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FROM THE EDITOR

A QUESTION that I have frequently encountered since returning to St Johns this autumn is what have you done since leaving university?. I graduated from my Masters degree in July so it is a reasonable question. Aside from applying for jobs and learning how to drive again, I spent most of my summer away from Felbridge, helping on Christian activity camps for children. The first camp I helped on this summer is Iwerne. Situated in Holt, North Norfolk rather than the Dorset town from which it takes its name, the team runs three holidays for 14-18 year olds. These young people typically come from boarding and independent schools. I helped for a week, cooking with a team of 10 for around 250 people. The other cooks provided great fellowship, and it was encouraging to see so many teenagers thinking about Jesus as someone who affects their whole life, not just someone who they hear about in chapel. My second camp was Upcott in Minehead. This camp is on a much smaller scaleonly twenty young people at a time and about ten leaders. As the newsletter I received yesterday says, this allows relationships that are open, deep and long-lasting. Attending Upcott as a teenager myself, I found that it is a great place to focus on Jesus love and grace. This year, I had the opportunity to help with the youngest age group (8-10 year olds) and the oldest 1 (16-18 year olds). At both ages, it was such a blessing to see these young people opening up their Bibles and discovering the grace of Jesus Christ for themselves. I would certainly recommend Christian holiday camps to anyone who has a teenager or alternatively, has the time and energy to practically support the work of these camps. Sarah Francis

VICAR: The Rev. Stephen Bowen (on sick leave) ASSOCIATE MINISTER: Michael Peach 5 Burns Way, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1SA Tel: 01342 312406 michaelstevenpeach@gmail.com Michaels day off: Friday

Cover photo:
European greenfinch on sunflower in Felbridge by Peter Bateman

NOVEMBER: Articles for this issue to be submitted by SUNDAY 14th October Publication: 28th October Please e-mail your articles to parishmagstjohns@gmail.com or put them in the editors pigeon hole in the south porch at church.

THE CHAIR-MAN WRITES ...

DEAR FRIENDS, I had always wanted to be the chairman of something, so when Rosemary Tadman asked me to take the chair I was delighted and said, Of course. Actually, what she wanted was for me to take the chair into the church and clean it along with another couple of dozen that had got dirty during the renovation work on the church hall. As I was cleaning I was reminded of a time, about twenty years ago, when a friend at St. Johns, Keith Hughesdon, gave me some sound advice on chairs. He wasnt in the furniture trade, but was a merchant banker and businessman. He was also one of our churchwardens. So how could he help with chairs? Well, we were running our own small company and a much larger firm that we had been working with decided to withhold our share of profits on a joint publishing project. They said it was because someone in the group that we had been working with had been implicated in some fraudulent transactions. I had to meet the companys board of directors at their head office in London and convince them that our project had been run professionally and that we had been 2 honest in all our dealings. I had never encountered a situation like that and asked Keith for his advice. He explained that in most boardrooms there is one chair that is the most powerfulusually its the one at the end of the boardroom table facing the door. Keith suggested that I should walk into the room and confidently go to that chair so that I could see everyone else as they walked in. I should then put my briefcase on the next chair and leave it there until everyone else was in the room then put it on the floor. When I asked why, he said, That chair is to remind you that although you will be outnumbered by the board members, we know that you are right and that God, who is allpowerful, is at your side. He gave me a Bible verse to remember: Romans 8:31 - If God is for us, who can be against us? Keith was right. After I explained the situation to the board members and answered some very challenging questions, they were convinced that we had acted properly and that we should receive our share of project profits. God was with me then and no matter what situation you face, He can be with you too if you put your trust in Jesus. Gordon Wilkinson

THROUGH THE WEEK

Mondays

Connections on 8th October from 2 - 4pm in the Church Hall WI Annual Meeting on 2nd September at 1.30pm in the Village Hall Watercolour on Wednesdays at 2pm in the Church Hall 1st Felbridge (St Johns) Brownies at 5.15pm in the Church Hall Keep-fit at 7.30pm in Church Hall Monthly Prayer meeting on 10th October at 8pm in Church WIGS at the Old Pheasantry, Woodcock Hill at 10.30am 1st Felbridge (St Johns) Rainbows at 5.45pm in the Church Hall 1st Felbridge (St Johns) Guides at 7pm in the Church Hall Prayer Breakfast on 6th October, 8 - 9am in the Church Hall

