Lillington Parish Magazine St Mary Magdalene’s Church

March 2012

CONTACTS

Church Office Anne Furze ...... 470449 .. [email protected] Priest in Charge Rev Charlotte Gale ...... 330919...... (Day off Monday) Associate Minister Rev Naomi Nixon ...... 330919...... Reader Roderick Clark ...... 422994 Churchwarden Godfrey Carr ...... 422916 Churchwarden Glynis Wright ...... 773786 PCC Secretary Alan Wright ...... 773786 . PCC Treasurer Janet Gardner ...... 428163 [email protected] Stewardship Secretary Mike Hyslop ...... 883808 . Caretaker Contact Glynis Wright ...... 773786...... Organist/Choirmaster Mike King ...... 409062 .... Bell Ringers Richard Taulbut ...... 450977 Servers John Green ...... 470449 .. Flower Guild Wendy Shear ...... 330825 Octagon Secretary Kate Baker ...... 425789 .. [email protected] Sunday Club Church Office ...... 470449 Scouts, Cubs, Beavers Mike Dealtry ...... 773570 Guides Nicola Mobbs ...... 07791132423 Brownies Caroline Kendall ...... 07952398164 c.j.kendall@.ac.uk Walkers group Jeff Burgess ...... 335129 Website Manager Diana Taulbut ...... 450977 [email protected] Crosstalk Editor Robin Innes ...... 831649 . [email protected] Crosstalk Distribution Jeff Arnold ...... 632330 ...

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. Outside of office hours please leave a message on the answer phone and we will get back to you.

FROM THE CURATE

My visit to the Holy Land

On Thursday 26 January I left Birmingham airport bound for Tel Aviv. Having changed at Paris and joined by my fellow Curate Reverend Stella Bailey (Priest in Charge at St. Mary Magdalene, Hearsall Lane, ) we arrived early in the afternoon. Outside the airport we boarded a ‗sharoot‘ (a shared mini bus) to Jerusalem.

Whilst in Jerusalem we lived at St. Mark‘s Convent in the centre of the Old City with members of the Syrian Orthodox Church. Many believe that the Convent is built on the site of the apostle Mark‘s house which also contained the ‗Upper Room‘.

We were welcomed by Father Schumont, Father Musche and Sister Justina, they looked after us very well and made us feel at home throughout our entire stay. A couple of days before we left Bishop Mar Saveious returned after visits to his other parishes in Jordan and Syria. Hi In Jerusalem the Anglican Graham! Cathedral of St. George is a beautiful building which is a short distance from the Old City. We visited once and attended a service on the feast of Candlemas where we met and spoke with Dr Rowan Williams the Archbishop of Canterbury.

We worshipped on both Sundays with the congregations of the Syrian Orthodox Church. The first Sunday we travelled through the check point to Bethlehem where we met Mark an anthropologist studying the Syrian Orthodox congregation who had prepared a translation of the Order of Service for us. The service lasted for two hours and is mainly chanted in Aramaic with the addition of the occasional Arabic sentence. On our last Sunday we worshipped in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (which is believed by many to be the place where Jesus was crucified) with the Bishop and Priests from the Convent. It was 1 a most beautiful service in the smallest and scruffiest of chapels. We were joined by a congregation of about forty who huddled into the dark chapel. I sensed a comparison with the place of Christ‘s birth - a simple stable, but the surroundings became irrelevant due to the splendour of the worship.

We attended two evening services one in the Coptic Church and the other in the Catholic Church as part of the ‗Jerusalem Week of Prayer for Unity‘. It was a surprise to find TV cameras in the churches, apparently it is not very often that the Christian churches meet together and so the TV cameras were there to capture it!

Whilst staying in Jerusalem we visited many fascinating places including several churches on the Mount of Olives, each is built on a site where Jesus is believed to have visited. The Jerusalem Archaeological Park is a vast site that has been excavated to show evidence dating back over 2000 years. It is situated at the foot of a part of the Is this Graham’s bike on Western and Southern Wall of the the wall in Jerusalem? Temple Mount.

Living in Jerusalem is fascinating, busy and loud. Each morning I was woken by the Muslim call to prayer which is broadcast loudly from every minaret in and around the city, this is then interspersed with the ringing of bells from the Christian churches. Walking through the central souk (market place) each day allows you to view every fruit, vegetable, spice you could ever imagine along with every other item you may wish to purchase.

Whilst staying in Jerusalem we travelled to Bethlehem (six miles by bus) several times and visited the Church of the Nativity and an Olive Farm called ‗The Tent of Nations‘. The farm is run by two Christian brothers who are striving to build relations with all faiths and nationalities. They hold summer camps to promote peace and harmony between all people. Whilst in Bethlehem we also visited St. Aphrem the Syrian Christian School that is linked with our diocese.

For more about Graham’s trip turn to page 13

2 FROM THE CHURCH RECORDS

FUNERALS 6 January Charles Purkiss (92), St Joseph‘s, Coleshill 13 January Muriel Gauntlet (90), Mason Avenue, Lillington 18 January Robert Burtsal, Garway Close, Lillington 19 January Adrian Harris (51), Buckley Road, Lillington 24 January Rev Dennis Brown (84), Rd, 24 January Lilian Worthy (102), Four Ways, Lillington

3 LENT 2012 - SEEKIING AFTER GOD

This year we shall be using Lent to focus on our personal relationship with God in our daily lives. There will be weekly prayer meetings, held on Tuesday lunchtimes and repeated on Wednesday evenings.

