DELPH PARISH
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October/November 2016
The Magazine of St. Thomas’ Friarmere, Delph
Diary for October 11am at St Mary's, Greenfield
Sunday 2nd October Sunday 30th October 8:00 am Holy Communion 8:00 am Holy Communion 10.30 am Morning Praise 10:30 am All Age Holy Communion
Monday 3rd October Diary for November Coffee Stop St Thomas’ Church Hall 10am - Noon Coffee Saturday 5th November Cancer Awareness Event One World Christmas Fair 10am-4pm Civic Hall Uppermill 9:30am - 1:00pm at Sacred Heart Parish Centre
Including a light healthy lunch Prayers for the People from 9.30 am to
11am at Holy Trinity, Dobcross Tuesday 4th October Come to St Thomas Delph and meet the Sunday 6th November 10.30 am Confirmation Service at St Bishop of Middleton and Our Anne’s. Dioceasn Youth Worker (For Year 7 and Above) 7pm – 9pm, have some Monday 7th November 10am - Noon Coffee Stop food and fun, and hear about Tampere and Taize. This is for young people of Sunday 13th November our churches and for their friends. Free Remembrance Day 10.30 am Holy Communion entry! 10:30 am Dementia Friends Special Sunday 9th October Service in St Anne's Church, Lydgate.
10:30 am Holy Communion
Monday 10th October Monday 14th November 10am - Noon Coffee Stop
10am - Noon Coffee Stop St Thomas;
Sunday 16th October Harvest Saturday 19th November 8:00 am Holy Communion Team Advent Quiet Day 11 am to 4 pm Lunch provided 10:30 am Morning Praise Venue to be arranged 6:30 pm Holy Communion
Monday 17th October Sunday 20th November 10am - Noon Coffee Stop 8.00 am Holy Communion
Sunday 23rd October 10.30 am Morning Praise 6:30 pm Holy Communion 10:30 am Holy Communion
Monday 24th October Monday 21st November 10am - Noon Coffee Stop 10am - Noon Coffee Stop
Saturday 29 th October Sunday 27th November Prayers for the People from 9.30 am to 10:30 am Holy Communion A Letter to the Churches up invitations to visit people in their of Saddleworth homes, participating in PCCs and
Two months in post and I beginning to visit schools. The weekday am reminded of the woman who, having Holy Communion Services – a time for given birth to septuplets was asked by a quiet reflection and prayer have been a journalist how she could possibly give real blessing. I commend them to you. the children all equal attention. She re- Should you want a chat, simply text or ring me. plied that she couldn't, she could only attend to those who, had any particular Jesus calls us to be his disciples, to moment, needed her most. become more than followers – ‘holy
As your Team Rector the amount of groupies’ but to allow him to transform time I spend with you individually and as us into the image of God and grow into churches, encouraging, supporting, the likeness of Christ. To be disciples is giving leadership and direction will be to put our faith and trust in him for the different each month, depending on the priorities, struggles, direction of our needs that arise. It is my intention to at- lives. To be disciples is to invite others to accompany us as pilgrims together. tend some PCCs all the time., others oc- casionally. I would expect to be I am planning a Saddleworth Team involved in discussions around worship Advent Quiet Day on November 19 th and share experience and insight. I am 11am- 4pm. Put it in your diaries. We here among you to lead and guide and will meet together for reflection, prayer care for you. Don't feel you have to and stillness before the mad rush to- battle on alone. Don't allow the burdens wards Christmas. More details next of responsibility in the church and month.
challenges in your own personal lives to My love to you all. overwhelm you. It has been a deep joy over the past few Sharon weeks meeting folks for coffee, taking
Things That Christians Should Do
Love one another (John 13:34; 15:12; 1Thessalonians 3:12; 4:9; 1Peter 1:22; John 3:18) Encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 4:18; Hebrews 10:24) Live in harmony with one another Romans 12 :16 Teach one another Colossians 3:16 Forgive one another Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another Ephesians 4:32 Confess your sins to one another James 5:16 Accept one another Romans 15:7
From A Basket of Gems compiled by Mark Stibbe 2009 A HOLIDAY IN THE SUN them. I even managed to buy a second-hand copy of his short stories in Bridport.) I’m sitting writing this piece, the first cup of coffee of the day at my elbow, in We have visited Lulworth Cove on the beautifully warm sunshine, on the sec- hottest day of the year, where the shin- ond of September, our last day in this gle beach did not endear itself to the idyllic setting at Milton Abbas in the three dogs, especially Scrappy, who un- magnificent county of Dorset, situated derstands that she is a member of the between Blandford Forum and aristocracy and should be treated ac- Dorchester. cordingly. Well, would you like to walk on such a beach, shoeless? We particu- larly loved Swanage and had the treat of
a ride on a steam train from Corfe to
Swanage and return.
Durdle Door, with its spectacular” stack with a hole” was daunting, especially the numerous steps down to the beach, What has been most amazing has been which left me worrying how on earth I the weather! Every day has been glori- was going to climb up again, but, thanks ous, apart from the middle Sunday, to Joseph, my grandson, it was achieved when it was gently wet, but, in no way painlessly. cold. We have visited some of the most The cottages at Luccombe Farm were spectacular beaches in the whole of the UK, the Jurassic Coast, where we have been able to swim or just laze in the hot – yes hot- sunshine in this county, so beloved of Thomas Hardy.
(Speaking of Hardy reminds me of the time I read most of this author’s novels and poems and the unique way he re-named many of the beauty spots ideal, as was the whole site, with an hereabouts. Remember Casterbridge, indoor swimming pool, a games room, (Dorchester), or Budmouth, complete with table-tennis table and a (Weymouth), and I’ll even swear we tennis court. You can see we had an encountered Egdon Heath the other action-packed holiday and it’ll be good day. My two favourite poems are Bud- to go home, despite the bees! mouth Dears and Weathers and I have made the grandchildren suffer my recitation of Margaret Robson. Welcome to St. Thomas’s Church St Thomas’s is dedicated to these Delph, principles: in the Saddleworth Team We worship the living God. We are the family of God. A church is not a building – it’s the We enjoy our family life and we people who meet there. You are very support each other as brothers and welcome to our church and we would sisters do. like to welcome you into our church We are committed to the spiritual family. growth of each individual. We understand that it can feel strange We seek to show Christ’s love to when everything is new and you are not the people of Delph and Saddleworth sure “who is who” or quite what is going and seek to draw others into on! Hopefully this will fill you in on the his kingdom. necessary information. Mid-week Home Groups Please make yourself known to us if we A number of Bible study groups are held haven’t already met you and if you in people’s homes during the week, most would like further information on any of in the evenings and some during the day. the activities, please don’t hesitate to One of the best ways to get involved and contact the vicar or the two church war- to get to know others is by going to one dens, - their addresses are in this maga- of these groups. If you are interested zine. please have a word with the vicar.
Weekly Eucharist Services across the Team
Monday: 12 noon at St. Mary, Greenfield
Tuesday: 9.30 am at Christ Church, Friezland/ Parish Centre, Uppermill
Thursday: 9.30 am at Holt Trinity, Dobcross
7.30 pm at Christ Church, Friezland
Friday: 10.00 am at St. Anne’s, Lydgate
Oldham Unity There is also has need for the following:
Please remember that, as a Team, we hold-alls, back packs, suitcases and have agreed to collect food on a weekly men's shoes. basis for the Asylum Seekers in Oldham. If you have any of these, surplus to your We ask you to help provide pasta, cook- needs, please bring them to St Thomas’ church. ing oil, rice, tuna in oil and tinned toma- toes. Richard Lambert
Be like a pumpkin
A lady had recently become a Christian and been baptised. Curious, one of her colleagues at work asked her what it was like to be a Christian.
The lady was caught off guard and didn't know how to answer. Then she saw the office ‘jack-o'-lantern’ on a nearby desk and blurted: "Well, it's like being a pumpkin."
