february 2018 grapevine the magazine of st mary s church rushden & st peter s newton bromswold

Transcription

1 february 2018 grapevine 50p the magazine of st mary s church rushden & st peter s newton bromswold 1

2 Who s who Rector: Rev Canon Stephen Prior The Rectory, Rectory Road, Rushden, NN10 0HA Curate: Rev Natasha Brady 49 Clover Drive, Rushden, NN10 0UE natasha_brady@btinternet.com Readers: Mick Bantin, Ruth Compton, John Dixon, Don Merrifield, Tony Smith Hall Bookings: Pam & Paul Bailey 7 Kenilworth Close, Rushden, NN10 0QH St Mary s Churchwardens: Martin Cromwell, 8 Cheltenham Cl, Rushden, NN10 0YN Gerald Bass, 45 Manor Rd, Rushden, NN10 9EX St Mary s Church Office Tues-Thurs: noon: Pam Bailey, Marion Bates, Sue Prior Webmaster: Sue Prior stmaryschurchoffice@btinternet.com website: Find us on Facebook: stmaryschurchrushden Newton Bromswold Churchwardens Bob Lines, 25 Church Lane, Newton Bromswold, NN10 0SR: Rosemary Gepp, 166 Avenue Rd, Rushden, NN10 0SW Newton Bromswold Website: Follow us on grapevine subscriptions One year s subscription (10 issues) 5 Postal subscription: 10 Large Print Editions are available in church or may be pre-ordered. All monies to Peter & Barbara Coxon 11 Oakpits Way Rushden NN10 0PP pguineapig11@aol.com Any changes to order or details of delivery to: The Church Office stmaryschurchoffice@btinternet.com Phone:

3 grapevine february 2018 In this edition Monthly event for dads, stepdads, granddads or male carers and their younger children [0-6 yrs] with the added bonus of good coffee and a breakfast bap! Saturday 17 February 9.30am 12noon St Mary s Church Hall Adults 3: children free Just turn up! Items for the March grapevine should be sent by Sunday 11 February to Sue Prior either by stmaryschurchoffice@btinternet.com or left in the letterbox outside the office Please include your name and phone number with any submission in case we need to contact you. contents Who s Who 2 Growth in Winter 4 A Wordle on Grace 6 Prayer Corner 6 St Mary s Flowers 6 From the Registers 7 St Mary s News 7 You might like to know 10 News from Newton 11 An Advent Journey 12 Book Review 14 St Mary s Mission Partners 15 Meet the Congregation 16 Cookery Column 17 Mission Quiz Results 18 Friends of St Mary s 19 Diocesan News Looking Back at St Mary s Magazines 23 Local Events 24 Belfry Gossip 28 Diary 29 Crossword Services for February 31 The Back Page 32 3

4 Steve Prior, Rector Growth in Winter * The excitement of Christmas is over and spring is still far away. Let s face it, in mid-january, we are midwinter. There s at least another six weeks of cold, dark days and long, dark nights, perhaps also a storm or two and maybe even some more snow! I know that winter is not everyone s favourite season it s not mine. But it plays a part in God s rhythm of creation and I believe can play an important part in the rhythm of our lives if we let it. What does the Bible have to say about winter? It is clear that it is an intentional part of God s creation. You have fixed the boundaries of the earth, you have made summer and winter. (Psalm 74.17) Whatever we may feel about winter, it is no accident. Instead of wishing it away, we should try to make the most of it, receiving it as a blessing with opportunities of more blessing. That is not to say that winter is easy even in Israel, and the eastern Mediterranean area it is a time of cold, storms and rain. Very importantly, the rains were refreshing the parched land, raising the water table; the fields lay fallow. People spent more time indoors, catching up on more mundane jobs during the months when much activity was impossible. Travel was more difficult and dangerous; even the battles of kings took a break in the bad weather (Jeremiah 36.22). If you did attempt to travel in winter, you might have to break your journey and spend months holed up somewhere until better weather returned, as you can see in Paul s sea-journey to Rome (Acts 27-28). They had to find a safe harbour and then wait until the weather improved. Paul encourages Timothy to come quickly, before winter. (2 Timothy 4.21) And Jesus, in warning his disciples about the disaster that will shortly befall Jerusalem, says, pray that it might not happen in winter (Mark 7.18) as the suffering of those fleeing would be made that much worse. So, you see, as the Bible speaks of winter as part of God s creation, winter is acknowledged as a fallow time. It is a period when the land rests unsown, regaining its strength between one year s harvest and the next year s sowing. It is a time when the soil is nourished by rain, making it productive come the next spring and summer. For people, too, winter was 4

5 a fallow period; the cold, rain and storms kept the Kings from going to war; kept the ships safely in harbour; kept people close to home. Up until a hundred and fifty or so years ago, this would have been the experience in our country, as well. However, modern technology: electricity, central heating, and modern transport have transformed our experience of winter. At the flick of a switch we have light 24 hours a day. We can travel warm and unimpeded in all but the worst weather. Our modern technology brings great benefits, but I fear we are in danger of losing something: the rhythm of life, I fear we are in danger of losing something: - the rhythm of life, moving between periods of great activity and periods of quiet, forced upon us by winter. moving between periods of great activity and periods of quiet, fallow times, forced upon us in the past by winter. When is our fallow period? When is our time of restricted activity? When do we have time to rest, be refreshed and nourished? When do we have time to reflect, to wonder, plan and be creative, to catch up on the things that busy-ness doesn t allow us to deal with? Without nature forcing us to slow down, as it used to, we face a new challenge. We must recognise the necessity of making a rhythm for ourselves, of writing into our diaries times of rest and creating fallow period in our lives. I suggest there are (at least) three areas of fallow times that we might build into our lives: Resting take time to meditate on God, on his Word, on the beauty of his creation Pruning winter is the time for pruning apple trees. Think over the activities in your life. Is there deadwood? Are there things that are bad or non-productive? Are there things that are keeping you so busy that they crowd out what is really important something God is asking you to do? Take note and work to prune them out. Planning, dreaming and doodling be creative, give in to a period when you day-dream and take note of what the Spirit may be saying to you as you doodle. * Taken from a meditation given at the 18 January meeting of PPP. 5

