Praise Be! THE PARISHES OF SILVERSTONE, ABTHORPE, SLAPTON WHITTLEBURY & PAULERSPURY. The bi-monthly magazine for The Whittlewood Benefice.

Transcription

1 Praise Be! The bi-monthly magazine for The Whittlewood Benefice. November/December 2018 Issue 9 Our vision in the Whittlewood parishes is to know God better, love others and reach out with the good news of Jesus THE PARISHES OF SILVERSTONE, ABTHORPE, SLAPTON WHITTLEBURY & PAULERSPURY

2 From the Rector Dear friends We are moving on in the year towards Christmas, coming through the wonder of All Saints, All Souls, Remembrance and the feast of Christ the King. 2 We then move on to the reflective, preparative season of Advent in which we reflect on the coming of Jesus Christ into the world, God Incarnate. And, of course, we have the wonder of the celebration of Christmas 2018 ahead of us to enjoy. Elsewhere in this publication there is information on how you can join in with all of these aspects of our Church Life, with the dates, times and venues of our worship and celebration. We are also moving towards the New Year, towards What have we in store during this year? Amongst the opportunities to build God s Kingdom, we also have some practical aspects to consider. This is the year where we shall totally renew the Electoral Roll for each Church. This is our membership list. The old roll is put aside and new roll begun. This will be taking place in February/March. It is really important for us as churches to ensure that we have accurate an accurate Electoral Roll. This is made up of those who are members of the church, those who attend church to worship, and those who have strong or even moderate links to the church.

3 3 If you would like to have a say on the church, our mission, our life, our care of the buildings, the life of the community, you should be on the electoral roll. If you would like a more detailed say, then why not become a member of the Parochial Church Council? If you would like an even greater involvement in the life of the Church of England in the Diocese of Peterborough why not become a member of Peterborough Diocesan Synod! There are currently 3 vacancies for members of Diocesan Synod from the Towcester Deanery, in actual fact we do not currently have any Lay members [i.e. non clergy] on Diocesan Synod from this Deanery, which is a shame. In 2019, after our Annual Parochial Church Meetings, and after we have elected our Churchwardens for 2019/20 they will be invited to attend the Churchwardens Visitation Service. The normal pattern for these is that they are arranged by the Archdeacons and are held in May/June to ensure that all Churchwardens have the opportunity to be admitted to office, something that must happen before the end of July. This year will be a little different. Instead of the Archdeacons, the services will be arranged by our Diocesan Bishop, The Rt Revd Donald Allister, who will lead by giving the address and admitting the wardens. There are to be 2 such services in the Diocese, one in Peterborough Cathedral on 6 th July and one closer to us, at All Saints Church, Northampton on 11 th May at 11 a.m. [there will be refreshments on arrival and the opportunity to hand in the necessary paper work.] Those who are churchwardens, or who are considering being churchwardens, please take note of these dates and put them in your diaries. I think that these will be good occasions and, indeed, it might be helpful for others than our Churchwardens to go, in support and to hear our bishop speaking. Elsewhere in this publication you will see about the Children s Event planned for Epiphany time in Abthorpe. We should be having Lent Courses running again this coming year,

4 4 if you would be interested, please let me know. Would you like to continue with our tried and tested format using the material from York Courses or would you like to try something different? Again, let me know. It is always an interesting time of the year, coming towards the end of one and looking ahead towards the new. To be able to reflect as well as to anticipate. I hope that everyone is able to find positive in this time, to put aside any troubles and negative aspects that have affected you through 2018 and to look ahead with hope and with encouragement to 2019, because we are those who follow after Jesus, calling on His name to help us and as our strength each day. So, if I do not get the chance to say it to you personally, please have a truly Happy Christmas and may the New Year bring you closer to the wonder of righteousness, to knowing God s grace in your life and allowing you hope beyond hope. Children s Event 3 rd January 2019 At St John the Baptist Church, Abthorpe 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

