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Lillington Parish Magazine St Mary Magdalene’s Church

Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia! Earth and heaven in chorus say, Alleluia! Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia! Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!

CHARLES WESLEY

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It is clear from the bible that Jesus valued children highly. He blessed them and healed them, and even allowed them to share in his ministry – St. John tells us it was a boy who contributed the loaves and fishes that fed the 5000. At St. Mary Magdalene’s we are trying to make sure that children are not only welcomed and blessed, but play a full part in our church life. This is why the PCC is proposing that that we think about inviting our children to participate in communion before confirmation. Through most of the history of the church, children have received communion alongside adults, and in the last 20 years or so, this idea has gradually been reintroduced in the . Children, following appropriate preparation, and in conversation with their ‘grown ups’ are welcomed at the holy table.

Therefore, during April we will be consulting with you about this proposal. There is a fuller article about the history and background to children at communion later on in this issue of Crosstalk. There will be a sermon on the subject on 14 April, and question and answer sessions after the morning service on 14 and 21 April. We are inviting those who bring children to church to come along to a special evening to talk about it on Monday 22 April. We would like you to listen to the reasons why we think this is an important next step for our church, to ask questions if you have them, and to then let us know what you think. We will then report back to the PCC meeting on 2 May.

Children were already receiving communion when I arrived at my previous parish. I remember very clearly my first Sunday morning there. Children came to the communion rail and stretched out their hands to receive. And for the first time I was able to give them what they wanted, the Body of Christ, of which they are a part. It was a profound and moving experience. As we start on this conversation, I leave you with these words of Jesus from St. Matthew’s gospel.

Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’ (Matthew 19: 13-15) Rev Charlotte Gale, April 2013 1 SERVICE DETAILS

SUNDAY WORSHIP

08:00 Holy Communion April 7 Easter 2 09:30 All Age Worship 18:30 Evensong 08:00 Holy Communion April 14 Easter 3 09:30 Holy Communion with Sunday Club* 08:00 Holy Communion Holy Communion with prayers for April 21 Easter 4 09:30 healing and Sunday Club* 18:30 Evensong 08:00 Holy Communion 09:30 Morning Praise with Sunday Club* April 28 Easter 5 11:15 Baptism 18:30 Evensong

*SUNDAY CLUB For children of all ages up to 10 years during School Term time. Children join the main 09:30 service at the beginning and the end, and leave for a 30 minutes Sunday School session which has a range of age appropriate activities.

WEEKDAY WORSHIP

All Tuesday services commence at 09:30 except the last Tuesday of the month when Communion will be at 13:30. Tea and chat will then follow at 14:00 in the Octagon for those who wish to go along.

Tuesday April 2nd - No Service Tuesday April 9th 09:30 Holy Communion Tuesday April 16th 09:30 Holy Communion Tuesday April 23rd 09:30 Holy Communion Tuesday April 30th 13:30 Holy Communion

2 FROM THE CHURCH RECORDS

BAPTISMS Feb 24th Poppy-Mae Rose Betts Kaylib David Raymond Jarrett Marshall FUNERALS Feb 6th Sybil Goerres (84), Girvan Grove Feb 14th Roy Kemp (78), Crawford Close Feb 26th Victor George Hooper (80), Melton Road

EASTER 2013

Maundy Thursday (28 March) 7.30 pm Holy Communion followed by the Watch. This year our service will have a Taizé theme. It provides the opportunity to reflect on the Last Supper and Jesus’ last night with his friends before his betrayal. After the service, the church will remain open for quiet prayer.

Good Friday (29 March) 11.00 am Children’s service Children (and grown ups!) explore the Easter story through craft, story and song, followed by hot cross buns in the Octagon. 2.00 pm An hour at the cross A quiet service of prayers, hymns and meditations, as we remember Christ’s crucifixion.

Easter Day (31 March) 8.00 am Holy Communion 9.30 am Holy Communion with Sunday Club, followed by an Easter egg hunt for children.

3 WARDENS' WORDS

As this is my last Warden’s Words I would like to begin by thanking everyone who has made my work as Churchwarden so pleasant and fulfilling over the last four years. This applies particularly to the members of the Standing Committee: Charlotte, Anne, Janet and, of course, my fellow Churchwarden Glynis. When I volunteered for the post with some trepidation I was assured by former wardens that it would be a fascinating and really enjoyable experience – and so it has proved. They also assured me they would be at my side with advice if needed, and they were. Some may ask why then if it was such a breeze am I now giving up?! Well, there are two main reasons. First, I think it is important that ideally the post should turn over at regular intervals. New ideas, new enthusiasm and new experience are needed. Second, I was initially concerned as to how I could combine Churchwardenship with being a member of the choir. It proved possible but did mean a lot of commitments and I would like to reduce them somewhat.

