GRAPEVINE

No 124 Autumn 2021 THE MAGAZINE OF THE DIOCESE OF BRECHIN

Bishop Andrew writes: A question that arises for us as Christians, even in this Greetings to all in the Diocese of Brechin – we are now in pandemic, is how we respond a time of the present pandemic when restrictions are being to the environmental crisis. greatly eased and the possibility of a return to something We are working to be visible much more like life ‘before the pandemic’ is looking possible signs of God’s love – and that for Scotland and her churches. This is a time of great hope work can extend to our own – and also a time of great anxiety for many people. The impact on the environment past eighteen months or so have been a time of taking and our advocacy for great care to avoid contact with people from other environmental action. The SEC has passed motions households, of wearing face coverings in most places calling for us to be net carbon outwith our homes and avoiding travel within Scotland and zero by 2030 – this will involve certainly to other countries. The restrictions to normal life changes in how we travel, that we (and so many other people in the world) have lived heat our churches and houses through have allowed a programme of vaccination to take and how we consume place. That programme, in this country anyway, has brought products and materials. And us to this time of increasing freedom. But the fear and we can also raise an anxiety that many people have is very real and very awareness of how all society, reasonable. What if the vaccine isn’t fully effective for me? people of faith or not, can be What if the virus develops a new variant that defeats other taking similar action. God’s protections? Can it actually be safe to stop taking all those love is for the whole world, for precautions? all creation. Much more work is needed as the church (and Our church life has followed And why have we done the wider world) take on this this same pattern. Extreme this? Why have we continued challenge to hold back climate lockdown, careful opening, to gather online, or with change but being careful and lockdown returning again – restrictions in place for conscious of our use of then re-opening and a steady ‘in-person’ worship? I would resources, focusing on process of relaxing offer that our church greener ways of living: those restrictions. All of our communities are all living can be a sign of that divine churches that have opened signs of God’s love for the love. have done exceptionally well world. We might look to a at applying mitigations, casual observer like a number Please stay safe and well carefully communicating how of Victorian (or thereabouts) as we move through this latest safe and meaningful their buildings where people gather season of this pandemic. worship will be, keeping online each week to sing and pray presence to keep all included and worship – but the faith Bless you all. and making sure everyone that built those buildings, the remains connected. It has faith that created the been a long, long journey for worshipping community in all of church communities, and each place, the faith that has there are restrictions still in supported and guided all place (and with the potential those people through this time to increase if a virus outbreak of pandemic – that faith, on occurs) – but all are doing display for all to see, is a sign Andrew, well. of God’s love for this world. 1 The Reverend David Shepherd, R.I.P. The Reverend David Shepherd, As a Rector, David received the very interesting and well-illustrated who died on the twenty-seventh of same commission as that given to books for the Sunday School. In March, was one of the diminishing Saint Peter – ‘Feed my lambs, 2018, he published the first of number of Scottish clergy to serve tend my shearlings, tend my three volumes of autobiography, their whole ministry in the same sheep’. entitled “Shepherd’s Delight”. He diocese. left the other two volumes almost During his Rectorship, the ready to go to print. He was born in Bolton-le-Sands Baptismal Register showed no in 1942. On leaving Abottsholme less than eight hundred and fifty David’s letters are never likely School, he spent three years at lambs nurtured and in their to be forgotten, and would on Saint John’s College, Durham, baptism given grace to live occasion have been better written graduating in 1965. He later Christian lives. on asbestos paper. The seven added an M.A., and then an M.Litt. bishops under whom he served for a thesis on the Jugoslav Royal And the shearlings, those young were not exempt from what he Family. After a gap year in the and sometimes wayward euphemistically described as Probation Service, he joined members of the flock. In the “constructive criticism”. Edinburgh Theological College, halcyon days of the sixties at Saint where the Principal was Kenneth Paul’s Cathedral, his Sixty-Nine In 1986, he married Patricia, Woollcombe, later Bishop of Club had to be restricted to a who was a constant, yet Oxford. hundred and fifty members unobtrusive, support and mainstay David arrived in Dundee in the meeting regularly in the halls. He throughout his ministry. spent six fruitful years as Chaplain Diocese of Brechin in 1968 to Sadly his last few years were serve a title as curate of Saint to Anglican Students at Dundee University, some of whom stayed dogged by a progressively Paul’s Cathedral, Dundee. Several disabling cancer, through which of his maternal forebears had in contact for the rest of his life. Four ordinands came from those he was devotedly nursed by ministered in the Diocese, Patricia. including a bishop, a dean and a years. former Provost of Saint Paul’s. He Then – ‘Feed my sheep’. The He retired on Easter Day 2020 remained at the Cathedral for ordinary, routine day-to-day care after forty years at Saint Mary eleven years, during which he of the flock – visiting, preaching, Magdalene’s. exercised a remarkable ministry teaching, comforting and He was seventy-eight years old amongst young people both in the ministering to them to the end. at the time of his death and had Cathedral and in his Chaplaincy to Some thirteen hundred funerals, been a for more than fifty Anglican students in the University nearly all of them loved by their years. He leaves a wide circle of of Dundee. shepherd and loving in return. grateful