5 5 Our Benefice walk Aeons ago now, well, September, several of us gathered for our planned walk. Most parishes were represented and about 20 of us spent a really lovely afternoon walking between our five churches. Alison had organised the route, which was beautiful, but had also managed to organise the weather a real feat in this country. We were blessed with a warm day, no rain, clear skies etc. Middle England never looked better. We were treated to refreshments at Silverstone, our halfway point, which were welcomed by everyone and we were joined there by several supporters who couldn t make the whole walk. At Abthorpe we separated for long enough for people to sort cars, change shoes, collect in their washing (!) before reconvening for a meal at the pub. Rob and his team did a great job; thanks go to him for hosting so many of us so ably. I think everyone enjoyed their day, it was my ideal Saturday afternoon and I really hope that we can repeat the event next year. It was great fellowship, good exercise, and filled with plenty to give thanks for. Thank you to all of you who were there in body or spirit and feel free to forward any suggestions for the next one! Clare St. Michael s Church would like to offer you Something for the Weekend? Come and join us for half an hour of peace. A chance to step away from a busy schedule, to give thanks for the highs and share the lows of the week and to have some me time. Where: Silverstone Church rooms When: 1 st and 3 rd Fridays of the month, refreshments 2.15pm, Peaceful time pm

6 CHRISTMAS 2018 PAULERSPURY: 9 th December at 6 p.m. 9 Lessons and Carols in St James the Great Church 23 rd December at 4 p.m. Christingle Service at Paulerspury URC, led by Rev Jane Wade 24 th December at 10 p.m. The First of Christmas in St James the Great Church. 25 th December at 10 a.m. Christmas Day Service, led by Mr John Geary WHITTLEBURY: 16 th December at 4 p.m. Christingle and Carols in St Mary s Church 17 th & 18 th December: Evening Carol Singing around the Parish of Whittlebury 25 th December at 9 a.m. Christmas Day Service, with Communion by Extension, led by Mrs Clare Ray, Benefice Reader. SILVERSTONE: 5 th December at 7:30 p.m. Silson Singers Christmas Concert in St Michael s Church. Ticket 5 each. 20 th December at 7 p.m. Beer & Carols in The White Horse Pub 23 rd December at 4 p.m. Christingle and Carols in St Michael s Church 24 th December at 11:30 p.m. Midnight Mass in St Michael s Church 25 th December at 10:30 a.m. Christmas Day Service, with Communion by Extension, led by Mrs Clare Ray, Benefice Reader. ABTHORPE: 9 th December at 4:30 p.m. Christmas Tree Lighting and Carol Singing, Outside St John the Baptist Church. 19 th December at 7 p.m. Beer & Carols in The New Inn Pub 24 th December at 4 p.m. Christingle and Carols in St John the Baptist Church. 25 th December at 9:30 a.m. Christmas Day in St John the Baptist Church SLAPTON: 23 rd December at 6 p.m. 9 Lessons and Carols in St Botolph s Church 25 th December at 11 a.m. Christmas Day in St Botolph s Church 6

7 7 Weekday Service On most Thursdays through the year we hold a service in St Michael s Church at 9:30 a.m. [Except there will not be a service on these dates, 15/11/18: 22/11/19.] This is a simple, generally a said service, though we sometimes have music or sing responses to prayers. We have a small regular group that attend, but it would be wonderful if the number were to grow. So remember, Thursday morning s at St Michael s Church, Silverstone. The Time for peace and quiet, the presence of God celebrated and the Grace of God received. SAVE THE DATE On January 3 rd 3pm to 5pm we are hoping to hold a Children s Epiphany event in Abthorpe. The event, will be in the Church and is due to finish at 4:30pm with a short service in Abthorpe Church. Everyone is welcome to attend the service to see what the children have been doing. Thank you to those people who have already offered to help. There is always room for more volunteers so if this is something that interests you please contact Clare Ray (Clare Ray clareray18@gmail.com) or Lesley Dale (dalel@denbigh.net).

