Contents

Page 3 And I Saw a New Heaven BY Ollie 6 Bible Study for beginners by Alan Taylor 8 Big Conversation’ launched on clergy care and wellbeing 9 CAP launches Church Resources page 10 The Parable of the Fisher and the nets

11 4th Sept St Birinus – apostle of . Died 650 13 8th Sept The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary 14 Music and Memory 15 14th Sept Holy Cross Day 16 Celebrating 400th anniversary of the voyage of the Mayflower 18 Churches warned to prepare for ‘tidal wave of poverty’ 21 Church Floodlights 22 Church Floodlights 23 St Michael 24 All in the month of September 26 Newsletter publication Dates 28 Worship with St Bartholomew and All Saints 29 Lo I am with you always

Website: www.stbartholomews-wb.com

2 readers” (Richard Bauckham in The Oxford Bible Com- mentary, p.1287). ‘Demanding but rewarding’ is a good description of many of the most satisfying things in life: a long-term friendship; a marriage; nourishing seedlings in- to a full crop; a career; parenthood; a steadfast prayer life. Over time, each of these things passes through phas- es, continually being made new by the blessings of God.

As our children return to school and we look towards the latter end of the year, on what new thing will we focus? A new commitment to prayer perhaps, or a rejection of And I Saw a New Heaven some temptation. We might rise with Michael in taking a fresh and powerful stance against evil in some way, whether overt prejudices or passive acceptance of inequi- September sweeps in Michaelmas and with it a sense of table community living. The conflict among the angelic new beginnings: the first term of the academic year, a host teaches us the ways of God on earth: that Jesus died turn perhaps in the seasons, and the scriptural promise for all people and so all deserve the full dignity of the of new things. The celebration of St. Michael and All An- freedom won at the cross, most vivid in his resurrection. th gels on 29 September is a stark reminder of what the Our sisters and brothers are Christ’s own flock, and it is to Christian journey is all about. him we will have to account for our actions in the end.

In chapter 12 of Revelation, celestial war breaks out and It sometimes seems impossible to find a way through the evil is cast out of heaven by angelic forces led by the thicket, and perhaps this was the experience of the com- Archangel Michael, memorably traced in John Milton’s poser Edgar Bainton as a prisoner in Germany during the Paradise Lost where Satan arrogantly declares: “Better to entirety of the First World War. But through the scriptural reign in hell than to serve in heaven.” This impoverished, hope of Revelation 21:1-4 he composed the now famous self-centred view rejects divine, creative, nurturing love piece And I Saw a New Heaven. When as an adult I first and, as the story unfolds, does terrible damage to all who returned to church worship, I found Christ hanging there take it seriously. on the cross, yet also risen and alive, waiting with arms outstretched to bring me home. During that time I lis- tened to Bainton’s hope-filled choral masterpiece often. If The presence of warring angels can be a challenging read you are reading this digitally you can click here to listen for some, though as one commentator writes: to it, or copy this address into your web browser: “Revelation is demanding but rewarding, like the life of uncompromising Christian witness to which it calls its https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dL3Bu68l6KY&frags=pl%2Cwn

3 4 otherwise simply search the web for ‘Bainton And I Saw a New Heaven’ and it should appear. BIBLE STUDY FOR BEGINNERS John 16: 1 to 15 As you listen to this piece or read the text, you may like Alan Taylor to reflect on the unprecedented turmoil of the past six months and to remember the presence of God here and This passage deals with Jesus' departure, the sadness of now, nourishing and uplifting us in the Holy Spirit. Also the disciples and the coming of the Spirit. The sorrow and consider the future: that all things are being made new dejection in this passage echoes the experience of anyone and no matter what wilderness or desert we have to cross who has suffered bereavement. (6) Bereavement is the (Isaiah 43:19), God will transform every experience of process which begins when we suffer any major loss. the faithful, pouring hope into each new morning. And at the end of all things, God has prepared a new heaven and a new earth, where peace will reign, death and evil are As with any bereavement it begins with shock at the loss, defeated, and Holy Love will preside forever and ever. particularly if this loss has been unexpected. In the same way the imminent departure of Jesus may have led to the same sense of shock and disbelief amongst the disciples Rev’d. Oliver Blease at the Last Supper, despite them being forewarned earlier September 2020 in 12:33.

