St Mary's Church Richmond with St Michael and All Angels Hudswell

www.richmondhudswellparish.org.uk We aim - to show how God through the Church, with its worship, teaching and service is relevant to modern living.

Wed 2nd

Richmond Flower Arranging Club—Mrs Margaret Earl ”Memories” at Hudswell Village Hall. Coffee 9.30am Meeting 10.15am

Thurs 3rd 11.30am

1st Thursday Prayers at Holy Trinity Church

Sun 13th

3pm

Hudswell Fun-Key all-age worship Hudswell Village Hall.

Mon 21st

2pm

Swale Womens’ Institute at the Scout Hut A craft afternoon.

Fri 25th

7.30pm

Reeth Brass Band at St Mary’s Church for Mayor’s charities.

Sat 26th

10am-4pm

Darlington and District Samaritans Autumn/Winter/Early Christmas Fayre. At Bondgate Methodist Church, Darlington

Sun 27th

4pm

Fun-Key Church @ St Mary’s Richmond with Fun-Key Tower Café and activities from 3.40pm

Tues 29th 2pm

Mothers’ Union meeting with Sheila Harrisson - “Fast and Loose and Wooden Spoons”.

Wed 30th 7.30pm

Hudswell Gardening Club - Hudswell Village Hall Garden Design with Neil Whitmore

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Calendar and Contents

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Ministry Team and Contacts Page

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From the Registers, Transport Asst

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From our Rector

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From our Rector

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Prayer Diary October 2013

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What’s on in October 2013

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Fun-Key Churches, The Digital World Prayer

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Mothers’ Union Page

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Adverts

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Adverts, Clock, Will Aid 2013

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Jesus, The Rebel with THE cause.

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A day of prayer and fasting for Syria

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Richmond C of E Primary School

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Richmond C of E Primary cont Thank you page

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Henry Thompson - Sponsored Cycle Ride - Russia

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Sponsored Cycle Ride - Russia cont

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Mousemakes

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HOST UK, Ladies with Typewriters

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Book Recommendations, Bible Study Groups, Quiet Afternoon, Flesh & Blood

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Group services for October 2013 All in the month of…...

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Rotas and 200 Club

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THE PARISH OF RICHMOND WITH HUDSWELL AND DOWNHOLME AND MARSKE

www.richmondhudswellparish.org.uk

MINISTRY TEAM RECTOR Rev’d John R Chambers The Rectory, Church Wynd 821241 0787 5348245 j_echambers@btinternet.com CURATE Rev’d Antony Kirby 850349 07594615180 antonykirby01@btinternet.com HONORARY CLERGY Rev’d Mark Beresford-Peirse Mrs Joy Hornsby Mr Scott Lunn Mrs Joan Plowman

Rev’d Jennifer Williamson

READERS

Rev’d Bill Simms

2 Olliver Road 2 Hurgill Road 7 White Friars Gardens

826490 826895 822792

1 Roper Court

850693

PASTORAL ASSISTANT

Mrs Jennifer Patrick

ACORN CHRISTIAN LISTENERS

Mrs Jennifer Patrick 850693 Dr Sheila Harrisson 822059 Mrs Ruth Brown 825270 CHURCH OFFICERS - THE PARISH CHURCH OF ST MARY THE VIRGIN, RICHMOND Mayor’s Warden Rector’s Warden Assistant Warden Deputy Churchwarden Organist & Choir Director Upbeat & Anacrucis Dir Bell Captain Head Verger Church Booking Secretary Parish Administrator

Secretary Treasurer Assistant Treasurer

Mr David Frankton Mr Roy Morel Mrs Janet Morel Mrs Judith McLeod Mr Colin Hicks Mrs Carol Gedye Mrs Susan Welch Mr Dennis Stedman Mr Michael Clayson Julia Robertson

8 Alans Court 22 Olliver Road

823531 823278

7 Flints Terrace 825557 1 Willow Crescent 821464 55 Maison Dieu 824795 14 Aske Avenue 823700 4 York View 824664 michaelclayson@talktalk.net 822631 pa.richmondhudswellparish@gmail.com 07891004560 OFFICERS OF THE PCC AND OTHERS Mrs Jennifer Patrick 1 Roper Court 850693 Mrs Sue Gudgeon 11 Maltby Court, D’ton 01325 462148 Julia Robertson 07891004560

FWO Secretaries Mr Don & Mrs Joy Wade 11 Moorside Road 821062 Magazine Editor Gillian Lunn 2 Hurgill Road 826895 Magazine Distribution Mrs Sarah Dawes 52 Frenchgate 824944 Magazine Adverts Mr Frank Gibbon 23 Westfields 821002 FOR THE PARISH CHURCH OF ST MICHAEL & ALL ANGELS, HUDSWELL Organist Mrs Valerie Strawbridge 15 Boundary Way 821440 FOR THE PARISH OF ST MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS, DOWNHOLME Reader Mr George Alderson 68 Brompton Park, B on Swale 818865 Church Wardens Mr Gerry Lederer Old Vicarage, Downholme 825624 Mrs Jean Calvert Thorpe Farm, Reeth Road, Richmond Church Treasurer Mr John Horseman Echlinville, Hudswell, Richmond 826216 Reader Church Wardens Organist

FOR THE PARISH OF ST EDMUNDS, MARSKE Mr David Stoneham Ivy Cottage, Marske Mrs Jean Wallis Bungalow, Park Top, Marske Mrs Ruth Tindale Skelton Lodge, Marske Mrs Jennifer Wallis 1 School Terrace, Marske 2

822418 823712 823371 822930

FROM THE REGISTERS We pray for those baptised 1st September 2013 Thomas Porter Liam Dent Rosie Dent 15th September 2013 Emillie Brown We pray for those newly joined together in marriage 31st August 2013 Adam Carruthers and Laura White 14th September 2013 Rob Foyle and Louise Reed Sadly we have laid to rest Martin Pepe Peter Brunskill Dorothy Hodgson Roma Audrey Brass David Sellers John David (Dave) Morton