8 8 Singing Group - NOT A CHOIR! From the Benefice Diary 10 th September Funeral of Millient Ratcliffe Silverstone [Towcester] 6 th October Wedding of Zilve Alisauskas to Becci Anderson Whittlebury 16 th October Funeral of Mollie Mountjoy Paulerspury 25 th October Funeral of Bob McCutcheon Paulerspury 26 th October Funeral of Joyce Riches Abthorpe 27 th October Baptism of Rio James White Abthorpe 1 st November Funeral of Jan Weatherhead Paulerspury 3 rd November Baptism of Marnie Ann Holloway Silverstone 10 th November Baptism of Joseph Henry Martin Silverstone 2 nd December Baptism of Gracie Christina Mills Paulerspury 8 th December Baptism of Wilfred Andrew Vesey Bedford Paulerspury We have been learning some Taizé chants [well, with me leading it, you would expect as much], we have sung through some traditional hymns, even some of these are new to some of our participants, and we have been having a go at some of the more modern Praise Songs, which seem very popular too. I would still like to welcome new people to join us in the singing group. If you would to join us, just come along, give it a go, no matter how well or otherwise you can sing. Well, our next few sessions will be on these dates,1 st November, 29 th November and 13 th December. Do join us if you would like, everyone is welcome, these times are meant for enjoyment!

9 9 Ride and Stride Saturday 8 th September. Four Slapton horses with riders took part in Ride and Stride Saturday, taking in Slapton, Wappenham, and later Plumpton. On the way round we met Peter Coles and fellow bicyclists touring the churches and one gentleman who said he was walking for about 25 miles. What a great effort. On Saturday 18 th September in All Saints Church Northampton a large audience assembled for the author A.N. Wilson s talk What are Churches For. This has been posted on the All Saints Facebook page if anyone would like to listen to it. It was interesting, thought provoking and splendidly given. vb / /? type=2&theater&notif_t=page_post_reaction&notif_id=

10 St John the Baptist Church, Abthorpe : News Our Harvest celebrations were held on the weekend 12 th /14 th October. This year the Harvest Supper on 12 th comprised of a choice of pies and a variety of fruit crumbles. Once again, it was a lovely evening. Donations of produce for the Harvest Service on 14 th were once again taken to the Hope Centre in Northampton. Tea and Piece: The last of these events was held on 21 st October. These have gone very well over the summer and have been reasonably well supported by people enjoying a cup of tea or coffee, a slice of cake and a good natter. Thank you to everyone who has supported these and also to those who have donated cakes for them. Remembrance Day: This year the Remembrance service will start at 10.50am on the Green at the War Memorial. We will walk into church after laying the wreath and the first part of the service. In the evening there will be a short Battle s Over celebration at our church at 6.50pm. The Last Post will be played at 6.55pm followed by a beacon lit at 7pm and then Ringing out for Peace at 7.05pm. All the bells were silenced during the 4 years of WW1 and we will join 1000 churches and cathedrals across the nation in celebration of Peace by ringing our church bell and lighting the beacon. Everyone is very welcome and please bring as many bells as you can handle to ring alongside our church bell. We will then raise a glass to Peace. Christmas Coffee Morning and Bring and Buy: We are holding this on Saturday 8 th December from 10am to 12 at the home of Jill and Mike Greenhalgh. Have a break from the busy Christmas preparations and relax with a cup of tea or coffee and a slice of cake. You never know, you may just find that gift you have been looking for! There will also be a raffle. Christmas Tree and Lights event: This was a hugely successful event last year and it even snowed on the day, making it all quite magical. This year, it will take place on Sunday 9 th December starting at 4.30pm. The lights on the Christmas Tree will be lit, there will be games for the children, a raffle, mulled wine, hot chocolate, tea and coffee and of course a rousing singing of 10

11 11 From the parishes Christmas Carols and Songs. Church cleaning: We will be cleaning in the church on Saturday December 15 th from to We would welcome anyone coming along to help. Coffee and mince pies included!! Christmas Services: The Christingle/Carol Service will once again be held on Christmas Eve starting at 4pm. It really is a lovely start to Christmas. We will be making the Christingles on Saturday 22 nd December in the Old School starting at 10am. Children (and adults) are more than welcome to help us with this and there will be refreshments for all! Christmas Day Service: This will be held on Christmas Day starting at 9.30pm. Food Bank: Thank you once again to John Riches who has done an amazing job of regularly taking our food box into the Food Bank at Towcester. He took 14Kg in on 28 th August and a further 25Kg on 5 th October, making our cumulative total 1419 Kg. Thank you also to all who contribute to the box. Tote: The August Tote of was won by Peter Newcombe and the September Tote of 200 was won by Lucy Jones. Congratulations to both and thank you to everyone who takes part in this. If you would like to be in with a chance in 2019, please contact me. The odds are a lot better than the national lottery! The churchwarden and PCC members wish you all a Happy Christmas and a peaceful Barbara Malcomson malcomson@abthorpe.net

