Issue No 9 February 2017 Free Please take one

InSpire Magazine In This Issue A Word from the Parish Priest ...... Page 4 A Little Light Relief ...... Page 33 Who is…? Our Lady of Lourdes ...... Page 5 La La Land ...... Page 34 The movie taking cinemas by storm Holy Smoke! ...... Page 6 “Bells and smells” in worship Coffee Break ...... Page 35 The Experience of an Altar Server ...... Page 7 Children’s Corner ...... Page 36

Goa Anglican ...... Page 8

Making the Journey ...... Page 9 From the Additional Curates’ Society That February Feeling...... Page 10 From the Additional Curates’ Society This publication is offered free of charge Candlemas ...... Page 11 The Christian Festival of Light However, if you enjoy it, you can help Thank You Lord ...... Page 12 support its continued production by A Belated Welcome to Philip ...... Page 12 making a donation Parish Social Group News ...... Page 13 Final Idle Thoughts ...... Page 13 £2.00 A tribute to Tony Probert covers the cost of a single magazine. Midweek Meditation ...... Page 14 £10.00 From the Additional Curates’ Society covers the cost of all issues of a magazine for a News from the ...... Page 16 year. My Favourite Hymn ...... Page 17 £20.00 To God Be the Glory helps us use the magazine to reach out and share When waiting is never a game ...... Page 18 the message with others. The realities for the Harbour Project Donations can be made via the Events Calendar ...... Page 20 Parish Office, S. Aldhelm’s Centre, Edgeware Road, Midweek Meditation ...... Page 22 Swindon, SN1 1QS. Swindon Uganda Deanery Link ...... Page 24 Cheques should be made payable to The Parish of Swindon New Town. The Annunciation ...... Page 26 From the Additional Curates’ Society Happy Birthday S. Saviour’s Brownie Pack .. Page 27 Visit our website to download an Nursing in the 1940s ...... Page 28 electronic copy of this magazine: The Jenny Lind Hospital, Norwich www.swindonnewtown.co.uk/news/magazine 6th Swindon (S. Saviour’s) Scout Group ...... Page 29 Announcements ...... Page 30 From the Registers ...... Page 30

Letters ...... Page 30

Easter 2017 ...... Page 31 Dates for your diary Recipes ...... Page 32 Daybreak Poem ...... Page 33

2 Back to Contents GET IN TOUCH Parish Priest: Fr Dexter Bracey Tel: 01793 538220 or (emergency) 01793 976569

Churchwardens Rainbow Bookshop John Bishop: 01793 526542 Opening Times: 9 am to 4 pm Mon-Sat Alasdair Skeil: 01793 322956 Telephone & Fax 01793 694583 Sandy Steele-Davis: 01793 526559 Manager Pat Mortimer Hall Managers MAGAZINE S. Mark’s—Helen Watt 01793 520738 Send us your letters, articles, announcements, recipes, S. Saviour’s—Mike Jell 01793 644371 jokes and anecdotes to: S. Luke’s—Christine McKinlay 07925 369792 Write: S. Aldhelm’s Church Centre (see left) (after 6pm please) Email: [email protected] S. Aldhelm’s Church Centre Tel: 01793 538220 Edgeware Road, Swindon, SN1 1QS Office Hours: 9 am to 1 pm Mon, Wed, Fri In person to the Editorial Team: Tel: 01793 538220 Fax: 01793 491065 John Bishop, Tracey & Andy Hudd, Mike Jell, Andrew Centre Manager Pat Mortimer King, Jill Pearce, Karen Vermeersch Parish Secretary Karen Vermeersch email: [email protected] Deadline for the next issue (April) is Monday 13th March

Our Regular Service Times At S. Mark’s, Church Place, Swindon, SN1 5EH Sundays: Sung Mass at 10.30 am Mondays: Mass at 6.00 pm At S. Saviour’s, Ashford Road, Swindon, SN1 3NS Sundays: Sung Mass at 9.00 am Wednesdays: Mass at 9.30 am At S. Luke’s, Broad Street, Swindon, SN1 2DS Sundays: Sung Mass at 10.30 am Thursdays: Morning Prayer at 9.00 am, Mass at 9.30 am At S. Aldhelm’s, Edgeware Road, Swindon, SN1 1QS Tuesdays: Mass at 10.45 am And at other times during the year, please see the calendar For Baptisms, Weddings and Confessions, please contact the Parish Priest or the Parish Office

3 Back to Contents A Word from the Parish Priest

I write this as we shiver in the midst of a cold spell in the middle of a dull January. At this point in the year, it can be hard to call to mind the joys of Christmas, the excitement of the new year celebrations, and the hope that the start of a new year brings. January can so often feel gloomy, so it is important to remember words that we will have heard at Christmas services from S. John’s gospel: “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it” (John 1:5). The light of which S. John speaks is, of course, our Lord Jesus Christ, and he is present with us even in the depths of gloom and darkness. We will be reminded of that when we celebrate Candlemas, which properly falls on 2nd February, but which this year we will observe on Sunday 29th January. On that occasion, we will carry candles as symbols of the light of Christ, as we ponder the description of the infant Jesus by Simeon as “the light to lighten the nations” (Luke 2:32). As we do so, let us recall all those who find the dark days of this time of year difficult, and all who find themselves in any kind of darkness, be it spiritual, emotional or the result of the south aisle of the roof of S. Mark’s was completed in difficult circumstances. You will find an article with time for Christmas, and the building is much dryer as a more about Candlemas elsewhere in this magazine. result. Thanks are due to our wardens for their work on But inevitably, January is a good time to look back on the Fabric and Finance Committee for making sure that our celebrations of Christmas, and there is much to give that, along with a lot of other work during the course of thanks for. We had a well-attended Crib Service at S. last year, was completed. Saviour’s on Christmas Eve, and it was good to have a This, of course, is not the place to give a full report on variety of different people involved in the preparations 2016—that will come in the annual report to be for that. I hope that this will encourage us to think presented at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting on further about our work with children and families. We 27th April. But for now, we give thanks for all that has had the best attended Midnight Mass for some years at been in the past year, and look forward with faith and S. Mark’s, and S. Luke’s was, as always, very well- hope to all that 2017 will bring. attended for the Mass of the Nativity. It is good to see that when we allow each church to play to its strengths, encouraging things can happen. Having now begun to With my prayers for you all, establish a pattern for Christmas services, we now think Fr Dexter ahead to Holy Week and Easter. You will find details of those services elsewhere in this magazine. My hope is that people from each church will play their part in offering things which will be of benefit to the whole parish. Of course, before Christmas there was the season of Advent, and I want to say a particular word of thanks to the choir of S. Mark’s, who staunchly continued their preparations for the Advent Carol Service despite the choir loft having been flooded by rain water that week. Those who attended the service spoke appreciatively of the service, and it cannot have been easy to continue with that in such circumstances. However, the work on

4 Back to Contents Who is…… Our Lady of Lourdes? Our Lady of Lourdes is a title of the apparition was not of evil origin: “The Blessed Virgin Mary, venerated in honour second time was the following Sunday… of the Marian apparitions that reportedly Then I started to throw holy water in her occurred in 1858 in the vicinity of Lourdes, direction, and at the same time I said that in France. if she came from God she was to stay, but if not, she must go. She started to smile, In 1858, Bernadette Soubirous reported a and bowed… This was the second time.” vision of Our Lady of Lourdes. A simple 14- year-old peasant girl of no significant Soubirous’s companions are said to have educational experience, Soubirous claimed become afraid when they saw her in she saw uo petito damizelo, “a small ecstasy. She remained ecstatic even as maiden,” in white, with a golden rosary they returned to the village. On 18th and blue belt fastened around her waist, February, she spoke of being told by the and two golden roses at her feet. In Lady to return to the Grotto over a period subsequent visitations she heard the lady of two weeks. She quoted the apparition: speak to her, saying Que soy era “The Lady only spoke to me the third time… Immaculada Concepciou (I am the she told me also that she did not promise Immaculate Conception), and asking that a to make me happy in this world, but in the chapel be built there. At first ridiculed, questioned, and next.” belittled by Church officials and other contemporaries, Soubirous was ordered by her parents never to go there Soubirious insisted on her vision. Eventually the Church again. She went away and, on 24th February, Soubirous believed her and she was canonised by Pope Pius XI in related that the apparition asked for prayer and penitence 1933. for the conversion of sinners. After church investigations confirmed her visions, a large The next day, she said the apparition asked her to dig in church was built at the site. the ground and drink from the spring she found there. This On 11th February 1858, Soubirious went with her sister revealed the stream that soon became a focal point for Toinette and Jeanne Abadie to collect some firewood and pilgrimages. This water was given to patients of all kinds, bones in order to buy some bread. After taking off her and many reports of miraculous cures followed. shoes and stockings to wade through the water near the The first person with a“ certified miracle” was a woman Grotto of Massabielle, she said she heard the sound of two whose right hand had been deformed as a consequence of gusts of wind (coups de vent) but the trees and bushes an accident. However, several miracles turned out to be nearby did not move. A wild rose in a natural nice in the short-term improvement or hoaxes and the government grotto, however, did move. fenced off the Grotto. Soubirous managed to visit the “I came back towards the grotto and started taking Grotto under cover of darkness. On Easter Sunday, 7th off my stockings. I had hardly taken off the first April, her examining doctor stated that Soubirous, in stocking when I heard a sound like a gust of wind. ecstasy, was observed to have held her hands over a lit Then I turned my head towards the meadow. I saw candle without sustaining harm. On 16th July, Soubirous the trees quite still: I went on taking off my went for the last time to the Grotto. stockings. I heard the same sound again. As I raised On 18th January 1860, the local bishop finally declared my head to look at the grotto, I saw a lady dressed in that: “The Virgin Mary did appear indeed to Bernadette white, wearing a white dress, a blue girdle and a Soubirous.” These events established the Marian yellow rose on each foot, the same colour as the veneration in Lourdes, which is one of the most frequented chain of her rosary; the beads of the rosary were Marian shrines in the world, and to which between 4 and 6 white… from the niche, or rather the dark alcove million pilgrims travel annually. behind it, came a dazzling light.” Soubirous was later canonised as a saint in 1933. Soubirous tried to make the sign of the Cross, but she could not, because her hands were trembling. The lady The feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes is celebrated on 11th smiled, and invited Soubirous to pray the rosary with her. February. Soubirous tried to keep this a secret, but Toinette told her Source: Wikipedia mother. After parental cross-examination, she and her sister received corporal punishment for their story. Three days later, 14th February, Soubirious returned to the Grotto. She had brought holy water as a test that the

