January 2021

Edition 262

“The Church in the Park – Growing in Faith, Hope and Love”

JANUARY 2021

‘It’s a year now since I and the rest of the clergy team from P & P were licensed at All Saints. Thank you for making us feel so welcome back in late December 2019. In my mind I have a map of what the first year in a parish might look like. It would begin simply with learning: getting to know people, to understand the parish’s ethos and traditions, its distinctive way of working. Every church has its own way of doing things. Sometimes it doesn’t realise how different it is from other parishes; sometimes it is fiercely proud of the particular way it chooses to do things. This first phase of time spent in a parish would normally take around a year. After a year, there has been a chance to experience all the seasons, the festivals and the other events which make a parish’s life so distinctive. During this first year, there will have been plenty of chance to get to know the main people involved in the life of the church, and to begin to get to know some of the wider congregation as well as the parish served by the church. Sadly, this first phase was abruptly brought to an end after less than three months of our time in the parish. The crisis we all experienced back in March found us improvising and for a while all three of our churches had to be served by a single camera in the P & P Rectory. Before long though we found ways to involve members of our three churches. We learnt new skills, new ways of being church. So the initial period of learning has been interrupted and my guess is that it won’t begin again properly before the second half of 2021. And this means that much which would normally happen during the second year of an incumbency will need to wait until 2022. That is the time to begin asking questions together about the church and the parish. What are our distinctive strengths? What are the things we could be better at? If we carry on doing things the way we do now, what will our church look like in 20 years time? Where is the future lay leadership of the church? Are there obvious opportunities for ministry and mission in our parish which we’re overlooking? Do we have a shared vision about what our priorities are as a church? Some of these conversations are very hard to have unless we’re sitting down in the same room with people we have got to know and understand. As I said, these questions are likely now to wait until 2022. In 2021 we will continue to make sure, in the first half of the year, that services happen whenever possible, that the PCC is carrying out its role, that important pastoral care is not overlooked. And hopefully at some point in 2021 this will begin to change and we can once again spend time getting to know each other properly, face to face. Thank you for all your support, encouragement and prayers in this most demanding of years. Thank you to those who have played key roles in keeping All Saints going: the wardens, those responsible for health and safety, for organising rotas, those who play the organ, to name just a few roles. God goes ahead of us and shows the way to those who follow. Let us look for the signs of God’s leading as we make our way forward into an unknown future God bless you all, David (Priest-in-charge)

