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FROM THE EDITOR
VICAR: The Rev Stephen Bowen
The Vicarage, Felbridge,
West Sussex RH19 2QT
Tel: 01342 321524
Fax: 0870 9156268
stjohnschurchoffice@googlemail.com
Vicar’s day off: Thursday
ASSOCIATE MINISTER:
Michael Peach
5 Burns Way, East Grinstead,
West Sussex RH19 1SA
Tel: 01342 312406
michaelstevenpeach@googlemail.com
Michael’s day off: Friday
JUNE: Articles for this Issue to
be handed in by
SUNDAY 15TH MAY
Please e-mail your articles to
parishmagstjohns@gmail.com,
put them in the editor’s pigeon
hole in the church entrance, or
post them to Lindsey Saunders
at The Bungalow, Saint Hill
Farm, Saint Hill Green, East
Grinstead, RH19 4NG.
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‘He is your shield and helper and
your glorious sword’
These are the words that appear on
this month’s front cover and I have to
admit that God has certainly been my
helper in producing this month’s
edition of the Parish News! I really
did not know at the beginning of the
Easter holidays how I was going to
find the time to give to the children
and the magazine over the past few
weeks. Amazingly and thanks to
willing contributors, the magazine has
been completed in record time! I’ve
certainly learnt a lesson about putting
my trust in God! The children have
enjoyed several long cycle rides as
well as played a mammoth monopoly
game and I’ve even had time to get
some gardening done! (Well if you’ve
ever seen our garden, you’ll
understand that I really mean ‘battled
with the nettles’). If anyone has any
good tips on how to get rid of nettles,
please let me know—my hands are
still stinging from the encounter. I
always have a vision of looking out of
the kitchen window onto a beautiful
flowery landscape, but it is going to
take much more hard work on my
part. I should have done as Maureen
did and got the weeding done in
March! Lindsey
Cover photo:
Reflections of summer at Wakehurst
Place by Gordon Wilkinson
STEPHEN WRITES…
Dear Friends
DEAR FRIENDS,
The early Christians encountered
a lot of opposition. In one place
people said, ‘These men who
have turned the world upside
down have come here also’ (Acts
17:6 ESV). It wasn’t exactly them
that were turning the world upside
down: it was their message. And
one aspect of their message in
particular: the astounding claim
that Jesus Christ had risen from
the dead.
People in those days knew well
enough that death was final. They
didn’t find it any easier than we
do to accept the notion that a
dead person could return to life.
It was such an incredible claim
that in those early days, just as
today, people had to cast around
for some other explanation.
Perhaps it was a delusion, the
product of disturbed imaginations.
But there were so many people
who were eye-witnesses and saw
him risen from the dead!
Perhaps it was what they were
expecting, so they convinced
themselves it had happened. But
when they wrote the story down
they recorded that they had had
no such confidence. They were
devastated when he died!
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Perhaps he wasn’t really dead—
perhaps he swooned on the cross
and regained consciousness in the
cool of the tomb. But Roman
soldiers who were experienced in
such matters were surprised to
find him already dead—and stuck
a spear in his side to make sure.
People feel we’ve got to find a way
of discrediting this claim. Because
if it is true, it means there really is
a God, and he has power over life
and death; and Jesus of Nazareth
really is who he claimed to be, and
the things he said must be true.
And that has so many implications
for us! It offers wonderful hope—
death is not the end, and the
power of life has overcome it. But
it also brings a massive challenge:
if these things are true then we
must respond to Jesus’ call to
follow him and put our lives in his
hands!
Yours sincerely,
REGULAR EVENTS

Through the week at St. John’s

Sundays
8am Holy Communion on 8th & 22nd May
10am Morning Service
6pm Evening Service
Tuesdays
1.30pm WI first Tuesday of the month in the Village Hall

Wednesdays
2pm Watercolour on Wednesdays in the Church Hall

Thursdays
10.30am WIGS at the Old Pheasantry, Woodcock Hill
(home of June Clark)
6-7.30pm JAFFA club in the Church hall on 5thth May
7.30-9pm JAFFA Plus in the Church hall on 5th May

Saturdays
8am—9am Prayer breakfast on 1st May
8.30—10am Men’s breakfast on 7th May at 5 Burns Way

