KEYNOTES

October 2019 60p THE PARISH CHURCH OF ST PETER’S, WEST BLATCHINGTON

Rector The Reverend Daniel Smith, BTh (Oxon), Dip Min The Rectory 23 Windmill Close, Hove. BN3 7LJ Tel: 01273 732459 E-mail: [email protected]

During Father Daniel’s absence, please contact one of the Churchwardens

CHURCHWARDENS Jonathan Cooke Tel: 563178 David Keeling Tel:501504

HON. TREASURER Mandy Gander Tel: 271982

CENTRE BOOKINGS Richard Delacour Tel: 07968 227639

PASTORAL CARE

Transport to Church Keith Bassant Tel: 561345

Sick Visiting Carol Gander Tel: 555414

KEYNOTES EDITORIAL TEAM

William Holden Tel: 706482 David Keeling Tel: 501504 Jane Cummings Tel: 880274 Michael Evans Tel: 567399 Charlie Flackhill Tel: 965122 Mandy Gander Tel: 271982 Maggie Holden Tel: 706482

E-mail: [email protected] Church website : www.stpeterswestblatchington.org.uk EDITORIAL

Welcome to the October edition of Keynotes. We hope that you have all enjoyed the summer. We are most grateful to the Revd Erika Howard, Fr John Joyce and many others who have celebrated our Sunday services over the last few months. We are excited to have King’s School move into their new building just up the road from us and look forward to opportunities ahead for supporting them and hopefully growing our Church. We wish to remind our readers that everyone is welcome to our services and events. Whether you are new to our Church or are a regular, why not pop in for coffee and cake the first Friday of the month and / or enjoy a lunch time concert free of charge usually on the third Friday of each month? As the weather is becoming autumnal we start to look forward to the lead up to Advent and Christmas. In particular the Christmas Tree Festival which opens on Thursday 28th November at 1pm- 8pm. This year’s theme is Book Titles and there will be a celebrity appearance! On Friday 29th November there will be a concert in the evening and on Saturday the Festival will be open from 10am until 2pm with the Hangleton Band playing at 1.15pm. You may be aware that Bishop Richard, who is currently Suffragan Bishop of Lewes in East Sussex, will take up his role in the New Year and will be the 106th Bishop of Hereford, a church position that dates back to 676. We pray for him as he moves into his new role. Blessings,

Editorial Committee

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he will he hear us. 1 John 5.14 ITB Electrical Services All Domestic Electrics Part P Compliant Fully Insured For a free quote call: Ian Barrett 01273 417484 or 07902 909605

The Valet Man

Cars fully valeted at your home

from £25

Call Paul Breeze on 01273 421115 or 07598 188440 WOMEN’S SOCIAL GROUP

During the summer months we continued with our programme of coffee mornings and events (though there were a few changes!).

Jane Cummings (with Carol's help) hosted a coffee morning at her lovely home in June and then in July we were guests of Iris (with help from Jean) and we enjoyed her lovely cakes and equally welcome sunshine in the garden.

The planned visit to High Beeches in July was cancelled and instead Jane organised a trip to Hassocks Garden Centre for coffee/lunch. There were 13 of us who then had the opportunity to enjoy some retail therapy in the plant and gifts sections.

On 8th August Janet was our delightful host for our coffee morning (with Stella and Georgette helping).

Our annual Charity Lunch this year in aid of Whoopsadaisy (a children's charity based in Preston Park) was scheduled for 27th June but was postponed until 22nd August. It was a very successful event with 31 guests enjoying a delicious buffet lunch in Maggie and David's beautiful garden. The question of the hour - how do they always pick a day with wall to wall sunshine! It was a lively occasion and raised over £270 for Whoopsadaisy.

After we go to press .... Our September coffee morning will take place on the 12th at Jean's house in Fallowfield Close. Looking forward to October... Coffee with Moz on the 10th. Our visit to The Bull, Henfield, on 24th October, for lunch and skittles is postponed and members will be informed of the new date.

Plans for our entry in the Christmas Tree Festival are well underway. Six of us are meeting regularly to discuss ideas and make items (and eat cake!). The theme is 'Book Titles'. We have decided to stay 'local' and chose 'A Guide to Brighton' - we couldn't resist a Sussex and seaside theme. NB. Friday Coffee Mornings at the church (1st Friday of each month). Several of our ladies take turns to host these and we've been en- couraged by the 'new' people who have come to the church on these mornings. It would be lovely to see members of our group joining us.

Maggie Holden

Father Daniel

As everyone knows, Fr Daniel has been on sick leave since February. A while ago he decided, after a great deal of thought, sadness and regret, to apply to the Church of England Pensions Board for early retirement on medical grounds. Last week he was advised that his request had been granted. This means that he will shortly formalise his resignation as our Rector. We will then officially be in an interregnum and at that point the formal PCC process will begin for the search for his replacement. It is difficult to say how long this process will take. In the meantime, we continue to be blessed with the support of local clergy in the conduct of our services and in other ways in our parish life. We continue to pray for Fr Dan, Zoe and their family at this very difficult time for them.

SATURDAY 9th November ST PETER’S COMMUNITY CENTRE

7pm for 7.30pm start

TEAMS of 6-8 (Maximum number of 10 Teams)

SIGN UP AT THE BACK OF CHURCH WITH YOUR TEAM DETAILS. £5 PER PERSON (PAY ON THE EVENING)

BRING YOUR OWN DRINKS, GLASSES & NIBBLES

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

ALISON & PAUL SAWTELL 07970 474528 OR EMAIL [email protected] In tribute to the recently-departed Father Raymonde, who was temporary priest in charge at St Peter's from September 2010 until June 2011, Keynotes is publishing his interview with Fran Breeze. This took place in March 2011 and appeared in our April 2011 issue.

