O Love That Will Not Let Me Go

O Love that will not let me go

He asked for volunteers, and everyone took Fiona Sitting in the dark with a confused and a step back, so I was duly laced into it so Hall frightened woman, I tightly that I couldn’t move a muscle, and gently held her hand would be helpless if they dropped me. and caught the sound of a hymn tune she was humming, and asked her about it. “I Yet as I was lowered over the edge of the can’t remember the words,” she said in cliff and suspended in mid air by a bit of distress. So I sang the only line I knew, rope, I felt absolutely no fear. Why? “O, love that wilt not let me go.’’ Because it was my Dad holding the rope! The hymn was written by a man during a time which he described as ‘severe mental Life can throw some cliff edge moments at anguish,’ believed to have been brought us, things that make us feel utterly helpless on by the memory of his fiancée dumping in their wake – yet in our pain and him because he was going blind. And bewilderment God reminds us that his love both the writer and the woman found the will never let you go:— peace in the faithfulness of God’s love that it speaks of. “I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with loving kindness I have It reminded me of the time when, as Red drawn you.” Cross cadets, we were taken climbing. After a few goes up and down, the leader (Jeremiah 31:3 NKJV) produced a tangled heap of knotted rope that turned out to be a rope stretcher. Happy Valentine’s.

The front cover photograph Magazine Copy

The Dorset Martyrs Memorial at Gallows Hill on South Walks, Dorchester All copy for consideration by the was created by Dame Elisabeth Frink and was erected in 1986. It was Editor for publication should be funded by institutions and individuals of all denominations and the Arts sent to [email protected] Council of Great Britain through South West Arts. or by mail to Margaret Morrissey OBE, 9 Hessary Street, During the religious troubles of the 16th and 17th centuries countless men Poundbury, Dorchester, DT1 3SF, and women — both Catholic and Protestant — were executed for their to arrive not later than the 20th of religious beliefs. The memorial represents two martyrs facing Death and the month. There are no commemorates all Dorset men and women who suffered for their faith and, publications in August or January. in particular, seven known Catholics who were executed where the Memorial now stands.

Editor Advertising Manager Production Editor Margaret Morrissey OBE Liz Green Lucy Connelly 9 Hessary Street, Poundbury 7 Sydenham Way, 15 Came View Road Dorchester DT1 3SF Dorchester DT1 1DN Dorchester DT1 2AE 01305 250366 01305 269610 01305 751249 [email protected] [email protected] magazine@lucy—connelly.co.uk

Dorchester Noticeboard?

Mothers’ Union THE THURSDAY GROUP

Visitors and newcomers welcome The Thursday Group meet on the second Thursday of at all of our meetings. most months in St. George’s Church Hall to hear

speakers on a range of topics, followed by refreshments and time to talk to friends or make new ones. Tuesday 3 February St. Peter’s MU meet at 2.15pm in the hall. Rev Nigel We are starting a new programme on the 12th February, Thomas talking about the Community Farm at Milborne when we welcome Revd. Anita Thorne who will be giving St. Andrew. Details 267724. an illustrated talk on “Memories from 8 years living and working on the Isle and Royal Manor of Portland”. We Wednesday 4 February start at 2.15pm and the charge is £1.00 which includes a Dorcas MU Bible Study group meet at 10am at 10 cup of tea/coffee. Everyone welcome. Weatherbury Way. In the beginning – Light & Darkness. Our second event is on the 17th February, when we will Exodus 27. Details 260259. be holding our Shrove Tuesday Pancake Party in the

Church Hall from 3 to 4.30pm. Charge £1.50 – more Thursday 5 February pancakes always available. Everyone welcome. MU Archdeaconry Wave of Prayer Service at 2.30pm at St. Andrew’s Church, Preston, Weymouth. For more information please contact Vernon Moffet 259755 Wednesday 25 February Dorcas MU meet at 7.30pm at 155 Damers Road. Lectio Divino meditation led by Rev Jo Lacy-Smith. Details The Children's Society will be having a 260592. Quiz Evening in St. George's Church Hall Tuesday 3 March on Thursday 26th February starting at 7.45pm

St. Peter’s MU meet at 2.15pm in the hall. A talk by Age There will be a light supper and tickets will be available UK. Details 267724. from Audrey Litson (262668) and Dorothy Maggs

(262436). Further details will be available in Pews News. Wednesday 4 March Dorcas MU Bible Study group meet at 10am at 10 Weatherbury Way. In the beginning – Sky. Hang On In There Deuteronomy 1: 19-36. Details 260592. Sharing & caring group for parents with challenging teenagers — meets fortnightly. Please email [email protected] for more info. Growth Out Of Discussion THEOLOGY Discussion Group – All welcome All meetings 7pm – 9pm inc coffee & in St Peter’s Church Hall Rowan Cottage Thursday 19th February Activity Centre Marj Snape: The Wisdom of the Upanishads (optional pre-reading: “Upanishads”, version by Eknath Age UK Dorchester’s Activity Centre is open Mondays, Easwaran ISBN9781586380212) Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays – 9.30 am to 3pm

Monday 16th March We provide refreshments, a two course lunch served with John Foskett: ‘Passion’ seen through our eyes and experience tea or coffee, a selection of activities and games interpreted by the gospel stories of Jesus’ passion and the writings throughout the day – all this for just £12.50 per day! of W.H. (Bill) Vanstone ‘The stature of waiting’ and ‘Love’s If you would like to find out what we do or to arrange a endeavour love’s expense’. taster visit, please call Judy on 01305 269444. April – break for Easter Rowan Cottage, 4 Prince of Wales Road, DT1 1PW Thursday 21st May T: 01305 269444 — E: [email protected] Jean Lang: ‘How odd of God!’ www.ageukdorchester.org.uk Book discussion – THE CHOSEN by Chaim Potok Registered Charity No. 1142519 2

Dorchester Noticeboard?

Children's Activity Day Support for Local People Affected by Cancer

'Journeys with Jesus' Dorset Macmillan Advocacy provides one -to one help Saturday 7th March and advocacy for people over 50 who are affected by 10:30 - 12 pm cancer, either as a patient or a family member, carer or St Mary's Church friend. For Children aged 7 – 11 Our volunteer advocates can be a valuable source of Come and enjoy a morning of storytelling craft and support if you are facing cancer alone. Even if you do activities. For more information contact: Teresa have family support you may find it easier to discuss 07765930285 [email protected] concerns with someone you aren’t close to. An advocate can help by listening and understanding, helping make choices, coming to appointments, finding out information or practical solutions. If you feel you might benefit from this service then you can ring us direct or you can ask a member of your healthcare team to get in touch on your behalf. If you are reading this and feel you could help support someone with cancer, we are recruiting volunteers who can spare 2/3 hours a week. Please do contact us for an informal chat and to find out more. Telephone: 0300 012 0256 [email protected]

The Thursday Group Post-Christmas Lunch

On Thursday 15th January the Thursday Group held their post-Christmas lunch at Pine Lodge Tea Rooms. After a year of interesting talks Vernon Moffet welcomed everyone to the celebration. Excellent food was served with a good choice of main course. Pauline’s desserts are homemade and the cheesecake is to die for, give it a try. Many thanks to the Pauline, Leon & the organising team.

