grapevine december 2012 january : Meet the Congregation: Peter Coxon 18: Fenwick s Flections

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1 16: Meet the Congregation: Peter Coxon december 2012 january : Fenwick s Flections grapevine the magazine of st mary s church, rushden & st peter s, newton bromswold 1 50p

2 Rector: Rev Stephen Prior The Rectory, Rectory Road, Rushden, NN10 0HA Curate: Rev Matthew Taylor 36 Meadow Sweet Drive, Rushden NN10 0GA Readers: Mick Bantin, David Brandford, Ruth Compton, John Dixon, Tony Smith Licensed Evangelist: Mickey Bell Youth & Children s Worker Intern: Stephen Fenwick Hall Bookings: Pam & Paul Bailey 7 Kenilworth Close, Rushden, NN10 0QH St Mary s Churchwardens: Lynne Prior, 330 Newton Rd, Rushden, NN10 0SY Martin Cromwell, Pyghtles Cottage, 9 Pightles Tce, Rushden St Mary s Church Office Tues-Thurs: noon: Pam Bailey, Marion Bates, Sue Prior, Sonia Stocks Webmasters: Anthony Sutton and Matthew Taylor stmaryschurchoffice@btinternet.com St Mary s Website: Priest in Charge of Newton Bromswold: Rev John Tye 29 Kingsmead Park, Bedford Rd, Rushden, NN10 0NF Newton Bromswold Churchwardens Bob Lines, 25 Church Lane, Newton Bromswold, NN10 0SR: Alan Fuller, 252 Newton Road, Rushden, NN10 0SY Newton Bromswold Website: Grapevine Subscriptions One year s subscription (10 issues) 5 Postal subscription: 10 Large Print Editions are available in church or may be pre-ordered. Any changes to order or details of delivery to The Church Office stmaryschurchoffice@btinternet.com Phone: All monies to Peter & Barbara Coxon 11 Oakpits Way Rushden NN10 0PP petercoxon11@aol.com 2

3 Grapevine December 2012/January 2013 contents Who s Who 2 The Curate Writes 4 Margaret s Editorial 6 St Mary s News 8 From the Registers 8 Higham Deanery Synod 10 News from Newton 10 Letter from Bishop Donald 11 Around the Diocese 12 Diary 15 Meet the Congregation 16 Fenwick s Flections 18 Our Page /50 years ago 25 Mission Update 26 Crossword Belfry Gossip 28 Mouse Makes 30 Church Services for January Church Services for December 32 Grapevine welcomes contributions: Items for the February 2013 Magazine should be sent by Sunday January 13 to Margaret Akroyd, 132 Wymington Rd or left at the back of church clearly marked Grapevine or sent by to stmaryschurchoffice@btinternet.com with Grapevine in the Subject Line. Please include your name and a phone number with any submission in case we need to contact you. 6: Editorial: Margaret Akroyd 16: Meet the Congregation: Peter Coxon 28: Belfry Gossip NEW 18: Fenwick s Flections DON T FORGET! Grapevine is now available as a PDF download from St Mary s website at stmaryschurchrushden.org 3

4 Once upon a time... What makes Christmas for you? Crisp, white snow? No, me neither. Garish (unwearable) reindeer jumpers? Chunky bobble hats? Carols? Baileys? Twinkling Christmas lights? What about hanging out stockings around our electric fireplaces? Scented candles and the smell of pine trees (or is that just the needles clogging up the vacuum cleaner?). Mulled wine, Midnight communion, Brussels sprouts, cinnamon, wrapping paper, cards, the snap of crackers being pulled, Santa and his little helpers... a baby and some sheep? There are so many stories and traditions that spring up around this time of year that it can be difficult to know what is truth and what is fiction. I mean how do you fit all of God into such a tiny baby? The truth can surprise us! Truth can be stranger than fiction. But is this truth actually strange? How else might God set about making all things right? We know that even at this happy, festive time of the year, with much joy and happiness around us, there remains in our world the dark abuse of the old enemy who seeks to steal and destroy. It is there, not in the good of the Christmas spirit, but in all that becomes ever more difficult at this time of year. The 4 arguments, loneliness, poverty and disharmony which all seem so clumsily out of place in a Christmassy world of fluffy snow, cheerful elves and Bethlehem s tiny baby. But a baby was the only way for God s saving plan to come to birth. Choosing not to watch from afar, he entered this earth, became part of humanity in its most frail and vulnerable state. Not even coming into a birthplace with some comforts, but that of a pauper, with only a hay box to sleep in. Paul writes... For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. Yet Paul is not talking only about being born to a poor family in a backwater town in a Middle Eastern country, though that would be enough, he is hinting at the lavish Glory of the King of Heaven poured into our frail humanness: our

