www.stmaryswexham.co.uk July/August 2017

Church of St Mary,

Parish News

Price 50p

Due to the demise of our ancient duplicator, it has been necessary to produce this magazine in a smaller format, in order to cut down on the considerable extra cost involved.

If you would like to receive a large print copy, Ted Kent is willing to print one off for you. Please call him on 01753 523852.

2 PRIEST IN CHARGE: The Rev’d Mary Kent ORGANISATIONS The Rectory, 7 Grangewood, Wexham, SL3 6LP 01753 523852 MEN’S FELLOWSHIP meets for a meal and discussion Licensed Lay Minister: on the last Thursday in each month. Mr E Kent 01753 523852 Contact Paul Horth—[email protected]

Churchwarden: MONDAY CLUB for elderly people Mrs S Edwards, 2 Church Grove, Wexham, Mondays 2p.m.to 4 p.m. , SL3 6LF 01753 527410 Contact Mrs C Callaway 01753 731798

PCC Treasurer: BINGO CLUB: Mondays at 8.00 pm Mr B Edwards 01753 527410 Contacts: Mrs L Shelley 01753 771834 Mrs C Donaldson 01753 712974 PCC Secretaries: Mrs C Elderfield; Mrs Y Hickman TIDDLERS TODDLER GROUP: Parish Magazine Editorial Team: Thursdays 10.00 am - 12 Noon Mr E Kent The Rectory, 7 Grangewood, Wexham, Leader: Mrs L Galvin 01753 518066 Slough, SL3 6LP, 01753 523852 [email protected]; BROWNIE GUIDES: Thursdays 6.15 pm - 7.45 pm Mrs S Edwards 01753 527410 Leader: Mrs B Neame 01753 733911 [email protected]; Mrs P Anderson 01753 533387; FRIENDS OF ST MARY’S: Contacts: Mrs L Shelley 01753 771834 Mrs C Donaldson 01753 712974 NORMAL SUNDAY SERVICES 8.00 am—Holy Communion - Common Worship LOCAL CONTACTS: Traditional Language (said) 10.00 am— Parish Communion - Common Worship WEXHAM COURT PARISH COUNCIL: Contemporary Language (Slough, Berks, part of St Mary’s Parish) All Age Parish Communion—First Sunday in each month General Enquiries: Cllr Sandra Malik 07816 006824 Parish Hall booking Clerk: 4.00 pm— Occasional Service of Evening Prayer Mrs Lynne Cresdee 01753 574945

WEXHAM PARISH COUNCIL: YOUNG CHURCH AND CRECHE: (Wexham and George Green, Bucks, part of St Mary’s Parish) 10.00 am in the Church Hall Clerk to the Council: Mrs Angela Galvin 01753 644887 Leader: Mrs S Horth 01753 551511 WEXHAM, BUCKS, RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION: Chairman: DIRECT GIVING: Mr G Spring, 4 Brookside, George Green 01753 536977 If you would like information on our Direct Giving scheme, or Gift Aid, please contact GEORGE GREEN WI: Mr B Edwards 01753 527410 Contact : Mrs J Boot 01753 520296

CHURCH FLOWERS: For Wedding flowers and arrangements for special occasions, please contact ST MARY’S CHURCH HALL - 01753 693461 Mrs J Boot 01753 520296 www.stmaryswexham.co.uk

St Mary’s is an Anglican parish church which seeks to proclaim the Christian faith by sharing the love of Christ with those who enter its buildings and with all who live within the communities of Wexham and George Green .

