On this side of the page have put in the pictures of Stations of the Resurrection for you to think about and pray with us all at St Paul’s and St Augustine’s.

If you would like to join us the service will be every Wednesday at 4pm starting on 7th April Who’s Who in the Benefice

Priest in Charge: Rev. Liz Wilson Tel: 07591 697380 e-mail: [email protected]

Readers: Margaret Gillespie 284 8684 [email protected]

Deaconess: Jan Gough: Tel: 0116 332 6617 . E-Mail: [email protected]

St. Anne’s St. Paul’s & St. Augustine’s

Churchwarden: Churchwardens: Alan Headley 0116 2858316 Sharon Bird 07914118648 [email protected] [email protected] Eunice Lowe 0116 2852317 Mary Lord 0116 285 5168 [email protected] [email protected]

PCC Secretary: PCC Secretary: Justin Webber Sharon Bird 07914118648 [email protected] [email protected]

PCC Treasurer: PCC Treasurer: Jonathan Varley 0116 285 8519 Dave King 07800746121 [email protected] [email protected]

The Sealed Tomb Hall Booking Team: Hall Booking Secretary: St Anne’s Hall Booking 07405 924 330 Dave King 07800746121 [email protected]

For more information go to the web site at www.stanneschurchleicester.wordpress.com or www.stpaulswithstaugustineschurchleicester.com 2 Pastoral Letter Page 4 Services for April Page 5 Mosaics of Mercy Pages 6 & 7 Readings for April Page 7 Spring Bible Study Page 8 Stations of the Resurrection Page 9 Sidespersons Rota Page 10 Sudoku Page 10 Puzzle Page 11 High Days and Holy Days Page 12 My Favourite Hymns Page 13 Greetings from St James the Least Page 14 Parable of the Month Page 15 Mowers Wanted Page 16 Happy Anniversary Page 17 Greetings from Nick Butler Page 17 Easter Prayer Page 17 Thy Kingdom Come Page 18 Food Bank Page 19 Smile Lines Page 20 Puzzle Answers Page 21 Cartoons Page 22 The Resurrection St Anne’s Mothers Union Page 23 He Gave us Eyes to See Them Page 24 Deadlines Page 25 Finding the Magazine on the Website Page 25 God in the Sciences Page 26 The First Prime Minister Page 27 Remembering Graham Greene Page 27 Critical Mass Pages 28-29 Classifieds Pages 30-31

3 PASTORAL LETTER

Dear Friends

A few weeks ago I attended a Abrahamic Group meeting, organised by the St Philip’s Centre (the Diocese of Leicester’s interfaith organisation) in which our subject matter was Miracles. I have been attending these on about a monthly basis, and it has been great to learn more about Judaism and Islam and make some new friends, even through I have not met them in ‘real life’.

We had a really interesting discussion about examples of miracles in the Hebrew Bible, New Testament and Quran and our experience of miracles today. One area of greatest debate was over the ‘literal’ belief in the historical veracity of the miracles as described by our respective scriptures.

One thing I think we all agreed on, is that faith is not built on the performance of miracles alone. In Exodus 7: 8-13 Moses and Aaron try to convince Pharaoh of their authority from God, by Aaron to throwing down his staff, which turned into a snake. In retaliation Pharaoh summoned his wise men and sorcerers who performed the same feat. However their snakes were promptly eaten by Aaron’s snake! Either way, Pharaoh was not convinced and refused to release the Hebrew slaves. Miracles can also be performed by magicians.

Whether you believe in the literal parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14) or see it as a theological story of salvation from slavery is up to you and your walk with God (in my humble opinion). Yet there are three miracles that underpin our Christian faith in which we (well - most of us) believe.

We repeat these each Sunday during worship as we say the words of the Creed, a statement of our faith. The first miracle we believe is that God is the creator of heaven and earth. The second is that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, and the third is that Jesus rose from the dead. The last one is the most important. For without the evidence and witness of Jesus’ resurrected body on the first Easter morning, our faith would have been lost in a scattered band of would-be revolutionaries. The Resurrection This Easter, along with celebrating the miracle of the Resurrection once again. I think each of us will also be celebrating another miracle. That of the Covid 19 vaccines. Although we might call this a miracle of modern medicine, I do believe that it is a gift from God. For over the next weeks and months we will be able to emerge from over a year of lockdown and restriction into a new life. While this new life may be a little fragile, like a new chick emerging from a shell, I am really looking forward to celebrating it with you.

