Month: January 2014

Marking the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War, this year’s series of lectures held at Hinde Street Methodist Church, W1, is on the theme “Responding to Conflict”.  The first lecture, at 7.30 pm on Tuesday 11 February, given by Prof Lord Harries of Pentregarth, former Bishop of Oxford, is entitled “Is the ‘just war’ tradition out of date?”   Admission is free and all are welcome.

Members will be saddened to learn of the passing on 7 January of Rev Dr Denis Duncan.  Denis was a good friend to Crown Court, being an Elder Emeritus, and taking many services here, particularly during vacancies, and on Thursday lunchtimes.

The funeral will be held on Friday 24 January at 12.30 pm at Woodvale Crematorium, Lewes Road, Brighton BN2 3QB, and then at 2 pm at St Michael’s Church, High Street, Lewes BN7 1XU.

This is advance notice of the church spring clean which is planned to take place on Saturday 22 March.  Last year’s clean was not the usual thorough-going effort, as at the time there was still a lot of work to be done on the lighting, which dragged on longer than anticipated.  And then during the latter part of the year we had scaffolding up and workmen trailing through the church to get to the roof to carry out repairs and reroofing works there.  So 2014 will have to be the year of the really big clean!

To achieve this we will need as many helpers as possible, so please put the date in your diary now, look out your oldest clothes, make sure your marigolds are without holes, and prepare to come and do battle with the grime and dust in every nook and cranny of the church and the hall – to say nothing of the kitchen and the toilets!  Cleaning materials will be provided: it’s your elbow grease we’re after!

We will aim to start about 9.30 and finish by 4 pm, but any time you can spare will be greatly appreciated – there will be plenty for everyone to do.  Needless to say there will be regular infusions of tea, coffee and home baking to keep you going, and lunch will also be provided.  You may find this hard to believe, but the spring clean is good fun, and is a great way of sharing fellowship and getting to know folk you may not have come across before.  There’s also a good chance that you will penetrate into parts of the building you’ve never seen before!  We look forward to seeing you!

The Annual Burns Supper organised by the Rambling and Social Club will take place in the church hall on Saturday 8 February 2014 at 6.30 for 7 pm.  There will be all the usual speeches, haggis, neeps and tatties provided by our wonderful caterer, and of course, the chance to take to the floor and show off your Scottish country dancing skills.

Tickets (price to be confirmed) will be available from Margaret Ross very soon, but you can place your order early to avoid disappointment.