Welcome to In the Hot Seat. People who form part of St Peter’s ‘family’ discuss their work within the Parish and reveal a little more about themselves. In the interview chair is Father Raymonde. Name: Raymonde Robin Robinson. My father wanted to call me Robin, but my mother was keen on Raymonde with an e, so the two were put together (and you can guess who got her way about the first name!). Role: Temporary priest in charge of St Peter’s from September 2010 until June this year. Before this role/decision to become a priest: As long as I can remember I wanted to be a priest. When I was around four or five, I was riding my tricycle outside my house in Shoreditch (London’s East End) when a lady (Miss Flower) approached me and asked if I wanted to attend Sunday School with her. I was very keen so she asked my mother, who said yes, and off we went. Such was my excitement that I wet myself at Sunday School and poor Miss Flower had to explain to my mother what happened. From then on, Sunday School and the church became the central part of my life. After grammar school I went to see the Bishop of Stepney, Evered Lune, asking if I could become a priest, he told me I was too young and suggested I got some ‘life experience’ first. I joined the Civil Service as a Clerical Officer near East Acton, Shepherds Bush, and after a year, was advised by the Bishop to go to university. From 1963 to 1966, I studied social sciences (psychology, economics and politics) at St John’s College, Durham, ending up with a 2:1 degree. The Bishop then suggested I needed more ‘industry’ experience, so I worked on the EMI shop floor, cutting steel bits for electrical components. My work colleagues were non-Christian and knew of my desire to be a priest. When I left a year later, they bought me a crucifix which I still have today. Next step was theological college at Chichester, but a year later (there’s a distinct pattern here), the Bishop advised I needed another degree – in those days trainee priests with degrees were encouraged to educate themselves further so I read Theology at Trinity College, Oxford (where I joined the Bach choir), completing the degree in one year. I finished my theological training at Chichester and in 1970 was ordained as Deacon and joined the parish of St Barnabas, Ealing. Sadly, I wasn’t treated particularly well there, so the Bishop of Willesden, Graham Leonard, moved me to St John the Baptist in Pinner, north London. At Ealing I was not allowed to officiate at weddings or funerals and when I mentioned this to David Ritchie, the vicar at Pinner, he advised I could take my pick from eight weddings every Saturday. It was a beautiful medieval church on a wonderful site, so was very popular. After a wobbly start at Ealing, my faith was restored by the people of Pinner. David was replaced by Hugh Wybrew and after two years I was offered the curacy of the Holy Redeemer church at Clerkenwell, working alongside priest Peter Laister. I stayed there for five enjoyable years. Next came a crossroads – two very different parish offers; One at St David’s in Northampton, a very small working class church built by its parishioners in 1940. As this was during the war, they undertook all the building work – from making the bricks to building the pews. The second was at upper middle-class Chalfont St Giles, Buckingham- shire, in what I call a ‘gin and jag’ area. After much deliberation (helped along by a very good friend Stella Pike), I opted for St David’s and what started as a 30-strong congregation ended up with over 300 attendees every Sunday and 11 serving teams on the rota. During my eight and half years there, around 1200 children were confirmed, dozens ended up marrying each other and we had one of the best Boys and Girls Brigade bands in the country. The bands won so many trophies we had to replace our trophy cupboard and such was my excitement when we swept the board winning 10 trophies at a National Championship, that I summoned the Bishop of Peterborough, Bill Westward, to the telephone at 11.30pm on a Saturday evening to share the news of our success. I never forget the sound of his wife’s slippers shuffling across the stone flooring of the Bishop’s palace when I asked her to fetch him as I needed to share some important information. His slippers equally shuffled across the floor to the phone and he was somewhat surprised the ‘important late night news’ was that of a trophy win. Suffice to say most of my peers were aware of my ‘out of hours’ call the following day. My next role was rector of two churches - St Michael’s and St Mary’s in Letchworth, Hertfordshire (one modern and one medieval). Some members of the congregation were not keen on my style of ministry so six and a half years later, I accepted the offer of the parish of St Mark’s, Knowle Park, near Wood Green, London. My roots were in London and this was a wonderful opportunity. The village sprung up as a result of housing being needed for railway workers building the line in north London and the church was built by Bishop Walsham Howe who consecrated it in 1889 (he wrote ‘For All The Saints’ for the Knowle Park parishioners). The congregation was in a similar situation to St Peter’s as my predecessor had gone to Rome just after women were ordained in the early 1990s (and taken a fair few parishioners with him). However, when I left 11 and a half years later, the congregation was at capacity and ‘our family’ was a true reflection of the local community. This was my last permanent role and I moved to Brighton four years ago. Why Brighton? Because Father Roberts at St Michael’s in the city needed some help in the diocese and it was agreed I could help him out until retirement and then continue to live in what is now my home in Seven Dials. Having stood in during a couple of interregnum periods and playing an active role as a spiritual director and giver of retreats, I’m not sure I’ll ever ‘retire’ in the true sense of the word. Best bits: Enjoying people, the faith and their enjoyment of it. I love making the Christian faith fun and sharing it with others. Worst bits: There are no worst bits. Perks: Enjoying what I do and being able to rent the house from the Church of England pension board. Biggest challenge: Instilling in others the need to accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative. If we all did this, society would be a better place. Advice for would-be priests: If it was a young person I’d suggest do something else first and get more ‘life’ experience, as I did. This way you will be sure God’s calling is right for you. For someone older, speak to your priest and contact the Bishop. Mentor: My spiritual director, who shall remain anonymous. Also Peter Laister at Clerkenwell. He was head of the Society of Retreat Conductors and I joined in 1973 to take up spiritual direction, guidance and the giving of retreats. This is a hidden part of the ministry whereby we help people retreat mentally so when they’ve finished the process, they come out with a completely different outlook. I was Chairman of the SRC for eight years and over the last 30 years or so, I’ve spiritually guided some 30 people as well as being involved in the retreats. Influences: Whilst God uses me to influence other people in the faith, there were a few who equally made an impact on me. When I was at Durham University, Father Peter from the Society of St Francis used to sit with a group of us undergraduates and talk into the early hours of the morning. There’s also Father Peter Ball, the Bishop of Gloucester. He was on my selection board for ordination and I kept in touch with him afterwards. He had a twin, Michael, who was also a Bishop and I once rushed up and hugged him, thinking it was Peter (mistaken identity could not be avoided with twin Bishops!). Canon Donald Nicholson, who picked me out whilst I was on retreat and put me forward for training as a retreat giver, was very influential in my spiritual understanding of faith through ignation spiritually. And finally, my now-departed spiritual director, James Lambert, who was chaplain to the nuns in Edgware, London, and is buried at St Barnabas, Hove. He was a very down-to-earth, yet holy man who lost an eye in the war. His glass eye meant you could never be sure he was looking at you and he was forever smoking a pipe which meant there were always great wafts of smog in his study. He had a wonderful wry sense of humour with an infectious chuckle. He certainly kept me on the straight and narrow for 15 years or so. Role if not a priest: I never wanted to be anything else. Looking ahead five years: If health allows, hopefully doing the same as now. I’ll continue loving people into the Kingdom of God, helping parishes where I can – and stay in this house. And continue being me! Hobbies: I used to be an avid antiques collector, but having down-sized from an eight-bedroom rectory to a two-bedroom house I had to sell off a few things. My passion was cheese dishes and around 200 of them were sold at auction, I also like the theatre, opera and cinema and visit exhibitions in London (am a ‘Friend of the Royal Academy’). I’ve seen the King’s Speech twice so far, but when I see a film I consider to be a ‘classic’, I’ll watch it over and over again. Reading is another passion, I’m a great Sir John Betjeman fan and I used to enjoy playing the piano and organ. Favourite food, drink, music and film: Italian, gin & tonic with ice and a slice, classical (although I did go through a ‘trad jazz’ phase) and currently King’s Speech, but before that Gone With The Wind and that great classic Brief Encounter (which I saw 20 times). On the music front, I love Mozart, Haydn, Bach and Purcell and enjoy operas from Puccini, Verdi, Donnasetti and Bellini. If I go to Heaven and find Mozart isn’t there I’ll go over to the ‘other place’ instead. Family and pets: By my mid twenties, both parents sadly died. My mother died just after I graduated in 1966 and my father remarried. He later divorced and died soon after. With no siblings my nearest family is a distant cousin; however I believe I’m rich in ‘family’ – my church family. There’s also my close friend, Nello, who I’ve known for 32 years. Nello was brought up near the French Riviera, just over the border in Italy, and is tri-lingual - speaking Italian, French and English. In my last parish we were adopted by a cat, and when I tracked down the owner, she said she could stay at the rectory instead. Sandy stayed with me for eight and half years and I cried like a baby when she had to be put down, so at the moment have decided no more pets. Irritation: People who endlessly babble on their mobile phones whilst on a train and loud music coming from ear phones. Greatest Pleasure: Apart from my work, going to the opera and having an Italian meal afterwards with my good friend. Car: Ford Fiesta. Fantasy Car: I don’t have one- am happy as long as it gets me from A to B. Six months paid leave: I’d do a chaplaincy job in Rome or Venice. I speak a little Italian, but my best language is German (plus French to A Level). Outlook: Accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative. This is the basis of ignation spirituality which I mentioned earlier. It’s about a change – a conversion – of what you were before you went into a retreat and coming out a different person. You won’t know this but: I had tea with John Betjeman. When I was at St Barnabas Ealing (my first role which didn’t last long), the curate was a great fan of actress Dame Sybil Thorndyke who lived in Chelsea, two doors up from Sir John Betjeman. He took me to visit her and mentioned I was a fan of Sir John. Sybil arranged an introduction and I was invited for tea. When I called Sir John to arrange a time, his mistress answered the phone and we agreed I could visit him the next day. Over tea, we discussed his poetry and books and I’ve been a great fan ever since. I’m currently reading Betjeman and the Anglican Imagination – it’s about the period when he was an Anglican before he died. On the front of the book is the statue of him that’s outside Paddington station as he saved its Victorian structure from demolition (and was Chair- man of the Victorian Society). I’m also a great fan of Lawrence of Arabia. I’ve got the first edition of ‘Pillars of Wisdom’ and ‘The Mint’ (chronicling his time in the airforce), plus many of his letters. Lawrence of Arabia starring Peter O’Toole got me hooked and I became a founder member of the TE Lawrence Society. For me, Lawrence of Arabia is an enigma and it’s fascinating to be able to probe into his life and make your own opinions. FAB. Our Charity for October

