The Parish of Kidmore End & Sonning Common the Lamb and Flag St

FEBRUARY 2021

The Parish of Kidmore End & Sonning Common

The Lamb and Flag

The parish magazine of

St John the Baptist Church, Kidmore End and Christ the King Church, Sonning Common

50p

CONTACTING THE CLERGY AND CHURCH OFFICERS

Rector

Revd James Stickings Telephone 0118 972 1459 Email [email protected] For the time being, please contact one of the churchwardens if you need advice or support. Associate Priest

Revd Sheila Walker Telephone 0118 972 4861 Email [email protected] Churchwardens

Nick Room Telephone 0118 972 2258 Email [email protected]

Richard Walker Telephone 0118 327 6107 Email [email protected]

Musical Director St John’s

Frances Brewitt - Telephone 0118 948 2743 Taylor Email [email protected]

PCC Treasurer

Nick Room Telephone 0118 972 2258 Email [email protected]

PCC Secretary

Jenny MacGregor Telephone 0118 947 2855 Email [email protected]

FROM 2 PRIORY COPSE

Dear All,

The one thing many of us have still been able to do during the pandemic - and for which we’re eternally grateful - is WALKING! And that can be so therapeutic, not just physically, but spiritually. Jesus and his disciples did a lot of it (Ok, pre-internal combustion engine: but maybe that’s why he came at that time?!)

 We are taken beyond the closed environment where we may feel we have a measure of control and reminded of the wider world of nature, which awakens our wonder and reminds us of our dependence on God.  The very rhythm of walking helps to remind us of the faithfulness of God and the ultimate order and purpose of creation; it opens the way for peace and perspective.  It removes distractions (we have to leave our mobile at home, of course) and enable that still, small voice to be heard.  On a good day, we’ll find snowdrops/deer/woodpeckers/blackberries and a myriad other divine encounters to fuel our praises.

Recently, I was sent a beautiful photograph of All Saints’ at sunrise on Christmas morning, taken by an early-morning runner: an inspiration to seek out and treasure those echoes of God: the sun breaking through cloud, as it surely will.

May we know God’s grace sufficient for all our need.

Every blessing,

Sheila

CHRISTINGLE 2020 It was a different formula to past year’s services, but Christingle celebrations at Christ the King Church went ahead on Christmas Eve to the delight of those who attended. Joan Lamprell and her team of helpers worked hard to produce a memorable drop-in event from 3pm to 5pm, hoping to raise some much needed money for the Children’s Society.

Observing strict Covid rules, family groups were shown into the church to experience the story of Christmas told through the media of children’s Bible, printed verses, stars, angels, candles and nativity scenes - knitted, wooden or porcelain. Surrounded by beautiful Christmas music, families took their time reading and enjoying the peaceful ambience of the church. Posters on the walls explained how the Christingle is put together and that each component part has a symbolic meaning.

As they emerged into the lantern-lit cold, past the festive Christmas tree, they made their way to the tables at the gate where chilly helpers kept warm with mulled wine. On each of the tables: Do It Yourself packages of Christingles to assemble at home with the customary bright orange and red ribbon, symbolising the world and the blood sacrifice of Jesus. Also in the bag - cocktail sticks with raisins and sweets to represent the four seasons and its fruits. Finally, the candle showing Jesus’ light of the world which forms the centre piece. All the

2 families received at least one of these pre-packed bags so the children could make up their Christingle at home and use it as a table centre for Christmas dinner. The rest were distributed at the Carol singing event on Peppard Common or Springwater Church.

Families were able to make donations by card or cash and at the last count £251.18 has been raised for this worthwhile charity which assists children with particular problems and needs, including homelessness, abuse and drug addiction.

How poignant this all is in the dark times we are experiencing with the pandemic affecting everyone’s lives. Let’s focus on this light shining in the darkness and leading us out of the gloom, on to joy and, hopefully, a much better 2021.

Rosemary House

COVID RESTRICTIONS FROM 5 JANUARY The Bishop of London, the Rt Revd Sarah Mullally acknowledged the severity of the situation as outlined by the Prime Minister on 4 January but noted that in England the government had chosen not to suspend worship.

She said that the Church is here to offer comfort and spiritual support to everyone. And we have a duty of care to each other, but particularly those most at risk and the vulnerable. Churches shoud continue to follow the guidelines to ensure that churches remain as safe as possible. In particular, people must not mingle with anyone outside their household or support bubble. Some may consider it better not to attend in persion, and parishes have the option to offer only digital services for the time being.

Bishop Sarah also asked for prayer for all those on the front line in public and services, especially NHS, social care and all those on whom we depend at this anxious and stressful time. With school closures she also urged prayer for parents and those caring for children.

SEASONAL COOKING – FELICITY COOPER 1. Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace according to thy word. 2. For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, 3. which thou has prepared before the face of all people. 4. To be a light to lighten the Gentiles, and to be the glory of thy people Israel Luke 2.29-32

Candlemas is celebrated on 2 February, forty days after Christmas, and marks the end of the Christmas celebrations. On this day we remember the occasion when Mary and Joseph took the infant Jesus to be presented at the Temple in Jerusalem. Upon bringing Jesus into the temple, they encountered Simeon and Anna. Simeon held the baby Jesus and called him the Light of the World.