Her colleague asked her to explain that one. And so she said: “Well, God picks you from the patch and brings you in and washes off all the dirt on the outside that you got from being around all the other pumpkins.
“Then He cuts off the top and takes all the yucky stuff out from inside you. He removes all those seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc.
“Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all to see.
“It is our choice to either stay outside and rot on the vine or come inside and be something new and bright."
Are you something new and bright? Will you be smiling today, and shining
From the Team Rector: Help Needed
We need someone to manage the Saddleworth Team website and take responsibility for regularly updating it. It is the key means of communication within the community.
Please contact me if you are interested.
Tel 07738966271 Email: [email protected]
Many thanks. Sharon.
A mate of mine recently admitted to being addicted to brake fluid. When I quizzed him on it he reckoned he could stop any time.....
A new middle east crisis erupted last night as Dubai Television was refused permis- sion to broadcast 'The Flintstones'. A spokesman for the channel said....'A claim was made that people in Dubai would not understand the humour, but we know for a fact that people in Abu Dhabi Do.' Useful Contact Details Flowers in church Sheila Beresford 01457 874 759 Team Rector: Revd Canon Sharon Jones Child Protection Tel 07738966271 Richard Lait 01457 829 799 [email protected] Magazine Team Vicar: Geoffrey Dent 01457 874 027 Rev John Rosedale Margaret Robson 01457 870 823
1 Cobler’s Hill, Delph OL3 5HT Janet Callander 01457 877 220
Tel: 01457 874209 Weekly News Sheet team [email protected] Jacqui Rosedale 01457 874209 [email protected] PCC Members Team Office: Churchwardens: Lee Street Centre, Uppermill Judith Killian and Bill Maxwell 01457 879 977 www.saddleworthteam-cofe.org.uk Deanery Synod Reps: Team Missioner : Geoffrey Dent, Richard Lait and Gillian Clark. Revd Hilary Edgerton 16 Sykes Close, Greenfield OL3 7PT Patronage Board: [email protected] Jonathan Wright. Tel :01457 871 704 Elected Members:
Church Wardens Diane Allingan, Matt Brunton, Alison Judith Killian 01457 876 432 Lambert , Sue Powell, Jonathan Wright, Bill Maxwell 01457 878512 Fiona Thompson, Anne Sankaran, Julie Lait, Margaret Robson Email: [email protected]
PCC Secretary St Thomas’ Website www.stthomasdelph.co.uk Julie Lait 01457 829799
PCC Treasurer General information Email: [email protected] Diane Allingan
Church Hall Bookings News Sheet items – [email protected] Alison Lambert 01457 875 141
Junior Church Magazine items – [email protected] Sue Powell 01457 874000 [email protected] Organist Pamela Berry 01457 872 467
A View From Behind Bars In fact there are quite a number of small
Many people have been green spaces, garden areas and large curious: 'What exactly will you flower boxes, tended by prisoners on be doing when you work in the varieties of horticulture/gardening prison?' courses. Walking between the build- So this is the first instalment ings, up the hill, gives plenty of fresh of a view of life that has air, but yes, there are many, many gates, shifted from 'The Vicarage' high fences and rolled wire between one to something very different. building and another. You can't really forget where you are. What I can write will be vague at times, since there is a very clear training to Keys are a constant feature, kept at- avoid details which could affect security tached by a chain and belt at all times or safety of prisoners or others. and securely locked in the prison when not in use, never to be taken home. No HMP Buckley Hall is a 'Cat C' prison, doors or gates are left open unless it's with about 450 inmates and 100-150 clear that someone very close behind is staff plus volunteers. coming through. Prison categories begin with A, which is the highest level of security. Categorisation is based on the level of threat to safety and the risk of escape of a prisoner. So Cat A prisoners are deemed to pose a significant risk to the public or the police or to the State, should they escape.
By Cat C, the prisoner is likely to pose less threat and also to have 'neither re- The view from Buckley Hall sources nor will to make a serious and Each day, at various points, the Count determined attempt to escape.' Cat D is made. Every prisoner must be ac- prisons have more 'open' conditions. counted for: if there's one in the chap- The categories do not make any refer- laincy building, the control centre must ence to the nature of offences commit- be made aware. If the count is wrong, ted. So Buckley Hall has prisoners nobody is allowed to move from their who've committed low level crime, next current building or area until the to 'lifers' who may have served long numbers are reconciled. terms but who are working their way out, by behaving well and simply The Chaplaincy building itself is a rela- 'serving their time'. tively new building, with two offices, a long central room which forms the mul- Unlike some prisons, Buckley Hall is ti -faith chapel area, and various storage not a prison based all under one roof. areas etc. The multi- faith element will itself be a challenge: there are various My first two weeks of work have already representatives of Christian denomina- provided a variety of experiences with tions – Methodist, Catholic and Anglican prisoners: conversation with those who but also Jewish, Buddhist, Sikh, are young but 'hopeless', one who at- Pagan and Muslim chaplains. Almost all tempted to take his life, one who has are 'sessional' – paid for certain gained a philosophy degree whilst sessions when needed, whilst some of us 'inside', several who just want to get on are contracted for set hours. The lead quietly and get out; others who are chaplain is the Muslim Imam. demanding; some who have come to the
So the worship area is a shared space, chaplaincy because of bereavement and with a small table functioning as a com- being prevented from attending a funer- munion table with altar frontal, a lectern al. It will take a while to work out my and a cross on the wall overhead. How- most important role here, but there's cer- ever it's curtained off when other groups tainly a great need for God's hope and light to be shared. are present and the Imam's seat is quite dominant in another part of the room. Hilary Egerton It's a diverse group!
Healthwatch Oldham Forum
Living with Cancer and beyond Cancer Awareness Event
This interactive forum is aimed at anyone who may be living with or affected by cancer as well as those who would like to know more.
Monday 3rd October, Civic Hall Uppermill 9:30am Start | 1:00pm Finish Including a light healthy lunch
Presentations by: Debbie Ashforth and Suzanne Dyer -Macmillan Joanne Taylor — Jo’s personal story which led to the ABCD (After Breast Cancer Diagnosis) website
Health stalls provided by: Macmillan, Tameside and Glossop Mind, Oldham Community Leisure, Early Help and more!
To reserve your place: Call: 0161 622 5700 or email [email protected]
Why do people keep running over a string a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give the vacuum one more chance? PROFILE Revd. Philip Williamson chorister in the choir of the local
Philip and I spent a very enjoyable hour Church of England. In his later teenage together, compiling this profile and it is years he lost his faith, but said: amazing how our paths have never “I tried to walk away from God, but God crossed prior to his joining the Saddle- was not willing to walk away from me.” worth Team, as we both worked as head On coming back to faith, at the age of teachers in Bolton, though, perhaps, not twenty-six. he was confirmed and at that at the same time. time he felt God was calling him to ordi- nation, but put it on one side, his life be- Following his own education at an inner- ing very full at the time, taken up with city Co-educational Comprehensive his career in teaching, running a Chris- School in Leeds, the city of his birth, he studied for a BSc degree in Applied tian Union in his school, and being very Science and trained as a secondary active in the life of his church. school teacher of Physics. Some years In 2012 the Bishop of Manchester made later he took a Master of Science degree Philip an Honorary Lay Canon of in Educational Management. Manchester Cathedral where he subse- Philip spent thirty-two years in secondary quently served on Greater Chapter and education, the last twenty serving in Cathedral Council. Church of England schools, the final Four years ago he began to explore his seventeen as a Headteacher and he calling to ordained ministry with Bishop retired from the headship of Canon Mark, the Bishop of Middleton. Inter- Slade School, Bolton in August 2014 to views followed and he went to Ely to the concentrate fully on the Yorkshire Minis- Bishops’ Advisory Panel, where, in June try Course, based at the College of the 2013 he was accepted for ordination Resurrection. Mirfield, which led to his training, which he deferred for a year so ordination in June of this year. that he could resign from his post at He is still very involved in the world of Canon Slade, the better to focus on his Education, serving on the Board of future. Education for Manchester Diocese and He told me he is delighted to have been working as a Diocesan Schools Advisor. called to serve his Assistant Curacy in the He is also a Diocesan Sponsor Governor Saddleworth Team Ministry, because of of St. Anne’s, Middleton, Rochdale. its variety of churches and liturgy within I asked him about the route he has the benefice, where he has been made taken, culminating in ordination and he very welcome by a great many people. told me that he has been a Christian for Philip is a very active person, as can be most of his life, having been born into a seen by his long list of hobbies and inter- Roman Catholic family but sang as a ests; he tells me he swims half a mile every morning and loves cycling, playing In conclusion I would like to suggest we the piano, walking and gardening as well. pray for Philip and his ministry, that the
As if that is not enough he enjoys Lord will bless his service here in foreign travel, is learning Spanish and Saddleworth. loves to cook and entertain friends. Margaret Robson.
PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE
Do you lead the prayers in church from time to time?
Would you like to have a go but feel uncertain?
In one of his letters, the apostle Paul said we should pray 'at all times and with all kinds of requests...keep on praying for all the saints' (Eph 6.18)
Leading people in prayer is of great importance. How do we avoid flowery words that have little meaning? How can we be relevant without being trite? How can we make sure it's not too wordy but we say something that really matters? Can I do it differently from other people?
We'll be holding 3 workshops for people who lead and others who are interested, to think about these things. They will all cover the same ground, so if you can't manage the one nearest to you, feel free to go somewhere else.
The details are:
Sat. 29 th Oct – 9.30-11am at St Mary's, Greenfield
James Hudson Taylor, barriers, refusing to live ostentatiously as 1832 – 1905; some European missionaries did. It was Founder of the China Inland the inland areas of this great country that Mission. set him on fire for his Saviour and he travelled extensively, preaching and taking medical supplies to the people of his adopted country.
In 1856, whilst living in a little house in Ning-Po, he was introduced by his co- workers, Mr. and Mrs. Jones, to a young lady, already proficient in the Chinese language, Miss Maria Dyer, and Hudson James was born into a godly family in was attracted to her spirituality, even Barnsley, though he lost his early faith in though she was not yet twenty years old. his teenage years. Thanks to the fervent They were married two years later, re- prayers of his mother and his sister, turning to England in 1860. Amelia, he turned back to God and soon after he had the earnest desire to travel He cut his ties with the CES in order to to China as a missionary, certain that found the China Inland Mission in 1865, God was calling him there. when he, Maria and sixteen new mission- aries set sail for China. Hudson Taylor He had no idea how this would spend much of the rest of his life was to be accomplished, in China, suffering the hardships of a but threw himself entire- war-torn country, ill-health and persecu- ly on God for his every- tion. He was able to preach in several day needs, working to Chinese dialects and become a doctor, is widely regarded as teaching himself some the father of the Latin and Greek as well Chinese Christian as deciphering Chinese characters from a movement. Gospel of Luke in Chinese and studying his Bible avidly. He lost his daugh- ter, Grace, to men- He never qualified as a doctor, but ingitis in 1867, his instead accepted a passage to China baby son to malnutrition in 1870 and his under the auspices of the Chinese Evan- wife, Maria, to cholera only a few days gelization Society on the Dumfries, a later. sailing vessel, which took five months of privations to reach Shanghai, arriving in After returning to England, he married March 1854 in the midst of a civil war. his second wife, Jane Elizabeth Faulding, a fellow missionary, and they returned to He quickly adopted Chinese dress, even China in 1872. wearing his hair in the same style as his Jane was to die in Switzerland in 1904, Chinese neighbours, to overcome social and, following her death, Hudson re- (CIM) is now known as The Overseas turned to China for the final time, where Missionary Fellowship International he died on June 3 rd 1905. (OMF International).
All the early difficulties he experienced in Psalm 78 v 53: Shanghai stood him in good stead, as he “The Lord led them in safety, so was able to undertake the care and wel- they were not afraid.” fare of all the men and women who went “Let us give up our work, our thoughts, out to China to spread the Word of God, our plans, ourselves, our loved ones, our as many as eight hundred missionaries influence, our all, right into God’s hand: following him out to this needy mission and there will be nothing left for us to field. trouble about, or to make trouble about. When all is in His hand, all will be safe, all will be wisely dealt with, all will be done, and well done. We will be led on safely right to the journey’s end, right through every difficulty, right into the home above.
God doeth all things well.” These words, penned by James Hudson Nowadays there exists in Barnsley the Taylor himself, were found in a book James Hudson Taylor Group, which has about his life and work, which I am pres- attracted attention from around the ently reading. I don’t know how they got world and has set up plaques around the there, but felt I had to include them in area, marking 14 historical sites, as well this edition of the magazine, as they sum as inaugurating the Hudson Taylor Trail, up the way he led his life. which was visited in June of 2015 by Jamie Taylor, a descendant of this godly The China Inland Mission was founded man. on prayer, and, from its outset, relied on God alone to provide its finances, no “Attempt great things for God; expect collections ever being taken and no great things from God.” requests for money ever being heard. (Postscript: The China Inland Mission Margaret Robson.
Beauty is God’s handwriting. Ralph Waldo Emerson
There is a living God. He has spoken in the Bible. He means what He says and will do all He has promised. J Hudson Taylor
You can’t build a church with stumbling blocks. Fred Beck
Be united with other Christians. A wall with loose bricks is not good. The bricks must be cemented together. Corrie ten Boom Operation Christmas Child asks shoebox gift is a ‘treasure chest’ for a for one million shoeboxes child who has never received such a gift before. It is a powerful symbol of hope This year Operation Christmas Child that someone, somewhere, cared UK hopes to send one million shoe- enough to pack a gift. Last year, people boxes to needy children in developing across the UK set 900,008 shoeboxes to countries. And if you find it hard to get 14 different countries. They played a key hold of a shoebox, no worries: OCC is part in over 11 million children globally now offering flat-pack shoeboxes for experiencing God’s unconditional love individuals, families, churches, schools through a simple gift. Thank you!” and community groups. More details at: https://www.samaritans The vision of Operation Christmas -purse.org.uk/what-we-do/operation- Child remains so simple: “a Christmas christmas-child
Here is just one of the many stories from Saviour when I was 5 years old in
Operation Christmas Child Sunday school. In 2002, when I was 8,
our Sunday school teacher challenged us Denis and A Cowboy to invite a new friend to church who
didn’t know Jesus.
The following Sunday, I saw a lot of un- familiar faces in the classroom. I remem- ber my teacher and other volunteers bringing in boxes. I wondered what was in them—I’d never seen anything like them before. Then we were all handed a shoebox and were told we could open them.
Growing up in Honduras, my brother Inside I found a Woody doll! I stared at and I only had to one toy to play with - a it. I couldn’t believe it—I now had plastic soccer ball that cost less than 50 something I had desired. But I put it cents. When “Toy Story” came out, we back right away so no one would take it used to pretend that my brother was from me. I’d been wanting it for so long. Buzz Lightyear and I was Woody be- It was a special moment for me because cause they were almost like brothers. We I received something I wanted from someone I didn’t even know. asked our parents if they could get us Buzz Lightyear and Woody toys, but I also remember receiving “The Greatest they couldn’t because of difficult finan- Gift” booklet that talked about Jesus and cial issues. different characters in the Bible. They
I grew up in a Christian family and are printed in colour now, but I remem- attended church. I accepted Jesus as my ber colouring the black and white pages. As I did so, it reminded me of every sto- have it now. ry I’d heard in Sunday school. It helped Recently my uncle asked if I would pass me memorize the stories I was colouring the doll down to my cousin, but I told and grew my knowledge of the Bible. him it meant so much in my life that I My shoebox specifically showed me wanted to keep it as a reminder of God’s God’s faithfulness through hardship, faithfulness—that He would always be illustrating to me that He was going to there even in difficult times. provide. If He provided in the small I brought Woody with me when I came things, He would provide in the big to the U.S. to study information technol- things. I was able to appreciate an act of ogy at Mount Vernon Nazarene Univer- love by someone I didn’t know. To this sity in Mount Vernon, Ohio. I graduated day, this prompts me to participate in in April and now work in the infor- acts of love just as Jesus did. It motivates mation technology department at the me to be a light wherever I go to help school. others in need just as I was helped. I give thanks for people who dedicate It’s been 13 years, and I still have my their time to pack shoeboxes and pray original Woody doll. He used to say, over them. They are used by God to “There’s a snake in my boot!” and other make an impact on children all over the phrases when you pulled a string, but world. They are reaching out to those now he has lost his voice. He also had a who don’t know Jesus and showing them hat when I got him, but since he loses it His love through shoeboxes. in the movie, I don’t feel bad that I don’t
Some Quotations of James Hudson Taylor “If there was more true abiding in Christ there would be less selfish abiding at home.”