The Christian Chronicle Out with the Old, In with the New

We’re into a new century and already there’s a sense of change. An old established Order, a bedrock of the Crusades, has gone and there appears to be a new way to looking at things. One thing that hasn’t changed, however, is the quest for power. The change is not confined to Europe but for this report we’ll look at two very significant developments that in turn have their end and their beginning in Europe. Although we’re now in 1321AD, we’ll start with a very turbulent period from 1305. The ‘Poor Fellow-soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon’ (aka The Knights Templar), had been a Catholic Military Order, vital to the Crusades, for nearly 200 years. They had become prominent in many countries across Europe and bordering the Mediterranean controlling many regions and business interests. Whilst they had freedom of movement across many borders, they did not have their own monastic state, unlike the other two significant military orders: the Teutonic Knights in Prussia and the Knights Hospitaller who now controlled Rhodes. The Templar’s were not without challenge: some disenchanted former Templars had brought criminal charges, and these were being considered by King Philip IV of France, himself deeply in debt to the Templar’s. There were various rumours relating to initiation ceremonies, idol worship and even homosexuality. In 1305, Pope Clement V summoned the Grand Masters of both the Templars and the Hospitallers with a view to merging the two orders and seeking to have Papal control. Clement and Philip were related, but, whilst Clement was inclined to consider the charges against the Templars to be false, it suited Philip to think otherwise and he seized the opportunity to act decisively. On Friday 13th October 1307, arrest warrants issued by the King were simultaneously executed across France against numerous Templars, including Grand Master Jacques DeMolay himself. It seems many Templars were tortured into confession and subsequently burned at the stake. This was a bad day for the Templars, and already superstition is growing regarding Friday 13th. Philip threatened Clement with military action and in 1312 the Pope issued Papal bulls dissolving the Order and transferring many Templar assets to the Hospitallers. DeMolay was burnt at the stake in 1314 and some of his last words are recorded to be: “God knows who is wrong and has sinned. Soon a calamity will occur to those who have condemned us to death.” Both Clement and Philip were dead before the end of the year! In Portugal, King Dennis I refused to persecute the Templars; the country became home for a new Order; established in 1319 and known as the Military Order of Christ, it was predominantly formed of former Templars. All that, of course, happened a few years ago; the reason I have jumped to 1321 is because I need to tell you about a certain Italian poet who’s revolutionised literature and the way of thinking. Not just a poet, he’s had a hand in politics, and challenged theological thinking too. Before I get into the detail, I need to give a bit of background about the politics. In Florence in the late 13th century there were two political allegiances: the Guelphs, who supported the Papacy, and the Ghibeilines who were backed by the Holy Roman Emperor. At the Battle of Campaldine, in 1289, the victorious Guelphs had secured dominance of the local politics. In the Guelphs army that day was a young man called Dante Alighieri. The battle, however, did not fully resolve the political argument as the Guelphs then divided into ‘White’ and ‘Black’ factions. Whilst both continued to support the papacy, the Black Guelphs welcomed that influence locally, whereas the Whites were opposed to this, especially when it came to Pope Boniface VIII. Dante, as he was known, had held various political offices in Florence, so when, in 1302, the Black Guelphs seized control, Dante was exiled midst unproven allegations of corruption and financial wrongdoing. Dante had already started writing but chose, quite unusually, to write in his common Florentine dialect rather than Latin. Dante has been promised in marriage to Gemma Donati, the daughter of a prominent family, from the age of 12. Such arranged marriages are common, and they did go onto have at least 4 children, but Dante had been smitten from the age of 9 with Beatrice Portinari, another local girl of same age to himself. Beatrice died in 1290 aged just 25, but this love inspired several aspects of Dante’s work and was the basis for a new school of literature known as “Dolce Stil Novo” which means ‘sweet new style’, the focus of which is amore (love). Dante’s works were challenging both politically and theologically. His most renowned work is known collectively as the “Comedy” although some are already suggestions that this should be redefined as “The Divine Comedy”. This extended poem comes in three stages: ‘Inferno’, ‘Purgatorio’, and ‘Paradiso’ which translate as Hell, Purgatory and Paradise (or Heaven). Dante lives this poem through each of these areas of afterlife with the help of a guide; initially this is the poet Virgil of ancient Rome but then it is Beatrice who guides him through Purgatory to Paradise. So profound are Dante’s descriptions of these zones, that they are already reshaping Catholic thinking and imagery even though the final section, Paradiso, was only published earlier this year, shortly before Dante’s death. There are still many challenges within the politics of both the church and the wider world. Many had seen the multi-nationality of the Templars as being destabilising, but that is debatable as their presence had brought a certain conscience check to many regions. There are murmurings that the church still exercises too much direct political power, and also censures much of the theological thinking. Dante, with his works published in common language, not only gives a whole group of new ideas to contemplate, he also opens the debate beyond the privileged academics. Things are changing – it’s not yet clear where this will go. ------DON’T BE AFRAID OF THE YEAR Don’t be afraid to begin Just open your mind and open your heart, Let love and hope enter in Don’t be afraid to let go, Saying “goodbye” to the past, Seek for a rainbow, reach for a star, And keep a few dreams, Hold them fast Don’t be afraid to be glad, Tears are not only for sorrow Welcome the future and step through the year – Look for the sunshine tomorrow. Iris Hesselden

A NEW YEAR PRAYER TO START MY DAY

Thoughts from David O’Malley:

Where will I hear the voice of the Good Shepherd today? What will stop me from hearing God’s voice? What dangers, for my peace of mind, lie ahead today? What do I need to ask of God as the day begins? The Lord is my shepherd. Amen contributed by Wendy Woolley

THOUGHTS BY WENDY WOOLLEY

Happy New Year! What do we mean by clappy happy, excited happy, do we know? But I’m sure we know we want to be just happy for 2021. The year 2020 has taught us so much patience, kindness, just wanting to feel happy to get through the day. Some have lost dear ones, some have fear about going out and meeting people. How happy is that? We all should feel happy about what people have done for each other this Pandemic Year. All Saints have kept the gates “open” by churchwardens, cleaners, gardeners. How happy is that? Thank you. You walk through the park and see the church, people, it’s just life. What will make us happy in the new year? We will find it, I am sure. When you wake up and say I feel happy today or go to bed one night and say what a happy day today, we shall smile and that is what happy is! EPIPHANY

On 3rd January we celebrate Epiphany - the visit of the wise men to baby Jesus. But who were these wise men? No one knows for sure. Matthew calls them ‘Magi’, and that was the name of an ancient caste of a priestly kind from Persia. It wasn’t until the third century that they were called kings. People assumed there were three - to correspond with the gifts given. Later Christian interpretation came to understand gold as a symbol of wisdom and wealth, incense as a symbol of worship and sacrifice, and myrrh as a symbol of healing - and even embalming. Since the eighth century, the magi have had the names Balthasar, Caspar and Melchior. WINTER BLUES Frozen fingers, frozen toes Frozen ears, frozen nose How the wicked North wind blows Through the hats and coats and shoes Say goodbye to autumn hues When you've got the winter blues

Frozen rivers, frozen streams Frozen prayers, frozen dreams Frozen moonbeams in the sky Frozen stars in Heaven high Frozen weather's not good news When you've got the winter blues

Silver sickle moon so bright Shining in the sky at night As the early morning light Slowly rises into sight Contemplate those icy views When you've got the winter blues

Frozen hilltops, frozen trees Frozen birds, frozen bees Chattering teeth and knocking knees When it's minus ten degrees Put on thermal socks and shoes When you've got those winter blues

Frozen bottles, frozen jars Frozen trains, frozen cars Frozen churches, frozen pews Frozen lambs and frozen ewes Take off on a warm sea cruise When you've got those winter blues

Frozen hearts, frozen souls Frozen wooden telegraph poles Frozen fences, frozen woods Frozen streets and neighbourhoods Find a fine warm hat to choose When you've got the winter blues

Frozen hands on frozen clocks Frozen keys in frozen locks Frozen windows, frozen walls Frozen taps and frozen balls Oh, here's a ditty to amuse When you've got the winter blues

Frozen badgers, frozen moles Frozen rabbits in frozen holes Frozen peaks and frozen vales Frozen slugs and frozen snails Contemplate your inner muse When you've got the winter blues

Frozen boats with frozen sails Frozen bars in frozen jails Frozen tramps and vagabonds Frozen brunettes, frozen blondes Cook up pies and hearty stews When you've got the winter blues

Frozen rocks, frozen stones Frozen graveyards, frozen bones Frozen steeples in the sky Frozen weathercocks on high Frozen in your walking shoes When you've got the winter blues

------VIRTUAL HOUSE GROUP BY ZOOM

The House Group, we will be meeting on Zoom as usual on Wednesday 6th and 20th January and then on 3rd February. As there are only these 3 sessions before Lent, we will look briefly at Exodus as follows: 6th Jan: The Israelites in Egypt, Moses, the 10 plagues and the Passover. 20th Jan: The exit from Egypt, crossing the Red Sea and the early times in the Wilderness 3rd Feb: The 10 Commandments and preparing to enter the Promised Land. New members are always welcome – please contact Alan & Lyn for further details. ------

MESSAGE FROM NINA

Nina and family would like to thank everyone for their prayers and messages of sympathy in the recent loss of Anne Wall (Nina's Mum). Your kind thoughts have been a great comfort to us all.