Episcopalians. In June 1979, he was appointed Beyond Saint Mary Bishop Ted Luscombe as Rector of Saint Mary Magdalene’s, David’s hospital Magdalene’s in the city of Dundee. chaplaincy was exemplary. His This was a large building that had sixteen years as Chairman of formerly been a Catholic Apostolic Saint Serf’s Retirement Home saw Church. In 1954, an Episcopalian a major extension completed, the congregation had moved from books balanced and a facility of Hawkhill, at one time reputed to be which the Church was proud. He the most over-crowded area in was of great assistance in Europe. Over the years the Chaplaincy to the Burma Star building had become rather forlorn Association. and a recommendation was made that it should be closed. His He had a particular interest in appointment was an act of faith. lists and tables and would have made a good statistician. The I remember clearly the evening beginning of Advent always saw of his Institution. The church was him producing for the ensuing dark and dismal, and many of the year a table of lessons, readers, lights were not working. Under hymns and music. Although not David’s guidance, the building was musical himself, he appreciated transformed into a place of beauty good music and loved listening to – including the replacement of the the Mahler symphonies and windows with stained glass. But classical liturgical music. important as that was, the building was not the church, but the His principal recreation was in people, and it was to their care writing detective novels – fifteen of that he was being instituted. them altogether. He produced four 2 A New Chapter at St Paul’s Cathedral The Very Rev’d Elizabeth Thomson was instituted Witney: a bicycle. Witney is a market town on the as Rector and installed as Provost of St Paul’s edge of the Cotswolds, well on the edge so that Cathedral on Saturday, 19 June. Here she shares nothing is too steep. I was the team vicar of four thoughts on how she has arrived here. churches, one large, two small, one tiny, no more than five miles apart. So I cycled. I stopped in Derby, and When I arrived in Derby several years ago, and had now in Dundee with good safe cycle paths I have to write something about myself for the cathedral been cycling again (though I would like to note that website, I wrote that I had come ‘from a team parish in here everything is too steep). Cycling is great for Witney and an earlier curacy in Somerset; originally noticing things about the place where you are, the from Edinburgh, she is gradually working her way small details, the scents and sounds; for trying a north.’ It was true, for here I am three hundred miles different route or just exploring. You need a sense of further north, in Dundee in the Diocese of Brechin; place, I think, for ministry, and it’s very difficult to keep and, once again, I have been invited to write that alive if you’re a minister in a car or a minister something about myself. staring at a screen. You have to find ways to connect to where you are. So it’s good to be back on a bike. Somerset: a tent. I was a curate in Somerset, near Wells, in four idiosyncratic small villages. One of them was idiosyncratic enough to host the Glastonbury Festival, and the tent is the church tent there, a nightshelter run by church volunteers. In the tent, it is Sunday morning and there is a Eucharist. The congregation consists of the volunteers, and festival-goers, and regulars from the parish who have walked up the hill, and bodies on the tent floor in and half emerging from blankets. The bodies belong to the people who spent the night here, because they were lost or tired or confused; the volunteers gave them blankets and bedded them down, and now they are waking up and stretching and being handed a hymnsheet or a mug of tea. Some of them joined in the hymns, and some went straight back under the The newly installed Provost with those who had blankets. I used to do the dawn shift because I loved participated in the service in St Paul’s Cathedral that early morning resurrection, especially on Sunday when it became part of that gloriously mixed I’m going to do it by looking back at some of the congregation. It has stayed with me as a wonderful stages of the journey, so that you know a bit about image of church and community, outreach and how I got here. But I’m just going to pick one key thing worship, all happening haphazardly together. for each, and make that a way to look forward or at A tree, a bicycle, and a tent. I don’t know what least around as well as back. Dundee will turn out to be. But I have been enjoying Derby’s the most recent stage and it’s too recent for these first weeks – pitching the tent, getting back on it to be easy to pick one key thing. I arrived there to be the bike, considering a place in the garden for a tree. Canon Missioner at the cathedral, one of the three Meeting people, exploring, thinking about what we full-time clergy and with a responsibility for helping the can do together here. I am very much looking forward cathedral look outwards and make connections with to continuing to do that, with you, in the Cathedral and its community. Later, in a vacancy and then during the city and the Diocese. lockdown I was Acting Dean. However, I’m not going to choose anything to do with church, or work, but the damson tree I planted in the garden. Diocese of Swaziland Derby: a damson tree. A damson tree is a lovely An Elective Assembly took place on 4 & 5 thing, with delicate white blossom and then little hard August to elect a successor to the late Bishop green bullets that ripen, gradually and then suddenly, Ellinah Wamukoya for Swaziland. into dark purple. And then you can make jam, or There were two nominees: chutney, or ice cream. So clearly a damson tree is a The Rev’d Charles Mhlaba Kunene good thing. But you don’t know, when you plant a tree, The Very Rev’d Advent Nhlanla Dlamini how many years you’ll get to eat the damsons, and you do know, when you plant one in the garden of a The Elective Assembly decided to delegate the clergy house, that you’ll only see a few years in what election of its new Bishop to the Synod of Bishops may be the very long life of this tree. It was still worth of the Province of Southern Africa. planting. There are analogies with cathedral ministry. 3 Cups and Communion