Tuesdays

Wednesdays

Thursdays

Fridays

Saturdays

Snappy Happy?
If you would like one of your photos on the cover of Parish News, or in our Finding Reality leaflet, please send them by email, at high resolution, to parishmagstjohns@gmail.com by 31st October together with your captions. Decisions on which images to use will be made by the editorial team during December.
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WHATS HAPPENING
Sunday Services in October
7th Oct 14th Oct 10am Family Service with Don Ely 6pm Holy Communion with Jack Baker 8am Holy Communion with Alan Mathers 10am Morning Prayer with Michael Toogood 6pm Evening Prayer with Michael Peach 21st Oct 10am Holy Communion with Peter Markby 6pm Raise the Roof with Michael Peach 28th Oct 8am Morning Prayer with Jack Baker 10am Farewell Service for Stephen Bowen 6pm Evening Prayer with James Radcliffe
10am Family Service: 7th October Harvest Festival At our Harvest Festival Celebration well thank God for providing for us in so many ways. This all-age service will be great for the whole family: well sing hymns old and new, meet our old friend Bruno the dog, and learn from Gods Word together. 10am Service: 14th & 21st October The rise and fall of Solomon (1 Kings 1-11) In our morning services in October we shall begin to look at the life of one of the most famous of all the Old Testament kings King Solomon, as we work through the first few chapters of the book of 1 Kings. Well see how God establishes Solomon as King and gives him great wisdom, but as we continue through the Autumn well also see Solomons great folly, and much else besides! As we consider Solomons life well learn a lot about God (who is the same now as then!), and about how God relates to his people. Solomon was a great King in lots of ways, but well see how his story points forward to the much greater king Jesus Christ. 4

6pm Service: 7th, 14th & 28th October Jesus: Greater than the rest! In our evening services we shall continue to explore the book of Hebrews. It is a deep and rich book which considers how Jesus fulfils the Old Testament in many different ways, and how he is better than all that has come before. Through October well see how Jesus is greater than the Old Testament hero Moses, and hear how the Old Testament has serious warnings for us today. 6pm Service: 21st October Raise the Roof At this informal and interactive service well spend our time investigating Psalm 2 together. As we do so well see what the Old Testament has to say about Gods promised King!

You are warmly invited to:

A farewell service for Rev. Stephen Bowen

after 33 years as Vicar of Felbridge. Sunday 28th October, 10am at St Johns Stephen will be speaking at the service. Afterwards there will be a light lunch. All welcome.

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 21st October Rehearsal 4.15pm Scrummy Tea 5.30pm Service 6-6.40pm If youd like to join in playing an instrument, acting, dancing or singing young or old, beginner or pro - call Michael Peach for further information.
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VILLAGE ISSUES
Felbridge W.I.
WE WERE PLEASED to see extra visitors at our meeting to hear a most entertaining talk on Edwina Countess Mountbatten of Burma by Mr. D. James. He gave us many interesting anecdotes on Edwina and Dickie and further entertained us by singing marching songs with a lovely strong voice. Felbridge Village Craft Show will be on the 27th October and we have booked a table for sale of craftware so members are busy making various interesting items for sale. We have been looking into our past history and were pleased to be able to display a collage which was made for a County project over forty years ago with the theme of the last verse of Jerusalem Our green and pleasant land. We will be taking it to an Archivist Advice meeting to see the best way for it to be preserved. We were pleased to receive 13 nominations for the committee which will be decided at our Annual Meeting next month. There will be social activities after the business meeting has finished so do come along. For more information ring 01342 322302. Felbridge and District Horticultural Society will be meeting in the Village Hall on Thursday 18th October at 8.15pm. Daphne Ayerst

PLEASE HELP!
There must be some of you reading this who could find 1-2 hours once in two months to help clean our church. Many of our dedicated team have been serving in this role for years and our numbers are dropping. Cleaning is not a popular task, but it is one small way we can honour God. Do join us. To find out more please speak to Carole Grainger or phone 01342 325482. If you prefer using a mouse to a mop or a keyboard to a vacuum cleaner then the church laptop projection team would be glad to hear from you. Further information from any laptop operator or contact John Grainger: john@malcolmgee.plus.com