5 impoverished state becoming rich with God. This in itself turns our dark humanness towards a potential light, shows the possibility of being released the darkness lurking in our lives, not only during our own Christmas scene, but all the time. Potential finding completion in Jesus! We can be released from the poverty of our sin - through the riches of his grace. It is a gift that is given freely for each of us, we just need to open our hearts and minds to receive it. So, is truth stranger than fiction? Somehow, in the light of the nature of God the Father, King of Glory, yet full of love to the extent that He would do anything to reach out to His children - even if it meant coming in the form of a baby to do that... it doesn t seem so odd. A baby in a manger - strange? No, it was the only way. Rev Matt Taylor God became part of humanity in its most frail and vulnerable state 5

6 When looking for Christmas cards with a Christian message you may have a limited choice, and in frustration you settle for a picture of a dove with the word PEACE on it, which won t offend anyone of a different faith. At the Cheltenham Literary Festival recently a small book was on sale entitled Sharing Eden, written by three men of Christian, Jewish and Muslim persuasions. They point out that 54% of the world s population belongs to these three religions, based on the Abrahamic faith, and should provide us with enough common ground to come together in PEACE. It may not be easy, given the schisms within the Christian Church and other major religions but each generation longs for an end to hostility. A few verses in Acts give a clear message: God made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth, determined the times set for them and exact places they should live. God did this so that man would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from us for in him we live and move and have our being. Although Man has already been shot into space we don t know if any other life forms are out there, but as God gave us this planet to enjoy we must keep trying to live in harmony. The Mothers Union magazine Families First cites an American pastor, Charles Swindall, who said that, Life is 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you respond. It sounds like a good motto to lead forward into the new year which is full of the unknown. Yes, we all have a diary and put appointments therein but events can make it all change. I have just attended my granddaughter s wedding which was hastily arranged after her fiancé found he was being sent to Afghanistan on November 28 and was told by his commanding officer to make a will if he hadn t done so before. As the couple exchanged vows I prayed that the groom would return uninjured, and that this young couple would live to experience a 50 year long marriage, as I did with my husband Philip. 6

7 The little Cotswold town where we were staying has a special shop called the Christmas Shop although it is open all year. It is a tourist attraction and some of the guests made time to visit to buy some of the exquisite gifts to take home but I hadn t the same enthusiasm. The irony of the situation came to me: since the groom is an officer his dress uniform allows him to wear a splendid sword, which hundreds of years ago he might have used, but in the dust of the Middle East would not protect him from any explosive device. As I watched the recent Remembrance Services at the Albert Hall, and at the Cenotaph I could identify with the queen whose grandson Prince Harry is on active duty in Helmand Province, and I look forward to her Christmas Day message to all her people which she has delivered for 60 years. As a woman of great faith and sense of duty, she has interspersed her talk with film to illustrate her feelings so that she doesn t give a repetition of earlier years but is aware of the hardships of others, and expresses her hopes for a peaceful New Year. With the recent announcement of the new Archbishop of Canterbury, the Bishop of Durham, Justin Welby, the Church of England may well have to face changes. He has been in business, then a lay pastor at Holy Trinity, Brompton (nursery of the Alpha course) trained at Holy Trinity College, Cambridge and before Durham he was in Liverpool. The new year for him and for the Anglican community will need all our prayers and blessings. We wish all our readers a Happy Christmas and Peaceful New Year. Margaret Akroyd 7

8 From the Registers Baptism November 18 Thomas Mitchell Mayes Funerals October 29 Sarah Amanda Frost 29 October 30 Clive Smart 88 Interment of Ashes November 13 Fred Bass Thank you!! I would like to say a BIG THANKYOU to everyone who has played any part in getting the shoeboxes ready to be sent off ready for distributing to children at Christmas. Also thanks to the parish office for all the printing and support. Linda Inwood-Rogers Mothers Union On Wednesday, December 12, we will join with the Ladies Group for Christmas Celebrations in the Church Hall at 2.15 pm. Then in the New Year on Wednesday January 23, we will be having a New Year Dinner in the Church Hall followed by our AGM at 12.30pm. The cost is All Welcome! The Children's Society News The committee are pleased to report 1, from Box Holders has been forwarded to The Children's Society, enabling them to continue their work among vulnerable children and young people. Thank you all for your continuing support. Everyone is invited to The Annual Christingle Service on Saturday December 1 at 2.30p.m in St Mary's Church. The committee would like to wish everyone A Happy Christmas and 8