The effect of the coronavirus All the earliest writings point to Concomitance enabled people has been wide-ranging for the the fact, therefore, that in theologically from the Middle Ages Church as well as in society at celebrating the Eucharist a onwards to accept the withdrawal large. One aspect which has communal cup was shared, of the chalice and was echoed by caused great distress has been although there is some evidence the Scottish Bishops’ statement how the Liturgy or Eucharist has that more than one cup (or last year. But with the aim of been celebrated, and in particular chalice) might be used to facilitate minimising the transmission of as regards the administration of the administration when there was infection was that the only option? Holy Communion. a large number of communicants. The use of individual cups was In March 2020 the Bishops of Over the centuries there grew one possibility. Because their use the Scottish Episcopal Church up concern over the danger of is widespread amongst many issued advice that “The sharing of sacrilege in spilling the con- Protestant denominations people the chalice is suspended until secrated wine, as well as the may think this is long established. further notice, and communion difficulty and expense of In fact they were first introduced in should be offered in one kind, i.e. administering to large numbers. the 1890s in the United States by taking the bread only, placed into Concerns about drinking from a a handful of independent Protest- the hand.” This deprivation has common cup were also aired from ant ministers at a time when folk caused unhappiness in varying time to time. were becoming aware of the degrees to communicants. The existence of bacterial infection. To wine was still to be consecrated Basically two solutions came begin with there was strong but consumed only by the about. In the Orthodox Churches opposition on the grounds of it celebrant; without this the of the East from the eighth century being a non-Scriptural innovation, sacrament would not be valid. it became customary to use a that their use diminished the spoon and this remains the sense of communion and that This instruction begs the practice today: the Lamb (the these small cups resembled shot question as to whether it was the bread) is divided up into fragments glasses in which spirits are served only course available or desirable and put into the chalice, so that in pubs. When their use was to be carried out once churches both are received together. The brought to Scotland the Church of were permitted to reopen for theological rationale is that it is the Scotand General Assembly only communal worship in July 2020 living Lord who is received and in reluctantly allowed them in 1909. and then subsequently in March the resurrection the whole person Another possibility was to 2021 after the second lockdown of Christ was raised from the encourage intinction (the dipping ended. The history of the practice dead. The spoon is cleansed after of the bread into the wine). In the of administering Holy Communion each communicant. (This also Prayer Book provisions for the down the ages and across the makes it more practical for infants Communion of the Sick this denominations is complex. to receive the sacrament as is the practice is advocated where the The starting point has to be the custom.) sick person cannot sit up in bed. A Last Supper as recorded in the In the Western Church of suggestion has been made that first three Gospels and by St Paul Europe the solution which the celebrant place a drop of the writing to the Corinthians. Within increasingly became the norm wine on each piece of bread, but that traditional Jewish Passover was to restrict the chalice to the though one may receive the Blood meal context Jesus did two celebrant. A number of of Christ all sense of the fellowship specific things which is all that is theologians in the twelfth century of one cup is lost. left of that original setting, and in affirmed the doctrine of concomit- The Prayer Book does not so doing identified himself with the ance which affirms that “under propose that the communicant bread and wine. either species both the Body and himself intincts. This habit took The early Church quickly put the Blood are received. There is hold in the 1970s with the HIV these two elements together, but no Body without Blood, nor Blood Aids epidemic, but transmission of in the Passover they were separated from the Body.” At the that virus was impossible by separate. Each person would Council of Florence in 1439 it was drinking. However, it was more have had their own vessel for the declared that Christ’s body, blood, likely for the communicant to four cups of wine drunk during the soul and divinity are present under contaminate the wine and celebration, but St Paul states “in both forms because the risen intinction has been seen as the same way he took the cup Christ is not divided in any way. resembling the action of Judas. after supper,” indicating a different Such teaching was endorsed by We would probably not sub- point in the occasion. And by Bishop Forbes of Brechin when he scribe to an Eastern Orthodox using the definite article (the cup) wrote “the sacrament under one view expressed on TV by a he clearly was referring to a single kind conveys all the graces Russian nun that the Body and cup, perhaps the one placed for necessary for salvation.” Though Blood of Christ could not transmit Elijah, who was expected to herald he adds that the chalice has “the infection, so perhaps our Bishops’ the kingdom of the Messiah. grace of gladdening.” directive may be the best option. 4 Abraham’s Variegated House The idea for the ‘House of One’ (see article in last From the search for the best architectural language edition of Grapevine) began in a Protestant church to the establishment of a foundation that gives equal community in Berlin. Here is its inspiration, in the place to religions and society, our cooperation has words of the three community leaders who initiated been able to move hearts and win hearts around the the project. world, and give them hope. We are very grateful for the great trust that has “At the historic heart of been placed in us; it is also Berlin, where the city was our responsibility.” born and where its first Imam Kadir Sanci church stood, this is where Bet- und Lehrhaus am the music of the future Petriplatz in Berlin should be heard. A sacred house of several religions “A place that has also been will now grow from the dark in its history is a place foundations of the old of potential peace. For me churches. The people there as a Jew, Berlin is will remain true to their own associated with memories faith, live by its strength and of wounds, but within that enter into peace-loving memory is included another conversation with one fact – that the city is also a another and with the secular Pastor Gregor Hohberg, Rabbi Andreas Nachama and place of enlightenment, and urban society. It will be a Imam Kadir Sanci pose during the ground-breaking the development of Jewish house in which justice, ceremony of the multi-religion building ‘House of One’ life. After the expulsion peace and reconciliation on 27 May, 2001 from Spain, the Jews put a dwell.” ban on that country. For Pastor Gregor Hohberg 500 years, they did not return. In Berlin, after the end St. Marienkirche auf dem Alexanderplatz, Berlin of World War II in 1945, the Jews who had gone into hiding and those who came into the country “The House of One is characterised by a dialogue immediately began building new Jewish life. of hearts, which is active and visible in an idea and a Memories and new beginnings - for me, that is Berlin.” building. This is our way of inter-religious dialogue, as Rabbi Tovia ben Chorin, a connection between tradition and the present. We Synagogue Sukkat Schalom, Berlin fill them with life and thus make our contribution to world peace. Websire: https://house-of-one.org/de/initiatoren

