Goring Parish News Printed GPN Copy: £1 June / July / August 2020 Issue 71

Christ-Centred: Growing in Faith, Love and Service Goring Parish News Printed GPN Copy: £1 June / July / August 2020 Issue 71

St Mary's and St Laurence's Churches, Parish of Goring-by-Sea, West Sussex. Registered Charity 1131418

Website – http://www.goringbyseaparish.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StMaryAndStLaurenceGoringBySea

"LORD, you said that once I Footprints in the Sand decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me."

The LORD replied: "My son, my precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia you." From ‘Footprints in the sand’ by Caroline Joyce Carty This issue includes:

2 Editorial - Copy Deadline Date for Next Issue GPN 72. 18 The Children’s Society 3/4 From the Vicar – Father Keith Littlejohn 19 Lockdown Worship: Online Worship! 4 News from the Diocese - New Suffragen Bishops 20 Mary Magdalene (feast of, 22nd July) 5 Wardens’ Warbling 21 RIP: Pauline Wakeling and John Lloyd 6 Diary of Notable Dates - June/July/August 22 PMF: June - September - Family Support Work 7 Lectionary Readings - June/July/August 23 Parish Giving Scheme / Marmalade 8 Christian Breadcrumbs 31 - “Time and Eternity” 24/25 Update from Malawi (Christian Resource Mission) 9 ‘Kindnesses’ - a poem by Val Tree 26 Easter Day pictures / WTS Lectures 10/11 History Behind the Hymn - In Christ Alone 27 Younger Readers’ Corner 11 The Church of the Good Shepherd, New Zealand 28 Traidcraft News 12 Local Eco News: Kelp - David Burt 29 St Mary’s Social Circle / Smarties Toddler Group 13 Parish Mission Giving in 2020 30 When this is all over 14/15 Parish Mission Focus (PMF): April-June - Worthing4Refugees 31 And Finally by Bill Tree / Wedding Anniversaries 16/17 Nature Watch 32 Parish Contacts

Editorial.... Welcome to the ‘Summer’ edition of Goring Parish News. From now on the magazine will be published quarterly. There are many reasons for this change: up-to-date information is readily available via the website/Facebook/Instagram/newsletters; there is a change of emphasis in our mission support to concentrate on more meaningful quarterly support; and lastly to ease a little pressure on Editorial Team members’ time. Thank You

The Editorial Team of Goring Parish News would like to take this opportunity to thank our many contributors. Even in these challenging times, your timely offerings ensure that GPN continues to be an interesting read, with an eclectic mix of articles. If you have not submitted anything yet, now is the time to have a go. With all this time on your hands (!!) dig out that favourite recipe, poem or photo and send it to [email protected]. We look forward to seeing them.

Occasionally we do not have room to include all your contributions - on these rare occasions the article will be held over to a future publication. Copies of GPN are sent out direct to individual email addresses. If you do not already receive yours this way and would like to, please send your email address to [email protected]. You will be asked to complete a form by return, which can also be found on the parish website. This ensures compliance with the requirements of GDPR. Back issues and supplementary articles can also be found on the Parish website: http://goringparish.org. Items for the weekly Parish Update Sheet should be sent to reach the Parish Office by 11:00 on Wednesdays. Email to: [email protected] Please do not send them to Goring Parish News.

The next Goring Parish News, Issue no. 72

Edition Copy Deadline Issue Date

Sept/Oct/Nov 2020 Tuesday, 4th August Sunday, 30th August

Goring Parish News is published by Goring PCC Parish Office, 16 Ilex Way, Goring-by-Sea, Worthing, BN12 4UZ Goring Parish News is normally printed by West Park School, whose support we gratefully acknowledge.

Official Goring Parish Facebook page and Instagram Our Parish has an official Facebook page! It’s called St Mary’s and St Laurence’s Churches, Parish of Goring-by-Sea, West Sussex, and includes all our latest news. We are now on Instagram too: goringbyseaparish Fr Keith, Pam Chilton, Lucinda Cox, Kate Henwood and Ruth Jepson are the administrators of the page. Please contact us with any comments or suggestions. Please also share the page and its postings with your friends!

https://www.facebook.com/StMaryAndStLaurenceGoringBySea/

2 The Editorial Team

From the Vicar — Father Keith Littlejohn

Dear friends,

Pray attention…

A few words about prayer. I offer this for two reasons: firstly, because over the years - and to the present - people have often spoken to me about their struggle to pray, and have asked for advice; and secondly, because some interesting research shows that many people who are not accustomed to pray have begun in recent weeks to do so. Significantly, most of this prayer seems to be related to the current pandemic and takes the form of what we call ‘intercession’. The basic meaning of this term is to intervene on behalf of another. We might rightly understand this dimension of prayer to be sacrificial (as all prayer is): we are offering something from and of ourselves - our time and energy - for the benefit of someone else. We should also understand this as being a loving act. That does not mean that we necessarily have great feelings of affection for the one whom we are holding in prayer, but rather that the very act of prayer itself is a loving one. Indeed, Jesus is clear that we should pray for those who hate us. There are many other aspects of prayer (though perhaps we should not over-differentiate), but let us ponder intercessory payer for a moment.

I remember a clichéd scene in the hoary old films that I used to watch on rainy Sunday afternoons when I was a child. There would come a moment of crisis - let us say, for example, a medical emergency in which a life hung by a thread - the doctor would come out of the sick room, gently closing the door and, looking at the assembled persons, he would gravely say something like, “Well, I’ve done everything I can. All we can do now is pray.” Familiar? The thing that strikes me is that prayer in those situations seems akin to clutching at straws. All human resources have been exhausted, so we might as well look to a divine one. That is the antithesis of the Christian understanding of prayer. Our prayer of intercession arises out of a life lived in relationship with the one who initiates prayer in us, and desires to hear our prayers: a perfectly loving Father who wants to provide for his children. Prayer of intercession is essential to our way of life. It is not a cul-de-sac where we end up, having explored every other avenue.

