PLYMPTON PILGRIMS THE. plymptonchurch.co.uk plymptonstmaurice.co.uk

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1 THE PLYMPTON PILGRIMS plymptonchurch.co.uk plymptonstmaurice.co.uk 1 contribution March 2017 All the paths of the LORD are loving kindness and truth to those who keep His covenant and His testimonies. Psalm 25 v 10 1

2 PLYMPTON TEAM MINISTRY CONTACTS PARISH STAFF Revd. Robert Harris 209 Ridgeway Revd. Roger Beck 81 Fore St, St Maurice Revd. Mark Brimicombe 4 David Close, Plympton Revd. Ian Provost 8 Larkhall Rise, Plymouth READERS Mr Bob Harrison 22 Almond Drive, Plympton Mrs Margaret Provost 8 Larkhall Rise, Plymouth TEAM OFFICE (both Parishes) Open 9.30 am to 12.30pm (Mon-Fri) Mrs Sarah Duckworth stmarysplympton@gmail.com CHURCH WARDENS - St Mary s Mr Kenneth Kingwell 11 Rashleigh Avenue Mr Peter Leigh 8 Longmeadow Close CHURCH WARDENS - St Maurice Mr Val Taylor 14 Langdale Close, Plymouth, PL6 8SP (Incl Hall Bookings) Mr Ken Ward 21 Maidenwell Close PL7 1RB PCC SECRETARY - St Mary s Debbie Tozer via deborahtozer@aol.com PCC SECRETARY - St Maurice Mrs Gill Easterbrook TEAM SAFEGUARDING REPRESENTATIVE Mr David J. Farley FarleyDjUK@aol.com Courtland Crescent SAFEGUARDING REPRESENTATIVE - St Maurice Mrs Shirley Rogers e mail: rightdk2@virginmedia.com Mob / CHILDREN S ADVOCATE - St Mary s Mrs Sarah Duckworth duckworth11@hotmail.co.uk BELL RINGERS Mrs Mary Nicholls - St Mary s: Practices Mondays 7.30pm-9pm Janet Farrage -St Maurice: Practices Wednesdays 7pm-9pm (not Aug) STEWARDSHIP SECRETARY Claire-Louise Journeaux - St Mary s Mrs Margaret Lugar - St Maurice [Cont p26] 2

3 PLYMPTON TEAM MINISTRY PLYMPTON ST MARY PLYMPTON ST. MAURICE Serving Christ in the heart of Plympton and beyond March 2017 Dear Friends, Prayer is the breath of the new-born soul, and there can be no Christian life without it Rowland Hill I hope that you are all looking forward to Lent this year. It is a season for the renewal of Christian life as we seek to grow closer to God; to enter into a deeper understanding of our Faith; and to become more fully the people God wills us to be. It is a time of great hope as we look forward to commemorating the great acts of our Redemption and the joy of the Resurrection. This year there are many opportunities to participate in the process of renewal. These include our participation in regular worship and, in particular, our engagement with spiritual disciplines such as the Stations of the Cross each week. Central to this renewal must be a focus upon prayer, both individual and corporate. Bishop Robert has made growing in prayer the first priority in our Diocesan Vision & Strategy: - Growing in prayer We want to grow in prayer, living a life close to God. This means taking risks as we become more honest with ourselves and more honest with God. Prayer opens up deep places within us to God s grace which is why it is such a life-giving activity. Growing in prayer is essential if we are to witness to God s Kingdom and become the people God has called us to be. + Robert Exon Yet, if we are honest, prayer is something with which we sometimes struggle. How do we pray?, What words should we use?, Does God hear me?, What difference does it make? are but a few of the questions we may be tempted to ask. Then, because we may be worried that we are not very good at it we find it easy to give up. However, prayer isn t as hard as you may think. Clement of Alexandria said, Prayer is conversation with God. Even when we cannot find the words for such a conversation God is with us and enables our prayer, Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. Romans