The Road Not Taken The Wild Side Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, Consider WILD flowers in their bliss, And sorry I could not travel both Displayed in such a World as this: And be one traveller, long I stood Musk rose, a canopy has laid, And looked down one as far as I could O’er hedges in the woodland glade: To where it bent in the undergrowth; Jostle for space on sweet Earth’s floor; Then took the other, as just as fair, While Iris wild in sea of green, And having perhaps the better claim, Paints a bold, spectacular scene. Because it was grassy and wanted wear; Though as for that the passing there Regard this “wild side,” while we may – Had worn them really about the same, Within a day it fades away. And both that morning equally lay No more conformed nor confined; In leaves no step had trodden black. Delight in freedom of the mind! Oh, I kept the first for another day! Uplift the soul! Fresh vistas find! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, Let go the “things” that bind and blind. I doubted if I should ever come back. Through winsome fragrance peace restore; I shall be telling this with a sigh Breathe, breathe more deeply than before. Somewhere ages and ages hence: Margaret Couper Two roads diverged in a wood, and I — “If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, I took the one less travelled by, which is here today and tomorrow, thrown in the fire, And that has made all the difference. will He not so more clothe you. O you of little faith.” Robert Frost Matthew 6 v. 30

5 Coming to Coastal Congregations After what seems like a very from South Africa in 2001, I was I now have the task of working protracted interview and ordained priest in 2011 after with the two charges of Holy discernment process due to training at Cuddesdon College in Rood, Carnoustie and Holy Trinity, Covid, it is wonderful to finally be Oxford. My first incumbency was Monifieth, to find the way forward in the Brechin Diocese. Strangely in rural North Yorkshire, where I and determining how that will work now that we have arrived, it feels was solely responsible for 4 like we have been here for parishes, 7 churches and 11 months, and I have to keep villages. Drawn to the role in Carnoustie and Monifieth by the concept of focused transitional ministry, it is something which has been on my mind for a while, as I have observed how damaging it can be for congregations to be forced to work together with little or no understanding of their joint history or narratives. All of us experience change at some point in our lives, but very few of us have the opportunity of having someone to walk alongside us, giving guidance and support during that process and this can be the same for congregations. As a transitional minister, my hope is to bring a breathing space and Martin receiving the Bible from the time of reflection for the two Lay Reader, Linda Walls, at the Martin and Colleen in the porch of charges of Carnoustie and Intitution in Holy Trinity, Monifieth Holy Rood, Carnoustie following the Monifieth, so that they can hear Institution and be guided by the Holy Spirit, in practice, so that they can move to find their true purpose and forward to a new future. This is not reminding myself, and others, that calling. Space which is particularly a merging of two congregations, I have only been licensed for just relevant at this time of anxiety and but two individual communities over 3 weeks. However, the boxes pressure after the pressures and with their own identities working have all now been unpacked, the challenges of Covid-19 but also on a shared identity, working Rectory feels like home and the due to additional pressures of together to seek out God's will for work begins. ageing congregations, rising them in this area. needs and perceived lack of Originally moving to Suffolk resources. Martin Allwood

Friends of St Paul’s Cathedral, Dundee

After many months of preparation and patience, magnificent building in the heart of Dundee and to its awaiting OSCR registration and then a bank account history and heritage. The Friends hope to promote to become active, we on the committee are very cultural and social activities for members and happy to announce that we will be making a ’soft occasional open events. Come along and hear more! launch’ on 10 October. This will happen that evening at 7.30 p.m., after the Bishop Forbes Evensong, at All are welcome, not only from the Cathedral which there will be a guest preacher. congregation, but also from the wider Diocese of Brechin, and all other interested parties. The launch will take the form of a drinks reception and short introduction to the aims and plans of the There is a proviso – all these plans are of course Friends group, and please note – all are welcome to subject to change if by that time there are new attend the reception and launch of the Friends – restrictions imposed by government in relation to the attendance at Evensong at 6.30 p.m. is optional! pandemic.

