St. Luke Formby September 2021 Parish Magazine Price: £1.20 Cheaper by annual subscription
Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of ETERNAL LIFE.” John 6:68 (NIV) Shyira Trus t Registered Charity Number 1118979
Patron: The Rt Revd Paul Bayes, Bishop of Liverpool Hon President: Prof Allan Hobson MBE
Supporting people in North West Rwanda, Africa relieving poverty advancing education preserving and protecting good health
Mothers Union Aim: To support MU members in serving their communities Achieved: • Members supported with bedding and kitchen utensils • Training of 25 MU trainers from all over the Diocese. • Successful Revolving Goat Loan project. Challenges: • To extend the MU support across Kivu diocese • To work through the Gisenyi MU to help the most needy parts of the diocese
Butaka Parish Church
Aim: To provide a church in Butaka
Achieved: • Building completed • Worshipping community in church
Challenges: • Fund windows, doors and flooring
Groupe Scolaire Secondary School
• Continuing to support needy students in Shyira
Primary Schools Aim: • To support school ministry by providing equipment, school materials and evangelistic outreach.
How YOU can help
See our website: http://www.shyiratrust.org.uk
Email us for further information: [email protected]
Donations may be sent to: Shyira Trust, Secretary: Ken Davies 53 Stapleton Road, Formby, Liverpool L37 2YT
Donate online: https://www.give.net/shyiratrust
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shyiratrust
Vicar – Rev. Dr. Matt Davis
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The Vicarage Dear Friends, The evenings are getting darker, the last bank holiday is behind us and (bar the Indian Summer we’re all hoping for) another summer has passed. As a family, we’ve enjoyed our first summer here in Formby and seeing the famous Lifeboat Tea Room in action. We’ve spent a lot of our time outside exploring the area and our garden. I’m happy to report that even with the sandy soil, one of the vicarage sunflowers has made it to almost nine feet in height! We also spent a lovely week in the Lake District and made it across on the ferry to Northern Ireland to see my side of the family, having not seen some of them for nearly two years. All in all, it’s been a good summer and it was nice to get away for a bit. But there’s always something good about coming home: home to our own house, own beds, own things. And there’s a similar feeling at the start of September: schools and other activities start back and familiar rhythms return. Although I love the freedom and flexibility we often have over the summer, I couldn’t live like that all the time: I’m a bit of a creature of habit and structure tends to make me more productive! Rhythm and structure can be especially helpful in the Christin life. It’s no coincidence that summer is the time that many of us drift in our faith. When we’re in a different city or country, it can be difficult to find a church to join. It can be hard going when we don’t see our Christian brothers and sisters regularly. A lazy morning becomes a lazy afternoon and then it’s not until we turn out the bedside lamp that we realise we haven’t spent any time with the Lord in his Word or in prayer. A rest all too easily becomes a rest from God, rather than a rest with him. If you can relate to any of this—and I know I can—don’t fret! Paul encourages us in his letter to the Philippians with these words: But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenwards in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13–14) Let’s refocus on Jesus. Let’s fix our eyes on him again. Why? Let’s remind ourselves of our church verse for this year: Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68) ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,……
Editor: Margaret Cooke (e-mail: [email protected]) Illustrator: Joan MacDonald St. Luke's Web Site: http://www.stlukesformby.org.uk St. Luke’s Facebook Page: facebook.com/StLukesChurchFormby
Page 1 Things are better with Jesus! Not just for now, but for all eternity too. Isn’t that wonderful! September gives us a great opportunity to refocus on Jesus and encourage one another as we do that. We’ll be restarting some of our activities in September: some that paused over the summer and some that paused during the pandemic. It’s been a delight to have already restarted refreshments after the 10.30am Sunday service when we can catch up with each other. This month, we’ll be restarting the monthly Thursday Communion service, as well as Children’s Church at the 10.30am service and the monthly Prayer Meetings. The What If? Course for people exploring Christianity will also make an appearance later in the Autumn. So, if you feel like you’ve drifted over the summer, or over the past few years, come and join us. It’s my prayer that everything we do at St Luke’s would bless us by helping us to refocus on Jesus. with every blessing Matt DATES AND NOTES
SERVICES Services are held in Church at 8.30am and 10.30am – see PAGE 10. The 2nd service is being streamed via Zoom. (Please email us for Zoom derails – see bottom of Page 1.)) ‘ Services in church will probably still have social distancing measures in place through most of the month of September -: masks, sitting separately apart from small family groups and bubbles, but we are now allowed to sing. As restrictions are relaxed and guidance is updated in the future, these changes will be reflected in our services. Tea and coffee are now being served in the Meeting Room after the 10.30 service – though the general idea is to chat and drink outside, weather permitting, once you have your tea or coffee. Different people will feel differently depending upon their personal circumstances: some will feel more comfortable and others more anxious about returning to services in person. We all long for the day when we can meet without worry or restrictions, but please do not feel guilty if you are not yet ready. Instead, please continue to access the Zoom service at 10.30am or sermon recordings (via https://anchor.fm/stlukesformby or 01704 336689), and keep in touch with each other on the phone.