There are certain things that I have learned over the past four years. and could pass on to my successor: firstly, that the most frightening thing a churchwarden can hear is the A word (asbestos); secondly, that you should never take the organ for granted (let alone the organist!); thirdly, that the churchyard may be a place of great beauty and peace but it can propel you into the local newspapers at the drop of hat or rather a tombstone; fourthly, that churches over the years have been playgrounds for electricians with widely different philosophies of wiring; and fifthly, that it is wise not to upset that ecclesiastical cosa nostra, the bellringers.

Finally: How many churchwardens does it take to change a light bulb? The answer is two: one to apply for a Faculty and the other to phone the church architect!

Godfrey Carr 4 COOKING WITH CROSSTALK

Hot Cross Bread and Lemon pudding

Ingredients Knob of butter, for the dish 200ml milk 4 stale hot cross buns ½ tsp vanilla extract 200g lemon curd 4 tbsp caster sugar 2 large eggs little lemon zest 200ml double cream

1. Butter a 1-litre baking dish that will quite snugly fit the buns. Cut each bun into 3 slices, and sandwich back together with a generous spreading of curd. Arrange buns in the dish.

2. Whisk egg, cream, milk and remaining curd, then sieve into a jug with the vanilla and 3 tbsp of the sugar. Pour over the buns and stand at room temperature for 30 mins for the custard to soak in.

3. Heat oven to 160C/140C fan/ gas 3. Scatter the remaining sugar and lemon zest over the pudding. Bake for 30-40 mins until the top is golden and the custard gently set. Stand for 5 mins, then serve with cream or vanilla ice cream.

A COOKS PRAYER

Lord, guide my willing hands, to bake my bread today. To mix a little laughter, in what I do or say.

Help me to feed my family with good food seasoned right. With wisdom of a loving heart, keep my kitchen shining bright.

Guide my erring thoughts to Heaven, when my spirit is sad and low. Help me to set my dinner table, with food for hearts that glow. 5 OVER A THOUSAND PEOPLE WELCOME THE ARCHBISHOP HOME

The , Justin Welby, was warmly greeted by the people of Coventry and Warwickshire on Friday 15 March. Archbishop Justin is no stranger to the region, having been ordained in Coventry Cathedral in 1992 and then spending the next 15 years serving the in Nuneaton, Southam and Coventry.

Coventry is one of just five dioceses that Archbishop Justin is visiting in the days leading up to his enthronement at Canterbury Cathedral. He invited as many people as possible to join him on this 'Journey in Prayer' and over a thousand people responded to this invitation.

The visit began on Friday morning when 200 people gathered at Broadgate in Coventry City Centre. Here Archbishop Justin was welcomed by the Lord Mayor of Coventry. To the applause of the crowd, Tim Sawdon said:

"I was going to say to the Archbishop, ‘Welcome to Coventry’, but since he has spent some fifteen years here, it is more appropriate to say, ‘Welcome home’."

Archbishop Justin was also greeted by Christopher (), Bishop John (Bishop of Warwick), Dr Abdullah Shehu (Chair of Coventry Muslim Forum), and Mr Sanjay Jagatia (Secretary General of the Hindu Council).

From Broadgate, drummers from the Asian Christian Fellowship headed a short procession to the Cathedral Ruins, where Bishop Christopher led those gathered in the Coventry Litany of Reconciliation.

Finally, everyone moved into the new Cathedral, where the Archbishop prayed and talked with people throughout the morning and afternoon. The building had been divided into nine prayer zones, each giving people an opportunity to pray in different ways. Many visitors commented on the creativity and variety of zones,

6 which included: prayer activities for children, a prayer labyrinth and a prayer tree.

A thousand people joined Archbishop Justin at Coventry Cathedral. Others participated from a distance; they texted prayers to the Cathedral, which were then displayed on a large screen.

Speaking at the end of his visit, Archbishop Justin said: "Today has been a really extraordinary day in terms of meeting so many people I remembered and knew. Coventry, Southam and Nuneaton have all formed me and trained me in so many ways. I’ve been reminded of the power of the reconciliation story and the need for that to be central to our ministry as Christians.