There will be a sermon series on Sunday mornings and a Quiet Morning as we enter Holy Week. I really encourage you to commit to attending some of these events, and seek after God afresh this Lent.

Ash Wednesday 20 March at 1.15 pm A service of Holy Communion God in the world to mark the beginning of the 27 March at 12.15 pm season of Lent. God in our suffering 22 Feb at 7.30 pm 3 April at 1.15 pm Return to the Lord God in our lives

Sunday Morning Evening Prayer During our main Sunday 45 minutes of quiet prayer and morning service, we'll be reflection on Wednesday exploring different ways of evenings in the Octagon. seeking after God. 29 Feb at 7.30 pm 4 March 9.30 am God in the church Celtic Spirituality 7 March at 7.30 pm 11 March 9.30 am God in our community Franciscan Spirituality 14 March at 7.30 pm 25 March 9.30 am God in our country Ignation Spirituality 21 March at 7.30 pm God in the world Daytime Prayer 28 March at 7.30 pm 45 minutes of quiet prayer and God in our suffering reflection on Tuesday 4 March at 7.30 pm lunchtime in the Lady Chapel. God in our lives Please note the different meeting times. Quiet Morning - 31 March 28 Feb at 12.15 pm from 9.30 am -1 pm. God in the church 6 March at 1.15 pm A series of short reflections, God in our community with time for quiet prayer after 13 March at 1.15 pm each, in the chapter house of God in our country St. Margaret's, . Further info from the Parish Office or in Church 4 PARISH PROFILE BY RODERICK CLARK (THE ROVING REPORTER)

Wendy Shear Think 'flowers' at St After leaving school Mary Magdalene‘s for Wendy became a GPO the last fifteen years - telephonist (above the and it‘s Wendy Shear Victoria Terrace Post who comes to mind. office) under a very ―Stupid me‖ (her strict supervisor - words) jumped in at today‘s sloppy speakers the deep end in 1998 on the ‗phone or tannoy when Judy Osborne make her cringe. Pete gave up the Flower Rota job. did his national service in Wendy, born in Worcester, was Singapore, leaving Wendy to poorly as a young child and embroider cushion covers and lived with her grandmother in tablecloths and to write to him the country during World War every day. He returned and Two. By chance her father married her at All Saints‘, gained a fire service promotion Leamington, then carried her to at the same over the threshold at their time as the father of another home, the same house in church member, Graham Braemar Road, since Wendy‘s Cooper, and she moved into the parents had generously moved Braemar Road house where she to Road and given still lives. Wendy‘s health them a mortgage deposit. In problems and shyness the old way she stopped work disappeared after she left before her first baby arrived and Lillington Junior School and enjoyed being a mother, started at the Central School in available at home and to take Leicester Street. Here she her three children around. blossomed, preferring the active These are Christopher (now in and outdoor life of sports, the building industry in swimming and dance; Holland); Angela (training guide schoolwork was not such a dogs, after largely recovering pleasure for her. It was from a serious road accident in through swimming that she met France); and Alison (commuting her future husband Pete - and round Africa to organise they began a ―very innocent corporate events). There are romance‖ by today‘s standards. now three grandchildren.

5 Wendy, however, is much more Singapore trip was achieved, than a ―stay-at-home‖ mum. She however, with her daughters - has belonged to the Women‘s and Wendy was in the cathedral League of Health and Beauty for a there on the day itself, able to mere forty-seven years - and still compare it with the photos which attends exercise meetings, of Pete had taken forty years before. course. Nine times she appeared in demonstrations at the Royal Wendy also belongs to the Albert Hall. She became the local women‘s community service and Communications Controller for fundraising organisation, the RSPCA, in contact with the Soroptimist International. Over public over sick or maltreated the years she has boarded thirty- animals, both domestic and wild - three guide dogs, adopting six of ―an extremely interesting and them at various times, and rewarding job.‖ Once a hamster enjoyed the early-morning walks was thrown out onto a sloping in ―God‘s world‖. Along with roof during an argument between badminton and gardening, two boys. Much care went into Wendy‘s church membership has some rescues - a whole also kept her busy, including a dashboard had to be dismantled spell on the church council. As after a hamster escaped from a with several of my interviewees, box in a car and was at large for she helped with the Crossbearers three days. There can be false (the Sunday School of earlier alarms - a swan apparently times) when it met in the bleeding from the neck had Vicarage; she recalls that her simply been a bit messy eating a group met on the stairs - and jam sandwich. Wendy chaired once there was a pageant. Now the local RSPCA committee until she walks with the Walkers‘ recently and is still a member. Group and runs the church‘s Flower Guild, maintaining the She is also a volunteer helper at fortnightly rota of flower the Myton Hospice, ―giving back arrangers - and nipping in to for the care received‖ by Pete. freshen up the displays in- He had been diagnosed with an between. ―I‘ve had to count my illness attributed to working near blessings during the rough times asbestos (when this was not - but being in church alone doing properly regulated). They had the flowers, I just feel at peace planned a visit to Singapore, and I where Pete had served in the know RAF, for their ruby wedding I‘m anniversary - but this was not to being be, and he died within three looked months. Wendy also lost her after.‖ parents around this time. The 6

Put the dates for Looking at Lillington in your diaries for Wednesday and Thursday 14th and 15th March when the children will come for our annual L@L event.