4 This year our Lent groups are going to take prayer as their theme. It is hoped that this will not only enable us to explore the nature of prayer and its significance for the Christian life but also enable us to grow in our own life of prayer. I hope that many of you will make a special effort to take part in these groups. Prayer isn t just part of the Diocesan strategy. It is the lifeblood of the Church. With my prayers and best wishes, Robert ST MARY S NOTEBOOK LENT ASH WEDNESDAY 1st March. There will be a Eucharist at 8.30 am with the Imposition of Ashes and a Sung Eucharist with Imposition of Ashes at 7.30 pm. Please ensure that you return your old palm crosses to church by Sunday 26th February and make a special effort to be present at one of our services. FRIDAYS IN LENT Stations of the Cross at noon. This devotion enables us to make a spiritual journey on the Way of the Cross as we commemorate the death and passion of Jesus. This will be followed by a Lent Lunch. LENT GROUPS This year we shall be following a course on Prayer written by Mark Brimicombe. Further details will be published in the parish newsletter. HOLY COMMUNION AT HOME The Blessed Sacrament is reserved in church for the Communion of the Sick and housebound and the Sacrament of Anointing is also available. Please contact one of the clergy. Also please let Ron and Cherry Nicholls (Tel: ) know of anyone suffering from sickness at home or in hospital who keep the clergy informed. MOTHERS' UNION An amusing talk by Mrs Margaret Provost on February 8th on living in a vicarage. Thank you Margaret. Our next meeting is 1st March in church at 2pm for Holy Communion. Also Pauline Nicholls will be enrolled into Mother's Union. Friday 3rd March Woman's World Day of prayer 1.30pm at Our Lady of Lourdes in Vicarage Road. The theme is Am I Being Unfair To You by the Women of the Philippines. Marguerite Coaker THE CHILDREN S SOCIETY ANNUAL BOX COLLECTION I will be collecting your boxes from now and as usual please bring them to me in Church or if you would like me to collect the box from you at home just give me a ring. Thank you Margaret Leigh tel

5 FLOWERS FOR EASTER AND THROUGH THE YEAR I will again be taking donations in memory for the Easter lilies. If you would like to donate to this please let me have your gift in an envelope, together with the name(s) of the people you wish to remember as soon as possible Also: I will be making a new Altar Flower rota from Easter 2017 to Lent 2018, if you would like to donate and or arrange the flowers during this period please let me now. I do not require the money until a fortnight before the date, but it is helpful to know the dates you require as soon as possible. Joan Humphries FAIRTRADE EASTER EGGS These are the only Easter eggs made with Fairtrade chocolate, which is very tasty, and they come with a little story book of the Easter Story, or some have a little puzzle book. No palm oil, or Shea butter is used which is a big plus due the environmental concerns. Also, 10p from each 150g egg is donated to Traidcraft exchange. You may have found some in supermarkets from the middle of February, but only in limited numbers, so please get them from me if unable to source them elsewhere! Christine Harris Tel: REFLECTIONS ON CHRISTMAS AT ST MARY S The Crib Service- Angels galore, shepherds and sheep, grumpy King Herod, an innkeeper, Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus and, of course, a donkey. Revd Robert read the oft repeated story which was interspersed with carols and a few ad libs. The children taking part were obviously enjoying the experience, those in the congregation looked enthralled. The Church was packed - it was indeed a service to be remembered and I feel sure the children who were there and all adults who were there will be there again next year. It was truly lovely so well done to all those involved. Judith Bye Although it seems a long time ago now, this report reminds us that special services will always help to ensure our door is open to all - as it should be all through the year. Editor A visitor experience- When I came to the Christmas Eve Midnight Mass, and the Christmas Morning service, I posted on Facebook a nice description of how enjoyable those services had been with all our singing, and how friendly it had been. However one of my closest friends said she didn't realise that I was religious! She had forgotten that she used to join me for the Christmas Eve Midnight Service years ago. I realised that people rarely mention their faith or church these days. The social pressure that has dominated for decades, has been the ridiculing of Christian faith, which has led to embarrassment for Christians in "admitting" their faith. So they keep it quiet as if it was shameful. 5

6 I realised that we need to bring back the habit of mentioning our faith and church in normal conversation. This way people will not forget we are Christians, and having our faith and Church being talked about again as people used to when I was young, would remove all perceived stigma and embarrassment, and so bring people back to Church. Helen McCall from an to Revd. Robert. PINEWOOD CLOSE (Rev Roger Beck s previous Home) By the time that you read this magazine hopefully we will have enough volunteers to start preparing and painting all the rooms in 27 Pinewood Close. However, if you didn t see the Notice in Church asking for help and you would like to assist with this or indeed in any other jobs that will need doing e.g the Garden, please speak to Peter Leigh tel Nancy Johnson In His Service Lord, open my eyes Let me see The small tasks that get forgotten Let me talk To the quiet ones, the newcomers. Let me share The sorrow of a friend s heart. 10 th August th January 2017 Nancy provided this poem for the Pilgrim exactly 2 years ago and I thought it would be a fitting memory of her that reminds us of her and her faith in action Phil Smith Let me listen To the one who needs to talk. Let me speak When I say something useful Let me support The ones who make decisions. Let me work For those in need. Let me laugh As we share happiness together. Let me do What needs to be done To make this place Part of your kingdom. Nancy Johnson 6

