The document is the September 2014 issue of the Catalyst magazine for Hayes Free Church. It provides information on upcoming services and events at the church, including notices of deaths in the church family, upcoming meetings, and volunteer schedules. It also advertises the church's Holiday at Home program and includes a summary of the August 2014 activities from that program.

1. Catalyst
September 2014
THE MAGAZINE OF
HAYES FREE CHURCH (U.R.C.)

2. Copy for the October 2014 edition needs to be handed in by
Sunday, 14th September.
Please submit items in good time.
You can leave copy in the “B” Pigeon Hole for Richard Brown to collect,
or hand it directly to him on a Sunday morning.
You can also e-mail copy to richardmbrown6@gmail.com
Thank You. Editor
Principal Contacts
Minister: Rev. Sue Powell is on a Sabbatical until 1 Dec
Church Secretary: Mrs Mavis Righini Tel: 020 8462 1168
NOTE: All enquires to Mavis
Treasurer: Mr. Simon Narracott Tel: 020 8462 2004
Lettings Secretary: Mrs Undine Connolly Tel: 020 8776 0108
Caretaker: Mr. Ian Jones Tel: 020 8313 1556
Church Website www.hayesfreechurch.com
Catalyst
Editor: Mr Richard Brown
Contents : - Items not covered by the diary of events.
HAYES FREE CHURCH
111, Pickhurst Lane, Hayes, Kent BR2 7HU
Sunday Services. 10.30 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.
We are a member of the United Reformed Church.
We believe in Justice and Peace.
This month’s website: -
The website of the month is the Coram’s Fields Charity. The charity,
which provides children’s play facilities, is one of London’s oldest.
Here is the web address: coramsfields.org.uk
Now, turn to Page 15 for more details. Ed
Sunday Services;
Notes on preachers 2
Church Notices 3 - 5
Things you never hear in Church 4
Women’s Fellowship 5
Holiday at Home 6 - 7
Contact Coffee Morning 8
Catalyst Needs You! 9
Christian Aid Items 10 -11
Notice Board 12 - 13
The Inns of Court 14
Website of the month 15
Letter to John Curry 16
Saints’ days in September;
Latch appeal 17
Southern Synod letter 18 - 19
WW1 Centenary Memorial;
The way things once were 20
Holiday at Home; Hayes
Community Bus outings 21, 24
Editor’s end note 24
Church Organisations I B C

3. 1
Letter from the Minister
Hello All,
When I took on the job of Church Secretary just
over 2 years ago, I knew I'd have many duties and
letter writing would be one.
So here we are with Sue's 3 months sabbatical stretching ahead and the
letter in the Catalyst needs writing. A very different type of letter and
who will read it?
As I write this during August, holidays are very much in our minds, even
though most of us try to avoid going away now because it is more
expensive. While away I always like to attend a church service and for
the last few years I have been going to Quarr Abbey on the Isle of
Wight. A very different type of service to what I am used to but a
change can be very refreshing. Eleven monks lead the Mass: each year
there seems to be one less; yet another place of worship that is seeing
a decline in the faithful.
It is a challenge to each one of us to bring more into the Christian family
and it can begin with a smile. People who live near you, whom you may not
know, will more than likely know that you attend church. They see you
leave the house at a certain time on a Sunday morning, so that means
you are an advert for the church. Let us all make a point of smiling at
the stranger, the neighbour, so that folk can see that being a Christian
brings about joy, happiness and acceptance of all.
If you live locally and read the Catalyst month by month but rarely
attend our services, how about joining us? We would love to see you
more often, for God's love is for all.
I look forward to seeing you all soon.
Mavis
NOTE: - Our Minister is away on her Sabbatical until December 2014.
So, during that period the Minister’s letter will be written by
Church Officers. Ed

4. 2
Sunday Services
September 2014
7th Sun
10.30 am - Morning Service - Geoff Larcombe
6.30 pm - Holy Communion - Marion Bayley
14th Sun
10.30 am - Morning Service - Jim Holman
6.30 pm - Evening Service - Judy Davies
21st Sun
10.30 am - Morning Service - Tony Russell
6.30 pm - Evening Service - Alan Kienlen
28th Sun
10.30 am - Morning Service -
6.30 pm - Evening Service - David Stoner
October 2014
5th
10.30 am - Morning Service - John Cox
6.30 pm - Holy Communion - Marion Bayley
Some notes on the visiting preachers.
v Revd Geoff Larcombe is a local representative from the Bible
Society. He spoke at the Bible celebration supper in the spring of
2011.
v Mrs. Marion Bayley is a Lay Preacher and an Elder from our sister
church in Beckenham. She regularly leads our services.
v Jim Holman is a Methodist preacher. He has conducted services
at HFC in the past.
v Judy Davies gave a talk about Beatrix Potter to the Women’s
Fellowship in May 2014.
v Tony Russell is very well known to us. He is a member of HFC.
v Alan Kienlen is well known to us. He was church secretary and
an elder at HFC.
v David Stoner is well known to us. He is a member of various
groups at HFC.
v John Cox is known to us, having conducted services at HFC in
the past.

