THETrinity TIMES

The Parish Magazine of Holy Trinity Church, Henley-on-Thames

Price 25p November 2020 THE VICAR’S LETTER

Dear friends,

“Remember, remember the fifth of as we have recently marked the 80 th November.… “ Anniversary of the Battle of Britain. At 11am on 11 th November there will Well, November is quite a month for also be an Act of Remembrance at the remembering. It is a month that Town Hall to mark Armistice Day. highlights how important remembering is in our Christian tradition - how But alongside all these special days of remembering has shaped our worship remembering, we celebrate together today, and how it underpins our plans for week by week another act of the future. remembrance: “This is my body, this is my blood, do this in remembrance of We begin the month remembering All me”, said Jesus to his disciples. The Saints’ Day. This is a day to remember Holy Communion is one of only two Christians who have gone before us; central acts of Christian Worship that from the famous saints of the New Jesus gave to his disciples to continue Testament right through to Christians in (alongside Baptism). the present day. We remember that we “Remember Jesus Christ, raised from are all called to be saints, “set apart” the dead, that is my Gospel” (2 Timothy here and now, to shine as lights in the 2:8). world, and by our lives, draw others to Christ. Celebrating All Saints’ Day began But such Acts of Remembrance cannot in the fourth century, so we are following be just for their own sakes: we a great Christian tradition. remember so that we can be strengthened, learn and move out in Then, hot on the heels of All Saints’ mission. We remember those great comes the remembering of All Souls’ nd Christian saints who have gone before Day, 2 November. It is sometimes us, so that we can be inspired by their known as the ‘Commemoration of the examples in our lives today. We Faithful Departed’. This is the day when remember those who gave their lives in we remember treasured family and war, so that we can learn from the past friends. We pray with thanksgiving for and strive for peace and justice in the those who have gone before us in faith, world today. Above all we remember and and ask that we may be strengthened by receive Jesus’s gift of his body and blood their examples. each week, so that we can be November 8 th sees Remembrance strengthened to go out and do His will.

Sunday, remembering those who have “Remember, remember”, and in the spirit given their lives in the service of others of remembrance let us give thanks for in the two world wars and other wars the past, value the present, and move since… a day to remember with gratitude forward together in God’s mission. and to pray for peace and justice in the world. It is especially poignant this year Best wishes, Duncan

The Reverend Duncan Carter

2 Trinity at Four update We're Moving House!

Dear friends,

In the run up to our recent house It’s exciting to be able to resume move, a favourite moment was when children’s groups, and for them to our 3 year old daughter, Jo-Jo, sitting gradually rebuild relationships with next to her new brother, Barnabas, church friends after a long period looked up at us and said “Will we where that’s been much harder. bring Barney to our new house?” 2. Our vision and priorities are “That’s the plan”, I replied, “although it coming with us does depend on whether his night time sleep improves.” When Trinity at Four came into existence 2 years ago, our vision was Trinity at Four is moving house! From th to reach out to our community with Sunday 25 October, our Sunday the good news of Jesus, in a way that meetings will take anybody of any age place at Christ could access. That Church, Henley. vision remains the But whilst our same. In fact, I’m Sunday very excited about accommodation the way that the will change, we’re Christ Church bringing the whole facilities will make it family with us. In that sense, nothing even easier for us to do, even if we’ll of great substance will change at all. continue to be constrained by the pandemic for a while yet. 1. Our church family is coming with us A move of location is a great At least I very much hope you are! opportunity to invite newcomers For some, the pandemic experience along, so why not think about who has helped you to feel much more you could give an invitation to right part of our church family, and I hope now? now meeting together in one gathering rather than two, will further 3. Our growing partnership with grow that important sense of Holy Trinity is coming with us belonging. For others, the pandemic experience has actually left us much Holy Trinity has been much more than more disconnected from church just a building for us. We have all family. Why not see our re-start at benefited hugely from the godliness, Christ Church, as a great opportunity warmth, engagement, and gospel to re-engage. partnership of Duncan Carter, the Holy Trinity minister, and of the Holy Trinity church family more widely. I

3 remain licensed by the Church of individuals, and also as a church England through the Holy Trinity family. As we take this next step on parish and we are currently working our journey together, it’s a step we on exciting plans to continue take entirely depending on God for developing this partnership, which I the days ahead. Our church family hope to talk more about in the New story of the last three years has been Year. one of provision after gracious provision. I remain increasingly 4. Our dependence on God for convinced that the Lord has exciting everything is coming with us plans for us all, so can I encourage you to get on board, and even more If the pandemic has shown us importantly, get on your knees and anything, it’s that our own control of pray. life is extremely limited. That’s true as With grateful thanks,

Sam

The Reverend Sam Brewster

Quarantining in the church had its drawbacks. Two days in, the biscuits were gone, and Rupert was hungry.