With love in Christ Rev’d Liz Wilson

4 SERVICES FOR APRIL 2021

Please Note: Services in our buildings may change at short notice due to Covid 19

Sunday 4 April (Easter Day) 9.30am Eucharist, St Anne’s 11.00am Eucharist, St Paul and St Augustine’s 11.00am Benefice Telephone Church, Tel. 033 3113 3356, Room no. 72775483#, Pin no. 1459#

Saturday 10 April 4.00pm Children’s Church, St Anne’s Hall

Sunday 11 April (2nd Sunday of Easter) 9.30am Eucharist, St Anne’s 11.00am Eucharist, St Paul and St Augustine’s 11.00am Benefice Telephone Church, Tel. 033 3113 3356, Room no. 72775483#, Pin no. 1459#

Sunday 18 April (3rd Sunday of Easter) 9.30am Eucharist, St Anne’s 11.00am Eucharist, St Paul and St Augustine’s 11.00am Benefice Telephone Church, Tel. 033 3113 3356, Room no. 72775483#, Pin no. 1459#

Saturday 24 April 4.00pm Children’s Church, St Anne’s Hall

Sunday 25 April (4th Sunday of Easter) 9.30am Service of the Word, St Anne’s They Found the Stone Rolled Away 11.00am Communion by Extension, St Paul and St Augustine’s 11.00am Benefice Telephone Church, Tel. 033 3113 3356, Room no. 72775483#, Pin no. 1459#

Daily on Facebook (subject to availability) 9.30am Morning Prayer

Tuesday on Zoom 2pm and 7pm, Bible Study

Wednesdays 9.30am Morning Prayer, St Anne’s 4.00pm Stations of the Resurrection, St Paul and St Augustine’s MOSAICS OF MERCY

Making sense of our lives, of the things that draw us or drive us, can be hard. It can be espe- cially hard having lived through a global pandemic, when our normality has been changed be- yond all reckoning. My life over the last year feels like a pile or broken potters or a mixture of coloured tiles. But reflection and focus and transform them into something beautiful for God.

Nearly 30 years ago, I visited Hagia Sophia, the Church, then Mosque, then museum and Mosque in Istanbul. The walls and ceilings of the building were covered in amazing Byzantine mosaics, with Eastern Aspe depicting Mary holding the Christ Child. These amazing Christian artworks had been painstakingly crafted out of thousands of tiles, with the make perched on scaffolding built to the rafters.

If you hold a single tessera in your hand it seems pretty insignificant. But together these prices make up a beautiful image. Likewise, the bits and pieces of our lives, our experiences, feel- ings, encounters on their own can seem unimportant. But in God’s hands they are painstaking- ly crafted together to create a being (you or me) made in the image of God. The following prayer activity is designed to help reflect on the way God has been present in the mosaic of your life during the pandemic.

Jot down: some reflections of the last year, where you have noticed God’s presence or absence. This could include; Passages of scripture that have spoken to you People who have helped you Special places where you have felt close to God Things you have noticed while on your daily walk. Times of trial, loneliness or depression Hopes and dreams Surprises Things you have missed Hymns, songs, pictures or symbols that have They Found the Stone Rolled Away resonates.

Read: Mark 6: 35-44

Look: at the mosaic decorated bowl, inspired by mosaic from the Church at Tabgha which depicts the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand. In this meal, little pieces of bread and fish were fashioned into a miraculous meal for thousands.

Make: a collage. Either use coloured paper to cut out small squares and spend some time assembling them into patterns and pictures, or cut out pictures from magazines and shape them to make a new larger image. As you prayerfully arrange and rearrange your mosaic piec- es, ask God to help you come to a new understanding of the bits and pieces of your life over the last 12 months. Each piece can represent an experience, event or feeling from your life. When you have finished your collage, step back and look at the whole. What can you see? What have you discovered about yourself? What have you discovered about God? What insights have you gained?

Prayer: We come as we are, loving God, just as we are. We bring all the bits and pieces of our lives, The things that occupy our minds and take our energy: Hopes, fears, tasks and tears, The trivial and the overwhelming details of each day. Take our lives and transform them, Help us to see the beautiful mosaic you have made of our lives. The mosaic of mercy, Crafted by you. Amen.

READINGS FOR APRIL 2021

4 April Old Testament Psalm New Testament Gospel Eucharist Acts 10: 34-43 118: 1-2, 1 Cor 15: 1-11 Mark 16: 1-8 14-24

11 April Eucharist Acts 4: 32-35 133 1 John 1:1-2:2 John 20:19-end

18 April The Women at the Tomb Eucharist Acts 3:12-19 4 1 John 3:1-7 Luke 24:36b-48

25 April Service of the Acts 4:5-12 23 1 John 3:16-end John 10:11-18 Word

The reference underlined are the readings for St Anne’s and Benefice Telephone Church Spring Bible Study

for 8 weeks beginning on Tuesday 13 April at 2pm and 7pm

Based on Hope: Your ’s deepest longings by John Kuhatschek

To order a copy please speak to Jan, Margaret or Liz

To join via zoom, use the following link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83663302528? pwd=b3VCUW5VbXVCdWpYWjFZRjkvWlBQZz09 The Women at the Tomb Meeting ID: 836 6330 2528, Passcode: 594801

