The Benefice of Richmond with Hudswell, Downholme and Marske March 2019 50P

The Benefice of Richmond with Hudswell, Downholme and Marske March 2019 50p

THE PARISH OF RICHMOND WITH HUDSWELL AND DOWNHOLME AND MARSKE www.richmondhudswellparish.org.uk MINISTRY TEAM RECTOR Rev Martin Fletcher The Rectory, Church Wynd 821241 07762 440094 [email protected] HONORARY CLERGY Rev Mark Beresford-Peirse ·Bishop John Pritchard ·Rev Jennifer Williamson

ORDINAND Sian Lawton 07583 874203 [email protected]

READERS Mr Scott Lunn 2 Hurgill Road 826895 [email protected] Mrs Gillian Lunn 2 Hurgill Road 07592 016476 [email protected]

PASTORAL ASSISTANT Mrs Jennifer Patrick 1 Roper Court 850693

ACORN CHRISTIAN LISTENERS Mrs Jennifer Patrick 850693 Dr Sheila Harrisson 822059

CHURCH OFFICERS - THE PARISH CHURCH OF ST MARY THE VIRGIN, RICHMOND Mayor’s Warden Mr David Frankton 8 Allans Court 823531 Rector’s Warden Mr Roy Morel 22 Olliver Road 823278 Assistant Warden Mrs Janet Morel Director of Music Mr Chris Denton 07817 386070 [email protected] Bell Captain Mrs Susan Welch 8 Maple Road 823700 Head Verger Mr Leonard Scrafton 14 Pilmoor Close 824106 Parish Administrator Claire Murray [email protected] 07737482611

OFFICERS OF THE PCC AND OTHERS Vice Chair Gillian Lunn as above Secretary Mrs Jennifer Patrick 1 Roper Court 850693 Treasurer William Gedye 55 Maison Dieu 07710739192 [email protected] Assistant Treasurer Claire Murray 07737482611 Magazine Editor Gillian Lunn as above 07592016476 Magazine Distribution Keith Robson 07866325843 Magazine Adverts Frank Gibbon 23 Westfields 821002

FOR THE PARISH OF ST MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS, DOWNHOLME Reader Mr George Alderson 5 Scots Dyke Terrace, Richmond 07487 257646 Church Warden Mrs Jean Calvert Thorpe Farm, Reeth Road, Richmond 823001 Organist Alastair Lunn 2 Hurgill Road Church Treasurer Mr John Horseman Echlinville, Hudswell, Richmond 826216 PCC Secretary for both churches Mrs Liz Kluz 8 Cornforth Hill, Richmond 825411

FOR THE PARISH OF ST EDMUNDS, MARSKE Church Warden Mrs Ruth Tindale Skelton Lodge, Marske 823371 Deputy Warden Mrs Ann Stoneham Ivy Cottage, Marske 822418 Organist Mrs Jennifer Wallis 1 School Terrace, Marske 822930 Treasurer Mr Peter Coates Orgate Farmhouse, Marske 07801521954 [email protected]

www.richmondhudswellparish.org.uk

P1 - Contacts Page P2 - Contents and Pastoral Care P3 - Martin’s Message P4 - Martin’s Message cont... P5 - From Our Registers, After the P6 - Little Rainbow, TOAST, Fun-Key Cards, Knit2gether, Hutchinson, Church Richmond and Gilling Trust, The Happy Bodgers P7 - Prayer Diary for March P8 - What’s on in March P9 - Save the dates, fundraising bits... P10 - Mousemakes, All in the month of March... P11 - In the beginning, Prayer for growth, P12 - Fairtrade Fortnight - The Big training opportunities Brew, Christian Aid - help needed, St Mary’s Church recipe book P13 - The Mothers Union, A Prayer P14 - Bible Study Groups, Flowers in Church, The Station Singers concert P15 - Services for March 2019 P16 - Rotas, Still Wanted….

