St Luke’s Magazine
April 2016
£1
Every year we revise the Church Electoral Roll, if you are already on the Roll there is no need to do anything. For those who would like to join there are forms at the back of both churches. The Annual Art and Craft Exhibition at Tuxlith Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th June
Once again, Jean Mallows, is organising this event to raise funds for the care and upkeep of Tuxlith. If you would like to exhibit please contact Jean on 01730 263116 Jean-Mallows@realemail.co.uk. This year there will be a Plant and Produce stall in aid of the Benefice, so please will you think about your St Luke’s when sewing your seeds this spring. We would welcome help with meeting and greeting in Tuxlith, selling on the stall and putting up some posters. Please put the dates in your diary.
Magazine Subscriptions
Magazine subscriptions for 2016 are now due. The cost for the year are as follows: £10 for the year for those who have their magazine delivered or collect them. For those who receive the magazine by post we are having to increase the subscription to £16 to cover the increase in postage. St Luke’s Milland: cheques made payable to Milland PCC to be sent to: Sheila Pim, Standford End, Whitehill Road. Standford. Hants. GU35 8QS St Luke’s Linch: Wher e possible, please pay your distr ibutor dir ectlycheques made payable to :Linch PCC and sent to Anne Alderman, 13 Mill Vale Meadows, Milland. GU30 7LZ Roger Poat & Partners Independant Funeral Directors & Memorial Consultants Duck Lane Midhurst GU29 9DE
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From the Rector… Counting our Blessings We all have times in life when something happens that make us count our blessings. When this happens some of us may carry on counting blessings and actually look for blessings. Some will use this positivity for good, giving something back after having received so much. Yet it is probably more likely that when things get back to normal, we forget the blessing bestowed. With so many around the world living under and in appalling conditions we should count our blessings every day. Yet strangely it is often those who struggle daily that see God’s blessings more clearly, perhaps they have a heightened sensitivity to them. Those struggling with drought and famine give thanks for rain as they watch their wells fill with water and their crops start to grow. Those who have little give thanks for just managing to put food on the table. It’s so normal for us to see a supermarket full of food, and when we have so much we often forget to say thank you because we take it for granted. Sadly, it would seem we moan and complain about small things because we haven’t the big things to occupy us…which in itself is a blessing. Of course there are many who have very real and worrying problems, all around us, but the basic things to sustain life we have in abundance: peace, clean water, plenty of food, medical supplies and skilled practitioners and for the majority of us shelter. Yet these things can end so quickly, we only need to look at Syria. Looking at the plight of those in Syria and the refugees, is a reminder to us that life is fragile and that all we have cannot be taken for granted. We’ve just celebrated Easter, looking at both death and life. Good Friday is a difficult day, but it is the most holy of days and this year we shared that last hour of Jesus’ life as a united benefice. Acknowledging together that Jesus’ suffering was for us, we gave an hour of our day to do something for God instead of asking God to do something for us. In that hour we showed God our love and devotion. Good Friday as with all Good Fridays we count our blessings. We count our blessings that we are loved so much that Jesus died for us. On Good Friday we also have the blessing of hindsight, we know that Easter Sunday is coming and that all is not lost. How different it was on that very first Good Friday… So Easter is about new life, new beginnings and it moves us into spring. New buds are sprouting and we pray that crops will start growing strongly. As I write this the sun is shining, the birds are singing and after a long dark wet winter the sunshine truly feels like a blessing, just as Easter Sunday did after a dark Good Friday. So let’s remember to count blessings while we can and you never know we may well count so many that we might be tempted to give some away. All blessings Rev Trish