To join via the telephone on Tel. 0203 481 5237 1. Phone, Tel. 0203 481 5237 in the normal way from your phone. 2. You will be asked to enter the ‘Meeting ID’ followed by the ‘hash’ (#) key. Use your telephone keypad to enter the Meeting ID 836 6330 2528 # 3. Then you will be asked to enter a ‘Participant number’ or ‘hash’. We are not using these so just enter # on your telephone keypad. 4. Lastly you will be asked for the ‘Password’ followed by the ‘hash’ key. Use your keypad to enter 594801 # The Women Meet the Risen Lord SIDESPERSON’S ROTA April Names May Names 4th Judith Knox 2nd Paul Ward Lesley Orris Sally Morris 11th Ann Bing 9th Mavis & Micheal Sheila Skertchly Walker 18th Cathy Harrell 16th Ivor & Maureen Joyce Haynes Sutton 25th Wjnifred Gibson 23rd Jean Dean Val Clarke George Wilson 30th Paul Archer Bleddyn Jones

6 4 9 3 The Women Meet the Risen Lord 5 2 4 6 4 1 5 1 8 6 9 6 5 8 8 3 6 1 9 1 7 8

ACROSS 8 ‘He poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the — ’ (Isaiah 53:12) (13) 9 ‘When they had sung a hymn, they went — to the Mount of Olives (Matthew 26:30) (3) 10 Comes between Galatians and Philippians (9) 11 ‘Your heart will — and swell with joy’ (Isaiah 60:5) (5) 13 Muslim holy month (7) 16 Ten ears (anag.) (7) 19 Under (poetic abbrev.) (5) 22 How Abram described himself to God when he complained that his inheritance would pass to a servant (Genesis 15:2) (9) 24 ‘Go to the — , you sluggard’ (Proverbs 6:6) (3) 25 Debar from receiving Communion (13)

DOWN 1 My — for His Highest (Oswald Chambers’ best-known book) (6) 2 Festival of the resurrection (6) 3 ‘His sons will prepare for war and — a great army’ (Daniel 11:10) (8) 4 ‘Let not the — string his bow’ (Jeremiah 51:3) (6) Peter and John Run to the Tomb 5 Name of the River Thames in and around Oxford (4) 6 ‘From then on Judas watched for an opportunity — — him over’ (Matthew 26:16) (2,4) 7 ‘But Christ is faithful — — — over God’s house’ (Hebrews 3:6) (2,1,3) 12 Long-handled implement used to till the soil (Isaiah 7:25) (3) 14 Order to which monks and nuns devote themselves (8) 15 Appropriate (Proverbs 15:23) (3) 16 I, uncle (anag.) (6) 17 ‘They gave him — — of broiled fish’ (Luke 24:42) (1,5) 18 ‘Weren’t there three men that we — — and threw into the fire?’ (Daniel 3:24) (4,2) 20 Mountain where Noah’s ark came to rest (Genesis 8:4) (6) 21 ‘Don’t you know that friendship with the world is — towards God?’ (James 4:4) (6) 23 Prominent architectural feature of large cathedrals such as St Paul’s (4) High Days and Holy Days for April

1 Maundy Thursday 2 Good Friday 2 Hugh of Grenoble – the saint who fought corruption 3 Richard of Chichester - wanting God more clearly, dearly and nearly 4 EASTER 19 Alphege 21 Anselm - the man who proved there is a God 23 St George - our patron saint who isn’t English 26 Mark - disciple, apostle, writer of the second gospel 27 Tertullian - the fierce firebrand 27 Zita - the long-suffering servant girl 27th April: Zita, the Long-suffering Servant Girl of Lucca If you have ever been in trouble for simply doing good, then Zita is the saint for you. Born in 1218 to poor but devout parents in Monsagrati, Zita was sent at the age of 12 to work as a servant for the rich Fatinelli family in nearby Lucca.

Zita was pious, generous and hard-working. Oddly enough, all three traits got her into trouble. For one thing, the other servants hated her for her devotion to prayer and to doing her work perfectly. When Zita said that ‘a servant is not holy if she is not busy,’ they were furious, and bullied her.

The Fatinellis were also annoyed with Zita. They had discovered that she felt such compassion for the poor of the town, that she would often give them gifts of their food. So, they took to beating her.

Then came the day that Zita was supposed to be baking – but she left it halfway through in order to go and help someone in dire need. The other servants told the Fatinellis, and Peter and John Run to the Tomb everyone rushed down to the kitchen, expecting to find disaster. Instead, the story goes that they found an angel, finishing the baking.

Well, how can you be angry with someone whom the angels help? It was a wake-up call for both servants and family, who began to feel ashamed of themselves. Soon Zita’s patient endurance and consistent goodness won her their deep respect and increasing affection. She was placed in charge of the household.

