May 2007

Dear Friends,

Included in this month's magazine is an envelope inviting you to make a donation towards the work of Christian Aid, particularly during the week of 13th-19th May which has been designated as Christian Aid week. Also, on 16^th May there is an opportunity to join with others in a Christian Aid lunch, here in the Village Hall.

Christian Aid is of course only one charity amongst many, and most of us have our favourite ones - so why should we support this one? I should like to commend it to you for two reasons. Firstly, it delivers 'aid'- not just engaging in the sort of relief programmes that can lead to an unhealthy dependency on yet more handouts, but in the true sense of the word:

[The Concise Oxford Dictionary]

Christian Aid is active amongst some of the world's poorest communities in more than 50 countries. The stated aim is to "act where the need is greatest, helping people to tackle problems they face and build the life they deserve"; in other words, identifying with the need, coming alongside and working with people to help them help themselves.

Secondly, it is "Christian" in its foundation, and in motivation and practice. Many people perceive Christianity as a religion that offers an individual piety, a particular pattern of spirituality, a good moral code, or even a set of doctrines. While all these can be found within Christianity, it is so much more than this. It is about belief in, and allegiance to a risen Saviour, God's own Son who came amongst us as a servant, and through whose sacrifice of totally unconditional love we can find the way to the Father - his Father and our Father. Those who would follow him are called to pray for the coming of God's kingdom - which means being prepared to do whatever it takes to make that prayer a present reality. Christians are called to be the salt and the light that make a difference, and to confront injustice and evil with the loving, lifegiving power of God.

Christian Aid does this admirably, through its various campaigns which raise awareness and bring pressure to bear in the political, national and international arenas - to alleviate poverty, to promote fairtrade and to reduce the impact of climate change. It's starting point is the value and dignity of each man, woman and child, made in the image of God, and Christ's call to love one another with the same selfless love with which He has loved us.

I do hope that you will feel able to give your support during this year's Christian Aid week in whatever way you can.

Christine

What is the Prayer Group? It is made up of members of All Saints Church who undertake to pray regularly, on an individual basis, for people who ask us for prayer support.

Who do we pray for? Anyone whom we are asked to remember; these might be people from our church, from our local community or others known to us.

What will you pray about? Anything which you would like brought before God; maybe anxiety due to illness, stress or loneliness. You can also tell us of a special day you wish to be remembered – perhaps for an interview or an exam. Any information will be treated in strictest confidence.

How can I let you know if I would like you to pray for me? You can either telephone Christine (720234), or drop a note through the Rectory door, or complete a card (anonymously if you wish) and place it in a box kept near the church door. Prayer requests will be collected from the box each Sunday morning after the 10.00am service.

The next walk will be on Saturday 19^th May. If you would like to join us please meet outside The Bell at 9.45am.

This has now been completed and I have been able to pay in £236.74. A big thank you to everyone who holds a box or has given a donation.

The Church Army is an International Evangelical Movement, based on Biblical teaching, with a mission to meet human needs, without discrimination, in the name of Christ. Their far-reaching work includes preaching the Gospel, working in hospitals, prisons, eventide homes, hostels and counselling, to name but a few examples. Wherever there is poverty or need, the Church Army is there. Please give generously to this movement which is very generous with its time and love.

Everyone welcome – come whenever you can!

also

All Age Church Service at the fete ground followed by a magnificent BBQ to thank Horsefair Lane residents and all the helpers and their families.

In Scout Field, Horsefair Lane, Odell

Entry Adults £1.50, Children Free

Stantonbury Brass Band

Boys Brigade

Teas Children’s Tombola Ice Creams

Tombola Cakes Beat the Goalie

Books Refreshments Bottle Stall

Coconut Shy Children’s Sports White Elephant

Produce Gifts Many Side Shows

Raffle Dog Show

2.00pm Grand Opening by Mrs Noreen Sturridge

2.00-4.00pm Dog Show

4.00pm Judging of Children’s Competitions

4.30pm Raffle Draw and Prize Giving

(entry fee - £1 per dog per class)

Painting of signs etc. for the fete will take place at Jim and Doreen Wheeler’s, Linden House, High Street, Odell, on Monday 7^th May from 10.00am.

There will be a lunch time bar-b-q for helpers - please let Doreen know (720358) if you wish to stay for this. Bring your own meat, salad provided.

Christian Aid Week this year is from 13^th to 19^th May. In the past Odell has given very generously to this charity and we hope it will be well supported again. Enclosed is an envelope for donations; if you would like to make a contribution please return the envelope to Jill Cheadle at Rectory Farm, Ann Hudson at Abigail House or Sue Robinson at 32 Horsefair Lane, no later than 19^th May. Thank you.

On the icy lake near my home in the Harrold-Odell Country Park are ducks. Wearing their own downy insulation, they do not seem to mind the wintry conditions.

