Crosstalk Lillington, St Mary Magdalene,

Parish Magazine

NOVEMBER 2019

1 At the Harvest Supper on 12th October.

Tackling the quiz (above) and helping Hazel Baker celebrate her birthday (right).

2 FROM THE VICAR Dear Friends, How do you do your shopping? Are you someone who goes around the supermarket picking and choosing items at random as you pass them or are you someone who goes armed with a list? I am most definitely a list person. Unless I’ve got a list then I’m almost certainly likely to arrive home without the washing powder or the bread. Lists are very useful and if a piece of paper isn’t to hand then I’ll often write my list there on my hand. Carrying large amounts of information around in our heads can sometimes lead Are you someone who to things being overlooked or forgotten. goes around the Forgetting inanimate objects is one supermarket picking and thing, but forgetting people is quite choosing items at random? another. November is the month, it seems, for remembering people. We remember those who gave their lives in the service of their country and we remember those whom we have loved but have gone ahead of us. Lists are therefore an important feature in the month of remembrance. On Sunday 3rd November we will gather at the 5.30pm service to remember those who have died over the last twelve months, and be inviting their families to join with us in worship. Those wishing to remember loved ones will add other names and candles will be lit and memories cherished. On Sunday 10th November we will be around the war memorial at the base of the church tower to remember by name local people who died in the two world wars. Lists of names carefully recorded and honoured. Each name represents a life lived and prayer will be offered for God’s continued safekeeping. But can I also take this opportunity to commend another list that we read out on Sunday? Each week we publish a list of those who have particularly asked for prayer. It is a list of people, some of whom are very young, others who are very old. Each person on the sick list is a name we commend to the healing love of God. And we also remember the families of those who have recently died. Please take the hand-out and make it the focus for some of your prayers during the week. Prayer quite literally changes and transforms and lists are really very useful to those of us who from time to time forget. With every blessing William Smith. 3 WARDEN’S WORDS Do you feel a little sad when summer is over? I certainly do. However, it is good to reflect upon and value our experiences so that they are put into our own ‘memory bank’, not always relying on photographs and computers. This summer I have visited several churches in our area, plus some in Cornwall, one being the 13th century St Just in Roseland Church in the diocese of Truro and close to the River Fal. It is one of Cornwall’s most visited churches, with its 6th century Celtic heritage and its setting in a unique sub- tropical garden. There is certainly a special atmosphere and it is visited by pilgrims from all over the world, mainly due to the legend of Joseph of Arimathea bringing Jesus ashore there. Closer to home, there is our own beautiful Stoneleigh Church. Sometimes we overlook the gems we have on our doorstep. Two priests are mentioned here in the Domesday Survey of 1086 and the church was probably a wooden building at that time. I especially remember the beautiful Norman arch which is in such fine condition and certainly worth seeing. The supporting shafts contain rare carvings and the font is reputed to be one of the finest examples of late 12th century work in the country and features the twelve Apostles. Having visited the lovely town of Alcester three times since I moved here, I have become a great fan. I feel it has the atmosphere of a quintessential English market town with a wonderful community feel. The Malt Mill Lane social housing development in the centre of town has become a tourist attraction, with its mix of Elizabethan, Georgian and modern houses. A visit to Alcester would not be complete without seeing St Nicholas’ Church where people have been worshipping for nearly 1000 years. The present layout dates from 1871 when galleries and box pews were removed and replaced by a Victorian gothic chancel with transepts.

