1. Catalyst
THE MAGAZINE OF
HAYES FREE CHURCH (U.R.C.)
December 2012 -
January 2013

2. HAYES FREE CHURCH
111, Pickhurst Lane, Hayes, Kent BR2 7HU
Sunday Services. 10.30 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.
We are a member of the United Reformed Church.
We believe in Justice and Peace.
Principal Contacts
Minister: Rev. Sue Powell Tel: 020 8462 2212
Church Secretary: Mrs Mavis Righini Tel: 020 8462 1168
Fabric Steward Mr. Chris Wood Tel: 020 8462 2444
Treasurer: Mr. Bill Michie Tel: 020 8658 4167
Lettings Secretary: Mrs Undine Connolly Tel: 020 8776 0108
Caretaker: Mr. Ian Jones Tel: 020 8313 1556
Church Website www.hayesfreechurch.com
Catalyst
Editor: Mr Richard Brown
Contents : - Items not covered by the diary of events.
Sunday Services 2 New curate - at St Mary’s 15
Preachers’ info 3 Holy Land Pilgrimage 16
Church Notices 3-5 Support at home 17
Thank you notices 6 The Way things once were 18
Christmas Greetings 7-8 The Scout Group 19
Thank you for caring 8 Words of Thank you 19
Linda Jennings Obituary 9 - 10 Website of the Month 20
Christmas Tree Festival 11 Muriel Stone 21
Notice Board 12 - 13 Church Organisations IBC
This month’s website: -
One World Futbol. The idea behind this product is, in my humble
opinion, truly inspirational. Virtually indestructible footballs are
made and distributed to communities worldwide.
Website: - www.oneworldfutbol.com
Now, turn to Page 20 for more details....... Ed
Copy for the February 2013 edition needs to be handed in by
Sunday, 13th January.
Please submit items in good time.
You can leave copy in the “B” Pigeon Hole for Richard Brown to collect,
or hand it directly to him on a Sunday morning.
You can also e-mail copy to richardmbrown6@gmail.com
Thank You. Editor

3. Letter from the Minister
Dear Friends
I am sure we all realise the importance of words –
we have to be careful how we use them, they can
sometimes fail us, and we constantly need to refine our understanding
of them. The philosopher J L Austin tells us that words ‘do things’ in
the world, and can be even more powerful than physical action. Saying
what we mean, and meaning what we say, are therefore matters of vital
importance.
Christmas is coming: how often will we talk of Christmas to our friends
and neighbours? Informal chatter about buying gifts and writing
Christmas cards, the cost of postage, the need to ensure the food
cupboards are stocked. How will we challenge the idea of Christmas as
only being a time of expense, of worry and stress?
What words will we use to bring back the real meaning for the season?
Words that we mean, words that explain the vital importance of this
celebration to us as Christians…
Everything that happens at this time of year is a celebration of the love
of God that Jesus made real for us through his birth, death and
resurrection. Surely Christmas celebrations are all about sharing that
wondrous love of God with our family and friends through the exchange
of cards, gifts and the sharing of meals.
But do we say so?
I’m not suggesting a lecture on the meaning of Christmas, but on our
Christmas Cards, on our gift labels, could we add ‘may God’s love bless
you’; at our meals, say a grace that gives thanks for the love shown to us
through Jesus and that includes God’s blessing on all gathered; simple
little ways to remind ourselves and those we love that we celebrate
Christmas because of God’s great love for us.
I pray we all know God’s love this Christmas, and enjoy a peaceful,
blessed, Christmas.
Sue
1

4. Sunday and Christmas Services
December 2012
10.30 am - Morning Service - Rev John Marchant
2nd
6.30 pm - Evening Service - Minister with Pickhurst School
10.30 am - Parade & Gift Service - The Minister
9th
6.30 pm - Evening Service - CTH - Allan Evison
10.30 am - Morning Service - Mrs. Margaret Smith
16th
6.30 pm - Carols by Candlelight - The Minister
10.30 am - Holy Communion - The Minister
23rd
6.30 pm - Evening Service - Rev. Dr. Peter Stevenson
24th
6.30 pm - Holy Communion - The Minister
Mon
25th Christmas Day
Tue 10.30 am - Morning Service - The Minister
10.30 am - Morning Service - The Minister
30th
No evening service
January 2013
10.30 am - Morning Service - Rev. Geoff Larcombe
6th
6.30 pm - Holy Communion - Marion Bayley
10.30 am - Morning Service & Baptisms - The Minister
13th
6.30 pm - Evening Service - The Minister
10.30 am - Morning Service - Martin Wilcox
20th
5.30 pm - Evening Service - CTH at The Rosary
10.30 am - Holy Communion - The Minister
27th
6.30 pm - Evening Service - Rev. Robert Draycott
February 2013
10.30 am - Morning Service - TBA
3rd
6.30 pm - Holy Communion - The Minister
Some notes on the visiting preachers.
See facing page...............
2