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LET THE BELLS RING OUT FOR CHRISTMAS

Did you know about the ringing of bells on Christmas Eve at 6pm? It started off as an idea from the Harrogate Community to give a little Christmas cheer to all those that were lonely and isolated. Many TV channels and radio stations (local and international) told the story and like all good ideas it developed further to combat the loneliness by getting neighbours and friends to join in. It developed into a group for all communities all over the world to join in.

So, on Christmas Eve at 6pm (in whatever country you were in) they asked everyone to go outside and ring a bell for 2 mins to spread the Christmas spirit and to help Fr Christmas fly his sleigh. There was also the added option of some carols to sing afterwards! It was to create a wave of bells across the world. After a tough year, it was to be an amazing memory for the kids and communities, ending 2020 with a bit of magic, hope and togetherness!

Nina said she would ring All Saints church bell for 2 minutes and I let people know around the church. On Williams St, several children came out to ring their bells and I stood at the church gates and rang my reindeer bells.

Young and old joined in and people used all sorts of bells; doorbells, handbells, bicycle bells, sleigh bells, apps on phones, school bells, ships bells etc.

We had a message saying: “Thank you All Saints for the beautiful sounds at 6pm. Such a magical sound ”

CHRISTMAS JOKE BOOK You will all be pleased to know that Richard had a joke book for Christmas! He sent the following in for a giggle!

Appearing on "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" a contestant only needed to answer question 15 to win the major prize. He had used all his lifeline and waited for the question.

"To be today's champion on become the latest winner of a million pounds" said Jeremy Clarkson, ramping up the pressure, " I want you to name two of Santa's reindeer"

The contestant looked relieve d and said " I know the answer to this one. Rudolph and .....Olive"

There was an ominous murmur from the audience and Jeremy put a consoling arm around the contestant's shoulder.

"Rudolph is correct but Olive is wrong"

"It can't be, it's in the song" said the contestant

"What song?" asked the host.

"You know" he said and began to sing

"Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer had a very shiny nose. And if you ever saw it, you would even say it glows. Olive the other reindeer...... "

How does good King Wenceslas like his pizzas? Deep pan, crisp and even.

What do you get if you cross Christmas with a duck? A Christmas quacker

What goes Ho Ho Whoosh, Ho Ho Whoosh? Santa going through a revolving door.

What go Oh, Oh, Oh? Santa walking backwards

Why was the snowman embarrassed as he rummaged through a bag of carrots? Because he was caught picking his nose.

What song do you sing at a snowman's birthday party? Freeze a jolly good fellow.

What did the bald man say when he got a comb for Christmas? Thanks, I'll never part with it. and finally …

What do you get if you eat Christmas decorations? Tinselitis. (Please don’t shoot the Compiler!)

RECYCLING UNWANTED PRESENTS

Nina can always make use of any surplus presents that you would like to gift to church. They make excellent prizes at quiz nights etc. Many thanks.

WALKING HOME Simply stepping there, Knowing those who care Will be waiting there, Father in his chair Smoking his pipe of baccy, Mother fondly fussing. The cat on the mat And sister doing her hair. Life leaves a lot to be desired But desiring is part of the plan. It’s natural for man To want to improve, but however we do it Whether we get there or no It’s a great relief to know There’s still a place to go. When the world is unkind We can manage to find Those who really care. by Joan Elizabeth

