Holy Trinity Church, Corfu Newsletter May 2014

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Chaplain’s Chat

Life-changing experiences. Mary Magdalene had many life-changing experiences. We know of two. In Luke 8:2 we learn "she had been set free from seven demons". At the garden tomb the resurrected Jesus says to her "Mary". She replies "Rabboni" and she is the first to return to the disciples with the news "I have seen the Lord". (John 20:18) We all have life-changing experiences. Some are good - Peter called to see his friend one evening. We met, and later that evening, Peter asked his friend if he would be best-man at our wedding! Our first baby was such a joy to look after we thought - 'This is good!' and now we have five children! As a young family we moved into the village of Ollerton, in Nottinghamshire - we met neighbours Mike and Joyce and they were the first to introduce us to their friend Jesus. It's not hard to think of some bad experiences that we, or members of our family, have suffered. Speaking to one of our sons by phone last week he related how one of his daughters had been shouted at (unfairly she thought) by a teacher. She sought help from her sister and together they went to Mr Nunn (last year's teacher) and told him what had happened. He listened and the girls calmed down. Later Mum and Dad were able to use the situation to help the girls see that not everyone they meet will treat them well. Other bad experiences will have far greater consequences. For three years the disciples had followed Jesus, listened to his teaching, seen many miracles; even seen the dead raised to life. But, apart from John, they couldn't face the horror of the cross. They were devastated and ran and hid. Three days later two of the disciples were walking along the road to Emmaus. Someone walks with them and they invite him to stay the night with them. In Luke 24:30 we read, "When he was at the table with them, He took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognised him ..." Meeting Jesus in Ollerton was the most life-changing experience of our lives. We pray that each of us will be ready to share with our families and friends so that their eyes may be opened and they recognise Jesus, their Saviour. To each Christian, Jesus says "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations" - and He promises to be with us as we go. Thank you for all you have shared with us these last three months. We promise to continue to pray for you and for Holy Trinity Church, Corfu. Peter and Barbara Jordan

Special Events during May Services for May: During interregnum, the format of services may be subject to change, but will always conform to Tuesday 6th May 10:00 Coffee Morning Anglican doctrine. Tuesday 13th May 10:00 Cookery Club 19:00 PCC Meeting

Sunday 4th May (Easter 3) 10:30 Holy Communion Sunday 11th May (Easter 4) 10:30 Holy Communion Sunday 18th May (Easter 5) 10:30 Holy Communion

Tuesday 20th May 10:00 Coffee Morning Wednesday 21st May Local Holiday - Union of the Ionian Islands

Sunday 25th May (Easter 6) 10:30 All Age Worship 19:00 Holy Communion (BCP)

Saturday 24th May 10:00 Nearly New Sale

Sunday 1st June (Easter 7) 10:30 Holy Communion

Tuesday 27th May 10:00 Master’s Crafters

Wednesday 28th May 19:00 Scrabble Evening Weekly Events during May: The church is open daily Tuesday to Friday each week from 10:00 to 13:00 for coffee, chat and Advance Notices for June exchange of library books Monday 17:30 The Kontokali group meets Tuesday 10:00 Coffee Morning Wednesday 10:00-13:00 Church Library open 12:30 Lunch Box Thursday 10:00 Bible Study 10:00 The Southern group meets at the home of one of the members Friday 10:00 Fellowship & Prayer meeting in the church 10:30 ‘Little Angels’ Mums & Tots Playgroup Collections for March Plate Envelopes Gift Aid Total

214.10 595.30 200.00 1009.40

All things come from God and of His own do we give him

Tuesday 17th June 19:00 PCC Meeting

Prayer Focus Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. Mark 11: 24-25 We give thanks for: ● our congregation in Lefkada ● our Churchwardens and PCC members ● our Home Group Leaders ● the locums we have been provided with during our interregnum ● for Peter and Barbara

Cartoons by permission © Kirk Luehrs

Please pray for: Ÿ the Church in Albania, especially for the mission of Richard and Linda in Saranda and their involvement in the Eagles Wings Home and Albanian Encouragement Committee Ÿ The Albanian Encouragement Project Ÿ the process leading to the recognition of the Church of England in Greece Ÿ the process leading to the appointment of a new Chaplain for HTC Ÿ the PCC and particularly for our Churchwardens, Pauline and Christine Ÿ strength and wisdom for Jackie in Lefkada Ÿ Tony, for healing Ÿ Christopher, for continued healing Ÿ Carole and Ian having returned to the UK - that they will find employment

UN Observances for May 15th May

International Day of Families "Families hold societies together, and intergenerational relationships extend this legacy over time.” Lord we celebrate families and we pray that they may be strengthened through times of difficulty particularly in this time of economic crisis. We pray for the safety of those families living in places where there is conflict and ethnic intolerance.

