Christmas Are Well Underway

Lillington Parish Magazine St Mary Magdalene’s Church

DECEMBER 2014

Phil Edwards Home & Garden Services General Handy Man NO JOB TOO SMALL! Whatever you need doing, a dripping tap, some shelves putting up, gutters cleaning, the garage clearing out or the garden looking after, give me a call

Home: 01926 424485 Mobile: 07931 812235 TOM COLES Computere-mail: [email protected] Problems?

GAS, PLUMBING & Call Jan Lucas

HEATING System set up Tel: 02477 046 392 Virus removal Tuition Mobile: 07949 288 682 If you’ve just got your computer and don’t know where to start, give me a call!

I will show you step by step how to use your computer, including email, surfing the web, photos, Skype and more...

I can also train more advanced users in 14, Woodlands Road Binley Woods subjects such as word, excel, access... Coventry. CV3 2DA [email protected] Tell me what you want to do, and I’ll show you how to do it!

All Gas Servicing, Installation 02476 307 988 or 07847 015 154

Plumbing and Central Heating www.bootfinder.co.uk

Work undertaken References available

FROM THE VICARAGE

O Come, O Come Emmanuel…

Advent is here, and preparations for Christmas are well underway. But, in all our rushing around to get ready for the big day, it’s easy to ‘miss’ advent itself, a season of spiritual as well as practical getting ready. One of things I love about Advent, and which gives it a distinctive character are the hymns, which we only get to sing at this time of year. Rousing classics such as ‘Lo, he comes with clouds descending’ and ‘Hills of the North Rejoice’ or the more reflective ‘Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus’ and of course, ‘O Come, O Come Emmanuel’ (We will, by the way, be singing all of these at our special Advent service ‘Darkness to Light’ at 6.30 pm on Sunday 7th December – all welcome!).

But did you know that ‘O Come, O Come Emmanuel’ is more than just a great advent hymn? Written originally in Latin, each verse refers to one of the Advent Antiphons. These are seven short prayers, traditionally used in the last seven days before Christmas. They each begin with the exclamation "O". Each of them ends with a plea for the Messiah to come. As Christmas approaches the cry becomes more urgent.

The antiphons were composed in the seventh or eighth century when monks put together texts from the Old Testament which looked forward to the coming of our salvation. They form a rich mosaic of scriptural images. They became very popular in the Middle Ages. While the monastic choirs sang the antiphons the great bells of the church were rung.

A curious feature of these antiphons is that the first letter of each invocation may be taken from the Latin to form an acrostic in reverse. So the first letters of Sapientia, Adonai, Radix, Clavis, Oriens, Rex, and Emmanuel, provide the Latin words: ERO CRAS. The phrase spells out the response of Christ himself to the heartfelt prayer of his people: "Tomorrow I will be there".

So in the final week of this Advent, maybe you would like to join with Christians across the world, in praying these antiphons. Find time each day to sit and pray for a while, meditating on the

3 antiphon, and making sure that you are ready in your spirit, to welcome Christ when he comes.

Wishing you a hopeful advent, a joyful Christmas and a very peaceful and happy New Year.

Rev Charlotte Gale

The Advent Antiphons

O Sapientia - December 17th O Wisdom, you come forth from the mouth of the Most High. You fill the universe and hold all things together in a strong yet gentle manner. O come to teach us the way of truth.

O Adonai - December 18th O LORD, and leader of Israel, you appeared to Moses in a burning bush and you gave him the Law on Sinai. O come and save us with your mighty power.

O Radix Jesse - December 19th O Stock of Jesse, you stand as a signal for the nations; kings fall silent before you whom the peoples acclaim. O come to deliver us, and do not delay.

O Clavis David - December 20th O Key of David, and sceptre of Israel, what you open no one else can close again; what you close no one can open. O come to lead the captive from prison; free those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.

O Oriens - December 21st O Rising Sun, you are the splendour of eternal light and the sun of justice. O come and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.

O Rex Gentium - December 22nd O King, whom all the peoples desire, you are the cornerstone which makes all one. O come and save humanity whom you made from clay.

O Emmanuel - December 23rd O God with us, you are our king and judge, the One whom the peoples await and their Saviour. O come and save us, Lord, our God.

