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FROM THE EDITOR

Do not take revenge on others or continue to hate them, but love your neighbours as you love yourself. I am the Lord. (Leviticus 19:17-19 Loving others isnt an easy thing to do, especially when you do your best to do a good deed and your efforts are rejected. When that happens to me, I become like a porcupine - protecting myself with my quills. Yet, as in the parable of the porcupine on page 9, by doing that I shut myself off from the warmth of others. Jesus calls us to live as a community, bearing with each other in compassion. He never promises that it will be easy, but he does promise us the Holy Spirit to enable us. Thank you God! We dont have to rely on our own abilities - we just have to make time to let God into our lives! On pages 10,11 & 12 is a report on the building project and the need to build our congregation. Perhaps before we can do that ,we need to learn to let God into our own lives and let him love us. I wonder how many of us are carrying around burdens of guilt? Let us repent and shine like the sun in our Father's Kingdom. (Matthew 13:43)
Lindsey Saunders

VICAR: The Rev Stephen Bowen The Vicarage, Felbridge, West Sussex RH19 2QT Tel: 01342 321524 Fax: 0870 9156268 stjohnschurchoffice@gmail.com Vicars day off: Thursday 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: Sunflower Burst

Taken by Peter Bateman

SEPTEMBER: Articles for this Issue to be handed in by SUNDAY 14TH AUGUST

Please e-mail your articles to parishmagstjohns@gmail.com, put them in the editors pigeon hole in the church entrance, or post them to Mr & Mrs Wilkinson , Rivendell, The Limes, Felbridge, RH19 2QY

STEPHEN WRITES
The Courage of the Baby Blue-Tit
DEAR FRIENDS, We have a nest box right outside our kitchen window, and this year it had a family of blue-tits nesting in it. On the 1st June they decided the time had come to take their courage in both wings and leave the nest. It is such a wonderful sightto see a little face appearing at the hole in the box, much smaller and looking considerably fresher than its exhausted parents. First just a glimpse, and then the whole head appears. Then the head and shoulders. (Do blue-tits have shoulders?) Then apprehension seizes it and it retreats back into the box. Mother and father come with more grubs But the urge to get out into the sunlight is so powerful. The process begins again. A peep outside. A retreat back inside. The whole head out. Then back again for a reconsideration of the whole project. Is it really a sensible thing to do? How exactly does one fly? There must be all sorts of risks and dangers out there. Where shall I fly to? Will mother and father still feed mebecause Im not sure where they find those grubs they keep bringing us. 2 And then of course, for the first to go, there are issues of leaving brothers and sisters behind. This really is quite an adventure! Some people hover on the brink of committing themselves to Christ for ages and ages. They have a good look at Jesus and what it would mean to put their trust in him. Then they panic about whether they would actually be able to keep it up. Then they retreat and look at the comfort of the familiar dark enclosed world which is all they have known until that point. But the call of life in the sunlight of knowing God for themselves is so powerful. What a battle rages in many peoples heads! Shall I? Shant I? Perhaps you are not the first to leave the nest, but others have gone before you and are assuring you that it is wonderful out here. Just put your faith in Christ and launch off. He will look after you! Yours sincerely,

REGULAR EVENTS
Through the week at St. Johns
Sundays
8am 10am 6pm Holy Communion on 10th & 24th July, 14th & 28th August Morning Service Evening Service WI first Tuesday of the month in the Village Hall

Tuesdays
1.30pm

Wednesdays
2pm Watercolour on Wednesdays in the Church Hall

Thursdays
10.30am WIGS at the Old Pheasantry, Woodcock Hill (home of June Clark)

Saturdays
8am9am Prayer breakfast on 2nd July & 6th August

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 17th July & 21st August 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 - contact Kris Defriend on 01342 312788 or

WHATS HAPPENING
Sunday Services in July
3rd July 10th July 10am Family Service with Kevin Defriend
6pm Holy Communion with Michael Peach 8am Holy Communion with Stephen Bowen 10am Morning Service with Imtiaz Ashraf 6pm Evening Service with Phil Tadman 10am Holy Communion Service with Andy Brown 6pm Raise the Roof with Kevin Defriend 8am Holy Communion with Jack Baker 10am Morning Service with Stephen Bowen 6pm Evening Service with Michael Peach 10am Holy Communion with Michael Peach 6pm Evening Service with Don Ely