PASTORAL CARE The St Mary's Church community wishes to do all we can to support, listen and love all in our parish whether members of our church or not. The Pastoral Team at St Mary's have established a Prayer Circle at St Mary’s. If you have something which you would appreciate prayer for, whether for yourself or for someone you care about, we would be privileged to pray about it. No prayer request is ever too small or trivial. Whatever you wish to share, in confidence, we will support you in prayer. To ask for prayer you can either telephone, email or text Rev Martin on 821241, [email protected] or 07762 440094; or contact Gillian Lunn on 07592016476 or [email protected] or speak to any member of the Pastoral Team and they will place your prayer in the circle. Please be assured your requests are confidential. To be a praying member of the circle or a member of the Pastoral Team, please speak to Rev Martin or Gillian. They would love to hear from you. We also have a Visitor and Phone Call Request form which is available at the back of church. This form can either be completed for yourself or on behalf of someone who you believe would appreciate a visit or a phone call from a member of the Pastoral Team. There is a box clearly marked at the back of church where you can put the slip. If you are unable to complete the form because you are not in church, please telephone, text or email Rev Martin or Gillian or speak to a member of the Pastoral Team. We look forward to hearing from you.

Martin’s Message March 2019

Resources to help us observe a ‘holy Lent’ “Whoever walks towards God one cubit, God runs towards him two!” This old proverb illustrates how important it is to be actively seeking growth in our relationship with God. If we stand still in that relationship God cannot deliver on his promise of life in its fullness.

The season of Lent offers us an ideal opportunity to seek spiritual growth: to take a step towards God – and thereby experience God drawing closer to us. This applies as much to us as a church community as it does to you and to me as individuals.

Ash Wednesday falls on 6th March and (like Maundy Thursday and Ascension Day) is a ‘Principal Feast’ – when we are encouraged to receive Holy Communion. All are welcome at St Mary’s for either of our special services (at 9:15am and 7pm): in receiving the Imposition of Ashes we will undertake to ‘turn away from sin and be faithful to Christ’.

Ash Wednesday is when we reflect on Jesus’ teaching that holiness is based on giving first, then prayer, then fasting. As we each consider what our Lenten discipline will involve this year it may help to bear this in mind.

A good resource to use is the Christian Aid ‘Count Your Blessings’ leaflet, available at the back of the church. It helps us to put our faith into action through daily reflections and challenges, which explore such Lenten themes of giving, repentance, forgiveness, transformation and blessing.

Our Lenten discipline should include making time for study. Do please consider choosing a Lent book to read, or joining a Lent Course. I or any member of the Ministry Team would be delighted to recommend a Lent book to you. Our Lent Course is entitled ‘Daring to see God now’, a short course based on Mark’s gospel and written by Bishop Nick. Please see the next page for further details of this important ecumenical activity.

The Wednesday lunchtime Lent Group, meeting at the Methodist church, concludes with a Lent Lunch. Our personal Lenten discipline may involve an alternative means of ‘fasting’ – with the same intention of being better able to focus on prayer or study, and of saving some money for charitable giving. And of course, Lent does not need to involve only ‘giving things up’: we may ‘take things on’ instead! Either way, the ultimate aim is always to grow in holiness.

So, over the next few weeks let us be intentional as individuals and as a church community in growing ever closer to the God who yearns to run towards us.

The Kingdom by R. S. Thomas It’s a long way off but inside it there are quite different things going on: Festivals at which the poor man is king and the consumptive is healed; mirrors in which the blind look at themselves and love looks at them back; and industry is for mending the bent bones and the minds fractured by life. It’s a long way off, but to get there takes no time and admission is free, if you will purge yourself of desire, and present yourself with your need only and the simple offering of your faith, green as a leaf. …Martin

Our Lent Course Following on from last year’s stimulating course, written by our own Bishop John, we will be following another ‘York course’, written this time by Bishop Nick.

Entitled ‘Daring to see God now’, it takes the Good news of God as proclaimed in Mark’s Gospel as a starting point.

This short course is a good opportunity for us to experience being part of a Home Group: a ‘safe space’ in which we can learn from each other. With each group including members from the other churches in Richmond we will also be able to learn from different Christian traditions.

The first of five weekly sessions begins in week commencing 10th March, with groups meeting as follows:

Tuesdays 2:00 The Rectory led by Revd Martin Fletcher (821241) Wednesdays 12:00 Methodist Church led by Revd Les Nevin (823149) (followed by a soup lunch) 7:30 2 Hurgill Road led by Scott Lunn (826895) Thursdays 7:30 1 Roper Court led by Jennifer Patrick (850693).