Their aim is to help individuals and families who are in urgent need and access short term support – in terms of food, but also money advice, energy advice and community support.

Clients must be referred to the Foodbank by a professional organisation, for example a Health Visitor, Social Worker, Housing Officer or Advice agency.

Clients are offered the opportunity to obtain money advice from Moneyadviceplus, and energy advice from BHESCo. The mental health charity MIND visit the Foodbank once a month to offer support and advice.

They rely on donations of food and monetary donations to help meet their costs.

Please support them.

For every pound you donate, St Peter's Church will donate the same. Reading round the Bible

Many of you will no doubt read your Bible as a matter of daily or regular routine. However, perhaps some of us find it harder to commit to this through time constraints (or as in my case lack of self discipline!). That is why I love our ‘coming together’ for these fortnightly sessions as they prompt me to explore the Bible passages we read and perhaps more on my own than I might have.

Also, I think the group sessions have proved informative and enlightening for us all. The current group have historically met in a house rather than the church because there are just a few of us, but everyone is invited – and it would be just great to expand and see the church lights shining brightly on a Monday evening as witness of welcome! For now the normal venue continues to be 11 Windsor Close.

The last few sessions we chose to read Acts of the Apostles which for me illuminated more of the context of St Paul’s missionary journeys. (A couple in our group are very informed but that said everyone in the group is free to share their thoughts and opinions if they wish.) The most important thing is quietly sharing the chosen passages together over a friendly cuppa and in our Christian journey encouraging each other. It would be lovely to see you – even if you only come for a taster session to see if it’s for you!

Our first session will be on Monday 14 October, 7.30 – 9.00 pm.

Gill Evans

Friday Coffee Mornings - They will now be held on the first Friday of every month only. Please come along and join us for conversation and friendship. House spider by Michael Blencowe of the Sussex Wildlife Trust Be afraid, be very afraid

If you’re looking for a balanced article about house spiders being misunderstood animals that actually help to keep our homes free of flies, then you’re dealing with the wrong man. My name’s Michael and I’m arachnophobic. I know, I know. It’s completely irrational. They are totally harmless. So why, when I find all other animals wonderful, do these eight-legged arthropods make me so terrified that even typing their name sends an involuntary shiver down my spine?