5 Back to Contents Holy Smoke! “Bells and Smells” in worship. “You’re a bit high church, aren’t you? Bells and smells, that these are set apart for divine use. The priest is censed, sort of thing.” recognising the particular gift given to him at ordination to offer the sacrifice of the Mass, and the people are censed, I’ve had quite a few people say that sort of thing to me recognising that they are the holy people of God, gathered over the years. And whilst many people might know that for worship. incense and bells are part of our worship, they might also wonder why we do such things. During the Eucharistic Prayer, through which Christ comes among us in the sacrament, the priest elevates both the The use of incense in worship is an ancient practice. Made host and the chalice of wine after he has prayed over from the sap of trees of the Boswellia family, which grow in them, and incense is used then to acknowledge that Christ harsh conditions in southern Arabia and north Africa, is indeed present in the sacrament. frankincense has long been used in religious observance. When burnt, the resin gives off a sweet smell, and the Bells are also used as a means of indicating Christ’s scent can be varied by adding other oils and elements to it: presence. Traditionally in the Mass, bells are rung at the there is indeed a great variety of scents available, and epiclesis, the point in the Eucharistic Prayer where the Holy thurifers often enjoy trying out new ones! Spirit is invoked over the bread and the wine as the priest prays that the elements may become the body and blood Throughout the Old Testament we see reference to the use of Christ. They are rung as the priest elevates the host and of incense as acknowledging the presence and majesty of the chalice, letting the people know that Christ is indeed God. In the book of the prophet Malachi we find the word present in the sacrament. We might also ring the main of the Lord: bells of the church as well as the small ones inside, so that For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name is we proclaim to the people around us that Christ is present great among the nations, and in every place incense is in his church, and we certainly do that at S. Luke’s and offered to my name, and a pure offering; for my name is S. Saviour’s. Finally, the bells are rung as the priest receives great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts. (Malachi from the chalice, indicating to the people that the action of 1:11) the Mass is complete. From that point, those who are able to receive communion and wish to do so may come Much earlier, in Exodus 30, we see instructions given to forward to the altar rail. Aaron, the High Priest, to construct an altar for the burning of incense morning and evening. The tradition of offering The use of the bells is intended to draw people’s attention incense at the Temple continued, and we know from Luke to the presence of Christ in the sacrament. On hearing 1:8-10 that Zechariah was offering incense in the sanctuary them, we are called to pay attention to Christ present with Vol 35 when the angel Gabriel appeared to him to tell him that us, to be attentive in our adoration and in our prayer. No.08 / Elizabeth would have a child, John the Baptist. Perhaps next time we hear the bells during Mass we might AUGUST strive to pay Our Lord closer attention as we honour his In the familiar Epiphany story of the visit of the wise men 2016 presence among us. to the infant Jesus, we hear of the giving of three gifts, gold, frankincense and myrrh. The gift of frankincense The use of these things in the ceremonies of the church is acknowledges the divinity of the Christ-child, just as the often thought of as a matter of aesthetic preference– gold acknowledges his kingship and the myrrh recognises people assume we do these things because we think the significance of the death that he will suffer for us. they’re nice or simply because we like them. But there are in fact several reasons for their use. We believe that they But as well as indicating the presence of God, incense has help to speak of the truth of what we are doing – they call long been regarded as a symbol of our prayers, rising with us to recognise the true and objective presence of Christ in the smoke to heaven. So it is that in the Book of the sacrament. They remind us that ours is an Revelation, we see a reference to “golden bowls full of incarnational faith: just as God assumed true flesh and incense, which are the prayers of the saints” (Revelation blood when he came among us in the person of Jesus 5:8). Christ, so we are called to use our bodies and senses in So, in Christian worship, we continue the use of incense to worship. So we use the senses of smell and sound in our acknowledge the presence of the God, and to offer our worship. And related to that is the recognition that non- prayers in ceremonial and physical ways as well as in verbal elements in our worship can convey a great deal words. that words often fail to convey. I have known people with learning difficulties be extremely enthusiastic about the So, in the Mass, incense is used at the beginning of Mass, use of all sorts of ceremonial things in worship, because as we recognise that we are gathering in God’s presence. they could engage with them in a way that they could not The altar is censed as the place where Christ will become engage with lots of words. So, let’s give thanks for the use present in the sacrament. We use incense at the reading of the gospel, as we recognise that in hearing the words of of these elements in our worship, and pray that they help Jesus we are hearing the words of God come among us. At us all engage with worship more fruitfully. the offertory, we cense the offerings of bread and wine, as Fr Dexter 6 Back to Contents The Experience of an Altar Server

First and foremost, I must emphasise the honour and privilege to receive Holy Communion and being able to assist at God’s altar. I would like to share with you my early experiences as a Server. Father Royle let me loose as a Boat Boy at S. Mark’s when I was about 4½ years old. This duty was enjoyable and I continued until being too old for Boat Boy. Canon Cratchley allowed me to join the choir, which I admit I did not enjoy so much, as I am not a musical person, although I can remember serving at weekday low masses. I decided to leave the choir and, as I was living locally to S. Luke’s, I attended masses there for a number of years, where I was prepared for Confirmation by Father Lowe and was subsequently confirmed by the Bishop of Malmesbury in 1956. When my parents returned to Swindon, my mother became a member of S. Mark’s congregation and I joined her. I soon returned to altar serving when Father Hawkins was vicar and, with help and advice given by other experienced servers, I Vol 35 started as an acolyte, to thurifer and then as a No.08 / Master of Ceremonies (MC). I believe it is AUGUST important that servers have knowledge of all 2016 roles, which is why I do endeavour to vary their duties of serving, so they can always take John Stoddard as a young boy, in his cassock and cotta on other tasks should the occasion arise. As I stated previously, I cannot stress enough the One final note I would like to make is that an MC should importance of the privilege servers are given to assist at not be too fussy and overpowering at the altar; he the altar and at all times whilst in procession and at the should take guidance from the priest, as the other altar; being dignified, keeping your hands joined or servers take guidance from the MC. clasped, bowing and genuflecting with care, and not John K M Stoddard rushing. It is also advantageous if servers familiarise themselves with vestments and sacred vessels. At some time or other servers can make mistakes - we are only human - but errors may not be noticed by the congregation; if they are I feel our Lord would not be concerned too much. In 1983 I was invited to administer the chalice, which I feel is the greatest honour and privilege a lay person can achieve. I gave this much thought and prayer, and felt very honoured to be allowed to assist the priest with holy communion, and to this day I still feel great joy to undertake this duty.

7 Back to Contents Goa Anglican Centre News Savita Rao and the Mango Tree Trust

We have been praying for Savita Rao amongst those often uneducated. This is accomplished by providing the who work to bring relief to the poor and the suffering parents with counselling sessions about the importance for many years. Savita is the director of the Mango Tree of allowing their children to gain an education. trust, based in Mapusa. We have never worked with the Recently the Trust, headed by Miss Savita Rao, the trust as they are not accepting volunteers but they are managing trustee, took another successful step by good friends of ours and we meet to support one opening a pre-primary school on their very own campus another and to share best practice. Our partner at Mango House. The fine inaugural function was held organisation, Prutha Goa (www.pruthagoa.com), in June 2013. The pre-primary school has a total of featured an article about the trust written by Savita three classrooms (nursery, lower and upper) and had herself. I include it to inform your prayers about an approximately sixty students enrolled for the last amazing person and a great charity. academic year, 2013-14. School bags, raincoats, uniforms and other items required at school were distributed to the children registered at the Trust. The school campus also holds afternoon tutorial classes for seventy five students studying in standard I to standard VIII. Here they spend time revising their class work and focussing on any areas of difficulty. The Trust also supports another twenty five older children in the slum. In addition to directly supporting education, The Mango Tree also provides a meal and fruit every day from Monday to Friday and medical support for each and every child registered with them. Ripe with Hope: The Mango Tree Trust The Trust aims to ensure that the children it supports have a healthy childhood coupled with the benefit of a Helping disadvantaged children to bloom and blossom good education. Its efforts are aimed at preventing is at the heart and soul of The Mango Tree Trust. The children from dropping out of school and thereby Trust is based at Mango House, Karaswada in Goa. It helping to break the cycle of illiteracy and poverty. The works with around a hundred and sixty children and Trust plans to continue its support and looks forward to families living in the slums around Karaswada as well as seeing the children reach their full potential and local children in need. The main objective of the Mango become positive contributors to the society in which we Tree is to help children to access school and to support live. and encourage them to remain there. The Trust hopes to help keep children away from child labour and to ensure they enjoy a safe and sound childhood by working with parents, who themselves are Monday: People in need in Satari and Sanguem regions, for the faithful departed and for all who are isolated or lonely. Tuesday: People in need in Quepem and Canacona regions and for peace between India and her neighbours. Wednesday: People in need in Mormugao region, for all visitors to Goa and for those who live and work at the Goa Anglican Centre. Thursday: People in need in Salcete region, for the unity of the church and for all visitors to the Goa Anglican Centre. Friday: People in need in Bicholim region, for all who are hungry and starving and for the homeless. Saturday: People in need in Tiswade region and for all prisoners and those who are falsely accused. Sunday: People in need in Bardez region and that the churches in Goa may be an effective witness to God's love.