This day may be thought of as a celebration of light and it is traditional for candles to be blessed during the service. The candlelight is an outward and visible sign of Christ who illumines our heart and inner being.

In France Candlemas is known as La Chandeleur. Candles are lit as a symbol of purification and crêpes are cooked. Many people put a coin on top of the crêpe whilst it is cooking as a symbol of good luck. It is also believed that if you hold the coin in your right hand while flipping the pancake with your left (without dropping anything on the floor) you will have a prosperous year.

Drop scones are a traditional Scottish pancake. Made with self-raising flour, the batter is thicker than pancake batter.

Drop scones

Ingredients 100g/4oz self raising flour 40g/1½ oz caster sugar 1 medium egg Pinch of ground cinnamon Pinch of salt 4-5 tbsp milk 28g/1oz sultanas Oil for cooking 4

Instructions Sift the dry ingredients together into a bowl and slowly beat in the egg and sufficient milk to make a thick batter which just drops from a spoon. Add the sultanas and set aside Heat some oil in a griddle or flat frying pan. Drop dessertspoons of batter onto the hot pan and spread into a round approximately 1½cm/¼inch thickness. Turn over as soon as the base has set. Take care as they burn easily. The centre will be slightly soft but firms up as the scone cools. Serve warm with butter, syrup and fruit or jam.

LOCAL VEG ETC A weekly delivery scheme set up by local people for local people supporting local businesses. Jane Mather has been running this service from home, but last month, she moved her operation to the Parish Room and will be there each Wednesday between 11 am and 1 pm. Once lockdown is eased, she hopes that as well as being open to collect orders, it will become a ‘Conversation Café’ where people can sit over a cup of coffee and chat while collecting orders. She has a team who will also be delivering them. This is their story.

‘Even before lock down was enforced on 23 March we had a food supply problem. There was increasingly little on the shelves quite apart from the toilet roll shortage. Going to the shops was discouraged particularly for the over 70's and for anyone with an 'underlying condition'. My husband has diabetes and that was classified as an underlying condition so how were we going to get any food? Whilst queueing outside the local butcher in Sonning Common I heard that, Dudmans, a wholesale fruit and veg merchant at Emmer Green, would deliver. That first week I spent £32.24 on a vegetable and fruit box, some extra milk for a couple in the Hamlet where one of them was recovering from radiotherapy treatment and 3 cabbages for my parents. They are very keen on cabbage ...... The first box was a joy to receive and the most enormous relief.

The Dudmans delivery driver was harassed - he had tens of deliveries all to residential households and of course they were not set up for retail distribution. I asked him without thinking of the possible implications - just to ensure a continuing supply line – “Would it would help if I did some deliveries locally and you could just deliver to here as a hub?' “You bet!' he said. So, the challenge was on to see if there were other people locally who could be persuaded to take a veg box.

We found 10 people who wanted a veg box and a volunteer, Debbie, agreed to help deliver if I organised the supply of veg, fruit, milk and bread. Our first delivery to the local neighbourhood was 2 April 2020. We have been delivering weekly ever since and now have 31 households on our delivery list and a third volunteer Ollie Corbett who is doing this as part of his Duke Of Edinburgh Gold Award. He also created our website.

This is a local initiative with 3 volunteers. It has been set up by local people for local people and is supporting local businesses. Those of us involved, the customers, the suppliers and the volunteer delivery drivers have found this a positive experience knitting us closer together even whilst we are self- isolating and following the social distancing rules.

The best testimonial to this venture comes from Debbie who volunteered to help in the first week of lock down –

“'Hi Jane, I'm really happy to help out. It also gives me something positive to do. I've met so many lovely people doing this. I order eggs for a friend, the dog bones are very good value. You are doing a great job organising and delivering everyone's orders.

Thank you for taking me up on my offer, it's a good team effort.” Debbie.’

LOCAL VEG ETC A weekly delivery or ‘click and collect’ scheme set up by local people for local people supporting local businesses.

We deliver in Gallowstree Common, Kidmore End, Peppard & Sonning Common (local to RG4 & RG8). Order by 4pm on Monday for delivery on Wednesday.

Please visit our website - https://www.localvegetc.co.uk/

Feel free to contact us directly. Withy Copse, Horsepond Road, Kidmore End, G4 9HN. Telephone: 07768791429

Email: [email protected]

FEAST DAYS AND OTHER COMMEMORATIONS IN MARCH Next month takes us almost to the end of Lent with Holy Week starting on 28 March with Palm Sunday. The Annunciation of our Lord to the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated on 25 March.

Other commemorations to note include, David, Bishop of Menevia, Patron of Wales c. 601 on 1 March, Patrick, Bishop Missionary, Patron of Ireland, c. 460 on 17 March, Joseph of Nazareth on 19 March, and Cubert, Bishop of Lindisfarne, Missionary 687, on 20 March. Mothering Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Lent, is 14 March.

SHROVE TUESDAY AND PANCAKES Many of us eat pancakes just before Lent. The tradition dates back to Anglo- Saxon times, when Christians spent Lent in repentance and severe fasting.