“It is not lost time to wait on God.”
“Let there be no reservation; give yourselves up fully and wholly to Him, whose you are and whom you serve.”
“Not infrequently our God brings his people into difficulties on purpose that they can come to know Him so they can come to know Him, as they could not other- wise do.”
When asked what he considered were the three greatest qualities for a missionary, Hudson Taylor responded, “Patience, patience and patience.” Margaret Robson.
Why is it that no plastic bag will open from the end on your first try?
How do those dead bugs get into those enclosed light fixtures? Mars Trip Hopeful To Speak At 'God And The Big Bang' Sixth thing even bigger. Mars is a challenge. It Form Conference is highly risky, and an enormous respon- sibility as well as an adventure, and, if The mission of ‘God and the Big Bang’ chosen, hope to do it justice.' is to enable school students to critically explore contemporary thinking about God and the Big Bang, supported by prominent members of the scientific science and faith. faith community, aims to equip young God and the Big Bang is supported by people with the tools to form their own staff at the Church of England, the Far- opinions about the place for science in aday Institute for Science and Religion God’s world – and God in the world of and Christians in Science. science.
AN ASTROPHYSICS PhD student, The project was motivated by the re- currently on a 100-person shortlist to search findings of the LASAR (Learning make a one-way trip to Mars, will speak about Science and Religion) Project. Led at God and the Big Bang this week (Thu by Dr Berry Billingsley of the University 13 July), a day-long conference for sixth of Reading’s Institute of Education, the formers at St Augustine’s CE High project showed that 16 to 18-year-old School, Kilburn, London, exploring the students are likely to struggle to access relationship between science and faith. the view that science and religion are not Hannah Earnshaw, 23, said: 'As a Chris- necessarily incompatible. Science teach- tian and an astronomer, science for me ers frequently feel uncomfortable about is about discovering and learning about addressing questions that relate to reli- God's vast creation, so I am looking for- gion and RE teachers often feel they are ward to communicating how science not sufficiently knowledgeable to re- and faith can not only be compatible but spond to questions about science. intertwined. I am going to talk about the The talks are designed to be academical- idea of settling Mars - of how to keep ly credible and captivating – dealing humans alive on the surface of another both with cutting-edge, mainstream sci- planet and our responsibilities towards ence and personal and honest reflections the environments we live in. Mars is about the interaction of science and very much something made by God and faith. has as much inherent value as Earth.' ‘These events are a wonderful oppor- Earnshaw, currently studying at Durham tunity to spark discussion in the area of University, has always harboured ambi- faith and science,’ said Michael Harvey, tions to be an astronaut, but never imag- ined she’d be able to turn these into a executive director of the project, ‘By concrete career. 'Space travel has been a bringing science and faith together in dream of mine for a very long time, and conversation we can find out new things now I have the opportunity for some about our world which will benefit and enrich all humankind. It all begins with unknown, and God and the Big Bang myself, it is a delight to be working on can contribute to starting us on that such an exciting project that allows journey.’ young people to discover, discuss, de-
'We have received an enthusiastic re- bate and form their own opinions about sponse to the conference in schools as the compatibility of science and faith.’ far apart as Aberdeen and Surrey,' said * Issued for God and the Big Bang by Stephanie Bryant, Cambridge graduate Stephen Goddard Associates. More in- and the project’s coordinator. 'As a formation: Stephen Goddard 01744 Christian who studied natural sciences 733898 or 07930 198209. Project Co- Ordinator Steph Bryant: 0161 828 1407. Winnie the Pooh – ways in the right place.
a much loved bear The Pooh stories, written originally for Winnie-the-Pooh was born 90 years ago the author’s only son, Christopher Robin, and set in an area recognisable as Ashdown Forest in Sussex, have been translated into many languages, includ- ing a Latin version, Winnie ille Pu.
Though naive and somewhat literal- minded, honey-loving Pooh composes songs and hums and comes up with unexpected solutions to problems. He this month, on 14 October, 1926 – in also invents the game Poohsticks. He the sense that this was the date on has been recommended to Christians which the world-famous children’s book for his love toward his friends, such as by A. A. Milne was first published. Piglet, Tigger, Kanga and Rabbit – all modelled on Christopher Robin’s soft Technically, Winnie-the-Pooh, also toys. called Pooh Bear, is a fictional anthro- pomorphic teddy bear hero of a number Examples of Pooh’s wisdom are widely of books, always illustrated by E H quoted. His refusal to let Piglet worry Shepard, who therefore gave Pooh his him can be seen as deeply Christian: distinctive shape in the mind of the “Supposing a tree fell down, Pooh, reader. while we were underneath it?”
To his many admirers, Pooh is the wise, “Supposing it didn’t,” said Pooh after kind and loving companion they always careful thought. wanted – a bear of very little brain and From The Parish Pump with many faults, but whose heart is al- The Blocked Card avoided if we had not been so hasty.
Our attempts to speed up the process ended up making things much more complicated.
There are times when we try to push our way through a problem instead of giv-
ing God time to work or waiting for things to run their natural course. When Not long ago, when we checked our we feel inclined to rush into a situation, it credit card statement after buying an is a good idea to take time in commun- airline ticket, we discovered that the air- ion with God. Instead of intervening on line had charged us twice. We contacted our own, we can pray for a solution to the airline in the hope of correcting the the problem and seek heaven’s guidance error right away to avoid the charge and on how to proceed. interest that it would incur. After three The Bible calls us to work in the Spirit futile and time-consuming phone calls to rather than in our own natural strength. the company’s call centre, we felt irritat- To take off running to win the 100-metre ed and helpless. Then we called our bank dash is fine for athletes like Usain Bolt, and were advised to block the credit card the Jamaican sprinter; but even he has to until we could find a solution. watch his step, because he lost the It turned out to be too hasty a decision. opportunity to defend his 100-metre After searching the airline’s website, my world sprint title in 2011 due to jumping wife found detailed instructions on how the gun. to proceed in the event of an overcharge. My conclusion is to go slower, give God We sent an email with the necessary time to work, let things flow, and act details, and within a few days, we with deliberation. The next time I am received a gracious reply notifying us tempted to rush off on an impulse, I that the money would be reimbursed to plan to wait instead for God’s leading. our account. Trust in the Lord with all your heart In the meantime, we had to deal with the and lean not on your own consequences of having blocked our understanding. Proverbs 3:5 card. First, we had to deactivate our old card and then activate a new card. We http://letjesushelpyou.com/ daily-devotionals/ also had to fill out, scan, and email pages of forms and make two trips to the bank. I read this a while ago and thought I would share this as it certainly gave me All these wasted hours could have been food for thought. THE BIGGER PICTURE
A new Bible study group star ng with A BIBLE OVERVIEW in 4 sessions.
How does the Bible all fit together? What's the common thread that runs through it all? If you've never really got the connection be- tween Old and New Testament, and never seen the point of some of the Bible books, then come and find out more!