6 At the November evening meeting of PPP, Paul Adams shared with us an acronym remembered from his childhood: GRACE = God s Riches At Christ s Expense. The wordle above was formed of the words used as brainstormed on the meaning of grace. Prayer Corner Lord of light help me to know that you are also Lord of night. And by your choice where all is dark and still and stark you use your voice. Harry Alfred Wiggett Prison Chaplain to Nelson Mandela St Mary s Flowers February 2018 Behind the Communion Table 4 February Mrs E Inwood 11 February Mrs J West Note: there are no flowers decorating the church during Lent. In the Memorial Chapel If anyone wishes to give flowers in memory of loved ones please contact Brenda Dixon,

7 St Mary s News QUIZ NIGHT 17 February 7.30pm St Mary s Church Hall All Welcome! Our names are Hannah Sutton and Harriett Kilborn and we currently attend sixth form at Bishop Stopford School in Kettering. In the summer of 2019, we are planning on going to Sri Lanka for part of our Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award through the organisation Plan My Gap Year, for one month to work in turtle and elephant conservations, teach English in schools and orphanages, and renovate buildings like hospitals and temples. In order to participate in this project we need to raise a total sum of For part of our fundraising we are doing a Quiz Night at St Mary s Church in the Hall on the 17th of February at Hannah will be selling tickets for 3 each. Please come along! Michael Hadley Wins! - AGAIN! Higham Ferrers Home Group held their annual New Year Jolly at The Lamb, Little Harrowden on 8 January. This year we were delighted to be joined by members of Manna and one or two friends from St Mary's and beyond. As has become tradition, we played skittles for the honour of winning the Ken Apted Trophy. Michael Hadley was the champion on the night and for the second year in succession, following a well fought final chase by runner up Sue Eagles (see photo on back cover). From the Registers Baptisms Sunday 14 January 2018 Olivia Jayde Ritchie Sunday 14 January 2018 Regan Ann Swingler Wedding 7 December 2017 Amy Louise Britchford & Antony Robert Whenman Funerals Monday, 20 November 2017 Sally-Ann Nicholson-Hirst (53) Wednesday 3 January 2018 Lionel Wilmott (81) Monday, 8 January 2018 Muriel Eileen Tysoe (86) 7

8 St Mary s News St Mary s News Ladies Group We welcomed Christine and Geoff Twell to the January 2018 meeting of the St Mary s Ladies Group. The Neneview Dairy, at their Redlands Farm home near Stanwick, produces eleven varieties of goats cheese, such as Hobnail Blue, Cobblers Choice and Skyver (notice the Northamptonshire boot and shoe industry connection). We had the opportunity to taste many of their products and then purchase from the selection they brought with them. Since they set up their business, a few years ago, these artisan cheese makers have won many awards and medals. At our next meeting we look forward to a visit from Lesley Harris who will be speaking about the work of Emmaus. Our nearest community of companions is in Carlton, Bedfordshire. Many of us are familiar with their lovely Bistro and value having somewhere to recycle our unwanted household goods. If you have never been, maybe you will be encouraged to visit and support their work in whatever way you can with your giving and prayers. Please contact Cynthia Brown (359590) for further details. The Children s Society Two months have passed since the annual Christingle Service but 8 The Children's Society committee would like to thank those who supported and helped. The Christmas Story, told by Sue Merrifield with help by the children, will be remembered by many, as three children holding figures of the Kings paraded around the church (reminding us the kings went on a very long journey) while Sue continued to tell the story. The children placed the nativity figures on a small tree and then lights were added, reminding everyone that Jesus came to be the Light of the World. 150 Christingle candles were then lit and we all sang Away in a Manger. Donations at this service totalled which will be used to help vulnerable children and young people. The Children's Society Autumn Quiz raised 440. From the 140 entries returned, the three highest scorers (with 99 points each) will each receive 10: Ann Eastham of Chorley, Mrs J Joyce of Wellingborough and Mrs W Stringer of Kettering. The Spring Quiz, Wordymacwordface is now on sale from Committee members, the Parish Office or John at Entries to be returned by 30th June A Quiz and Ploughman's Supper has been arranged for Saturday 24 February in the Church Hall 7-15 for 7-30p.m Admission by ticket 7 from Mary or Chris

9 Highlights from St Mary s PCC 5 th December 2017 Occasional Giving. M Bates reported that a charity called Stewardship, with the website gift.net allows people to donate money electronically to registered churches. The rate for this service currently is 3% per donation. During the first quarter of 2018 the Church of England hope to negotiate an improved rate and also aim to register all churches on this website. St Mary s will begin to advertise this method of occasional giving when we are registered. Lighting. Because the south/ southwest side of the church does not have sufficient lighting a health and safety issue two more lights (one on the southwest corner of the church and one on the outside wall of the Memorial Chapel) would make it safer and more secure. The lights will automatically operate from dusk until dawn, increasing in brightness when there is movement in the vicinity. Removal of tree. The large conifer close to the southwest corner of the church, which is now too large for the churchyard and poses a danger to the structure of the church as well as interfering with the drains, is to be removed. Storage and Carpark. PCC members looked at proposed storage and carpark plans detailing additional storage space in the Church Hall and layout of the carpark. As yet we have not requested quotes, but building costs are expected to approximate 1,000 per square metre ( 34,000) plus the cost of resurfacing the car park. Our new Sunday service for people with additional needs is going well and enjoyed by the families who come. We begin with a short lively service in Church at 2pm and then move across to the lower hall. There, Julia Emtage serves tea and cake and crafts and activities are available. If you know any families or individuals with additional needs (you don t need a diagnosis) who might enjoy this, do encourage them to come along; there is always room for more. The S&S Team Fun Faith n Food It is with great sadness we have decided to stop Fun Faith n Food for the time being. FFF has been running for nine years but, over the past few months, numbers have fallen from 50+ to about 25. We know there are many more after school activities across the town than there were nine years ago and think this may have impacted on our numbers. If there is a demand for such a service in the future (or for something quite different!) we will be happy to think again. Many thanks to Carol for cooking for us and to Joy who has been our faithful tea lady for the whole nine years! Sue Merrifield & Lynne Prior 9

