Issue 1 number 1 October 2014 Minimum price 25p The Window News and Views from the Parish of Abingdon-on-Thames

‘Preach the Gospel at all times, use words if you have to’ The Revd Dr Michael Beasley

ark Twain said ‘It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so.’. This is particularly true of words I often M hear about St Francis of Assisi, whose feast day is celebrated on October 4th. I’d be a rich man if I had a pound for every time someone said to me, ‘Well, as St Francis said ‘Preach the Gospel at all times, use words if you have to’’. The problem is that there’s no evidence that St Francis ever said any such thing. On the contrary, it’s clear that St Francis talked to people about the Gospel a lot. He preached about the Gospel in churches, while standing on straw bales in villages, on a box in towns, to serfs, landholders, merchants, women, clerks, and priests: in fact to anyone who gathered to listen to him. Francis used poetry and images to drive his message home. When he described the Nativity, listeners felt as if Mary was giving birth before their eyes; in describing the crucifixion, the crowd (as did The Editors Francis) would shed tears. So why does the phrase ‘Preach the Gospel at all times, use words if you have to’ have such Andrew Colborne currency? I think this stems from a number of causes. Firstly that the words we say about Alexandra Green Jesus may be rejected by those who hear them. Secondly that we’re conscious that the Anne Gould evidence of our imperfect lives won’t necessarily back up the words we say. Thirdly that we Sheila Hills live in a culture that is suspicious of words, too often used by one group of people to gain Silvia Joinson power over others. Yet I can’t help but feel that such causes give excuse for a cop out with David Pope which St Francis would have had little truck. I think he’d have challenged us with the words Carol Worthington of St Paul ‘How are they to call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they

to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without some- Copy for next issue one preaching?’ (Rom. 10:14). to Parish Office or The answer to all this is that we need both words and deeds. I saw this most distinctly a via email by 5th of couple of years ago when I took part in a parish mission to Witney where our team was preceding month joined by three Franciscan Friars, latter day followers of St Francis. As chance would have it, the brothers managed to be on Witney Green each afternoon as the students at Henry Box E-mail: Secondary were coming out at home time. The students were fascinated, and in truth StHelensWindow appalled, by the lifestyle of poverty, chastity and obedience of the men they met. The students couldn’t quite cope with people who’d turned down flat the values of wealth, @gmail.com sexual freedom and individual choice that our cultural environment tells us are the true path

St Helen’s Parish to happiness. The encounters between the friars and the students were……… memorable. But they weren’t silent. When challenged about their distinctive lifestyle, the friars were Office: St Helen’s able to respond along the lines of St Peter who said ‘Always be ready to make your defence Court, Abingdon to anyone who demands from you an account of the hope that is in you; yet do it with OX14 5BS gentleness and reverence.’ (1 Peter 3:15-16).

So do preach the Gospel at all times. Use deeds that evidence the hope that is in us. Use Tel: 01235 520144 words that speak of it.

PS There is a glorious apocryphal tale about the supposed saying of St Francis that I must The Window is avail- share with you. An archdeacon visited the parochial church councils of a diocese showing able to download from them a flipchart page that bore the words ‘Preach the Gospel at all times, use ______if www.sthelens- you have to’. He invited those present to fill in the blank. It’s reported that 70% said ‘force’. abingdon.org.uk But I’m sure that couldn’t possibly be true of any reader of The Window!

Michael Beasley is the Director of Mission for the Diocese of Oxford 2 October 2014

From the Revd Michael Goode, Rector of St Helen’s 1993 - 2005 and founder of St Helen’s Window

Is it really 18 years since we launched St Helen's Win- We originally called our Magazine St Helen’s Win- dow? Believe it or not, this must have been before dow because we wanted to provide an outlook on soci- Facebook and Twitter and so a very different world ety and the world that reflected a gospel that exists to from the one in which we now find ourselves. Any- ‘renew the face of the earth’. I pray that this new pub- way, this particular antique ex-editor sends warmest lication will help its readers to discover the heights congratulations on your re-launch, together with very and depths of the love of God, as well as the chal- best wishes for the future. lenges and opportunities for the gospel at this present What's a Parish Magazine for? One answer is that it time. Today is a time for listening as well as speaking, for reflection as well as prophecy, and I hope that The exists to promote the Good News of the Gospel as it is Window will play its part in assisting you to pursue being lived out in particular Christian communities. It's got to be a step forward that now The Window is your particular vocation in your particular setting. not just an expression of the life of St Helen's, but also So - every blessing in this new venture, not only for of St Nicolas’ and St Michael's, reflecting your new The Window, but also for the new parish of Abingdon- association together in the parish of Abingdon-on- on-Thames! With warmest good wishes and prayers Thames. from Jenny and myself.

