this places our church in need of reviewing our approach toward the future of the
greater part of our music ministry.
There will, therefore, be a church meeting on Monday May 23rd, 2005, at 7.30, to ask arising
questions and clarify our approach. All those who have an interest in the worship life of our
church may attend, although only those in current membership will be able to vote on the
outcome. Anyone who is unable to make the meeting but wishes to make a view of any
description known on the subject should put it in writing to Martin prior to the date of meeting.
To then and beyond I ask the prayers of all the congregation that we might meet the future in
Christ’s will for us and his purpose among us.
Your minister Martin
Affiliated to the Congregational Federation
VISIT OF PASTOR DAVID FROM UGANDA THROUGH ROMANS 1:11 TRUST
ACCOMPANIED BY GWEN HALL SATURDAY 14th MAY/SUNDAY 15th MAY.
Please make a note of this weekend in your diaries as this has the promise of a very interesting
weekend.
A light tea will be served in the lower schoolroom at 5.00pm on Saturday 14th May giving us a
chance to meet informally with David and chat. David will then speak to us and we are promised
a very enlightening discussion and some songs. The evening will conclude around 7.00pm to
7.30pm.
Anyone planning to attend the May meetings who would like to come directly to church, please
let Hilary Biggin know and she will put up your tea.
David will then preach on Sunday 15th May, stay for the day and attend the evening service prior
to leaving with Gwen. Hence, it would be lovely to see one or two extra faces at the evening
service. David’s church is the one we have helped in the past with the cement bags and pigs. Any
questions or queries, please see Martin or Hilary.
A Walking Gem
Most will exclaim: “We are not in need of a reminder, we are coming!” nothing less can be
expected. If your memory is not of A1 quality, don’t worry – a reminder is on hand, provided you
read the newsletter immediately after issue with avid enthusiasm, otherwise another chance will
have escaped your opportunity.
MONDAY, 2 MAY, a holiday for many, 10.30 a.m. KNYPERSLEY RESERVOIR car park, not the
visitor centre on the hill top. Walking gear, a drink part way, a picnic lunch as reward – self
provided! Two routes to choose from both available on the day. Walk category, A1+! Weather
chosen by the participants not the provider! Need to know more contact Maurice.
Southport for a great day out – Saturday 11th June
Join our festive outing to the Lancashire coast jewel resort. Leave King Street 9 am. Enjoy some
of the many attractions – the beach – quite extensive! Marine Lake – boating! The pier – recently
restored! Pleasureland – for young and not so! Victoria and Hesketh Parks, open top tours, Eco
Visitor centre, Lord Street Shopping, cafés to visit – how many? Model railway village,
Lawnmower museum – home from home! Jubilee nature trail, Ocean Plaza. Depart Southport for
return 5.30pm.
Put you name on the list at the back of the church if you wish to join our outing – we need to
know by 1st May – for booking. Adults £9.50; children and students up to 18; £4.
Affiliated to the Congregational Federation
Malcolm. & Michelle
Request the pleasure of your company
on the occasion of the marriage of
Michelle Clare Barker with Mr Malcolm Robert
Avis
On Friday June 17th
At King Street Congregational Church at 12 noon
And again At 7pm at
The Stone House Hotel, Stone (A34)
This is an open invitation to all church friends
to our wedding celebrations.
We do hope that as many of you will be able
to attend both or at least one of the
celebrations in order to make our day as
happy and enjoyable as possible. And for all
to share our happiness.
Malcolm and Michelle
Old Mobile Phones
Do you have any mobile phones you no
longer need, please donate them to
George Dodd’s school, Bursley Primary
School in Bradwell, they are aiming to
collect 200 mobile phones which will
raise £300 towards PTFA funds for the
school. Please pass them to Donna
Dodd who is organizing the collection.
Junior Church Celebration Sunday.
The Junior Church will be leading the morning
service on Sunday May 22nd. The children
and young people of Junior Church have
already started to put the service together and
are practising their parts. It would be helpful if
the children and young people could be at
church for the next few Sundays. There will
also be a practice in church on Friday 20th
May at 6.30pm until 7.30pm. If you have any
questions please contact Hazel on 274226.
Alan and I would like to thank everyone for
their support over the last few months
especially their prayers, cards, telephone calls
and visits, it has meant a lot to us. We would
like to say a special thank you to Margaret
and Derek Yates who provide transport to
take Alan to and from hospital in
Wolverhampton and also took me to visit him.
It has been a difficult few months firstly with
my illness and then Alan's surgery but we
have come through it with God's help, and
support from family and friends. Alan is
making excellent progress and can not wait to
get back to normal and back to work. Day
time television is a revelation to him.
Love Alan and Hazel