Leading into further series of discussions on topical themes and Bible books.
STARTING ––– Initially on Mondays at 7.45 for 8pm ---
VENUE t.b.c.
Please contact Hilary Edgerton if you're interested or watch out for further details and come along Tel 871704 or email [email protected] Remembrance: of those who die remember the respect we owe so many
– and those who survive ordinary people who gave so much and ‘Madam. I regret to have to inform you we remember what war is truly like. that a report has been received that Sap- In August 1914, the war in Europe per A Jenkins Royal began, and went on to resonate around Engineers has been the world. At 11.00am on 11th Novem- admitted to 2nd ber, 1918, the Armistice was signed, General (Australian) giving peace another chance. Hospital, Boulogne Memories fade and peace becomes taken on the 23rd day of for granted. It was only 20 years after my April, 1918. The nature of the wound is grandfather returned from the army that Gas Poisoning (mild). I am to express to the world descended into the hell of war you the sympathy and regret of the once more. My father was young enough Army Council. Yours faithfully….’ to ‘miss out’. His older brother served Thanks to those Australian doctors and throughout as a pilot. nurses, my grandfather made a complete Again, others were less fortunate. Again, recovery. After the war, he returned to others were left behind. Is there any his wife Emily Rose, brought up four sacrifice greater than giving your life for girls and two boys, including my father, your fellow human beings? and died just short of his 85th birthday. He had served in France, Italy and Every time we share in Holy Commun- Germany. ion, we remember Jesus’ willing sacrifice for all of us. He laid down his life so that Sadly, many others, serving all over the we might live. world down the years, have not been as fortunate. I remember my grandfather. I On Remembrance Sunday, at memorials know he vowed never to go abroad and cenotaphs and in our churches, we again. Through research and his medals remember the sacrifice that so many and paperwork (quoted above), I know have made in war. We remember the some of what he went through. I never horror of war that so many have been heard him speak about it. through. But we also reflect on the peace that can hopefully follow. Through Remembrance, we not only remember those who die in war but also Remembrance teaches us that we should those who return and what they live never take peace for granted. Lest we with. We remember what they gave. We forget. remember those who supported them. By Steve Jenkins, formerly of Church House We remember those they left behind. We Communications, Westminster
Faith before the firing squad On the night before her execution she
2015 was the centenary told the chaplain who came to give her of Edith Cavell’s death. Holy Communion that she was grateful Many remember her pat- for the weeks of quiet she had spent in riotism. But for Edith, solitary confinement after such a busy patriotism was not life. She said, ‘I have seen death so enough. Many saw her often that it is not strange or fearful to as a hero and a martyr; me … This I would say, standing as I do some even think she was in view of God and eternity, I realize a spy. But Edith asked to be remem- that patriotism is not enough. I must bered ‘… only as a nurse who tried to do have no hatred or bitterness to anyone.’ her duty’. She knew that the patriotism her fellow
Dozens of books have been written prisoners had used in their defence was about Edith Cavell, but none answered not enough to enable her to stand in the question: ‘How could she be so calm God’s presence. Throughout her life she and confident before the firing squad?’ had used the Book of Common Prayer, My new book, Edith Cavell - Faith be- repeating the Lord’s Prayer morning and fore the firing squad (Monarch, £8.99) evening, ‘forgive us our trespasses, As tells Edith’s story. It traces the roots of we forgive them that trespass against us’. her calm confidence, her love for others She knew that she couldn’t hold on to expressed in practical, selfless service to hatred or bitterness. She needed to for- friend and foe alike, as well as her cour- give others, just as she had been forgiv- age helping fugitives from war find free- en. dom. After they had shared communion, they
Self-sacrifice was the hallmark of Nurse said together the words of the hymn Edith Cavell’s life. She was executed on ‘Abide With Me’, and they talked about 12 October 1915 for enabling at least heaven. As he left her cell, she took the 200 Allied soldiers to escape occupied chaplain’s hand and said with confidence Belgium into neutral territory, but her in her eternal future, ‘We shall meet care had extended to German and again.’ She was executed by firing squad Allied soldiers. at dawn the next morning.
People who sing their own praises usually do so without accompaniment. Anon
Confidence is keeping your chin up; overconfidence is sticking it out. Anon
A man shows his character by what he laughs at. Anon
AN A-Z OF DISCIPLESHIP The schoolchild who pushes to the front of the queue even though others have been waiting patiently, the person who organises life so that everyone serves them and they never put themselves out, the businessman who works inde- pendently rather than as a good team member, may well achieve all they want but lose friends, and maybe respect, at the same time, whilst becoming the centre of their world. The Saddleworth Team has appointed me to be a priest with special responsibility for Disciple- Paul talks about the attitude of Jesus ship. To be a disciple is to be a 'learner', some- Christ, who made himself a servant ( Phil. one who wants to go on working out what it 2:6-11). The end result of Jesus serving means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. others – with a passionate determination to help, encourage, love and bring hon- Discipleship covers every area of life. We can't our to God, by putting his own needs find words about every subject of modern-day way down the list- was that God exalted living in the pages of the Bible but we can draw him to the highest place... so that everyone out some principles to help us. Starting this would end up confessing Jesus Christ is month, I'm going to attempt to work through Lord (v.9, 11) He didn't actually lose out from A-Z to tackle some of the things that need but gained everything by holding to the our thought if we're really to relate every part of ambition to live for God. life to Jesus and his ways. Feel free to suggest topics (X may be tricky!) It will be a random Paul himself says to the Roman people and incomplete selection but then, that's how life that he was ambitious to preach the gospel can sometimes be. Here we go... where Christ was not known (Rom. 15:20) but again, he's quick to warn people that A is for AMBITION amongst a list of 'acts of the sinful nature' Is it right for Chris ans to be ambi- lies 'selfish ambition' (Gal. 5:20). Another ous? Aren't we meant to be humble, Bible writer, James, also talks about the pu ng ourselves last rather than first dangers of envy along with selfish ambi- and being ready to ' consider others tion (James 3:14-17) and shows how there be er than yourselves'(Philippians can be all kinds of disorder when people 2:3b)? Well yes, but maybe the key is are out to get what they want for them- to do 'nothing out of selfish ambi- selves, without concern for anyone else.
on' (Phil. 2:3a) Ambi on that means However, using our talents to the best of we are only looking to our own inter- our abilities, serving with the strength God ests is likely to mean we'll be quite provides (1Peter 4:11) is always encour- happy to clamber over others and not aged. It's the goal of our ambition that care how our a tudes affect them. matters most. We're to love God with heart, mind, soul and strength – every- honour for yourself alone. thing we've got ( Mk.12.30) rather than Work to do the best at your job, so that glorying in strength or riches Jer. 9:23) the whole organisation works well and which are things God has given anyway. you help others out; aim to use your tal- In all things, when we give the best ent to give pleasure to others and ask we've got, God can be given honour and God to bless the results as well as your glory. efforts; try to get good results in exams
So be ambitious! Use the gifts and op- or projects. Just be sure that your inten- portunities you've got to the best of your tion is to reflect something of God back to those around you as you do so. ability. Aim high and want to do whatev- er you can- but make sure it is not to gain Hilary Edgerton
Healthwatch Oldham has now tion meetings. taken responsibility for the NHS • Helping you to find a formal repre- Complaints Advocacy Service. sentative if you need someone to speak on your behalf. Asma Khatun is their new NHS Complaints Worker. If you feel that you need to make a com- Asma can support people through the plaint to the NHS then call Asma on complaints process and will help at any 0161 622 5700 or email her stage with the following: at NHSComplaints@healthwatcholdham • Helping you to write down your experi- m.co.uk and she will make arrangements ence in a clear, logical way. to help you.