Sometimes, for us, the icy atmosphere of the world is at odds with God, it cuts into our spirits. It is easy to feel the chill when, for example, we work with colleagues who gossip or blaspheme, and when the spiritual atmosphere we live in day by day lacks the warmth of Christian fellowship. Is it then possible to stay unaffected?

Proverbs 15.15 gives us a pointer. It speaks of two types of people in hard conditions: those who give up hope and allow anxiety to prevail become wretched; those who remain positive and cheerful in their service for God find continual contentment. So, there is a way to be insulated from the spiritual climate in which we live – a way to carry with us, whatever our circumstances, the warm atmosphere of heaven. It is in finding a place in Christ, such as Hugh Stowell describes:

From every stormy mind that blows,

From every swelling tide of woes,

There is a calm, a sure retreat.

‘Tis found beneath the mercy seat.

Knowing this is one thing, but consistently living in that place is another! For a while I seemed to be going in and out of this place of rest. I’d find my spirit ruffled by frustrations or opposition; I’d turn to God in prayer and find spiritual calm – for a time – but then some new situation would disturb my inner peace. Surely God does not mean or intend us to be such a spiritual yo-yo!

It was EH Taylor who illuminated one aspect of the hiding place in Christ:

"If you work all day in a perfume factory you carry a fragrance; if you work in a cow shed you carry the smell that goes with it. This inner peace is not one which you visit from time to time, but one in which you live.

If you dwell there you carry the atmosphere in which you dwell. In God we live and move and have our being. You become saturated in God. Thus HIS FRAGRANCE flows out. In Him our spiritual mind dwells."

I’m learning that finding this place of inner tranquillity is not only a matter of prayer. It is also the attitude of a mind fixed on Christ. Brother Lawrence wrote of "practising the presence of Christ"; another spoke about "living under a twenty-four hour anointing". Such a condition is a blend of the grace of God and the action of a mind and will turned to and fixed on Him.

So, we can work, battle and be active for God, yet continually experience a state of well being, which both brings us peace and honours Him.

A little more information is now available for the summer Concert:

‘Songs for a Summer Evening’ by The Ouse Valley Singers will be performed in All Saints’ Church, Odell, on Saturday 30^th June at 7.30pm.

Tickets £7.50 to include a glass of wine and light refreshments

Wed 9^th 10.30am at Eileen’s, 24 Church Hall Rd., Rushden.

Wed 23^rd 10.30am at Jill’s, Rectory Farm, Odell.

Wed 6^th 10.30am at Catherine’s, Manor Cottage, Harrold.

6^th Caroline Scott

13^th Rachel Halton

20^th Jill Cheadle

27^th Carol Ormond

We were sorry to hear of the death of Florence ("Florrie") Shellard on the 14^th April, following a fall. Florence lived in Odell for many years and during that time became involved in all aspects of village life. She was a very well-known and popular figure who took an interest in the lives of everyone in the village. In more recent years Florence was very restricted by illness and was unable to get out and about, but still liked to keep informed about village news. She will be very sadly missed. We send our sympathy to Ken.

A private funeral is to be held, but there is to be a Service of Thanksgiving in All Saints’ on Thursday 10^th May at 2.30pm.

We hope to be able to publish a fuller obituary in the June magazine.

a club for 5-11 year olds

3, Church Lane, Odell

Games, Activities, Crafts,

Bible stories, Music, Drama

Encouraging children to think about

the world they live in,

their contribution to it and where faith fits in - while having fun!

For details contact: Sue Robinson 720113 or Christine Clark 720234

DIARY

Mon 7^th 10.00am Fete Working Day, Doreen Wheeler’s.

Tues 8^th 7.30pm WI AGM Village Hall.

Wed 9^th 10.30am Meeting Point at Eileen’s, 24 Church Hall Rd., Rushden.

Wed 9^th 10.30am Sue Ryder coffee morning, Rose Cottage, Felmersham.

Sat 12^th 10.00am Alistair Burt surgery, Harrold Centre.

Wed 16^th 12.30pm Christian Aid lunch Village Hall.

Sat 19^th 9.45am All Saints’ Amblers meet at The Bell.

Mon 21^st 10.00am HOCP conservation tasks.

Mon 21^st 8.00pm AGM Parish Council, Village Hall.

Wed 23^rd 10.30am Meeting Point at Jill’s, Rectory Farm.

Sun 27^th 1-4pm Countryside Crafts, HOCP.

Please send all entries for the June 2007 magazine to Tricia Hudson (mag1@odellbeds.net) or Catherine Corkery by May 12^th 2007 at the latest. May we remind you that the editorial team exercises the right to edit, shorten or alter any items that are submitted. Also, the opinions expressed in the articles are those of the contributors and are not the responsibility of the editorial team.