9th August 2013 12th August 2013 16th August 2013 19th August 2013 31st August 2013 4th September 2013

Aged 57 Aged 73 Aged 69 Aged 87 Aged 67 Aged 87

May they rest in peace and rise in glory

ST MARY’S PARISH CHURCH PASTORAL CARE TRANSPORT ASSISTANCE Transport to and from Church (C), Hospital (H), Shopping (S) Ruth Brown 26 Whitefields Drive Michael and Margaret Clayson 11 Whitefields Gate John Dickinson 5 West End Avenue Joy and Don Hornsby 2 Olliver Road Graham Merlane 1 Gallowfields Road Rosemary Oliver 3 Stanley Grove Edna Roberts 70 Ronaldshay Drive Eileen Simms 56 Ronaldshay Drive Anne Simpson 56 Gilling Road Pamela Wheatley 32 Whitefields Drive Linda Drury 25 Darlington Road

CHS CH CH CH CHS C C HS CHS CH H

825270 822631 826803 826490 826109 823081 822970 826702 822277 822428 850243

More drivers are always welcome and much appreciated so if you wish to volunteer for this very important service, contact this magazine on 826895.

PRAYER FOR TODAY Oh my Lord, give me the strength today to choose generosity over judgement, forgiveness over bitterness, courage over self-pity, grace over resentment, so that your honour and glory may be upheld.

Amen (With thanks to Joy Hornsby)

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From The Rectory

October 2013

O

n September 8th St Mary’s had a wonderful double celebration. It was the day in which we celebrated our patron saint St Mary and the day in which we hosted the Annual Mayor’s Civic service.

In these days of increased need and decreased state support, it is more important than ever that we as a Christian community should be working with the local councils and agencies to meet that need. The deanery is beginning to look at ways it can work to be most effective.

Our Lord has given us the gifts and abilities to go out in his name to work with the poor and hungry etc. The clergy in our deanery met recently and it was clear that all are experiencing an increased call for help – rural, urban and market town.

At the service I preached on the importance of church and community coming together.

Several people suggested that I should print the sermon to enable all to read it and pray about our response.

So here it is:“When I was a boy growing up in Nottingham, my grandfather used to say to me that whenever I was in company, there were two things I mustn’t talk about: religion and politics.

Well Grandad – sorry – I’ve let you down today. – because today we celebrate those two things, reflecting on how important both are in our and for our local community - Today we celebrate church and community.

Community - As we celebrate the community in which we live we give thanks to God for the work of the Mayor, Town Councillors and all who have the privilege of serving this town of Richmond.

Church -Today your parish church celebrates the birth of St Mary the Virgin – our patron saint. Mary, the one who bore Christ to the world: the Christ who would not exist only in temples, but out there, in our real, messy world.

There’s a story told of a stone thrown by a child at a stained glass window, curiously smashing out the letter ‘e’ of the phrase written in the glass, ‘Glory to God in the Highest’. Which left the window now reading: Glory to God in the High St. What a wonderful tagline for our service today – A celebration of church and community -

Glory to God in the High St.

Visitors’ books are wonderful things – they can be a precious record of those who enter our buildings and are touched by an experience within them. Some people have visitors’ books at home too. They are splendid ways to record and acknowledge thanks for hospitality and love shared. I read of A Rectory visitors’ book which is inscribed with a traditional Celtic saying: may the roof above us never fall in, and the companions who gather beneath never fall out. Perhaps this should be the opening prayer at all church meetings – and perhaps it should be the opening prayer at all council meetings.

I want to suggest that politics and religion are very similar; the Church and a local Council have similar and overlapping functions and objectives. Quite simply, we both seek to serve our community, to improve the lives of our citizens or parishioners, to address and where possible meet their needs, and challenge injustice in matters affecting people’s lives. Of course, from time to time we both get a bad press or are criticised. This may or may not be justified.

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The Church often behaves as if it is out of touch with reality, and appears obsessed with matters that are not really important. It can appear to be a little stupid; the clergy are often portrayed as somewhat wimpish, such as the Rev Timothy Farthing, the vicar in Dad’s Army, or even the woman vicar, the Rev Boadicea Geraldine Granger, so ably acted by Dawn French in The Vicar of Dibley, although at least she has some personality. For many people, the Church and the clergy are irrelevant in their lives, except, of course, when needed.

Likewise with Councils and councillors. Often the business of the town appears to function with little problem, except the odd spat between councillors, who, like the clergy, really do love one another. Sometimes the petty becomes the defining characteristic or caricature.

Published notices such as the one recently observed, ‘Gates not to be opened or closed, due to health and safety’, confirm in the minds of many how silly certain rules and regulations can seem. Even giving people a parking ticket for coming to church on a Sunday morning can, in the

minds of many, show how immoveable and intransigent a local authority can seem.

The Church and the local Council both have a duty of care and responsibility. We may not go around healing the lame, we may not look or behave like shepherds, and our respective constituents are certainly not like sheep, but in a time of austerity and challenge with increased poverty and vulnerability, we must look to the needs of our citizens and parishioners who are most affected by cuts in benefits, public services and employment. We must possess love and have compassion, focused towards action.

I want to conclude by paying tribute to our mayor, Bob White. I have been privileged to be chaplain to three recent mayors. I have witnessed first hand the work and workings of the Town Council and the way which it makes a difference to our town of Richmond.

In our first reading we heard “I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For he has

dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels.”

Our second reading we heard “For he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant.

Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One and he has done great things for me.”

Don’t worry, the dress code for council meetings has not changed to wearing a wedding dress and we are not expected to physically bring the holy child into the world. We are being reminded that God blesses us ordinary people with skills and abilities to do the job we have been called to do. Mary, a very ordinary girl, was called to do a very special job.

There is a story of a priest who went to the races. He was observed by a punter in the paddock saying a prayer over the horse with number one; it went on to the win the race. At the next race, the priest was observed praying over the horse with number two. It went on to win that race. When the said priest was noticed praying over the horse with number three for the final race, the punter went and put £5,000 on the horse to win. It died after two furlongs. The punter was very annoyed and asked the priest why the first two horses won and the third died? The priest replied that anyone with any knowledge would know the difference between a blessing and the last rites.