It is important to understand that Christians believe we are praying to someone, not an abstract ‘something’. We are not seeking to extract some sort of benevolent reward from the universe, but rather to accept the dignity of engaging with the divine will, and become participants in the activity of God in the world. We are in fact seeking to unite ourselves with the will of God: “Thy will be done,” being essential to Christian prayer, as opposed to - as is often said - “My will be done”. It follows, then, that in order to continue to pray as Christians we must recognise the need for humility and trust. Anyone who prays will know that prayers are not frequently or obviously answered in the ways that we might desire or expect. We are brought face with the fact that, as we are told in scripture, God’s ways are not our ways. We are confronted with the limitations of our own sight. But if we persevere in prayer (as I hope and pray many of those who have begun to pray will do) we shall find that our trust in God is strengthened and our love for him increased.

Our intercessor, of course, is Christ. He entered into the world for that purpose, so it is to Him that we offer our prayers (in the power of the Holy Spirit). Christians may also seek, and should seek, the intercession of other members of the Church family, on earth and in heaven - the name we give for them is “the saints”. Continued overleaf ...

3 (continued from previous page) It can only be good to have others praying to the Lord on our behalf. It is good to have friends in both low and high places! So, in conclusion, do not be downcast or demoralised by what you may perceive to be the weakness of your prayers. Remember, the one who hears them knows all our weakness - indeed, He became as weak as a baby in order that the power and life of God might fill us. With blessings and prayers, Father Keith, Vicar

THE DIOCESE OF CHICHESTER New Bishops of Lewes and Horsham

On 29th April, 10 Downing Street announced the names of the new bishops of Horsham and Lewes to serve as suffragan bishops in the Diocese of Chichester. The Revd Ruth Bushyager, currently Vicar of St Paul’s, Dorking in the Diocese of Guildford will serve as Bishop of Horsham. The Revd William Hazlewood, currently Vicar of the United Benefice of Dartmouth and Dittisham in the Dio- cese of Exeter will be the next Bishop of Lewes. Ruth Bushyager was ordained priest in 2006 and after serving in the Southwell and Nottingham, and Oxford dioceses became Area Missioner for the Kensington area in the Diocese of London in 2010. She has served as Vicar of St Paul's, Dorking since 2014 and now also serves as Area Dean of Dorking. Ruth is married to Ron, a psychotherapist, and they have two young daughters. “I am really looking forward to getting to know the churches, chaplaincies and schools of the diocese and seeing how I can help to encourage and serve their mission,” said Ruth.

FOR FURTHER NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE, visit: https://www.chichester.anglican.org/

Wardens’ Warbling

In this edition, we should have been sharing with you details of the new PCC, which would have been elected on Monday 27th April at the Annual Parish Church Council Meeting (APCM), but because of the Covid-19 lockdown, this has had to be delayed until we are advised by the Bishop that meetings can be held. This would also have seen the launch of the new Parish Mission Action Plan. We have until 31st October to hold this meeting. However, be assured we are not inactive. The Standing Committee has met (virtually) and has suggested that the present PCC stay in place (including the Churchwardens and Local wardens!) until the next APCM. This needs to be discussed and agreed by the PCC who will meet (again virtually) later this month.

Although we are unable to meet in Church as we are accustomed, we can still “congregate” at various times during the week, through the live streams on Tuesday evenings, Thursday mornings and of course on Sunday mornings. We hope you are receiving and enjoying the weekly Newsletters and Fr. Keith’s Pastoral letters. We retain a watchful eye on the buildings in our care, whilst plans we had in place for the revitalisation of the gardens are on hold until we can safely meet and garden together. If you walk by the Churches and Halls when you are out for exercise and you notice anything amiss, please let us know at once so it can be dealt with. I am sure you are all aware that news was released by Downing Street on 29th April that two new bishops have been appointed for the Diocese: the Revd Ruth Bushyager (Horsham) and the Revd William Hazlewood (Lewes). We have waited a long time for these appointments and we look forward to their future ministry in the Diocese. At the time of writing we do not know when we shall be able to “go back to Church”, but before we do, we shall need to put things in order and give the churches a thorough cleaning. For updates please keep an eye on the Website, Facebook and the weekly newsletter. In the meantime, we hope everyone keeps safe and well, and it will not be too long before we can be together. Gill Keevill and Janice Lelliott, Churchwardens

Both our church halls are currently closed until further notice. For those new to the Parish who may wish to read ‘The Enquiries for future bookings or details on Story of Goring and the up-to-date situation should be made to: Highdown’, you may obtain a copy of this out-of-print St Mary’s hall: Philip Webber: book. Here's the link to Tel: 01903 246583, Mob: 07759 849479 ABEBOOKS to purchase email: [email protected] second-hand copies: St Laurence’s hall: Jane or Geoff Oliver: http://www.abebooks.co.uk/ book-search/ Tel: 01903 240540 isbn/0951272217 Email: [email protected]

5 Diary of Notable Dates and Lectionary Readings All public worship is suspended until further notice.

Date June 2020 Date July 2020 Thu 4th St Petroc, Abbot of Padstow ,6th Century Fri 3rd St Thomas, the Apostle Sun 7th Trinity Sunday Sun 5th The Fourth Sunday after Trinity

Thu 11th Corpus Christi Sun 12th The Fifth Sunday after Trinity

Sun 14th 1st Sunday after Trinity Wed 15th St Swithun, Bishop of Winchester, c.862 Tue 16th St Richard of Chichester Sun 19th The Sixth Sunday after Trinity Sun 21st 2nd Sunday after Trinity Wed 22nd Mary Magdalene Mon 22nd St Alban, First Martyr of Britain - c.250 Wed 24th The Birth of John the Baptist Sat 25th St James, the Apostle Sun 28th 3rd Sunday after Trinity Sun 26th The Seventh Sunday after Trinity

Date August 2020 Sun 2nd 8th Sunday after Trinity Thu 6th The Transfiguration of Our Lord Sun 9th 9th Sunday after Trinity Mon 10th St Laurence, Deacon at Rome, Martyr, 258 Thu 13th St Barnabas, the Apostle Sun 16th 10th Sunday after Trinity Sun 23rd 11th Sunday after Trinity Mon 24th St Bartholomew, the Apostle Sun 30th 12th Sunday after Trinity

Walruses at prayer

Coffee Time on Thursdays is suspended until further notice. 6 The following Lectionary Readings are those set by Church of England. We hope you will be able to read them at home during the time services are suspended.

