A letter from St John the Evangelist Church, Trent Vale
Summer 2024
Rejoicing and Reflecting
Walking around Trent Vale recently there has been the sweet smell of Hawthorn hedges, the beauty of tall old Chestnut trees with spikes of white and pink blossom.
Now in front gardens the roses are in bloom. Our Church gardens are going to need a lot of work but today there were large cushions of blue geraniums, the lawns were mown for a day when a wreath of poppies was laid at the WW 1 War Memorial to commemorate D-Day 80th Anniversary of 6th June 1944.
Time brings change just as we see the seasons bringing different colours and challenges. So, in our own lives and our Church life we have new experiences to enjoy and challenges to face.
We have congratulated Marj Stacey on her son Neil and Karen’s marriage at St Thomas Church, Penkhull; Julie on the birth of granddaughter Nancy and Joan Edwards becoming great grandmother to Eveline.
Our love and prayers have been sent to Lionel and family on the passing of his father Revd J Jayaraj.
As Buildzone contract work was completed, so it was time for Site Manager Rob to leave us and on Monday 8th May Welcome Spaces we gave gifts and cards. Rob has become a valued and respected member and good friend of our Church family, always smiling and ready to help and renowned for his hugs and expensive aftershave! Rob will be sorely missed by us all.
On Sunday 14th April Revd Liz led the service which included her powerful sermon, of Jesus appearing to his disciples. She said “He steps into our deepest fears to transform them and us”. He came not for our benefit to live nice lives but calling us to live lives open to those around us, which will show and tell of his goodness. Not because we live perfect, serene lives of faith but because we have known pain, doubt and fear and know what it is to be transformed by the life-giving power of the risen Lord.
In the congregation were old friends John and Janet Capewell visiting from Yorkshire. John’s strong voice adding volume to the singing of “Shout to the Lord”. His many years with us have proved to be of great value to Church Wardens and PCC in the decision making concerning the reconstruction of our Church.
The sun was shining on the Saturday morning of 20th April as Revd Liz led a service of Prayer and Reflection in the Church grounds on the second Anniversary of the fire that devastated our Church.
Eileen held the Yellow Phoenix Aster plant that survived the fire as we gathered with our own thoughts. Revd Liz led with a positive attitude and we sang “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and glad in it”. The readings were from Isaiah 61:1-6 and 1 Peter 2:4-6 and prayers were said for the Church building, those working on it, the wider community and those who pass by. Finally, we sang “Great is Thy faithfulness”.
On Sunday 21st April the theme was of Jesus the good Shepherd and Liz spoke of her time spent on a farm in Wensleydale in Yorkshire.
The hymns included “The Lord is my Shepherd” with the chorus of “I will trust in You alone” and finally the moving “There is a Higher Throne”.
Sunday 28th April Church Warden Steve led the service which was followed by the APCM with many of the congregation staying on to hear the various reports; some saying they never knew so much work was done.
Alan Smith joined us on Sunday 5th May, speaking of Love.
Revd Liz led the service on 12th May, a very hot day. We were pleased to see the return of Joan Edwards and her much loved Tea Bread after an absence. ‘Nello’ was also back; it will take more than hip surgery to hold him back from an intensive social life and ministry.
The previous day a lady member had fallen whilst watering her flowerpots with a hose when she fell and was unable to move and had turned to prayer. Fifteen minutes later help arrived to switch off the hose and help a very wet gardener to stand. I promised to withhold her name but she did share this tale with great humour.
On Thursday 16th May we attended the New Vic Theatre to see “Eric’s 25th Anniversary Concert”. Thank you, Jackie Barnes, for organising another brilliant night out; we laughed so much and sang old favourites till we were hoarse. We are looking forward to the next two concerts.
Nineteenth May was Pentecost, the Church’s birthday, with balloons and cakes to celebrate. The readings were given in six different languages; Samantha in English, René in Bulgarian, Revd Liz in French, Henry in Twi, Adie in Yoruba and Charles in German. Revd Liz spoke of spirituality being in fashion but religion isn’t. The children couldn’t wait to blow out the candles on the birthday cake and it was a very happy day.
We are grateful to all the volunteers who help with the Children’s Group.
Trinity Sunday came and Revd Fran led our service. We were delighted to have Penkhull Village Brass join us. Percussionist and newly-elected Church Warden Samantha Johnson led the prayers.
Revd Fran joined us again the following Sunday with Lay Reader Alan Smith presenting his talk on Jesus and the Sabbath.
I was surprised he had the breath as we sang “This little light of mine” at such breakneck speed. If it had been on a vinyl record, I would have thought it was on the wrong speed! He opened with the words “How do you follow that?”.
We closed with the immensely popular “Way Maker”.
On Thursday 6th June at 10.00 am we gathered on a sunny morning around the stone cross that is the WW 1 War Memorial in the Church grounds for a short commemorative service for the 80th Anniversary of D-Day.
Revd Liz read Isaiah 41:10 and Harold Gregory, a veteran and member of the congregation, laid a wreath of poppies. In spite of the sound of passing traffic, we paused to honour the bravery and sacrifice of those who had stormed the beaches of Normandy. We gave thought to those places in our world today that still face unrest and war and we prayed for Peace.
We returned to the Centre for refreshments.
In the evening I went with my family to the Queen’s Gardens in Newcastle-under-Lyme for the lighting of a beacon for D-Day. Here I met Peter Shore, son of the late Eveline Shore, and his wife.
We have recently made a change to our support to Father Tobias and the House of Bread in Cape Town. The project is now sufficiently funded and although Father Tobias has another project starting, a classroom at a village in northern Zambia, we felt it better to continue our support of needy children in Cape Town. To this end, we are now supporting the Zanokhanyo Children’s Safety Home. Located in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South Africa, the home serves as a safe haven for orphaned and abandoned children who are in desperate need of love, care, and shelter. Zanokhanyo is reliant on donors for funding and the home is registered as a non-profit organisation. We have personal connections too and strict financial controls are in place ensuring donations are used wisely.
We were pleased to present Isla with a certificate for passing her Ballet exam. Well done Isla!
Now some feedback from our Church Wardens on progress on our church restoration:
“We are pleased to say that the roofing works are virtually finished apart from some adjustments needed to straighten the ridge tiles.
The plans are in place for the internal works and, as required, we have now submitted for informal advice to the external consultees, the Victorian Society and Historic England. Following this we will make any changes to the plans and then resubmit for formal review.
After this feedback is received and any changes made, the proposals are presented to the Diocesan Advisory Committee again for their formal response. This is followed by a 28- day notice period, before finally being presented to the chancellor for approval.
This is quite a lengthy process as the Diocesan Advisory Committee only meet at certain points throughout the year. We have had feedback at various stages and have responded to each comment accordingly.
We meet regularly with our Project Manager, our insurers, architects, and loss adjusters to update and discuss issues that have arisen. We continue to consult with the congregation and the community as required.
We are presently awaiting the go ahead from our insurers to instal heaters and dehumidifiers to dry the inside of the building and to ensure there is no fungal growth. This should make sure that the interior is completely dry for when the plastering etc work commences.
Please continue to pray for our project and our return to St John’s Church.”
It is with sad news I end this newsletter. Our great friend and church stalwart Winnie Clarke passed on Thursday, 13th June. Winnie will be sadly missed and our condolences to family and friends.
I wish you all a joyous summer and may the Lord bless you all.
Bobbie and all your friends at St John’s Trent Vale.