3 JULY AUGUST SUNDAY, 2ND—The 3rd After Trinity SUNDAY, 6TH 8.00 am Holy Communion The Transfiguration of Our Lord 10.00 am Parish Communion 8.00 am Holy Communion with Young Church 10.00 am Parish Communion 11.45 am Baptism with Young Church

SUNDAY 9TH—The 4th After Trinity Wednesday, 9th 8.00 am Holy Communion 7 pm Holy communion at The Pines 10.00 am Parish Communion 10.00 am Young Church in the Hall SUNDAY, 13TH—The 9th After Trinity 8.00 am Holy Communion Wednesday, 12th 10.00 am Parish Communion 7 pm Holy Communion at The Pines with Young Church

SUNDAY, 16TH—The 5th After Trinity SUNDAY, 20TH –The 10th After Trinity 8.00 am Holy Communion 8.00 am Holy Communion 10.00 am Parish Communion 10.00 am Parish Communion 10.00 am Young Church in the Hall with Young Church

SUNDAY, 23RD—The 6th After Trinity Wednesday, 23rd 8.00 am Holy Communion YOUNG CHURCH FUN DAY 10.00 am Parish Communion IN THE CHURCH HALL with Baptism 10.30 am Morning Praise at the Pines 10.00 am Young Church in the Hall SUNDAY, 27TH—The 11th After Trinity Tuesday, 25th 8.00 am Holy Communion 8.00 pm PCC Meeting in the Hall 10.00 am Parish Communion with Young Church Wednesday, 26th 1.00 pm Wedding 10.30 am Morning Praise at The Pines 4.00 pm Evening Praise

Thursday, 27th Holy Communion at Oak House

SUNDAY, 30TH—The 7th After Trinity 8.00 am Holy Communion 10.00 am Parish Communion 10.00 am Young Church in the Hall 4.00 pm Favourite Hymn Service

We welcome into the Family of God Sophie Joy Nation, who was baptised on 18th June

We commend to God in the resurrection faith Peter Seaman, whose funeral took place on 21st June

(Other Register Dates occurring after printing this edition will be included in the September Magazine)

4 From the Rectory

Summer seems to have arrived! As I write we are experiencing glo- rious sunny days that draw the mind to summer holidays. Exam tak- ers have either finished or are nearly so. Our teachers feel they’re on the last lap before a well-earned break. With the exception of people who are finding the heat all too much, we seem to be looking forward to a great summer.

Yet in the background we have one traumatic event after another where ordinary people are caught up in sudden life-changing events. As I write fu- nerals from the Manchester bombing are still happening, people remain in hospital following the knife attacks at London Bridge and the saga of the tower block fire is still unwinding, one of those man-made disasters for which we have only ourselves to blame and where ordinary people feel helpless. The generous response to the re- cent disaster has been colossal, churches and community centres are doing all they can but the big questions remain open and many people wait in frustration for some kind of rehousing.

Sometimes it seems very hard just to carry on with normal living while feeling the sorrow and distress around us. Yet, continuing to cele- brate normal living whatever the difficulties is part of our contribution to fighting the battle for the peaceful ordinary life for which most peo- ple long. If we find some way we can help the big situations then let’s do it. Let’s pray and donate as we are able. Let’s vow that whatever our own task in life we will fulfil it honestly and well and for the good of others. And let’s be ready if extraordinary caring is asked of our- selves as it has been in the London communities.

But then let’s make the most of what we are given and thank God for it, even as we share in the sorrow and mourning of so many. “Business as usual” said the market traders as they re-opened; we need to take a stand for life as usual and enjoy the re- freshment of the summer days to be fit and ready for whatever the future brings. We live in uncertain times for our nation and the coming days also may not be easy.

This magazine traditionally covers two months so that those involved can take a break. Then we come back refreshed to celebrate our Patronal Festival on Sunday September 10th when we shall welcome the (relatively) new Archdeacon of Bucking- ham, the Venerable Guy Elsemore.

We also look forward to something new in the autumn. Beginning on Saturday October 14th we shall be holding a three monthly Discovery Café (See later) where all ages can enjoy being together in an infor- mal situation with refreshments and various pick and choose activities for those who want to do more than chat. Please come and join us and let’s celebrate our own relationships as a community.

With my blessing and good wishes for the summer

Mary

5 July 2nd This Sunday is Parish communion with Young Church so we will all be in Church together.

July 9th This Sunday we will be talking together about our worries and things we find difficult. We will be writing our worries down to go in balloons and decorating our own worry/pray boxes.

16th July Today we will be hearing a story about a man who went out to sow some corn. We will be doing some painting and planting.