LADIES BREAKFAST AT CARLUCCIOS

The first of the Ladies Breakfast's at Carluccios for 2015 will be on Saturday 21st February at 9.30am

Please give me a ring if you would like to join us. All most welcome. We will order our choice of breakfast on the day. Look forward to seeing you there.

Maureen Shaw Tel : 01305 261 771

St George’s Church Fordington, Dorchester

Church Correspondent: Revd Fiona Hall

Weekday Services Every Thur 10:00am Holy Communion & coffee For Sunday Services see inside front cover. Vacancy

Christmas at St George’s There is a vacancy for someone to take notes at the Church Council meetings from May onwards. It will On Christmas Day twenty eight of us entail putting out a standard agenda, attending the Val gathered in St George's Church Hall meetings (about 6-7 a year) and emailing out Minutes. Is for Christmas Lunch. This was a very Scriven there someone out there who would like to offer a service happy and successful occasion and we to the Church? Help will be given, and there is also a free are grateful to all the willing helpers. training course run by the Diocese if you would like to

go. Please speak to The Vicar, Churchwarden or current The turkey was kindly donated by Nigel Clark of Little Secretary. Angus Butchers of Grimstone, Nr. Dorchester and we are extremely grateful to him for this and for other donations Nothing making sense... received. Owing to this we made an unintentional profit which it seems appropriate to divide between the This time of year can make us feel Dorchester Food Bank and Dorchester Poverty Action Helen without purpose and adrift in a new Group and £50 has therefore been forwarded to each. Harley year, unsure of where the boat is heading (or even if anyone is at the helm). It seems too soon to plunge into plans and activities with gusto. All our metaphors about new beginnings have attached themselves to Spring; Winter can feel a dead time without activity or growth.

I have been recently re-watching the excellent series 'Edward VII' notable for its presentation of the son of Queen Victoria as well meaning, but ultimately indolent and lacking in any purpose. This inability to really 'do' very much, leads a well-meaning man down the path of indolence. This is one manifestation of what ' inaction' can look like.

There is another way to be inactive; it is the peaceful path of the contemplative, where nothing appears to be going on, but in fact there is a great deal of being and a great deal less doing. To be meditative and prayerful is a powerful way to live your faith, and is also an example of 'Mindfulness' — being completely present (and trusting in God), keeping one's attention in the moment, without dwelling on the past or plotting and planning into the future. Like Winter, the time of waiting can be full of purpose, if we can make God that purpose.

Nature can teach us so much. It cannot be Summer all year, and Winter is not a time of nothingness, but is full of gentle and prayerful being. When we see only hard bare ground without bud, or shoot, in fact the whole of nature is quietly preparing for the coming explosion of growth. Under the earth and inside every seed and branch, there is 4 a patient and certain waiting. The seeds are not and excitements: the travels and big events. But if we stay discontent, but are being seeds until the time is right for in the moment we allow ourselves to discover the tiny them to move to the next stage. treasures in every moment, and in every day. We do not have to allow our energies to become dissipated: if we can In our own lives it is tempting to value only the dramas, be patient, new blossoming is only just around the corner. Your Magazine Needs You! When your Dorchester Benefice you’d be prepared to learn (it’s not much more difficult Lucy Magazine arrives through your letter- than using Microsoft Word), you could help with the Connelly box or in your church cubbyhole, do magazine. I am looking for a person (or persons) who you ever think about how it got there? could start by working with me on the magazine, getting on-the-job training in using Microsoft Publisher, with a Well, there are a whole team of us who work every view to taking over from me in the near future. month (except December & July) to make sure you’ve got something to read when you get home from church. Maybe you don’t fancy learning Microsoft Publisher, but Margaret Morrissey, our Editor, is in charge. Liz Green, you’re a mean proofreader. Are you the sort of person our Advertising Manager, deals with all the who notices speling misteaks, bad grammar, and, -horrible- advertisements. Richard Budd creates the front cover. punctuation, words which are spelled write but which Then there are all our regular (and irregular) our wrong, etc? You could help out on the magazine by contributors from the clergy, our congregations and our proofreading the finished article. community — not forgetting our very own cartoonist, The Dorchester Benefice Magazine is an important part of Ann Onymus. our communications in the Benefice of Dorchester and When all this fantastic copy has the Winterbournes, much loved by its come in (always before the deadline, readers, and it has the full support of of course) and Margaret has sorted Thomas, our Rector, and Margaret, through it (and nagged any our Editor. latecomers), it needs to be put into a Could you join the team, either as a format which the printers will Production Editor or a Proofreader? accept. This involves putting Maybe it’s not for you, but you know everything into a Microsoft someone who might be perfect for Publisher document, so that we can the role. If so, could you please show then save it as a PDF. (PDF stands them this article? If have any for Portable Document Format, and questions or you’d like to discuss it’s designed to make documents what’s involved, you can phone me look exactly the same on all on 0781 336 4810, with no computers and printers.) obligation! This is done by the Production Finally, a word of thanks to all those Editor, and since May 2012, that who help to distribute the magazine person has been me — but I am now in the churches and around the looking for some help! If you have Benefice. Without you, all our hard ever used Microsoft Publisher (or Can you use Microsoft Publisher? work would be for nothing! any desktop publishing package), or Or are you good at proofreading?

St Mary the Virgin Dorchester

Church Correspondent: Robert Potter Weekday Services

Every Tue,Wed, Fri 9:00am Morning Prayer

Every Tuesday 9:30am Eucharist The Monday Club Programme 2015 For Sunday Services see inside front cover. 16th February – “Talk on the Women’s Refuge” – Mollie Service dates for February Rennie 16th March – “Talk on Australia” – Pam Massey Sunday 1st (Candlemas) 20th April – “ Speak & Language Therapy” - Kate 8.00am – Holy Eucharist (said) Delamaine 9.45am – Holy Eucharist (sung) 18th May – “Living with Blindness” – Anthony Castleton 6.00pm – Taize service 15th June – TWAM – “Tools with a Mission” – Wendy Hilton th nd Sunday 8 (2 before Lent) 20th July – Outing and Cream Tea to be arranged 8.00am – Holy Eucharist (said) August – No Meeting 9.45am – Holy Eucharist (sung) 21st September – BINGO AFTERNOON

Sunday 15th (Sunday before Lent) 19th October – “Life of a Paramedic” = Ennio Tabone 8.00am – Holy Eucharist (said) 16th November – Hardy & Barnes Christmas Readings – David Downton/Brian Caddy 9.45am – Holy Eucharist (sung) th 7 December – Christmas Lunch to be arranged. Wednesday 18th (Ash Wednesday) 7.30p.m. Solemn Eucharist with Ashing A Lenten Message from the Rector Sunday 22nd (Lent 1) Dear Friends, 8.00am – Holy Eucharist (said) Thomas 9.45am – Holy Eucharist (sung) Woodhouse At Morning Prayer we use Stations of the Cross Reflections For Daily Prayer as part A devotional time at 6 o’clock on Tuesdays during Lent — of our devotional life; it is a resource that is proving 24th February and then 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th March valuable to our common life. Occasionally the words of an author really challenge those present, informing our The Contemplative prayer group meets each Wednesday prayers and stimulating discussion. at 5pm in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel and at the Quiet Space at 7.30pm on 12th & 26th February. On Saturday One such occasion took place in January when The Revd th 14 February the 3 Meditation groups (including the new Canon Angela Tilby was reflecting on Paul’s First Letter to group in Weymouth) will meet at the Quiet Space for a the Corinthians: time of meditation and a bring & share lunch. If you would like to join one of the groups or need further …By him you were called into the fellowship of his details please contact Rosemary Bassett 262615 or Anita Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Now I appeal to you, Finnigan 259032 brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that The Church Cleaning group will meet on Thursday 26th there be no divisions among you, but that you be February 10am – 12 noon. united in the same mind and the same purpose. Coffee & Donuts available. For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people The Lent Lunch at St Mary’s is on Friday 13th March. that there are quarrels among you, my brothers and sisters. What I mean is that each of you says, “I On the 16th February the Monday Club will meet in the belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I Church Hall, Alexandra Rd from 2.30 - 4pm when our belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.” Has speaker will be Mollie Rennie who will give a “Talk on the Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or Women’s Refuge”. New members very welcome. were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank

St Mary the Virgin — continued God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Madonna ones; it was the secular one that seemed to be Gaius, so that no one can say that you were baptized the offered first to every customer. A quick look at every in my name. (I did baptize also the household of day’s post bore out his imbalance. Was this by chance, at Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I the whim of the counter clerk, or by instruction? There baptized anyone else.) For Christ did not send me may be nothing in it but could it be another example of to baptize but to proclaim the gospel, and not with the creeping secularisation of Christmas and the reduction eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might in the influence of Christianity? not be emptied of its power. (1 Corinthians 1. 9-17) Thanks Trevor Canon Tilby writes: At the heart of this letter is a plea for unity, based on fellowship in Christ. The behaviour reported to As most St Mary’s people will know, Trevor Bassett Paul shows that the Corinthians have not yet truly understood relinquished his job as church treasurer at the end of last the implications of the gospel. This letter speaks to us because year. He presented the accounts for 2014 at a recent we, like them, live in a highly competitive society, which rewards church council meeting and was thanked most sincerely by the ambitious and often plays on our insecurities. It is easy for the rector for his diligent work on the finances. the Church to manifest similar characteristics – to over-value the These days the job entails far more than just keeping opinionated and confident. In our own context we might ask: account of income and expenditure and producing a what are we doing to maintain the fellowship of Jesus Christ and report from time to time. The complexities of Gift Aid the equal dignity of the weaker and stronger members? What and of VAT need to be tackled within the regulations laid would we have to offer a fractured Christian community? down by the Charity Commission and HMRC; it all takes As we prepare for the Season of Lent, with its penitential time and patience. Then, of course, at the end of each focus, we might want to reflect on these two questions. year, the accounts have to be prepared for professional We might also consider how we are going to enter into the auditing. forty days: there are plenty of opportunities to take things up as well as give things up! The rector proposed Jono Parvin as Trevor’s successor in this important role, this was unanimously agreed. Persecution! Marcelle Perham In the Christmas issue I mentioned Robert the idea that although Christians here A couple of days before her funeral in St Mary’s I was Potter are not openly persecuted there is an asked, ”Who was Marcelle?” She had been in a retirement element of passive antagonism towards home and then a nursing home in Parkstone for a few our faith in British society. As a result I received two years and so is unknown to new and younger members of letters giving examples of active persecution and the our congregation. It is a fate suffered by many long- perceived threat of insidious invasion by other faiths. It serving, industrious and faithful St Mary’s people. We all was encouraging to know that the original piece was read! reach the stage when we can no longer do what we used to do and in many cases become unable to get to weekly In a recent edition of the Times Libbey Purvis took up this services. We fade, forgotten as a dream dies at the same theme, writing about the decline of Midnight Mass, opening day. We were so important – and now barely especially in urban areas. We are lucky here in Dorchester remembered. That’s a cheerful start to a new year ! but in some towns the police are suggesting to parish priests that such services should be held earlier in the Marcelle was a very positive member of our church evening to avoid the drunken and unruly elements turned community, working tirelessly among people in the parish out from pubs and looking for trouble (or entertainment). and the following is a synopsis of the homily given by She said that if similar outrages were predicted against Bishop Michael Perham at his mother’s service. synagogues and mosques there would be cries of Marcelle was born in Somerset but spent most of her life ‘intolerance’ and hate-crime charges against the offenders. in Dorchester, although she did spend time in the army in She was encouraging the police to take a more active Essex during the war and then in Exeter where she stance when Christian worship is threatened. married Raymond. They had four children and Marcelle On a much quieter note I wondered about this year’s was always busy as a traditional housewife and mother and Christmas second class stamps. There were two designs – at one stage there were four generations living together in a stick man and tree and a Madonna and child. When their Mountain Ash Road home. As Michael said,”she you went to buy stamps, what were you given? I found held it all together with quiet efficiency and without that in each post office I went to I had to ask for the complaint”. Her cooking was memorable and she was “amazing at scrabble”. 7

St Mary the Virgin — continued And then there was faith. Marcelle was a deeply religious After a spiritual and reverent service honouring her life woman who “went to church a lot”, first at St George’s (it and memory, Marcelle was carried from the church which was nearer when they lived in South Court Avenue) and had been so much a part of her life and after cremation then to St Mary’s, never missing a Sunday Eucharist and her ashes were to be interred in the family grave in frequently attending mid-week and feast-day services. I Dorchester cemetery. remember her always being at the monthly evensong, Crackers! whatever the weather, walking in those days from Fourgates Road – and back, uphill. She was an LPA and How does Jack Frost get to work? By icicle! delighted in taking communion to retirement homes and What did the fish say when it swam into a wall? Dam! to the housebound and generally visiting the elderly, striding strongly round the parish, always in trousers. Sanctuary Lamp Candles for February

At St George’s Marcelle ran a Young Wives’ Group and at Feb 1st Given by Madeleine Nock in memory of her St Mary’s a children’s group; she was the electoral roll parents whose years mind falls at this time. officer and local USPG secretary. She welcomed young Christian visitors into the family home, establishing many Feb 8th Given by Katharine Marr in memory of her life-long friendships. Marcelle cared for people, whether mother May. Also by Jan Milree to celebrate her own children or a friend or a stranger and this came the first birthday of her Granddaughter Edie. from a profound sense of duty which was an important part of her faith. Feb 15th Given by Cynthia Fry in thanksgiving for her Grandaughter Arwyn whose birthday is this Despite some strong beliefs and principles, Marcelle was week. unjudgemental, forgiving and keen to bring about reconciliation where there were quarrels or disagreements, Feb 22nd Given by Trudy Tabone in memory of her another aspect of her faith in Jesus Christ who came to mother Irene Dessin whose years mind falls reconcile a lost and broken world to God. on the 28th February.