The second phase of bereavement is incredulity, intense pain and grief and the question as to where the loved one may have gone. (5) The third and longer phase of be- reavement resolves around 'searching', that is to make sense of what has happened.

The disciples are told by Jesus that it is for their own good that he is going away. (7) I am sure the disciples would have wondered how this could be. However, Jesus as- sures them that the Spirit, the Paraclete, their advocate and helper will come and be with them to support them, and in time help them make sense of their loss. (8) So often when we are bereaved we find out who are our true friends. The Spirit will be the disciples true friend in the tension we all feel when bereaved, between grief and

5 6 comfort.

The world may think they have destroyed Jesus and all he Big Conversation’ launched on clergy care and well- stood for, but the Spirit, their advocate and comforter will being prove the world wrong. (8) The coming Holy Spirit is the embodiment of all that Jesus is and stood for, and for the Christian, the Spirit is an ever present guide, teacher and Churches and clergy across the country are to join in a companion. Jesus may be destroyed unjustly, but the nationwide discussion, the ‘Big Conversation’, aimed at Spirit will assure them of final victory. (10) Jesus may re- improving the care and wellbeing of ministers. ceive a criminal's death, a sinner's death, but it is those who fail to believe in him who are the true sinners, for sin It follows the recent welcome of the Covenant for Clergy separates us not only from God but from our real selves. Care and Wellbeing at General Synod. Now General Syn- (9) And the judgement of the world will be stood on its od has asked that the whole church reflect on the ques- head. (11) tions it poses over the next two years. Hence, the ‘Big Conversation’. The final stage of bereavement comes at the end of what is normally a year long process. It is to gradually accept The Covenant commits all parts of the Church, as well as the loss we have suffered; and this acceptance occurs in individual clergy, to sharing responsibility for the welfare whatever terms makes sense to us. So it is, that the Spir- of ministers and their households. it of Truth guides the disciples along the way of all truth, all clarity, acceptance and understanding. (13) Recommendations include promoting awareness of stress and the dangers of burnout as part of training for or- The truth that Jesus came to bring about, is a world dained ministry. Also, there will be new resources for li- where the meek inherit the earth; the sorrowful find con- censing and induction services that highlight the care solation; the pure see God; and those who suffer persecu- and wellbeing of clergy. The Group also recommended tion for the cause of right are blessed. Jesus may be leav- more pastoral supervision for clergy through coaching or ing the disciples, but this will not be the end. As Chris- mentoring. tians we are called to see beneath the surface of events and understand their spiritual significance. Eventually the disciples will understand this, and one of the ways they The Revd Canon Simon Butler, who headed the Working will honour it is, in the case of John, to write this Gospel, Group, said: “The care and wellbeing of the clergy is cru- this Good News. cial to the health of the Church at worship, in mission, and in pastoral care.”

7 8

CAP launches Church Resources page

Christians Against Poverty has launched a new web page to help church leaders who may be feeling daunted dur- ing the pandemic.

The page will “share our knowledge and experience to help your church provide crucial support to your commu- nity at this desperate time.”

The charity promises that in the coming weeks, “we will be adding resources that draw on the experience of hun- dreds of our partner churches, as well as CAP's own knowledge and expertise.

