GRAPEVINE
No 94 Spring 2011 THE MAGAZINE OF THE DIOCESE OF BRECHIN
Christians should be doing. It’s The Bishop of Aberdeen & Orkney writes: also one of the best possible advertisements for the loving Freedom to Pray! dynamic that is at the heart of the Eileen was a lady in my last congregation. She was a gospel. crusty sort of individual who had been an enthusiastic My blessings to you, smoker for about eighty of her ninety-something years. Eventually ill health got the better of her and one day she said to me: “My dear boy, I’m going to have to go into hospital. I know there’s no point me asking you not to pray for me out loud in Acting Bishop of Brechin church because I know you will whatever I say.” She knew me well. And she trusted me. And she had heard me teach about prayer on numerous occasions. And she knew that I always voiced prayers for people by name. What Eileen was saying to me A rough translation of the word was that from deep within the ‘liturgy’ is ‘the people at work with Christian tradition the worshipping their prayers’. I like that. That’s community voices prayers for what we should be – people at people as a normal part of its work with our prayers. regular life. And whole congregations Not long back I led a three should be places and people who evening course on intercessory are at work with their prayers not prayer in one of our churches and only individually but also together. was developing the theme that to Churches must increasingly pray for people should be the become places where people default position of all churches. I know they can go to them and be didn’t realize it at the time but confident that if the need arises there will be people there who will providentially I was reversing ‘Hands’ (often called Praying some teaching that had been pray for them and pray with them. Hands) by Albrecht Dürer given several years previously This shouldn’t surprise us, Albrecht and his brother Albert whereby people had had to give though it needs to be said and both had great artistic talent but their consent (written I think) constantly repeated. Indeed I want were too poor for both to go to before they would be prayed for by us to begin to expect it to become the Academy in Nuremberg. name aloud at the Sunday the norm. Namely that whenever Albert went to work in the mines worship. our congregations meet there is to finance his brother. Four that normal confidence simply to It seems to me that our years later when Albrecht had get on and get to work with our churches should be places where achieved a great reputation he prayers and to name, in quiet and people are prayed for freely and wanted to provide funds for his aloud, before God those who most openly. In several churches where brother to go to the Academy. need our prayers. If there are folks I’ve been these last few months it But Albert’s hands were so alongside us at the time then my has been a joy to have heard and damaged with the harsh work, encouragement to them and to experienced numerous people broken fingers and arthritis that you is to have the confidence to praying out loud when invited to do he could hardly hold a cup let pray for them then and there. so in the course of the Sunday alone a brush. Albrecht drew liturgy. And this has happened At the very least there’s enough this picture of his brother’s even in some of the most to reassure us in the New hands – a record of the sacrifice traditional of congregations. Testament that this is what that Albert had made. 1 The Rt Rev’d Dr John Ambrose Cyril Mantle 1946 – 2010 (Bishop of Brechin)
Bishop John Mantle’s death with him holding the crosier at a God. His wider experience of life all its sadness will be marked with ceremony in St Ninian’s over brought much to his leadership. a sense of affection and which Bishop John Sprott At his Retiral Service there were thanksgiving for his ministry within presided. This is the same crosier two words which were used by the the Diocese of Brechin. known in the Diocese as Bishop speakers on that special occasion. Forbes’ Crosier that he carried at He returned to the Diocese of They were words that related to his own consecration. Brechin as their Bishop when he Bishop John and to his wife Gill. was consecrated in St. Paul’s As a young man Bishop John They were affection and Cathedral, Dundee on 8 October left the Diocese of Brechin to train thanksgiving. These words re- 2005. Bishop John, as he was for the priesthood and returned to flected the feelings of many within known affectionately by many in be ordained and serve his curacy the Diocese of Brechin for the life the Diocese, had his Episcopal in St Mary’s Church, Broughty and work of Bishop John. It was ministry cut short through illness Ferry. His ministries were varied clear from the words of the Primus when he retired in October 2010. and these experiences and the on that occasion that Bishop John He was no stranger to the Diocese contribution he made to them gave had played his full part in the of Brechin and as Bishop he him a broad base from which he College of Bishops and from began to build the direction, developed an understanding of the others who spoke of the