Please pray that our Lillington children will enjoy their visit and find warmth and hospitality in their Parish Church. Pray too for the L@L team that they will welcome the children with enthusiasm and God’s love.

Thank you

Sue Hughes and the L@L team

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7

WARDENS' WORDS

Hello friends and neighbours!

'March winds and April showers bring forth May flowers' - and how delightful that will be as we all welcome Spring 2012. Gardens and flowers are featuring significantly in our thoughts this year at St Mary Magdalene's. To help celebrate our Queen's Diamond Jubilee we are organising 'St Mary Magdalene's Jubilee Open Gardens'. The date for this is Sunday June 10th and should be a pleasant and summery way to wander around Lillington visiting each other's Open Gardens. Please do get involved with this in any way you can. It promises to be a wonderful day for all of us who live in Lillington. Details elsewhere in this magazine.

Before that happens, we have our (now traditional) 'Looking at Lillington' event, when we welcome children from Telford and Lillington Schools to church. We always plan a really action-packed day in the church, Octagon and grounds and teach the children many historical and local facts, presented in a fun-filled way. Again, there are many opportunities for volunteer helpers for this pleasing event. As the slogan says 'Just do it'. This will take place in March - details in this mag.

I have just one matter to bring to your notice regarding the churchyard. Some of you will have visited a family grave in the bottom churchyard and will have been upset by the fact that the headstone had been pushed over. Two dozen graves have been affected, and Godfrey Carr and I are concerned on two fronts. One - who did it? The Police have been informed and they have spoken to all residents in Church Lane and Vicarage Road to see if anyone saw the culprit/s. Secondly, please don't try to put these flattened headstones to rights. It goes without saying that they are extremely heavy, and you could hurt yourself and others. The Council has told us that a stonemason needs to re-erect them. Please feel that you can ring me (phone no. on inside of front cover), Godfrey or Anne Furze for reassurance on this or any other matter which is bothering you.

I'm going to end on a really happy note! 8 We are celebrating our wonderful curate, Graham Coles' departure to be the vicar at Cubbington. His goodbye party will already have happened, but his installation at Cubbington takes place on the evening of March 20th. He has been such a blessing to Lillington in general, and St Mary Magdalene's in particular. We all thank him with our warmest and most heartfelt wishes for his new start at St Mary, Cubbington. What a lovely new chapter, Graham! May God bless both you, your family and the folk of Cubbington. Au revoir!

Glyn Wright

Exploring Britain’s Churches & Chapels – inspirational journeys of discovery

AA Publishing (in association with the National Churches Trust), £25

This is a stunningly beautiful book, and makes you long for the time and opportunity to hit the road in search of these churches. The AA and the National Churches Trust have partnered to create a practical guide that actively encourages people to explore the church landscape. It should keep thousands of people happily exploring for years to come.

Exploring Britain‘s Churches & Chapels is a celebration of over 870 of the most inspirational churches in , Wales and Scotland. Each of the places of worship has been carefully selected for its cultural, spiritual and architectural significance, and all are presented in all their spectacular glory in this beautiful and informative book.

Whether set on dramatic cliffs, remote countryside, or standing proudly above some of our most picturesque towns and villages, this comprehensive book portrays a local view of the country and celebrates church buildings as more than a place of worship, but as an integral part of the communities in which they stand.

Produced in association with the National Churches Trust, a leading organisation committed to the preservation of Britain‘s key places of worship.

So next time you have a free weekend, have fun exploring! 9 QUIZ PAGE The Bible version used in this crossword is the NIV

28 Abraham‘s brother (Genesis 22:23) (5) 29 ‗When Mordecai learned of — that had been — , he tore his clothes‘ (Esther 4:1) (3,4) 30 Sympathetic (Proverbs 11:16) (4- 7)

