Rushen Parish Magazine

September 2018

2 Contact Details for Rushen Parish Vicar:

Rev’d Joe Heaton: [email protected] 832275

Rushen Vicarage, Barracks Road, Port St Mary Readers: Mrs Margaret Galloway Mrs Wendy Heaton Mr Harry Dawson Mr Adam Kelly

Active Clergy Rev Roger Harper Rev John Gulland Rev Brian Shephard

Retired Clergy: Canon John Sheen

Church Wardens: Mr Gerry Callister, 60 Ballamaddrell, Port Erin 474924/834627 Mr Harry Dawson, Thalloo Reagh, Cregneash 478050/835770 Mr Peter Hayhurst, Fois Fraon, Fistard 832974/464949

PCC Secretary: Mr David Bowman, The Old Bakery, Qualtroughs Lane, 837117/260539 Port Erin

PCC Treasurer: Mr Stephen Curtis, Clybane Cottage, Phildraw Road, 823475 Ballasalla

Parish Administrator and Safeguarding Officer for Children and Vulnerable People:

Mrs Claire Jennings: [email protected] 830850

More contact details on the inside of the back cover

3

I am writing this at a time when the Parish of Rushen has lost a dear faithful friend who gave of her time and energy to serving God, and to the life and worship at her treasured St Mary’s C hurch. Similarly, the Mothers’ Union, both in Rushen and on the island, has lost a stalwart member, and someone who will never be replaced.

I first met Brenda Watterson at a meeting of the PCC. I was a new member and had not lived on the island very long. In fact I only knew the PCC members who represented St Catherine’s Church at the time and wasn’t quite sure about what to expect. I remember going home after the meeting and telling Pauline that there was a lady at the meeting who wasn’t afraid of putting forward her own point of view. Since then I came to know her as a wonderful, hard- working and dedicated lady who put others first and herself last.

She was instrumental in the planning and ultimate construction of St Mary’s Church Hall. The Ladies Working Party, still present today, was a group of hard-working people, committed to raising enough funds to finance the project, and when built, to support it by paying for its upkeep, heating, lighting, and the many other aspects of maintenance required. The group still meets on Tuesday afternoons, and whilst no longer instrumental in maintaining the hall, still looks at ways to raise funds for the less fortunate. Something which was dear to Brenda’s heart.

Brenda cared about others and was forever visiting people who were ill, in residential homes, or housebound. She didn’t do this out of a sense of duty, but because she was aware that God had given her the ability to help those perhaps less fortunate than herself. These visits were not just ad hoc, they were a regular feature in her exhaustive time table, and the people she visited appreciated her warmth, love and genuine concern for their well-being.

It was the Mothers’ Union and Ladies Working Party that enabled her to take the lead, and the many members of both organisations, appreciated her dedication in ensuring that work and projects in hand were undertaken diligently and with her high standards. She wrote articles for both organisations in this magazine, and she never forgot to get them to me on time. Readers were kept fully informed of forthcoming events and fundraising opportunities undertaken.

The parish has lost a dear friend and someone who will never be replaced. Our thoughts and prayers are with Brenda’s family as they too grieve at this sad time. Of course the parish will cont inue to work for God and His Kingdom in the years to come, but my guess is that heaven has now gained someone who will continue to exude love and compassion in abundance. I found this quotation which I feel describes what a wonderful woman Brenda was, it reads: ‘Some people come into our lives and leave footprints on our hearts and we are never ever the same.’ Somehow I don’t think we will ever be the same, but the memory of Brenda will forever be in our hearts. David

4

Psalm 8 – and the wonders of Creation

In this harvest season, the created universe can inspire our worship, as it did for David: ‘Lord, our Lord, how awesome is your name in all the earth!’ (Psalm 8:1).

What did David see? ‘When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place’ (3).

David was moved to worship as he meditated on the night sky and saw the moon and stars pointing to their Maker. His words point to the work of a great artist, whose art reflects the character of the artist Himself. How vast is the universe in which we live! It speaks of a creation shot through with meaning and purpose, demonstrating the tremendous wisdom and power of God. As creation speaks of the greatness of God, it demands our allegiance and loyalty to Him in all aspects of our lives.

What did David feel? ‘what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?’ (4). In the light of creation’s vastness, we can feel a little insignificant!

Why do human beings exist on this tiny planet in such a vast universe? However, David goes on to answer his own question: ‘You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honour.’ (5). Human beings have a unique relationship to God, because we are created in His image. We are the means by which the invisible God is made visible to His creation. We are called to be partners with God in doing His work in the world, to care for the earth rather than exploiting it. It is a precious resource, along with the creatures it contains!

‘The glory of God is the human person fully alive’ (Irenaeus of Lyons).

Revd Paul Hardingham

September Prayer Dear Father, September again! How quickly the months roll by. How quickly our lives move forward. Help us this September to welcome the new starts in our every-day lives - the new school year, the new clubs and activities for all ages that start up again this month. There are so many opportunities, so much to keep us busy. Help us Lord, this September to commit each new day and each new activity to you, aware that every day is a gift from you. Help us to choose wisely how we spend the time you give us and to reflect your love and generosity and kindness to those we meet each day. In Jesus name, Amen.