To be a person of faith is to believe that you can make a difference and to work at making that happen. It’s about turning the ideal into the real. And we get to do that in small things that happen every day. We have a choice about those thoughtless comments, destructive put-downs, sarcastic rejoinders, times when we walk past a needy neighbour without offering help, times when we say nothing to challenge an injustice. These are in our own power to change. Just as surely, we can choose to offer an encouraging comment when we might have said nothing, to give time and a listening ear when someone close to us is hurting, to take some small step to do what we can; to slow climate change, to live more simply, to speak a word of tolerance and understanding where there is strife. There are opportunities for these things every day, and they are ours to use or not to use. The currency of change is in our own back pockets. A person of faith is one who chooses to spend that currency, moment by moment, by making ordinary choices that tip the scales toward greater good. Moving Beyond Religion as you Know It To Grow in Your Relationship with God Margaret Sif
SERVICES FOR APRIL SUNDAY 3 April Linch 9.30 am Readings Sidesmen Milland 11.00am Lessons Sidesman Readers
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2 Sunday of Easter Family Communion Acts 5: 27 – 32; Revelations 1: 4 – 8; John 20: 19 - end Joe and Mary Gallagher and David Angela Eucharist Acts 5: 27 – 32; Revelations 1: 4 – 8; John 20: 19 - end Julia Hughes Janet Price and Julia Hughes
SUNDAY 10 April 3rd Sunday of Easter Linch 9.30 am Holy Communion Readings Acts 9: 1 – 20; Revelations 5: 11 – end; John 21: 1 - 19 Sidesmen Juliet and Nigel Cartwright Milland 11.00am Matins Lessons Acts 9: 1 – 20; John 21: 1 - 19 Sidesman Harry Scott Readers Harry Scott and Peter Anson SUNDAY 17 April Linch 9.30 am Readings Sidesmen Milland 11.00am Lessons Sidesman Readers
4th Sunday of Easter Matins Acts 9: 36 – end; Revelations 7: 9 – end; John 10: 22 - 30 Olive Fleming and Gina Dyke Holy Communion Acts 9: 36 – end; Revelations 7: 9 – end; John 10: 22 - 30 Bob Ireland Janet Farnes and Sam Pope
SUNDAY 24 April Linch 9.30 am Readings Sidesmen Milland 11.00am Lessons Sidesman Readers
5th Sunday of Easter Holy Communion Acts 11: 1 – 18; Revelations 21: 1 – 6; John 13: 31 - 35 Mu Bullingham and David Alderman Matins Acts 11: 1 – 18; John 13: 31 - 35 Harry Scott Harry Scott and Julia Hughes
SUNDAY 1 May Linch 9.30 am Readings
Milland
Sidesmen 11.00am Lessons
Sidesman Readers
6th Sunday of Easter Family Communion Acts 16: 9 – 15; Revelations 21: 10, 22 – 22.5; John 14: 23 - 29 Madeleine Oram and Greg Carter Eucharist Acts 16: 9 – 15; Revelations 21: 10, 22 – 22.5; John 14: 23 - 29 Julia Hughes Flick Langley and Jean Mallows
DIARY DATES APRIL Sun
17
5pm
Evensong
St Luke’s Milland
6pm
APCM
St Luke’s Milland
Wedding
St Luke’s Milland
Fri
29
Mon
16
8pm
PCC
St Luke’s Milland
Fri
20
3pm
Messy Church
St Luke’s Milland
4
7.30pm PCC
MAY Weds
Bettesworth Room
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From the St Luke’s Milland Church Warden We have had a bit of a nasty surprise this month, as those of you who have been to the church will have seen. The memorial garden has been sealed off and is covered with red tape and "keep out" notices, because a relatively small piece of coping stone had fallen off the south chancel roof on 26th February into the garden, and embedded itself in the ground. This was probably caused by frost and damp. The church architect has inspected it and is preparing a report, which may well suggest that other stones are loose and very expensive repairs may need to be carried out. This is most unfortunate, as the cost will be out of all proportion to the likelihood of anyone being injured by falling debris because they happen to be underneath when and if it occurs, the chances against that are of course millions-to-one! However, "elf “n' safety" and the insurance companies rule the world these days, and we have already incurred several hundred pounds of costs, for the architect's fees and hire of a "cherry picker "to inspect the damage. Forgive the rant, but I am very unhappy that something like this should have the potential to inflict such harm on our finances, when we struggle to keep our lovely church going for the benefit of us all. By the time you read this Easter will have come and gone, and I hope you have had a happy one (without TOO much chocolate!) ,I will have got a new hip, which will keep me out of action for a week or two in the meantime .However, I am hoping it will give me a new lease of life, as I go into my fourth year as sole church warden. Michael Cartwright
Annual Parish Church Meeting Milland will hold Evensong at 5pm Sunday 17th April, followed by the APCM in church at 6pm on Sunday 17th April. All those who are writing reports please send them to Bob Ireland.