17th July 24th July

31st July

Sunday Services in August

7th August 14th August 10am Family Service with Kevin Defriend 6pm Holy Communion with Andy Brown 8am Holy Communion Stephen Bowen 10am Morning Service with Don Ely 6pm Evening Service with Michael Peach 10am Morning Service with Stephen Bowen 6pm Evening Service with Stephen Bowen 8am Holy Communion with Jack Baker 10am Morning Service with Andy Brown 6pm Evening Service with Stephen Bowen

21st August 28th August

IN THE GARDEN
Goldflame. Now is a good time to stake tall plants, deadhead regularly to keep the flowers coming, collect seeds for next year, and keep feeding the plants in pots and hanging baskets. Also remember to take soft green tip cuttings of flowers like penstemons and fuchsias. If you have a plant that is looking poorly dont be in too much of a rush to write it off. We had a young amalenchier lamarchii (snowy mespilus) which died two years ago and so we cut it down to the ground except for one tiny little green shoot at the base. That shoot grew to 7ft and we were able to enjoy the white starshaped flowers in April followed by red berries in June and still with the promise of the autumn colour to come. We can anticipate the wonderful flowers that bloom in these summer months, both the annuals and biennials. Still to come are the dahlias, cosmos, rudbeckia, crocosmia, phlox, sunflowers, delphinium and many more. I am thinking ahead to next year and would like to grow more white flowers so I shall be looking for plants such as cosmos, nicotiana, Canterbury bells, physistegia (the obedient plant), and foxgloves all in white varieties. Although it is still summer, at the end of July think about planting some autumn crocuses in borders between shrubs and perennials for a colourful display in September/October.
Maureen Reynolds

AFTER the driest spring for over a hundred years, gardens here in the southeast have been reduced to dust bowls and brown lawns. The biggest headache for gardeners has not been garden pests or aching backs but lack of water. Normally at this time we would be harvesting on our open sunny allotment but having given it up we are reduced to a very small garden patch overshadowed by trees. However, we have potatoes in sacks, strawberries and carrots in tubs, rhubarb and courgettes in flower beds, blueberries in pots, runner beans climbing up an old discarded goal net and lots of tomatoes and cucumbers in growbags not a pretty sight (or site) but still productive. In spite of the hot dry weather there has, of course, been colour but not as vivid or long lasting as usual. The plants that have earned their keep have been welsh poppies which flowered for weeks, also dwarf erigeron which flowers from May to September, oldfashioned pinks and common marigolds, blue cornflowers, and anything grown mainly for foliage colour such as spiraea japonica 5

VILLAGE MATTERS
Notes from Ken Harwood
KEN would like to pass on his grateful thanks for the huge support and offers of help given to him and Joan whilst he was in Intensive Care. He is now able to start getting involved in the parish concerns. There are now twelve resident swans with two sets of young at each end of the lake. So far there has been no sign of the mink. However there is concern that some dog owners are encouraging their dogs to chase the ducks and swans. Please let Ken know if you see this happening. Tandridge Council are currently deciding which towns/villages are to be considered Green Belt. Further developments on this will be found on the village website. Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a new project being managed by Tandridge. Once in place it will mean that the Council can ask developers to contribute funds towards infrastructure which covers a wide range of facilities. Ken has asked that all doctors surgeries in East Grinstead and Crawley Down be included in this exercise.

Felbridge and District Horticultural Society

A coach trip has been arranged to go to Uppark House and Gardens on the 6th July and a luncheon party for members at Oakcroft Cattery on the 10th July. The late Summer Show will be on Saturday 20th August at the Village Hall at 2.30pm. followed by afternoon tea. (Staging from 10.30am 12 noon). We meet on the third Thursday of every month at 8.15pm at the Felbridge Village Hall.

Brief notes taken from Felbridge School Newsletter

Class 6 children spent Tuesday and Thursday mornings outside the school with local police officers and members of Surreys Safe Travel Scheme. Using speed cameras they stopped over 50 drivers in two and a half hours. Those doing over 40 miles an hour were issued with tickets. The children spoke to the drivers and there is hope that there will be a greater awareness both with the drivers and the children of the dangers of speeding, especially outside schools.