8 Back to Contents Making the Journey

This month, we look at the path to discernment taken by discussion with one of the Canons, and later with the Fr. Chris Phillips, currently starting his first incumbency in Director of Ordinands. Having been sponsored by the Willesden, North London. It is a reminder that we must , and emerging from the assessment all follow our own path towards God and that there is no process with a recommendation to train, the family and I one size fits all approach to vocation. moved to Oxford where I was lucky enough to read for the BA in Theology, taking a particular interest in One of the more frustrating aspects of the process of patristics and in the Oxford Movement. It was through vocational discernment in the Church is the need to placements at St Mary Magdalen and St Barnabas, repeat one’s own “journey” to almost everyone involved. Jericho that I first experienced Anglo-Catholic parish life, Right through to ordination itself, it’s usually the first and I realised that God might be calling me to serve in thing anyone wants to know about. After ordination and such a context. the first few months as a curate, interest in the story seems to die down a little bit, but every now and then After three years, the family and I returned to the North somebody asks. of England for me to serve my title at St Margaret’s, Ilkley. The adjustment to ordained life, with its many I have recently moved to take up my first incumbency, joys and challenges, was made easier by the warmth and swapping the rolling hills, fresh air and relative affluence love of the people I served. I shall always remember my of Ilkley in West Yorkshire for the challenges of a first Mass, the first occasional offices, and the first time I deprived and very diverse area of North-West London. was called to a hospital bedside in the early hours of the Attending my first Deanery Chapter meeting I was asked morning. It is not always easy being an assistant curate: to give, once more, the story of how God brought me to there are many complex relationships to negotiate, not Brent. The story gets longer as the years pass, but I tried to mention the delights of IMT (Initial Ministerial then as I try here, to be brief. Training)! But God is faithful, and after three years I felt Born into a churchgoing family in Kent, I suppose I’m one ready for the next challenge. Having spent over a decade of a dying breed of “cradle Anglicans”. Moving to a living in the North of England, it felt right to return to our village between Ely and Cambridge as a small child, I roots in the south. I had joined the Society of the Holy spent my earlier childhood at school a stone’s throw Cross during my curacy, and so inspired by the example from the amazing Ely Cathedral. Attending school of its founders and with the benefit of my previous services there twice a week, I would look up at the nave professional experience, I found myself drawn to serve ceiling and wonder. At the age of twelve, we moved to amongst the diversity of North London. Chelmsford where my father (a diocesan secretary) had a And so it was that at the beginning of September, a new new post. Our family worshipped at the Cathedral and, chapter in our lives was opened as I became the Vicar of as a server, I found the community a welcome retreat St Mary’s, Willesden. St Mary’s is the ancient mother from the trauma of having swapped the idyllic Church of this part of London, and has been a place of surroundings of a rural prep school for the academic pilgrimage since the Middle Ages. The original black rigour of an Essex Grammar. I had begun to feel that Madonna was burned during the Reformation, but in the God might be calling me to serve as a priest when I first 1970s a new image was installed in the shrine chapel, began serving at school Eucharists in the tiny chapel in and the annual pilgrimage draws many people from the the Cathedral Close in Ely, and this feeling strengthened local community and from further afield. as my involvement in Chelmsford grew deeper. Of course, I was told to go to university and get a “proper There is much more that could be written about job” first and so off I went to Durham where, after a few St Mary’s, and about the huge learning curve that is years of relative distance from the Church, and having becoming an incumbent for the first time, but that is a graduated, married and started a family, we began story for another time. Suffice to say that the family and regular worship at the Cathedral there. Becoming I are immensely grateful for the prayers and support of involved in the serving team in Durham was a great so many people over the years. We feel so lucky to be privilege, and gave me an opportunity to be involved in here, and among the vibrant community we serve. all manner of liturgical events. Some of the most May our Lady of Willesden pray for you and for us all, as powerful experiences of worship I have had were in we continue our journey towards her Son. Durham, and the importance placed on worship “in the beauty of holiness” - attention to detail, and of excellence in liturgy and music - profoundly shaped my sense of vocation. Fr. Chris Phillips It was in Durham that I first sought to explore my vocation to the priesthood formally, first through

9 Back to Contents Vol 36 No.02 / FEBRUARY 2017 Christian Life

That February Feeling

February is a cold month. The come-down from to fall into a bit of a rut—doing the same things we Christmas is in full swing, the New Year’s Resolutions always do because we have always done them, but have been abandoned, the nights are still long. This is without really engaging. a slow but sure path that we need to navigate every God offers us unconditional love and yet it can be easy year. to forget this, or even to turn our back on it completely. In this month’s main article, Fr. Chris Phillips talks about Re-evaluating our relationship with God may be a his journey to discernment and his route to his priestly painful process. Admitting that we have turned away vocation. All of us have some sort of vocation; we all from Him is difficult, but even harder I think, is need to follow our own path to God. And these paths admitting that we are taking Him for granted: that we are as many and varied as we are. are participating in the Mass without engaging. It can be hard to re-energise as a Christian and realise that a For some people this seems to be an easy journey, with life of saying prayers by rote is just dragging us down, an unshakable faith that only seems to deepen not deepening our faith, but destroying it. throughout life. Everyone knows someone like this, and their unwavering devotion can be equally inspiring and February is a cold month. In many ways, the hardest to infuriating, sometimes both at the same time! My get through in the year. If your relationship with God is adopted Grandma Mary (adopted by me, following the undergoing its own cold February, think about what you death of my own Grandma) was one of these might do to get it back on track. characters. She had an encyclopaedic knowledge of the faith; had been a headteacher/missionary to India in We all have our own paths to God, and they are as her youth; married a wonderful, gentle and faithful many and varied as we are. None are more valid than priest; and was always ready to remind a headstrong any other. God is always waiting for us, with open teenager that “God will sort it all out”. I’m fairly sure arms. that her wisdom was not only due to age, though I’m sure that helps, but rooted in the deep anchor of her Alex Ward faith throughout her life. These people are magnificent, and certainly to be envied! If you are one such person then go, just as she did, and inspire many more! Others of us will have a more complicated journey. Our relationship with God is like all our relationships. Sometimes it is fractious and fraught, and sometimes neglected and cool, sometimes it seems to hit its stride. Like all relationships, with the passing of time it’s easy

10 Back to Contents Candlemas (the Christian Festival of Light) Candlemas, also known as the In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Feast of the Purification of the the presentation of Jesus at the Blessed Virgin Mary and Feast of Temple is celebrated as one of the the Presentation of our Lord Jesus, twelve Great Feasts, and is is a Christian holiday sometimes called Hypapante commemorating the presentation (“Meeting” in Greek). of Jesus at the Temple in In some liturgical churches, Jerusalem. It falls on February Vespers (or Compline) on the 2nd, which is traditionally the 40th Feast of the Presentation marks day of the Christmas-Epiphany the end of the Epiphany season. season. In the , the The Feast of the Presentation is Mother Church of the Anglican one of the oldest feasts of the Communion, the Presentation of Christian church, celebrated since Christ in the Temple is a Principal the 4th century AD in Jerusalem. Feast, celebrated either on 2nd It is described in the Gospel of February or on the Sunday Luke: between 28th January and 3rd (as it is written in the law of the February. In the Catholic Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be tradition, the Presentation is the designated as holy to the Lord”), and they offered a fourth Joyful Mystery of the Rosary. sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, In the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church, the Anglican “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” Luke 2.23-24 Communion and the Lutheran Church, the episode was also According to the gospel, Mary and Joseph took the Infant reflected in the once-prevalent custom of churching new Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem forty days (inclusive) after mothers forty days after the birth of a child. his birth to complete Mary’s ritual purification after Traditionally, the Western term “Candlemas” (or Candle childbirth, and to perform the redemption of the firstborn Mass) referred to the practice whereby a priest on 2nd son, in obedience to the Torah (Leviticus 12, Exodus 13:12- February blessed beeswax candles for use throughout the 15). Luke explicitly says that Joseph and Mary take the year, some of which were distributed to the faithful for use option provided for poor people (those who could not in the home. afford a lamb; sacrificing “a pair of turtledoves, or two While it is customary for Christians in some countries to young pigeons.” Leviticus 12.1-4 indicates that this event remove their Christmas decorations on Twelfth Night should take place forty days after birth for a male child, (Epiphany Eve), those in other Christian countries hence the Presentation is celebrated forty days after historically remove them on Candlemas. Christmas. On Candlemas many Christians also bring their candles to Upon bringing Jesus into the temple, they encountered their local church, where they are blessed and then used Simeon. The Gospel records that Simeon had been for the rest of the year. In Poland the feast is called promised that “he should not see death before he had seen “Świȩto Matki Bożej Gromnicznej” (Feast of Our Lady of the Lord’s Christ” (Luke 2.26). Simeon then uttered the Thunder candles). This name refers to the candles that are prayer that would become known as the Nunc Dimittis, or blessed on this day, called gromnice, since these candles Canticle of Simeon, which prophesied the redemption of are lit during (thunder) storms and placed in windows to the world by Jesus: ward off storms. Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace; The feast never falls in Lent; the earliest that Ash according to Thy word: for mine eyes have seen Thy Wednesday can fall is 4th February, for the case of Easter salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face on 22nd March in a non-leap year. However, in the of all people: to be a light to lighten the gentiles and Tridentine rite, it can fall in the pre-Lenten season if Easter to be the glory of Thy people Israel (Luke 2.29-32). is early enough, and “Alleluia” has to be omitted from this Simeon then prophesied to Mary: “Behold, this child is set feast’s liturgy when that happens. for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and for a sign According to over eight centuries of tradition, the which is spoken against. Yes, a sword will pierce through swaddling clothes that baby Jesus wore during the your own soul, that the thoughts of many hearts may be presentation at the Temple are kept in Dubrovnik revealed” (Luke 2.34-35). Cathedral, Croatia. The elderly prophetess Anna was also in the Temple, and Source: Wikipedia offered prayers and praise to God for Jesus, and spoke to everyone there of His importance to redemption in Jerusalem (Luke 2.36-38). 11 Back to Contents Thank You Lord…... Thank you so much to everyone in the Parish for the Thank you Lord for being our main guest at our 140th donation of £150—to Mothers’ Union’s international work. Anniversary Service, held at Winchester Cathedral. The Most Revd and Right Hon the Lord Archbishop of Mothers’ Union works on a range of programmes and Canterbury gave the sermon. projects overseas, which all aim to help communities become self-sufficient: in financial education, on literacy, ‘Life-giving God we give you thanks for the Mothers’ Union, and parenting. for its dedication and faithful witness to Jesus Christ across the world. Bless all its members in your mission through Thank you Lord, for the 90th birthday of our Patron, Her the years to come.’ Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II. Mothers’ Union members from around the world also celebrating their 90th birthday Thank you Lord for the first time at our November branch were invited to send in their photographs, which were then meeting, Mothers’ Union members took part in a global incorporated into the card presented to Her Majesty, on service: International Day for the Elimination of Violence behalf of us all. Mothers’ Union received a card from Her Against Women. We stood for 2 minutes in silence, Majesty: ‘As your Patron, I send my sincere thanks to all offering our own prayers. those who have contributed to Mothers’ Union over the The Mothers’ Union, in so many places, is an organisation years, and I send my best wishes for the continuing success that listens to the voices of weeping, whether it is in of a charity that has given hope and strength to so many. conflict-torn countries across Africa, or in homes in England Elizabeth R’ where, when the local football team loses, there is a 50% increase in domestic violence. It is the Mothers’ Union that “In the same way, faith by itself, exists to speak of these things that God has provided, that if it is not accompanied by bring hope, help and a future. “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2.7 action, is dead.” James 2.7 Thank you Lord for the friendship I shared with Greg Giles Thank you Lord for the surprise visit of our grandson; he and Tony Probert; I miss them both. lives in America. He was on a school European trip, night- ‘They lie in silence and hope’. God Bless. stopping in Swindon. It was supposed to be a secret for Roy and myself, but we were told by his sister…. so of Barbara Allen course we were waiting for Terry, all 6ft 5in of him, outside Swindon Deanery’s Action and Outreach Coordinator the hotel. We took him home and spent a few hours talking, before we took him to the hotel, for an early start next day….. lovely! A Belated Welcome to Philip

