Pastoral Le�er

St. ’s Parish Magazine OCTOBER 2020

Dear friends, You can feel a change in the air. The air is cooling, the nights are drawing in, the leaves are changing colour. Summer is beginning to transition into Autumn. Whilst children have returned back to school, life still feels far from normal. Politicians and scientists are daily explaining to us that society will not be returning back to its old ways. For how long, if ever, no one is quite sure. Our prayers remain full of compassion for those who will �ind the next few months the hardest; full of trust in the faithfulness of God; and full of hope in the One who holds eternity in His hands. Since I wrote to you last, there have been some changes taking place at St Wilfrid. At our APCM which was held in mid-September, we said hello to some new members of the PCC and goodbye to some others. I announced at the APCM, that after many years of incredibly faithful service and ministry, Fr. Ray Whelan has decided it is the right time to step away from St Wilfrid and seek out what God may be calling him to next. From a personal point of view, I am incredibly grateful to Fr. Ray for the way he has helped me to settle in to my incumbency, for his grace and his humility. If I might also speak on behalf of the parish, I know that many people have been extremely Continued page 3 Parish Church of St Wilfrid Ellasdale Road, Bognor Regis, PO21 2SG h�ps://wilfrid.com 01243 841275 [email protected] SaintWilfridBognor Registered Charity No. 1142723 Magazine & Pewsheet ar�cles/ pictures please email [email protected] with your name, date submi�ed and phone number. Thank you. Deadline for November edi�on - Monday October 19th 2020 1 PastoralLetter1 WhereGodIs4 StWilfrid’shasaListeningEar5 FromourNewOperationsManager6 ParishPump6 Wedding-JamesDawe&ElnazArmandi7 SmileLines8 JeanRoseRIP10 StaffordJohnHallingsSmithRIP11 Services12 Diary12 Links12 HolyDaysinOctober12 SaintWilfrid634-12thOctober,70918 Wilfrid - Champion of Roman Traditions The Synod of 66419 LookingAtGod30 LookingAtChurch34 PrayersandPoems38 PhotoQuizAnswerp34ofSeptemberMagazine43 TheTaleoftheRichFool44 OctoberMaze45 BibleBite=AshortstoryfromtheBible46 WordSearch-SpottheDifference47 Crossword48 WordSearch-AllHallowsEve–orHolyEvening50 CrosswordSolution52 WordSearchAnswers-Righttodogood53 WordSearchAnswers-SpottheDifference53 Contacts55 WhitbyAbbey56

2 grateful to Fr. Ray for the way he has facilitated and supported such a rich Sacramental ministry at the church. Particular attention should be given to the way that he enabled ministry to continue so strongly, during the period of vacancy. Fr Ray, thank you so much. Further changes over the last few months include our organist and choir trainer, Chris Wall, stepping down from a contracted position. Chris has kindly agreed to continue supporting the parish in a more ad-hoc capacity. Many of you will be aware of the enormous contribution that Peter Green has made to the parish over the last few decades, notably, his work with the �inance, administration and communication. After many months of preparation and an extensive hand-over, Peter has passed on his responsibilities as Treasurer to Simon Piatt, who will continue to build on Peter’s incredible work. Having now welcomed Alex Coakley-Youngs onto the team as Operations Manager, we are currently re-thinking some of the ways that the of�ice and communication works. I am so grateful to Peter and all those who have given their time and devotion to manning the of�ice on a volunteer basis - Angela Triggs, Helen Woods, Elaine Green, Roger Hollingshead, Julie Starmer for their support and for all they have done over such a signi�icant period of time. In the coming months, there will be some very noticeable changes occurring. This will include the style, words and images we use in our communication. You will also notice that our entrance area, of�ice and meeting room will be re- con�igured and re-decorated. Similarly, our other auxiliary spaces will be re- con�igured to enable them to be used as multi-purpose rooms. At our recent PCC morning, a new pattern of worship was con�irmed. As later this term we begin to welcome a complimentary expression of worship into the church on a Sunday morning, service times will take the following structure: The existing 8am and 10.30am traditional services have now been combined and will happen at 9.30am every Sunday. This service continues to be traditional, liturgical and sacramental in expression and will now use Common Worship. At 10.30am we hope to be able to serve refreshments to the departing 9.30AM congregation and an arriving 11.15AM congregation. This is of course subject to Covid-19 guidance on serving refreshments. Following this, at 11.15am a weekly informal service will take place (exact start date to be decided). I recognise and understand that for various reasons, for some people the change in service times may be an obstacle to your attendance. I hope that we might be able to continue to support you in your spiritual life. All are most welcome to join us on a Thursday morning, for a re�lective service of Holy Communion at 10am. In 1964, Bob Dylan released his seminal album The Times They Are a- Changin'. He was of course writing in the context of the civil rights movement, which was sweeping across the States at the time. Yet, perhaps it’s a sentiment that’s always true. We live in a time and a world 3 which is constantly changing, adapting and shifting. Scripture reminds us (see, Psalm 102:27, Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8) that we believe in a God who is constant and operates within, but paradoxically outside, the boundaries of time and space. Whilst things around us may be changing, we can take comfort that our God remains the same: yesterday, today and forever. His love and faithfulness extends throughout all generations. He is constant in his grace, justice and mercy. My prayer for us, as we enter a season of change, is that our confession and focus will be resolutely �ixed on the God who never changes, and whose love is being constantly revealed to us, by the power of the , through His Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

In Christ, With love, Joel and Lella Mennie Where God Is A couple of weeks ago I was approaching the Cathedral at 0945 ready to do my duty on the door, when a woman passed me gazing up at the roo�line. I said it was pretty impressive, and she agreed. She said she had just been round the cathedral and no-one else was in there. I said God was there, and she said Yes, of course, that accounted for the warm feeling. John Wood

4 St Wilfrid’s has a Listening Ear

The long winter days are nearly upon us and we know that there are many people in our parish and beyond who may spend many hours and days without speaking to anyone. They may only have a phone and not be able to access other technology that most of us use to communicate. St Wilfrids is se�ng up a service where people can ask for a friendly contact from the same person each week. They will be able to look forward to a friendly chat from someone who cares and shows interest in them. We will provide a good listener who also gives of their �me. It is not a service where we offer prac�cal things, although we may be able to ‘signpost’ the person if there is real need. Would you appreciate a friendly weekly call or do you know of anyone who would appreciate this?

If so, please contact: Hazel Barkworth on 07850 780371 or Jan Slough on 07971 251994

5 From our New Opera�ons Manager Hello! My name is Alex and I’m your new Operations Manager. I’m married to Emma who is �inishing her PhD at the moment, and we have a 10 month old son Theodore (or Teddy for short). We also have a couple of cats, chickens and our cheeky ginger Labrador, Odin. You may have seen us at the 0930 service over recent weeks. Thanks for making us feel so welcome! Before joining the team here in Bognor, I’ve been helping with a grade II listed building renovation in Lavant just outside Chichester, and before that I was running a national sail training charity from Kent, taking young people to sea in tall ships. It is such a privilege to be able to come and work at Saint Wilfrid’s and to be able to join in with what God is doing in the life of the parish and in Bognor Regis. My role is hopefully going to help with the apostolic partnership as it starts to build momentum in the coming months and years. I’ll be doing a lot of the work that Peter and the volunteer admin team have been doing so faithfully over recent years, but I’ll also be overseeing the wider operations of the church such as HR, �inance and general project management. In my spare time I am training for Ordination in the Church of part time at St. College in London, I hope to �inish in the Summer of 2022. This involves having a placement church for 1 day a week so outside of my normal working hours you’ll see me getting involved in all sorts of ministry within the parish. You might also see us on the beach, we love the Bognor seaside! We are really looking forward to meeting you all in due course, I’m usually in the Church on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays but if I’m not around, you can get hold of me by using the church number (press option 1) or you can send me an email:[email protected]

6 Wedding - James Dawe & Elnaz Armandi

At the beginning of September Joel was requested if he could conduct a Wedding for a couple who had decided COVID19 was not going to thwart them anymore! On the 28th September, it was to be their two year anniversary so was it possible to get married on Sunday 27th when friends and family would have no work commitments? Yes, it was all amazingly organised and the photos verify the happy day. The weather was dry and sunny although the bride’s veil was removed by a gust of wind when the photos were taken!! The bride from Iran, Elnaz Ajmandi and James Dawe, the elder son of Rosemary Dawe, were given a moving, emotional service with even the sun pouring in on the altar! The lighting of a candle commenced the service in memory of Elnaz’ father, David Armandi. A reading entitled “Love Philosophy” by Percy Bysshe Shelley was read followed by the second reading from The 7 Song of Solomon Chapter 2 verses 10 – 13 and Chapter 8 verses 6 – 7. Joel’s poignant address, and the rest of the service went far too quickly with the Signing of the Register accompanied by the music by Roberta Flack “The �irst time ever I saw your face”. Wonderful memories remain for the thirty guests (only �ifteen allowed on the 28th!) who all thoroughly enjoyed the reception at the Waverley with a delicious three course wedding breakfast generously provided by the Groom’s father – who, in his speech said he was delighted to have the opportunity to attend this wedding which he never thought would happen (James achieving the ripe old age of 50 next year!) So starts the life of two persons, now joined as one and we wish them a peaceful, happy, life together.