5. News of the Church Family
Announcements are welcome :-
BMD - Changes of address, etc.
Deaths
We regret to announce that Audrey Walters
passed away on the 3rd of November after
being ill for some time. We extend our deepest
condolences to her husband Brian and his
family at this time.
Brian and Audrey were Church members for many years. The family
moved to Ringwood some years ago.
Brian’s address is 48 Lakeside, Hightown, Ringwood, Hants, BH24 3DX.
Your prayers would be appreciated for: -
Tony and Kay Atkinson , Marjorie Curry, Doreen Hobbs, Ruth Rees, and
Pat Rumble.
Church Meetings
The next Church meeting will be on Sunday 24th February, 2013 at
noon, after the morning service.
The next Elders’ meetings will be held at 8.00 pm in the small hall on
Tuesday 18th December, 2012 and Tuesday 15th January, 2013 .
Some notes on the visiting preachers.
v Rev John Marchant is the assistant minister at Coney Hill Baptist
Church. He has conducted Sunday Worship at HFC on a number
of occasions.
v Allan Evison is a lay preacher at Hayes Parish Church. He has
conducted worship on a number of occasions.
v Mrs Margaret Smith is a Methodist Lay Preacher.
v Rev Dr. Peter Stevenson is the Minister of Crossways URC Church at
the Elephant and Castle. This Church has a long and rich history of
serving the community for almost 150 years. For example, the
South London Mission was established at Elephant and Castle by
the London Congregational Union in 1866.
v Mrs Marion Bayley is a Lay Preacher and an Elder from our sister
church in Beckenham. She regularly leads our services.
v Revd Geoff Larcombe is a local representative from the Bible
Society. He spoke at the Bible celebration supper in the spring of
2011, and took one of our services in October, 2012.
v Martin Wilcox represents Child Aid, a charity which is transforming
the lives of children and young people in Belarus, Moldova, Russia
and the Ukraine.
v Rev Robert Draycott is the Chaplain at Eltham College.
3

6. Women's Contact Group
The Contact Group will NOT meet in December. We will next meet at
8.00 pm on Monday 7th January, 2013 at Joan Cook’s home -
12, Broadoaks Way. On the 4th of February we will meet at Jenny Carr’s
home - 152, Langley Way.
Sylvia Mack
Tuesday Prayer Meetings for December & January
Held at 10.00 am at the following homes:-
Dec 4th Martin Nunn’s. 11th Betty Coster’s.
18th Brenda Cordingley’s. Then no meetings until: -
Jan 8th Martin Nunn’s 15th Betty Coster’s.
22nd Brenda Cordingley’s. 29th The Church
Feb 5th Martin Nunn’s.
NOTE. Double check these dates in the Sunday Link sheets.
Please address any queries to Martin Nunn.
Saturday Fellowship
There will be NO meetings in December or January. We will next meet
at 7, Sedgewood Close on the 2nd of February, 2013.
Martin Nunn leads the discussions.
Men's Group
We will NOT be meeting in December. The next meeting is on Thursday
17th January, 2013 for a New Year’s Feast organised by Bill Bowman,
starting at 8.00 pm in the Small Hall. If you wish to attend, please
contact Bill before 13th Jan on 020 8777 0626 or email
wfbowman@hotmail.com
Ministry of Flowers
Thanks are due to those who will be providing flowers in December,
2012 and January 2013
December 2012
2nd - Pamela Collison - 9th - Joan & Bob Cook
25th Wedding Anniversary
16th - Margaret - 23rd - Joan Carter
i.m.o. Nell & Syd Williams (30th TBA at time of publication)
January 2013
6th - Gill and Chris Wood - 13th - Sue
I.m.o. Matthew
20th - Mr & Mrs Yonge 27th - Ruth White i.m.o. her Mother
4

7. Ministry of flowers - Cont'd .........
A big thank you to those who kindly arrange the flowers when needed.
After the Sunday evening services, the flowers are distributed to
members and friends, bringing joy to the recipients.
Mavis Righini
Hayes Mothers’ & Toddlers’ Club
We welcome all babies and children under school age, accompanied
by their parents, grandparents or carers, to our club on Friday
afternoons between 2 and 4 pm during term time. The fee is £1 per
family – tea, squash and biscuits are provided.
This is a time when adults can meet up, while the children in their care
are busy playing with toys and activities in the company of other
children.
Our Christmas party is on December 7th at 2.15 pm.
Tickets will be on sale, priced £2.50 per child.
We meet again in the New Year, on January 11th at 2.00pm.
We look forward to seeing you all.
Judith Stoner - Secretary.
Bible Study Group
The Bible Study group meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each
month at 2.30 pm in the small hall.
To confirm, listen for announcements & check Sunday Link.
Worship Group
The Church will be open for Quiet Meditation & Prayer every
Wednesday - 6.00 - 7.00 pm.
To confirm, listen for announcements & check Sunday Link.
Notice Sheets - December - 1st Sunday in February, 2013
December
2nd & 9th Daphne Cummings 8777 2487
16th & 23rd Brenda Cordingley 8462 3867
30th Pam Collison 8658 0748
January 2013
6th Pam Collison 8658 0748
13th & 20th Joan Smith 8462 3920
27th Daphne Cummings 8777 2487
February
5th Daphne Cummings 8777 2487
If you require items to be included in the notice sheets, please contact
the appropriate person by the previous Tuesday.
5