And I’m hugely grateful to the Cathedral for hosting this part of the prayer journey; just the extraordinary way that they have opened the place up, and the number of people who’ve come. So I want to say thank you to them and also to thank God for what He gave me through working here and to rejoice in that."

Christopher Cocksworth, the Bishop of Coventry said:

"I’ve found today a really moving day, to see so many people come to the cathedral from across the city and diocese to pray with the archbishop. This place is really very important to him because of all it was to him in an earlier stage in his ministry, and also what it will mean to him in his future ministry as archbishop.

It really is clear that the great themes of peace and reconciliation of this cathedral are really deep in his soul, mind and heart, and he wants to carry that forward into his ministry as archbishop with the help of the cathedral. So it’s very moving to see him here in an old place for him but wanting it to be part of his new ministry."

John Stroyan, the Bishop of Warwick added:

"It has been a wonderful day of prayer, with many significant encounters, and with inspiring words from Archbishop Justin. Many of us, I believe, have a sense of excitement at what God is going to do, and an increasingly expectant faith in God who changes life and changes lives." © www.coventry.anglican.org

7 HELEN WALLAM’S

EASTER

E is for Easter day & the joy it brings each year,

A is for angels near the tomb & the message that was clear.

S is for the stone, which was mysteriously rolled away,

T is for the tomb, found empty that very first Easter day,

E is for early morning and the women who were glad,

R is for the Risen Lord & no reason to be sad.

8

You will need: Card Bubble wrap 50/50 mix of paint & glue Bows & stickers

1. Cut egg shapes from the bubble wrap. Make sure they are slightly smaller than the card you are using. 2. Mix paint and glue together and use this to paint the ridged side of the bubble wrap eggs. 3. Place the eggs, paint side down on the front of the card and leave to dry. 4. When the card is dry, decorate with glitter, bows & stickers.

9

The garden at 19 Church Lane, Lillington (David and Judy Hirst) is open by appointment for the National Gardens Scheme. £3 per person. Tel: 01926-422591.

All income to NGS charities: Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Help the Hospices, Carers Trust, Queen's Nursing Institute and about 5 others.

EASTER SERVICES - CHURCHES TOGETHER IN LEAMINGTON

Friday 29 March - Good Friday service. Meet at 11.45am outside Holy Trinity then walk to Christchurch Gardens for the service from 12 noon to 12.30pm followed by grape juice and hot cross buns in Christchurch Gardens

Sunday 31st March Sunrise Service at 06.30 on Easter Day on Campion Hills - access from the car park at the top of Leicester Street. Service to be led by James Church together with young people from "1st Sunday" followed by bacon rolls for breakfast at St Paul's church just down the hill in Leicester Street.

Ageing is a case of mind over matter - if you don’t mind it doesn’t matter!!

10 Coming shortly..... Food banks in Leamington, Lillington and Whitnash

Plans are afoot for the setting up of these, under the guidance of the Trussell Trust www.trusselltrust.org.

Details on how our parish will be able to help will be following but if you want to start collecting the tins or dried food now, you will be well prepared when we are ready to start.

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me...” Matthew 25:35-36

LILLINGTON ANNUAL PARISH CHURCH MEETING (APCM)

The APCM will be held on Thursday 18th April at 19:30 in the Octagon.

The meeting will include information about last year’s Finances and activities as well as looking to the future.

PCC members are elected at the meeting and this year we are looking for a new Churchwarden as Godfrey Carr is standing down (see Wardens Words on page 4). If you are interested in joining the PCC or becoming churchwarden please contact Rev Charlotte. Reports from the meeting will be in May’s Crosstalk. 11 THE SCHOOL OF JOY 'AL- FARAH'

I would like to keep you up to date with the sale of Olive wood charms and embroidered bags/purses etc. The first sale of this well made produce by the children from the School of Joy in Beit Sahour (the town of the shepherds) which is two or three miles away from Bethlehem, was very uplifting.

The project was warmly received by Rev Charlotte, Rev Naomi and all the congregation who went into the Octagon at the end of the service on 24th February.

It was a real pleasure to display and sell these products on behalf of the children. The children are 51 approximately in number between 6-14 years old, and seven older young people between 16-23 years old. They are made up of 70% Christian & 30% Muslim faith. The school is in the occupied territories. Most of the children and young people have had a poor start to life and most also have a learning disability. The school are planning to build an extension so they can house some of the children permanently. As some of the pupils are orphans or live a great distance away it would be very useful if these pupils lived on site for safeguarding reasons if nothing else.