7 STUDY DAY FOR THE TEAM MINISTRY SATURDAY 11TH MARCH IN THE PARISH HALL 10.00am 3.00pm led by Professor David Catchpole THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS OF NAZARETH: REVISITED & REVIEWED Professor Catchpole writes: The Gospel writers do not end their narratives with a grim and ghastly death but with unexpected light at the end of the tunnel of darkness. They and their fellow-believers called it resurrection, something intensely real to them and intensely meaningful for all thoughts about Jesus from then on. Our researches have to examine the phenomenon of visionary experiences of the bereaved, which would scarcely have been sufficient to generate resurrection thinking, and we also have to probe the stories of an unoccupied tomb which may have been more vital than is sometimes supposed. And the place to start perhaps not the obvious one is the extraordinary story of an ascension! What can be made of that, we might ask? On any account, the end of the story of Jesus became the beginning of another story which is still not finished. Whatever it is that can be labelled historical becomes the basis for a remarkable theological flourishing. To give but one example, Paul was not content to see the resurrection as an event we look back to: for him it was a reality which Christian people actually share! On Saturday 11th March we will remember that. It is helpful to have an idea of numbers attending. Please sign the list available in both churches and take a programme. Roger Beck THANKS FOR THE WONDERFUL SUPPORT OF THE PLYMPTON AND DISTRICT CIVIC SOCIETY AND OTHERS St Mary s has benefited greatly from a group of community stalwarts who continue to tend the hedges, banks and greenery around the churchyard. But also I managed to catch in the act John Netherton and Roger Good. I am also aware of the labours of Dave Pearn, Peter and Paula Rhodes, John and Nan Willis, some of whom are not under a Civic Society umbrella, with John Boulden s name also prominent. I am sure I have missed people, whether regular or occasional helpers, with this never-ending task so I apologise if I've missed anyone! Many thanks to all you hidden people who work so hard to ensure the churchyard is regularly maintained. Editor 7

8 ST MAURICE NOTEBOOK LENT begins on ASH WEDNESDAY - 1st March. There will be a Eucharist (said) at 9.30am and (sung) at 7.30pm both with Ashing. In the Gospel for the day (Matthew 6.1-6,16-21) we hear again what have become the three aspects of Lenten discipline PRAYER, FASTING & ALMSGIVING. There are many ways in which these can be practiced by the individual but there is one which both takes in all three and marks the day of the crucifixion. This is the Stations of the Cross at 12noon each Friday followed by a Lent lunch of soup and cheese from 12.30pm with donations to support the work of the Food Bank. By the time you read this we will have had a talk on this work over a Sunday coffee. It will also be possible to support the Food Bank with gifts of food through a box in church. Some years ago there was a slogan Keep Sunday Special perhaps during Lent we could Keep FRIDAY Special and make prayer, fasting and almsgiving part of our Lent and do this together. Saturday 25th March THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE LORD TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY. There will be a Eucharist for Lady Day at the Lady altar at 10.00am. This day is particularly observed by members of the Mothers Union. Fr Roger ST MAURICE MOTHERS UNION MARCH DIARY Wednesday 1st 9.30am Ash Wednesday Corporate Communion Friday 3rd 1.30pm Women s World Day of Prayer at Our Lady of Lourdes in Vicarage Road ( Shared service in Plympton) Tuesday 14th 1.30pm Julian of Norwich with Patricia Stokes MU Speaker, Reader. Friday 24th 12noon Lent Lunch provided by MU Saturday 25th 11am LADY DAY in EXETER Cathedral with Bishop Sarah Tuesday 28th 12noon Parish Lunch The National AGM is planned to take place in Edinburgh from 29th -30th September Packs should be available currently to provide members with relevant information if required. The MU representative at the UN Commission on the Status of Women in 2017 will be formed by a delegation of representatives handpicked from our membership to provide a voice of knowledge and experience which firmly roots Mothers Union as an authority against Gender based violence. Away from it All please do refer to your priest if you aware of any person who could benefit from this scheme. Last year 26 families were provided with short break holidays through the Exeter Diocese Mothers Union. Rose Jones PLYMPTON ST MAURICE LADIES BREAKFAST The Parish Ladies Breakfast is held on the first Saturday of the month at Wetherspoons (Stannary Court) on The Ridgeway at 9 30am. The next Breakfast will be on Saturday 4th March at 9 30am. Do join us for good food and good company with no washing up. You can be sure of a warm welcome. Either just turn up or contact Sue Hawes

