ST MARY-LE-TOWER CHURCH PAPER SUNDAY 4 th March 2018 Vicar: The Revd Canon Charles Jenkin, BSc 18 Kingsfield Avenue, Ipswich. IP1 3TA T: 07789 633315 E: CharlesJenkin60@gmail.com Director of Music: Mr Christopher Borrett St Mary-le-Tower, 17 Tower Street. IP1 3BE T: 07917 355946 E: musicdirector@stmaryletower.org.uk Parish Office: Tower House, 17 Tower Street. IP1 3BE T: 01473 225610 E: stmaryletower@hotmail.com See back page for further contact details. www.stmaryletower.org.uk
Sunday 4 th March 3 rd Sunday of Lent If you require a gluten-free wafer at Communion, or need the Bread and Wine to be brought to you where you are sitting, please let a steward know. 8.00AM Holy Communion (BCP) President: Canon Roger Pallant 9.30AM Choral Matins (BCP) Choir: Ladies & ATB Officiant: Canon Charles Jenkin Readings: Exodus 20.1-7; 1 Corinthians 1.18-25 Psalm: 19 vv. 7-end (page 367) Responses: Sanders Setting: Plainchant: Benedictus and Benedicite Anthem Borrett: The Two Adams (page 5) Hymn: A&M: 131 10.30AM Choral Eucharist (CW) Choir: Ladies & ATB President: Canon Charles Jenkin Preacher: Canon Roger Pallant Readings: 1 Corinthians 1.18-25; John 2.13-22 Setting: (depends on choir attendance) Anthem: Stainer: God so loved the World (page 5) Hymns: A&M: 584, 294(omit ), 806, 124, 652 5.00PM Choral Evensong with Communion (BCP) Choir: Boys & ATB President: Canon Charles Jenkin Readings: Exodus 5.1-6.1; Philippians 3.4b-14 Introit Chilcott: God so loved the world (page 5) Psalm: 11 (page 457) Responses: Sanders Office Setting: Noble in B minor Communion Setting: Schubert in G Hymns: NEH: 61, 273(t.302) Friday 9 th March 8.30pm Choral Compline. Choir: Ladies and ATB Sunday 11 th March 2 Lent 4 / Mothering Sunday Principal Readings: Numbers 21.4-9; Ephesians 2.1-10; John 3.14-21 8.00AM Holy Communion (BCP) Canon Roger Pallant 9.30AM Choral Matins (BCP) Mr Richard Hanley 10.30AM Choral Eucharist with all-age address Canon Charles Jenkin 5.00PM Choral Evensong Canon Charles Jenkin Forthcoming Special Services 25 th March Palm Sunday 10.30AM United Eucharist at SMLT 29 th March Maundy Thursday 7.00PM Eucharist of the Last Supper 30 th March Good Friday 1.30pm Good Friday Liturgy
INTERCESSIONS Forgive our sins as we forgive, you taught us, Lord to pray, but you alone can grant us grace to live the words we say. Lord cleanse the depths within our souls, and bid resentment cease; then reconciled to God and man, our lives will spread your peace. We pray for the mission and unity of the Church throughout the World: remembering today the Anglican Church in Central America. We pray for the work of Christian Aid. In our diocese we pray for members of Diocesan Synod, the Diocesan Secretary Anna Hughes and the Diocesan staff. In our life at the Tower we pray for our observance of Lent. For all who will take part in the RSCM Workshop now on Saturday 10 th March. We pray for all who live and work in our Town Centre, especially for the organisations who work in our Shared Community Space in Tower House. For the Ipswich Churches Winter Night Shelter, for the volunteers and guests they support, and those who continue to sleep on our streets. We pray for all who are responsible for National and Local Government. That there may be considered debate and planning for the future. For all who work in the Health Service at a time when demand for services is so high. We pray for peace and justice in the world: and for those who work for reconciliation. For all whose lives are devastated by war and civil strife. We pray for those we know who are sick or otherwise distressed including: Baby Harry Häusermann and family, Simon Gilbert, John Bannyan, and David Hall. We continue to pray for George Pipe, Bob Tostevin, Alexander Tostevin, Linda Haywood Smith and Carolyn. We pray for those unable to be regularly with us in Church, including this week: Margrid Brooks and Mary Gurney. Be with them and those who care for them. We pray rest in peace and rise in glory for those who have recently died, including Brian Goodson and we pray for all who mourn. We give thanks for those whose remembrance falls at this time of year. Names and Topics for the prayer lists should be given to the Parish office. PRAYER FOR THE DAY (The Collect of the Day) Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. 3
