Banner Headlines

Dear friends,

Imagine that you have a choice to have a shower this evening or you go to work in the morning. Not a usual choice to have to make. But many people with ME have similar choices all the time. If you do one thing, then you will not have the energy or strength to do the other. If you push yourself beyond your limits it can take weeks or even months to recover.

MEACTION is our current charity where the proceeds from our coffee mornings will go. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis is a long term chronic fluctuating neurological condition which causes symptoms affecting many body systems, especially the nervous and immune systems. Sufferers experience extreme pain, fatigue and many other symptoms.  It affects an estimated 250,000 people and around 17 million people worldwide. And symptoms vary from person to person.

The only NHS treatment has been proved to make 60% of patients worse and there is very little research funding for this disease, about £1 per patient per year.

MEACTION has a campaign called ‘Millions Missing’ to represent those who are missing from society, family life, work etc. due to their illness. Pairs of shoes are displayed on pavements from those who are missing, making a powerful statement.

Those of us who have seen the effects of this debilitating condition know it to be deeply destructive to the most normal things of life. A number of people in our church family have personal experience or know someone with the condition. So our giving will make a difference to this often overlooked group of people.

Peace

Tim

________________

Nothing liberates our greatness like the desire to help,

the desire to serve.

Marianne Williamson

Services during July

Great Expectations

At a baptism the young minister was full of enthusiasm. He held the baby in his arms and speculated aloud as to the child’s possible future. “He may become a captain of industry, a great scientist, or a gifted teacher, someone on whom hundred of young boys may model themselves on. Then turning to the parents in a rather grand manner, he asked “ And so what name do you give to this child ?”

Timidly, the reply came “Amanda Jane.”

Services during August

Knowle

Three-year old Caitlin had been learning the Lord's Prayer. For several evenings at bedtime, she would repeat after her mother the lines from the prayer.

Finally, she decided to go solo. The mother listened with pride as Caitlin carefully enunciated each word right up to the end of the prayer:

"Lead us not into temptation," she prayed, "but deliver us some E-mail."

Church Family News

—Ë—

Firstly Congratulations!

To several members with landmark birthdays this month – it was a wonderful celebration for Janet’s special day last month! Thank you for having us all to your lovely tea party Janet.

Phil celebrated the same birthday but the day before! Congratulations Phil!

Robert Spooner is 10 years ahead of them. Happy Birthday Robert.

We remember in our prayers, lovely friends who are going through difficult times:

Jane Storey and family. What a wonderful celebration of Duncan’s life held here at BX on Friday 14th June. This followed a ceremony at the Woodland Cemetery, Wisewood, where Duncan was laid to rest. Our love, thoughts and prayers continue to be with Jane.

Steve and Alison Russell appreciate our prayers at the moment.

Joan Rowe, happily Joan’s fractured ankle is healing better than expected. She hopes to begin some chemotherapy soon.

Bryan and Shirley Coates receiving support at home.

Brenda Martin is now home. Please pray that she manages well with the support she needs.

Helen Watson sadly passed peacefully away on Tuesday 18th June. Her funeral will be at Hutcliffe Wood on Wednesday 26th June at 9.45am followed by a thanksgiving service at Banner Cross at 10.15am after which there will be light refreshments. She was a lovely lady who always had a kind word for all.

Chris

________________

A curious child asked his mother: “Mommy, why are some of your hairs turning grey?”

The mother tried to use this occasion to teach her child: “It is because of you, dear. Every bad action of yours will turn one of my hairs grey!”

The child replied innocently: “Now I know why grandmother has only grey hairs on her head.”

In this period of FELLOWSHIP,

a prayer by Ruth Yorke, a Deacon in the Birmingham district. 