affection spirituality and collegiality within work of the church. He worked in that had grown for Bishop John as the Diocese which was broadcasting, teaching, chaplaincy a result of his return to the appreciated and valued by many work, congregational work and all Diocese. All within the Diocese who came across him. His of this led him to be called as the and those in the wider community Episcopal ministry was also greatly 54th Bishop of Brechin. Not only were thankful for his ministry enhanced by his wife Gill in her did Bishop John bring a wealth of during his period as Bishop. own ministry as she travelled experience and ministry to the His illness and retirement as round the Diocese with her Diocese but a depth of spirituality Bishop was a loss for the Diocese husband. to an ancient Diocese which was formed in 1150. His spirituality and and for the Scottish Episcopal Bishop John was no stranger theology were grounded in the Church. He will be sorely missed either to the Diocese of Brechin or traditions of the church and this by those who were privileged to to the Scottish Episcopal Church. was the key to much of his work work with him but more particularly He was born in Aberdeen in 1946, within the Diocese. He was a rich he will be sorely missed as a a son of the Rectory, his father, spiritual leader to a Diocese husband to his wife, Gill, and a Canon Rupert Mantle, being a deeply bedded in the core of the father to their children Tim and highly respected priest within the historic Episcopal heartland of Anna. church. At the age of 9 John first Scotland. J.J. Morrow arrived in Dundee when his father Many within the Diocese were began his ministry to the moved and inspired by his congregation of St Ninian’s, Mid addresses to the Diocesan Synods Craigie in the city of Dundee. They St Drostan’s Picnic drawing on much of his own moved as a family from Inverness experience but also on the life of to Dundee and for John Mantle it 2011 Charles de Foucauld, the former was not the best of experiences French Cavalry Officer who having to re-settle in Dundee. Very Come along to became a desert hermit. Bishop quickly however the Diocese of St Drostan’s, Tarfside John encouraged many to engage Brechin and the city of Dundee in the activities such as retreats on Sunday afternoon, grew on him. He loved and was and to face the challenges that inspired by Festal Evensong at St 10 July they could bring to individuals. He Paul’s Cathedral, Dundee where and join in the annual was always at ease with people he would attend with his father. from all sorts of backgrounds and Patronal Festival and These and other experiences enjoyed engaging with them and in Picnic. opened him up to a searching the relationships he built up with spirituality and a flowering vocation them. He used his creativity, For more information:– to the priesthood. including illustrating his talks with Tel: 01569 730967 Many of the older members of his own photographs, to let people Email: churches in Dundee hold have a glimpse of the Kingdom; photographs of John Mantle as an and his intellect helped them to [email protected] Altar Boy and one of them shows grow in knowledge and love of 2 The Diocesan Synod Diocesan Youth Action Group 2 New Activities Planned The Annual Meeting of the Diocesan Synod took For Young People in the Diocese place on 5 March at the same venue as in 2010 – Chalmers Ardler Church in Dundee – chaired by the Rt The Diocesan Youth Action Group is planning the Rev’d Robert Gillies, Acting Bishop for the diocese. following activities for Young People throughout the During the Eucharist in his Charge to the Synod he Diocese. noted that in the course of his ministry there had been Diocesan Youth Council many programmes for church growth and evangelism. What is essential if these are to be successful is a This group will plan future activities for Young change in mindset from the presumption of decline to People throughout the Diocese. We hope to meet 3 the reality that churches can grow. Prayer is crucial to times a year to do the planning but also have fun & allow the seeds of growth to germinate, as is leader- fellowship. The group is open to all Young People ship and trust. aged 12 – 18. Don’t let the title of the group put you Applying the thoughts of the 19th century social off. We’ll think of a better name at our first meeting. economist John Ruskin, he said that setting targets Diocesan Music & Drama Group only dispirited people when these are not achieved. We are looking for enthusiastic Young People What is needed is good relationships, which could be who have an interest in music and drama. You summed up in three words: affection, trust, loyalty. might like music but don’t do drama or like drama These are at the heart of how God has treated us: but don’t like music. It doesn’t matter as this new “God so loved the world” – Affection group will cater for everyone. Come along and make “That he gave his only Son” – Trust new friends and have fun. “That all who believe in him should not perish but have life eternal” – Loyalty We already have some Young People who have And so these qualities should be ours, too, for “insofar shown an interest in these groups but we would like as we have done it unto the least of those around us more to get involved. If you think you might be we have done it unto him”. interested please e-mail the Diocesan Youth Action Group Convener, Steven Cassells, at
