july_august_mag_18

A warm and friendly place,
come in and feel at home.

July and August
2018

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PRIMLEY UNITED REFORMED CHURCH

Did you know …
there is a warm welcome for YOU at our Church?
We worship and serve the living God who has the power through
His Son, Jesus Christ, to bring love, peace, joy and a sense of
purpose to our lives, by the power of the Holy Spirit.
We are a United Reformed Church, part of the family of

Christian churches here in Sidmouth.
We are committed to bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ
and an understanding of the Christian way of life to the town in

which we live.
Our worship on Sunday morning commences at 10.30am and is

relaxed and informal.
All are welcome.

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Dear Friends,

On June 23rd Richard’s younger daughter Sophie married Jamie.
They have been together for ten years and as they start their
married life they have now made promises to each other about
love and faithfulness.

Next month in August Robert Jennings will retire from the
Ministry. He was ordained in May 1999. Robert is now at the end
of the time where he has remained faithful to the calling he
received.

So, two people at the start of a journey and one person at the
end of a journey. In the book of Revelation three times (ch 1:8,
ch 21:6, and ch 22:13) there is reference to Jesus saying “I am
the Alpha and Omega.” This phrase is interpreted by many
Christians to mean that Jesus has existed for all eternity or
that God is eternal. The Greek letters alpha (Α) and omega (Ω)
are the first and last letters, respectively, of the classical
(Ionic) Greek Alphabet. So, twice when the phrase "I am the
alpha and the omega" appears, it is further clarified with the
additional phrases, "the first and the last" and also “the
beginning and the end.”

It is good to know that not only is God there at the start of our
lives and at the end, but all the time in between!

Many things along life’s way change, but isn’t it good to know that
our heavenly Father doesn’t change. God is forever loving, just
and wise. Whatever the attributes of God were before the
universe was called into existence, they are precisely the same
now and will remain so for ever.

James Ch 1 v 17 says ”Every good and perfect gift is from above,
coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does
not change like shifting shadows.”

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In our everchanging circumstances, we can be assured that our
good God will always be consistent to His character. He is the
source of everything good and everything He does is good.
It may seem that nothing lasts forever, but our God will remain
consistently good to those who are His own.
The first, the last, the beginning and the end. Wherever we are
on the Journey of Life, God will walk alongside us, holding us
close and won’t let go.
So, may God wrap His arms around the newlyweds, and to Robert
(and Gwen), as the master said to the servant who had worked
hard in the Parable of The Talents, “Well done thou good and
faithful servant.”
“Lord you are the only One who never changes, and You are so
good to us. Calm our hearts today and every day with the grace
and peace that come only from You. Amen.”

Maggie

Letter from Jeff and Connie Armitstead: April 10th
Dear Friends,

We have been very touched by the number of Primley folk who
have sent me in particular either a letter or a Get Well card
during my recent illness and hospital stay.
Connie and I miss the fellowship we used to have at Primley. We
always felt it was a pity that I had to leave when I did. We felt
very much a part of the church and I felt that there was much
more that I could have done for you. However…………..!

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Most of you will know that I have had a period in Musgrove Park
Hospital with kidney trouble and was hospitalised there for 2
weeks. Now I am feeling better and improving at home. We have
been very aware of your friendship and love because of the Get
Well cards that so many of you have sent. You have confirmed
your friendship by sending these and expressing your concern.
The point of this letter is to thank you and return our love for
you all.
May God bless you and encourage you all in your witness for
Jesus and the Christian life.
Our love, Connie and Jeff
(The letter was read out in church, but because we didn’t have a
June magazine it has taken this long to put it into a magazine. My
apologies for the delay).

“One day you’ll hear that Billy Graham has died. Don’t you believe
it.
On that day I’ll be more alive that ever before!
I’ve just changed my address”!

Billy Graham

“You can never learn that Christ is all you need, until Christ is all
you have”.

Corrie ten Boom

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Primley Prayer Page
Please remember the following in your own personal prayer times
and pray for: -
* All children, students and staff during their Summer Holidays
* Folk Week and the Connaught Gardens Service on August 5th
* Robert and Gwen Jennings as Robert retires from The
Ministry.
* The Children’s Holiday Club organised by All Saints’ Church
during the summer holidays.
* Visitors to our town during the summer.
* Our House groups/Bible Studies as we share God’s Word and
enjoy fellowship together.
* Krèche and Co, as the leaders use the time with the mums and
toddlers to share God’s love amidst the fun!
* The continuing witness of “Open the Book” in Sidmouth Primary
School. We thank God for this opportunity and are humbled that
it is so well received.
* All the people who lead our worship on Sundays and we thank
God for their commitment to our church.
* Our Friendship Lunches that those who come will find warmth
and friendship amongst the church fellowship.
* Those of our congregation and those known to us personally
who are unwell or struggling;
* For the future of our Church as we ask God to guide us in our
search for new leadership and for everyone within our
congregation.