FROM THE CHURCH RECORDS

BAPTISMS Oct 5 Emily Irene Heathfield Owen Matthew Neil Crowther Oct 26 Sebastian Michael Ochoa Lee Robin Christopher Fitzpatrick WEDDINGS Oct 11 Martin Smith and Louise Johnson

We got a call recently from our grandson Sam, aged 4 and ¾, with a Very Important Message concerning hedgehogs:

‘Hedgehogs can swim, but might drown in your garden pond if they fall in and can’t get out, so please make a stair or a hill with some stones, or put in some chicken-wire so they can climb out. That’s all.’

Sam started school in September - and is in the Hedgehogs class.

Judy & Bob Cooke

MINI CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL The church will be open every afternoon from 2-4 p.m. from 7th till 19th December. Come and enjoy the tree display with Christmas music playing and refreshments served. Invite your friends and neighbours, come as a group or on your own.

WARDEN’S WORDS

We are a very welcoming church. It’s official! A recent arrival is with us because of visiting many churches in the Leamington Spa area, and finding us to be the most welcoming!

Thanks to John Butler and a huge team of people who mend, polish, tidy and generally love the building, the church is beautifully kept and is much appreciated by those who come regularly, and those who visit for occasional services.

Now we need to move on to being an inviting church. There are very many people in the parish who have never been into our lovely building. Why not? Has anyone ever invited them to come in? Have you invited your family, neighbours, friends to join us for one of our services or events? We have services to suit all tastes and many which cater for people who would be scared to take part in something with a lot of formality and ritual. How about ‘Morning Praise’ on the first Sunday of the month? The Evening Worship on one Sunday a month? Organ recitals and special events make a good opportunity for inviting people.

During the run up to Christmas invite someone to the Christmas Fair on 6th December, the ongoing Mini Christmas Tree Festival throughout the month, the Christmas services listed in this magazine, or even to come with you to a 9.30 Communion service.

Who will you invite, and to what?

Charlotte Sanders

Christmas gifts Grandfather was talking to his grand-daughter, “When I was a child all we got for Christmas was an apple and an orange.” The little girl clapped her hands in joy. “Brilliant! I’d love a new computer and a mobile!”

Gift Service 2014 Sunday 7th December at 9.30 am

This year our annual Gift Service will be a bit different. Leamington Christian Mission closes at the end of this year, so are not receiving gifts for distribution. But, we still wanted to keep this lovely tradition, so have decided instead to support the

Night Shelter. We already collect food for those staying at the shelter, so we thought it would be nice if we could provide them with Christmas presents as well.

So, what do we want? Wearables - Gloves, Hats, Socks, Underwear Toiletries – Soap, Deodorant, Shaving Cream, Shampoo Treats - Biscuits, Sweets, Chocolates

Remember that 80% of people staying at the shelter are men.

Wrapping paper isn’t needed.

Have fun shopping and bring your gift to the service on 7th December.

WALKERS’ GROUP

Saturday 13th December (NOT 6th, as originally publicised), meeting outside the church at 9.30 a.m., as usual.

We will explore the area west of Long Itchington on a route to be finalised nearer the time (to cope with changing conditions on the ground). About four miles, hopefully. Strong boots or shoes with anti-slip soles are strongly advised. The land is mainly flat, with no stiles found on my preferred route.

We park at the Cuttle Inn on the A423 Southam-to- Coventry road south of Long Itchington, where those who wish can lunch on snacks or more substantial meals afterwards.

Contact: Roderick Clark [422994]

PILGRIM COURSE

We have 3 Home groups and they have just finished studying the Beatitudes from the Pilgrim course. Groups vary in size – in my group there are just 6 of us and we meet each Tuesday evening. It’s a time of prayer, reflection and bible study - with cake and coffee!

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, has hailed the success of the Church of England’s Pilgrim Course. Dr Sentamu said: “Finding out about the Christian faith is the most important thing that anyone can do and I urge anyone who hears about the course to give it a go.” There are two new videos which show previous attendees and leaders sharing stories about their experiences of the course. (Videos available at: bit.ly/pilgrimpromo).