As the years passed, Zita became locally famous for helping the sick, the poor and the imprisoned. Soon after her death a popular cult sprang up. Chapels were named in her honour as far afield as Palermo and Ely. In England she is known as Sitha, and she has traditionally been invoked by housewives and domestic servants, especially (for some rea- son) when they lose their house-keys. My Favourite Hymn from Jean Dean

Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer (Jehovah)

Like many of us, I have missed being able to sing in Church. I am sure that I do not possess a voice of great quality, but I can hold a melody and sing whenever the spirit moves me - and not just that which comes from a bottle! I sing with the radio and when I worked for the local authority one of my delights was to stand in the ground floor foot well of Block A, Fawlty Towers, and sing loudly, the sound rising and reverberating up the entire thirteen floors. My questionable talent was enhanced in this location and this hymn, to the tune of Cwm Rhondda, was my preferred choice, paced not too fast but not slow- ly enough to be dirge like.

Performed hauntingly by Welsh male voice choirs, exuberantly by Welsh Rugby Football supporters and by Church congregations it is, in my opinion, a belter! The tune stirs and uplifts, gathering to a magnificent crescendo in the last repeated phrase of each verse. It is all I desire in a hymn - a poetic prayer, a three verse plea to our Heavenly Father for guidance, acknowledging our human weakness and His infinite power. The image of being held in His strong hand comforts me and reminds me of being cradled by my earthly father. Asking to be shepherded throughout life and our fears assuaged at the end as we ' land on Canaan's side' is surely what every Christian would want or need.

The Writer William Williams, called the "Watts of Wales," was born in 1717, at Cefn-y-coed, near Llandovery. He was ordained Deacon in the Church of England, but was refused Priest's Orders, and subsequently attached himself to the Calvinistic Methodists. For half a century he travelled in Wales, preaching the Gospel. He died in 1791.He wrote the hymn in 1745, It was subsequently translated into English in 1771 by Peter Williams.

1 Guide me, O thou great Redeemer, 2 Open now the crystal fountain, pilgrim through this barren land; where the healing stream doth flow. I am weak, but thou art mighty; Let the fire and cloudy pillar hold me with thy powerful hand. lead me all my journey through. Bread of heaven, bread of heaven, Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer, feed me till I want no more, Be thou still my strength and shield, feed me till I want no more. Be thou still my strength and shield. Angels at the Empty Tomb 3 When I tread the verge of Jordan, bid my anxious fears subside. Death of death, and hell's Destruction, land me safe on Canaan's side. Songs of praises, songs of praises I will ever give to thee, I will ever give to thee. Please send me your favourite hymns and I’ll find a little bit about it and publish one each month. ST JAMES THE LEAST OF ALL

On the Best Way to Run a Church Council Meeting

The Rectory St. James the Least of All

My dear Nephew Darren

Thank you for inviting me to speak at your church council yesterday. I began to suspect that my theme of why Eusebius’s dislike of Sabellianism led to his condemnation at the Council of Antioch in 324 was a little misjudged, when the only question I was asked after my lecture was if Eusebius was on Facebook.

I never realised how much technology is needed these days just to discuss church matters. It seemed that everyone had brought their laptop, so they could refer to all the diocesan briefing documents and reports that you mentioned. I’ve been in the diocese 40 years and have never heard of most of those papers. But then I find it too easy to delete the diocesan mailings, unread, with a click of my mouse.

Our church meetings are far more traditional. Since the church floor seems to have been carved out of permafrost, our meetings circulate round members’ houses. This introduces a nice element of competition, as each host tries to outdo the previous one in the baking of cakes. Meetings at Colonel Drinkwater’s – a more inappropriate name one cannot imagine – are the shortest, since we are always promised wine once the meeting is over. It is remarkable how unanimity is achieved on every subject within minutes, and nothing appears under “any other business”.

Mrs Eddington never troubles us with minutes, largely because she can rarely read the notes she takes. She just shares with us whatever she can decipher at our next meeting. Angels at the Empty Tomb Last month, she accidentally brought her shopping list instead, and so read that out. There followed a lively discussion on whether carrots from our local shop were better than those at the supermarket. When it was found out she intended to use them in a venison casserole, endless recipes were keenly debated.

We always leave our church meetings well fed, up to date with village gossip, and totally untroubled by any church council business. And the lack of any minutes ensures that I can then make all the decisions myself, between meetings. I think you will find our system has much to be commended.

Your loving uncle, Eustace Mary Magdalene Meets the Risen Lord MOWERS WANTED!

To join the team who help mow the grass at St Anne’s Church and keep our church yard looking beautiful.

Mary Magdalene Meets the Risen Lord If you are able to offer an hour or so every few weeks, then please speak to Michael on 2246047 or Alan on 2858316

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

Former parishioners, Ann and Peter Slade, were married at St Anne's church, on the 1st April 1961. We should like to wish them a very happy 60th wedding anniversary. A wonderful achievement.

GREETINGS FROM NICK BUTLER.

A note received from Nick with his magazine subscription.

He is busy cycling everywhere, finding pleasure in being able to hear bird song when motor noise permits!

He and Ann have been concerned by the cavalier attitude of many where they live, 2metre rule don't seem to apply. They have braved the train occasionally to visit empty art galleries, which was pleasant. Also braved take – away cafe's on the bike, and survived.