Benefice News 2015 Lent Across the Team

Ash Wednesday, 18th February Poetry in Lent Thursday 5th March at 7.30pm and Wednesday 10.30am Holy Communion with Ashing, St George’s 11th March at 2.30pm in St George’s Church Hall Church, Fordington 7.00pm Imposition of Ashes, Martinstown Church Exploring Wisdom — Hagia Sophia: the feminine 7.30pm Choral Compline with Ashing, St Peter’s Church, aspect of God High West Street A day exploring Wisdom, anchored in the texts of 7.30pm Solemn Eucharist with Ashing, St Mary’s Church, Proverbs 8 and St John’s Prologue. This exploration Edward Road will take place through contemplation of the texts using silence, pastels, clay and flowers. Lent Lunches Saturday 14th March in Steepleton Manor Fridays at 12.30pm throughout Lent, Martinstown Village Conference Centre (opposite Steepleton Church) Hall from 10am to 4pm. Bring and share lunch 13th March - St Mary’s Church Hall, Dorchester 20th March - Village Hall, West Stafford Mothering Sunday, 15th March More lunches may be advertised later… 6.30pm Full Choral Evensong (Thomas Hardye School Chapel Choir), St Peter’s Church, High West Street Lent Courses Growth Out Of Discussion (GOOD) Praise Him – Songs of Praise in the New Testament ‘Passion’ seen through our eyes and experience (using York Courses material written by Paula Gooder) interpreted by the Gospel stories of Jesus’ Passion and

the writings of W. H. (Bill) Vanstone, The stature of Wednesday 25th February, 4th March, 18th March, 25th waiting and Love’s endeavour love’s expense. March (with a final meeting after Easter tbc) at 3pm in 6a Monday 16th March in St Peter’s Church Large Hall, Glebeland Close, West Stafford, DT2 8AE 7.00pm to 9.00pm Thursday 26th February, 5th March, 12th March, 19th More on GOOD on the Dorchester Noticeboard page March, and 26th March at 10.30am in Martinstown Rectory (page 4)

Exclamation Mark! Lent Retreat at Hilfield Friary Daytime Lent Course – David Bowen For details speak to Vicky Thurtell on 01305 268767, Details to follow… or see St Peter’s page (page 23). There are limited

residential places but an opportunity to join as a day Lent Events guest. Tuesday 17th March and Wednesday 18th March, Stations of the Cross Hilfield Friary Tuesday 24th February Tuesday 3rd March YP@D Labyrinth Tuesday 10th March Sunday 22nd March to Saturday 28th March in St Tuesday 17th March Mary’s Church, Edward Road. See the YP@D page Tuesday 24th March (page 17) for more details. 6pm in St Mary’s Church, Edward Road We have tried to cover as many activities as possible! However please continue to check our website Film Night www.dorchesteranglican.info, the magazine, Pews ‘The Hiding Place’ – News or ring the Team Office 01305 250719. Thursday 25th February at 7.30pm at 5 Hardy As ever, Close, Martinstown Canon Thomas Woodhouse, Team Rector

YP@D (Young People @ Dorchester) Update Happy New Year to you all from the members of YP@D! through to Saturday 28th March. We are hoping this will Christmas seems a memory now but YP@D finished 2014 be a great resource for the Benefice as we all prepare for on a high note! Holy Week. Look out for information about this event in Pews News! We had spent most of the Autumn Term exploring Taize spirituality and very much enjoyed attending the We are also planning to hold a December Taize service. We also managed to have fun on Valentines Vigil. This event is an a candlelit walk to Maumbury Rings for Advent Sunday opportunity to share in an Agape and very much enjoyed a ‘Bible Brunch’ at St George’s. Meal and then spend the night in St George’s Church praying This term we will continue to explore different Christian and reflecting on themes of approaches to spirituality and worship. We will spend ‘Love’, ‘Compassion’ and some time finding out about how Christians use ‘Fidelity’. We will be using the Labyrinths as an aid to prayer and monastic pattern of prayer throughout the night to focus meditation and are very excited to our vigil. The event will end with YP@D joining the have the opportunity to create a congregation at St George’s for Sunday worship. Labyrinth for use by the Benefice at St Mary’s during Passion Week. The If you, or anyone you know, is interested in joining YP@D Labyrinth will be available to anyone for our Sunday evening meetings, please call Teresa on to use from Sunday 22nd March 07765930285.

DATE VENUE ACTIVITY NOTES 1ST Feb St Georges Candle making for Make a candle and find out about the traditions of Candlemass Candlemass 8th Feb St Marys Labyrinth Preparation Designing the reflection points for the Labyrinth 14th/15th Feb St Georges Valentines Vigil Valentines Vigil 22nd Feb No Meeting HALF TERM 1st March St Marys Labyrinth Preparation Designing the reflection points for the Labyrinth 8th March St Marys Bible Brunch Join in the service at St Marys then pile back to the Sykes’ for brunch and a brisk walk! 15th March St Marys Labyrinth Preparation Building the reflection points for the Labyrinth 21st March(Sat) St Marys Labyrinth Preparation Constructing the Labyrinth 10am – 4pm

Dorset Historic Churches Trust Canon Andrew White Speaks in Purbeck

Ride and Stride More than 600 people attended a talk in Dorset by Canon Andrew White, the Vicar of Baghdad. Hundreds of people turned I have just heard from Simon Pomeroy, Chair of out to the event at Purbeck Secondary School to hear him talk of Dorset Historic Churches Trust, that the his experience promoting reconciliation in the Middle East. And magnificent sum of £80,000 has been raised this more than £7,000 was raised for his charity, the Foundation for year through Ride and Stride. Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East.

Can I thank you and all those from your Canon White has won a number of awards, including the Anne congregations who took part. I know that all Frank Award for religious tolerance in 2014. He was also named ages were involved and it was in every way a the UK’s number one Christian for 2014. corporate effort, not only raising important Canon White was pulled out of the post in October following funds but also the profile of our churches. fears for his safety. He told the audience in Purbeck of a man who Could you pass on my thanks to those who were was forced to choose between converting to Islam or being killed. sponsored, to those who sponsored them, and to the welcomers and refreshment providers. Canon White recounted how he told the man that God will forgive him, as He knows what is in the heart. But IS forces Best wishes captured the man’s children, killing them when the children said that they loved Jesus. Canon White is now based in Bethlehem. Paul Taylor, Archdeacon of Sherborne As reported by Rachel Stretton, Dorset Echo 10

Journey into Love When my sister Elizabeth was about Lucy six years old, she announced that she Connelly was going to be a singer. Children don’t always become what they decide to be when they’re six, but Liz never wavered. After spending her school years studying voice, piano, flute & recorder, she won a place at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, and went off to London to do graduate and post-graduate courses in Singing.

