Rushen Parish Magazine
April 2016
2 Contact Details for Rushen Parish Vicar:
Rev’d Joe Heaton ([email protected]) 832275
Rushen Vicarage, Barracks Road, Port St Mary Readers: Mrs Margaret Galloway, Cumbrae, Athol Park, Port Erin Mrs June Harper, The Barns, Strawberry Fields, Colby 834466 Mr Richard Clague, 4 Eagle Mews, Port Erin 834606 Mr Harry Dawson, Thalloo Reagh, Cregneash 478050/835770
Mr Adam Kelly, Berwyn, Beach Rd, Port St Mary 833850
Active Clergy Rev Roger Harper, The Barns, Strawberry Fields, Colby 834466 Rev John Gulland, 3 Snaefell House, Port Erin 834548 Rev Brian Shephard, Keayn Ard, Queens Rd, Pt. St Mary 833315
Retired Clergy: Canon John Sheen, Kentraugh Mill, Colby
Church Wardens: Mr Gerry Callister, 60 Ballamaddrell, Port Erin 474924/834627 Mr Arthur Cregeen, 23 Close Famman, Port Erin 832488 Mr Harry Dawson, Thalloo Reagh, Cregneash 478050/835770 Mr Peter Hayhurst, Fois Fraon, Fistard 832974
PCC Secretary: Mr David Bowman, The Old Bakery, Qualtroughs Lane, 837117/260539 Port Erin
PCC Treasurer: Mr Alan Kershaw, Ballakilley Barn, Church Road, 838117 Port St Mary
Parish Administrator and Safeguarding Officer for Children and Vulnerable People:
Mrs Claire Jennings, [email protected] 830850
More contact details on the inside of the back cover
3
Dear Friends,
Happy Easter to you all!
“Happy Easter” is often how we greet each other on Easter Day, but on the first Easter Day nearly 2000 years ago the disciples would have woken (if they’d slept at all!) with no such greetings to offer each other. Those first disciples were still trying to grapple with the events that they had witnessed on Friday. They had seen their Teacher and Lord betrayed, arrested and tried before being crucified amongst two criminals.
The women who had faithfully followed Jesus went to the tomb on the first Easter Day not to witness the Resurrection but to prepare Jesus’ body with spices (they just hadn’t had time on the Friday). Upon discovering an empty tomb, they returned, anxious and desperate, to the other disciples saying ‘They have taken the Lord’s body out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him.’ It would take meeting their risen Lord face- to-face before the penny finally dropped.
Theirs was a faith that would often grope in the dark, hoping to find the right forward but often struggling to understand what was going on around them. But faith is like that, and so is life. It very rarely comes with pre-packaged answers as if receiving parcels from the postman that have all been neatly wrapped up. Faith is much more akin to walking in the dark where the stubbed toe or a stumble is likely to be a regular occurrence. Faith is sometimes learning to live with questions that remain unanswered and is therefore much more messy than clean and tidy.
But faith is also about trust. Trusting in the One who calls us each by name and who promises to accompany us on our journey through life. In the Easter garden, Mary searche d for her Lord (whom she thought was as dead as her faith), and it is to Mary that the Lord first appeared and called her by name. From that moment on, her life would never be the same again.
To greet someone with “Happy Easter” can be a life changing event - be careful whom you greet!
Richest Blessings during this Easter Season.
Rev Joe Heaton
4
Don’t be afraid of the clouds
Have you ever sat and watched the clouds drift by? Some of them are vast, towering up and up into the sky. There can be clouds of discouragement and suffering in our lives as well, circumstances that temporarily blot out the sunlight of God’s love for us. You may have such a cloud hanging over your life right now. You may be in a hospital bed, or suffering discouragement, fear, despair or bereavement.
Clouds cut off our light and warmth, and leave us feeling penned in. But they can also bring unexpected good in our lives; in nature clouds bring life-giving water. The long- term result of their visit can be growth.
Have you ever noticed that sometimes, when you board a plane, the sky is like a thick grey ceiling? It looks impenetrable. But the plane does not hesitate - it climbs steadily onward and upward straight into the cloud. And what happens? Nothing! The cloud cannot block your progress; it must give way before you.
The simple truth is, you may not be able to see through clouds, but you can go through them. The plane uses navigational aids for guidance, and we have the Holy Spirit to guide us through the darkest times. And finally, we emerge through the cloudbank, and there before us is a sun-drenched sky of blue and golden glory, far above the dismal and disappointing things far below.
Whatever cloud is hanging over you at present, whether suffering, discouragement, fear, there IS something you can do about it NOW. Pray – pour out your heart to the Lord about it. He has promised that His grace will be sufficient for anything that we encounter in this life.