Dates Morning Evening

June

7 June Isaiah 40: 12-17, 27-end Psalm 93 Trinity Sunday 2 Corinthians 13: 11-end Isaiah 6: 1-8 W Matthew 28: 16-20 John 16: 5-15 11 June (Thursday) Genesis 14: 18-20 Day of Thanksgiving for the 1 Corinthians 11: 23-26 Institution of Holy Communion John 6: 51-58 (Corpus Christi) W 14 June Exodus 19: 2-8a Psalm 43 First Sunday after Trinity Romans 5: 1-8 1 Samuel 21:1-15 G Matthew 9: 35-10:8 Luke 11: 14-28 21 June Jeremiah 20: 7-13 Psalm 46 Second Sunday after Trinity Romans 6: 1b-11 1 Samuel 24: 1-17 G Matthew 10: 24-39 Luke 14: 12-24 28 June Jeremiah 28: 5-9 Psalm 50: 1-15 Third Sunday after Trinity Romans 6: 12-end 1 Samuel 28: 3-19 G Matthew 10: 40-end Luke 17: 20-end

July

5 July Zechariah 9: 9-12 Psalm 56 Fourth Sunday after Trinity Romans 7: 15-25a 2 Samuel 2: 1-11, 3:1 G Matthew 11: 16-19,25-end Luke 18: 31-19: 10 12 July Isaiah 55: 10-13 Psalm 60 Fifth Sunday after Trinity Romans 8: 1-11 2 Samuel 7: 18-end G Matthew 13: 1-9, 18-23 Luke 19: 41-20: 8 19 July Isaiah 44: 6-8 Psalm 67 Sixth Sunday after Trinity Romans 8: 12-25 1 Kings 2: 10-12, 3: 16-28 G Matthew 13: 24-30, 36-43 Acts 4: 1-22

26 July 1 Kings 3: 5-12 Psalm 75 Seventh Sunday after Trinity Romans 8: 26-end 1 Kings 6: 11-14, 23-end G Matthew 13: 31-33, 44-52 Acts 12: 1-17

August

2 August Isaiah 55: 1-5 Psalm 80: 1-8 Eighth Sunday after Trinity Romans 9: 1-5 1 Kings 10: 1-13 G Matthew 14: 13-21 Acts 13: 1-13

6 August (Thursday) Daniel 7: 9-10, 13-14 Transfiguration of Our Lord 2 Peter 1: 16-19 W Luke 9: 28-36

9 August 1 Kings 19: 9-18 Psalm 86 Ninth Sunday after Trinity Romans 10: 5-15 1 Kings 11: 41-12: 20 G Matthew 14: 22-33 Acts 14: 8-20

16 August Isaiah 56: 1,6-8 Psalm 90: 1-12 Tenth Sunday after Trinity Romans 11; 1-2a,29-32 2 Kings 4: 1-37 G Matthew 15: [10-20]21-28 Acts 16: 1-15

23 August Isaiah 51: 1-6 Psalm 95 Eleventh Sunday after Trinity Romans 12: 1-8 2 Kings 6: 8-23 G Matthew 16: 13-20 Acts 17: 15-end

30 August Jeremiah 15: 15-21 Psalm 105: 1-15 Twelfth Sunday after Trinity Romans 12: 9-end 2 Kings 6: 24-25, 7: 3-end G Matthew 16: 21-end Acts 18: 1-16

7 Christian Breadcrumbs 31 by The Very Reverend C.R. Campling, Dean Emeritus of Ripon Time and Eternity The Spiritual Dimension

One of the most puzzling and illuminating stories in the New Testament is the story of the Transfiguration1. Jesus took his disciples Peter, James and John to the top of a mountain; and there, we are told, they saw him ‘transfigured’, his clothes shining in dazzling white. Two characters from the Old Testament, Moses the law-giver and Elijah the prophet suddenly appeared, and Peter, over-awed, suggested building three tents for them and Jesus. Then a cloud appeared which, as in the Old Testament2 both revealed and hid the dazzling glory of God; and they heard God’s voice commending Jesus as his Beloved Son and telling them to listen to him. Moses and Elijah disappeared and they were left with Jesus – as they had always known him. As they trudged down the mountain, they were told not to tell anyone about this incident until after the resurrection – an instruction they did not at the time understand. The disciples were used to Jesus as their friend and teacher. They shared with him the ‘time and space’ experiences of human living as they walked (huge distances!) around the countryside in the course of Jesus’ mission. Now, suddenly, they had this sign of his eternal, divine nature and his unique relationship with God and, through God’s timelessness, figures from the past. We call this the experience of ‘transcendence’, the awareness in time of the truth of eternity. People of all ages have had their own experiences of transcendence in the course of prayer and meditation and worship; but also, on non-religious occasions. Listening to music is a particularly good example. Music takes place in time, yet it can transport the listener into a sense of timelessness. People used to say when listening that they were ‘sent’; taken out of themselves. The beauty of mountains, the immensity of the sea, the blushing pink of a rose, the sight of children playing, the love of a person; all these make the heart leap in joy and make us aware of the non-material, out of time, spiritual dimension to our human lives. They do not, of course, prove that God exists; but by becoming aware of this eternal, spiritual dimension, we open our minds to the possibility of God in eternity. If we dare, we learn to believe in and experience the presence, the very love of God. And we find it possible to live our lives “within the love of God”.

1. All three of the synoptic Gospels (Mark, Matthew and Luke) tell the story – with slight variations. Mark 9.2–8; Matthew 17.1–8 Luke 9.28–36. 2 See for instance God leading the Israelites across the desert in a cloud, Exodus 13.21; and I Kings 8.10.

Editor’s footnote: Fr. Christopher’s books “Christian Breadcrumbs” and “Sonnets of Faith” were both available from the Parish Office for £5 per copy. These may be ordered directly from Fr. Christopher - Tel:(01903 246598). All profits from sales of both books will be donated to a local hospice and the parish.