House Group
There’s a house group which meets once a month at various people’s houses which has been
called the young people’s house group – gratifying, as most of us are about 30! (some, though,
are much younger, I should point out! )
Our plan when we meet is to look at the lives we lead and to see where God is, not to pretend
that we are holier than we are, but to deal with the reality that we live in. So we look at the
Bible, we pray together and we talk, aiming to get to know each other and to support and
encourage each other on our journeys of faith.
So, as an example, tonight we watched and responded to a video of a programme on the
Cross broadcast by the BBC on Good Friday, talked about the new Pope, organized going to
see Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy and discussed the best method of reviving an almost
dead hamster, whilst eating chocolate caramel fingers and smiley faced jam tarts, and we
prayed about God’s immense grace, both for us and for other people, and that He would show
us how to be the best we could be as we try to serve Him in the world we live in and in the
fellowship at King Street.
Rachel Billington is the contact for this group – please have a chat if this sounds like your sort
of thing and you would like to know when and where the meetings are.
Affiliated to the Congregational Federation
To all my dear friends at King Street.
I am afraid this article may come as something of a shock to you all. On 5th. April 2005, I
wrote to my dear friends, the Deacons, and of course sent a copy to our Minister,
Martin, tendering my resignation as organist and Director of Music at King Street. This was
formally accepted at the Deacons meeting, and subsequently at the Church meeting. I shall
carry on with my duties until I finish after the morning Service on Sunday, November 27th.
2005. The decision to resign has not been an easy one to take, and it has certainly not been
made on the spur of the moment or on impulse, it has in fact exercised my mind for several
years. I would ask that you let me explain more fully.
I have now been playing for services for almost 45 years, 32 of which have been at King
Street, very happy years I may add. In 1998, I began to think about my retirement from King
Street, but after considerable thought I didn't feel that it was the right time for a number of
reasons. Then I thought the Millenium, year 2000, would be the time, but again I decided
against it. You may remember that in 2001 I was taken seriously ill with very high blood
pressure, and I seriously considered resigning then, but when I had sufficiently recovered, I
decided to carry on, but, I did make the decision to resign in 2003 when I had completed 30
years at King Street. Ian Gregory then handed in his notice in 2003, and I seriously felt that in
fairness, I could not possibly leave the church without a Minister and organist. The decision
made then, was, that I would go through the Interregnum, and when a Minister had been
appointed and been with us for 12 months, I would definitely hand in my resignation. Martin
has now been with us for the 12 months, my health is more settled than it was, but I have
been warned on numerous occasions to slow up and to take things more leisurely. I have
a stressful job at work, as I am sure you will understand, but I do have to go to work for
obvious reasons and I do get so very tired.
You will, I hope, understand and appreciate that I have put much agonising thought and
prayer into all my deliberations. My sincere apologies if all this comes as a shock to you all. To
leave you after so many happy years is difficult to contemplate, but I have no doubt at all that
I am making the correct decision. You will be surprised to know that I did discuss my possible
resignation with Ian before he left, and I have, of course, talked it over for some time with a
number of the Deacons. I never cease to wonder at the God-given talent of music that I have
been given, and I am quite sure that God has further work for me to do, (but at a slower
pace!). I cannot thank you all enough for the encouragement and help that you have so
generously given to me, to enable me to carry out my "Ministry of Music" as some of you call
it.
God bless you all,
Yours as ever in Christ's service.
With love - Sue Ray
Affiliated to the Congregational Federation
TRIO – The Responsibility is Ours
We believe it is our responsibility, as a congregation, to ensure that the Church is sufficiently
funded to meet our commitments to our Christian work.
This should be based on the principle of proportionate giving, where each person gives
according to his/her means.
How much does the Church cost on a week-to-week basis?
The weekly expenditure is around £840 per week. The major areas of expense are Ministry,
Mission, Worship and Maintenance.
This is a forecast of 2005 expenditure and does not consider any special projects e.g. organ
refurbishment.
How much does the Church raise?
Our weekly income based on 2004 is around £730 per week. This comes from offerings, lease income and
room hire.
We are faced with a shortfall of £110 per week for 2005!
What can be done about this shortfall? The Responsibility is Ours!