5 Ladies Working Party – St Mary’s

Every year, the Manx charity, Friends of Chernobyl’s Children (IOM) brings young people, who live close to the site of the nuclear disaster, to our island for a holiday.

Mr and Mrs Rivers of FOCC (IOM) have written to express their thanks to the LWP, “who once again provided a first- class lunch for the children from Belarus and their helpers

on Wednesday, 25th July.” In the morning, the children had

been making clay models at the Hub, Port Erin, followed by (as described on the charity’s Facebook page), “the most wonderful lunch organised by the ladies of St Mary’s Church, Port St Mary – almost stunningly good, with the most delicious cakes and sandwiches – yum!” This was followed by an afternoon visit to the Met Office at Ronaldsway.

We extend our grateful thanks to the many helpers and providers of food. The children had a wonderful month on the island, full of fun and love, and flew back to their families in Belarus on 4th August, with a noticeable difference in their health.

Our weekly Tuesday meetings restart on 4th September at 2.15pm in the hall, after our summer break, when we look forward to seeing old friends, and new. We continue to send our love and prayers to those members who are not well, and no longer able to attend our meetings.

With best wishes from us all in the Ladies Working Party.

Pat Thomson

Editor: This month brings us Back to Church Sunday (16th Sept), when church members are encouraged to invite their friends and neighbours to come along. So, just for fun, and tongue in cheek, here is a humorous invitation to people. Do you think in might entice them to come?

• Beds - for those who say Sunday is their day to sleep-in. • Safety helmets – for anyone who fears the roof would fall in if they entered a church door. • Blankets and hot water bottles – for those who find our church too cold. • Fans and ice cream - for those who find our church too hot. • Cushions - for anyone who find our seats too hard. • Bicycles – for those who exercise on Sunday mornings. • Hearing aids - for those who find the minister speaks too softly. • Cotton wool - for those who find the minister speaks too loudly. • Score cards - for all who want to rate the hymns/sermons/coffee. • Ready-meals - for anyone who can’t come because they have to cook Sunday lunch. • Some flowers - for those who prefer to seek God in nature. • Christmas poinsettias and Easter palms - for all those who have never seen the church without them. See you Sunday!!

6

Diary of a Momentous Year September 1918

Surviving - and singing - in the trenches

1918 was the final year of the Great War. This year, Canon David Winter is looking back on highlights of those critical 12 months, when the very shape of modern world history was being hammered out on the battlefields.

Modern people, distraught if deprived of ‘all mod con’, must be baffled how men survived year after year of living much of the time in the trenches of the Western Front. For month after month everything was ankle deep in mud. These were their living quarters, complete with primitive toilet arrangements, permanent damp, rats and trench foot – and that’s before one mentions the enemy’s constant shelling.

There were, of course, moments of respite at rest centres behind the lies – and there was always the coveted hope of a ‘blighty’, a wound that was not too serious but would mean treatment back in the UK. ‘Blighty’ was an Urdu word passed on by soldiers who had served in India – it means ‘European’, or in this case ‘home’.

Some men, it’s true, succumbed to what was called ‘shell shock - traumatic stress syndrome. But the amazing fact is that most not only survived the trench conditions and the ever- present danger, but even looked back on it as a significant experience to be proud of. How on earth did they do it?

My answer, largely based on things I heard from my father and his war-time colleagues, centred on two experiences: songs, and camaraderie. When they marched and sang ‘Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag’ and called on each other to ‘smile, boys, smile’, they were celebrating being part of a strange and exhilarating brotherhood. Humour was rife in the trenches, much of it about the sheer awfulness of their situation. The ‘Wiper’s Times’, a newspaper produced by soldiers in Ypres, can still make us laugh, as its recent revival on stage has proved. It was the camaraderie - the sense of belonging to an exclusive ‘club’ - which made the humour possible and authenticated the songs. It was a profound feeling of belonging which made the impossible bearable. There was, one must add, a third element in trench survival: the chaplains and the Salvation Army. I never heard a single veteran discount their value, right there in the heart of things, offering a prayer, yes, but also tea and cakes and understanding. Of course the soldiers hated the war, the loss of comrades, the relentless months of deadly danger. But their songs and memories also told another story, which we should not forget.

Articles for October’s magazine will need to be with the editor no later than 10th September. Unfortunately, anything which arrives later may not be published.

7

Sir Terry Wogan – a national treasure

Sir Terry Wogan, the Irish radio and TV presenter, was born 80 years ago in 1938. He was the epitome of a much-loved broadcaster – unthreatening, amiable and with a tendency to laugh at himself.

Born in Limerick, Ireland’s third largest town, Terry showed no initial signs of immortality. His father was a grocer, and his family lower middle-class Roman Catholics, with neither car nor telephone. They did, however,no own a radio set, and the young lad grew up listening to classic programmes of the 1950s on the BBC’s Light Programme.

