Cheddington Methodist Church

Minister Rev Noreen Daley-Lee   tel no:  01525 240083

A MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER

“Come out of your shell.”

For me a walk along the beach is incomplete without gazing at seashells as I listen to the waves lap against the seashore and inhale the salty sea breeze.  The relics of these amazing creatures appear in a variety of shapes, sizes, textures, and colours.  Whilst I enjoy looking fixedly at seashells on the seashore, I must not only take a moment to contemplate on its shape and form, but to think about who made it and the life it might have had, for something to ‘come out of the shell’. 

At a 25th wedding anniversary part of this strapline was said to me, “Noreen, you have come out of your shell.”  Surely, my classmate didn’t consider me to be a mollusc, rather the expression “come out of your shell” is an idiomatic expression that suggests becoming more interested in other people and more willing to talk and take part in social activities or to be or become less shy or reticent and more sociable, outgoing, or enthusiastic. My classmate who first knew me at the start of Secondary school used this iconic idiom to express that I am less timorous. Perhaps if he had any idea of me becoming a presbyter he would have said, “No chance.” But God, who empowered me through the Holy Spirit helped me to ‘come out of my shell’.

As you are reading this newsletter, in a matter of weeks we will be moving from the post resurrection scenes to Pentecost where we gain knowledge of the first disciples coming out of their shell.  Pentecost - the day fell 50 days after Passover and was originally a harvest festival. In the New Testament times it also commemorated Moses’ giving of the Law on Sinai. Three phenomena occurred that made the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost an unmistakable and unique event, somewhat akin to ‘come out of the shell’: the rushing wind, the visible flames resting on each believer present and speaking in “other tongues.” The Greek verbs meaning “to fill” are always mentioned in the passive voice where the filling with the Spirit is described.  We “are filled” we do not “fill ourselves.”  I can only imagine how those first disciples felt on the day of Pentecost when they were filled with Holy Spirit that brought them out of their shell giving them a boldness that cannot be denied.  So, whenever we walk along the seashore looking with admirable joy at the amazing variety of shells we are also reminded that with the filling of the Holy Spirit we can come out of our shell becoming the courageous believers to share God’s light and peace with our desperate world.

Noreen

SERVICES FOR  2024

 We welcome everyone to come along to our church to share in our worship and other activities. Services begin on Sundays at 10.30 am unless otherwise stated.

"THE TOAST” – FOR PARENTS, CARERS and LITTLE ONES

For all parents/carers of pre-school children and babies, join us in the Chapel schoolroom on Monday mornings 9.30 – 11.00 during term time for a gentle start to the week. There are toys, activities and refreshments (including toast!) and a warm welcome. Contact Cathy Craft email:   

OPEN DOORS – Friday morning 10.30 a.m – noon at the Methodist Chapel.
This is an opportunity for all to meet/socialise each Friday morning and have a cup of tea/coffee and a biscuit/cake.  Contact Stuart Minall email: for more information.

MEN’S GROUP:  This usually meets on the first Friday of each month at 10.45 am to noon.  Contact: Chris Shepheard on 661849.

The Singalong Café, will be held on Tuesday 14 May 2.30–4.30 pm at the Methodist Chapel.  It will be led by Karen, Cathy and Trevor who are all accomplished musicians. Do come along and join us and bring a friend or two, particularly those who might otherwise be at home alone.  Refreshments will be included thanks to two willing volunteers. If anyone feels moved to make a cake, then that would be greatly appreciated - if not then there will be biscuits and tea or coffee.

BOOKS and JIGSAWS:  We now have a small collection of Books and Jigsaws for buying or borrowing;  if you are able to make a small donation that would be appreciated.  Do come and have a look to see if there is anything of interest to you.  The schoolroom is usually open 9.30 – 11 am on Monday mornings during term time or Friday mornings 10.30 – 12 noon.  If you have books, in good condition, or jigsaws that you would like to pass on do bring them along.

WARM SPACES:  This will continue on Fridays for all those who would like to meet together from 12 noon to 2.30 pm for a soup lunch.  Donations of  tins of soup or bread, tea/coffee or biscuits can be dropped off  at the Chapel on Fridays from 10.30 am.  This is a Churches Together initiative in conjunction with the Parish Council to whom we are most grateful for their financial support.  All enquiries to Cathy Craft email: 

LOOP SYSTEM
For those people with hearing aids, we have an induction loop system installed and working in the chapel.

Schoolroom Bookings: A projector and screen are available.   For all enquiries, please contact Janet Banham,  Tel. 660205 or email .