If you are interested in finding out more about our home groups contact the Rev Charlotte or a Churchwarden.

Carol Innes

Answers on page 26

From Alex Baker’s Cake or Death website

Christmas Cards

Over the last few years at St. Mary Magdalene’s, we have had a Christmas Card board at Church. Instead of everyone sending lots of Christmas cards, each of us can choose to send just one Christmas card, to all our friends at church. These cards are displayed on a notice board in church, so that everyone can read the greetings which have been sent. Not only does this save on paper (in line with our church environmental policy) but we also invite a donation of the money you have saved on buying cards, which we then give to charity.

This year our chosen charity is ‘Embrace the Middle East’.

They aim to improve the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged people in the Middle East.

They do this by partnering with local Christians who provide health, education and community development programmes to those in need - regardless of their faith or nationality.

Embrace the Middle East (which used to be called Biblelands, and produce the Bethlehem Carol Sheet) is a non-governmental, inter- denominational charity.

This year the Christmas Card board will be in place from Sunday 7th December.

Our Lady, Knitting

The picture of ‘Visit of the Angels’ is by the Master Bertram – (about 1390).

I first came across this lovely painting as a black and white print being the frontispiece to a Mary Thomas’ classic book on Knitting. Known also as ‘The Knitting Madonna’ it shows Our Lady as a young mother working on a warm garment for her Son in a peaceful domestic setting. The technique she is working on four needles is used today when knitting a tube, as in socks, or picking up the neck of a jumper.

In the Gospel story of the Crucifixion Our Lord’s seamless robe was diced for by the Roman soldiers at the foot of the Cross – it was of such good material that it was not to be quickly ripped apart and shared as part of the traditional ‘perks’ for the attending soldiers.

The Child Jesus is sitting by His mother, His toy whip and top are beside Him and He has been reading His lesson to Her, as mothers do today.

This lovely, domestic scene is interrupted by the arrival of two Angels, bearing symbols of the Crucifixion. One Angel holds the spear, which is to spear our Lord’s side, with a Crown of Thorns. The other holds a Cross and the three Nails. There are symbolic references to the Garden of Eden in the apple trees to remind us of the Fall, and decorative peacock feathers, the peacock being a symbol of evil.

To appreciate the beautiful colours of this exquisite painting go to the church website at www.Lillingtonparishchurch.org and follow the links to Crosstalk. Fay Weighell

A Christmas Truce

During the first Christmas of the war, something unique happened in some parts of the front line. Both sides on the Western Front agreed to put down their weapons. This became known as the Christmas Truce.

The British High Command, which led the British troops, did not agree with this truce and warned the soldiers not to go ahead with it. They even suggested that the Germans were planning an attack on Christmas Eve. However, they were ignored and no guns were fired on Christmas Day 1914.

Christmas Carols

On Christmas Eve, soldiers from both sides met in no man's land. They sang Christmas carols, like 'Silent Night' ('Stille Nacht' in German). There was even a burial service for dead soldiers where the bodies of German and British soldiers were buried next to each other.

Men from both sides gave gifts to each other, mostly food. The Germans gave sausages to the British and the British gave the Germans chocolates.

Football Match

On Christmas Day, a football match was played between German and British troops on the Western Front. This was started by a British soldier kicking a football out of his trench. The Germans then joined in. It was reported that Germany won the match 3-2. At midnight, in one part of the trenches, a flare was lit to tell soldiers it was time for them to return to fighting.

The truce went on until the New Year in other parts of the Western Front.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/0/ww1/25401268

WHAT’S ON DECEMBER 2014

Sat 6 13:00 - Christmas Fair in the church and the 16:00 Octagon Sat 13 09:30 Walkers Group meets outside Church. Contact - Roderick Clark 422994 (Please note change of date) Wed 10 - Crosstalk deadline for January 2015 Wed 10 12:30 Lillington Evening Townswomen's Guild (Bowling Club, Lime Avenue) - Members' Christmas Lunch Mon 12 19:45 Lillington Evening Women’s Institute (Octagon) - Christmas

JANUARY 2015

Thur 8 19:30 Lillington Evening Townswomen's Guild (Bowling Club, Lime Avenue) – Members evening Wed 12 - Crosstalk deadline for February 2015 Mon 14 19:45 Lillington Evening Women’s Institute (Octagon) Tues 27 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.