12 From the parishes St Michael s Church, Silverstone : News We celebrated our Harvest Festival in early October with a well decorated church and an uplifting Service followed by a very pleasant Harvest Lunch in the Church Rooms. Our gifts including lovely boxes from some of our local Brownies, were taken to the Towcester Foodbank. We look forward to welcoming the Silson Singers on a return visit for their Christmas Concert on Wednesday 5 th December. It is always a jolly evening with a mixed programme of Choir items and opportunities for us all to join in. Only 5 a ticket, children free. There will be light refreshments in the interval, so please come and join us if you can. Tickets on the door. This year we are hosting the Village Christmas Carol Service and it will take the form of a Christingle with the collection being given to the Church of England Children s Society. It will be held on Sunday 23 rd December at 4.00 p.m. in St. Michael s Church. We will be preparing the Christingles on the previous morning, Saturday 22 nd December at a.m. in the Church Rooms. We would welcome help and children are especially welcome. The Village Needlework Group led by Sue Fowler and friends have been busy making poppies for our special Remembrance Service this year, some to be sold in aid of SSAFA the Armed Forces Charity, and the Royal British Legion. 149 other poppies will decorate our War Memorial to remember those from the village who fought in both Wars. On Sunday 11 th November we will meet at a.m. at the Chapel and process to the War Memorial for our Service there and then in our Church. We know that many children join us on this occasion and we welcome them to participate in activities in the Church Rooms during the Church Service which will continue in the joint leadership of Clare and Trevor Ray. The Benefice Prayer Walk in September proved to be very enjoyable starting at Paulerspury and ending with fish and chips in the New Inn at Abthorpe. Autumn Soup lunches started on Monday 15 th October and continue up to and including Monday 19 th November Mondays 12 12

13 13 noon to 1.30 p.m. in the Church Rooms, suggested donation We continue to enjoy Revd Paul s Singing Group and also our visits to Clare House to sing organised by Margaret Holland. Judith St James the Great, Paulerspury : News Early September saw a group of us tackling the church grounds, so we hope you ve all noticed the difference? Harvest has been its usual success with the school enjoying their festival at church. The whole village (well maybe not the whole village), came and enjoyed Harvest lunch at the Village Hall. Thank you to Doreen and all her team for organizing all the catering and to everyone who made a pinecone harvest mouse at family worship as part of the decorations, If chatting and eating are for you why not pop along to Tea, Toast and Cakes most Thursday mornings. You would also be very welcome to come to the important Armistice Day Service being held at 9:45am on Remembrance Day when our thoughts will naturally turn to those brave men of Paulerspury who gave their lives in the Great War. After the service we move to the commemoration at the War Memorial where the two minutes silence will also be observed. The annual carol service will be on the 9 th of December, do please come and join us for the traditional readings, carols and refreshments. Lesley Dale From the parishes Visit from the Baptist Missionary Society. It was a privilege and a pleasure to welcome distinguished Baptist visitors to St James in September. The group included a retired President of the Baptist Missionary Society with teachers from the William Carey University College at Serampore and friends from Misoram in North-East India, accompanied by their coordinator Margaret Williams.