While working in a bank he was one of 10,000 who answered an advertisement for announcers on Radio Eireann, and was accepted for training. From there he progressed eventually to the BBC, where he presented his Radio 2 breakfast show for 27 years, as well as the TV chat show Wogan, the game show Blankety Blank, Children in Need and the Eurovision Song Contest, where his talent for irony blossomed.

Despite his gentle good humour, which made audiences feel better about themselves, he had been scarred to an extent by his Jesuit schooling, where everything seemed to be sinful. The experience turned him against religion generally, though he accompanied his wife, Lady Helen, a former model, to Mass.

However, when he was dying from cancer, Terry asked Father Brian D’Arcy, a priest who had presented Pause for Thought on his breakfast show, to ‘say goodbye’.

Father D’Arcy said: ‘Terry would find structured religion difficult, but he had a deep spirituality and a great, innate goodness and a conviction you ought to use your gifts for the benefit of mankind – and he did that right to the end.’

Appointed OBE in 1997, Wogan took British citizenship in 2005 and was knighted the same year. In Who’s Who he listed his occupation as “jobbing broadcaster”.

Tim Lenton

How to get to heaven The teacher asked her Sunday School class: ‘If sold my house and my car, had a big car boot sale and gave all my money to the church, would I get into Heaven?’ ‘No!’ the children all answered.

‘If I cleaned the church every day, mowed the grass, and kept everything neat and tidy, would I get into Heaven?’ Again, the answer was, ‘No!’

‘Well,’ she continued, ‘then how can I get into Heaven?’ A five-year-old boy shouted out, ‘You’ve got to be dead first!’

8

News from St Catherine’s and Kirk Christ

A Parish strawberry tea was held in St Catherine’s Church Hall on the last Saturday in July. Over sixty tickets were sold and the total raised towards parish funds was £485.46.

At the event Arthur Cregeen was presented with a painting of Kirk Christ Church, this in recognition of his services as a churchwarden over the past twenty years. The painting was donated by Mr & Mrs John Martin, and presented to Arthur by the Rev’d Joe Heaton.

th On Saturday 4 August St Catherine’s Church was the venue for the wedding of Breeshey Mort and Joshua Heaton. I am sure that everyone wishes them a long and happy life together.

Work on Kirk Christ organ pipes continues with Mr Peter Jones and his assistant working hard to complete the task.

The next major event taking place at Kirk Christ is the evening of musical entertainment which takes place on 7th September. Tickets are available priced £10.00 from Jim Dale and myself. There are posters advertising the event, and detailing who will be performing, around the village.

Gerry Callister

Mission & Outreach Committee of the PCC

Fairtrade

The Parish is looking for a willing volunteer (or group) to be our ambassador(s) for Fairtrade information and products. We envisioned a ‘pop up style’ stall if possible being available at the back of churches, specifically for special occasions where people could purchase fair-trade products and take leaflets on how to make their purchases more fair- trade. It would be wonderful if our Parish could get on board, as a slight difference in our purchasing habits will make such a difference to providing decent working conditions and a fairer deal for farmers and workers in developing countries. If you are interested please contact Jenny Stewart (249899)

Carol Singing

We are very excited to be organising some dates for us to go Carol singing within the Parish this year. Anyone is welcome to come and join us, no musical ability needed just a joy for spreading Season’s Greetings through some well-known carols. Dates will be confirmed in the October Parish Magazine

Jenny Stewart

9 September Crossword

Across 1 ‘Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders — in 3 O raid (anag.) (5) vain’ (Psalm 127:1) (6) 4 ‘If two of you on earth — about anything you 4 Season of the year (Psalm 84:6) (6) ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in 7 ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of heaven’ (Matthew 18:19) (5) death. — here and keep watch with me’ (Matthew 5 Take care of (1 Samuel 17:15) (4) 26:38) (4) 6 What the older son heard as he came near 8 It came over the whole land from the sixth to the the house the day his prodigal brother came ninth hour on the first Good Friday (Luke 23:44) (8) home (Luke 15:25) (5) 9 `Paul invariably did this in the synagogues he visited 10 ‘Do not think of yourself more highly than on his missionary journeys (Acts 17:2) (8) you ought, but rather think of yourself with 13 ‘It is God who works in you to will and to — — judgment’ (Romans 12:3) (5) according to his good purpose’ 11 Do ten(anag.) (5) (Philippians 2:13) (3) 12 Architectural style first used in Greek temples 16 Members of the Church of Scotland (13) in the sixth century BC (5) 17 ‘Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a 13 Capable of being used(1Kings7:36) (9) mountain side and — down’ (Matthew 5:1) (3) 14 ‘Each one should — his own 19 Mock (Luke14:29) (8) actions’(Galatians6:4) (4) 24 Disgrace (Psalm44:13) (8) 15 Among the items imported by Solomon’s 25 First month of the Hebrew calendar (Exodus13:4) (4) fleet of trading ships (1 Kings 10:22) (4) 26 Christianity of the Britons before Augustine arrived 18 ‘But I am afraid that just —— was deceived from Rome (6) by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may 27 Mean (Numbers 35:23) (6) somehow be led astray’ (2 Corinthians 11:3) (2,3) Down 20 Outstanding 18th-century hymn writer, — 1 ‘Whoever finds his life will — it’ Watts (5) (Matthew 10:39) (4) 21 One of the four sons of Asher 2 ‘My lord the king, let the — — on me and on my (Genesis46:17) (5) father’s family, and let the king and his throne be 22 Be distressed (Proverbs24:19) (4) without guilt’ (2 Samuel 14:9) (5,4) 23 He was the father of Gaal, who threatened rebellion against Abimelech (Judges 9:28) (4)

