Soon a villager approached hesitantly, holding a small cabbage he'd retrieved from its hiding place, and added it to the pot.

Transcription

1 A letter from our Vicar Dear friends, Many of you will know the story of stone soup. A kindly, old stranger was walking through the land when he came upon a village. As he entered, the villagers moved towards their homes locking doors and windows. The stranger smiled and asked, why are you all so frightened. I am a simple traveller, looking for a soft place to stay for the night and a warm place for a meal. "There's not a bite to eat in the whole province," he was told. "We are weak and our children are starving. Better keep moving on." "Oh, I have everything I need," he said. "In fact, I was thinking of making some stone soup to share with all of you." He pulled an iron cauldron from his cloak, filled it with water, and began to build a fire under it. Then, with great ceremony, he drew an ordinary-looking stone from a silken bag and dropped it into the water. By now, hearing the rumour of food, most of the villagers had come out of their homes or watched from their windows. As the stranger sniffed the "broth" and licked his lips in anticipation, hunger began to overcome their fear. "Ahh," the stranger said to himself rather loudly, "I do like a tasty stone soup. Of course, stone soup with cabbage -- that's hard to beat." Soon a villager approached hesitantly, holding a small cabbage he'd retrieved from its hiding place, and added it to the pot. "Wonderful!!" cried the stranger. "You know, I once had stone soup with cabbage and a bit of salt beef as well, and it was fit for a king." The village butcher managed to find some salt beef... And so it went, through potatoes, onions, carrots, mushrooms, and so on, until there was indeed a delicious meal for everyone in the village to share. The villager elder offered the stranger a great deal of money for the magic stone, but he refused to sell it and travelled on the next day. 1

2 As he left, the stranger came upon a group of village children standing near the road. He gave the silken bag containing the stone to the youngest child, whispering to a group, "It was not the stone, but the villagers that had performed that shared what they had that enabled all to eat. A simple bowl of soup can make a difference. We are coming up to harvest, a time when we thank God for his provision, for our earth and the resources that it provides but we are mindful that there are many in our world that don t have enough to eat. Interestingly, from the word HARVEST, we can make the words earth, starve, heart and share. Have you ever had one of those days when there is not much time to prepare a proper meal, so you make do with a bowl of soup. Not much you think, but it will get us by, and we can make up for it with a snack later. But for many a bowl of soup is not a make shift meal, but a luxury, a rare hot meal to be savoured. For many across the world, many have no idea where their next meal will come from. Interestingly, soup features in a simple symbolic response to the scandal of world poverty and injustice: the so called hunger lunch. Instead of having a large meal, you have bread and soup and give what you would have spent to a charity. This is something that we have done at St. Margaret s Church for a long time and this year is no exception. It won t be stone soup that you get, but homemade soup, bread, butter, apple pie with custard or cream, tea or coffee for 5. The proceeds will go to Christian Aid. A simple bowl of soup can make a difference. Of course, this are not going to change the world in itself, but it is a start, as are the Harvest gifts that we bring to our service on Sunday 7 th October. Gifts of food (tins and packages) that will be directly used by Porch Box and Barnabus charities to help the homeless and those who struggle with the basic necessities of life. Please do join us for both events and know that by doing so, you are helping in a small way to celebrate Harvest. Harvest a time of giving thanks to God, cherishing our earth and its resources, remembering those who starve and having a heart for others by sharing what we can with others. Every blessing, Deborah 2

3 FROM THE PARISH REGISTERS FUNERALS We commend to God s loving care: - Arthur JOHNSON, whose funeral took place on 20 th September 2018 at Agecroft Crematorium. BAPTISMS We welcome into our church family: Penelope Grace FOX who was baptised on 30 th September Her parents are Christopher & Carina FOX. WEDDING We congratulate Noreen McCOLE and Ian BRIDGES on their marriage at St. Margaret s Church on 15 th September 2018 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY SUNDAY 4 th NOVEMBER at 6.30pm - ALL SOUL S SERVICE At this service we particularly remember all our loved ones who have died in the past year. There will be the opportunity to light a candle on behalf of a loved one who is no longer with us. SUNDAY 11 th NOVEMBER REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 8.00am and 9.45 at St. Margaret s and 11.15am at St. George s There but not there SUNDAY 18 th NOVEMBER 7.00pm at All Saint s Stand The installation of Revd. Trudie Morris at All Saint s, Stand. 3