BIBLE NOTES Both readings today are about how different is the way of the Cross. The Cross challenges many natural human assumptions, not just in the way we live but in specifically in our religious assumptions too. As St Paul writes, The Cross is a stumbling-block or foolishness to many people. Things don t change much do they? St Paul is writing personally too; the Cross was both of these things to him, before his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. For Christians, the Cross reveals the true character and purposes of God. The purpose of life is not to be found so much in worldly success, achievement and power of others, but in loving and self-effacing service. The glory of God is not so much to be found in control and dominion, but in the authority of self-giving love. And being religious is not about seeking divine help in getting on in the world, but responding to the divine call to draw close to God, and follow a different way, so that in his grace and power we may change the world. It is important to recognise the very profound extent in which the Cross calls people onwards from what comes naturally to human beings in all sorts of ways. Although our evolved human nature is already amazing in many ways, the way of the Cross calls us to grow beyond this, and the challenges this brings are inherent to our calling as Christians. Meeting them faithfully is how we grow in faith and Spirit. Jesus cleansing the temple is not just about the injustices of temple practices that rip off the poor and make it difficult for them to take a full part, it s about the whole paraphernalia of temple religion. Jesus is over-throwing the old ways and bringing something new and more authentic. Canon Charles FIRST READING 1 Corinthians 1.18-25 The message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart. Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling-block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For God s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God s weakness is stronger than human strength. GOSPEL READING John 2.13-22 4
The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money-changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. He told those who were selling the doves, Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father s house a market-place! His disciples remembered that it was written, Zeal for your house will consume me. The Jews then said to him, What sign can you show us for doing this? Jesus answered them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. They then said, This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days? But he was speaking of the temple of his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken. ANTHEMS SUNG BY THE CHOIR TODAY 9.30AM, Borrett: We think that Paradise and Calvary, Christ s Cross and Adam s Tree, stood in one place. Look, Lord, look, and find both Adams met in me; as the first Adam s sweat surrounds my face, may the last Adam s blood my soul embrace. Amen 10.30AM, Stainer: God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoso believeth, believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world. God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. God so loved the world. 5.00PM Chilcott (Introit) God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoso believeth, believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Gregorian Chant THE RSCM WORKSHOP SCHEDULED FOR YESTERDAY WAS POSTPONED DUE TO THE SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS (Apologies if the messages did not reach you.) IT WILL NOW BE HELD ON SATURDAY 10 th MARCH 6.30-9PM CHURCH ELECTORAL ROLL Before the APCM on 29th April we must revise the Electoral Roll so we have an up to date list of those who may speak 5
and vote and be elected at the APCM. This year the roll will be revised between Sun 18 th March and Sun 1 st April (Easter Day). People not yet on the roll may come onto it only if they complete a form of APPLICATION FOR ENROLMENT ON THE CHURCH ELECTORAL ROLL. The forms will be available at the back of the church from 11th March and completed forms should be sent to the Parish Office. They can be left securely in the letter box of Tower House. Once on the Roll you will stay on until a completely new roll must be made next year. The current roll is on display in the porch. If you are on the roll you do not need to fill in another form to be included in the revised roll. Joining the Electoral Roll is not compulsory; but if you join it you can take a more full part in the Church's life. Please note that joining the electoral roll does NOT now have an effect on what we have to contribute to the diocese in Parish Share. The rules have changed for 2019. If you have any queries please contact me Carolyn Heyburn (Electoral Roll Officer) cjhnow@tiscali.co.uk ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING 12 NOON SUNDAY 29 th April in Church Elections, Accounts, Reports, Questions and Discussion An occasion to give thanks for the past and look to the future All church members and regulars welcome but to speak and have a vote you need to be on the Church Electoral Roll. CALLING NEW PCC MEMBERS! There are currently a good number of vacancies on the PCC which meets around 6-8 times a year to consider the life and mission of our church and to make key policy decisions. The PCC shares collaboratively in the leadership of the parish with the vicar and churchwardens and in particular has control of financial matters. PCC members have functions of trusteeship, representation and consultation, and should be ready to be examples of committed practical support in the life of the church as well as attending PCC meetings. Easter Preparations for Young Families Saturday 31 st March, 10 11.30am in the church Making the Easter Garden and Cross. Refreshments and an Easter Egg Hunt. For more information contact Sue Adair on 251618. 6