8. Women's Fellowship
M eetings are in the small hall at 2.00 p.m., unless otherwise stated,
on Tuesdays and finish about 3.30 p.m.
The December meetings will be: -
4th Invitation from Emmanuel West Wickham Women's
Fellowship to their Christmas meeting.
11th Memories of past Christmases.
18th Christmas party.
In January, the meetings will be: -
15th Bring and Buy and Member's afternoon.
22nd New Year Service conducted by our Minister Sue.
29th More fun with Barbara Stevens.
In February, our first meeting will be: -
5th Illustrated talk by Mary Moore on Westminster
If you have any questions, do contact Sylvia Mack on 8462 1938.
MINI-AMBULANCE
Members who use the mini-ambulance are asked to phone Jessie Martin on 8462
5621 by 9.00 am on any Tuesday when they are unable to come to the
meetings.
As always, we welcome all ladies to our meetings . Please come along for a
pleasant afternoon. We do have a very varied programme with plenty to
interest everyone.
Marion and Sylvia
80TH Birthday thanks
I had a dream of the only way I would like to celebrate my birthday
this year and would like to thank everyone who had any part in it for
helping that dream to come true.
I can think of no better way to mark the occasion than spending it
with family and friends so a great big THANK YOU.
Brenda Cordingley
Thank you’s
The members of Hayes Free Church wish to express their appreciation
and thanks to Richard Brown for editing the Catalyst each month, and
also thank Mike Duke for his time and energy in printing the magazine.
Anon
The Hayes Free Church members wish to express their thanks to the lady
who keeps the Church Diary up to date (with never a double booking)
and is always helpful to those who wish to book the Church premises.
Thank you Undine Connolly.
Anon
6

9. Catalyst Needs You!
This page will be kept for YOUR contributions - NOTHING ELSE will go on this page.
Hopefully, you will be inspired to share some Christmas / New Year break stories.
GREETINGS
We wish all our friends
in Hayes Free Church
a Happy Christmas
and
a Peaceful New Year.
David and Ann Watson
GREETINGS
We wish all of our friends in the Church
a happy & joyous Christmas
Marjorie & John Curry
SEASON’S GREETINGS
John and Margaret Robinson (North Devon) send
the Church Family at Hayes Free
every good wish for Christmas and the New Year
7

10. GREETINGS
Wishing all friends at
Hayes Free Church
Love, peace and joy
at Christmas
SEASON’S GREETINGS
I would like to thank everyone for
their contributions
To Catalyst, and
To wish everyone at Hayes Free Church
All the best for Christmas and the New Year
Richard Brown
Thank you
A word of thanks and appreciation is due to the members and
friends who helped Linda through her illness.
Linda lived alone without close relatives living near, but she was
never without help when it was needed in many different ways &
she was very grateful.
This was Christian love and pastoral care in action.
Thank you everybody!
Anon
(Linda’s obituary is on pages 9 & 10 - Ed)
8

11. Linda Jennings
(1950 - 2012)
Linda was born on October 14th 1950 to Edgar and Olive Jennings in
Pulborough, Sussex. Her sister Pat was born 4 years later and her
brother Michael 14 years after Linda. During her lifetime Linda kept in
touch with her family members and took an interest in and was very
fond of her four nephews.
Linda was born with a congenital back defect which affected her all
her life. She was educated at St Gabriel’s C of E School where she
remembered that the headmistress told the girls to be sure that
‘God was working his purpose out’. When the family moved to
Tenterden Linda went to the local secondary school, where she took
her O-levels. During her school days Linda was an active and
enthusiastic member of the Guide movement and gained her Gold
Duke of Edinburgh Award. She retained her interest in the Guide
movement throughout her life. On leaving school she gained a
qualification at Secretarial College and had various jobs. One of
which was at ‘Chorleywood College for Girls with little or no sight’,
where she was led to the Lord by one of the staff and started on her
Christian journey.
In 1975 she went with the C.M.S. to Israel but returned after four
months when war broke out. She then went to a Nursery Training
College and gained her NNEB qualification and worked with children
for some time. Finding this work did not suit her she did the SRN
course followed by Midwifery. She worked for some years as a
midwife and on leaving midwifery went to Nash College as Senior
Nurse. She stayed there for four years until she was made redundant.
This was a difficult time for Linda but with the help of Christian friends
she trained as an aromatherapist and chiropodist and set up her own
successful practice. In her spare time she studied for, and gained, a
degree in complementary therapy. She also did counselling courses
and was a Counsellor to her clients and to students at Greenwich
University through the student support service. During this period
Linda and her elderly mother Olive shared a house as Olive did not
feel able to continue to live alone. She cared for her mother until she
died.
9