To book a place please add your name to the sign-up sheets at the back of the church.

Your church needs you! A church community can be identified by the connectedness of its members – to each other and to God. St Paul reminds us that together we make up the Body of Christ. As fellow members of the same body we are mutually dependent and therefore no one member is any more important than another.

Being a member of the Electoral Roll is one way of declaring our membership of and commitment to our church community – whilst also entitling us to vote in the elections which take place at the Annual Meeting. An additional way is to join our Planned Giving Scheme (please see http://www.richmondhudswellparish.org.uk/ info/Giving for further information).

Every church community undertakes a complete renewal of its Electoral Roll every six years, with the next renewal due this year.

So, even if you are a current member of the Electoral Roll you will need to complete a new application form. Forms can be collected and handed in at the back of the church, from our Electoral Roll Officer John Dickinson, or from the Parish Office. Please submit your form by 10th March. And please remember, your church needs you!

For further information please contact John Dickinson (826803) or Martin (821241).

FROM OUR REGISTERS

We have laid to rest those who have died on - 19th January 2019 - Philip Heseltine 24th January 2019 - Brenda Margaret Gardner

May they rest in peace and rise in glory

AFTER THE CARDS AND VISITORS Bereavement is a very difficult time for the spouse/partner left behind. Starting again on your own is even more difficult. Carrie and friends would like to help you with the next step by meeting any recently bereaved spouse/partner for coffee in Greyfriars Coffee Shop on Wed 6th March at 1.30pm. Please phone Carrie on 851003 if you wish any more information. This is a very informal and relaxed atmosphere.

KNIT2GETHER FRIDAYS BETWEEN 10AM AND 12NOON : A weekly knitting, crocheting and hand sewing group. This group meets in the coffee shop/restaurant at Greyfriars. All will be made very welcome. Bring your own projects and enjoy coffee and a chat whilst making new friends. Please contact Claire Murray on 07737482611 for further information.

HUTCHINSON RICHMOND AND GILLING TRUST This charity works to support the local community by providing small grants towards: educational courses, necessary medical equipment, household appliances, and many other expenses. If you live in: Richmond, Gilling West, Eppleby, Eryholme, South Cowton, North Cowton, West Layton, Hutton Magna, Cliffe, or Barton, then you may be eligible for this support. For further information, please contact either Mrs Christine Bellas, Oak Tree View , Hutton Magna, Richmond, DL11 7HQ or our Rector.

“The Happy Bodgers”. About a year ago a few of our gentlemen were looking at how they can work together to help others who may be in need of a practical assistance. As a result they formed a group called “The Happy Bodgers”. Happily they are far more skilled than their title suggests and they are able to offer a variety of help free of charge. Try us - we can say no if we don't feel capable. We could probably not take on regular tasks such as lawn mowing, weeding, shopping etc. Why not give us a call on 07866 325843 and Keith Robson will see if the Happy Bodgers can help, and take it from there.” We look forward to helping you.

Little Rainbows Little Rainbows continues to go well at St Mary’s Church. It started beginning of January and it has been a delight to welcome a good number of babies, toddlers and children along with a selection of mums, dads, grandmas, grandads and friends. Meeting every Thursday in term time with doors opening at 9am and the session officially starting off with a welcome song at 9.30am this exciting group is in Church and is for younger members of our community. Called Little Rainbows (taking our inspiration from Ruth’s Window) this Group is children focused with Bible Stories, singing, craft activities and refreshments. We hope that by running this new group we will enable those who look after children to find some support, friendship and community at the same time as the children are having fun. If anybody would like to help at the group by just being an extra pair of hands please contact Sian ([email protected], 01677 450920) for more information.