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If you have items you would like included on the Prayer page in

future magazines, please let either Maggie or Richard have the

details. Thank you

FAREWELL LUNCH

As I am sure you will know by now, Rev Robert Jennings is
retiring from the Ministry. He has been Minister of Glenorchy
URC in Exmouth since January 2010 and for the past five years
has been Primley’s “Caretaker Minister”. We have been really
grateful to him for his encouragement and support over that
time. Gwen has also been our Synod Pastoral Advisor. We shall
miss them both, but wish them much happiness in their future.
On AUGUST 19th Robert will lead worship at Primley, which will
be his last service with us. After the service we are having a
Church Summer Lunch to say our farewells to both him and Gwen.
Everyone is invited and we hope you will come along, when we can

all share a happy time of fellowship together.

We thought we could lay on a “bring and share” lunch. So we’ll
sort out an easy menu and then if people can bring along

something, that would be great. Please let Maggie know if you
plan to be present and if you are able to bring some food so we

can get some idea of numbers.

This invitation is open to everyone associated with Primley,
especially if you know Robert and Gwen.

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Also……..
Over the weekend of Sept 8th& 9th there will be 2 events at
Glenorchy URC, Exmouth for Robert’s retirement. On Saturday
Sept 8th in the evening there will be a social gathering with
refreshments and on Sunday Sept 9th it will be Robert’s last

service lead by Robert and Ruth Whitehead (SW Synod
Moderator) followed by lunch. We are invited to either/both

events, but they need to know numbers.
So please contact Maggie if you wish to attend. There will be NO
SERVICE at Primley on SEPT 9th so that as many people who are

able, can go over to Exmouth. If you need transport that day,
please let Maggie know asap. We will work out who will drive and

vacant car seats, so that everyone is able to get a lift.

HOUSE GROUP & BIBLE STUDY
The House Group and Bible Study groups
will break for July and August and
resume again in September.

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THE STATION

TUCKED AWAY in our subconscious minds is an idyllic vision in
which we see ourselves on a long journey that spans an entire
continent. We’re travelling by train and, from the windows, we
drink in the passing scenes of cars on nearby highways, of
children waving at crossings, of cattle grazing in distant
pastures, of smoke pouring from power plants, of row upon row
upon row of cotton and corn and wheat, of flatlands and valleys,
of city skylines and village halls.

But uppermost in our conscious minds is our final destination –
for at a certain hour and on a given day, our train will finally pull
into the Station with bells ringing, flags waving, and bands
playing. And once that day comes, so many wonderful dreams will
come true. So restlessly, we pace the aisles and count the miles,
peering ahead, waiting, waiting, waiting for the Station.

“Yes, when we reach the Station, that will be it!” we promise
ourselves. “When we’re eighteen. . . get that promotion. . . put
the last child through university. . . buy that 450SL Mercedes-
Benz. . . have a nest egg for retirement!” From that day on we will
all live happily ever after.

Sooner or later, however, we must realize there is no Station in
this life, no one earthly place to arrive at once and for all. The
journey is the joy. The Station is an illusion – it constantly
outdistances us. Yesterday’s a memory, tomorrow’s a dream.
Yesterday belongs to a history, tomorrow belongs to God.
Yesterday’s a fading sunset, tomorrow’s a faint sunrise. Only
today is there light enough to love and live.

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So, gently close the door on yesterday and throw the key away.
It isn’t the burdens of today that drive men mad, but rather the
regret over yesterday and the fear of tomorrow. Regret and
fear are twin thieves who would rob us of today.
“Relish the moment” is a good motto, especially when coupled
with Psalm 118:24, “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we
will rejoice and be glad in it.”
So, stop pacing the aisles and counting the miles. Instead, swim
more rivers, climb more mountains, kiss more babies, count more
stars. Laugh more and cry less. Go barefoot more often. Eat
more ice cream. Ride more merry-go-rounds. Watch more
sunsets. Life must be lived as we go along.
The Station will come soon enough.

Robert J Hastings

CHRISTIAN AID WEEK 2018
Money that we know about that was collected during this
week was:
Total = £949 from:
All Saints; Methodist; St Francis; Salcombe Regis
Primley URC.