I was always in awe of Liz’s musical talent and capacity for hard work. Being a professional singer is not an easy job, and though I loved music myself and sang in the church choir, I figured I’d take the simpler option of doing an Lyrica recording “Journey Into Love” at the University of engineering degree and becoming a software engineer. Brighton last summer. L—R: Liz, Naomi, Sarah & Lucy While Liz read musical scores and gave concerts, I read technical manuals and wrote computer programs. Liz has written her own arrangements for many of the songs that we sing, and she has extremely high standards. For a few years, both of our jobs took us abroad. Liz sang My singing, sight-reading and general musical ability have with the mediaeval music ensemble Sequentia, recording improved massively while singing with Lyrica, because I’m several CDs with them on the BMG label, and touring far too terrified of my big sister to make mistakes! with them in America, Europe and Australia. Meanwhile, I was working as a commissioning engineer, and spending We have released several CDs, the latest of which was time in the aluminium and steel-producing districts of recorded at the University of Brighton last summer. America, Europe and South Wales. (I think Liz’s life was “Journey Into Love” is a relaxing and joyous celebration probably a bit more glamorous than mine at this point.) of all the good things in our lives. It’s about love in every aspect: love for partners, love for family, and love of God. After a while, I became a mum, and found that it was Songs include the classic numbers "Can't Help Loving impossible to be a software engineer as well. So I gave up That Man O' Mine", "Love Is Here To Stay", "When I work, stayed at home with my two sons and tried to keep First Saw You" and "I Say A Little Prayer For You"; the my brain going by doing a bit of website design whenever spiritual journeys of "Way Over Yonder", "Blessings", they were napping. Liz already had a son of her own, and "Walk With Me" and "You Will Never Walk Alone" (not understood what it was like for me to go from being the football anthem, but a song by Lowell Alexander); and “career woman” to “woman wearing clothes which won’t Lyrica’s unique arrangements of "When The Midnight show baby sick”. She thought it would be good for me to Choo Choo Leaves For Alabam' ", and "Dream A Little get out and do a bit of singing... Dream Of Me". Liz also sings a beautiful love song called “I Will Be Here”, which makes me cry whenever I hear it. A couple of years earlier, Liz had created a new ensemble of women’s voices called Lyrica. Lyrica would perform at If you’d like to know more about Lyrica and my sister, concerts and festivals but would Elizabeth Glen, please visit our also be available to sing at website, www.Lyrica.co.uk. weddings and other private functions. In October 2000, Liz “Journey Into Love” is asked me if I would like to come available on from and sing with them, and we have www.Lyrica.co.uk for £8 + been singing together ever since. P&P, or you can save on Lyrica’s music covers a wide range postage by buying it from me of styles: jazz, show songs, gospel, directly — contact me on traditional folksongs, classical and 0781 336 4810 or at opera. We’re usually accompanied [email protected]. by a pianist or a jazz band, and we’ve sung in all sorts of places: Why not buy one for your churches, castles, hotels, private loved one for Valentine’s homes, Glastonbury Abbey and Day? even the Royal Albert Hall. 11

Did you feel like punching the air? All of the gifts you discovered with adult, nowhere even to lay his head. His miracles and John your name on the label on teaching were often greeted with disdain and unbelief, not Farrow Christmas Day will have provoked a by the Roman soldiers, but by his own people, the Jews, reaction from you of one sort or who saw and heard him. These were people who were another! Perhaps one gift made you shudder, or raise an waiting for their Messiah, yet they called for him to be eyebrow. You looked at another and had to stifle a yawn. crucified. One may have caused you to ask “Whatever is it?” And no doubt another made you smile. There may also have been Have you ever run into a young person and, just by a one you accepted with tolerance, thinking the giver meant single glance, you know who they belong to? The family well! But hopefully there was at least one that really hit the resemblance is so strong it leaves no room for doubt. It spot and made you want to hug the person who gave it. was like that with Jesus. Some of the Jews really did What a present! Exactly what you wanted and needed! worship the God of their fathers. When they saw Jesus, they saw the family likeness, and were drawn to him. The Sadly, for many people, the frantic Christmas routines and character of God could be seen in the holiness and love crazy Christmas economics will have distracted them from which he showed. They responded with joy; yes, here the most precious gift of all — the gift that God has given indeed was the Messiah they had been waiting for! They to each one of us – the gift of love shown to us in Jesus accepted Jesus for who he is. And their love and devotion Christ, his Son. The Bible puts it this way — God loved brought many others to feel the way they did about him. the world so much that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not die but have eternal life. Having believed in him they received the most amazing Jesus is not just a figure in history. His life and death may gift — forgiveness of their sins, and a new life. They be mildly interesting to you, but perhaps he has made became children of God and they wanted to share that little direct impact on your life. If this is the case, then good news with everyone. So when you opened your think of this — he is God’s gift to YOU – and as with every presents on Christmas morning and, hopefully, discovered gift, you have to choose how to react. Simply to ignore the that among them was that one special gift you really hoped gift is itself a reaction, because by doing even that you are for, how did you react? You received it, yes, but not in the making a choice. way that you reacted to the others. I guess you felt like throwing restraint to the wind. You might even have People down the centuries have rejected God’s gift. From punched the air and shouted “Yes!” and showed everyone his birth onwards, Jesus was rejected by his own world. No around you what you’d been given. What a gift! room at the inn in the town where he was born and, as an

Women’s World Day of Prayer Women’s World Day of prayer is As well as arranging the service we want to help Ellie an annual international and international charities and so raise funds to support the Stephens ecumenical day of informed long list of charities that the WWDP movement prayer leading to prayerful action. supports. An annual coffee morning and stalls raises This movement started in America and Canada in 1887 funds for these charities and covers the costs of the spreading to Britain in 1930. The movement is now service and materials. This year the coffee morning will active in 170 countries in the world. be held at Dorchester United Church Hall on Saturday 7th February from 10am. There will be stalls selling Each year services are held throughout the world on books, cakes, CDs, games, cards and bric a brac. the first Friday in March spanning a 36hour period. The theme of the service is chosen and All are welcome at the service. It has written by a different nation each year, been suggested that the movement should giving a great variety of music, culture and politics. simply be called World Day of Prayer since in This year it is the turn of the Bahamas and the our country there is reasonable equality of the theme is Christ washing the feet of his disciples. sexes. However the title has not been changed to enable women to have a voice in countries where they are This year the WWDP falls on Friday 6th March and considered second class citizens. It gives women the the morning service will be at Dorchester Baptist opportunity to prepare and take a leading role in Church at 10.30am . The evening service will be at “The worship, and this is invaluable for those who belong to Quiet Space” on Poundbury at 7.30 pm. Our local denominations where women are not on an equal group in Dorchester is made up of members from all footing with men. the churches in the area.

Thank You! You may remember that St George’s Fishes’ Bring, Buy & Busk event raised £47.47 - a total Jenny hold a Christmas Tree Festival every fund-matched by the Government – so almost £100 in Dennis year during December. The Festival total has been sent to support Kenyan maternity services. begins after their famous “Carols on Grateful thanks go to Anita Eley who came up with the the Green” event - always a rousing start to the Christmas idea of money-raising for Christian Aid, our brave buskers, season with Allen Knott and Steve Kinnersley organising Anita, Martha and Jill, on violin, saxophone and piano, the proceedings! Hot soup is always available outside, and everyone who supported us bringing and buying, and whilst inside St George’s, the team provides a sumptuous best of all, singing carols. We are only a small group, but spread to tempt the most ardent Weight Watcher. A FORDINGTON FISHES DID SOMETHING special thank you to all the hospitality team and the AMAZING! outdoor crew who rigged up the lights and closed the road. Each year the Festival trees have a theme. It may not be obvious from the photograph, but this year the theme was “Celebrations”. Entrants choose a theme and mostly the decorations are home-made. It was amazing how many different themes there were! One tree had Cadbury’s Celebration chocolates hanging from its branches (not sure whether the chocolates stayed in place throughout the whole Festival!) St Andrew’s tree depicted the Church’s Festivals (Advent, Lent, Easter etc) and the coloured paper medallions certainly stood out. The 3rd Dorchester Brownies’ theme was their own Centenary, and a variety of clefs and musical instruments adorned entries from the Choir and Dorchester Brass Band. There were many, many more entries worthy of a mention, but I’m afraid the magazine isn’t large enough! Not to be outdone, Fordington Fishes celebrated “The Birth of a Baby” - not just the Baby who is “the Reason for the Season”, but also all our group’s babies and toddlers. The toddlers particularly enjoyed “helping” to decorate the tree with cut-out bootees, bibs and other baby paraphernalia. Whenever we take the toddlers into church, they love investigating such an exciting expanse of space and how fast they can run around it. Local schools may be encouraged to learn that Fishes have several mini Fordington Fishes meet on Fridays during term time Usain Bolts to send them in a few years’ time! from 1:30pm to 3pm in St George’s Hall. 60p per family Fordington Fishes’ Birth of a Baby theme fitted neatly per session. Carers (Mums, Dads, Grandparents) and pre- with Christian Aid’s Christmas Appeal - raising funds to schoolers welcome to join in the fun with games and giggles, provide better maternity and child healthcare in Kenya. stories and singing, crafts and socialising. Telephone me on The Christian Aid advertisement on their website 01305 251338 for more information, or just turn up. challenged everyone to “Do something amazing”. Volunteer helpers are always welcome – again, just telephone me.