The Posada Journey

Advent Sunday - Mary and Joseph enjoyed the Eucharist Service this morning and joined in with our prayers for those in need and for those dearly departed from the All Saints Parish. We have watched the wonderful Sermon from Rev and Vera on the All Saints Kettering Facebook page about Advent Sunday. We have done a spot of gardening, planting fifteen bulbs of Hope and Thanksgiving, as our offering to Mother Nature from All Saints for the safe delivery of Holy Mary's baby and also hoping for a Spring Time Show for Mother's Day in Mary's honour. We savoured a delicious, hearty roast dinner together at the table with the whole family before making our way on our journey once again. It was lovely to be with our beautiful humble guests. Day 2 - We heard a strange noise outside and we investigated to find a man, a heavily pregnant woman and a donkey? Can I help you I said and the man said the Clifton hotel had suggested we might be able to give them shelter for the night - panic. What do I do, the man and woman fine, but what can I do with the donkey? The couple came in and we led the donkey round to the rear of the house and found him room in the garage where we fed him with porridge oats and left him with water and an old blanket as we didn't have hay, not something we need often! He seemed happy. Returning to the house our guests said our names are Mary and Joseph and we are on our way to Bethlehem for a census. Why would you have to go to Bethlehem for a census surely forms arrive, you fill them in at a certain time and send them back in the post and Bethlehem is nowhere near Kettering. As I took stock of the situation realisation hit me, why were they travelling with a donkey and a lady named Mary who was heavily pregnant? Wow! it is Advent the run up to Christmas we've hit a time warp. Steady girl, steady you have to offer hospitality! Thankfully the Clifton Hotel had fed them so I offered them the chance to wash and bed down for the night as they were extremely tired. The shower I offered them was a source of excitement for both of them although I think they were a little frightened. I fetched clean towels and left them with the running water and a bar of soap and I went off to make up the spare bed. Half an hour later Mary and Joseph returned downstairs and knocked on the sitting room door. I encouraged them in, Mary was so young and so pregnant. I was writing Christmas cards. How do I explain that these cards are sent to friends to commemorate the birth of her son, she would not be happy to know her son was to die young and not very pleasantly but he would have a strong following even 2000 + years later and, consequently, we send these cards. They would think I was mad, the couple had already experienced strange heavenly intervention in their relationship so I just said oh we do this every year mainly to keep in touch with friends and family and with this Pandemic in progress it seems important to recognise how much we need others in our life. Unbelievably, they were both very accepting of what I said and they understood me how strange is that? Maybe they felt just as much out of place in our world as I did in their world; the two worlds being inexplicable together on this night. I think they were just very tired and that wonderful bed I had shown them was calling. Mugs of hot chocolate were drunk and I took them up to bed. Not another sound until the next morning when Mary and Joseph rose early and came down to join me in the kitchen. I had been out and dealt with the donkey he was fine but he had left a message on the floor. I was going to make our guests a full English but suddenly realised Jews don't eat pork - panic again - oh well it would have to be porridge and eggs on toast. Thank goodness I remembered about the bacon! We talked over breakfast which became over coffee and very nearly over lunch as well but I had a Pilates class over Zoom and the look on their faces was wonderful but I really could not try to explain I just said technology is a wonderful thing in our world and enables us to see and hear others within our own home. Again, so very accepting. We had lunch and I explained that it was my mother's anniversary of death and I needed to go to the cemetery with flowers. Mary elected to come with me but Joseph stayed at home to prepare to continue their journey. Mary was very excited about going in the car so excited in fact that I thought she might have the baby. We laid the flowers and said a few words of thanks and then went to my Grandparents grave where my Uncle's ashes are, and Mary recognised the word Shalom on Uncle's gravestone and we felt a bond. We made our way back to my house and Joseph was a little agitated about moving on because a friend had recommended him to go to a lady called Marie, a fair distance away, and they had already lost time. I am not sure the donkey wanted to