Is my fear, as evolutionary psychologists believe, an inbuilt self- preservation instinct inherited from the cavemen? Is it a response conditioned by a spider-fearing society? Or is it just because spiders have those creepy, long, hairy legs? All I know is, after researching this article, I’ll be sleeping with the lights on ‘til Christmas. I understand that some animals out there actually do have big teeth and need to be feared and respected but they can be cleverly avoid- ed by not going snorkelling at night in the upper Amazon basin. There is no avoiding spiders. They will find you in the one place you thought was safe. Your home.

There are many spider species which have the audacity to swan into our homes uninvited but the real monsters belong to the genus Tegenaria – the house spiders. These spiders love dark, cool places so when humans invented ‘indoors’ they happily followed us inside. There’s an easy way to identify the Tegenaria spiders. If you’re hyperventilating, swearing and sobbing while stood on a chair then you’ve found one.

There are five Tegenaria species but the big daddy of the bunch is Tegenaria parietina, also known as The Cardinal Spider (named after Cardinal Wolsey, who apparently lived in fear of one of the eight- legged horrors of Hampton Court creeping up his cassock). Its leg span can reach a whopping five inches.

Tegenaria are most active in the autumn. The mature males scuttle scarily along the skirting board looking for a bigger, even more frightening female. After mating, he dies and then she eats him. A simple relationship but suitably horrific. She’ll then saunter around your house, giving you a minor heart attack as she passes by, before finding somewhere dark and cool to hole up until she lays her eggs in the spring. So, to all the spider-lovers out there who come to our rescue with a glass and a bit of card, I salute you. To the rest of us, I have no words of consolation. Oh, and while you were reading this, I think I saw a really big one crawling behind your sofa.

Sussex Wildlife Trust is an independent charity caring for wildlife and habitats throughout Sussex. Founded in 1961, we have worked with local people for over half a century to make Sussex richer in wildlife.

We rely on the support of our members to help protect our rich natural heritage. Please consider supporting our work. As a member you will be invited to join Michael Blencowe on our regular wildlife walks and also enjoy free events, discounts on wildlife courses, Wildlife magazine and our Sussex guide book, Discovering Wildlife. It’s easy to join online at www.sus- sexwildlifetrust.org.uk/join or over the phone on 01273 497532. www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk

JOIN US FOR MESSY CHURCH

AT ST PETER’S COMMUNITY CENTRE, WEST BLATCHINGTON FREE FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY!

Sunday 17th November 2019 4pm - 5.15pm

Prayer List Requests

Each Sunday in Church we pray for people in any kind of need. These may be people known only to us individually or they may be the names of people on the prayer list which is printed in the Pew Sheet, and mentioned in Intercessions. Names on the prayer list are usually there as a result of a request by a friend or family member. Please can friends or family requesting (or who have requested in the past) a name to be included on the prayer list keep in touch with our Pastoral Care Group from time to time to let us know of any change, or otherwise, in the situation of the loved one. This will help us in keeping the list relevant, accurate and up to date, which we regard as an important aspect. When convenient, please contact Carol Gander (01273 555414) with any helpful information. As with all matters to do with Pastoral Care and personal relationships, all communications will be entirely confidential, but will allow the prayer list to be kept meaningful and up to date.

St Peter's Pastoral Care Group

Our Pastoral Care Group exists to offer entirely confidential help and support on any pastoral matter.

Perhaps you would like a friendly visitor for a good chat now and then, help with transport, a name included in our prayer list at Church, some professional advice which we can help find, or an offer of Communion at home?

Please contact, in the first instance, Carol Gander on 01273 555414. TERRY ROGERS

Your Local Builder & Decorator

General Building, Plastering, Decorating & Repairs

(Small works also carried out)

Tel: 01273 737118 The Parish Church of St. Peter West Blatchington

FREE LUNCHTIME CONCERT SERIES

Our afternoon concert series continues with

Airs and Graces - String Quartet

1.10 p.m. on Friday 18th October

The Recital is for approximately 40 minutes

Refreshments provided

There is no admission charge, but donations in support of our choir fund will be gratefully accepted. All welcome!

(St Peter’s is located ‘by the windmill’ on the corner of Hangleton Road. The 5B bus stops right outside.) People and Places of the Bible

In this article I am taking a person who is not mentioned in the Bible but who is important in his relation to it.

Josephus Titus Flavius Josephus; 37 – c. 100, born Yosef ben Matityahu, was a first-century Romano-Jewish historian who was born in Jerusalem, then part of Roman Judea, to a father of priestly descent and a mother who claimed royal ancestry. He initially fought against the Romans during the First Jewish–Roman War as head of Jewish forces in Galilee, until surrendering in 67 CE to Roman forces led by Vespasian after the six-week siege of Jotapata. Josephus claimed the Jewish Messianic prophecies that initiated the First Roman-Jewish War made reference to Vespasian becoming Emperor of Rome. In response Vespasian decided to keep Josephus as a slave and presumably interpreter. After Vespasian became Emperor in 69 CE, he granted Josephus his freedom, at which time Josephus assumed the emperor's family name of Flavius. Flavius Josephus fully defected to the Roman side and was granted Roman citizenship. He became an advisor and friend of Vespasian's son Titus, serving as his translator when Titus led the Siege of Jerusalem. Since the siege proved ineffective at stopping the Jewish revolt, the city's destruction and the looting and destruction of Herod's Temple (Second Temple) soon followed. Josephus recorded Jewish history, with special emphasis on the first century AD and the First Jewish–Roman War (66–70 AD), including the Siege of Masada. His most important works were The Jewish War (c. 75) and Antiquities of the Jews (c. 94). The Jewish War recounts the Jewish revolt against Roman occupation. Antiquities of the Jews recounts the history of the world from a Jewish perspective for an ostensibly Greek and Roman audience. These works provide valuable insight into first century Judaism and the background of Early Christianity, and are the chief source next to the Bible for the history and antiquity of ancient Palestine. In his work, Antiquities, Josephus mentions Jesus, John the Baptist, Herod, James the brother of Jesus, and Ananias as well as Pilate. Ziklag

Ziklag, a town on the southernmost boundary of Judea, is first mentioned in the Bible as part of the inheritance of the tribe of Judah (Joshua 15:31). It was assigned to the tribe of Simeon within Judah (Joshua 19:5) but appears not to have been conquered by the Israelites before the time of David. Ziklag was still under Philistine control when Saul reigned as king.