9 Church of England Devon Magazine Good News from the Diocese of Exeter February and March 2017 (extracts) Fund award will help refugees Funding to help house Syrian refugee families in North Devon has been included in the second round of awards from the diocesan Mission and Growth fund. The TARKA Community Refugee Sponsorship in the Bideford, Landcross, Littleham, Monkleigh & Weare Giffard Mission Community has been awarded 10,000 towards the costs of supporting a Syrian family relocating to the UK. Lead sponsor on the project Brian Walker said: Thanks to the fund we already have enough to welcome our first family. We are now searching for two 3/4 bedroom houses. The Syrian families will pay the local market rental for a lease of two years, with us helping when necessary. We need furniture, appliances, household goods and more, for two family homes. Our initiative is open to all who wish to help refugees. A total of 13 grants were received. Five applications were unsuccessful but all were encouraged to resubmit their applications taking into account the comments and suggestions from the panel. St Andrew s, Cullompton has been awarded 15,000 towards the cost of funding a Pastor to families in severe need and a parish safeguarding officer. Plymouth City Deanery has been awarded 5,678 towards the cost of hosting a Leading Your Church into Growth conference. The Edgemoor Group (Bishopsnympton, Charles, East Anstey, High Bray, Hope slogan from the Calais Jungle Camp Knowstone, Mariansleigh, Molland, North Molton, Twitchen, Rose Ash and West Anstey) has been awarded 12,045 towards the cost of funding a Group Administrator. St Mark s, Exeter has been awarded 3,000 towards the cost of relocating their coffee servery and the provision of a children s area. St Peter s Foundation, Salcombe has been awarded 15,000 to help further the work of the Foundation. St Paul s, Stonehouse, Plymouth has been awarded towards the cost of funding a full time Project Worker. Bideford and the 4 parishes Mission Community have been awarded 15,000 towards the cost of funding a part time Children s and Family s Coordinator. Visit facebook.com and search for TARKA Community Refugee Sponsors, and North Devon Refugee Solidarity for gifts in kind. You may also donate online, visit justgiving.com and search for Tarka. 9

10 Welcoming refugees Churches in our diocese have been working to support families coming to Devon as part of the government and UN programme with the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation scheme. In East Devon and at Bideford, community sponsorship projects have been launched to accommodate and resettle Syrians locally. Additionally churches have been welcoming people to Devon and especially offering practical help to the children and young people being temporarily housed at Torrington. Martyn Goss, Director of Church and Society at the Diocese of Exeter, said: These initiatives are wonderful signs of hospitality, generosity and solidarity, all profound Christian values, expressed by local people in response to a global challenge. They hold up beautiful symbols of hope in unpredictable and uncertain times. Elsewhere Christians are also involved in other projects and activities, including About Time and Open Doors International in Plymouth, where there are already existing refugees as part of the earlier government dispersal programme. West Dartmoor churches recently donated nearly 1,000 to support the About Time project. The Diocese of Exeter has set up a page on its website to encourage and suggest ways that local congregations, parishes and individuals can Volunteer Chris serves food at the About Time weekly lunch in Plymouth continue to support displaced people seeking sanctuary locally, and to challenge the causes that lead to the global crisis such as environmental destruction conflict and persecution. Visit exeter.anglican.org/resources/fa ith-action/refugees-in-devon to find out more. Bishop sleeps out for YMCA Bishop Sarah is taking part in this year s YMCA sleepout. The Sleep Easy event takes place on 4 March in Exeter Castle. Over the 7 years YMCA Exeter has run the event they have raised over 115,000 to support their work with young people who have experienced neglect, domestic violence or family breakdown. Bishop Sarah said: I can t begin to imagine what it is like to be young and homeless but hope that by joining Sleep Easy 2017 I can make a small contribution to YMCA who can make a difference. For details and to donate visit sleepeasyexeter.org.uk 10

11 Fridays are a time of excitement as residents in the Chaucer Way estate in Plymouth anticipate the arrival of the big blue bus bringing tea and cake and the chance to chat. Phil Baul and his wife Chris have been running the bus since it was donated to them by First Buses in The pair moved to the area in 2008 with the aim of helping the 13 churches of the old Devonport Deanery with their children and families work. After plans for a community centre fell through, the couple, who work for the Church Army, had the idea of a bus and every Friday now park up in Congreve Gardens from 10am to 2pm. Phil said: We have seen friendships develop and we have a growing number joining us on social outings. People from the bus have since joined in an Alpha course at church and young people from the Discovery College run by the YMCA also use it. He adds: We all believe this project has been God inspired! Bishop CATCH THE BUS Robert recently travelled on the bus as part of his visit to the Plymouth area. Meanwhile, as part of our Bishops going out and about around the Diocese, Bishop Sarah met people in Barnstaple and visited patients and staff at the North Devon District Hospital. In January Bishop Sarah will also have visited Totnes Deanery and Bishop Nick is going to Torrington Deanery. It is part of a year of visits to communities in Devon, to listen to people s concerns and talk about the new vision for the Church in Devon. Melanesia event raises funds for Sisters The Sisters and Novices enjoying their lunch of rice and fish thanks to the Lunch Appeal organised through the Melanesian Mission. A fundraising lunch in Escot church has raised 312 to support the work of the Melanesian Sisters through the Melanesian Mission charity based in East Devon and with whom we are linked as a diocese. Around 50 people enjoyed the event. Katie Drew, Executive Officer of the Mission said: This donation will ensure that all the Sisters and Novices at the religious orders headquarters and training centre will have lunch for the next three months. Before this appeal was started only those in most need would have lunch, and the health of the Community was suffering. For details visit: 11