5. 3
News of the Church Family
Announcements are welcome :-
BMD - Changes of address, etc.
Deaths
We regret to record that Kay Atkinson died on
18 August. We offer our sincere condolences to
Tony and his family at this sad time.
Your prayers would be appreciated for: -
Jim Pearson, Mike Duke, Ruth Rees, Jessie Martin, and Helen Hebbes.
Church Meetings
The next Elders’ meeting will be on Tuesday, 2nd September at 8.00
pm in the small hall.
The next Church meeting, will be on Sunday 28th September at 12.00
noon – after the morning service.
Women's Contact Group
Please note: We will be enjoying a lunchtime meal on the 1st of
September. The format of future monthly meetings will depend upon this
experiment. More details from Sylvia.
Sylvia Mack
Tuesday Prayer Meetings for September
Held at 10.00am at the following homes:-
2nd Martin Nunn’s. 9th Betty Coster’s.
16th Brenda Cordingley’s. 23rd The Church.
30th Martin Nunn’s
Then in October: -
7th Martin Nunn’s.
Please address any queries to Martin Nunn.
Saturday Fellowship
The September meeting will be on the 6th at 2.30pm at Barbara Jones’
home. Martin Nunn will be leading a Bible Study. In October we will
be meeting on the 4th at 2.30pm at the same place.
You are welcome to join us.
Men's Group
The next Men’s Group Meeting will be a meal at The White Bear at
8.00 pm on Thursday 18 September. Contact John Curry.

6. 4
Ministry of Flowers
Thank you to those who will be providing flowers in September.
A big thank you to those who kindly arrange the flowers when needed.
After the Sunday evening services, the flowers are distributed to
members and friends, bringing joy to the recipients.
Mavis Righini
Hayes Mothers’ & Toddlers’ Club
We welcome all babies and children under school age, accompanied
by their parents, grandparents or carers, to our club on Friday
afternoons between 2 and 4pm during term time. The fee is £1 per
family – tea, squash and biscuits are provided. This is a time when
adults can meet up, while the children in their care are busy playing
with toys and activities in the company of other children.
Our first meeting for the Autumn term is on September 12th.
The half term holiday is on October 31st.
We hope Sue Fitzgerald the photographer will be at the club on
October 24th but we are waiting to have this confirmed..
We look forward to seeing you.
Judith Stoner - Secretary.
Bible Study Group
This Group will next meet in January.
Worship Group
The Wednesday Reflections Group meets at 6.30pm on the 4th
Wednesday of each month.
Linda Michie
Book Club
We meet on the first Thursday of the month at 8.00pm in the small hall.
Wendy Smith will be taking the lead.
Sue Powell
7th - Jean Ritchie 14th - Jean Ritchie
21st - Win Browne 28th - Joan and Bob Cook
THINGS YOU NEVER HEAR IN CHURCH
Personally, I find witnessing much more enjoyable than golf.

7. 5
Notice Sheets – September
September
7th Pamela Collison 8658 0748
14th & 21st Joan Smith 8462 3920
28th Brenda Cordingley 8462 3867
October
5th Brenda Cordingley
If you require items to be included in the notice sheets, please
contact the appropriate person by the previous Tuesday.
Women's Fellowship
Meetings are in the small hall at 2.00 p.m., unless otherwise stated,
on Tuesdays and finish about 3.30 p.m. The first (open) meeting
will take place on 16th Sept - please bring your favourite poem.
The Women's Fellowship autumn programme includes an afternoon on
November 25th for filling shoe boxes for Smile International. We would
be grateful for contributions for these boxes. For guidance about
suitable contents see the Smile leaflets on the table at the back of
the Church. The boxes are given to children in the third world by the
Smile Organisation. June Fox talked to us about her experiences
delivering shoe boxes - she is coming again on Nov 4th. Do come
and have an enjoyable afternoon with us.
Looking back on our activities of last session we have had interesting
speakers on Hospices of Hope - Romania, the history of the Olympic
Games, the story of the tomb of the unknown warrior to widen our
horizons; music with the Shortlands and Tootswood Singers; gentle
exercises to keep us fit and two outings. The outing to Crockham Hill
where the WI provides a delicious tea has been an annual event for
some years. The other outing to a member’s garden in Pickhurst Lane
was a new and very enjoyable venture.
All planned and to be enjoyed by ladies who are young at heart on a
Tuesday afternoon. Do come and join us - you will be very welcome.
(At the time of going to press, the remainder of the September and
October programme was not available. Ed)
MINI-AMBULANCE
Members who use the mini-ambulance are asked to phone
Marion Swanborough on 8462 3981 by 9.00 am on any Tuesday when
they are unable to come to the meetings.
As always, we welcome all ladies to our meetings. Please come along for a
pleasant afternoon. We do have a very varied programme with plenty to
interest everyone.
Sue & Marion