God of us all, we thank you that you place us in community, to enable and encourage each other, to share and grow together. Help those of us who are usually silent or silenced, to speak and be heard. Help those of us who are always heard to learn to make space for others to have voice. Help us all to be people who listen with our hearts, value each others’ differences, and work together as we listen to your word and your wisdom. Please broaden our minds and hearts to be in tune with yours, that we may see as you see and love as you love. Help us to recognise that, in enabling each other with your kindness, our communities, and each of us in them, may grow and flourish.  Amen

________________

The Holy Habit for July and August is

Biblical Teaching

Thanks to Leslie and Sylvia Graves for sending in a text in which are hidden books in the Bible.

There are 21 Bible book names hidden in the text below – can you find them?

I once made a remark about the hidden books of the Bible. It was a lulu, kept people looking so hard for facts. For others, it was a real revelation. Some were in a jam, especially since the names of the books are not capitalised. But the truth finally struck home to numbers of readers. It should be a most fascinating few moments for you. Yes, there are some books that will be a hard job to find, but those are the most fun. Can a human being really find all twenty-one of them? At the worst you should find fifteen. No defect in the genes is required. Although I will admit it usually takes a minister to find one of them and there will be loud lamentations when it is found.  What will keep you from answering this challenge? A little lady says she brews a cup of tea so she can concentrate better.  How long you keep working at it only you can judge, so long as you try to compete. Remember we’ve had fun seeking out twenty-one books of the Bible, but it is far more important to “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness”. 

The solution appears on page 16.

The Great Spiritual Migration

the Holy Habits Book Club Choice for ‘Biblical Teaching’

—Ë—

The Christian book, “The Great Spiritual Migration: How the World’s Largest Religion is Seeking a Better Way to Be Christian” by Brian D McLaren will be discussed at the next Holy Habits Book Club meeting which will take place after Morning Service on Sunday 11 August.  Brian McLaren, a former pastor with a background in literature, describes himself as a Christian thinker, a global activist, and a public theologian. Rev Tim Crome will lead our discussion. You may recall Tim’s letter in last November’s issue of Banner Headlines. 

Tim wrote: “In this letter I want to recommend a book to you.  It is written by one of the most influential Christian writers of our time, and it is both a challenging and informative read.  This book is for you if you wonder about the state of the Christian Church in our society today.  We live in a declining church, and there are many challenges facing the church, which lead some to question the future.  Many people experience Christianity as a system of belief, focused on a Supreme Being who favour some and rejects others, and is defended by a set of change averse, self-protecting institutions. 

In his book, Brian McLaren proposes that this conventional understanding of Christianity is ripe for conversion: from a system of belief to a way of life, from exclusive Supreme Being to the loving healing, reconciling Spirit embodied in Jesus, and from an organised institutional religion which supports an unjust status quo to an organising movement-building religion that help a better world to be born.” 

Tim suggested we create a chance to read this thought-provoking book, and this is our opportunity. Do join us. 

Alison Russell

________________

The man who doesn’t read good books has no advantage over the man who can’t read them.

Mark Twain

HOLY HABITS

They devoted themselves to the Apostles' Teaching

—Ë—

Today, learning about God can happen in so many ways. Universities offer degree courses in theology; church services provide sermons and scripture readings, plus the opportunity to

learn as we sing; various Bible societies publish daily readings and commentaries.

Jesus himself was a devoted student of the Old Testament, the only Bible of his day. He found strength from its words when he was tempted, and from the Psalms even on the cross. Therefore it is not surprising that he taught his disciples from the writings of Moses, the prophets and the Psalms [Luke 24:44-45].

Following such an example, I'm very glad that some of my Banner Cross friends get together during the week to read various parts of the Bible. I believe they started because they wanted to move beyond the short readings possible in services, putting the text in its context, widening their horizons to look at a whole chapter and eventually a whole book.

At present they meet on a Thursday morning at 10.30 [usually in the Quiet Room, though this can change if necessary]. They'll be delighted to share this experience with anyone who is interested, and I'll be please to provide more information.

As the Holy Habits book says, it's "even better together" ! Give it a go !

Love and Blessings.