12 S t a m p C o l l e c t i n g God is rather like a stamp collector, you know. I remember hearing this in a sermon by that great Biblical scholar Canon John Fenton. There was a collective silence wondering what on earth he meant. You see, the thing about stamp collectors, he continued, is that they love stamps with oddities and quirks, the ones that aren t completely perfect. God is the same with us. He loves us as we are, with all our oddities and quirks; he delights in them. I found this immensely reassuring - the thought of God delighting in the real me with all my mistakes, rough edges, and bits missing the individual me, the whole me, warts and all. Of course, I can t deny that there are aspects of me that go beyond oddity into sinfulness things that need righting and transforming. That is true for all of us, and Lent is when we bring the real me to God for his forgiveness and healing. But any such healing will surely respect the individual people we have become. I m sure serious stamp collectors gently clean and restore their prized possessions; but they still preserve the quirks and oddities which make a particular stamp unique. God has made a creation in which we each emerge as the unique people we are. He rejoices in our individuality. And Christ s resurrection suggests that individuality will continue into eternity: Christ is recognisably himself, even down to the holes in his hands and feet. If God rejoices in our individuality, and all our quirks and qualities, then so should we. He loves us as ourselves, as you, as me. Remembering that may stop us beating ourselves up for falling short of some image of perfection which we think we should be striving for, but inevitably never attain. We re not called to be alabaster saints; we re called to be ourselves. So do pause on your Lenten journey to feel God s love for you as you. Do thank him for transforming you now and in the future into the perfection of yourself. And do delight in who you are, just as he does. The Ven Dr Mark Butchers Archdeacon of Barnstaple Please note these are relevant extracts from the recent February and March News. Twitter.com/cofedevon Facebook Diocese of Exeter 12

13 FROM THE ST MARY S REGISTERS 2017 BAPTISMS 15th January th February 2017 Grace Marie Connelly Lily Rose Parker Charlie Isaac Blackmore Evelyn Frances Melvin MARRIAGES [None to report] FUNERALS & INTERMENTS OF ASHES 23rd January Graham Ian Silver aged 60 27th January Phyllis Rosina Knight aged 89 31st January Leon George Carder aged 79 1st February Sylvia May Boulden aged 78 8th February (Gladys) Nancy Johnson aged 97 FROM THE ST MAURICE REGISTERS 2017 [None to report this month] DO NOT WORRY Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labour or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these. Matthew Ch 6 v

14 MAIN SERVICES FOR ST MARY S MARCH TH MARCH FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT 8.00 am Holy Communion 9.30 am Morning Prayer (in choir) am Parish Eucharist am Baptism 6.30 pm Evensong 12TH MARCH SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT 8.00 am Holy Communion 9.30 am Morning Prayer (in choir) am Family Eucharist & welcome of newly baptised am Morning Prayer at CUC 6.30 pm Evensong 19TH MARCH THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT 8.00 am Holy Communion 9.30 am Morning Prayer (in choir) pm Parish Eucharist am Baptism 6.30 pm Evensong 26TH MARCH FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT (MOTHERING SUNDAY) 8.00 am Holy Communion 9.30 am Morning Prayer (in choir) am Parish Eucharist am Eucharist at CUC 6.30 pm Evensong During term time St Mary s Sunday Club (from age 3) meet in the Parish Hall and join the Parish Communion at the Peace. CUC is Chaddlewood United Church, who meet at Chaddlewood Farm Community Centre. WHAT ARE THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS OR THE WAY OF THE CROSS, ALSO KNOWN AS WAY OF SORROWS OR VIA CRUCIS? These terms refer to a series of images depicting Jesus Christ on the day of his crucifixion. The stations grew out of imitations of Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem which is believed to be the actual path Jesus walked to Mount Calvary. The object of the stations is to help the Christian faithful to make a spiritual pilgrimage through contemplation of the Passion of Christ. The images are often used to support devotional readings and prayers on Fridays during Lent, especially Good Friday, following the path of Jesus to the crucifixion. Often followed by a simple meal and donating alms to a suitable charity. 14

15 SERVICES FOR ST MAURICE MARCH TH MARCH FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT am Sung Eucharist 12TH MARCH SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT am Sung Eucharist 19TH MARCH THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT am Sung Eucharist 26TH MARCH FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT am Sung Eucharist Seekers Sunday School meets in the Church Hall at 10am. On one Sunday in the month (usually 4th) they are in church for an All Age Eucharist. There are Lent events at both St Maurice and St Mary s during the whole of March. Check the information on pages 4 and 8, the websites and Facebook for more information. 15