So on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, the church bell would summon them to confession, where they would be ‘shriven’, or absolved from their sins, which gives us Shrove Tuesday. At home, they would then eat up their last eggs and fat, and making a pancake was the easiest way to do this. For the next 47 days, they pretty well starved themselves.

Pancakes feature in cookery books as far back as 1439, and today’s pancake races are in remembrance of a panicked woman back in 1445 in Olney, Buckinghamshire. She was making pancakes when she heard the shriving bell calling her to confession. Afraid she’d be late, she ran to the church in a panic, still in her apron, and still holding the pan.

Flipping pancakes is also centuries old. A poem from Pasquil’s Palin in 1619 runs: “And every man and maide doe take their turne, And tosse their Pancakes up for feare they burne.”

Some people have noted that the ingredients of pancakes can be used to highlight four significant things about this time of year: eggs stand for creation, flour is the staff of life, while salt keeps things wholesome, and milk stands for purity.

LENT, ASH WEDNESDAY AND THE IMPOSITION OF ASHES As is well-known, Lent is a forty day period leading up to Easter. What is not known for sure is its origin. It may have been established by that remarkable Council of Nicea in 325, although periods of fasting were observed before then. Jesus himself withdrew to seclusion and sustained himself on a basic diet. So the gathering at Nicea may have consolidated different customs. From the outset the season was characterised by fasting, abstinence, and repentence. And 40 days matched Jesus’ time in the ‘wilderness.’

Ash Wednesday seems to have been given momentum by Pope Gregory I (540 – 604). Ashes had been sprinkled on the heads of Christians in the early Church. Under Pope Gregory I the custom of marking a cross on the head was established linked with the words from Genesis 3. 19. In contemporary language this is expressed as, ‘Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return.’ And today, the liturgy of the Church of England makes provision for the imposition of ashes. However, the act fell out of favour around the time of the first Book of Common Prayer in 1549. The ceremony was not banned, but it was not included in the Church’s official liturgy. Thomas Cranmer was believed to have looked upon the act as one of a number of superstitious ceremonies (among which he included carrying candles on Candlemas day and palms on Palm Sunday). The 1549 Prayer Book emphasised the Commination – divine threats against sinners and the need for repentence.

Many Christians are marked with a cross on their foreheads on Ash Wednesday. There is a belief that the ashes have to originate from burning the palms from the previous year’s Palm Sunday. However, in the Church of England it is a case of may rather than have. The Eastern Church does not celebrate Ash Wednesday.

In an attempt to take the church to the people the custom of ‘Ashes to Go’ has found some favour in the USA. In Chicago, in 2010, a group of episcopal congregations took ashes on to the streets and offered the sign of a cross to commuters at suburban train stations. It is reported that many workers who did not have time to attend services welcomed the moment of prayer, renewal

9 and grace. And they were grateful to the Church for taking its teaching to the streets in what has now become a more ecumenical event.

So, with that preamble, it remains to be noted that, as the Prayer Book calls it, ‘The First Day of Lent commonly called Ash Wednesday’ falls on 17 February. And the season provides an opportunity for prayer, reflection, spiritual growth and doing something extra. This might, for example, include reading and reflecting on short passages of scripture. Do have a look around for seasonal guides. Here is a reminder of the Collect for the Day.

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing that you have made and forgive the sins of all those who are penitent: create and make in us new and contrite hearts that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may receive from you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

ASH WEDNESDAY: CANON DAVID WINTER’S MEMORY OF THE PASSOVER IN JERUSALEM Ash Wednesday introduces the Christian preparation for Easter, which normally coincides with Passover, the major Jewish celebration of the year. It’s near Easter because Jesus was crucified at Passover, having just shared this very meal with His disciples.

Passover celebrates and recalls the Israelites’ escape from slavery in Egypt. Led by Moses they crossed the Red Sea and 40 days later entered the ‘Promised Land.’ They shared the Passover meal at their last night in Egypt and have kept it all for nearly the past three thousand years or so that have followed.

Many years ago, when I was in Jerusalem to produce a radio programme, I was invited to join a Jewish family for their Passover meal. It was a great occasion, very like our Christmas, a family event with deep religious significance for those who seek it.

At the meal in Jerusalem, we ate modest lentils and unleavened bread – Matzos as we now call it. We also drank plenty of wine but not from the cup at the end of the table. That is ‘Elijah’s cup’, only to be drunk from when the prophet comes to announce the arrival of the Messiah.

At the last supper Jesus instructed His disciples to drink from that cup after supper, which may have shocked them at the time. The Messiah had come!

ON THE EVE OF 2021 ARCHBISHOP STEPHEN COTTRELL TALKED ABOUT HOPE At the beginning of this new year we are probably all wondering where we can find hope. 2020 was difficult and 2021 hasn’t got off to a great start but the vaccine is on its way. And, even though there are many other challenges facing us, – we hope. One of my favourite passages in the Bible is when Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego are going to be thrown into the fiery furnace and are given a last chance to worship King Nebuchadnezzar’s golden statue. But they say - well look our God might save us – our God might not save us. But we are not going to do what we know to be wrong. We are going to place our hope in God’s way of living, and God’s way of inhabiting the Earth.