VILLAGE MATTERS
Felbridge W.I.
WE HAD a very interesting talk in June on Beekeeping by Sarah Palton who brought along a hive of bees and described the different work done by the various bees. We also discovered that the flavour of the honey depended on the flowers from which the bees got their nectar. There was a lot of interaction and questions from our members and Sarah to give us a very enjoyable afternoon. We usually meet for lunch at a local garden centre on the third Tuesday of every month and arrange a walk in the local area the following Tuesday. At our July meeting we will be hearing The History of Cheese with Barabara Beevis. Because of renovation work in the village hall during AUGUST we will be meeting in St. Johns Church Hall, Felbridge where we will have lots of movement and laughter with Miss Julie. For more information ring 01342 322302.
Daphne Ayerst

LADY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO HELP WITH FELBRIDGE GIRL GUIDES.

At St Johns church we have very active Rainbow, Brownie and Guide units. Last year saw the Brownie and Guide units celebrate their 60 th Birthday, the Rainbows are celebrating their 20th Birthday this year, so weve been around a long time, but we are in need of your help to help us stay round for another 60. We are looking for women aged 18-65 who want to have fun. Being a leader can be a rewarding experience all round, every woman brings different invaluable skills and that is what makes Guiding Great!! Girlguiding UK is the United Kingdom's largest voluntary organisation for girls and young women, with around half a million members including about 100,000 trained volunteer adult Leaders and supporters and it is still a growing organisation, the number of girls and young women on joining lists eligible to join local units exceeded 50,000. Want to find out just how resourceful you are? Try new activities and learn new skills whilst helping the girls to do the same. Want to do something worthwhile with your spare time? Please contact Ann and Louise Tucker on 01342 317283 or by email felbridge_rbg@hotmail.co.uk for more details of how you can help. 7

FELBRIDGE WILDLIFE
A Duck on the Roof
THE DRIEST SPRING since 1893 has led to the virtual drying up of the Village Pond and the consequent departure of its wildlife. The pair of mallard sought food and shelter in our garden and the drake took refuge on the ridge of our roof until it became another 'road kill' on the A22. When we first came to worship at St. John's in 1963, the pond was a brown pool of mosquito-infested mud, adorned with such hardware as the classic abandoned bedstead. Watch the wall my darlings as the Bedstead Men go by. After it was registered as Common Land by the Parish Council, its maintenance is the responsibility of Tandridge District Council. Historically, its water was used to cool the hooves of dray horses hauling loads up to East Grinstead, or to top up the boilers of the steam traction engines on the same journey. Most of our wild flowers have already seeded after blooming a month earlier than usual, but some have flourished on the drier soil. The small bright flowers of creeping buttercup have covered 8

the verges outside the church. A different species from the tall elegant meadow buttercup of the field borders and churchyard, Ranunculus repens is one of nature's survivors. Chop it up and each runner produces a new plant and, beautiful as they are, all buttercups are poisonous to cattle. Fortunately cattle know this and eat round them. Sadly, less adaptable have been the Ashdown Forest special bird, the Dartford warblers, of which none bred in West Sussex in 2010, and turtle doves have disappeared as a breeding bird in the county. One parishioner who found a thoroughly badgered wasp nest dug out under her hedge, expressed surprise that some wasps nest underground. Indeed they do, and their grubs are eagerly grubbed up by predators as, well, grub.

Digger wasps, mining bees and bumble bees nest underground and at present I can see the tiny pyramids of fine earth, each with a tiny hole made by tawny mining bees in our grass bank. The bum of the bumble bee is its most distinctive feature. There are buff-tailed, red-tailed, orangetailed and white-tailed species, all of the genus Bombus, and also cuckoo bees which resemble them and are parasitic on them. No wonder there is a Bombus confusus.

One of the most evocative sounds of Summer we have lost at St. John's, has been the screeching of the swifts, four pairs of which nested under the eaves of the church roof. New roof; no swifts. After crossing Africa to reach Felbridge, and return each year, they have not even a loose stone behind which to nest. Oh, how I miss those dark sickle-winged messengers that confirmed the arrival of Summer!
Peter Bateman.