• Helping you to ask for access to your There is also a self-help information pack medical records. that is available on our website which • Giving you feedback on draft com- you can access at the link provided be- plaints letters, etc. low: • Supporting you to prepare for resolu-
OPPORTUNITY FOR ROC Restore Coordinator
An opportunity has opened up for a ROC Restore Coordinator to oversee and de- velop our ROC Restore restorative justice project in Oldham. Restorative justice is the process of bringing together parties involved in low level crime, antisocial behaviour, nuisance and conflict in a meeting where trained volunteers use restorative approaches to agree on a course of action to repair the harm for those involved. The right person will be a self-starter with the positive attitude and a passion to see communities and lives changed for the better. For more details visit: https://roc.uk.com/jobs-with-roc or contact [email protected]. View From Behind Bars 2 ble again. The contrast with my own nephew, some years younger but far What happens when you are in more mature, just about to head off to prison and you hear that your university, with a stable and encouraging wife has been taken seriously family background and a sense of re- ill? That was the question for sponsibility, was huge. one prisoner a few weeks ago. Last time, I mentioned one man who His wife was rushed to intensive care had tried to take his own life. He was but he has four children, one with a life- put under 'constant watch' – in a gated limiting condition. Phone calls are cell but with the door unbolted, an limited to how much credit is on a officer literally sits outside, to watch prisoner's phonecard – which in turn is permanently and record all activity, for determined by how much money they the prisoner's own protection. earn through their (very low paid) work. If it's deemed necessary, an officer can I attended one review meeting with the facilitate a 'welfare call' which is moni- prisoner, some of his family, a Gover- tored but free of charge. The chaplain- nor, safer custody officer and psychia- cy can also permit a call, in a quieter trist. It was decided to move him to a part of the prison, to allow a little more prison of a different category where privacy. This man's children were first he'd feel safer. A few days later this cared for by a friend and then a relative man, on medication for mental health who travelled over but his own concern, illnesses, was sitting on the floor of his added to his guilt at being unable to cell with a jigsaw. It felt a little like the help, was great. Gerasene demoniac who was found sit- ting dressed in his right mind once the Then there was the young man who was demons were cast out by Jesus. Howev- 22 years of age and had been ' in trouble er, it didn't last. I' m sorry to say he had with the law' since he was thirteen or to be removed under restraint a few fourteen years of age. He came clutch- days after that, having harmed himself ing a photo of his granddad and grand- again and in an utterly paranoid state, to ma, wanting to light a candle as it was the safer prison environment. the day of his granddad's funeral and, as is usual unless it's the closest relative In the midst of all the sad stories, how- (wife, mother, father), he was not ever, I mustn't forget the ones of a permitted to attend. He seemed glad to group of men meeting for a Bible study, talk and share memories of being helping each other out as they thought brought up by his grandparents. He about loss; or about the lump in my didn't know whether his girlfriend throat and tear in my eye as our small would still wait for him to get out of Sunday congregation stood for the Last gaol. He didn't know what he would do Post as we commemorated the Battle of and he knew he had to watch himself so the Somme; or the gardening team tak- that he wouldn't get angry and into trou- ing pride in their new flower troughs, the carpentry workshop where men out as normally as if he had been telling create birdboxes and furniture to order, me 'I like football'. It's a strange world and the conversation with one Welsh- I'm now inhabiting, but it's one where man who chatted on about reading his Jesus is most definitely needed-and at Bible and holding the hand of Jesus 'even work. though I'm a killer'. I tried not to raise Hilary Edgerton – July 2016 my eyebrows at the news which popped The Way I See It - scaffold and broke his neck, thus avoid- The Fifth Of November ing the actual execution.
The previous sixty years had seen un- precedented religious strife in England,
following the breakaway of the Church of England from Rome under Henry VIII. Hundreds of priests loyal to Rome
were hunted down and many put to death, often under the accusation of Until fairly recent years 5th November ‘treason’. During the brief reign of a in England was well known for foggy Catholic monarch, Mary, there were evenings as bonfires were lit all over the many Protestants who were similarly country. On many of them a ‘guy’ executed. Years of strife, often over ver- would be burnt – usually a couple of old bal definitions, were testimony to the pillows and some cast-off clothes in the bitterness of feelings which religious rough shape of a man. conviction can inspire.
The ‘guy’ was, historically speaking, Guy There is still plenty of religious strife in Fawkes, one of the chief conspirators in the world, as we all know, though little a plot by Roman Catholic zealots to now between different groups of blow up the Palace of Westminster at Christians. 5th November might be a the State Opening of Parliament on 5th good day on which to pray to the one November 1606, thus removing James I and only God that the world might see from the throne. Fawkes was arrested as an end to the blasphemy of any killing he stood guard over a massive collection in His Name. of gunpowder in an undercroft beneath the House of Lords. Under torture he revealed the names of the other con- spirators, and they were hanged, drawn and quartered on 31st January 1607, though Fawkes jumped from the David Winter Parish Pump Edward the Confessor – helping people through prayer.
to found Westminster Abbey One of the legends associated with the
If you approve of giving money to help king happened towards the end of his cathedrals survive, then Edward the life. Edward was riding by a church in Confessor (1003 – 66) is the saint for Essex and an old man asked for alms. As you. This early King of England was the the king had no money to give he drew a virtual founder of Westminster Abbey. large ring off his finger and gave this to And never mind entrance charges - at the beggar. A few years later two pilgrims one point in his life, Edward was giving a were travelling in the Holy Land and full tenth of his income to Westminster became stranded. They were helped by Abbey. an old man and when he knew they came from England he told them he was St John the Evangelist and asked them to return the ring to Edward telling him that in six months he would join him in heaven.
Edward did much to help the Church in many ways. His lasting contribution was the original Westminster Abbey - a huge Romanesque church, 300 feet long, with a nave of 12 bays. Westminster Abbey
Edward was the son of King Ethelred the became the place of coronation and buri- Unready and his second, Norman wife, al of kings and queens of England. It Emma. After various ups and downs was finished and consecrated just before which included a brief exile in Norman- his death. Edward was buried there, and dy, Edward was made king of England in his relics are undisturbed to this day.
1042.
As King, Edward had a tricky time of it – trying to keep the peace for over 20 years while various Danish and Norman magnates struggled for power (which eventually led to the Norman Conquest). Scholars have argued over how much of a success he was as a king.