For any events you wish to publicise please contact the Editor or email [email protected]

SERVICE DETAILS

SUNDAY WORSHIP - DECEMBER 2014

08:00 Holy Communion Dec 7 Advert 2 09:30 All Age Gift Service 18:30 From Darkness to Light 08:00 Holy Communion Dec Advent 3 Holy Communion with Prayers For 14 10:00 Healing and Sunday Club* 08:00 Holy Communion Dec All Age Holy Communion with Advent 4 09:30 21 Sunday Club Nativity 18:30 Carol Service Dec Holy 08:00 Holy Communion 28 Innocents 09:30 Holy Communion

No Tuesday Holy Communion in December

CHRISTMAS 2014 - SERVICES AT ST. MARY MAGDALENE’S,LILLINGTON

Christmas Eve

15.00 Christingle 16:30 Christingle 23.30 Midnight Communion

Christmas Day

10.00 Family Communion

CONTACTS

Church Office Anne Furze ...... 470449 . [email protected] Priest in Charge Rev Charlotte Gale (Day off Friday) 330919 [email protected] ...... Associate Minister Rev Naomi Nixon ...... 330919 Associate Minister Rev Rosemary Pantling ...... 316597...... Reader Roderick Clark ...... 422994 Churchwarden John Butler ...... 779455 Churchwarden Charlotte Sanders ...... 425642 PCC Secretary Bob Cooke 315890 pccsecretary@lillingtonparishchurch PCC Treasurer Alan Wright 773786 [email protected] Stewardship Mike Hyslop ...... 883808 Secretary Caretaker Contact Glynis Wright ...... 773786...... Organist / Mike King ...... 409062 ... Choirmaster Bell Ringers Richard Taulbut 450977 [email protected] ...... Servers Jamie Hughes ...... 315538 Flower Guild Wendy Shear ...... 330825 Octagon Kate Baker ...... 425789 . Secretary [email protected] Safeguarding Carol Innes ...... 07758 Officer 857740 Sunday Club Church Office ...... 470449 Walkers Group Bob Cooke 315890 [email protected] ...... Website Manager Diana Taulbut ...... 450977 [email protected] Crosstalk Editor Robin Innes ...... 831649 [email protected] Crosstalk Jeff Arnold ...... 632330 . Distribution Guides Diana Bull 289124 [email protected] ......

A reminder: Please make Cheques payable to Lillington PCC

CROSSWORD Answers are in Robin’s Roundup on page 28

23 Vine hen (anag.) (Jonah 1:2) (7) 24 Precious stone decorating the twelfth foundation of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:20) (8) 25 ‘Will you keep to the old path that evil men have — ?’ (Job 22:15) (4)

Down

1 ‘Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with — — ’ (Numbers 20:11) (3,5) 2 ‘You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, “ — Across — murder”’ (Matthew 5:21) (2,3) 4 One of Paul’s many hardships 1 ‘How long will you — your face endured as a servant of God (2 from me?’ (Psalm 13:1) (4) Corinthians 6:5) (13) 3 ‘Let us, then, go to him outside 5 ‘We ourselves, who have the the camp, bearing the — he first fruits of the Spirit, — bore’(Hebrews 13:13) (8) inwardly’ (Romans 8:23) (5) 9 Posh sin (anag.) (Romans 6 Changed (Daniel 6:8) (7) 8:15) (7) 7 ‘My yoke is — and my burden 10 Solemn pledges (Matthew is light’ (Matthew 11:30) (4) 5:33) (5) 8 Recoil (Revelation 12:11) (6) 11 Italian term for full orchestra 13 ‘O Lord, you have — me and (5) you know me’ (Psalm 139:1) (8) 12 ‘For he who avenges blood 15 ‘ — to me the joy of your remembers; he does not — the salvation’ (Psalm 51:12) (7) cry of the afflicted’ (Psalm 9:12) 16 Express sorrow (Isaiah 16:7) (6) (6) 14 Prescience (1 Peter 1:2) (13) 18 ‘Then he said to Thomas, “ — 17 Where a Hindu holy man lives out your hand and put it into my (6) side”’ (John 20:27) (5) 19 ‘If he found any... who 20 ‘God has said, “ — will I leave belonged to the Way, whether — you; — will I forsake you”’ — women, he might take them as (Hebrews 13:5) (5) prisoners’ (Acts 9:3) (3,2) 21 Son of Onam and brother of 22 Fragrance (2 Corinthians 2:15) Shammai (1 Chronicles 2:28) (4) (5)