12. Linda’s Christian life grew through her membership of the Ichthus
Fellowship and the New Horizons Choir, of which she was an
enthusiastic member. Having friends in Hayes she joined Hayes Free
Church and became an active member, singing in the choir and
serving on the eldership, being responsible for pastoral care. She was
called to become a local preacher and completed the course and
was inducted as a local preacher in 2011. She took a number of
services at Hayes Free Church and was looking forward to
developing her preaching practice when she became ill.
Linda lived a full and busy life despite health problems. She loved
animals and always had cats and a dog. She was skilled in
handicrafts, enjoyed travel, going to concerts, reading and tending
her garden. She found friendship in Group 88 of which she became
chairman and where her conscientious leadership and her distinctive
laugh will be missed. She faced her final illness with fortitude,
determined to live her life to the full to the end. She died in peace,
trusting, as the song says, that the Lord had woven the strands of her
life both dark and light into a pattern pleasing to Him.
WEAVE ME, LORD
Lord, my life is like a weaving, and the weaver, Lord, is You.
And You choose the many colours, spinning bright and dark ones too.
Carefully You weave the pattern, Lord, that You have planned
And although I cannot see, I rest, Lord, in Your hand.
Weave me Lord, weave my life closer to You.
Soon the work will be completed and I’ll see what You have done,
How You’ve woven all the colours in the image of Your Son,
And I’ll understand the dark threads, Lord, that You have spun.
But for now I’ll trust You to complete what You’ve begun so
Weave me Lord, weave my life closer to You,
Not by chance, my circumstance is in Your hand
You fulfil Your sovereign will so I’ll be still and let You -
Weave me Lord, weave my life closer to You
10

13. Hayes Free Church
Christmas Tree
Festival
In aid of The Chartwell Cancer Trust
From Friday 30th November to Sunday 9th December 2012
The Festival will be open each day from 2.00pm from November 30 to December 8
The church will be open at service times each Sunday (10.30am and 6.30pm)
Programme of Entertainment for the Festival
Friday 30th November Opening Concert by Members 7.30pm
and Friends of Hayes Free Church
Saturday 1st December Rock Choir * 7.45 for 8.00pm
*Ticket £5.00 from Margaret Tannock 020 8325 6264 or Alistair Wilson 020 8402 0026 or on the door
Sunday 2nd December Pickhurst Junior Academy 6.30pm
Monday 3rd December Bishop Justus School 7.30pm
Tuesday 4th December The Christmas Story 7.30 pm
by Adult performers
Wednesday 5th December The Wandle Ringers 7.30pm
Thursday 6th December Bromley Boy Singers 7.30pm
Friday 7th December An evening of Songs and Poems 7.30pm
by Just Voices and The Shortlands Poetry Circle
Saturday 8th December Beckenham Concert Band 7.45pm
Sunday 9th December Churches Together in Hayes with 6.30pm
the Musicians from Hayes School
All the money raised
will go to
Christmas Craft Fair in the Church Hall
Saturday 1st December from 10.30am to 2.30pm
Lots of stalls full of Christmas Goodies
Hayes Free Church, 111 Pickhurst Lane, Bromley BR2 7HU
web site: hayesfreechurch.com
11

14. NOTICE
PHOTOGRAPHS OF PEOPLE
If you take photograph(s) of people intended for publication in
Catalyst or on the HFC website, you MUST obtain their permission
BEFORE you take the photograph(s).
This is important because photographs in which people can be
identified will be in the world wide domain - on the Internet.
So, from now on, when you submit photograph(s) of people for
publication, these must be accompanied with a statement that
permission was obtained BEFORE the photograph was taken. The
onus is on group leaders, and organisers of events to get this
permission. Also, if photographs are to be taken during a service,
permission will be requested before the service starts.
There are "permission to take photographs" forms available, and
further guidance is being developed.
Please ask your editor or church elder for more details.
COMPASSIONATE FRIENDS
NEW YEAR’S SOCIAL
SERVICE
on 12 JANUARY
In view of the success of FOR BEREAVED PARENTS AND THEIR
the last New Year Social FAMILIES IS TO BE HELD
we are going to have AT 6PM AT HAYES FREE CHURCH
another one on SATURDAY ON SATURDAY 15TH DECEMBER 2012
12 JANUARY starting at REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED AFTER
6.30 pm. There will be a THE SERVICE
charge of £3 for adults. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE
Refreshments will be CONTACT GILL WOOD ON
available. TEL 020 8462 2444
Tickets can be obtained OR E-MAIL cwood596@btinternet.com
from John Curry Many thanks
(8249 3663).
Gill W
12