10 July Crossword Solution July Sudoku Solutions

The winner of July’s sudoku competition was Douglas Couper. Once again I asked my wife Pauline to choose the winning

entry from the eighteen solutions from the nine of you who entered. Douglas received his £5 prize money through the post. It was so good to see more of you entering. It is obvious that if the puzzles are easier, more of you are prepared to have a go. Thank you so much. (Editor)

Seek a fresh goal every day Look on all things new Show a smile along the way Let happiness shine through Don’t give up if plans may fail Make another start Keep a trust if hope is frail Find faith within your heart Set aside a time to care And then you’ll find it’s true A kindness passed around to share Will be returned to you

An unknown person said: “You don’t keep Grace in the freezer for later, it’s an endlessly available gift but its use by date is always now.” (Friendship Book)

(Both articles supplied by Inez Joughin)

11 We are like the Thai boys trapped in the cave

The Rev Tony Horsfall considers the inspiring story of the Thailand cave boys The dramatic rescue of the boys trapped deep inside a cave in Thailand has been an inspiration around the world. That all of them could be brought out alive seemed almost beyond belief, yet because of the bravery, skill and ingenuity of their rescuers it happened. One news reporter spoke about their ‘salvation’, and it certainly is a remarkable illustration of the salvation that Jesus offers us. Jesus offers us.

The boys were trapped deep underground in the darkness of a flooded cave for nine days, with no way of escape and no hope of saving themselves. They were lost and cut off from the outside world, separated from their families and friends. What a picture of the condition we find ourselves in when we are separated from God because of our sin.

Help for the boys came in the form of experienced divers and skilled cave rescue teams, not just from within Thailand, but from all around the world. These brave people left what they were doing to save the boys, exposing themselves to danger and harm, and risking their lives to rescue the boys. Indeed, one Thai navy diver lost his life in the process. They entered the dark world of the cave system to search for the boys and bring them back home. It reminds us that Christ left the glory of heaven and entered the darkness of our world in order to rescue us from our spiritual plight. He took on human form and became one of us so that He might save us – and of course, it cost Him His life.

What was most striking was that, having found the boys, the rescuers then had to carefully escort each one through the floodwaters of the cave system. One diver went in front, and another came behind, while the boys had to trust completely in their rescuers during the arduous exit from the caves. Only in this way could they be saved. It reminds us again of the way in which Jesus, in bringing many sons to glory (to use a phrase from Hebrews 2:10) gently and carefully leads each one of us from the dark place of life without God into the light of His presence. He asks us to trust Him as He leads the way, and to belief that He is able to save us completely, and for all time.

The book of Hebrews uses an unusual title for Jesus. It calls Him the ‘pioneer’ of our salvation (2:10). The word ‘pioneer’ suggests one who goes before us, making a way possible where there was no way before. It suggests an adventurer, one is brave and bold and willing to risk everything to save others. In a very real sense the people who rescued the boys were pioneers, because such a rescue had never been attempted before. It was daring, dramatic and heroic. So too was the rescue mission of Jesus that brought Him into our world and took Him to the darkness of the cross at Calvary. It is what pioneers do; lay down their lives for others. It’s what Jesus did for each one of us.

12 The September harvest: what spoils to enjoy after the

summer sizzle?

By Perfectplants.co.uk: an on-line shop offering delivery to your door of plants, gifts and accessories: Tel: 01323 833479 There’s no doubt that this summer hasn’t left us short of sunshine. But it has severely affected many crops because of lack of water. This isn’t too difficult to manage in a garden

without a hosepipe ban, Olive on tree Tomatoes although it has required significan significant input in terms of labour. But down on the allotment, water has been in short supply.

The task of providing regular fluid for growing produce has been just about impossible to manage for most people. Fruit and veg have had to survive on a less than ideal amount to drink. It’s not surprising that crops are a little scanty, although some fruits such as grapes, apricots, cherries and even olives have thrived. Established fruit trees such as apple, plum and pear are able to access water fairly deep below the surface but even these are experiencing leaf curl. Their crop will probably be fine this year, but there could easily be a knock-on effect next year. There’s no getting away from the fact that fruits in containers will need watering in all but the wettest conditions.