FELBRIDGE WILDLIFE
Go Sloe
HEDGEHOGS and moles have been thriving on the abundance of slugs and earthworms that were produced in the wet summer. 'Snatch', our local sparrowhawk, has been living up to its nickname among the feeding stations intended for small birds. European birds don't come any smaller than the goldcrest. Last month, I held one in my hand when it stunned itself by flying into one of our windows, which was shut at the time. It made a soft but wet landing in a bucket of water and a few minutes drying in the sun enabled it to fly over the hedge in the direction of a Scots Pine which it probably called home. Fewer butterflies this year, but we were able to watch two hummingbird hawk-moths hovering, with amazingly fast wing beats, to collect nectar with a long probing proboscis, just before sunset. At the Mariners end of Hedgecourt Lake lies our local Site of Special Scientific Interest. It has been cared for by the Surrey Wildlife Trust since 1987, when the upper part of the Eden Brook was dammed to form it and to encourage rare bog plants and many species of dragonfly. A boardwalk allows birders, botanists and anglers, and all of us, 7 Goldcrest Courtesy: RSPB easy access through the wet bits. On my last visit, I saw a bullfinch flash its white rump as it flew into a coppice of willow, and a doe roe deer gave me one of those doeeyed looks before leaping across a flower- and berry-filled glade. It was followed closely by one of its little deers, now nearly full grown. As I opened the gate to regain the road, a big fully furred fox was approaching from the other side and politely turned aside to let me pass. St. Francis of Assisi, whose commemorative day is the 4th of the month, would surely have approved. The last of the blackberries have gone but the buckthorn still puts on a good sloe.

Peter Bateman

IN THE GARDEN
To bend with apples the mossed cottage-trees, And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core; John Keats THE MELLOW FRUITFULNESS of Keats great poem has not really materialised this year as the trees, which usually bend under the weight of apples and pears, have very little fruit to harvest. In spring, the blossom gave us its usual glorious show but it remained mostly unfertilised as the insects, particularly the bees, cannot fly in heavy rain. Beekeepers all over the country found that they had to feed their bees, which is unheard of in summer. We have been luckier than that and did not have to feed so early, but we have not taken a honey crop as it is clear that the bees need all they have made for themselves. The picture has been the same throughout the country and gives us all a stark reminder of just how much we need the bees, so we must look out for the RHS bee-friendly logo when choosing new plants for our gardens. However, the gardener is ever the optimist and now is the ideal time to be planting new fruit trees and soft fruits. I plan to replace my summer fruiting raspberries as they are past their best. New ones will be planted in a raised 8 bed and the gap inside the fruit cage will be filled with gooseberries and redcurrants. Heres hoping for a really fruitful season next year. Time, too, to finish the planting of spring bulbs. We all have the usual daffodils, tulips and crocuses, but have you thought of planting something a little more unusual? Camassia esculenta is a glorious blue, as is Chionodoxa forbesii; I plan to try both this year, probably on our new rockery, as I do so love blue flowers. Theres still just time to plant prepared hyacinths if you want them to flower at Christmas, but leave them a little longer if, like me, you prefer them later, to welcome in the New Year. Summer may be past, but there is still plenty to see and do in our local gardens. Wisley has a Free Day Friday on the 5th October. It is followed by the Taste of Autumn Festival from 17th - 21st October. Meanwhile, Nymans Garden will be hosting a series of free garden workshops with their Garden Rangers. However long I have gardened, theres always room to learn something new; the more I know, the more there is to find out. Rosemary Archer