4 CALENDAR FOR OCTOBER 2018 Morning Prayer will be said in the Chancel Monday-Friday at 8.30am: On Tuesday and Friday the Peregrini Service will be used. Parish Office is every Thursday, pm at the vicarage. Sunday 30 th Sept The Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity 8.00am Holy Communion (St. M s) 9.45am Sung Eucharist (St. M s) 11.15am Holy Communion (St G) 1.00pm Baptism Mon 1 st Oct 6.45pm Wed 3 rd Oct 10.00am 11.15am 7.30pm Espresso Church Holy Communion followed by coffee Ministry Meeting Chapter meeting Fri 5 th Oct 10.00am St. Margaret s School Harvest Sat 6 th Oct Peregrini and prayer walk pm Harvest lunch Sunday 7 th Oct 8.00am 9.45am 11.15am 1.00pm HARVEST FESTIVAL Holy Communion (St. M s) Sung Eucharist (St. M s) Holy Communion (St. G s) Baptism Mon 8 th Oct 10.00am-4.00pm 7.00pm Tues 9 th Oct 7.30pm Clergy Training Day the vicarage Churchyard Regulations Training Wed 10 th Oct 10.00am Holy Communion followed by coffee 11.15am Hymn planning 7.30pm Youth and community Centre meeting Sunday 14 th Oct The Twentieth Sunday after Trinity (Laying on of hands) 4

5 8.00am Holy Communion (St. M s) 9.45am Sung Eucharist (St. M s) 11.15am Holy Communion (St. G s) 1.00pm Baptism Mon 15 th Oct 7.30pm- 9.00pm Evening of prayer for the St. M s Wed 17 th Oct 10.00am Holy Communion followed by coffee 4.00pm Messy Church (St. G s) Sunday 21 st Oct The Twenty-First Sunday after Trinity STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY JAMES EMERSON 8.00am Holy Communion (St. M s) 9.45am Sung Eucharist (St. M s) 11.15am Holy Communion (St. G s) 3.45pm Service of wholeness and healing Wed 24 th Oct 10.00am Holy Communion followed by coffee (Revd. Roy Chow) Sunday 28 th Oct BIBLE SUNDAY 8.00am Holy Communion (St. M s) 9.45am Sung Eucharist (St. M s) 11.15am Holy Communion (St. G s) Tues 30 th Oct 10.00am Deanery standing committee Wed 31st Oct 9.00am Reading of the names in the book of Remembrance 10.00am Holy Communion followed by coffee 11.15am Bible fellowship Sunday 4 th Nov All Saint s Day/All Soul s 8.00am Holy Communion (St. M s) 9.45am Sung Eucharist (St. M s) 11.15am Holy Communion (St. G s) 6.30pm All Soul s Service 5

6 October at St. George s 2018 You are invited to:- ST.GEORGE S CHURCH,SIMISTER Whist Drive- 7.30pm start Date:- Saturday 13th October Excellent social and friendly evening why not give it a try!!!!!. Teapot Time- 1:00pm to 3:00pm Monday 1st October 15th October 29th October All are welcome to join us for a cuppa and a chat bring a friend. For information please ring Barbara Lashwood Craft Group:- 7pm Tuesday 2nd October In future this will be fortnightly. Thank you ladies for carrying on and Barbara hope all goes well. You are in our prayers. Messy Church 4:00-5:30pm Return:- Wednesday 17 th October 21 st November 12 th December Please join us and enjoy the fun, lots of things to make and light refreshment is served, cups of tea or coffee for the adults. 6

7 Dates for your diary:- Saturday November 24th CHRISTMAS FAYRE All donations gratefully received : cakes, unwanted gifts, raffle prizes and books All proceeds go to St George s Church. **BESSES BOYS BAND 75 TH Anniversary Concert** Saturday 13 th October 2018, start The Victoria Hall Bolton BL1 2AS Tickets 10 available On the door (could be disappointed) Web:- ;- info@bessesboysband.com Tel; ************************ Cleaning rota for week ending: 6 th October Margaret 20 th Lois Alter Flowers In Memory 7 th October Mrs. B. Ashurst Geoffrey Elton Ashurst 14 th Mrs.C.Hardy Anne and William Hardy 21 st VACANT 28 th Mrs. B. Cass Alan Cass If you wish to put flowers in church or have any problems please contact: Barbara Ashurst Joan and Carol 7

8 ST.MARGARET S CHURCH HARVEST LUNCH On Saturday 6 th October pm at Church House 5.00 each - price includes : - Soup, roll & butter apple pie with custard or cream tea or coffee 8

