KEYNOTES

DECEMBER 2017 JANUARY 2018 60p THE PARISH CHURCH OF ST. PETER, ST PETER’S, WEST BLATCHINGTON

Rector The Reverend Daniel Smith, BTh (Oxon), Dip Min The Rectory 23 Windmill Close, Hove. BN3 7LJ Tel: 01273 732459 E-mail: [email protected]

Monday is ordinarily the Rector’s rest day; however please do not hesitate to contact him in the event of a pastoral emergency. Please refer all other urgent matters to the Churchwardens.

CHURCHWARDENS Keith Bassant Tel: 561345 Jane Gough Tel: 554256

HON. TREASURER Mandy Gander Tel: 271982

CENTRE BOOKINGS Richard Delacour Tel: 07968 227639

PASTORAL CARE

Transport to Church Keith Bassant Tel: 561345

Sick Visiting Carol Gander Tel: 555414

KEYNOTES EDITORIAL TEAM

William Holden Tel: 706482 David Keeling Tel: 501504 Jane Cummings Tel: 880274 Michael Evans Tel: 567399 Charlie Flackhill Tel: 965122 Mandy Gander Tel: 271982 Maggie Lee Tel: 911968

E-mail: [email protected] Church website : stpeterswestblatchington.org.uk EDITORIAL

Welcome to the the December 2017/January 2018 edition of Keynotes.

The end of 2017 is fast approaching. Where has the year gone? Time certainly has flown. Very soon we will be looking forward to what the new year will bring. Let’s hope it is going to be a good one!

In this month’s edition, there is a report from Anna, the new Co-ordinator at Hangleton and West Blatchington Foodbank. We hope you will find this an interesting addition and it will appear as a regular feature. St Peter’s helped to set the food bank up along with St George’s, and with so many of us volunteering there and donating, it’s nice to hear from the front line about what is happening.

At the end of November, William Holden presented a beautiful new alms tray in memory of his late wife Margaret Holden. What a lovely thing to do. Many thanks William.

It is with sadness that we report the death of Chris Alabone and our prayers and thoughts are with Marjorie and the family at this time. Chris was a faithful servant of St Peter's over the years holding the office of Churchwarden on more than one occasion, PCC Secretary, Deanery Synod member, choir member, server, reading the lesson, and an Editor of Keynotes for many years up to 2008. More will appear in the February issue of Keynotes.

As you read this, we have entered into the year of Prayer as designated by the Diocese. There will be more details in the next issue of Keynotes

It is time to renew subscriptions for Keynotes and we are holding the price at £5 for ten copies in the year. Please hand your subscription to a member of the Editorial Committee.

We hope to see you all at some or all of our Christmas services which are listed further on in the magazine. It just remains for us to wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Thank you for your continued support.

Editorial Committee

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5.16-18 RECTOR’S RAMBLINGS………….

Christmas – Health Warning!

Advent and Christmas is a great time of year, but it’s not without its challenges! One household had 250,000 Christmas lights, but could not boil a kettle for fear of blowing the system!

The challenge of Over-indulging

Do you remember the episode of the Vicar of Dibley, where she had to consume four Christmas dinners? Christmas is a time when we usually eat and drink far too much, the average person gaining 6 pounds in weight. But Christmas is not simply about gaining weight, but losing what weighs us down. ‘Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.’ (1 Peter 5:7). Whatever your concerns or worries this Christmas, bring them to God.

The challenge of overspending

Christmas is not about getting into debt, but God getting us out of debt. He spent exactly what was needed on the first Christmas night: ‘You are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.’ (Matthew 1:21).

The challenge of ‘over too quickly’

Christmas doesn’t last very long, yet the effect of the first Christmas is long-lasting. ‘For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eter- nal life.’ (John 3:16). Jesus has come to bring us life in all its fullness, both for now and all eternity.

How do we face these challenges of Christmas? ‘Yet what I can, I give Him - give my heart’.

Your Rector and Friend,

Daniel

As we look around at our wonderful World, we can see that Autumn/Winter has arrived! The weather is definitely colder and the leaves are falling fast and furiously! All the time as we look and marvel, we must remember the beauty and holiness of God, but much more, of the love of God for whose glory these wonders exist.

Every five years churches have to undergo a thorough inspection of its fabric, inside and out. This is known as a Quinquennial Report, and is carried out by the church's architect. Our Quinquennial inspection has recently taken place and we are now awaiting the report to see what major/minor repairs are needed. Hopefully, as we have just had our refurbishment, very little if anything, will need to be done. We will of course let you know the findings.

We are so lucky to have a church with fabulous acoustics! All our lunch-time performers comment on this aspect and enjoy performing here, including our October performer, Margaret Watson. Margaret, along with her magnificent harp, gave us a very entertaining 40 minutes of well known tunes and songs. One of our congregation, Sadie Taylor, was thrilled to bits when she realised Margaret was coming to perform and said, -'My favourite lunch-time performer ever and it's my birthday!' Of course I couldn't let this go un-noticed, so before the concert I had a word with Margaret and during her performance she called Sadie forward and we all sang Happy Birthday! As you can imagine, Sadie was thrilled to bits!

We look forward to our wonderful Advent/Christmas events here at St.Peter's, when we have the opportunity to get together and joyfully thank God for sending his Son, Jesus Christ, to be our friend and companion in everything we say and do.

With love and blessings for a very peaceful and happy New Year.

Jane Small Donations Scheme

Would you like to make a donation to cover a specific item of expenditure in and around our Church? - Then please contact Mandy Gander, our Treasurer.