Smile Lines A spirit guest? When new neighbours moved in next door, they held a House Warming party and invited the entire road. My husband and I were glad to go along, as our daughters were both �ive years old. But next morning I was taken aback when my daughter told me that the mother had taken her into the kitchen and given her ‘a spirit guest’, which my daughter had really enjoyed. Now she wanted me to get her ‘a spirit guest.’ 8 I was wondering how to contact the local vicar for exorcism when I realised that my daughter meant ‘asparagus'. Moses revisited Nine-year-old Joseph was asked by his mother what he had learned in Sunday school. "Well, Mum, our teacher told us how God sent Moses behind enemy lines on a rescue mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. When he got to the Red Sea, he had his engineers build a pontoon bridge and all the people walked across safely. Then he radioed headquarters for reinforcements. They sent bombers to blow up the bridge and all the Israelites were saved." "Now, Joseph, is that really what your teacher taught you?" his mother asked, somewhat alarmed. "Well, no, Mum. But if I told it the way the teacher did, you'd never believe it!" Ten Commandments A Sunday School teacher was discussing the Ten Commandments with her �ive and six-year-olds. After explaining the commandment to ‘honour thy father and thy mother’, she said: “Is there a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?” Without missing a beat, one little boy answered: “Thou shalt not kill.” Sorry Our minister, an avid golfer, was once taking part in a local tournament. As he was preparing to tee off, the organiser of the tournament approached him and pointed to the dark, threatening storm clouds which were gathering. “Sir," the organiser said, "I trust you'll see to it that the weather won't turn bad on us." Our minister shook his head. "Sorry," he replied. "I'm in sales, not management!” Prayer for the sick I was listening to my new curate pray and I realized one of his phrases didn't come out quite right. He said, "...and Lord, we pray for those who are sick of this church." Learning from the young A few weeks ago, our Methodist district was going to have its ‘Sectional’ Youth Rally at our church. But when the minister announced it, he got confused: "We will be hosting the sexual youth rally this Friday evening at 7pm. Everyone is welcome to attend. It should be an enjoyable evening for all, and we can probably learn a lot from these kids."

9 Jean Rose RIP

Above: Churchwardens Malcolm and Elaine with Churchwarden Emeritus Jean Rose on the occasion of the farewell of Fr Andrew and Rachel Wadsworth on Sunday, 1st April 2018

Our past churchwarden and faithful servant of St. Wilfrid’s for over forty years, Jean Rose, very sadly passed away on 21st September. Due to Covid Restrictions there will be a service at the Crematorium on 14th October at 1.15pm which will be by invitation only. A Requiem Mass will be offered at St Nicholas Arundel on Monday 19th October. This will also be by invitation only again because of Covid restrictions. An article on Jean's life together with details of her lengthy connection to St Wilfrid's church and the of Chichester will be included in the next edition of the magazine. Right: Jean at a St. Wilfrid’s Walsingham Pilgrimage 18th October 2014 with Val Johnson, Joy Thomas and Fr Ray Whelan.

10 Stafford John Hallings Smith RIP Again, such sad news that Stafford, a very long standing member of St. Wilfrid’s Choir, died on 17th September at St. Richard’s Hospital shortly after a fall and just a few days after his 90th birthday.

It was Stafford’s wish to have his funeral at St. Wilfrid’s and this will take place at 2pm on Thursday 29th October conducted by Fr. Ray Whelan.

Due to the COVID-19 Restrictions the funeral will be by invitation only but we hope some past choir colleagues will be able to attend.

An article on Stafford and his association with our choir will feature in the next magazine issue.

May Stafford rest in peace and rise in glory and our prayers and thoughts for his family and friends and to thank God for his long service to our church and choir.

Stafford with his brother Christopher.

11 Services You are very warmly welcome to attend all our services at St Wilfrid’s. Note in the present COVID-19 situation the church services are limited to a 9:30am Eucharist on Sundays and a 10:00am Eucharist on Thursdays both in the church. There is also a FaceBook LIVE Zoom Eucharist on Sundays at 8:00am from our SaintWilfridBognor FaceBook Group and after the service as a recording both from the same FaceBook Group and also our church website at https://www.wilfrid.com/video-resources/ We are following government guidance on , weddings and funerals. For an initial conversation, please contact Revd Joel Mennie on (email) [email protected] (telephone) 07527 545692 Diary Sunday 11th October 9:30am Eucharist - Patronal Festival

Links

Church Website h�ps://www.wilfrid.com Services h�ps://www.wilfrid.com/services/ Diary h�ps://www.wilfrid.com/whats-on/ Free Magazine During COVID h�ps://www.wilfrid.com/downloads/ Videos of Sunday Services h�ps://www.wilfrid.com/video-resources/ Facebook Group for no�ces SaintWilfridBognor Holy Days in October 1 Remigius, of Rheims, Apostle of the Franks, 533 1 Anthony Ashley Cooper, Earl of Shaftesbury, Social Reformer, 1885 3 George Bell, Bishop of Chichester, Ecumenist, Peacemaker, 1958 4 Francis of Assisi, Friar, Deacon, Founder of the Friars Minor, 1226 6 William Tyndale, Translator of the Scriptures, Reformation Martyr, 1536 9 Denys, Bishop of Paris, and his Companions, Martyrs, c.250 9 Robert Grosseteste, Bishop of Lincoln, Philosopher, Scientist, 1253

12 10 Paulinus, Bishop of York, Missionary, 644 10 Thomas Traherne, Poet, Spiritual Writer, 1674 11 Ethelburga, of Barking, 675 11 James the Deacon, companion of Paulinus, 7th century 12 Wilfrid of Ripon, Bishop, Missionary, 709

12 Elizabeth Fry, Prison Reformer, 1845 12 Edith Cavell, Nurse, 1915 13 , King of England, 1066 15 Teresa of Avila, Teacher of the Faith, 1582 16 , , and Hugh Latimer, Bishop of Worcester, Reformation Martyrs, 1555 17 Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch, Martyr, c.107 18 Luke the Evangelist 19 Henry Martyn, Translator of the Scriptures, Missionary in India and Persia, 1812 25 Crispin and Crispinian, Martyrs at Rome, c.287 26 Alfred the Great, King of the West , Scholar, 899 26 Cedd, Abbot of , Bishop of the East Saxons, 664 28 Simon and Jude, Apostles 29 James Hannington, Bishop of Eastern Equatorial Africa, Martyr in Uganda, 1885 31 Martin Luther, Reformer, 1546

13 4th Oct. St. Francis of Assisi- love for the Crea�on

St Francis (1181 - 1226) is surely one of the most attractive and best-loved of all the saints. But he began by being anything but a saint. Born the son of a wealthy cloth-merchant of Assisi, Francis’ youth was spent in fast-living, parties and on fast horses as a leader of the young society of the town. Then he went to the war between Assisi and Perugia, and was taken prisoner for a year.

By the time of his release, Francis had changed. Perhaps his own suffering had awakened him to that of others. In any case, he abandoned warfare and carousing, and began to help the poor and the lepers of his area. Then one day a voice which seemed to come from the cruci�ix in the small, semi-derelict church of Damiano Assisi ‘Go and repair my house, which you see is falling down’. This religious experience was a vital turning point in Francis’ life: Jesus Christ became very real and immediate to him. His �irst action was to begin repairing the church, having sold some of his father’s cloth to pay for materials. His father was not amused, in fact he was furious - until Francis renounced his inheritance and even his clothes by his dramatic stripping off in the public square of the town. The Bishop of Assisi provided him with simple garments, and Francis began his new life. His inspiration was always religious, not social, and the object of his quest was always the Cruci�ied Christ, not Lady Poverty for her own sake. Francis rebuilt San Samiano, and then travelled as a pilgrim. His compassion for the poor and lepers became famous. Soon disciples joined him, and they set up a communal life in simple wattle and daub huts. They went on occasional preaching tours. (Not until later did they become an Order whose theologians won fame in the Universities.) In 1219 Francis visited the Holy Land, and his illusions about the Crusaders were shattered. He went on to seek out the Sultan, and tried to convert him. Back home, he found his Order was now 5,000 strong, and growing. Francis stepped down as head, but continued to preach and was immensely popular. He died after a prolonged illness at the age of 45, and was canonised in 1228. Francis’ close rapport with the animal creation was well known. The story of his preaching to the birds has always been a favourite scene from his life. He also tamed the wolf of Gubbio. This af�inity emphasises his consideration for, and sense of identity with, all elements of the physical universe, as seen in his Canticle of the Sun. This makes him an apt patron of nature conservation. The 20th century witnessed a widespread revival of interest in Francis. Sadly, some �ilms and books caricatured him as only a sentimental nature-lover or a hippie drop out from society. This ignores the real sternness of his character, and his all-pervasive love of God and identi�ication with Christ’s sufferings, which alone make sense of his life. Two ancient, and many modern English churches are dedicated to him.