4 I made a trip to Malvern for the first time this summer and went to Great Malvern Priory. It was a monastery for 450 years until, in 1541, the church was bought for £20 by the local people to save it from destruction – what foresight and generosity they showed! They would be pleased to know that their legacy still stands as a testimony to the faith of many generations. The final visit I shall mention is a delightful trip taken in August by our Home Group to St John the Baptist Church at Hornton, led by Charlotte Sanders. Hornton is a Home Group village with a lunch at Hornton population of about 320 and is well known for its stone. The church is a good example of an ancient building (late 12th century) which has been adapted to serve as a venue for village social, charitable and cultural events. We had a very entertaining and informative talk by one of the Churchwardens who showed us with great pride the recently installed kitchen and toilet, expertly and tastefully incorporated into the church itself, as there is no space elsewhere. The biggest thrill for many of us was seeing the remains of 14th century wall paintings which once covered the south wall. The paintings that can be seen today are as a result of expert restoration in 1982. We all liked the 13th century carved owl, high up, looking down on the altar. Reflecting on these summer visits, I take with me the fact that we have a wonderful Christian heritage to explore and enjoy. Local people continue to play a part in preserving our lovely church buildings for future generations and adapting them to changing needs, encouraging people to feel welcome and inspired. Maureen Reynolds 5 The Machen Pershouse Fund Margaret Rushton of Lillington Local History Society has provided this fascinating article on the origins of one of the church’s charity funds. The Machen-Pershouse Fund is an active charity based at St Mary Magdalene’s church which supports the Love Lillington Prayer-Money- Action Grants. The grants are awarded according to need or request, by three parishioner-trustees. The Fund is named after the three donors, Col. John Machen, Ellen, his wife, and farmer Edward Pershouse, who in the 19th Century, left money in trust to the Vicar and Churchwardens, to be used in various ways to benefit the poor of the Parish. Colonel John Machen J.P. (1821-1887) John Machen was born in Scotland, the son of a Glasgow merchant and magistrate. He became a surgeon by profession, and started in practice in Dartmouth, Devon. On 8th August 1852, at St Petroc’s Church, Dartmouth, he married Ellen, widow of Robert Glason, late of H.M. 62nd Regiment of Foot and Upper Tooting. They moved to Leamington, to Lillington Lodge, close to Arnold Lodge on Kenilworth Road, where they remained for the next thirty years. In Dartmouth, John Machen had been an energetic supporter of the Volunteer movement, and in he played a prominent role in raising the 10th (Leamington) Warwickshire Rifle Corps in 1860, becoming its first Captain. On his retirement from the Volunteers on age grounds in 1884, he was elected its Honorary Colonel. He qualified as a Magistrate in 1860, and chaired the Kenilworth Petty Sessions, held at Milverton, from 1879. John Machen was also a well-known Freemason, holding a number of masonic offices over the years, from chairing meetings to organising charity concerts and balls. He was one of the subscribers to the Pump Rooms in 1861. He was also deeply involved in the running of the Board of Guardians, the Income Tax Commission, the Warneford Hospital, and the Dispensary. He was an honorary auditor of the County Council Treasurer’s accounts in 1861, and in 1863, was one of five justices of the peace who signed a document requiring the county council to enforce the Highways Improvement Act in the Warwick and Kenilworth District. He supported the establishment of the School for Cookery, at the Albert Hall, Kenilworth Street in 1876, where he was listed as a patron alongside Lord Leigh, Sir Eardley Wilmot, MP, Dr

6 Jephson and Mr Wise of Woodcote amongst others. For a number of years, he chaired the Lillington Local Board, where he sat from 1860 until his death, and was a Churchwarden at Lillington Parish Church. In 1869, he was secretary of the North Warwickshire Hounds, and submitted an appeal to the Leamington Courier, for subscriptions (maximum one guinea), to a testimonial for Mr Oswald Milne on his retirement from the Mastership of the NW Hounds in that year. In December 1861, following the death of Prince Albert, a meeting was convened to discuss an appropriate memorial for the town of Leamington. John Machen recommended that if Leamington were to raise a subscription in the Prince’s memory, an appropriate use of the funds would be the repair of the church or the baths, and that a special portion of either building should be dedicated to the late Prince. – An idea well ahead of its time, but not one which received much publicity. When John Machen died in November 1887, amongst tributes to him and his outstanding range of achievements, it was noted that a ward at the hospital was named after him, (there is still a Machen Ward at Warwick Hospital) and that his life in Leamington had been dedicated to the benefit of its townspeople. Two stained glass windows were erected in his memory, each showing St Luke. The first, at the Warwick Union Chapel, was funded by the Guardians and officers of the Union, and dedicated to the memory of Colonel John Machen, J P, Chairman 1884-1887. The second was at the Warneford Hospital Chapel, and showed St Luke bearing a scroll with the text, “He giveth medicine to heal their sickness”. At the foot, a brass plaque bore the inscription “To the memory of Colonel John Machen, JP, DL, President of this Hospital, Chairman of Committee, 1871-1877. This window is erected in token of esteem and affection by his colleagues on the Committee, April 1888” John Machen intended his funeral at Lillington Parish Church to be a brief, unceremonious event, but was attended by all the good and great of the district, demonstrating how widely he was known and respected by politicians, members of the nobility, clergy, his fellow aldermen, Volunteers, churchwardens, magistrates, bankers and