T.O.A.S.T. - Time On A Sunday Together Following on from the success of our new baby and toddler group, we have now launched TOAST which takes place on the second Sunday of the month. This group will be for children ages 3 upwards. The Children will be learning about the same things as the adults but with perhaps, a few more felt pens and glue. We will follow the same bible readings as the grown-ups and will come back into the church in time for the communion part of the service. We will be doing our own version of what the adults will be doing in Church but in the parish office for the first part of the service. We will all come back together in church in time for the communion part of the service. If you want to volunteer to help or what any more information please contact Siân [email protected] 07583 874 203

FUN-KEY CHURCH @ ST MARY’S RICHMOND We had great fun at our service at the end of January. Our theme was “One body many parts” and we looked at how each of us has our own part to play - we all make up the Kingdom of God and none of us is more important than the other. Each of us is uniquely special. We made microwave cakes in a mug (each ingredient is important; made marshmallow people out of spaghetti and marshmallows; we played the giant ball of wool game (which ties and links everyone together) and so much more.

Our February service will be on Sunday 24th at 4pm when we will be looking at Jesus calming the storm; our March service will be on Sunday 31st March at 4pm which will be Mothering Sunday. Why not come along and receive a primula for yourself or to give to those who Mother us. (Thank you to the lovely Mothers Union for this). All are welcome.

We couldn’t do Fun-Key Church without the very dedicated help of planners before the service and people on the day and of course the Mothers Union who make tea, coffee and biscuits during every service.

Find us on the church website or find us on Facebook. Even better, why not come along and find out for yourself just what we get up to.

Gillian 07592016476

6 PRAYER DIARY FOR MARCH we pray … Fri 1 For a new month, a fresh start, a time to continue moving forward with anticipation, hope, joy and faith. Sat 2 For those looking after loved ones. For patients at the Friary Hospital. For staff who work there. Sun 3 For people who feel they may wish to come along to church but aren't sure if it’s for them. For the reassurance that all are welcome. Mon 4 For our Monday morning toddler group at the Methodist Church. For relationships between people of all faith and none across the world Tue 5 Shrove Tuesday - preparation for the beginning of Lent tomorrow. For our local schools, hospitals, drs and dentists and care homes. Wed 6 For Ash Wednesday and all who will come to the services today. For After the Cards as they meet today. For all who miss loved ones. Thur 7 For all who come to Little Rainbows at St Mary’s Church every week Fri 8 For Revs Martin, Mark, Jennifer and Bishop John and their families and friends. For Sian our ordinand, our Readers Scott, Gillian and George, for our Church Wardens, treasurers, vergers, and PA. Sat 9 For our bellringers and their joy at calling people to worship. For our Musical Director Chris, choir, musicians, for Fionagh and Andrew. Sun 10 For TOAST as it meets again. For our new Archdeacon Rev Canon Jonathan Gough who is installed today at Ripon Cathedral at Evensong. Mon 11 For all who are sick in body, mind and spirit. Tue 12 For all who live in Norman Square and Ryders Court , and all who work in our local shops and businesses. Wed 13 For all who attend the weekly Wednesday morning communion at 9.15am and who enjoy fellowship afterwards. All are welcome. Thur 14 For the gift of life, of love and companionship. For Bishops Nick and Helen-Ann. Fri 15 For all who come to our church as visitors. May they feel welcome. For refugees and migrants and all who are persecuted. Sat 16 With thanks for the beauty and wonder of nature and creation. Sun 17 For all who will come to Free to Be today. For a sense of peace and knowledge of God’s love for us all wherever we are. Mon 18 For all who work in the armed and naval forces. For a sense of wonder and wish to learn more about God Tue 19 For all who struggle with relationships and communication. Wed 20 To learn more and more about God’s dreams for each of us. Thur 21 That we may never tire of trying to do good and love each other. Fri 22 For all who go to Knit2gether. For our Pastoral Team. Sat 23 For all in local, national and international government. For wisdom and integrity. Sun 24 We pray for Traidcraft and for all FairTrade organisations Mon 25 For our Town and District councils. Tue 26 For love, grace and patience. For peace in the world. For the Mothers Union across the world. Wed 27 For all who work away from home during the week and miss their family and friends. Thur 28 For those who are lonely or feel unheard or invisible. Fri 29 For all who are at the Friary Hospital. Those who work there and those who are there for treatment, respite or palliative care. Sat 30 For those who are homeless or feel unwelcome in their communities. Sun 31 For all who come to Fun-Key Church this afternoon - may they glimpse God and want to find out more.