8 Kindnesses Many kindnesses have been shown During these difficult times, From friends and neighbours who text and ‘phone, So we have never felt alone. Most grateful we are for walks and gardens, To enjoy Spring days and blossoms in May, Many shades of green on all the trees, Sweet birdsong at dawn and dew on the lawn, Blue skies and early butterflies and bees. But our thoughts go out for all those who are ill, Especially folk in hospital, And for the dedication of our National Health staff, Doctors, nurses, carers, drivers, who tirelessly work day and night This terrible worldwide pandemic to fight. These are indeed such terrible times With many tears for all mankind, But we hope and pray that in the end We shall come through this awful plight And things eventually will be all right.

Valerie Tree

Parish Office opening hours...IMPORTANT NOTICE... In order to protect the volunteers that man the Parish Office from possible contact with Coronavirus (Covid-19), it has been decided that the office will remain closed until further notice. Nothing, especially money, should be put through the letterbox. If you have anything that needs to be handed in, please email the Parish Office or phone to arrange for someone to be able to receive it. Tel: 01903-709163. The answer-phone will be monitored every few days but the best way to contact the Parish Office is by email: [email protected]

9 History Behind the Hymn: In Christ Alone

Songwriter Stuart Townend grew up as the youngest of four children in a Christian family in West Yorkshire where his father was a vicar in the Church of England. The Townend family always enjoyed music, and young Stuart began to play the piano at the age of seven.

Written in 2002, “In Christ Alone” was a collaborative effort between Townend and fellow songwriter (and now good friend) Keith Getty. “The song came about in an unusual way,” Townend explains. “Keith and I met in the autumn of 2000 at a worship event, and we resolved to try to work together on some songs. A few weeks later Keith sent some melody ideas, and the first one on the CD was a magnificent, haunting melody that I loved, and immediately started writing some lyrical ideas on what I felt should be a timeless theme commensurate with the melody. So, the theme of the life, death, resurrection of Christ, and the implications of that for us just began to tumble out, and when we got together later on to fine tune it, we felt we had encapsulated what we wanted to say.”

In Christ alone my hope is found Townend and Getty both admit they are He is my light, my strength, my motivated by the idea of capturing biblical song truth in songs and hymns that will not only This Cornerstone, this solid ground cause people to express their worship in Firm through the fiercest drought church, but will build them up in their and storm …. Christian lives.

“I’ve been amazed by the response to this song,” says Townend. “We’ve had some incredible e-mails about how people have been helped by the song through incredibly difficult circumstances.”

One e-mail described how a U.S. soldier serving in Iraq would pray through each verse of the song every day, and how the promises of God’s protection and grace helped to sustain him through the enormous pressures and dangers of life in a war zone.

“It seems like this song is timely,” Townend says. “We have had our sense of safety and security brutally torn apart by recent world events, and it’s caused many to re- evaluate the foundations of their life. I feel that the song has helped to stir faith in many believers that God really is our protector; that our lives are in His unshakable hands.”

Since its initial creation, several versions of What heights of love, what “In Christ Alone” have been recorded by depths of peace artists around the world, and Townend admits When fears are stilled and to having a few favourites. “I’ve heard some striving cease wonderful recordings of it. The Newsboys’ My Comforter, my All-in-All version is really fresh and exciting, and the Here in the love of Christ I stand one done by Alan Asbury is superb,” Townend says. “But the one that always moves me the most is when we recorded it with a congregation of 8,000 at the Stoneleigh Bible Week in England several years ago. When we finish the third verse, about the resurrection of Christ, there’s an extraordinary burst of praise from the congregation that at the time was overwhelming, and listening back still sends a shiver down my spine.”

10 The uniqueness of Townend’s writing lies partly in its lyrical content. There is both a theological depth and poetic expression that some say is rare in today’s worship writing. And not surprisingly, it’s an emphasis that Townend and Getty both maintained within the composition of this song in particular

“I think content is vitally important to our corporate worship,” Townend shares. “Sometimes great No guilt in life, no fear in melodies are let down by indifferent or clichéd death words. It’s the writer’s job to dig deep into the This is the power of Christ meaning of Scripture and express in poetic and in me memorable ways the truth he or she finds there. From life’s first cry to final Knowing the truth about God and who we are in breath Him is central to our lives as believers. Songs Jesus commands my remain in the mind in a way sermons do not, so destiny … songwriters have an important role and a huge responsibility.” He continues, “The lyric [of this song] excites me because it places our hope, our assurance, our eternal destiny in the right place – on the solid foundation of Christ. I know in my own life I need reminding continually not to live by my feelings or my circumstances, but by the unchanging truth of the gospel.”

“In Christ Alone” was the very first collaboration between Townend and Getty. In fact, it was Townend’s first collaboration with any other songwriter. But it was an experience he found very fruitful and well worth the effort. So much so that the two have continued working their music partnership on other songs, producing a series of songs based around the Apostles’ Creed. The album, entitled ‘Apostles’ Creed’, is available on the Kingsway music label.

Reprinted, by kind permission, from an article in the Church Magazine of St Symphorian’s

The Church of the Good Shepherd Lake Tekapo, New Zealand From Malcolm and Pam Chilton’s recent trip ‘Down Under’

11 Local Eco News Many of us long term residents will remember the time, usually after a storm or strong winds, that the foreshore was filled knee deep in seaweed. It was unsightly and smelly and required council lorries to remove it but good for garden fertiliser! That sight and smell has not been apparent in more recent times. However, it has now become very apparent that this kelp played an important place as a habitat for many marine creatures as well as helping in other ways to the local ecosystem. I give below an abbreviated extract from the website of Sussex Wild Life Trust: “Kelp once stretched along 40 km of the West Sussex coastline from Selsey to Shoreham, forming an underwater forest that extended at least 4 km seaward. It provided a vital habitat, nursery and feeding ground for seahorses, cuttlefish, lobster, sea bream and bass. It locked up huge quantities of carbon, helping us to fight climate change, while improving water quality and reducing coastal erosion by absorbing the power of ocean waves. But within living memory, kelp in Sussex waters has diminished to almost nothing. Storm damage, changing fishing practices and the dumping of sediment spoils by dredging boats have taken their toll on this sensitive habitat. The wildlife associated with it has all but disappeared, and the vital ecosystem services it provided have been lost – but there is now a chance to bring it all back. Sussex coast achieved its first major milestone, as a critical new bylaw has been agreed. This will see trawling excluded from a vast 304km2 of Sussex coastline year-round and was agreed by the Sussex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (Sussex IFCA) on 23rd January. The decision was made following an extensive consultation period, which saw overwhelming support demonstrated by almost 2,500 people in response to the “Help our Kelp” campaign.”