Nick and Ann send their best wishes to all at St Anne's.

EASTER PRAYER

Dear generous, loving Father,

How can we thank you for the precious gift of your Son Jesus, for His life of obedience and servanthood, for His choosing to die that agonising death on a cruel cross, so that we can be forgiven, and most of all for His death-defeating The Walk to Emmaus resurrection on the first Easter morning and the gift of His Spirit to those who put their trust in Him?

We can’t possibly thank you adequately Lord, but we want to try! Thank you, thank you Father, that Jesus, our Servant-King is alive, Lord of heaven and earth - and yet still serving us, so that we too can live and serve.

Help us to be your Easter people and live lives of faithful witness to the living Lord, empowered by your Holy Spirit, building in all that we think, say or do for your kingdom to come. Hallelujah! Amen.

THY KINGDOM COME GLOBAL PRAYER MOVEMENT’S PLANS FOR 2021

Thy Kingdom Come, the ecumenical prayer movement for evangelisation, uniting Christians in nearly 90% of countries worldwide from the Ascension to Pentecost, will be run differently this year, from the 13th-23rd May.

Thy Kingdom Come - which is led by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, and has attracted the support of His Holiness Pope Francis in recent years - will offer a selection of new resources and ways in which worshipping communities can participate - despite ongoing COVID-19 restrictions.

New resources for 2021 will include an 11-part family-friendly animation series; video reflections from influential Christian voices such as Bear Grylls, Bishop of Dover Rose Hudson-Wilkin and Archbishop Angaelos, and this year’s Prayer Journal, penned by the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell.

This year the resources are designed to encourage worshipping communities, families and individuals who may have struggled with the idea of Church at Home.

For families, there is an 11-part children’s video series called Cheeky Pandas – packed with Bible stories, prayers, animation, worship songs and interviews with special guests including Adventurer, Bear Grylls, CBeebies Presenter Gemma Hunt, Revd Nicky Gumbel (HTB and Alpha) and Pastor Agu and Shola (Jesus House) to name a few. The video series (which will be available from early April onwards) can be used as part of church at home, gathered church (online and offline) and in school assemblies.

For Youth, Thy Kingdom Come are working with the Archbishop of York’s Youth Trust to produce a selection of youth resources including a series of video reflections from young influential Christians such as the current Methodist Youth President - Phoebe Parkin, rapper and author - Guvna B, Worship Leader- Elle Limebear, Spoken Word Artist - Joshua Luke Smith and many more.

Other new resources include the Prayer Journal, written by the Archbishop of York,- aimed at inspiring readers to re-encounter the love and joy found in Jesus Christ..

The Walk to Em- The award-winning Thy Kingdom Come app, available in nine languages, will for the first time, include audio content from 24-7 Prayer’s Lectio 365 with audio reflections from Pete Greig, Archbishop Justin and 24-7 Prayer GB UK Director, Carla Harding.

This year Thy Kingdom Come is also giving away 100,000 copies of the Prayer Journal and Family Prayer Adventure Map to UK churches, as long as P&P is covered.

Emma Buchan, Thy Kingdom Come Project Director, said: “We really want TKC to inspire people in their relationships with Christ, and to resource children and young people in fun, spiritually nourishing ways.

"We hope and pray Pentecost is a time of great joy after what has been such a challenging season.”

Now in its sixth year, Thy Kingdom Come has grown from an initial call to prayer from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York to the Anglican Communion, to a worldwide ecumenical prayer movement. ST ANNE’S AND WESTERN PARK SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES by Cllr O'Donnell on behalf of the Ward

Hi, everyone, I just wanted to give an update on the fantastic work being done in the community to help people through these incredibly challenging times. St Anne's Church Hall has been a hub for the collection and distribution of food to those struggling with the impact of Covid. New Parks and Braunstone Frith areas within the ward have been struggling for a long time and have pockets of the most economically deprived areas in the city. This is based on household income, unemployment levels and children receiving free school meals. When Covid came along those communities already facing challenges were hit hard and we saw an incredible rise in people requiring additional support.

Prior to the pandemic we had two foodbanks supporting the community one based at the New Parks Library which had about 50 people using the service on a regular basis and a foodbank based in the Braunstone Frith resource centre on Sharman Crescent which had about 80 regular users.

Since the pandemic we have seen a massive growth in food poverty with the New Parks foodbank run by Lindsey Peperdy over doubling the amount of people accessing food parcels to an average of about 125, Braunstone Frith Foodbank saw an almost unbelievable growth to over 300 individuals and families requiring support.

From the summer and the school holidays when there was a real fear that some children may not have access to food on a regular basis the Adventure Playground on Glenfield Rd in partnership with Fareshare and the Feeding Leicester project started a Summer Holidays programme which has now been extended and now delivers anything up to 200 families with nutritious balanced food bags.

Our community has risen to the challenge and every week we collect from the Western Park residents via St Annes and house collections anything up to a HUNDRED bags and Supper at Emmaus boxes of food and other provisions including sanitary protection and toiletries.

