Smile Spot

A Minister told his congregation, next week I plan to preach about the "sin of lying". To help you understand my sermon, I want you all to read Mark Chapter 17.

The following Sunday as he prepared to deliver his sermon, the minister asked for a show of hands. He wanted to know how many had read Mark 17.  Every hand went up.

The minister smiled and said, Mark has only 16 Chapters! I will now proceed with my sermon on the "sin of lying".

Submitted by John Perry

DAYS GONE BY

These are my earliest memories of the Chapel that was pulled down to make way for the new Evangelical Church in Chapel Road, the ladies all sat on one side of the Chapel and the men on the other.

There were hat pegs all round the Chapel, the ones on the men's side holding quite a number of bowler hats.  The heating was provided by a large tortoise stove in the middle of the Chapel, those sitting close to the stove would be very hot but those sitting farthest away would have coats on.  On a very cold day Mrs. Batterham (caretaker's wife) would have to put more fuel on the stove half way through the service to keep the heat up.  The lighting was by gas lamps hanging from the ceiling. These would be put on and off by a chain operated by a long pole with a hook on the end.  If it happened to get dark quickly  Mr. Batterham would have to get the pole and try to locate the hole in the chain, not easy when getting dark.  This effort would cause quite a titter amongst us boys.

There was a large pulpit almost the width of the Chapel. Five ministers would sit up there and all take part in the service, they were Mr S Miller, Mr A Rootkin, Mr J Miller, Mr E Perry and Mr G Spurgeon.

There was no music to help the singing but there were four men called starters. They would take it in turns to start the hymns. They were Mr E Percival, Mr S Theobald, Mr T Pilling and Mr O Heddle.

The highlight of the year was the Whit Monday tea meetings in May when about 150 would meet together.  Tea would be served from the small vestry. There was one tap on the wall and one gas ring on the floor.

The food consisted of white and brown bread and butter, fruit cake, cherry cake and plain cake with plenty cups of tea.  The bread and cake were specially made by our local baker, Mr. Blythe.

This is my earliest recollection, about 1932

Eric Spurgeon



ARE YOU READY?

We set off for Sizewell Hall wondering what the weekend would hold for us.  What was God going to teach us? and were we in for a treat! The theme for the weekend was "Are you Ready?" and we were greatly encouraged and excited at the thought of the imminent return of our wonderful Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.  

We looked at God¹s word to find out how to be prepared inwardly and outwardly for His service. We realised exactly what our state was and how special we are that He chose us before the foundation of the world to be part of his plan. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love  - Ephesians 1v3&4. He had planned salvation "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world" - Revelation 13 v8. How great is our God!

As we realised His desire to be with us, we drew near to Him and He drew near to us.  We shared open and honest prayer times before God which were a blessing to all of us. I felt that God was dealing with us all personally and that we all needed prayer and each other as part of a loving family.  Forgiveness and tolerance were essential to be free to worship and serve the Lord our God. Our very lives speak volumes, our love, Godly character, coping with crisis, supporting, caring and talking to people, showing compassion and visiting those who are unwell and alone.

Blessed is the man whose strength is in you. Whose heart is set on pilgrimage - Psalm 84 v5.

Barbara Moles