Bob we send you out not with the last rites, but a blessing for all that you are doing, as our mayor. I thank and send out a blessing on all serving councillors, including previous mayors. The Church and the Council must continue to serve the people of our community; after all, we have all been given the gift and ability to do just that. We, ordinary people, have been called by God to do just that.

Grandad forgive me but I think I can talk about religion and politics!

Glory to God in the High St Yours in Christ

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Revd John

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PRAYER DIARY FOR OCTOBER 2013 - we pray …...

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FOR OUR ROYAL FAMILY AND THEIR SERVICE TO OTHERS FOR TEACHING AND SUPPORT STAFF AND STUDENTS AT ALL OUR LOCAL SCHOOLS - STRENGTH, ENERGY, INSPIRED TEACHING AND LEARNING. FOR RICHMOND FLOWER ARRANGING CLUB FOR HOMESTART - FOR ALL WHO VOLUNTEER AND ALL WHO BENEFIT FOR OUR BISHOPS JAMES AND JOHN (REMEMBERING BISHOP JOHN AS HE PREPARES TO RETIRE IN THE NEW YEAR).

1ST THURSDAY PRAYERS, FOR CHRISTIANS TOGETHER IN RICHMOND FOR ALL INVOLVED IN THE ARRANGEMENTS COMING TOGETHER FOR OUR NEW DIOCESE OF WEST YORKSHIRE AND THE DALES. FOR CHRISTIANS SUFFERING PERSECUTION THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. OUR ARMED FORCES HERE AND ABROAD, & THEIR FAMILIES FOR THE ABILITY TO SHOW LOVE AND GRACE AT ALL TIMES. FOR RICHMOND DEANERY THAT WE MAY CONTINUE TO SUPPORT EACH OTHER IN ALL WE DO. FOR AREA DEAN JOHN RICHARDS AND ASSISTANT AREA DEAN JOHN CHAMBERS FOR OUR MAYOR, OUR MP AND ALL IN LOCAL, NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL POLITICS, THAT THEY MAY HAVE WISDOM .

FOR THE GIRL GUIDING AND SCOUT MOVEMENT ALL WHO HOLD OFFICE IN OUR COMMUNITY AND CHURCHES. ALL MENTIONED IN OUR “REGISTERS LIST”.

FOR ALL IN WELLINGTON PLACE, WEST TERRACE AND VICTORIA ROAD FOR ALL WHO WORK FOR AND BENEFIT FROM CHRISTIAN AID. WE REMEMBER ST WILFRID OF RIPON, AND RIPON CATHEDRAL HUDSWELL DOES FUN-KEY CHURCH IN THE VILLAGE HALL - EXCITEMENT ALL UNSEEN WORKERS IN CHURCH AND COMMUNITY FOR FAMILIES STRUGGLING TO DEAL WITH ALL THE DEMANDS OF MODERN LIFE. FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES, AND ALL WHO PROVIDE FOLLOW UP CARE ARCHBISHOP OF YORK YOUTH TRUST PROJECT FOR READERS THROUGHOUT THE DEANERY AND DIOCESE RICHMOND COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER SERVICE FOR ALL STRUGGLING TO COPE FINANCIALLY. FOR THE STOREHOUSE AND FOR THOSE WHO CONTRIBUTE TO SUPPORT IT. ALL WHO ARE MOURNING LOVED ONES RECENTLY OR A WHILE AGO FOR SWALE WOMENS’ INSTITUTE, ALL WHO SUFFER FROM RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION INCLUDING SYRIA, N KOREA, SAUDI ARABIA, AFGHANISTAN, IRAQ AND SOMALIA. GUIDANCE FOR ALL LOOKING TO WHAT THEIR DIRECTION OR VOCATION MAY BE. OUR MOTHERS UNION LOCALLY, NATIONALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY FOR FRIENDSHIPS—THAT WE NEVER FORGET THEIR IMPORTANCE CHURCH MISSION SOCIETY (WITH THANKS FOR ALL THEY DO) FOR FUN-KEY CHURCH - FUN, FAITH & FELLOWSHIP FOR ALL , BIBLE SUNDAY—WE REMEMBER BIBLE SOCIETY BOOKSHOPS DESTROYED IN EGYPT LAST MONTH ALL WHO ARE SICK IN BODY, MIND OR SPIRIT , AND THOSE WHO LOVE AND CARE FOR THEM. MAY WE NOT FORGET THEIR CARERS TOO. OUR ENVIRONMENT THAT WE MAY NURTURE AND LOVE IT FOR ALL WHO ATTEND HUDSWELL GARDEN CLUB FOR ALL WHO USE THEIR TALENTS FOR WORSHIP—MUSICIANS, FLOWER ARRANGERS, CHOIR, LISTENERS, THE UNSEEN WORKERS

WHAT’S ON IN OCTOBER 2013 RICHMOND FLOWER CLUB WEDNESDAY 2nd OCTOBER there

DARLINGTON AND DISTRICT SAMARITANS SAT 26TH OCTOBER

will be a Demonstration (at Hudswell 11AM. – 4 PM - Autumn/Winter/Early Village Hall at 10.15am with coffee from Christmas Fayre. At Bondgate Methodist 9.30am) by Mrs Margaret Earl entitled Church, Memorial Hall, Darlington “Memories”. More information from Judy FUN-KEY CHURCH Farrar on 01748 824514

1ST THURSDAY PRAYERS 3RD OCTOBER AT 11.30AM IN HOLY TRINITY CHURCH. Everyone is most welcome to join people from local churches to pray for our community and causes close to their hearts.

HUDSWELL FUN-KEY SUN 13TH OCTOBER @ 3PM IN HUDSWELL VILLAGE HALL Relaxed, warm, welcoming and full of fun, faith and fellowship please see Fun-Key Page.

