Rushen Parish Magazine
August 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 Arthur Cregeen, 23 Close Famman, Port Erin 832488/422737 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
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I wonder how many times you have done something and then wished you hadn’t? I have, probably more times than I dare to remember. Believe it or not it happened to me just over a week ago: It happens to be the custom for someone to read a story, a poem, or an anecdote prior to every meeting of the Ladies Working Party. I happened to have a story with me which I read to the ladies at their meeting on 17th July. It was a story about a train crossing keeper in America who sacrificed his son for the sake of many others who would have lost their lives but for his altruism. When I had finished the story I realised that a number of the ladies’ present had been upset by the outcome, probably because it involved the death of a child.
There is no doubt that such deaths are upsetting which is probably why so many of us were rooting for those boys trapped in the caves in Thailand, and how happy we were that they were saved. During my years as headteacher I was unfortunate to have to face the deaths of two children in my care. One ten-year-old girl was killed by a drunk driver, and an eight- year -old girl, killed by a young lad who was joy riding. You can imagine the devastation that the deaths had on their parents, relatives, school friends, teachers and myself, especially as I was involved in both their funerals.
After the immediate trauma had died down I felt it important to keep in touch with the parents, partly as a friend and partly because I wanted them to know that as a school we cared, and wanted to be able to help in any way we could. It was amazing to find that there was a huge gap between the effect the deaths had had on the parents. In one case there was composure, forgiveness, and an acceptance of what had happened, and in the other, hate, agitation, and the desire for retribution. In both cases their daughters had been killed by recklessness, and a flagrant abuse of the law. At the time I couldn’t understand why such a difference existed.
It wasn’t until time passed by, and the immediate aftermath had died down, that I realised why this had occurred. The ten-year-old lived in a Christian family which attended church regularly and whose lives were spent following Jesus Christ. The eight-year-old had no Christian connection whatsoever. She may have attended a Church of England primary school , where Christian values were paramount, there was no reinforcement in the home environment .
Death really does have a huge affect on our lives. Thank goodness Christians have Jesus to turn to in times of real distress, and the knowledge that however devastating it may be, He will care for us, and give us the knowledge that we can cope with anything as long as we place our trust in Him.
David
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Becoming a Christian (Part 2)
Ever wonder who is eligible to become a Christian? Here the Ven John Barton concludes his two-part series. (Editor)
I said last month that to become a Christian requires from us something outward and something inward. Of course, the ‘something external’ is Baptism: a physical act in which we apply to the candidate a sign of Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection. But Baptism implies a turning of heart and mind towards God. It can happen at any time.
Kenneth Clark, the art historian, who was the author of a famed television series called ‘Civilisation’ was clever, charming, and wealthy (he bought Saltwood Castle near Hythe). He lived an urbane and rather immoral life. But recently, on the BBC, Bishop James Jones revealed another side to the man.
Clark had been on his own studying religion in Florence when one day he was in the Church of San Lorenzo. For a few minutes his whole being was, he said, ‘irradiated by a kind of heavenly joy, far more intense’ than anything he had experienced before. It lasted for several months. He was sure that he had felt ‘the finger of God’.
But then, he admitted that he had made no effort to hold on to the experience, ‘My life was far from blameless: I would have to reform. My family would think I was going mad, and perhaps after all it was a delusion for I was in every way unworthy of receiving such a flood of grace.’ But the experience, he said, helped him to understand the joys of the saints.
Shortly before his death he was received into the Roman Catholic Church, saying he found the Church of England too secular. Was that a last-minute conversion prompted by the vision he had experienced long before? I hope so.
Your conversion may be less dramatic. But are you ready to die, whenever that happens? We have to ask ourselves if we are. It is possible, like the thief crucified alongside Jesus, right at the last moment, to turn your life over to Christ as Saviour, knowing that there’s nothing you can contribute. Salvation is on offer to all. God does not reject anyone.
John Harvey Kellogg gave the world its most popular breakfast. A distant relative of his, Florence Scripps Kellogg, gave the world a lovely morning prayer:
Each morning when I wake I say I place my hand in Gods today I know he’ll walk close by my side My every wandering step to guide.
Article supplied by Inez Joughin
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Ladies Working Party – St Mary’s
What a glorious summer this is proving to be! Perhaps farmers and gardeners are wishing for rain, but for the rest of us, these continental temperatures are very pleasant, recalling memories of summer 1976.
On Tuesdays, we continue to enjoy hearing Pauline Bowman’s poems, thoughtfully read by David, and are
delighted that they are now being published in this magazine as we all agree they deserve a wider audience.