And – look up. Look towards heaven, think beyond those clouds, and remember His promise that the sufferings we may be undergoing here are nothing compared to the glory that God has prepared for us there.
The Bible assures us: ‘The Lord God is a sun and shield: The Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord Almighty, blessed is the man that trusts in you.’ Psalm 84: 11-12
Parish Pump
Do it
Here's a sure-fire way to cross off every item on your To-Do list: Do the chores first, then write them down and then cross them off!
5
Ladies Working Party – St Mary’s
An old work colleague and much loved friend, together with her husband, were booked to make their fourth visit to us in September 2015. We were all looking forward to catching up on family news, revisiting favourite places and trying out new restaurants. It wasn’t to be!
In July 2015 Carol was suddenly taken very ill, hospitalised and finally given the devastating news she had endometrial We were all shocked and upsetcancer. as there had been no symptoms. At the next Ladies Working Party meeting, I asked the ladies if they would kindly remember Carol in their prayers. She was also included, and still is, on our prayer list.
She underwent surgery on the 16th October 2015 and David and I visited her in Staffordshire two weeks later. We attended the local church to give thanks for her safely coming through the successful operation. The ladies frequently requested news of her recovery and continued to hold her in their prayers.
The OK to travel was finally given and she and her husband arrived on the island, in th glorious weather, on Monday 14 March 2016. She tells me how much she felt the love and power of our prayers during the scans, operation and her recovery.
As a thank you to the LWP members for all their prayers, Carol brought a beautiful cake, decorated with a Bible and inscribed, Thank You for Your Prayers. The cake was presented to Brenda at an informal gathering on Tuesday 15th March and all the ladies gave her a very warm welcome. We enjoyed a slice of the cake, a cup of tea and friendly chat. Carol was thrilled to be able to personally thank the ladies for their love and prayers, when they had never met her.
At this time, we continue to pray for Brenda, for those in our small group who have also undergone cancer treatment, those not well and those shortly to have investigations at Noble’s Hospital. We also send our love and good wishes to members who are no longer able to attend our meetings. Susan Bould
Good likeness
Some children were asked: “What do you think of Jesus?” “Jesus,” said one little boy, “is the best selfie that God has ever taken.”
6
Churches are growing!
Some churches are growing, that is, seeing more people come to their services on a Sunday now than they used to, even this time last year. Which kind of churches are these?
Some are called ‘Fresh Expressions’ or ‘Messy Church’ which tend to be groups of people meeting informally, not always on a Sunday and not always in a church or church hall. They may meet in a school or village hall, and often include parents and children and increasingly, some of grandparent age as well. They invariably focus on Fun for everyone, and Food for everyone, so these are a major attraction! They are usually very friendly and give families in particular a very special sense of belonging. For some who attend, this is the only form of church they now go to and, for two-fifths, 41%, it is the only church they have ever attended!
Other churches are starting further congregations, which tend to be more formal. These church plants will often meet in a hall or school or in a church, usually at a different time from the main services, and thus can be more convenient for those who have jobs or other responsibilities on a Sunday morning. Some of these infant churches have quite robust congregations, while others are fairly small. Size doesn’t seem to matter, but the age of the person leading the new congregation generally is under 50. It is very hard work starting a church like this, and it requires much dedicated effort and support.
Another area of growth is simply an increasing Sunday congregation. Larger churches seem better able to grow in this way than smaller churches, usually because they have more people to help do things a little differently Sunday by Sunday, and maybe have used some of this volunteer help to leaflet surrounding houses. The main reason for their growth, however, is the quality of the preaching (so say 91% of newcomers to larger churches), which is frequently relevant to their life and very helpful in explaining what the Bible means on various topics. Worship and Welcome are especially important here also – some churches have two coffee queues after the service, free for newcomers, donation please from existing attenders!
Does all this mean that the church overall is growing? Sadly, no it doesn’t, as the number of people dying with a church background in an ageing population is very large. Some 7,000 church people die every week, across all denominations, and the number of new people joining a church by any of the ways given above is collectively probably only a fifth of that number, so numbers continue to decrease. But that doesn’t stop a church doing something new!
Peter Brierley
7 St Mary’s Sunday School
This month in our groups we have concluded our lessons on the Acts of the Apostles and have moved on to the Easter story from Palm Sunday to Easter Day.
Our Mothering Sunday service was led by Adam Kelly. The children played a large part in the service. Amelia and Hannah performed an excellent drama “In God's Workshop” where two angels studied God's plans for creating a Mother – the task proved too difficult for them as it had so many specifications, they decided they'd better leave her creation to God himself. The children led the singing of “Jesus had a Mother” and “Mothers' hands are kind hands”. Adam based his talk on the second reading from the gospel of St. Mark chapter 3, which the children dramatised – he talked about the difficulty Mothers, like Mary, have – wanting to protect their children whilst at the same time knowing they have to “go their own way”. They also led the prayers. Thank you to the Sunday school teachers, past and present, who made the beautiful posies.