Since the autumn of last year, S. Mark’s has had the Philip working with them, and those who attended the services of a new Director of Music, Philip Burnett, who is Advent and Christmas carol services will have heard the now working with the choir, choosing music and results of his working with them. We look forward to conducting rehearsals and playing on some Sundays. Philip hearing more good music-making during the course of this makes the journey to us from Oxford, and we are grateful year. to him for his commitment to being with us. I should really However, due to other commitments, Philip cannot be with have announced his appointment last year, and I’m sorry us every Sunday, so we are currently seeking someone to that I haven’t done so before now—it’s not that we don’t job share with him, and one or two possible candidates are want you, Philip! in the pipeline, so look out for a further announcement in I know that members of the choir are enjoying having due course.

12 Back to Contents Parish Social Group News

This group was started by Amy at the beginning of last hard to find homes for abandoned dogs, and another year, and although, regrettably, it has not always been group who use dogs to sniff out potential cancer sufferers very well attended, it has always been a varied and much when no obvious signs of the disease can be detected by enjoyable experience. us humans! We met Hugh and Debbie Skeil once again as they updated us on their work in India and at the Amy did a great deal of work to source and book a diverse beginning of the year Amy talked about the developing number of organisations to come along and tell us about work which she had taken on founding the Carriage their particular passions. The evenings would always begin Foundation. She brought about the charitable status of with a presentation from a member of the group, followed the group and has produced a magazine to spread the by questions and answers and then rounded off with valuable work which is currently underway to foster coffee and home-made cake. This would also give a interest in and preservation of many historic carriages. At further opportunity to chat with the speaker. Each the end of the year, she presented an update of progress member of the parish would make a small financial through 2016 with slides of the various personalities and contribution so that the speaker could go away with a events which had taken place. donation towards their work. We ended with a relaxed evening of wine and nibbles and During the year, we learnt about the work of Restore, the offered our appreciation for the chance to meet in a social Harbour Project, the Church Missionary Society and the atmosphere and to enjoy learning about the many Goa Anglican Society. We were treated to a fascinating activities which people in our local community undertake talk about the art of Beekeeping, the life and habits of for the benefit of those around them. Thank you very endangered Orangutans (how cute were those babies!), much Amy; we look forward to meeting again later in the the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust, as well as those who work New Year, when you have had the chance to recover!

Final Idle Thoughts A Tribute to Tony Probert In a previous edition of InSpire, I happened to comment on our parishioners would not have seen this, because they the casual style of dress adopted by many attending chose to stay away which was a great pity. After all our Sunday Mass, especially noticeable at festivals such as Bishop made a great effort to visit us, so maybe, as a Easter - the demise of the Easter Bonnet, for instance! I Parish, we should have made more of an effort to visit also said it was increasingly difficult for us, as men, as we him! seemed to lack role models. I also asked the question- But what, you may ask, of the third man? After all, we when did you last see a Churchwarden wearing a suit and have three Churchwardens. He was there, of course, to tie- or, for that matter, a sidesman! greet Bishop Jonathan (but tieless!!) Let me explain, you Unfortunately this question seemed to upset some people see, that this Warden is different to the other two as I was accosted in the town by an irate parishioner who because, as well as being a most conscientious Warden he accused me of being nasty to our wonderful wardens, is also a campanologist (perfectly legal) as he is a valued when, of course, nothing could be further from the truth. member of St Mark’s team of ringers. For more However, the question remains. information refer to “The ringer’s handbook” - revised edition 1996! Just imagine a man’s tie becoming Fortunately, readers will be pleased to know that I entangled in his rope and being unceremoniously hoisted managed to expedite myself before she resorted to aloft into the belfry! physical violence! As you can clearly see, there is a good reason for So, let me answer the question. If you were in the everything. This ruling does not apply to those who ring a congregation when the came to the single bell as these are simply referred to as “pullers”. Parish Church to preach, to baptize, to confirm, to celebrate Mass and to talk with us over a buffet supper, Tony Probert (1938-2016) you would have seen two of our Churchwardens Thank you Tony, for these final thoughts; immaculately turned out, both wearing a smart suit, a you will be sadly missed crisp shirt and a well-chosen tie; a credit to themselves and to the office which they hold. But, of course, many of

13 Back to Contents

Reflections on the weekday readings in the Eucharist. Reflections on the weekday readings in the Eucharist. For those who can and those who cannot be present, For those who can and those who cannot be present, it is helpful to read through the appointed passages yourself. it is helpful to read through the appointed passages yourself.

FEBRUARY 6TH—FEBRUARY 11TH 1st Reading Gospel MONDAY Genesis 1:1-19 Mark 6:53-56 TUESDAY Genesis 1:20—2:4 Mark 7:1-13 WEDNESDAY Genesis 2:4-9,15-17 Mark 7:14-23 THURSDAY Genesis 2:18-25 Mark 7:24-30 FRIDAY Genesis 3:1-8 Mark 7:31-37 SATURDAY Genesis 3:9-24 Mark 8:1-10 Prayer Point: Let nothing disturb you. Let nothing frighten you. All things pass. God does not change. Patience achieves everything. Whoever has God lacks nothing. God alone suffices. Amen. St Teresa of Avila.

FEBRUARY 13TH—FEBRUARY 18TH 1st Reading Gospel MONDAY Genesis 4:1-15,25 Mark 8:11-13 TUESDAY Genesis 6:5-8; 7:1-5,10 Mark 8:14-21

WEDNESDAY Genesis 8:6-13,20 -22 Mark 8:22-26 THURSDAY Genesis 9:1-13 Mark 8:27-33 FRIDAY Genesis 11:1-9 Mark 8:34—9:1

SATURDAY Hebrews 11:1-7 Mark 9:2-13 Prayer Point: Lord, when we are faced with rejection, hardship or overwhelming difficulties, help us to face them with the same steadfastness of spirit demonstrated by Mary. Amen

14 Back to Contents FEBRUARY 20TH—FEBRUARY 25TH 1st Reading Gospel MONDAY Ecclesiasticus 1:1-10 Mark 9:14-29 TUESDAY Ecclesiasticus 2:1-11 Mark 9:30-37

WEDNESDAY : THE CHAIR OF S. PETER 1 Peter 5:1-4 Matthew 16:13-19 THURSDAY Ecclesiasticus 5:1-18 Mark 9:41-50 FRIDAY Ecclesiasticus 6:5-17 Mark 10:1-12 SATURDAY Ecclesiasticus 17:1-15 Mark 10:13-16 Prayer Point: Lord Jesus, help us to recognise your presence with us in all the events of our lives and to sense your healing touch. Amen

FEBRUARY 27TH—MARCH 4TH 1st Reading Gospel MONDAY Ecclesiasticus 17:24-29 Mark 10:17-27 TUESDAY Ecclesiasticus 35:1-12 Mark 10:28-31 ASH WEDNESDAY Joel 2:12-18 2 Corinthians 5:20—6:2 Matthew 6:1-6,16-18 THURSDAY Deuteronomy 30:15-20 Luke 9:22-25 FRIDAY Isaiah 58:1-9 Matthew 9:14-15 SATURDAY Isaiah 58:9-14 Luke 5:27-32 Prayer Point: Lord, as we journey through this season of Lent, help us to have eyes to see and ears to hear those things that you long for us to learn, lessons that draw us to live the life to which we are called by Christ. Amen

15 Back to Contents News from the Diocese of Bristol Mobilising our Front-Line The , the Rt Revd , reflects finding their vocation as disciples and Christian leaders on a nut which our Archbishops are once again trying to in the whole of life. our culture. There is inadequate help churches crack. theology and vision, a weak lay voice which is not being heard or acted upon, unhealthy relationships between In his address to Diocesan Synod in December, Matthew clergy and lay people and, lastly, a lack of resources and Frost asked us what one thing we might do as a diocese support. to best equip Christians to be disciples in every sphere of life, not just in church life. My instinctive response There is no proverbial silver bullet for the Church of was to inscribe a tattoo on the forearm of every church England. Matthew Frost highlighted two critical shifts member - lay on the arms of the ordained, priest on needed to release the ministry of the whole people of everyone else! You may think this is crazy but the reality God. The first is for lay and ordained people to work is that we have struggled for decades to overcome the together so that lay people are confident to follow sacred/secular compartmentalisation of most Christian Jesus and live out the gospel in every sphere of life. The discipleship. second is for lay and ordained people to be convinced they are equal partners in mission – complementary in The need for Christians to see themselves as priests in gifting and vocation, mutually accountable in the workplace was spelled out 70 years ago, in Towards discipleship, and of equal worth and status. the Conversion of England. Dorothy Sayers, the novelist and playwright, flagged up the importance of all So many words – what might churches do now to begin Christians recognising their vocation within secular life. to clothe them with flesh? How about a 7 minute slot in She argued that if Christians behaved as though 90% of every service where a member of the congregation their life was irrelevant to their faith, why would shares what it means for them to give a lead as a anyone be interested in belonging to a church?! follower of Jesus from Monday to Saturday? God on Monday has a nice ring to it… The Archbishops’ Task Force on Lay Leadership, of which Matthew Frost is a member, has recently identified four obstacles to the whole people of God

Bishop of Bristol Announces Retirement The , the Rt Revd , has announced his retirement with effect from 30 September 2017. Bishop Mike, who has been in the post since 2003, will end his time at the Diocese with a special service at . Bishop Mike said that he had made the decision after he and his wife, Anthea, had decided that the timing was right for him to retire. He said: “I have loved my time in this Diocese and there are many people I shall deeply miss. Working with colleagues, both lay and ordained has been a privilege and a gift. Bishop Mike’s final service will be at Bristol Cathedral on Saturday 23 September at 3.30pm. More details will “There will be many opportunities between now and 30 be released nearer the time. September to say more, but my overwhelming sense is a deep gratitude for the privilege of serving amongst you all. Please pray for Anthea and me as we prepare for this next phase of our lives.”