For many years King Saul sought to harm David. After the death of Samuel, David fled for his life with six hundred men and their house- holds to Philistine territory. While there, Achish, the Philistine king of Gath, gave Ziklag to David at his request: “‘Then David said to Achish, ‘If I have found favour in your eyes, let a place be assigned to me in one of the country towns, that I may live there. Why should your servant live in the royal city with you?’ So on that day Achish gave him Ziklag, and it has belonged to the kings of Judah ever since” (1 Samuel 27:5–6). Achish awarded Ziklag to David most likely to ensure David’s continued neutrality.

David ruled over Ziklag for 16 months, during which he made the town his base of operations for military exploits against the Amalekites. Many of Israel’s disillusioned warriors flocked to join forces with David’s private army there (1 Chronicles 12:1–22).

While David and his men were away attempting to join the Philistine army to fight against Saul, Amalekite raiders attacked Ziklag. When the Philistines refused to let David and his men fight with them, David returned to Ziklag and found his city had been burned down and all its inhabitants taken hostage: “David and his men reached Ziklag on the third day. Now the Amalekites had raided the Negev and Ziklag. They had attacked Ziklag and burned it and had taken captive the women and everyone else in it, both young and old. They killed none of them but carried them off as they went on their way. When David and his men reached Ziklag, they found it destroyed by fire and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive” (1 Samuel 30:1–3). In a daring rescue, David and his men pursued and defeated the raiders, recovering all that had been taken, including David’s two wives, Ahinoam and Abigail (verses 16–31).

David was living in Ziklag when he received the news of Saul’s death (2 Samuel 4:10). After that, David moved to Hebron to become the king of Judah.

The exact location of Ziklag is debated. Some scholars associate it with Tell esh-Sharia, about 15 miles southeast of Gaza. Others pinpoint it at Tell el-Khuweilfeh, about 10 miles northeast of Beersheba.

Ziklag remained in Israelite possession until the end of the monarchy and is last mentioned in the Bible as one of the cities inhabited by Jews after returning from exile in Babylon (Nehemiah 11:28).

Compiled from The Universal Bible Dictionary published by Lutter- worth Press and Who’s Who in The Bible published by The Reader’s Digest and other sources by William Holden In praise of grandparents!

6th October is ‘Grandparents Day’. Grandparents in the UK number about 17 million, or more than one in four of the adult population. Grandparents average out at 68 years of age, have four grandchildren who live 10 miles away, and who spend five hours per visit.

Grandparents have multiple roles as their grandchildren grow up: playmates, teachers, confidants, spiritual guides, mentors, role models and nurturers, as well as pray-ers. They also can keep children’s milestones, family history and family events alive. Grandchildren will often discuss their personal concerns with a trusted grandparent.

Grandparents are also important for the UK economy! Nine million of them looked after their grandchildren in 2017. On average they did so for eight hours a week, and 96% received no payment.

Research has found that if grandparents go to church regularly, 60% of their grandchildren are likely to go to church also. Grandparental example is followed!

As about 10% of UK grandparents are churchgoers, would a church ‘Grandparents’ Group,’ to help grandparents meet, discuss issues and pray for their grandchildren be useful? Moses’ injunction to the Israelites “not to forget the things your eyes have seen … make them known to your children and children’s children” (Deuteronomy 4:9) is a constant challenge, but Psalm 92:14 is a wonderful promise!

Grandparents’ Day in the UK is the first Sunday in October. Should we put that day in our church diary for a special celebration of our grandparents?

While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease. Genesis 8.22 REGULAR WEEKLY SERVICES

SUNDAY

10:00 The Parish Eucharist (Common Worship) (1st Sunday is a Parade/Family Service)

TUESDAY (once a month - see pew sheet for dates)

19:30 Eucharist

WEDNESDAY

10:00 Morning Prayer

FIRST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH ONLY

10.30-12.00 Open Church drop in for coffee, cake & conversation

HELPING YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY Your Local Funeral Professionals EAST SUSSEX W CORNFORD & SON 19-20 Queens Parade, Hangleton BN3 8JG Tel: 01273 726766

www.dignityfunerals.co.uk/local

Part of Dignity plc. A British company

Definitions

CHOIR: A group of people whose singing allows the rest of the Congregation to lip-sync.

HYMN: A song of praise usually sung in a key two octaves higher than that of the congregation’s range.

RECESSIONAL HYMN: The last song at a church service, often sung a little more quietly, since most of the people have already left.

JONAH: The original ‘Jaws’ story.

AMEN: The only part of a prayer that everyone knows. PARISH EVENTS DIARY

The following events taking place in October and November as notified are:

18th October - Lunchtime Concert - Airs and Graces - 1.10pm

19th October - Family Film Night - 5pm

9th November - Blue Jeans Saturday - 10am

9th November - Quiz Night - 7.30pm

15th November - Lunchtime Concert - Pupils from Hurstpierpoint School - 1.10pm

17th November - Messy Church - 4pm

28th/29th/30th November - Christmas Tree Festival

Please continue to keep me informed of events that you have planned or know about by sending a message to our email address which is [email protected]

The deadline for the November issue is the 10th October

St Peter’s ‘Open Church’ drop-in

On the First Friday of every month 10.30am – 12noon

For coffee, conversation and companionship.

We are open between 10.30am and 12 noon for you to 'drop-in' for a coffee, piece of cake and a chat. A very warm welcome awaits you, so please do 'drop-in' - we'd love to see you.