Examples of items which might be attractive to potential sponsors are as follows:

· Photocopying Paper £15 · Bottle of Communion Wine £8 · Candle Oil £65 · Lawnmower petrol £20 . Sanctuary Lights £42

Thank you for your sponsorship

Turkey says:- What does a turkey say? ‘Gobble, gobble, gobble,’ right? Not always! A jewellery-loving turkey? - ‘Bauble bauble bauble’ A turkey in the shoe repair shop? – ‘Cobble cobble cobble’ A turkey with a sore leg? - ‘Hobble hobble hobble’ A rugby turkey? - ‘Huddle, huddle, huddle’ A dieting turkey? - ‘Nibble, nibble nibble’ A turkey who argues a lot? - ‘Squabble squabble squabble’ Then there was the dizzy turkey who just went: ‘Wobble wobble wobble’ WOMEN’S SOCIAL GROUP

On 26 October as part of our programme, we met (15 members) for afternoon tea at Gill’s home and spent a couple of pleasant hours together. We are now ready and looking forward to the end of year events within our group and at St Peter’s and the many events and gatherings as customary at this time. Thank you to Gill for her easy and generous welcome and to Jane Gough who helped her on this occasion. Our programme for December 2017 and January 2018 is: 14 December Preparation for Christmas Service in Church with refreshments at Carol’s afterwards

11 January 2018 No meeting

25 January Coffee morning at Maggie Lee’s home

Georgette

ITB Electrical Services All Domestic Electrics Part P Compliant Fully Insured For a free quote call: Ian Barrett 01273 417484 or 07902 909605

Hove Deanery Synod Church of the Good Shepherd, Mile Oak Thursday 5 October 2017 7.30 pm

This special Synod of Hove Deanery was held in the very welcoming modern church in Stanley Avenue, Portslade. In addition to the usual parish representatives, churchwardens and treasurers from all the parishes of the Deanery had been invited and around 50 people were present. Mandy Gander, Jane Cummings, Jane Gough and Keith Bassant represented St Peter’s. Apologies had been received from William Holden and Fr Daniel. The meeting was chaired by the Rural Dean, Fr Terry Stratford. Exceptionally there was no celebration of the Eucharist on this occasion and we moved directly on to the business of the evening. Minutes of the previous meeting on 7 June 2017 were accepted, with no matters arising. The main business and purpose of this special Synod was to introduce, and examine in some detail, the workings of Hove Trinity Trust, the fund financed from the sale of Holy Trinity Church in Hove, and established with a capital of approximately £196000 to form a Revolving Investment Fund (RIF). The first speaker was Mrs Julie Greenfield (Interim Programme Manager) who, after reading a statement from William Holden, one of the five Trustees of the Trust, gave the meeting a detailed up-date on the purposes of the Trust, the main points of which are: • The aim is that all churches in Hove Deanery will be Eco- Churches. • Parishes are expected to undertake an Energy Opportunity Assessment (EOA). This will be a requirement before parishes can apply for a loan from the Trust’s Revolving Investment Fund (RIF). • From November 2017 Deanery parishes may apply for a loan from the RIF for environmental and/or accessibility improvements. • Loans will be subject to a minimum (£1000) and maximum (£20000) amount and will be repayable. A fixed interest level of 3% will apply. • In this way the Trust’s funds will be re-cycled and maintained, and will be able to grow by accepting additional funds from other sources.

Dr David Greenfield, Interim Programme Director, then spoke and arranged the Synod delegates into 6 discussion groups, each to deliberate on a particular aspect of the Trust’s aims. (For example, one group looked at the requirements, possible problems, and opportunities for improving the sanitation facilities and the accessibility of church buildings in the Deanery). Each group was also asked to invent a punch-line to succinctly describe the Trust’s Mission Aim. After a short break for refreshments the results of this group work were briefly discussed in a plenary session. All ideas would be taken away and studied by the Director’s team in steering the development of Hove Trinity Trust. The remaining agenda business was quickly disposed of. William Holden had reviewed the financial position of Hove Deanery in a written report. There were no Rural Dean’s Notices or Any Other Business. Synod ended with an Order for Night Prayers (a said and sung Compline) and delegates departed after a very full evening at around 10 pm.

Keith Bassant JOIN US FOR MESSY CHURCH

AT ST PETER’S COMMUNITY CENTRE, WEST BLATCHINGTON FREE FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY!

Sunday 10th December at 4pm

Would you like to advertise in our parish magazine? You are reading this, so it must work! It’s a great way to get some business that’s local.

The cost depends on whether you would like your advert to appear in colour or black and white. Also whether you would like a full page, half or quarter.

If you would like some more information, please contact Mandy Gander on [email protected] or 07900545888

Prayer List Requests

Each Sunday in church we pray for people in any kind of need. These may be people known only to us individually or they may be the names of people on the prayer list which is printed in the Pew Sheet, and mentioned in Intercessions. Names on the prayer list are usually there as a result of a request by a friend or family member. Could we ask that friends or family requesting (or who have requested in the past) a name to be included on the prayer list keep in touch with our Pastoral Care Group from time to time to let us know of any change, or otherwise, in the situation of the loved one. This will help us in keeping the list relevant, accurate and up to date, which we regard as an important aspect of the list. Please, when convenient, contact Carol Gander (01273 555414) or Fr Daniel at the Rectory (01273 732459) with any helpful information. As with all matters to do with Pastoral Care and personal relationships, all communications will be entirely confidential, but will allow the prayer list to be kept meaningful and up to date.

St Peter's Pastoral Care Group

Our Pastoral Group exists to offer entirely confidential help and support on any pastoral matter.

Perhaps you would like a friendly visitor for a good chat now and then, help with transport, a name included in our prayer list at Church, some professional advice which we can help find, or an offer of Communion at home?

Please contact, in the first instance, Carol Gander on 01273 555414. The funeral of the late Jean Clare, a long standing member and a friend of many at St Peter’s Church, took place on the 12 October and below is a tribute to her, written by Janet Hand who knew her well:

“Jean Clare – died peacefully aged 92 on 27th September at her home Maycroft Manor with her niece Diana and stepdaughter Sue by her side. Sadly missed by her loving sister Pam, her nieces and nephews, stepdaughters and their families and by her many friends. Jean was an attractive, smart, bright lady and looked far younger than her 92 years. She was a perfectionist in everything from her business life as well as in her personal life.

Having been involved in music from an early age, courtesy of her mother who was a talented pianist, Jean worked for many years for Lyon & Hall in Western Road, Brighton and later in an Archi- tect’s office. She was a Chairman of The Forum Society and a valued member of Hove Citizens’ Advice Bureau.

Supporting and stimulating friends whilst organising social events with concerts, whist drives etc. gave Jean and others much plea- sure; she had permanent bookings at the Brighton Philharmonic Sunday afternoon concerts at The Dome, often accompanied by a friend or her young niece, Amy. Her musical interests were wide including classical and light opera with Gilbert & Sullivan Operas a great favourite. Jean was a faithful and generous member of St. Peter’s and a loved member of our Ladies’ Social Group - we well remember being entertained at her beach hut on Hove seafront, often with a fish and chip supper. Some passing overseas visitors once asked her if she lived there! Her top flat in Woodland Court, with wonderful views which she had shared with Roland for an all too brief but happy marriage, had no lift and after two hip replacement operations, Jean moved to The Vineries, and finally to Maycroft Manor. Hers was a life well spent.”

