The Lance February 2019

THE LANCE FEBRUARY 2019

www.stgeorgesjesmond.org.uk

Candlemas Poem

The Offering

(A Song of Simeon)

Old Man, you’ve sown the years longing for the harvest, hoping for the green shoot to appear. Fragrant with perfection, He is here: wanting to be purified, waiting to be crucified.

And His mother, offering her Lamb, gives Him to your open arms so you can finally die in peace knowing that the Promised One is born. In gratitude you will whisper that her heart will break. (Eve Forti)

Front Cover: Presentation of Christ in the Temple Willem de Poorter – 1600s.

Letter from Berlin

Well, what a start we have had to this new year! As I write it is about 48 hours since Mrs May’s Brexit plan was voted down by an epic majority, and 24 hours since she survived a vote of no confidence in her government by a slim majority. There are innumerable voices presenting alternatives - and few people listening to anyone else. Where are we heading? And how can we as Christians best move forward in the confusion and chaos which surround us..?

As I write, I am in Berlin. Today I have visited among other things a bombed out church, the site of the Berlin Wall, and a bookshop. Perhaps they offer some pointers for us.

To start with the bookshop: I found a book by 45 children’s illustrators called Drawing Europe Together.. The illustrators are from across Europe and include Judith Kerr (The Tiger that Came to Tea) and Axel Scheffler (Gruffalo). Two of the illustrations in the book struck me particularly. In one, titled ‘Britain takes the biscuit’, a mouse is clutching his biscuit with a small piece of one cheese, sealed inside a glass dome such as one sees over cheese. Nearby sits a huge cheeseboard groaning with diverse offerings, which he can see but not touch... He is cut off. A second illustration - A Tear for Europe - says that there will always be a little corner of our umbrella to shelter a friend. In the picture a person is weeping into a puddle that looks like a Union Jack which lies beneath an umbrella - blue with yellow stars from which one has fallen - into the puddle? The picture conveys sadness - and relationship.

The site of the Berlin Wall was accompanied by an exhibition which traced the way in which one particular space along that wall grew and flourished, became a focus then for political rallies, was severely damaged under allied bombing and then was a key point in the boundaries between sectors as the wall grew, a space where many died, but some also found freedom. In 1989 three days after legislation allowed free movement between East and west, this place was the first to be broken open, and saw streams of people joyfully passing through. Since then a massive programme of renewal has taken place, so that the whole is transformed.

The bombed out church - and its modern replacement - stand as a memorial to the insanity and uncontrolled power of conflict and war. In them are remembered a wide variety of people: the members of the Confessing Church who were martyred or imprisoned for their opposition to the Nazis, the many many thousands on all sides who died in the mad violence of war and the many - Jews, Christians and other minorities - young and old - who were summarily dis- patched to death camps. The old church contains a cross of nails from Coventry Cathedral - and each day prays the Coventry prayer for reconciliation. The new church has at its heart an immense statue of the risen Christ, arms outstretched, and lifted high, including all.

We begin this month with Candlemas, in which we turn from the manger, and focus instead on the cross and what lies beyond... At this service candles remind us that even in dark moments, there is light - the light of Christ - the light of God’s love for us. If we find time to pray, to connect with God, and to listen to and care for and connect with our neighbours, that love will sustain us through whatever comes, and transform our future.

May the Lord bless you and keep you…

Pauline

Pauline Pauline has been asked by Bishop Christine to be seconded to the Christ the King Team, to look after St Columba’s Church, Wideopen, for the next 6 months – to help them find a way forward together at a time of change, and to work on how they can be more integrated into the Team.

She will be starting with them on 3rd February for Candlemas: so 20th January is her last Sunday morning for the next six months. She does hope to continue with a few things in the week, particularly, C&YP, contributing to the Lent Course and working on the Faith and Daily Life Exhibition and Event.

She is still part of the team here, so she will keep in touch!

Brian Hurst.

Pauline, the sad part is that you will be leaving us for six months, which will be to the benefit of Christ the King Team and St Columba’s Church.....the good part is that we can look forward to your return at the end of your secondment. They are very fortunate to have you, just as we are – and we are happy that you will still keep in touch. “Goodbyes are not forever. Goodbyes are not the end. It simply means we will miss you until you return to us.” Barbara Gardner

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Epiphany Gifts

Photographic evidence shows that this year, knitting arrived before the gold, frankincense and myrrh - and, as one knitting friend remarked, much more practical gifts than those of the wise men!!!