28 April

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development Lord help us to deepen our understanding of each other and of the values of cultural diversity so that we can learn to live together in peace. Help us build a world of tolerance and inclusion and enable us to Your Word more effectively.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

Giving Basket Collections are ongoing for:Needs as they arise Local community through outlets with The Orthodox Church Albania Myriam in Old Peoples Home in Ioannina Needed: Non perishable foods, especially pasta pulses rice tinned meat and fish Toiletries Underwear and socks Gifts and items for the home

Myriam ;- Nighties , bedsocks, cream crackers, diabetic sweets and chocolate, phone cards. Water bottle tops for Children's Fund, outlet through Evangelical Church Used stamps (except ones with Queens head only) for ICS International Church Society,please leave a quarter inch border. Thanks and Blessings ('Give and it will be given unto you .. . (Luke 6.38.)

Visiting Team Needed Occasions arise when people need to be visited in hospital or at home. Maybe to take some shopping or a meal,or even just for a coffee and chat .Knowing that someone is there can be such a comfort. If you would like to help please contact Lorraine or sign the sheet on the notice board in the church room.

Two Farewells and a Welcome A Big Thank you to Peter & Barbara Jordan for all they have done here at HTC on their 5th locum visit. We are truly grateful for all their dedication, hard work, encouragement and support. We pray many blessings on them as they continue in the Lords service. A big welcome to Michael & Jo Selman as they join us on the 28th April until 2nd July. We continue to thank the Lord for His amazing provision during our Interregnum

************ Another sad farewell this month is to our dear sister Carole (Sherratt) who is returning back to England. Carole has been the editor of the Pulse for the last few years, and very actively involved in many other aspects of church life, she will be greatly missed by all of us. We would like to thank her for all her hard work and dedication to the Lord’s work here. We pray many blessings on her and her family as they start a new chapter of their life in England, and we know she will a blessing to many there., as she has been here. ‘Carole…We pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your heart through faith. And we pray that you may have power to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know that love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.’ Ephesians 3 v 16-19 As Carole is the Editor I am insisting she puts this in!!!! Chris (Spatoula )

THE ADVENTURES OF MRS MOP ALBANIAN UPDATE March 2014 Thursday 27th March off I set on the 9am hovercraft, having miraculously aquired the fare. Not so many bags this time, and lighter weight stuff like pretty knickers. Maria's son met me in Saranda and took me to ksamil to stay with them. The following morning I was taken to the village to see the family who had come our way in need in 2006 .That first time when I arrived with several bags of things for them, mum burst into tears before she had even opened them, touched by the love shown from complete strangers. Though poor they were very hospitable and invited me to stay with them, they were living in very poor cramped conditions, with no running water. We talked about Jesus and the eldest daughter became a christian. Her prayer requests have been for provision for the family, and for God to help her tell others about him. And we have prayed for Christian fellowship. Over the years we have sent clothes toys and food to them, along with spiritual food, bibles books and calenders in Albanian from a number of surprising sources. This family have felt very much part of H.T.C. family. Our amazing God works in ways we cannot imagine, and answers far above what we ask for. Their need was recognised locally, and they are now in a proper home with running water. It was wonderful to visit them in their new home, share our recent bible teachings and hear the good news that another sister has asked Jesus into her heart,and wow, they have found Cristian fellowship and meet in a group 3 times per week. So now their need of help from us is not as great. With much gratitude Beka and family send love and greetings to all at H.T.C Many thanks to all who have helped me over the years to get there, the food, clothes,toys and gifts kindly given, and the much needed prayer support. Blessings Lorraine (Mrs Mop) xxx 'Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to the power that is at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations for ever and ever! Amen' (Ephesians 3.20-21)