The page will provide details of:

• Information on Government and industry sup- port • Signposting to organisations providing additional specialist support, for individuals and churches • Practical advice on how to serve those in need in your community, starting with our new pro- ject: Pathways out of Poverty Go to: https://capuk.org/coronavirus/resources-for- churches

For more background, visit: https://capuk.org/connect/ keep-up-to-date/blog/launching-our-church-resources- page

9 10

4th Sept St Birinus – apostle of Wessex. Died 650 In return, gave Birinus the town of Dorchester (upon Thames) to be his diocesan see. It was a perfect location: a Romano-British town right on a road and a riv- Did you ever feel that God was calling you to do some- er, in the midst of a populated area. thing big for Him, even though you were not quite sure of the details? If so, Birinus is the saint for you. During his 15 years as Bishop of Dorchester, Birinus bap- tised many people and built churches all over the area, He was a French Benedictine monk who in 634 was made with the king’s blessing. a bishop at Genoa, and sent by Pope Honorius 1 to extend the evangelisation of England. (Augustine had arrived in Canterbury about 35 years before.)

Birinus landed at Hamwic, near . His original plan was to evangelise Wessex and then penetrate up into the Midlands, where no preacher had ever yet reached. But Birinus soon found the West so pagan that he decided to concentrate just on them.

Birinus had little to help him become the apostle to Wes- sex. So, he simply used what he did have: his own two feet and his voice. He wandered around preaching at eve- ry opportunity, trusting in God to help him. And He did: Birinus became known and respected, and soon a big breakthrough occurred: for political reasons the King of Wessex, Cynegils, wanted to convert to , and he asked Birinus to help him.

So Birinus instructed and baptised King Cynegils, who was then able to marry the Christian king of Northumbria’s daughter, Cyneburg, and in due course Birinus baptised their family as well.

11 Marian devotion has played an enormous role in the 8th Sept The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary church down the years. Mary has been the object of countless prayers, accredited with performing many mir- acles, and the subject of thousands of artistic endeav- In both eastern and western Churches, Mary has always ours. She has had hundreds of chapels or parish church- been held as pre-eminent among all the saints. The es named after her. During the Reformation many im- unique, extraordinary privilege of being the mother of the ages of Mary were destroyed. The Second Vatican Coun- One who was both God and Man, makes her worthy of cil 1962 made an extended statement on her, stressing special honour. Thomas Aquinas believed she was due her complete dependence on her Son, and regarding her hyperdulia, or a veneration that exceeds that of other as a model of the Church. saints, but is at the same time infinitely below the adora- tion, or latria, due to God alone. Music and memory The gospels of Matthew and Luke give Mary most men- tion. Luke even tells the story of Jesus’ infancy from Have you ever heard a certain song or tune that imme- Mary’s point of view. Her Song, or Magnificat appears in diately takes you back to your youth? It can be a very Luke 1:46-55. poignant moment.

The virginal conception of Christ is clearly stated in the When researchers at the University of Westminster ex- gospels. But after Jesus’ birth, Mary fades quietly into the amined the choices of 80 different guests on the BBC background. During Jesus’ public life, she is mentioned radio show Desert Island Discs, they found that most only occasionally, as at the wedding at Cana. She reap- guests had chosen music which dated back to when they pears at the foot of the Cross (John’s Gospel), and is giv- had been between 10 to 30 years old. This time span en into John’s care. In the early chapters of Acts, Mary is was identified as a ‘self-defining period’ in their lives. with the Apostles, and received the Holy Spirit along with them on Whitsunday. But her role was not the active one of teaching and preaching. The research concluded: “The music we know and love between the ages of 10 to 30 will play a significant role throughout our lives, connecting us as individuals to Mary’s significance grew with the centuries. By the fifth other people, places and times that become central to century she was called Theotokos, The Mother of God, our identity.” and from the seventh century onwards, she was given four festivals: the Presentation in the Temple (2nd Febru- th th ary), the Annunciation (25 March), the Assumption (15 What songs trigger the big memories for you? August) and her Nativity (8th September).

13 14 I.” That is you standing before the Lord, saying, ‘here I am’. Then cancel that vertical stroke with a horizontal stroke – as if to say: “Lord, I abandon my self-will and th 14 Sept Holy Cross Day make you the centre of my life instead. I abandon myself On Holy Cross Day the Church celebrates the Cross as a to your love and service.” symbol of triumph, as the sign of Christ’s victory over On Holy Cross Day, we recall Jesus’ wonderful promise: death. Holy Cross Day goes right back to 14 September “And when I am lifted up, I will draw all men unto 335, and we have the mother of a Roman Emperor to me.” (John 12:32) thank for it.