7 tradesmen. He bequeathed £105 (almost £10,000 today) to the vicar and churchwardens of Lillington, “the income to be applied for the benefit of the poor of the parish.” His wife Ellen died three years after her husband, almost to the day, and is buried with him in Lillington Churchyard, to the west of the Church. Little is known about Ellen, other than by her will dated 20 February 1888, she left £500 (approximately £45,000 in today’s money) to the vicar and churchwardens of Lillington, to be invested and used in the same way as her husband’s legacy. Edward Pershouse (1802-1868) Edward Pershouse was also a parishioner at St Mary Magdalene’s, and a Churchwarden for a time. He was born in Tipton, Staffordshire in about 1803, and died in Lillington in December 1868. He was registered in the Poll Book for 1865 as a voter, and along with other ratepayers in Lillington, he signed the letter published in the Leamington Courier to the Churchwardens in May 1859, requesting a meeting to consider adopting the Local Government Act 1858, in respect of Lillington Parish. There were 24 signatories, two of whom were women, - Mary Beamish of Manor Farm, and Ann Russell. At the start of his working life Edward Pershouse was a grocer, living at the time of his first marriage (in 1839) to Sarah Jackson, in West Street Warwick, but later became a farmer like his father. According to the 1861 Census, he farmed 46 acres, employing 1 labourer and 1 boy, in “Rugby Road Village.” Sarah died at the end of January 1866, and was buried at Rowington. A year or so later, Edward remarried, to Hannah Boyse or Boyce, from Bordesley, . In his will dated 29 December 1868, written shortly before his death, Edward Pershouse left the church £100, the income to be expended annually at Christmas in the purchase of bread or other food or clothing “to be distributed among the necessitous poor persons in the village of Lillington”. Edward Pershouse had been in the habit of giving tea and sugar to Lillington villagers at Christmas, - there were then between 30-40 families in the village. His legacy was intended to continue this tradition, and would be worth just short of £8,000 in 2019. Like John and Ellen Machen, Edward and his second wife Hannah (1815-1900) are buried in the churchyard at St Mary Magdalene’s, to the south of the Church. When the churchyard was reorganised in the 1980s, their headstones were placed side by side with that of the Cumberlands, who also set up a charity at the church.

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CHRISTMAS FAIR SATURDAY 23RD NOVEMBER

From 1pm to 3.30pm Volunteers needed! If you can help in any way please do get in touch with me. The Christmas Fair is a great social and community event and we would love to see lots of people involved – so if you have a yearning to be a Father (or Mother) Christmas, can make things for selling, write raffle ticket stubs, run a stall, or help with setting up and putting away – then we would love to hear from you!

on Monday 18th November In aid of Rufus’ Friends’ Fund, Save the Children & Village Service Trust At Westbury, 5 Park Road CV32 9LG 9.30 am – 8.00 pm

9 Our Musical Director, Rachael Jefferies, reports: I have thoroughly enjoyed my first few weeks at St Mary Magdalene Church. Everyone has been very welcoming and supportive. I am delighted that we have been able to entice some new members into the choir and it has been enormous fun to begin to build upon an already strong choral tradition, here in Lillington. Music has a truly rich role to play in worship and with such a range of service styles on offer at St Mary Magdalene’s, there is much to do and to explore. Regular instrumental involvement in the form of a worship band for the All Age services would be wonderful, so if you can offer up any musical skills, please come and speak with me one Sunday. There will be a full choral Evensong to look forward in February, so please support our choir and attend this beautiful service. Thinking ahead to the season of Lent I would love to hear the sounds of men’s voices raised in unison (and with a little practise - harmony), in the form of a scratch male-voice choir, drawn from members of the congregation. I will be recruiting in the New Year!

WALKERS’ GROUP Stanley & Helen Ireland report on the October walk The occasion was a resumption of the Blue-Plaque (mark two) walk that had earlier been cancelled because of bad weather. From our meeting place outside the Town Hall we walked to the Angel Hotel, part of which now occupies the site where Henry Tandey lived, the most decorated private soldier of the First World War, being awarded the VC, DCM and MM for his part in three separate actions in 1918. By reputation he was modest and slight of build, and despite being wounded three times showed exemplary determination and bravery. 10 The next stop was 5 Willes Road, the home of Frederick and Elizabeth Whitehead, both notable artists in their time, exhibiting at the Royal Academy. Another winner of the VC and MM was next in line at 13 Willes Road, William Amey, also conspicuous for his bravery (especially in tackling enemy machine guns), whose medal is now in St. John's Museum in Warwick. A triple cluster of notable Willes Road figures is completed with No. 6, the home of Randolph Turpin, the youngest of three boxing brothers and variously British, British Empire and European middleweight champion, British and British Empire cruiserweight champion, and World middleweight champion. He was a good-natured and generous man, but fell victim to those who sought to exploit him and committed suicide in 1966. Passing by the plaque commemorating the architect of the Lansdowne Crescent, we saw the house in Lansdowne Circus visited three times by the American writer Nathaniel Hawthorne, author of works like 'The Scarlet Letter'. Returning to America he mentioned Leamington in one of his essays, but evidently depended on what by then was a misty memory. The next stop, Brandon Parade, was the birthplace of the Renshaw Twins, the first great stars of lawn tennis, not only winning at Wimbledon on numerous occasions, but moving the game onto a serious level. Moving on to Rosefield Street we passed the home of the composer, Robert Simpson, whose works included eleven symphonies and fifteen string quartets. Around the corner, in Newbold Terrace was the home of Sidney Flavel, iron founder and at one time the largest employer in the town with his cooking range 'The Kitchener' being widely used throughout the country.