St. Peter’s Church fair

Saturday 9th December From 11.30—2.30pm

Grand Opening by Father Christmas

Fun for all the family, stalls, Refreshments, Raffles, home- made jams and pickles, cakes,, visit Father Christmas in his Grotto! Star of the Term

Following the presentation of ‘Star of the Term’ to Keith Bassant last month, he has written this letter in response, which we would like to share with you:-

He has stressed that it is only by teamwork that our strong church survives. Rightly said Keith!

Dear Zoe

I would just like to say how very pleased, and surprised I was to receive the Certificate of Appreciation in Church on Sunday. Please pass on my thanks to Erica and Jane and everyone involved with Sunday School and especially to all the children and youngsters of Sunday’s Cool who were kind enough to give me this award.

As Churchwarden I have tried to tackle jobs that I can see need doing, and where I think I can help. This has included a very wide range of activities from working with the architect and church authorities on conservation repairs, to clearing drains and gutters. But the Church survives on teamwork and it was lovely to have the work of so many people, joining together as a team, recognised in this way.

I will treasure this award long after I have ceased to be Church- warden. Thank you.

With my love and very best wishes.

Keith CHICHESTER CATHEDRAL FRIENDS

What have Chichester Cathedral worshippers, tourists, bell ringers, schoolchildren and choristers got in common? They all benefit in one or more ways from generous financial support from Chichester Cathedral Friends! In the past 3 years alone, The Friends have donated over £375,000 to fund 26 different projects, each of which contributes to the Cathedrals’ strategic activities of Worship, Hospitality and Education. Worshippers use the 1000 chairs that were installed in 2017 and the kneelers in the Lady Chapel and St Richard’s Shrine. In Advent, the beautiful Advent Candle stand enhances worship whilst our contribution to the restoration and re-ordering of the Sailor’s Chapel has revived the north-west corner of the Cathedral. Tourists are amazed at the Cathedral’s many artefacts and enjoy being able to closely inspect our Roman remains thanks to the walk-on glass that Friends funded. And work is in progress, thanks to a substantial grant from the Friends, to develop a new web site. Bell ringers climb a tight spiral staircase of 80 steps to reach the ringing chamber in the medieval bell tower. Friends recently funded a secure stainless-steel handrail to improve the safety of access to this important site. The Cathedral is a popular destination for school children from around the diocese. Friends have helped make the Learning and Engagement centre an attractive and well-equipped place for schoolchildren and their teachers to meet and work. And hot off the press, The Friends has just entered into an agreement to fund a Scholarship for a Cathedral Chorister for 5 years! Look out for the chorister proudly wearing the Friends medal! Chichester Cathedral Friends is a registered charity. Membership costs £15 per year and £25 for a couple. For more information visit: www.chichestercathedral.org.uk/friends or email friends@chich- estercathedral.org.uk.

Where’s the baby?

For weeks, as Christmas approached, a six-year old lad kept telling his nursery teacher about the baby brother that was also soon expected at his house. One day the mother allowed the boy to feel the movements of the unborn child. The six-year old was obviously impressed, but made no comment. Furthermore, he immediately stopped telling his teacher about the impending event.

As the school was about to close for Christmas, the teacher final- ly sat the boy down and gently asked, ‘Whatever has become of that baby brother you were expecting at home?’ The child burst into tears and confessed, ‘I think Mummy ate it!

in aid of

Hangleton & West Blatchington Food Bank Saturday 13th January 2018 7pm for 7.30pm start St Peter's Community Centre

Teams of 6-8 £5 per Person to Include Nibbles Pay on the day.

Bring Your Own Drinks and Glasses Booking is essential - please contact Jackie Barrett 07547 422549 email - [email protected]

An invitation from The Friends of West Blatchington Windmill to ‘Carols at the Mill’ On Wednesday 13th December at 6.30pm

Singing all your favourite carols is a wonderful way to start the festive season so why not come along and join us for this very enjoyable evening? Accompanied by Denes on the electronic keyboard you can sing your hearts out and as a reward there will be free hot sausage rolls and mince pies plus a hot or cold drink. Who knows, if he can find time in his busy schedule, Father Christmas may pop in to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!

There will be a raffle with seasonal prizes and buckets will be shaken to collect as much money as possible for the Martlets Hospice.

Please join us if you can for this lovely festive evening.

Do come early as space is limited!

Miles Gander Domestic Plumbing Services

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All domestic plumbing work undertaken Mob: 07788 448400 Tel: 01273 271982

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TERRY ROGERS

Your Local Builder & Decorator

General Building, Plastering, Decorating & Repairs

(Small works also carried out)

Tel: 01273 737118

Our charity for December is The Martlets

Martlets is a charity that cares for people living through a terminal illness in and around Brighton & Hove

The hospice plays a vital role in helping people to live life as fully as they can, right up until the end. Through expert clinical care provided by highly skilled and experienced doctors and nurses, they ensure that wherever possible peace, respect and dignity is retained – it is a very simple and very human ethos.

They care for people across our local community, yet the hospice is not part of the NHS. In the financial year 2014- 15 they must generate over £4.8 million to ensure the continuation of hospice services. Less than a third of this funding is received from local Clinical Commissioning Groups.

The Martlets Hospice cares for people affected by life limiting illness living in and around Brighton & Hove.