St Peter’s Church High West Street, Dorchester

Church Correspondent: Revd Vicky Thurtell

Weekday Services Mon, Morning Prayer in the Every 9:00am Thur Hardy Chapel (15 min) Said Eucharist with coffee afterwards in the Confirmation 2015 Every Thur 10:00am hall — open for ‘drop in’ There are already a few names noted of candidates for until 1pm Confirmation Classes 2015. The service will be at Every Thur 12:00pm Midday Prayer Salisbury Cathedral Saturday 9th May at 6.30pm. If you are interested finding out about Confirmation (all ages For Sunday Services see inside front cover. eligible – and preparation times negotiated accordingly) then please contact Revd Vicky Thurtell 01305 268767 Services – February 2015 [email protected].

Sunday 1st February — Candlemas ***Stop Press*** 9am BCP Holy Communion 10.30am Sung Eucharist CHURCH HEATING now mended! Thanks to wardens and the plumber – long term considerations and Monday 2nd February implications for the aged system need addressing. Church 7pm Informal Taizé style service for Candlemas Council is aware.... Lasts approx 30minutes Lenten Retreat Opportunity Sunday 8th February — 2nd before Lent 9am BCP Holy Communion We have the two self-catering houses at Hilfield Friary 10.30am Sung Eucharist booked for a retreat in March - plan to arrive at about 10am on Tuesday 17th March and leave after lunch on Sunday 15th February — Sunday before Lent Wednesday 18th although these timings could be flexible. 9am BCP Holy Communion There are a limited number of places, one house has 6 10.30am Sung Eucharist rooms (one twin and one double) and the other has 7 (one twin) so potential for 16 beds in total. Ash Wednesday 18th February 7.30pm Choral Compline with Ashing If you haven't been before this is the link to their website: http://www.hilfieldfriary.org.uk/index.html The Sunday 22nd February — LENT 1 cost is likely to be about £35 per person, to cover a 9am BCP Holy Communion donation to Hilfield and food (it may be more if all the 10.30am Sung Eucharist places aren't filled). If you would like to reserve a place please contact the Vicar or [email protected] * Advance Notice —St Peter’s Church asap, we would be grateful for a deposit of £10 per person.

AGM on Sunday 8th March at Noon *Beryl Shuttleworth – retreat organiser

Please look out for the ‘2014 Report & Accounts’ available in church soon. Also, please note the date of the The Theology Group AGM and attend if you can… Mike Nisbett (Churchwarden) has served his term as warden and must – “Growth Out Of Discussion” continues to meet monthly under church legislation — take a fallow period; also there and is by no means a closed shop for Anglicans or regular are a few vacancies on church council. If you feel called to attendees. You are welcome to turn up or if you prefer explore the possibility of filling any of these posts then some back ground information then ask the Vicar or please speak with the wardens and/or vicar and look out speaker to email or send you further details. Details of for nomination papers in church. meetings are on the Dorchester Noticeboard page (page 4). 14

‘A Good Death’ Every Friday at Theological College me, and my inability to cope if she did. We moved John the student responsible for morning around the tables once or twice to meet others and Foskett intercessions would end with a continue our conversation with them. By the end it felt prayer for a ‘good death’. I expect we quite normal and even easy to talk to and listen to each were taught what a good death meant, but I don’t recall other. any explanation. However, the regularity of the prayer helped me begin to think After the meeting I wondered if the about my own death. churches knew of this project and I found that they did. In fact a Despite people dying all around us in programme, entitled Grave Talks is tragic accidents, epidemics, conflicts and being tried out in two Anglican dioceses. starvation, for the most part we keep our It is described like this. thoughts and feelings to ourselves. Some months ago I read about a meeting It is not easy to talk about death, dying inviting people to come and join in a conversation about and funerals. These question cards are the end of life, dying and death, to be held here in designed to get the conversation started. There are no Dorchester. What was more, the invitation included a answers – just thought provoking questions to get you promise of free coffee and cakes! Out of curiosity and my thinking – and talking. love of cakes, I went along and met a mixed group of people sitting around coffee tables like in a café. A leader To my and his amazement, I discovered that Thomas, our introduced us to the conversation and its history. Rector, is a member of the group at Church House Apparently there are other Death Cafes, as they are called, responsible for the programme. He is delighted to have organised around the country and following the same the Parish join in the trial before offering it more widely pattern of meetings. There were questions about life, death, in Dorchester and the villages. Now we want volunteers to families, society, funerals and grief on each table like these: join one of two trials to be held after Easter on Wednesday 15th April at 3.30 - 6.00 pm and on th What does it mean to die with dignity? When would you Wednesday 29 April at 7.00 - 9.30pm, both in St Peter’s take a child to a funeral? Church Hall.

What has been most important to you in life? What is If you are interested or just curious like me, please contact helpful to you when you grieve? one of us:

The questions helped us get started and so the John Foskett 264 955 Email: jfoskett @btinternet.com. conversations began. Some of us wanted advice about Kath Joslin 268 803 Email [email protected] preparing for death and information about funerals, Don Watts 257 958 Email: [email protected] others described their plans and some spoke of their fears and doubts about their own death. I owned up to my We will try and answer your questions and concerns and feeling of terror at the prospect of my wife’s dying before help you decide whether to join in the trial or not. Lonely Rage There are many lonely people Anger, you see, is progressive. You start by grumbling. If Tony around us. It can you do not correct it, you become a grumbler, Wheeler start when and finally a grumble. Love has lost out to sin. children become Nobody but Our Lord can help then. teenagers. People need a new reason for Get it right to begin with. At teenage, let your living. There are plenty of interests and children go. Guide them still, of course, but “causes” around which give this. But more and more when they think they need it, one needs trust and love. If teenage less and less when you think they need it. tensions have been too wounding, there may be more anger than understanding. Try not to grieve for the joys of babyhood. Our Next comes the stage when teenagers children were never our property. Always they form young families and move away, belonged to themselves. They were loaned to us. perhaps to other countries. They may If you a never own them you never lose them. visit the, by now, old people. Instead of You still may argue a lot, but basically it is love the joy of grandchildren there are and forgiveness all round. What joy to see them reproaches and bitterness. grow. 15

St Andrew’s Church West Stafford

Church Correspondent: Revd Jane Culliford

Dates for February

1st February 10am Parish Communion for Candlemas

7th February 7.30pm ‘A Dorset Evening’ Festival with decorations in liturgical colours celebrating in the Village Hall the Church’s year which was then brought back to West Stafford. 8th February 10am Morning Prayer

15th February 10am Parish Communion The Crib and Christingle service was well attended as usual and £114.41 was raised for The Children’s Society 22nd February 9am Holy Communion while £112 was sent to Water Aid from Christmas 10am Come and Worship collections at other services to help others have a safe 25th February 3pm Lent course ‘Praise Him’ water supply as we continue to fundraise to have water At 6a Glebeland Close and a servery in the church.