4 Ride & Stride

Many thanks to our four walkers who participated in the Ride & Stride on Saturday 12 th September, Ian Forster, Mike Hails, Peter and Sally Jones, and to all who sponsored them. Together we raised the very useful sum of £340, half of which will go to the Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust to help them make grants to churches for repairs and half will be returned to us here at Holy Trinity. Peter Jones

Reverend Duncan Carter

Holy Trinity Vicarage Church Street Henley-on-Thames FUNERALS Oxon RG9 1SE Tel: (01491) 574822 23 rd Sep Anthony Hugo Wood

The Vicar is always glad to see 2nd Oct Brenda Joy Clokey anyone needing help or advice. 8th Oct Margaret Florence Talking through problems and Burchell th praying with people are his top 9 Oct Brian William Hughes th priorities. Do not feel worried about 12 Oct Ronald Austin Blower 23 rd Oct Shirley Diane Riches sharing your problems, whatever the concern, large or small. For your reference, his day off is Saturday.

Forgiving

The other day Pam and I got very cross when a person walking along our road pulled up a flowering lavender plant from our front garden. Pam happened to be looking out of the window at the time and shouted at this person through the open window, who, presumably thought she had not been seen. We were cross, to say the least, and a phone call and letter of complaint followed.

On waking the next morning my first thought was the lavender plant and furious thoughts boiled up again. However, I then became aware that I was being reminded of the prayer that Jesus taught us: Forgive us our trespasses (sins) as we forgive those who trespass (sin) against us. That put it into a whole different light, but it’s hard isn’t it? MRH

5 Children’s Pages

Saint Andrew

This month Scotland remembers one of the very first disciples of Jesus. Saint Andrew is honoured not for any mighty deeds of his own, but for his love of introducing people to Jesus. He went straight off and introduced his brother Peter to the Saviour, and followed that up by bringing Nathanael / Bartholomew to Jesus. ‘Better Together’ seems to have been his slogan, too! ‘We have found the Messiah!’, he told them, unable to keep the good news to himself. Andrew’s connection with Scotland dates back to the claimed translation of his remains from Patras in Achaia to Scotland in the eighth century. The church in Fife where these remains were buried became a place of pilgrimage during the tenth century. All of this may be no more than pious legend, but that Saint Andrew was highly regarded in Scotland and became its patron saint is beyond doubt.

Scotland Nathanael eighth pious disciples Bartholomew remains patron Jesus Messiah translation saint Andrew Saviour Fife love honoured Patras pilgrimage introducing Peter Archaia tenth place

Parish Pump 6 Children’s Pages

7 SERVICES in NOVEMBER

The Vicar, the Reverend Duncan SUNDAY 22 nd NOVEMBER Carter, will lead the morning services, Christ the King with the assistance of the Licensed Lay Minister, Michael Forsdike. 10:00 A.M. HOLY COMMUNION The Reverend Sam Brewster, will lead the Trinity at Four services. 4:00 P.M. TRINITY AT FOUR at Christ Church URC SUNDAY 1 st NOVEMBER th Fourth Sunday before Advent SUNDAY 29 NOVEMBER All Saints’ Day Advent Sunday

10:00 A.M. HOLY COMMUNION 10:00 A.M. MORNING WORSHIP for all ages 4:00 P.M. TRINITY AT FOUR at Christ Church URC 4:00 P.M. TRINITY AT FOUR at Christ Church URC SUNDAY 8 th NOVEMBER Remembrance Sunday Third Sunday before Advent

10:00 A.M. MORNING WORSHIP FOR REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY

4:00 P.M. TRINITY AT FOUR at Christ Church URC

SUNDAY 6 th DECEMBER Second Sunday in Advent

10:00 A.M. MORNING WORSHIP

th SUNDAY 15 NOVEMBER 4:00 P.M. TRINITY AT FOUR Second Sunday before Advent

10:00 A.M. MORNING WORSHIP for all ages

4:00 P.M. TRINITY AT FOUR at Christ Church URC

8 P. C. C. Notes

The P.C.C. met face-to-face, but ideas more widely with the P. C. C. socially distanced, for the first time and congregations. Once the vision since March on September 24 th in has been agreed it is proposed that Church. The meeting was also the Group will manage the process, available on Zoom. with the aim of integration, not just for Here are some of the highlights. its own sake, but for the effectiveness of the Church for the Lord Jesus. We Wi-Fi has been installed in the church are, however, only at the beginning of and being able to hold the these discussions. P. C. C. meeting on Zoom was an early benefit. The School and other Trinity at Four have been having users would also be benefiting from it. back-to-back all age services in the church since public worship restarted, Finance. Income to the end of August but have now confirmed that they will was £49,570.37 and expenditure be moving to Christ Church for the £32,699.62. Income had included a time being, as had been planned very generous legacy from Betty earlier in the year. The hope is that Lewenden and it was agreed that this this will happen at the end of October be put into the re-ordering fund as or early November. This move will not restricted income. During September necessarily be permanent. the third instalment of £10,000 towards the Parish Share had been The Annual Meetings were held on paid, and the current bank balance October 18 th as part of the morning stood at about £14,000. service and there might be a separate report on that. Michael and Barbara Safeguarding. Lucy Brewster has had indicated that they were willing to taken over from Michael Forsdike as continue as Churchwardens. John Safeguarding Officer on an interim Smiley and Mike Hails were both basis as it was agreed that she was standing down from the P. C. C., so the most appropriate person with links there were going to be two vacancies to the young people of the church. for Deanery Synod representatives and three for P. C. C. members. A 5-year plan is in place in which the Although not part of the Annual Holy Trinity and Trinity at Four Meetings there are also two congregations will be working vacancies for Foundation Governor of together to establish a revitalised Trinity School. ministry. A Project Group had been set up consisting of Duncan, Sam, The next P. C. C. meeting is planned Michael and Jamie Henshall, and they for Thursday 5 th November at are meeting once a month, defining 4:00 p.m. in Church, so let’s hope that the vision for the future and sharing can take place. Mike Hails

9 Deanery Synod

Those of you who notice my irregular should deal with finance , the parish contributions to Trinity Times will with worship and pastoral care, and know that I sometimes refer to the deanery with mission . something that I have read in the Church Times. There are risks to this. First, you could lose parochial ministry and that Having stood down from representing is currently vital to the church’s Trinity on the Henley Deanery Synod I identity and mission. Secondly it was interested to read an article in the might not be regarded as authentic. latest issue of C.T. in So good communication which the writer would be vital. What suggests that would the Church gain? Deaneries should It could mean that the replace parishes as Church could plan its the focus of mission. outreach not on where The writer is Paul people sleep, but on Thomas, an where they live, work, Archdeacon in and play. It will allow Lichfield Diocese. greater flexibility in deciding where to He is not one of those concentrate resources who sees the rather than being Deanery Synod as a restrained by parochial group of well-meaning Anglicans boundaries. waiting to go home. Instead he suggests that the deanery supports Mission often needs to focus on parishes by encouraging people groups or specialised spheres interdependence and in affirming that (such as gyms, cafés or schools), its purpose is to include all its which are dotted both in and beyond members in the discernment of discrete geographical units of church Christian truth and in the government life, such as parishes. of the Church. A second advantage would be He also quotes from the report sustainability. In the rural context entitled Mission Shaped Church: particularly, church groups or “once the need of a network approach activities often lack critical mass. This is recognised, the deanery becomes could be overcome if parochial an essential unit for mission”. boundaries were not so important.

By regarding the Deanery as the local What do you think? church it also encourages parishes to pool resources rather than duplicate I have enjoyed my time on the local them or suffer a depletion of them. It Synod, as meetings were a good is also suggested that the diocese opportunity to visit other churches and

10 to meet people from other local what was happening at Diocesan and churches and to hear more about General Synod level, and we were what is happening in the wider seldom consulted on what had been church. Having said that, I have discussed at those bodies. Hopefully sometimes felt that it wasn’t part of it is now time for someone else from church government and that we Trinity to be representing us on the needed to have more connection with Henley Deanery Synod. Mike Hails

"MEN WANTED FOR HAZARDOUS JOURNEY! - small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, - constant danger, safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in case of success."