‘The state of a Christian who is soundly converted is full of comfort,

when he shall think every day brings me nearer my glory; every day
I rise I am somewhat happier than I was the day before, because I
am somewhat more glorious and nearer to eternal glory..."‘
This quotation (put into slightly more modern English) is taken from Richard
Sibbes’ book, The Excellency of the Gospel above the Law , a 17th Century book
based entirely on 2 Corinthians 3:18.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING

Sunday Services
1st May 10am Family Service & baptism
6pm Holy Communion with Frank Gough
8th May 8am Holy Communion with Jack Baker
10am Morning Service with Peter Davies
6pm Evening Service with Andy Brown
15th May 10am Holy Communion Service with Stephen Bowen
6pm Raise the Roof with Michael Peach
22nd May 8am Holy Communion with Stephen Bowen
10am Morning Service with Michael Peach
6pm Evening Service with Stephen Bowen
29th May 10am Holy Communion with Stephen Bowen
6pm Evening Service with Michael Peach

Upcoming Events
Jaffa Club for children in classes 3-6 on 5th May at 6pm in the Church Hall.
Jaffa Plus for children in years 7-10 at 7.30pm in the Church Hall
Art Exhibition on 14th May in the church Hall
Christianity Explored Course starting on 12th May at 5 Burns Way

THE WORSHIP SERVICE

Raise the Roof is a fun, action-packed
service, presenting Jesus’ message through music,
dance and drama. The next service is on:
Sunday 15th May
Rehearsal 4.15pm Scrummy tea 5.30pm
Service 6-6.40pm
If you’d like to join in playing an instrument, acting, dancing or singing - young
or old, beginner or pro - contact Kris Defriend on 01342 312788 or
k.defriend@sky.com.

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CHRISTIANITY EXPLORED is a course that gives the opportunity to consid-
er what the Bible says about questions like these: Who is Jesus? Why did he
come? What does it mean to follow him?
Anyone can come along to Christianity Explored, whether you feel you know
nothing about Jesus, or would just like to revisit the fundamental things again.
We have run a number of Christianity Explored courses at St John’s and here are
the reflections of Oliver and Amy Marshall who were members of one recent
group.
Q) Why did you go on Christianity Explored?
We attended Christianity Explored as we were new to St John's and wanted to
expand our knowledge of what it means to be a Christian.
Q) What was it like?
The course was presented in a way that was easy for us to understand and related
Christianity to the modern world by using the study book and DVD to support
this.
Q) Are you pleased you went to Christianity Explored? What did you get out of
it?
We are really pleased we attended Christianity Explored as it gave us a clearer
idea of what it means to be a Christian and Christ's role in taking on our sin. It
has really made us reflect on how we should live our life.
The next Christianity Explored course starts at 8pm on Thursday 12th May at
Michael and Lizzy Peach’s house (5 Burns Way) and will run for 7 weeks. Do
contact Michael or Lizzy if you are interested in joining: 01342 312 406,
michaelstevenpeach@googlemail.com

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VILLAGE MATTERS
Felbridge W.I.
WE WERE pleased to welcome two
visitors at our meeting and also
Simon Kerr, East Grinstead’s
Tourism Officer who gave us a very
interesting and lively talk on the
places of interest for visitors,
mentioning Sackville College, the
environment of Ashdown Forest and
the Bluebell Railway. Part of
Simon’s remit is to encourage
business in the area and he reminded
us that once the Bluebell comes to
East Grinstead we will have a influx
of visitors both from the train and
also those who will travel here to get
on the train so business should
thrive. Our competition was a
holiday souvenir and Simon had to
pick out the best three out of 21
entries.
Our May meeting will involve
discussing Resolutions to put before
the Government showing our
concern over the closure of libraries
and mega farming. We will start off
with a fish and chip lunch and finish
with a tombola with a prize for
everyone.
We were very pleased to fill sixteen
bags with toiletries, and needy items
for the homeless women who arrive
with nothing at the Open House in
Crawley. This was our Women for
Women project which is being run
by W.I. Institutes.
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For those who are not coming to the
lunch our meeting starts at l.30pm to
3.30pm on the first Tuesday of the
month at the Village Hall. Please do
come along.
Felbridge Village News
Ken Harwood is, unfortunately, in the
Princess Royal Hospital with
pneumonia so we do send him our best
wishes and thank Ros White – Clerk to
the Parish Council for the following
items.
Bert Webber gave a very interesting
talk on the Felbridge Village Website
and would encourage more volunteers
to join them, especially younger
residents with new ideas. Please send
any items to their e mail address
contactfelbridge@felbridgevillage.co.uk
The website is updated regularly so do
use it for information.
Planning permission has been granted
for a tarmac footpath across the green
from the puffin crossing and a
fingerpost sign is to be erected on the
green where the five new trees and
spring flowers are making a very
colourful display.
Finally, may I please remind residents
that all parishioners are welcome at
Parish Council meetings which are held
on the first Thursday each month
(except August and January). The first
ten minutes of every meeting are
available for parishioners to raise
matters of local interest or concern.
 Village Fair
Saturday 18th June
At the Village Hall
Fun, games, craft,
bargains & food