leave my garage but he did and they set off along the road. Nobody seemed to see them except Dave and me how weird is that or was it all a dream? Jane. Day 3 - Marie shared the excitement of opening her office Advent calendar and also put up a small office Christmas tree today with Mary and Joseph. She also got out her Advent candle from Walsingham ready for lighting later tonight once the Posada has gone on its way. Day 4 - We arrived on Tuesday 1st December evening to find the house in Richmond Avenue with lights outside to welcome us in. Then as we made ourselves at home in the living room. We were greeted by two small dogs who were pleased to see us. We found a crib on the side and a light tree instead of a Christmas tree. We also sat by the advent candle burning in the evening it has a long way to go down. A candle was burning by the side of an angel to keep us safe on our journey. At bedtime we noticed a colourful blanket in the dog bed, it looked so cosy, we could have slept in there! This evening we were taken on a dog walk to the spinney pocket park near the house. We have heard that it has been a hard year with the virus restricting movements around the world and neighbourhoods, let us pray that the vaccine is to be successful and that life gets back to near normal. Day 5 - Mary and Joseph arrived in time to share Julie’s birthday cake, which was delicious. Megan was already in bed when we arrived, but we popped in to give her a good night kiss. We then sat and watched The Christmas Chronicles 2. We really enjoyed it especially as it highlighted the importance of the star of Bethlehem, which is the city where we’re heading. As it’s still Julie’s birthday, Joseph had a sneaky gin and tonic, I had lemonade; absolutely no alcohol in pregnancy even if there are only a few weeks to go! We then settled down for the night. This morning (3rd Dec) we were woken up to Naughty Elf antics! Apparently, Santa sends elves to keep an eye on children and check they behave themselves, but the elves are naughtier than the children! This elf had photocopied his bottom in the night and left the pictures all over the house! There will be a lesson in appropriate image taking and sharing from the safeguarding officer this evening! When the children arrived home, we made paper chains and we helped the girls with their homework. We’ve had a lovely time in the Loake household but Bethlehem beckons so it’s time to move on. Day 6 - It was lovely to welcome Mary & Joseph into our home once again, and unbelievable that another year has passed. Sadly, we had no tree or decoration to show them only my Santa Advent figure as Stuart has had a fall and didn’t feel up to going into the attic to bring the decorations down yet. But in spite of the terrible year we have had it is comforting to realise that Christmas is coming with all the hope and promises it brings. So, we shall pray for that Hope to sustain us through Christmas and 2021. Amen. Chris & Stuart. Day 7 - Mary, Joseph and the donkey have spent a restful evening and a busy day with Joanna, Annabel, William and the cats- Tibby and Fudge. They watched the last episode of I'm a Celebrity - Get me out of here!!! Fun for all - though mum managed to fall asleep as usual. Today they have been Christmas shopping and then watched mum get frustrated trying to untie the Christmas lights which were in a terrible muddle. Sadly, they will miss Strictly but no doubt will be well looked after on their onward journey. Love Joanna, William and Annabel x. Day 8 - I don't know how long Joseph had been ringing the doorbell - which wasn't working - but I was alerted that he and Mary had arrived. They were tired after their long journey from Reservoir Road. It isn't that far but they had actually been to our old address in Broughton not knowing Kay and I had moved. A refreshing cup of hot chocolate from the new Costa on the way back into Kettering worked wonders. After a good night's sleep, they enjoyed a cup of tea and some Weetabix. It was off to Church for the first service after the November Coronavirus lockdown, a joyous occasion for all. A light lunch was taken before a trip to Kettering Buccleuch Academy to watch one of our grandsons play in a football match. It was mighty cold and that could not have been good for Mary because she complained of pains and spent the rest of the stay resting in bed. I wonder what would have happened if she had baby Jesus whilst being in our house? I spent the time trying to explain the offside rule to Joseph but I still believe he does not get it. All too soon Mary and Joseph set off to the next stop on their journey. Day 9 - The Posada has arrived in Neale Avenue to a VERY BUSY day! It’s a beautiful cold and frosty morning and Derrick is busy defrosting the bird table and chopping logs for us to have a fire this evening. Pat is busy with Inner Wheel activities, making mince pies