COOKING WITH CROSSTALK

Struggling for ideas for a vegetarian Christmas dinner? Try these delicious recipes – you may be tempted to eat them yourself, so just make sure there is enough left for your veggie friends.

Carrot and Cashew Fan with orange and cardamom sauce – serves 4

500g carrots, peeled and 3 large, juicy oranges diced 12 cardamom pods, split down 110g onion, sliced one side, but not opened 220g cashew nuts, finely 2 – 3 cloves garlic, crushed ground 2½ tsp pomegranate molasses 125g white breadcrumbs Garnish -Dill & Pomegranate 7tbsp chopped fresh dill seeds to garnish 3½ tbsp vegetable oil 150g Puy dried lentils, washed

To make the fan: Preheat oven to Gas mark 6/200C. 1. Finely blend carrot and onion, mix with nuts, crumbs, 4tbsp dill and seasoning, until moist and clumping together. 2. Divide mixture between two 20cm, greased, lined sandwich tins, press down, brush each with 1½ tbsp oil. 3. Bake for 35 mins until firm and crispy. Stand for 5 mins, turn out to serve.

To make the lentil mixture 1. Put lentils, peel of ½ an orange and 6 cardamom pods into a pan. 2. Cover with boiling water, add salt, cover and simmer for 15 – 20 mins until ‘al dente’. Drain, removing cardamom pods and orange peel. 3. Mix garlic, 3 tbsp orange juice, 1 tsp pomegranate molasses, 3 tbsp chopped dill and ½ tbsp vegetable oil. Season well and mix with lentils.

For the sauce 1. Grate zest of 1 orange into a saucepan.

2. Add juice from remaining oranges, 6 cardamom pods, 1½ tsp pomegranate molasses and 2 tbsp water. 3. Boil then simmer until mixture reduces by about two thirds.

To serve 1. Cut each fan into 8 wedges. 2. Top each mound of lentils with 4 overlapping wedges, crispy side up. 3. Drizzle with sauce, garnish with dill and pomegranate seeds.

Wild mushroom & port brioche - Serves 6

2 tbsp olive oil 2 garlic cloves, crushed 225g chestnut mushrooms, 300ml red wine quartered 1.2l hot vegetable stock 115g shiitake mushrooms, 2 sprigs fresh thyme halved 150ml port 2 large field mushrooms, 1 tbsp redcurrant jelly sliced 6 brioche rolls 3 sticks celery, finely chopped flatleaf parsley, to garnish 1 onion, cut into thin wedges

1. Heat oven to 190C/fan 170C/gas 5. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pan, then fry mushrooms for 4-5 mins, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Remove with a slotted spoon, then set aside. Add remaining oil to the pan, then fry the celery, onion and garlic over a low heat, stirring occasionally, for 5-6 mins. Add wine, stock and thyme and bring to the boil. Simmer for 30 mins. 2. Add the port and redcurrant jelly. Bring back to the boil, then boil for 10 mins until reduced by half and thick and syrupy. Season to taste, discard the thyme and stir in the mushrooms. Simmer for 5 mins. 3. Meanwhile, pull the tops off the brioche and reserve, then pick out dough from the centre to leave a thick shell. (Process remaining dough to make breadcrumbs, then freeze for future use.) Place rolls on a baking sheet, then bake for 5-7 mins until hot and crisp. 4. Spoon the mushroom mixture into the brioche rolls, then garnish with the flat-leaf parsley. Serve immediately with any remaining gravy, potato wedges and green beans.

Source: BBC Good Food 20

Leamington Christian Mission

It is sad, but we suppose inevitable that Steph & Geoff Devlin one day would have to give up the reins at the Leamington Christian Mission and this they plan to do on 31st December 2014 after 24 years at the helm.