FELBRIDGE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

Bring and Buy. Plants, cuttings, books, home baking.
At the village Hall
Bring at 8.15pm . Buy at 8.30pm.
Followed by Cheese and Wine

CRAWLEY MARINERS OPEN DAY

15TH MAY AT HEDGECOURT LAKE
10am until 4pm
An opportunity, without obligation or charge, to experience sailing on the lake
with one of our experienced helms.
Dress according to the climate so if it is raining do not be put off, just wear a
lightweight rainproof jacket. In all climates please come with some soft soled
shoes so that you have some grip and will not damage the boats. It is advisable to
bring a spare pair of footwear and socks etc., just in case. We will supply a
buoyancy aid (floatation device) for the duration of your trip round the lake.
Although staying dry cannot be guaranteed with a water sport it is not our
intention to get anyone wet. A change of footwear is recommended.
The boats we typically use at our open days are the big and stable ones like
GP14s and Wanderers, but the emphasis is on providing enough space for a
couple of visitors at a time to take to the water with one of our helms.

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FELBRIDGE WILDLIFE
Muses in the Bulrushes
THE LAST filaments of the fluffy
pale cream seeds are wafting
away from the bulrushes of the
village pond. Some will fall and die
on the A22; some are being
picked up by a pair of blue tits to
line their nest; some have fallen
on to the squishy mud between
the sedges round the edges to
produce new rushes and fulfil a
good parable.
Turning to Proverbs, one swallow
doesn't make a Summer, so I'll
take a couple more sips and a
gulp of Joan's elderflower cordial
to see if more have arrived since
the one flying over Imberhorne
Farm on April 6th. Today's new
ones will no doubt perch on the
telephone wire, go on line and
twitter.
The daffodils and other bulbs
obtained from Surrey County
Council for our Parish, have
brightened up the Green and
many yards of verge and the dull
corners. Now we are told by the
National Trust that our bluebells
will be in bloom two weeks earlier
than normal this year. Last year
they were two weeks later than
normal. That's the Balance of
Nature for you.
Chaucer called the daisies that
stud our lawn ‘that blissful sight
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softeneth all sorrows’. The Anglo
Saxons called them Day's Eyes
because they close at night.
Botanically they are of the Aster
family which has some 25,000
members including the dandelion.
At the Eastbourne Bible by The
Beach, we should be able to see
the newly observed discovery of the
Seagull Watch, whereby flocks of
roosting gulls have sentinel gulls
which stay awake and watch for
predators while their comrades
sleep. The sleepers then take turns
to wake and watch on a rota basis,
lest danger take them unawares.
Hoverflies are appearing, rapidly
beating wings keeping them
motionless until, with a sideways
dart, they poise in a different
position. Names include the
Marmalade and the Common
Banded and all are of the Syrphus
family. Their yellow and black
colouring may lead to confusion
with bees or wasps, but their larvae
consume great quantities of aphids
in our gardens.
Last month we visited family in
Singapore and stayed a week with
them on the magical Malaysian
island of Langkawi in the
Andaman Sea. Among the wildlife
in Singapore we met, at a
wateringhole, a pair of Wilkinsons
on passage to Borneo and a
family of Youngs with three
young. They send their best
wishes and are all well. The now
resident Thomsons (Batemans)
helped us to realise that though
sometimes nothing much stirs
above the waters of the ordinary,
occasionally there can be
multiple revelations of the world's
wonder, or beauty, or the love of
God.
Peter Bateman.