TELL ME?
Why is there so much fuss about Jesus death?
THROUGHOUT HISTORY there have been good people who have died unjustly, and often there are stories of soldiers who die to save their comrades. So why is there so much fuss about Jesus death? Jesus death is so significant for two reasons: his unique identity, and his unique achievement. Jesus unique identity: Jesus was a good man, who went around performing many acts of kindness and mercy. At his trial the Roman governor Pontus Pilate made clear that he thought that Jesus was innocent of all the charges brought against him. However, Jesus was also much more than a good and innocent man. One of the New Testament writers describes Jesus like this: The Son is the radiance of Gods glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. (Hebrews 1:3 NIV) The Bible makes the amazing claim that Jesus was not only a man, but also God God the Son. Jesus shows us what God the Father is like, for Jesus is Gods Son, and fully God himself. He even sustains the universe by his word! So when Jesus is nailed to a Roman cross, it is the person of God the Son who hangs there, and dies as a man. This alone makes Jesus death the most astounding in history! However, it is 9 also hard to see why this happened without our second reason. Jesus unique achievement: Why would God the Son submit himself to life as a man and a most painful death? The Bibles answer is clear: to save helpless people. Often we think of ourselves as decent people, but in moments of honesty we have to admit that there is much in our lives and our pasts of which we are ashamed. God is good, holy and fair he could never justly accept any of us, for we have all ignored or rebelled against him and his good rule. Jesus, the only wholly innocent and sinless man, is the only one God could accept the only person who is righteous. Yet this righteous man swaps places with us on the Cross. He takes the consequences of our sin and rebellion. This is how another of New Testament writers puts it: For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. (1 Peter 3:18 NIV) Jesus death means that all who trust in him can be counted as having lived the sinless and innocent life of Jesus. Jesus is uniquely God the Son, and the achievement of Jesus death is something we desperately need: a way that we can be accepted by God. Jesus death is worth all the fuss and more! Michael Peach

A CHURCH ARMY SISTER WRITES

For the revelation awaits an appointed time...Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come... Habakkuk 2 v 3 THE 24TH JULY 1962 was a very special day for me, after one year pretraining and 2 years at the Wilson Carlile College Marylebone, (now the Marylebone Project) I was commissioned as an evangelist in the Church Army by the Bishop of Willesden. I was to work in a Holiday Home for mothers and children who had come down from the East End of London. (Fathers were often at Her Majestys pleasure). I was to take over the childrens work. Sadly, due to family illness and then being ill myself, I had to give up my commission after only 6 months service. Now, 50 years later on the 18th September 2012 I was once again commissioned as a Church Army Sister. There were 25 of us re-commissioned at St Pauls Cathedral by the Chief Executive and Community Leader Canon Mark Russell. The Morning Service was of Thanksgiving and Reconciliation with the Bishop of Chelmsford officiating at Holy Communion. We also had Bishops representing Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Church Army has become a Mission Community and exists to enable people to come to a living faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and are committed to sharing our faith through Word and Action. The Afternoon Service of Inauguration of the New Church Army Mission Community is when I received my commission as a Church Army Sister. I thank God for guiding me through these many years, and keeping me faithful to the work of the Church Army; for giving me the opportunity to serve Him and to be back to where I felt sure the Lord called me all those years ago. I wish to thank you all for your love and prayers. Sister Diane Giles C. A.

Smile Lines If at first you don't succeed then sky diving is not for you The best labour saving device a wife can have is a rich husband 10

Handcrafted quality Ethical values Thoughtful gifts

If you are looking for gifts that express care, thoughtfulness and uniqueness, look no further. Created has been selecting beautiful, high-quality gifts for over 35 years for you to give to friends. By buying Created goods, you can help bring transformation and fresh hope to people living in poverty. You can provide the dignity of employment with fair wages to skilled craftspeople living in poor communities around the world. In January, Gordon and I met a lady called Mohanna, who has been trained in sewing and patchwork by Created supplier CMCT in Chennai. She said that the love and prayers of her fellow workers have helped her grow in confidence and faith. The work she does helps to provide for the family and gives her confidence for the future. Please pick up a Created catalogue from the back of church and encourage your friends, work colleagues and family to buy. Orders can be placed on the website: www.created.org.uk or via Brenda and Gordon Wilkinson on 01342 311516 or brenda7406@gmail.com

Connections, our series of events for Seniors will be back in the hall this month for tea, coffee and cake, a short informal talk from the Bible about things that matter, and lots of different activities and games. A great opportunity to meet old friends and make new ones all welcome! Our next meeting will be on