Down 2 ‗That was why his parents said, ―He is — —; ask him‖‘ (John 9:23) (2,3) 3 Integrated Services Digital Network (1,1,1,1) 4 4 ‗Saul has slain his thousands, and David his — of thousands‘ (1 Samuel 18:7) (4) 5 Concept (John 8:14) (4) 6 ‗Do we, then, — the law by this Across faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold 1 These letters come between the law‘ (Romans 3:31) (7) Romans and Galatians (11) 7 Industrious (2 Timothy 2:6) (11) 9 ‗You will not — me to the grave‘ 8 ‗I pray also that the eyes of your (Psalm 16:10) (7) heart may be — in order that you 10 King of Moab to whom the may know the hope to which he has Israelites were subject for 18 years called you (Ephesians 1:18) (11) (Judges 3:14) (5) 12 ‗Out of the same mouth come — 11 Town possessing mineral spring and cursing‘ (James 3:10) (6) (3) 14 This was how many of the Jewish 13 Mede (anag.) (4) leaders described Jesus (John 10:20) 16 High-fidelity (abbrev.) (4) (3) 17 He succeeded his father Rehoboam 15 Vitality (Job 20:11) (6) as king of Judah (1 Kings 14:31) (6) 19 He urged David to kill Saul at 18 A son of Simeon (Genesis 46:10) Hakilah (1 Samuel 26:8) (7) (4) 20 ‗So for a whole year Barnabas and 20 Controversial religious book of the Saul — with the church and taught 1970s, The — of God Incarnate (4) great numbers of people‘ (Acts 11:26) 21 ‗He has received from the Father (3) the promised Holy Spirit and has 24 ‗Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, poured out what you — — and hear‘ the Lord — — ‘ (Deuteronomy 6:4) (Acts 2:33) (3,3) (2,3) 22 ‗You — me together in my 25 Parched (Matthew 12:43) (4) mother‘s womb‘ (Psalm 139:13) (4) 26 ‗In the image of God he created 23 Edit (anag.) (4) him; — and female he created them‘ 25 ‗Who has believed our message (Genesis 1:27) (4) and to whom has the — of the Lord 27 Disparagement (Psalm 15:3) (4) been revealed?‘ (Isaiah 53:1) (3)

Answers to February‘s Crossword can be found on next page 10 FEBRUARY ANSWERS ACROSS: 1, Wage. 3, Cleansed. 9, Plateau. 10, Ready. 11, Did so. 12, Hollow. 14, Unregenerated. 17, Offers. 19, Islam. 22, Is not. 23, Overran. 24, Barracks. 25, Legs. DOWN: 1, Wiped out. 2, Guard. 4, Laughing-stock. 5, April. 6, Seaport. 7, Days. 8, Belong. 13, Oddments. 15, Refiner. 16, Raided. 18, Extra. 20, Large. 21, Limb.

WORDSEARCH FOR MARCH

Leeks for St David‘s day, daffodils for the rest of the month: March means the beginning of Spring. St Patrick, who brought Christianity to Ireland, is remembered with parades. Mothering Sunday and Mother‘s Day is celebrated with more daffodils and Sunday lunch ‗out‘. March brings us the Annunciation, when the angel first appeared to Mary to tell her of her coming pregnancy. But Christmas is still months away: March is the month of Lent, of prayer and preparation for Easter.

Leeks Sunday Daffodils Lunch Spring Pregnancy Patrick preparation Day prayer

Mum parades Mother Mary Angel Magnificat Ireland Fasting Wales Lent

11 Buses appeal - please help

The buses' running costs are a major part of our budget. Without your help they will not run.

NEEDS LIST

. QT tea . 2nd class stamps . Black bags . Toilet rolls . Meat for sandwiches Would you be prepared as an . Tin food individual, Church or group to . Washing up liquid pledge financial help? [Any . Bleach donations can be given on the . Washing powder plate or through the church office - . Towels don’t forget to Gift Aid if you can] . Coffee . Clothing We need the buses to operate. . Jeans We would also accept gift . Bedding vouchers e.g. Asda, Sainsburys, . Sleeping bags Marks & Spencers, Tescos & . Blankets Boots.

If you have anything to donate, We would like to say thank you for please ring us first to arrange a all your support convenient time for delivery (Tuesday to Thursday only, May god bless you all between 2pm - 3pm). Please do not leave goods on the Steph & Geoff doorstep.

12 PART 2 - MY VISIT TO THE HOLY LAND

We visited a school in Ramallah which is a town north of Jerusalem. The school began as a Christian children‘s home many years ago and now is a school catering for children from nursery to the age of sixteen. It has a total of six hundred and fifty students mainly Christian with a few Muslim. Both schools are fee paying but they both maintain a policy of never turning away a child who comes from a Christian family even if they‘re not able to find the funds.

We spent two enjoyable evenings in the homes of Jewish families, talking to them about their reasons for moving to Jerusalem and how they find life there. Both families moved to Jerusalem having lived elsewhere although they knew that one day they would return to their homeland. One family moved from South Africa and the other moved from Lillington. Both families live in what is termed ‗settlements‘ these are large residential areas built on the outskirts of Jerusalem to house Jewish families. The land that they are built on is disputed by the Palestinians as being land that has been taken from them.

There is much debate as to the legal ownership of the land. The Palestinians claim that it has been in their families for generations and has been illegally taken from them. The Jewish people say that according to the Old Testament God promised them the land and so it is rightfully theirs. The security wall/fence divides many Palestinian homes from their land and so they have lost the ability to farm their land. It also makes many of them captive in the places where they live, many Christians living in Bethlehem cannot visit Jerusalem even though it is only a few miles away.