8. 6
Continued on page 7..........
HOLIDAY AT HOME –AUGUST 2014
-------------------------
I requested a member of Beckenham URC who provides material for
their magazine to let me have a copy of her summary of the Holiday
at Home activities which could also go in our September Catalyst.
Other information is contained in this summary but I have left it in as it
provides a picture of the life of our sister church at Beckenham. Many
thanks to Pat Power.
Mike Duke
The five ‘Beckenham Belles’ went on their annual holiday to Hayes
Free Church again this year. A wonderful full week with games,
puzzles, keep fit and talks before lunch. Then more activities to keep
mind and body alert. Good at our delicate age!! A group from the
W.I. performed a play on Monday afternoon called ‘Granny’s 100th
birthday’. It was just hilarious. Our Sue had a cameo role as the
Queen’s lady in waiting all dressed up in posh frock and picture hat.
Well done girls. Wednesday was Day-trip day. We went to a church
near Tunbridge Wells which had stained glass windows by Marc
Chagall, Absolutely magical. Then to Ightham Mote for tea. One
could imagine Henry VIII strutting about there after his wedding to
Catherine of Aragon. A pleasant afternoon in the Kent countryside.
We had flower arranging on Thursday morning then a musical
afternoon with a Sing-along with Roland and Dave. Friday was fish
and chips lunch and a nice dessert followed by a film.
We thank Reverend Sue and all her helpers for all the hard work
making this a great week for all of us. Thanks also to all at H.F.C. for
their warm welcome.
We ended our ‘Crescent club’ year with our usual garden party
hosted by Sue this year at the manse. Great fellowship which we hold
dear. We pray for all our poorly club members and wish them well.
We lost two members this year-Marjorie Davey and Jean Cullen: may
they rest in peace. We look forward to another year in our
harmonious club with a varied diary which the committee has
selected for everyone.
PS Good philosophy ‘Initium est dimidium facti’ or as ‘the beginning is
half of the end’
Pat Power

9. 7
A selection of Holiday from Home photographs
There is a display of all of the photographs in the Small Hall.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday’s outing
Turn to Page 21 for Thursday’s photographs

10. 8
Women’s Contact Coffee Morning
We will be holding the next coffee morning from
10.00am to 12.00 noon in the Small Hall on the
13th of September.
We are continuing to raise monies to contribute to disaster
relief funds in different parts of the world.
We hope to see you at the Coffee Morning, and why not bring a friend?
Please note that the monies raised from the coffee mornings are
separate from those raised through the refreshments trolley after
Sunday morning services.
Barbara Jones
The Fairtrade Sunday Stall
We hold a fair trade stall after the morning service on the 2nd and 4th
Sunday of each month.
The stall will be held on the 14th and 28th of September.
Please continue to support your fair trade stall. Thank you.
Richard and Barbara.
Contact coffee mornings
Our coffee mornings continue to enable us to help people in other
parts of the world that need our support. The following are two
appeals we have responded to recently.
We gave £150 to Tearfund for the Central African Republic where
people have been deeply traumatised grieving the loss of loved ones.
Across the border in South Sudan civil conflict has also escalated and
people are facing famine.
Our second donation of £100 went to the ‘To be a girl campaign’
which is a project run by Water Aid. It enables communities to have
decent sanitation and girls especially to have private washing and
toilet facilities. Cultural beliefs in countries like Nepal often have a
devastating impact on girls' lives. Water Aid are looking to reach
130,000 girls with this project.
Thank you to those who support our coffee mornings - all the money
we collect goes to deserving projects. In the words of Tearfund ‘we
are following Jesus where the need is greatest’.
Barbara