Most varieties of apples should be ready to pick at some point during September. Just twist on the tree to see if they are ripe. If so, they should drop off in your hand. Or simply slice an apple open to see if the seeds are black. It’s all about variety and position. Some apples mature as early as August, whilst others are at their best in October. Those receiving the most sun will obviously ripen earlier than those in the shade.

What else can you harvest this month? Beetroot, blackberries, cabbages, carrots, cauliflower, chillies, courgettes, potatoes, runner beans and cucumber. If tomatoes are slow to ripen you can pick then and place next to a banana in a drawer. The gas ethylene is naturally released by both fruits and this helps to ripen the tomatoes. Many root vegetables can be left in the ground and harvested when they are needed, provided the ground isn’t too wet. Some even get better as time goes by, including parsnips which grow sweeter after frosts.

Don’t forget to sow now for spring pickings. There are cabbages, salad, winter spinach, turnips and strawberry runners that can go in. Consider sowing green manures once your crops have been cleared away. These cover the ground, smother weeds and prevent erosion, also aerating the soil. Crops suitable as green manures include mustard, winter rye, crimson clover and Phacelia.

13 Finally, moving away from the vegetable plot and into the flower garden, September is a great time to plant spring and summer flowering bulbs. There are daffodils, hyacinths, crocus, alliums, Crocosmia and many more bulbs waiting to delight you, provided the ground is soft enough to dig.

Perfect Plants Ltd is an on-line supplier of garden plants, bulbs, house plants, garden equipment, furniture and gifts for all seasons www.perfectplants.co.uk

Refugees - Migrants – One New Humanity

Recen tly reading in church from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians2. 11-22, after dedicating the reading to us all, including all refugees, I was deeply moved.

Earlier, preparing, I had felt that I should dedicate the reading about Gentiles and Jews and Jesus creation of one new peaceful humanity to replace two humanities hostile to each other. Jesus abolished man made law which divided communities with its commandments and ordinances and made one new peaceful humanity.

The refugees that had come to mind were the large groups that are now being refused haven in Italy because of a dispute with other European Union countries over the overall management of the current refugee crisis.

That some laws of men still have the effect of succour being refused to people in deep distress is tragic. It is clearly understood that economic migrants are not admitted to EU countries without complying with formalities, but people seeking refuge from war, oppression and hunger should be mercifully admitted with tenderness and kindness.

There are big groups of refugees, hundreds of thousands in each group, all over the World – the Rohingya people in Myanmar (Burma) and Africans in the Congo, to mention only one country in Africa. Venezuela, South America is joining Weimar Germany and Zimbabwe of past and recent history, on one million percentage points of economic inflation, hard earned money becomes worthless and people struggle to buy food and necessary services.

The age-old tragedy of the enmity between the numerous different groups that make up humankind constantly arises; only one new humanity living in peace can resolve this deep -seated problem that so tragically afflicts our world.

Lore Segal a 90-year-old author was in the first wave of children in the Kindertransport to find refuge in England from the Holocaust during the second world war. She saved her parents from Vienna but then her Father was interned on the Isle of Man as a “German- speaking alien.” He suffered heart attacks during internment and died on the Isle of Man just before the war ended.

Lore says that she is now rooted again in New York, a naturalised US Citizen after the uprooting she suffered from Austria. She leaves us with this thought to ponder: - “I think refugees are never mentally entirely safe. Some of us know that when the gun points at you, it goes off.” Please let us have kindness, please let us have mercy for all refugees Anthony Murphy

14 All in the month of September

100 years ago, from 26th Sep to 11th Nov, the WW1 Meuse- Argonne Offensive took place in France. It was the last major battle of WW1, and the American Expeditionary Force’s largest and bloodiest operation of the war.

90 years ago, on 28th Sep 1928, the use of cannabis was made illegal in the UK. (Medical use of cannabis was made illegal in 1973).

80 years ago, on 30th Sep 1938, British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain returned to England in triumph after signing the Munich Agreement, declaring there would be ‘peace in our time’.

th 40 years ago, on 8 Sep 1978, the ‘Black Friday’ of the Iranian Revolution took place. Thousands of protestors gathered in Jaleh Square, Tehran, and ignored calls to disperse. The Imperial Army opened fire and foreign journalists reckoned that up to 4,000 people were killed. This was the pivotal event in the Iranian Revolution, and marked the beginning of the end of the Shah’s regime. Also, on 17th Sep 1978, the Camp David Accords were signed in Washington DC by Israel and Egypt. They led to the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty in 1979.

30 years ago, on 6th Sep 1988, 11-year-old British boy Thomas Gregory became the youngest person to swim the English Channel.

20 years ago, on 4th Sep 1998, Google, the internet search company, was founded by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, both students at Stanford University in California. The company was initially based in a friend’s garage in Menlo Park.

10 years ago, on 7th Sept 2008, the 2008 Financial Crisis was underway. The troubled US mortgage-financing giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were placed into government conservatorship, under the Federal Housing Finance Agency.