Consider our level of giving
Many people give a token offering without ever really considering how much is required of us. Scripture
tells us about tithing – giving back to God the first tenth of the reward for our labours. The Congregational
Federation considers 5% of our disposable income to be an appropriate level of giving, although some
may be able to afford more.

Consider Gift Aid.
By signing a simple form, taxpayers can enable the Church to reclaim tax paid on their gifts. This is
equivalent to 28 pence extra for each £1 given and makes a BIG difference!

Consider payment by Standing Order or joining the Envelope Scheme to ensure you don’t forget about
your gift even when you’re away on holiday!

Please complete and return the attached response form.
To:
John Dyson, Freewill Offering Secretary
Newcastle Congregational Church
TRIO Response Form
Name………………………………………………………………………………………
(Please tick boxes as appropriate.)





I have reviewed my giving after reading this article.
I shall endeavour to give an additional £…….. each week.
As I am a UK taxpayer, I would like to make Gift Aid donations.*
I would like to give by Standing Order.*
I would like to join the envelope scheme to assist my regular giving.*
* Please let me have further details.
Affiliated to the Congregational Federation
May Diary
May 1
Sunday
10.30am
6pm
‘Healing Power’ 2 Kings 5 v 12 – 19 & Luke 6 12 – 19
No evening service
May 2
Monday
10.30am
Ramble, meeting at Knypersley Reservoir
May 6
Friday
6pm
4us ten to teens Games Night
May 8
26
Sunday
10.30am
‘Blessings and Woes’ Malachi 3 v 13 – 18 & Luke 6 v 20 –
6pm
7.30pm
Worship Group 3
Rock Solid
May 9
Street
Monday
6.45pm
Alpha Course Celebration Supper @ Salvation Army, Bridge
May 10
Tuesday
8pm
House Group at 22 Pembroke Drive, all welcome
May 11
Wednesday
10am
Prayer in the Foyer
May 13
Friday
6pm
8pm
4us tens to teens
Alpha Course Prayer Meeting
May 14
Saturday
All Day
5pm
Congregational Federation May Meeting at Cheltenham
Visit of Pastor David Wasayo from Uganda
May 15 – 22
Christian Aid Week
May 15
Sunday
10.30am
6pm
7.30pm
Pastor David Wasayo preaching
Service with Communion
Rock Solid
May 16
Monday
7.30pm
Deacons Meeting
May 17
Tuesday
12pm
8pm
ET Club visit to Dorothy Clive Gardens
GOTEC walk with Tony Biggin
House Group, venue TBC, call Rachel for info, 07775
905204
May 20
Friday
6pm
4us tens to teens
May 22
Sunday
10.30am
6.30pm
7.30pm
Celebration Sunday
Visit to Newcastle Baptist Church
Rock Solid
May 23
Monday
7.30pm
Church Meeting
May 24
Tuesday
8pm
House Group at 22 Pembroke Drive, all welcome
May 25
Wednesday
10am
Prayer in the Foyer
May 29
Sunday
10.30am
6pm
Pentecost ‘Two Houses’ Luke 6 v 46 – 49 & Deut 32 v 1 – 5
No evening service
See the Church Website for breaking news on events www.kingcongs.org.uk
To include items for next month’s calendar, contact Rachel on 07775 905204
Affiliated to the Congregational Federation
High Hopes for the Bethel at Cheadle.
Ian Gregory writes: what would it be like to begin again, and form a group
dedicated to remembering Jesus the Christ, and promoting his truth in our time?
That is what we are doing at Cheadle. We have inherited no people or traditions
from the past, and can be the people of God without having to follow a pattern of
what
has
gone
on
there
before.
The Bethel chapel closed three years ago in spite of heroic efforts by Margaret
Blakemore to build up the cause. Now we have sold the pews, the pulpit and the
organ, so have just go the shell of a substantial building in the town centre.
Federation Mission Enabler Bob Franklyn shares my view that an opportunity
exists here to use the building as the base of a new kind of Christian presence in
the town. To that end the Federation has granted us £10,000 from a
regeneration fund formed from the proceeds of church property closed
elsewhere. The Federation will want a clear account of what we have done with
this money - it is among the largest grants they have made.
As I write, the Moorlands Council is rebuilding the Cheadle High Street market
place, and while that work goes on the Bethel will be used for a temporary period
as the home of the indoor market. The benefit of that is a) that we receive a
modest rent from the council, and b) it will mean that many people will enter the
building and hopefully will realise that it is a friendly and welcoming place.
We will also be able to have a point in the premises from which we can dispense
Christian literature and meet the shoppers.
After the market has gone, we will have a better building as the council will have
made it conform to health and safety requirements.
In the meantime we are holding services either in the chapel so far as we can, or
in the local Methodist church, which most hospitably allows us to hold our
services there on the last Sunday afternoon in the month (May's is 22nd at
2.30pm because the last Sunday is bank holiday weekend). I will be leading
morning worship at Cheadle Methodist Church at 10.45pm on August 7 and will
do some N Staffs hospital visiting for the minister there to save him the ordeal of
travelling in and parking. We only live ten minutes walk (longer if my feet are
playing up) from the hospital.
We are spending this interim time open to God for a clear vision of what he
wants us to do. Some exciting ideas are emerging, and we hope to recruit an
appropriate person paid to help us either in part-time youth leadership or
fundraising.
I continue to be grateful for the practical support and prayerful interest of people
in
other
Federation Churches, not least my beloved friends
Affiliated to the Congregational Federation
at King Street.
Affiliated to the Congregational Federation