This isn't the end of the magnificent effort in our community, at Christmas we collected over 400 selection boxes and more toys than we could imagine (my garage was like a workshop in Lapland) which were delivered via our foodbanks to children most in need, recently to help with home and online learning we have had laptops, tablets, and other more traditional learning materials, also as a community we have even helped to get bikes for some youngsters to ride to school.

Western Park you have been amazing from the donations to the volunteers we can stand proud and when we look back at the last year, we can say with pride how much we did and how much we achieved. SMILE LINES

Lot’s Wife

A father was reading Bible stories to his young son. ‘The man named Lot was warned to take his wife and flee out of the city, but his wife looked back and was turned into a pillar of salt.’ His son looked up, concerned. ‘What happened to the flea?’

Expensive Boat

A vicar was planning an Easter pilgrimage to the Holy Land, and was aghast when she found it would cost her £50 an hour to rent a boat on the Sea of Galilee. She protested to the travel agent that the cost was ridiculous. ‘That might be true,’ replied the travel agent, ‘but you have to take into account that the Sea of Galilee is water on which our Lord himself walked.’

‘Well, at £50 an hour for a boat,’ she replied, ‘I am not surprised!’

Supper at Emmaus Red Light

A woman was found guilty in traffic court and when asked for her occupation she said she was a schoolteacher. The judge rose from the bench. ‘Madam, I have waited years for a schoolteacher to appear before this court.’ He then smiled with delight. ‘Now sit down at that table and write “I will not run a red light” one hundred times.’

20

5 4 3 8 6 9 2 1 7

8 7 2 4 1 5 6 9 3

9 1 6 2 7 3 5 4 8

2 8 1 5 3 4 9 7

Jesus and Peter 6 4 3 7 9 2 6 8 5 1

6 5 9 1 8 7 3 2 4

1 6 4 3 9 2 7 8 5

3 9 5 7 4 8 1 6 2

7 2 8 6 5 1 4 3 9 Jesus and Peter ST. ANNE’S MOTHERS’ UNION

DIARY NOTES FOR APRIL

Another month gone, and in spite of my hope (in the March Link) that I might have something new to say this month, I’m afraid the current situation is very much as it was then.

We shall certainly not be able to have a Meeting in April, or in May, as the current date for the lifting of restrictions on meeting together in the Hall is after our 2nd Tuesday in the month slot. But I can tell you that plans are in hand for a get together in June. No Speaker - but then, I think there will be enough talk between ourselves! But this is strictly on the “hope to be able” to do, of course - we can’t be sure that there will be no more hiccups along the way! More details in future editions.

It does seem that we shall be able to start worshipping together in Church at the end of March, so with Easter Sunday being the 4th April, we should be celebrating Easter once again in a beautifully decorated church. As the current expression goes, “Yay!!”

Jesus Appears to the Disciples Mavis Walker [email protected]

SPRING (Acrostic Poem)

Spring has arrived with armfuls of blossom, Petals of every colour and hue, Rain and sun caressing the earth Inspiring spring bulbs to come into view Now is the time of new beginnings Giving us pleasure all season through. He Gave us Eyes to See Them: Come, Risen Lord, and Deign to be Our Guest

I like the story of the vestry noticeboard of a church in Hampshire: after a Holy Week performance of Stainer’s ‘Crucifixion’, the choirmaster wrote: ‘“The Crucifixion” – well done, everyone!’ Later that day, someone had added, ‘The Resurrection – well done, God!’

For the two disciples treading the road to Emmaus, there was no such sense of victory and celebration. Their minds and hearts were numb with the sense of loss and failure. They had seen their Lord tried and crucified. As Luke recounts that walk in his Gospel, he shows how it began with absence and loss, but journeyed to presence. It was a road that took the disciples from blindness and despair to sight and insight. They talked over past events with the stranger who joined them, and Luke uses ten different Greek words to describe that conversation – all stages in their understanding. And when they share a meal with the stranger, who becomes the host, taking the bread and giving thanks, then the understanding becomes vision and insight.

That meal is the theme of Caravaggio’s painting of 1601, ‘The Supper at Emmaus.’ Caravaggio had a reputation for being a violent, irrational artist, given to bouts of anger and forced to spend part of his life in exile in Naples and Sicily. His paintings as well as his lifestyle shocked and provoked comment. This portrayal of Jesus with a plump, youthful face and his depiction of the apostles as ordinary labourers upset the church authorities. But by giving Jesus a beardless face, Caravaggio was trying to show Him in the new likeness of Resurrection – an Easter image of our Lord. The light from that Easter Jesus fills the scene as the two disciples look on, astonished and finally understanding.

When we read the Gospel, we are drawn into the scene. For Caravaggio the movement is the Jesus Appears to the Disciples other way: the scene reaches out to us from the canvas. Look at the outstretched hand of Jesus, the elbow of one disciple and the left hand of the other: they are being projected into our world. And that basket of fruit, full of apples and figs and grapes, symbols of the fall and the Eucharist: it is about to topple off the table and into our laps. It is an Easter encounter two thousand years ago, reaching out to us through light and shade and the skill of the artist.