for charity donations to fund Johnny’s Happy Place which is their charity this year. With her co- President Lesley they are now through Zoom, recording a reading for the forthcoming Rotary Town Carol Service, organised by our Curate Alice. After a socially distanced coffee morning with the neighbours, a read of the paper and lunch Derrick is back in the garden and Pat is preparing dinner. While Derrick is reading and watching television this evening Pat is playing badminton with her club, but can only play singles due to Covid and social distancing. PHEW!! time for bed for us all and Mary and Joseph must be hoping for a more relaxing day with the next family tomorrow. Day 10 - We arrived at the Oram house. It was lit up with lots of pretty lights and there was a stable waiting for us to rest in. The following day was very busy for the residents with Donna and Dominic both working whilst Lewis was working on his University dissertation. We were sad to leave but hope to return soon. Day 11 - We welcomed Mary and Joseph today. They shared breakfast with us. We showed them our advent calendars, and they played festive bingo with us. Victoria. Day 12 - Mary and Joseph arrived at the Ridley household on the evening of 9th December. We always seem busy these days but we were able to find enough space in the spare room for Mary and Joseph and the donkey was very well behaved in the garage and seemed to relish not being tied up outside in the cold and wet. After breakfast Alan was straight into various calls and virtual meetings so Mary and Joseph tagged along as Lyn played taxi service. Alina had an appointment with the midwife and besides her check-up kindly checked Mary over including an ultrasound. We are pleased to report all was well and things are looking on schedule. After such a busy morning Mary and Joseph rested but Mary did insist on helping Lyn fold some of the ironing. Then all too soon they were onward on their way. Day 13 - Mary and Joseph have enjoyed their stay with us. We visited Beckworth Emporium, looked at all the Christmas decorations. We went home and listened to Christmas carols with the tree lights on, then got ready for dinner. Merry Christmas from Audrey and Fred. Day 14 - Hi, we arrived safely at the Povey residence and had a warm by the fire. Then we helped Ollie with his homework. Today we have painted decorations for the Christmas tree. Day 15 - I believe the Holy Couple enjoyed their stay with us. They certainly got into Strictly and we treated them to renditions of Gaudete which we thought appropriate for the day and some carols later. The Bond family. Day 16 - After letting our very important guests in, they joined us on our family zoom quiz, then they nestled under our Christmas tree for a well- earned rest, this morning our little one introduced them to her nativity characters. They travelled with us to and from nursery, we wish them well on their journey and little one hopes they meet baby Jesus in time! The Cox family. Day 17 - Mary and Joseph enjoyed their stay in our home. We watched some Christmas movies, danced to some Christmas jingles and enjoyed a nice supper. Jada was also kind enough to read them a story before she went to bed. Hope they will be able to return next year. Wishing you a Merry Christmas from all of us xxx Day 18 - We loved hosting the holy family. It was a busy day for us, practicing lines for the Christmas play at school and writing cards to our friends and families. The holy family joined our own crib to watch over us. They also spent some time in mummy's (Alice!) office helping her with some service booklets. Day 19 - Yesterday evening, we as a family, sat and wrapped presents and wrote cards for the girls’ school friends. This morning Abigail gave a tour of our house, telling Mary and Joseph about her day ahead at school for party days. After school we have watched a Christmas film called Santa Claus, and then made mince pies. Day 20 - Mary and Joseph arrived at our home just in time to have a toasted muffin with us for supper. We listened with interest as they told us about their journey so far. They were very tired, and after a good night's sleep, and porridge to sustain them for the day ahead, they spent a quiet morning resting, and listened to the Daily Service on Radio 4. They enjoyed hearing "Away in a manger". We showed them our Advent Wreath and explained that three of the candles had already been lit on the three Sundays of Advent to remember Abraham and Sarah, the Prophets, and John the Baptist. We then told them that this Sunday we will light the fourth candle and think of Mary and her journey to be the mother of Jesus whose birth we will celebrate by lighting the central candle on Christmas Day. In the afternoon, Mary and Joseph watched me knitting a little cardigan for the baby of a friend who is due to give birth in the next few days. I wished I had a