Fable of the Porcupine

It was the coldest winter ever. Many animals died because of the cold. The porcupines, realizing the situation, decided to group together to keep warm. This way they covered and protected themselves; but the quills of each one wounded their closest companions. After a while, they decided to distance themselves one from the other and they began to die, alone and frozen. So they had to make a choice: either accept the quills of their companions or disappear from the Earth. Wisely, they decided to go back to being together. They learned to live with the little wounds caused by the close relationship with their companions in order to receive the warmth that came from the others. This way they were able to survive.

Moral of the story: The best relationship is not the one that brings together perfect people, but when each individual learns to live with the imperfections of others and can admire the other person's good qualities.
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CHURCH BUILDING PROJECT

AT A RECENT two-part P.C.C. meeting (May 10th and 16th) the decision was taken not to go any further forward with the main part of the building project. As had been requested at the A.P.C.M. we held a congregational meeting on 29 th May to explain the reasons for this decision and to listen to the views of the congregation. As I assured those present at that meeting, the P.C.C. had considered long and hard the reasons for proceeding: It was always part of our original plan! We have been working towards it for so long. We have been busy raising money with this in mind. There was an expectation that it would happen. It would be a faith and prayer challenge! We would benefit from a welcoming entrance area and more circulation space etc. It will provide a visual statement to outsiders that the church is alive and moving forward. We have all the main permissions needed. We have already spent a considerable sum in professional fees. But weighed against that we felt that the reasons for stopping were overwhelming: We cant afford it! (and are unlikely to be able to in the foreseeable future) the full scheme is 1.75m. The reasons for the high costs are the difficult nature of the site and the need to get diocesan permission to build on to an existing church building without spoiling its character. This meant that expensive materials such as stone were having to be used. Our plan to build in phases meant that the idea was to start on the socalled cloister, but it became apparent that by itself its benefits would be limited and not good value for money - e.g. it would have no connection with the hall and vestry. Although we need more accommodation for youth and childrens groups, this space might not be ideal for that purpose. We would be duplicating kitchen facilities by adding an additional kitchenette but without refurbishing the existing kitchen. Unless we were able to raise a substantial further sum we would reach a point where we were not be able to go out to tender anyhow - so everything would slowly grind to a halt.

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CHURCH BUILDING PROJECT

Where to now?
WE ACCEPT that God's guidance is sometimes hard to determine but in the end always reliable. We pray and go forward as seems right at the time, but always conscious that God may have different plans for us. Through inescapable circumstances God seems to be saying not that way - at least not now. If God closes one door, another will open. Without rushing off too madly in a new direction, there are many possibilities. We have got some funds that can potentially be used. Some money has been given into a restricted fund specifically for improvements to the hall and we shall respect the wishes of the donors, and do whatever best practice indicates. Other money has been given for general purposes but has been designated by the P.C.C. for the project. The whole congregation owes an enormous debt of gratitude to John Grainger for the immense amount of work he has put into the project. I am especially grateful for the way he took the news of this P.C.C. decision.

2.

3.

Thanks are also due to the Fund-raising team for all their hard work. The various fund-raising events were of great social benefit, as well raising money. Here is a summary of the points raised and comments made by those present: Could a simple structure be built on the side of the church? Something which might not need planning permission? If improvements are made to the existing kitchen will space be lost from the hall area? How much money is in the fund? Is it enough for the kitchen and toilets? The treasurer gave the figure as approximately 300,000 What is the time scale for the improvements? Improvements to the crche area are badly needed as the area is very damp What about disabled access? Can a structure be built to house the chairs in the hall so as to give more space in the hall? What was the reaction of the architect and the rest of the professional team? John Grainger reported that Derek Kemp expressed disappointment, but accepted it was a decision we had to make. He has archived the material.
(Continued overleaf)

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CHURCH BUILDING PROJECT

Continued from page 11 -

A summary of the points raised and comments made by those present

Is the hall structurally sound? The answer was that a recent structural survey had shown it was. Is there therefore any possibility of extending it south? The electrical supply to the hall needs to be upgraded. When is the next decision likely to be made? We should not delay too much as costs mount all the time.

What should our priorities be now?

Kitchen Toilets Damp in crche Safe outdoor play area Improvements to the car park (lighting and resurfacing) But in response it was reported that the diocese are supposed to be taking this forward anyway.