11. 9
Catalyst Needs You!
This page will be kept for YOUR contributions - NOTHING ELSE will go on this page.
Hopefully, you will be inspired to share some pictures, poetry or stories.
On 23 July “White Gables”, the Alzheimer’s Day Centre in
Bromley Common, held their annual Garden Party and this
photo shows John standing outside the Potting Shed that
was purchased with half the money donated in memory of
Marjorie. The Day Centre had specifically requested such a
gift which will be used by the residents. There is a plaque
on the top left hand side of the shed saying “In loving
memory of MARJORIE CURRY who was cared for by the
staff of White Gables from October 2006-April 2009”.
The other half of the money raised will be used to refurbish
the bathroom and convert it into a hairdressing salon for
the residents. This seemed appropriate as Marjorie always
had her hair shampooed each week. The staff were
extremely pleased with these gifts.
I thought you’d like to see how your gifts had been spent.
John Curry

12. 10
CHRISTIAN AID WEEK 2014
------------------
A big thank you to all those who participated in the fund-raising during
Christian Aid Week this year. The house-to-house collection totalled
£1,167.22, and there were further donations of £35.00. The Quiz
evening organised by John and David raised £203.50, Barbara's
coffee morning £167.00 and I hosted a tea party in Beckenham
which brought in a further £185.21. The grand total amounted to
£1,572.72.
I know a number of people are not keen on the street collections but I
hope they will agree that the above figures prove they are
worthwhile.
Kathryn Strachan
A prayer from Christian Aid
Jesus
----------
Prince of Peace, we pray for the peace that brings freedom out of
fear, hope out of grief, dignity out of violation.
Lead our sisters and brothers out of the valley of the shadow of death
to a place of still waters, green pastures and restoration.
And give us a fire to work tirelessly for your justice, so that we may all
share in your fullness of life.
Amen.
‘Faith by itself, if not accompanied by action, is dead.’ James 2:17
John Curry writes: -
“I was invited by Christian Aid to attend their head office in London on
19 June to receive an award for completing 34 years service as
coordinator for the house-to-house collections in HFC. Only two other
ladies received the same award and between us we had done 102
years service!! (34 years each). This was the first year they had given
awards, and as it went so well, it will become an annual event.”
Extracts from the letter from Christian Aid are on Page 16.

13. 11
Christian Aid Circle the City walk
May 18th 2014
-----------------------
Christian Aid Week ended with beautiful weather which was good
news for the city walk.
This year Sylvia was stewarding with me and once again we were at St.
Botolph's, Bishopsgate. Mike and I have stewarded here many times
and I have written before about the history of the church. This year I
thought I would tell you a little history of one of the other churches on
the route, BEVIS Marks Synagogue.
Barbara
BEVIS MARKS SYNAGOGUE
(Wren contemporary)
This is the oldest synagogue in Britain. Jews
had been expelled from England in 1290,
but returned at the invitation of Oliver
Cromwell in the 1650s. A temporary
synagogue was used for a few decades,
until this permanent place of worship was
opened in 1701. This is a synagogue of the Spanish and Portuguese
Jews congregation, and its architecture is similar to their Great
Synagogue in Amsterdam, although Wren’s churches, and the
nonconformist meeting houses of this country, may also have had
some influence on the style. The interior remains much as it has been
for the last 300 years and more, with many interesting features such
as the Large Candelabra, a gift from Amsterdam which symbolise
the seven days of the week.
www.bevismarks.org.uk
Photograph taken from the Bevis Marks Synagogue leaflet.
DID NOAH FISH?
A Sunday school teacher asked, 'Johnny, do you think Noah did a lot
of fishing when he was on the Ark ?'
'No,' replied Johnny. 'How could he, with just two worms.'

14. 12
NOTICE
THE CHRISTMAS TREE APPEAL
IN AID OF DEAF ACCESS
From Friday 28 November to Saturday
13 December. The Festival will be
open each day from 2.00pm
from 1 December to 6 December.
The church will be open at service
times each Sunday
(10.30 am and 6.30 pm).
This is a taster of events which will be on
offer: -
¶ A deaf choir of 60 children which
took part in the opening ceremony
for the London Olympics.
¶ A jazz band
¶ School Choirs
¶ Films
¶ The Beckenham Concert Band
The full programme will appear in
October’s edition of Catalyst.
The Reading Game
Sat 6th September
7.30 -10.00
£8 includes a Ploughman's
Supper
To raise funds for HFC
Tickets available from
Malcolm and Teresa
Cheyne
25 October
WESTMINSTER COLLEGE,
CAMBRIDGE
OPEN DAY
Have a look at all the
changes!
All will be welcome
GARDEN PARTY on 28 JUNE.
Joan Smith organised a
brilliant Garden Party and
cream tea, and with a bring
and buy and raffle raised
£429 for church funds.
Congratulations and thanks to
Joan and her team of
helpers on such a successful
afternoon.