Monday, 8th October 2 - 4pm in St. Johns Church Hall

For more information contact Don Ely or Michael Peach.
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MISSION MATTERS
Scripture UnionRun your race
RUNNING your Race is topical because of the recent Olympic and Paralympic Games, but we dont only do running in sport or as a physical activity. Run your race is the heading in the SU Daily Bread Bible reading notes for 23rd August this year, when the passage discussed is Hebrews 12:1-13. Verse 1 in the passage ends let us run with perseverance the race marked out before us and the commentator on the passage writes the race you are running is the race God has set before you. Your performance in the race so far may have been, well, a bit wobbly. But just as an athlete stays perfectly straight by fixing his eyes dead ahead, so can you too by looking straight at Jesus (v 2). Daily Bible reading through a Bible reading scheme provides a systematic way of getting to know the Bible and reflecting on Gods Word. It also provides us with practical help in daily life. At St Johns, the following Scripture Union Bible reading notes are available every quarter: Daily Bread, Encounter with God and Closer to God. A large print version is also available for Daily Bread. I will be taking orders in November for the notes for the first quarter in 2013, so do ask me if you would like further information. Dont forget you can also visit the SU interactive website WordLive www.wordlive.org a daily online Bible experience which you register for with a username and password. A Frequently Asked Question is What if I get behind with reading my Bible notes? Thats perfectly natural I do it all the time. The answer is: just keep your eyes dead ahead and you will find your own way of catching up.

Gill Matson

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CHURCH HALL THANKS

Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody
THIS IS A LITTLE STORY about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody (and needs to be read slowly). There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that because it was Everybodys job. Everybody thought that Anybody could do it, but Nobody realised that Everybody wouldnt do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done. Thank Goodness we are not like this at St. Johns!! When it was suggested that the Church Hall should be refurbished, Everybody was consulted, Somebody liaised with the architect and the builders, Somebody helped plan the kitchen, Everybody was invited to the fundraising events and Anybody could come along and help. When it was time for the builders to start Everybody did what they could to help clear the hall and then put everything back afterwards. Somebody went to the tip with unwanted items and Somebody reorganised the storage areas. Anybody who offered was given a worthwhile job to do so Nobody felt like a nobody and Everybody felt appreciated. Then, when all the work was done, Everybody was delighted with the result. SO THANK YOU TO EVERYBODY FOR ALL THEIR HARD WORK (I wont mention names as I would be sure to miss Somebody!!) Brenda Wilkinson

Situations Vacant Girlguiding 1st Felbridge (St Johns)

We have vacancies for girls aged 5 to 14 and for helpers with all 3 sections. We meet in term time only, at St Johns Church Hall, Felbridge on: Wednesdays Brownies (7- 10 years old ) Fridays Rainbows ( 5-7 Years old) and Guides ( 10 14 years old ) We offer a wide range of activities, giving the girls lots of opportunities to learn new things and skills, have fun and make new friends in a unique girl-only space. To find out more, or to put your daughter on a waiting list so that she gets a place when she reaches the right age its never too early please contact Ann and Louise Tucker on 01342 317283 or email felbridge_rbg@hotmail.co.uk. 17

CURRENT ISSUES: CLIMATE

Harvest - managing climate change is the key challenge
THIS MONTH churches across the world will be thanking God for the harvest, but for many farmers the yield hasnt been as good as in previous years. Thats particularly so in many of the poorest parts of the world. Just a few weeks ago British farmers were reporting that the cold rainy summer had delayed harvesting and increased crop diseases. Most have now managed to get their grain crops harvested, but apple growers, cidermakers and gardeners have had the worst apple yield since 1997. There is no doubt that climate change is in part responsible. Back in April, government chief scientist Prof. John Beddington stressed that farmers should now be convinced that global warming is a reality. He said that data from insurance firm Munich Re, which looked at disasters between 1980 and 2010, showed that those that had a geological basis, such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, show no trend whereas disasters caused by climatic conditions, such as floods, droughts and storms, have all shown a sharp increase over the period. The frequency of extreme weather events is also increasing. In the UK, the government has assessed the challenges that our farmers face and DEFRA produced a report in January giving advice on how the farming industry can adapt to an emerging pattern of wetter winters, 18 warmer summers, more droughts and more extensive flooding. In the UK we may see climate change as a threat to our future, but people in poor countries are feeling the effects today. Many live in fragile housing on marginal land; they rely heavily on agriculture to survive, and they lack savings or insurance to assist recovery if a disaster strikes. Tearfunds partner in Mali reports: The climate has changed and the rainy season has become unpredictable. Water levels fall year by year. The future is bleak for farmers and cattlebreeders alike. In India, The rain does not come at the right time. People start cultivating and there is no rain. Then it comes after a month, so the seeds die and again we have to plant. The World Health Organisation estimates that an extra 5 million serious illnesses and 150,000 deaths globally are already being caused by climate change, but what can we do? Theres a lot: we can reduce our own greenhouse gas emissions and support campaigns for improved energy efficiency, investment in renewable energy schemes and reduced energy demand. Through St. Johns, we can actively help poor communities adapt to climate change by financing projects to plant drought-resistant crops, rainwater harvesting, soil conservation and reforestation. Its not too late... Gordon Wilkinson