Box 16 contained

65 hats 15 knitted scarves 2 baby jumpers 7 children’s sweaters 6 pairs of children’s mittens 3 pairs of children’s gloves 2 knitted dolls 1 knitted toy duck 1 pack of knitted blanket squares 2 small blankets 2 packs of men’s socks (from November)

The shipping costs of £14.40 were covered by donations and 2 full banana boxes arrived in Telford on Wednesday, January 8th. This was a wonderful start to 2019 for our Knitting Project. Thank you to the committed individuals who continue to fill the box at the back of church. These gifts will give more than physical warmth to the Syrian refugees who will receive them. The gifts of love and hope are priceless.

The following email from Barbara Hatton arrived on Friday, January 11th:

"Hello Elizabeth, I have just returned from PR House and collected the notes of deliveries. Thank you for your parcels with such a wonderful selection of knitted goods. It couldn't have come at a better time, as we are collecting as many knits and blankets as we can in the shortest possible time.

UNICEF predict that as many as 6,000,000 may die this winter in Syria from the cold. This is an absolute outrage when ones considers they have lost their 6

homes, many their families too and now they may die from cold. GFA set a tar- get to save 100 children, and appealed for blankets of all kinds and knitted goods. We have surpassed that figure and hope now to make the figure 200 and your parcels, full of lovely warm knits, will make a valuable contribution to our mission. Please pass on our thanks to all who have contributed and assure them that many lives will changed because of their hard work and generosity. With many thanks and all good wishes for 2019, Barbara

So, we will keep on knitting...... (or shopping!) Elizabeth Rhodes "What you do for the least of my brothers and sisters...... "

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New Year resolutions

Christmas is lovely but there reaches a time around New Year when I begin to reflect a bit. We have seen all the family, our precious new grandchild, Clara, has arrived, the chaos needs (attempted sorting), and this year our ‘Epiphany’ cards need writing and sending.

Like lots of people by now, I’m jaded, a bit tired and grumpy and it’s too easy to forget to say thank you. I have thought a lot about this forgotten grace and realised on Christmas Day how intertwined it is with forgiveness. In Brian’s Christmas sermon he talked about the book ‘The Choice’, which I read when I was recovering last year – it’s a precious book with an important message which is equally important in less awful situations. It reminded me of another book by the French writer, Marie de Hennezel, ‘The Warmth of the Heart Prevents Your Body from Rusting’, (February 2012). Forgiveness goes hand in hand with thankfulness and affirmation. This means, for me, and as a church, that we all need to learn to forgive and say thank you – frequently – if we are to grow. So I’m hoping to try to practice this a bit more and perhaps that will help this to prevent me from rusting anymore! Some of the grandchildren went to York Minster on Christmas Eve, to a packed Crib Service – they came home delighted with small knitted angels as a lasting reminder of the service, and importance of God’s angels. The good people of York minster must have knitted all year!

Anyone interested in doing the same for our Christingle service in 2019? I’ve even found a knitted pattern for the angel of the North (without a Christmas hat!).

Sue Vernon NB: If anyone would like a copy of the pattern for knitting the Angel of the North, please contact Sue Vernon, either at church or by email to: sue- [email protected]

Ordinary Time

“Ordinary Time comprises two periods in the year; first, the period from the day after the Presentation of Christ in the Temple until the day before Ash Wednes- day, and second, that from the day after Pentecost until the day before the First Sunday of Advent.

During Ordinary Time, there is no seasonal emphasis, except that the period between All Saints’ Day and the First Sunday of Advent is a time to celebrate and reflect upon the reign of Christ in earth and heaven”. (Church of England Lectionary).

For many years I never stopped to think....”what do we mean by Ordinary Time?” To me, it would be normal, usual, everyday, nothing special. To be hon- est, I didn’t give it much thought. Well, ‘ordinary’ is not common, etc, but simply because the weeks of Ordinary Time are numbered. (The Latin word ‘ordinal’ meaning counted time, and the Latin ‘ordo’ from which get the English word order).

Ordinary Time gives us the opportunity to accompany Jesus in his public minis- try, through the prayers and selections of readings and Scriptures. The Church selects healings, signs and essential teachings from the life of Jesus we can be reminded, reaffirmed, consoled, challenged, in how e live our lives. Through Or- dinary Time, the disciples are once again told by Jesus to “forgive, accept others

generously, be healed and serve as instruments of healing, seek peace, live humbly, pray and trust in his care”. It is a time for us to reflect, learn, and grow our discipleship in our world today. Ordinary Time exemplifies the old Jesuit motto: Age quod agis, “Do what you’re doing” – don’t worry about tomorrow or yesterday. Ordinary Time stresses God as the Eternal Now and humbles us with the lesson that we are most with God in the present moment.