The new tables have arrived and are excellent, and we await the delivery soon of the new, upholstered chairs. The hall will indeed look smart! We plan to have a break over the summer, with our last Tuesday meeting being on the 24th July, when we shall set up the hall for the Chernobyl Children’s lunch which is on the following day. Our meetings will resume on Tuesday 4th September, when we shall warmly welcome any new members interested in joining the LWP, and shall also be planning our lunch outing, date and venue to be decided.
We remember with gratitude the life and work of Winifred Quayle, who died aged 91 on 19th June, and whose funeral service was held in St Mary’s Church on Wednesday 4th July. Winifred was for many years a faithful member of St Mary’s church, a member of Rushen Mother’s Union, and also an active member of our LWP, preparing very tasty soups month by month for Friendly Lunches. When she moved into Abbotswood, her son Rob tirelessly brought her to join us each Tuesday afternoon, and to morning services on Sundays for as long as she was able. We also remember her family and friends in our prayers.
Although Margaret Moore’s health has prevented her being with us on recent Tuesdays, it was lovely to see her presenting prizes and receiving “thank you” flowers from the Sunday School.
As the schools break up for the summer, we wish everyone a relaxing and enjoyable time. To Brenda Watterson, who at the time of writing is back home after a few days in hospital, and to others not able to get about as they might wish, we send our fond love and prayers.
With very best wishes from us all in the Ladies Working Party.
Pat Thomson
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Diary of a Momentous Year August 1918
The Battle of Amiens
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.
Many historians of the First World War consider that two battles in the summer of 1918 were the final turning points in the eventual outcome of the war and of the settlement which followed it.
The second Battle of Marne was in July, and the even more significant Battle of Amiens was in August, exactly a century ago this month. The Germans had launched an attack in the Amiens area, a strategic target in northern France near the Belgian border. The Allies were ready for it and responded with devastating force. Hundreds of tanks, soldiers from at least four nationalities, and – a new development in warfare – ground attack aircraft, drove the Germans out of the city.
In the first few hours of the battle the Allies took 17,000 prisoners of war. Commentators consider that at least some of them were German soldiers who had had enough of a war they were obviously going to lose. The city of Amiens and much territory beyond it were recaptured, but the impact of the victory was greater than territory taken. The whole balance of military strength had changed beyond dispute.
In 1946, a year after the second World War ended, my older brother invited me to join him on a visit to France. A family he had been billeted with in Amiens, as a member of the British liberating forces, had invited him to come and spend some time with them in more peaceful circumstances. At 16 I’d never been abroad, so gladly agreed to go. When we got off the train in Amiens I saw for the first time the consequences of what they called ‘total war’. We picked our way past ruined buildings and homes in a city that had endured both invasion and four years of enemy occupation.
I had seen the after-effects of the Blitz in London, but this was worse. Even outside the city, the landscape bore all the scars of war. There were few trees, for instance, the long-term result of endless shelling over two wars. As M. Deladier, our host, pointed out, Amiens had been a battle-ground four times in his life (I guess he was about 60) – twice in the first World War and then twice in the Second. The experience helped me to appreciate what the people of northern France had gone through. No wonder in 1945 they were adamant that there should never again be war in Europe like this. The embattled city of Amiens, too often a scene of brutal warfare, reminds us of the preciousness of peace.
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St Mary’s Sunday School & Junior Church
In July we have had our final Sunday School sessions before our Summer break. On the 1st we practised for our Anniversary. We learnt a new song (to some of us) “I'm gonna jump up and down” a lively song, with actions, all about telling everyone about Jesus. We also practised our drama with Hannah, Lilee-Mae and Fynlo.
On the 8th it was our All Age Anniversary service on the theme of Discipleship. The Sunday School led the congregation in their song “I'm gonna jump up and down”. Evan read the reading from Mark 6 vs. 1-13 where Jesus called the Twelve together and began to send them out to the villages, two by two.
It was then time for the drama with Hannah, Lilee-Mae and Fynlo. They all played their parts well with Fynlo excellent as the Secret Agent “Double Oh Zero”. He had a 'not so secret' mission to spread the Good News – he was the spy with “A Licence to Tell”!!
During the Learning Together session Joe focussed on the reading from Mark, emphasising that Jesus didn't send the Twelve out to talk to large crowds, but rather to visit people in their own homes. Each of us are able to spread the Word in this way too, either in small groups or one to one.
We then had a lovely musical item from Hannah who impressed us all with her rendition of “Allegro” - her Grade 4 piano piece. She had her exam the following day, at the time of writing she still had not had her result but I am sure she has done well.
We then came to our presentation of books/tokens to the Sunday School and Junior Church. We had asked Margaret Moore to present the prizes as, due to health reasons, she has decided to retire from Sunday School, although we know she will always be there if we need her help or advice. Margaret spoke of how much it had meant to her to share the Good News about Jesus with so many children over the years. She asked the congregation to pray for the children. She was thanked for her dedication over the decades and the children presented her with a framed photograph, flowers and a huge card which they had made.