News from the Parish

The Rector and Wardens are pleased to announce that later in the autumn, and details of a formal farewell to the Revd SokHan Yong has been appointed as Associ- SokHan will be announced in due course. We wish ate Minister for Chinese Ministry at St Andrew's SokHan and her family every good wish as she moves church, Hong Kong. She will take up her appointment to the next stage of her ministry.

CURSILLO National Ultreya 30 August 2014

Dorothy Donald and Jean Bryce took part in the Cur- After the Eucharist, there was a lunch break, and then sillo National Ultreya (a traditonal greeting of en- there were the reunion groups, members coming to- couragement to fellow pilgrims) in August this year at gether to discuss spiritual matters and encourage each Canterbury. Here is Jean’s other. With the numbers pre- account of the event. sent, we moved into groups of four, five or six, which went Dorothy and I were staying in surprisingly smoothly. Dorothy different places and travelling and I were in separate groups. separately, so had planned to My group of five came from meet up near the cathedral later four other dioceses from all in the day. On my way to meet parts of the country. Later on Dorothy, stopping for a rest on back in the main group there a seat, two ladies were already was a Witness Talk and Responses to it. Final songs there. One of them had a rainbow bangle on her wrist. and worship ended the day at 4.00. The rainbow is one of the symbols of the Cursillo movement. Speaking to them it appeared that they too In the evening there was a fish and chip supper in the had come to Canterbury for the Ultreya, all the way Students’ Dining Hall, for those with superabundant from South Wales. energy. Registration for the event was in the cathedral Chapter At the end of the Ultreya, there was a morning Eucha- House. Before moving into the cathedral we had sing- rist at the cathedral, before Dorothy and I travelled ing, worship and welcome at the Shirley Hall, Kings home, after a very uplifting and enjoyable weekend. School. At 11.00 we moved into the cathedral with all the Cursillo banners (although, sadly, not one from Next year - Blackburn! Oxford). The Eucharist at 11.30 was taken by the www.anglicancursillo.co.uk Bishop of Dover.

October 2014 3 The Millennium Screen Silvia Joinson

The screen at the west end of the south aisle was professions, organisations, businesses (some no made in 1995 as part of the celebrations of St longer!) and our twin towns. Helen’s Church Millennium. Mary Barton The screen was gener- organised the needle- ously sponsored by work. Nineteen years Christ’s Hospital. Much later it was in need of of it was designed by some TLC and Jenny Liese Cattle and Peter Morris has now fin- Clarke made the frame. ished restoring it. Tom Hudson, who was It is made up of ten verger at the time and panels, five on each noted for his handiwork, side, which were varnished it, and Maurice designed to be a perma- Armstrong fitted the em- nent record of the main broidered panels. (It is events of the millen- nice to see him worship- nium celebrations. ping with us again). The (Details of these events organisation of the can be found on the needlework was a mam- laminated cards near moth task. A working the screen in the south party met weekly at Mary Mary Barton who oversaw the original needlework aisle.) Barton’s house. This became quite a social The first panel is a occasion as appropriate patchwork of flowers, tasks were sorted out; a the second a beautiful, real community activity. colourful depiction of Others who could not Noah’s ark. Next are make the meetings called five roundels depicting at different times to well known Bible sto- collect work to do. Many ries. The fourth has the different people made key buildings in East St contributions for the first Helen’s Street and the and last panels which last on this side is of were in cross stitch, the statue of St Helen though many other over the South Porch. techniques were used The other side begins which gives variety. with the Thames Sometimes one did not running through Abing- know where or how don’s history, showing one’s contribution would the Abbey, the Fair and fit in. Altogether 58 market and modern ladies took part. (Their developments. Next is a Jenny Morris with the newly restored screen names are on the lami- wonderful medieval nated cards.) banquet and tournament. Do have a look at this beautiful object which is The subject of the middle panel is music, fol- now kept at the west end of the south aisle; we lowed by a brilliant panel including names will try to keep turning it round to show both associated with Abingdon. The final one called sides. Work and Worship, is full of detail of local