As Pope Francis has frequently said, “Today does not repeat itself; this is life. Place all your heart, your open heart, open it to the Lord, not closed, not hard, not hardened, not without faith, not perverted, not deceived by sin. We go home with these two words only; How is my today? ... But how are you, my today, in the presence of the Lord? And how is my heart? Is it open? Is it firm in faith? Is it led by the Lord? With these two questions we ask the Lord for the grace to which each of us needs”.

So perhaps we can enter the Sundays of Ordinary Time, and take that question, “How is my today?” and let it help us in the walking with Jesus, evaluating our lives, slowing our pace and seeking God and our neighbour with greater sinceri- ty, as well as growing in Faith.

Perhaps I am a slow learner, but I get there in the end!

Barbara Gardner

The Curate’s Corner.... What I’ve been thinking about this month

After a lot of hard work, I received my MA in Sheffield only a few weeks ago. The ceremony was a truly a cele- bration because I was finally able to see what I’d achieved now that I had a better perspective. The honorary Graduand at the ceremony invited us to learn to truly listen to, not just hear, what is going on around us. The Vice-Chancellor encouraged us to continually reflect and discern what we are to do and be in our lives, and to understand that, sometimes, there are too many choices available to us: its easy to be overwhelmed by such variety and possibility, but we don’t have to and can’t literally do everything we might have the opportunity or inclination to do.

I’ve always been interested in how our physicality plays an integral role in our lives and how we live and wanted to explore this in my dissertation. By the beginning of my first year of college I’d come across Body Positivity on Social Me- dia which advocates affirming our bodies, understanding that every body is a gift. It mapped well onto Body Theology’s understanding of the body as a gift; the body as the place where we meet ourselves, others, and God; affirming the physical location of Jesus’ Incarnation as God with us (as we’ve celebrated at Christmas) as a fully human being, body and all. That was my dissertation sort- ed, but what I hadn’t counted on was how much exploring this topic would help me work through my own “stuff” and help me understand my experience of life at a deeper level.

Our bodies are so important, but it can be easy to take our bodies for granted. For example, it is easier to notice what our bodies do for us when a cold robs us of breathing easily. Our physicality, our ability to breathe, eat, sleep, get enough fluids, and all the other markers of our physical health also has an impact on and can be affected by our emotional, intellectual, spiritual, and relational health. In short, being human is by no means simple, and we should try appreciate what we have, the bodies we are already in, rather than trying to fit a “type” or wish- 11

ing we had another. We are all unique and so utterly beautiful, if only we’d realise it for ourselves and see it in others.

We could all do with allowing ourselves more grace. By now, those of us who might have considered trying to eat more “healthily” or exercise more at the beginning of this New Year will have probably stumbled or even given up again on our ideas of being healthy. To be healthy is not about fitting whatever beauty standard we ascribe to nor is it religiously monitoring BMI’s, calories, and how much fat and sugar we eat. It is also about our emotional, intellectual, spiritual and relational health too, which also means taking notice. Do we crave space, ice-cream, a walk, a conversation with a friend or family member? It is being kind to ourselves, asking ourselves whether what we’re doing is life-giving or life-limiting. If my body is telling me it needs to eat, I should listen to it. We should not be so hard on ourselves when we miss our targets, especially when those targets aren’t real- istic.

It takes great courage to say “this is who I am, and that’s okay,” to dis- tance ourselves from what we think other people are thinking of us or whatever else may preoccupy us. It takes courage to say, “I don’t need to worry about fitting other ideals, I am who I am” and regain some of the energy we might have been spending on expectations that don’t fit us. Like the Honorary Graduand at my graduation suggested, we could do with listening more, listening to what our bodies are trying to tell us. As the Vice- Chancellor encouraged, we could do with reflecting on and discerning who we are a little more, realising that we don’t have to be and do everything nor be overwhelmed by the infinite choices which surround us. In these, we not only learn about ourselves but about others too and can celebrate in all the wonder and complexity of what it is to be human.

Stephanie

Almighty God, you have created the heavens and the earth and made us in your own image: teach us to discern your hand in all your works and your likeness in all your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Ayr Cathedral Not only open but cool, refreshing and inspirational, Ayr Cathedral is definitely worth visiting. However, the current building has not always been Ayr’s cathedral. When the Roman Catholic hierarchy was restored to Scotland in 1878, St Andrew’s, Dumfries was chosen as the Cathedral church of the Diocese of Gallo- way. Over time, the area covered by the diocese was altered, Dumfries was no longer central to it, and then a fire destroyed the cathedral in 1961. The Good Shepherd church in Ayr, opened in 1957, became the new cathedral until such time as a new one could be built. Then “circumstances changed” and no new cathedral was built. Later, serious problems became apparent, including persis- tent water penetration. At the same time, congregation numbers plummeted. Cathedral status was therefore transferred in 2007 to the original church in the area, St Margaret’s, and the old building became 25 affordable housing units.

