Women s Ministry. Congratulations to the drama group. St Peter s Harrogate. Dec Jan

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1 St Peter s Harrogate Dec Jan For more details of what s going on at St Peter s, please go to: Women s Ministry Congratulations to the drama group Well done to everyone who worked so hard to make the Fawlty Towers production such a special one. Not only did the group play to wonderful audiences night after night, but everyone from lights to sound to props to front of house (and of course Una the prompt) to those responsible for the set, played their full part in making it such a success. Well done to Oliver who starred as Basil, Jane as Sybil, Dill as Manuel, and all the other members of the cast who gave us such fun on stage. Of course the whole production rested with Moo our producer, who as each year, cajoled and threatened, pushed and pulled us all to draw out the best we could do. And on top of it all a hefty profit materialised for church funds. Well done indeed! (And thank you to some of the cast pictured above who happen to sing in the music group.) Tony I write this sitting in the BBC in Leeds after a hectic day of interviews and discussions on radio and television. It started as a knee jerk reaction to the disasterous vote in General Synod against women Bishops which made the church look (as it frequently has been) anti women. I wanted to support women colleagues at St Peter s and to try and take some action which might bring a groundswell of opinion to begin to get the vote over-turned. In discussion with other clergy in Harrogate it was felt that the best way forward would be to call for General Synod members to resign. If there was sufficient demand for that in a petition, it would be a kind of vote of no confidence. If General Synod members did resign, a new election could be held which would test the mind of the wider church and perhaps allow for the issue to come back to Synod much sooner that could otherwise be the case. My hope was that ordinary members of churches would feel moved to sign up, and so provide a support for leaders of the church to use as they work to change what has been a deeply troubling episode. It was into a deeply troubled world that a small child was born all those thousands of Christmases ago. The child was God s response to a broken world and that response of love is of course, just as much needed and looked for as ever. May each of us this Christmas look to share his love and joy and so bring hope and happiness to each corner of his creation. Oh yes, and the petition is at Change.org (General Synod)!

2 Dec / Jan Diary Did you spot that the carol service is on Sunday 23 rd December but it is at 7.00pm? On Sunday 6 th January we will be celebrating Epiphany the feast of the three wise men. Watch out for details of how we will be marking it. There is now so much going on in St Peter s its hard to choose what to put in here. Do make sure that you ve a copy of the information leaflet which Carole produces regularly for full details of all the things taking place, Well done to everyone who put on such splendid events at the end of November the Christmas Fair, the Christmas Tree Competition and of course the Ball. It was a marvellous period and brought us all closer together as well as helping to raise much needed funds for the church. Usual Sunday Services 8.30 Traditional Holy Communion 9.30 Family Communion Sung Morning Service 4.30 Afternoon Church 6.30 Choral Evensong Usual Weekday Services Tuesday Healing Service Wednesday Café RefleXion Thursday Holy Communion in the Lady Chapel Thursday Lunchtime RefleXion Key contacts Vicar: Tony Shepherd , Beech Grove. HG2 0ET ashepherd@talktalk.net Curate: Bernadette Hegarty Christ Church Oval, HG1 5AJ bhgrace@hotmail.co.uk Associate Vicar: Tim Hurren tim.hurren@ntlworld.com (usually Tuesday to Thursday & Sundays) Assistant Priest: Sue Pearce sue.pearce56@btopenworld.com Parish Administrator: Carole Raw or stpeters.office@ntlbusiness.com Churchwardens: Charlotte Bonini Stuart Holland Churchwardens Emeritii: John and Patricia Stableford St Peter s Church address is: Cambridge Road Harrogate HG2 1RW The coming year: There s a lot to look forward to in the New Year. We are being encouraged by the Diocese to put together an action plan. It is called a MAP a Mission Action Plan, and we will be working hard to make sure our various development plans for the future are all incorporated. At the same time, Bernadette and Charlotte have been taking part in a course called Leading your Church into Growth. We will try and draw their experiences there into our plans too. Watch out for further details and of course please pray for God s clear vision for us all as we move into his future. Making Wills It s always a help when people make a will, and if you haven t made one, please think carefully about doing so. It is one way in which we can make provision for family and friends. But you might like to think too about remembering St Peter s in your Will. It is one of the ways which has enabled us to take on our huge new development.