23rdJuly We will be talking about good and bad things that happen in our world. We will be having fun playing games-making fruit kebabs and heart cards.

30th July This Sunday will be our last one before we have a summer break so we will have a Picnic party in the paddock along with doing some cooking.

There will be no Young Church in August but you and your family are very welcome in Church each Sunday.

This is a flower arrangement Young Church planted for Pentecost Sunday

6 Fun Day, Wednesday, August 23rd

At St. Mary’s Church Hall Wexham, Church Lane Between 11:00 and 15:00

£3.00 per child 3yrs and above and £1 for under 3yrs

Theme: Our Talents and Giftings

Bring you own picnic Cooking

Separate fun area Planting for under 3yrs

Outdoor Fun Area with Painting and lots of building bricks and sand crafts Mums welcome to stay for tea/coffee/biscuits/chat

For more information and to book a place, contact Sandra Horth on 01753 551511

7

On Saturday morning, 22nd July, from 10.00 am, we have another Churchyard Gardening Session. All are welcome. Just come along with or without gardening tools. It is a great way to make friends, and get a bit of fresh air and exercise af- ter the long Winter. Jam doughnuts and biscuits are usually on offer as well as tea, coffee and squash.

On the afternoons of 1st July and 2nd September, there are to be more Litter-Pick session at George Green. Meet at 12 Noon at the junction of the A412 and Coronation Avenue. Further details from Wendy Williams—07823 442406.

The Men’s Fellowship will be meeting on Thursday 27th July, and celebrating the summer with a barbecue. They are taking a break in August. To find out more, details, please contact Paul Horth—01753 551511, or [email protected].

Favourite Hymn Service- Sunday July 30th At 4pm

Please choose three hymns that are especially meaningful to you, old or new, they don’t have to be in our hymn book and give them to Ted Kent.

If you have a special tune in mind please talk it over with him.

The Children’s Fun Day is on 23rd August, between 11 am and 3 pm.

To book a place, please contact Sandra Horth on 01753 551511.

8 The Historic Churches Trust Ride and Stride Saturday, 9th September Could you “Ride or Stride” for St Mary’s, Wexham?

The object of the Ride and Stride is to raise money for the repair and restoration of churches and chapels of any Christian denomination in the county.

It is open to walkers, horse-riders and cyclists and the users of mobility scooters, wheelchairs and pushchairs and in addition the Trust welcomes everyone who wishes to take the opportunity to visit the many churches that will be open be- tween 10.00 and 18.00hrs.

The majority of Buckinghamshire’s churches and chapels will be open, even some of those that rarely provide access will open for all or part of the day.

Many churches will have a welcome party and offer refreshments to participants; others supply a form for visitors to sign. Participants can plan their own route or join an organised route or event.

Half the sponsorship money raised goes to the church or chapel of the participant’s choice, and the other half to a general fund administered by the BHCT to provide grants for the fabric maintenance of Bucks churches. If you would like to take part, or wish to know more, please contact Sue Edwards—01753 527410. [email protected].

New Lambeth library Lambeth Palace is to build a nine-story tower in order to house the biggest collection of religious works outside the Vatican. The new li- brary will stand at the far perimeter of the grounds.

The first library at Lambeth Palace was founded in 1610. The con- struction of the new one will begin next year, and hope to finish in 2020. It will be the first new construction on the site for 180 years.

From the Parish Pump

9 A place of quiet, to refresh the Spirit, grow in prayer, explore spirituality at St Anne’s,Dropmore Wood Lane, , Burnham, SL1 8PF

Dates for the Diary

Thursday July 13th 2017 at St Anne's When Revd La Stacey, Vicar,Eton, and Boveney and will be leading a morning looking at the value of involvement in Open the Book and why it is so often both satisfying for those who present it, and memorable for the children in local schools who come across it. There will of course be a time to try it for ourselves! Please book by July 6th by contacting Jo Saunders

Thursday August 17th 2017 at St Anne's Body Prayer Revd Jane Cresswell, Vicar, and Dropmore

Thursday September 28th 2017 at St Anne's Pray with Clay Revd Helen Chamberlain, Associate Priest, Holy Trinity, Cookham Tuesday October 24th 2017 at Burnham Abbey The Jesus Prayer Revd Canon Rod Cosh, Area Dean, Burnham & Slough Deanery

These are all morning sessions apart from the one in October, which will finish at 3p.m. Jo Saunders 01628 663302, [email protected]

Lost in Translation:……In a Bucharest hotel lobby: The lift is being fixed for the next day. During that time we regret that you will be unbearable.