11 Crossing the Leam we came upon the house in Church Street purchased by the artist Thomas Baker, creator of over 800 oil paintings, with over fifty of his paintings and drawings in Leamington Art Gallery. The Spa in Leamington is largely down to our next call: Benjamin Satchwell of New Street first medicinal baths were opened in 1786. Nearby, in Russell Terrace we came upon the house where John Ruskin lodged while consulting Dr. Jephson for his consumption, and finally, in Bath Street, is the home of Sir Bernard Spilsbury, famous for his part in bringing Dr. Crippen to justice and the 'Brides in the bath' case, conducting over 2,500 post-mortems, and closely involved in what was later filmed as 'The Man Who Never Was'. From Bath Street we returned to Livery Street and a hearty lunch at Rosie's Tea Room.

Editor’s note: Stanley & Helen are leading a similar walk for The Churches Together in Leamington walkers on Saturday 16th November. See “What’s On” on page 15.

John Haine John and Diana Haine became members of our church when they moved to Leamington in 2002. John was born in India and his early years were divided between that country and boarding school in England. He joined the Army and saw service in Malaysia, Kenya, Germany and the USA. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and retired in 1993, initially to Devon. Diana had known John since she was 17 years of age. They were married in 1961 when he returned from his three year tour in Malaysia. Then it was off to Kenya where their first son was born. Two further sons were born on their return to this country. John died on 1st October, aged 83. Diana writes: “Family and friends had a great respect for John. He was a devoted father and husband”. We at St Mary Magdalene will remember him particularly for his long service on the Banking and Gardening Teams. He will be sorely missed.

CHARITY OF THE MONTH 12 Christian Solidarity Worldwide Below is an extract from their website:

CSW's team of specialist advocates work on over 20 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East, to ensure that the right to freedom of religion or belief is upheld and protected. Our vision is a world free from religious persecution, where everyone can practise a religion or belief of their choice. We gather evidence and document abuses Our teams regularly visit the countries we’re working on to gather first-hand evidence of violations of the right to freedom of religion or belief. Our research and analysis is used by politicians, policy- makers and international institutions around the world. We regularly provide decision-makers in the UK parliament, United Nations, European Union and US Congress with accurate reports on freedom of religion or belief around the world. We train, equip and empower We believe that to bring lasting change we must work with activists, journalists, religious leaders and partner NGOs in the countries on which we focus. It’s a priority for us to build and equip networks of partners and communities, empowering them to become advocates for justice. We enable policy-makers to stand up for freedom of religious belief We challenge and encourage those in positions of power whose policies or actions can make a difference, to bring about change. We work extensively at the United Nations, and with the UK and US governments, the European Union and other regional and international bodies. We are the only advocacy organisation with a sole focus on freedom of religion or belief for all with UN accreditation, which enables us to provide those marginalised on account of their religion or belief with an international platform.

13 REVERSE ADVENT 2019 - remember it just keeps on giving! We are once more supporting the Leamington Night Shelter and our local Lillington branch of the Leamington and Warwick Food Bank. **Here are the details** We will launch Reverse Advent at all of our Services on Sunday 1st December when we will be distributing boxes and baskets for you to take home and fill up, ready for Christmas. Filled boxes and baskets will be received back into church at all services on Sunday 15th December. **How it works** Lots of us now have an Advent calendar with a chocolate or little toy for each day. With the Reverse Advent Calendar, you GIVE a little something for each day. You could fill a box or basket for the Night Shelter, or our local Food Bank and at the same time your help will support what "Love Lillington" is doing in our Community. For the Night Shelter, the little gifts can be hand-warmers, new socks, hats, gloves, scarves, underwear, toiletries, toothbrushes & toothpaste, chocolates or biscuits and other luxury foods, and for the Foodbank, tins of vegetables, stuffing, gravy, bread sauce, little Christmassy goodies and stocking fillers, or even a supermarket gift card. At the end of Advent these will be fantastic boxes and baskets of little gifts for us to distribute to Leamington and Lillington people in need. Perhaps think about writing a short prayer and enclose it with your gifts, or tie it on with a ribbon? If filling a whole box or basket is not for you, there will be a ‘whole church’ Reverse Advent box, available in church, where your contribution may be made. How you can help before Advent : Anyone who can collect suitably sized boxes between now and Advent Sunday and cover them in Christmas paper, please speak to Christine Butler. If you would prefer to just source boxes, or prefer to just cover boxes that is fine. Any help will be appreciated. Christine Butler : [email protected] or 07963 229756