Wake Me Up When It’s Over by Michael Blencowe of the Sussex Wildlife Trust

Well that was a scary year wasn’t it? Nuclear threats, freak storms and headlines filled with hate. Never before in my life have I felt such a strong urge to just curl up in a ball and go to sleep for a very, very long time. This defeatist attitude is a way of life for the hazel dormouse who each year scrawls the words ‘do not disturb’ across its calendar for November, December, January, February, March and April and turns in for a long, long nap. The feeling that your future is quickly becoming uncertain and dangerous is one which we can now all relate to. For the dormouse it’s an annual event. The onset of colder weather each autumn signals that the dormouse diet of flowers, fruit, seeds, insects and nuts will soon vanish. So each winter instead of struggling to survive it simply shuts down and sleeps. Dormice are nocturnal, feeding at night amongst trees and bushes. In October they can double in weight as they stock up on food before hard times arrive. Which reminds me, I need to pick up a few trolleys full of tinned goods next time I’m in Tesco. When they have sufficiently stuffed their cute little faces these rotund rodents descend to a ground-floor dormitory, a tightly woven nest under moss and leaves, and become dormant. Heart-rate and breathing reduce by over 90% and body temperature is dropped to just a few degrees above freezing. This means dormice don’t need much energy to stay alive and valuable fat reserves are burnt very slowly. Not many British mammals actually hibernate. Sure, badgers and squirrels enter a deep sleep for longer periods but they’re not hibernating – they’re merely in ‘stand by’ mode and can reawaken quickly. Full hibernation requires a complete shutdown, pulling the power plug (almost) completely out of the wall. Of our British mammals just dormice, hedgehogs and the bats hibernate. Yet it isn’t just Britain’s longest lie-in that has earned the dormouse its sleepy reputation. Even after it has woken up in May, the dormouse will readily hit the ‘snooze’ button and drop back into a torpid semi- hibernation as a way of avoiding any hassle. Not much food available yet? Back to sleep. Too wet to go out and find food? Back to sleep. Simply can’t be bothered? Back to sleep. Sleep seems like an easy alternative to life’s problems but hibernation and torpor have a high price; if a predator finds you you’re too tired to wake up and run away. So as our world shuts down around us and compassion, respect and hope get stripped away we can’t just shut down and forget about it like the dormouse. We can’t let ‘em catch us sleeping. We have to stay wide awake and vigilant, ready to stand up and make the world around us a better place. Let’s hope that when that sleepy ol’ dormouse wakes up again in 2018 the world will be a little bit brighter. For everyone.

My prize in the Summer fair raffle donated by The Metropole Hotel who looked after us so well. Thank You Metropole for your support . Beryl Reeves Easyfundraising

Whether you are booking a summer holiday or doing the weekly shop online - make sure you do it via easyfundraising. Over 3000 shops and websites such as Holiday Autos, Expedia, Booking.com, Sainsbury’s, Asda and John Lewis will donate money to St Peter’s when you make a purchase. Join up today and take advantage of the EASIEST way for us to fundraise! Go to www.easyfundraising.org.uk and search for St Peter’s West Blatchington. Every penny helps. Many thanks.

W. CORNFORD & SON THAXTER ROOFING Funeral Directors & Memorial Consultants 84 Queen’s Parade, Hangleton, TILING, SLATING, GUTTERING Hove. BN3 8JG. AND FASCIAS BUILT-UP FLAT ROOFING TEL/FAX: 01273 726766

______JOHN THAXTER Part of Dignity PLC. A British Company 48 Sunninghill Avenue, Hove. BN3 8JA. TEL: 01273 729217

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5.16-18 An Update from Hangleton and West Blatchington Foodbank

It’s been a busy but bountiful Autumn at the Foodbank. The harvest period saw local schools, churches and brownies and guide groups think about those most in need in their community and bring in gifts of a huge variety of foodstuffs for the Foodbank to give out. Volunteers collected and then packed away the food over 3 weeks, no mean feat! A huge thank you goes to West Blatchington Primary, Hangleton School, Windlesham School, Cardinal Newman School, St Peter’s, St George’s, St Mary’s and St Theresa’s and the Rainbows, Brownies and Guides groups for their generous and kind donations. We are also very lucky to be being supported by Bungard’s funeral directors of Sackville Rd, who not only have a collection point for us but are lending a hand in the stock room too! We’ve been seeing around 12-18 households per week, and giving food for around 30 people each week. Most food items we’ve had enough of (even Halloween candy from America!) but we are desperately in need of other household items and toiletries, such as washing up liquid, washing powder, shaving foam and razors, shampoo and conditioner and toothpaste. Although many people may not think a Foodbank would give out these items, they are a costly expense for many people who are struggling and so if you are thinking of donating to the Foodbank this Christmas time, think of toiletries! We have also welcomed 5 new volunteers over the last couple of months, who have been a huge asset to our wonderful team. If you are wanting to help out in the local community, we are particularly looking for people who like engaging and chatting with others, are empathetic and can support people to get the help they need. If you would like to join our ‘front of house team’, please get in touch at [email protected].

People and Places of the Bible

Herod The Great Herod, I (the Great) was son of Antipater and made king by the Romans in 40 B.C. He managed to keep hold of his throne in the face of the many changes in the government at Rome. His kingdom comprised Judea, Samaria, Galilee, Idumea, Batanea, and Peraea, which was approximately the same size as the kingdom of David and Solomon.

Although Herod had exceptional leadership skills, he was extremely disliked by the Jews. His attitude toward the Maccabean dynasty, to which he was related by marriage, along with his insolence and cruelty, angered them even more. He even had his brother-in-law and several of his wives and sons executed.

He forced heavy taxes on the people and brutally repressed any rebellions. But it was by his policy of Hellenistic culture that he greatly wounded the Jews. The construction of a race-course, a theatre, and an amphitheatre in Jerusalem, his wide support of the emperor cult in the East, and the construction of pagan temples in foreign cities at his own expense could not be forgiven, even though he restored and reconstructed the Temple of Jerusalem and continually pleaded the cause of the Jews of the Diaspora to the emperor to his own gains.

There was no close tie between the king and his people; he remained an Edomite and a friend of Rome, only holding on to his power using a merciless military force. This is the same Herod the Great who massacred the children of Bethlehem (Matt. 2).

Herod suddenly died in 4 B.C.