SWALE WOMENS’ INSTITUTE MONDAY 21ST OCTOBER AT THE SCOUT HUT AT 2PM. A newly formed group to which new members are particularly welcome. We will be having a Craft Afternoon when we will learn a number of new skills from our talented members. Knitting, quilting, embroidery and crochet. Bring your unfinished projects. 821238/836663

@ ST MARY’S RICHMOND SUNDAY 27TH OCTOBER - with

activities, puzzles and Mothers’ Union refreshments from 3.40pm and service starting at 4pm). Please see Fun-Key Page

MOTHERS’ UNION MEETS TUES 29TH OCTOBER when our speaker will be Sheila Harrisson with a talk entitled “Fast and Loose and Wooden Spoons”.

HUDSWELL GARDEN CLUB - WED 30TH OCTOBER AT 7.30PM IN THE VILLAGE HALL - Garden Design with Neil Whitmore. For more information please contact Babs Walton (Chairman) on 850884.

Psalm 150

Praise God in the depths of the universe; praise him in the human heart.

Praise him for his power and beauty, for his all-feeling, fathomless love.

Praise him with drums and trumpets, with REETH BRASS BAND string quartets and guitars.

FRIDAY 25TH OCTOBER Praise him in market and workplace, with AT 7.30PM IN ST computer, with hammer and nails.

MARYS CHURCH Praise him in bedroom and kitchen; praise RICHMOND - in aid of the him with pots and pans.

Praise him in the temple of the present; Mayor’s Charities. let every breath be his praise.

Adapted from Hebrew by Stephen Mitchell

“When you can’t change the direction of the wind, adjust your sails” 7 H Jackson Brown Jnr

HUDSWELL FUN-KEY Please see BLOG http:// hudswellitdoesfunkeychurch.wordpress.com/ or find us on Facebook, chat to Gillian on 07592016476, Claire or Rev’d Antony for more details.

WE MET ON SUNDAY 8th SEPTEMBER AT 3PM IN THE VILLAGE HALL—when our theme was “A Fresh Start”. We were joined by a good number from Hudswell. We looked at Jeremiah 18 1-11 which talks about God moulding and remoulding and renewing us.

No matter how many things we get wrong, God will always, if we ask him, give us a fresh start. We can be reshaped, just like clay. We made our own clay models as part of the service, enjoying the feel and through this, understanding the concept of being remoulded and being given second chances. WE MEET AGAIN ON SUNDAY 13TH OCTOBER AT 3PM IN THE VILLAGE HALL—WHY NOT JOIN US?

FUN-KEY CHURCH @ ST MARY’S RICHMOND By the time you read this we will have held our “It’s Good to Talk” Fun-Key Church Service on Sunday 29th September at 4pm, when we will have looked at prayer, and in particular the Lord’s Prayer. We were anticipating hymns, songs, stories, a Taize chant with our intercessions, a prayer tree, and lots more.

To all who come and to all who help - THANK YOU SO MUCH TO ALL OUR HELPERS. More always welcome!

Our October Fun-Key Church service will be at 4pm on Sunday 27th when it will be Bible Sunday. Why not come and join us.

Fun-Key Church is a very relaxed and informal service, where everyone, whether young or old, on own or with a brood, used to church or never been to church, can come along and take part in the things they feel happy doing and also just sit and be calm and quiet and enjoy the atmosphere with a coffee. It really is fun, faith and fellowship for all ages. See blogs for more images and info -

http://funkeychurchatstmarysrichmond.wordpress.com/ , find us on Facebook or tweet @fun_keychurch. Gillian 07592016476

THE DIGITAL WORLD Lord, we pray for the bright new digital world May those who are lonely find friends, May those who are abused find safety, May those who are confused find truth, May those who struggle find ease.

We pray that you will guide us in all our on-line relationships to be channels of your grace.

We pray that this new world will become a place of love and peace for all.

Amen (With thanks to Joy Hornsby and with acknowledgement to the Methodist Prayer Handbook 2013).

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Coming up - on Tuesday 29th October we will be welcoming Sheila Harrisson to speak to us with the intriguing title of "Fast and Loose and Wooden Spoons"!

Margaret Clayson submitted this information from Hannah Taylor, as it shows how important raising money for overseas is. Hannah works for the worldwide team in Action & Outreach within Mothers’ Union. She oversees Mothers’ Union work in the West Indies, America, Canada, West Africa, Nigeria, and parts of Asia (including India, Myanmar and Pakistan). She blogged in August 2013 about her travels—

“Last week, I returned from a two week journey to the Far East that saw an amazing time of fellowship and working together with the Mothers’ Union in Myanmar, and then with the Mothers’ Union in Korea. In both places, Mothers’ Union are doing inspiring work, under some often challenging circumstances. Quietly getting on with their ministry, working incredibly hard and showing the ultimate dedication to their work; some of the CDCs (Community Development Co-ordinators) in Myanmar have been working for over 30 years and show no sign of stopping or slowing down any time soon. They are an inspiring and formidable group of highly organised and switched on thinkers who know exactly what they want to do and how to achieve that.

The structure of Mothers’ Union in Myanmar in particular is unique as they have kept the system of working through their Community Development Coordinators.

Each of the CDCs are individually very inspiring women, who are humbling to meet.

They have an enormous capacity for a vast array of different skills; from encouraging better parenting skills, to training people in the Mothers’ Union Myanmar MicroCredit programme and in some dioceses – even becoming part-mountaineer… In Mandalay and Myitkyina Dioceses they often have to walk through dense forest and mountains by foot for days to reach the villages where they work and at the most extreme this is a 40 day trek.

The one thing that really struck me though, was how isolated they feel sometimes.

This seemed strange given their incredible passion for their work, and their energy to get things done. In spite of that, because of the conditions in which they operate they can feel cut off from the global Mothers’ Union family, and isolated in their work from the other Dioceses. Therefore it is more important than ever before that we stand with them, praying for them and their work and show them the love and encouragement that global Mothers’ Union family is so good at giving.