15. BOARD
The post box will be available from Sunday 9th December.
PLEASE NOTE the LAST POST will be
on Sunday 16th December at 10.30 am.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE put your cards in alphabetical
(surname) order and put an elastic band round them before
posting. This will help the PMG
John Curry
CHRISTMAS POSTAGE RATES
From 6 November people who receive Pension
Credit, Employment and Support Allowance or
Incapacity Benefit can buy their Christmas
stamps at Christmas 2011 prices
(i.e. 36p).
All you have to do is to produce evidence of
your allowance.
You will be able to buy up to 36 stamps
Subscriptions for Catalyst
Subscriptions for 2013 are due in December. The cost is
£5 if you wish to receive Catalyst via the pigeonholes at the
back of the church. Please let Judith or David Stoner have this
amount as soon as possible. There is an envelope attached to
this issue of Catalyst for you to use.
If you wish to have the magazine sent by post, the cost is £8
and you should send your subscription to:
Judith and David Stoner
113 Bourne Way
Bromley BR2 7EX
Cheques should be made payable to Hayes Free Church.
It would be helpful if subscribers who no longer wish to
receive Catalyst by post would let us know.
13

16. Deck the halls with boughs of holly,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Tis the season to be jolly,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
14

17. Don we now our gay apparel,
Fa la la, la la la, la la la.
Troll the ancient Yule tide carol,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
HAYES PHILHARMONIC CHOIR CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT
in aid of
ST CHRISTOPHER'S HOSPICE
Saturday 15 December
at 7.45pm
in Hayes Parish Church
Admission £7 (school-age children £2)
Box office 07989 192928 or on the door
Come along and enjoy our well-established mix of familiar favourites
for you to sing, and some less well-known carols to listen to - followed
by our traditional post-concert celebration. Your attendance will help
to make this a great Christmas for St Christopher's too!
(Note - since we do not start till 7.45 you should be able to attend the
Compassionate Friends service first if you wish)
NEW CURATE AT ST MARY'S, HAYES STREET, HAYES
A new Curate will be installed at St Mary's
on Thursday 31 January at 6.30 pm.
He is Rev'd Napoleon (Napo) John, aged 57.
He was born in Pakistan into a strongly Christian family. He obtained a
BA in Pakistan then a degree in Theology from Oakhill College in the UK
and an MA from the University of Essex. In 1993 he was ordained and
served in churches in Leytonstone and Dagenham and since 2007 he
has been the Team Rector in Felixstowe.
He is a Bible based preacher, a strategic thinker with experience of
mission and evangelism.
We look forward to meeting him and working alongside him for many
years to come.
15

18. See the blazing Yule before us,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Strike the harp and join the chorus.
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Bromley Central Library
presents the
Annual
Christmas Celebration Concert
on Thursday, 20th December
12.00 noon - 2.00 pm.
Do come to this concert with the New English Singers, directed by
Adrian Boynton, and soloists.
Tickets at £5.00 are available in the Library. Drinks and mince pies
provided in the Punch interval.
This is always an excellent prelude to Christmas festivities.
Betty Coster
You are invited to join a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 2013
Revd Bill Bowman, minister of Emmanuel URC, West Wickham and Elmers End
Free Church (URC) together with his wife, Marion, will be leading a pilgrimage to
the Holy Land 15th -24th October 2013 arranged through the reputable travel
company – McCabe’s. Bill and Marion would like to extend the invitation to join
their pilgrimage to local churches in the Synod Area. (Particularly members and
friends of HFC!!)
The party will be based 6 days in Jerusalem, within sight of its ancient walls and 3
days by the shore of Lake Galilee. From these two locations you will be able to see
and experience a great many of the places associated with the life of Jesus.
Not only does visiting the Holy Land help bring the Bible story alive, a pilgrimage is
a wonderful place to share fellowship and meet new friends. If you are travelling
on your own you will be assured of being among a warm friendly group.
Places are limited so it is best to book early. If you would like a brochure and
application form or would like any more information, please feel free to contact Bill
either by phone (020 8777 1150) or email wfbowman@hotmail.com
NB: If the security situation in Israel makes it unsafe to visit at
the time of travel then a full refund (incl. deposit) is guaranteed.
16

19. Follow me in merry measure,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
While I tell of Yule tide treasure,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
A Musical Celebration
brought to
The Friends and Members
of Hayes Free Church
on Saturday, 5th January 2013
at 6.00 pm. Finish by 9.00 pm
at Hayes Free Church.
The music is written or arranged by Martin Nunn and
will be performed by Martin and his niece, Jenny.
The celebration is open to Invitees - no small children.
There will be a buffet supper afterwards. Food contributions to the buffet
would be welcome.
Please contact Martin Nunn for details and more information, if required.
This celebration is in aid of the Westminster College Refurbishment Appeal.
Martin Nunn
SUPPORT AT HOME
If you are getting older and would like help with household tasks, meals,
shopping, transport, everyday paperwork; or help to enjoy reading, hobbies,
using your computer, getting out by wheelchair and by car; or want to give a
break to someone who usually looks after you - please get in touch with me.
My goal is to make your independent life at home continue to be possible,
with a kind and committed service!
Christopher White 020 8149 6933 or
pjm741-rose@yahoo.co.uk
17