As for St Margaret’s, it dates back to 1827, but has changed considerably over the 200 years or so since. Firstly there was Vatican 2 to address, then in the mid -90’s there were problems with water ingress, dampness, corrosion of windows, the electricity circuit and general wear and tear. Pretty much everything, in fact, and the Church underwent a very thorough makeover, with a completely reno- vated sanctuary and new furnishings, a central aisle, stained glass windows, new organ, new large sacristy, a brighter colour scheme for the ceiling and walls, new lighting and new central heating. Those walls were still bright and fresh looking seventeen years later when I visited it. In fact, were it not for the Sta- tions of the Cross, the casual visitor might think that they had wandered into a very low church building. The high altar, lectern, seats for the priests and other furnishings are simple, undecorated and modern. Turning round, the view towards the west door reinforces this impression, with a balcony precisely where the Baptists would have put one. Closer inspection reveals chapels to the north and south of the nave that almost form a transept, and within the north chapel a Victorian altar and Madonna. This Lady Chapel has a rose window behind the altar in the grand scale.

The stained glass windows were no obstruction to light, but rather framed it and let it in. Just like mediaeval wall paintings and Victorian stained glass, they tell a story, but in a very different way. Celtic knots which shade from green to blue

represent the relationship between heaven and earth and allude to the Celtic history of the congregation, originating in Ireland. The Divine Light window shimmers with all the colours of the spectrum around the central white Light of the World. The Water of Life window refers to the fact that the River Ayr and the coast have always been important for trade and fishing. It is also a memorial to all those who died in the Lockerbie bombing, given by the American relatives of those involved in the air disaster. Both of these windows sparkle with lenses of lead crystal; in one for the theme of light, in the other to represent bubbles as the River Ayr flows into the blue mass of the sea. Throughout, modern and symbolic images are used to interpret a spiritual theme, but the viewer needs to know the story to follow their exact meaning; or be able to use their imagination to create one. I preferred the latter route and found them quite magical. My imagination also interpreted them remarkably accurately in line with the story.

Similarly, the Stations of the Cross appeared to be acrylic, and must rate as the most fascinating I have ever seen. Officially they are “symbolic and offer wor- shippers the opportunity to form their own interpretation of the artwork”. De- signed in 2000 by Susan Bradbury, they feature hands holding an item relevant to each station (thorns, cross) or doing something relevant (offering comfort, tormenting, in torment). The acrylic look is misleading. They are actually formed of two sheets of glass, the inner one flash coloured and etched, the other one carrying the image printed with an iron oxide pigment, with a gap between the two that promotes internal reflection. In both the stained glass and the Stations, the artwork was not so symbolic or surreal as to be meaningless or open to any interpretation, but rather directive but open to thought. Religion as an invitation to think rather than as a straitjacket within which to be judged seemed to be a very refreshing change and utter contrast to Lancaster. The contrast was made further apparent when comparing the ambience within the two buildings: one dark with light “over there”, and the other flooded with light throughout. Was this really a Catholic church, or was the Catholic church becoming truly Catholic (all-embracing)?

I left truly inspired. Graham Rutt

Ayr’s simple but beautiful interior

The Water of Life and Divine The Crown of Thorns and the Light windows comforting hands of Veronica 17

CHRISTMASTIDE AT ST GEORGE’S – 2018

(a few photographs taken Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)

Photographs by: Mike de la Hunt; Kim Friddle; Barbara Gardner

New Year - New News - from New Zealand!!

The engagement is announced between Robin, eldest son of Pierre and Emma Groleau of Samois sur Seine, and Grace, only daughter of Carl (late) and Enid Pearson of Newcastle upon Tyne. Enid Pearson

We send our congratulations and best wishes for Robin’s and Grace’s future, and wish them much happiness in the future. It is always good to know how some of our ‘young’ people of St George’s are doing in their ‘grown-up lives’ – Ed.

Photographs for The Lance: Could you please ensure that for the sake of safeguarding, any photographs for The Lance have been given permission to be used.....before sending them to me. It is very important that this is done.

You can contact Helen Young or Sue Vernon Safeguarding Officer Barbara Gardner - editor

Anna Chaplaincy

I wrote some months ago that Janet Ross and I were beginning a Diocesan-run course on the Spiritual Care of the Elderly.