7 WHAT’S ON IN MARCH 2019

Every Friday: Knit2gether at Greyfriars in the restaurant - 10am - 12noon: For more details, please see page 5.

Friday 1st - Womens World Day of Prayer service at St Joseph and St Francis Xavier Church in Newbiggin at 2pm. Ecumenical service for men and women.

Saturday 2nd between 8.30am and 1pm - The Big Brew and Breakfast. - at Northcliffe, Gatherley Road, Brompton on Swale

Wednesday 6th - After the Cards - at Greyfriars Coffee Shop 1.30pm - see P5 for more information

Wednesday 6th - Richmond Flower Arranging Club - at Hudswell Village Hall - this is the annual meeting to be followed by a Bring and Buy Plant and Cake stall. Coffee is served from 9.30am and over the months there is a full programme of demonstrations, speakers, workshops and outings. Enquiries to Judy Farrar on 01748 824514. New members and visitors always welcome.

Thursday 7th - First Thursday Prayers at Holy Trinity Chapel, 12noon-12.30pm.

Saturday 9th - Richmond Fairtrade Group invite you to take part in THE BIG QUIZ in the Town Hall. Doors open at 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start. Richmond Fairtrade Group are back with their popular fundraising quiz with the annoyingly challenging quizmaster, the broadcaster James Wilson. Beneficiaries this year will be the local dementia charities, Traidcraft Exchange and the Fairtrade Foundation. Bring your purse as well as your brains as there will be a Bar with Fairtrade wine and beers from Darwin Ales plus a Traidcraft Stall with lots of tasty treats. Enter your own team of six or make one up on the night. Individual tickets are £6 from Castle Hill Bookshop or on the door. Ring Gillian Howells 01748 825221 for more details

Saturday 16th - Men’s Breakfast at St Cuthbert’s Church Colburn - 8.30-10am, featuring a guest speaker. Please speak to Martin for more details or to reserve a place. They will also meet on Saturday 16th March.

Saturday 21st - St Mary’s Church coffee morning at The Town Hall. Do come along and support this coffee morning. All offers of help and support are very welcome.

Tuesday 26th - Mothers Union AGM - at 2pm at 14 Pilmoor Close, Richmond - Sian Lawton our ordinand will be sharing more of her journey towards ordination. Followed by tea and cake - all are welcome.

Saturday 30th - The Band of the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service Charity Concert - at St Mary’s Church at 7pm. Military and Jazz songs. Tickets £5 from Neeps and Tatties or www.thefirebrand.co.uk

Sunday 31st at 4pm - Fun-Key Church @ St Mary’s - refreshments and activities from 3.40pm. We look forward to welcoming all ages to Fun-Key Church. Do come and join us for a service which is suitable for all ages and very relaxed. Come and enjoy a coffee from our Mothers Union and feel welcome. Gillian 0759201646. See P6 for more information.

8 Saturday 18th May - The Great Benefice Churches Stroll/Drive - We are all invited to join in this day and to visit each of the churches in our Benefice i.e. Richmond, Hudswell, Downholme and Marske. You can stroll it a (13miles), stroll part of it, or drive yourselves to visit each church and experience their unique history and hospitality. The thought is that we’ll finish with a BBQ back at St Mary’s in Richmond. All are welcome. There will be more details in the April Magazine.

Saturday 8th June (evening) - The Richmond Parish Gift and Fashion Show at Trinity Academy Richmond school. More details to follow but we have many stall-holders and fashion providers interested.

All things come from You O God...and of Your own do we give You We urgently need extra financial support for St Mary’s Church. Each month we will discuss different ways that we can help St Mary's. Regular giving. This is not just about paying the bills and wages (it is that as well) but about ensuring the very survival of St Mary’s and all it stands for as a centre of worship and ministry. If you are not already a regular donor please consider becoming one either by using a weekly envelope or by Standing Order. If you are already a regular giver, could you increase the amount you give? In addition, would you consider a one-off donation to get us through this difficult time? You can do this by online banking or telephone banking (sort code 40 – 38 – 19 account number 5070 1793) or by cheque whichever is easiest for you. Money can of course be given anonymously if you wish. For further details talk to the Rector, William Gedye or Peter Trewby. Don’t let this opportunity pass. We need everyone to give a little bit more. Is your home insurance up for renewal this year? Don’t pay the premium until you get a quote from Ecclesiastical Insurance; “a different kind of business”. Ecclesiastical will donate £130 to St Mary’s for every new policy taken out. You could save money on the premium and St Mary’s will certainly benefit. Again, if you have any difficulty with the website or application talk to Rev Martin, William or Peter who will happily take you through it.