20. Fast away the old year passes,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Hail the new, ye lads and lasses,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Women’s Contact Coffee Morning 10.00 am - 12.00
We will be holding coffee mornings on these dates: -
8th of December, 2012
12th of January, 2013.
We are continuing to raise monies to contribute to disaster relief funds
in different parts of the world.
We hope to see you at the Coffee Mornings, and why not bring a friend.
Barbara Jones
The Fairtrade Sunday Stall
We will be holding a fair trade stall after the morning service on the
2nd and 4th Sunday of each month. So, in December 2012 the stall
will be held on the 9th and 23rd. In January, 2013 the stall will be
held on the 13th and 27th.
The message is please buy Fairtrade. Every purchase helps in a good
way. Your support through 2012 has been superb. Thank you for your
support. Can we do any more in 2013?
Please continue to support your fair trade stall. Thank you.
Richard and Barbara.
The way things once were
What did those nursery rhymes mean?
We will be looking at this up to the October edition, 2013
Sing a Song of Sixpence
Believed to have been referenced in Shakespeare's play Twelfth Night.
Putting birds in a pie, was a real form of entertainment at grand
meals during the 16th century.
Another theory suggests that the rhyme is about the dissolution of the
monasteries by King Henry VIII with the blackbirds as the monks, his
first wife Catherine of Aragon as the 'queen' in the parlour and Anne
Boleyn the 'maid' in the garden
18

21. Sing we joyous, all together,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Heedless of the wind and weather,
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
The Scout Group
There have been some changes recently among the scout leaders,
which mean that the leadership team is now as follows:
Brenda Petts leads the Beavers and Cubs, assisted by Hazel Ward at
both and Rolf Parker and Sam Bonome at Cubs.
Paul Hasling is Scout Leader, assisted by Katy Reeves and Nathan
Lucking. Steve Bowman has decided to step down as Assistant Scout
Leader in order to concentrate on his duties as an Assistant District
Commissioner. Steve has been a member of the Group since he was
a boy and has made an enormous contribution as a leader. I'm
pleased to say that we will not be losing him entirely, as he intends to
remain involved with the Group.
Tom Strachan leads the Explorers, assisted by Anna Potenza, who is our
newest recruit, and Charles Jaynes.
All leaders are volunteers, who give up their time to make sure that the
young people in the Group experience the best that scouting has to
offer. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for all that
they do.
Of course, we are always keen to hear from anyone who would like to
get involved, whether as a leader of in any other capacity. If you
would like to help out, please contact me or any of the leaders.
Simon Narracott
Group Scout Leader
Words of Thank you
Kay and Tony Atkinson would like to thank everyone for all their well
wishes and prayers over the last few months.
Kay had three operations on her nose to remove a cancerous growth,
followed by the reshaping of her nostril.
Tony had three operations to remove cancerous growths from his
bladder, followed by a course of 6 weeks’ intensive chemotherapy.
He was told in October that he was now in remission.
Kay & Tony Atkinson
19

22. The page header verses are from the Carol - Deck the Halls.
When published in 1866, the words were attributed to
Thomas Oliphant.
Website of the Month One World Futbol
Wording taken from the website……
Soccer, (“football” or “futbol”) is the world’s most popular sport. The
traditional ball can be easily punctured or ruptured. Players in
disadvantaged communities are often left to play soccer with rocks,
cans, or “rag balls” made from rubbish, and string.
Our mission at the One World Futbol Project is to make a meaningful
impact on the lives of youth around the world. Our goal is to bring the joy
of soccer and play to youth in disadvantaged communities so that
children can be children no matter where they live.
One World Futbol inventor Tim Jahnigen was inspired to start the project
after watching news footage of kids in Darfur playing a soccer game
using a ball of trash tied up with twine.
Tim’s idea remained as a concept until a chance conversation with world
renowned entertainer Sting, who immediately provided the support for
research and development. In recognition of Sting’s crucial, early
involvement, the name of the ball and of the project are based on the
song “One World (Not Three),” written by Sting. Sting continues to be an
advocate for and supporter of the One World Futbol Project.
About the football
ü Virtually-Indestructible. It never needs a pump and never goes flat,
even if punctured. It can also be used for netball, volleyball, and many
other games.
ü All-terrain. It can withstand the harshest conditions without deflating.
ü Sustainability. The ultra-durable ball eliminates the waste of discarded,
punctured soccer balls.
ü Buy One, Give One. For every One World Futbol you buy through our
“Buy One, Give One” programme, we give a second ball through
organizations working in communities such as refugee camps, war
zones, disaster areas and inner cities.
ü No Child Labour. Many traditional soccer balls are still stitched
together by hand by children and adults working under deplorable
conditions in Pakistan, China, and India. The One World Futbol is
manufactured using state-of-the-art technology that does not require
stitching.
PS - could we participate as a church? Any Ideas? Editor
20