15. 13
BOARD
HARVEST LUNCH SUNDAY 12 OCTOBER
For those of you who attended last year you'll be pleased to know that
we're doing another this year and for those of you who couldn't make it
do please come along.
A Three Course meal is on offer after the Morning Service @ a price of £10
per head. The money will be used to boost the Church finances in order
to pay for repairs of our ageing boiler enabling us to sit comfortably in
Church and at the various meetings which will take place during the
cold winter which lies ahead.
If you have any special dietary needs please let me know and I will
endeavour to accommodate you. Entry is by ticket only to assist with
catering.
Margaret Tannock
BROMLEY ROCK CHOIR 20TH DECEMBER
I'm pleased to announce that following the success of last year the
Bromley Rock Choir will be returning to Hayes Free Church to provide
you with an entertaining evening from 7.30pm and we will again be
serving mince pies and mulled wine during the interval.
The cost of a ticket will be the same as last year - £10 and the money
collected will go to provide equipment which will enhance
the lives of the students @ Nash College who join us in Church
on Sunday mornings.
Thanks to the generosity of many of you last year we have been able
to provide a Magic Carpet for the new Sensory Room which was
opened by the Mayor in June. So for those of you who came last
year and we hope will return this year please encourage other folk to
come along so we can get another project off the ground.
I will have tickets for sale so please see me.
Margaret Tannock.

16. 14
The Inns of Court
------------
On 16th July, a beautiful sunny day, nine of our Contact Women’s
Group were taken to court by Alistair.
Well, to the Inns of Court actually.
Until the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act of 1919 no women were
admitted to any of the Inns of Court. The first female barrister was
called to the bar of Inner Temple in 1922.
There are four Inns of Court, Inner and
Middle Temple, Lincoln’s Inn and Gray’s
Inn. Since the 14th Century they have
always been involved with providing
accommodation and tutoring
apprentices of law, many then being
called to the bar.
Nearby is the large Victorian gothic style
Royal Courts of Justice which we looked
inside. We were intrigued when Alistair
pointed out the figure of Jesus above
the outer arch with Solomon and Alfred
the Great at a lower level and a stone
cat and dog over the judges’ entrance,
representing litigants in court.
We finished our tour by going into St Clement Danes church, probably
founded in the 9th century. It was gutted in the Blitz, and restoration
finished in 1958. It is the central church of the Royal Air Force, and we
were impressed by the peaceful interior and by the many Welsh slate
squadron and unit badges set in the floor.
We really enjoyed our educational tour and also eating al fresco at
the oldest Inn in London!
Doreen Hobbs
Quiz Night
To raise funds for Aurora Deaf Aid Africa (for children)
in the church hall Sat Sept 13th 7.00 for 7.30 start.
£5 per person. Bring own drinks glass and food
Please let Sarah Dobridge (nee Connolly) know if you are coming
but pay on the door.
Contact at: -
sarahthompson15@sky.com
or text 07730 185871
or let David or Undine know

17. 15
Main topics in the website: -
· Home
· Choose a pilgrimage
· Latest news
· Giving back
· See survey results
· Information - free call
Website of the Month Coram’s Fields
The website is to be updated soon. Extracts from the current website
are lower down the page.
St Andrews Church stands at Holborn Circus. This is a fine example of
one of Sir Christopher
Wren’s churches.
In the South west porch
there is a memorial
stone to Captain
Thomas Coram. He
set up a Foundling
hospital, and gave
land for the safe
enjoyment of children.
The land is known as
Coram’s Fields,
located at 93,
Guildford Street - a 19
minute walk from
Holborn Circus. If you
plan to visit these
places, I can
recommend a super
cafe in New Fetter
Lane - open Mondays
to Fridays.
The following is
extracted from the
website:-
Coram's Fields is a
unique seven acre
playground and park
for children and
young people living in
or visiting London.
It includes a Youth Centre, Children's Centre, Community Nursery,
Sports Programme, a city farm and a cafe which is open from March
until October.
The park is open all year round from 9am until dusk and is free and
open to children and young people under 16. No adult can enter
Coram's Fields without a child and our friendly on-site staff ensure that
everyone can enjoy their visit.