4 October 2014 The Grand Day Out 20 September 2014

The Grand Day Out was a chance for the whole ‘Recipe for Life’ was very entertaining and also Oxford Diocese to come together for talks, play moving as she spoke about her career and about and worship. It provided her faith which helped her to everything from in-depth deal with bereavement. Janet speakers to a bouncy castle sat next to Mr. Berry who told and puppet show for children her she probably eats better across a variety of venues in than he does! Oxford city centre. It was also Judith Hosking a chance for us all to say goodbye to Bishop John just The day finished with every- before he retires. Here are one gathering together for some experiences of the day. worship. The Eucharist took place at 15.30 on Christ Janet Dale and I attended The Church playing field; the Grand Day Out in Oxford, weather kept fine, Abingdon along with nearly 1500 other Concert Band provided the people. It was good to see the music, the sound system many different churches in the worked beautifully, the re- Diocese represented in such sponses were firm and clear numbers. The weather was Bishop John and his wife Wendy and we had a good sing. gloomy but the colourful signs and bright balloons Bishop John celebrated and preached with warmth (some of which were brought back to church) and conviction on living faith. It was good to be cheered the day up. there! The opening service was distinguished by the Silvia Joinson presence of six bishops on the platform, and al- You can read more about the day on the diocesan though we didn’t know any of the songs, the website at www.oxford.anglican.org/grand-time- worship band was excellent. Mary Berry’s talk grand-day/ Bishop John Pritchard Alexandra Green

Bishop John retires as bishop of Oxford at the sibilities include chairing the Church of Eng- end of October. Bishop John has been Bishop of land’s Board of Education and being the episco- Oxford since 2007, before which he was Bishop pal spokesperson on education in the House of of Jarrow. Although the ‘area scheme’ in this Lords. He is planning to retire to North Yorkshire diocese means that we have most contact with and is looking forward to doing more photogra- Bishop Colin (the Bishop of Dorchester) and phy and spending time with his family. before then Bishop Andrew (the Bishop of Read- For information about the process of appointing ing), Bishop John is our diocesan bishop. the next Bishop of Oxford, see Bishop John has written 12 books on various as- www.oxford.anglican.org/who-we-are/oxford/ pects of Christian living. These include How to choosing-new-bishop-oxford Pray; The Life and Work of a Priest; Going to Until a new Bishop of Oxford is appointed, Church: A User’s Guide; God Lost and Found; Bishop Colin is the acting diocesan bishop, as Living faithfully; TEN recently enjoyed by home well as our area bishop here in Abingdon. groups at St Helens; and Living Jesus. He enjoys a wide teaching ministry in this coun- try and abroad, and relishes making the Christian faith accessible and interesting. His wider respon-

October 2014 5 St Raphael Anne Gould

When I first started worshipping at St Michael’s Tobit’s son, on a journey from Ninevah to Media, quite a long time ago, I wondered why we had an I won’t recount the story here (it would be too image of St Raphael on the east wall of the long) but it is a fascinating story with Raphael church along with St Helen, St Michael and St performing a few ‘miracles’ on the way and Tobit Nicolas. Since then I have asked various people returning with a wife. It was turned into a play by and no-one seemed to know. One of the church James Bridie in 1930 and performed at the Edin- wardens looked at all the records he had access to burgh Festival as ‘Tobias and the Angel’. and he couldn’t give St Raphael’s feast day me a reason either. was, until the early 20th Then Hilary Clare century, celebrated on came up with the pos- 24th October but is now sible answer — we celebrated with the other are St Michael and ‘Saints’ on 29th Septem- All Angels, and we have all 7 angels on ber. the east side of the He is often prayed to church. Gabriel is in ‘for the sick and infirm’ the window, the four and many Roman Catho- unnamed angels are lics wear his likeness in ascending to heaven some form or other. He above the window, so is generally thought to we have Michael and be the Angel who stirred Raphael on the wall. the waters of the healing This seemed a quite pool at Bethesda as men- logical answer so I tioned in St John’s Gos- have accepted that. pel. But then I asked my- self ‘who is or was St Raphael’s name ap- Raphael?’ pears all over the world particularly in South By pure chance I America, where many bought a book from the St Michael’s bookstall towns and churches are named after him. In the called Miss Garnet's Angel by Sally Vickers, United States of America there are a river, a which got me even more interested and so I de- range of mountains, a desert and many churches cided to read the book of Tobit and find out what with his name. I could about Raphael. There are many images of St Raphael, either His name crops up in Islam, Judaism (the book of painted or sculpted; he is usually depicted with a Enoch — now more widely accepted by the more staff, sometimes with a fish and sometimes with liberal of Jews), Christianity (the book of Tobit in Tobias and a dog. I like the one reproduced here the Apocrypha), Zoroastrianism and Mormonism. from a small church in Venice, Angelo San Raf- The name Raphael means ‘God has healed’ or faele, where this sculpture is over the entrance. ‘God’s healer’. He is frequently mentioned in The Church is one of the oldest in Venice thought Eastern Christianity as being a healer and mes- to have been founded between the 5th and 7th senger from God. He is the Patron Saint of centuries. The current building dates from the ‘healers’, ‘travellers’, ‘the sick’, ‘physicians’, 17th century. ‘nurses’ and ‘newlyweds’ to name just a few. He is also mentioned in Milton’s Paradise Lost. If you read the story, this is a good image to have — the boy, the dog and the fish, who are all im- In the book of Tobit, Raphael is sent by God to portant, but mostly the Saint who, I think, looks help Tobit who is blind. He accompanied Tobiah, ‘human’ even down to his wrinkly socks.