On the 15th we had our Sunday School picnic at Silverdale. The weather was perfect, warm but not too hot. We had some energetic games of rounders and football and fun with the parachute before enjoying our picnic lunch. Thanks to Sam for leading the games and to Claudia for all she provided. We will now take a break from Sunday School – returning for our All Age service on 9th September.
Many of the children are looking forward to the start of the S.U. Beach Mission from 29th July until the 10th August – we hope the fine weather continues for them. We wish you all a lovely summer, whether you are having a vacation or a 'staycation', enjoy yourselves and stay safe.
With love from St. Mary's Sunday School and Junior Church
Carole Coole
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News from St Catherine’s and Kirk Christ
Kirk Christ has had two lovely weddings during the past month. Mark Edwards and Mairi Lockwood on the 30th June and Noel McConville and Ingrid Fleming on 6th July. We wish both couples a very happy future together.
On Sunday 1st July Ollie Rawstron was baptised at Kirk Christ and Aidan Ali was baptised at St Catherine's, both during morning service. We remember their parents, godparents and family in our prayers as both Ollie and Aidan grow in the Christian faith.
Chris Barnes has completed his painting work at St Catherine's. We thank him for all his hard work. Gerry Callister
Remembrance 100
On 4th August 1918 King George V met to pray with members of the Houses of Parliament. One hundred days later, the war ended. This year, 4th August 2018 will be the first day of 100 days of prayer across the country, running until Armistice Day in November. Every day there will be prayers, Bible readings and reflections written by contributors from UK churches, ministries, chaplaincies and the Armed Forces Christian Union. These 100 Days of Peace and Hope can be downloaded, a week at a time from www.remembrance.co.uk for churches and individuals to print and use. In an introduction to 100 Days of Peace and Hope, the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby says, ‘From 4th August let us mark 100 days with prayers for peace, hope and reconciliation.’ th On Sunday, 11 November 2018, people around the Commonwealth mark the centenary of the end of World War 1. As well as reflecting on loss, this year also gives us the chance to look forward as we mark the end of World War 1 and pray for peace. Remembrance 100 has been set up by HOPE, in partnership with a cross section of Christian denominations and ministries, to help churches bring communities together to mark the centenary of the end of World War 1.
9 August Crossword
Across 3 Beaten with whips 8 One of the titles given to the Messiah in (1 Kings12:11) (8) Isaiah’s prediction (Isaiah 9:6) (6,2,5) 4 ‘You shall not — adultery’ 9 International Nepal Fellowship (1,1,1) (Exodus 20:14) (6) 10 Single (1Corinthians7:27) (9) 5 Encourage (Hebrews 10:24) (4) 11 Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s seminal book 6 Service of morning prayer in the about Soviet prison camps, The — Church of England (6) Archipelago (5) 7 ‘Take and eat this in remembrance 13 Treachery (2Kings11:14) (7) that Christ died for you, and — — 16 Of India (anag.) (2,3,2) him in your heart by faith with 19 ‘God has put us apostles on display at thanksgiving’ (4,2) the end of the procession, like men 12 Run (anag.) (3) condemned to die in the —’ 14 Member of 17th-century party that (1 Corinthians 4:9) (5) denied the right of autonomy to the 22 Follower of a theological system Church (8) characterized by a strong belief in 15 ‘We will triumph with our tongues; predestination (9) we—our lips’(Psalm12:4) (3) 24 ‘Put these old rags and worn-out 16 Earnings(1Corinthians16:2) (6) clothes under your arms to— the ropes’ 17 ‘I rejoice greatly in the Lord that—— (Jeremiah 38:12) (3) you have renewed your concern for 25 They brought together all the elders of me’ (Philippians 4:10) (2,4) the Israelites in Egypt 18 How Paul described Philemon (Exodus 4:29) (5,3,5) (Philemon 1) (6) Down 20 Multiple territories under the rule of a 1 The season when kings ‘go off to war’ single state (Daniel11:4) (6) (2 Samuel 11:1) (6) 21 ‘You have been unfaithful; you have 2 Simon Peter’s response to Jesus by the married foreign women, —to Israel’s Sea of Galilee: ‘Go away from me, guilt’ (Ezra 10:10) (6) Lord; I am a — man’ (Luke 5:8) (6) 23 This month (abbrev.) (4)
10 June Crossword Solution June Sudoku Solutions
I would like to thank the four of you who entered the June competition. The draw took place in my home with one of our visitors choosing the winning entry. Susan Inch was the lucky winner. She received her £5 prize money through the post. I am still a little worried about the number of entries I receive each month. Please do have a go if you can. After all it’s only a bit of fun! Editor
What must we do? (John 6:28-29)
Rushing, serving on this committee or that, attending courses, meeting to pray, committed to study and give thanks for each day. Trying so hard, trying so hard, longing to get it right for you, Lord. How can we know what we must do?