14 6th Oct. William Tyndale, Bible translator and Reforma�on martyr

This month is the 500th anniversary of the beginning of the Reformation, and so a good time to pay tribute to an outstanding English scholar, translator and martyr of the Reformation. William Tyndale (c. 1494 - 6th October 1536) was born near Gloucester, and studied at Oxford and Cambridge. He could speak seven languages, and was pro�icient in ancient Hebrew and Greek. As a priest, his abilities would have taken him a long way, but by 1523 Tyndale’s only desire was to translate the Bible, so that English men and women could read it for themselves. It became his life’s passion. For Tyndale had rediscovered a vital doctrine that the Church had been ignoring: that of justi�ication by faith. He had found it when reading Erasmus's Greek edition of the New Testament. In fact, his life’s work was well summed up in some words of his mentor, Erasmus: "Christ desires His mysteries to be published abroad as widely as possible. I would that [the Gospels and the epistles of Paul] were translated into all languages, of all Christian people, and that they might be read and known." Tyndale’s translation was the �irst Bible to be published in English, the �irst to draw directly from Hebrew and Greek texts, and the �irst English translation to take advantage of the printing press. It was to cost him his life. For Tyndale’s work was seen as a direct challenge to the power of both the Roman and the laws of England in maintaining the Church’s position. When the authorities had tried to stop his translation, Tyndale �led to Hamburg, Wittenberg, Cologne, and �inally to the Lutheran city of Worms. It was there, in 1525, his New Testament emerged. It was quickly smuggled into England, and King Henry VIII, Cardinal Wolsey, and others, were furious. Tyndale moved on to Antwerp, where for nine more years he continued his work. Then in May 1535 he was betrayed, arrested, and jailed in a castle near Brussels. Tied to the stake for strangulation and burning, his dying prayer was that the King of England’s eyes would be opened. Sure enough, two years later King Henry authorised the Great Bible for the , which relied largely on Tyndale’s work. Not only that, but in 1611, the 54 scholars who produced the King James Bible drew very heavily from Tyndale. Even today we honour him: in 2002, Tyndale was placed at number 26 in the BBC’s poll of 100 Greatest Britons. 12th Oct. Edith Cavell, nurse Edith Cavell is a good saint for NHS workers this year: she cared for the sick despite the danger to her own safety. Edith was a vicar’s daughter from Swardeston in Norfolk, where she was born in 1865. She became a governess, but her heart was for nursing, so she went on to train at the London Hospital, before nursing in various hospitals such as 15 St Pancras and Manchester. When Edith was 42, she decided to go abroad, and was appointed matron of a large training centre for nurses in Brussels. She was still there seven years later, when the First World War broke out and German troops invaded Belgium on their way to Paris and the Channel Ports. Edith’s nursing school became a Red Cross hospital, and she turned down the opportunity to return to the safety of England. Instead, her nurses tended wounded soldiers from both German and Allied armies. Sadly, in 1915, when the Germans began their occupation of Brussels, they took a dim view of Edith’s work. But they would have been even more unhappy had they known she was helping to smuggle 200 British soldiers across the border into the Netherlands! Finally, the Germans arrested Edith in August 1915, and put her into solitary con�inement. They tricked her into confessing to a charge which carried the death penalty. But Edith refused to show either regret at what she had done, or any fear or bitterness towards her captors. On 11th October 1915, the night before her execution, Edith was visited by the Anglican chaplain to Brussels, the Revd Stirling Gahan. Together they said the words of Abide with Me, and Edith received her last Holy Communion. She told Gahan: “I am thankful to have had these ten weeks of quiet to get ready. Now I have had them and have been kindly treated here. I expected my sentence and I believe it was just. Standing, as I do, in view of God and eternity, I realise that patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness to anyone.” Edith was shot by a �iring squad next day, on 12th October 1915. After the war her body was exhumed and buried in Norwich Cathedral. Her memorial service in Westminster attracted thousands. A commemorative statue of her stands near Trafalgar Square. 12th October St. Wilfrid Our Patron Saint. After banishment from his See in , in 681 Wifrid arrived here in what was the land of the South Saxons, and given land by the king to form a at Selsey and convert the subjects to - the last place in Britain to change from pagan ways. This monastery became the See of Selsey with Wilfrid its �irst bishop. When Wilfrid returned to Northumbria in 687 he gave all the extensive land to the Archbishop. To this day this makes our Parish a ‘peculiar’ under the direct patronage of the Archbishop of not the local Diocese. Jon us for the Patronal Festival at the 9:30am service on the 11th October. 13th Oct. Edward the Confessor – helping to found If you approve of giving money to help cathedrals survive, then Edward the Confessor (1003 – 66) is the saint for you. This early King of England was the 16 virtual founder of Westminster Abbey. And never mind entrance charges - at one point in his life, Edward was giving a full tenth of his income to Westminster Abbey. Edward was the son of King Ethelred the Unready and his second, Norman wife, Emma. After various ups and downs which included a brief exile in Normandy, Edward was made King of England in 1042. As King, Edward had a tricky time of it – trying to keep the peace for over 20 years while various Danish and Norman magnates struggled for power (which eventually led to the Norman Conquest). Scholars have argued over how much of a success he was as a king. As a Christian, there is no doubt: Edward’s holiness was evident to all. He made himself accessible to his people, he was generous to the poor, and chaste. He was also reputed to have seen visions and even achieved miraculous cures for people through prayer. Edward did much to help the Church in many ways. His lasting contribution was the original Westminster Abbey - a huge Romanesque church, 300 feet long, with a nave of 12 bays. Westminster Abbey became the place of coronation and burial of kings and queens of England. It was �inished and consecrated just before his death. Edward was buried there, and his relics are undisturbed to this day. During the Middle Ages, Edward was a very popular saint: along with Edmund of East Anglia he was widely considered to be England’s patron saint for a time. 18th Oct. St Luke the Evangelist – linking the sacred and the profane To St Luke, a Gentile, we owe the beautifully written Gospel of Luke, and the Book of Acts. He was a Greek physician, a disciple of St Paul, a companion on some of his missionary journeys, and an inspired writer. Luke’s gospel focuses on the compassion of Christ. His gospel contains some of the most moving parables, such as the Good Samaritan and Prodigal Son. This, with his emphasis on poverty, prayer and purity of heart, make up much of his appeal to the Gentles, for whom he wrote. Women �igure more prominently in Luke’s gospel than any other: look out for the extended story of the Virgin Birth, and stories of Mary, Elizabeth, and the woman who was a sinner. In Acts, Luke is remarkably good as linking sacred and profane history, as subsequent archaeology has shown. A principal theme of his Acts is how the early Christians moved away from Jerusalem into the pagan world, and especially on to Rome. Luke is the patron saint of doctors, surgeons and artists (due to his picturesque style of writing). His symbol is an ox, sometimes explained by reference to the sacri�ice in the Temple at the beginning of his Gospel. In England 28 ancient churches were dedicated to him. 17 Saint Wilfrid 634 - 12th October, 709 Wilfrid died in his own monastery in the district of Oundle, on 12th October 709 while Abbot Cuthbald was ruling over it. He was carried by the brothers to his �irst monastery at Ripon and buried in the church of the blessed apostle Peter close to the altar on the south side. His epitaph was inscribed over him as follows: Here lie great Wilfrid’s bones. In loving zeal He built this church, and gave it Peter’s name, Who bears the keys by gift of Christ the King; Clothed it in gold and purple, and set high In gleaming ore the trophy of the Cross; Golden the Gospels four he made for it, Lodged in a shrine of gold, as is their due. To the high Paschal feast its order just He gave, by doctrine true and catholic, As our forefathers held; drove error far, And showed his folk sound law and liturgy. Within these walls a swarm of monks he hived, And in their statutes carefully laid down All that the fathers by their rule command. At home, abroad, long time in tempests tossed, Thrice fifteen years he bare a bishop’s charge, Passed to his rest, and gained the joys of Heaven. Grant, Lord, his flock may tread their shepherd’s path! From Vita Sancti Wilfridi auctore Edmero (The Life of Saint Wilfrid by Edmer) Edmer, (born c. 1060—died c. 1128, Canterbury, Kent), English historian and life-long companion and biographer of St. Anselm.