We are looking forward to our All Age service on Easter Day, especially the Easter Egg hunt afterwards!! We will then have a week off on the 3rd April before our next All Age service on the 10th, then Sunday School on the 17th.
We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Evan Daroch – one of our Sunday th School pupils. Evan, who celebrated his 10 birthday this month, sang with the Isle of Man Choral Society and Isle of Man Symphony Orchestra at the Villa Marina on Sunday 20th March – Puccini's Messa di Gloria and Rutter's Requiem. What an achievement – well done Evan!
We have enjoyed some spring like weather recently and are hoping that this may continue for the children's school holidays, With the clocks moving forward one hour on Easter Day we also look forward to the lighter evenings.
We would like to wish everyone a peaceful and blessed Eastertide.
With love from all of us at St. Mary's. Carole Coole
A Remarkable Arrival
We congratulate Peter and Linda Winstanley on the birth of their first grandchild, Elizabeth, parents Andrew and Danni Winstanley. There are high hopes for her academic prowess. She is expected to gain a string of GCSEs about the time of her FOURTH BIRTHDAY. Elizabeth was born on 29 February.
8
News from St Catherine’s
There are signs of new growth in the flower beds around the church which shows that spring is with us. The weather too is beginning to improve, and being able to walk into the vestry from Church Road, without holding on to the railings, is a real treat,
especially after the terrible winds which have come off the sea during the past wintertime. By the time you read this report Easter will have come and gone by. Hopefully the weather will be fair for all the planned services centred around the most important festival.
You will have read in the March edition of the magazine that a lot of repair work has to be undertaken at St Catherine’s. The chancel and sanctuary roofs have to be replaced, and repairs and re-plastering carried out within the interior of the church. In addition, the organ blower has to be moved and the organ blower removed. This will leave an area of the church available for storage. All the details of this planned work can be found in a folder by the main door of the Church. If you would like to donate to assist the PCC in financing this project, please do so. For more information with regard to this please see me after one of the services, or contact me by phone. My telephone number can be found in the magazine.
I would like to offer a big thank you to the ladies who prepared the posies of flowers for Mothering Sunday and also to those of you who provided flowers, and gave of your time to decorate the church so beautifully.
The Annual Parochial Church Council is being held on Wednesday 19th April 2016 in St Catherine's Church. Everyone is welcome to attend this important meeting.
Now it is time to look forward to the rest of spring and summer with hopefully some good weather. Gerry Callister
Dawn chorus If you sleep with your bedroom window open, you will know all about the dawn chorus around now! The birds are busy establishing their territorial rights, and the ‘early birds’ have probably already selected a nest site and started building.
The blackbird builds a solid cup of twigs, plant stems and leaves, lined with a thick skin of mud covered with finer grasses and leaves. The long tailed tit forms a soft hollow ball of mosses, hair and wool, with a tiny hole as entrance. The wrens do it differently, with the male wren sometimes building several nests before his finicky mate will accept one. He gets his revenge, though, because he sometimes installs a second wife in one of the rejected sites!
9 April Crossword
ACROSS 3 ‘His sons will prepare for war and — a great army’ (Daniel 11:10) (8) 8 ‘He poured out his life unto death, and 4 ‘Let not the — string his bow’ was numbered with the —’ (Jeremiah 51:3) (6) (Isaiah 53:12) (13) 5 Name of the River Thames in and 9 ‘When they had sung a hymn, they went around Oxford (4) — to the Mount of Olives 6 ‘From then on Judas watched for an (Matthew 26:30) (3) opportunity — — him over’ 10 Comes between Galatians and Philippians (Matthew 26:16) (2,4) (9) 7 ‘But Christ is faithful — — — over 11 ‘Your heart will — and swell with joy’ God’s house’ (Hebrews 3:6) (2,1,3) (Isaiah 60:5) (5) 12 Long-handled implement used to till 13 Muslim holy month (7) the soil (Isaiah 7:25) (3) 16 Ten ears (anag.) (7) 14 Order to which monks and nuns 19 Under (poetic abbrev.) (5) devote themselves (8) 22 How Abram described himself to God 15 Appropriate (Proverbs 15:23) (3) when he complained that his inheritance 16 I, uncle (anag.) (6) would pass to a servant 17 ‘They gave him — — of broiled fish’ (Genesis 15:2) (9) (Luke 24:42) (1,5) 24 ‘Go to the —, you sluggard’ 18 ‘Weren’t there three men that we — — (Proverbs 6:6) (3) and threw into the fire?’ 25 Debar from receiving Communion (13) (Daniel 3:24) (4,2) 20 Mountain where Noah’s ark came to DOWN rest (Genesis 8:4) (6) 21 ‘Don’t you know that friendship with 1 My — for His Highest the world is — towards God?’ (Oswald Chambers’ best-known book) (6) (James 4:4) (6) 2 Festival of the resurrection (6) 23 Prominent architectural feature of large cathedrals such as St Paul’s (4)
10 March Crossword Solution
March Sudoku Solution
I am pleased to inform you that from the six correct entries I received Roy Oliver was chosen as the winner of the February Sudoku competition. Peta Mills chose the envelope which included Roy’s name at the 11am morning service at St Mary’s Church on Sunday 28th February. Roy was sent his winnings through the post. Well done Roy!