As a Christian, there is no doubt: Edward’s holiness was evident to all. He During the Middle Ages, Edward was a made himself accessible to his people, he very popular saint: along with Edmund was generous to the poor, and chaste. of East Anglia he was widely considered He was also reputed to have seen visions to be England’s patron saint for a time. and even achieved miraculous cures for Delph School Coronation 1953
St Thomas’ School otherwise known as the Toffee Belles -
Christine Bailey nee Bennett [3rd from right on the front row]
Thanks to Sheila Beresford for these fascinating photos am now. I spent my time differently. I was an impatient person and always wanted to have things my way." Athraa's life was turned upside down Iraq:Through displacement I completely when, in the summer of found the peace of the Lord 2014, she and her family fled Qaraqosh just before IS (Islamic State) attacked and occupied the town. "I remember that I wasn't worrying too much that day. We didn't think the situation would last long, we didn't even take our identity papers." But the days became weeks and the weeks became months. Now Athraa Athraa's life was turned upside down when she and her family have been displaced for had to flee the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) almost two years. in the summer of 2014. Even though she hasn't "The first months were a disaster," she been able to return to her home since then, she remembers. "We lived in many different sees displacement as a blessing. places. We lived in a wedding hall and a The porta-cabin church is packed. Pa- church garden. We ended up in a tent in rishioners who are late find themselves a sports centre. It was a really difficult." stuck in the tiny entrance hall. While Athraa and her family of nine spent the some people decide just to follow the burning hot summer months in a small service standing in the back, student tent. "In the night I couldn't sleep be- Athraa is busy filling the last remaining cause I heard the mice running around in plastic chairs with people by rearranging my tent," she explains. "There was not chairs and finding seats for the elderly. enough water and the food was not that The choir has sung several songs already good." when she finally takes a rest and joins the Now Athraa lives in one of the houses congregation herself, singing in the aisle. rented by the church. Sitting in one of the empty rooms, she smiles as she re- The Athraa we see in church today is a members her house in Qaraqosh "We totally different person from the Athraa were just living there for a month. It was who lived in Qaraqosh. We spoke to her a little further from the city centre, eve- just before the service, visiting her in the rybody knew each other. I chose a black house where she lives with her parents colour for my walls with stars. My sister and six younger brothers and sisters. "I painted a butterfly." did go to church before my displace- Athraa's family shares their new house ment, but I wasn't involved as much as I with another family. Smaller families share a house with even more families. treasures she found in this miserable They share the kitchen and the bathroom situation. "We don't have to spend our and have to adjust to living so close to a time asking ourselves why this happened family with different habits. to us. Despite the fact that she ended up in a God doesn't want to hurt us. He is speak- situation she describes as 'terrible', Athraa ing with us and we need to hear Him and isn't despairing. On the contrary. "I am trust Him. I learned that it's good to glad that this happened because it spend these days in prayer. IS took our changed my life," she says cautiously. She land and our money, but we still have our continues to explain: "After the displace- lives and we have to live them like God ment I was bored, there was nothing to wants us to." do, so I went to church more often. Soon Athraa doesn't want to keep these new I got involved with a Bible study group insights for herself. "When you learn that gathers twice a week." these things, you have to share them. I The Bible study group opened Athraa's can help God to reach the people with eyes to the richness of the Word of God his message. So I want to assist the peo- and the richness of community. "I dis- ple in my community to rediscover the covered that every line in the Bible tells richness of faith and I want to be there us something. But what I like best is for them when they struggle." when we as a small group celebrate Holy Back in the service, Athraa takes a short Communion with the priest in the way break from her tasks when she prayerful- the people in the time of Jesus did. We ly receives communion. Even though this have a piece of bread and share that with service is held in a temporary each other." She starts smiling as she structure with plastic chairs, not far from continues, "It is something wonderful. It terrorists who want to eradicate gives me patience to continue my life, to Christianity, there is no place she would see things from a bigger perspective." rather be than here. "I found a peace in my heart, peace in my life. God has made me a more patient and forgiving person. I know that God is with me and that's the most important thing."
Please Pray
Praise God for Athraa's faith in the midst
of difficult circumstances Leaning on one of the thin matresses on For provision, strength and hope for the cold floor, Athraa shares about the Athraa and the thousands of other displaced people in the Middle East. AN A-Z OF DISCIPLESHIP Yet the account of creation in Genesis chapters 1 and 2 shows God carefully crafting the human body out of the dust of the ground and forming human beings 'in his own image' (Gen. 1:27) If God cre- ates man and woman with bodies, in his likeness, I think it's safe to assume that
the body in itself is good, fundamental to the whole nature of every human being. To be a disciple is to be a 'learner', someone who wants to go on working out what it means to be Use and abuse of the body. a follower of Jesus Christ. The body may be good but we have to be
B is for BODY responsible because of that. That means Not 'the body of Christ' – a huge topic in not letting the body become the focus of itself- but your physical body, with its our attention. ' Therefore don't worry about arms, legs, and all sorts of other bits. your life, what you will eat or drink; or about about your body, what you will wear.' (Matt. Is the body good or bad? 6:25) says Jesus. He goes on to talk Christians have varied in their opinions. about putting God's kingdom values and In the days of 'Gnostic' Christians there right living first and trusting that God was a widespread belief in 'dualism' – a will give what's needed in a physical division between soul and body, with the sense. So 'image' on the outside of the soul being superior and things connected body and the food we put inside the to the body being inferior, if not bad. body shouldn't be amongst our key Augustine had a dualist view but in his concerns. mind, the soul was superior and would Jesus also had words to say when the guide the body. For him there was far Pharisees became over-zealous for rituals. more freedom about what was permissi- He is more concerned with what comes ble. out from the heart of human beings than Look at the Bible though and you could what goes into them: Nothing that enters a get a negative 'body image' view from man from the outside can make a man un- reading some of the Levitical purification clean....but from a man's heart come evil laws. There are countless rules about not thoughts, sexual immorality, theft mur- being tainted and made unclean by asso- der....greed,...folly....and make a person un- ciation with certain foods, people, illness- clean' (Mark 7:14-23) es, blood and more. It doesn't exactly If the body shouldn't be the initial focus sound as if the body is easy to handle. of our attention, we shouldn't disregard it The apostle Paul's writings include: 'I either. Paul's words about pummelling pummel my body to make it my slave' (1 Cor. his body are about the kind of discipline 9:27); 'Don't let sin reign in your mortal bodies he knows is needed to stop giving in to and so obey its evil desires' (Romans 6:12). the things that may not only damage his spiritual relationship with God. So ' offer 'Your body is a temple of the Lord....you were your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and ac- bought with a price, therefore honour God with ceptable to God, as your spiritual wor- your body' (1 Cor 6:19-20) says Paul. ship' (Rom 12:1) he says. Make sure that Our bodies are given as gifts to be used, the body in which your soul lives is enjoyed, valued, with God and others in given to do what God wants, whether it mind. The physical body is good but is strong or weak, old or young. it's easy to abuse it or to use it to harm
'Don't offer the parts of your body to sin' (1 people. It's not entirely separate from Cor 6:13) comes in a passage that shows our souls (perhaps the reason that so people have been ready to give in to many people harm themselves when sexual immorality but it could easily be their sense of self-worth in their souls is about allowing ourselves to get into low) and indeed Jesus says 'Don't be situations of violence, or crime, greed, afraid of those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul' (Matt. 10:28) going to see the wrong things, taking ourselves to places we shouldn't go He assures people that every hair on to....For Paul, there needed to be their heads is numbered and known by explanation of the fact that whilst as God and Paul is certain that one day, Christians 'everything is permissible , not there will be a resurrection of a spiritual everything is beneficial' (1 Cor 6:12. body (1 Cor 15:44) to take the place of a whether it's food or sex or lounging physical body. about all day or drugs or drink there are A gift from God. Not to be abused. limits because 'the body is meant for the Lord' (1 Cor 6:13) Hilary Edgerton – NEXT TIME C is for CHILDREN