MAILCHIMP - to keep in touch Matt has set up a mailchimp system for future occasional emails about church activities and services at St Luke’s. If you would like to register for this please type this link into your browser - http://eepurl.com/hzygqH He hopes it is self-explanatory but if anyone has a problem, contact Matt and he will add you to the list.
PRAYER CHAIN – Please contact Philip Lowe if you know of someone who would appreciate prayer support ([email protected]).
JUST GIVING - With the bank closures in Formby St Luke’s now has a JUST GIVING link so that payments and donations can be made easily using a debit or credit card. If you use this link please include in the Message Boxes your Name and also the reason for the payment eg: Magazine Subscription, Lent Project Donation, Other Donation etc. Regular giving to our church should continue to be made via the Parish Giving Scheme. If you need any further information please contact Hugh Dixon, Rachel Patterson or Andrew Cox.
SHYIRA TRUST – reminder that the AGM will be held on Monday September 20th at 7.30pm on Zoom.
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THANK YOU from the crew of the
Our shorter 2021 season is now over and a great big thankyou to all who supported us. An even bigger thankyou to all who volunteered; you have been amazing! As well as our ‘experienced’ volunteers we were pleased to welcome several new people and they certainly helped to take the stress out of the rota.
Thanks also to all the musicians who entertained us (or tried to as it was all ‘weather permitting) – Ian and David, SOS, Jill Fielding, Suzanne, The Vikings, Ray and the Country Folk, U3A Ukelele Group, U3A Wood Wind, and Folk Routes.
The Tea Room closed its doors on Monday 30th August but we will be starting our Open Doors coffee mornings so you can still meet for a chat.
The doors will be open, 10 – 12, on September 25th October 9th including Crafty Folk), October 23rd November 6th (including Crafty Folk), November 20th and we will finish for 2021 on December 4th with our Christmas Crafts stall.
Jean Cox
PS – you might be asking “Crafty Folk”? This is a time when a few of us get together to spend time working on our crafts (knitting/crochet/cross stitch/painting etc etc) and have a chat. If we meet during Open Doors there is the bonus of cake and refreshments on offer!
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ECO CHURCH
St. Luke's church has achieved a Bronze Eco Award and is now applying for a Silver Award.
In order to achieve this award we must promote all things environmentally friendly. This covers such things as recycling, saving energy, using Fair Trade products, education and protecting nature, in our church and in our own homes. We are blessed with a beautiful church and church grounds in a wonderful area, and we are continually striving to protect, preserve and improve these surroundings. One good things coming from the pandemic is that we are all really appreciating God's creation and it is our responsibility to do all we can to work to making things better.
June McGibbon
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SMILE LINES – LISTEN! My three-year-old was saying his nightly prayers in a very low voice. "I can't hear you," I finally whispered. He said firmly, "Wasn't talking to you." Page 3
AN UNEXPECTED ENDING
Books! Where would we be without them - especially during Covid19 and its lockdowns. As an avid reader all my life, some books remain very much in the memory - and on my shelves to be read and reread over the years. One such book came back to me from the 1950's and I found that it was still in print. Its author is Rose Macaulay and her “The Towers of Trebizond” was first published in 1956. It was and still is a treasure. The sheer beauty of her writing, full of wit and so descriptive of her characters who leap out of the pages.
The story goes like this. A lady of title, breeding and wealth belongs to the A.C.M.S. - namely The Anglo Catholic Missionary Society. She feels called to do missionary work in Turkey and convert the Moslem Turks from Islam to the Anglican Church and to emancipate Turkish women. She has a niece, Laurie, who is just down from Cambridge and who tells the story and then there is her Rector by the name of The Rev Fr the Honourable Hugh Chantry-Pigg. Aunt Dot instead of having horses in her stables besides her car has a camel (yes - not a misprint, a camel!) which she rides to church on Sundays and Saints Days. So the three, plus the camel, sail to Istanbul and then up the Bosphorus and into the Black Sea to ancient Trebizond (modern Trebzon) situated on the south shore in Turkey. Strangely enough Barbara and I made the same journey by sea a few years ago ending up in Russia at Sochi to the north of Trebzon and we did a trip up into the Caucasus Mountains. By the way, the black tea grown there is the best I have ever tasted!
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So Aunt Dot and Fr Hugh got into all kinds of scrapes in their Trebizond which was full of ruined Byzantine churches. Their chief problem was caused by the Imams who warned them off and didn't like portable altars being set up in the market places! Not only did the local populace not have a clue about these foreigners but they were in competition with Billy Grahamites and Seventh Day Adventists. Then Aunt Dot and Fr Hugh disappeared over the border with Russia looking for ruined Greek churches. The camel was eventually found wandering on the border. Aunt Dot's niece Laurie sought help but to no avail – not even from the British Consul. She had somehow to get home with the camel but without any money. Now she was having an adulterous affair with a man she deeply loved. She knew that he was in Alexandrette in Turkey and so she rode the camel the whole length of that country north to south to find him. She continued through the Holy Land and finally arrived in Egypt where she found help and so was able to sail home with the camel. Back in England after weeks of waiting she at last met up again with Aunt Dot and Fr Hugh who had been repatriated from Russia after the Russians had realised that they were not in cahoots with Burgess and Maclean! I think the Russians met their match in Aunt Dot!