Stop trying, stop doing, stop stressing. Be still and believe.
The whole work of God is to believe in the one He has sent, then thoughts, words and actions will be the natural fruit of that believing- work. Believe in Jesus – That’s it!
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A Sonnet for those who Saunter The Sense of Hearing Saunter through ‘wild woods’; listen to the sounds: This is the second of the poems my Sounds of leaves and murmurings all around; wife wrote for the leavers’ service for Bird songs echoing high up in the trees – the children at my school in July 2003. With trills and sweet melodies bound to please, They were all about the senses with Streams in the ‘wild wood’ gurgle over stones – the sixth sense being that of ‘love’. Earth is heaving with fertile, gentle groans. Absorb nature’s beauty without affray; I started school when I was four Free from the harsh demands of work and play: It seemed that all was noise, Speed walking, racing, targets to be met – For there were children everywhere Perhaps the body clock is all upset! So many boys and girls. Wake -up! To loveliness in sunlight’s gleam; For each of them was chattering Allow time to contemplate and to dream. And laughing, having fun, Saunter through ‘wild wood’ and quietly pray – The noise I heard was of a school Thankful for the green world in which to stray. When a new year had begun.
As the days went by I listened hard “Come ye yourselves apart and rest awhile” Mark 6:31 (KJV) And lovely things I heard, Margaret Couper Like stories on the carpet, I took in every word. Holiday clubs help struggling There was singing too that pleased me families And music in the hall, There was poetry and drama More and more families are struggling with And I enjoyed it all. what to do with the children during summer
holidays. And local churches have been Soon the sounds will just be memories coming to their aid! A number of local But happy ones they’ll be. churches across the country now hold Like the names of those I met here holiday clubs for local children during They mean so much to me. August, which are proving a big hit with I will never forget my time parents and kids. At this happy noisy place.
And these treasured happy memories Not least is the offer of free meals, for during Will be with me all my days. the summer, there is no free school meal. When churches fill that hunger-gap, it has a Pauline Bowman real impact for good on the community.
The level of need in some communities is ‘just enormous’, says one vicar in Middlesbrough. ‘I sometimes think it is very difficult for people who don’t live in these poor communities to understand the levels of poverty in modern Britain.’
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Perking up your plot in August: combatting the flowering lull
By Perfectplants.co.uk: an on-line shop offering delivery to your door of plants, gifts and accessories: Tel: 01323 833479 hlia Dahlia As much as gardeners tend to love summer (because they can spend all those luscious daylight hours outdoors), August can be a difficult month in terms of garden beauty. Many spaces appear barren, with dry soils and parched plants without much in the way of colour. What can you do this month to perk up your plot?
The main feature of the month, weather-wise, is the water table, which is often low. The garden looks sleepy during a transition period between perennials that flower early and those preparing to flower late. One way to minimise this is to cut back everything before this happens in order to encourage more flowers. But if you haven’t already done this, the time for doing so might be out of reach. There are wonderful plants, however, that shine during the month of August and it’s well worth putting some in place. Gardeners are very good at planning ahead, and these flowering plants will give you a boost this year and be ready for multiple action thereafter.
• Hardy Salvias and Penstemons are sun-loving drought-resistant plants that are about to peak. Once they are in bloom, these beauties will keep on giving you summer joy right through until the autumn. Given the right sort of care, these will bulk up each year and should prove to be a long-term investment. • If you like exuberant colour, look no further than Dahlias, which come in all shades of extravagance and styles. They will perform brilliantly during shortening days and stay until the first frosts. Then the tubers should be lifted and stored, so they are not entirely maintenance-free. • There are succulents such as Sedum which store water in their leaves and form their flowers during August. These are loved by bees, butterflies and other insects and deserve a space in every garden. • Anything with silver leaves should do will in a dry garden. The aromatic silvery foliage of Perovskia (Russian sage), for example, is a particularly gorgeous plant. It produces small, tubular blue flowers in late August onwards and looks marvellous in a ‘drift’. • The daisy-shaped flowers of Anthemis, Helianthus, Heliopsis, Rudbeckia and Leucanthamum are beginning to take centre stage, with their ray petals drawing in the pollinators to their pollen-filled centres. This group of daisy plants never fail to lift the spirits and they should bulk up each year.