BOOKWORMS CORNER
God doesn’t do waste, Redeeming the
whole of Life by Dave Bookless
This book is a captivating description of an ordinary man’s journey through
life, about roots and belonging, suffering and healing, identity and
meaning, faith and doubt—the really deep issues that affect our daily life.
Dave Bookless is completely open about his times of doubt and anger. He
describes his struggles, but also how God spoke to him and used him in his
weaknesses to build a church and develop the work of A Rocha in the UK.
It’s encouraging, inspiring, it’s challenging—a ‘must-read’ book!!
If anyone would like to borrow a copy, please contact Lindsey Saunders

LIVES JESUS CHANGED by Simon Vibert

If you have a look at a family album you will begin to get an idea of the
events which have occurred in the life of that particular family. John’s
gospel gives a snapshot of Jesus’ life and the lives he changed. Here is
John’s story of Jesus the Saviour of the world who came in flesh to forgive
sins. Simon Vibert invites us to come and see the lives Jesus changed.
I have enjoyed reading this book, each chapter is about a person or group
of people who Jesus met, and the changes he made to their lives, and how
he can transform our lives. It is a fairly easy read, which can be read in
small chunks, I would recommend it!
Diane Francis

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SERMON SERIES
Who is Jesus?
This might seem like an obvious In our evening services from May
questions – but in our society through to August we’ll be looking
there are lots of versions of together at Paul’s first letter to the
Jesus: Jesus the cute baby, church in Corinth. This is a very
Jesus the misunderstood teacher, practical letter helping us to see how
Jesus the kind man, Jesus the we should live as God’s people.
preacher of peace, and many We’ll look at what it means to be
more. How can we know who God’s church, and at God’s
Jesus really is? surprising approach to true wisdom.
We’ll look at how to treat one
In our morning services in May
another in the church and how we
we are going to look at who Jesus
should (and shouldn’t) use our gifts.
himself says he is in John’s
We’ll cover personal issues like
Gospel. Over 5 weeks we’ll see
marriage and singleness, and how
what Jesus says about his
these relate to living for Christ. We’ll
identity and mission. We’ll see
look at how a Christian decides what
that Jesus claims to be nothing
things in the world around to avoid
less than the divine Son of God,
and which to join in with (with a clear
the bread that brings eternal life,
conscience). We’ll also see how
the light of the world, and the only
Christ’s resurrection guarantees our
way to God the Father.
own.
The claims of Jesus are amazing,
Please do come and think more
and we cannot be indifferent to
about, How then should I live?
them! If we believe what Jesus
says it will change us forever. Had to miss a talk?
Please do join us as we look
together at Jesus’ life changing If you miss a talk at one of our
claims. services then you can catch up
online at:
How then should I live?
http://www.stjohnsfelbridge.com/
How does trusting Jesus affect
Here the most recent sermons are
our life? How does it affect how
listed on the right, and older
we live as the church? How does
sermons can be accessed through
it affect our relationships? How
the link to the sermon archive.
does it affect how we interact with
a world that does not follow
Jesus?

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 FELBRIDGE HOTEL & SPA MAY EVENTS
Wedding Open Evening Thursday 26th May
The Felbridge Hotel and Spa Wedding Open Evening is a fantastic opportunity to
get a real idea of what your wedding would be like at The Felbridge Hotel and
Spa. 6pm - 9pm, admission FREE.
All of our wedding facilities will be set up for a wedding for you to view and
our Wedding Coordinators will be on hand to discuss your requirements
and show you the range of suites available at the Hotel for your Wedding
Ceremony or Reception.
Enjoy a glass of champagne and some canapés on arrival and then have a browse
around the hotel. Our Beauty Therapists will be there too so you can talk to them
about your hair and make-up ideas for your big day.
SPECIAL OFFER
Confirm your wedding at the Open Day and receive 10% off your wedding in
2011!*
You can also view the gorgeous Honeymoon Suite and luxurious Chakra Spa.
For more information on holding your Wedding at The Felbridge Hotel and Spa
please contact us by calling 01342 337700 or by
emailing weddings@felbridgehotel.co.uk
* Terms and conditions apply