It was suggested that the building sub group should get to work to present some specific ideas to the July P.C.C. meeting. And the final point, which I whole-heartedly endorse, is that biggest challenge is to increase the size of our congregation and get it really expanding.
Stephen Bowen

SMILE LINES
Never say Die
Old Chemists never die - they just fail to react. Old Lawyers never die - they simply lose their appeal. Old insurance agents never die - its against their policy. Old professors never die - they just lose their faculties. Old gardeners never die - they all go to pot. Old plumbers never die - they just drain away. Old computer managers never die - their numbers become incalculable. Old accountants never die - they just depreciate more rapidly.

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FELBRIDGE HOTEL & SPA

Special accommodation offers
114 for 2 people to include dinner, bed and breakfast in June September 2011. Terms and conditions for the 114 rate: Rate is valid on Friday, Saturday's and Sunday only and is based on 2 people sharing a standard room. The 114 rate is valid in June, July, August and September 2011 and is subject to availability. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. For more information and reservations call 01342 337700 or email rooms@felbridgehotel.co.uk

Forest Row Orchestra Summer Concert

Saturday, 2nd July at 11 am
at Moat United Reformed Church In aid of the Homeless
Mascagni Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana Cherubini Symphony in D major Pieces for strings and wind Tickets on the door: Adults 5 and Children 1 for more details ask Gill Matson, Ray White or Sheila and Ed Drury.
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TELL ME WHY
All Good People go to Heaven, right?
I THINK this is most peoples view of life after death: If I am basically good (and I am) then Ill get to go to heaven. However, this opinion raises an immediate question what qualifies as being good? Most people would say that murders arent good, but what about petty thieves? What about petty thieves who are very kind to their families and friends? What about those do a lot of good in the world, but lie to their husband or wife? Who qualifies as good? Well the Bible has a shocking answer: no-one. No-one is truly good in Gods sight. The apostle Paul, quoting from the Old Testament, says this, there is noone who does good, not even one (Romans 3:12 NIV). Jesus says the same thing, No-one is good except God alone (Mark 10:18 NIV). These verses reveal Gods view of us. In Gods eyes no-one at all is basically good. Of course these verses are not saying that all we do is bad. People do many good and generous acts. However, we know that people also do many bad, hurtful and harmful things too. If we reflect honestly on our own lives we would have to admit that most of what we do is a mixture of good and bad. Indeed, 18 even when we are kind, or do outwardly good actions, frequently our motives are mixed. So in Gods sight there are no good people to go to heaven! Fortunately this is not all the Bible has to say! For there once was a special man. A man who was also God. A man who lived a perfect life, who always acted rightly and never did wrong. This man kept all of Gods commands. This man, named Jesus, was truly good. Yet Jesus died a criminals death. He was punished and suffered as if he had done all the wrong we have done. Through Jesus death, God presents us with an amazing opportunity. If we trust in Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, then God will count all our wrong as punished and dealt with by Jesus on the Cross, and he will count us as having lived Jesus perfectly good life. So will good people go to heaven? Well, actually God will accept for eternity all those who know that they are not good, but who trust in Jesus, and are counted as good for his sake.
Michael Peach

BOOKWORMS CORNER
Maximum Life: All for the glory of God
HOW MUCH of our week is spent living for God? It might be tempting to answer this question by listing the spiritual things that we might do during the week: church services, home group, quiet times and prayer. However, in Maximum Life Julian Hardyman argues that as Christians we should be living every moment for Gods glory, and we can do this as we play sport, or work in the office, or cut the lawn, or read a novel, or change a nappy, or paint a landscape. He begins by taking us back to Gods plan for his creation in Genesis 1 & 2. There God commands the people: Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it (Genesis 1:28). Hardyman describes how as humans we have a responsibility both to care for and to develop the world to Gods glory, and notes how for Adam in Genesis 2 this involved both scientific activities like naming animals, and artistic pursuits such as writing poetry, as well as practical care of the garden! In the first section of the book Hardyman goes on to look at how humankinds rebellion against God, Jesus coming in the world, and the hope of the New Creation all shape our understanding of our role in the world. Hardyman makes clear throughout that things like spreading the good news of Jesus must be a central concern for Christians, but he argues again and again that we can and should be living for Gods glory in the normal activities of life as well. He rejects the idea of dividing life into sacred and secular. Instead he suggests we should be asking of everything we do (whether prayer or playing sport) whether we are doing it for God or for ourselves. He applies these principles very helpfully to work and career (indeed the book is worth reading for these chapters alone), being a citizen, being creative, caring for the environment, and using our minds for God. He also talks frankly about his recent personal experience of depression, and how we can seek to live for Gods glory even in the darkest times. Hardyman makes clear that the Bible will not let us divide up our life giving some time for God and some for ourselves, and that instead the Bible gives us a wonderful vision of living for Gods glory in everything. This book is easily readable and yet also addresses important issues in each of our lives, and so well worth reading! Julian Hardyman (IVP) ISBN 978-1-84474-378-0 19