In Myanmar we visited Toungoo and Mandalay dioceses, seeing all the work that happens there as well as spending wonderful time with all the CDCs together in Yangon. This is just the beginning of a new and stronger relationship between Mary Sumner House and Mothers’ Union in Myanmar, and the road ahead is an exciting and positive one that will see us learning a lot as we strengthen the global family of Mothers’ Union”.

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Clocks go back on 27th October 2013!!!

This November, Will Aid will again offer the opportunity for people to make a quality basic Will with a local participating solicitor in return for a donation to good causes. The suggested donation is £90 for a single basic Will.

Over the past 25 years, Will Aid solicitors and their clients have contributed £13.6 million in donations to charities, and during the same period £95m has been promised as gifts in Wills to charity, making Will Aid the UK’s most successful charity will-writing scheme.

Last November alone, the general public responded with enthusiasm and around 24,000 people were given the push they needed to finally write their Will, and in so doing raised almost £2.1 million in donations (including Gift Aid).

The money raised is shared between the participating charities (ActionAid, Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, Save the Children, Sightsavers, SCIAF and Trocaire) and provides vital funds to help people to build their communities and improve their future in the UK and around the world.

With preparation and the help of a Will Aid solicitor, making a Will need not be difficult or time-consuming. In fact, it can often be done in a lunch hour. Details of participating solicitors are available online. The Will Aid website www.willaid.org.uk has lots of information to help, including a useful Will Planner or call 01460 271178 for further information.

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Jesus, The rebel with THE cause.

Like most teenagers I pinned all of my hopes and aspirations upon the Rock Stars of my day. These were the rebels to whom I aspired to emulate.

In fact, one of the first prayers I can ever remember saying, was to ask the good Lord to 1.

Get me out of my crummy North Manchester housing estate and off across the pond to Los Angeles.

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To make me a Rock Star like Jim Morrison of the Doors and

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I wanted Grace Slick as my girlfriend!

I wasn’t going to be unreasonable about things; I was willing to wait up to 3 months for him to fulfil all of what I had asked for.

Suffice to say, it never occurred, after which I then was convinced the prayers were for suckers.

What was it that I so admired about those rock stars, most of whom were little more than photo’s on L.P.’s?

Well to me a rebel, was someone different/a non conformist/someone who flew in the face of what was considered as the accepted norm/someone who challenged authority, someone who mixed with supposed dubious company and above all else someone who would facilitate change.

The dictionary meaning of a rebel is:

“A person, who fights against, Resists or refuses allegiance to the established government”.

Well, I personally believe that we have all of this and more in a genuine rebel, Jesus!

And, unlike all of those former rock stars I so admired, Jesus never sold out or became seduced by the very system that they so rebelled and kicked against.

His ministry whilst here on earth was anything but conventional, he faced up to the big issues, challenged authority, refused to accept what was perceived as the accepted doctrine, and above all else, facilitated the Greatest ever change, all without ever selling out or becoming seduced by the system.

He even mixed with dodgy company, read Mark 2 15-17.

In all of this Jesus’ concern was with the real needs of those he met, both physical and spiritual and in meeting those needs he cared little if conventions and taboos were overridden.

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Jesus, The Rebel with The cause.

Remember that previously mentioned prayer?

Well in later life I went on to play in a group that got signed to a record label, released 2 singles, toured, and 30 years later was asked to re-form for a tour of college campuses in the USA. The name of that band was ‘ GODS GIFT’ Funny how our Lord decides how and when he will do things isn’t it? Roy Bebbington.

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The fewer the words, the better the prayer. Martin Luther

A DAY OF FASTING AND PRAYER FOR PEACE IN SYRIA - 7th SEPTEMBER 2013 On 1st September, Pope Francis issued this appeal: “I appeal strongly for peace, an

appeal which arises from deep within me.

How much suffering, how much devastation, how much pain has the use of arms carried in its wake in that martyred country, especially among civilians and the unarmed! I make a forceful and urgent call to the entire Catholic church and also to every Christian of other confessions, as well; as to the followers of every religion an this brothers and sisters who do not believe: peace is a good which overcomes every barrier, because it belongs to all humanity!”

Pope Francis went on to declare 7th September as a day of fasting and prayer for peace in Syria, the Middle East and throughout the world and invited all local churches to gather to pray for this intention.

Following our ecumenical “First Thursday Prayers”, a few people decided to organise a rota in Holy Trinity from 10 am to 4pm on the 7th.

Large notices announcing the prayers for Syria were displayed outside, prayers for peace were placed on chairs including one from the Corrymeela Community (set up to bring Catholics and Protestants together in Northern Ireland).

A black and red silk scarf bought in Damascus was stretched across the altar and a single candle was lit.

People began to come in and continued at intervals throughout the day. Some left prayers or thoughts on a piece of paper placed on a table and £50 was unexpectedly donated. This will be forwarded by the Secretary of Christians Together in Richmond to the DEC (Disasters Emergency Committee).

Please pray for the people of Syria, especially the thousands of internal and externally displaced families, for all leaders and for those distributing and receiving aid.

Below is a prayer for Justice and Peace which you may wish to use.

Ann Simpson Grant us Lord, a vision of your world as your lave would make it A world where the weak are protected and none go hungry or poor A world where the benefits of civilised life are shared for all to enjoy A world where different races and cultures live in tolerance and mutual respect A world where peace is built with justice, and justice is guided by love And give us the inspiration and courage to build it.

LORD WE PRAY FOR PEACE IN SYRIA 13

Alexa Barber writes at the end of Summer Term I know that we British are famed for discussing the weather, and I can see why - I always seem to mention it in some way in one of these articles! Yes – the end of the summer term really felt like summer this time and although the warm weather did provide one or two problems, on the whole it was very welcome in school.

Seeing children in their summer clothes, skirts, shorts and sun hats is a welcome alternative to the usual jumpers and coats. It seems to cheer us all. The great weather also meant that all the outdoor events planned were able to go ahead successfully. Our sports week saw sports days for all the children in school. The type of races vary but generally a good time is had by all. Even the teachers get a race.... Unfortunately I was busy elsewhere that day!