Ann Foster from All Saints held a Tea Party = £100
Primley coffee morning = £72.80

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Refugees
They have no need of our help

So do not tell me
These haggard faces could belong to you or me

Should life have dealt a different hand
We need to see them for who they really are

Chancers and scroungers
Lay-abouts and loungers
With bombs up their sleeves
Cut-throats and thieves

They are not
Welcome here
We should make them
Go back to where they came from
They cannot
Share our food
Share our homes
Share our countries
Instead let us
Build a wall to keep them out
It is not okay to say
These people are just like us
A place should only belong to those who are born there
Do not be so stupid to think that
The world can be looked at another way

Brian Bilston

You may be wondering “Why on earth put this poem into the
Magazine when it appears to be so against refugees?”
….But before you dismiss it completely – be sure to read it again,
Only this time from the bottom line up to the top line.

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Reflect and Respond

God commends those who are compassionate. Those who help the
outcasts and the poor will discover that they have actually been
helping Jesus. Jesus commends hospitality; the small actions of a
meal or a drink.
Who are your brothers and sisters? Your church, your family and
your friends may come to mind, but Jesus says his mother and
his brothers are those that do the will of God.
Today more than 65 million people are displaced worldwide.
Jesus spent much of his time with the poor and outcast, healing
them and for us who seek to follow Him, we too should show
concern for the sick.
We should be continually praying for the wrongs in our world to
be put right, freedom for all people, debts to be erased and
properties and land returned to their rightful owners.
Refugees often flee with nothing; leaving and losing everything.
Jesus had everything taken from him and died naked on a cross.
But he rose again, clothed in new life! Hallelujah!
So, let us do our part in offering practical and prayerful hope to
those who need it and also by showing through our actions the
hope that Jesus gives all of us through his resurrection.

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CHURCH MEETING

CHURCH MEETING JULY 15th 11.30am after morning
worship.
These meetings are only quarterly, so please try to attend as we
do need everyone’s input concerning the life and upkeep of our
church.

Invitation to Sunday lunch
PRIMLEY CHURCH HALL
1st July 2018

Do you spend Sundays by yourself? Do you
like to meet new people? Would you like
someone else to cook Sunday lunch for you?
If you answer ‘Yes’ to any of these
questions, please accept our invitation to Sunday Lunch.
*No charge * No catch* *and No washing up!*
If you are interested and especially if you require transport,
please telephone Jayne.
And as always this cannot be done without a band of volunteers
providing food, serving, giving lifts, just chatting and making
people feel welcome. Voluntary contributions towards cost of the
meat always welcome.
Please contact Jayne Ough 577396.
p.s. - The following Sunday Lunch will be on 2nd September.

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Friends of Sidholme Music Room

Sunday 1st. July 3.30-4.30pm.
PIANIST ALEX WILSON PLAYS
FREDERICK SEPTIMUS KELLY
A selection from '24 Monographs' and
'12 Studies'
******
Sunday 8th July 3.30-4.30pm

THE BEACON PIANO TRIO

Joyce Clarke - piano
Anna Cockroft - violin
Ruth Lass - cello

******
Saturday 14th July 7 - 9pm

MUSIC MIX
A SIDHOLME GARDEN CONCERT
BY THE CITY OF LICHFIELD
CONCERT BAND

Musical Director Mark Vause

Entry by ticket £5 from Paragon Bookshop or Sidholme
Reception

*******

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Monday 16th July and Wednesday 18th July
Recital by
JOEL MUNDAY - Violin and PETER CLARKE - Piano
All tickets allocated.....contact Roger Hendy for return
[email protected]

*******
Wednesday 25th July 7.45 - 9pm.

By popular request...another evening from Blues to Boogie

LEFT HAND JAZZ

GREG JARDINE - PIANO
JAYNE BRAMLEY - VOCALS
JIM NEWTON - PERCUSSION

Sea Sunday is 8th July – buy some yellow wellington boots!

The Fishermen’s Mission is selling yellow wellington boots as part
of its campaign to raise awareness of those lost at sea while
working in the fishing industry in the past ten years.

For every pair of boots sold, the charity will tie a yellow ribbon
to the flagpole outside its head office in Hampshire. The
campaign, ‘100in10’, hopes to highlight the dangers of working on
trawlers, and the impact of deaths on families and communities.

The Fishermen’s Mission provides 24/7 practical, financial and
pastoral support to fishermen and their families. More details
at: www.fishermensmission.org.uk

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*REMEMBRANCE 100 * 100 Years • 100 Days • 2 Minutes

On Sunday, 4 August 1918, the fourth anniversary of the
declaration of war, King George V and Queen Mary joined
members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords for a
special service at the Church of Saint Margaret, Westminster.
The King had asked that 4 August 1918 should be observed as a
National Day of Prayer. One hundred days later on 11 Nov 1918
the war ended.