Now the story descends from farce to tragedy which perhaps is the reason why I am telling you this about it. The fact that the man Laurie loved, and who had helped her get home, was married with a family didn't seem to matter to her. The two of them compounded the problem by going on holiday to Venice. On returning home they got caught up in the London rush hour. Laurie was driving and started to get very angry with the traffic and the selfish attitude of the drivers around her who were cutting in and out with no regard to others. She lost her temper when a bus tried to overtake and in resisting the bus caused it to smash into the car at speed. Laurie came to with serious injuries and as she was put in an ambulance she saw a blanket being thrown over her loved one’s face. From that time on she blamed herself for his death. The death of the man she deeply loved. The rest of her life felt like an empty shell. Faith had gone and she called herself an 'anglo agnostic’. These are some of her words at the end of the book.
'Someone said that hell would be, and now is, living without God - having to do without God in bitter loneliness and fear. I live now in two hells for I have lost God and live also without love, or without the love I want.'
How, I asked myself, did such a wonderfully light hearted book end in such a way? So I did a bit of digging and found the end was autobiographical. In 1939 Rose was responsible for a serious car crash in which her lover Gerald O'Donavan was badly injured. He died in 1942. Rose entered her own land of remorse as is replicated in her book. Born 1881 she died in 1958.
And to those who go through such emptiness there is another who can be met at the deepest and lowest point in life and despondency. One who has been there as well before and who cried out on the cross, 'My God, my God why have you forsaken me!’ There can be a forgiveness and a resurrection for the Laurie's of this life as well as for us. So a lovely light read with a very dark end and much to take in and think about. You never know where a book will take you! Deo Gratias.
Revd Roy Baker
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SMILE LINES – PERSONALITY CHANGE - A woman who lived next door to a preacher was puzzled by his personality change in the pulpit. At home, he was shy, quiet and retiring but in church he was a real fire and brimstone orator. It was almost as if he were 2 different people. One day she asked him about the dramatic transformation that came over him when he was preaching. “Ah”, he said. “That’s my altar ego”. (sent in by Mrs. Veronica Green)
Page 5 BISHOP PAUL PLANS TO RETIRE NEXT FEBRUARY
After 8 years serving as Bishop of Liverpool, The Rt Revd Paul Bayes has announced he intends to retire in February 2022. His farewell service will be on February 12th 2022 at Liverpool Cathedral.
In a letter to clergy, churchwardens and other ministers, the bishop said “I’m deeply grateful to God for the years spent ministering alongside my outstanding colleagues and friends here in Liverpool Diocese. For me the time has come to prepare for a new chapter in life and ministry, and to contribute in a different way”
Bishop Paul, who joined us from St Albans Diocese where he served as Bishop of Hertford, has steered the diocese on our journey as we seek to grow and serve our communities. Adopting the growth agenda on his arrival, he helped us think as a diocese on how we ask God for a bigger church to make a bigger difference with more people knowing Jesus and more justice in the world. In consultation with the Diocesan Synod he developed and framed our thinking around a Rule of Life for our spiritual disciplines with the inward journey of pray, read, learn matched by the outward journey to tell, serve and give.
The bishop has spoken out on a number of social justice issues including matters of food injustice and debt and is a prominent speaker and activist for inclusion – particularly for LGBTQIA individuals and communities.
Bishop Paul said: “I look forward to the next few months as we work to sustain our parishes, schools, fresh expressions and chaplaincies as communities of worship and mission through the pandemic and into God’s new future.
Across the whole Church of England we are on the way together into that same future. I shall continue as best I can to contribute to a faithful, open, joyous, light, inclusive and just Church - a community that is true to the poor carpenter who made it; one that honours those on the edge of things; one that conveys the amazing reality of our loving and living God to England as it actually is.”
We will publish more details regarding the Bishop’s farewell service later in the year.