Sport is definitely a theme in this part of the year. The children in years 1 and 2 went for the annual Fun Run and Multiskills event held at SFX school. They enjoy taking part with other schools from the area and came back with one or two certificates. We held our own football tournament in July too, inviting teams from St Mary’s and the Methodist schools to take part. It was very successful and another chance to get together with our neighbouring schools. However I think most fun must have been had on our special sports event day when Mr McCulloch organised for a climbing wall and a jungle run (a large inflatable assault course) in school. The children had earlier taken part in a fund-raising event and the money raised paid for these in school. Everyone (teachers too!) had great fun having a go on these. The competition between the staff to see who could make it to the top of the climbing wall in the fastest time had to be seen to be believed! Finally there was a Y6 v Staff football match, refereed by Mrs Robinson on the penultimate day of the term. She was a tough ref and used her red card a number of times, but the staff still managed to win!

Some of our youngest children – those who have just finished their first year of full-time school – took part in a very special celebration when they graduated from Foundation Stage to Key Stage One. Children received a certificate and medal from Mrs Robinson while wearing their mortar boards (made by themselves of course) and parents and family looked on. It was a proud moment for family and teachers alike.

The children in Year 6 had been working very hard all year of course, in this, their final year in primary school. Now it was time to celebrate that success when their test results came through and they did this with a number of events including a cinema trip. They also entertained their family and friends with their musical production “We’ll Meet Again” which was a result of their learning about World War Two in history.

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On the final day, they all said their goodbyes to us with the usual Leavers’ Assembly.

Each child was given an award and there was a range to choose from – most helpful person, person with the best hair, most changed person etc – and it was lovely to celebrate with them. They go off to secondary school with our best wishes and love, leaving us with lots of happy memories.

It wasn’t just the children we said goodbye to either. After being with us for nine years, Mrs Saunders has moved on to pastures new to what she describes as her “dream job”, teaching in a small village school close to home. We caught her out by having her “goodbye assembly” a day earlier than she expected and Miss Glansford had organised a mini This is Your Life for her with photos, videos and memories from the many children Mrs Saunders has taught. She received gifts from school, but Mrs Saunders also had a present for us. She has bought the school its very own star which she has named “Reach for the Stars” in recognition of all the hard work we do each day. It is a lovely gesture and we look forward to displaying the star certificate in school.

As well as saying goodbye to Mrs Saunders, we bade farewell to Miss Hill, Miss Lowe and Mr Brownfield, who have all worked with us over the past year, supporting our children. Miss Hill and Miss Lowe are both going off to train to be teachers themselves which is a great achievement. Finally we said a very sad goodbye to Myckala Smith who has been our Chair of Governors for a number of years. Her support for the school, our children and our staff has been second to none and we will miss her greatly. We appreciate all she has done for us and wish her happiness and good health. Her role is now to be taken by our very own Reverend John and we are delighted to have him to lead the Governors as we progress on our journey.

So another year is over but already the plans are in place for all we wish to achieve next year. We appreciate the love and prayerful support we receive from all the members of St Mary’s and hope that you will continue to support us in this way. With thanks and good wishes from all of us at Richmond Church of England Primary School.

Alexa Barber

OUR “THANK YOU” SPACE “Hem your blessings with thankfulness so they don’t unravel.”

Thank you to all who support the Storehouse Foodbank with donations left in the large box at the back of church. Over the past month approximately 16 bags of non-perishable foods have been left, the contents of which are greatly appreciated by those who receive food parcels. THANK YOU! A recent Christians Together in Richmond meeting received a report from Ben Dowding of Influence Church via Rev’d John, that the Food Bank is going well, supply is sustained and support from the churches has been good. He went on to say that there has been a slight increase in usage over the summer and that over 1000 people have been fed with 12,500 meals.

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SPONSORED CYCLE RIDE IN RUSSIA, 23-25 AUGUST 2013—HENRY THOMPSON Many thanks to the generous sponsors who have enabled me to raise funds for Downside Up, the Anglo-Russian charity which supports Russian children with Down’s Syndrome. Just over 120 riders took part this year, the seventeenth ride since the charity was founded, and my seventh. There used to be about fifty of us in the early years, with thirty-odd coming out from England, nearly all the others being expats based in Moscow; this year’s numbers reflect the progress Downside Up has made in informing and educating public attitudes towards Down’s Syndrome in Russia: only one English expat (head of the Shell office), about 118 Russians and just two of us out from England.

The other one was Charles Garrett, whose family includes Florence, aged 20, who has Down’s Syndrome; their family established Downside Up in 1996. Charles was a Russian pupil of mine at Winchester, is now a diplomat, and in August next year he will go to Macedonia as British Ambassador.

Downside Up, as I reported elsewhere, functions in Moscow as a day centre, the only one of its kind in Russia, providing training and consultation for parents and children, with medical advisors, a psychologist, play facilities and counsellors, group sessions – and a very busy online advice service. The charity supports over 3,500 children and their families (not 1,000 as I erroneously said before!), spread all over Russia, from the western borders right across seven time zones to Kamchatka in the far east: a wall map has pins marking each family, with little flags for towns where there are more than fifty. I noticed two poignant little pins, far away in the Yakutsk region of northern Siberia – coldest place on Earth, down to –75 deg. C, as remote as you can get, but in email contact with Downside Up. Queries and requests arrive constantly from near and far, experts are consulted when necessary, and a reply is sent within 48 hours. The charity also organises meetings with the state medical authorities, aimed at keeping them up to date with the latest developments and enlightened approaches to Down’s Syndrome; and it produces and publishes many books and pamphlets for the same purpose.