9 Flower Rota a peaceful New Year. Mary Hadley Friends of St Mary s Another first coming up this month: a Curry Night will be held on Friday December 7 in the Church Hall at 7.00pm. Curries: one hot one mild one veggie, plus lots of sambals. Tickets 7 [ 5 for members] available from John Allen [652222] and Trustees. Grapevine Distribution After 14 years of being responsible for the distribution and collection of subscriptions for Grapevine Janet and Roy Presland have decided to relinquish their responsibility at the end of We are very grateful for all their hard work and reliability over these 14 years. Janet and Roy would like to thank everyone for their help and support. We are pleased that Peter and Barbara Coxon have agreed to take on the responsibility for collecting the subscriptions. The bundling of magazines for delivery will be carried out by the office team. Behind the Communion Table Dec 2 Mrs Jose Tingey 9 Mrs Jane Morgan 16 Mrs Jean Tombling 23 Christmas Decorations 30 Christmas flowers Jan 6 Mrs Jose Tingey 13 Mrs Ellen Inwood 20 Mrs Edith George [arr. by JMT] 27 Mrs Ann Whitworth In confident anticipation many thanks to all those who plan to help decorate the church for Christmas: I m sure it will look lovely! Jean Tombling Memorial Chapel Flowers Dec 2 Mr Peter White 9 Mrs Alma Walters in memory of Gail Walters. 16 Mrs J Walters in memory of Douglas Wheatley 23 Mrs Brenda Dixon [Christmas] 30 Mrs Marion Bates Jan 6 Mrs Ann Whitworth in memory of her husband 20 Mrs Kelland in memory of her husband If anyone wishes to have any flowers in the Memorial Chapel, in memory of a loved one, please contact Brenda Dixon on

10 Higham Deanery Synod met in October in Hargrave Church, at the eastern edge of the deanery. The main item on the agenda was Christians and the environment, with Dr Peter Brotherton of Natural England - who is also the Diocesan Environmental Officer - giving a presentation on current threats to the environment (eg climate change and extinction of species) and ways in which Christians can put their faith into practice by making a positive difference. He mentioned in particular that the area around the River Nene (including Rushden) has recently been announced as a Nature Improvement Area (NIA), and that quite a lot of funding has been given for environmental projects in the area, enabling the local wildlife trust to appoint more staff to work with community groups, such as local churches. Any church or youth groups wishing to get involved can contact either Heather Ball or Chris Gerrard at the Wildlife Trust. Their addresses are: heather.ball@wildlifebcn.org and chris.gerrard@wildlifebcn.org. More details on NIAs are also available at conservation/biodiversity/funding/ nia/projects/default.aspx), In addition, Peter is planning to relaunch an environmental group for Peterborough Diocese. If anyone would like more details on that, or on Christian involvement in environmental issues generally, 10 Peter Brotherton can be contacted on Peter.Brotherton@naturalengland.org.uk Andrew Presland News from Newton Altar Flowers Dec 9 Helen Lines 23 Margaret Fuller Jan 6 Mrs Burt 20 Margaret Fuller Pew Heating System The new Pew Heating System has now been installed in Church and has received very positive feedback from the congregation. Carol Singing We will be Carol Singing in The Swan on Monday 17 December at 7.30pm. Please come and join us. Remembrance Sunday Newton has sent a 100 donation to the Royal British Legion to mark Remembrance Sunday. People want the front of the bus, the back of the church, and the centre of attention.

11 The Bishop of Peterborough writes Advent is the season of preparation. We prepare to meet the Lord: either when he returns as King and Judge, or when we die. In either case we will meet him and we need to be prepared. How do we face death? Christian thinking holds two different approaches in tension: death is the last enemy, to be destroyed (St Paul), but believers can sing and thou most kind and gentle death (St Francis of Assisi). If death is kind and gentle then we might have reason to accept assisted dying or voluntary euthanasia or even mercy killing. But most Christians have stood firmly against such practices, and rightly so. St Francis wrote as a believer, knowing that death, though unwelcome, would be his doorway to perfection with Christ. But the main stream of Christian thinking, clear in Old and New Testaments and subsequent theology, is that death is an enemy. We can be conned by popular natural history into seeing death as simply part of the natural order. The deeper truth, plain in Scripture and tradition and understood by former generations, is that death is unnatural: a consequence of the fall and a blot on creation. In God s new creation it will be no more. Christ died to defeat and destroy death. There is Kind and gentle death? 11 a growing trend to see death as a welcome end to suffering, simply a gentle release. That view can only be held by those who don t believe in judgement. If dying is just falling asleep, rather than meeting our Maker, it can be welcomed more easily. Even Christians now take death less seriously. Services of thanksgiving replace funerals. Sermons focus on the life that has ended rather than facing the reality of death. The Prayer Book s In the midst of life we are in death and deliver us from the bitter pain of eternal death are optional in Common Worship and rarely used. Gravestone inscriptions try to celebrate life instead of marking death. Death is an offence against God s gift of life. It separates us from those we love. But that is not the last word. Jesus rose from the dead: resurrection is at the heart of our message. But play down the horror of death and you remove the need for a saviour. Face death: prepare for it, thanking God that Jesus is Saviour as well as Judge. With best wishes Diocese of Peterborough - Magazine Resource - December 2012 Produced by the Diocesan Office, The Palace, Peterborough PE1 1YB Tel:

12 The Xpect internship scheme is now in its second year and there are ten new interns working with young people in parishes from Uppingham to Northampton and various places in between. Their placements are varied and range from parish churches to pioneer ministry and a secondary school. Seven of the placements have taken interns for the first time this year. A further two youth workers are training with the interns for the Engage youth ministry certificate. Of last year s interns, five have remained working within the diocese either at the same church or in a different location, and one has gone on to a youth ministry degree course in Cambridge. It s exciting to recognise that work with young people is developing in 15 more places now than at the start of 2011, because of the intern programme. It s just as exciting to realise that those involved as interns or trainees are learning new skills, discovering new gifts and exploring their vocation. This twin purpose is at the heart of Xpect growing youth workers as well as growing youth ministry within Around the diocese Internship scheme to grow 12 the diocese. BUT as if this was not enough, there s more we want to see growth in all areas of ministry! So from September 2013 we will be running a new stream of internships for people who want to serve in general ministry or in areas other than youth work. Specifically, we will be seeking to support young people aged years who wish to explore a calling to ordination. Young people on general ministry internships will receive the same financial support as Xpect interns, and, like them, will participate in training. A new development will be the living arrangements. We plan to accommodate groups of interns in two houses made available by the diocese so that will add an extra element to the programme. Living together as part of a community and following some form of rule will be a key part of ministry formation for the interns. So the search is now on for new placements and interns for next year s programme both for youth ministry and wider ministry. Please contact Pete White if you would like to discuss this for your parish. More information and contact details are at:

13 Around the diocese Door wide open to young people who respond to God s call Don t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love and in purity (1 Timothy 4:12) In 1971, about 400 people entered training for ordained ministry. Of these about 300 were under the age of 30. In 2011, about 400 people entered training for ordained ministry. Of these about 80 were under the age of 30. What has happened in the past 40 years? Many things have affected church attendance and commitment amongst all ages. But the fact is that many in their teens and twenties were given a clear message during this period to go off and get some experience of the real world and then come back. The majority didn t. The teaching and medical professions routinely employ 23 year olds and there is care to enable them to mature in training and first posts. Why should the church be different? Today, the message is loud and clear! The door is open wide for young people to consider offering their lives to God s service in the Church. Every diocese now has Young Vocations Champions (ours are Ben Archibald and Hannah Jeffery) to help DDOs keep young vocations high on the agenda. One thing that helped settle my own sense of calling was to spend 18 months as an ministry intern in a church. I m thrilled that the diocese is developing our Internship Scheme, led by Pete White, to enable young people to do the same here, and I am privileged to be working on widening this scheme across the country. 13 Internships are a proven way to help young people to have a go, receive some training, meet others considering a similar future, be mentored and find role models for ministry. The biggest thing we can all do is to pop the question to any young person whose faithfulness to Jesus really impresses you. Exploring ordination often begins at somebody else s suggestion. Tell them about the LifeCall Conference in Kettering on 23 February 2013 and suggest that they come along. They will hear from Nicola Moy, a young vicar from London, from Bishop Lindsay Urwin who has encouraged young vocations all his ministry. They will have a chance to meet young adults serving, or in training for, various ministries. Young people are routinely asked to think hard about their choices for the future. For young people Church ministry is a real option; they will help us connect an emerging generation with Christ. Revd Steve Benoy, Diocesan Director of Ordinands (DDO)