St Mary’s Church Grounds

Eddie Perkins is very kindly looking after the grounds at St Mary’s Church and is doing a wonderful job. He hopes to plant bulbs and perennials in the borders so that there is a wonderful display throughout the year. If any of you have some perennials to spare, or montbretia, or any plants which appear during the growing season and lie dormant during the winter months, could you let me know. Similarly, if you have spare daffodil bulbs they too would be most welcome. Thank you so much. (Editor)

15

“Rushen Roamers” The Sense of Touch Make a date with Rushen Roamers; This is the third of the poems my wife wrote A friendly, happy crew – for the leavers’ service for the children at Who like fresh air and exercise my school in July 2003. They were all about Some light refreshment too! the senses with the sixth sense being that of ‘love’. Assemble d on the mid-week day, When I was just a little child Prompt on the stroke of ten! Departure is from St Cath’s Church My mind was full of fears. There and back again. And on the day I started school My eyes were full of tears. But thee were Strong, sturdy shoes are essential. gentle hands around As byways can be rough To wipe my tears away. Retreat is always an option And other hands to lead me in If walking gets too tough! And show me where to play.

There were hands which fastened buttons, Sociability and friendship: Ingredients for joy – Stuck plasters on cut knees. Two aspects of our busy lives. There were hands which tied up laces To welcome and employ. Gave you tissues if you sneezed. There were hands which guided your hands Conclude with a ‘proper’ coffee; When you first began to write, A home-made scone or two! And fastened up your thick coat As gentle, extra, exercise When you went home each night. Fresh appetites renew. Through all the years I’ve been here

The “joie de vive” was contagious I’ve used my hands each day. Gladness whelmed up inside; Learnt skills I’d never dreamed of We anticipate this meeting, And learnt new games to play. Whatever may betide. I’ve become, I think, quite skilful On computers in the suite Autumn months may curtail action, These skills will help me cope with Forever there’ll be – The new challenges I meet.

Fond memories of roaming days – Pauline Bowman Of Rushen by the sea!

“In all your ways acknowledge Him And He will make strength your paths”

Proverbs 3:6 (NRSV)

Margaret Couper

16

From the Registers

Weddings (July 2018)

Friday 6th July Ingrid S Fleming & Noel J McConville Kirk Christ @ 2.30pm Thursday 26th July Madeline Brammer & Eben F Carswell St Peter’s Church @ 2pm Baptisms (July 2018)

Sunday 1st July Ollie Rob Rawstron Kirk Christ @ 9.30am Aidan Wayne Robert Richard Ali St Catherine’s Church @ 11am Funerals (July 2018)

Wednesday 4th July Winifred Quayle St Mary’s Church @ 9.30am Saturday 14th July Shirley Bullock Kirk Christ @ 11.30am th Tuesday 17 July Margaret Corkill Kirk Christ @ 11.30am

Safeguarding Strawberry Tea th The Parish of Rushen is committed to the On Saturday 28 July a strawberry tea safeguarding, nurture and care of everyone was held in St Catherine’s Church Hall. within our church community. If you, or The weather was dreadful, but it did someone you know, are concerned that a not deter sixty of you from attending. child or vulnerable adult is at risk or has At the event Arthur Cregeen, the been harmed, or are concerned about the former churchwarden of the parish, behaviour of someone towards children or was presented with a lovely picture of vulnerable adults, please contact: Kirk Christ in recognition of his tireless

Rushen Parish Safeguarding Officer, Claire work for both Kirk Christ and the parish as a whole. Jennings (Tel. 830850)

I would like to thank those of you who The Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser has yet to be appointed. For more details contact kindly gave of your time to prepare the diocese. the event, provide raffle prizes, and cleared away at the end. A copy of the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy is available on the Diocesan website: Altogether the event raised £485.46 towards church funds. http://www.sodorandman.im/safeguarding _inclusion Gerry Callister

17

Rushen Mothers’ Union

Our new session begins as usual with Communion in Kirk Christ Parish Church on Monday 10th September at 2pm. It will be special this year as Mrs Audrey Hibbert will be enrolled as member.

The new programme is available now, and can be collected from Valerie Vaughan, Kathleen Trustrum, Jane Gunn or Elsie Faragher Elsie Faragher. We have a varied selection of speakers booked, and look forward to welcoming old and new members to our meetings each month.

Rushen Branch will host the Corporate Communion Service this year at Kirk Christ Parish Church on Tuesday 18th September at 7.30pm. Members are invited to come along and meet MU members from other branches

G uests are always welcome at our meetings which alternate each month between St Mary’s and St Catherine’s Church Halls.

The sudden death of Brenda Watterson has shocked and saddened us all. A past Island President of Mothers’ Union and for many years, Brenda WAS Rushen Mothers’ Union, her love and care will always be remembered. Our thoughts and sincere sympathy go out to Brenda’s family at this sad time. Elsie Faragher

I would like to thank you lovely generous people for your Children's Society boxes and donations.