The bike ride this year took place in Kaluga province, 100 miles south of Moscow, in an area of vast forests and small villages. Charles and I were driven down from Moscow on Thursday evening, 23 August, to join the organisers of the event, and everyone else arrived by coach early on the Friday morning. We set off in warm, sunny weather, shepherded all the way by five police cars and a couple of police motorcycles, and covered 53.5 kilometres on roads varying between fairly smooth and very rough, through the villages of Yermolino and Nikolaevka and the small town of Borovsk with its impressive monastery, before stopping for a picnic lunch. At this point I should emphasise that although the general landscape of western Russia appears to be pretty flat, that appearance is only true if you are in a car; if, however, you are on a bike, you find that there are a lot of significant ups and downs. Accordingly, after lunch I took a short and prudent rest in the accompanying coach, thereby fortuitously as well as fortunately avoiding a spell of quite heavy rain. I felt guilty towards everyone else, but I got over it, and remounted for the final 16 km, having myself clocked up 68.2 km on Day 1.

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I felt pretty exhausted as we returned to our accommodation in an amazing complex of traditional wooden houses representing the various regions of Russia and surrounding countries; Charles and I stayed comfortably in a thatched Ukrainian khata, quite relieved not to be in a Siberian yurt.

There being, however, no peace for the wicked, I was coopted onto a jury after supper, to judge the competitive merits of entertainment provided by the teams of riders from the various Moscow firms sponsoring the event – Boeing, TNT, Price Waterhouse Coopers, KPMG, Marriott Hotels, HSBC and others.

The entertainment was accompanied in true Russian style by very loud music, and I confess to having given some extra credit to the quieter items, including HSBC, of which Charles and I were honorary members.

Saturday morning was overcast and damp – suitable conditions for earning merit by not enjoying oneself too much. We were joined by the main Russian television channel, whose young presenter Klim Sanatkin did a ten-minute interview with me as we all rode along. They stayed with us throughout the morning and broadcast the item on their news programme Vremya several times over on the following Monday, 26 August (with my bit edited down to about one minute, but never mind). We covered a further 99.6 km of memorably rough roads on Day 2, of which I omitted 13.3, and I felt much stronger than I had done the previous day, well able to cope with an enjoyable celebratory dinner on Saturday evening.

On Sunday morning the 120 bicycles were loaded onto lorries, their 120 riders onto three coaches, and we headed north towards Moscow, to set off from the Luzhniki sports stadium on the final 11-kilometre stretch, on which we were joined by well over a hundred other riders. This was a slow, highly controlled procession along the River Moskva towards the Kremlin. We turned left up the Vassilevsky Spusk, the cobbled hill up to St Basil’s Cathedral and Red Square, under an inflated arch, where a crowd of several hundred awaited us, including a lot of the Down’s Syndrome children and their parents – a highly-charged, emotional moment, which never fails to bring home the full meaning of this annual event.

At this point the proceedings were handled by two celebrity presenters, one of whom later had to leave in order to fly to Monaco to compere another event that same evening. Like many others involved, they gave their services to Downside Up free of charge. Various participants were summoned onto the stage, including the four Down’s Syndrome boys who had ridden all the way with us – also including me as Most Patriarchal Participant (and Russian-speaking Englishman, of course), whereupon I was handed a microphone and called upon for an appropriate speech, generously rewarded with a kiss from a 12-year-old Down’s Syndrome girl, who also presented me with a nice watch. I then did a recorded radio interview, and another with a newspaper correspondent – after all of which I felt quite ready for my lunch.

For the record, my own kilometrage came to 165.5, making 103.4 miles. Your generous support will enable me to send £1,330 to Downside Up, along with the money raised by my fellow-participants. As I said before, the administrative costs of the bike ride are fully covered by the sponsoring firms, so that all our money goes direct to the charity: I know that it will be greatly appreciated and well used – thank you.

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Prayer is mans greatest power!

W. Clement Stone 18

Could you offer someone a home far from home for just a day or two? HOST, a well-established charity, is hoping to hear from people who enjoy making others feel at home, and who would love to meet interesting young adults from other parts of the world who are currently studying at universities in the UK , and who want to understand this country better.

One host wrote: ‘It is great to welcome these students and make them feel wanted.

They get to see a good side of life in Britain in contrast to what they might learn from the media. It is also fun getting to know someone from another country.’

Invitations can be for a day, a weekend, or 3 days at Christmas. Sharing Christmas with someone who has little idea what Christmas is can be really special – and for the guest, much better than being on a deserted university campus. Invitations are urgently needed from volunteer hosts, no matter how far they live from a university.

To find out more, please see www.hostuk.org or contact local organiser Anne Ramsden 01484 654994. Thank you.

A FEW CHURCH LADIES WITH TYPEWRITERS WRITINGS (SUBMITTED BY WILLIAM GEDYE).

Scouts are saving aluminium cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.

The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.

The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the Congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.

This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church.

Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.

EXPLANATIONS…..

We were a bit taken aback when our six year old daughter Jessica suddenly asked us, “What is a prostitute?” Quick as a flash, I replied, “Mummy will explain that”, and then listened while mummy did a good job of explaining to her what a prostitute was.

My daughter looked a bit puzzled, so I asked her why she wanted to know. She said that her cousin Anthony knowing that we were regular church-goers, had asked her if we were Catholics or Prostitutes. (with thanks to Keith David of Bridgend, in Readers Digest).

Prayer is simply a two-way conversation between you and God. Billy Graham 19

BOOK SUGGESTIONS THE REASON I JUMP - NAOKI HIGASHIDA kindly reviewed by Angela Dickinson. A Japanese boy who is autistic seeks to answer briefly more than 50 questions such as What is the reason you jump? Is it true that you hate to be touched? Why do you memorise train time tables and calendars?

David Mitchell who translated the book with K A Yoshida found it very helpful in his relationship with his own autistic son and has written an informative introduction.

LIVING THROUGH GRIEF – STRENGTH AND HOPE IN TIME OF LOSS HAROLD BAUMAN, LIONHUDSON, £1.99 No one escapes grief. Sooner or later we will all have to go through the grieving process. It can help if we know what to expect.

This book gently explains the stages of grief and suggests practical steps for learning to live again. It shares the profound comfort and hope of the Christian faith. It points the way to healing.