Answers to the Easter Quiz Who?
Seen in a West Country 1 All the chief priests and elders church: Whenever I see 2 Judas a little church, I always 3 30 pieces of silver pay a visit. So when at 4 Bound him and handed him to Pilate the governor. last I’m carried in, the 5 Threw the money into the temple and hanged himself. Lord won’t say ‘Who is 6 Are you the king of the Jews? it?’ 7 Barabbas Happy Ending 8 To proclaim that he was innocent of Jesus’ blood 9 Simon of Cyrene Comment from a 10 This is Jesus, the King of the Jews parishioner: ‘Our vicar’s 11 From noon until three sermons always have a 12 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? happy ending. The moment they’ve ended, everyone feels happy.’
11
Douglas Couper (continued from last month)
…. I thought it would be a good idea to tell Ezekiel that the sale would in future start at 2.30pm rather than 3pm so that hopefully he would be around by 3pm when the ladies expected the sale to start. The best laid plans etc. etc. Ezekiel had been told that sales would start at 2.30pm and so went round telling the ladies that the sale would in future start at 2.30pm. So there they all were at 2.15pm, and of course Ezekiel didn’t turn up until around 3.15pm. You can’t win!
Without God’s help, we achieve little. Sometimes luck played an important part in Nigerian air travel. Travelling from Lagos to Port Harcourt on one occasion we all boarded the aircraft and the doors were shut. The plane was full and we all sat in the oven-like conditions awaiting take off. Eventually we taxied up the runway and soon were speeding along for take-off. Then the brakes were jammed on and we came to a gradual halt right at the end of the runway. ‘Sorry about that,’ said the pilot over the intercom, ‘we’ll try that again.’ So, once again we roared down the runway – but alas – the brakes were again applied. ‘Sorry again,’ said the pilot, ‘I’m afraid we have a fault and we shall have to return to the terminal.’ We taxied back to the terminal and the door was opened. ‘We regret all passengers will have to disembark,’ came the announcement. We all got off and trailed back to the terminal building.
I wandered around for a while and then I noticed a couple on my flight walking out across to the aircraft. I followed suit and climbed the steps into the plane. Shortly after, the door was closed and the engines started. The plane was about one third full, so around 60 passengers were still in the departure lounge. We taxied out and took off without any problem and around an hour later arrived in Port Harcourt. I reckon that the pilot could get the plane off the ground with a half plane load, but not with a full load. I was lucky to see other passengers boarding, or I could have been one of the unlucky 60 still sitting in Lagos with little hope of travelling and probably never seeing their luggage again. Yes, it was essential to keep one’s wits about one when travelling in West Africa. Stay lucky!
I am so grateful that Douglas was happy to submit an article about his life in Africa for us all to share. I am sure that many of you have tales to tell about some of the things you have done in your lives which others would like to read about. If you have, do get in touch. (Editor)
Nun and jeep
Found in a diocesan magazine: A nun driving her jeep in the Middle East ran out of petrol. The only container she could find was a chamber pot, in which she collected petrol and with great difficulty refilled the jeep. Some Sheikhs looking on observed: ‘Sister, we don’t share your religion, but we admire your faith.’
12
Winner of church school design competition for Queen’s birthday
The winner of a church school competition to design a logo for the C of E’s celebrations in honour of Her Majesty the Queen’s 90th birthday has been announced. The logo, designed by Lucas Salinger, aged 10, from Potten End C of E Primary School in Hertfordshire, was picked from over 1000 entries.
Lucas, whose village school is near Berkhamsted said: ‘I feel amazed that my design was chosen. I feel lost for words!’
Head teacher Andrew Morris said: ‘I am extremely proud that a member of my school has won the competition, out of so many entries.’
th th Official celebrations will take place in London between the 10 – 12 June, including a thanksgiving service at St Paul’s Cathedral, a Birthday Parade on Horse Guards Parade and a street party in The Mall. It is envisaged that church events will be integrated into local community celebrations that take place that weekend.