18 Wilfrid - Champion of Roman Tradi�ons The 664 By Peter Green One of the most amazing events for me at St. Wilfrid’s has been the Pilgrimage ‘In Search of Saint Wilfrid’ Monday 11 to Saturday16 October, 1999 organised by Fr. Roger Calder. Arriving in Durham on the Monday we used this as a base and travelled Tuesday to with a Eucharist in the Parish Church on St. Wilfrid’s feast day, then on to Bamburgh; Wednesday to Hexham with a Eucharist and visit to the crypt at Hexham Abbey and then on to explore Hadrian's Wall; Thursday to York Minster and then (yes all on the same day!) Ripon with a Eucharist in Ripon Cathedral. Friday was a free day to explore Durham including the Cathedral; Saturday we returned to Bognor via Oundle, the place where Wilfrid died in 709 as recalled on the page left. Paradoxically, but basically a logistical impossibility, we could not �it in a visit to Whitby which was the scene of Wilfrid’s greatest triumph at the Synod of Whitby in 664 when he was just thirty years old. I made up for this by making several subsequent visits to Whitby on my own and later with Elaine and John Hayward, mainly staying at Sneaton Castle where there was the Priory of St. Hilda for the Sisters of the Holy Paraclete. I was most privileged to meet in the Priory the late Sister Hilary who was an acknowledged authority on Celtic Saints. She showed me the �ive amazing murals on the life of Hilda by Julliet MacMichael in the St. Hilda room (the one on the right of the Synod of Whitby which Hilda hosted) - look at Wilfrid far left taking a dim view of bishop Colman’s Celtic views! I discussed with her the Celtic vs Roman arguments at the Synod. Sister Hilary loaned me for the evening a portable cassette tape recorder and a tape recording she had made of a talk on the Synod given by the eminent historian Dr Peter Hunter Blair at York Cathedral. What follows is the article I developed for our wilfrid.com website which became one of the most viewed of its web pages, second only to the one on Hilda. Synod of Whitby Mural by Juliet MacMichael, St. Hilda's Priory, Sneaton Castle, Whitby, Yorks. 19 The Synod of Whitby The spreading of Christianity to the pagan settlers in Northumbria was not made any easier by the differing traditions of the Celtic monks who evangelised from Scotland with Irish roots, and the separate Roman mission of Pope St Gregory I the Great who commissioned Augustine to establish a mission in Kent. The problem was that the Celtic traditions were sealed in a 'time capsule' of religious traditions that emanated from Columba when he formed a monastery one hundred years earlier, and most of the rest of the world (including apparently Ireland!) had moved on to adopt customs following more up to date and different Roman ways. Two pressing con�licts were the setting the and also the form of (haircut) of the monks. In the Celtic tradition the king was all-powerful (which suited the reigning king ) but now he had as his second queen Ean�led, a devout Roman Christian, where the head of the church was not the king but the Pope. Things might have been easier but for the fact that due to the differences in the calculation of Easter in the thirteen month lunar calendar, there could exist a situation in some years where Oswiu wanted to celebrate Easter at exactly the same time that Queen Ean�led was still fasting in Lent! The next occasion when this would happen was going to be 665 and that might explain why the Synod was called in 664! Wilfrid, fresh from all his experiences of customs in Rome and Gaul, was an enthusiastic supporter of Roman ways. Oswiu's son Alhfrith, sub-king of , and Wilfrid's friend, also became an enthusiastic follower of Roman traditions, just like his step-mother1 Ean�led. Things started to get critical in 660/1when king Alhfrith removed the Celtic abbot Eata from the monastery at Ripon (one of the twelve grants of land made by Oswiu after his defeat of Penda in 655) and controversially installed Wilfrid in his place; furthermore it would appear that Alhfrith took the unilateral step of adopting the Roman ways in Deira, thus putting the kingdom out of kilter with Oswiu's Bernician part of Northumbria. In 661 Finnan was succeeded as bishop of Lindisfarne by Colman, another Celtic monk from and in the same year a Scottish monk Rohan strongly urged Colman to change to Roman customs throughout the land. Oswiu, now seriously concerned about the religious differences that were threatening to destabilize his family and his kingdom decided to call a meeting of church leaders in 664 to resolve things once and for all. This became known as The Synod of Whitby as it was held at Hilda's monastery. There are two known accounts of this great meeting, 's Ecclesistical History (III 25) and Eddius Steppanus's Life of Wilfrid. (C10). Bede did not start his Ecclesistical history until 731 whereas Eddius was with Wilfrid as his choir cantor and therefore his account should be fresher and not second hand. However the time differences are not so signi�icant as Eddius did not write his account until many years later between 710 and 720 and often seemed to write through very rose tinted spectacles! In any event Bede's account is a 20 much more robust and interesting read and the Synod meeting rises from the pages as a real courtroom drama. Bede �irst set the scene where Agilbert, bishop of the West Saxons and friend of Alhfrith king of Deira and Wilfrid (recently made abbot of Ripon) was staying with them and, at the request of Alhfrith, Agilbert ordained Wilfrid a priest in his own monastery. When the council meeting was called at Whitby, Bishop Colman, his Irish clergy, and Hilda supported the Celtic view whilst the Roman side was represented by Agilbert, one of his priests Agatho, Wilfrid, James the Deacon (formerly of Paulinus) and Romanus. The two kings Oswiu and his son Ahlfrith were present and the venerable bishop Cedd acted as interpreter. After Oswiu opened the proceedings he invited Colman to make his case for continuing with the Celtic customs. Colman replied that he observed Easter as he had been instructed at Iona and cited that the method was that used by the evangelist John. The king then asked Agilbert to expound on his method for the calculation and Agilbert, a Gaul, wisely suggested that Wilfrid speak as they both agreed on the method and that this would save going through an interpreter. Wilfrid then named all the major places in the world that the Roman method was adopted and intimated that it was only the Picts and the British who obstinately did otherwise and were 'foolishly attempting to �ight against the whole world.' Colman objected to Wilfrid saying that they were foolish citing that they followed the apostle reckoned worthy to recline on the breast of the Lord (John). At this Wilfrid explained that actually John celebrated Easter according to the decrees of Mosaic law from the evening of the 14th day of the �irst month (Nisan) irrespective of whether it fell on the Sabbath or not, whereas the Celtic calculation made Easter the �irst Sunday between the 14th and 20th day of the �irst moon. Wilfrid explained that the Roman calculation was based on Peter's preaching in Rome where he waited for the rising of the moon on the 14th day of the �irst moon and if in the morning it was the Lord's day, then Easter was on that day, if not, he waited for the �irst Sunday up to the 21st and began the Easter ceremonies the night before so it came about that Easter Sunday was kept on the �irst Sunday between the 15th and the 21st day of the �irst moon. Wilfrid then faced Colman and said 'in your calculation you follow neither John or Peter, neither the law nor the Gospel.' Colman then said that Anatolius had decreed that the calculation should be between the 14th and 20th day of the �irst moon and that was what Columba had followed. Wilfrid then proceeded to show that actually the Celtic calculation did not follow the 19 year lunar cycle used by Anatolius and implied in effect that Colman did not know what he was talking about! Wilfrid, by clever argument, was able to show that the Roman ways stemmed directly from St. Peter, holder to the keys of heaven, and a superior authority to the Irish Columba advocated by bishop Colman. Oswiu asked Colman if it was true that Peter held the keys to heaven to which Colman said it was true. 21 Oswiu then asked Colman whether he had evidence that equal authority was given to Columba to which Colman could only reply 'Nothing'. Oswiu, who hardly wished to offend St. Peter lest he be denied passage to heaven, decided in favour of the Wilfridian party. Hilda accepted the change to Roman ways but bishop Colman resigned his see and left Lindisfarne with many of his monks and returned to Iona. Oswiu then appointed Eata, one of Aidan's '12 English Boys' as abbot and Tuda, another Irishman of the Celtic tradition but compliant with Roman ways, as bishop of Lindisfarne. 664 proved to be a cataclysmic year in more ways that one. Bede recalls that on 3 May there was an eclipse of the sun and later a plague that �irst ravished the south and then found its way up to Northumbria and led to the death of the newly installed bishop Tuda! Bede goes on to say that 'king Alhfrith sent the priest Wilfrid to the king of Gaul to be consecrated bishop for himself and his people'. This is a different and possibly more accurate interpretation to that offered by Eddius Stephanus in his Life of Wilfrid where he indicates that it was agreed Wilfrid should be made bishop and that Wilfrid argued for and gained the agreement of both Oswiu and Alhfrith to travel to Gaul to be consecrated in the Roman tradition by Roman rather than Celtic monks. There is evidence of a growing rift between Oswiu and his son king Alhfrith as in 664/5 Ahlfrith wanted to go with on his second journey to Rome whilst Wilfrid was in Gaul, but Oswiu would not let his son go [LAWJ 12]. Another telling reference to a rift is in Bede where it says 'He (Oswiu) was attacked by the heathen people, the Mercians, who had slain his brother, and in addition, by his own son Alhfrith and his nephew Oethelwald, the son of his brother and predecessor.' [EH 3,14] Evidently by the time of Wilfrid's return Alhfrith had disappeared from the history books and Oswiu had installed Chad into a newly restored see at York, but the ordination in Gaul and what happened on Wilfrid's return is the next story. Suf�ice to say that in 664 at the age of 30 Wilfrid had made his mark in a most impressive victory at the Synod of Whitby. However, he had clearly nailed his Roman colours to the mast and started to generate a great deal of hostility and resentment from those who were affected by the change from Celtic to Roman ways; something that would cost him dearly later in his amazing life. Peter Green In Search of St. Hilda in November 2006 Another memorable event at Whitby for me was joining a course on St. Hilda at Sneaton Castle where St Hilda’s Priory is situated. On St. Hilda’s Feast Day 17th November, after breakfast it was in the coach with all the Sisters OHP and and over to the East headland to visit the Whitby Abbey Visitors Centre. We processed, led by a cross, right into the chancel of the abbey for a service conducted by the chaplain Fr. David. 22 The weather was, �ittingly, truly awful and added poignancy to the opening words 'For over thirteen hundred years on this windswept, storm tossed headland God has been worshipped; psalms have been sung, prayers have been offered and the Eucharist celebrated - in honour of the God who is creator and Lord of all'. We read the psalm 121 'I lift my eyes to the hills; from where is my help to come?' , we sang hymns about Hilda, a sister read a passage from Bede that records the death of Hilda in 680 and we all as pilgrims laid �lowers in honour of St. Hilda. One of the course members was invited to read the the passage from Bede that records when Hilda formed her monastery at Streaneschalch [Whitby]. I was so aware at that moment that centuries later this very chapter in Bede gave Reinfrid, a Norman knight, the inspiration to seek out Hilda's monastery ruins [Mission to the North] and build the present abbey in 1073-4. I hope to travel back soon to Whitby, one of my favourite places - to that stark exposed to the elements headland where 1,356 yrs ago Saint Hilda hosted a famous Synod and our patron Saint Wilfrid made his mark championing the Roman rather than the Celtic course of direction of the Church. It is of note that the haircut of the monks may seem less important these days but having a movable Easter is still a matter of contention. Peter Green