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SMILE LINES – THE JOYS OF ZOOM! (other platforms available!) Online meetings: Not muting your mic is the new Reply To All. Just so everyone's clear, I'm going to put my glasses on. Page 6
FIONA GRIEVESON – A NEW WARDEN AT ST LUKE’S
My name is Fiona Grieveson and I was newly elected as churchwarden alongside Steve Ginn at St Luke’s earlier this year. I am not originally from Formby but moved here from Bedfordshire, with my job, in the summer of 2006. I joined Kingsbury Special School in Skelmersdale as Deputy Headteacher and became Headteacher in 2011. Having worked in the field of Special Educational Needs for 35 years, I decided it was time to hang up the mortarboard, put away the chalk and blackboard and take early retirement! I thought I would ease myself gently into a less frantic life – and became churchwarden! The role is very varied, and I am learning all the time about what it entails. What I have quickly come to realise is that there is a wealth of committed people all doing their part to ensure St. Luke’s runs smoothly and efficiently and is the most welcoming, supportive church that I am grateful to be a part of. I was brought up in the United Reformed Church and didn’t imagine that I would ever become a churchwarden in the Church of England! However, since stepping foot inside the Church and becoming part of the family of St. Luke’s, I thank God that he led me to this Church. I am married to Pete, with two grown up sons, Jack and Sam. For those of you with younger children – beware! When they tell you, ‘That’s it, Mum/Dad, I’m off to find my way in the world and I am not coming home to live again’ – watch out, they’ll be back! Pete is very much a handyman and can often be seen ‘doing jobs’ around Church or at the Parish Hall. I will try my very best to serve St. Luke’s well in my role as churchwarden over the coming year and know that with the support of all those involved with the Church and most importantly, God’s guidance, I have a very good chance of getting there.
Fiona Grieveson ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Page 7 WHAT’S ON FOR THE ELDERLY IN SEPTEMBER
St Luke’s Church Meeting Room (St Luke’s Church Road)
• Tuesday Lunch 21st September 12 noon (donations for lunch). St Peter’s Church Parish Hall (Paradise Lane) • Bingo for the elderly every Sunday 8.00-9.30pm and Monday 2.00-4.00pm of the month. Tickets 50p each. Refreshments 20p tea/biscuits. • Raffle £1.00 a strip with prizes on a Sunday night and money prize on Monday afternoon. Formby Library • Creative Writing fortnightly commencing Friday 3rd and 17th September 2.00pm (about an hour). Ring Library (01704 874177) in advance to book a place. NB All the above are subject to COVID precautions in place at the time. It is hoped that local activities/events for the elderly will increase in the coming months as we ease out of the pandemic. Our St Luke’s Church parish magazine will do its best to highlight what’s on offer in each issue.
Ken Davies – Assistant Editor ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
SMILE LINES – BIFOCALS - A preacher went into the pulpit one Sunday morning wearing a pair of new bifocals. The reading portion of the glasses improved his vision considerably, but the top portion of the glasses didn't work so well. In fact, he was experiencing dizziness every time he looked through them. Finally, he apologised to the congregation. "I hope you will excuse my continually removing my glasses," he said. "You see, when I look down, I can see fine, but when I look at you, it makes me feel sick."
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LIZ & MATT FOGGIN’S BIKE RIDE TO RAISE FUNDS TO COMBAT LONELINESS
As we see the green shoots of being able to safely meet up in group activities again, local solicitor Liz Foggin and her husband Matt are raising funds for the Formby Befriending Scheme to support these activities by cycling 970 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats (LEJOG) over just nine days. The Deloitte Ride Across Britain takes place between 4th to 12th September and sees around 1,000 cyclists taking on the iconic route. “The common goal of reaching John O’Groats together creates a very special type of camaraderie,” says Liz. “No matter what type of cyclist you are, you can talk to anyone on the ride and say: ‘How are you or how is your day?’ “We are all social animals and the additional isolation created by the covid pandemic has most certainly added to the challenges that many people face as they advance in years. All sponsorship raised from our ride will go directly to the Formby Befriending Scheme in helping local residents combat loneliness so that people can also ask them – how are you and how is your day?” Liz and Matt have paid fully for the ride themselves. This means that every donation goes straight to supporting Formby residents. Every penny of sponsorship will also encourage both Liz and Matt as they turn their pedals on the arduous journey. Liz will be blogging the ride on her Autumn Years Law Facebook page, which you will be able to follow daily during the event. If it’s anything like last time do expect tears, exhaustion and the drama of will she or will she not make it? To make a donation, please go to: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ MattnLizzieFoggin : To follow the ride between 4th to 12th September go to:www.facebook.com/AutumnYearsLaw
Ken Davies (Assistant Editor) on behalf of Liz & Matt Foggin
Page 9 SERVICES FOR SEPTEMBER 2021
Sunday 5th September – Trinity 14 8.30am Holy Communion BCP 10.30am All Age Service with Holy Communion CW
Sunday 12th September – Trinity 15 8.30am Holy Communion CW 10.30am Service with Baptism*
Sunday 19th September – Trinity16 8.30am Holy Communion BCP 10.30am Holy Communion* CW
Sunday 26th September – Trinity 17 8.30am Holy Communion CW 10.30am Normal Service* CW
*Includes Children’s Activities and Creche during term time.
If there are any Additional Services for September they will be announced in good time.
Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of ETERNAL LIFE.” (John 6:68 NIV
DEAD SEA SCROLLS BROUGHT TO LIGHT 30 YEARS AGO
Thirty years ago, on 22nd September 1991, photographs and transcripts of the Dead Sea Scrolls – the oldest fragments of the Hebrew Bible - were made available to scholars generally for the first time.
The Scrolls – ancient, mostly Hebrew or Aramaic manuscripts of leather, papyrus, and copper – were first found in 1947 near the shore of the Dead Sea. They come from various sites and date from the third century BC to the second century AD.