With stewardship campaigns in mind:

If I leave more than £10, you and all mankind bear witness that I lived and died a thief and a robber. – John Wesley

Whatever we part with for God’s sake shall be made up to us in kind or kindness. – Matthew Henry

What we spend in piety and charity is not tribute paid to a tyrant, but the response of gratitude to our Redeemer. – James Denney

In giving until it hurts, some people are extremely sensitive to pain. – Anon

THE FRUITS OF YOUR LABOUR

I always find it a relief when growth of plants in the garden has stopped and the chance to restore order has come. Now is the time to bring some order to the fruit garden. It is early September as I write this and nearly all of my blackberry crop has been harvested. I am pruning back the canes leaving some with fruit that should ripen. The crop has been a good one much as last year and I have frozen a good quantity for the winter whilst enjoying several portions fresh from the garden. The apple crop from the espalier look reasonable considering the late pruning. I have commenced harvesting the crop now picking out the flawed apples from the tree. As usual, windfalls are being salvaged and not going to waste. The other Bramley tree which was the last pruned has only a modest crop. My eating apple tree is still down and following some pruning is offering an encouraging crop. This is the time to start the maintenance work. Listed below are the tasks to be tackled in the coming weeks and months. Apples – harvest and store in a dry location the sound fruit. Salvage what is possible of damaged fruit and cook and freeze. Blackberries – Cut down last year’s canes and tidy up the new growth for next year. Blackcurrants – Prune out oldest wood to make way for new ones. None of the growth should be older than four years. Gooseberries – Clear weeds around bushes. Tidy shape of bush. Grapes – Most should have been harvested during September. Start tidying up for pruning later. Plums – Start pruning and cut out broken branches. Seal large pruning “wounds”. Raspberries – Cut down last year’s canes. Weed area. Redcurrants, gooseberries and blueberries along with the apple trees are pruned in winter.

The Fruit Farmer

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR GARDEN?

1) If your greenhouse is fairly empty, now is a good time to clean and disinfect it. 2) Sweep up and dispose of fallen leaves. 3) Lift and divide any overcrowded herbaceous perennials whilst the soil is still warm. 4) Lift Dahlia tubers, Begonia tubers and Gladioli corms to store dry over the winter months. 5) Prune Climbing and Rambling Roses once they have finished flowering and tie in stems before autumn winds can cause damage. 6) Cut back perennial plants that have died down. 7) Plant Wallflowers, Forget-Me-Nots, Bellis, Primula, Violas and spring flowering bulbs. 8) Regularly clean up fallen leaves from the lawn to allow light to the grass. 9) Recut any lawn edges if needed. 10) Aerate your lawn to avoid waterlogging and compaction over the winter. 11) Rake any thatch from the lawn surface and repair dead patches. 12) A last mowing can be made this month before leaving your lawn for the winter. 13) Reuse spent compost from annual container displays as a mulch for the garden.

Greenfingers

COME INTO MY KITCHEN…….

There is an autumnal feeling now but there is still plenty of fruit around. This first recipe uses peaches.

PEACH COBBLER MUFFINS

150g butter, chilled and cubed 200g self-raising flour 150g golden caster sugar 150ml milk or buttermilk 1 large egg ½tsp vanilla extract 50g ground almonds ½tsp baking powder 2 small peaches, 1 halved, stoned and finely chopped, 1 halved, stoned and thinly sliced To serve - crème fraiche (optional)

Heat the oven to 180/fan 160C/gas 4. Line a 12-hole muffin tin with 12 muffin cases. Whizz the butter, flour, sugar and a pinch of salt to a breadcrumb consistency in a food processor. Tip ¼ of this into a small bowl, then transfer the remaining mixture to a separate bowl and mix in the milk/ buttermilk, followed by the egg and vanilla extract, until combined. Fold in the ground almonds, baking powder and chopped peach to make a very soft, spoonable dough. Divide between the muffin cases, then fan out the peach slices over the top of each muffin, followed by a sprinkle of the reserved flour mixture. Bake the muffins for 30-35 minutes or until risen and golden (check by inserting a skewer into a muffin – they are cooked if it comes out clean). Cool on a wire rack until just warm then serve with the crème fraiche if you like.

While you’re in the mood for baking, this scone recipe encourages even me to have a go. I am no scone baker!

CHEDDAR AND PECAN SCONES

400g self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting 80g butter, chilled and cubed 150g mature cheddar, grated 50g pecans, toasted and chopped, plus extra for the top 1tsp English mustard powder ½tsp cayenne pepper 200ml whole milk, warmed, plus extra for brushing runny honey to serve

Heat the oven to 220C/fan 200C/gas 7. Put the flour and ½tsp salt in a food processor. Add the butter and pulse until the mixture resembles rough breadcrumbs. Tip into a large bowl and stir in 100g of the cheese, the pecans, mustard and cayenne. Gradually add the milk and form into a soft dough, but don’t over-knead as this will make the scones tough. Gently pat out the dough on a floured work surface until 3cm thick and cut into rounds with a 7cm cutter (re-roll any scraps). You should be able to make 9 scones. Brush the tops with milk, bake for 10 minutes, then sprinkle with the rest of the cheese and a few more chopped pecans, and cook for 6-8 minutes more or until golden and cooked through.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14.27 OCTOBER – FESTIVALS AND SAINTS