What have CATs, cuddly toys, and made coffee, tea, and then worked closely with the lots of paint, lots of fencing and prepared a healthy nutritious Rector in exploring the potential. antibacterial handwash got in snack for the children. The There was a real and genuine common? session opened at 9 a.m. and ran desire on both sides to build not until 11.30 a.m. – sometimes only a business relationship but Well, they are all part of what finishing with a time of singing also a true partnership between has gone into making the new and together. Parents and Carers Church and a community innovative partnership between stayed with their children service-provider. This relationship Balgillo Nursery and St Mary’s, throughout the session and those has blossomed, and after much Broughty Ferry such a huge two and a half hours were a time hard work, the formulation of legal success already. of fun, developing friendships and agreements, Care Commission It all began in February 2010 contacts, and much chatter! agreement and significant when St Mary’s Vestry agreed to investment in St Mary’s Halls by explore what the Rector, the Rev’d the Nursery, the project is now Jonathan Bower, called St Mary’s almost complete and ready to be CATs – Carers and Toddlers launched. group. After carefully consulting with the local community, we Pamela, Kim, the Rector, and discerned that Wednesday the Vestry have all worked mornings were without any carer exceptionally hard together to and toddler provision in the Ferry. ensure the best and most creative use of St Mary's Church Halls. The The Rector then designed a Jennifer and Kim postcard to be handed out inviting new Nursery will mean that St carers and their toddlers to the first Running CATs and providing a Mary's is once again alive with session. The help of the Mothers generous welcome to local sound of children's laughter and Union proved invaluable. A small families and children was a real learning. team handed out postcards to buzz for St Mary’s, but given the anyone in the Ferry spotted with a ageing profile of our congregation For St Mary's to be able to pushchair. it became clear after 5 months that facilitate this venture is a great we simply did not have the energy privilege and honour. Good It quickly emerged that there or people power to continue as we stewardship of our historic was a lot of positive interest in the were. We were a victim of our own resources is part of the God-given CATs project. Around the time of success – rapidly becoming known responsibility for all the faithful, our preparing to open CATs, a as one of the best service- and we are all pleased that this local (Monfieth) nursery was, providers in the Ferry. community-oriented project will sadly, having to close. St Mary’s have its home in St Mary's Halls. was invited to consider purchasing Around that time, a parent who some of the equipment from that had attended CATs indicated that Nursery in order to set up CATs. there was interest from another The Vestry approved the purchase local Nursery in developing and St Mary’s CATs was almost another setting. This was an fully equipped overnight! opportunity to explore new possibilities that could not be missed. Soon conversations were being had about the reality and practical implications of a full-time Nursery at St Mary’s. Given our halls were The Baby Room used for only a tiny fraction of the week at rates that really did not Having worked hard to secure realistically cover overheads, the and grow this new partnership and Vestry felt that, with tightening venture, the Rector is delighted finances, we should explore the that he will be able to see it come The Main Hall possibility further of more creative to fruition before he comes to the and productive use. The Nursery end of his time in office as Rector, project was not the only option we It was very hard work running and he wishes Balgillo Nursery considered, but it was the most CATs. Each Wednesday saw the Too at St Mary’s every blessing for realistic and most beneficial to St Rector down at St Mary’s opening all the work and friendships that Mary’s. up the Halls at 7 a.m. to set up the are ahead. equipment and get the kettles on. Pamela Gall (proprietor) and A faithful team of volunteers came Kim Sharpe, from Balgillo Nursery The Rev’d Jonathan Bower 4 OBERAMMERGAU 2010