The decision by the Huntington Library, which is in San Marino, California, to make the Scrolls public was hailed by its director, Dr William A Moffett, as a bold move “equivalent to breaking down the Berlin Wall”. Up to that time access to the scrolls had been restricted to a fairly small group of ‘authorised’ scholars.
The Huntington photograph collection was created by philanthropist Elizabeth Hay Bechtel in 1980, with Robert Schlosser taking the actual pictures. After her death in 1987 they became the property of the library, with no agreed restrictions on their use – unlike the official collections, which certain experts reserved for their own use “to ensure scholarly accuracy”. by Tim Lenton – from the Parish Pump website
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WHO’S WHO
Vicar Rev. Dr. Matt Davis 871439
Readers Prof. Allan Hobson 875118 Mrs Anne Dixon 834120 Mrs Jean Watts 877662 Readers emeritus Mr Colin Trollope 871110 Mr Chris Mulford 878292
Churchwardens Mrs Fiona Grieveson 873204 Mr Steve Ginn 07885 422742 Deputy Churchwardens Mrs Andrea Brown 07557 435845 Mr John McGibbon 871244 Mrs Sheila Rodger 870211 Mr Peter Griffin 871846 Treasurer Mr Hugh Dixon 834120 Deputy Treasurer Mrs Gwyneth Croft 871535
PCC Secretary Mrs Christine Payne 381053 Electoral Roll Officer Mrs Jean Cox 879377
Deanery Synod Representatives Mr James Patterson Mrs Chris Payne 381053 Mr Andrew Cox 879377 Mr David Moore 875101
Weekly Envelope Scheme Mrs Rachel Patterson 07779 214893 and Gift Aid Legacy Officer Mr John McGibbon 871244
Parish Hall Secretary Mr Steve Ginn 07885 422742 Meeting Room Secretary Mrs Fiona Grieveson 873204
Newsletter Editor Mrs Irene Powell 620430
Magazine Editor Mrs Margaret Cooke (Contributions to Margaret by 10th of the month please by e-mail if possible – see Page 1) 876325 Assistant Editor Mr Ken Davies 879517 Magazine Distribution Mr Colin Cooke 876325 Magazine Adverts Mrs Margaret Cooke 876325
Church and Churchyard Maintenance Mr Allan Worthington 877687
Safeguarding Officer Mrs Joyce Eddlestone 875029 and Child Protection Officer Pastoral Care co-ordinator Mrs Jean Watts 877662 and Vulnerable Adults Officer Health & Safety Officer please see wardens
Woodland Workshop Co-ordinator Mr Peter Griffin 871846
Cathedral Representative Mrs Elizabeth Lowe 877972
Church Mission Society and Mrs June McGibbon 871244 Mid-Africa Mission
Children’s Society Boxes Mrs Rachel Patterson 07779 214893
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WHAT’S ON
Home Bible Groups meet regularly as part of the teaching and learning programme of the church. These groups have been in abeyance during the pandemic but we hope that they will be able to restart in the future.
Tuesday Lunch in the Meeting Room – it is hoped to restart this in September – see Page 8. Only one lunch in September. After that watch this space.
Creche - a creche is available at all 10.30 am services.
Children’s and Young People’s Activities
Children’s Church – in term-time there are children’s activities in the Meeting Room during the 10.30 service.
Uniformed Organisations in the Church Hall unless otherwise stated
Rainbows contact District Sheila Kirk 875393 Commissioner Brownie Guides 4th Formby Monday 6.00pm Julie Maher 07811 907003 (In the Meeting Room) 8th Formby Wednesday 6.00pm Jenette Rowlands
Guides 4th Formby Wednesday 7.30pm Julie Clark 833757
Beavers Thursday 6.00pm Graham Edgerley 07976 921241
Cub Scouts Monday 6.30pm Robert Ford 873026
Scouts Tuesday 7.30pm Ian Phillips 07889 682131 Group Leader Gordon Hilbert 874167
Confirmation classes for juniors and adults are held annually.
Home Communion The Wardens welcome the names and addresses of the sick and elderly who would like Holy Communion monthly at home.
Baptisms,Weddings Contact the Wardens after the 10.30am service.
PCC – if you would like to communicate a concern to the PCC, the Standing Committee members are Mr Steve Ginn, Mrs Fiona Grieveson, Mr Hugh Dixon (treasurer), Mrs Christine Payne (secretary).
Other PCC members are Prof Allan Hobson, Mrs Anne Dixon, Mrs Jean Watts, Mr Colin Trollope, Mr Andrew Cox, Mrs Sheila Rodger, Mrs Andrea Brown, Mrs Gwyneth Croft, Mr Ken Davies, Mrs Ann Dennison, Mrs Maggie Elkington, Mr David Moore, Mrs Rachel Patterson, Mr James Patterson, Mrs June McGibbon.
Toilet facilities are available in the Meeting Room and are open during the services.