I indicated that completion by me of the course could see me being recognised as an Anna Chaplain, (the name An- na acknowledges the elderly Anna, who along with Sime- on, was in the Temple when the six week old baby Jesus was brought for circumcision). It was they who recognised Jesus as ‘the light to lighten the gentiles and who would bring glory to Israel’.

I can now happily announce that I will indeed be commissioned as an Anna Chaplain by Bishop Christine during the service of Evensong at the Cathedral on Sunday 17th February at 4pm.....it would be lovely if some of you could be there to share the moment with me.

Joan Grenfell

Congratulations from all at St Georges; (Joan will be easily recognised by her badge and lanyard – Ed.)

Caption Competition Winners: Richard Pickersgill - “A couple of glasses should draft next Sunday’s sermon”.

Donald Gaze - “Thanks for the free bottle of wine, Catherine, it is the only way I will get through the pantomime!!”

Derek Avery

I recently contacted Derek to ask him how he was enjoying his current placement, which is at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Battle Hill. It is in an interesting part of town and a Local Ecumenical Partnership, shared with the Methodist and United Reformed Churches. He very kindly wrote the following for The Lance.

“I am enjoying my placement enormously and also enjoying my studies. The academic work is ramping up and our residential weekends (roughly every 6-7 weeks), and simultaneously challenging and amazing. The highlight of our final year will be our Easter School and a nine day visit to the Holy Land. We arrive on Palm Sunday and return on Easter Monday! It has been challenging on one level, but amazingly and fantastically nourishing in many other ways. What I am learning is a way of worship which places great emphasis on the ‘here and now’, in a word “spontaneous”!

On my first day, I was invited to introduce myself at both the morning and evening (URC) services. At the evening service the Minister said, “Derek, perhaps you might like to come up and do the final blessing?”

I really enjoyed Christmas and the New Year at church. The Methodist New Year ‘Covenant Service’ last weekend was perhaps the most moving service I have attended in years. If you want to know what it is, do ask Brian, he will know! (Meantime, below is the central prayer of the New Year service, when the congregation re-dedicate themselves to Our Lord!)

I miss you all and will keep in touch – I promise! I would welcome anyone who would wish to visit me at my placement church....the main Holy Communion service is at 9.30am on Sundays.

Much love and prayers to all, Derek.

“I am no longer my own, but yours. Put me to what you will, rank me with whom you will; put me to doing, put me to suffering; let me be employed for you, or laid aside for you, exalted for you, or brought low for you; let me be full, let me be empty, let me have all things, let me have nothing: I freely and wholeheartedly yield all things to your pleasure and disposal. And now, glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, you are mine and I am yours. So be it. And the covenant now made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven. Amen.”

(Brian Hurst was vicar (and Methodist Minister) at the Church of the Good Shepherd many years ago, and is fondly remembered as a “great enabler”.)

Barbara Gardner – with grateful thanks to Derek for writing this.

This month’s Caption Competition. Please send yours to: [email protected]

1) From Pauline Pearson 2) From Derek Nicholson (so this is (taken at staff night out) where Brent hides out, ed.)

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Following on from the interview with Caroline Field in January’s Lance, Caroline now shares some insights into Andrew Field’s life and life- style

We all know Andrew as a very regular church goer, but can you tell us something about the rest of his week? He lives on the Percy Hedley Northern Counties site (in fact in the old head teacher’s flat) with two others, re- ceiving 24-hour care. He has quite a structured week. He spends Tuesday and Wednesday at Able 2 at the Linskill Centre in North Tyneside. (Able 2 is part of the Percy Hedley Foundation). He particularly enjoys rebound therapy which is effec- tively trampolining. This has improved his balance and fitness - you need a lot of energy for all that bouncing! He has the stamina for it and he enjoys the vigor- ous motion required. He also does art and crafts and there is a spa there. He’s now mastered the potential of iMUSE.

What is iMUSE please? iMUSE is quite an expensive and sophisticated device. It enables the user to listen to a choice of music while watching images on screen. Also with the aid of a motion detector, switches and microphone, the user can interact with the sound and visual display, enabling them to produce digital artwork which can then be printed out. It takes time for the user to appreciate the relationship of cause and effect between their movements and the sensory output. But Andrew does now understand the connection and he finds iMUSE very satisfying.

What other activities does Andrew take part in? On Thursday and Friday he goes to Hedley’s College – he goes swimming, does singing, signing and musical activities and sometimes cooking. Monday is a less structured day. For example in the morning he may go and make some purchases at Acorn Road, go back to his flat to make lunch and then do a bit of clearing up, then perhaps have ride round the Northern Counties site on his special trike. He’s quite often out and about in town or in Jesmond – in a cafe or a shop. People often tell me they have seen him and I like that: it’s good to hear about him.