I’m sure we will take a different view of the seaweed when hopefully it re- occurs and is piled high on our local beaches.

David Burt

Mission Giving 2020 We are pleased to be able to tell you about the review and refocusing of our mission-giving in the parish. Fr Keith was encouraged when he joined the parish last year to see our active approach to mission giving. He felt we could build on what we were doing and make our mission-giving more missional with improved relationships and greater visibility. The desire is to link our mission- giving more closely with the mission and vision of the parish; to build partnerships with the organisations we support and make their work more visible. He focused our minds at the start of our meeting with the following reading:

James 5 1-6: Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. 2 Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. 4 Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. 5 You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.[a] 6 You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.

After discussing how best to approach this we determined that we should support fewer organisations and do activities in support of them over the year. Therefore we shall in future have a ‘quarterly focus’ as opposed to the current ‘monthly focus’, as follows:

Jan-Mar A community led homelessness organisation (formerly Worthing Churches Turning Homeless Projects) with the mission to end homelessness. Tides https://www.turning-tides.org.uk/ Apr-June A group of local Christians who have a vision for the Worthing area to be a Worthing 4 place of welcome, safety, integration and justice for refugees. Refugees http://worthing4refugees.org.uk/ July-Sept Helping families in Sussex to overcome their difficulties and prevent crisis; Family supporting families struggling with issues such as poverty, ill health, Support learning difficulties, bereavement, family break-up and domestic abuse. Work https://www.familysupportwork.org/ Oct-Dec Taking care of 2435 orphans and widows in 737 households; aiming to school, feed and clothe as many orphan children as possible, starting in Izulu Orphan Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal, and positively to impact the locals by offering Projects them firstly education, and then healthy meals coupled with family social support. https://izuluorphanprojects.co.za

We shall, in addition, continue our relationships with and support of Church Mission Society https://www.cms-uk.org and Christian Resources Mission https:// christianresourceministries.wordpress.com. We shall, therefore, be supporting six organisations through prayer, donation and activity in 2020. We are delighted that the PCC was enthusiastic about this change and approved the proposal we put forward. The PCC agreed to support these organisations with donations of £870 each, a total of £5220.

We are excited to develop this new approach with you all throughout 2020 so please look out for updates and activities with which you can get involved during this year.

Ruth Jepson, Chair, Mission-Giving

Continued overleaf ….

14 If you can’t see the sunshine Be the sunshine!

a sign spotted on the side of dozens of campervans in New Zealand - Ed 15 Nature Watch: June - August 2020

The top 10 birds in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2020

Did you take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch this year? Since this took place in January, we have become more conversant with our garden birds because of the virus lockdown. You might like to see how your feathered friends fared.

A look at the leader board

This year’s top ten for the UK is little changed from 2019, with the top three birds unchanged from last year. Once again, top spot is taken by the house sparrow, making it first for the seventeenth year running. There’s a little bit of shuffling at fourth and fifth, with the woodpigeon moving into fourth and, last year’s number four, the blackbird, dropping one spot to fifth. There is one new entry to the top ten, with long-tailed tits flying into ninth position. The chaffinch meanwhile has dropped from number nine last year to number 11. The top 10 birds in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2020 1. House sparrow 2. Starling

3. Blue Tit 4. Woodpigeon

Continued overleaf ... 16 5. Blackbird 6. Goldfinch

7. Great Tit 8. Robin

9. Long-tailed Tit 10. Magpie

How did you get on with your visitors? House sparrows are only here occasionally whilst the others are seen in my garden but the starlings only drop in when they are feeding their young.

Roland Silcox painted this picture of a bee in his garden who thought the flowers on the cloth were real! Thanks Roland - great talent.

Gill Brown enjoyed watching the toadlets in her garden pond. What have you been doing and seeing? Keep up the feeding as increasingly the beautiful wild creatures are dropping in numbers.

With all the understandable and necessary emphasis on the terrible coronavirus we must still remember our beautiful world:

Entrusted with an earthly home Our minds did not create or build We live as visitors and guests Until our years have been fulfilled. Through centuries, without concern For all the grandeur and the grace, We've taken beauty from the earth And left it poor – a barren place. O God, we've been ungrateful guests Upon this earth, which you designed. Within our time, help us restore Our blighted world for all mankind. (Jean Carriott)

David Burt [email protected]

There are and have been many desperately unhappy people through the effects of the corona virus. Despite everything the needs of young people cannot be ignored so we can be thankful for all that the Society is able to do. It is our support that continues to make this work possible. Our desire to meet the many needs we cannot physically do is met through the Society’s work. There are many heartening stories on their website like Jamie’s. He suffered bullying at school to the extent that he considered suicide. Fortunately, in time he was referred to Nicky at the Society’s help centre. Here is a short piece from his story: Finding someone to talk to

At the easy-access, drop-in service for under 25s, Jamie had access to immediate mental and emotional health support seven days a week. Nicky, a practitioner at the service says, 'Knowing that we are there seven days a week to come in and talk to has been a huge help to him.' Jamie says, ‘I am glad I got help, because my life was a downward spiral.’”

You can read the rest of his story here https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/news- and-blogs/our-blog/jamies-story-i-feel-like-you-need-a-voice

You can readily see how much our continuing help is needed. Our box opening and coffee morning is planned for Saturday 7th November in St. Mary’s hall. Quite a little time away yet, so hopefully we shall be free from the lockdown and those restrictions.

Di and David Burt (01903 248204)

Given that GPN had to go to press on 20th May, please be aware that changes may occur at short notice and affect information carried herein. It has not been possible to print hard copies of this issue of GPN. If you are aware of anyone who is not able to receive a copy of GPN or other emails from the Parish Office, would you be kind enough to keep them informed of any important information. You may wish to print out, and pass on, copies of various articles. The Editors

18 Lockdown Services -

The church buildings are closed but the Church is still very much alive!

1st Sunday of the month 10:00 Family Service A short lively pre-recorded service including the Music Group and families of the Parish, and of course led by Fr Keith.