16 Back to Contents My Favourite Hymn— To God be the Glory

This edition, parish secretary Karen talks about her bring this point of grace home, proclaiming that it is favourite hymn. God who has done great things, and the One to whom praise and adoration belong. As is evident here, as well “This hymn has been a favourite since I was a small girl. as in her other hymns, Fanny Crosby was a great One can’t help but be swept up in its unbounded joy, woman of God who clearly understood the importance promise and celebration. It helps to remind me that, in of God’s marvellous grace in salvation. all things, no matter what, first and foremost ‘To God be the Glory’!” The tune to which this hymn is set was composed by William H. Doane (1832-1915), a frequent collaborator

with Ms Crosby in the production of spiritual songs. In Over the course of her more than 90 years of life, his lifetime Doane composed more than 2,000 tunes, Frances (Fanny) Jane Crosby composed more than many of which are still in common use today. 8,000 texts, including this one. This prodigious output As with other classic hymns and gospel songs from the is made more remarkable pen of Fanny Crosby, “To still with the realisation God be the Glory” is a that Crosby was totally To God be the glory, great things He hath done; marvellous expression of blind from the age of six So loved He the world that He gave us his Son, praise to God for His years. Who yielded His life, an atonement for sin, wondrous works. And opened the lifegate, that all may go in. “To God be the Glory” is However, this song also well-recognised as a O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood, gives special place to the wonderful hymn of praise To every believer, the promise of God; Free Grace position—that and adoration of God. The vilest offender who truly believes, salvation is provided as a Written and first published That moment from Jesus a pardon receives. gift from God to everyone in 1875, it was used by Ira Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done, who will place his or her Sankey in his song books. And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son; faith in Christ, regardless of But purer, and higher, and greater will be Several aspects of this one’s sins before or after Our wonder, our rapture, when Jesus we see! composition set it forth not conversion. The act of love only as a hymn of praise, Refrain: on the cross which made but also as a hymn of Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, this possible is truly reason grace. From the outset, it Let the earth hear His voice! to “Praise the Lord, Praise is clear that Fanny Crosby Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, the Lord, let the earth hear ascribes all credit to God Let the people rejoice! His voice! Praise the Lord, O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son, for His work, with no role Praise the Lord, let the And give Him the glory, great things He hath done! for man’s efforts in God’s people rejoice!” great plan. In the first - Fanny J. Crosby (1820-1915) Let us indeed rejoice in our stanza, it is Jesus alone salvation provided so freely who opens the lifegate of by Christ Jesus! salvation, so that all have Source: Keith W. Ward the opportunity to be saved. This is a clear message of Scientist grace, in contrast to the idea that man must prove his faithalone.org worth before eternal life is granted. However, it is in the second stanza that Crosby most clearly sets forth the conditions for entrance through this gate—faith, and faith alone. Note that redemption is promised to “every believer” (cf. John 3:16), and that regardless of the magnitude of one’s sins, even “the vilest offender” who puts his or her faith in Christ, such as the criminal crucified with Christ (Luke 23:43) or Saul of Tarsus (I Tim 1.15), will immediately receive pardon from Jesus. The third stanza and chorus continue to

17 Back to Contents When Waiting is Never a Game

A child, wrapped-up warmly for the cold, plays in the park as her mother watches on. The surrounding roads provide their familiar hum as cars pass through a community woven together by homes and family- run businesses. At its centre, quite unnoticeably, is the home of Swindon’s dedicated charity for asylum seekers and refugees, The Harbour Project. Inside, eyes and ears have The Harbour Team witnessed a lot over the past twelve months. Events have provided sobering evidence of how reactionary politics unsettles society: worrying developments is the stigma given to those who perhaps even tearing at the fabric of trust. Harbour arrive seeking safety: a label of guilt. provides a home for those who have witnessed their When the Secretary of State reveals her regulations around villages, towns and cities being ripped violently at the the new law, Harbour’s visitors will be, in legal terms, seams. This year, it’s calling for even closer community ties placed on ‘Immigration Bail’—unsettling terminology, given as it prepares for what’s next. that claiming asylum isn’t a crime, regardless of how a New Year is always a good time to re-examine objectives. person enters a country. At Harbour, these are straightforward. The staff, trustees At Harbour, everyone grows more concerned about what and volunteers are committed to relieving hardship and this, along with further more material changes in the law, distress, preserving the physical and mental wellbeing of will mean for the future. The climate calls for a plan and asylum seekers and refugees, and enabling their continued support from its volunteers and donors. integration into wider society. It’s about giving friendship, advice and hope for a new future. Through greater engagement, Harbour is connecting minds and sharing ownership of the big problems. But while There’s also quite a bit of planning in progress. With the recognising the global refugee crisis, it’s important to much-needed support of the Town Council, corporate and reaffirm that small actions can combine to create positive individual donors, the charity is working to ensure that its change. It’s important that the history books tell a story of limited resources continue to meet the most important asylum seekers and refugees not just surviving, but thriving needs: those of its users. in our communities. Those using the Harbour have sacrificed their homes, lives The Harbour Project knows that time can stand still for and futures due to a fear of persecution. The Geneva those who are stuck in the asylum-seeking process. Convention of 1951 provides refugee status to anyone who However, the child, who continues to play in the park, is has a well-founded fear of persecution ‘for reasons of race, always growing. For now, she’ll grow unaware of the labels religion, nationality, membership of a particular social carried by the subconscious of society. But one day, she’ll group or political opinion’ and who is, due to their fear, learn about what happened when people tried to help unwilling or unable to seek protection from the country of those who were stuck in persecution-driven homelessness. their nationality. But before a person is a refugee, they are The charity encourages everyone to approach it with an asylum seeker. opportunities for building closer ties. If you can, please give Harbour’s is one of the few voices able to tell the day to your time or a regular donation to Harbour. £2 a month day story of what it means to live through asylum-seeking provides a cup of tea and a friendly face for visitors, £10 a in Britain. It’s tough enough to live on £35 a week for month facilitates English lessons, £20 enables access to countless months, without the freedom to work or study, legal advice. Visit harbourproject.org.uk for details. If you’d while awaiting a court decision. But a seeming rise of like to find out more about Harbour’s activities in 2017, migrant resentment has trickled deeper into society than please contact [email protected] to receive a many may realise. Consider, for example, the new quarterly newsletter. Immigration Act 2016. Richard Cox, Harbour Project While campaigners and NGOs succeeded at improving some of the rules in the Act–notably the amount of time a person can spend in detention centres–one of the most

18 Back to Contents The Grounded Great Western Hospital Flying Doctor

I really did chase the carrot, running a lot of the way. Although (like me) Calvin has done 5k runs, he has also run 10k and half marathons, including the Chippenham I have the certificate and one last year. His only marathon to date was also last medal to prove it, and, year when, having been what is more important, unsuccessful in the thanks to your help, I London ballot, he ran managed to raise £659.39 the Milton Keynes for the Radiotherapy Marathon in 4 hours 40 Appeal. I am really proud minutes. of this as we were only asked to try for £50. Like nearly everyone who does these daft And, you will be glad to things for charity, know, this time I really did naming no names, Calvin have to earn the money! has serious reasons for It was an absolutely lovely wanting to raise as much day, very cold, my nose money for the ran faster than I did and, Radiotherapy Appeal as with a heavy frost, when possible. His father, who the sun came up, Coate Water looked stunning. Another was a clergyman, plus, as I would never have been there normally. It was another link for us, died also great fun, as over 700 people were signed up to do of cancer three years the run. ago and he has friends Everyone dressed up and wore their antlers, and I think who have had to make that dreadful journey to Oxford for they all brought their friends, relations and dogs. treatment. Calvin also knows a lot about the Brighter Including me, as a friend came with me, bringing his dog Futures charity, as his sister-in-law is one of the Pirate, who had a whale of a time and was very proud of fundraising team. the medal he earned. Lisa, who also runs with Swindon Shin Splints, has Running 5 kilometres was a much harder way of raising instituted herself as his campaign manager and I have money than getting myself thrown out of a plane at volunteered to be her assistant and a sponsorship fund 10,000 ft, which is why I am full of admiration for people organiser—after all, as you know, I had a lot of experience who run marathons for charity. getting money out of people last year. This is what our very own architect Calvin Weaver is doing The London Marathon is on 23rd April 2017. Calvin has a for the Radiotherapy Appeal. He has a place on the 2017 justgiving page: London Marathon, earning one of the much-coveted https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/c-weaver 50,000 places on only his second attempt. A total of 253,930 people entered this year’s ballot, so that is really and I hope to organise sponsorship forms at the hospital. something. Even if you can’t afford to sponsor him, I thought that people in the parish might like to know what their Having already owned up to my great age, I can afford to architect does to help others in his spare time. boast that one of my friends took part in the very first London Marathon back in 1981. A prosperous young city Just in case you can help Calvin in his effort to raise money banker, it was probably for a bet, or an excuse for to equip the Radiotherapy Unit at the Great Western consuming vast quantities of pasta, the only training he Hospital, a very local charity, I will make sponsorship appeared to us to do. forms available at the back of the three churches. Calvin’s approach is quite different. He only started Finally, just to prove that Santa Claus does visit children in running 3 years ago, as he had to get up early to do a hospital, a very large donation just before Christmas paper round (his daughter’s actually, but she had meant the appeal for money for the play area has already chickened out). Having joined Swindon Shin Splints, a been closed, its target having been reached! running group which meets twice a week at the Sun Inn at Jill Huby Coate Water, he is now in hard training and running at least 20 miles a week.