1st March 10am Parish Communion Lent 11.15 AGM For the first time for several years as part of the benefice A Dorset Evening Lent events there will be a Lent Course in the village this year. The course entitled ‘Praise Saturday 7th February at Him’, a York Course with input 7.30pm (via CD not in person!) from the Dorset entertainment to enliven Archbishop of Canterbury and a dark February evening in West Sister Wendy Beckett, will be held Stafford Village Hall with Allen at 6a Glebeland Close at 3pm Knott and Steve Kinnersley, beginning on Wednesday 25th Ploughman’s Supper (and cider February and continuing on 4th, if you bring your own!) , Dorset 18th, and 25th March with the Quiz, Lucky Draw and Auction final session after Easter. of Talents. Tickets £8 from Dorchester Tourist Information All are welcome Further details Office or wardens Tim 251338 and directions 757377. or Esther 757377. In aid of the church servery fund. Advance Notice Christmas A Lent Lunch will be held in West Christmas was celebrated in a Stafford Village Hall on Friday variety of ways beginning with a 20th March from 12-1.30. reading of Charles’s Dickens Donations for Christian Aid. ‘Christmas Carol’ by David Bowen and his grandson which Annual Meeting was most enjoyable as was the mulled wine and mince pies! . It St Andrew’s Annual meeting will raised £430 to be shared be held on Sunday 1st March after between the Chidren’s Society the 10am Parish Communion and the Church reorganisation service at around 11.15. fund.

St Andrew’s decorated a tree for St George’s Christmas Tree

St Simon & St Jude

Winterborne Monkton Church Correspondent: Ursula Norman

Advance Notice—Coffee Morning

We are holding our fund-raising bring and buy coffee morning at Southmead, Winterborne Monkton on Tuesday 19th May, from 10 – 12. Do please put this in Advance Notice—Friends Meeting your diary – we have been so fortunate to have had your support in the past, and look forward to seeing you again Another date for your diary is our Friends’ Meeting. As this year. We sell preserves and home-baked items, and usual it is on the 3rd Sunday in July at 4 pm on Sunday have a large and well-stocked garden stall; and of course 19th July, followed by cream tea, and Choral Evensong at raffles. 5.30 pm. Time for a Smile Painting the Church

A minister was concerned that his teenage son didn't There was a Scottish painter named Smokey MacGregor know what he wanted to do, so one day, while the boy who was very interested in making a penny where he was at school, his father put four things on his desk, could, so he often thinned down his paint to make it go hoping that the thing he picked up first would give him a wee bit further.. an idea about his leanings. There was a Bible, a £20 note, a bottle of whisky and a Playboy magazine. The minister As it happened, he got away with this for some time, but hid behind the door, hoping the boy would pick up the eventually the local church decided to do a big Bible. The son arrived, went straight to his room and restoration job on the outside of one of their biggest spotted the objects. He put the Bible under his arm, put buildings. £20 note in his pocket, uncorked the bottle and took a big drink, and went straight to the centerfold in the magazine. "Lord have mercy," the minister whispered, "He's going to be an MP." Smokey put in a bid and, because his Studying his parents’ wedding photos, a six-year-old price was so low, he got the job. asked, “Did you marry dad because he was a vicar?” “Not really,” replied his mother . “Did you marry him because So he set about erecting the scaffolding and setting up he was good-looking?” “No, not that either.” “Did you the planks, and buying the paint and yes, I am sorry to marry him for his money?” “Definitely not,” she laughed, say, thinning it down with turpentine... “He didn’t have any.” “So,” he concluded sadly, “you just felt sorry for him.” Well, Smokey was up on the scaffolding, painting away, the job nearly completed, when suddenly there was a A teacher asked her class these questions but did not horrendous clap of thunder, the sky opened and the rain expect these answers: poured down washing the thinned paint from all over the church and knocking Smokey clear off the scaffold to Teacher : Maria, go to the map and find North America . land on the lawn among the gravestones, surrounded by Maria : Here it is. telltale puddles of the thinned and useless paint. Teacher : Correct. Now class, who discovered America? Class : Maria. Smokey was no fool. He knew this was a judgment from Teacher : John, why are you doing your math the Almighty, so he got down on his knees and cried: multiplication on the floor? John : You told me to do it without using tables. "Oh God, Oh God, forgive me; what should I do?"

Teacher : Glenn, how do you spell ‘crocodile?’ And from the thunder, a mighty voice spoke . Glenn : K-R-O-K-O-D-I-A-L Teacher : No, that’s wrong. "Repaint! Repaint! And thin no more!" Glenn : Maybe it is, but you asked me how I spell it. Kathryn Brodie 17

CHURCHES TOGETHER Compiled by Val Potter DORCHESTER 264416

New Year, New Life The Quiet Space The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is underway as we The Trustees have agreed a set of guidelines and go to press. We are trying out a new format for the daily principles for wider use of the Quiet Space, mainly services, using the Quiet Space for a short time together at outside the day time public opening times. We hope the midday each day. We were invited to wait on God, listen- sponsoring churches will find ever more imaginative uses ing to the promptings of the Spirit both in the silence and for the space and now welcome the Community Church in the offered thoughts of anyone prompted to speak. The youth group on early Saturday evenings. We also want to starting point of each day’s gathering was the different encourage wider use by community groups, “provided their elements needed for growth - soil, water, warmth, support, underlying principles do not undermine Christian values. protection and the seasonal variations. Growth involves Community well-being and relationship building are precious change, and we were reminded of periods of darkness and all groups which exist to foster these are to be valued and before emergence into the light. God is life-giving and not affirmed.” A new user group is the ‘Hardy Crafters’, who always in ways we can predict or plan for. One good thing will meet there once a month. If you know of any other is that on the first day we had more people than we had group who might wish to use the space please invite them planned for and kept needing to add more chairs - surely to contact me on [email protected] - our rates are an affirmation of this new way of sharing together. very reasonable! Churches Together - Coming Together Town Centre Chaplaincy Throughout 2015 there will be monthly gatherings for By the time you read this there will have been an initial silence and prayer at the Quiet Space, open to everyone, training session for those interested in offering a and hopefully including people from those churches not supportive ministry to our businesses, attractions and currently formally members of Churches Together. Each institutions in the town centre. We hope to roll out this will be for 30 minutes and at different times of the day, on service with at least a few volunteer chaplains to start with different days of the week. The first is on 17th February at and to increase the numbers and range of what is on 2.00pm. offer as it develops. If you are a good listener and can Dorchester Poverty Action Group engage with people easily and think you might like to support our fantastic businesses and visitor attractions in There has been some national coverage of the often this way do contact Chris Warren unexpected expense of funerals and the extra stress this [email protected] about what it entails - can cause for grieving families. The Poverty Action Group selection and minister’s endorsement will be needed for has done some homework with local Funeral Directors actual recruitment but everyone is welcome to find out and is pleased to report that they itemise their bills and do more about it in the first instance. offer low cost alternatives. This puts them well ahead of many firms in other places. Funerals of children are Church Action on Poverty Sunday carried out at very low cost indeed. On 15th February we are asked to give special attention th The Churches’ Ecology Group to those who live in poverty in this the 5 richest country in the world. There are prayers and background material How about making the biggest New Year Resolution of all on the website www.church-poverty.org.uk including: - to take action to save the planet? The Churches Ecology God of creation: We live in the world you have made Group would welcome new members to help bring the Give us generous hearts to share your wealth with others issues to the attention of our churches and to encourage Your kingdom come, your will be done. them to take action, preferably together and with our allies God of power: Help us to remember that you can do and partners in the community, particularly Transition impossible things Towns and Dorset Agenda 21. As the General Election Inspire us to work with you for change in our society looms we can ask candidates and door knockers how their Your kingdom come, your will be done. parties intend to tackle climate change and the God of hope: Be present in our communities environmental challenges that face us all, which are Give us the strength to show your love right here already affecting some of the world’s poorest people in Your kingdom come, your will be done. countries in the developing world. Contact me, Val Potter God of truth: Draw us into your story of hope on 01305 264416 to know more. Challenge us to speak out for justice Your kingdom come, your will be done. Amen 18