23 Report: The toll of lockdown on low-income families Coronavirus has left low-income families struggling with a signi�icant deterioration in living standards and high stress levels. So warns a new report from Child Poverty Action Group and the Church of England. The report, Poverty in the pandemic: The impact of coronavirus on low-income families and children, is based on a survey of families with children who are eligible for free school meals. It found around eight in 10 respondents reported being in a worse �inancial position than before the pandemic, and half were much worse off because their income had fallen while costs have risen. Nearly nine in 10 respondents reported spending substantially more than before on food, electricity, and other essentials – usually because they have been at home much more. Many families also said that the cost of food had gone up signi�icantly during the early part of lockdown. The Bishop of Durham, Paul Butler, who speaks for the Church of England on matters relating to children and families, said: "In these unprecedented times, we all need to ask ourselves urgently how we can help our neighbour. It is also imperative that the Government does all that it can to protect families and children.” Alison Garnham, Chief Executive of Child Poverty Action Group, said: "Low- income parents have been living under a cloud of anxiety in lockdown - trying to �ind money for family basics as their costs have been rising. That’s taken a very heavy toll.” C of E Pensions Board helps launch a new Net Zero Investment Framework Anew‘Net Zero Investment Framework’ provides the �irst-ever practical blueprint for investors to maximise the contribution they make in tackling climate change and achieving net zero emissions globally by 2050. The framework has been developed with over 70 global investors, representing more than USD 16tn in assets, including the Church of England Pensions Board. The initial framework has been published for consultation. Input from a wide range of stakeholders will be sought in helping validate and strengthen the work to date by investors. Five investors will also be putting the framework to the test by modelling its impact across performance of their real-word 24 portfolios, collectively valued at USD 1.3tn. The results of this analysis will be launched with the �inal framework, expected before the end of 2020. Church of England and RSCM await next steps following study into singing safety The Church of England and Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) have been awaiting updated guidance on singing in places of worship after �indings of a Government-backed study were published. The research project, known as ‘PERFORM’, recently published its �indings on measuring aerosol production from humans. It measured singing, speaking and breathing in a zero-background environment. Researchers reported a steep rise in aerosol mass with increase in the loudness of the singing and speaking, rising by as much as a factor of 20-30. However, it was also found that singing does not produce substantially more aerosol than speaking at a similar volume. The RSCM’s Director, Hugh Morris said: “We welcome this news. Singing is of such importance in worship, and this is a really encouraging step towards its safe resumption. “It is of course vital that all choirs and singing groups follow the relevant government advice, and so we look forward to receiving the latest guidance in this important area.” The Church of England and RSCM both regularly update their advice following the publication of Government guidance. Turkey turns another church into a mosque Just a month after converting the famous Hagia Sophia into a functioning mosque, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced that another historic church has been turned into a place of Islamic worship. The historic Chora church, one of Istanbul's most recognisable Byzantine buildings, was of�icially commissioned as a mosque in late August. The mediaeval church contains several 14th century Byzantine mosaics and frescoes portraying scenes from biblical stories - but, much like the Hagia Sophia, the artwork was covered up during the Muslim Ottoman takeover in 1453, before being unearthed again when the building was converted to a museum 70 years ago. In a recent order signed by Erdogan and published in Turkey’s Of�icial Gazette, the government announced that the Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora was now of�icially converted to the Kariye Mosque. It is not clear when Islamic prayers will commence at the building. Many Christians reacted with words of lament and frustration at the latest action. Oppressed Christians struggling under Covid-19 Oppression and discrimination against Christians has increased during Covid, says Release International, which has launched an appeal to help Christians suffering during the pandemic.

25 Many Christians have been denied food and relief aid and excluded from support systems during lockdown. They have been abandoned by families because of their faith and refused relief by governments and NGOs. At the same time, several countries have stepped up persecution against Christians. One of the worst offenders is China, where Christians have been arrested for simply holding prayer meetings online. “The situation has got much worse for many Christians during lockdown,” says Release International CEO Paul Robinson. “Covid-19 is having a devastating impact on the lives of many poor Christians. In places hostile to the faith Christians are experiencing increased hardship. “Food is now in short supply. They are unable to work and can’t earn, and support is being withheld because of their faith. Their cries for help are being ignored by local charities who are distributing food packages only to families of other faiths. We can’t afford to delay. These Christians need our help.” In Algeria, many Christians have had to stop work because of the lockdown, and so lost their income. They have been rejected by society and their families as a result of their faith. There is no social security in the country or government support. Eritrean Christians �leeing persecution have been barred from refugee camps and are unable to get support from UNHCR. And they refuse to resort to crime to get the money and supplies they need. In Pakistan the situation is especially hard for converts from a Muslim background. The only form of social security is family support, and Muslim families often withdraw support for family members who change their religion. In several countries, lockdown has led to an increase in persecution. In Upper Egypt, where Christians face discrimination for their faith, some organisations are allegedly refusing food and support to Christian families. Release partners report: “The authorities are helping Muslims but not Christians. And churches that try to help are being closed by police order.” In China, Release partners say the government is using the pandemic to step up its crackdown against Christians. They have accelerated campaigns such as the forced demolition of crosses. Pastors have been rounded up for sharing the gospel and distributing facemasks on the street. The authorities have “totally prohibited” online church services and prayer meetings, as “nothing constituting a religious service is allowed.” In Nigeria, the lockdown deepened the insecurity facing many Christian villagers, who face attacks by Fulani militia. Paul Robinson of Release International says: “Right now, it’s up to us in the family of faith to give them our support.” Partners of Release International are providing food parcels to impoverished Christians in Algeria, Ethiopia, Egypt,

26 Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey. If you can help, go to: www.releaseinternational.org/covid Churches enjoy Zooming Most churches who used digital channels during lockdown, in order to keep in touch with their congregations, found that their favourite platform was Zoom. A recent survey by Ecclesiastical found that Zoom was used by 78 per cent; Skype by 12 per cent, and other platforms, including WhatsApp, by eight per cent. Nearly one third of churches who used digital channels have also reported an increased attendance at their virtual services. That has led to some 38 per cent of churches saying that they would continue to use digital channels, even now that churches are physically open again. Our teenagers are the least happy in Europe So says the Children’s Society in its recent Good Childhood Report, an annual consideration of childhood in the UK. The Church of England charity found that 15-year olds in the UK score lower levels of life satisfaction than those in 24 other European countries. Levels of poverty, a lack of close friendships and pressure in school have all been found to contribute to the problem. Chief executive of the Children’s Society, Mark Russell, said: “Modern life has been chipping away at our children’s happiness during the last decade. We need action and for the Government to provide long-term investment to stop this toxic trend.” Fly-tipping David Pickup, a solicitor, considers a common nuisance. 14 …The king sent them after the Aramean army. He commanded the drivers, ‘Go and �ind out what has happened.’ 15 They followed them as far as the Jordan, and they found the whole road strewn with the clothing and equipment the Arameans had thrown away in their headlong �light. So the messengers returned and reported to the king. (2 Kings 7:14-16) One good thing about coronavirus has been the reduction of litter on the roads. When the burger shops were shut, people did not buy a snack, eat it on the way home and then throw the plastic container and the milkshake mug and straw out the car window. What possesses people to do this? For another type of anti-social behaviour has increased: �ly-tipping. Council tips have been closed, so irresponsible people have decided to turn a �ield entrance or a pathway into another tip. Fly- tipping costs money to deal with and it is also dangerous to people and wildlife.

27 The government is tackling this problem and there are heavy �ines and even imprisonment for the offenders. Quite right, but it is not only the tipper who is responsible. You have an old settee and some bags of rubbish and need someone to dump it. A man with a van offers to do it for £20 in cash. A week later you get an email from the council to say that you are going to be investigated for �ly-tipping as the man simply dumped your stuff on a roadside, and someone recognised the sofa and there were letters to your home address in the bags. Or here is another scenario: you are going on holiday and decide to leave some rubbish at the back of your house. You phone a mate to come and collect it, but they forget. Both of these scenarios could result in a heavy �ine. In the 2018/19 year, local authorities in England dealt with over one million �ly-tipping incidents, nearly two thirds of which involved household waste. But �ly-tipping is a criminal offence punishable by a �ine of up to £50,000, or 12 months imprisonment if convicted in a Magistrates’ Court. The offence can attract an unlimited �ine and up to �ive years imprisonment if convicted in a Crown Court. What can we do as responsible people? We can report �ly-tipping to the local authority and if there is a serious problem, we can ask our local and parish councillors what is being done about it. When you go for a walk, you might sometimes take a rubbish bag with you, to collect stray litter. Just make sure you protect yourself with rubber gloves, and take care on the roads. You could even suggest that your church should organise a litter pick one Saturday! Is your face mask making your skin break out? Face masks are giving us skin complaints. In fact, so many of us are now suffering that the complaint has been given its own name: ‘maskne’. The causes are obvious. Our breath is warm and moist, and every time we exhale into our masks this humid air gets trapped. Masks move, and so we have friction. Added to that is the unpleasant fact that our salvia is actually teeming with bacteria (with more bugs per square inch than even a loo seat!). Acne mechanica is the medical term for ‘maskne’. With all that bacteria being trapped and rubbed against our nose and chin, no wonder ‘mask breakouts’ are rising dramatically. Stress is another cause for skin complaints, and the pandemic has given many of us huge stress this year. We may face crippling anxiety over job security, �inances, the health of loved ones, social isolation, or even being trapped in an abusive household. No wonder our faces are breaking out in a rash! One in �ive of us suffer depression The pandemic has doubled our rates of depression. Now one in �ive adults are struggling with the symptoms. And yet the peak of the Covid-19 mental health crisis is ‘yet to come’, according to NHS bosses.