On new year 1945 Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor who bravely opposed the Nazi government wrote a poem in prison that promoted all of this. It’s a longish poem but the opening verses speak that good things may be ahead, but there may be bad things. But we place our trust in God and on the light that he shines on us. And so to the lines:-

Should it be ours to drain the cup of grieving even to the dregs of pain, at thy command, we will not falter, thankfully receiving all that is given by thy loving hand. But should it be thy will once more to release us,

11 to life's enjoyment and it's good sunshine, that which we've learned from sorrow shall increase us, and all our life be dedicate as thine. Today, let candles shed their radiant greeting; lo, on our darkness are they not thy light leading us, haply, to our longed-for meeting? Thou canst illumine even our darkest night.

(Extract – ‘Powers of Good’ – Dietrich Bonhoeffer, 1945)

In this new year we pray that the light of Christ may shine in our darkness. And if you would like me or for the Sisters of Whitby who are praying with me to pray for you, please send me a prayer and we will pray for you this new year at Bishopthorpe Palace, and in Whitby, that you may receive the light of Christ.

GEORGE HERBERT – PRIEST AND POET – 27 FEBRUARY The Lectionary provides for a commemoration of George Herbert on 27 February which marks his untimely death from consumption in 1633. He was born on 3 April 1593 in Montgomery, Wales. He came from a noble family and was educated at Trinity College, Cambridge. He took holy orders in 1626 and became rector of Bemerton, near Salisbury. There he ministered for only three years before his death.

George Herbert wrote much verse and the passage of time has led to later generations recognising his contribution as one of the earliest metaphysical poets using philsophical ideas to describe human feellings. His book, The Country Parson, was one of the first guides to the role of clergy. And he wisely conceived the role of the priest as embedded in the community that the priest sought to serve.

His legacy to us is mainly found in some widely sung hymns that have stood the test of time, King of Glory, King of Peace, Let all the world in every corner sing, Teach me, my God and King, and The God of love my shepherd is.

A LENT REFLECTION Lent starts on 17 February – please don’t let the season pass you by. Many lament that the solemnity of the season is not entirely matched by serious observance of things such as abstinence and fasting. ‘Are you giving up chocolates for Lent’ is a question often posed in a way that recognises that it possibly scores low on the sacrificial abstinance scale.

But leaving individual choices to one side there is something about the season that should bring all Christians together. The season lasts for 40 days and the period may therefore be seen for what it can be – a significant opportunity to reflect with some purpose on what it means to be a Christian. Lent reminds Christians that Jesus withdrew himself to a period of sacrifice in the dessert. And the events leading up to the cruifixion on Good Friday are recalled.

Of course, there is the knowledge that Lent takes us to Easter, the joy of the resurrection and the promise of eternal life. That leads to the question of what it means to be ‘an Easter people.’ How to characterise Christians often prompts, loving one’s neighbour, showing compassion, giving to help the poor and needy, undertaking voluntary work often feature by way of response. Many non-believers are capable of displaying the same qualities too so they are not unique to Christians. This is where Lent reflection can help.

Lent provides an opportunity to carry out a ‘spiritual health check.’ What distinguishes me as a Christian and, how well do I reflect and commend those qualities to others? Prayerful repentence is a good starting point in Lent. Martin Leckebusch’s hymn Forgive us when our deeds ignore is a useful piece on which to reflect. The final verse is:- Forgive us, God! Our lives betray our shallow, vague response to grace. So help us walk your holy way to make the world a better place.

And what about spiritual growth? Are there things that can be done better, perhaps in interactions with fellow believers? Are there new Christ-like activities to follow? The goal for the Easter people is to commend the joy of the resurrection, and new life in Christ to non-believers. Making the most of Lent might be good preparation. Despite its solemnity it is a season of opportunity. Lent starts on 17 February – please don’t let the season pass you by.

NATIONAL REGISTER OF CLERGY The final stages for publishing a National Register of Clergy, to strengthen safeguarding in the Church of England, are now underway. The Church’s 20,000 active clergy – those who hold a licence or Permission to Officiate (PTO) – are being asked to confirm the information that both the National Church Institutions (NCIs) and dioceses hold about them is accurate for when the Register goes live in May. Currently PTO and licence details are held in each diocese but not published nationally.

The National Register is an important development in strengthening safeguarding in the Church and was a recommendation in the ‘2017 Gibb Review’ which looked into the Church’s handling of allegations against the late Bishop Peter Ball. The NCIs, and representatives from each diocese, have worked together on the project and the relevant regulation covering the information that will be published was passed at General Synod in November 2020. All active clergy will now be included by law and have been contacted individually to ask them to confirm their details by 23 February.

The Register will show an individual’s title and name, how they are engaged with the Church of England (current post/licence) and the diocese, area or benefice to which they are licensed. The Register will not include contact, biographical or historical information.

This information will be publicly available on the Church of England website. The Register can be searched to verify whether someone has PTO or licence to hold office, in much the same way as other professions hold national lists. At the time of launch the Register will include those who are ordained, expanding to include lay ministry in due course.

ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY’S NEW YEAR MESSAGE In case you missed it, here is the Archbishop’s new year message delivered from the chapel of Guy’s and St’Thomas’s Hospital.