3 CHRISTIAN AID WANTS TAX JUSTICE FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP From Christian Aid: This year has seen the movement for tax justice grow around the world. In the European Union, new laws have been proposed which would make European companies finances more transparent. This could be a vital step towards tax justice, helping poor countries to collect the taxes they are owed. Alpha Lunchtime Express Starting Monday 7th January to 1pm in St Peter s Church Bring your lunch and have hot drink What is Alpha? The Alpha Course is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith. It s relaxed, non-threatening, low key, friendly and fun. Listen, learn, discuss and discover. Ask anything Alpha is a place where no question is too simple or too hostile. It is supported by all main Christian denominations. What s involved? The course consists of a series of talks over 10 weeks, looking at topics such as Who is Jesus? and Why and how do I pray? with plenty of opportunity for discussion. Alpha encourages people to explore things in much more depth than is usually possible and gives everybody, whatever their beliefs or doubts, every opportunity to have their say. Who is Alpha for? Alpha is for anyone who wants to explore Christianity further; Alpha is for New Christians; Or newcomers to the church; And those who want to brush up on the basics. What will it cost? There is no charge for the Alpha course, but you may like to make a contribution towards refreshments. Who should I contact to register my interest? Please contact Helen or Allan Stalker on or Or helen.stalker@barchester.com for more information. These laws now face a vote in the European Union in the coming weeks. Secretary of State for Business Vince Cable will represent the UK Government on this issue. In recent weeks he has openly criticised tax havens and supported improved corporate transparency. Please call on Vince Cable to turn his words into action and make sure the UK Government supports the European Parliament s proposals for new transparency laws. Passing these new laws would make it easier to tackle tax dodging a practice that deprives countries of the money they need to fund essential services such as health and education, and to life their citizens out of poverty. Help now by going to Thank you Nick Anderson, St Peter s Christian Aid Rep. Osteopaths in Harrogate 100 Station Parade Harrogate HG1 1HQ David Davies Tom Cree Eileen Coffey Catherine Gaskell Lenka Beardshall Osteopathy in Harrogate since 1926 Treatment for adults and children

4 St Peter s Evening Fellowship News: November 2012 Have pack will travel with Janet Niepokojczycka Janet's talk could easily be subtitled A walk with Wordsworth'. In June 1987 she set off to walk 400 miles in one month with a Yorkshire Dales pony named 'William Wordsworth' to raise money for 'Search', an archaeological charity. William carried the baggage and camping gear and was a typical Dales pony strong, stocky, sensible and a good doer'. Janet illustrated her talk with stunning slides of her walk showing the uneven terrain and zigzag paths she had to cover through the countryside in the Lakes which varies from forest, fells (mountains), lakes and valleys. Her pictures showed that it was no easy matter travelling with a pony with tricky kissing gates to get through. Her intervention persuaded the National Park to provide two new gates to enable her to cross the A6. On the way, she visited 10 primary schools whose children were keen to take part in this walking history lesson. She always tried to arrive just before lunch time and usually was invited to join the children for a school meal. She also met Chris Bonnington who gave her expert advice on mountaineering. Her climb up to the top of Scafell Pike took her and William three hours and the path was cloaked in mist. Much to our astonishment, she met a group of Japanese tourists and Morris dancers at the top! Forthcoming events 6 December Annual Dinner 7 February The National Trust Mike Bevington Come along on New Year s Eve and pray for the coming year. We light 2013 lights that afternoon and evening and the church looks wonderful in the flickering light. That s at 4.30, and then at we have a Watchnight Service which carries us into Exploring Prayer at St Peter s Do you find it pretty easy to spend time alone in prayer or rather difficult? Would you find being asked to go on a silent retreat a challenge or would you find it an exciting idea? We each have different experiences of prayer, times when prayer comes easily to us, and times when praying might be a struggle. During the month of January we are encouraging all our groups to focus on prayer which is the cornerstone of our journey of discipleship and underpins the mission of the church strengthened by God s guidance. Throughout the month sermons will explore aspects of prayer, there will be special displays on the church windowsills and bible study groups will also take up the theme. This will be followed up later with a morning studying different ways of praying on Saturday, 9 February This will run from 10am to 1pm with a coffee break. Why not come along to see which way might suit you. This brief exploration time will be followed up later on in the year with the chance to explore in more depth the ways we each find most comfortable and how we can pray with and for others. To begin this journey the book Praying Through Life by Stephen Cottrell is a good introduction. If you are interested in getting a copy, please contact Carole in the Parish Office and we can then put in a bulk order. Sue Pearce Tim Hurren PIANO LESSONS Experienced teacher offers piano lessons. Beginners to Grade V (Higher) Adults and children welcome Central Harrogate location. Gillian Tarn