Flattery is like perfume, so smell it but don’t swallow it. Of all the things you wear, your expression is the most important. The curve that can set a lot of things right is a “Smile”. Do you light up a room when you walk in or walk out? Blessed are they who have nothing to say and know what to do. Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.
Submitted by Inez Joughin
Spelling
Mitchell, who was just starting school, practiced spelling with magnetic letters on the refrigerator. “Cat," "dog," "dad," and "mum" had been proudly displayed for all to see. One morning Mitchell bounded into the room holding three magnetic letters: G-O-D. "Look what I spelled, Mum!" Mitch exclaimed, a proud smile on his face. "That's wonderful!" said his mother. "Now go put them on the fridge so Dad can see when he gets home tonight." That Sunday School is certainly having an impact, she thought, happily. Just then, a little voice called from the kitchen. "Mum? How do you spell 'zilla?'"
13
‘He gave us eyes to see them’ – the screen at the east end
Wymondham Abbey
‘I am the light of the world,’ our Lord says in St John’s Gospel. He is the one who can bring sight and insight to those born blind, and vision to those who feel they live in a world of darkness. In him is the glory of God and life for all people. That radiant glory greets those who visit Wymondham Abbey in Norfolk and look down the main aisle to see the wondrous screen at the east end depicting Christ in majesty surrounded by our Lady and the saints.
Ironically, the history of the Abbey in the Middle Ages was one of darkness and conflict, where disagreement severed the harmony of monks and townspeople. The Abbey was dissolved in the 16th century, but restored to its former glory in the early 20th century. Ninian Comper began working on the screen in 1922, and it was completed in 1934.
In front of the screen is a large altar with a crucifix and six tall, stately candlesticks. Their lights are signs of Jesus the Light proclaimed by the dazzling central figure on the screen behind. Originally candlesticks would have stood on the ground before the altar, or lamps were hung above. In the 14th century candles were placed on the altar.
Aesthetic judgement will vary from person to person, and some may find tall candlesticks like these obtrusive, detracting from the sacrament of the altar. Whatever their size, when lit they announce that Jesus is the true light, who welcomes everyone to find nourishment and guidance for life’s pilgrimage in communion at that table. Here at Wymondham Abbey I think the pilgrim visitor will find that the beauty and grace of these altar furnishings complement the great mystery of divine light celebrated in Ninian Comper’s masterpiece.
Rev Michael Burgess
14
Holy Wells – St Non’s Well of Pembrokeshire
From the sprinkling of Holy Water through to adult baptism by full immersion, in every Christian tradition, water plays an important symbolic role. Science teaches that water is at the very centre of life, and even pre-Christian traditions in Britain recognised its vital importance. Many places where springs emerged from the ground were considered sacred sites, and after the arrival of the Gospel these sites remained holy, only they were renamed after local saints and new stories came to be told about them.
Just outside St David’s in Pembrokeshire, Wales, there is one such well called after St Non, the mother of David the patron saint of Wales. David was born, it is said, during a violent thunderstorm. As David arrived, on a site overlooking the sea where the now ruined chapel is found, the legend goes that a spring came bubbling out of the ground nearby.
It is likely there was a spring there long before the legendary events of 500AD, but the story of the birth of David became a popular one and over many centuries the site has attracted thousands of visitors. At one time, the waters were said to have healing properties, especially for eyes and rheumatism, and babies were also dipped in the cold spring reservoir.
The well is found just outside the city via a small lane heading due south. At the end of the lane, near the modern retreat house, a short path leads down to the well and the ruins of the ancient chapel of St Non. The well is today covered with a stone arch and opposite, in a niche, is a statue of St Non. Visitors throw coins into the well and leave requests for prayers at the feet of the statue of David’s mother. Even in modern Britain, the Pagan and the Christian still converge in that St Non’s Well is both a wishing well and a holy place.
In keeping with its sacred reputation every year, around St David’s day, when the city and the cathedral hold special events to celebrate the national saint, there is a procession from the chapel to the city. The monk-bishop of history lived an austere and disciplined life of work, prayer and abstinence. The magnificent cathedral called after him is a monument to his life, but so is the simple stream of clear water that flows from a cliff-top spring barely a mile away. Ted Harrison
Heaven Seen in a parish magazine: “We shall be meeting on Wednesday when the subject will be ‘Heaven - how do we get there?’ Transport by bus is available at 6.45pm opposite the King’s Arms.
15
All in the month of April
rd rd 400 years ago on 23 April (or 3 May) 1616 William Shakespeare died. Regarded as the most important figure in English literature, and considered the greatest dramatist of all time, as well as England’s national poet. His plays include Hamlet, King Lear, Othello, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet.