In August 2008, during of our ecumenical services at mother, how must she have felt? That we did this to Stobswell Parish Church, the Rev’d William McLaren her son? I am not ashamed to say I cried. The whole advised the Congregation that he was planning to take performance was amazing. As we discussed it rather a group to Oberammergau in 2010 and invited all quietly over breakfast the next day we all agreed we present to join him. As the Passion Play has been on had experienced something very, very special. my ‘To Do’ list for years, I could not miss this opportunity – so I signed up. William had two informal get-togethers before the trip. So, on 14 September, 2010 at 6.30 a.m. an eager band of 20 pilgrims finally set-off from Dura Street Car bound for Austria/Germany to see the long planned for Passion Play at Oberammergau – they were not to be disappointed. We stayed in a beautiful family run hotel in the little Tyrolean village of Arzl in Austria (real Sound of Music country) with wonderful, breathtaking views. Our accommodation was first class, with five course meals each evening !!! served by staff in traditional dress. My room-mate was Betty Wood from Stobswell, who was very gracious and sharing; we had a great time. Our first two days were spent sight-seeing, shopping and sampling local delicacies – the apple strudel was The Raising of the Crosses ‘to die for’. Our guide, Rheiner, was super and (in the 1960 production) explained the history of the towns/villages, the buildings, cultures etc. On a lighter note, it was rather funny to see Judas On Friday morning, we set off for Germany, and riding a push-bike through the middle of the town the Oberammergau which is truly picturesque. After lunch next morning – on the way to his day job – he’s a we walked to the magnificent auditorium to join the dentist! rest of the 4,700 throng for the Play which was On the Sunday, William led a lovely simple service performed in two parts – from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., then 8 under a little awning in the grounds of our hotel and as p.m. to 11 p.m. after a break for dinner. we sang ‘How Great Thou Art’ in the open air with the I cannot tell you how moving and thought provoking Alps as back-drop, what can I say – not a dry eye in the group. We also made good friends with a group of this wonderful enactment is. I am so glad I decided to Germans staying at our hotel; we sang and danced go. From the amazing music and 50 strong choir, to with them and they waved us off on our journey home. centurions on horseback, children, babies, donkeys…. The tableaux of scenes from the Old Testament This was a really wonderful trip; I visited a new between acts were beautiful and so life-like. As the country, made new friends and I thank William very play is performed in German, we all had translation much for taking along the token ‘pisky’ from St. booklets to follow. The most moving part for me was John’s. when Jesus was taken down from the cross and laid in Gillian Millar his mother’s arms. I felt for her, for all of us, but as a St. John The Baptist, Dundee
GODLY PLAY In most Christian Education children are told who God is ... in Godly Play they discover who God is. We can tell you about the circle of children, about the story-telling, the wondering, the reflection and response and the feast, but it’s really better to see for yourself. So, join us on a Discovery Day and find out what it’s all about. Saturday, 9 April 2001 from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. at Holy Rood Church Carnoustie, DD7 6AB Members of St Ninian’s, Dundee entertained customers at Cost £10 Tony’s Chipper in Mid Craigie on Christmas Eve along with a Tel. 07957 885930; e-mail
5 The Memorial Service for the right reverend doctor John Mantle
The Church of Saint Paul, Provost of Angus, Ruth Leslie College of Bishops; the Rt Rev’d Dundee was filled on Saturday, 22 Melville. Alan Scarfe, Bishop of Iowa, January with people from near and The service was conducted by spoke as one of bishops in the far who gathered to give thanks for the Primus, The Most Rev’d David tripartite linking of dioceses; a the life and ministry of John Mantle Chillingworth. At the end of the message from the Rt Rev’d especially as Bishop of Brechin service tributes and Meshack Mabuza, Bishop of since October 2005. Swaziland, who was unable to be present; His funeral had and the Rev’d Canon taken place at Castor Burke, parish priest of in December, but St Kyneburgha’s several of those who Church, Castor spoke had been present then as a colleague and also came to the friend from when Memorial Service. In Bishop John had lived particular Canon there and to where he Trevor Pitt, a long- and Gill had returned standing friend, who last October. delivered the address The Primus remarked: which is printed below. “John was a child of Besides clergy and the Scottish Episcopal laity from all the Church and he congregations of the returned to his native diocese there were Dundee as Bishop of representatives of Brechin to share his other dioceses in faith, his passion for Scotland as well as ministry and his those from other experience with clergy denominations of the and people. Last Church. remembrances were given by October we celebrated that various people. The Rev’d Canon ministry at his Farewell Eucharist. A number of politicians attended Fay Lamont spoke on behalf of the John laid the foundation upon and others who serve in public life, Diocese of Brechin; the Rt Rev’d which others will build and we give including the Lord Provost of Mark Strange, Bishop of Moray, thanks for the ministry which he so Dundee, John Letford and the Ross and Caithness, spoke for the faithfully carried out among us.”