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Jottings from St Lukes Milland PCC Meeting on 14th March
The Parish and Benefice Mission Action Plan continues to be a priority, unfortunately, to date, no responses have been received to the Talents Questionnaire. Michael Cartwright thanked members for their successful work over Christmas, especially for Rake School functions. Michael also confirmed that the Churchyard would now be overseen by Sam Pope who had prepared an initial budget. Michael thanked Sam for taking on this role and also expressed his thanks to Robin Quinnell for all she had done while working with us. He also drew attention to the need for some ‘gardening’ of the flower-beds on the South side of the church and it was hoped that volunteers would come forward. Ensuring access to the War Memorial at Rake Village Hall - Bob Ireland continues to be in communication with a lawyer who is conducting a search of relevant documents. With regard to the fabric of the church, John Dawes advised the meeting that 2016 was likely to see some heavy costs for three main reasons: i. following some tiles falling from the roof an initial inspection has shown that there are problems with some coping tiles – the ’no-go’ area by the Memorial Garden has been extended. And further investigations are planned. ii. repairs to the windows is planned and a contractor has been appointed to work on 48 ferramenta (window sections) at the west end of the nave/tower which have corroded plus 4 new windows in the South Porch where the present glass was cracked or bowed and needs renewal. iii. The flagpole and metal ladder will be removed from the tower as they are now in an unacceptable state and a source of potential injury. APCM on Sunday April 17th and Electoral Roll was discussed it was confirmed that Application Forms for inclusion in the Electoral Roll would be placed in the church. The Treasurer, Ann Alderman, presented the 2015 accounts and the 2016 budget for approval prior to the APCM. The deficit for 2015 was smaller than budgeted; however, finances for 2016 were expected to result in a deficit of over £2,000. The meeting discussed possible ways of increasing income including stewardship, as collections and donations are now at a lower level than used to be the case. A vote of thanks to Anne for her efficient stewardship of the accounts was adopted unanimously. The Tuxlith Art Festival on 17th-19th June 2016 was confirmed and the church will be well-decorated. The theme for the Church presence at the Milland Rural Fair on 17 th June will be to show what the church offers, especially for children, the cake stall would be there as usual. John Dawes advised that his son, Jeremy, would be riding in the 2016 LIDBA cycle ride and he had agreed to raise funds for the church thereby. Jeremy was thanked for this and sponsors should contact John. Betty Way drew attention to the film “Open Bethlehem” and it was agreed that a viewing in St Lukes Milland to further raise funds would be explored The next meeting of the PCC is scheduled for 8.00 p.m 17 th April in the church
From the St Luke’s Linch Church Wardens As Rev Trish says, although Lent should be a time for quiet contemplation, these last four weeks have been very busy with Lent lunches (many thanks to all those who hosted and attended these) and the Lent Course, although the latter has been a time for peace and reflection on the theme of 'Opening Doors' where the different studies covered doors of prayer, mercy, witness, service and the future. During the first study, Trish blessed the ever open door of our little church. In terms of quiet contemplation, we also enjoyed a Taize service on the 21st February. As with the Lent course, the Women's World Day of Prayer on 4th March was also a Benefice event and the ladies of Milland entered fully into the spirit of the theme which was prepared by the women of Cuba and arrived in very colourful and pretty summer dresses. Linch Church is not renowned for its tropical temperatures and, consequently, they were probably not at their most comfortable but certainly added to the atmosphere created by Tricia Macgeorge and her team, in a church decked out with colourful scarves and flowers. Mothering Sunday was another colourful occasion with a church full of beautiful posies which were distributed by the children to everyone in church, the children having previously assisted Rev Trish in distributing the Eucharist. On the rather unpleasant note of the wall at Iping Marsh, quotes have been obtained for the re-building of this and work there should start when the ground there has dried out a bit more. We look forward to seeing many of you at our Easter services which will be reported on in the next magazine. David and Carol PS Many thanks to all who helped out with the great church pre-Easter clean, we hope the results have been noticed!" Linch APCM will be held in church at 4pm on Sunday 10th April. All those writing reports please send them to Rev Trish.
MAGAZINE DEADLINE 20th April 2016 All copy please to stlukesbenefice@aol.com contact Alison Ireland on 01428 713392 The magazine will be in the Church on the first Sunday of the month.