This chapel is at the heart of Guy's and St Thomas’ in central London – one of Britain’s largest and busiest hospitals.

Like health workers across the country, the staff here have been on the front line of the coronavirus crisis and have responded with incredible bravery, skill and care.

It’s my local hospital, a few minutes’ walk from where I live. During the pandemic, I’ve been volunteering as an assistant chaplain – working for the senior chaplain, the wonderful Reverend Mia Hilborn. We visit Covid wards and other units – spending time with patients, staff and relatives.

One evening, I might be with a young child, praying with him and his mother. On another I could be sharing a joke with someone – finding a moment of warmth and connection in a frightening time. Sometimes the most important thing we do is just sit with people, letting them know they are not alone.

This year has seen tremendous pain and sadness. Many of us have lost family members or friends, often without being able to say goodbye. For anyone who is on the dark and difficult journey of grief – a path I know myself – I want to assure you that I am praying for you.

But it’s at St Thomas’ that, alongside acknowledging this darkness, I find reasons to be hopeful for the year ahead. Because what I see here teaches me something about human beings – and about God.

This crisis has shown us how fragile we are. It has also shown us how to face this fragility. Here at the hospital, hope is there in every hand that’s held, and every comforting word that’s spoken. Up and down the country, it’s there in every phone call. Every food parcel or thoughtful card. Every time we wear our masks.

The Bible tells us that God rejoices in these small acts of love – because they reveal who we truly are: human beings made in God’s image, deeply connected to one another.

Such gestures speak to me of Jesus – the one who shows us what God’s love looks like. And for this reason, we can have hope for each and every month ahead. May God bless you, and all those you love, in this coming year.

‘COME AND SEE!’ – A NEW DIOCESAN INITIATIVE Many people are asking deep questions of faith. “Come and See” is an invitation from our Bishops to local communities to take the first steps in exploring faith.

Who is it for? Come and see is an invitation to everyone, for everyone. It’s for anyone who feels adrift in this pandemic, whether or not they know anything about the Christian faith. When they register, the Diocese will send them helpful information each week, and, if they would like, put them in touch with their local church; that’s us!

Please do think whether you know of anyone who may be interested, and give them the link to the website: oxford.anglican.org/come-and-see

How can we help? If people are referred to us, we will be looking for some of our members to help, maybe to welcome newcomers or with a group or one-to-one discussion and support. Please do let me know if you would be happy to be available! Sheila

TRUTH ENCOUNTER – BY DAPHNE KITCHING Luke 4. 1 – 14, John 17. 17, and James 4. 7

Led by the Spirit and tempted by the devil, He wandered in the wilderness, hungry.

And focussed on God, and the truth and power of His Word. Truth and power enough to resist His enemy and ours. To go on – armed with the Spirit – to give His life, to give us life.

A lesson in tactics then: know the truth, submit to God, resist the devil. And our wildernesses will blossom. We will bear fruit, fruit to be known by, as His.

FOLLOW A NEW PILGRIM PATH In the south of England, a new pilgrim path is emerging. Winding through downland, weald and shoreline for 250 miles, the Old Way from Southampton to Canterbury is derived from the oldest road map of Britain: the Gough Map, c.1360.

Like the Santiago de Compostela in Spain, this ancient route has lain dormant for years. But it has been recently rediscovered by the British Pilgrimage Trust, who have used the Gough Map’s key anchor waypoints (corresponding to settlements like Southampton, Chichester, Arundel, Battle, Rye etc) to create a new pilgrimage route with ancient roots.

In unison with the Old Way’s development, the British Pilgrimage Trust are also reintroducing another ancient – and similarly dormant – tradition. The offering of ‘sanctuary’ hospitality to pilgrims along a pilgrimage route was, up until the English Reformation of 1534, common practice. Monasteries throughout the country would have had a room or building reserved specifically for travellers, who would rely on these sanctuaries in order to make pilgrimage. When pilgrimage was banned in 1538, and monasteries demolished, these two practices – making pilgrimage, and providing sanctuary – ceased, lying fallow for hundreds of years.

It is natural, then, that with the re-emergence of pilgrimage in the UK, the provision of sanctuary should likewise become common practice again. The BPT has worked with 13 churches along the Old Way, who will offer overnight sanctuary to BPT pilgrims walking the route, in exchange for a donation (between £5-£10 per pilgrim for one night) to their church. In Spring 2021, Covid-19 permitting, the Sanctuary Project will launch.

The BPT is looking for more churches, based along this route and in other locations across Britain, to take up this project. This is a fantastic opportunity: not only will the project enable pilgrims on lower incomes to make pilgrimage, but it will also bring a new type of visitor and donation to churches.

To find out more about the BPT’s Sanctuary Project, visit: britishpilgrimage.org/sanctuary

CENTRE SPOT FOR CHILDREN

ARCHBISHOP OF YORK’S REFLECTION FOR CHRISTMAS DAY Stephen Cottrell had some advice to offer to those pondering the real meaning of Christmas. This might be something to take to Christmas 2021.