16 THE MAN WHO BROUGHT US THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE A reluctant author who created characters loved by millions of children died 20 years ago this month, on 21st March 1997, aged 85. The Rev Wilbert V Awdry is best known as the writer of Thomas the Tank Engine and 25 other railway books, which at the time of his death had sold an estimated 50 million copies. He invented the stories initially to tell his son Christopher when he was ill with measles, and had to be persuaded by his wife Margaret to get them published. Mr Awdry, who was made an OBE shortly before his death, was a clergyman who ministered in Hampshire, Wiltshire, Birmingham and Cambridgeshire. He was also a pacifist who once lost his curacy as a result. He was always interested in railways, having listened to steam trains ascending the grade into the nearby Box Tunnel in Surrey. The Fat Controller in the stories is sometimes thought to be a God-like figure, but he was intended as a satire on bureaucracy. For Mr Awdry, the morality of the stories was clearly Christian, and analogies between the Christian faith and the ways of the railway were obvious: the engines are meant to stay on the right track, and they pay the price if they go off the rails. But they are always forgiven, and never scrapped. Asked how he hoped to be remembered, he said he would like his epitaph to say that he helped people see God in the ordinary things of life, and he made children laugh. THE GREAT DAFFODIL APPEAL Here is an opportunity to support a really worthwhile cause. March brings us the annual Marie Curie s Great Daffodil Appeal, and volunteers are always needed for collections. Could you help? Founded in 1986, the Appeal helps fund Marie Curie nurses to care at home for people living with any kind of terminal illness. In 2013/14, Marie Curie was able to support 40,844 people living with a terminal illness. People cared for by Marie Curie Nurses are three times less likely to be admitted to hospital in an emergency at the end of their lives. Seven out of 10 people cared for by Marie Curie Nurses are able to die in their own homes. ENGLISH TOURISM WEEK: 25TH MARCH 2ND APRIL It s time to celebrate English Tourism Week! Lots of events are planned across the country. Tourists certainly help keep Britain great. Did you know that the English tourism sector is the third largest employer in the country? It supports 2.6 million jobs and is a major employer of school leavers. In England, the visitor economy is worth a staggering 106bn a year. For a host of tips and suggestions, visit: 16

17 LADIES GROUP St Mary's and St Maurice have a joint Ladies' group for women of working age (18-65ish) to meet and take part in a variety of activities. Please check the church website or Facebook page for details of the next event. Alternatively, contact Christine Harris, Sarah Duckworth or Claire-Louise Journeaux. (See contacts on page 2). Attending Groups: Church groups are open to all. Many meetings, like Mother s Union, can be attended just because the topic is of interest or you. Obviously you can become a member if you wish. Do contact the person listed if you are not sure about arrangements. You will be welcomed, I am sure! This is where church groups differ from clubs, as the barriers to attending should be zero! Editor MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL HOW DO YOU SEE YOURSELF THIS LENT? Somebody asked a Christian friend why he was eating doughnuts, when he had given them up for Lent! He answered, At the bakers I told God, that if He wanted me to buy doughnuts, He should provide a parking space in front. On the eighth time around, there it was! Rather than seeing Lent simply as a time to give things up, let s use it intentionally for self-examination, reading Scripture, penitence, fasting and prayer. At Jesus baptism, God s voice says, You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased. (Luke 3:22). The Holy Spirit then leads Jesus into the wilderness, where we find Him coming to terms with who He is. Satan s temptations challenge Jesus in key three areas of His identity: social action, political power, and religious identity (Luke 4: 1-13). It is as though Jesus looked into the mirror at Himself to discern what kind of Saviour He would be. We can also think of Lent as an opportunity to hold a mirror up to ourselves and ask the question, who am I? It is a season of honest encounter with who we are, what we ve done, and the world in which we live. How will you keep the Lent period of 40 days running up to Easter? What will you see when you hold up the mirror to yourself? Alongside taking time to read Scripture, study a Christian book and pray with fasting, why not give up texting for Lent and simply talk on the phone; commit ourselves to just working 40 hours a week or spend five minutes each day in silence! Whatever we do, Lent is a season for self-reflection, as we put ourselves in a position to receive afresh the forgiveness and healing that God offers. Errata: February s article WHAT S IN A HYMN? came from an item placed in my church pigeon-hole. It was with a different article from Mavis Buttle but I was wrong in attributing this to her. My sincere apologies (I hope it was of interest, nevertheless!) Editor 17