We have a new selection of cards including Easter cards which will be on sale at the back of Church after services on a Sunday they are also available on the card stall - cards for all occasions and very reasonable prices. Stock up early for Easter.

As part of our fundraising St Mary’s has produced its own mugs. £6 each - they show the St Mary’s logo and the phrase taken from Ruth’s Window “Hold on to that which is good”. Every home should have one! Available at any St Mary’s event, function or service.

All in the month of March… th  100 years ago, on 17 March 1919 that Nat King Cole, the American jazz/ swing/pop singer and pianist was born. (Died 1965)  80 years ago, that the fictional superhero Batman made his first appearance, in Detective Comics no. 27. th  30 years ago, on 12 March 1989 that Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Webb while working at CERN. th  25 years ago, on 12 March 1994 that the first women priests in the Church of England were ordained.

IN THE BEGINNING… Which words do you immediately think of as following that opening sentence ? …..GOD …. WAS THE WORD Genesis or John’s Gospel ? Whichever comes to mind, the thought is of God as the creator, God as the word, God as revealed in Jesus At our FREE TO BE in January, we were encouraged to ask ourselves questions. My own were to do with the beginning of my own life . Where was I ‘ In the beginning ‘ of my life ? Where were my parents ? Where did they live ? Was I welcomed with love and care into this world of ours where such is not always the case ? I gave thanks for my beginnings. The slides were chosen so that we could see and reflect on ‘ Beginnings ‘. We saw the world in space, we saw seeds being planted then sprouting, we saw a butterfly emerge from its chrysalis, we saw a butterfly take flight. We saw a toddler at the foot of a steep flight of steps. Our ‘ Thought Stations ‘ included the planting of cress seeds on soaked cotton wool, which we could take home and watch grow, placed together with Jesus’s parable of the seed. There was a reflection on Psalm 139 “For you created my inmost being ” ; Nearby was a sand tray in which to trace your anxieties, which could then be wiped away, leaving them with God, giving you a new start. There was a tableau of small nativity figures which spoke of the beginning of life for Jesus. “In the beginning was the word.” Closing our hour with Compline, we repeated the phrase ‘ as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end…’ This struck me as totally appropriate to end our theme for the evening. AMEN Thank you Claire Joy Hornsby Ed:- why not go along and experience Free to Be - Sunday 17th March at 6.30pm. All are welcome.

God of Mission who alone brings growth to your Church, send your Holy Spirit to give Vision to our planning, wisdom to our actions, and power to our witness. Help our church to grow in numbers, in spiritual commitment to you, and in service to our local community, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Training opportunities - For all sorts of information on training, vocations, children and young peoples work, prayer, spiritual life, education, safeguarding, personal development, do have a look at the website recently launched by the diocese. It is being updated daily and there is lots of information available for whatever place you may be on your spiritual journey. www.learning.leeds.anglican.org

Fairtrade Fortnight 25th February – 10th March You are invited to the 2019 Big Brew and Breakfast – on Saturday 2nd March at Northcliffe, Gatherley Road, Brompton on Swale from 8.30 am to 1pm. Traidcraft is 40 this year and to celebrate 40 years of the Traidcraft family we are hosting a Big Brew and Breakfast during Fair Trade fortnight – so please come along for coffee, scones and biscuits, croissants or bacon butties (all fairly traded or locally sourced where possible) and celebrate 40 years of making trade fairer. Join us to celebrate, have fun and raise money to change the world. Big Brews and Breakfasts have changed lives Whilst it is hugely positive that Traidcraft plc will continue to trade and therefore support some producers, unfortunately the reality of downsizing involves ceasing to buy from some producer groups, particularly craft groups. Inevitably this means that many groups throughout the world will lose markets for their products. Thank you – Rachel Walker 01748 812015, [email protected]