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To communicate with Andrew you use signing? Yes. Andrew can hear but he doesn’t quite have the coordination to speak. At the age of three he started at what was then Northern Counties School for the Deaf and very quickly started to use basic signs. This was a big breakthrough because we could communicate properly for the first time. Andrew can understand simple speech. He can also make some words that we can recognise because we know him so well. We use a simplified British Sign Language. (BSL itself has a different syntax and word order from spoken English). So we use Sign Supported English where key words are signed alongside speech. For example, if we were going out for a walk to the shops I would probably just sign for Andrew “walk”, and “shops”.

Sometimes if people sense a communication problem they are a bit hesitant about how to approach and make contact? Andrew really loves being acknowledged and he’s very pleased if someone comes up and says hello and greets him with a “Hello!” and a raised hand in greeting. He understands ‘Goodbye’, and ‘How are you?’, and generally is very happy if people show interest in him. He likes it when he and Graham are on sidesman duty giving out books. It is difficult to know, given his particular needs, how he could become much more involved in St George’s. He has been confirmed – one of the last things that Frank Dexter did. He was keen to see An- drew confirmed. Andrew comes up for Communion but may choose not to take it. He certainly responds to the atmosphere in church and I can’t think of any other setting where he would sit so relatively still for an hour or more. He always knows when the Peace is coming and he likes joining in the Peace. He generally sings along with the bouncier hymns as you have probably heard.

Usually Andrew enjoys coming to church in other words? Yes he looks forward to it: his sign for church is praying hands. It’s very much part of his weekly pattern. He and I feel very much he is part of the St George’s community and I do feel that St George’s is inclusive in that way.

How does Andrew feel about Christmas? He loves Christmas. We normally stay with Graham’s sister in Cambridge. An- drew is very fond of his auntie Sue. He doesn’t have a particular interest in pre- sents; rather he loves Christmas dinner as the whole family get together. In fact from early December he is on Christmas countdown. He gets a bit restless once 27

the trees and tinsel appear because he knows what’s coming, but finds it hard to estimate how far ahead. We have tried things like a chart with crosses on it but it didn’t work too well.

I think you have recently been on holiday abroad with Andrew? Our first overseas trip was 2012, to France - more recently we have enjoyed visiting Croatia. We travel with Graham’s sister and her husband. It’s really important to have more than just Graham and myself otherwise it’s no holiday. This year we are all off to northern Spain. We are taking a ferry from Portsmouth to Santander. We have told Andrew all about taking the car onto the ferry, sleeping in our own bedroom and hopefully going into the swimming pool on the boat. Auntie Sue has done her research and we are staying in a house near the coast. Andrew is already looking forward to it!

I remember when Andrew was little he was always interested in cars? He is still interested in any kind of transport really - he is engaged by metro, taxi, bus, boat, train- you name it. Andrew does have a degree of autism. When he was very little he focused on shoes - I guess because since he was not yet up and walking, shoes were the objects closest to him. Then he progressed to chairs. He was VERY interested in chairs - which could prove a bit problematic.

Can you run that one past me – his interest in chairs was problematic? Well for example if he came into the room we are sitting in and he saw your chair with the curving arms he’d be very interested to explore the shape, go across and touch it all over, following the curve of the wood. This didn’t always go down too well with the owner of the furniture…. These days he tends to have some car keys with him. Not in church because we discourage that if we can but he holds on to his keys afterwards. It’s a bit like having a set of worry beads.

You mention Andrew being worried – did the transition to staying away from home for a good part of the week make him anxious? He has been very fortunate in that he had been going to school on the Northern Counties site since the age of 3½. So he has moved to familiar territory. He started overnight respite there at the age of 12, initially one night a fortnight then one night a week. So we gradually worked up from 1 to 2 to 3 and now finally five nights per week. Once a year he stays for a bit longer when Graham and I take a holiday together. 28

The only downside of his present situation really is the frequent changes of staff, more often than we would wish, but of course the salaries are not especially good. Having said that, we are fortunate that he is staying so close to home and that he was able to go to school close by; other students may have to com- mute in for an hour or more each way. I feel this is a real advantage for him.

You say that when he was very little you understandably wondered what the future would hold for him? I do still worry about it I guess - what kind of life will he have when Graham and I are no longer here? But we are very fortunate in our daughter, that Ros is so devoted and so caring towards her brother. They have a very close relationship. Nowadays I am grateful that he is a happy young 26-year-old who enjoys a lot of things. Andrew lives life in the moment. He appreciates walks, meals, music, and family - the important things in life! And he is able to communicate and share that enjoyment.