9 HARVEST FESTIVAL Our Harvest Festival services will be on Sunday 7 October. Your help is needed please on Friday 5 October at 4pm to help decorate the church for this wonderful occasion. Your help is also needed on Sunday 7 October to sort and pack the Harvest gifts at 4pm. Foods required are: Pasta Rice Chocolate Biscuits Tinned beans Tinned soup Tinned meats and fish Tinned fruit and vegetables Tea, coffee, sugar These gifts will be distributed via Porch Boxes and Barnabus. If you would like to give a donation towards flowers for the sick and elderly of the parish it would be most welcome. Please see Zandra Lewis if you can help in any way. Peregrini Quiet Day Saturday 6th October :00am-2:00pm A day of prayer and reflection. (bring your own lunch) Come, build community, pray and meet with God. At:- St Clement s Church, Groves Avenue, Ordsall, Salford, M5 3LQ 9

10 SOCIAL CIRCLE This month's meeting is a trip to Stockport Plaza to see Me and My Girl, 2.30pm 20th October tickets have been booked, but if anyone is still interested we do have 1 ticket spare. If you would like to go please contact Joan Evans Looking forward to seeing another excellent show by Stockport Operatic Society. We will meet at Prestwich Metro Station at 1.15pm on the day. If you are going independently, please inform Joan then we will not be waiting for you. WELCOME BACK TO MESSY CHURCH Our next Messy Church is on Wednesday 17 th October pm at the Lady Wilton Hall. Please join us for fun, food and fellowship. The dates for the coming term are:- 21 st November 12 th December 10

11 Be kind to yourself and kind to the planet. This month s eco-tip is about one of my favourite subjects - food. We are often advised to eat less meat and dairy for the sake of our health reducing animal products is good for the planet, too. Here are just 3 of the reasons: A typical meat eater's diet requires up to 2.5 times the amount of land compared to a vegetarian diet and 5 times that of a vegan diet. So if we eat less meat our planet will be able to feed more people. Globally there are more of the greenhouse gases which contribute to climate change produced from farming livestock than from transport. Deforestation in the Amazon has already led to the extinction of many species as well as directly causing climate change. 80% of the deforestation results from farming cattle. As well as saving the planet eating less animal products is good for your health and saves money. Here is a recipe to start you off easy, quick, nutritious, cheap and vegan what more could you ask? Oh, and it s delicious and freezes well, too! Spiced lentil soup This is a very forgiving recipe adapt it according to the ingredients you have to hand only the onions, lentils, tomatoes and stock are essential. Or throw in some extra vegetables you have in the fridge. Experiment, and let me know how you get on. Ingredients 1½ tablespoons olive oil 1 large onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 2 teaspoons turmeric 1½ teaspoons ground cumin ½ teaspoon cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom 1 tin chopped tomatoes 1 tin coconut milk (full fat is nicest) 5 oz red lentils, rinsed and drained 1¾ pints vegetable stock Salt and pepper to taste Chilli flakes or cayenne pepper to taste 11

12 5 ounces baby spinach (optional) 2 teaspoons lime juice (optional) Directions 1. Put the onion, oil and garlic into a large pot. Add a pinch of salt and sauté for 5 minutes. 2. Stir in the turmeric, cumin, cinnamon and cardamom and cook for 1 minute. 3. Stir in the tomatoes, coconut milk, red lentils, stock and seasoning (including chilli or cayenne) and bring to a simmer. 4. Simmer for about 20 minutes. 5. Turn off the heat, stir in the spinach until it is wilted, add the lime juice and serve with your favourite bread. Revd Sue ST. MARGARET S CHURCH CHRISTMAS FAIR Saturday 17 th November 2018 There will be a meeting in the Church House after the Church service on Sunday 21 st October for all those wishing to help in any way they can at our Christmas Fair. If you cannot attend this meeting, but would like to help on the day, please let Gail Prosser know. We will also be collecting items for the Fair, which you may place in the boxes provided at the back of the Church : - Bottles for the bottle stall Second hand books and DVDs / CDs Raffle prizes Cosmetics Gift sets Toys Plants and any other item you think suitable Many thanks in anticipation of your generous support. 12

13 A Flower Remembered (Rutter - words and music, 1945-present) As I have written previously, 2018 is a year of deep remembrance, being the centenary of the ending of the First World War. Like many other choirs and choral societies, the Manchester Chorale started its preparation in good time, in fact, way back in March. As it happened, the first anniversary of the Manchester Arena bombing fell on a Tuesday, the day on which the Chorale meets to rehearse each week. May of us would like to have been in St Anne s Square that evening taking part in the commemorations, but we were committed to our rehearsals. Instead we began with this song, then held a minute silence. A flower remembered can never wither: Forever blooming as bright as day, Its fragrance lingering like music softly playing, A gentle voice that s saying, I ll never fade away. I hear the echoes of many voices; Sometimes they re distant, Sometimes so clear, Thought all the sounds of life they seem to whisper, Will you remember? The birds fly homeward across my valley Toward the mountains all white with snow; The birds are gone now, the mountain snows have melted, But still I see their beauty, These scenes of long ago. The birds still fly in other valleys; The mountain snows have turned to stream; All things must pass, But memories are lasting: We will remember. You can listen to a gorgeous recording of A Flower Remembered here: Carol P 13