14 CROSSWORD the last trumpet’ (1 Corinthians 15:51–52) (3,2) 22 ‘But he replied, “Lord, I am — — go with you to prison and to death”’ (Luke 22:33) (5,2) 23 Third person of the Trinity (2 Corinthians 13:14) (4, 6) Down 1 He betrayed Jesus (Matthew 27:3) (5) 2 Paul’s assurance to the Philippian jailer: ‘Don’t — yourself! We are all here!’ (Acts 16:28) (4) 3 ‘Fear God and keep his commandments, for this — Across the whole — of man’ (Ecclesiastes 1 He was replaced as king of 12:13) (2, 4) Judah by his uncle Mattaniah (2 4 The sort of giver God loves (2 Kings 24:17) (10) Corinthians 9:7) (8) 7 ‘Let us fix our eyes on Jesus... 5 Sun rail (anag.) (7) who for the joy set before him — 6 Naboth, the ill-fated vineyard the cross’ (Hebrews 12:2) (7) owner, was one (1 Kings 21:1) 8 Relieved (5) (10) 10 Impetuous (Acts 19:36) (4) 9 Paul said of young widows, 11 Surprised and alarmed (Luke ‘When their sensual desires 24:37) (8) overcome their — to Christ, they 13 ‘It is — for a camel to go want to marry’ (1 Timothy 5:11) through the eye of a needle than (10) for the rich to enter the kingdom 12 This was how Joseph of of God’ (Mark 10:25) (6) Arimathea practised his 15 Directions for the conduct of a discipleship ‘because he feared the church service (6) Jews’ (John 19:38) (8) 17 One of the acts of the sinful 14 Mop ruse (anag.) (7) nature (Galatians 5:19) (8) 16 Foment (Philippians 1:17) (4, 18 and 20 Down ‘She began to 2) wet his — with her tears. Then she 19 Where Joseph and Mary wiped them with her — ’ (Luke escaped to with the baby Jesus 7:38) (4,4) (Matthew 2:14) (5) 21 ‘We will all be changed, in a 20 See 18 Across flash, in the twinkling of an — , — Solution on page 19 15 SERVICE DETAILS WORSHIP IN NOVEMBER

8:00 am Holy Communion All Saints’/ Holy Communion with Sunday Sun 3 9:30 am All Souls’ Club 11:15 am All Age Service 5:30 pm All Souls’ Wed 6 10:00 am Midweek Communion Service Remem- 8:00 am Holy Communion Sun 10 brance Holy Communion & Sunday Club 10:00 am Service with Act of Remembrance 6:30 pm Youth Group – No service Wed 13 10:00 am Midweek Communion Service 8.00 am Holy Communion Holy Communion with Sunday 9.30 am Sun 17 Trinity 22 Club & Prayers for Healing 11:15 am All Age Service 5:30 pm Evensong Wed 20 10:00 am Midweek Communion Service 8:00 am Holy Communion Christ the Holy Communion with Sunday Sun 24 9:30 am King Club 11:15 am All Age Service 6:30 pm Youth Group –No service Tue 26 1.30 pm Holy Communion Wed 27 10:00 am Holy Communion

A Time for Quiet and Prayer. The church is open each Wednesday from 9.30 am until noon. If you would like to access the church at other times during office hours, please go to the office.

SUNDAY CLUB For children of all ages up to 10 years during school term time. Children join the main 9:30 am service at the beginning and the end, and leave for a 30 minute Sunday Club session which has a range of age appropriate activities. OCTOTOTS Thursday mornings during term time at 10.30 am in The Octagon.