14 From the parishes The bi-centenary of William Carey s establishing of the first University College in India is celebrated this year. His amazing story from humble beginnings at Paulerspury, Hackleton and Piddington to his faithful discipleship and eventual world-wide renown as a pioneer Christian missionary and educator continues to be inspirational. The story is effectively presented in a display area at St James. Expect great things from God, Attempt great things for God William Carey, Bridget Williams-Deans St Botolphs Church, Slapton : News "About suffering" W H Auden memorably argued in his poem "Musée des Beaux Arts" the old masters "were never wrong". Great and terrible events - martyrdoms and nativities - took place amid everyday life, while other people were eating, opening a window or "just walking dully along". As an example Auden took "The Fall of Icarus" by Pieter Bruegel the Elder. This was the premise of Tom Healey's excellent talk on October 13 th. As it happens, both Auden and Tom were wrong there because the work they cited is no longer thought to be by the painter after all - merely "circle of" or "after". However on the essential point they were absolutely right and just as Bruegel, time and again hides the scene that you might have imagined was the whole point of the picture in a corner, people in small hamlets such as Slapton were ignorant of huge changes - a new monarch, or the Reformation until news eventually filtered through years afterwards. Our brains were well stretched by Tom's fascinating talk, which was illustrated by charming pictures of witches spoon feeding sweet little devils which looked like kittens or frogs and a very ancient saucy version of the Song of Solomon. Afterwards we tucked into cottage pie with a nice glass of wine and a bite of chocolate round thing. We raised about 1,500 and many thanks to those who were unable to come but sent donations and also to the small band of people who made it all happen and did the cooking. These evenings do not occur all by themselves and 14

15 15 From the parishes almost the worst part is the worry of not selling enough tickets and the implied rudeness to the speaker, so very many thanks to all who came and supported us. Dates for your diary: - All Souls Service at St. Botolph's on November 6 th at 6pm. Our Service of 9 Lessons and Carols will be on 16 th December 6pm, and our Christmas Day Service is at 11 am. St Mary s Church, Whittlebury : News Prayer Group will be on Monday 5 November and Monday 3 December at 10.30am in Church. Church Cleaning will be on Monday 12 th November and Monday 10 th December at 2pm. On a most beautiful autumn morning St Mary s Church was packed with children from Whittlebury and Tiffield schools for their Harvest Festival Service. Watched by proud parents, Grandparents and Carers the service opened with a welcome from The Revd Paul. The children all placed dry goods at the alter which later would be given to the Towcester food bank. As always the singing was a delight and the enthusiasm showed in all their faces. They started with Harvest Samba, which set the mood for the service. Prayers, poems and a reading from Matthew 13 were given by the older children. The infants paraded around the church proudly showing their harvest drawings of fruit and vegetables. The reception children wearing scarecrow hats stood on the chancel steps singing and doing the actions to Dingle, Dangle Scarecrow. The Lord s Prayer was said and Revd Paul concluded the service with the Blessing. It was truly a wonderful service. Well done everyone. Although fewer people than normal came to the Harvest Supper it was still a very successful evening. Everyone enjoyed the community singing led by Elizabeth. A big thank you to everyone who helped on this occasion. One of God s promises: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14 v 27

16 BAPTISMS [Christenings] and WEDDINGS In the last few editions of Praise Be! there has been information about organizing a Marriage or a Baptism [often called a Christening service]. Firstly, if you want to arrange one of these services, or maybe a Wedding Blessing, Renewal of Vows or Thanksgiving for the Birth of Child, contact the Revd Paul M c Leod. This can be done by [preferred way] at revpaulmcleod@btinternet.com or telephone OR on a Thursday morning, 11 12, I am in St James the Great Church, Paulerspury, see me face to face! We will talk through the legal requirements, the date and time options for a service and the cost implications. So, you are wondering about a Christening! If you live in one of our parishes, Paulerspury, Whittlebury, Silverstone, Abthorpe or Slapton, then you are entitled to be baptised in your Parish Church, or to have your child baptised. If you do not live in one of our parishes, do still talk to Revd. Paul, there are often ways to allow visiting families to have a Christening Service. In general the correct way to have these services is on Sunday morning within the parishes worship, as the service needs to be taken by a Priest this will need to be in the Service when these take place. The usual way here is that these services are stand-alone services on a Saturday at midday. It is possible to have the service on any day at a time that works for your family and the Revd. Paul s diary. We do not charge for these services! But we NEED MONEY to keep the churches open and available, so we ask everyone to come prepared and willing to make as generous a donation as possible for the churches work and life. 16

17 17 Now, what about a wedding? To get married in church, check out the website You need to show you have a connection to the church where you want to get married. You need to be legally permitted to be married as per English Law. You can get married on any day of the week, it must be between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. However, dates and times need to be discussed to ensure that Revd. Paul is available to take your service. There are legal fees and local fees for a wedding service. Legal Fees in 2018 come to 474; other local fees cover a verger, organist, heating [when required] and Bells.