14 HARVEST JOY Proudly he stands, his arms open wide embracing the morning sun, Golden sheaves ripening all around, his day's duties have just begun. The sun is hot and beating down, the tassels are turning brown, The corn is drying, almost ready to pick, some have shelled and are on the ground. Some loose kernels have fallen into the shade, a small feast for those around, A mother mouse enjoys a couple of grains, as she hides, not making a sound. The cawing crows swirl around his head and the butterflies flutter by, Baby rabbits play amongst the stalks, under a cloudless sky. A forlorn figure he stands alone as the farmer's field he tends, No-one to talk to, no-one to care, the crows his only friends. He may be wearing tattered clothes but this life he would not swap. He straightens his back and lifts his head, proud he's defending the farmer's crop. He loves this life of serenity, the gentle kisses of the rain, The warm breeze rippling through the corn, all helping to ripen the grain. Through all weathers he protects his land, and never does he complain, When he sees the bounty of the harvest, his year's labour has not been in vain. As night time falls and the moon appears, a carpet of stars erupts in the sky. He gazes in wonder at the sight, of the celestial bodies way up high. The silence is shattered by the screech of an owl, as it swoops to catch its prey. The foxes streak across the field, cavorting and dancing in play. His eyes have grown weary and he's soon fast asleep, as peace descends at last. He's unaware of the crow resting on his head and the hedgehog scurrying past. Soon the dawn chorus will disturb his sleep and another day will have begun 14

15 Follow us on ST MARGARET S SOCIAL MEDIA STREAMS If you have a Twitter account then just login and search Please follow us and retweet our stuff! Like us on Facebook Next time you re busy Facebooking, please take a moment to find and Like our public page (St Margaret Prestwich) Download our FREE Church App From the App Store From Google Play For full information about our parish visit our website: If you know of anyone in the Church Family who will be celebrating a special Birthday (80, 90+) or Wedding Anniversary (50, 60 years) in the coming months please inform Zandra Lewis. Thank you 15

16 PAN & Griddle Chippy AND CAFÉ Eat in or takeaway open 6 days a week 8am till late. Family un business with food made fresh to order Traditional line caught Fish and chips served from am Breakfast menu Homemade soups, lunches, and pastries Burgers and wraps Speciality teas and coffees Fresh sandwiches made to order Milkshakes and smoothies Salad and pasta boxes Vegetarian options available 257 Heywood Road Prestwich M25 2QP Telephone orders welcome SARAH CLAVERING DRIVING INSTRUCTOR M E. sarahclav@outlook.com sarahclaveringdrivingschool 16

17 OUR DAILY BREAD OCTOBER 2018 God of the seasons, you surround us with beauty and wonder: you smile in the ripening fruit, you dance in the tumbling leaves. Teach us to dance with you, to act justly and to share fairly, to love you in friend and stranger all the moments of our nights and days. Ruth Burgess Monday 1 st : Lord, thank you for walking with us through the seasons of our lives. For the winter, when we are held safe in your arms through the darkness. For the hope of spring, as we are filled with new promise and life. For summer time, full of warmth and colour And for autumn days as leaves fall to seed new growth. You are always with us. Amen. Tuesday 2 nd : Lord give us wisdom before we speak, understanding while we listen, sensitivity towards those we meet, and the perspective of your kingdom in which to see the things of the earth. Wednesday 3 rd : Bring us to the day s ending blessed through having shared the day s beginning. In Christ s name we ask this. Amen Thursday 4 th : Francis of Assisi O God, you ever delight to reveal yourself to the child-like and lowly of heart: grant that, following the example of the blessèd Francis, we may count the wisdom of this world as foolishness and know only Jesus Christ and him crucified, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Friday 5 th : Thank you for the harvest When fruit and berries grow. Thank you for the ripening corn Planted long ago. Thank you for the autumn And a warm and sunny day. Thank you for the harvest And crops to store away. Saturday 6 th : THANKS FOR THE HARVEST We give thanks for the harvest. We thank you, Lord our God, that the sowing and the reaping have all been done. For those who work in the fields, on farms and in factories, making the food we eat: we thank you, Lord. 17