Our church and members of the congregation have contributed financially and with gifts to LCM for many years and we are thankful to Steph & Geoff for the hard work they have put in by their devotion to looking after the hungry and homeless people of Leamington Spa. It is with regret therefore that we have to give up our association with LCM, unless someone else can take over the administration and consider other ways by which we can have a direct effect on helping the poor and hungry and homeless in Leamington Spa.

Below is a letter confirming their decision to wind down the activities with LCM. CARE Group

sad time seeing the rooms being emptied one by one.

Over the last 24 years there have been many hard times as well as good ones as we have spoken to Dear Friends and helped many in difficult circumstances and also shared the We are writing this sitting in an joy of those whose lives have been echoing room as we are emptying changed. the store. There will be many tears as we will be finishing evening We have seen a large number of soup run with the buses by the children born and grow up into end of November. We have to adults, watching their vacate the store by Christmas. development on the way. It was a great pleasure on one occasion to Many of you will not have seen walk into a church and see the size of the operation at the someone who we knew when he store, so may not appreciate the was on drugs now leading tremendous amount of work worship. involved in clearing it. It is a very 21

Right up to the present time, just Hopefully any further work He two days ago, a gentleman came puts before us will be less to the buses who was very physically demanding than depressed and, as the evening heaving heavy crates of food went on and we chatted to him as around! we were giving out some presents, he said “I was very depressed and It only remains in this last nearly didn’t come down, but now newsletter, to thank you all for I’m really happy that I did. You your tireless support over the don’t know what you do for us years. As the gentleman said, you and how much it means.” He came don’t know what it’s meant to the back twice to thank us and homeless and poor, let alone to couldn’t understand that he was us. On bad days, your continued blessing us as much as, if not more faithfulness has buoyed us up, than, we blessed him! reminding us that through His love displayed in you, God is in the Some have asked what will work. On good days, as we saw happen to the buses and any left- the results of God motivating you over stock. Over the last few years to be part of the operation with a number of other charities have both material gifts and prayer, it come into the area, or have was so good to feel involved in a started up, to help disadvantaged work that was much bigger than people, so people will still be was immediately evident to the helped, albeit in different ways. eye of the casual observer. May We have earmarked goods to be God be praised for His goodness passed onto them to support their to us all and for the blessings we efforts, and we hope that is have received over the years by acceptable to all of you who have being involved in peoples’ lives. donated goods to us to help the homeless and disadvantaged. Yours in His service

What about us? We’ll take a few months out to see what God has for us to do as we don’t believe Geoff and Stephanie Devlin that He’s finished with us yet.

HELEN WALLAM’S

With only a short time to go before Christmas, we are surrounded by lights of many kinds, from Christmas tree lights and decorations, to the candles on the Advent wreath in our churches. The Nativity story also includes many references to light. In the Christmas story, there is the bright star that led the wise men to Bethlehem. When the angels brought the shepherds good news of the birth of the Jesus, their light in the sky shone brightly. Jesus himself is called the ‘Light of the World’.

Light is a perfect symbol for Jesus. Light helps us see things. Jesus was born to help us to see the truth about God. Light guides us when we travel. Christians believe that Jesus guides them safely through life. Light warms and comforts. Jesus helps us to think and keep calm. Light can keep us safe in the dark. The birth of Jesus represents all things that are peaceful and good.

You will need: A mixing bowl, a wooden spoon, greaseproof paper, baking tray, rolling pin

Ingredients: 120g butter, 120g sugar, ½ teaspoon lemon juice, pinch of cinnamon, pinch of cloves, pinch of nutmeg, 230g plain flour, 100g ground hazelnuts, 75g icing sugar, 1 tablespoon water

Pre-heat the oven to 200 °C / Gas mark 6

1. Mix the butter, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, ground cloves, nutmeg, flour and hazelnuts together in a bowl with a wooden spoon until it is a small dough.

2. Place the mixture on top of a sheet of greaseproof paper and then put another sheet on top. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough flat between the sheets, until it is about 6mm thick.

3. Cut each piece of dough out in the shape of a candle and place them onto a baking tray lined with greaseproof paper.

4. Bake the cookies for 12 minutes or until golden brown. Ask an adult to help you place and remove the cookies from the oven.