10 Work is underway at Wexham School in Norway Drive, to produce the Cross which will be installed above the stage in the Church Hall. A group of us went along to the school to meet Teacher, Brett Pear- son and to see work on the design chosen by the Church Council as it reached the stage of cutting the wood.

Brett took us to the Design & Technology Depart- ment, where we were introduced to design team of Amir Saleem, Jhanzaib Akhtar, Hussain Yaseen, Mohammed Hanif Usman, Nafisah Bibi and Azka Nunawar.

Then we were taken in to see the intricate preci- sion cutting of the cross, which will be 1 metre long. The next stage will be to ensure that the cross is strengthened, finished off then stained to blend in with the hall woodwork. They will al- so preparing it so that it can be lit from behind.

Mr Pearson shows us how the wood will be prepared

Preparing the wood for precision cutting Cutting finished and the cross ready to be assembled

It was fascinating to see it taking shape and we’re told that it won’t be long before the cross is ready to be put in place.

11 The Church Mouse meets his Foe Here among the neat-hung cassocks Amidst the rows of tidy hassocks I dwell, a mouse of notoriety Of whom the poet wrote a diary.

But since that day, my life is meaner For now the church has got a cleaner! The congregation come on Sunday But do not know that, on a Monday The muck and mess that they created By her is swiftly dissipated!

She races hither and rushes thither Efficiency that makes us quiver! She scrubs and cleans and mops and hoovers She cleans the windows, dusts the louvres; And any food that’s left around Is very swiftly run to ground.

Her industry’s so very great That we shall have to emigrate! So you, who come to church on Sunday Remember those who clean on Monday!

by Nigel Beeton

Who I am An elderly woman walked into the local country church. The friendly sidesman greeted her at the door . She wanted to sit in the front row. "You really don't want to do that", the sidesman said. "The minister is really boring."

"Do you happen to know who I am?" the woman inquired. The man shook his head. "I'm the minister’s mother!"

Do you know who I am?" he asked. She shook her head. "Good", he grinned. From the Parish Pump

12 CROSSWORD

Across 3 Remarkable early 20th-century Indian 1 ‘I pray that out of his glorious — he may evangelist, a convert from , — strengthen you with power through his Spirit Sundar Singh (5) in your inner being’ (Ephesians 3:16) (6) 4 ‘Now the king had put the officer on 4 ‘Saul’s father Kish and — father Ner were whose — — leaned in charge of the gate’ (2 sons of Abiel’ (1 Samuel 14:51) (6) Kings 7:17) (3,2) 7 ‘Praise the Lord, O my — ’ (Psalm 103:1) 5 and 8 Across The Lover describes this (4) facial feature of the Beloved thus: ‘Your — 8 See 5 Down is like the tower of Lebanon looking towards 9 Laws (1 Kings 11:33) (8) — ’ (Song of Songs 7:4) (4,8) 13 ‘Who of you by worrying can — a single 6 ‘Stand firm then, with the belt of truth hour to his life?’ (Luke 12:25) (3) buckled — your waist’ (Ephesians 6:14) (5) 16 Artistry (Exodus 31:5) (13) 10 Trout (anag.) (5) 17 ‘Your young men will see visions, your 11 Easily frightened (1 Thessalonians 5:14) — men will dream dreams’ (Acts 2:17) (3) (5) 19 How David described his Lord (Psalm 12 The ability to perceive (Ecclesiastes 19:14) (8) 10:3) (5) 24 ‘If this city is built and its — — restored, 13 One of the clans descended from Benja- you will be left with nothing in Trans- min (Numbers 26:38) (9) Euphrates’ (Ezra 4:16) (5,3) 14 “It is one of the Twelve,” he replied, “one 25 ‘The holy Scriptures, which are able to who — bread into the bowl with me”’ (Mark make you — for salvation through faith in 14:20) (4) Christ Jesus’ (2 Timothy 3:15) (4) 15 Resound (Zephaniah 2:14) (4) 26 Intended destination of arrows 18 Traditional seat of the Dalai Lama (5) (Lamentations 3:12) (6) 20 Precise (John 4:53) (5) 27 Eve hit (anag.) (6) 21 Build (Ezekiel 4:2) (5) 22 Beat harshly (Acts 22:25) (4) Down 23 Darius, who succeeded Belshazzar as 1 ‘For I am gentle and humble in heart, and king of the Babylonians, was one (Daniel you will find — for your souls’ (Matthew 5:31) (4) 11:29) (4) Answers on page 18 2 Where Peter was when he denied Christ (from the Parish Pump) three times (Luke 22:55) (9)