6 October 2014 What’s on in the Parish in October

Devotional Social Sunday 5 October Thursdays in October 09.15 *Faith Forum Circle Dancing Thinking Through the Moral Issues; 11.00 St Michael’s Good Order; Immigration The Revd Dr Charles Miller Sunday 12 October St Helen’s Church Centre, 09.00 Breakfast bar St Helen’s Newcomers Lunch 12.30 St Helen’s Church Centre Tuesdays 14 & 28 October *Desiring Life Reading Group Tuesday 14 October The Seven Deadly Sins Mothers’ Union by Graham Tomlin 20.00 St Helen’s Church Centre Hall Oct 14 Anger, Oct 28 Gluttony Talk by Lucy Stevens on 14.30 St Helen’s Church Centre Lounge Haiti’s Hospital Appeal (Donations welcome) Further details Susan Scott 522960

Tuesday 28 October 13 - 18 October Silent Reflections Abingdon Artists’ Exhibition, St Nicolas’ Church 19.30 - 21.00 St Michaels

Thursday 16 October Musical *St Helen’s @ Lunch Sunday 19 October Dog House, Frilford. 12.00 midday, just turn up Music for a Sunday Afternoon Contact Susan Scott 522960 if you need transport St Helen’s Church The Vale Royal Singers from Kelsall, Cheshire Saturday 25 October will be singing a delightful collection of mainly Eng- Mini Mart lish choral works, and singing Evensong after teas. St Michael’s Church and Church Room 15.30 followed by tea in South Aisle Saturday 25 October 17.30-18.15 Choral Evensong M.U. Coffee Morning

10.00 – 12 00 St Helen’s Church Centre Abingdon Musicians in Concert In aid of their Wheels Appeal A series of free Lunchtime Concerts in St Nicolas’ Church, Market Place, Abingdon, at12.30pm on Wednesday 29 October Wednesdays in October. Lunch Club St Michael’s Church Wednesday 1 October Music for Oboe and Piano Carolyn King (Oboe) and Malcolm Pearce (Piano) Church in Abingdon

Wednesday 8 October Devotional Piano Recital: Music by Schubert and Schumann Sunday 5 October David Shaw 20.00 Fair Service Wednesday 22 October Market Place English Songs through the Ages Social Lindsay Empson, Counter Tenor and Thursdays 2 & 16 October Richard Geoffrie, Piano Back to 35 Over 50's Club

Wednesday 29 October 10.30- 11.30 Baptist Church Hall Shades of Autumn: Songs for Soprano and Piano Coffee, cake and fellowship Lynne Winter, Soprano and Ian Miles, Piano Oct 2 Visit to Nepal Joy Dadswell & Kathleen Cook Oct 16 Victorian Ladies Jane Stubb The concerts are free of charge, but we are grateful for any donations towards Church expenses. Musical

Further details from 01235 536343 or 01235 526275 Thursdays from 4 September Abingdon Gospel Choir

If you would like an event listed on this page let us 20.00 – 21.30 Trinity Church know by the 10th of the previous month and we will Singing for fun & enjoyment in 3 parts try to include it. Contact Silvia at 01235 521247 or Contact 535030 or [email protected] [email protected]