The school is supported by the charity 'Friends of the Holy land'. This is a national charity whose head quarters happen to be in Kenilworth on Station road. More information can be found at www.friendsoftheholyland.org.uk or www.schoolofjoy.org websites.

As for the sale in the Octagon a magnificent £61.37 was raised. A big thank you to all. I hope to come to the Octagon after the last Sunday morning (9.30am) service of each month. I do not expect to raise as much as the first amount each month and I would not want to become a burden either. However, I shall be there if any one would like information or make a donation or treat yourself or someone to something

Very best wishes and thanks again.

'What ever you did for one of the least of these children of mine you did for me' Matthew 25.40 Gary Timlin 12 13 Lillington Community Fun Day – Saturday 27th July 2013

The 2nd Annual Fun Day, organised for the people of Lillington by Churches Together in Lillington and their community partners, is well underway and preparations are now in an advanced state.

Last year it is estimated that 1500 local people visited the event on The Holt Field between 2pm and 6pm. We can be hopeful that this year even more people will hear about the Community Fun Day and come along. Feedback confirmed how much the community both welcomed and enjoyed such an event.

A range of different activities is planned. Building on last year’s success there will be local dance, gymnastic and music acts on the main stage; small ‘fairground’ rides, an Ice Cream van, candy floss, as well as 3 different bouncy inflatables. There will be activities for young people as well as challenges for the whole family including the little ones.

The centre of the event must be the Community and especially those with a heart for people and for strengthening friendships and connections. With this in mind the members of the churches of Lillington are invited to get fully involved and make the most of this excellent opportunity.

The plan is for each church to have its own identity on the field so all five participating churches will be given plots that ‘mingle’ in with other activity areas.

The opportunities for volunteering are virtually unlimited and go way beyond just the churches own ‘area’. The checklist that follows is for you to decide where you can help out and how best your skills can be used. By the end of April the organisers hope there will be a full network of support for this amazing day.

Talk to Christine or John Butler about the Fun Day – contact details as follows: Landline : 01926 779455 Mob (Christine) 07963 229756 Mob (John) 07853 258835 or email [email protected]

Please complete the tear out section on the next page and leave at the church door, on the collection plate or in the Church Office. 14 There’s a job for everyone –

What can YOU do? No.* Distribute publicity Pre-event preparation – signage for car parking etc Help to set up the site Help to erect the stage Be a Site Steward General help - supervision of the field events on the day Organise our own church stall or help on it Work in the team organizing refreshments in Lillington Free Church Hall Help on the day by joining the refreshment rota Make a cake or small cakes Act as a First Aider Keep the site tidy Help to break down the site Do you have a Food Hygiene Certificate? General help

*Please put a 1 or 2 (individual or couple) in the appropriate box(es)

Name(s): ......

Telephone ......

E-mail ......

Ideas, comments or queries?: ......

......

......

......

Please leave this page at the church door, on the collection plate or in the Church Office.

15 Comments from the 2012 Event. Let’s see if we can make it even better in 2013!

“Just wanted to say a huge thank you to you and all your team for a wonderful afternoon - my granddaughters had a terrific time and climbed to the top of the wall! See you soon”

“I couldn't resist driving past to see what was happening -and it looked absolutely wonderful! Loads of people, so many families, all ages the field was full of people - and this was only at 2.30!! …………The atmosphere was brilliant, just as you wanted it to be- happy and unthreatening. Such a lovely event - and just in time for everyone to move on into the Olympics night in good spirits”

“I regularly attend the annual events in Kenilworth Abbey Fields, which are well established and always well attended. However even they would struggle to match the atmosphere and community vibe that was present on Friday. Considering this was the first time an event such as this was held those who helped should be immensely proud of what they achieved. It was perfectly marketed towards the families of Lillington, and even the older kids enjoyed the entertainment that was on show”

“It was great to see so many representatives of the local community helping and enjoying themselves in the afternoon. It was lovely to see local talent being showcased on the stage and a joy to watch so many children participating in the races and their pride when they collected their prizes. Amazing too that there was such a comprehensive clean-up afterwards that there was not in a trace of litter in the park! Congratulation to everyone involved for having given so many people an afternoon to remember on a very historic day”

Many thanks Christine Butler

Sponsored by : Our Lady’s Catholic Church, Lillington Free Church, Crown Community Church, Emmanuel Church, Lillington Parish Church – St Mary Magdalene’s, Community Games and Leamington Spa Town Council

16 Why Girlguiding should keep God in its promise

A majority of girls and young women recently surveyed by Girlguiding UK say they believe in a god. As the organisation's open consultation on the Promises made by new members drew to a close in March, a senior Church of England priest said it is important that the promise to "love God", retains its place. 70% of 7-11 year olds believe in ‘a god’, according to the survey of 1,200 7-21 year olds in the UK, conducted by Girlguiding UK. The figure for 11-21 year olds is 55%.