Friar Tuck

________________

Some biblical facts

• The shortest verse in the Bible is John 11:35, which states, “Jesus wept.” (While it is the shortest verse in English, it is not the shortest in the original languages)

• The longest book in the Bible is Psalm 119._[3]
• The shortest book in the Bible is Psalm 117, with just 2 verses._[3]
• The longest verse in the Bible is Esther 8:9._[3]

Italian Evening

—Ë—

On Saturday 11th May, Lorna hosted an Italian Evening. We enjoyed a 3-course meal consisting of bruschetta, lasagne and salad, and tiramisu and Neapolitan ice cream.

However, we had to sing for our supper first, and we continued to sing between courses. The songs all had an Italian theme and we had a lot of fun singing them!  Oh, and we wore red, green and white – the colours of the Italian flag. We raised £310 for our Christian Aid Charity.

Thanks Lorna, it was great.

________________

Services, Events and Meetings at Banner Cross in July and August

—Ë—

The Holy Habit for July and August is “Biblical Teaching”

Sunday 7th July

10.45am the Launch of the Holy Habit “Biblical Teaching” at Morning Worship led by Dr Jenny Bywaters; 6.30pm Gathering

Sunday 14th July

10.45am Morning Worship led by Mr David Green; 6.30pm Gathering

Wednesday 17th July

7.30pm Property and Finance Committee Meeting

Saturday 20th July

2-5 pm Garden Party at the home of Ian and Sylvia Runciman to celebrate 150 years of Action for Children 

Sunday 28th July

10.45am Service of Holy Communion led by Rev Tim Crome.

6pm the film, “God on Trial” will be shown in Room 2.

Sunday 4th August

10.30am, we join folk at Carterknowle Methodist Church for Morning Worship. We have also been invited to their breakfast at 9am.

Sunday 11th August

10.45am, Morning Worship led by Rev Tim Crome; followed by the Holy Habits Book Club discussion of “The Great Spiritual Migration” led by Rev Tim Crome.

Saturday 17th August

1.30pm the film Philomena will be shown in Room 2.

Sunday 18th August

10.45am, Morning Worship led by Mr Chris Bishop. Members of Carterknowle Methodist Church will join us.

Sunday 25th August

10.30am, we join folk at Millhouses Methodist Church for Morning Worship.

Information correct as at 19th June2019. Some events are subject to change. 

There is also a Calendar on the noticeboard in the coffee lounge which is updated every two weeks.

________________

Christmas Fair

CALLING ALL YOU NICE PEOPLE

Hopefully we can have a "holiday" stall at this years' Christmas fair and I'm asking you to bring something to put on it.

Perhaps a little gift that you saw on your holidays, not expensive but something that will catch the eye and will be a quick sale!

Thank you

(Christmas Fair committee)

ATTENTION!! ATTENTION!!

Calling all prospective Christmas Fair stall holders and anyone else who may have some new and exciting ideas!

Are you ready, willing and able to help with the fair so it can run just as smoothly as in previous years?

Will you be happy to set up your own stall and clear up after the event?

This is always quite a big project and we need help from each other, this is called Fellowship, something that we're good at.

There will be a meeting in room 2 on Saturday the 6th of July at 10.30. Please come.

(Christmas Fair committee) 

________________

Walking Group Weekend

Bridlington and Flamborough

June 7th – 9th

Sixteen of us went on the trip. It’s becoming quite a tradition and happily we seem to grow in number year by year!

Twelve of us stayed in the Bridlington Guest House, with Paula, Tim, Sean and Gen camping at Flamborough.

There’s so much to do around this part of the East Coast. We are so thankful to Paula and Tim for doing a bit of a recce a few weeks ago – and choosing two great eating places for the Friday and Saturday nights, collecting our choices and booking these in advance. We thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship of both.

On the Saturday the weather was very much better than forecast. We had two short walks – at Bempton Cliffs in the morning, where it was just the right time of year to observe the breeding season for the many seabirds. Sean set his telescope so that we could look directly onto a puffin!