18 BIBLE CROSSWORD FOR MARCH 2017 [Uses NIV Bible as source. Answers to the clues are on page 25] 28 Abraham s brother (Genesis 22:23) (5) 29 When Mordecai learned of that had been, he tore his clothes (Esther 4:1) (3,4) 30 Sympathetic (Proverbs 11:16) (4-7) Across 1 These letters come between Romans and Galatians (11) 9 You will not me to the grave (Psalm 16:10) (7) 10 King of Moab to whom the Israelites were subject for 18 years (Judges 3:14) (5) 11 Town possessing mineral spring (3) 13 Mede (anag.) (4) 16 High-fidelity (abbrev.) (4) 17 He succeeded his father Rehoboam as king of Judah (1 Kings 14:31) (6) 18 A son of Simeon (Genesis 46:10) (4) 20 Controversial religious book of the 1970s, The of God Incarnate (4) 21 He has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you and hear (Acts 2:33) (3,3) 22 You me together in my mother s womb (Psalm 139:13) (4) 23 Edit (anag.) (4) 25 Who has believed our message and to whom has the of the Lord been revealed? (Isaiah 53:1) (3) Down 2 That was why his parents said, He is ; ask him (John 9:23) (2,3) 3 Integrated Services Digital Network (1,1,1,1) 4 4 Saul has slain his thousands, and David his of thousands (1 Samuel 18:7) (4) 5 Concept (John 8:14) (4) 6 Do we, then, the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law (Romans 3:31) (7) 7 Industrious (2 Timothy 2:6) (11) 8 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you (Ephesians 1:18) (11) 12 Out of the same mouth come and cursing (James 3:10) (6) 14 This was how many of the Jewish leaders described Jesus (John 10:20) (3) 15 Vitality (Job 20:11) (6) 19 He urged David to kill Saul at Hakilah (1 Samuel 26:8) (7) 20 So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul with the church and taught great numbers of people (Acts 11:26) (3) 24 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord (Deuteronomy 6:4) (2,3) 25 Parched (Matthew 12:43) (4) 26 In the image of God he created him; and female he created them (Genesis 1:27) (4) 27 Disparagement (Psalm 15:3) (4) 18

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20 MELTING POT TRIPS 2017 These coach trips are a great general social opportunity - open to all (invite a friend?) and include the opportunity to take part in a raffle etc during the trip. To book tickets come to the Parish Hall Office any Tuesday between 9.30am-12noon or phone Further information is available from Shiela tel Day Date Destination Cost Friday 17th March Tamar View & Tavistock Friday 21st April St Just & St Mawes 14 Friday 12th May Stourhead (Early start) 18 Friday 23rd June Port Isaac & Wadebridge 13 Friday 21st July Marlwood Hill Gardens 15 Wednesday 9th August Sidmouth Friday 1st September Teignmouth Friday 29th September Lyme Regis 14 Friday 27th October Taunton Friday 17th November Clark s Village & Wells Special congratulations to Beryl Smith who celebrated her 90th birthday recently. Suitable for adults who are beginners or experienced artists 20

21 HENRY S Wood or concrete post; Palisade, gates made to order, High quality treated decking, fencing repairs, Creosoting, all types of landscaping incl patios and paths, Tree felling, lopping, pruning & spraying, fruit tree planting, stump grinding, hedge cutting, shrub pruning, turfing, patios, landscaping, gravelling, weed control, wood bark, jet washing, drainage work, overgrown gardens cleared, all green and garden waste removed. For FREE advice and a no obligation estimate, please call: Tel: Direct: henrysfencing@gmail.com Recommendations Available, Fully Insured, 19 yrs Experience PERSONAL PET AND HOME CARE Do you need help with your pets? We are here to help you! Our services include: Dog walking; Dog boarding & Pet care visits We are a reliable and established business with full insurance Please visit our website for further details or call Lee to discuss your requirements! Tel: Mobile: find us on Facebook Helping YOUR Church No-cost Fundraising 1. Sign up at Stmarysplymptonpcc/ Or plymptonstmauricechurch/ 2. Go to easyfundraising 3. SHOP! (NO CATCHES NO COST) Help us to preserve both your history and your spiritual community Any Questions? Ask Keith Shepperd or Revd. Robert (see contacts pages) 21

22 Watercolour Painting class with Shari Hills Plympton St Maurice Church Hall Thursdays noon Newcomers welcome 75 for 10 week term Counselling 22

23 ST MARY S TABLE TOP SALES These sales are organised to raise funds to support the Church and are not a commercial venture 10am pm ST MARY S CHURCH HALL Saturday 4th March 2017 Saturday 1st April 2017 Saturday 6th May 2017 Table rents 6 for each table Book well in advance - often fully booked months ahead! Contact Marcia Knight on