• Then there are Echinaceas with their curious, reflexed petals in pink, purples, whites, lilacs and even red. The coneflower is a seductive, beautiful daisy-like 13 • Then there are Echinaceas with their curious, reflexed petals in pink, purples, whites, lilacs and even red. The coneflower is a seductive, beautiful daisy-like plant that flowers at a time of year when there is a gap. It also has herbal qualities, with Echinacea purpurea having been used as a health boost for decades. • Don’t forget Clematis; particularly the viticella and texensis varieties which start
flowering when others have finished. • There are plenty more garden delights such as Buddleja and Agastache, filling the borders with colour and nectar too. • Finally, don’t forget the ornamental grasses which are just beginning to shine. These reach a peak in late summer and early autumn, plugging gaps and equally awesome in their own right. Plant the larger grasses as specimens and the smaller in drifts – you’ll never regret inviting grasses to the August party!
Perfect Plants Ltd is an on-line supplier of garden plants, house plants, garden equipment, furniture and gifts for all seasons www.perfectplants.co.uk
John Ellerton's Manx Connection
Last month's Story Behind the Hymn failed to mention John Ellerton’s connection with the Isle of Man, but otherwise gave a good account of his life. Having been born on 16 December 1826 he was a pupil at King William's College from October 1842 to March 1844. It was then quite usual to only spend a short time at KWC.
Ellerton was at KWC during the great fire of 14 January 1844. He carried the Principal's baby daughter Susan Dixon to safety. In 1899, she became Headmistress of Castletown High School which was renamed The Buchan school towards the end of the 1920s. There were no casualties in the fire, but it destroyed most of the West Wing, although the walls were left standing. Teaching continued in Bowling Green House, Castletown. By August the main building and tower were reopened, but the Chapel could not be used till the following Spring. The greatest loss was the College Library, which contained Bishop Wilson's Academic Library. This had rare books and old documents about the Manx church.
An edition of Hymns Ancient and Modern published about 1900 contains 22 of Ellerton's hymns The King William’s College fire doesn't seem to have influenced these as his only references to fire and burning are to burning love, hearts and zeal. and to the fire within us. However many think that his stay in the Island influenced "The day Thou gavest ", as the third verse begins, "As o'er each continent and island".
His hymn "Thou Who sentest thine Apostles"(St. Simon and St. Jude) has "Once again those storms are breaking" in verse 4 (early versions) and he wrote, "Lead us, heavenly Father, lead us O'er the world’s tempestuous sea ;". When writing these hymns, was he remembering six uncomfortable crossings a year on the Steam Packet? Thank goodness they now have stabilisers! Brian Trustrum
With acknowledgements for the account of the fire to Mike Hoy's book "A Blessing to this Island – A History of King William's College and The Buchan School".
14 All in the month of August
100 years ago, from 8th August to 11th November, the Hundred Days Offensive in France and Belgium, took place. Allied Victory leading to the end of the 1st World War and the collapse of the German empire.
th 90 years ago, on 6 August 1928, Andy Warhol, iconic American Pop artist, photographer and film-maker was born.
80 years ago, on 3rd August 1938, Sir Terry Wogan, Irish-born radio and TV presenter was born. Popular for his droll comments, amiable banter and self-deprecating wit, he hosted BBC Radio 2 shows and the TV chat show Wogan. He also hosted the annual Children in Need telethon and game show Blankety Blank.
40 years ago, on 4th August 1978, the leader of Britain’s Liberal Party, Jeremy Thorpe, was charged with conspiracy to murder Norman Scott, a male model who claimed that Thorpe was his homosexual lover. Thorpe was also charged with incitement to murder. He was acquitted in 1979, but refused to testify or explain, and the case destroyed his career and reputation.
30 years ago, on 11th August 1988, the terrorist organisation Al-Qaeda was founded by Osama bin Laden.
25 years ago, on 4th August 1993, the three-year Rwandan Civil War ended with the signing of the Arusha Accords in Tanzania.
20 years ago, on 15th August 1998, a car bomb in Omagh Northern Ireland killed 29 people and injured 370. It was the deadliest act of violence in the 30-year history of the Troubles.
15 years ago, on 5th August 2003, the Anglican Church in America appointed its first gay bishop, prompting anger from religious leaders around the world.
10 years ago, on 8th to 24th August, the 2008 Summer Olympic Games were held in Beijing China.
The Lion’s Den
A Sunday school teacher was telling the story of Daniel in the Lion's Den. She described the hunger and ferocity of the lions, and then showed her class a picture of Daniel standing brave and confident right in the middle of them all. Suddenly one little girl began to cry. The teacher paused, ‘Oh my dear,’ she said. ‘Are you afraid for Daniel?" The little girl shook her head. "No, not at all. It's that poor little lion, over in the corner; he isn't going to get any food."