Interview by Janet A Wilson

Fresh Meat, Poultry, Game & Exotic Meats And in our Delicatessen.. Pies, Pastries, Cooked Meats, Local Cheese and Cakes.

Why not join fellow members of St. George's Parish already benefiting from our Free delivery service every Friday and have your Meat and Deli Produce delivered straight to your door.

Simply Ring our shop at Heighley Gate Garden Centre on 01670 504141 to place your order, we’ll take your Name, Address and Post- code and deliver direct to you on Friday morning. Take the hassle out of shopping and ring now! . 29

Liturgical Calendar – February 2019 (year C)

1st Brigid of Kildare, Abbess of Kildare, c.525

2rd PRESENTATION OF CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE (Candlemas)

4th Gilbert of Sempringham, Founder of the Gilbertine Order, 1189

6th The Martyrs of Japan, 1597

6th Accession of Queen Elizabeth II, 1952

10th Scholastica, sister of Benedict, Abbess of Plombariola, c.543

14th Cyril and Methodius, Missionaries to the Slavs, 869 and 885

14th Valentine, Martyr at Rome, c.269

15th Sigfrid, Bishop, Apostle of Sweden, 1045

15th Thomas Bray, Priest, Founder of the SPCK and the SPG, 1730

17th Janini Luwum, Archbishop of Uganda, Martyr, 1977

23rd Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, Martyr, c. 155

27th George Herbert, Priest, Poet, 1633

Lance Publication Dates

Articles, etc for The Lance to be received by me no later than the 15th of each month Send to: [email protected] Thank you, Barbara

The Diocese of Newcastle upon Tyne Parish of St George, Jesmond We are a Church of England (Anglican) church in the Diocese of Newcastle with an inclusive, catholic tradition of Christian worship. We welcome all in Christ's name.

Vicar: The Revd Canon Brian Hurst 0191 281 1628 [email protected]

Curate: The Revd Stephanie Keates 0191 2815018 [email protected]

Associate Priest: The Revd Pauline Pearson 0191 232 5980 [email protected]

Reader: Mrs Joan Grenfell

Churchwardens: Mrs Louise Chapman Mr Mike de la Hunt [email protected] Organist & Choirmaster: Mr Frederick Peacock 0191 281 4755

Bell Tower Captain: Mr Geoff White 0191 285 1405

Parish Secretary: Suzanne Howie 0191 281 1659 [email protected]

Pastoral Care Any Pastoral concerns or commendations should be made to a member of the clergy. ______ENQUIRIES CONCERNING BAPTISMS, MARRIAGES, FUNERALS Initial enquiries about weddings, banns and baptisms should be directed to the Parish Office, which is open between 9.30am and 12.30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and closed on Wednesday. 0191 281 1659 The Parish Office, St George’s Close, Jesmond. NE2 2TF ______Find out more about St. George’s church: Website: www.stgeorgesjesmond.org.uk Facebook: St-Georges-Church-Jesmond Twitter: @stgeorgejesmond 31

Christmas Quiz – answers and winners:

What is the title of an Advent Hymn and also the Veni, Veni, Em- 1 name of a percussion concerto by Sir James Mac- manuel millan?

Which monarch gave the first televised Christmas Queen Elizabeth 2 message? II -1957

Which of the following people were NOT born on Kit Harington 3 Christmas Day; who was born Jorgie Porter – Annie Lennox – or Kit Harington? on Boxing Day

Mr Blobby had a Christmas number one in which 4 1993 year?

What is the Professor’s name in the Lion, the Professor Digby 5 Witch and the wardrobe by Kirke CS Lewis?

Who wrote the picture book ‘The Snowman’ cele- 6 Raymond Briggs brating 40 years this year?

What carol contains the lyrics ‘For they parting nor The Coventry 7 say nor sing? Carol

8 In which pantomime does Baron Hardup appear? Cinderella

9 In which ocean is Christmas Island? Indian Ocean

Which is the only Gospel in the Bible to mention 10 St Matthew the Magi?

How many reindeer (non including Rudolph) pull 11 8 Santa’s sleigh?

How many points would you earn in Scrabble play- 12 ing the word ‘quiz’ – assume no premium spaces 22 (e.g. triple words score) and no blanks used?

In which year did Fenwick’s put aliens in their 13 2002 Christmas window?

Caravaggio – Who is believed to have painted the Nativity de- 14 this painting is picting Saint Francis and Saint Lawrence? now lost

What are the names of the man and woman who Mike Utsi & Dr 15 founded Britain’s only herd of free ranging rein- Ethel Lindgren deer?