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GROWING NUMBER OF ATTACKS ON CHRISTIANS IN INDIA
Release International is calling on India to intervene to prevent the growing attacks against Christians accused of fraudulently converting Hindus.
In the latest attack, a Hindu mob set about a 23-year-old Christian woman with bamboo clubs and steel rods, threatening to kill her for sharing her faith with a Hindu.
Attacks against Christians are rising as the radical nationalist movement Hindutva grows in influence.
Adherents to Hindutva believe that to be Indian is to be Hindu – and nothing else will be tolerated. Under their influence, some eight states have so far passed anti-conversion laws and there are moves to push through a national law to prevent so-called forced conversions.
Christians make up less than five per cent of a country which is overwhelmingly Hindu. Religious nationalism is on the rise, and Christians and Muslims alike have been attacked by Hindu militants.
Meanwhile, Christians have suffered particularly in India during the Covid pandemic. Many have been bypassed for food aid. They believe religious nationalism is behind this, which maintains that Christians and Muslims are not true Indians.
This comes as more Dalits, the so-called untouchables outside the caste system, are coming to Christ. There are upwards of 200 million Dalits in India. The name means literally ‘broken’ or ‘scattered’. Release International partner Kumar Swamy is a Dalit by birth. He is the National General Secretary of the All-India Christian Council.
As a Dalit, Kumar Swamy was brought up to believe that he was less than human. “I constantly used to hear my mother saying we were untouchables – subhuman was the word she used - that we were not human beings.
“Hinduism says there are 330 million gods, but none of these died for a sinner like me. It was only Jesus. It is He who gives me hope. I was told I was created to be less than an animal, but it is Jesus who says, ‘No, I created you in My image.’ That's why I love Jesus.
“Christianity gives value to human beings. There is a dignity in the gospel, and that's what every Dalit longs to hear. He wants to be treated as a human being.”
And that, Swamy believes, is why many of India’s underclass are turning to Christ. “Every week, two or three new churches are born. And it's primarily because the Dalits are coming to Jesus Christ in large numbers.”
But as more Dalits embrace Christianity, the backlash from Hindu nationalists has increased. Says Kumar Swamy: “There is an accelerated, escalating violence against the Christian community because of the numbers of Dalits coming to the Christian faith.” (from the Parish Pump website)(Ed – we all need to keep praying about this) ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
SMILE LINES
Gym? Before setting off on a business trip to Birmingham, I called the hotel where I'd be staying to see if they had a gym. The hotel receptionist's sigh had a tinge of exasperation in it when she answered. "We have over 100 guests at this facility," she said. "Does this 'Jim' have a last name?"
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magazine please contact
Margaret Cooke Tel 01704 876325
PEST CONTROL
Wasps, mice, rats etc
Phone J. E. Alvey
01704 213025
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SEFTON CHILDREN’S TRUST
Thank you for your generous Sefton Food Bank donations over the past 15 months. Your support has made a difference to so many in need. There are many other agencies that also need such support and future donations delivered to me will now be shared between the Sefton Children’s Trust and with Maggie Elkington for Southport Soup Kitchen.
Southport Children’s Trust was formed in 1984 by three foster mothers to support young people and families experiencing difficulties, and it provides children with hot meals during school holidays, and with food & provisions parcels for a number of families in need throughout the year.
Southport Soup Kitchen was established over 19 years ago and supports individuals and families with hot meals, and with food and daily essentials parcels.
Donations of non-perishable foods, toiletries and household products will be most gratefully received and may be left in the box by my front door at 8 Barton Heys Road, or knock if the box is full or not there.
Thank you from Ann Dennison
THE SOUTHPORT SOUP KITCHEN…..
The Southport Soup Kitchen has been going for 20 years but only since 2002 has it been in its present premises 75 London Street and one of its founders Justin Dempster helped establish it as it is today. His vision to support those in need without judgment is still followed today. Prior to the pandemic it was open Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. The current situation is that it is open Saturday and Sunday 1 -2 and guests are given hot food and bags of items to take away. Numbers of guests have increased tremendously over the years and currently about 150 people are fed. Approximately 35 -40 families are helped and have food delivered to them as ‘hampers’ each week. We have had very young couples and babies found in awful situations, others found living in tents.
As many of you know, the homeless have been on my heart for many years, from when I worked with them in London and on becoming part of St. Luke’s church family with your support and generosity, we have been supporting them in a lot of ways from the box at the back of church for tins and dried goods, to the harvest goods and to special items around Christmas and Easter, as well as financial help. The pandemic has made things very difficult; with lockdowns it has not been possible to collect items the usual way. Obviously it has made things very difficult for charities such as The Soup Kitchen but they have survived and there has been cooperation between themselves and Shoreline. The other problem has been with finding accommodation for guests, particularly the young couples or families.