19 Back to Contents Events

February 2017 (with prayers from Christian Aid)

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 Feria Feria S. Blaise Our Lady on Saturday

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 4th Sunday Ss Paul Miki Feria Feria Feria S. Scholastica Our Lady before Lent & Companions of Lourdes

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 3rd Sunday Feria S. Cyril and Feria Feria Feria Our Lady before Lent Methodius on Saturday

Interment of Ashes Tony Probert & Greg Giles 12 noon S. Mark’s

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 2nd Sunday Feria Feria The Chair S. Polycarp Feria Our Lady before Lent of Peter on Saturday

26 27 28 Sunday Next Feria Feria before Lent Richard Lees Goa Anglican Centre, S. Savour & S. Luke

20 Back to Contents Events March 2017

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4 ASH Feria Feria Feria WEDNESDAY Mass with imposition of ashes 9.30 am S. Saviour & S. Luke 7.30pm S. Mark

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 1st Sunday Feria Ss Perpetua Feria Feria Feria Feria of Lent and Felicity (Ember Day) (Ember Day) 6pm Parish Social Stations of the Group Cross @ S. Mark’s 7.30 pm

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 2nd Sunday Feria Feria Feria Feria S. Patrick Feria of Lent 6pm Stations of the Cross

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 3rd Sunday S. Joseph Feria Feria Feria Feria Annunciation of Lent husband of of the Lord 6pm the BVM Coffee Morning Stations of the @ S. Saviour’s Cross 10 am

26 27 28 29 30 31 4th Sunday Feria Feria Feria Feria Feria of Lent (Mothering Sunday) 6pm Stations of the Cross

21 Back to Contents

Reflections on the weekday readings in the Eucharist. For those who can and those who cannot be present, it is helpful to read through the appointed passages yourself.

MARCH 6TH—MARCH 11TH 1st Reading Gospel MONDAY Leviticus 19:1-2,11-18 Matthew 25:31-46 TUESDAY Isaiah 55:10-11 Matthew 6:7-15 WEDNESDAY Jonah 3:1-10 Luke 11:29-32 THURSDAY Esther 4:17 Matthew 7:7-12 FRIDAY Ezekiel 18:21-28 Matthew 5:20-26 SATURDAY Deuteronomy 26:16-19 Matthew 5:43-48 Prayer Point: Guard our hearts and our tongues, O Lord God, that all we do, think or say may be for the good of your Kingdom here on earth and not for our own exaltation or glory. Amen

MARCH 13TH—MARCH 18TH 1st Reading Gospel MONDAY Daniel 9:4-10 Luke 6:36-38 TUESDAY Isaiah 1:10,16-20 Matthew 23:1-12 WEDNESDAY Jeremiah 18:18-20 Matthew 20:17-28 THURSDAY Jeremiah 17:5-10 Luke 16:19-31 FRIDAY Genesis 37:3-4,12-13,17-28 Matthew 21:33-34,45-46 SATURDAY Micah 7:14-15,19-20 Luke 15:1-3,11-32 Prayer Point: Pour your grace into our hearts we pray, that we may be obedient to your commandments and offer love and compassion to those who are our neighbours. Amen

22 Back to Contents MARCH 20TH—MARCH 25TH 1st Reading Gospel MONDAY : S. JOSEPH Spouse of the BVM Samuel 7:4-5,12-14,16 Romans 4:13,16-18,22 Matthew 1:16,18-21,24 TUESDAY Daniel 3:25,34-43 Matthew 18:21-35 WEDNESDAY Deuteronomy 4:1,5-9 Matthew 5:17-19 THURSDAY Jeremiah 7:23-28 Luke 11:14-23 FRIDAY Hosea 14:2-10 Mark 12:28-34 SATURDAY : THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE LORD Isaiah 7:10-14, 8:10 Hebrews 10:4-10 Luke 1:26-30

Prayer Point: Father God, have mercy on us when we make judgements about others without knowing the truth of a situation. Forgive us that we so readily see the sins of others whilst ignoring our own failings. Amen

MARCH 27TH—APRIL 1ST 1st Reading Gospel MONDAY Isaiah 65:17-21 John 4:43-54 TUESDAY Ezekiel 47:1-9,12 John 5:1-3,5-16 WEDNESDAY Isaiah 49:8-15 John 5:17-30 THURSDAY Exodus 32:7-14 John 5:31-47 FRIDAY Wisdom 2:1,12-22 John 7:1-2,10,25-30 SATURDAY Jeremiah 11:18-20 John 7:40-52 Prayer Point: Help me to trust in your Word and in your unfailing goodness, Lord, and may I continue to grow in faith and show your love to those in need. Amen

23 Back to Contents Swindon Uganda Deanery Link www.ugandanetworks.org Newsletter- Winter 2017

New Link between Swindon and Luweero Diocese West Swindon Benefice, including Oliver Tompkins School, have formed a link with Katikamu Sebamala Primary School who they hope to learn from, encourage and support financially. There are already a couple of similar links in existence between St Francis Primary School and Bwaziba School and Haydon Wick Primary School and Balitta School, both supported by St John’s Haydon Wick. All 3 Ugandan schools are state funded primary schools which are in remote, rural areas and have good links with the Church of England. Primary education is state funded for all children in Uganda, but the funding each school receives is barely adequate and many children cannot afford the uniform and other equipment to allow them to attend regularly. By forming such links our hope is that we will better understand the Katikamu Sebamala Primary School challenges faced by Ugandans – and the resourceful ways they overcome them – as well as being able to pray, give and visit the link schools. Visit to Uganda If your church or a local school would be interested in On 11th February 7 people from Swindon deanery will forming a specific link with a named school or project be heading for Uganda to get to know our links there in Luweero or Kampala diocese please contact Sally better. They will be spending 5 days in Kampala, staying with local families and visiting projects, for example in the Kampala slums and Uganda Christian University, then they will move north to stay in the diocesan guest house in Luweero to reconnect with News from Uganda our old friends there. Finally they will have the opportunity to relax at the beautiful Murchison Falls There is still a threat of famine affecting northern before returning on 26th February. Uganda, where the population is also under pressure because of large numbers of refugees who continue The 7 people going are: to arrive from South Sudan. Raymond – St John’s Haydon Wick Following below-average 2016 production, some poor Shellie – St John’s Haydon Wick households in the north–east had depleted household Judith – All Saints Lydiard Millicent food stocks in December, three months earlier than Jan – St Paul’s Dorcan normal. Close to this region, there are also over Tony – St Paul’s Dorcan 600,000 refugees who have fled the fighting in Judy – Christchurch Old Town neighbouring South Sudan and who need to be fed. Phil – St Andrew’s North Swindon

As far as we are aware, the impact on our link They will be taking stationery for Bwaziba school dioceses is currently minimal, though we have heard donated by St Francis’ School Taw Hill. reports that it is no longer possible to keep chickens, to supplement their normal diet, because it is not possible to purchase food for them.

24 Back to Contents News from Luweero Diocese: The Ground breaking ceremony for the £1.5 million pension house project took place in August 2016. The vision is to build a complex of flats and a conference centre in Luweero town centre which will provide rental income to finance pensions for retired clergy. Bishop Eridard has also launched an initiative to improve the welfare of working clergy. He is also keen to work with young people and encourage them into the church. There were great celebrations at Kiwoko Hospital, which is closely linked with the diocese, when it celebrated its 25th birthday. The hospital began in one missionary’s front room and is now an extensive complex including a training school for nurses.

Prayer points: Please pray for The 7 people visiting Uganda in February, for safety, good health, refreshment and a new perspective on their own lives and the lives of those we are linked with in Uganda. The leaders and Christians within Luweero and Kampala dioceses, as they seek to share the good news of Christ with their neighbours and live out their own faith day by day The worsening food crisis in the north of the country and especially that Christians further south would know how to respond with generosity and compassion Teachers and pupils in state funded primary schools who seek to educate children with very few resources. The appointment of a new medical director for Kiwoko Hospital. The current director, who has been support- ed by CMS Ireland, is leaving after 11 years and it is hoped to replace him with a Ugandan doctor.

Giving Various churches in the deanery send regular gifts to schools, hospitals and individuals in Uganda. This helps the schools to plan and provides much needed support which the state does not provide. If your benefice would like to link up with a school in Uganda, so that on-going support can be provided, please contact Sally Robertson.

Just a reminder……… Our Link diocese 1: Luweero Bishop: Rt Revd Eridard Nsubuga Diocesan Secretary: Revd Albert Senkeeto Parish development and Swindon Link officer: Revd Godfrey Kasana Mission statement: Enable people in Luweero diocese to attain sustaina- ble and abundant livelihood based on Christian values.

Our link diocese 2: Kampala Bishop: Rt Revd Hanington Mutebi Diocesand youth coordinatior and Swindon Link Officer Alex Abraham Bwambale Mission Statement: Proclaiming Christ, demonstrating His love teaching and equipping Christians and Churches for effective stewardship and mis- sion in Kampala.