The Address at the Funeral and Memorial Service of Bishop John Mantle given by The Rev’d Canon Trevor Pitt, Canon Emeritus of Newcastle Cathedral
I say to you, among those born questioning. John was indeed a you could trust – and find it of women there has been no-one challenging person ... I suspect he returned. greater than John the Baptist; yet was always challenging himself, John’s friendship and colleague- he who is least in the kingdom of really. ship have meant a very great deal heaven is greater than he. I certainly found it a challenge to me since we first met nearly 30 (Matthew 11:11) when he asked me to preach at years ago. We worked together on Too soon – far too soon. We still his consecration as a bishop. Now, the staff of the Canterbury School had so much to say. John’s death only five short years later, he of Ministry all through the 1980s, still leaves me in profound shock challenges me again by writing me and I have received numbers of and sadness. Hard to believe I into his own funeral plans. I letters and emails from those who shall not hear his voice again, nor suppose he must have trusted me were ordinands then, reminding find myself challenged by his – and I’m sure I’m not the only one me of the enormous influence restless energy and intellectual to feel that. John was someone John had on their subsequent 6 ministries, particularly those who Beatitudes as the take-it-or- and stressful situations. He were inspired by what became his leave-it opinion of some ancient demanded a very great deal of ground-breaking doctoral work on sage. No, John was, at the most himself. There was a certain the British worker-priests. basic level, very close to Jesus. sternness about John. There was For him, the Beatitudes would nothing flabby in his thinking, John, of course, knew all about have represented a set of attitudes nothing loose in his application to the demanding life of ordained and values that are in no way what needed to be done. One ministry from his own early years narrowly religious, but which evoke thing I admired in John above all in Dundee’s east end. But he loved a deep sense of social justice else was that he was always the the life of cities. I have vivid tempered by non-confrontational same John, whatever the context. memories of a Summer School patience. He knew the Beatitudes Always the same level of serious, Eucharist he led in Cambridge: are not an ethic for the intense integrity. When speaking with his usual creative flair he had faint-hearted. They were clearly with him, you could almost see his set up a visual presentation as spot on for a Bishop of Brechin mind ticking over, listening, background to an inspired sermon with all the various demands, processing ..... and then moving (I think it was some pictures of the cares, anxieties and crises that go on incisively. I’m sure it has been holocaust – the 2nd world war was with the job. His episcopal ministry the same as he approached his one of his deepest obsessions). was rooted here, in Jesus. I death – moving on, incisively. Wearing his chasuble at the altar, shared a room with him once on a he remarked that those who loved study course in Jerusalem. I was Only last year I spent a day with the altar lights and smells of reading a book on Excavating him at Auschwitz, a place where Catholic worship would not make Jesus (on biblical archaeology), theology, and often prayer, grind to the grade as priests if they did not but he pestered me all week with a halt. Even the immense crowds love the neon lights of the city his book, Richard Bauckham’s of fellow visitors that day could not more. It is no surprise to me that Jesus: The Eye Witnesses. ‘Look, fill the vast, bleak, empty space. I John selected such a significant Trevor, he thinks we can get confess that I became greatly passage from Bonhoeffer’s prison closer to the real Jesus’! fascinated by the line taken by our letters. We were both theological Polish guide, and by the political children of the 60s, ‘theology for a “Brother, sister, let me serve questions he raised about the world come of age’. As Bonhoeffer you, let me be as Christ to you ...” future of Europe. I assumed John wrote elsewhere: ‘it is only by living was equally fascinated, until he completely in the world that one John never wavered in this. pulled out a notebook from his learns to have faith’. Those widely sung and deservedly pocket and said to me, ‘Come on, popular words were sung in his let’s find somewhere we can pray Yet this was the same man, as Cathedral five years ago, and we the litany I have prepared – we you know, who shared a deep do so again today. They can also need to pray here’. personal devotion with Charles de be taken, of course, as a hymn to This is in many ways such an Foucauld, the French desert married life, to the joy and the cost empty day, a bitter space in our hermit, and who sought out in his of mutual love and service. I have lives. But our sense of loss is not own spiritual journey the no doubt Gill often found herself the final reality. I leave you with communities of the Little Brothers married to the diocese as well as words from another German and Sisters of Jesus who build on to its bishop, and all our thoughts theologian of the last century, Karl de Foucauld’s original inspiration. and prayers today are with her, Rahner, who knew that all theology The same goes for John’s deep along with Tim and Anna. Still, the and all praying begins from within attachment to the community of sentiments in that song reveal a the reality of the human condition, Brothers at Roslyn. great deal about where John was and flows from the honest truth taking his diocese, and ‘servant and the often bleak spaces of raw Despite all John’s creative bishop’ is an apt description of human experience. talents, his artistic and musical how it was being done. The same skills (I did hear him playing drums applies to my text taken from this “There is no such thing, either in once!), despite his powerful week’s Advent gospel, for it was the world or in the heart, as a intellectual grasp and academic John who came immediately to vacuum. And wherever space is achievements, the real John was mind on hearing those words in really left by death, by at heart a gentle, gracious, kind church last Sunday. Our John was renunciation, by parting, by and humble person. He never also ‘the least in the