10 You might like to know... Oldest Latin Bible to Return The world s oldest surviving complete Latin Bible returns to the UK this autumn. It left these shores for Rome 1302 years ago, when monks in the northeast of England sent it as a gift to Pope Gregory II. The Codex Amiatinus was one of only three produced at the twin monasteries of Wearmouth and Jarrow. (One has since got lost, and the other survives in fragments.) It was kept safe for centuries at the Abbey of the Saviour in Monte Amiata, in Tuscany. Then in the 18th century it was sent to the Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana, in Florence. It is the Laurenziana which has now agreed to send it back to the UK, alongside the Lindisfarne Gospels, for its exhibition Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms, which begins in October. The Bible is 12 inches thick, and weighs 35kg. It contains both Old and New Testaments, and was written on 1030 leaves made from the skins of at least 515 sheep. It has been called one of the greatest treasures of Anglo-Saxon times. Women s World Day of Prayer There will be a service on Friday 2 March at 2pm at Park Road Baptist Church. All Welcome. Investment? I have often wondered whether there is a way to directly invest in a fairer world as an individual. Evidently, there is an organisation called Shared Interest Society Limited, based at Pearl Assurance House in Newcastle upon Tyne that says it encourages just that. You open a Share Account with 100 and your money will be loaned and re-loaned to fair trade farmers and handicraft producers across the globe. I m not a financial specialist so I m always expecting a scam or a catch. Has anyone had experience of this organisation: good or bad? If it is what it says it is, it would be great way of putting just a small amount of money somewhere where it can have a big effect. Do let me know or if you have experience of any similar organisation which actually does what it says on the tin, please me: missjudecurtis@btinternet.com. 10

11 News from Newton Signs and Wonders FREE CONCERT Saturday 3 February at 5pm at Park Road Baptist Church The Watoto Children s Choir from Uganda provide a vibrant worship experience. Book online at watotouk.eventbrite.com Opportunities for Fostering On Thursday 15 February, at St Peter s Church, Irthlingborough, 7 for 7.30pm, Higham Deanery Synod host an open meeting with guest speakers Nadine Davis (Northants County Council) and Ray Jackson (Corby) looking at opportunities for fostering. All are welcome. Lent Lunches The Council of Churches have again organised Lent Lunches, based at St Mary s Church Hall, with a rota of churches responsible for serving and providing home-made soups. St Mary s is responsible for the first lunch on 21 February. Lunch is served from 12 noon to 1pm with a short devotion in the church for all who wish to attend at 1pm. Newton Church Flowers February February Mrs Dangerfield (no flowers during Lent) THE CHILDREN'S SOCIETY The Christingle Service, which was held in December raised 100 for The Children's Society. Many thanks to everyone who supported this service. Results for Ride & Stride 2017 Northamptonshire Historic Churches Trust Dear Local Organiser, Thank you very much for arranging for your church to support the 2017 Ride & Stride which has raised 34,423 from sponsorship and 5,490 from Gift Aid - an excellent result which reflects the great efforts of many people. In 2017, the Trust was able to commit itself to grants totalling 57,000. Without the monies raised through Ride & Stride, it would not be possible to respond to the grant applications the Trust receives. We do hope your church will be open for the 2018 Ride & Stride (Saturday 8 September) and that you will encourage your members to take part. John White, Chairman 11

12 An Advent Journey The Travelling Crib (composed of Mary, Joseph, a lamb, a picture story book telling how Jesus was born and lots of little lambs knit especially for the children who host the Crib on its travels) made its way around our town all through Advent. They met many of our Bumps & Babes families as well as families and children from our other congregations. Here are a few highlights and pictures from their journey. (Everyone was very grateful for the little lambs that they were given for hosting the couple on their long journey to Bethlehem!) On their first day of travel, Mary and Joseph met Merlin the cat at the Smedley s house, then more furry friends (Elsa, Casper and Moofy) at Jaz and Simon s. At Annabel s they watched as Annabel choose a lamb (which fit in nicely with the angels from St Laurence s Christingle service); then at the Kemps they listened to Jessica re-tell the story. At the Skinners, the dogs were very excited by the bag of woolly sheep! Sebastian and Krisztian had an exciting day with Mary and Joseph, introducing them to their cars. When they arrived at the home of Hanna Viviene, Hanna introduced them to all her dolls, then read them the story and gave them cuddles. (They did like the cuddles). Ruby was excited when Mary and Joseph arrived. She and her brother Warren played with the crib. At the Pow s, Georgina introduced them to everyone who came to her auntie s baby shower and read the story to her cousin. On 10 December, the crib arrived at the Burke s along with heavy snow! They had to battle through the night, but were warmed with hot chocolate before watching Matthew and Joshua build a snow rabbit. The next day, they went with them to a snowy Bumps and Babes, riding home in Jessica s buggy through the ice. After Mary and Joseph spent the night with Jessica, they all shared the story book. Jessica added, the little boy touched baby Jesus. Mary said don t touch, he s asleep! Then they went to Joseph s house (not Mary s husband, another Joseph!) It was still snowy and icy outside and it was lovely to invite Mary, Joseph and Lamby into the warm. 12