The Friends of St Paul's Cathedral, Dundee, aims Alice C Simpson to introduce more people to the Cathedral's Chair

6 When I’m Not Cleaning Windows . . . The recipient of the Rising Star Service in the Department of his passion for community-based Award at the 2019 Ukulele Transport. Most of his time he was ministry was really kindled: he Festival of Scotland is shortly to involved in investigations of established a toddler group and take up residence in the diocese. marine incidents such as the foodbank operating out of St Rev Jim (as he was named in the disastrous loss of life on the River Thomas’ Church, was chaplain to Festival programme) is Jim Thames when in 1989 the the local comprehensive school, Benton-Evans, currently Priest-in- Marchioness was sunk after chaired the Camelford & Charge of the East End Team in colliding with a dredger and the Wadebridge SureStart Children’s the Diocese of Glasgow and grounding and oil spill from the MV Centre and for good measure led Galloway, will be instituted as Braer off Shetland in 1993. the (successful) opposition to the Rector of St Andrew’s Brechin, St closure of Camelford Leisure Mary & St Peter’s Montrose with Centre. When his beloved Argyle St David’s Inverbervie. fell into administration in 2010 and In a conversation with the editor looked set to be liquidated, he was Jim revealed he had wide, if a founder member of the Fans’ eclectic, musical tastes, mention- Trust that ultimately enabled the ing his liking for generally club to be saved and now to unknown music from Scotland. If flourish in League One. he was to join the company of Looking for a move and wanting those who have been guests on educational stability for his Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs he children (the eldest was now of would take Laurie Anderson’s Big secondary age) they moved to Science and a concert given by Scotland and he became Rector the pianist Keith Jarrett in the Béla A desire to take a new path in of St Peter’s Peebles together with Bartók Concert Hall, Budapest. In life led him to train as a primary St Andrew’s Innerleithen in 2012. the same vein he refused to be school teacher. Although his Again, schools and community limited to just one book apart from teaching practice was to the east ministry was a central concern, the Bible and Shakespeare (and of the city he still resided in (he was founder and chair of being in Scotland, Robert Burns’ London where he had met Claire, Peeblesshire Foodbank for four Poems): that would be torture! An his wife to be, a secondary school years), but he also developed his avid reader, he would want some teacher, who is presently passion for using music as a tool thick volumes: “After all I will need Provincial Youth Enabler for the to connect people to God and to plenty of paper to light a fire!” He SEC and Youth and Children church – St Andrew’s hosted mentioned such topics as The Silk Officer for the Diocese of many concerts of local and more Road, casting a non-Eurocentric Edinburgh. They worshipped far-flung musical talent, including view on the world, and Hilary together at the renowned St Hawaiian ukulele stars Craig Chee Mantel’s Wolf Hall trilogy. Alban’s Church, Holborn, London. & Sarah Maisel and Andrew and Jim’s musical interests have As a qualified teacher he held a Jay Molina. He also began as a evidently rubbed off on his post for 4 years at a primary gigging musician, mainly in children who are in various ways school in . Involvement in Edinburgh, off the back of that involved in the creative arts. the life of the church soon led to Rising Star Award! This passion Tabitha, having gained a degree him being accepted for ordination. developed further when he made at St Andrews University, is He was sponsored by the Diocese the transition to the congregations currently engaged in directing an of Exeter for his training at Ripon in the East End of Glasgow, online production of Gilbert & College Cuddesdon near Oxford. including hosting the radio show, Sullivan’s The Gondoliers before and in 2003 became Assistant “Hidden Gems With Reverend heading to the Royal Welsh Curate at Ivybridge. This provided Jim” on East End Community School of Music and Drama to him with a broad spectrum of Radio. As live music begins to study Opera Directing. Alex is experience within parochial return, Jim looks forward to completing a degree in Adventure ministry and a considerable playing in Angus and beyond (and Education at the University of the challenge when the incumbent is available to perform in churches Highlands and Islands in Fort was on the sick list for six months. at specially negotiated rates ...) William and Tobias is studying But with Plymouth being only 10 The institution of the Rev’d Sound Engineering at Perth. miles away he could indulge his James Benton-Evans to the But ‘Rev Jim’,has other strings long-held passion and support for Brechin charges will take place on to his bow apart from the ukulele Plymouth Argyle Football Club. Saturday 2 October details of (pun intended). His academic Having completed his curacy he which will be published later ... but formation was with a degree in moved westwards into his native he probably won’t be playing his Classics at King’s College, Cornwall becoming Priest-in- ukulele at it. London after which he was Charge of Lanteglos by Camelford “I wouldn’t bet against it!” he employed for 5 years in the Civil and four smaller churches. There said. 7 Cryptic Prize Crossword Looking towards the hills this autumn eleven answers will be found in Psalm 121 (Prayer Book version). Send your entries to the editor at the address on the back page by Friday, 29 October.

26 Celestial body encountering 7 Overheated swimmers, hydrogen is approaching always stuffed (8) (6) 8 A grunter somehow 28 End of the beef soup? (6) sounded authentic (8) 29 This may be curtailed if 10 Confronted by a cow the plane’s crashed (8) wild deer showed fear (7) 30 In French, Hugo managed 14 Why a name is, perhaps, adequately (6) forgotten (7) 31 Penny set aside for jam 17 Perpetually get over mere perhaps (8) adjustment (8) 18 Italian instrument in the CLUES DOWN: freezer compartment? (8) 1 Contemplate how bold he 19 A Scot gets sore about appears (6) such basic forms of 2 A hut is demolished transport (8) creating an interruption (6) 22 Approaching the leader of a 3 Tiny part engineered by a Chinese dynasty (6) burrowing animal consum- 23 Can’t he lose his job? (6) ing the French copper (8) 24 Chancellor doesn’t finish 4 Done by a man of with fortune (5) conviction (4) 27 Coming back on train line? Don’t believe him! (4) CLUES ACROSS: 13 Ship’s timber bends at start 6 Any use becoming of rough trip (8) anxious? (6) 1 Be he insect or monster? 15 Rumbles terribly in one’s (8) sleep! (7) 5 Permit to have a bad time! 16 Biblical fellow has an entry (6) in the Thesaurus (4) Name ...... 9 Lead the French politician 20 Old fiddle sounds horrible towards illumination (8) (4) 10 It’s real bliss residing in the 21 Guarding of French barrier Address...... avenue (6) (7) 12 Meal had around a moment 25 Show a clean pair of heels of take-off (6) to Bolt (3,3,2) ......