St Luke’s Milland 200 Club This month’s winners
1st Janet Price 2nd Michael Cartwright 3rd Flick Langley Please contact Julian Wells if you would like to join the 200 club.
Rake School (see photos back page) On Mothering Sunday about twenty five pupils of Rake School joined the regular congregation for our service and gave a sp;endid presentation which could be easily heard at the back of the church. All went home happily with posies of daffodils for their mothers. We also, welcomed the children of Rake School to the church on two consecutive mornings in mid-March, accompanied by staff and assorted siblings, parents and grandparents. On the Thursday Classes 1 and 2 came and on the Friday the three more senior classes arrived, clad in all sorts of sporting gear as it was Sport Relief Day, the highlight being Mr Bertwistle, Headteacher, resplendent in gleamingly white cricket pads. At both services children read lessons and prayers beautifully as always, Rev Trish told some of the Easter story from the point of view of Saint Peter, Leslie Lloyd played for the four hymns, and good listening was rewarded by squash and biscuits (or coffee) kindly provided by Maureen Keel and Betty Way
Bob Ireland Bob is delighted to be back attending church and working on his recovery and would like to thank everyone for their prayers, good wishes and messages to both him, Alison and the family;
God Bless you all.
PACT Petworth Walk Through the New Testament Friday April 22nd/Sat 23rd Petworth Churches Together (PACT) is holding a 6 hour teaching on the Big Picture of the New Testament, and we will leave equipped and able to share the whole story line in just a few minutes. Learn more in 6 hours than 30 years of sermons! It is being held at the URC Church in Golden Square, Petworth GU28 0AR ÂŁ14 to include manual. Lavatories available. Information from Gerald Gresham Cooke 01798 342151 & www. Bible.org.uk
St George - our patron saint who isn’t English by David Winter It’s perhaps typical of the English that they should have a patron saint who isn’t English, about whom next to nothing is known for sure, and who may not have existed at all. That didn’t stop him being patriotically invoked in many battles, notably at Agincourt and in the Crusades, and of course it is his cross that adorns the flags of English football fans to this day. It’s most likely that he was a soldier, a Christian who was martyred for his faith somewhere in Palestine, possibly at Lydda, in the early fourth century. At some point in the early centuries of the Church he became associated with wider military concerns, being regarded as the patron saint of the Byzantine armies. There is no doubt that he was held as an example of the ‘godly soldier’, one who served Christ as bravely and truly as he served his king and country. The story of George and the dragon is of much later date and no one seems to know where it comes from. By the middle ages, when George was being honoured in stained glass, the dragon had become an invaluable and invariable visual element, so that for most people the two are inseparable. Pub signs have a lot to answer for here: ‘The George and Dragon’. However, it’s probably more profitable to concentrate on his role as a man who witnessed to his faith in the difficult setting of military service, and in the end was martyred for his faithfulness to Christ. The idea of the ‘Christian soldier’ was, of course, much loved by the Victorian hymn-writers - ’Onward, Christian soldiers!’ The soldier needs discipline. The heart of his commitment is to obedience. The battle cannot be avoided nor the enemy appeased. He marches and fights alongside others, and he is loyal to his comrades. In the end, if the battle is won, he receives the garlands of victory, the final reward of those who overcome evil. St George’s Day presents a challenge and an opportunity. The challenge is to distance the message of his life from the militarism and triumphalism that can easily attach itself to anything connected to soldiers and fighting. The opportunity is to celebrate the ideal of the ‘Christian soldier’ - one who submits to discipline, sets out to obey God truly, does not avoid the inevitable battle with all that is unjust, wrong and hateful in our world, and marches alongside others fighting the same noble cause. Discipline, obedience, courage, fellowship and loyalty - they’re not the most popular virtues today, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t deserve our gratitude and admiration.