16 WHAT’S ON November 2019 Fri 1st 4.30 pm Lillington Local History Society meets in The Free Church. Sat 2nd 9.00 am Walkers’ Group meets for their AGM followed by a walk led by John & Sue Hollins (773919) 7.30 pm Espressivo Concert in church Mon 4th 7.30 pm The Mid Warks Assoc of the National Trust meets at Kingsley School. “Frank Whittle” Wed 6th 10.55 am The Arts Society of Leamington Spa meets & 1.55 pm in The Spa Centre. “Secret Art of the Passport – How we use it to Fox the Forger”. Visitors welcome Tue 12th 6.30 pm Knit and Natter in The Octagon Wed 13th 3.00 pm Poetry Group meets at 17 Lime Avenue Sat 16th 10.00 am Churches Together in Leamington Walkers’ Group meets in Livery Street for a Blue Plaque Walk Sun 17th Last day for Christmas Tree registration Mon 18th 7.30 pm Bible Book Club meets at 27 St Andrews Road. The Book of Malachi 9.30 am – Delia’s Christmas Fair at Westbury, 5 Park 8.00 pm Road, Leamington Spa Sat 23rd 1.00 pm Christmas Fair Mon 25th 7.30 pm Leamington History Society meets at Dormer Place Conference Centre. Nigel Briggs on Sir Frederick Gibberd Tues 26th 2.00 pm Tea & Chat in The Octagon 6.30 pm Knit & Natter in The Octagon

Lillington Parish Church, St Mary Magdalene’s Facebook Page – “Like” us and keep up to date with all the exciting things that are happening via: https://www.facebook.com/LillingtonParishChurch

December Crosstalk deadline is 15th November 17 CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL You’ve been mulling over how you will decorate your tree – you have been discussing it with members of your group – but have you registered your tree to take part in this year’s Festival? The booking forms are in the October Crosstalk ready for you to tear out and complete, or you may pick one up in church. A special box is on the Welcome Table for your entries, or you may put them through the letterbox of the church office, in an envelope marked ‘Christmas Trees’. Please do this as soon as possible to ensure a place in church for your tree. If all available spaces are booked before the closing date, we will have to close early. The launch party will be held from 2 pm on Saturday 7h December with a Tea Party and Live Music. The church will then be open from 2 pm - 4 pm every afternoon until 23rd December, for enjoying the trees, music and refreshments. Charlotte 425642, Wendy 330825, Fiona 07493 634691

18 In her continuing series, Diana Taulbut looks at Prayer and Praying in the New Testament Although there are not many recorded prayers in the New Testament, we can learn about the character and content of prayers and praying generally from the contemporary Jewish practice, from those which are recorded, from reports of prayers and from teaching about prayer. In Jesus’ time the Jewish custom was (and still is) to pray set In Jesus’ time the Jewish prayers in the morning, afternoon custom was (and still is) to pray and evening. Morning and evening prayer included the set prayers in the morning, shema (creed), tephilla (prayers afternoon and evening of praise) and other declarations of blessing upon God. The shema is from Deuteronomy 6v4 and its beginning is familiar to us as the introduction to the prayers of confession in the communion service. It begins “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD; and you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.” The tephilla comprised a sequence of around eighteen blessings/praises of God. Jesus uses the phrase “God of Abraham, God of Isaac & God of Jacob” 1 which originates in Exodus2 but would have been a daily familiarity to his hearers as it comes from the first blessing: “Blessed art thou, O Lord, God of Abraham, God of Isaac & God of Jacob, Most high God, Lord of heaven & earth, Our shield & the shield of our fathers. Blessed art thou, o Lord, the shield of Abraham.” The phrase “Lord of heaven and earth” is another Jesus used when giving thanks in prayer3. Afternoon prayer omitted the shema. Personal prayers were made after the set prayers. In addition, there were prayers for occasions, graces and synagogue prayers - in all a rich prayer life.

1 Mark 12 v26 2 Exodus 3 v6 3 Matthew 11 v25 19 In the gospels, all example and teaching about prayer is from In his teaching on prayer, Jesus. There is almost no other Jesus warned against praying mention of prayer except in the lengthily or ostentatiously for early parts of Luke’s gospel, and the sake of appearances even then the style of what is said might be considered rather a song of praise or prophetic declaration. The Lord’s Prayer combines example and teaching, with a directness and brevity which has much to say to us. We know what Jesus prayed in Gethsemane and on the cross. We find he sought solitude to pray and spent all night in prayer on occasions. The longest recorded prayer is that of Jesus in John ch17, which gives insight into the way Jesus prayed when alone. In his teaching on prayer, Jesus warned against praying lengthily or ostentatiously for the sake of appearances4; against self- righteousness5, and taught that humility, faith6 and persistence7 were important characteristics of the correct approach to prayer. He taught that one should pray for one’s enemies8. Jesus encouraged his followers to act and ask “in his name”9, ie: with his authority, as his representatives. The book of Acts contains examples of the dynamic of prayer, action and miracles. At the start, the disciples, Jesus’ mother and brothers and various women were “constantly devoting themselves to prayer” as they waited for the promised Holy Spirit. Later there was prayer to know who to replace Judas with; for boldness in proclaiming the good news; prayer with laying hands for receiving the Holy Spirit, prayer for Peter’s release from prison; for others to become Christians, prayer as part of healing miracles, etc. In Acts 4, after Peter and John had been arrested and ordered to stop speaking in the name of Jesus, and reported this to the believers, we find a corporate prayer of the church - for all boldness in proclaiming the word! The phrase “in the name of Jesus” occurs many times, when what is recorded seems more command than ‘prayer’. There must have been a considerable background activity of prayer too, since we