18. 16
Letter Emailed to John Curry
--------
From: Chris Andre-Watson
Sent: Tuesday, July 8, 2014 3:16 PM
To: johncurry132@hotmail.co.uk
Cc: Christine Allen
Subject: Long Service Award
Dear John,
Apologies for the delay in sending these to you but the original email
address I had was incorrect. I hope you have recovered from your
surprise award and we would love to follow this up in two ways. Firstly
we would love to put a bit about you in your local newspaper of
course if you were willing. We feel that your story may inspire
someone in your area to get involved or encourage other existing
supporters. Secondly we would like to feature your story in the
London section of the next Christian Aid News which is due out in
October. I would love to do a brief interview with you and that might
require you coming in so that we get a clearer solo picture of you.
Do get in contact with me if you are willing and able to do this. It
would be good if we could arrange this before the end of July in
order to meet our publication schedules. Once again thanks for your
support and apologies for the email mishap. I look forward to hearing
from you.
Yours sincerely
Rev Chris Andre-Watson
Christian Aid
London Church Coordinator
Waltham Forest, Barking, Redbridge, Romford.
35-41 Lower Marsh, London SE1 7RL
020 7523 2084
candre-watson@christian-aid.org
-----------------
PS. John was interviewed
on 14th July.

19. 17
Saints’ Days in September.
21st Saint Matthew the Apostle, patron saint of Accountants, bankers,
tax collectors, perfumers and civil servants.
29th Michaelmas The feast of St Michael the Archangel, guardian of
the Catholic Church and protector of the Jewish people. Patron
saint of Police officers, military, grocers, mariners, sickness.
Saint Matthew the Apostle
The Collect
O EVERLASTING God, who hast ordained and constituted the services of
Angels and men in a wonderful order: Mercifully grant that, as thy holy
Angels alway do thee service in heaven, so by thy appointment they
may succour and defend us on earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
For the Epistle: Revelation 12. 7-12
St Michael the Archangel
The Collect
O ALMIGHTY God, who by thy blessed Son didst call Matthew from the
receipt of custom to be an Apostle and Evangelist: Grant us grace to
forsake all covetous desires and inordinate love of riches, and to follow
the same thy Son Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and
the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.
For the Epistle: 2 Corinthians 4. 1-6
--------------------------------------
All information taken from the Church of England website www.churchofengland.org
An Appeal for Accommodation
----------------------
LATCH is seeking hosts with spare rooms who would be paid a
monthly rent to house a homeless young person as well as
regular donations and legacies.
For more information please call Dawn on 020 8460 0042.

20. 18
23rd July 2014
Dear friend,
As you will be aware General Assembly in Cardiff earlier this month
spent considerable time in discussion and prayer about the issue of
same-sex marriage.
The resolution that was eventually passed reflected the wide range of
views expressed on the floor of Assembly. It respected the views of
those who wished General Assembly to allow same-sex marriages in
their churches immediately as well as the deeply held convictions of
those opposed to the marriage of same-sex couples. However, it
also respected the wish of a majority that the celebration of same-
sex marriages should be a matter for broader consultation within the
wider church.
The resolution is as follows:A clear majority of members of Assembly
expressed the view that local congregations should be permitted to
offer same-sex marriage to those who seek that opportunity.
However, because our decision-making process is based on the
seeking of full consensus, Assembly was unable to reach agreement.
Assembly therefore resolves to pursue this discussion in the most
constructive and consultative way that it can, as follows: 1) to invite
Synods and local congregations
a) To reflect on the report of the facilitation group
b) to discuss whether they would wish a future meeting of
Assembly to authorise local church meetings to offer same-sex
marriage services, and
c) To report their views to the General Secretary by 31 March
2015
2) to authorise the officers of Assembly to furnish these discussions with
appropriate resources including an offer of the support of facilitators.
Therefore, in order to assist this consultation, and to gauge opinion
across the denomination, each minister and church will be receiving
copies of the One Plus One booklet, the document from the URC’s
Human Sexuality Task Group, to assist discussion within local churches.
Southern Synod
Synod office · East Croydon URC · Addiscombe Grove · Croydon CR0 5LP
Telephone 020 8688 3730 Fax No 020 8688 2698
Website - www.urcsouthern.org.uk
Continued on next page ....

