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Dear Friends
As I write to you( June20th), Barnaby weekend is in full swing and so is the Rose Queen Fete- it is good to celebrate with friends and strangers, who may become friends as we encounter them in our every day lives. Not that the English football team have given us much to celebrate- but that may get better- how are you coping with all the hours of ‘footie’ that there are on television just now?- or have you found some football free oases and hid there?
I went for an early celebration of Father’s Day last night, as Sunday is a busy day in our house. My son in law was given the film on DVD’ INVICTUS.’ I commend it to you for viewing, not least because it is refreshing to find a film which is totally absorbing without having to resort to sex, violence and bad language.. It tells the story of Nelson Mandela being elected as President of South Africa and the way in which he used the game of rugby to integrate the ‘rainbow nation’. Others wanted to get rid of the Springbox because they were an icon of Apartheid but he saw how significant the team could be in drawing people together. Not his game, ( black people in S Africa played soccer then) yet Mandela learnt the value of preserving it and having respect for something which was important to others.
We seem to have lost that respect for others passions. A member at the chapel told me of a letter she had read which was from a mother saying how her young son loved the toddler group he attended and as it only cost £1 she felt that she could put up with the prayer which was offered at the end!!! Perhaps it is fashionable today to scorn religion and those who practise it, but surely if it helps people to live well, provides much voluntary care and arranges activities for young people and older ones too- it is not too much to ask that people have respect and ‘give it a hearing’. No doubt, that mother will want her son to grow up with a moral code, and be a useful citizen-and that comes from an attitude of mind which respects others and does not write off what they stand for and what is important to them.
Well now, it seems the summer has really arrived and our gardens have at last become full of flowers, and that wonderful fresh green, clothing the trees and hedgerows. What a beautiful country we are privileged to live in- and what a pity it is that we sometimes spoil it with litter dropped in our streets. I was part of the Churches’ Together initiative before Barnaby weekend to clean up the streets of Macclesfield. So in florescent clothing and armed with grabbers from the council about 170 of us worked one Saturday morning recently on the town centre and surrounding streets. We had a good time in a funny sort of way- and we made a difference. I know that there are several people that do a similar service in Gawsworth and we should be very grateful to them but what a pity that it is necessary.
This week we shall hold the funeral service for Bill Auld who lived in the bungalows in Gawsworth. For many of the residents, who lived around him, Bill made a difference by his kindness, and through his helpful care, and willingness to be involved in others lives and their needs. We shall miss him-perhaps some of us can fill the gaps which he will leave in those whom he helped with day to day tasks and cheerful encouragement- I hope so.
Meanwhile, enjoy the summer weather, your gardens and the opportunity to get out and about – and don’t forget to book the date of the HARVEST VILLAGE PRAISE ON SEPTEMBER 19TH AT 6.00P.M. on the village recreation ground with the Salvation Army Band. Every blessing,
your friend and minister Sheila Bishop
----------------------------------------------------------------------- COFFEE MORNINGS IN JULY
July 1st Arranged by Pat and Judith Roper for the Destiny Garden School in Mombassa
July 8th arranged by Edna Walsh for Cancer Research UK
July 15th Lunch Club- Coffee will be served until 11.30a.m.
July 22nd arranged by Chris Revett for the R.S.P.B
July 29th arranged by Macclesfield Inner Wheel for The Leprosy Mission
COFFEE MORNINGS IN MAY RAISED £651 – THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT. JUNE AMOUNTS IN THE NEXT MONTHLY LETTER.
QUIET DAY a day of rest, reflection and prayer from 10.a.m. until 2.30p.m. will be held at the Methodist Church and community hall on JULY 3RD. WE SHALL BE EXPLORING THE LETTER OF PAUL to PHILEMON- the shortest book in the Bible.
A salad lunch will be served but please let Sheila know 01625433239 if you intend to come by early in the week beginning JUNE 27TH |