Wednesday Eucharist 8.45am Bettesworth Room This takes place on most Wednesdays. Please check the weekly pew sheet for the latest details
Prayer for every day after Easter Living, Almighty God, Thank you that by your Spirit living in me, made possible by the life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus, you give me all I need. Like Peter, you forgive and recommission me. Like Thomas, you meet me in ways tailor-made for me. Lord, thank you for the daily personal “nudges” that assure me of your reality, your presence in my life, just when I need so much to know you are here. Thank you that we are Easter People every day, because of Jesus, and in His name we pray. Amen. By Daphne Kitching
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Thy Kingdom Come a week of prayer is called for May Churches across the country have been invited to spend the week before Pentecost, 8th to 15th May, in praying together. Writing to all the Anglican church leaders in England, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York explain: ‘Throughout history any movement of the Holy Spirit to draw increasing numbers of people to faith in Christ has always begun with prayer…. “Christ’s love compels us” to offer … hope, joy and salvation to others, that the world maybe transformed by God’s love. In prayer we are reminded that the “God of mission has a Church, not the Church of Mission has a God”. In prayer we are reminded that when we pray for new and renewed life in others, so it must first be sparked and kindled in us.’ And so it is that the Archbishops, in partnership with 24-7 Prayer, HOPE, the World Prayer Centre, the Neighbourhood Prayer Network, the National Day of Prayer & Worship and others, are inviting the Church of England to spend focused and dedicated time in prayer in the week running up to Pentecost Sunday, 8th -15th May, as part of a united effort to see more of the Kingdom of God come in our day. The focus for our prayer during this time will be for “all Christians to deepen their relationship with Jesus, so that we may have confidence to share our faith, that all may respond to the call of Jesus Christ to follow Him.” All serving clergy have been invited to be involved, together with their parish churches, Fresh Expressions of church, and chaplaincies. The week of prayer will be different in every context. For some places it might be a focused single event, perhaps adapting or building on an existing group or meeting, or holding something special. The hope is that in many places Christians across denominations and streams can pray together, as the unity of the whole Body of Christ is a powerful reality and symbol to the world. Beacon Events are to be held in five or six cathedrals (or neighbouring venues) over the Pentecost weekend, celebrating the gift of the Holy Spirit to the Church and praying for the renewal of the Spirit, and for Christians to deepen their relationship with Jesus and to have the confidence to share their faith. The hope is to inspire worship and intercession for a generation to rise up with a fresh passion and confidence for the proclamation of the Gospel. The locations for 'beacon events' are to be Canterbury, St. Paul's, York, Durham, Winchester, and Coventry (in the final stages of confirmation), with Canterbury, York, Durham and St Paul’s being intentionally aimed at the younger generation.
The Queen is ‘very grateful’ for the nation’s prayers In a strong statement of faith, the Queen has said that she is ‘very grateful’ to the nation for its prayers for her and that she has felt God’s ‘faithfulness’ during 64 years on the throne. The comments – rare insights into the Queen’s personal thoughts and Christian faith – came in the forward to a new book, The Servant Queen and the King She Serves, published by Bible Society, HOPE and LICC. Her Majesty said, ‘I have been – and remain – very grateful to you for your prayers and to God for His steadfast love. I have indeed seen His faithfulness.’ The book was published to mark the Queen’s 90th birthday. In her comments, the Queen referred to the changes she has seen in her life, which has made her the longest-reigning monarch in British history. ‘The extent and pace of change has been truly remarkable,’ she said. ‘We have witnessed triumphs and tragedies.’ And she alluded to the current problems in the Middle East saying that the world is now experiencing ‘terrible suffering on an unprecedented scale’. The Queen’s Christian faith is well-known. In recent years, Her Majesty has referred to her beliefs in public statements, including Christmas broadcasts. The Servant Queen and the King She Serves highlights the Queen’s faith and how it has shaped her personal life and service to the nation. A 12-page schools version has been published by Scripture Union. Copies of The Servant Queen and the King She Serves are available in packs of 10 at £1 a copy (plus p&p). Visit www.hopetogether.org.uk/thequeen to order copies and for ideas on how to hold a street party and Thanksgiving service.
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The story behind the Hymn – ‘Praise my Soul the King of Heaven’ Praise my soul the King of heaven, To His feet thy tribute bring; Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven, Evermore his praises sing. Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise the everlasting King.
Fatherlike, He tends and spares us; Well our feeble frame He knows; In His hands He gently bears us, Rescues us from all our foes. Alleluia! Alleluia! Widely yet his mercy flows.
Praise him for His grace and favour To our fathers in distress; Praise Him, still the same as ever, Slow to chide and swift to bless. Alleluia! Alleluia! Glorious in his faithfulness.