Link Team Members Sally Robertson (chair) [email protected] or 01793 724219 Ed Poole and Mary Crichton (Deanery Synod Lay chairs); Jan and Tony Prichard (Dorcan); Chris Hawkes and Ray- mond Adams (Haydon Wick); Tudor Roberts (Lydiard Millicent) Daphne Hardwick and Steve Dumba (Old Town); Martina Lewis (Parks and Walcot)

25 Back to Contents THE ANNUNCIATION In this article Joan Whyman, former Baptist minister and Advent, two young teenagers volunteered to portray previous Editor of Christian Life magazine, considers her this encounter through the medium of dance. I was a response to The Annunciation whilst preparing for a little dubious as to the appropriateness of their offering, pilgrimage to Walsingham. but unwilling to quench their enthusiasm, I decided to let them go ahead. Both the congregation and I were Earlier this year, as we prepared with three other overwhelmed by their youthful, insightful and sensitive parishes to make our annual pilgrimage to the Shrine of portrayal of this encounter. They had captured, Our Lady of Walsingham, I was invited to present some without words, Mary’s humility and gracious introductory thoughts regarding Mary, the Mother of receptiveness in a way that those of us who are most Jesus. worldly-wise often completely fail to grasp. As I began to reflect, I recalled the impact that the BBC But at the heart of this pivotal moment in the life of film, ‘The Nativity’ had made upon me. It had helped Mary, and indeed for the history of the whole world, me to explore, in a deeper way, the impact of the are her final words: ‘Behold, I am the handmaid of the sudden appearance of the Angel Gabriel and the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.’ ultimate consequences that his words would place upon Mary. The account of this event in St Luke’s Joyce Huggett, in her book, ‘Open to God,’ comments Gospel tells us very little about her; that film, however, on Mary’s acceptance: created a vivid picture of a young, carefree girl, happily But the seed of the Son of God would not have been betrothed to the man of her parents’ choosing and planted in Mary’s womb without her willingness and looking forward to her marriage with the full blessing of self-surrender. God does not force himself or his gifts her parents. All was on anyone. He waited for going to plan, just as her ‘Yes’… She was not the customs of their asked to do anything, but strictly observed let something be done to Jewish faith and the her. She was not asked to prevailing culture renounce anything, but to demanded. I tried to receive an incredible gift. imagine what this would mean: for Mary, As we entered the Shrine for Joseph, for their at Walsingham and stood parents, their family, in silent prayer before the friends and Altar of the Annunciation community. A girl, these fresh insights urged betrothed yet me to offer my simple but unmarried, announcing heartfelt ‘yes’ to all that an unexpected and God would reveal during unwelcome pregnancy! that time of pilgrimage Unthinkable! Such an and in all the days to event could only bring come. shame and ostracism. Joan Whyman Faced with the From Christian Life prospect of such Magazine humiliation I think my by the Additional Curates’ first words would have Society been a cry of: “Why? Why me?” Instead, Mary simply asks ‘How can this be, since I am a virgin?’ Many years ago, while preparing a service for

26 Back to Contents Happy Birthday S. Saviour ’s Brownie Pack!!!

science investigation badge, celebrated the Queen’s birthday, the 150th year anniversary of Beatrix Potter and raised £320.20 for Guide Dogs for the Blind. This term began with a celebration of the Paralympics, when Brownies found out how difficult races were if they were handicapped. This was followed by an evening of barn dancing to celebrate harvest. Then, in celebration of our 70th birthday, we did the Brownie Traditions badge, which was followed by a Harry Potter party, with apple bobbing and eating a doughnut without using their hands, everyone dressed up as characters from Harry Potter, and a fun time was The pack has recently had by all! celebrated its 70th Birthday. As I have been with the pack After half-term we have for 56 of these, I have seen been invited by one of our many changes. Remember Brownie’s parents to enjoy the little brown dresses which a camp fire, BBQ and were too hot in Summer and sparklers in their lovely too cold in Winter? The mix garden—hope it stays fine!! and match uniform we have (Thanks to the Halletts for now is so much more the invitation). We then practical. have an evening to make poppies for Remembrance Sunday, two evenings of In the old days, Brownies had Brownies Got Talent (unfortunately Simon Cowell was to carry, amongst other not free to come!!), then two evenings of Christmas things, a clean hanky and two old pennies for a Craft. Our last evening of the term we hope to join the telephone call. Bath Road Brownies to sing Today it is more carols round their tree. likely to be a packet of All these things would not be tissues, a possible without our mobile phone wonderful team of leaders, and £5 to who not only turn up each spend. week, but spend hours of their own time in preparation, The meeting especially Hilary, who has would consist of games and songs, tying knots, using been a leader for 26 years and your tie to make a sling and darning socks (who darns before that was a Brownie socks nowadays!?) Today you might find us doing herself. Jenny has been a science investigations or trying food from different leader for 10 years, Sarah for 5 countries and cultures. years, and Alex became an adult leader on her 18th Remember our little pennant we used for church birthday, having been a Brownie in the pack. Seren is at parade? It was a great day when Hilary’s grandfather present our young leader; she has finished her training opened his lovely garden to the public and raised and will become an adult leader early next year on her enough to buy a proper 18th birthday. flat!! I hope you like the photos past and present. Maybe you But what are the will recognise yourself and friends in them. Brownies doing 70 S. Saviour’s Brownies are the greatest!!! years on? Milly Philpin Last term we did our 27 Back to Contents Nursing in the 1940s The Jenny Lind Children’s Hospital, Norwich It can be very tempting to look back to “The Good Old accidents waiting to happen, with kettles and saucepans Days” - especially when you reach your nineties- but there easily pulled over; and candles were another hazard. definitely are some ways in which things are now better We had a steady stream of six– to eight-year-olds to have than they used to be. In the middle of my training at the their tonsils and adenoids removed: this was almost a rite Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, I went with a group of of passage, as it was thought to be a sovereign remedy for others in my “Set” to the Jenny Lind to gain experience in a range of ailments. We also admitted children who were nursing children. It was in a quiet residential area on the acutely ill with mastoiditis following an ear infection, and outskirts of the city—where it had moved in 1900—and this required major surgery on the bone behind the ear. seemed like a doll’s house after the large buildings we (Thankfully, once Penicillin became generally available in were used to, but it was a substantial Victorian town the late 1940s, surgery was avoidable). And in those pre- house in a good-sized plot, with various outbuildings. penicillin days, we had frequent admissions of small Opera singer Jenny Lind (“The children with convulsions as a result of high temperatures, Swedish Nightingale”) was one fever and dehydration, for which there were very few of the best-known and well- drugs available. Treatment consisted of alternate cool or loved entertainers in mid-19th warm sponging, and fluids by mouth once the convulsions century Europe. She gave had eased. I particularly remember a small child with concerts in Norwich in 1847 and severe bronchitis who was treated in a steam tent—sheets 1849 and the money raised was draped over screens—with a long-spouted kettle, later earmarked for the purpose of an infirmary for sick containing water and Friar’s Balsam, bubbling away on an children. When it opened in 1854, Norwich was only the oil stove. (We did not admit children with infectious second city in the country to have a children’s hospital diseases, as they were taken to the Isolation Hospital). (the first was London’s Great Ormond Street in 1852), and We also had a section of long-stay children with TB spines when I was posted there, there was a portrait and and hips, who were immobilised on plaster beds or splints. statuette of Jenny Lind on display in the entrance, The only possibility of a cure then was complete rest and together with concert programmes and newspaper fresh air, so their cots and cuttings. beds were pushed outside By 1941, the Second World War had already lasted over whenever the weather two years, with rationing and restrictions, to say nothing allowed, and the children of air raids and heavy loss of life, the threat of invasion, must have been glad of a the blackout, and other inconveniences which affected change of scene. They everyone. There was no fruit available, except home- were bored and fretful. grown, so the special allowances of dried fruit at There was no radio, no Christmas and Seville oranges in January for marmalade education or were very welcome. A three-year-old coeliac patient was entertainment provided for them, and no question of the occasionally able to have a few bananas through the nurses reading to them or playing with them, as we were kindness of the local RAF, who took a special interest in fully occupied with our other duties, including: bottle- the children, and flew some in whenever they had been feeding babies; washing the patients; bedpans; carrying near a supply. out a variety of treatments; cleaning and bed-making; preparing dressings (cotton wool and gauze) and packing Hospital food was plain and unvarying: for the children it them into drums for sterilising; and rolling bandages onto was mince, mashed potatoes, vegetables in season, a wooden frame for re-use after washing. The children steamed fish, and milk pudding—sometimes rice, but wore hospital clothes and these came back from the mostly semolina or barley flakes. They were often thin or laundry mangled in more ways than one, with buttons and malnourished when they were admitted, so they were tapes missing and mysterious holes and tears, so there given a routine teaspoonful of “toffee” (cod liver oil and was always sewing and mending to be done. malt) each day, which they enjoyed. The babies were given a drop of preparation called Syrup Minadex— Whatever the shortcomings of the NHS at present, the promoted by the manufacturers as “A tonic and a treat”! care and treatment of children in hospital has changed out of all recognition. There have been enormous advances in Visiting was restricted to once a week (presumably this medical knowledge and the availability of drugs, and was felt to be less upsetting for the children, and less children who would not have survived in my nursing days disruptive for the staff). Very few little treats were now often go on to lead full lives. Parents and children available and everything the parents brought in had to be today also owe a huge debt of gratitude to those handed over to Sister, to be doled out later. Our patients enlightened reformers who pushed for unrestricted were mainly an assortment of babies with feeding visiting and the provision of education and entertainment problems, and older children with fractures, abscesses, for long-stay patients. hernias, burns and scalds. Some of these were horrific: most homes had open fires and cookers which were Pat Lawrence 28 Back to Contents 6th Swindon (St Saviour's) Scout Group

Cubs finished the Thank you to year with a Cub Scout everyone who Centenary party. It bought and sold was held on Friday 16 Scout Post Stamps. December which was 6th Swindon Beavers, 100 years to the day. Cubs and Scouts After much enjoyed sorting and deliberation delivering. Raising throughout the year, over £1100 Swindon Ridgeway District went to for the group. This Heelis, the National will go towards Trust HQ by the camps, equipment Outlet Village. St Saviour's leaders and cubs joined in and activities for the coming year. playing a wide variety of games from hopscotch and snakes and ladders to CONGRATULATIONS go to Matt Barrett, who won kerplunk and Boggle before the competition to design a new badge to celebrate forming a horseshoe to 75 years of 6th Swindon (St Saviour's) Scout Group. renew our promise at 19:16 Linda McEntee precisely. A cake (well three actually) was cut by cubs who had imminent birthdays, including our Toby. After everyone had sung happy birthday, they enjoyed food, drink and cake before receiving certificates and badges and heading home.

Beavers finished the year by making Christingles. Parents joined them, in church, for carols and prayers around the Christmas tree. Many of the

Beavers and Cubs also enjoyed the crib service. Over 100 children, parents and grandparents attended. Youngsters enjoyed making sheep, crowns and stars before joining in with readings, singing, prayers and building the crib. What a beautiful way to start Christmas!