200 years ago on 21st April 1816 Charlotte Bronte, British novelist, was born. Best known for ‘Jane Eyre’.
th 175 years ago on 20 April 1841 Edgar Allen Poe’s short story ‘The Murders in the Rue Morgue’ was published. It is considered the first modern detective story.
125 years ago on 1st April 1891 the first London-Paris telephone line was opened to the public. It included an undersea section between Dover and Calais.
th th 100 years ago on 24 to 29 April 1916 The Easter Uprising, Dublin, took place. This armed Republican uprising against British rule resulted in the death of 466 people. The rebels surrendered unconditionally after the British declared martial law and suppressed the rebellion. Most of the leaders were executed.
90 years ago on 21st April 1926 Queen Elizabeth II was born.
70 years ago on 17th April 1946 Syria gained its independence from France.
65 years ago on 11th April 1951 the Stone of Scone, which had been stolen from Westminster Abbey in London in December 1950 by Scottish nationalist students, was found on the altar of Arbroath Abbey in Scotland. It was returned to London. In November 1996 the stone was officially returned to Scotland and now resides in th Edinburgh Castle. Also on 17 April 1951 the Peak District National Park was established. It was Britain’s first national park.
40 years ago on 5th April 1976 Apple Computer (now Apple, Inc.) was founded in California.
th 30 years ago on 26 April 1986 the Chernobyl disaster took place in Ukraine. It was the world’s worst nuclear power plant accident. 31 people were killed in the explosion and fire, and leaked radiation spread across the western Soviet Union and Europe.
25 years ago on 3rd April 1991 Graham Greene, British novelist, short story writer, playwright and journalist, died.
10 years ago on 6th April 2006 the first case of H5N1 avian flu (bird flu) in the UK was confirmed following blood tests on a dead swan found in Cellardyke, Fife, Scotland.
16
From the Registers
Funerals (January/February/March 2016):
Thursday 7th January 2016 Dr John Rimmington Kirk Christ @ 1.00pm
Wednesday 27th January 2016 Eric Francis Garland Kirk Christ @ 12.45pm
Friday 29th January 2016 Robert Henry Cooil (Memorial Service) Kirk Christ @ 1.00pm
Monday 1st February 2016 Ann Falconer Hemsley Kirk Christ @ 1.00pm
Tuesday 2nd February 2016 Claire Bailey St Mary’s Church @ 12 noon
Friday 5th February 2016 Douglas Raymond Kelly Kirk Christ @ 1.30pm
Thursday 18th February 2016 Winifred Norma Evans (Memorial Service) Kirk Christ @ 2.15pm
th Friday 26 February 2016 Hazel Dean Kirk Christ @ 1.00pm
Friday 4th March 2016 Vera Challenor St Catherine’s @ 12.30pm
Baptism February 2016:
Sunday 7th February 2016 Edie Costain (1year 8 months) Kirk Christ during Morning Service at 9.30am
Wedding Blessing February 2016:
Saturday 27th February 2016 Chloe and Connor Gale Kirk Christ @ 3pm
17 Rushen Mothers’ Union
It was a beautiful afternoon for our meeting on Monday 14th March in St Mary’s Hall. Brenda gave a warm welcome to all our members, to Peta, who has now joined our branch, having been a member across for many years, and to our speaker Mr. Norman Rivers. Our short service included hymns chosen and played by Margaret, prayers led by Brenda and a Bible reading chosen and given by Mr. Rivers.
We were all eager to hear Mr. Rivers speak about the charity “Friends of Chernobyl’s Children”, (Isle of Man), which has been bringing groups of children to the island since its formation in 1999. He gave us a fascinating and moving account of the work done to help the children of the Mogilev region of Belarus, illustrated by a power point display of slides, explaining that even although the radiation explosion at the nuclear plant in Chernobyl occurred 30 years ago, many children are still suffering from its after effects. The charity provides family placements for underprivileged children for at least a month each year, meeting all costs including those of optical, dental and where needed health checks. The children engage in a huge variety of activities while here, with good fresh air, home cooked food and lots of tender loving care resulting in a measurable increase in their immune system following their stay in the Isle of Man. This summer’s group of 17 children will include 11 for whom it will be their first visit.
Pat gave the vote of thanks and a gift, and after our closing hymn followed by the Grace we all enjoyed tea and biscuits, and lots of conversation with Mr. Rivers, and with each other. It was good to hear that Ellen was now home from hospital, and to receive Jane’s news from the training day she attended on 10th March. The Spring 2016 Newsletter was circulated together with a memo of forthcoming events, the next two being an Easter Family Fun Day on 19th March at St John’s Methodist Hall, and the M U Festival at the Cathedral on 29th April.