kingdom of apparent emptiness – and coveted gongs, honours or heaven’, that is, close to Jesus, at provided the emptiness that preferment. This is no doubt why the bottom, from where everything cannot remain empty is not filled Matthew’s Beatitudes came to be is supported. by the world, or activity, or chatter, read today alongside Bonhoeffer. or the deadly grief of the world – John well knew how deeply John’s life has been played out there is God.” secular our world has grown, a in a huge variety of contexts: world which regards the periodic universities, parishes, sometimes It is with this God, whom John table as an exact and secure working alone, at other periods knew well, and in many different description of reality, but which with colleagues in staff teams and ways enabled so many of us to dismisses the wisdom of the groups, and usually in demanding know, that we now leave him. 7 SEX MATTERS A few thoughts on gender by Ken Tonge There has been a lot of talk The lady on the radio had been Principles” aimed at protecting the about the sexes lately. The recent put down as female and had been child. Too late, unfortunately, for “Inspires” magazine had several brought up by her parents as a girl the sad lady on the radio. pages given over to the subject. but her internal reproductive And too late for the late Sir And the October Synod spent organs were actually testicles, not Ewan Forbes of Craigievar, some time discussing the ovaries. With no consultation and one-time GP in Alford, who was Episcopal Church’s “gender audit” very little information given to her christened Elizabeth in a “ghastly i.e. the collected data on the parents she was surgically mistake” in 1912 and brought up distribution of men and women in transformed into what is effectively as a girl, “sacrificed to prudery, congregations, decision-making a female eunuch at the age of and the horror which our parents bodies, ordinands and laity in the eight. The discovery of this has had about sex” (in his own words). church. It seems that the had a profoundly disturbing assumption underlying all these psychological effect on her. To get to the point of all this, reports and discussions is that however. If there is so much people can be divided into two It may be that there were good evidence that sexual identity may distinct groups namely, male and medical reasons for doing the not be so clear cut, even though female; girls and boys; men and operation (e.g. heightened risk of most people may actually be one women. cancer) but she, herself, wishes or the other of the sexes, why they had left her to be what she have boxes labelling e.g. job In my ignorance I would have was born as; an intersex person. applicants as M or F? Shouldn’t it agreed with that up to a few weeks Intersexuality (which includes just be the best person for the job, ago. Then I heard a very moving androgeny and hermaphroditism) irrespective of gender or, even, real life story on the radio given by has not been perceived in the lack of gender? Isn’t it more a young woman who had been West as normal and intervention important that all jobs should be born as neither male nor female. by “normalising surgery and/or open to all types? And, it seems, she is not unusual. hormone therapy” were considered And spare a thought for those The statistics are not exact, but it to have social benefits which who have to hide their gender, is likely that about one in fifteen outweighed the costs. The costs in who feel they must pretend to be hundred babies are not readily terms of trauma to the individual Male or Female, simply because assigned a sex at birth but, are nowadays becoming better society regards intersexuality as a because there are only two boxes recognised and control of disorder, a defect, a mistake of on the birth certificate they have to interventions is governed by the nature, when really it is just be recorded as one or the other. United Nations’ “Yogyakarta statistically uncommon.
Silent Retreat organised by the Epiphany Group Aberdeen Monday October 24 – Sunday October 30 This retreat will take place at St. Drostan's Lodge, Tarfside amongst the beautiful hills and glens of Angus. The cost will be £240 for full board and daily guidance with a trained Spiritual Director. If the cost seems excessive to you there are various grants that can be accessed so please let the Rev’d Jane Nelson know (telephone 01569 730967). This year, priority will be given to those who can commit themselves to the whole retreat. After watching the BBC series The Big Silence last year there were several people who expressed an interest in having such an experience for themselves. If you would like to book a place, send name, address and On Sunday, 27 February 2011 Bishop Bob deposit of £25 to Carole Phelan, Hilsea Cottage, 2, Loirston confirmed Michaela Longmuir, Natasha Road, Cove Bay, Aberdeen, AB12 3NS. Cheques should be Jordan and Karma Fox, three young made out to 'Epiphany Group, Aberdeen'. members of St Ninian’s, Dundee
8 Swaziland Revisited In October and November last Health care facilities and re- change men’s sexual behaviour on year I went back to Swaziland, sources are totally inadequate. the principles of abstinence, having been there in 2007 and Around 120,000 need medical faithfulness and the use of 2008, partly to see how various care, but there are only 2,000 condoms. If practised this would projects had developed and partly hospital beds. As well as a steep make a significant impact on the to give further practical support. increase in chronic illnesses, incidence of HIV Aids. About the geographical area of mainly attributed to HIV Aids, there The parishes run Neighbour- Wales, Swaziland is a beautiful, has been a dramatic rise in hood Care Points with various landlocked country which has a tuberculosis. levels of success and support. At population of about 1 million, St Augustine’s Mpaka the children though this is falling. As in most had breakfast and lunch in 2007. A countries there is wide disparity year later they had lunch 3 times a between rich and poor, but in week. And when I went last year Swaziland the poor are numerous. they hadn’t had any supplies for 4 About 70% of the population live months: so my first 3 days were below the United Nations’ poverty spent spending nearly £2,000 on line of an income of less than one foodstuffs! United States dollar a day.