 RESULT

Seeking to be allowed the ‘inciting prostitution’ and are now A good number on entries for freedom to choose what they may serving 30 plus years in prison last edition’s crossword. The wear, three unveiled Iranian between them. This is latest in a randomly picked winner is Andy women made a peaceful protest trend of crackdowns against Jackson of Errol. by handing out flowers to female women’s human rights in Iran. passengers on a metro train in There are grave health risks for Tehran. prisoners like Monireh, Yasaman Days later they were charged and Mojgan as Covid-19 is rife in with sham offences including Iranian prisons with poor hygiene and no possibility of social distancing. To support Iranian women like these please sign the on-line petition at: https://www.amnesty.or g.uk/actions/iran-wome Apologies: 19 across should n-jailed-viral-video-force have been shown as two words. d-veiling-hijab-law. 8 Lambeth Award Iowa Election In April Archbishop Justin Welby announced the The Rev’d Betsey Monnot was elected on 31 July recipients of the 2021 Lambeth Awards for to become the 10th Bishop of Iowa in succession to outstanding contributions to the Church and society. the Rt Rev’d Alan Scarfe. Among over 30 individuals the late Bishop Ellinah Most recently she has been serving as Wamukoya was one recipient. Priest-in-Charge of St Clement’s Episcopal Church in He said, “During the pandemic, we have seen just Rancho Cordova, California and as Director and how vital the contribution of churches is to the fabric of Retreat Leader of Called to Abundant Life: Leadership our society. As well as finding creative ways to Consulting. Her previous ministerial roles had also worship together safely, churches have been feeding been in California. the hungry, reaching out to the lonely and offering hope to those struggling in the midst of the crisis. This year’s Lambeth Awards recipients embody this spirit of service - not just during the pandemic but, for many of them, through decades of faithful work. I” The full citation read: The late Bishop Ellinah Wamukoya The Langton Award for Community Service For outstanding leadership in the area of sustainable development and Creation Care in the Diocese of Swaziland (Eswatini). The late Bishop Ellinah Wamukoya was the first woman to be Bishop in Africa. As such she served her Diocese, the Province and the in an outstanding manner. She integrated the care of creation into her theology, her teaching and her She is the first woman to be elected as the praxis, prioritising the environment at all levels. Episcopal Bishop of Iowa since the diocese was In the Diocese of Swaziland (Eswatini), she was formed in 1853. Shortly after being notified of her one of the first bishops to introduce the Season of election she said iIn an address to the diocese via Creation on a yearly basis. She instituted many Zoom, “I am so excited to join you in ministry and to successful environmental projects, the wattle tree take the next steps soon! May God’s blessing be with project, seed distribution, the rocket stove initiative all of us as we prepare for our future together, as we and the pig farming project. These have demonstrated journey as disciples of Jesus on the road together, sustainable development in a way which is healing the and as we continue to listen for God’s call for the land. The Department of Environment has recognised Episcopal Church in Iowa. Thank you.” the Diocese two years in a row for an Eco-award, and With her husband, Michael, she has three teenage she was invited to preach at National World sons. Her consecration will take place in Des Moines Environment day events. on Saturday, 18 December at which the chief On a Provincial level, she was the liaison bishop for consecrating bishop will be the Presiding Bishop of the environment and oversaw the Greening of the the Episcopal Church in the United States, Michael Canons, divestment from fossil fuels, a commitment to Curry. banning of Styrofoam at church events and other environmental resolutions. On a Communion level, as chairperson of the Confirmation Anglican Communion Environmental Network she spoke at Anglican Consultative Council in Lusaka on the Eucharist and the Environment. She spoke at forums in Washington DC and was a facilitator for Trinity Church, Wall Street on sustainability for churches in Africa. Bishop Ellinah was an active member of the Anglican Bishops in Dialogue consultations. These bishops, in the spirit of the Indaba process of Lambeth 2008, courageously took the risk to meet and listen to those with whom they have had profound disagreements. They met for over 10 years and grew in trust, mutual respect and understanding of their diverse contexts and common mission. In this, as in At St Ninian’s Church, Dundee on Sunday, 27 June all she undertook, Bishop Ellinah made an Bishop Andrew confirmed Isabella Campbell, Ellie outstanding contribution. Grant, Maia Fraser. 9 The article entitled ‘Christianity v. Churchianity’ in the last edition of Grapevine generated responses some of which are reproduced below.