St. John’s ‘Watercolour on Wednesday’ Group

Exhibition on Saturday 14th May
10.00am - 5.00pm
in the Church Hall.
A variety of paintings will be for sale at reasonable
prices. Refreshments will be served all day, including light lunches.
Proceeds will go to The Church Building Fund. Do put the date in
your diary, come along and bring your friends and family.
Admission - Free.

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TELL ME WHY?
Why are Christians such hypocrites?
From time to time there is an article in
every newspaper about some
Christian minister or regular
churchgoer who has done something
unkind, unpleasant or even illegal.
Maybe you have personally been
badly treated by someone who is a
Christian. Why?
No doubt some of the people who do
these things are only Christians in
name – they might say that they are
Christians but they have no genuine
trust in Jesus. However, even allowing
for these pretend-Christians, there are
many, many others who seem to be
genuine and sincere Christian
believers, but still do unkind, unloving
and inappropriate things.
To understand why this is we need to
understand what it means to be a
Christian. A Christian is not someone
who is basically good in all that they
do and who thinks they are right
before God because of it. Actually a
Christian is someone who knows that
they are not good; that they do many
wrong things before God and before
others. A Christian is someone who
knows that they are bad and that they
need forgiveness.
John, one of the New Testament
writers says this: ‘If we claim to be
without sin, we deceive ourselves and
the truth is not in us’ (1 John 1:8).
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Everyone, both Christians and non-
Christians do things wrong before God
– what the Bible calls sin. If we claim
we don’t, the Bible says that we are
deceiving ourselves. However, John
goes on: ‘If we confess our sins, he is
faithful and just and will forgive us our
sins and purify us from all
unrighteousness’ (1 John 1:9). The
amazing promise of the Bible is that
God will forgive everyone who turns to
Jesus, confessing that we have done
wrong and instead choosing to trust in
him.
Understanding all this helps us answer
our question. Since a Christian is a
forgiven-wrongdoer, rather than a
perfect good person, then on one level
we should not be surprised when
Christians do wrong things. That said, it
should also shock us, for trusting in
Jesus should change all that we do!
Every Christian still does things wrong
and messes up, sometimes very badly.
However, every Christian is perfectly
forgiven because Jesus has taken their
sin and its punishment on himself, and
because of being loved and forgiven by
Christ, every Christian will seek with
God’s help to live each day more and
more like Christ. This process will not
be complete in this life though, and so
imperfect Christians are the only ones
you will meet!
Michael Peach
 IN THE GARDEN
Gardeners are always planning
ahead. I am already making notes of
plans for next year! The beautiful
cherry blossom has gone, but I am
looking forward to the apple blossom
which will be at its best at the end of
this month. Then we can look even
further ahead to the picking of the
fruit in the autumn.
I am also assessing the losses of the
harsh winter. The dahlia tubers that
had performed so well for years had
gone soft and mushy and were past
saving. So we have got to start again.
The bud blast on the rhododendron
was worse this year and so we have
had to cut our losses and chop it
down. But nature is very
unfathomable sometimes. We lost a
well-established penstemon
‘Flamingo’ and yet the delicate little
cuttings of it survived as did the
small acer seedlings. However, it
was a very good year for the
hellebores, primroses, cowslips and
camellias and it all looked so
beautiful in the sunshine.
The early spring sunshine in March
was a bonus and a joy enabling
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gardeners to get ahead early – lots of
weeding, hoeing and emptying some
of the compost heaps and giving
everything a good mulch. The newly
emerging leaves on the trees are
always such a bright, fresh green,
often a lime green especially the
shrubs like spiraea. Others are almost a
vivid citrus yellow and there is also the
bright foliage of the physocarpus
‘Darts Gold’. May is the month that
the colours of early spring really start
to heat up and give way to the reds and
purples of shrubs like cotinus,
photinia, pieris and acers.
If like me you have a clematis
montana then it needs keeping under
control. As soon as it has finished
flowering, shorten unruly stems and
remove any damaged ones and also
any dead growth. The hellebores
should be deadheaded now and any
shabby leaves tidied up. Then give
them a good feed now and feed them
again in the early autumn. This is also
a good time to divide your larger