23. Muriel Stone
Earlier this year, Bob Morley wrote in about Muriel Stone. (Reminder.
Her address is Room 5, Danesbrook House, Cadoc Place, Danescourt,
Cardiff CF5 2QN & Tel: 02920 552245.)Here is what Bob had to say. : -
A s many of you may know Muriel Stone is now living in Cardiff.
This note is based on correspondence with her daughter Judith
(whom she's now living very close to) and we thought that as HFC
had always been such a big part of Muriel's life her many friends in
Hayes might like to know all about the move and how she's doing.
Unfortunately Muriel never really settled into her flat in Bromley - in spite
of efforts by friends to keep her going she was becoming quite
depressed living in her flat in Durham Avenue. She had moved there
when her memory was failing so didn't have the confidence to make
new friends and join in with the various activities in the complex. She
had gradually been deteriorating and a fall in May this year
highlighted the fact that she was unable to cope independently and
was really needing more family support.
Daughter Judith and son Andrew put nursing care in place which
provided a stop gap for a few weeks and Judith started looking at
residential care in Cardiff. She found a small very 'homely' home
which has 18 ladies who have varying degrees of dementia but mild
rather than advanced dementia.
Muriel visited for an assessment in June and moved in a week later!
The fact this small home had a room available when it was needed
seems a sign it was meant to be. Now that stress has been taken
away Muriel can enjoy continual companionship and support and
has settled really well, has a lovely room with en suite and has made
new friends really quickly.
Sadly this comes with a price as the less she does herself the less she
can remember - it seems a catch 22 situation. However both Muriel
and Judith are very much enjoying being nearer each other - first
time for over 20 years so it's a real treat for Judith to call in for a
cuppa or to bring Muriel home for tea. Muriel is more content than
she's been for years. Mentally she is deteriorating but she still
recognises the family and they're making the most of that. She's still
able to walk around but now has a zimmer frame as she's very
unsteady - if taken out for the day she enjoys borrowing a wheel
chair!
I just wanted to let you all know how Muriel was getting along.
21

24. December 2012
1st Sat 7.45 pm - Rock Choir Page 11
2nd Sun 10.30 am - Morning Service - Rev John Marchant
6.30 pm - Evening Service - Minister with Pickhurst School
3rd Mon 7.30 pm - Bishop Justus School Page 11
10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 4
4th Tue 2.00 pm - Women’s Fellowship Page 6
7.30 pm - The Christmas Story Page 11
5th Wed 6.00 pm - Worship Group Page 5
7.30 pm - The Wandle Ringers Page 11
6th Thu 7.30 pm - Bromley Boy Singers Page 11
7th Fri 2.00 pm - Hayes Mothers’ & Toddlers’ Club Page 5
7.30 pm - Evening of Songs & Poems Page 11
10.00 am - Women’s Contact Coffee Morning Page 18
8th Sat 7.45 pm - Beckenham Concert Band (at HFC) Page 11
7.45 pm - Beckenham Chorale Page 14
Christmas Tree Festival ends
9th Sun 10.30 am - Parade & Gift Service - The Minister
Followed by Fairtrade Stall Page 18
6.30 pm - Evening Service - CTH - Allan Evison Page 11
10th Mon
11th Tue 10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 4
2.00 pm - Women’s Fellowship Page 6
12th Wed 6.00 pm - Worship Group Page 5
13th Thu 2.30 pm - Bible Study Group Page 5
14th Fri
15th Sat 6.00 pm - Compassionate Friends Service Page 12
7.45 pm - Hayes Philharmonic Choir Page 15
16th Sun 10.30 am - Morning Service - Mrs. Margaret Smith
6.30 pm - Carols by Candlelight - The Minister
17th Mon
10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 4
18th Tue 2.00 pm - Women’s Fellowship Page 6
8.00 pm - Elders’ Meeting Page 3
19th Wed 6.00 pm - Worship Group Page 5
20th Thu 12.00 Noon - Christmas Celebration Concert Page 16
21st Fri
22