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Psalm 1
This month we begin a new series on the Psalms. Athanasius said: ‘Most Scripture speaks to us; the Psalms speak for us.’ They are powerful tools for devotion and prayer in our lives. We start by looking at Psalm 1, which sets the scene for the whole book. The psalm tells us how we can be blessed by God, as it contrasts the life of the righteous and wicked. How can we find true happiness in our discipleship? (Editor)
Delight in God’s Word: ‘whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on His law day and night.’ (v2). Righteous people delight in God’s Word: ‘the most precious thing this world affords’ (Coronation Service). They are preoccupied with the Word and don’t miss any opportunity to mediate upon it. They recognise that by reading and studying the Word, God will speak into their lives and direct the way they live. Have we found this to be true ourselves?
Delight in God’s Way: ‘that person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither – whatever they do prospers.’ (v3). How secure is our faith in difficult times? A tree can only survive storms with a good root system, which will also provide necessary water and nutrients for the tree to grow and flourish. Just like the tree, if we want a secure and fruitful Christian life, we must give space to our hidden life. This means giving time to reading God’s word and praying, as we listen for his direction for our lives. Does what people see on the outside, reflect our inner life?
Dr Who’s Tardis is bigger on the inside than the outside. To what extend is this true of our spiritual life? The Rev Paul Hardingham
Church Bells
We hear the bells give out their sound In times of war and times of peace They tell of God’s unfailing love We hear their chimes throughout the days Of Him who sits enthroned on high, And know that God is always near Touching earth from heaven above An ever present help always.
Their voice is heard throughout the land, Campanology tells a story, Let them ring, let them sing Bringing hope to those who hear, Of One who reigns, always the same, The ringing bells proclaim a message He is our God, our coming King. Telling all that God is near.
Megan Carter
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From the Registers Weddings (June 2018)
th Saturday 16 June Jennifer C A Magnall & Patrick J Kinvig Kirk Christ @ 1.30pm Saturday 30th June Mairi C Lockwood & Mark P Edwards Kirk Christ @ 2pm Funerals (June 2018)
Tuesday 12th June Wilfred Edwin Kennaugh Kirk Christ @ 12 noon th Thursday 14 June Doris Graham Gale Kirk Christ @ 2pm
Evelyn Mary Teese Kirk Christ @ 11am Friday 15th June Alan Harold Qualtrough Clucas Kirk Christ @ 3pm Monday 25th June Edward Bottomley St Catherine’s Church @ 12 noon th Thursday 28 June Doreen Hilda Cain Kirk Christ @ 3pm
Safeguarding Come Away
The Parish of Rushen is committed to the Come away to the quiet fields safeguarding, nurture and care of everyone Where the air is fresh, the sky is vast within our church community. If you, or And leave the world and all its woes someone you know, are concerned that a And all the problems of the past child or vulnerable adult is at risk or has Come away as the stars appear been harmed, or are concerned about the And there discover peace of mind behaviour of someone towards children or Then, in the silence rest a while vulnerable adults, please contact: And leave the troubled thoughts behind Rushen Parish Safeguarding Officer, Claire Come away and leave all care Jennings (Tel. 830850) And let your tranquil thoughts roam The Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser has yet free to be appointed. For more details contact Renew your strength, your hopes, your the diocese. dreams
A copy of the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy Oh! Come now, come away with me. is available on the Diocesan website: http://www.sodorandman.im/safeguarding Article supplied by Inez Joughin _inclusion
17 Answers to Bible Quiz (from July’s magazine)
Can you find 30 books of the Bible hidden in this passage?
This is a most remarkable puzzle. It was found by a gentleman in an airplane seat pocket, on a flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu, keeping him occupied for hours. He enjoyed it so much that he passed it on to some friends. One friend from Illinois worked on this while fishing from his John-boat. Another friend studied it while playing his banjo. Elaine Taylor, a columnist friend was so intrigued by it, she mentioned it in her weekly newspaper column.
Another friend judges the job of solving this puzzle so involving that she brews a cup of tea to help her nerves. There will be some names that are really easy to spot. That's a fact. Some people, howe ver, will soon find themselves in a jam, especially since the books are not necessarily capitalised. Truthfully from answers we get, we are forced to admit it usually takes a minister or scholar to see some of them at the worst. Research has shown that something in our genes is responsible for the difficulty we have in seeing the books in these paragraphs. During a recent fundraising event, which features this puzzle, the Alpha Delta Phil-Lemonade booth set a new sales record.
The local paper, the Chronicle, surveyed over 50 patrons who reported that this puzzle was one of the most difficult they had ever seen. As Daniel Humana humbly puts it, "the books are all right here in plain view, hidden from sight". Those able to find all of them will hear great lamentations from those who have to be shown. One revelation that may help is that books Timothy and Samuel appear without their numbers. Also, keep in mind, that punctuation and spaces in the middle are nor mal. A chipper attitude will help you compete really well against those who claim to know the answers. Remember, there is no need for a mass exodus, there really are 30 books of the Bible lur king somewhere in these paragraphs waiting to be found.