Your support will help to change the lives of countless children who through no fault of their own are cast aside by society. The amount raised was £305.90. Once again I am so grateful for your kindness. Thank you Doreen Callister

Alternative prayer

Charlie had been misbehaving and was sent to his room. After a while he emerged and informed his mother that he had thought it over and then said a prayer. ‘Fine’, said the pleased mother. ‘If you ask God to help you not misbehave, He will help you.’

‘Oh, I didn't ask Him to help me not misbehave,’ said Charlie. ‘I asked Him to help you put up with me.’

18 God in the Arts

For 2018, the Rev Michael Burgess is exploring symbols of the Christian faith as found in works of art.

‘He gave us eyes to see them’ - Church of the Multiplication

All the saints have their special symbols. When we see a saint in a window or painting carrying loaves of bread, we know it is St Philip. It was Philip who wondered how the multitude gathered around Jesus could be fed in John 6. Our Lord met their hunger with just five loaves and two fish.

Bread has always been a staple food in the Holy Land, and in July the media reported that the oldest bread had been found in the remains of a Jordanian fire 14,000 years ago. Today all kinds of bread are sold in our bakeries and supermarkets. Each country has its own way of producing bread, but at heart it is the same procedure combining the four ancient elements of life: earth, air, water and fire - earth producing the grain for flour, air to transform the dough, water added to the mix, and fire to bake the bread.

Bishop Geoffrey Rowell tells the story of sharing a picnic with some Lebanese Christians. Fragments of the bread were scattered on the ground, and he idly cracked them with his feet. The reaction was immediate. ‘Don’t do that’ one said. ‘It is bread. It is life.’ John tells us in chapter 6 how bread is a sign of life for the people, and a sign that points to Jesus whose life is generously shared with others.

A church was built on the site of that miracle at Tabgha by the north-west shore of the Sea of Galilee. It is called the. On the floor in front of the altar is a 5th century mosaic depicting the loaves and fish – beautiful and immediate in its simplicity.

We enter our own churches and see bread offered on the altar at every eucharist, and rejoice that Jesus is our host as He was by the Sea of Galilee. He comes to us with the same invitations: ‘Take and eat. See and believe.’ He offers us the bread of life. But more than that: He offers us the bread of eternal life.

19 Children’s Page

20 The Story Behind the Hymn

The words of this frequently sung hymn were written by F. H. Rowley and the I will sing music by Peter B. Bilhorn. “I was minister the of the First Baptist Church of North Adams, Massachusetts, in 1886,” wrote wondrous Rowley. “The church and community were experiencing a period of unusual interest story in religious matters, and I was assisted by F. H. Rowley a remarkable young singer by the name of Peter Bilhorn. One night after the close of the service he said, ‘Why don’t you write a hymn for me to set to music?’ During I will sing the wondrous story the night these verses came to me. The Of the Christ who died for me, original poem began, ‘Can’t you sing the How He left His home in glory wondrous story?’ but when the song was For the cross of Calvary. first published by Sankey in 1887 the phrase was changed to “I will sing …”

Yes, I'll sing the wondrous story Bilhorn was born in Illinois in 1861, shortly Of the Christ who died for me, after his father was killed in the Civil War. Sing it in the light of glory, He was converted at twenty under D. L. Sing it through eternity. Moody’s preaching, acquiring musical training, and launched a career in I was lost, but Jesus found me, evangelism which was to make him world Found the sheep that went astray, famous. “Sweet Peace, the Gift of God’s Threw His loving arms around me, Love” is another of his many Drew me back into His way. compositions. He died in Los Angeles on December 13, 1936. I was bruised, but Jesus healed me; Faint was I from many a fall; Feeling the need of a portable organ for Sight was gone, and fears possessed me, use in street meetings, jail services, and But He freed me from them all. similar gospel endeavours, Bilhorn designed a small folding organ, weighing sixteen pounds, and started its Days of darkness still come o'er me, Sorrow's paths I often tread, manufacture in 1887. His Bilhorn Brothers But the Saviour still is with me; Organ Company grew and is still thriving, By His hand I'm safely led. carried on by two nephews. Bilhorn organs have won gold medals at six World He will keep me till the rapture, Expositions, and are currently in use on Day by day He'll wash my feet, battleships, in army camps, in rescue And will transform all my nature missions and hospitals, and on far-flung That in glory we may meet. mission fields.