5 Who s who for admin Parish Administrator Carole Raw Magazine Editor Clare Witty, clare.l.walker@btinternet.com Magazine Distribution/Website/Electoral Roll Carole Raw PCC Secretary Kerry Simpson simpsons.home@btinternet.com Communications Christine McManus Who s who for children and young people Headteacher, St Peter's School Julia Collins headteacher@st-peterscofe.n-yorks.sch.uk Boys Brigade Louise McManus louisemcmanus@gmail.com Brownies Mel Milnes Shirley Needham Guides Sue Mackay Rainbows Anna Broadbent Sunday School Angela Court-Johnson Little Lights Angela Humphreys Taking Care Officer Carole Raw Toddlers Frances Roxby-Proud Young People s Task Group Stephen Henry Youth Group Jane Cox Chris & Emma Who s who for learning together Home Groups/Cell Churches Tessa Gilbert Hannah Beck Sharing and Learning Together Christine Jack Town Centre Bible Study Christine Jack Alpha Course Allan and Helen Stalker Who s who for money Building Development Fundraising Kerry Simpson simpsons.home@btinternet.com Fundraising Committee Chris Holland Gift Aid Secretary Deborah Trantor Giving Officers Nick Anderson Tony Wilson Treasurer David Fisher Who s who for music and drama Bells Hannah Beck Director of Music John Longstaff Drama Group Moo Alcock Music Group Ann Shepherd Who s who for cleaning/flowers Church Cleaning Audrey Lambert Flowers Anne Boal Who s who as a Reader Dennis Richards Angie Gardner Christine Jack Who s who for pastoral things Afternoon Fellowship Ann Shepherd Breakfast Club Hannah Beck Fellowship Tony Wilson Home Communion Patricia Stableford Mission Committee Tony Shepherd Visiting Scheme Hannah Beck Sarah Martin (in training) Chris Anderson Healing Prayer Team Sarah Martin Marcus pens second book Church member Marcus Dalrymple has been busy writing a second book, this time a work of fiction. The House of Juarez Street tells the story of a young British tourist kidnapped while travelling in Southern Mexico. Marcus first literary work, Viva Mexico! was published a year ago and is an account of his living in the Sierra Madre. Marcus says his novel is the ideal Christmas gift for armchair travellers, aficionados of Mexico, backpackers and lovers of thrillers. Available from Amazon from 21 December. TRANSPORT TO CHURCH SERVICES Core Skills - Harrogate Programme three sessions next year there are still some places available. This course is intended for developing and extending the skills needed for effective ministry amongst children. Its guiding principles are that all children are made in the image of God. They are loved unconditionally by God and are affirmed in the life and ministry of Jesus. These sessions will be taking place at St. Peter s, in the Bramhall Gallery, 7.15pm- 9.15pm. Refreshments from 7pm. Contact: Graham Richards, Diocesan Youth Advisor for Richmond Archdeaconry or Christine Jack, Diocesan Reader with many years experience in children s work. Mon 28 Jan: Faith in the home Mon 25 Feb: Approaches to prayer Mon 25 Mar: Reviewing the journey and setting the path. We are reviewing our means of enabling members of the congregation to attend services. If you, or anyone you know, find it difficult to get to church and would appreciate transport, let us know by contacting: Chris Anderson (884718) or Patricia Stableford (526767). Please give a name, address and phone number and indicate which service would be attended. (Of course, ask first if it is for someone else). We will assess the numbers and decide on the best way to proceed. Chris Anderson.

6 TOWN CENTRE BIBLE GROUP JANUARY- EASTER FORTNIGHTLY FRIDAY MORNINGS: 10-12am in the Undercroft, St Peter s Church. During this time, we will be looking especially at how our bible reading relates to topical issues both in our churches and in the wider world around us. JANUARY 4 th and 18 th and FEBRUARY 1 st During these three sessions we will be looking at the nature of the Church and Christian Unity. All sessions are biblically based, with some background information and time for reflection and discussion. FEBRUARY 15 th and 22 nd and MARCH 1 st, 8 th and 15 th Glimpses of God is the title of the Lent Course which will be running for these next five sessions. CHRISTMAS SERVICES... Sunday 23 rd December 7.00 Carol Service Christmas Eve Monday 24 th December 4.00 and 5.30 Christingle (Children s Carol services) 7.00 Carols and readings 11.30pm Midnight Mass Christmas Day Tuesday 25 th December 8.30 Holy Communion 9.30 Family Communion Christmas Morning Service New Year s Eve Monday 31 st December pm The lighting of New Year Candles 11.30pm Watchnight Service Bridal and Occasion Accessory Boutique Weddings, Special Occasions Handmade and bespoke dye to match. Winner of Leeds Independent Retailer of the Year 2011 Award Balcony Level. The Corn Exchange. Call Lane, Leeds, LS1 7BR Fully qualified Physiotherapist available for home visits for: Joint aches and pains Rehab after surgery Therapeutic and sports massage Exercise advice Jane Cox BSc (Hons) CSP and HPCreg Tel: or Chill out with God this Christmas...! Join us at St Peter s for Lunchtime Advent Retreats Fridays in December 12.30pm-1pm Keeping body and soul together Window Cleaning and Garden Maintenance Gutters, power washing, fences, hedges and much more...no job too small Fully Insured. Friendly Local and Reliable Service, Free No Obligation Quotes Call Dave Metcalfe on: or dmwindowsandgardens@gmail.com