* For a festive touch, decorate your candles with icing and sweets!

FROM THE EIGHT O' CLOCK PEW….A PERSONAL VIEW

By the time this appears in print we may have attended an eight o’clock communion at St Mary Magdalene’s for the last time. We are down-sizing to a bungalow close to the Dorset coast. How’s that for a location cliché? So this is an opportunity to review our experience of the last five-and-a-half years of sharing with the eight-o’clockers.

First, thank-you for the unqualified acceptance and friendship offered to us, aliens as we are, from the parish of Bubbenhall. We have felt welcomed to the quiet, unhurried environment of the eight o’clock service; to a space to slow down, a space to think, a place to watch the sun grow colours in the east window, a place to hear the familiar words of the Anglican liturgy.

Then there has been the careful and measured reading of the scriptures by the pew-sitters, followed by Charlotte’s insightful preaching. It must be difficult for her to give time to the preparation of a ten-minute address for just a handful of the faithful, scattered around the otherwise empty nave, but she does not give us less than the very best. Encountered less frequently at the eight o’clock, Roderick’s creative preaching reveals his scholarship and research abilities; they combine to produce clear, integrated thoughts to take into the coming week. Then there are the sides-persons, servers, bell-ringers, and all those who turn out into the unpredictable British weather to make the whole thing work. Thanks also to Robin and the Crosstalk team who have agreed to publish ‘a personal view’.

Sadly, we must be off, leaving behind familiar faces and familiar places, not quite the Starship Enterprise: "to boldly go where no man has gone before," certainly there is, for us, an element of the unknown, but also an element of adventure.

To the people of Lillington (and beyond) we recommend St. Mary Magdalene’s eight-o’clock- pew as being health-giving to the soul.

Goodbye - with its original meaning - ‘God be with you.’

Eric and Dorrie Johnson. 25

Answers to the Christmas Cartoon Quiz

The answers as based on the Bible and various theologians. You may want to haggle about some of the answers but here they are:

TRUE or FALSE?

1. TRUE. Jesus was wrapped up in swaddling strips as opposed to a fluffy babygrow or a classy Christening gown. 2. TRUE. Mary was there. 3. TRUE. Joseph was there 4. FALSE. Jesus wasn’t born in a crib. He was born in a feeding trough. 5. TRUE. There was very likely cattle or other farm animals in the vicinity of the feeding trough. 6. FALSE. There were no kangeroos. 7. FALSE. The wise men only came much later when Jesus was an infant. And there were probably more than three. 8. FALSE. There were no Christmas trees. 9. FALSE. Or Christmas stockings. 10. FALSE. Or Advent calenders. 11. FALSE. Or Santa Claus 12. FALSE. Or an Angel. The angels all appeared before the birth itself. 13. TRUE. The shepherds were there. 14. FALSE. There were no giraffes. 15. FALSE. Herod’s soldiers only came much much later. 16. FALSE. It was unlikely there was a star hovering over the birth like neon sign. The wise men were astrologers from the East who would’ve seen unique star movements and patterns in the night sky. 17. FALSE. It is very unlikely that Jesus was born in winter.

During a visit to my doctor, I asked him, "How do you determine whether or not an older person should be put in an old age home?" "Well," he said, "we fill up a bathtub, then we offer a teaspoon, a teacup and a bucket to the person to empty the bathtub." "Oh, I understand," I said. "A normal person would use the bucket because it is bigger than the spoon or the teacup." "No" he said. "A normal person would pull the plug.

CHANGE YOUR LIFE WITH THE POWER OF HYPNOTHERAPY Hypnotherapy is a powerful tool that can free you of your issues. No issue is too big, too small or too embarrassing. Virtual Gastric Band also available. Lose weight and keep it off for good.