In many ways the Gospel story in Luke is of an ordinary encounter between travellers and a stranger. But it is made extraordinary by the transforming power of the risen Lord, talking with the disciples in the open air and then going inside for a meal. However, the doors are not shut to us. For Caravaggio shows how that special moment of encounter for the two disciples can reach out to enter our world. And he shows the hand of the risen Lord beckoning us to step into that Easter world of sacrament and new life.

Deadlines The deadlines for the next three issues are: May Issue Wednesday 14th April 2021 June Issue Wednesday 12th May 2021 July and August Issue Wednesday 9th June 2021 Contributions accepted in person, by post or by email. Contact details Paul Henry Address 24 Clarefield Road E-mail [email protected]

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Science and Society: How Can We Approach New Ethical Issues?

Science tells us how the world works, and technology offers applications of that knowledge, but neither can tell us what we ought to do. All scientific discoveries or new technologies can be used to either help or harm others. For example, a smartphone can be used to stay in touch but also enables bullying.

It is important to get past our initial reactions: the ‘yuk!’ or ‘wow!’ These feelings may well change once we learn more about the science and other factors behind a new development.

Ethical thinking can be divided into three main categories. The consequentialist approach is demonstrated in Proverbs, when Wisdom calls young men to consider the outcome of their actions. Utilitarianism is a form of consequentialist ethic that tries to maximise the greatest good for the largest number of people affected, but unchecked it leaves minorities out in the cold.

Duty or law-based ethics start with intrinsic values, asking what is the correct course of action, or our duty? These values might be God-given, such as the ten commandments, or worked out by human reason. It is possible, however, to do harm while obeying the law, especially if someone asks ‘What can I get away with?’ Also, what happens when rules collide? For example, who should be treated first when resources are limited?

Virtue ethics are about building character, growing in wisdom and the fruit of the Spirit. There are plenty of biblical principles to guide virtuous living, such as the idea that we are ‘made in the image of God’ which supports the value of every human life (e.g., Genesis 1:26–27, Genesis 9:6, James 3:9–10), but the right decision can vary depending on circumstances

So how can we make ethical decisions about new technologies? The five Cs bring together a Thomas Meets His Lord number of different types of ethical thinking into a helpful framework for decision-making.

Clarify the facts and key questions. Consider our choices: what could we achieve? Constraints: External - what must we do? ; Internal - how should we behave? Compare the pros and cons of each approach. Choose what is best, with all parties in mind.

Finally, we have to recognise that the information available to us will change over time, our knowledge of God and His word will keep growing, and we cannot avoid making mistakes - so our ethical decisions will need to be revisited and revised from time to time. THE FIRST BRITISH PRIME MINISTER

Robert Walpole became the first British Prime Minister 300 years ago, on 3rd April 1721. It was a title he rejected, but historians agree that he effectively created that office for himself.

He was one of the greatest politicians in British history, but he had in- tended to be a clergyman, until his older brother Edward died in 1698, leaving him responsible for the considerable Walpole estate.

His country seat was Houghton Hall in Norfolk, which he used as a base for generous, some- times extravagant hospitality and built up an impressive art collection, most of which was later sold and now resides in the Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg.

Another part of his legacy is 10 Downing Street, which was offered to him personally by George II, but which he accepted as the official residence of the First Lord of the Treasury. He was knighted in 1726 and made Earl of Orford on his resignation in 1742.

His skills as an orator and negotiator played a significant role in sustaining the Whig party over a long period, and in ensuring the Hanoverian succession. He rebuilt the tower of the medieval church on his Houghton estate as a memorial to his grandfather.

REMEMBERING GRAHAM GREENE

Graham Greene – novelist, short story writer, playwright and journalist – died 30 years ago, on 3rd April 1991, of leukaemia. He was 86. Widely recognised as an outstanding novelist, he was the author of Brighton Rock, Our Man in Havana and many more.

His first name was actually Henry, and he was born at Berkhamsted School At the Sea of Tiberius in Hertfordshire, where his father was a housemaster. His parents were first cousins, and the family included the owners of the Greene King brewery. But he was not happy at school; as a result of bullying and his depression, he received psychoanalysis after making several suicide attempts.

He started out as an atheist but converted to Roman Catholicism as a result of his relation- ship with Vivien Dayrell-Browning, who he married in 1927. He normally referred to himself as a Catholic agnostic and objected strongly to being described as a Roman Catholic novelist, though many of his novels had Catholic themes at their centre.

He was for a short time in his youth a member of the Communist Party; later he became a journalist, travelled widely and was for a few years employed by MI6. He won many literary prizes and in 1966 was shortlisted for the Nobel Prize in Literature. CRITICAL MASS (Why I’m Keeping my Church Open).