Ramah Plural RAMOTH, an eminence; and hence many places in Palestine are named Ramah, Ramath, Ramath, Ramathaim, etc. Sometimes the same place is called by one or other of these names indiscriminately, all signifying the same, 2 Kings 8:28,29. Sometimes Rama, or Ramoth, is joined to another name, to determine the place of such city or eminence; or simply for a high place, and signifies neither city nor village. 1. The principal Ramah was a city of Benjamin, near Gibeah, towards the mountains of Ephraim, six miles from Jerusalem north, and on the road from Samaria to Jerusalem, Joshua 18:25 Judges 19:13 Nehemiah 11:33. It was near the border line between Judah and Israel, and Baasha king of Israel caused it to be fortified, to obstruct the passage from the land of Judah into his own territory, 1 Kings 15:17,21,22. It is also referred to in Isaiah 10:29 Jeremiah 31:15 40:1 Ho 5:8. It has been located in the modern village Er-Ram, on a conical hill a little east of the road mentioned above. The ruins are broken columns, a few bevelled stones, and large hewn stones, and an ancient reservoir on the southwest side. 2. A city in mount Ephraim, called also Ramathaim-Zophim, or Ramah of the Zuphites, the place of Samuel's birth, residence, and burial, 1 Samuel 1:1,19 7:17 8:4 25:1:28:3. The resemblance of its name Ramathaim to Arimathea of the New Testament, together with intimations of early historians, have led to the general belief that these two places were identical. Arimathea, there is little doubt, lay on one of the hills east of Lydda, some twenty miles northwest of Jerus- alem; and this site would meet most of the scriptural intimations as to the Ramah of Samuel. The chief difficulty is found in the account of Saul's first visit to Samuel, 1 Samuel 9:4-12 10:2. The young prince "passed through the land of the Benjamites," going south or south-west, "and came to the land of Zuph" and the city where Samuel then was. After his interview with the prophet, and on his return home to Giveah of Benjamin, he passed "by Rachel's sepulchre in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah." But the only "Rachel's sepulchre" we know of was near Bethlehem, many miles south of the direct road from Arimathea to Gibeah. Accordingly, if we suppose this interview took place at Arimathea, we seem obliged to suppose another Rachel's sepulchre between it and Gibeah; or if "Rachel's sepulchre" was at Bethlehem, to infer that the city where Saul actually found Samuel, and at which the prophet had only that day arrived, 1 Samuel 9:10, was not his usual residence, but some place south or south-west of Bethlehem, only visited by him at intervals in his annual circuits as judge. 3. A city of Asher, Joshua 19:29 4. A city of Naphtali, Joshua 19:36. The site of both these places, visited by Dr. Robinson, is still called Rameh. 5. A city of Gilead, 2 Kings 8:28,29. See RAMOTH. 6. A town belonging to Simeon, called Ramah of the south, Joshua 19:8 1 Samuel 30:27. In Matthew 2.18 after the massacre of the innocents, Matthew quotes the prophet Jeremiah, “A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children.” Rachel was buried at Bethlehem.

Compiled by William Holden from various sources.

______

Thank you for supporting St Peter’s Church financially in 2017. Every penny counts and through your generosity we can continue to foster our caring attitude and support our community and other charities.

Our parish ministry costs are due to rise again in 2018 by around 3% and I ask that you all please review your planned giving to see if it is affordable for you to increase your donations.

Without the legacies we have received over the years, we would not have been able to afford the luxuries of renovating the Church and Community Centre. Please consider leaving our lovely church something in your will. It means our Church will continue to thrive years after we have moved to be with our Lord and Father.

Thank you for your continued support.

With love and blessing.

Mandy Gander Treasurer REGULAR WEEKLY SERVICES

SUNDAY

10:00 The Parish Eucharist (Common Worship) (1st Sunday is a Parade/Family Service)

TUESDAY

19:30 Holy Communion (Common Worship)

WEDNESDAY

10:00 Holy Communion (BCP)

FRIDAY

10.30-12.00 Open Church drop in for coffee, cake & conversation

The Rector is always available for spiritual counsel, confession or healing prayer

PARISH EVENTS DIARY

The following events taking place in December and January as notified are:

1st December - Christmas Tree Festival Concert

3rd December - Christingle

9th December - Christmas Fair

10th December - Messy Church

24th December - Crib Service

13th January - Film Night & Foodbank Quiz

Please continue to keep me informed of events that you have planned or know about by sending a message to our email address which is [email protected]

The deadline for the February issue is the 12th January

FRIDAYS AT ST PETER’S St Peter’s ‘Open Church’ drop-in

On Friday mornings from 10.30am – 12noon

For coffee, conversation and companionship.

We are open every Friday between 10.30am and 12 noon for you to 'drop-in' for a coffee, piece of cake and a chat. A very warm welcome awaits you every Friday, so please do 'drop-in' - we'd love to see you. THE FRUITS OF YOUR LABOUR The autumn weather has been mild this year yet again with only one frost in early November. The espalier apple tree has again produced a reasonable crop with several apples weighing about a pound. The main standard apple tree also yielded a satisfactory crop. Given a winter without severe weather we have until February to get the pruning and tidying up done. I have replaced the plum tree with an espalier plum placed against the back fence. Also, as mentioned in last year’s article I have planted a few canes of an autumn fruiting raspberry. From now until the end of February is the time to prune and tidy up the fruit garden. Here are some guidelines on the tasks to tackle. Apples – Prune from now to the end of February. Blackberries – Old canes to be cut down completely. New canes tidied up and tied into position. Blackcurrants – Older branches to be cut out completely to encour- age new growth. No wood should be older than four years. Blueberries – Fruit grows on previous year’s growth. Cut out dead wood. Gooseberries – Cut out inward growing stems and shorten new shoots by half. Grape Vines – Grapes tend to be vigorous growers so cut back. Try to get plants to one stem. Plums – Complete tidying. Main pruning should have been completed by now. Raspberries – Cut out the old canes and the new canes should be ‘tipped’, - cut off the top two or three inches. Red currants – Shorten leading shoots by half and laterals to two buds. Unlike blackcurrants the red currants will still fruit on the old wood as well as the new. Tidy up the bush. Break up your compost heaps and distribute round your fruit garden. Fruit Farmer WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR GARDEN?

1) Start to winter prune your Wisteria, cutting back summer side-shoots to 2 or 3 buds. 2) Prune Climbing Roses now, cutting away diseased or damaged growth and tying in new shoots to their support. 3) Prune Rose bushes now whilst they are dormant. Cut back to just above a bud and remove any crossing or dead branches. 4) Leave the faded flower heads on your Hydrangea until the spring as they will provide frost protection to the swelling buds further down the stems. 5) If you still haven't planted your Tulip bulbs there is still time provided the ground is not frozen. 6) Clean out the greenhouse thoroughly. 7) Cut back the old foliage from Ornamental Grasses before growth begins. 8) Avoid walking on your lawn when it is blanketed by heavy frost or snow as this will damage the grass beneath. 9) Cut back the old stems of perennial plants like Sedum and old leaves of Hellebores. 10) Continue planting trees and shrubs whilst they are still dormant.