14 Around the diocese Introducing our Young Vocations Champions Hey! I m Fr Ben, a young priest and Vicar of St Mary s Church in Kettering. I m thrilled to have been asked to be one of the Diocese of Peterborough s two Young Vocations Champions. I m absolutely passionate about encouraging young and enthusiastic Christians to explore the possibility of serving God in a variety of ways, not least ordained ministry. Having felt called by God to serve him as a priest since the age of 12, I know the struggles and anxieties that many young people will face. Fr Ben Archibald Sat 1, Christmas Carols Creativity 10am-4.30pm at St Botolph s, Longthorpe, PE3 6LU. Models, paintings, stitching etc on Christmas carol theme. Sat 1, Handmade at St John's, design and craft fair at St John's, Peterborough. Sat 1, Hartwell Christmas Fayre, 2-4pm at St John the Baptist, Hartwell. Mon 3, Quiet Day at Launde Abbey. 10am-4pm. Details: Mon 3, Rutland NSPCC Carol Concert 7.30pm at Oakham All Saints. Tickets 12 from / Wed 5, Roade Community Choir concert, 7.30pm at St John the Baptist, Hartwell. In aid of church fabric fund. Sat 8, 'O Come Emmanuel'. Northampton Chamber Choir concert, 7.30pm at Ss Peter & Paul, Abington, Northampton. December events 14 I m Hannah Jeffery. I was ordained at 26 and will always be grateful to older Christians around me who helped me to recognise God s call. I m not sure I d have recognised it on my own! I hope to do the same for others whether that call is to ordination or another form of ministry. I work as a school chaplain and am constantly amazed and humbled by the gifts young people have. While God calls us all into a variety of roles, I m passionate that those whose gifts he wants to use in full time ministry are not missed for the sake of the church, the world, and of course the individual concerned. Nothing is more fulfilling than following God s call! Hannah Jeffery Sat 8, Towcester Studio Band, 7.30pm, St Luke s, Kislingbury. Tickets 7. Sat 8, Advent Shopping Morning. Handmade jewellery, bags, chocolates + more. 10am-1pm at St Mary s Ringstead. Sat 8 - Sun 9, Christmas Tree Festival at St Andrew s, Broughton. 1-5pm daily. Sat 15, Candles and Carols at Ketton The Cantus Choir with Sarah Platt, soprano, and James Parsons, organist. 7pm at St Mary's, Ketton. Tickets 8 from or on door. Sat 15, Sun 16, Sat 22, Weedon Bec Christmas Tree Festival, 11am - 4pm at St Peter and St Paul, Weedon Bec. Mon 17, Business and Shoppers Carols, 1pm-1.30pm at Peterborough Cathedral.

15 D I A R Y December 1 Saturday: 2.30pm, Annual Christingle Service in St Mary s Church. Collecting candles available in church. Everyone welcome. Also Christians Against Poverty Money Coaches Training in Leicester 5 Wednesday: pm, Fun Faith n Food in the church hall. Craft, activities, then family friendly service in church followed by a meal together. Adults 2. 7 Friday: 7.00pm, Friends of St Mary s Curry Night. Curries: one hot one mild one veggie, plus lots of sambals. Tickets 7 [ 5 for members] available from John Allen [652222] and Trustees. 8 Saturday: noon, St Mary s Church Choir Coffee Morning & Carols. Drink + special mince pie 1, many stalls, all welcome. 12 Wednesday: 2.15pm, Mothers Union & Ladies Group St Mary s Church Hall - Combined Christmas afternoon January Wednesday: 2.15pm, Ladies Group, in the church hall. Rev Richard Coles, Rector of Finedon, talks on Popstar to Priest. All welcome. 22 Tuesday: 7.30pm, Big Society Meeting at the Corn Market Hall, Kettering: "Seizing the opportunities" (looking at setting up community projects and social enterprises). Free admission. Details from Andrew Presland ( ). 23 Wednesday: 12.30pm, Mothers Union meet in the church hall for New Year Dinner, followed by AGM. Tickets Saturday: Kettering & District Women s Conference February 23 Saturday: 7.30pm, Children s Society: A Quiz & Hot Potato Supper in St Mary's Church Hall Rushden. Tickets 6.75 available in the New Year. 15

16 Meet the Congregation Peter Coxon: 9.30am In 1945 RAF Warrant Officer Harold Coxon and his wife Beryl, a mental nurse welcomed their first son, Peter, but 3 months later he contracted meningitis. His father was flown home from India and he was christened as he was not expected to survive, but he fooled them all! He was later told he survived because God answered everyone s prayers. Four years later he was followed by brother Steve. Peter remembers life in a cottage on the outskirts of Stafford with country walks and visits to the duck pond with Grandma. He recalls his uncle wearing a trilby with sparklers in it and setting fire to his hat. Peter and his brother rode a tandem and he vividly remembers the day they were going too fast downhill and ended up in the hedge. Before passing his 11+ Peter attended two local schools and then moved on to King Edward VI Grammar School in Stafford. His favourite subjects were Maths, English, French, Geography and Sciences. He had good Christian teaching throughout his schooling and he joined the Sea Scouts, later becoming a leader and eventually Assistant District Commissioner! Peter sailed with five sea scouts across the channel to Cherbourg during a pea souper and collided with the mooring buoy of a large ship. They decided to stop there as it was safest. He left school at sixteen and went into banking at the Co-operative Bank in Stafford, where he met his future wife Barbara over the counter when he was working as a cashier. The assistant manager said he must be very discreet, and the manager ignored what was happening and head office never knew! They went out together for two years; Peter eventually got on his knees and proposed. They were married in 1970 (the same day as Mick and Elaine Bantin) but at St Mary s Stafford where Barbara s mum and dad had been christened, confirmed, and married and father was a choir and altar boy. They had their honeymoon in London, spilling confetti everywhere; a vivid memory is of going to see Lee Marvin in Paint your Wagon. When he was a young cashier they 16