A Month in the Life of a Grandma

Christmas is but six weeks ago so cut in your hands becomes Margaret forgive me if I still cannot help talking agony and I can tell you there Morrissey about it. It was fantastic, as only it are a dozen ways to get shot in could be with seven children, the the eye with orange juice. As Christingle / crib service at St Mary’s was magic — I so for sticky — well from love the crib service with all the little ones. Having bought fingertip to elbow. Not sure the youngest grandchild a King’s outfit at his request, he how many were made, it felt was a King in the school nativity, he felt it was his role; he like hundreds, but yes it was then refused to wear it. When they arrived at church Bea worth the work.

Woodhouse with no effort persuade the three youngest, The Pilgrim Course including him, to be sheep. All happily agreed — why do I The Archbishop of York, Dr waste my time? John Sentamu, has hailed the success of the Church of England’s Pilgrim Course, which has launched new material. Two new books and films have been released as part of the second stage of Pilgrim. The “Grow” stage is designed to deepen churchgoers’ understanding of Christian teaching, including the Creeds, or shared beliefs of the church: and the Eucharist, covering teaching in Holy Communion. The Archbishop said, “finding out about the Christian faith is the most Rocco decided in November he important thing that anyone can do and I urge anyone would cry all Christmas if he did who hears about the course to give it a go”. Video not have his own dog. I offered available at: bit.ly/pilgrimpromo. to buy two boxes of tissues but st his Mother succumb-bed — hence Education Sunday 1 February one very tiny Jack Russell cross Education Sunday is the day when we pray for our local Cocker Spaniel to be known as schools, teachers, children and parents. These words keep Poppy. Ralph, the 16 week old going through my mind:

bearded collie you met last ‘British values’ cannot be allowed to become a test or an month, spent the whole of assessment of whether somebody in a comm-unity is ‘safe’ Christmas aiming to get her head or ‘loyal’, the Rev Nigel Genders, Chief Education Officer in his mouth and luckily failed. of the Church of England, has warned in response to the The giving of presents under the tree was to Education Secretary’s call for schools to teach ‘British say the least interesting. We all had special values’. Mr Genders said the National Society supported presents from the children, very sweet, I schools being required to teach the values of tolerance and escaped with note pads, hand cream and respect but that these values would not be encouraged by smellies. Patrick however received a unique ‘policing’ through an ‘ever-increasing inspection regime’ present from guess who, still trying to work and has argued that the nature of British values ‘requires out exactly what he thinks Grandad will use a much deeper conversation around the country.’ it for, perhaps golf, any suggestions Things to think on welcomed. Said present — a periscope.  To enjoy your garden, you need to put on some old Christingle clothes, a hat and a pair of old shoes, take the tools Just when you think you from the shed – and tell the man where to dig. have been there and done  True Christianity has more to do with the revelation of everything a new challenge God than the research of man. comes along — making  There is so much good in the worst of us and so much Christingles. I was invited to bad in the best of us, that it hardly behoves any one of join the production team at us to talk about the rest of us. St Mary’s, well 10/10 for  The Ten Commandments should not be approached organisation it was amazing as a multiple choice exercise. but oranges do not take  The most impressive Christians are those who don’t kindly to having a knife try to impress. poked into them to make  Swallowing angry words before you say them is better room for a candle. Any tiny that having to eat them afterwards. 19

Bookworm Once in a Blue Moon

A novel of 832 pages needs to catch the their fortunes but did so not only through the hope of Jean imagination immediately if the reader is gold but also through the opium trade which they Lang going to feel that the length is a virtue not understood and managed. Opium (and its weaker tincture a burden and “The Luminaries” does. It is laudanum) was easily available and was used in medicine written in the style of the 19th century triple decker novel – and frequently led to unwitting and lasting dependency. with chapter summaries in brief summary form “In which a stranger arrives, a secret council is disturbed; Walter Part II of the book moves the story both backwards and Moody conceals his most recent memory; and Thomas forwards to explain what really did happen and its Balfour begins to tell his story”. consequences. The many strands of the each man’s perception of the truth gradually get interwoven into a Set in New Zealand between 27 April 1865 and 27 April single narrative which ends where it began with the death 1866 in Hokitika a small gold rush town on South Island of the solitary man but which the reader now understands. it concerns the death of a solitary man found by chance in his shack with a half-finished phial of laudanum, the The Luminaries won the 2013 Booker Prize. It is a attempted suicide of a prostitute, the disappearance of a gripping story and reminded me of Wilkie Collins at his young prospector and the loss of a chest in the foundering best – a detective story in the spirit of the Moonstone or of a ship. the Woman in White, with the Victorian love of detail, complication and co-incidence. It is a thoroughly good Walter Moody has arrived in Hokitika from Edinburgh a read, it creates a strong sense of period and place as well as young lawyer who has decided to seek his fortune in the a firm narrative drive. New Zealand Gold fields, on landing (after an appalling crossing across the Tasmanian sea) he books in at the There were one or two loose ends which were not clear Crown Hotel and on entering the reception room of the and which I am still trying to pin down and I didn’t really Hotel finds himself in the company of 12 men, none of follow or work out the chapter headings and drawings whom want him in their company as they have met by which relate to the stellar and planetary positions, but that design to share information and try to make sense of didn’t seem to matter and overall the book lives up to the activities about which they all know some part but not all. hype. It is a pastiche of the Victorian sensation novel After an uncomfortable exchange of pleasantries the men and it works brilliantly! decide that an independent ear might be worth having and they gradually unfold to Walter what they each know of the various unexplained incidents. Eleanor Catton “The Luminaries” builds up the narrative layer on layer as each man adds to By Eleanor Catton the story and in doing so alters the readers understanding of what has and is happening. Grantabooks PB The 12 men include two Chinese and one native Maori and Eleanor Catton uses their quite different backgrounds £9.99 to widen the interest and to expand the readers understanding of life in New Zealand at that time. The Chinese particularly were also in New Zealand to seek

Editor’s Comment

The first edition of 2015 — a Happy & Healthy New Year to all. We look forward to receiving your copy this year — send us your stories, photographs and diary dates. Who knows what the year will bring for us? Hopefully lots of sunshine and just a few showers.