clumps of primroses and polyanthas.
Start hardening off frost-tender
bedding plants and vegetable seedlings
by placing them outside during the
day. At the end of this month it will be
safe to plant everything out ready for
the riot of summer colour.
Be encouraged by recent research
which shows that gardening makes one
more active, optimistic and gives one a
zest for life!
Maureen Reynolds
MISSION
Thousands hear gospel from Chilean miner during UK tour
Thousands hear the gospel from
a Chilean miner and mission
partner during their UK tour.
More than 16,000 people packed
into churches, town halls and
conference centres across the UK
to hear Chilean miner, Jose
Henriquez, and mission partner,
Alf Cooper, share a powerful
story of rescue and redemption
through Jesus.
Widespread media coverage,
from the BBC, the Times, Sky
News and several other outlets
brought the message of God’s
love to thousands more.
‘We were encouraged that the
BBC, by putting Jose’s testimony
up prominently on their site,
actually shared the gospel with
thousands,’said John Martin, who
coordinated press and media for
the two-week UK tour, which was
called ‘The 34th Man’ as the 33
rescued miners had previously
testified to the presence of a ‘34th
man’ – Jesus – being with them
through their 69-day ordeal.
Whilst Jose and his wife Blanca
moved audiences to tears with
their account, mission partner Alf
Cooper, who also serves as
Protestant chaplain to President
Pinera of Chile, issued a powerful
call to prayer to UK Christians. ‘In
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Chile, I was tasked with calling the
nation to prayer, and the whole
world saw the power of prayer.
Imagine what could happen here if
everyone in the UK rededicated
themselves to prayer!’ As a result,
hundreds of people have agreed
to commit to regular prayer for
mission through CMS.
Other outcomes from the ‘34th
Man’ tour included hundreds of
people declaring that they wanted
to follow Jesus. Alf told the story
of a taxi driver who drove him and
Jose to Heathrow and ended up
praying that Jesus would enter his
life.
Alf and Jose also visited mining
areas in north-east England,
which are still struggling following
strikes and closures. When they
shared their story at Kirkby
Miners’ Welfare, it was standing
room only with hardly a dry eye in
the place.
‘The local minister has since
rededicated his life to mission in
that community,’ said CMS staff
member Gaenor Hall, who
arranged the meeting. ‘He will be
giving a DVD of the event to every
church in the area.’
Summing up the tour, Alf said,
‘Jose would only tour under the
condition that our speaking would
permit calling people to Jesus.
We felt that this was a realistic
approach to mission today,
mission sponsored by CMS from
Chile to Europe, the other way
around to traditional mission
enterprise. We could see that the
UK is hungering for spiritual
reality.’
CARE IN EAST GRINSTEAD AND LINGFIELD
Who are we?
CARE is a local self-funding charity
which St John’s helped to found in
1988, as a means of Christian
outreach by local churches. It seeks
to help people within the community
in a practical way who have
particular needs. It now has about
100 volunteers providing help to
members of the community. CARE
has no fixed premises and no paid
employees. Its costs are covered by
donations, including donations from
the people served by CARE,
sometimes referred to as clients.
What do we do?
People in the East Grinstead,
Lingfield and Dormansland area can
telephone the CARE number
(410086) and ask for various types
of help. This can, for example, be a
driver to take them to a doctor’s
surgery or help with shopping or
gardening work. The requests are
reviewed and help is offered where
appropriate and possible by
volunteers.
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The tour was briefly interrupted
by a request from US President
Barack Obama for Jose and Alf to
attend the annual US National
Prayer Breakfast. ‘He was visibly
moved by Jose’s story and later
commented to us how he
admired Jose’s leadership skills,’
said Alf.
What do we need?
We would like more members of
local churches to offer their services
as drivers and gardeners, duty
officers and shoppers. Duty officers
are based in their own homes. The
period of duty is 9am – 5pm. Duty
officers receive phone requests for
help from clients and arrange for
help to be provided by other
volunteers. Full training is provided.
What do we offer our
volunteers?
An opportunity to provide practical
help to others in the community.
Volunteers’ expenses (e.g. mileage)
are reimbursed. Volunteers can
specify when they are available and
for which duties. CRB checks are
provided free of charge.
Yes I would like to help, what
do I do now?
Contact the St John’s CARE
representative, Rosemary Tadman
(01342 322825 or email:
philandrosemaryt@sky.com)
CHURCH CENTRE PROJECT
Progress Report