THE WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY GROUP AT THE LUNN’S AT 2 HURGILL ROAD @ 7.30pm started back mid September and are exploring James, 1 Peter and 2 Peter. Please see pew sheets or call Scott on 826895 for further details.

Always keen to welcome new members at any time of the year, this relaxed and friendly group enjoy discussions, chats and cake whilst studying!

THE THURSDAY BIBLE STUDY GROUP AT JENNIFER PATRICK’S AT 1 ROPER COURT are another very friendly and relaxed group who meet at 7.30pm.

Please call Jennifer on 850693 for more information.

“A WORD ANNOUNCED IN SILENCE” Saturday 16 November 2013 at ST ANTONY’S PRIORY - DURHAM A day of songs and silence with time for friendship and sharing. Led by Tom McGuinness SJ. Tom is a Jesuit priest and Director of The Ignatian Spirituality Centre in Glasgow. As part of his work in spirituality he has composed and recorded reflection songs as ‘helps’ to quiet prayer. The day will include some of these songs and other music, poetry and scripture.

The day lasts from 10.30 am – 4.00 pm, coffee from 10.00 am. Lunch with soup and bread and cheese will be provided. A donation of £20.00 for the total cost of the day is requested and payable on the day.

All enquiries: Paul Golightly, St Antony’s Priory, 74 Claypath, Durham DH1 1QT. Tel: 0191 347 1242 E-mail: info@stantonyspriory.co.uk FLESHANDBLOOD.ORG REPORTS THAT…. as the annual arts, faith and justice festival Greenbelt celebrated its 40th anniversary, titling the four day event Life Begins, hundreds of festival goers flooded to sign up and become blood and organ donors at a rate of one registration every two minutes. In total, over 800 registered to give blood or signed up to the NHS Organ Donor Register exceeding the expectations of the festival and NHS Blood and Transplant.

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ST MARY’S

RICHMOND

ST MARY’S

SUNDAY 6TH OCTOBER TRINITY 19

8AM 10AM

HOLY COMMUNION CHORAL EUCHARIST

SUNDAY 13TH OCTOBER TRINITY 20

8AM 10AM 6.30PM

HOLY COMMUNION CHORAL EUCHARIST CHORAL EVENSONG

SUNDAY 20TH OCTOBER TRINITY 21

8AM 10AM

HOLY COMMUNION ALL AGE EUCHARIST (WITH UPBEAT AND ANACRUSIS)

SUNDAY 27TH OCTOBER TRINITY 22 BIBLE SUNDAY

8AM 10AM 4PM (refreshments from 3.40pm)

HOLY COMMUNION CHORAL EUCHARIST FUN-KEY CHURCH

EVERY WEDNESDAY

9.00AM

HOLY COMMUNION

HOLY TRINITY EVERY THURSDAY

10.30AM

ST MICHAEL & ALL ANGELS SUNDAY 13TH OCTOBER

ST MICHAEL & ALL ANGELS

HOLY COMMUNION

HUDSWELL 3PM

ST MICHAEL &ALL ANGELS HUDSWELL FUN-KEY CHURCH

DOWNHOLME

ST MICHAEL &ALL ANGELS

SUNDAY 13TH OCTOBER

9.30AM

MORNING PRAYER

SUNDAY 27TH OCTOBER

9.30AM

HOLY COMMUNION

ST EDMUND’S

MARSKE

ST EDMUND’S

SUNDAY 6TH OCTOBER

11AM

MARSKE FAMILY HARVEST

SUNDAY 13TH OCTOBER

11AM

MORNING PRAYER

SUNDAY 20TH OCTOBER

11AM

HOLY COMMUNION

SUNDAY 27TH OCTOBER

11AM

HOLY COMMUNION

"By nature, worship is not some performance we do, but a presence we experience."

A.W. Tozer (The Purpose of Man) All in the month of OCTOBER - It was....

25 years ago: on 1st Oct 1988 that Mikhail Gorbachev became President of the Soviet Union.

20 years ago: on 15th Oct 1993 that South African leaders Nelson Mandela and F W de Klerk were announced as the winners of the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts to end apartheid.

Autumn is a second spring where every leaf is a flower. Albert Camus 21

ST M ARY'S SIDES PEOPLE 8.00 am 6TH OCT 13TH OCT 20TH OCT

E/R BASSINDALE D ROBERTSON

27TH OCT 3RD NOV

M TOOZE E/R BASSINDALE

SIDES PEOPLE 10.00 am J&A ROBERTS, D&J WADE G&M MERLANE, A MCDONALD, A GUY S GUDGEON, J KIRBY, R MACAULEY, K ROBSON D MINNICAN, R GAZZARD, R&S WALLIS O HARRISON, C MURRAY, G&J BARBER

ACOLYTES TEAM FLOWERS 6TH OCT B JENNIFER PATRICK 13TH OCT C JOAN BROWN 20TH OCT JOAN BROWN 27TH OCT D EILEEN BAKER 3RD NOV A EILEEN BAKER COFFEE ROTA 6TH OCT E ROBERTS, J KIRBY, O HARRISON 13TH OCT L COPELAND, J SMITH, P CROFT, J EMMERSON 20TH OCT

R BROWN, P WHEATLEY, J BROWN

27TH OCT

B BEATHAM, A MCDONALD, C STEDMAN, A BACON, M TURNBULL M EMMERSON, M MINNICAN, J BILBROUGH, J BEAUMONT

3RD NOV

CHURCH CLEANING TEAM OCTOBER Sheila Pearson PLEASE NOTE MORE CLEANERS ON ROTA WOULD BE MUCH APPRECIATED. IF YOU THINK YOU CAN HELP, SPEAK TO ANN MCDONALD.

200 CLUB WINNER August 2013 No:165 Mrs Grainge The deadline for the NOVEMBER 2013 issue is SUNDAY 6TH OCTOBER Please forward any contributions to Gillian by hand or gillian.lunn@yahoo.com 22