HARVEST SUPPER
Saturday 6th October in the Village Hall 7 for 7.30pm
Tickets: 5 (2.50 for children at Primary School) includes a hot meal and light entertainment. Available from Cecilia Bliss on 01342 718441. A Message from the Gideons
For many years, 11 year old pupils at Brambletye, Imberhorne, Michael Hall, Sackville and Worth Abbey, have been offered pocket size copies of the New Testament and Psalms. It is indeed an answer to prayer that Gideons have been privileged to make the presentations. However, whilst the welcome from the school remains and funding is still provided, the number of local Gideons available to visit the schools is now diminishing as a result of house-moves and age, to the point where the local branch may have to close. Please pray urgently that the Lord of the harvest will send new workers (ie. Gideons) into this field and if you feel that He may have you in mind, discuss it with your church leaders and contact Derek Houghton, 01444 483634 or derekandjo@gmail.com Meadowcourt, East Grinstead: One bedroom ground floor retirement apartment enjoying views over communal gardens with direct access via patio doors. Fully fitted kitchen/storage heating throughout/newly decorated and carpeted. The complex has a House Manager on site and careline system/residents lounge/car park and guest suite available for visitors. 120,000 or nearest offer. Any interest, please contact Seana Dawson 01342 324282 19

on

HIGGS BOSON EXPLAINED

ONE OF OUR science teachers at school recently got quite excited about, and sent out a note to all staff concerning, recent discoveries about the Big Bang using the Hadron Collider. I pointed out to him, and you too may be interested to know, that, surprisingly, there is actually a pamphlet detailing the perfect sequence of events of the Big Bang, and moving forward in set periods of time delineated as days, that has been around in bookshops for many, many years now and never gone out of print. Surprisingly, very few people have actually read it, despite its importance. part of the book to fully understand the beginning. Similarly, to fully understand the ending one must look to the beginning. The book starts very simply, In the beginning, God created... Towards the end of this magnificent book, you will find a passage that describes in what (Whom) we live and move and have our being and just exactly what (Who) holds it all together. The God part(icle).

If you have difficulty obtaining The Large Hadron Collider Tunnel (Wikimedia Commons) your glasses, come along to St. Johns and well be happy to let you know how you Also, if you use the special can get them. glasses, made available as you read the later part of the book, it I love it when Science, at great also gives you some valuable expense, catches up! insight into beautiful, descriptive stories, written to explain in more (A Constant of 40% of all detail not only the how but more scientists in the world, many at the importantly the why. cutting edge of their fields, are reported to be Christian and A note of warning; it isnt possible have been since at least the to completely understand the whole 1950s). book without these glasses it is also necessary to look at the latter John Dabell

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VILLAGE NEWS
Felbridge Country Show Group
THE DIAMOND JUBILEE, the Torch Procession and the wonderful spectacle that was The Olympic Games has shown us all that the appetite for real community events is alive and well in Felbridge. The Country Show group will be organising further events throughout the year which we hope will help to keep alive the spirit which we enjoyed this summer as well as raise funds for an even bigger and better Country Show next year. The first of these events will be an Arts, Crafts and Food Market on October 27th in the Village Hall. Groups, individuals and charities from Felbridge and the surrounding area are invited to take part as well as commercial arts and crafts sellers and local food producers. With Christmas just around the corner this will be an ideal opportunity to discover those unusual and individual presents that are so hard to find in regular shops. Refreshments will be available and mulled wine will be served. Many of you enthusiastically entered the competitions at the Country Show and this is a further opportunity to show the lovely work going on throughout the community. Time to get down to producing those works of art, fabulous crafts, and tasty foods. Full details and entry forms are on the show website at www.show.felbridge.org.uk and are available from Chetan Patel at the Village Shop. Rosemary Archer