completed one to give them for their baby, but all I had to give them was love. As Mary and Joseph prepared to leave and collected the donkey who had been munching grass in the garden, we prayed that God's loving arms would protect them on their onward journey, and that the warmth of His love would sustain them. We also prayed for the safe delivery of the baby Jesus, and all babies expected in the next few days. Thank you for visiting us, Mary and Joseph. From Sandra and Brian. Day 21 - It was a pleasure to host Mary and Joseph on their way to Bethlehem and I reflected on people who are travelling at this time of year, especially those who have no place to call home. My four walls have felt a little prison like at times over the past few months, but today I am reminded afresh to be thankful for them. As the Christmas COVID restrictions changed today, I felt quite overwhelmed with uncertainty for the future, and Mary and Joseph were there with me; a couple also uncertain about how their future would unfold. The focus of their future, and mine, is the same; the hope that we have in Jesus Christ, hope that was born at Christmas. I wish them a safe journey, Tracy. Day 22 - The Moore family took along Mary and Joseph to enjoy a game of bowling within all the safety regulations today. They also enjoyed a drive around looking at pretty Christmas lights. They finished the evening snuggled up watching films. Thanks for letting us all take part. Day 23 - Mary, Joseph and the donkey they arrived in our home, they stay with us. Joseph keep company to Alina helping with ironing and washes. Mary was with Federica in her bedroom doing homework and watching television. The donkey was in the garage because outside was raining and we keep him warm. Joseph and Mary was in town centre with Micheal for learning with the trainer from Cube learning. Afterwards they came home. We had lunch together after they're gone on their way to a different house. Regards Alina, Micheal and Federica. Day 24 - Despite Mary and Joseph not being physically here, their presence alone was a blessing. During their stay they witnessed Tricia cooking, saw our Christmas tree and presents and heard our prayers for Uganda, England and the diminishment of covid. Our time with them will be cherished and we pray that we can meet properly in 2021. We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy New year. Written by Preston. Day 25 - Mary is really big because she has a baby in her tummy. She sat on a donkey. Baby Jesus will come out (of her tummy) and play with his toys and a sheep. Day 26 - The Posada came to All Saints Church on Christmas Eve and watched Angela and Richard making up the Christingles for all the people who have ordered them. We explained what each part of the Christingle meant – the orange represents the world, the red ribbon represents all the love that flows around the world and the blood Jesus shed for us, the dried fruits and sweets on four cocktail sticks represent the seasons and the fruits of the earth, the white candle represents Christ the light of the world. Mary is scared about having the baby because she is so young and not married to Joseph. We offered for them to stay in the comfort of the warm, safe church all night. I wonder what will happen? We wondered what kind of transport they would have used if the baby was born in Kettering today? They couldn’t travel far due to the Coronavirus restrictions. Where would he have been born – in a tent in the churchyard? Who would have visited them – a Street Pastor, and who would they call a paramedic or a nearby midwife? What gifts would he have been given – blankets, disposable nappies and a mobile phone with Google maps? Christmas Day - Jesus Christ is born!! Let us welcome him into our hearts and homes. He fills us with joy and is our hope and comfort.

______Please keep sending in your snippets, news, prayers etc to Angela. The deadline for the next edition of Saints Alive! is 26th January. The February edition will be ready from Sunday 31st January 2021. WHO’S WHO AT ALL SAINTS PARISH CHURCH

Priest-in-charge Rev. David Walsh Reader John Stapleton 520342 Lay Minister Alan Ridley 529426 Churchwardens: Richard Lewis 513703 Angela Brett 522158 Safeguarding: Julie Loake 077434 00812 Hall Manager: Lyn Ridley 529426 Secretary: John Sockett 501851 Treasurer: Marie Morrison 725219 Saints Alive! Angela Brett 522158

Email: [email protected] Website Address: http://kettallsaintschurch.btck.co.uk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allsaintsparishchurchkettering/

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This edition of Saints Alive! is in loving memory of our parents, Marjorie and Arthur Braybrook & Margaret and Leslie Smith.

This edition of Saints Alive!

is in loving memory of Mary McKee, especially in January, your birthday month at Epiphany.

Jan 6th 1932 - March 6th 2020