Greenfingers

Jesus it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds. Titus 2.14

COME INTO MY KITCHEN…….

Autumn is now well underway and warming dishes are on the menu!

BEEF, PRUNE AND EGG TAGINE SERVES 4

2tbsps olive oil 1 finely chopped red onion 600g beef shin, cut into 2-3cm pieces 2tsps ground ginger 2tsps paprika 1½tsps ground cumin ½tsp ground black pepper ¼tsp ground turmeric a small pinch of saffron ½tsp ground cinnamon 500ml beef stock 2 eggs 30g unsalted butter 10 pitted prunes a small handful chopped flat-leaf parsley

Heat the oil in a large casserole over a medium heat. Add the onion an cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent. Add the beef and cook for 2-3 minutes to seal. Add the spices and a good pinch of salt. Mix well. Pour in the stock (which should just cover everything) and stir together. Bring to the boil, cover and reduce the heat to low and cook for 2½-3 hours or until the meat is really tender. Remove the meat with a slotted spoon and put in a warm serving dish. Cover with foil and leave to rest. Bring the sauce to a boil and cook, stirring occasionally, for 30-40 minutes, or until rich and sticky. It will reduce by 3/4. Boil the eggs in a pan of simmering water for 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a bowl of ice cold water. Cool , peel and cut into quarters. Whisk the butter and a pinch of salt into the sauce and then return the meat to the pan. Add the prunes and mix well. Give everything a few minutes in the hot sauce until heated through. To serve, spoon the meat into a serving dish and pour over the sauce. Arrange the eggs and parsley over the top and serve immediately. This is great served with s zesty green salad and bread.

MEATBALL BAKE SERVES 6

3tbsps olive oil 24 ready-made meatballs 2 onions, finely chopped 1 carrot, finely chopped 2 sticks celery, finely chopped 3 cloves garlic, crushed 600g passata 300g tomatoes, roughly chopped 2tbsps Worcestershire sauce 1tbsp sweet smoked paprika 3tbsps tomato ketchup 3tbsps red wine vinegar 50g dark muscovado sugar small bunch flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped 2x125g balls mozzarella

Heat 2tbsps of olive oil in a large, deep frying pan and in two batches, fry the meatballs on high until browned all over. Scoop into a large baking dish. Add another tbsp. of oil to the pan along with the onions, carrot and celery and cook gently for 15 minutes or until soft. Add the garlic and cook for another 2 minutes. Tip in the passata, chopped tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, ketchup, vinegar and sugar, with lots of seasoning. Add 200ml of water, then bubble for 20 minutes until the sauce is rich and thick. Meanwhile, heat the oven to 180c/160c fan/Gas4. Pour the sauce over the meatballs and stir in half the parsley. Tear over the mozzarella and bake for 20 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and the cheese is bubbling. Serve scattered with the rest of the parsley and buttered crusty bread, gherkins and sliced red onion on the side. DECEMBER AND JANUARY SEASONS FESTIVALS AND SAINTS DAYS Advent Advent is the beginning of the Church’s year, a time of preparation for Christmas. Advent Sunday falls on 3rd December this year. Formerly it was a penitential season with fasting, like Lent, but this has largely disappeared. However, the liturgical colour of purple is retained except for the third Sunday, Gaudete, when rose coloured vestments are worn. Unfortunately, with the commercial world starting to plug Christmas even before Advent has started and decorations are put up, the impact of Advent as a solemn time is overshadowed. The Gloria is omitted during Advent. The season is observed as a time for preparation not only for Christmas but also for the Second Coming of Christ at the Last Day. St Ambrose – 7th December Saint Ambrose, also known as Aurelius Ambrosius, is one of the four original doctors of the Church. He was the Bishop of Milan and became one of the most important theological figures of the 4th century. Ambrose was born around 340 AD to a Roman Christian family. He grew up in Trier, Belgic Gaul (present-day Germany). Legend has it that when Ambrose was just an infant, a swarm of bees landed on his face and left behind a drop of honey. To his father, this was a sign that Ambrose would become someone great with a wonderful gift for speaking. After Ambrose's father’s death, he was educated in Rome, where he studied law, literature and rhetoric. Ambrose received a place on the council, like his father, and was made consular prefect, or the Governor, of Liguria and Emilia around 372. His headquarters were in Milan, the then second capital of Italy. He remained Governor until 374 when he became the Bishop of Milan. After the former Bishop of Milan died, Ambrose attended the election to prevent any uproars between the Nicene Church and the Arians. While giving an address, the assembly began calling for him to become the next bishop. Ambrose was known for his Nicene beliefs, but Arians also favoured him because he had previously shown charity in theological matters. However, being neither baptized or trained in theology, Ambrose refused. He ran away and attempted to hide, but was given up. Within a week, he was baptized, ordained and duly consecrated bishop of Milan on December 7, 374. He then donated all his land and gave his money to the poor. This made him widely popular and often more politically powerful than even the emperor.

He studied theology with Simplician, a presbyter of Rome. Using his new education, along with his knowledge of Greek, he took the time to study the Old Testament and Greek authors. He used all of this while preaching; his abilities impressed Augustine of Hippo, who previously thought poorly of Christian preachers. After meeting Ambrose, Augustine re-evaluated himself and was forever changed. In 387, Ambrose baptized Augustine, on whom he had a great influence. St. Monica, Augustine's mother, loved Ambrose "as an angel of God who uprooted her son from his former ways and led him to his convictions of Christ."

The Arians increasing strength proved troublesome for Ambrose. Around 386, the Emperor Valentinian II and his mother, Justine, along with many other people, including clergy, laypersons, and military, professed Arianism. They demanded some of the churches in Milan be dedicated to them, one in the city and one in the suburbs. Ambrose refused and was ordered to appear in front of the council, where he then spoke eloquently in defence of the Church. He is quoted with stating: If you demand my person, I am ready to submit: carry me to prison or to death, I will not resist; but I will never betray the church of Christ. I will not call upon the people to succour me; I will die at the foot of the altar rather than desert it. The tumult of the people I will not encourage: but God alone can appease it.