"Girlguiding UK has always been an organisation that has held the spiritual development of girls at the heart of its activities," says Canon Sheila Bamber of Sunderland Minster and a former Faith Adviser for Girlguiding UK. "In a society where it is increasingly 'uncool' for young people to believe in God or any 'higher power', it is important that there are still places where they can be encouraged to explore and develop their own beliefs.” The survey may be viewed at: http://girlsattitudes.girlguiding.org.uk/home.aspx

KATIE SELECTED FOR MOOT

Katie Quantrill, previously a member of our choir and Youth Group has been selected to represent the UK at the World Scout Moot which will be held in Canada later this year. The Moot is a gathering of older Scouts, from all over the world and is held every four years.

Katie has always been an active member of the Scouting movement including Lillington Girl Guides. She said “I have a lot to thank scouting for because it has built up my confidence has given me so many amazing opportunities and I have made so many new friends across the world. I find it so rewarding.” We wish Katie all the best for her fundraising for this event.

17 REJOICING TOGETHER

We wandered into the warm, brightly lit Church; Wedding music playing, button holed Wedding team smiling in welcome, Rev Charlotte in white Wedding robes, all welcoming us to ‘Rejoicing Together’. An evening to pray for those who’d come to get a feel of the church before their Wedding Day and to remember our own Wedding Day.

Brides and Grooms-to-be glowed in expectation.

Congregation members prayed for God to bless them in their decision to marry, bless their wedding preparations and bless their marriage. Encouraged in the knowledge that Jesus attended a Wedding in Cana and blessed that Galilean couple abundantly! Our couples were reassured that in turn God would generously bless their marriage too.

The organ sung out Wedding music, champagne corks popped and the most delicious strawberry Wedding cake was served in celebration of these couples’ expected Wedding Day.

Thank you to the Wedding Team for a memorable service ‘Rejoicing Together’

May God richly bless our 2013 Wedding couples - Amen

Sue Hughes

"The thing about quotes on the internet is you cannot confirm their validity." - Abraham Lincoln

18 How old are most converts?

At what age do people become Christians? 72% of Christians surveyed in a recent survey by the Evangelical Alliance said that they had decided to be a Christian before they had reached 20 years of age.

What does this mean for our church? The welcome that we extend to young families is much appreciated and you only have to look at the congregation’s face on a Sunday morning to see that they too enjoy having children at the service. We offer Sunday Club, Junior choir, After School Bible Club and Octotots. Do you think there is more we can do? There is certainly scope for us to provide more for children as they leave Sunday Club/Primary School. If you have some ideas contact Rev Naomi or any member of the Discipleship group (Sarah Boad, Rev Charlotte, Carol Innes, Pat Poulson, Eileen Robbins or Alan Wright).

Bishops back NFU Buy British food campaign

Buying locally-sourced, locally-grown food is the best way to know what you are eating and to back British farmers, Church of England have said.

"British farmers produce great British food. Everyone knows where it comes from, thanks to logos such as the farm assurance Red Tractor. The little Red Tractor stands for traceable and independently inspected food, from farm to pack," said the Rt Rev , . "And with consumer confidence leading the agenda, I'm happy to back the National Farmers' Union's new Buy British campaign, supporting local butchers, farm shops and farmers markets, for example."

The Bishop went on to say that the recent breach of trust by suppliers “...begs a serious consideration of the ethics behind the drive to ever cheaper food.”