A Holiday with Jesus’ August is the month when schools are off and many of us go on holiday. The trouble is that holidays soon come to an end! Yet Jesus offers us a rest which has no end:
‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.’ (Matthew 11: 28-29). Jesus invites you to take a holiday with Him!
The Invitation: Our holiday destination is Jesus Himself: ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened.’ We can come just as we are, with all the burdens, weaknesses and sinfulness that we carry. Jesus doesn’t offer a ‘10 steps programme’ to deal with our issues; He simply offers himself!
The Promise: Jesus promises us the gift of refreshing, sustaining and everlasting rest. When we go on holiday, we usually look forward to doing very little and yet this is not the kind of rest Jesus offers. His rest involves taking up his yoke and learning from him! A yoke was the wooden collar that ran across the shoulders of a pair of oxen and enabled them to work the fields. Jesus says to us: ‘Come to me and get yoked to me. Make an act of loyal obedience and trust in me. And you will find a deep peace and satisfaction that you could never find anywhere else. I have come for you!’
What’s so amazing about this holiday is that you don’t have to go anywhere; you can find rest by simply staying at home! The Rev Paul Hardingham
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‘He gave us eyes to see them’ - Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel
For 2018, the Rev Michael Burgess is exploring symbols of the Christian faith as found in works of art. (Editor)
‘You need hands to hold someone you care for’ – that song of 1958 reminds us how hands can convey a wide range of gestures and meanings. Hands to embrace, hands to signal ‘Stop,’ hands to sound out applause, and hands to show welcome. In the life of the church, we can think of sacraments that mark out the individual Christian with the laying on of hands at confirmation and ordination. We can look at the priest at the eucharist where hands offer the peace, take bread and wine, and bless. In church windows and paintings, we often see the right hand of God emerging from a cloud: a sign that takes us back to the opening chapter of Genesis and God’s mighty work of creation.
It is the theme of that incredible ceiling in the Sistine Chapel painted by Michelangelo: 65 feet above the ground and showing a vast array of 300 figures - sibyls and prophets and scenes from Genesis. On the far wall of the chapel the hand of Jesus is raised in judgement, but at the centre of the ceiling the hand of God reaches out to bring life to the body of Adam. Later, the right hand of God will draw forth Eve from the sleeping form of Adam: the only panel in which God stands on the earth. In this central panel God is like an elemental force soaring through the sky and surrounded by 12 figures. Adam looks up, patient and expectant, meeting the concentrated gaze of God, who reaches out to animate and inspire.
As his patron and ally, Pope Julius II was not at all well at this time, and so Michelangelo worked at breakneck speed to complete the ceiling. This scene took just three weeks in 1511. We look up and ponder the hand of the Creator in heaven, and we give thanks for the creative hand of the artist on earth.
19 Children’s Page
20 The Story Behind the Hymn
Charles Wesley found the inspiration to write this hymn in Paul’s admonition to the church at Philippi, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice” Rejoice, (Philippians 4:4).
Paul was an unlikely candidate for rejoicing the Lord because his life as a Christian was difficult. As he went about spreading the gospel, is King! people did all sorts of things to try to stop him. They beat him. On five occasions he suffered the forty lashes that had the potential to kill a man. People stoned him and left him for dead. He was in a shipwreck (see 2 Corinthians 11:23-28). Rejoice, the Lord is King! But he knew what Jesus had to offer people, Your Lord and King adore; and he felt happy that God had chosen him Mortals give thanks and sing, to tell others about Jesus. Paul was a joyful and triumph evermore; Christian, and he encouraged other Lift up your heart, lift up your voice; Christians to be joyful too.
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice! Charles Wesley and his brother, John, were also unlikely candidates for rejoicing. Their Jesus, the Saviour, reigns, lives were hard, too. As they went about the God of truth and love; spreading the gospel they encountered When He had purged our stains violent opposition too. On one occasion, a He took His seat above; mob nearly destroyed the house where they Lift up your heart, lift up your voice; were staying and drove their horses into a Rejoice, again I say, rejoice! pond. The people whom they converted
were often harassed and persecuted. But His kingdom cannot fail, they found great joy in serving Christ and He rules o'er earth and Heav'n, called other Christians to do the same. The keys of death and hell Charles Wesley wrote these joyful words, are to our Jesus giv'n; “Rejoice, the Lord is King! Your Lord and Lift up your heart, lift up your voice; King adore”, words that came out of his Rejoice, again I say, rejoice! joyful life.
