Hethersett a norfolk village on the web

“Supporting the Gambia” was the title of a talk by Linda Gibbons from Acle on Saturday 10th February when more than 20 ladies enjoyed breakfast cooked by Tom and his team.

Linda and her sister Elaine Horner, from Penzance, are regular visitors to the Gambia. Their interest in the country came from tracing the steps of Penzance man Samuel Symons who visited the African country as a missionary in 1842. He died two years later and Linda and Elaine were able to find his grave.

As a result, Methodist churches in both Acle and Penzance began raising funds for the Gambia to support health and education. Money has helped to build a home for a teacher, support the education of local youngsters and provide much needed supplies such as cotton wool and antiseptic cream. They have also provided items as diverse as jigsaw puzzles and maths equipment.

The Acle church sponsors a child and Linda explained that it costs as little as £17 to educate a young child for a year.

Anybody from Hethersett wishing to sponsor a child from teh Gambia should contact church steward Anne Steward.

January 2006

25 ladies joined together for the ladies breakfast on Saturday 7th January, very ably served by Tom, Basil, David, Peter and Derek.

We were challenged by Jane Loades, the district Evangelist, as to why churches hold coffee mornings and what perception those who attend have of the Church as a result of coming along.

The question she posed (see below) could be addressed to many of our church activities. We might not have agreed with everything Jane said but she certainly made us think.

It is a lovely way of starting a weekend (having breakfast cooked and presented by the men folk) and gives us a chance to chat and meet new people.

Coffee Mornings - The Ultimate Challenge

Questions to ask of the church that holds a Coffee Morning:

Why do you have a coffee morning?

Who will welcome people when they come and who will make the coffee?

Will you use Fair Trade products?

Do you see the coffee morning as a mission opportunity?

How can we meet the needs of the people who come?

Questions asked by those attending a coffee morning:

How do I access the Coffee Morning?

Where is the door?

Where is the coffee?

Where can I sit when all seats seem to be occupied?

Some people are eating, where did they get the food?

Is there anyone who will help, before I ask?

I want to know more about the church, who will talk to me?

Unspoken questions and comments - the challenge?

Did the sign outside really mean that anyone could come in?

Help I feel trapped, too many people are talking to me

No-one is talking to me

These people are really interested in me.

I want to ask the questions I'm longing to have answered

God is good and Christians are OK

January 2005

The Rev Graham Thompson, Chairman of the East Anglian District, read from Paul's letter to the Philippians chapter 1; regarding Christian qualities that we desire for others, because we are all in partnership - with God and with our Christian brothers and sisters.

Graham then took us back to his recent history (1999) when ideas began to surface regarding a nomination for him to become Chair of District. Graham considered that he did not have the qualities required to become a chair. However the ideas came from three directions, so he reluctantly allowed his name to go forward.

Graham spoke of a very difficult period with feelings of sadness, disappointment and joy, as his name was not accepted on two occasions, but agreed on the third (2001), and so he became a shadow to Malcolm Brady.

Graham considered that his period of nomination, rejection and finally acceptance might be an experience for all. In trying to discern God's desire, there is the need to throw yourself at God's mercy - a partnership with God.

At present Graham is responsible for 23 Methodist circuits throughout Norfolk, Suffolk and part of Cambridgeshire. Each Sunday he goes to a different circuit to lead worship. Graham is a pastor to pastors; as such he responds to the needs of the flock by visiting. There are ecumenical responsibilities; also he represents the East Anglia District to the Connexion (therefore many committees). Graham is responsible for the stationing and placement of ministers, for resources regarding training and for the life of the church. His is a ministry requiring partnership that brings joys and disappointment (we all need to learn forgiveness - to turn the other cheek).

Regarding the future, Graham noted the view of a declining church. However also noting that "we are still here." If we are faithful, God is faithful. Graham reported on signs of hope across the district, new buildings and projects, youth work within Hethersett being a beacon within the district.

Graham concluded that:

	There is a need to work in partnership with God and each other
	To expect God to be at work and
	To expect to meet with God each Sunday.

July 2003

Mrs Pam Walton spoke about her life in Zimbabwe. She now lives in Salhouse, but the African country still has a place in her heart.

We saw a short video of the mighty Victoria Falls and then she spoke of her adventurous ride on a white water raft down the Zambezi river.

She reminded us that this trip was very much like our Christian journey - times of peaceful tranquility when everything is going well, and then bursts of absolute panic and fear, when we wonder just what has gone wrong and where is God in all that is happening to us? At times like these we need to put all our trust in Him and we will be helped and guided and led to another peaceful and restful time.

She also mentioned the political situation in this wonderful country and urged us all to pray for the people and especially for President Mugabe, that he would see the need to hand over the rule of the country to others.

We had a display of Zimbabwean crafts provided by Pam and Sheila. Time passed only too quickly but everyone unanimously joined Jean as she gave the vote of thanks and then led the group in a prayer for Zimbabwe and its people.