Lunchtime at Mpaka – with the spoons taken in 2008 The majority of people live in the countryside as subsistence farmers. With little to fall back on if crops fail or sickness strikes many are forced to sell tools and animals, and to stave off starvation even eat the seeds needed for Sewing with the Women’s Craft Group planting the next crop. Malnutrition Cooking in the ‘tarpaulin kitchen’ In 2007 the children washed then adds to the list of health at St Augustine’s, Mpaka their hands in the same bucket – problems. and cross-infection was rife. In Apart from endemic poverty the 2008 I took 250 metal spoons and greatest problem is the cata- infections were reduced. This time strophe of HIV Aids with over 40% I took 300 toothbrushes as many of the population testing positive. children had poor dental health. But because of discrimination and stigma most don’t talk about it by With many of the women in the name or admit to having it. They parishes affected themselves or in ‘get sick’ or ‘get thin’. Life their families by HIV Aids doing expectancy has continued to fall in something, especially if it can the brief period since I was last generate a modest income, lifts there. In 1997 it was 60 years; now the spirit. Previously I had got it is half that. some involved in craft works, This has an impact on every mainly knitting. This time I took plenty of sewing resources and aspect of life and society. There is A new toothbrush! increasing reluctance for busi- these proved very popular. nesses to invest because of the With a disproportionate number Pat Millar bleak prospects. Most of those being sick or dying in what would who are dying are in their wage- normally be wage-earning years earning years – the people the many families comprise only the country needs most. very young and the very old. About Although there is now free 15% of households are headed by education for 6 and 7 year-olds a child and about 120,000 (12% of (and starting for 8 year-olds this the population) are orphans or year) with an increasing number of vulnerable children. teachers ill and dead, classes Yet all is not hopeless and have become impossibly large, certainly the Church is affecting the quality of education endeavouring to redeem the and lack of finance means schools situation, even if in only small Three boys with a barrow - a business. are poorly equipped and ways. Despite meeting opposition Next time 3 boys with 3 barrows? – resourced. attempts are being made to Success! 9 Comment At the time of writing, what the their grievances in a predictably believe that the reason for this was late premier Harold Macmillan civilised manner. The present day because today so many described as a ‘Wind of change’ is barbarism of so many of our young youngsters spend so much time blowing through the Arab nations people does force us oldies to looking at TV, computers, and from Algeria to the Yemen. We, wonder whether the old adage of computer-games, that they have sitting cosily in our homes, ’spare the rod and spoil the child’ lost the ability to see things watching the courageous yet may not have been so very wrong correctly. I spent the happiest dignified behaviour of the after all. Children are like puppies, moments of my childhood studying anti-government protesters cannot they need to be correctly wildlife in the surrounding fail to be impressed by their conditioned, through initially very hedgerows of my home. I orderly and non-violent firm training, to ensure their sound remember how, at the age of nine, deportment. Many people, too, will personal development. finding a minute baby common contrast this with the disgraceful lizard, just over an inch long , but vandalism, uproar, and common When I was a child during with perfect minute eyelids and assault which even included a World War II, my father explained claws. It was a thing of incredible cowardly attack on the Prince of to me how stereoscopic wonder, it made herpetology a Wales’ car by some so-called photography was used by RAF very special and rewarding study ‘students’ protesting against the reconnaissance ‘planes to get for the rest of my life. Perhaps now admittedly morally questionable ‘U’ three-dimensional image of things that folk have successfully turn of Nick Clegg over the funding seen from the air. Those analysing petitioned the government to keep of tuition fees. I believe in the pictures didn’t always have their forests, they too will gain the justifiable protests: it is the right of stereoscopes, so they squinted same inspiration from them as I anyone living in a free society. But one photo upon the other to did from that rough little patch of the mob violence of these achieve the same effect. I was country all those years ago.. As hooligans completely outlawed taught how to do this, as were the psalmist said:- “The Heavens them from the genuine student many other folk. When, much declare the glory of God, and the body, who have both the verbal more recently, I taught illustration, firmament showeth His skills and a sense of correct I tried to teach my students the handywork” academic procedure to express same trick. Very few managed it. I Francis D. Bowles
Action of Churches Together On Sunday, 26 June there will be Choral A working party of Action of Churches Together in Evensong at 7.30 p.m. in St Mary Magdalene’s Scotland has recently published a report on 'Just War Church, Dundee to celebrate the 40th Anniversary criteria and the War in Afghanistan'. The Dean of of Bishop Luscombe coming to Dundee. This Brechin was a member of this group. The report can service will include the first performance of a new be read on the website of the Religious Society of anthem "Sunset and Evening Star" based on a Friends at