17 used to carry a suitcase down the High St with over 10,000 in it!. Career moves took them to Manchester, Derby, and finally Rushden, where he travelled daily to Bedford to work at the Co-op Bank, where Barbara also worked as a secretary. Peter still chuckles over the time he returned from lunch and began serving a customer opening his till and found it full of chestnuts! After becoming redundant he had a complete career change and started work at Bedford Hospital where he became a practitioner technician, taking blood, putting in cannulas and resuscitation, working all over the hospital. Following retirement both he and Barbara are first aiders: they train and assess others through the Red Cross and as a result of their faithful service they were invited to a Royal Garden Party, where they met Prince Andrew and the Duchess of Cornwall, whom Peter found to be a very charming and approachable lady. After moving to Rushden in 1988 and trying another church, they found St Mary s, did the Alpha Course and joined the home group led by Chris and Linda Brett and Peter is now leader of that group. Peter and Barbara think of St Mary s as their spiritual home. Roving Reporter THOSE QUESTIONS! Who has been the biggest influence in your life? various scout leaders What are your hobbies? Gardening, AFC Rusden & Diamonds, Parkinson s Support Group (Bedford) Who would you like to invite to dinner? Bishop of York, my late brother in law and Barbara s father. What is your favourite meal? Roast lamb & all the trimmings followed by treacle sponge Your favourite place? Vancouver Island Proudest Moment Qualifying as a Banker [equivalent to a top degree] and, most important, marrying Barbara Motto Be Prepared and do my duty to God and the Queen 17

18 So here we are at the end of the year. It seems like only yesterday that we welcomed in 2012, doesn't it? Where did all that time go?! At the beginning of the year, I never imagined for a second that I'd be living in Rushden by the end of it! What I've learnt this year is that God really does work in mysterious ways. In May, I left a job to follow a calling to Bible College, but despite being absolutely certain it was God's will for me to go this year, I was offered a deferred place to go in September I was gutted, and this led me into my Pastor's living room, discussing my future over a cup of tea. The very same day, I found out about the Diocese of Peterborough running a programme called 'Xpect'. I rang up, found that there were still places available, applied, had an interview, and moved less than 7 days after being offered the place! I knew God wanted me doing something this year, but I was totally wrong about what exactly that was! It just goes to prove Isaiah 55:8, when it says: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD" I wonder where your life may be right now? If you're young, or if you're old, God still loves you: he still wants to use you, and he still wants to lavish his blessings on you. Sometimes it can be all too easy to resist that, and try and pull your life in one direction, when God is gently showing you a better one! His ways aren't our ways, and I pray this this coming year, we'll all learn to go His way, no matter the cost. Stephen Fenwick PS Did I ever tell you about the time Moses went up Mount Sinai and said, "Lord, I have a huge headache!" God said, "Here: take these two tablets." 18

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23 Barnes Tree Services All types of tree work undertaken A & R Kelland Painting & Decorating Services Free estimates and advice - Established 1982 Tel: Mob: or G R E E N G AT E flowers 124 Wellingborough Rd Rushden NN10 9TD greengateflowers@btconnect.com GLENEAGLES PROPERTY MAINTENANCE For all your internal property maintenance requirements New Bathrooms/Kitchens Plumbing/Blocked drains Tiling, Decking Carpentry & Joinery Small plastering jobs and more! Call James on or Quality & value guaranteed Customer testimonials available 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: jjhadley@tiscali.co.uk KHM Electricals Domestic & Commercial Electrician Inspection & Testing. PAT testing. Rewiring. Landlord Certificates. Free Quotes, 24hr call out. No job too small. Keith Morgan 21 Chapel Close, Rushden. tel: info@khmelectricals.co.uk To advertise in Grapevine contact St Mary s Church Office on or stmaryschurchoffice@btinternet.com Prices start at only 25 per year 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:

24 A. Coulson Plumbing, Heating and Gas Engineers Established 1966 Energy Efficient Heating Installations Condensing Boilers Power Flushing Heating Systems Servicing and Repairs Safety Checks & Reports Bathroom Power Showers Storage Tanks & Cylinders Hot & Cold Water Services Free Estimates Competitive Rates Dependable After Service Tel: Mob: Avenue Road, Rushden, NN10 0SW Cavalier Upholstery Antique, Modern, Office & Bar Furniture Chairs & Seating Recovered 1B Queen St, Rushden Barry Miller GENTLEMEN S HAIR STYLIST 40-42, HIGH STREET SOUTH RUSHDEN 6 FULL TIME STYLISTS Walk in or for appointments ring PARKING OPPOSITE Is your garden getting too much for you? Don't panic! Help is at hand. Ring Cloisters Garden and Homes on we pride ourselves on being prompt, reliable, trustworthy and polite NOW INCLUDING CARPENTRY & DECORATING free advice * fully insured P. G. SAVAGE PAPERHANGING INTERIOR & EXTERIOR FREE Estimates & Advice Given Reliable Service , Wymington Rd, Rushden, Northants 2 HIGHAM RD, RUSHDEN phone PAINTERS & DECORATORS OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE CARPETS FURNITURE BEDS 24 HOME VISITS AVAILABLE - Nail Cutting - Corn Removal - Ingrowing Toenails - Hard Skin Removal - Fungal Nail Treatment - Verruca Treatment 128 Newton Rd, Rushden Mobile:

25 110 Years Ago - January 1903 An instructive and thoughtful address was given on the Second Sunday of Advent December 16 by the Rev PJ Smythe, Rector of Kettering. The annual distribution of prizes to our Sunday School Scholars took place on Wednesday December 19 in the Public Hall. The hall was literally packed and all seemed to enjoy themselves most thoroughly. An excellent Lantern entertainment was given by Mr Powell, and the enthusiasm aroused by the war pictures was a thing to be remembered. Everyone was surprised at the success which attended the Jubilee sale and certainly 17 was a large amount to raise in this way. Our best thanks are given to those who sent articles for the sale and also to those who disposed of them so rapidly. Church Statistics. The registers show that during the past year there have been 226 Baptisms, 43 weddings, and 74 Burials. There were 420 Communicants on Easter Day, 238 on Whit Sunday and 177 on Christmas Day. 50 Years Ago - December 1962 Stewardship. Reviewing our Stewardship Campaign from the vantage point of six months running, we are able to report how well it is working, and would like to thank all those who are bringing their weekly offering to God with such faithfulness and regularity. There are about 50 members whose envelopes are lagging behind, and there may well be perfectly good reasons for many of these. We would, however, like to ask any of these members who do intend to fulfil their original pledge to try and bring their contributions up to date by December 31 on which date our accounts for the year close. Bible Exhibition A Bible exhibition, organised by the Church Mission to Jesus will be visiting us from March It is called The Bible comes to Life and it will help to make the Bible become a new book to the English reader. There will be Eastern costume lectures, a demonstration of the Passover Feast, models of the Tabernacle and Temple, and exhibits illustrating life in Bible days. There is no doubt that it is a first class exhibition, but we want helpers to act as stewards, and however reticent some of you may be at first to undertake it, there is no doubt that if you do, you will greatly enjoy it. 25

26 Mission Financial Update At this time of the year, we like to inform you all of the contributions St Mary s has made to our Mission Partners at home and abroad. We are able to give a tithe (10%) of the Church s General Income, which means we are able to distribute over 10,000 to our six mission partners. Over 2,000 will be sent to support Brian and Val Hodgkin in their work with Wycliffe; the same amount will be sent to Bishop Abelino in Chile and Colin & Anita Smith in Kenya. We are also able to send the same amount to our Patrons CPAS. Just over 1,000 will be sent to the Church Army and Langham Partnership. We have been able to send various smaller amounts to other good causes during the year: 100 to CMJ, 250 to the CPAS Falcon Camps (Christian holidays for underprivileged young people) and 250 to Tear Fund. The Lent appeal this year was for Water Aid again which was well supported by the Church and 2,000, including the gift aid back on tax, was successfully 26 raised. This year s Christmas Day Collection will be split equally between CPAS and persecuted Church Groups who are in need of our support. The Mission quiz evening on October 4, which was enjoyed by all, with quite a few interesting questions, raised 100; a Mission coffee morning took place on October 17 and raised 66. On behalf of the Mission Committee we would like to thank everyone for their support financially and with their prayers. Martin Compton