13 The second quarter of this 2017 year still has another month to go, hence no update on the chart. The next magazine will show the result, which is at the half way stage.

My first thoughts are that I sincerely thank all those contributors to our Direct Giving Scheme (DGS) who continually give what they can afford. Sadly the “envelope” section has been dramatically reduced due to many pass- ing away, and it now stands at 25 contributors, where about 4 years ago it was 41. Despite this lower figure of contributors, the “envelope” scheme monies were 38% of the total of the DGS year just ended.

Most other sources of Income are up on the previous year at this stage. The pro- gramme of Fund Raising is still essential and I look forward to many of you at- tending the various activities planned.

The 2 and 1 pence collections continue and the total in the “kitchen kitty” stands at £174.30. So thanks to all those who dip into their pockets for the small change.

On Expenditure this year, the result is down compared with previous year, this is due one-off non-recurring items. Also, we are paying less for Parish Share at present under the new arrangements. I am aware though that this position could change. I will continually monitor all expenditures as the months progress.

Brian Edwards, Treasurer

We value our churches

Half of us would regard the closure of our nearest church as a significant loss to our community. One third of us would join a campaign to keep our local church open, and one third of us would also con- sider giving money to keep our local church going.

So says Ecclesiastical Insurance, following a sur- vey by One Poll. It also found that more than half of us see our local church as part of the community’s history, and one third of us see it as part of the very fabric of our community, providing vital services to its people.

As a spokesman from Ecclesiastical explained: “The value and reach of churches’ work is on a scale that would be almost impossible to replace…. Our research provides a timely insight into how rel- evant churches remain today.”

14 15 This month’s quiz. All the answers relate to places, rivers or geographical features in the British Isles. Closing Date August 14th.

1. Could have bubbles in it (4) 16. The candle won’t light without it. 2. Nautically tidy (7) (4) 3. Royal Fruit (4,5) 17. The bricklayer finished here. (8) 4. How old is the pen? (7) 18. Invented by Mr Crapper (4) 5. Creepy (7) 19. An area to the left of this sailor. 6. Serious Finish (9) (8) 7. US President (7) 20. A lacertilian reptile. (3,6) 8. Site of murder of Richard II (10) 21. A long stick and indefinite arti- cle, (6) 9. Masculine Pasture (9) 22. Traditionally done on Mondays 10. Food expiry date(5) (3,4) 11. This town should be in Wales 23. No hope for a camel with these (4) eyes. (3,7) 12. Sand in your hair (6,4) 24. A Caribbean drink in the far 13. They could pull the plug on you north. (4) here. (4) 25. A mixed up cowboy’s hat. (2,5) 14. The artist keeps going (8) 15. A freshwater fish (5)

Congratulations to Sue and Brian who won last month’s quiz they only made one mistake. I forgot to tell you that all the answers were places in the British Isles.

(We thought Offham, was a pretty good answer for “On a diet?”, but Exeter was better. Has anyone been to Offham? S.U.E.)