13 When Mary and Joseph got to Coronation Avenue, they met Casey Butcher (18 months old) for the first time. The next day Talitha (not quite one year old) very much enjoyed hosting them. Talitha didn t fully appreciate what was happening, but understood that we are preparing to celebrate something wonderful! At Samuel s, Mary, Joseph and all the lambs were put under their tree. The next day, both Jess and Ollie were bouncing off the walls when Mary and Joseph arrived at their house! Then at the Stock s, Mary and Joseph met an angel and a shepherd (actually its was Kaylee and Daniel in costume for the nativity!) They drew their portraits. The next day Cameron and his sister Karis enjoyed having them to stay. When they arrived, Elizabeth loved listening to the story and setting up her nativity, complete with her own playmobil angel. Alfie took notes and drew pictures in his notebook when he heard the story (he s in year 1!). Oliver (age 2 1/2) was poorly in bed but when he woke (feeling much better) he was intrigued and the lamb now has a home amongst other Christmas cuddly toys. Oscar and Lydia also enjoyed the story when Joseph and Mary arrived. They wrote in the diary: I red some of it! We enjoyed it realy mutch! I love the story! It was well Good! George, Tom and Myla had a lovely time playing with Mary and Joseph and reading the story. They also enjoyed reading the Crib Diary about the journey so far! Mary, Joseph and the lambs then continued on to Samuel and Ethan s where they were kept entertained by watching the Polar Express in the morning. Joseph had to coax a wayward sheep off the stable roof before bed. The next day was Christmas Eve and Mary, Joseph and Lamby made their way back to church, their journey ended. It was time to celebrate Jesus birthday with all the Church family. 13

14 God in the Dark: the Assurance of Faith Beyond a Shadow of Doubt (Os Guinness, Crossway, 1996) In the opening chapter of this book the author writes The Christian faith places a premium on the absolute truthfulness and trustworthiness of God, so understanding doubt is extremely important to a Christian. He goes on to say The world of Christian faith is a world where doubt is never far from faith s shoulder God is to be trusted, yet we are prone to doubting The season of Lent begins in February. Reading a Lent Book is one of the ways in which we can use this time of year to increase our faith by addressing difficult issues we may be wrestling with in our Christian life. Doubt is one of those issues. It lurks in the shadows, waiting to trip us up. I recently read this book because I know that doubts come. I wanted to better understand why we doubt and what we can do to protect and strengthen our faith when we are tested in this way. God in the Dark is not a book that can be read quickly. There are only eleven 14 Book Review chapters but each chapter deserves to be read slowly and thoughtfully. The first two chapters analyse the reality of doubt in all our lives. The next seven chapters not only look in detail at some of the most common causes of doubt we can encounter as Christians but also give guidance on how we can fruitfully amend our lives to combat the challenges that these doubts bring. The chapter headings give a flavour of the challenges to our faith in God that we may encounter; doubts caused by ingratitude, a faulty view of God, weak foundations, lack of commitment, lack of growth, unruly emotions and hidden conflicts. According to the author the last two chapters look at two doubts that are so common and so profound that no discussion of doubt is complete without them; Why, O Lord? And How long, O Lord? It is a sad sight when one of these questions destroys a person s faith. I found these chapters and the rest of this book increased my under-standing of doubt and its causes. This book also gave me plenty to think about during Lent in relation to the foundations of my faith. I was blessed by the challenges it presented to me. Tony Smith

15 St Mary s Mission Partners Every year, St Mary s gives 10% of its income to charities who bring the Good News of Jesus and Kingdom of God to parts of the world and in ways that we as a congregation cannot. Over the next few months, by way of grapevine, we will tell you about the work undertaken by these charities our Partners in Mission. Langham Partnership UK & Ireland Can you help us train our pastors to preach the Bible more effectively? Can you provide our churches and schools with books to help us learn? Can you help us train the leaders and seminary teachers who will guide the growth of the church in our country? LPUKI was created by a merger of two charities the Langham Trust and the Evangelical Literature Trust in Both had been founded by the Rev Dr John Stott more than 40 years ago. They were a response to the needs voiced by the rapidly growing churches of the Majority World (see above). The church has excelled at overseas mission and evangelism, but this rapid growth has created a critical shortage of Biblical leaders and recourses. As a result, millions of believers are struggling to grow in Christ. LPUKI exists to help churches in the Majority World grow in maturity and be equipped for mission. It provides books and training for Christian leaders and pastors to help them diligently study, faithfully preach and relevantly apply the Word of God. It does this through three programmes: Langham Literature Believers around the world have very few books about the Bible and most are not written for their context. Langham works with local leaders to develop biblical resources that equip the local church. They do this through book distribution and development (encouraging ground-breaking commentaries written in and for the local context), and supporting local writers and publishers. Langham Preaching trains pastors around the world to teach the Bible, equipping them to biblically shepherd their churches. It is estimated that more than 80% of pastors around the world have little or no biblical training that's more than 2 million pastors that are not equipped to help believers in their churches understand and apply God's Word. Langham Scholars equips Christian leaders from around the world to receive their PhD s in Bible and Theology and then serve the church in their own nations. 15

16 When Jose and Graham Smith were living at 69 Cromwell Road, Jose gave birth to their first child, Mark, born on January 22nd His Father was working at Unilever in Sharnbrook and Jose was working for Roe Brothers, on the corner of Coffee Tavern Lane, a clothing and curtain retailer. Mark was followed by sister Mellissa in Many will remember Mellissa as part of our congregation, although she now lives away. Mark went to Nursery and Infants at Newton Road and well remembers moving out of a little girl s way, only to walk into the iron gates and knock himself out! In 1973 the family moved to Grangeway, living in the house next to the Precinct. Mark then attended Whitefriars School, where he made some good friends, with whom he still keeps in touch, one of whom is Jeremy Safford, now Vicar at Burton Latimer. From the age of eleven, Mark attended Tennyson Road Boys School, but he was encouraged to go for a little extra help to another school where he thrived and became football captain. He won medals for running and enjoyed cookery. One of the games Mark enjoyed most during his school years was 'chicken' which involved running out in front of moving traffic! Fortunately he survived to tell the story! After leaving school Mark became a groundsman at John Whites Golf Course. From there, he worked at Chamberlains in Higham Lane, where Mick Wadsworth, John Tye and Richard Denny became his mentors. His next move was to D.P.T. Tie Manufacturers in Wellingborough Road. Then from 2001 to 2013 Mark ran his own Gardening business. Mark had had one or two girlfriends but nothing serious until he met Michelle in the Coffee Tavern Restaurant. They dated, became engaged and married in September The service was taken by John Tye and Jeremy Safford was his best man. The reception was in St Mary's Church Hall, followed by a Honeymoon in Weymouth. Mark gets on very well with his stepson James who calls him Dad. The family has moved several times, but remain living in Rushden. cont. 16 Meet the Congregation - Mark Smith