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28 Belfry Gossip Did you notice the difference in the sound of the bells around Remembrance Sunday when they were being rung half-muffled? We half-muffle the clappers to create a sound with an echo effect which is a very suitable lead and preparation for the Act of Remembrance at the Memorial across the road from us. Charlotte rang exceptionally well while being listened to by the vast audience outside. We were pleased to hear that a recent Mothers Union meeting included a talk about bell ringing given by our friend Dorothy Westerman. Bell ringers get everywhere, not only to ring but also to let people know about bells and bell ringing as well as being involved with the Church in many other ways. Our newest recruit, Su, has been progressing well during the last month and has now earned her first proficiency badge Ambitious Apprentice - congratulations, Su - while Kim has nearly progressed to her next badge Happy Hunter. We have again rung three quarter peals for the evening services during the last month. Very noticeable was the one of Plain Bob Minor which 28 Tom conducted, this was his first attempt at conducting and he put the calls in, in the correct places throughout even though he was nervous about doing it. Another was Tom ringing Cambridge Surprise Minor inside for the first time. These were both exceptional achievements because of the learning required and the concentration needed for their duration. Tom has now also reached a milestone of having rung 75 quarter peals since he started bell ringing, his 75 th was at Irchester while helping them to ring to celebrate All Saints Day. Congratulations, Tom, for these achievements. Our third was the halfmuffled quarter peal of Grandsire Triples as our tribute on Remembrance Sunday. The Wellingborough Branch held ringing meetings at Grendon and Earls Barton last month which several of us attended but due to other commitments our learners were unable to come along. Hopefully they will be able to later when we will be ringing at Moulton and Ecton. The ringing at Ecton will be a training afternoon which is aimed specially for those who are learning, so all

29 learners are being encouraged to go to meet and ring with others who are trying to do similar things. In December we will be ringing here at Rushden followed by a Quiz evening at Earls Barton. Quips & Quotes We are making plans for our ringing around Christmas to help in the celebrations but these have yet to be finalised. If anyone would like to know more or learn to ring the bells please talk to one of the ringers or come along at 7 o'clock on a Friday evening to see us and join our practice. Tintinnabulum A little boy in Sunday School said, Jesus is the best photograph God ever had taken Philip Greenslade, Cover to Cover: God s Story, Day 304, Selwyn Hughes Devotional Interlude on Philippians

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31 Services for January 2013 St Mary s, Rushden Sunday January 6 Epiphany 9.30am 11.15am 6.00pm All Age Holy Communion Morning Prayer Evening Praise Sunday January 13 Epiphany am 9.30am 11.15am 6.00pm Holy Communion [BCP] All Age Service Holy Communion Evening Worship Sunday January 20 Epiphany am 11.15am 6.00pm All Age Service Morning Prayer Holy Communion Sunday January 27 Epiphany am 9.30am 11.15am 6.00pm Holy Communion [BCP] All Age Service Morning Prayer Evening Worship St Peter s, Newton Bromswold 10.00am Family Service 10.00am 3.00pm Pete s Pack Evening Prayer 10.00am Family Communion Service 10.00am 3.00pm Pete s Pack Holy Communion WEEKDAY SERVICES AT ST MARY S RUSHDEN: Mondays 10.00am Bumps & Church - every week in term time Wednesday pm Fun, Faith n Food first Wednesday of the month Thursdays 10.30am Holy Communion [BCP] - every week Thursdays 1.15pm Bumps & Church - every week in term time For more information on all our Services, Events and Celebrations, please access our websites:

32 St Mary s, Rushden Sunday December 2 Advent Sunday 9.30am 11.15am 6.00pm All Age Holy Communion Morning Prayer Advent Carol Service Sunday December am 9.30am 11.15am 6.00pm Holy Communion [BCP] All Age Service Holy Communion Evening Worship 2nd Sunday of Advent Sunday December 16 3rd Sunday of Advent 9.30am 11.15am 6.00pm All Age Service Morning Prayer Holy Communion Sunday December 23 4th Sunday of Advent 8.00am 9.30am 11.15am 6.00pm Holy Communion [BCP] All Age Service Morning Prayer Service of Lessons & Carols Monday December 24 - Christmas Eve 4.00pm 11.00pm All Age Christmas Eve Service Holy Communion Tuesday December 25 Christmas Day 8.00am 10.30am Services for December 2012 Holy Communion Joint Holy Communion Sunday December 30 1st Sunday of Christmas 10.30am Joint Service of Carols for all ages 32 St Peter s, Newton Bromswold 10.00am Christingle Service 10.00am 3.00pm Pete s Pack Evening Prayer 10.00am Children s Carol Service 3.00pm 6.00pm 9.00am Holy Communion Christmas Eve Service Christmas Day Service 10.00am Christmas Family Service for January and Weekday Services see page 31