For our last few days were drove to Tiberius about one hundred miles north, from where we visited many places associated with Jesus‘ teaching. Many of the places are along the Sea of Galilee like Capernaum and Taiga where Jesus fed the multitudes, told the fishermen disciples to cast their net into the sea and a little further up the hill preached the Sermon on the Mount. The water from the Sea of Galilee runs into the river Jordan and it is here where Jesus was baptized. The so called site is very commercial. You have to walk through a gift shop to get to the river, on entering you are told that you can be baptized as long as you buy and wear one of their white garments! We resisted and walked a little further down the river where it is as one would imagine in the time of Jesus. 13 Caesarea Philippi is in the extreme north of Israel but well worth the visit, we returned by driving through the Golan Heights with fantastic panoramic views. On the way back to Jerusalem we stopped at Nazareth and visited the church built on the site of Mary‘s house and then drove on up to the top of Mount Tabor known also as the Mount of Transfiguration where there is a beautiful church The Church of at Mount Tabor peak and monastery.

During my stay in the Holy Land I met with many different people who were all so welcoming and loving and generous. They loved talking with us and finding out about our country, our churches and people. On reflection it was so sad to see the ancient Christian denominations isolating themselves when they could be working together. I believe the reason for this is that they place all of their time and effort into maintaining the tradition, which for many there is a real fear that their church may disappear. One large factor in this is the amount of young people emigrating because they‘re simply fed up with the restricted life they have in the Holy Land.

They desperately need our prayers, our support and encouragement and I believe this will only be effective if it comes through personal contact. This is something I shall be raising with Bishop John when I meet with him in the near future.

I visited and saw so many wonderful and exciting things and met many interesting people. The whole trip was a fascinating insight into how a totally different people live and worship. It has allowed me a better insight into the traditions of the Christian faith and given me a clearer perspective of the world where Jesus walked. What a truly amazing visit to a captivating place.

Rev. Graham

14 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 e-mail: [email protected]

TOM COLES GAS, PLUMBING & Advertising Rates HEATING from January 2012 Tel: 02477 046 392 Mobile: 07949 288 682 Annual (11 months): ¼ page £50 ½ page £90

Single month: ¼ page £6 14, Woodlands Road Binley Woods ½ page £10 Coventry. CV3 2DA Full page £17 [email protected] Contact the Editor for more All Gas Servicing, Installation information Plumbing and Central Heating Work undertaken

15 HELEN WALLAM’S

St. Paul’s Cathedral – London

Like Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral has had many connections with royalty over the centuries. St Paul’s is easily recognised by its world-famous Dome on the London skyline. A Cathedral dedicated to St Paul has overlooked the City of London since 604 AD. The present Cathedral is the fourth and was designed by Sir Christopher Wren, during the reign of King Charles II. It was built between 1675 and 1711 to replace the previous cathedral which was destroyed Christopher Wren during the Great Fire of London in 1666.

Important events at the Cathedral have included the funerals of Lord Nelson, the Duke of Wellington and Sir Winston Churchill, Jubilee celebrations for Queen Victoria, peace services marking the end of the First and Second World Wars, the wedding of Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer and the thanksgiving services for both the Golden Jubilee and 80th Birthday of Her Majesty the Queen.

The Whispering Gallery runs around the inside of the famous dome and is 259 steps from ground level! It gets its name from the way it is made. If you whisper against its walls, the sound can be heard on the opposite side!

Admiral Nelson’s Tomb is in the Crypt of St Paul’s. Nelson is famous for leading the English to victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Unfortunately, it was Nelson’s last battle. He was buried in St Paul’s on January 9th 1806 King Charles II 16

Match the names & dates to the correct sentences:

Queen Victoria This person was Prime Minister during World War II

1711 This person designed St.Paul’s 604AD This person was married here

Sir Christopher Wren The first St.Paul’s Cathedral

King Charles II St.Paul’s was officially completed in this year Prince Charles This person had to rebuild the city of London after the Great Fire in 1666

Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee celebrations were held at St.Paul’s for this Queen

Sir Winston Churchill 80th birthday & Golden Jubilee celebrations were held at St.Paul’s for this Queen.

17 U.S.P.G. LENT APPEAL 2012

This year our Lent appeal is for funds for the USPG project "Health and Care for All" at St. Anne's Hospital in Nkhotakota, Malawi.

Malawi is under constant threat of famine. It is prone to drought and heavy rainfall, both of which can destroy crops and leave families hungry. A quarter of Malawi's population survive on just one meagre meal each day. Added to these difficulties is the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS which is decimating the working population. Faced with these terrible hardships the Anglican church is reaching out through the provision of healthcare.

On the shores of Lake Malawi, USPG supports St. Anne's Hospital which is serving a rural population of 230,000. It is also the only source of healthcare in Nkhotakota, and the only maternity hospital in the area, providing prenatal, antenatal and "well baby" clinics. USPG supports work of the church which includes health outreach, feeding programmes, education and development work.

Please support this worthwhile project with USPG during Lent. If you are a taxpayer please use the Gift Aid envelopes and make cheques payable to Lillington PCC marking the envelope USPG.

Thank you Ruth Burgess, Clare Daniels, John Stalker, Mike Hyslop

18

By the middle of March 2012 boxed sets of weekly envelopes will be available for collection by the main door of the church. This year they are orange in colour and should commence use on Sunday 8th April 2012 running through to Sunday 31st March 2013.

Please use the green envelopes for 2011/12 by Sunday 1st April 2012 and try not to spill over to the new tax year. Thank you.