Our next meeting will be on Monday 11th April in St Mary’s Hall, when the Rev Lynda Brady’s topic will be “Hospice Chaplain”.
With love and best wishes to all members.
Pat Thomson
Getting Married in Church
In the marriage service the minister wraps a stole around the joined right hands of the bridal couple, symbolising that God is the Third person bound up in the new marital relationship. A two-legged stool will wobble and fall over, but a three-legged stool is stable and firm enough to support you!
18
The Top Ten Must Know Bible Stories
Number 1: The Feeding of the 5,000
This month sees the start a new series, written by Paul Hardingham, on the Scripture Union’s Top Ten Must Know Stories. These were voted by parents and teachers as the most important Bible stories to share with the next generation. (Editor) We begin with the feeding of the 5000, a story found in all four gospels and telling us important truths about Jesus and our relationship with Him.
Jesus and His disciples were confronted with a huge crowd (at least 10,000 including the women and children) in a lonely place with no food! When the disciples suggested that He send them away, Jesus challenged them: ‘you give them something to eat’ (Matthew 14:16). When we see the spiritual needs of own community, Jesus challenges us with the same words! So how do we respond?
Look with compassion: ‘When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them’. Do we see people in the same way, as those in all kinds of need, often lacking meaning and purpose in their lives? Unless we feel the needs as Jesus did, we cannot respond to those we meet at work, school, or in our community.
Respond in obedience: The disciples simply offered what they had to Jesus: ‘Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.’
When meeting the needs of others, we simply offer to Jesus what we have, however insignificant it may seem, for Him to multiply to feed the crowd. He will use our plans, skills, time and energy. However, it is often only when we come to the end of ourselves, that God’s power can be released through us.
Paul Hardingham
Who is he?
A musical concert was about to be performed in a prison. The Governor was talking to a titled lady guest, explaining that the orchestra was made up of murderers, embezzlers and other hardened criminals. The lady then pointed to a man in the corner, holding a trombone. ‘He looks a tough customer,’ she whispered. “Whatever has HE done?’ The Governor paused and smiled. ‘Ah, actually, he is the chaplain.’
19 Children’s Page
20 The Story Behind the Hymn
This classic hymn of Isaac Watts has often
been called the greatest hymn in the English language. Another contemporary of Isaac Watts said of it, “There may be a few others equally great, but there is none greater.” All one needs to do to realise the truth of this statement is to sing this majestic hymn. Isaac Watts based this hymn on the Scriptural reference of Galatians 6:14. “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” The original title was “Crucifixion to the World by the Cross of Christ.” Later the title was changed to “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.”
When I survey the wondrous cross Watt’s lifelong ambition, according to his on which the Prince of glory died, own words, was to be a servant to churches my riches gain I count but loss, and a helper of Christians. Isaac Watts won and pour contempt on all my pride. and held the hearts of a large share of the English speaking world over a long period of years, despite the fact that as a child he was Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast never strong, and despite the fact also that save in the death of Christ, my God! he was forced to resign a pastorate because of poor health. For the latter thirty years of All the vain things that charm me most, his life, he was more or less an invalid, but I sacrifice them through his blood. devoted himself in comfortable and happy surroundings to the writing of many of the beautiful hymns, still popular today. It was See, from his head, his hands, his feet, an age of great hymn writers. Watts was a sorrow and love flow mingled down. contemporary of Doddridge, the Wesleys, Did e’re such love and sorrow meet, Newton and Cowper.
Or thorns compose so rich a crown? The majestic phrases of this deeply solemn
hymn are as moving today as when Watts penned them in 1707. The hymn has been Were the whole realm of nature mine, set to more than one tune, but perhaps the that were a present far too small. most popular is that of Edward Miller, who Love so amazing, so divine, wrote his music in 1790, some forty-two demands my soul, my life, my all. years after Watts’ death.
