When you do nothing, it leads to the very best of something

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1 St Mary s Wendover & St Michael s Halton Newsletter Issue October 2018 When you do nothing, it leads to the very best of something Busyness is a modern day dis-ease that so many of us suffer from. We rush from one thing to another without appreciating the first and end up missing so much in our rushing. The beauty of the place we live can so easily be missed if we re in our cars driving from one activity to another or driving our children around in their frenetic lives. Finding time and space to spend in God s presence is something we should all work hard to do. For some that's spending a regular time each day reading the bible, discovering more who Jesus is and praying for that which is important to us and our world; for others it will be in the meeting of friends and neighbours, building up relationships that feed us and help us to see something of God's image in them. For yet others it will be in walking with others or alone, or even the dog or in making things. Crafts of all sorts give head space to think or be led by God in the creating. For each of its something different; the important thing is finding what works for you. For so many of us, and I very much include myself, the 'doing nothing, just being' can be so hard because we perceive there's so much to do and we feel responsible for getting it done. So, where's your place of switching off? The other week I was persuaded to go to the cinema to see the latest Disney film, Christopher Robin. If you haven't been, go or get the DVD! I have always loved Winnie-the- Pooh from childhood. The story of this film is after Christopher Robin has grown-up, moved to London and has his own family and so has really turned his back on Pooh and all the other residents of Hundred Acre Wood. Christopher Robin is hugely over -worked, doesn't spend time with his family and is feeling very lost; Winnie-the-Pooh draws Christopher Robin back to the woods and his friends and allows him to see what he's left behind. We are all in danger of being caught up in the busyness, turning away from God and others, missing so much. For me the most poignant line of the film was When you do nothing, it leads to the very best of something. Perhaps we should listen to Winnie-the-Pooh and do nothing, sometimes that leads us where God wants us to be. Sally

2 St Mary s Churchyard Tidy Up Saturday 17 November 9.00am Bacon rolls and drinks Church Centre 9.30am Churchyard Tidy Up The deadline for the November edition will be Wednesday 17 October for publication on Sunday 28 October. Please your contributions to Peter and Juliette Dean (editors) at: juliette@rowanbank.org or drop them into Just shop. Please remember to include full details of any event and contact information in case of queries about the article. Large print versions available on request from the office ( ) 2

3 Wendover wins the 'Best Kept Small Town' competition On Saturday, 15 September there was small gathering on the Manor waste for the presentation to Wendover Parish council of the Best kept 'small town' award (we beat Marlow by one point). Cllr Tom Walsh (Chair of Wendover Parish Council) was also presented with the Sword of Excellence as Wendover is the overall winner of all the categories. The presentations were made by the Lord -Lieutenant for Buckinghamshire, Sir Henry Aubrey-Fletcher. In his remarks about the village and how beautifully kept the judges had found it he particularly mentioned the Church Yard. I felt very proud to hear that and we are very grateful to all who work to keep the churchyard looking so good. I would particularly like to thank Harry Robinson and Simon Fortune who give so much of their time voluntarily. Many who visit the churchyard comment on how good it looks! Well done Wendover! Sally 3

4 Verses for Remembrance November is the month of mourning Lest we forget, lest we forget, Pierces us with tragic warning Warring still goes on, and yet Round the world the lands are talking; More and more the world is one; Even so the hordes are walking, Fleeing from oppression, run. All they have, all they can carry, Fathers, mothers, young folk, old, Moving onward, cannot tarry, Seek the safety of the fold. Trusting freedom to the water Overladen, sinking fast, Leaves possessions to the fishes Leaving everything at last. We have homes and we have spaces, Room for others, food to share, Why must we deny the races? All are one, and all need care. In our greed and isolation Spectres loom of want and fear. Unknown people, unknown nations Coming, seeking safety here. What is it that we are dreading When we try to keep them out? Do we fear them in their needing; Do we have that self-same doubt? That their wanting be contagious? Might it all infect us too? Can t we see it is outrageous When we will not share with you? All this world was given to us; Not to me, nor yet to you, Not alone, but us together; You are me and I am you Anon 4

5 Remembrance 100 Sunday 11 November marks the day when the guns fell silent 100 years ago after the most catastrophic war the world had seen. Remembrance Sunday has been a national day of honouring those who have fallen in conflict since 1918, culminating with the Queen leading the whole country in the two minutes silence. This year is particularly poignant because it is 100 years since the war to end all wars ended and we know that is not the case. At St Mary s we will be recognising the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I with a number of activities. The parade of uniformed organisations will take place as usual at the Manor Waste at 3.00pm led by the ministers of Churches Together, Wendover On Remembrance Sunday, 11 November there will be a joint service at 10.00am in church, which will allow us to hold the two minute silence at 11.00am. The service will recognise the Wendover men who fell in the war, and the impact the war had on the village. There will be music and readings as part of the service. The silent silhouette soldier that is currently in the Rope Walk Meadow will be joining us at the service as a focus point. Our bell ringers will be ringing a full peel, with muffled bells before the service, which is traditional in respect for those who have died. As part of St Mary s outreach with the schools we will be running some activities for the children about life in Wendover during the war. Xenia Murray 5