28 In June the Of�ice for National Statistics released data showing that 19.2 percent of adults were experiencing some form of depression. This �igure had almost doubled, from around one in 10 (9.7 per cent), before the pandemic. But NHS bosses warn that up to half a million more patients are expected to enter the system in coming months. Those most vulnerable to depression are women aged 16 to 29 who are unable to afford an unexpected expense, or who are disabled. A spokeswoman for Mind, the mental health charity, says, “It’s crucial that mental health is put at the centre of the government’s ongoing recovery plans.” A report from the NHS Confederation echoes this, saying that mental health bodies will need “intensive support and investment.” We love milk, but from where? Dairy cows have serious competition these days: a third of young people are now opting for vegan milk instead. Recent data from the global market research �irm, Mintel, has found that 23 per cent of Britons now use plant- based milk. It has become most popular among the 16 to 24-year-olds. Many millennials have switched to soya milk because of environmental concerns, but the Sustainable Food Trust has recently warned that vegan milk could actually be far more harmful to the environment. They say that grass-fed dairy milk poses less of a threat to the Amazon and other rainforests than many soya products do. Beauty ranges left on the shelves Covid-19 has even affected women’s make-up routines. In many cases, they simply haven’t bothered. The lack of demand for foundation, lipstick, eye makeup and hair-dye has been so great in recent months that 350 products have been pulled from supermarket shelves. Research from Edge by Ascential, the ecommerce consultancy, found that overall, there was a 60 per cent drop in sales. Claire James, an analyst for IRI Insights, the retail experts, said that social distancing measures have meant that cautious shoppers no longer browse health and beauty aisles. “It will be interesting to see if routines will remain simpler as lockdown eases and people return to the of�ice.” Honey, honey! If your grannie gave you honey when you had a cold, she was right. Research published in The British Medical Journal has found that honey is especially good for treating upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) such as the common cold. Honey has anti-microbial and anti-in�lammatory properties. These do better at soothing your cough and snif�les than any of the over-the-counter remedies. In fact, URTI sufferers who were given honey suffered their symptoms for up to two days LESS than those who did not use honey. 29 All good news, especially as honey is cheap, readily available, and has virtually no side effects. Why singing in church is the same as shouting at the pub How dangerous is it to sing in church, when it comes to spreading coronavirus? About the same as it is to speak loudly in a pub. So say researchers at the University of Bristol. They have found that speaking loudly and singing generate about the same amounts of aerosol droplet – tiny particles of liquid – which are thought to carry Covid-19 Of course, the louder you sing or speak, the more the aerosol droplets. Average debt fell by £2,000 during lockdown Covid-19 has brought one good thing to some of us: the average amount of personal debt has reduced by nearly £2,000, according to a recent study by Experian. It recently stood at £9,681 (without mortgage), as opposed to £11,615 (without mortgage) in March. As a spokesman for the credit-checking agency explained: “For some people, a reduction in spending on living costs and commuting have enabled the repayment of existing borrowing.” And he urged that as the UK returns to something like normal, people should try and continue with the good �inancial habits picked up during lockdown. But Dame Gillian Guy, chief executive of Citizen’s Advice, said that while some people have been able to pay off some of their debts in the pandemic, many others have not. Instead, they “are behind on essential bills, building up arrears they may struggle to ever pay back.” Looking At God Understanding the Bible Canon Paul Hardingham considers the authority of the Bible. As we acknowledge Bible Sunday this month, it’s a good opportunity to ask the question: why should I read the Bible? The Bible is the world’s best-selling book of all time. However, it isn’t one book, but a library of 66 books, composed by some 44 writers over a period of 1500 years in a range of literature including history, poetry, prophecy, letters and apocalyptic (end times). Despite having a number of different writers, the Bible claims one author: God himself! This is the basis of the unity of its message and authoritative claim to be the primary way by which God speaks to us: ‘All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work’ (2 Timothy 3:16). The Bible is inspired (‘the word of God in the words of men’) and presents itself as a manual for life, equipping us to live for God in every aspect of our lives. We also have the promise of the Holy Spirit to guide us in applying 30 the words to our lives: ‘the Spirit will guide you into all truth’ (John 16:13). However, the Bible could also be described as a love letter from God, as He uses it to deepen our relationship with him. As Jesus said: ‘You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me’ (John 5:39,40). Christians follow a person not a book, and the Scriptures are intended to help us to know Jesus better. At her coronation the Queen was given a Bible with the words ‘the most precious thing this world affords’. Does this re�lect our own attitude to the Bible? Psalm 90 Canon Paul Hardingham considers a much-loved Psalm ‘War simply aggravates the permanent human situation so that we can no longer ignore it. Human life has always been lived on the edge of a precipice.’ (CS Lewis on World War II). Coronavirus powerfully illustrates this, and Psalm 90 demonstrates a right response to the crisis: ‘Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.’ (12). The Shortness of Life We live as though life will go on forever, but in reality our time on earth is short: ‘A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by’ (4). By contrast God, who inhabits eternity, sees the whole of history in a single moment. How can we see our lives in the light of God, who is ‘from everlasting to everlasting’ (2). True wisdom is making sure that we don’t waste the time we are given in this life! The Fragility of Life Living to 80 years old is de�initely an achievement! We know how we wear out in life until we are dust again: ‘You turn people back to dust, saying, ‘Return to dust, you mortals.’(3). This is the result of turning from God to sin: ‘You have set our iniquities before you’ (8). True wisdom warns us not to trust in our own abilities or seek satisfaction in the things of this world. The Love of God During the pandemic, many have lost loved ones, yet if we allow God’s love to take hold of our lives, even death can bring us closer to God: ‘Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.’ (14). True wisdom is able to ask: ‘May the favour of the Lord our God rest on us’ (17). What is the origin of evil spirits? This article is adapted from a book by the late Canon Richard Bewes, formerly of All Souls Langham Place, London, ‘The Top 100 Questions’ (Christian Focus) Halloween is the month of ghosts and witches and evil spirits. Have you ever wondered where evil spirits come from, and how we are to view the unseen 31 world of evil and occultism? The Bible tells us that evil spirits come from the created angelic order. They were not created as evil beings, for all of God’s creation was good (Genesis 3:1). The Bible tells us that a number of angels, headed by Satan, or Lucifer, rebelled against God’s authority and fell (Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:11-19). The serpent, Satan, is leader of the fallen angels, and opposes himself to God. But evil and good are not co-equal. ‘Dualism’ (belief in the equal and permanent existence of evil alongside the good) has no place in the Bible. Unlike goodness, evil has a beginning and will have an end. Satan’s �inal destruction is already assured. (Revelation 12:12; 20:10). The world of the occult (from the : occultus, ‘secret’, ‘hidden’) is the intrusion into the forbidden territory of superstition, fortune telling, magic and spiritism. Its downfall is �inally assured through Jesus. His early ministry established a bridgehead against the evil unseen world; hence the hostile, and sometimes violent, reaction of the demons. (Mark 1:23-27; 32-34). Jesus had no fear of demons, and nor need the believer. It is important that Christians avoid becoming obsessed by the unseen world – to the extent that we become either intimidated, or fascinated. After the showing in London of a �ilm featuring the occult, a number of cinema viewers went for counselling. They were under the impression that they had been ‘taken over’ by evil spirits. They had not. All 20 recovered after a course of prescribed tablets. They had only been victims of suggestion. We are wise, then, not to imagine, as some do, that every sin, habit, illness or misfortune is due directly to the activity of the Devil and must therefore be ‘exorcised’. Terrible damage has been done in this respect by well-meaning but uninformed Christian leaders. Faced by Christ’s authority, the kingdom of spirits has no option but to shrink and retreat. Magic spells and charms have no power over the true Christian (provided we do not open ourselves to their in�luence), for ‘the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world’ (1 John 4:4). If we resist the devil, he will �lee from us (James 4:7). All occultism is to be ruthlessly shunned (Leviticus 19:31; 1 Samuel 28; Isaiah 8:19, 20; Actus 19:18-20). The Bible is quite clear that the demonic world is already doomed and defeated (Colossians 2:15; Hebrews 2:14,15). It is the death of Jesus that has achieved this victory. We are to be con�ident, but not complacent – for Satan’s kingdom has yet to concede its defeat at the Cross. Its �inal destruction will be at the return of Christ. Who authorised the Bible, anyway? Bible Sunday comes on 25th October Question: If it was the Church that �inally decided which books should be included in the Bible, then isn’t the Church the top authority? Answer: No; the Bible produced the Church, not the Church the Bible. This is

32 the real issue: what caused a book to be accepted within the ‘Canon’ of Scripture? (Greek: kanon, ‘standard’ or ‘rule’). As far as the Old Testament was concerned: 1. Books that were recognised by Jesus Christ as infallible ‘Scripture’ could not be broken (Matthew 5:18). In John 10:35 Jesus didn’t have to explain what He meant by ‘Scripture’, though elsewhere He did refer to its different categories (law, prophets, psalms) as pointing to Himself (Luke 24:44; Matthew 24:37). All was to be believed and obeyed. 2. Books that were recognised by God’s people because of their impact. God’s people will always recognise His voice (John 10:27). Jesus clashed with the Pharisees for adding their traditions to the Scripture; yet all were agreed that the Old Testament Scriptures were God’s word. 3. Books that were recognised by the New Testament. It is signi�icant that the New Testament features hundreds of Old Testament allusions. Only two are from the body of books known as the Apocrypha (Jude 9, 14) – seemingly in similar style to Paul’s quotation from a Greek poet (Acts 17:28). The Apocryphal books were perceived to be on a lower level. Next, what determined inclusion in the New Testament Canon? 1. Books that are Christ-centred in their emphasis. It was inconceivable to the early Church that the Gospels, for example, which focused so much upon the life and death of Jesus, could have any lower place than that given to the Old Testament Scriptures. 2. Books that are apostolic in their teaching. It was to the apostles exclusively that Jesus promised guidance ‘into all truth’ through the Holy Spirit’s inspiration (John 16:13). The result of this was the New Testament (1 Corinthians 2:12,13). Signi�icantly, Peter brackets Paul’s writings with what he calls ‘the other scriptures’ (2 Peter 3:15,16). 3. Books that are faith-building in their effect, and thus, to be read in the congregations (John 20:30,31; 1 Thessalonians 5:27; Colossians 4:16; 1 Peter 2:2; Revelation 1:3). When the Christian scriptures take hold of the thinking of masses of people, they have the effect of ‘stabilising society, without sterilising it’ (historian T. R. Glover). The books of the Old Testament were becoming largely accepted by AD 70; those of the New Testament by the end of the second century. The drawing of a line around them discouraged forgers and religious peddlers. So no one really ‘put’ the books into the Bible; they put themselves in, because of their innate quality. No council by itself could have conferred authority upon the books; this, they possessed already. It is an authority that is inherent, not imposed. If art lovers say of a Renoir painting, ‘This is a genuine Renoir’, their acclaim in no way invests the painting with authority; it was already authentic. It is the same with the Scriptures; we can only recognise them as such…. and live by them.