21 Rushen Parish Prayer Diary
Dear Lord we thank you for the seasons and the changing weather we experience in each one of them. We look forward to the warmer weather now that April is here, for the spring flowers and the changing countryside that you have created for us to enjoy. Help us to realise that without you none of these things would occur. Amen
April 2016 This is your invitation to pray day by day for:
1st The beauty of springtime and the new life that it brings to us all 2nd All those who attend the home groups that are arranged within the parish 3rd Michal Kewley and the work he does in preparation for the summer concerts 4th Engaged couples preparing to be married this year 5th The work of the Royal Lifeboat Institution in its aim to save lives of people in distress 6th The gift of love, given to us by God 7th Our four churchwardens who have worked tirelessly for the parish th 8 Young sportsmen and women preparing for this year’s Olympic Games in Rio 9th Those people in need of financial help in times of trouble
10th The work of teachers and their assistants in our primary and secondary schools 11 th The responsibility given to people who care for those who are terminally ill 12 th The use of talents, given by God to us, as we pursue our daily lives 13 th All people who are persecuted for their beliefs 14 th Help for all those around the world who are hungry 15 th Peace throughout the world th 16 Those who decorate our churches with floral displays th 17 Children who have been orphaned and their hope for the future 18th Those who intercede at all services within the parish 19 th The Annual Parochial Church Meeting taking place in St Catherine’s this evening 20 th Alan Kershaw for all the work he has done as Treasurer to the PCC 21 st Queen Elizabeth, Lord of Man, and her 90th birthday which is today 22 nd Those elected into positions of responsibility on the Parochial Church Council 23 rd St George, the Patron Saint of England, who is remembered today 24 th Farmers and farm workers, preparing the land for profitable harvests 25th The Children’s Society and the wonderful work that it does th 26 Brenda Watterson and all she does with the Ladies Working Party. 27th Parishioners and others who give of their time to keep our churches clean 28 th People who are moving house either here on the island or across the water 29 th The Prayer Group which meets on Friday mornings every week 30 th The tourist industry and the preparations being made for the summer months
22 Services April 2016
3rd April 8am St Catherine’s Holy Communion (BCP) (Easter 2) 9.30am Kirk Christ Morning Prayer 11am St Mary’s Holy Communion (CW) 11am St Catherine’s Morning Prayer (CW) 3.15pm St Peter’s Evening Prayer (BCP)
th 6 April 11.45am Southlands Holy Communion (CW) 2pm St Mary’s Play & Praise
10th April 9.30am Kirk Christ Morning Prayer + Baptism (CW) (Easter 3) 11am St Mary’s All-Age Service (CW) 11am St Catherine’s Holy Communion (CW) 3.15pm St Peter’s Evening Prayer + Baptism (CW) 6.30pm St Catherine’s Songs of Praise
17th April 8am St Catherine’s Holy Communion (BCP) (Easter 4) 9.30am Kirk Christ Morning Prayer (CW) 11am St Mary’s Holy Communion (CW) 11am St Catherine’s All-Age Service (CW) 3.15pm St Peter’s Holy Communion (BCP)
24th April 9.30am Kirk Christ Holy Communion (CW) (Easter 5) 11am St Mary’s Morning Prayer (CW) 11am St Catherine’s Holy Communion (CW) 3.15pm St Peter’s Evening Prayer (BCP)
1st May 8am St Catherine’s Holy Communion (BCP) (Easter 6) 9.30am Kirk Christ Morning Prayer 11am St Mary’s Holy Communion (CW) 11am St Catherine’s Morning Prayer (CW) 3.15pm St Peter’s Evening Prayer (BCP)
4th May 11.45am Southlands Holy Communion (CW) 2pm St Mary’s Play & Praise
(CW) Common Worship (BCP) Book of Common Prayer
23 Contact Details for Rushen Parish St Mary’s Sunday School Leader:
Carole Coole, Cronk-NyGreiney, Fisher’s Hill, Arbory 827545
St Mary’s Ladies Working Party & St Mary’s Friendly Lunches
Mrs Brenda Watterson, Cair Vie, Linden Ave. Port St Mary 833618
St Mary’s Hall Bookings: Mrs Brenda Watterson, Cair Vie, Linden Ave. Port St Mary 833618
St Catherine’s Morning Coffee
Mrs Suzanne Ali, 25 Sunnydale Avenue, Port Erin 834456
St Catherine’s Hall Bookings:
Mr & Mrs G Callister, 60 Ballamaddrell, Port Erin 474924/834627
Web Site/E-mail:
www.rushenparish.org.uk [email protected]
Magazine Editor
Mr David Bowman, The Old Bakery, Qualtroughs Lane, 837117/260539
Ballafesson, Port Erin
e-mail: [email protected]
Articles for the magazine should be submitted to the editor no later than 20th of each month. This arrangement is subject to change.
Parish Director of Music: Mr M D Porter, 10 Fairway Drive, Rowany, Port Erin 832143
Churchyard Enquiries:
Please contact Mr Harry Dawson: 478050/835770 or Mr G Callister: 474924/834627
24 April Sudoku Competition
It was good to receive six entries for the February competition. I would like to see even more of you having a go and having the chance to win £5. Entry details are the same as ever. You can submit your entry to me by post (my address is overleaf), or I can collect it from you, or you can give it to one of the wardens who will let me have it. If you would prefer not to tear it out of the magazine I will be happy to send you a copy on a plain piece of paper. Whatever you do you must put your name and address on your entry.
The draw for this competition will take place on 24th April prior to the service at 11am in St Mary’s Church. The closing date is Friday 22nd April 2016. Good luck!
David Bowman (Editor)