Help is still needed for St Mary’s Christian Aid team. As many of you know, members of the congregation of St Mary’s have always responded well to the Christian Aid Week appeal which happens every year in May. I sincerely hope this will continue for many years to come. However we urgently need a replacement for Anne Simpson, who has been the Church Representative for more years than we can recall – probably in excess of 30! I took over from Sybil Reed the role of Coordinator for all the Richmond churches back in 2003 and Anne had already been our church Rep for many years. I would very much welcome offers of help to continue this worthy support for Christian Aid and think that perhaps a small committee of 2 or 3 people could work very well to do what Anne has done over the years. Please give this your consideration and if you feel this is something you can help with please contact me on 01748 824656 and I will be delighted to add you to our small band of workers.

The St Mary’s Recipe Book - Do you or your friends have a favourite recipe you could share, do you have a family recipe that you are willing to pass on to the next generation? What about that failsafe recipe for when unexpected guests come, or the student recipe that costs pennies to make? St Mary’s is going to compile a recipe book to raise some money for church funds and would love you to contribute your recipe and if you can a picture of the finished creation. (if you can’t do this Peter and friends would happily come along and photograph your food). Chat to your friends, raid your recipe books and send your contributions to [email protected]. Your name, recipe and the finished product will bring so much joy to so many.

THE MOTHERS UNION - Well we had a wonderful party at the end of January with members and friends. A lovely afternoon of entertainment from Tony, Freda, Mark and Dennis, group singing, solos and poems. And of course our well known afternoon tea !

Down to earth we had our AGM in Feb and our annual report is available in the magazine for everyone to read. We make no apologies for stating again that the Mothers Union is worldwide providing prayerful and practical support to “ families “

Families are many and varied ie single parent, step parents, same parents. It is not solely women who have given birth to a child who Mother - there are many males who do a Mothering role and that should not go unrecognised.

Mothers Union members with the help of non members male and female especially in St. Mary’s offer unconditional love and support to those who are in need. That is the work of the Mothers Union and it goes on right here in our parish as well as further afield.

Following on, on Mothering Sunday once again the Mothers Union will be providing primulas for all who “ Mother” as we give thanks for all who give love and support to those in need, maybe just a hug at the right time maybe more.

Martin in his role as Rector is guiding, teaching, caring, loving, mothering and we thank God for that.

Our March meeting will be Tuesday 26th at 2pm when Sian will be our speaker before she leaves to continue her journey. We will meet at 14 Pilmoor Close and all are welcome whether male or female.

Date for your diaries Reeth Band with Afternoon Tea in St. Mary’s Saturday 22nd June 3 pm Susan Scrafton

May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.

May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain in to joy.

And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done.

Taken from Craig Groeschel, It: How Churches and Leaders Can Get It and Keep It and submitted to the magazine by John and Angela Dickinson

Prayer for March was by Sir Jacob Astley The February winner of the 200 Club was Carole Ward. Congratulations Carol.

FLOWERS IN CHURCH - Some of you may have noticed a simple bowl of flowers was been placed in church last month instead of an elaborate arrangement. The idea behind this is to show how anyone could place flowers in church for us, there is no particular skill needed. There are those of us who enjoy the more arranged style and have the skills to make an arrangement, but others could make a more simple display for us to enjoy, as most of us do like have flowers in church during our services. And of course this idea does not exclude men, as with chefs, many of the talented flower arrangers are men. At the moment there are ten people offering flowers each fortnight throughout the year. Do you think you could help with the flowers or offer a donation towards the not inconsiderable cost, It would help us enormously if you could. Since Easter is almost upon us, could I also remind you of our tradition of buying a lily in memory of a loved one, their name being placed on a list at the back of church over the Easter period. Money placed in an envelope with the names of those to be remembered can be given to me at any time, or to the Churchwardens or Verger, who would be happy to pass the donation on. Thank you for thinking of us. Judith - 826793

THE WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY GROUP - THE LUNN’S - 2 HURGILL ROAD, 7.30pm: Everybody is welcome to join us for cake, chat and discussion. Current topic is prayer. Please contact Scott on 826895 for more information. New members are very welcome. THE THURSDAY BIBLE STUDY GROUP - JENNIFER PATRICK’S, - 1 ROPER COURT, 7.30pm: This is another very friendly group. They are discussing Bishop John Pritchard’s book Ten. Please call Jennifer on 850693 for more details. All are welcome. Hair-cut A minister, known for his lengthy sermons, noticed a man leave during the middle of his message. The man returned as the service concluded. Afterwards the minister asked the man where he had gone. “I went to get a hair-cut,” was the reply. “But,” protested the minister, “why didn’t you do that before the service?” “Because,” said the man, “I didn’t need one then.”