MARIE CURIE CANCER CARE

Hold a Blooming Great Tea Party
MARIE CURIE CANCER CARE is asking people of Surrey to hold a Blooming Great Tea Party this summer. It can be as simple as a cuppa and cakes in the office, a vintage inspired tea party or even a larger blooming great street party. Its a great way to get together with friends and family to do something easy and fun for charity. The official tea party season is from 12th June to 12th July, but it doesnt matter if youre a little early or late. Money raised from Blooming Great Tea Parties will help Marie Curie Nurses to provide more free care to people with terminal cancer and other terminal illnesses in their own homes. The charity is hoping to raise one million pounds from the campaign this year which will help provide 50,000 hours of Marie Curie Nursing care. Call 08700 340 040 or visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/teaparty for more information and your free Blooming Great Tea Party fundraising pack.

MARIE CURIE General Information

Marie Curie Cancer Care is one of the UKs largest charities. Employing more than 2,700 nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals, it provided care to more than 31,000 terminally ill patients in the community and in its nine hospices last year and is the largest provider of hospice beds outside the NHS. Marie Curie Nurses The charity is best known for its network of Marie Curie Nurses working in the community to provide end of life care, totally free for patients in their own homes.

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WORLD MISSION GIFT DAY 2011

Sunday 10th July 2011
OUR ANNUAL MISSION GIFT DAY is being held on July 10th, and promises to be a very inspiring day - do plan to be there if you possibly can! At the morning service our guest speaker will be Imtiaz Ashraf who works with Release International to help and support persecuted Christians, in Pakistan and elsewhere. After the service there will be an informal 'bring and share' lunch in the hall, to which everyone is welcome, and one of Imtiaz's colleagues will share with us in more detail about the work he is doing in Pakistan to help persecuted Christians and their families. This is such a big issue for the whole 'Body of Christ' as we seek to support our brothers and sisters who are suffering so much for their faith, so please come to learn more and understand better how to pray. In the evening Phil Tadman will be sharing about the concept and establishment of 'Siwok Crafts' in Argentina, helping to provide livelihoods and dignity for local communities; Rosemary will have some of the beautiful craft for sale, so do come prepared! You can't miss the bright green gift envelopes in the pews; please be thinking and praying about how much you can give to support the work of our various Mission Partners, both at home and abroad, and return the envelopes on July 10th Gift Aided if possible! The current financial squeeze means that their resources are diminished, just as our own are, so our gifts are even more welcome. Don't miss out on what should be a very special day please aim to be there! 21