17 Those questions Who has been the greatest influence in your life? My mother Do you have any hobbies? Football, snooker and walking our dog Who would you invite to dinner if you had the chance? Alex Ferguson What would you serve him? Full roast beef dinner followed by sponge pudding and custard What would you do for a treat? go to a football match What is your favourite place? Cornwall What is the proudest moment of your life? Marrying Michelle and playing snooker with Peter Ebdon What is your motto? Practice makes perfect! Mark has attended St Mary's since infancy. Both his Mum and Dad were very involved with the church. Mark was baptised by Rev Elliot in May 1966 and Confirmed in Mark and Michelle attend the 9.30 service at St Mary s and Mark helps Jose in many practical jobs. Roving Reporter COOKERY COLUMN There are many different recipes for pumpkin pie, which is basically a custard pie with the addition of cooked pumpkin (or any winter squash) and sweet spices. You can vary the sweetness, the spicy-ness and the richness (with double cream versus semi-skimmed milk or milk powder) and still come up with a delicious pie. But if I am going to make and eat pie, I usually go for a spicy, rich one! So I recommend the following: Line a 9/10 inch pie pan with dough. Preheat the oven (hot to start with) Mix until well blended: 8 oz cooked or tinned pumpkin * 8 oz single cream 4 oz brown sugar 2 Tablespoons black treacle 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ginger 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves 2 slightly beaten eggs Pour into lined pie shell and bake in hot oven 15 minutes, reduce to moderate oven heat for about 45 minutes until an inserted knife comes out clean. Serve with whipped cream or ice-cream. * cooked pumpkin may be replaced by butternut squash or any other winter squash, which varies the flavour somewhat. sep 17

18 Mission Quiz Results Thank you to all who supported the quiz. 261 was raised, 2 more than last year but not a record. However, I think that 95 quizzes being returned is a record. 31 of these were all-correct, Eleven scored 49½ and another eleven scored 49. Well done all of you. I would like to give special thanks to Susan Perkins of Higham Ferrers who sold a lot of quizzes at her Quingo evenings and via the internet. The winners were:- H E Curtis; Brian Stone, Crawley and Mrs Helen Cook, Marske, Cleveland. Most of you had no trouble with the towns, hymns, food or birds but came unstuck with three of the clothes clues. Part of a fish is Codpiece, TT is Doublet and T is Singlet! Peter Chamberlain Other all-correct entries were received from:- J Annis; Joyce Aspland, SW6; Pam Bailey; Elaine Barton, Shoeburyness; Marion Bates, Higham Ferrers; Martin and Liz Cromwell; Valerie Downie, Tayport, Fife; Polly Helliar & Marilyn Fursey, Fivehead, Taunton: Ronnie Hill, Buncrana, Co. Donegal; Jenny Keene W8; Mrs A MacGregor, Haddington, East Lothian; Mrs Gill MacKinnon, Hamilton; J Holloway; Mrs J Joyce, Wellingborough; Susan McGaw, Newton Stewart; Lynne Minion, Bolton; Pamela Morton, Hanley Swan, Worcester; Mrs M Neill, Haddington, East Lothian; Hilary Oughton, Hitchin; Susan Perkins, Higham Ferrers; Joanne Piggott, Kettering; Sue Powell, Tamworth; Yvonne Reid, Peterhead; Les Rendell, Tiverton; Cathy Rhodes, Attenborough, Nottingham; Audrey Titmuss, Eaton Socon; Peggy Turpin, Skipton and David Winfield, Penkridge, Stafford. 18 Quiz Answers: 1 Aberdeen 2 Dumfries 3 Dundee 4 Montrose 5 Tain 6 Brecon 7 Cardigan 8 Lampeter 9 Newport 10 Swansea. 11 All creatures of our God and King 12 All glory laud and honour 13 And can it be that I should gain 14 At the name of Jesus 15 Blessed assurance Jesus is mine 16 O come O come Emmanuel 17 O for a thousand tongues to sing 18 Rock of ages cleft for me 19 Thou whose almighty word 20 We plough the fields and scatter. 21 Bacon 22 Cake 23 Custard 24 Fritter 25 Hot dog 26 Kipper 27 Pasty 28 Petit four 29 Quorn 30 Sandwich. 31 Scooter (Coot) 32 Andover (Dove) 33 Bemused (Emu) 34 Craven Arms (Raven) 35 Probing (Robin) 36 Crockery (Roc) 37 Crooked (Rook) 38 Stealthy (Teal) 39 Entitled (Tit) 40 Lawrence (Wren). 41 Bikini 42 Bolero 43 Braces 44 Codpiece 45 Doublet 46 Jersey 47 Jumper 48 Rompers 49 Singlet 50 Trunks.

19 Friends of St Mary s WHO CAN THIS BE? He almost died when he was a babe, was bombed when he started school. At 11, he dislocated his wrist while performing a look no hands cycling twist. He and his mates built dens and fires, and looked for things to burn. Wartime finds like old spent shells were especially good to use. They hid in the den to await the bang, but what idiot lit the fuse? You really must take care my lad or you will not last long His parents used to say to him (but how they were proved wrong!) The Bristol channel beckoned then, for aged 19 he fell off a yacht. His lips turned blue, his fingers white as they dragged him back on board. For the first and only time in his life he couldn t utter a word. The motor rallying then took off Monte Carlo and all that The breakneck speed, the icy bends, excitement all around. Till whiplash, collar brace and sense (?) then brought him back to ground. Now, mountain climbing must be safe, with pitons, boots and axe. So Kili first, then Everest, then Chilean volcano a mass of spitting fire and ash he stays to watch it blow! Undaunted our intrepid man goes holidaying in Bordeaux Gets knocked down by a bendy bus and only breaks a toe You d think by now he would have learned that age comes to us all. But no, he dances on a bridge, the quickstep so it seems, Until a lockstep brings an end to all his dancing dreams. Now who d you think that this could be with more than seven lives? Some people think he s barking mad while others say he s just a lad And ever will be so! 19