Helena was a devout Christian, and after her son, Con- stantine, was converted, they agreed that she should travel from Rome to Israel, and seek out the places of Editor: The voyage of the Mayflower changed US histo- special significance to Christians. ry…. Of course, much of Jerusalem had been destroyed by the Romans around 135 AD. But even so, Helena finally locat- th ed what she believed to be the sites of the Crucifixion and Celebrating 400 anniversary of the voyage of the of the Burial (and modern archaeologists think she may Mayflower well be correct). The sites were so close together that she built one large church over them - the Church of the If we find it difficult to cross the Atlantic just now, it was Holy Sepulchre. even worse 400 years this month. On 6th September That church, built in honour of the Cross, was dedicated 1620, 102 determined Puritans climbed on board the on 14 September 335. Mayflower and set sail from Plymouth. They had 30 crew The sign of the Cross has been used by Christians since to steer them across 3000 miles of open, perilous ocean. early times. Tertullian, writing his De Corona (3:2) around AD 211, noted that Christians seldom did anything Those Puritans, or ‘Pilgrim fathers’, could never have significant without making the sign of the cross. dreamed that their journey would become one of the What is its significance? Well, people often put their ini- most influential in world history. Their courage and pur- tials or some sort of personal mark on something to show pose for the voyage would help shape the very history that it belongs to them. The Cross is the personal mark of and culture of the USA. our Lord Jesus Christ, and we mark it on ourselves as a sign that we belong to him. Even in the book of Revela- tion, we read that the servants of God are ‘sealed’ or The Pilgrim fathers themselves were in search of religious ‘marked’ on their foreheads as a sign that they are His. freedom and a new life. Years before they had rejected the , due to its Roman Catholic past, A preacher once put it this way: if you were explaining to and in 1608 they had moved to Holland, where they someone how to make a cross, you would say: "Draw an 15 16 could worship freely. But life was very hard there, and so the New World beckoned to them. Editor: The Revd Peter Crumpler, a Church of England priest in St Albans, Herts, and a former communications director for the CofE, reports on a recent warning from the Trussell Trust. They had originally intended to use two ships, but the Speedwell sprang a leak shortly after sailing, and so Churches warned to prepare for ‘tidal wave of pov- they crowded as many as possible into the Mayflower. erty’ After a long and difficult 10 weeks at sea, they reached America, but could not reach their intended destination, Virginia, because of heavy seas. They finally landed in Church leaders are being urged to be ready to respond to Provincetown Harbor, Cape Cod, Massachusetts on 11th the lasting impact of the pandemic on the country’s poor- November. est people.

That presented the next great challenge: the bitter, The effect on urban, suburban and rural communities is harsh winter of Massachusetts. Half of the Pilgrims per- likely to be severe with many thousands of jobs being lost ished that first winter, of hunger and cold. Without the and livelihoods threatened. The poorest in society may help of the local Indigenous peoples to teach them food- find themselves hardest hit. gathering and other survival skills, all of the colony would probably have perished. Churches are being encouraged to respond to the devas-

tating impact of the pandemic and to build on the numer- After months of hard work, by the ‘Fall’ of 1621 the tiny ous social projects already in place. colony had its first harvest. They celebrated this great achievement with their new Indigenous friends. It be- came Thanksgiving. The Pilgrims had been convinced The Trussell Trust that supports around 1200 UK food- that God wanted them to go to the New World. They banks is warning of a ‘tidal wave of poverty’ poised to en- wrote: "We verily believe and trust the Lord is with us, gulf the country. and that He will graciously prosper our endeavours ac- cording to the simplicity of our hearts therein.” Chief Executive Emma Revie has called on church leaders to talk to their congregations about justice and compas- The Mayflower was one of the earliest pilgrim vessels, sion and to work to address the root causes of poverty. and so became a cultural icon in the history of the Unit- ed States. This year, until coronavirus put a stop to things, many celebrations in the USA, England and the Speaking at a Bible Society webinar she encouraged Netherlands had been planned. church leaders “increasingly to talk to their congregations

17 18 about God’s concern for justice and compassion to char- webinar that the pandemic would cause growth in the acterise the structures of our society: the way our benefit ‘precariat’, the numbers of people on zero-hours con- system works, the way our economy functions, people’s tracts or juggling several jobs to survive. employment conditions and wage levels.