St Luke’s Gospel, chapter 2, verse 12, ‘this will be a sign for you. You will find a child in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ People often talk about the ‘real meaning of Christmas.’ But what is it exactly, and, if we found it, would we want it? The angel Gabriel told Mary that she was to be the mother of the Lord. She could have said no, but she didn’t. Joseph found his fiancée was pregnant and knew he wasn’t the father, but he still put in his trust in her. He supported her and believed in her. The shepherds came to the manger in fear and trepidation, but they went away rejoicing, sharing with others what they had seen and experienced. The wise men came to the manger from one direction, but left by another. The course of their lives was altered. Perhaps the real meaning of Christmas is this. Visit the manger and your life will be changed.

So what will we find if we come to the manger this Christmas and how will we be changed? First, we will see God, but not as we expected, not God all powerful and all knowing, but God emptied of power and in need of help. We will see a tiny, new born infant, born among the poor and homeless about to be made a refugee. We will see vulnerability and simplicity and in a world where we prize power and covet wealth. This is very uncomfortable. At this manger we may have to learn to be vulnerable ourselves. At this manger we may have to learn simplicity of life. True happiness and Christmas happiness is not to be found through consumption, that great orgy of food and presents that we are about to enter into. Of course, it’s good to celebrate, and after such a difficult year, celebration is needed especially with those we love around us if at all possible. But what we also need is hope. Hope that the world beyond Covid and the world with Brexit behind us at last can be different. If we want to ‘build back better’ after Covid then we need to pay special attention to the poorest communities in our land, many of which are here in this diocese of York. And for those who have lost opportunity as well as jobs and wealth, if we want to save our planet from global warming, then we are going to have to learn to consume less and to live in greater simplicity. If we want there to be peace in the world then we have to learn greater

20 vulnerability to each other. And a greater respect for our differences and for our common humanity.

Perhaps each Christmas crib ought to carry a health warning. Don’t come here if you just want life to continue as it is, but if you want to see the world changed then you had better come quickly. Amen

WHERE DID THE HYMN, JESUS, LOVER OF MY SOUL COME FROM? This well-known hymn contemplates the complete dependency that is found in the grace of Jesus to free all from sin, especially at times of temptation. The lyrics were written by Charles Wesley (1707 – 1788) and it first appeared in 1740 with a title of ‘In temptation.’ Christ is the sure and sole refuge for all and a urce of comfort to all who turn to him. It is therefore often sung during the Lent season.

Appearing in the first Hymns Ancient and Modern in 1861 it was set to the tune Hollingside, composed by the Revd Dr John Baccus Dykes that year. It is also set to the outstanding welsh tune, Aberystwyth, composed by Joseph Parry in 1879. He was born in 1841 in Merthyr Tydfil and showed musical talents at an early age. However, he started work in a steel mill and in 1854 his parents emigrated to the USA. Joseph returned to the UK to study at the Royal Academy of Music and Cambridge. From 1873 – 1879 he was professor of music at the University in Aberystwyth and later became lecturer and professor at the University of South Wales in Cardiff from 1888 – 1903. Joseph Parry produced over 400 hymn tunes as well as oratorios, cantatas, and orchestral music. He died in 1903 and is buried in Penarth.

REMEMBERING JOHN KEATS It was 200 years ago, on 23 February 1821, that John Keats, the Romantic poet, died in Rome of tuberculosis, aged 25.

Keats was a generous, likeable and hard-working man who had much experience of suffering in his short life. He also had a love of civil and religious liberty. Most of his best work was done during the year 1819, when he was already sickening after an exhausting walking tour of the Lakes and Scotland the previous summer.

In that same year he had also been nursing his brother Tom through tuberculosis – the disease that killed their mother. But in 1819, after Tom’s death, he moved to Hampstead and fell in love with a neighbour, Fanny Brawne, who was 18.

By this time Keats was devoting himself to poetry, having originally trained as a surgeon following his mother’s early death. He is most famous for his Odes, all of which (except the one to Autumn) were composed between March and June 1819. All of them ponder the clash between eternal ideals and the transience of the physical world.

His most famous lines: ‘Beauty is truth, truth beauty, – that is all ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.’

LOVE With Valentine’s Day on 14 February in mind, the Prayers of the Western Highlanders give us this lovely short poem.

He held her close in his arms’ embrace, Their eyes and their lips did meet, He looked down into her lovely face, And her heart did faster beat…

They went to the kirk and it came the day, And the book the priest did take; He in his kilt was so bright and gay As his promise he did make.

She stood at his side so white and fair, Her white fingers fair to give, The priest handfasted them then and there, And he blessed them long to live.

O God give the joy and God the love To those who are lovers true, Shed down benediction from above As in one are joined the two.

DESCRIBE WHAT LOVE IS J R Miller (1840-1912) was considered by many to be the most gifted devotional writer of his generation. His book ‘In Green Pastures’ was much loved. Here is J R Miller’s paraphrase of the famous ‘love’ passage in 1 Corinthians 13.

Love thinks no evil. It does not suspect unkindness in kindly deeds. It does not imagine an enemy in every friend. It does not fear insincerity in sincere professions of esteem. It does not impugn others’ motives nor discount their acts.

On the other hand, it overlooks foibles and hides the multitude of faults that belong to every human being, even to those who are the holiest and the best. Love believes in the good that is in people and tries to think of them always at their best, not at their worst.