A Friend now gone ………….. Doris (affectionately known as Dorrie) Alice DARKE (Nee Ralph) was born on 17 July 1913 in London and passed away peacefully on 23 March 2014 at the grand old age of 100 years and 8 months! She was a dear friend of mine and I wanted to write a few words in her memory and I hope that those of you who knew her will find them interesting. Dorrie had a brother Stanley and a sister Joan. Their father was Augustus George RALPH , OBE; CBE; who married May Lamb Colsell. Their father was Deputy Chief of Police in London during the second world war and part of his duties was to accompany the King on various visits here and there. After the war he was sent to Athens, Greece, to head up the civil forces resisting the insurgence of the communists. Dorrie’s parents eventually divorced and in time her father (known as George) began a serious relationship with the widow of a professor from the University of Athens. This lady had a large property and olive grove in the southern area of Benitses, known as Limeri, and when George retired they both spent several wonderful years at this idyllic property. She passed away in the 1950’s and left it to George in her will. This was contested by the University but, after fighting this for many years in the courts, George was eventually successful and the property became legally his. Dorrie and her then-husband, Grenville Cock, also a high ranking British policeman, came from the UK to Corfu and lived with George on this wonderful property. Dorrie, who doted on her father, ran his household and his life . Grenville felt somewhat overshadowed by his rather gruff and stern father-in-law. In the early 1970’s Dorrie, her husband and father moved to their spacious new home at St. Eleni, Kato Korakiana. Sadly, Grenville passed away late 1974/early 1975. He was cremated in the UK and his ashes are in the British Cemetery, Corfu. In 1976 Dorrie married Police Commander Norman John Horatio DARKE after a ‘whirlwind’ romance! In 1980 George, at the grand old age of 96 passed away and was buried in the British Cemetery on 21 December 1980. In his absence Dorrie and Norman spent the next twenty years happily in their lovely home. Norman, who was born in Portsmouth on 1 August 1915, passed away, at the age of 85, and was buried in the British Cemetery on 14 November 2000, near to his father-in-law. I will go back to Dorrie’s brother Stanley and sister Joan. Sadly, in the UK in the 90’s whilst Joan was out walking with her husband Ken they were both killed by a reckless driver who mounted the pavement. They had one daughter, Jennifer Baxter, who lives in the UK and has two children David and Sarah. Brother Stanley passed away in 2004; his wife passed away in 2007 and their only child Christopher Ralph lives in Australia with his wife Rosemary, an accountant, and their two sons Nicholas Stanley George (after his Great-grandfather) and Felix Christopher Henry. Nicholas, a video producer for World Vision, travels the world’s problem areas. Felix was accepted into Law earlier this year and practices as an advocate in criminal law, with a view to becoming a barrister. Both sons are very interested in their family history and viewed great-grandfather George as something of a hero marveling at the photographs of him with the late king. Felix treasures his great-grandfather’s championship wrestling trophies; earned during his early days as a policeman. George’s OBE and CBE are safely secured in the family safe and the remaining treasured heirloom is the portrait of Dorrie’s father Augustus George RALPH, OBE; CBE; personal

friend to the King! This has hung in Dorrie’s home for many years and it was her wish that this portrait go to her nephew Christopher Ralph, and it will. It is presently in my possession and I am attempting to obtain an Export Licence from The National Gallery in Athens but, this being Greece, I am having to deal with a certain amount of ‘red tape’ before I can send it on its way. Australia will become the final resting place for this portrait of a strong man who led a very interesting; fulfilling and responsible life; his face is so full of character and strength and his eyes are most penetrating. Dorrie was very fortunate to have such a charismatic father whom she adored and he, in turn, enjoyed so many years of closeness with Dorrie after she joined him in Corfu. But, luckily, Dorrie was not left to fend for herself. She had the most wonderful next-doorneighbours in the form of Maria and her husband Napoleon Kaloudis. Suffice to say that for the past 35years dear Maria tended to Dorrie’s every need and, in her declining years, fed her; washed her and watched over her like a loving mother would do for her child. In fact, for the past 15years Maria spent each and every evening at Dorrie’s home; sleeping when she could in one of the bedrooms nearby and always on call in case Dorrie needed her. I visited Dorrie on a regular basis and I would find her sitting on her bed all neat and tidy. Maria would place my flowers in a vase nearby and we would sit and chat for a short while. Dorrie had a sharp mind and asked me often about Mary Lemis (widow of the former Honorary Irish Consul) and Lorraine from the Anglican Church. Mary visited Dorrie just days before she passed away. Her favourite colour was pink and she had the softest pink glow to her flawless cheeks. On the dot of 2pm each day, all year round, Maria produced a home-cooked meal for Dorrie who had a very good appetite. I was there one day when Maria took Dorrie’s meal from the oven and it smelled so good I asked Maria if I could move in and be as well-fed as Dorrie! Each Christmas I would provide a small pre-cooked Christmas pudding and give Maria explicit instructions on how to warm it in the microwave oven; Dorrie always looked forward to her Xmas puddings; chocolates and cards. She would also enjoy a home baked cake from her friends at the Anglican Church. In early March of this year Dorrie started to become very frail and it was evident that it was just a matter of time before she would leave us. On Friday, 21 March Lorraine from the Anglican Church, accompanied by Locum Chaplain Peter Jordon, visited Dorrie and they prayed with her. They recited the 23rd Psalm and, I am told, Dorrie’s last words were: The Cross. Amen! She passed away, pain-free during her last three days, at 8am on Sunday 23 March and was buried in the British Cemetery on Monday, 24 March. She was taken from the mortuary straight to the cemetery, as was her wish. Her coffin was opened for a while; she was dressed in her favourite pink and I placed a single pink rose on her breast. It was her wish to be interred in her father’s grave and there she now lies. Our gentle Dorrie, after a wonderfully interesting life, is now gone;. Maria has lost a mother and I have lost a friend but she is always in my heart and often in my prayers and thoughts. Good night dear Dorrie until we meet again. Rest in Peace.

Lucy Steele, M.B.E. April 2014

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Churchwardens: Pauline Argyrou: (M) 6976 196 322 Chris Spatoula: (M) 6936 077 390

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