CURRENT ISSUES
An Inexhaustible Sea, And The Law Of Diminishing Returns
SEAFOOD IS the primary source of protein for 1 billion people. In 2001 global per capita consumption of aquatic protein was 16.3 kg per year (about 100 million tons total), which accounted for around 15 - 18% of protein consumed globally. The oceans are a major lifeline for many coastal communities. Despite the increase in aquaculture, maintaining healthy fisheries is essential for sustaining future populations, and an additional 37 million tons of fish will be needed per year to feed the global population in 2030. The oceans are now demonstrating how vulnerable they are due to increased pollution, over-extraction, over-exploitation and increased acidification. Every year, over 77 million tons of sea creatures are extracted from global oceans. The pace is untenable. We have reached peak fish. Large scale industrial extraction has outpaced the ability of ecosystems and food webs to remain selfsustaining and replenish themselves. The trend of fishing down the food web continues, as 90% of major predatory species (Blue Fin Tuna, Atlantic Cod etc) have been decimated and are either endangered or near to collapse. Globally, fisheries are predicted to collapse by 2048. The first commercial fisheries collapse occurred at the end of the 1980s, when 22 local New England, Newfoundland and Nova Scotia fishermen began to notice a rapid decline in the historically robust Atlantic Cod fishery. Fishermen began to protest at what they saw as the end to their livelihoods, due to the impact of foreign industrial trawlers and catcherprocessors. By 1992, the Canadian Government closed the Grand Banks off Newfoundland and most of the Gulf of St Lawrence to ground fishing. Similar closures occurred in the United States as well. This has been one of the most significant instances of commercial fisheries failure and subsequent moratorium on fishing. Atlantic Cod stocks have not yet recovered, although they were historically one of the largest concentrations of biomass in the world. Researchers have looked at logbooks from the 1850s, and estimated that there was about 1.26 million tonnes of living adult cod on the Scotia Bank in 1852. In 2005, no more than 50,000 tonnes remained - a 96% decline in about 150 years.
John Grainger (an extract from The Arup Journal)

CURRENT ISSUES
Ten top tips to reduce food waste at home
BUY LESS if you dont think you can eat it ..smaller joints, loose vegetables rather than pre-packed bags that are too big, and try not to fall for so many buy-one-get-one-free offers. Become friends with your freezer; make your own frozen readymeals with last nights left overs or any food that you have over bought. Use your imagination with leftovers . that half a roast chicken would make a perfect pie, sandwich filling or form the basis of a salad. Dont throw the chicken carcass away - boil it to make a nutritious soup. . Remember to cancel that vegetable box if youre going to be dining out a lot that week. Dont over-order in restaurants; if you do, go American and ask for a doggy bag. Use common sense rather than use-by dates when deciding what to throw away. Try and shop more frequently, so that you buy what you need, rather than rely on one major shopping trip Look out for new plastic bags that give your vegetables a longer lease of life in the fridge. Whiz up older fruit into a smoothie or bake it in a pudding. Dont let vegetables rot in the bottom of the fridge, even older vegetables will make a decent soup, casseroles or curry
Some of these ideas come from the Independent on Sunday If you have any suggestions, write in and we will try to include these in future issues.

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WORKING LIFE
This is an extract from the Manna Magazine, by Richard Bateman who was a member of St Johns.
AFTER 15 YEARS working as a doctor in the armed forces I have been used to spending Christmas away from home. However, it was not until my tour in Afghanistan which spanned the 2008-2009 festive season that I was forced to really consider the paradox of celebrating Christmas in a war zone. Midnight mass was held in a mess tent with gun racks for assault rifles at the back of the church while the Padres voice was intermittently drowned out by the sound of attack helicopters as he led the service. All around was the paraphernalia of war. The human casualties were being treated in the adjacent hospital, and yet here we were singing about peace on earth! My work as a consultant in anaesthesia and intensive care was both clinically and, at times, emotionally challenging; dealing with patients whose lives have been torn apart by war in an environment that held no respect for age, gender, rank or race. Similarly, we did not discriminate and took all eligible casualties, be they enemy or coalition forces, young or old, military or civilian. 24 Daily reminders of death, separation from loved ones and the occasional risk to personal safety might lead one to ask, Where is the Christ in this Christmas? And yet I would argue that evidence of Christs compassion could be found all around the camp, from the Padres well timed smile, to the selfless acts of covering a shift for an exhausted colleague or the impromptu concert in the sunshine performed by the band of the Royal Marines. The provision of high-quality medical care to our enemies in time of war seems an anathema to some and yet to me this is a further example of faith in action. To treat a potential killer of your colleagues with respect and compassion is not always easy but remains a powerful demonstration of Christian principles. In a remote location and during difficult times, prayer becomes especially important. Both the knowledge that I was being prayed for and taking the time to pray for colleagues, patients and their relatives, as well as my own family, made a big difference to my morale. Faith for me then is a practical demonstration of care and compassion, coupled with the knowledge that I am loved by Christ and that he has a plan for me.
Richard Bateman

THE BANK ACCOUNT OF LIFE

EACH MORNING we are credited with 86,400 seconds. Each night writes off the seconds we fail to use to good purpose. It carries no balance and allows no overdraft. Each day it opens a new account and each night burns off the remains of the day. If you fail to use that days deposit, the loss is yours. There is no going back and no drawing against tomorrow. To realise the value of a year, ask a student who failed an exam. To realise the value of a month, ask a mother who gave birth to a premature baby. To realise the value of a week, ask the director of a weekly newspaper. To realise the value of an hour, ask the lovers who are waiting to meet. To realise the value of a minute, ask a person who missed a train. To realise the value of a second, ask a person who avoided an accident. To realise the value of a millisecond, ask the silver medal winner at the Olympics. Treasure every moment you have, share them with someone special. Remember time waits for no-one. Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift.. Thats why its called the present.