20 Bishop s Bible Day 2018 T he Bishop s Bible Day for 2018 is taking place in two locations this year. The first event will be held on Saturday 24 th February at Peterborough Cathedral (9.30am to 4.00pm), and will be repeated at Northampton High School, Hardingstone a week later on Saturday 3 rd March (same times). This Diocesan training day is open to anyone who is interested in learning more about the Bible, and the theme of the day will be St Paul for Today. It will include talks from Bishop Donald, as well as a choice of workshops, including Would Paul be on Facebook? (led by Becky Wills); We have no young families in our church how do we attract them? (Charlotte Nobbs); He welcomed us to sit and eat with him: Including young children in Holy Communion (Pete White). All you need to bring to the day is a Bible and a packed lunch. Entry is free, but donations are welcome to cover costs. However, booking is essential (by Friday 16th February at the latest). To book, bookings@peterboroughdiocese.org.uk or sally.crossley@peterboroughdiocese.org.uk, or call February 2018 Diocesan Events Sat 3 Feb, Dementia-Friendly Church at St Columba's Church, Corby, NN17 1LGA am-3.30pm A free workshop led by Sarah Thorpe. To book a place sally.crossley@peterboroughdiocese.org.uk or Mon 5 Feb, Quiet Day at Launde Abbey LE7 9XB 10am-4pm. The Three Visitors (Gen 18) Led by Revd Andrew Hall, 26 to include coffee, lunch & tea. More info: or Mon 05 & 12 Feb, Creative Use of Resources at Bouverie Court, Northampton NN4 7YD pm. Free for any one who is interested! More Info available at: downloads/creativeuse18.pdf Wed 07 & 14 Feb, Calling All Evangelists at Bouverie Court, Northampton NN4 7YD. For anyone who would like to explore sharing the Christian faith. More Info: or liz.holdsworth@ peterborough-diocese.org.uk. To book a place sally.crossley@peterboroughdiocese.org.uk or More details at: -diocese.org.uk/events

21 February Names B y now Christmas is just a shadowy presence in the rear view mirror. If you sent me a card, thank you. Maybe you sent me this one: There was a picture of the whole Christmas cast on the front of the card. Around the picture in gold lettering were the words of the carol Away in a manger. Inside the card it said: To Richard and. That was it. No clue as to who it was from. Jackie took it well, having spent 30 years as a vicar s wife feeling occasionally anonymous. Names and identities are important in the Bible. They tell us more about the person: David, the king who messed up then found forgiveness and a permanent place in the hearts of his people, means beloved ; Ruth, who was so wonderfully kind and loyal to her mother-in-law, means friend ; the child of Bethlehem was named Jesus Saviour and called Emmanuel God with us. Lent kicks off on Valentine s Day 14 th February, so, here are two bits of advice: One: buy your loved one some flowers / chocolates / socket spanners (delete as appropriate) and remember to write their name on the card. Two: show that same Valentine s Day love and commitment to Jesus (our Saviour), to Emmanuel (God with us). And use Lent to think through the implications of those names: What does it mean to be saved/ rescued? What are we saved from? How does Jesus rescue us? Why does Jesus rescue us? Why does it matter that God is with us? How does that affect our past, present and future? So, get the names right on Valentine s Day and have a thoughtful, namecentred Lent. Diocese of Peterborough - Magazine Resource - February 2018 Produced by the Diocesan Office, The Palace, Peterborough PE1 1YB

22 James Patmore A vicar in the Northamptonshire village of Watford was astonished to discover that some 18 th century stolen church silverware had turned up in a parishioner s back garden on Christmas Eve! Revd Graham Collingridge of St Peter & St Paul's Church received a call at 4pm from local village historian, Dan White, who informed the vicar of the miraculous find. The stolen items a chalice, a flagon, two patens and an alms dish had been taken from the vestry safe six months earlier on 15 th June. Some thieves broke into the church by cutting the lead (from the) windows, explains Revd Collingridge. Once inside, they used a crowbar to break open a large ancient trunk, and the safe was inside that. The silverware was worth 16,000 (the flagon alone worth 7,000) and had been given to the church in 1720 by Sarah Clerke, the widow of Sir George Clerke (Lord of the Manor of Watford, and MP for Northamptonshire). The silverware had been engraved by Mrs Clerke herself, 22 Another Miracle at Christmas so the theft was particularly painful. They were five important pieces of silver, says Revd Collingridge. They were very important historically to the village. The theft of the items was also one of three break-ins the church had suffered since Damage to the church roof and an 18 th century stained-glass window, as-well as having to use temporary items of silver during church services, had naturally affected church morale. Unbeknown to the Vicar, though, the whereabouts of the silverware lay nearer than he imagined. James Patmore, who lives opposite St Peter & St Paul's, decided to do some Christmas Eve gardening, and found the flagon and chalice underneath some ivy in his back garden, by the wall facing the church! He told Mr White ( he was absolutely thrilled ) who then told Revd Collingridge. Although three of the items still remain at large, the discovery of the missing pieces has been a wonderful Christmas present for the whole community. We re delighted about it, says the Vicar. It s special to the church. However, the mystery remains as to why the silverware was left in the garden. Since the discovery, the Vicar has been interviewed on BBC Radio Northampton, and the story has been a main item on the BBC Northampton news website. More importantly, the find has given the parish hope that the patens and alms dish may also be recovered at some point. So check your back garden, and if you discover anything (or have any information at all), please contact Revd Graham Collingridge on or at vicar.longbuckby@btinternet.com.