Live-streams: Sundays (other than 1st Sunday) 10:00am Eucharist Tuesdays 6:00 pm Reflection and Evening Prayer. Please note that live-streaming will commence 5 minutes before the beginning of the service, and can be found on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/StMaryAndStLaurenceGoringBySea/ Thursdays 10:00am Morning Prayer and reflections - now on Zoom. Thursday Morning Prayer at 10.00am, is on https://www.zoom.us You will be able to join from 9.45am Meeting ID: 955 2642 8233 Password: 386017 To join by telephone 0203 481 5237 or 0203 481 5240 or 0203 051 2874 For further information, read the Parish Newsletter dated 14.5.20

IMPORTANT INFORMATION - CHURCH SERVICES Considering the Government guidance around non-essential contact, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York have issued advice that public worship is suspended until further notice. We regret that this means we shall not be holding any services in either of our churches for the foreseeable future. You can read the full detail of the advice to churches on The Church of England website:

https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/news/archbishops-call-church-england- become-radically-different-public-worship

Mary Magdalene (Feast Day 22July)

Little she knew when she came to the garden Early that day, She would find that the tomb was empty, The stone rolled away.

Was she the one in Bethany Brought ointment for his head, Jesus as she now came to the garden When he was dead?

If it was so, then the words he had spoken Would come again: “She anoints for my death,” and now heartbroken, She was there in vain.

Little she knew as she stood in the garden, Wept for her Lord, She would learn the truth of the resurrection In just one word.

“Where have you taken him?” Then the gardener Spoke her name. She knew him then - gardener and Saviour One and the same.

“Rabboni!” she said, the word for “Master”. This was her fame - The first to know of the resurrection- Mary her name.

Rosemary Anne Sisson. (13 October 1923 to 28 July 2017)

20 Pauline Wakeling R.I.P. Pauline was a regular member of St Laurence’s congregation for many years. She was secretary to the St Laurence’s management committee, a sides-person and a key member of St Laurence’s Fellowship . She sadly passed away in Linfield House on 2nd May aged 89. Pauline managed to live at home in Goring until she was 88 and then went to live in Cornwell House, Ferring where she was well looked after. Until the move she enjoyed attending the weekly lunches at Goring Methodists Church.

Pauline (also known as Polly) was born in Harrow on the 22 October 1930. With husband Stanley she had two children Philip and Clare (and subsequently two grandchildren Anna-Marie and Charlotte). When their children were young Pauline and Stanley had a grocery shop in Holmwood and lived above it. Pauline and Stanley enjoyed many trips away and they lived in the Middle East for a while. Pauline worked as a secretary at a first school for 25 years, where the children adored her.

Pauline had many interests. She was a keen gardener and her garden brought her enormous pleasure. She was also a great singer and had many happy years as a member of various choral groups: Sweet Adelines, Coastline Harmony and Worthing Choral Society. She participated in many concerts and competitions in England and abroad. Pauline practised yoga until the age of 82 and she loved cycling down to the beach hut in Goring to enjoy an early morning dip.

Pauline will be fondly remembered as a kind, compassionate and lovely lady. She was often found giving guidance, advice and direction to others during her lifetime. She was dearly loved for her personality and had a great sense of humour. Ruth Jepson

John Lloyd R.I.P.

‘A faithful parishioner’. ‘A perfect gentleman’. ‘A lover of music (of all kinds)’. ‘A devoted family man, who loved our church and its people.’ Sadly John died on Tuesday, 21st April at the Fairlight Nursing home in Rustington. John worked on the railway before he retired and we think he worked on railways in Asia at an earlier stage in his life. John enjoyed music, particularly organ music, and went whenever possible to John Mann’s recitals on the Wurlitzer organ in the Assembly Rooms, Worthing. John also enjoyed choral music. He could be guaranteed to patronise any concert by the Sussex Gruffs Male Voice Choir and was instrumental in getting them to sing at the Fairlight Nursing Home. Those who knew John we were always struck by his sheer tenacity, always determined to climb independently up the steep stone steps to his front door in Chesham Close. Many in the parish will remember the splendid 90th birthday party that was arranged for him in St Mary’s Hall by the Social Activities Committee, when he blew out all the candles and insisted on cutting the cake himself. He was also pleased that John Mann was able to be there. Fr Zachary Allen commented: “He came across as modest, unfailingly courteous and full of gratitude for the monthly opportunity to share the scriptures, sing hymns and receive Holy Communion. May he rest in peace, and rise in glory …” Taken from Parish Newsletter, 29th April 2020

21 Our Parish Mission Focus – June to September 2020

Charity overwhelmed by support during pandemic

LIKE many charities, Family Support Work has had to adapt its ways of working since the coronavirus outbreak- and fill the gaps left by usual fundraising activities. Chief executive Martin Auton-Lloyd explains how life has changed for FSW.

FSW helps families in Sussex struggling with poverty, ill health, learning difficulties, bereavement, family break-up and domestic abuse. Established in 1890 by a group of church women in Chichester, it gives support through children’s activities, drop-in centres, home visits and groups for parents. It also provides food parcels, clothing, household goods and help with winter fuel bills. People are wonderful. As the pandemic has dominated the news and everyone’s thoughts, here at Chichester Diocesan Association for Family Support Work we have been amazed at how so many people from across Sussex have come forward to offer help to the 400 families we are supporting in so many new ways. As the outbreak started, our fundraising events began to be cancelled and our income started drifting away. Then the archbishops closed the churches and our partner, The Diocese of Chichester, had to follow the order. Suddenly all the collection points for our food bank were gone. As schools closed, activities such as after-school clubs and drop-ins, vital links and support for parents and children, had to stop. Finally the face- to-face support for the families had to go as well. Like everyone else, we turned to the phones - WhatsApp, Zoom and Facebook - to ensure our practitioners were accessible to the families, many now self-isolating because of pre-existing medical issues. The vulnerable nature of our families means our work is needed more than ever as families come together in unusual and trying situations. We have a new mother on her own with her three-week-old baby, unable to access support from family and friends, another mum with two autistic children and two pre-school children living on the third floor of a building with no lift. For some families in the early days the novelty for children of having mum and dad at home together was great - and there is a positive side to having time together - but as time moves on the strains will tell. What is remarkable is how people have responded. First there was a cheque for £5 with a note saying “I normally give food at church but I can’t, please use this to top up the food store”. Then there were more and, without being asked, the people of Sussex started to send money in and the immediate worry was gone. We could restock the food bank. We have received more than £20,000 but with our shop closed and all our events cancelled this income is vital. Fairfax Properties contacted us. They wanted to help. Could they go shopping to top up our food bank? They have come to us twice now and each time the van has been full, not just with food but toiletries, sanitary products, everything that we might need to keep a family going. A supporter came forward with the offer of short-term accommodation for anyone needing to leave the home to escape tensions and abuse. The Sussex Community Foundation’s funding has come to our support with a grant for £5,000 that has enabled us to increase the number of deliveries across the county. At a time when we only hear bad news, we need to remember good things are happening too. Yes, we are just at the start of a challenging time and here at FSW we know that, during the lockdown, life will change and for many families, these changes are going to be hard. It is also clear that demand for the support from FSW will grow in the coming months but as long as our partners, friends and the people of Sussex are there to help us and sustain us, we will be there for those families we can help through the coming months.