Churchianity – A New Market Ken Tonge’s article discussed and Wee Frees. After all, many wokery are unlikely to satisfy an the word ’market’. I can vividly clergy have put pen to paper to unfulfilled need for many. Are we remember making a similar discuss the dogmas, the liturgies, measuring whether our messages observation some years ago, and the theology. And some of our are being effective in achieving my then Vicar threw up his hands attitudes of inclusion and our love our aim of proclaiming the gospel? in abject horror, effectively of our neighbours are well known So, what should be happening? querying how I could even and well-liked. They may be As was once remarked, “It’s up to mention marketing and Christianity accepted by the wider community. us. No-one else is going to do it in the same sentence. However, I Whether recent scandals have for us”. Unless we take the time am afraid he did not present any dented that perception is a moot and trouble to find out what is convincing arguments for his view. point. But in terms of marketing working and, more importantly, However, I have retained the position, I would presume that we what is not working, the church thought, and Ken’s article has are much as every other will continue to slide until oblivion prompted me to think through my denomination – struggling to be overtakes us. Until we go out and view. heard and to gain participation, ask for help, we will continue to be regardless of our churchmanship. Conventionally and academic- helpless. Who is going to be the ally, marketing has four aspects – Price first brave church official who says Product, Position, Price and Just in case one thinks this is “we can’t continue as we are? We Promotion. Let’s try to apply these the treasurer’s domain, price does have to up our game.” That means to ourselves. not just cover money. It is the learning the lessons of all other totality of what our prospects must organisations and embracing what Product expend to participate. Giving up marketing, in the round, means, Are we clear what our product Sunday mornings might be more and spending time and money is, and why people should partake difficult than putting a few coins in actually doing it. The results of of it? Is it just the church services; the collection plate. Overcoming some serious market research is it the social interaction and one’s embarrassment and fear in followed by an appropriate mutual help; is it the ‘do-gooding’ venturing into new territory seems outward-looking policy and in the community for those less to be a large ask. And it is far from practice changes could be fortunate? Is it something else? certain that our liturgical and invigorating. Do ‘people out there’ want or need theological mumbo-jumbo adds David Fleming the hugging and kissing of the any value to others. We need to Peace, or prefer the quietude of establish what people would want Another reader who did not wish Choral Evensong? I personally am to ‘pay’, and what is stopping them their name to be published voiced far from clear what the average getting out of their comfort zone, several thoughts: (non-churchgoing) member of with or without their wallet. What a lot of rash public might be looking for in a Promotion generalisations! ‘sales pitch’ from the church. I As much as I dislike the songs don’t think I am alone. There is Now here comes the rub. This is about putting our message to in the new churches rather than very little on church websites that hymns, these are the ones that fill seem to indicate any knowledge of people in ways that they can react to and do the things we would like the buildings. And being known as this. Plenty about what we do. a more relaxed church helps, Very little about what the general them to do. Given the level of advertising, broadcasting and especially when there is food: population feel they want or need. people come for that. The corollary from this is we really social media messaging out there, Welcoming people with social need to do some serious research it is quite clear that the church as needs can help. It’s often people into what the average person in a whole is drowned out. As with who have had problems in life that 2021 would like to see. It is not Product, we really need to find out attend church for comfort. As in what we want, but what other how much of our message is times of war people go to church people want. Then that want has being received, how much is for comfort. Those with no to be converted into a need. We acceptable and whether any of it problems just jog along. At the really should not be promoting all generates any action at all. Yes, start of Covid lockdowns even that we have when we are blind, there are some websites; yes, non-attenders watched services. not knowing what need we are there are some Zoom and trying to fulfil. YouTube offerings; yes, a few And why that sneaky question press releases and interviews do of pews versus chairs? Even non Position get reported. But their effect? church attenders and those We are fairly clear where we sit Certainly, some of the recent touring on holiday love real pews. in the pantheon of religions: messages, particularly those of a No, we don’t want sofas or bean somewhere between the Pope political nature, or discussing bags! 10 ‘The Lord is in this place’ In the 3rd century a Chinese philosopher, Chang the ladder itself. This is merely suggested with great Tsu, had a very vivid dream. He dreamed he was a delicacy and subtlety by the wispy golden light butterfly, happily flying here and there. When he streaming down to the recumbent figure. awoke, he thought to himself, “Did Chang Tsu dream that he was a butterfly, or did the butterfly dream that With great tenderness he portrays Jacob as he it was Chang Tsu?” Dreams are often like that: crucial sleeps beneath the luminous expanse of sky, which experiences which cause us to ponder and wonder occupies a major part of the canvas. Not for him the about their meaning. The prophet Joel suggested that depiction of winged messengers; no, the light of it was old men who dream dreams, while young heaven falls down upon the sleeping figure, casting people see visions. But dreams invade and colour our shadows on the ground. The angels, ethereal and sleeping hours, whatever age we are. insubstantial, are contained in the glory of light. By way of contrast the In the Bible dreams countryside in the are vital events. lower half of the Think of Joseph in picture is drab and the Old Testament