This note appeared through my door last week. It is a letter written by Father Jonathan Beswick Society of the Holy Cross and he is Rector of St Peter's, London Docks and was a member, of the General Synod 2011-18. It is quite challenging and very thought provoking in many ways, and some of you may be interested,

On a beautifully sunny" Maundy Thursday last year, during the first lockdown, I removed my cassock, slung my satchel over my shoulder and rode my bicycle to Lambeth Palace and back. At the halfway point I paused briefly to slip a letter under the Archbishop of Canterbury's front door, before heading for home and the sad prospect of a solitary evening mass.

In my letter I asked the Archbishop to reconsider his request that we not pray in our church- es. Communal worship was still forbidden, but the government clearly considered it lawful for the clergy to continue " to go into their churches to pray on behalf of their absent congregations. Surely that is what we are here for? Of course, his request did not affect me - the Archbishop has no authority to close churches and tell clergy to stay at home - but many clergy were evidently doing what they were told. Some bishops, in other dioceses, even threatened legal action if we didn't toe the line.

Many churches have sadly now closed again, especially in London, even though, unlike in the last two lockdowns, churches are (at the time of writing) permitted by law to stay open for communal worship. Our MPs, mayors and various religious leaders have written to us directly to ask us to close. I have compassion and respect for those "who have yielded to the considerable pressure, but my church is one of the few in London to resist and I believe we are right to do so. An open church, in the depths of winter, is now one of the very few places a person can come to see others (albeit masked) and to get out of their flats. If our church door being open means that just one young man, with the world at his feet, doesn't take his own life in isolation and despair, then it's worth it.

During the first lockdown, while remaining lawful, our parish church was perhaps less At the Sea of Tiberius 'closed down' than many churches. We set up an outdoor shrine with a great crucifix for prayer, where candles could be lit (safely, of course) during the opportunity provided by daily exercise. The church bell was still rung two or three times a day to recall the people to God and to remind them that the offices of morning and evening prayer and the mass were being offered to God for them, even if they were currently prevented from joining in. People were responsive and grateful for this and in particular for the familiar sound of the bell.

Church bells and priests go back a long way. We have been hanged from them in time of revolution, we have been enjoined to ring them in time of invasion or victory, and ringing them every day is one of the few duties placed upon us by the Prayer Book. The priest is to 'cause a Bell to be tolled ... that the people may come to hear God's Word and to pray with him'. Last spring, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, via an ill-judged letter to all clergy, achieved that which even Old Nick couldn't have dreamed of: they caused most of the church bells in England not to be tolled. Many people of course couldn't work from home, but they suggested that clergy could. We were put under great pressure to 'go online'. Those of us who wanted to maintain a ministry of presence, both in the street and by ringing the church bell, were accused by some of our fellow priests of 'flashing our privilege' by simply donning our cassocks and getting on with the job. It seemed more important to me than ever in my 25 years as a priest that we were now out and about on foot, visible and approachable among our poor, terrified flocks.

Perhaps the Archbishops' letter shouldn't have surprised me. There is what might be called an 'incarnational deficit', at the heart of the Church of England today. It has been growing over recent years but has now got its hands on very many of the levers of power. The Christian faith is grounded in the central mystery of the incarnation: the word was made flesh and dwelt among us. God did not reside on Mount Sinai reissuing successive tablets of stone. Rather, he got stuck into the mess and mortality that is the lot of the human race. Our sacramental faith and worship is born of this incarnational mystery: we are embodied and creaturely and we respond to the embodied and the creaturely Human warmth, a smile, a handshake or a hug; singing hymns, the sound of bells and the smell of incense, listening to the word of God together, receiving the body and blood of Christ: all of this and more is the stuff of our worship. It doesn't 'go online' any more successfully than a visit to the pub or a children's birthday party.

The incarnational deficit in the Church is bloodless and disembodied. If it takes flesh at all, it does so in the likenesses of dull managerialism, an aversion to risk, are obsession with statistics and restructuring and with the pernicious encroachments of critical race theory and unconscious bias training. During the first lock down the poor parochial clergy were reminded endlessly that our first duty was to stay at home protect the NHS and save lives and that even though our churches were now closed The Ascension for worship, it was wonderful and right that they should be open for food banks and blood donor sessions. I rubbed my eyes in disbelief. Baked beans and nappies: good, Body of Christ: bad? Pints of human blood good! The blood of Christ bad? Surely we could have both?

During the first lockdown, I had "an encounter that I'll never forget. As I was walking down the lane outside the church a neighbour called Steve stopped me and asked whether or not it was true that we had been closed down for public masses. I replied that it was indeed true. Steve, with the characteristic frankness you would expect of man who played several times for Millwall in the 196Os, shook his head sadly and said: 'Either it matters or it don't.' WESTCOTES POST OFFICE “In 2019, I applied for 5 jobs, I was shortlisted Vehicle Licences, Phone Bills, for 5 interviews and offered 4 jobs. I can help Gas and Electricity Bills, you do the same” Bibi

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