Angels in the height, adore Him, Ye behold him face to face; Sun and moon bow down before Him, Dwellers all in time and space; Praise Him! Praise him! Praise with us the God of grace! By Henry Francis Lyte (1793-1847)
This stately poetic paraphrase of Psalm 103 has been included in probably more solemn ceremonies than any other hymn in the English language. It was even chosen by Queen Elizabeth for her wedding to the Duke of Edinburgh in 1947.
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Henry Lyte had been a brilliant theological student at university in Dublin, with a gift for versifying. After graduation he moved to a tiny and remote parish in County Wexford to serve his curacy. It was here, when he was about 25, that Henry had a religious experience which would transform his life. A close friend of his, another clergyman, had fallen ill, and was clearly dying. Henry went to visit him. The friend was not as distressed as Henry had imagined he would be. Instead the friend confessed that he had been re-reading the New Testament, with an eye on eternity, and had made a great discovery. There was no need to rely on religious duties and formalities and good deeds to gain peace with God. Instead, we can trust completely in the mercy of Christ and his saving power. Henry was sophisticated and had been very formal in his ministry. But this encounter with his friend’s faith at death’s very door, made him reconsider his faith. He wrote later that his dear friend ‘who died happy in the thought that there was One who would atone for his delinquencies’ made him ‘study my Bible and preach in another manner than I had previously done’. And soon after this hymn appeared, in 1834. Lyte rejoices in the majesty and wonder of the living God, who in turn loves us. He captures the measure of the Psalm in enduring lyrics, which combine time, eternity, God and man all swept up into one embrace. Its last verse summons all of the created order to join in a great act of joyous praise – surely a preview of eternity!
Thought for the Month
by William Alcock
The Resurrection - an Easter Reflection We may well wonder, centuries after the event, about the resurrection of Jesus Christ; after all, resurrection is not part of our life experience, indeed for that matter it is not a common experience in the Bible. Belief in it therefore, not least belief that Jesus rose to life again after his gruelling crucifixion, must always be a matter of faith. Never the less, if it is true, it does confer a unique importance on Jesus Christ, which, added to Christian teaching, gives us hope both for our own and the world’s future. Within the overall message of the Bible - that in some way humanity fell out of kilter with God and needed forgiveness and reconciliation, the resurrection is absolutely pivotal. The whole Bible message lacks credibility and conviction without it. It represents the climax of the underlying theme of the Old Testament, and brings to completion of the reconstruction of direct human relations with God. In the New Testament the four Gospels give the accounts of Jesus’ deeds and teaching culminating with the details of His crucifixion and resurrection (His Ascension is recounted in the first chapter of the Acts of the Apostles). However we do not find the full meaning of the resurrection set out until the Epistles, mainly those of St Paul. Paul, as the thirteenth Apostle, states that his special mission was primarily to the Gentiles (the non-Jewish peoples), and that God had commissioned him to proclaim the Gospel concerning His Son, whose unique position as the Son of God was confirmed by His resurrection. Thus St. Paul proclaimed to the Roman world what God had done for humanity in Christ: and in so doing he brought together the Jewish traditions set out in the Hebrew Scriptures, and many Print Centre spiritual dimensions of the classical, in particular the Hellenistic (Greek) world. For All Your Printing & Copying Needs In this way the proclaimer of the Gospel, Jesus, has become the one proclaimed in the Quality Printing Service Epistles. In the Epistles, especially to the Romans, Colour / Black Copying Galatians, and Corinthians, Paul emphasizes Design Service that the message of the Gospels tells us that Digital Printing God always responds to personal faith in Him, and that such faith is the operative Plan Copying & Printing < A0 factor which gives us strength to overcome Canon Office Stationery the problems which so often confront us in Copy life. For Paul the resurrection is the Centre Ink Cartridges evidence of the beginning of a new era where our personal faith connects us E-Mail: office@blackwellpress.co.uk directly with God.As he wrote in his second Epistle to the Corinthians, “if any man be in Christ he is a new creature, (creation); old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new”. 36 Newtown Road, Liphook, Hants. GU30 7DX (2 Corinthians,5.17).
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See Rake School article
A very Happy 90th Birthday to Betty Horlock from all her friends in the Benefice.