10 A warmer Welcome in the North!
The Vestry and Congregation of from their homes on a Sunday to lunch clubs, craft and music St Ternan’s Muchalls are proud to allow us to enjoy a cup of tea after groups, counselling and reading announce that the Planning and the service. Part of our Mission groups. All queries regarding Premises Group, formed early in Statement is to show God’s love in rental should be directed to Sheila 2008 to review the current usage the community and our hope for (01569 730618) or Audrey (01569 of the Church as a place of the future is that many groups out 730600). worship and community hub in the there in the 21st Century, has now completed community will major renovations. make use of With the help of an Architect, the new Energy Consultants and many facilities. We hours spent applying for Grants, have extended our very old electrical system, our Loop which barely warmed the Church System for the in the colder months has been hard of hearing replaced with a biomass wood and installed pellet boiler, heating both the baby changing Church and Rectory and new facilities. A Extension. The new heating First Aid system was completed in April Course for Girl 2009 at a total cost of £45,113 Guiding, the mainly funded by Grants and a North Mearns contribution of £7,113 from Reading Group meeting ourselves. In February 2010 all The new community room monies were in place to allow us to monthly, a very successful proceed with our plans to provide The facilities were officially an extension comprising fully fitted Harvest Supper and all Church meetings are making good use of opened early in November by Dr kitchen, toilets (including disabled Elizabeth Green widow of a former toilets) and a meeting room with a the facilities. The meeting room looks out over lovely countryside Priest in Charge with local capacity to hold 30 people. The Councillors and Sir Robert Smith cost of this phase of the project and is an ideal situation to attract groups from the community and MP also in attendance. This was a was £103,337 with St Ternan’s very proud day and the culmination contributing £34,566. we welcome anyone who wishes to use it whether they are a of lots of hard work and soul Building this extension has member of the church or not. We searching. The Rev’d Canon Joe allowed us to remove the severe are holding our first coffee morning Morrow blessed the new facilities restrictions that were in place due in April which hopefully will help to on a recent visit. to the lack of running water, show people in the community We are a small congregation kitchen and toilet facilities, what we have achieved and what comprising mainly of “mature” particularly disabled toilet. Flasks is on offer. The facility can be individuals who took a “Leap in of hot water were carried by ladies hired out for children’s parties, Faith” and have finally achieved it.
The Narrow Road St Paul’s Cathedral Dundee will host a visit from the York-based Riding Lights is one of the country’s Riding Lights Theatre Company, who will be most successful independent theatre companies, performing their powerful new play The Narrow Road having toured for over thirty years, and is by Paul Birch. This Passion play, newly commissioned internationally celebrated for its entertaining, yet by the Dean and Chapter of York, introduces us to the moving and challenging productions. This people of the gospel and the story takes its audience performance of The Narrow Road will be a with Jesus back along the road to the Cross, making thought-provoking and inspiring event in the weeks us consider the challenges this journey brings to our leading us up to Easter and should not be missed! own life and faith. This performance will be on April 12 at 7.30 p.m. At various points in the play, space is created for Further details or information about booking tickets for other expressions of worship, music and reflection this performance can be obtained from St Paul’s arising directly out of the drama, so that the whole Cathedral, Dundee (01382 224486) or from Jane performance becomes a potent mixture of Phillips at
11 Diary Roundup Help needed ! Are you any good at general gardening jobs – weeding, simple pruning etc.? Help is needed in the Good Friday, 22 April, 6.15 p.m. garden at the Bishop's House, while it is vacant. Stations of the Cross Employing gardeners is costly, so we propose St John the Baptist Church, Albert Street, Dundee having 2 gardening work-parties (weather permitting) on Saturday, 9 April and Tuesday, 12 Easter Day, 24 April, 9.45 a.m. April from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring some packed Sung Eucharist for Easter Day lunch to sustain you, and tea or coffee will be laid St John the Baptist Church, Albert Street, Dundee on. Also bring tools, e.g. trowels, small forks, Saturday, 30 April, 10 a.m. – 12 noon secateurs, edging shears, gloves and at least 2 Coffee Morning strong black bags for rubbish. St John the Baptist Church, Albert Street, Dundee If you are able to help, please contact Judy Robinson on 01382 645305 or by email: Thursday, 2 June, 7.30 p.m.
The next issue of Grapevine will be coming out for 28 August 2011. All articles, letters, comments should be with the Editor by 6 August 2011. Preferably articles should be no longer than 500 words. The Editor of Grapevine, Beattie Lodge, Laurencekirk, Kincardineshire, AB30 1HJ (E-mail:
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