23 2018 sees the 900th anniversary of Peterborough Cathedral. It was on 8th March 1118 that Abbot John de Sais began work on a new Norman Cathedral in the city the previous church having been destroyed by a fire two years earlier. The building was consecrated 120 years later in 1238, and has stood as the heart of the Diocese of Peterborough ever since, with major diocesan gatherings and services, such as the Ordination of Priests and the Licensing of Lay Ministers, taking place there. To mark this momentous occasion, the city of Peterborough is holding a year-long celebration. Peterborough Celebrates will play host to over 100 events and activities being run by schools, community groups, charities and businesses. The Cathedral itself is hosting its annual programme of concerts, talks, services and exhibitions (to name but a few), including a talk and book launch in February by broadcaster Dr Jonathan Foyle Peterborough Cathedral: A Glimpse of Heaven. For more information on this unique celebration, visit Looking Back at St Mary s Magazines 25 Years Ago - Feb 1993 Bad News for God Religious broadcasting It is my fear that religious broadcasting has lost its roots. The great phrase of the seventies was that its purpose was to keep the rumour of God alive... I still recollect a fellow bishop forever asking me why I wasted my time broadcasting. I managed to halt him only when I told him I did it for the money. That was in such bad taste that the subject was never raised again. Today, people... find their handling of moral problems sketched out for them in Eastenders, The Archers, Brookside and Casualty... [the] Sunday evening God Spot on ITV [has gone]. Rt Rev William Westwood, Bishop of Peterborough 50 years ago - Feb 1968 Letter from the Editor: Rev Derek Elliott 1968 will certainly be remembered in British history as the year of the axe; a year in which we were forced through economic pressures to cut back on many of the worldwide as well as our home commitments. But even in the face of such adverse circumstances the Church of Christ... has flourished most when faced with the greatest adversity. Rushden Parish Magazine February

24 L o c a l E v e n t s The next East Northants Refugee Support Group meeting will be taking place at 7.30pm on Thursday 15th March (venue to be announced) Brian Howard Mobile: Phone: brian@clearandcleanwindowcleaning.co.uk Carpet Cleaning Window Cleaning Gutter Cleaning Conservatory Cleaning Solar Panel Cleaning Fascia Cleaning 2 Redbank Mews Raunds NN9 6GB East Northants Faith Group (ENFG) Leaders Lunch All welcome Wednesday 14 February 2018, at 11.30am for 12 noon, at Thrapston Baptist Church Huntington Road (accessible from Sackville Street, near the Thrapston Co-op) At this next Leaders Lunch, Cllr Colin Wright, Chairman of East Northants District Council speak on the 'Beauty of the Nene Valley'. There will be networking opportunities and related speakers, with very short talks, including Greg MacDonald and Karen Williams (East Northants Council for Tourism and Economic Development), Julie Thorneycraft (promoting Rushden, Higham Ferrers and Rushden Lakes), Ben Smith (community use of church buildings), Kate Dent (Northamptonshire Surprise website) and James Miller (promoting historic churches). You need not be a leader in an organization to attend. Details from Andrew Presland on or andrew.presland@harborough58@gmail.com 24

25 AVENUE SALON ABBY STANNARD LADIES HAIRDRESSER WITH OVER 14 YEARS EXPERIENCE Reductions for seniors Mondays & Tuesdays 166 Avenue Road, Rushden, NN10 0SW HIGHAM RD, RUSHDEN P. G. SAVAGE PAPERHANGING INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING FREE Estimates & Advice Given Reliable Service CARPETS FURNITURE BEDS PAINTERS & DECORATORS WITH OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE 10, Wymington Rd, Rushden, Northants Lasting Powers of Attorney Accident or illness can strike at any time. If you suffer a loss of capacity to make decisions, what safeguards to protect your loved ones have you made? Can they manage your affairs if you are rendered incapable of doing so? For confidential advice on Powers of Attorney Contact us today to arrange a FREE initial consultation. Stephen Wilkins Flowers for because style is always in bloom info@inbloombiz.co.uk Net Affair Home Furnishings clothing alterations 12D, High St, RUSHDEN Flowers for all occasions 37A High St Rushden

26 Rushden & Newton Bromswold WI Thursday 8 February Nigel Ley, the cleaning doctor Competition - a bar of soap Thursday 8 March Ray Wood, antiques for everyone Competition - a treasured item All meetings 7.30pm at Rushden Town Bowls Club, Northampton Rd, Rushden NN10 6AN Visitors welcome 3.50 includes refreshments Contact: Hadley Woodland Management hedge trimming pruning - tree removal seasoned woodland logs hedge & tree planting small woodland management & conservation 5 million public liability insurance Rushden based John Hadley tel: jjhadley71@gmail.com Barry Miller GENTLEMEN S HAIR STYLIST 40-42, HIGH STREET SOUTH RUSHDEN 6 FULL TIME STYLISTS Walk in or for appointments ring PARKING OPPOSITE After several sleepless nights, the Rector looked badly drawn 5 off with this advert - but no need to cut it out and spoil Peter s Crossword! Vikki s Hair & Beauty Be Your Own Kind of Beautiful Hair, Nails, Waxing, Ear-piercing, Eyelashes Based at Fit4her Gym, 38 Little St, Rushden, NN10 0LS J B NOBLE OPTICIANS Est Affordable Family Eye Care Celebrating 50 years in our community 37 Church Street Rushden

27 A. ABBOTT & SONS PERSONAL FUNERAL DIRECTORS BEDFORD ROAD, RUSHDEN Owned and operated by the Abbott family for four generations Tel: Rushden HOUR SERVICE TO ALL AREAS Private Chapel of rest, Service Chapel, Catering suite, Memorial display, Floral tributes Pre-paid plans available Est P. W. HOUSE 54, High Street, Rushden Rushden s Family Jeweller For over 60 years Tel: The Distinctive Jeweller PETER TOMAS Comprehensive Glazing Service Boarding Up & Property Secured Property Maintenance Garage Doors Installed Tel: PETER DRAPER Photographic * PASSPORT PHOTOS * BINOCULARS * TELESCOPES 65, High St, RUSHDEN Hollis Brothers High class butchers 44 Duck St. Rushden Friendly, personal service A & J COULSON Plumbing, Heating & Gas Engineers Boiler Servicing Bathrooms & Showers T: M: or E: coulson166@btinternet.com Established 1966 RUSHDEN SCHOOL OF MOTORING Tel: Hall Avenue, Rushden, NN10 9ET Practical and theory tuition in manual and automatic cars Probably Rushden s oldest established driving school: R J Smith & Son Shoe Repairs Engraving Gifts Locksmiths Watch Straps & Batteries 4 Hamblin Court Rushden NN10 0RU Tel: Barnes Tree Services All types of tree work undertaken