18 Psalm 41 Sunday 7 th : Harvest Sunday Then he said to them, "The harvest is indeed plentiful, but the laborers are few. Pray therefore to the Lord of the harvest, that he may send out laborers into his harvest. Luke 10:2 Monday 8 th : "In the garden, Autumn is, indeed the crowning glory of the year, bringing us the fruition of months of thought and care and toil. And at no season, safe perhaps in Daffodil time, do we get such superb colour effects as from August to November." - Rose G. Kingsley, The Autumn Garden Tuesday 9 th : In stillness, in chaos, in the extraordinary and the mundane, God is there, and a lifetime is not enough to explore all the different ways to respond to him. Amen Wednesday 10 th : Paulinus, Bishop of York God our Saviour, who sent Paulinus to preach and to baptise, and so to build up your Church in this land: grant that, inspired by his example, we may tell all the world of your truth, that with him we may receive the reward you prepare for all your faithful servants; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Thursday 11 th : There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot" Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 Friday 12 th : Wilfrid of Ripon, Bishop, Missionary - Almighty God, who called our forebears to the light of the gospel by the preaching of your servant Wilfrid: help us, who keep his life and labour in remembrance, to glorify your name by following the example of his zeal and perseverance. Amen Saturday 13 th : Edward the Confessor King of England Sovereign God, who set your servant Edward upon the throne of an earthly kingdom and inspired him with zeal for the kingdom of heaven: grant that we may so confess the faith of Christ by word and deed, that we may, with all your saints, inherit your eternal glory. Amen Sunday 14 th : Psalm 42 18

19 Loving God help me to remember that there are many who are not as fortunate as I am. When I have food, help me to remember the hungry; when I am without pain, help me to remember those who suffer. Amen Monday 15 th : Teresa of Avila Merciful God, who by your Spirit raised up your servant Teresa of Avila to reveal to your Church the way of perfection: grant that her teaching may awaken in us a longing for holiness, until we attain to the perfect union of love in Jesus Christ. Tuesday 16 th : O Lord hear my prayer When I call answer me. O Lord hear my prayer Come and listen to me. Wednesday 17 th : Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch Feed us, O Lord, with the living bread and make us drink deep of the cup of salvation that, following the teaching of your bishop Ignatius and rejoicing in the faith with which he embraced a martyr's death, we may be nourished for that eternal life for which he longed; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Thursday 18 th : Luke the Evangelist Almighty God, you called Luke the physician, whose praise is in the gospel, to be an evangelist and physician of the soul: by the grace of the Spirit and through the wholesome medicine of the gospel, give your Church the same love and power to heal; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Friday 19 th : O Lord since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me Psalm 31 v3 Saturday 20 th : Spread love everywhere you go. Let no-one ever come to you without leaving happier. Mother Teresa. Psalm 43 Sunday 21 st : Wisdom can come from any direction if we are open to it. Monday 22 nd : Be still and know that I am God Psalm 46 v10 Be still, stop what you are doing and listen. Tuesday 23 rd : 19

20 Everything about us matters to God. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Matthew 10:30 Wednesday 24 th : Let the Spirit of God empower you to face every challenge with style and grace. Let your conversation be gracious as well as sensible. Colossians 4:6 Thursday 25 th : "The sweet calm sunshine of October now warms the low spot; upon its grassy mould. The purple oak-leaf falls; the birchen bough drops its bright spoil like arrowheads of gold." - William Cullen Bryant Friday 26 th : "The gilding of the Indian summer mellowed the pastures far and wide. The russet woods stood ripe to be stripped but were yet full of leaf. The purple of heath-bloom, faded but not withered, tinged the hills... Field head gardens bore the seal of gentle decay;... its time of flowers and even of fruit was over."- Charlotte Brontë Saturday 27 th : Clocks turn back this evening. Hope you have done yours!! Don t be late. Psalm 44 Sunday 28 th : Simon & Jude, Apostles Almighty God, who built your Church upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ himself as the chief corner-stone: so join us together in unity of spirit by their doctrine, that we may be made a holy temple acceptable to you; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Monday 29 th : "Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn."- Elizabeth Lawrence Tuesday 30 th : Make me willing to go where You send me, make me ready to answer Your call. Give me a heart that rejoices to serve You, sharing the best love of all. Wednesday 31 st : "October's the month When the smallest breeze Gives us a shower Of autumn leaves. Bonfires and pumpkins, Leaves sailing down October is red And golden and brown." 20