How many ghosts visit Scrooge in a Christmas 16 4 Carol?

Rimsky- 17 Who wrote the opera ‘Christmas Eve’? Korsakov

Who directed the 2017 version of ‘The Snowman’ Thomas Alfred- 18 based on the book by son Jo Nesbo?

True or False: All of the names of stations on Tyne FALSE – Bede 19 & Wear Metro contain at least one letter of the station word Christmas?

The 2018 Panto at Theatre Royal is called Goldi- 20 locks and the Three Bears – 92 How many shows will the tam do?

1st prize: Lynsley de la Hunt wins £40 voucher for As You Like It (best tie breaker answer) 2nd prize: Victoria Mattinson wins £20 voucher for As You Like It.

Thank you so much to everyone who took part in the quiz – there will be a pho- to quiz at the Spring Fete this year.

Donald Gaze

Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms – Art, Word, War. An exhibition at the British Library, London. 19 Oct 2018 – 19 Feb 2019.

This was a wonderful exhibition, giving generous insights into the history of the early church in Northumbria. Most of the 161 exhibits took the form of books or other manuscripts, though there were also some amazing archaeological artefacts from places such as Sutton Hoo.

The kingdom of Northumbria was enormously influential in the seventh and eight centuries, not only throughout Britain but in mainland Northern Europe too. Holy Island and the joint monasteries of Wearmouth and Jarrow were important centres of study and teaching, and they produced books of the most 33

amazing complexity and beauty which found their way into numerous monastic libraries. One of the very greatest treasures on display was, of course, the 1300- year-old Lindisfarne Gospels, with its technicolour ‘carpet pages’, other illustrations and illuminations embellishing the text. An electronic copy can be seen on Holy Island, and the genuine article comes to the North-East from its home in the British Library from time to time – most recently to Durham.

A particular joy for me was to see the great ‘Codex Amiatinus’, created at Wear- mouth / Jarrow in about 700 A.D. Three copies of the whole Bible (Old and New Testaments) were created with illuminations and illustrations quite similar to those in the Lindisfarne Gospels. Only one has survived intact, made as a gift to the pope, and it has remained in Italy until now, though there is a full-sized fac- simile copy at Jarrow Hall. It is an extraordinary object. The pages measure about 14 x 20 inches and the book is seven inches thick. It is thought that it required over 500 head of cattle to make the vellum. The colours of the pages which lie open (see photo) seem to be still as vivid as the day they were created. It reveals the love and veneration the Anglo-Saxon monks had for the Bible.

Amongst a number of exhibits on loan from the Durham Cathedral Library is the earliest known copy (736 A.D.) of Bede’s ‘Ecclesiastical History of the English People’ (Wearmouth / Jarrow, ca 730 A.D.). The British Library was prompted to create their present exhibition by their acquisition of the copy of St John’s Gos- pel placed in Cuthbert’s coffin, apparently in 698 A.D. It is described as Europe’s earliest intact book. It is a pity that the cathedral was not able to raise the £9 million for its purchase as it would have been fantastic to see it in the former monastic kitchen, the centre of whose awe-inspiring space is now occupied by Cuthbert’s coffin, surrounded by other artefacts from his coffin, such as Cuth- bert’s beautiful Pectoral Cross of garnets set in gold. It is humbling and moving to see all these extraordinary things. What a joy and what a privilege!

Mike Oswald.

If you would like to borrow a copy of the exhibition catalogue, contact Mike or ask Barbara Gardner for his phone number. Photos: St Cuthbert’s Gospel / Co- dex Amiatinus – Ezra / Lindisfarne Gospels.

Lindisfarne – title page Codex Amiatinus – The St Cuthbert’s Gospel for St Matthew’s Gospel Prophet

Friends of St George’s - 16th February 2019 3.00pm in the church hall

A vintage trio with songs of the 40s and 50s. A nostalgic afternoon with a delicious home-made tea.

Tickets: £6 – from Barbara Peacock and the Parish Office.

To arrange a subscription to THE LANCE, please ring the Parish Office on 2811659

Articles for publication to: [email protected] by 15th of every month.

SUNDAY SERVICES 08.00 Holy Communion 09.30 PARISH COMMUNION with Sunday School (age 3-7) Smarties (age 8-12) Children’s corner available in church. 11.30 Holy Communion 18.00 Taize (2nd Sunday of month) 18.00 Choral Evensong (3rd Sunday) WEEKDAY SERVICES 08.45 Daily: Morning Prayer 09.30 Thursday: Holy Communion 08.00 Friday: Holy Communion Saints’ Days as announced