** 33

Why are you facing such a temptation? Looking At Church Re�lected faith: Music and Singing The Revd Dr Jo White continues her series on symbols in our churches. Many churches are holding Sunday, weekday and pastoral (, Wedding and Funeral) services again in their buildings. However, for most of us no singing is allowed; and this often means no music is being played. Whilst the churches were closed, one of the key things about worshipping together that people missed was the communal singing and the listening to the organ or other instruments. If we look at the time taken to sing in each service (approximately a third of the whole service) and the amount musicians are usually paid, we can see the level of importance churches give to singing together. So, although we understand the science behind the ‘no singing rule’ (breath is exhaled more forcibly so reaches further) it is still very strange to be in our normal church buildings but not to be able to sing. Singing hymns and songs helps us to learn about our faith, to pray and to express our praise – but what is it about singing together that lifts our hearts in our time of worship? There are plenty of said responses during most services, but they don’t have that same lift! Is it the physical breathing aspects, the sounds we aim to make, or indeed the way our voices join and blend together? All through the Bible there are passages telling of times of singing: of musicians leading processions towards a place or time of worship. There are many exhortations in the Psalms to the people to come together, ‘singing with joy and thanksgiving’. The Bible also talks about a time to put down our instruments and refrain from singing. Let’s hope and pray that our time for restraint will pass quickly and we will soon rejoice together with thanksgiving, joyful and loud singing! This month: How can you best sing to the Lord? It is usually easier to sing along with a video of people singing than to a recording alone. Have a look for suitable videos to join in with their singing, a recording if that’s not possible, or even a hymn book. Perhaps video call a church friend and sing the �irst verse of a couple of your popular songs and hymns together. The Upper Room writing competition 2020 Calling all aspiring Christian writers! The Bible Reading Fellowship (BRF) is offering aspiring writers the opportunity to see their work in print in The

34 Upper Room. Published in 35 languages, The Upper Room is unique in that its readers are its writers. After the success of the 2017 competition, this is another chance to write for the publication. Go to brfonline.org.uk/urwritingcompetition for full details on how to enter and tips to get your started. More details from: [email protected] or [email protected] Helping Christians in Beirut after the explosion The charity Barnabas Fund has thanked its supporters for their generous response to an emergency appeal that followed the disastrous explosion at the port in Lebanon on 4th August. It meant that Barnabas Fund was able to send more than £85,000 to help Christians in Beirut with food and the repair of their homes. As a spokesman for Barnabas Fund explains: “All those being assisted were already very poor and vulnerable, even before the explosion. Some of those we are helping are Muslim-background believers from nearby countries, who cannot receive other aid because coming forward would reveal the fact that they were converts from Islam, thus endangering themselves.” Four of the �ive neighbourhoods worst affected are predominantly Christian. Help is still very much needed. If you would like to give, a monthly food parcel costs £27, or to help repair a home costs £380. Visit https://barnabasfund.org Tearfund working to help Lebanon after blast The charity Tearfund has moved fast to help people hit by the huge explosion in Lebanon on 4th August. The country was already suffering beneath the weight of an economic crisis, growing food insecurity, and widespread poverty. Tearfund’s local partners have been distributing thousands of hot meals, as well as vouchers to enable those most in need to buy food and hygiene items. Its partner churches and faith organisations are also giving emotional support to families, and also providing shelter for those who have lost their homes. Tearfund has been working in Lebanon since 2013, responding to the crisis caused by the con�lict in Syria. Around 1.5 million refugees call Lebanon their home – 25 per cent of the whole population – many of these living in makeshift accommodation in Beirut’s slums. If you can help, please go to: https://www.tearfund.org Moral questions from the pandemic The Ven John Barton compares a �ilm of a pandemic to the real thing. You may have missed it at the time. The movie ‘Contagion’ didn’t make much of an impact when it was released for public viewing in 2011. Perhaps it was thought to be unrealistic. It was about a highly contagious, unknown virus, transmitted by an infected bat to a pig in a Chinese marketplace. From there it spread like wild�ire round the world. 35 It was �iction then of course, but not so far-fetched as to be distant from reality, as we now know. Deadly viruses, and the plagues they cause, have been part of world history since time began. In the early days, when travel between continents was infrequent, their spread was slower and usually con�ined to local regions. The way the �ilm’s imaginary plot develops bears an uncanny resemblance to what we have experienced this year. Panic buying empties supermarkets, whole populations adopt social distancing, scientists work �lat out to identify the virus and then search for a means to combat it. Meanwhile, millions are infected, and quarantines are imposed. The story progresses far beyond the reality which is familiar to us. The irresponsible use of social media and false rumours of a cure lead to the looting of pharmacies. Emergency food supplies are ransacked, law and order break down. Troops police the streets. Then there’s a breakthrough: a vaccine is discovered. But that raises a new moral problem: who will get it �irst and what would be a fair distribution system? The movie is still available via Net�lix, or you can buy a DVD online. Despite the inevitable carnage of the pandemic and the suffering it portrays, it contrives to have a relatively happy ending. In real life, we haven’t got that far yet. But, please God, we will. After all, most deadly diseases are now under control and both vaccination and immunisation are part and parcel of everyday life; old ‘uns take it for granted that their GP will summon them for an anti-�lu jab each winter. But we may face an ethical dilemma when it comes to a vaccine for Covid-19. If there’s an initial shortage, who should get it �irst? Should money come into it? Are Christian principles applicable? Mothers' Union and the UK prison system Crime hurts many people – including the families of prisoners who have ended up in the UK prison system. They are often the forgotten victims, but not by the Mothers’ Union (MU). Instead, the MU’s prison work across Britain is extensive, with the aim of keeping hurting families together. It is not simple work, for as prison governors are replaced and new directives come into force, those who work with prisoners and their families must adapt their approach. MU members provide support to prison visitors by holding short courses so that visitors can get the most out of their time with the prison residents. MU also holds workshops to introduce many of the services that work with prisoners’ families. MU helps support the Family Days held at one prison, and also provides presents for children of prisoners at Christmas time. MU provides tea and a chat with the inmates of one women’s prison, as well going-home packs of essential items for when they leave.

36 MU also supports prison of�icers, who as key workers have found the last few months particularly challenging. MU’s Thank You Key Workers appeal wants to raise funds to provide families of key workers with short breaks or experience days. If you would like to help, please go to: https://www.mothersunion.org/ thank-you-keyworker-appeal Methodists launch Year of Prayer The Methodist Church has launched a Year of Prayer online to help bring more people to faith. The short weekly online service takes place each Tuesday lunchtime, at 12.45pm via Zoom, and is also live- streamed via Facebook. It will be led by people from across the Church. Trey Hall, Director of Evangelism and Growth for the Methodist Church, explains: “This Year of Prayer is a special time, a called-out time, for the whole Church. The world can feel like it’s falling apart – not only due to COVID, but also due to systemic injustice, racism, to climate change, to political instability. And if we as the Church are going to respond in any meaningful way, we need more than ever to pray, we need to call upon God for healing and renewal and wisdom.” The Year of Prayer is considered an important step in the new strategy adopted by the Methodist Conference to be an inclusive, evangelistic, growing, justice-seeking Church. It wants to focus resources on helping people explore faith, in starting hundreds of new churches, and in serving communities experiencing marginalization. How is your garden growing? Coronavirus has not stopped gardens growing, nor our love of them…. This year’s Green Health Awards were just one of many activities to be cancelled because of the current situation. Whilst churches have been closed their gardens have continued to grow and many of these will have been used for therapeutic gardening. But have these been growing wild or have enthusiasts found ways round the rules and regulations to tend and care for them? Have some special plants been given new homes where they have been encouraged to thrive in these unusual times before they can be returned to more holy ground? We would like to �ind stories of how therapeutic gardening may have been underway despite lockdown. We have already discovered some - the group of gardeners from St Pancras Hospital who volunteer at St Paul’s Woodland Garden in Camden have been missing their weekly visits during lockdown. The garden was the overall winner of the Green Health Awards organised in 2018 by Church Times, The Conservation Foundation and Guild of Health and St Raphael, in association

37 with the Church of England. Green City Projects' Ben Ledden and Catherine Tidnam, who run the garden, arranged for seeds, baby plants and compost to be delivered to them by the hospital's activity worker, Tom Parnell. “Our patients struggle with severe mental health issues and it has been great for us to continue to feel part of St Paul’s during this time", Tom explained. A WhatsApp video call with Ben and Catherine helps keep them in touch with their hospital garden growing and tomatoes, basil, squash, peas, courgettes, cucumber, basil and sun�lowers are coming along. Said one patient, “It felt like we were off the ward and at St Paul’s Garden again". Meanwhile our friends up on the roof of Manchester Cathedral report they have been kept busy. “We are still in lockdown, but the Volition bees carry on as usual no lockdown for them. Neither are they thinking about social distancing as they overcrowd their hives getting ready to swarm. Weekly inspections are going ahead in line with Defra guidelines on livestock. All hives at Manchester Cathedral are as they should be for the time of year.” The Bishop of Carlisle is a great supporter of using church space for therapeutic gardening projects and as lead bishop for health chairs the church’s Green Health initiative. As he says “Almost everyone agrees that the Coronavirus pandemic has had a signi�icant effect on people’s mental health and wellbeing across the country. That’s why it is more important than ever that we use the green spaces around church buildings for therapeutic gardening as part of our co-ordinated effort to tackle mental health issues’. If you have some good news from your garden do let David Shreeve know at [email protected]. Prayers and Poems Need for healing The Revd Peter Crumpler is a Church of England priest in St Albans, Herts, and a former communications director for the CofE. Heavenly Father, We bring to you all those struggling with their mental health just now. We pray: For everyone who is smiling, when inside they’re in pain. For everyone who is saying they’re �ine, when inside they feel drained and empty. For everyone struggling with fear and worry as the easing of the lockdown brings new anxieties. Be with them in their suffering, as so much of their world has been stripped back and emptied.