It looks, too, at the possibilities that are in people, what they may become through divine love and grace, and not merely at what they now are. It is wonderful how seeing through love’s eyes changes the whole face of earthly life, transfiguring it. If the heart be filled with suspicion, distrust, and doubt of people, the world grows very ugly. But love sees brightness, beauty and hope everywhere.

CANDLEMAS – THE PRESENTATION OF CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE – 2 FEBRUARY In bygone centuries, Christians said their last farewells to the Christmas season on Candlemas, 2 February. This is exactly 40 days after Christmas Day itself.

In New Testament times 40 days old was an important age for a baby boy: it was when they made their first ‘public appearance’. Mary, like all good Jewish mothers, went to the Temple with Jesus, her first male child – to ‘present Him to the Lord’. At the same time, she, as a new mother, was ‘purified’. Thus, we have the Festival of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple.

So, where does the Candlemas bit come in? Jesus is described in the New Testament as the Light of the World, and early Christians developed the tradition of lighting many candles in celebration of this day. The Church also fell into the custom of blessing the year’s supply of candles for the church on this day – hence the name, Candlemas.

The story of how Candlemas began can be found in Luke 2. 22-40. Simeon’s great declaration of faith and recognition of who Jesus was is of course found in the Nunc Dimittis, which is embedded in the Office of Evening Prayer in the West. But in medieval times, the Nunc Dimittis was mostly used just on this day, during the distribution of candles before the Eucharist. Only gradually did it win a place in the daily prayer life of the Church.

‘BEING THERE’ FOR PRISIONERS DURING COVID Surely the most severe form of lockdown this past year has been in our prisons. Prisoners have been left in their cells for up to 23 hours a day, with all activities suspended.

Whereas prayer and chapel services usually provide some outlet for prisoners, even these were halted. That meant that many prisoners with personal problems and anxieties were left with no one to whom to turn to for help.

In response, Prison Fellowship launched Prayer Line. It is a telephone service with a freephone number, where prisoners have been requesting prayers for something personal by leaving their request as an anonymous recorded message.

The messages have then been picked up by PF staff, distributed to PF volunteer prayer groups, and faithfully prayed for. The requests for help have ranged from prayers for the victims of the prisoner’s crime, to the prisoner’s family, themselves, and other prisoners.

CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF THE REVISED STANDARD VERSION The Revised Standard Version of the New Testament was published 75 years ago, on 11 February 1946. It was the first major English-language update of the Bible since the King James version published in 1611.

The RSV Old Testament followed in 1952 and the Apocrypha in 1957. The translation was a revision of the American Standard Version of 1901 and was intended to be a readable and accurate modern English translation. A ceremony to commemorate the publication of the New Testament was held in Columbus, Ohio, with the translation team saying they wanted it to supplement the ASV and not supplant it.

The RSV New Testament was mostly well received, but the Old Testament, which made use of Dead Sea Scrolls material, less so. One objection centred on the translation of a Hebrew word in Isaiah as ‘young woman’ instead of ‘virgin’, which was said to distort a basic Christian truth and encouraged many to go back to the King James Bible.

Some opponents went further, calling it a “master stroke of Satan”. One Southern pastor burned a copy with a blowtorch in his pulpit. The controversy may have paved the way for the now often used New International Version, introduced in 1978.

However, as many know, in 1989 the widely acclaimed New Revised Standard Version was published. It has gained broad support from academics and church leaders as an ecumenical version.

BOOK REVIEW – LIVING HIS STORY – REVEALING THE EXTRAORDINARY LOVE OF GOD IN ORDINARY WAYS

The Archbishop of Canterbury’s Lent Book 2021.

By Hannah Steele, SPCK, £7.99.

Living His Story, explores evangelism as a way of sharing God’s love with people. How can we convey the love of God to our neighbours in a post- Christian world that has largely forgotten the gospel of Jesus Christ?

Hannah Steele uncovers liberating and practical ways of sharing the gospel story afresh. With warmth and encouragement, she shows us how we can live Jesus’ story in our own lives simply by being the people God made us and allowing people to be drawn to him through our natural gifts.

Living His Story is a Lent devotional that will change the way you think about evangelism, show how ideally suited it is for the world we live in and fill you with confidence in sharing God’s love with the people around you.

Set out in six sessions to take you through Lent, the book can be used as a single study for individuals or small groups to prepare for Easter. It will help you find space to see evangelism from a new practical perspective.

LEAVE THEM BE The National Trust has urged the public to stay away from certain areas during breeding season this Spring. It hopes to mimic the effects of lockdown last year, which helped more vulnerable species.

The call follows the discovery last year that lockdown did our peregrine falcons, grey partridges and other species a real favour.

The tern colony at Blakeney Point in Norfolk had a bumper season, with more than 200 little tern chicks fledged, the most in 25 years. The Peak District saw more curlew, and the Llyn Peninsula saw more stoats, weasels and rabbits emerging from the woodlands of Plas yn Rhiw. Meanwhile, the ruins of Corfe Castle in Dorset became home to peregrine falcons, and a cuckoo arrived in Osterley, west London. Even Dartford warblers were on the move, some to as far as Shropshire.