4 Matthew 6 v5-7 5 Matthew 18 v9-14 6 Matthew 21 v22; 7 Luke 18 v1-8 8 Matthew 5 v44 9 John 14 13-14 20 read that the believers devoted themselves to prayer, as did the apostles. In the letters there are reported prayers and exhortations about praying. Paul requested prayer for himself10 and prayed for others11. There is thanksgiving for and prayer for church members12; prayer for the people of Israel to be saved13; requests for prayer for boldness in proclaiming the gospel14; prayer to see others again to strengthen them15, and the wonderful prayers of Paul in Ephesians16 and Philippians17. We are exhorted to pray without ceasing18, to pray in the Spirit19, to make our requests to God instead of worrying about them20, to pray for healing21 and to pray for those in authority22. Prayers in the NT give a glimpse into the dynamic of the astonishing spread of the gospel and building of the earliest churches. As a follow-up to our Lent studies, why not try reading Acts all the way through, find the examples, and at each mention of prayer that you come across, put yourself right there. Enjoy!

10 Ephesians 6 v19-20, Philemon 1 v22, Romans 15 v30 11 2 Timothy 1 v3, Colossians 1 3, 9-10 12 Romans 1 v8 13 Romans 10 v1 14 Ephesian 6 v19 15 Romans 1 v10-12 16 Ephesians 1 15-19, 3 v14-19 17 Philippians 1 9-11 18 1 Thessalonians 5 v17 19 Ephesians 6 v18 20 Philippians 4 v6 21 James 5 v16 22 1 Timothy 2 v1-2

Crossword solution

ACROSS: 1, Jehoiachin. 7, Endured. 8, Eased. 10, Rash. 11, Startled. 13, Easier. 15, Rubric. 17, Impurity. 18, Feet. 21, Eye at. 22, Ready to. 23, Holy Spirit. DOWN: 1, Judas. 2, Harm. 3, Is duty. 4, Cheerful. 5, Insular. 6, Jezreelite. 9, Dedication. 12, Secretly. 14, Supremo. 16, Stir up. 19. Egypt. 20, Hair.

21 22 Remembrance Service Sunday 10th November 10.00 am

“At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them”

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24

You are cordially invited to an Evening of Song with popular vocal quartet

Espressivo Come and enjoy a varied programme of songs from the shows, opera and popular classics at Lillington Parish Church nd 7.30pm on Saturday 2 November The concert is in aid of our Community Initiative “Love Lillington” and church funds. For more information or to book tickets, please contact Christine Butler on 07963 229756, or Church Office Tickets : £10 to include interval refreshments. £5 for 16yrs and under.

25 JUNIOR CROSSTALK

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27 COOKING WITH CROSSTALK Toddlers eat the same If you've got a toddler in tow, get them used to eating the same meals as you instead of relying on costly pre-prepared toddler food. Simply blend or chop up their portion to suit their age and freeze extra child-sized portions for later. Make sure not to add any salt to their portions and be careful with spicy food. This month there are some easy family friendly meals that are cheap and tasty for all the family. Sweetcorn & spinach fritters Makes 12 fritters (Freezable) 1 x small 195g can no-salt 50g plain flour sweetcorn, drianed ½ tsp baking powder small handful baby spinach leaf 1 egg 1 small garlic clove, crushed 50ml milk 1 spring onion, chopped 1 tsp rapeseed oil, for frying

1. Pulse all the ingredients except the oil in a food processor until fairly but not completely smooth. 2. Heat a little oil in a frying pan until hot and dollop four spoonfuls of the mixture into the pan leaving space around them. Fry for just under 1 min on each side until lightly golden. When you flip the fritter, flatten with a spatula to ensure even cooking the whole way through. Cook in three batches, placing the cooked fritters on a plate covered with kitchen roll. Serve warm (try them with a poached egg on top!) Veggie pizza Makes 5 (Freezable)