Michael Hyslop Stewardship Secretary.

A spelling lesson for confused English Students!

There waz a young girl in the quire, Whose voys went up huyer and hire. Until wun fine nite, It went rite owt of seight, And thay fowned it neckst day on the Spyer!

OR

There was a young girl in the choir, Whose voice went up higher and higher. Until one fine night, It went right out of sight, And they found it next day on the spire!

With thanks to Pamela Cummin for this little gem

19 COOKING WITH CROSSTALK

PASSION SUNDAY

Passion Sunday used to be the 5th Sunday before Lent, this Sunday is now the beginning of Passiontide. This day was also known as Carling Sunday, a derivation of ‗care‘, which means mourning in Middle English. Altars and crucifixes were draped with purple to announce the beginning of Passiontide.

It used to be the custom all over Britain to eat dried peas on this day, which is why it is often known as Pea Sunday. Grey ('Carling') peas are still prepared and eaten in the North of England and Scotland, where there used to be a number of interesting pea- related customs. In some areas roasted peas were carried up a local hill, together with a drink of well water. At the top of the hill the peas would be eaten and the water drunk. In other areas the peas and water would be taken back down the hill to be made into pea soup. There are many regional versions of the traditional Carling dish of peas, but it is most common, especially in Northumberland, to serve the soaked peas fried in butter and seasoned with salt and pepper.

Pea dishes, an important source of protein in a meatless diet, were often eaten throughout Lent. Because peas were one of the 'approved' foods during Lent, many old people came to believe that they should only eat them at this time, and that if they ate peas before Lent they would be breaking the rules of the Church and choke on their meal.

Why this day in particular became associated with peas is uncertain - perhaps confusion between this festival and an older one called Peasen Sunday.

Source: ‘Cattern Cakes and Lace: A Calendar of Feasts’ by Julia Jones & Barbara Deer

20 CARLINGS

8 oz/225g dried green peas ½ teaspoon mixed herbs 2 oz/50g fresh breadcrumbs Salt and pepper 1 onion, finely chopped 1 oz/25g butter

Soak the peas overnight in cold water. The next day, drain and put into a large saucepan, 1½ pints/750 ml water and bring to the boil. Boil steadily for 2 hours until the peas are tender. Leave to cool. Mix with the breadcrumbs, onion, herbs and seasoning to make a stiff mixture. Shape into cakes and fry in the butter until brown.

DOUBLE CHOCOLATE CHOCOLATE BROWNIES

4oz margarine 2oz Fairtrade chopped nuts ½ level teaspoon Fairtrade (optional) vanilla essence 8oz Fairtrade caster sugar 2oz Fairtrade cocoa Chopped plain Fairtrade 2oz self raising flour chocolate for topping 2 free range eggs

Melt margarine then add to the rest of the ingredients, mix well. Pour into a tin lined with greaseproof paper, sprinkle chopped nuts or chocolate on top. Cook for 30 mins at Gas 4.

While still warm gently cut into pieces in the tin. Place a cooling tray on top of the brownie, turn upside down (carefully!) then remove the tin and peel back the greaseproof paper. Place a second cooling tray on top of the upside down brownie and turn the right way up, allow to cool if you can bear it!

Each month on the third Sunday, after the 9.30am service, we have our own Traidcraft stall. You can buy a large selection of Fair Trade products including tea, biscuits, pasta, cereals, cards, calendars etc

For more information about this year’s Fair Trade fortnight turn to page 27 21 LENT – A TIME TO THINK ABOUT SINNING

Lent is a month to think about sinning. When people sin against us, we get hurt. (Have you ever been lied to? Been robbed? It hurts.) When we sin against others, we also get hurt: we feel guilty before God, we lose our self- respect, and we feel isolated.

The little book of 1 John, in the New Testament, talks a lot about sin. John did not write in anger, but out of deep pastoral concern. His desire was that those who name Jesus as their Lord face the reality of sin in their lives. He wanted them to learn to avoid it as a pattern that ruled their lives.

John reminded his readers that God is perfect light, holy, and the source of all life, truth and beauty. Christ, his son, the Light of the World, came to redeem us from our separation from him caused by sin, which has marred the world since the fall of Adam and Eve.

So what is sin? The Bible says that sin includes not only physical indulgences of our selfish appetites, but also our lustful, angry and hateful thoughts, as well as our self-righteousness, selfish ambition, divisive spirit, and pride.

All of the Law of God, Jesus said, is summarized in the Great Commandment to love God with our entire being and our neighbour as ourselves (Mark 12:28-34), and not one of us in light of these commands can claim to be without sin (Luke 10:25-37).

As John makes clear in his short epistle, even God‘s being-saved, true believers will be guilty, perhaps even daily, of single acts of sin. Even though true believers have been released from the dominance of the habitual patterns of sinful behaviour, and have access to the liberating, victorious power of the Spirit for new life in Christ, we still, as long as we remain in these sin-prone bodies, will commit sin.