TOWER HOUSE OPEN CONSULTATION PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF DATE and TIME Thursday 8 th March, 7 9 pm in Tower House, 17 Tower Street, IP1 3BE Your views are sought on how best to maximise the opportunities offered by Tower House as an Ipswich-Centre community resource. With seven charities/cics already providing services in the building to disadvantaged people, we are ready to commence the next stage of the project to engage wider use of the space. We would very much welcome your ideas and help at this exciting time. All welcome so feel free to bring friends and colleagues from both SMLT and beyond. RSVP to Parish Office or stmaryletower@hotmail.com. Thank you for your support. Julia Häusermann. C of E New Safeguarding Guidelines and Training The Church of England has recently reviewed its safeguarding procedures and as a result there is a new basic Safeguarding Awareness Course (C0) that everyone with any voluntary role whatsoever in the life a church, is strongly encouraged to do, and anyone who needs any kind of further training in Safeguarding for church work, voluntary or paid, is required to do. It is a very important part of our Church life that we take seriously our responsibilities to children and vulnerable adults, and as such I would personally urge everyone to complete this basic course as soon as possible. Perhaps we can all do this course as part of our Lenten disciplines. The need to complete this course does not call into question anyone s integrity in any way at all. But it is important, given past sad events, that the Church is known publically to be making every possible effort to protect and nurture the young and vulnerable within a caring, Christian setting. We want to be known as exemplary communities in these matters. Even if you have completed courses in the past, and already have enhanced DBS status, you still need now to complete this new C0 course. It is simplest if you can do this on line, where it takes about 45 mins. Please go to the Diocesan website Safeguarding section, and register. After completion, please print off your certificate and pass this to the parish office. People who are not able to do the course on line, please let Donna Joyce in the parish office know, so that arrangements can be made for you to complete the course at Tower House. People who are required to undertake the higher level courses will be contacted by email. Many thanks for everyone s cooperation in this vitally important matter. Richard Hanley (Parish Safeguarding Officer) 7
WHAT S ON AT THE TOWER 5 th - 13 th March The church is normally open to visitors 9.30AM 2PM (Sat. from 12 noon) Mon 5 th Tues 6 th Wed 7 th Thurs 8 th Fri 9 th Sat 10 th Sun 11 th Mon 12 th Tues 13 th 12N Prayers for Light and Peace 6.40PM Choral Evening Prayers (Girls voices) 6.40PM Choral Evening Prayers (Boys voices) 10.30AM Holy Communion 7.00PM Tower House Open Consultation at 17 Tower Street 8.30PM Choral Compline 6.30PM RSCM Plainsong workshop 8.30PM Choral Compline Mothering Sunday Usual Sunday Services except 10.30AM Choral Eucharist with all-age address 12N Prayers for Light and Peace 6.40PM Choral Evening Prayers (Girls voices) 6.40PM Choral Evening Prayers (Boys voices) MOTHERING SUNDAY POSIES NEXT SATURDAY 10 th March Dads and children are invited to gather in St Mary-le-Tower from 10am on Saturday morning to make the posies for Mothering Sunday. All materials supplied; just come along and help. EASTER LILIES We are making our usual appeal for donations towards the Easter Lilies in the Church. There are envelopes on the table at the back of church if you would like to contribute - thank you. BRIAN GOODSON R.I.P. Brian s funeral and committal will be held in St Mary-le-Tower Church at 3.00PM on Friday 16 th March. May he rest in peace and rise in glory. INSPIRE The deadline for insertion of material into the Easter edition of the Inspire is Sunday 18 th March. Please forward your contributions to Sue Adair or Donna Joyce. TOWER CONTACTS: Administrator (Church & Tower House): Donna Joyce. See Parish Office contact details on the front page. Outgoing Letters: Remember to check the letter rack at the back of church. 8