Phase 2 - Play Area

TANDRIDGE DISTRICT Council has indicated that a formal planning
application is required. The Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) may
consider our proposals on 12th April.
A short list of artificial grass samples was reviewed by the Guide and
Playgroup leaders and a favourite identified. This has reduced the
estimate for using artificial grass on a sand/stone drainage layer to around
£12,000 (if we do most of the work ourselves!).
The Church Centre development (Phases 3-6)
The North-West Extension - alongside the church (Phase 3) has slipped
behind programme. The project cost and programme will be reviewed by
the new PCC in May.
The Quantity Surveyor prepared his estimate which indicated an increase
of about £20,000 to the current budget.
An asbestos survey is required to satisfy Health & Safety regulations.
Other Projects
Estimates are being reviewed for the removal of the church bells to enable
an inspection of the bearing that failed.
John Grainger 10 April 2011

Smile Lines
Time is a great healer, but a lousy beautician.
Some cause happiness wherever they go. Others, whenever they go.
It might look like I'm doing nothing, but at the cellular level I'm really
quite busy.
Mikey’s funnies

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 CHURCH FAMILY NEWS

News and Thanks

Mabel and Nimal were found sweeping and clearing the steps of leaves.
Thank you to them for seeing this job needed doing and getting on and just
doing it (again!) Thanks too to other unsung workers who do all sorts of
(hidden) things for the church family—you know who you are!

Many thanks to all who helped with the round the clock 23 hours of
prayer— those who reorganized the church, led prayer walks or praise
sessions, the prayer breakfast organizers to say nothing of cakes and drinks
that kept us going. The prayer chain was complete, so praise to God!

Thanks too to all those who helped with the Easter/Signs of Life leaflets. To
Jon for wonderful designs on all the literature, those who did bundle
collation, production of letters and stuffing and last but no means least,
distribution. A bit more challenging than usual but a worthwhile thing to do
and a way of being in touch with our parish.

These rounds need a regular deliverer, three times a year—any offers?

1) HEATHER WAY + HOUSES BEHIND WOODCOCK GARAGE
2) COPTHORNE ROAD. NORTH SIDE. Nos.58-88 and, Nos.90-122

It's great to have an aluminum wheelchair ramp to improve access to the

church hall. It is in the hall vestibule cupboard, do ask if you need it.
Thanks to Anne Butler for sourcing and organizing this.

Vic and Linda Barker have changed their telephone number - for details,
contact the church office on 01342 321524.

A full APCM report will appear in the next issue. The following people have
been elected to the Deanery Synod: Peter Burton, Barbara Cottier, Don Ely
and Philip Tadman; and the following people have been elected to the
PCC: Jessica Stopp, Brenda Wilkinson, Gordon Wilkinson, Cecilia Bliss, Kris
Defriend and Lis Woolley, joining Malcolm Francis, Gill Matson and Chris
Saunders. The churchwardens for the next year are Anne Butler and Andy
Brown.