miserable and Jacob dreaming of his is clad in equally superiority among his drab and humble brothers, the dreams garments well be- of the cup bearer and fitting his nomadic baker at Pharoah’s status. The tree to court, Daniel inter- the left looks like a preting Nebuchad- fallen cross, and the nezzar’s dreams, and figure of Jacob is Joseph’s dreams in almost reminiscent of the Gospels that a sleeping disciple in were so crucial for Gethsemane. But the safety of the Holy here, he is in deep Family. Here we repose as his face is focus on Sueno lit up with the golden Jacobo (Jacob’s glow of the heavenly Dream) by Ribera. messengers. Jusepe de Ribera was a Spanish artist, whose most For Jacob, the dream is the golden assurance of productive years were spent in Naples, where he died God’s blessing. As his saga continues in Genesis, he in 1652. This painting from 1639, now in the Prado in marries Laban’s daughters, wrestles with the divine Madrid, is based on the incident described in Genesis stranger, is given the name Israel, and his twelve 28. After depriving his brother Esau of his birthright sons become the ancestors of the twelve tribes of with the connivance of his mother Rachel, Jacob is God’s people. So, the blessing of the dream is worked sent to Laban. At Bethel he rested and in his sleep out in his own life and the subsequent life of Israel. received the vision of God’s angels on the ladder to Dreams can come to give visions of the way life heaven with God’s reassuring words of promise and should be. Like Jacob, or perhaps like Martin Luther blessing. When he awoke, Jacob set up an altar at King and his prophetic words to those who marched Bethel, which he declared was the house of God and to Washington in 1963 calling for civil and economic the gate of heaven. (The name Bethel means ‘House rights and an end to racism: “I have a dream ...”., they of God’.) can become a springboard for inspiration and new To baroque artists, this scene in Genesis was seen pathways. as prefiguring the coming of Jesus, and in Saint Summer is regarded by many as a time to go on John’s Gospel chapter 1 Jesus Himself told Nathanael holiday to enjoy rest and relaxation, although this year that he would see “the angels of God ascending and that hope for many may not be fulfilled. As we end descending on the Son of Man”. The story poses an each day with sleep, we may pray that like the important pictorial problem. Traditionally painters at Psalmist we will lie down in perfect peace and safety the time had various options as to how to depict this and know the refreshment Jacob found at Bethel: a scene. They could show only the dream – namely a repose which will restore our souls and bodies to ladder covered in angels; or they could show both bring life and vision wherever we may be. Jacob and the ethereal ladder full of angels, giving equal weight to each. Or thirdly, the most difficult option, they could show only Jacob sleeping – surely Falling down the most subtle and difficult option. One way to find out if you're old is to fall in front of a group of people. If they laugh, you're young. If Ribera's decision to take this last choice they panic and start running toward you, you're old. demonstrates his maturing style. He avoids drawing 11 God and Gödel Eating in the 50s As an undergraduate, I was introduced to Kurt Gödel's famous 'incompleteness' theorem. This Pasta had not been invented. proves formally that there exist propositions in Curry was a surname. mathematics that are true but cannot be proved. As a possibly unprovable proposition the famous A takeaway was a mathematical problem. hypothesis is that there are an infinite number of A pizza was something to do with a leaning tower. twin-primes – prime numbers that are separated by 2. As examples of twin primes, we have 3 and 5, 11 and Bananas and oranges only appeared at Christmas 13 and 101 and 103 – and possibly endless others! time. Nobody knows whether there are or are not an All crisps were plain; the choice was whether to infinite number of twin-primes. This proposition may be an example of one that is true but unprovable – put the salt on or not. only God knows the answer – God is truth as well as Rice was a milk pudding, and never part of our love! dinner. In practical terms, Gödel implies we do not have to have proof of everything that we take to be true, for A Big Mac was something we wore when it rained. life's purposes. Does God exist? We cannot prove it Brown bread was something only poor people ate. by philosophical argument, but that does not make the proposition untrue; indeed, the unprovability can even Oil was for lubricating, fat was for cooking. be taken as a convincing indication that God does Tea was made in a teapot using tea leaves. indeed exist. If we believe that something existed before the Big Coffee was Camp and came in a bottle. Bang, that is God. If we believe that something Cubed sugar was regarded as posh. existed before mathematical proof and is the keeper of Truth, that is God, too. And God remains so after Only Heinz made beans. Gödel’s proof. Fish didn’t have fingers in those days. We human beings live by experience and insight. None of us had ever heard of yogurt. We are entitled to use empirical evidence, coupled with logical understanding, to show that, for practical Healthy food consisted of anything edible. life purposes, the God that we believe in is God of Cooking outside was called camping. Truth and Love. We can not only be sure that Jesus existed; we are also entitled to use empirical People who didn’t peel potatoes were regarded as evidence, coupled with logical understanding, to show lazy. that Jesus is the Son of God, sent down for our redemption. Seaweed was not a recognised food. Anthony Hodson Prunes were medicinal. Muesli was readily available – it was called cattle feed. Pineapples were chunks in a tin; we’d only seen a picture of a real one. Water came out of the tap – if someone had suggested bottling it and charging more for it than petrol they would have become a laughing stock. The one thing that we never ever had on our table in the fifties … was elbows !

The next issue of Grapevine will be coming out for 28 Novemer 2021. All articles, letters, comments should be with the Editor by Thursday 5 November 2021. Preferably articles should be no longer than 500 words. The Editor of Grapevine, Beattie Lodge, Laurencekirk, Kincardineshire, AB30 1HJ (E-mail: or )

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