NATURAL SURROUNDINGS CAN AFFECT YOUR MOOD The natural environment can make a real impact on your mood. Mountains can leave you feeling more optimistic, while the ocean can help boost your inspiration.

A recent study at Goldsmiths University of London found that water is most effective at increasing positive emotions, such as happiness and inspiration. Woodlands can help you forget your worries, and fields and meadows can enhance your energy levels.

NATIONAL NESTBOX WEEK – TIME TO HELP YOUR GARDEN BIRDS Our birds are short of nesting holes, and no wonder: gardens, parks and woodland are much neater than they used to be, and modern homes offer few crannies for nest building.

National Nestbox Week, which is celebrated from 14 February each year, aims to encourage us to put up more nestboxes, and to consider planting shrubs or trees with fruit that birds eat. These can make all the difference to birds struggling to survive, especially blue tits, great tits, house sparrows, robins and starlings.

The British Trust for Ornithologiy (BTO) offers a variety of ideas for building and placing nestboxes. Go to: https://www.nestboxweek.com

PANDEMIC DREAMS The pandemic is affecting our dreams. More people are reporting nightmares which relate to ‘contamination’ and ‘cleanness’.

A recent study has found that the more anxious a person is in their waking life, the more vivid will be their dream images. The findings, published in the journal PLUS One, explain that “Pandemic dreams show a higher proportion of anger and sadness words; these features seem to be associated with mental suffering linked to social isolation.”

AND FINALLY - AS WRITTEN ON A BIRTHDAY CARD Forget about the past. You can’t change it.

Forget about the future. You can’t predict it.

Forget about the present. I didn’t buy you one.

ADVERTISING SECTION

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CHURCH FABRIC FUNDS ------CHRIST THE KING ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST

Are you making a will? Have you had a windfall? Wish to show gratitude for a special event? Want to see the church building preserved? Or just feeling generous? ------Then make a contribution to one or other of these Funds. Your money will be used ONLY for the preservation of the buildings. Contact the churchwardens

Nick Room – 0118 972 2258 or Richard Walker – 0118 327 6107

Advertising in this Contact for anyone interested in Neil Scott – 0118 972 magazine advertising in this magazine 3890 Church Fabric Funds Help preserve our churches for Nick Room – 0118 972 future generations 2258 Richard Walker – 0118 327 6107 Hiring Christ the King Lettings by arrangement – may Rosemary House – 0118 Hall be hired for moderate charges 972 2632

Hiring the Parish Room For hire at reasonable rates – Guy Johnson – 07920 children’s parties, small 100065 meetings/functions, baptism parties etc. Magazine articles Please send to Jenny MacGregor [email protected] – the deadline is 22nd monthly. Magazine delivery To arrange delivery of this Please contact one of the magazine to your home churchwardens. .

SERVICES IN THE BENEFICE Where services are held in the benefice churches there are restrictions on numbers able to attend. Please be guided by the stewards on arrival at St John’s and Christ the King.

A text version of the service will be distributed with the bulletin which includes details of the readings and Collect.

LIVESTREAM WORSHIP SERVICES DURING THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS For those able to access online services the Diocese of Oxford has a dedicated page on their website giving details of services at various times on a Sunday. https://www.oxford.anglican.org/coronavirus-covid-19/livestream/

Principal Diocesan services are usually streamed at 10am and the service order is posted on a Friday.

For those without internet access the Diocesan service can be heard by telephoning 01865 920 930. Select 0 for the whole service or 1 for a shorter version. Standard call rates apply.

However, there are other services throughout the Diocese by parishes at other times of the day. Do take a look at what’s available.

PARISH DIRECTORY As this magazine is being delivered principally through on-line channels the directory has been removed to comply with data protection regulations. The benefice office is closed until further notice

PRINCIPAL SERVICE LECTIONARY

Date St John’s Lessons Christ the King

2 February – Malachi 3. 1 – 5 Presentation of Hebrews 2. 14 – end Christ in the Luke 2. 22 - 40 Temple 7 February – Proverbs 8.1. and 22 – 31 2nd Sunday Colossians 1. 15 – 20 before Lent John 1. 1 - 14

14 February – 2 Kings 2. 1 – 12 The Sunday 2 Corinthians 4. 3 – 6 before Lent Mark 9. 2 - 9

17 February – Joel 2. 1 – 2, 12 – 17 Ash Wednesday or Isaiah 58. 1 - 12 2 Corinthians 5. 20b – 6. 10 Matthew 6. 1 – 6, 16 – 21 or John 8. 1 - 11 21 February – Genesis 9. 8 – 17 1st Sunday in 1 Peter 3. 18 – 22 Lent Mark 1. 9 - 15

28 February – Genesis 17. 1- 7, 15 – 16 2nd Sunday in Romans 4. 13 – 25 Lent Mark 8. 31 – 38

Please check the weekly bulletins for updates on church services.

LENT STUDY GROUPS These meetings commence in the week after Ash Wednesday. The theme will be ‘how we grow as Christ’s disciples.’ There will be two meeting times on Zoom; Mondays – starting on 22 February – 19.30 and Wednesdays – starting on 24 February at 14.30. Please let Sheila know if you would like to participate, and your preferred meeting session. Anyone who has not sampled these sessions before is encouraged to ‘give it a go.’