Real-life notes left for milkmen…
~ When you leave my milk, knock on my bedroom window and wake me because I want to turn my mattress and you could give me a hand. ~ Please knock. My TV’s broken down and I missed Coronation Street last night. Maybe we could talk about what happened over a cup of tea? ~ My daughter says she wants a milkshake. Do you do this before you deliver, or do I have to shake it at my end? ~ Please send me a form for cheap milk, as I have a baby two months old and did not know about it until a neighbour told me. ~ Sorry not to have paid your bill before, but my wife had a baby and I’ve been carrying it around in my pocket for weeks. ~ Milk is needed for the baby. Father is unable to supply it. ~ Please leave no milk today. When I say today I mean tomorrow, as I wrote this note yesterday. A View From Behind Bars 3 directions and begin to put the other pr
It was only a few days after isoners back in their cells. The beginning work at Buckley Hall healthcare team arrive, an ambulance is that I heard of one prisoner called; the senior staff of the prison are alerted. He survived. who had attempted to hang himself. That was a jolt to my A few days later I was involved in the system. Only a couple of weeks review meeting with that man. His later, I was on the 'Wing mother was there. They fell on each rounds' visiting each of the 4 main wings other and he spoke of how he'd put her of the prison, and particularly making through such awful things – (in prison sure to see the prisoners who were on since his teenage years and now mid- 'ACCT documents' . These men have a 30s). He was difficult to reason with in a document of 'care in custody' opened complex scenario but I was impressed at because they are deemed to be at risk, how hard the people at that meeting perhaps from others, perhaps from their worked to take him forward in his sen- own mental state. They are observed tence/care plan just one small step – more closely – maybe once every hour, governor, psychiatrist, safer custody of- maybe 5 times an hour. Occasionally a ficer, wing officer, myself....It's not often constant watch is mounted, with an of- reported in the media. ficer literally sitting outside a gated cell Days later I went back to him. He was a with a perspex shield, to allow a view of different person. He gave a thumbs-up the prisoner at all times. Brief notes are sign to me and said he was on the way to recorded each time there's a visit. The work. I was able to tell him I'd been prisoner is usually on 'basic' conditions praying for him. His cell was open and I ie. No TV and less time out of the cell. had plenty to smile about. It's like a little So it's one of the statutory duties of art gallery: towels he'd had bought for chaplains to visit those on ACCTs. One him with a particular design, used as wall man had covered his obs panel with pa- hangings; coasters made of matchsticks per and stood telling me not to come in and painted and varnished; J-cloths used (I couldn't – we don't carry cell keys). as tie-backs for the very small curtain Between the time taken to walk back covering the toilet; another used to make down to the officers' station to tell them a rosette hanging from the ceiling; the the situation and the time for one of top of a box carefully painted. He had them to go up to him, he had tried to done art A level and all the art courses in end his life. Another prisoner who the education dept but wasn't allowed to helped the officer to save him spoke lat- repeat them. I talked about our creative er of being glad that although he'd once God who is constantly bringing life and taken a life, now he had saved one. had re-created his life and how he could
The system works fast. An alarm is bring life through his art and beauty to called on the radio. Officers run from all others. I don't think God is finished with him But if that's too hard a story then enjoy others, he has become a counsellor to the positive story of the one who speaks some of the men inside, a prison of his faith being important in helping 'Listener' and wants to use his new- him through and realising that God has found skills in the outside world to stop helped him to find a purpose through his other people from harming themselves time in prison. From being a taxi driver and those they affect too. who took drugs and carried them for Hilary Egerton
A Simple Hug
There’s something in a simple hug It’s funny how a little hug That always warms the heart; Makes everyone feel good; It welcomes us back home In every place and language, And makes it easier to part. It’s always understood. A hug is a way to share the joy And hugs don’t need new equipment, And sad times we go through, Special batteries or parts – Or just a way for friends to say Just open up your arms They like you ’cause you’re you. And open up your hearts. Hugs are meant for anyone For whom we really care, Author Unknown From your grandma to your neighbour, Or a cuddly teddy bear. A hug is an amazing thing — It’s just the perfect way Read more: http:// To show the love we’re feeling www.inspirationalarchive.com/87/a- But can’t find the words to say. simple-hug/#ixzz4KF4Z0p3j
COOPERS CHRISTIAN BOOKSHOP
`King of Kings` Christian bookshop based in the Salt Cellar is NOW OPEN as Coopers Christian Bookshop
The shop is currently open 9.45 am to 4pm Monday, Tuesday Thursday and Friday, and 10 till 4 Saturday's.
We are happy to continue as Steve did previously. We can take orders for anything not in stock.
We plan to create a website and make deliveries in the future to schools and churches where required.
God Bless, Sandra Cooper Across 1 He must be ‘the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well’ (1 Timothy 3:12) (6) 4 ‘For we must all — before the judgement seat of Christ’ (2 Corinthians 5:10) (6) 7 ‘They reeled and staggered like drunken men; they were at their — end’ (Psalm 107:27) (4) 8 See 19 Across 9 It concerned who among the disciples would be the greatest(Luke 9:46) (8) 13 Formed by the Jews in Thessalonica to root out Paul and Silas (Acts 17:5) (3) 16 ‘He has sent me to bind up the — ’ (Isaiah 61:1) (6-7) 17 Moved rapidly on foot (Matthew 28:8) (3) 19 and 8 ‘ — a great company of the — host appeared with the angel’ (Luke 2:13) (8,8) 24 Hindrance (Romans 14:13) (8) 25 Comes between Luke and Acts (4) 26 Empower (Acts 4:29) (6) 27 ‘Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father’s house into a — !’ (John 2:16) (6) Down 1 Sunrise (Psalm 119:147) (4) 2 The part of the day when Cornelius the Caesarean centurion had a vision of an angel of God (Acts 10:3) (9) 3 He was one of those who returned with Zerubbabel from exile in Babylon to Jerusalem (Nehemiah 7:7) (5) 4 ‘No one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born — ’(John 3:3) (5) 5 Animal hunted or killed as food (Ezekiel 22:25) (4) 6 ‘He encouraged them — — remain true to the Lord’ (Acts 11:23) (3,2) 10 Ruses (anag.) (5) 11 Jewish priestly vestment (Exodus 28:6) (5) 12 Visible sign of what had been there (Daniel 2:35) (5) 13 This was the trade of Alexander, who did Paul ‘a great deal of harm’ (2 Timothy 4:14) (9) 14 ‘This is my — , which is for you; do this in remembrance of me’ (1 Corinthians 11:24) (4) 15 One of Noah’s great-great-grandsons (Genesis 10:24) (4) 18 Traditionally the first British Christian martyr (5) 20 Relationship of Ner to Saul (1 Samuel 14:50) (5) 21 Jacob had one at a place he named Bethel while on his way to Haran, fleeing from Esau (Genesis 28:12) (5) 22 Bats (anag.) (4) 23 ‘You strain out a — but swallow a camel’ (Matthew 23:24) (4) ART TRAVEL OLDHAM
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From The Memorial Book
We want to remember and to give thanks for the lives of those who have passed on. The names are in date order during each month. We give thanks and praise for the lives of those who have gone before . .
October November
1st James Sykes 1976 1st Sarah Shackleton 1947 3rd Ethel Burke 1981 1st Albert Henry Bradbury 1968 3rd Wilfred Taylor 1985 1st Tom Lawrence 1985 4th Harry Turner 1948 1st Harold Bell 1991 7th Nora Wood 1981 1st Thomas Henry Buckley 1994 9th Ernest Foyle 1981 2nd Gladys Gertrude Storey 1974 9th Annie Beresford 1986 3rd Mary Farrar 1933 9th Alfred Winston Wharton 1989 3rd Esther Martin 1998 10th Clara Schofield 1969 3rd Albert Littlewood 1991 10th Fred Highton 1983 4th Doris Aylward 1991 13th Nanny Gartside 1950 5th Doris Raw 1968 13th Florence Annie Highton 1976 6th Edith Schofield 1975 13th Janet Sanderson 2002 7th Pat Prior 1989 14th Arnold Gartside 2000 8th George Arthur Buckley1951 14th James Niblett 2002 8th Hilda Holden 1961 16th William Schofield 1976 9th Jack Kenworthy 1972 16th Herbert Whitehead 1981 10th Joseph Brierley 1981 17th John Holden 1950 11th Mitchell Shackleton 1925 17th Lucy Lee 1987 11th Ethel Hirst 1985 17th Frank Smith 11th Thomas Proctor 1967 18th James Howard 1975 14th Florence Drusilla Hirst 1965 19th Harriet Haigh 1994 14th Herbert Shore 1972 21st Harold Brown 1955 15th Elizabeth Cust 1979 22nd Lily Hargreaves 1971 19th Roy Stelfox 1995 23rd Marie Sugden 1981 19th Doris Gwendoline Squire 23rd Lawrence Broadbent 1995 20th James Wood 1977 24th Tommy Martin 1993 22nd Harriet Eliza Clifton 1940 25th Harry Dutton 1976 22nd Anne Kinder 1998 25th John Frederick Rider 1988 23rd Agnes Gatley 1984 26th Agnes Bailey 1970 24th Lillian Walker 1999 26th James Alfred Burke 1980 25th Edna McEwen 1983 27th Selina Baxter 1979 26th Arthur Gartside 1967 27th Mary Schofield 2006 27th Sarah Turner 1948 26th James Thomas Schofield 28th Colin Campbell Copeland 2002 27th James Wild 1976 29th Marion Dutton 1981 28th Harold Gartside 1977
CELIA TAYLOR Saddleworth
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