1. Ayr 9. Newcastle 16. Belfast 24. Newquay 2. Nuneaton 10. Nottingham 17. Dover 25. Exeter 3. Liverpool 11. Reading 18. Aberdeen 26. Aldershot 4. Hull 12. Sheffield 19. Barmouth 27. Redruth 5. Swansea 13. Oxford 20. Chester 28. Matlock 6. Bournemouth 14. Robin Hoods 21. Leeds 29. Chatham 7. Cork Bay 22. Glasgow 30. Margate. 8. Limerick 15. Poole 23. Taunton

16 WEXHAM HALL ELDERLY PEOPLE’S CLUB

We welcome new members to our Monday afternoon get-together in St Mary’s Church Hall

From 2pm ‘til 4 pm For an afternoon with tea, raffle and bingo, etc.

Plans include outings, talks, quizzes, exercise classes, a birthday party and a Christmas dinner

Come and meet other local people and make new friends

Tel: 01753 731798 or 01753 554849 for further details

EVERYONE WELCOME

Who tore down the walls of Jericho?! The new minister decided to visit the Sunday school in his new church, to see what the chil- The church warden looked concerned. ‘Oh dren were like. The teacher explained that dear. We’ve had some problems with Billy be- that morning they were looking at the book of fore. But a wall! Let me talk to him and see Joshua. ‘That's wonderful,’ said the new min- what we can do.’ ister, ‘let's see what you're learning. So tell me, who tore down the walls of Jericho?’ Really bothered now by the lack of biblical knowledge in his new church, the new minis- After a short silence, one small lad, Billy, shy- ter brought up the subject with his curate the ly raised his hand. ‘Please sir, it wasn’t me.’ next morning. ‘I was shocked to learn that nei- ther Billy, the teacher, nor the church warden Taken aback, the minister said. ‘That’s silly, can tell me who tore down the walls of Jeri- and you know it. Come on, now, who tore cho!’ down the walls of Jericho?’ The curate, a peace-loving young woman, The teacher interrupted firmly: ‘Vicar, Billy's tried to calm the situation. ‘Well, vicar, these basically a good boy. If he says he didn't do it, things happen. I think we just take the money then I believe he didn't do it.’ from the general fund and offer to pay for the walls, and leave it at that.’ Flustered, the minister went to the church- warden and related the story to him. ‘That From the Parish Pump child won’t tell me who tore down the walls of Jericho!’

17 TRANSWORLD 2000 LUIGI AUTOCARE UK Worldwide Freight LTD Distribution CAR WASH

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Crossword Answers ACROSS: 1, Riches. 4, Abner’s. 7, Soul. 8, Damascus. 9, Statutes. 13, Add. 16, Craftsmanship. 17, Old. 19, Redeemer. 24, Walls are. 25, Wise. 26, Target. 27, Thieve.

DOWN: 1, Rest. 2, Courtyard. 3, Sadhu. 4, Arm he. 5, Nose. 6, Round. 10, Tutor. 11, Timid. 12, Sense. 13, Ashbelite. 14, Dips. 15, Echo. 18, Lhasa. 20, Exact. 21, Erect. 22, Flog. 23, Mede.

Euodia and Syntche

Euodia and Syntyche were Paul’s good So, if YOU have a heated spat friends It’s wise to check who knows of that; Who for the gospel did contend; A row’s a cause of bitter tears But all we know about them now Remembered for two thousand years! Is that these ladies had a row! by Nigel Beeton

DEADLINE FOR THE SEPTEMBER PARISH MAGAZINE: Material for September Parish Magazine must be with the Editorial Team by 15th August. Magazines will be available from Sunday, 27th August.

The PCC and the editorial team reserves the right to edit and shorten submitted material. Advertisers in the magazine are not necessarily known to the editorial team and the appearance of an advert does not carry an implied endorsement.

18 19 WEXHAM POST OFFICE & GENERAL STORES (Now with an off licence) Tel: 01753 526284

Wexham Road, SL2 4HE Near the Hospital Roundabout

Groceries, Bread, Milk, and Alcohol.

Opening Hours:

Monday - Friday 9.00 am – 8.00pm Saturday - 9.00 am—6.00 pm Sunday - 10.00 am—4.00 pm

*** IMPROVED PARKING***

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