6 Confirmation Service Sunday 7 October, 6.00pm St Mary s On Sunday 7 October at 6.00pm Bishop Alan Wilson, Bishop of Buckingham will come to St Mary s to conduct a Baptism and Confirmation service. Amongst those who are making their own, mature commitment to follow Jesus are Theo Russell, Adam Sansbury, Amelia (Mimi) Simpson, James Simpson, Alice Atwell, George Shryvers, Emma Cliffe, Saffron King, Adrian Phillips, Nicole Glasson and Monica Peterson. Candidates from Great Missenden and Burford will also be confirmed in the service. Please hold them all in your prayers Sally 6

7 Becoming a Licensed Lay Minister As many of you will probably be aware, I will reach an important stage in my ministry journey on 3 November when I am licensed as an LLM at Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in St Mary's for their generous support during my training. It has been something of a journey and the words of encouragement along the way have been incredibly welcome and valuable. The licensing service is something of an occasion and a real celebration of lay ministry and if you would like to come along, you would be very welcome. Given that the cathedral is typically quite full, there is a booking system for (free!) tickets. To book, go to eventbrite.co.uk and search for LLM in Oxford. Do come along if you fancy it... Thanks again for all your support. Ian Sansbury We will mark Ian s licensing, formally welcome David Blackmore and say thank you to Beryl, Joe & Glenys for all their work as LLM s on Sunday 4th November. 7

8 Tea at Three Wednesday 24 October 36 Chiltern Road, Wendover, HP22 6DA 3.00pm-4.30pm For many of us, bereavement is a lonely and painful experience. Sometimes we just want to talk with others who understand what we are going through. For this reason, St Mary s Church Bereavement Support Team is offering an opportunity to those who have suffered a significant loss to get together and share with others who are in a similar situation. There will be tea and cake in a relaxed and informal setting, and a warm welcome for everyone. We can arrange transport if needed. Please RSVP to Wendy Trower ( or trowerwendy@hotmail.co.uk) 8

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10 Prayers for All Just a reminder that Saturday morning prayers, guided by your prayer ministry, is always the first Saturday in the month at 9.00am am in St Mary s Church. Let s offer our hopes and plans to our Father with all the exciting changes ahead for our church family. Jacky Bussien Thanksgiving and Memorial Service Sunday 4 November, 3.00pm St. Mary s Church A service to remember our loved ones whether they have died in recent months or longer ago. If you would like someone named during the service, please drop into Just, 11 High St, Wendover or pick up a leaflet from the back of one of the churches. Thank you Everyone is Welcome 10

11 Ian Sansbury presenting on our Mission Action Plan at the July consultation 11

12 Introducing Ignite A New Approach to Junior Church September saw us introduce Ignite - a re-launch and re-brand of our junior church work with our under elevens. We'll be telling you much more as we publish the Mission Action Plan but the intention for our ministry to that age group is to focus on a wider variety of activities (including sport, art, music and drama) and some good quality teaching to mirror the success that Becky and the team have enjoyed with Surge. We will be working a lot harder in communicating those activities to children and families, particularly through our school links, Noah's Ark and Messy Church. We are also working to ensure that the ministry team spends more time with Ignite, enabling us to devote some of our best teaching resources to our work with children and families. But we need your help, in three different and specific ways: 1. Although we now have a good rota of teachers for Ignite, we are still on the lookout for helpers who can assist on the occasional Sunday morning. If you would be interested to participate from time to time in this important ministry, please contact Ian Sansbury (sansbury@hotmail.com) or Zoë Fyfe (zmfyfe@gmail.com). 2. Coming up with good activities and teaching is one thing - but our ministry to children and families comes to nothing if families aren't coming along. Please think about families you know in Wendover who might be on the cusp of coming to church and who might be interested to come along to Ignite (and Explore of course!). 3. On a separate but associated note, Rosanne Adam and Justine Gardner have been supporting our work with Noah's Ark, the Churches Together toddler group that meets on a Friday morning at the Christian Centre. We would love to identify a few more people who could attend on a Friday morning, to make some coffees and teas, do a little bit of washing up and to spend time with the parents and carers who attend. This is a very meaningful bit of our ministry to these families - and a great opportunity to come alongside them and to encourage them to try out other elements of our work with children and young people. Thank you for anything you can do - this is such an important area of St Mary's mission - and one in which we can all play a part. Ian Sansbury 12