So ran the words of Sir Ernest Shackleton's advert in 1914. He was trying to recruit men for his expedition to the Antarctic. The advert itself is quite famous. What is not often known is that 5,000 applicants responded – of which 3 were women!! He eventually picked 26 men. This number increased by one when, en route, they discovered a stowaway!!

Look at that advert again. What makes people want to volunteer for such a dangerous project? What makes someone so desperate that they will stowaway to be part of it? The sense of adventure? To escape difficult circumstances at home? Were men and women just different back then? Were they made of tougher stuff?

Whatever your answer to those questions, there is no doubt that the call to be a Christian, to be part of Christ's adventure in this world, means getting involved in a much tougher assignment. The advert might run like this:

"MEN AND WOMEN WANTED FOR HAZARDOUS JOURNEY! - no wages, bitter rejection, lifelong difficulties, constant danger, return to old life impossible"!!

Now that might surprise you. You may have learned a slightly easier, "fluffy" type of Christianity. Well, it's not meant to be like that according to Jesus, "the author" of our adventure of faith. " Any of you who does not give up everything that he has CANNOT be my disciple " – Luke 14:33. It costs you everything!!

So why should millions volunteer for such a journey? Because, unlike Shackleton's adventure where a "return", was "doubtful", for the Christian, "safe arrival" is guaranteed for all those who persevere to the end" And that's the point. It's incredibly tough now, it may cost you your life now, but when Jesus Christ returns – or we go to meet Him – indescribable joy and bliss await us, as we live with Him forever!

Some Christians were on the point of giving up. In a letter sent to them, the writer says, "You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will

11 receive what He has promised" - Hebrews 10:36. So don't be surprised if it's tough as a Christian in this world – keep going! The best is always still to come.

Holy Trinity Church has been here for over 170 years. Undoubtedly some wonderful Christian people have lived a life of faith and served our community well! But we've hardly begun to reach our community with the thrilling good news about Jesus Christ.

So, as you read this magazine, please think again about the part you play in this great adventure. Are you on board? Fully trusting Jesus Christ – whatever the future holds? Standing side by side with other Christians as we seek to work together for His glory alone? What a privilege! What an honour! There really is "no other way" in this world!

"Blessed is the person who perseveres under trial, because when they have stood the test, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him" - James 1:12 Ducan Carter

“…well your sermon on the theme of ‘Life if President Trump gets re-elected’ seems to have gone down very well, Vicar…”

New Magazine E-mail Address

The E-mail addrss for the magazine has changed. All submissions sent by E-mail must now be sent to [email protected] . The same is also true for the wesbite E-mail address. That is now [email protected] .

The cost of renewing the old domain has increased and is now ten times the cost of buying it in the first place and it was only bought to be easy to remember. I haven’t had to tell anyone the address verbally in a couple of years and I expect most people who don’t know the E-mail address would refere to the addess on the back of the magazine. Richard Young

12 On the Ferocity of the Church’s Bridge Drive

The Rectory Saint James the Least of All My dear Nephew Darren

Your suggestion that we should hold a everyone has to bring their own sponsored hymn-singing bicycle ride sandwich and drink has rather spoilt the through the village as a way of raising fun. Usually half our players regard money was well-meant, but I am not lunchtime as an opportunity to put jam wholly convinced it would suit our on the cards, spill tea on the score cards clientele here at Saint James the Least and make sure that the other tables get of All. the egg and cress sandwiches while they corner the boiled ham; the others You may have musical bike rides, but usually see it as an unwelcome we have Bridge drives, although interruption to the serious business of socially distanced at the moment, of slaughtering their opponents. It is so sad course. But even at two metres apart, that Covid-19 has halted this merry our Bridge games are generally as comradery. amiable and peaceful as bear baiting. Half of those attending will see the As for drawing the raffle, it is the adult afternoon as an opportunity to catch up equivalent of ringing the school bell at on local gossip and to exchange going-home time. Half the players will knitting patterns, the game of cards immediately dash off to relay newly being a minor hindrance to these other mined seams of gossip throughout the activities. The other half arrive primed village, leaving the others holding for a battle to the death, reluctantly reproachful post-mortems with their conceding that eye-gouging is not partners over their bidding mistakes. allowed. They will demand total silence – which is wholly ignored by those at Reproaches are never too violent, the tables discovering what Mrs however, since the chances are that Trumpington confided to Lady Driver they will all be meeting again the halfway through ‘Onward Christian following afternoon round a socially Soldiers’ at last Sunday’s Mattins. The distanced card table at another location, congregation is eternally grateful to for yet another re-enactment of the Mrs Mitchell, who as a former mill slaughter at Agincourt. The only worker is able to lip read. difference will be that the French and English were not entertained with tea Refreshments have been hit hard by and sandwiches at half time. Covid-19 of course, and the fact that Your loving uncle,