On 4 August 2018 churches across the country, across the
spectrum of denominations, will start 100 days of prayer, peace
and reconciliation. We are calling this Remembrance 100.

There are many ways in which you, your community, church or
school can get involved. And, over the coming months, we’ll be
keeping you in touch with ways in which you can join in.

4 August 2018

One hundred years on from a National Day of Prayer called by
George V. This will be the first day of 100 days of prayer across
the country, running until Armistice Day in November. Every day
there will be prayers and actions for peace. You can sign up to

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take part and spend just a few minutes of your day, adding your
prayers to those of tens of thousands more.

21 September

The United Nations Day of Peace with a planned National awards
ceremony in London’s Trafalgar Square.

Mon 5 November – Sat 10 November 2018

This is a week of Action for Peace led by young people, which will
be the focus of school assemblies and lessons.

11 November 2018

There will be Remembrance Services around the country. Many
will be followed by Peace Parties.

Find out more at the website: remembrance100.co.uk

China stops sales of Bible
China appears to have banned the Bible from being sold online, or
in large bookstores. This seems to have followed tensions
between China and the Vatican over who should have influence in
appointing bishops in China.
Searches for Bibles on major e-commerce platforms JD.com and
Taobao bring up no results, and staff at one of Beijing’s biggest
shops admit they no longer sell it. In April, China released its
first white paper on religious freedom in more than 20 years. It
called on religions to adapt to a socialist society.

****
We really are privileged and blessed to live in our country.

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Elders & Door Stewards - if you cannot do your duty, please
remember to swap with someone else.

ROTAS FOR July 2018

Elder 1st 8th 15th 22nd 29th
Door Roger Barbara Richard Barbara
Stewards Alison Eleanor Maggie Barbara Alison

Roger and
Marilyn

Holy Communion - Barbara and Richard

ROTAS FOR August 2018

5th 12th 19th 26th
Maggie
Elder No Roger Barbara
Service Eleanor
Door
Stewards Alison Roger and

Marilyn

Holy Communion - Roger & Marilyn

All services begin at 10.30am. Welcome from 10.00am
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July 2018 PREACHERS
1st Rev Edward Hulme
8th
15th Rev Barbara Bennett
22nd
Richard Wainwright
29th Rev Iain McDonald

Communion

Jon Oliverio (Synod Pastoral Advisor)

August 2018 PREACHERS
5th FOLK FESTIVAL SERVICE- 10.30am
12th
19th Geoff Powell
26th
Rev Robert Jennings (last service)
Sept 2nd Richard Wainwright
Communion
Rev Robin Laird

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CHURCH DIARY FOR JULY/AUGUST 2018

1st Sunday 12.15pm Community Friendship lunch
6th Friday 10.00am
13th Friday Krèche & Co
15th Sunday 10.00am Parent & Toddler Club
11.30am
20st Friday Krèche & Co
10.00am Parent & Toddler Club
Church Meeting following Morning
5th SUNDAY 10.30am
AUG 10.30am Worship
10.30am Krèche & Co
5th Sunday 12.15pm Parent & Toddler Club
Aug (Summer Hols - Restart Sept 7th)
19th SUNDAY Folk Festival Service-
Aug Connaught Gardens
(NO SERVICE AT PRIMLEY)
Sept Sunday Canon Philip Bourne –
2nd Last service at the Parish Church

Rev Robert Jennings last service at
Primley followed by LUNCH –
ALL WELCOME
Community Friendship Lunch

NOTICES

The Notices are read by Marilyn Stinson.
Please ring / email to give information.

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MAGAZINE

The deadline for the next church magazine will be August 14th
for the Sept/Oct edition. Please e-mail to
[email protected]

or give printed / written copy to Maggie Knights.
The Primley Website address is:- www.primleyurc.co.uk

The good Lord didn't
create anything
without a purpose,
but mosquitoes come
close.

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Contacts

Secretary
Maggie Knights
60 Bridge Street
Sidbury EX10 0RU

Tel: 01395 597464
Treasurer

Mr Richard Wainwright
(Interim)

Tel: 07586346521
Hall Lettings Secretary
Maggie Knights for bookings/payment

01395 597464
Barbara Dorey Key holder

01395 514213

Church Services

Sundays:
10.30am: Family Worship
4th Sunday each month: Holy Communion

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As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
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