The bishop also forecast an increase in tension between Emma Revie said that the Trussell Trust was “very clear the generations, with the future particularly bleak for that food banks are not a solution to poverty” and the many young people who have lost their jobs, and those charity wanted “to see people experiencing fulness of life living in insecure rented accommodation. and not being trapped by poverty.”

She praised the vital role played by churches in running foodbanks and encouraged congregations “That when we pray for our foodbanks, that we would also allow our- selves room to lament the injustices that make them nec- essary in the first place and seek wisdom about how we might be part of bringing about change.

“Because if we don’t concern ourselves with these things, the tidal wave of poverty is going to be too high and too powerful for us to respond to and we will see many more people being swept into destitution in the UK.”

At the webinar ‘Mission during lockdown and beyond,’ the Bible Society published research showing that church leaders are expecting increased demand for food banks, poverty relief, mental health work, bereavement support, relationship counselling, as well as courses such as Alpha that introduce people to the Christian faith.

The insights resonate with responses to the impact of the pandemic from other church leaders. The Bishop of Ton- bridge, Simon Burton-Jones, warned a Church of England

19 20 Church floodlights continued The Church was floodlit

24th August For Jackie Ferry For my husband Paul Ferry on the occasion of his 70th birthday, 1st August For Jean Crump with love from his wife Jackie Keith. Thinking of you today on what w ould have been our 60th wedding anniversary. Lots of love. Jean 26th August For Sally Jefferies For Mum and Dad, Archie and Lily Till on the 60th Anniversary of 7th August For Malcolm Toogood. In memory of my Dad’s Death and the 10th dear wife Barbara, Mother of Chris and Anniversary of Mum’s. Robert, who passed away on 7th August From Sally and Terry Jefferies 2018. Greatly Missed By All

7th August For Jean Crump Keith’s 81st birthday. Lots of Love from Jean and all the family

14thAugust For Chris and John Fitter. The celebration of John and Chris Fitter’s 55th wedding anniversary

21 22 Editor: September sees St Michael and All Angels Day. Here are a few lines from an ancient Celtic poem about the archangel... All in the month of September Saint Michael It was: Saint Michael, angel of the sea, th Lord of the horses he, 400 years ago, on 6 September 1620, that 102 English Puritans (now known as the Pilgrims) set sail aboard the Saint Michael, of the angels king, Mayflower from Plymouth, for a new life in America. After a perilous journey they landed in what is now Province- Of war, of shepherding; town Harbour, Cape Cod, Massachusetts on 11th Novem- ber. They had intended landing in Virginia, but were una- On steed he flies across the skies; ble to reach it because of heavy seas. The first-fruits of the harvest corn, 150 years ago, on 20th September 1870 that Rome was The first-fruits of the flock-lambs born, captured. Italian forces defeated the Papal States and Are his, he meets the soul forlorn. captured the city of Rome at the end of the wars of Italian Unification. The Papal States were dissolved. Rome was annexed, and it became the capital of Italy in 1871.

The saints and angels watch o’erhead, 125 years ago, on 28th September 1895 that Louis Pas- Their wings and prayers o’erspread: teur died. This French biologist, microbiologist and chem- ist was one of the main founders of the field of medical The righteous ones in heaven wait, microbiology. Best known for originating the pasteuriza- St Peter at the gate; tion of foodstuffs to eliminate micro-organisms that cause disease. Pasteur saved the French beer, and silk in- In might arrayed they shield and aid; dustries and developed vaccines against anthrax and ra- bies. Be with us e’er, archangel powers,

Be with us, angels, life’s long hours. 65 years ago, on 22nd September 1955 that Britain’s first independent television channel, ITV, was launched. It

23 24 ended the BBC’s monopoly. Regional franchises were rolled out across the whole country by 1965.