Eustace

Parish Pump

13 PARISH JOTTINGS

Harvest Festival 2020 to Christ Church, will now take place This was our first pandemic Harvest from next Sunday. Festival, and we hope the last, nevertheless, the festival took place Copies of the church’s Annual Report whilst we observed all the regulations. for 2019-20 are available in church. Packages and tins of food, displayed in the windowsills set the festive Bishop of Dorchester’s Retirement atmosphere, and were later donated to the Henley Food Bank.

During the service, Duncan gave an enlightening talk about the Parable of the Tenants to remind us that God trusts us with all the good things he has given us in this world, and that He looks to see what our response is to

Him, and our neighbours. The Harvest The Right Reverend Festival is one of our ways of thanking OBE, our Area Bishop, held two God for His goodness. farewell services in Dorchester Abbey th Annual Church Meetings on Sunday 4 October to mark his Our Annual Church Meetings took retirement. He was appointed Bishop place on Sunday 18 th October, which of Dorchester in 2000, succeeding was six months later in the year than Bishop who moved to normal, and they took place under become , and retires after pandemic conditions, with everyone serving for 45 years as a priest in the wearing protective masks. The .

Reverend Duncan Carter chaired the In 2008, Bishop Colin was awarded meetings. Due to the pandemic ‘The Officer of the Order of the British restrictions, it was not possible to hold Empire’ in the Millennium Honours List, our usual Harvest Lunch this year. and in the same year, ‘The Cross of At the Meetings, Barbara Williams and Saint Augustine’, for outstanding Michael Forsdike were re-elected for service to the Anglican Communion. another year’s term of office as our Now in his seventieth year, Bishop churchwardens. This will be Barbara’s Colin is planning to spend his thirteenth year of office, and Michael’s retirement with his wife Sarah in the seventh. The Reverend Sam Brewster village of Bladon, near Woodstock. announced that Trinity at Four’s JB afternoon meetings, postponed move

14

Autumn scene by the river in Holy Trinity church parish (2019)

15 THE Trinity TIMES

The current parish magazine of Holy Trinity church, Henley-on-Thames.

Published monthly throughout the year. This issue is Number 312.

Holy Trinity church parish magazines have been produced since 1890.

CONTACTS AT HOLY TRINITY CHURCH

Vicar

The Reverend Duncan Carter Holy Trinity Vicarage 57 4822

Minister for Trinity at Four

The Reverend Sam Brewster 29 Gainsborough Hill 07899 843461

Licensed Lay Minister

Michael Forsdike 1 Brookside, Watlington 61 2161

Churchwardens

Barbara Williams 14 Lovell Close 57 4533 Michael Forsdike 1 Brookside, Watlington 61 2161

PCC Treasurer Stefan Kotas 07539 822201 Church Flowers Maureen George & 57 7895 Mary Burton 57 2971 Magazine Editor Richard Young 57 8422

The STD Code for Henley telephone numbers is 01491

Holy Trinity website : http://www.holytrinityhenley.org.uk

Readers are invited to contribute articles, features, notices, etc., for publication in the Trinity Times. Submissions should be delivered to Richard Young, 11 Saint Mary’s Close, (Telephone 578422), or E-mailed to the Trinity Times mailbox at ‘ [email protected] ’.

For inclusion in the next magazine, which will be combined for December and January, submissions must be received by Sunday the 15 th of November.