Harvest Festival

Harvest Festival used to be celebrated at the beginning of the Harvest season on 1 August and was called Lammas, meaning 'loaf Mass'. Farmers made loaves of bread from the new wheat crop and gave them to their local church. They were then used as the Communion bread during a special mass thanking God for the har- vest. The custom ended when Henry VIII broke away from the Catholic Church, and nowadays we have harvest festivals at the end of the season. At the start of the harvest, communities would appoint a strong and respected man of the village as their 'Lord of the Harvest'. He would be responsible for negotiating the harvest wages and organising the fieldworkers. The end of the harvest was celebrated with a big meal called a Harvest Supper, eaten on Michaelmas Day. The 'Lord of the Harvest' sat at the head of the table. A goose stuffed with apples was eaten along with a variety of vegetables. Goose Fairs were and still are held in English towns at this time of year. The tradition of celebrating Harvest Festival in churches as we know it today began in 1843, when the Reverend Robert Hawker invited parishioners to a special thanksgiving service for the harvest at his church at Morwenstow in Cornwall. Victorian hymns such as "We plough the fields and scatter", "Come ye thankful people, come" and "All things bright and beautiful" helped popularise his idea of harvest festival and spread the annual custom of decorating churches with home-grown produce for the Harvest Festival service. Down the centuries from pre-Christian times harvest has been celebrated. In fact, the Jewish festival of Pentecost is also known as the Feast of Weeks or the Feast of Harvest, celebrating the first fruits. The Jewish people would give a tenth of the harvest to God. This was known as a tithe (Leviticus 27: 30). In this country, farmers used to give a tithe of everything that came from the ground. They would give their crops, wool, or milk, which totalled an agreed amount of their yearly profits. Tithes were often given to help support the local church and its clergy (i.e. church workers). Grain was stored in huge tithe barns, many of which can still be seen today. Although this law no longer exists, many Christians still choose to give a tithe of the money they earn – 10% or more – to help with the work of the church. 17th October - Ignatius Saint Ignatius of Antioch (also known as Theophorus) (AD. 35-107) was the third Bishop or Patriarch of Antioch and a student of the Apostle John. Travelling to his martyrdom in Rome, Ignatius wrote a series of letters, including one to Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna, who had also known John. These letters are an example of the theology of the earliest Christians. Important topics addressed in these letters include ecclesiology, the sacraments, and the role of bishops. Ignatius became Bishop of Antioch after Saint Peter and Evodius, who died around AD 67. Besides the Latin name, Ignatius, he also called himself Theophorus ("God Bearer"), and tradition says he was one of the children Jesus took in His arms and blessed. Ignatius was most likely a disciple of the Apostle John Ignatius is generally considered to be one of the Apostolic Fathers (the earliest authoritative group of the Church Fathers) and a saint by the Roman Catholic Church, Lutheran Church, Eastern Orthodox Church and Anglican/Episcopal Church who celebrate his feast day on October 17, and the Orthodox and Eastern Catholic churches, who celebrate his feast day on December 20. Ignatius based his authority on living his life in imitation of Christ. Ignatius was arrested by the authorities and transported to Rome under trying conditions: “ From Syria even to Rome I fight with wild beasts, by land and sea, by night and by day, being bound amidst ten leopards, even a company of soldiers, who only grow worse when they are kindly treated. —Ignatius to the Romans, 5. ” He died as a martyr in the arena. This was during the reign of Trajan. The Roman authorities hoped to make an example of him and thus discourage Christianity from spreading. Instead, he met with and encouraged Christians who flocked to meet him all along his route, and he wrote seven letters to the churches in the region and one to a fellow bishop.

Compiled by William Holden from various sources. The views expressed by individuals in Keynotes are not necessarily the views of the Church of St Peter, West Blatchington, or the Editorial Team. External advertising in this magazine does not imply any endorsement or promotion of the advertisement or its content, products or services. Errors and omissions, whilst regrettable, may occur. Please advise any member of the Editorial Team in writing and corrections will be published.

A vampire story for Halloween

Two nuns, Sister Mary Agnes and Sister Mary Vincent, were travelling through Europe in their car, sight-seeing in Transylvania. As they are stopped at a traffic light, out of nowhere, a small vampire jumped onto the bonnet of their car and hissed at them through the windshield. “Quick, quick!” shouted Sister Mary Agnes, “What should we do?”

“Turn the windscreen wipers on. That will get rid of the abomination,” cried Sister Mary Vincent.

Sister Mary Agnes switched on the wipers, which knocked the mini- Dracula around. But still he hung on and continued hissing at the nuns. “What shall I do now?” she shouted.

“Try the windscreen washer. I filled it with holy water before we left the Vatican,” cried Sister Mary Vincent.

Sister Mary Agnes turned on the windscreen washer. The vampire screamed as the holy water burned his skin, but he hung on and continued hissing at the nuns. “Now what?” shouted Sister Mary Agnes.

“Well, show him your cross,” urged Sister Mary Vincent.

“Now you’re talking,” said Sister Mary Agnes. She opened the window and shouted: “You stupid vampire! Get off our car! Crossword Clues and Answers

Across 1 The sixth disciple (Matthew 10:3) (11) 9 ‘And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the — — ’ (Matthew 6:13) (4,3) 10 Love intensely (Song of Songs 1:4) (5) 11 From Mt Carmel to Jezreel, Elijah — all the way (1 Kings 18:46) (3) 13 One of the Midianite leaders who was captured and killed after Gideon’s victory in the valley near Moreh (Judges 7:25) (4) 16 Metallic element (4) 17 At line (anag.) (6) 18 ‘Cursed is everyone who is — on a tree’ (Galatians 3:13) (4) 20 Where Samson killed a thousand Philistines with a donkey’s jaw- bone (Judges 15:14) (4) 21 He succeeded Moses (Deuteronomy 34:9) (6) 22 ‘When he saw him, he took — on him’ (Luke 10:33) (4) 23 ‘For — is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction’ (Matthew 7:13) (4) 25 ‘The god of this — has blinded the minds of unbelievers’ (2 Corinthians 4:4) (3) 28 Fear or terror (Psalm 31:22) (5) 29 ‘We, who are many, are one body, for we all — of the one loaf’ (1 Corinthians 10:17) (7) 30 Assyrian ruler assassinated by his sons while worshipping his god Nisroch (2 Kings 19:37) (11)