21. 19
The main aim of One plus One is to help us to understand the personal,
pastoral and theological issues around marriage in general, as a way
into discussing same-sex marriage in particular. This booklet will be
sent out in September accompanied by a letter from the Rev John
Proctor, General Secretary of the URC, which will outline the process
to be followed.
At Synod Office we will hold the names of some skilled and
experienced people who are willing to visit local churches and to
guide you in your discussion of this matter. If facilitation will assist your
congregation, please do not hesitate to ask for it.
Your views should be set to the General Secretary by 31st March 2015.
At Synod, we are also being asked for our views. Therefore, we shall
begin our discussion at the November Synod Together meeting on
Saturday 8th November 2014 where the issue of same sex marriage
will be introduced. However, we will need a fuller discussion with
facilitation at a Synod Together meeting on Saturday 13th March 2015,
venue to be decided. Please keep that date free in your diary.
Following 31st March 2015, subject to outcome of the gathering of
views, Mission Council may be called upon to call a one item, one
day General Assembly to return to this issue, to be attended by those
who attended this year.
As a denomination we have always been committed to holding
together people of different opinions and views in one Christian
fellowship. Please continue to pray for our church that in all our
discussions over the issue of same-sex marriage we may discover
something of the love of Christ.
Yours in Christ,
Nicola
Synod Moderator The Revd Nicola Furley-Smith 020 8688 3730 moderator@urcsouthern.org
Synod Clerk The Revd Derrick Dzandu-Hedidor 020 8660 3415 synodclerk@urcsouthern.org
Synod Treasurer Mr Ian Fleming 020 8337 8581 treasurer@urcsouthern.org.uk
.... Continued from previous page

22. 20
The way things once were
This year’s theme covers sayings or poetry from the First World War
Michaelmas
By Ivor Gurney
This item is held by the
Gloucs Archives.
It’s not known where the
poem was written.
-------------------------------------
This item is from The First
World War Poetry Digital
Archive.
(www.oucs.ox.ac.uk/ww1l
it/gwa); © University of
Oxford
------------------------------------------
For further research into
Ivor Gurney, there is
The Ivor Gurney Society
They have a website at
ivorgurney.org.uk
The Centenary Memorial of the First World War
I am referring to the Tower of London memorial which consists of
ceramic poppies which are being placed in the moat. By the 11th of
November 2014, over 880,000 will form the completed memorial.
You can participate in three ways.
First, you can “Own your piece of history” by buying a poppy from the
memorial at £25 plus p&p. Proceeds will go to at least 6 services
related charities.
Second, you can help with the construction of the memorial. You
need to be fit as the work is physical. Certainly over 18's in our
uniformed groups could, take part.
Third, you can make a dedication for a contribution.
All of the information is most easily accessed through the Tower of
London website at poppies.hrp.org.uk. If you do not have access to
a computer or the Internet, please talk to a friend with Internet
access who is willing to help.
If you wish to participate, but cannot get access to the Internet etc,
then please talk to me. I could order poppies as a last resort.
Richard Brown
A word of warning. Battlefield photographs will be used in Oct and
Nov. The purpose is to illustrate the sacrifices which our troops made.

23. 21
Hayes Community Bus Outings
-------------------------
During the time I have been coming to Hayes Free Church I heard
about the trips with the Hayes Community Bus. As my husband is not
able to walk very far these days I thought it would be good to try
these trips.
We were able to join them for several outings so far this year – the first
one we went on was to Greenwich and we had lunch in the Trafalgar
Pub which was very good and were able to wander outside and look
at the view across the Thames. The next one was to the Jail Inn, Jail
Lane – this was a very pleasant run out into the country and a good
lunch in the pub.
On the third trip we went to Tonbridge for lunch which was very enjoy-
able and then were taken to Tudeley to see the Chagall stained glass
windows at All Saints Church.
We also had tea there.
On the last trip we went to Chiddingstone, which was a really good
trip – very sunny day and we had lunch in the small cafe and then
some of us were able to visit the old village of Chiddingstone and
some of the party went inside the Chiddingstone Manor House which
was very impressive.
We usually have about 12 people on the bus and together with Colin
Righini who is a most capable, friendly and interesting driver we all
have a very enjoyable and friendly day out.
Claire Douglas
Turn to page 24 for some photographs taken on the outings.
.... Continued from Page 7 - Holiday at Home
Thursday

24. 22
September 2014
1st Mon 1.00 pm - Women’s Contact Group Page 3
2nd Tue
10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer meeting Page 3
8.00 pm - Elders’ meeting Page 3
3rd Wed
4th Thu 8.00 pm - Book Club Page 4
5th Fri
6th Sat
2.30 pm - Saturday Fellowship Page 3
7.30 pm - The Reading Game Page 12
7th Sun
10.30 am - Morning Service - Geoff Larcombe
6.30 pm - Holy Communion - Marion Bayley
8th Mon
9th Tue 10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer meeting Page 3
10th Wed
11th Thu
12th Fri 2.00 pm - Hayes Mothers’ & Toddlers’ Club Page 4
13th Sat
10.00 am - Women’s Contact Coffee Morning Page 8
7.00 pm - Quiz Night Page 14
14th Sun
10.30 am - Morning Service - Jim Holman
Followed by Fairtrade stall Page 8
6.30 pm - Evening Service - Judy Davies
15th Mon
16th Tue 10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer meeting Page 3
17th Wed
18th Thu
2.00 pm - Women’s Fellowship Page 5
8.00 pm - Men’s Group Page 3
19th Fri 2.00 pm - Hayes Mothers’ & Toddlers’ Club Page 4
20th Sat
21st Sun
10.30 am - Morning Service - Tony Russell
6.30 pm - Evening Service - Alan Kienlen
22nd Mon
23rd Tue 10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer meeting Page 3