Chichester Diocesan Association for Family Support Work Garton House 22 Stanford Avenue Brighton, BN1 6AA

Tel: 01273 832963 [email protected] Reg Charity No: 285337 www.familysupport.org.uk

22 Parish Giving Scheme

The easy way to make a regular contribution to your church In 2019 our donations to the church via PGS, the Parish Giving Scheme, from 75 of us raised almost £45,000 plus some £10,000 tax credit. Naturally some donations are, by necessity, quite modest whilst there are a few giving very generously. I am very grateful for everyone’s contribution.

Sadly, during the year, we lost 6 members who between them were giving some £400 per month and we need not only to replace these but also increase both our number of donors and our level of giving if our General Fund is to break even.

PGS, the direct debit scheme, continues to grow and is currently being used by over 2,700 parishes nationally. The advantages of using the scheme are considerable:

• An individual’s bank details are kept confidential in Gloucester. They are not passed on to the parish. • There is an option as to whether or not the individual claims gift aid relief which depends on personal circumstances of the donor. A further option is to increase donations automatically in line with inflation which makes life easier for the donor. • From the parish’s point of view all the donations come through as a single payment on about the 10th of the month with the tax rebate following separately later in the month. Just two entries for the treasurer and no cash to bank! PGS handle the tax repayment claim each month.

On behalf of the Parish, the Vicar and the PCC, I should like to thank all those who give under this scheme. Regular giving offers us a reassuring degree of stability over our finances, particularly at this time when our churches are closed. Do not hesitate to have a word with me should you wish to sign up (I can supply the Parish details), or seek further information.

Alternatively, you can contact PGS directly at: 76 Kingsholm Road, Gloucester, GL1 3BD, or by telephoning 0333 002 1260, a dedicated new donor line which will accept direct debit instructions over the phone. A second number, 0333 002 1260 is available for other calls, including changes to an existing direct debit.

Ian Hill 07711 696 641

Marmalade for distribution Penelope Corp has asked GPN to let you know that she still has a plentiful stock of home-made marmalade, both plain, ginger and “Whisky Mac.” Contact Penelope either by phone or email to arrange how you can obtain supplies without breaching the government’s social distancing advice. Tel. 01903 209448 or email: [email protected]

23 Update from Malawi (Christian Resource Mission)

The following is taken from an email received from Bishop Dimba on 7th May. The text is as he wrote it. After 4 months life of the natives are not in good healthy due to great suffering of the Corona Virus as you well know. But the Lord kept us working buy very slowly. We had managed to build a 60, 000 litters water tank, which is almost finished, needs more cement to make it so strong. This water tank and other tanks which we have, it will enable to store more water for irrigation to a large areas

The 60, 000 litters water tank.

We have started applying fertilizers to small maize plants. Spraying chemicals to small maize plants to protects them from insects and army worms. We surely need more chemicals so that we can kill the insects.

Continued overleaf ... 24 Malawi Update (continued) The cow house is almost finished and this is where we are going to milk them. Surely we need to protect our farm workers and also to buy the PPE and the face mask. The face masks are sold at MK500.00 each, many people are so poor, especially the people in the remote, vast and dark land of Malawi and Mozambique.

Please share to many Christians who always pray and support us. We too always praying for you too! Your brother in Christ, Bishop M. Dimba

Receive a blessing from The Blessing (UK) Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUtll3mNj5U Or just search Blessing (UK) on YouTube

25 Easter Day - in Pictures

Worthing Theological Society ~~~~~~ Please note that all future meetings and the AGM have been postponed until the 2020/2021 programme resumes, hopefully, in the Autumn.

All meetings normally take place at West Worthing Baptist Church during the winter months, on the last Monday of the month, commencing at 7.45pm. The church is in South Street, Tarring (BN14 7LU), some 200 yards north of West Worthing Station. Admission is free and there is a retiring collection to defray expenses. Coffee, tea and biscuits are available at the end of each lecture. If you wish to stay in touch by email regarding notices and resumption of future meetings then it would be helpful if you were to send your personal details to the secretary: The Revd Dr Michael Semple at [email protected] who will then be able to send you updated information. Or for further information contact: Chair, The Revd Dr Hazel Sherman: [email protected] or see our website : www.worthingtheologicalsoc.org.uk

For our Younger Readers...

Traidcraft to the rescue!

Did you know that while the rest of the UK was struggling to get pasta, Traidcraft were still able to supply us? I have a pasta mountain in my spare room, should anyone want any. In fact, I have the whole of our parish Traidcraft stock there so that when you need a refill of your usual purchases, you just need to call me and I can either supply it or order it in for you. What’s more, I can even deliver to you if you can’t collect from me.

To see the whole Traidcraft range, check out the website https:// www.traidcraftshop.co.uk/

You can order by phoning me – 07818691922, emailing me – [email protected] or messaging me via the parish Facebook page, https:// www.facebook.com/StMaryAndStLaurenceGoringBySea/ Payment is either cash, cheque or PayPal – your choice

So don’t miss out on your favourite Traidcraft products – just get in touch and I’ll get them to you.