The Station Singers Presents…. ”A Merry ring time - Songs for Spring time” in aid of the local branches of Riding for the Disabled and St Mary’s Church. The concert will feature all sorts of spring music and will also include a medley of songs from Phantom of the Opera. Tickets are £8 in advance, £10 on the door with children free (with a ticket). Doors open 6pm and concert starts at 6.30pm with refreshments, wine and soft drinks at the end. Tickets available from singers, Christine Stedman 824664, and the TIC.

ST MARY’S RICHMOND Sunday 3rd March 8am Holy Communion 1 before Lent 10am Parish Communion 12noon Baptisms Wednesday 6th March 9.15am Holy Communion and Ash Wednesday Ashing 7pm Parish Communion and Ashing Sunday 10th March 8am Holy Communion Lent 1 10am Parish Communion 6.30pm Choral Evensong Sunday 17th March 8am Holy Communion Lent 2 10am Worship For All 6.30pm Free to Be Sunday 24th March 8am Holy Communion Lent 3 10am Parish Communion Sunday 31st March 8am Holy Communion Mothering Sunday 10am Worship For All 4pm Fun-Key Church EVERY WEDNESDAY 9.15am HOLY COMMUNION HOLY TRINITY EVERY THURSDAY 10.30am HOLY COMMUNION ST MICHAEL & ALL ANGELS DOWNHOLME Sunday 10th March 9.30am Morning Prayer Sunday 24th March 9.30am Holy Communion ST EDMUND’S MARSKE Sunday 3rd March 11am Holy Communion Sunday 10th March 11am Morning Prayer Sunday 17th March 11am Holy Communion Sunday 24th March 11am Holy Communion Sunday 31st March 11am Holy Communion

Prayer for March 2019 - see P13 for writer O Lord, Thou knowest how busy I must be this day. If I forget Thee, do not Thou forget me. (Spoken by the Commander of Royalist forces in the English Civil war before the Battle of Edgehill 1642)

www.richmondhudswellparish.org.uk

St Mary's SIDES PEOPLE and WELCOMERS 10am MARCH 2019 3rd - C&J Bilbrough, G&J Barber 10th - J&A Roberts, F&M Gibbon 17th - P Wheatley, LCopeland, G&M Merlane 24th - O Harrison, K Robson, S McCormack 31st - J&W Pritchard, J&A Dickinson APRIL 7th - J&A Roberts, F&M Gibbon 14th - C&J Bilbrough, G&A Barber

Any problems please swap with someone or let Roy know please. The Wardens would like to thank everyone for all their help.

COFFEE ROTA - MARCH 2019 3rd - P Wheatley, J Brown, L Copeland 10th - A McDonald, C Stedman, A Bacon 17th - M Emmerson, J&C Bilbrough, H Ellis 24th - C Blenkiron, M Gibbon, J Bennett 31st - J Steele, B Ridley, Mary Turner APRIL2019 7th - E Roberts, O Harrison 14th - P Wheatley, J Brown, L Copeland

The deadline for the April 2019 magazine is Friday 15th March. Please forward any contributions to Gillian by hand or send to gillian.lunn@ yahoo.com

Still Wanted! - After 9 years of editing the magazine it very much feels the right time for someone new to take up the role. It’s not a big job and it’s really interesting seeing all that goes on in and around our Benefice. All it needs is someone with an eye for detail, a little bit of creativity and desire to help the church move forward. This could be a role which could be shared among a small group of people and divide the tasks out so that no-one feels they have too much to do. Hopefully together they could co-edit the magazine and freshen it up to enable it to be a good window into the life of our church, our parish and our communities. For more information contact Gillian on 07592016476 or catch me at church on a Sunday morning x