21 Rushen Parish Prayer Diary

Heavenly Father, look in love on our friends and neighbours. Keep them from harm; bless them in all good things; give them your gifts of kindness and gentleness. Enfold our whole community, friends and strangers, in the peace that only you can give. And give us the wisdom to see your image in the eyes of everyone we meet, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

September 2018 This is your invitation to pray day by day for:

1st Those who entertain us in theatres, on the sports field, or on television 2nd Children preparing for the new term at school 3rd Children in third world countries who need medical help in order to survive 4th The PCC Meeting being held this evening in St Mary’s Church Hall at 7pm 5th All who are confused in a world of multi-choice 6th That world leaders may set good examples 7th All who work in dangerous or hostile environments th 8 Children taken into care and those left at risk 9th All whose sight and hearing are failing 10 th That we may know God’s presence in our homes 11 th All missionaries both at home and abroad 12 th The Pope and fellow Christians in the Roman Catholic Church 13 th The fellowship experienced in our four churches 14 th Integrity and fair dealing in world trade 15 th All who work with children during court proceedings 16th Local singers and musicians th 17 Our churchwardens and members of the PCC 18th The work of the Children’s Society 19 th People we know who are ill, or in pain, and are awaiting treatment 20 th Funeral directors and the work they do in helping the bereaved 21 st Members of St Mary’s Church Choir and Michael Porter, their choirmaster 22 nd Children who have been baptised this summer, their parents and Godparents 23 rd People who receive Holy Communion at home because they are housebound 24 th Those responsible for opening and closing our four churches each day. 25th The United Nations and peace-keeping forces th 26 Charities to which the Parish of Rushen subscribe 27th Peace throughout the world, especially in the Middle East 28 th Those who go hungry because of failed harvests 29 th Children of the parish who want to know more about Jesus and His wonderful work 30 th Good harvests so that those who have been hungry because of famine can be fed

22 Services September 2018

2nd September 8am St Catherine’s Holy Communion (BCP) (Trinity 14) 9.30am Kirk Christ Morning Prayer (CW) 11am St Mary’s Holy Communion(CW) 11am St Catherine’s Morning Prayer + Baptism (CW) 3.15pm St Peter’s Evening Prayer (BCP)

5th September 11.45am Southlands Holy Communion (CW)

2pm St Mary’s Play & Praise

9th September 9.30am Kirk Christ Holy Communion (CW) (Trinity 15) 11am St Mary’s All-Age Service (CW) 11am St Catherine’s Holy Communion (CW) 3.15pm St Peter’s Evening Prayer (BCP)

16th September 8am St Catherine’s Holy Communion (BCP) (Trinity 16) 9.30am Kirk Christ Morning Prayer (CW) 11am St Mary’s Holy Communion (CW) 11am St Catherine’s All-Age Service (CW) 3.15pm St Peter’s Holy Communion (BCP)

rd 23 September 9.30am Kirk Christ Holy Communion (CW) (Trinity 17) 11am St Mary’s Morning Prayer + Baptism (CW) 11am St Catherine’s Holy Communion (CW) 3.15pm St Peter’s Evening Prayer (BCP)

30th September 11am St Mary’s Joint Harvest Festival (Trinity 18) 3rd October 11.45am Southlands Holy Communion (CW) 2pm St Mary’s Play & Praise

7th October 8am St Catherine’s Holy Communion (BCP) (Trinity 19) 9.30am Kirk Christ Morning Prayer (CW) 11am St Mary’s Holy Communion(CW) 11am St Catherine’s Morning Prayer (CW) 3.15pm St Peter’s Harvest Festival

14th October 9.30am Kirk Christ Holy Communion (CW) (Trinity 20) 11am St Mary’s All-Age Service (CW) 11am St Catherine’s Holy Communion (CW) 3.15pm St Peter’s Evening Prayer (BCP)

(All services subject to change) (CW) Common Worship (BCP) Book of Common Prayer

23 Contact Details for Rushen Parish

St Mary’s Sunday School Leader:

Carole Coole, Cronk-NyGreiney, Fisher’s Hill, Arbory 827545

St Mary’s Ladies Working Party Mrs Susan Maddrell, Athol Lodge, Fistard, Port St Mary 833151

St Mary’s Hall Bookings: Mr G Callister, 60 Ballamaddrell, Port Erin 474924/834627

St Catherine’s Hall Bookings:

Mr & Mrs G Callister, 60 Ballamaddrell, Port Erin 474924/834627

Web Site/E-mail:

www.rushenparish.org.uk [email protected]

Magazine Editor

Mr David Bowman, The Old Bakery, Qualtroughs Lane, 837117/260539

Ballafesson, Port Erin e-mail: [email protected]

Articles for the October magazine should be submitted to the editor no later than 10th September 2018.

Parish Director of Music:

Mr M D Porter, 10 Fairway Drive, Rowany, Port Erin 832143

Churchyard Enquiries:

Please contact Mr Harry Dawson: 478050/835770 or Mr G Callister: 474924/834627

24 September 2018 Sudoku Competition

Another two sudoku grids for you to solve. These are classed as ‘very easy’ so do please have a go. I had nine entries for July’s competition which was really good. Hopefully this number will increase. The prize money of £5 is given to the winning entry. The usual rules apply. Your entry needs to be with me no later than the last Friday of August. You can post it through my letter-box, send it to my address through the post, or hand it to me personally, or to one of the churchwardens. The draw usually takes place in my house with a visitor, or my wife, choosing the winning entry. The prize money will be sent through the post to the winning entry. Good luck! (Editor)