19 CROSSWORD Test your brain with this crossword - answers on page 26

25 Goliath’s challenge to the Israelite army in the Valley of Elah: ‘This day I — the ranks of Israel!’ (1 Samuel 17:10) (4)

Down 1 ‘I will become angry with them and forsake them; I — — my face from them’ (Deuteronomy 31:17) (4,4) 2 Usual description of prophets such as Amos, Hosea, Micah, and so on (5) 4 ‘They cannot see the light of the gospel of the — — — , who is the image of God’ (2 Corinthians 4:4) (5,2,6) Across 5 An animal’s internal edible parts 1 ‘The baby in my — leaped for (Leviticus 4:11) (5) joy’ (Luke 1:44) (4) 6 Popular 20th-century religious 3 A ‘don’t know’ in matters of faith novel by Lloyd C. Douglas, which (8) became a 1953 film starring 9 In the distant past (Jeremiah Richard Burton (3,4) 2:20) (4,3) 7 ‘A — on a hill cannot be hidden’ 10 Armada (1 Kings 10:22) (5) (Matthew 5:14) (4) 11 Where Moses was confronted 8 One of the exiles, a descendant with the burning bush (Exodus 3:1) of Bebai, who married a foreign (5) woman (Ezra 10:28) (6) 12 Hair colour indicative of skin 13 Old Testament hymn-singing (8) infection (Leviticus 13:30) (6) 15 ‘And O what transport of delight 14 ‘The worries of this life and the from thy pure — floweth’ (7) — of wealth choke it, making it 16 Of felt (anag.) (3,3) unfruitful’ (Matthew 13:22) (13) 18 ‘So — the — sets you free, you 17 Expel (2 Kings 13:23) (6) will be free indeed’ (John 8:36) 19 What Jesus wrapped round his (2,3) waist when he washed his disciples’ 20 Comes between ‘bad’ and ‘worst’ feet (John 13:4) (5) (John 5:14) (5) 22 The sixth plague to afflict the 21 ‘Neither height nor depth... will Egyptians (Exodus 9:9) (5) be — to separate us from the love 23 For nine (anag.) (7) of God’ (Romans 8:39) (4) 24 Where there is no time (Psalm 93:2) (8)

20 CHILDREN AND COMMUNION

The History

It is thought that until around 1200 A.D. all ages received Communion as a matter of course during worship, and Baptism and Confirmation happened at the same time. In the 12th century there was controversy within the church, with the bread withheld from children and the wine being withheld from all laity. Orthodox churches continued and continue to offer bread and wine to all- ages, while later the Protestant Church excluded children on the basis of their ‘understanding’.

Now in the Church of England

Each Diocese may offer the option of children receiving Communion before Confirmation to churches, and children already receive communion at many churches in this Diocese. There are guidelines for churches to follow in order to ensure that decisions are properly considered and due care is taken in Communion preparation.

Now in Other Christian Churches

Some other denominations see receiving Communion as the norm for all who believe, however young they are and without specific preparation. Others place Communion alongside ‘adult’ baptism and church membership at a much later stage.

Arguments used in support…

 The whole family of the church worship and receive together, with children learning to behave appropriately.  Children are welcomed and valued equally, not excluded from a key element of worship.  Children from other churches are welcomed, and children from the church would fit in elsewhere.  This is the true historical tradition of the church.

21  Children gain specific teaching at a receptive age, and understand what they are doing to their level of understanding.  Confirmation is not rushed into, and is therefore enhanced with more appropriate teaching at a suitable age.

Diocesan Guidelines

The Guidelines encourage churches to consider all relevant and important issues, including consulting the PCC and Congregation, developing suitable worship words and liturgy, the age from which children will be admitted, parental involvement, children with learning difficulties, and preparation courses for both children and their parents.

Jesus’ granny The little boy came home from his first day at Sunday School and casually told his mother that the Sunday school teacher was Jesus' granny. Astonished, his mother asked: “Whatever makes you think that?”

"Well, it’s pretty obvious,” said her son. “She never stopped talking about him all morning. She told us Jesus is smarter and stronger and better-behaved than anyone else she knows. She even showed us a picture of him.”

Special day for atheists An atheist complained to a Christian friend, "Christians have their special holidays, such as Christmas and Easter; and Jews celebrate their holidays, such as Passover and Yom Kippur; Muslims have their holidays. In fact, every religion has its holidays. But we atheists," he said, "have no recognized holidays. It's an unfair discrimination."

"Nonsense,” his friend replied, "People have observed a special day in your honour for years." "I don't know what you're talking about," the atheist said, "When is this special day?” - "April first."

22 COME TO A COFFEE MORNING – TO SUPPORT

SATURDAY 27TH APRIL 2013 – 10.00am to 12.00 noon AT 10 QUEENS CLOSE, KENILWORTH CV8 1JR

Delicious cakes, both to eat and buy!