25. December 2012
22nd Sat
10.30 am - Holy Communion - The Minister
23rd Sun Followed by Fairtrade Stall Page 18
6.30 pm - Evening Service - Rev. Dr. Peter Stevenson
24th Mon 6.30 pm - Holy Communion - The Minister
25th Tue Christmas Day
10.30 am - Morning Service - The Minister
26th Wed Boxing Day
27th Thu 2.30 pm - Bible Study Group Page 5
28th Fri
29th Sat
30th Sun 10.30 am - Morning Service - The Minister
No evening service
31st Mon
January 2013
1st Tue New Year's Day
2nd Wed 6.00 pm - Worship Group Page 5
3rd Thu
4th Fri
5th Sat 6.00 pm - Musical Celebration Page 17
6th Sun 10.30 am - Morning Service - Rev. Geoff Larcombe
6.30 pm - Holy Communion - Marion Bayley
7th Mon 8.00 pm - Women’s Contact Group Page 4
8th Tue 10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 4
9th Wed 6.00 pm - Worship Group Page 5
10th Thu 2.30 pm - Bible Study Group Page 5
11th Fri 2.00 pm - Hayes Mothers’ & Toddlers’ Club Page 5
12th Sat 10.00 am - Women’s Contact Coffee Morning Page 18
6.30 pm - New Year’s Social Page 12
10.30 am - Morning Service & Baptisms - The Minister
13th Sun Followed by Fairtrade Stall Page 18
6.30 pm - Evening Service - The Minister
23

26. January 2013
14th Mon
10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 4
15th Tue 2.00 pm - Women’s Fellowship Page 6
8.00 pm - Elders’ Meeting Page 3
16th Wed 6.00 pm - Worship Group Page 5
17th Thu 8.00 pm - Men’s Group Page 4
18th Fri 2.00 pm - Hayes Mothers’ & Toddlers’ Club Page 5
19th Sat
20th Sun 10.30 am - Morning Service - Martin Wilcox
5.30 pm - Evening Service - CTH at The Rosary
21st Mon
22nd Tue 10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 4
2.00 pm - Women’s Fellowship Page 6
23rd Wed 6.00 pm - Worship Group Page 5
24th Thu 2.30 pm - Bible Study Group Page 5
25th Fri 2.00 pm - Hayes Mothers’ & Toddlers’ Club Page 5
26th Sat
10.30 am - Holy Communion - The Minister
27th Sun Followed by Fairtrade Stall Page 18
6.30 pm - Evening Service - Rev. Robert Draycott
28th Mon
29th Tue 10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer Meeting Page 4
2.00 pm - Women’s Fellowship Page 6
30th Wed 6.00 pm - Worship Group Page 5
31st Thu
February 2013
1st Fri 2.00 pm - Hayes Mothers’ & Toddlers’ Club Page 5
2nd Sat Candlemas Day
2.30 pm - Saturday Fellowship Page 4
3rd Sun 10.30 am - Morning Service - TBA
6.30 pm - Holy Communion - The Minister
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
There were no further dates at the time of going to press.
24

27. CHURCH ORGANISATIONS
Day Organisation Contact Phone
Sunday
10.25 am Sunday Club Mike Duke 8462 5103
Weekdays
9.15 - 12.00 pm Pre School Group Jayne Carvell 07913 299773
Monday
2.30 & 7.30 pm West Wickham Carol Crouch 8462 3642
Arts Association
5.45 pm Brownies Sarah Humphrey 8249 9982
6.30 pm Cubs Brenda Petts 8325 3956
8.00 pm - 1st Women's Contact Sylvia Mack 8462 1938
Mon monthly Group
Tuesday
2.00 pm Women's Fellowship Sylvia Mack 8462 1938
6.00 - 8.00 pm Weight Watchers Area Office 0845 345 1500
7.00 pm Scouts Paul Hasling 3236 0083
Wednesday
5.00 pm Rainbows Tania Venables 8462 9759
6.00 pm Beavers Brenda Petts 8325 3956
6.30 pm Worship Group Bill Michie 8658 4167
6.45 pm Slimming World Lorraine 0785 115 3676
8.00 pm Explorers Tom Strachan 07745 813 295
Thursday
5.30 pm Brownies Stevie Blair. 8325 3469
7.15 - 8.45 pm Rangers Georgina Chappell 07983 471308
8.00 pm - 3rd Men's Group Bruce Tannock 8325 6264
Thu monthly
Friday
9.00 - 12.00 pm Coffee morning during term times
2.00 pm Mothers & Toddlers Judith Stoner 8462 3023
6.30 pm Guides Teresa Cheyne 8777 6042
7.30 pm Choir Martin Nunn 8462 5918
Saturday
2.30 pm Saturday Fellowship Martin Nunn 8462 5918

28. Final Thought
Clear the way
Gracious God,
as the days shorten
and the pale wintry sun
bathes the sky with light,
so may our anxiety abate
and the warmth of your love
cleanse and purify our lives.
Promised One,
as ice skims the pond
and bright frost
gilds the leaf with glory,
may the clarity of your call
awaken us to new hope
and new beginnings.
Holy Spirit of transformation,
help us to clear the way
for the coming Christ-child.
As the red sun sinks behind black branches,
slip into our lives
and surprise us by the welcome warmth
of your coming.
Kate Mcllhagga