24 Expert installations and repairs 10 year parts and labour warrantees on selected boilers Fixed price contracts Annual Boiler Maintenance Contracts Local, friendly, trustworthy & reliable engineers 24

25 Crossword Answers from page 18 ACROSS: 1, Corinthians. 9, Abandon. 10, Eglon. 11, Spa. 13, Deem. 16, Hi-fi. 17, Abijah. 18, Ohad. 20, Myth. 21, Now see. 22, Knit. 23, Tide. 25, Arm. 28, Nahor. 29, All done. 30, Kind-hearted. DOWN: 2, Of age. 3, ISDN. 4, Tens. 5, Idea. 6, Nullify. 7, Hardworking. 8, Enlightened. 12, Praise. 14, Mad. 15, Vigour. 19, Abishai. 20, Met. 24, Is one. 25, Arid. 26, Male. 27, Slur. Magazine and Publicity Matters Please submit articles by the 5th of any month for the next month s magazine. editor.plymptonpilgrim@virginmedia.com or put information into the Magazine pigeonhole at the rear of St Mary s or via Val Taylor at St Maurice. Photographs submitted can only be used if permitted by the owner of any copyright. When using photographs of children and young people, it is preferable to use group pictures and written permission must be obtained from parents to use such pictures using forms obtainable from David Farley (Safeguarding Representative) or Phil Smith (Editor) Advertisements, and any service quotes offered, do not imply recommendation by the Church. Grateful thanks go to our advertisers, and to Walter Parson who sponsor the printing. Enquiries for advertising, please contact the Editor but note space is at a premium. 25

26 TEAM CONTACTS (continued from page2) MOTHERS UNION Mrs Anne Tozer - St Mary s Mrs Ann Parkinson - St Maurice (new no] WEEKLY NOTICES - St Mary s Mrs Pauline Nicholls grandma.pauline@btinternet.com HOLY BAPTISM Enquiries to the Team Office on Monday to Friday mornings (348525) or the Office. SUNDAY CLUBS St Mary ssunday mornings at 10am for children aged 3-13 details from David Upcott (341908) or Louise Lewis St Maurice Sunday mornings - SEEKERS at 10am Mr Haydn Davis (Acting Leader) PARENT & BABY/TODDLER Wednesday am in the St Mary s Parish Hall (term time only) PRE-SCHOOL Details from Teresa Talbot BIBLE STUDY PRAYER GROUP BIBLE STUDY GOOD COMPANY TEAM MINISTRY EVENTS COORDINATED BY CUC Monday evenings at 7.30pm led by Rev Ian Provost Details from Judith Goodridge Wednesdays at 9.30am am Details from Beryl Smith th Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm Led by Bob Harrison. Details from Beryl Smith 1st Thursday of each month for ladies on their own Monthly outings and a meal out Details from Judy Willcocks GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING CONTACTS Please contact the Team Office if enquiring about Baptisms, Marriages or Funerals stmarysplympton@gmail.com or Information about church groups, or whom you should contact on any matter, can be obtained by contacting the Team Administrator in the first instance: 9.30am pm Mon-Fri, or using the websites of each church to find the contact information about each group: The combined contacts lists for the two churches have been reduced in length after blending as most information can be obtained simply via the office, the relevant website or Facebook page, or another primary contact. 26

27 PLYMPTON TEAM MINISTRY Daily Services Prayer and worship is at the very heart of our lives both as individuals and as members of a wider Christian community. It is in our prayer and worship that we encounter God and that we are strengthened and fed in Word and in Sacrament. It is in our worship that we experience communion with God and with one another as we seek to live together in that unity which is God s will for us. Monday 8.30 am Morning Prayer, Plympton St. Mary Tuesday 8.30 am Morning Prayer, Plympton St. Maurice am Eucharist, Plympton St. Mary (BCP) 7.00 pm Eucharist, Plympton St. Maurice Wednesday 8.00 am Morning Prayer, Plympton St. Mary 8.30 am Eucharist, Plympton St. Mary 9.30 am Eucharist, Plympton St. Maurice Thursday 8.30 am Morning Prayer, Plympton St. Maurice am Eucharist, St. Vincent s Chapel 7.00 pm Eucharist, Plympton St. Mary Friday 8.00 am Morning Prayer, Plympton St. Mary 8.30 am Eucharist, Plympton St. Mary Saturday 8.30 am Morning Prayer, Plympton St. Mary Services at Chaddlewood United Church (CUC) at Chaddlewood Farm Community Centre (unless stated otherwise) 1st Sunday: 10.30am Methodist Service at Colebrook Meth. Church 2nd Sunday: 10am Anglican Service at Chaddlewood 3rd Sunday: 10am Combined at St Mary s Parish Church 4th Sunday: 10am Anglican Service at Chaddlewood 5th Sunday: at Chaddlewood - see notices for details 27

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