18 Bible Readings for Sunday Service: September, October and November 4 th November 2018 All Saints Sunday Wisdom or Isaiah : Psalm Revelation a : John WHITE 11 th November 2018 Remembrance Sunday Jonah 3.1-5,10 : Psalm Hebrews : Mark RED 18 th November 2018 The Second Sunday before Advent Daniel : Psalm 16 Hebrews [15-18]19-25 : Mark RED 25 th November 2018 Christ the King Daniel ,13,14 : Psalm 93 Revelation 1.4b-8 : John WHITE 2 nd December 2018 Advent Sunday Jeremiah : Psalm Thessalonians : Luke PURPLE 9 th December2018 Second Sunday of Advent Malachi : Canticle: Benedictus Philippians : Luke PURPLE 16 th December 2018 Third Sunday of Advent Zephaniah : Canticle: Isaiah * Philippians : Luke PURPLE 23 rd December 2018 Fourth Sunday of Advent Micah 5.2-5a : Canticle: Magnificat or Psalm Hebrews : Luke [46-55] - PURPLE 30 th December 2018 The First Sunday of Christmas 1 Samuel ,26 : Psalm 148* Colossians : Luke WHITE 6 th January 2019 Epiphany Isaiah : Psalm 72.[1-9]10-15 Ephesians : Matthew WHITE 13 th January 2019 Baptism of Christ Isaiah : Psalm 29 Acts : Luke ,21,22 - WHITE 20 th January 2019 The Third Sunday of Epiphany Isaiah : Psalm Corinthians : John WHITE 27 th January 2019 The Fourth Sunday of Epiphany Nehemiah 8.1-3,5-6,8-10 : Psalm 19* 1 Corinthians a : Luke WHITE 18

19 19 MINISTERS AND SAFEGUARDING Our Rector The Revd Paul McLeod St. Michael s Vicarage: 24a High Street Silverstone: Towcester. NN12 8US revpaulmcleod@btinternet.com Our Reader Clare Ray clareray18@gmail.com Another very important contact is - Our Benefice Safeguarding Officer Lesley Dale. Lesley s contact details are: dalel@denbigh.net As Lesley is a teacher she can t have her mobile with her in lessons but if you need to speak with her, please leave a message and Lesley will get back to you. The Diocesan Safeguarding Contacts are: Bev Huff - Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (direct line) Or Sam Suddery - Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser (direct line)

20 Silverstone Abthorpe Slapton Whittlebury Paulerspury Sunday Services for November/December /11/18 All Saints & Baptism 10 a.m. Evening Prayer 5 p.m. Family Service 9:15 a.m. 11/11/18 Remembrance Village 10:40 Village 10:50 Remembrance War Memorial 9:45 Remembrance 18/11/18 2 nd Sunday before Advent 10 a.m. Evening Service 6 p.m. 25/11/18 Christ the King Combined Worship 10 a.m. Evensong 6 p.m. 11 a.m. 9:15 a.m. Matins 9:15 a.m. 20 2/12/18 Advent 9/12/18 Advent 2 16/12/18 Advent 3 23/12/18 Advent 4 30/12/18 Christmas 1 Silverstone Abthorpe 10 a.m. 4 4 p.m. 11 a.m. 9:15 a.m. Combined Worship 10 a.m. Carol Service 4 p.m. United Benefice Service Slapton Evening Prayer 5 p.m. Carol Service 6 p.m. 11 a.m. Silverstone St Michael s Church Whittlebury Morning Worship 11 a.m. 11 a.m. Carol Service 4 p.m. 9:15 a.m. 10 a.m. The Paulerspury Family Service 9:15 a.m. 9:15 a.m. Carol Service 6 Evening Prayer 6 p.m. Matins 9:15 a.m.