22 Yet this is not to discourage us, but to encourage us to take action. Our Father in heaven is a loving Father, waiting for us to come back to him, confessing each sinful failure, each hour of each day, if necessary. There‘s no sin so great as to separate you from the Father‘s mercy, grace, forgiveness and love. And through the Holy Spirit, we can become more Christ-like in our nature. It is a growth process, and we need to start growing now. This month is the perfect time for you to return to the Father‘s house, and receive and celebrate his complete forgiveness.

WIDER LEARNING

If you feel that you want to broaden your knowledge or understanding of Christian faith or ministry, the diocese provides short courses open to people from all parishes. The system is currently being reviewed under a new leader - but here is a summary of courses starting shortly:

• Where do I fit? Six Tuesdays from 8th May - venue not yet fixed;

• Understanding the Old Testament Six weeks at Bishop's Itchington; starting after Easter;

• Persevering in Faith (based on the Letter of Jude) Five Wednesdays from 18th April in the Coventry area.

Enquiries, please, to Roderick Clark 422994; [email protected]

For the elderly minister’s 70th birthday, the congregation at St Mary's decided to give him a present of a new suit. He was so moved by the gift that the following Sunday he stood before everyone and began his sermon with a tear in his eye, and said: 'Today I am preaching to you in my birthday suit.'

23

Sunday 10th June 11.30 am - 4.00 pm

To celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, St. Mary Magdalene's is organising an 'Open Gardens'. Church members and others living in Lillington are invited to open their garden to visitors, on Sunday 10th June, from 11.30am -4.00pm. Teas, plants and other stalls will be situated in the various gardens.

If you think you might like to open your garden, please have a chat with one of the organising team (Rev Charlotte, Mike & Anne Hyslop, Caroline Carr and Glynis Wright) or contact the Parish Office. If we're overwhelmed with offers, we may have to be a bit selective, based on variety and geography.

If you don't have a garden, or don't think it's up to public scrutiny, we still need your help. Volunteers to run stalls and other tasks will be needed. More info nearer the time.

We don’t think the owner of this garden is participating as they live some distance from the Parish!

24 PRAYER BOOK SOCIETY ACTIVITIES - 2012

The happy co-incidence of the 60th anniversary of the accession of H.M. The Queen and the 350th of the Prayer Book in the same year is cause for celebration: this is reflected in the activities of the Coventry Branch, of which I am a committee member.

On the day of the Accession, 6th February, we held a special service of thanksgiving for the Diamond Jubilee, a Matins at the delightful Georgian Church of St. John Baptist at , attended by the Lord Lieutenant and the High Sheriff of Warwickshire and about 80 others, followed by a buffet lunch for all! The service enabled us to experience once again the moving spirituality of the Canticles - Venite, Te Deum and Benedictus - not often celebrated these days, unfortunately. The Branch also sent a letter of congratulation to Her Majesty.

Future events, to which all are invited, include our annual Choral Evensong at Hampton Lucy's cathedral-like Church of St. Peter ad Vincula on Saturday 12th May at 3pm, with tea and home-made cakes to follow. This service will especially mark the Prayer Book's 350th anniversary. We also expect to be involved in a Eucharist being planned at Coventry Cathedral on a date adjacent to 2nd May.

Our AGM (always short!) and magnificent supper with wine (the game pie is a great favourite) is in our usual venue, the village hall at Aston Cantlow on 11 July at 6.30 for 7pm. Non-members can experience this social occasion, including a short talk by a distinguished visitor, for a mere £7.50.

This year's popular combination of Matins in a country church, a walk (optional) and a pub lunch is about as near to home as we can get. Rev. Charlotte and the PCC of the Church of St. James the Great at are kindly allowing us to hold the service there on Tuesday, 18th September at 11am. This will be followed by a communal lunch in a reserved area at the Saxon Mill after a pleasant stroll across the fields.

The final event is the usual Advent Evensong at the Guild Chapel in Stratford-upon Avon on Saturday, 1st December at 3pm, with tea and biscuits at the Falcon Hotel opposite, afterwards.

25 All these occasions are open to anyone who would like to experience the inspirational language of Archbishop Thomas Cranmer as expressed in the Liturgy.

If you are keen to learn about membership of the BBS, please phone me on 422168 - or better still, meet me at an Evensong one Sunday soon!

Alan Lyne

WALK ON SATURDAY 3RD MARCH

Because David Osborne has had to swap dates, Jeff and Ruth Burgess will lead this walk (335129). It is just over four miles, much of it on metalled roads, starting from Harbury. There are no stiles but some mud. We will meet at church at 9.30am as usual. Any recommendation as to which Harbury pub we use for lunch will be gratefully received.

How many church members does it take to change a light bulb?

What do you mean CHANGE??? That light bulb was given in memory of my grandmother! My father installed it with his bare hands! He donated his time AND the use of his ladder to do it, too! My family's been members of this church for four generations! And if you think you're going to come in here and make a bunch of changes all of a sudden, vicar, you've got another thing coming!

26 FAIRTRADE IS MORE THAN A CERTIFICATION MARK – IT IS AN INSPIRATION TO CHANGE

Confucius said: I hear and I forget; I see and I remember; I do and I understand.