29 Back to Contents Announcements Gregory Giles

We are sad to report the recent death of Gregory Giles, His increased weight and laboured breathing was the who died overnight on 5th November. He had been a source of worry to several members of the congregation regular communicant at S. Mark’s for several years, and, in the end, he died peacefully in his sleep. serving at the Altar for a long period and then moving to He was a larger-than-life man, a gentle giant, who will the Church entrance, to take on the role of sidesman. be sadly missed by everyone. He would also put out tables and chairs in the hall, in May he rest in peace. readiness for coffee after the service. Pat Mortimer Tony Probert We have also to record the death of Tony Probert on Tony was a quiet helper in so many ways. Whenever 2nd December, a double shock for everyone, following something was needed, he was there; always ready to so soon after Gregory’s death. help; always reliable and efficient. He spent many hours looking after the garden immediately outside the porch, Early in October, Tony returned from his favourite which he regarded as his personal project. haunt in Mead Foot acutely aware that he was not in good health. He lacked energy and enthusiasm and it He will be missed in so many areas of our Church life. soon became apparent that his co-ordination was badly Among his personal correspondence, a handwritten affected and, within a couple of weeks, he struggled to draft of a future “InSpire” article was found, and this walk and carry out his basic daily routines. appears in print elsewhere in this issue of the magazine. An aggressive brain tumour, topped by a swelling, was May he rest in peace. diagnosed and he spent a few weeks in hospital, finally moving to the Prospect Hospice. Pat Mortimer From the Registers

Funerals Rest eternal grant unto them Peter Thomas Walkley Withers, Frances Lesley Arnold, Greg Giles, Anthony (Tony) Ashley Probert, Lillie Diana Rose Law, Margaret Gough Howlett Letters

Thought I would share an entry on facebook that my to show their appreciation when we are at the staging grandson in Australia posted at the height of their fire area. It is for the high fives, the pat on the back and the season. He is 18 and a volunteer in the New South thankyous from residents for saving their community. It Wales fire service. Needless to say we are very proud is not about money or material awards, but is all about grandparents! serving our community and doing our best to restore normality during crisis.” “I’ve had people in the past ask me why I volunteer with the fire service, why we risk our lives for free. I think Margaret Pearce today really summed up the answer: FOR THE Editor’s Note: COMMUNITY. Its for the little boy who ran up and What a remarkable young man, fearfully asked if the fire was out and the look of relief and a wonderful outlook! when we told him it is OK. Its for the families who come

30 Back to Contents Lent and Easter 2017

LENTEN MASS STATIONS of the CROSS Fridays at 12.30 pm in S. Aldhelm’s Sundays at 6.00 pm

ASH WEDNESDAY S. Saviour’s 9.30 am Mass with Imposition of Ashes S. Luke’s 9.30 am Mass with Imposition of Ashes S. Mark’s 7.30 pm Sung Mass with Imposition of Ashes

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER

Palm Sunday—9th April S. Mark’s 10.30 am Palm Procession in Faringdon Park and Mass with children’s activities Monday in Holy Week Bristol Cathedral 12 noon Ebbsfleet Chrism Mass S. Mark’s 7.30 pm Mass and Address Tuesday in Holy Week S. Saviour’s 7.30 pm Mass and Address Wednesday in Holy Week S. Luke’s 7.30 pm Mass and Address MAUNDY THURSDAY S. Mark’s 7.30 pm Mass of the Lord’s Supper S. Luke’s GOOD FRIDAY S. Saviour’s 10.00 am Children’s Workshop and Stations of the Cross S. Mark’s 3.00 pm Liturgy of Good Friday S. Luke’s HOLY SATURDAY S. Luke’s 8.30 pm The Easter Vigil EASTER DAY Mass as normal in all three churches

31 Back to Contents Recipes—Crèpes de la Chandeleur (Candlemas Pancakes)

The 2nd of February is Candlemas Day – this ancient In France it was (and still is) a tradition to prepare festival marks the midpoint of winter (the half way French pancakes, or crèpes, for the Chandeleur. point between the shortest day and the spring equinox) Their round shape is indeed a reminiscence of the sun and also the end of Epiphany. The day is named after and the return of the daylight after the long winter the practice of bringing all the future year’s supply of months, the vital light allowing for the first sowing of candles in to church, whereupon they were blessed, the year. hence Candle and Mass, although the word has been compounded into “Candlemas” (with one “s”) now. Left-over flour had to be used in order to ensure a good harvest. On this day, candles were taken to church, where the priest blessed them, as their light was believed to ward Finally, people ate their crèpes in the light of the off evil and symbolise the light of Christ. They were blessed candles! used as torches and taken back home to protect the Naturally, this recipe can also be used on Shrove hearth. Tuesday (28th February).

INGREDIENTS 125g plain flour pinch of salt 1 medium egg 300ml milk 25g melted butter

Step 1 Mix flour and salt in a basin, make a hollow in the centre and drop in the egg. Stir with a wooden spoon and add the milk gradually, until all the flour is worked in. Step 2 Beat well and add remaining milk and the melted butter. Step 3 The consistency should be like single cream.

Step 4 Serving: Cooking: Turn out onto greaseproof paper, sprinkle with sugar For each pancake, heat a small amount of butter in a and roll up or fold into quarters. Place on a hot dish frying pan. When it begins to smoke, stir the batter and and serve immediately with honey, jam, syrup, lemon pour approximately 3 tablespoons into the frying pan. or orange juice. When golden brown underneath, turn and cook the other side. Step 6 Pancakes keep well in the refrigerator and can be frozen. Step 5

32 Back to Contents Daybreak Poem First light of dawn new day begins On distant bough a lone bird sings And in the twinkling of an eye Another sings and by and by A wondrous symphony of sound Of joyous birdsong all around Who can resist this breaking dawn Uplifting spirits once forlorn Awake arise they seem to say A brighter dawn is on the way A dawn of promise hope and cheer Of disappearing hate and fear So banish thoughts of deeds not done More battles lost than battles won Spread forth your wings as like the bird On distant bough at dawn we heard A brighter dawn is on the way For this my friend is another new day

Ron Burchell A Little Light Relief Romance, Marriage and all that stuff—the way get to know each other. Even boys have something to children see it…. say, if you listen long enough.—Lynette, age 8 (isn’t she a treasure) How do you decide whom to marry? On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. usually gets them interested enough to go for a second Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like date.—Martin, age 10 sports, and she should keep the crisps and dip coming. —Alan, age 10 What would you do on a first date that was turning sour? No person really decides before they grow up who they’re going to marry. God decides it all way before, I’d run home and play dead. The next day I would call and you get to find out later who you’re stuck with.— all the newspapers and make sure they wrote about me Kirsten, age 10 in all the dead columns.—Craig, age 9 What is the right age to get married? When is it okay to kiss someone? 23 is the best age because you know the person When they’re rich.—Pam, age 7 FOREVER by then.—Camille, age 10 Is it better to be single or married? No age is good to get married at. You got to be a fool to It’s better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys get married.—Freddie, age 6 need someone to clean up after them.—Anita, age 9 How can a stranger tell if two people are married? How would the world be different if people did not get You might have to guess, based on whether they seem married? to be yelling at the same kids.—Derrick, age 8 There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn’t What do you think your mum and dad have in common? there? - Kelvin, age 8 Both don’t want any more kids.—Lori, age 8 How would you make a marriage work? What do most people do on a date? Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a truck.—Ricky, age 10 (smart fellow) Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to

33 Back to Contents 34 Back to Contents Coffee Break

Across 1 Salary (Isaiah 19:10) (4) 3 Question Jesus asked of those healed of leprosy, ‘Were not all ten — ?’ (Luke 17:17) (8) 9 Wide, elevated level area of land (Joshua 13:9) (7) 10 ‘So you also must be — , because the Son of Man will come... when you do not expect him’ (Matthew 24:44) (5) 11 ‘[He] said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He — — , and his hand was completely restored’ (Luke 6:10) (3,2) 12 ‘Who has gathered up the wind in the — of his hand?’ (Proverbs 30:4) (6) 14 Not born again (13) 17 ‘Again and again he — the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins’ (Hebrews 10:11) (6) 19 Mails (anag.) (5) 22 ‘He — — here; he has risen’ (Matthew 28:6) (2,3) 23 Defeated (Judges 20:43) (7) 24 Soldiers’ quarters (Acts 21:34) (8) 25 ‘Pillars of marble’ were how the Beloved described those of her Lover (Song of Songs 5:15) (4) Down 1 Totally destroyed (Genesis 7:23) (5,3) 2 What the Philippian jailer was told to do with his prisoners Paul and Silas (Acts 16:23) (5) 4 Object of ridicule (Job 12:4) (8-5) 5 In most years, the month in which Easter falls (5) 6 For example, Caesarea, Joppa, Tyre, Sidon (7) 7 ‘[Jesus] was in the desert for forty — , being tempted by Satan’ (Mark 1:13) (4) 8 ‘Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power— to our God’ (Revelation 19:1) (6) 13 Mend dots (anag.) (8) 15 Purifier (Malachi 3:3) (7) 16 Attacked (1 Samuel 27:8) (6) 18 The good Samaritan to the innkeeper: ‘When I return, I will reimburse you for any — expense you may have’ (Luke 10:35) (5) 20 How Matthew described the crowds who followed Jesus (Matthew 4:25) (5) 21 For example, one of 25 Across (Judges 19:29) (4)

No Compromise A soon to be married couple were visiting the minister to discuss their forthcoming marriage. The woman said they intended to have three children, while the young man demurred, saying two would be enough for him. They discussed this discrepancy for a few minutes and the minister suggested they would need great sensitivity with each other in order to reach a solution. There was silence for a moment and then the young man said stubbornly: “Well, after our second child, I'll just have a vasectomy." Without a second’s hesitation, the bride-to-be shot back: "Well, I hope you'll love the third one like it's your own!"

ACROSS: 1, Wage. 3, Cleansed. 9, Plateau. 10, Ready. 11, Did so. 12, Hollow. 14, Unregenerated. 17, Offers. 19, Islam. 22, Is not. 23, Overran. 24, Barracks. 25, Legs. DOWN: 1, Wiped out. 2, Guard. 4, Laughing-stock. 5, April. 6, Seaport. 7, Days. 8, Belong. 13, Oddments. 15, Refiner. 16, Raided. 18, Extra. 20, Large. 21, Limb . Crossword courtesy of Parish Pump. 35 Back to Contents Easter Competition!

Easter Day falls this year on Sunday 16th April, and we begin our journey towards Easter on Ash Wednesday, 1st March. Having celebrated the birth of Christ at Christmas, we now begin to think about how he died on a cross for us, and rose again in glory on that wonderful Easter morning. In our April edition of InSpire, we will be celebrating this wonderful event, and we would like you to design a front cover for the magazine which shows the story of Jesus at Easter! Your picture should be around A4 in size and show, in some way, the joy of the Easter story of Jesus. The winning design will be used as the front cover of the April InSpire Magazine. Please get your designs to the parish office no later than Monday 13th March.

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