Kate Henwood 07818691922

28 Goring Parish Social Circle News June - August Meetings

New members are always welcome. Come on, Ladies, give us a try! Annual cost is £8.00 plus £1.00 per meeting (including refreshments)

Each meeting is open to all women, members and non-members. “Open” meetings are open to everyone (costs will be advised).

All our meetings are normally held in St. Mary’s Church Hall.

Saturday 13th June - 2pm – 4pm Come along and spend a few hours enjoying our ‘Afternoon Tea’ to be held in the church hall. This year we are raising funds for Two Charities: ‘Harvey’s Gang,’ founded at Worthing Hospital for child cancer/leukemia suffers and also ‘SOS Children’s Village,’ based in Bethlehem supporting Palestinian children. Further details to follow. Thursday 25th June - 7.30pm Easy Exercise Class which is being led by Jan Laing one of our members, who will go through a range of very easy exercises for us to do whilst sitting down, so everyone can join in. Thursday 23rd July - 7.30pm We welcome Mr Alan Kingshott to give us a brief history lesson on the Tower of London where he spent many years as the Chief Yeoman Warder. This promises to be a very interesting talk, so we have opened the evening up to everyone and anyone who would like to come along. So please bring any friends or family along to join in. Note: events will only take place if the Government guidelines on COVID-19 are lifted August – our Summer Break, so see you all back in Lynn Chatfield (01903 693531), Secretary September (hopefully - Ed) Gill Flower (01903 241128), Chairman

Smarties Toddler Group

Wednesday Morning (term-time only) 9:15 - 11:00 St Mary's Church Hall Ilex Way, BN12 4UZ CURRENTLY SUSPENDED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS AND HALL CLOSURE £1.50 per adult, with up to three children. Mums, Dads, Grandparents, Carers, Childminders. All welcome to enjoy the fun! Karen King - 01903 532220

We Pray Please pray for those infected by the Coronavirus (Covid-19) around the world, for those who care for them, for health specialists and authorities who are combatting the spread of infection, and of course for all who at this time are feeling anxious, especially for those with friends and family, wherever they may be.

When all this is over

30 And finally .…

As we are unable to hold any form of meeting at this time Valerie and I thought we would like to share with you the news that on the 23rd of April 1960 we were married at St. Mary's Goring. So, on St. George's day this year we celebrated our sixtieth anniversary but, owing to present circumstances, we were unable to have a party. However, we did have a picnic in our garden during a beautiful, warm sunny spring day, together with our dear children who provided a celebration cake and champagne!

Needless to say, we gave thanks to our Lord for all the blessings received during our happy marriage which we hope will continue during our remaining years on earth.

I have noticed that we do not appear to be fighting any conventional wars. Instead, and for the first time, the whole world is fighting a war against an invisible enemy.

The pandemic virus has caused so many deaths and much suffering which begs the question so many of us ask - why does God allow such pain and anguish? Is it a punishment for the way we have treated the world and each other or is it a test of our faith? I have never been able to find the answer but what I do know is that man's resolve and ingenuity to overcome such hardship is vital.

In this connection we convey our wholehearted support for the staff of the NHS who have dedicated themselves to the care of all who are suffering, risking their own lives in the process.

With up-to-date medical and scientific skills, I am sure we shall see an end to our present troubles and that a vaccine will be found to prevent a further outbreak of this deadly virus.

We pray that our Lord will be merciful. Bill Tree

Wedding Anniversaries

Congratulations to Bill and Valerie on their Diamond Wedding anniversary. This reminded me that Pam and I celebrate our Ruby Wedding anniversary on July 26th. We were also married at St Mary’s, Goring. The organist was a young man named Richard Elwood. And yes, I was a redhead once! July 12th marks the Ruby Wedding anniversary of Gary and Jane Congdon (Gary was a churchwarden at St Mary’s in recent years). Congratulations to anyone celebrating an anniversary at this time. How about some photos from your archives folks? - Ed.

31 Parish Contacts Vicar Fr Keith Littlejohn [email protected] 01903 520717 The Vicarage, 12 Compton Ave, Goring-by-Sea, BN12 4UJ Reader Keith Lelliott [email protected] 01903 504384 Churchwardens Janice Lelliott [email protected] 01903 504384 Gill Keevill [email protected] 07715 120841 Pastoral Care Sylvia Jarrett [email protected] 07873 392437 Julie Marlow 07940 588880 St Mary’s Church BN12 4UZ The Parish Office St Mary’s Church [email protected] 01903 709163 Hall, 16 Ilex Way Goring-by-Sea, Worthing BN12 4UZ St Mary’s Hall lettings Philip Webber [email protected] 01903 246583 St Mary’s Bellringers Graham Hills [email protected] 01903 266980 St Laurence’s Sea Place, Goring-by-Sea, Worthing BN12 4BY Church Local Wardens Geoffrey Oliver [email protected] 01903 240540 Ruth Jepson [email protected] 01903 507469 St Laurence’s Hall Geoffrey Oliver [email protected] 01903 240540 lettings Other Church Officers Safeguarding Alison Evans [email protected] 01903 503905 representative (Child protection, etc) Fr Keith [email protected] 01903 520717 PCC Treasurer John Stovell [email protected] 01903 535289 Parish Giving Officer Ian Hill [email protected] 01903 610021 PCC Secretary Janet Annis [email protected] 01903 367939 Publicity Officer Pam Chilton [email protected] 07986 352819 Church Music ~ St Mary’s Organist George Ford [email protected] 07586 364592 Choirmaster Alex Bristow [email protected] 01903 505554 Music Group Leader Malcolm Chilton [email protected] 07986 818966 ~ St Laurence’s Music Group leader Russell Marlow [email protected] 01903 249685 Goring Parish News Co-Editor Malcolm Chilton [email protected] 07986 818966 Co-Editor Roland Silcox [email protected] 01903 243970

Unless otherwise acknowledged, photographs and images included in this publication have been taken either by staff and parishioners of Goring parish, are downloaded from the ‘Clipart’ gallery provided by courtesy of Microsoft Corporation or obtained from Wikipedia. Goring PCC, as publisher of this magazine, acknowledges and wishes to express its thanks to them.