FELBRIDGE ARTS, CRAFTS & FOOD MARKET

Saturday 27th October at Felbridge Village Hall 10am to 4pm The Social & Fundraising Team will be having a stall at this event and would be grateful for contributions of items to sell in aid of church funds. The theme of the stall is Gifts so please let us have anything suitable obviously it must be new and unused. Items can be placed in the designated box at the back of the church. There will be a variety of stalls at the event and there are competitions to enter. There will also be a ceremony to unveil a banner made specially for the Jubilee by Ann Morley. 21

CHURCH FAMILY NEWS

News and Thanks
Thank you
Thank you all very much for the birthday cake and lovely card that I received in the beautifully refurbished hall on the day before my birthday. All your love and good wishes are greatly appreciated. Stephen Thank you to Martells for supplying packing boxes for us to use while the church hall was out of use. The firm, founded in 1917, offers removals, storage and a large department store. You can contact Martells 01342 321303. Thank you to those of the congregation who sponsored Brian and myself for the Historic Churches Ride and Stride. We raised 100, of which St. Johns will receive 50. A photo of the churches we visited will be in the church hall. Janet Starr

Congratulations to Hannah Jones on obtaining the Baden Powell Award. This is the highest award a girl can obtain whilst a Guide, before she moves onto Rangers. It can take up to two years of hard work and dedication. She completed ten challenges covering a diverse mixture, including such things as organising and running a cooking competition, joining a residential training programme with people unknown to herself, improving her own fitness by joining an athletics club and working with young people. The purpose being that she becomes a person who can show stickability, reliability, and become a well rounded member of the community. We at Worth Division are all very proud of her. Rona Bingham

Lunch Club for the retired

The Lunch Club meets on the 3rd Thursday of every month in the Village Hall from 12 - 1.30pm.The 2-course meal costs 3.00 and changes every month. All retirees welcome. For more details please contact Mary Taplin on 01342 325548
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Felbridge Village Store opening times:

Mondays-Saturdays 8am to 7:30pm Sundays 8am to 4pm.

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. Memorials arranged: Golden Charter pre-paid Funeral Plans 01892 770253 01342 315880

GARAGE & CAR REPAIRS, MOTs & COACHES

Woodcock Hill Service Station, London Road, Felbridge 01342 325544 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 For Fairtrade gifts and jewellery that help lift people out of poverty, call Brenda Wilkinson on 01342 311516 for a catalogue and to place your order, or log on to www.createdgifts.org.
When you contact any of our advertisers, don't forget to mention that you saw their advert in Parish News. For advertising enquiries, contact Gordon Wilkinson on 01342 311516 or John Dabell on 01342 317745.

USEFUL CONTACTS
Churchwardens: Phil Tadman 01342 322825 e-mail: philandrosemaryt@sky.com Andy Brown 01342 314267 e-mail: brownemail@btinternet.com Treasurer: PCC Secretary: Magazine Editor: Cleaning Rota: Ministry of Flowers: Church Hall Bookings: Village Hall Bookings: Chris Saunders 01342 325662 e-mail: treasurerstjohns@gmail.com Sheila Drury 01342 323865 e-mail: sheila.drury1@hotmail.co.uk Sarah Francis 01342 714575 e-mail: parishmagstjohns@gmail.com Carole Grainger 01342 325482

Ann Morley 01342 714645 e-mail: annmorley@aol.com Sally Hobbs 01342 410929 e-mail: hobbsfamilysja@gmail.com Lynda Railton 01342 322205

CHILDREN/YOUNG PEOPLE ACTIVITIES

Stars (3-6 yrs): Comets (Year 2-4): Meteors (Year 5-6): The Rock (Year 7-9): Parish Safeguarding Officer Sally Hobbs 01342 410929 e-mail: hobbsfamilysja@gmail.com Diane Francis 01342 714575 e-mail: diane_francis@tiscali.co.uk Diane Francis 01342 714575 e-mail: diane_francis@tiscali.co.uk Michael Peach 01342 312406 e-mail: michaelstevenpeach@gmail.com 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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