The imperial court did not like Ambrose's religious principles, but he was sought out to help and speak to Magnus Maximus to prevent him from descending upon Italy. Ambrose was successful. During a second attempt, the embassy was not successful, and Milan was taken. Justine and Valentinian II fled, but Ambrose stayed. He is credited with doing a great service to the sufferers during this time. In 385, Ambrose once again refused handing over the Portian basilica to Valentinian II, this time to be used by Arian troops. A year later, Ambrose was again ordered to hand over the church for Arian use. Ambrose and his congregation barricaded themselves within the church walls until the imperial order rescinded.

After Theodosius I, emperor of the East, married Justine, Ambrose had him excommunicated for the massacre of 7,000 people. The emperor did several months public penance.

In his later years, Ambrose retired in Bologna and assisted in the transferring of saints Vitalis and Agricola's relics. Ambrose died on April 4, 397. His body remains in the church of St. Ambrogio in Milan, along with the bodies of Saints Gervase and Protase.

He introduced reforms in the order and manner of public worship. He was known for his "liturgical flexibility that kept in mind that liturgy was a tool to serve people in worshiping God, and ought not to become a rigid entity that is invariable from place to place”. He is credited with advising Augustine of Hippo to follow local liturgical customs. "When I am at Rome, I fast on a Saturday; when I am at Milan, I do not. Follow the custom of the church where you are," he stated. This advice remains today, and is translated in English as the saying, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do."

Ambrose authored many of the Church's important writings and hymns. He is credited with composing the repertory Ambrosian chant, also known as the Antiphonal Chant. He is also credited with composing the hymn "Te Deum," which is believed to have been written when he baptized Augustine of Hippo. St. Ambrose is the Confessor and Doctor of the Church. He is the patron saint of bee keepers, beggars, learning and Milan. Christmas For most of the Christian era Christmas has not been a prominent festival being overshadowed by the Cross and Resurrection. It was only in the Victorian era that it gained prominence to become a festival not only celebrated by the Church but also by the public at large. Until well into the eighteenth century Christmas Day had not been a holiday. However, it is now recognised that God becoming man, the Word made Flesh, is important in understanding the full significance of the Cross and Resurrection. The Days Following Christmas. With all the festivities of Christmas the days which follow Christmas Day are lost. These switch between death and celebration, bringing us back to the reality of the world where peace and violence alternate. Immediately after Christmas Day on 26th is St Stephen’s Day commemorating the death of the first martyr. Then, more serene, on 27th St John, Apostle and Evangelist who died a natural death at a great age. Next on 28th is the Holy Innocents, the horrific slaughter of the children under two years by King Herod and on the 29th we remember St Thomas Becket, martyred in Canterbury Cathedral. All these events remind us of the corroding effects of hatred. Feast of the Epiphany – 6th January The Manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles is an alternative title and descriptive of the event. Nowadays the Church tends to transfer the feast to the nearest Sunday and this year it is Sunday 7th January. The feast originated in the Eastern Church where it also included the Baptism of Christ. It was introduced into the Western Church in the Fourth Century but lost the character of the Feast of the Baptism which is still retained in the East today. In the West it solely celebrates the coming of the Magi as related in Matthew Chapter 2.1-12. William Holden SERVICES for ADVENT and CHRISTMAS

! CHRISTINGLE SERVICE (in aid of The Children’s Society) Sunday, 3rd December 4.00 pm

! MESSY CHURCH at CHRISTMAS (Fun, food and crafts in the Community Centre) Sunday 10th December at 4.00pm

! A SERVICE of NINE LESSONS and CAROLS Sunday, 17th December 5.00 pm

! CHRISTMAS EVE NATIVITY CRIB SERVICE 4.00pm MIDNIGHT MASS 11:30 pm

! CHRISTMAS DAY HOLY COMMUNION (BCP) 8.00am CHRISTMAS FAMILY EUCHARIST 10.00am

! The EPIPHANY transferred to Sunday, 7th January Family Eucharist 10.00 am Would you like to write a prayer for the next Methodist Prayer Handbook?

The theme for next year’s Methodist Prayer Handbook will be 'a world transformed by God’s love', inspired by the One Mission Statement of the Methodist Church in Britain (see www.methodist.org.uk/ onemission).

The theme runs like this: through Christ, in the power of the Spirit, we share God’s mission, both to renew the created order and to transform lives, communities and nations. Christians and their neighbours are not only subjects of change but agents of change. Individually and collectively we are both challenged and changed by God’s transforming love. The gospel of resurrection celebrates the way all things change shape, bringing to birth a new people and a new society and, on a cosmic scale, all things returning to the perfection of God from whom they took their origins.

Would you like to contribute a prayer along these lines? The editor also welcomes prayers for the general pages at the front of the Handbook on the following themes: the integrity of creation, the comforting presence of God, justice, adoration and thanksgiving, confession, times of life and times of day.

Prayers should not exceed 120 words or 12 lines. Shorter prayers and prayers for specific themes or countries are more likely to be used.

When submitting prayers, please give your postal address (so that you can be sent a complimentary copy if your prayer is used), your full name and how you would like to be described (e.g. Jane Jones, local preacher, Townton).

The deadline for submission is 12 January 2018. Prayers should be emailed to [email protected] in the body of an email, not as an attachment. For full details please visit http:// methodist.org.uk/prayerhandbook. The views expressed by individuals in Keynotes are not necessarily the views of the Church of St Peter, West Blatchington, or the Editorial Team. External advertising in this magazine does not imply any endorsement or promotion of the advertisement or its content, products or services. Errors and omissions, whilst regrettable, may occur. Please advise any member of the Editorial Team in writing and corrections will be published.

FREE PARKING Are you having problems parking when you take your children to Hove Park?

Then contact William Holden who can offer off road parking opposite Hove Park

Tel: 01273 706482 Please telephone before coming

John the Baptist proclaimed, ‘The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.’ Mark 1.7 & 8

The Parish Church of St. Peter West Blatchington

FREE LUNCHTIME CONCERT SERIES

Our afternoon concert series continues with

A performance by the children from Aldrington School

1.30 p.m. on Friday 15th December

Refreshments provided.

All welcome!