Phoenix Trading Greetings Cards for sale

Please help me to raise funds for David & Zoe Beattie’s London to Paris Cycle Challenge.

From David : “This year, I have been an insulin-dependent, type 1 diabetic for 50 years. Diabetes UK have recognised this milestone by presenting me with the Nabarro gold medal and I wanted to mark it by undertaking a major challenge to show that having diabetes doesn't have to be a disability. Diabetes UK are organising a London to Paris Cycle Challenge from Friday, 6th to Sunday, 9th September and, being a keen cyclist, decided that I would like to register for the ride. When Zoe, my daughter, heard what I was going to undertake, she immediately said that she would like to accompany me and we are both really looking forward to getting into training and completing the challenge.”

In order to take part in the Challenge, we need to raise £2500 between us in sponsorship and would be grateful for any donations you feel able to make.

Donations can be made online at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/DavidandZoe or by cash or cheque made out to Diabetes UK and given to Christine Butler on the day or before/afterwards. 23 Statement from Archbishop of Canterbury following election of Pope Francis

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Archbishop Justin Welby, has offered his warmest welcome to the election of Cardinal Bergoglio as the successor to His Holiness Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

Archbishop Welby said, "We wish Pope Francis every blessing in the enormous responsibilities that he has assumed on behalf of Roman Catholics around the world.

"His election is also of great significance to Christians everywhere, not least among Anglicans. We have long since recognised - and often reaffirmed - that our churches hold a special place for one another. I look forward to meeting Pope Francis, and to walking and working together to build on the consistent legacy of our predecessors. May the love of Christ unite us, and intensify our service in a genuine and fruitful ecumenism that can be a blessing for the Body of Christ throughout the world.

"Pope Francis is well known as a compassionate pastor of real stature who has served the poor in Latin America, and whose simplicity and holiness of life is remarkable. He is an evangelist, sharing the love of Christ which he himself knows. His choice of the name Francis suggests that he wants to call us all back to the transformation that St Francis knew and brought to the whole of Europe, fired by contemplation and closeness to God.

A prayer for the new Pope Almighty God, shepherd of souls, we pray for Francis chosen to be Pope: Guide him by your Spirit, give him grace to lead people in prayer and zeal and to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.

24 Christian Aid Week 12–18 May 2013

Bite Back at Hunger

Thousands of churches will stand together this Christian Aid Week to speak out for change. Some 100,000 committed volunteers will go out and put their faith into action, raising funds to help some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people.

This includes Britain’s largest house-to-house collection, an extraordinary act of witness – demonstrating to our communities that we care about ending poverty and injustice.

There is enough food for everyone in the world, but one in eight people will go to bed hungry tonight.

This year’s Christian Aid Week tells the story of how Christian Aid is helping communities to bite back at hunger through the lens of land rights in Bolivia, new technology in Kenya and innovative agriculture in Zimbabwe.

Are you able to deliver and collect envelopes in a street near you (in the Parish)? I you would like help with this years Christian Aid effort please speak to John Green in church or contact the Parish Office.

It is hoped to arrange a Quiz Evening during Christian Aid Week to swell funds. Details in next month’s Crosstalk.

25 ROBIN’S ROUND UP

Eagle-eyed readers will have noticed a new look to this month’s Crosstalk. My aim is that eventually the centre pages will be a pull out of the contacts and what’s on to pin on your notice board (or wherever you keep these things!) to make it an easy reference source.

The next two month’s however you will find different pullouts - this month a 4 page centre spread on the Lillington Community Fun Day. I would encourage you to see what is going on and how you can help - this is a wonderful opportunity to get involved with the community.

Next month will see the reports from the APCM in the centre of the magazine.

I would love some feedback on how useful you find the contacts, What’s on and service times in Crosstalk. Perhaps there are other regular items you would like to see as well. Just let me know - my details are on the Contacts page!

HAPPY EASTER TO YOU ALL

Fin the Fish was hiding in the in the Offering Envelope, on page 27. Fay Dillam found him swimming around and is this month’s lucky winner of the new shopping trolley key ring. If you are hooked on this search, or just angling for a prize let me know where he his hiding this month..

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD ACROSS: 1, Womb. 3, Agnostic. 9, Long ago. 10, Fleet. 11, Horeb. 12, Yellow. 14, Deceitfulness. 17, Banish. 19, Towel. 22, Boils. 23, Inferno. 24, Eternity. 25, Defy. DOWN: 1, Will hide. 2, Minor. 4, Glory of Christ. 5, Offal. 6, The Robe. 7, City. 8, Zabbai. 13, Psalmody. 15, Chalice. 16, Let off. 18, If son. 20, Worse. 21, Able..