After a bite to eat at the Visitor Centre (we didn’t need much after a hearty breakfast) fourteen of us set off south over the cliffs – it didn’t feel like June should – ‘’bracing’’ would be the best description - but we actually managed to walk four out of our five miles, before getting severely ‘’rained off’’! The men were most ‘’gentlemanly’’ and went to get the cars while we took shelter in Thornwick Bay Café. We rather outstayed our welcome and had to be politely asked to leave the premises so they could close and put the chain across the driveway! It was still raining and the men had to walk a long way and still hadn’t returned. It’s fair to say all fourteen of us were quite ‘’chilled’’, and not in a good way….But we all cheered up at dinner.

Sunday brought beautiful bright sunshine and warm (more-June-like) weather. Most of the guest house party chose to visit the 1940s celebrations in Bridlington before leaving. This was apparently fantastic with dressing up, music, dancing, food and much, much more. Five of us went another walk – this time from the campsite to South Landing at Flamborough – we had lunch on the beach where we witnessed the lifeboat returning and being skillfully loaded (backwards!) onto the tractor and trailer, which drove so far out to sea, we thought it would float away!

 It was a wonderful weekend – and fitted perfectly with our Holy Habits theme of Fellowship. Do come along next year.

Chris Rowe

_______________

Banner Cross Wildlife Garden Update

As summer approaches, the wildlife garden is starting to show some changes from last year. The strip of garden in front of the railings is showing a change. Last year's seed mixture included a lot of garden flowers, as well as wild flowers. This year we have a splendid show of Ox-eye Daisy. These are interspersed with Honesty and poppies.

In addition, Garden Radish and Common Fumitory have arrived. Common Fumitory is a plant of disturbed and bare soil and cultivated land.

On the first weekend in June I photographed a Light-brown Apple, a Common Swift and a Common Purple & Gold Moth in other parts of our garden. I also photographed a Water Ladybird. When I took the photo I thought it was just a common Harlequin ladybird. I have entered this on the Record site, but at the time of writing it has not

been confirmed. If it is confirmed, I will be intrigued to know where

it came from.

Earlier in the year I photographed the bug, Eupteryx melissae, on our sage plants; a Tree Wasp and the hoverfly, Eristalis pertinax, on the Ivy; and a Large Red Slug in the compost bin.

If you are interested in what has been recorded, a list can be found on the Eco Church table. Any sightings with date and photograph will also be appreciated by the Eco group.

Andrew Watchorn

_______________

Summary of Recycling

During the 6 months from 1/12/18  to 31/5/2018 we have collected and passed for re-cycling the following:

Mobile phones        5 including 2 with chargers

Spectacles               18 pairs

Batteries                 12.48 kg

Shoes                      4 pairs

Toner Cartridges     60

_______________

Items for the September edition of the Headlines

can be sent via e-mail to

 terrykirkwood@virginmedia.com or by using the good old-fashioned methods of either popping it into the pigeonhole at church, through my front door or even by phoning me on 255 3771 but whatever method you use, can I have it no later than 15th August please. Thank you,

Terry

_______________

A wise printer always puts the good ones on top !!

Proposed visit to the Holy Land

October 2021

—Ë—

Christine and I are exploring the possibility of going on an organised trip to the Holy Land in October 2021. We can't go before then due to other commitments. We've got a rough quote and itinerary together through All Saints Travel who specialise in this sort of thing. Their itinerary is on the church notice board but can be adjusted. They suggest staying in Nazareth and Bethlehem. We wondered if any Banner Cross friends would be interested in going with us ? It would be nice to go in a group. If not we'll just do our own thing. Please let us know ASAP (see below for price details).  Thanks

Jonathan and Christine

________________

The Holy Land 2021

A Biblical and Historical Tour ‘Following in the Footsteps of Jesus’

See the Gospel come to life by following the footsteps of Jesus in the Holy Land. From Galilee to Jerusalem, you will find yourself immersed in spirituality and culture. This beautiful, tried and tested itinerary promises to bring the faithful pilgrim an unforgettable experience, including a non-stop return flight from the UK to Tel Aviv airport, a touring coach and professional local guide, as well as en-suite accommodation at a 4* hotel in Nazareth and a 3* hotel in Bethlehem.