25. 23
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
12 Oct Harvest Festival and lunch. (see Page 12)
25 Oct Westminster College, Cambridge - Open Day. (see P13)
26 Oct 12.00 Noon - Church Meeting.
7 - 9 Nov WW1 Exhibition in the Village Hall.
15 Nov Christmas Fair & Charity Christmas Card Sale.
22 Nov Christmas Fair at Beckenham URC.
29 Nov - 7 Dec Christmas Tree Festival
13 Dec 6.00 pm - Compassionate Friends Service.
16 Dec 3.45 pm - Christingle Service.
25 Dec 10.30 am - Service.
28 Dec Joint Service with Beckenham URC at HFC.
October 2014
1st Wed
2nd Thu 8.00 pm - Book Club Page 4
3rd Fri 2.00 pm - Hayes Mothers’ & Toddlers’ Club Page 4
4th Sat 2.30 pm - Saturday Fellowship Page 3
5th Sun
10.30 am - Morning Service - John Cox
6.30 pm - Holy Communion - Marion Bayley
September 2014
24th Wed 6.30 pm - Wednesday Reflections Group Page 4
25th Thu
26th Fri 2.00 pm - Hayes Mothers’ & Toddlers’ Club Page 4
27th Sat
28th Sun
10.30 am - Morning Service -
Followed by Fairtrade stall Page 8
12.00 noon - Church meeting Page 3
6.30 pm - Evening Service - David Stoner
29th Mon
30th Tue 10.00 am - Tuesday Prayer meeting Page 3

26. 24
Tudeley
Chiddingstone
See Page 21 for the related article..
Greenwich
T
hank you everyone for your contributions to Catalyst. The stories
and reports all show that we are friends and members of a
wonderful caring and active church .
Please keep the stories etc coming. All contributions are most
gratefully received.
Now, I am sure there are some ideas for following up some of the
pieces. If these ideas materialise, they will be publicised in Catalyst or
in church through the usual channels.
It has been a joy putting this edition together. Ed

27. CHURCH ORGANISATIONS
Day Organisation Contact Phone
Sunday
10.25am Sunday Club Mike Duke 8462 5103
Weekdays
9.15 -12.15pm
12.15 -12.45pm
Pre School Group
P/School lunch club
Jayne Carvell 07913 299773
Monday
5.45pm Brownies Sarah Humphrey 8249 9982
6.30pm Cubs Brenda Petts 8325 3956
8.00pm - 1st Women's Contact
Group
Sylvia Mack 8462 1938
Tuesday
10.00am Prayer Meeting Martin Nunn 8462 5918
2.00pm Women's Fellowship MarionSwanborough 8462 3981
7.00pm Scouts Paul Hasling 3236 0083
Wednesday
3.30pm - 4th Messy Church Mavis Righini 8462 1168
5.15pm Rainbows Jenny Longman 07730 574962
6.00pm Beavers Brenda Petts 8325 3956
6.30pm - 4th Reflections Group Bill Michie 8658 4167
8.00pm Explorers Tom Strachan 07745 813 295
Thursday
5.30pm Brownies Stevie Blair. 8325 3469
7.15 - 8.45pm Rangers Georgina Chappell 07983 471308
8.00pm - 1st HFC Book Club Wendy Smith 8462 1779
8.00pm - 3rd Men's Group Bruce Tannock 8325 6264
8.00pm - 2nd,
& 4th
Ignatian Spirituality
Group
David Hawthorn 8249 7188
Friday
9.00 - 12.00pm Coffee morning during term times
2.00pm Mothers & Toddlers Judith Stoner 8462 3023
6.30pm Guides Teresa Cheyne 8777 6042
Saturday
2.30pm - 1st Saturday Fellowship Martin Nunn 8462 5918
NOTE: - Some of the organisations meet once or twice per month.
This is indicated by 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th. The numbers relate to which
week day of the month, NOT the calendar date.

28. Final Thought
“The hand that points the way is part of the hand
that supplies the need.
Rhoda’s quotation first used in June 1991
Some thoughts for prayer
v Pray for those who are scared.
v Pray for those who despair
v Pray for those who work for peace.
v Praise God and offer the Peace.
(These items should
have appeared in the
previous edition of
Catalyst.
Apologies for the delay Ed)