26 CONTACTS

Church Office Anne Furze ...... 470449 [email protected] Priest in Charge Rev Charlotte Gale ...... 330919...... (Day off Friday) Associate Minister Rev Naomi Nixon ...... 330919...... Reader Roderick Clark ...... 422994...... Churchwarden Godfrey Carr ...... 422916 Churchwarden Glynis Wright ...... 773786 PCC Secretary Alan Wright ...... 773786 PCC Treasurer Janet Gardner ...... 428163...... [email protected] Stewardship Secretary Mike Hyslop ...... 883808 Caretaker Contact Glynis Wright ...... 773786 ...... Organist/Choirmaster Mike King ...... 409062 Bell Ringers Richard Taulbut ...... 450977...... Servers John Green ...... 470449 Flower Guild Wendy Shear ...... 330825 Octagon Secretary Kate Baker ...... 425789 [email protected] Safeguarding Officer Carol Innes ...... 07758 857740 Sunday Club Church Office ...... 470449 Walkers Group Jeff Burgess ...... 335129 Website Manager Diana Taulbut ...... 450977...... [email protected] Crosstalk Editor Robin Innes ...... 831649 [email protected] Crosstalk Distribution Jeff Arnold ...... 632330

A reminder: Please make Cheques payable to Lillington PCC

DEADLINE

Copy for the May 2013 Edition is required by 17th April 2013 to Robin Innes (Editor) or to Anne Furze in the Church Office 27 WHAT’S ON

APRIL 2013 Walkers Group, meet outside Church. Contact Sat 6th 09:30 Thelma Dawkes and Wendy Shear 422742 Lillington Evening Women’s Institute (Octagon) Mon 8th 19:45 - The Middle Classes - where are they - are we included? (David Howe) Lillington Evening Townswomen Guild, (Lime Thurs 11th 19:30 Avenue Bowling Club) - AGM Annual Parochial Church Meeting in the Thurs 18th 19:30 Octagon (to be confirmed) Sat 20th - Looking at Lillington Open Day in Church Tues 30th 14:00 Tea & Chat in the Octagon. 10:00 Coffee Morning to support Diabetes UK at 10 Sat 27th - 12 noon Queens Close, Kenilworth CV8 1JR

MAY 2013 Walkers Group, meet outside Church. Contact Sat 4th 09:30 Mike & Hyslop 883808 Lillington Evening Women’s Institute Mon 18th 19:45 (Octagon) - WFWI Plant Sale etc and WI’s own stalls sale Lillington Evening Townswomen Guild, (Lime Thurs 14th 19:30 Avenue Bowling Club) - Shakespeare’s women - Upstairs and downstairs (Gillian Andrews) Tues 28th 14:00 Tea & Chat in the Octagon

THE CHURCH OFFICE The office is open Monday to Thursday 9.00 am till 1.00 pm During these hours the church may be used for private prayer - please use the office entrance.

For Baptism, Weddings and general enquiries please contact the church office (01926 470449). Outside of office hours please leave a message on the answer phone and we will get back to you

28 FOOT HEALTH PRACTITIONER

JENNY ARTHURTON DIP CFHP MPS PRACT M.V.R.

AFFORDABLE MEMBER OF THE ALLIANCE OF PRIVATE SECTOR

PRACTITIONERS

FOOT CARE FULLY QUALIFIED, INSURED AND ABIDES BY A STRICT CODE OF PRACTICE IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME

01926 771200 (CUBBINGTON) 0797 452 6478

Advertising Rates from January 2013

Annual (11 months): ¼ page £50 ½ page £90

Single month: ¼ page £6 ½ page £10 Full page £17

Contact the Editor for more information

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How do you get your Crosstalk? If you live in the parish you can have your Crosstalk delivered. Contact Jeff Arnold (632330). Its also available on line on our website:

www.lillingtonparishchurch.org

Recycle your Crosstalk - pass it on to a neighbour

Lillington Parish Church now has its own Facebook page! You can now see latest photos, catch up on bits of church news and info and interact with us through our page. Log in to your Facebook page and simply search for Lillington Parish Church.

Advertisements in this magazine are taken in good faith, and no specific recommendation is implied or intended

Inner pages are printed on 100% recycled paper

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