He sits at God's right hand There will be times when we, too, will be till all His foes submit, unlikely candidates for rejoicing. Most of us And bow to His command, at some time will experience hardships, and fall beneath His feet: that’s just part of life. But we can decide Lift up your heart, lift up your voice; whether we want to be crabby Christians or Rejoice, again I say, rejoice! joyful Christians, we have that choice. If we choose to be joyful despite our He all His foes shall quell, problems, we will find that joy is its own shall all our sins destroy, blessing, that we can be happy in spite of And every bosom swell difficulties. We will also find that our joy is with pure seraphic joy; a blessing to others as well because genuine Lift up your heart, lift up your voice, joy spreads joy. Rejoice, again I say, rejoice! An old Sunday school song said, “Brighten
the corner where you are!” If we choose to Rejoice in glorious hope! be joyful Christians, we will do that, we will Jesus the Judge shall come, brighten the corner where we are. Then we And take His servants up will not only live in the light, but we will also to their eternal home. find ourselves bringing light to the lives of We soon shall hear th'archangel's voice; other people as well. The trump of God shall sound, rejoice!
21 Rushen Parish Prayer Diary
Dear Lord, we give you thanks for the month of August. As each day of the month dawns, we thank you for bringing us out of the shadow of night and into the light of morning. We also thank you for the joy of spending each day in your service, so that when the evening comes, we can once more give you the thanks that you deserve, through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen
August 2018 This is your invitation to pray day by day for:
1 st Those who have lost loved ones because of conflict 2 nd The work of aid agencies throughout the world 3 rd Families enjoying a welcome break whilst on holiday on the island th 4 Those who work in financial institutions 5th Peace throughout the world 6 th Families in debt, unable to find a solution, and in despair 7 th The Port St Mary Beach Mission now entering its final week of the 2018 season 8 th All sportsmen and women who enjoy partaking in sport rather than winning 9 th Joe and his ministry in the Parish of Rushen 10 th All grandparents and their grandchildren 11 th The Mothers’ Union and its tireless work throughout the Isle of Man 12th All Christians to serve Jesus faithfully and to behave like He did throughout His life th 13 The Salvation Army and its work with the homeless 14th Those receiving treatment in hospital 15 th All parents and their children 16 th Authors and the books they write which give such enjoyment to their readers 17 th One parent families and the work of agencies which help them 18 th The people who kindly buy and arrange flowers in our four churches 19 th The coastguards who ensure the safety of all who venture on our beaches 20 th The Royal Family and all it does for everyone living in the Commonwealth 21st Farmers preparing their crops for harvest time nd 22 Teachers preparing for the new term in September 23rd The Southern Mission Partnership and its work in integrating parishes in the south 24 th The work of the National Royal Lifeboat Institution in saving lives 25 th The beauty of music in all of its forms 26 th Those who entertain through the media of radio and television 27 th The work of doctors and nurses throughout the world 28 th Children preparing for the new term ahead 29 th Those couples who have been married in the Parish of Rushen during 2018 th 30 The disabled and the work of those who try to help them 31st The continued success of Messy Church and for those who help to run it
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Services August 2018
nd 2 August 11.45am Southlands Holy Communion (CW) 2pm St Mary’s Play & Praise
5th August 8am St Catherine’s Holy Communion (Trinity 10) 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 Evening Prayer (BCP)
12th August 9.30am Kirk Christ Holy Communion (CW)
(Trinity 11) 11am St Mary’s All-Age Service
11am St Catherine’s Holy Communion (CW) 3.15pm St Peter’s Evening Prayer (BCP)
19th August 8am St Catherine’s Holy Communion (BCP) (Trinity 12) 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)
th 26 August 9.30am Kirk Christ Holy Communion (CW) (Trinity 13) 11am St Mary’s Morning Prayer (CW) 11am St Catherine’s Holy Communion (CW) 3.15pm St Peter’s Evening Prayer (BCP)
2nd September 8am St Catherine’s Holy Communion (Trinity 14) 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 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 + Baptism (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
Miss Margaret Moore, 51 Ballamaddrell. Port Erin 832399
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 magazine should be submitted to the editor no later
than 20th of each month. This arrangement is subject to change.
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 August 2018 Sudoku Competition
I would like to thank everyone who takes part in the sudoku competition. This month I have tried to publish two very easy puzzles for you to solve. Hopefully this will entice more of you to have a go. The prize money of £5 for the winning entry remains the same as does the conditions for taking part. These are that your solutions should be with me by 31st August. They can be sent through the post, pushed through my letter-box, given to me personally, or given to one of the churchwardens who will see that I receive them. The draw for the winning entry takes place on Sunday 2nd September. The winner will receive their prize either by hand, or through the post to their home address, during the following week. Good luck! (Editor)