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MISSION IN SOUTH AMERICA
The Leakes
Andrew and Maria and their three
children, Tomas (20), Ceci (16) and
Carolina (13) live in Salta, Northern
Argentina, although Tomas is away
studying at University in Cordoba,
Argentina in term time.
Andrew and Maria felt called to work
particularly amongst the indigenous
people living in the Chaco of
Northern Argentina over ten years
ago, having spent four years working
with Tearfund in Honduras
previously. Andrew gained a PhD
(Environmental Studies) from the
University of Hertfordshire in the
1990’s, which is partly why some of
their link churches are in the St
Alban’s area. Andrew spends a lot of
time working with and for the
indigenous people of Northern
Argentina, but he has also been asked
to help with projects in other parts of
the world on a consultancy basis. He
met up with a couple from St John’s
in London recently as he was passing
through en route to Uganda, on a
project for Compassion International.
Andrew and Maria (and family)
appreciate the support they receive
from their link with St John’s. There
is a display about their work on the
Mission Notice Board at the back of
the church during May and you can
find further information about their
work and ministry from their blog:
leake.blogspot.com.
Please continue to support them with
your prayers and if you wish to write
to them (andrewleake@gmail.com) I
am sure they would be glad to hear
from you. Some people may also
wish to visit – or go to do voluntary
work. Those who have had the
privilege of visiting Salta can
recommend it – but be warned, if you
go to South America you are unlikely
to return unaffected by the
experience!

CHURCH REGISTER
Funeral
Peter Beaumont died on 12th March 2011, aged 68. The funeral was at St John's
church, followed by committal at Surrey and Sussex crematorium on 28th March
2011.
Kenneth Christopher Coomber died on 14th March 2011 aged 89. The funeral
was held at St John's church, followed by committal at Surrey and Sussex
crematorium on 25th March.

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PEST CONTROL SERVICES
Wasps, flies, fleas. All types of rodents and vermin 01342 321373

BUTCHER
ARTHUR FRY, Lingfield Road, East Grinstead 01342 323225

CHIMNEY SWEEP
MILBORROW CHIMNEY SWEEPS, ‘The Flueologists’
All Flues and Appliances Swept and Serviced. Pots, Cowls,
Caps, Birdguards, Fireplace Repairs, Stacks Repointed 01342 717900

FUNERAL DIRECTORS
R MEDHURST, Vine House, Hartfield
Caring family firm; home visits; 24 hour service. 01892 770253
Memorials arranged: Golden Charter pre-paid Funeral Plans 01342 315880

GARAGE & CAR REPAIRS, MOTs & COACHES

01342 325544
Woodcock Hill Service Station, London Road, Felbridge
01342 326213

KOINONIA COUNSELLING
Marriage problems, bereavement, depression, eating disorders etc
Jackie Lake 01342 718948

TV SALES, SERVICE & INSTALLATIONS

Panasonic Specialists. Plasma, LCD, Multiroom Systems, Aerial & Satellite.
Scott Brothers, 178 London Road, East Grinstead. 01342 321117

CLARINET LESSONS
Classical or Jazz, for pleasure or exam preparation
Elaine Short CT ABRSM 01342 327563

GARDEN SERVICES
Ron West 01342 712586
 USEFUL CONTACTS
Churchwardens: Anne Butler 01342 313640
e-mail: butleranne09@gmail.com

Andy Brown 01342 314267

e-mail:brownemail@aol.com.
Treasurer: Chris Saunders 01342 325662
e-mail: treasurerstjohns@gmail.com
PCC Secretary: Sheila Drury 01342 323865
e-mail: sheila.drury1@hotmail.co.uk
Magazine Editor: Lindsey Saunders 01342 325662
e-mail: parishmagstjohns@gmail.com
Cleaning Rota: Carole Grainger 01342 325482
Ministry of Flowers: Ann Morley 01342 714645
e-mail: annmorley@aol.com
Church Hall Bookings: Sally Hobbs 01342 410929
Church Office (closed on Thursdays) 01342 321524
Village Hall Bookings: Lynda Railton 01342 322205

CHILDREN/YOUNG PEOPLE ACTIVITIES

Climbers (3-6 yrs): Michael Peach 01342 312406
e-mail: michaelstevenpeach@gmail.com
Explorers (Year 2-4): Diane Francis 01342 714575
e-mail: diane_francis@tiscali.co.uk
Light Eagles (Year 5-7): Dan and Suzy Callaway 01342 321658
e-mail: daniel.callaway@iname.com
NG (Year 8-9): Michael Peach 01342 312406
e-mail: michaelstevenpeach@gmail.com
Parish Safeguarding Officer Chris Ely 01342 311614
e-mail: christineely2@msn.com
Rainbows, Brownies & Guides Ann Tucker 01342 317283
e-mail: ann_tucker@btinternet.com

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