13 October marks the start of the final and busiest quarter of the year for Just. As our suppliers release their AW18 ranges and we stock up for Christmas there will be a lot going on in the next few weeks. There are some fabulous new bamboo sock designs this autumn from Thought clothing and new bags and scarves from Earth Squared. Lanka Kade continue to bring out new wooden toys with dinosaurs and unicorns added to the range this year. Our new stockist for Winter 2018 will be Pachamama knitwear. Pachamama began in 1990 when they started trading goods from the Andean Mountains of South America and since 1996 they have also been trading in handmade wool and cotton products from Nepal. Since those early days Pachamama has developed strong and sustainable relationships with their suppliers based on mutual respect for all links in the chain of production - from sourcing and collecting raw materials to designing and marketing finished products. They have been loyal to their original philosophy and have been working with some of the same producers for 20 years - ensuring continuous and solid economic and social growth for a large number of people. We hope you will enjoy snuggling up in a hat or some gloves this winter or that you find the perfect gift for someone this Christmas. The Christmas food includes the old favourites and a few new ideas; including some new biscuits, cookies and chocolate from Traidcraft such as Chocolate Chunk & Sour Cherry Shortbread Rounds, Divine Dark Chocolate Coated Black We look forward to seeing you in Just over the next few months as you browse for Christmas ideas or treat yourself to something new. Opening hours Just 11 High Street, Wendover Shop: Monday - Friday 10.00am-5.00pm Saturday 10.00am-4.00pm atstmarys@gmail.com Office: Monday - Friday 10.00am pm (not Wednesday) Telephone: info@stmaryswendover.org.uk 13

14 Healing and Wholeness at St Mary's Sunday, 28 October at 4.00pm All are warmly invited to attend this short, gentle service and to experience God's healing touch. You can simply sit in stillness or, if you wish, respond to an invitation to receive prayer from others and the laying on of hands if desired. This invitation is open to everyone in the community. If you know anyone who you think might find it helpful, please do not hesitate to tell them about it. It is not necessary to be a regular church-goer to attend. It has been appreciated by people suffering from loss, physical and mental illness and trauma of various kinds, as well as by others who care for people who are unwell. Margaret Heald Charitable Funds Available If you need some extra cash for books or any other sort of help as you go or continue to go to University then we have access to a small charity. Please contact me for details. Similarly if you are older and finding it difficult to pay for something please also get in touch. Jennifer Ballantine ( , j.ballantine.13@gmail.com) 14

15 October Sunday Services 7 October 8.00am Holy Communion, St Mary s (Foodbank) 9.00am Holy Communion, St Mary s HARVEST 10.30am Parish Communion, St Mary s 6.00pm Confirmation Service, St Mary s 14 October 8.00am Holy Communion, St Anne s 9.00am 10.30am 6.00pm 6.30pm Holy Communion, St Mary s All Age and Baptism Service, St Mary s Evensong, St Michael s, Halton Contemplative Fire, St Mary s 21 October 8.00am Holy Communion, St Anne s 9.00am 10.30am 6.00pm Holy Communion, St Mary s Parish Communion, St Mary s Evensong, St Michael s, Halton 28 October 8.00am Holy Communion, St Anne s 9.00am 10.30am 6.00pm Holy Communion, St Mary s Explore, St Mary s Evensong, St Michael s, Halton 4 November 8.00am Holy Communion, St Mary s (Foodbank) 9.00am Holy Communion, St Mary s 10.30am 6.00pm Parish Communion, St Mary s Holy Communion, St Michael s, Halton 15

16 Mornings & Evenings Regular Activities Home groups Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday (9am) Morning Prayer at St Anne s Tuesday (7.30-9pm) Thursday (9.30 am) Bell Ringing Practice at St Mary s Communion at St Anne s 2nd Thursday of 2 monthly intervals Pastoral Care Visiting Team 3 rd Thursday of month (10.15am-11.45am) Sages a fellowship for the Senior Ages, at Wendover Christian Centre. Friday (10am-12 noon) Friday (7pm-9pm) Friday (7.30pm-9pm) 1st Saturday of month ( am) Sunday (10.15am-11.30am) Noah s Ark an ecumenical play group, at Wendover Christian Centre. Amazing Donkey Youth Club, at Wendover Youth Centre Friday night is music night, at St Mary s Prayer Ministry at St Mary s, with intercessions on a theme. Junior Church for all ages, at St Mary s (during 10.30am service). Sunday (10.15am-11.30am) Youth at St Mary's (Surge) for ages (during 10.30am service), venue varies. 1st Sunday of month Collection of food for Chiltern Foodbank, at St Mary's Please direct any enquiries to the Parish Office, Just, 11 High Street, Wendover - phone or info@stmaryswendover.org.uk Unable to get to church? For Community Bus transport to the 9.00 service, please contact the Parish Office, or for Home Communion contact Sally Moring on or vicar@stmaryswendover.org 16