38 When loved family and friends have been taken by illness, Or made distant by lockdown. Pour your healing balm into their pain and sadness. May you walk with them besides still waters May you speak to them in a still small voice. May you heal them, and �ill them, and bless them with your abundant love and fullness of life. And may they know that they are loved by you for the beautiful unique person that they are, created in the image of their heavenly creator and loving Lord. In the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen. By the Revd Peter Crumpler Jericho Nigel Beeton writes: ‘Followers of the Morning Prayer service on the Church of England website will be aware that we have recently been following the book of Judges. Some of the stories in there make dif�icult reading in these enlightened times – what, for example, can we possibly learn from the near-total destruction of a city and its inhabitants? Except that, sometimes, our own problems and challenges seem to be just as insurmountable as those city walls.’ Jericho had mighty walls – A well-defended fort, ‘A year long siege before it falls’, Or so the soldiers thought.

The gates, of solid oaken wood Were closed and barred so tight, No-one went in for no-one could, And Joshua took fright!

But then he did what wise men do And fell down on his knees And sought the Lord, in answer who Then uttered words like these:

“The city’s yours – it’s troops and king “I’ll place them in your hand “If you’ll just do this simple thing – “And do as I have planned.”

39 “For just six days you all must walk “Around those walls so strong, “The priests and troops, but do not talk – “And bring the ark along!”

“On day seven – seven times around “Those mighty walls you go “And shout this time – make lots of sound! “And seven trumpets blow!”

“And you will see, if you do that “The city’s walls, so tall “Will start to crack, and fall down �lat “And Jericho shall fall!”

The people did as God had said (It is the only way) And we must follow where they led And really learn to pray!

By Nigel Beeton

Ode to Job What mysteries this book unfurls Of a God who works His grand design As a curtain is drawn in the heavenly realm And plans are unveiled for all mankind.

Who can fathom His intricate workings And the purposes that He has planned, Or know the moving of His ways, How could Job ever understand?

They came from afar to offer advice Why all of this pain and woe should descend, They wrestled with all that had happened to Job Alas, no comfort could they give their friend.

40 God speaks to Job, who then makes reply, ‘These are things too wonderful to understand’ Our knowledge like Job’s is only in part The bigger picture is held in Deity’s hands.

By Megan Carter A Helping Hand By Colin Hammacot, who worked for the NHS.

There is much we can do just to brighten This world of all take and no give, There's a great deal that we can contribute Through the everyday lives that we live.

By supporting one's elderly neighbours Or through lending a hand in some way It's by taking a bunch of spring �lowers To someone to brighten their day.

It's by sparing a few precious hours In the service of those most in need It's all about setting a standard And trying to give others a lead

It’s the way that we tend to treat others And help and aid folks in distress In the care and assistance we offer That will set us apart from the rest.

The choice that we face is quite simple The rewards plain for all men to see As you did all of this to my brother Then said Jesus, you did it to me.

By Colin Hammacott

41 As the dark nights close in, and the season of Hallows Eve, All Saints, and All Souls arrives, here is part of an ancient Celtic prayer from Benbecula asking for God’s provision, redemption and protection from evil.

The Gates of the Kingdom

Give us, O God, the needs the body feels, Give us, God, the need-things of the soul; Give us, O God, the balm which body heals, Give us, God, the soul-balm which makes whole.

O great God, thou who art upon the throne, Give to us the heart repentance true, Forgiveness give us of the sin we own, - The sin inborn and the sin we do.

Give us, O God, a yearning that is strong, And the crown of glory of the King; Give us the safe home, God, for which we long In thy kingdom’s lovely gates to sing.

May Michael, archangel warrior white, Keep down hostile demons of the fall; May Jesus Christ MacDavid guide our �light And give lodging in his peace-bright hall.

42 Photo Quiz Answer p34 of September Magazine

Last month we showed the tomb in Chichester Cathedral of Richard Fitzalan, Earl of Arundel (d.1376) holding the had of his second wife Eleanor of Lancaster (c.1372) immortalised in the poem ‘The Arundel Tomb’ by Philip Larkin. We posed the question where was there another ‘holding hands’ monument not too far away? The answer can be found in Wimborne Minster where there is an ef�igy tomb of John Beaufort, Duke of Somerset, and his wife Margaret dated 1444. Their child was Lady Margaret of Beaufort who was the mother of Henry who defeated Richard III at the battle of Bosworth and became king Henry VII - the �irst Tudor king.

43 The Tale of the Rich Fool

44 October Maze

45 Bible Bite = A short story from the Bible

46 Word Search - Spot the Difference

47 Crossword

Across

1 Hemustbe‘thehusbandofbutonewifeandmustmanagehischildrenand his household well’ (1 Timothy 3:12) (6) 4 ‘For we must all — before the judgement seat of Christ’ (2 Corinthians 5:10) (6) 7 ‘They reeled and staggered like drunken men; they were at their — end’ (Psalm 107:27) (4) 8 See 19 Across 9 It concerned who among the disciples would be the greatest(Luke 9:46) (8) 13 Formed by the Jews in Thessalonica to root out Paul and Silas (Acts 17:5) (3) 16 ‘Hehassentmetobindupthe—’(Isaiah61:1)(6-7)

48 17 Moved rapidly on foot (Ma�hew 28:8) (3) 19 and 8 — a great company of the — host appeared with the angel’ (Luke 2:13) (8,8) 24 Hindrance (Romans 14:13) (8) 25 Comes between Luke and Acts (4) 26 Empower (Acts 4:29) (6) 27 ‘Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father’s house into a — !’ (John 2:16) (6)

Down

1 Sunrise (Psalm 119:147) (4) 2 The part of the day when Cornelius the Caesarean centurion had avision of an angel of God (Acts 10:3) (9) 3 He was one of those who returned with Zerubbabel from exile inBabylon to Jerusalem (Nehemiah 7:7) (5) 4 ‘NoonecanseethekingdomofGodunlessheisborn—’(John3:3)(5) 5 Animal hunted or killed as food (Ezekiel 22:25) (4) 6 ‘He encouraged them — — remain true to the Lord’ (Acts 11:23) (3,2) 10 Ruses(anag.)(5) 11 Jewish priestly vestment (Exodus 28:6) (5) 12 Visiblesignofwhathadbeenthere(Daniel2:35)(5) 13 This was the trade of Alexander, who did Paul ‘a great deal of harm’ (2 Timothy 4:14) (9) 14 ‘Thisismy—,whichisforyou;dothisinremembranceofme’(1 Corinthians 11:24) (4) 15 One of Noah’s great-great-grandsons (Genesis 10:24) (4) 18 Tradi�onally the first Bri�sh Chris�an martyr (5) 20 Rela�onship of Ner to Saul (1 Samuel 14:50) (5) 21 JacobhadoneataplacehenamedBethelwhileonhiswaytoHaran, fleeing from Esau (Genesis 28:12) (5) 22 Bats (anag.) (4) 23 ‘You strain out a — but swallow a camel’ (Ma�hew 23:24) (4)

49 Word Search - All Hallows Eve – or Holy Evening

Modern Halloween celebrations have their roots in pre-Christian times. In those long-ago days, on the last night of October, the Druid priests celebrated the Festival of Samhain, or ‘Summer’s End’. They lit great bon�ires and performed magic rites to ward off the dark supernatural powers of oncoming winter. Today, Christians turn to prayer instead of charms to overcome the powers of darkness. And the deeper, true meaning of All Hallows’ Eve, should not be forgotten. As Christians, we all draw closer to Christ when we remember and give thanks for our loved ones and for others who have gone before us through the gates of death.

All Hallows Halloween Druid Priests Festival Samhain Bon�ires Magic Dark Supernatura Powers Winter Christians Prayer Charms Deeper True Eve Closer

Christ Thanks Loved Death Gone 50 51 Crossword Solu�on

52 Word Search Answers - Right to do good

Word Search Answers - Spot the Difference

53 Vicar Hon. Asst. Clergy Revd Joel Mennie Fr. Mark Everi� [email protected]

PCC Members Churchwardens: Elaine Green, Malcolm Vernone Diocesan Synod Representa�ve: Vacant Deanery Synod Representa�ves: Hazel Barkworth Elected Members: Simon Pia� (Treasurer), Roger Hollingshead, Glenda Richards, Keith Richards, Louise Smith (PCC Secretary), Julie Starmer, Janice Slough (Safeguarding Officer).

54 Contacts OPERATIONS MANAGER AlexCoakley-Youngs � 01243841275 [email protected]

CHURCHWARDENS Elaine Green� 01243 587825 Malcolm Vernone� 01243 826725

PCC SECRETARY Louise Smith� 01243 860750

TREASURER & GIFT AID OFFICER Simon Piatt� 07845 769799 [email protected]

ELECTORAL ROLL Malcolm Vernone� 01243 826725

SUNDAY SCHOOL ENQUIRIES Julie James� 07909951855 [email protected] WIVES GROUP Anne Latter� 01243 868780

SAFEGUARDING OFFICER Janice Slough� 07971251994 [email protected] STEWARDSHIP OFFICER DenisSheppard,5Parkway � 01243 865465 FAMILY SUPPORT REP Linda Beckley,� 01243 840772

PARISH MAGAZINE Peter Green� 07540 799346 [email protected] NYEWOOD INFANTS SCHOOL Anna Wells 01243 823283

NYEWOOD JUNIOR SCHOOL Jon Williams 01243 825871

BISHOP LUFFA CE SCHOOL Austen Hindman 01243 787741

55

Whitby Abbey The ruins of the Norman Abbey at Whitby built on the site of St. Hilda’s Monastery

Boxgrove Priory