Date: 12 – 19th October 2021

from £1,189 - 8 day/7 nights, HB

Spiritual Leader: TBC

Organised by Mr Jonathan Rowe

Tel. 07946 176 735 / 01793 608844 (AST)

Escafeld Chorale

Registered Charity No. 1110334

Conductor: Nigel Russell-Sewell

with

Sarah Leffler, Debra Finch, Rosie Williamson (sopranos)

Timothy Peters (tenor) and Tom Crathorne (piano)

Summer Anniversary Concert

Fifty Years of Music-Making

A mixed programme ranging from madrigals to musicals

 including some favourite pieces

from the last fifty years.

Followed by a celebratory glass of wine

Holy Trinity Church, Millhouses

Saturday 6th July 2019 at 7.30pm

Tickets £10; Concessions £8; students £4

accompanied under-16s free

available via www.escafeldchorale.org.uk

or telephone 07383 007 429

________________

Thank you very much to Ann Kingdom of Escafeld Chorale for her interesting article last month about the choir's forthcoming 50th Anniversary Concert.  As always, Alison Russell, Ann and Chris Barker, Jackie and Roger Dunn and Sylvia Graves will be selling tickets.

More Biblical facts

• Over 100 million copies of the Bible are sold each year.
• In 1631, a publishing company published a Bible with the typo “Thou Shalt Commit Adultery.” Only 9 of these Bibles, known as the “Sinners’ Bible” exist today.
• The word “bible” is from the Greek ta biblia, which means “the scrolls” or “the books.” The word is derived from the ancient city of Byblos, which was the official supplier of paper products to the ancient world.
• The full Bible has been translated into 532 languages. It has been partially translated into 2,883 languages.
• The Bible is not a single work but a collection of works from a wide variety of authors, such as shepherds, kings, farmers, priests, poets, scribes, and fisherman. Authors also include traitors, embezzlers, murders, and auditors.
• The King James Bible contains 788,258 words, 31,102 verses, 1,189 chapters, and 66 books.
• The longest word in the Bible is “Mahershalalhashbaz (Isaiah 8:3).
• While it took over 1,000 years to write the Old Testament, the New Testament was written within a period of 50-75 years.
• No original writings of the Bible exits.
• The Bible informs the tradition of three major world religions: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
• The top 3 highlighted books of all time on Kindle are 1) The Holy Bible by Crossway Bibles, 2) Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson, and 3) The Hunger Games.
• John Wycliffe produced the first translation of the entire Bible from Latin Vulgate into English. However, after he died, the Catholic Church exhumed and burned his corpse as punishment for his translation work.
• William Tyndale produced first printed edited of the New Testament in English. He was later burned at the stake for his efforts.
• Adam’s name is from the Hebrew word a da ma, which means “the ground.”

Church bulletin bloopers

Announcement in the church bulletin for a National PRAYER & FASTING Conference: "The cost for attending the Fasting and Prayer conference includes meals."

This afternoon there will be a meeting in the south and north ends of the church. Children will be baptized at both ends.

Miss Charlene Mason sang "I will not pass this way again," giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.

"Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Don't forget your husbands."

________________

The Solution to the Hidden Books of the Bible Text

I once made a remark about the hidden books of the Bible. It was a lulu, kept people looking so hard for facts. For others, it was a real revelation. Some were in a jam, especially since the names of the books are not capitalised. But the truth finally struck home to numbers of readers. It should be a most fascinating few moments for you. Yes, there are some books that will be a hard job to find, but those are the most fun. Can a human being really find all twenty-one of them? At the worst you should find fifteen. No defect in the genes is required. Although I will admit it usually takes a minister to find one of them and there will be loud lamentations when it is found. What will keep you from answering this challenge? A little lady says she brews a cup of tea so she can concentrate better. How long you keep working at it only you can judge, so long as you try to compete. Remember we’ve had fun seeking out twenty-one books of the Bible, but it is far more important to “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness”.