That is why Fairtrade works – as farmers start to export themselves, as people talk about Fairtrade in their places of worship or buy Fairtrade, as companies engage more with producers – everyone learns and understands, creating a basis for lasting change. Visiting producers in Africa, I am struck again and again by their strength and ambition which, coupled with the dedication and determination of campaigners here, can take Fairtrade further. So that boys like Alan, son of single mother Sarah who works on a flower farm in Kenya, can attend university, because his education has been paid for, right through secondary school, by the Fairtrade premium. So that Fairtrade smallholder enterprises can unleash the potential bubbling up. As one artisanal soapmaker in South Africa‘s second largest township said to me: ‗Maybe one day we will get to wear suits and ties and go to present our business overseas‘. Working alone on a small plot, a farmer can change very little. Working with her neighbours, she has power. And so for us too – by taking more steps and continuing the journey together we are beginning to achieve transformative change for smallholders and workers across the developing world.

Harriet Lamb, Fairtrade Executive Director Fairtrade Foundation

Lillington Parish Church is a Fair Trade Church 27 ROBIN’S ROUND UP

What a busy year we are having, a lot has happened and there is still so much to look forward to. I published some lovely memories of where you were when King George died so I thought you might like to get out your ―Crosstalk‖ pen Maggie the Mouse and share your memories of the Queens Silver Jubilee in 1977. Well done to all of you who This was very memorable to me spotted Maggie on page 4 on as it was the year I got top of the notice board. married! What do you

remember about that Jubilee Congratulations to Val May, year? Were there any street Pamela Cummin and Belle (age parties in Lillington - do you 4) who all found Maggie. have any photos? Crosstalk pens coming your way. Is anyone celebrating a special occasion this year - wedding Keep looking! I only have a anniversary, birthday, special few pens left - they will be achievements? Share your collectors‘ items in the future! occasion with Crosstalk readers!

Diamond Jubilee Prayer

The following Prayer, written at The Queen's direction by the Chapter of St Paul's Cathedral for Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee, will be used in the Jubilee Thanksgiving Service in St Paul's Cathedral on Tuesday, 5 June.

God of time and eternity, whose Son reigns as servant, not master; we give you thanks and praise that you have blessed this Nation, the Realms and Territories with Elizabeth our beloved and glorious Queen.

In this year of Jubilee, grant her your gifts of love and joy and peace as she continues in faithful obedience to you, her Lord and God and in devoted service to her lands and peoples, and those of the Commonwealth, now and all the days of her life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen 28 WHAT’S ON

MARCH 2012 Saturday 3rd 9.30am Walkers Group - see page 26) Saturday 3rd 10.00am PCC Away Day, Myton Hospice, Warwick Thursday 8th 7.30pm Lillington PCC meeting Thursday 8th 7.30pm Lillington Evening Townswomen Guild, (Lime Avenue Bowling Club), Curious Clerics and Dastardly Doctors (Graham Sutherland) Monday 12th 7.45pm Lillington Evening WI (Octagon) - Ghosts of the (Ann Runacres) Tuesday 20th 7.30pm Licensing of Rev Graham at St Mary‘s Cubbington Tuesday 27th 2.00 pm Tea & Chat in the Octagon. Contact Parish office for more information APRIL 2012 Thursday 12th 7.30pm Lillington Evening Townswomen Guild, (Lime Avenue Bowling Club) - AGM Saturday 14th 9.30am Walkers Group - (Thelma Dawkes & Wendy Shear (442742) Monday 16th 7.45pm Lillington Evening WI - Flower arranging (Jill Hawkin). Please note change of date because of Bank Holiday and venue will be the Lime Avenue Bowling Club Tuesday 24th 2.00 pm Tea & Chat in the Octagon. Contact Parish office for more information Thursday 26th 7.30pm Lillington Annual Parish church meeting, Octagon

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DEADLINE Copy for the March 2012 Edition is required by 14th March 2012 to Robin Innes (Editor) or to Anne Furze in the Church Office

www.lillingtonparishchurch.org

SERVICE DETAILS

SUNDAY WORSHIP

Mar 4 Lent 2 8.00am Holy Communion 9.30am Morning Praise with Sunday Club* 6.30pm Evensong Mar 11 Lent 3 8.00am Holy Communion 9.30am Holy Communion with Sunday Club* Mar 18 Mothering 8.00am Holy Communion Sunday 9.30am All-Age Worship 6.30pm Choral Evensong Mar 25 Lent 5 8.00am Holy Communion 9.30am Holy Communion with Sunday Club* and prayers for healing

*SUNDAY CLUB For children from ages up to 10 years during School Term time. Children join the main 9.30 a.m. service at the beginning and the end, and leave for a 30 minutes Sunday School session which has a range of age appropriate activities

WEEKDAY WORSHIP

All Tuesday services commence at 9.30 am except the last Tuesday of the month when Communion will be at 1.30 p.m. Tea and chat will then follow at 2.00 p.m. in the Octagon for those who wish to go along.

Tuesday March 6 9.30 am Holy Communion ( BCP ) Tuesday March 13 9.30 am Holy Communion Tuesday March 20 9.30 am Holy Communion Tuesday Marcy 27 1.30 pm Holy Communion

Inner pages are printed on 100% recycled paper