200g carton passata pack of 5 large Middle Eastern ½ x 750g bag frozen spinach, flatbreads (or pitta breads) defrosted 1 garlic clove, chopped

28 3 balls mozzarella, patted dry small bunch basil and torn shaved parmesan (or 5 medium eggs vegetarian alternative), to freshly grated nutmeg serve

1. Heat the oven to as high as it will go. Spread 1-2 tbsp of passata over each flatbread. Squeeze as much water as you can from the spinach (this will prevent your pizzas from being soggy), then scatter on top, leaving a gap in the centre. Divide the garlic and mozzarella between the pizzas, seasoning generously as you go. 2. You will probably only be able to bake 2 pizzas at a time. So put 2 on a baking tray, carefully crack an egg into the middle of each, and season with nutmeg and some of the basil. Bake for 7 mins until the cheese has melted and the egg is cooked to your liking. 3. Repeat with the remaining pizzas and ingredients. Serve, garnished with a little more basil and some Parmesan. Cut into slices and share between everyone.

Skinny carrot fries (Healthier than chips!) Serves 2 500g carrot 1 tbsp cornflour 1 tbsp vegetable oil 1 tsp finely chopped tarragon a little black pepper Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Cut carrots into ‘fries’, about 1cm thick, and mix with cornflour and a little black pepper. Toss with vegetable oil, spread in a single layer on a baking tray lined with parchment, and bake for 40-45 mins, turning halfway. Mix a little salt with tarragon and toss through the cooked fries. 29 3rd Leamington Guides go Batty Diana Flower reports This term the 3rd Leamington Guides have been working with Wild Earth and Warwickshire Wildlife Trust on a soundscape project. We are recording sounds of nature to be able to compose a song. Each sound will make up the orchestra, rustling leaves the first violin, footsteps the oboe, birds the flute. Most excitingly, a bat recorded in the churchyard, the cello. The song will be played in a geodome we will make by coppicing wood from Wappenbury Woods. Over the summer and autumn term we have been working on Skills Builders from the Have Adventures and Express Myself themes from the Girl Guiding new programme, with most girls achieving the badges. With the change in programme there is a new top award that can be achieved in Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Ranges, replacing the Baden Powell Award and the Queen’s Guides award. It is a Gold award available in every section. I am very proud to be able to award our first Gold award to our oldest Guide. If you would like to see more of what we do each week please follow us on facebook @3rdLeamGuides. The recording of the bat is there to listen to. We have always been a small unit and currently we only have seven Guides regularly attending. If you know if any girls aged 10-14 years old who would be interested please contact me on [email protected] JEFF’S JOTTINGS Just enough space to thank all the many contributors this month; a packed edition which I hope you will enjoy. Ruth and I have appreciated the September organ recitals arranged by Mike King ever since we became members of the church. So we were sad when we learnt there will be no more. A similar event will run at Holy Trinity Church and our own Anniversary Recital will continue. I am sure that I speak for many in the congregation and beyond when I express my gratitude to Mike for the Autumnal pleasure he has provided over these many years. Jeff Burgess, editor

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The church decorated for Harvest Festival 31

CONTACTS

Wendy Driscoll ...... Church Office 470449 [email protected] Vicar Rev William Smith ...... 316475 Associate Ministers Rev Rosemary Pantling ...... 316597 Rev Sue Fairhurst ...... 735254 Reader Roderick Clark ...... 422994 Maureen Reynolds ...... 831005 Churchwardens Carol Innes ...... 831649 Bob Cooke PCC Secretary 315890 [email protected] Alan Wright PCC Treasurer 773786 [email protected] Gift Aid Secretary Paul Wakem ...... 334293 Rachel Jefferies, 075870 Director of Music [email protected] 69789 [email protected] Organist Mike King ...... 409062 07973 Bell Ringers Barbara Howes [email protected] 199692 Servers Marc Gadsby ...... Flower Guild Wendy Shear ...... 330825 Octagon Bookings Church Office 470449 Safeguarding Abi Dixon Officers Sunday Club Church Office ...... 470449 Walkers Group Bob Cooke [email protected] .... 315890 Diana Taulbut ...... Website Manager 450977 [email protected] Jeff Burgess ...... Crosstalk Editor 335129 [email protected] Crosstalk Jeff Arnold ...... 632330 Distribution Diana Flower Guides 289124 [email protected] ...... Bryony Smith 07928 Brownies [email protected] 499975

Parish website: www.lillingtonparishchurch.org

Inner pages are printed on 100% 32 recycled paper