MONEY MA££ERS - Figures for October 2017

Receipts Planned Giving £ 4208 Collections/other giving £ 366 Community Centre Income £ 1256 Income Tax Recovered £ 515 Quiz night/Sponsored bike ride £ 684 Sundry Donation £ 100 TOTAL RECEIPTS £ 7129

Payments Parish Contribution £ 5889 Rectory/Rector’s Expenses £ 387 Church Running Cost/Maintenance £ 1307 Upkeep of Services/Parish Newsletters £ 262 Organist £ 346 Community Centre Running costs £ 142 Parish Administrator £ 390 Charity Donation £ 75 PCC Reimbursement of expenses £ 252 TOTAL PAYMENTS £ 9050

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined. Isaiah 9.2 Date Reading, Commemorations & Intentions (Calendar for December Year B) FRI Charles de Foucauld, hermit, 1916 1ST Aldrington School SAT 2ND Our prayer life SUN Advent 1 3RD Isaiah 64.1-9 Mark 13.24-37 MON John of Damascus, monk, teacher of the faith, c749. 4TH Nicholas Ferrar, deacon, founder of the Little Gidding Community, 1637 Renewal of religious life in the C of E TUES 5TH The use of icons in our worship WEDS 6TH Our preparations for Christmas THURS Ambrose, bishop, teacher of the faith, 397 7TH All clergy FRI Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary 8TH All mothers and families SAT 9TH Bishop Martin SUN Advent 2 10TH Isaiah 40.1-11 Mark 1.1-8 MON 11TH Our care of the environment TUES 12TH Our understanding of our own calling to follow Christ WEDS Lucy, martyr, 304. Samuel Johnson, moralist,1784 13TH Our faith in times of trial THURS John of the Cross, poet, teacher of the faith, 1591 14TH Our vision of the wonder of the incarnation FRI 15TH A clear vision of Christ SAT 16TH Our Sunday School children and teachers SUN Advent 3 Isaiah 61.1-4, 8-11 1 Thessalonians 5.16-24 17TH John 1.6-8, 19-28 MON O Adonai 18TH Jesus – Leader of the House of Israel TUES O Radex 19TH Jesus – Root of Jesse WEDS O Clavis 20TH Jesus Dayspring of light eternal THUR O Oriens 21ST Jesus – Dayspring from on high FRI O Rex 22ND Jesus – King of the Nations SAT O Emanuel 23RD Jesus – God with us SUN Advent 4 2 Samuel 7.1-5,8-11 Acts 13.16-26 Luke 24TH 1.67-79 EVENING Isaiah 9.2-7 Titus 2.11-14 Luke 2.1-14 MON CHRISTMAS DAY 25TH Isaiah 52.7-10 Hebrews 1.1-4 John 1.1-14 TUES Stephen, deacon, first martyr 26TH Those facing persecution for their faith WEDS John, Apostle and Evangelist 27TH Our understanding of the Gospel THUR Holy Innocents 28TH All victims of violence FRI Thomas Becket, archbishop, martyr, 1170 29TH All victims of war and persecution SAT 30TH Archbishops Justin and John SUN 1st Sunday of Christmas 31st Isaiah 61.10-62.3 Galatians 4.4-7 Luke 2.15-21 Date Reading, Commemorations & Intentions (Calendar for January Year B) MON Naming and Circumcision of Jesus 1ST Our commitment to Our Lord TUES Bishops, teachers of the faith, 379 & 389. Seraphim, 2ND monk, spiritual guide, 1833,Vedanayagam Samuel Azariah, bishop, evangelist, 1945 Our Group Ministry WEDS 3RD Our commitment to Our Lord THURS 4TH Ecumenical links with the Orthodox Churches FRI 5TH Aldrington School Governors SAT 6TH The spread of the Gospel SUN Epiphany transferred from 6th January 7TH Isaiah 60.1-6 Matthew 2.1-12 MON 8TH The Martlets Hospice TUES Baptism of Christ 9TH Our Churchwardens WEDS William Laud, archbishop, 1645 10TH Our PCC THURS Mary Slessor, missionary, 1915 11TH All missionary societies FRI Aelred, abbot, 1167. Benedict Biscop, scholar, 689. 12TH All theologians SAT Hilary, bishop, teacher of the faith, 367. Kentigern 13TH (Mungo), missionary, 603. George Fox, founder of the Society of Friends, (Quakers), 1691 hospital Chaplains SUN 2nd Sunday of Epiphany 14TH 1 Samuel 3.1-20 Revelations 5.1-10 John 1.43-51 MON 15TH All Chaplains to the Forces Tues 16TH The housebound in our parish WEDS Anthony of Egypt, hermit, abbot, 356. Charles Gore, 17TH bishop, founder of the Community of the Resurrection. THUR Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 18-25th January 18TH Amy Carmichael, Founder of the Dohnavur Fellowship, Spiritual Writer, 1951 Unity - All Christian Churches FRI Wulfstan, bishop, 1095 Unity – The Church of England 19TH and the Anglican Communion SAT Richard Rolle, spiritual writer, 1349 20TH Unity – The Roman Catholic Church SUN 3rd Sunday of Epiphany 21ST Genesis 14.7-20 Revelation 19.6-10 John 2.1-11 MON 22ND Unity - The Orthodox Churches TUES 23RD Unity – The Methodist Church WEDS Francis de Sales, bishop, teacher of the faith, 1622 24TH Unity – The United Reform Church THUR Conversion of Paul 25TH Unity - The Baptist and Free Churches FRI Timothy and Titus, companions of Paul 26TH Our local hospitals SAT 27TH The Society of the Holy Cross – priests associates SUN 4th Sunday of Epiphany 28TH Deuteronomy 18.15-20 Revelation 12.1-5a Mark 1.21-28 MON 29TH Residential Nursing Homes and Care Homes TUES Charles, king, martyr, 1649 30TH The Royal Family WEDS John Bosco, priest, founder of the Salesian Teaching 31ST Order, 1888 Residential Nursing and Care Homes BUNGARD & SONS LIMITED

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Prayer at Christmas

Father of all good gifts,

Thank you for the greatest gift of all – your precious Son, Jesus. Thank you that He chose to live with us so that all who trust Him will one day live with you in peace and wholeness.

Help us Father, this Christmas, to keep you at the centre of our celebrations and, in the midst of all the busy-ness and rush, to know your presence and the peace that only you can give. And Lord, may we reflect your love to those who don’t yet know that you are real and alive and able to help, whatever their situation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

By Daphne Kitching

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