Book your FREE consultation by contacting Daniel Browne: Telephone: 07816 181428 Email: [email protected] Website: www.daniel-browne.co.uk

Multi-award winning hypnotherapist in the heart of Warwick Rev Charlotte preferred to Daniel Browne Therapy Create the change you seek let people work out the hymns for themselves

TOLLGATE FARM, BISHOPS TACHBROOK Bronze Free Range Turkeys

Traditional Barn Reared White Turkeys

Free Range Christmas Cockerels

Quality producer for 50 years. 01926 651790 www.freerange-turkeys.co.uk Proprietor Charles Hammond, Tollgate Farm is a member of the Traditional Farm Fresh Turkey Association

Christmas ‘Elf & Safety’

1. All members of the congregation planning to dash through the snow in a one horse open sleigh, going over the fields and laughing all the way are advised that a Risk Assessment will be required addressing the safety of an open sleigh for members of the public.

2. Benches, stools and orthopaedic chairs are now available for collection by any shepherds planning or required to watch their flocks at night. While provision has also been made for remote monitoring of flocks by CCTV cameras from a centrally heated shepherd observation hut, all users of this facility are reminded that an emergency response plan must be submitted to account for known risks to the flocks.

3. The angel of the Lord is additionally reminded that, prior to shining his/her glory all around, s/he must confirm that all shepherds are wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment to account for the harmful effects of UVA, UVB and the overwhelming effects of Glory.

4. While it is acknowledged that gift bearing is a common practice in various parts of the world, particularly the Orient, everyone is reminded that the bearing of gifts is subject to Hospitality Guidelines and all gifts must be registered. This applies regardless of the individual, even royal personages. It is particularly noted that direct gifts of currency or gold are specifically forbidden, while caution is advised regarding other common gifts such as aromatic resins that may evoke allergic reactions.

5. Finally, in the recent instance of the infant found tucked up in a manger without any crib for a bed, Social Services have been advised and will be arriving shortly!

ROBIN’S ROUND UP

I’m getting excited that Christmas is just a few weeks away and already my calendar is full – there’s the Christmas Fair and Christmas tree festival at the beginning of December and the ‘From Darkness to Light’ service the same weekend. We have Carol Services, and for Christmas Eve we have Midnight Communion and a Family Communion on Christmas Day morning. Not forgetting, of course, two Christingle services – as we cannot fit everyone in the church in just one sitting! All in all a very lovely time to be in the church. As Charlotte Sanders says on page 5 – why don’t you invite someone along to one of these services?

We have two sad farewells this month – the end of the Leamington Christian Mission; the Care Group’s article on page 19 gives more details. This is very much an end of an era and we can look back with thankfulness for all that Steph and Geoff have done, but can only pray that the work they have started continues in some way.

We also bid a sad farewell to the Revs Eric and Dorrie Johnson who are leaving us for warmer climes (read Eric’s article ‘From the 8’o clock pew’ on p 23). We wish them all the very best in their new home and I know that we will miss Eric’s lovely Crosstalk contributions.

Wishing all readers and their families a very Happy Christmas and look forward to another year of Crosstalks in 2015 Robin

Crossword Answers ACROSS: 1, Hide. 3, Disgrace. 9, Sonship. 10, Oaths. 11, Tutti. 12, Ignore. 14, Foreknowledge. 17, Ashram. 19, Men or. 22, Aroma. 23, Nineveh. 24, Amethyst. 25, Trod. DOWN: 1, His staff. 2, Do not. 4, Imprisonments. 5, Groan. 6, Altered. 7, Easy. 8, Shrink. 13, Searched. 15, Restore. 16, Lament. 18, Reach. 20, Never. 21, Jada.

DEADLINE Copy for the January 2015 edition is required by 10th DECEMBER 2014 to Robin Innes (Editor) or to Anne Furze in the Parish Office

FOOT HEALTH PRACTITIONER

CUBBINGTON

(PRICE ROAD)

01926 771200 0797 452 6478

Jenny Arthurton DipCFHP, MPS Pract

‘

FOOT CARE IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME Register that is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority

SPS ROOFING &

FASCIAS Est 30 years

All roofing repairs undertaken Insurance work and storm damage

Repairs/renewals Flat Roof Specialists Tiles/Slate roofs UPVC Fascias/Soffits/Guttering Chimneys/Lead Work Free Estimates and Advice All work guaranteed

01926 832342 07886 784315 [email protected]

How do you get your Crosstalk? If you live in the parish you can have your Crosstalk delivered. Contact Jeff Arnold (632330). It’s 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