The Kitchen is run by a team of volunteers and as well as tinned and dried food given out, the guests love homemade touches such as cake, pies and scones. Items always welcome are cereal, jam and marmalade, tinned fruit, long-life fruit juice and toiletries such as toothpaste, shampoo, shaving items, deodorant, brushes, combs, nail files. Coming up to the winter months, gloves, hats, scarves are always welcome and The Soup Kitchen issues vouchers to guests so that they can get other items of clothes from The Salvation Army on Shakespeare Street. Over catered, any unopened foods in date are welcome. For anyone who would like to donate financially, The Soup Kitchen is on Facebook where it gives bank details. For those wanting to donate food I am willing to pick up, or items can be dropped off to me. Please phone me or message me on 07721 085718.
Thanks and appreciation to all who wish to help from Maggie Elkington
Page 15 CROSSWORD
Clues Across 1 ‘Through [Christ] we have gained …. By faith into this grace’ (Romans 5:2) (6) 4 Deprives of sight (Deuteronomy 16:19) (6) 8 The words of a hymn do this (mostly) (5) 9 Faithful allegiance (1 Chronicles 12:33) (7) 10 Belgium’s chief port (7) 11 Where John was baptizing ‘because there was plenty of water’ (John 3:23) (5) 12 Imposing height (Psalm 48:2) (9) 17 Jesus’ tempter in the wilderness (Mark 1:13) (5) 19 Comes between Amos and Jonah (7) 21 ‘Your will be done’ … as it is in heaven’ (Matthew 6:10) (2,5) 22 Gale (Matthew 8:24) (5) 23 Axle, eh? (anag.) (6) 24 ‘Out of the… I cry to you, O Lord’ (Psalm 130:1) (6)
Clues Down 1 Popular Christian author and humourist, Plass (6) 2 Transparent ice-like mineral (Revelation 4:6) (7) 3 Method of compelling surrender by surrounding target of attack (2 Chronicles 32:1) (5) 5 Expose (Isaiah 52:10) (3,4) 6 Lonny (anag.) (5) 7 Utterance (1 Timothy 1:15) (6) 9 Husband of Deborah, the prophetess (Judges 4:4) (9) 13 Burial service (Jeremiah 34:5) (7) 14 What Christ threatened to do to the lukewarm church in Laodicea (Revelation 3:16) (4,3) 15 Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net (John 21:11) (6) 16 His response to Jesus’ decision to return to Judea was ‘Let us also go, that we may die with him’ (John 11:16) (6) 18 There will be weeping and gnashing of … (Matthew 8:12) (5) 20 Walkway between rows of pews in a church (5)
Page 16 SUDOKUS
EASY SUDOKU MEDIUM SUDOKU
Solutions on Page 23
THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND’S INVESTMENT AND CLIMATE CHANGE
The Church of England’s National Investing Bodies (NIBs) recently updated General Synod on their progress against climate change measures agreed in July 2018. The Church of England Pensions Board, Church Commissioners for England and CCLA, which collectively make up the NIBs, had agreed with Synod: - to work with companies in which we are invested to meet our climate hurdles, - to start to divest in 2020 from companies that are not taking seriously their responsibilities to assist with the transition to a low carbon economy; - to ensure that by 2023 they have divested from fossil fuel companies that are not prepared to align with the goals of the Paris Agreement; - and to seek and scale up investments in renewable energy and low carbon technology. - The NIBs in January 2020 committed to their investment portfolios being net zero no later than 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement. As asset owners and a fund manager with holdings across all aspects of the global economy, the NIBs’ journeys to net zero are reliant on influencing change in the real economy and policy environment as a whole, rather than solely implementing carbon-saving measures themselves. BAPTISTS TO HELP INCOMERS FROM HONG KONG
Baptists Together has appointed a co-ordinator to help the growing numbers of people from Hong Kong seeking refuge in the UK. The Baptists Together Hong Kong Response Co-ordinator will liaise with church leaders seeking to leave Hong Kong, and will aim to connect them with local Baptist congregations in the UK. The role came about after the UK Government introduced a new visa at the end of January that gives 70 per cent of the territory's population the right to come and live here. The visa was introduced to the former colony because the Government believes China is undermining Hong Kong's rights and freedoms. It is estimated that about 300,000 people will take up the visa offer over the next five years. This has been described as the biggest planned migration since Windrush. (both items from the Parish Pump website)
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WORDSEARCH
THE PARABLE OF THE WEEDS (MATTHEW 13.24-30)
Ever wonder why there is both good and evil allowed in this world? Jesus told a parable that touched on this subject – it is called the Parable of the Weeds. It runs like this: Consider the world as if it were a field where a Farmer has sown good seed. But then an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat. So when the wheat came up, so did the weeds. What to do? Instead of destroying the weeds, and thereby risking the wheat, the Farmer tells his reapers to wait and let both wheat and weeds grow together until the harvest. At the harvest he will instruct the reapers to gather up the wheat, but to discard the weeds. So do not despair when evil seems to thrive in this world – there is a reckoning still to come, and justice will be done.
Kingdom Enemy Let Heaven Servants Grow Good Together Seed Master Harvest Field Sow Bundles Gather Sleeping Reap Barn Grain Root Burned Weeds
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SMILE LINES - Diagnosis A man went into a drop-in medical centre where the diagnosis was done by a computer. The patient keyed in his symptoms. The machine whirred and buzzed for a few seconds and then presented its findings on the screen. It said simply: “There’s a lot of it about.”