BACK TO RUSSIA FOR NATASHA!

Some of you will remember Natasha Kasprowicz from the time her family were members of St John's, and she grew up here; others will know her as one of our Mission Partners. Natasha works with UCCF amongst students in London, but recently has been asked to build up a link between student work in UK and work in Russia something she was delighted to do, as for seven years she worked with IFES, the overseas arm of UCCF, in Russia! This summer she has the opportunity to lead a team to Russia, which she is very excited about - but it means she needs to raise an extra 750 to cover her costs. So, to help her achieve her objective, we sold 'tickets' for 2 each one Sunday and have been able to send her a cheque for 200. Thank you so much to all who contributed! Please pray for Natasha as she and the team make their preparations, and pray that they may enjoy the first of many fruitful links with workers and students in Russia.

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CHURCH FAMILY NEWS

News and Thanks
CRECHE HELPERS NEEDED! If you think you could spare one Sunday morning per month to look after a gorgeous baby or two, then please speak to Joan Brown to find out more! The Art Group Watercolours on Wednesdays put on a splendid exhibition. It was a very happy day with lots of people coming to view throughout the day. 526 was raised and we thank the group very much for putting on this enjoyable show. They clearly enjoy using their gifts and others clearly enjoyed seeing their pictures. Thank you. The bench in the churchyard given in memory of Albert Halls, by his family is a welcome addition. It was good to see Ian and Esther Walker as they passed through the other Sunday evening. Both looking well and happy and adjusting to leaving Sudan behind. They are to be posted to Hereford for about two years now (We hope an address will follow) and then they will probably go overseas again after that. Esther is hoping to continue her oncology work. We continue to pray for them at his new stage in their lives. We would like to wish the Grimwoods well on their journey to America for Thomass operation.

Congratulations
Congratulations to Jim and Doreen on their 64th wedding anniversary in June.

CHURCH REGISTER
Funeral
Sue Patricia Myall died on 18th May 2011, aged 62. The funeral was at St John's church on 27th May11, followed by cremation at Surrey and Sussex crematorium.

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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

CLARINET LESSONS
Classical or Jazz, for pleasure or exam preparation Elaine Short CT ABRSM 01342 327563

GARDEN SERVICES
Ron West 01342 712586

USEFUL CONTACTS
Churchwardens: Anne Butler 01342 313640 e-mail: butleranne09@gmail.com Andy Brown 01342 314267 e-mail: brownemail@aol.com Treasurer: PCC Secretary: Magazine Editor: Cleaning Rota: Ministry of Flowers: Church Hall Bookings: Chris Saunders 01342 325662 e-mail: treasurerstjohns@gmail.com 01342 323865 Sheila Drury e-mail: sheila.drury1@hotmail.co.uk 01342 325662 Lindsey Saunders e-mail: parishmagstjohns@gmail.com Carole Grainger 01342 325482 Ann Morley 01342 714645 e-mail: annmorley@aol.com 01342 410929 Sally Hobbs e-mail: hobbsfamilysja@gmail.com 01342 321524 01342 322205 Lynda Railton

Church Office (closed on Thursdays) Village Hall Bookings:

CHILDREN/YOUNG PEOPLE ACTIVITIES

Climbers (3-6 yrs): Explorers (Year 2-4): Light Eagles (Year 5-7): NG (Year 8-9): Parish Safeguarding Officer Michael Peach 01342 312406 e-mail: michaelstevenpeach@gmail.com Diane Francis 01342 714575 e-mail: diane_francis@tiscali.co.uk Dan and Suzy Callaway 01342 321658 e-mail: daniel.callaway@iname.com 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 28

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