28 Belfry Gossip It was lovely see the church decorated so nicely to celebrate Christmas - Jesus' birthday - and a privilege to ring for the service and make the town aware of it. In addition to our Sunday morning service ringing we have rung three Quarter Peals since the last grapevine. We joined in the country's celebrations of the Platinum Wedding Anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip with a Quarter of Cambridge Surprise Minor; celebrated the 60 th Anniversary of Brenda's first peal with her conducting a Quarter of Grandsire Doubles (the method she rang for the peal) - it was a quarter peal because she says a peal is too long to stand for; and celebrated Christmas with a Quarter on Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, the plan to ring on New Year's Eve had to be cancelled due to illness. Our Annual Belfry meeting has just taken place, kindly hosted by Jim and Sarah. We reviewed 2017 with Minutes and Reports of our activities so we could later plan for With none of our officers indicating they could no longer continue, they were re-elected to their posts for this next year before aims and plans were suggested for We aim to celebrate St George's Day, the Royal Wedding, the Centenary of the end of WWI and any other notable events, with special ringing as well as progressing Vlad with his learning and continuing to learn some new methods. We will again be joining with the Branch Outing and the BBQ will be in July at Simon and Cathy's. Although unplanned I expect the tower to be open again for Heritage when we generally show off the bells because we always hope to attract new learners to the art. After our half-muffled ringing suffered, with some of the muffles moving during ringing, we are planning to replace our set with some new ones which, reports suggest, "do not move during ringing". Although they are only used a few times during the year, the sound effect is spoiled when movement takes place, so new ones would be a benefit. After the meeting more refreshments were consumed while chatting together. If you have a special occasion you would like us to help celebrate with ringing, talk to Pam (normally in the office on Tuesdays) and she will endeavour to try to arrange it. You will also get a celebratory card to record the event. 28

29 Diary February 3 Saturday: Free Concert at Park Road Baptist Church (see page 10) 10 Saturday: 7.00pm--FOSM Pudding Club in St Mary s Church Hall 14 Wednesday: 2.15pm St Mary s Ladies Group in the Church Hall: Guest speaker Lesley Harris talks about Emmaus 14 Wednesday: 7.30pm Ash Wednesday Holy Communion at St Peter s Church, Midland Road, Rushden 15 Thursday: 7 for 7.30pm Opportunities for Fostering an Open Evening of Higham Deanery at St Peter s Church, Irthlingborough(see page 10) 17 Who Let the Dads Out? noon in the Church Hall 17 Saturday: Quiz Night 6.30pm in the Church Hall (see page 7) 21 Wednesday: noon pm--Lent Lunches start in the Church Hall 26 Saturday: 7.30pm---Children s Society Quiz Night in the Church Hall March 2 Friday: 2pm Women s World Day of Prayer at Park Rd Baptist Church 14 Wednesday: 2.15pm--St Mary s Ladies Group AGM in the Church Hall: Guest Speaker Lynda Needle 27 Tuesday: 7.30pm St Mary s Annual Meetings: in the Church The Wellingborough Branch of ringers have held practices at Wilby (6 bells), Mears Ashby (6) and at Irthlingborough (8) and these were well supported both by members of the Branch and our own tower. The Training afternoon at Mears Ashby was not quite so well supported but those who came, and suffered the cold, had the benefit of lots of ringing to help keep them warm. A quiz was again held at Earls Barton before Christmas and eight teams answered questions on a wide range of subjects, this year set by Bill and Jude, with a break for a very enjoyable supper half way through the evening. Two teams from Rushden entered, one being victorious and scoring the highest points, the other supporting from the rear. Altogether an enjoyable time. Anyone who has thought of learning to ring church bells, and would like to join our band of ringers, will be made welcome, just talk to one of the ringers or come along on a Friday evening to see what it is involved. Tintinnabulum 29

30 ACROSS 2 of Jesus (hymn) (2,3,4) 9 Ring of light (4) 10 Air Travel Organiser s Licence (4) 11 Type of dismissal at cricket (3,6) 12 Demons (4) 13 Malay dagger (4) 14 Fathered (5) 16 Bovine animal (3-3) 17 String of beads (6) 18 Code of Jewish law (6) 20 Batter-cake (6) 22 Word in psalms probably meaning pause (5) 23 Stylish establishment (4) 25 Doing something (2,2) 26 First six books of OT (9) 27 Scorch (4) 28 Northampton s river (4) 29 High society (3-6) Crossword No 343 DOWN 1 Religious belief (6) 2 on earth do dwell (hymn) (3,6,4) 3 Foot digits (4) 4 Jewish language (6) 5 Far one (anag.) (2,4) 6 Gospel writer (4) 7 strong to save (hymn) (7,6) 8 Highly polished (6) 14 Extra benefit (5) 15 Mosaic Law (5) 18 Three times (6) 19 Claim (6) 20 Solidarity leader in Poland (6) 21 17th OT book (6) 24 Nil (4) Skin eruption (4) Solution to Crossword No 342

31 Services for February 2018 St Peter s Newton Bromswold 9.30am 11.15am 2.00pm 6.00pm 9.30am 11.15am 2.00pm 6.00pm 9.30am 11.15am 2.00pm 6.00pm 9.30am 11.15am 2.00pm 6.00pm 4 February Second Sunday before Lent All Age Communion Service Morning Prayer Short & Sweet Evening Worship 10.00am Family Service 11 February Sunday next before Lent All Age Service Holy Communion Short & Sweet Reflective Worship 10.00am 3.00pm 18 February First Sunday of Lent All Age Parade Service Morning Prayer Short & Sweet Holy Communion Pete s Pack Evening Prayer 10.00am Family Communion 25 February Second Sunday of Lent Informal All Age Service Morning Prayer Short & Sweet Evening Prayer 10.00am 3.00pm Pete s Pack Holy Communion Also St Mary s Mondays 10.00am Bumps & Church every week in term time Thursdays 10.30am -- Holy Communion [BCP] every week Thursday 7.45pm --- Prayer, Praise & Presence -- third Thursday of the month 31

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