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Page 20 HOLY DAYS
1ST SEPTEMBER: DRITHELM - VISION OF THE AFTERLIFE
Drithelm is the saint for you if you have ever wondered what lies beyond death, or if you have had a near-death experience. He was married and living in Cunningham (now Ayrshire, then Northumbria) in the 7th century when he fell ill and apparently died. When he revived a few hours later he caused panic among the mourners, and was himself deeply shaken by the whole experience.
Drithelm went to pray in the village church until daylight, and during those long hours reviewed the priorities of his life in the light of what he had seen while ‘dead’. A celestial guide had shown him souls in hell, in purgatory, in paradise and heaven. Suddenly the reality of God and of coming judgement and of what Christ had done in redeeming mankind became real to him, and his life on earth could never be the same again.
Next day he divided his wealth into three: giving one third to his wife, one third to his sons, and the remainder to the poor. He became a monk and went to live at Melrose, where he spent his time in prayer and contemplation of Jesus.
Drithelm’s Vision of the afterlife is remarkable in that it was the first example of this kind of literature from England. It was SO early: seventh century Anglo-Saxon England! Drithelm has even been seen as a remote precursor of Dante.
On a lighter note, Drithelm can also be a saint for you if you didn’t get abroad this summer, but ventured to swim instead off one of our beaches: he used to stand in the cold waters of the Tweed for hours, reciting Psalms.
2ND SEPTEMBER: ST WILLIAM OF ROSKILDE - STANDING UP FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE
Here is a saint for anyone who thinks Christian leaders should stand up for justice – even at the risk of angering secular powers.
It all began when William was an English priest serving as chaplain to Canute, king of England, (1016-35), who decided to visit Scandinavia. William went along, and was so shocked by the ignorance, idolatry and superstition that he stayed on to help preach the Gospel. Eventually he became bishop of Roskilde (Zeeland), working tirelessly among the people as a beloved pastor.
But William’s main challenge came in his determination to improve the conduct of the king, Sweyn Estridsen. The king had had some criminals killed without trial and in a church, violating sanctuary. William then forbade him to enter the church next day until he was absolved from the guilt of shedding blood unjustly. Courtiers drew their swords, and William showed himself ready to die. Instead, Sweyn confessed his crime and donated land to Roskilde church as a peace-offering. Thenceforward, until the king’s death, Sweyn and William worked together to foster Christianity in Scandinavia.
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SMILE LINES A little girl had been to Sunday School for the first time and was asked by her mother how it compared with her new primary school. “Oh, I like it much better,’ she said. ‘There are no exams there, you go only once a week for an hour, and at the end you go to heaven instead of high school.” Why is it that everyone can remember their childhood phone number, but can't remember the password they set up yesterday?
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BATTLE OF BRITAIN COMMEMORATION
September, of course, is when we remember the Battle of Britain – on the 15th, to be precise, the anniversary of the day on which the Battle turned in Britain’s favour and Hitler realized that it would not be possible to invade without incurring huge losses from air attack. Covid permitting, the Spitfires will be up in the sky this month, and we will watch in wonder and gratitude. (Poem and introduction by Nigel Beeton)
Spitfire
The heavens ring with Merlin’s roar We gaze in wonder from the ground To see a great old aircraft soar And marvel at the engine’s sound.
The Spitfire loops and rolls and dives We smile and gasp and clap and cheer; The pilot shows his skill and strives To make us think he has no fear!
No fear – but eighty years ago Young men of barely adult age Sat in those planes, true courage shown They flew into the battle’s rage.
They too would loop and roll and dive Not to impress a watching crowd But so that Britain might survive – And hist’ry shows they did us proud!
So many died within those planes The watchers would with horror see A blazing trail of smoke and flames As brave men died to keep us free.
Yes – watch the Spitfire, and rejoice Rejoice to see the pilot’s skill. Remember those who had no choice But met the foe with iron will.
Page 22 SUDOKU AND CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS
Easy Sudoku Solution Medium Sudoku Solution
SMILE LINES - FLYING BISHOP
The new Bishop wanted a bird’s eye view of his new diocese, so he had an idea. He rang his local airfield to charter a flight and was told that a twin-engine plane would be waiting for him. Arriving at the airfield, the bishop spotted a plane warming up outside a hangar. He jumped in, slammed the door shut, and shouted, "Let's go!" At once the pilot taxied out, swung the plane into the wind and took off. Once in the air, the bishop spent several minutes enjoying the views, and looking for local landmarks. Finally, he instructed the pilot, "Fly down the valley now and make low passes so I can take pictures of some of the best of the old parish churches." "Why?" asked the pilot. "Because I'm the new bishop,” he replied happily, adjusting his camera, “and I want some good aerial views of my diocese.” The pilot was silent for a moment. Finally he stammered, "So, what you're telling me, is, you're NOT my flight instructor?"
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