October 2014 7 October’s Crossword Unity by Ian Miles

Across 15 Tory articulate and coming together (9) 1 Local thoroughfare no longer tasteless, then 16 Floral purity's ultimate shade (4-5) (4,2,5,2) 18 Acts the martinet re Goldilocks' friends (9) 10 Moaned inarticulately about evil spirit (5) 22 Rail town team takes point (5) 11 Snack for fan of primate? (6-3) 23/21 Scant liaison over square church? (Far from 12 Old partner toils, yet this is in mint condition it!) (5,7) (2-5) 25 Inert aristocrat (5) 13 Resilience in a Matins service! (7) 14/20 It's a small challenge reordering this church (2,7 [and] 3,6) Solution to September’s Crossword - Autumn 17 Metallic tang of grim fate's blade? (5) Leaves by Eccles 19 Arrested and charged at home (3,2) (the asterisked clues were all trees) 20 See 14 21 See 23 Down 24 Restriction on drink here? No, it flows! (4,3) 26 Eight men I cast among each year's stars (3,6) 27 Manoir's house white? (5) 28 SA here sent Welsh test off (4,2,5,2)

Down 2 Charity would accommodate her (4-5) 3 He sings right note exquisitely (5) 4 Much of administration relocated in Romania (9) 5 Nine runs on Sunday for Jessica (5) 6 'Higher' liturgical gesture presumably (9) 7 More placid Muslims, we hear? (5) 8 Three days' angst over, boosted power (5,8) 9 Was scared to ask ya; but Peter-sure now! (6,2,1,4)

8 October 2014

Services in October

Divine Services in St Helen’s Church, West St Helen’s St Sunday Evening Services at

Sung Eucharist 10.30 Every Sunday with Junior Church St Helen’s 17.30 Holy Communion 08.00 Sundays 5 Oct Eucharist with Hymns Morning Prayer 09.10 Monday to Friday 12 Oct Taizé Evening Prayer 17.10 Monday to Friday 19 Oct Choral Evensong Junior Church 10.30 Sundays – starts in Church 26 Oct Service for Wholeness Wednesday Church 10.30 Wednesdays, Holy Communion and Healing Morning Praise 09.15 Sunday 12 October Holy Ground 0.915 Sunday 5 October for 14-18yo (Centre lounge)

Faith Forum Divine Services in St Nicolas’ Church, Market Place Sunday 5 October Morning Prayer 11.00 First Sunday in the month Exploring the Anglican Moral Vision Holy Communion 11.00 2nd and 4th Sundays with Junior Church Good Order - Immigration Family Service 11.00 3rd Sundays in the month The Revd Dr Charles Miller Family Communion 11.00 5th Sundays in the month Holy Communion 08.00 Sundays (October at St Helen’s) St Helen’s Church Centre Junior Church 11.00 2nd and 4th Sundays 09.15, breakfast 09.00 Morning Prayer 10.00 Fridays

Divine Services in St Michael’s Church, Park Road Morning Praise Sunday 12 October Sung Mass 09.30 Every Sunday 9.15 -9.45am St Helen’s Family Mass 09.30 First Sunday of the month A short service to start your Sunday Thursday Mass 12.30 followed by a light lunch with parents of young children in

mind. It often includes a Thanksgiv- ing for the Gift of a Child Weekly Events St Helen’s Baby and Toddlers 09.30 and 11.00 Mondays in term time St Helen’s Church Centre Brownies 18.15 Tuesdays in term time, St Helen’s Church Centre 10th Abingdon Beavers 17.15 Wednesdays in term time, St Helen’s Church Centre 10th Abingdon Cubs 18.30 Wednesdays in term time, St Helen’s Church Centre

The services and events listed here are correct at the time of going to press – please consult the weekly Pewsheets or Newsletter if in doubt, or see the online version of the Window on the St Helen’s church website.

To arrange baptisms, weddings and funerals contact the Parish Office. Clergy are available in the Parish Office between 19.00 - 20.00 on a Wednesday. Please call the office to book an appointment. Team Rector: The Revd Dr Charles Miller Team Vicar: The Revd Paul Smith Assistant Curate (NSM): The Revd Dr Jane Baun

Directors of Music: Chris Fletcher-Campbell (St H), Richard Jones (St N) Parish Administrator: Linda Barker

Parish Office: St Helen’s Court, Abingdon, OX14 5BS 01235 520144 Normal opening hours 09.00 to 14.15 Mon, Tues, Weds; 09.15 to 14.15 Fri E-mail: [email protected] www.sthelens-abingdon.org.uk www.stmichaels-abingdon.org.uk www.stnicolasabingdon.org.uk