Down 2 ‘For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made — ’ (1 Corinthi- ans 15:22) (5) 3 ‘After supper he — the cup’ (1 Corinthians 11:25) (4) 4 The request of a man of Macedonia in Paul’s vision: ‘Come — to Macedonia and help us’ (Acts 16:9) (4) 5 He disobeyed his father Judah by refusing to impregnate his dead brother’s wife (Genesis 38:9) (4) 6 I veto me (anag.) (7) 7 Fourth king of Judah (1 Kings 15:24) (11) 8 Priest of God Most High, who blessed Abram (Genesis 14:18) (11) 12 ‘I have made you — — for the Gentiles’ (Acts 13:47) (1,5) 14 Implore (1 Samuel 15:25) (3) 15 ‘Out of the eater, something to eat; out of the — , something sweet’ (Judges 14:14) (6) 19 ‘I am the most ignorant of men; I do — — a man’s understanding’ (Proverbs 30:2) (3,4) 20 ‘Sin shall not be your master, because you are not under — , but under grace’ (Romans 6:14) (3) 24 Native of, say, Baghdad (5) 25 The last word in the Bible (Revelation 22:21) (4) 26 Heroic tale (4) 27 ‘Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you — ’ (John 8:32) (4)

ACROSS: 1. Bartholomew. 9, Evil one. 10, Adore. 11, Ran. 13, Oreb. 16, Zinc. 17, Entail. 18, Hung. 20, Lehi. 21, Joshua. 22, Pity. 23, Wide. 25, Age. 28, Alarm. 29, Partake. 30, Sennacherib.

DOWN: 2, Alive. 3, Took. 4, Over. 5, Onan. 6, Emotive. 7, Je- hoshaphat. 8, Melchizedek. 12, A light. 14, Beg. 15, Strong. 19, Not have. 20, Law. 24, Iraqi. 25, Amen. 26, Epic. 27, Free.

MONEY MA££ERS - Figures for August 2019

Receipts Planned Giving £ 3221 Collections/other giving £ 137 Income tax recovered £ 428 PCC Fees £ 144 Community Centre Income £ 600 CBF investment income £ 2274 Easy fundraising £ 17 TOTAL RECEIPTS £ 6821

Payments Parish Contribution (2 months) £ 11980 Rectory/Rector’s Expenses £ 315 Salaries £ 1061 Utilities and Insurance £ 291 Community Centre Costs £ 289 Church running costs £ 45 TOTAL PAYMENTS £ 13981

BUNGARD & SONS LIMITED

Brighton & Hove’s Oldest Independent Family Funeral Directors

James Whittle Dip FD and Richard Whittle BSc.(Hons) Great grandson and great great grandson of the founder

www.bungards.co.uk

90 Sackville Road, Hove, BN3 3HE Telephone: (01273) 820018

With Halloween in mind …

If you don’t believe in the devil’s existence, just try resisting him for a while. – Charles G Finney

Satan does not work haphazardly but attacks systematically. – Thomas Cosmades

Satan is not fighting churches; he is joining them. He does more harm by sowing tares than by pulling up wheat. He accomplishes more by imitation than by outright opposition. – Vance Havner Date Reading, Commemorations & Intentions Calendar for October (Year C) Tues Remigius, Bishop, 533. Anthony Ashley Cooper, (Earl of 1ST Shaftsbury) Social Reformer, 1885 WEDS 2ND All social workers THURS The Dedication of the Cathedral Church of Chichester, 3RD 1184. George Bell, Bishop, ecumenist, peacemaker, 1958 FRI Francis of Assisi, friar, deacon, 1226 4TH The poor, weak and hungry SAT 5TH The environment SUN Harvest Festival 6TH Philippians 4.4-9 John 6.25-35 MON 7TH Hospital and Sector Chaplains TUES 8TH All persons seeking their vocation WEDS Denys, bishop and companions, martyrs, c250. Robert 9TH Grosseteste, bishop, philosopher, scientist, 1253. Police and Armed Forces Chaplains THURS Paulinus, bishop, missionary 644. Thomas Traherne, 10TH poet, spiritual writer, 1674. Those persecuted for their faith FRI Ethelburga, abbess, 675. James, the deacon, companion 11TH of Paulinus, 7th Century. Archdeacon Martin SAT Wilfrid, bishop, missionary, 709. Elizabeth Fry, prison re- 12TH former, 1845. Archbishop Justin Welby SUN Trinity 17 13TH Jeremiah 29.1,4-7 2 Timothy 2.8-15 Luke 17.11-19 MON 14TH The choice of a new Bishop of Horsham TUES Teresa of Avila, teacher of the faith, 1582 15TH Bishop Richard WEDS Nicholas Ridley and Hugh Latimer, bishops, martyrs, 1555 16TH Bishop Martin THUR Ignatius, bishop, martyr, c107 S Religious communities 17TH FRI Luke the Evangelist 18TH Our understanding of the Gospels SAT Henry Martin, translator, missionary, 1812 19TH All missionaries SUN Trinity 18 20TH Jeremiah 31.27-34 2 Timothy 3.14-4.5 Luke 18.1-8 MON 21ST The Foodbank TUES 22ND All refugees WEDS 23RD The Anglican Communion THUR S The Archdeaconry Pastoral Committee 24TH FRI Crispin and Crispinian, martyrs, 287 25TH Those persecuted for their religion SAT Alfred, king, scholar, 899, Cedd, abbot, bishop, 664 26TH All leaders and people in positions of responsibility SUN Bible Sunday 27TH Isaiah 45.22-25 Romans 15.1-6 Luke 4.16-24 MON Simon and Jude Apostles, 28TH Those preparing for marriage and newly weds TUES James Hannington, bishop, martyr, 1885 29TH All missionaries TUES 30TH Our understanding of the Gospel WEDS Martin Luther. Reformer, 1546 31ST All Lutheran Churches Miles Gander Domestic Plumbing Services

Specialises in bathroom & kitchen installation

All domestic plumbing work undertaken Mob: 07788 448400 Tel: 01273 271982 www.milesganderplumbing.co.uk

“BETTER PLUMBING BY MILES”

FREE PARKING Are you having problems parking when you take your children to Hove Park?

Then contact William Holden who can offer off road parking opposite Hove Park

Tel: 01273 706482 Please telephone before coming And finally……..

A prayer for morning… and for evening

O God, who divides the day from the night, separate our deeds from the darkness of sin, and let us continually live in your light, reflecting in all that we do your eternal beauty.

O God, who gives the day for work and the night for sleep, refresh our bodies and our minds through the quiet hours of night, and let our inward eyes be directed towards you, dreaming of your eternal glory.

From the Leonine Sacramentary, 5th century