60 years ago, on 27th September 1960 that Sylvia Pank- hurst, suffragette leader, died. The Monthly Newsletter for October will be sent out on the weekend of the 26th/27th Septem- 50 years ago, on 19th September 1970 that the first Glas- ber. Items to be included should reach me by tonbury Festival was held, at Worthy Farm near Pilton, Saturday 19th September Somerset. About 1,500 people attended (compared to

135,000 today). It became an annual event from 1981 and is now the world’s largest greenfield festival. The first The Monthly newsletter for November will be festival was billed as the Pilton Pop, Blues & Folk Festival. sent out on the weekend of the 31st Octo- ber/1st November. Items to be included should 40 years ago, on 22nd September 1980 that the Solidarity reach me by Saturday 24th October movement was created in Poland, with Lech Walesa as its leader. It was the first independent trade union in the So- viet bloc. The monthly Newsletter for December will be sent out on the weekend of the 28th/29th No- vember . Items to be included should reach me 25 years ago, on 3rd September 1995 that the auction site eBay was founded (as AuctionWeb). by Saturday 21st November. Please send items to be included to:

[email protected]

Thank you

Bob Traylen

25 26 Worship with St Bartholomew and All Saints’

On Sundays

• 10am Holy Communion in church (and available on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UC2mwesD4RZxknsWth-Qb0vg ) To book a place please phone the Parish Office on 01793 853272 by midday on the preceding Wednesday leaving the names and telephone numbers of those who wish to attend. st • Songs of Praise at St Bart’s - 1 Sunday of the month via YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UC2mwesD4RZxknsWth-Qb0vg A chance to sing-along to some of your favourite hymns. Hymn suggestions and requests all welcome!

On Wednesdays

• Morning Prayer via SoundCloud on https:// soundcloud.com/user-173253054 • 10.30am Holy Communion in church (to book a place please phone the Parish Office on 01793 853272 by midday on the preceding Sunday leaving the names and telephone numbers of those who wish to at- tend)

Morning Prayer via Zoom – Monday to Saturday

• Email [email protected] to find out how to join in our prayers via Zoom Monday-Saturday at 9.10am. We use the order of service found here: https:// www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/join-us- service-daily -prayer 27 28 Worship via the ‘phone • For those without access to the internet Daily Hope free dial-in worship phone-line is available 24 hours a day on 0800 804 8044 and offers music, prayers, reflections and full wor- ship services from the Church of England at the end of the telephone line

• Or for a short prayer service over the ‘phone please contact us to find out more about our local Phone Church network: 01793 853272

Lo, I am with you always

Wide fields of corn along the valleys spread; The rain and dew mature the swelling vine; I see the Lord in multiplying bread; I see Him turning water into wine; I see Him working all the works divine He wrought when Salem-ward His steps were led; The self-same miracles around Him shine; He feeds the famished; He revives the dead; He pours the flood of light on darkened eyes; He chases tears, diseases, fiends away; His throne is raised upon these orient skies; His footstool is the pave whereon we pray....

From a poem by John Charles Earle (1749 – 1818) Carnarfon Castle and Boats

29 30 Item for Monthly or Weekly Newssheet or Website

If you would like to include an item in one or more of these please contact us by email on: [email protected] Please indicate where you would like the item to appear and it will be forwarded to the relevant person. If you do not have email the Parish Office will; be very pleased to accept contribu- tions in other formats. N.B. We reserve the right to edit items submitted and to de- cline any items which do not conform to our publishing poli- cies. Publication of all items is subject to space limitations. In any of these cases, we will let you know by email or telephone

A re you or someone close to you cel- ebrating a special birthday or anniversary?

Why not mark the occasion by having our

beautiful church floodlit? Application forms

are available by the church door or from

the Parish Office

31